This is not meant to be a Mary Sue in any shape form or fashion. You'll
understand later. I promise. Please review. Even if you don't like the
story, review. Tell me what you don't like about it, and I'll make sure to
avoid making the same mistake in the future.
Disclaimer: I don't own Aragorn, Gimli, etc. Not even Legolas, as much as I would like to. Ylana is the only product of my strange and twisted imagination. Enjoy!
The Silent Prince
Chapter 1: Warnings
The silent protector. That was him
He was an Elf, not meant to be heard but to be useful with a bow and arrow.
He did that well. Of that there was no doubt. He was gifted with both a keen eye and deadly aim, a worthwhile combination to allies, and a deadly ones to foes.
He was as quiet as a cat, making no sound as he walked. He was just as skilled with swords and knives as he was with a bow and arrow. He was the loyalist of friends and the deadliest of enemies.
He was Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of the Mirkwood Elves.
But his role had been cut down considerably since becoming one of the Nine of the Fellowship of the Ring. True, he had been aggressive and challenging at the Council of Elrond---something that was unusual to him--- but it had been in defense of a good friend. He was now to blend into the background, not questioning decisions made by Aragorn and Gandalf-the self- appointed leaders of the group---speak only when he felt the need to, and put his deadly skills to good use when the need arose.
And that was the way he liked it.
He stood on a boulder, gazing off into the approaching night sky as the others of the Company made camp for the night. With his heightened senses and need of little sleep he made an ideal scout and he enjoyed being away from the noise and clatter of the group.
His golden-blond hair blew softly around his face as his piercing blue eyes swept the surrounding countryside that lay beneath him. That was the great thing about camping atop a hill. He would be able to see anything long before they saw him.
The sound of laughter rose from behind him. Turning slightly, Legolas saw that the others of the Company had gathered around the wizard Gandalf, who was entertaining them with tales of his travels with Bilbo Baggins, the Ringbearer Frodo Baggins's uncle and guardian.
Legolas had to smile. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy the company of the others, though he sometimes wished that Gimli the Dwarf had stayed behind. He was simply aloof and unemotional by nature, as were most of his kin.
A slight sound came to his hyper-sensitive ears, and he turned his gaze back into the fading sunlight, his hand gripping his bow even tighter.
Nothing. Not even a breeze was rustling the treetops. Still, he was sure he had heard something...
"Legolas?"
The sound of a human voice close by brought the Elf back into awareness of his immediate surroundings. Turning, he saw Aragorn close by, eyes glittering in the dark.
Legolas nodded in acknowledgment. Though he and Aragorn had been friends for many a year, he still chose to remain silent in regard to the Man's role as leader.
"I am not the least bit weary and thought that you could use some company." Aragorn sat on the edge of the boulder, swinging his feet as he gazed off into the distance.
Legolas sat beside him, still not saying a word. There was obviously something on the Ranger's mind and he did not want to push it.
For a long moment they said nothing. Simply sat at each other's side gazing at the stars. The only sound came from the camp behind them and the woodland animals below.
Finally, Aragorn let out a sigh and turned to the Elf, an uncomfortable look on his face. "Legolas, you've always been one of my closest friends. I've always called you my brother. And never once in these long years have I had trouble talking to you. Not until now."
Legolas blinked. Whatever he had been expecting, it certainly was not this!
Aragorn rushed on, not noticing his friend's surprise. "I know it's none of my business, and I never would've come to you about this on my own. But Arwen and I were talking about this back in Rivendell, and she made me promise that I would speak to you on the matter."
He paused and a blush crept into his cheeks. "Tis about you...being alone. Arwen and I are so happy together, and you just seem so lonely. We're worried about you. That's all."
Legolas blinked again, then burst into laughter. It was sweet and musical, capable of lighting even the hardest of hearts.
When he had finally caught his breath, he reached out and placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. " Your concern touches me, dear friend," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "But I assure you that I am far from lonely. It is simply the fact that I enjoy my own company and that of my friends and kin. That, and the fact that I have yet to find a lover, woman or man, who I could spend the rest of eternity with. But believe me on this: if ever I do find that one, you shall be the first to know."
Aragorn nodded, relieved to be ridden of his burden. "I am sorry to have bothered you over such a matter. I know how you Elves---especially you- --like your privacy." He smiled. "Next time, I'll make Arwen do it."
"Well, it is over now and no one is the worst for it." Legolas gave the Man a slight push. "Now, go and get some rest. It is late, and we have a long Road awaiting us ere the morning. I will keep watch tonight."
Aragorn nodded as he stood. "Idh mae, Legolas", he said softly. Then, with a nod, he turned and walked back to camp.(1)
The Elf watched him for a moment, then turned back to the night sky, mulling over the words his friend had spoken.
"We're so happy together, and you just seem so lonely..."
Legolas would admit that he sometimes found himself growing jealous of the relationship that his friends shared. More than once he had found himself longing for someone to share his life with. But, as the silent prince, most people chose to avoid him or keep him in a friendly relationship. Nothing more.
He sighed and pushed the thought away. He had a job to do, and daydreaming would not help his aim were Orcs to attack. .So he settled back against the trunk of a tree and prepared himself for a long night.
When Arien the Maiar next guided the Sun up into the sky, she found Legolas sitting in the same spot that she had left him. His blue eyes were still staring tirelessly out into the wild land surrounding them. Only the ever-so-often movement of a hand or his head proved that he was both alive and awake.
Behind him came the familer rustlings that told him the others were waking. They would have their breakfast, pack, and begin the fifth day of their journey. The tall wizard, four brave hobbits, stout Dwarf, two valiant Men, and the silent Elf prince.
As the crackling of the fire grew and the delicious aroma of breakfast reached his nostrils and aroused his senses, Legolas climbed gracefully to his feet. His eyes did one last sweep of the woods below, then he turned to join the others around the campfire.
Gandalf was the first to see him and offered a smile. "Ah! Good morning, Legolas. I trust nothing went amiss during the night?"
The Elf paused. Should he mention the strange noise he had briefly heard? He had only heard it once, and even then wasn't sure it had been anything other than a night creature. There was no need to worry Gandalf.
He shook his head.
"Good, good. That means no one is aware of our Quest just yet. We may have more time than I first thought. Now, sit down and break your fast before these ravenous hobbits devour it all."
A smile flitted across Legolas's face as he took a seat next to the aging wizard. Though Gandalf had spoken in jest, it was not far from the truth. Aragorn had told him back in Rivendell that it seemed to him that the hobbits' main goal in life was to eat as much as they could as often as they could.
Just as the Elf began his morning meal, Gimli the Dwarf walked up. He and Legolas exchanged nods but said not a word. The prince had decided that he could tolerate the Dwarf but refused to do anything that encouraged friendship. And neither one of them had found it in their hearts to forgive the other for the argument that had passed between them in Rivendell.
Gimli filled his plate then took a seat across the fire from his companions. "So, Gandalf, where exactly are you leading us?"
The wizard, who had obviously finished his own breakfast and was puffing placidly on his pipe, lapsed into thoughtful silence for a moment. "We should hold this course West of the Misty Mountains for forty days. With luck the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From their our Road turns East, to Mordor."
"The Gap of Rohan?" Aragorn sat down on Legolas's other side. "Are you sure that's such a good idea? That will take us extremely close to Isengard and the traitor Saruman."
"It is also our safest route," Gandalf answered. "Saruman will not expect us to come that way, though I've no doubt it will be carefully watched. I am hoping that, if we are spotted, we'll be able to get through before Saruman has a chance to launch an attack."
By now the rest of the Fellowship was awake and sitting around the fire, devouring their breakfast. Gandalf continued to look thoughtful as he smoked.
Not even an hour later they were packed and on their way once again. Gandalf was in the lead, followed by Legolas, Gimli, the four hobbits and Boromir, with Aragorn bringing up the rear. Hardly a word was spoken as everyone thought about what perils lay ahead of them.
Legolas was none too pleased with the decision to come so close to Isengard. He had never liked the feeling he had gotten from the tower of Orthanc, preferring to avoid it completely on his journeys of Mirkwood. But he said nothing. Gandalf was a wizard, a wise leader. Who was he to question that decision?
When they at last stopped for a break, Boromir offered yet another suggestion: Minas Tirith, the White City of Gondor. There they could receive supplies and rest before making their way into Mordor.
Legolas was silent, but in his heart and mind he was pleading with Gandalf to choose the Man's route. It was safer, and farther from Isengard.
But Gandalf could not be swayed. "I am sorry, Boromir. I understand your reasoning, and it is indeed a good idea. But I know for a fact that Saruman is closely guarding that path. Were we to turn to the White City, he would be upon us before we ever reached its gates."
The Elf felt his heart sink, but he still said nothing. They would go on to the Gap of Rohan, and he would deal with Isengard---alone---when the time came.
Darkness approached, and they soon stopped to make camp. Legolas offered to keep watch again, but Aragorn insisted that even Elves needed rest. The Ranger would keep watch that night.
Legolas chose to sleep well away from the others, as he did every night, being sure to turn his head away. Elves slept with their eyes open and it tended to unnerve people. Even Aragorn, who had been raised by Elves and was used to it, found it faintly disturbing. So Legolas made sure that none of the other members of the Fellowship would be spooked.
Much to his surprise, he found Lorien waiting for him with open arms not long after he lay down. Once he passed into the dream world, he immediately knew something was amiss.
He was standing at the base of Orthanc, at Isengard. The Moon was overhead and the stars shone brightly. But his heart was filled with foreboding, and he felt the urgent need to escape this place as soon as possible.
"Legolas..."
He immediately began searching for the person who had spoken his name, reaching for his bow at the same time. "Who goes there?" he called. The voice had been female and light, definitely Elven. Still, this could be a trick of Saruman's.
"Legolas Greenleaf," came the voice again. Only this time it was closer and clearer. "Your heart is rightly troubled."
He whirled around, his band reaching back to grab and arrow and fit it in his bow faster than any human eye could follow.
But it was no human that stood before him in the shadow of Orthanc. It was a female Elf, the most beautiful of his kind that he had ever seen. She had long, dark hair and silver eyes that glittered in the moonlight. Her dress was a simple one of silver and white. Stunned, Legolas lowered his bow.
Her face was filled with concern as she spoke. "You must not come to Isengard, Prince of Mirkwood. Horror awaits you here."
"But why?" he asked. "What is there that I must avoid?"
"I will be joining your Fellowship ere the morn," she said. "I will explain then what I know. But you must warn the others. You must avoid any contact at all with the tower. Even now there are minions of Saruman out searching for you. You must find another path. Gandalf will understand."
She glanced to the side as if something had startled her, then her eyes once more settled on him. "We must go now. I fear Saruman can sense us even here. If we tarry too much longer, he will know our thoughts." She gave him a brief nod. "Until the morrow, Legolas."
With a sudden rush, the Elf once gain found himself awake, sitting up and breathing hard. Yes, there were his own trees and stars and the familiar form of Aragorn keeping watch.
As his eyes fell on the sleeping wizard, Legolas felt a twinge in his heart, remembering the Dream-maiden's pleading to tell the others of her warning not to stay on course. "Gandalf will understand", she had said
But the silent prince chose to remain such. With a barely audible sigh, he lay back down and was soon once again asleep.
(1) Idh mae, Legolas------Rest well, Legolas.
Disclaimer: I don't own Aragorn, Gimli, etc. Not even Legolas, as much as I would like to. Ylana is the only product of my strange and twisted imagination. Enjoy!
The Silent Prince
Chapter 1: Warnings
The silent protector. That was him
He was an Elf, not meant to be heard but to be useful with a bow and arrow.
He did that well. Of that there was no doubt. He was gifted with both a keen eye and deadly aim, a worthwhile combination to allies, and a deadly ones to foes.
He was as quiet as a cat, making no sound as he walked. He was just as skilled with swords and knives as he was with a bow and arrow. He was the loyalist of friends and the deadliest of enemies.
He was Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of the Mirkwood Elves.
But his role had been cut down considerably since becoming one of the Nine of the Fellowship of the Ring. True, he had been aggressive and challenging at the Council of Elrond---something that was unusual to him--- but it had been in defense of a good friend. He was now to blend into the background, not questioning decisions made by Aragorn and Gandalf-the self- appointed leaders of the group---speak only when he felt the need to, and put his deadly skills to good use when the need arose.
And that was the way he liked it.
He stood on a boulder, gazing off into the approaching night sky as the others of the Company made camp for the night. With his heightened senses and need of little sleep he made an ideal scout and he enjoyed being away from the noise and clatter of the group.
His golden-blond hair blew softly around his face as his piercing blue eyes swept the surrounding countryside that lay beneath him. That was the great thing about camping atop a hill. He would be able to see anything long before they saw him.
The sound of laughter rose from behind him. Turning slightly, Legolas saw that the others of the Company had gathered around the wizard Gandalf, who was entertaining them with tales of his travels with Bilbo Baggins, the Ringbearer Frodo Baggins's uncle and guardian.
Legolas had to smile. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy the company of the others, though he sometimes wished that Gimli the Dwarf had stayed behind. He was simply aloof and unemotional by nature, as were most of his kin.
A slight sound came to his hyper-sensitive ears, and he turned his gaze back into the fading sunlight, his hand gripping his bow even tighter.
Nothing. Not even a breeze was rustling the treetops. Still, he was sure he had heard something...
"Legolas?"
The sound of a human voice close by brought the Elf back into awareness of his immediate surroundings. Turning, he saw Aragorn close by, eyes glittering in the dark.
Legolas nodded in acknowledgment. Though he and Aragorn had been friends for many a year, he still chose to remain silent in regard to the Man's role as leader.
"I am not the least bit weary and thought that you could use some company." Aragorn sat on the edge of the boulder, swinging his feet as he gazed off into the distance.
Legolas sat beside him, still not saying a word. There was obviously something on the Ranger's mind and he did not want to push it.
For a long moment they said nothing. Simply sat at each other's side gazing at the stars. The only sound came from the camp behind them and the woodland animals below.
Finally, Aragorn let out a sigh and turned to the Elf, an uncomfortable look on his face. "Legolas, you've always been one of my closest friends. I've always called you my brother. And never once in these long years have I had trouble talking to you. Not until now."
Legolas blinked. Whatever he had been expecting, it certainly was not this!
Aragorn rushed on, not noticing his friend's surprise. "I know it's none of my business, and I never would've come to you about this on my own. But Arwen and I were talking about this back in Rivendell, and she made me promise that I would speak to you on the matter."
He paused and a blush crept into his cheeks. "Tis about you...being alone. Arwen and I are so happy together, and you just seem so lonely. We're worried about you. That's all."
Legolas blinked again, then burst into laughter. It was sweet and musical, capable of lighting even the hardest of hearts.
When he had finally caught his breath, he reached out and placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. " Your concern touches me, dear friend," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "But I assure you that I am far from lonely. It is simply the fact that I enjoy my own company and that of my friends and kin. That, and the fact that I have yet to find a lover, woman or man, who I could spend the rest of eternity with. But believe me on this: if ever I do find that one, you shall be the first to know."
Aragorn nodded, relieved to be ridden of his burden. "I am sorry to have bothered you over such a matter. I know how you Elves---especially you- --like your privacy." He smiled. "Next time, I'll make Arwen do it."
"Well, it is over now and no one is the worst for it." Legolas gave the Man a slight push. "Now, go and get some rest. It is late, and we have a long Road awaiting us ere the morning. I will keep watch tonight."
Aragorn nodded as he stood. "Idh mae, Legolas", he said softly. Then, with a nod, he turned and walked back to camp.(1)
The Elf watched him for a moment, then turned back to the night sky, mulling over the words his friend had spoken.
"We're so happy together, and you just seem so lonely..."
Legolas would admit that he sometimes found himself growing jealous of the relationship that his friends shared. More than once he had found himself longing for someone to share his life with. But, as the silent prince, most people chose to avoid him or keep him in a friendly relationship. Nothing more.
He sighed and pushed the thought away. He had a job to do, and daydreaming would not help his aim were Orcs to attack. .So he settled back against the trunk of a tree and prepared himself for a long night.
When Arien the Maiar next guided the Sun up into the sky, she found Legolas sitting in the same spot that she had left him. His blue eyes were still staring tirelessly out into the wild land surrounding them. Only the ever-so-often movement of a hand or his head proved that he was both alive and awake.
Behind him came the familer rustlings that told him the others were waking. They would have their breakfast, pack, and begin the fifth day of their journey. The tall wizard, four brave hobbits, stout Dwarf, two valiant Men, and the silent Elf prince.
As the crackling of the fire grew and the delicious aroma of breakfast reached his nostrils and aroused his senses, Legolas climbed gracefully to his feet. His eyes did one last sweep of the woods below, then he turned to join the others around the campfire.
Gandalf was the first to see him and offered a smile. "Ah! Good morning, Legolas. I trust nothing went amiss during the night?"
The Elf paused. Should he mention the strange noise he had briefly heard? He had only heard it once, and even then wasn't sure it had been anything other than a night creature. There was no need to worry Gandalf.
He shook his head.
"Good, good. That means no one is aware of our Quest just yet. We may have more time than I first thought. Now, sit down and break your fast before these ravenous hobbits devour it all."
A smile flitted across Legolas's face as he took a seat next to the aging wizard. Though Gandalf had spoken in jest, it was not far from the truth. Aragorn had told him back in Rivendell that it seemed to him that the hobbits' main goal in life was to eat as much as they could as often as they could.
Just as the Elf began his morning meal, Gimli the Dwarf walked up. He and Legolas exchanged nods but said not a word. The prince had decided that he could tolerate the Dwarf but refused to do anything that encouraged friendship. And neither one of them had found it in their hearts to forgive the other for the argument that had passed between them in Rivendell.
Gimli filled his plate then took a seat across the fire from his companions. "So, Gandalf, where exactly are you leading us?"
The wizard, who had obviously finished his own breakfast and was puffing placidly on his pipe, lapsed into thoughtful silence for a moment. "We should hold this course West of the Misty Mountains for forty days. With luck the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us. From their our Road turns East, to Mordor."
"The Gap of Rohan?" Aragorn sat down on Legolas's other side. "Are you sure that's such a good idea? That will take us extremely close to Isengard and the traitor Saruman."
"It is also our safest route," Gandalf answered. "Saruman will not expect us to come that way, though I've no doubt it will be carefully watched. I am hoping that, if we are spotted, we'll be able to get through before Saruman has a chance to launch an attack."
By now the rest of the Fellowship was awake and sitting around the fire, devouring their breakfast. Gandalf continued to look thoughtful as he smoked.
Not even an hour later they were packed and on their way once again. Gandalf was in the lead, followed by Legolas, Gimli, the four hobbits and Boromir, with Aragorn bringing up the rear. Hardly a word was spoken as everyone thought about what perils lay ahead of them.
Legolas was none too pleased with the decision to come so close to Isengard. He had never liked the feeling he had gotten from the tower of Orthanc, preferring to avoid it completely on his journeys of Mirkwood. But he said nothing. Gandalf was a wizard, a wise leader. Who was he to question that decision?
When they at last stopped for a break, Boromir offered yet another suggestion: Minas Tirith, the White City of Gondor. There they could receive supplies and rest before making their way into Mordor.
Legolas was silent, but in his heart and mind he was pleading with Gandalf to choose the Man's route. It was safer, and farther from Isengard.
But Gandalf could not be swayed. "I am sorry, Boromir. I understand your reasoning, and it is indeed a good idea. But I know for a fact that Saruman is closely guarding that path. Were we to turn to the White City, he would be upon us before we ever reached its gates."
The Elf felt his heart sink, but he still said nothing. They would go on to the Gap of Rohan, and he would deal with Isengard---alone---when the time came.
Darkness approached, and they soon stopped to make camp. Legolas offered to keep watch again, but Aragorn insisted that even Elves needed rest. The Ranger would keep watch that night.
Legolas chose to sleep well away from the others, as he did every night, being sure to turn his head away. Elves slept with their eyes open and it tended to unnerve people. Even Aragorn, who had been raised by Elves and was used to it, found it faintly disturbing. So Legolas made sure that none of the other members of the Fellowship would be spooked.
Much to his surprise, he found Lorien waiting for him with open arms not long after he lay down. Once he passed into the dream world, he immediately knew something was amiss.
He was standing at the base of Orthanc, at Isengard. The Moon was overhead and the stars shone brightly. But his heart was filled with foreboding, and he felt the urgent need to escape this place as soon as possible.
"Legolas..."
He immediately began searching for the person who had spoken his name, reaching for his bow at the same time. "Who goes there?" he called. The voice had been female and light, definitely Elven. Still, this could be a trick of Saruman's.
"Legolas Greenleaf," came the voice again. Only this time it was closer and clearer. "Your heart is rightly troubled."
He whirled around, his band reaching back to grab and arrow and fit it in his bow faster than any human eye could follow.
But it was no human that stood before him in the shadow of Orthanc. It was a female Elf, the most beautiful of his kind that he had ever seen. She had long, dark hair and silver eyes that glittered in the moonlight. Her dress was a simple one of silver and white. Stunned, Legolas lowered his bow.
Her face was filled with concern as she spoke. "You must not come to Isengard, Prince of Mirkwood. Horror awaits you here."
"But why?" he asked. "What is there that I must avoid?"
"I will be joining your Fellowship ere the morn," she said. "I will explain then what I know. But you must warn the others. You must avoid any contact at all with the tower. Even now there are minions of Saruman out searching for you. You must find another path. Gandalf will understand."
She glanced to the side as if something had startled her, then her eyes once more settled on him. "We must go now. I fear Saruman can sense us even here. If we tarry too much longer, he will know our thoughts." She gave him a brief nod. "Until the morrow, Legolas."
With a sudden rush, the Elf once gain found himself awake, sitting up and breathing hard. Yes, there were his own trees and stars and the familiar form of Aragorn keeping watch.
As his eyes fell on the sleeping wizard, Legolas felt a twinge in his heart, remembering the Dream-maiden's pleading to tell the others of her warning not to stay on course. "Gandalf will understand", she had said
But the silent prince chose to remain such. With a barely audible sigh, he lay back down and was soon once again asleep.
(1) Idh mae, Legolas------Rest well, Legolas.