Summery: In times of need, the hope of all may rest in the hands of but a few. A vision leads to a musing of light and dark, what the future may hold, and of the hope that shines even in the darkest of times.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (no duh!) and am not making any money off of any of my LotR based writings.

TO LIGHT THE WAY

Sunlight peered through cracks in the thick canopy of leaves above his head, small streams of it shining through like rays of hope. The forest for the most part was dark besides these small speckled patches of light and shadows cloaked most of the undergrowth. Creatures of darkness had begun to mar the woods with their unsettling presence, spiders and wargs becoming most frequent sights if one was to venture out of the safety of the protected borders.

There were signs everywhere—foreboding, ominous—that something was amiss. For so long there had been peace, tranquility, harmony throughout these lands, but it appeared that time was up. The shadow born of Mordor was once again seeping from its borders transcending any walls that attempted to ward off the impending doom and destruction.

He could sense it, the foul stench of orcs had returned, and it wasn't long before the fragile placidity that had reigned for but the blink of an eye once more would be broken by chaos and discord. It sent shivers up his spine to think of what the near future was to hold, but there was nothing he could do but wait, and fight against the darkness that would attempt to consume them when the time came.

Until then he would look for signs of a way to combat these greatest of evils, for there must be some way, and when the opportunity presented itself he would seize it, a chance to vanquish the world of its arisen foe. Even in the darkest hour there is always some light however small or dull in appearance it may be. He would find this light, wherever it is, and like a candle in a darkened hall they would hold it up in front of them to light their way and lead them down the path.

Author's Note: I know it's short and vague, but I just had this incredible urge to write this and this seemed like a good place to stop for now. I don't know if I shall continue this piece, though if you really want me to I'll try, but even if I do, I really don't know where I would take it from here. This seems to be from Elrond's point of view, though I suppose that isn't necessarily the case...even I don't know exactly what it means, but I like it none the less and I hope you do to.