I'm so sorry this took sooooooooo long. I told my English teacher I want
to be a writer and she kept finding all these writing contests for me to
enter, and I could never submit the same story, so I've been busy with
other stuff. And before you ask I haven't found out the results from any of
the contests. Well, if anyone is still reading this, or remembers what's
going on, here's the next chapter of ....
The Stone of Malinya
It was another hour before Sorinth returned with the ingredients necessary to possibly save Legolas's life. As he entered Aragorn's tent he mumbled an apology about one of the items being almost out of season and hard to find. Aragorn nodded, not taking in Sorinth's words, and quickly began to make the serum under Sorinth's directions. When it was finished he excused Sorinth and thanked him.
"I can take care of him from here." Aragorn said. Even Sorinth was aware of the Lord's amazing skills as a healer, but still he doubted his ability to save the 'Man's' life. When Sorinth was gone Aragorn added a few of his own ingredients to the serum that were known to help against many poisons and a special item that worked wonderfully in healing and strengthening Elves.
In this time Legolas had grown slightly worse. His temperature somehow continued to rise, passing anything a Man may have survived, his breathing was so raspy it felt to Aragorn like it was scarring his ears, and his delirium had stopped to be replaced by a discomforting silence, broken only by occasional pain-filled moans. The King of Gondor prayed that they weren't too late.
A quarter of an hour passed before what they hoped to be an antidote, was ready.
"Do you think it will work?" Gimli asked, after Sorinth had been excused, his eyes shifting restlessly as they had the entire night. Helplessness was setting in.
"I pray to the Havens it does." Aragorn replied softly. With help from Gimli he sat the Elf up and slowly forced him to drink the broth at his lips. After a few minutes and several tries they finally managed to get half of the serum down Legolas's throat.
Aragorn sat down wearily, "That should do. Now we must wait." That would prove to be the hardest part.
It was night now, nearly midnight. The attack which resulted in Legolas's injury had happened only four hours ago, though it seemed nearly a lifetime as Gimli sat by his friend's side, waiting to see if the concoction they had made would save Legolas's life. He did not appear to be getting any better, but, thought Gimli, at least he isn't getting any worse. Another hour passed and Gimli found his head drooping, the stress of the night, and earlier battle had exhausted him, but he refused to give in to sleep. That is, at least until Aragorn came in half an hour later, it was only then he allowed his eyes to fall shut and sleep to take him, his last thoughts being those of good health for his dear elf-friend.
He awoke several hours later, the sun was not yet up but would be shortly. Gimli saw Aragorn kneeling next to Legolas, clearly checking the Elf's progress. The Dwarf could see neither Legolas or Aragorn's face and was curious as to what had happened in the night.
"Aragorn?" He said simply, not needing to ask the dreaded question.
The son of Arathorn sighed heavily, his shoulders drooping. He then turned to Gimli, a smile playing across his lips, "His fever has broken. I believe the worst to be passed."
Gimli could have shouted with joy and relief. He studied Legolas, noting he was sleeping soundly and appeared in no pain, just sleeping soundly. That sounded good at the moment. He hadn't intended to do it, but sleep quickly found the Dwarf again, and he did not wake up until after the morning sun.
In the morning as the dew dried and the birds awoke to start their day once more, the camp of Men began to awake slowly. The Men had no cheer in their step as they mourned the deaths of their friends and kept silent in respect for the 'Man' whom they were sure would quickly pass as well.
Sorinth stood several yards away from Aragorn's tent. There was little movement inside, as there had been all night from what he could tell, but he knew not if this was a good or bad thing. He couldn't help but think it was bad. He knew no Man who ever survived the poison Salogel had been infected with, so feared the worse for Lord Ellesar's companion. The King had not emerged for several hours and Sorinth knew it would be best if they moved on quickly, though he was loath to retrieve him. However it became unnecessary as Aragorn emerged from his nightly dwelling.
Aragorn looked tired, his hair and clothes were ruffled, and his expression was grim. Sorinth approached the Man and couldn't help but ask immediately:
"Did the vaccine help? Does he live?" Sorinth's voice was quiet, no doubt in his mind of what the answer would be.
Aragorn had been deep in thought over the events of the night before and about their arrival in Brelan, but at the mention of Legolas a small smile caressed his face, "Yes, and yes." He said tiredly.
Sorinth was more than shocked, "But how? He should be dead. How can he live?"
Aragorn smiled again in amusement, then began walking away from the tent, "Salogel does much that defies explanation. He is very strong and many say blessed by the Gods. But he is also able to fight off many diseases. I remember once when we journeyed to a village that was being assaulted by a horrible illness, he was one of the few to not be infected, even though he was around the sick everyday. Do not ask me to explain for I fear I cannot."
"It is still incredible. The poison used is one of the strongest I know of." Sorinth commented, getting over his initial shock. "Perhaps we should send a small group ahead of us then. They can inform my King of what happened and perhaps send others to help. For I am sure Salogel will be in no condition to ride for some time."
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Aragorn tilted his head in the direction of his tent, clearly indicating there was something to see.
Sorinth turned and felt his jaw drop and eyes widen. There, emerging from the tent on his own power, was Legolas. He seemed tired and shielded his eyes from the sun with a weary hand, he walked with a slight limp, and seemed somewhat paler, but there he was. Full and healthy. Sorinth thought he should have been dead on all accounts, but there he stood. No one would ever guess he had been fighting for his life only hours ago.
"How are you feeling, my friend?" Aragorn asked, purposely casual, as Legolas approached.
"I have been better, but I feel I shall live. I am told I have you to thank for my health, Sorinth." Legolas said, referring to the broth in which he had helped Aragorn make, subsequently saving his life.
"I did nothing really, besides, I owed you my own life. Now we are simply, even." Legolas liked the sound of that. Elves took death very seriously and to owe one's life to someone is a debt that must always be repaid.
"I agree, but it is an exchange I do not wish to relive any time soon. Are we to ride soon?" Legolas asked, now looking to Aragorn. Sorinth still could not believe that this 'Man' was up on his feet already, there was definitely something odd about him. Could he truly be blessed by the Gods?
"Yes, an hour I think, until we head to Miscalanth." Aragorn replied, enjoying Sorinth's reaction to Legolas's recovery.
"Very good. I will leave you then." Legolas began to turn but stopped suddenly, his shoulders drooping as he remembered something. He then asked with barely contained grief, "What of Algoral?"
Sorinth sighed and said, "We are taking him to Miscalanth, he will receive a warrior's burial. We have taken care of his body according to our customs. If you wish you may see him." The Man gestured toward the far end of the camp. Several Men were gathered around the body of Algoral, clearly paying their respects. As Legolas drew closer he could see that their custom had included wrapping the body from head to toe and tightly securing the cloth with lengths of rope. He drew a small sigh of relief. It would never be known that their friend had been an Elf, a natural enemy of these Men. He could die and be buried in peace, and after this was over he would travel to Lothlorien and bring the news of his death.
But for now they had to do what they had set out to. Bring peace to Middle- Earth. It would be no easy task.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They set out on time, ensured to reach Miscalanth before mid-day. All the Men of the company were greatly surprised by the speed in which Legolas had recovered, but that was one of the advantages of being an Elf, though he wasn't about to tell them that. As they rode Legolas made it a point to stay a bit further away from the group, he was silently mourning the loss of his friend and did not enjoy the side-long glances continually coming his way. Gimli rode with him as always but kept silent for the most part. He grieved for Algoral as well but not as deeply as Legolas.
Sorinth and Aragorn rode in front as they had done often in the past few weeks. Risorine was not far behind. They talked about the customs of Brelan once more; Aragorn wished to be sure he understood and followed each custom correctly. He was certain he had gained a fair grasp of each one by now.
After they rode for a few hours Gimli said suddenly, "Ah, I have something for you my friend. I nearly forgot." He reached into one of the bags strung over the back of their steed, Jarinel, and pulled out a heavy pouch.
"What is it?" Legolas asked immediately, but then recognized the bag.
"It's Algoral's magic powder, The Mist of Concealment, I believe you called it. I removed it from the saddle of his horse so no other's would find it and perhaps wonder of its origin. Here, take it, I believe he would want you to have it." Gimli said sincerely.
Legolas took the pouch and studied it solemnly. He knew Gimli was right, but at the moment he wished only for the return of his friend and felt wrong taking the magical substance without permission. But then again, it was not as though he could ask.
He finally nodded his consent, "Thank-you my friend, I will put it to good use." Legolas said softly. Gimli wasn't sure if he was talking to him or perhaps Algoral who was now in a different place.*
Sorinth had announced that he was beginning to recognize the area of forest in which they rode and assured Aragorn that they would reach Miscalanth in little more than two hours time. Aragorn was pleased, with the travelling out of the way they would simply need to locate clues as to the location of the Stone and could then be on their way. It sounded simple enough, but he had also thought the journey to the great city would be simple and pleasant. He had been quite wrong.
"Oh my, my deepest apologies Lord Elessar but I have completely forgotten to tell you of a rather important and traditional ceremony in our kingdom. I don't know how it could have slipped my mind. Perhaps because it is only for company on which it is performed and of that we have little in Brelan." Sorinth said, his voice conveying his apology.
"It is all right, I forgive your wandering mind. There has been much to keep the mind occupied these last few days. Please, tell me of this ceremony." Aragorn requested, glad that the man had remembered before they were even closer to Miscalanth.
"It is not so much a ceremony as it is a greeting, since no words or gestures are truly needed. Upon our arrival to Miscalanth you and your company will be immediately taken to meet our king. Even before introductions are made it is necessary to drink of the Cups of Brelan. Only then will you be allowed an audience with our Lord." Sorinth explained.
"That seems simple enough." Aragorn commented, wondering why the Man felt bad about forgetting something so apparently trivial.
"It is rather simple, but something taken quite seriously in our land. You see only Men can drink of the Cups of Brelan, for their drink is lethal to all other races. Of course Gimli will have no need to drink of course, since he is not a Man but the rest of your company will have to partake."
Aragorn paled slightly and hoped it wasn't noticeable, "What is the purpose of this custom?" He asked, fearing he knew the answer.
"It was established by our current king. He has a dislike for Elves even more so than the rulers before him and will not allow their presence in his kingdom. It is to ensure none seek into our land." Sorinth explained. There was no apology or pride in his voice, making it difficult for Aragorn to judge if Sorinth agreed with this custom. But somehow he believed he did.
"Well, it should be of no problem, no matter what the reason." Aragorn was calm on the outside but inside he was screaming that he had to speak to Legolas, quickly. They were little more than an hour away from Miscalanth and he needed to warn his friend somehow and perhaps construct a plan without seeming suspicious.
He rode beside Sorinth for another half an hour, quickly changing the subject to drive the ceremony from the Man's thoughts, and then left, explaining he needed to speak to some of his Men before they arrived. Aragorn veered off, talked to several of his guards about pointless topics then headed for Legolas and Gimli, who thankfully rode away from the rest of the group.
The Elf and Dwarf looked up as Aragorn approached them, a dark look on his face.
"What has happened?" Legolas asked immediately. He noticed the tenseness in Aragorn's shoulders and white-knuckle grip the Man had on his horse's reins.
"We may have a small problem. We will reach Miscalanth in near a half hour's time, when we arrive we are required to partake in a ceremony which involves drinking from the cups of Brelan."
"That doesn't seem so bad." Gimli commented, much as Aragorn had.
"The drink is poison to all but Men." Aragorn stated simply.
"Oh, well that changes things doesn't it?" Gimli said, casting a look towards Legolas to see his reaction. The Elf seemed deep in thought, his head was lowered and his hood hid his features from view.
"Perhaps it would be best if you stayed behind Legolas, for your own safety." Aragorn was ill to suggest it, but he could see little other courses of action that wouldn't result in his friend being put in danger.
Legolas listed his head quickly, making immediately contact with the former ranger, "No, I shall go. I came this far, I will not turn back now." He thought a moment longer, "I may have a plan as well."
Aragorn thought a moment, then nodded, it was Legolas's decision afterall, "Very well, but be careful my friend. Have you concealed your features yet?"
Legolas pulled back his hood in response, showing his unpointed ears, and pale skin and hair.
"Good, I must return to the front of our company. Good luck to you both." And Aragorn was gone, ahead to the front of the group once more.
"What is your plan my friend?" Gimli asked immediately.
"You shall see." Legolas said simply, then leaned forward and whispered into the ear of Jarinel. The horse neighed in response and Legolas smiled softly.
A half hour later Sorinth yelled to the group, mostly to inform the strangers to the land, "We have reached the outskirts of the city. Once we are over this ridge you will see Miscalanth and all its glory, plus the surrounding lands of Brelan."
There was a general round of 'hurrah's' from the entire group. The Men of Brelan were glad to be returning home, and the Men of Gondor wished to see the great city and rest comfortably after their many nights of travels.
Aragorn desperately wished he had asked Legolas his plan. If it did not work his friend may be revealed for what he truly was, but for now he had to lead his men and give the illusion of concentrating on establishing good relations with the Brelans.
Legolas appeared calm and Aragorn wondered if he truly was or if he was simply hiding his anxiety well.
They reached the top of the hill and Sorinth waved his arm across the horizon, presenting the land as though it were a painting being unveiled, "Behold, the land of Brelan."
Aragorn rode up beside him and gasped, "Oh my."
TBC
Damn I'm mean.
This chapter is dedicated to Lesath, who left absolutely the greatest review ever. I nearly cried it was no nice, thank you so much.
Like I said, sorry about the wait. I love all the reviews I've gotten but I understand if anyone is totally pissed at me for taking so long to get going with the story again. I'll try to get another chapter out sooner. But hey, they've *finally* reached Brelan! Only took me ten chapters. How long until they find the Stone? Might take awhile, but it won't be boring while they look.
* Once more I still know nothing of Elvish religion.
All of the reviews were so great, I don't know what to say. Most of them left me speechless in a good way. All I can say is thank-you and I'm sorry. But I have to thank Lauriniel, kleenexbox (I'm not dead!), Meshelly, Mulberry, and sunchaser, for their fab, fab reviews. Hope to hear from you, Robinyj ^_^
The Stone of Malinya
It was another hour before Sorinth returned with the ingredients necessary to possibly save Legolas's life. As he entered Aragorn's tent he mumbled an apology about one of the items being almost out of season and hard to find. Aragorn nodded, not taking in Sorinth's words, and quickly began to make the serum under Sorinth's directions. When it was finished he excused Sorinth and thanked him.
"I can take care of him from here." Aragorn said. Even Sorinth was aware of the Lord's amazing skills as a healer, but still he doubted his ability to save the 'Man's' life. When Sorinth was gone Aragorn added a few of his own ingredients to the serum that were known to help against many poisons and a special item that worked wonderfully in healing and strengthening Elves.
In this time Legolas had grown slightly worse. His temperature somehow continued to rise, passing anything a Man may have survived, his breathing was so raspy it felt to Aragorn like it was scarring his ears, and his delirium had stopped to be replaced by a discomforting silence, broken only by occasional pain-filled moans. The King of Gondor prayed that they weren't too late.
A quarter of an hour passed before what they hoped to be an antidote, was ready.
"Do you think it will work?" Gimli asked, after Sorinth had been excused, his eyes shifting restlessly as they had the entire night. Helplessness was setting in.
"I pray to the Havens it does." Aragorn replied softly. With help from Gimli he sat the Elf up and slowly forced him to drink the broth at his lips. After a few minutes and several tries they finally managed to get half of the serum down Legolas's throat.
Aragorn sat down wearily, "That should do. Now we must wait." That would prove to be the hardest part.
It was night now, nearly midnight. The attack which resulted in Legolas's injury had happened only four hours ago, though it seemed nearly a lifetime as Gimli sat by his friend's side, waiting to see if the concoction they had made would save Legolas's life. He did not appear to be getting any better, but, thought Gimli, at least he isn't getting any worse. Another hour passed and Gimli found his head drooping, the stress of the night, and earlier battle had exhausted him, but he refused to give in to sleep. That is, at least until Aragorn came in half an hour later, it was only then he allowed his eyes to fall shut and sleep to take him, his last thoughts being those of good health for his dear elf-friend.
He awoke several hours later, the sun was not yet up but would be shortly. Gimli saw Aragorn kneeling next to Legolas, clearly checking the Elf's progress. The Dwarf could see neither Legolas or Aragorn's face and was curious as to what had happened in the night.
"Aragorn?" He said simply, not needing to ask the dreaded question.
The son of Arathorn sighed heavily, his shoulders drooping. He then turned to Gimli, a smile playing across his lips, "His fever has broken. I believe the worst to be passed."
Gimli could have shouted with joy and relief. He studied Legolas, noting he was sleeping soundly and appeared in no pain, just sleeping soundly. That sounded good at the moment. He hadn't intended to do it, but sleep quickly found the Dwarf again, and he did not wake up until after the morning sun.
In the morning as the dew dried and the birds awoke to start their day once more, the camp of Men began to awake slowly. The Men had no cheer in their step as they mourned the deaths of their friends and kept silent in respect for the 'Man' whom they were sure would quickly pass as well.
Sorinth stood several yards away from Aragorn's tent. There was little movement inside, as there had been all night from what he could tell, but he knew not if this was a good or bad thing. He couldn't help but think it was bad. He knew no Man who ever survived the poison Salogel had been infected with, so feared the worse for Lord Ellesar's companion. The King had not emerged for several hours and Sorinth knew it would be best if they moved on quickly, though he was loath to retrieve him. However it became unnecessary as Aragorn emerged from his nightly dwelling.
Aragorn looked tired, his hair and clothes were ruffled, and his expression was grim. Sorinth approached the Man and couldn't help but ask immediately:
"Did the vaccine help? Does he live?" Sorinth's voice was quiet, no doubt in his mind of what the answer would be.
Aragorn had been deep in thought over the events of the night before and about their arrival in Brelan, but at the mention of Legolas a small smile caressed his face, "Yes, and yes." He said tiredly.
Sorinth was more than shocked, "But how? He should be dead. How can he live?"
Aragorn smiled again in amusement, then began walking away from the tent, "Salogel does much that defies explanation. He is very strong and many say blessed by the Gods. But he is also able to fight off many diseases. I remember once when we journeyed to a village that was being assaulted by a horrible illness, he was one of the few to not be infected, even though he was around the sick everyday. Do not ask me to explain for I fear I cannot."
"It is still incredible. The poison used is one of the strongest I know of." Sorinth commented, getting over his initial shock. "Perhaps we should send a small group ahead of us then. They can inform my King of what happened and perhaps send others to help. For I am sure Salogel will be in no condition to ride for some time."
"Why don't you ask him yourself?" Aragorn tilted his head in the direction of his tent, clearly indicating there was something to see.
Sorinth turned and felt his jaw drop and eyes widen. There, emerging from the tent on his own power, was Legolas. He seemed tired and shielded his eyes from the sun with a weary hand, he walked with a slight limp, and seemed somewhat paler, but there he was. Full and healthy. Sorinth thought he should have been dead on all accounts, but there he stood. No one would ever guess he had been fighting for his life only hours ago.
"How are you feeling, my friend?" Aragorn asked, purposely casual, as Legolas approached.
"I have been better, but I feel I shall live. I am told I have you to thank for my health, Sorinth." Legolas said, referring to the broth in which he had helped Aragorn make, subsequently saving his life.
"I did nothing really, besides, I owed you my own life. Now we are simply, even." Legolas liked the sound of that. Elves took death very seriously and to owe one's life to someone is a debt that must always be repaid.
"I agree, but it is an exchange I do not wish to relive any time soon. Are we to ride soon?" Legolas asked, now looking to Aragorn. Sorinth still could not believe that this 'Man' was up on his feet already, there was definitely something odd about him. Could he truly be blessed by the Gods?
"Yes, an hour I think, until we head to Miscalanth." Aragorn replied, enjoying Sorinth's reaction to Legolas's recovery.
"Very good. I will leave you then." Legolas began to turn but stopped suddenly, his shoulders drooping as he remembered something. He then asked with barely contained grief, "What of Algoral?"
Sorinth sighed and said, "We are taking him to Miscalanth, he will receive a warrior's burial. We have taken care of his body according to our customs. If you wish you may see him." The Man gestured toward the far end of the camp. Several Men were gathered around the body of Algoral, clearly paying their respects. As Legolas drew closer he could see that their custom had included wrapping the body from head to toe and tightly securing the cloth with lengths of rope. He drew a small sigh of relief. It would never be known that their friend had been an Elf, a natural enemy of these Men. He could die and be buried in peace, and after this was over he would travel to Lothlorien and bring the news of his death.
But for now they had to do what they had set out to. Bring peace to Middle- Earth. It would be no easy task.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They set out on time, ensured to reach Miscalanth before mid-day. All the Men of the company were greatly surprised by the speed in which Legolas had recovered, but that was one of the advantages of being an Elf, though he wasn't about to tell them that. As they rode Legolas made it a point to stay a bit further away from the group, he was silently mourning the loss of his friend and did not enjoy the side-long glances continually coming his way. Gimli rode with him as always but kept silent for the most part. He grieved for Algoral as well but not as deeply as Legolas.
Sorinth and Aragorn rode in front as they had done often in the past few weeks. Risorine was not far behind. They talked about the customs of Brelan once more; Aragorn wished to be sure he understood and followed each custom correctly. He was certain he had gained a fair grasp of each one by now.
After they rode for a few hours Gimli said suddenly, "Ah, I have something for you my friend. I nearly forgot." He reached into one of the bags strung over the back of their steed, Jarinel, and pulled out a heavy pouch.
"What is it?" Legolas asked immediately, but then recognized the bag.
"It's Algoral's magic powder, The Mist of Concealment, I believe you called it. I removed it from the saddle of his horse so no other's would find it and perhaps wonder of its origin. Here, take it, I believe he would want you to have it." Gimli said sincerely.
Legolas took the pouch and studied it solemnly. He knew Gimli was right, but at the moment he wished only for the return of his friend and felt wrong taking the magical substance without permission. But then again, it was not as though he could ask.
He finally nodded his consent, "Thank-you my friend, I will put it to good use." Legolas said softly. Gimli wasn't sure if he was talking to him or perhaps Algoral who was now in a different place.*
Sorinth had announced that he was beginning to recognize the area of forest in which they rode and assured Aragorn that they would reach Miscalanth in little more than two hours time. Aragorn was pleased, with the travelling out of the way they would simply need to locate clues as to the location of the Stone and could then be on their way. It sounded simple enough, but he had also thought the journey to the great city would be simple and pleasant. He had been quite wrong.
"Oh my, my deepest apologies Lord Elessar but I have completely forgotten to tell you of a rather important and traditional ceremony in our kingdom. I don't know how it could have slipped my mind. Perhaps because it is only for company on which it is performed and of that we have little in Brelan." Sorinth said, his voice conveying his apology.
"It is all right, I forgive your wandering mind. There has been much to keep the mind occupied these last few days. Please, tell me of this ceremony." Aragorn requested, glad that the man had remembered before they were even closer to Miscalanth.
"It is not so much a ceremony as it is a greeting, since no words or gestures are truly needed. Upon our arrival to Miscalanth you and your company will be immediately taken to meet our king. Even before introductions are made it is necessary to drink of the Cups of Brelan. Only then will you be allowed an audience with our Lord." Sorinth explained.
"That seems simple enough." Aragorn commented, wondering why the Man felt bad about forgetting something so apparently trivial.
"It is rather simple, but something taken quite seriously in our land. You see only Men can drink of the Cups of Brelan, for their drink is lethal to all other races. Of course Gimli will have no need to drink of course, since he is not a Man but the rest of your company will have to partake."
Aragorn paled slightly and hoped it wasn't noticeable, "What is the purpose of this custom?" He asked, fearing he knew the answer.
"It was established by our current king. He has a dislike for Elves even more so than the rulers before him and will not allow their presence in his kingdom. It is to ensure none seek into our land." Sorinth explained. There was no apology or pride in his voice, making it difficult for Aragorn to judge if Sorinth agreed with this custom. But somehow he believed he did.
"Well, it should be of no problem, no matter what the reason." Aragorn was calm on the outside but inside he was screaming that he had to speak to Legolas, quickly. They were little more than an hour away from Miscalanth and he needed to warn his friend somehow and perhaps construct a plan without seeming suspicious.
He rode beside Sorinth for another half an hour, quickly changing the subject to drive the ceremony from the Man's thoughts, and then left, explaining he needed to speak to some of his Men before they arrived. Aragorn veered off, talked to several of his guards about pointless topics then headed for Legolas and Gimli, who thankfully rode away from the rest of the group.
The Elf and Dwarf looked up as Aragorn approached them, a dark look on his face.
"What has happened?" Legolas asked immediately. He noticed the tenseness in Aragorn's shoulders and white-knuckle grip the Man had on his horse's reins.
"We may have a small problem. We will reach Miscalanth in near a half hour's time, when we arrive we are required to partake in a ceremony which involves drinking from the cups of Brelan."
"That doesn't seem so bad." Gimli commented, much as Aragorn had.
"The drink is poison to all but Men." Aragorn stated simply.
"Oh, well that changes things doesn't it?" Gimli said, casting a look towards Legolas to see his reaction. The Elf seemed deep in thought, his head was lowered and his hood hid his features from view.
"Perhaps it would be best if you stayed behind Legolas, for your own safety." Aragorn was ill to suggest it, but he could see little other courses of action that wouldn't result in his friend being put in danger.
Legolas listed his head quickly, making immediately contact with the former ranger, "No, I shall go. I came this far, I will not turn back now." He thought a moment longer, "I may have a plan as well."
Aragorn thought a moment, then nodded, it was Legolas's decision afterall, "Very well, but be careful my friend. Have you concealed your features yet?"
Legolas pulled back his hood in response, showing his unpointed ears, and pale skin and hair.
"Good, I must return to the front of our company. Good luck to you both." And Aragorn was gone, ahead to the front of the group once more.
"What is your plan my friend?" Gimli asked immediately.
"You shall see." Legolas said simply, then leaned forward and whispered into the ear of Jarinel. The horse neighed in response and Legolas smiled softly.
A half hour later Sorinth yelled to the group, mostly to inform the strangers to the land, "We have reached the outskirts of the city. Once we are over this ridge you will see Miscalanth and all its glory, plus the surrounding lands of Brelan."
There was a general round of 'hurrah's' from the entire group. The Men of Brelan were glad to be returning home, and the Men of Gondor wished to see the great city and rest comfortably after their many nights of travels.
Aragorn desperately wished he had asked Legolas his plan. If it did not work his friend may be revealed for what he truly was, but for now he had to lead his men and give the illusion of concentrating on establishing good relations with the Brelans.
Legolas appeared calm and Aragorn wondered if he truly was or if he was simply hiding his anxiety well.
They reached the top of the hill and Sorinth waved his arm across the horizon, presenting the land as though it were a painting being unveiled, "Behold, the land of Brelan."
Aragorn rode up beside him and gasped, "Oh my."
TBC
Damn I'm mean.
This chapter is dedicated to Lesath, who left absolutely the greatest review ever. I nearly cried it was no nice, thank you so much.
Like I said, sorry about the wait. I love all the reviews I've gotten but I understand if anyone is totally pissed at me for taking so long to get going with the story again. I'll try to get another chapter out sooner. But hey, they've *finally* reached Brelan! Only took me ten chapters. How long until they find the Stone? Might take awhile, but it won't be boring while they look.
* Once more I still know nothing of Elvish religion.
All of the reviews were so great, I don't know what to say. Most of them left me speechless in a good way. All I can say is thank-you and I'm sorry. But I have to thank Lauriniel, kleenexbox (I'm not dead!), Meshelly, Mulberry, and sunchaser, for their fab, fab reviews. Hope to hear from you, Robinyj ^_^