Disclaimer: OK, I hereby disclaim the following; The Lord of the Rings,
Legolas, Inuyasha, Pirates of the Caribbean, Will Turner, my sock brand,
the house I live in, the computer I am using, the clothes brand I wear, my
shoe brand, The Kwikie-Mart (... is that even how you spell it?), Haldir's
death (oops... did I give away too much on that? *evil grin*), I don't own
the evil grin I just did, and I think that's about it. Oh yeah, also,
apparently to a flame I just got, I don't own any talent in writing
either... -_-*
As always, a big thank you to Legolas's Fanatical Fan Girl for being my wonderful beta reader and friend! ^^
***VERY boring author's note ahead. Just ranting because I got a rude flame in one of my stories... You can skip it if you want to unless you're planning on flaming me.***
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AN: OK, sorry about this peeps... I'm putting this in all of my new chapters... I got a really rude flame and I really don't like that. There are some things in the world that are unforgivable in my eyes... Deliberate cruelty is one of those things... And I have a fairly stressful life. I am always pressured to make sure I ALWAYS have the honor roll (you should hear the lecture I get if I don't, which has become increasingly often), I hold down TWO jobs, my 21 year old brother acts like a kid so *I'm* the one who always having to be the adult around the house. I have no real life of my own in the summer because I keep having to go to these weird summer things for smart kids *shrugs* AND I take care of my grandmother(s)! Writing fanfics is one of the few things I get to do for enjoyment in my life and I am NOT going to stop it just because some snot nosed little brat said so! I work too hard to be denied a little bit of happiness! Got that?!?!
Anyone who plans on flaming me; be warned. Any and all flames I get from here on end (in ANY of my stories) will be posted in a private chat, and each and every one of my friends shall take turns, laughing mercilessly at it. So unless you revel in the idea of being laughed at by people on all corners of the Earth (one of the perks of going to those summer things is that I meet kids from all over the world) I suggest that you try to be at LEAST a little polite...
You don't HAVE to like my work but you could just say "I don't like this" instead of" YOU'RE STORY SUCKS!!" I don't need to be cursed at, yelled at, made fun of or degraded anymore than I already am in my own life! As for the people who have always been kind to me I my reviews, I'm sorry that I had to waste space on something that should be obvious but I am not going to tolerate this kind of treatment! Not only is it rude, but it is just plan cruel and our world has enough of that without people cursing at each other like that. CURSING DOES NOT MAKE YOU COOL IN ANYWAY WHAT SO EVER!! I have a bad habit of it but at least I'm TRYING to break it, nor have I ever deliberately tried to be cruel in a review! In conclusion, if you don't like it, DON'T READ IT!!! That's all... Again, I am sorry that I had to waste space for something as stupid as this but it had to be done...
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*** End Ranting***
Gilraen Ar-Feiniel1: YAY! I'm happy you like this! I used to be an all humor reading person myself until I found the Mellon Chronicles! Those were the best stories I have ever seen. I really hope Cassia and Siobhan become published authors, you can bet I'll buy their books! O_O No killing Frodo? Erm, ah well, don't worry about it. I already almost killed him so he should be fine... Right? ^_^;; I actually thought about something like that... I might still do it... Well, here's the next chapter, and a cookie, just for you! ^_-
Gilraen3: *hides behind Exile* I'm sorry! It's too much fun to write cliffies though... O_o;; Oops. Did I say that? Ummmmm. Maybe I should shut up now. A cookie for you. Just as long as you don't hurt me.
Nightbird*Songbird: ^^ YAY!! I like long reviews! And don't worry, I sound like an evil lady out of a Disney movie when I laugh too. And tell Lileth that she's free to have Volten for any sick thoughts she has when this story is over (knowing him he probably wont complain. ^_-) Cookies for you guys!
Lady Lenna: Yeop, Aragorn just might want to move. But will I let him? *cheeky grin* Ouch, no internet for two weeks... That's an evil even I cannot comprehend. You'll just have to wait and see if Aragorn is going to kill Legolas or not. Yeop, who *does* know what I'm going to do? Even I do not know at times. Here, have a cookie!!! ^^
LadyofMirkwood: Hmmm. I seem to have two reviews from you on the same chapter. Heh, like I mind. And I know I'm evil so I take it as a compliment. *bows* It is not for naught that my friends call me "Knives" (an evil crazy guy from a show called Trigun). Hmmmm, I don't know. I just might enjoy killing Aragorn. Maybe. We'll see. (MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!) Am I going to have to hide behind Exile from you too now? I just might want to... Just in case you don't much like this next chapter. Oops. Said too much. X.X ...Cookie?
Shanya: Yeop, demon elf. I wanted something original and I have never seen that done before so, here's the result! And a cookie for you!!! (lol, I have many, many cookies) ^^
Whoa, that is a long header. Probably due to the fact I was ranting about some stupid flame... Oh and Maddy, if you're reading this (or any of my personal friends from school or the like) don't bother trying to hunt down the person(s) who did it. I deleted it, you know, because it was rude (but mainly so you guys wouldn't try to do something to them)... I wonder about you guys sometimes (probably from hanging around me too much ^^)... BY the way, to avoid any more flames, I know some of the characters (*coughFrodocough*) were supposed to never be in Lothlorien again, but I changed it for this fic, ok? If not, oh well, don't read it. Anyway, ONTO THE FIC!
Chapter 14: Lothlorien At Last!
Aragorn watched in horror as the shining blade Exile held came down towards his chest like a shadow of death, claiming its victim, until a gruff cry was heard, followed by a yell from Exile, who was now trying to pull a small axe that had been thrown by Gimli, out of his leg.
The sound of the fight awaked the rest, who became battle ready. Exile glared at Aragorn with pure hatred in his ice blue eyes. Aragorn pulled out his sword, preparing to face off with Exile. However, he was not prepared for the metal chain that came out of the forest and struck Gandalf in the head, knocking the Istari unconscious, for the moment anyway.
"Volten! What are you doing here?" Exile growled.
Volten came out of the thicket with a smirk on his face, "Exile, if it weren't for me, you could very well be dead. Vulcan may want to keep you on a tight leash but I think the only way to get this out of your system is to let you kill the human first." He shrugged, "I don't know why Vulcan is so keen on not letting you. He's just bull-headed that way. But enough talk. Kill the man so we can leave this accursed place and get on to more important things. I'll take care of the rest." Volten smiled evilly at Thranduil as he said those last words.
Thranduil returned the glare but threw a worried glance at Gandalf, who was still on the ground. "I will not let you kill the others." He growled.
Volten snickered, "Alright then. Give me what you've got elf."
Thranduil and Volten began their heated clash while Aragorn and Exile were still staring each other down. They couldn't attack each other but for very different reasons.
Aragorn still couldn't bear to attack his best friend. Someone he had known for as long as he could remember. 'I know what you asked me my friend, but I can't imagine doing it. By the Valar, I wish this was another dream.'
Exile was of a very different mind, 'Damn this leg and that dwarf! If it weren't for him, that human's blood would be at the end of my sword."
Thranduil chanced a side glance at his son and Aragorn. He was about to yell at Aragorn to try and take down Exile while he was injured but another blow from Volten that was aimed at his head forced Thranduil to return his thoughts to his own task.
Gimli was trying to join the fight but the hobbits wouldn't let him.
Frodo pinned Gimli's cape down with Sting. "Gimli! You're still hurt! You shouldn't fight them!" he pleaded with the dwarf.
Pippin and Merry finally got Gimli to sit on the ground, much to the dwarf's displeasure. They knew not what to watch, Thranduil and Volten's battle, or Aragorn's and Exile's seemingly endless staring contest.
Aragorn was not ready when Exile sprang forward, sword drawn, aiming for his throat. Aragorn had hardly enough time to bring his sword up to block the hit. Aragorn knew something was wrong. Something happened to Exile, he could see it in his eyes.
'It's time to finish this." Exile thought as he ran forward to kill the human. But when they crossed blades, he saw something in his mind's eye.
*flashback*
"Aragorn! Watch it!" The king over did his slash (with a wooden sword) and bashed his elven friend upside the head sending Legolas sprawling. Gimli laughed as the poor prince stood up. "Ok Aragorn, you want to play hard ball? We'll play hard ball!" he abandoned his wooden sword and with a mock battle cry, tackled the king of Gondor to the ground. "Give up mortal?" he said to the pinned human.
"Never foul being!" laughed Aragorn.
Legolas almost hoped he would say that. "Fine." He said as he began to mercilessly tickle Aragorn.
"Stop that Legolas!" cried Aragorn whose face was now bright red. "This isn't helping the children! You don't seriously want them to try to tickle orcs, do you now?"
Legolas finally conceded and helped his friend up. "I do not think even a hobbit would be that fool hardy."
*End flashback*
Aragorn could have sworn he saw a familiar glint in Exile's eyes just then, something that made him think of Legolas.
Even Volten and Thranduil stopped as Exile stared at Aragorn as though the human had turned into some monster. In the next instant, Exile leaped away from the human and was gone.
Thranduil turned around to try and question Volten where Exile had gone but Volten was gone too.
Back at the demon's encampment...
Volten finally caught up wit Exile. "Damn. For an injured demon, you move plenty damn quick." He tried to look at Exile in the eye but the ice demon looked away. "What happened back there? You could have finally killed that human, something that you have been complaining about since day one!"
Exile still did not answer him. At first, Volten thought he was deep in thought, until he saw what Exile was staring at.
Vulcan.
"Well, well, well. Exile, you tried to go after *him* again, didn't you?" Vulcan turned to Volten, "Why didn't you stop him Volten? I know you helped him. I also know what you said. 'Bull-headed' eh? Don't worry, you'll both get a *very* good punishment for not putting up with your 'bull-headed' leader."
Volten cringed. He knew this was going to hurt, badly.
Vulcan cast a disdainful glance upon the two and said, "We are going to return home, to make sure these two get it back in their heads, who is the boss."
Back with Aragorn and the others.
Gandalf finally had awoken and they began an almost painfully quick pace to Lothlorien. Thranduil was beginning to wish that they had gone on horseback but knew that the dwarf and hobbits would not be able to ride. He pulled Gandalf aside, "Mithrandir, those demons are not after them. There will be a town just below the forest. We can get horses there and we shall leave the hobbits and the dwarf there.
Gandalf shook his head, "Nay, then they shall try to follow us on their own and on foot. They will be in even more danger then for there are still orcs roaming the lands. Even a small group of orcs would be hard for Gimli in his current state and the hobbits."
Thranduil sighed, "As you wish Gandalf. Although I don't think the halflings can keep this pace much longer, nor can the dwarf although he will probably outlast them." Thranduil continued leading them through the southern most regions of Mirkwood.
The evil of Dol Guldur still lingered in the land with the same desperation as an old man clutches urgently onto his youth. The hobbits and Gimli were relived when they finally came out of the forest and came upon open fields. They could see a small town in the distance.
They came into the small village and look for a tavern, (Thranduil had his hood up to make sure he didn't draw any attention to himself) and they stayed at the tavern for three nights, after which, they would not stop until they reached Lothlorien.
Three days later, keeping their brutal pace, the weary travelers finally reached the northern most reaches of Lothlorien. Thranduil's spirit, (which had become distressed ever since his son had become a demon) began to lift as they crossed the Celebrant. Thranduil looked around himself, "I have not seen these woods for many years." Thranduil was not the only one happy to be in Lothlorien.
Gimli smiled as he thought about how it was inevitable that he would see the Lady Galadriel again. Thranduil noticed Gimli smiling to himself and walked over to the dwarf. "May I ask what pleases you so much Mast Dwarf?" he inquired.
Gimli looked at Thranduil. It almost seemed to him that they were all back in the days of the fellowship save for the fact that he was picturing Legolas walking beside him instead of Thranduil. Gimli shook his head but it was so easy to fall into his memories. Especially since Legolas and Thranduil look so much alike.
Thranduil cocked his head, "Gimli?" Gimli was sure he had heard two voices say his name just then.
He smiled at Thranduil, "It has been many a year since I have looked upon the splendor that is Galadriel."
Thranduil laughed lightly, "So, what Legolas said was true! A dwarf has fallen in love with an elf!"
Gimli blushed, "He told you that? He must have. Jumped to conclusions." Thranduil's smile only grew at that point.
"Jumped to conclusions?' Now why does that sound familiar?" Thranduil asked with a smirked. A smirk that was directed at Aragorn. "I shall have to inform Celeborn that he shall have to make sure his wife is happy with him." He finished with a sly smile that was fit for his son.
Gandalf tried to keep himself from laughing as both Aragorn and Gimli began saying various forms of the phrase, 'You better not say that or I shall kill you," to Thranduil. Gandalf smiled, 'This trip is doing Thranduil's heart much good. He has been under the shadow of Mirkwood for too long.'
They did not notice they were being followed until they were surrounded.
The hobbits' hands went to their swords to battle the unseen foes but Thranduil merely laughed. "Haldir! You did this last time I visited and from what I heard from Legolas, you did it when he came too! Is there something the Lady holds against Mirkwood that I don't know about?"
Sure enough, Haldir stepped forward and bowed slightly before the King of Mirkwood. "Sorry, my lord, but the Lord and Lady have insisted on heightening security. The reason, I have not been told. And Gimli, you still breathe loud enough for us to shoot you in the dark." The blonde haired March Warden of Lothlorien finished while a smirk. Haldir looked through the group, "Where is Legolas? Usually he travels with Aragorn and the dwarf."
Thranduil's gaze became clouded with grief again as he looked down, allowing his golden tresses to curtain his face. Haldir's eyes opened with realization, "How? When?"
Gandalf placed a hand on the warden's shoulder, "That is a good part of the reason we have come here to speak with your lord and lady. If you do not mind."
Haldir shook his head, soundlessly as he began to lead them further into the wood and further towards the Lady of Light.
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OK, sorry that was a bit on the lame side... That one flame really has me worked up. I don't know why... That was my first real flame and I get so many nice reviews so it shouldn't bother me so much... But it is so; I don't suppose you guys would be so kind and write me a nice little review for me? Just to help me get some of my confidence back? Oh crap, I sound like a wimp, I think I'll stop talking now so I don't make it worse...
As always, a big thank you to Legolas's Fanatical Fan Girl for being my wonderful beta reader and friend! ^^
***VERY boring author's note ahead. Just ranting because I got a rude flame in one of my stories... You can skip it if you want to unless you're planning on flaming me.***
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AN: OK, sorry about this peeps... I'm putting this in all of my new chapters... I got a really rude flame and I really don't like that. There are some things in the world that are unforgivable in my eyes... Deliberate cruelty is one of those things... And I have a fairly stressful life. I am always pressured to make sure I ALWAYS have the honor roll (you should hear the lecture I get if I don't, which has become increasingly often), I hold down TWO jobs, my 21 year old brother acts like a kid so *I'm* the one who always having to be the adult around the house. I have no real life of my own in the summer because I keep having to go to these weird summer things for smart kids *shrugs* AND I take care of my grandmother(s)! Writing fanfics is one of the few things I get to do for enjoyment in my life and I am NOT going to stop it just because some snot nosed little brat said so! I work too hard to be denied a little bit of happiness! Got that?!?!
Anyone who plans on flaming me; be warned. Any and all flames I get from here on end (in ANY of my stories) will be posted in a private chat, and each and every one of my friends shall take turns, laughing mercilessly at it. So unless you revel in the idea of being laughed at by people on all corners of the Earth (one of the perks of going to those summer things is that I meet kids from all over the world) I suggest that you try to be at LEAST a little polite...
You don't HAVE to like my work but you could just say "I don't like this" instead of" YOU'RE STORY SUCKS!!" I don't need to be cursed at, yelled at, made fun of or degraded anymore than I already am in my own life! As for the people who have always been kind to me I my reviews, I'm sorry that I had to waste space on something that should be obvious but I am not going to tolerate this kind of treatment! Not only is it rude, but it is just plan cruel and our world has enough of that without people cursing at each other like that. CURSING DOES NOT MAKE YOU COOL IN ANYWAY WHAT SO EVER!! I have a bad habit of it but at least I'm TRYING to break it, nor have I ever deliberately tried to be cruel in a review! In conclusion, if you don't like it, DON'T READ IT!!! That's all... Again, I am sorry that I had to waste space for something as stupid as this but it had to be done...
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**
***
****
*****
******
*** End Ranting***
Gilraen Ar-Feiniel1: YAY! I'm happy you like this! I used to be an all humor reading person myself until I found the Mellon Chronicles! Those were the best stories I have ever seen. I really hope Cassia and Siobhan become published authors, you can bet I'll buy their books! O_O No killing Frodo? Erm, ah well, don't worry about it. I already almost killed him so he should be fine... Right? ^_^;; I actually thought about something like that... I might still do it... Well, here's the next chapter, and a cookie, just for you! ^_-
Gilraen3: *hides behind Exile* I'm sorry! It's too much fun to write cliffies though... O_o;; Oops. Did I say that? Ummmmm. Maybe I should shut up now. A cookie for you. Just as long as you don't hurt me.
Nightbird*Songbird: ^^ YAY!! I like long reviews! And don't worry, I sound like an evil lady out of a Disney movie when I laugh too. And tell Lileth that she's free to have Volten for any sick thoughts she has when this story is over (knowing him he probably wont complain. ^_-) Cookies for you guys!
Lady Lenna: Yeop, Aragorn just might want to move. But will I let him? *cheeky grin* Ouch, no internet for two weeks... That's an evil even I cannot comprehend. You'll just have to wait and see if Aragorn is going to kill Legolas or not. Yeop, who *does* know what I'm going to do? Even I do not know at times. Here, have a cookie!!! ^^
LadyofMirkwood: Hmmm. I seem to have two reviews from you on the same chapter. Heh, like I mind. And I know I'm evil so I take it as a compliment. *bows* It is not for naught that my friends call me "Knives" (an evil crazy guy from a show called Trigun). Hmmmm, I don't know. I just might enjoy killing Aragorn. Maybe. We'll see. (MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!) Am I going to have to hide behind Exile from you too now? I just might want to... Just in case you don't much like this next chapter. Oops. Said too much. X.X ...Cookie?
Shanya: Yeop, demon elf. I wanted something original and I have never seen that done before so, here's the result! And a cookie for you!!! (lol, I have many, many cookies) ^^
Whoa, that is a long header. Probably due to the fact I was ranting about some stupid flame... Oh and Maddy, if you're reading this (or any of my personal friends from school or the like) don't bother trying to hunt down the person(s) who did it. I deleted it, you know, because it was rude (but mainly so you guys wouldn't try to do something to them)... I wonder about you guys sometimes (probably from hanging around me too much ^^)... BY the way, to avoid any more flames, I know some of the characters (*coughFrodocough*) were supposed to never be in Lothlorien again, but I changed it for this fic, ok? If not, oh well, don't read it. Anyway, ONTO THE FIC!
Chapter 14: Lothlorien At Last!
Aragorn watched in horror as the shining blade Exile held came down towards his chest like a shadow of death, claiming its victim, until a gruff cry was heard, followed by a yell from Exile, who was now trying to pull a small axe that had been thrown by Gimli, out of his leg.
The sound of the fight awaked the rest, who became battle ready. Exile glared at Aragorn with pure hatred in his ice blue eyes. Aragorn pulled out his sword, preparing to face off with Exile. However, he was not prepared for the metal chain that came out of the forest and struck Gandalf in the head, knocking the Istari unconscious, for the moment anyway.
"Volten! What are you doing here?" Exile growled.
Volten came out of the thicket with a smirk on his face, "Exile, if it weren't for me, you could very well be dead. Vulcan may want to keep you on a tight leash but I think the only way to get this out of your system is to let you kill the human first." He shrugged, "I don't know why Vulcan is so keen on not letting you. He's just bull-headed that way. But enough talk. Kill the man so we can leave this accursed place and get on to more important things. I'll take care of the rest." Volten smiled evilly at Thranduil as he said those last words.
Thranduil returned the glare but threw a worried glance at Gandalf, who was still on the ground. "I will not let you kill the others." He growled.
Volten snickered, "Alright then. Give me what you've got elf."
Thranduil and Volten began their heated clash while Aragorn and Exile were still staring each other down. They couldn't attack each other but for very different reasons.
Aragorn still couldn't bear to attack his best friend. Someone he had known for as long as he could remember. 'I know what you asked me my friend, but I can't imagine doing it. By the Valar, I wish this was another dream.'
Exile was of a very different mind, 'Damn this leg and that dwarf! If it weren't for him, that human's blood would be at the end of my sword."
Thranduil chanced a side glance at his son and Aragorn. He was about to yell at Aragorn to try and take down Exile while he was injured but another blow from Volten that was aimed at his head forced Thranduil to return his thoughts to his own task.
Gimli was trying to join the fight but the hobbits wouldn't let him.
Frodo pinned Gimli's cape down with Sting. "Gimli! You're still hurt! You shouldn't fight them!" he pleaded with the dwarf.
Pippin and Merry finally got Gimli to sit on the ground, much to the dwarf's displeasure. They knew not what to watch, Thranduil and Volten's battle, or Aragorn's and Exile's seemingly endless staring contest.
Aragorn was not ready when Exile sprang forward, sword drawn, aiming for his throat. Aragorn had hardly enough time to bring his sword up to block the hit. Aragorn knew something was wrong. Something happened to Exile, he could see it in his eyes.
'It's time to finish this." Exile thought as he ran forward to kill the human. But when they crossed blades, he saw something in his mind's eye.
*flashback*
"Aragorn! Watch it!" The king over did his slash (with a wooden sword) and bashed his elven friend upside the head sending Legolas sprawling. Gimli laughed as the poor prince stood up. "Ok Aragorn, you want to play hard ball? We'll play hard ball!" he abandoned his wooden sword and with a mock battle cry, tackled the king of Gondor to the ground. "Give up mortal?" he said to the pinned human.
"Never foul being!" laughed Aragorn.
Legolas almost hoped he would say that. "Fine." He said as he began to mercilessly tickle Aragorn.
"Stop that Legolas!" cried Aragorn whose face was now bright red. "This isn't helping the children! You don't seriously want them to try to tickle orcs, do you now?"
Legolas finally conceded and helped his friend up. "I do not think even a hobbit would be that fool hardy."
*End flashback*
Aragorn could have sworn he saw a familiar glint in Exile's eyes just then, something that made him think of Legolas.
Even Volten and Thranduil stopped as Exile stared at Aragorn as though the human had turned into some monster. In the next instant, Exile leaped away from the human and was gone.
Thranduil turned around to try and question Volten where Exile had gone but Volten was gone too.
Back at the demon's encampment...
Volten finally caught up wit Exile. "Damn. For an injured demon, you move plenty damn quick." He tried to look at Exile in the eye but the ice demon looked away. "What happened back there? You could have finally killed that human, something that you have been complaining about since day one!"
Exile still did not answer him. At first, Volten thought he was deep in thought, until he saw what Exile was staring at.
Vulcan.
"Well, well, well. Exile, you tried to go after *him* again, didn't you?" Vulcan turned to Volten, "Why didn't you stop him Volten? I know you helped him. I also know what you said. 'Bull-headed' eh? Don't worry, you'll both get a *very* good punishment for not putting up with your 'bull-headed' leader."
Volten cringed. He knew this was going to hurt, badly.
Vulcan cast a disdainful glance upon the two and said, "We are going to return home, to make sure these two get it back in their heads, who is the boss."
Back with Aragorn and the others.
Gandalf finally had awoken and they began an almost painfully quick pace to Lothlorien. Thranduil was beginning to wish that they had gone on horseback but knew that the dwarf and hobbits would not be able to ride. He pulled Gandalf aside, "Mithrandir, those demons are not after them. There will be a town just below the forest. We can get horses there and we shall leave the hobbits and the dwarf there.
Gandalf shook his head, "Nay, then they shall try to follow us on their own and on foot. They will be in even more danger then for there are still orcs roaming the lands. Even a small group of orcs would be hard for Gimli in his current state and the hobbits."
Thranduil sighed, "As you wish Gandalf. Although I don't think the halflings can keep this pace much longer, nor can the dwarf although he will probably outlast them." Thranduil continued leading them through the southern most regions of Mirkwood.
The evil of Dol Guldur still lingered in the land with the same desperation as an old man clutches urgently onto his youth. The hobbits and Gimli were relived when they finally came out of the forest and came upon open fields. They could see a small town in the distance.
They came into the small village and look for a tavern, (Thranduil had his hood up to make sure he didn't draw any attention to himself) and they stayed at the tavern for three nights, after which, they would not stop until they reached Lothlorien.
Three days later, keeping their brutal pace, the weary travelers finally reached the northern most reaches of Lothlorien. Thranduil's spirit, (which had become distressed ever since his son had become a demon) began to lift as they crossed the Celebrant. Thranduil looked around himself, "I have not seen these woods for many years." Thranduil was not the only one happy to be in Lothlorien.
Gimli smiled as he thought about how it was inevitable that he would see the Lady Galadriel again. Thranduil noticed Gimli smiling to himself and walked over to the dwarf. "May I ask what pleases you so much Mast Dwarf?" he inquired.
Gimli looked at Thranduil. It almost seemed to him that they were all back in the days of the fellowship save for the fact that he was picturing Legolas walking beside him instead of Thranduil. Gimli shook his head but it was so easy to fall into his memories. Especially since Legolas and Thranduil look so much alike.
Thranduil cocked his head, "Gimli?" Gimli was sure he had heard two voices say his name just then.
He smiled at Thranduil, "It has been many a year since I have looked upon the splendor that is Galadriel."
Thranduil laughed lightly, "So, what Legolas said was true! A dwarf has fallen in love with an elf!"
Gimli blushed, "He told you that? He must have. Jumped to conclusions." Thranduil's smile only grew at that point.
"Jumped to conclusions?' Now why does that sound familiar?" Thranduil asked with a smirked. A smirk that was directed at Aragorn. "I shall have to inform Celeborn that he shall have to make sure his wife is happy with him." He finished with a sly smile that was fit for his son.
Gandalf tried to keep himself from laughing as both Aragorn and Gimli began saying various forms of the phrase, 'You better not say that or I shall kill you," to Thranduil. Gandalf smiled, 'This trip is doing Thranduil's heart much good. He has been under the shadow of Mirkwood for too long.'
They did not notice they were being followed until they were surrounded.
The hobbits' hands went to their swords to battle the unseen foes but Thranduil merely laughed. "Haldir! You did this last time I visited and from what I heard from Legolas, you did it when he came too! Is there something the Lady holds against Mirkwood that I don't know about?"
Sure enough, Haldir stepped forward and bowed slightly before the King of Mirkwood. "Sorry, my lord, but the Lord and Lady have insisted on heightening security. The reason, I have not been told. And Gimli, you still breathe loud enough for us to shoot you in the dark." The blonde haired March Warden of Lothlorien finished while a smirk. Haldir looked through the group, "Where is Legolas? Usually he travels with Aragorn and the dwarf."
Thranduil's gaze became clouded with grief again as he looked down, allowing his golden tresses to curtain his face. Haldir's eyes opened with realization, "How? When?"
Gandalf placed a hand on the warden's shoulder, "That is a good part of the reason we have come here to speak with your lord and lady. If you do not mind."
Haldir shook his head, soundlessly as he began to lead them further into the wood and further towards the Lady of Light.
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OK, sorry that was a bit on the lame side... That one flame really has me worked up. I don't know why... That was my first real flame and I get so many nice reviews so it shouldn't bother me so much... But it is so; I don't suppose you guys would be so kind and write me a nice little review for me? Just to help me get some of my confidence back? Oh crap, I sound like a wimp, I think I'll stop talking now so I don't make it worse...