Author: Estelrond

Disclaimer: The words are mine, the elves aren't

Warnings and all that good stuff can be found in Chapter one. I appreciate reviews though. I'm a feedback junkie. (Plus, if you don't, I'll send my assassin elves after you.)

Sio and Carol, my most faithful reviewers; I don't think they've missed a chapter! You rock, ladies!

Trinka, San, Claudia, Any, Morwen and Sa… my world wouldn't be the same without you…NO, REALLY! hugs

You all have my apologies for the very very very lateness of this post.(I hope it won't happen again) So, to refresh your memory, here's a summary:

Legolas and Aragorn were sent on a simple, diplomatic mission to Dale on account of some mischief that was (partly) their fault. But on the way, Legolas' keen senses caught the trail of a wounded elf. Following the trail to its source, they discovered Farlest, an enigmatic rogue whose background is mysteriously enthralling. While disinclined to trust him, they become rather fond of his impish nature. We then get a glimpse into what makes Farlest tick in a flashback which reveals that he knows Glorfindel and is thought of by the blond as a son. It also reveals that he went with Glorfindel to Rivendell, and apparently committed some great sin, but that part is left hanging, to be continued later. Farlest soon meets up with another of his old friends. A wolf, who possesses the unique capability of speaking mind to mind. Legolas soon finds that the wolf, called 'Ros, is not a wolf at all, but an elf long-dead, sent back by the Valar in his present form for some unknown purpose. 'Ros is there, both to thwart Farlest, who was apparently serving his own agenda, and too keep the Heir of Isildur from harm. Legolas, enraptured and curious about 'Ros, is accidentally injured when he becomes enveloped within the reborn elf's mind. Aragorn is quite upset, but Farlest comes to the rescue and displays a unique talent, the capability to heal empathically. But not long after, they are attacked by a combination of orcs and men who are led by Farlest's younger brother, Farqwen. The two siblings apparently did not part ways as friends for Farlest becomes engaged in a duel said brother. Farqwen is able to wound Farlest severely, and the elder elf passes out and is thought dead by his younger brother. Legolas and Aragorn are captured and the whereabouts of 'Ros are unknown. But the situation is thrown into a new perspective when Farqwen reveals to Aragorn that he know the ranger is, in fact, the Heir of Isildur. They are marched around Dale and in a northeasterly direction. Aragorn, unable to run any longer, stumbles and falls, and cannot get up. Legolas breaks free to protect the ranger from Farqwen's wrath, Farqwen is angered, and prepares to put an end to the prince's life. Meanwhile, 'Ros finds Farlest, who is recounting his life, which seems to him to be one dismal failure after another. 'Ros scolds him for his current state, and Farlest, seeing rejection, contemplates suicide, but the wolf, halting him, gives him a lecture saying that he cares what happens to the elf and that Farlest has no right to throw away his life. With this renewal of purpose, Farlest and 'Ros set out to rescue their new friends. They arrive in time to save Legolas' life, but only by revealing his identity as Prince of Mirkwood. Legolas is furious at the apparent betrayal, but Aragorn is simply puzzled. 'Ros remains hidden. In a whirlwind of clandestine events, Legolas is severely beaten and Aragorn is threatened, Farlest, unable to watch the prince's torture, has disappeared, and Farqwen reveals that the prince has been poisoned and won't live the night. He seems on the verge of slaying Aragorn when Farlest and 'Ros arrive to still Farqwen's hand and push the advantage. Farlest, at great expense to himself and using 'Ros as a back-up, cleanses the poison from Legolas' body. But Farqwen, using the companions' weakened state to his advantage, holds his brother at sword-point, promising death and Farlest had just challenged his brother to follow through with the threats and kill him when this chapter begins…

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Part Seventeen

Duels, Death and Destinies

The others knew immediately that Farlest had said the wrong thing. Legolas reached his hand out pleadingly, "Farlest…"

Aragorn shook his head, "It's his fight, Legolas."

Stunned by the ultimatum that Farlest had just thrown, Farqwen's face contorted in a dazzling display of emotions that passed so quickly as to be uncomprehendable. But any love he might have felt for his brother was quickly replaced by a raging anger. His brother, his superior older brother, the one whom his father had loved, had just challenged him, and he could not appear weak.

He brought his sword away from Farlest's neck and prepared to swing the blade downwards in a decapitating blow. The brothers' gazes never wavered, remaining locked, even as one meant to send the other rushing doom-wards.

A savage snarl caused the younger elf to bring his blade to a halt, barely inches from ending his sibling's life. Still thy blade, youngling! Or thou shalt ne'er wield it again, save with, perhaps, in time, thy left hand as thou whilst no longer have thy sword hand! Teeth bared and glowing dimly, 'Ros had taken position behind Farqwen during the elves' argument.

But Farqwen, heady with his own success and swelling with overconfidence, brought his sword into a guarding position, "And why should I fear you, forest-dweller? Strange you may be, but I see little to fear from a talking beast!" He leapt forward, driving his blade before him, meaning to end the fight with one swift blow. If it had struck, he could have sent the sword deep into the wolf's chest, but 'Ros had more power to command than simply teeth and claws. An arcing, twisting beam of light appeared and met the elf's headlong rush with a crackle of electricity.

The elf yelped, dropping the sword as it suddenly seemed to burn within his grip. His clothes smoked where they had been singed. For a moment, he gaped at the red-furred animal in amaze. But, nonplussed, he clambered to his feet. Bracing himself, he set his defenses in place.

"So, wolf, this is to be a different sort of battle. Who are you to think that you can stop me?" He glanced upward as an unseen wind whipped wildly about him and his opponent, swirling his long hair into the air and ruffling 'Ros's fur.

I am they elder by many years, and that is all you need know. The wolf's reply was cold. For the convenience of the others he had projected his words into all their minds.

Farqwen shrugged, "Ever have I been rebellious and payed no heed to elders whom I have no reason to respect or fear. There is nothing I see in you that inspires me to cower and tremble!"

The wolf snarled, Then know me for who I am, and you shall find many a reason to fear!

The bright light sprang again from 'Ros, tendrils of brilliance seeking the dark elf who's silhouette suddenly seemed very small against the radiance of the wrathful creature that stood before him. Farqwen's hands shot out and strange, unnatural fire flowed from his fingertips.

But the fiery, sparkling power that 'Ros radiated seemed to swallow up the dark flames, licking at the dark elf's skin and inflicting excruciating pain.

"ANNO BALAN-NIN, ADAR!"+ He called desperately for his father to give aid to his waning power which seemed infinitesimal in the face of the angry 'Ros whom he had scorned.

He was relieved beyond measure to feel a fresh surge of dark energies…Morifaer had lent his support.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

The visible light display that spoke of the power of the two combatants reached out and encircled the two, both the wolf and the elf.

Both Aragorn and Legolas tried to fathom the nature of the strange energy, but it was an ever-changing swirl of evanescent colors and their eyes could not focus upon it.

"What sorcery is this?" asked Aragorn, his wonder plain in his voice.

Legolas glanced at his friend, the sparkling power reflected in his eyes, "I know not, Aragorn."

Both turned to Farlest, who watched the duel of magic…but he had no answer.

To be continued…

Give me power, father!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The great know-it-alls of ff net have outlawed reviewer responses…so…just know I love and appreciate each one of you! You can e-mail me if you wish!

Estelrond