So many reviews, so many wonderful, wonderful people. Personal thank yous
are at the end, but I love you all for reading and am glad you are enjoying
the story. Just one thing before I continue, Regina you said something
about thinking Derist should have been the one to figure out Legolas's
identity. Well Derist will probably never be mentioned by name again, so no
worries about that. As for Algoral, you'll learn a bit more about him,
right about ..... now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Stone of Malinya
Before Algoral could blink Legolas had him pinned against the trunk of the tree, his hand over the Man's mouth and his fore-arm putting just the right amount of pressure on his throat.
"If you speak of this to anyone I promise they will be the last words you utter." Legolas threatened him seriously, his voice dropping several notches.
"I will not, I promise. I am very good at keeping secrets, it has just been a long time since I have seen another Elf. Does the rest of your company know?" Algoral asked, not the least bit frightened by Legolas's threat, but it was obvious he knew it would be followed through.
Legolas released him, made himself comfortable on the branch once more and replied, "Lord Elessar and Gimli only."
"I see." Algoral moved into his former position on the branch as well.
"The others must not know." Legolas reiterated.
"Oh, you should have no fear of that. You see, I myself have a few secrets that require keeping," As he said this Algoral drew back his own hood. "Besides, us Elves have to stick together."
Legolas turned in surprise, unwilling to believe such a claim, but then smiled. This 'Man', was indeed an Elf like himself. His hair was golden blond but cut much shorter than Legolas's and his ears were as pointed as any's.
"That was very cruel." Legolas said, smiling good-heartedly and switching to Elvish. He didn't understand why he was here, but Legolas was thrilled beyond joy to see another Elven face.
Algoral spoke Elvish now as well, "Yes, it was, and I apologize but I had to be sure I was right before I revealed myself needlessly." Algoral explained, but it wasn't necessary, Legolas understood completely.
"Tell me, what gave me away?"
"Small things that Men would not tend to notice. First off you looked far too comfortable riding your horse with no reins or saddle, it is something I have had to learn to live with. You also seem extremely uncomfortable all the time, not just when you are around the other Men, but generally uncomfortable as if your own clothes have done you offence." Algoral said.
"Men's clothes are horrible are they not?" Legolas asked, wondering if it was just him.
"Wretched, I agree. There was also the strange language that Derist told me of, he said it was musical and I could think of few tongues that could be described that way. And when I noticed you had left during the middle of the Dwarf's argument that pretty much told me all I needed to know." Algoral finished.
"It would appear my disguise was not as good as I once thought." Legolas mused to himself, though he knew that few of those things could have been helped.
"Nay, it is well done. All hints were very subtle, it has taken myself nearly two years to perfect my own disguise."
"Two years? Why have you been with these Men so long? And tell me also where you hail from." Legolas requested kindly.
"I come from Lothlorien, I believe you know my queen, Galadrial." Algoral said, smiling softly as he remembered her.
"It would be hard indeed to forget someone as she."
"Very true. I was sent to Brelan to learn about these Men and why they hate our kind. I believe there should be no prejudices such as this in our world, and hoped to help, if only a little, where I could in the land of Brelan." Algoral said. The sadness in his voice answered Legolas's next question for him.
"I take it, it has not gone well?"
"Not exactly. I have changed few minds and found only that hatred can run deeper than I once thought. But at least I found out the cause for their malice towards our people." Algoral pulled up his hood now as the rain became worse.
"Do not leave me in wonder. Tell me the reason, if you will." Legolas asked.
"Long ago the Elves and Men of Brelan lived in peace, in fact they got along wonderfully and often pooled their resources and joined together in their times of need." Algoral spoke at length. "There was one Elf in particular, I could not find out his name, but he was so trusted in the land that he was the Head Advisor to the King in that time, and his opinion was highly valued in all matters of military. There came a time when Brelan and the Men of a nearby kingdom started a great battle, it is not even remembered what started it after all these years, but the war was fierce and Brelan was losing badly, all under the instructions of this Elf leading their armies. They were lucky though, they were able to gain the element of surprise in a rather important battle in the war and things began to even out.
"Then the Elf instructed the armies to meet the enemy at a pass in the mountains for what would be the final battle. He assured them that there would be hundreds of Elven archers waiting for them at the mountain tops to aid Brelan and they believed him. So the day of the battle came and the Men marched proudly, assured that they would win."
"The Elves never came." Legolas said, filling in the blank when Algoral paused.
"That is what they say. Brelan won the battle eventually but with a great many casualties, and there had been no Elf in sight. When the survivors of the battle returned to report what had happened the Elf advisor had disappeared, they never saw him again. Now the Men of Brelan have vowed never to trust Elves again, this vow has been twisted into complete hatred and they believe all our kind to be treacherous and conniving. It is a sad thing, truly." Algoral voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke his last few words.
Legolas thought deeply about all this, fitting it into the puzzle of Brelan. It made sense and he was anxious to hear more, about the land and this mystery Elf.
Algoral was curious as well though and asked his question first, "You know about my reasons, now tell me of your own. Surely it is not on a whim that you disguised yourself so and joined the company of King Elessar. And am I right in thinking that you are the infamous Legolas of which your Dwarf friend speaks so highly?"
"You would be correct, I am Legolas but Salogel must remain my name for this journey. I am from Mirkwood. And my reasons for joining this company are complicated to say the least, let us just say that it was Aragorn's wish that I come along and I strongly agreed." Legolas said, and then continued without giving Algoral a chance to interrupt, "We have been gone very long, we should return before anyone misses us."
Algoral nodded in agreement and readied himself to jump from the tree when Legolas caught his arm. He looked at the other Elf and saw a question burning in his eyes.
"What is it?" Algoral asked.
"You have been with these humans for two years. In all that time has no one discovered who you are?" Legolas could not believe that he had been able to hide his identity for so long in a society where Elves were so hated.
"No, I gave them no opportunity." Algoral smiled, a thought suddenly striking him, "There is something I must show you. It will not take long." He continued when he saw Legolas's questioning gaze, "I assure you, it will make your life as a Man much easier."
"Very well." Legolas agreed, still slightly suspicious.
"Wonderful." Algoral said, and reached into a pouch attached to his belt. He poured a small amount of its contents onto his hand, it was a fine powder of some sort that shimmered even in the darkness of the night.
"Lothron i esgal heb pan dolen.*" Algoral said softly and then blew the dust over Legolas.
The Elven prince began coughing harshly and he had to grip the tree tightly to keep from falling as his vision began to blur. Shortly afterwards he found he could see nothing at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn wasn't sure what to do. He knew that the argument between Gimli and the Brelan Men had most likely upset his friend, but it wasn't like Legolas to leave his post so suddenly. He finally decided that he would give the Elf a few minutes by himself and then go in search of him. Of course, there was no way he could be sure to find him, Aragorn knew better than anyone that if Legolas didn't want to be found he would remain hidden indefinitely.
He sat down by the now deserted fire and stared into the flames. As if their quest had not been complicated enough, now he had the prejudice of the Brelans to deal with. He couldn't understand how the hatred of these people had continued for so long, unprovoked. He guessed it was just another perfect example of the stubborness of Men. His thoughts slowly drifted towards the Stone of Malinya, and he wondered again if he was right in bringing his friends on this quest, without proof of the Stone's presence. He reminded himself that they had both readily agreed to come, knowing all the facts before hand. It was their choice in the end. And still he continued to dream about the Stone every night.
Aragorn was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the soft footsteps behind him, for they were mostly drowned out by the light rain. He was slightly startled when a hand fell on his shoulder, breaking him from his thoughts.
"Legolas, I didn't hear you approach. I was about to go look for you." Aragorn said, glad to see his friend had returned on his own.
The Elf smiled brightly, but appeared more anxious than Aragorn could ever remember seeing his friend, "I have been having a rather interesting conversation with Algoral. Come, I have something to show you, and much to tell you."
Legolas seemed very eager so Aragorn quickly agreed and they made their way to the King's tent. As he walked by, Legolas grabbed Gimli's arm and directed the Dwarf to Aragorn's tent. When all three were together they made sure that no one was nearby and they would not be heard.
"Now, what is this all about Master Elf?" Gimli demanded, also noticing Legolas's odd behaviour.
"After I left camp Algoral followed me and we began talking. He knows I am an Elf." Legolas started off.
"What? How?" Aragorn was almost at a loss for words, he had thought Legolas's disguise was perfect.
"This ruins everything." Gimli said.
"Nay, it is much better this way." Legolas said, and received odd looks from his friends, "Algoral is an Elf as well. He has been living with the Men of Brelan for several years."
"How is that possible? Surely he would be discovered." Aragorn said, just as skeptical as Legolas had been.
"Not necessarily, he showed me how it was done, and I will show you. I hope it worked." Legolas said, and then drew his hood back from his face. Aragorn and Gimli sat in shocked silence.
"By the Havens." Aragorn whispered, unbelieving.
"I take it, it worked then." Legolas smiled.
"If you were supposed to become a Man, than it worked wonderfully." Gimli said, still in partial shock.
Indeed the Elf now gave off the perfect likeness of a Man. His golden hair seemed not as ethereal as usual and his skin no longer glowed at all, but what was most amazing was Legolas's ears. They were no longer pointed, instead they were rounded at the top, just as any normal Man. Gimli and Aragorn were shocked beyond words but the Elven prince seemed all too happy with himself.
"What do you think? Do I pass with my new disguise?" Legolas asked, enjoying his friends' shocked expressions.
"How is this possible?" Aragorn finally asked.
"It is an Elvish magic devised by Galadrial herself, or so says Algoral. He says it is how he has stayed hidden all these years. It is called The Mist of Concealment, and before you ask I have no idea how it works." Legolas replied.
"Does it hurt?" Gimli was still looking closely at the Elf's new ears and couldn't imagine a change like that not being painful.
"My ears are not actually changed Gimli, they only appear to be. To the touch they are the ears of an Elf, the Mist simply conceals them. The concealment process itself is not extremely painful, at first I was coughing like mad but Algoral assures me it gets better with every use. Apparently it lasts only several hours, but it is more than I could have asked for." Legolas's voice relayed clear relief, which was only natural for now the matter of his disguise was secure and he would almost certainly never be discovered as an Elf.
"It is a fine disguise and should make this quest much easier. We must thank Algoral, in private of course. And as shocking as this new development is, you said there was also something you must speak with us about." Aragorn said, prodding the Elf for information.
"Yes, I have learned why it is the Men of Brelan so dislike the Elves." Legolas said, then proceeded to repeat the tale Algoral had told him. When he was finished he added, "I do not believe that is it all of it, but I am unsure if this Elf simply knows no more is keeping it from me."
"Either way we should be wary. We know little about Algoral, though he does seem to be an ally you can never be too sure." Gimli said, trying to think back to any time he had spoken with the Elf.
"Well Legolas, learn as much about him as you can and keep us posted. It would be nice to have another ally on this trip, but he is not to know about our true reasons for this mission until you are sure he is trust- worthy." Aragorn said.
Legolas nodded in agreement, "I understand, he will know nothing of our true reasons until I am certain about him. Now I believe we should all get some rest, it has been a day rather full of surprises."
Everyone agreed and they parted company and then readied for the night. Sleep came over them all quickly as the lull of the soft splattering of rain drops caused them to nod off.
Gimli grumbled quietly to himself as he drifted off, "Damn Elf, soon he'll be turning himself into a horse."
Legolas heard this but smiled and said nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was shining brightly the next morning and all were glad the rain was gone. The ground was still somewhat muddy but it would dry quickly enough as the day wore on. It was a wonderful start to Legolas's first real day as a Man. After speaking shortly with Algoral in private he entered the camp casually and for the first time with his hood drawn back. No one seemed to notice really and Legolas said nothing of it, he needed only to be seen for a short time as a Man to conquer any suspicions that the others may have. He didn't think anyone else had guessed his true identity but after speaking with Algoral he knew he couldn't be certain.
Aragorn stepped out of his tent, ready to start moving once more, when he spotted Legolas. His friend saw him as well and smiled. It disturbed him slightly to see Legolas as a Man, for he seemed an entirely different person. His hair seemed so average and unnoticeable, his skin simply pale, and his ears drew no attention at all. It was the perfect disguise but he hoped that his friend wouldn't feel the need to use it often.
They set out shortly after dawn. They were less than a week away from Brelan and the Men of that land were eager to return home and show their new friends around. Sorinth and Aragorn took the lead with Risorine close behind, several times throughout the day Aragorn made it a point to fall back and speak with his captain; he felt he needed to for spending so little time getting to know this Man. Gimli and Legolas rode near the back, as did Algoral. The two Elves had much to talk about and had missed the company of their own kind. Gimli was content to listen to the two talk but paid close attention when Algoral began speaking of Galadrial, it was then the Dwarf decided that he liked this Elf as well.
Legolas did not use his magical disguise again that day for he was finding that it left him with headaches, though Algoral promised these would go away as well in time. The day passed quietly as did the night and all that occured was the strengthening of the bonds of friendship between many of the Men. The days continued passing as such. Gimli, Legolas, and Algoral all spoke at lengths, Aragorn divided his time between Sorinth and Risorine, with occasional chats with his Elf and Dwarf friend, and the rest of the Men were content to ride the entire day. Finally they were only a day away from Brelan's capital, Miscalanth; the first leg of their journey was almost complete.
It was early morning on the last day of their journey; the Men of Brelan recognized the forest they were traveling through well and assured their companions that they would reach Miscalanth shortly. It seemed to Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli that the Men of Brelan were becoming slightly more edgy as they neared the city, but they made no comment about it. It would be rude to question the Men of Brelan about such a thing but Legolas felt he could ask Algoral, for he didn't seem to be suffering from the same apparent paranoia.
"Algoral, is it just me or are the Men in your company much more alert than before? Almost to the point of distraction." Legolas said.
Algoral nodded, knowing what the Elf meant, "You are right, they are nervous. I may know what of, but first there is something I must tell you. I should have mentioned it before we got this close to Miscalanth but it somehow slipped from my thoughts."
"Tell me now then."
"When you arrive in Miscalanth you will be taken to see the King. There is a ritual which you must avoid at all costs, it involves ...." Legolas never found out what he was going to say. Algoral stopped talking and turned to the forest, his keen ears picking up the same thing as Legolas's.
"Do you hear that?" Legolas asked, it sounded like hushed voices and an unnatural rustling of leaves.
Algoral turned to speak but never got the words out of his mouth. Before he could speak or react an arrow sailed through the air and plunged itself deeply in Algoral's chest! The Elf was thrown back off his horse and hit the ground with a sickening thud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*May the viel keep all concealed.
Oh gosh, that was mean of me wasn't it? Good thing I'm known for my evil plots and cliffhangers. *rubs hands together maniacally and cackles* Muh hahahahahahha. Hey, did you know LotR is being re-released with a new trailer for LotR: The Two Towers? Of course it's not being released here so I gotta drive two hours to go see it again. So stoked!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, my fab reviewers to whom I owe my livelihood.
SilvanElfMaiden - Aw, that was such a nice review. Thanks.
angel21 - Sequel? Shouldn't I finish the first one first?
Morgaine - I'm just happy to know you like it, and you obviously do. And no worries about apologizing for not reviewing, it's not a necessity. Also, I do think this will end up being a bit longer than LFA.
Jocelyn - you're just full of ideas for where this fic is going, aren't you?
Blayze - the two reviews really weren't necessary, but they were nice. Thanks.
And to anyone whose stories I was going to read, I'm a bit busy but I *will* read them and review. *Feels guilty about not having time for her readers* Drama has just started as well, and what did those idiots do, they gave me the lead! Well, that will probably cut down my writing time too, but I'll be as swift as possible.
I'm outtie, Diana ^_^
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Stone of Malinya
Before Algoral could blink Legolas had him pinned against the trunk of the tree, his hand over the Man's mouth and his fore-arm putting just the right amount of pressure on his throat.
"If you speak of this to anyone I promise they will be the last words you utter." Legolas threatened him seriously, his voice dropping several notches.
"I will not, I promise. I am very good at keeping secrets, it has just been a long time since I have seen another Elf. Does the rest of your company know?" Algoral asked, not the least bit frightened by Legolas's threat, but it was obvious he knew it would be followed through.
Legolas released him, made himself comfortable on the branch once more and replied, "Lord Elessar and Gimli only."
"I see." Algoral moved into his former position on the branch as well.
"The others must not know." Legolas reiterated.
"Oh, you should have no fear of that. You see, I myself have a few secrets that require keeping," As he said this Algoral drew back his own hood. "Besides, us Elves have to stick together."
Legolas turned in surprise, unwilling to believe such a claim, but then smiled. This 'Man', was indeed an Elf like himself. His hair was golden blond but cut much shorter than Legolas's and his ears were as pointed as any's.
"That was very cruel." Legolas said, smiling good-heartedly and switching to Elvish. He didn't understand why he was here, but Legolas was thrilled beyond joy to see another Elven face.
Algoral spoke Elvish now as well, "Yes, it was, and I apologize but I had to be sure I was right before I revealed myself needlessly." Algoral explained, but it wasn't necessary, Legolas understood completely.
"Tell me, what gave me away?"
"Small things that Men would not tend to notice. First off you looked far too comfortable riding your horse with no reins or saddle, it is something I have had to learn to live with. You also seem extremely uncomfortable all the time, not just when you are around the other Men, but generally uncomfortable as if your own clothes have done you offence." Algoral said.
"Men's clothes are horrible are they not?" Legolas asked, wondering if it was just him.
"Wretched, I agree. There was also the strange language that Derist told me of, he said it was musical and I could think of few tongues that could be described that way. And when I noticed you had left during the middle of the Dwarf's argument that pretty much told me all I needed to know." Algoral finished.
"It would appear my disguise was not as good as I once thought." Legolas mused to himself, though he knew that few of those things could have been helped.
"Nay, it is well done. All hints were very subtle, it has taken myself nearly two years to perfect my own disguise."
"Two years? Why have you been with these Men so long? And tell me also where you hail from." Legolas requested kindly.
"I come from Lothlorien, I believe you know my queen, Galadrial." Algoral said, smiling softly as he remembered her.
"It would be hard indeed to forget someone as she."
"Very true. I was sent to Brelan to learn about these Men and why they hate our kind. I believe there should be no prejudices such as this in our world, and hoped to help, if only a little, where I could in the land of Brelan." Algoral said. The sadness in his voice answered Legolas's next question for him.
"I take it, it has not gone well?"
"Not exactly. I have changed few minds and found only that hatred can run deeper than I once thought. But at least I found out the cause for their malice towards our people." Algoral pulled up his hood now as the rain became worse.
"Do not leave me in wonder. Tell me the reason, if you will." Legolas asked.
"Long ago the Elves and Men of Brelan lived in peace, in fact they got along wonderfully and often pooled their resources and joined together in their times of need." Algoral spoke at length. "There was one Elf in particular, I could not find out his name, but he was so trusted in the land that he was the Head Advisor to the King in that time, and his opinion was highly valued in all matters of military. There came a time when Brelan and the Men of a nearby kingdom started a great battle, it is not even remembered what started it after all these years, but the war was fierce and Brelan was losing badly, all under the instructions of this Elf leading their armies. They were lucky though, they were able to gain the element of surprise in a rather important battle in the war and things began to even out.
"Then the Elf instructed the armies to meet the enemy at a pass in the mountains for what would be the final battle. He assured them that there would be hundreds of Elven archers waiting for them at the mountain tops to aid Brelan and they believed him. So the day of the battle came and the Men marched proudly, assured that they would win."
"The Elves never came." Legolas said, filling in the blank when Algoral paused.
"That is what they say. Brelan won the battle eventually but with a great many casualties, and there had been no Elf in sight. When the survivors of the battle returned to report what had happened the Elf advisor had disappeared, they never saw him again. Now the Men of Brelan have vowed never to trust Elves again, this vow has been twisted into complete hatred and they believe all our kind to be treacherous and conniving. It is a sad thing, truly." Algoral voice dropped to a whisper as he spoke his last few words.
Legolas thought deeply about all this, fitting it into the puzzle of Brelan. It made sense and he was anxious to hear more, about the land and this mystery Elf.
Algoral was curious as well though and asked his question first, "You know about my reasons, now tell me of your own. Surely it is not on a whim that you disguised yourself so and joined the company of King Elessar. And am I right in thinking that you are the infamous Legolas of which your Dwarf friend speaks so highly?"
"You would be correct, I am Legolas but Salogel must remain my name for this journey. I am from Mirkwood. And my reasons for joining this company are complicated to say the least, let us just say that it was Aragorn's wish that I come along and I strongly agreed." Legolas said, and then continued without giving Algoral a chance to interrupt, "We have been gone very long, we should return before anyone misses us."
Algoral nodded in agreement and readied himself to jump from the tree when Legolas caught his arm. He looked at the other Elf and saw a question burning in his eyes.
"What is it?" Algoral asked.
"You have been with these humans for two years. In all that time has no one discovered who you are?" Legolas could not believe that he had been able to hide his identity for so long in a society where Elves were so hated.
"No, I gave them no opportunity." Algoral smiled, a thought suddenly striking him, "There is something I must show you. It will not take long." He continued when he saw Legolas's questioning gaze, "I assure you, it will make your life as a Man much easier."
"Very well." Legolas agreed, still slightly suspicious.
"Wonderful." Algoral said, and reached into a pouch attached to his belt. He poured a small amount of its contents onto his hand, it was a fine powder of some sort that shimmered even in the darkness of the night.
"Lothron i esgal heb pan dolen.*" Algoral said softly and then blew the dust over Legolas.
The Elven prince began coughing harshly and he had to grip the tree tightly to keep from falling as his vision began to blur. Shortly afterwards he found he could see nothing at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn wasn't sure what to do. He knew that the argument between Gimli and the Brelan Men had most likely upset his friend, but it wasn't like Legolas to leave his post so suddenly. He finally decided that he would give the Elf a few minutes by himself and then go in search of him. Of course, there was no way he could be sure to find him, Aragorn knew better than anyone that if Legolas didn't want to be found he would remain hidden indefinitely.
He sat down by the now deserted fire and stared into the flames. As if their quest had not been complicated enough, now he had the prejudice of the Brelans to deal with. He couldn't understand how the hatred of these people had continued for so long, unprovoked. He guessed it was just another perfect example of the stubborness of Men. His thoughts slowly drifted towards the Stone of Malinya, and he wondered again if he was right in bringing his friends on this quest, without proof of the Stone's presence. He reminded himself that they had both readily agreed to come, knowing all the facts before hand. It was their choice in the end. And still he continued to dream about the Stone every night.
Aragorn was so lost in thought that he didn't notice the soft footsteps behind him, for they were mostly drowned out by the light rain. He was slightly startled when a hand fell on his shoulder, breaking him from his thoughts.
"Legolas, I didn't hear you approach. I was about to go look for you." Aragorn said, glad to see his friend had returned on his own.
The Elf smiled brightly, but appeared more anxious than Aragorn could ever remember seeing his friend, "I have been having a rather interesting conversation with Algoral. Come, I have something to show you, and much to tell you."
Legolas seemed very eager so Aragorn quickly agreed and they made their way to the King's tent. As he walked by, Legolas grabbed Gimli's arm and directed the Dwarf to Aragorn's tent. When all three were together they made sure that no one was nearby and they would not be heard.
"Now, what is this all about Master Elf?" Gimli demanded, also noticing Legolas's odd behaviour.
"After I left camp Algoral followed me and we began talking. He knows I am an Elf." Legolas started off.
"What? How?" Aragorn was almost at a loss for words, he had thought Legolas's disguise was perfect.
"This ruins everything." Gimli said.
"Nay, it is much better this way." Legolas said, and received odd looks from his friends, "Algoral is an Elf as well. He has been living with the Men of Brelan for several years."
"How is that possible? Surely he would be discovered." Aragorn said, just as skeptical as Legolas had been.
"Not necessarily, he showed me how it was done, and I will show you. I hope it worked." Legolas said, and then drew his hood back from his face. Aragorn and Gimli sat in shocked silence.
"By the Havens." Aragorn whispered, unbelieving.
"I take it, it worked then." Legolas smiled.
"If you were supposed to become a Man, than it worked wonderfully." Gimli said, still in partial shock.
Indeed the Elf now gave off the perfect likeness of a Man. His golden hair seemed not as ethereal as usual and his skin no longer glowed at all, but what was most amazing was Legolas's ears. They were no longer pointed, instead they were rounded at the top, just as any normal Man. Gimli and Aragorn were shocked beyond words but the Elven prince seemed all too happy with himself.
"What do you think? Do I pass with my new disguise?" Legolas asked, enjoying his friends' shocked expressions.
"How is this possible?" Aragorn finally asked.
"It is an Elvish magic devised by Galadrial herself, or so says Algoral. He says it is how he has stayed hidden all these years. It is called The Mist of Concealment, and before you ask I have no idea how it works." Legolas replied.
"Does it hurt?" Gimli was still looking closely at the Elf's new ears and couldn't imagine a change like that not being painful.
"My ears are not actually changed Gimli, they only appear to be. To the touch they are the ears of an Elf, the Mist simply conceals them. The concealment process itself is not extremely painful, at first I was coughing like mad but Algoral assures me it gets better with every use. Apparently it lasts only several hours, but it is more than I could have asked for." Legolas's voice relayed clear relief, which was only natural for now the matter of his disguise was secure and he would almost certainly never be discovered as an Elf.
"It is a fine disguise and should make this quest much easier. We must thank Algoral, in private of course. And as shocking as this new development is, you said there was also something you must speak with us about." Aragorn said, prodding the Elf for information.
"Yes, I have learned why it is the Men of Brelan so dislike the Elves." Legolas said, then proceeded to repeat the tale Algoral had told him. When he was finished he added, "I do not believe that is it all of it, but I am unsure if this Elf simply knows no more is keeping it from me."
"Either way we should be wary. We know little about Algoral, though he does seem to be an ally you can never be too sure." Gimli said, trying to think back to any time he had spoken with the Elf.
"Well Legolas, learn as much about him as you can and keep us posted. It would be nice to have another ally on this trip, but he is not to know about our true reasons for this mission until you are sure he is trust- worthy." Aragorn said.
Legolas nodded in agreement, "I understand, he will know nothing of our true reasons until I am certain about him. Now I believe we should all get some rest, it has been a day rather full of surprises."
Everyone agreed and they parted company and then readied for the night. Sleep came over them all quickly as the lull of the soft splattering of rain drops caused them to nod off.
Gimli grumbled quietly to himself as he drifted off, "Damn Elf, soon he'll be turning himself into a horse."
Legolas heard this but smiled and said nothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun was shining brightly the next morning and all were glad the rain was gone. The ground was still somewhat muddy but it would dry quickly enough as the day wore on. It was a wonderful start to Legolas's first real day as a Man. After speaking shortly with Algoral in private he entered the camp casually and for the first time with his hood drawn back. No one seemed to notice really and Legolas said nothing of it, he needed only to be seen for a short time as a Man to conquer any suspicions that the others may have. He didn't think anyone else had guessed his true identity but after speaking with Algoral he knew he couldn't be certain.
Aragorn stepped out of his tent, ready to start moving once more, when he spotted Legolas. His friend saw him as well and smiled. It disturbed him slightly to see Legolas as a Man, for he seemed an entirely different person. His hair seemed so average and unnoticeable, his skin simply pale, and his ears drew no attention at all. It was the perfect disguise but he hoped that his friend wouldn't feel the need to use it often.
They set out shortly after dawn. They were less than a week away from Brelan and the Men of that land were eager to return home and show their new friends around. Sorinth and Aragorn took the lead with Risorine close behind, several times throughout the day Aragorn made it a point to fall back and speak with his captain; he felt he needed to for spending so little time getting to know this Man. Gimli and Legolas rode near the back, as did Algoral. The two Elves had much to talk about and had missed the company of their own kind. Gimli was content to listen to the two talk but paid close attention when Algoral began speaking of Galadrial, it was then the Dwarf decided that he liked this Elf as well.
Legolas did not use his magical disguise again that day for he was finding that it left him with headaches, though Algoral promised these would go away as well in time. The day passed quietly as did the night and all that occured was the strengthening of the bonds of friendship between many of the Men. The days continued passing as such. Gimli, Legolas, and Algoral all spoke at lengths, Aragorn divided his time between Sorinth and Risorine, with occasional chats with his Elf and Dwarf friend, and the rest of the Men were content to ride the entire day. Finally they were only a day away from Brelan's capital, Miscalanth; the first leg of their journey was almost complete.
It was early morning on the last day of their journey; the Men of Brelan recognized the forest they were traveling through well and assured their companions that they would reach Miscalanth shortly. It seemed to Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli that the Men of Brelan were becoming slightly more edgy as they neared the city, but they made no comment about it. It would be rude to question the Men of Brelan about such a thing but Legolas felt he could ask Algoral, for he didn't seem to be suffering from the same apparent paranoia.
"Algoral, is it just me or are the Men in your company much more alert than before? Almost to the point of distraction." Legolas said.
Algoral nodded, knowing what the Elf meant, "You are right, they are nervous. I may know what of, but first there is something I must tell you. I should have mentioned it before we got this close to Miscalanth but it somehow slipped from my thoughts."
"Tell me now then."
"When you arrive in Miscalanth you will be taken to see the King. There is a ritual which you must avoid at all costs, it involves ...." Legolas never found out what he was going to say. Algoral stopped talking and turned to the forest, his keen ears picking up the same thing as Legolas's.
"Do you hear that?" Legolas asked, it sounded like hushed voices and an unnatural rustling of leaves.
Algoral turned to speak but never got the words out of his mouth. Before he could speak or react an arrow sailed through the air and plunged itself deeply in Algoral's chest! The Elf was thrown back off his horse and hit the ground with a sickening thud.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*May the viel keep all concealed.
Oh gosh, that was mean of me wasn't it? Good thing I'm known for my evil plots and cliffhangers. *rubs hands together maniacally and cackles* Muh hahahahahahha. Hey, did you know LotR is being re-released with a new trailer for LotR: The Two Towers? Of course it's not being released here so I gotta drive two hours to go see it again. So stoked!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, my fab reviewers to whom I owe my livelihood.
SilvanElfMaiden - Aw, that was such a nice review. Thanks.
angel21 - Sequel? Shouldn't I finish the first one first?
Morgaine - I'm just happy to know you like it, and you obviously do. And no worries about apologizing for not reviewing, it's not a necessity. Also, I do think this will end up being a bit longer than LFA.
Jocelyn - you're just full of ideas for where this fic is going, aren't you?
Blayze - the two reviews really weren't necessary, but they were nice. Thanks.
And to anyone whose stories I was going to read, I'm a bit busy but I *will* read them and review. *Feels guilty about not having time for her readers* Drama has just started as well, and what did those idiots do, they gave me the lead! Well, that will probably cut down my writing time too, but I'll be as swift as possible.
I'm outtie, Diana ^_^