Hi all!
I´m so sorry for the slow update!! These are the busiest weeks of the year for me and sometimes I cannot even think of writing for days (Yikes!!)
But things will ease up now - two more very busy weeks, but by the end of June I´ll have MUCH time on my hands and there will be many updates!!
Anyway, here´s the new chapter.
Sandra, I´ve tried to send it to you but got failure messages back - maybe you could just send me a mail?? Thanks again for your help!!
San, thank you for jumping to my aid and editing for me.
All my reviewers - thank you!! You are so great. Please hang in there with me until the updates come faster again. Your responses are below, as always.
Thank you all for reading and enjoy!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
The path is set
The air itself seemed to tense in the lofty room. Elrohir bit back the fears he had been about to voice when he took in Legolas´ wide eyes. Instead, he smiled bravely at his friend and quickly passed over to the bed to give the prince´s shoulder a gentle squeeze. Answering to the questioning look the injured elf gave him, he said quietly: "We have not had any visitors in a while, my friend, and we were not expecting any. Do not worry."
"Aye", Elrond said, only his eyes betraying the anxiety he felt, "and it would be most unwise not to welcome those who approach us in these times. Elrohir, Glorfindel, if you would follow me. Calen, see to it that my other sons do not challenge the prince´s fragile health in their happiness about his recovery." With one more warm look at Legolas, Elrond turned and left in a measured pace that perfectly matched his calm demeanour.
Once the door was securely locked behind them, the three elves hastened down the hall. By now they could hear excited whinnies carried across to them through the many open windows of the Last Homely House, and abruptly, some of the tension left Elrond´s posture. He never slowed his strides though, as he made his way into the yard. Several elves had gathered behind the closed gate, weapons in hand, and their gazes immediately turned to the elf lord when he hurried down the stairs.
"Open the gate", he swiftly ordered, "It seems that old friends have returned. Be prepared for a fight, though, in case they are not alone." Wordlessly, one of the warriors handed Elrond his sword and stepped back, allowing the elf lord to position himself directly in the line of whoever was about to enter.
Aragorn sat on Legolas bed, his relief about his friend´s awakening almost eliminating the touch of fear that overshadowed his heart. He exchanged a quick look with Elladan who was seated opposite him, one of his hands securely locked in Legolas´. The young price had refused to let go of the elder twin ever since the truth of his survival had begun to sink in, and Elrond´s oldest son gladly returned the gesture. He was content to let Aragorn keep up a light string of friendly chatter, and only their silent looks spoke of their worries. The sounds of hooves pawing the ground drifted in on the chilly breeze, and beneath it gleamed the threatening hiss of swords being drawn.
Legolas slowly drank in the feelings that told him he was finally safe. The soothing smell of athelas in the air, the gentle touch of soft bedding beneath him and most of all the presence of his friends at his sides seemed like a dream too good to be believed. And then there was the silence, the blessed absence of the evil that had threatened to devour his mind and soul. He was still dazed and immensely tired now that the joy that had overwhelmed him abated, leaving behind a warm happiness that threatened to lull him back to sleep. At the very boundaries of his awareness, a distant edge of tension nudged him, but it was so far away compared to the horrors that had haunted him that it was as easily ignored as the dull throbbing in his leg.
Aragorn´s words washed over Legolas, reassuring him with their sound rather than the contents that escaped his sore mind. The hand that gripped Elladan´s, making sure that the twin was more than the ghost he had feared him to be, slowly lost its grip as he slipped off into sleep again. The sounds of Lord Elrond´s authoritarian voice from far off hardly reached him. He had almost cut his bond with the waking world when suddenly a wild neigh pulled him back with a vengeance. Completely unbidden, the vision of one of his knives sinking into his faithful stallion's neck flooded the peaceful darkness and his eyes snapped open, a gasp escaping his lips.
Aragorn started when Legolas bolted upright as if scared by a sudden attack. He quickly wrapped his arm around his friend to steady him and keep him from any more harsh movements. Only a heartbeat ago he had been sure that Legolas was falling into a healing sleep and had been careful to avoid anything that could have disturbed the exhausted elf. He shot his elven brother a concerned look, but to his surprise he found a smile on Elladan´s face. "Listen, my friend", the dark twin whispered to Legolas, "he is very much alive. He saved you as you saved him. There are indeed more friends than I who will not leave you as easily as you may think. Do not be alarmed." Very slowly, the horror drained from the wounded elf´s face to be replaced by a tentative smile.
In the yard, the gate was pulled open. Elrohir stood at his father´s side, a borrowed bow ready in his hands even though he too, had now identified the animals that had finally come home. Still, his senses told him there was also a threat near, and he kept his eyes fixed on the gap that slowly appeared between the two sturdy wooden doors. Within heartbeats the gap was wide enough to admit two sweat covered horses. Both Elrond´s steed and Faun had foam on their heaving flanks and their breaths came in deep, short gasps. Even so, they thundered into the yard in a burst of renewed energy as soon as the gate had opened enough to let them through. While Faun made his way directly across the yard, never stopping, Elrond´s horse swirled around on his hind legs and bared his teeth in threat at the open space in front of the gates. A space that was no longer empty.
Before he even knew it, Elrohir let an arrow fly at the ghostly stag that had broken through the bushes beside the road, no doubt following the horses´ tracks. The arrow flew true and sent the deer to its bony knees, forcing the skeleton wolf behind it to jump across the convulsing body. Completely repulsed by the sight, Elrohir made a dash for the gate, barely registering that the other elves were already pushing it closed again. In the run he let another arrow fly and once again found his mark, even though not as precisely as he would have liked, throwing the wolf off balance without killing it. The younger twin´s hand went for his knife; his eyes trained on the unnatural sight before him, when a strong hand gripped his arm and spun him around before he had reached the gate.
Panting in anger, Elrohir found himself face to face with Glorfindel. "Far!" Enough!The single word immediately sobered the younger elf and he dropped the hand with the knife from its half-raised position. He heard the gates slam closed right behind him, and he drew in a deep breath to fight the sudden feeling of being trapped again, the enemy untouched in front of his doorstep. "Far" Enough, Glorfindel repeated, more quietly now, his eyes carrying an anger that easily matched that of his former student, " em tortham gorf-cin lhagr." We will need your strength soon.His words held the promise of a battle to be fought, and somehow that thought eased Elrhoir´s frustration.
The younger twin found his attention drawn by a sharp neigh and he saw Faun prancing beneath the window of Legolas´ room. Despite the situation and the intense feelings that had just washed through him, the young elf could not suppress a low chuckle at the sight. Several elves tried to approach the trembling horse but none got close. The stallion bared his teeth and flattened his ears at them in a display of his usual temper. Elrohir could still see the wounds that Legolas´ knives had caused, but they seemed closed over. There were also a number of fresh cuts and scratches marring the light fur, some caused by low branches but others obvious marks of claws that had brushed the horse´s stomach and flanks without inflicting enough damage to bring the stallion down.
"Leave him be." Lord Elrond turned from the examination of his own steed and his words confirmed his son´s assessment when he continued: "He is in no danger from his injuries. Someone please fetch some fodder and water and place it here. That stubborn beast will remain where he is unless we use force on him, and there is no reason for that. Let him be." Slowly, the other elves left to go about their business again, and Elrond turned to Elrohir and Glorfindel. "We have decisions to make", he said gravely, "and preparations to begin. We will meet in the study once I have made sure Legolas is well."
"We will ride tomorrow." There was no hint of hesitation in Elrond´s voice and the gaze that he brushed past his sons and oldest friend was unwavering. They sat in the study once more, and the memory of the tensions that had raged here earlier still hung heavily in the air, but none disagreed with the elf lord´s decision. Elrond turned his sharp eyes on his human son. "We need to seek out the place where this madness was born. Will you be able to lead as to the accursed lake?"
Aragorn nodded solemnly. He held little enthusiasm to return to that dreadful place, but he agreed that their chances to overcome this demon were best once they knew more about it, and it was painfully clear that they would find no new wisdom in the safety of Imladris. "What about Legolas?" Elladan threw in, "his words, the presence of Legolas of Gondolin within him..." Elrond held up a hand to stop the stream of questions that was sure to follow.
"I see no danger for the prince at the moment, not as long as he remains here. I too, am intrigued by what has happened to him, but as for now we should see this as a blessing and leave the mystery to be solved later. It seems that the presence of the ancient elf is not known to our friend, yet it clearly speeds his recovery. That is all we need to know now." Aragorn could see the look that passed between his father and Glorfindel. There was no fire there ready to flare, but an intense bond of knowledge that left him feeling closed out. The human shifted uncomfortably yet kept his silence.
Elrond rose from the chair by the fireplace that he had occupied and moved to stand by the window, a darker mirror image of Glorfindel´s earlier pose. He allowed his look to travel over the buildings below the window and the valley beyond. In the distance the Misty Mountains loomed. "The evil mountain." He repeated Legolas´ words musingly. "We have long known that Caradhras bears no love for the elves or the forces of good, but how could the mountain have helped the vampire survive the ages?"
Thoughtful silence spread around them, each pondering the question. Aragorn had already thought on this while still in Legolas´ room, holding his friend as he finally drifted off to sleep after Faun´s return. It had taken all his powers of persuasion and Calen´s healer´s threats to keep the exhausted prince from attempting to get up and at least pass to the window to reassure himself that his horse was indeed alive. The shadow of a smile graced the human´s worried face at the memory of the discussion with Legolas, underlined as it had been by the sounds of Faun´s own stubbornness only a few paces away. His heart rejoiced at the thought that rider and mount would soon be reunited. It would help the recovery of both.
Aragorn´s thoughts turned to Caradhras. He had often travelled in its shadow. Even though that particular mountain had never left him quite at ease, he still struggled with the elven concept that it had a soul and mind of its own; that it were not only the breathing creatures of Middle Earth that chose a side in the dawning battle of ancient forces. It was true that the Bruinen had always filled his heart with joy, and as a child he had readily accepted the river as a friend. As time had passed however, his belief in the soul of nature had changed. He had learned to read the forest floors, interpret the smells on the wind, and although his growing ranger skills had never taken away his fascination with the world around him, they had challenged some of the elven views he had been taught.
It was the human who finally broke the silence. "Maybe he meant to say that whoever aided the demon has a connection to the mountain." Aragorn felt the elves´ eyes on him in anticipation of his thoughts and continued. "We know that the mountains hold caves and hidden valleys beyond count. It would be possible for evil forces, be they of human, demonic or any other nature, to hide there almost undisturbed. It could even be that the vampire lay dormant there and somehow travelled from the mountain after awakening to seek his prey in the meadows and forests."
Elrond did not turn from the window. He clear eyes were fixed on something in the distance. "That may well be true, my son. And yet, my heart grows dark when I seek out Caradhras´ peak. I can feel evil thoughts spread from it, its stony bones crunching as if it stretches after its long sleep. It prepares to finally work for its master again. All around us old servants awake. That mountain will throw dark shadows over the future." Aragorn felt a growing impatience at the cryptic words, and the total lack of doubt on the elven faces around him did nothing to soothe his temper.
"What do you suggest then?" he asked more heatedly than he had meant to, "that we ask the Bruinen to come along to even the odds?" The young ranger was surprised by the chuckles that his words drew from the elves around him. "Aye, that would certainly strengthen our forces," Elrond said with a smile, finally abandoning the window to face his human son. Aragorn could feel angry fire flash within him, and his father held up a hand in a gesture of peace. "Sidh, ion-nin.Peace, my sonWe did not mean to ridicule your suggestion. Your view is appreciated by us all, as you know, especially because you do not always share our perception of the world. Your council may well prove the spark that brings to life a light that leads us out of darkness. Yet, we do not know enough to decide whose view shall prevail."
"How will we proceed, then?" Elladan asked. "From the look of the horses, they barely made it through the fell creatures that now inhabit our valley." Angry poison dripped from his last words, half-heartedly restrained, and Elrohir silently placed a hand on his brother´s arm while Elladan continued. "They seem to have made it by speed only, outrunning their foes. We should not trust on that method to work for us, too. I vouch for taking as many warriors as are willing to follow and leave small groups to make short work of these monsters wherever they attack us while we rush on."
"I second that idea", Glorfindel´s calm voice rang out. Aragorn looked up in surprise. He did not consider his brother's suggestion to carry any fault, but it was unusual for the Balrog Slayer to support an idea so willingly when others might still be voiced. Elrond, however, seemed to have expected his friend's reaction, for his face held no surprise. "I see the wisdom in your plan", he said, eyes trained on his oldest son, "yet that would leave Imladris´ defences greatly reduced. We must consider the possibility that we may fail, and in that case any warrior left here will raise our home´s chances to survive until help arrives."
Glorfindel rose now, too. "Our choices are limited, as you know." He stepped closer until he directly faced his friend. For a moment Aragorn feared a storm to break between the two mighty lords, but then he realized the pained understanding that passed between them. "Our choices are limited indeed," Elrond agreed almost sadly, "and I will do as I must. The power that has been bestowed on me was meant to protect this valley, and it is no less that I will do. Henio, mellon-nin. Estel-nin di glow-cin belda, ná men tanc." Understand, my friend. My trust in your wisdom is strong but the path is set.He reached out a hand and placed in on Glorfindel´s shoulder. "Will you follow me down this road?"
The Balrog slayer stood still for a moment, his eyes searching his friend´s, before he slowly raised his own hand and returned the gesture of friendship. "Aye, gwador,bother, I will, and I pray that it will indeed lead us out of the darkness."
Aragorn sat by Legolas´ bed, his head in his hands. He had returned to his friend's side after he had packed his supplies for the ride and readied Gwaef, telling him about their plans. Night had descended on Imladris and he felt a strange foreboding that things would never be the same, even in the case of victory. He cherished the quiet in Legolas´ room and the soothing smell of athelas that continued to gently encompass him. He tiredly took in the wounded elf´s pale face, his closed eyes. It felt wrong to leave Legolas alone while he was still weak and in dire need of friends, yet that could not be helped.
The prince had awoken again in the late afternoon and Elrond had gently questioned him in an attempt to find out as much as he could about their foe. Aragorn had stayed by Legolas´ side, silently shuddering at the horrors his friend had experienced. He had never strayed from the wounded elf´s side, but he had been careful to stay where Legolas could not see his face, knowing it would display all the fear and pity he felt. They had not yet told Legolas that they would leave, and he dreaded the moment when they would. He was more than aware that Legolas would object to anybody going near the lake that had almost devoured him. Still, Aragorn was intent on not leaving his friend with a lie on his lips. He knew he would bitterly regret doing so, no matter how painful the truth could be.
A low glow captured Aragorn´s attention. Silently, the ranger rose and moved to the window to gaze outside. A gentle blue light emanated from somewhere behind the main building and the ranger could well guess that Elrond would stand on the graceful bridge that had been his wife's favourite place in Imladris. Aragorn felt a warm breath brush past him as the glow intensified and a soft wind rose, spreading past the walls to engulf the trees, rocks, bushes beyond. The leaves whispered in response. Beneath the window, Faun had stood resting but now stirred. The stallion turned his head fully into the protective breeze as if savouring its presence. His grey coat gleamed blue when the light caressed it. A sigh broke from the tortured valley, relief travelling with the wind that eased the pains of beast and plant.
Aragorn leaned onto the sill to expose himself to the tender light more fully, and as he did, he saw a lone figure standing silently on the sturdy wall that encircled the houses. The long blond hair swayed lightly in the wind, and the blue light seemed to gather around the lean form, making it shimmer as if it was the source of the brightness. Very slowly, Glorfindel raised his hands and the glow intensified even more, swirling about the ancient elf in lazy curls like water of a stream, touching upon his open palms.
A softly as it had come, the breeze settled down again. The light faded into the night until only the milky moon-rays were left, their strength broken by the clouds that drifted past the shining orb. Aragorn took a deep breath. As long as he had dwelled in Imladris, he had never experienced Vilya being called to life like this, the ring's powerful presence usually enough to protect the Last Homely House. Having felt the ring´s soul touch him, left him strangely refreshed yet also frightened. If it took its mighty power to clear their path, what would it take to defeat their foe?
On the wall, Glorfindel remained standing, gazing out into the night. His head slightly tipped to the side, the Balrog slayer kept his silent vigil as the night drifted past him, never moving even long after Aragorn had settled into a fitful sleep beside Legolas´ bed.
TBC
Sorry, evil cliffies had to wait a little :)
Review responses:
Orangeblossom04: I try to hurry, I really do - but I cannot make promises for the next two weeks - except for the promise that I WILL update. Thanks for your comment :)
Beling: Yes, he does get some rest - but soon he won´t WANT to rest anymore
Tychen: Hey, I hope you enjoy your holiday! And yes, Aragorn would do anything to protect Legolas (both of them)...
Alexa: Hehehe, what "frown"?? I´m not telling LOL There is quite a bit to come!
Amy: You squeeled? Too bad I didn´t hear that ;-) I´m happy that you are enjoying the plot. It will actually go past this story and into at least one more. I hope my late update was not too hard on your nails - I´ll try to do better, but work can be a hassle.
Alariel: hey, no sweat about missing a review - even though I sort of missed it. I love your guesses! You may be missing some connection because not all of them are "canon" in the way that you can find them somewhere. I love taking Tolkien´s "hints" here and there and then twisting them around a bit. :)
Gozilla: As soon as I can I will - this story is at my heels all the time...
Red Tigress: No horsey horror (not on the way you may have expected) but that does not mean that their return will only serve things to get better - Faun and Legolas are reunited, at least, and that should make us all happy - or not?
NightShadow131: Thanks!! Yes, Legolas is back in the game, even though still a bit (OK, more than a bit) hampered by his leg...
Deana: Hehehe, I would NEVER forget to comment on your review, fellow-torturer. Maybe you forgot because you were thinking of new ways to hurt out poor elf?? And yes, Legolas was very relieved, but that does not mean he´s hurt that song for the last time. (I can be a bit evil, too, you know.)
Someone Reading: You are confused?! Well, so are they all - it is sure that Legolas of Mirwood and Legolas of Gondolin currently reside in one body and that "union" happened when Legolas was in the lake... Does that help at all? LOL I´m happy that you like Glorfindel and Elrond - I have a whole lot of respect for them and try my best to get them "right". I know what you mean about mysteries - and you´ll have to wait a bit for all the ones here to be solves. Bear with me.
Estel Elven Enchantress: Hehehe, who says that the demon WANTED Legolas1 and Legolas2 to "merge"? That was certainly not part of the plan - I don´t want to say too much, but think of what you know: Legolas was "alone" before he fell into the lake the scratches on his arm look most unusual - and seem to be the place where the other Legolas can be "sensed" Legolas of Gondolin is NOT a negative entity and was killed by the vampire - the demon did not "put" him into "our" Legolas on purpose. Does that help?? Hang in there :)
BIG HUG to all of you. Please keep up the reviews!!
I´m so sorry for the slow update!! These are the busiest weeks of the year for me and sometimes I cannot even think of writing for days (Yikes!!)
But things will ease up now - two more very busy weeks, but by the end of June I´ll have MUCH time on my hands and there will be many updates!!
Anyway, here´s the new chapter.
Sandra, I´ve tried to send it to you but got failure messages back - maybe you could just send me a mail?? Thanks again for your help!!
San, thank you for jumping to my aid and editing for me.
All my reviewers - thank you!! You are so great. Please hang in there with me until the updates come faster again. Your responses are below, as always.
Thank you all for reading and enjoy!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
The path is set
The air itself seemed to tense in the lofty room. Elrohir bit back the fears he had been about to voice when he took in Legolas´ wide eyes. Instead, he smiled bravely at his friend and quickly passed over to the bed to give the prince´s shoulder a gentle squeeze. Answering to the questioning look the injured elf gave him, he said quietly: "We have not had any visitors in a while, my friend, and we were not expecting any. Do not worry."
"Aye", Elrond said, only his eyes betraying the anxiety he felt, "and it would be most unwise not to welcome those who approach us in these times. Elrohir, Glorfindel, if you would follow me. Calen, see to it that my other sons do not challenge the prince´s fragile health in their happiness about his recovery." With one more warm look at Legolas, Elrond turned and left in a measured pace that perfectly matched his calm demeanour.
Once the door was securely locked behind them, the three elves hastened down the hall. By now they could hear excited whinnies carried across to them through the many open windows of the Last Homely House, and abruptly, some of the tension left Elrond´s posture. He never slowed his strides though, as he made his way into the yard. Several elves had gathered behind the closed gate, weapons in hand, and their gazes immediately turned to the elf lord when he hurried down the stairs.
"Open the gate", he swiftly ordered, "It seems that old friends have returned. Be prepared for a fight, though, in case they are not alone." Wordlessly, one of the warriors handed Elrond his sword and stepped back, allowing the elf lord to position himself directly in the line of whoever was about to enter.
Aragorn sat on Legolas bed, his relief about his friend´s awakening almost eliminating the touch of fear that overshadowed his heart. He exchanged a quick look with Elladan who was seated opposite him, one of his hands securely locked in Legolas´. The young price had refused to let go of the elder twin ever since the truth of his survival had begun to sink in, and Elrond´s oldest son gladly returned the gesture. He was content to let Aragorn keep up a light string of friendly chatter, and only their silent looks spoke of their worries. The sounds of hooves pawing the ground drifted in on the chilly breeze, and beneath it gleamed the threatening hiss of swords being drawn.
Legolas slowly drank in the feelings that told him he was finally safe. The soothing smell of athelas in the air, the gentle touch of soft bedding beneath him and most of all the presence of his friends at his sides seemed like a dream too good to be believed. And then there was the silence, the blessed absence of the evil that had threatened to devour his mind and soul. He was still dazed and immensely tired now that the joy that had overwhelmed him abated, leaving behind a warm happiness that threatened to lull him back to sleep. At the very boundaries of his awareness, a distant edge of tension nudged him, but it was so far away compared to the horrors that had haunted him that it was as easily ignored as the dull throbbing in his leg.
Aragorn´s words washed over Legolas, reassuring him with their sound rather than the contents that escaped his sore mind. The hand that gripped Elladan´s, making sure that the twin was more than the ghost he had feared him to be, slowly lost its grip as he slipped off into sleep again. The sounds of Lord Elrond´s authoritarian voice from far off hardly reached him. He had almost cut his bond with the waking world when suddenly a wild neigh pulled him back with a vengeance. Completely unbidden, the vision of one of his knives sinking into his faithful stallion's neck flooded the peaceful darkness and his eyes snapped open, a gasp escaping his lips.
Aragorn started when Legolas bolted upright as if scared by a sudden attack. He quickly wrapped his arm around his friend to steady him and keep him from any more harsh movements. Only a heartbeat ago he had been sure that Legolas was falling into a healing sleep and had been careful to avoid anything that could have disturbed the exhausted elf. He shot his elven brother a concerned look, but to his surprise he found a smile on Elladan´s face. "Listen, my friend", the dark twin whispered to Legolas, "he is very much alive. He saved you as you saved him. There are indeed more friends than I who will not leave you as easily as you may think. Do not be alarmed." Very slowly, the horror drained from the wounded elf´s face to be replaced by a tentative smile.
In the yard, the gate was pulled open. Elrohir stood at his father´s side, a borrowed bow ready in his hands even though he too, had now identified the animals that had finally come home. Still, his senses told him there was also a threat near, and he kept his eyes fixed on the gap that slowly appeared between the two sturdy wooden doors. Within heartbeats the gap was wide enough to admit two sweat covered horses. Both Elrond´s steed and Faun had foam on their heaving flanks and their breaths came in deep, short gasps. Even so, they thundered into the yard in a burst of renewed energy as soon as the gate had opened enough to let them through. While Faun made his way directly across the yard, never stopping, Elrond´s horse swirled around on his hind legs and bared his teeth in threat at the open space in front of the gates. A space that was no longer empty.
Before he even knew it, Elrohir let an arrow fly at the ghostly stag that had broken through the bushes beside the road, no doubt following the horses´ tracks. The arrow flew true and sent the deer to its bony knees, forcing the skeleton wolf behind it to jump across the convulsing body. Completely repulsed by the sight, Elrohir made a dash for the gate, barely registering that the other elves were already pushing it closed again. In the run he let another arrow fly and once again found his mark, even though not as precisely as he would have liked, throwing the wolf off balance without killing it. The younger twin´s hand went for his knife; his eyes trained on the unnatural sight before him, when a strong hand gripped his arm and spun him around before he had reached the gate.
Panting in anger, Elrohir found himself face to face with Glorfindel. "Far!" Enough!The single word immediately sobered the younger elf and he dropped the hand with the knife from its half-raised position. He heard the gates slam closed right behind him, and he drew in a deep breath to fight the sudden feeling of being trapped again, the enemy untouched in front of his doorstep. "Far" Enough, Glorfindel repeated, more quietly now, his eyes carrying an anger that easily matched that of his former student, " em tortham gorf-cin lhagr." We will need your strength soon.His words held the promise of a battle to be fought, and somehow that thought eased Elrhoir´s frustration.
The younger twin found his attention drawn by a sharp neigh and he saw Faun prancing beneath the window of Legolas´ room. Despite the situation and the intense feelings that had just washed through him, the young elf could not suppress a low chuckle at the sight. Several elves tried to approach the trembling horse but none got close. The stallion bared his teeth and flattened his ears at them in a display of his usual temper. Elrohir could still see the wounds that Legolas´ knives had caused, but they seemed closed over. There were also a number of fresh cuts and scratches marring the light fur, some caused by low branches but others obvious marks of claws that had brushed the horse´s stomach and flanks without inflicting enough damage to bring the stallion down.
"Leave him be." Lord Elrond turned from the examination of his own steed and his words confirmed his son´s assessment when he continued: "He is in no danger from his injuries. Someone please fetch some fodder and water and place it here. That stubborn beast will remain where he is unless we use force on him, and there is no reason for that. Let him be." Slowly, the other elves left to go about their business again, and Elrond turned to Elrohir and Glorfindel. "We have decisions to make", he said gravely, "and preparations to begin. We will meet in the study once I have made sure Legolas is well."
"We will ride tomorrow." There was no hint of hesitation in Elrond´s voice and the gaze that he brushed past his sons and oldest friend was unwavering. They sat in the study once more, and the memory of the tensions that had raged here earlier still hung heavily in the air, but none disagreed with the elf lord´s decision. Elrond turned his sharp eyes on his human son. "We need to seek out the place where this madness was born. Will you be able to lead as to the accursed lake?"
Aragorn nodded solemnly. He held little enthusiasm to return to that dreadful place, but he agreed that their chances to overcome this demon were best once they knew more about it, and it was painfully clear that they would find no new wisdom in the safety of Imladris. "What about Legolas?" Elladan threw in, "his words, the presence of Legolas of Gondolin within him..." Elrond held up a hand to stop the stream of questions that was sure to follow.
"I see no danger for the prince at the moment, not as long as he remains here. I too, am intrigued by what has happened to him, but as for now we should see this as a blessing and leave the mystery to be solved later. It seems that the presence of the ancient elf is not known to our friend, yet it clearly speeds his recovery. That is all we need to know now." Aragorn could see the look that passed between his father and Glorfindel. There was no fire there ready to flare, but an intense bond of knowledge that left him feeling closed out. The human shifted uncomfortably yet kept his silence.
Elrond rose from the chair by the fireplace that he had occupied and moved to stand by the window, a darker mirror image of Glorfindel´s earlier pose. He allowed his look to travel over the buildings below the window and the valley beyond. In the distance the Misty Mountains loomed. "The evil mountain." He repeated Legolas´ words musingly. "We have long known that Caradhras bears no love for the elves or the forces of good, but how could the mountain have helped the vampire survive the ages?"
Thoughtful silence spread around them, each pondering the question. Aragorn had already thought on this while still in Legolas´ room, holding his friend as he finally drifted off to sleep after Faun´s return. It had taken all his powers of persuasion and Calen´s healer´s threats to keep the exhausted prince from attempting to get up and at least pass to the window to reassure himself that his horse was indeed alive. The shadow of a smile graced the human´s worried face at the memory of the discussion with Legolas, underlined as it had been by the sounds of Faun´s own stubbornness only a few paces away. His heart rejoiced at the thought that rider and mount would soon be reunited. It would help the recovery of both.
Aragorn´s thoughts turned to Caradhras. He had often travelled in its shadow. Even though that particular mountain had never left him quite at ease, he still struggled with the elven concept that it had a soul and mind of its own; that it were not only the breathing creatures of Middle Earth that chose a side in the dawning battle of ancient forces. It was true that the Bruinen had always filled his heart with joy, and as a child he had readily accepted the river as a friend. As time had passed however, his belief in the soul of nature had changed. He had learned to read the forest floors, interpret the smells on the wind, and although his growing ranger skills had never taken away his fascination with the world around him, they had challenged some of the elven views he had been taught.
It was the human who finally broke the silence. "Maybe he meant to say that whoever aided the demon has a connection to the mountain." Aragorn felt the elves´ eyes on him in anticipation of his thoughts and continued. "We know that the mountains hold caves and hidden valleys beyond count. It would be possible for evil forces, be they of human, demonic or any other nature, to hide there almost undisturbed. It could even be that the vampire lay dormant there and somehow travelled from the mountain after awakening to seek his prey in the meadows and forests."
Elrond did not turn from the window. He clear eyes were fixed on something in the distance. "That may well be true, my son. And yet, my heart grows dark when I seek out Caradhras´ peak. I can feel evil thoughts spread from it, its stony bones crunching as if it stretches after its long sleep. It prepares to finally work for its master again. All around us old servants awake. That mountain will throw dark shadows over the future." Aragorn felt a growing impatience at the cryptic words, and the total lack of doubt on the elven faces around him did nothing to soothe his temper.
"What do you suggest then?" he asked more heatedly than he had meant to, "that we ask the Bruinen to come along to even the odds?" The young ranger was surprised by the chuckles that his words drew from the elves around him. "Aye, that would certainly strengthen our forces," Elrond said with a smile, finally abandoning the window to face his human son. Aragorn could feel angry fire flash within him, and his father held up a hand in a gesture of peace. "Sidh, ion-nin.Peace, my sonWe did not mean to ridicule your suggestion. Your view is appreciated by us all, as you know, especially because you do not always share our perception of the world. Your council may well prove the spark that brings to life a light that leads us out of darkness. Yet, we do not know enough to decide whose view shall prevail."
"How will we proceed, then?" Elladan asked. "From the look of the horses, they barely made it through the fell creatures that now inhabit our valley." Angry poison dripped from his last words, half-heartedly restrained, and Elrohir silently placed a hand on his brother´s arm while Elladan continued. "They seem to have made it by speed only, outrunning their foes. We should not trust on that method to work for us, too. I vouch for taking as many warriors as are willing to follow and leave small groups to make short work of these monsters wherever they attack us while we rush on."
"I second that idea", Glorfindel´s calm voice rang out. Aragorn looked up in surprise. He did not consider his brother's suggestion to carry any fault, but it was unusual for the Balrog Slayer to support an idea so willingly when others might still be voiced. Elrond, however, seemed to have expected his friend's reaction, for his face held no surprise. "I see the wisdom in your plan", he said, eyes trained on his oldest son, "yet that would leave Imladris´ defences greatly reduced. We must consider the possibility that we may fail, and in that case any warrior left here will raise our home´s chances to survive until help arrives."
Glorfindel rose now, too. "Our choices are limited, as you know." He stepped closer until he directly faced his friend. For a moment Aragorn feared a storm to break between the two mighty lords, but then he realized the pained understanding that passed between them. "Our choices are limited indeed," Elrond agreed almost sadly, "and I will do as I must. The power that has been bestowed on me was meant to protect this valley, and it is no less that I will do. Henio, mellon-nin. Estel-nin di glow-cin belda, ná men tanc." Understand, my friend. My trust in your wisdom is strong but the path is set.He reached out a hand and placed in on Glorfindel´s shoulder. "Will you follow me down this road?"
The Balrog slayer stood still for a moment, his eyes searching his friend´s, before he slowly raised his own hand and returned the gesture of friendship. "Aye, gwador,bother, I will, and I pray that it will indeed lead us out of the darkness."
Aragorn sat by Legolas´ bed, his head in his hands. He had returned to his friend's side after he had packed his supplies for the ride and readied Gwaef, telling him about their plans. Night had descended on Imladris and he felt a strange foreboding that things would never be the same, even in the case of victory. He cherished the quiet in Legolas´ room and the soothing smell of athelas that continued to gently encompass him. He tiredly took in the wounded elf´s pale face, his closed eyes. It felt wrong to leave Legolas alone while he was still weak and in dire need of friends, yet that could not be helped.
The prince had awoken again in the late afternoon and Elrond had gently questioned him in an attempt to find out as much as he could about their foe. Aragorn had stayed by Legolas´ side, silently shuddering at the horrors his friend had experienced. He had never strayed from the wounded elf´s side, but he had been careful to stay where Legolas could not see his face, knowing it would display all the fear and pity he felt. They had not yet told Legolas that they would leave, and he dreaded the moment when they would. He was more than aware that Legolas would object to anybody going near the lake that had almost devoured him. Still, Aragorn was intent on not leaving his friend with a lie on his lips. He knew he would bitterly regret doing so, no matter how painful the truth could be.
A low glow captured Aragorn´s attention. Silently, the ranger rose and moved to the window to gaze outside. A gentle blue light emanated from somewhere behind the main building and the ranger could well guess that Elrond would stand on the graceful bridge that had been his wife's favourite place in Imladris. Aragorn felt a warm breath brush past him as the glow intensified and a soft wind rose, spreading past the walls to engulf the trees, rocks, bushes beyond. The leaves whispered in response. Beneath the window, Faun had stood resting but now stirred. The stallion turned his head fully into the protective breeze as if savouring its presence. His grey coat gleamed blue when the light caressed it. A sigh broke from the tortured valley, relief travelling with the wind that eased the pains of beast and plant.
Aragorn leaned onto the sill to expose himself to the tender light more fully, and as he did, he saw a lone figure standing silently on the sturdy wall that encircled the houses. The long blond hair swayed lightly in the wind, and the blue light seemed to gather around the lean form, making it shimmer as if it was the source of the brightness. Very slowly, Glorfindel raised his hands and the glow intensified even more, swirling about the ancient elf in lazy curls like water of a stream, touching upon his open palms.
A softly as it had come, the breeze settled down again. The light faded into the night until only the milky moon-rays were left, their strength broken by the clouds that drifted past the shining orb. Aragorn took a deep breath. As long as he had dwelled in Imladris, he had never experienced Vilya being called to life like this, the ring's powerful presence usually enough to protect the Last Homely House. Having felt the ring´s soul touch him, left him strangely refreshed yet also frightened. If it took its mighty power to clear their path, what would it take to defeat their foe?
On the wall, Glorfindel remained standing, gazing out into the night. His head slightly tipped to the side, the Balrog slayer kept his silent vigil as the night drifted past him, never moving even long after Aragorn had settled into a fitful sleep beside Legolas´ bed.
TBC
Sorry, evil cliffies had to wait a little :)
Review responses:
Orangeblossom04: I try to hurry, I really do - but I cannot make promises for the next two weeks - except for the promise that I WILL update. Thanks for your comment :)
Beling: Yes, he does get some rest - but soon he won´t WANT to rest anymore
Tychen: Hey, I hope you enjoy your holiday! And yes, Aragorn would do anything to protect Legolas (both of them)...
Alexa: Hehehe, what "frown"?? I´m not telling LOL There is quite a bit to come!
Amy: You squeeled? Too bad I didn´t hear that ;-) I´m happy that you are enjoying the plot. It will actually go past this story and into at least one more. I hope my late update was not too hard on your nails - I´ll try to do better, but work can be a hassle.
Alariel: hey, no sweat about missing a review - even though I sort of missed it. I love your guesses! You may be missing some connection because not all of them are "canon" in the way that you can find them somewhere. I love taking Tolkien´s "hints" here and there and then twisting them around a bit. :)
Gozilla: As soon as I can I will - this story is at my heels all the time...
Red Tigress: No horsey horror (not on the way you may have expected) but that does not mean that their return will only serve things to get better - Faun and Legolas are reunited, at least, and that should make us all happy - or not?
NightShadow131: Thanks!! Yes, Legolas is back in the game, even though still a bit (OK, more than a bit) hampered by his leg...
Deana: Hehehe, I would NEVER forget to comment on your review, fellow-torturer. Maybe you forgot because you were thinking of new ways to hurt out poor elf?? And yes, Legolas was very relieved, but that does not mean he´s hurt that song for the last time. (I can be a bit evil, too, you know.)
Someone Reading: You are confused?! Well, so are they all - it is sure that Legolas of Mirwood and Legolas of Gondolin currently reside in one body and that "union" happened when Legolas was in the lake... Does that help at all? LOL I´m happy that you like Glorfindel and Elrond - I have a whole lot of respect for them and try my best to get them "right". I know what you mean about mysteries - and you´ll have to wait a bit for all the ones here to be solves. Bear with me.
Estel Elven Enchantress: Hehehe, who says that the demon WANTED Legolas1 and Legolas2 to "merge"? That was certainly not part of the plan - I don´t want to say too much, but think of what you know: Legolas was "alone" before he fell into the lake the scratches on his arm look most unusual - and seem to be the place where the other Legolas can be "sensed" Legolas of Gondolin is NOT a negative entity and was killed by the vampire - the demon did not "put" him into "our" Legolas on purpose. Does that help?? Hang in there :)
BIG HUG to all of you. Please keep up the reviews!!