Hi all, Legolas's horse is named Jarinel, but I can't help but feel like
I've heard that name somewhere else before, and not just in my story. Did I
subconsciously steal this from another story? If the name sounds familiar
to you as well, please review and tell me and I'll change it. I really
don't want to risk stealing someone's name, they're hard to make up. Hope
you enjoy this chapter, I've finally gotten to the really good part that
I've been waiting to write.
The Stone of Malinya
"Ready and willing, but there is much to discuss first." Aragorn replied, somehow not surprised that Legolas had snuck up on him again.
"And what is that? We have the map, supplies, and the cover of night. I can think of little else we need." Legolas said, his tone slightly defensive. He did not wish to wait any longer to find the Stone, but would if Aragorn thought it absolutely necessary.
"I am unsure whether we should proceed tonight or not. These attacks are .." Aragorn stopped when the door began to open once more, but it was only Gimli.
"What about these attacks?" Gimli asked, joining the two.
"They seem to have become more bold, and frequent according to Lord Vecery. With the state of chaos Brelan is in I am not sure now is a good time to retrieve the Stone."
"What could be a better time? We will be gone only a few hours, in the dead of night when no one will miss us. And when we return we shall bring a treasure greater than ever had in Brelan. Perhaps we can even help to create peace between the rebels and Brelans through the Stone's power." Gimli said. He was as eager as his friends to find the Stone, but less patient.
"I had not thought of that. My mind has focussed mainly on reuniting the races of Middle Earth, not the factions of a country. But I suppose the outcome is the same. There would be peace, which is great motivation to set out tonight." Aragorn admitted, pleased he had come to a decision with his friends as to their course of action.
"Legolas, explain this map if you will." Aragorn requested, indicating the scroll the smiling Elf held.
"Of course. According to it the Stone lay somewhere beyond the boundaries of Miscalanth. This is the Elvish symbol of Malinya, where I believe the Stone to be hidden." Legolas explained.
"A logical assumption. Do you believe we know Brelan well enough to make our way to this location?" Gimli asked, studying the map and seeing few recognizable landmarks.
"I am unsure but we must try. There is an entry written about the map, by an Elven archivist. According to him, 'This will be the only account of the Stone's location, but even this is useless without the alliance of the races.' I am unsure what this means." Legolas admitted.
"What an odd thing to write. If this map leads to the Stone why would only the alliance of the races make it retrievable?" Gimli pondered aloud what they were all thinking.
"We shall have to find out when we get there. Perhaps there will be a clue wherever the Stone lies. Now I believe it has grown sufficiently late, and we must be off." Aragorn urged them, and they eagerly agreed.
Though Legolas had escaped the castle by scaling the walls they agreed that was not a sound choice of action for the three of them to follow. Instead they took a chance and quietly crept through the castle, melting into shadows and walking with silent feet. When they reached the lower levels of the castle they escaped through a low set window, knowing the door would be too loud and noticeable. They were now outside, near the castle's back entrance which was not as heavily guarded. But the few guards that did stay here were on full alert after the attack on their king and the trio did not think they would be able to sneak by them all.
They decided force would be necessary. Very silently Legolas crept up the wall and knocked out the two men on watch. Down below Aragorn and Gimli were doing the same to the foot soldiers. They were careful not to be seen so later the attack would most likely be credited to the rebels, and they did not do any lasting harm to any of the guards.
"We should get the horses." Aragorn suggested, and Legolas agreed. Gimli grumbled under his breath at the suggestion but did not voice any complaints because he knew it would be faster to take their steeds. They quickly made it to the stables and mounted, Gimli with Legolas and Aragorn leading the way. Jarinel neighed softly, thrilled to see Legolas. Though the Elf had come to see him everyday with sweets and exercised him, this was the first time they had truly set out since arriving in Miscalanth. They made sure they had all they needed then set off quickly into the night, silent whispers on the wind's wings.
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Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli soon reached the Hall of Records, where the map had been kept. This was one of the few locations still standing in Brelan that was on the ancient map, so they decided to use it as their starting off point.
Legolas held up the map, his elven eyesight making it possible to see even in the barest of moonlight, "We must ride north, for what appears to be near twenty miles. I do not recognize many of these places but the landscape may become clearer as we ride."
"Very well then. Lead the way my friend." Aragorn prompted him. He wished to find the Stone as quickly as possible so his presence would not be missed the next day. Deceiving potential allies was not something he enjoyed doing, and would prefer it more if he could find the Stone without Lord Vecery's knowledge.
Kicking his heels lightly to speed Jarinel on, Legolas led the way out of the city and into the dark of night. They had to ride through the city slower than they wished for they could not chance waking people in their homes, or possibly being followed, so needed silence. The moon was at only half its light but Legolas could still see clearly and found them passage through the city as swiftly as possible. Near an hour passed by the time they reached the wilderness surrounding Miscalanth. They continued north at full speed, covering much ground, but were shortly forced to stop and search for any landmarks that could date back thousands of years.
"Over here, I believe I saw this on our map." Gimli called, pointing to a familiar rock formation. "The years have changed their shape slightly but I am sure this is the same outcropping on the map. And if there's anything I know it is rocks."
"Yes, you are correct Gimli. It is good that you spotted this. We can ride another ten miles east without stopping now." Legolas commented, studying the map and then tucking it safely away. Suddenly his senses perked, and his body went on full alert. A half second later Aragorn and Gimli did the same, and they all looked about themselves suspiciously.
"I assume you both heard that." Aragorn asked needlessly, scanning the woods for any sign of the cause of their alert status. It had been the unmistakable sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Then it happened again; louder than before.
"There." Legolas said, indicating a patch of bushes as the source of the crunching. He slowly lifted his bow and drew out an arrow, taking aim for the bush and then letting it loose. He purposely shot wide, not wanting to hit whoever or whatever it was just yet, only wishing to draw it out from hiding. The three friends stood waiting tensely, anticipating some kind of reaction.
"Perhaps it was the wind." Gimli suggested, thinking they had all become paranoid due to their frequent running about, and secret agendas they had been playing out.
"It was not the wind." Legolas said, leaving no room for argument. Beside him Aragorn nodded. The man was about to suggest another shot when a great whinnying sounded from behind them. They all turned to see Jarinel go up on his back legs, clearly upset. Legolas moved to him, intent on calming the beast when their watchers decided to attack.
Wargs. Half a dozen only, yet surprise had been on their side as they had been amazingly quiet in their approach. But in truth they had not needed to approach at all. The three friends had unknowingly ridden directly into their hunting grounds, and the Wargs had only to be silent and watch for the perfect moment for attack, which had come.
The beasts attacked with great speed and the friends rushed to defend themselves. Aragorn withdrew his sword and with practiced ease sliced at the neck of the nearest beast as it leapt into the air, causing it to fall back lifelessly to the ground. He turned as another leapt at him, and easily side-stepped it as well. It came back around once more and leapt again, aiming for Aragorn's neck. The man drove his sword out and impaled the Warg, easily winning the battle.
Gimli hefted his ax high and brought it down mightily against the back of the first Warg to draw near. Grim satisfaction filled him as he gained some vengeance on the beasts for their attack against the company much earlier in their journey. Another Warg drew near and this time he struck from the side, knocking it dead to the ground. No more beasts attacked and the dwarf turned to see that Aragorn had finished off his opponents as well. Then the man's face changed from relief to terror as he saw something behind Gimli. The dwarf turned to see what it could be and shouted, "Legolas!" but it was too late.
The wargs came in too fast and close for his bow to be any good so Legolas immediately withdrew his hunting knives. The first warg came directly at him, not much of a strategy really, and was quickly dispatched with a quick swipe at its throat. Legolas did not watch as it dropped to the ground though, as he heard Jarinel neigh behind him once more. Turning quickly he saw another warg running straight for the defenceless horse.
Like lightning Legolas sheathed one of his knives then somersaulted beneath the horse's rearing back hooves. He unfurled and attacked the approaching warg almost before it could see him, catching the beast's underbelly with his knife as it leapt. But the elf's concern for his dear animal friend had kept him from being cautious and alert to his surroundings. Even before he could withdraw the knife from the belly of the warg another one leapt on top of him, having come straight from a nearby bush. They rolled once with Legolas losing his knife and ending up on the bottom. His head impacted roughly against a stone but he kept enough of his wits to bring forth his hands, which curled around the throat of the large beast, keeping its snapping jaws from ripping out his throat.
Dimly, Legolas heard his name being called from behind him in a warning that came too late. He was able to keep back the jaws of the warg, but its claws were beginning to dig deeply into his sides. Tightening his grip on the warg with his left hand he held back the animal as his right hand searched the ground for his knife. Just as the jaws started to come closer, and the foul stench of the warg's breath polluted his air, Legolas's hand grabbed a hold of his knife, which he quickly brought down into the warg's side. The beast growled and leapt off of him, knife still in its back as it recoiled from the attack. It was dying, but decided its last act would be one of vengeance and leapt towards Legolas once more. The elf began to roll to get away but it was unnecessary as two great back legs kicked at the warg in mid-air, sending it sprawling into a nearby tree where it soon died.
Jarinel neighed in victory, proud of defeating the warg, then bent down his nose and poked Legolas lightly in the head; his way of asking if the elf was all right.
"Thank you my friend, I am fine." Legolas said sincerely as he petted the horse's muzzle. Aragorn and Gimli soon approached, their run becoming a jog as they saw that Legolas had once more taken care of himself and they were no longer needed.
"Are you well Legolas?" Aragorn asked immediately. Normally he could tell easily but there was hardly any light and the only reason he had even seen the elf in trouble was by his weak silhouette against the moon, for he did not even glow as the Mist of Concealment had yet to wear off.
"I am fine," Legolas said as he rose to his feet. His head immediately throbbed in protest and he was forced to lean against Jarinel as the dimly lit world spun around him. When the dizziness passed he looked up to see Gimli and Aragorn giving him sceptical, yet concerned looks. "I may have bumped my head." He admitted, quietly and casually.
Aragorn sighed and approached, feeling the back of the elf's head for blood. There was none, thankfully, but there was a fine lump forming. "You should be all right. I am forced to wonder if these wargs were not a sign that we should head back. Have another attempt at the Stone at a later time."
Legolas did not agree in this and said so, "Aragorn, the city is breaking into turmoil, and we all know that if we do not act tonight we will not have another chance for possibly many months. We could never sneak out of the castle again as we did this night."
"I agree with Legolas. We should continue on tonight. We are all well, apart from Legolas's skull which is near impossible to fracture. Sometimes I believe he has a head made of mithril, and the brains to match." Gimli commented, trying to lighten the mood and Aragorn's doubts.
"A head and brain worth ten times more than your own, Gimli. It seems a fair description." Legolas replied, taking the jest in stride. If Gimli joked with him there was no way they had noticed his other injuries, and he expected to keep it that way. His head ached but it was not nearly as bad as the long slashes running down his sides from where the warg's claws had dug in. The dark of night would keep his friends from noticing the blood and by the time they did notice he would most likely be healed anyway.
"Let's be on our way, we only have so many hours of darkness to help us." Aragorn said, mounting his horse.
Legolas helped Gimli onto Jarinel's back and then jumped up himself. The horse made a sudden sound of protest, throwing its head back in the air as it did so. His friends may not have noticed Legolas's wounds, but his horse surely did.
"Calm down my friend, the wargs are gone." Legolas said softly, calming and reassuring the beast with a touch of his hand. Aragorn and Gimli were easily fooled by Legolas's cover-up of the horse's actions and dismissed them immediately.
"Let us now try to move with more caution my friends. Which way do we ride Legolas?" Aragorn asked.
The elf studied the map for only a moment and pointed east, "That way." Aragorn nodded and they were on their way once more.
As they rode Legolas was sure to wrap his cloak tightly around himself to keep Gimli from noticing the blood on his tunic. Jarinel made another sound of protest but Legolas quickly quieted him once more.
The group sped away, eager to leave the valley of wargs behind them. None of them saw the owner of the dark eyes that watched them as they left.
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"This is it," Legolas announced, stopping Jarinel and dismounting in one fluid motion. They had ridden for nearly an hour, stopping only to check the map several times, and they had finally reached their destination.
"This is what?" Gimli asked, jumping off the horse with little grace but much relief.
"Where the map ends," Legolas explained grimly. The sight before them was not one they had expected. It was a patch of forest, not unlike the miles of woods around it. There was a small valley with a stream running nearby, within a thick patch of trees, and large boulders riddled the landscape in front of a high hill, but beyond that there was nothing.
"I suppose we should not have assumed the Stone would be lying out in the open after all these years. We shall have to search for it. But at least we know the general location now, which is more than anyone has known in the last six millennia." Aragorn said, but his voice still held a hint of disappointment. If they could not find the Stone within the next few hours they would have to turn back empty-handed.
"We can still look. It may simply be buried, or hidden in a tree." Gimli suggested. Looking about it seemed possible, there were a variety of places that the Stone may have been hidden and never found, simply because it was never looked for. There was also the possibility that the Stone was indeed buried. A theory which gave them little hope of ever finding it. Still, the friends spread out and began to search through tree and under rock.
As Legolas walked by a group of boulders settled near the water he happened to run his hand along the rock-face. He then stopped as a great flood of warmth and an unexplained joy passed through him. For long minutes he marvelled at the rock, wondering what could cause such a feeling. It was then he remembered something he himself had said only several weeks before:
"Some say it instils great warmth in the heart of Elves and others say that a great wave of joy passes through the person and some say both."
He smiled then and called out, "Aragorn, Gimli, I believe I have found something!" never removing his hand from the rock.
His friends found him easily enough, seeing him in the moonlight and raced over to hear what he had found.
"What is it?" Gimli asked as they neared.
Legolas turned to them, smiling, "The Stone is near. I can feel its presence. I believe it lies somewhere behind this rock-face."
"And how would it get back there?" Gimli asked sceptically, noting the great size of the boulder and knowing it could not be moved, and most likely never had been. The rock-face was built into the side of a rather large hill that rose suddenly. Legolas clearly seemed to believe the Stone of Malinya lay somewhere behind, but how that could be they could not guess.
"It seems that is the riddle we must answer to find it." Aragorn replied, having complete faith in Legolas's senses and believing the Stone to be nearby.
Legolas reluctantly moved his hand away from the rocks, ending the stream of warmth and joy, and pulled the map from his belt. He read the words written underneath once more:
"'This will be the only account of the Stone's location, but even this is useless without the alliance of the races."
He read this aloud, giving his companions a chance to think over the strange words as well.
"It is at least clear to me that if there is an entrance we must find it together." Aragorn pointed out and the others had to agree. So together they searched along the large boulders, looking for any sign of an entrance.
Aragorn brushed his hand over a patch of moss and was surprised to find an indent in the rock underneath. An indent which perfectly fit the shape of a man's hand.
"What's this?" He asked, brushing the moss away. By the time Legolas and Gimli turned to see what he had found Aragorn had brushed away most of the moss. Underneath they were surprised to find not just one, but three different sets of imprints set into the hard stone. The first two sets were large and set at chest height with Aragorn, with the first set having slightly longer fingers than the second. The third handprint was smaller and set lower in the rock-face, obviously for someone of smaller stature.
"'The Alliance of Races', Elves, Men and Dwarves." Legolas whispered, intrigued.
"It would seem we have found what we were looking for." Aragorn said, tracing the outline of the 'man's' hand with his fingertips.
"If it is an entrance then what are we waiting for? Put your hands in the damn things." Gimli ordered, not waiting for the others and pushing his smaller hand into the lower imprint. Legolas and Aragorn smiled and did the same, slowly fitting their fingers into the rock impressions.
At first nothing happened, Legolas did not even feel the wave of joy and warmth he had earlier, but then it happened. The rock seemed to come alive and the stone beneath their fingertips glowed, but did not grow hot. A strange buzzing filled the air and when it was gone so was the rock. From beneath their very fingers the stone disappeared, revealing a doorway that was only just wide and high enough to walk through.
The three friends stepped back, shocked. After a moment they stepped closer and peered inside; there was a hall, seemingly short, leading into the ground.
"The Stone of Malinya lies inside. We have nearly brought peace to Middle- Earth, shall we take a few more steps and make it true?" Legolas asked, his joy unending as it was fuelled by their discovery and the emotions pouring from the Stone itself.
"We shall. And we will do it together, for it took all of us to find it. I do not wish to taint this moment with heavy words but the sun will rise soon. We must move quickly." Aragorn said.
"Let's go then. Time waits for no Man, Dwarf, or Elf." Gimli added, pushing forward and taking the lead into the doorway.
Aragorn and Legolas followed shortly behind. When they entered they found that what they had first thought to be a hallway was actually a great room. The floor was smooth and cool, as were the walls and they seemed to lightly glow. Near the far side of the room the ceiling sloped down suddenly and abruptly hit the floor.
"This is a strange structure indeed." No sooner had the words left Legolas's mouth than the door behind them suddenly appeared once more, trapping them inside. They turned, shocked, but relaxed when they saw that the three handprints now appeared on the opposite side. It seemed leaving would be as simple as entering had been. Once the door closed the walls glowed even brighter, now fully illuminating the room. There was nothing more to see than before, but now they could at least see each other.
Legolas quickly wrapped his cloak around himself once more. The cuts along his side were now healed but there was still blood on his tunic, and he did not wish to worry his friends or receive a lecture about not hiding injuries.
"It would seem we have come to a dead end. I know not where to go from here," Aragorn admitted, looking over the room. The only doorway appeared to be the one they had just come from; he could see no other entrances or exits.
Legolas looked the room over and moved to the far wall, where the structure sloped abruptly. He traced his foot carefully over the floor and then knelt to look closer.
"There are cracks here in the stone," He announced, tracing the square to show its location, "There must be a switch to open it somehow."
"Maybe it's this." Gimli said, pointing towards a rune engraved into the wall. Legolas looked up and immediately recognized it as the symbol of Malinya, but before he could say anything Gimli touched the rune.
The stone square Legolas had traced suddenly moved, surprising Aragorn, who had been standing on it, and nearly causing him to lose his balance. The rock retracted into the wall revealing a set of stone stairs.
"How odd, Elves do not usually build structures that lead underground." Aragorn commented, after glaring at Gimli for having touched the symbol.
"They will if forced to secrecy or hiding." Legolas commented then began to lead the way down the steps.
This time they did find themselves in a corridor but it was short and they walked for only a few moments before coming to the next room. This room was small and plain, but good things come in small packages as they say, for on an altar in the center of the room sat the Stone of Malinya.
It was a perfectly round sphere that sat motionless on its podium. Within it there was a light that glowed as no other light did, it was as if someone had trapped a rainbow inside it and then forced it to glow a thousand times more beautiful than before. It was no color and every color at the same time, burning so beautifully it put the moon to shame. How anyone could lock away something so beautiful for so many millennia was something the friends could not understand.
Finally their quest was ended, they had found that which could reunite the races. It was more beautiful than they had imagined, and finally understood how its creator could possibly rival the beauty of Galadriel. In these few moments, it all became worth it. The secrecy, deception, attacks, surprises and late night meetings seemed a small price to pay for something of such beauty and importance.
"The Stone of Malinya," Gimli whispered in awe. The three stood silent for a long time, appreciating the beauty of the Stone and respecting its power. The Stone seemed to cast a spell on the friends, but finally they broke free and remembered their task.
"I am pleased beyond words to at last find Malinya's Stone," Aragorn said, stepping forward, "Myth becomes truth once more it seems, only this great power shall be used for good, to unite Middle-Earth. Long it has waited to be looked upon once more but alas, I must now hide it away again and keep it secret as we pass through this land. I do not know if I can bear to turn it from my eyes."
"You have the strength, and long will you be able to gaze upon it when you are back in your own country. For now we must hide it, and we also must go. The night has grown late, so late that we have in fact entered the early morn." Legolas announced, it was not a joyful thing for them to leave, but the elf could not hold back the joy that the Stone had created in his being and this reflected in his voice.
Aragorn nodded and picked up the Stone, finding it lighter than he had expected and able to fit snugly in his two closed palms. With no more words he wrapped it in a cloth and tucked it away in his bag. Then the three turned and left the chamber, moved back up the staircase and left the room behind, never to return.
"It shall be a great day in Gondor when I return with this high above my head to reunite the lands and bring joy and peace back to the races." Aragorn said, his mind wandering as they all stepped forward and once more placed their hands in the imprints to open the door.
As they walked Legolas felt the joy of their accomplishment as well as the emotions from the Stone and couldn't help but smile broadly. But this joy quickly faded as the door to the cavern opened once more, revealing the outside world.
As the three friends stepped through the doorway they found themselves face to face with a dozen arrow tips. Well over twenty men stood before them, some with bows drawn and notched, and others with swords. They seemed ready and willing to shoot, and not the least bit surprised that a Man, Dwarf, and Elf had just walked out of the side of a rock-face. They seemed familiar to the three companions somehow, though they could place a name to none.
Aragorn had a sinking feeling that they had just run into the rebels responsible for the recent string of attacks on themselves and Lord Vecery.
The company stood shocked for a moment then began to reach for their weapons, hoping they wouldn't have to use them. They had fought their way through worse situations before but usually against Orcs and Goblins, not against Men. Suddenly a voice rang out from behind the men.
"I wouldn't do that Lord Elessar. It could prove to be the death of you. And I most certainly don't want that."
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli turned in the direction the voice had come from to see its owner step forward.
"Risorine?"
TBC
Maybe it's a shock, maybe it's not. Depends if you looked too into it, or if you followed the clues. They'll be more shortly (looks up meaning of 'shortly' in the dictionary and cringes). Uh, hopefully anyway. Many thanks to great reviewers, I love you all.
Eowyn Greenleaf - Your suspicions about Risorine were correct, as were many others. I was gonna make the traitor Sorinth just to surprise everyone, but I couldn't seem to make it work.
MeShelly - Once more, you are great for always reviewing. Thank you so much. And you leave long and helpful reviews, so thank you again.
Phoenixfeather - you got your action and from now on that's pretty much all there is. I know, I know, I left way too much time without anything happening, I'm sorry.
Emma the lame - ah, thank you for reading. Hope you get around to all those other fics.
Koku Kung - wait for it. Next chap, you'll see.
La mer - I'm glad I could surprise you.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Please stick around for more. There'll be lots in a week or so, once school calms down. I have surprisingly little to do around Christmas. Anyone else get special edition LotR: FotR? Isn't it awesome? So many Legolas scenes put back in!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!! Doesn't he look so hot after he gets that bow from Galadriel???????
The Stone of Malinya
"Ready and willing, but there is much to discuss first." Aragorn replied, somehow not surprised that Legolas had snuck up on him again.
"And what is that? We have the map, supplies, and the cover of night. I can think of little else we need." Legolas said, his tone slightly defensive. He did not wish to wait any longer to find the Stone, but would if Aragorn thought it absolutely necessary.
"I am unsure whether we should proceed tonight or not. These attacks are .." Aragorn stopped when the door began to open once more, but it was only Gimli.
"What about these attacks?" Gimli asked, joining the two.
"They seem to have become more bold, and frequent according to Lord Vecery. With the state of chaos Brelan is in I am not sure now is a good time to retrieve the Stone."
"What could be a better time? We will be gone only a few hours, in the dead of night when no one will miss us. And when we return we shall bring a treasure greater than ever had in Brelan. Perhaps we can even help to create peace between the rebels and Brelans through the Stone's power." Gimli said. He was as eager as his friends to find the Stone, but less patient.
"I had not thought of that. My mind has focussed mainly on reuniting the races of Middle Earth, not the factions of a country. But I suppose the outcome is the same. There would be peace, which is great motivation to set out tonight." Aragorn admitted, pleased he had come to a decision with his friends as to their course of action.
"Legolas, explain this map if you will." Aragorn requested, indicating the scroll the smiling Elf held.
"Of course. According to it the Stone lay somewhere beyond the boundaries of Miscalanth. This is the Elvish symbol of Malinya, where I believe the Stone to be hidden." Legolas explained.
"A logical assumption. Do you believe we know Brelan well enough to make our way to this location?" Gimli asked, studying the map and seeing few recognizable landmarks.
"I am unsure but we must try. There is an entry written about the map, by an Elven archivist. According to him, 'This will be the only account of the Stone's location, but even this is useless without the alliance of the races.' I am unsure what this means." Legolas admitted.
"What an odd thing to write. If this map leads to the Stone why would only the alliance of the races make it retrievable?" Gimli pondered aloud what they were all thinking.
"We shall have to find out when we get there. Perhaps there will be a clue wherever the Stone lies. Now I believe it has grown sufficiently late, and we must be off." Aragorn urged them, and they eagerly agreed.
Though Legolas had escaped the castle by scaling the walls they agreed that was not a sound choice of action for the three of them to follow. Instead they took a chance and quietly crept through the castle, melting into shadows and walking with silent feet. When they reached the lower levels of the castle they escaped through a low set window, knowing the door would be too loud and noticeable. They were now outside, near the castle's back entrance which was not as heavily guarded. But the few guards that did stay here were on full alert after the attack on their king and the trio did not think they would be able to sneak by them all.
They decided force would be necessary. Very silently Legolas crept up the wall and knocked out the two men on watch. Down below Aragorn and Gimli were doing the same to the foot soldiers. They were careful not to be seen so later the attack would most likely be credited to the rebels, and they did not do any lasting harm to any of the guards.
"We should get the horses." Aragorn suggested, and Legolas agreed. Gimli grumbled under his breath at the suggestion but did not voice any complaints because he knew it would be faster to take their steeds. They quickly made it to the stables and mounted, Gimli with Legolas and Aragorn leading the way. Jarinel neighed softly, thrilled to see Legolas. Though the Elf had come to see him everyday with sweets and exercised him, this was the first time they had truly set out since arriving in Miscalanth. They made sure they had all they needed then set off quickly into the night, silent whispers on the wind's wings.
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Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli soon reached the Hall of Records, where the map had been kept. This was one of the few locations still standing in Brelan that was on the ancient map, so they decided to use it as their starting off point.
Legolas held up the map, his elven eyesight making it possible to see even in the barest of moonlight, "We must ride north, for what appears to be near twenty miles. I do not recognize many of these places but the landscape may become clearer as we ride."
"Very well then. Lead the way my friend." Aragorn prompted him. He wished to find the Stone as quickly as possible so his presence would not be missed the next day. Deceiving potential allies was not something he enjoyed doing, and would prefer it more if he could find the Stone without Lord Vecery's knowledge.
Kicking his heels lightly to speed Jarinel on, Legolas led the way out of the city and into the dark of night. They had to ride through the city slower than they wished for they could not chance waking people in their homes, or possibly being followed, so needed silence. The moon was at only half its light but Legolas could still see clearly and found them passage through the city as swiftly as possible. Near an hour passed by the time they reached the wilderness surrounding Miscalanth. They continued north at full speed, covering much ground, but were shortly forced to stop and search for any landmarks that could date back thousands of years.
"Over here, I believe I saw this on our map." Gimli called, pointing to a familiar rock formation. "The years have changed their shape slightly but I am sure this is the same outcropping on the map. And if there's anything I know it is rocks."
"Yes, you are correct Gimli. It is good that you spotted this. We can ride another ten miles east without stopping now." Legolas commented, studying the map and then tucking it safely away. Suddenly his senses perked, and his body went on full alert. A half second later Aragorn and Gimli did the same, and they all looked about themselves suspiciously.
"I assume you both heard that." Aragorn asked needlessly, scanning the woods for any sign of the cause of their alert status. It had been the unmistakable sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Then it happened again; louder than before.
"There." Legolas said, indicating a patch of bushes as the source of the crunching. He slowly lifted his bow and drew out an arrow, taking aim for the bush and then letting it loose. He purposely shot wide, not wanting to hit whoever or whatever it was just yet, only wishing to draw it out from hiding. The three friends stood waiting tensely, anticipating some kind of reaction.
"Perhaps it was the wind." Gimli suggested, thinking they had all become paranoid due to their frequent running about, and secret agendas they had been playing out.
"It was not the wind." Legolas said, leaving no room for argument. Beside him Aragorn nodded. The man was about to suggest another shot when a great whinnying sounded from behind them. They all turned to see Jarinel go up on his back legs, clearly upset. Legolas moved to him, intent on calming the beast when their watchers decided to attack.
Wargs. Half a dozen only, yet surprise had been on their side as they had been amazingly quiet in their approach. But in truth they had not needed to approach at all. The three friends had unknowingly ridden directly into their hunting grounds, and the Wargs had only to be silent and watch for the perfect moment for attack, which had come.
The beasts attacked with great speed and the friends rushed to defend themselves. Aragorn withdrew his sword and with practiced ease sliced at the neck of the nearest beast as it leapt into the air, causing it to fall back lifelessly to the ground. He turned as another leapt at him, and easily side-stepped it as well. It came back around once more and leapt again, aiming for Aragorn's neck. The man drove his sword out and impaled the Warg, easily winning the battle.
Gimli hefted his ax high and brought it down mightily against the back of the first Warg to draw near. Grim satisfaction filled him as he gained some vengeance on the beasts for their attack against the company much earlier in their journey. Another Warg drew near and this time he struck from the side, knocking it dead to the ground. No more beasts attacked and the dwarf turned to see that Aragorn had finished off his opponents as well. Then the man's face changed from relief to terror as he saw something behind Gimli. The dwarf turned to see what it could be and shouted, "Legolas!" but it was too late.
The wargs came in too fast and close for his bow to be any good so Legolas immediately withdrew his hunting knives. The first warg came directly at him, not much of a strategy really, and was quickly dispatched with a quick swipe at its throat. Legolas did not watch as it dropped to the ground though, as he heard Jarinel neigh behind him once more. Turning quickly he saw another warg running straight for the defenceless horse.
Like lightning Legolas sheathed one of his knives then somersaulted beneath the horse's rearing back hooves. He unfurled and attacked the approaching warg almost before it could see him, catching the beast's underbelly with his knife as it leapt. But the elf's concern for his dear animal friend had kept him from being cautious and alert to his surroundings. Even before he could withdraw the knife from the belly of the warg another one leapt on top of him, having come straight from a nearby bush. They rolled once with Legolas losing his knife and ending up on the bottom. His head impacted roughly against a stone but he kept enough of his wits to bring forth his hands, which curled around the throat of the large beast, keeping its snapping jaws from ripping out his throat.
Dimly, Legolas heard his name being called from behind him in a warning that came too late. He was able to keep back the jaws of the warg, but its claws were beginning to dig deeply into his sides. Tightening his grip on the warg with his left hand he held back the animal as his right hand searched the ground for his knife. Just as the jaws started to come closer, and the foul stench of the warg's breath polluted his air, Legolas's hand grabbed a hold of his knife, which he quickly brought down into the warg's side. The beast growled and leapt off of him, knife still in its back as it recoiled from the attack. It was dying, but decided its last act would be one of vengeance and leapt towards Legolas once more. The elf began to roll to get away but it was unnecessary as two great back legs kicked at the warg in mid-air, sending it sprawling into a nearby tree where it soon died.
Jarinel neighed in victory, proud of defeating the warg, then bent down his nose and poked Legolas lightly in the head; his way of asking if the elf was all right.
"Thank you my friend, I am fine." Legolas said sincerely as he petted the horse's muzzle. Aragorn and Gimli soon approached, their run becoming a jog as they saw that Legolas had once more taken care of himself and they were no longer needed.
"Are you well Legolas?" Aragorn asked immediately. Normally he could tell easily but there was hardly any light and the only reason he had even seen the elf in trouble was by his weak silhouette against the moon, for he did not even glow as the Mist of Concealment had yet to wear off.
"I am fine," Legolas said as he rose to his feet. His head immediately throbbed in protest and he was forced to lean against Jarinel as the dimly lit world spun around him. When the dizziness passed he looked up to see Gimli and Aragorn giving him sceptical, yet concerned looks. "I may have bumped my head." He admitted, quietly and casually.
Aragorn sighed and approached, feeling the back of the elf's head for blood. There was none, thankfully, but there was a fine lump forming. "You should be all right. I am forced to wonder if these wargs were not a sign that we should head back. Have another attempt at the Stone at a later time."
Legolas did not agree in this and said so, "Aragorn, the city is breaking into turmoil, and we all know that if we do not act tonight we will not have another chance for possibly many months. We could never sneak out of the castle again as we did this night."
"I agree with Legolas. We should continue on tonight. We are all well, apart from Legolas's skull which is near impossible to fracture. Sometimes I believe he has a head made of mithril, and the brains to match." Gimli commented, trying to lighten the mood and Aragorn's doubts.
"A head and brain worth ten times more than your own, Gimli. It seems a fair description." Legolas replied, taking the jest in stride. If Gimli joked with him there was no way they had noticed his other injuries, and he expected to keep it that way. His head ached but it was not nearly as bad as the long slashes running down his sides from where the warg's claws had dug in. The dark of night would keep his friends from noticing the blood and by the time they did notice he would most likely be healed anyway.
"Let's be on our way, we only have so many hours of darkness to help us." Aragorn said, mounting his horse.
Legolas helped Gimli onto Jarinel's back and then jumped up himself. The horse made a sudden sound of protest, throwing its head back in the air as it did so. His friends may not have noticed Legolas's wounds, but his horse surely did.
"Calm down my friend, the wargs are gone." Legolas said softly, calming and reassuring the beast with a touch of his hand. Aragorn and Gimli were easily fooled by Legolas's cover-up of the horse's actions and dismissed them immediately.
"Let us now try to move with more caution my friends. Which way do we ride Legolas?" Aragorn asked.
The elf studied the map for only a moment and pointed east, "That way." Aragorn nodded and they were on their way once more.
As they rode Legolas was sure to wrap his cloak tightly around himself to keep Gimli from noticing the blood on his tunic. Jarinel made another sound of protest but Legolas quickly quieted him once more.
The group sped away, eager to leave the valley of wargs behind them. None of them saw the owner of the dark eyes that watched them as they left.
~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~
"This is it," Legolas announced, stopping Jarinel and dismounting in one fluid motion. They had ridden for nearly an hour, stopping only to check the map several times, and they had finally reached their destination.
"This is what?" Gimli asked, jumping off the horse with little grace but much relief.
"Where the map ends," Legolas explained grimly. The sight before them was not one they had expected. It was a patch of forest, not unlike the miles of woods around it. There was a small valley with a stream running nearby, within a thick patch of trees, and large boulders riddled the landscape in front of a high hill, but beyond that there was nothing.
"I suppose we should not have assumed the Stone would be lying out in the open after all these years. We shall have to search for it. But at least we know the general location now, which is more than anyone has known in the last six millennia." Aragorn said, but his voice still held a hint of disappointment. If they could not find the Stone within the next few hours they would have to turn back empty-handed.
"We can still look. It may simply be buried, or hidden in a tree." Gimli suggested. Looking about it seemed possible, there were a variety of places that the Stone may have been hidden and never found, simply because it was never looked for. There was also the possibility that the Stone was indeed buried. A theory which gave them little hope of ever finding it. Still, the friends spread out and began to search through tree and under rock.
As Legolas walked by a group of boulders settled near the water he happened to run his hand along the rock-face. He then stopped as a great flood of warmth and an unexplained joy passed through him. For long minutes he marvelled at the rock, wondering what could cause such a feeling. It was then he remembered something he himself had said only several weeks before:
"Some say it instils great warmth in the heart of Elves and others say that a great wave of joy passes through the person and some say both."
He smiled then and called out, "Aragorn, Gimli, I believe I have found something!" never removing his hand from the rock.
His friends found him easily enough, seeing him in the moonlight and raced over to hear what he had found.
"What is it?" Gimli asked as they neared.
Legolas turned to them, smiling, "The Stone is near. I can feel its presence. I believe it lies somewhere behind this rock-face."
"And how would it get back there?" Gimli asked sceptically, noting the great size of the boulder and knowing it could not be moved, and most likely never had been. The rock-face was built into the side of a rather large hill that rose suddenly. Legolas clearly seemed to believe the Stone of Malinya lay somewhere behind, but how that could be they could not guess.
"It seems that is the riddle we must answer to find it." Aragorn replied, having complete faith in Legolas's senses and believing the Stone to be nearby.
Legolas reluctantly moved his hand away from the rocks, ending the stream of warmth and joy, and pulled the map from his belt. He read the words written underneath once more:
"'This will be the only account of the Stone's location, but even this is useless without the alliance of the races."
He read this aloud, giving his companions a chance to think over the strange words as well.
"It is at least clear to me that if there is an entrance we must find it together." Aragorn pointed out and the others had to agree. So together they searched along the large boulders, looking for any sign of an entrance.
Aragorn brushed his hand over a patch of moss and was surprised to find an indent in the rock underneath. An indent which perfectly fit the shape of a man's hand.
"What's this?" He asked, brushing the moss away. By the time Legolas and Gimli turned to see what he had found Aragorn had brushed away most of the moss. Underneath they were surprised to find not just one, but three different sets of imprints set into the hard stone. The first two sets were large and set at chest height with Aragorn, with the first set having slightly longer fingers than the second. The third handprint was smaller and set lower in the rock-face, obviously for someone of smaller stature.
"'The Alliance of Races', Elves, Men and Dwarves." Legolas whispered, intrigued.
"It would seem we have found what we were looking for." Aragorn said, tracing the outline of the 'man's' hand with his fingertips.
"If it is an entrance then what are we waiting for? Put your hands in the damn things." Gimli ordered, not waiting for the others and pushing his smaller hand into the lower imprint. Legolas and Aragorn smiled and did the same, slowly fitting their fingers into the rock impressions.
At first nothing happened, Legolas did not even feel the wave of joy and warmth he had earlier, but then it happened. The rock seemed to come alive and the stone beneath their fingertips glowed, but did not grow hot. A strange buzzing filled the air and when it was gone so was the rock. From beneath their very fingers the stone disappeared, revealing a doorway that was only just wide and high enough to walk through.
The three friends stepped back, shocked. After a moment they stepped closer and peered inside; there was a hall, seemingly short, leading into the ground.
"The Stone of Malinya lies inside. We have nearly brought peace to Middle- Earth, shall we take a few more steps and make it true?" Legolas asked, his joy unending as it was fuelled by their discovery and the emotions pouring from the Stone itself.
"We shall. And we will do it together, for it took all of us to find it. I do not wish to taint this moment with heavy words but the sun will rise soon. We must move quickly." Aragorn said.
"Let's go then. Time waits for no Man, Dwarf, or Elf." Gimli added, pushing forward and taking the lead into the doorway.
Aragorn and Legolas followed shortly behind. When they entered they found that what they had first thought to be a hallway was actually a great room. The floor was smooth and cool, as were the walls and they seemed to lightly glow. Near the far side of the room the ceiling sloped down suddenly and abruptly hit the floor.
"This is a strange structure indeed." No sooner had the words left Legolas's mouth than the door behind them suddenly appeared once more, trapping them inside. They turned, shocked, but relaxed when they saw that the three handprints now appeared on the opposite side. It seemed leaving would be as simple as entering had been. Once the door closed the walls glowed even brighter, now fully illuminating the room. There was nothing more to see than before, but now they could at least see each other.
Legolas quickly wrapped his cloak around himself once more. The cuts along his side were now healed but there was still blood on his tunic, and he did not wish to worry his friends or receive a lecture about not hiding injuries.
"It would seem we have come to a dead end. I know not where to go from here," Aragorn admitted, looking over the room. The only doorway appeared to be the one they had just come from; he could see no other entrances or exits.
Legolas looked the room over and moved to the far wall, where the structure sloped abruptly. He traced his foot carefully over the floor and then knelt to look closer.
"There are cracks here in the stone," He announced, tracing the square to show its location, "There must be a switch to open it somehow."
"Maybe it's this." Gimli said, pointing towards a rune engraved into the wall. Legolas looked up and immediately recognized it as the symbol of Malinya, but before he could say anything Gimli touched the rune.
The stone square Legolas had traced suddenly moved, surprising Aragorn, who had been standing on it, and nearly causing him to lose his balance. The rock retracted into the wall revealing a set of stone stairs.
"How odd, Elves do not usually build structures that lead underground." Aragorn commented, after glaring at Gimli for having touched the symbol.
"They will if forced to secrecy or hiding." Legolas commented then began to lead the way down the steps.
This time they did find themselves in a corridor but it was short and they walked for only a few moments before coming to the next room. This room was small and plain, but good things come in small packages as they say, for on an altar in the center of the room sat the Stone of Malinya.
It was a perfectly round sphere that sat motionless on its podium. Within it there was a light that glowed as no other light did, it was as if someone had trapped a rainbow inside it and then forced it to glow a thousand times more beautiful than before. It was no color and every color at the same time, burning so beautifully it put the moon to shame. How anyone could lock away something so beautiful for so many millennia was something the friends could not understand.
Finally their quest was ended, they had found that which could reunite the races. It was more beautiful than they had imagined, and finally understood how its creator could possibly rival the beauty of Galadriel. In these few moments, it all became worth it. The secrecy, deception, attacks, surprises and late night meetings seemed a small price to pay for something of such beauty and importance.
"The Stone of Malinya," Gimli whispered in awe. The three stood silent for a long time, appreciating the beauty of the Stone and respecting its power. The Stone seemed to cast a spell on the friends, but finally they broke free and remembered their task.
"I am pleased beyond words to at last find Malinya's Stone," Aragorn said, stepping forward, "Myth becomes truth once more it seems, only this great power shall be used for good, to unite Middle-Earth. Long it has waited to be looked upon once more but alas, I must now hide it away again and keep it secret as we pass through this land. I do not know if I can bear to turn it from my eyes."
"You have the strength, and long will you be able to gaze upon it when you are back in your own country. For now we must hide it, and we also must go. The night has grown late, so late that we have in fact entered the early morn." Legolas announced, it was not a joyful thing for them to leave, but the elf could not hold back the joy that the Stone had created in his being and this reflected in his voice.
Aragorn nodded and picked up the Stone, finding it lighter than he had expected and able to fit snugly in his two closed palms. With no more words he wrapped it in a cloth and tucked it away in his bag. Then the three turned and left the chamber, moved back up the staircase and left the room behind, never to return.
"It shall be a great day in Gondor when I return with this high above my head to reunite the lands and bring joy and peace back to the races." Aragorn said, his mind wandering as they all stepped forward and once more placed their hands in the imprints to open the door.
As they walked Legolas felt the joy of their accomplishment as well as the emotions from the Stone and couldn't help but smile broadly. But this joy quickly faded as the door to the cavern opened once more, revealing the outside world.
As the three friends stepped through the doorway they found themselves face to face with a dozen arrow tips. Well over twenty men stood before them, some with bows drawn and notched, and others with swords. They seemed ready and willing to shoot, and not the least bit surprised that a Man, Dwarf, and Elf had just walked out of the side of a rock-face. They seemed familiar to the three companions somehow, though they could place a name to none.
Aragorn had a sinking feeling that they had just run into the rebels responsible for the recent string of attacks on themselves and Lord Vecery.
The company stood shocked for a moment then began to reach for their weapons, hoping they wouldn't have to use them. They had fought their way through worse situations before but usually against Orcs and Goblins, not against Men. Suddenly a voice rang out from behind the men.
"I wouldn't do that Lord Elessar. It could prove to be the death of you. And I most certainly don't want that."
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli turned in the direction the voice had come from to see its owner step forward.
"Risorine?"
TBC
Maybe it's a shock, maybe it's not. Depends if you looked too into it, or if you followed the clues. They'll be more shortly (looks up meaning of 'shortly' in the dictionary and cringes). Uh, hopefully anyway. Many thanks to great reviewers, I love you all.
Eowyn Greenleaf - Your suspicions about Risorine were correct, as were many others. I was gonna make the traitor Sorinth just to surprise everyone, but I couldn't seem to make it work.
MeShelly - Once more, you are great for always reviewing. Thank you so much. And you leave long and helpful reviews, so thank you again.
Phoenixfeather - you got your action and from now on that's pretty much all there is. I know, I know, I left way too much time without anything happening, I'm sorry.
Emma the lame - ah, thank you for reading. Hope you get around to all those other fics.
Koku Kung - wait for it. Next chap, you'll see.
La mer - I'm glad I could surprise you.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Please stick around for more. There'll be lots in a week or so, once school calms down. I have surprisingly little to do around Christmas. Anyone else get special edition LotR: FotR? Isn't it awesome? So many Legolas scenes put back in!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!! Doesn't he look so hot after he gets that bow from Galadriel???????