Legolas looked up at the Misty Mountains, as it stood tall in all of its surrounding mist and gloominess. Legolas felt Arwen's arms squeeze him tighter as they drew closer to the Mountains. The world around him was quiet except for the stamping of the horses' hooves on the hard earth.

The army of Elves was only but a few yards away from the Mountains, when Legolas stopped his horse. The rest of the army came to a sudden halt. Legolas faced them.

"We will stop for the night," said Legolas to the Elves. "As many of you do not know. We will be separating the army. Half of you will go around the Mountains by horses with the two co-captains, Lólindir of Dorthonion and Elrohir of Naogthrond. The other half will accompany Lady Arwen and myself over the mountains by foot. Sleep well, for the journey will be long and tiring, either way you go."

Early the next morning, Arwen had suddenly woken up by the sound of a loud horn. She rose and stretched. The sound of the horn rang in Arwen's ears.

"Everything is ready," said a voice behind her.

Legolas was standing with his hand stretched out. Arwen took the offering hand and Legolas helped her stand on her feet.

"The co-captains and I have separated the army evenly and successfully. I thought maybe you would like to sleep a little longer, so I did not wake you."

Arwen nodded. She was grateful he let her sleep.

The Elves all around were busy preparing to leave. Some jumped on horses and others stood patiently, waiting to depart. Arwen found her traveling bag, bow, and quiver with very few arrows. She then found Legolas talking briskly to Lólindir. She hurried over to him. When Legolas spotted her, he stopped talking to Lólindir and clapped his hands together.

"I think we are ready to go!" he said.

He turned back to Lólindir as Valandil came and stood next to him. Legolas shook hands with them.

"Farewell, my friends," Legolas said. "As I said before, I trust that you will lead the army well. May your journey be safe."

Legolas stepped back to let Arwen say goodbye.

"I hate to think that we have left on a unpleasant note," Arwen said to Valandil. "Please forgive me for my harsh respond."

Valandil smiled. He kissed her hand.

"It is quite alright," he said. "There is no offense taken. Please forgive me for my insult. I wish you a very safe journey. Farewell Lady Arwen. We will see each other soon."

Lólindir said farewell to Arwen and kissed her hand. Then the two co-captains jumped onto their horses. Half of the army did the same. They faced dark narrow path that lead around the gloomy Mountains. Fortunately, for these soldiers the mist surrounded the top of Mountains, so they did not have trouble seeing their way.

With one last wave of their hand, the co-captains and half the army rode down the path. Arwen watched them until they disappear from view.

It was then that something occurred to her.

"Wait a minute…" she said to Legolas, "why are there fewer horses with them? The luggage horses that are carrying the tents and other things, where are they?"

"I sent them back to Mirkwood. There is no need for them," he answered.

He began toward the Mountains. Arwen and the army followed silently. He stopped at what looked like very steep stairs that followed up the Mountain disappearing into the fog at the top. Leoglas sighed, fixed his traveling bag further onto his shoulder, put his bow other shoulder, and then quickly started up the precipitous stairs. Arwen followed him. Quickly, one-by-one the army followed her.

Because the Mirkwood Elves live in a forest, which consists of thousands of trees, the climb up Mountain was simple. Unfortunately, the Elves of Rivendell do not have as many trees. Arwen found it a little difficult to get up the Mountain. She was slower than Legolas, which set the army many feet behind.

"I- really-need-to-climb-trees-more-often!" she gasped with every step climbed after what seemed like many hours.

Many of the soldiers under her, muttered under their breath.

"I heard that!" she hissed at them.

She looked up at Legolas who was no longer in sight. A thick wall of fog was above her instead.

"Legolas are you-?"

Arwen's words were cut off. The small bit of rock that her feet were resting on broke off and fell down the Mountain, while hitting a few soldiers along the way fortunately none of them fell, but only grumbled in pain from being hit in the head rock.

Arwen barely hung on, while she tried desperately to find some rock to put her feet on. With failure, her hands began to slip. Suddenly a hand came out the fog and grabbed Arwen's hand. The mysterious hand pulled her up easily into the fog. Arwen's feet landed on flat ground. The hand belonged to Legolas.

"Are you hurt?" he asked.

"Oh," she said still in shock, "no, no I'm fine. Thank you. That was close."

She walked a few feet away from the edge of the Mountain and sat down on the hard ground. Her heart was speeding and pounding painfully in her chest. Legolas walked off to the edge Mountain to help the others up.

After about half and hour later the whole army was up.

"I believe we are at the top of the Misty Mountains." Legolas said to the army, "we must continue on. Time is limited. Keep as quiet as you can. If the legends are true, our lives are at stake."

He turned around and started to walk in the thick fog. Even with the their keen eyes, the Elves could only see about 10 feet in front of them. Arwen walked next to him. The army followed them with grave looks on their faces. Everyone was carrying their bows in their hands instead of on their shoulders, ready to strike if necessary. Legolas gripped his bow unusually tight. His face was frowned in concentration as he stared hard into the fog.

"I do not trust this fog," Legolas said quietly. "I feel the presence of-"

Legolas' words were cut short by an piercing roar. Arwen covered her ears trying to block the sound from her sensitive ears. She fell to her knees with her head screaming in pain. She felt Legolas fall beside her. She looked at him with great difficulty. His face was contorted in agony and his hands were pressed tightly on his ears.

Suddenly everything went silent as if someone had immediately shut off the sound. Arwen slowly lowered her hands from her ears. There was a constant ringing in her ears. She looked ahead into the thick fog and her face went very pale.

A massive shadow was slowly emerging, coming straight toward the Elves.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know its been awhile. Sorry but if u can please review! thanks! the next one will have a dedication!