Divided we fall - by Cunien

Dear Reader
Any grammatical or spelling errors are hereby no fault of the author, my client. Miss Cunien reserves the right to blame persons, inanimate objects and/or other distractions for said errors.
Yours sincerely,
Lionel Hutz.

Busy week for me - all my A level art is meant to be handed in by the 2nd of June, and there's a *lot* to do, along with trying to revise for my actual exams. Plus I'm desperately looking for somewhere to work full time on my gap year so I can save some moolah to go travelling!
(We'll be visiting New Zealand for a few months, around this time next year! - basing our trip around the Lord of the Rings filming locations - yes, we are nerds. And proud.)

Thanks again for reviews! Specific thanks at the end of the chapter.

Disclaimer: I'm getting bored of saying this! I don't own it.

Right, *roles up her sleeves and puts on her grim determination look*



Why you?

After the council of Elrond, Rivendell held a feast unlike any other to this day. The night was full of high spirits, which seemed strange in the light of the decision's made that day. The Fellowship, as they were already being called, were given pride of place, and showered with food and wine the likes of which they had never tasted before (much to the delight of the hobbits).

The night was growing old and morning fast approaching when Legolas detached himself from the party to walk alone in the gardens. The feast still went on in the distance: the clear elven voices, and the occasional hobbit drinking song drifted out across the night, while the coloured lanterns and tiny lights flickered merrily.

Out in the gardens, Legolas breathed a great sigh, a breath that he felt he had been holding inside him for the entire day.

It was a great honour for he, his family and his people to be chosen to represent the elves in the Fellowship. Legolas felt as though all his life had been leading up to this point. In the many ages he had walked the earth he had fought many battles, saved lives and taken them, brought peace and the sword. Yet always he had fought beside his father, beside other elves. Never had Legolas had the chance to do something of any worth alone. It was his chance to make something of his life, and if he died on this quest, he would go to the Halls of Mandos with a contented soul. He was not afraid for himself.

But he doubted the judgement of Lord Elrond. Aragorn's fate was obviously entwined with that of the Ring, and he undoubtedly deserved a place in the Fellowship. Boromir was a noble and strong warrior, if a little arrogant, and another sword would be needed in the quest. Gandalf was very wise, and knew more about the quest than they could ever hope to. And Legolas saw too, the wisdom in sending the halfling Frodo; he had shown extraordinary strength, selflessness and courage. Fate, or the Ring had chosen him as the bearer, and as sad as it was, no one could argue this.

But the other Hobbits, Legolas was unsure about. They were so young, and he could not see that their joining the Fellowship would bring anything but heartbreak, shattered innocence, or death. He knew that they would willingly follow their cousin into Mordor, even die for him. They were courageous, and if they were like Frodo, had a strong will and spirit. But strength of spirit would only take them so far when they came up against the servants of the Enemy, or Sauron himself. Their presence could endanger the mission; if the Ringbearer was too attached to any member of the Fellowship he may choose their safety over the quest. Legolas doubted whether Frodo could leave his cousins and go on without them, if it had to be done.

Deep in thought, Legolas let his feet walk where they would, or perhaps it was his heart that chose, for he soon realised he had found his way into a small forest. Rivendell had many ancient trees that grew in and around the elven structures, but Legolas was happiest when he was amongst forests undisturbed by people.

The small thicket was away from the bright candles, and the stars shone out brighter here. Legolas settled himself at the top of a steep slope, where the trees marched down until the soil gave way to rocks, and then the waterfall. The noise of the rushing Bruinen drifted up from far below,and was a comfort.

While the Shadow spread itself over the land and into the hearts of all living creatures, the small thicket was untouched, and the river kept flowing as it had for many ages.
Some things have not changed in this world of growing darkness. the elf whispered to himself.

No, some things have not. grumbled a rough voice behind him.

Legolas started and leapt up.

Ah. The Dwarf. Legolas had forgotten about him. The last member of the Fellowship. Unfortunately. Here too, Legolas seriously doubted the wisdom of his elder. To begin with, the dwarf was insufferable, and secondly, he was a dwarf. It seemed absolutely ludicrous to send one of the precious metal loving creatures on a mission that involved, well, a gold ring. The temptation would surely be too much for the thieving little......

What are you doing here? Legolas asked, trying to keep the dislike from his voice.

Well Master Elf, I would have thought that you, with your superior hearing, would have heard me from a mile away, as your kind are so fond of boasting. I suppose you were not at all surprised by my coming here.

Legolas scowled and turned his back on Gimli.

I came here to be alone.

I came here for the same purpose Master Elf. You were called by the trees I suppose? But the rocks too call for me. Gimli said, walking over to one of the large boulders and running his hands across it's lichen covered surface appreciatively.

Good strong rock. he murmured to himself.

Legolas tried to fight back his irritation by naming all the stars above him.
- earendil, elemmire, helluin, carnil-' he whispered.

What's that? I suppose you think that I cannot hear you mumbling about me with my inferior hearing -

-Your sarcasm grows tiring, Master Dwarf. Legolas cut in.

I make no secret of my dislike for you, Elf, Gimli spat the words, and Legolas grimaced in disgust as large amounts of spittle were sprayed in the both the elf and dwarf's face, and you make no secret of your dislike for me. As you said, some things will never change. But I will make it clear, before we set out on this quest, that I do not trust you.

Nor I you.

Then we agree on one thing at least. But I stand by what I said in the council - I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf. Gimli glared once more at Legolas before turning and striding angrily back through the trees, presumably back towards the feast. Or in search of more rocks to paw, thought Legolas.

He sighed as he felt the grove of trees settle back in around him like a blanket, their silent peace disturbed by the presence of a dwarf, who despite being amongst allies, however hated, would not relinquish his axe.

Legolas reached out a hand and ran it lovingly along the bark of the slim willow beside him.
Be at peace now. he whispered in elvish, the grey tongue soothing even himself as his anger fled into the night.

This is going to be an interesting journey.

*

Too loud, too loud. muttered Gimli, looking up towards the dark silhouette of the mountain peak above them.

Legolas could hear the tremors before the others, and looked up anxiously. He fancied he could almost see the beginnings of the avalanche, a few trickles, tiny balls of snow rolling and bouncing down the slope.

He felt lost. What could he do? There was no where to go, and no way to stop the inevitable. He knew little of these things. Trees, woodlands, dense forest - he could show you how to survive there with nothing, but mountains?

I have lived thousands of years on this earth, and still I know so little of it. In my death at least I shall learn humility.
He thought of his Mother, and the others that were waiting for him in the Halls of Mandos. A single tear ran down his cheek as the enormous mass of snow came into view above, getting nearer each moment. Not a tear of sadness, nor of happiness, but of contentment at least. It had been many years since he had seen his mother.

Legolas turned towards the cliff edge and ran.

*

Snow settled once more, the echoes melting away.

The avalanche had hit Legolas while he was in mid air. He had no thoughts of saving himself. If he had thought that jumping from the cliff would have assured his safety, Legolas would have tried to pull some of the others with him. But once the mass of snow engulfed him, he felt nothing. He did not faint, but his eyes glazed, and he retreated into the strange, sleep-like daze of elves.

When the world returned to him, or he to the world, Legolas was laying on his back on top of the snow.

His eyes opened to a bright light, and he was at first bewildered. There was silence around him, and the light was bright and clear. Perhaps he was dead?

But no, he did not think so, and after a few moments the light had become the bright sun in the clear sky, and the silence was the absolute stillness of a snow-covered landscape.

There was a tiny muffled groan, somewhere in the distance, just perceptible to his elven ears.

Legolas stood in one fluid motion. His body was bruised and sore, but no bones seemed to be broken. He ran lightly towards the sound, working his aching muscles until they stopped complaining and eased out.

The elf stood and listened carefully. The sound had not come again, and Legolas was afraid that he would not be able to track it if he did not hear where it came from. Stilling his breathing and listening as hard as he could, Legolas waited. His patience paid off as another, slight noise disturbed the silence.

Digging carefully, a gloved hand pushed it's way from the snow, and grabbed his wrist, making him start. Get me out! came an angry shout from below.

Of all the Fellowship, I have to get stuck alone on the mountain with the Dwarf.
Why him?!

Digging was difficult, as the air-pocket was deep and unstable. Every time Legolas removed some, the loosened snow would fall down on the angry dwarf inside, and Legolas soon became tired of the curses and threats aimed at him from below.

If you do not stop your incessant cursing I will leave you to dig yourself out! he threatened impatiently. The dwarf was silent after that, but Legolas could hear him muttering quietly, his pride obviously hurt that he was being helped by an elf.

Once the dwarf had been removed from the hole, Legolas gave him a short inspection for any injuries sustained in the avalanche, much to Gimli's annoyance. This proved very hard though, as Gimli refused to remove any of his armour. After a few minutes though, Legolas concluded that the dwarf's wrist was probably broken, though not too badly.

He tried to splint the wrist, but Gimli would not let him, and seemed to growl menacingly each time Legolas came within a metre of him.

This is strange. I do not recognise any of the mountain around us.

Ha! You are an Elf! What would you know of Caradhras!? Gimli came to stand beside him, and silent surveyed the slopes around them.

Do you-
Gimli waved off the elf's question, and continued looking around him, huffing and blustering to himself.

I must have knocked my head, for I do not recognise it either. Gimli conceded, while Legolas tried to hide his laughter in a coughing fit.

Well, let us try and find the others at least. said Legolas, beginning to walk away, up the slope.

No no, when you are lost, you stay where you are, so that others may find you. If you move away you will only stray further. Do you know nothing? Gimli said.

I have never been lost before. admitted the elf.

Well there it is - I have been lost many times! Gimli said proudly, before realising what he had admitted. It is the duty of dwarf parents to leave their child on the mountain, alone, so that they may learn how to deal with the situation.

muttered Legolas, and then continued more loudly, I would rather try at least to find some of the others. They could be hurt or in need of our assistance.

I tell you, we will wander further away from them! shouted the dwarf angrily.

Both Legolas and Gimli cringed and looked up at the menacing slopes around them as the echoes of the booming voice filled the air. This time though, Caradhras slept on.

What will Gandalf be doing? Legolas thought aloud.

If he is alive. Gimli said, to which Legolas shot him an angry glance.

Do not say such things. He is of the Istari. He is not dead.

Well, you know more of Gandalf than me. huffed the dwarf.

Yes, but you know more of the mountain.

They stood in silent stalemate for a moment, then Gimli looked at Legolas and shook his head angrily.

You will be the death of me, Elf. Let us try to find the others. I cannot stop thinking about the wee hobbits. They may be in need of us.


TBC...


Thanks to ----


Pipkin sweetgrass - right, Beecharmer of Buckland' , I shall read it, but I won't be able to for a few weeks at least, as I'm up to my eyeballs in exams. If you keep reminding me I absolutely swear on the precious to read it! Thanks for your reviews, and I agree with the Boromir not being evil thing. I disliked him from the first moment I saw him in the books, and did for many years. Then I saw the brilliant Mr. Bean's portrayal in the movie, and re-read the book, and now I love Boromir! Also, from a writing point of view, he is a really interesting character! I started a fic about him, Strange and Beautiful' but alas it has never got past the 1st chapter stage - still, it's up there waiting for me and I'm determined to finish it!

Shirebound, Xena, Hai, Lilly Baggins, mEsTuPgCsCrEaMeR (thankyou very much for the rocking' compliment! *blushes*) S.B.N, and anyone else I haven't mentioned - thankyou loads and loads for reviewing. It was very kind and charitable of you!