Disclaimer: Ya, ya, ya, I don't own any of Tolkien's characters, places or
anything else that is in his books, ya da, ya da, ya da. Just don't sue me.
Of course, it's not like you'd get a lot.
Oh, a little note, some of the trips are shortened. I do not plan to write
a 1008 page book just to suit your needs. ;) Also, I make some references
to The Hobbit in this chapter. It may help if you have read that too. In
addition, I have received complaints that my paragraphing is slightly
messed up, and I am sorry for that. I have tried double spacing. Tell me if
it helps at all.
Chapter 3: Meetings
When Legolas finally finished his long, sad tale, his parents were both horrified. "Oh, Elebreth." sighed his mother as she held Legolas close. Thranduil was worried about exactly what was done to his son. "Come now; let me get a look at whatever is was that they did to you." Legolas did not want his parents to see what had become of him, "No!" Thranduil crossed his arms and had a look on his face that said, 'What was that?', and then he sighed, "Legolas, you know your mother and I love you, we do not care what they said you are now, but we have to know what we have to work with otherwise, how do you expect us to help you?" Finally, Legolas reluctantly removed his cloak and the linen from his head. Both his parents had to suppress a gasp. "Oh my god." whispered Verne'.
"Come here Legolas." Said his mother as she got a better look at him. "Well, you certainly were not jesting." She tried not to cry when she saw the wings. She gave her son a hug. She could not understand why anyone would hurt her little boy that way. Even though he was not a child anymore, she was still many centuries older than her son. She remembered a time long ago when Legolas shot his first bow, and nailed Thranduil's foot into the ground. She smiled as she remembered Legolas repeating "I'm sorry!" almost without breathing as the guards tried to pull the arrow out of Thranduil's left foot. Verne' sighed as she stirred herself out of old memories. "It'll be ok Legolas. You'll see." Legolas knew he was too old to need to be treated like this but he just couldn't bring himself to let his mother go.
Thranduil was the first to speak after all this, "Come on. We are not going to help Legolas by staying in here all day. I will send a letter to Gandalf; he is still staying in Minas Tirith, correct?" Not waiting for an answer he said, "I must send a messenger there anyway to inform them that you live." He turned around and smiled at his son. "I am sure you need some rest. And don't you dare tell me that you're fine, not everyone can break out of hell my son, and I am sure it is a tiring feat. I am also sure that you would like some rest in your own bed. I shall tell the guards not to bother you if you are not comfortable with them seeing you like." he broke off. Legolas knew what he meant and nodded. Legolas wrapped his cloak back around him and went off to his room to get some much needed rest.
"What are we going to do Thranduil?" Verne' was concerned. It was no ordinary problem if your son escaped from hell as a demon. "I don't know. The best we can hope for is that Gandalf has an idea." sighed the distraught elven king. "But what if he doesn't?" cried Verne'. Thranduil shook his head, "We cannot think like that. He is wiser than any other I know. He will know what to do. He must."
Meanwhile, in Gondor. Aragorn was in a state of depression over what fate befell his best friend. Old memories came back, haunting him. He remembered Legolas' laugh, his smile, and his last words about Arwen. He never knew that Legolas and Arwen were a couple. 'Hn, just another way that I screwed up his life.' he thought. Gandalf walked into the throne room to see Aragorn by himself, holding his head in his hand as if he had a bad headache. Gandalf sat down next to the king of men. "Legolas would not want you to be like this over him." At first Aragorn was startled but then he smiled slightly as he fondly remembered his strong willed friend. "Aye, he never did like anyone worrying over him. I just wish there was something I could do. Anything."
Gandalf sighed, "Legolas made his own choice Aragorn. You could have done nothing to prevent this from happening. Legolas' death was not of your doing." "But it is!" shouted Aragorn. "If only I could have been stronger, I wouldn't have needed his help. Legolas would not have needed to throw his life away! I don't understand why he did it. He was an immortal! He should have lived forever. I have maybe 60 years left. What does it matter if my life was shortened a little more.?"
Gandalf suddenly became stern, "Surely you do not doubt his judgment. Many depend on you Aragorn, Legolas knew that and he wanted to make sure the world of man did not fall." "Why? Men are weak if they need me." Gandalf was getting fed up with this, "Aragorn! You sell yourself short! Legolas knew what he was doing, it is sad that his choice came to this but there is nothing that can be done! And moping here will not help anyone, including Legolas."
Then, Gandalf softened, "Do not worry. Legolas had a strong will in life; his soul will not allow itself to stay a captive of hell." Aragorn looked up with a sarcastic smile, "What is he going to do. Break out?" Gandalf chuckled, "For a soul that does not belong there, it may not be all that impossible to do." Whatever Aragorn was going to say in response to that would remain unknown for at that moment, a guard burst through the door. "My lord! Begging your pardon but there is an urgent message from Mirkwood forest. The messenger says he may only deliver it to you or Gandalf the White." Aragorn and Gandalf looked at each other and wondered what the urgent message could be. They left the rooming expecting the worst.
"That old devil!" shouted Aragorn with joy when he read of Legolas' escape. Gandalf was now also in high spirits. "I told you it would not be impossible." Gandalf's voice trailed of however, when he saw the next bit. "Hmmm." Aragorn could tell something was wrong. Gandalf read the next part aloud; However, Legolas did not escape without being unchanged. I say this quite literally. He is no longer the same form we have known him to be in. I ask, no beg for you to come Gandalf and give us some words of hope.
Gandalf sighed. He knew right away what must have happened. "It is as I feared then. They turned him into a demon." Aragorn was horrified but Gandalf smiled reassuringly, "Do not worry Aragorn, if they did not turn his mind as it would appear they have not, it is more than likely that we can help him recover."
Gandalf prepared to go immediately to Mirkwood and to his displeasure, Aragorn did as well. "Aragorn. You must stay here." Aragorn shook his head, "No, he is my best friend, I want to know what happened to him and as king you cannot stop me." "No but I can tell you this is folly!" barked Gandalf, "They need you here! What if something happens on the road? It is still a long and dangerous road to Mirkwood." "I know the dangers! I have traveled that road more than one hundred times over! I must go!" Finally, Gandalf subsided, "Very well, but you must make sure that you give your people naught to worry about." Aragorn almost broke out laughing.
Whenever Legolas and Aragorn got together, usually something to worry about did happen. At first, there was some upset at the Council of Elrond when the Fellowship was formed saying that if both Aragorn and Legolas went, something bad was bound to happen. Gandalf knew this as well, "Yes I know, you two getting together is a recipe for trouble but I shall pray that this time will be an exception.
As luck would have it, just as they were about to leave, the "confidential" news that Legolas was alive had spread throughout the tower like wildfire, thus Gimli and the hobbits insisted on coming along. "I owe that elf one for scaring the living daylights out of everyone. His little escapade made even the ale turn foul!" gruffed Gimli. Gandalf and Aragorn knew well by now that this was Gimli's own little way that he showed that he cared. After all, Gimli would be horrified if anyone suggested that he actually cared about Legolas yet it was true nonetheless.
So, after another hour of waiting for Gimli and the hobbits to get ready, they finally left the Tower in the care of Arwen and a few officials (including Faramir). Aragorn was happy that their trip was fairly uneventful. They stopped at Lothlorien for a few days on the way up. Gimli was elated to see the Lady Galadriel again. He was even happier when he left but he would not say why. It deeply confused Aragorn because the last time Gimli was forced to leave Galadriel's presence; he moped about it for days.
Finally, they saw the tip of southern Mirkwood forest. Even though the shadow of Dol Guldur still loomed over the area, it was nice to know they had at least reached the forest. They made camp next to the Anduin River but they were still in site of the dreaded tower. This would prove to be a mistake.
Night had fallen and the area was thick with fragrant pipe smoke. Gandalf was in his little meditating pose while Aragorn cooked and Gimli was saying what a shame it was that Moria was still an evil place otherwise they could be camping there that night instead of the shadow of Sauron's old hideout. What he did know was a bit of Moria was about to come to them. All of a sudden, there was the shrill shriek of orcs. The three friends (not to mention a few guards from Minas Tirith) became battle ready and soon were fighting a large group of orcs, wargs and even a few Uruk-Hai. It seemed as though their doom was nigh but something was coming, a big flaming something. "Oh no." sigh Aragorn as they saw a huge flaming Balrog. It was certainly not the one from before, yet it was still a large bit of trouble even though it scared off the orcs. "We are doomed! We cannot run all the way to the north before that thing catches us!" shout one of the guards.
However, many miles away, Legolas sensed something in the south. He had an odd feeling that his friends were in trouble. With inhuman speed he grabbed his cloak and weapons and speed towards the battle, becoming a blur to anyone who could catch a glimpse of him. It only took him minutes to arrive at the scene and was horrified at what he saw, and angered that such a foul being dared to defile his home. He knew his normal weapons would do no good against a Balrog so he looked to his demonic whip. He tied one end to a strong rock and kept a strong hold on the other.
He waited until the Balrog was right in front of him, about to strike at his friends when Legolas half jumped, half flew over the thing, twirling the whip just right so it wrapped around the Balrog several times. At first, the stupid creature stood there surprised and then Legolas yanked on the whip as hard as he could, splicing the Balrog into a thousand pieces. It took the travelers from Gondor about ten seconds before they realized that they had been spared. While the others cheered for their safety, Gandalf, Aragorn and Gimli looked around to see exactly what killed the Balrog. "There are very few things that can kill a Balrog so easily. Usually it takes another, more powerful demon to kill one."
Aragorn saw where their savior was, even though he could not see its face for it had a large cloak over it. "Show yourself!" he shouted while pointing his bow at the being. Then, they heard laughter, not an evil cackle that they would have guessed but a merry, light and familiar laughter. "Aragorn, if you do that every time someone helps you, you will find good help in short supply!" laughed the familiar voice. "Legolas?" Then, the cloaked being removed his hood (he had put the linen back on to hide his ears but his face was clearly visible) "I thought you guys had run into trouble. It is a good thing I came to check on you." "Ha! A dwarf needs no help from an elf." huffed Gimli. Then Legolas face fell and he solemnly said, "Then you have nothing to worry about."
Gimli stood confused for he did not here about what became of his elven friend. Legolas perked up, "But come, we have been waiting for you." He silently lead to way but was almost like a specter. Aragorn had to catch up with him. "Legolas!" Legolas turned around into the smiling face of his friend. "Legolas, I am sorry for what happened to you. I can never repay you for saving my life." "Again?" smirked Legolas, fondly remembering old adventures they had. "Legolas! I am trying to be serious, and you're not helping!" Legolas laughed again. It did Aragorn good to hear the clear laugh of his friend. It left optimism that there was hope for him yet.
Gimli was next to his elven comrade in a flash. "So. Where did you get that handy little rope?" he pointed to Legolas' ice whip. "What? This thing? You do not want to know." replied Legolas with a smirk. Gimli was still worried about the elf, "Why are you wrapped up like that anyway? You didn't seriously go. well. err. down there. Did you?" Legolas slowly nodded, once again, taking on the air of a phantom. The hobbits soon got a hold of the prince. "Legolas! We thought you finally had it there!" cried Sam. Legolas smiled, "I almost did. But come on, I know the four you must be hungry and my home is not much farther." Actually, he said that just to keep their hopes up.
It took them another four hours to reach their final destination. The hobbit were about to fall asleep on the door step, until they smelt the food. "At last Gimli, you get to see my home. I hope your stay is better then the one your father had when he was here." Gimli pretending to be bored, "Great, another trip to see the elves. You and your kin never do tire of entertaining, do you?" Legolas smiled, "If it pleases you, we shall allow you to sleep outside and find you own food if ours so displeases you." Gimli let out a hearty laugh. It was good to be laughing with his best friend again. Legolas was thinking more or less the same thoughts.
In an hour's time, the weary travelers were all eating and drinking to their hearts' content. It took the guards, Gimli and the hobbits almost no time at all before they became a little more than tipsy. Of course, why not? There was plenty to drink, and the singers had them in high sprits. The hobbits were laughing and, well, I suppose you could call it dancing but it was more of a twirl with a few stumbles in it. Only the noble elves present, Aragorn and Gandalf were being careful not to drink too much but they were in high spirits none the less. Legolas and Aragorn laughed out loud as Gimli fell over a sleeping Pippin. Thranduil pulled Gandalf aside into a small room and locked the door. "I think you have guessed why I asked you here." Gandalf nodded solemnly, "Yes, he has been changed into a demon if my guess is correct."
Thranduil sighed, "Aye, it is too true; we do not know what to do." Gandalf hated being the bearer of bad news but he said, "What he looks like now is the least of my worries." Thranduil snapped his head back up, "What? What do you mean?" Gandalf lit his pipe and sat down in a chair, "They will try to take him back. The fact he was able to defeat that Balrog so easily means that he was meant to do something for them." He did not have to explain who them meant. "They will come for him. He is not safe here." Thranduil was now more than worried, "What must I do? I cannot turn him out there! They will surely find him!" Gandalf shook his head sadly, "I am afraid it will be safer for all of us if he is not here. We must keep him hidden before they try to take him back."
"But he is alive! They cannot take the living!" cried Thranduil. "I am afraid that as long as he is part demon, they can, and they will but they shall have to find him first. For that job, I fear they will send out other demons to track him down. This will be the first place they shall try."
Meanwhile; in Hell
Gandalf had no idea how right he was, for at that very moment, six demons were preparing themselves for the hunt. "I do not see why we must find him! Why not just torture another soul until we have a new Demon of Ice?" shouted and agitated Inglod, Demon of Rock. His immense body was enough to frighten even the bravest of men. "Don't be stupid you big oaf! An elf turned demon is much stronger than any other we can come up with." Jeered a beautiful, yet deadly voice. Then the one who it belonged to appeared. Her name was Vera, Demon of the Shadows. Her brother, Volcan, Demon of Fire was right behind her. "Really Inglod, next you'll be defying our Lord."
"Now where are those three?" growled Volcan. "I'm here. I've been here." smiled Findla, Demon of Water. Her smiled belied her wickedness. Next to arrive was Phantasma, Demon of Spirit. She glared at the last one of their number as he arrived. "Well, well, well. Late as usual, eh Sparky?" Volten, Demon of Lightening glared at her, "I said to stop calling me that!" "Sparky. Sparky! SPARKY!!!" "ENOUGH!!!" thundered Volcan. "We have to find Exile." "I thought his name was Legolas?" smiled Vera. "The boss said that is his new name. We are to find him, teach him a lesson and then bring him back so they can finish turning him into a demon."
Findla cocked her head, "Why doesn't the boss just yank his leash? That usually does the job." Volcan shook his head, "No, they didn't get that far with him yet. That's why we have to find him. The first place we try is Mirkwood forest. That's where he's from before any of you dim wits ask." "Hey little bro, watch it!" growled Vera. "Vera, you're only older than me by five minutes, Shaddup!"
"Come on you two!" shouted Phantasma, "We'll never get there before than fool Gandalf finds a way to change him back at this rate." They all nodded and departed to begin their hunt.
OK! How was it? I almost forgot about this chapter so be thankful I saw it first! Ok, now come your part. Please review! I want to try to get ten reviews before the next chapter. So please? *pouts*
Chapter 3: Meetings
When Legolas finally finished his long, sad tale, his parents were both horrified. "Oh, Elebreth." sighed his mother as she held Legolas close. Thranduil was worried about exactly what was done to his son. "Come now; let me get a look at whatever is was that they did to you." Legolas did not want his parents to see what had become of him, "No!" Thranduil crossed his arms and had a look on his face that said, 'What was that?', and then he sighed, "Legolas, you know your mother and I love you, we do not care what they said you are now, but we have to know what we have to work with otherwise, how do you expect us to help you?" Finally, Legolas reluctantly removed his cloak and the linen from his head. Both his parents had to suppress a gasp. "Oh my god." whispered Verne'.
"Come here Legolas." Said his mother as she got a better look at him. "Well, you certainly were not jesting." She tried not to cry when she saw the wings. She gave her son a hug. She could not understand why anyone would hurt her little boy that way. Even though he was not a child anymore, she was still many centuries older than her son. She remembered a time long ago when Legolas shot his first bow, and nailed Thranduil's foot into the ground. She smiled as she remembered Legolas repeating "I'm sorry!" almost without breathing as the guards tried to pull the arrow out of Thranduil's left foot. Verne' sighed as she stirred herself out of old memories. "It'll be ok Legolas. You'll see." Legolas knew he was too old to need to be treated like this but he just couldn't bring himself to let his mother go.
Thranduil was the first to speak after all this, "Come on. We are not going to help Legolas by staying in here all day. I will send a letter to Gandalf; he is still staying in Minas Tirith, correct?" Not waiting for an answer he said, "I must send a messenger there anyway to inform them that you live." He turned around and smiled at his son. "I am sure you need some rest. And don't you dare tell me that you're fine, not everyone can break out of hell my son, and I am sure it is a tiring feat. I am also sure that you would like some rest in your own bed. I shall tell the guards not to bother you if you are not comfortable with them seeing you like." he broke off. Legolas knew what he meant and nodded. Legolas wrapped his cloak back around him and went off to his room to get some much needed rest.
"What are we going to do Thranduil?" Verne' was concerned. It was no ordinary problem if your son escaped from hell as a demon. "I don't know. The best we can hope for is that Gandalf has an idea." sighed the distraught elven king. "But what if he doesn't?" cried Verne'. Thranduil shook his head, "We cannot think like that. He is wiser than any other I know. He will know what to do. He must."
Meanwhile, in Gondor. Aragorn was in a state of depression over what fate befell his best friend. Old memories came back, haunting him. He remembered Legolas' laugh, his smile, and his last words about Arwen. He never knew that Legolas and Arwen were a couple. 'Hn, just another way that I screwed up his life.' he thought. Gandalf walked into the throne room to see Aragorn by himself, holding his head in his hand as if he had a bad headache. Gandalf sat down next to the king of men. "Legolas would not want you to be like this over him." At first Aragorn was startled but then he smiled slightly as he fondly remembered his strong willed friend. "Aye, he never did like anyone worrying over him. I just wish there was something I could do. Anything."
Gandalf sighed, "Legolas made his own choice Aragorn. You could have done nothing to prevent this from happening. Legolas' death was not of your doing." "But it is!" shouted Aragorn. "If only I could have been stronger, I wouldn't have needed his help. Legolas would not have needed to throw his life away! I don't understand why he did it. He was an immortal! He should have lived forever. I have maybe 60 years left. What does it matter if my life was shortened a little more.?"
Gandalf suddenly became stern, "Surely you do not doubt his judgment. Many depend on you Aragorn, Legolas knew that and he wanted to make sure the world of man did not fall." "Why? Men are weak if they need me." Gandalf was getting fed up with this, "Aragorn! You sell yourself short! Legolas knew what he was doing, it is sad that his choice came to this but there is nothing that can be done! And moping here will not help anyone, including Legolas."
Then, Gandalf softened, "Do not worry. Legolas had a strong will in life; his soul will not allow itself to stay a captive of hell." Aragorn looked up with a sarcastic smile, "What is he going to do. Break out?" Gandalf chuckled, "For a soul that does not belong there, it may not be all that impossible to do." Whatever Aragorn was going to say in response to that would remain unknown for at that moment, a guard burst through the door. "My lord! Begging your pardon but there is an urgent message from Mirkwood forest. The messenger says he may only deliver it to you or Gandalf the White." Aragorn and Gandalf looked at each other and wondered what the urgent message could be. They left the rooming expecting the worst.
"That old devil!" shouted Aragorn with joy when he read of Legolas' escape. Gandalf was now also in high spirits. "I told you it would not be impossible." Gandalf's voice trailed of however, when he saw the next bit. "Hmmm." Aragorn could tell something was wrong. Gandalf read the next part aloud; However, Legolas did not escape without being unchanged. I say this quite literally. He is no longer the same form we have known him to be in. I ask, no beg for you to come Gandalf and give us some words of hope.
Gandalf sighed. He knew right away what must have happened. "It is as I feared then. They turned him into a demon." Aragorn was horrified but Gandalf smiled reassuringly, "Do not worry Aragorn, if they did not turn his mind as it would appear they have not, it is more than likely that we can help him recover."
Gandalf prepared to go immediately to Mirkwood and to his displeasure, Aragorn did as well. "Aragorn. You must stay here." Aragorn shook his head, "No, he is my best friend, I want to know what happened to him and as king you cannot stop me." "No but I can tell you this is folly!" barked Gandalf, "They need you here! What if something happens on the road? It is still a long and dangerous road to Mirkwood." "I know the dangers! I have traveled that road more than one hundred times over! I must go!" Finally, Gandalf subsided, "Very well, but you must make sure that you give your people naught to worry about." Aragorn almost broke out laughing.
Whenever Legolas and Aragorn got together, usually something to worry about did happen. At first, there was some upset at the Council of Elrond when the Fellowship was formed saying that if both Aragorn and Legolas went, something bad was bound to happen. Gandalf knew this as well, "Yes I know, you two getting together is a recipe for trouble but I shall pray that this time will be an exception.
As luck would have it, just as they were about to leave, the "confidential" news that Legolas was alive had spread throughout the tower like wildfire, thus Gimli and the hobbits insisted on coming along. "I owe that elf one for scaring the living daylights out of everyone. His little escapade made even the ale turn foul!" gruffed Gimli. Gandalf and Aragorn knew well by now that this was Gimli's own little way that he showed that he cared. After all, Gimli would be horrified if anyone suggested that he actually cared about Legolas yet it was true nonetheless.
So, after another hour of waiting for Gimli and the hobbits to get ready, they finally left the Tower in the care of Arwen and a few officials (including Faramir). Aragorn was happy that their trip was fairly uneventful. They stopped at Lothlorien for a few days on the way up. Gimli was elated to see the Lady Galadriel again. He was even happier when he left but he would not say why. It deeply confused Aragorn because the last time Gimli was forced to leave Galadriel's presence; he moped about it for days.
Finally, they saw the tip of southern Mirkwood forest. Even though the shadow of Dol Guldur still loomed over the area, it was nice to know they had at least reached the forest. They made camp next to the Anduin River but they were still in site of the dreaded tower. This would prove to be a mistake.
Night had fallen and the area was thick with fragrant pipe smoke. Gandalf was in his little meditating pose while Aragorn cooked and Gimli was saying what a shame it was that Moria was still an evil place otherwise they could be camping there that night instead of the shadow of Sauron's old hideout. What he did know was a bit of Moria was about to come to them. All of a sudden, there was the shrill shriek of orcs. The three friends (not to mention a few guards from Minas Tirith) became battle ready and soon were fighting a large group of orcs, wargs and even a few Uruk-Hai. It seemed as though their doom was nigh but something was coming, a big flaming something. "Oh no." sigh Aragorn as they saw a huge flaming Balrog. It was certainly not the one from before, yet it was still a large bit of trouble even though it scared off the orcs. "We are doomed! We cannot run all the way to the north before that thing catches us!" shout one of the guards.
However, many miles away, Legolas sensed something in the south. He had an odd feeling that his friends were in trouble. With inhuman speed he grabbed his cloak and weapons and speed towards the battle, becoming a blur to anyone who could catch a glimpse of him. It only took him minutes to arrive at the scene and was horrified at what he saw, and angered that such a foul being dared to defile his home. He knew his normal weapons would do no good against a Balrog so he looked to his demonic whip. He tied one end to a strong rock and kept a strong hold on the other.
He waited until the Balrog was right in front of him, about to strike at his friends when Legolas half jumped, half flew over the thing, twirling the whip just right so it wrapped around the Balrog several times. At first, the stupid creature stood there surprised and then Legolas yanked on the whip as hard as he could, splicing the Balrog into a thousand pieces. It took the travelers from Gondor about ten seconds before they realized that they had been spared. While the others cheered for their safety, Gandalf, Aragorn and Gimli looked around to see exactly what killed the Balrog. "There are very few things that can kill a Balrog so easily. Usually it takes another, more powerful demon to kill one."
Aragorn saw where their savior was, even though he could not see its face for it had a large cloak over it. "Show yourself!" he shouted while pointing his bow at the being. Then, they heard laughter, not an evil cackle that they would have guessed but a merry, light and familiar laughter. "Aragorn, if you do that every time someone helps you, you will find good help in short supply!" laughed the familiar voice. "Legolas?" Then, the cloaked being removed his hood (he had put the linen back on to hide his ears but his face was clearly visible) "I thought you guys had run into trouble. It is a good thing I came to check on you." "Ha! A dwarf needs no help from an elf." huffed Gimli. Then Legolas face fell and he solemnly said, "Then you have nothing to worry about."
Gimli stood confused for he did not here about what became of his elven friend. Legolas perked up, "But come, we have been waiting for you." He silently lead to way but was almost like a specter. Aragorn had to catch up with him. "Legolas!" Legolas turned around into the smiling face of his friend. "Legolas, I am sorry for what happened to you. I can never repay you for saving my life." "Again?" smirked Legolas, fondly remembering old adventures they had. "Legolas! I am trying to be serious, and you're not helping!" Legolas laughed again. It did Aragorn good to hear the clear laugh of his friend. It left optimism that there was hope for him yet.
Gimli was next to his elven comrade in a flash. "So. Where did you get that handy little rope?" he pointed to Legolas' ice whip. "What? This thing? You do not want to know." replied Legolas with a smirk. Gimli was still worried about the elf, "Why are you wrapped up like that anyway? You didn't seriously go. well. err. down there. Did you?" Legolas slowly nodded, once again, taking on the air of a phantom. The hobbits soon got a hold of the prince. "Legolas! We thought you finally had it there!" cried Sam. Legolas smiled, "I almost did. But come on, I know the four you must be hungry and my home is not much farther." Actually, he said that just to keep their hopes up.
It took them another four hours to reach their final destination. The hobbit were about to fall asleep on the door step, until they smelt the food. "At last Gimli, you get to see my home. I hope your stay is better then the one your father had when he was here." Gimli pretending to be bored, "Great, another trip to see the elves. You and your kin never do tire of entertaining, do you?" Legolas smiled, "If it pleases you, we shall allow you to sleep outside and find you own food if ours so displeases you." Gimli let out a hearty laugh. It was good to be laughing with his best friend again. Legolas was thinking more or less the same thoughts.
In an hour's time, the weary travelers were all eating and drinking to their hearts' content. It took the guards, Gimli and the hobbits almost no time at all before they became a little more than tipsy. Of course, why not? There was plenty to drink, and the singers had them in high sprits. The hobbits were laughing and, well, I suppose you could call it dancing but it was more of a twirl with a few stumbles in it. Only the noble elves present, Aragorn and Gandalf were being careful not to drink too much but they were in high spirits none the less. Legolas and Aragorn laughed out loud as Gimli fell over a sleeping Pippin. Thranduil pulled Gandalf aside into a small room and locked the door. "I think you have guessed why I asked you here." Gandalf nodded solemnly, "Yes, he has been changed into a demon if my guess is correct."
Thranduil sighed, "Aye, it is too true; we do not know what to do." Gandalf hated being the bearer of bad news but he said, "What he looks like now is the least of my worries." Thranduil snapped his head back up, "What? What do you mean?" Gandalf lit his pipe and sat down in a chair, "They will try to take him back. The fact he was able to defeat that Balrog so easily means that he was meant to do something for them." He did not have to explain who them meant. "They will come for him. He is not safe here." Thranduil was now more than worried, "What must I do? I cannot turn him out there! They will surely find him!" Gandalf shook his head sadly, "I am afraid it will be safer for all of us if he is not here. We must keep him hidden before they try to take him back."
"But he is alive! They cannot take the living!" cried Thranduil. "I am afraid that as long as he is part demon, they can, and they will but they shall have to find him first. For that job, I fear they will send out other demons to track him down. This will be the first place they shall try."
Meanwhile; in Hell
Gandalf had no idea how right he was, for at that very moment, six demons were preparing themselves for the hunt. "I do not see why we must find him! Why not just torture another soul until we have a new Demon of Ice?" shouted and agitated Inglod, Demon of Rock. His immense body was enough to frighten even the bravest of men. "Don't be stupid you big oaf! An elf turned demon is much stronger than any other we can come up with." Jeered a beautiful, yet deadly voice. Then the one who it belonged to appeared. Her name was Vera, Demon of the Shadows. Her brother, Volcan, Demon of Fire was right behind her. "Really Inglod, next you'll be defying our Lord."
"Now where are those three?" growled Volcan. "I'm here. I've been here." smiled Findla, Demon of Water. Her smiled belied her wickedness. Next to arrive was Phantasma, Demon of Spirit. She glared at the last one of their number as he arrived. "Well, well, well. Late as usual, eh Sparky?" Volten, Demon of Lightening glared at her, "I said to stop calling me that!" "Sparky. Sparky! SPARKY!!!" "ENOUGH!!!" thundered Volcan. "We have to find Exile." "I thought his name was Legolas?" smiled Vera. "The boss said that is his new name. We are to find him, teach him a lesson and then bring him back so they can finish turning him into a demon."
Findla cocked her head, "Why doesn't the boss just yank his leash? That usually does the job." Volcan shook his head, "No, they didn't get that far with him yet. That's why we have to find him. The first place we try is Mirkwood forest. That's where he's from before any of you dim wits ask." "Hey little bro, watch it!" growled Vera. "Vera, you're only older than me by five minutes, Shaddup!"
"Come on you two!" shouted Phantasma, "We'll never get there before than fool Gandalf finds a way to change him back at this rate." They all nodded and departed to begin their hunt.
OK! How was it? I almost forgot about this chapter so be thankful I saw it first! Ok, now come your part. Please review! I want to try to get ten reviews before the next chapter. So please? *pouts*