See part one for disclaimer. Responses to reviews at end of chapter.

Please forgive the delay. Blame it on Saruman. He was trying to get me to write this chapter quite differently, but in the end, my original vision finally prevailed!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed.

Encroaching Darkness Part 26

By Ecri

Elrohir stood beside his brother, his anxious eyes on the trio of Gandalf, Legolas, and Estel huddled together across the camp and whispering urgently on each other. He turned to his twin. Elladan stood beside him on his right and Glorfindel on his left. "Do you suppose they are well?"

Elladan nodded. "If Estel needed help, he would not hesitate to call for someone."

Glorfindel smiled. "That is true, and your Ada would be the one he would call."

Elrohir returned the smile. "Yes, Estel has never been shy about asking Ada to help Legolas. It is when he himself needs the attention of a healer that he develops a strange inability to speak!"

The trio laughed together, each picturing some moment in the past when either Ranger or Prince had been injured. Elrohir was about to speak again, when a wave of dizziness hit him. He reached instinctively to Elladan and clung to his twin in a fierce grip.


Elladan panicked. "Elrohir!"

Elrohir was about to say he was well, when he heard his twin call Glorfindel's name. The younger twin looked to his left and saw his father's friend with a hand placed firmly to his head, his body swaying slightly as though he, too, were racked with dizziness.

He looked to his right again, expecting to see his brother, but instead looked into the concerned face of his father. "Ada"


Elrond eased him to the ground as Celeborn did the same for Glorfindel. Elrohir submitted to his father's examination knowing there was no way to stop it though he was feeling better by the minute. He glanced to Glorfindel as Elrond moved on to his friend, checking him in much the same way as he had his son.

Elrohir moved to sit up, though his brother's hands held him firm. Elrohir turned to Elladan about to admonish him for his overprotective streak, but Elladan merely shook his head and gestured to Lady Galadriel. Their grandmother stood just above himself and Glorfindel, her eyes shut and her hands slightly outstretched.

Assuming his grandmother was seeking some connection to the dizziness he and Glorfindel had experienced and the odd affliction that had hit them earlier, he kept quiet and still. In another moment, Galadriel opened her eyes, confusion apparent. Her eyes locked on Elrohir's however, and she knelt by his side for a moment, smiled and brushed his cheek tenderly.

Then she rose and gestured for Elrond to follow her. She spoke with him and with Celeborn, but no other could hear what they said. Elrohir glanced at Glorfindel who seemed as upset as he was to be excluded from the conversation, but neither of them would question the Lords and Lady.

**

Elrond moved to Galadriel's side. "They both seem well. What have you discovered?"


Galadriel thought for a moment then shook her head. I cannot offer reasons, but both Gandalf's spell and the other are gone."

"Gone?" Celeborn frowned. "Is it possible for them to disappear?"

"Nay, it should not be. Gandalf's spell at least would have had to be removed. They both seem well." She turned to Elrond. "I must assume there is no physical injury."

"There is none. They are well." He looked to Gandalf who still sat with Legolas and Estel. "We should ask Mithrandir to check them."

Galadriel nodded. None suggested Saruman would do as well as Gandalf, and none thought to question their disregard of the White Wizard.

Elrond glanced toward Gandalf who still seemed to be speaking to Legolas and Estel. No, now that he looked more closely, Legolas' eyes were closed. Ranger and Wizard had gotten him to sleep. That was well, since the prince was in desperate need of rest. He rose and made his way to Gandalf's side. "Mithrandir, the spells on Elrohir and Glorfindel have been removed. Will you see what magic you sense?"


Gandalf looked up at Elrond sharply, and the Elf Lord knew the announcement had startled his long time friend. As Gandalf rose and headed to the fallen elves, Elrond looked at his youngest son. "Estel, stay with Legolas in case he wakens again."


Aragorn nodded, but was soon joined by both Thranduil and Aglarelen. Neither would stray far from the prince's side, Elrond knew, and for now, that was certainly for the best.

By the time Elrond returned to the others, Gandalf was conversing with Galadriel. "You are right, Lady, they have no taint of magic upon them. How my spell could have been so easily removed will trouble me."

The Grey Wizard spoke softly to Glorfindel first. "You are feeling well?"

"I am. I feel as though some veil or fog has lifted. I am quite myself." Glorfindel spoke with the quiet assurance of an ancient elf.

The Wizard turned to Elrohir. "What of you, Elrohir? Are you well?"


Elrohir nodded. "I could hardly claim falsely with brother and father by my side, Gandalf. I am certainly feeling more myself than I have in some time."

Gandalf nodded and looked to Elrond. "We may never be satisfied with this solution, but we must surely accept that they are well. I will speak to Saruman later and see if he has any notion how such a thing was done, but I fear there are few clues. We may have to accept the mystery."

Elrond did not like to agree with such words, but had little choice. "I would prefer knowing we had cured them ourselves. I have never easily accepted happenstance." He knelt before his son and his friend, placing a hand on one cheek of each. His eyes sought deep into theirs and with a smile and a nod, he finally accepted it. "You would appear to be correct. They are well."

**

Haldir blinked as he heard someone call to him. A familiar voice said his name seeking, it seemed, reassurance that he was well. He was standing before Saruman, who held his arm in some concern. "There we are." Saruman said as Haldir focused on the White Wizard. "You seemed to lose focus. You seemed not yourself. Are you well?" He said the words in an odd tone, emphasizing syllables in a seemingly random way.

Haldir nodded unsure of himself but unwilling to admit it to one whom he did not entirely trust. "I am well." He felt his brows knit together as he tried to recall something that now seemed well out of his reach. "II must finish checking the perimeter." He blinked again, and with a nod from Saruman, retreated to do as he'd said.

He walked slowly, his attention wandering to the perimeter as his mind sought to force some normalcy upon this odd situation. He felt as though something important had happened, but he could not place it. Whatever it was, it had something to do with Saruman. Haldir recalled his dislike for the Wizard, but it seemed somehow more intense than he remembered. He had an aversion to the Wizard that he could not explain. Certainly he had never liked Saruman, nor had he ever completely trusted the White Wizard, but he now felt an urge to be as far from the Istar as he could manage.


Walking the perimeter of the camp, he forced his mind to concentrate on what hidden dangers might threaten their company. He did not know why this forced his attention back to Saruman, but he shook off the feeling as well as he could and scouted the area. He would not allow himself to be distracted again.

He took his position, signaling to those under his command. One signed back asking permission to approach him, which he immediately granted wondering if perhaps some distant threat–orcs, wargs, wolves–might be drawing near.

"What is it Tauron?" Haldir looked into the other archer's eyes, surprised to see a bit of puzzles concern on the familiar features.

"Are you well? You left to patrol the perimeter some time ago. What has delayed your return?" Tauron had known Haldir for many hundreds of years, so Haldir understood the concern, but surely his friend exaggerated. He could not have been gone so long.

"I am well. I" He paused remembering Saruman and how he had felt awaking in the White Wizard's presence. Awakingas though from sleepor from "Tell me, mellonin, what would you say if I told you the White Wizard has given me cause to believe he is less than truthful with us?"

Tauron laughed–a light and nearly silent sound. "I would say will you also tell me it is likely that it will rain when the sky darkens? He is Ithron! Maia! He keeps his own counsel and even when he offers it to others it is oft times cryptic beyond understanding!"

Haldir knew this, and, in an uncharacteristic display of impatience, he waved his friend's words away. "I know the nature of Wizards, my friend." He looked Tauron in the eye. "But I also know the nature of traitors."

Tauron seemed surprised by his words, but Haldir saw a light in his eyes. The dawning of realization, or the sudden recognition of familiar things seen in a different light, Haldir could not say what it was, but he knew between the two of them, they could keep an eye on the troublesome Saruman.

**

Thranduil watched from a short distance away as Gandalf and Aragorn spoke to Legolas. Some part of the Elvenking would have preferred cradling his son in his own arms and returning to Mirkwood never to allow the younger elf to leave its boundaries again. He knew such a fate was unworthy of his son's time, but the heart of a father desired little beyond the safety of a son. He chided himself for such a thought, for he knew perfectly well that, though his son's safety was a thing he'd been consumed with since the young elf's birth, it was equally true that a father desired not only safety, but happiness for his child. Legolas was a child of Middle-earth. He loved Arda with his entire heart, mind, and soul. He would not hide away from it–not from the beauty, not from the terror, and not from those things that appeared to be both at the same time.

Thranduil glanced to Aglarelen, whose eyes did not stray from his young brother's face. He took a step closer to his eldest son, sensing that he needed comfort perhaps more than his youngest sibling. Barely had he taken the step when Aglarelen's eyes moved from his brother to his father.

Seeing the anguish in the bright, tear-filled eyes of his heir, he opened his arms even as he took another step closer. The two engulfed each other in a mutual embrace and any who observed it would have been hard pressed to say who received more solace, the father or the son.

"My son," Thranduil whispered. "He will be well. We will find a way" Thranduil was surprised when Aglarelen interrupted him.

"Nay, Ada, for I have already spoken to the Lady Galdriel. She knows naught of this affliction that tears him from us. She cannot help!" There was a deep bitterness in the Crown Prince's words.

Thranduil pulled slightly away from his son so that he could look into Aglarelen's eyes. For a long moment, he looked as though searching for something. When he failed to find it, he clutched Aglarelen to his chest once more. "My son, do not give up all hope. Eru will not abandon your brother!"

"Eru allowed this"


Thranduil stopped his son, anger plain upon his face. "You will not speak so! Eru has blessed all Middle-earth, and He cannot be blamed for the things done to spread discord in his song! It is Morgoth's influence, not Iluvatar's Will!"

Aglarelen swallowed and nodded at his father, his eyes suddenly downcast. "Forgive me, Adabut Legolas"

"Your brother will be well. We will find a way to make him well. We cannot give up"


Aglarelen nodded, and Thranduil offered his oldest son a sympathetic smile. "I understand your heartache. You want what I want: for Legolas to be well. He will recover. Do not underestimate our Greenleaf's strength."

The Elvenking again swept his eldest son into an embrace, and the two waited for Gandalf and Aragorn to soothe Legolas' mind and heart.

**

Aglarelen knew his father's words were meant to comfort, and though he himself had uttered those hateful words that cast the blame for this at Eru's feet, the Crown Prince of Mirkwood was well aware that such was not true. He silently begged Iluvatar's forgiveness that such words had crossed his lips and cursed himself for his weakness in questioning His Will. Legolas' dreams–nightmares, Elrond had termed them–seemed to frighten his brother as Aglarelen had never seen him frightened before.

He recalled that night in Imladris when Legolas' screams had woken him, and indeed the entire House. None had told Legolas of that, for, by unspoken agreement, they seemed to realize that such knowledge would only embarrass him.

He had raced from his room towards Legolas' only to find Elrond and all his sons in the corridor as well. Half the other elves in residence stood nearby seemingly composed though Aglarelen could not help but wonder at that. Surely someone must be attacking his brother for these screamshe cursed himself for not taking his weapon, but swore to Eru that he would cast himself between Legolas and whatever attacked him even were it to mean he would soon find himself in Mandos' Hall.

The Crown Prince could not have said what he expected to find upon opening the door, but his brother alone, sitting up in bed, eyes wide in fear, was not it. He raced to his brother's side and sat upon the bed, his eyes scanning both the room for unseen threat and his brother for unseen injury.

"I am sorry." Legolas' whisper took Aglarelen by surprise. Sorry? What in the name of the Valar could he be apologizing for? Shaking his head, he reached to the bedside table and filled a glass with water from the pitcher there. Pressing it into his brother's shaking hands, he watched in concern as Legolas drank.

He listened in confusion at the talk of dreams and demanded to know how such could be the cause of the terror he'd heard in his brother's voice. Lord Elrond's explanation did little to assuage his worries. He spoke to the Lord of Imladris watching as he lovingly draped a blanket over his brother and kissed the younger elf comfortingly on the brow, but his surprise at being asked–though without words–to leave the room did not sit well. He glanced to his brother wanting nothing more than to be certain Legolas was well.

Legolas' assurances notwithstanding, Aglarelen was not pleased. He left the room, wincing as Elrohir pulled the door closed behind them. He turned to speak to Elrond, but the Elf Lord was addressing the assembled elves. "It is well. Estel will see to him." He saw Elrond smile then in response, it seemed, to the smiles upon the faces of the retreating elves.

"What is amusing?" Aglarelen asked Elrond in consternation.

Elrond sobered a bit as he faced Aglarelen. "They only smile because it is usually Estel who must be seen to when a scream shatters the peace in Rivendell." He put an arm out to touch Aglarelen's shoulder. "Come. I expect you have questions."

Indeed he did, and Aglarelen had kept Elrond and the twins talking about human dreams until he was certain he could deal with one if the need arose.

Now, aware that once again, as in Imladris, Legolas turned to another for comfort, Aglarelen could not help but curse the strange malady or spell that seemed intent on sundering Legolas from all that he had known. Iluvatar's song, Legolas' family, his homewould nothing remain as it had been? He did not begrudge his brother what comfort he found with Aragorn and Gandalf, he wished only that he might be able to share the burden as well.


His father asked him a question then, and Aglarelen found himself explaining to Thranduil what Elrond had once explained to him.

**

Saruman sensed a dark, familiar presence and whirled around to the right. Seeing a wave of movement among the trees, he glanced to the nearest elves. All seemed occupied with some task, whether repairing arrows or bows, sharpening blades, tending horses, or standing nearby to the gathered elven Lords in case they could be of use. Surreptitiously, Saruman slipped away following the movement he'd seen.

In moments, he found the orc, hunched over slightly and peering through the brush towards the elven camp. Saruman wasted no time, and lashed out with his staff, catching the creature on the temple and sending him to the ground. The orc fumbled for his blade, but stopped and glared with obvious hatred and grudging respect up at the White Wizard.

"You fool!" Saruman said in a heated whisper slipping into the Black Speech to keep from being understood too clearly by any prying ears. "Why are you here! I told you to wait for me at Orthanc!"

The orc nodded, and gestured to the woods slightly behind him and a small band of orcs joined the two. The orc replied in the same language, but in a more cowering tone. "We come at the urging of our Dark Master."


Saruman glowered. He wanted no reminder that these orcs thought they served Sauron. Eventually, he would break their ties to Mordor, but until he could breed a few more generations from what few served him, he would have to tolerate the divided allegiance of the orcs who resided in Isengard. "Sauron has not contacted me! How would you know if he has some orders for you?"

The orc shuffled in apparent discomfort. "The stone ordered us to come to you. Mordor wants proof that the Blue Wizards have succeeded."

Saruman knew Sauron would require something like that. That the Dark Lord could not enter the White Wizard's own thoughts and learn what he needed meant his strength had waned once again. Sauron would need time to build enough reserve energy to contact him that way again.

Saruman did not want to tell of the Blue Wizard's failure, but nor did he desire to tell of his own recent involvement with these elves. As he pondered what course to take, a thought came to him. He could report to Sauron without being the bearer of bad news. Sauron would know he was not in Orthanc, and it was not unusual for him to leave his home in Isengard to search some text in the libraries of Gondor or to follow some clue as to the One Ring's whereabouts. He knew how to avoid Sauron and yet appear that he did naught but the Dark One's bidding.

He turned his eyes to the hapless orc who seemed to sense his life was about to take a turn for the worse. "You will journey to Mordor and tell Sauron that the Ithryn Luin have failed. I am trying to repair what damage that failure has done to his plans. Tell him I will have word for him soon." When the orc did not move, Saruman took a menacing step forward and raised his staff slightly. "Go, now! Do not keep Sauron waiting! Explain that I am not in Isengard and do not know when I will return since I will be away as long as it takes to do his bidding! Go!"

Saruman watched as the orc and his company tore through the brush and trees in their haste to escape the White Wizard's presence. He was confident that his ruse would buy him enough time away from the Dark Lord that he would be able to achieve something with which to illustrate his own loyalty. He would need to stay away from Orthanc for Sauron would notice his presence if he were too near the palantir. A small inconvenience. He would continue on with this group of elves to Lorien and from their move on to Gondor to see what he could learn from the libraries.

He would do well, he was sure, to keep an eye on Gandalf at the moment, so it was just as well. Gandalf had become too enamored of the peoples of Middle-earth. He had forged too close a relationship with many of the races that Saruman knew where beneath the notice of a Maia.

Hobbits, dwarves, Elves, andhe scoffed in disgust as the last race entered his mind. Men. Men were a useless race. Short lived compared to all others now that the blood of Numenor had been spent, men lacked patience, intelligence, fortitude, and foresight. They would be easy enough to dominate. Surely, if Ecthelion and Denethor were examples of the best of the race of men, Saruman would have little trouble with them. What Gandalf saw in these raced, Saruman could not imagine, but he would need to be sure Gandalf stayed distracted by his concerns.

The White Wizard had plans of his own, and he would use Gandalf's compassion against him. He would be sure that each race faced some dire need for Gandalf's advice at key moments, thereby casting the lesser Wizard's attention far from Orthanc. He considered what he'd planned for the elves. Once the Firstborn had been driven from these shores, or turned or tormented by Saruman's experiments, there would be little in all of Arda that could oppose him. He allowed himself a small smile as he considered the world as he would recreate it.

**

Haldir and Tauron perched high in the trees above the camp. They had retreated here to discuss their disquiet at the actions and words of the White Wizard. Haldir felt an odd sense that some piece of the puzzle was missing. He should recallsomething. He cursed this unprecedented memory loss. It was not a feeling he had ever experienced before in all the millennia of his life.

"I do not know why, but the more I ponder, the more I am certain that something has happened. Saruman" He trailed the thought as he tried desperately to grasp the elusive thought. "This is maddening!"

Tauron's hand touched Haldir's arm lightly, and Haldir turned his attention in the direction of his friend's unwavering gaze. There, beneath the pair, unaware that he was being observed, was the object of their discussion.

The elves traded concerned glances and watched as the White Wizard held conversation in the Black Speech with an orc. The Firstborn could not hear the cursed language without cringing in pain, yet Haldir tried desperately to memorize what words were spoken. He could not translate them himself, but perhaps if he could approximate the sounds or spell it phonetically, Gandalf or Elrond might be able to do it. He would not even consider speaking the Dark Tongue to the Lady of Light.

When Saruman cast the orc off on some mission or journey, apparent from the way he pointed in a direction as the orc and his companions moved quickly to obey, Haldir again glanced at Tauron. The pair dared not speak while Saruman remained below, so, with the patience of the Firstborn, they remained motionless until the White Wizard retreated.

Only then did Haldir and Tauron leap from the cradling branches of the tree to the next and then the next, moving swiftly towards the Grey Wizard in order to put to rest their concerns over The White.

**

Gandalf had no way of helping Legolas while the prince refused to pay heed to what comfort he offered. The young elf–though elf he was no more–was lost within a torment of his own creation, certain that he had done the unpardonable.


Gandalf sighed, knowing he had no choice but to wait until such time as Legolas might be more open to the words he spoke. He glanced to Aragorn. The Ranger's eyes held only concern for his friend, and, while that was certainly commendable and spoke well of the man's compassion, there was also guilt in those stormy eyes.

The wizard convinced Legolas to take a rest, promising that they would speak again later. Legolas nodded, and settled down, though Gandalf was certain sleep would be long in coming.

He was about to turn to Aragorn when Elrond called to him. The news of the spell having been removed surprised him, and, after bidding Aragorn to stay with Legolas, he rose and walked towards the others. As he passed the waiting Thranduil and Aglarelen, Gandalf spoke to the Elvenking.

"He is troubled, but do not press him. He rests now, and he will speak of his dreams when he can." He paused, and his eyes locked on the King's holding within them the promise of a Maia and the love of a close friend. These gave his words the tone of a vow though none was formally taken. "I will help him bear this burden." He glanced back at the blond prince. "He is weary," he said, speaking so softly he might have been conversing with himself. "He is weary indeed and his heart aches with the thought of what he has done and what he has lost. The spell robs him of reason and rest." He turned back to Thranduil. "Do not press him," he warned again, "but be by his side should he wake."

Gandalf watched as father and brother moved to Legolas' side and offering only their presence if that was all Legolas could accept from them.

He moved to Elrohir's and Glrofindel's side. His examination was brief, but he could make little guess as to what had changed their conditions.

The Grey Wizard knew Lord Elrond would not like his suggestion that they might never know what had happened to the pair of elves. He did not like it himself, and expected he would ponder it for some time.

He still had to check Aragorn, however, so while Elrond satisfied himself as to their condition, he returned to Legolas and Aragorn. "Come, Ranger. I would speak to you."

He helped a reluctant Aragorn to stand. "Do not worry, Estel. Legolas will be well." He gestured to Thranduil and Aglarelen. "His family is with him."

Thranduil reached up then and took Aragorn's hand. "Estel, I am grateful for all that you have done for him." The King opened his mouth again as of to say more, but simply shook his head when the words would not come.

Aragorn smiled. "He is a brother to me, My King."


Gandalf led Aragorn away supporting him as Thranduil stared after them. "You may be the first human ever to surprise the King of Mirkwood."


Aragorn smiled, but made no reply. He winced in pain as Gandalf settled him down upon the ground leaning against a tree.

"Tell me, Estel, of what you experienced when you seemed lost to us." Gandalf hoped to find more pieces to this puzzle though he wasn't entirely sure what pieces might yet be missing.

Aragorn looked away, but turned back again almost instantly. "I recall little. It fades with each passing moment."

"Such is the way of things, but tell what you can recall, for it may be of value." Gandalf listened with his eyes closed as Aragorn spoke. The words did not surprise him. He had begun to suspect such a spell but had not known how he might break it. He sighed. It could not be that such trials could end in robbing Middle-earth of two princes who might well have saved her.

He waited until Aragorn had finished before speaking again. "You say you came from behind this wall when you sensed Legolas in trouble."

"I did, but I do not know what trouble there was. I only wanted him to know he was not alone." Aragorn turned to sneak a glance at Legolas who seemed finally to be resting.

Gandalf watched the Ranger watch his friend. "Estel, there is more here than we know. You were the target of some plot, that much is certain." The Wizard did not soften his words with pretty phrases meant to take the sting from them. He was too busy to be mindful of that now. "What you must understand is that someone has targeted Legolas as well. His malady came well before the attack of the Blue Wizards, but it is unlikely that they are responsible for it. They were after you. Someone else did this to Legolas."

He paused pondering his next words. "This happened a long time ago, I know, but I need to know what you recall. How did Legolas lose his connection to Iluvatar's song?"

Aragorn frowned and sat in silence, brow furrowed as he tried to piece together things that had happened a long time ago. Finally he began to explain about Legolas rescuing him from orcs and all that had happened after that.

Gandalf listened, asking a question or two to clarify the details, but not offering any guesses as to how this had been done. He reached over and patted Aragorn's arm comfortingly. "I suggest you rest now, Estel. I suspect we will not be moving again before dawn, so sleep while you may. I have much to ponder."

He stood and moved aside even as Elrond approached Estel. Gandalf nodded to the Elf Lord but retreated without speaking to him. There was too much on his mind to engage in conversation now. He would seek out Saruman now to ask his advice on all that he knew. The White Wizard would have much insight, he was certain.

His thoughts were forgotten as Haldir and Tauron approached him and spoke softly. Gandalf frowned and the trio moved off together to speak more privately. This night, Gandalf thought, would be a long one.

**

Aragorn watched Gandalf as he spoke to Haldir and Tauron. When they moved away together, he wished he could follow, but even had he been able, Elrond would not have allowed it. "I am well, Ada." Aragorn whispered trying to keep his own voice from aggravating the ache in his head.


Elrond only raised one eyebrow and continued to drop a few herbs into the steaming water he had brought to his son.

Aragorn sighed. Undoubtedly Elrond was still treating his injuries. Not for the first time, he wished he healed as quickly as elves, only this time, the familiar wish brought with it the unfamiliar sting of regret at the selfishness of the thought. He'd dealt with human healing all his life, and yet he complained of a process he easily understood. Legolas was unable to judge his injuries in human terms as yet. He saw the surprise on his friend's face when he shifted or moved only to feel the pull of healing muscles and the pinch of stitched flesh. Legolas had not complained though he was certain it must have crossed his friend's mind that he would be better able to handle these injuries had he his old healing abilities. He also knew Legolas was in such a bad frame of mind right now that he was likely certain he deserved what pain he felt.

He sighed, and for once, did not try to brush away his father's hand as Elrond checked his injuries once again.

"You are healing, Estel, but do not tax your strength." He offered the tea and helped Aragorn to sip. "We will move again at dawn, for the Lady is eager to bring you and Legolas to the Golden Wood."


Aragorn nodded. "The sight of Lothlorien should do Legolas a world of good. Heoh, Ada, how can I bear this?" He reached out a hand and held so tightly to Elrond's that his own knuckles went white. "He suffers so! Is there naught the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn can do for him?"

Elrond shook his head. "They have not given up, my son, and neither should you. The Lady feels it would be best to attempt to help him within the Golden Wood. It is a protected realm, and she will be able to shield her attempts from prying eyes."

Aragorn's heart skipped a beat. "You think we are being watched?" He glanced around, his eyes narrowing as he sought some sign he might have missed.

"We suspect it only. The guards report orcs in the vicinity, though none have attacked." Elrond's gaze shifted upwards and he seemed to stare at the moon for a moment. "We should reach Lorien within a few weeks at the pace we travel.

Aragorn opened his mouth, but Elrond reached towards him and shut it again. "Before you ask, no we will not be increasing our pace, because you are not fine. Regardless of your self-diagnosis, we also travel slowly for Legolas' sake."


Aragorn cursed himself again for forgetting. "Adahe must be made whole!" The Dunadan looked across he camp to his friend, sleeping now and closely attended by his family. "Somehow, what he has lost must be restored."


Aragorn sipped the tea his father offered him, and, even as he drifted off to sleep, his mind sought some way to help his friend.


To Be Continued

Deana: Don't worry about Haldir. I wouldn't hurt him–too severely! Memories can always be regained.


Elven Kitten: Haldir's okay, see? He's a clever elf. He'll be okay.

Joee1: LOL! And thenthis!

Gwyn: Yes, that's just what Saruman did to Haldir, but I don't think Haldir is going to sit still for it. Tha

White Wolf1: Haldir doesn't listen. I'm the author and I told him to take someone with him, but would he listen to me? Nooooo! Anyway, he's got a friend watching his back now. You're right. Legolas just isn't finding any comfort from Gandalf. It's going to take some time to sort through it.

Leggylover03: Any chance? Sure! I love Aragorn Angst, too.

Grumpy: Haldir is clever, and Legolashe's going to sort through a few things eventually.

Chloe Amethyst: Yes, Legolas is dealing in absolutes right now, and has a lot to think about. Haldir seems like the best bet to get to the bottom of it all right now.


Catherinexxix: What a relief! I was so afraid Galadriel and Celeborn might be getting irritating, but everyone seems to like them so far. I had to work in that bit about Galadriel being surprised by Celeborn. I thought it would be a fun little detail. Thanks! I'm glad you liked that line! I wanted Aragorn to understand what Legolas is going through, but I also want Legolas to understand that Aragorn understands. Does that make sense? I was trying to be misleading where Gandalf and Saruman were concerned. I'm glad that worked. I had many candidates who wanted to be the ones who uncovered Saruman, but Haldir's case was strongest. Ya gotta love Haldir. LOL! You'll mail me chocolate? Cool!

Tychen: Haldir's okay now, and there's plenty more to uncover! Celeborn and Galadriel have plenty more to do, and Saruman may have a few tricks up his sleevebut then so doesoops! Almost gave away too much!


Sirithiliel: Poor Haldir! He knows something happened to him, but he doesn't know what! More soon, I promise!

Templa Otmena: Saruman's still full of himself, but things are unraveling for him in ways he's not even aware of. I agree wholeheartedly about the petty vendetta. I always wonder how he could sink so low and be so petty when he'd obviously lost. Then to be soundly kicked out of the Shirehee! Love those Hobbits! I'm glad you liked Haldir's thoughts on both his warriors and on dreams. I wanted it to seem he'd considered them and spoken to the Twins about them, but that they still puzzled him somewhat. Haldir seemed the perfect character for much of this. Wow! I guess I only narrowly escaped bodily harm on this one! LOL! I took care of Haldir, and there's only a tiny hint at a cliffie here! You mention in your review exactly what I was going for with these dreams of Legolas'. It's scary for him precisely because he's spent only Tolkien knows how many years controlling his own dreams and now they are cruelly wrenched from his control and the most horrifying images parade through his mind. Also, as far as his guilt over taking the life of the Blue Wizards, I was trying to show how his certainty that he has done something unforgivable is warring with his equal certainty that he did the right thing i.e. saving Aragorn's life. Poor elf/not-elf is so confused! I actually expected Legolas to be more comforted by Gandalf's words, but the muse said no. I have to go with it, and I liked the way it played between Legolas and Gandalf, so I have to bow to my muse's wisdom here. No apologies necessary! I'm thrilled to write him brilliantly! Yeah, it took me sometime to realize what had been cut from the trailer of ROTK. I have to see that scene with Eomer finding Eowyn or maybe it was Theoden, but they were right by each other so it was probably both. I keep hoping for more Aragorn and Legolas scenes, but I'll have to be patient. Yikes! A Christmas without a LOTR movie? How will we ever adjust? Yeah, Elrond giving Arwen away was very touching. I want more Elrond in the special edition, too. I would love it if every minute of footage shot would be used. For a long time I'd convinced myself that the elves on either side of Elrond at the Council were actually Elladan and Elrohir. What other elves would sit there beside him? I mean, if not Glorfindel, then it had to be Elladan and Elrohir! Of course that was before I heard Peter Jackson admit the twins weren't in the films. Bummer. Thank goodness for fanfic. I really appreciate your review. I'm glad you're enjoying the POTC fic, too! I'll start my other Long LOTR fic once this one and the POTC one are finished.

MaraJade: LOL! Saruman's horse appreciates all the attention and wants to assure everyone that he hates the Wizard, too! Thanks for the review!

MarySueREvil: Love your name! I'm glad you found the fic and I am flattered beyond words that you stayed at work so you could read it! Wow! I'm thrilled you like the relationships as I've portrayed them. Relationships like that are the main reason I dabble in fanfic. I love to explore what's already there and interpret it my own way. Thanks again. I do understand your logic. It's completely possible that Elrond's sons did sail to Valinor. As I said before, I was just always puzzled by the reference to them as men in the books. Not directly, but conspicuously by the lack of correction. Every time I think of it and of poor Celebrian waiting for her family only to be told by Elrond that their children will not come, it breaks my heart. I suppose it's possible I'll change my mind and have them change theirs, but I just don't know. Anyone out there know if Tolkien mentioned it in any of the History of Middle-earth books? I haven't quite read them all, yet. Working on it though. I'd love it if I'm wrong. See, you're right! Haldir is better! More to come about him really soon!

Mystical Panther: I got this review moments before I posted. That wasn't too long a wait, was it?