Hey guys, here the next chapter and as you will find out, this is where things will start to run parallel to Tolkien's work. But I can assure you that it will done to my taste. Thank you for the many reviews that keep me going. I take compliments and cookies like a duck takes to water!
Don't owe anything to do with Tolkien.........sadly.
Servant Rule Number 17:- Always be Prepared for whatever your master throws at you.
"He's smiling like an idiot again." Cleborn called out to him companions as they rode through the woods on patrol.
"What?" Legolas snapped out of his trance to return his attention to his friends as they exchanged a somewhat curious glance with one another.
"You, smiling like a dimwit!" Cleborn grinned at his friend who been caught out for sure this time. Repeatedly he denied 'zoning out' as he called it, and this time he cant deny it.
"Sorry." Legolas apologised as he focused his attention on the ride ahead.
You got me in trouble
He felt Isil's humour then came her reply, Sorry, I'll be in the west wing this evening cleaning the gallery. Give me a call when you get back.
The connection between them drifted off, leaving him feeling very much alone and empty. Its been two days since he found out he was bound to Isil and the book that was lent to him have allowed him and Isil to practise mentally communicating to each other. It took them at best a whole day to succeed in 'hearing' each other but once they overcome that, it made up for some interesting moments. One of them would pop up at the most inappropriate of times to be told off, but other times it was much welcomed in moments of peace and loneliness. And Legolas was surprised to feel sensations that Isil felt at the smallest of things, such as when she was eating her favourite slice of cake which was so orgasmic to her, it nearly shot him off his horse's saddle. He could also 'hear' what was being said to Isil and would have a three way conversation, often to Arkle as a test subject, telling Isil his replies without him knowing it.
But the best thing was being able to relay messages to each other on where to meet for some stolen time in each other's arms and when that wasn't enough, they could lie in their chambers on opposite sides of the palace and 'talk' through the night of their intimate thoughts and desires.
"If its alright with Princey here, we'll rest here for the moment then move back to the palace." Cleborn called out to his soldiers which was greeted with a laugh and a general agreement as they dismounted and let their horses graze whilst they refresh themselves for the hard ride back.
Legolas dismounted, though he was sore from the lingering pains he sustained from the fights, he found a peace that he never experienced and Isil was that cause. After a while's rest, Cleborn came over and discussed carrying out a quick patrol of the area before turning back to which he agreed. Leaving their horses to three guards who remained behind at camp, Cleborn lead one half of the patrol to the west whilst Legolas took his to the east.
His light-footedness took his men to the trees, where their sparse weight allowed them to conquer the highest and thinnest of branches without disturbing the leaves or the creatures that dwelt at such tree heights. All held their bows at the ready but they were strung, another advantage was their quick ability to move faster than any known predator. In fact, the elves were probably at the highest part in the food chain, side by side with humans and orcs being their only known quarry.
The warm sun made patterns upon the leaves that gently dipped and swayed in the wind, the twitter of the birds that nested in the high branches above them were the sensational sound of nature that many elves rejoiced over. Legolas reached out to support his venture further out into the thinnest branches, his fingers coming into contact with the rough, gnarly bark that held most thrillingly, age, wisdom and emotions that the anchored tree conveyed so willingly to the prince. And then, the tranquil ness of the forest was broken, as if a comfort blanket was lifted to expose its sudden tense and dark atmosphere.
Somewhere to their right came a most un-creature like wail as if the ground opened up and disturbed some foul menace from its fiery depths below. Legolas halted his patrol and at his swift signal, readied their bows and silently moved into position as the awful sound grew closer and closer. Elven ears twitched with annoyance at the high pitches the voice was able to achieve and as the sound got closer, they could hear from its primitive throat words that made their nerves recoil at the awful tongue in which they were spoken.
"..............lets ussss go........we never causssed no harm........." the creature's voice was then interrupted by a deep and raspy cough. Looking down through the canopy of the trees, Legolas could see coming into view a grey cloak figure hunched over a gnarled staff, whilst his companion with wild hair and a bearded face yanked at the rope which lead what looked to be a grey, shrivelled creature that Legolas wouldn't even dream of trying to classify what it was.
Not waiting a second longer for these strangers to intrude any further into his homeland, he leapt from his perch and landed smoothly with his aim upon the old man.
"What business have you in the realm of Mirkwood?" he challenged as his comrades joined him on the forest floor, all arrows notched at the strangers.
"Lower your bow, son of Thranduil. Do you not recognise an old friend?" the old man spoke and when he lifted his head somewhat wearily as if his pointed grey hat weighed him down, Legolas cursed himself for not recognising him sooner. How could he fail to recognise the wizard's grey beard and his grey garbs that gave him his name?
Gandalf the Grey.
"You have to forgive me Gandalf, your presence here is one of surprise in these times of darkness that plague my lands." Legolas lowered his bow and smiled as Gandalf's lips twitched somewhat bemused.
The creature the human was leading let out another ear-splitting wail that caused the elves to cursed and cover their ears.
"What is that thing?" Cleborn winced as he covered his ears.
"It is the creature Gollum." Gandalf simply replied and at his introduction, Gollum coughed and the elves realised where he got his name from that raspy action. He saw the many emotions that plagued the creature in his wide blue eyes that were stained by the rough living off the mountain side, and the toil of his own madness. Gollum's spidery eyelashes gave his face a sweet expression but the elf knew better when Gollum narrowed his eyes into two, knife like slits that glistened dangerously as he growled and tried to leap an attack towards him, the man who held his rope, gave a cry of surprise and with calculated control, pulled the rope back to yank the creature to the ground from his mid-flight jump.
Legolas turned his attention from the creature that was trying so vainly to grip a hold on a tree trunk to cling to in retaliation of being lead all this way.
"Some help if you please." The human winched as Gollum bit him. Gandalf, with one firm rap across the creature's hairless head, knocked him from his perch where he sat on the ground wailing his despair.
"Long time since you last graced Rivendell with your presence, Legolas." The human turned and smiled.
Even though his last memory of this man was when he was a young adolescent, he saw through his beard and taller frame the man who was to be king.
"Estel!" he exclaimed and greeted the human adoptive son of Elrond with a brotherly hug.
The human smiled at the elf's recognition and patted his friend firmly on the shoulders, "It's been too long." The elf saw with a note of sadness the rapid growth of age upon his fair face, though his youthful, miscalculated steps he last associated with the young ranger, was now seasoned by temperament, age and the land he so loved to roam in.
"You could say that again." Legolas smiled. "What brings you here?"
"Nothing of a good sort and we have come for your aid in a matter concerning the creature Gollum." Gandalf spoke, his eyes were dark with the prospect of unspoken doom that only Legolas could guess.
"I'll lead you to my father." Legolas replied, whistling for his horse that trotted to him from out the foliage. They waited a moment for the elves to gather their supplies and remount, offering Gandalf and Estel two horses whilst their former riders will run ahead to let Thranduil know of their arrival. Gollum was forced to trail behind on Estel's horse, the steed not liking this unusual baggage that tried to nip his legs and clamber on its rump shied away till an elf spoke to it in claming words and it resumed its steps in a more docile manner as Gollum wailed louder and louder until Estel threw it a piece of fish. He for the rest of the journey then, followed like a dog chewing his treat, Legolas have seen the lakemen who so fondly made pets with.
"What news from middle earth Gandalf?" Legolas asked, a question he always asked whenever he saw the wizard for his interest expanded beyond the boundaries of his father's kingdom.
"Things of a dark nature are stirring and it wont be long before middle earth will have to stir in return to combat such things. Your kindred grow worried, Elrond senses great unrest and a malice he once been in the presence of, is renewed. The golden woods have halted their expedition to leave for the west on the words of Galadriel. Come, I wont speak anymore to the open ears of trees and other living things until I'm within your father's halls." Gandalf replied, Legolas regarded the old wizard for a moment then bowed his head, "As you wish and as ever your words are spoken with a sense that often evades me." He stared straight ahead, his heart darkened with the news and his senses heightened as he took to surveying the surrounding land with a new perspective.
........Legolas? Are you alright?
Isil. At the echo of her voice in his head, Gandalf snapped his attention to the elven prince who looked back at him. Though his posture remained the same, his eyes regarded the Istari with worry and panic until the wizard simply smiled and gave him a wink.
I'm fine Isil,, we have visitors baring news for my father.
From what I felt, it's not good news is it? Isil's tone was one of worry and Legolas had to smile now, perspective as always.
No but do not burden your heart with it, for I do not know what it is as of yet.
You are heading home?
Again a smile spread on Legolas's lips and he could feel Isil's worry melt away a bit to one of affection that warmed his soul.
Ai, I am and I look forward to some quiet time with you.....that if you are free later?
I've got someone's clothes to repair haven't I? He envisioned Isil repairing a pair of his breeches and felt the tiny bubbles of humour at doing so.
You laughing at me. Why? Came Isil's wiry accusation.
Just the thoughts of you doing such a task.....why do you bother when you could be bedding a stud like me? Legolas smiled, his bold comment caused Isil's mood to change to one of surprise and arousal.
You've got a big ego.
You weren't saying that last night. Legolas pointed out and he could now feel the strong waves of desire floating through their connection, telling him she was aroused.
You know what I'm going to do to you tonight?
Legolas shifted stiffly in his saddle, Do tell.
Yes do tell. Came another voice
Huh?
He sensed Isil's confusion as she asked, Was that you?
No it wasn't.
It was me. Came the voice again and Legolas tried to distinguish who it was. The owner of the voice obviously felt Legolas's mind trying to probe him out as he revealed his identity.
It's me Gandalf and I do hope I haven't taken you by surprise.
Somewhere on the other side of Legolas's connection he heard Isil's squeak and felt her sudden shock.
Gandalf?! How come you can join our conversation? Legolas asked and to punctuate the fact more clearer, he physically looked over at the wizard riding beside him who regarded him with a smile.
Never underestimate the power of an Istari young prince, who is the lady?
She's called Isil.
One of your father's ladies of the court?
Not exactly. But somehow I think you already knew this.
I got the basic picture and I can assure you that your secrets safe with me.
Thank you. Came Legolas's reply, somewhere came Isil's more hesitant reply as she too thanked him.
It's a pleasure to meet you strange as it seems. Gandalf replied to Isil, I'll leave you two be.
There was a quiet moment when both the prince and the maid felt the wizard leave their mental conversation, the strange auras of each other melded into a ball of confusion, worry and relief.
Well, fuck me! Came Isil's exclamation as she pondered over how a wizard could join in their conversation.
Later. Was Legolas's saucy reply and she could only send him a telepathic image of what she hoped later, they would consummate. She felt him stifle a groan as he shifted once more uncomfortably on horseback and chose that moment to leave their connection and leave Legolas to his own libido and thoughts which were unfairly focused on the one thing he would have to painstakingly wait for.
"So you want us to look after that......thing?" Thranduil scrunched up his youthful face that so resembled his son, with distaste. His eyes were on the yowling creature that haven't ceased its wailing since it came into the palace and from the look on his son's face, he could see that the encounter with Gollum have left its weary mark on the usually, refrain prince who now sat slumped in a chair opposite him.
"For a while until I call again to bring him to the council of Elrond which will be held soon. Your presence will be needed there Thranduil. This council is one of uttermost importance that concern the fate of middle earth." Gandalf replied, his soft voice somehow managing to carry over the pathetic wailing of Gollum and his meaningless blabbering.
"We're having enough trouble guarding our own grounds from orcs and spiders to guard such a creature." Thranduil protested weakly but from the iron will set in Gandalf's face, he knew he was about to loose another battle to the Istari and so relented graciously.
"Very well, I trust Gollum's keep in the hands of my son. Will that do you fine?"
"Your son is an excellent choice my lord." Gandalf smiled at Legolas who's mind swirled with the doom of having to look after Gollum, who was now clinging to Aragorn's leg and wouldn't budge despite the ranger's hasty movements.
"It is a prospect I'm most looking forward to." Legolas sighed and against his body's will, he forced himself wearily from the chair he sat in and took the chain from Aragorn. After a five minute ruckus in which Gollum was detached from Aragorn's leg but somehow managed to now stick to Legolas's arm, the prince was forced to carry the scrabbling creature in his hands as he ordered his guards. The faces on the elves as they regarded the squirming creature was enough to make Legolas curse whatever force out there to even consider dumping the creature in his care.
Gollum twice attempted to run away but twice Legolas forcefully pulled him back like a rabid dog on its chain and the creature was confirmed to one of the palace's strongest dungeons where a watch was ordered.
As Legolas walked back up to the halls, the shrill wailing from the creature was enough to make his teeth shiver in his mouth at the high pitch the creature managed to achieve. Something told him it was going to be long time between now and when Gandalf came back for him.
