I love writing this story! It's so much fun for me! But you guys really seem to like it so I'll continue. Soon I'll set aside to time to proof read and fix everything so that it says what I want it to, and the spelling will be fixed as well. So I hope that makes everyone happy.
I won't let the characters stay long in Lothlorien, because there's not much happening in this part of the story. So now they'll be leaving in this chapter and continuing their journey with the Ring.
The elf was definitely in much better spirits than he had been before. His entire body language had changed because so much of the darkness had left him. With more light than the Fellowship had seen him with, he was much happier, and acting much more like an elf should. At times, he would still grow depressed, but he was in a much better mood, and they were glad of that. They passed a few more days within Lothlorien, gathering their strength and will to travel onwards. But one night, after Galadriel called for Frodo and the hobbit returned, Legolas woke and found the hobbit very bothered about something. He stood and walked to the hobbit quietly, not even waking the sleeping form of Angrod with his careful and quiet step.
For a few moments the elf stood silently behind the hobbit. Then he paused and stepped forward, sitting down by the hobbit. Frodo jumped a little and quickly made a move to hide the ring away from the elf's sight, as if guilty for touching it. The elf paused a moment, and looked at the hobbit. But his eyes were not accusing. He could see the hobbit's form beginning to take a darker shape and become visible to his eyes.
"The Ring's hold grows stronger over you," the elf said. Frodo paused, and then nodded.
"It does," he said. "I can hear it whispering to me. But it is so much worse for you, and the others as well. None of you can bear the darkness of it much longer."
"You worry for us?" Legolas asked. "Why?"
For a moment, the hobbit said nothing. He looked ahead, and then he turned to the elf. It was clear to the elf that he needed advice from someone. Normally he would have looked to Gandalf, but the elf was the oldest here, and Frodo needed the elf's wisdom. The elf could see this as he looked at him. He couldn't deny that the burden of now being the wisest in the Fellowship would not be hard on him, because he knew very well that it would. But he knew as well that it was his duty, both as the oldest member of the Fellowship, and as the halfling's friend.
"Legolas," Frodo said. "There is something I must do, but I'm afraid to do it. I know that none of you will like it, but I must leave. I have to take the Ring to Mordor, away from all of you before any of you get hurt. I know that you understand it's pain, because you bear a burden as heavy as mine. You can feel the darkness. I have to leave, do you understand? I cannot remain here."
The elf was silent a moment, completely surprised. He'd had no idea that the hobbit had been so set on escaping from them. But he could understand well the hobbit's burden, because he carried a very similar one. The thought made him sad, to think that the Fellowship was breaking apart before they could complete their quest of taking the Ring to Mordor. But he knew as well that the hobbit was right, and that it would only cause them all much more pain and distress. He looked down at the hobbit.
"I do understand," he said. "And know that we would have never forsaken you. We all would have followed you into the very keep of Sauron if we had to. But I do understand the darkness you carry, and why you do not want to endanger us further with it. If you must do this, then you must go. Though, I do not think this is the end of our journey. Though we may not go with you to Mordor, there are many fronts to this war, and many places to fight. We will simply have to fight on another. I wish you luck on your journey, and I will keep your secret from the others if you wish."
"I wish you luck as well," the hobbit said gratefully. "And please, keep it a secret, especially from Sam. He will not understand."
"I will help guide you on your path until we pass Amon Hen," the elf said. "Then you must travel quickly on your own and follow whatever path you think best, for there are no safe paths on the road to Mordor. Be ever alert, and forsake no help that comes to you, for there will be little on that road. But be wary of everything as well, for there is much evil in this land."
"I will do as you say," the hobbit promised.
For a moment there was silence as the elf and the hobbit sat there. They both knew that they would most likely never see each other again once they parted. The elf would most likely die before ever seeing Mordor, and the hobbit would be going to the most dangerous part of Middle Earth. Their lives were set before them, and they would most likely never see the end of the great battle they had started. But while they sat there, they both realized that they were fine with that. They would both fight until there was nothing left to fight with, if it meant saving what was good in this world.
Neither of them expected to return home, ever. They didn't expect to see their friends or families again. But somehow they were sure that they would survive and make the most of the time they had left. That they would fight and save this world, even if they never saw it saved themselves. Ah the bittersweet thoughts! They felt that good would prevail, even if they fell. The hobbit smiled sadly at the elf, tears appearing in his eyes as he thought of how strong he was.
"They will sing songs of us," he said. "They will remember us, even if we die. We will never be forgotten."
"Not just the people Frodo," the elf said, turning his head towards the stars. The hobbit looked up towards the sky as well. "The stars will sing of us, for the light we had in the darkness is strong, always. The memories of the skies will remember us, and we will be welcomed to the greater halls when we die. We will stand and fight. Even if we fall and our names are forgotten in time, there is no greater honor, than to have the light in our souls counted among the stars. Even if all the memory leaves the world and the stars burn out. We will always be remembered, beyond even the end of days."
The hobbit paused a moment and looked at the elf. There was such peace in his face as he said this. The peace of not fearing death because he knew what would come after. He feared the darkness, but he didn't fear for his soul. That peace settled into the distressed hobbit's spirit, and he felt peace as well. Silent tears began to flow freely down his face, and he looked away.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "For being here for me tonight. It will always mean the world to me."
The elf turned to the hobbit again, hearing that he was trying not to cry. Silently, though elves generally did not hug much as a rule, the elf wrapped an arm around the hobbit's shoulder and leaned him into his side, trying to give the hobbit as much comfort as possible. The tiny hobbit sighed and couldn't help but relax a little. Somehow this was just what he needed. He needed advice, but also the understanding that the elf that was part Wraith could give him. The silence was more soothing to his soul than any words that could be spoken. Because there needed to be no words spoken. He simply needed the silence and understanding.
"We cannot stay here much longer," the hobbit said. "We must continue on. The Fellowship must be broken soon, though the thought pains me."
"I think we should leave tomorrow," the elf said. "I am strong enough to continue, and I agree. We cannot remain in Lorien much longer. We will have to go."
"Then," the hobbit said, standing. "I thank you, that you have listened to me, and I bid you farewell. There will be no time for it when the time comes I think."
They both silently returned to their beds, careful not to wake anyone. Angrod shifted slightly as the elf returned, but he could feel the animal start awake a little as the elf sat down on the bed. The wolf eyed him carefully, but the elf gave him a reassuring smile and so the wolf let the elf settle back down again and curled up to sleep.
The elf and the hobbit did not fall back asleep that night. They both laid there, thinking of what was to be ahead. But soon they would have to part ways, and most likely for good. Legolas might not survive the oncoming storm, and the hobbit would probably die even if he did destroy the Ring. Still, the elf silently prayed that Frodo would forgive him as he made up his mind to warn Sam of it. He would not break his word by telling Sam that he would be leaving them, but he would warn him to stay close to his master. He would soon figure it out on his own. At least that way, Frodo would not have to bear the Ring to Mordor all alone.
Dawn broke softly over the Fellowship, and they began to wake. The elf sat up, noticing the tiny hobbit glance toward him nervously. But the elf showed no indication at all that he had seen the darkness in Frodo, or that he could see the hobbit at all. He stood up and walked outside, excusing himself and leaving to change. When he had returned, none of them missed the fact that he was now dressed in his light leather armor, ready to go again.
"Is it smart for us to go now?" Aragorn asked.
"I am strong enough," the elf replied. "And though Lorien is fair, we cannot stay beneath the trees much longer. Sauron is growing stronger. We must continue our mission before it is too late. There's too much at stake here."
"Yes," the man sighed. "You are right of course Legolas. Very well then. We will leave by noon. We cannot stay here any longer. Are we all agreed?"
Though none of the others were really ready to go, they knew that it was inevitable. They all nodded at last, and the Fellowship began making preparations to leave. It soon became apparent to the elves as well, for they began gathering together supplies for the Fellowship. The Fellowship all split up separately into the woods of Lothlorien, to silently enjoy the peace and beauty before they at last had to leave. Noon was approaching, and Legolas turned to return to the others at the banks of the great river. But someone else ran up to stop him.
"Stop, Legolas," Haldir cried. He grabbed the Prince's arm gently but firmly. "Please, you must not go. You must stay here. Your people cannot lose the last hope that they have, and I would not lose my friend." Legolas regarded the elf a moment and then smiled a little sadly.
"You fear the dark mellon-nin?" Legolas asked. Haldir paused. (my friend)
"Yes," the marchwarden replied truthfully.
"That is why I fight," Legolas replied. "That is why I must go. I too fear the dark, but I cannot suffer it any longer. I must fight it, and I will. I understand why you would wish to stay here. But if we do not fight then we will all fall, and the peace here will be destroyed. I could not let Lothlorien fall that way. You understand? I cannot. If I stay then I will hate myself forever."
"And if you go then I will hate myself," the elf cried. Legolas smiled sadly. What he was about to say may very well destroy their friendship, but he had to impress upon the elf that he would not be staying behind.
"Then hate yourself mellon-nin," Legolas said quietly. Haldir was silent, and the blind elf couldn't see his reaction at all. "I cannot stay."
With a sad heart Legolas turned and walked away without another word. He knew that most likely the elf would not forgive him. Then again, there were many who would not. So many friendships he had shattered in these 60 years! So many people he was leaving behind. But he could not stay behind. He had to help in whatever way he could find to help. It was his duty and his destiny. It hurt him to think of all of the hurtful things he had said and done in these last years. But he didn't think he would live long, or at least much longer in this war of the Ring. So he didn't care if they all hated him now, because he would not have to hear what they thought of him any longer. Such morbid thoughts had surrounded him for the past 60 years.
He found the rest of the Fellowship gathered together at the banks of the river, and Angrod greeted him with a slight whine, realizing that the elf was sad for some reason. But he joined the rest of his Fellowship. Quietly Galadriel began to give them all advice, and then began handing each a gift she handed Legolas a bow, and leaned forward to speak to him as she did, also handing him plenty of new bows to his quiver. He could see that there was light within it, for it was dark to his eyes, and the bow was strung with hair. He knew it's touch.
"This my dear prince," she said. "is a sturdier bow than those you carry, for they are made here from Lothlorien. It is strung also with my hair." the elf prince gasped a little in surprise at the wonderful gift. She kissed his forehead. "Take it my prince. Let it provide a protective light for you when the darkness gets too close. With this, I will always be with you, and my light will strengthen your own."
"I am honored," the prince said, bowing his head a little. "And I will take it gladly."
To Boromir was given a golden belt, and to Merry and Pippin silver ones. Sam was given some of the precious rope that he found so intriguing. To Frodo was given a vial full of light, so much so that even Legolas could see it. He thought the gift well placed, for he would soon be needing it. To Aragorn was given a beautiful star pendant that had once belonged to Arwen, and the elf smiled a little sadly at the man, knowing that it would be his only comfort for freeing the she-elf from his bond. To Gimli, she gave three long strands of her hair, and he accepted it gratefully. The elf smiled a little to think that the dwarf had asked of something both so little and so great. But Galadriel seemed to think very highly of Gimli since he was now friends with Legolas. They were also given plenty of lembas bread, which would provide them nourishment on the journey, and they were gifted three boats that were thin but sturdy and would carry them down the river.
Then the elves gave them all cloaks made of sturdy green material that would hide them in plain sight in any terrain, and they were fastened at the neck by beautiful green pendants shaped like leaves that would give them more ways to hide from their enemies, which they would all need. Then the Fellowship climbed into the long boats. Legolas and Gimli sat in one, with Angrod between them. Aragorn took Sam and Frodo, and Boromir took Merry and Pippin. Legolas was given the paddle, and Gimli assured the elf that he would tell him if there was any great danger to them, but that he trusted the elf at the helm. Soon they were off down the river, traveling away from the peace and back into the battle field. Elves lined the river to say goodbye to them, and to wish them luck. But Legolas did not pay any heed to them, because he realized that as he had feared, Haldir had not come to see them off. He smiled a little sadly to himself. There was another great friend that he had pushed away yet again. But then he turned to the task ahead of him, and steered the boat onward.
Soon Lothlorien was behind them, little more than a distant memory. Now the real world lay ahead of them. They couldn't just abandon their quest now. They had to go on. They traveled down the river for a while. Farther down the river however, Legolas looked up suddenly and looked around. A deep sense of foreboding had fallen over him, and though he saw nothing, it meat little to him. He knew that these banks were lined with trees. Whatever it was could be hiding or not yet here. But he knew to trust his instincts by now. He carefully steered the boat after the others to the bank and leaped down. As soon as he did he went to Aragorn.
"Something is here," Legolas said. "It draws closer. I can feel it."
"We will only rest here a while," he said. "Then we will go on. Hopefully whatever it is will not follow us long."
They did rest a while here, though they had not gone long. Aragorn had perhaps thought of staying here for the night, where it was still fairly safe. But at the elf's nervous behavior he had decided against such a thing. Now they would be moving soon, and the hobbits quickly made up the last of the hot meals they would be having for a while now. Everyone gratefully ate what was given to them, though they all noticed that the elf was nervous for some reason or other. He ate quickly, and at last Aragorn told everyone to return to their boats. They did so.
Soon they were going on a little faster down the river, following it's winding course onward and hoping to make it a little farther along. For a while there was silence, and everyone was focusing on driving the boats forward. The Anduin seemed to move quickly, as if hastening them on their way, but to what? The elf was growing more and more nervous, until Aragorn's voice called out to everyone.
"Look," he said, pointing at statues of two great kings that Legolas knew was ahead. "Long have I desire to look upon the kings of old. My kin."
Boromir and Aragorn both looked up with pride in their eyes. The hobbits stared with open mouths at the huge and old statues. They were beautiful and awesome at the same time. Gimli looked very impressed at the huge monuments of stone, and Legolas smiled because he could sense it all from all of them. He had seen the statues once before. It served to distract him a little. But then he turned his attention back to scanning the surrounding area. He saw nothing. At last though, they all stepped from their boats onto the shores of a lake that led to a large waterfall. This was as far as they could go by the river.
"We cross the lake at nightfall," Aragorn said as everyone settled down. Legolas however remained on his feet. "Hide the boats and continue on foot. We will approach Mordor from the north."
"Oh yes," Gimli cried sarcastically. "just a simple matter of finding our way through an impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks. And after that it gets even better! A festering, stinking, marshland, far as the eye can see."
Again Legolas felt the darkness and glanced around, but he could still see nothing. Damn these thick trees!
"That is our road," Aragorn replied. "I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, master dwarf."
"Recover my-" the dwarf began in an indignant manner. But he paused, as did everyone else, as the elf stepped forward.
"We should leave now," the elf said.
"No," Aragorn said, though startled to see the elf so earnest. "Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness."
"A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind," the elf said. "Something draws near. I can feel it."
There was silence suddenly, and then Merry looked up. He looked around then looked at the elf. They all seemed to have missed something important.
"Where's Frodo?" Merry asked.
They all froze and looked around suddenly. They hadn't even realized that he was missing. They found also that Boromir was missing, and the thought gave Legolas no comfort. What if the man had fallen and was now trying to take the Ring? The elf's face paled, and it was sufficient evidence to Aragorn that something was indeed wrong. He commanded them to all split up and look for the two of them, but somehow that thought made Legolas become very nervous. They all sprang away though to find the Ring Bearer and the Gondorian. But before they were completely gone, Legolas caught Sam's arm.
"Sam," the elf said. "You must find Frodo, and you are not to leave him. No matter what he says, you must go with him. It is very important! Do not let him turn you away!"
"Of course," the hobbit said, perplexed. "I won't. I promise I won't."
The elf leaped away with his bow ready before the hobbit could ask any questions that would make the elf reveal too much. His only thought now was to find Frodo and the Ring before the danger that he had sensed could overtake him. Aragorn would most likely find him first, because he was a great tracker. The elf ran on to try and find Aragorn or Frodo, and he heard Angrod following him dutifully.
They ran on for a while, dodging trees and rocks, looking for any sign of their friends. Suddenly however, the shadow in his mind loomed again, and he froze. There was the sound of a sharp twang, and Legolas silently cursed himself for not seeing the enemy. But instead of striking him, there was a high pitched yelp. He whirled around with a gasp, seeing that Angrod had fallen. The wolf made no noise and did not stir, and though the elf could see that he was alive, he still felt rage.
He saw the glowing Uruk – Hai, all with terrible bows and arrows. But he felt anger and lifted his bow, firing at them. He noticed instantly that none of them fired back, and instead approached him carefully with their blades raised. This confused the elf, and he continued to fire arrows, killing them. But more were beginning to come towards him now.
"Do not kill the elf," a commander cried. "Do not kill him! He needs to be alive!"
Legolas was thoroughly confused now. But he knew that they wanted to capture him for some reason, and he was not going to let that happen if he could help it. He heard more of them coming from behind him, and he whirled around to fight them. They caught the blind elf off balance however and pulled the bow out of his hands and the arrows from off of his back. The elf wasn't going to give up however and pulled his twin blades out of their sheathes, spinning them expertly in his hands.
He began to cut down any Uruks that came close to him, looking to kill them and find some escape. But everywhere he turned, there were more and more of them. They did not attack him, only sought to defend themselves. A few tried to grab him but the elf could see their dark taint and cut them down before they got the chance.
These were not mindless orcs however, and soon one of them had countered his strike with one of his blades and pulled the blade out of his hand. The elf yelped from the pain of having the blade ripped from his hand, and the other was pulled out of the other hand. Now seeing the elf disarmed completely, the Uruks rushed forward and quickly grabbed him. It took two of them just to keep him from struggling away, which was quite impressive given that their hands were large enough to wrap completely around his arm twice if they had the ability. They grabbed his shoulders to keep him still, and the other hands held his wrists so he could not pull away. The elf snarled and turned to the commander, who was much larger than even all of the others. He walked up and looked up at the elf.
Legolas tried once more to pull away, but the Uruk-Hai were too strong for him now that they had caught him. The commander stopped before the elf and looked at him.
"Well here we are," he said in his growling voice. "That's one down. It's not so hard to catch you once you're alone without your buddies. We'll be catching those halflings of yours too, and they'll be going to Isengard." the Elf snarled and tried harder to pull away but the commander just laughed. "Don't worry. You have your place as well. You should feel honored. The king of the Ring Wraiths would like a word with you."
Legolas froze as if ice had just covered his heart. So Sauron knew of him then now. He knew what he was, and he had sent the Ring Wraiths to find him. If he fell he could give him valuable information about the Fellowship, and that Frodo was now going alone to Mordor, along with the path he was taking. Then he would have to fight them, and he knew that the Fellowship would fail against him. More than falling and becoming a Wraith, this was what Legolas feared.
The Uruks laughed when they saw the elf's terror, and when he tried to pull away. In the distance the entire Fellowship paused and looked up as they heard the shriek of the Ring Wraiths. Terror gripped at them all, but none more than the elf.
Sorry for the random cliff hanger there. I know it sucks, but it builds dramatic tension. I will post the next chapter as soon as I'm done with it, which hopefully won't take long. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and the random twist I added at the end. I had to change it up some to fit with the story of the fan fiction. Leave a comment below if you'd like. :D