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"That hurts you know," the new Elemental said, crossing his arms and glaring at the orb.
"Who are you?" Grima growled.
"You don't have the right to know my name," he said leveling his eyes with Grima's. "All you have to know, is that your time is up."
Grima gulped and held his hand up ready to order the Orcs to attack.
"Now, now, now that wouldn't be very smart would it?" the newcomer asked, holding up the orb.
Grima paused.
"And why not. It works on you as well as it did on her," he said nodding to Mayleea who was still unconscious.
The Elemental drug his eyes away from Grima to glance at Mayleea. When he brought his eyes back up, they were yellow.
"Not anymore," he hissed and dropped the orb.
It bounced, but did not break. He caught it under his boot and leaned on it. The first crack was audible and it made Grima jump.
"No, wait!"
But it was too late. The orb shattered with a pop. The Elemental rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck.
"Now, you have been far more trouble than you are worth," he said as his voice deepened and his eyes changed.
His dragon form was larger even than Mayleea's largest. It put him much taller than Grima. He smashed the few Orc that were still hanging around, and went up to the Snake. Grima's warg shifted uncomfortably and let out low grunts of fear before rearing and throwing Grima off. It dashed away as the Elemental closed in on Grima.
"Wait, wait, what have I done to you?" Grima asked frantically.
"To me, nothing."
The dragon looked behind him at the unconscious Elf.
"But to her, you have done much, it seems."
Grima's eyes were wide as the enormous face got closer and closer.
Legolas jogged up behind the scene, just as Grima's leg was disappearing into the large mouth of the brown dragon. Legolas continued forward to Mayleea, but Aragorn and Gimli stopped short, both in awe at the dragon. He threw his head around as Legolas got to Mayleea. He lifted his lip and a low growl came from his chest. Legolas didn't seem to hear him.
"Legolas," Aragorn said, his tone warning.
The elf looked up at the dragon now advancing on him. The blood dripping from his chin was enough to send most of the men of Gondor running, but Legolas stayed his ground. He knelt over Mayleea and let his fingers fall to her cheek. This brought a bark out of the dragon.
"Back away from her," he said, his voice exploding in Legolas' mind.
He was knocked back onto his hands, but righted himself quickly, and positioned himself over Mayleea again.
"I am not a threat to her," Legolas said calmly. "Look. Look into my mind."
The dragon frowned, his glowing eyes turning into slits. He entered Legolas' mind a little rougher than necessary, but he found what he needed. He extracted himself from the Elf's mind more gently than he had before.
"I'm sorry. I was not aware of your feelings for her."
Legolas cast a quick look back at his companions.
"They cannot hear," The elemental assured him.
He gave a small nod.
"Who are you?"
The dragon shrunk and began to walk toward them. Without warning, and in mid walk, he changed back to his human form.
"Is the war won?" the still nameless Elemental asked glancing around.
"It seems that way," Aragorn said stepping up beside Legolas. "We brought an army."
The Elemental chuckled at the green ghost soldiers taking down every evil thing in their path.
"Well it seems you have everything under control. What may I call you?"
"King," Mayleea said from her place on the ground.
All eyes went to her as she tried to stand. She shook her head when Gimli put a hand out to help her up. No one moved as she stood after two tries.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Paladin," the elemental said. "I came to find you."
"Why?"
"I knew you were fighting with the Son of Arathorn. I knew you would not be able to do it alone."
"I did not do it alone, but I did not need you."
"You helped end this battle far sooner than I anticipated. I'm sorry I couldn't be here sooner."
"So why are you here?" she asked coming to stand between Legolas and Aragorn. "We clearly do not need you."
Paladin grinned and nodded.
"You can see past my lie. I did not come to help you, although I did just save your life."
Mayleea bristled.
"However I am in need of your help."
Mayleea's brows drew together, conveying that she was listening.
"Your people need you," Paladin said bluntly.
"My people?" Mayleea asked, now a little more interested.
"Your people. They need your help. They are being held under – "
"Moria," she finished. "That is what I was told."
"Told?" he asked. "Told by whom?"
"A huge green dragon with no wings and a nasty attitude."
"This dragon," Paladin said stepping forward. "Tell me what he was like."
"The dragon was female," Mayleea said. "She was enormous and had spikes all over her body. She looked like a snake."
"Enobaria," he whispered.
"Who?"
"Enobaria. The green dragon. She attacked you?"
Paladin was talking very fast.
"She very nearly killed me," Mayleea said growling.
"She wouldn't."
"Why?"
"She was my friend. She would be able to sense – " but he cut himself off.
"Sense what?" Legolas asked.
Paladin looked up and met the elf's eyes, then looked at Mayleea.
"You are the only one who can save our people, Solaris."
Mayleea's eyes went wide and she just about fell back into Legolas. Solaris was her clan name but she hadn't heard it in years.
"How do you know that name?"
"I can sense who you are. You are Solaris. You are the last elf."
Mayleea blinked.
"The last elf?"
"The last elemental who can change into an Elf. You are the leader."
"The leader of who?" Mayleea asked, frown deepening.
Paladin looked between the companions, laughing. He seemed to not be able to believe she actually didn't know. Mayleea crossed her arms and waited.
"You –You are the leader. Of all of us. Dragons and Elementals alike."
"How many of you are there?" Aragorn asked seeing as Mayleea was too surprised to speak.
"Hundreds," Paladin answered. "And each and every one of us would be able to sense you. We would know who you are because as soon as your mother died, the power of the queen would shift to you."
Mayleea frowned and shook her head.
"My mother was not a queen, nor my father a king."
Then it was Paladin's turn to shake his head.
"Your bloodline is royal, whether you know it or not."
Mayleea was still confused, so Paladin continued.
"I am the historian of our culture. Your bloodline was considered royal by all others. Yours was the only line that could change between Elf and Dragon. You were different. Your family commanded a different kind of respect, but not because you were cruel or harsh. It was because you were wise leaders. Over time, your family continued to hold the leader's role and no one contested it. You are our leader, and the only one who can save us."
Mayleea shook her head and leaned back into Legolas again. He held her against his chest until she got her legs under her again.
"Who leads them now?" she asked, when she finally looked up and met his gaze.
"A council of three. Two Elementals, a male and a female, Curunír and Lothiri, and a Dragon; Kopa."
"How do I save them?"
"You ,must go with him," Gandalf said.
Everyone jumped at and turned to look at the Wizard.
"Gandalf I can't – "
"He is right," Paladin said quickly. "The only way to help us is go free us yourself."
"Why do you say us?" Aragorn asked curiously.
Paladin sighed.
"I was part of them. I am part of them. I have been living in the caves under Moria for almost 90 years."
"I thought Saruman was keeping the dragons under Moria against their will," Mayleea said with a frown.
"That is what I thought as well. Until a week ago. I was exploring the back of the caves and found an escape. I went to Kopa and told him, but instead of being happy and making a plan to get everyone out, he tried to lock me away. I managed to escape and Kopa did not follow. From there, I tried to find you."
"Why do you need me? I am an outsider. Won't your people trust you more than me?" Mayleea asked
Paladin sighed.
"I believe Kopa is working with Saruman and against his own race."
"But why? What would that accomplish?" Mayleea asked shaking her head and again leaning back into Legolas.
"Perhaps we can continue this at another time. Mayleea is exhausted and needs to rest," Legolas said tightening his grip on her shoulders.
She shook her head.
"This needs my attention."
"Your health needs your attention," Legolas pressed.
"She is right," Paladin said stepping forward. "Her race needs her."
Legolas leveled his bright eyes on the newcomer.
"Her race won't profit much from her being dead. They have been under Moria for 90 years. They can wait a few more days."
Paladin puffed his chest out and growled.
"You have no right to say anything about – "
"Enough," Mayleea hissed.
Her voice silenced Paladin at once, but the hand on Legolas' wrist calmed him.
"Paladin, as much as I understand the need for haste, I must have a day to recover."
"Of course my lady. I did not mean to offend."
Mayleea raised a hand.
"There is no offense. I understand that you want to save your family. There is nothing to apologize for. Gandalf, is there a place for Paladin to rest for the night?"
Gandalf nodded.
"Master Dwarf, would you take our guest to his sleeping quarters."
Gimli snorted and muttered something about Paladin not being any guest of his, but he walked away, expecting the Elemental to follow. With a look at Mayleea, Paladin followed the dwarf. Mayleea smiled after him and leaned farther into Legolas.
"Mayleea?"
She looked up at the Elf, her eyes heavy.
"Are you alright?"
She nodded then looked between Gandalf and Aragorn.
"We must council."
Gandalf agreed with a nod of his head.
"Let us go back to the throne room."
There was agreement all around and when they reached the great hall, the Kings servants fixed a lounge with blankets and pillows for Mayleea. Legolas helped her sit and Aragorn went to work fixing her injuries. Her hand had healed a little from being crushed by the troll's club, but it still pained her. Aragorn stretched her fingers and set the bones. He moved on to scratches and gashes on the back of her neck. His fingers moved down her back, patching up the holes arrows left in her ribs. Both legs and arms had scratches and angry looking burns. He could feel that most, if not all of her ribs were broken. His fingers glanced over her flat stomach, feeling for broken bones.
"How did you manage to live through all of this?" he asked quietly.
"With no help from you," she said smiling weakly.
Aragorn showed one of his rare smiles when Gandalf spoke.
"Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening."
Mayleea and Aragorn looked up as Gandalf walked past. Eomér and Legolas were standing across the room.
"He is not past my sight," Mayleea said quietly.
"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it," Aragorn said putting a hand over hers, silently telling her she would not be trying to contact Frodo. Especially in her condition.
"It's only a matter of time," Gandalf said, shaking his head slightly. "He suffered a defeat yes, but behind the walls of Mordor, our enemy is regrouping.
"Let him stay there," Gimli said, a puff of smoke coming out of his mouth. "Let him rot! Why should we care?"
"Because 10,000 Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom."
Gimli let out a defeated puff of smoke and leaned back into the Steward's thrown.
"I have sentenced him to death."
"No."
Aragorn turned around.
"There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth."
"We can give him that," Mayleea said from her makeshift bed.
"How?" Gimli asked.
"Draw out Sauron's armies," Mayleea answered. "Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate."
Gimli let out a surprised cough mixed with pipe smoke.
"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms," Eomér said walking forward.
"Not for ourselves," Mayleea continued beginning to sit up.
Before she could even see him move, Legolas was across the room and holding her down.
"Rest."
She smiled.
"But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves."
"A diversion," Legolas said smiling lightly.
"Certainty of death… small chance of success… what are we waiting for?" Gimli asked through pipe smoke.
Mayleea smiled.
"Sauron will suspect a trap," Gandalf warned. "He will not take the bait."
"Oh I think he will," Aragorn said smiling and nodding.
Mayleea knew he had a plan and she wasn't sure she was going to like it.
"When do we go?" Mayleea asked.
"We will leave in the morning," Gandalf said. "You, my dear have another course you must take."
Mayleea frowned.
"You must go with Paladin."
"Gandalf, I must come with you! You need me to win the battle."
"My dear we do not plan on winning anything," Gandalf said with a sad smile. "We fight… and die for Frodo. For the chance to destroy the ring. You must go save your race."
Mayleea frowned and looked at all the faces in the room, pleading with them to be on her side. Everyone looked away. They all knew she had to go, but they also knew they didn't stand much of a chance without her. Finally she looked at Legolas.
"Legolas?"
He flinched ever so slightly and didn't meet her eyes. Mayleea's eyebrows came together in a sad frown.
"It is settled then. You must go to Paladin and tell him that you will accompany him back to Moria," Gandalf said, seeming to not notice she and the Elf.
Mayleea's eyes were glued to Legolas' smooth face. His eyes were on his feet. Finally Mayleea sighed and nodded.
"I suppose you are right."
"Good," Gandalf said. "Now, everyone must get a good rest tonight."
With that, everyone left the hall. All but Mayleea. She watched Gandalf, Gimli, Eomér and Aragorn make their way out. Legolas was behind the Ranger and he paused at the door but did not turn back. After a second, he left. Mayleea's blood suddenly boiled and she stood up. She dropped her head and paced from the throne to the lounge and back before she looked up and charged for the door. She had no idea where the Elf went, but she intended on finding him. Mayleea didn't know where she was going, but she ended up at the front door of a house on the third level from the top. When she opened the door, Legolas was pacing, his long fingers massaging his temples. He looked up surprised.
"Mayleea?"
"What is the matter with you?"
"Me?" he asked raising his eyebrows.
"Yes you! Why didn't you say anything to me when Gandalf told me to go to Moria?"
"I had nothing to say," Legolas answered.
"Nothing to say?!" Mayleea screeched.
Legolas stepped back, surprised by her ferocity.
"Nothing?" she asked suddenly quiet. "At all?"
Mayleea raised her eyes to meet his and he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"Mayleea," Legolas stepped forward and reached out a long fingered hand.
He touched her cheek and she leaned into the touch.
"Do you want to go with him?" Legolas asked.
Mayleea closed her eyes.
"I have to. If there is a way to bring my race back from extinction, I have to take it."
Legolas' face turned dark and he pulled his hand back.
"Well now that you found another Elemental, I guess you can."
"Legolas I – "
"Go save your race."
"Legolas that is not what I meant!" she shouted bringing his eyes to hers. "I will save my race, Legolas of Mirkwood, and I do not care what you think about it."
She gave him half a second to speak, then spun around and left the room. It had been a pitiful speech, and she knew it, and worst of all, she did care. Blinded by tears, she stumbled her way back up to the throne room. She was so angry and hurt. She had thought her friendship with Legolas was moving forward to something more, but the Elf had just thrown it back in her face. Did he really think she wanted to bring her race back that way? How could he.
"How could he!" she growled making a woman jump as she passed. "Fine. If he thinks that is what I want, that is what I will do. I will live famously throughout history as the Elemental that brought her race back from extinction!"
She wiped the tears from her face and stormed off in the other direction, looking for Paladin. After wandering around for long enough that her feet were getting sore. Finally she found Gimli and he told her where Paladin was. She burst through the door with such force that Paladin fell off the other side of the chair he was sitting on.
"Paladin!" she shouted.
He poked his green eyes above the arm of the chair.
"Mayleea?" he asked standing. "What are you doing here?"
"We are leaving for Moria," she said standing in the room and crossing her arms.
"You have decided to help?" he asked standing up but staying behind the safety of the chair.
"Yes. We must go."
"Mayleea what is the matter?" he asked, still behind the chair.
"Nothing," she spat. "Let's go."
Paladin came around the chair and crossed the room to her side.
"Mayleea, I am very glad you decided to help, but if you do not need rest, I certainly do. I have traveled far."
Mayleea glared up at him but nodded curtly.
"We shall leave tomorrow," he said.
"Fine," she said stiffly
"Come. You must rest," Paladin said leading her to the bed.
She began to protest, but as soon as she felt the softness of the blankets, she changed her mind.
"Maybe just a few hours," she finally agreed.
Paladin smiled and helped her out of her weapons. He set them on the table in the living area and turned back to ask her if she was hungry, but she had her eyes closed and was breathing slowly. He grinned and sat heavily in an arm chair.
Though she was much more tired than she would ever admit, Mayleea did not sleep. She lay on the bed for a long time, just listening. The city below was quiet. Homes were destroyed, lives thrown into complete disarray, and yet somehow, everyone was still quiet. Her thoughts and ears drifted to the nights animals. She heard an owl hoot as it flew across pelennor field. It was probably very easy to hunt with all the dead bodies surly being feasted on by rats. Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft snore emitting from the armchair.
She opened an eye and could see a square of light on Paladin's face. She opened both eyes and sat up a little and leaned her head on the wall behind the bed. The Elemental had short hair. Shorter than Aragorn's, or Eomér's. It reached the back of his neck, but didn't touch his shoulders. Instead of dark brown like the Ranger's, his hair was a dishwater blond. That same color followed down across his cheeks in a beard and mustache. His pink lips were slightly parted as he slept, his tunic pulled up around his neck. His nose was pointed and beaklike, somehow giving her a glimpse of what his dragon form might look like. One of his hands was out of the tunic, hanging down next to the chair. His fingers were twitching and curling, his mind wrapped up in a dream. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, even in sleep.
Mayleea felt herself grin, and it surprised her. She liked Paladin more than she thought she would. Even though they hadn't said more than three full sentences to each other, she found herself becoming very fond of him. She watched his chest rise and fall rhythmically lulling her to sleep. She didn't remember closing her eyes, but the next thing she was aware of, was Paladin's hand on her shoulder.
"It is morning," he said quietly.
The gentle hand on her shoulder pulled her from sleep. The fingertips touching the skin on her neck, were hot and left a tingling feeling. Her eyes fluttered open and met deep green ones. His face was a few inches from hers and he was speaking quietly.
"It is yet before dawn," she said not able to tear her eyes away from his, but able to tell what time it was by the lack of light coming through the window.
"Only just before," Paladin said leaning back and smiling. "The wizard has called us."
"So he knew my plan to leave before any of them were awake," she grumbled to herself.
"Where are we to meet them?" she asked.
"In the great hall," Paladin said crossing the room and getting her weapons.
He came back and handed them to her as she sat up and threw her cloak off.
"Then I suppose we should go see what he needs," she said standing and taking her weapons.
It took them a few minutes to walk up to the great hall and was just coming across the archway, when Mayleea glanced over. There was a small courtyard and Éowyn was standing with her back to them, looking out over Pelennor field.
"The city has fallen silent," she said.
Mayleea almost answered her, thinking she was talking to her, when another figure came from the shadows.
"There is no warmth left in the sun. It is so cold."
Mayleea stopped and put her hands on the stone ledge. Paladin stopped too and turned, looking at Mayleea first, then following her gaze.
"It's just the damp of the first spring rain," Faramir answered her, coming up next to her and looking out over the landscape.
Éowyn glanced up at him, her eyes soft and wet. He smiled gently back, his eyes searching hers.
"I do not believe this darkness will endure."
Mayleea watched his fingers slide across the top of her hand and pull it from inside the folds of her long sleeves. Her small fingers wrapped quickly around his strong hand and a new smile tentatively crossed her face. Finally she leaned her head forward and laid it on his shoulder. Mayleea met his eyes over the top of her head and he smiled. Mayleea had always thought Faramir was very attractive and was happy he seemed to have found someone, even if it was Éowyn, although she had even proven her worth during the battle. She nodded to him and moved on to the great hall.
When the two elementals got there, Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas were there.
"Ahh there you two are!" Gandalf said all to cheerfully for the early hour.
Mayleea purposely kept her eyes on the Wizard, knowing the other four figures in the room were Aragorn, Éomer, Gimli and Legolas.
"What have you called us for?" Mayleea asked him.
"We are preparing to leave," Gandalf said, disregarding her sharp tone. "I have been thinking about you not being with us."
Mayleea blinked and brightened. It wouldn't register with her until later, but Legolas also seemed to brighten.
"You must go save your people, but after, you must bring them with you to the black gate."
Mayleea frowned, but didn't have time to speak. Paladin spoke first.
"Gandalf, there are females and small ones in those caves. Families."
"Well obviously you shouldn't bring children, but even the smallest dragon can cause plenty of destruction."
"The young ones and their mothers will not be coming," Mayleea said. "But we will see what condition the rest of them are when I find them."
She paused.
"But regardless of their strength, I will return to the black gate and help you hold off the army."
"As will I," Paladin said, stepping forward.
Gandalf nodded his thanks.
"When will you leave?" she asked, turning to her king.
"As soon as we can get everyone together. By the end of the morning at least. I suspect you will be to Moria before we even leave."
"Then I shall have enough time to get there and back and save you all."
She grinned and he snickered.
"Whatever happens, be safe."
He put a fist over his heart then grasped her shoulder. She did the same.
"You be careful. I want to see you all alive, as I fly over the mountain at the foot of the black gate."
Aragorn smiled and moved the hand that was on her shoulder up to her cheek. She put her hand over his on her face then pulled him into a hug.
"I mean it," she said in his ear. "You are the King. Kings lead, but they must be alive after the fight is over."
"And you must be alive to lead as well," Aragorn said leaning back. "You are royalty too."
Mayleea scoffed and patted his shoulder. He nodded and she moved on to Gimli. The dwarf was looking away from her, trying to stifle a sob.
"Why Gimli son of Gloin, is that crying I hear?" she asked grinning and kneeling.
He barked a laugh.
"Not on your life my lady," he said, but he wiped his eyes.
"Gimli I need to ask a favor of you while I am gone."
Gimli looked up and met her eyes. She paused and her eyes darted to Legolas who was standing uncomfortably by Éomer. Gimli nodded without her saying anything more.
"I'll watch him for you."
She nodded.
"Keep him safe."
"I will," Gimli said putting a gruff hand on her arm. "And I'll make sure to remind him of his feelings for you."
Mayleea swung her gaze back to the Dwarf, eyes wide, but before she could say anything, he pushed her away toward Gandalf. He nodded to her and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Be safe," he said.
"You as well, Mithrandir," she said smiling up at him. "I will be back soon."
With that Mayleea walked toward the door, followed closely by Paladin. At the door she stopped and turned meeting each of their eyes, lastly Legolas. He wasn't looking at her.
"Legolas."
He looked up startled and finally met her eyes. Neither said anything, but she smiled lightly and nodded. He blinked and his eyebrow rose. Mayleea walked out without another look at him, and she let the connection slide to the back of her mind, though it didn't disappear as she had expected. Out in front of the doors, she and Paladin walked in silence to the end of the top level. They stopped and looked over Pelenor field to the small city that was Osgiliath.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
Mayleea sighed.
"As ready as I'll ever be I suppose," she answered.
Her voice was laced with pain, but she smiled over at him and nodded toward the ledge. Before Paladin could figure out what she was going to do, she dove off the edge. He blinked in surprise and looked over the edge, only to get blown backward by the hurricane created by her wings as she came flying back up. She roared and sprayed fire into the air. He watched her black and orange form soar up then turn on a draft and fall back down. She came back around and sprayed fire at him, daring him to join her. He dropped to the ground to dodge the flame then jumped up on the stone railing and in mid jump, turned to his dragon form. Mayleea was so surprised at his huge form. Far larger than any of her sizes.
He roared calling her back to him. Mayleea growled, enjoying the feeling of flying again. She tossed her head and roared soaring back to him. She swooped down and under him, dodging his long claws. He growled and chased after her. He tackled her in the air, closing her wings with his front legs. She fell from the sky like a rock until he opened his wings and held her. She rolled and kicked him away from her. She roared and gleefully sped up above him, dodging his grabs for her.
"Mayleea, we must hurry."
"All right all right. Lead the way."
He nodded and began to fly off away from Mordor. She followed him but looked down as Gondor disappeared behind them.
"I know the elf was angry with you, but I do not know why."
"Our friendship is complicated."
"He has feelings for you."
"As do I for him."
"What is the matter with that?"
"I need to bring back my race," she said, dropping a few inches out of the sky.
Paladin dipped to the right and bumped her shoulder with his and she looked up.
"You are of an ancient race. Elementals are Dragons who can change between two forms. Their dragon form is how they start, but their other half is decided on what clan they are from. Yours was the only one that was Dragon and Elf as opposed to Human."
"How do you and I carry on my race if you are human and I am elf?"
"The female carries the gene for both dragons and for elves. If you mated with me, our child would be dragon and elf. If I mated with a human against another Elemental, our child would be human. The males of our race do not carry the gene we need to save our race."
Mayleea thought for a moment, and tried to hide a smile as a light bulb went on in her mind. Paladin could see it and nodded.
"If you and Legolas were to mate, your children would be Elemental. Dragon and Elf."
"So I can still save my race?"
Paladin nodded, a sad smile on his handsome face.
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