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

Act I

Chapter 4: Woses of the Woods

As Elenion slept restlessly by the riverside, the gentle sounds of the flowing water mingling with the crackling of the campfire. As the night deepened, his mind drifted into a dream—a confusing, vivid color of memories that seemed more real than any mere dream.

In the dream, Elenion found himself standing in a place that was both familiar and alien. The surroundings were unlike any he had known in Middle-earth. Tall, gleaming structures reached towards the sky, made of glass and metal that reflected the light in dazzling ways. The air was filled with a low hum, a constant background noise that seemed to come from all directions.

Elenion's form was different too. He glanced down at his hands, which looked softer, more delicate, and adorned with rings that spoke of a different life. His clothes were strange yet comfortable, consisting of trousers and a tailored jacket—nothing like the elven garb he was used to. He felt a weird mix of familiarity and disorientation, as though he was reliving a part of himself that had been forgotten.

He moved through this world with purpose, entering a large building filled with others who seemed absorbed in their tasks. The place was bustling with activity—people talking, machines whirring, screens glowing with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Elenion—or Elenon, as he was known here—moved confidently through the space, skilled in creating beautiful images and layouts that spoke to the hearts of those who saw them.

Scenes shifted rapidly, showing glimpses of that life. There were flashes of his personal life—friendships, moments of laughter and joy, and times of solitude where he reflected on the world around him.

As the dream continued, the scenes began to blur and twist, pulling Elenion back to a different time. He saw himself—or rather, herself—walking through the tranquil woods of Lothlórien, the golden leaves whispering secrets of ages past. The contrast between the two lives was stark, yet there was an undeniable connection. In both worlds, there was a sense of purpose, a drive to create and protect beauty.

The dream then shifted to a day of great change. Elenion stood in front of a mirror, the reflection showing him as a different person out of this space and time. There was a sadness in his eyes, a longing for something lost. He touched the glass, and in that moment, the world around him seemed to dissolve. A bright light enveloped him, and he felt himself being pulled through time and space, the fabric of reality itself shifting to bring him back.

Elenion stirred in his sleep, the dream fading but the emotions it evoked lingering. He felt a deep sense of loss and confusion, but also a renewed determination. The life he had left behind was not forgotten—it was a part of him.

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the trees, Elenion awoke. The camp was quiet, the others still resting or keeping watch. He sat up slowly, his mind heavy with the remnants of the dream. It was a reminder of who he truly was, a melding of two worlds and two identities or perhaps three. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he felt ready to face them, drawing strength from both.

For now, the details of her past life would remain a secret, a hidden part of his identity that he was not yet ready to share. But in time, he knew that the truth would emerge, and he would find a way to reconcile the two halves of his soul.

Elenion rose and moved towards the river, washing away the last traces of sleep. The cold water was refreshing, a stark contrast to the warmth of the dream. He glanced around at his companions, who were slowly starting to gather their belongings and prepare for the journey ahead.

There was not much talking that morning; it was as though everyone had experienced a night of dreams that felt more like eerie memories. The atmosphere was heavy with a quiet, contemplative mood, each member was lost in their thoughts. The campfire had burned out, leaving behind only the faint scent of smoke and charred wood.

As the company readied themselves, Legolas moved with his usual silent grace, checking his bow and ensuring his quiver was full. Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a few murmured words, their expressions serious, while Aragorn cast a final, sweeping glance around their campsite, making sure nothing was left behind. Celdor, ever practical, adjusted his pack and nodded to Aragorn, signaling his readiness.

They set off, their steps muffled by the thick forest floor. The trees of the Drúadan Forest loomed tall and ancient around them, their twisted branches forming a dense canopy that filtered the morning light into scattered beams. The air was cool and damp, filled with the scent of earth and leaves.

As they walked, the silence was occasionally broken by the distant calls of forest creatures and the rustling of unseen animals. The path they followed was narrow and winding, often forcing them to navigate around fallen logs and dense underbrush. Each member of the company remained vigilant, their senses attuned to the subtleties of the forest.

Aragorn led the way, his eyes scanning the ground for tracks and signs of passage. His thoughts drifted to the mission at hand—finding Gollum and uncovering the secrets that might help them in their fight against Sauron. The forest seemed to whisper around him, its ancient voice both a comfort and a warning.

Legolas walked a few paces behind Aragorn, his keen eyes and ears alert to any movement. The elf prince felt a strange unease, as though the forest itself was watching them. He exchanged a brief glance with Aragorn, a silent acknowledgment of the tension in the air.

Elladan and Elrohir moved in tandem, their footsteps synchronized and their senses sharp. They had always worked best as a pair, their bond as brothers and warriors unbreakable. They kept a close watch on their surroundings, ready to defend against any threat that might emerge from the shadows.

Celdor, bringing up the rear, was mindful of their trail. He made sure to cover their tracks as best as he could, scattering leaves and branches to obscure their passage. His experience in the wilds was invaluable, and he remained ever-vigilant for signs of pursuit or danger.

Elenion walked near the center of the group, his mind still lingering on the dream that had felt so real. He kept his hood pulled low, preferring to remain in the background, but his senses were no less alert. He felt the weight of his dual identity, knowing that one day he would need to reconcile the two halves of his soul.

The deeper they ventured into the Drúadan Forest, the denser and darker it became. The sunlight struggled to penetrate the thick canopy, casting the forest floor in a perpetual twilight. The silence grew more pronounced, broken only by the occasional snap of a twig underfoot or the distant call of a bird.

Suddenly, Legolas halted, raising a hand to signal the company to stop. His sharp eyes had caught movement ahead, something unnatural in the rhythm of the forest. The others froze, their hands moving to their weapons as they listened intently.

A low, guttural growl echoed through the trees, followed by the rustling of leaves and the snapping of branches. The company tensed, forming a defensive circle. Out of the shadows emerged a few strange figures, appearing at a distance like dwarves. But their attire was so different, more like those who lived in the wild. They were clad in rough, fur-lined garments and bore tattoos and markings that spoke of a deep connection to the forest.

"Prepare for battle!" Aragorn commanded, drawing his sword with a swift motion. The company responded instantly, their weapons at the ready.

As the figures came closer, it became clear they were not dwarves but Drúedain, the wild men of the Drúadan Forest. Each held a different type of axe in their hand, their eyes wary and suspicious. They moved with a predatory grace, circling the company with practiced precision.

Elladan gestured for the others to hold their positions as Aragorn stepped forward, his sword held low but ready. The Drúedain eyed them warily, their faces shadowed by suspicion and mistrust.

"Who are you, and what is your purpose in our land?" one of the Drúedain demanded, his voice rough and commanding. He was a tall, imposing figure, his eyes sharp and alert.

Aragorn, recognizing the need for diplomacy, lowered his sword slightly and addressed the leader. "We are travelers, seeking passage through the forest. We mean no harm and wish only to continue our journey."

The Drúedain leader narrowed his eyes, clearly not convinced. "Many have come before you. Why should we trust your words?"

Legolas, sensing the tension, stepped forward, his bow still at the ready. "We are not your enemies. We fight against the darkness that threatens all lands, including yours."

The Drúedain muttered among themselves, their eyes darting suspiciously from one member of the company to another. They were clearly unconvinced, their mistrust deeply rooted in past betrayals.

"We cannot allow you to pass without knowing your true intentions," the leader said firmly. "You will come with us to our camp and speak with our chief. He will decide your fate."

Aragorn nodded slowly, understanding that resistance would only lead to unnecessary conflict. "We will come with you," he agreed, sheathing his sword. He turned to his companions, signaling them to lower their weapons but remain vigilant.

The Drúedain warriors closed in around the company, their axes still held at the ready. They moved through the forest with silent efficiency, guiding the company deeper into the dense woods. The journey was tense, the air thick with unspoken threats and mutual suspicion.

After a short but tense walk, they arrived at a clearing where a large, well-fortified camp lay. The Drúedain had built their homes from the materials of the forest, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. The camp was bustling with activity, but all movement ceased as the company was led through the gates.

The Drúedain chief, a formidable figure with a commanding presence, stood at the center of the camp. His eyes were dark and piercing, his face lined with years of experience and wisdom. He watched as the company was brought before him, his expression unreadable.

"Who are these strangers, and why have they come to our land?" the chief asked, his voice deep and resonant.

Aragorn stepped forward, bowing slightly in respect. "We are travelers on a quest to combat the growing darkness that threatens all free peoples. We seek only passage through your forest."

The chief studied Aragorn for a long moment, his gaze intense and probing. "Many have come up with such claims, but few have proven trustworthy. What makes you different?"

Legolas spoke up, his voice calm and steady. "We fight against the servants of Sauron. Our mission is to find a creature whose knowledge may aid us in our struggle. We ask only for safe passage and mean no harm to your people."

The chief considered their words, his expression thoughtful. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. You will stay here as our guests until I have decided what to do with you. But know this: any betrayal will be met with swift retribution."

The company nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation. They were shown to a small area within the camp where they could rest and gather their thoughts. The Drúedain kept a close watch on them, their suspicion evident in every glance.

As night fell, the camp settled into a tense quiet. The company remained vigilant, aware that their fate hung in the balance. Elenion sat by the fire, his thoughts a whirlwind of anxiety and determination. The dream of his past life lingered in his mind, a reminder of the complexities of his identity and the challenges he faced.

Aragorn, sitting nearby, placed a reassuring hand on Elenion's shoulder. "We will get through this," he said quietly. "Trust in our strength and in the bonds we share."

Elenion nodded, taking comfort in Aragorn's words. He glanced around at his companions. They had faced many trials together, and this was just another test of their resolve.

Aragorn handed the map to Elenion with a thoughtful expression. "The night is still young," he said. "Let's add the passages we encountered today to our maps, including this village. It's important to document every detail."

Elenion nodded, feeling a sense of purpose. Drawing maps and transferring the real world onto paper was a task that always helped him relax. He accepted the mission without hesitation, pulling out his tools and starting to sketch the terrain and landmarks they had passed.

Legolas stepped in while Aragorn and Elenion were working on the maps. He spoke in Elvish, "Ú-moe edhored ebed uin. Man antavë lemen." (I don't believe they trust us to allow us to continue anytime soon.)

Aragorn agreed and responded in Elvish, "Sinte entë ráva estor." (It makes sense. They have been through a lot because of Sauron's forces. We wouldn't trust strangers either.)

Elladan interrupted them, his tone light but meaningful, "Manen tirilye, tenna quelë." (I know some who would imprison any who dared to pass through their realm.)

Legolas gave Elladan a playful glare before replying with a smirk, "Hequilas saila, aran. Aiya alassë lenna ilúvë." (I will make sure I have a larger cell ready for you next time you visit Mirkwood.)

They all laughed, leaving Elenion looking at them confused. He went back to writing and designing the new paths on the maps, his hands moving skillfully over the parchment. Drawing the intricate lines and marking the significant landmarks, he felt a sense of calm amidst the tension.

As the evening wore on, each member of the company found a corner to rest. Legolas turned and glanced over his shoulder at Elenion, who seemed engrossed in his work. A frown crossed his face as he considered Elenion's reaction. It seemed as though Elenion hadn't understood their conversation.

Legolas thought to himself, 'An elf not speaking Elvish? Surely, I must be mistaken. He grew up in Rivendell and Lothlórien; why would he not understand our native tongue?'

Despite his confusion, Legolas shrugged off the thought as his imagination playing tricks on him. He settled into a restful position, keeping his senses alert to any movements in the camp.

The night passed slowly, each member of the company lost in their own thoughts and worries. The Drúedain watched them closely, their distrust a palpable presence that hung heavy in the air.

As dawn approached, the chief called for Aragorn and Legolas to meet with him again. They rose from their resting spots, exchanging a few words before heading towards the center of the camp where the chief awaited them.

The chief's expression was stern but fair as he addressed them. "We have deliberated," he began, his voice carrying the weight of his authority. "We will allow you passage through our forest, but you must follow the path we set for you. Any deviation will be seen as a threat."

Aragorn bowed slightly in gratitude. "Thank you, chief. We will honor your conditions and move swiftly through your land."

With the Drúedain's guidance, the company prepared to set off once more. They knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger, but they also felt a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they would face whatever trials awaited them in the depths of the Drúadan Forest.

Elenion packed away his maps, glancing around at his companions. Despite the challenges they had faced and those that lay ahead, he felt a strong bond with these individuals. As they set off, the first light of dawn filtering through the dense canopy, Elenion felt a sense of anticipation and determination. This journey was as much about discovering his own path as it was about defeating the growing darkness. And with the support of his companions, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As dawn broke, the company began to pack their belongings, preparing to leave the Drúedain village. Before departing, Aragorn paused to observe their surroundings, taking in the details of the large camp where the Drúedain lived.

The village was nestled deep within the forest, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. The Drúedain had constructed their homes from the materials at hand—logs, branches, and woven reeds. Each dwelling was sturdy and functional, designed to withstand the elements and provide shelter. The roofs were covered in thick layers of leaves and moss, giving them a camouflaged appearance that made them almost invisible from a distance.

Throughout the camp, the Drúedain went about their daily routines with a sense of purpose and efficiency. Some gathered around small cooking fires, preparing the morning meal. Others tended to the tasks of hunting, fishing, and gathering. Children played nearby, their laughter a rare but welcome sound in the otherwise somber atmosphere. The air was filled with the earthy scents of the forest, mingling with the aroma of smoked meat and herbs.

The Drúedain were a people deeply connected to their environment. They moved with a quiet grace, their actions deliberate and measured. They spoke little, but their gestures and expressions conveyed a deep understanding and respect for the world around them. The village was a testament to their resourcefulness and resilience, a haven amidst the wilds where they could live in harmony with nature.

As the company finished packing, Aragorn gathered them for a final word before they set off. "This village, called Ghâsh, is a remarkable place," he began, his voice thoughtful. "The Drúedain have lived here for generations, surviving through their knowledge of the land and their ability to adapt."

Legolas nodded, his eyes scanning the camp with admiration. "They are a people of great resilience and strength. Their connection to the forest is profound, and it is clear they live in harmony with it."

Elladan added, "The Drúedain have a long history, often living on the fringes of other civilizations. They have faced many trials, including the Great Plague of 1636 and the relentless forces of Sauron. Their mistrust of outsiders is well-founded."

Elrohir continued, "Despite their reclusive nature, they are skilled hunters and gatherers. Their knowledge of the forest and its secrets is unparalleled. We could learn much from them."

Celdor, who had been quietly observing the camp, spoke up. "Their way of life is simple yet effective. They waste nothing and respect all living things. It is a stark contrast to the destructive forces we often face."

Elenion listened intently, absorbing the information. He felt a deep respect for the Drúedain, understanding their caution and appreciating their way of life. "Their village is a sanctuary," he said softly. "It's a reminder of what can be preserved when people live in harmony with nature."

Aragorn nodded in agreement. "Indeed. As we move forward, let us remember the lessons we've seen here. The Drúedain have shown us the strength that comes from unity and respect for the land. These are qualities we must embody in our own journey."

With those words, the company set off, following the path outlined by the Drúedain. The forest seemed to close in around them once more, the shadows deepening as they ventured further into the wilds.

As they walked, the conversation continued, each member of the company reflecting on what they had learned. Aragorn led the discussion, sharing more about the Drúedain's history and their struggles. "The Drúedain, or Woses as they are sometimes called, have always been a mysterious and reclusive people. Their knowledge of the land is legendary, and their skills in tracking and survival are unmatched."

Legolas added, "They are a proud people, and rightly so. Their ability to live off the land without disrupting the natural balance is something we should all aspire to."

Elladan nodded. "Their mistrust of outsiders is understandable. They have been betrayed and persecuted in the past. We must respect their ways and learn from their resilience."

Elenion, still pondering his own dream and the duality of his existence, found a sense of peace in their words. "There is much wisdom in their way of life," he said. "Perhaps we can take some of that wisdom with us as we continue our quest."

The company continued their journey, the memory of the Drúedain village fresh in their minds. The lessons they had learned and the strength they had witnessed would guide them in the challenges to come. Each step forward was a testament to their resolve and their commitment to protect the lands they loved.

As they moved deeper into the Drúadan Forest, the path became more treacherous, the trees closing in and the underbrush growing thicker. But the company pressed on, their spirits bolstered by the unity and purpose they had found in the village of Ghâsh. They knew that their journey was far from over, but together, they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.

((Upcoming Chapter Five))

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