A Mother's Touch

Summery: Gondor is threatened, and a journey west puts Eowyn, Gimli and Legolas right on their foes' doorstep. And when the leader of the cursed captors is revealed to them as Legolas' own mother, whom he thought had perished years ago, his friends must fight for not only Gondor, but also for him.

Author's Note: this story is AU, only because I openly admit that I am not an expert on Middle Earth, and there are things I am sure will not be right, or completely add up. However, I will try not to get overly carried away despite some changes needed for this piece of Fan Fiction, and remain true to Tolkien's world . He's the genius, not me. That I also openly admit.

Disclaimer: As you might have already guessed, I claim no ownership to any of Tolkien's characters, places, or anything you recognize. I own only the plot, which contains the characters and places, and anything you recognize. I'm making no profit, and my only pay for this, is the reviews, so please, by all means, send me one. Thanks.

Chapter One: Loss

The stench of blood and death filled the small city of Osgiliath as the wounded and fallen were carried and laid out for the few and scattered healers, that went quickly to work to save the lives of the injured soldiers of the recent battle. The streets were littered with the fallen blades of Gondor's heroes and also mixed with the bodies of the slaughtered orcs and goblins that had broken in quickly and done enough damage before the men of Gondor finally felled them all, after less than an hours of combat. This like the attacks before it, had come quickly and seemed as if the foul creatures came upon them, only to be killed. They were suicidal in their quests, and that was what worried the city's king the most.

Six years had passed since the fall of Sauron, and Aragorn had hoped that with the falling of the great dark lord, that his remaining minions of various races would die down, and retreat. It seemed as if his wish had come true, and for years the beasts had been successfully kept at bay and under control. With help from Gondor's allies, as well as the remaining first born, the evil of Sauron and Saruman had subsided, but now, the evil creatures were returning and from the way the attacks were occurring, it seemed as if they were following another's order, for these mindless slaves knew nothing unless it was commanded of them. He prayed that he still had the counsel of Lord Elrond and Lady Galadriel. Even that of Gandalf, but they were gone now. The last of the immortals had heeded to the calling of the sea, and now mankind was truly left to manage the lands of Middle Earth.

His friendships with Gimli and Eomer kept the peoples of Rohan, Gondor and the Glittering Caves loyal allies, and was a great help in the restoration of the world, however this new enemy was greatly disturbing to Elessar. So much death had spoiled the lands of his people, and he found his heart becoming heavy. This was the seventh attack upon his country at the hands of the dark creatures focussed of bringing destruction, and even though he had sent many soldiers scouting the lands, searching for reasons or persons responsible for the attacks, none of either were found. Whatever was bent against his people and himself, was still a mystery to him, and he knew that he must find answers, and soon.

The king sighed as he fell to one knee next to a young man's body, torn and lifeless. No more than twenty, he supposed, and shot down so needlessly by two black arrows to the chest. Whispering a quiet prayer for the deceased, as he gently closed the open eyes, Aragorn stood, and continued towards the city's main hall, where some of the unharmed had gathered extra supplies along with water and bread for their fellow comrades. He could see the tiredness in their eyes, as supplements were passed out, and more eyes were fatally shut. His men were weary from having been on constant alert, and even more so from loosing so many of their own. It was hard to bare, especially considering the fact that all had hoped that with the starting of a new age, that war and living in terror was a thing to be forgotten.

Yet is was not. Still death haunted them, and Aragorn was at loss at what to tell his people. He was still roughly new at ruling a country, and deep inside he knew that there was nothing he could do to ease his peoples' panic and heartache. All he could do was reassure them that whoever was bringing this horror down upon them would pay and pay extremely for the tragedy they'd caused. But could that make up for loosing so many? He felt as though he'd failed his people. He hadn't done enough to protect them.

"Do not let the grimness of this battle fill your heart with guilt my lord" said the comforting voice of the man who reached out and touched his forearm, causing him to turn and find himself joined by Faramir and his darling wife, Eowyn. They too were also settling into the ruling of Ithilien, which Aragorn had granted to them as well as Legolas, who had brought many of his own kindred while they remained, to the forest just north of Henneth Annun. The three had done Aragorn proud and were successful at keeping the friendships between elves and men alive until the last of the elves departed for Valinor.

Aragorn sighed as the couple began to walk beside him, down the streets of Osgiliath, hoping to find some place where their skills could be put to good use. "I know not who or what is the reason for all of this" he began in response as the company came to a standstill in the middle of the courtyard. "Gondor hasn't known peace for so long, I had hoped to bring some to her, but it seems that I cannot do such."

"You have brought more hope than you know," Eowyn reassured sympathetically, as Aragorn tried hard to keep from allowing his own tears to spill as the cries of anguish could be heard leaving the lips of the hurt and dying all around them. "This evil has come at us unexpectedly, but your people believe in you. They do not hold you responsible for all that has happened."

"You have given this city, and this world, a new start my lord" Faramir added as another came towards them with all speed, weapon still in hand. "You have proven that when we stick together there is no threat that can not be beaten. The lives lost here are unfortunate, and will be grieved, but as long as we remember them, and seek retribution for their falls, their spirits will never fade, or be lost."

"Indeed, the lad is right Aragorn" spoke Gimli as he wiped the black blood off of the metal of his axe on a fell orc's clothing. "And retribution is what we will seek and have."

"That I can promise master dwarf" Aragorn replied as he patted the dwarf on the shoulder with a renewed nod of his raven head. He was grateful for the support he received from his friends, and the ones he loved. They had gotten him through times when he thought he wanted to roll over, die or give in. They were his strength, and he didn't know what he would do if he ever lost them. "Now let us see to the wounded, and gather back our strength. When the scouting parties return, we must be ready to reply to any re-enforcement pleas and threats."

........

Quickly sweeping back her blonde tresses into a frayed ponytail, Eowyn continued to tend to any solider who required her aid. She was running low on bandages, and though most of the injured were cleaned up and resting, they still required check ups, and that was something, she as well as some others were attending to now. Hours had passed since the combat had ended, and the sun had long since hidden itself beyond the horizon, leaving the healers to work only by candle light, and the roaring fire from the side of the hall in which the soldiers had been led into.

As she brought up her left arm, using the back of her palm to wipe the beads of sweat from her brow, she was surprised to see that another had come to a kneel beside her, handing her two things, with worn and scratchy hands, that gently brushed up against her own, as she nodded and accepted his offering. "Thank you" she said kindly as she placed the roll of bandages next to her knees, and began to try and lift up the head of her patient slightly, so she could give him a drink from the cup of water she'd been given.

"My lady," Gimli interrupted as he rose his bushy eye brow at her as he stilled her efforts and locked eyes with her. "The water is for you."

To this Eowyn gave a fond smile to the stout being that knelt beside her, as she then looked down to the man who was sleeping in a peaceful state. "Gimli, I am fine" she insisted, still smiling at him. "I have not a scratch on me, it is not me you should worry for. Speaking of worry, are you alright?" she questioned as she scanned his arm to find a small gash along his shoulder, which he quickly hid by shifting his body so that he faced her now.

"I've seen the healers Lass" he assured with a huff, "now do as I say and drink that up. Your aid has done us well today, and your charge here seems to be fine. You should not over exert yourself, needlessly. We can't afford to lose one of our best assets can we?" he jested lightly as she sighed while shaking her fine head as both rose to their feet and approached the entrance of the hall.

"I am fine Gimli, I assure you. You fret unnecessarily."

To this the dwarf gave a snort. "Ai, you're beginning to sound too much like that pesky elf. You must be tired. Valar please, let it not be permanent."

Eowyn smiled again, like she did a lot when in the company of the newest Lord of the Glittering Caves. She was now quite familiar with the bickering between the two friends, and like everyone else, found their friendly banter quite heart warming and entertaining. "Speaking of the elf" she began, slightly cutting off his continued mumbles about elvish pride and obstinate behaviours . "Where is Master Legolas? Has he returned from the scouting expedition? I would very much hope he and the others found something that might put an end to all of this."

"Unfortunately, yes he's returned" Gimli started as the lady continued to shake her head at him, "but I know not what he's found. He's speaking with Aragorn and Faramir in the courtyard now. I have yet to have a chance to question him."

"Then, let us find them so you shall do just that" Eowyn replied as she graciously held out her arm for him to take as the two friends exited the main hall of the white city, and made for the direction where their friends could be found.

........

"Nothing? How could there be nothing? Again?" Aragorn shouted, though his anger was not directed at the flaxen elf standing before himself and Faramir. Legolas knew that the king held no fault upon him, and did not take offence, even though part of him wished he had brought back better news. Aragorn was under a lot of pressure and needed every bit of aid his friends could offer, however self pity or doubt was not in Legolas' nature, and so he replied tonelessly.

"We followed the tracks made by the orcs on their journey here" he began, with his companions listening intently to the words he spoke. "They led us westward, but held no certain direction. It would seem they purposely divided themselves and scattered to make it difficult for us to determine a place of birth. They are being led, that is obvious. Orcs would not think ahead so far, especially if they purposely meant to perish in their attack. This was planned Aragorn, and well planned. Someone is playing with us, I can feel it."

"Yes, but who?" Faramir questioned suddenly, "and for what purpose?"

"To that I have not an answer" the elf replied as he locked eyes with Aragorn's silver ones as he continued. "The men and I tracked the prints we could decipher until the blackness of night hindered our eyesight" he finished, exaggerating 'our' as not to offend the race of men, which he had come to truly respect and hold in high regard. Something, his father had warned him against. Saying that they were a risk not worth taking. Mortals never made it into Thranduil's list of respectable and worthy allies, and Legolas had found some joy in seeing the look on his father's face the day he'd brought Gimli and Aragorn back to Mirkwood, announcing them as honoured guests and his closest friends several years ago.

Aragorn nodded as he placed a hand on the elf's shoulder as he did the same to Faramir as well. "You two have yet to disappoint me, and I thank you for all you have done. There is still however, much to do, and so I urge you both to rest now, while you can. We head out at first light tomorrow morn. The tracks have to start somewhere, and I refuse to believe that we can be outsmarted by foul creatures such as orcs and goblins. Again, I say, rest. Both of you" he stated again, shooting a sly look in Legolas' direction, knowing that the immortal would most likely not listen to him.

He was distracted however when both he and Faramir saw Legolas clenching his eyes closed and letting his head fall forward slightly for a second. Concern grew quickly and both found themselves asking the same question at the same time. "Are you alright?"

The words brought the elf out of whatever trance had fallen over him, and his golden head shot back up again, meeting their questioning eyes defiantly, and let the unreadable mask cover his handsome features once again. "Yes" he replied flatly, knowing that his companions knew he was lying. "Yes, I am fine. It is only that I sense..." His words trailed off, as full realization sank in, and he immediately reached backward grasping the shaft of his ivory bow, and readied two arrows to it.

Danger was near. Too near, and before the two men could reach for their swords, Legolas let his projectiles fly, each sending off in separate directions, into the ally way to their right. Nothing but silence could be heard from the darkness in which he shot, and Faramir and Estel looked to the elf, who drew another arrow, obviously not satisfied with their safety.

"What is it? What do you see?" Aragorn asked nervously as he gripped the hilt of Narsil tightly, as Eowyn and Gimli came up from behind them, keeping quiet, when they saw that their friends were armed and waiting. "Legolas?" the king continued as the elf lowered his bow, releasing his strain on the arrow notched to it, as he turned back to them, face still unreadable.

"Something stirs" was all he said, when suddenly, he fell forward, dropping his bow, as his knees met the stones and gravel beneath their feet without a sound. As shocked expression overcame his usually calm appearance, he unsteadily reached behind his neck and as Gimli rushed to his side, Legolas pulled the small dart that had been shot and embedded in his flesh. It seemed like hours passed as he stared at it, knowing that some sort of poison had been shot into him. Through whatever strength he could find within himself he looked up at his companions who were staring at him, and attempting to aid him.

"Orcs" was all he could manage to say before his sky blue eyes rolled back and darkness took him. He fell to the ground, totally unaware of the sudden swarm foul beasts that then charged from the darkened streets upon the rest of the company with only one thing on their minds. Blood.

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