An Elven Tale

Disclaimer and warning: The most I own of LOTR is probably the DVDs, along with posters, folders etc… thus trust me when I say I own nothing, I wouldn't be here if I did.

Warning: AU, Slash

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"…" – Speech

This – Thoughts

Chapter 3: Council of Elrond

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Legolas stared outside his chambers windows, aimlessly searching for a sign – any sign – that would arouse even the littlest of interest.  He had remained refined in the House of Elrond for the past few days, watching as many messengers were sent to parts of Middle Earth, for Elrond intended a council to be held this very day. Arwen Undómiel, to whom the letter had being addressed, were most distressed when the letter was taken to her – her beautiful grey eyes shone of tears and anguish, and she cried her lovers' name in whispered sobs of heartache. And Legolas learnt, as the days passed, that the piece of torn parchment he had come across was of more importance than he had ever predicted, as it was written by the king of Gondor, Isildur's heir.

A distant chime rang through the rigid silence, causing the elf to jump hastily to his feet. Was that not the warning bell of the council?

His light steps carried him down the elegant halls of the House, past the many empty chambers to the porch where many times before he had come during sleepless nights to view the darkened sky of many twinkling stars.

The seats around the porch were occupied as he came into sight, by not only elves but also of dwarves and men. It was the first time that his eyes had ever caught vision of other races of Middle Earth, and to him they're the most fascinating beings. He stood motionless for a while, gaping.

"Here comes Legolas of the woodland realm," Elrond said, beckoning Legolas' to an empty seat beside he, "it was he whom found the letter by king of Gondor.

The King was captured by orcs, and the western men bring news of the downfall of Gondor."

There was a tense pause, which was only disturbed by the ragged breathings of the dwarves and men.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of the East. Middle Earth stands now upon the brink of destruction, none can escape it. You will unite or you will fall."

Another lengthy pause in which the attendances mulled over the words of Elrond.

"Speak Boromir and Faramir, sons of Denethor, Steward of Gondor!"

The two young men opposite Legolas glanced at each other, a curious frown on their handsome faces.

"It was bar a few weeks ago that Gondor was overthrown," Spoke the elder of the two men. He's eyes rested momentarily upon Legolas before straying towards Elrond, his tone of great hesitance. To speak of his city's fall was of immense shame. "They first gained victory over the city of Ithilien, where our defence had slackened during years. They then proceeded to Gondor in but a day's time, leaving us unprepared. We were out-numbered 1 to 10, or perhaps more. It was none but a hopeless battle, thus many fled the lands to the mountains or Rohan, seeking refuge. Saruman led Gondor into darkness there afterwards, and those captured or stayed were slain and tortured. Even the women and the children were treated horrifyingly, and some became the orcs' dines. Faramir and I had only barely fled from their grasp."

"Then it is likely," Legolas reasoned, "that Isildur's heir has also being taken to Gondor, as that is where Saruman now dwells. We must hither towards Gondor at once, if that be the case."

A murmur of agreement broke out around the circle.

"To trust an elf's word?" There was a loud smirk over the gentle murmur, "Not in the years of my earthly life!"

Legolas clutched the arms of his chair, a light scowl on his face as his eyes scrutinized the dwarf who had spoken. "Have I done you any wrong deeds, master dwarf? That you must think so lowly of me?"

"Nay," The dwarf answered easily. "But thou art an elf."

"Gimli son of Glorin and Legolas son of Thranduil, did you not hear my words? You will unite, or you will fall." Elrond said, eyeing the dwarf with great impatience. "Do you wish the fall of Middle Earth?"

"Nay," Legolas subdued his mounting anger, appearing at peace. "Please proceed."

"We must first save the king of Gondor," An elf next to Elrond said. His features were sharp and precise, bearing great likeness to Lord Elrond bar much younger. "Elrohir and I will rescue him, ada. Give us a small troop."

"And I!" Gimli, the dwarf who had opposed of Legolas cried at once, "Not all glory should be taken by the elves!"

"And us." The men who were named Boromir and Faramir spoke, exchanging a swift look of understanding between themselves. "Hatred towards Saruman runs deep in our veins: for it was he who caused the downfall of our city and father."

Elrond nodded.

"And I." The voice was almost inaudible.

It was Legolas. Much to his dismay, the heads turned towards him in surprise. He shrugged weakly at the raised brows.

"Nay Legolas," opposed Elrond, sounding weary, "You are but a visitor, you have not your father ascent."

"T's why I must prove to ada that I am able, milord. He treats me as I am but a mere elfling!" said Legolas, face of stony determination. "T's why I left my beloved Mirkwood, why I left my people…and why I beseech you no word to ada of my being in Imladris. T's adventures I crave, milord, nothing else."

"Aye Legolas, but you do not understand. Orcs are fierce and gruesome creatures, little one. You have never before encountered battles, you will not be ready."

"By the Valar, I am a warrior!" Legolas' face flushed scarlet of indignation. "I care not of ghastly orcs, they too have come to Mirkwood, and I have indeed encountered them before."

Elrond stared hard at the fair face that was Legolas Greenleaf, his heart aching. Alas, had I not foreseen this day? And had I not tried to prevent it? You do not know what doom you walk into, little one.

Legolas stared back with his head held high, his gaze strong. He looked searchingly into Elrond's eyes for a hidden answer, yet what he saw started him. He gave a slight flinch, and Elrond quickly turned away.

Was it tears that he saw in the elder elf's eyes? Legolas wondered, almost uncertain of his very own sight. Elrond… commanding, grave, serious… the lord of the Sindar elves… shedding tears? It was almost unbelievable as the sun rising from the west.

"Three elves, one dwarf and two men." Elrond sighed his second defeat to the prince of Mirkwood. "You will bring together again the allegiance that once existed between the races of Middle Earth, and together the fate of Gondor, and of Middle Earth rests now upon your shoulders."

"Surely you mean not to send them away without my counsel?" The voice was almost amused. A being glowing of pure white was ascending towards the porch, his face invisibly hidden in the bright light.

"Nay Gandalf." A half-smile played upon Elrond's lips, thought his expression did not change.

"Alas, must you ruin an old man's attempted joke, Elrond?" The blinding beam softened almost disappointingly, an elderly figure coming into precise view. His hair and robes were as white as clouds, long and beautiful. His eyes shone of playful twinkles. It was the lines upon his face that betrayed his age, as it spoke of his years of knowledge and wisdom.

"A Maia." Legolas whispered, recognising the form for what he was immediately.

"Thou cannot change the future, Lord Elrond," Gandalf said, his expression changed so swiftly akin to a summer's day. His voice was grave and quiet as though he tried to keep his words unheard save for Elrond himself. "The doom was foreseen, and it is to remain. Your powers are only to forewarn of what may come to be, thee cannot do anything for him, Elrond."

Elrond's face paled considerably. "Do you speak also, Gandalf, of the waning light of the evenstar?"

"Aye, but that can be saved if time allows it."

"Thank you, Gandalf." Elrond nodded his understanding. When he turned towards Legolas again he seemed to have aged many years.

Gandalf smiled lightly, a smile that radiated of only melancholy. He too, turned towards Legolas, his eyes a mixture of sadness and great hope, "You have a choice little one," He started.

"You may return to Mirkwood, and then make for the west with the rest of your kin, and remain Legolas. Or you may leave with the fellowship, and play a part in saving Middle Earth from its doom as an allegiance of old. It is however, at your personal sacrifice. If you wish to set with the fellowship hence onwards…"

He took a deep breath, never before had anyone looked so gravened or old.

"Your life will be forfeit in time to come.

Do you wish to continue?"

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TBC

Note: oh dear god, I had a little time on hand today, and thus I read through the previous 1 to 3 chapters of An Elven Tale and I must say I was literally repulsed by what I read. I'm very, very sorry for the crappiness of the previous chapters – and of this one. I will try to write better in later chapters!

BTW: anyone free to be my dear-est beta? =] [you'll be loved for the rest of your life! LoL]

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Consider:

What would Legolas' answer be?

What did Elrond and Gandalf's exchanged words mean? And what did Elrond mean by "Do you speak also, Gandalf, of the waning light of the evenstar?"?

Alas, what doom awaits Legolas that gravens Elrond and Gandalf?

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Replies:

Tol Morwen: Oh, you have an idea, share it hun, share it with us yeah! =] I really want to know your guesses and all ^_^ it's fun. Lol. Hm, as for Aragorn… ah well, his decision will be out soon, so no more said =]. Thanks heaps!!

Starlit Hope: Does this chapter explain a bit more? =] Thanks!

Jadesaber: Yeah I absolutely agree! Legolas and Aragorn are just so god damn cute! I can't say anything about your guesses right now, but oh god I really want to say one sentence to you. If it doesn't cause much trouble, leave an email? Or maybe I'll just leave my "sentence" till later chapters =P. Thanks a bunch and thanks even more for the guesses!!! =]

Tmelange: Thanks heaps! ^_^

Silvertoekee: Oh no! Imagine Elrond chasing poor Legolas away from Imladris! That is horror! Pure horror! LoL. I would not in any years of my life torture Legolas like that, well… fine maybe I'd torture him, but he shall remain dignified =]. Thanks for taking your time to answer my "considers" yeah =] should be revealed soon :P. Thanks!

Legolas19: Thanks heaps sweetie! =] Hope you enjoy.

So basically the "fellowship" has being formed to the rescue of Aragorn, now this is where the story actually begins to unfold…

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In the next chapter:

Aragorn glared at the orcs, full of hatred. Despite the warnings of his comrades he cried in his spiteful words, who cared if they were to kill him, slaughter him, he could not live with the thought that his people were slain in his stead, "I am -"

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"The ring of Barahir." Legolas whispered as he picked up the glimmering object, and turned back towards Aragorn. There was interest in his sapphire eyes as he cried, "Why, but you're Isildur's heir!"

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Ta sweeties!