Small note, I've never written Arwen before so I don't really have a great feel for her, but she doesn't have a real major part in the story anyway. Here's the next chapter, I hope you enjoy, it's good to see so many of my old reviewers back. The action starts in the next chapter, but this establishes the plot pretty clearly. Hope you're all enjoying,
Overcoming Darkness
By Robinyj
"It is everywhere."
The soft exclamation came from Legolas. The elf sat staring over the land, disbelieving that the pain he had felt in the forest could have spread so far and so quickly. He could see much farther along the horizon than the men around him and could easily tell that the desolation grew worse as one came closer to the walls of Minas Tirith.
"What could have caused this?" One of Aragorn's guards, Meretis, asked in awe.
"Drought?" Another answered hesitantly, though he knew lack of rain would not account for the color of the sky, the weakness of the sun, or the disappearance and frailty of so many animals.
"It has rained three times since we left Brelan," Meretis replied, disproving the theory.
Legolas did not so easily disregard the thought, "It rained where we rode, that does not mean that the rain reached these lands. This illness was not in the forests we passed through days ago. It is spreading, and from what I can see it began in Minas Tirith."
"A disease of some sort," the other guard suggested. "That affects the growth of plants."
Gimli peered at him sceptically, "A disease that fades the sun?"
The guard had no reply.
Gimli looked up at the sun, or rather what was left of it, with mounting fear. It was mid-day and the light shed by its rays was only enough to lay shadows on the land around them. Its brightness was so dimmed he could stare within its center without flinching. Thinking of the power, the unnatural sorcery it would take to accomplish such a feat as to fade the very thing that brought the world light, made him shiver with dread.
"Can it be stopped?" Aragorn asked suddenly, hopefully, though he knew Legolas had few answers. The elf may have been able to feel nature's pain, but he could not decipher the cause.
"To answer that we must first find out how it began," Legolas replied, unwilling to commit to a true answer just yet.
"Then let us move on," The king suggested, turning away from the dreary sight of his dying land.
The group slowly began to move again. One by one they descended the rather steep cliff face and passed through the dying valleys, still in amazement of the deathly colour of all the plants and sky. The horses soon became restless and hard to control, as they felt disturbed walking through a land so filled with growing desolation.
Soon the company reached Erildor, the tallest tree on this side of Gondor – even its needles were yellow and frail. Many littered the valley floor.
"This cannot be natural," Gimli said, now beginning to believe that maybe nature could feel sickness. He looked to Legolas for a reply, or perhaps for answers, but the elf said nothing, he simply stared ahead forlornly as they neared the walls of Minas Tirith.
They passed through farms with gardens filled with dying vegetables. Several chickens and other small animals roamed free, looking for food, but there were no signs of human life anywhere.
"Where are all the farmers?" Meretis asked as they passed through the second deserted ranch.
"In a time of crisis such as this they would travel to the city to find answers or refuge. Sadly I have been away and unable to offer them either," Aragorn replied, clearly bitter that he had been away from his country in such a time of need.
"You could not have known," Legolas said simply. Aragorn nodded but his guilt was not eased.
Next they came to the body of a cow in the empty fields. It had died some days ago and the lack of crows to pick at its body only emphasized how sterile the land was becoming. None wished to look at the poor animal, only Legolas gave it a second sympathetic glance. Then his look changed to curiosity as he noticed something odd. With a stroke of his hand he slowed Jarinel to a stop and dismounted, leaving Gimli alone on the horse, a position he greatly disliked.
"Legolas, get back here and steer this beast!" the dwarf demanded, but the elf prince ignored him and moved steadily closer to the carrion before them. Aragorn heard the call from the front of the line and turned to see what Legolas could find so interesting in the dead animal and trotted closer.
As he approached it became clear what the elf had noticed and Aragorn wondered how he had not seen it before.
"How strange," Aragorn commented from his seat atop Hasufel as he watched Legolas more closely examine the beast. He did not touch the blood or wounds but closed the eyes of the cow respectfully.
"What is so damn interesting over there?" Gimli shouted, unable to see from his perch or get himself down without risk of injury.
Aragorn turned to him and shouted, "This animal did not die of natural causes, it was killed."
"Starving wolves, it's no surprise. Let's move on," Gimli continued becoming uncomfortable as Jarinel began to shift and paw at the ground in agitation.
"It was killed by a dagger," Legolas announced. "Humans did this."
"Why would the farmers kill their cattle and not eat the meat?" Meretis asked, confused.
"It was not killed by farmers; they do not slaughter their food in such a way. This was deliberate, almost ritualistic. Strange," Legolas replied while looking over the wounds. "Its heart is missing. I would not be surprised if we find more such things as we near Minas Tirith."
Aragorn nodded, seemingly lost in thought. Legolas left the desecrated animal behind him and mounted Jarinel once more. The horse whinnied in delight, not only to have his rider back but to be moving on from the dead place as well. It took him some time to realize with dismay that the smell of death and illness was now all throughout the land and virtually inescapable.
"Enough questions, I wish to have answers," Aragorn announced, tired of mysteries. "Ride hard! To the city!"
None had any objections to this and soon the group was galloping across the plains, the only signs of life for miles. They passed groves of dying trees, fields of withering crops and three more slaughtered cows. All wished to find answers about what was happening to the country, but also knew they would find more answers in the city walls than they would investigating on their own, so ignored the sights and continued on their way.
They kicked up large clouds of dirt in the dry fields, making them easily visible from the gates of Minas Tirith. For this reason it was no surprise that a welcome party was awaiting them when they arrived several hours later, exhausted from their hard ride.
The sight was not what Aragorn wanted, but what he had expected. The bells had been rung long ago signalling his return home and his subjects lined the street to welcome him. This was not unusual, but what weighed upon his heart was the joy on so many faces to see him. It was a look of relief and expectation. The citizens of Gondor had complete faith in their king and truly believed he would be able to save them from the horrible plague that seemed to strike their land. They did not know the cause, they did not know the cure, but they did know their ruler was a great man, capable of great things, and for this reason they cheered as he appeared at last on their streets, looking weary but as noble and proud as ever.
The citizens had watched with growing fear for weeks as the world around them died, and yet they could do nothing. But their king was a great warrior, and had many esteemed companions; the people knew that if he could not help them, then he at least could call upon someone who could. Action would at last be taken to save them from drought and starvation.
As the company entered the great gates, shouts were heard from buildings and sidewalks, "The King has returned! He will save us all! … Hope has arrived! Lord Elessar will banish this evil! … The healing hands will stop this darkness!"
Aragorn waved to the masses and hoped their faith was not unfounded. He was sure to appear calm and confident for his people as he rode further up the street to where the color party anxiously awaited with banners, trumpets and guards. The guards that had travelled with him to Brelan looked solemn and stared ahead, focussed on their duty of protecting their king and appearing regal beside him. Legolas and Gimli staggered near the end, more intent to look upon the faces of the crowd and the changes therein.
Though most were smiling, filled with joy and faith in their king, some of the older citizens stood frowning, brooding, worried that the King alone would not be enough to help them. They looked scared, as were most of the citizens, but unlike the younger ones they were not so quick to place their burden of fear solely upon the King's shoulders to take away.
Aragorn reached the color party and dismounted, Hasufel immediately being taken away by a ready stable boy. Harsol stood at the front of the welcoming party and bowed reverently as Aragorn approached.
"Lord Elessar, your return is a great relief for all of Gondor. Much has happened since you left," Harsol's grave words matched his composition, his eyes shifted with uncertainty and his shoulders were tight with tension. In the King's absence a large portion of the responsibility of the city had been on his shoulders and he did not appear to have taken the strain well. Before the guard continued he took a quick account of those who stood before him and looked confused. "Where is Risorine?"
The three companions flinched at the name. Jarinel reared on his back legs and snorted.
The grave look Aragorn inflicted on Harsol made it clear that that was not something he wished to speak of.
"That is a long story, you shall hear it later. I am more eager to know what has happened here while I have been gone," Aragorn said, calming himself quickly. "I wish to return home at once and then I will hear all you know of what is happening to my land."
Harsol bowed once more, "Of course my lord. Though sadly, I feel I will have few of the answers you seek."
Aragorn had expected as much but indicated he should lead the way in any case. The color party snapped to attention at Harsol's command and trumpets blared as Aragorn was escorted back to his home. He had to fight the urge to sigh with exasperation.
Why is my every gesture a cause for celebration? He wondered, as he wished only to return to see his home and wife. It had been long months since he had last seen Arwen and he craved for her touch and beauty. He knew she would be waiting for him, arms open and eyes welcoming. The thought of her took away all the fatigue and worry he felt, at least for the time being. Looking behind him Aragorn tried to spot Legolas and Gimli behind his rearguard, but they were already gone, vanished into the crowd and allowed to skip the nuisance of formalities that came with being in the public eye. Most likely they would head for the palace on foot and beat him there by many minutes. He tried not to feel jealous and continued to wave to the cheering crowd, so filled with hope and faith in him. He did not wish to let them down.
Legolas and Gimli were indeed making their way to the palace on foot, not wishing to be stared at by the great crowd as they usually were when they visited Minas Tirith. The Gondorians did not stare out of fear or hatred, only simple curiosity which the friends could forgive, but it did not make it any less of a pleasant experience. What they were enjoying though was the rare chance to walk through the streets of Minas Tirith alone, for practically all the inhabitants had rushed to the gates to welcome home King Elessar.
"Those people perhaps expect too much of Aragorn. He is only one man after all, and yet clearly they expect for him to solve all their problems with only his presence," Gimli said, feeling sorry for Aragorn and the weight he carried on his shoulders.
"They love and have faith in their king, as one's people should. Already in their time he has restored the lost line of Kings, rebuilt Minas Tirith more spectacular than before, and was vital in the destruction of the ring of power and the greatest evil this land has ever known. Perhaps they are within their rights to expect such feats from him again," Legolas said thoughtfully as he continued to walk down the empty streets with his companion, his worried gaze never straying far from the gray sky or pale sun. It amazed and frightened him that the world could have changed so much in their absence, especially in such an horrific way.
"I still believe they set him on a pedestal too high, but I will admit the people seem to be faring well under the circumstances. Their entire country dying around them and they are within their wits enough not to panic or beg for assistance. They truly are holding their own in this crisis, from what I have seen at least," Gimli replied.
"Almost all of the city's people were here during the Great War. It is no surprise they can handle hardship with ease," Legolas pointed out, and Gimli had to agree. Before they could discuss the matter further the elf's gaze was suddenly turned away, into a dark alley ahead of them. His eyes slitted as he attempted to make out something in the distance.
"What is that?" he asked to himself, for Gimli could not hope to see the object yet.
"What? Where are you going?" Gimli asked, trying to catch up with the elf as he jogged to the end of the alley. Legolas slowed and stared intently at the wall in front of him, his heart pounding in his chest as the image on it took shape and his mind pieced together what had happened to the surrounding natural world. It was a plain brick wall, exactly like many others in Minas Tirith, only this one had an addition.
"Sweet Eru," Legolas whispered in shock, his eyes widening.
Gimli's features tightened when he saw what his friend was looking at, "I hope that is not blood." He commented, not wishing to get any closer than he now was.
"It is," Legolas replied distractedly, still staring intently on the bright red symbol that had been drawn on the wall. It was a plain circle with six lightening bolts shooting into its sides. The elf brought up a hand and traced the outline of the symbol, his face showing clear distress.
"This cannot be true."
"What is it elf? Do you know what this means?" Gimli asked, not finding the sign that interesting unless one considered the substance used to make it.
"Yes, I believe I do and I hope that it is a horrible mistake on my part but with the condition we find Gondor in, I fear I am right. Great evil has come here," Legolas said sadly. Gimli almost thought he detected a hint of fear in the elf's voice but quickly dismissed it. His friend had gone through orcs, uruk-hai, nazgul and a great war, surely whatever this new danger was did not frighten him.
"This country is in great peril, as is all of Middle-Earth. The Mornarad are back," Legolas turned to his friend, shaking his head as if trying to deny the truth. "I am sorry my friend, I have speak to Aragorn immediately. I will meet you at the palace."
And with no further words of explanation Legolas took off, running through the streets of Minas Tirith as though he were being pursued by a horde of Uruk-Hai. Gimli stood in shock for a moment, then threw his arms in the air, wondering why he was surprised.
"Damn that elf and his secrets. Running off without a clear word of explanation. If I can catch him I'll show him how to properly deliver a message – with the blade of your axe." Gimli grumbled then began to run after the elf, though he knew he had no hope of catching him.
After spending nearly an hour shaking hands and accepting gifts and tokens from his people, Aragorn finally reached his home. The gates closed behind him, cutting off the crowd of people, and he trotted up the walk with only his guards as company.
Finally he was home. He wished for a warm meal, for the arms of his wife, and most of all for answers to his many questions. All these things would have to wait though, for no sooner had they passed the gates of his home, than Aragorn's eye was drawn to a strange sight in his courtyard. He dismounted Hasufel, handing his reins to the closest guard, and walked into the garden in front of his home. The garden held a dying ring of flowers, a white marble bench, and a spectacular tree in the center which was now wilted as well, but still impressive. None of these objects received a second glance from the distracted king. Aragorn continued to walk until he reached the cause of his curiosity; a strange symbol that had apparently been burnt into the grass in front of the tree.
The design was simple enough, an immense circle with three lightening bolts penetrating its sides, and to Aragorn seemed vaguely familiar. He stood staring at it for several minutes, wondering what could have caused such a thing, before he turned as he heard footsteps behind him. It was Harsol, frowning as he also looked upon the symbol.
"This is another part of the mystery my lord. The land dies with no cause but people are also dying here in Minas Tirith's walls," Harsol said sadly, never taking his eyes from the imprinted design.
"Dying? Surely the food cannot already be so low," Aragorn replied, amazed their provisions could already be running out.
Harsol shook his head, "Nay, the food supplies are well for the time. The people may remain fed for several more weeks at least. The people that have died have all been murdered, my Lord. Stabbed to death and …"
The guard hesitated in his speech, very much affected by the horrors he had seen in his king's absence.
"And?" Aragorn urged him.
Harsol looked at him with sad and fearful eyes, "Their hearts were cut out. There have been nine murders already, and at the site of every crime we find this damn symbol, the meaning of which continues to elude us."
"There was a murder on the steps of my own house?" Aragorn asked, furious and disbelieving that someone would dare have the audacity to do such a thing in his own kingdom.
"Aye, my lord. The Lady Arwen was away for the night so the majority of the palace guards were sent with her. There were a limited number of sentries here, for no one was present to be in danger. A single guard, Maret, was found dead in the garden the next morning. He was the third death."
"And three lightning bolts in the symbol," Aragorn surmised. Harsol nodded.
"The symbol changes with each murder to match the number. There has been one a night for the past nine nights. Clearly the people are pleased of your return, they have hopes you will know what evil is plaguing our city and land," Harsol said, and it was clear he held out that hope as well.
"I am unsure if … Arwen," Aragorn's eyes took on a strange unfocussed glaze as he stared at the top of the steps where his wife stood waiting, smiling for his return.
"My husband, it has been many days," Arwen said as she moved gracefully down the steps, her dark hair flowing in the meagre wind.
"Too many days my love," Aragorn replied, taking her in his arms for a tight embrace. He breathed in her scent and took comfort in the love returned in her embrace. Then his eyes shifted to the ground once more and he was reminded of the plight of his country. "Much has happened in my absence as well."
Arwen nodded, smiling sadly, and gestured to the ground, "Do you recognize this?"
Aragorn shook his head, frustrated, "It seems to me familiar but I cannot place the meaning."
"It is the same with me. I know I have seen this before but what it means eludes me," Arwen admitted.
Aragorn looked at her in surprise, "All your years and you cannot recall such a simple thing?" he asked without mocking or cruelty, only curiosity.
Arwen looked at him lovingly, as if explaining to a child, "One may learn much after centuries of life my love, and one may forget even more."
The king nodded in understanding and traced the lines of her face, "You look tired."
"I am understandably so. The plague on the land causes me to be without rest," Arwen explained.
"Come, let us go inside," Aragorn beckoned, indicating Harsol as well, "and I will hear all we yet know about this peril."
As they turned to enter the great hall, the sound of running guards assaulted their ears. Aragorn turned to see there was some sort of commotion at the palace gates and more soldiers were rushing forward to help control it.
"Most likely citizens have come to beseech your help, my lord," Harsol answered, having expected such a thing.
Aragorn knew he was most likely right but strode towards the gate nonetheless, which now had nearly a dozen guards posted there. He saw no citizens at all in the frenzy, but he did briefly spot a flash of golden hair and could clearly hear a voice above the clatter.
"I do not have time for your questions, the hour draws late. If you do not allow me to pass I … Aragorn!" Legolas spotted his friend at the foot of the stairs and then easily tore through the line of guards, shaking off forbidding hands and weaving through the smallest openings in their defence. Soon he had passed them all and ran urgently towards Aragorn. The guards behind him ran to catch up, shouting for him to stop, but Aragorn held up a hand to them.
"It is well, he is my friend. Go back to your posts," Aragorn ordered the guards, who returned to their duty, shamed to have all been bested by a single elf. Legolas took no notice of their feelings though, he had an important message to convey.
"Aragorn, I must speak with you," Legolas said, finally reaching his companion.
"Clearly, and something tells me it is quite urgent, and most likely connected with what we were discussing. Come inside, we will speak of this together," Aragorn motioned for his friend to follow him up the stairs, which the elf did gladly. As they passed the garden he immediately spotted the symbol burnt into the grass.
"It is here as well," Legolas whispered, inspecting the new sign.
He now had the attention of Aragorn, Arwen and Harsol.
"You know what it means?" Harsol questioned, seeing no meaning in the symbol.
Legolas stood and faced them, "It is the symbol of the Mornarad."
"Black days," Aragorn muttered, translating the name from Elvish and searching for some memory of it.
"They bring with them only death and destruction but have the power to destroy all of Middle-Earth, and we have little time to stop them."
Legolas allowed this information to be fully absorbed by his companions, then began to say more when Aragorn halted him.
"Legolas please, hold your speech for a moment. We should go inside and discuss all we know, then we can better form a plan of action."
"Very well, but we must hurry," Legolas agreed and began to walk with them up the steps. "Gimli should be along shortly as well. It would be best to tell your guards to allow him to pass. He makes more of a fuss than even me."
Aragorn nodded and moved back down the steps to speak with them. Arwen was at his side, holding his arm and looking grave.
"The Mornarad," she whispered, then looked at him with mournful eyes. "I believe I now know why I could not remember the meaning of the symbol – they are frightening to think of and I did not wish to recall such things."
"Arwen, save your worries and all that you know for later. We will learn of this evil and then defeat it, I promise," Aragorn said, his conviction so strong he could not be denied.
The queen began to rub her arms as if cold in the weak mid-day sun, "I have felt this evil for many days and it is growing stronger. Legolas is right, we have little time."
"Then we will hurry," Aragorn promised and kissed her lightly to seal his words. She smiled up at him and then they both turned as sounds of a struggle came from the gate walls.
"What do you mean I cannot enter? Do you enjoy your arms as they are or would you like them a bit shorter? Then I suggest you let me by."
Gimli had arrived. Now they may begin to find answers, and likely more questions as well.
TBC
What's happening to Gondor? I hope you know because I haven't got a clue. J/k, I got a nice plot running through my little head. I think you'll all enjoy the chapters to come as well. It's going to get pretty exciting if I do say so myself.
Anyway, to my fab reviewers. You know who you are, but just in case you don't here's a little special thanks:
Snow-Glory – "Is this going to be another Legolas story?" What kind of question is that? Are there even any other characters in LotR? Just kidding, but yes, this fic is going to be very much Legolas centered with a great deal of action and of course angsty h/c bits that we all love.
Happy Reviewer – I'm pretty excited about being back as well, I haven't written LotR in such a long time. I've been on a Joss Whedon kick lately, I don't know why. Anyway, hope you got through Stone of Malinya again because it probably helps to read that before this one, get a reminder of the character's state of mind. I don't know, I'm just rambling.
Sabrina – Thanks for the review. I'm glad you like the detail, I enjoy writing it but always wonder if anyone reads it cause if I'm reading an exciting story I have a tendency to skip right to the dialogue. I might be the only one that does that though. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
LOTRfaith – Yep, Gondor's not feeling too well and neither are its citizens. I think this fic will be about three quarters as long as Stone of Malinya. SoM was quite an undertaking for me and this one won't be quite so long. Chapters will probably we up pretty quickly though.
Mogcat – Still intrigued? Did I update soon enough?
Kitsune Kida – Thanks for reviewing. Glad you like it so far.
Ancalimawen – Your review made me laugh. I don't know if it was intended to sound funny but it was quirky and I liked it. And yes, I am back. Did you read Stone of Malinya?
Mako13 – I don't think this fic can lay claim to masterpiece status just yet. Why not give me a few more chapters and I'll see what I can do?
Star-Stallion – you want cliffhangers you came to the riiiight place. I'm addicted to writing them. And there should be plenty.
Aronoiiel – Already addicted? You're the second person that said that. I'm going to have to start like Robinyj anonymous or something. Thank you for the nice comments, they make me smile and push me to write even faster, but also put more effort into each chapter to make it the best it can be.
Templa Otmena – You're here too!!! Yeah!! You're everywhere, it's great! I hope you don't mind, but this means I won't be finishing my new Buffy fic for awhile. Leggy whilst content and leggy whilst concerned is quite enjoyable, isn't it? That connection does come into play later, but I'm not giving any clues as to how. Cause I'm evil. Enjoy the fic.
Reader – Oh, thank you so much. I enjoy being back. I'd love if you would log in next time you review so I can check out your profile if you have one.
Elanora1 – I didn't really emphasize the connection a lot in the first story, mainly because it's not that strong. I just like the thought of our heroes being such good friends that they're connected to each other (makes for good h/c later on as well). This story isn't going to be as heavy with moral dilemmas because in all honesty writing that in Malinya really drained me. I hope you enjoy anyway though – thanks for reviewing.
More soon. I look forward to hearing from you and would love to hear some of your theories on what's happening. Robinyj