Title: - Wethrine
Rating: - PG-13 (may increase later)
Summary: - A potential alliance with a secretive and suspicious Realm
threatens Gondor but will the danger be realised before all is lost.
Authors notes: - This is the first chapter of a new story. I would like to
thank Beth, who beta read this for me. I would love any suggestions on how
to improve and if there is anything you like, please say. Feedback is
greatly appreciated. Unfortunately due to university work and exams this
may not be regularly updated, I will try for once a week but if not I
apologise in advance. I am trying to make this a longer story than my
others but time and bouts of writers block may prevent this. Anyway enough
of me. Please review! Enjoy!
*
The silver fish flashed in and out of the reeds, its scales glistening in the light of the sun's rays that shifted and moved with the currents of the pool. A pale hand reached towards it but instead of fleeing, the little fish swam towards it. Swimming excitedly around the hand, it paused, nudged the hand and then swam away into the depths. The pale hand withdrew gracefully and the elf that it belonged to twisted and swam towards the cool depths. His blonde hair floated at all angles and he arched his body letting the cool water caress his skin. A sudden "woosh" caught his attention and he saw a little form descend into the water. A hobbit, Pippin probably, splashed towards the surface. Slowly rising to the surface he felt another splash as Merry joined Pippin. Breaking the surface he watched the two youngest hobbits splash around. Frodo and Sam were lying on the shore watching the clouds float past. Aragorn was sat with his feet in the water flicking stones away from the swimmers and Gimli was snoring loudly, which gave the elf an idea.
Swimming gracefully towards the shore he climbed out.
"Don't." Aragorn said lightly without looking at Legolas.
"What?" the elf exclaimed in wide-eyed innocence. Aragorn laughed.
"You know exactly what my friend."
"I am shocked at your lack of faith in me. It hurts!" Legolas exclaimed his face twisted in mock anguish and his hand clutched his chest. Aragorn continued laughing.
"Fine, go ahead but do not come to me for protection."
Legolas lifted his head high and sniffed.
"Elves need no help from mere mortals." Smiling, he walked up to Gimli clutching a water skin that he had picked up from near Aragorn. Holding the skin high above Gimli he tipped it slightly letting a single drop fall. It hit Gimli squarely on the nose. The dwarf sniffed and wiggled his nose. Legolas let another drop fall hitting the dwarf in the same place. Gimli muttered something and scratched his nose. Legolas bit his lip to keep from laughing. He let two drops fall and Gimli growled and turned his head. Just as Legolas was about to pour some more Gimli's eyes snapped open.
"Why you little pointed eared." his rant dissolving into spluttering as Legolas emptied the skin. At Gimli's outraged roar Legolas laughed and danced away.
"You've done it now!" Aragorn commented to the laughing elf.
"It was worth it."
Aragorn shook his head and a smile crept across his face as he watched Merry and Pippin sneak up on the elf that was too busy watching Gimli struggle to his feet. The hobbits let out a cry and charged the elf causing the three of them to fall in the water with a huge splash. Aragorn, Frodo and Sam burst into laughter.
Legolas emerged and glared at the hobbits.
"I do declare the wrath of my kingdom of elves on you two for the outrage you have caused me."
Aragorn howled with laughter. Legolas would have succeeded in appearing an annoyed prince if he was not grinning wildly. Legolas laughed.
"I do believe, King of Gondor, that you are having too much fun at my expense." Legolas then proceeded to splash water all over the laughing king. Aragorn stopped laughing immediately. Legolas just gave him a smug look.
"Children," Gimli muttered darkly sitting next to Aragorn.
The hobbits and elf began a lively water fight.
** A few hours later the group lay on the bank bathing in the sun when the sound of approaching hoof beats attracted Legolas's attention.
"Someone approaches. Many men on horses," he announced and Aragorn sat up.
"Who do you think it is?" Frodo asked.
"Gondor is expecting a delegation from Thera but they should not be here till tomorrow." Aragorn said rising to his feet.
"Thera?" Gimli asked.
"A large city to the east. We need their aid to help rebuild Gondor and Rohan. They are a secretive people and easily offended but they have a large army at their disposal and the economic and political gains will be great. To have an ally in the east will greatly enhance Gondor's position and will hopefully gain her more allies, allies that we sorely need. It will be a difficult negotiation I think," Aragorn sighed.
"Your friends and allies are with you," Legolas said as he put on a white shirt and brushed the dirt off his leggings. The hobbits and dwarf also stood up and watched the delegation approach.
About twenty riders made up the group. All were wearing polished armour that glittered in the sunlight. A burgundy coloured eagle was worn proudly on each breastplate and also adorned the dark green banners held high by the heralds. In the centre of the group rode two riders upon large black horses, the ambassadors. Their features were stern, uncompromising and their eyes coolly surveyed the surroundings, missing nothing.
The horses slowed and halted but no move was made to dismount. One of the two riders rode forward, the horse snorting and dancing nervously.
"Emperor Thalos requests an audience with King Aragorn of Gondor," the man called clearly looking straight at Aragorn with ill concealed distaste. His eyes scanned Aragorn noting the dirt and ripped clothing.
Aragorn inwardly sighed. He must look a state. A great start.
"Emperor Thalos, I welcome you to Gondor. I hope your journey was uneventful. If you would follow me I will show you to the palace." Aragorn responded respectfully. He had not been informed that the Emperor was to be part of the party.
The man indicated with his hand that he was to lead on. Legolas whistled and two elvish horses appeared.
"Gimli, would you accompany the hobbits back?" Aragorn asked.
Gimli nodded and stepped backwards as the delegation from Thera trotted past. Not one looked at the five.
"This could be interesting," Gimli said as he watched the group disappear in the distance.
** Legolas galloped ahead of the group to alert those at the gate of Gondor of the delegation's arrival. A welcome party quickly formed and soldiers carrying the banners of Gondor, Rohan and Thera lined the route to the main citadel. Legolas dismounted and took his place next to Faramir and Eomer. Faramir glanced across at the dishevelled elf.
"How do they seem to you?" he asked as he heard the fanfare announcing the arrival of the King and the delegation.
"Full of pride. We will have to be careful."
Faramir turned back as the clatter of many hooves echoed across the cobbles. The delegation came into view lead by Aragorn. Coming to a halt in perfect formation, the Therans dismounted. The emperor and his aide gave their reins to one of their party and stepped forward. Aragorn walked up the steps and began the introductions.
"Emperor Thalos, Ambassador Urguth, this is King Eomer of Rohan," Eomer nodded his head politely and offered a smile. Thalos nodded back his eyes scanning the young king taking every detail in. Urguth's facial expression held the same distaste as it did for Aragorn.
Aragorn moved along to introduce Faramir and then Legolas. Thalos paused, his gaze intently fixed of the elf. Legolas returned the look but nodded his head as he was introduced.
"What is an elf doing in a Kingdom of men?" Thalos asked suddenly. His voice quiet but with an underlying authority that emphasised his position as a commander. Legolas frowned at the question. It was well known that he often visited Gondor.
"King Elessar is a great friend of mine and my Kingdom is an ally." The elf replied.
"I thought elves thought of themselves as above men and therefore men not worthy of their attention." Urguth sneered.
"I have known men to be capable of acts of great compassion, bravery and valour. I do not consider myself as above men." Legolas replied calmly. He was well aware of some men's views of elves and did not let it concern him.
Urguth stepped forward but Thalos stopped him.
"That is enough." He snapped quietly. Thalos turned his attention back to the elf.
"I am sorry." He apologised.
"No need Emperor." Legolas said. Thalos turned and walked to be introduced to one of Aragorn's advisors. Legolas caught Aragorn's eye as the King passed and smiled at the grateful look Aragorn flashed him for not making a scene. Urguth sneered, as he brushed past the elf. The man's touch felt like electricity and he jerked backwards. Looking at the man he froze. His face had cracked like it was far too dry and the cracks bled black blood. His eyes flamed red and his face contorted in an evil hiss.
"Elf," he hissed causing shivers to run down his spine.
"Legolas," A voice called and he felt his arm being pulled. Closing his eyes he mentally shook himself. Opening his eyes and he saw Eomer looking concernedly at him.
"Legolas, are you well?"
"Yes. Yes, I am fine. Too long in the sun I fear," he smiled. Eomer frowned at him, not believing a word.
"We must go inside."
Legolas nodded and followed Eomer. He rubbed his arm subconsciously where Urguth had brushed against it. Urguth turned to look at him and smiled.
**
*
The silver fish flashed in and out of the reeds, its scales glistening in the light of the sun's rays that shifted and moved with the currents of the pool. A pale hand reached towards it but instead of fleeing, the little fish swam towards it. Swimming excitedly around the hand, it paused, nudged the hand and then swam away into the depths. The pale hand withdrew gracefully and the elf that it belonged to twisted and swam towards the cool depths. His blonde hair floated at all angles and he arched his body letting the cool water caress his skin. A sudden "woosh" caught his attention and he saw a little form descend into the water. A hobbit, Pippin probably, splashed towards the surface. Slowly rising to the surface he felt another splash as Merry joined Pippin. Breaking the surface he watched the two youngest hobbits splash around. Frodo and Sam were lying on the shore watching the clouds float past. Aragorn was sat with his feet in the water flicking stones away from the swimmers and Gimli was snoring loudly, which gave the elf an idea.
Swimming gracefully towards the shore he climbed out.
"Don't." Aragorn said lightly without looking at Legolas.
"What?" the elf exclaimed in wide-eyed innocence. Aragorn laughed.
"You know exactly what my friend."
"I am shocked at your lack of faith in me. It hurts!" Legolas exclaimed his face twisted in mock anguish and his hand clutched his chest. Aragorn continued laughing.
"Fine, go ahead but do not come to me for protection."
Legolas lifted his head high and sniffed.
"Elves need no help from mere mortals." Smiling, he walked up to Gimli clutching a water skin that he had picked up from near Aragorn. Holding the skin high above Gimli he tipped it slightly letting a single drop fall. It hit Gimli squarely on the nose. The dwarf sniffed and wiggled his nose. Legolas let another drop fall hitting the dwarf in the same place. Gimli muttered something and scratched his nose. Legolas bit his lip to keep from laughing. He let two drops fall and Gimli growled and turned his head. Just as Legolas was about to pour some more Gimli's eyes snapped open.
"Why you little pointed eared." his rant dissolving into spluttering as Legolas emptied the skin. At Gimli's outraged roar Legolas laughed and danced away.
"You've done it now!" Aragorn commented to the laughing elf.
"It was worth it."
Aragorn shook his head and a smile crept across his face as he watched Merry and Pippin sneak up on the elf that was too busy watching Gimli struggle to his feet. The hobbits let out a cry and charged the elf causing the three of them to fall in the water with a huge splash. Aragorn, Frodo and Sam burst into laughter.
Legolas emerged and glared at the hobbits.
"I do declare the wrath of my kingdom of elves on you two for the outrage you have caused me."
Aragorn howled with laughter. Legolas would have succeeded in appearing an annoyed prince if he was not grinning wildly. Legolas laughed.
"I do believe, King of Gondor, that you are having too much fun at my expense." Legolas then proceeded to splash water all over the laughing king. Aragorn stopped laughing immediately. Legolas just gave him a smug look.
"Children," Gimli muttered darkly sitting next to Aragorn.
The hobbits and elf began a lively water fight.
** A few hours later the group lay on the bank bathing in the sun when the sound of approaching hoof beats attracted Legolas's attention.
"Someone approaches. Many men on horses," he announced and Aragorn sat up.
"Who do you think it is?" Frodo asked.
"Gondor is expecting a delegation from Thera but they should not be here till tomorrow." Aragorn said rising to his feet.
"Thera?" Gimli asked.
"A large city to the east. We need their aid to help rebuild Gondor and Rohan. They are a secretive people and easily offended but they have a large army at their disposal and the economic and political gains will be great. To have an ally in the east will greatly enhance Gondor's position and will hopefully gain her more allies, allies that we sorely need. It will be a difficult negotiation I think," Aragorn sighed.
"Your friends and allies are with you," Legolas said as he put on a white shirt and brushed the dirt off his leggings. The hobbits and dwarf also stood up and watched the delegation approach.
About twenty riders made up the group. All were wearing polished armour that glittered in the sunlight. A burgundy coloured eagle was worn proudly on each breastplate and also adorned the dark green banners held high by the heralds. In the centre of the group rode two riders upon large black horses, the ambassadors. Their features were stern, uncompromising and their eyes coolly surveyed the surroundings, missing nothing.
The horses slowed and halted but no move was made to dismount. One of the two riders rode forward, the horse snorting and dancing nervously.
"Emperor Thalos requests an audience with King Aragorn of Gondor," the man called clearly looking straight at Aragorn with ill concealed distaste. His eyes scanned Aragorn noting the dirt and ripped clothing.
Aragorn inwardly sighed. He must look a state. A great start.
"Emperor Thalos, I welcome you to Gondor. I hope your journey was uneventful. If you would follow me I will show you to the palace." Aragorn responded respectfully. He had not been informed that the Emperor was to be part of the party.
The man indicated with his hand that he was to lead on. Legolas whistled and two elvish horses appeared.
"Gimli, would you accompany the hobbits back?" Aragorn asked.
Gimli nodded and stepped backwards as the delegation from Thera trotted past. Not one looked at the five.
"This could be interesting," Gimli said as he watched the group disappear in the distance.
** Legolas galloped ahead of the group to alert those at the gate of Gondor of the delegation's arrival. A welcome party quickly formed and soldiers carrying the banners of Gondor, Rohan and Thera lined the route to the main citadel. Legolas dismounted and took his place next to Faramir and Eomer. Faramir glanced across at the dishevelled elf.
"How do they seem to you?" he asked as he heard the fanfare announcing the arrival of the King and the delegation.
"Full of pride. We will have to be careful."
Faramir turned back as the clatter of many hooves echoed across the cobbles. The delegation came into view lead by Aragorn. Coming to a halt in perfect formation, the Therans dismounted. The emperor and his aide gave their reins to one of their party and stepped forward. Aragorn walked up the steps and began the introductions.
"Emperor Thalos, Ambassador Urguth, this is King Eomer of Rohan," Eomer nodded his head politely and offered a smile. Thalos nodded back his eyes scanning the young king taking every detail in. Urguth's facial expression held the same distaste as it did for Aragorn.
Aragorn moved along to introduce Faramir and then Legolas. Thalos paused, his gaze intently fixed of the elf. Legolas returned the look but nodded his head as he was introduced.
"What is an elf doing in a Kingdom of men?" Thalos asked suddenly. His voice quiet but with an underlying authority that emphasised his position as a commander. Legolas frowned at the question. It was well known that he often visited Gondor.
"King Elessar is a great friend of mine and my Kingdom is an ally." The elf replied.
"I thought elves thought of themselves as above men and therefore men not worthy of their attention." Urguth sneered.
"I have known men to be capable of acts of great compassion, bravery and valour. I do not consider myself as above men." Legolas replied calmly. He was well aware of some men's views of elves and did not let it concern him.
Urguth stepped forward but Thalos stopped him.
"That is enough." He snapped quietly. Thalos turned his attention back to the elf.
"I am sorry." He apologised.
"No need Emperor." Legolas said. Thalos turned and walked to be introduced to one of Aragorn's advisors. Legolas caught Aragorn's eye as the King passed and smiled at the grateful look Aragorn flashed him for not making a scene. Urguth sneered, as he brushed past the elf. The man's touch felt like electricity and he jerked backwards. Looking at the man he froze. His face had cracked like it was far too dry and the cracks bled black blood. His eyes flamed red and his face contorted in an evil hiss.
"Elf," he hissed causing shivers to run down his spine.
"Legolas," A voice called and he felt his arm being pulled. Closing his eyes he mentally shook himself. Opening his eyes and he saw Eomer looking concernedly at him.
"Legolas, are you well?"
"Yes. Yes, I am fine. Too long in the sun I fear," he smiled. Eomer frowned at him, not believing a word.
"We must go inside."
Legolas nodded and followed Eomer. He rubbed his arm subconsciously where Urguth had brushed against it. Urguth turned to look at him and smiled.
**