Reviews:
viggomaniac: I will try not to kill Aragorn... I am glad that you like it... Thank you! D
Deana: You'll have to wait and see... Thank you! D
Carawen: For intrigues, angst, and violence... I grew up like Estel, love legends. I do hope that he will find what he seeks before it will hunts him down... I'm glad that you love it... Thank you! D
Lost-Elf: Blush. Thank you! D
lindahoyland: I know... evil grin... Thank you! D
x-aranel-x: I know... I'm glad that you love it... Thank you! D
lins: How soon is now? Thank you! D
Are you ready for more...?
Title: The Phantom of Fangorn Forest 1?
Author: Sivan Shemesh
Beta: Ceyxa, Manon
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Angst, violence, no ring, character death. OOC, for in case.
Disclaimer: The usual cast, they do not belong to me. Only my OC's.
Timeline: AU.
Summary: Estel grew up reading legends; there is one legend that stays in his mind, and he decides to travel to find out if it is true.
1.
Aragorn awoke at first light, and watched the sky.
His hands started searching for the book, and he looked down, thinking the book had slipped from his hands while he was asleep. But he could not see the book; it was gone. His mind began to race, wondering where it could be. The book that was filled with stories always fueled his imagination.
Aragorn was upset. His father had given him the book for his birthday a long time ago and he did not want to lose it. He had always been very careful with it; he would give his life for it, anything, to get the book back…
FlashbackIt was the first of March. Spring was in the air, and everything was bright and colorful, as if knowing it was Estel's birthday.
Elrond walked first, leading the way, while the twins walked just behind him.
Estel came next. He was wearing a blue stone on a silver chain that his mother had given to Elrond before her passing. The twins had given him two rings which fitted him perfectly, and he wore them with joyful smile. He loved receiving gifts.
Soon they reached the waterfall where the remaining elves of Imladris were waiting for them. Estel could feel that there was something else, but he did not know what it was.
He looked at the elves, and noticed Glorfindel talking with Lindir. He did not know what they were saying, so he tried to listen in.
"…given your gift to Estel?" he heard Glorfindel ask.
"I did not yet know what should I give to such a charming child at night, as in the morning, I can not even control him…" Lindir answered, giggling.
Estel did not see the hidden smile that Lindir gave to Glorfindel.
Then Estel walked towards his father. His throat felt dry from the excitement.
In the meantime, Glorfindel and Lindir continued their conversation, and other elves soon joined them.
"I do hope that the Phantom will not dare to ruin Estel's birthday," Glorfindel whispered.
"Phantom? Where?" Lindir asked in fear. The word alone was enough to put him into a panic. Elrond's advisor, Erestor, went to Lindir when he saw the look of fear on the elf's face.
Glorfindel placed his hands on Lindir's shoulders, trying to calm him, as Erestor said, "He is not here, but I have heard rumors that he has taken over Fangorn Forest. Whoever dares to venture inside the forest does not come out alive; that is what I have heard…"
Elrond could not help but overhear their conversation, but he kept silent as Estel was right in front of him. He wanted that his son only have happy memories of his birthday, and not sadness.
He called to his two older sons and told Estel to go with them. Estel grinned and immediately began to take advantage of them, running away from them and making them chase after him.
Elrond smiled as he watched his three sons before walking to the elves who were speaking about the Phantom.
"…but there is only one of him; how can they not kill him? To which kingdom does he belong?" Elrond heard Lindir ask.
"He is an elf, I am certain of it!" Erestor said, and continued, "Though I have no idea from which kingdom he comes from."
"How can you tell? You have not seen him…" Glorfindel said, wondering about his friend's words.
"I have heard about his skills with the bow and knives. My old friend was killed by him… I just found out from his son…" Erestor answered, his voice rising a little before fading away. He tried to swallow his tears before they silently fell down his face.
There was silence for a moment, until it was broken by a small sob from Erestor. Estel walked towards the advisor and asked, "Erestor? Why are you crying on my birthday?"
Erestor did not want that the boy got any bad dreams about the Phantom, so he lied.
"I am crying because I was remembering the times when my parents celebrated my birthday, Estel. I am crying in happiness, not in sadness…" Erestor said.
"Who is the Phantom?" Estel asked, taking them by surprise.
He saw their mouths open, but no one said anything. Estel could feel there was something wrong, but he did not know what it was.
End of FlashbackAragorn once again looked down, searching desperately for his book. He rubbed his eyes, not understanding how his book could disappear.
He sighed, and decided he would continue to look for it after he had broken his fast. While he was preparing his food, he could not get out of his mind that his book was missing.
"Forgive me adar…" he whispered into the cold wind.
End of Chapter 1.
R/R