Elven Dwellers: Legolas' Story

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10 Years following the destruction of the One Ring
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Katie's Fanfiction

10 Years following the destruction of the One Ring
By: Katie

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			Chapter 1 Rumors of a shadow rising in Middle Earth have begun. Some believe that Sauron is rising once again, others believe it to be just rumors. Catching wind of these rumors, Aragorn, now King of Gondor, was taking no chances and had sent word for Legolas and Gimli. Legolas and Gimli are just now entering the white city. "What do you believe these rumors to be?" asked Gimli. "Hmm...well the Ring has been destroyed so I don�t see how it could possibly be Sauron. But then again Middle Earth is full of strange happenings. Who knows wether it�s a dangerous new force or just a midwives� tales," replied Legolas. "Let us hope that they are simply rumors and this trip was for nothing,"said Gimli. "Even if they are just rumors, this trip is not wasted, we�ve not seen Aragorn in a long while yet," replied Legolas. Legolas and Gimli proceeded up the stairs to the doors of the house. The guards had been notified of their arrival and escorted them inside. Entering they saw Aragorn sitting on a throne next to Arwen and two young children standing next to her. A small boy being the oldest and the other, a young girl. Legolas and Gimli noted they were obviously half elves from their slightly pointed ears and brown hair. Legolas and Gimli approached them and bowed their heads slightly. "Legolas, Gimli. It is wonderful to see you both again," said Aragorn standing. "As it pleases us to see you again old friend, and you also my lady,"replied Legolas. Aragorn smiled and truned to the two children, "This is my son, Eldarion. He will be eight next week, and my daughter Eldara. She is five last month." Eldara tugged at Arwens dress, "Mother, mother! Isn�t that a dwarf?" she asked pointing at Gimli. "Yes Eldara, he is a dwarf and his name is Gimli, and his name is Legolas,"replied Arwen directing her attention at Legolas. Eldara stared at Gimli for a few moments before replying, "He looks sort of funny." Gimli raised an eyebrow at Eldara first then looked at Legolas who simply smiled at Eldara�s remark. "Eldara! Mind your manners," said Arwen firmly. "Excuse Eldara Gimli,"said Aragorn, "being still young she has not yet seen a real dwarf." Gimli chuckled, "It�s quite alright Aragorn. She is an adorable little girl." "Well, you two must be tired after your journey, come. We shall have some dinner then we have much to talk about," said Aragorn.
		Chapter 2 After dinner, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli proceeded down a long hallway and came to a stop in front of two large oak doors which Aragorn opened and entered. The room appeared to be a study. It was full of books and old papers scattered everywhere. The three went out onto a balcony that opened up onto the city below. There were three chairs on the balcony. After being seated, Aragorn asked, �What have you both heard of these rumors that are being spread through Middle Earth?� �Different towns have spoken of a strange force lurking about Middle Earth,� Legolas replied. Gimli then added, �Yes, especially about the Ruins of Shadra. They say that these peaceful ruins, a sacred place to many, have become dark and cold. People are said to go there to worship what they believe is an ancient spirit of Middle Earth.� �Yes, I am very familiar with the Legend of Shadra,� said Aragorn. �Many years ago, even before the races of Middle Earth, it was said that there were two opposing spirits. The first of which was Shadra. She wished peace and happiness for the new world of Middle Earth. The second was Telros. He was an evil spirit who wished total domination of all Middle Earth. A great battle between the two began that lasted for centuries. In common toungue, it was called the War of the Ages. After centuries of fighting, Shadra, being a peaceful spirit, used what power she had to lock away Telros into an indestructable medallion called the Mancir. Shadra�s spirit, which was weakened to the point of death, was said to be seperated and dispersed into four different parts. These different parts were said to create the four main races of Middle Earth. Men, the elves, the dwarves, and the hobbits. Because neither Shadra nor Telros had been destroyed, a balance of both good and evil remained on Middle Earth. The ancient people of Middle Earth built a city in the center of Middle Earth which they named the City of Shadra in honor of her sacrifice. They believed that Shadra�s spirit would one day be reborn into four different chosen ones, selected from each race, to fight Telros who would once again be freed. Shadra�s spirit would reunite and a second War of the Ages would break out on Middle Earth to decide the winner once and for all. Of course, many believe this legend to be just a myth as the Mancir was never found and the city over time has degraded to nothing but ruins.� �Yes,� said Legolas, �but many also believed Sauron and the Ring to be just a myth.� �Well then, what to do about all this is the question,� said Gimli. �Should we believe this legend to be true and Telros has finally returned? Or should we brush it aside as a folly myth?� �I believe that a trip to the Ruins of Shadra is necessary. It may provide some answers to these rumors,� answered Aragorn. �Yes,� said Legolas. �We should not take any chances if this legend is true. Though Aragorn, you are King of this land. Perhaps it would be best if Gimli and I went.� �No, I am King, which means I am responsible for my people�s well being. I will journey also.� Legolas and Gimli both smiled slightly at Aragorn�s response. He had not changed in the least. Still taking on any challenge that came his way, King or mere Ranger. �We leave tomorrow morning,� said Aragorn, �so rest tonight, for we have a long journey ahead of us.�

		Chapter 3 The next morning, Aragorn said goodbye to his family. �You be a good girl for your mother now Eldara,� said Aragorn. �I�ll try to be back soon, okay?� �Okay father,� replied Eldara. Aragorn then looked at Arwen. �I�ll try to come back as soon as I can, but I�m not sure how long it could be till my return.� Arwen smiled at Aragorn. �Do not worry, your city will be in good hands and I will always be with you in spirit.� Aragorn leaned forward and gently kissed Arwen. He then turned to Eldarion who looked at his father with worried eyes. Eldarion knew that this trip could be dangerous and was worried what he would do if his father didn�t return. Aragorn noted the worried look. �Don�t worry son. I promise I will return. You promise to look after your mother and sister, alright?� �Yes father,� Eldarion replied. �That�s my son,� said Aragorn. Turning to face Legolas and Gimli, Aragorn said, �well, we should be going then.� The other two nodded and the three mounted their horses, Gimli needing a little help of a stool. Aragorn�s was a black stallion named Manmar and Legolas� was a tanned horse with a brown mane and tail named Donath. Gimli had a white arabian named Gayu. �Hmph, horses,� said Gimli. �Never liked em� very much.� �It�s the fastest way to the ruins Gimli,� said Legolas. �Yes, I know that! I just don�t like em�, that�s all,� replied Gimli. Legolas tried to hide his smirk. �I saw that elf!� Gimli said looking offended. Aragorn took one last look at his family, and then turned and galloped out of the stables, followed by Legolas and Gimli. They rode out of the city heading west towards the Ruins of Shadra.



		Chapter 4 Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli rode for days. They passed through many different villages. Many of them were talking about this strange new force and whispers of Sauron having returned. The three travelers kept to themselves, and no one recognized Aragorn as the King of Gondor. After three weeks of traveling, a massive storm began. With no village in site, the three warriors searched for a place to make camp of for the night. Legolas was not affected by the storm being an elf, but Aragorn and Gimli, strong as they were, would get sick if they did not find shelter soon. After an hour of marching, the three travellers had almost given up hope when out of the distance came a familiar voice, �Hello out there! Who are you and why do you travel in this storm?� Aragorn replied, �We were caught in this storm, please tell us, is there a village nearby?� �No, but you may stay with me if you need shelter. No one should be out in this storm.� Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli looked at eachother. They weren�t sure if this man was friend or foe, but they needed a place to stay for the night. The voice came again. �Please follow me.� They couldn�t see the stranger�s face very clearly, but they had a feeling he was a friend, so they followed. After a few minutes, the three came upon a house. All around it was covered with gardens of beautiful flowers. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli tied the horses inside a shed next to the house. They then followed the stranger into the house. Once they entered, they felt the warmth of a burning fireplace hit them and the smell of food being cooked on a stove. They finally got a good glimpse of the stranger and they all gasped. �Faramir?!� Aragorn cried. �Aragorn?! Legolas and Gimli?!� replied Faramir astonished. They all started to speak at once, until another familiar voice was heard from the next room. �Faramir. What is going��.� The voice froze in midsentence as a young woman entered the room. It was �owyn! �What on earth!? Aragorn? Legolas? Gimli? I��what�.it�s good to see you!� she cried. �As it is you,� replied Aragorn, still astonished on meeting up with Faramir. �What on earth were the three of you doing out in that storm?� asked Faramir. �It is a long story,� said Gimli. Legolas� attention drew to the entrance of the next room where there was a small girl standing. Faramir noticed Legolas and followed his gaze. �Oh forgive me,� said Faramir waving for the girl to come over. She raced over and hid behing the skirt of Eowyn, peering at the strangers. �This is my daughter, Kana. She is 7 years old.� Kana this is Aragorn, King of Gondor, Legolas an elf of Mirkwood, and Gimli son of Gloin.� �Pleased to meet you,� said Kana slightly emerging from behind Eowyn. The three travellers smiled at her shyness. She certainly hadn�t inherited that from her mother thought Aragorn to himself. �Well the three of you look tired,� said Eowyn. Come, lets eat and speak of why you have come out in this storm.� After they had all had dinner and warmed in front of the fireplace, Eowyn sent Kana off to bed. Aragorn then told them where and why they were travelling. �Well I must say, I am glad I found the three of you,� said Faramir after Aragorn had finished. �I have heard the rumors, and they have been troubling me. I know that Sauron has supposedly been destroyed, but there could still be some evil lurking about Middle Earth. I do wish I could go with you, but I have a family to take care of now,� he said glancing at Eowyn. �Your hospitality is plenty of help for us Faramir, we can�t thank you enough,� said Aragorn. �Well, you should all be off to bed then,� said Eowyn. �You�ll need your rest.� �Yes,� said Faramir. �You still have a long journey ahead of you.� That night, as Aragorn drifted off to sleep, he felt happiness for Eowyn and Faramir. They loved eachother and had a beautiful home and daughter. He realized how peaceful Middle Earth had been since the destruction of the Ring, and he wasn�t going to let anything, mortal or spirit, change that.

		Chapter 5 The next morning, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli arose early. After breakfast, they saddled their horses and said goodbye to Faramir, Eowyn and Kana. �Many thanks for all your help Faramir, and you also Eowyn,� said Aragorn. �You are welcome here any time, all of you,� replied Faramir. Aragorn and Faramir clasped eachother�s hands. �You had better all stay out of trouble,� said Eowyn. �Now Eowyn,� replied Aragorn with a smile, �when have we ever done anything but?� Eowyn smiled and gave Aragorn a hug good bye. Gimli then whispered to Kana, �You keep the two of them out of trouble, alright?� he said nodding his head towards Faramir and Eowyn. Kana giggled and nodded her head friviously. Legolas smiled. They then mounted their horses and with one last nod to the happy family, rode off yet again towards the Ruins of Shadra. They managed to cover a fair amount of distance in the following uneventful weeks. They had to wait a few days for the river to settle down from the storm so they could get their horses across, but other than that, there were no further delays. �How much further do you reckon the ruins are?� asked Gimli one late afternoon. Legolas took a look around then glanced at the sun. �I don�t believe they�re much further,� responded Legolas. �We should be there before the sun sets.� �Good! I�m getting sick of riding this forsaken horse!� said Gimli. �Ha!� laughed Aragorn. �The almighty warrior Gimli Son of Gloin, is getting agitated by riding a horse!� �Maybe you should get off and let the horse ride you for a while!� said Legolas. Gimli grumbled something to himself as they came to the top of a hill. When they looked down they saw the remains of a mighty city beckoning before them. �The Ruins of Shadra,� said Aragorn. �Yes,� said Legolas. �We�ve arrived!� The three proceeded down the hill cautiously as not to trip the horses. Coming up to what appeared to be a dismangled gate, they entered the city. The city was quiet except for the chirping of nearby birds. Even though they were alone, they all felt the need to be silent, as if one sound could bring down what was left of the ancient city. All around them were ancient buildings, crumbled and falling apart. At the center of the city, stood a grand building that they assumed to be a temple or worship place of some sort. It was aged with time, but still intact. There were two large doors at the front of the temple, that even after centuries, still held. Around the front of the doors appeared some sort of writing, covered in moss and dirt. �I don�t suppose either of you can read that can you?� asked Gimli. �No,� replied Aragorn. �This language dates back so far into Middle Earth, it is even beyond the knowledge of the elves,� said Legolas. �Well that�s just all lovely and fine,� replied Gimli. �Knowing our luck, it�s probably some warning of gruesome death to all ye who enter!� �Do not even speak of such things Gimli,� warned Legolas. �I feel some�evil presence lies within here.� �Great,� sighed Gimli. �Well we won�t find anything waiting out here,� said Aragorn. �Come.� With that, they dismounted their horses and proceeded to the doors. Even though they were fairly large, the doors were easy to open. They entered into the darkness of the temple, not knowing what secrets the ancient temple held for them.
		Chapter 6 Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli proceeded with caution, unsure of what strange mysteries lurked in the temple. The room they had entered seemed to be a great hall of some sort. On either side of them were huge stone pillars. They followed what seemed to be a stone walkway to the front of the temple. Even though the temple was old and worn, they could just imagine how grand it had been centuries ago. They got to the front of the temple where they found what appeared to be an alter of some sort. After looking around for a while and finding nothing, the three travellers were beginning to get quite upset. Gimli sighed and said, �Well this is grand, travelling for weeks to come up with absolutely nothing!� �I do admit Aragorn,� replied Legolas, �we haven�t found anything.� Aragorn was just about to agree when he saw something moving out of the corner of his eye. He turned quickly to see someone disappear behind one of the stone pillars. �What is it?� asked Legolas. �I could have sworn I�d seen something,� replied Aragorn walking over to where he saw the shadow. The others followed him over to look for the mysterious person. �There�s nothing here,� said a frustrated Gimli. �Wait,� said Aragorn curiously. He looked down to what appeared to be an old torn rug. Aragorn bent down and lifted the rug revealing a trap door. �Well I�ll be,� said Gimli. They pulled on the handle of the door. It was difficult as the hinges were rusted. They finally managed to lift the door revealing a set of stairs that led down into the dark. �Shall we?� asked Aragorn. They proceeded slowly down the stairs.

		Chapter 7 The stairs led down into a dark damp room, but as soon as they set their feet on the floor of the room, torches lit up all around revealing a square stone room. There was nothing but a pool of water in the center. �Well, what shall we make of this?� asked Legolas. They walked over and looked into the pool of water. �Wait one minute!� said Gimli astonished. �Do either of you notice anything strange with this pool?� �Yes,� said Legolas slowly, �there are no reflections.� Aragorn reached slowly down and hesitantly touched the water sending off little ripples. Not a second later, a fierce gust of chilling black wind blew through the room, almost knocking the trio over. �Aah! What is this?!� yelled Gimli, but his voice was barely heard over the wind. All of a sudden the three heard laughter, evil laughter that sent a chill down each of their spines. The wind started to form into a shape. A giant figure appeared before them. He appeared to be man, but not a man at the same time. His hands and feet protruded into razor sharp claws and spikes running down his back to the end of a mighty tail framed a great pair of lizard like wings. Long black hair fell to almost the ground. His eyes though, his eyes were worst of all. A deep red glow that seemed to burn and small narrow pupils that seemed to stare right through them. Other than his eyes, there was no light about him at all. He appeared to be made of a dark smoke billowing around him. The figure grinned slyishly at Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli who were to stunned to think of anything to do. He spoke with a low voice that seemed to hiss at the same time, �Foolish mortals,� he laughed. �Journey all this way just to find nothing but death!� With that, he extended his long hand towards them. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli all attacked at the same moment, Aragorn with his sword, Legolas with his arrows and Gimli with his axe. They all bounced off his hand as if it was made of metal. He continued his approach and just before the hand reached them, the pool of water seemed to explode and a great light emerged. Water flew everywhere and another figure appeared before them, but this time it was a young woman. She seemed to be a ghost as she was transparent and outlined in light. She carried a pale white staff with her that held some ancient symbol at the top shaped as four S�s linking to eachother. All around the rim of her dress was mist pouring from the water. The creature hissed and screamed at the bright light. He faded and then vanished with a great gust of wind. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli stood astonished as the figure walked across the water of the pool towards them. �Greetings,� the young woman spoke. Her voice was beautiful, soft and gentle. It resonated throughout the room as though it echoed. �Please, tell us,� asked Aragorn, �who are you?� �I have no name,� she said, �Though I have been given one by the people of Middle Earth that I believe all of you know me by,� she said. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli looked at eachother before Legolas spoke, �My lady, are you known as Shadra?� She smiled and answered, �Yes.� �Then that creature you defeated,� asked Legolas �that was Telros?� �Yes,� she answered, �that creature of darkness was Telros, but he is not defeated, merely weakened.� �Then the rumors are true, Telros has awakened!� exclaimed Aragorn. �Yes he has been realeased, my power could only hold him in the Mancir for so long, but as you saw, he is not at his full power yet, or I would have been useless and Middle Earth would have been brought into chaos by now. Eventually he will gain his full power and destroy Middle Earth. Oh, how I have dreaded this day when my power would fail and he would again be freed. But there is still hope,� she said looking at Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. �I can destroy Telros once and for all, but only with the help of those whose spirits I reside in.� �You speak of the four chosen ones, yes?� asked Gimli. �Yes,� she said. �I sensed the good in your hearts and knew you could help me, which is why I helped you find this room� �That was you that I saw then?� asked Aragorn. Shadra smiled and nodded her head. �The three of you must journey across Middle Earth and find those who have my sprit. They are within four who come from each of the different races. An elf, a hobbit, a dwarf and one of the race of men.� �How shall we find them?� asked Gimli. Shadra lifted her hand and light seemed to gather from nowhere and come together to form a shape in her hand. It was a clear pendant formed in the shape of a diamond. �Take this,� said Shadra. �If you concentrate on my spirit, it will lead the way for you. But be warned, even though Telros has not been able to take complete physical form, he will send his followers to persue you. They could be anyone, man or other creature, so watch yourselves.� Shadra presented Aragorn with the pendant. �Would you answer me something my lady,� asked Aragorn. �How was it that Telros was freed? Where did the Mancir lie?� Shadra frowned and answered, �The Mancir had been hidden well, far beneath the land of Middle Earth were not even the dwarves could dig it up. Somehow though, Telros got so strong, the Mancir could not contain him, and he broke it�s seal.� �So then another War of the Ages will break out upon Middle Earth?� asked Aragorn. Shadra nodded sadly. �We will find the chosen ones Shadra,� said Aragorn, �and then Telros will be gone once and for all. Shadra nodded once more and with one last whisper from the wind of good luck, she vanished.

		Chapter 8 Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli exited the temple all wondering what would come next. �Well, where to now?� asked Gimli. �Maybe you should give the pendant a try Aragorn,� said Legolas. Aragorn nodded and lifted the small stone up in front of him. Closing his eyes he concentrated hard on the stone and asked in his mind for it to show him the first chosen one. All of a sudden, the pendant glowed a pale light and rose above Aragorn�s hands. The light got stronger and a strong gust of wind seemed to focus around the stone. The light came together and focused into a line that continued to the horizon towards the north west. The line lasted for a few seconds then disappeared and the pendant dropped back into Aragorn�s hands. Aragorn�s eyes opened and he said, �North West!� �We know that the four chosen ones come from each race, man, hobbit, elf and dwarf, and we all know what lies to the north west,� said Legolas. Aragorn and Gimli nodded. �The Shire,� said Aragorn.

		Chapter 9 It was late at night and a little chilly outside, but in a certain Inn there was nothing but warmth and the bellowing of voices slightly slurred by a little too much ale. Three familiar hobbits, Sam, Pippin and Merry, were standing on a table together bellowing out a song they�d made up together the night before after one too many ales. What shall we do with some excess hobbits? What shall we do with some excess hobbits? What shall we do with some excess hobbits, Halfway up Caradhras? Stick them in a snowball and roll them down. Stick them in a snowball and roll them down. Stick them in a snowball and roll them down. Halfway up Caradhras! What shall we do with some excess hobbits? What shall we do with some excess hobbits? What shall we do with some excess hobbits, Halfway up Caradhras? Throw them off the edge and wave goodbye. Throw them off the edge and wave goodbye. Throw them off the edge and wave goodbye. Halfway up Caradhras! What shall we do with some excess hobbits? What shall we do with some excess hobbits? What shall we do with some excess hobbits, Halfway up Caradhras? The three hobbits ended with a bow and the whole Inn clapped and laughed hysterically. Sam, Pippin and Merry climbed off the table laughing at eachother. All of a sudden, the door burst open revelaing three mysterious travellers. The inn went silent. It was very rarely anyone other then a hobbit had been seen in these parts. Sam, Pippin and Merry stood in shock, unable to say anything. Then all at once Sam, Pippin and Merry yelled different names, �Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli!� they cried. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli all smiled at the sight of their old friends. It had been a long time since any of them had seen eachother. �Ha ha ha!� laughed Sam. �What on Middle Earth are the three of you doing all the way up in the Shire?� �All in good time Sam, but first we�d like a place to stay.� �Yes, yes of course,� said Sam. He looked around and said, �now where did��.ah there she is. Elanor!� A little girl came over and hid behind Sam. �This is my daughter, Elanor. Elanor, this is Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. They�re old friends of mine.� Elanor smiled at the three travellers. �Elanor,� said Sam, �could you go find mommie?� �Okay!� she said then ran off. �She�s very shy of strangers,� said Sam. �So how have the you all been doing?� asked Aragorn. �Well,� said Sam, �We�ve all been doing great. Merry here was married just last year to a lovely lass named Ella.� Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli all smiled at the three of them. Merry laughed and turned to Pippin, �This one though,� he said, �still the most eligible bachelor in all of the Shire!� Merry and Sam laughed at this. �Ha ha, laugh it up you sorry bunch of saps. Im single and that�s just how I like it! I don�t have to worry about now wife nagging at me for being out too late, ey merry!?� Just the Elanor came back with Rosie. Rosie seemed a little taken aback by the strangers. �Guests I see,� said Rosie. �Hmm, very tall too. Don�t worry we�ve plenty of room. Come then I�ll show you to your rooms.� �This is my wife Rosie,� said Sam. �Rosie this Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.� Rosie stared for a few minutes shocked. �Daddie, daddie, aren�t they the ones from the story?� Sam laughed, �Yes Elanor.� Rosie showed the three to their rooms and after the Inn had cleared out a bit, Sam, Merry and Pippin sat with them to hear their story. *Disclaimer*credit for �What shall we do with some excess hobbits� goes to Alaktalwen.

		Chapter 10 �Well,� said Sam after Aragorn Legolas and Gimli had explained what they were doing in the shire. �That�s some tale. So there�s an evil spirit trying to take over Middle Earth again.� Pippin sighed, �And just when we thought Middle earth was out of trouble!� Aragorn frowned and said, �Yes, well the pendant has led us in this direction so we assume the first chosen one is a hobbit somewhere in the Shire.� �This pendant,� said Merry, �sounds quite interesting. I should very much like to see how it works.� �All in good time,� said Aragorn. �But for now, it�s late and we have an early morning tomorrow.� �So you three plant to venture all of Middle Earth facing who knows what danger to find these four chosen ones?� asked Pippin. �That is the idea Pippin,� replied Gimli. �Well then,� said Pippin. �I guess there�s no choice but for me to go with you.� Everyone in the room stared in shock. Pippin was certainly never the type to want to go looking for danger. �Pippin,� said Legolas, �I don�t think�� Pippin cut him off. �I was so relieved when I first got back to the Shire that all my trouble was over, but since then, I�ve felt like I was missing something. Well now I know what was wrong with me. I�ve been bored out of my skull. This peaceful life I dreamt of the whole while we were fighting Sauron just isn�t enough, so I�m going with you, like it or not!� �Yes,� said Sam. �I�m going too!� They all then stared at Sam. �Pippin�s right, besides, I didn�t almost risk my neck helping Frodo save the world before just to have some new evil spirit destroy it. It�s what Frodo would want!� They all stared at Pippin and Sam. Seeing this sudden change was so shocking. Then Aragorn smiled at Pippin and Sam, �Alright then, we�d be glad to have your help! We leave tomorrow morning so get some rest. �I wish I had the same enthusiasm as the two of you,� said Merry to Sam and Pippin. �But I fear I quite am used to this quiet life. I wish I could help you all.� �Don�t worry a thing Merry,� said Gimli. �You are quite fine to want to stay here. You have a wife now to take care of and you�ve already helped us out much in the past.� Merry smiled then turned to Sam., �Now all we have to worry about is how Rosie�s gonna take you leaving.� Sam chuckled nervously, �Aww, Rosie will be fine, heh heh�.�

		Chapter 11 �What!?� screeched Rosie. �Sam Gamgee! Do you honestly think I�m going to let you go wandering around Middle Earth!? You already helped save it before and I don�t think you need to go again! I don�t care how important this is! You�re not going!� Sam cringed at Rosie�s words and wondered how he was gonna dig himself out of this one. Pippin overheard the battle in the next room and thought to himself, �Sucker�.� �Rosie please, just��Rosie cut him off, �Don�t �Rosie please� me Sam Gamgee! You have a family to take care of now! Why can�t you be sensible like Merry and stay here! Let them take care of this!� Sam sighed and looked at Rosie. �Listen Rosie, I need to do this, not just for myself but for you and Elanor. You two matter to me more than anything and I can�t just sit back and wonder if my family is going to be alright. You have to let me go. I need to do this.� Rosie looked at Sam�s face and knew he had to go. Her stubborn frowned slowly changed to a worried one and her voice shook as she spoke, �Sam, you had better come back alive or I swear!� Sam smiled. �Don�t worry Rosie, I�ll be back before you know it!� He leaned forward and kissed her on her forehead. Elanor came in at that moment and seeing Sam�s packsack on the table, she asked, �Daddy, are you going somewhere?� Sam knelt down in front of Elanor and gave her a hug. �Yes Elanor,� said Sam. �Daddy has to go away for a while. Don�t worry, I�ll try to be back real soon, okay?� Elanor had noted the worried look on Rosie�s face and whispered, �Becareful daddy.� �Don�t worry sweetie, I promise I�ll be real careful. You look after mommy, ok?� �Yup!� said Elanor with a smile. Sam stood up and walked outside to meet with the others. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli had sold their horses deciding it was too much effort to take them with them. With a last hug and many farewells, the five travellers departed. Once they had reached the edge of a large field, Pippin asked, �So now where are we off to?� Legolas looked at Aragorn and he nodded. Aragorn took out the pendant. �Oh, goodie! I�ve been wanting to see how this stone thingy works,� said Pippin. Aragorn concentrated as before and the wind picked up. The stone hovered above Aragorn�s outstretched palm and a strong glowing line protruded. It pointed north across the field. After a few moments, the wind died and the pendant dropped. Pippin and Sam stood amazed. �Well I must say,� said Pippin. �That stone there is pretty useful!� Aragorn and the others smiled and headed across the field.

		Chapter 12 The five travelled for close to two weeks, until one day midafternoon, Aragorn stopped and took out the pendant. Amazingly, it had a dim glow around it. �What do you suppose that means?� asked Gimli. �Maybe it means we�re getting close,� said Legolas. �Let�s hope so,� said Aragorn. They continued north and after a few hours the glow around the pendant grew stronger until it was impossible to stare straight at. Then, all of a sudden, the glow quickly disappeared. Before anyone could say anything, they heard singing coming from ahead. They all looked at eachother and cautiously walked forward. The singing got louder until they came to a grove. It was full of flowers and standing in the middle was a young girl. She was a hobbit of course and probably only a year or two off her age of coming which was 33 years old. She wore a light blue dress trimmed in silver and her long reddish-brown hair was held back with a thin white ribbon. She held a basket full of flowers and she kept humming some tune unaware of their prescence. Aragorn whispered to Pippin, �Pippin.� He didn�t answer. �Pippin? Pippin!� Pippin jumped and turned quickly as if startled by the rest of them. �Oh, sorry,� he said. �What?� �I want you to go down and talk to her, she must be the first chosen one,� said Aragorn. �Me!� said Pippin, �Why me!? �Because she might be frightened off by one of us!� he replied. �She�s probably not used to outsiders.� �Well what about Sam?� he asked. �Well what about you?� asked Sam. �Fine,� sighed Pippin, �I�ll go!� Pippin stepped out of the line of trees. With her back to him, the girl still didn�t see him. For a second Pippin just stood there staring, then he remembered what he was supposed to be doing. He walked forward snapping a twig under his foot. The girl turned around startled by his appearance. �Oh, umm�did I scare you?� asked Pippin, �Sorry.� The girl smiled, �That�s okay, I�m just surprised about you being here. I thought I was the only one who knew about this place.� �Oh,� said Pippin. �What�s your name?� she asked. �My name?� Pippin froze for a moment and thought to himself, �my name? What is my name!?� �It�s Took, Peregrin Took, but everyone just calls me Pippin. What about you? Your name, I mean.� She giggled and answered, �I�m Diamond, Diamond of Long Cleave, it�s nice to meet you Pippin.� �Yeah, you too,� he answered. �She�s pretty� he thought to himself. �Wait! Now what was I supposed to do?� �Oh that�s right,� he said aloud. �You can come out anytime,� he said to the others still hiding in the trees. The other four slowly emerged. �It�s about bloody time!� said Sam. �Thought you were gonna forget about us!� �Diamond, these are my friends and we�ve come to talk with you,� said Pippin. Diamond looked confused but said, �Alright then, follow me, we�ll go to my house and talk.� They followed Diamond for a little ways before coming upon a small house built among the ground like most hobbit houses were. They all followed her inside though Aragorn and Legolas had to lower their heads to enter. �Sorry about the mess,� said Diamond. �I wasn�t expecting company.� All around their were flowers scattered about in pots and even pans. It was a little messy but it smelled great. After the table had been cleared off they all sat down and Diamond asked, �So why did you all come out all this way just to talk to me? And how did you find me anyway?� Aragorn took out the stone and placed it in front of Diamond. �This was given to us,� he said. �It led us to you.� Diamond seemed to be in some sort of trance. Her eyes were glazed over as she stared at the pendant. She slowly reached forward and touched it. The wind picked up even though they were inside. It gathered around Diamond and the stone glowed brightly. All of a sudden the wind died and the stone returned to normal as did Diamond. Diamond sat amazed. �That was strange,� she said. � I felt a part of me deep in side drawn to that pendant.� Aragorn explained to Diamond about their journey and who she was. �So you see,� said Aragorn, �If another War of the Ages is to arrive, we need you to help fight.� Diamond�s face had gone from a curious happy look to a sad one. �I don�t much like fighting,� said Diamond. �Diamond, you�ve got to understand,� said Aragorn. �The fate of everyone in Middle Earth is in danger.� Diamond closed her eyes and replied firmly, �No! I won�t. I won�t fight! I won�t kill even if it means the rest of Middle Earth.� Legolas noting the look on her face asked quietly, �What happened?� Diamond looked up at him then at the rest of them. �My mother and father were killed ten years ago. Even though it was long ago, I still remember it as if it happened today. They came to the door, all quiet like on big black horses. They were cloaked all in black. They asked where they could find Baggins. They made this horrible screeching noise and they hissed when they talked. I�d never been so scared of anything in my life. My father told them to get away from us and one took out a sword. My mother, she tried to stop it, but she�they��I watched my mother and father slaughtered in front of me. I�ve been alone ever since. I like to stay out here alone and grow my flowers. It makes everything seem peaceful. It makes the memories go away.� Everyone stood quiet. The rest didn�t need to be told to know who had killed her parents. It was obvious it had been the black riders that night. �You can all stay here the night if you want,� said Diamond. �There are a few extra rooms.� Diamond then walked outside. �I think she needs to be alone for a little while,� said Gimli. They all nodded. They agreed to talk with her again tomorrow morning after she had calmed down and they all turned in for the night.

	Chapter 13 That night, Pippin couldn�t sleep. He looked over at Sam who was snoring and gave him a kick in the side. Sam just groaned and kept snoring. Pippin sighed and got up. He went outside and dropped on the ground and stared a the stars. �Maybe I�ll just sleep here he thought.� �Pippin?� came a voice from beside him. He looked up. It was Diamond. �Uh�Diamond!� he said. �What are you doing up?� he asked. �Couldn�t sleep,� she said. �Yeah me too,� he answered. Diamond looked away and went quiet. �Um, are you allright Diamond?�asked Pippin. �Yes,� she replied. �I just don�t know what to do. My head is telling me that staying here is the right thing to do, that I should just keep living my life out peacefully. But then there�s another part of me that tells me to follow my instincts and to go with you and the others, like I serve a purpose.� Pippin thought about that for a minute before answering. �Diamond, I think you do serve a purpose, and I think that purpose is to come with us. I know it can be scary. Trust me I understand completely. That feeling like you don�t know what you got yourself into, and that what difference could you possibly make, and that maybe your not brave enough. But I believe in you. I think your destiny is to come with us and help us to save Middle Earth. I promise I won�t let anything happen to you. Will you trust me?� Diamond looked at Pippin for a few minutes. She saw the look in his eyes and wondered how he could sound so sure. So sure that she was the one, so sure that she could do anything. Then she realized that there was no future here for her. She was so caught up in the past here. She needed to let go of her parents deaths and move on. She smiled at Pippin and said, �Thank you Pippin, you�re right. I will go with you tomorrow. I guess I just needed a little help.� She leaned forward and gave Pippin a small kiss on his cheek. �See you tomorrow morning Pippin.� With that she went back inside. Pippin sat in shock for a few minutes. �Wow!� he said. �I actually did something good!� He lied there for a while. He wasn�t quite sure how much time passed before he went back inside, he just knew there was something special about Diamond he couldn�t quite put his finger on. �I�ll figure it out tomorrow,� he said yawning. Then he drifted to sleep.

	Chapter 14 The following morning, everyone but Pippin were slightly taken aback by Diamonds quick agreement to go with them. They all wondered what had changed her mind so quickly as Pippin just smiled at all their blank looks. Diamond wanted to replant all her flowers outside first, so they all helped. Sam seemed quite happy to be outside gardening. If only the rest of the journey could be this simple he thought to himself. After they had finished and Diamond had packed a few things to take along, Aragorn took out the pendant again. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the stone and asked it in his head to lead them to the second chosen one. The stone glowed brightly rising above his hands. The wind picked up as before, and a bright line of light raced towards the eastern horizon. Aragorn let his concentration go and the stone lost its bright glow. �So we�ll be heading east then,� said Gimli. �Looks like it,� replied Aragorn. They all set off east with Aragorn in front, then Sam, then came Diamond who was closely followed by Pippin and last in line was Legolas.

Chapter 15 A couple of weeks later, the weary travelllers decided to stop and rest for the night. Aragorn lit a fire, Legolas, Gimli and Sam went to look for fire wood while Pippin and Diamond went to get some water. While they were getting the water, Pippin noticed that Diamond seemed to be staring off into the distance with a blank look on her face. �Diamond?� he asked. �Huh? Oh! Sorry Pippin. What is it?� �Are you alright? You seem a little..off.� �Oh, sorry, I�m fine,� she said as she went back to looking at the horizon. �I just got this weird feeling�.� �A feeling? What kind of feeling?� asked Pippin. �Like, like something�s going to happen.� Pippin looked around and wondered what it could be. Aragorn had told him about the possibility of being attacked by followers of Telros. He had hoped that maybe the journey would go as easy as it had been going. �Come on,� said Pippin. �We should probably get back to camp.� Back at the camp Aragorn sat quietly, wondering who the next chosen one could be. Quickly, Legolas looked up from inspecting his arrows. �What is it?� asked Aragorn. �What do you hear?� �Wings,� muttered Legolas. Just then, everyone�s thoughts were interrupted by a loud scream. �That was Diamond!� exclaimed Sam. Aragorn took off into the trees in the direction of the river, closely followed by everyone else. They emerged by the river to find Diamond huddled against a tree terrified and Pippin wrestling in the water with some winged creature. It kept flapping around trying to get airborn, but Pippin kept it it on the ground. Aragorn ran forward drawing his sword and tried to pry the creature off of Pippin who was starting to lose the struggle. He was surprised at the strength of the creature, but what surprised him more was how Pippin had managed to hold him off. Aragorn grabbed the creature by the wing and drove his sword through. The creature cried with pain. It sounded like a mix between a dying bird and a man. An arrow came flying through the air and hit the creature in the chest. Legolas had shot the creature. The creature cried out once again with pain and fell limp in the river. It was the first time they all got a good look at it. It was totally black and it was shaped almost like a bat, but it had arms and legs. Instead of hands were talons, but what they all noticed the most was where there were supposed to be eyes, there were two black sockets bstaring at them. The creature had no eyes but Aragorn sensed that it could still see all of them. After a few moments, Aragorn reached down to touch the creature. It stirred and both Pippin and Aragorn backed off ready for another attack. All of a sudden, from the creature came a laugh. It was a breathless laugh but it was laughing at them. Then it spoke, �Ha ha, foolish creatures!� It coughed and spoke again between breaths. �You..will never�win against my�master!Ha ha!� �What are you!� asked Pippin firmly. The creature seemed to grin at Pippin. �I�am�a Dr�r! And�more will come�for you all!Ha ha�� With that, the Dr�r collapsed and died. �Well,� said Gimli. �What happened here?� �It wanted Diamond!� said Pippin. He walked over beside her and knelt down. �Are you alright?� he asked. �Yes, just a little shaken. I should�ve helped you, I�m sorry,� she said. �Don�t be foolish,� said Gimli. �We all know your no fighter and if it wanted you it�s probably best you stayed out of it anyways.� Diamond still felt guilty though. �Lets hope that was the last one of them for now,� said Aragorn. They all nodded in agreement. �Come on, we should all get back to camp and rest, we start early tomorrow morning.�

	Chapter 16 The next morning after breakfast, Aragorn used the stone once more and it still pointed east. They travelled for a few weeks and fortunately there were no more visits from any Dr�r. Late one afternoon Sam sighed, �When are we gonna find the second chosen one,� he asked. �It�s been almost a month! That stone hasn�t done anything! This is getting so annoying.� �Be patient Sam,� replied Gimli. �We all want to find the second chosen one as much as you do.� Sam sighed again and said, �I just wish that stupid pendant would do something!� Not a second after that, the stone started to produce a familiar glow. They all smiled. �The second chosen one must be close!� exclaimed Aragorn. They continued on for a few hours with the pendant getting brighter and brighter by the minute as before, and also like before it stopped it�s glow abruptly as they came to the edge of a lake. They waited for a few minutes before Pippin asked, �Well, where is the second chosen one? The pendant said they should be here.� �You don�t think that they might be in the lake do you?� asked Diamond. �I don�t see how it�s possible�� said Aragorn but he was cut off by Legolas. �Someone�s coming!� he said. �Everyone in the trees!� whispered Aragorn firmly. Everyone but Leoglas and Araogrn hid in the trees. Aragorn and Legolas hid behind a rock beside the bank of the lake. If it was another Dr�r they�d be ready. They were all taken by surprise when not a Dr�r but an elf emerged from the line of trees. She was very fair with her waist length blonde hair. Her eyes were a blue-silver color as that of most elves. Her dress was a pale green color mixed with different shades of green and brown. She looked very young though she could be thousands of years old for all anyone knew. Aragorn motioned for Legolas to follow him and for the others to stay put. The girl looked up hearing the two of them come out from behind the rock. �Who are you?� she asked. She looked at Aragorn then to Legolas. She was surprised to see another elf on Middle Earth. She thought that most of them had left across the sea. �My name is Aragorn and this is Legolas. What is your name?� �Nenu. You can tell your friends to come out. I can hear them.� Legolas smiled and turned towards the line of trees motioning for the rest to come out. �We apologize for hiding from you,� said Legolas. �We thought you might be someone else. We�ve come looking for you.� Nenu seemed confused and asked, �Looking for me? Why?� Just then the stone started to glow and the wind picked up. The lake formed waves that grew until they were almost reaching the group on shore. Eventually the wind died and everything returned to normal. Nenu knew that something was different about this group of strangers. That pendant had made her feel strange, as if it pulled at her. Before anyone could say anything, both Legolas and Nenu could hear an ear peircing scream from far away. Legolas had heard that scream before. It was a Dr�r. No one else heard it as it was too far way. Nenu looked at Legolas and asked, �What was that?� �It�s probably best if we continue this conversation somewhere else,� replied Legolas. Aragorn caught his expression and agreed. They all went into the woods and after a few minutes they found a cliff that provided good cover. After they all settled in Nenu waited patiently for someone to explain why they were here to see her. �Nenu, why are you all the way out here alone?� asked Legolas. �I�m not quite sure. I come from Lothlori�n, but when my people left, I didn�t want to cross the sea just then. I still felt pulled to Middle Earth, so I stayed. I�m assuming it has something to do with all of you.� �Yes, most likely,� replied Aragorn. Aragorn then explained to Nenu why they were looking for her. After he had finished, Nenu sat silent for a while then she spoke. �I�m not sure,� she said. �This is all a little hard to take in. I�m part of a spirit that�s supposed to fight in a war for middle earth?� �I know it�s a little scary,� said Diamond, �I was scared too. But we really need you. The lives of all of Middle Earth are depending on us!� Nenu thought again for a few minutes. Then she looked up at the faces of the others. She smiled and said, �Alright. I always knew that there was a reason I had stayed on Middle Earth.� Everyone smiled and then Aragorn said, �We�ll make camp here for the night.�

Chapter 17 That night, it was Legolas� turn to watch. Everything was quiet except for the constant snores of Pippin and Gimli. He turned to Nenu who was sleeping peacefully and smiled. He knew that after the Ring had been destroyed almost all of the elves of Middle Earth had departed for the Gray Havens. It was nice to know that he was not the only elf left. He turned to the lake and was just about to wake Gimli for his turn to watch when he heard it. It was a loud scream like a large bird coming from far away across the lake. A Dr�r. Most likely the same one he�d heard earlier that day. Nenu�s eyes shot open having heard it also. She stood up and looked at Legolas. �What is it?� she asked him. Before he had a chance to say anything, there where two more screams, coming from behind them. There was more than one thought Legolas quickly and they where getting closer. Aragorn awoke this time. �It�s Dr�r,� whispered Legolas, �three or more, and they�re getting closer!� �Wake the others!� replied Aragorn. Aragorn, Legolas and Nenu hastely woke the others though Nenu had to result to giving Pippin a small slap across the face before he even stirred. More screams came from around them and they hurried to find shelter beneath the trees. They�d had enough trouble with one let alone three thought Aragorn to himself. They had proceeded no farther than a few feet away from their camp than they heard loud crashing noises from behind them. Aragorn lifted his hand signaling everyone to freeze. Legolas peered through the trees and saw three Dr�r crawling across where they had all been sleeping just moments before. The Dr�r made sniffing noises as if they were smelling the ground. �They�ve just been here!� hissed one of the Dr�r. �They can�t have gone too far then!� replied another one. �Look around.� The three Dr�r seperated and proceeded to search the surrounding areas. One of them came close to the tree line where Legolas and the others had hidden themselves. Legolas quietly drew an arrow from his quiver and slowly drew it back. The Dr�r snapped it�s head up having heard the stretch of the bow, and looked directly at their hiding spot. He took a few steps towards Legolas making some sort of growling sound beneath his breath that sounded close to what a dog might do just before it attacked. The Dr�r was so close to Legolas now that he could hear and smell the foul creature�s breath. It was then that he let the arrow go. It hit the Dr�r just between the empty sockets where it�s eyes would be and the Dr�r howled with pain hissing and scratching at the bow. �Run! Now! All of you!� cried Legolas. The rest of the group took off through the trees. The sound of arrows flying through the air could be heard from behind them. They all lifted their heads up to the sound of wings above their heads, and a Dr�r wounded with an arrow through his shoulder landed with a crash in front of them. It swiped at Aragorn with its huge claws and missed by inches. Aragorn drew his sword and began to fight with the Dr�r but a second landed behind Aragorn knocking him down and sending his sword flying. The other Dr�r lifted its claws and was just about to strike when it was struck across the head. Furious the Dr�r turned to see Nenu holding a broken tree branch. Nenu began fighing with the Dr�r and Aragorn was slightly amazed at ther skills in fighting and got up quickly to retrieve his sword. Lunging at the fallen Dr�r he drove his sword into the creatures gut. He then turned around to find the other Dr�r already dead with an arrow wound through his chest. �Is everyone alright?� asked Aragorn. Everyone gave a short nod. �We�ve got to move quickly then, more might come.�

Chapter 18 Aragorn and the others walked for hours until it was close to sunrise. Aragorn was planning to cover a few more miles before stopping, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around to face Legolas who pointed behind him towards the three weary hobbits. Diamond�s eyes wavered and she looked like she was going to collapse. Sam and Pippin didn�t appear to be much better. Aragorn cursed himself for not having noticed their exhaustion earlier. After all, they�d only had a few hours rest before the Dr�r attacked. �We�ll rest here for now,� said Aragorn turning to the others. The hobbits looked up, grateful that they�d finally stopped. Diamond fell asleep immediately followed shortly by Sam. Pippin tried his best to stay awake, but eventually gave up and drifted into a deep sleep. Legolas and Aragorn went out to find some water while Gimli stayed behind to watch the others. After about half an hour, Legolas and Aragorn returned. Setting the water down Aragorn looked around. Suddenly he noticed one of the group was missing. �Gimli, where�s Nenu?� asked Aragorn. �She�s right there,� Gimli said pointing to the tree behind him. There was no one there. �Er, she was right there. That�s funny, she was there five minutes ago.� �Gimli!� exclaimed Legolas. �What? She�s probably fine.� �Probably!?� �Um, well�.I think she might of said something.� �Well?� asked Legolas. �I think she said something about going for a walk.� �You think!?� �I suppose, I might of accidentally drifted asleep for a few minutes.� �What!� said Aragorn. �Well I didn�t see anything, and I figured I�d just rest for a minute but I guess I fell asleep.� �Stay here,� said Aragorn, �and watch them. Don�t fall asleep this time! Me and Legolas will go look for her.� Aragorn and Legolas left towards the river. Once they reached the bank they looked around. �You go upstream,� said Aragorn, �and I�ll go downstream.� The two seperated moving in opposite directions. Figures, thought Legolas. Count on Gimli to fall asleep and let someone go missing. After a few minutes, Legolas began to hear some sort of music coming from ahead. The music got louder as he approached and he saw that it was Nenu. She was sitting on the bank playing what appeared to be a flute. Nenu kept playing unaware of Legolas� presence and Legolas stood watching. Legolas didn�t recognize the song, but it was slow and had a very beautiful melody to it. Nenu ended the song and looked up at the river. Legolas still didn�t say anything though, but felt content to just watch her quietly. �That song,� said Legolas after a few minutes. �What was it?� Nenu didn�t seem startled at his appearance almost like she�d known he was there. �It was a melody my mother taught me,� she replied standing up. �It�s beautiful,� replied Legolas walking up to her. Neither of them said anything for a few minutes but both felt a slight twinge at being so close to one another. Suddenly Legolas remebered that Aragorn was probably waiting for them. �I suppose we should get back now.� Nenu nodded. � Sorry I wandered off. I told Gimli that I was going for a walk to the river, but I don�t think he heard me.� �It�s alright,� replied Legolas. �It�s Gimli�s fault for falling asleep. He�s like that.� �I�m surprised to see an elf and a dwarf get along so well,� said Nenu. �Yes, well it certainly wasn�t like that in the beginning, but he sort of grows on you I guess.� Nenu laughed and they headed back towards the camp.

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