An Elven Tale

Disclaimer and warning: I own nothing. Absolutely nothing.

Author's Notes [PLEASE READ]: I changed the synopsis of this story, however, the letter idea remains. Please don't think I've changed the whole thing altogether. Also notice in my first chapter (prologue) I actually stated Sauron is not just an eye – well I kind of changed my mind =P things should be along the lines of LOTR except very alternately in sense of adventures and etc.

Synopsis: The lords of elves learn that nothing can change the future – not in the case of the greatest love between a mortal and an elf. A story of sacrifices, of fate, of passion and of love, in which Legolas looks for adventures, but he receives much more.

Warning: First of all this is AU, it does not go along with the storyline of LOTR. And secondly, I don't know if I can stress this enough: this is a slash fanfiction, which means it is m/m relationship. If you have anything against it, click on the back arrow this minute… no, this second!

~*

"…" – Speech

This – Thoughts

Chapter 2: Heavy on Heart

~*

The river was calm and tranquil in front of him, rather a contrary of the fierce debate in his mind.

One more step… one more step and he would cross the river Bruinen, one more step and he would face what was possibly the end of his freedom, and lose his only chance to explore the wonders of Middle Earth. Was he willing? For a letter…for two people he did not even know?

The same feeling of remorse and desperation came back to him, flooding all his senses.

Yes.

He felt a need to help the man who was held captive by the orcs, an unknown feeling was in his heart, and he could not explain it.

He took a deep breath, his eyes set to the destination before him, a little tense. The last he had visited the Sindar elves were almost a thousand years ago – he could not remember exactly when, for time to an immortal elf such as himself was but a void. He could not imagine what kind of greeting he would receive: would he be welcomed? Or forgotten?

Half a mind on the constant throbs of anxiety at the back of his head, his legs gently squeezed Aenil's thighs, bidding her to trot forwards. The stream was amazingly clear; he almost wished he could walk along the water bare of feet, perhaps it would rid him any misfortunes that might befall him.

Aenil stopped short in front of marble stairs embedded in a garden of nature all too soon. And Legolas dismounted, looking for any signs of life.

A manly figure appeared above the stairs, solemn and demanding at glance. Legolas knew without a doubt that it was Elrond Peredhil, lord of Rivendell.

Show the letter and leave. He mentally commanded himself.

"My lord Elrond," He gave a graceful bow.

"Follow me, Legolas of the woodland realm." Elrond beckoned; his voice deep of great authority.

Legolas gulped.

He followed Elrond into a chamber of studies (as it seemed). Shelves of books were placed around the room in sequence, there were more than thousands present, he was sure. A table stood near the window, rolls of parchments and books lay scattered across it.

Horror struck him as he caught sight of a letter upon the desk, the markings of Mirkwood as plain as the sun in a cloudless sky, stamped in the deepest shade of red upon the pale white paper. His stomach tightened, unease spread through his limbs.

I knew this was a mistake.

"I have just received word from your father, Legolas." Elrond followed Legolas' sight, "He wishes for you to return to Mirkwood immediately. I'm afraid I-"

"Please, Lord Elrond!" Legolas cut in, dignity forgotten. "I cannot go back – I cannot! The elves are leaving Middle Earth, they sing to me of the west – of the seas."

Pause.

"For 3000 years I lived in this mortal land without a chance to explore its wonders, or to see for myself the other races of Middle Earth. Please… I will be of no bother, I promise you. Please do not let ada know of my presence in Imladris. This is my only chance…"

"Legolas…it is the wish of your father, it is not up to I to decide."

"Please." He pleaded. "Do not tell ada of my whereabouts, I come here only to deliver a letter I came across, I do not mean to dwell."

"Nay that is not what I mean, little one. You are welcomed at any occasion. It is Thranduil, he only wishes for you to remain unscathed, protected."

"But my years are wasted away in protection!" Legolas spoke with a bitter edge. "I am no longer a mere elfling; I am a trained warrior."

Tense silence filled the air, neither Elrond nor Legolas made any movements.

Elrond looked at Legolas, whose gaze was strong even under the intenseness of his very own scrutinizing stare, Legolas' face reflected of mild anger.

He is right. He is no longer an elfling.

"Show me the letter."

Obediently, Legolas handed over the piece of crumbled parchment.

Elrond looked amused at the state of the letter for a second, then flattened it with his hands and read.

His brows furrowed tighter as he progressed through the letter, with each word his heart weighed a billion more tonnes. It was not just the peril Aragorn faced that gravened him, but also the reality that out of all chances Legolas had come across it.

"I meant not to read it, milord." Legolas added hastily, reading the scowl "It did not leave me … and thus my curiousity was too strong to bear."

"It would not leave you?" Elrond asked. Was that fear which shook Elrond's usually solemn voice?

"Aye, I could not rid of it."

Legolas could confirm it now, the unusual alarm that was present in Elrond's dark grey eyes. Elrond stared at the parchment in his hands as though the words were more than what they said. He muttered something extremely soft, and no matter how Legolas strained to hear, he could not catch a word.

"I will not send you back to Mirkwood, Legolas," Elrond said finally, peering at the younger elf with a stern eye. "But you must tell me how you came with the letter – and how you tried to rid of it without success. Tell me everything; do not miss a single detail."

Disbelieving of his own hearing, Legolas stared blankly as Elrond moved across the room to sit behind his table, the letter still clutched in his hands. The elder elf gave a nod, waiting expectantly.

"It was but a few days ago…" And thus Legolas began.

*

Aragorn glared at the orcs, his chin held high and jaws hardened. Identical looks were upon the faces of every other man, they look of true warriors. Ropes were snaked around their wrists, rather tight, binding their hands behind their backs.

They were resting now somewhere deep in the forest near Rivendell. From the route, Aragorn guessed they were being taken to Isengard. But if indeed that was the case, then Aragorn was not worried, for the paths ahead lay Moria and the Golden Woods, perhaps they'd seek refuge of some sort.

The orcs were camping beside their fires ablaze, dining the poor horses which once belonged to the men. They rather tore at the steeds, knowing of no shame or dignity.

An orc with nasty yellow eyes stared pointedly at Aragorn, before walking up to the men, choosing to ignore his share of food. In a dead whisper he asked forcefully, "Tell us, filthy men, where is the heir of Isuildur?"

"What do you want from Isuildur's heir?" Aragorn asked in return, there was no fear in his voice.

"It is not in your statue to ask questions." The orc snapped, "Your life is in our hands."

"Then I will not speak, not in answer nor question."

"I will kill you then, you are useless." The orc smelt of rotten flesh as he rounded upon Aragorn, a vicious smile playing on his distorted face. "Speak or die."

If he thought that he had alarmed Aragorn, he was wrong. "I do not fear death."

The orc raised his blade, menacing in his eyes. Just when he was about to bring the blade towards Aragorn, a fierce voice called behind him, and a hand grabbed onto his. "You shall not harm him."

"He is of no use to us!" Cried the orc, outraged, "He will speak of nothing."

"We must bring him to Gondor. There, Saruman will have his words."

Saruman… Gondor?

"What news of Gondor?" asked Aragorn, failing to keep the panic form his voice.

"Gondor hast fallen." Said the orc, clearly smirking. "Saruman's arms are lengthy and strong. Uruk-hais, wargs and our bred travelled across the Isen River towards Ithilien, and there we had a swift victory over the city. We then proceeded to Gondor, Ithilien as a base. They were outnumbered, and many then fled to the mountains or Rohan, there seeking refuge.  Denethor, the steward of Gondor was slain, and by death he said to us that Isuildur's heir linger yet in Middle Earth as a ranger. Thus onwards we've being hunting for rangers, yet none knew where Arathorn's descendant dwelt. They make tasty luncheons," There was a sickening smack of lips as the orc smiled, its eyes sneaky as they rested upon the men, "Aye, yes they do."

Aragorn widened his eyes in profound horror, he felt himself plunging down a steep hill, his heart dropped to the very depth of his stomach.

I have failed my people.

Gondor hast fallen.

~*

TBC


Consider:

Why was Elrond alarmed by Legolas finding the letter?

What happens to Aragorn – now that Gondor hast fallen to the shadows of Saruman, and his people scattered in the wild?

Would Aragorn reveal his identity, so he could avenge his people [while being in grave peril in the process]?

*

Oh c'mon my sweeties ^_^ tell me your guesses puh-lease? It's just for some fun =P I'd like to know what you feel with the progress of the story and your guesses of where the story is going. I mean, it's nice to know whether the next chapter is predictable or not, hm?



Anyhow, replies now:


Virginia woolf: thanks =]

Emme1: oh yes, the movie is similar to the book where I got the idea from (the same, come to think of it) written by Nicholas Sparks. It was called Message in a Bottle and the storyline was same – the guy was Garrett and woman's name was Theresa. That's the letter idea =] Anyhow, thanks!

Tol Morwen: There goes the third chap =] Thanks!

Jadesaber: Yes, this is a slash between Legolas and Aragorn, I'm rather a big fan of slash at the moment =] Thanks!

Goldmund: Glad you liked it =] I have half a mind of twisting the story here and there – though twists were never really my thing, so hopefully the story don't get out of shape as it progresses. Anyhow, thanks!

Legolas19: Another chappie. Thanks! =]

Silvertoekee: The book was named Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks, rather a romantic read =] Yeah, maybe it's just Blockbuster here about the hiring thing, but argh you're right – they are definitely very evil. Oh Arwen – do you like Arwen? The scene between Legolas and Elrond went a bit longer than I intended, thus she didn't come in this chapter – the next then =] Thanks!!


Ta sweeties!