Chapter 4
My Begging Moment: If you are enjoying this story at all please write a review. I have no idea if anyone is even reading this and I will probably lose heart very quickly so please please read and respond. J
Note: Alternative universe, none of the elves are allied with each other. The petty reasons for this may or may not actually come out in the story. I do not know how long before Fellowship orcs existed. I apologize for my lack of knowledge of Tolkein.
Summary: The first meeting of Aragorn and Legolas is not quite what one would hope for. Legolas is suspicious, and Aragorn is closed-minded. Can they bring together the elven lands or will they suffer death at each other's hands. (Note: does not follow the books pre fellowship)
Thank you to everyone who has reviewed this story.
Chris: I will try to make my chapters longer, but the story is moving much slower than I thought it would and so major editing is going on.
Tamara: ooops I will try to correct the spelling error in the next chapter. Mirkwood not Murkwood…I have never actually seen the word in print.
Elenillor: I would be glad of a beta reader… anyone want to volunteer? I do not know any fans of this genre, which makes life decidedly difficult. For the time being I will reread all chapters before posting them. Believe me it has to be some serious flaming to upset me. Anything is better than silence. J Thanks
Aragorn's shoulder hit the tree trunk hard as he was unceremoniously pushed to the ground. He was definitely beginning to get on this elf's nerves. The small smile faded from his features though as he discovered that the trees bark was nowhere near rough enough to break the ropes. He knew they were somewhere between Lothlorian and Mirkwood, although the area was not the least bit known to him. The trees seemed strange nothing like the last which he liked to call home. These trees seemed to lean into you as if they were trying to find out more about him. He almost felt like he was being watched.
"What brought your travels as far as Lothlorian… and alone no less?"
"I could ask you the same thing, except of course I am not foolhardy enough to expect an answer."
Aragorn shifted slightly, stretching his legs out in front of him and shrugged. "I expect we were on a similar mission… to find out why the orcs have become so… brave?"
Legolas nodded consenting that for once the troubles of all kinds was probably the same. "Did you find out anything?"
"I wasn't there long enough."
Legolas nodded.
The elf's quiet presence was beginning to unnerve the ranger, he was sharing more than he was getting.
Aragorn sat up straighter when he was Legolas pounce to his feet, although he would not trust a Mirkwood elf any farther than he could throw one, he was not foolhardy enough to underestimate the instincts of any elf. He silently moved back further into the brush casually searching for whatever it was that startled his enemy. A thought flashed in his head that the sounds just might be friend to him but he quickly dismissed it as he was far from any that he could call friend.
"Get into the tree." Legolas whispered his bow already securely in his hand an arrow at the ready.
"I cannot climb with my feet."
Legolas cut the binding with a quick slice and Aragorn scrambled into the tree. Legolas paused at the base of the tree. He had lost the sound, a wind in the trees and the humans words had distracted him and now he knew not which direction to aim. He had no chance to react when the beast lunged onto his back his bow quickly out of reach as it skittered across the forest floor. He rolled over to try to shift the beast's weight but was met by the jaws of the beast. He raised his arm to cover his head when he felt another great weight from above. Aragorn dove from the tree top onto the beast a heavy branch in his hands which he used to swing the beast aside.
Legolas managed to roll out of the fray but didn't get far as all the air had been pushed from his lungs. Aragorn rolled easily away from the beast's next dive and retrieved his sword just in time to behead the creature in one strong blow.
Aragorn turned to discover the elf just beginning to regain his footing he glanced to his right and saw the bow still lying out of reach. He raised his sword, "It seems our destination has changed."
"So it would seem… do you know this beast?"
Aragorn shook his, much I do not know of this land.
"Much I do know but this is new, a product of this new evil I fear."
Aragorn nodded, "If you would be so kind as to kneel and place your hands behind you I will not have to damage your fine head."
Legolas did as bid still trying to discover a way of getting out of this before discovering himself in a land not of his choosing but soon found himself tightly though not unkindly bound. "Why did you not simply allow the beast to kill me?"
"I am curious as to your identity and believe that King Elrond might find some use for you upon arrival."
"I doubt I will get you very much in trade."
"We shall see."
