Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings

Title: The Hunt

Fandom: Lord Of The Rings

Type: Regular

Based on: Movies, Books, Games

Rated: T for violence and language

Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Friendship, Angst, Romance

Chapters:

Status:

Language: English

Cover Image:

Summary: In the shadow-draped lands of Middle-earth, Aragorn, the heir of Isildur, is called upon by Gandalf to renew the search for the elusive Gollum, whose knowledge of the One Ring is critical to the fight against Sauron. Joining Aragorn in this perilous quest are Legolas, the keen-eyed elf prince of Mirkwood; the valiant twins, Elladan and Elrohir; Celdor, a seasoned Ranger of the North knowledgeable in the dark paths around Mordor; and Elenion, a young and enigmatic elf with secrets of his own. This tale begins during the period known as the Hunt for Gollum and spans into the Fourth Age, unfolding gradually as it weaves through the epochs of Middle-earth.

Author's Note: (Take a second to read this to know what's coming your way)

The essence of this tale is rooted in adventure, interwoven with layers of mystery that gradually unravel. As the story progresses, it's important to approach each chapter with patience, as appearances can be deceiving and not all secrets are immediately revealed. Expect a deliberate unfolding of the plot, where initial confusion gradually gives way to clarity. This narrative design intentionally keeps the reader guessing, enhancing the depth and intrigue of the journey.

While the narrative initially focuses on the search for Gollum, this is merely the catalyst for a broader saga. The story will evolve into something akin to a tale of the "tenth walker," rich with its own highs and lows. Throughout, you'll encounter battles, wars, and poignant moments of despair, as well as a deep, resonant quest for redemption. At its core, however, this tale is an exploration of the profound bonds of friendship and an all-encompassing, enduring love. This story unfolds at a deliberate, unhurried pace, ultimately revealing itself as a slow-burning romance. Please note, in the interest of authenticity and depth, the inclusion of any Mary Sue characters will be consciously avoided.

Prologue
Chapter 1: The Meeting in the North

In the dim twilight of the northern borders, where the shadows of the towering pines stitched a patchwork of dark and light upon the forest floor, Aragorn, son of Arathorn, moved with silent purpose. The weight of his responsibility as the leader of the Rangers of the North was a familiar burden, yet tonight it felt heavier. Rumors had reached him, whispers of a creature of shadow and malice slinking through the woods, a creature whose fate was entwined with the destiny of all Middle-earth.

Legolas, prince of Mirkwood, had traveled far from the fading grandeur of his woodland realm. His father, Thranduil, had sent him on a mission fueled by foresight and fear. The elves had sensed a stirring of old evils, a ripple of unease that touched even the secluded corners of Mirkwood. Legolas's path had been clear: find Aragorn, for in him lay a hope for all who opposed the darkness.

Their meeting was under the eaves of the ancient woods, where the light of the stars struggled to penetrate the thick canopy. Aragorn, his keen eyes accustomed to the scant moonlight, recognized the light step, the slight rustle of leaves that bespoke an elf's presence. He stayed his hand on the hilt of his sword and waited.

Legolas stepped into the clearing, his keen eyes scanning the shadows until they rested on the figure of the ranger. His hand, too, hovered near the hilt of his knife, more out of habit than necessity. The air between them was charged with the tension of unknown intentions, but also with a palpable sense of emerging kinship.

Aragorn paused, his keen eyes studying the tall figure who had emerged into the dimly lit clearing. Clad in a hooded cloak much like his own, the newcomer's long hair and the lower half of his face were obscured by shadow, yet certain unmistakable traits—the elegant poise, the graceful movements—betrayed his elven heritage. In these perilous times, few elves ventured alone beyond the borders of their forest realms. Since 2951 of the Third Age, when Sauron had declared himself openly and begun to amass his power in Mordor, Middle-earth had become a land under a growing shadow. The very air seemed thick with danger, and only the bravest or most desperate dared travel solo.

Aragorn's brow furrowed slightly in surprise and curiosity. Elves were typically cautious, their travels deliberate and their paths often shrouded in mystery. This lone elf before him not only displayed courage but also the skills necessary to navigate these treacherous territories alone. Yet, many questions lingered in Aragorn's mind: Who was this elf? Why had he chosen to journey solo through these dangerous lands? The same queries could be directed at Aragorn himself, of course. His own solitary wanderings through areas like Mirkwood and Ithilien, where Sauron's influence was strongest, were not without purpose.

Gandalf the Grey had charged Aragorn with a crucial mission—a search for a peculiar and elusive creature known as Gollum. This creature's knowledge was deemed essential for understanding the dark powers regaining strength in the East. Thus, Aragorn frequently found himself skirting the edges of dark forests and spying upon the encampments of the enemy, gathering information and tracing the faint whispers of his quarry.

As the elf stepped closer, the moonlight caught the sharp angles of his face, revealing keen, thoughtful eyes and an expression marked by both wisdom and wariness. Aragorn cleared his throat softly, respecting the customary formalities of first meetings under the stars.

"You travel these woods under the weight of purpose, as do I," Aragorn began, his voice low but clear. "In times such as these, an elf wandering alone speaks of urgent matters. Might I inquire the nature of your journey?"

The moment hung between them, charged with the silent acknowledgment of shared risks and unspoken stories. Aragorn's gaze, however, remained steady and inviting, a silent testament to his intent not to confront but to understand. The paths of Men and Elves were intertwined in the fabric of the world's fate, and tonight, it seemed, fate had deigned to weave their stories together.

Legolas's demeanor remained cool and detached, yet his keen elven senses meticulously scanned the man standing before him. Even a fleeting glance at Aragorn might reveal little to an untrained eye, but Legolas, with the acute perception of his kin, discerned far more. He noted the fine details of Aragorn's attire and accouterments—signifiers of lineage and alliance that others might overlook.

The sword at Aragorn's side was unmistakably elven in make, not unusual for those given to the Rangers of the North, yet it spoke of a connection deeper than mere utility. More telling was the brooch that fastened Aragorn's cloak—an elegant piece of elven craftsmanship from Rivendell. Legolas recognized its design immediately; it was akin to those worn by the household of Lord Elrond, with whom Legolas had once shared a deep friendship. Though centuries had passed since his last visit to Rivendell, the memories of time spent with Elrond's sons, the twins Elladan and Elrohir, and even Arwen, were vivid in his mind.

But it was the ring on Aragorn's finger that cemented Legolas's realization. The Ring of Barahir—ancient and storied—was a token of significant heritage and was known to be in the possession of Elrond's ward. Legolas knew of its history and the tale of how Elrond had presented it to Aragorn when he came of age, revealing his true lineage as the heir of Isildur. A tale offered by Gandalf himself.

Legolas's journey had been long and fraught with peril. After leaving Mirkwood on a quest to find this very man, he had gathered many tales of "Strider," the ranger with a mysterious past. Some of these tales had come from Gandalf himself, hinting at a destiny greater than that of a mere wanderer of the wilds. As Legolas pieced together the stories and sightings, the true identity of the ranger gradually unfolded before him.

Now, standing in the shadowed woods, observing the quiet strength of the man known as Strider, Legolas felt a profound sense of purpose. This was the man his father had sent him to find. This was Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the heir of Isildur, and potentially a pivotal ally in the struggles to come. His father's instructions had been clear, and the pieces of the puzzle had finally fallen into place with the quiet confirmation of the ring, the sword, and the brooch.

Recognizing the identity of the stranger before him, Legolas confidently lowered his hood, revealing his face to Aragorn. Although Aragorn had never personally met the son of Thranduil, his extensive time among the elves had honed his ability to discern much about them. Legolas's attire was distinctly that of a woodland elf, marked by the elegance and practicality suited for life under the dense, shadowed canopy of Mirkwood.

The silver hue of his hair, a rare trait among elves, indicated his Sindarin lineage—those of the Grey Elves, of whom only a few resided in Greenwood the Great. Even the style in which Legolas wore his hair, intricately braided in a manner typical of his people, spoke volumes. Aragorn, recalling the many stories and descriptions he had encountered during his years in Rivendell, quickly pieced together his identity. It was indeed Legolas, son of Thranduil, a figure woven into the tales shared by Elrond's children.

Legolas's close relationships with the twins—Elladan and Elrohir—and Arwen, as well as a special bond with Lord Elrond himself, were well-known to Aragorn. Such connections were not merely of friendship but of deep mutual respect and shared values. Even without prior personal acquaintance, Aragorn recognized the significance of Legolas's presence. This recognition, coupled with the knowledge of Legolas's esteemed standing among his own close allies, reassured Aragorn, prompting him to relax and remove his hand from the hilt of his sword.

This gesture of peace signified mutual understanding and respect, setting the stage for a dialogue between two key figures destined to collaborate in the challenging times that lay ahead. Their meeting was not merely by chance but a convergence of paths orchestrated by fate itself, a prelude to a profound alliance in the struggle against the growing darkness spreading from Mordor.

"You are Aragorn, son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dúnedain?" Legolas's voice was clear and carried the musical lilt of the elven folk.

"I am," Aragorn replied, stepping forward with a cautious respect. "And you are Legolas of Mirkwood. What brings you so far from your forest kingdom?"

"The shadows lengthen, and not just in Mirkwood," Legolas said, his gaze steady. "My father has seen the stirrings of an old evil, one that we believed long defeated. He has sent me to lend my bow to your cause, for it seems our paths are aligned against a common foe."

The initial meeting between Legolas and Aragorn, set against the backdrop of the northern woods in the autumn of 3001 TA, marked the beginning of a profound alliance. Over the subsequent eight years, their paths had been intertwined through myriad quests and confrontations with numerous adversaries. The quest to locate Gollum, initially a directive from Gandalf, had gradually receded into the background, not deemed a priority by the wizard at the time.

However, as the wheel of time turned to 3009 TA, circumstances shifted dramatically. New rumors began to swirl about a peculiar creature lurking near the shadowy confines of Mordor, alarmingly close to the lair of the formidable spider, Shelob. Shelob, the monstrous descendant of the ancient Ungoliant, dwelled at the borders of Mordor, haunting the pass of Cirith Ungol. In the Third Age, she remained a fearsome predator, indiscriminately consuming anyone unfortunate enough to traverse her domain. Sauron himself, recognizing her utility as a guardian of sorts, permitted her to occupy this strategically crucial area.

It was not Shelob herself who had caught Gandalf's renewed interest, but rather the sightings of another creature seen in her proximity. This creature, reportedly fond of fish, was often spotted near villages, pilfering fish before those same villages fell victim to Shelob's deadly appetites. These peculiar habits and the creature's continued presence so near to a beast like Shelob suggested that it was no ordinary creature but rather Gollum, whose whereabouts had once been of such keen interest.

Gandalf, now deeply concerned by the implications of these sightings, approached Aragorn once again. With a sense of urgency, he implored him to rekindle the search for Gollum. Gandalf's fears were not unfounded; he suspected that the ring previously acquired by Bilbo from Gollum was, in fact, the One Ring of power. The significance of this revelation could not be overstated—it meant the potential rise or fall of Middle-earth.

Now charged with this critical mission, Aragorn was tasked not merely with finding a lost creature but securing a relic that held the fate of all free peoples. The stakes were higher than ever, and the urgency imparted by Gandalf underscored the impending peril. As Aragorn set out to trace Gollum's steps once more, he knew that the shadows gathering around Mordor were deepening, heralding a time of testing and perhaps, of war.

The mission that lay ahead for Aragorn demanded utmost discretion and precision. His journey would traverse some of the most perilous regions of Middle-earth: the shadowy depths of Mirkwood, across the contested lands of Ithilien, and down to the ominous borders of Mordor itself. These areas, infested not only with orcs but various other malevolent creatures, were formidable barriers that few dared to cross. Recognizing the magnitude of the challenge, Aragorn knew he would need to enlist a group of his most trusted allies.

Legolas, the prince of Mirkwood, was an obvious choice. Ever since their fateful meeting, Legolas had proven to be an invaluable companion to Aragorn, occasionally departing to pursue his own quests but always returning in time of need. Alongside Legolas, the twin sons of Elrond, Elladan, and Elrohir, would also join the quest. Known for their formidable skills and loyalty, the twins had frequently accompanied Aragorn and other rangers on various expeditions.

Another critical member of the team would be a seasoned Ranger of the North, Celdor. Celdor's extensive knowledge of the less-trodden paths around Mordor was unparalleled; his expertise would be indispensable in navigating through the treacherous territories that awaited them.

Lastly, the group would reluctantly include Elenion, a youthful and somewhat enigmatic elf who had recently started following the twins. Despite the reservations held by both Aragorn and the twins about his presence—due to his inexperience and secretive nature—Elenion's determination and unyielding spirit made it impossible to dissuade him from joining. Unbeknownst to the rest, Elenion harbored secrets that went beyond his mysterious persona, hinting at a hidden agenda and a past that could significantly alter the dynamics of their quest.

With this carefully assembled team, each member bringing their own unique strengths and secrets, Aragorn was ready to embark on the perilous mission to find Gollum and secure the fate of the One Ring. This diverse group, bound by a common goal yet shadowed by underlying mysteries, set out towards the darkening East, where danger and destiny awaited.

The day of the pivotal meeting dawned with an air of expectancy, laden with the weight of the task that lay before Aragorn and his chosen companions. The location chosen for their gathering was discreet—a secluded glade deep within the borders of Ithilien, where the trees whispered ancient secrets and the light filtered through in dappled patches.

As the morning mist began to lift, Aragorn arrived first, using the early hours to survey the area and ensure no unwanted eyes were upon them. The natural canopy provided cover, not just from potential prying eyes but also from the harsh realities of the world beyond the forest. Here, they could speak freely, plan carefully, and steel themselves for the journey ahead.

One by one, his companions filtered into the glade. Legolas, with his keen senses and silent tread, appeared almost as a wraith among the trees—his presence signifying the deep bond he shared with Aragorn and his unwavering commitment to their cause. The twins, Elladan and Elrohir, arrived together, their demeanor serious and their eyes alert. They both understood the stakes of their mission and the darkness that crept ever closer from the east.

Celdor, the grizzled Ranger of the North, joined them shortly after, nodding to each member of the group with a somber acknowledgment of the perilous path they were to undertake. His weather-beaten face and steady gaze added a comforting sense of durability and experience to the gathering.

Lastly, Elenion slipped into the circle, almost unnoticed until he was fully present among them. His youthful features were marked by a resolve that belied his age, and though his secretive nature had initially caused some hesitation among the others, his persistence to be included was proof of his dedication—or perhaps, the importance of his hidden motives.

Once assembled, Aragorn took a moment to look at each of his companions in turn, acknowledging their strengths and the challenges they were about to face together. He then spread out a detailed map on the forest floor, anchoring it with small stones. The map showed their planned routes and the known dangers, but it was the unknowns that would test them most.

Aragorn began the meeting with a calm, clear voice, outlining the objective—to track down Gollum, a creature who might hold the key to the enemy's defeat. He explained the importance of their discretion and the need to avoid drawing attention to their movements, as the eyes of the enemy were ever-watchful. Each member of the group was given a specific role, playing to their strengths: Legolas with his sharp eyes and ears, the twins with their combat prowess and knowledge of the enemy, Celdor with his pathfinding skills, and Elenion, whose secrets hinted at unspoken advantages that might prove crucial.

As they discussed their strategies and contingencies, the gravity of their mission hung over them like a shadow. Yet, there was a sense of camaraderie and a shared resolve that bound them together. This meeting was not just a planning session; it was a reaffirmation of their commitment to each other and to the greater good of Middle-earth.

With the final details settled and each member's resolve steeled, the meeting concluded with a quiet agreement to depart at dusk. As they dispersed to prepare, the glade seemed to exhale, the trees standing sentinel over the secrets they had shared. The journey ahead would be fraught with danger, but Aragorn and his companions were ready to face whatever challenges came their way, bound by a fellowship forged in the quiet shadows of Ithilien.

((Upcoming Chapter Two))

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