La de da! Another chapter to Well Met! *throws confetti everywhere* Anyway, *sighs* I am having a major crisis. . . I am out of JELLO! Jello, my *brain* food! Without it, I can't live! *rushes to the refrigerator and starts digging through the food* Oh, well. *sighs sadly* I guess I'll have to rely on my dearest reviewers to keep me going!
Well Met Indeed
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Dedication:

Yoohoo! Bianca! This chapter is for you, girl! *winks* Thanks for all the encouragement and. . .uh, threats! ^^; Hugs and kisses for you and your Aragorn!

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Chapter 6 - By Fire and Moonlight

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*In the forests of Mirkwood. . .*

The eyes of the Mirkwood scouts were alert as they crept silently into the forests of their home. Their bows were tight and taunt as they approached the place of the attacks.

The eerie silence that cloaked this clearing was as thick as ever and the captain of the troops, Syndek, gave the signal to spread out. The leaves rustled and all eyes shot to the treetops.

"There is no breeze," Syndek murmured. Tension climaxed in the air. . . silence: Nothing more than the faint echoes of the rustling leaves. "Keep your eyes open," Syndek warned in their native tongue.

Then as one Elf shifted his weight, a dark shape shot out of the leaves and flew at the warrior. Suddenly, it was gone and the Elf sank dead. Upon his slender neck was the mark of the ring within a ring.

"Deryst! Behind you!" Syndek shouted to the warrior at his right. The Elf spun around and instinctively fired an arrow at the dark figure springing at him. With a howl, the body dropped onto the ground and lay still.

The Elves of Mirkwood did not dare to approach it. Finally, Syndek drew his courage and silently made his way to the still figure, who was big enough to pass as a man. From this point the Elves could see that whatever this creature was, it wore a cloak that fumed of evil.

Deryst's fair face twisted into one of disgust as he spat out a string of Elvish curses, but a stern glare from his captain silenced the warrior. "We have caught the creature," Syndek breathed, relieved. He knelt cautiously at the animal's side and turned it over with a sharp shove from his bow.

The eyes of the Elves widened as they laid their fair eyes upon the bony, gaunt face of the creature. His nose and closed eyes were sunken in and his face was littered with a series of scars and burns in all sorts of particular design. His skin was of a murky brown color, one that the Elves have never seen before.

Before them lay a pitiful, hideous creature and with that the Elves became angry. "So many of our kind have *died* because of this. . .*thing*?!" Vanigor spat, disgusted with herself. Her brilliant hazel eyes shone with angry tears. "My *sister* was killed by this vile murderer when picking fruits for a snack?!"

She started for the unconscious being with a wild fire in her eyes. "Vaginor!" Syndek commanded. "Stop! Do not be foolish!" The She-Elf froze, but her eyes were glued on the creature.

"Calm yourself, sister," Deryst whispered in a hushed voice. His fair face was tight and his arms pulled his sister into a comforting hug. "Calm down," he said again in a strained voice. He stroked his younger sister's amber hair in a protective manner, but Vaginor broke away from Deryst's grip.

"I am calm," she replied stonily, her gaze never leaving the one who murdered her sister. Her arms crossed in front of her chest and her eyes were fixed with such an intense glare, that none, save only her brother, would approach her.

"We must take this. . ." Syndek paused and glanced at the creature, unsure of what to call it. He cleared his throat and said again: "We will take this being back to King Thranduil."

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"It needs some more pepper. . ."

The hushed voice seemed uncomfortably loud in Legolas's pounding head but his blue eyes opened automatically. He was greeted by the sight of a ceiling of a cave and as he tried to sit up, someone gently pushed him back down.

"Calm down, Greenleaf!" Lomywen laughed. Legolas winced and rubbed his head. "Lomywen?" he asked, his voice cracking. "Where am I? What of Aragorn?" Again, soft laughter.

"Drink this," she urged. She handed Legolas a small steaming cup and Legolas found himself studying the horribly smelling cup disdainfully. "A special broth of mine," Lomywen cooed at Legolas's disgust. She placed one hand upon the cup and pushed it gently to his lips. Eventually Legolas forfeited to the Lorien Elf and took a sip of the tea.

"Athelas?" he questioned, surprised to find the drink sweet. Lomywen smiled and nodded, "Aye." Legolas made a face. "Then why does it make such a horrid smell?" he muttered as he took another drink. Lomywen stood and turned to a pot boiling merrily away. "A special recipe of mine," she replied.

"And of Aragorn?" Legolas pressured. "Where is he?" Lomywen did not even glance at him as she remarked, almost carelessly, "He hunts with Urylia now." Legolas blinked. "Aragorn is well enough to hunt?"

Lomywen nodded and held the spoon to her lips, tasting the soup that she had made. Legolas stood cautiously, and was surprised to see that no pain echoed throughout his entire body. "How long have I been sleeping?" he asked curiously. Lomywen added a dash of herbs and answered, "A day and a half." She turned to him, "It has not been long, Legolas."

The prince looked disgusted with himself. "What happened after we arrived here, Lady Lomywen? I fear I do not recall much." The She-Elf smiled and replied easily, "We tended to your wounds and horses when we arrived. You did not miss much." Legolas nodded slowly then asked suspiciously, "How do you know of Strider's true name?"

Lomywen snorted answered merrily, "He admitted to us, when you started calling him in your fevered dreams." Legolas's face flushed faintly. "You lie," he muttered. Lomywen feigned look shocked and retorted, "I certainly am not lying, Prince Legolas! I heard you call to Aragorn and he to you many times now! Both of you were calling to each other like two lost elflings!"

She burst into laughter at the look on Legolas's face. "The story shall not leak to others through my lips, I can assure you *that* much, but of Urylia? I cannot say!" she laughed gleefully. Legolas shot her a menacing frown.

"Lomywen?"

The Lorien Elf's head snapped up, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders. "Urylia, it's about time!" she shouted. Musical laughter answered her. Legolas looked onto the opening of the cave curiously as Aragorn's face appeared. The ranger gave a startled cry and he nearly dropped the meat he held.

"Legolas!" he gasped, color returning to his face. "Do not startle me like that!" Realization seemed to dawn on him as he burst into a flurry of questions, "How do you feel? Are you sure you should be up?" Legolas laughed, "Calm down, Aragorn!"

The ranger held his breath and grinned. He dumped his bags; handed what he and Urylia had caught over to Lomywen; and rushed over to Legolas. He hovered over the Elf, worried, until Legolas finally pushed him away. Aragorn gave an apologetic grin and settled himself besides Legolas.

Urylia was crouched down besides Lomywen, her hair windblown, but as tidy as ever. "I trust Lomywen treated you well, Legolas?" she teased lightly. Her teal eyes shown with amusement and she glanced down at Lomywen, meeting her gaze. The two of them snorted and shared silent laughter.

Aragorn exchanged curious looks with Legolas and called out, "What do you laugh about?" Lomywen spared him a wicked grin. "Nothing O ranger," she answered, snickering. Urylia smiled, despite her impassive mask of tranquility. Finally they could take no more and burst into loud melodious laughter. Legolas raised a quizzical eyebrow and muttered, "If they are giggling about what I think they are. . ."

Another burst of laughter erupted from both Lomywen and Urylia. Urylia composed herself enough to calm Lomywen, "Forgive us, we have been rude to laugh at your-" she snorted with laughter "-fevered dreams." Aragorn groaned and collapsed on the blankets.

"I do not see how funny that is!" he nearly whined. He shot a dark glare at the two before turning to Legolas. "What do you say, Legolas?" he grinned sadistically before saying, "It is not every day when you come across a chance to embarrass two of Galadriel's folk."

Legolas returned the smile and replied slyly, "I believe you are right." Urylia snorted and retorted ruefully, "I fear there is nothing you or the Elfstone can begrudge or embarrass us about." Legolas's eyebrows raised and lowered them just as quickly.

"I suppose you are right," Legolas sighed, giving the Elf a look of sorrow. Aragorn's lips curled into a smile and he was laughing as Urylia snorted. "I feel no pity for you, Prince," she commented as she turned back to Lomywen. She glanced at him and offered a sweet smile. "Then again," she snickered quietly to Lomywen, "I will soon when word gets out." Lomywen nearly choked on the soup she had been sipping.

Urylia smiled again and stood. Sighing, she replied, "It rains no more, Lomywen. If you don't mind, I think I will go practice my archery or sparring." Lomywen looked up, surprised. "I do not mind at all, but do you not need a sparring partner?"

Urylia made a face. "Then I suppose I will practice my aim with the bow," she murmured. She smiled once more at the ranger and prince before leaving with the bow that had never left her hands.

Aragorn prodded Legolas in the back and asked, concerned, "How do you feel, Legolas?" The prince stood and was surprised to find himself hurt no more. His blue eyes met Lomywen's gaze. "A day and a half," she said, "and you are back on your feet." She chuckled and shook her head.

"No matter how many times I may have seen it, the durability of the Elves will never cease to amaze me." Aragorn laughed and clasped his friend on the shoulder. Legolas grinned.

"I think I will go outside. It has been a long time since I have breathed in fresh air," Legolas commented. Aragorn nodded and watched as Legolas departed. He turned to Lomywen, "Did you notice that he had his daggers with him?" Lomywen's lips curled into a smile and her aqua eyes shone merrily. "Perhaps he thinks he can match Urylia's skill."

Aragorn grinned. "You jest, Lomywen. Legolas's skill with the bow is like none I have ever seen and with his daggers-"

"Perhaps you would like to make a small wager?" Lomywen interrupted coyly. Aragorn smiled wickedly. "I do not see why not. I bet that Legolas wins both matches." Lomywen's eyes shone with mischief. "Agreed," she answered. "You will be the one taking care of the horses." Their hands met and they shook.

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Aim.

Breathe in.

Shoot.

Breathe out.

Urylia's arrow flew. She brushed her golden hair away from her eyes. The red tinge in her hair shone brightly in the afternoon sun as she notched another arrow. She took aim to fire, but not before she called out, "Care to join me?"

Legolas's musical laughter greeted her and he stepped up silently besides her. "I fear I have only brought my daggers," he replied as he watched her arrow fly and spilt her previous arrow down the middle.

"Why do you not show me the legends of Legolas Greenleaf's skills with my own bow?" Urylia suggested, laughing. Legolas smiled impishly and answered, "Gladly, Urylia of Lothlorien." He took the bow and arrow from her slender hands with great care.

Notching the arrow, he took aim and released. Urylia's teal eyes shone with satisfaction. "It seems that the stories do not proceed you," she teased. Legolas laughed and answered, "I fear my sparring does not match my archery." Urylia's arched her brow. "Oh? Then it seems that we are equally matched for my archery is worse than my knife work."

Legolas unsheathed his twin daggers and tipped his head to the side. "Then let's see your skills." Urylia drew out her own daggers and held it out for Legolas to inspect. The blade was of Elvish making and at the base were carvings of leaves. "A great piece of art," Legolas complimented. Urylia smiled and studied his own daggers. "As yours are as well, Prince of Mirkwood."

With a final smile, the two took their stances. Both stood still and silence echoed around them. Urylia's teal eyes closed and her breathing became rhythmic, as though she slept. Legolas, puzzled, made no move to attack when suddenly Urylia's blade flew at him. The prince quickly blocked the intended blow, but suddenly, the blade flashed and moved upwards.

His dodge was only seconds early. Legolas's blue eyes widened and he said surprised, "That was clever and I almost did not dodge the blade in time." Urylia smiled and remarked happily, "And I am glad you have done so, for you are one of the few who have dodged such an attack." Legolas smiled and this time, he attacked first.

The clanging of swords drew the attention of Aragorn and Lomywen, who watched intently from the edge of the cave. "They look as if they are dancing," Lomywen breathed. Aragorn nodded.

Legolas thrust his blade in the direction of Urylia's stomach and another to her face when both met her daggers met his. With a clang, all fell silent. The prince of Mirkwood then smiled and abandoned his stance. He sheathed his daggers and conceded, "I am far outmatched with your skills." Urylia smiled and sheathed her own blades.

"As how I felt when I witnessed your archery," she confessed. Legolas laughed, "We are equal then?" Urylia nodded, "Aye, apparently so." She turned to face Aragorn and Lomywen. "Though those two will argue." Legolas's blue eyes twinkled merrily and answered, "I do not doubt that."

Urylia slung her bow on her shoulder and started for the cave. Legolas followed behind, rethinking the sparring session they had moments ago. "Why did you concede?" Aragorn cried to Legolas from beside Lomywen, who looked very smug with herself.

"Because I know I cannot match her skill," Legolas replied. Urylia studied Lomywen with a scrutinizing gaze as her smug smile grew larger. "Though," the Elf added, "Legolas's archery far outmatched my own." The younger Elf's smile drooped.

"What?" she asked in disbelief. "You heard me, Lomywen," Urylia answered tipping her head. "Legolas has beaten me in archery." Her own smile grew wider as Lomywen's face fell. Aragorn laughed and poked her in the shoulder.

"It appears to be a draw, Lady Lomywen," he teased. Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Is this something you two planned?" he asked curiously. Aragorn blinked and answered hurriedly, "No! Of course not! Nothing at all!" Legolas studied him with a piercing gaze.

"Is that so?" he teased. "Then I wonder which one of you will be tending to Feransul and Dinlhach." With a wicked smile, he shook his head and walked away to the cave. Aragorn let out a snort of disbelief and muttered, "I sometimes wonder why he is an Elf and not a Dwarf."

Lomywen and Urylia exchanged wide-eyed glances and burst out into hearty laughter. Aragorn sniffed and started for the cave, mumbling.

"I think he mutters about the keen hearing of the Elves," Lomywen chortled. "Indeed?" Urylia's face was flushed with laughter and she threw her arm around the other's shoulder.

"Come, nin-mellon. It seems that our patients will be needing their sleeping concoction today as well," Urylia said happily, and with a sly wink she added, "Or we won't be sleeping tonight."

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"My Lord!"

Thranduil looked up from his deep conversation with Elrond to see a healer rushing towards them. Her eyes were wide with panic as she stopped abruptly at the dining table.

"You must come quickly, my lord!" she cried. She shifted impatiently and looked towards the door. Elrond shot Thranduil a worried look and said to the healer, "Calm down, Gloriana." The healer's eyes never left the door as she hastily replied, "Nay! You must come quickly to the Healer's Room!"

Thranduil stood, his breakfast forgotten, but his goblet still in hand. "What has happened?" he demanded. For the first time, the healer's grey eyes turned towards him. "All the wounded, they all. . . died at the same time."

The cup of juice fell from the king's hand as he stared, wide-eyed at his healer. "Wh-what?" he asked in disbelief. Gloriana repeated what she had said and Thranduil's face visibly paled. He ignored the spilled cup and stood, robes swishing.

Without another word, he started for the door to the hall when a guard burst in from the door on the other side of the room. "My Lord," he cried breathless. Thraduil turned to him, deep sorrow etched into his fair features.

"The scout party has caught the monster behind this massacre!" The guard shouted. Another wave of shock hit the King of Mirkwood as the news sank into him. His green eyes became cloudy and all thoughts of sorrow were replaced with a deep anger.

"Elrond, please go with Gloriana to the Healer's Room," Thranduil said neutrally. The Lord of Imladris stood, willing to help his friend in any way possible. He nodded his goodbye to the furious golden haired Elf and received the smallest of nods from Thranduil as he left the Dining Hall.

"Come, Lord Elrond," Gloriana said softly. "Your sons are awaiting your arrival at the room." Elrond's worried gaze lingered on the door Thranduil had left a few moments before following the healer.

Gloriana led the lord down the silent hallways and to the Healer's Room, where she hurriedly opened the door. "Father!" Elladan cried out as he leapt to his feet. His dark eyes were sorrowful, but relief sprang into his youthful face. He glanced at Elrohir, who sat sleeping, and lowered his voice.

"We were hoping you would come along," he said in a hushed voice. Elrond gave a brief nod and his eyes swept across the large room. The remaining healers were tending to the dead, covering their bodies with soft linen cloths. The stench of death was fresh and although the large, elegant windows were opened, the smell lingered.

"Father?" Elladan's questioning call brought the Elf's attention to his son. "You should rest, my son. Exhaustion hangs over everyone in this room," Elrond said, concerned. Elladan gave a grateful smile and stared at his twin fondly. "Aye," he answered quietly. "It seems that Elrohir has done us the honor of showing us just that."

Suddenly, the younger twin blinked and he sat up, alert. "I heard that, Elladan," he warned. He stood and the light blanket Elladan had covered him with fell to the floor. He turned to Elrond and said apologetically, "I may have drifted off when awaiting you."

"That is quite alright, Elrohir." Elrond's smile was visible as he sat down besides the twins. The healers busied themselves and began boiling a sweet smelling plant. Elrond sniffed the air and sighed contently. "This scent is soothing to the mind," he said quietly.

A healer nearby heard him and looked up. She smiled, "It is called Ladhith, or valley mist, my Lord. It is named by Prince Legolas for its sweet smell and place of origin." Elrond could have laughed if his heart was not so heavy.

"Oh? And where exactly was this plant discovered?" he asked, amused. The healer smiled. "Here and there, as the prince would say," she replied. She smiled and shook her head as she bent down to pick up the scattered leaves of the plant that had fallen to the floor. Elrohir jumped up from his seat and helped the young Elf pick up the leaves.

She smiled her thanks and headed to the other side of the room where the jars of fresh plants sat. Elrohir sat back down besides his father and brother, a smile upon his face.

Elladan snickered and teased, "It seems, father, that this little Elfling has taken a liking to a certain maiden." Elrond chuckled as Elrohir's face flushed. "Look!" Elladan crowed, laughing. "His ears redden!" Both Elrond and Elladan burst into merry laughter as Elrohir frowned unhappily. The three Elves of Rivendell drew the attention of the healers.

"I am *not* blushing!" Elrohir cried out. He leapt to his feet and towered over his twin angrily. Elrond stifled his laughs and said sternly. "Elrohir, sit!" The Elf reluctantly sat, but glared at his brother who was having trouble breathing in between the giggles.

"Anyway," Elrohir finally said, changing the subject. "The plant that Legolas named, Ladhith, wasn't that the plant that he found in our valleys?" Elladan sat up straighter and his fair face was bright with realization. "So it is, brother," he laughed. Elrohir smiled and nodded while their father studied them, confused.

"Is this something I should know about?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. Elrohir grinned. "When Legolas came to Rivendell last, we went hunting in the valleys." Elrond nodded, encouraging the Elf to continue. "And there, a sweet odor drew the prince to a small plant growing on the base of a willow tree besides the lake."

"Legolas, of course, had to find out what that plant was called, but we had never seen this plant," Elladan went on. "It seems that he managed to get a hold of its leaves and seeds without Elrohir or I noting." Elrond snorted. "You are telling me that this wondrous smelling plant was discovered in *our* valleys but now the knowledge of it has spread through Mirkwood?" Elrond queried. He laughed quietly as did Elladan and Elrohir.

"Is it just Legolas or are all Silvan Elves attracted to such things of beauty?" Elrohir said lightly. Elrond smiled and replied, "Legolas is not the only Elf. Though the Mirkwood Elves perfect their skills of hunt and battle, it seems that the Elves of Rivendell are the masters of craft."

Elladan nodded slowly as he let out a tired sigh. He bent over and picked up the blanket that had cover Elrohir minutes ago and draped it around his own willowy figure. "Rest, my son," Elrond said softly. Elladan smiled faintly and his eyelids drooped.

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Rage coursed throughout his body as the King of Mirkwood stormed down to the cell. Upon arriving at the dungeon, Thranduil politely asked the warriors, who had captured the beast, where its cell was. And now, flanked by the warriors, Thranduil headed towards the cell.

He came to an abrupt stop as Syndek said quietly, "Here, my lord." The Elves of Mirkwood cowered behind their angry king, for never in all their lives have they seen his emerald eyes alight with such a fury as this.

"Are you the one slaying my people?" the king demanded in a quiet angry voice. The hooded figure looked up at the king but was silent. Thranduil's eyes narrowed at the sight of the hideous beast and ordered, "Answer me." Again the pale face turned toward the sound his quiet voice. For once Thranduil saw the face clearly and knew that this slaughterer was a male.

The creature slowly stood with a grace the Elves never suspected his twisted figure to have. He turned his red eyes towards Thranduil and from the silver lamps in the cold dungeon, his pale face shone eerily.

"With the One we will control. With the One we will conquer. With the One we will fall," the beast hissed with a voice that made the Elves wince. Thranduil paled visibly and Syndek reached out to steady the trembling king. Thranduil brushed his hand away and turned back to the creature.

"Who are you?" he asked, fearing the answer. The demon leaned forward and grinned, showing his shining teeth. "I am called Badingor," he whispered. He let out a piercing laugh that echoed in the silent halls of the dungeon. Thranduil swallowed and took a step back, shocked.

"Then are you the One?" he demanded in a steadier voice. The Badingor grinned again. "The One?" he laughed. "Oh, no, no, no. I am not the One." Before Thranduil could speak, the Badingor disappeared.

Pandemonium broke as the Elves drew their bows in a feeble attempt to save their king from an unknown foe. "Stop!" Thranduil commanded angrily. He glared at the warriors and said, "There is nothing to fight. The Badingor is beyond the skill of any weapon. He was toying with us."

The warriors exchanged looks of confusion as their king departed from the safety of company. "Should we follow?" Deryst asked, worried. Syndek shook his head. "Nay," he replied solemnly. "The Badingor has indeed left. He was a foe no one could have defeated." Vaginor bristled with fury at his words and shook her head angrily, but remained silent.

The Elves were quiet as Syndek turned to them and said, "Keep alert. He might be back." Saying that, the dark haired captain turned and exited the dungeons, as did many other warriors.

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Elrond looked up to see Gandalf entering the Healer's Room. "Where have you been, Gandalf?" he asked. The wizard smiled faintly and answered sadly, "Wandering the halls, though I hoped to be of some help here."

"I fear the time for help is over," Elrond replied softly. He stood and glanced at his sleeping sons. The healers had departed for some rest after days and nights of endless work, although Gloriana remained. The beds that had once held the dead were now empty and clean again.

"I believe the healers worked hard for nothing," Gloriana said suddenly and sadly from the balcony. She stepped inside and locked the doors in place. "Nonsense!" Gandalf assured. "You, and everyone else, gave them hope." Gloriana smiled slightly and nodded.

Suddenly the door to the room banged open and Thranduil stepped in. "Out!" he barked at Gloriana. The healer bowed her head quickly and fled from the room, closing the door after her. Elrond frowned at the pacing king, but said nothing. Besides him, Elladan stirred.

"Thranduil! Stop your pacing and explain," the wizard snorted. He stroked his beard as Thranduil spun around to face them. "He was here," the Elfking said hoarsely. His green eyes were ablaze with anger and fear. The slender Elf broke into string of Elvish curses.

"Thranduil!" Gandalf said sharply. "Calm your fiery tongue and tell us what happened!" Elrond made his way to a steaming teapot and poured some athelas tea for his friend, who had sank onto the chair Elrond had occupied.

"Drink this," he said sternly. Thranduil gave a weak smile in thanks and drained the cup slowly. He leapt to his feet again and resumed pacing as Elrond and Gandalf waited patiently.

The king opened his mouth and said, "The one behind the attacks was the Badingor."

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[A/N:] Badingor was mentioned in Chapter 2, so I don't think that some of you will remember. Thanks all, for the wonderful reviews! I really appreciate it! It's quite motivating. ^_^; Anyway, Nothing much happened to Legolas and Aragorn in this chapter, but a lot did happen in Mirkwood. I promise more adventure and problems for both Legolas *and* Aragorn in the upcoming chapter! See you all next time! [end]