CHAPTER TWO:
Aragorn and Gimli led Drizzt and Bruenor down the hall. Drizzt noticed several of the Elves sending dark glances their way, and braced himself before noticing that the glances were mainly directed at Bruenor. Legolas had warned them about this. Speaking of which, where was Legolas? Aragorn had mentioned something about reporting to his father, and telling the King of their arrival. In the mean time, they were to wait in Legolas' room.
If you could call it a room.
His ROOMS were like a house. Each ornately furnished, and though they were caves, starlight seemed to shine through. Drizzt found that he liked this place.
Once the door was shut, Aragorn fixed Drizzt with a piercing look, "You're not from around here- and I don't mean not from Mirkwood."
Gimli nodded in agreement, "You haven't heard of the Fellowship, which affected everyone."
Drizzt exchanged glances with Bruenor. What did they have to lose, anyway? These people had been oddly accepting, "We're not even from this world."
Gimli looked shocked. Aragorn, on the otherhand, looked fairly unfased, "I suspected as much. I was not raised with the largest library in all the lands save perhaps Valinor for nothing."
Gimli looked at him skeptically, and Aragorn through up his hands in defeat, "Fine, fine. Legolas told me."
"And Legolas knew this how?" Drizzt asked hte obvious question.
"The trees told him," He said matter-of-factly.
"Bloody trees." Gimli scoffed.
"Please forgive my friend. He's held a grudge against trees ever since his journey to Fangorn, the home of the Ents- living trees," Aragorn clarified, "With Legolas. He will have to share the tales with you when he returns from the Great Hall of King Thranduil."
"He'd bloody better not." Gimli growled.
The conversation went on for a good hour, each exchanging tales of their homelands. Bruenor seemed particularly interested in Gimli's tales of Helms Deep and the Lonely Mountain. Eventually, it reached the subject of wizards, where the first major difference in their lands was discovered. Just then, a knock came on the door.
"Lord Aragorn?" A very Elvish voice came from the other side of the door.
"Come in, Raton."
"King Thranduil sends for the... guests.... now." Drizzt didn't miss the look on his face as he glared at Gimli and Bruenor. FInally his eyes lighted on Drizzt giving him a vaguely curious, but mainly indifferent, glance. He then swept out of the room.
"You will be asked to leave your weapons outside of the hall. If you would feel safer, I'm sure Legolas wouldn't mind if they were kept here. Gimli will stay here and watch them- I am assuming, Gimli, that you would rather not come?"
Gimli nodded. It was no secret in the court of Mirkwood, formerly Greenwood the Great, that Thranduil didn't exactly approve of Legolas' choice of friends.
Bruenor carefully unstrapped his axe, which, Gimli noted aprovingly, was covered in notches. Drizzt removed both Scimitars, and paused for a moment over the pouch containing Guenwhyvar, before moving on to remove various knives. Drizzt felt slightly guilty about betraying Aragorn's trust, for he had been completely accepting even though they had only just met, but something told him he would need his panther friend later. He noticed Aragorn watching, and did not miss the slight nod he gave him. Drizzt smiled in return, feeling much relieved.
The elf guarding the entrance to the hall paused, and said something to Aragorn in Elvish, gesturing at the two from Icewind Dale, (primarily Bruenor) and holding two pieces of rope.
"N'uma, There is no need."(N'uma- Sindarin- No)
Looking defeated, the Elf shrugged, and opened the door. Aragorn went in, motioning for them to stay until the formalities were finished. The Elf again motioned hopefully with the rope, but gave up with the glare Bruenor fixed him with.
Around five minutes later, the door swung open, and two elven (gasp) guards told them in halting common to follow them into the hall. Drizzt noted that the Great Hall had more of a feeling of a court room, with around three hundred Elves, male and female, in long rows of flowing seats. Though he walked, head held high, gaze fixed straight ahead, Drizzt didn't fail to notice that despite the many Elves seated in the hall, several of the seats were empty. Drizzt wondered vaguely why, but stopped as he noticed that the long isle he had been walking down was near it's end. At the front of the hall sat who could only be King Thranduil. A regal looking Elf in blue embroidered silk with a small silver circlet set upon his head sat in the seat of honor to Thranduil's right. It only took Drizzt a moment to recognize this as Legolas, though, why he sat there instead of King Aragorn, who sat on Thranduil's left, he could not know. Legolas looked slightly awkward in the regal garb, obviously less used than the clothes Drizzt had first seen him in. Drizzt gave a graceful bow, and Bruenor- somewhat half heartedly- did the same.
****
Legolas felt a twinge of guilt as Drizzt and Bruenor walked through the doors. They shouldn't be here. He wouldn't have brought them to Mirkwood Hall in the first place if he had thought the other Elves wouldn't have noticed. Of course, they shouldn't even be in this world, if what the trees had said were true. Drow were rarely seen, though not unheard of, and those who had heard of them had traveled into another world at some point or another. Legolas didn't fail to notice the straight, proud way Drizzt Do'Urden carried himself. Like a noble. He would aske Drizzt about this later. Legolas was jerked from his musings as Thranduil, King of Mirkwood and Legolas Greenleaf's father, began to speak.
****
Okay! The End. No more for today. Just a very long A/N and then I'm done!
Let's see. I'd like to extend special thanks to....
Just kidding. here's the rest of the part.
****
Drizzt watched with anticipation as King Thranduil began to speak.
"Who are you that ventures unwelcome into the realm of Mirkwood, formerly and soon to be Greenwood the Great?"
Drizzt noticed that this question was directed more at Bruenor than at himselfe, but answered nonetheless.
"Drizzt Do'Urden, at your service."
Bruenor drew himself up, and Drizzt braced himself, knowing full well the response that was to come, "Bruenor Battrlehammer of Mithril Hall, at your service as well."
Drizzt raised an eyebrow, and noticed Legolas carefully hiding his shock. Apparently he had learned a thing or two about tact in the past three hours. Not only had he gone through the expected formalities, but he hadn't mentioned anything of his former political standing. Then again, neither had Drizzt.
"Unwelcome visitors are not ordinarily treated with as much courtesy as you. However, my son has pleaded on your behalf and to your good character. Dwarves are rarely welcomed in this realm. Drow are rarely heard of- only those Elves who have passed between material planes have met one, and a small few of those stories have been kind. However hasty my son's judgement may be, though, I trust Legolas' judgement, and he has not before led us wrong. However," Thranduil paused, "You have come unescorted, unmentioned, unwelcomed into our lands, and with a Dwarf, no less. Our laws are very strict on this account, and they are not laws that I, as King, wish to change. So, as it would seem, we have reached an impass." Thranduil turned to his son, and spoke to him in Elvish. Legolas nodded grimly, and replied.
Drizzt watched the exchange carefully, trying his best to pick up any clues that might lead to answers on his fate. He noticed Aragorn's sad expression on some of the things said, making it obvious that he understood the conversation, and that it was bringing up a fairly sensitive subject. Finally, after a silence that seemed to last an eternity, Legolas spoke, more for the benefit of Drizzt and Bruenor than the Elves, who already understood what had passed between them, "You are free to go," He said simply.
***
"So, it would seem we have reached an impass." Thranduil turned to Legolas, who knew well what was coming. He said softly in Elvish, "I may not wish to change the laws, but you do. It will not be long before I leave Arda for Valinor, and you will rule what few Elves choose to remain in Mirkwood, as well as the Ithilien colony, if that is carried out."
Legolas nodded, and gave the expected response, "If enough Elves are provided it will be."
"You have not had much training as a ruler. You know this, I know this. You never expected to rule, as I never expected to leave Arda. Though I do not fully approve of your friends, I approve your judgement. You will make a fine king, when the time comes. The people love you, and will respect your choice."
Legolas understood what his father was doing- passing the reigns- seeing just what Legolas would do in this situation. But, more importantly, he was telling Legolas that whatever descision he made, he would accept it, though it may not be the one he himself would make, "You are free to go."
*~*~*~*
Drizzt and Bruenor, following the beconing of the gaurds, turned and walked out of the hallway. They were met in the corridor by a vaguely familiar Elf, who Drizzt, after a moment of quick thinking, was able to place as Raton. Drizzt gave a courteous, however slight, nod. Raton did not return it.
"Take the fifth right turn," Raton said to the empty corridor, which he then pointed down.
Drizzt muttered a thank you, though he knew nothing would be offered in return. When the drow and the dwarf were both far enough down the corridor to pretend to be out of earshot, Bruenor turned to Drizzt, "Right little ray of sunshine, that one."
Drizzt incline his head slightly, "True, but you do know that he can still hear us."
"'Course, Elf. What's the point o' insultin' someone if they can't here ye do it?"
Drizzt opened his mouth to reply, but instead held out a hand to silence Bruenor. After their many years of fighting together, Bruenor could read the drow easily, looked at him questioningly, his eyes seeming to say, "Battle?"
Drizzt nodded, and pointed down a left corridor, thanking Mielikki that he had thought to bring Guenwhyvar.
*~*~*~*
A/N: I liked this chapter much more; thought it flowd better. I was having trouble writing an IC Thranduil, though. I think I mispelled Mielikki... all of my Forgotten Realms books are being loaned out (I started a fas at my school with it) or are missing. I think one's in my locker at school, but I'm not sure.
Now, to thank my reviewers.
Winterfox- Thanks, constructive criticism is always appreciated. Just a few things- I will address the issue of language later on in the story. Next chapter, actually. Don't think I haven't been thinking about it.
1. I know that 'Mirkwood' is discarded and it becomes Eryn Lasgalen, or Greenwood the Great, as it was of old. The only reason I did not mention this fact is a survey that was done in Oregon of teens in school from eighth to tenth grade. Only 60% of those who had seen the movie had read the books. Only 70% of those had started Return of the King. Only 50% of those who started Return of the King finished it. Only 10% of those who finished Return of the King read the appendixes, and only 40% of those who finished Return of the King read The Hobbit. I was trying to make it more user-friendly.
2. I know that drow don't exist in Arda. This IS AU. But, please, before you criticize me on that fact, give me a chance to get into the plot. As I said in the first chapter, the first chapter was a bit sketchy. Also, I mentioned that fact in this chapter, when Thranduil was addressing the Elves in the underground cavern. My Hobbit is on loan (The person's been reading it for three months, and is almost done.) , so please forgive me if I did not describe it right. I also know that Legolas is a dark Elf. That's one of the key facts mentioned in The Silmarillion. The Elves that did not heed the call of the Valar in the first age who did not follow Oromë, also called the Avari, or "Unwilling." Their lands became overrun with evil and they hid themselves. There were also the Dark Elves, or Moriquendi, who never saw the ennobling Light of the Trees of the Valar, and, of course, Legolas wasn't even alive at the time of the Trees, so he is naturally a Dark Elf.
3. Oh yeah- the accent. I had thought about making him talk like the Gimli of the movie, with a sort of gruff accent, like 'yeh' instead of 'you' as opposed to Bruenor's 'ye'. But during this chapter, I decided that if I had Gimli in it I would sack it. Of course, Gimli wasn't, so I didn't need to worry abot that.
**
Charles- Don't worry. I've got a fairly good challenge planned, but I do need a beta to keep me on track, as I have a strong tendancy to ramble- especially in crossovers. *Hint, hint*
**
M.C.S- Thanks
**
DrowAngel- I'm glad your enjoying it. I hope you liked this part.
**
Aranel- My favorite two collections, too. Maybe a close third with Terry Brooks and Tad Williams. It's not really that the plot wasn't good in the first part (I couldn't think of how to phrase it) it's more that it didn't flow right. My first chapters always seem to do that. I'll probably re- write it when I finish the story.
**
Zarbok- Thanks. There will most definately be updates. I hope you come back for them.
**
Shalandriel- Thanks! A agree with you, not all things must be cannon. I think it's almost physically impossible to write a cannon crossover.
*~*~*~*
Well, I hope y'all are enjoying this. I am still in desperate need of a beta, so e-mail me at eerross@comcast.net when (if) you do, put Erin in the subject, as well as 'fanfiction' in fact, if you e-mail me at all, do that, because if not, I've got a habit of deleting any e-mail that I don't recognize. I deleted an e-mail from a teacher once... still not sure if that wasn't on purpose...
And, in answer to some questions that might show up:
1. This will NOT be a Mary-Sue, or Gary-Stu. I am not planning on introducing any OC's, except for those that help along the plot, such as Raton.
2. I will update every Thursday, and if a Thurday comes along I won't be able to update on, I'll tell you. I'll also try to update on every available Sunday, but that may only be one Sunday out of the month.
Erin
Aragorn and Gimli led Drizzt and Bruenor down the hall. Drizzt noticed several of the Elves sending dark glances their way, and braced himself before noticing that the glances were mainly directed at Bruenor. Legolas had warned them about this. Speaking of which, where was Legolas? Aragorn had mentioned something about reporting to his father, and telling the King of their arrival. In the mean time, they were to wait in Legolas' room.
If you could call it a room.
His ROOMS were like a house. Each ornately furnished, and though they were caves, starlight seemed to shine through. Drizzt found that he liked this place.
Once the door was shut, Aragorn fixed Drizzt with a piercing look, "You're not from around here- and I don't mean not from Mirkwood."
Gimli nodded in agreement, "You haven't heard of the Fellowship, which affected everyone."
Drizzt exchanged glances with Bruenor. What did they have to lose, anyway? These people had been oddly accepting, "We're not even from this world."
Gimli looked shocked. Aragorn, on the otherhand, looked fairly unfased, "I suspected as much. I was not raised with the largest library in all the lands save perhaps Valinor for nothing."
Gimli looked at him skeptically, and Aragorn through up his hands in defeat, "Fine, fine. Legolas told me."
"And Legolas knew this how?" Drizzt asked hte obvious question.
"The trees told him," He said matter-of-factly.
"Bloody trees." Gimli scoffed.
"Please forgive my friend. He's held a grudge against trees ever since his journey to Fangorn, the home of the Ents- living trees," Aragorn clarified, "With Legolas. He will have to share the tales with you when he returns from the Great Hall of King Thranduil."
"He'd bloody better not." Gimli growled.
The conversation went on for a good hour, each exchanging tales of their homelands. Bruenor seemed particularly interested in Gimli's tales of Helms Deep and the Lonely Mountain. Eventually, it reached the subject of wizards, where the first major difference in their lands was discovered. Just then, a knock came on the door.
"Lord Aragorn?" A very Elvish voice came from the other side of the door.
"Come in, Raton."
"King Thranduil sends for the... guests.... now." Drizzt didn't miss the look on his face as he glared at Gimli and Bruenor. FInally his eyes lighted on Drizzt giving him a vaguely curious, but mainly indifferent, glance. He then swept out of the room.
"You will be asked to leave your weapons outside of the hall. If you would feel safer, I'm sure Legolas wouldn't mind if they were kept here. Gimli will stay here and watch them- I am assuming, Gimli, that you would rather not come?"
Gimli nodded. It was no secret in the court of Mirkwood, formerly Greenwood the Great, that Thranduil didn't exactly approve of Legolas' choice of friends.
Bruenor carefully unstrapped his axe, which, Gimli noted aprovingly, was covered in notches. Drizzt removed both Scimitars, and paused for a moment over the pouch containing Guenwhyvar, before moving on to remove various knives. Drizzt felt slightly guilty about betraying Aragorn's trust, for he had been completely accepting even though they had only just met, but something told him he would need his panther friend later. He noticed Aragorn watching, and did not miss the slight nod he gave him. Drizzt smiled in return, feeling much relieved.
The elf guarding the entrance to the hall paused, and said something to Aragorn in Elvish, gesturing at the two from Icewind Dale, (primarily Bruenor) and holding two pieces of rope.
"N'uma, There is no need."(N'uma- Sindarin- No)
Looking defeated, the Elf shrugged, and opened the door. Aragorn went in, motioning for them to stay until the formalities were finished. The Elf again motioned hopefully with the rope, but gave up with the glare Bruenor fixed him with.
Around five minutes later, the door swung open, and two elven (gasp) guards told them in halting common to follow them into the hall. Drizzt noted that the Great Hall had more of a feeling of a court room, with around three hundred Elves, male and female, in long rows of flowing seats. Though he walked, head held high, gaze fixed straight ahead, Drizzt didn't fail to notice that despite the many Elves seated in the hall, several of the seats were empty. Drizzt wondered vaguely why, but stopped as he noticed that the long isle he had been walking down was near it's end. At the front of the hall sat who could only be King Thranduil. A regal looking Elf in blue embroidered silk with a small silver circlet set upon his head sat in the seat of honor to Thranduil's right. It only took Drizzt a moment to recognize this as Legolas, though, why he sat there instead of King Aragorn, who sat on Thranduil's left, he could not know. Legolas looked slightly awkward in the regal garb, obviously less used than the clothes Drizzt had first seen him in. Drizzt gave a graceful bow, and Bruenor- somewhat half heartedly- did the same.
****
Legolas felt a twinge of guilt as Drizzt and Bruenor walked through the doors. They shouldn't be here. He wouldn't have brought them to Mirkwood Hall in the first place if he had thought the other Elves wouldn't have noticed. Of course, they shouldn't even be in this world, if what the trees had said were true. Drow were rarely seen, though not unheard of, and those who had heard of them had traveled into another world at some point or another. Legolas didn't fail to notice the straight, proud way Drizzt Do'Urden carried himself. Like a noble. He would aske Drizzt about this later. Legolas was jerked from his musings as Thranduil, King of Mirkwood and Legolas Greenleaf's father, began to speak.
****
Okay! The End. No more for today. Just a very long A/N and then I'm done!
Let's see. I'd like to extend special thanks to....
Just kidding. here's the rest of the part.
****
Drizzt watched with anticipation as King Thranduil began to speak.
"Who are you that ventures unwelcome into the realm of Mirkwood, formerly and soon to be Greenwood the Great?"
Drizzt noticed that this question was directed more at Bruenor than at himselfe, but answered nonetheless.
"Drizzt Do'Urden, at your service."
Bruenor drew himself up, and Drizzt braced himself, knowing full well the response that was to come, "Bruenor Battrlehammer of Mithril Hall, at your service as well."
Drizzt raised an eyebrow, and noticed Legolas carefully hiding his shock. Apparently he had learned a thing or two about tact in the past three hours. Not only had he gone through the expected formalities, but he hadn't mentioned anything of his former political standing. Then again, neither had Drizzt.
"Unwelcome visitors are not ordinarily treated with as much courtesy as you. However, my son has pleaded on your behalf and to your good character. Dwarves are rarely welcomed in this realm. Drow are rarely heard of- only those Elves who have passed between material planes have met one, and a small few of those stories have been kind. However hasty my son's judgement may be, though, I trust Legolas' judgement, and he has not before led us wrong. However," Thranduil paused, "You have come unescorted, unmentioned, unwelcomed into our lands, and with a Dwarf, no less. Our laws are very strict on this account, and they are not laws that I, as King, wish to change. So, as it would seem, we have reached an impass." Thranduil turned to his son, and spoke to him in Elvish. Legolas nodded grimly, and replied.
Drizzt watched the exchange carefully, trying his best to pick up any clues that might lead to answers on his fate. He noticed Aragorn's sad expression on some of the things said, making it obvious that he understood the conversation, and that it was bringing up a fairly sensitive subject. Finally, after a silence that seemed to last an eternity, Legolas spoke, more for the benefit of Drizzt and Bruenor than the Elves, who already understood what had passed between them, "You are free to go," He said simply.
***
"So, it would seem we have reached an impass." Thranduil turned to Legolas, who knew well what was coming. He said softly in Elvish, "I may not wish to change the laws, but you do. It will not be long before I leave Arda for Valinor, and you will rule what few Elves choose to remain in Mirkwood, as well as the Ithilien colony, if that is carried out."
Legolas nodded, and gave the expected response, "If enough Elves are provided it will be."
"You have not had much training as a ruler. You know this, I know this. You never expected to rule, as I never expected to leave Arda. Though I do not fully approve of your friends, I approve your judgement. You will make a fine king, when the time comes. The people love you, and will respect your choice."
Legolas understood what his father was doing- passing the reigns- seeing just what Legolas would do in this situation. But, more importantly, he was telling Legolas that whatever descision he made, he would accept it, though it may not be the one he himself would make, "You are free to go."
*~*~*~*
Drizzt and Bruenor, following the beconing of the gaurds, turned and walked out of the hallway. They were met in the corridor by a vaguely familiar Elf, who Drizzt, after a moment of quick thinking, was able to place as Raton. Drizzt gave a courteous, however slight, nod. Raton did not return it.
"Take the fifth right turn," Raton said to the empty corridor, which he then pointed down.
Drizzt muttered a thank you, though he knew nothing would be offered in return. When the drow and the dwarf were both far enough down the corridor to pretend to be out of earshot, Bruenor turned to Drizzt, "Right little ray of sunshine, that one."
Drizzt incline his head slightly, "True, but you do know that he can still hear us."
"'Course, Elf. What's the point o' insultin' someone if they can't here ye do it?"
Drizzt opened his mouth to reply, but instead held out a hand to silence Bruenor. After their many years of fighting together, Bruenor could read the drow easily, looked at him questioningly, his eyes seeming to say, "Battle?"
Drizzt nodded, and pointed down a left corridor, thanking Mielikki that he had thought to bring Guenwhyvar.
*~*~*~*
A/N: I liked this chapter much more; thought it flowd better. I was having trouble writing an IC Thranduil, though. I think I mispelled Mielikki... all of my Forgotten Realms books are being loaned out (I started a fas at my school with it) or are missing. I think one's in my locker at school, but I'm not sure.
Now, to thank my reviewers.
Winterfox- Thanks, constructive criticism is always appreciated. Just a few things- I will address the issue of language later on in the story. Next chapter, actually. Don't think I haven't been thinking about it.
1. I know that 'Mirkwood' is discarded and it becomes Eryn Lasgalen, or Greenwood the Great, as it was of old. The only reason I did not mention this fact is a survey that was done in Oregon of teens in school from eighth to tenth grade. Only 60% of those who had seen the movie had read the books. Only 70% of those had started Return of the King. Only 50% of those who started Return of the King finished it. Only 10% of those who finished Return of the King read the appendixes, and only 40% of those who finished Return of the King read The Hobbit. I was trying to make it more user-friendly.
2. I know that drow don't exist in Arda. This IS AU. But, please, before you criticize me on that fact, give me a chance to get into the plot. As I said in the first chapter, the first chapter was a bit sketchy. Also, I mentioned that fact in this chapter, when Thranduil was addressing the Elves in the underground cavern. My Hobbit is on loan (The person's been reading it for three months, and is almost done.) , so please forgive me if I did not describe it right. I also know that Legolas is a dark Elf. That's one of the key facts mentioned in The Silmarillion. The Elves that did not heed the call of the Valar in the first age who did not follow Oromë, also called the Avari, or "Unwilling." Their lands became overrun with evil and they hid themselves. There were also the Dark Elves, or Moriquendi, who never saw the ennobling Light of the Trees of the Valar, and, of course, Legolas wasn't even alive at the time of the Trees, so he is naturally a Dark Elf.
3. Oh yeah- the accent. I had thought about making him talk like the Gimli of the movie, with a sort of gruff accent, like 'yeh' instead of 'you' as opposed to Bruenor's 'ye'. But during this chapter, I decided that if I had Gimli in it I would sack it. Of course, Gimli wasn't, so I didn't need to worry abot that.
**
Charles- Don't worry. I've got a fairly good challenge planned, but I do need a beta to keep me on track, as I have a strong tendancy to ramble- especially in crossovers. *Hint, hint*
**
M.C.S- Thanks
**
DrowAngel- I'm glad your enjoying it. I hope you liked this part.
**
Aranel- My favorite two collections, too. Maybe a close third with Terry Brooks and Tad Williams. It's not really that the plot wasn't good in the first part (I couldn't think of how to phrase it) it's more that it didn't flow right. My first chapters always seem to do that. I'll probably re- write it when I finish the story.
**
Zarbok- Thanks. There will most definately be updates. I hope you come back for them.
**
Shalandriel- Thanks! A agree with you, not all things must be cannon. I think it's almost physically impossible to write a cannon crossover.
*~*~*~*
Well, I hope y'all are enjoying this. I am still in desperate need of a beta, so e-mail me at eerross@comcast.net when (if) you do, put Erin in the subject, as well as 'fanfiction' in fact, if you e-mail me at all, do that, because if not, I've got a habit of deleting any e-mail that I don't recognize. I deleted an e-mail from a teacher once... still not sure if that wasn't on purpose...
And, in answer to some questions that might show up:
1. This will NOT be a Mary-Sue, or Gary-Stu. I am not planning on introducing any OC's, except for those that help along the plot, such as Raton.
2. I will update every Thursday, and if a Thurday comes along I won't be able to update on, I'll tell you. I'll also try to update on every available Sunday, but that may only be one Sunday out of the month.
Erin