Hey all! Yes, thanks to all the helpful reviews, I finally noticed that my
computer was on Auto and changing my ElladANs to ElladEN. *glowers* Enjoy!
Well Met Indeed
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Chapter 2 - A Road Ever Growing
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As Aragorn shut the door behind him, he came face to face with Legolas. The human drew back, startled. "Legolas! Do not scare me like that!" Aragorn scolded. A smile tugged at the prince's lips and Legolas replied, "Forgive me, Aragorn. I was anxious about. . .Nevermind. Why is Elrohir not coming out?" Aragorn motioned for the Elf to follow.
"He is resting," Aragorn explained. "He has had a stressful day and has grown weary." Legolas gave an understanding nod. "Reasonable answer, _human_," Legolas sniffed mischievously. Aragorn gave a false groan. "Again with the 'human' jokes!" Legolas laughed lightly and clasped Aragorn on the shoulder.
"Come Strider, Mithrandir wishes to speak with us." Legolas raised an eyebrow at Aragorn's confused expression. Legolas explained slowly, "Elrohir mentioned that Gandalf wanted to speak with us before he scolded you-"
"He did not scold me!" Aragorn protested. Legolas made a face. "You are just like Elrohir. . .always arguing with your elders!" Aragorn feigned a look of offense. "Me? Complain?" Aragorn gasped in false bewilderment. "Never!" Legolas snickered, but grabbed the human's elbow in an iron-like grip.
"Hurry now," Legolas scolded. "We don't want to keep a wizard waiting." The two made their way to the kitchens and found the room empty. Aragorn stood and inspected the room carefully. "No one's here," he declared. Legolas gave him an amused look. "Your observing skills are very poor for a ranger." Aragorn scowled at him lightly.
"Ah yes!" a merry voice called out. Gandalf hobbled out of the cellar, a cup of tea in his hand. "Mithrandir!" Legolas cried merrily. Gandalf set the cup on the counter and met the Elf's greeting. "Legolas! You have not aged at all since I have last seen you!"
"Which was years ago!" Legolas complained. He grinned and glanced at Aragorn. "Gandalf," Aragorn greeted cheerfully, clasping the wizard's shoulder warmly. Gandalf chuckled and said, "Now, sit, sit. I have many things to discuss with you!" Legolas helped Gandalf to the table and Aragorn sat across from the old Istar, who was now sipping his tea. Legolas took a seat besides Aragorn as the human asked, "What do you need to speak with us about?"
Gandalf took another sip and gave a content sigh. "Many things, Aragorn," he finally said, gravely. "And some are not to be taken lightly." Legolas threw Gandalf a curious look, but the wizard, now in deep thought, said no more. "Speak grey pilgrim!" Legolas demanded in a respectful tone. Gandalf's eyes diverted from the rim of his teacup to the exasperated Elf. "Yes, yes," Gandalf said hurriedly. "Have the two of you heard of Byrium?" Aragorn glanced at the Elf, and shook his head.
Gandalf, seeing that Aragorn did not know, turned to Legolas. The prince looked troubled. "Aye," he admitted. "I fear I do. My father had sent me to deliver news to Lord Elrond of this matter." Gandalf nodded and took another sip from the steaming cup of tea.
"First of all," he explained, clearing his throat, "Byrium-" he gazed at Aragorn "-is an isolated kingdom."
"Who exiled them?" Aragorn demanded, angered by this unjust. Gandalf shook his head. "I did not say they were exiled, son of Arathorn, I said they were isolated."
"They sealed themselves off from the rest of Middle-Earth," Legolas explained quickly. Aragorn nodded and motioned for Gandalf to go on. "Byrium does not tolerate other races or foreigners, thus they stayed in isolation for nearly a hundred years." The old wizard paused and held the cup to his lips. He drained the last of the tea and placed it on the sleek tabletop.
"After all these years, they have left their solitary confinement and stole a scroll of the Istari, murdering the Elves that were guarding it," Gandalf continued. Aragorn furrowed his brows. "Why now? After all these years-" Gandalf raise his hand for silence and Aragorn fell quiet.
"What kind of scroll was this, Mithrandir?" Legolas suddenly said, suspiciously. Gandalf looked startled at the Elf's sudden question but answered with ease. "I believe it was a scroll of seals."
"Seals?" Legolas and Aragorn asked in unison. Gandalf nodded. "Yes, seals. The Istari used this scroll to seal the most vile and dangerous creatures that once roamed Middle Earth." Legolas nodded, encouraging the wizard to continue. The wizard sighed, suddenly looking very old and weary. "Why the Byrium want the Scroll is questionable, but there is a good guess. . .Legolas, what is this about news from your father?"
Legolas looked up, startled from his thoughts. He shifted in his seat and said in a low voice, "Of the Elves guarding the Scroll, three were of my kin. . .from my father's kingdom." Gandalf frowned. "This is ill news, but why would your father send you here to announce the death of your comrades. . .this strikes me as odd." Legolas stiffened at the mention of the Mirkwood elves.
"One returned alive, bearing a note," Legolas said slowly. Aragorn frowned and ran his hand through his dark hair. "What did the note say?" the man asked, brows furrowing. Legolas glanced at him. "It is in my baggage," Legolas replied. "But it does not say anything that is urgent."
"The letter mentioned something that is unknown to even my father, which is why he sent me here to Lord Elrond." Legolas frowned as he tried to remember what the letter had said. Aragorn gazed intently at the Elf, impatient.
"Patience, Aragorn," Gandalf murmured. Though he was staring at the table, deep in thought, the wizard seemed to know precisely what was going on.
"The letter," Legolas finally said hesitantly, "mentioned a demon of some kind. . .one that lived in shadow and was impossible to conquer." Legolas closed his eyes tightly, trying to bring the demon's vague name into thought. The silence was overwhelming and Aragorn shifted uncomfortably when suddenly Legolas gave a cry and opened his blue eyes. "Badingor!" Suddenly a wind blew and the candles nearby flickered. Aragorn's eyes widened and he whispered in a hushed voice, "The lands still fear its very name."
Gandalf's grey eyes opened and he said gravely, "Aye! But one thing about the demon that I added to the scroll was that the demon cannot be released until a full moon." He looked up. "Legolas!" he said with sudden energy that it startled Aragorn and the Elf. "I will deliver the letter to Elrond. You two _must_ journey to Byrium." Legolas looked at the wizard who had sprang to his feet. The Elf opened his mouth to speak but shook his head.
"I will get ready," Legolas answered seriously. "But Mithrandir, have Lord Elrond send a messenger to Mirkwood." Gandalf nodded. "Hurry! There is no time to spare! A full moon will rise next month!" Legolas nodded and said to Aragorn, "You do not have to do this, if you-"
"I will!" Aragorn answered fiercely. Legolas gave him a thin smile. "Do not be so eager to journey into the unknown, Strider. I will await you at the stables." He disappeared out the door, leaving Gandalf and Aragorn alone.
"Gandalf," Aragorn started slowly. "I need to speak with Elladan, but if this cannot wait. . ." Gandalf placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled warmly, eyes twinkling.
"The moon rises Aragorn," Gandalf stated, chuckling slightly. "I do not think time will stop flowing for you to apologize to your brother." Aragorn let out a sigh. "I suppose you are right." He gave Gandalf a small smile. "I will go prepare." Gandalf nodded and watched the ranger stride out of the room, making notes to tell Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir where the two had gone; give the letter from Thranduil to Elrond; send a messenger to Mirkwood; and, finally, tell Elrond why the Elf had slept for so long and why most of the sleeping powder had found its way to the Lord's tea.
"That last one will be interesting to tell," Gandalf said to himself. He laughed amidst the grave news. The wizard always found salvation even in the greatest calamity.
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Elladen sighed to himself again. He stood at the balcony of him room, elbows resting on the gold railing. He watched the crescent moon appear from grey clouds and gazed at Rivendell in an ethereal state of silence. He had not heard from either one of his brothers since he had spoken with Gandalf this afternoon.
"Why am I behaving in such a way?" he murmured to himself. Elladan pushed the stray locks of hair behind his pointed ears and closed his eyes, listening to the eerie sounds of silence. He finally tore himself away from the balcony and exited his bedroom, in search for some company. The halls of Imladris were silent. Elladan wandered through the hallways, thinking and searching. He finally found himself at the archery field where the four had been before. Now the archery field was abandoned, quiet, and unfamiliar in a strange way.
"Lord Elladan!" a voice called. "What are you doing at the archery field at this time?" Elladen smiled to himself. "Nothing Lorelen," he answered without turning. "I am just. . .thinking." Elladan could almost hear the other's silent amusement. This time he did turn and face the servant.
"Have you seen Estel?" Lorelen looked surprised at his question and answered, "No, if anyone did know where Estel is, would it not be you or Elrohir?" Elladan's heart fell. "Ai, I fear I do not know where my foster brother is hiding himself either! I do not even know what has become of Elrohir."
"Elrohir is sleeping in Legolas's room," Lorelen answered. She gazed at the sky and the moonlight made her golden eyes shine strangely. "Legolas's room?" Elladan remarked, surprised. "Aye," came the quiet answer.
"My thanks, Lorelen," Elladen said softly as he passed her on his way to Legolas's room. But Lorelen did not reply.
When Elladan opened the door to Legolas's room, he found the room dark. The remains of the fire was dying out and in the flickering of the faint light, Elladan's keen eyes could make out the shape of his brother laying in a chair. He turned on the lights and walked over to the sleeping form of Elrohir.
Elladan smiled fondly at his brother. He picked up a blanket and placed it, with great care, over Elrohir. He then turned to leave when suddenly, "Elladan?" Elladan froze and turned around, a guilty smile on his fair face.
"I have awoken you," Elladen inquired softly. Elrohir shook his head and stood up. He placed the blanket on the bed and looked around. Seeing how dark Rivendell was outside he exclaimed in a soft voice, bewildered: "I have slept for so long!" Elrohir glanced at Elladen who was standing quietly to the side.
"What is the matter, brother?" Elladan looked up startled and managed a smile, "Nothing. I am just hungry! I have not eaten anything since this morning." He laughed lightly and Elrohir smiled. "As did I! Let us go eat." Elladan nodded and followed his brother, doing his best to ignore the sudden sense of dread that had befallen him.
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Legolas slid his twin daggers into their sheaths quickly. He rummaged through his pack and pulled out the letter he was to have delivered long ago. He placed the letter on the table. He glanced around at the Bath House, where Elrohir had dumped his things, saying that the twins were going to clean his weapons.
Legolas smiled. They did a fine job cleaning the daggers and refilling my quiver, Legolas thought to himself, amused. He pulled out one of his daggers and inspected it. "Perhaps I should ask them more often," Legolas murmured aloud. He grinned at the flashing blade and remembered when Elladan had once declared that these daggers were much like Elrohir and him, both the same in nearly every way, two different blades (elves) but acting as one, and working better together than separately. Legolas whispered a thanks in elvish and picked up his finely crafted bow, a gift from his father.
He opened the door and stepped out into the cool night. He started towards the stables silently and when he opened the doors, the horses looked up and neighed softly. Feransul, his own horse, tossed his head and his white mane shone.
"Quietly now," Legolas whispered to Feransul in elvish. The proud horse bobbed his head and followed the Elf out into the night. "Stay here, nin-mellon," Legolas commanded softly. He smiled at his horse who seemed to say: Sure, sure! Just hurry. . .
Legolas slipped back into the stables and grabbed Aragorn's halter and saddle from a nearby shelf. He stepped into Dinlhach's stall and slipped the halter onto the stilled horse. Aragorn's horse was a built for power and speed. The horse was a powerful, copper colored horse with a mane as black as coal. Feransul was just the opposite. Legolas's horse was as white as snow. With its long slender legs, Feransul was built for speed and great distances.
Legolas led the horse outside where Feransul stirred impatiently. The two horses touched noses and nickered softly to each other. Legolas hushed the horses and waited for Aragorn to arrive.
"Legolas?" The Elf turned to see Aragorn staggering towards him, out of breath. Legolas raised a quizzical eyebrow, which went unseen in the dark. "I ran here," Aragorn explained as if the ranger had seen the Elf's unsaid question. Legolas laughed softly and handed Aragorn Dinlhach's reins.
"My thanks," Aragorn preached as he swung himself up onto his horse. Legolas smiled and replied, "No need." He slid on top of his own horse and tipped his head. "Shall we?"
"I don't see why not," Aragorn replied. He gently tapped his heel into Dinlhach's side and the copper horse jumped into a quick trot. Feransul followed with no directions from his rider.
Rivendell faded out of view as the two rode on. Legolas's cloak was thin, as any other elvish garment was, but it kept him hidden. The only thing that kept the Elf from blending with the dark was his bright hair and skin and Feransul.
Aragorn glanced at the trees with satisfaction that the two had made it out of Rivendell boundaries this quickly. He suddenly realized that they had no idea where Byrium was. "Legolas!" Aragorn muttered. "We do not even know the way!" The ranger was surprised to hear the Elf's laughter from besides him.
"Fear not, Strider!" Legolas answered. "A map came with the note. I left the note but I had enough sense to bring the map." Aragorn gave a relieved sigh. Legolas, suddenly, groaned.
"Where is my head in all this?" Legolas complained. He commanded Feransul to halt. Aragorn turned Dinlhach and faced the Elf. "What is it?" Legolas faced him and said seriously, "We did not bring food." It was Aragorn's turn to laugh. He turned and urged the horse on again. He could hear Legolas spur Feransul on and catch up to Dinlhach's quick pace.
"Why do you laugh, Strider?" Legolas asked, suspiciously. Aragorn laughed in his turn. "I do not know what you have in your pack but I brought the food." Legolas blinked, dumfounded.
"What?" Legolas gazed at him. Aragorn glanced at the Elf, bemused. "I said," Aragorn repeated, "that I brought the food." Legolas faced forward and flashed a smile. "Then you have my gratitude." Aragorn laughed, "And what of your praise?"
Legolas made a face in the bright moonlight. "You did not earn it yet." Laughter. The two rode in silence for a while. Gradually the trees began to lessen and more and more grass and bushes littered the ground.
"If we continue this way," Legolas noted, "we will come to a clearing." Aragorn agreed and glanced around, alert. Legolas rode besides him, seeming at ease. He glanced at Aragorn's rigid form and frowned. "Calm down, Strider," Legolas lectured, a slight frown evident in his voice. "I can stay alert and talk better than you, so you need not worry."
"I'm perfectly fine," Aragorn argued stubbornly. "You may be, but Dinlhach will tire quickly if this continues. Your tense posture makes it impossible for the horse to get comfortable," Legolas pointed out. Aragorn sighed and relaxed in his seat, throwing Legolas a pout. The Elf smiled to himself and sang softly:
I sang of leaves, of leaves of gold, and of leaves of gold there grew;
Of wind I sang, a wind there came and in the branches blew.
Beyond the Sun, beyond the Moon, the foam was on the Sea,
And by the strand of Ilmarin there grew a golden Tree. **
His voice faded. "Why have you stopped?" Aragorn asked. "It was beautiful." Legolas laughed slightly. "It is a song Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien sings. I have forgotten much and have not heard it for many years." Aragorn nodded and said suddenly, "Why do elves sing such sad and sweet melodies?" Legolas quirked an eyebrow.
"And what does Strider sing on his journeys?" Legolas jested. Aragorn chuckled and said, "Care to find out?" Legolas laughed and gave a nod. Aragorn, catching the Elf's movement, sang:
O! Wanderers in the shadowed land
Despair not! For though dark they stand,
All woods there must be end at last,
And see the open sun go past:
The setting sun, the rising sun,
The day's end, or the day begun.
For east or west all woods must fail. . .**
As soon as Aragorn faded off, Legolas stated, "Is that not one of Tom Bombadil's songs?" Aragorn glanced at Legolas, surprised, but answered, "Yes, it is, though I am wondering how you came to know his songs." Legolas snorted.
"Master Bombadil has been around for quite awhile," Legolas explained. He spoke no more as if that explained everything. The only sound on the path was the sound of hooves against the ground. The moon was still high in the sky when Aragorn gave an audible yawn.
"We will rest soon," Legolas assured his friend. Aragorn wiped the sleep from his eyes and said quickly, "No, I do not need to rest!" Legolas gave him a hard stare. "If we rest now, we still have plenty of time to refresh and get up early in the morning," Legolas said logically. He gave Aragorn a shrewd look and stopped Feransul. Aragorn looked back and followed Legolas's example.
"But-" The Elf's commanding glare shut the protesting ranger up, Legolas turned the great white horse and rode into a group of trees. Aragorn followed reluctantly, but relieved.
Legolas led Aragorn into a small clearing, surrounded by remaining trees. The Elf dropped off his horse and help Aragorn off his. The ranger said wearily, "I will set up camp, Legolas. Go get some firewood." Legolas glanced at him, concerned, but did not say anything. Instead, the Mirkwood Elf slipped into the shadows in search of firewood.
Aragorn rubbed his eyes blearily again and led Dinlhach to a nearby tree. Tying the horse in place, Aragorn dropped his pack to the ground and began to set up camp. By the time Legolas returned with the firewood, the two horses were grazing nearby and camp was set up.
The ranger was waiting, leaning against a tree. He seemed more wide awake and gazing at the sky with much interest. "Strider?" Aragorn jumped, startled. "Legolas?" Aragorn smiled. "I told you not to sneak up on me!" The Wood-Elf chuckled and dumped the wood near the ranger. He them started a small fire.
As soon as the fire sparked to life, Aragorn fed it some branches. The fire burned steadily and a thin trail of smoke snaked into the sky. Aragorn glanced at Legolas and said, "It's funny, isn't it?" Legolas looked up from the flames. "What?" Aragorn gazed at the stars again.
"We only met today and already we're-" Aragorn started.
"Traveling together," Legolas finished. The Elf smiled and added his own opinion, "I do not find it strange, though I don't know why. I think I usually would, but with you, it seems as if I have known you my entire life."
Aragorn faced Legolas and gave him a genuine smile. "I am glad you feel the same way as me," Aragorn cited slowly. Legolas's blue eyes flickered in the light of the flames. "Do not take my friendship lightly," Legolas warned softly after a while. Aragorn diverted his gaze from the horses to the Elf.
"What do you mean?" Aragorn wondered. He rubbed his eyes, though his weariness had long gone away. Legolas sighed and turned towards the human. "Once I give my loyalty, I do not break my friendships easily. I rarely befriend humans. . .If that seems too much for a mortal, you need not-"
"No!" Aragorn gasped, horrified. "I do not take your idea of friendship lightly. Actually, I am very much the same." Legolas studied the ranger in front of him and faced the sky, a smile tugging at his lips.
"All is well then?" Legolas queried. The pulled his knees to his chest and offered Aragorn a slight smile. "Yes," Aragorn stated firmly. The two sat in silence until Legolas said, "I will take first watch. Rest." Aragorn threw him a look.
"I don't need to rest," Aragorn insisted. Legolas gave him a commanding stare, though amusement shone in his blue eyes like a flame. "I do not wish to return to Rivendell because you fell asleep on your horse, fell, and was trampled to near death," Legolas retaliated. Aragorn gave a scowl and played along, "I do not think I will be the one to fall off my horse."
"Very well," Legolas answered menacingly, "I suppose if you will not sleep on your own, I will have to make you." Aragorn blinked at the Elf. Are you serious? He thought to himself, amused.
Legolas stood from his side of the fire and gave a sadistic smile. He advanced on the ranger and leaned down. His gold hair fell and curtained his face. The prince smiled and his white teeth shone in the flames.
"Unless you reconsider," Legolas said sweetly. Aragorn made a face but leaned back on a tree and made himself comfortable. He grumbled and pulled his blanket around him. "If you try anything. . ." Aragorn warned. The ranger glared at the Elf who was giving him an innocent smiled.
"Whatever do you mean, Strider, ranger of the North?" Aragorn growled in reply.
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"YOU DID WHAT?!"
Elrond's angered voice rang through the halls of Rivendell. Gandalf sat patiently inside the Lord's study and gazed at the Elf calmly. "I sent them to Byrium," the wizard repeated slowly. The pacing Elf glared at him.
"I heard you the first time," the Lord snapped, exasperated. He whirled on the wizard, robes swishing, and said in a low tone, "And what made you think I would agree to this course of action, let alone Thranduil would!"
The wizard waited until Elrond's breathing became even. The Elf Lord drew in a deep breath and sat down at his desk, rubbing his forehead. As he opened his mouth to speak, a timid knock came at the door.
"Come in," Gandalf interjected before Elrond could say anything. The door opened and Elladan walked in, followed by Elrohir. The two shifted nervously and Elladan said uncomfortably, "I hope we are not interrupting anything-" ("Not at all!" Gandalf said merrily.) "-but we were wondering where Estel and Legolas were. We have not seen them since yesterday."
"This we know of," Elrond answered in a neutral tone. He shot Gandalf a calm look, though annoyance sprang to life in his eyes. Gandalf chuckled and replied, "I sent the two to Byrium."
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged confused glances. "Byrium?" Elrohir asked hesitantly. "Yes," Elrond answered shortly. He picked up a letter with Mirkwood's seal on it. He reread the letter and sighed.
"This is not good," he muttered to himself. Gandalf, hearing this, contradicted. "Nonsense! You need not worry about the two. They are smart enough to return alive."
"But what about unscathed?" Elrond retorted annoyed. He sighed and said, "Forgive me, Gandalf. I may have overreacted to your news." Gandalf waved that aside and said to Elrohir, "You will need to send a messenger to Mirkwood. I need to speak with your father." Elrohir nodded and exited the room. Elladan was quick to follow, but Gandalf stopped him.
"Elladan." Gandalf stood and leaned on his staff. "Aragorn wished for me to tell you that he was dearly sorry." Elladan blinked. "Excuse me?" Gandalf opened his mouth to repeat what he had said when Elladan rushed on, "Estel told you to tell me he was sorry?" Gandalf shut his mouth and nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Thank you," Elladan replied hastily. He bowed and left, closing the door quietly behind him. "Now," Gandalf began. He turned back to Elrond who was still sitting at the desk.
"I did not explain to you fully why I sent Legolas and your son to Byrium." Elrond nodded and glanced at the message from Thranduil again. "I assume that it has something to do with this letter?" Elrond remarked. He raised his eyebrow and waited for the Istar's answer.
"Yes, yes," Gandalf said hurriedly. "Thranduil knew of this demon and sent a warning to Lothlorien and Imladris. From each kingdom, three elves were chosen to guard the Scroll." Gandalf paused. The Elf nodded and motioned for the wizard to go on.
"The Elves were murdered, but one was sent, injured, back to her own realm with a note." Elrond nodded again and picked up a second piece of paper on his desk. "Yes," he said slowly. He handed the noted to Gandalf, who took it and read it aloud:
I Badingor will awaken and the city in exile will rise again, with power. With the One we will control. With the One we will conquer. With the One we will fall. /I
"That does not make sense," Elrond said, exasperated. "You informed me that Byrium was a city in isolation, not exile." Gandalf's bushy, white brows furrowed. "Indeed." Gandalf shook his head. "I do not know. . .Legolas mentioned that Thranduil sent this letter because he, too, could not make much sense out of it." Elrond nodded and handed the wizard the letter. The wizard read:
Lord Elrond of Imladris,
Ill tidings have arrived in Mirkwood. An Elf, of my kin, has bore news of Badingor and Byrium. Shortly after, she passed on. Now, I have sent my son, Legolas, to deliver this letter to you and I am praying that he does not embark on a foolish detour. Though I told my son this was not of urgent news, it is of urgency, I fear.
As your friend I am warning you, as a fellow ruler I am negotiating with you, and as another father I am advising you, do not let anyone, who is not already involved, become tangled in this web. I fear for my son's safety, which is why I have told him that this news was of not great importance.
Byrium, I fear, is rising in power. They will conquer Celeborn's realm first, or so they say in the warning. What strikes me as queer is that they gave precise detail on what they will do. . .
Forgive me, but I do not have any other things of importance to tell you. Heed this warning and watch over Legolas in his stay at Imladris. Ha! I do not think I need to worry about my son's well-being at your own Halls. . .
Until the next time we may meet,
King Thranduil of Mirkwood
Gandalf let out a low chuckle before handing the note back to Elrond. "I suppose Thranduil did not know I was going to be here." The Elf took the note and told the wizard sarcastically, "I believe that neither of us had any knowledge that you would be here at this particular time and Byrium just happened to come to power." Gandalf laughed merrily and sat down across from Elrond.
"Do not worry," Gandalf said after sometime, "They will return."
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Aragorn rubbed his eyes blearily and sat up. He blinked and studied his surroundings. He realized that Legolas was nowhere in sight but the horses rested near the ranger. Aragorn stood and let out a low whistle that the Elves of Rivendell used when hunting.
A high pitched whistle answered the first one and Legolas crept out of a tree. Feransul neighed when he saw the elf and trotted over to him, nuzzling Legolas's shoulder. Legolas patted his horses neck and turned to Aragorn.
"So you have awoken?" Legolas asked cheerfully. "No thanks to you," Aragorn grumbled. He stood and stretched. The Elf smiled and handed the ranger his pack. "Are you hungry?"
Aragorn shook his head and eyed the pack. "What?" He questioned as he took his bag from the Elf. "Nothing," Legolas answered, "but I was wondering if you were ready to travel." Aragorn nodded and started towards Dinlhach, ignoring Legolas's questioning gaze. The ranger climb upon his horse, who nickered a welcome.
He raised an eyebrow at Legolas said suddenly, "Why did you not wake me as you said you would?" Legolas glanced at him from atop his white steed. "I tried to wake you, but you would not open your eyes."
"Oh. . ." Aragorn nudged his horse in the ribs, lightly and starting out the clearing in a quick pace. Legolas followed easily and said to Aragorn, "Does something ail you?" Aragorn looked at him, surprised.
"No," he answered. He smiled at the Elf's concern and observed, "I noticed you were away this morning." Legolas spared him a glance and nodded. "Aye, I was. I was scouting." Aragorn gave a understandable nod and sighed contently.
"This morning is beautiful," Aragorn commented glancing upward at the clear sky. Legolas smiled. "Indeed, but I can't help wondering how the others back in Rivendell responded to Gandalf. . ." Aragorn laughed lightly. "Yes, I wonder how my father will react. I suppose he will want Gandalf's head."
Legolas chuckled softly. "If we ride north for about two days, we will come to the forest which encircles Byrium." Feransul, snorted and pulled closer to Dinlhach, eyes pulled back. Dinlhach, startled by the other horse's sudden movement jumped, alerting the ranger.
"Feransul," Legolas said quietly to the horse in Elvish. "Peace, my friend." The horse calmed momentarily, but his steps remained wary. "There is something in the woods," Legolas told Aragorn, his voice low. Aragorn switched in Elvish and replied, "Shall we stop? The horses are nervous. . ."
Legolas nodded and stopped Feransul abruptly. Dinlhach followed and the two horses stood besides each other, quivering and restless. Legolas stroke Feransul's mane again and quieted the horse's constant, but quiet, whinnies. Dinlhach shook his head nervously and stepped backward, away from the trees.
"Do you hear anything?" Aragorn whispered. Legolas shook his head and peered intently at the trees. "I can feel a presence, but I fear I cannot hear or see it." Aragorn frowned and turned his horse north again.
"Let us continue on our way," he murmured to Legolas. "If the thing is still lurking behind us, we shall see what it is." The Elf was hesitant to follow, but did so. Feransul, glad to comply, put on an extra burst of speed. Dinlhach followed quickly.
Legolas stop atop his horse calmly. "What do you think it was?" he asked Aragorn. The ranger glanced behind his shoulder and replied, "I do not know. . .I do not think it was a being. Do you suppose they already broke the seal and released the monster?"
Legolas shook his head. "It has not been a full moon yet. If it was a not a being, how were the horses able to fear what they cannot hear or see?" Aragorn quieted at the Elf's answer and said thoughtfully, "Perhaps they could see and hear something we could not." Legolas glanced at him and sighed. "Maybe, but we will just have to wait and see."
Aragorn made no reply and sat quietly, deep in thought. Legolas sighed again and said softly, "Ai, Elbereth. . .elenath sila erin estel." Aragorn glanced, surprised, at the Elf's words but did say anything.
Behind the two, a great eagle in the sky flew, trailing the two. Its talons were sharp, and beak, golden. Seeing the Elf and Man were fine, the great bird turned its course to Rivendell where Gandalf would be awaiting him.
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Badingor: Silent Horror
Ai: Alas
nin-mellon: my friend
Feransul: Wandering Wind
Dinlhach: Silent Flame
Ai, Elbereth. . .elenath eila erin estel: Alas, Elbereth. . .may the stars shine on hope.
**These two songs were excerpted from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring One Volume Edition. Pages 110 and 363.
[A/N:] Yay me! I finished the second chapter quicker than I thought! I making this up as I go along _ I hope it isn't too corny! Bleh =P Thank you, everyone, for the wonderful reviews! I didn't realize my computer was changing my Elladan's to Elladen's! But thanks to the corrections, I was able to fix my errors! *celebrates* I had to cut off some of the second chapter (such as Legolas's introduction to racism) and add it to the third because I couldn't find a good place to cut if off! I didn't want to be evil already in the first two chapters! ^______^ Well, in the next chapter, Legolas and Aragorn find out. . .my evil side is kicking into gear! *evil laugh* I'm not going to write what will happen next time. . .Bwahahaha! [end]
Well Met Indeed
+++
Chapter 2 - A Road Ever Growing
+++
As Aragorn shut the door behind him, he came face to face with Legolas. The human drew back, startled. "Legolas! Do not scare me like that!" Aragorn scolded. A smile tugged at the prince's lips and Legolas replied, "Forgive me, Aragorn. I was anxious about. . .Nevermind. Why is Elrohir not coming out?" Aragorn motioned for the Elf to follow.
"He is resting," Aragorn explained. "He has had a stressful day and has grown weary." Legolas gave an understanding nod. "Reasonable answer, _human_," Legolas sniffed mischievously. Aragorn gave a false groan. "Again with the 'human' jokes!" Legolas laughed lightly and clasped Aragorn on the shoulder.
"Come Strider, Mithrandir wishes to speak with us." Legolas raised an eyebrow at Aragorn's confused expression. Legolas explained slowly, "Elrohir mentioned that Gandalf wanted to speak with us before he scolded you-"
"He did not scold me!" Aragorn protested. Legolas made a face. "You are just like Elrohir. . .always arguing with your elders!" Aragorn feigned a look of offense. "Me? Complain?" Aragorn gasped in false bewilderment. "Never!" Legolas snickered, but grabbed the human's elbow in an iron-like grip.
"Hurry now," Legolas scolded. "We don't want to keep a wizard waiting." The two made their way to the kitchens and found the room empty. Aragorn stood and inspected the room carefully. "No one's here," he declared. Legolas gave him an amused look. "Your observing skills are very poor for a ranger." Aragorn scowled at him lightly.
"Ah yes!" a merry voice called out. Gandalf hobbled out of the cellar, a cup of tea in his hand. "Mithrandir!" Legolas cried merrily. Gandalf set the cup on the counter and met the Elf's greeting. "Legolas! You have not aged at all since I have last seen you!"
"Which was years ago!" Legolas complained. He grinned and glanced at Aragorn. "Gandalf," Aragorn greeted cheerfully, clasping the wizard's shoulder warmly. Gandalf chuckled and said, "Now, sit, sit. I have many things to discuss with you!" Legolas helped Gandalf to the table and Aragorn sat across from the old Istar, who was now sipping his tea. Legolas took a seat besides Aragorn as the human asked, "What do you need to speak with us about?"
Gandalf took another sip and gave a content sigh. "Many things, Aragorn," he finally said, gravely. "And some are not to be taken lightly." Legolas threw Gandalf a curious look, but the wizard, now in deep thought, said no more. "Speak grey pilgrim!" Legolas demanded in a respectful tone. Gandalf's eyes diverted from the rim of his teacup to the exasperated Elf. "Yes, yes," Gandalf said hurriedly. "Have the two of you heard of Byrium?" Aragorn glanced at the Elf, and shook his head.
Gandalf, seeing that Aragorn did not know, turned to Legolas. The prince looked troubled. "Aye," he admitted. "I fear I do. My father had sent me to deliver news to Lord Elrond of this matter." Gandalf nodded and took another sip from the steaming cup of tea.
"First of all," he explained, clearing his throat, "Byrium-" he gazed at Aragorn "-is an isolated kingdom."
"Who exiled them?" Aragorn demanded, angered by this unjust. Gandalf shook his head. "I did not say they were exiled, son of Arathorn, I said they were isolated."
"They sealed themselves off from the rest of Middle-Earth," Legolas explained quickly. Aragorn nodded and motioned for Gandalf to go on. "Byrium does not tolerate other races or foreigners, thus they stayed in isolation for nearly a hundred years." The old wizard paused and held the cup to his lips. He drained the last of the tea and placed it on the sleek tabletop.
"After all these years, they have left their solitary confinement and stole a scroll of the Istari, murdering the Elves that were guarding it," Gandalf continued. Aragorn furrowed his brows. "Why now? After all these years-" Gandalf raise his hand for silence and Aragorn fell quiet.
"What kind of scroll was this, Mithrandir?" Legolas suddenly said, suspiciously. Gandalf looked startled at the Elf's sudden question but answered with ease. "I believe it was a scroll of seals."
"Seals?" Legolas and Aragorn asked in unison. Gandalf nodded. "Yes, seals. The Istari used this scroll to seal the most vile and dangerous creatures that once roamed Middle Earth." Legolas nodded, encouraging the wizard to continue. The wizard sighed, suddenly looking very old and weary. "Why the Byrium want the Scroll is questionable, but there is a good guess. . .Legolas, what is this about news from your father?"
Legolas looked up, startled from his thoughts. He shifted in his seat and said in a low voice, "Of the Elves guarding the Scroll, three were of my kin. . .from my father's kingdom." Gandalf frowned. "This is ill news, but why would your father send you here to announce the death of your comrades. . .this strikes me as odd." Legolas stiffened at the mention of the Mirkwood elves.
"One returned alive, bearing a note," Legolas said slowly. Aragorn frowned and ran his hand through his dark hair. "What did the note say?" the man asked, brows furrowing. Legolas glanced at him. "It is in my baggage," Legolas replied. "But it does not say anything that is urgent."
"The letter mentioned something that is unknown to even my father, which is why he sent me here to Lord Elrond." Legolas frowned as he tried to remember what the letter had said. Aragorn gazed intently at the Elf, impatient.
"Patience, Aragorn," Gandalf murmured. Though he was staring at the table, deep in thought, the wizard seemed to know precisely what was going on.
"The letter," Legolas finally said hesitantly, "mentioned a demon of some kind. . .one that lived in shadow and was impossible to conquer." Legolas closed his eyes tightly, trying to bring the demon's vague name into thought. The silence was overwhelming and Aragorn shifted uncomfortably when suddenly Legolas gave a cry and opened his blue eyes. "Badingor!" Suddenly a wind blew and the candles nearby flickered. Aragorn's eyes widened and he whispered in a hushed voice, "The lands still fear its very name."
Gandalf's grey eyes opened and he said gravely, "Aye! But one thing about the demon that I added to the scroll was that the demon cannot be released until a full moon." He looked up. "Legolas!" he said with sudden energy that it startled Aragorn and the Elf. "I will deliver the letter to Elrond. You two _must_ journey to Byrium." Legolas looked at the wizard who had sprang to his feet. The Elf opened his mouth to speak but shook his head.
"I will get ready," Legolas answered seriously. "But Mithrandir, have Lord Elrond send a messenger to Mirkwood." Gandalf nodded. "Hurry! There is no time to spare! A full moon will rise next month!" Legolas nodded and said to Aragorn, "You do not have to do this, if you-"
"I will!" Aragorn answered fiercely. Legolas gave him a thin smile. "Do not be so eager to journey into the unknown, Strider. I will await you at the stables." He disappeared out the door, leaving Gandalf and Aragorn alone.
"Gandalf," Aragorn started slowly. "I need to speak with Elladan, but if this cannot wait. . ." Gandalf placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled warmly, eyes twinkling.
"The moon rises Aragorn," Gandalf stated, chuckling slightly. "I do not think time will stop flowing for you to apologize to your brother." Aragorn let out a sigh. "I suppose you are right." He gave Gandalf a small smile. "I will go prepare." Gandalf nodded and watched the ranger stride out of the room, making notes to tell Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir where the two had gone; give the letter from Thranduil to Elrond; send a messenger to Mirkwood; and, finally, tell Elrond why the Elf had slept for so long and why most of the sleeping powder had found its way to the Lord's tea.
"That last one will be interesting to tell," Gandalf said to himself. He laughed amidst the grave news. The wizard always found salvation even in the greatest calamity.
+++
Elladen sighed to himself again. He stood at the balcony of him room, elbows resting on the gold railing. He watched the crescent moon appear from grey clouds and gazed at Rivendell in an ethereal state of silence. He had not heard from either one of his brothers since he had spoken with Gandalf this afternoon.
"Why am I behaving in such a way?" he murmured to himself. Elladan pushed the stray locks of hair behind his pointed ears and closed his eyes, listening to the eerie sounds of silence. He finally tore himself away from the balcony and exited his bedroom, in search for some company. The halls of Imladris were silent. Elladan wandered through the hallways, thinking and searching. He finally found himself at the archery field where the four had been before. Now the archery field was abandoned, quiet, and unfamiliar in a strange way.
"Lord Elladan!" a voice called. "What are you doing at the archery field at this time?" Elladen smiled to himself. "Nothing Lorelen," he answered without turning. "I am just. . .thinking." Elladan could almost hear the other's silent amusement. This time he did turn and face the servant.
"Have you seen Estel?" Lorelen looked surprised at his question and answered, "No, if anyone did know where Estel is, would it not be you or Elrohir?" Elladan's heart fell. "Ai, I fear I do not know where my foster brother is hiding himself either! I do not even know what has become of Elrohir."
"Elrohir is sleeping in Legolas's room," Lorelen answered. She gazed at the sky and the moonlight made her golden eyes shine strangely. "Legolas's room?" Elladan remarked, surprised. "Aye," came the quiet answer.
"My thanks, Lorelen," Elladen said softly as he passed her on his way to Legolas's room. But Lorelen did not reply.
When Elladan opened the door to Legolas's room, he found the room dark. The remains of the fire was dying out and in the flickering of the faint light, Elladan's keen eyes could make out the shape of his brother laying in a chair. He turned on the lights and walked over to the sleeping form of Elrohir.
Elladan smiled fondly at his brother. He picked up a blanket and placed it, with great care, over Elrohir. He then turned to leave when suddenly, "Elladan?" Elladan froze and turned around, a guilty smile on his fair face.
"I have awoken you," Elladen inquired softly. Elrohir shook his head and stood up. He placed the blanket on the bed and looked around. Seeing how dark Rivendell was outside he exclaimed in a soft voice, bewildered: "I have slept for so long!" Elrohir glanced at Elladen who was standing quietly to the side.
"What is the matter, brother?" Elladan looked up startled and managed a smile, "Nothing. I am just hungry! I have not eaten anything since this morning." He laughed lightly and Elrohir smiled. "As did I! Let us go eat." Elladan nodded and followed his brother, doing his best to ignore the sudden sense of dread that had befallen him.
+++
Legolas slid his twin daggers into their sheaths quickly. He rummaged through his pack and pulled out the letter he was to have delivered long ago. He placed the letter on the table. He glanced around at the Bath House, where Elrohir had dumped his things, saying that the twins were going to clean his weapons.
Legolas smiled. They did a fine job cleaning the daggers and refilling my quiver, Legolas thought to himself, amused. He pulled out one of his daggers and inspected it. "Perhaps I should ask them more often," Legolas murmured aloud. He grinned at the flashing blade and remembered when Elladan had once declared that these daggers were much like Elrohir and him, both the same in nearly every way, two different blades (elves) but acting as one, and working better together than separately. Legolas whispered a thanks in elvish and picked up his finely crafted bow, a gift from his father.
He opened the door and stepped out into the cool night. He started towards the stables silently and when he opened the doors, the horses looked up and neighed softly. Feransul, his own horse, tossed his head and his white mane shone.
"Quietly now," Legolas whispered to Feransul in elvish. The proud horse bobbed his head and followed the Elf out into the night. "Stay here, nin-mellon," Legolas commanded softly. He smiled at his horse who seemed to say: Sure, sure! Just hurry. . .
Legolas slipped back into the stables and grabbed Aragorn's halter and saddle from a nearby shelf. He stepped into Dinlhach's stall and slipped the halter onto the stilled horse. Aragorn's horse was a built for power and speed. The horse was a powerful, copper colored horse with a mane as black as coal. Feransul was just the opposite. Legolas's horse was as white as snow. With its long slender legs, Feransul was built for speed and great distances.
Legolas led the horse outside where Feransul stirred impatiently. The two horses touched noses and nickered softly to each other. Legolas hushed the horses and waited for Aragorn to arrive.
"Legolas?" The Elf turned to see Aragorn staggering towards him, out of breath. Legolas raised a quizzical eyebrow, which went unseen in the dark. "I ran here," Aragorn explained as if the ranger had seen the Elf's unsaid question. Legolas laughed softly and handed Aragorn Dinlhach's reins.
"My thanks," Aragorn preached as he swung himself up onto his horse. Legolas smiled and replied, "No need." He slid on top of his own horse and tipped his head. "Shall we?"
"I don't see why not," Aragorn replied. He gently tapped his heel into Dinlhach's side and the copper horse jumped into a quick trot. Feransul followed with no directions from his rider.
Rivendell faded out of view as the two rode on. Legolas's cloak was thin, as any other elvish garment was, but it kept him hidden. The only thing that kept the Elf from blending with the dark was his bright hair and skin and Feransul.
Aragorn glanced at the trees with satisfaction that the two had made it out of Rivendell boundaries this quickly. He suddenly realized that they had no idea where Byrium was. "Legolas!" Aragorn muttered. "We do not even know the way!" The ranger was surprised to hear the Elf's laughter from besides him.
"Fear not, Strider!" Legolas answered. "A map came with the note. I left the note but I had enough sense to bring the map." Aragorn gave a relieved sigh. Legolas, suddenly, groaned.
"Where is my head in all this?" Legolas complained. He commanded Feransul to halt. Aragorn turned Dinlhach and faced the Elf. "What is it?" Legolas faced him and said seriously, "We did not bring food." It was Aragorn's turn to laugh. He turned and urged the horse on again. He could hear Legolas spur Feransul on and catch up to Dinlhach's quick pace.
"Why do you laugh, Strider?" Legolas asked, suspiciously. Aragorn laughed in his turn. "I do not know what you have in your pack but I brought the food." Legolas blinked, dumfounded.
"What?" Legolas gazed at him. Aragorn glanced at the Elf, bemused. "I said," Aragorn repeated, "that I brought the food." Legolas faced forward and flashed a smile. "Then you have my gratitude." Aragorn laughed, "And what of your praise?"
Legolas made a face in the bright moonlight. "You did not earn it yet." Laughter. The two rode in silence for a while. Gradually the trees began to lessen and more and more grass and bushes littered the ground.
"If we continue this way," Legolas noted, "we will come to a clearing." Aragorn agreed and glanced around, alert. Legolas rode besides him, seeming at ease. He glanced at Aragorn's rigid form and frowned. "Calm down, Strider," Legolas lectured, a slight frown evident in his voice. "I can stay alert and talk better than you, so you need not worry."
"I'm perfectly fine," Aragorn argued stubbornly. "You may be, but Dinlhach will tire quickly if this continues. Your tense posture makes it impossible for the horse to get comfortable," Legolas pointed out. Aragorn sighed and relaxed in his seat, throwing Legolas a pout. The Elf smiled to himself and sang softly:
I sang of leaves, of leaves of gold, and of leaves of gold there grew;
Of wind I sang, a wind there came and in the branches blew.
Beyond the Sun, beyond the Moon, the foam was on the Sea,
And by the strand of Ilmarin there grew a golden Tree. **
His voice faded. "Why have you stopped?" Aragorn asked. "It was beautiful." Legolas laughed slightly. "It is a song Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien sings. I have forgotten much and have not heard it for many years." Aragorn nodded and said suddenly, "Why do elves sing such sad and sweet melodies?" Legolas quirked an eyebrow.
"And what does Strider sing on his journeys?" Legolas jested. Aragorn chuckled and said, "Care to find out?" Legolas laughed and gave a nod. Aragorn, catching the Elf's movement, sang:
O! Wanderers in the shadowed land
Despair not! For though dark they stand,
All woods there must be end at last,
And see the open sun go past:
The setting sun, the rising sun,
The day's end, or the day begun.
For east or west all woods must fail. . .**
As soon as Aragorn faded off, Legolas stated, "Is that not one of Tom Bombadil's songs?" Aragorn glanced at Legolas, surprised, but answered, "Yes, it is, though I am wondering how you came to know his songs." Legolas snorted.
"Master Bombadil has been around for quite awhile," Legolas explained. He spoke no more as if that explained everything. The only sound on the path was the sound of hooves against the ground. The moon was still high in the sky when Aragorn gave an audible yawn.
"We will rest soon," Legolas assured his friend. Aragorn wiped the sleep from his eyes and said quickly, "No, I do not need to rest!" Legolas gave him a hard stare. "If we rest now, we still have plenty of time to refresh and get up early in the morning," Legolas said logically. He gave Aragorn a shrewd look and stopped Feransul. Aragorn looked back and followed Legolas's example.
"But-" The Elf's commanding glare shut the protesting ranger up, Legolas turned the great white horse and rode into a group of trees. Aragorn followed reluctantly, but relieved.
Legolas led Aragorn into a small clearing, surrounded by remaining trees. The Elf dropped off his horse and help Aragorn off his. The ranger said wearily, "I will set up camp, Legolas. Go get some firewood." Legolas glanced at him, concerned, but did not say anything. Instead, the Mirkwood Elf slipped into the shadows in search of firewood.
Aragorn rubbed his eyes blearily again and led Dinlhach to a nearby tree. Tying the horse in place, Aragorn dropped his pack to the ground and began to set up camp. By the time Legolas returned with the firewood, the two horses were grazing nearby and camp was set up.
The ranger was waiting, leaning against a tree. He seemed more wide awake and gazing at the sky with much interest. "Strider?" Aragorn jumped, startled. "Legolas?" Aragorn smiled. "I told you not to sneak up on me!" The Wood-Elf chuckled and dumped the wood near the ranger. He them started a small fire.
As soon as the fire sparked to life, Aragorn fed it some branches. The fire burned steadily and a thin trail of smoke snaked into the sky. Aragorn glanced at Legolas and said, "It's funny, isn't it?" Legolas looked up from the flames. "What?" Aragorn gazed at the stars again.
"We only met today and already we're-" Aragorn started.
"Traveling together," Legolas finished. The Elf smiled and added his own opinion, "I do not find it strange, though I don't know why. I think I usually would, but with you, it seems as if I have known you my entire life."
Aragorn faced Legolas and gave him a genuine smile. "I am glad you feel the same way as me," Aragorn cited slowly. Legolas's blue eyes flickered in the light of the flames. "Do not take my friendship lightly," Legolas warned softly after a while. Aragorn diverted his gaze from the horses to the Elf.
"What do you mean?" Aragorn wondered. He rubbed his eyes, though his weariness had long gone away. Legolas sighed and turned towards the human. "Once I give my loyalty, I do not break my friendships easily. I rarely befriend humans. . .If that seems too much for a mortal, you need not-"
"No!" Aragorn gasped, horrified. "I do not take your idea of friendship lightly. Actually, I am very much the same." Legolas studied the ranger in front of him and faced the sky, a smile tugging at his lips.
"All is well then?" Legolas queried. The pulled his knees to his chest and offered Aragorn a slight smile. "Yes," Aragorn stated firmly. The two sat in silence until Legolas said, "I will take first watch. Rest." Aragorn threw him a look.
"I don't need to rest," Aragorn insisted. Legolas gave him a commanding stare, though amusement shone in his blue eyes like a flame. "I do not wish to return to Rivendell because you fell asleep on your horse, fell, and was trampled to near death," Legolas retaliated. Aragorn gave a scowl and played along, "I do not think I will be the one to fall off my horse."
"Very well," Legolas answered menacingly, "I suppose if you will not sleep on your own, I will have to make you." Aragorn blinked at the Elf. Are you serious? He thought to himself, amused.
Legolas stood from his side of the fire and gave a sadistic smile. He advanced on the ranger and leaned down. His gold hair fell and curtained his face. The prince smiled and his white teeth shone in the flames.
"Unless you reconsider," Legolas said sweetly. Aragorn made a face but leaned back on a tree and made himself comfortable. He grumbled and pulled his blanket around him. "If you try anything. . ." Aragorn warned. The ranger glared at the Elf who was giving him an innocent smiled.
"Whatever do you mean, Strider, ranger of the North?" Aragorn growled in reply.
+++
"YOU DID WHAT?!"
Elrond's angered voice rang through the halls of Rivendell. Gandalf sat patiently inside the Lord's study and gazed at the Elf calmly. "I sent them to Byrium," the wizard repeated slowly. The pacing Elf glared at him.
"I heard you the first time," the Lord snapped, exasperated. He whirled on the wizard, robes swishing, and said in a low tone, "And what made you think I would agree to this course of action, let alone Thranduil would!"
The wizard waited until Elrond's breathing became even. The Elf Lord drew in a deep breath and sat down at his desk, rubbing his forehead. As he opened his mouth to speak, a timid knock came at the door.
"Come in," Gandalf interjected before Elrond could say anything. The door opened and Elladan walked in, followed by Elrohir. The two shifted nervously and Elladan said uncomfortably, "I hope we are not interrupting anything-" ("Not at all!" Gandalf said merrily.) "-but we were wondering where Estel and Legolas were. We have not seen them since yesterday."
"This we know of," Elrond answered in a neutral tone. He shot Gandalf a calm look, though annoyance sprang to life in his eyes. Gandalf chuckled and replied, "I sent the two to Byrium."
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged confused glances. "Byrium?" Elrohir asked hesitantly. "Yes," Elrond answered shortly. He picked up a letter with Mirkwood's seal on it. He reread the letter and sighed.
"This is not good," he muttered to himself. Gandalf, hearing this, contradicted. "Nonsense! You need not worry about the two. They are smart enough to return alive."
"But what about unscathed?" Elrond retorted annoyed. He sighed and said, "Forgive me, Gandalf. I may have overreacted to your news." Gandalf waved that aside and said to Elrohir, "You will need to send a messenger to Mirkwood. I need to speak with your father." Elrohir nodded and exited the room. Elladan was quick to follow, but Gandalf stopped him.
"Elladan." Gandalf stood and leaned on his staff. "Aragorn wished for me to tell you that he was dearly sorry." Elladan blinked. "Excuse me?" Gandalf opened his mouth to repeat what he had said when Elladan rushed on, "Estel told you to tell me he was sorry?" Gandalf shut his mouth and nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Thank you," Elladan replied hastily. He bowed and left, closing the door quietly behind him. "Now," Gandalf began. He turned back to Elrond who was still sitting at the desk.
"I did not explain to you fully why I sent Legolas and your son to Byrium." Elrond nodded and glanced at the message from Thranduil again. "I assume that it has something to do with this letter?" Elrond remarked. He raised his eyebrow and waited for the Istar's answer.
"Yes, yes," Gandalf said hurriedly. "Thranduil knew of this demon and sent a warning to Lothlorien and Imladris. From each kingdom, three elves were chosen to guard the Scroll." Gandalf paused. The Elf nodded and motioned for the wizard to go on.
"The Elves were murdered, but one was sent, injured, back to her own realm with a note." Elrond nodded again and picked up a second piece of paper on his desk. "Yes," he said slowly. He handed the noted to Gandalf, who took it and read it aloud:
I Badingor will awaken and the city in exile will rise again, with power. With the One we will control. With the One we will conquer. With the One we will fall. /I
"That does not make sense," Elrond said, exasperated. "You informed me that Byrium was a city in isolation, not exile." Gandalf's bushy, white brows furrowed. "Indeed." Gandalf shook his head. "I do not know. . .Legolas mentioned that Thranduil sent this letter because he, too, could not make much sense out of it." Elrond nodded and handed the wizard the letter. The wizard read:
Lord Elrond of Imladris,
Ill tidings have arrived in Mirkwood. An Elf, of my kin, has bore news of Badingor and Byrium. Shortly after, she passed on. Now, I have sent my son, Legolas, to deliver this letter to you and I am praying that he does not embark on a foolish detour. Though I told my son this was not of urgent news, it is of urgency, I fear.
As your friend I am warning you, as a fellow ruler I am negotiating with you, and as another father I am advising you, do not let anyone, who is not already involved, become tangled in this web. I fear for my son's safety, which is why I have told him that this news was of not great importance.
Byrium, I fear, is rising in power. They will conquer Celeborn's realm first, or so they say in the warning. What strikes me as queer is that they gave precise detail on what they will do. . .
Forgive me, but I do not have any other things of importance to tell you. Heed this warning and watch over Legolas in his stay at Imladris. Ha! I do not think I need to worry about my son's well-being at your own Halls. . .
Until the next time we may meet,
King Thranduil of Mirkwood
Gandalf let out a low chuckle before handing the note back to Elrond. "I suppose Thranduil did not know I was going to be here." The Elf took the note and told the wizard sarcastically, "I believe that neither of us had any knowledge that you would be here at this particular time and Byrium just happened to come to power." Gandalf laughed merrily and sat down across from Elrond.
"Do not worry," Gandalf said after sometime, "They will return."
+++
Aragorn rubbed his eyes blearily and sat up. He blinked and studied his surroundings. He realized that Legolas was nowhere in sight but the horses rested near the ranger. Aragorn stood and let out a low whistle that the Elves of Rivendell used when hunting.
A high pitched whistle answered the first one and Legolas crept out of a tree. Feransul neighed when he saw the elf and trotted over to him, nuzzling Legolas's shoulder. Legolas patted his horses neck and turned to Aragorn.
"So you have awoken?" Legolas asked cheerfully. "No thanks to you," Aragorn grumbled. He stood and stretched. The Elf smiled and handed the ranger his pack. "Are you hungry?"
Aragorn shook his head and eyed the pack. "What?" He questioned as he took his bag from the Elf. "Nothing," Legolas answered, "but I was wondering if you were ready to travel." Aragorn nodded and started towards Dinlhach, ignoring Legolas's questioning gaze. The ranger climb upon his horse, who nickered a welcome.
He raised an eyebrow at Legolas said suddenly, "Why did you not wake me as you said you would?" Legolas glanced at him from atop his white steed. "I tried to wake you, but you would not open your eyes."
"Oh. . ." Aragorn nudged his horse in the ribs, lightly and starting out the clearing in a quick pace. Legolas followed easily and said to Aragorn, "Does something ail you?" Aragorn looked at him, surprised.
"No," he answered. He smiled at the Elf's concern and observed, "I noticed you were away this morning." Legolas spared him a glance and nodded. "Aye, I was. I was scouting." Aragorn gave a understandable nod and sighed contently.
"This morning is beautiful," Aragorn commented glancing upward at the clear sky. Legolas smiled. "Indeed, but I can't help wondering how the others back in Rivendell responded to Gandalf. . ." Aragorn laughed lightly. "Yes, I wonder how my father will react. I suppose he will want Gandalf's head."
Legolas chuckled softly. "If we ride north for about two days, we will come to the forest which encircles Byrium." Feransul, snorted and pulled closer to Dinlhach, eyes pulled back. Dinlhach, startled by the other horse's sudden movement jumped, alerting the ranger.
"Feransul," Legolas said quietly to the horse in Elvish. "Peace, my friend." The horse calmed momentarily, but his steps remained wary. "There is something in the woods," Legolas told Aragorn, his voice low. Aragorn switched in Elvish and replied, "Shall we stop? The horses are nervous. . ."
Legolas nodded and stopped Feransul abruptly. Dinlhach followed and the two horses stood besides each other, quivering and restless. Legolas stroke Feransul's mane again and quieted the horse's constant, but quiet, whinnies. Dinlhach shook his head nervously and stepped backward, away from the trees.
"Do you hear anything?" Aragorn whispered. Legolas shook his head and peered intently at the trees. "I can feel a presence, but I fear I cannot hear or see it." Aragorn frowned and turned his horse north again.
"Let us continue on our way," he murmured to Legolas. "If the thing is still lurking behind us, we shall see what it is." The Elf was hesitant to follow, but did so. Feransul, glad to comply, put on an extra burst of speed. Dinlhach followed quickly.
Legolas stop atop his horse calmly. "What do you think it was?" he asked Aragorn. The ranger glanced behind his shoulder and replied, "I do not know. . .I do not think it was a being. Do you suppose they already broke the seal and released the monster?"
Legolas shook his head. "It has not been a full moon yet. If it was a not a being, how were the horses able to fear what they cannot hear or see?" Aragorn quieted at the Elf's answer and said thoughtfully, "Perhaps they could see and hear something we could not." Legolas glanced at him and sighed. "Maybe, but we will just have to wait and see."
Aragorn made no reply and sat quietly, deep in thought. Legolas sighed again and said softly, "Ai, Elbereth. . .elenath sila erin estel." Aragorn glanced, surprised, at the Elf's words but did say anything.
Behind the two, a great eagle in the sky flew, trailing the two. Its talons were sharp, and beak, golden. Seeing the Elf and Man were fine, the great bird turned its course to Rivendell where Gandalf would be awaiting him.
+++
Badingor: Silent Horror
Ai: Alas
nin-mellon: my friend
Feransul: Wandering Wind
Dinlhach: Silent Flame
Ai, Elbereth. . .elenath eila erin estel: Alas, Elbereth. . .may the stars shine on hope.
**These two songs were excerpted from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring One Volume Edition. Pages 110 and 363.
[A/N:] Yay me! I finished the second chapter quicker than I thought! I making this up as I go along _ I hope it isn't too corny! Bleh =P Thank you, everyone, for the wonderful reviews! I didn't realize my computer was changing my Elladan's to Elladen's! But thanks to the corrections, I was able to fix my errors! *celebrates* I had to cut off some of the second chapter (such as Legolas's introduction to racism) and add it to the third because I couldn't find a good place to cut if off! I didn't want to be evil already in the first two chapters! ^______^ Well, in the next chapter, Legolas and Aragorn find out. . .my evil side is kicking into gear! *evil laugh* I'm not going to write what will happen next time. . .Bwahahaha! [end]
