I know there hasn't been much action up till now, and after this chapter, some will start to appear, I promise! Also, the chapters start to grow a bit shorter after now. My friend is helping me write this now, and she has plenty of good ideas. Enjoy! ^_^
Gilraen3.
ElvenRanger13- Of course its weird, that's how my mind works! ^_^
Chapter 3: Decisions.
He found Elladan sitting in the gardens, sharpening his knife. "Hello Dan," he said, sitting down next to him.
"Hello Legs," Elladan replied flatly.
Legolas frowned. "What's wrong?"
Elladan put down his knife. "Its Elrohir."
Legolas smiled slightly. "Oh yes, I've heard about yesterdays events. What happened exactly?"
"Well, he was sat in the library reading, when Íríma entered. She just walked straight up to him, and told him that she and him were finished, and that she was with someone else, just like that. There was no warmth or sorrow to her voice, just pure coldness. He said he felt like he had been punched when she told him."
"That was a bit harsh. Everyone should know that you should break it to people gently that you and them are over. You don't just go up to them and say 'Its over, bye, bye.'" Elladan laughed.
"Could you possibly have a word Legs? You know about this stuff more than we do."
Legolas smiled. "Of course I will. Where is he?"
"In his room. He's probably forgotten that you're here. He's too deep in thought and wallowing in self-pity."
"How long has he been like it?"
"Since she said it to him. He hasn't left his room since yesterday morning."
"It's getting serious then. Come on then, take me to the moaning loner." Elladan grinned and led Legolas up to his brothers' room.
He knocked softly on the door. "Elrohir? Are you still in there?"
"What do you think?" was the sharp, but clearly sorrowful answer.
"You've got a visitor."
"You make it sound as if he's ill and gets one visitor a day," Legolas whispered. Elladan bit back his laughter.
"Can we come in?"
"If you want." Elladan rolled his eyes at Legolas, and opened the door.
Elrohir was still sat cross-legged on the end of his bed, looking at the floor. He looked up as they entered the room. "Legolas?" Legolas smiled. "Elrohir."
"I've got some other things to do. I'll leave you two to talk," said Elladan, and left without another word, shutting the door behind him. Legolas went and sat beside his friend.
"How are you?" Elrohir asked.
"Never mind about me, how about you?"
Elrohir looked back at the floor, wringing his hands. "I suppose Dan's told you."
"No, your father did actually. I got Dan to fill me in on all the little details. It hurts, doesn't it?"
Elrohir nodded. "A lot."
"I've been through it at least three times, and each time seems worse than the previous. But shall I tell you my secret to getting over it quickly?"
Elrohir looked back at Legolas. He had a cheeky grin on his fair face. "What secret?"
"Stop moping around immediately, and spend some quality time with your friend from Mirkwood who is only staying for a couple of days." Elrohir couldn't hold back his laugh. Legolas smiled.
"Good idea?"
"Maybe you're right Legs."
"I am right. After all, it was you two who called me the expert on these sorts of things." Elrohir laughed again. "Good, you're feeling better already. As soon as I walked in here, I could feel the sadness and sorrow. All you're doing by moping around in here, is delving deeper and deeper into your mind and memories, which is not a good thing, trust me. It only increases the amount of pain you feel."
"Really?"
"Really. Now come on. I expect Dan's waiting for us. Lets get you out of here, into the sunshine, and away from the memories."
He stood up, and held out his hand to Elrohir. He took it, and Legolas hauled him to his feet. He put a friendly hand on his shoulder, and led him out to find Elladan.
They walked through the gardens together, going over childhood memories. The three Princes were all around the same age, and so had a lot in common. They had literally grown up together, and had lots to talk about.
"So, why exactly are you here Legs?" Elladan asked after a while.
"My father needs your fathers help with a few…problems at home."
"What sort of problems?" Elrohir pressed.
Legolas stopped. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. Not yet anyway."
The other two stopped beside him. "But we're your friends. You can trust us with anything," Elladan said softly.
"I know, but my father and your father do not wish you to know just yet. Sorry, there's nothing I can do. I'm bound to my promise." Elrohir shrugged. "Oh well, we'll find out sooner or later."
They continued walking. "Its nothing serious is it?" Elladan asked next.
"Quite serious, but that's all I'm saying."
"Ok." They said nothing else on the matter, but were determined to wriggle it out of the Mirkwood Prince somehow.
Meanwhile, Elrond was talking to another old friend. "Well what do you think of it all Mithrandir? It is certainly strange that the Dagnir-o Lóre has waited this long to strike again, unless we knew nothing of it."
The old wizard puffed on his pipe thoughtfully. "No, we would have known if a city or town had been taken over by the Dagnir-o Lóre. It is a well-known demon, and many people fear it. I had news from Radagast the Brown, who lives near Mirkwood of these Elves falling into an impenetrable sleep. He finds it all very strange, but has not seen any strange creatures around lately."
"It is a shadow demon Mithrandir, it cannot be seen easily."
"But it is said that creatures such as bats and crebain follow its trail wherever it goes. Evil beasts such as Wargs too." Elrond frowned. "Yet Radagast has not seen any of these?"
"He says there has been a slight increase in Warg sightings, but it is springtime Elrond. You know what that means." There was a smile hidden under his bushy grey beard.
"Yes Mithrandir, of course I do, but it is still a link, even if it is weak. And crebain numbers are normal?"
"Yes. Southern Mirkwood is a dark and dangerous place Elrond, full of these creatures. It is to be expected there."
"Then the Dagnir-o Lóre has chosen his target carefully. He knows that we will think this, and so dismiss the idea."
"Elrond, stop getting paranoid."
"I am not getting paranoid Mithrandir! This creature is extremely dangerous. If Thranduil thought he could handle it on his own, he would not have sent his only son for help. You know what he is like."
"True," said Gandalf, still puffing thoughtfully.
"The Dagnir-o Lóre is the only known creature able to do this crime. No other being, animal or person is able to put people into an impenetrable sleep. It has to be him Mithrandir." Gandalf nodded.
"Quite possibly then. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. Legolas and his company are not to return to Mirkwood until everyone has fallen under this spell. I take it Thranduil is keeping you updated?"
"He will be as soon as I have written to him. The Dagnir-o Lóre should have taken over Mirkwood in the next month or so. I'll send for Legolas." He sent a messenger off to find the Prince.
"We must tell him everything Elrond. No secrets. It is his home."
"I know. I just think he is rather young for this."
"He is roughly the same age as the twins, and they are quite capable of taking care of themselves in these sort of situations." Elrond raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that Gandalf?"
"I have to admit, Legolas is far more grown-up than those two now, but Mirkwood is more dangerous than Rivendell. He has had to grow up. I'm sure they will catch up with him sooner or later." Elrond just nodded.
"So do I."
Legolas arrived a short time later. "My Lord? You sent for me?" Elrond nodded. "Sit down please Legolas."
Legolas smiled at Gandalf who smiled back. He looked at Elrond. "My Lord? What is wrong?"
Elrond sat up a bit straighter. "Gandalf and I have talked long and hard, and have come to the conclusion that it must be the Dagnir-o Lóre must be the one doing this to your people. No other creature is known to have these powers, and we have decided what to do. You and your company are to stay here until all of Mirkwood is taken over."
Legolas opened his mouth to protest, but Elrond held up a hand. "There is a reason behind our decision. I have already written to your father, and when he replies, he will tell me how many people are left. We have told him our plan, and we intend to go through with it. Once your father tells us that there are only a few people left, we will set out from here with you, your company, and some of my own people. When we get to Mirkwood, the Dagnir-o Lóre should be a solid form. You will take your fathers' sword, and destroy him. Your people will be free, and the Dagnir-o Lóre will be gone forever."
"We hope," Gandalf added in an undertone, but both of the Elves heard him.
"Gandalf…" Elrond said sternly.
"It is true though Elrond. That is what the book says will happen, the Dagnir-o Lóre will be gone forever, but you can never be too careful with these sorts of creatures. They have strange powers that no one knows about except themselves."
"Will anyone get hurt?" Legolas asked quietly.
They looked at him. "No, no one should get hurt. Like I said before, the people that have been put to sleep will be dazed and groggy for a while, but they will recover quickly."
"What about me? Will I get hurt for destroying the Dagnir-o Lóre?"
"You too may be very tired afterwards, as it will take a lot of your strength. But you will be fine, we are sure," said Elrond before Gandalf could say anything first. Gandalf had a slight frown on his forehead, but he hid it from the Prince. Legolas nodded. "Thank you my Lord, Gandalf."
They nodded. "You may go now Legolas. And tell my sons that are waiting outside the door that you are going to tell them. They should know now," said Elrond, smiling slightly. Legolas laughed. "Certainly my Lord."
He stood, bowed, and went out to the twins, who were scowling. Legolas laughed at the look on their faces. "You should know by now that your father can always tell when you two are around. I take it you heard everything?"
"From the part where father was saying his reason for his and Mithrandirs' decision. We want to come with you." Legolas sceptically raised an eyebrow.
"Don't look at us like that! You're only twenty years older than us!" Elrohir protested.
Legolas laughed again. "Its up to your father, but I would be very pleased if you joined me." They grinned in unison. "Good, well that's sorted. Now, are you going to tell us about this Dagnir-o Lóre thing or what?" Elladan asked. Legolas sighed. "I don't suppose I've got much of a choice."
"No, as you know. Come on, let's go to the gardens," said Elrohir. They walked down together.
Hope you liked it. Please review! Thanks. ^_^
