AN: Mae govannen my good reviewers! O_O *dodges various weapons* OK!! I'm
sorry I haven't updated in a long time. I'm sorry! Hey, at least it's here,
right? ^^;; Please don't hurt me...
Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own it, never had, never will. Oh, and a note, in this fic, the Mirror of Galadriel does not make any noise.
Gilraen Ar-Feiniel1: Yeah, flames do suck, I'm glad to say I do not think I have ever given a person one. *Do* read the Mellon Chronicles, my works pale in comparison to their stories. No touching Frodo? Don't worry, *I* won't... But I think Phantasma has plans for our heroes a little later... MWAHAHAHAHA!!! And who knows, Legolas might be fighting back, or maybe Exile was just getting woozy from loss of blood... Nobody knows... Cookies for you!!!
Star-Stallion: I think that's what I'm gonna do, no use crying over spilled milk, right? By the way, update your stores too! I want to find out more about "Chogouno..." ^^;; You remember that nickname I have your screech monster? By the way... I think I broke Saurar and the witchy woman... *points to the two who now resemble Swiss cheese* Cookies for you too!!! ^^
MoroTheWolfGod: Thanks a bunch. I like that orc too. Great accent on the "eye". I thought I was the only one who liked that part. I always say it along with him. ^^;; See ya around and have a cookie!!
Nikki: Thanks, I shouldn't make such a fuss over the flame... It's only one and most people seem to like my stories. I can't please everyone. I hope to keep up with your expectations! Here's a cookie for your time!
Lainfaer: Thank you, and I have already decided to ignore flames because they are stupid and a waste of computer memory. Sorry I haven't updated for such a long time. Between school work and being a "flameaphobic" (I made that word up ^_^;;) I haven't been able to. Here ya go, at long last though, enjoy it with this nice widdle cookie!
Nightbird*Songbird: Ai', this was what I was afraid of... O_O FORK OF DOOM!?!?! A RED-HOT WHIP OF IRON!?!?! I pity the flamer now... But you should see what some of my friend from school are planning. They said they wanted to break into FBI HQ and frame the flamer for a federal offence... And the scary part is, they might be able to do it. One of them is a hacker and they are all pretty much smart. I already went to John Hopkins though, I also went to NSLC. 'Twas fun. Maybe I'll see you there some time? Yeah, some of those brochures are annoying. Sometimes, it's a pain in the ass for people to think you're smart. My mom is always bragging to everyone about me and my score on the SAT (I forget the numerical score but I was in the top 97%) Please don't bug the flamer, I don't want any trouble... Cya! Here one cookie for each of ya!
Lady Lenna: Poor thing, you must be confused. By the way, if you hate Exile, you hate Legolas too because they are one in the same. And come on! He said, "Let's head home". That means they are going back to hell. You know this will hurt. And just because they are in Lorien, doesn't mean they are safe... MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! ... Ummmmm... Cookie? ^^;;
Lady Hael: An 8/10? Well, it's not as good as I'd like it to be but that's still pretty good. Tell me why and I'll do what I can to make it better. Good luck with your history! And here's a cookie!
Emma: Wow, thanks. That's really means a lot to me. HaelI don't know why I'm insecure either, my folks say it's a phase... Anyway, I'm very glad you like this. Here is the next chapter, and a cookie! ... I need to buy more cookies... ^^;;
Chapter 15: Punishments and Confessions
The demons had returned to hell nearly four days ago and yet the others had not seen Exile or Volten since Vulcan turned them in for punishment. This was the one thing that kept any of them in line. Every demon that had been punished never spoke of it after the fact. Although all the demons that went behind that door came out looking like mere shells of their original selves.
Findla looked up as she heard the door creep open. The others all stared as Volten skulked out, with a sepulchral aura replacing his normally wily atmosphere. He said nothing as he sat down near the corner, by himself. Vulcan looked down as it finally dawned that he had caused his lively comrade to become almost zombie-like.
Within the chambers, Exile was finally thrown down from the wall he had been chained to for the past few days. A large demon looked at him with disdain, "Looks like we took some of the bite out of you... But the boss still requested that you be under surveillance, not to mention that you have a power limiter so you don't get any bright ideas that you're stronger than your superiors..."
Exile glowered at the one who had been beating him relentlessly all this time as Exile picked himself off the floor but said nothing.
The other demons (save Volten who was still staring into nothing) watched as Exile came out, his platinum blonde hair in disarray. He had a power limiter on (it was a metal band on the upper part of his ear) that gave him the guise of a human as well as considerably lowering his strength. But what terrified them was the fact that he seemed undaunted by what whatever horrors he faced in there. Terrors that made even the most cocky and powerful of demon cower in fear. For whatever reason, he didn't seem to care.
Phantasma couldn't understand how the torture chambers that terrified all inhabitants of hell didn't seem to have any effect on Exile.
Vulcan felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight on end as Exile walked by and growled, "I'll get you for this, Vulcan..."
None of the other noticed that Exile grabbed a sword that was in a pile of weapons that even the demons were not allowed to use and hid it under his shirt...
In Lothlorien...
Haldir left his men with his second-in-command in charge and began to escort Thranduil, Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and the hobbits to the center of Lothlorien. Frodo was almost overcome by a feeling of nostalgia. This was all too similar to his first visit to the Golden Wood all those years ago, but this time, their group was smaller, and they were grieving Legolas' corruption instead of Gandalf's death.
Haldir and Thranduil were conversing, softly in elvish with Gandalf. Aragorn and Gimli were walking, side-by-side in mournful silence. The hobbits shared the man and dwarf's stillness save for a few haphazard comments.
Thranduil looked up at the great Elven city, Lorien. Some of the light returned to his eyes but he still harbored a look of sorrow. Gimli seemed hopeful because he was sure that the Lady Galadriel could help the set Legolas free. Aragorn and Gandalf also prayed that she could give them aide but did not have the same amount of faith in the failing power of the elven queen that Gimli did.
The group all knew the way in by now for they had all been to see the Lady at least once in their life-times. They came to the stairs that led up to the thrones of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
They all bowed in reverence (Thranduil, not as low as the others on account of his resolute pride and Gandalf, hardly at all).
Galadriel scanned each one of their minds before speaking, "I know why it is that you have come. You seek aid to help free Prince Legolas..." her eerie voice whispered, causing all who heard it to feel as though this meeting were a dream.
The travelers all gave a silent sign of verification.
Galadriel's melodic, yet ghostly voice continued, "He has fallen into a shadow that could very well be overwhelming to any who attempt to oppose it. It caused one who was once compassionate and fair, the pride of the people of Mirkwood, to be driven into bloodlust by an inexplicable hate..."
However, Aragorn heard her speak into his mind, 'However, I could think of one reason... Even those who know him closely, do not always understand all of his thoughts for he always had a poor habit of concealing most of his thoughts and emotions...'
Aragorn looked at her. He knew what was in store for him in the near future...
The mirror...
Thranduil looked down into the crystal clear waters in a pool nearby their resting place. His sad reflection stared back up at him and the starry sky.
The hobbits looked around; trying to find things and places they knew from their last visit to Lothlorien. Gimli was still infatuated by Galadriel's beauty, but missed his best friend mocking him for it. Gandalf just sat near a tree, smoking his pipe.
Aragorn was not there, he was with the Lady of Light.
"You said there could be some explanation for why Legolas would hold so much animosity towards me." Aragorn stated. He watched with apprehension as the Lady poured water from a silver carafe into a basin.
"I must warn you Elssesar... You may not like what you see... While what you see will likely explain much to you, it may shake your faith in many things that you trust... You must remember not to hold events from the past against you friends and allies..." Galadriel spoke forebodingly.
Aragorn nodded and stepped towards the mirror.
Various images came in and out of focus until he it stopped on one. Aragorn recognized it as Rivendell.
He saw a group of horsemen come through they gates. They wore the traditional colors of Mirkwood. One of the riders, he recognized as a very young Legolas, who was looking around him, wide-eyed. Obviously, this must have been Legolas' first visit to Rivendell.
Aragorn was confused, 'If this memory dates back to when Legolas was so young, how could I have been a factor? Even, my grandfather would not have even been born at that time...'
'Keep watching...' Galadriel whispered into his mind.
Elrond came down and warmly greeted Thranduil and smiled at his friend's son, who stared at Elrond as though he believed the older elf was going to eat him.
Thranduil introduced Legolas to the great Lord of Rivendell. Legolas left when the two older elves began speaking of something. The mirror followed Legolas as he ran into a small elf girl, about his age. She was no other than a younger Arwen. Legolas stared at her wide-eyed and blushed as she giggled at him.
They introduced themselves and began talking with each other as they walked off and the image blurred, and refocused on a new location, Lothlorien. The Legolas he saw this time was much older, at the very least, 2,000, Arwen had also matured dramatically. They were holding hands, under a tree on the outskirts of the city.
Aragorn's eyes opened wide as he watched his best friend passionately kiss the woman who was now *his* wife. Aragorn shook himself mentally, forcing himself to realize that he wasn't even born yet, neither of them were doing anything wrong. But he couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
He saw the two enter a room but Aragorn pulled his eyes away from the mirror before he saw any more. He could guess what happened between them next...
Galadriel looked at him, "I know what it was you saw... You must remember not to harbor cold feelings towards your wife and Legolas, or else you may find yourself consumed by the same hatred that plagues Legolas now..."
Aragorn shook his head. Legolas *had* told him about it... But for some reason... His mind didn't really accept it until now... And even now, it seemed so surreal to him. But, he supposed it must have been worse for Legolas...
"You're suspicions are correct... Legolas does still care for Arwen... He has kept his desires locked away for the sake of you, because ever has he loved you as a brother. He saw also that Arwen seemed happier with you and did not want to ruin that... But no longer... Evil is corrupting his heart, making him believe that you stole her from him. He wants to kill you for it..."
Aragorn leaned on the stone wall to let all this sink in. He began to wonder if Legolas was staying in Gondor and rejecting the call of the sea for the reason of making sure Aragorn did not hurt Arwen rather than because of his friendship with Aragorn.
"Do not stray down that path Elessar..." Galadriel advised. "It was a forced twisting of the mind in that fashion that is causing Legolas to desire your death."
Aragorn nodded and bowed to show that he was taking his leave.
Exile looked with disdain upon the small demon that was supposed to watch him. He thought that the creature looked more like a cross between a frog and a serpent that could stand on two legs rather than a demon.
The smaller demon looked up at Exile and said, "As you know, I am to watch you and keep that rebellious spirit of yours in check. Do not think me a pushover. Just because your comrades left you here to try and kill that group of travelers does not mean you will have your way during their absence."
Exiled showed no sign of emotion. "You think I am so weak, that I could not handle the likes of you?"
"I am Doram. I am among the most powerful officers in hell. I won't be treated as a half rate. As if you should speak of power at all, half breed..."
Exile glared at him. 'I wonder if I should kill this witless worm now and rid myself of this pest. Then again, if he does have any power at all I should wait for him to show them... He's cocky enough so it shouldn't be very hard.' He returned his gaze to the stars, "Half breed I may be but at least that and not a half-wit."
Doram glowered at him, "I warned you. I was told you might need to be forced into line before you obeyed anything. A half breed should act like one. Bow to your superior!"
"And who would that be?"
Doram glared at him and pulled a large staff out of his cloak and prepared to hit Exile with it but Exile moved out of the way.
"This is the best that hell has to offer?" Exile smirked.
"No, *this* is!" Doram yelled as he stabbed the ground with his staff and a large fissure split open under Exile who jumped up. Exile would have made another remark when fire came out of the ground and hit him.
Exile lost his footing and fell down to the ground.
Doram smirked and walked over to Exile, "Looks like you didn't expect this dog to bite-" He stopped as Exile held the sword he stole from hell to Doram's throat.
Doram's eyes opened in horror. "T-t-that sword! You took *that* sword?!? That sword is forbidden!"
Exile sneered as he stood up, still holding Doram at sword point. "Really? I'm sorry, I didn't realize that... Tell me, why would a blade like this be forbidden? I suggest you speak least my hand slip and your throat be slit..."
Doram stuttered, "The forbidden blade... It has often been called the Blade of Darkness for never has it allowed any to wield it. All those who have tried died by merely touching it, save the Lord of Hell."
Exile held the sword a little closer, "Why would someone want a sword like this so badly as to risk his own life for it?"
"I am getting to that!" Doram huffed. "The Blade of Darkness wields two powers. Who ever bears this sword can give life to even those who are dead, or take life away... So, in simple terms, the bearer has power over life and death."
Exile smirked, "Well, it certainly relives me that I stole something useful..."
Doram was horrified still, 'Why is he able to bear the Blade of Darkness? Even the Lord of Hell has never been able to touch it yet he can stand there and threaten me with it without even being in pain?'
Exile smirked as he looked over the keen blade he stole from the depths of hell. "This should prove to be very interesting..."
The others looked up as Aragorn walked back into camp with a rather distant look in his eyes.
"What happened?" Pippin whispered, almost afraid of the answer.
Aragorn did not act as though he had even heard Pippin. He merely sat down under a tree on the far side of the clearing.
Gandalf stood up and walked off into the direction Aragorn had came.
************************************************************************
OK, sorry for shortness and lameness. It's late and it's been forever since I updated. There's gonna be some blood in the next chapter... Lot's of blood. Great... I'm awful at battle scenes but I'll try my best. Besides, I like blood... And angst. God bless angst! Angst is good, all the time, all the time angst is good! Please review. Thanks for reading! And for not killing me for not updating in forever!
Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own it, never had, never will. Oh, and a note, in this fic, the Mirror of Galadriel does not make any noise.
Gilraen Ar-Feiniel1: Yeah, flames do suck, I'm glad to say I do not think I have ever given a person one. *Do* read the Mellon Chronicles, my works pale in comparison to their stories. No touching Frodo? Don't worry, *I* won't... But I think Phantasma has plans for our heroes a little later... MWAHAHAHAHA!!! And who knows, Legolas might be fighting back, or maybe Exile was just getting woozy from loss of blood... Nobody knows... Cookies for you!!!
Star-Stallion: I think that's what I'm gonna do, no use crying over spilled milk, right? By the way, update your stores too! I want to find out more about "Chogouno..." ^^;; You remember that nickname I have your screech monster? By the way... I think I broke Saurar and the witchy woman... *points to the two who now resemble Swiss cheese* Cookies for you too!!! ^^
MoroTheWolfGod: Thanks a bunch. I like that orc too. Great accent on the "eye". I thought I was the only one who liked that part. I always say it along with him. ^^;; See ya around and have a cookie!!
Nikki: Thanks, I shouldn't make such a fuss over the flame... It's only one and most people seem to like my stories. I can't please everyone. I hope to keep up with your expectations! Here's a cookie for your time!
Lainfaer: Thank you, and I have already decided to ignore flames because they are stupid and a waste of computer memory. Sorry I haven't updated for such a long time. Between school work and being a "flameaphobic" (I made that word up ^_^;;) I haven't been able to. Here ya go, at long last though, enjoy it with this nice widdle cookie!
Nightbird*Songbird: Ai', this was what I was afraid of... O_O FORK OF DOOM!?!?! A RED-HOT WHIP OF IRON!?!?! I pity the flamer now... But you should see what some of my friend from school are planning. They said they wanted to break into FBI HQ and frame the flamer for a federal offence... And the scary part is, they might be able to do it. One of them is a hacker and they are all pretty much smart. I already went to John Hopkins though, I also went to NSLC. 'Twas fun. Maybe I'll see you there some time? Yeah, some of those brochures are annoying. Sometimes, it's a pain in the ass for people to think you're smart. My mom is always bragging to everyone about me and my score on the SAT (I forget the numerical score but I was in the top 97%) Please don't bug the flamer, I don't want any trouble... Cya! Here one cookie for each of ya!
Lady Lenna: Poor thing, you must be confused. By the way, if you hate Exile, you hate Legolas too because they are one in the same. And come on! He said, "Let's head home". That means they are going back to hell. You know this will hurt. And just because they are in Lorien, doesn't mean they are safe... MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! ... Ummmmm... Cookie? ^^;;
Lady Hael: An 8/10? Well, it's not as good as I'd like it to be but that's still pretty good. Tell me why and I'll do what I can to make it better. Good luck with your history! And here's a cookie!
Emma: Wow, thanks. That's really means a lot to me. HaelI don't know why I'm insecure either, my folks say it's a phase... Anyway, I'm very glad you like this. Here is the next chapter, and a cookie! ... I need to buy more cookies... ^^;;
Chapter 15: Punishments and Confessions
The demons had returned to hell nearly four days ago and yet the others had not seen Exile or Volten since Vulcan turned them in for punishment. This was the one thing that kept any of them in line. Every demon that had been punished never spoke of it after the fact. Although all the demons that went behind that door came out looking like mere shells of their original selves.
Findla looked up as she heard the door creep open. The others all stared as Volten skulked out, with a sepulchral aura replacing his normally wily atmosphere. He said nothing as he sat down near the corner, by himself. Vulcan looked down as it finally dawned that he had caused his lively comrade to become almost zombie-like.
Within the chambers, Exile was finally thrown down from the wall he had been chained to for the past few days. A large demon looked at him with disdain, "Looks like we took some of the bite out of you... But the boss still requested that you be under surveillance, not to mention that you have a power limiter so you don't get any bright ideas that you're stronger than your superiors..."
Exile glowered at the one who had been beating him relentlessly all this time as Exile picked himself off the floor but said nothing.
The other demons (save Volten who was still staring into nothing) watched as Exile came out, his platinum blonde hair in disarray. He had a power limiter on (it was a metal band on the upper part of his ear) that gave him the guise of a human as well as considerably lowering his strength. But what terrified them was the fact that he seemed undaunted by what whatever horrors he faced in there. Terrors that made even the most cocky and powerful of demon cower in fear. For whatever reason, he didn't seem to care.
Phantasma couldn't understand how the torture chambers that terrified all inhabitants of hell didn't seem to have any effect on Exile.
Vulcan felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight on end as Exile walked by and growled, "I'll get you for this, Vulcan..."
None of the other noticed that Exile grabbed a sword that was in a pile of weapons that even the demons were not allowed to use and hid it under his shirt...
In Lothlorien...
Haldir left his men with his second-in-command in charge and began to escort Thranduil, Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and the hobbits to the center of Lothlorien. Frodo was almost overcome by a feeling of nostalgia. This was all too similar to his first visit to the Golden Wood all those years ago, but this time, their group was smaller, and they were grieving Legolas' corruption instead of Gandalf's death.
Haldir and Thranduil were conversing, softly in elvish with Gandalf. Aragorn and Gimli were walking, side-by-side in mournful silence. The hobbits shared the man and dwarf's stillness save for a few haphazard comments.
Thranduil looked up at the great Elven city, Lorien. Some of the light returned to his eyes but he still harbored a look of sorrow. Gimli seemed hopeful because he was sure that the Lady Galadriel could help the set Legolas free. Aragorn and Gandalf also prayed that she could give them aide but did not have the same amount of faith in the failing power of the elven queen that Gimli did.
The group all knew the way in by now for they had all been to see the Lady at least once in their life-times. They came to the stairs that led up to the thrones of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
They all bowed in reverence (Thranduil, not as low as the others on account of his resolute pride and Gandalf, hardly at all).
Galadriel scanned each one of their minds before speaking, "I know why it is that you have come. You seek aid to help free Prince Legolas..." her eerie voice whispered, causing all who heard it to feel as though this meeting were a dream.
The travelers all gave a silent sign of verification.
Galadriel's melodic, yet ghostly voice continued, "He has fallen into a shadow that could very well be overwhelming to any who attempt to oppose it. It caused one who was once compassionate and fair, the pride of the people of Mirkwood, to be driven into bloodlust by an inexplicable hate..."
However, Aragorn heard her speak into his mind, 'However, I could think of one reason... Even those who know him closely, do not always understand all of his thoughts for he always had a poor habit of concealing most of his thoughts and emotions...'
Aragorn looked at her. He knew what was in store for him in the near future...
The mirror...
Thranduil looked down into the crystal clear waters in a pool nearby their resting place. His sad reflection stared back up at him and the starry sky.
The hobbits looked around; trying to find things and places they knew from their last visit to Lothlorien. Gimli was still infatuated by Galadriel's beauty, but missed his best friend mocking him for it. Gandalf just sat near a tree, smoking his pipe.
Aragorn was not there, he was with the Lady of Light.
"You said there could be some explanation for why Legolas would hold so much animosity towards me." Aragorn stated. He watched with apprehension as the Lady poured water from a silver carafe into a basin.
"I must warn you Elssesar... You may not like what you see... While what you see will likely explain much to you, it may shake your faith in many things that you trust... You must remember not to hold events from the past against you friends and allies..." Galadriel spoke forebodingly.
Aragorn nodded and stepped towards the mirror.
Various images came in and out of focus until he it stopped on one. Aragorn recognized it as Rivendell.
He saw a group of horsemen come through they gates. They wore the traditional colors of Mirkwood. One of the riders, he recognized as a very young Legolas, who was looking around him, wide-eyed. Obviously, this must have been Legolas' first visit to Rivendell.
Aragorn was confused, 'If this memory dates back to when Legolas was so young, how could I have been a factor? Even, my grandfather would not have even been born at that time...'
'Keep watching...' Galadriel whispered into his mind.
Elrond came down and warmly greeted Thranduil and smiled at his friend's son, who stared at Elrond as though he believed the older elf was going to eat him.
Thranduil introduced Legolas to the great Lord of Rivendell. Legolas left when the two older elves began speaking of something. The mirror followed Legolas as he ran into a small elf girl, about his age. She was no other than a younger Arwen. Legolas stared at her wide-eyed and blushed as she giggled at him.
They introduced themselves and began talking with each other as they walked off and the image blurred, and refocused on a new location, Lothlorien. The Legolas he saw this time was much older, at the very least, 2,000, Arwen had also matured dramatically. They were holding hands, under a tree on the outskirts of the city.
Aragorn's eyes opened wide as he watched his best friend passionately kiss the woman who was now *his* wife. Aragorn shook himself mentally, forcing himself to realize that he wasn't even born yet, neither of them were doing anything wrong. But he couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
He saw the two enter a room but Aragorn pulled his eyes away from the mirror before he saw any more. He could guess what happened between them next...
Galadriel looked at him, "I know what it was you saw... You must remember not to harbor cold feelings towards your wife and Legolas, or else you may find yourself consumed by the same hatred that plagues Legolas now..."
Aragorn shook his head. Legolas *had* told him about it... But for some reason... His mind didn't really accept it until now... And even now, it seemed so surreal to him. But, he supposed it must have been worse for Legolas...
"You're suspicions are correct... Legolas does still care for Arwen... He has kept his desires locked away for the sake of you, because ever has he loved you as a brother. He saw also that Arwen seemed happier with you and did not want to ruin that... But no longer... Evil is corrupting his heart, making him believe that you stole her from him. He wants to kill you for it..."
Aragorn leaned on the stone wall to let all this sink in. He began to wonder if Legolas was staying in Gondor and rejecting the call of the sea for the reason of making sure Aragorn did not hurt Arwen rather than because of his friendship with Aragorn.
"Do not stray down that path Elessar..." Galadriel advised. "It was a forced twisting of the mind in that fashion that is causing Legolas to desire your death."
Aragorn nodded and bowed to show that he was taking his leave.
Exile looked with disdain upon the small demon that was supposed to watch him. He thought that the creature looked more like a cross between a frog and a serpent that could stand on two legs rather than a demon.
The smaller demon looked up at Exile and said, "As you know, I am to watch you and keep that rebellious spirit of yours in check. Do not think me a pushover. Just because your comrades left you here to try and kill that group of travelers does not mean you will have your way during their absence."
Exiled showed no sign of emotion. "You think I am so weak, that I could not handle the likes of you?"
"I am Doram. I am among the most powerful officers in hell. I won't be treated as a half rate. As if you should speak of power at all, half breed..."
Exile glared at him. 'I wonder if I should kill this witless worm now and rid myself of this pest. Then again, if he does have any power at all I should wait for him to show them... He's cocky enough so it shouldn't be very hard.' He returned his gaze to the stars, "Half breed I may be but at least that and not a half-wit."
Doram glowered at him, "I warned you. I was told you might need to be forced into line before you obeyed anything. A half breed should act like one. Bow to your superior!"
"And who would that be?"
Doram glared at him and pulled a large staff out of his cloak and prepared to hit Exile with it but Exile moved out of the way.
"This is the best that hell has to offer?" Exile smirked.
"No, *this* is!" Doram yelled as he stabbed the ground with his staff and a large fissure split open under Exile who jumped up. Exile would have made another remark when fire came out of the ground and hit him.
Exile lost his footing and fell down to the ground.
Doram smirked and walked over to Exile, "Looks like you didn't expect this dog to bite-" He stopped as Exile held the sword he stole from hell to Doram's throat.
Doram's eyes opened in horror. "T-t-that sword! You took *that* sword?!? That sword is forbidden!"
Exile sneered as he stood up, still holding Doram at sword point. "Really? I'm sorry, I didn't realize that... Tell me, why would a blade like this be forbidden? I suggest you speak least my hand slip and your throat be slit..."
Doram stuttered, "The forbidden blade... It has often been called the Blade of Darkness for never has it allowed any to wield it. All those who have tried died by merely touching it, save the Lord of Hell."
Exile held the sword a little closer, "Why would someone want a sword like this so badly as to risk his own life for it?"
"I am getting to that!" Doram huffed. "The Blade of Darkness wields two powers. Who ever bears this sword can give life to even those who are dead, or take life away... So, in simple terms, the bearer has power over life and death."
Exile smirked, "Well, it certainly relives me that I stole something useful..."
Doram was horrified still, 'Why is he able to bear the Blade of Darkness? Even the Lord of Hell has never been able to touch it yet he can stand there and threaten me with it without even being in pain?'
Exile smirked as he looked over the keen blade he stole from the depths of hell. "This should prove to be very interesting..."
The others looked up as Aragorn walked back into camp with a rather distant look in his eyes.
"What happened?" Pippin whispered, almost afraid of the answer.
Aragorn did not act as though he had even heard Pippin. He merely sat down under a tree on the far side of the clearing.
Gandalf stood up and walked off into the direction Aragorn had came.
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OK, sorry for shortness and lameness. It's late and it's been forever since I updated. There's gonna be some blood in the next chapter... Lot's of blood. Great... I'm awful at battle scenes but I'll try my best. Besides, I like blood... And angst. God bless angst! Angst is good, all the time, all the time angst is good! Please review. Thanks for reading! And for not killing me for not updating in forever!