Author's Note:
Have been on holiday in Queenstown in NZ, hence the lack of any posting. However my trip to "Middle Earth" as New Zealanders now love to call their home has inspired me to write lots so there are actually a few chapters already written after this one. I also went back and fixed a few mistakes in some earlier chapters. Enjoy!
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.
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.
Five
Those Going To GondorOnce they had left the confinements of Elrond's study the Elves were abuzz with excited questions for the Roc. She glanced from one face to the other, desperately trying to keep up with their torrent of questions but before long she was swamped.
"Please" she halted their movement along with their questioning. "I would be delighted to answer each and everyone of you as best I can but it is awfully hard to do when you all ask at once"
The Elves looked at one another almost sheepishly.
"Perhaps the Lady would be more comfortable in the gardens were we can all share your tales." One of the Elves who Aquila did not recognize suggested.
"I like that idea very much, provided your questions come one at a time" She smiled and followed the Elf who had suggested they talk in the gardens down the maze of corridors until they emerged above the vast and beautiful gardens of Rivendell. The others kept close to her; all chatting about this and that or how wonderful it was to see a Roc returned to Rivendell or even to see one for the first time. It was Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas who hung at the back of the group, smiling to themselves over past memories and all they had to share with their old friend.
The group soon reached a small clearing amongst the deep green trees and sat on the soft grass in a somewhat disheveled circle. Aquila sat talking to an Elf across from her as the three lagging elves caught up.
"Do not tell me you have become so old that you walk so slowly now" Aquila taunted the three. Elladan sat to her right with Elrohir next to him and Legolas sat to her left.
"I am not much older then you Aquila and I'll bet I can still out pace you, I have simply learnt to enjoy my surroundings" Legolas retorted with a smile. She smiled back before turning her attention to the group eager for answers to their many questions. And answer them she did, as best she could, remembering to leave out details concerning the City of Cirus and its location. Mostly they seemed to want to hear about what the Rocs had been up to since they left and she told them all of what she could. She had to leave a lot out, as it would most certainly reveal the location of their haven. Though she wouldn't mind if they knew she knew her father would and she imagined he was already mad enough without adding insult to injury.
The day soon wore onto afternoon and talked turned to what the Elves had been doing with their time. They each spoke proudly of their achievements and adventures and she grew to like the small group very much. Elladan and Elrohir took it in turn to tell her of all that had happened to them she listened intently and smiled with pride at how much her dear friends had grown. They were somewhat older than her and she had always looked up to them with nothing but respect, love and admiration. They had been good friends with Pandion and asked her many question about him, side stepping the sore matter of the loss of his family as they had already been told that tale in Elrond's meeting. Once the questions and stories subsided somewhat Aquila turned to Legolas who had remained relatively quite throughout the discussions.
"Legolas, you have barely spoken a word, yet I know you have a great tale to tell."
Legolas glanced around the group of Elves, each he was sure had heard the tale of "The Lord of the Rings" at least once.
"Perhaps my story is best left for another time"
"No!" the Elves chorused. Legolas looked around, surprised.
"We love the story so Legolas. Do tell it. Many of us have only heard retellings of it and would love to here it from your mouth." One Elf said excitedly and many of the others nodded in approval.
"Yes. But you must start at the start for Aquila knows nothing of the darkness that spread through Mirkwood nor of anything that happened in your life since she left." Elladan chimed in. Aquila looked to Legolas in anticipation.
"Very well" Legolas finally gave in and began to tell all that had happened in Mirkwood since Aquila left. As the story progressed to that of the Fellowship and the tale of Frodo and the ring every pair of ears was tuned into his every word. Aquila sat spellbound as her dear friend spun the tale, filling in many of the gaps the birds had left in their reports to her. When he finished the moon had begun to climb its way into the darkening sky.
"Oh what a tale Legolas!" Aquila said excitedly "I had only heard patchy versions from the birds who bring us news but you have finally completed it. You showed true bravery and skill my friend I would have been proud to fight along side you."
"And I would have given anything for you to have been there, your skills would have been put to good use." For a moment neither moved and the other Elves shifted somewhat uncomfortably, feeling as they were encroaching on a private moment. It was Elrohir who quickly broke the silence.
"Well it would seem we have let time run away from us and some of us will need to be rested before we set off in the morning."
A murmur of agreement rose and everyone present stood and stretched before heading off for dinner. As the group climbed the stairs to the dinning hall Elrond waited at the top, greeting each of them as they passed and gently touching each of his sons on the shoulder before allowing them to proceed into the hall. As Legolas and Aquila reached the top of the stairs Elrond moved to stand before them.
"I would be greatly pleased if you were to dine with me, both of you." The absence of a smile upon his face told each of them that this dinner would not be a particularly social one and that discussions would most likely focus around tomorrows journey.
The Elf and the Roc followed the Lord of Imladris in silence to his study. Legolas allowed himself a sideways glance at his friend and she walked, straight back, head held high.
'She has learnt to carry herself well. What a queen she would make, too bad she was second born.' He thought with a smile.
They soon reached the study and Elrond held the door open for both of them. Once he had entered he closed the door behind them and motioned for them to take a seat at the small dinning table that had been moved into the room. They took seats across from each other, to either side of the chair at the head of the table, which would be occupied by Elrond. Dinner was laid out on the table and their glasses had been filled with a fresh, sweet tasting wine. Elrond seated himself before motioning for them to fill their plates and begin eating. No one spoke for some time. Legolas and Aquila politely awaiting the Lord to announce his plans. Their royal heritage showed particularly well at occasions such as this, knowing exactly the way to behave that would not only please their host but also hold their own kingdoms in good light. Elrond smiled warmly and folded his fingers over each other before beginning.
"As you have undoubtedly noticed you are the only ones I have called here." He paused for a reaction but after receiving none, though he knew he wouldn't from two as well brought up as them, he continued "I have spent much of the afternoon and evening deciding who to send to Gondor and aside from the obvious choice of Aquila I have only decided upon Legolas. I do desire to send others but I am still undecided on who they should be. I would send my sons but they are intent upon journeying to the sea to keep watch there." He left the conversation hanging at that point, awaiting the response of his guests. It was Legolas who was first to speak.
"I trust we will not know who we will be traveling with until morning then?"
"You are right Legolas. I am afraid it will most probably be late into the night before I make a final decision and I would not wish to wake you with it."
"I have no doubt you will choose wisely my Lord." Aquila smiled at Elrond before raising her glass "A toast, to those who will make the journey to Gondor"
The other two raised their glasses and then all three drank deeply from them.
Almost as a sign that that particular line of conversation was closed talk turned to other matters. The goings on of Mirkwood, Rivendell's summer festivities and how Aquila perceived the changes in Middle Earth.
After dinning and talking well Aquila excused herself as she had grown quite weary from a night and day without sleep. Legolas and Elrond stood as she excused herself from the table. They remained standing until she reached the door where she curtsied slightly before opening the door. After Elrond and Legolas bowed slightly in return she slipped out of the door and to her chambers where sleep claimed her as soon as her head hit the soft pillow.
As soon as the door closed Elrond invited Legolas to sit with him by the fire. The two sat for some hours more discussing matters that used to bore Legolas terribly but he was finding such concerns more and more interesting as the years of his immortal life passed. It was not long however before the course of the conversation altered slightly.
"It is certainly a treat to have her with us again, don't you think Legolas?"
"Indeed" Legolas gazed into the fire "She has grown much since I saw her last" A slight blush tinted Legolas' cheeks and this certainly didn't escape Elrond's keen eyesight.
"Yes, she has indeed" Elrond said almost absently. Silence hung in the air for a few moments before Elrond decided the topic was best left at that and proceeded to question Legolas on how Aragorn had been the last time he had visited.
Soon after Legolas excused himself so that he too could get some rest before leaving in the morning. This left Elrond, once again, alone in his study pondering over whom else to send on the journey. It wasn't as if he worried cause it would be dangerous, of that he was certain it would not be. He worried over who would be best received by Aragorn and his kingdom when announcing the return of a Roc. However it wasn't long before his eyelids grew heavy and sleep claimed Elrond, sitting before the fire in his high backed chair.
The first rays of sunlight filtered though the large window in Legolas' room and caressed his face; he stirred slightly before waking completely. Sitting up in the vast soft bed he stretched his arms and back before swinging his legs smoothly off the bed and setting his feet lightly on the floor. He had slept in a delicate silver nightshirt that was tapered beautifully to hug his body and a pair of white leggings. His feet were bare but he did not feel the cold of the wooden floors. He walked gracefully to the large window that led out onto a small balcony, overlooking a courtyard garden. He bent slightly and leant his arms upon the balcony rail, basking in the warmth of the sun.
Next-door Aquila had a less peaceful awakening. After a night of deep sleep, free from the dreams that had been haunting her for the past few nights, she felt the sun upon her face and woke tangled in the fine sheets. As she attempted to free herself from them she fell with a somewhat loud thud to the floor of her room. After picking herself up off the floor she retrieved her silk scarf, weapons attached, from the chair she had placed it on. She had chosen to sleep in her Half form so needed no nightclothes. As she began tying it about her hips she though she could hear a voice calling her name from outside. More than a little confused she wandered out onto the small balcony and looked down into the courtyard bellow. Seeing no one a confused look passed across her face.
"I see the Rocs have not improved their hearing problems" Legolas spoke from the balcony to her left. She jumped slightly before turning to face him, amused anger evident in her eyes. Before she could reply to the Elf a voice really did call form the courtyard. It was the young Elf Elrond had been talking to when Aquila arrived.
"Prince Legolas, Princess Aquila, your presence is required at the gates to farewell the party leaving for the sea and also for your own departure."
Legolas nodded and disappeared into his room to dress and gather his things. The Elf bowed before hurrying off. Aquila who was already as dressed as she needed to be vaulted over the edge of the balcony and landed expertly in the paved courtyard. Legolas half-dressed and quiver in hand looked down over the balcony in surprise.
"I see the Elves have not improved their sloth." She said with a quick grin before dashing off towards the gates of Rivendell.
Determined not to be shown up Legolas quickly finished dressing himself in the green tunic and leggings he always wore when riding or hunting. He slung his bow and quiver, with the two Elvish knives attached to it, across his back and the hurried out of his room and into the corridor. He headed for the back entrance with the hopes of cutting Aquila off, as she would have to come round the building in order to exit the courtyard. However no amount speed could cover the head start she had got and as Legolas rounded the corner to the gates he saw her standing beside Lord Elrond. Legolas cursed himself but knew there would be plenty of time in the future to get her back for that one. This kind of banter between them, constantly trying to out do each other, had been a favorite activity of theirs since they were small.
Slowing himself and gathering his composure Legolas strolled over with intent to stand on the other side of who he was sure was Lord Elrond, however the Lord was not wearing the usual flowing robes he had become so used to seeing him in. In fact it almost looked like……….armor? Perhaps it was another Elf, or Elladan. Yes it had to be Elladan they were farewelling him after all. However when Legolas was only a few paces away the Elf turned and smiled at him.
"Lord Elrond?" Legolas must have looked as stunned as he felt cause the Lord raised a questioning bow. Legolas' shock was expected, Aquila had been just as shocked, if not more when she had confronted the Elvin Lord. Elrond was not dressed in a robe of any sort, formal or informal. He was in fact dressed in the armor he had worn in the battle of the Last Alliance. Even his sword hung at his side, this having been returned to him by Arwen when she left to marry Aragorn, saying it would be a token by which he could always remember her, even when she was gone.
After a few moments silence Elrond decided he best explain, as Legolas did not seem capable of forming a coherent question.
"I suppose I should explain myself" it was not a question so it received no answer "I felt it best if I came with you to Gondor. I did, after all, raise Aragorn as if he were my own child. I would hope that he would trust my word, especially if it was backed by his good friend"
Legolas smiled and nodded.
"I think that is a very wise choice my Lord. If Aragorn will not trust you nor I, who would he trust in this matter?"
"You still are yet to tell us who the fourth passenger will be." Aquila inquired.
"Ah yes. Late last night, after both of you had retired I received a visit from some guests who were very upset at not being invited to visit Strider."
Aquila looked confused while Legolas smiled warmly, knowing full well to whom Elrond was referring.
"I do hope you can carry four Hobbits in place of one Elf?"
"Of course my Lord. If these are your wishes." Aquila was pleased to hear the four noisy Hobbits would be accompanying them. They had been pleasant company on the way to Rivendell and she had missed their presence while in Imladris.
The small group gathered by the gates prepared to farewell the party headed for the sea. Elrond hugged each of them, wishing them luck and embraced each of his sons especially tight. Legolas bowed slightly to each as they passed down the line and received a bow in return. Aquila kissed each on the cheek and received the same in return. They the mounted their horses and with a final wave of farewell, galloped out the gates and off towards the western shores.
"If you don't mind my asking Lord Elrond" Legolas began once the party was out of sight "who will be seeing to Rivendell's daily businesses with Glorfindel sent off with your sons."
"Estor is more than capable of handling things while I'm gone." Elrond smiled confidently as the said Elf bid his farewells before hurrying off to begin the day's work. No sooner had he departed did the small group of chattering Hobbits round the corner.
"Ah! Now we can get going," Elrond proclaimed. He said his formal farewells to the inhabitants of Imladris before joining Legolas and the excited group of Hobbits all bursting with anticipation of flying again, all except Sam.
"Why the long face Sam?" Merry asked.
"I said I didn't like flying the first time and I doubt very mush I'll like it the second time."
"Don't worry Sam, I would let you fall." Aquila moved away from the group to a large space free of trees. She then raised her hands above her head and was engulfed in blinding white light. Everyone in the courtyard shaded their eyes and when the light dissipated before them stood Aquila in her Eagle form. The Elves took a few moments to savor the sheer size and magnificence of the bird before them before Elrond and Legolas strode over to her. The Hobbits followed quickly and Aquila lowered her body as close to the ground as she could. Both Elrond and Legolas helped to life the Hobbits onto her back. They quickly settle upon her back as if it were quite normal to be about to fly off on the back of a giant eagle. Sam chose to grab a handful of feathers and cling for dear life. Aquila let out a slight screech of pain as he pulled the delicate feathers too tight. Legolas nimbly lifted himself onto her back and loosened Sam's grip upon her feather.
"Do not grip too hard Sam, it hurts her the same as if I were to pull on your hair very hard." Sam released the feathers quickly and muttered a shy apology as Legolas gently stroked the feathers back into place. Aquila let out a small series of quieter screeches and Sam looked nervous, wondering what it was he had done this time. As Elrond pulled himself up onto her back he translated.
"She says your apology is accepted and that if you wish to do so you may grasp the feathers gently, just don't pull."
Sam nodded and expressed his thanks.
"How bout I only hold on if I feel I'm going to fall?"
Aquila nodded her large head in approval of the suggestion. Legolas and Elrond sat close to her head so that they could see ahead and speak with Aquila if necessary, while the Hobbits sat behind them.
Aquila then raised herself onto her powerful legs and sprung into the air. With a few swift sweeps of her wings they were airborne and climbing up into the sky. She climbed higher and higher in the up draught produced by the many waterfalls in Imladris. She then wavered this way and that before finding a suitable air current for the moment to bare them southeast towards Minas Tirith.
To be continued…