DISCLAIMER: I do not own Lord of the Rings or anything pertaining to it. The characters, names, places etc. are all the work of the mastermind J.R.R. Tolkien....and Newline Cinemas....etc. etc. I earn nothing from this...except maybe enjoyment.
The brilliant rays of sun were reaching through the green boughs above, extending their grasp to the forest floor below. Not so much as a leaf crinkled beneath the light footed movements of the Elf. Legolas spread his fingers through the warm sunbeams as he tracked the Ranger's movements. Although his main concern was that the man did not stray far from the rest of the company, he still had an urge to give Aragorn his do revenge. The Elf had been able to see the Ranger for some time now and plotted his footsteps carefully. From above I will be given a better vantage...Thought the Elf as he leapt nimbly into a low spread branch and moved rapidly to the upper boughs.
Aragorn searched uninterestedly through the dry wood that lie around his feet, knowing that he need not search any longer for firewood. There was another reason that stayed his trek back to the others. The words of his companion weighed heavy on his mind. He trusted in the Elf's keen instincts and knew what had been spoken was verity for he too had a strange feeling about him, though not nearly as perceptive a one as any Elf. He set about scouting the area once more, walking hither and thither around what small expanse of the woods his feet could carry him.
Through many branches did the Elf bound past before pausing above his target. Aragorn, as Legolas had reckoned, had little intention of searching for the proposed firewood. Legolas felt glad now that he had chosen not to inform the others and nearly regretted telling the Ranger of the impending evil he felt. It was indeed more than a bit worrying to the Elf, for the air had been growing steadily fouler with the passing time. Very little had been seen of the creature Gollum in these times, as well, which lead Legolas to believe that he was not the only one who sensed the approaching terrors. No doubt, Gollum had hidden or fled as not to be caught up in anything dangerous. It was true that the One Ring had done much to the creature, but he still feared for his life.
A sudden breeze brought a new scent to the Elf, one he wished not smell again. It came from the depths of Isengard, a most impure and fetid place of late. What has Saruman the Betrayer conjured to set upon us now, for I am sure it must be he? What putrid weapon shall he wish to unleash upon our Fellowship...and without the guidance of Mithrandir? He sighed into the defiled breeze. At least I know now who is again conspiring against us...
Feeling that the Ranger had no reason to linger here any longer, and not wishing to ponder the sources of the putrid air further, the Elf plucked a remaining acorn from a branch of the tree he stood in at present and tossed it lightly towards his target. It struck the man softly across the shoulder. Aragorn spun around. With a look of slight confusion, he scanned the area around him for signs of an attacker. Finding no threat, he narrowed his eyes, glancing around him suspiciously. Something brushed past the side of his arm.
"Who is out there?" Asked Aragorn, firmly. "Show yourself."
A familiar musical laughter rang through the trees as another acorn connected with the top of the man's head. Aragorn closed his eyes in concentration, an attempt to track the whimsical assailant. The Ranger was rewarded with an acorn straight in the nose.
Aragorn's reactions to the Elf's mischief were indeed amusing. Legolas could not help but openly laugh and ceased attempts at suppressing his mirth. The Ranger deserved every acorn that came his way. Aragorn, by now, had realized that his attacker was no enemy and certainly no threat, but was still befuddled as to the exact source of the small projectiles.
Feeling the mild delight at the Ranger's expense begin to lessen, the Elf leapt down from the safety of the trees, landing no more than a foot behind Aragorn without so much as a sound. Legolas tapped his friend on the shoulder. Aragorn spun around, somewhat startled. Skilled Ranger though he was, he was no match for an Elf. With a smile, Aragorn began to head back to the camp. Scooping up the Ranger's fallen pile of firewood, Legolas followed behind.
"We are not yet even." Said Legolas, with a grin. "Icy waters and acorns do not weigh out equally to me."
"I did not expect it to be so, nevertheless it is comforting to know that both you and Gimli have forgiven me." Aragorn replied, rubbing the place upon his nose where the acorn had struck.
"We would not have held it against you. Moreover, although the Dwarf denies it, he should have foreseen the founder, and I have been proven the right in having said a Dwarf's sense of balance is certainly very minuscule." Aragorn chuckled as they walked back, although not nearly so genuinely as was habitual. The growing sense of danger was plaguing both minds. Aragorn looked towards Legolas.
"What news have you about this rankness upon the air?" Legolas frowned at the question.
"I know that the creature Gollum has been scarce of late and....and that the source of this foreboding feeling resides within the dark tower of Orthanc. Whatever will be assailing us, is urged by the hand of Saruman."
"This is ill news."
"Indeed...but the others will ponder as to what has become of us, if we tarry longer." Said the Elf, dashing ahead after disposing of the heap of firewood into the arms of Aragorn, who followed soon afterwards. He did not wish to discuss the topic further. Not now that he knew Aragorn would distress over it. When the threat grew more imminent, Legolas knew he would not be able to hesitate to inform his comrade. It was important, furthermore, for he did not want to endanger the others, or, more importantly, the Ringbearer.
As the two approached the camp, they caught wind of an argument.
"You have more...I am sure of it."
"He does not...so please, calm down."
"But..."
"Pippin, please...!"
"Fine, very well."
When Legolas and Aragorn emerged from the trees, the Hobbits had already started their meal. Pippin had insisted that Merry had gotten a larger share of the stewed rabbit and Merry insisted that he had not. And so, the others had gone about trying to persuade the determined Took otherwise. At long last he had given in and focused now on consuming his breakfast.
"It's a pity that we do not have second breakfasts. I see no reason not to." Pippin said, a mouth half full of food.
"Indeed it is, Pip. But I don't think we have time for such." Merry answered, sighing.
"Your words are true, young Hobbit." Said Boromir. "Time is sparse."
The Fellowship nodded their agreement. All knew it was an important task that had been appointed to them. All knew Middle-earth was dependant upon the outcome of this one journey. Frodo, who was burdened most of all, knew too, what would happen were he to fail. The visions shown to him by the lady Galadriel flashed all too vividly in his mind while he heard her wise words ring throughout. If only Gandalf were here, I would not dwell so on what I know is to come, sighed the Ringbearer.
'I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had ever happened.'
'So do all who live to see such times. But it is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'
Yes. I cannot change what I did not decide. I will go to Mount Doom...I shall destroy the One Ring....that is what I will do with the time given me. Whether it takes my life or not, this task was appointed to me and I will not fail. Frodo thought to himself. Oh Bilbo...how I longed to journey with you...away from the Shire...but now I long for nothing more than to know I will return. A light tap on his shoulder awoke him from his brooding.
"Mister Frodo? Mister Frodo, sir?" Sam looked down at the bemused Hobbit with a look of concern.
"Oh, what is it Sam?"
"We're leaving now, Mister Frodo. We'll be journeying by boat again...although I think I'd rather use my own two feet. You can always trust your own feet, Mister Frodo, I always say." Frodo smiled warmly at Sam's uneasiness.
"Yes, Sam." Frodo gazed at the faces around him as he stood. "I think you are not the only one who is not looking forward to the boat ride. Legolas seems a bit uncomfortable, and Gimli, no doubt, does as well."
"Well who wouldn't, if you don't mind me saying? And both did manage to tip just the other day." Sam shuddered somewhat at the thought of having to enter the boat and more so at the possibility of plunging into the swift waters, but was able to smile as he recalled just why the Dwarf and Elf were so reluctant to continue in their boats. Legolas walked up silently behind the two Hobbits.
"I would not say that I took part in tipping the boat. It was the fault of that Dwarf's bullheadedness and the help of a certain Strider, as you call him, that urged the boat to dispose of it's passengers into the Anduin." Legolas said, picking up the bucket used to dowse the fire. Once at the bank, he filled it with water. Striding up besides Pippin, he whispered something in his ear and handed over the bucket. The young Hobbit smiled gleefully, whistling quietly, as he approached Aragorn, who was preoccupied with loading the boats.
"Strider!" Pippin yelled suddenly. The Ranger turned around in alarm, wondering what could be the matter. There was a splash of water and a high pitched Hobbit laugh. "Haha, Strider, take that! It was a little gift from Legolas, but he so graciously allowed me to perform the honors."
"I was more than happy to, Peregrin." Chimed Legolas, patting Pippin upon the shoulder. "Good show I believe are the words you used last time, mellon nin."
"Legolas..." Mumbled Aragorn as he glared in the Elf's direction. Legolas grinned happily before proceeding to enter the boat.
"Hoho, Legolas, using messengers now, are we?" Said Gimli as he cautiously followed the Elf into the boat. Legolas smiled broadly as he waited for the others to settle themselves into their boats.
The Fellowship was soon on their way again. At midday the looming forms of the great stone kings could be seen far in the distance by the sharp eyes of Legolas. The Argonath. They were still a ways off, but the Elf estimated that they would no doubt pass through them and land near Amon Hen by night fall.
His estimations held true, for though the sky was not yet dark, it had become tinted with the beautiful purples and pinks that the ending of day wrought. The beginnings of the sunset. The sunlight was yet warm and bright as it was fading, and the stone Kings stood tall and proud beneath it. A magnificent sign they had been of the greatness of Gondor...although they now signified a power lost. The west bank of the mighty Anduin was no longer possessed by the kingdom of Gondor, but rather Rohan. As were the grasslands. Great and proud though the past kings were, their eyes looked on with a tinge of what Legolas thought sadness. The Elf sang softly into the wind:
"Ai, dim gon heneth palanda
beleg erein iauro tiro a hi cirith.
A dolen na aglar hi dór.
Si firith na anor mí annún."
And suddenly he felt again the ominous presence. Would the foulness of Isengard be here soon? Legolas' heart sank with the setting sun. It would be a dangerous business, trying to take on the current of the Anduin at night, so near to the falls of Rauros. Legolas could hear the booming of the falls from where he was. Aragorn told the others to bank their boats, and so they did. They were to camp at the base of Amon Hen this night, though Legolas wished they would not, although he knew they had little choice. Something was drawing ever nearer...what foulness had Saruman sent to destroy them?
Soon they had tied up the boats and set up camp. A dim fire was lit and everyone enjoyed a light meal before rest. Legolas claimed the first watch again. Aragorn placed a hand on his friend's shoulder before the Elf entered a nearby tree.
"You look distressed."
"We should not linger here...eryn peda nin." Said Legolas, leaping into the branches of the tree. "Aragorn, galadhad peda fuinon...dagnir a sereg na nev."
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Translations:
"Ai, sad stone eyes gaze afar.
Mighty kings of old watch over this pass
and hidden is (the) glory (of) this land.
Now fading is (the) sun in the West."
"Eryn peda nin." = "(The) forests speak for me."
"Aragorn, galadhad peda fuinon...dagnir a sereg na nev." = "Aragorn, (the) trees speak of darkness...battle and blood is near.
I'm so glad everyone is enjoying the story thus far!! I should upload soon, and I'm sorry that this one took longer than usual...the teachers (although I only have seventeen days of school left) are shoving quite a few final exams and projects in my face and, although I love to write, school is a priority. This chapter was slightly on the serious side, but I hope you liked it nonetheless. I tried to make it at least a little bit funny. I really appreciate reviews and thank you so much to all of you who have reviewed!
Orliey: I'm glad you're still with me! No problem, about the book and I wish you luck in writing your story! I'm sure it will be wonderful. Again, thank you for your kind words!
Laurenke: Yay! You're still with me as well! I'm glad you like the story! I'll be adding more soon.
Artemisa: Thanks a bunch! Yup, I am working on the next chapter write now....
TheOnePretzel: So happy you like it! And I love your 'name'! Very creative.
Pennhirwen: Thank you!!!!!!!!!! I'm glad you liked Legolas' bit there, I worked hard on it.
Tears of Eternal Darkness: Arigatou gozaimasu! thank you very much
Kate: Ah, the Sindarin...I love adding that in...and I especially love translating here and there. It can be fairly hard to find specific words and it is often necessary to use synonyms, but, as I said in the last chapter, I found a wonderful book called "The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth" by Ruth S. Noel that is always helpful. Please don't 'spontaneously combust,' I'm sure that would be painful!!
Well....on to the next chapter than! I'll see you then, hopefully.
-Jamie (lintulinda i lúvasi ello eldar)
P.S. Lintulinda i lúvasi ello eldar = Swiftly sing the bows of elves.