Linilya Elf - My devoted reader...Always happy to see your reviews. See my notes below and you'll be able to see a few more pix of the aliens if you go to my Yahoo Group.

Author's Note 1 – In case you're confused on where Avalon fits into all of this, it's the planet where Ariedel comes from. You might remember that she made reference to Avalon and its three suns a couple of times in the other story.

Author's Note 2 – Since I'll be introducing a number of new original characters, I decided to post some pictures of who I envision them to be. The photos will be posted on my Yahoo group called Black Shadow Acres. You can also check out a couple of photo manipulations I did. Most of the photos of characters in Alien vs Elf: The Beginning are already posted. Since I want to have some surprise characters in Alien vs Elf: Nemesis, I won't be posting every picture yet. I'll post them after they are introduced in a chapter. The photos contain a brief character synopsis so you can keep track of who everyone is. Go check them out if you're curious. You'll need to join the group in order to view the pictures. I've also posted some other stories that are not on fanfiction . net.

Okay, enough of my commercial plug…on with the story…

Chapter 2 – Trouble in Paradise
Avalon
Earth date: December 12, 2357ad

The planet of Avalon was not in Earth's solar system, but could be reached by long distance travel in cryosleep chambers. The trip usually took three days in hyperspace, which was an equivalent of four Earth weeks. Lifesource's Translocation platform on Gateway Station had been a great means of traveling because there was no lengthy flight to worry about. But with the station destroyed, everyone was back to traveling by ship.

When Earth became overpopulated in the late 21st century, they went into space and colonized many nearby planets, using atmosphere processors funded by Weyland-Yutani to bring the atmosphere within limits for human life. Avalon had been discovered in 2204. Its solar system contained three suns that contributed to the year round hot climate, and out of pure luck without the humidity. Avalon was a virtual paradise that had required no alteration in atmosphere. The indigenous plant and animal life were similar to Earth's. When news of Avalon reached the citizens of Earth, they soon flocked to the planet and purchased land plots. As Avalon became a part of the United Systems, cities quickly sprouted and now the planet boasted a population over ten million.

"They sent a research ship to SR-682 two weeks ago," announced United Systems Defense Secretary Frederick Rohlwing when someone in the conference room asked what the independent company, Weyland-Yutani was up to lately. "With the intention of setting up a base of operations on the surface of the planet for research."

In a shocked tone, James Burbank, retired General of the United Systems Colonial Marines (USCM) and President of Lifesource asked, "Under whose authority?"

Rohlwing shrugged. "No one's. SR-682 is under no colonial jurisdiction. Treaties have not been signed."

Burbank baulked. "That's because the occupants of the planet have no technological awareness. They're the equivalent of what was known as the dark ages on Earth. If we go down there and start waving treaties, they'll burn us at the stake for witchcraft or something on those lines. There are guidelines that need to be followed when making first contact with a planet that has no technology."

"You need not remind me of the directive and I fully understand your concerns, General," replied Rohlwing in a calm voice, attempting to keep a light atmosphere in the room.

Burbank took the calmness of his tone as condescending. "Do you, Mr Secretary?" he scolded in his raspy voice. Despite Rohlwing's higher rank, Burbank was never one to keep his mouth shut before any of his superiors, not even the President of the United Systems. "Weyland-Yutani's numerous attempts to domesticate the aliens have all failed miserably. Innocent lives have been lost in the name of medical and military science because they don't have the brains to conduct their research on dead specimens instead of live ones. Lifesource is capable of conducting the research that will continue to advance humanity, without the need for live aliens. For some unknown reason the board of directors at Weyland-Yutani think it critical that the creatures be kept alive, to study their behavior…it's bullshit! When will we permanently shut them down, Mr Secretary?"

"Shutting them down is not a possible option, General. They are the largest free enterprise on Earth, with billions in revenue tied to colonies spread across every corner of the United Systems. If we pull the plug on them, millions of people will lose their jobs."

"What about the millions of people that will lose their lives?" It wasn't that Burbank was unsympathetic about the lose of jobs. Jobs could be replaced. Lives couldn't. "It's been a known fact for years that the experiments conducted by The Company are unethical. They've even influenced military facilities to unlawfully kidnap human beings to use in their research. Not to mention unsuccessfully cloning hosts impregnated with the aliens to produce God knows what!"

One of the others sitting around the table of eight lifted his hand. "That's not entirely true, General. The medical staff of the USM Auriga, under the command of General Perez, successfully created a clone."

Burbank knew all about the clone and ignored the statement with a wave of his hand as if it were irrelevant, then continued to address the Defense Secretary. "Our cause is not to create a race of super humans with alien capabilities. Lifesource's mission statement has always been to seek and dispose of any aliens found on inhabited and uninhabited worlds near any of our colonized planets or space stations. We can't allow Weyland-Yutani to undermine the importance of our prime directive."

Rohlwing sighed. "I called this meeting to discuss the construction of the Lifesource transmutation and translocation platforms on Columbia Station. Although we don't have jurisdiction to halt the activities of Weyland-Yutani, we will double our efforts to make certain they don't have any live alien subjects to work with...or human ones, for that matter," he added in Burbank's direction. "Now, you've invited members of Lifesource staff that worked on the platforms that were lost with the destruction of Gateway."

Burbank was not satisfied that Rohlwing would do everything in his power to prevent Weyland-Yutani from using human test subjects in their foul alien experiments. But he conceded to Rohlwing for the time being. "I have asked Lieutenant Seth Schuyler to join us as well. He was a member of the original Lifesource team sent out on field missions to dispose of the aliens when the project first began. Although he's technically resigned from that position because of family matters, he has agreed to provide his invaluable feedback on the new platforms."

Seth Schuyler stared at everyone else sitting around the table of eight. They seemed afraid to speak now that the opinions of the two high-ranking officers was known. Seth had decided to keep silent while Burbank said what he wanted to say, not wanting to interrupt his commanding officer. And now that the discussion seemed to be veering away from the subject of The Company, he decided to bring it back. "I'll do whatever is necessary to help get the platforms up and running, but I have something to add about SR-682."

Rohlwing immediately held up a hand before Schuyler could utter another word. "Lieutenant, there's no need to bring up that particular issue regarding SR-682. I'm already well aware of the situation with your sister."

"Issue?" Seth bristled at the manner of indignation in which this asshole referred to his sister. "With all due respect, Mr Secretary, I don't think you know shit." And here it began. When it came to his baby sister, no government prick was going to shut him up. But Seth tried to keep his temper in check. "She was sent to SR-682 to dispose of a single alien, which later turned out to be a hell of a bunch more." He turned his gaze to Burbank. "The people of the planet are definitely living in the dark ages, but from what she told me, one particular Elf had an advantage and he managed to dispose of a queen and an alpha drone, as well as others in the hive."

Rohlwing shook his head in confusion. "I thought Crystal Schuyler was killed on Gateway."

"First of all, she wasn't killed. I spoke to her weeks before Gateway was destroyed. She was returning to SR-682 to live there." He didn't add that Crystal told him she was married to an Elf on the planet. "I did some research on SR-682 and discovered that the races that occupy it consist of Men, Elves, Dwarves and Hobbits."

"What bearing does this all have on construction of the Lifesource platforms?" asked Rohlwing, suddenly growing impatient, despite the fact that he had tried to maintain peace in the conference room.

"If Weyland-Yutani has set up a research base on the planet, they'll use the people there for their experiments."

"I was under the impression that SR-682 was clean of alien infestation. That's the report I received from you personally General, before Gateway was destroyed several weeks later."

Seth continued. "That's right, Mr Secretary, it is clean. But who's to say Weyland-Yutani didn't have alien subjects with them when they built their base of operations. Why else would they be stationing themselves there?"

"This is all very interesting, Lieutenant, but I said it once and I'll say it again. We have no jurisdiction over SR-682 and therefore The Company has every right to do as they please. Now may we please discuss the construction of the platforms?"

Seth exchanged a glance with Burbank. Both had had a feeling the Defense Secretary wouldn't see things their way. In a silent exchange, they agreed to discuss it further when they were alone.

Valinor

Gandalf watched the rising of the sun, as he did every morning, sitting on his favorite hill and lazily smoking his pipe. His current thoughts disturbed him lately…thoughts of the alien creatures that had assaulted Middle Earth over eleven years ago. It had been that long since he had thought of them, especially after he had sailed to the Undying Lands with Frodo and Bilbo. The threat had been eliminated. He was sure of it. Yet something plagued him of late. Something he could not place a finger on. He intended to consult with the Valar in the morning in hopes that they might enlighten him on why his thoughts dwelled on dark matters when nothing could possibly threaten Valinor.

"Gandalf," cried a voice from below. He recognized it as one of Elrond's twins, although he didn't know which.

Gandalf stood up and waited for the twin to appear. Then he recognized which of the twins it was. "Elrohir, what is it?"

Elrohir placed a hand on the Istar's shoulder. "Something horrible has happened. Come quickly."

Gandalf followed Elrohir down the small hill and through the main avenue of their village, founded by Elrond and Celeborn upon their arrival with their families. Gandalf decided to take residence with those he was far more acquainted with and left the other village he had been living in. Granted immortality by the Valar, Frodo and Bilbo had also moved with Gandalf.

Elrohir led Gandalf to the Council Hall, which was crowded with the local villagers. Dozens of conversations were happening at the same time and Elrond was desperately attempting to maintain order.

Gandalf wondered what occurred that could cause such turmoil in a land where there was supposedly none to speak of. He glanced around and spotted the familiar faces of Celeborn, Galadriel, Erestor and Glorfindel. Haldir, restored to health in Valinor by the Valar after his death at Helm's Deep during the War of the Ring, stood beside his two brothers Rúmil and Orophin. Even Frodo and Bilbo were present, the only two Hobbits among the Elves, who at the moment stood beside Elrohir's twin, Elladan.

Elrond gave Gandalf a relieved look as the Istar made his way forward to him. "We have a situation."

Celeborn came to stand beside Elrond. "Something has come to Valinor that has not been present since the days of Melkor."

"What might that be?" asked Gandalf, already dreading what the answer might be.

"Death," replied Galadriel from where she still stood standing with Erestor and Glorfindel.

Gandalf turned to stare at her with his mouth open. Death. in Valinor? It was not possible. "Who has perished?"

Galadriel, followed by Erestor and Glorfindel, stepped into the circle of Gandalf, Elrond and Celeborn. "Galdor of Gondolin," she replied in a haunted tone.

"What happened to him?" asked Gandalf.

Elrond sighed heavily before answering. "He was barely recognizable, his flesh torn by what could only be the claws of some wild beast." A chill passed through him, making him shiver. "Part of him had been consumed," he uttered quickly before the bile in his throat threatened to force out the contents of his stomach.

Gandalf frowned deeply. "There are no wild beasts in Valinor," he said with conviction. "The lands were cleared of such threats long ago. They are protected by Oromë."

"We must take council with the Valar," suggested Celeborn. "They will know if we are in danger or if Galdor's death was an isolated incident that will not be repeated."

The doors of the Council Hall opened abruptly and a deeply shaken, dark-haired Elf entered. "Voronwë has been killed! I saw it myself!"

The hall immediately erupted in cries of fear.

Gandalf motioned to the Elf that had entered. "Come forth, Dírhavel."

Still shaken, Dírhavel approached the group where Gandalf stood among. Others in the hall began to crowd around, to listen to what was being spoken by the higher ranking Elves and the Istar.

Galadriel placed a comforting hand on Dírhavel's shoulder. "Be at peace."

"I cannot," Dírhavel uttered in despair. "The creature was black and hideous, with teeth that dripped and it had a head that stretched nearly the length of its body. It killed Voronwë before my very eyes, tearing his throat with those teeth. It saw me and a hissing sound unlike anything I have ever heard came forth from its throat. I ran and did not look back."

Gandalf exchanged a knowing glance with Celeborn. They had seen such a creature before. "Now that we have established the identity of this threat, we must immediately seek guidance from the Valar."

Eryn Lasgalen

Thranduil waited for Anwar to mount her gelding before he stepped up and gave the girl a firm embrace and then kissed her forehead. "Na iaun, penneth. I will see you when you return." (Be safe, little one)

Anwar hugged her grandfather tightly. Even though they would only be gone for three months, she would terribly miss his humor and the games he invented to challenge her and Brendan. "Im meleth nin." (I love you)

"A im meleth nin." Thranduil then turned to Brendan who was mounted on a small brown pony. (And I love you)

The seven year old boy was at a stage in his life where the affectionate attentions of the adults just got on his nerves. He cringed at the approach of his grandfather, who laid a wet kiss on his brow. His reaction made the king laugh.

Ariedel approached, adjusting the strap of her bow around her torso. She had become an accomplished archer under Legolas's tutelage. Even though attacks along the route to Minas Tirith were rare, she thought it best to always be prepared, especially when she and Legolas traveled with the children. She glanced over at Alma who was aided up on a wagon by one of the four guards of Eryn Lasgalen accompanying them. Alma was not comfortable riding on the back of a horse, but she knew how to drive a team of horses hooked to a wagon. The wagon helped alleviate the weight of provisions and clothing that normally would have been added to the saddles. Her next glance went to Lathron, one of the additional Elf nannies employed by Thranduil. Lathron held Elril up for Thranduil to hug and kiss, but the king took the child and excused her.

Legolas led Arod out of the stable. Strapped to his back was his quiver of arrows and a new Galadhrim bow replacing the lost one that had been gifted to him by Lady Galadriel during the War of the Ring. Also attached to the quiver were his Elven long knives, also replaced. Quiver, bow and long knives had been lost eleven years ago when he had gone into the cave of the Mountains of Shadow, pursuing the alien creatures that had threatened Middle Earth at the time. He tried desperately to erase the troubled look from his face. All because of a dream. He had to keep reminding himself, it was only a dream. The aliens were destroyed. His heart fluttered nervously and he occupied himself by checking Arod's legs and feet, running his hands over the muscles of the horse's forelegs and hocks. A sudden sense of anxiety overcame Legolas and he straightened to slow down his quickened breath.

"We will see you in three months, adar." Ariedel gave Thranduil a hug and kissed his cheek. "Don't get all kingly and order improvements to our house like the last time we were away," she added with a flick of her finger on his nose. (father)

Thranduil gave his daughter-in-law a genuine smile. "I only want the best for you, mell nin." (my dear)

Ariedel mounted Blade and Thranduil handed Elril up to her. She had a special saddle with an additional seat and saddle horn in front of her. It had used many times when Anwar and Brendan were much smaller and now it came in handy with Elril. She strapped the ties around her youngest son to secure him. Blade was very well disciplined and was trained to halt should Ariedel accidentally fall from the saddle, leaving Elril alone. "Well, I'm all set," she said to Thranduil.

Rhovan stalked in Legolas's direction, clearly sensing his Elven master's distress and circled around him and Arod in an agitated manner. The white tiger knew when something was not right.

Seeing the anxiety in the tiger, Thranduil walked up behind Legolas. "Le dínen, ion. Man presto le?" (You are quiet, son. What troubles you?)

Legolas squeezed his eyes tightly shut and clenched his teeth for a moment. He then took a deep breath to compose himself before turning to face his father. "Im brand. Im gar faeg ôl." (I am fine. I had a bad dream.)

"You look exhausted, Legolas," said Thranduil as he switched to the Common Speech. "You have not rested well in reverie, therefore you are forced to sleep."

"I rest well, adar. I truly do. I do not know why sleep comes upon me."

Thranduil studied the distressed look on his son's face. "Dreams are not reality, son." Ariedel had often spoken to him of Legolas's nightmares, so he was well aware of the effects on his son. "I know they haunt your dreams, even after so many years. Do not let them control the way you live."

"I am trying."

"They are dead. They no longer threaten our world."

Legolas nodded and leaned forward as Thranduil kissed his brow. "I know this, yet I cannot let go of the sudden disturbance I sense in the air. I cannot explain it."

"All is well, Legolas. Be safe and give my best to Aragorn and his family. And Gimli, of course, if he is there."

"I will, adar," said Legolas as he turned and mounted Arod. Oddly, he desperately wished that his father was accompanying them on this trip. But Thranduil was needed to oversee the construction of additional housing further south. If it had not been six months since Legolas had seen Aragorn and Arwen, he would have cancelled the trip. Aragorn had sent word a month ago that he was having a celebration for his son's birthday and Legolas could not refuse his friend. Besides, it would be good to see them again and Gimli would surely be there as well. With so many having sailed West in the last few years, Aragorn, Arwen and Gimli were the only real friends Legolas had left. He sighed and finally turned back to his father. "We will reach Edoras in four days." (father)

"No i Melian na le." (May the Valar be with you)

Legolas nudged Arod forward and Rhovan fell in beside him as he took the lead of the small caravan. Ariedel, Anwar and Brendan fell in behind Legolas and the white tiger. Then came the wagon driven by Alma. One of the four guards galloped up beside Legolas while the other three brought up the rear.

Thranduil continued to watch them until they disappeared into the thicket of the woods. The trees around him rustled as a strong wind blew in from the east. A shiver rippled up his spine as he glanced up. There was indeed a disturbance. He felt it and even heard it in the whisperings of the trees. Orcs and spiders were not the threat. It was something else. Something unfamiliar to the trees of these woods. He prayed to the Valar that his instincts were wrong.

Rohan

Six Rohirrim quietly patrolled around their herd of thirty of the best horses of Rohan. The horses grazed on the grass which covered miles of the plains that surrounded Edoras, home to dozens of families and ruled by King Éomer. He and his wife Lothíriel had a five year old son named Elfwine.

Ever since the War of the Ring, Edoras had been fairly quiet. Only half a dozen times in the last ten years did Orcs ever appear in the vicinity to cause trouble for the citizens of Rohan, mainly the small villages on the outskirts and nowhere near Edoras. With the lack of activity, the Rohirrim were less than vigilant as they watched the herd.

A swift breeze in the air spooked the horses and in unison they raised their heads. Some even bolted several steps before freezing and sniffing the air. The Rohirrim patrollers suddenly grew alert. It took a great deal to spook a horse of Rohan. The six of them drew together and glanced around the surrounding plains. There was nothing in sight that could have spooked the horses.

Suddenly, as one, the horses bolted into a gallop. They veered in the direction of Edoras, three miles away. Not knowing what was frightening them, the Rohirrim charged forward on their own steeds, who were only too willing to follow their companions. The sound of flapping of tremendous wings came from behind them, as did a loud screeching none of the Rohirrim had ever heard before.

One of the Rohirrim turned his head to look back. He thought he was seeing a Fell beast, but this creature did not have the typical long neck of the serpent. It was entirely different. The creature swooped down and grabbed two of the horses in its large talons. Then it veered off to the right and disappeared over a hill. The Rohirrim and the herd of horses continued toward Edoras at a hard gallop.

A moment later the creature returned to pick off another horse, this time with a Rohirrim aboard. His screams could be heard for miles as the alien queen disappeared once again.

The Old Forest Road
(Legolas's POV)

I suddenly found myself on the ground, having fallen from Arod's back and unable to open my eyes. As I fell to my knees, a horrible vision stirred behind my eyes and I squeezed my fists into them in an attempt to erase it. What was happening to me? Why were these images of death coming to me, so vivid and real, as if they were truly occurring at that very moment.

"Legolas!" Ariedel cried out as she ran up and fell beside me. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?"

The images continued. Horses being attacked, flesh being torn from bone. Then came the terrified look of a man, screaming in pain as his limbs were pulled from his body. I gasped and cried out, almost feeling his pain. Ariedel covered me with herself as I tried to bury my face in the dirt. Anything to remove the images.

"Nana, what is wrong with ada?"

The voice of my daughter crept into my mind, but I was powerless to stop my reaction to what I saw behind my eyes.

"Go stand over by Alma," replied Ariedel.

"But, nana…"

"Go! Now!"

I felt Ariedel's hands rubbing my back and when she tried to turn me over, I felt myself go lax. Her hands were now on my face, but I saw nothing except the violence of the creature tearing into its prey, feeding from the writhing man. It was eating him alive.

"Legolas, honey, look at me…"

The man finally breathed his last breath and I was grateful for it, that his suffering had ended at last.

"Legolas, goddammit, will you just look at me?" Ariedel yelled loudly at me and then finally slapped me hard across the face.

The vision darkened and then I no longer felt the weight of it upon my eyelids. Ariedel's face came into view as I opened my eyes and the sight of her tears startled me. Then she pulled me into her embrace and wept.

I would love to hear from everyone and know what your thoughts are so far.