The Lost City Of Cirus
Author's Note:
I really need to get better at updating but we've got family over for Christmas and I'm working heaps so these are just added distractions on top of my usual ones. I promise the next chapter isn't too far behind this one and hopefully this chapter will provide enough suspense for you to get excited about the next one. Enjoy and please review.
Eighteen
AglarondThe large army of Mirkwood Elves rode as swiftly as was possible across the plains of Middle Earth, bound for Gondor and it's capital. Legolas still rode at its head and Aquila was very much tied up further back in the pack, reminiscing with old friends. Legolas smiled to himself, Mirkwood really was like a second home for her, just as the City of Cirus had once been for him. It was while he pondered this that he remembered the thing his father had slipped into his pocket just before they'd parted.
"If you must look, look later, when you are alone."
Isn't that what his father had said? Well, he was as alone as he was ever going to get on a ride with so many so, after a quick glance about him to make sure no one was looking he held the reins with one hand and slipped his other hand into his tunic pocket. He closed it about a small metal object and his brow furrowed as he pulled it from his pocket. He carefully opened his fingers enough so that he might see what the object was.
His eyes widened. It was a ring, a silver ring, not unlike the one he wore but this one had tiny jewels set in it where his did not. Confusion swept like a tide trough him until words spoken by his father crashed upon him.
"Once you have selected a bride whom I approve of…"
"Father! All of the…" Legolas protested but was cut off.
"Do not interrupt me Legolas." His son fell silent and the King waited a moment more before continuing.
"Once you have selected a bride I approve of you will place this ring upon her finger so that all may know she is bound to you." He held up a silver ring, intricately patterned with vine leaves and tendrils but with tiny jewels set in it. "You will move your own ring from your right hand to your left…" Legolas shifted nervously beneath his father's gaze. "…I forgot. You no longer possess your ring. We shall have to have a new one made I suppose."
"I do not want a new one!"
"I will not have you argue with me on this Legolas. You have already waited far too long to take a mate, it is your duty as Prince to provide our kingdom with heirs and a future queen!"
"But I am not 'Prince' father!"
He remembered being furious with Thranduil that day, more so than any other time the topic had been brought up. But it was the same ring he now held in his palm. Why would his father give it to him? He had not yet selected a bride, much less one his father had pre-selected for him. Could it be Thranduil had finally given in and was allowing Legolas to select his own wife in his own time?
Legolas just couldn't understand what would cause such a phenomenal change in his father that would bring such a thing about. But if he was not allowing him to choose his bride who did he presume Legolas had chosen. He had certainly not made any sort of indication that he had showed enough interest in any of the Elven maids his father had paraded before him to select one for his bride.
"Legolas!" Aquila called out to him from somewhere further back in the army.
Aquila…
He was sure he felt his heart stop for a second before it resumed its normal rhythm, be it a little quicker than usual.
His father had approved of Aquila…
"Legolas!" He was jolted from his thoughts by Aquila yelling almost in his ear.
Quickly shoving the ring back into his pocket he looked startled over at her.
"I'm sorry, I must have been…somewhere else." He still sounded distant but at least he'd heard her.
"You must have a been a long way off Legolas. I called your name at least five times, I need to speak with you."
"About what?" Wide eyed he shifted uncomfortably on his horses back.
Aquila looked puzzled by his odd behavior and wondered why he was acting so strangely all of a sudden. Maybe his father had said something to him before they left that has set him off. Really none of it mattered for the moment; maybe he was feeling the pressure of time creep up on them too.
"This is going to take far too long Legolas. By the time we get to Aglarond and then back to Minas Tirith I fear it will be too late." She whispered the last part, hoping not to cause upset amongst the soldiers.
"We cannot ride any faster or the horses won't make it and you can only travel so fast with this many." He seemed to have regained his composure and now spoke like the Prince he'd been brought up as.
"I know." She sighed in defeat.
"Wait." Legolas cried out and gripped her arm, pulling her closer so he could whisper as quietly as possible. "We could fly."
"What?" She pulled back, startled. "You remember what Elrond said…I don't know if it's such a good idea Legolas." She looked worried but the confidence shinning in his eyes lifted her spirits.
"Think about it Aquila. We could make it to Aglarond, gather what Dwarves will come and arrive at Minus Tirith around the time this army does." He was so sure of his plan; he just needed to convince her to trust his judgment on this one. "I know what Elrond said but does that really matter now? Don't you think it's more important that we gather the best defense for Middle Earth we can?"
She shook her head and smiled at him.
"I believe you're right on this one Prince Legolas." She halted her horse and Legolas did the same.
The Elves behind them were forced to slow their horses abruptly as they watched Aquila dismount and make her way into a large clearing. Whispers drifted up from the throng of Elves but Legolas only smiled as he watched Aquila transform from her Half form to her Eagle form.
"I trust that you two will be leaving us temporarily then?" The Captain of Mirkwood's forces enquired as he pulled his horse up along side Legolas'.
"Take our horses with you, they belong to the city of Minas Tirith. We will fly to Aglarond and meet you in Gondor's capital. I trust you can lead Mirkwood's forces there without my command."
"If it is your wish my Prince." The Elf bowed his head and took the reins of Legolas' horse from the Prince as he leapt gracefully to the ground and strode over to the waiting Aquila.
Once Legolas was seated upon her back she leapt into the air and flew up into the darkening sky. The Elves watched until her form was lost from their keen eyesight before their leader called for them to ride hard to Minas Tirith.
The night's swift approach did not bother Aquila, as her eyesight was naturally better in the dark. Legolas was glad for the lack of communication her Eagle from suffered for, as gladly as he would speak with his friend on any other occasion, he had a lot to contemplate and was determined to spend the entire trip sorting things out in his head. Both knew it would be at least the next day and night before they reached Aglarond, even with Aquila flying as swiftly as possible.
"No!!!" Grey eyes flew open as the terrified cry issued past his lips.
Dazzling blue eyes filled with concern started down at him. The Roc to which they belonged had propped himself up on Elrond's chest as the Elf pitched about in his sleep.
"Do not fear. It was just a dream my Lord."
Elrond smiled up at his lover and stroked his long fingers through soft fiery hair.
"Nay, not a dream Prince Pandion."
"A vision then?" The Roc laid his head upon the Elf's chest as Elrond continued to stroke his hair.
"Yes." Elrond wiped his free hand over his face to clear the sweat off.
"I take it 'twas not a very good one then?" he asked solemnly as he traced patterns across Elrond's chest.
"No my love, it was not."
"What did you see?"
"Spears…an army marching." Eyes narrowed as he recalled the vision. "A King with a red crown. Aragorn pierced by an arrow, your sister…" confusion took over his features "…blood…I…I can't…" He sighed in defeat as he came out of his trance-like state. His eyes locked with Pandion's "I never saw the last part, nor can I re-call it. I am sorry Pandion."
"Shhh, it isn't your fault, I woke you."
"We have to leave" he sat up suddenly, spilling Pandion from his chest to his lap "now."
"Now?" The Roc stated in disbelief as he lifted himself into a sitting position.
Elrond was out of the bed and pacing about the room trying to find his discarded clothing. He picked up the pair of shredded pants with a finger and raised an eyebrow in Pandion's direction.
"They were very much in my way, I did what had to be done given the situation. The pants are a small sacrifice."
Elrond sighed, he was far from angry with the Roc. He was too angry at himself. Why had he allowed so much time to be wasted?
Finishing out the armor he had been wearing when they arrived he began to dress.
"Are we to ride immediately?"
Elrond looked quizzically over at Pandion before shaking his head. How did he ever expect the Roc, who was born to be a warrior, to remain in the safety of Lothlórien while he left for battle?
"Yes we are. We're not even going to have time for breakfast so you'd better dress yourself and…" Bright light cut him off and he lifted his gaze from his task to find Pandion perched in his Half form at the end of the bed, a smug look on his face.
"Rocs!" Elrond huffed as he finally managed to get his tights on.
Pandion broke into hysterics while Elrond ignored him and continued to dress.
Morning broke as Aquila and Legolas continued their flight to Helm's Deep. Legolas was excited about seeing Gimli, even if he had already seen him only early this year. He was not, however looking forward to explaining the circumstance under which had brought upon this visit.
He shook his head to clear these thoughts. He was supposed to be concentrating on the matter of his father and the ring he'd given him. Why did everything have to turn on it's head right when things finally seemed to be going well.
The worst part was he wasn't quite sure how to act around Aquila now. He supposed he'd just have to feign indifference and go on like nothing had happened. 'Like you did after your swim in the lake' his inner voice chided.
At the thought of what had happened back at the lake his mind began to wander, taking him back to that moment. This time however, he didn't flee. He imagined instead that he'd stayed and taken her in the lake.
He blushed red as he pushed the image to the back of his mind and was glad Aquila couldn't see him. Daydreams such as this seemed to have become a common occurrence since that day and the only time he'd come anywhere near fulfilling it was that morning in his tent before Elrond's voice had disturbed them.
"I will send our army to Gondor swift on your heel as soon as they are ready Lord Elrond." Celeborn informed Elrond as he mounted his horse.
Pandion lifted himself up onto the horse he had been provided with and wrapped his cloak about him. He pulled the hood up and motioned to Elrond that he was ready to ride.
"Thank you for your wonderful hospitality my Lord and Lady." Pandion called out to Celeborn and Galadriel.
"I promise you on your next visit Prince Pandion, you will receive a much more appropriate welcome." Celeborn called back.
Reins were flicked and the two horses took off, thundering through the otherwise peaceful woods of Lothlórien.
The two horses raced through the woods and broke the cover of the trees in no time. Elrond knew he was pushing them too hard but he had a sinking feeling that something awful would happen if they didn't get to Minas Tirith in time.
Pandion was a welcome traveling companion, keeping up with Elrond while not questioning the Elf as to why he had set such a desperate pace.
They had been riding for only half a day when Pandion lifted his eyes to the sky, searching for something.
"What is it?" Elrond called over to him.
"I thought I heard a sea eagle. She sounded like she was looking for someone." Pandion was still searching the skies when a soft cry pierced the still air; this time Elrond heard it too. Pandion called back and the sea eagle swooped down towards them.
"She is looking for you Lord Elrond."
Elrond tilted his head to the side and Pandion shrugged in response. They slowed the horses and Elrond raised his arm so the bird could perch on it. She landed in a flurry of wings and grasped Elrond's arm in her powerful talons. The Elf was lucky his arm guards were made of metal or her talons would have pierced his skin deeply.
The sea eagle then relayed her message from Tinarandel and Elrond thanked her before she took to the skies again. Elrond looked across at Pandion who had been following the entire conversation, probably more clearly than Elrond.
"Is it worse than you thought?" Pandion had pushed the hood on his cloak back and his eyes were full of concern.
"Glorfindel wouldn't have them flee like that if it weren't warranted."
"Your sons will be fine Elrond, I'm sure they're well on their way to Minas Tirith and from the sounds of things these creatures wouldn't have access to horses and unless they are incredibly fast on foot, which is unlikely as they've come up out of the ocean, they wouldn't be able to catch them even if they followed."
Elrond smiled warmly over at Pandion.
"You have a wonderful way of reassuring others Pandion. I can see why your father was so eager to make you captain of his armies."
"I am still captain of his armies Lord Elrond. Now don't you think we best push on?"
"You're right, my son's are probably already in Minas Tirith and the sooner we get there the sooner I can get a full explanation from them."
Pandion walked his horse over to Elrond's and reached a hand out to stroke the Elf's thigh.
"Don't you think the horses deserve a quick rest?"
"There's a lake up ahead, we could stop there for a moment so that the horses can have a drink and you and I…" Elrond never finished his sentence as he was pressing a kiss to Pandion's lips.
"You will have to catch me first Lord of Imladris." Pandion flicked his horse's reins and took off towards the lake in the distance.
Elrond laughed and sped after him.
The horses enjoyed the rest and a cool drink from the lake. The Elf and the Roc stripped off and waded out into the water to cool their heated flesh from the suns scorching rays. While there Elrond sought pleasure in Pandion's hot mouth before the Roc found release in Elrond's firm grip.
They didn't stay long and before the hour was up they were already riding on towards Minas Tirith. If they kept the pace up they could reach the city before the next day was up. He really didn't want to exhaust the horses and only wished he could exhaust Pandion so there wouldn't be any more delays, not that he was really complaining.
By the late afternoon of the second day the Mountains behind Helm's Deep loomed before them and Legolas cried out with joy as he spotted the familiar battlements he had fought so hard to defend years ago. He really was looking forward to seeing Gimli again and he couldn't wait to introduce Aquila to him.
Aquila suddenly dropped into a swift dive and Legolas threw his head back, letting the wind rush through his golden hair. Kicking up the dust below them as she landed, Legolas leapt down from her back before she transformed back into her Half form.
Legolas took her hand and pulled her eagerly up the long ramp leading into the fortress.
"We just go in and then there's a door that lead to the caves where Gimli is now King. I'll introduce you, I'm sure he'll love you just as much as I do. Aglarond is beautiful, I wish Mirkwood's caves glittered like they do." Legolas continued to prattle on in excitement.
Aquila allowed herself to be dragged into the fortress while she laughed at her friend's obvious sense of joy.
They soon pulled up at a heavyset door and Legolas beat his fist loudly against it. A slot in the door opened and a pair of eyes looked up at them.
"Yes, what it is that you want?" A gruff voice sounded through the door.
"Would you tell King Gimli that his friend Legolas is here to see him?"
"Legolas! Why didn't you say so! You are always welcome in these halls, you know that." The Dwarf swung the door open and stepped back for the two to enter before shutting the door behind him.
"Yes but I'm afraid this isn't really a social call. There's something I need to speak with him of."
It would seem that his words had fallen on deaf ears as the Dwarf was staring in amazement at Aquila. He blinked rapidly several times before turning to Legolas.
"And who is this?"
"Oh forgive my rudeness, this is Aquila, Princess of the Rocs. She is a dear friend of mine and I thought Gimli might like to meet her."
"You are a Roc then?" The Dwarf addressed Aquila.
"I am."
There had never been any love lost between the Rocs and the Dwarves but they were never allies of any sort. In fact the two races had very little to do with each other when the Rocs had still resided in Middle Earth.
"Well, you will certainly be the topic of conversation once word gets round."
"Well then, you'd best be taking us to see his highness so that you can get about to spreading that word." Legolas flashed a smile at him and the Dwarf huffed.
He lead the both of them down wide winding stairs and into the main hall of Aglarond.
To be continued…
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 your 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.