A huge thank you goes to Gilimirin, who pointed out a problem and offered a
suggestion on how to fix it. That's what this whole review thing is for!
Or, so I thought. I know quite well that my story isn't perfect.
Disclaimer: Considering that this book came out in the late fifties, and I just recently graduated... I think it's obvious their not mine.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 8: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Ylana settled back against the trunk of the tree she had chosen as her lookout point, her eyes warily scanning the surrounding forest. But her thoughts were occupied by more than Orcs.
~I wish he would open up a little more,~ she thought, risking a glance at the campsite, where she spotted Legolas lying a little apart from the others. ~At least he's not as quiet as he was when I first met him. Maybe I have done some good after all. Now, I've just got to keep Saruman from getting his hands on Legolas.~
She shifted a bit, trying to get more comfortable. ~I seriously hope this is a long night...~
----------------
Aragorn sat on a rock, sharpening his sword, watching Legolas discreetly out of the corner of his eye. ~He looks tired. Dear Iluvatar, please let Ylana be wrong. Please don't let any more Orcs attack tonight. I seriously don't believe he's enough strength left to fight them off.~
He continued watching as his friend lay on the ground, back to Aragorn, and went still. The Ranger waited for a moment. When the Elf showed no signs of being awake, he returned his full attention to his sword.
He found, much to his surprise and bewilderment, that he was blushing slightly. ~Stop that,~ he chided himself. ~He's your best friend and you're worried about him. That's all. You love Arwen.~
~Then why is it that, when I look at Legolas, I get the same feeling that I do when I look at Arwen?~
He had no answer to that.
Aragorn stole another look at the sleeping Elf, who looked very much as if he were dead. The Ranger couldn't help but smile, remembering the first night of their journey...
-------------------
//Aragorn stood leaning against a tree, letting the breeze cool his sweat- soaked skin. It had been a hard day's trek from Rivendell, and the Company-- -especially the hobbits---were tired. Legolas had offered to keep watch, but Aragorn had insisted. Having grown up in Rivendell, he knew these woods and the surrounding lands like the back of his hand. Now, all was silent as the rest of the Fellowship rested.
Well, nearly all the Fellowship.
A snapped twig and rustle of leaves warned the Ranger that someone was approaching. Turning, he was just in time to see a very frightened hobbit stumble out of the bushes.
"Pippin?" he asked, immediately concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Merry said to come quick," Pippin answered breathlessly, his voice frantic as he looked at the Man with wide eyes. "It's Legolas. I think---I think he's dead!"
"*What?!*" Fear coursed through Aragorn and he felt his heart stop. Without warning, h e pushed past Pippin and plunged into the brush.
Thoughts raced through his head as he quickly made his way back to camp. ~They obviously weren't attacked. Maybe he already had an injury and didn't tell us about it? Elves can't get sick, but they can die of grief. But Legolas would've told me if something that bad had happened to him.
Wouldn't he? Come to think of it, he was acting rather odd at the Council...~
Aragorn entered the camp just then, Pippin hot on his heels.
The first thing he noticed was Merry, who was kneeling by Legolas. The Elf was lying on his back, his blue eyes staring sightlessly up into the night sky.
Merry looked up at Aragorn, his face full of anguish. "I came out to get a drink and found him like this," he said as the Ranger came forward to kneel at his friend's other side. "Is he...?" The hobbit couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.
Aragorn quickly checked the Elf over, scanning him for injuries. He let out a relieved sigh when he realized that Legolas was breathing and seemingly unhurt. Then he blinked, and burst into laughter.
Merry and Pippin looked at each other in confusion. Neither knew what to think. Was Legolas dead? If so, why was Strider laughing?
Finally, the Ranger was able to catch his breath. "Don't worry, my friends," he said, his gray eyes twinkling. "I have not gone mad, and our friend Legolas is not dead."
Both hobbits blinked at him. "He's not?" Merry asked. "Then why is he like this? Why are his eyes open?"
"Because, Master Meriadoc, that is the way all Elves sleep."//
------------------------
Both hobbits had been extremely sheepish after that, apologizing for concerning Aragorn so, and had gone back to bed. Aragorn had told the Elf of the incident the next day. Though Legolas had been touched by the hobbits' concern, he had been sure to sleep away from the others from then on.
Like he was doing now.
"You really care for him, don't you?"
Aragorn jumped slightly at the sound of the voice close by. Turning, he saw Boromir sitting on a tree stump slightly behind him, smoking his pipe. "What do you mean?"
"I've been watching you watching him," he said, nodding at Legolas and making Aragorn scowl. ~So much for being discreet...~ "You always look concerned. One would have to be blind in order not to see that the two of you share a close bond."
Aragorn once again turned his eyes to the sleeping Elf, and a fierce wave of protection swept over him. "Aye," he said softly. "We are indeed close. Close as brothers. Growing up, my foster-brothers and I got along wonderfully. They never made me feel left out. But they were always reminding me that I was inferior, weather they meant to or not. Legolas always made me feel like an equal. He would tell me secrets, things he had seen and done. They were never anything big, but it seemed that way to me because I was the only one he told. Elladen and Elrohir would see us talking and ask what it was we were speaking of. Legolas would just smile, wink at me, and say 'It's a secret between Estel and me.' And I would feel so proud.
"As I got older, I felt more comfortable talking to him than I did my brothers. When I discovered my lineage, it was to him I turned. He was the first to hear about my choosing exile, and the first to hear about my love for Arwen. He's my best friend. I would do anything for him."
Boromir nodded. 'I know how you feel," he said, speaking just as softly. "I have a younger brother back in Gondor. His name is Faramir. He and I are very close."
"He is the one who shared the dream with you?"
The other Man nodded. "Yes. It actually came to him more, but I did not want him to travel the Road to Rivendell alone, since my father could spare no guards. So I came instead, though my father was loathe to see me go."
A smile stole across his face and his eyes took on a far away look. "I am so proud of him, Aragorn. He is the Captain of Gondor, a Ranger of Ithilien. It is he and his men that patrol our boarders, keeping the forces of Mordor at bay. He means the world to me. There is no doubt in my mind that I would give my life for him."
Aragorn returned the smile. "You're a good man, Boromir of Gondor. Faramir is lucky to have a brother like you."
Having finished his pipe, Boromir stood and clapped the other Man on the shoulder. "And Legolas is lucky to have a friend like you," he answered softly. "Good night, Aragorn."
"Good night, Boromir." The Ranger watched as his companion went to bed down for the night, then turned back to Legolas with a sigh.
~Lucky? I wonder, just how lucky *is* he?~
-----------------------------
"What do you mean, we can't have a fire?!"
To say that the hobbits were upset would be an understatement. Pippin was positively livid. "How are we supposed to have any dinner if we can't have a fire?"
Gandalf fixed his gaze on him, and the youngest hobbit felt himself withering under the wizard's stare. "I know for a fact, Master Peregrine, that you have an adequate amount of dry food and cold cuts with you. You may fix that for your dinner. If we light a fire, it will act as a signal for every evil thing in the forest that we are here. Including the Orcs."
Pippin grumbled, but he knew that Gandalf was right. He wasn't about to invite the Orcs and whatever else was out there to their front door just so he could have a hot meal.
So it was the Frodo found himself surveying the camp as he nibbled on the edge of a sandwich.
Legolas lay to the side, face turned away, fast asleep as far as Frodo could tell. Boromir, after finishing his wipe and talking to Aragorn, was also asleep. Gimli and Gandalf sat together a little ways off, conversing quietly. Aragorn continued to sharpen his sword. Ylana was nowhere to be seen. ~No doubt she's already on watch.~
Elves amazed Frodo. He could remember, back in Rivendell, watching in awe as Elves seemed to melt out of places where he would have sworn non had been on seconds before. And Ylana was a warrior, trained to blend in with her surroundings. Frodo knew that no Orc would escape her gaze.
"This is wonderful," Pippin grumbled, having finished his own meager meal. "Attacked by Wargs, probably going to be attacked by Orcs, and we can't go deeper into the forest because there's things in there that are just as evil. On top of that, we can't light a fire! Tell me again why I agreed to come on this thing?"
Merry smiled fondly at his cousin. "It's because you're too loyal for your own good, Pip."
Pippin mumbled something under his breath, but the blush that rose on his cheeks showed how pleased he was at the comment.
Sam stretched a let out a yawn. "I don't know about the rest of ye, but I'm tired. I'm going to get as much sleep as I can. Ylana's on watch, so I know no Orc'll be sneaking up on us."
Merry nodded. 'Sam's got a point. Ylana's not going to let any of those brutes lay a hand on Legolas. Not if she can help it. And who knows how long it'll take us to get through the bad part of the forest? I say we get as much sleep as we can."
"You're right," Frodo said, turning to look at his cousin. "You go ahead. I'm going to finish eating."
Merry and Pippin quickly said good night and left Frodo's side. Sam looked a bit concerned, but curled up and went right to sleep when Frodo assured him that he was going to bed as soon as he finished eating.
But he did not hold to that promise. Once he had finished his sandwich, he pulled out his pipe. He filled it, lit it, and sat back and gazed up at into the twilight as he smoked.
~What is it that made them come with me?~ he wondered, not for the first time. ~And why do they stay? Especially Legolas. There are legions of Orcs after him, yet he refuses to turn back. Lord Elrond told them that they didn't have to stay with me. Yet they do, no matter what the risk to themselves.~ A smile flitted across his face. ~No one can ever say that a braver Company existed.~
The sound of footsteps brought him back to reality. Turning his head, he saw Aragorn sitting down next to him, his own pipe already stuck between his teeth. "A man should never have to smoke alone, even if he wishes to be alone."
Frodo smiled. "I am always grateful for your company, Aragorn. You know that I have no trouble in talking with you."
The Ranger smiled. ~Where have I heard *that* before?~ "Do not be so hasty. I spoke those same words to Legolas only days ago, and you saw our argument."
"But you are friends again, are you not?"
"I think so." The Man chuckled. "Elves are not good with their emotions, Frodo. They tend to hide them, not letting them get in the way. When they do express them, it's often with difficulty."
"I see." Frodo was silent for a moment. "Aragorn, why did you agree to come with me on this Quest? I know the Ring is bound to you and all in your bloodline. Is that why you set out on this dangerous journey with me?"
Aragorn's eyes sparkled as he turned a fond smile onto his companion. "Nay, my dear hobbit. While it is true that the Ring is bound to my bloodline, I could have run away. Could have left you to deal with it on your own. But you'd grown on me, and I could not bear the thought of you facing all this danger alone."
Frodo's smile was just as fond and full of thanks. "You are a good man, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You have a kind heart and commendable bravery."
The Ranger snorted. "Again, do not be too hasty in your words. Wait until we are attacked by more than just a few Wargs. Then we shall see how commendable my bravery is."
"You've already proven your valor! You fought off the Ringwraiths, you agreed to accompany me on this horrible Quest, and you took out many a Warg and rider. Your bravery already matches that of heroes spoken of in the Shire."
Here Aragorn laughed, and Frodo was pleased to see the warmth in his eyes. "You are a wonder, Frodo Baggins. I thank you for your kind words."
"Not thanks are necessary," the hobbit said happily. "I only speak the truth. After all, you refused to let me smoke alone. That is the sign of a true friend."
Still smiling, the Ranger placed a hand on Frodo's shoulder. "Take some rest, Frodo. Have no doubt that, with Ylana on watch, we will be safe. I will see you ere the morning, hopefully not before."
Frodo nodded as he rose to his feet. "Good night, Aragorn." With that, he put his pipe away before going to bed down for the night.
Aragorn sat there for a moment longer, continuing to smoke. Finally, he got to his feet and put his pipe away. "Brave," he said softly, staring at Legolas. Then he turned away and went to go make his own place for the night.
-----------------------
Ylana felt the bark biting deeply into her back and legs, but she ignored it. The sky was no a deep purple, and she'd only moved once since settling into her spot, and that was to make sure that Legolas was actually resting. Dolinril hung at an odd angle from her hip. She hadn't wanted to scratch the tree. Her quiver had been shifted so that she could lean back against the tree, and now her shoulder ached from the extra weight. Her rear was numb, and her eyes were stinging from having not blinked.
But she ignored it all.
Her silver eyes swept over the land as she absently fingered her bow, which lay in her lap. ~Why did Mithrandir make us stay here?~ she thought, silently cursing the old wizard. ~It'll be impossible to tell if it's Orcs or no if or when they attack. This whole section of the forest is soaked with evil. I hate it.~
And, as much as she hated to admit it, it was true. Ylana was an Elf, very in tune with nature. She loved the trees, though not as much as Legolas and other Silvan Elves. But this part of the forest... Even the brave Elf-Lords refused to go in unless they absolutely had to.
"It's a terrible place, Ylana," Glorfindel had once told her when she had been studying maps in Lord Elrond's library. "Nothing but evil lives there, and every creature hates the Light of Good. They will attack any and everything that steps foot into that section of the forest. Few, if any, have ever made it through there. It is as black as Morgoth's heart. If you must go in there, make sure that it is because you absolutely have to."
~I wish Glorfindel could've come in my stead. He would have done a much better job than myself.~ She briefly closed her eyes, relieving some of the stinging. ~All I've managed to do is cause trouble.~
But she knew that that was simply wishful thinking. Glorfindel was one of the most powerful Elf-Lords left in Middle-Earth. If he had come on this Quest, Sauron would've had not trouble tracking them. He couldn't go. Not if there was someone else who could do it. Besides, Aragorn was one of her closest friends. She could at least try.
Even if she was simply a warrior.
She could remember, with much fondness, the day she completed her training. She had knelt there in front of Lord Elrond, heart pounding in her chest. Aragorn and Arwen were standing off to one side, and Ylana was acutely aware of their presence...
-------------------------
//Elrond stood, looking regal as he stared down at the kneeling form before him. "Ylana Fairylight," he said, his voice deep and commanding attention, the voice of a leader. "You have spent the last four months of your life training to be a warrior. Tell me, why is this?"
She kept her eyes on the floor and spoke in a loud, clear voice. "I wish to protect my home and those I care about against Orcs and other evil creatures, my lord."
A smile flitted across his face. "I have seen you in training. Your skills are unsurpassable. It is redemption, not revenge, that drives you. You shall become one of the greatest warriors in Middle-Earth. Rise and take your place among their ranks."
Loud cheering and applause broke out as Ylana stood and accepted the bow and quiver Lord Elrond presented to her. Tears were in her eyes. ~This is the best day of my life...~//
That had been twelve years ago. Since that time, Ylana had proved herself to be quite a good warrior. She had become famous all throughout Rivendell as one of only two female warriors from that Elven city. She trained every day, pitting her on skills against those of Rivendell's most celebrated warriors. She was hailed as a hero in her hometown.
And, at the moment, she had never felt so helpless in her life.
~I can't even protect them,~ she thought angrily. ~When the Wargs attacked, I wasn't even there. I caused Legolas to be angry at Aragorn. I'm the one who lead them into this dreadful forest to begin with. While thinking I was leading them to safety, I actually put them in more danger. Now I don't know if I'll be able to sense the Orcs should they choose this night to attack. I think Lord Elrond was mistaken when he said I was to become one of the greatest warriors in Middle-Earth. I can't even lead a group of people into a forest without doing something wrong.~
Ylana shifted, trying to get more comfortable and return feeling to her backside. She pushed all thoughts of her own shortcomings away, turning her mind back to the problem at hand. ~I will not fail again, Gallas. I swear I will keep my promise.~
So Ylana Fairylight, Elven warrior of Rivendell, sat back to watch...and to wait.
------------------------
The night wore on. The members of the Fellowship slept peacefully. Ylana kept watch. Somewhere deep within the forest, a wolf howled. Everything was calm, peaceful.
The moon began to sink, much to Ylana's relief and delight. Dawn was approaching. They had lasted so far through the night. The female Elf hoped it would continue that way.
Iluvatar, it seems, had other plans.
Ylana's sensitive hearing was what warned her. ~Someone's talking, I think. But the language... It's... By the Valar, it's Black Speech!~
Quick as a flash, Ylana was on her feet, one hand holding on to the tree for balance while the other was used to shade her eyes.
What she saw brought her heart to a crashing halt.
Rows and rows of dark creatures were plowing their way through the forest, cursing and spitting in their foul language. They wore crudely made armor with a white hand painted on it.
The Uruk-Hai were coming.
Disclaimer: Considering that this book came out in the late fifties, and I just recently graduated... I think it's obvious their not mine.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 8: Something Wicked This Way Comes
Ylana settled back against the trunk of the tree she had chosen as her lookout point, her eyes warily scanning the surrounding forest. But her thoughts were occupied by more than Orcs.
~I wish he would open up a little more,~ she thought, risking a glance at the campsite, where she spotted Legolas lying a little apart from the others. ~At least he's not as quiet as he was when I first met him. Maybe I have done some good after all. Now, I've just got to keep Saruman from getting his hands on Legolas.~
She shifted a bit, trying to get more comfortable. ~I seriously hope this is a long night...~
----------------
Aragorn sat on a rock, sharpening his sword, watching Legolas discreetly out of the corner of his eye. ~He looks tired. Dear Iluvatar, please let Ylana be wrong. Please don't let any more Orcs attack tonight. I seriously don't believe he's enough strength left to fight them off.~
He continued watching as his friend lay on the ground, back to Aragorn, and went still. The Ranger waited for a moment. When the Elf showed no signs of being awake, he returned his full attention to his sword.
He found, much to his surprise and bewilderment, that he was blushing slightly. ~Stop that,~ he chided himself. ~He's your best friend and you're worried about him. That's all. You love Arwen.~
~Then why is it that, when I look at Legolas, I get the same feeling that I do when I look at Arwen?~
He had no answer to that.
Aragorn stole another look at the sleeping Elf, who looked very much as if he were dead. The Ranger couldn't help but smile, remembering the first night of their journey...
-------------------
//Aragorn stood leaning against a tree, letting the breeze cool his sweat- soaked skin. It had been a hard day's trek from Rivendell, and the Company-- -especially the hobbits---were tired. Legolas had offered to keep watch, but Aragorn had insisted. Having grown up in Rivendell, he knew these woods and the surrounding lands like the back of his hand. Now, all was silent as the rest of the Fellowship rested.
Well, nearly all the Fellowship.
A snapped twig and rustle of leaves warned the Ranger that someone was approaching. Turning, he was just in time to see a very frightened hobbit stumble out of the bushes.
"Pippin?" he asked, immediately concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Merry said to come quick," Pippin answered breathlessly, his voice frantic as he looked at the Man with wide eyes. "It's Legolas. I think---I think he's dead!"
"*What?!*" Fear coursed through Aragorn and he felt his heart stop. Without warning, h e pushed past Pippin and plunged into the brush.
Thoughts raced through his head as he quickly made his way back to camp. ~They obviously weren't attacked. Maybe he already had an injury and didn't tell us about it? Elves can't get sick, but they can die of grief. But Legolas would've told me if something that bad had happened to him.
Wouldn't he? Come to think of it, he was acting rather odd at the Council...~
Aragorn entered the camp just then, Pippin hot on his heels.
The first thing he noticed was Merry, who was kneeling by Legolas. The Elf was lying on his back, his blue eyes staring sightlessly up into the night sky.
Merry looked up at Aragorn, his face full of anguish. "I came out to get a drink and found him like this," he said as the Ranger came forward to kneel at his friend's other side. "Is he...?" The hobbit couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.
Aragorn quickly checked the Elf over, scanning him for injuries. He let out a relieved sigh when he realized that Legolas was breathing and seemingly unhurt. Then he blinked, and burst into laughter.
Merry and Pippin looked at each other in confusion. Neither knew what to think. Was Legolas dead? If so, why was Strider laughing?
Finally, the Ranger was able to catch his breath. "Don't worry, my friends," he said, his gray eyes twinkling. "I have not gone mad, and our friend Legolas is not dead."
Both hobbits blinked at him. "He's not?" Merry asked. "Then why is he like this? Why are his eyes open?"
"Because, Master Meriadoc, that is the way all Elves sleep."//
------------------------
Both hobbits had been extremely sheepish after that, apologizing for concerning Aragorn so, and had gone back to bed. Aragorn had told the Elf of the incident the next day. Though Legolas had been touched by the hobbits' concern, he had been sure to sleep away from the others from then on.
Like he was doing now.
"You really care for him, don't you?"
Aragorn jumped slightly at the sound of the voice close by. Turning, he saw Boromir sitting on a tree stump slightly behind him, smoking his pipe. "What do you mean?"
"I've been watching you watching him," he said, nodding at Legolas and making Aragorn scowl. ~So much for being discreet...~ "You always look concerned. One would have to be blind in order not to see that the two of you share a close bond."
Aragorn once again turned his eyes to the sleeping Elf, and a fierce wave of protection swept over him. "Aye," he said softly. "We are indeed close. Close as brothers. Growing up, my foster-brothers and I got along wonderfully. They never made me feel left out. But they were always reminding me that I was inferior, weather they meant to or not. Legolas always made me feel like an equal. He would tell me secrets, things he had seen and done. They were never anything big, but it seemed that way to me because I was the only one he told. Elladen and Elrohir would see us talking and ask what it was we were speaking of. Legolas would just smile, wink at me, and say 'It's a secret between Estel and me.' And I would feel so proud.
"As I got older, I felt more comfortable talking to him than I did my brothers. When I discovered my lineage, it was to him I turned. He was the first to hear about my choosing exile, and the first to hear about my love for Arwen. He's my best friend. I would do anything for him."
Boromir nodded. 'I know how you feel," he said, speaking just as softly. "I have a younger brother back in Gondor. His name is Faramir. He and I are very close."
"He is the one who shared the dream with you?"
The other Man nodded. "Yes. It actually came to him more, but I did not want him to travel the Road to Rivendell alone, since my father could spare no guards. So I came instead, though my father was loathe to see me go."
A smile stole across his face and his eyes took on a far away look. "I am so proud of him, Aragorn. He is the Captain of Gondor, a Ranger of Ithilien. It is he and his men that patrol our boarders, keeping the forces of Mordor at bay. He means the world to me. There is no doubt in my mind that I would give my life for him."
Aragorn returned the smile. "You're a good man, Boromir of Gondor. Faramir is lucky to have a brother like you."
Having finished his pipe, Boromir stood and clapped the other Man on the shoulder. "And Legolas is lucky to have a friend like you," he answered softly. "Good night, Aragorn."
"Good night, Boromir." The Ranger watched as his companion went to bed down for the night, then turned back to Legolas with a sigh.
~Lucky? I wonder, just how lucky *is* he?~
-----------------------------
"What do you mean, we can't have a fire?!"
To say that the hobbits were upset would be an understatement. Pippin was positively livid. "How are we supposed to have any dinner if we can't have a fire?"
Gandalf fixed his gaze on him, and the youngest hobbit felt himself withering under the wizard's stare. "I know for a fact, Master Peregrine, that you have an adequate amount of dry food and cold cuts with you. You may fix that for your dinner. If we light a fire, it will act as a signal for every evil thing in the forest that we are here. Including the Orcs."
Pippin grumbled, but he knew that Gandalf was right. He wasn't about to invite the Orcs and whatever else was out there to their front door just so he could have a hot meal.
So it was the Frodo found himself surveying the camp as he nibbled on the edge of a sandwich.
Legolas lay to the side, face turned away, fast asleep as far as Frodo could tell. Boromir, after finishing his wipe and talking to Aragorn, was also asleep. Gimli and Gandalf sat together a little ways off, conversing quietly. Aragorn continued to sharpen his sword. Ylana was nowhere to be seen. ~No doubt she's already on watch.~
Elves amazed Frodo. He could remember, back in Rivendell, watching in awe as Elves seemed to melt out of places where he would have sworn non had been on seconds before. And Ylana was a warrior, trained to blend in with her surroundings. Frodo knew that no Orc would escape her gaze.
"This is wonderful," Pippin grumbled, having finished his own meager meal. "Attacked by Wargs, probably going to be attacked by Orcs, and we can't go deeper into the forest because there's things in there that are just as evil. On top of that, we can't light a fire! Tell me again why I agreed to come on this thing?"
Merry smiled fondly at his cousin. "It's because you're too loyal for your own good, Pip."
Pippin mumbled something under his breath, but the blush that rose on his cheeks showed how pleased he was at the comment.
Sam stretched a let out a yawn. "I don't know about the rest of ye, but I'm tired. I'm going to get as much sleep as I can. Ylana's on watch, so I know no Orc'll be sneaking up on us."
Merry nodded. 'Sam's got a point. Ylana's not going to let any of those brutes lay a hand on Legolas. Not if she can help it. And who knows how long it'll take us to get through the bad part of the forest? I say we get as much sleep as we can."
"You're right," Frodo said, turning to look at his cousin. "You go ahead. I'm going to finish eating."
Merry and Pippin quickly said good night and left Frodo's side. Sam looked a bit concerned, but curled up and went right to sleep when Frodo assured him that he was going to bed as soon as he finished eating.
But he did not hold to that promise. Once he had finished his sandwich, he pulled out his pipe. He filled it, lit it, and sat back and gazed up at into the twilight as he smoked.
~What is it that made them come with me?~ he wondered, not for the first time. ~And why do they stay? Especially Legolas. There are legions of Orcs after him, yet he refuses to turn back. Lord Elrond told them that they didn't have to stay with me. Yet they do, no matter what the risk to themselves.~ A smile flitted across his face. ~No one can ever say that a braver Company existed.~
The sound of footsteps brought him back to reality. Turning his head, he saw Aragorn sitting down next to him, his own pipe already stuck between his teeth. "A man should never have to smoke alone, even if he wishes to be alone."
Frodo smiled. "I am always grateful for your company, Aragorn. You know that I have no trouble in talking with you."
The Ranger smiled. ~Where have I heard *that* before?~ "Do not be so hasty. I spoke those same words to Legolas only days ago, and you saw our argument."
"But you are friends again, are you not?"
"I think so." The Man chuckled. "Elves are not good with their emotions, Frodo. They tend to hide them, not letting them get in the way. When they do express them, it's often with difficulty."
"I see." Frodo was silent for a moment. "Aragorn, why did you agree to come with me on this Quest? I know the Ring is bound to you and all in your bloodline. Is that why you set out on this dangerous journey with me?"
Aragorn's eyes sparkled as he turned a fond smile onto his companion. "Nay, my dear hobbit. While it is true that the Ring is bound to my bloodline, I could have run away. Could have left you to deal with it on your own. But you'd grown on me, and I could not bear the thought of you facing all this danger alone."
Frodo's smile was just as fond and full of thanks. "You are a good man, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You have a kind heart and commendable bravery."
The Ranger snorted. "Again, do not be too hasty in your words. Wait until we are attacked by more than just a few Wargs. Then we shall see how commendable my bravery is."
"You've already proven your valor! You fought off the Ringwraiths, you agreed to accompany me on this horrible Quest, and you took out many a Warg and rider. Your bravery already matches that of heroes spoken of in the Shire."
Here Aragorn laughed, and Frodo was pleased to see the warmth in his eyes. "You are a wonder, Frodo Baggins. I thank you for your kind words."
"Not thanks are necessary," the hobbit said happily. "I only speak the truth. After all, you refused to let me smoke alone. That is the sign of a true friend."
Still smiling, the Ranger placed a hand on Frodo's shoulder. "Take some rest, Frodo. Have no doubt that, with Ylana on watch, we will be safe. I will see you ere the morning, hopefully not before."
Frodo nodded as he rose to his feet. "Good night, Aragorn." With that, he put his pipe away before going to bed down for the night.
Aragorn sat there for a moment longer, continuing to smoke. Finally, he got to his feet and put his pipe away. "Brave," he said softly, staring at Legolas. Then he turned away and went to go make his own place for the night.
-----------------------
Ylana felt the bark biting deeply into her back and legs, but she ignored it. The sky was no a deep purple, and she'd only moved once since settling into her spot, and that was to make sure that Legolas was actually resting. Dolinril hung at an odd angle from her hip. She hadn't wanted to scratch the tree. Her quiver had been shifted so that she could lean back against the tree, and now her shoulder ached from the extra weight. Her rear was numb, and her eyes were stinging from having not blinked.
But she ignored it all.
Her silver eyes swept over the land as she absently fingered her bow, which lay in her lap. ~Why did Mithrandir make us stay here?~ she thought, silently cursing the old wizard. ~It'll be impossible to tell if it's Orcs or no if or when they attack. This whole section of the forest is soaked with evil. I hate it.~
And, as much as she hated to admit it, it was true. Ylana was an Elf, very in tune with nature. She loved the trees, though not as much as Legolas and other Silvan Elves. But this part of the forest... Even the brave Elf-Lords refused to go in unless they absolutely had to.
"It's a terrible place, Ylana," Glorfindel had once told her when she had been studying maps in Lord Elrond's library. "Nothing but evil lives there, and every creature hates the Light of Good. They will attack any and everything that steps foot into that section of the forest. Few, if any, have ever made it through there. It is as black as Morgoth's heart. If you must go in there, make sure that it is because you absolutely have to."
~I wish Glorfindel could've come in my stead. He would have done a much better job than myself.~ She briefly closed her eyes, relieving some of the stinging. ~All I've managed to do is cause trouble.~
But she knew that that was simply wishful thinking. Glorfindel was one of the most powerful Elf-Lords left in Middle-Earth. If he had come on this Quest, Sauron would've had not trouble tracking them. He couldn't go. Not if there was someone else who could do it. Besides, Aragorn was one of her closest friends. She could at least try.
Even if she was simply a warrior.
She could remember, with much fondness, the day she completed her training. She had knelt there in front of Lord Elrond, heart pounding in her chest. Aragorn and Arwen were standing off to one side, and Ylana was acutely aware of their presence...
-------------------------
//Elrond stood, looking regal as he stared down at the kneeling form before him. "Ylana Fairylight," he said, his voice deep and commanding attention, the voice of a leader. "You have spent the last four months of your life training to be a warrior. Tell me, why is this?"
She kept her eyes on the floor and spoke in a loud, clear voice. "I wish to protect my home and those I care about against Orcs and other evil creatures, my lord."
A smile flitted across his face. "I have seen you in training. Your skills are unsurpassable. It is redemption, not revenge, that drives you. You shall become one of the greatest warriors in Middle-Earth. Rise and take your place among their ranks."
Loud cheering and applause broke out as Ylana stood and accepted the bow and quiver Lord Elrond presented to her. Tears were in her eyes. ~This is the best day of my life...~//
That had been twelve years ago. Since that time, Ylana had proved herself to be quite a good warrior. She had become famous all throughout Rivendell as one of only two female warriors from that Elven city. She trained every day, pitting her on skills against those of Rivendell's most celebrated warriors. She was hailed as a hero in her hometown.
And, at the moment, she had never felt so helpless in her life.
~I can't even protect them,~ she thought angrily. ~When the Wargs attacked, I wasn't even there. I caused Legolas to be angry at Aragorn. I'm the one who lead them into this dreadful forest to begin with. While thinking I was leading them to safety, I actually put them in more danger. Now I don't know if I'll be able to sense the Orcs should they choose this night to attack. I think Lord Elrond was mistaken when he said I was to become one of the greatest warriors in Middle-Earth. I can't even lead a group of people into a forest without doing something wrong.~
Ylana shifted, trying to get more comfortable and return feeling to her backside. She pushed all thoughts of her own shortcomings away, turning her mind back to the problem at hand. ~I will not fail again, Gallas. I swear I will keep my promise.~
So Ylana Fairylight, Elven warrior of Rivendell, sat back to watch...and to wait.
------------------------
The night wore on. The members of the Fellowship slept peacefully. Ylana kept watch. Somewhere deep within the forest, a wolf howled. Everything was calm, peaceful.
The moon began to sink, much to Ylana's relief and delight. Dawn was approaching. They had lasted so far through the night. The female Elf hoped it would continue that way.
Iluvatar, it seems, had other plans.
Ylana's sensitive hearing was what warned her. ~Someone's talking, I think. But the language... It's... By the Valar, it's Black Speech!~
Quick as a flash, Ylana was on her feet, one hand holding on to the tree for balance while the other was used to shade her eyes.
What she saw brought her heart to a crashing halt.
Rows and rows of dark creatures were plowing their way through the forest, cursing and spitting in their foul language. They wore crudely made armor with a white hand painted on it.
The Uruk-Hai were coming.