Author's note:
Sorry about the lapse in updating but these things do happen. I apologize in advance for the part borrowed straight from The Lion King, I simply can't help myself I might possibly be the films biggest fan I just LOVE it. If you know the film well you may find more than one reference to it throughout this fic but only cause I've committed the script to memory and the lines just pop into my head without me realizing. Anyway hope you enjoy! Please read and review
Disclaimer:
I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of the places, characters, items, etc associated with it. I am not making any money from this piece of fiction and am merely borrowing these places and characters to place in a new situation for you and my amassment.
I also would never claim to own any part of Disney's greatest ever film, The Lion King. Though I do wish I owned it, sadly I don't so I give all its creators full credit for the section of the script I have borrowed.
However, the Rocs, the City of Cirus, Aquila, Pandion, Audax and any other characters, weapons, places, etc associated with the Rocs are my own creation and I lay full claim to them.
Four
Old Friends And New FearsAs the party of six riders rode through the gates to Rivendell Elrond and Aquila stood upon the stone steps that lead down into the main courtyard to witness their arrival. At the head of the party rode Elrond's twin sons, Elrohir and Elladan. Elrond smiled at their safe return to the haven of Rivendell. Closely behind them followed Glorfindel. He, in turn, was followed by two Elves Aquila did not recognize but safely assumed they were skilled warriors and trackers or they would not have been sent on such an errand. However when the last Elf in the group came into site Aquila's breath caught in her throat, for she swore she recognized him but was afraid to ask or ever utter a word lest the spell that had brought him here be broken.
Lord Elrond descended the stairs into the courtyard as the riders dismounted their horses and allowed them to be lead to the stables by the stable hands.
"I am glad you have safely returned to Rivendell" Elrond said smiling before he embraced his two sons, each in turn. "All of you. Welcome back, you must be tired. Rooms have been prepared for your rest and if you desire to bathe…"
Elrohir quickly cut his father off.
"We have ridden with all speed to bring urgent news to you father. Do you not want to hear it?" Elrond placed a comforting hand on his sons shoulder to calm him. Elladan meanwhile had walked just past his brother and father, eyes fixed upon the lady still standing on the stairs.
"I think perhaps we were beaten to it? Would that be right Aquila?" He said addressing her as he ascended the stairs. She smiled at him and her eyes sparkled.
"Elladan!" She threw her arms about his neck and hugged him tightly.
"It has been far too long princess. Elrohir and myself have missed your friendship greatly" He hugged her back. Elrohir came racing up the stairs as his brother's realization hit him. He all but pushed Elladan out of the way in order to envelope Aquila in a crushing hug.
"It's good to see you too Elrohir" She managed to gasp out before the younger twin released her. He smiled at her.
"You have missed an awful lot you know. First of all right after you left Elladan and myself were allowed to go on patrol on the boarders of Rivendell for the first time when out of nowhere…." Before he had a chance to go on Elrond gently took his arm and lead him the rest of the way up the stairs.
"Slow down Elrohir you forget she has been gone centuries and for you to tell her everything that has happened would exhaust us all. No doubt you will have plenty of time to catch up once the more pressing matter of the turmoil in the sea is resolved." Once at the top of the stairs Elrond turned to address the members of the riding party who still remained at the foot of the steps. "Those of you who are not wearied by your ride and who wish to join in discussions of what has been learnt about this danger would be most kind to join me in the study. I will send for food and drink as I fear these discussions will not be short." He then turned and walked into the main hall of the expansive building. Elrohir followed and the others began to make their way up the stairs.
As he walked past her Glorfindel put a hand lightly on her shoulder.
"It is good to have you back in Imladris, Princess of the Rocs" He smiled before continuing up the stairs.
"We really must catch up Aquila, so much has happened. I trust you will be joining the meeting?" Elladan questioned.
"Indeed I will be. Do go ahead without me, I'll catch up" She smiled. Elladan looked slightly confused before turning his head to glance back down the stairs at Legolas who had been frozen to the spot since Aquila's name had first been uttered. He then turned back and smiled raising both eyebrows. She laughed softly at him before gently pushing him up the stairs.
"Aquila?" Legolas whispered in disbelief as he took a step towards the bottom of the stairs.
"Legolas!" She ran down the steps, stopping just in front of him. After a slight pause both erupted.
"Wow!" Legolas proclaimed in disbelief as he grasped her arms. "How did you…?"
"Where did you come form?" Aquila added as shocked as he.
"Oh it's great to see you!"
"It's great to see you." She pulled back slightly from his embrace. "I have missed you so much all these long years Legolas. You have grown much taller since I saw you last." She laughed, looking him up and down.
"And you…you have grown up without me and have grown more beautiful" a slight sadness passed over both their faces as they remembered long years missing the other's friendship and all the adventures they missed spending together. Legolas then smiled down at Aquila.
"But all that has passed and you have returned now."
"Only I have."
"I do not understand" He furrowed his brow in confusion.
"I am the only Roc who has returned to sight, the others still remain hidden."
"Then you will be returning?" He asked sorrowfully.
"Not until I have done what I can to help rid Middle Earth of this evil that rises from the sea. Then…we shall see"
Legolas smiled widely.
"This is good news."
"Though I can think of nothing better to do than to catch up with my old best friend, as I hear you had quite an adventure not too long ago, I fear we have kept Lord Elrond and the others waiting quite long enough. Will you be joining us for the meeting?"
"That is why I have come." The two began to walk up the stairs towards Rivendell's main building. "I ran into the small party Elrond had sent to scope out what was causing such upset in the west while doing the same for my father. They invited me to return with them in order to discuss the matter further with Elrond before returning to Mirkwood to inform my father of what is happening."
"I fear you will not bring good news home to King Thranduil, quite the opposite in fact."
"Then you have seen more than us?"
She merely nodded in reply.
"You flew here then, from the sea? Is that where the Rocs have gone?" he questioned with a note of urgency in his voice.
"Yes I flew here from the sea but that is not where my journey started. Please don't ask me to tell you where they have gone Legolas." She looked pained and turned her eyes forward as if the hall they were passing through had suddenly become more interesting.
"Aquila?"
"Legolas I would tell you if I could!" She stopped dead and turned to look her friend in the eyes. "You know I would! We were once best friends and time has changed nothing!" The flame of anger suddenly left her and her voice softened. "Still I cannot tell you where they are. I will allow him his hiding place; I owe him at least that. He is my father and a good man. He has just been soured by too many years dwelling on a wrong."
"I'm sorry. I just thought…well, it would have made my father happy is all." He smiled gently. "So what did you see at the coast. When we arrived there were carcasses of birds, fish and a number of shore dwelling animals littering the beach. It was awful."
"I think that is best saved for the meeting we are clearly late for." Aquila smiled at Legolas before quickening her pace. Not to be left behind, Legolas hurried after her.
They soon reached the large wooden door to Elrond's study. Legolas knocked before opening the door just wide enough for the two of them to slip in. He then gently shut it behind him.
"Glade you could join us." Elrond said, motioning for the two of them to take a seat. The Lord of Imladris had had a number of large chairs arranged in a circle in the center of the room. Beside each chair was a small table with food and drink set upon it. Both Aquila and Legolas quickly took their respective seats. Aquila to the left of Elladan, Elrond's sons to his left and right, while Legolas sat to Aquila's left.
"Forgive our delay Lord Elrond. We have too many years to catch up on and time soon escaped us." Legolas offered as apology.
"No need Legolas. I know old friends will talk much when they have been separated for a time, not to mention some 2000 years." Elrond smiled before standing before his seat. His face taking on a far more serious expression, along with his tone.
"I would firstly like to thank all of you who journeyed to the Western coast in order to investigate what is causing such upset. It would seem however that…unforeseen circumstances has brought fresher news by swifter wings. Though I do not doubt you rode as hard as your steeds would allow the news you bring is now three days old. Aquila has brought news just over a day old. If there are no objections I would pass over to her to tell you what she has seen." Not a sound was made in the room except the gentle scraping of leaves across the floors as all present awaited the news that had been so unexpectedly brought to them. Elrond then took a seat and motioned for Aquila to stand. Slowly lifting herself from the chair she glanced around the room. A few faces were strange to her but most were Elves she had known since she was a child. She then began, telling them just what she told Elrond. Once again being as vague as possible on the details of direction concerning her flight to the sea. The Elves watched on in wonderment at she spoke of her flight across Middle Earth. Gaped in horror at the tale of Pandion's family's death and the larger number of bodies littering the beach then even they had seen. Finally reeling in horror and fear as she told of the gruesome creatures she had discover on the shore. Once she had finished she took her seat and glanced round the room. It was Glorfindel who was the first to speak.
"If this is indeed what is causing the large number of Orcs to pass this way then whatever these creatures are they are enough to cause upset to even the foulest of creatures. Should we not strike now before they have a chance to establish themselves further?"
An Elf Aquila did no recognize quickly stood and began to speak.
"We do not know that these creatures mean us harm. They may hate Orcs as we do and merely be pushing them from land they hope to inhibit."
"That is good and well but what if they do mean us great harm and our kindness has allowed them time to gather an army great enough to wipe us out? We shale not talk of our action kindly then." Glorfindel added.
"Then we watch them." Legolas rose from his seat and spoke in his most calming voice, reserved for matters that required him to act as the Prince of Mirkwood. "We set a watch by the sea, out of site so they do not know of it. Then we gather the greatest army we can and wait. We should not attack unless we are given reason to but we should also not allow ourselves to be caught unprepared."
"I agree with Legolas." Elladan added. "We know very little about these creatures and I'm sure much could be learnt by watching them. I will even volunteer myself for the posting."
"I shale not let you do so alone. I too volunteer myself." Elrohir said as he stood beside his twin.
The twins then took their seats once again and all waited a reaction from Elrond. After a brief glance around the circle of those gathered he rose. "As usual my egger sons have jumped at an opportunity to prove their worth and I will not deny them this honor. I also feel we shale gain more from posting a watch and waiting before we chose a suitable plane of action concerning this possible invasion."
"If a watch is to be set I ask that I be allowed to accompany the twins." Glorfindel asked.
"It shale be so then Glorfindel. Are there any others who would volunteer their services for this task?"
Elladan quickly spoke up.
"I'm sure there will be other Elves in Rivendell who will join us father."
"Yes. However I don't want to send too large a party, you need to remain hidden. As for preparations for war I shale send a larger party to Gondor to call upon the assistance of King Elessar."
"I could fly there in much less time then it would take a party on horse back. Let me go on behalf of Rivendell?" Aquila requested. Legolas quickly rose beside her.
"Though Elessar is a good king and a dear friend of mine I have doubts as to whether the race of men would be as willing to welcome back a Roc as we have been."
"You have a very good point Legolas." Elrond said from his seat, brow furrowed he rested his chin on his hand. "How many do you think you could carry from here to Gondor?"
"That would depend on how quickly you wish to reach it my Lord."
"Say within 3 days."
"It is a 3 day journey." She replied in shock.
"I know, but time may be all we have on our side at the moment."
"Very well. If I were able to fly from Rivendell to Gondor in 3 days it would have to be a non-stop journey." She paused and looked to Elrond. He nodded, allowing for her to continue. "To do so I wouldn't be able to carry anymore then 4 or so Elves. Where you to allow more time I could carry more but…." Elrond motioned for her to stop and she did so.
"Time is too valuable at this point to waste. Four days would be the limit I would wish not to push." The Lord of Imladris paused for a moment lost in his own thoughts before standing to address the group before him. "I shale spend the rest of the afternoon selecting a band of Elves to travel to Gondor with Aquila, hopefully they will be able to convince Aragorn of her peoples innocence in certain matters. I suggest you all take the afternoon to rest. I will send a request to those I have chosen to go to dine in my study. Then hopefully we can decide on the best course of action. Meanwhile Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir find two more Elves to accompany you to the sea. Rest tonight but set off at first light tomorrow. That should bring you to the shores undercover of darkness in a few days. Send any news you can to Rivendell by birds but if anything urgent arises or danger threatens return with the swiftest of speed. I shale see some of you later tonight, you are dismissed."
All present rose and quietly left the study, leaving Elrond alone to dwell on thoughts concerning this most unexpected turn of events.
To be continued…