Disclaimer: I own nothing in this chapter except for the new Elf. Everything else belongs to Tolkien. Thank you for reading my first chapter, hopefully you all enjoyed it. There will be good stuff soon. All questions will be answered, and know that everyone who reviews has my extreme thanks. I'm sorry that not all will be answered on a regular basis. Since this is a sequel, Hidden Truth must be read first!
Chapter 1
The night was dark. The moon, trapped behind a bank of thick cloud, emitted no light. A being stood in the courtyard of Rivendell. His cloak was as black as the night sky, flapping around his legs.
The stranger's hair pulled with the wind, twisting like snakes around the pale face. Behind that hair, delicate Elven ears could be seen, sharply pointed. Despite his look, he was not there to steal, completely the opposite in fact. He had something important to give to someone. It was going to be a hard task, as he had to go by some people who were not going to let him pass easily.
The stranger viewed his surroundings once more, taking notice that there was no one around to spot him when he did not wish to be seen just yet. If his calculations were correct, this was the Eighth Night. He had seen the prince being dealt the blow which would eventually end his life.
Fingering the hem of his cloak, he decided that the time was right. This was it, time to go and give his gift.
"What is your business here?" The Elf on guard outside the door asked, stunned to find that someone had managed to approach the Last Homely House without anyone noticing.
"I have something to give to someone. I mean no harm." This was all the guard got as a reply. He watched the visitor for a few seconds, mentally deciding if the Elf was a threat to the household.
Finally, the guard stepped aside, opening the door for the visitor. The Elf moved inside to the warmth and light. The hall in which he stood was beautifully decorated, carvings on the doorframes and tapestries hanging on the walls. For some seconds, the being did not move, unsure of which way to go.
A passing servant glanced in his direction and carefully approached him.
"Can I help you, sir?" The servant asked, uncertain of what the stranger was doing there.
"I am looking for Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. It is urgent." The Elf stated, looking around, as if expecting the prince to suddenly appear.
"Come with me, sir." On saying this, the servant started walking, and the stranger was inclined to follow.
Down many corridors they walked, though it was not a long way. Before he knew it, they were standing outside a closed door. The servant Elf knocked politely on the door and went inside after a command to do so.
The Elf stood outside, carefully reminding himself that he was a visitor and could not just go anywhere he wished. There were whispered voices coming from within the room, but it was not long before he was invited inside.
"I understand that you have a wish to see Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. Are you a friend of his? Or a relative?" Elrond asked, watching the Elf standing in his study. He did not recognise the visitor and did not wish to disclose any personal details of the prince to the newcomer until he had learned more about the person.
"I suppose you could say I was a friend. However, I am in no way related to the prince. I wish no harm, only to give him something, it is very important." The Elf replied.
"Since you are a friend of the prince, I believe it will dishearten you to learn that he is dead. I am sorry." Elrond informed his visitor. However, this did not have the effect that the Elven Lord has expected.
"I am aware of this fact, however, I still have to give him a gift. I have travelled a long way and am not going to leave until he has got it." The Elf told Elrond in a stern voice.
"I am afraid that I cannot allow you to see the prince at this moment in time. I have a lot of work to do. I will see to it that he receives your gift." Elrond said, turning back to his work.
"This will not do!" The stranger stated rather loudly, storming out of the room towards Legolas' chambers. How he knew where the prince lay, it cannot be said. Perhaps it was chance, or maybe he had been watching the movements of others.
Legolas lay on top of the bed. He had been cleaned and dressed in a soft shirt of pale blue silk. Dark blue leggings and a delicate silver design completed the outfit. Estel sat beside the bed, not wishing to leave his friend, even in death. Having gotten used to the silence in the room, the Ranger was shocked when someone burst through the door.
"What are you doing? I think you have the wrong room." Estel said, standing up and walking towards the Elf. The newcomer did not even look at the Ranger, just stared at Legolas, pale and motionless atop the coverlet.
"No, this is the correct room alright. I just need to give him something." The stranger strode towards the bed, Estel at his heels. There was a flash as something was pulled from the dark cloak and glinted in the firelight.
Before Estel could move, the stranger had plunged a dagger into the chest of his best friend. The rush of adrenaline to the Ranger was tremendous.
"NO! Get away from him!" Estel cried, pulling the Elf away before he could do anymore damage.
"You don't understand. I helped him. Really I did! I had to give him something and I have, everything is going to be alright." The Elf grinned at the furious Ranger.
By this time, Elrond and the servant had arrived in the room, and there were guards crowding in.
"Get him out of here!" Estel ordered to the guards. They had arrested the Elf in an instant. They bundled him out of the room to be detained elsewhere.
Valar, why don't they understand? I helped the prince. I have to get to the Elven Lord and tell him what to do next or everything will have been in vain. Please help me…
TBC