Do you want more? Dangles next chapter in front of everyone. Can't have it. Want it? Can't have it. Want it? Can't … oh you got it! Well, fair's fair. Enjoy the next chapter of …
Overcoming Darkness
By Robinyj
The city of Minas Tirith was normally a place of brilliance and life, as well as the greatest city of Men in all of Middle-Earth. People walked free and happy in the streets, children played contently to all hours of the day, and every night as people returned home and settled in for sleep, they took comfort in the knowledge that they were protected in the city walls and felt safe.
Sadly, such was now not the case in the white city. At night, the streets were deserted of life besides stray cats or dogs, which also seemed to be less in number, and the homes that usually lay snug and secure, shook with fear. Doors were locked, windows were shut, and as the sun set each evening, no sounds were heard from any of the houses. As night fell on Minas Tirith, the city died and cowered. Nine murders there were all ready, and no one was eager to be the tenth. But for some, the choice was not theirs to make.
On the eastern edge of the city, on the lowest of the seven levels, footfalls could be heard, moving swiftly, their panicked and frightened owner panting for breath but too terrified to stop and breathe. The boy, no more than thirteen, had left the shelter of the city walls to hunt in the wild and turned back too late to outrun the setting sun. Now he ran, trying to reach his home on the fourth level, or at least any part of the city where people lived, but there were more footsteps behind him, and they were quickly catching up as they did not seem to tire.
It was a group of men.
He had spotted them on his way back in the city, and they had seen him in return. At a glance they appeared as normal men, merely standing in the street, perhaps guarding it, but there was one man with cold blue eyes that had looked at him, in him, as if trying to examine his soul and it frightened him. It was the blue eyed man that had the knife, and it was him that had been the first to chase after the boy who now ran for his life.
The boy turned a corner, the long legs of the men behind him still gaining, and saw houses ahead. He screamed, "Help! Somebody help me! Please!"
But no guards patrolled this street, and no men or citizens of strong will lived in the houses he saw. Instead the elderly and young that resided there covered their eyes, prayed someone else would help the poor soul, and pretended not to hear. Such was the fear that the Mornarad had managed to imbed in the citizens of Gondor.
Tears streamed from the boy's cheeks, and he was about to shout again, but a hand appeared over his mouth, stopping all sound and jerking him backwards. He fell awkwardly, half fighting, half trying to brace his fall. His head hit the ground and dots marred his vision. The men above him were smiling. The cold blue eyes twinkled in delighted anticipation.
The boy kicked and tried to scream, but hands held him and kept him from yelling. The same hands picked him up and carried him two blocks, into the alley beside a workhouse where no houses stood, only industrial buildings. Three men held down the struggling boy, while the cold, blue eyed man stood watching, smiling, and twirling his dagger.
"Go get the beacon," the man ordered another, who quickly went inside the workhouse.
Now crying openly, the boy tried anything to get away. He bit the hands over his mouth, he kicked the arms of those holding him, and when he could chance to speak a word he pleaded, for mercy and for life.
The blue eyed leader looked at him and smirked, "You will receive neither." And held up his knife to glint in the moonlight.
A moment later the second man returned with a glowing yellow object. It was circular, about the size of a large lantern, with a black top and bottom, and strange symbols inscribed into the metal; circles with lightning bolts.
The boy studied it as it was brought closer to him, wondering how it could glow in such a way, for it was clear no fire was held within the object. With ever mounting fear, he thought that sorcery must somehow be involved. The beacon was placed on the ground, near the boy's right arm; he felt no heat from it, confirming no flame lived inside.
The blue eyed man loomed again, knife still twirling. The amusement and anticipation was gone from him now and was replaced by solemnity and a sense of duty. The man stared straight ahead then kneeled next to the boy, who had grown quiet and observed with morbid fascination what would be his own death.
Slowly, the man reached out and took the boy's wrist firmly. He ran his blade along the palm of the hand, creating a long, oozing gash. Then the man forced the bloodied hand to come in contact with the beacon and as he spoke the words, "Kirithnin, luet ti Mornarad ponu bil ghit rashna, wre nik vini sretcha tre ige nonathen" (Kirithnin, your Mornarad offer you this life to help you rise and strengthen) the beacon began to glow brighter. As it did, the man released the boy's wrist. He immediately tried to pull away but his hand was frozen in place against the cold metal, and no matter how hard he tried he could not move it. As his blood touched the cool yellow stone he could feel the power residing inside. It was dark and evil. The boy instinctively knew that this was the cause of the poison that was killing the land, and now it was killing him as well.
The men around him smiled as he succumbed to the dark power, and the leader stepped forward once more, knife now held purposefully.
Hands remained placed over the boy's mouth and restraining him, but in this great final moment of the Mornarad's evening anticipation won out over wariness, and the grips loosened only slightly. It was not enough for the boy to regain his freedom, but as the final knife stroke fell to pierce his heart, he was finally allowed to scream.
-------------------
The candles had sunk low in the conference room by the time Aragorn had finished his long speech with Harsol. The guard was noticeably and understandably upset about not only the death, but also the betrayal of Risorine, a man he had considered a friend. It had been hard to listen to the tale of the former captain's elaborate betrayal, as well as the pain and suffering caused because of it, but Harsol took the news the best he could. Aragorn had stopped many times in the telling while Harsol composed himself, or allowed the truth to sink in, and now night had fallen on the city.
In the end, the man was unable to decide what hurt more – the fact that Risorine was dead, or that everything he had been told by him in life had been a lie. Needing to decide the answers to such questions, Harsol excused himself shortly after Aragorn finished speaking, and retired to his quarters to consider all he had been told.
Once alone, Aragorn sat, tilted back his head, and sighed heavily, as if the simple exhalation could rid his mind of the plethora of worries and problems placed there. His city and land were dying of plague, his citizens were being murdered in the streets, and now his most likely choice for a new captain of his guards was distraught with grief.
"A full day for me, to say the least," Aragorn muttered, as he stretched and then rose, finally having to face his duties. He walked to the door and peered out. The security of his city and people were his first priority, and he knew just who to talk to for now, and most likely where to find him.
Meretis, the guard that had been too stubborn to leave the conference room hallway earlier now stood at the end the hall, on the very borders of where Aragorn had forbid him to stay. The king had to smile at the man's relentless loyalty, something he had admired but had found little time to praise throughout the long trip to Brelan. Meretis had his back to the door but appeared on full alert, certain that no man or beast would get by him. He heard the door open behind him and turned around to see Aragorn, beckoning him into the room. The guard couldn't comply fast enough and nearly sprinted down the hall at his king's request.
"Yes, my lord?" Meretis asked immediately, eager to be of assistance.
"I must speak with you," Aragorn said, ushering him into the conference room. "I am putting you in charge of security for the time being, Meretis. I think you are ready and capable of the task."
Meretis bowed humbly, but also grinned madly, "Thank you my lord, but what about Harsol, surely he would be your first choice."
Aragorn nodded, not denying this, "I have just informed Harsol of Risorine's unfortunate fate. I do not believe he will be returning to duty for some time, at least not until he overcomes his surprise and grief over the matter."
Meretis's features softened in understanding, "Of course. The news came as a shock to all of us."
"Well, you've had the luxury of knowing far in advance, so I trust you are comfortable with the situation. Now, about security; I am unsure what measures have already been taken, but I would like a curfew set for all citizens – they are not to be out after nightfall, or close to. Also, there are to be as many guards posted around the city as possible, not in too small of groups for we do not know how many of these murderers there are. Send out members of my personal guard if necessary, but I want the streets well enforced. Harsol has most likely already ensured most of these items, but double check, and see that everyone has a job. I want these murderers caught as soon as possible, before another victim is found, if we are able."
"All ready the hour has grown late, my lord," Meretis informed him sadly, indicating they may be too late to save whoever the Mornarad had targeted for the night.
Aragorn did not flinch, but responded, "Then you'd be best to hurry."
Meretis bowed again and stiffly turned to leave the king with his burdened thoughts. He had barely taken a step out the door when two figures came rushing into the room, the first easily side-stepping the guard and the second practically barrelling into him.
"Aragorn, we have found some of the answers we were looking for," Legolas announced as he strode hastily into the room, delicate papers in hand.
Gimli rushed in behind him, also carrying several scrolls, "What's this we business? I found them." He countered, partly out of pride and partly to annoy the elf.
Legolas gave him a conspiratorial look, "Do not force me to mention a certain dwarf's adventure with a candle and parchment, my friend."
"Then you'd best not entice me to mention a certain elf's intimate introduction to a flight of stairs," Gimli replied smoothly, meeting his friend's stern glare. The dwarf would have said more of Legolas's odd behaviour but he wished to speak privately with Aragorn about it, knowing the elf would deny such claims, and truly the information they carried held immediate importance.
Both were relentless in their arguments though and did not break eye contact until a few moments later, and only due to Aragorn's bidding, "My friends, though your quarrels are sometimes entertaining I must ask you to restrain yourselves for now. Please, what answers have you found?"
Legolas nodded, but decided to make a final point as he gazed at Gimli and crossed his arms smugly, "Gimli, since you were the one to find these documents, I believe it is your place to tell Aragorn what they say."
Gimli appeared flustered for a moment, trying to come up with a reply, and when nothing came to mind he sat down forlornly and glared at the elf, "You made your point, I cannot read them. But hurry up and tell us what we found."
The elf picked up the sheaf of papers, at first shaking his head at Gimli's attitude, then becoming solemn once more as he recalled the matter at hand.
"From what I've read so far, I at least know how the victims are being chosen, to some extent, and how many there will be. And if these scrolls are to be believed, we now know why the murders are happening," Legolas said, arranging the papers in the proper order so he could better deliver the information.
"I do not believe the libraries hold anything but verified facts. Whatever you found there can be trusted, to my knowledge," Aragorn assured him as he prepared to hear this new information. Though he was grateful for anything to help him fight this evil, he had a feeling the reasoning behind the monstrosities being committed in his city would not be something he wanted to hear. And he was right.
Aragorn was focussed on his friends, but noticed Meretis standing behind Legolas, trying to catch the king's attention. The former ranger had forgotten he was there, and waved a hand for his dismissal.
"Return to your duties, Meretis, for there is much to be done. I will fill you in on the situation as soon as convenience allows," Aragorn promised, as he turned back to his friends.
"Yes, Lord Elessar," Meretis said, bowing once more and then shuffling out of the room, feeling very estranged from such affairs as those that occurred between man, elf, and dwarf. When he was gone and out of earshot Legolas continued.
"First of all, Harsol was right when he said thirteen cattle had been slaughtered, and just as many citizens of Minas Tirith will be killed as well if the Mornarad are not stopped in time," Legolas announced, reading over the first page in the stack.
"Thirteen. There have been only nine, so we still have some time to subdue what plans they may have," Gimli reasoned aloud, then asked: "What happens after thirteen have been lost?"
Legolas did not need to read any further to know the answer, "If all thirteen sacrifices are completed then the Mornarad are victorious, Kirithnin's evil is spread into every living creature in Middle-Earth, and the death that it brings with it will destroy life as we know it, and cannot be undone."
"Surely we cannot have so little time until certain doom," Aragorn exclaimed, rising to look over the papers Legolas held.
"It is true. We have only three more nights to find and stop the Mornarad," Legolas said, confident but remorseful.
"But why are the deaths necessary? What purpose do these men wish to fulfill through murder?" Gimli questioned.
"It is through these sacrifices alone that the Mornarad have been able to accomplish what they have thus far – the darkening of the sun, the wilting of the crops, it is all because of these murders," Legolas said as he shuffled through the papers once more to find a more precise answer, then he found the text and read directly from the page. "With each life that is taken, first of animal, then of man, the darkness of Kirithnin will spread and grow stronger. Every living thing is connected to nature in some way, for it is the earth that creates life. Kirithnin is a separate entity that takes away life only. With each natural life that is sacrificed to Kirithnin he is able to make a stronger connection with nature to then drain her of her life force and spread his poison further into the earth."
"I am not sure I fully understand," Aragorn admitted after a pause, "How do the deaths affect Kirithnin so acutely. People and animals die everyday, yet this is not Kirithnin's doing."
Legolas thought it over for a moment. He understood quite well what the scrolls meant, for his memory of his earlier teachings of the Mornarad were quickly coming back to him, and he tried to think of the best way to explain.
"Picture Kirithnin as a tunnel that runs through the earth, filled with darkness and death, and surrounded by nature and the living world," Legolas began, thinking of a fair analogy, "Always there is a barrier between the two, keeping the opposing powers from affecting each other. The purpose of the Mornarad is to slowly break away this barrier. By sacrificing a living being to Kirithnin directly, it is like chipping a small hole in the barrier, allowing Kirithnin to slowly seep into the living world. The hole repairs itself as soon as the creature has fully passed from life to death, but the damage is already done. As the deaths continue, more of this poison breaks through, destroying and weakening nature as it spreads, and increasing Kirithnin's power. By the time the final sacrifice is made, the barrier is weak, and with the final death it crumbles, and cannot be rebuilt, giving Kirithnin dominance over all that once lived."
"It is a frightening picture you paint us, Legolas," Aragorn replied after a moment, now understanding the true danger and workings of Kirithnin.
"So by killing first the cattle, and now Gondor's citizens, the Mornarad have been able to spread Kirithnin's darkness into the land, and the very sky? Such a feat would take a dark force of great power, how could something of this not have been detected before?" Gimli asked, also horrified by the harrowing words of his friend.
The elf quickly scanned the parchments but couldn't seem to find what he was looking for, "I thought I read something of a beacon." He muttered.
Aragorn turned at this, indicating the few sheets he held, "It is here." Then he read as well: "The power of Kirithnin is closely guarded by the Mornarad. The dark power of their master is channelled through a beacon that was forged centuries ago over many years in the deepest fire pits; it is the only thing capable of containing his power. The Mornarad may attempt to spread the darkness of Kirithnin throughout the land every thousand years if the beacon remains in their possession, for after this time Kirithnin's power begins to diminish. If their rituals or sacrifices are interrupted or not completed, then Kirithnin must sleep for another thousand years until the time comes when the Mornarad are successful in their quest."
"Let us hope that day never comes," Gimli mumbled, turning over all this new information. "So if we stop these murders from happening for at least one night, then we stop the spread of this evil, and all becomes well once more."
"It would seem," Aragorn agreed, putting down the pages and beginning to pace the room. In a way he did not wish to know more on this matter, for dark magic and death were things he had sought to put in his past. When he had decided to reclaim his throne, he had promised that he would not allow darkness to take his land and people again, and now it seemed he had failed in that promise. But as much as he wished to ignore the matter, and simply hope it went away, he knew such a thing was not possible. He turned around then, ready to hear more, and was surprised to see that Legolas was leaning hard against the table, his breathing deep and eyes shut as if trying to ward off some pain or weariness. Aragorn became immediately concerned and crossed the room swiftly, garnering Gimli's attention as well, and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
Legolas looked up swiftly. When his friends had turned away he had taken a moment to try and concentrate on ending the relentless pounding in his head, as well as the fatigue he felt, but strangely found that the more he thought about such things, the worse they became. As he gripped the table in an attempt to remain standing, he concentrated on breathing through the nausea and did not notice at first when Aragorn approached him.
Turning to see his friend's concerned face, the elf immediately schooled his breathing to normal and pushed away from the table, finding the adrenaline that his surprise had caused was enough to give his legs strength to stand. The king's concern did not fade at the façade, for having grown up with elves, and Legolas, he knew when they were hiding something.
"What ails you Legolas? This is not the first time I have caught you in such a way," Aragorn pointed out, his voice conveying his worry for his long time friend.
Legolas attempted a smile and shook his head, "I am well Aragorn, do not fear for me. I think mayhap the sea-longing is affecting …"
"You lie through your teeth, elf," Gimli exclaimed, showing true indignation at his friend's words. "Sea longing? Humph! I have seen you suffering from sea longing and that was not it. It has never affected you in such a way as this, or caused you to faint in your waking hours, least of all not on a flight of stairs deep underground and away from the sea's call."
Aragorn's concern piqued, "You fainted? Sit down for Valar's sake. When? Why?"
Legolas sighed in exasperation as his friends forced him to sit, despite the fact that the weariness and pain had passed for now. His mind searched for some way to appease them, but came up with little, "I do not …"
Once again he was cut off, but this time by a much softer, yet more powerful voice, "He feels the darkness of Kirithnin spreading. As it affects the trees and the soil, so does it affect Legolas, and me as well."
All eyes turned to the figure of Arwen in the doorway behind them. Her silken white robe matched the pale sheen of her skin, which was emphasized more by her dark hair. She stepped completely into the room, seeming wearier than she had earlier that day, even before she went to rest.
Aragorn approached her and placed a loving hand on her cheek, "My love, if you suffer in any way I beg you tell me. How is this evil affecting you, and why did you not speak of this sooner?"
Arwen looked at him with truthful, penetrating eyes, "I was not sure until this night. I thought perhaps that the tendrils of evil I felt, and the exhaustion I began to feel, were caused only by my imagination, or worries for this land, but this very night it has grown worse, and I see now that Legolas feels it as well. The darkness is growing, and as it does my strength wanes." Seeing the growing concern in Aragorn's eyes she added, "But do not fear for me, its grip is weak and not a heavy burden. I am concerned, but besides this I feel only a noticeable weariness in my waking hours, that grows slightly stronger each day. I can easily live with it for now."
Aragorn was assured by this, knowing his wife would not lie to him, and kissed her gently on the forehead. She smiled up at him, and he led her to the table once more.
"It is as she says," Legolas admitted as Gimli's glare towards him seemed to be daring him to argue, and once more proclaim he was 'quite well'. "The shadow is a passing thing, bringing with it only weariness. It bears a light load on my well being."
"I said they should not fear for me, I mentioned nothing of you prince of Mirkwood," Arwen pointed out, unwilling to let Legolas slip away from scrutiny so easily.
"You suffer from Kirithnin because you are of elvish descent?" Gimli guessed, knowing it made sense considering Kirithnin's withering affect on nature and all elves' strong connection to the natural world.
Legolas protested that, "Suffer is too strong a word. I would label it as an annoyance only, much as you are master dwarf." But Arwen nodded in agreement with Gimli's question.
"Legolas, do not deny your affliction in such ways, you know well it only increases your friends' distress," Arwen reprimanded him, knowing he did not speak the truth. "Being an elf means being connected to nature in a way other beings cannot understand. It also means that if the earth is in pain, for any reason, then so are we. What I have felt these past days I know you must suffer tenfold, for I have the human blood of my father to diminish Kirithnin's darkness, but more than that I have chosen a mortal life, as you are well aware and have been losing with my immortality many of the elven qualities I once possessed, making me further protected from this evil."
This was true. As the years had passed she had slowly found that the precious gifts of immortality faded from her. Her eyesight and hearing had already diminished to that of a mortal, and she was now beginning to lose her connection with the living world. Animals reacted more hesitantly to her than they once had, and the plants and trees had little reaction to her song. It was a terrible grief to her after spending so many years with these gifts, but such was what she knew she would lose for her love for Aragorn and accepted it.
Legolas sighed, still unwilling to admit his body was slowly betraying him for whatever reason. Something had happened to him earlier, he would admit, it was not usual for him to faint without reason, but the fatigue was truly manageable at most times, and the throbbing in his head was caused only by his fall. As for the tendrils of evil that he felt in the earth, he could block them out when he felt the need, and they hardly affected him. So certainly the fact that he showed signs of fatigue was not cause for such worry.
"My friends, truly, I am well. Yes, I can sense this darkness in the land, but who cannot? And perhaps the power of Kirithnin draws at me but I have yet to be overwhelmed. Behold," Legolas stood to make his point and began to pace the room. "I stand before you whole and unaided. I admit to a certain weariness within me, but truly it is tolerable."
"For now," Aragorn said, taking the elf's words for truth, but still worried by the situation. "Undoubtedly it will grow worse."
"Perhaps," Legolas conceded, "But for now, such is not the case."
"What happened to you before then? When you fell?" Gimli prodded, wanting answers.
Legolas shut his eyes and turned away, not wishing to remember, but knowing he had to appease his friends, "I have felt this fatigue and heard these dark whispers all day, but I have been able to overcome them easily, and forget them almost as soon as I notice. But a few moments ago, on the stairs, the weariness increased incredibly, as if the life energy was somehow being drawn from me, and everything around me. The dark fingers in the earth seemed to be reaching out for more at that instance, but were unable to find a firm grip and receded. It took me by surprise and I fell, but the moment passed quickly and my strength returned, though admittedly I was somewhat more fatigued afterwards."
"I felt it as well, only a few minutes ago, it is what woke me from my sleep," Arwen added.
"What caused this attack to be so sudden?" Aragorn asked. "If you constantly feel such darkness, why were you so overtaken for a single instance?" His question was directed to both Legolas and Arwen, and was not heartened when both averted their eyes. It was the elf prince that stepped forward first to answer the king's question, though he did so unhappily.
"From what I know, and felt, it was caused by a sudden increase in strength of Kirithnin's hold on this world. I can only guess that at the same moment that the darkness briefly invaded all around me, the Mornarad succeeded in finding their next sacrifice, and one of your citizens has again been murdered."
There was silence for a moment as Aragorn's features hardened and his fists clenched.
"But you do not know this for certain," Aragorn pointed out, desperate to believe no harm had fallen his city, though he knew an elf's instincts were well to be trusted.
"No, I do not, but I feel strongly that I am right. I am sorry," Legolas replied softly and then slowly witnessed Aragorn's resolve harden even more as he paced the room, his mind clearly distraught.
"We will find these men, and they will be punished for their deeds. You say you know how the victims are chosen, tell me." Aragorn demanded quite suddenly and forcefully.
Legolas nodded and returned to the sheets of information on the table, "According to this, there are always thirteen deaths to ensure that every element of nature is affected. One animal and then man is murdered for each month of the year. This allows Kirithnin's poison to remain strong year-round as it is spread into every month and season, whether it be summer, fall, spring or winter."
"But that is only twelve," Gimli said, understandably confused.
"The last is a special case. The final death must be very powerful for it serves as the greatest conduit for Kirithnin to pass through, allowing him to take a firm and unbreakable grip on this world," Legolas replied, not wishing to divulge this particular piece of information.
"Harsol said that the death of the land was felt the greatest just after the thirteenth animal was slaughtered," Aragorn recalled. "You made a point that the last was a calf did you not?"
"Yes, I did. The calf would be considered new to this world, being only a few days old, and thus would hold a very strong connection with nature because it had only just been granted life, and was still being nourished to grow. By using its intense bond with nature, Kirithnin was able to spread further and faster than ever. When the calf died the connection was broken, but for the few moments that Kirithnin's power spread into the earth it was able to plant more seeds of poison everywhere, that continue to grow," Legolas explained and then paused, allowing his friends to absorb this. "The final sacrifice will have to hold that same power or greater for the Mornarad to succeed in their quest."
"But if that is true, then the thirteenth person murdered would have to be …" Gimli could not say it, did not wish to think it.
"I sain neth hen," Legolas murmured softly.
"The youngest child," Aragorn whispered, also mortified by the implications. He looked at Legolas and saw the haunted look on the elf's face, indicating his words were all too true. Arwen and Gimli seemed as shocked and disgusted by the news as he, and Aragorn knew he had to find a way to protect his city from these men. Bad enough his citizens were being hunted and killed in the streets, but the thought of anyone slaughtering a baby in such a way made him ill.
"It is clear to me that these men must be stopped at all costs. What ways do we have of defeating them?" Aragorn asked a moment later.
"I have read nothing that tells of a way to destroy Kirithnin, or even battle against him should his grip take hold," Legolas replied. "It seems our only hope is to do as Gimli said, and keep these men from finishing their sacrifices. If they miss just one, Kirithnin cannot spread further, and the damage caused may still be repaired."
"That is not the most reassuring plan. We would need the greatest volumes of luck to chance to catch these murderers in the act, let alone stop them. We do not know how many of these Mornarad there are, or who their next victim will be," Gimli pointed out.
Aragorn nodded, "I also do not like such an unstable plan of action. Is there no way to find where these Mornarad stay hidden?"
"Nay, as I have said, they are regular men and may be anyone within your city or without," Legolas said, not holding out much hope.
"This beacon that they use to channel Kirithnin's power may prove useful in their defeat if we could find such a thing," Gimli noted. "It must need to be kept in some special, safeguarded area to not have been found in so long, away from prying eyes and strangers. Is there any chance of finding it instead?"
"I believe that the beacon may well be useful, but I do not know how we may find it," Legolas said. Aragorn thought his voice sounded guarded, as if he held something back.
"Is it not in the scrolls? They have been abundant in information so far," Arwen said, amazed they had been so fortunate as to find such a useful wealth of knowledge.
"It was, but such knowledge is now gone, it seems," Legolas said sadly.
"What do you mean 'gone'? Is a page missing?" Gimli asked, hating how his friend sometimes spoke in circles. Legolas merely sighed and held up one of the pages for Gimli's inspection. The bright red ink and symbol indicated that it was the first parchment the dwarf had found in the library. He looked at the elf with a question on his tongue, but Legolas nodded before he got it out.
"I see," Gimli said, glum and ashamed as he handed back the page.
"What of us that do not?" Aragorn asked, knowing he had missed something.
"This page was damaged and several lines of information have been lost. I believe they spoke of the location of the beacon," Legolas replied, adding it back to the pile.
"It was my fault. I found the page and in my haste did not watch my step. My flame met unfortunately with the parchment," Gimli said, remorseful and head hung low. "But I would like to point out that your library is dangerous and in serious need of some sort of cleaning service upon it."
"I will have it looked after at once," Aragorn said, brooking no ill feelings towards the dwarf or his brief lapse of clumsiness.
"Well, good then," Gimli seemed satisfied, crossed his arms and said no more for a time.
Legolas looked thoughtfully at his friend and added, "The information was undoubtedly outdated by any means. The beacon could not have stayed in one spot these many centuries and avoided detection, there was little harm done." Gimli nodded but it was clear he wanted the matter dropped, which the others were not against. Before anyone could move to speak the sound of heavy, fast footfalls was heard racing down the hall. All eyes turned to the door as Meretis burst through, panting, and lacking ceremony despite the high presence he stood in.
"What is wrong, Meretis?" Aragorn asked as the guard drew in breath, though he feared he knew the answer.
"I am sorry my lord, but there has been another murder. I knew you would want to know," Meretis replied, standing again at full attention.
The room's occupants all appeared grieved to actually hear the claim verified, but none were entirely shocked due to the warning they had received from Legolas on the matter.
"Looks as though you were right, elf," Gimli said in one of his rare, sincere tones.
"For once my friend, I longed to be wrong."
TBC
I have an un-fanfic related question for all of you. My friend and I nearly came to blows as we debated this question, so I put it to you. In TTT at the battle of helm's deep after Gimli makes his first kill he says, "Two already."
Legolas replies, "I'm on seventeen."
Now, does Gimli reply, "I'll have no pointy ear outscoring me."
Or, "I have no pointy arrows scoring me."
I won't tell you which I think it is, but we have very different opinions on the matter. Your help is appreciated.
Sorry this took so long (and it was so boring. I hate filler chapters, but they're necessary). The next chapter is half done, it contains the action I know you've all been waiting for, and the explanations are all done so we don't have to do any more of that boring stuff. Should just be action, h/c and angst from here on in. You know, the good stuff. It's what I like anyway. Enough about me though, time to give a big hug and round of applause to my reviewers.
Goody – Particular thanks for reviewing each chapter, and I hope I can keep you guessing.
NycteaScandiaca – You were spoiled, but I love when people find my old fics and read them for the first time. Your reviews for those were greatly appreciated little suprises.
Laebeth – I love your reasoning. "Go Gimli" for destroying information so the story's longer. That is the best positive attitude I've ever seen!
Firnsarnien – So glad to see you are here for the ride as well and thank you for that warm welcome. And you can definitely expect quite a bit more angst in the future. Next chapter even.
Sabrina – You asked for answers and here they are. I may have tried to pack too much info into one chapter though, I just didn't want to have to present a whole lot later, I admit.
Nolwelen – Well, I'm not sure how to keep it 'interesting' without being too harsh, and I can't promise I will, but if it gets harsh I'll give you fair warning. Thank you for your very kind words, they are greatly appreciated.
CosmicCastaway – It's very fortunate that you like all three characters, because I have very specific plans for each of them. Usually I just know what Legolas is going to do and Aragorn and Gimli are there for the ride, but they all have very important roles in this fic, so I hope you'll enjoy. (smiles at the Homer dance)
Kelsey – Not sure I know what the Helter Skelter thing is. Do you mean Charles Manson? Most of your questions have been answered in this chapter, but you were very right about one thing; no one can be trusted. Dun dun dun. Sorry, no Brelan characters will be making an appearance in this fic. It's chock full of OCs as it is anyway, I think.
Templa Otmena – Pretty much all my little ideas just come to me as I'm writing. In Malinya, that whole scene where Legolas gets stabbed, pretty much all I had for an outline was that the stone saves Leggy's life, all that stuff about the glowing and the energy and the connection just came to me as I typed. It makes writing really interesting for me, I never know what's going to happen! As always, I love hearing from you.
Snow-Glory – I said stop guessing! You were kind of right and kind of wrong this time around, but you're walking on thin ice now. (just kidding, you don't have to hide) Did you watch the documentary on the RotK dvd where they show that brief cut out scene of Legolas and Gimli's drinking game? It's hilarious, I can't wait for the extended version to see it all.
Legolas' Garden Light – I have tried very hard to figure out why people (like you and me) love angst, and I have reached few conclusions. I even had a discussion going on with my reviewers about it during my last fic and have found few answers. We'll just have to keep liking it and not knowing why.
Wellduh… - I like your reviews. They're straight and to the point. Goes well with your username.
Cloud-123 – Did you get a free gift when you bought your dvd? I got a poster, one I didn't even have yet. It was sweet!
Star-Stallion – Well, no you can't let one little slap stop you from writing Legolas angst. In fact, I would use it for material to write more! Hope this chapter answered some of your questions, and be sure to come back for the next chappy when the real angst starts, and shows few signs of stopping.
Manderly – Thank you for reviewing, and reading both fics. Hope you'll enjoy this one just as much.
LOTRfaith – I don't know if you noticed, but your review actually inspired a few lines in this chapter, so thank you. And sorry, no Elrond or Elrohir or anything and let's pretend Faramir is away visiting someone I guess. All the characters have been introduced by now, so if someone's not here yet, they aren't invited.
Arayelle Lyn – I don't know if it's the first time he lost his patience with him, I have to imagine they get fed up with each other a lot. Especially before they became friends. Thanks for reviewing.
Snowy1909 – Man, I know what you mean about that 60's batman. Good times with the Bams and Poofs, I loved it.
Gozilla – I saw the part in the documentary! I almost turned it off because it's a pretty boring behind the scenes piece, but then that gem of a deleted scene popped up and I had to watch it twice just to be sure it was real. Am also excited for extended edition.
Happy Reviewer – Your username makes me smile. Hope you got your DVD by now and have enjoyed it several times. The Legolas Gimli scenes are the funnest to write, glad they're appreciated.
Niani – Well, you really don't get to find out what he burnt at all, since he burnt it, so sorry. Just glimpses of what it might have been. But the elf angst is coming. Oh yes, the elf angst is coming.
Thanks for all the fab reviews. As I said, the action's coming up and we finally meet the Mornarad in a … unique way. Hope to see you there. Robinyj