See part one for disclaimer. Responses to reviews at end of chapter.
I wanted to post this sooner, but I have been unable to log onto Fanfiction.net. Thanks to all who reviewed.
I'm working on chapter 25 as you read this! Keep reading!
Encroaching Darkness Part 24
By Ecri
Haldir kept his bow at his side, arrow ready. He did not usually keep an arrow nocked when he kept watch, trusting his own draw was more than sufficiently enough fast to make it unnecessary, but this watch left him riddled with unease. Perhaps it was their proximity to the cavern. They were well aware that orcs had been there, whether they dwelt within the dark confines of the dank, musty stone walls, or whether they had come there through some unfathomable series of tunnels far beneath the surface was of little concern to the March Warden.
That his Lord and Lady, the King of Mirkwood and two of his heirs, the Lord of Rivendell and two of his heirs as well as his adopted human son, and Lord Glorfindel remained within such easy reach of the dismal hole did concern him. He would have preferred to set up a camp much further from this place, but such choices were not his to make. He knew why the decision had been made. The injured were in need of immediate attention and it had seemed to make sense somehow to stay close to shelter in case a storm or other such thing would force them inside.
He shuddered involuntarily at the thought even as his eyes and ears scanned the immediate area for threat. An elf would seek shelter from a horrific storm in times of great need, but Haldir, accustomed to life lived among the embracing branches of the most stately trees in all of Middle-earth, could not imagine any need driving any elf to willing seek shelter within dank, oppressive, sun-hiding stone.
Haldir then thought of what had led them to this. His Lady's visions often took some of her warriors far from home, but none with such need for haste. They had ridden like the very minions of Sauron pursued them. That Mithrandir rode with them did not surprise him, for long had he kept company with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. It was a comfort having him nearby. Though the same was not so for his brother Wizard.
Saruman had long been an enigma to Haldir. He did not presume to know the workings of any Istari mind, but Saruman puzzled him. True, Haldir knew Gandalf well, but he had met Radagast the brown only once, and Saruman the White only once. Perhaps it was Gandalf who was the exception. Perhaps the other wizards were all more inclined to solitude and Gandalf's approachable, helpful nature was the aberration.
Whichever was the norm, Haldir knew only that he did not like the White Wizard. He never really had. Their first meeting had shown the March Warden that Saruman thought himself superior to others. While he would easily accept a Maia was superior to him, he could not understand the easy disdain towards the opinions of others and the indifference bordering on disrespect Saruman exhibited towards Celeborn and Galadriel. Of course, that had been a meeting of high emotion and that could well have contributed to Haldir's perception. He'd been told before that his duties often blinded him to opposing opinions. Truly, he still could not dismiss the desire that the White Wizard would return to his dark tower and allow them to do as they saw fit.
To Haldir's mind, that's just what this was, an elven matter best addressed by elves. Certainly Prince Legolas' surprising affliction could be considered nothing else than an elvish matter, and Estel's, Glorfindel's, and Elrohir's injuries had been sustained while seeking information about that condition.
Haldir was confident that Celeborn, Galadriel, and Gandalf would be well able to determine how best to help them. Realizing he had been accepting of Gandalf's involvement in an elven' matter simply underscored the truth. Haldir did not like Saruman.
Lorien's March Warden wiped such petulant thoughts from his mind and raised a hand to signal to his closest companion that all was well. Waiting for a moment, he saw a hand lifted to return the signal, and so on until he was assured that the perimeter was secure.
He and the others who had taken the evening watch when Glorfindel had assigned it had heard the various disturbances and outcries from within the encampment. Disturbed and concerned, to be sure, each elven warrior knew his duty and remained ever vigilant. None would break the line they held without orders.
The March Warden did start a bit when he saw Saruman approaching his horse. Keeping his attention divided between duty and curiosity was not something he would usually permit himself, but something about the White Wizard drew his attention. He saw Saruman rummage through his saddlebags and remove some reference. Assuming the Wizard sought some way to help the injured of their party he turned back to his duty. The sudden neighing followed by a scream of pain, brought him, and indeed several of his companions to face Saruman, their bows aimed and ready.
Haldir blinked in surprise at the sight of the Wizard being bitten by his own steed. Signaling silently to the others to stay their weapons and return to their duty, Haldir was somewhat surprised at himself when he could not suppress a small smile at the White Wizard's discomfort.
**
With the dawn, the elves made preparations to depart for Lothlorien. The injured had been declared fit for travel, though Glorfindel insisted he could not be considered injured by any definition of the word–in any language.
Glorfindel had spoken to Elrond and Celeborn about the journey. All had agreed that Estel, though severely concussed, would be able to travel a short distance before he required rest. Neither Estel nor Legolas had yet wakened, but neither were they disturbed by the noiseless movements of the elves breaking camp.
Once they were underway, Glorfindel felt he could breathe easily for the first time since they'd arrived at the horrid cave. It was like a bright sun shone down after a dark storm. The air seemed lighter, and the clean scent of earth permeated the air. Travel was necessarily slow, but the very act of leaving that cursed cavern was enough to lift any elf's spirits.
He knew this strange euphoria he felt might be a side effect of the protection spell. Galadriel and Gandalf had suggested they keep the spell in place until reaching Lothlorien, and had ultimately found no reason not to do just that. Saruman seemed less than pleased with the situation, but Glorfindel could not find it within him to care. That Elrond was satisfied was more than enough reason to continue on their way.
He looked to Elrond now, who supported Estel before him on his steed. The Lord of Imladris kept careful note of his son's condition, and all matched their speed to his. He was given leave to call what halts he would, and he was given leave to determine when they had ridden as far as Estel could go for the day.
Lord Elrond's worry was apparent to any who knew the Lord. His grip upon his son's waist was not loose, nor tight. One hand came up to Estel's brow on occasion–probably more often than was warranted–to check the young man's head. Elrond peered now into one of Estel's eyes and frowned.
Glorfindel's practiced eye roamed over the Ranger, taking in his obvious discomfort and his obvious wish to hide it. He saw Estel smile at his father, but did not try to hear what was said. It would have been easy enough, but eavesdropping was not a thing an elf undertook lightly. He was relieved to see Elrond smile as though reassured, or perhaps amused by his son's words.
Just that morning ere they had ridden for Lothlorien, he had spoken to Elrond of their predicament. "My friend, the road to Lothlorien is long, and will be made longer by the pace we must keep. Are you certain there is no other destination? Perhaps we should return to Rivendell." Glorfindel doubted his friend would take such advice but he had to offer it.
Elrond tore his gaze from his sleeping son. "Nay, my friend. Rivendell would be just as far a road. Besides which, we must not forget our purpose. We left Imladris because we could not find a way to help Legolas. We cannot abandon our quest merely because of injury."
"It is no small injury."
Elrond hadn't replied, for just then, Estel had awoken, and it took some time to prepare him to travel.
Glorfindel checked the sun's position and determined that they had traveled a fair distance though their pace was slow. He was not surprised therefore when Elrond called a halt. The Elf Lord gestured for Glofindel to assist him.
Glorfindel dismounted and stood by Elrond's horse, and though Estel protested, Elrond handed the human down to Glorfindel, who easily supported the Ranger in his strong arms until Elrond could dismount. Settling the man by a tree, Elrond immediately inspected his bandages, making not a sound by which his pleasure or displeasure could be judged.
"Well?" Estel asked the question with just a hint of exasperation.
To Glorfindel's surprise, Elrond very nearly smirked, but caught himself. "Is that an entire question?"
Estel sighed. "I meant to ask if I'mif you're satisfied with my recovery."
"You have barely begun to heal, my son." Elrond glanced at Glorfindel, a twinkle in his eye. "However," he continued. "I amby your progress."
Estel smiled. "So I may ride on my own?"
Elrond and Glorfindel's laughter echoed through the makeshift camp.
"I did not say that, Estel! No, you may not ride on your own until I have given my permission, and before you ask" he said, as Estel opened his mouth, "I will tell you when you are ready, and it is not now!"
Reluctantly, Estel nodded and settled back down to allow his father to finish his examination. "What of Legolas?"
"He is the next patient I will be seeing."
Glorfindel followed the quick glance his friend cast in the direction of Thranduil and his sons. "I will tell them you will be by." Glorfindel didn't wait for Elrond's reply.
**
Legolas had never spent a more uncomfortable time on horseback in his life. He was an accomplished rider, and had taken to horses at a young age, even for an elf. It was well known in Mirkwood that if the youngest prince could not be found among the treetops, he would be with his favorite horse, Fëagaladhad. Riding had always been a joy to Legolas, but this ride had been fraught with pain and with drifting in and out of consciousness.
When Lord Elrond called the halt, Legolas was more than ready to dismount. Handed down to Aglarelen from his father's supportive grip was a new experience in pain, though he tried to hide it. Aglarelen eased him to the ground, and sat just behind him cradling him against his chest.
Allowing the embrace to ease away the ache of the hours upon horseback, he closed his eyes and almost immediately drifted off to sleep. It should have been more restorative, but his sleep was a troubled one. Images of the battle with Alatar and Pallando replayed in his mind. Orcs appeared to aid the Wizards, and Legolas let fly arrow after arrow. Again, as he had in reality, he watched his arrow take down one of the Ithryn Luin. He saw the Maia crumble, and heard the other Wizard's rage. The dream shifted and, under the other Wizard's control, Legolas raised a sword and
Sitting up abruptly, his heart pounding, his eyes wide, Legolas heard his own voice crying out for Estel, yet he was unsure if it was a dream. The pain in his side and the throb in his foot brought the reality of the moment home to him, and he realized that not only had he spoken, but many people were answering him.
"Legolas? What is it?"
"Legolas! I am here!"
"My brother? Are you ill?"
Legolas heard the voices, but his confused, panicked mind could make no sense of them. Reflexively, he retreated to the strong memories of his childhood, and of his father offering comfort. "Ada?" He could hear the anxiety, the fear in his own voice, and hoped no one else could.
Thranduil was suddenly in front of him, strong hands grasping his son's still trembling ones. "My son! What is it? What has happened?"
Legolas, however, was not prepared to share his heart's secrets. He thought of saying he had had a nightmare, for in truth, he was certain that was what it had been. It was not prescience, for he had dreamed the past. He had not had much experience with nightmares, for they were not common among elves, but he had had one or two in Rivendell during the long winter before they had set out for Lothlorien. He knew his father loved him. He did not doubt it, yet he could not bring himself to speak of so human a thing to him. " I cannot say. Ada"
He stopped himself with a frown. He wanted to tell his father that he had dreamed. He had dreamed in the way of men. Vivid images, sometime linear and telling a story, sometimes comforting, and sometimesnot. He had shared much thought with Estel when first he had found himself human about such things. Accustomed to the softer images of elven dreaming, he had not understood these things, and in truth his first nightmare had left him shaken and unwilling to seek rest for sometime.
He recalled speaking to Estel about it. Spring was fast approaching when one stormy night, he had suffered an embarrassment he never could have predicted.
In the midst of the storm, following a particularly loud clap of thunder, Legolas had awoken to find himself sitting up in bed, clutching his blankets in a white-knuckled grip, and screaming as though he faced Morgoth himself.
He was startled anew when his bedroom door flew open to reveal Aglarelen, Lord Elrond, Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrohir each carrying a candle and each wearing a look of dazed concern. They entered the room, Aglarelen sitting upon his bed and gazing worriedly at him, Aragorn standing at the foot of the bed and staring at him, and the twins standing just behind their father, who stood a short distance from where Aglarelen sat.
Still breathing quite heavily, his heart pounding as though it would try to outrun his jumbled thoughts, Legolas was having difficulty reconciling what his eyes told him was a safe haven from the horrifying images that had moments ago been his reality.
He tried to speak, but his voice would not come. Clearing his throat, he tried again, but only managed a hoarse whisper. "I am sorry." He would have said more, but his brother thrust a cup of water into his hands, and, shakily, Legolas drank.
Noting that his hands shook, Legolas stared in open-mouthed horror at them. One thought raced through his mind. What is wrong with me?
"I do not know what happened. I wasI seemed to be" He paused and started again addressing himself to Aragorn. "It must have been a dream!" His astonishment could not have been more apparent. "It was much like that, only"
"This dream scared you." Aragorn's suggestion seemed accurate enough to Legolas.
"It did, mellonin. It wasfrightening." Legolas realized he was shivering.
Aglarelen was puzzled. "Dreams? How can dreams"
Lord Elrond cut him off. "These are not the comforting images and emotions of elven sleep, Aglarelen. He has suffered what humans term a nightmare' and from what I know of them, they can frighten a person as badly as the sight of a thousand orcs baying for blood might scare an elfling of no more than a few years old."
Aglarelen had shaken his head in consternation, but could offer little comfort. He was entirely unfamiliar with the experience. The Crown Prince turned to Lord Elrond. "How do you know so much of them?"
Elrond offered a sad smile. "I have had some experience. My brother, my son" He gestured towards Aragorn. The Elf Lord then took the empty cup from Legolas' still shaking hands and placed it on the table. Crossing the room, he opened a small cupboard and removed an extra blanket. He moved back to Legolas' side, and draped it over the young prince's still shivering body. "I think it would be best to leave this to those who best understand it." He leaned closer then and placed a comforting kiss upon Legolas' brow. Ushering his twins out of the room, he looked at Aglarelen, and the Crown prince realized he was meant to follow.
His eyes flew to Legolas' face unwilling to leave him after such an experience. Legolas smiled. "I am well, Aglarelen. Honestly, I am."
Aglarelen looked to Aragorn who made a gesture that was half nod and half bow. "I have had such dreams. I will help him."
Reluctantly, Aglarelen stood and, as Lord Elrond had done, kissed his brother's brow. "You need only call for me, Greenleaf, and I will be by your side."
"I know it well, my brother." Legolas offered a shaky smile and watched his brother leave with Lord Elrond and the twins. He did not fool himself. Aglarelen would likely be speaking to Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir half the night to reassure himself that Legolas was indeed well.
He turned to face Aragorn who moved from the end of the bed to take up the place Aglarelen had just vacated. "Do you remember what it was you dreamed?"
Hesitantly, Legolas nodded.
Aragorn smiled. "Would you like to tell me, or shall I simply guess until dawn?"
Some part of his mind registered the attempt at humor, but Legolas could not acknowledge it. "This dreamingI do not like it." The insistence in his voice, the unconscious tone that since he did not like it, it should cease immediately also did not register with the Prince.
"I do not like it either, when it turns to nightmare. Still, those are rare. You will feel better if you talk about it." Aragorn waited.
Legolas did not know where to begin and said as much.
"Begin with the first thing you recall and stop at the point where you are sitting up in bed wondering why all these people were standing around your bed." Aragorn's tone was light, but he seemed to speak in earnest.
This time Legolas smirked at his friend recognizing the humor in his words. Still, he delayed speaking of the dream. "Do you often have such dreams?"
Aragorn looked away, but just as quickly looked back to his friend. "I had them most often when I was younger, but yes, from time to time, they still haunt me." He spread his hands in an all-encompassing gesture. "It is inevitable."
"It is normal then?"
"Completely."
"Almost mundane?
"WellI wouldn't say"
"So there is naught to speak of"
"Legolas"
With a sigh, Legolas described his dream.
Aragorn listened to every word, and spoke when the prince finished. "A reasonable dream. You fear for your father because he is far from you. Your worry simply came out in the dream."
"I saw him die, Estel."
Aragorn shook his head. "You did not see him die. You saw a dream image die. He is well."
Legolas wanted to believe his friend, but fear would not allow it. "How do we know that?"
Aragorn looked him in the eye and spoke very softly. "What does your heart tell you?"
Legolas almost brushed the question away, but when he paused to consider it, he could not help but smile. "That Thranduil yet lives."
Aragorn smiled. "Then you have your answer."
Legolas had soon drifted off to sleep, though not until he was too weary to resist the closing of his eyes–a thing he had not yet grown accustomed to doing.
Then, Estel had eased his heart's pain, but nowThere was a doubt within his mind. Doubt that he knew would nip at his heels all the days of his life–mortal or immortal–if he did not seek to take its teeth. How could he lay this to rest? He could not help but think there was no one who could easily help him. No one could claim to have done a thing half so awful as he had done. To whom could he turn? His father would certainly try to soothe him with soft words and logic insisting he had done only what he had to do, and truly his mind was willing to believe such things, but his heartai! His heart was not so willing.
**
Aragorn heard Legolas call his name, but it was the voice of fright, of nightmare that rang through their camp.
While his father had been checking his injuries, Legolas had fallen asleep. Glorfindel had returned to Lord Elrond and informed him of that just as the Elf Lord had finished checking Aragorn's head.
Elrond had cast a worried glance at the Prince, but Aragorn had seen him force himself to relax. "It is just as well. The ride was exhausting, and if Estel's reaction is any indication, I am sure it was painful."
"Ada! I am fine! You said so yourself!" Aragorn insisted.
Elrond smiled. "I said you would be fine."
Aragorn conceded the point, more interested in Legolas' condition. "Will you still check him?"
Elrond nodded as he rose. "I will indeed."
Aragorn had then watched as his father walked over to Legolas and examined him while speaking in quiet tones to Thranduil and Aglarelen. Aragorn considered rising and walking to his friend's side, but the throbbing in his head made more than the thought of such a thing impossible.
With Legolas asleep, the others began to set up a cooking fire to prepare some food while they waited for him to awake. No doubt Legolas would find it embarrassing to have held up the entire group, but Aragorn intended to thank him. Even the gentle walk of his father's horse had only seemed to aggravate the pain in his head. Each step the animal took was like a spike being driven through his brain by an army of angry dwarves.
He looked to his left as Elladan settled there beside him. "How is Elrohir?" Aragorn was as consumed with worry for his brother as for his friend.
Elladan glanced to where his brother was speaking to Galadriel and Gandalf. "He is feeling much better, but Gandalf believes that is from the protection spell. Galadriel thinks that spell should be removed so we can find a way to counter the other one."
"Was that really meant to separate Elrohir and Glorfindel from the group?" Aragorn did not like to think what might have happened once the two had been taken away.
"That is what Gandalf and Grandmother believe." He turned to face his human brother. "Estel, what do you recall about going to the cavern?"
Aragorn considered the question. He'd been thinking about that for most of the time since his father had gone to check Legolas. He could not help but feel responsible for the prince's injuries. Legolas had sustained them because he had tried to help Aragorn.
"I remember nothing. I only recall coming aware once Legolas had injured the Wizards. He and I stumbled about for awhileI know not how I came to be there, and I have not had the chance to speak to Legolas about it." He looked his brother in the eye. "What of you? What do you recall of the sleeping spell?"
Elladan shook his head. "I have spoken to Gandalf, Grandmother, and Elrohir about it. I recall only when I awoke. I was struggling to wake, and I wished to call to ElrohirI noticed Ada was not nearby. I also saw that you and Legolas were missingGandalf believes the spell was designed specifically to hinder an elf's ability to wake. In truth, it was like no sleep I have ever known save those induced by some of Ada's elixirs."
"If it was designed to hinder an elf, why was Ada not affected?" Aragorn was puzzled.
"I was affected."
Aragorn was startled by his father's words. "Ada? How is Legolas?"
Elrond smiled and sat beside his sons. "He is still asleep. The journey was difficult, and sleep is the best thing for him."
Elladan interrupted. "You say you were affected? I did not see you when we rose?"
Elrond nodded and explained how he had awoken and gone in search of Legolas and Aragorn. "I saw you and Elrohir struggling, but I could not wait. I was not sure what Estel faced."
Elladan nodded.
"Ada, why was Legolas not affected?" Aragorn's confusion only grew as his brother and father exchanged looks. "What?"
"Legolas is no longer an elf. If the spell hindered only elves, he would have been safe."
Elrond's explanation made perfect sense to Aragorn. "Why did I not think of that?"
Elladan laughed. "Perhaps the blow to the head, the concussion"
It was then that Legolas' voice broke through the camp.
"Estel! Estel! No!"
"Legolas! I am here!" Aragorn bellowed, trying to move, but being unable as Elladan's hand clamped down upon his shoulder.
Elrond moved to his other patient's side as Thranduil answered his son's cry.
Aragorn looked to his brother, but Elladan put up his hands. "Nay, my brother! I will not help you to stand!"
"Then I will stand on my own." Aragorn rolled slowly to his side, placing his hands on the ground for support. He got to his knees, and was concentrating intently on getting from knees to feet.
Elladan's arms circled his waist, offering support and strength. "If you insist on doing this, Estel, I will at least make sure you do not injure yourself further."
Aragorn smiled as Elldan took his weight by drawing Aragorn's arm across his shoulders. They reached Legolas' side, and Aragorn was quick to note that his friend was indeed glad to see him.
"I am well" Legolas faltered as he tried to explain. Pleading eyes locked onto Estel's. "Mellonin"(My friend"
Aragorn understood immediately. "My friend, do not let such things trouble you."
"Nay, Estel, I know I should not" He looked at the crowd of elves and back to his friend.
Aragorn nodded as though in reply to an unasked question, then turned to Elrond. "Ada, may I speak to Legolas alone?"
Elrond seemed reluctant but nodded, much to Aragorn's relief. Elladan settled his brother next to the wounded prince, and, with great reluctance, and much hesitation on Thranduil's part, the pair was left alone.
"Can you speak of it now?" Aragorn looked into Legolas' troubled eyes, willing his friend to speak to him.
"I do not know."
"Did you dream something bizarre and unrelated to reality or something rooted in our actual Middle-earth?" Aragorn hoped Legolas would respond to questions, but when he didn't respond, the human leaned closer, whispering to Legolas. "You are not alone, Legolas. I am, as ever, by your side. Let me share your burden.
Legolas closed his eyes. "Oh, mellonin, I do not think even your friendship can find a way to ease this burden."
To Be Continued
Silvertoekee: I gave Saruman this chapter off, but he'll be back soon and we'll see some more of the devious workings of his mind! I don't want anyone to know too much about his plans and motives, but I haven't decided how much I'll let them suspect. Thanks for the review!
Tychen: Saruman's quite the operator, but he doesn't even suspect how much he's slipped. He knows his plans aren't coming to fruition, but he has such contempt for everyone else's level of competence and intelligence, that he just doesn't see the threat. As for Legolas, well, I'm afraid you'll have to wait to see!
Templa Otmena: I'm glad you knew what I meant about Legolas and Aragorn. I love those hints in the films that there's more to the friendship than we know. It makes me wonder if they did that because of the fansites that cropped up about those two! I love the bit in TTT EE when Legolas tells Aragorn he needs to get some rest. There's also that brilliant bit in the finale that should have been sooo much more than it was, but I am glad we got as much as we did. (Though I was hoping for some sort of montage with the appendices of the HobbitsSam joining Frodo, and Merry and Pip returning to GondorLegolas and Gimli sailing to ValinorOf coursethe appendices are an entire film of their own! I'm so flattered that you like the way I write their relationship! As for, and I must quote your review: "I especially liked your use of 'Estel' in contrasting Elves and Humans. You always seem to do things like that very well, you take something small and canonish but then give it this Big Picture scope thingy...made sense in my mind *grins*!" Thank you! That's my all time favorite thing to do in fanfics. It's like an obsession with me to find some small word or passing comment and turn it into something. I take notes sometimes when I read LOTR or watch the films for glimmers of ideas! Thanks so much for noticing! I'm thrilled as always with your comments and insights. I'm glad you like Galadriel. What an intimidating character to write! She and Celeborn are the only ones (at least as I've written it.) Who understand what Elrond will face when his children stay in Middle-earth. I've had people argue with me about this, but the way I read LOTR, it seems apparent the Twins stay behind. Whenever you read the book, whenever they refer to the twins it's with phrases like "the group of men including the sons of Elrond" or something like that. Men. That means that they'd made their choice and had become mortal already. At least that's how I interpret it. I'm open to other interpretations. Elrond is also a favorite of mind. I always wished there was more of him in The Hobbit and in LOTR. He's fascinating. The level of loss he must have lived throughI mean to lose his twin! YIKES! I have a twin and it's unfathomable.see I can't even continue that thought! It gives me the shivers! Then his wife is attacked and she leaves for Valinor, and then his kids all choose to live as mortals. Poor elf! You're right! I remember that. Galadriel did want Gandalf to be the head of the council. Pretty obvious really, when you consider none of the others stuck to the game plan. Radagast was probably the most benign, but he loved the animals so much he forsook the rest of Middle-earth! I knew you'd like the horse's revenge! LOL! Remember, any delay in posting this is not my fault. Technical difficulties have kept me from posting. I'm sure the people at ff.net are doing all they can, so, I'll just keep working on the next chapter! Keep reading and I'll keep writing!
Joee1: I'm glad I could contribute so much to your hatred of Saruman! (LOL!) I don't know what's going on with ff.net, but I hope you get to read this soon!
Chloe Amethyst: Thanks! I'm really glad the suspicion came across without seeming too over the top. You've put my biggest worry to rest! Celeborn and Glorfindel are too often minor characters, and, while I have so many of them together, I am trying to give equal consideration to each of them. As for the powerlessness, again, this is something I keep worrying about. I don't want anyone to appear weak, so I keep trying to make sure that, whatever they face, they have some strength, or insight, or FAITH or HOPE somewhere that can see them through. I love your insights, though. In writing much of that, I fixated on the frustration of feeling powerless to help someone. Even though you desperately want to do something, there's nothing you can do. That feeds the frustration, powerlessness, and helplessness, and often, you're helping more than you know though you yourself wouldn't really think you're doing anything just by offering kind words, a shoulder to lean on, etc. Yes, it would have been bad for our favorite elves (To understate it!) if Saruman had gotten what he wanted.
Nesuli: Yes, you read the first chapter. I'm sorry it's confusing. If you have specific questions, e-mail to me and I'll explain. For the most part, I started sort of in the middle of some action, with some worrying going on as the elves all realize Aragorn is missing and they need to go and look for him. It's like rolling a snowball down a hill. Things just get bigger and more out of control as you read.
Sirithiliel, Gwyn: Thanks! FYI, the delay in updating is because I couldn't log in at ff.net.
Elven Kitten: Yes, Elrond suspects, but he's too worried about everyone right now. Maybe later he'll connect it all! I'll post more ASAP.
Leggylover03: It will take awhile, but who knows if they're going to need to go all the way to Lothlorien? Hee! Sorry to tease, but I don't even know what my muse has in mind.
Ryuujin Dragon King: Thanks! Chocolate! That's the best! Okay, I've gotten a spurt of energy. If all goes well at ff.net, chapter 25 will be up soon. More Legolas and Aragonr to come! BTW, I believe you expressed interest in Legolas' brothers and father. There's more of all of them in my four part fic Undying Lands.
Grumpy: The horse thing is pretty popular. Glad you like it! More on Glorfindel and Elrohir to come!
Strider's Girl: I have lots more Ranger angst coming. There will be sooo much in the upcoming chapters!
Catherinexxix: You can call him a coot if you like. Even if you did just make me think of Crazy Cooter from Dukes of Hazzard. Hee! Thanks! You're right, it is difficult, and I'm never sure if I'm succeeding until I hear from you. You plural. Not you personallynot that I don't want to hearshutting up now. Gandalf will have some good scenes coming up so keep reading oh Gandalf Groupie!
White Wolf1: More Legolas in the next chapter. Something is on our favorite elf's mind! Of course, there will be more Saruman, too! Sorry!
Alariel: Legolas is human now. The spell was meant for elves. Elrond woke first because he is half-elven. That, and seeking spiritual help from his father, as well as that secret reserve of energy that makes any parent able to do the impossible if their kids' lives hang in the balance! Elladan and Elrohir woke next because they're Elrond's sons and have some human blood. No you weren't imagining things! Elrond gets help from Eärendil. Someone else pointed out that I have all the elvish hierarchy in one place, and, militarily, that won't do. There is the fact, however, that Sauron isn't yet the problem he's going to be. Things are set in motion, but no one outside of our group really knows who has the three rings. They are powerful elves, so I don't think there's that much danger. Still, I suppose I should address that issue more than I have. Thanks.
Countrygirl: Don't worry. I love the elf, too. There's a lot of ground to cover. Don't give up on him yet!
Joslin: Thanks. I'm glad you like it. There's plenty more to come.
Jacklyn: Hi. Yes, for the purposes of my story, the Blue Wizards are less powerful than the grey. Of course, I've taken liberties here. In Tolkien's unfinished work, he wasn't sure himself what happened to the Blue Wizards. He surmised that they may have been corrupted by Sauron, had started cults that worshipped Sauron in Harad and beyond, or that they had started some resistance to Sauron. Either way, their fate was never told, which gives me a lot of room to improvise. My POTC stories (I have two.) are A Pirate's Life and Death, which is, like this LOTR story, a work in progress. I'm writing chapter 15 of that one now. The other is A Rare Gift, which is a one chapter story and is complete. You can access both from my profile page.