XIX

The keen eyes of the Elf picked out the sight of an eagle soaring through high above the clouds. He smiled. News.

His silver cloak glittering in the sun as he stood atop the hill, the Lord of Imladris pondered upon the unanswered questions. Having started on his journey back to Imladris, he now awaited the arrival of his messenger and the Silvan Elf representative. It was unlikely that King Thranduil himself attend the council, and he knew it was likely that the young prince would be sent in his father's place.

Elrond's smile widened as he saw the eagle go into a steep dive. His steed did not panic as the big bird drew near and landed next to the Elf.

"Greetings, Lord Elrond," the Eagle bowed its head in deference to the Elflord, "I am Obsiran, and I bring tidings from Lasgalen."

"You have travelled far, my friend. I thank you for bearing the news," Elrond spoke. He noted that the eagle was not yet full grown. Its wingspan had yet to reach ten feet, and the feathers had not yet taken on the resplendent gold sheen of his kindred.

"Indeed I have flown many days, but it is with pleasure that I did so. The Prince of Lasgalen wishes to convey the following message. He has set out from Lasgalen not seven days ago, and with him was the Lord Glorfindel and the prince's servant, Esendri. Barring any extenuating circumstances, he should reach Imladris in twenty days."

Elrond laughed with delight. "You bring joyful tidings, for my heart longs greatly to see the younger son of King Thranduil again. It has been long since we parted! May I assume he is a friend of yours, for surely no eagle would consent to carry a message unless he is willing to."

"More than a friend, my lord. Prince Legolas saved me when I was but a chick. I had fallen from the eyrie, and his sharp eyes spotted me amidst harsh rocks and stone. He picked me up and cared for me, nursing my broken bones, healing them with his magic. It was not long before I was well again."

"I knew not that Legolas possessed magic of such kind! He had never mentioned it to me before!" the Elflord exclaimed, truly surprised at the revelation.

"He knows magic, and much more. Compassion and Love are never far from his heart. The prince did not stop there. Instead, he bore me up and climbed the steep peak to return me to my family, risking his own life, for Elves like him are most at home in trees."

"Indeed. But that may come about to be his detriment one day! He is young and has yet to learn that kindness does not necessarily be repaid. Compassion towards those who do not deserve it may yet lead to undesired outcomes. But I digress. What news of Lasgalen, for it seems that you would know much about the goings-on of the Great Wood!"

The eagle flapped his wings, anger creeping into his body.

"Orcs are starting to make their presence felt in Lasgalen. Nine days ago the prince came across a clearing in the heart of the woods. The wounds were inflected by the axes of Orcs. They did not survive."

Elrond paled slightly. He had not expected the situation to be that serious. While he had felt the threat, he did not know the extent of it. Judging from what he had garnered, it seemed like there was something emerging that would threaten the very survival of Lasgalen.

"Orcs," he muttered, "They have neither the courage nor intelligence to launch such a strike against the trees. The wrath of the Silvan Elves would be great!"

"His Majesty has managed to keep the matter silent. Only a select few know of it. It has also come to the attention of my leader, Gilidan, that a creature has been stealthily bringing the Orcs under its control. What sort of creature, we do not know. It appears to be of great evil and power. We fear that if nothing is done to act against the assault on Lasgalen, the wood would be lost forever."

"Indeed you speak wisely, my friend, for your fears are not without basis. I thank thee very much again for the help you have rendered. It is imperative that I rush back to Imladris as soon as possible. I do believe that the prince would arrive at the same time."

"That would be so under normal circumstances, my lord. However, if I read it correctly, the weather at the High Pass of the Misty Mountains is about to take a change for the worse. His Highness would be slightly delayed for the horses would not be able to make it through," a look of worry placed itself on the Eagle's face, " I should not tarry. I would warn the prince. Something does not feel right about this. Something is amiss."

Elrond raised an eyebrow. Eagles had senses sharper than that of Elves even, and it was not wise that their intuitions be ignored.

"Perhaps then, Obsiran, I would request an audience with your leader. Let it be known to him that there would be a council held in Imladris on the first of September. This concerns the fate of Lasgalen, perhaps even Middle-Earth and is not be dealt with flippantly."

"I would gladly carry your message, Lord Elrond. Meanwhile, I have to take my leave. The hour grows late, and I have to reach the prince to prevent him from attempting the High Pass without due warning!"

With that the big bird spread its wings and took off, circling once more around the hill, before disappearing from sight.

The Lord of Imladris stood and watched the bird of prey with a heavy heart. The news that he had received was solemn. If his hunch were correct about the creature that had re-emerged from the shadow of the Withered Heath near Lasgalen, it would soon come to the same days that plagued Middle-Earth while the dark lord had been in power.

He moved off, gradually working up his mount to a fast gallop. It was now imperative that he return to Imladris. Mithrandir had promised to meet him again before the council to be held on September the first. He had some research to do before that.

A/N:

Before everybody starts screaming about how and why I did this, I promise to pick up on the Legolas storyline reaaaally soon, but for now we must move elsewhere for a while! You'll just have to keep checking to know what happened! Am sorry this story is taking forever just to take shape, I've been working on it for almost 2 years now! I'm sorry, it's just that real life has been crazy!

LOTRFaith: I'm glad you liked the story, thanks for reviewing!

Gwyn: Am happily writing away like a madperson, so here's your update! This should please my most loyal reader..=)

Konzen: Hmmm, I want him to forget Caeriel too, but Legolas is rather stubborn, I wonder...;)