Yay! I got reviews! Some pretty good ones too, thanks to all you guys. Before I start, let me clarify that in my story, Legolas was never friends with Aragorn, but don't worry it doesn't stay that way the whole time. Also, I'm taking quite a bit of artistic liberties in this fic, so try not to throw a hissy fit if I change a few things, kay? One more thing before I stop my babbling, I plan on this being a pretty short fic, it doesn't follow the guys throughout the entire saga, in fact only the first few weeks of their travels, so be prepared. Well, with that all said, on with the story…
Animosity, Chapter 2
As Aragorn walked into the circle of chairs that would make up the council, he could not help but notice the segregation of races. Not only the segregation but the intense animosity between elves, dwarves and men. While the dwarves muttered behind their coarse beards about the elves, the Mirkwood delegates were bestowing cold glares on the men, who could only look away uncomfortably. As Elrond stood in front of the delegates all attention was focused on the noble and wise elf.
"Strangers from distant lands, you may very well be wondering why you have all been called here as guests in my home, as delegates to this council. The reason for this gathering is to discuss the future of Arda. Evil is rising across the world as you are all aware." He paused and looked at the faces of the delegates. Each mirrored one another's anticipator of Elrond's explanation for this increase in darkness throughout Middle Earth.
"The One Ring has resurfaced and the Dark lord wishes to reclaim it."
"How do you know this?" inquired Boromir in a shocked voice.
"Because it is here." Pure and stunned silence was so thick in the ir after this announcement that one could literally feel its pressure. Surely none of them expected Elrond to turn to the quiet halfling sitting by Gandalf and say "Frodo, son of Drogo, place the ring on this pedestal." As the hobbit did as he was told there as a very different reaction throughout the races. A similar pained expression crossed the faces of the elvish members, who could feel the object's terrible power, while the dwarves eyed the seemingl useless gold ring with suspicion. Yet of the men, one Boromir of Gondor caressed the ring with his eyes and stood announcing, "It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Let us use it!" At this outburst the previously named Strider/Estel replied "You cannot wield it, none of us can! It must be destroyed."
"And who is a mere ranger to speak of such things?"
"This is no mere ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Heir to the throne of Gondor, you owe him your allegiance," defended Elrohir, one of Elrond's twin sons. (A/N- Hey, someone had to do it!) Knowing that he was defeated, Boromir sat to brood quietly.
"Well what are we waiting for? I shall destroy it with one blow!" cried Gimli son of Gloin.
"No, Master Dwarf, it would be in vain. The ring can only be destroyed I the place of it's creation, the fires of Mt. Doom. A fellowship must be formed, the Fellowship of the Ring. Led by Gandalf the Grey, I ask Aragorn son of Arthorn and Boromir son of Denethor to represent the race of men, Gimli son of Gloin shall represent the dwarves of Middle Earth, Legolas son of Thranduil is to represent the first born and Frodo shall both represent his race and bear the burden of the ring. Do you accept this responsibility?" Each proposed member solemnly nodded, though Legolas appeared rather disturbed at this "honor".
"With that I dismiss this council. Tonight we feast, tomorrow the Fellowship of the Ring begins its journey." As Elrond turned and began to leave he heard "Lord Elrond, please, if I may speak with you in private."
"Surely, young woodland prince. Come, we shall adjourn to my chambers." As the pair walked down the expansive, elaborately detailed passageway that led to the elf Lord's private chambers Elrond studied the younger elf. Though he knew Legolas to be a sincere, kind-hearted and intelligent creature, he saw only anger and frustration on his fair features. Upon entering the richly decorated room, Elrond motioned for Legolas to sit.
"Tell me, Legolas, what is it that troubles you so?"
"Elrond, I shall certainly not be joining this Fellowship. In fact, I do not see why you would even think to include me in this adventure of your making," Legolas began angrily. At the shocked and slightly perturbed expression on the elder elf's face Legolas sighed and sat back in his chair.
"I apologize my lord. It is neither my place nor my nature to be so angry. Yet I still do not plan on taking part in this."
"Are you not a creature of Arda that you will not be affected by the outcome?"
Sighing heavily once again, "Lord Elrond, my people, our people, are leaving more and more each day. Our place is no longer on Middle Earth, you know this."
"You may speak truthfully, young one, but what of those who are not included in our race?" Elrond stood and walked to an open window that happened to look down upon several men and dwarves conversing in the gardens below. "These ones do not have the ability to leave this earth. They must remain here despite the outcome of the war of the ring. Should they all be condemned to die?" The lord felt more than heard the prince walk up beside him and glance out the window.
"Yes." And he turned to leave the room. Legolas was near the door when Elrond, never turning from the his spot, called out, "Will you hold an entire race responsible for the actions of a few, Legolas?"
Legoas turned slowly and returned to his place beside Elrond. "Do not lecture me, my Lord. You know not of the pain I have experienced at the hands of them!"
"I recognize that your loss has been great, my son, yet…"
"No! No, you cannot for if you did you would not be suggesting that I help them, any of them. I will be returning to my people now. Will you try to prevent me?" Legolas queried.
"Nay Thranduilion, I will not. Yet before you leave, think of this. Are you so eager to see the Arda you so love destroyed? The murmuring trees and laughing brooks, meadow grasses tall and green. These are the friends of your childhood and adult life, young elf." Legolas stood quietly, absorbing the words of his elder.
"If the elves did not aide in the destruction and overthrow of Sauron, many of our kindred would die at his hand before ever reaching Valinor. Truthfully, are not the evils haunting your own forest of Mirkwood fueled by the hate and evil of Sauron?"
"Ai, you speak the truth," replied the son of Thranduil thoughtfully. "You are truly wise beyond my imagination, Lord Elrond. I now see that I have no choice in this matter. I shall journey with the Fellowship." As he turned to leave he hesitated and faced Elrond. "Yet do not forget that it is for my people and the land of Arda that I do so, not for the aide of mankind."
The Next Morning-
Legolas was the first member of the Fellowship to rise and he filled the time waiting for his comrades by taking his beautiful gray horse for a quick ride. He would not be taking the sleek mare on this trip and hoped to soothe her feelings of abandonment with one final ride. The wind whipping his silky golden hair across his face was refreshing and temporarily cleared his mind of the feelings of animosity towards mankind that he had so grown accustomed to over the years. He returned from his ride to find the four hobbits sitting around waiting for the others to finish their business. They all stiffened at his coming, unaccustomed to being alone with an elf and also remembering the words of Aragorn about his dislike of mankind. Though Aragorn had said he only disliked men, they were yet unsure of his feelings toward hobbits. Their fears were soon assuaged.
"Why, hello there little masters," Legolas greeted the halflings jovially, "Are you all ready for our adventure to begin?"
"Ai, sir," choked Sam.
Legolas laughed heartily and replied, "Please little ones, I am Legolas to you. We are comrades now. Excuse me while I feed my noble mare." Four curious pairs of eyes followed Legolas as he walked off to the stables.
"Hmm. He seems like an okay chap, eh Pip?" asked Merry
"Of course he does. Guess Strider was right, he only doesn't like men," answered Pippin.
"How do you think he feels about dwarves, what with us having one in the Fellowship?" inquired Frodo.
"I can answer that, young Hobbits," came a gruff voice from behind them. "The lad was polite and friendly with me at the feast last night. Well, as polite as you can expect one of 'um to be, kept teasing me about my beard…" Gimli muttered.
"What do you think it is about mankind that he so despises then, Sam? He even dislikes Aragorn," added Frodo.
"I dunno Mister Frodo, but I'm not even so sure I want to find out."
End Chapter 2
So, umm, okay? Yes? No? The last part was basically just to show that Legolas really is a good guy. Next chap will probably be the last, where you find out just what the heck happened between Mirkwood and the race of men. Also, I dunno any elvish names and I could just make some up but that wouldn't be as good soooo…if anyone has an idea for 3 female elf names I would be much obliged if you would allow me to use them in the story. You will get full recognition of course! Thanx mucho