AN:

Sorry for the very slow update . . . .

Chapter 16: Mithrandir

For two days they have followed the tracks. The Uru-kai's were fast on their feet and they did not seem to rest at all. But the fellowship were lucky for there were always visible signs left by the Uru-kai's, it is as if they wanted to be followed. Stopping to read the trail once more, Aragorn was certain they were indeed on the right track. The Uru-kai's with their two captives were headed to Isengard and they were passing through Rohan.

Aragorn was tired and he knew that the other too felt the same. It has been two days since either of them ate or slept. They ran day and night, stopping only to read the trail. Looking at Gimli, Aragorn was amazed that the dwarf has been able to keep up with them especially with Legolas. Gimli's stride seemed to match Legolas' and he did not even look to be trying hard in doing so.

' I see something over the plain. . . . something moving and moving fast ' called out Legolas as he stood atop a hill.

' How far are they ' asked Aragorn

' Twelve leagues, I guess, maybe more or less . . . the flatness of the plain is hard to measure ' answered Legolas

' Then we must start again if we plan to catch them ' said Aragorn

Looking then at Gimli, he then asked ' Can you still keep up my friend? '

Gimli smirked ' The wind is at my feet my friend. I am certain that I can keep up with both of you. '

Nodding, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas started out again.

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For two days Saeth had been teleporting himself form Frodo and Sam to Merry and Pippen and to Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli. He wanted to make sure that all of them were safe. The constant use of magic without neither rest nor food was starting to take its toll on the commander. But he did not take heed for he knew that if Lenae were here in his place, she would do the same.

On the third night, Aragorn and the others decided that they should take a rest for it was hard to keep on going. Clouds that were thick and dark had covered the moon that night, making the path too dark and dangerous to traverse on. That same night, Frodo and Sam too had decided to take a rest. So Saeth that he should see to the welfare of Merry and Pippen. Their captures had been arguing a lot and the two hobbits were in danger. Hastily creating a barrier around Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn, Saeth then teleported to Merry and Pippen, for Saeth felt trouble arising. True enough, that night the Uru-kai's had a big fight with each other and then the riders from Rohan came and attacked. With Saeth's help, the hobbits were able to escape into Fanghorn without injury and they too were able to meet Treebeard, which then took them under his care. After making sure that the hobbits were safe with Treebeard and checking up Frodo and Sam, Saeth teleported back to Legolas . . . two days had gone passed by then. When Saeth teleported back, he was just in time. Aragorn had just called out to the riders of Rohan, now they were presently being surrounded. After a few heated words with Eomer wherein weapons were brought out, an understanding was met. Giving the three companions horses and a tale about the slain orcs, the group went their separate ways.

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An hour has passed since they began searching the area for any signs that might tell them that the hobbits were alive. So far they had only seen the belt burnt along with the dead bodies. Keeping his eyes focused on the ground, Aragorn found the ropes that were used to bind the hobbits. A few steps away he found prints leading into Fanghorn. Slowly following the tracks, they entered the enchanted forest. Tales of evil was said about this forest, so they had their weapons ready. Deeper into Fanghorn they went, uneasiness growing for they had felt that something or someone was watching them. Then suddenly out of no where a bright light appeared before them. With quick reflexes Legolas had an arrow flying toward the light, but it was deflected. When the light subsided, all three gasped.

' Mithrandir ' cried out Legolas as he immediately knelt down.

Aragorn and Gimli were left standing, staring at Gandalf whose beard had turned white, wearing white robes and holding unto a white staff. Recovering from his shock, Aragorn finally was able to speak.

' How? ' he asked

' It is a long story ' said Gandalf

' Now let us all sit and I will tell you all and after which you will tell me the tale of your journey ' he added

All three listened attentively to Gandalf's tale of how he defeated Bal-rog and how he became a white wizard. After which Aragorn told him of all that has occurred to the fellowship starting from the time of the mines until to the present.

' It seems that all of us had been in dire situations. I suggest we rest before we head out to Edoras. Fear not Gimli son of Glion for the hobbits merry and Pippen are in good hands for they are presently with the company of a good friend. ' said Gandalf

Gimli wanted to protest that they should look for Merry and Pippen when he heard that they were going to Edoras. But Gandalf had somehow read his mind. So he kept quiet and gave a nod.

Looking at his surroundings, Gandalf gave a slight frown. He had not seen Lenae, but what he saw puzzled him. Saeth was there and he had taken up the task of protecting Legolas. Because of his now found powers Gandalf had been able to see Saeth even without the pearl and he knows that Saeth knew that he was seen. What puzzled Gandalf even more as to why Saeth did not make a move towards him?

From the time they met Gandalf, Legolas did not have the courage to look at him in the eye. For he knows that he failed Gandalf . . . . he was not able to protect Lenae. He also berated himself for forgetting about her. He had to tell Gandalf about Lenae, so after the their meal, he made his move.

' What ails you Legolas? ' Gandalf asked as he sensed Legolas approaching him

' I bring you ill news Mithrandir ' Legolas spoke out, reaching into his pocket he took out the pearl and handed it back to Gandalf

' I have failed you Mithrandir . . . I was not able to protect . . . . ' a lump in Legolas' throat had prevented him from finishing what he was about to say. Knowing that he can no longer utter another word, he just hung his head.

Taking the pearl from him, Gandalf saw in his mind the events that had occurred and more for he too saw what went on with Lenae and Saeth. After seeing everything that had transpired, he gave a smile.

' You have not failed me Legolas son of Thranduil . . . you took care of her and for that I am grateful. What had happened to Lenae was out of your control. Powers stronger than you and mine caused it. Do not grieve young elf for shadows never truly leave you. When the light is facing you the shadow is behind you, when the light is above the shadow is below you, but when the light is behind you, only then can you see the shadow in front of you. So do not burden yourself Legolas. Lle ume quel (you did well) '

Gandalf then made his way near the fire and started making his bed. Legolas stood in his place, dazed. Gandalf was once again talking in riddles, and he was greatly confused with this one.

' What did Mithrandir mean? ' Legolas thought

A hand then grabbed Legolas' shoulder, snapping him out from his reverie. Turning to face the intruder with his knife out, Legolas then re-sheathed it for he saw that it was only Aragorn.

' It is now the hour for my watch Legolas, take your rest ' said Aragorn

Legolas only nodded, it had been four hours since his conversation with Gandalf but he was unaware about it until Aragorn came. Climbing up on a tree, Legolas went into his trance-like state to rest.

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Saeth looked on as Gandalf told his tale followed by Aragorn. He knew that Gandalf saw him even without the pearl for the powers of a white wizard made it possible. He also knew that Gandlaf was greatly puzzled by his presence and the absence of Lenae but he did not make any move to confront Gandalf. It was up to the young prince, to tell him what had happened to Lenae. Seeing Legolas reach into his pocket, he suddenly felt some power around Legolas. His eyes widened . . . So Gandalf gave the young prince the pearl . . . a detail Lenae forgot to tell him. Backing further into the shadow of the trees, Saeth made sure he was out of Legolas' eyesight for he did not want to seen, Saeth was sure if Legolas saw him, Legolas was sure to confront him about Lenae.

Keeping a close watch, Saeth listened to Gandalf and Legolas' conversation. Saeth could see that the young prince was deeply affected by the loss of Lenae . . . somehow his cold-hearted niece has won the affection of the prince. After the conversation, Saeth never left Legolas' side . . . the young prince had seem to be deep in thought that he was not aware of what was happening around him, he was not even aware that he had been standing in the same place for hours. He needed to be protected now of all times and Saeth made sure he did.

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Three days has passed since Lenae started practicing, only stopping to eat or to attend to her duties at the tower. And because she was so pre-occupied about defeating the dark Lord that she did not notice that her connection with Legolas had returned or that Mithrandir had once again walked the plains of middle earth.