Disclaimer: LOTR: Tolkien's New characters & story: mine!

A/N: Bear with me on this chapter, I haven't read "The Hobbit" in a very long time, so some of the detailing might be incorrect. If you notice any of this, please tell me and I'll be sure to change it.



A Long Awaited Tale

"Who goes there?" called an elven voice, as the two approached Thranduil's great palace.

"'Tis I, Legolas, and Estel, of Imladris!" replied Legolas, careful to mask Aragorn's true identity.

"My apologies, my lords, but may I wonder who is it that cowers at your feet?"

"'Tis a visitor brought for the King," replied Aragorn.

At that, the great carven doors of Thranduil's fortress glided open, admitting the prince and ranger. The two stepped into the great halls and directed themselves to Thranduil's throne room, very nearly dragging the cowering creature behind them.

They paused at the towering double doors of Thranduil's chamber. The guards, recognizing them, immediately let pass the pair.

They entered into a room craved out of pure white marble, several intricately shaped windows aligned the walls on either side of the throne. A royal throne sat in the middle of the room, it was carved fully out

The Dunedain and prince knelt quickly before the golden-headed king while Gollum trembled uncontrollably in a small ball on the marble floor.

"You may rise," said the tall warrior king. "Aragorn! Come sit!" he suggested, gesturing toward a seat beside him as Legolas took his own place. "It has been some time since you last called upon Mirkwood! What busine-" he stopped in mid-sentence, spotting Smeagol whimpering on the polished ground. "Wh- what is that creature?"

Aragorn glanced at the doors. Seeing that they were firmly closed, he finally began his long awaited tale.



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