Chapter 3:
A/N: I'm glad all that have reviewed have liked this thus far. I'm still getting a feel for the friendship and relationships between legolas/Gimli/ and Aragorn, so any advice or helpful criticisms are appreciated.
Disclaimer: I own none but Dani.
~*~
Heavy lids opened slowly. Pale blue eyes greeted the waking dawn that rose up over the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of pink and ginger. Soft white clouds drifted high above. Legolas Greenleaf sat, legs crossed beneath him, with his back pressed against the trunk of a tree at the edge of Fangorn. His bow rested across one knee, an arrow beneath his fingertips. Some yards away his steed, the gray Arod, stood contentedly grazing, tail flicking lazily every so often.
He blinked a few times and gave a small shake of his head. One hand rose to his temple. The dawn was just peaking over the East, but he did not remember falling asleep. He did not even recall drawing Arod up and taking respite against the trees. In fact, the last thing he remembered clearly was riding out from the stable at Edoras. "Some dark work it is that has wiped my memory." he spoke to himself, but Arod lifted his head to watch him curiously. "Yet here I am, none the worse for it, with my weapons, my horse and my health. Perhaps I was simply more weary than I had reckoned and took my rest here."
Finding no other cause or explanation he rose, slinging his bow and quiver onto his back. Legolas went to Arod, laying a hand upon the sleek gray shoulder. "I dare say we had best return, before any of my company realize that we have gone. I should not like to face Gandalf's rage at this early hour, or Aragorn's concern, nor even the dwarf's biting tongue." Arod blinked lazily then stomped a hoof to send off an irritating fly.
"Hmphh," he grumbled as he leapt nimbly onto the horse's back. "You are a poor companion for idle chatter. Even Gimli is more loquacious than thou in the morning hours." Legolas smiled, chuckling softly at his own silliness. He urged the horse into a brisk trot, setting out for Edoras.
The elf's mind was idle during the return, content to led Arod find his own way. Despite his own best assurances regarding his situation, he felt nowhere as rested as he should after hours of uninterrupted slumber. His mind was heavy, laden with a thick fog. His body was weary, as weary as he could remember, and stiff. "The next time I should decide for a bit of sleep, I will remember not rest propped up against the trunk of a tree," he grumbled to himself.
The sun had just fully risen over the horizon in the East when he reached the gates at the bottom of the city. The people woke with the dawn. Already he felt himself watched by curious or even suspicious eyes, as they wound their way up the hill to palace and stables.
Legolas returned Arod to the stables and his morning fodder without a word, then took the stairs to the Golden Hall two at a time. They slid open with a tremendous groan, and all the resided within, gathered for a morning meal, fell to silence when he entered.
Aragorn sat at a small table at the had of the hall with Theoden one his left and Gandalf to his right. Eowyn, Theoden's niece sat beside the King looking distressed. He caught the gaze of the Ranger first. He barely paused in speaking quietly with the King, but even the brief, silent exchange spoke volumes to the Elf. Questions lingered in the depths of his eyes, questions he could not long avoid, and questions he was not sure he could answer.
Gimli sat at the end of a table two rows back from Aragorn and Gandalf. Some of what remained of Theoden's guard ate their, speaking in hushed whispers and sending hooded glances in the direction of those in the company. There was an empty place beside Gimli, reserved no doubt for the Elf, though the Dwarf would surely never admit it. His eyes lifted, inviting Legolas over with a nod. He sat quietly, still considering how he might explain his absence.
He sat for a while, hands lain in his lap. Finally Gimli broke what was, for the pair, an unusually long silence. "Eat!" The dwarf boomed encouragingly. "Too long have I tasted nothing but Lembas bread. Eat while there is a good meal set before you." A girl wove through the tables hefting a pitcher of fresh, cold water. Gimli rose and went to her, mug in hand. "I'd have another bit of that lass," he said, still standing behind her.
She spun quickly and took a step, nearly running over the top of Gimli as she did so. Water sloshed from her pitcher onto his head, so that in a moment the long hairs of his beard dripped onto the stone floor. Hearing the splash and ensuing irate grumbling of his companion, Legolas looked up. His eyes twinkled and his face lit into a rare but wondrous smile as he laughed.
A pink flush rose up Dani's neck. She ducked her head, shading her eyes with her free hand. "I apologize." The words came in a rush. "I fear I .........I mean.........I did not......... see you," she finished flatly.
"Well drat woman! You should be a sight more careful of where you tread in the future!" Gimli roared. He fisted the ends of his beard in both hands, ringing water from its tendrils. "Tis your job to serve after all!"
Dani stiffened. Her pride was offended, to be called out in front of the men of Rohan and the King. She bit down on her lip to stay the flood of words she might utter in fury. Her one jade eye spit sparks as her hand clenched the handle of the water pitcher. Many in the hall had fallen silent in the exchange, though a few shielded smirks behind glasses and palms. One, a tall, stout man glared at them fixedly.
"What would you have her do Gimli?" The Elf's soft, tranquil voice broke the uneasy stillness in the room. Both Gimli and Dani turned. One corner of his mouth quirked as he took a sip from his mug. "Get down upon her knees so she might serve you at eye level?" There were a few titters. Now it was time for Gimli's face to go red, though it was mostly concealed beneath his mass of hair. The dwarf strode over, keen on yelling at his companion. Legolas merely placed a hand upon his shoulder. "She did apologize," he reminded Gimli quietly. "And now both you have been discomfited. Let the matter rest."
Everyone had since returned to their conversations. Gimli bowed his head and gave a small sigh. "Ay," he consented. Dani had drawn closer to their table, filling the glasses of men as they ran dry. She came to Gimli and halted, as though undecided. "It is not in my nature, you understand, to apologize," Gimli began gruffly. "But as it is, my manner to a lady was not as it should. it was an honest mistake."
Sensing that this was as best an apology she could have hoped for, Dani relaxed. "Would you care for more water uh.........I'm afraid I did not catch your name."
"Yes, thank you, so long as it comes in my glass, and not my beard."
She proffered a tiny smile. "I shall do my best."
"As to the other, I am Gimli, son of Gloin. And your name?"
"Danuriel," Legolas answered for her. "Daughter of Daniel and keeper of the horses of the Rohirrim." The dwarf's eyebrow raised, but he uttered no words.
"As for you Master Elf," she turned her attention to Legolas, one hand set upon her hip, looking quite stern. "When you said 'ride' I did not realize you meant to set out on a night long expedition. Is Arod returned? Hopefully in the same state as you left with him?"
"Yes, of course. It was never my intent to stay out so long, but I fear I was lost in thought and rode farther than I had intended." The lie slipped easily over his lips. There was no need to explain things here. He noticed Gimli looking at him oddly. "I had no mind for sleep last night and my feet found their way to the stables," he explained. "I was thusly threatened by the lady there if harm were to come to the horses."
Gimli chuckled heartily, his shoulders shaking. "Any person laid at odds with the Elf is indeed after mine own heart. So tell me, why does the keeper of the stables serve at breakfast as well?"
"An easy enough question to answer I suppose. You have met Grima Wormtongue, yes?"
"Ay."
"Then you understand his rather, distinct, character. Many who worked serving and cooking found him of an ill disposition and were in fact frightened enough to take their leave."
"But not you?" The dwarf's eyes twinkled with amusement.
"I serve my King in any manner I may be able. Wormtongue had a deceitful, treacherous tongue indeed, weaving lies and deception. However, he had naught a spine of which to speak. He makes my skin crawl, but I do not fear him." The tall, dark man of earlier half rose in his seat, glaring at Dani. "Excuse me," and she departed.
"Interesting acquaintance you have met here," Gimli said.
"Interesting indeed. I think you owe her a bit of thanks, for she has done you a service." He plucked a slice of ham from a plate in the center of the table and set it down on his own.
"And why is that?"
"Come Gimli, must I say it?" Gimli glowered and the elf sighed. "You look better wet."
--
"...Send out Riders, call for aid," Gandalf's (?) voice begged for reason. "Eomer rides East with men still loyal to Rohan. Stay here and fight."
The aging King sat stonily upon his throne. His warrior's heart longed for the glory of open battle, but he was no longer a young man, and was newly stripped of his only heir. His heart was too newly cut to hear the sage wisdom of the Mithradir. "We make for the fortress at Helm's Deep," he finally stated. His tone left little hope for negotiation, and Gandalf stalked from the Golden Hall, Aragorn at his heels.
Gandalf strode into the stable, a whirling ball of irritated fury. Inside two people were in the midst of a heated discussion, but the wizard cared not for petty squabbles in the moment. They fell immediately silent upon his entrance, a tall guard of Rohan glared at Aragorn as he stalked back out into the sunlight. The other member of the party shrank away from Gandalf, as if the dim shadows might conceal her. He saw her out the corner of his eye, the same girl he had seen speaking to Gimli and Legolas earlier. The thought barely registered.
He looked to Gandalf, sitting bestride the great Shadofax. The old man bent down, one hand clutching his staff and a fistful of mane. "Look for me at dawn on the third day, to the East." Aragorn nodded once and he was gone, racing away on the ivory stallion, flying without wings.
Dani said nothing, and kept to the shadows as Aragorn passed her again. She saw in him a man among men. His presence was at once proud and humbled, and ever calm before a mounting storm. His eyes met her for an instant and her chest constricted. A chill ran up from her fingertips. His gaze seemed to swallow her, to know her in a wordless moment. Never had she experienced anything so singularly piercing. It was not until he departed into the sunlight that released the breath she hadn't known she'd been holding.
--
A few hours later, Dani stood before Eowyn's closed door. The city was bustling as everyone hurried to pack what possessions they would take. What remained of the Rohirrim guard readied their mounts and rode amongst the people, keeping order and offering aid where it was needed. She couldn't remember the last time the city had been uprooted so suddenly, and a feeling of dread encroached upon her.
Dani rapped lightly against the heavy wood door. The dark wood was burnished and smooth. She waited, hand hovering above the handle. No answer came, only muffled grunting from inside. She entered quietly, swiftly shutting the door behind her as she squeezed through. As her eyes lifted they went immediately wide and Dani threw herself back. her back hit the door with a resounding thud, a small squeak escaping her lips. The blade of Eowyn whistled as it sliced the still air, coming to a quivering halt, the tip of the blade scant inches from her nose.
"If you had any less skill with a blade milady, I would fear that you might lob off my as you would an orc." She attempted to keep her tone light, though her suspicious eye never left the blade. Smiling tightly she slid along the door and out from under the tip of the sword. "I dare say I might find that.........disagreeable."
Eowyn chuckled softly, sheathing the sword dexterously. She wrapped the weapon reverently before laying it among the rest of her possessions. She would go to Helm's Deep, but not without a means for defense. "Do not speak foolishly Dani. You do not look like an orc, nor do you hold any of the characteristic odor of one. Besides which, I would never lob off your head here," she swept an arm around the room, "think of the mess."
"I suppose your words are meant to bring me comfort lady Eowyn."
"Take them as you would. Is there an express purpose to your visit, or did you simply come for discourse?"
"I come to aid you milady, to ready you for the road ahead. Your horse stands ready as we speak, and the people will set out shortly. Theoden awaits you."
Eowyn did not pause from stuffing a shirt into her small pack. "I will be there shortly. Go Dani, ready yourself, for I know you and know that you have not yet. Soon we will ride together for Helm's Deep."
--
Darkness crept around him, engulfing the tall figure in shadow. Withered, gnarled hands clasped a gleaming onyx staff. The only light cast upon his angular features came from atop the staff, and even that light seemed to come from darkness. There would have been no joy at the sight of it, only great and unending despair.
Saruman stood at the center of the tower of Orthanc, his eyes half rolled back in his head. His lips moved quickly, but sounded only of a hissing whisper. In his mind's eye he could see the path of the Elven Prince as through the Elf's own eyes, cast down on a marbled floor. He reached out for him, calling for his will to bend.
Legolas was not consciously aware of the presence lurking in his head, but still his unconscious mind strove to drive it away. Saruman's eyes stung with the effort of overcoming the immortal's mind. The wizard of Isengard had waited till the departing of Gandalf to try and exert his control. The mithrandir would have no doubt sensed his presence and his plan ruined before its start.
In the palace at Rohan Legolas suddenly halted. He glanced around himself sharply as though to thwart some interloper, but he was alone. He brought one slender hand to his brow and winced. There was a harsh hiss at the back of his mind and vague enough were the words that he could not make them out. The hiss turned then into a high, wailing shriek. He went to take a step, but his body resisted and he slammed on his knees to the stone floor.
The power of the jewel emblazoned on his chest woke again and he found it hard to breathe. From within the black scar left by Saruman, a thin, winding black tendril moved beneath his skin like a tainted vein, toward his naval. The elf rested his forehead against the cool marble, taking a few deep, shuddering breaths. The sudden pain fled as swiftly as it had come, but when his head rose from the floor his eyes had turned black.
Legolas rose purposefully to his feet, drawing the hood of his Elven cloak over his head. Then he pulled the cloak over his lean shoulders, holding it mostly shut with his left hand. His right drew a dagger, shielding it from sight beneath the fabric. Legolas passed silently through a door into the room that had been provided for the members of the company. Aragorn sat alone inside on a chair, his elbows resting upon his knees.
Legolas was halfway across the room when Aragorn finally noticed him, or even, took notice of him. The latter would not have surprised the Elf in the slightest. ~Mellon nin,~ he said quietly.
"Hello Aragorn." He moved ever closer, adjusting the grip he had on his blade. He needed only a few more steps to close the gap. The heir of Elendil still hadn't turned around.
"Has the time come to ride out?"
He was at the back of Aragorn, near enough to touch him. The Elf's heart was pounding. "Soon mellon. Very soon you will be leaving this place." Legolas' hand slipped out from the cloak, the blade gleaming even in poor light. He raised to strike the blade, a manic glint in evil eyes, deep into the man's back.
Chapter 3
Okay, as I write it this story is becoming quite character driven, though I hope the plot doesn't get lost to it. I think in another few chapter I'm gonna have a lot of yelling readers, lol. And I'm sorry for all people who hate OFC's, but I just really want Eowyn to have another female around and to have that interaction, like a lady in waiting of sorts. Love reviews, crave feedback in all forms.........okay, maybe not flames so much but you get the idea.
A/N: I'm glad all that have reviewed have liked this thus far. I'm still getting a feel for the friendship and relationships between legolas/Gimli/ and Aragorn, so any advice or helpful criticisms are appreciated.
Disclaimer: I own none but Dani.
~*~
Heavy lids opened slowly. Pale blue eyes greeted the waking dawn that rose up over the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of pink and ginger. Soft white clouds drifted high above. Legolas Greenleaf sat, legs crossed beneath him, with his back pressed against the trunk of a tree at the edge of Fangorn. His bow rested across one knee, an arrow beneath his fingertips. Some yards away his steed, the gray Arod, stood contentedly grazing, tail flicking lazily every so often.
He blinked a few times and gave a small shake of his head. One hand rose to his temple. The dawn was just peaking over the East, but he did not remember falling asleep. He did not even recall drawing Arod up and taking respite against the trees. In fact, the last thing he remembered clearly was riding out from the stable at Edoras. "Some dark work it is that has wiped my memory." he spoke to himself, but Arod lifted his head to watch him curiously. "Yet here I am, none the worse for it, with my weapons, my horse and my health. Perhaps I was simply more weary than I had reckoned and took my rest here."
Finding no other cause or explanation he rose, slinging his bow and quiver onto his back. Legolas went to Arod, laying a hand upon the sleek gray shoulder. "I dare say we had best return, before any of my company realize that we have gone. I should not like to face Gandalf's rage at this early hour, or Aragorn's concern, nor even the dwarf's biting tongue." Arod blinked lazily then stomped a hoof to send off an irritating fly.
"Hmphh," he grumbled as he leapt nimbly onto the horse's back. "You are a poor companion for idle chatter. Even Gimli is more loquacious than thou in the morning hours." Legolas smiled, chuckling softly at his own silliness. He urged the horse into a brisk trot, setting out for Edoras.
The elf's mind was idle during the return, content to led Arod find his own way. Despite his own best assurances regarding his situation, he felt nowhere as rested as he should after hours of uninterrupted slumber. His mind was heavy, laden with a thick fog. His body was weary, as weary as he could remember, and stiff. "The next time I should decide for a bit of sleep, I will remember not rest propped up against the trunk of a tree," he grumbled to himself.
The sun had just fully risen over the horizon in the East when he reached the gates at the bottom of the city. The people woke with the dawn. Already he felt himself watched by curious or even suspicious eyes, as they wound their way up the hill to palace and stables.
Legolas returned Arod to the stables and his morning fodder without a word, then took the stairs to the Golden Hall two at a time. They slid open with a tremendous groan, and all the resided within, gathered for a morning meal, fell to silence when he entered.
Aragorn sat at a small table at the had of the hall with Theoden one his left and Gandalf to his right. Eowyn, Theoden's niece sat beside the King looking distressed. He caught the gaze of the Ranger first. He barely paused in speaking quietly with the King, but even the brief, silent exchange spoke volumes to the Elf. Questions lingered in the depths of his eyes, questions he could not long avoid, and questions he was not sure he could answer.
Gimli sat at the end of a table two rows back from Aragorn and Gandalf. Some of what remained of Theoden's guard ate their, speaking in hushed whispers and sending hooded glances in the direction of those in the company. There was an empty place beside Gimli, reserved no doubt for the Elf, though the Dwarf would surely never admit it. His eyes lifted, inviting Legolas over with a nod. He sat quietly, still considering how he might explain his absence.
He sat for a while, hands lain in his lap. Finally Gimli broke what was, for the pair, an unusually long silence. "Eat!" The dwarf boomed encouragingly. "Too long have I tasted nothing but Lembas bread. Eat while there is a good meal set before you." A girl wove through the tables hefting a pitcher of fresh, cold water. Gimli rose and went to her, mug in hand. "I'd have another bit of that lass," he said, still standing behind her.
She spun quickly and took a step, nearly running over the top of Gimli as she did so. Water sloshed from her pitcher onto his head, so that in a moment the long hairs of his beard dripped onto the stone floor. Hearing the splash and ensuing irate grumbling of his companion, Legolas looked up. His eyes twinkled and his face lit into a rare but wondrous smile as he laughed.
A pink flush rose up Dani's neck. She ducked her head, shading her eyes with her free hand. "I apologize." The words came in a rush. "I fear I .........I mean.........I did not......... see you," she finished flatly.
"Well drat woman! You should be a sight more careful of where you tread in the future!" Gimli roared. He fisted the ends of his beard in both hands, ringing water from its tendrils. "Tis your job to serve after all!"
Dani stiffened. Her pride was offended, to be called out in front of the men of Rohan and the King. She bit down on her lip to stay the flood of words she might utter in fury. Her one jade eye spit sparks as her hand clenched the handle of the water pitcher. Many in the hall had fallen silent in the exchange, though a few shielded smirks behind glasses and palms. One, a tall, stout man glared at them fixedly.
"What would you have her do Gimli?" The Elf's soft, tranquil voice broke the uneasy stillness in the room. Both Gimli and Dani turned. One corner of his mouth quirked as he took a sip from his mug. "Get down upon her knees so she might serve you at eye level?" There were a few titters. Now it was time for Gimli's face to go red, though it was mostly concealed beneath his mass of hair. The dwarf strode over, keen on yelling at his companion. Legolas merely placed a hand upon his shoulder. "She did apologize," he reminded Gimli quietly. "And now both you have been discomfited. Let the matter rest."
Everyone had since returned to their conversations. Gimli bowed his head and gave a small sigh. "Ay," he consented. Dani had drawn closer to their table, filling the glasses of men as they ran dry. She came to Gimli and halted, as though undecided. "It is not in my nature, you understand, to apologize," Gimli began gruffly. "But as it is, my manner to a lady was not as it should. it was an honest mistake."
Sensing that this was as best an apology she could have hoped for, Dani relaxed. "Would you care for more water uh.........I'm afraid I did not catch your name."
"Yes, thank you, so long as it comes in my glass, and not my beard."
She proffered a tiny smile. "I shall do my best."
"As to the other, I am Gimli, son of Gloin. And your name?"
"Danuriel," Legolas answered for her. "Daughter of Daniel and keeper of the horses of the Rohirrim." The dwarf's eyebrow raised, but he uttered no words.
"As for you Master Elf," she turned her attention to Legolas, one hand set upon her hip, looking quite stern. "When you said 'ride' I did not realize you meant to set out on a night long expedition. Is Arod returned? Hopefully in the same state as you left with him?"
"Yes, of course. It was never my intent to stay out so long, but I fear I was lost in thought and rode farther than I had intended." The lie slipped easily over his lips. There was no need to explain things here. He noticed Gimli looking at him oddly. "I had no mind for sleep last night and my feet found their way to the stables," he explained. "I was thusly threatened by the lady there if harm were to come to the horses."
Gimli chuckled heartily, his shoulders shaking. "Any person laid at odds with the Elf is indeed after mine own heart. So tell me, why does the keeper of the stables serve at breakfast as well?"
"An easy enough question to answer I suppose. You have met Grima Wormtongue, yes?"
"Ay."
"Then you understand his rather, distinct, character. Many who worked serving and cooking found him of an ill disposition and were in fact frightened enough to take their leave."
"But not you?" The dwarf's eyes twinkled with amusement.
"I serve my King in any manner I may be able. Wormtongue had a deceitful, treacherous tongue indeed, weaving lies and deception. However, he had naught a spine of which to speak. He makes my skin crawl, but I do not fear him." The tall, dark man of earlier half rose in his seat, glaring at Dani. "Excuse me," and she departed.
"Interesting acquaintance you have met here," Gimli said.
"Interesting indeed. I think you owe her a bit of thanks, for she has done you a service." He plucked a slice of ham from a plate in the center of the table and set it down on his own.
"And why is that?"
"Come Gimli, must I say it?" Gimli glowered and the elf sighed. "You look better wet."
--
"...Send out Riders, call for aid," Gandalf's (?) voice begged for reason. "Eomer rides East with men still loyal to Rohan. Stay here and fight."
The aging King sat stonily upon his throne. His warrior's heart longed for the glory of open battle, but he was no longer a young man, and was newly stripped of his only heir. His heart was too newly cut to hear the sage wisdom of the Mithradir. "We make for the fortress at Helm's Deep," he finally stated. His tone left little hope for negotiation, and Gandalf stalked from the Golden Hall, Aragorn at his heels.
Gandalf strode into the stable, a whirling ball of irritated fury. Inside two people were in the midst of a heated discussion, but the wizard cared not for petty squabbles in the moment. They fell immediately silent upon his entrance, a tall guard of Rohan glared at Aragorn as he stalked back out into the sunlight. The other member of the party shrank away from Gandalf, as if the dim shadows might conceal her. He saw her out the corner of his eye, the same girl he had seen speaking to Gimli and Legolas earlier. The thought barely registered.
He looked to Gandalf, sitting bestride the great Shadofax. The old man bent down, one hand clutching his staff and a fistful of mane. "Look for me at dawn on the third day, to the East." Aragorn nodded once and he was gone, racing away on the ivory stallion, flying without wings.
Dani said nothing, and kept to the shadows as Aragorn passed her again. She saw in him a man among men. His presence was at once proud and humbled, and ever calm before a mounting storm. His eyes met her for an instant and her chest constricted. A chill ran up from her fingertips. His gaze seemed to swallow her, to know her in a wordless moment. Never had she experienced anything so singularly piercing. It was not until he departed into the sunlight that released the breath she hadn't known she'd been holding.
--
A few hours later, Dani stood before Eowyn's closed door. The city was bustling as everyone hurried to pack what possessions they would take. What remained of the Rohirrim guard readied their mounts and rode amongst the people, keeping order and offering aid where it was needed. She couldn't remember the last time the city had been uprooted so suddenly, and a feeling of dread encroached upon her.
Dani rapped lightly against the heavy wood door. The dark wood was burnished and smooth. She waited, hand hovering above the handle. No answer came, only muffled grunting from inside. She entered quietly, swiftly shutting the door behind her as she squeezed through. As her eyes lifted they went immediately wide and Dani threw herself back. her back hit the door with a resounding thud, a small squeak escaping her lips. The blade of Eowyn whistled as it sliced the still air, coming to a quivering halt, the tip of the blade scant inches from her nose.
"If you had any less skill with a blade milady, I would fear that you might lob off my as you would an orc." She attempted to keep her tone light, though her suspicious eye never left the blade. Smiling tightly she slid along the door and out from under the tip of the sword. "I dare say I might find that.........disagreeable."
Eowyn chuckled softly, sheathing the sword dexterously. She wrapped the weapon reverently before laying it among the rest of her possessions. She would go to Helm's Deep, but not without a means for defense. "Do not speak foolishly Dani. You do not look like an orc, nor do you hold any of the characteristic odor of one. Besides which, I would never lob off your head here," she swept an arm around the room, "think of the mess."
"I suppose your words are meant to bring me comfort lady Eowyn."
"Take them as you would. Is there an express purpose to your visit, or did you simply come for discourse?"
"I come to aid you milady, to ready you for the road ahead. Your horse stands ready as we speak, and the people will set out shortly. Theoden awaits you."
Eowyn did not pause from stuffing a shirt into her small pack. "I will be there shortly. Go Dani, ready yourself, for I know you and know that you have not yet. Soon we will ride together for Helm's Deep."
--
Darkness crept around him, engulfing the tall figure in shadow. Withered, gnarled hands clasped a gleaming onyx staff. The only light cast upon his angular features came from atop the staff, and even that light seemed to come from darkness. There would have been no joy at the sight of it, only great and unending despair.
Saruman stood at the center of the tower of Orthanc, his eyes half rolled back in his head. His lips moved quickly, but sounded only of a hissing whisper. In his mind's eye he could see the path of the Elven Prince as through the Elf's own eyes, cast down on a marbled floor. He reached out for him, calling for his will to bend.
Legolas was not consciously aware of the presence lurking in his head, but still his unconscious mind strove to drive it away. Saruman's eyes stung with the effort of overcoming the immortal's mind. The wizard of Isengard had waited till the departing of Gandalf to try and exert his control. The mithrandir would have no doubt sensed his presence and his plan ruined before its start.
In the palace at Rohan Legolas suddenly halted. He glanced around himself sharply as though to thwart some interloper, but he was alone. He brought one slender hand to his brow and winced. There was a harsh hiss at the back of his mind and vague enough were the words that he could not make them out. The hiss turned then into a high, wailing shriek. He went to take a step, but his body resisted and he slammed on his knees to the stone floor.
The power of the jewel emblazoned on his chest woke again and he found it hard to breathe. From within the black scar left by Saruman, a thin, winding black tendril moved beneath his skin like a tainted vein, toward his naval. The elf rested his forehead against the cool marble, taking a few deep, shuddering breaths. The sudden pain fled as swiftly as it had come, but when his head rose from the floor his eyes had turned black.
Legolas rose purposefully to his feet, drawing the hood of his Elven cloak over his head. Then he pulled the cloak over his lean shoulders, holding it mostly shut with his left hand. His right drew a dagger, shielding it from sight beneath the fabric. Legolas passed silently through a door into the room that had been provided for the members of the company. Aragorn sat alone inside on a chair, his elbows resting upon his knees.
Legolas was halfway across the room when Aragorn finally noticed him, or even, took notice of him. The latter would not have surprised the Elf in the slightest. ~Mellon nin,~ he said quietly.
"Hello Aragorn." He moved ever closer, adjusting the grip he had on his blade. He needed only a few more steps to close the gap. The heir of Elendil still hadn't turned around.
"Has the time come to ride out?"
He was at the back of Aragorn, near enough to touch him. The Elf's heart was pounding. "Soon mellon. Very soon you will be leaving this place." Legolas' hand slipped out from the cloak, the blade gleaming even in poor light. He raised to strike the blade, a manic glint in evil eyes, deep into the man's back.
Chapter 3
Okay, as I write it this story is becoming quite character driven, though I hope the plot doesn't get lost to it. I think in another few chapter I'm gonna have a lot of yelling readers, lol. And I'm sorry for all people who hate OFC's, but I just really want Eowyn to have another female around and to have that interaction, like a lady in waiting of sorts. Love reviews, crave feedback in all forms.........okay, maybe not flames so much but you get the idea.