ChirikoFan – Thanks. Lots and lots to come.

Linilya Elf – —laughing hysterically—Messer's not a guy, Jordan Messer's a girl. Keep reading, maybe not in this chapter, but in the near future, you might change your mind about Messer. And Ariedel will come around. You'll see.

Onhiro – Yay! A new reviewer! I'm so happy! Welcome to my twisted Lord of the Rings/Alien world. Glad you liked The Beginning. I think you'll like Nemesis too.

Frodo01228 – Hello again. Glad you liked the first one.

A/N: I obtained a lot of information regarding the Valar from The Council of Elrond website. They've got some great stuff! Don't forget to join my Yahoo group Black Shadow Acres if you're interested in seeing who I picture as my new characters. Doesn't cost anything to join. Go to Yahoo, then go to Groups, then search for Black Shadow Acres. Click Join Group.

And now, presenting the next chapter…

Chapter 4 – The Valar
Valinor

Máhanaxar was the place where the Valar held their council in thrones set in a great circle. It was also known as the Ring of Doom and was just outside the gates of Valmar. In all actuality, the Valar had not held any council there since the flight of Melkor early in the First Age. Even though the Mound of Ezellohar upon which the Two Trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin, had grown was no longer there, the beauty that made up Máhanaxar could not be rivaled.

It was not often that anyone except the Valar were allowed to step foot within the council circle. Just the day before Gandalf had asked for an attendance with the Valar to speak to them of Frodo's request to allow Samwise Gamgee into Valinor. Gandalf was informed at the time by a Maia named Arien and handmaiden to Vána, that the Valar were unavailable. He now pleaded his new case to Arien and gestured to Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond, who stood just outside the entrance of Máhanaxar. "We bring grave news and seek guidance," Gandalf told Arien.

Arien nodded. "The Valar are aware of the tidings you bring and will arrive shortly to council with you." She turned to the three Elves outside the Ring of Doom. "Come forth, Eldar. You will be permitted to attend." The Maia walked toward an archway leading to the gates of Valmar where many of the Valar dwelled. Instead of passing beneath the arch, she simply vanished.

Gandalf gestured to the center of the circle of fourteen thrones. Galadriel gracefully stepped forward, followed by her spouse, Celeborn. Following them both was Elrond. The four of them stood together and waited for the Valar to appear.

They didn't have to wait long. With a flash of light and a charge in the air, the Valar came from beneath the arch. But they did not come from the other side of it. They simply appeared, as if the space itself opened up to let them out. There were thirteen of them, each taking a throne that marked the Ring of Doom.

Gandalf glanced at the fourteenth seat of the Valar, which remained unoccupied by Ulmo. He recalled that Ulmo never dwelled in one place for too long and rarely appeared on land, not even to attend the councils of the Valar unless they debated great matters. He had hoped the Vala would make an appearance, for the matter was urgent enough.

"We know why you have come, Olórin." It was Manwë who spoke first, using Gandalf's Maia name. Manwë was the king of Arda and dearest to Ilúvatar, the creator of all things. He gave most of his attention to the air, wind, clouds and birds. Although he was kindhearted and wise, he did not fully understand evil and was once deceived by his brother Melkor. He was among a few of the Valar that did not dwell in Valmar. His mansions were called Ilmarin and were high on the mountain of Taniquetil which he shared with his wife, Varda.

Elrond spoke before Gandalf could stop him and the typically calm Elf was extremely flustered. "Why did you allow this evil into Valinor?"

"This creature is not of our Eä," replied Oromë, the huntsman. As huntsman of the Valar, he watched over all the birds and beasts of the lands, but the servants of darkness hated him. He was the first to discover the awakening of the Elves and later led them to Valinor. "Tis not of our creation. Tis also not spawned from the twisted mind of Sauron." (universe)

Gandalf nodded in understanding. "And that is why you cannot influence it."

"Nor can we destroy it," added Vána. She was the wife of Oromë and a lover of nature. Flowers sprouted and grew at her will and birds sang at her coming. She had beautiful gardens of golden flowers that were tended by her handmaiden, Arien. "This we discovered when first the creature made its appearance in the Sundering Seas and later on the shores of Valinor. We could not speak to it, nor could we sway its intentions. It came by ship from Middle Earth and killed all those that had sailed upon it."

"How many were on the ship?" asked Celeborn with grave concern.

"Sixteen Elves lost their lives," Vána solemnly replied.

The sound of thunder was followed by the sudden appearance of Ulmo, one of the most powerful of the Valar and known as Lord of the Waters and King of the Seas. He governed all the seas, rivers, lakes, fountains and springs. Because of this, the Elves said that the spirit of Ulmo ran in all the veins of Middle Earth. "This creature is not alone. I have heard the whispers in the waters of Middle Earth. Another comes with great speed from the eastern sky. Both are drawn to each other and will mate."

Gandalf began to pace. "When these creatures first appeared in Middle Earth over a decade ago, we discovered the means in which their young are born. I did not witness it myself, but I believed the words of a mortal woman who was not from this world."

"This mortal woman also came from another Eä," said Yavanna, who was wife to Aulë and older sister of Vána. As nourisher of the world, she watched over the growth of all living things. The Ents and the Two Trees of Valinor were also her creation. "We have watched her since her coming. She is the wife of Legolas Thranduilion and mother of three peredhil children." (son of Thranduil. Half-Elven)

"Do you trust the information provided by this mortal?" Vána pointedly asked Gandalf.

Gandalf nodded his response, but was concerned that the Valar might place blame on Ariedel. "The woman is not responsible for the appearance of these creatures. She initially came to Middle Earth in an attempt to destroy them."

"Do not concern yourself, Olórin," assured Nienna, known as the Lady of Pity and Mourning. She was the sister of Mandos and Irmo and was among the eight most powerful Valar. She dwelled alone on the borders of the world, going often to the Halls of Mandos where all the spirits of the slain dwelled. Her presence brought strength to lost spirits and her wisdom replaced their sorrow. "The intentions of the mortal woman have always been honest and favorable. We hold her in high regard and have given our blessing to her union with Legolas."

"What are we to do when this creature appears once again?" asked Celeborn "Besides those on the ship sailing here, it has also killed two others."

"The spirits of those slain by it have not come to my Halls," barked Mandos, the Doomsman of the Valar. He was the older brother of Nienna and Irmo and spouse of Vairë. He dwelled in the Halls of Mandos where he called spirits of the dead to him for them to find healing and comfort in repenting any wrongdoing during their lives. "Not even the call of Nienna brings them. Their spirits wander the lands aimlessly."

Galadriel turned her gaze to Mandos. "I offer my assistance in guiding their spirits to the Halls of Mandos. But will they be restored in body to us?" Many Elves slain in Middle Earth over the millennia were later restored in body and sent to Valinor to live out their immortal lives.

"There is no guarantee for they were not killed by anything within our Eä," replied Mandos with a solemn shake of his head. "This creature must not be allowed to kill again. We must prevent this above all else."

"How can we stop it?" asked Celeborn helplessly. "We have no weapons in which to kill it."

Manwë stood up from his throne and entered the center of the circle where Gandalf stood with Celeborn, Galadriel and Elrond. "You must bring the people to Mount Taniquetil. Within my walls the creature cannot come."

Elrond gave Manwë a surprised look. "All of the people? There are thousands of them. Tens of thousands. We cannot possibly evacuate all from their homes."

"Elrond is right," uttered Gandalf. "We must find a way to kill this creature and its approaching mate."

Varda had a far off look in her eyes and suddenly turned her gaze to her husband, Manwë. "These creatures were destroyed once by the courageous attempts of an Eldar." The Lady of the Stars was held in the highest reverence by the Elves for she created the stars to light the way for them when they first awakened in Arda. She had the ability to hear every voice in Middle Earth when she was with Manwë and she was listening at that moment. Her eyes glazed over briefly as she tilted her head, listening to things that no other could hear. "Dreams disturb his sleep and bring visions of what has come to pass. He is unaware of the link that has developed between himself and the creatures."

"You speak of Legolas," said Galadriel. "Many years after he had killed the creatures, he came to me and confided that he had been impregnated by them. The embryo of a queen had been removed from him and had been allowed to grow. He learned that the queen spoke to him and often he could see as if he were within her."

Manwë nodded. "The young Eldar has many of my abilities. He is much like I was when I dwelled in the living world. He senses things that no other can. Perhaps the link was established during the time the creature was inside of him."

"He knows not if the images he sees are real or dreams," added Irmo, the master of visions and dreams. He was also called one of the two Fëanturi when he was with his older brother Mandos. "If the visions continue, they will destroy him."

"The other creature still in Middle Earth, has it killed?" asked Gandalf.

Varda nodded her head. "It has killed for food and will continue to do so until it reaches Valinor. It will soon cross over the sea to mate."

Gandalf was greatly concerned for those in Valinor. "Then the one already here will be searching for hosts soon. We must warn the people immediately."

"Remember what I said, Olórin," said Manwë. "Bring as many as you can to Ilmarin. The rest may seek refuge within the walls of Valmar."

"I will take the southern routes toward Mount Hyamentir," said Gandalf, resigning himself to the fact that they had no immediate means to kill the creatures. So the people needed to be protected before anymore lives were lost. "I will send the people to Valmar. Celeborn, you gather the people that live along the River Calacirian and lead them to Mount Taniquetil. Elrond, you head north to Aqualondë and gather the people there. They can also be led to Taniquetil." Then Gandalf turned to Galadriel. "My Lady, you have the most difficult task. To search for the lost spirits of those recently killed will bring you close to our nemesis. Take whatever precautions you can to safeguard yourself." With the tasks assigned, Gandalf spun in a circle, to take a final look at the fourteen Valar before him. "We thank you for your audience."

"Luck be with you all," praised Nienna, her eyes full of sorrow and pity.

Gandalf, Galadriel, Celeborn and Elrond bowed to the Valar and quickly departed. By the time they reached their village, they would learn that during the council with the Valar, twenty-nine Elves had been taken.

Enedwaith

A wagon drawn by an old gray horse ambled along a dirt road, heading north on the South Road to Thorbad. The man and woman sitting in the wagon laughed as they recalled the time they had spent in a small village within the borders of Gondor. They were heading home after being away for six months. Now they looked forward to the tranquility of their own small town and the company of their family and friends.

High above them, in the cover of the slow moving clouds, the queen whirled in delight. She had already more than doubled her size. By the time she planned to reach her alpha, she would reach adulthood and be ready to produce her eggs. With her added size came a greater hunger and she soon felt the desire to feed. As she drifted down through the cloud cover and emerged beneath it, she felt the presence of prey. Her jaws parted and tasted the scent in the air before she shifted her weight and swooped in the direction of the meat.

Rohan
(Legolas's POV)

A week had passed since we left Eryn Lasgalen. During that time, on two more occasions did horrible visions come to me, mostly at night. I discovered that during Elven reverie, my eyes would draw closed of their own accord and sleep would come to me. And now I was afraid to submit myself to reverie for fear of falling asleep again. The last vision, or dream, had been just as bad as the others. A man and woman in a wagon were attacked from the sky. I saw them being torn apart, their screams still permeating in my mind. In all actuality, I wondered if these visions were things that happened in the past. The aliens had no ability to fly. So for the attack to come from the sky, it could have been a Fell beast or a dragon. Although I had not seen a dragon in centuries. But why were these visions coming to me? Even if they were from the past, what importance could they have now? And what if the visions were not from the past? What if they were happening in the present time? What was killing the people in my visions? And why was I seeing as if through the eyes of the attacking beast?

As my thoughts continued to wander, I heard the sound of approaching horses and only then did I become aware of my surroundings. A quick glance revealed Edoras in the distance. We were coming upon the River Snowbourn, which was not so deep that the wagon would have been left behind. Within minutes of crossing the narrow river, the riders of Rohan approached.

I recognized Gamling, current captain of the Rohirrim soldiers. We had fought together against the attack of Sauron's army at Helm's Deep during the War of the Ring. I had not stepped foot in Edoras since the crowning of Rohan's new king a little over eleven years ago.

Gamling held a hand up and drew his horse to a stop before us. Ten of his men pulled up just behind him. "Prince Legolas, welcome back to Rohan and to Edoras," he graciously said with a bow of his head.

"I thank you, Gamling." I turned to Ariedel on my left who had come up beside me on Blade, Elril still seated in front of her. "This is my wife, Ariedel, holding my youngest son, Elril." Anwar and Brendan were seated on their ponies to my right. "My daughter, Anwar and my other son, Brendan."

"I welcome you all on behalf of King Éomer," announced Gamling.

I noticed several of the Rohirrim nervously glancing around and to the sky, as if they expected something to attack them. "I did not expect an escort. Has there been trouble in Rohan?"

"Aye, there has been. But I will let the king inform you of what has happened."

One of the men shouted and pointed and when I glanced back over my shoulder I saw Rhovan coming across the river. He had been out hunting and caught up with us.

When I realized two of the men were preparing to fire upon the tiger with their spears, I moved Arod to block their throws. "Nay, the tiger is a companion." I turned to Rhovan just as the tiger reached the bank. He lumbered out and shook the water from his fur. "Rhovan, tolo." (come)

Gamling stared at the tiger with his mouth open in surprise. "I never would have believed such a beast could be tamed."

I smiled at Gamling. "I never said he was tame. As long as my life or the lives of my family are in no danger, then he will be no threat to anyone." The look on Gamling's face was priceless.

Minutes later we were headed through the Barrowfield, passing the tombs of the first line of kings on the right and the second line of kings on the left. We passed the gates and began the long climb along the path leading to Meduseld, the Golden Hall of the king. It would be good to see Éomer once again after so many years. The camaraderie the two of us had during the War of the Ring had left us friends and I looked forward to the night we would be spending in Edoras.

When we finally approached the steps of Meduseld, we dismounted and allowed the stable hands to take the horses. Alma took Elril from Ariedel, who then took charge of keeping Rhovan close, so as not to frighten the people or the Rohirrim guards.

Lothíriel, queen of Rohan and wife to Éomer, stepped out of the Golden Hall and jogged down the steps. "Ariedel!" she called out.

The last time Ariedel and I had been to Edoras, during Éomer's coronation, Lothíriel had been a guest in Edoras and she had become friends with Ariedel, confiding that Éomer had been courting her for two months prior to him becoming king.

She rushed over to Ariedel and they embraced amicably. "Tis such a delight to see you again, my friend. Look at you. Three children and you still look thin."

"Look who's talking. You had one of your own and you still look great."

I ignored the rest of their female ramblings and headed up the stairs with Gamling. Expecting to find Éomer sitting at the throne where he should have been, I was surprised to find him seated at a table, running a whetstone over his sword.

When he saw me enter, he stood from the table and marched in my direction, meeting me halfway. "Legolas! You are a sight for sore mortal eyes.!"

I chuckled at his comment and accepted his embrace, full of back-slapping, which was common in Men. "I am glad to see you are doing well, my friend."

Éomer dismissed Gamling and led me with a hand on my shoulder. "Come and have an ale with me."

We sat at the table where he had been sharpening his sword. A female servant quickly approached with a tray holding two mugs of ale. She set them down on the table and retreated.

"I heard you were finally blessed with a son after your daughter," commented Éomer.

"Aye, two of them. We can meet our children whenever our wives have finished discussing their figures and decide to join us in the Golden Hall."

Éomer laughed. "Lothíriel is forever talking about her waist. Why do you suppose women have such concerns?"

"I do not know and I truly care not to."

"Here, here." He raised his mug and tapped it against mine.

I sipped the ale, recalling the last time I had drank it in this Hall. Gimli had challenged me to what he called a drinking game. Ale was not my beverage of choice, but I found it not unpleasant. "Gamling came out to greet us when we approached Edoras," I began solemnly, all humor put aside. "He mentioned that there had been trouble."

Éomer's expression turned sour. "Trouble, indeed. Not more than three days ago, something attacked our herd, making off with three horses and one man."

Although I had somehow known what had occurred, to hear Éomer confirm my vision was disturbing. I looked down into my mug of ale and listened to him recount what the other Rohirrim had seen. A large winged creature, like a Fell beast, yet very unlike one any of them had ever seen.

Éomer called to a servant, asking for him to seek out Gambold, whom I discovered to be the son of Grimbold, who had died valiantly in the battle of the Pelennor during the War of the Ring. Gambold had been one of the men who had witnessed the attack outside of Edoras.

While we waited for him, Ariedel and Lothíriel had finally entered the Golden Hall with our children. After more greetings and introductions, we sent Alma away with Elril to find him a suitable place for a nap, and Anwar and Brendan went with Elfwine, son of Éomer, to play an archery game.

I watched Éomer's expression when he caught sight of Rhovan lumbering to the fire pit in the center of the hall and laid in front of it.

"Could that possibly be…" began Éomer.

"Nay, tis not Cail you are looking upon," I interrupted. "Rhovan is his sibling."

"They are very alike in appearance."

I smiled with affection at the white tiger. "Nay, if you saw them together you would note the differences. Rhovan has a larger frame than Cail."

After Ariedel and Lothíriel joined us at the table, I informed my wife of what occurred. She was also surprised to hear that the events were the same as what I had described in my vision several days before.

Gambold finally came to the Golden Hall and Éomer bid him to sit with us. I noticed that the young man acted nervously and I knew not if it was the presence of the king that flustered him or perhaps the experience of surviving an attack when he could very well have been a victim himself.

"Can you describe the creature you saw?" I asked.

"It…it happened so fast," he stammered. "It was not unlike a Fell beast…but…but different."

I closed my eyes and tried to envision the creature as he began describing it.

"The creature was large, like a Fell beast, but the neck was not as long and its body was not round. It resembled more like the skeleton of the creature, as if it lacked its flesh and muscle. And it was black and hideous."

"Tis an alien," I whispered to myself, even though I did not comprehend how one could have come to be in Middle Earth. It was known to all that the very last one of the creatures had been destroyed in the explosion of the mountain containing their lair. And how could it have wings like a Fell beast…Then it suddenly came to me. I understood. Somehow, an alien egg had survived the destruction of the mountain. It had opened and a Fell beast must have been in the vicinity of the facehugger. Ariedel had told me all there was to know of these creatures and if I understood her correctly, a drone could have acquired the wings of a Fell beast, but would not be quite as large as one. The creature Gambold described was large. So it had to be a queen. I turned toward Ariedel. "Tis happening again." The look in her eyes confirmed that she also believed it.

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