Chapter 4: A Blinded Flight
At the brink of the dawn, the Fellowship began the quest to the lands of Mordor to destroy the Ring of Power. Aragorn had the Sword of Elendil reforged and renamed Anduril. All the Hobbits had their swords beside them and Frodo had Sting, the parting gift from Bilbo. Of course, he also had the coat of Mithril underneath his clothes but under Bilbo's request had kept it a secret. Sam was rather content with the horse, Bill, but was slightly dismayed by the prospect of having no rope. Boromir was dressed ready for battle with the horn of Gondor sling at his side. Legolas had his quiver of arrows and trusted bow as Gimli had his ever-sharpened axe with
him. Gandalf the Grey had his staff as well as his Elven forged sword. Many of Lord Elrond's court had came to see them off. Serena had came as well and gave each of the Hobbits a hug, even though she gave them one the day before. She wished the others luck and a safe journey though her heart said otherwise. Her eyes lingered longer on Legolas and Aragorn and even Boromir whom she knew and could relate the burden of duties and obligation.
--oo--
The Fellowship journeyed many leagues from the refuges of Rivendell under the lead of Gandalf. For the most part, the Hobbits kept up with the group though they were quite weary who had unaccustomed with the long distances. They sought rest and refuge in the old Elvish country of Hollin.
While the cooking of the meal underway under the direction of Sam, Gandalf and Aragorn went off to a distance to consult of their next step. Legolas scanned the distance for dangers ahead but his heart was back in Rivendell. He let out a sigh as he thought of Lady Serena. However, his thoughts were interrupted by a cry from Boromir who had been teaching some sword handling to Merry and Pippin. They had turned the tables and began tackling the larger human. The scene was rather humourous and even Gimli who had previously stayed silent chuckled at the Steward of Gondor.
This was the way in which Gandalf and Aragorn found them in their return. Suddenly, Sam let out a yelp and pointed toward the sky. "That is a queer looking cloud, is it not, Mr. Strider?"
All turned toward the sky. "It is moving against the wind," observed Legolas.
"Everybody find cover!" ordered Aragorn. With that, everybody scrambled with supplies as Aragorn helped Sam put out the fire that was previously used for cooking.
The dark cloud drew closer to where they were but suddenly there was a gust of wind that was seemed to draw them away from where they were hiding. It was very peculiar. At one moment, those birds (which they found out) seemed to linger over their presence, the next some supernatural force drew them away. Whatever it was, they knew that Saruman's eyes peered far
and all overlooking the paths to Mordor. With that, they departed once more and this time headed towards the foothills of the mountains.
--oo--
Serena let out an exhausted breath. She had been tracking the company in their journey and it had taken her an immense amount of energy and concentration. When she sensed the evil spirits of those 'birds', she had called upon the powers of Uranus, the scout of wind, to drive them away.
Her plan had worked and the Crystal seemed to be effective even over such vast distances. She just hoped the rest of the journey might not get any worse.
--oo--
Fellowship headed towards the way of the Misty Mountains through the way of Caradhras, one of the range's tallest peaks. Only Legolas, being an Elf could tread the heavy snow covered paths that twist further with each step. The Elven prince would often walked ahead leaving fainted prints on fresh fallen snow in his thin boots. Others had a tougher time with Aragorn and Boromir burrowing the way for the Hobbits and even Gimli being a stout figure himself. Gandalf was fairing well but he was mostly silent and deep in thought, only Aragorn seemed to know what was on the wizard's mind. As they reached higher parts of the mountain, Caradhras was doing everything in his power to keep the 'trespassers' out of his pasts.
Violent snow storms raged of the snowy mountain's curse. Bitter winds howled throughout the night that hardly a fire could be lit. Snow built up many leagues before them that often they felt they were going to be buried alive and Aragorn pushed them further. As they near the summit of the mountain, the Halflings were in no position of climbing themselves. Gandalf went up first with Merry, followed by Gimli by himself. Boromir shouldered Sam, Aragorn had Frodo. Finally, Legolas carried Pippin along with some of their supplies. He was the most skilled in climbing the snow and at that point, Caradhras unleashed its most powerful blow. Legolas struggled with each climb and Pippin held on tighter to the Elven prince. As they reached the landing, Aragorn and Boromir helped Pippin off Legolas' back along with supplies. As Aragorn reached out a hand to help Legolas, Caradhras erupted with an avalanche. Legolas lost his footing so suddenly that he missed the outstretched hand of Aragorn.
"NNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
--oo--
Legolas was falling, and he was falling fast. How ironic that a member of the Fellowship shall not perish in battles against the Dark Lord but fall within the barren graves of Caradhras. Then he saw a light before him, perhaps it was his time but as the light grew brighter, an image began to form before him. He was startled by the face that shall met him...
--oo--
Serena teleported herself to the source of danger. She knew that if she did not interfere, somebody was going to die. The Crystal had acted on command and the magic of Rivendell had enhanced its efficiency and adaptability. She saw the figure below her falling and as the wings behind her appeared, she dove downwards to catch the person. As she near the falling figure, she was surprised as she realized that it was Legolas. She flapped her wings once more and calling out "Venus Love Me Chain Encircle!". The golden heart chain of Venus grabbed hold of Legolas and secured him. As the chain slowly winded itself, Serena propelled herself upwards toward the landing.
--oo--
The rest of the company thought that they had surely lost one of its members, but were startled out of their wits at the winged maiden holding the Elf who was safe without a scratch. The Hobbits were extremely joyous to their Elven friend and even Gimli who held his reservation was rather relieve to see Legolas well. The others hid their expressions well but their eyes had a sense of contentment.
Serena stood off to the side trying to regain her strength. Having teleported over a vast distance from Rivendell in such a short time and then using her wings and magic, she was struggling to regain her composure. She touched her Crystal and returned to more appropriate clothing. It was similar to Legolas' tunic but more elegant like Boromir's. She held a brown pouch on the left side and a golden crafted blade that was studded with multicoloured jewels on its sheath (Uranus' blade). She also wore a cloak which covered part of her travel pack that carried the usual necessities liked food, water, blanket and other provisions. Of course, she had her Crystal with her taking the form of a broach on her tunic.
The nine others present were surprised -to put it midly - to see the maiden before them. Lady Serena was the last person they would expect to have wings on her back and then rescuing Legolas. Not to mention, they did not know where she came from. Legolas had already seen the lady in her wings but still he was curious as to how she came to be.
"I'm sure you have a lot of questions that demand answers but at your present situation, I suggest that we leave the mountains or take a safer course first. I will tell all of you everything, I promise."
They all knew that Lady Serena was right, even Gandalf and Aragorn had to agree. "The way through Caradhras is blocked, we must turn back," said Gandalf gravely.
They made their way back until the weather proved more 'livable' where they could finally rest. At first, nobody spoke as the Hobbits tried to start a fire but to no avail. Then Serena said, "C'mon little one, let me give you a hand."
With that, she produced a single parchment with weird symbols on it. She held it at the temple of eyes and muttered a few incoherent words as fire was ignited on the parchment. She threw it on top of the sticks and firewood as they were caught, the fire began to spread. "The fire should last all night."
Gandalf let out a grunt at the bottom of his throat while the Hobbits crowded closer to the warm flames. Aragorn and Boromir stared at her for they knew that no ordinary woman could possess such a power. While Legolas looked on, unsure of the lady before him. It was the second time that he had seen her with the wings and he was plagued with many questions. However, he was patient and he could wait until the morning for he trusted the lady to her word.
Serena spread out a blanket and drifted off to sleep. She had been restless for many nights, for tracking the Fellowship had taken its toll on her. Now more than ever, she needed her sleep. She knew the days to come shall not be easy but at least sleep will bring her some much needed comfort. With that, she was the first of the Company to drift off to the realm of dreams.
End of Chapter 4
