World of Silence

by Phoenix53

When Middle Earth is threatened by a new evil, the Fellowship must seek the last of an ancient race for aid. But will they be strong enough to defeat their new enemey or will all of Middle Earth fall to its evil? LOC

4. Rescue

Chapter Four: Rescue

Meroryan fought bravely, parrying, thrusting, dodging blow after blow. She had noticed the group that broke off to follow Elsie and she prayed that she would make it to the riders safely. Her thoughts soon became consumed with the skirmish at hand as four of the beasts attacked her at once. Everything that Nadriel and Galandrie had taught her came flooding back, filling her senses and causing adrenaline to surge through her veins. Abruptly, she went on the offensive. She rushed one of the foul creatures, grabbing the arm that he had swung at her. She twisted the wrist, listening the crunching of bones as she snapped it in two. The thing shrieked, dropping the sword-like weapon that it had been about to thrust into her abdomen. She grabbed it quickly, turning around to match stroke for stroke the blows of another that had come up behind her.

Armed now, she became like the wind, winding in and out of those who would harm her, killing those that came too close and severely wounding the rest that came to rush her. It soon became evident, however, that she would not be the victor in the battle this day. For every one that she killed, two took its place. They swarmed from around the trees, from behind the rocks, from the very Earth itself. She fought, doing all that she could to keep them at bay.

And then she heard something that curdled her blood. Elsie, screaming in terror and pain. And that was all it took. Meroryan broke, her heart crushing with grief, the thought of her friend in the clutches of these monsters. She became a wild thing, not caring for the hurt that they brought upon her, barely noticing the slash that appeared on her left arm, nor the knife that buried itself deep into her shoulder. All she could feel was rage, all she knew was pain of her soul. She had lost so many dear to her, and now Elsie. Memories came flooding back to her; her father on the floor, her mother, raped and bleeding, dead next to her tapestries, her sisters lying in their own blood. Tears flowed openly down her cheeks, unheeded by the grief stricken woman who shed them. Speed became her ally, rage, her companion. Her body and clothes were covered by a layer of black slime, the blood of these evil things. One by one, the foul ones fell beneath her attack, 'til only a few remained.

They stood on the other side of her, watching her warily, not knowing what to think of this puny woman who had defeated so many of them. Then, as suddenly as they had appeared, they were dead, those who had remained standing falling underneath the arrows that pierced their hearts. Meroryan turned slightly, watching as several men, some very odd in appearance, rushed into the glade, weapons drawn and ready to battle. But she couldn't find it in her to care, nor to thank them for the help that they had given her. Her strength failed her abruptly, the lack of it sending her to her knees. She barely registered the astonished faces of those who were now filling the clearing, taking in the sight of the dead bodies littering the ground, the lone woman now crumpled in their midst. She didn't want to think about anything, only to rest, to find peace in oblivion.

Legolas could not believe what he saw. Uruk-hai, at least thirty in number, dead, their bodies cleaved. His eyes came to rest on the woman. She knelt, the weapon of the Uruk-hai now grasped limply in her hand. Tears streaked her cheeks, her translucent skin so pale in the light. One woman, standing alone, against as many Uruk-hai as five men would have had to stand against to defeat. So delicate in appearance, she had defeated these beasts seemingly quickly, for it had not taken them that long to reach her side after the mysterious appearance of her friend. The elf had trouble overcoming his shock.

Gimli came to stand beside him, stopping as he watched the woman carefully. She did not move, simply knelt there, eyes shut, face contorted in pain. Nothing stirred for a time in that clearing. Gimli noticed that every single one of them, yes, even the elf, he noted, had the same exact expression on their face. Total shock and incomprehension. He himself had a difficult time grasping the truth of what lay before him. They had slain fifteen beasts that had followed the woman's friend. And here she knelt, among more than forty Uruk-hai soldiers, strong and trained warriors, and had managed to kill every one of them save the few that Legolas and two of the Knights of Gondor had taken down with arrows. He couldn't help the feeling of awe and amazement that crept into his heart toward this woman. One look at her and you would think she would fall easily, prey for the fallen Dark Lord's minions. The dwarf shook his head, telling himself not to be so foolish. They knew nothing about the two females, and it would not do to let their guards down even against women. To his right, he saw Aragorn motioning to his men.

"Head back to the main group. We will join you soon and make haste to Rivendell from there." The Knights bowed to their King, turning and leaving just him, Gimli, and Legolas alone with the girl.

She hadn't moved, not caring who stood behind her anymore. She wanted to feel nothing. The physical pain from her wounds were minor in comparison to the pain she felt in her heart. Perhaps it would be better to never wake up, to let the darkness before her claim her. She felt herself start to fall forward, only for her progression to be stopped by strong hands on her shoulders. They laid her on the ground, gentle, tender in their movements. She felt a moment of searing pain come from her shoulder as something was wrenched from it. The wound throbbed, pain floating through her body, spreading through her veins. The hands were everywhere at once; her forehead, her neck, her arms. She sighed, leaning into the touch, thinking that it seemed so familiar somehow. The feel of such hands against her skin caused shivers to run through her body. And then the blackness floated up before her, taking her conscious.

Legolas noticed the woman's abrupt movement forward and rushed to catch her ere she fell. Her head lolled lifelessly, her eyes never opening. Gimli and Aragorn moved by his side as he laid her down, a moan of pain drifting from her lips. While Aragorn knelt on her other side, Legolas inspected the woman. Among the bumps and bruises, he noted only two major wounds. The slash on her arm was deep, the blood flowing freely the stain the earth below her. The other injury was on her left shoulder. A knife of the Uruk- hai lay buried deep in her soft flesh. Aragorn grasped the handle, pulling the blade free. Again, the woman moaned in pain, but made no move to open her eyes or move from her position. Legolas ran his hands carefully over her body, checking for any other injuries that might have escaped their notice. She was soft to touch, even with the injuries and orc blood that marred her skin. When he found no other serious wounds, he looked up at Aragorn, voicing his thoughts for the first time since sprinting to her aid.

"She carries no other wounds, but her skin burns with fever and is icy to touch." Aragorn nodded, his own worry showing clearly on his face. She would not open her eyes and the wounds on her arm and in her shoulder were extensive. Her skin was clammy, pale in comparison to even Legolas' own fair skin. An unnatural pale, that of one not far from death. He tore a strip of cloth from his tunic and with Gimli's aid, bound her arm tightly to stop the flow of blood while Legolas took some to tie against the wound where the poisoned blade had pierced her shoulder to the bone.

"We must get both of them to Rivendell and quickly!" the King said, his voice filled with urgency.

Legolas only nodded, not taking his gaze off of the prone form lying before them. He lifted her as gently as possible in his arms, whistling for Arod to come to him. "I will ride ahead with her to Lord Elrond, for she carries the greater wounds of the two. Arod is swift and she needs aid immediately." Both Gimli and Aragorn nodded, agreeing with Legolas' assessment.

"Worry not about me, friend. I'm sure Imrahil will not mind me riding with him for the short ways we have left to ride."

"Thank you, mellon," Legolas said, nodding. He glanced at Aragorn, nodding at the concern and plea in his eyes. "Lye karnuva ta e'luume'," he told him, nodding in reassurance to the King. Arod galloped through the trees then, standing silently beside his master, waiting for whatever he would command. Legolas handed the unconscious girl to Aragorn, mounting quickly and taking the woman from him, placing her gently in front of him.

"Noro lim, Arod. Noro path, noro bell." Arod leaped forward, quickly disappearing into the trees, heading toward Rivendell and the Ford.

Aragorn watched Legolas ride away, the woman tucked gently next to him to protect her from any stray branches or leaves. He turned, catching Gimli watching the spot where they had gone with worry in his eyes. He placed a hand on the dwarf's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "He will get them there safely, Gimli. Have no fear of that."

Gimli sighed, turning back toward the place where they had left Arwen and the hobbits, walking next to Aragorn. "I know, my friend. But I cannot help but feel uncertain with what just occurred. We know nothing about these women nor where they come from. I pray to the Valar that they will get past the Ford and into the safety of Rivendell without further incident from more of these foul creatures."

Aragorn nodded, his eyes revealing his own worry and concern over the Uruk- hai being so close to Rivendell in these times of peace. "I do not know what has brought them so close. Why would they attack people when they are so near an Elven stronghold."

"Mmm. It is odd indeed, Aragorn. I have never known them to be so brave. What a contradictory word to use for an orc," the dwarf said, shaking his head. "But they normally avoid such places where the elves are so numerous. What do you think has caused them to be so bold this time?"

Aragorn frowned, shaking his head slightly. "I'm not sure, Gimli. But it might have something to do with the presence that Arwen and Legolas have felt. We will ride for Rivendell ourselves, not sparing the horses. I will feel better once we are beyond the borders of Imladris."

They had reached the spot where their horses were waiting. Arwen had settled the other unconscious woman with Rangor, one of the Guards of Gondor. She turned at Aragorn and Gimli's approach. Running to her husband, she embraced him, feeling relief flood through her as he returned it, his strong arms encircling her waist to hold her closely for a few moments. She pulled away, searching his face for any sign of pain or injury. "Are you well, my love?"

"I am. By the time we had arrived in the clearing where they had attacked them, the battle was nearly over. Legolas and the other knights finished the remaining few, but the woman was already wounded very badly. Legolas took her to Rivendell on Arod, hoping to save her before the poison in her shoulder should do its work too well."

Arwen stared at him in shock, wondering how a woman could stay the attack of the Uruk-hai so efficiently. Sensing her question, Aragorn spoke. "There will be time for explanations later. But now, we must ride to Rivendell ourselves. I know not how many more of the enemy lie beyond our sight and I would reach your father's halls with all possible haste." He glanced quickly at the woman Rangor held. "We must get her to a healer as well. The arrow was not poisoned, but infection might set in and could be just as dangerous."

Arwen nodded, holding her tongue and rushing to her mare. Aragorn in turn, turned to Imrahil, addressing the captain. "I would ask that you carry Master Gimli behind you, Imrahil, to Rivendell. We must ride hard and he has need of another rider."

Imrahil nodded, helping the dwarf to mount behind him on Blaze. Aragorn turned to the hobbits as he mounted his own stallion. "We must ride hard, little ones. She has need of a healer and we must reach the safety of Rivendell with all possible haste."

They nodded, even as he spoke the last words. "We'll keep up Aragorn. Have no fear." Pippin said, once again becoming the hobbit who had fought so bravely to help defeat the Dark Lord. Aragorn nodded, pulling Hasufel beside Arwen. "Let us ride, Knights of Gondor! The enemy yet dwells near. Quickly now, we double our pace! To Rivendell!"

At that, they took off swiftly through the trees, the way to Rivendell open to them, even as the forest behind them became shrouded in mist.

Arod flew across the ground, the trees becoming a mere blur to his incredible speed. It would not be long before they would reach Imladris. For his part, Legolas kept his attention on the woman in his arms. He had no fear that Arod would get them to Rivendell with all haste, so he concentrated on this interesting female. Long hair, the color of the richest earth and soft as satin was tied back from her face. Her skin was pale, mostly due to the workings of the poison, but underneath the sickness, he could discern that her normal coloring was indeed fair, almost translucent. He had not seen the color of her eyes, as they had remained closed ere their arrival in the glade. Long, dark lashes fanned along her cheek, the contrast sharp with her increasing pallor. High cheekbones slashed across a delicate face. Her nose was small, a perfect fit with her features.

Her lips drew his attention as she moaned in her sleep, a frown marring her brow. They had parted on her breath, remaining as such even as she settled deeper into the unconscious realm that held her. Her mouth was full, ripe, the lips a soft pink. Her skin was soft, silky to touch. Had her ears been pointed, he would have thought her an elf with such features. She wore strange clothing, not something that one would have seen on any woman of any lands he knew in Middle Earth. Leggings of a harsh material covered her legs and her tunic was short, stopping at her waist and leaving her arms bare. The pieces hugged her frame, outlining perfectly the feminine form. And beyond it all, he felt an overwhelming sense of recognition, as though he had met her somewhere before. But he couldn't tell where, nor could he understand such a reaction. So he left the thought, waiting until he had the opportunity to reflect on it with greater depth.

He looked up, seeing the Ford in the distance. He urged Arod on, hoping beyond hope that they would pass by it without further incident. It seemed that the Valar were with him this day, for he passed the Ford without being stopped by any other forces. Legolas urged Arod even faster, racing through the trees to reach the gate that would signify the entrance to the Last Homely House. He was only a short distance away, his keen sight making out the intricate form of the archway, when two figures suddenly jumped in front of Arod, causing the horse to shy in fright.

"Tampa! Essa lle poere!" one of the tall figures said.

"Faarea! N'amin Taren Legolas, Utinu Thranduil. Amin sinome elea Heru Elrond!"

The two guards stepped back, bowing gracefully before him and gesturing him to continue. Legolas once again spurred Arod into a gallop and raced underneath the gates of Imladris with the woman still tucked safely in his arms. He was not surprised to see Lord Elrond standing there, waiting for him with several other attendants with him. The smile, however, that had been gracing his features faded when he saw that Legolas was alone and the bundle in his arms. The Elf-Lord rushed forward, worry evident in his face.

"Prince Legolas, what has happened? Where is the rest of your company? Where is my daughter? And who is this woman that you carry?"

"My Lord, I will explain. But she has need of a healer, and swiftly. Orcs attacked her and her companion near the edge of Trollshaws. The knife that wounded her shoulder was poisoned and the cut on her arm is deep. She had lost much blood I fear." He surrendered her to the waiting arms of the attendants who had rushed out behind their Lord. "Aragorn and the rest of our company ride closely behind. They should be here in but a short while. All is well with them as the battle with the orcs did not concern us overly much. But I suspect we should wait for their return before telling the entire tale."

Elrond simply nodded, accepting this information. "You have said that she has a companion? Where is she?"

"She rides with Aragorn and the others. We encountered her first. She was running from a smaller band of Uruk-hai, and barely made it to the glade where we waited before she was struck with an arrow. Arwen did not believe it poisoned so there was not so much haste to get her here quickly."

"I see." Before he could say more to the Prince, Elladan and Elrohir, his twin sons, rode through the gates of the Elven city. The two had been out with some of the other guards on the southern border, but had returned to greet their sister and her husband as they made their arrival this afternoon. Smiles lit their face when their gazes rested upon Legolas, but quickly turned to frown's as they realized that the prince was alone.

"Where are the King and Queen of Gondor?" Elladan asked.

"There is much to be explained, my sons," Elrond replied, holding up his hand to ward off any more of their questions. "But Legolas has had a long journey and must rest. The rest of his company is following and will be here shortly. Their tale can wait until they've had sufficient respite from their voyage." Turning to one of his stewards, he said, "Prepare a room for the other woman and notify the healers to be ready." He turned back to Legolas, who had dismounted, and returned the bow that was given to him.

"Grateful are we to see you returned safely to this house, Legolas, Son of Thranduil. Your horse will be provided for and rooms have been prepared for your comfort. All your needs will be seen to and should you require anything, you only need ask."

"My thanks, Lord Elrond," the Prince said, again bowing low at his waist. "I would very much like to refresh myself ere the others arrival. We must speak of these transpirings with as much haste as possible."

"I agree, young one," the great Elf Lord said. He smiled at the Prince, noting how he grimaced slightly at the old nickname. "You will be notified when the others have arrived and have taken their own rest. We will meet an hour before the supper bell to discuss the events that have passed. Until then, rest well, young Prince."

Legolas nodded, and turned to make his way into the house. He had only made it a few steps, however, before he was tackled from behind. The air left his lungs in a rush as two bodies fell atop his own, crushing him beneath the combined weight.

Elrond sighed, looking skyward, hoping for divine intervention. "Ai, Elbereth! Why must they be so rambunctious after all these years?" Turning back to the scene before him, he shook his head, a smile threatening to curve his lips. Elladan and Elrohir had planted themselves firmly on Legolas' chest, causing the Prince to struggle for breath. Such is the welcoming of young elves I suppose, he thought, not taking his eyes from the skirmish that took place on his front steps.

"Elladan, Elrohir!" he called out, making his voice harsh for effect. They glanced at their father guiltily, knowing that they were about to be reprimanded. "The Prince is tired and travel weary. I will not tell you again that he needs his rest." He nodded at their apologetic shrugs and turned away as they picked themselves up off Legolas, allowing him a much needed gasp of air. Lord Elrond made his was with great speed to the healing chambers. If her wounds were as grievous as the Prince had suggested, she would be in need of great care.

The twins watched their father turn away, then turned to help Legolas to his feet. Each took their turn clapping him on the back and welcoming him back to Rivendell. "You have been away too long, my friend, if you allow us to take you so completely by surprise." Elladan teased, knowing that it would ruffle the Prince's feathers.

He was not disappointed.

"I would have beaten you both," Legolas boasted, "had my mind not been occupied with other things."

"Ah," Elrohir said, his gaze turning mischievous. "The woman. Tell me friend, when did you taste turn to that of mortals? Surely your time in Minas Tirith has taught you even more the great difference between Elven women and those of the mortal world."

Legolas grimaced, shooting Elrohir a glare that caused the twin to laugh grandly. "I have not taken to bedding mortal women, nor do I intend to!" he stated, silently adding, only in my dreams, to his statement. "She and another were attacked by Uruk-hai near the Ford when we came upon them. Both were wounded, but the female that I carried more so. I rode ahead to seek the aid of your father. The other's follow with her companion."

At this news, both the twins turned serious. "Uruk-hai? Just beyond the Ford!" Elladan could not keep the incredulity caused by that statement from his voice. "And they attacked the two women you say?"

Legolas nodded, turning to walk to his usual room that he occupied whenever he visited the fair Elven city of Imladris. Elladan and Elrohir followed him, both their minds on what the Prince had told them. "What do you suppose they were doing, coming so close to Imladris?"

Neither of the other two could answer Elrohir's question and so they walked the rest of the way to Legolas's room in contemplative silence. Upon reaching the intricately carved door that signaled the Prince's quarters, the brothers wished the Prince a pleasant respite and too their leave.

Legolas shut the door, allowing himself a sigh of relief at finally having reached Rivendell. They had been traveling for weeks and to finally be able to sleep on a bed after days of lying on the hard ground was certainly a liberation of sorts. He reached behind him to release his quiver and knives from their resting place on his back and laid them on the table near the window. He paused, the open window drawing him. He stood out on the balcony, his eyes closed, relishing the feeling of peace that surrounded this place. The building in Ithilien had taken much of his energy and devotion and so, when the invitation had come from Lord Elrond to attend the celebration, he had accepted eagerly. He knew that Faramir and Eowyn would handle this splendidly in his absence and did not worry overly much about leaving.

Turning away from the window, Legolas made his way over to the bed, sitting on the edge to remove his boots. He set them aside, his thoughts drifting to the troubling shadow that had been piercing his thoughts more and more frequently. There was much that he wished to discuss with both Elrond and Mithrandir this evening, but for now, he would be content to spending a few hours asleep. He stood for only a moment, and only to remove his over vest and belt, before lying down and falling into a deep slumber, his mind wandering to happy memories of moon bright nights, running beneath the trees of his home in Mirkwood.

Elladan and Elrohir walked from Legolas' room in silence, each absorbed in his own thoughts. Elladan could not believe the audacity of the Uruk-hai. Since the fall of Sauron, none had dared a frontal attack on any company, especially if they were close to any sort of stronghold. To even hear of such demons this far West into Eriador was so incredible that almost Elladan forgot his utter rage at their impudence. Almost.

Elrohir shared the feelings of his brother, and wondered how they should act to this obvious threat. "What say you, brother?" he asked, finally breaking the silence around them.

His twin shook his dark head, his keen eyes clouded with a mixture of rage, worry, and confusion. "I'm not certain. But we must be extra cautious." He turned then, regarding his Elrohir carefully. Elrohir stopped, concerned by the look in his eyes.

"What is it, tororamin?"

Elladan looked out across Imladris, gathering his scattered thoughts. When next he spoke, it was in a soft voice, so that only Elrohir could hear him. "Have you felt it, Elrohir?"

"Felt? What is it that you speak of Elladan? Tell me for I would know what causes you such concern and unease." His voice was colored with anxiety for the obvious distress that radiated from his twin.

"I'm not sure, brother," Elladan said at length, turning his azure eyes back to his brother. "I have felt a.shadow of sorts of late. It comes as a mist, strengthening when darkness gathers. With the dawn it has usually receded, but lately it has grown more bold, piercing the morning and stealing the brightness that colors the land." He furrowed his brow in frustration, once again beginning the walk back to the gates. "It is always present in my mind. But I can feel it more prevalently now."

Elrohir shook his head. His twin had always been the more sensitive one of the two when it came to such things. He would be the first to admit that Elladan had an incredible gift of 'sight' that he was not blessed with. It only served to cause Elrohir to trust him all the more. "I regret that I have not felt such a presence. I have noticed the woods have been more subdued of late than they have been, but I have thought nothing of it until now. What do you suggest we do then?"

They had reached the clearing surrounding the entrance, and both paused just out of the hearing of the attendants milling about. "For now, we say nothing. Perhaps at the meeting this evening we may bring it up, let our concerns be known to all. Mayhap some of the others will have suggestions of their own. But peace for now, dear brother. Let us go out and meet Arwen and Aragorn to show them safely into Rivendell." He grinned suddenly, a thought coming to his mind. "I would not want them to get lost like the last time they rode together from a previous destination."

Elrohir laughed, breaking the shroud that had clouded their talk, the light sound piercing the gloom. "True, brother. That turned out disastrously as I recall. Father near had a fit when he found out." They mounted, signaling to several of the guards that were close at hand.

"We ride to meet the company from Gondor. Stay with us and be alert for any unfriendly eyes!" Elladan commanded. Not waiting to see if they would be followed, for they knew their command as Captains over the Guard would ensure the action, the two elves turned and urged their mounts to the mouth of the Ford, each praying to the Valar for the safe return of their brother and sister.

Aragorn urged Hasufel on, knowing that the others were struggling with their mounts just as much as he. All were tired as they pressed on toward the Ford. He could tell they were close, recognizing several landmarks that he, Elladan, and Elrohir had used in younger years to guide them home when they had been traveling for long periods of time. Arwen, who rode beside him, felt peace and relief wash over her as she spotted the waters of the Ford just in front of them. Leaning in her saddle, she said to her husband, "The river is just ahead. We will be in Imladris shortly, a'mael."

Aragorn nodded, glancing behind him to the hobbits. "That is well, melamin, for I do not think that the hobbits can stand much more of the pace that we have set." His words rang true for indeed the four smallest members had fallen behind and were steadily losing pace. All could see the exhaustion on their features and in the stride of their ponies. Even Gimli, who was used to riding with Legolas for long periods of time, was showing signs of fatigue and strain. Such was the result of many weeks of riding, thought Aragorn.

As they crossed the waters of the Ford, all in the company breathed a sigh of relief, the danger that had been present and apparent to all fading with the peace emitting from the Elven city. Arwen closed her eyes, breathing deeply of the forests that surrounded her home. It felt good to be within the safety of her people. For all that she loved riding and enjoyed the outdoors, she enjoyed the comforts of home and the welcoming warmth of a bed and bath. Her hand found Aragorn's clasping it tightly as they rode between the towering pines and elms. She prayed that Legolas had made his way in safety. Aragorn, sensing her thoughts, turned to reassure her.

"He has made it, my love. Legolas is strong and a capable warrior and Arod would not stop until he felt that his master was safe. Fear not."

Arwen smiled, gripping his hand more tightly. "You give me great comfort, husband, for my thoughts have been heavy concerning my dear friend. I know he is capable an strong, but I cannot help but worry over those who are important to me."

Smiling his reassurance, he dropped her hand, turning his attention to getting them safely across. He tensed, seeing a group of riders coming towards them, but relaxed as he saw the horses that led the group. His half-brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, broke away from the main group of riders to meet them halfway. Arwen cried out joyfully, pushing her mare into a gallop to greet her family, Aragorn not far behind.

Gimli peered out from behind Imrahil's back, shaking his head and chuckling with mirth as he watched the King of Gondor being tackled into the dirt by Elladan or Elrohir, which one he could never unless talking to them, and Arwen being swung in a wide circle by the other. It was a jovial sight and the Knights of Gondor stopped their mounts a respectful distance away to allow them a private reunion.

Pippin halted his pony next to Sam, his eyes taking in the sight of Arwen and Aragorn before him. "Think they'll remember we're here?" he asked the other hobbit.

Frodo smiled, having overheard Pippin's comment, and a rare glimmer entered his eyes. "I wouldn't worry about it, Pippin," he said, his own gaze returning to the four before him. "I doubt they will soon forget us, seeing as how Merry's stomach growls so loudly!"

Merry frowned, an indignant sound coming from his throat. "Well you would be hungry, too, if you had been forced to ride all day without food or sustenance!"

Sam glowered at him, ignoring the snort of the dwarf behind them. "We have been riding all day without sustenance, you dolt!"

Gimli laughed outright at that, thinking that hobbits arguing over food was almost as entertaining as arguing with Legolas. Speaking of which, his eyes came to rest of the woman Rangor still held, noting her pale features and blood soaked, although strange, tunic. He glanced between where Aragorn stood talking with the twins and Arwen, back to the woman, and back again, debating on calling out to the King.

When the woman moaned, he decided that he had best say something for her benefit. "Aragorn!"

The man turned, his eyes meeting that dwarf's, questioning the call. Gimli nodded his head in the female's direction, letting the King know silently what he queried. Aragorn nodded, turning and saying something to Elladan and Elrohir. They nodded quickly, their eyes locking on the pale form. One of them said something to Arwen before they parted, each mounting his own steed.

Aragorn turned in the saddle, facing those that were still behind them. "Come, friends! Tonight we enjoy the hospitality of the elves and the comfort of beds and warm food!"

At the mention of food, the hobbits seemed to brighten visibly, and the discussion turned toward what they thought might be the main feast for the evening. For Gimli's part, he was merely counting the minutes left that he would have to endure on the back of this beast. His pride was sore and he was certain that he would not be able to walk straight for a month for all the bumps and bruises he had sustained because of this journey. He grimaced in discomfort, shifting slightly to ease the new pains that erupted when Imrahil started forward again at a fast clip. Sighing, he thought of how good it would be to feel solid earth beneath his feet once again.

'Blast Legolas,' he thought, his mind turning to the elf. 'Had he not insisted that I join this company, I might be enjoying a hearty fire and a soft seat. Instead, I am made to ride on the back of this horrible beast and made to endure all sorts of discomfort. He will pay dearly for making me suffer so.' So it was, as they rode through the forest toward the gates of Rivendell, that the dwarf contemplated interesting and inventive ways of repaying a certain elf for all the indignities he had suffered for his travel.

Author's Notes:

"Lye karnuva ta e'luume'-We will make it in time.

"Noro lim, Arod. Noro path, noro bell."-Ride fast, Arod. Ride hard, ride smooth.

"Tampa! Essa lle poere!"-Stop! State your purpose!

"Faarea! N'amin Taren Legolas, Utinu Thranduil. Amin sinome elea Heru Elrond!"-Enough! I am Prince Legolas, Son of Thranduil. I am here to see Lord Elrond!

Tororamin-My brother

Author's Notes: Ok. I think that I need to clarify a few things here. First off, this happens before there is a Lord of the Rings movie. The only thing that Meroryan and Elsie can go by are descriptions in the book and such. So they have no idea who's who until introductions are made. Secondly, I know my elvish it terrible. I would welcome ANY help with it and any suggestions on Sindarin or Quenya or anything else that would make it better for those reading. Thirdly. This is not our Earth. It's a whole other realm in the Universe that is separate from space and time as we see it. Meroryan knows about the elves and such because of the Ancients, who have been to their time and know of their people and ways. If anyone has any questions for me, anything that needs explaining, please email me and let me know. I'll be happy to help with what I can. Thanks.
Ok…here goes. I need to thank some people. Littlefish: What can I say….thank you for your help and input. I hope that you will like the rest of the story. Thundera Tiger….THANKS SO MUCH for the Elvish sites. They've been a HUGE help. If you have any suggestions for me on the way that I use it, please let me know. Anything else anyone has to add I'm more than welcome to hear! Please review!
Character List:
Meroryan—One of the child of the Tua De Dannaa. Immortal and powerful.
Elsie—Meroryan's best friend of five years. Met in first Lit class.
Nadriel—one of the Ancients. Trained Meroryan.
Relampago—Another Ancient. A stallion of great speed and stealth. Not unlike Shadowfax.
Sharnok—Evil Ancient who shunned his powers by turning against good.
Garnor—Captain of the Uruk-hai.
Imrahil—I know this is a name of a different character in Tolkein's world. Captain of the Knights of Gondor in mine.:P
Rangor—Knight of Gondor.
Arwen—Queen of Gondor
Aragorn—King of Gondor
Gimli—Son of Gloin. Dwarf. Lord of Glittering Caves.
Sam, Frodo, Pippin, and Merry—Hobbits from the Fellowship.
Arod—Legolas' horse from Rohan.
Hasufel—Aragorn's horse…also from Rohan.
Legolas--…..Girl please!