TITLE:                        Old Flame

 

AUTHOR:                   Bess

 

E-MAIL:                      hendersons5@btopenworld.com

 

RATING:                     PG13

 

SUMMARY:                 Legolas meets someone from his past and goes on a hunt to southern Mirkwood  to investigate the disappearance of a company of Galadhrim.

 

DISCLAIMER:           I own nothing of Middle Earth or any of Tolkien’s worlds or characters. Everything recognizable belongs to JRR Tolkien; anything else belongs to me. I have no permission to use these characters and will receive no money for this story. This story is written for enjoyment only. Please do not use my original characters or situations without asking first. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

Prince Legolas Greenleaf, son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood stifled a yawn.  He was tired.  Actually, in truth, he was bored.  Very bored.  Excruciatingly bored.  And frustrated.  He idly looked around at the other elves trapped with him and saw Elladan, one of Lord Elrond’s twin sons looking equally disinterested in the proceedings of the meeting they were both a part of.  He could tell that Elladan was not concentrating on the matter in hand by the way he was narrowing his eyes and trying to line up the quill with which he was using to make notes, with Erestor, Elrond’s Chief Counsellor’s head.

 

Legolas had been sent to Rivendell by his father, as his representative, to participate in the discussions regarding the worrying situation in the south of the great forest of Mirkwood where lay the old fortress of Dol Guldur.  There had been a steady increase in the numbers of orcs and other fell creatures in the whole region centred around the dark tower, and a meeting had been convened by the Lord of Imladris, Elrond Half-elven, to decide what, if anything, should be done.  It was being attended by all of the elf lord’s advisors, several Galadhrim from Lothlórien and, in addition to Legolas, one of Thranduil’s councillors, a wise elf by the name of Mîrdur.

 

The young elf had told those present all that he could about the situation hours ago, and was now exhibiting all the signs of youthful impatience, in spite of being several hundred years old.  He began to muse on his journey to Imladris and how good it had been to see Lord Elrond’s foster son, Estel, again.  He looked forward to going hunting later that afternoon with his friend, Estel and the young human’s twin foster brothers, if they ever got out of this blasted meeting.

 

“.....do you agree, Prince Legolas?”  Asked Lord Elrond suddenly, snapping the prince out of his reverie.

 

“Huh?” Said Legolas, uncharacteristically.  Elladan sniggered quietly at his friend’s discomfort.

 

“Do you agree?”  Said the elf lord fighting back a slight smile.

 

“Erm.....yes, of course, my Lord.” Said Legolas, squirming slightly with embarrassment.  He felt like a naughty elfling, caught out by his teacher.

 

“With what in particular?” Said Elrond, an eyebrow raised slightly quizzically.

 

“With.....all of it.  I.....I agree with all of it, my Lord.  I am.....I am sure that you have covered everything more than adequately.”  Legolas said carefully.

 

“Then since Prince Legolas agrees, we shall indeed stop for lunch.”  Announced Lord Elrond with an amused glance at the flustered prince.

 

Everyone left the chamber except for Elladan and Legolas.  Elrond’s son threw himself down onto a low couch with a heavy sigh, and the other elf went over to the window and stared out crossly at the beautiful autumn day that beckoned enticingly.

 

“This is insufferable” moaned Elladan.  “Why can’t we just get on and make up our minds and do something, instead of sitting around talking about it!”

 

Legolas gave a sigh of frustration.  “I cannot bear it any longer.  With respect to all the worthy elves present, we could talk and talk for hours more but nothing will be decided and nothing will be done.  I know what will happen, Imladris and Lothlórien will pledge support to my father, and we will return and continue to fight the evil that encroaches on our kingdom, with maybe a few more elves to help if we are lucky.” He said bitterly.

 

“I know.  I don’t think I can stand being cooped up in here much longer.”  complained Elladan.  He paused for a moment, looking at Legolas with narrowed eyes as if deciding something.  “Shall we sneak off?” He suggested.

 

“Your father would be furious.”

 

“But only after he found us gone, and by then it would be too late.” 

 

The two friends looked at each other for a moment.

 

“What would be the worst he could do?” Asked Legolas, extremely tempted by Elladan’s suggestion.

 

“Hmm.  Probably stable duty, or maybe scrubbing floors.  Personally, I think it is worth it.”

 

Legolas frowned, staring out of the window again.  He looked at Elladan, a glint in his eye, his mind made up.

 

“Oh, come on, let’s find Estel and Elrohir.  If we hurry we’ll be away before anyone notices!” Said the prince, heading rapidly for the door.

 

“I am with you, cousin!” Cried Elladan, leaping up and following his friend.

 

*****

 

Elrohir, Elladan’s identical twin was in the stables casting an expert eye over a slightly lame horse, and Estel, his human brother, was leaning over the stable door watching when the two truanting elves found them.  Estel was the young man’s elvish name, given to him by Lord Elrond when he took him into his care many years ago after the boy’s father, Arathorn, was killed.  His rightful name was Aragorn and he was the heir of Isildur, last King of Gondor, but his heritage was kept secret until such time as he could claim the throne.

 

Aragorn gave a smile when he saw the two elves approach.  “Oh good, has the council finished?” He asked hopefully.

 

“Actually, no.” Said Elladan a little guiltily. 

 

“It is to resume after lunch.” Added Legolas.

 

Aragorn looked disappointed.  “Oh well, perhaps there will be time tomorrow to ride out.”

 

“We rather hoped to go now.” Said Elladan.

 

“But I thought you said.....”

 

“I did.  But nothing will be done, everyone will just talk about it for hours, and meanwhile Mirkwood grows ever darker.” Said Legolas crossly.

 

Elrohir looked up sympathetically at the frustrated young prince.  Aragorn laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder. 

 

“I know how you hate to see Mirkwood so abused, Legolas.”

 

Legolas nodded.  “ I am sorry.  It is just that I can remember how beautiful it was before it was spoiled, though I was only an elfling at the time.”

 

“I remember it too.  It was very fair.” Said Elladan wistfully.

 

“So you are resolved to run away from all the talking?” Enquired Elrohir, stroking the lame horse.

 

“Yes, will you join us?”

 

Elrohir nodded to the groom who held the horse, indicating that he could take it away, and smiled broadly.

 

“Try and stop us!” He laughed, and the four of them rushed to get ready for their illicit trip.

 

*****

 

An hour later, three elves and one young human sneaked out of Rivendell and set off for the nearest hunting grounds.  They were not too bothered if they caught anything, they only really wanted an excuse to get outside and into the autumnal woods and glades around the residence.  They ambled along, speeding up when Elladan sighted a deer and slowing down when it eluded them, and were content to enjoy the late afternoon sunshine filtering down through the canopy of green and gold leaves and each others companionship.

 

“You are very fortunate.” Sighed Legolas, lying back against a tree and staring up into the branches above his head.  They had stopped for a rest in a glade before returning back home.

 

“Why is that?” Asked Aragorn.

 

“This valley is so beautiful.  I wish.....” He said sadly, and then stopped, shaking his head. 

 

“Mirkwood will be beautiful again, Legolas, I am sure of it.” Said Elladan.  “Evil does not last for ever.  Not while we have strength to fight it.”

 

The prince smiled at his friend gratefully, just as Elrohir gave a puzzled frown and sat up.

 

“What is this?  Something draws near!”

 

The four were on their guard immediately, looking towards the sound of a rapidly nearing horse.

 

The riderless animal burst into the clearing a moment later, hot and sweaty and obviously in distress.  Legolas leapt forward and managed to catch hold of its reins while murmuring soft soothing words.

 

“It is an elvish horse, but where is its rider?”  Worried Elladan.

 

“They must have fallen.” Suggested Aragorn.  All three elves turned to the young man with raised eyebrows.

 

“What?.....Well all right, I know that elves do not simply ‘fall’ off their horses, but perhaps they have been hurt.” Said Aragorn indignantly.

 

“Legolas, will you stay here with the horse, while we see if we can solve this mystery?” Asked Elrohir.

 

Legolas agreed, stroking and patting the frightened beast, and the twins and Aragorn set off along the path the creature had taken.

 

They did not have to go very far when Elrohir gave a yell as he spotted a figure lying on the ground ahead.  It was a female elf and she had obviously been riding long and hard.  She was dressed as one of the Galadhrim, though she was dark and obviously not from Lothlórien, and her clothes were torn and dirty.  As the Elrohir reached her she gave a moan and sat up. 

 

“ Please, do not try to move for a moment.  Are you hurt?” He asked.

 

“Only my shoulder.”  She winced as he touched it gently.

 

“What happened?” Asked Elladan, as he reached them both.

 

“Orcs.  They chased me.  I got away but not before one of their arrows grazed my arm.  It frightened my horse and I fell.”  She replied, trembling a little.

 

Aragorn looked around anxiously.  “How many were there?”

 

“Three, I think.”

 

“They may still be around, do we track them?” Aragorn asked his brothers.

 

“No, we must get this lady back home.  The arrow may be poisoned.  We will send out a party to hunt for the orcs later.” Said Elrohir, helping the elf to her feet.  She clutched at him unsteadily for a moment.

 

“Please, I will be all right, do not worry about me.  I must get to Imladris, do you know the way?”

 

“You are fortunate for that is our home.  We are the sons of Lord Elrond.  We will take you there immediately.  Our companion has your horse, and we are not far from Rivendell.” Assured Elladan.

 

“ Thank the Valar.” Sighed the female elf in relief, and let herself be led back to the glade where the friends had rested earlier.

 

When Legolas heard voices, he looked up and on seeing the female elf with his companions, he froze, a look of astonishment on his face.

 

“Dúwen?”

 

She looked at him and her eyes widened.  “Legolas?” She said with a gasp, and promptly fainted, throwing the twins and Aragorn into a panic.

 

“ You know her?” Asked Elrohir, as his twin and foster brother tried to revive the elf.

 

“Yes.  I knew her a long time ago.” Murmured Legolas with a frown but did not add any more.  “Is she hurt?”  He asked, greatly concerned.

 

“Not badly, but I would like Father to look at her.  She has been scratched by an orc arrow.”

 

“I will ride with her.  Follow with her horse.”  The prince said tersely and, without further ado, scooped Dúwen up effortlessly into his arms.  As soon as he mounted his animal with her seated in front of him he urged it forwards in haste, swiftly disappearing out of sight.

 

“Well.” Said Aragorn as he watched his friend vanish into the woods.

 

“Well indeed.” Said Elladan, astounded by Legolas’ behaviour.  “Has Legolas ever mentioned an elf called ‘Dúwen’ to you brother?”

 

“No, never.”

 

“Then I think we had better follow quickly, if we are to find out more!” Said Elladan and the three brothers mounted and followed their friend.

 

*****

 

The party returned to Rivendell in haste and looked for Legolas.  Dúwen had not yet revived after her collapse on seeing the prince, and the twins and Aragorn found him pacing up and down impatiently outside her room for news of her condition, just as their father came out to speak with him.

 

“How is she?  How is Dúwen?” Legolas asked Lord Elrond anxiously.

 

“She will be fine, she awoke and I have spoken with her.”

 

“Can I see her?” Said Legolas, making for the door.

 

“Later, she is resting now.  She has had a long and arduous journey.  I will tell you all that she has told me,  but first I must attend to the cut on her arm.”

 

“Is it bad?  Is it poisoned?”  Said the prince, frowning desperately.

 

“No, no.  Do not worry.  It must be cleaned and dressed, that is all.”

 

“How soon can I see her?” Said Legolas, pestering the older elf.

 

“Go and sit down, Legolas.  I will come and find you when I am ready.” Said the exasperated healer.

 

Legolas nodded reluctantly and allowed himself to be led into the nearby hall by his three friends, and sat in a chair by the fire.  He stared into the flames with a far away look in his eyes.  The twins and Aragorn looked at each other, holding a silent conversation with surreptitious glances and gestures towards the prince who remained quite oblivious to their desperate longing to know more about the mysterious female elf.

 

Elladan could hold his curiosity no longer.  “Legolas, how do you know Dúwen?”  He asked bluntly.

 

“We were betrothed.” Legolas murmured, still gazing at the embers and lost in thought.

 

“What!” Cried all three brothers at once.

 

Legolas looked up to see his friends shocked faces.  “I told you, it was a long time ago.”

 

“But you have never mentioned this, ever!” Exclaimed Aragorn.

 

“It slipped my mind.” Said Legolas, a little defensively.  He obviously did not want to discuss the subject further but realised he was not going to be allowed to drop it.

 

“Getting married does not ‘slip your mind’!” Said Elladan with a snort.

 

“ I did not say we were married, I said we were betrothed.” Said Legolas crossly.

 

Elladan and Elrohir both grinned in amusement.  This was becoming a very interesting story.

 

Aragorn however could see that Legolas was worried about Dúwen and went and sat on the couch next to him.

 

“ What happened?” He asked gently.

 

Legolas sighed, rubbing his eyes with his hand.  “ She found another.”

 

“ I am sorry.” Said Aragorn sympathetically.

 

Legolas gave a small, wistful smile. “It was a very long time ago, Estel.  We were both very young.  Her father was one of my father’s advisors.  It seemed a good idea.  We liked each other a great deal, but then she met a visiting elf from Lothlórien called Rildur and they fell hopelessly in love.  My father was furious and threw her and her father out of Mirkwood.  He felt that her rejection of me was an insult to our family.”

 

“Did you love her?” Asked Elrohir sitting on the floor cross legged in front of Legolas.  The prince gave a frown.

 

“ I thought I did, at the time.  I was hurt when she left, but my disappointment did not last for long, so I think that perhaps what I believed was love was really the fondness and affection of two close friends.”

 

“Do you care for her now?” Asked Elladan, leaning against the fireplace.

 

“I am worried about her.  I do not like to see her suffer so.  Why was she riding so fast to Rivendell as if the hounds of hell were at her heals?” The prince said anxiously.

 

“Perhaps Father will be able to tell us more when he has finished taking care of her.” Said Aragorn, giving Legolas arm a comforting squeeze.

 

“ Did she marry Rildur?” Asked Elrohir, still sitting on the floor, now with his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands as if hearing a bedtime story.

 

“I do not know what happened to her after she left Mirkwood, Elrohir.  I think that saddened me more than anything.  We were friends and I lost her.”

 

“ She was dressed in the style of the Galadhrim.” Said Elladan.

 

“Indeed she was.” Said Lord Elrond, coming into the room.  Legolas jumped up at once. 

 

“How is Dúwen?” He asked.

 

“ As I said, she will be fine.  The cut to her shoulder is not deep, and the wound was not poisoned.  Do not worry, Legolas.”

 

“Why is she here?  What brought her to Rivendell in such haste?” Said Elladan.

 

Lord Elrond joined the eldest twin by the fireplace. “It is a worrying tale, and highly relevant to the council meeting that two of you should have been at this afternoon.” He said, glaring a little at Legolas and Elladan.

 

“Sorry, Father” mumbled Elladan.

 

“Hmm.  I have not forgotten your disrespect.” Said his father, narrowing his eyes.

 

“No Father.” Said the elf sheepishly.

 

Elrond stared at the flames for a moment frowning.  “ It appears that Dúwen’s husband, Rildur,  has gone missing, along with several of  his fellow marchwardens while guarding the eastern fences of Lothlórien.  It is believed that they must have been attacked without warning.  They vanished with little trace.  All of them were experienced fighters.”

 

“Then they did marry.  I am glad.”  Murmured Legolas under his breath, and added, “but my Lord, why did Dúwen come here.  Surely the Galadhrim are more than capable of dealing with the safety and security of the Golden Wood, without help from anyone else.”

 

“Normally, yes.”

 

“Then what is different?” Asked Elrohir.

 

“I said that there was little trace of the missing guard, but what there was seemed to indicate that they had been taken, alive, into southern Mirkwood, heading for Dol Guldur when the trail was lost, and the few signs that there were suggested that the captives were all dead.”

 

“Dol Guldur?” Exclaimed Legolas in horror.

 

“ I am afraid so.  Dúwen begged Lord Celeborn to send a further search party, but he believed it to be hopeless.  She knew of the council meeting here and decided to come and plead for help.  She is convinced that her husband is still alive.”

 

“May Ilúvatar forgive me if I pray that he is not.” Said Legolas going pale.  “Dol Guldur is a most terrible place.”

 

“She says that she knows you Legolas, and has asked to speak with you privately.”

 

Legolas nodded.  “We were close.  Once.  I will come.”  He said and followed the elf Lord from the room.

 

*****

 

When Legolas entered the chamber and saw Dúwen lying pale and drawn on the bed, his heart gave a small leap.  He had not been totally honest with his friends.  He had been very hurt when the beautiful elf had told him she could not go through with their proposed marriage, for in spite of what he had told Elrohir, Legolas had loved her very much.  However he had seen that she did not return his feelings and willingly released her from her promise.  It had taken him a very long time to forget his heartache, and seeing her now reminded him of the feelings he once had.

 

Pushing away his regrets he went to sit by Dúwen’s side and she looked up at him with the gentle smile that he remembered so well.

 

“I could not believe it when I saw you, Legolas.” She whispered.

 

Legolas laughed.  “I was more than a little surprised myself.  How is your shoulder?”

 

“A little sore, but it will heal quickly.  Lord Elrond has been very kind.”

 

“I am glad.”

 

There was an awkward silence.

 

“Legolas.....I am sorry.  I never wanted you to be hurt.” Said Dúwen, taking hold of the prince’s hand.

 

“That was a long time ago, Dúwen.  I am sorry that I lost your friendship.  I did not want you to leave Mirkwood.”

 

“I know.”

 

Another uncomfortable pause.

 

“ I am sorry to hear about Rildur.  He was a proud warrior, a formidable archer.”

 

Dúwen frowned.  “ He is still alive Legolas.  I am sure of it.” She said, closing her eyes as if searching for an invisible connection to the elf she loved.

 

“I believe you.” Said Legolas, not knowing why, but he did.

 

“Many do not.”  Dúwen began to cry.  “I do not know what to do anymore.  I cannot give up hope.  I would know if he were dead, would I not?” She said, sobbing.

 

Legolas pulled her into his arms and soothed her, patting her head and rocking her gently. 

“ I am certain of it, Dúwen.”  He pulled back and lifted her chin, looking into her eyes.  Whether it was the deep sorrow for her missing lover that he saw there, or whether it was because of the love that he still had for her he never knew, but something in her eyes made him want to do something, anything to comfort her. 

 

Before he thought about it he said, “I will find him for you, I promise.”

 

“Would you?  Would you do that for me?  But no,  I cannot ask you, no, it is far too dangerous, Legolas.” Dúwen cried.

 

Legolas held her tightly as she wept even harder.  Having made his impulsive vow he would not break it.  “I will find him, and I will bring him back to you.  I give my word.” He said, recklessly.

 

Slowly Dúwen ceased crying, and Legolas released her from his embrace.

 

“Tell me all that you know of Rildur’s disappearance.” He asked gently.

 

“It is thought that he and the other wardens were attacked and taken captive, though no one knows how this could be.  They were all strong, experienced warriors.  A search party followed their trail to the edges of Mirkwood, and there the search party found some of their clothes and weapons, but not all.  There were no signs of a struggle or fight and no.....no.....” Dúwen drew a shaky breath.

 

“Take your time, it will be all right.” Soothed Legolas.

 

Dúwen swallowed.  “There were no bodies.”

 

“It is a puzzle, certainly.  The Galadhrim would not have given in to aggressors without a fight.  Was there anything else?”

 

“There were indications that they were headed towards Dol Guldur.  The search party ventured a little way into the forest, but found nothing further.” 

 

Legolas sat lost in thought for the moment until Dúwen sighed heavily. “It is hopeless, Legolas.”

 

“There is always hope.” Said Legolas suddenly rising from her bedside and making ready to go.

 

“I wish I could believe that.” Said the unhappy elf.

 

“Then let me believe it for you, Dúwen.  I will set out immediately and head for southern Mirkwood.  I *will* find Rildur for you and I will bring him back.  This I have promised.”  He gave Dúwen a warm smile.

 

“Please, Legolas, take care.  I could not bear to lose you again.” She said in a small voice.

 

“I will.” And with a brief kiss to the top of Dúwen’s head he left her room.

 

*****

 

Legolas went directly to his quarters and, after gathering a few things that he thought he would need, he headed for the stables.  As he made his hasty preparations he asked himself again and again why he had made such a promise to Dúwen.  It was not that he was afraid, though the prospect of an excursion into the heart of southern Mirkwood did not exactly fill him with delight, but now that he had left the she-elf’s side he began to have doubts that he would be able to find her missing husband.  He grimly shook his misgivings aside.  He would bring Rildur back, whether he were alive or dead.  The least he could do was to find out what had happened to him and his companions.

 

Should he tell Estel and the twins?  Perhaps not.  They would only try to stop him from going on a fool’s errand.  He hesitated briefly, and then decided to leave a written note. He hastily scrawled a message and left it on his bed.  That way he ensured that it would not be seen until much later in the evening, when it was too late to follow him.  Night was falling, but Legolas did not want to wait until the cold morning sun cast its critical light on his decision.

 

As soon as he was ready, he mounted his horse and rode out of Rivendell heading south towards the Redhorn pass.  It would take him several days to reach Lothlórien if he rode hard. He intended to gather as much information as he could as he passed through the Golden Wood, and then follow the trail of the missing Galadhrim, if there was indeed anything left to follow. 

 

*****

 

“I wonder why our friend never mentioned the Lady Dúwen to us before?” Mused Elladan.

 

The situation had been the topic of conversation for quite some time among the brothers after the prince left with Lord Elrond.

 

“As Legolas said, it all happened a very long time ago.  I do not think he wished to talk about it.”  Said Aragorn.  He had noticed the way his friend had talked about Dúwen and felt that the elf was not being completely truthful about his feelings.  He sensed that Legolas had been hurt more than he admitted earlier, and wanted to protect him from the twin’s curiosity.

 

“ I wonder what happened to the Galadhrim wardens?  That is a real puzzle.” Said Elrohir, frowning and shaking his head.

 

“Indeed.” Agreed his brother.  “It is almost as if they went willingly with their captors, but I cannot believe that.”

 

“Strange things come out from Dol Guldur.  Lothlorien has always looked eastwards with caution.”

 

“It is true.  Let us go and find Legolas, and see if Dúwen has told him any more about her husband’s disappearance.” Said Elladan, and the three left looking for their Mirkwood friend.

 

By this time Legolas was well on his way, though his companions did not know this.  They were not particularly concerned when they did not find the prince immediately, assuming that he was either still talking to Dúwen or Lord Elrond, or that he had sought out his father’s advisor to let him know of the situation in the far south of the woodland Kingdom.

 

It was not until they met for dinner late that evening that they realised Legolas was missing. 

 

“Father, have you seen Legolas this afternoon?” Asked Elrohir.

 

“Not since I took him to speak with Dúwen.  Why, have you not seen him?”

 

“None of us has.  We thought that he was with you or his father’s advisor, but Mîrdur has not seen him either.” Said Elladan, a slight niggling worry working its way into his mind.

 

Aragorn had more than a niggling worry.  “He has gone to Mirkwood alone.  I know it!” He exclaimed.

 

“Surely not.....” Began Elrohir, but then he groaned.  “Ai!  You are right, it is exactly what he would do.”

 

“ I will look in the stables and see if his horse is missing.....” Called Aragorn as he left the room.

 

“.....and I will check his room.” Said Elladan, heading towards the prince’s chambers.

 

A few minutes later Aragorn and Elladan returned with grim expressions.

 

“The groom said that Legolas left early evening, and was prepared for a ‘long’ journey.” Reported Aragorn with a sigh of frustration.

 

“Here is a note, it was on his bed.” Said Elladan, and the three brothers and their father gathered round to read it.

 

My friends,

I have gone to find Dúwen’s husband, Rildur and the other Galadhrim.  I promised her that I would bring him back.  I know it is folly.  Do not follow - I do not wish to lead you into danger.  Please give Mîrdur the other letter I have left and ask him to take it to my father.

Legolas

 

“What shall we do, we cannot let him go alone.” Said Elrohir, beginning to walk towards the door.

 

“We must leave straight away, and maybe we can catch him up.” Added Elladan, moving swiftly across the room.

 

“I will get the things we will need.” Said Aragorn, half way to the passage.

 

“Wait, my sons.” Said Lord Elrond, stopping all three of them in their tracks.  “You will not catch Legolas even if you leave this minute.”

 

“But Father!.....”

 

“But he is.....”

 

“We must hurry and.....”

 

“I did not say you should not follow.  Wait until first light, and then ride hard.  I would guess that he has headed to Lothlórien, you may be able to overtake him there.”

 

The three brothers reluctantly agreed and set about making preparations.  Elladan gave the prince’s note to Mîrdur, who was extremely upset at the thought of telling King Thranduil of his errant son.  He knew the King’s temper too well.

 

As dawn broke, Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn were in the courtyard, mounted and ready to follow Legolas.  Elrond stood on the shallow steps of his house to bid them farewell, Dúwen tearfully by his side.  When she had been told that Legolas had gone alone to find her husband she had sobbed guiltily, convinced that she was responsible for sending him to his death. Elrond had calmed her fears, reassuring her that the prince was more than capable of looking after himself, and in any case his three sons were going to find him and offer what help they could, even though in his heart he felt that this quest of the young elf’s was foolhardy and reckless.

 

“Take great care my sons.  Remember that Legolas knows Mirkwood far better that any of you, even the little travelled southern region.  Do not take risks in trying to find him, and stay away from Dol Guldur if at all possible.” He warned the two elves and the young human.

 

“We will, Father.  We will bring the prince home safely.” Said Elladan.

 

The elf Lord raised his hand in farewell and the three spun about on their horses and flew out of the gates of Rivendell, following the path of their friend.

 

*****

 

Legolas made good progress on his journey, not stopping through the night or the best part of the next day, except to rest his horse briefly by a stream.  As the leagues pounded by under his horse’s hooves, his mind was free to ponder the situation that he found himself in. 

 

He could not honestly explain why he had offered to find Rildur and the missing elves.  He had been deeply touched by Dúwen’s grief and his realisation of how much she loved her husband. And he was surprised at the feelings in himself that he thought long buried.  He always would do anything for her, even when it came to releasing her into the arms of another.  He took great comfort in the fact that he had done the correct thing centuries ago.  She was obviously meant to be with the fair Galadrhim.  He smiled ruefully to himself.  That was not how his father had seen it.....

 

 

.....“What!  Bring her father to me at once!” King Thranduil had raged throughout his halls, a very young Legolas at his heels.

 

“Please, Father, do not.....I beg you!”  The young prince was mortified and hurt enough without his father adding to his discomfort.

 

“I will not have my family slighted in this way!” He snapped at his son, not seeing the pain he himself was causing in his anger.

 

“But it is all right, really it is.  Dúwen loves someone else more than me.”  He pleaded.

 

The King snorted, “Ha! A Lothlorien warden is considered more worthy of the vixen’s affections than a Prince of Mirkwood?”

 

“It is not like that.” Murmured the desperate young elf.  “I just want her to be happy, Father.  She is my friend.  She would not be happy if we were to marry.  I do not wish to hold her to her pledge, she would always hate me for it.”  Legolas felt wretched enough about the whole situation.  He did not want to have to defend his kind heart to the King.  It hurt too much already.

 

The King reached his throne and threw himself down on it.  “Sit.” He demanded of his son, who slumped in his seat by his father’s side, a picture of misery.

 

Dúwen’s father, Fëaas, was brought in front of King Thranduil.  The poor elf was terrified, he had seen his King in a temper many, many times when acting as his advisor.  But he loved his daughter, and knew that she had meant no harm.  Love can be fickle.

 

“Well! What have you to say to me about your daughter’s disgraceful conduct?!”

 

“Father, please.....” Thranduil silenced his son with a fierce gesture.

 

Fëaas swallowed nervously.  “M.....My Lord.  She is very young, I.....I told her that I thought she was a little hasty when she accepted Prince Legolas’ prop.....”

 

“You told her she was ‘hasty’!  What is wrong with my son?  Is he not fair?” Shouted the King, completely oblivious to his son’s embarrassment and distress.  Legolas closed his eyes tightly and gave a little whimper.

 

By now all the elves in the Great Hall had fallen silent, all feeling uncomfortable for their beloved prince.  They knew how impossible the King could be, and also how much he adored his son.  Anything that hurt the young elf  hurt his father also, but King Thranduil always reacted with fury rather than sympathy and comfort.

 

“That is not what I meant at all, your Majesty.  I merely felt that she was too young to be certain of her heart.  I deeply regret that I did not insist that she wait before promising herself to your son.” Said Fëaas, managing at last to compose himself.  He could see how unhappy Legolas was, and wanted to draw this whole sorry scene to a close as fast as possible.  He had grown fond of Thranduil’s son in the past few months and knew that he loved his daughter very much.

 

“You are not welcome at my court any longer, Fëaas.  If you cannot manage your own daughter, you are not fit to advise me.  Take her and leave immediately.” Said Thranduil, coldly.

 

“My Lord!.....”

 

“Please, Father, no!.....” Cried Legolas, he did not think he could bear it if he lost Dúwen as a friend as well.

 

Thranduil ignored his son’s plea.  “Go.  Now.”

 

Fëaas bowed, and, giving a sympathetic glance to the young, miserable elf, he left the hall and Mirkwood.....

 

 

.....Legolas sighed at the memories.  That day was one he would never forget.  He had tried to follow Dúwen and her father to tell them that he bore no ill will, but the King would not let him do so and he had never seen her again, until she fell from her horse in Rivendell, hundreds of years later. 

 

And now he was heading towards.....what?  What had happened to the missing wardens?  The mystery greatly intrigued him, sparking his natural curiosity.  He rode hard on into the evening, putting as much distance as he could between him and Rivendell.  He guessed that Aragorn and the twins would follow in spite of his note to them and did not want to give them any opportunity to catch him up.

 

He planned to stop as little as possible, trusting to good fortune that he would not meet any trouble on the way.  His luck held, and daybreak several days later found the prince looking down from the Misty Mountains at the fair woodland realm of Lórien.

 

*****

 

Aragorn and his twin foster brothers had not had quite the good fortune of their silvan friend.

They had been delayed by the young man’s horse losing a shoe, a minor but annoying encounter with some wolves and an irritating skirmish with half a dozen orcs, none of whom survived to tell the tale.  By the time they reached Lothlórien, Legolas had already passed through two days previously.

 

Elladan and Elrohir had visited the Golden Wood many times, but Aragorn had never visited Lothlórien before, and was curious to see the land he had heard so much about from his brothers.

 

The Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, who ruled the realm and kept it safe, were the twins’ maternal Grandparents.  Their mother had left for the undying lands many years ago after she had been captured and tormented by orcs.  Although she had escaped with her life, Middle earth no longer held any beauty for her and she could stay no longer.  She waited in the Blessed Realm for her family to join her when the time came for all elves to leave Middle earth and go to the West. 

 

As soon as the three travellers crossed the borders, they were met by a party of Galadhrim and taken to meet with the Lord and Lady of the wood.  Vast Mallorn trees towered above them as they were led to the very heart of the kingdom, their smooth silver trunks seeming to reach almost infinite heights to the shimmering golden leaves above.  High in the branches were graceful platforms and structures, the city of Caras Galadon.  The tallest of the trees held the talan of the Lord and Lady, and Aragorn nervously climbed the ladders to the top, following his more confident foster brothers.

 

He stood anxiously beside Elladan and Elrohir as the two graceful and powerful elves approached.  They were both tall, with silver gold hair and eyes of an indeterminate colour that shifted like water reflecting the sky.  When Galadriel’s eyes met the young man’s he felt exposed, ripped open, as if she were searching deep within his soul.  He gazed bravely and openly back at her, trusting and willing to accept her scrutiny.  Whatever she found there satisfied her for she smiled at him, giving the slightest of nods.

 

Aragorn let out a breath he had not realised he held, and relaxed a little.  He felt as though he had passed a test.

 

“Welcome, sons of my daughter, and welcome, Isildur’s heir.”

 

Elladan and Elrohir bowed gracefully and formally, and then ran forward and embraced their grandmother warmly.  They were the only beings she ever allowed to do so.  She smiled fondly at them both.

 

“Do not be so nervous, Aragorn, I will not bite you.” She said, laughing.  Celeborn took her hand and kissed it gently.

 

“You underestimate your formidable presence my dear.” He said, chuckling.  He turned to the twins.  “I have business to attend to.  When your grandmother has finished hearing all the Imladris gossip from the pair of you, come and find me and I will tell you what I told the Mirkwood prince about the missing Galadhrim.”  And with a bow to his wife, he left.

 

“How long ago did Legolas pass through these lands, Grandmother?” Asked Elrohir.

 

“He left our borders for the East two days ago.”

 

“As long ago as that?” Groaned Aragorn.

 

“We were delayed longer than we expected, Estel, it could not be helped.” Said Elladan, knowing how frustrated the young man was.

 

“He stayed here only long enough to gather the information he needed, although there was not much to tell.  I must admit, I was greatly surprised when he arrived and announced his intention to find our missing marchwardens.  He would not even tell us how he knew of their plight.”

 

“It was Dúwen, Grandmother.  She came to Imladris for help.”

 

“The wife of Rildur?  Yes, she believes that her husband still lives.  But why would the Prince of Mirkwood be so concerned with the wife of one of my Galadhrim?”

 

Aragorn spoke before his brothers had the chance to gossip.  “They knew each other a long time ago in Mirkwood, my Lady.” He said firmly.

 

“Ah, yes, Dúwen was from Mirkwood, I had quite forgotten.” Said Galadriel with a knowing glance at Aragorn.

 

The young man had the distinct feeling that the Lady knew exactly what the situation had been.

 

“Have you been able to ‘see’ anything in your mirror concerning the missing warriors, Grandmother?” Asked Elrohir openly. 

 

Elladan frowned at his brother and shook his head sharply, Aragorn looked puzzled at the exchange and Galadriel raised one perfect eyebrow.  The Lady had a magic mirror, a dish which, when filled with water, reflected the past, the present and what the future might hold if paths were taken or ignored.  She could use it and on rare occasions allowed others to look into its depths, but the meaning of the things seen was not always clear.  It was a rare and hidden treasure and something that was not usually spoken of so casually.

 

Elrohir blushed a little.  “Oh, I am sorry Grandmother.  I forgot.  I should not be so presumptive.”  The Lady Galadriel smiled forgivingly at her grandson.  She remembered finding Elrohir many, many years ago when he was a very young elfling, splashing in her mirror and ‘looking for fishes’, he had never been allowed to forget his youthful indiscretion.

 

Galadriel’s eyes grew serious.  “I have looked into its depths, but saw nothing but fragments. Orcs gathering, the missing Galadhrim walking through Mirkwood, Legolas...”

 

“Legolas?”

 

“Yes, I saw the prince.  All around him it was dark and he was unhurt, but alone.  It was something that may or may not yet come to pass.  There was no more.”

 

“So the elves were alive?”

 

“I could not tell whether I saw the present or the future, but certain other.....images led me to believe that they were dead.” Said the Lady, a look of sorrow and pain on her face.

 

“Then Dúwen was wrong.” Said Elladan sadly.

 

“Legolas did not think so.  Sometimes hope is found where there is none if the heart desires it.  Go to your Grandfather and he will tell you everything he knows.”

 

The three brothers bowed, took their leave and sought out Lord Celeborn.

 

The elf Lord could not tell them much more except that the few things that remained of the missing elves, some clothes and a few weapons, looked to have been left behind deliberately, almost as if they had been tired of carrying them, or were too hot for their cloaks.  Beyond that it was not possible to follow their tracks for the forest became impenetrable.  But there was blood, on the clothes, the weapons and the ground.  Too much blood for any hope to thrive.

 

Elladan and Elrohir decided that they would go straightaway to look at the eastern fences where the Galadhrim had been patrolling, while Aragorn restocked their supplies and made ready for them to follow Legolas into Mirkwood.  The young man would then join them early the next day for the next stage of their quest.

 

The twins arrived at the place they sought late that afternoon and spent the early part of the evening walking the edges of Lothlórien and looking across the Great River, Anduin, at the dark shadow of Mirkwood many leagues away to the east.  Between them lay an expanse of scrubby, rocky grasslands, spattered with small copses of thin trees and cut into by narrow, deep ravines with water trickling at the bottom out of sight.

 

The brothers made camp that night in a flet high in the trees with a good view eastwards.  Their superior elvish eyesight could just make out the faint smudge of the towers of Dol Guldur over a hundred miles away.

 

“Where do you think Legolas is, Ell?” Asked Elrohir anxiously.

 

“Over there, in Mirkwood, unfortunately.” Answered his brother with a sigh.  “We can only trust that he knows what he is doing.  After all, Mirkwood is still his home, even if it has become an evil place these past years.”

 

Elrohir lay staring out at the darkness.  Suddenly he sat up frowning.  “What is that?  Do you see it?”

 

“What, Ro?” Said Elladan, intrigued and rising to his knees beside his brother.

 

“There!  A light!”

 

“What, I can’t.....oh, yes, just then.  I saw a flash.”

 

“How far away do you think it is?” Asked Elrohir softly.

 

“Two, maybe three leagues.  It is difficult to tell in the dark.  Who would be moving about on the plains at night?”

 

“Whoever it is, they are not worried about being seen, if they carry such a light about them.”

 

“I wonder what would cause a light so bright?.....” Wondered Elladan.

 

“I do not know, it is too bright for a simple burning torch, or even a campfire.”

 

“.....and it moves.  I recall once seeing Mithrandir, the wizard produce a light so bright that it hurt my eyes....”

 

“Hmm.  I suppose it could be something like that.....” Said Elrohir doubtfully.

 

“.....I think we should investigate.” Said Elladan.  “There is something about it that reminds me.....”  His eyes were lost in thought for a moment.

 

“Ell, I do not think that is a good idea.” Frowned his twin.

 

“But if it is something to do with the missing elves, then we may solve the mystery!” Said his older twin enthusiastically while gathering his weapons and cloak.

 

“We should wait till first light.”  There was something about his brother’s curiosity that made Elrohir feel uncomfortable.

 

“Then there will be no ‘light’ to follow and we will have lost our chance.  I am going, you can choose to stay or come with me.  It is up to you.” Said Elladan, a little abruptly and disappeared swiftly down the ladder to their flet.

 

Elrohir gave a sigh and shook his head.  He had a very bad feeling about this, growing worse by the moment, but he could not abandon his brother so he grabbed what he needed and followed him to the ground.

 

They made their way to the banks of the river and found one of the small, grey boats that were always left tied in case someone wished to cross the Anduin.  They got in and paddled hard against the current to the other side.  It was unfortunate that they had to leave their craft moored on the ‘wrong’ side of the river.  Normally an elf would ferry across the few travellers that ventured eastwards and return with the vessel, but the twins knew that at dawn any patrolling Galadhrim would retrieve any boats from the other side of the water.

 

Elladan and Elrohir set off into the night, heading for the mysterious light.  After about two hours the brothers seemed to be no nearer to their goal.  They caught sight of the elusive, bright flame just often enough to keep them following in the right direction but could not draw closer.

 

Elrohir was not happy.  “I really do think we should turn back, Ell.  We can return later with Estel and maybe others.”

 

“No, we are closer now.  Just another mile and we will gain on it.”

 

“Please, Ell.  This feels wrong.” Pleaded Elrohir, seriously worried.

 

Elladan rounded on his twin.  “What, are you frightened?  I did not think you were such a coward, Elrohir.  Perhaps you should have stayed at home.” He sneered.

 

Elrohir was shocked at his brother’s hard words.  He stared at him in stunned silence.  Elladan had never said anything like that to him before, and now he knew for certain that something was not right.  He remembered how the missing patrol had disappeared without a struggle or a fight into Mirkwood.  What if they had been led away, by a light such as this? 

 

“Elladan, please, listen to me.  I do not think you are yourself.  Let us go back.  Now.  We must talk to Grandmother and tell her about this.  I think the missing elves were lured away somehow and.....”

 

Completely without warning, Elladan swung his fist in an arc and hit Elrohir on the side of the head.  The younger twin collapsed, unconscious, to the ground.

 

“I told you, I am gaining on it and you will not stop me.”  The older elf said to his brother’s still form, and turned and ran on towards the light.

 

*****

 

As the Lady Galadriel had said, Legolas had left Lóthlorien some two days ago and as Elladan and Elrohir began their investigation of the eastern borders of the Golden Wood, the prince had reached the edges of southern Mirkwood.  He entered the dark grim forest cautiously.  He was used to many of the dark things within its confines for even the northern woods immediately around his father’s palace were not wholly free of the dreadful spiders and other fell creatures, but here in the south such things were left free to breed and grow.  They were a lot worse to deal with.

 

And there was Dol Guldur.  Legolas could feel the oppression of the dark tower even from some fifty or so  miles away.  It cast a dark shadow over the land and sent icy fingers of despair into the elf’s heart and mind.  He really did not want to be here and seriously questioned his own sanity.  But then he thought of Dúwen and how unhappy she was at the loss of her husband and he remembered his promise. 

 

Just inside the forest he found the clearing where the missing elves’ clothes and weapons had been found.  Even though it was some time since they had vanished, the elf found traces of the blood on the ground, enough to give him cause for concern.  He sat for a while pondering the scene and thinking over the information he had.  He had given up on trying to work out how and why the elves got to this place and decided to concentrate on the reasons why they would they left their bows, arrows and swords in this clearing. 

 

Perhaps they believed they were in no danger?  It was the only possible answer, if there were no signs that they had been taken by force.  But then there was the blood?  Legolas frowned.  Forget about the blood for a moment.  What if, for some reason, the Galadhrim were lured here?  What if they ‘thought’ it was safe?  That would explain why they felt they did not need to defend themselves. 

 

But what about the blood?  The prince sighed in frustration.  It was almost as if the missing elves did not want to be found.  He thought for a moment and suddenly grew excited.  Perhaps that was it, what if they did not want to be followed?  The more he thought about it, the more it seemed to fit the evidence.  They could have arrived in the forest and cast down their weapons and some of their clothes, then spread blood around to make it look as if they had been slain.  If this was so, then they must have slaughtered an animal, or several animals to get the blood.

 

Now Legolas felt he had something he could work on.  He decided that, if his theory was correct, somewhere nearby there would be signs that a number of animals had been killed.

He began hunting through the bushes and trees around the dismal glade and quickly came across the charred remains of three or four large wolves.  It was true, it could be the remains of an orc hunt, but Legolas stirred the ashes until he found what he was looking for, the remains of a fine elven arrow tip.  His theory on what happened was sound though it still did not explain why.

 

Legolas glanced up.  The moon was low in the clear sky.  It would soon be dark and he did not intend to spend any longer than necessary on the ground.  He hastily gathered enough wood to build himself a small flet in the trees and scurried into the branches of a twisted oak and settled for the night.

 

He had not been sitting on his makeshift platform for long when he saw something drawing nearer through the trees.  It was a patch of shadow, darker than the night around it and something about it filled the prince with a cold dread.  It drew closer and Legolas began to shiver uncontrollably.  It entered the moonlit clearing and seemed to absorb the pale silver light, draining it from all around.  It was almost formless, though there was a hint of a man about its size and shape, as if a man were swathed in a black cloud.  Where its features might have been were even darker smudges, a suggestion of eyes and mouth. 

 

The elf felt nauseous and dizzy as the creature came closer. It turned and swirled about and Legolas found that he held his breath as the ‘face’ turned towards his hiding place.  He knew that he could not be seen, but he felt an almost overwhelming desire to say, “ here I am. Get it over with.  Finish me.”  The horror passed beneath his flet and moved away to the edge of the forest and out into the wild lands beyond.  Legolas blinked and shook his head, breathing again.  He swallowed against the sickness in his stomach as he realised that his hands were gripping the edge of the wooden platform and he had been about to leap down at the shadow’s feet and give himself up.  If the Galadhrim had met that creature, he could well believe that they would have gone willingly to their doom, and carried out anything that the creature asked them, including making it appear as if they had been slain. 

 

The prince watched into the night as the shadow moved swiftly away across the plain towards Lóthlorien.

 

*****

 

Aragorn had finished gathering what he and his foster brothers would need for their trip into Mirkwood.  He had been aided by Haldir, one of the senior marchwardens, and who had know Rildur well.  The fair, serious elf had told Aragorn as much as he could about his friend and his companions, and given him details about the routine of patrolling the fences that might be of use in finding out what had happened to the missing elves. 

 

First light on the day after he and the twins had parted found Aragorn and Haldir on their way to the flet that the brothers had been temporarily assigned. 

 

“Elladan, Elrohir?  Are you ready?” Called the young man up into the silent tree.

 

Haldir frowned.  “Perhaps they are still sleeping.”  He quickly climbed the ladder to the platform and after a moment his head appeared over the edge.  “They are not here, and neither are their weapons.”  He jumped down gracefully to stand beside the man.  “They may have gone ahead to the Anduin.” The elf suggested.

 

“We arranged to meet here, but I suppose they may have.”  The first prickling of unease crept into Aragorn’s mind.  The two companions made their way to the point where the boats were moored.

 

Haldir could see in a glance that a boat was missing, and hissed when he saw it tied up across the water.  “They have already crossed.”

 

“But they would not have, not without me, not without a word.”  Aragorn’s anxiety grew. 

 

“Perhaps they saw something and.....” Began Haldir.

 

“Perhaps they have 'disappeared’ like your companions.” Said the man grimly.

 

Haldir nodded unsmilingly.  “Perhaps.  I must confess that this worries me.” 

 

“And I am afraid I agree.  I must follow.  Will you take me across the river?” Asked Aragorn, throwing his pack into the nearest boat. 

 

“Of course, and I will come with you until you find Elladan and Elrohir.  Two are better than one, and I feel that there may be answers to this mystery in your brothers’ disappearance.”

 

“Thank you.” Said the young man gratefully.  Haldir called to a patrolling elf, passing on a message to the Lord and Lady of the wood, and informing them of where they were going and he and Aragorn leapt aboard the light craft.  The marchwarden pushed the boat from its moorings and skilfully steered it across to the opposite bank.

 

The twins’ trail was easy to follow and Aragorn and Haldir soon covered the ground that Elladan and Elrohir had travelled a few hours earlier.  The young man was increasingly concerned for his brothers and his concern grew into outright alarm when he spotted a dark figure lying face down on the ground not far ahead.

 

“Elrohir!” He cried, running up to the stricken elf and crouching down on the ground beside him.  He frantically sought for any injury that had felled his brother, gently rolling him on to his back.

 

The movement caused Elrohir to groan and he sat up, gingerly touching the dark bruise to the side of his head.

 

“What happened?  Where is Elladan?” Asked Aragorn.

 

Elrohir looked about in confusion but gradually the memory of the previous night returned.  He raised his eyes to his younger brother, clearly distressed.

 

“He.....he hit me.”  The young elf said, shock and hurt plainly visible in his face.

 

“What?”  Said Aragorn, bewildered.

 

“We.....we were following a.....a light.  I did not think it was wise.”  He grabbed his brother by the sleeve.  “It was evil.....I know it.  Elladan.....”  He closed his eyes tightly trying to come to terms with what his brother had done and drew a deep breath.  “.....Elladan wanted to continue after it, but I believed it was leading us, toying with us.  I.....I begged him to return, to tell Grandmother, and before I knew what he was doing, he.....he hit me.”  Elrohir could not hold back the tears.  He was both desperately worried about his brother and deeply hurt by his uncharacteristic betrayal.

 

Aragorn looked at Haldir.  “It *is* what happened to the Galadhrim.  It must be.  They were enticed, led to Mirkwood somehow.”

 

Haldir nodded.  “We must return and tell lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn what has happened.”

 

“I cannot go with you, I must try and find Elladan.  Take Elrohir with you.....”

 

“I am not going back to Lóthlorien, Estel.  I will come with you.” Said the dark elf, firmly.

 

“But you are hurt.....”

 

“It is nothing serious.  I must find him.”  Aragorn’s heart ached to see how upset his brother was.

 

“Very well.  Haldir, will you go and explain that Elladan is missing as well and that we have gone to find him?”

 

“I will, and I will follow after you.”  Haldir promised.

 

*****

 

Legolas did not sleep that night, but watched both the wood and the direction the strange wraith had gone.  Just before dawn he sensed rather than saw the creature returning, from the chill in the air and the sudden gloom that gripped his heart.  He was prepared this time for its compelling attraction and had taken the precaution of taking a slender rope from his pack and tying it around his waist and securing it to the tree.  He did not want to find himself following the being unwittingly.

 

This time the dark shadow appeared, as silent as before, but there was the noise of something or someone trailing in its path.  Legolas could hear the faint sounds of twigs breaking and the rustle of dead leaves.  He watched with baited breath and found it almost impossible to stifle the gasp that came when he saw who entered the clearing in the creature’s wake.

 

“Elladan!” He whispered in horror.

 

Any hold the wraith may have exerted over Legolas vanished with shock when he saw his friend walk beneath his hiding place.  Elladan walked as if in a dream, with a slight smile on his lips, oblivious to his surroundings.  The prince did not know what to do.  If he called to the dark elf and attracted the attention of the evil creature that was leading him, they could both be caught in its spell, and he did not know yet what manner of being it was, or how ‘willing’ Elladan would be if he tried to free him.  But he could not let his friend disappear without knowing where he was going or what might happen to him.  Whatever it was Legolas was fairly sure it would not be pleasant.  He rapidly untied the safety rope, gathering his pack and weapons, and quietly descended from his temporary flet to stealthily follow Elladan and his strange captor.

 

*****

 

Aragorn and Elrohir followed their brother’s tracks as they led into the dark forest ahead.  The young man was concerned for the elf at his side, and kept stealing sidelong glances at his drawn features.

 

“Do not worry about me, Estel.” Elrohir said with a sigh.

 

Aragorn nodded.  He could not help being concerned for his brother.  He knew how close the twins were and had seen how deeply hurt Elrohir was by Elladan’s attack. 

 

“I know that Ell was not himself when he hit me.  Whatever it was that we followed, drew him like a moth to a flame.  I just do not understand why I was not held in its spell?”

 

“It is as well that you were not, or I would not have found you.”

 

Elrohir winced at the thought.  “Aye, that is true.” They ran on, both sobered by the thought that both the twins may have been lost with no indication of what had happened to them, just like the missing Lóthlorien elves.

 

“That is what must have happened.” Said the elf to himself, finishing his train of thought.

 

“What?”

 

“It explains how the Galadhrim went missing.  They must have been lured away from the fences by the same light.  You should have seen Ell, he could not resist its call, even from the moment he first saw it when we were still in the flet.  I should have refused to go, waited till we had help.” He said bitterly.

 

“You had no idea that this would happen, Ro, and at least now we have a chance that we will be able to follow him.”

 

The two brothers stopped suddenly as they reached the very edge of the dark, forbidding forest.

 

“You are right, little brother, I just wish that we were not following him in *there*.”

 

They stood peering into the dismal gloom for a moment.

 

“Well, come on.” Said the young man resolutely, and taking a deep breath he led the dark elf into the unwelcoming woods.

 

Elrohir paused for a brief second, struck by how his baby brother had grown up so much, so quickly.  Humans were born, grew and aged in the blink of an eye to an immortal such as himself.  He followed Aragorn, smiling sadly to himself.

 

They proceeded cautiously under the thick, untidy branches.  Most of the trees appeared dead, neglected, overgrown.  The forest floor was littered with dry, snapping twigs.  No grass or flowers pushed through the dry leaf mould.  The woods were grey and colourless.  The wood was silent.  No birds sang in this forsaken place.  No animals crept through the sparse undergrowth.  They were each aware of every sound the other made, every footstep, every breath.  Neither spoke, but communicated by gestures.

 

The brothers followed the path that led them to the clearing that Legolas had sat in the night before.  They did not know it, but they were fast catching up with the prince.

 

Aragorn broke the silence.  “Look, someone has been here, and not that long ago, judging by the tracks.”  He followed the trail to the base of a tree and looked up.  To Elrohir’s surprise he suddenly swung up on one of the lower branches and disappeared from view.  A moment later his head appeared from half way up.  “Come up, Ro!” He said smiling.

 

Elrohir swiftly climbed the tree and found Aragorn crouching on the flet that the prince had built. 

 

“This is Legolas’ work, I recognise it, and I would guess that he has left only recently.”

 

“Then we must follow him.  He may have seen what happened to Ell.” Said Elrohir hopefully.

 

The brothers returned to the ground and easily picked up Legolas’ tracks.  Aragorn noticed that they seemed to cross over and overlay Elladan’s and pointed this out to Elrohir.

 

“It looks as though Legolas did see our brother, and followed.” 

 

Elrohir nodded, smiling anxiously.

 

They plunged deeper into the woods.  They travelled on throughout the day hoping that at any moment they would see the two elves that they pursued ahead of them.  Their journey was exhausting.  Apart from the constant vigilance against the dreadful man-sized, poisonous Mirkwood spiders and other foul creatures, the very air itself became even more oppressive as they drew nearer to Dol Guldur, even though it was still many miles away.  Aragorn looked anxiously at Elrohir.  If he could feel the malevolent presence of the tower, then how much more so would his elven brother? 

 

Elrohir moved slowly, his breathing laboured and a look of grim determination on his face.  He saw the young man glance at him for the seventh time in as many yards.

 

“Do not worry about me, Estel.  It is difficult to travel this path, but every step brings me closer to Ell.”

 

Aragorn nodded.  He too desperately wanted to find their brother.  He continued to push through the gloomy, thick undergrowth just ahead, when Elrohir heard what he thought was a grunt from the human and a slight scuffle.

 

“Estel?”  Elrohir quietly slid his sword from its scabbard with a soft hiss.  With some degree of alarm he followed through the gap in the bushes where Aragorn had gone.

 

*****

 

Legolas followed Elladan and his strange captor deeper and deeper into the black woods.  The creature kept up a relentless pace, moving swiftly through the unpleasant terrain.  Elladan did not seem to even notice when rough branches scraped his skin or whipped at his face and body.  His face still bore the unsettling smile that worried the Mirkwood elf.  It was as if he walked in a dream.

 

The strange group did not stop at all, but continued on throughout the whole day, covering many leagues until even Legolas grew weary, though he did not intend to let Elladan out of his sight, even if it meant following him into the depths of Dol Guldur itself.  Then, just at the point where Legolas was beginning to wonder if he would have strength enough to carry on, the dark shadow and its prisoner halted in a dank and dismal glade.  The prince stopped and watched the scene from the shadows of a large twisted tree.

 

Legolas stared as the black wraith passed close by his friend, appearing to breathe or speak into his face and Elladan gave a small whimper and sank to the ground in a faint.  The shadowy creature then seemed to disperse, like smoke from a fire.  Legolas stood anxiously watching the prone elf for some time from his hiding place until he was certain that the evil being was really gone and then cautiously approached Elladan.  He looked nervously about, wary that the wraith might return at any moment, but he felt sure that he would know if it did from the chill that its presence brought with it.

 

Legolas crouched down beside the dark elf.  Elladan’s face was pale, his eyes closed and the prince thought for a dreadful moment that his friend was dead until he saw the steady rise and fall of his chest.

 

“Elladan?” He said, gently touching the elf on the shoulder with one hand.  He was tense and on his guard.  He had no idea what reaction he would receive from his friend if, indeed, he woke at all.

 

Elladan moaned slightly.

 

“Elladan, please, wake my friend.” Said Legolas, shaking him a little harder.

 

Elladan drew a deep breath and his eyes opened slowly.  He smiled at the prince.  “Why Legolas, what are you doing here?”

 

Legolas stared at the elf and his brow furrowed in confusion.  “Elladan?  What do you mean?”

 

“I did not expect to see you here.  I thought you were still in Mirkwood.”

 

The prince was becoming most alarmed.  Elladan did not seem to realise where he was, or to remember all that had happened.

 

“Why, where ‘are’ we, Elladan?” He asked carefully.

 

Elladan laughed, shaking his head.  “A strange question my friend!  Rivendell of course!”

 

“And what were you doing?”  Legolas was growing increasingly frightened of the strange conversation.

 

“I have been walking in the woods, they are so beautiful are they not?......Look, is something wrong, Legolas?  Are you hurt or ill?  Should I fetch Father?” Said Elladan a look of genuine concern on his face.

 

The prince sighed and clutched at his friend’s shoulder.  “No, I am fine.  Elladan, we must leave this place.” He said, looking round anxiously.  A niggling feeling of unease had begun to creep into his mind.

 

“But why?” Said the dark elf, puzzled.

 

“I cannot tell you here, Elladan.  Come with me and I will explain everything.”  Legolas was beginning to feel desperate.  The niggling feeling was growing rapidly into a most definite feeling of alarm.

 

“Is something wrong with Elrohir?  Estel?” Said Elladan, rising to his feet.

 

“No, but we need to go back, now.”  The prince said urgently, his alarm escalating into full-fledged terror.

 

“Wha.....?” Began Elladan, as Legolas grabbed him and shoved him hard towards the heavy undergrowth behind them.

 

“Please, Elladan! Quickly!” Hissed the prince, frantically looking over his shoulder and trying to peer into the gloom beyond.  He could not afford to be caught by the wraith and would not let his friend be held in thrall by it any longer.

 

They plunged blindly through the dense foliage and Legolas grabbed Elladan and broke into a run.  It was not a particularly graceful exit from the glade, but cold terror overtook the prince and he could feel the presence of the returning wraith like icy fingers down his spine.  As the feeling grew stronger he could feel Elladan resisting him, pulling back.

 

“I think we should wait, Legolas.  Why are you in such a hurry?” 

 

Legolas ignored the other elf and carried on with his desperate escape, tugging Elladan behind him.

 

“This is some sort of trick.  Has Elrohir put you up to this?” Suddenly Elladan pulled his arm free of the prince’s grasp and made to turn back.

 

“No!” Cried the Mirkwood elf, lunging after him.  He caught him, knocking Elladan to the ground.  Elladan struggled fiercely, his expression furious.

 

Legolas was losing the battle in keeping Elladan by his side, his friend’s desire to return to the wraith was so strong.  Legolas looked over the other elf’s head as he wriggled beneath him and saw to his horror a darker shadow forming against the black depths of the trees beyond.  The wraith was returning for its victim.

 

“I am sorry, Elladan.” He said, and unwittingly copying the actions of the elf days before, he struck him hard on the head, rendering him unconscious.  He swiftly scooped him up in his arms, threw him over his shoulder and ran as fast as he could, anywhere to get away from the fell creature following them.

 

He struggled through the woods for some way until he felt the evil presence of the dark wraith lessen and fade.  Whether it was because the creature had given up or, as Legolas thought uncomfortably, that it was confident that its victim would return to it as soon as Elladan was conscious, the prince did not care.  He paused to rest, gently lowering Elladan to the ground and leaning over and grabbing at his knees, steadying his breath.

 

He knelt down and examined the unconscious elf.  A slight bruise had appeared where Legolas had struck him and the prince winced at the sight.  He had hated to hurt his friend, but had no other option. 

 

“I just know that later you will think of some way to get your own back, cousin.” He muttered to himself as he pondered what to do next.

 

Now that he had Elladan in his care, he could not carry on towards Dol Guldur, yet he did not want to give up his quest to reunite Dúwen with her husband and he was fairly sure that Rildur and his companions had been taken or lured there in a similar way to that of the Rivendell elf.  He had seen how desperate Elladan was to follow the shadow towards the dark tower and did not dare allow his friend to get close to the wraith again.

 

The only option was to return to Lóthlorien and secure Elladan within its borders.  Lady Galadriel would be able to help once she knew the nature of the compulsion that held him  and then Legolas would return to find Rildur and the other missing elves.  The delay would have to be managed, it could not be helped.

 

Elladan mumbled and rolled over.  He pushed himself up on his arms and gingerly reached up one hand to touch the bruise on his head.  He blearily blinked his eyes and then focused a glare on the prince.

 

“You hit me!”  He said indignantly.

 

“Yes, I am sorry, Elladan.  Please, let me explain.....” Legolas said warily as Elladan began to get up.  The dark elf looked very angry and the prince was a little nervous, though not at all surprised, at his friend’s reaction to the assault.

 

Legolas stood with his arms by his side and his palms open, a gesture of apology and openness, wanting Elladan to trust him again.

 

Elladan’s anger grew less but his expression showed hurt and confusion.  “I don’t understand.” He said plaintively.

 

“We had to leave, you would not come.”

 

“Leave where?  What is wrong?” Asked the bewildered elf.

 

Legolas did not know how much to tell Elladan.  If he believed that he was in Rivendell and suddenly found out he was in southern Mirkwood and that he had been held in thrall to a mysterious dark wraith, how would he react?  Would his mind cope with the shock?  Legolas decided that it was better to be a lot closer to Lady Galadriel and her help before he told him the truth.

 

“I do not know, but there is danger here, your father wants us to return home as soon as possible.  Elrohir and Estel are waiting.” The prince lied, hoping that his explanation was enough.

 

Elladan sighed and frowned.  “Very well, but you did not need to hit me.” He said grumpily.

 

“I know, I am sorry.”  Said Legolas, offering his hand in friendship.

 

Elladan took it and shook it slightly grudgingly, but smiled.  “I will get my own back you know.” 

 

“I know.” Said Legolas with an anxious grin.

 

They set off through the woods, back the way they had come, towards Lóthlorien.  Legolas watched how Elladan still seemed not to notice the dark and dismal gloom of the forest, though occasionally now he would give a puzzled frown and shake his head as he looked at a tree or heard the scuttling of a spider in the branches above.  

 

They had not gone far when Legolas froze at a sound ahead.  He motioned for Elladan to stop and then pointed up into the tree beside them.  Elladan nodded silently and easily swung up into the branches while Legolas moved to hide behind the gnarled trunk.

 

A slightly travel worn man broke through the bushes in front of the prince, who gave an amused grin and as soon as the figure passed by, reached out and grabbed him around the neck with a strong arm.  The man struggled, pulling at the elf’s arm, but could not free himself.

 

“You should be more careful, Ranger.” whispered the elf into the man’s ear.

 

“Legolas!” Yelped Aragorn.

 

The elf chuckled, releasing his friend.

 

“Legolas, you have no idea how glad I am to see you!” Said the young man.  “We have been following you for days.”

 

“We?”

 

“Elrohir and I.....well, Elladan was with us also, but he has been taken.” Said the human sadly.  “We have been following both your tracks.  Have you seen him?”

 

Legolas nodded, placing a finger across his lips and then pointing up into the tree.  Aragorn frowned, puzzled.

 

“Elladan is here, safe, but he remembers nothing.  He believes himself to be in Rivendell” whispered Legolas urgently, so softly that only Aragorn would hear.

 

Just then the two friends heard the hiss of a sword being drawn from within the undergrowth.

 

“Ro!” Called Aragorn, “come out, do not worry, it is Legolas, we have found him.”

 

Elrohir pushed through into the small clearing, sheathing his blade as he did so.  “This is well met.” He said gladly, though his eyes still held worry for his twin’s disappearance.

 

“Our brother is safe, but not himself.” Whispered Aragorn hastily, reassuring Elrohir and nodding up towards the branches overhead.  “Legolas found him.”

 

“Thank the Valar!” Said Elrohir, closing his eyes in relief.  “But why is he ‘not himself’?” He asked as he realised what the young man had said.

 

Before Legolas had a chance to explain all that had happened, Elladan lightly dropped down to the ground in front of the prince.  He had seen his brothers’ arrival and stepped forward happily to greet them.

 

“Legolas said that you were waiting for me!  Shall we go home together now?  Ada will be wondering where we’ve got to.”  He said cheerfully.

 

Legolas shook his head and gesticulated behind Elladan, trying to tell his friends to go along with whatever the elf said.  Both Aragorn and Elrohir understood at once and fixed casual expressions on their faces.

 

“Yes, that’s a good idea, Ell, we don’t want to keep Ada waiting.” Said Aragorn, putting an arm around his brother and leading him ahead along the forest path, thus allowing Legolas to explain what had happened to Elrohir.

 

Legolas lost no time in passing on all that he knew to the anxious twin running by his side.  Elrohir trembled at his description of the dark wraith.  He had recognised it as evil from the start, bitterly regretting his inaction in stopping Elladan from following it and was desperately grateful to the prince for rescuing his twin from its clutches.

 

“He is not safe yet though, Ro.  When it drew near he began to resist all my efforts to lead him out of danger.  I am afraid that I had to render him unconscious and carry him until we were far enough away from the shadow.”

 

“And how did you do that?” Asked Elrohir with a slight smile.

 

Legolas winced.  “ I.....I hit him.  He was not pleased when he came round.”

 

A slight cloud crossed the darker elf’s features, and Legolas thought that his friend was angry with what he had done.

 

“I am sorry, Ro, I couldn’t think of anything else to do.”  He confessed.

 

“I am not cross, Legolas, do not be upset.  You did the best thing.  It just reminded me that Elladan hit *me* when he fought to get to the wraith, it had such a hold on him.”

 

The four companions travelled quickly onwards.  Legolas did not want to turn back towards Dol Guldur just yet until he was certain that Elladan was safe and secure.

 

Elrohir and Aragorn watched their brother nervously.  He strolled along cheerfully as if he had no cares at all, and was merely out for a pleasant walk in the woods near his home.  As Legolas had noticed though, just now and then a fleeting shadow passed over his face and he gave a puzzled frown.

 

After several such instances, Aragorn gently touched his foster brother.  “Is something wrong, Ell?”

 

“ Why no....not really.” Said the elf with a frown.

 

“ You seem unsure, worried about something?”

 

Elladan looked up at the trees for a moment and sighed.

 

“It’s just.....some of these trees.....they do not look quite.....right.”

 

Elrohir looked up at the black misshapen branches overgrown with thick grey moss and choked with dark ivy.  He smiled grimly.  “You are right brother.  Why do you think it is so?”

 

“I do not know, but I think we should tell Ada as soon as possible.”

 

“Agreed.” Said Elrohir, looking at Aragorn and nodding.  Their brother’s behaviour was most odd, but if he was beginning to see the true nature of his surroundings, then there was hope.

 

By now it was nightfall and although they were in a hurry to reach Lóthlorien they could not risk travelling through the woods in the dark.

 

Legolas and Aragorn gathered wood and built a suitable flet for the four of them to take refuge in, persuading a reluctant Elladan that ‘it would be fun’ to stop for the night in the woods ‘around Rivendell’ as the bewildered elf could not see the point when they were ‘so close to home’.

 

They settled down and Elrohir took first watch.  Late into the night Elladan stirred restlessly in his sleep.  His quiet moans woke Legolas and he came to stand beside Elrohir.

 

The two elves looked out into the thick darkness.  A low, chilling mist gathered around the base of their tree, hugging the ground as if it were too heavy to rise.  Legolas tensed, all his senses alert.  He recognised the feeling of unease that crept into his mind, making his skin crawl.

 

“Evil approaches.  We must make Elladan secure, and I do not trust myself not to follow it.”  He said anxiously unwinding the rope from his pack.

 

“What must we do?” Asked Elrohir as he shook Aragorn gently.  The man woke, instantly alert.

 

“Bind Elladan.  He will not like it, but the creature’s pull is too strong.  We must keep him quiet too.  We should tie ourselves together and also to the tree.  When I first saw the wraith I found that I was almost on the ground by the time it had passed and did not even know I was trying to follow until it was almost too late.”

 

“But must I?  I did not feel it’s pull before.” Said Elrohir, puzzled.

 

“I know, I do not understand why that was not the case, but we cannot take that risk.”

 

“We must keep Ell quiet.” Said Legolas, and reluctantly tore off a strip from his cloak, forming a makeshift gag.  “Hold him still, Estel, Ro.”

 

Elrohir and Aragorn approached their sleeping brother hesitantly, but both trusted that the prince knew what he was doing.

 

“Ready?” Whispered Legolas.

 

Aragorn and Elrohir nodded.

 

With a sudden move the two brothers grabbed Elladan and Legolas hastily thrust the gag into his mouth, tying it swiftly around his head and immediately wrapped the end of the rope around the struggling, furious elf’s arms.  Then the prince quickly wound the remaining length around all three of them, securing it to a strong branch.  Elladan glared ferociously at his companions.

 

“We are sorry, Ell, truly we are, but we must do this.” Said Elrohir, pain in his eyes at the sight of his confused and bewildered twin.  He remembered how betrayed and hurt he had felt when Elladan hit him.

 

Elladan moaned and thrashed against his bonds in panic.  His expression becoming more and more distressed as Legolas felt the growing terror of the shadow’s approach.

 

Though both could sense that something wicked neared, neither Aragorn nor Elrohir seemed to be drawn to it in the same way as Elladan obviously was, and Legolas did not feel it’s pull as strongly as he had before, although it still sent hateful waves of gloom into his mind. 

 

“Give up.  It is hopeless.  All is lost.  Do not resist.”

 

The menace filled his mind until he felt utter despair.

 

Legolas, Aragorn and Elrohir tensed as Elladan became so distressed that he began to fight frantically against his gag and his restraints, so much so that the cloth and the rope rubbed and chafed at his flesh until it began to bleed.

 

“We cannot let him continue like this!” Said Elrohir desperately.  “He is hurting himself!” His eyes filled with tears on seeing the blind terror on his twin’s face.  “Please, Ell, please, it will be all right!” He tried to soothe his frantic brother, but Elladan was beyond reach, the call of the wraith outweighing all sense.

 

Aragorn, who was tied nearest to Elladan, gritted his teeth and swallowed.  He made a fist and looked at Elrohir, begging for permission and forgiveness.  Elrohir nodded and the young man hit Elladan with a sharp blow, and he fell senseless once more.

 

“Thank you, Estel.  You did the right thing.” Said Elrohir, comforting his guilty brother.

 

The conscious elves and human listened to the approaching sounds.  Legolas was trembling violently by now, his eyes wide and alert, a cold sweat beaded on his brow.    He was close to collapse when the wraith finally appeared on the path beneath their platform.  The onslaught of sheer horror on his senses was almost too much to bear.  Aragorn watched his friend anxiously.  The shadow passed slowly by and the three friends listened to the approach of many feet following.  Slowly visible, out of the mist, came a dozen or so woodland elves, ethereal and grey in the gloom.

 

Legolas’ eyes widened even further.  He pushed his fist into his mouth, biting it hard to stop himself from crying out.  He recognised several of the beings enthralled by the shadow’s mysterious power, including Celebithil, one of his father’s warriors, an elf he had known since childhood.

 

All passed beneath, lost to their dismal surroundings, unable to resist the lure of their captor.

 

It seemed that the prince did not feel the pull in the same way that he had when he first encountered the wraith.  Instead of attraction it produced a feeling of utter hopelessness which he had to fight.

 

Aragorn realised to his horror that Legolas had begun to untie the rope holding them to the tree.

 

“Wait! Legolas!  What are you doing?” The man hissed.

 

The elf froze, his back to his friend.  “I must follow them, Estel.  I have to see where they are going, I have to try and help.”

 

“No! You cannot, it is madness!” Cried Elrohir.

 

Legolas turned a worried face to his friends and sighed heavily.

 

“Yes it is madness.  I know I said in my note when I left Rivendell that it was folly, and I have asked myself why I have come here many, many times.  But I promised Dúwen I would find Rildur, and now there are Mirkwood elves, my friends, who are being led to their doom.  I cannot watch it happen.” Legolas pleaded desperately.  “Please, take Elladan back.  I will follow alone.  I do not ask, nay, I do not wish you to come with me.” He said firmly.

 

Aragorn untied his waist.  “If you go, you do *not* go by yourself.  I will come.”

 

“No.....”

 

“You cannot argue Legolas.  I will, even if I have to follow you secretly every step of the way.  You know this and you may as well accept it.” Said Aragorn stubbornly.

 

“ I would come with you also, “said Elrohir, “but I must take Elladan back.  I know how to take care of him now.  Go, both of you before you lose the trail.”

 

Legolas hesitated for a moment, then gave a wry smile.

 

“All right.  I know when I am beaten.  In truth?  I will be glad of your assistance my friend.”

 

“Good.” Said Aragorn.  “Then let us be off!” And the two friends quickly climbed down from the flet and disappeared into the misty gloom of the forest leaving Elladan in Elrohir’s care.

 

The elf watched his foster brother and friend leave with a prayer for their safety in his heart, then he tenderly turned to his twin.

 

“Oh, Ell.  What is to become of you?” He said sadly.  He gently removed the bonds and gag, took the edge of his cloak and moistened it with a little water from a bottle in his pack and carefully wiped the cuts and abrasions from his brother’s self-inflicted wounds.  He sat in vigil over the elf for the rest of that night. 

 

*****

 

As a grey and dismal dawn crept over the forest, Elladan began to stir fitfully and then woke with a gasp.

 

Elrohir was by his side instantly, as he saw his brother’s terrified expression.  “Ell, it’s all right.  Don’t panic, I’m here.  You’re safe.” He murmured soothingly.

 

“Where is ‘here’?” Wailed the frightened elf, looking round at the sombre woods.  “How did I get here?  What happened?”

 

Obviously his delusion that he was in Rivendell had vanished with the night.  He was now confused and scared.

 

“Estel?  He was here.....wasn’t he?  He.....hit me?  But he can’t have done.....could he?  Am I going mad, Ro?”

 

He clutched at his twin, sobbing violently.

 

“Oh, Ell.  No you are not mad, I promise, just confused and bewildered.  Trust me, I will explain” Elrohir said, holding Elladan tightly to his chest.  “What do you remember?”

 

Elladan steadied his breathing and gained some control over his panic.  He swallowed.  “I.....I remember?.....Grandmother?”  He looked puzzled.  “Was she in Rivendell?  No, wait, we were in Lóthlorien.....yes, with Estel.  Then he *was* here.....Ro?”

 

“Yes, we were all following Legolas.”

 

“Legolas!  Yes, I remember, and there were some missing Galadhrim.....”  His eyes flew open wide and he gave a gasp.  “There was a light, across the wild lands.  We.....we followed it, I.....I don’t remember!”

 

“Hush, hush, Ell.  Be still, all is well.” Said Elrohir, rocking his brother gently in his arms.

 

As Elladan quietened his spirit and relaxed in his brother’s embrace, Elrohir gently told him all that had happened.

 

It was hard news to take and Elladan shuddered when he realised how close he had come to being taken and imprisoned in Dol Guldur.

 

“If it had not been for Legolas.....ai! Elrohir, I would have been lost!”

 

“But you were not.  Come, we must return to Lóthlorien as soon as possible and tell Grandmother and Grandfather of all that has happened.  They can send help.  Our little brother and Legolas will need it if they have any hope of surviving this.” He said grimly and the two brothers set off at once towards the Golden Wood.

 

*****

 

Legolas and Aragorn followed the Mirkwood elves from a safe distance for many leagues.  The prince had not experienced any of the desperate attraction that he had the first time he saw the dark wraith.  Instead, a feeling of hopelessness tore at his heart, numbing his senses.

 

They were very near to Dol Guldur now and Legolas also had to combat the additional intense oppression that emanated from the evil tower.  He closed his eyes for a moment against the pain and depression.  Aragorn reached for his friend, gripping his shoulder.

 

“Legolas? Are you all right?”

 

The elf dragged his eyes open and shook his head to dispel the gloom.  He drew a ragged breath.  “No, but I will be in a moment.  It is hard, Estel.”

 

“I know that you will not consider turning back.....unfortunately!” Said the young man, resigned to their fate.  “Why do we always end up in these dire situations!  Why can’t we have a nice, quiet adventure in Hobbiton or such place!  Nothing ever happens there!”

 

“Hobbiton?” Queried Legolas with a slight frown.

 

“In the Shire.  Westfarthing.  Hobbits.....Periain?”

 

“Aah, yes.  I have not been that far west.  Many of my people have passed through that land on the way to the Grey Havens though.” Said the prince, smiling slightly and thinking of more beautiful places than the dank wood he found himself in.  It cheered his spirit a little and gave him a bit more strength to resist the darkness.

 

The companions moved more cautiously now.  The silvan elves ahead had stopped and stood in a  disordered huddle, staring bleakly around themselves.  They seemed to be waiting for something to happen, or to arrive.

 

Aragorn hissed quietly, drawing Legolas’ attention and pointed at a thick fog that was rolling in from their right.  They both stiffened in anticipation of what might be coming.  As they had expected, a second black, smoky figure approached with several bewildered Galadhrim trailing in its wake.  The two groups merged as one and the two wraiths began to lead them all forward again towards Dol Guldur.

 

The elf prince and the young man closed the gap a little between them and the captured elves.  Aragorn threw a worried glance at Legolas, who had a stubborn and determined look on his face.

 

“Legolas?  Please tell me you are not thinking what I think you are thinking?”

 

The elf gave an awkward glance towards his friend, and then turned his eyes resolutely on the scene before them.

 

“No.  You are not going with them.” Said Aragorn firmly.

 

“Estel...”

 

“No!  You have no idea what is going on!  No idea of how easy it will be to get out again!  No!  I will not let you.”

 

Legolas raised a bemused eyebrow.  “And how do you propose to do that, human?”  He said with a slight smirk.  His smile faded when he saw the frustration and anxiety behind Aragorn’s eyes. 

 

“I must go, Estel.  If I mingle with them and pretend to be oblivious to what is happening, I will not be spotted.  I may be able to find Rildur and rescue him and many others.  I cannot simply abandon them to their fate.  By the time we have returned to Lóthlorien and brought back a rescue party, it will probably be too late for these elves.”  He whispered urgently, pleading with the young man.

 

“Then I will go with you.” Said Aragorn bluntly.

 

“You cannot!”

 

“Why not?!”

 

“You do not *look* elvish!”

 

“I have lived amongst elves all my life, I am sure I can manage.” Aragorn said indignantly.

 

Legolas could not suppress a snort of amusement.  “Your shoulders are too broad, your voice is too deep.  You are far too ‘scruffy’ and you smell like a human!”

 

“What is wrong with the way I smell?” Said Aragorn getting increasingly more irritable by the minute.

 

Legolas laughed at his friend’s embarrassment.  “Nothing, it is just not an ‘elvish’ smell!”

 

“Well, be that as it may, I *am* coming with you.  I will pull my cloak over my head and keep at the back.  I will walk as quietly as possible and not speak.  I will not argue, Legolas.”  Aragorn said, a steely look in his grey eyes.

 

Legolas sighed.  “Then let us go.  We are both mad it seems.  I wish you would not come, but I am also glad that you will.”

 

Aragorn smiled.  “Typical elf! Speaking as clearly as a wizard!” He ducked quickly as the prince flicked a hand towards his head.  “Missed!” He taunted, and they both chuckled, relieving the tension of their reckless decision to enter the heart of Dol Guldur together.

 

Aragorn did as he had suggested, pulling his hooded cloak far forward of his face to hide his human ears and the light beard he had on his face.  In fact, he was quite good at moving quietly and reasonably gracefully through the undergrowth.  Growing up among elves had given him some advantages.  He would not pass close inspection, but the elves the two friends were hoping to mingle with were not aware of their surroundings at all, and if they kept as far back as possible from the wraiths, they might, just might, get away with their daring plan.

 

They both made their features as empty of expression as possible, and tried not to look wildly about them, moving their eyes too much or too ‘knowingly’.   They did not walk quickly, but copied the spellbound elves lacklustre progress towards the great woodland fortress of Dol Guldur, fighting the fear that gripped their hearts.

 

*****

 

The broken, black fingers of Dol Guldur loomed above them menacingly.  The area immediately around the structure was rocky and barren.  Even the bitter trees of southern Mirkwood would not grow there.  The group of elves that Legolas and Aragorn had followed had been joined by several other small parties, each led by a dark wraith, and there were now fifty or so bewitched Eldar making their way onto the grim fortress.

 

The friends had not spoken for some time, only communicating by subtle nods and gestures, but both could tell that the other was apprehensive about entering the evil castle.  As they passed through the great dark mouth of the entrance both gave a visible shudder.  The elves and single human were herded through dank and dismal stone passages with many branches off to either side, from which could be heard unhappy wails and screams.  The corridor sloped suddenly downwards and the air grew hot and thick with choking dust and acrid smoke.

 

Aragorn was really not happy about this situation.  In fact he had come to the conclusion that he must have lost his mind some time ago, or that he was in some sort of unpleasant nightmare and that he would wake up soon.  He threw increasingly anxious glances at his friend.  Legolas’ eyes were fixed firmly ahead and every part of his body was tense and on guard. 

 

The walls at the end of the passageway glowed with an orange, flickering light, and as they rounded a corner they could see into a great cavern in the depths of Dol Guldur.  A great fire pit lay in the centre of the chamber, belching smoke and flame.  All around the walls of the cave were clustered groups of elves, guarded by creatures that looked like orcs.  Just beyond the firepit stood a creature shrouded in black that struck terror even into the brave hearts of Aragorn and Legolas.  A Nazgûl.  A Ringwraith and servant of the dark Lord Sauron.

 

The dark being was inspecting the groups of elves.  Legolas watched as some were selected and ushered with their accompanying wraiths deeper into the cave, while others were led away along further corridors.  A few were pulled to one side and waited together in a pitiful group, obviously more aware of what was happening to them.  They were visibly distressed and frightened, though they stood boldly in front of the Nazgûl when he approached.

 

The Ringwraith turned its hooded and hidden head towards the trembling elves and a noise like a low hiss came from somewhere beneath its cowl.  The guards around the group of Eldar closed in and began to push and shove them towards the great fire.  Aragorn heard a strangled gasp from his side and turned to see Legolas sway slightly.  He took the risk of being noticed and grabbed his friend to steady him.

 

“What is it?” He whispered urgently.

 

Legolas shook his head, unable to speak.  His eyes were captured by the sight in front of him and he could not tear them away though he knew what was going to happen.

 

Aragorn turned back, following the prince’s gaze and stared at the unfolding scene.  He suddenly realised what the Nazgûl had been doing.  He had been selecting elves for his wicked purposes, and this small group in front of them were the rejects, the expendable ones for one reason or another.  Aragorn’s grip on Legolas tightened and he could feel the prince shaking violently under his hands.  The two friends watched in horror and despair as the now panicking elves were brutally herded and driven closer and closer to the edge of the great, smouldering pit and then cast down into the flames.  Their agonised screa