Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tolkien's, and you can bet I regret it!
Chapter 10
Wha…What? Legolas whispered. Who are you? Show yourself!
The figure stayed where it was but continued to speak. It was a masculine voice, soft and quiet, but hard and cold. Who I am isn't important. You want answers. I have them. Now listen.
If we don't know you than how do we know we can we trust you? Legolas replied, stepping up alongside Celidur, who looked petrified with fear.
You don't. I didn't ask you to trust me. I asked you to listen. And since you are obviously not willing to do that…
The figure stepped back into the darkness and disappeared.
No! Legolas cried as he leapt after it. He couldn't see very well, as in the corners of the cellar there was no light whatsoever. He searched with his hands for where the dark stranger could have gone, but found nothing but cold stone walls.
Legolas! Celidur called. His voice sounded panicked. Someone is coming down here!
Legolas turned. He saw the light coming from the opened door that lead down to the cellar spilling over the staircase and invading the darkness. He heard footsteps approaching down the stairs. Quickly and quietly, Legolas grabbed Celidur by the arm and shoved him into the darkness behind a row of barrels farthest from the door. Both elves were as quiet and still as possible when they were given a clue to who had followed them down her.
"Legolas? Are you down here?" A man's voice asked.
Legolas's heart nearly skipped a beat. He grabbed Celidur again and pulled him out into the light.
"Aragorn!"
"Legolas! What in the Valar's name are you doing in the cellar?"
The ranger saw Celidur with him and became confused. "I don't understand."
"Aragorn, I don't believe Nimeryn is safe for us any longer." Legolas whispered. "There are things here that just don't seem right."
Whispering in the darkness… Commented Celidur, listening to their conversation but not able to engage in it.
"I see…what's he doing here?" Aragorn asked, gesturing toward the younger elf.
"I was trying to find out as much as I can from him, but it's not much." Answered Legolas.
Excuse me? Celidur said, offended.
Legolas chose to ignore the younger elf.
"What have you learned? Is it about the Nimar falling into darkness?" Aragorn asked, remembering the conversation Legolas and Celidur had had yesterday.
"Yes. Celidur can tell you." Legolas suggested, turning to the younger elf. Celidur looked at him sharply, but his eyes soon lost their dagger-like quality and he shook his head sadly.
Please, Lord Legolas, I pray for you not to ask me to repeat it once more. To do so is against our laws! He pleaded.
It is against your laws that we must find out what conspiracy occurred here. Legolas advised.
Legolas, I must go about my duties! Celidur argued. I'm to report to Celebhen's chambers soon!
Legolas sighed, and looked at Aragorn. The ranger nodded permissibly. Legolas turned back to Celidur. Very well. You may go. But I warn you: This will not be the last time we speak of this.
Yes, Lord Legolas. Celidur answered immediately, bowing in respect. Thank you.
The ranger and the elf prince watched as the servent climbed the staircase and disappeared.
"Do you think he will tell?" Aragorn asked his friend when Celidur was gone.
Legolas shook his head. "He seemed far to terrified be the whole concept of getting caught. He fears what would happen to him if Celebhen learned of his betrayal."
"Betrayal?" Aragorn questioned. "You think it goes that far?"
"No, Aragorn, I don't." Legolas answered grimly. "I think it goes much farther."
********Personal thing************