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CHAPTER TWO
The Increasing Peril
Aragorn walked with Ancú to the stable but not before they both made a quick stop to the healing quarters and nabbed the needed supplies. Aragorn felt sick. He did not know what was going on, only that his family was in trouble. Ancú was not aware of anything really wrong and so he was not worried, except maybe over the human's anxiety.
When the pair reached the barn, Glorfindel was already there by his horse, stroking its mane and rubbing its ears. The creature tossed its head and snorted as the Gondolin Elf found one of the horse's favorite spots to be scratched. Elrohir was standing near Asfaloth and he was stroking the animal's long neck. Elladan was sitting on a barrel and singing softly to himself.
When they saw Ancú and Aragorn walk in, they all looked in the pair's direction, all but Elladan, who cupped his chin in his hand and rested his elbows on his knees. He was not even aware that they were there until he heard Elrohir say, "there you are! We have been waiting on you for near thirty minutes! Where have you been? Ancú, how long did it take you to find him?"
Aragorn scowled and said thickly, "I got the supplies, that's what matters!" Elrohir raised a dark brow and then took them from the ranger who all but threw them at the younger twin's head. Elrohir then shrugged and set to unwinding the bandages and putting the herbs in them. Ancú looked at Aragorn with knitted brows and then walked off into a corner. What was the ranger's problem?
He would never understand men. Aragorn usually wasn't like this. What had put the human boy into such a sour mood was beyond him to even guess. Normally Aragorn was happy; the happiest out of all of them and his spirit always seemed to awaken their own. Only that morning he had helped Elladan find his feet and Lord Elrond feel more hopeful, now he was acting like the world was going to fall.
To Aragorn it was like the world was falling. His family was his world and it was seemingly crumbling stone worn by the ocean tide. He did not understand and he was not sure he wanted to. Going to the ladder, the man climbed into the loft and sat on a bale of straw with his chin resting in his right hand and his elbow upon his thigh. Blowing air upward, he let his dark, wavy bangs dance about his forehead. The sun from the loft window felt warm and friendly so the human closed his eyes and decided to rest just for one moment.
He could hear his brothers and Ancú laughing down in the stable below and snorted with irritation. Had they forgotten him? Certainly not. Maybe it was that they just didn't care, but he could not find room in his heart to believe his brothers did not care for him, it was impossible to do. Like learning to love dragons and find them utterly adorable was. However, he knew that something was off balance. Normally they would have called to him. He had a feeling that if they weren't it was for his own well being but it still hurt like a barb in his heart. They could tell him and he would understand or do his best to.
He heard the noise of a stall door opening and Asfaloth's hooves clopping on the floor of the barn as they led him to his booth to rest. He heard Ancú nearly squeal as straw was dumped over his head and tangled in his hair. Aragorn dimly guessed that it was Elrohir that had done that. Glorfindel seemed to be too down that day and Elladan couldn't see to do it.
As the laughter died down and all became quiet Aragorn opened his eyes and peered down the trap door and into the barn that was still. He could hear his own breath and his heart pounding in his chest like it was ready to leap out. As he looked about he saw the dust and chaff from the straw filtering the sunlight as it danced lightly in the air and settled on his head and hands.
Carefully he ascended the ladder and dusted off his clothes. His brothers, Ancú and Glorfindel were gone. Where were they? Then he recalled the conversation he had heard earlier and his blood boiled. They could have told him! It really didn't seem fair. His brothers had never hid things from him before and now it was like everything was a secret.
The ranger watched as sun glistened through the cracks in the boards and warmed him through his clothes. Then, he went and stood by his horse's stall, kicking up clumps of straw and hay with his feet dejectedly. Clouds of golden dust floated in the air and he paid them no heed. As he neared his horse's stall the beast reached its head out and nuzzled the man's wavy hair affectionately. Aragorn smiled lightly and brushed the horse's nose gently with his hand.
Reaching into his pocket, he produced a piece of sugar. "I know I am not supposed to do this," he told the horse, "its sugar from the table, but you won't tell Ada will you?" He rubbed behind the creature's ears and it nickered as it chewed the sweet sugar that melted in its mouth. Aragorn laughed as he saw the horse snake its head out and search his pockets with its velvety nose for more.
Then the ranger happened to look to the stable doors and he saw something that caught his eyes. A gray horse came galloping up the path. Perspiration poured from its coat in a frothy mess and it neighed as it entered the stable. Aragorn took on glance at it and knew it was Legolas' horse, for its bridle and saddle had the leaves and other craft of the Mirkwood Elves on it. Not only that, he thought to himself with a laugh, the creature knows its way about the stable really well. Aragorn gave his own horse one last pat and then took out of the barn at a dead run, nearly stumbling on a water bucket.
He had not seen Legolas in a long time and he wondered how well his friend had recovered since their last little adventure. The man pelted up the path to the Last Homely House, the wind whipping his dark hair back.
()()()()()()()()
Elladan and Elrohir entered their father's study cautiously. They were unsure of what to expect. The last time they had held a talk like this they had heard the news of their mother's capture. Glorfindel and Ancú were with them, so maybe it wouldn't be all that horrible of news, or it could be even worse. Glorfindel snickered and pulled a long piece of straw from Anc's long dark braids; the other Elf frowned and elbowed the Gondolin Elf in the gut. Glorfindel grunted slightly and then put on a straight face as the Lord Elrond raised his head to see them approach.
" Ancú," said the raven-haired Elf-lord gravely; "I want you to go with Glorfindel. He will tell you what to do, and be careful." Ancú opened his mouth to say something, then shut it. He felt it was not his place to question where he was sent; however he would like to know where he was going first.
Glorfindel gripped his shoulder and said, "come, time lightens." Ancú turned and left with the golden-haired Elf -lord.
Elrohir watched in confusion and then he turned to his father, tugging at Elladan's arm. "Ada, why were we summoned?"
Elrond sighed and asked slowly, "do you know what happened to Glorfindel this morning?"
Elrohir said in a confused and impatient voice, "yes. He was attacked by orcs." Elladan nodded as he stood by his brother.
"No," said Elrond in a thick voice. He then fell silent and Elladan was unable to see the look of pain and wonder that crossed his father's ageless and yet time touched features.
"Ada," began the elder twin unsteadily, "then what was he attacked by?" Elrohir looked at his brother and knew that if Elladan had seen their father's look he would not have spoken. But Elladan spoke the question on Elrohir's mind that desperately needed answering.
Elrond drew a deep and wavering breath. "He was attacked by Dark Elves," breathed the elder Elf dolorously.
Elrohir whispered, "how can that be?" Dark Elves, the evil ones, were gone, dead and turned into orcs after their capture by Morgoth long ago. There was no possible way. Elladan frowned and turned in the direction he knew his brother stood. He wished he could see what his brother thought, even though he read as much in his voice.
"Lord Glorfindel was traveling near Hollin, you know where that is, you have been there before. He was assailed and nearly brought down, but his horse took the majority of the blows," explained the Elf- lord quickly, as though he was hoping his will to explain this danger to those he loved was not going to die on him before he ended.
"We know his horse was hurt, we helped heal it in the barn," stated Elrohir quickly. Elladan nodded.
Elrond ignored them and continued, "The blade that was taken from Asfaloth's shoulder was known to me. It is Maglor's blade, or was, but others have it now," confirmed the raven-haired Noldor Elf-lord. Elladan and Elrohir were taken aback. They had heard tales of Maglor, but never thought in their wildest dreams that it would hit this close to home. It was only a tale, right? Elrond saw his son's faces and voiced quietly, "I fear they may have come to finish what Maglor could not." The elder Noldo felt a lump forming in his throat and he swallowed it back.
"They, more than one?" asked Elrohir in a small voice as though he was lost in thought. Elladan remained silent. He was thinking of Aragorn. What danger was their younger brother in?
"Yes, they are the remnants of Maglor's division of the Noldor clan, the ones who did not turn back from their mission," Elrond growled. He felt an old anger that had been sleeping brimming up in his heart.
"Ada, then you must hide," stated Elrohir in a breath. "We will look after Rivendell until the threat passes." Elladan said nothing. He sensed something was not as Elrohir saw it.
"I will not hide, my son. I do not think it is I they are looking for." He stood before Elrohir and set a hand on his shoulder, "it is you they are looking for, you and Elladan."
Elladan whipped his head up; hardly realizing he had let it fall in his deep thought. "But then what of Estel? He is descended from Elros, though it is many generations. Would they not look for him?" This was Elladan's style, look after others first, and himself later.
Elrond knitted his brows and looked out the window and to the mountains beyond. "I have thought of that. But I do not think they know the Heir of Isildur lives, and once again it is in secrecy that we must place our hope." He whispered, "you two will go into the West. I will look after things here."
Elladan heard it and frowned a shade darker, "father," his voice was thick with withheld anger. "You cannot send us away. What would Estel think?" seethed the elder twin through gritted teeth. He would not forsake his brother, though the road should grow darker than midnight without a star to lighten the sky. Besides, how can one see stars unless it is dark? That is when hope is greatest, for only then could you see its worth and shine. "I refuse to leave."
"He is my son and I will look after him!" barked Elrond as Elladan's words found a soft spot in his heart. "You are not the father Elladan, nor are you Elrohir, I am! You are leaving and I will hide him safely as I see fit!" It was not that Elrond was angry with his sons, but he was afraid for them and it came out in anger. Elladan and Elrohir both knew it, but it got to Elladan more than it did Elrohir.
"Ada there is another reason you are sending me in to the West, isn't there?" asked Elladan with a bite in his voice. "You think I will die here because I am blind, don't you? Ada I am learning to "see", all right? I know I can't "see" too well yet, but it is working." He thought of Estel and how his human brother had helped him, even when he had pushed away.
"You may see in your mind's eye but that is not enough. Death will find you here Elladan Peredhil and it will be harsh and cold when it comes," Elrond tried to reason with his son. As long as Elrond dwelled in Middle Earth Elladan would have the life of the Elder, as well as his twin and sister. But he would be slain, no matter how quick he got without being clinically able to see, one day he would not be quick enough.
"Then maybe that is meant to be, but it will happen in its own time," he argued adamantly.
Elrond took and peeled back the collar on Elladan's tunic to reveal a cut that was still a scar on his otherwise flawless neck. He placed his finger on it and traced it. As he did Elladan shivered, remembering the cold knife that pierced his flesh. Elrond felt his son's tremble and said, "you recall how that felt? That is a merciful death Elladan, that is one that the race of men consider quick and clean, but it hurt, did it not?" Elladan said nothing and Elrohir watched as he felt his brother briefly relive the moments of horror when he had thought he would die alone. "You know it did. How do you think death in battle would feel, especially if your enemy knew you were blind and weaker? A wound is a painful death and you can't die any other way." Elrond folded up his son's collar again and cupped Elladan's chin in his hand. "That is the death you face my son."
"Ada," said Elladan calmly and softly, "it did hurt, but I did not fear death when I heard it call and challenged it. If I die here, then I die here and I will not be sorry, for then I will know my life had a purpose," he finished in a near whisper. He would die by Estel, if it ever came to that, or die knowing he prevented his human brother's early death. He pulled his chin free gently and smiled. "It is my choice."
Elrond sighed and said, "it is, but remember me in your decision."
Elrohir looked at his twin and then turned his gaze to the floor. He thought it odd that he had never noticed how graceful the floor design was and he found it even odder that he was thinking of it then. "Ada," he said in a low voice, "if we leave, we can never come back. We are not weary of Middle Earth yet, but you know well that before everything darkens all of our race must leave, so let us make the decision then rather than now."
Elrond tried one last time to bring his sons to see his perspective and act on it, "I can't let you leave Rivendell thinking it may be the last time I ever see you. If those Dark Elves catch you, they will kill you, but why would they let you go easy? Their wrath has had years to simmer and now it is bubbling in a boiling mass that is wholly dangerous." He watched his sons' faces and to him they seemed carved in stone with a hard resolve that had long ago been made.
"Ada," uttered Elladan; "we will stay here with Estel, for who is to say if he is captured they will let him die easily? We will be with him and not forsake him. We made this choice very long ago when Arathorn died. We would not let Aragorn die while we drew breath and would not leave him to be alone in darkness. We resolved to guide him and to that we hold. Twenty years is hardly enough for him to grow up and be able to look after himself in this dangerous world full of many snares that he yet does not know of. Once we leave Middle Earth there is no turning back. He will be king one day, that is his destiny, we mean to see it fulfilled."
Elrond sighed as he knew he had lost the debate. "You will have to tread through much shadow first and though Aragorn may come out of it, who is to say you will?"
"But we may. However," said Elrohir, "since that part is hidden from us, we will have to wait to find out." Elladan smiled thinly. Their choice was made, or rather delayed until a later time.
Elrohir gripped his brother's arm and pulled him out of the room. Over his shoulder, he said serenely, "namarie Ada." And Elladan echoed his twin brother's words. Elrond watched them go and then sank into deep thought.
()()()()()()()()()
As the twins were exiting the room and walking down the hall they heard quick foot steps that were almost too heavy to be an Elf's, yet too light to be a man's.
Around the corner stumbled Legolas. It would have been laughable, for he was drenched in water and dripping in the hall. However, he carried another Elf they saw and blood coated both the Mirkwood Elf's clothes and the black-silver-haired being that the prince suffered to carry. The other Elf's face was white and yet flushed with what must be a fever. One hand was clenched tight and the knuckles showed white.
Elrohir raced forward and said, "Legolas? What happened, who is this?" stammered the younger twin.
The prince's face was drawn and he said, "I found him in the river. He has been hit by an arrow. I think it is of Elven make. I need Lord Elrond."
Elrohir began to walk backwards and as he did, he said, "you know your way to the healing ward, correct?"
Legolas smiled wryly, "unfortunately no escort is nessesary." He had certainly been in it himself enough times to know where it was and exactly where it was and what beds were used for what injuries.
Elrohir turned and said to Elladan as he passed, "come on!" Elladan stumbled along after his twin.
()()()()()()()()()
"Ada," called Elrohir. "Prince Legolas is here, he needs-"
Elrond sighed, "what happened to our prince now?" He thought it was highly unlikely that the prince had just come for a visit. Most likely he was having trouble healing and needed some sort of surgery or something.
Elrohir smiled and said, "you misunderstand Ada, he found another Elf." Elrohir frowned and said, "this Elf has received an Elven arrow." Elrond felt his stomach flip and then he swallowed. So it had begun. Attacks were happening more frequently now. He expected Elves to go missing out of the blue next.
He spoke quickly and said, "you two, I want you to go and find Estel. I will tend to this Elf." Elrohir opened his mouth to argue, but closed it again, thinking better of it.
()()()()()()()()()
Once in the healing ward Elrond went to the bedside where Legolas had laid the injured Elf who was breathing in gasps. His steel gray eyes were swirling as he looked at all the faces about him. Legolas looked uncomfortable and Elrond looked at him. "Legolas, where is arrow?" he asked quickly.
Legolas took it out from beneath his cloak and handed to the elder Elf. "He was in the river Bruinin when I discovered him. I do not think his wound is fatal, but that if for you to decide." The prince turned his saddened gaze onto the Elf that lay bleeding on the bed.
Elrond took the other Elf's hands and held them, they were warm and so he was not dying no matter how much he probably wished he would. As he did, he felt something crinkle in one of the silver-black-haired immortal's clenched hands. Gently he prodded apart the fingers and took a wet piece of paper. It was written in Fëanorian script and soaked nearly beyond recognition. However the Elf-lord could read them somewhat.
It read:
'We know you will have found this Elf which we shot. Just know this, we are coming for your sons and Elros' son through many generations. We have already killed a ranger we found alone. Of course this Elf is not fatally shot, for he had a message to deliver. See you soon.'
The note had no signature. Elrond could feel himself trembling and he handed the note to Legolas. Legolas looked at the note, but he did not know how to read this script. His father might have, but he had no idea. Elrond suddenly remembered this and told Legolas the gist of what the horrifying note had stated. "Legolas, they are after my sons, and that includes Estel. For they want the Heir of Isildur dead as he is descended from Elros." The wounded Elf looked at Elrond's face and seemed to listening keenly but when the eyes fell back on him, he turned his gaze.
Carefully Elrond took and peeled away the injured Elf's tunic to reveal a deep gash and the Elf stiffened as he felt the raven-haired Elf-lord's hands feel around the wound. Elrond went and got a bowl of steaming hot water with a washcloth and returned. "This is going to hurt, so brace yourself. I will be as gentle as I can."
The other immortal sighed and then his lips pressed into a thin line as he felt the hot water wash over his wound, cleansing it of the crusted blood. Legolas decided a conversation would ease the other Elf's pain, so he asked casually, "what is your name?"
The ebony-silver-haired Elf replied, "Morcuivië, I live on my own, so don't even ask about where I am from." He gave a thin smile and said, "I just like to wonder around Rivendell, but not until now have I ever entered past its gates."
Legolas laughed though his heart was not in it and said, "I know some Elves and humans who are just like that. They dwell here as a matter of fact." Elrond gave the prince a stern look that Legolas took as a cue to quiet down a bit.
The cleansing was finished shortly, for the wound was not deep nor serious, just horribly painful and Elrond bound it in white linen bandages that were fresh and then he helped the Elf get propped up so it would be easier to breath. However, he could not take his eyes off the black-silver-hair, he had seen it before, once long ago. He did not stare at the other immortal, for the image was imprinted in his mind, but it was from years before. Legolas did not know what the Elf-lord was thinking and even if he did he would not understand, for he was not a part of the age Elrond was recalling.
The raven-haired Elf-lord of Imladris got up and said, "I must be going, you may stay here longer Prince Legolas if you would like, but he needs rest and dinner is in an hour. Morcuivië if you get hungry, call for a maid, I am sure she will be more than willing to attend to you."
Morcuivië smiled and said, "thank you Lord Elrond."
Elrond nodded and said, "you are more than welcome." Then the Elf -lord left Legolas and Morcuivië alone.
()()()()()()()()()()
Aragorn dashed into the healing ward, garnering some cries of dismay from the healers there. He stopped when he saw Legolas sitting on the edge of a bed with blood covering his tunic. The Elf was talking with one of the healers and Aragorn slowed down to a fast walk. Then he recalled how the healers didn't really like it when he was in the healing ward without needing to be healed. They seemed to think he was nuisance and rather nosey about the herbs there.
Legolas saw some of the healers looking over his shoulder and he twisted his head around to see what in the world it was they were staring at. When he saw Aragorn a brief wave of anxiety hit him. Why was Estel in the healing ward? Was he hurt and in pain? Then he saw the man walking towards him and he knew that it was well with the human. "Hello Estel," he said with a smile.
Aragorn came and gripped Legolas's wrists, checking the Elf's pulse. Legolas raised a brow and then grinned, "Estel-"
"Where are you hurt? Elbereth! Look at all that blood!" stated the ranger apprehensively.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Estel I-'
"Just keep breathing Legolas you will be fine," said Aragorn. Then he looked up at Legolas when he heard the Elf sigh heavily. The immortal was grinning and had his brows raised as he looked down at Aragorn. "You aren't hurt," said the human with a bit of shock in his voice.
Legolas nodded slowly, "had you listened to me I could have told you as much and saved you the embarrassment," teased the Elf.
Aragorn sat back on his heels and laughed. He should have known, but usually when he saw the prince, he was in the healing ward for a reason. Then the man frowned. "Where did all the blood come from then?" It was Elven blood, for it shimmered.
Legolas smiled sadly and looked to the bed nearest him. On it lay another Elf, Aragorn noticed. This Elf had dark hair, streaked with silver. He also noticed the immortal was awake. Legolas said, "this is Morcuivë, I found him in the River Bruinin."
The hurt Elf shifted uncomfortably and said, "saved me is more like it. But who is the human?" asked the immortal, wrinkling his nose. He did not like humans. That was the impression one would get from his response and tone in his question.
Legolas laughed, "This is Estel who dwells in the house of Lord Elrond. He is my friend," confirmed the prince with a foolish grin.
Aragorn did not know why, but he felt a sense of malice from this Elf. When the strange immortal's glance fell upon him he nearly shivered. There was something evil about him. It was something the human could not place, but it made him sick. It was as if the Elf's eyes went straight through him and knew his history better than he did, and knew his weaknesses as well as his strengths. But the glance that the Elf gave him lasted only a few seconds and Aragorn noticed that the ebony-silver-haired Elf was careful not to let Legolas catch it. "Glad to have met you Morcuivë," said the mortal politely, but his eyes shifted to Legolas who was busying himself studying a piece of floor tile that had suddenly become quite interesting.
Suddenly a new wail from the healers went up and Aragorn sighed. What was wrong now? Really they were beginning to grate on his nerves. He might have guessed that it would have been Elladan and Elrohir, so when they showed up in the doorway and called out, "Estel!" he was less than surprised. "Estel get Legolas and come on! Ada says you have to or you don't eat!"
Aragorn looked at Legolas and the prince looked to Morcuivë who had a scowl on his face. "I will be back, if you feel very much like eating the healers will bring you something I am sure."
Morcuiv's scowl seemed to fade and he said, "no, I am not really hungry. Thanks anyway."
Aragorn could not erase the scowl that he had seen on this Elf's face from his mind. It was as though the immortal detested his bothers and their presence to the bits. It made Aragorn uncomfortable and he gripped Legolas' arm and began to pull him out. The prince followed but his eyes showed that he was plainly confused. Aragorn didn't care and he continued to haul the blonde Elf out of the room. As they left he shut the door behind them.
Then he spun Legolas around to face him. Legolas knitted his brows and said, "What is wrong Aragorn?" The prince's clear blue eyes were filled with a slight fear and yet amusement. "Who is he?" Legolas was certain if the ranger was acting this way there had to be a reason and for the moment he was willing to listen.
Aragorn shook his head and said softly, "I don't know but he is...........evil," finished the human lamely. He felt no other way to describe it.
Legolas looked at him and said with a tone that irritated the young man, "now why would you say something like that?"
Was Legolas blind?
"When he looked at me it was like he knew something I didn't. I felt a chill run through me," explained the human quickly and without much detail. The truth was he had no way to explicate it and he wasn't about to get ill trying. The man suddenly said out of the blue, "you will want to change I expect?" He eyed the prince's sullied clothes pointedly.
Legolas laughed, "yes, why would I not?" He wondered what had sparked this sudden change in subject. All the same he was grateful for it, he already thought of Morcuivë as a friend. Legolas was sure his father would reprimand him for choosing to be friends with someone he hardly knew. Looking at his bloodied tunic and leggings, he felt a little sick at the sight.
Aragorn smiled, "the spare room has practically become yours. I would bet anything that your hairbrush and spare clothes are still in there!"
Legolas chuckled, "I must say I would not be surprised." Aragorn gave Legolas a gentle shove and the prince shoulder checked the human back and sent Aragorn into a small table nearby. The human laughed.
()()()()()()()()
Aragorn waited outside Legolas' room patiently so they could walk to dinner together, for he felt they had much to talk about and anyway, he could not find his brothers. Legolas stumbled out still separating strands of drying hair with his long fingers. Aragorn smiled and thought of the time he had shoved Legolas into a pond. Legolas looked at him with a frown that came from more than frustration with his hair. Aragorn felt his own smile diminish and he asked, "Legolas, what is the matter?" A strand of long blonde hair was sticking out near the prince's pointed ear and the human tucked it back as he waited for an answer form his friend.
"That Elf, we, the Lord Elrond and I, found a letter on him. It was a threat," said the prince in a softy and far away voice. His clear blue eyes looked at Aragorn with a look of fear, fear for the man. Aragorn could not help but nearly shudder. He only saw that look when it was really serious and in his own home was not one of the places he had hoped to see it. It was like expecting a dragon to come and land on your doorstep when you lived near the Snowmen. Things like that just didn't happen.
"What did the note say Legolas?" he asked in a voice that sounded calm and reassuring, though he felt it was far from an accurate portrayal of what he felt inside.
Legolas looked about nervously, "it said that there are these Dark Elves and they are coming for your brothers and yourself. I do not pretend to understand it, for there is much that is dark to me, yet I know you are in grave danger. The arrow Elrond took from Morcuivië was of Elven make. They are close."
Aragorn frowned and the Elf prince looked at him, "Estel I meant to tell you earlier, but I did not know what to say."
Aragorn looked into his friend's blue eyes and said, "hannon le Legolas," he said and then smiled. "I knew they were in danger. You did not tell me something that I already have not guessed." He then sighed heavily. "I knew they were keeping something from me, for they spoke with Ada alone today." Legolas said nothing, letting the human vent out all his thoughts and anxieties. "I do not expect you to understand Legolas, I don't even get it. It has something to do with the Silmarils and Ada's past. I eves dropped on his conversation with Glorfindel today."
Legolas could not help but snort and say with good-natured humor, "nosey human."
Aragorn nearly laughed and said, "prissy Elf."
Legolas grinned and said, "if you listen to conversations you aren't meant to hear how do you expect to stay out of trouble?"
Aragorn frowned and joked, "don't press your luck Legolas." The Elf leaned against the wall and crossed his legs. He waited for the human to continue his expulsion of emotions and worries. Although Legolas hated to play the part of the counselor to his friend, for he usually felt like he had no good advice to give, he listened intently. Aragorn drew a breath and that let the prince know his friend was about to continue. "If Ada knows they are after my brothers, and Elladan is still blind there is no way he will let them stay in Middle Earth. They will be leaving!" Aragorn finally knew what all the secrecy had been for and it burned hot in his heart. When were they leaving? He was not sure.
Legolas frowned. "I doubt your brothers would agree to go." He pushed off from the wall and stood before the human. His clear blue eyes held a look of confusion.
Aragorn suddenly began to walk off, pushing around the Elf.. "I am going to find them!"
"Estel!" shouted Legolas. "We don't know it for sure." He gripped the human's arm and held it firmly. "Aragorn we do not know and you may hurt them more than ever anyone could. Just be careful, I know how you are," he added in an attempt at a jest, though it came out flat and dull.
Aragorn sighed and shoved Legolas' hand free of his arm. "I know."
TBC.............Yes, not much angst here (sadly, although we are sure our favorite Elves and ranger are grateful LOL) ! When will it start? Mwahahahahahahahahahaha! Soon!
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CHAPTER TWO
The Increasing Peril
Aragorn walked with Ancú to the stable but not before they both made a quick stop to the healing quarters and nabbed the needed supplies. Aragorn felt sick. He did not know what was going on, only that his family was in trouble. Ancú was not aware of anything really wrong and so he was not worried, except maybe over the human's anxiety.
When the pair reached the barn, Glorfindel was already there by his horse, stroking its mane and rubbing its ears. The creature tossed its head and snorted as the Gondolin Elf found one of the horse's favorite spots to be scratched. Elrohir was standing near Asfaloth and he was stroking the animal's long neck. Elladan was sitting on a barrel and singing softly to himself.
When they saw Ancú and Aragorn walk in, they all looked in the pair's direction, all but Elladan, who cupped his chin in his hand and rested his elbows on his knees. He was not even aware that they were there until he heard Elrohir say, "there you are! We have been waiting on you for near thirty minutes! Where have you been? Ancú, how long did it take you to find him?"
Aragorn scowled and said thickly, "I got the supplies, that's what matters!" Elrohir raised a dark brow and then took them from the ranger who all but threw them at the younger twin's head. Elrohir then shrugged and set to unwinding the bandages and putting the herbs in them. Ancú looked at Aragorn with knitted brows and then walked off into a corner. What was the ranger's problem?
He would never understand men. Aragorn usually wasn't like this. What had put the human boy into such a sour mood was beyond him to even guess. Normally Aragorn was happy; the happiest out of all of them and his spirit always seemed to awaken their own. Only that morning he had helped Elladan find his feet and Lord Elrond feel more hopeful, now he was acting like the world was going to fall.
To Aragorn it was like the world was falling. His family was his world and it was seemingly crumbling stone worn by the ocean tide. He did not understand and he was not sure he wanted to. Going to the ladder, the man climbed into the loft and sat on a bale of straw with his chin resting in his right hand and his elbow upon his thigh. Blowing air upward, he let his dark, wavy bangs dance about his forehead. The sun from the loft window felt warm and friendly so the human closed his eyes and decided to rest just for one moment.
He could hear his brothers and Ancú laughing down in the stable below and snorted with irritation. Had they forgotten him? Certainly not. Maybe it was that they just didn't care, but he could not find room in his heart to believe his brothers did not care for him, it was impossible to do. Like learning to love dragons and find them utterly adorable was. However, he knew that something was off balance. Normally they would have called to him. He had a feeling that if they weren't it was for his own well being but it still hurt like a barb in his heart. They could tell him and he would understand or do his best to.
He heard the noise of a stall door opening and Asfaloth's hooves clopping on the floor of the barn as they led him to his booth to rest. He heard Ancú nearly squeal as straw was dumped over his head and tangled in his hair. Aragorn dimly guessed that it was Elrohir that had done that. Glorfindel seemed to be too down that day and Elladan couldn't see to do it.
As the laughter died down and all became quiet Aragorn opened his eyes and peered down the trap door and into the barn that was still. He could hear his own breath and his heart pounding in his chest like it was ready to leap out. As he looked about he saw the dust and chaff from the straw filtering the sunlight as it danced lightly in the air and settled on his head and hands.
Carefully he ascended the ladder and dusted off his clothes. His brothers, Ancú and Glorfindel were gone. Where were they? Then he recalled the conversation he had heard earlier and his blood boiled. They could have told him! It really didn't seem fair. His brothers had never hid things from him before and now it was like everything was a secret.
The ranger watched as sun glistened through the cracks in the boards and warmed him through his clothes. Then, he went and stood by his horse's stall, kicking up clumps of straw and hay with his feet dejectedly. Clouds of golden dust floated in the air and he paid them no heed. As he neared his horse's stall the beast reached its head out and nuzzled the man's wavy hair affectionately. Aragorn smiled lightly and brushed the horse's nose gently with his hand.
Reaching into his pocket, he produced a piece of sugar. "I know I am not supposed to do this," he told the horse, "its sugar from the table, but you won't tell Ada will you?" He rubbed behind the creature's ears and it nickered as it chewed the sweet sugar that melted in its mouth. Aragorn laughed as he saw the horse snake its head out and search his pockets with its velvety nose for more.
Then the ranger happened to look to the stable doors and he saw something that caught his eyes. A gray horse came galloping up the path. Perspiration poured from its coat in a frothy mess and it neighed as it entered the stable. Aragorn took on glance at it and knew it was Legolas' horse, for its bridle and saddle had the leaves and other craft of the Mirkwood Elves on it. Not only that, he thought to himself with a laugh, the creature knows its way about the stable really well. Aragorn gave his own horse one last pat and then took out of the barn at a dead run, nearly stumbling on a water bucket.
He had not seen Legolas in a long time and he wondered how well his friend had recovered since their last little adventure. The man pelted up the path to the Last Homely House, the wind whipping his dark hair back.
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Elladan and Elrohir entered their father's study cautiously. They were unsure of what to expect. The last time they had held a talk like this they had heard the news of their mother's capture. Glorfindel and Ancú were with them, so maybe it wouldn't be all that horrible of news, or it could be even worse. Glorfindel snickered and pulled a long piece of straw from Anc's long dark braids; the other Elf frowned and elbowed the Gondolin Elf in the gut. Glorfindel grunted slightly and then put on a straight face as the Lord Elrond raised his head to see them approach.
" Ancú," said the raven-haired Elf-lord gravely; "I want you to go with Glorfindel. He will tell you what to do, and be careful." Ancú opened his mouth to say something, then shut it. He felt it was not his place to question where he was sent; however he would like to know where he was going first.
Glorfindel gripped his shoulder and said, "come, time lightens." Ancú turned and left with the golden-haired Elf -lord.
Elrohir watched in confusion and then he turned to his father, tugging at Elladan's arm. "Ada, why were we summoned?"
Elrond sighed and asked slowly, "do you know what happened to Glorfindel this morning?"
Elrohir said in a confused and impatient voice, "yes. He was attacked by orcs." Elladan nodded as he stood by his brother.
"No," said Elrond in a thick voice. He then fell silent and Elladan was unable to see the look of pain and wonder that crossed his father's ageless and yet time touched features.
"Ada," began the elder twin unsteadily, "then what was he attacked by?" Elrohir looked at his brother and knew that if Elladan had seen their father's look he would not have spoken. But Elladan spoke the question on Elrohir's mind that desperately needed answering.
Elrond drew a deep and wavering breath. "He was attacked by Dark Elves," breathed the elder Elf dolorously.
Elrohir whispered, "how can that be?" Dark Elves, the evil ones, were gone, dead and turned into orcs after their capture by Morgoth long ago. There was no possible way. Elladan frowned and turned in the direction he knew his brother stood. He wished he could see what his brother thought, even though he read as much in his voice.
"Lord Glorfindel was traveling near Hollin, you know where that is, you have been there before. He was assailed and nearly brought down, but his horse took the majority of the blows," explained the Elf- lord quickly, as though he was hoping his will to explain this danger to those he loved was not going to die on him before he ended.
"We know his horse was hurt, we helped heal it in the barn," stated Elrohir quickly. Elladan nodded.
Elrond ignored them and continued, "The blade that was taken from Asfaloth's shoulder was known to me. It is Maglor's blade, or was, but others have it now," confirmed the raven-haired Noldor Elf-lord. Elladan and Elrohir were taken aback. They had heard tales of Maglor, but never thought in their wildest dreams that it would hit this close to home. It was only a tale, right? Elrond saw his son's faces and voiced quietly, "I fear they may have come to finish what Maglor could not." The elder Noldo felt a lump forming in his throat and he swallowed it back.
"They, more than one?" asked Elrohir in a small voice as though he was lost in thought. Elladan remained silent. He was thinking of Aragorn. What danger was their younger brother in?
"Yes, they are the remnants of Maglor's division of the Noldor clan, the ones who did not turn back from their mission," Elrond growled. He felt an old anger that had been sleeping brimming up in his heart.
"Ada, then you must hide," stated Elrohir in a breath. "We will look after Rivendell until the threat passes." Elladan said nothing. He sensed something was not as Elrohir saw it.
"I will not hide, my son. I do not think it is I they are looking for." He stood before Elrohir and set a hand on his shoulder, "it is you they are looking for, you and Elladan."
Elladan whipped his head up; hardly realizing he had let it fall in his deep thought. "But then what of Estel? He is descended from Elros, though it is many generations. Would they not look for him?" This was Elladan's style, look after others first, and himself later.
Elrond knitted his brows and looked out the window and to the mountains beyond. "I have thought of that. But I do not think they know the Heir of Isildur lives, and once again it is in secrecy that we must place our hope." He whispered, "you two will go into the West. I will look after things here."
Elladan heard it and frowned a shade darker, "father," his voice was thick with withheld anger. "You cannot send us away. What would Estel think?" seethed the elder twin through gritted teeth. He would not forsake his brother, though the road should grow darker than midnight without a star to lighten the sky. Besides, how can one see stars unless it is dark? That is when hope is greatest, for only then could you see its worth and shine. "I refuse to leave."
"He is my son and I will look after him!" barked Elrond as Elladan's words found a soft spot in his heart. "You are not the father Elladan, nor are you Elrohir, I am! You are leaving and I will hide him safely as I see fit!" It was not that Elrond was angry with his sons, but he was afraid for them and it came out in anger. Elladan and Elrohir both knew it, but it got to Elladan more than it did Elrohir.
"Ada there is another reason you are sending me in to the West, isn't there?" asked Elladan with a bite in his voice. "You think I will die here because I am blind, don't you? Ada I am learning to "see", all right? I know I can't "see" too well yet, but it is working." He thought of Estel and how his human brother had helped him, even when he had pushed away.
"You may see in your mind's eye but that is not enough. Death will find you here Elladan Peredhil and it will be harsh and cold when it comes," Elrond tried to reason with his son. As long as Elrond dwelled in Middle Earth Elladan would have the life of the Elder, as well as his twin and sister. But he would be slain, no matter how quick he got without being clinically able to see, one day he would not be quick enough.
"Then maybe that is meant to be, but it will happen in its own time," he argued adamantly.
Elrond took and peeled back the collar on Elladan's tunic to reveal a cut that was still a scar on his otherwise flawless neck. He placed his finger on it and traced it. As he did Elladan shivered, remembering the cold knife that pierced his flesh. Elrond felt his son's tremble and said, "you recall how that felt? That is a merciful death Elladan, that is one that the race of men consider quick and clean, but it hurt, did it not?" Elladan said nothing and Elrohir watched as he felt his brother briefly relive the moments of horror when he had thought he would die alone. "You know it did. How do you think death in battle would feel, especially if your enemy knew you were blind and weaker? A wound is a painful death and you can't die any other way." Elrond folded up his son's collar again and cupped Elladan's chin in his hand. "That is the death you face my son."
"Ada," said Elladan calmly and softly, "it did hurt, but I did not fear death when I heard it call and challenged it. If I die here, then I die here and I will not be sorry, for then I will know my life had a purpose," he finished in a near whisper. He would die by Estel, if it ever came to that, or die knowing he prevented his human brother's early death. He pulled his chin free gently and smiled. "It is my choice."
Elrond sighed and said, "it is, but remember me in your decision."
Elrohir looked at his twin and then turned his gaze to the floor. He thought it odd that he had never noticed how graceful the floor design was and he found it even odder that he was thinking of it then. "Ada," he said in a low voice, "if we leave, we can never come back. We are not weary of Middle Earth yet, but you know well that before everything darkens all of our race must leave, so let us make the decision then rather than now."
Elrond tried one last time to bring his sons to see his perspective and act on it, "I can't let you leave Rivendell thinking it may be the last time I ever see you. If those Dark Elves catch you, they will kill you, but why would they let you go easy? Their wrath has had years to simmer and now it is bubbling in a boiling mass that is wholly dangerous." He watched his sons' faces and to him they seemed carved in stone with a hard resolve that had long ago been made.
"Ada," uttered Elladan; "we will stay here with Estel, for who is to say if he is captured they will let him die easily? We will be with him and not forsake him. We made this choice very long ago when Arathorn died. We would not let Aragorn die while we drew breath and would not leave him to be alone in darkness. We resolved to guide him and to that we hold. Twenty years is hardly enough for him to grow up and be able to look after himself in this dangerous world full of many snares that he yet does not know of. Once we leave Middle Earth there is no turning back. He will be king one day, that is his destiny, we mean to see it fulfilled."
Elrond sighed as he knew he had lost the debate. "You will have to tread through much shadow first and though Aragorn may come out of it, who is to say you will?"
"But we may. However," said Elrohir, "since that part is hidden from us, we will have to wait to find out." Elladan smiled thinly. Their choice was made, or rather delayed until a later time.
Elrohir gripped his brother's arm and pulled him out of the room. Over his shoulder, he said serenely, "namarie Ada." And Elladan echoed his twin brother's words. Elrond watched them go and then sank into deep thought.
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As the twins were exiting the room and walking down the hall they heard quick foot steps that were almost too heavy to be an Elf's, yet too light to be a man's.
Around the corner stumbled Legolas. It would have been laughable, for he was drenched in water and dripping in the hall. However, he carried another Elf they saw and blood coated both the Mirkwood Elf's clothes and the black-silver-haired being that the prince suffered to carry. The other Elf's face was white and yet flushed with what must be a fever. One hand was clenched tight and the knuckles showed white.
Elrohir raced forward and said, "Legolas? What happened, who is this?" stammered the younger twin.
The prince's face was drawn and he said, "I found him in the river. He has been hit by an arrow. I think it is of Elven make. I need Lord Elrond."
Elrohir began to walk backwards and as he did, he said, "you know your way to the healing ward, correct?"
Legolas smiled wryly, "unfortunately no escort is nessesary." He had certainly been in it himself enough times to know where it was and exactly where it was and what beds were used for what injuries.
Elrohir turned and said to Elladan as he passed, "come on!" Elladan stumbled along after his twin.
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"Ada," called Elrohir. "Prince Legolas is here, he needs-"
Elrond sighed, "what happened to our prince now?" He thought it was highly unlikely that the prince had just come for a visit. Most likely he was having trouble healing and needed some sort of surgery or something.
Elrohir smiled and said, "you misunderstand Ada, he found another Elf." Elrohir frowned and said, "this Elf has received an Elven arrow." Elrond felt his stomach flip and then he swallowed. So it had begun. Attacks were happening more frequently now. He expected Elves to go missing out of the blue next.
He spoke quickly and said, "you two, I want you to go and find Estel. I will tend to this Elf." Elrohir opened his mouth to argue, but closed it again, thinking better of it.
()()()()()()()()()
Once in the healing ward Elrond went to the bedside where Legolas had laid the injured Elf who was breathing in gasps. His steel gray eyes were swirling as he looked at all the faces about him. Legolas looked uncomfortable and Elrond looked at him. "Legolas, where is arrow?" he asked quickly.
Legolas took it out from beneath his cloak and handed to the elder Elf. "He was in the river Bruinin when I discovered him. I do not think his wound is fatal, but that if for you to decide." The prince turned his saddened gaze onto the Elf that lay bleeding on the bed.
Elrond took the other Elf's hands and held them, they were warm and so he was not dying no matter how much he probably wished he would. As he did, he felt something crinkle in one of the silver-black-haired immortal's clenched hands. Gently he prodded apart the fingers and took a wet piece of paper. It was written in Fëanorian script and soaked nearly beyond recognition. However the Elf-lord could read them somewhat.
It read:
'We know you will have found this Elf which we shot. Just know this, we are coming for your sons and Elros' son through many generations. We have already killed a ranger we found alone. Of course this Elf is not fatally shot, for he had a message to deliver. See you soon.'
The note had no signature. Elrond could feel himself trembling and he handed the note to Legolas. Legolas looked at the note, but he did not know how to read this script. His father might have, but he had no idea. Elrond suddenly remembered this and told Legolas the gist of what the horrifying note had stated. "Legolas, they are after my sons, and that includes Estel. For they want the Heir of Isildur dead as he is descended from Elros." The wounded Elf looked at Elrond's face and seemed to listening keenly but when the eyes fell back on him, he turned his gaze.
Carefully Elrond took and peeled away the injured Elf's tunic to reveal a deep gash and the Elf stiffened as he felt the raven-haired Elf-lord's hands feel around the wound. Elrond went and got a bowl of steaming hot water with a washcloth and returned. "This is going to hurt, so brace yourself. I will be as gentle as I can."
The other immortal sighed and then his lips pressed into a thin line as he felt the hot water wash over his wound, cleansing it of the crusted blood. Legolas decided a conversation would ease the other Elf's pain, so he asked casually, "what is your name?"
The ebony-silver-haired Elf replied, "Morcuivië, I live on my own, so don't even ask about where I am from." He gave a thin smile and said, "I just like to wonder around Rivendell, but not until now have I ever entered past its gates."
Legolas laughed though his heart was not in it and said, "I know some Elves and humans who are just like that. They dwell here as a matter of fact." Elrond gave the prince a stern look that Legolas took as a cue to quiet down a bit.
The cleansing was finished shortly, for the wound was not deep nor serious, just horribly painful and Elrond bound it in white linen bandages that were fresh and then he helped the Elf get propped up so it would be easier to breath. However, he could not take his eyes off the black-silver-hair, he had seen it before, once long ago. He did not stare at the other immortal, for the image was imprinted in his mind, but it was from years before. Legolas did not know what the Elf-lord was thinking and even if he did he would not understand, for he was not a part of the age Elrond was recalling.
The raven-haired Elf-lord of Imladris got up and said, "I must be going, you may stay here longer Prince Legolas if you would like, but he needs rest and dinner is in an hour. Morcuivië if you get hungry, call for a maid, I am sure she will be more than willing to attend to you."
Morcuivië smiled and said, "thank you Lord Elrond."
Elrond nodded and said, "you are more than welcome." Then the Elf -lord left Legolas and Morcuivië alone.
()()()()()()()()()()
Aragorn dashed into the healing ward, garnering some cries of dismay from the healers there. He stopped when he saw Legolas sitting on the edge of a bed with blood covering his tunic. The Elf was talking with one of the healers and Aragorn slowed down to a fast walk. Then he recalled how the healers didn't really like it when he was in the healing ward without needing to be healed. They seemed to think he was nuisance and rather nosey about the herbs there.
Legolas saw some of the healers looking over his shoulder and he twisted his head around to see what in the world it was they were staring at. When he saw Aragorn a brief wave of anxiety hit him. Why was Estel in the healing ward? Was he hurt and in pain? Then he saw the man walking towards him and he knew that it was well with the human. "Hello Estel," he said with a smile.
Aragorn came and gripped Legolas's wrists, checking the Elf's pulse. Legolas raised a brow and then grinned, "Estel-"
"Where are you hurt? Elbereth! Look at all that blood!" stated the ranger apprehensively.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "Estel I-'
"Just keep breathing Legolas you will be fine," said Aragorn. Then he looked up at Legolas when he heard the Elf sigh heavily. The immortal was grinning and had his brows raised as he looked down at Aragorn. "You aren't hurt," said the human with a bit of shock in his voice.
Legolas nodded slowly, "had you listened to me I could have told you as much and saved you the embarrassment," teased the Elf.
Aragorn sat back on his heels and laughed. He should have known, but usually when he saw the prince, he was in the healing ward for a reason. Then the man frowned. "Where did all the blood come from then?" It was Elven blood, for it shimmered.
Legolas smiled sadly and looked to the bed nearest him. On it lay another Elf, Aragorn noticed. This Elf had dark hair, streaked with silver. He also noticed the immortal was awake. Legolas said, "this is Morcuivë, I found him in the River Bruinin."
The hurt Elf shifted uncomfortably and said, "saved me is more like it. But who is the human?" asked the immortal, wrinkling his nose. He did not like humans. That was the impression one would get from his response and tone in his question.
Legolas laughed, "This is Estel who dwells in the house of Lord Elrond. He is my friend," confirmed the prince with a foolish grin.
Aragorn did not know why, but he felt a sense of malice from this Elf. When the strange immortal's glance fell upon him he nearly shivered. There was something evil about him. It was something the human could not place, but it made him sick. It was as if the Elf's eyes went straight through him and knew his history better than he did, and knew his weaknesses as well as his strengths. But the glance that the Elf gave him lasted only a few seconds and Aragorn noticed that the ebony-silver-haired Elf was careful not to let Legolas catch it. "Glad to have met you Morcuivë," said the mortal politely, but his eyes shifted to Legolas who was busying himself studying a piece of floor tile that had suddenly become quite interesting.
Suddenly a new wail from the healers went up and Aragorn sighed. What was wrong now? Really they were beginning to grate on his nerves. He might have guessed that it would have been Elladan and Elrohir, so when they showed up in the doorway and called out, "Estel!" he was less than surprised. "Estel get Legolas and come on! Ada says you have to or you don't eat!"
Aragorn looked at Legolas and the prince looked to Morcuivë who had a scowl on his face. "I will be back, if you feel very much like eating the healers will bring you something I am sure."
Morcuiv's scowl seemed to fade and he said, "no, I am not really hungry. Thanks anyway."
Aragorn could not erase the scowl that he had seen on this Elf's face from his mind. It was as though the immortal detested his bothers and their presence to the bits. It made Aragorn uncomfortable and he gripped Legolas' arm and began to pull him out. The prince followed but his eyes showed that he was plainly confused. Aragorn didn't care and he continued to haul the blonde Elf out of the room. As they left he shut the door behind them.
Then he spun Legolas around to face him. Legolas knitted his brows and said, "What is wrong Aragorn?" The prince's clear blue eyes were filled with a slight fear and yet amusement. "Who is he?" Legolas was certain if the ranger was acting this way there had to be a reason and for the moment he was willing to listen.
Aragorn shook his head and said softly, "I don't know but he is...........evil," finished the human lamely. He felt no other way to describe it.
Legolas looked at him and said with a tone that irritated the young man, "now why would you say something like that?"
Was Legolas blind?
"When he looked at me it was like he knew something I didn't. I felt a chill run through me," explained the human quickly and without much detail. The truth was he had no way to explicate it and he wasn't about to get ill trying. The man suddenly said out of the blue, "you will want to change I expect?" He eyed the prince's sullied clothes pointedly.
Legolas laughed, "yes, why would I not?" He wondered what had sparked this sudden change in subject. All the same he was grateful for it, he already thought of Morcuivë as a friend. Legolas was sure his father would reprimand him for choosing to be friends with someone he hardly knew. Looking at his bloodied tunic and leggings, he felt a little sick at the sight.
Aragorn smiled, "the spare room has practically become yours. I would bet anything that your hairbrush and spare clothes are still in there!"
Legolas chuckled, "I must say I would not be surprised." Aragorn gave Legolas a gentle shove and the prince shoulder checked the human back and sent Aragorn into a small table nearby. The human laughed.
()()()()()()()()
Aragorn waited outside Legolas' room patiently so they could walk to dinner together, for he felt they had much to talk about and anyway, he could not find his brothers. Legolas stumbled out still separating strands of drying hair with his long fingers. Aragorn smiled and thought of the time he had shoved Legolas into a pond. Legolas looked at him with a frown that came from more than frustration with his hair. Aragorn felt his own smile diminish and he asked, "Legolas, what is the matter?" A strand of long blonde hair was sticking out near the prince's pointed ear and the human tucked it back as he waited for an answer form his friend.
"That Elf, we, the Lord Elrond and I, found a letter on him. It was a threat," said the prince in a softy and far away voice. His clear blue eyes looked at Aragorn with a look of fear, fear for the man. Aragorn could not help but nearly shudder. He only saw that look when it was really serious and in his own home was not one of the places he had hoped to see it. It was like expecting a dragon to come and land on your doorstep when you lived near the Snowmen. Things like that just didn't happen.
"What did the note say Legolas?" he asked in a voice that sounded calm and reassuring, though he felt it was far from an accurate portrayal of what he felt inside.
Legolas looked about nervously, "it said that there are these Dark Elves and they are coming for your brothers and yourself. I do not pretend to understand it, for there is much that is dark to me, yet I know you are in grave danger. The arrow Elrond took from Morcuivië was of Elven make. They are close."
Aragorn frowned and the Elf prince looked at him, "Estel I meant to tell you earlier, but I did not know what to say."
Aragorn looked into his friend's blue eyes and said, "hannon le Legolas," he said and then smiled. "I knew they were in danger. You did not tell me something that I already have not guessed." He then sighed heavily. "I knew they were keeping something from me, for they spoke with Ada alone today." Legolas said nothing, letting the human vent out all his thoughts and anxieties. "I do not expect you to understand Legolas, I don't even get it. It has something to do with the Silmarils and Ada's past. I eves dropped on his conversation with Glorfindel today."
Legolas could not help but snort and say with good-natured humor, "nosey human."
Aragorn nearly laughed and said, "prissy Elf."
Legolas grinned and said, "if you listen to conversations you aren't meant to hear how do you expect to stay out of trouble?"
Aragorn frowned and joked, "don't press your luck Legolas." The Elf leaned against the wall and crossed his legs. He waited for the human to continue his expulsion of emotions and worries. Although Legolas hated to play the part of the counselor to his friend, for he usually felt like he had no good advice to give, he listened intently. Aragorn drew a breath and that let the prince know his friend was about to continue. "If Ada knows they are after my brothers, and Elladan is still blind there is no way he will let them stay in Middle Earth. They will be leaving!" Aragorn finally knew what all the secrecy had been for and it burned hot in his heart. When were they leaving? He was not sure.
Legolas frowned. "I doubt your brothers would agree to go." He pushed off from the wall and stood before the human. His clear blue eyes held a look of confusion.
Aragorn suddenly began to walk off, pushing around the Elf.. "I am going to find them!"
"Estel!" shouted Legolas. "We don't know it for sure." He gripped the human's arm and held it firmly. "Aragorn we do not know and you may hurt them more than ever anyone could. Just be careful, I know how you are," he added in an attempt at a jest, though it came out flat and dull.
Aragorn sighed and shoved Legolas' hand free of his arm. "I know."
TBC.............Yes, not much angst here (sadly, although we are sure our favorite Elves and ranger are grateful LOL) ! When will it start? Mwahahahahahahahahahaha! Soon!
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