I like being high up. I was sitting atop one of my favorite tress making another note in my journal. Father has never spoken of this, but I have heard that the time of the Elves draws short. I do not know how much truth there is in this, but it has become part of the reason for my project.
Another, more practical reason being that I wish to help update the library. Stars, it has not been done in many many years.
We are isolated here from the rest of the world and that has never bothered me
All is peaceful here, albeit a bit boring. But I should not complain, and I shall not.

~Legolas!~

My father was calling me. I put away my journal for I did not want him to know if it - not yet at least.
~Coming Father!~ I replied, easily sliding down the tree and neatly landing.
I darted through the trees to the open air chamber of my father's sitting room.

Deciding not to bother with the stairs I simply hoisted myself over the low wall.
"Yes father?" I asked, respectfully crossing my hand over my heart, "What did you wish to speak with me about?"
"I have received a message from Rivendell."
"From Rivendell?" I repeated, "I saw no messenger birds." As I said that I realized that it was not the best thing to have said, I it would have meant that I was not paying attention, but luckily:
"None arrived," my father answered, "Elrond sent a message directly."
"Elrond," I repeated.
Elrond was a cousin to my father, but even so, it would be no light matter to send a direct message.
"What is it?" I asked, concerned at the look on my father's face.
"Legolas, my son," he started setting a hand on my shoulder.
This certainly did not sound good.
"There is movement in Mordor," my father said finally.
"Mordor?" I repeated, feeling cold inside. I had been too young to remember three thousand years ago when the dark wizard was defeated. Surely that was old history, only a story now.
"The Ring has resurfaced."
I was stunned into silence.
"The visit of Gandalf the gray several months ago was no pleasure visit."
"And you never told me?" I said stunned.
"I did not know what part we would need to play in this tale," he answered, he looked out across the forest - our home - "Nor do I know how this tale will end."
"Father?" I asked, "Why have you told me this?"
He turned back to me, "My son…"
The look in his eyes told me everything

I had occasionally wished for excitement and a part of me was looking forward to this.
Part of my preparation for my journey south east to Rivendell was a reminder of the story of the One Ring and a warning against it's power. I had no desire for more power myself. I am an Elf. What need would I have of it?
Finally I was ready to depart.
I traveled alone, only stopping when my horse required it. I avoided the habitations of men.
I encountered no trouble on my journey and I had plenty of time to send messages home by bird - not directly. Sending a message directly over a long distance was not something that I had had much practice in, and I did not intend to experiment now. I had enough to deal with.
The idea of being summoned to a secret council meeting in Rivendell was certainly enough to keep me occupied.

I arrived in Rivendell three days after I had left home. The beautiful estate was always a welcome sight, but I am afraid that I was too busy thinking about what I was here for to take much pleasure in it.
I did not see Elrond right away, but I was given a comfortable room to stay in.
The next day I was composing a letter to send to my father saying that I had arrived safely when Gandalf the Gray entered the room.
I rose to greet him, crossing my heart respectfully as his status required of me. Wizards were not men. Wizards were worthy of respect.
He came over to me and gathered me into an embrace. I didn't mind.
"I'm glad that you are here Gandalf," I said, "I am sure that between you and Lord Elrond some decision can be reached."
"It will take more then the two of us to solve this problem," Gandalf said.
"I understand," I answered, "but many Elves have come together, and surely - "
"Many Elves," Gandalf agreed, "And men and Dwarves as well."
I did not answer. I had seen them arrive. Gandalf seemed to know what I was thinking.
"This concerns all of Middle Earth Legolas," Gandalf said gently, "Not just the Elves."
"And I suppose that we should ask the cats and dogs what they suggest we do as well," I retorted, not liking Gandalf's condescending tone.
"Peace Legolas," Gandalf said, sounding just a bit cross, "whether you like it or not, Elrond has decided to let Elves, men, and Dwarves attend the meeting to determine what to do with it."
"I am sorry Gandalf," I said, "I did not mean - "
Gandalf smiled at me and I relaxed. Even though he was not an Elf, Gandalf's opinion on things was very important to me. I don't know why.
"Come with me," Gandalf said, "There is someone I think you should meet."

Curiously I followed the wizard, and that was the beginning of my first encounter with the Hobbits. They were small creatures, only a bit more then half my height.
"Legolas, this is Samwise Gamgee," Gandalf said.
The Hobbit - Sam as he was called - was thoroughly impressed by me, which automatically raised my opinion of him.

Over the next day I came to learn of many of the more interesting visitors to Rivendell. In addition to Sam there were four other Hobbits. One of which seemed to have been staying in Rivendell for quite some time. I did not spend much time with Sam's friend Frodo, who was recovering from some sort of illness.
There was also an assortment of men and Dwarves. These I did not spend much time with.

Finally Elrond summoned representatives from all the races and nations to a meeting. I, being the youngest Elf in this group, felt a bit overwhelmed at being with all of these great Elves, but the feeling did not last long.
A - Strider I mean, was at the meeting as well as Gandalf and the Hobbit Frodo.
I took my place among the Elves and waited.

Lord Elrond stood in front of his great chair and addressed the group.
"Strangers from distant lands, friends from old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor," Elrond spoke, "Middle Earth stands on the brink of destruction. None can escape it. We must unite or we will fall."
I tried to listen attentively, but my gaze wandered around the circle. I noticed a tall dark-haired man - Strider. I had not seen him for many years, but I knew it was he.
"Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom."
My attention jumped back to Elrond. If nothing else, I would need to be able to return a detailed report to my father.
Elrond turned to the only Hobbit present. This Hobbit was the Ring Bearer. Not for the first time (nor the last) did I wonder how such a little weak looking being had managed to keep the Ring.
I did not envy his position one bit.
"Bring forth the Ring, Frodo," Elrond directed, pointing to a table in the center of the circle.

Frodo rose and, pulling it out of his pocket, set the Ring down.
Immediately I felt a dark shadow come over the circle.
I looked at the small golden Ring. This was it? This was the One Ring? All of this trouble over these?
Somehow I had expected it to look more… impressive… or evil, not this plain gold band.
As I looked at it, I thought I heard something whisper. I saw something reflected in the gold. Fire.
More impressive, I had thought the Ring should be, or more ominous. I had gotten my wish.
I tried to look away, but I couldn't! It was as if someone were holding my heat still, forcing me to look at that blasted Ring!
A voice seemed to whisper my name.
I closed my eyes, breaking the spell.

I had not noticed one of the men - from Gondor by the look of him - had stood up and was speaking.
I ordered myself to pay attention, carefully not looking at the Ring.
"…I heard voices crying 'the doom is near at hand'" the man was recounting a dream he had had, "Isildur's bane is found." He reached towards the Ring.
I saw a look pass between Elrond and Gandalf.
Briefly I wondered how the man - Boromir (I remembered his name) - could bear to look at the Ring.
"Boromir!" Elrond stood up to prevent the man from touching the Ring.

Then a darkness fell and I heard a deep voice. I half wondered if this was what happened when men touched the Ring, but I could not concentrate on this thought.
The voice spoke in a language that I did not understand, but I certainly understood the evil tone. It went straight through my head, creating a most painful feeling that would not stop.
I closed my eyes and winced against the voice.
And then - just when I could bear it no longer - it was gone. I opened my eyes.
Boromir had sat down.
Gandalf was now standing.
Lord Elrond turned to him. "Never before has any voice uttered the words of that black speech here," he said sitting down.
"I do not ask your pardon Master Elrond," Gandalf said, inclining his head slightly, "For the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West."
So that's what that was. And Gandalf had spoken it.
I surpressed a shudder. If just a voice could do that I did not care to imagine what would happen if Gandalf's prediction came true.
Suddenly I understood the importance of all of this. The Ring was evil. I wanted to help in whatever way I could to ensure that the language of Mordor remained in Mordor and nowhere else.
Gandalf had turned to Boromir, "The Ring is altogether evil."

"It is a gift," Boromir said, standing up again, "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring?"
I almost started in astonishment at this man's stupidity. Had he not felt that? How could be not understand?
~~ The Ring will be his undoing ~~
I blinked. I barely remembered that strange thought. I just suddenly - but it was gone.
"Long has my father - the steward of Gondor - kept the forces of Mordor at bay," Boromir was speaking.
Gondor. I knew it. I glanced at Strider, but he had no reaction.
"By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe," Boromir said, "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him."
"You cannot wield it," Strider said, "None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."
Boromir looked at Strider contemptuously, a look that made my blood boil. Were all men so blind to so many things?
"And what would a Ranger know of such matters?" Boromir asked scornfully.

I could not keep quiet any longer. I stood.
"This is no mere Ranger," I said, without thinking, "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You own him your allegiance."
A stunned silence fell.
Boromir broke it, "Aragorn?" he repeated, looking at him, "This is Isildur's heir?"
"And heir to the throne of Gondor," I added. I did not understand Boromir's reaction. It was certainly not what I had expected.
Aragorn looked at me, "~ Sit down Legolas, ~" he directed in Elvish.
Reluctantly I did so. Now I remembered that Aragorn, for reasons I did not understand, did not want to be known for who he was.
Boromir glared at me, "Gondor has no king." He turned to Aragorn, "Gondor needs no king." With that he sat back down.
Aragorn watched Boromir and then turned to me. I could tell that he had not wanted this, but he did not seem too upset with me. I had spared him the trouble of saying anything.

Gandalf broke the silence, "Aragorn is right. We cannot use it."
Lord Elrond rose, "We have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed."
Boromir sighed.
"What are we waiting for?" one of the Dwarves asked getting up.
He pulled out his battle axe and before Elrond could stop him, the Dwarf charged.
It shattered into pieces upon impact and I am sure that everyone, even the Dwarf, felt the Ring pulse angrily. For his part, the Dwarf was thrown backwards. He looked up at the shattered remains of his axe.
"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft we here possess," Elrond said, "The Ring was made in the Fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from which it came," He looked at the council, "One of you must do this."
Lord Elrond was right and I knew this, but the thought filled me with a rather unpleasant feeling. I had never foreseen anything before, but this was the closest I had ever come.
The Ring must be destroyed. I risked another look at it, that thought clear in my mind.

Boromir was speaking again, about how difficult it would be - how dangerous - to get into Mordor, but that did not change my resolve.
"There is evil there that does not sleep, the great eye is ever watchful," Boromir spoke, "It is a barren wasteland filled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is toxic. Not with ten thousand men could you do this. What you are speaking of is folly."
I stood up angrily. Trust a man to say this. I knew this task was beyond men, it would fall to the Elves. One of us would need to do it. Even… even me, though the very idea made me fearful.
"Have you heard nothing of what Lord Elrond has just said?" I demanded of the man, "The Ring must be destroyed!"
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" the Dwarf - Gimli - demanded.
I glared at him. If it needed to be done, I would do it.
Boromir stood, "And if you fail, what then?"
My eyes narrowed, my people would not fail.
"What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir asked.
Gimli stood as well, "I will be dead before I see the Ring in the hands of an Elf!"

Well I could say something about Dwarves too. Like how it Sauron offered enough in trade, they'd certainly sell it.
At the insult to my people, the other Elves stood up. And at some imagined threat, so did the Dwarves.
Suddenly realizing that we should not stoop to arguing with Dwarves, I held out my hands to hold the others back.
"Never trust an Elf!" Gimli shouted.
More trustworthy then Dwarves! I thought, but I held my tongue as the arguing continued.

"I will take it!" a voice suddenly shouted. I turned to see the Hobbit.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor!" Frodo said, to everyone's astonishment.
"Though," Frodo said, softer, "Though I do not know the way."
Gandalf walked over to Frodo, "I will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, for as long as it is yours to bear."
I am sure that I did not imagine the look of relief in Frodo's eyes.
Aragorn stood. (It was then that I realized that he had not joined in the argument).
"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will," he said, joining Gandalf and Frodo. He knelt before Frodo, "You have my sword."
Suddenly I felt a very clear sense of what I was to do, why I was here.
"And you have my bow," I said, walking over to Gandalf. As soon as I had said it, I felt a release, as if this was what I was meant to do.
"And my axe!" a rough voice said.
I do not think I had a visible reaction, but I did not like that smug look on the Dwarf's face. I shifted slightly away from the Dwarf.
Boromir walked towards us, "You carry the fate of us all, little one," he said, "If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."

There was an exclamation and a rustle of leaves and then, much to my surprise (and everyone else's) Samwise Gamgee darted over to Frodo.
"Mister Frodo's not goin' anywhere without me."
I could see the amused sparkle in Lord Elrond's eyes as he spoke, "No, indeed it is hardly possible to separate you two, even when he is summoned to a secret council meeting and you are not."
"Hey! We're coming too!"
Everyone turned as the other two Hobbits ran in. I hadn't yet figured out which was which Hobbit.
"Anyway," one of them said, "You need people of intelligence on this sort of mission…" here he hesitated, "Quest… thing."
"Well that rules you out Pip." The other said.
I held back a smile as Elrond looked us over.
Well, the Hobbits would certainly be an interesting group to travel with.

"So be it," Lord Elrond said, "You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."
"Great," one of the Hobbits said, "Where are we going?"
I did not hear how the matter was settled, for Elrond spoke directly into my mind, telling me that he wished to speak with me privately after the meeting.
I agreed of course.
Elrond gave directions to some of the other Elves, but my mind had wandered.
I had never been further south then Lothlórien, but then I would not be a guide.
I heard Elrond dismiss the council and went through the concluding motions, but I was occupied in remembering all that I could

As soon as I was able I set this account down on paper.

The next afternoon I was summoned, not to a council meeting, but to Lord Elrond's chambers.
"~~ Legolas ~~" he spoke directly to my mind, "~~ Come see me ~~"
"~~ Yes Lord Elrond ~~" I answered, making my way to Elrond's chamber.

I crossed my heart respectfully in the presence of the Elf lord.
"~~ Legolas ~~" he continued to speak into my mind, "~~ I want to be sure that you are sure in your decision. ~~"
"I am Lord Elrond," I said, standing straighter.
"Even into the very heart of Mordor?"
Here I hesitated, "It is true, the idea of the place strikes fear into my heart."
"And it should," Elrond said, "The threat of Mordor is great."
"And yet - " I started, "Although I fear Mordor I do no fear this quest."
Elrond turned to me, "I am not able to foresee anything of this quest."
As he looked at me I could tell what he was thinking.
"I have foreseen nothing Lord Elrond," I said quickly, "I have not that skill."

"You are nervous," he said suddenly, "Legolas, I am not trying to test you." He set his hand on my shoulder, "I am trying to make sure that this is of your own free will that you have decided to go."
"I have," I said suddenly feeling defensive, "The Ring is evil. Surely if I felt it, you did as well."
Elrond turned from me, "I did feel something Legolas. Something that I hope you will never feel."
I shuddered involuntarily, "No single being should be that powerful, not even for good."
"The Elves are powerful," Elrond said.
"Yes, together," I answered, "But no single Elf is that powerful." I looked away, "No Elf should be."
There was silence and for a moment I was afraid that I had offended him. After all, Elrond was one of the most powerful Elves I knew, and he had worked hard to become so.
But Elrond laughed, "I am glad to hear you say that. You do not desire more power."
"Any power that I desire to gain I shall work to gain on my own," I said, suddenly feeling uneasy as I remembered my fathers many attempts to teach me magic, "But I am confident in my abilities."
"As am I young Legolas," Elrond said, "I do not doubt that you will be a good representative of the Elves and a valuable member of the Fellowship."

"Then why all of these questions?" I asked, none too patiently I am afraid.
"Gandalf felt that an Elf should accompany the group," Elrond said, "And I agreed. I made a slight… suggestion to you."
My eyes widened as I remembered how I had come to volunteer. I had felt that this was the reason I was here. Almost as if a voice had told me to. A voice. Elrond's voice.
I took a breath, "Lord Elrond?"
"yes?"
"When did you… suggest this to me? Was it just when Frodo volunteered and Aragorn agreed to accompany him?"
"Yes Legolas."
"But Lord Elrond," I said, "Well before then, I had decided to do all that I could to help."
He smiled at me again, "Then perhaps I did not do so much to persuade you, perhaps I merely gave you permission."
"I am glad for your permission," I said, "And…" here I hesitated shyly, "I would be grateful for your blessing."
Elrond smiled, "You shall have it."
I smiled, and as Elves rarely did, I bowed my head in thanks.
"Come with me now," Elrond said, "I have a gift for you."

I followed Elrond over to his desk where he pulled out a dark wooden box. I watched as he opened it, revealing and old quiver filled with arrows.
"I reached down to pick one up, after looking at Elrond for permission. The shaft was straight and the balance was excellent.
"They come when they are called," Elrond said, "And I made them to be strong."
Elrond's arrows? They were wonderfully crafted, and enchanted as well. There was a spell, which I had not yet mastered, to ensure that one did not run short of arrows at an inconvenient time.
He held his hands over the quiver, "May you never run out of arrows. And may these serve you as well as they did me." Then he placed the quiver into my hands.
"Th-thank you my Lord," I stammered, astonished at such a gift.

There was a great deal more preparation before our journey and I decided to use my free time to practice with the arrows Elrond had given me.
I bent my bow, sighted along the arrow, and let it fly. My arrow pierced the center of an apple and it dropped neatly into my hand.
"Whew," a voice behind me said.
I turned to see Samwise watching me. I smiled at the astonishment in the Hobbit's eyes.
"That was some shot sir," he said, "I'll feel a lot safer with you an' Strider around."
"Thank you Sam." I pulled the arrow out of the apple, and it jumped easily into my hand. Then I tossed the apple to him. I knew that the Hobbits liked to eat.
"How much practice have you had with that?" Sam asked.
"Nearly six hundred years," I answered with a smile.
"Whew," Sam said, "After all that practice, no wonder you're such a good shot."
"Well I have practiced quite a bit," I admitted, "But most Elves are just as good, or better."
"All the same…" Sam started.
I rubbed the apple juice off the arrow and replaced it as I saw Lord Elrond's daughter, Arwen, watching us.

She was dressed sensibly, and I suppose that this made sense. She had no one to impress.
"Arwen is a fine archer as well," I said with a wink.
"We are not children any longer," she said, "I fear you have surpassed me. It has been a long time since I was able to outshoot you."
"Ah, so the lady admits defeat," I said, pulling an arrow out and aiming it for another apple.
"The lady does no such thing," Arwen said, "She is just out of practice."
"But then you do admit defeat," I said innocently, letting the arrow fly through a leaf, cutting through the steam of an apple and then landing in the center of another apple.
"I do not," she said, "But I cannot compete with you, Legolas. I have no bow."
"Oh, is that the only problem?" I asked, "Well then you can use mine." I ceremoniously held out my bow.
When she did not take it I added in Elvish: "~ Come now Arwen, are you afraid? It is only Sam and I to see you. And he will be impressed whatever you do. ~"
"~ I am not afraid Greenleaf, ~" she answered in Elvish, "~ Other then not wishing to embarrass you. ~"
"~ You certainly do not need to fear that Evenstar, ~" I answered.
She shook her head and picked up my bow.'

"I have told you I am out of practice," she said in Common. I handed her an arrow.
"And of course this is not my bow either," she said.
"Of course," I agreed.
Arwen bent the bow, sighted it and let the arrow fly.
She did not hit the apple, but severed the stem.
"~ You missed ~" I teased her in Elvish.
"I did not wish to spoil the apple by sending an arrow through it," she said in Common, depositing the bow in my hands.
"~I am sure ~" I answered, "~ But I suppose that you will never tell me what you really meant to hit. ~"
"~ Of course not ~" she answered, and with that, she left the courtyard.

I smiled at Sam, "You see what I mean?"
"What did she say to you?" Sam asked.
"Oh. I was just congratulating her on her shot," I answered.

Lord Elrond met with me once more. He had already told me of the ceremony, so I was not surprised when he told me to kneel before him.

"Laiqua lasse yondova Thranduil," (Legolas, son of Thranduil) he spoke to me in the oldest of Elven languages, "Do you pledge your service to the Fellowship of the Ring for as long as you are able to?"
"Caruvan," I responded in the old language, hoping I'd get the pronunciation right.
"You know that your task may take you into Mordor where you may face unimaginable evil?"
"I do."
"Will you swear to not touch the Ring unless in time of gravest need?"
"I swear it," I answered.
"Elves are immortal, but you must always be on your guard," he said, "Out your senses to good use. Use all of your Elven abilities for they may mean the difference between success and failure."
"Yes Lord Elrond."
"Give me your bow."
I handed it to him. I am not sure what he did to it, but after a few moments he returned it to me.
"May it serve you well."
I bowed my head for his final blessing.
"Rise Legolas," he said after a moment, "And go with my blessing."

Finally we were ready to depart.
Elrond assembled the entire Fellowship in the courtyard and much of Rivendell was there to see us off.
"The Ring Bearer is setting off on the quest to Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath or bond is laid to go further then you will," Lord Elrond spoke, "Farewell. Hold to your purpose and may the blessings of Elves, men and free fold go with you."
I crossed my heart in response.

"The Fellowship awaits the Ring Bearer," Gandalf said.
Frodo looked at all of us and then turned towards the gates of Rivendell.
I understood why he hesitated. Rivendell was safe but the protection of my people would fade as we left.
Well, I thought, you are not leaving all of the power of the Elves behind.
We all followed him out of the gate and turned down the path that would start our journey.
I paused when Aragorn hesitated, but he waved me on, and so the journey of the Fellowship began.
Gandalf led the way while Aragorn and I kept watch from behind.

"We must hold to this course west of the Misty Mountains," Gandalf had said, "If our luck holds the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us."

We traveled onwards at the fastest pace the Hobbits could manage.
The terrain was rough on them, and often I had to help them keep their feet.

I jumped onto a boulder and scouted the area, as I always did, then I turned back and caught hold of Sam's hand, pulling him up and boosting him onto the ledge to Aragorn. Then came Frodo, Merry and Pippin. I offered Boromir a hand up as well.
"I'm alright," he said.
I nodded and jumped up to join Gandalf and the others.

"Legolas," Sam said wearily, "How much further do we have to go today?"
"Gandalf said that we should try and reach the land of Eregion by morning," I answered, scanning the horizon.
"Eregion?" Gimli repeated, "Hollin it is called now."
"It is Eregion in my language," I answered, "Named for the trees on it's borders."
"And the Men call it Hollin for the same reasons," Gandalf said, easily stopping yet another of the needless disagreements that the Dwarf would provoke with me, "For the Holly trees."
"Yes, and I can see them," I said, squinting to make out the faint trees, "We should be able to reach it today."
The Hobbits groaned.
"Can't we rest here tonight?" Pippin asked.
"No," Gandalf said, "But we may rest tomorrow in Hollin."
He turned to me, "Legolas, on this next leg of the journey I shall need your watchful eyes more then ever."
I nodded, "I will keep watch for you Gandalf."

We would have continued on, but the Hobbits needed rest. And so I kept watch for an hour until we were ready to travel again

For this leg of the journey I walked close behind Gandalf, keeping a sharp eye out for any danger.
None of our allies held any of these lands, so the threat was even greater now.
We reached Eregion well after sunset. Gandalf had us rest in an area that I first took to be stones, but soon realized that it was in fact the ruins of some ancient structure, any markings or carvings long since worn away.
I rested a hand on one of the boulders and jumped at what I felt.
I glanced around, but no one noticed me. As though I were simply looking around I walked over to a holly bush and lightly touched the leaves.
I felt nothing. Well, that is not true, but I did not feel what I expected.
My people had once dwelt here, but the plants did not remember.

Late that night, while everyone was asleep I sat in a small space between the stones. I was not on watch, but I could not sleep.

"They are gone," I repeated, the stones were so sad. So sad and alone.
"Yes," Gandalf said, "They are gone."
I jumped and looked up at the Wizard, "I did not hear you Gandalf."
"No," Gandalf agreed, "You were busy."
"There were Elves here once," I said, "But the plants do not remember. But the stones do. I can hear them."
"It will take a very long time before the land forgets Elves if they once dwelt upon it," Gandalf said, "And much evil must befall the land before it forgets entirely."
"I do not remember," I said, "I do not remember the Elves that dwelt here."
"Few do - if any," Gandalf said.
I looked up at him sadly, this was indeed sad.
"Take some rest Legolas," he said, "The old power here is awake and will watch over us."

I dreamed that night, curled up in the shadow of my ancestors. What would it have been like to live on a plain rather then the woods?
In my dreams I saw the ruins restored to their former glory. A tall building, white as marble, but covered in ivy. The holly bushes grew right up into the entrances.
I was reminded of Rivendell. These Elves feared no attack. This was a good place.
I saw an Elf-lord - Not Lord Elrond, Celeborn, or my father, but of a different tribe. His hair was not dark like the Elves or Rivendell, nor fair like mine, but light brown.
He did not see me, for it was just a dream.
He was watching an Elf and Elf maiden walking towards a steam.
Everything about this place seemed fresh and clean and… good. No wonder the stones missed the Elves.
Then the Elf maiden started to sing.
I wish I could remember the words, but even the melody fades from my memory. It was one of the most beautiful songs I had ever hear. So much has been lost to Middle Earth…

I woke the next morning with tears on my cheeks. Once the whole of Middle Earth had been like that, but now only a few places had even a remnant of it.
I recovered myself and looked out into the rising sun. I could see the sleeping figures of the rest of the Fellowship.
"~ Thank you ~" I spoke to the ruins in the Old language, as best I could, "~ Once you sheltered Elves. Today one of their kin thanks you for doing it again. ~"
Stones were certainly not incapable of life, I had just never spoken to one before.

We rested at the ruins in Eregion that morning, under the care of my ancestors.
When I saw them again, I would need to thank them for it.
All of the Company was glad of the rest. After so many tense days of travel everyone was grateful for the chance to relax.

It was right before mid-day when I had an odd feeling. I scanned the horizon, but I saw nothing. I felt something in the air, something that made me uneasy, but I was also able to sense something rising from the land. The remnants of a protective spell, thousands of years old.
I looked at Gandalf, but he had not felt it. Perhaps the spell was too old for non-Elves to feel it.
Boromir, Merry and Pippin were practicing fencing while Aragorn watched.
Sam was cooking one of the many meals that the Hobbits seemed to eat.
And yet I could not rest. Something was trying to get my attention, but for as far as I could see there was nothing.
Gimli was complaining, as usual.
"If anyone were to ask my opinion - which I know they're not - I'd say we were taking the long way around."
I sighed, only half-listening as Gimli talked about passing through some sort of mine, Gandalf vetoed the idea.

Still uneasy, I turned around and walked to the other side, looking off to the Southwest. Something was wrong. I could feel it. Ignoring the sounds of Boromir and the Hobbits, I focused all my attention on the horizon. There was a dark cloud far off in the distance, over what I guessed would be Isengard.
Isengard? Suddenly something started to make sense. The dark cloud was barely a smudge on the horizon.
I stared at it, trying to determine what it was.
"what is that?" Sam asked.
"Nothing," Gimli said, "It's just a wisp of cloud."
Wisp of cloud indeed! Trust a Dwarf not to sense anything!
Everyone was looking now.
"It's moving fast," Boromir said, "And against the wind."
As it came closer I was able to see it for what it was, a flock of black birds.
"Crebain from Dunland!" I exclaimed.
"Hide!" Aragorn shouted, "Hurry!"
Quickly we gathered our supplies and put out the fire. After seeing Aragorn take charge, I jumped down from my perch and hid under the holly bushes, where I would be invisible.

All was quiet for a moment and then the flock of Crebain flew over the ruins.
Crebain are large black birds, larger then ravens and crows, and meaner. Native to Dunland, they rarely leave that area. If they were this far east they must have been sent. Sent by whom? I could only imagine, but I knew it would be no one that we wished to meet.
The Crebain circled overhead and then flew back in the direction they had come. I waited until they were no more then a black cloud on the horizon before I ventured out.

"Spies of Sarumon," Gandalf said as he crawled out, "The passage south is being watched."
I looked to Gandalf as he looked towards the mountains above us.
"We must take the Pass of Caradhras," he decided.

We set out from Eregion at dusk, always keeping watch for more Crebain. I was sorry to leave, but I knew that it was no longer safe there. Without the presence of Elves the old power was too weak to protect us.
Our path led us northwards into the snow covered mountains.
As we reached the foot of the mountains, the path grew steeper.
Once again, (I think I am not imagining it, nor am I bragging) I think that more then one member of the Company were grateful for my sense of balance.

After we had been travelling for a day and a night I felt something soft on my face. It was snowing.
We traveled onwards and the snow fell harder, making it difficult to see. If my vision was beginning to be obstructed I could only imagine what it was like for the others.
But the storm passed. We continued and I found myself walking next to Sam.
"I don't like this at all," Sam said, "I would rather be in bed, watching all this snow fall outside."
I was not cold, and the snow did not bother me, but I could see that Sam was shivering.
"I miss the Shire," he continued.
"I miss sleeping in a proper bed," Merry chimed in.
"And hot meals," Pippin added.

The Hobbits had given me an idea. I darted forward to the head of the line, where Gandalf was leading.
"~ Gandalf? ~" I said in Elvish, "~ We are all weary of travel. Once we pass over the mountains will we turn south? ~"
"~ Yes ~" Gandalf answered.
"~ Could we not stop in Lothlórien? ~" I asked, "~ It is on the way, and it would give us some time to rest. ~"
He looked thoughtful.
"~ We would be safe there for a time, ~" I said, "~ And after this, we will need some place to recover. ~"
"The thought had already crossed my mind," Gandalf said, "I think it is a good idea."
I smiled, the thought had already lightened my heart.

"Lothlórien?" Gimli had overheard us, and understood that word, "Why would we need to stop there?"
"We need a place that is safe to rest," I answered.
"And you suggest there?"
"It is one of the safest places in Middle Earth," I explained, "And my people will protect us."
"Ho, more Elven hospitality," Gimli said, "Hadn't we enough of that in Rivendell? Why do we not visit my people?"
"Because your people are too far north," I answered practically, trying to ignore the insult to Lord Elrond's house, "Lothlórien is on the way."
"Not all of my people live in the north," Gimli said, "My cousin Balin lives in the kingdom of Khazad-dum, or others would call it Moria."
Moria? Oh yes. The Dwarves had hidden there away from the world.
"We should travel there instead of over this mountain," Gimli finished.
I blinked, and suddenly mistepped as I saw a dark room filled with heat, and fire, and fear. Then the vision was gone.
"Are you alright Master Elf?" Gimli asked, "A bit slippery?"
"No," I answered, shaking my head slightly to clear it. I did not know what the vision meant, but I could not rid myself of that feeling of fear.

I heard a crunch in the snow and turned to see Aragorn catch Frodo before the Hobbit was about to roll down the hill.
I saw the Ring on it's chain, standing out bright against the snow. Boromir picked it up by the chain.
I did not hear what he said, for his back was to me.
"Boromir," Aragorn said, "Give the Ring to Frodo."
There was a pause and then Boromir did so, he ruffled Frodo's hair, brushing off the snow.
I noticed Aragorn relax and move his hand away from his sword. Things had been tense between the two men, but not this tense.
I did not have much time to think on this, I felt someone - Sam - catch hold of my hand to steady himself.

The snow grew deeper and the wind grew fiercer as we made our way up the mountain.
Gandalf led the way, breaking a path through snow that was up to his waist.
Boromir and Aragorn had to help the Hobbits. I walked along on top of the snowdrifts, thinking that it was at these moments that it was nice to be an Elf. The snow blew, but it did not bother me.
As I walked across the snow next to Gandalf, I thought I heard something in the wind. I looked out across the mountain range. This was no ordinary storm.
I could not see anything, but I heard a voice.
"There is a foul voice on the air," I reported to Gandalf.
"It's Sarumon!" he exclaimed.

There was a crack and I looked upwards to see snow start to fall. The Company pressed against the cliff. I ducked, concentrating on keeping my footing.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain!" Aragorn shouted, trying to shelter Frodo and Sam, "Gandalf! We must turn back!"
"No!" Gandalf shouted back. He climbed onto an outcropping as I watched to make sure he did not fall.
He started to chant, I recognized it as a spell. I could hear Gandalf chanting, but I could hear another voice as well. Sarumon. The two wizards were battling and we were caught in the middle.
I saw the lightning strike the mountain and a second later, the mountain started to crack. As if watching it in slow motion I saw the snow come tumbling down.
I grabbed the back of Gandalf's robes and hauled him back against the cliff. I turned away from the falling snow and braced. I could not keep from groaning as the full weight of the snow came down on up.

I was buried in a cold world of white. Even and Elf feels cold when buried under a mountain of snow.
I struggled and burst my way to the surface, then looked around for the others. Aragorn had made his way out and pulled Frodo and Sam to the surface, then Gimli.
I helped dig Gandalf out as Boromir, Pippin and Merry made their way out.

"We must get off the mountain!" Boromir shouted, "Make for the Gap of Rohan, or take the west road to my city."
"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard," Aragorn argued.
"If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it," Gimli said, "Let us go through the mines of Moria."
I felt cold at that and it was not because of the snow.
I turned back to look at the road before us. We had come less then half-way. It did not look as though the snow would lighten up, especially if Sarumon knew where we were.
I did not like this one bit.
Lord Elrond, is this what you meant to warn me about? I thought

"Let the Ring Bearer decide," Gandalf said finally.
I did not look at Frodo. It is hard enough to make a decision without everyone looking at you.
"We cannot stay here," Boromir shouted over the wind, "This will be the death of the Hobbits."
I blinked at that word, and yet it made sense. No, it would not. We would not allow it.
"Frodo?" Gandalf asked.
"We will go through the mines," Frodo said.
"So be it," Gandalf said softly.

This was easier said then done. The avalanche had blocked off much of our path back. The snow was now nearly to Aragorn's chest.
They struggled through the snow, but I could see exhaustion starting to show on the faces of the Hobbits.

"Gandalf?" I called, "Could you not create some flame and melt the snow a little?"
Gandalf turned to me, annoyed. It seemed that this was wearing on him as well, for he seemed uneasy.
I may have imagined it, but for a moment it seemed that he was almost irritated by the fact that I did not need to fight my way through the snow like the rest of the Company.
"And if Elves could fly you could fetch the Sun," he answered crossly, "But you cannot, and I cannot burn snow."
I think I just stood there for a moment in astonishment.

Boromir mentioned something about how it was not too far until we reached the edge of the snow, and then he and Aragorn started digging their way through.
I felt useless. Gandalf's comment had seemed to weaken me. Then I saw the dwarf. I could not appear weak in front of him. Then I had an idea.
"Let them plough their way, for they are suited to it," I said, "But choose an otter for swimming, and for running light over snow - choose an Elf."
With that I stepped forward with a smile.
"Farewell Gandalf," I called, "I go to find the Sun!"
I ran off after Aragorn and Boromir, quickly catching up with them.

"Legolas?" Aragorn asked, "What are you doing?"
"I shall see how far it is," I answered, then I ran onwards.
I went around the bend and then came to a quick stop, for the snowdrift abruptly dropped. Several more steps and it there was barely enough snow to cause any of them any trouble.
Glad that I could return with happy news, I ran back to discover Aragorn and Boromir struggling through the drift.
"I hope you bring us good news," Aragorn said, "I do not think we can make it."
"Yes you can," I said, walking to the far edge of the drift, "It is only this far."
"Then we are nearly there!" Boromir exclaimed.
"After this it gets much easier," I said, coming back and helping them move snow out of the way.
Soon they were through and had broken a path all the way.
"Now we will be able to get the Hobbits through," I said.
We turned back, I, running a bit faster then the other two, reached Gandalf and the Hobbits first.

"I have not brought the Sun," I said cheerfully, "but I have good news. The greatest snow drift is just around the bend, and beyond that, the snow is less until there is just the smallest bit left."
This cheered everyone. Aragorn and Boromir arrived shortly after to help the rest of the company down the mountain.
We traveled down the mountain back to the plain, but not back as far as Eregion.

The next day we continued onwards towards Moria.
I did not have any more visions, although I told Gandalf about my vision. He admitted that he also did not wish to go through Moria, but he would not tell me why.
"Why are you so reluctant to visit my people?" Gimli asked.
"It is not that," I said, "but I do not wish to go to Moria."
I did not wish to argue with Gimli anymore, no matter how he would provoke me. And how he tried to provoke me!
We reached two great holly trees that stood at the edge of a hill.
"Here we are," Gandalf said, "Here the Elven-road from Hollin ends. This road was used for trade with Moria." He sighed, "Thse were happier days - when there was still close friendship between the Dwarves and Elves."
I could not imagine how those would have been happier times.
"Well it was not the fault of the dwarves that the friendship ended," Gimli said.
"It was certainly not the fault of the Elves," I defended.
"I have heard both, but I will not decide now," Gandalf said, "But, Legolas, Gimli, please be friends to help me. We shall have enough without the constant fighting between the two of you."
I did not point out that the dwarf was the one starting all of the arguing. But for Gandalf, and the sake of the quest, I would be patient.

We reached the gates of Moria, a gloomy dead looking place on the edge of a lake with inking black water. Even the plants were colorless. They were tired. This was not a good place.
"The walls of Moria," Gimli breathed, pointing ahead of us.
The "walls" were just ordinary stone to me, and I said as much. I certainly did not see any gate. (Nor did I wish to see one)
"Dwarf doors are invisible when closed," Gimli said, rapping on the walls with his axe.
"Yes Gimli," Gandalf said, "Even their own Masters cannot find them if their secrets are forgotten."
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" I muttered, following the Dwarf. I would not expect the Dwarves to remember anything of importance.
Gandalf came to a stop and ran a hand overt he wall, speaking softly. "Ithildin," he said, "It mirrors only Starlight and Moonlight."
I knew that of course, but I did not know why the Dwarfs would use Elf magic on their door. This must have been a long time ago indeed.

We waited for the Moon to make her appearance and then the gates of Moria appeared.
They were certainly Elf-craft. Across the top , in both Elvish and the Dwarven writing it read:
"The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak Friend, and Enter." (and very nice script as well)
Gandalf read it aloud.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked.
"It's quite simple," Gandalf said, "If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open."
He drew himself, placed his staff against the door and spoke in Elvish, commanding the doors to open for the gusts of Durin.
The doors remained closed. Gandalf tried another spell, but still no luck.
"Hmm," Gimli said.
I looked down at him, the person who had kin behind these walls did not know the password? Then how could he be sure we would be welcome? Why did he not know the password either?
"Nothing's happening," Pippin said.
Surprisingly, Gandalf leaned against the doors and started to push.
"I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves, Men and Orcs," he muttered.
"What are you going to do then?" Pippin asked.
"Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took," Gandalf exclaimed crossly, "And if that does not shatter them and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions I will try to find the opening words."
Something else was bothering Gandalf, I knew that he was no more eager to enter there then I was.

Gandalf tried for the better part of a hour.
I stood next to one of the trees and watched, I did not like the feel of this place.
I turned at the sound of a splash and saw Merry and Pippin skipping stone across the water.
"Do not distrub the water!" Aragorn hissed, stopping them.
I agreed, watching the lake for a moment, bow in hand, but the water was still.
"Oh it's useless," Gandalf said, sitting down.
I cannot say that I was too disappointed by this.

Frodo looked at the door, "It's a riddle."
I looked out over the water, and saw it move, but could not see anything in the blackness.
"Speak friend and enter," Frodo said softly, he turned to Gandalf, "What's the Elvish word for "friend"?"
I did not answer, still watching the movement in the water.
"Mellon," Gandalf spoke the Elvish word for friend in the Old Language.
I turned at the sound of stones shifting to see the doors open.
"Of course!" Gandalf said with a laugh, "Far too simple for me to see."

I follwed close behind Gandalf as he led us into the blackness that was Moria. I had never been in a place so dark.
"Soon, Master Elf," Gimli said, "You will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves: Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone."
Well. That did not sound very attractive to my mind, but I held my peace.
Gandalf mumbled something and I saw the end of his staff light.
"This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin," Gimli continued, "And they call it a mine," he laughed, "a mine."
I looked around curiously, I had never seen where dwarves lived.

I don't know what I expected to see, but I did not expect a room filled with dust, cobwebs and… skeletons.
There had been a great battle here, and these skeletons, filled with arrows were not the victors.
If the Dwarves had won this battle, they would not have left the remains here.
"This is no mine," Boromir said, "It's a tomb!"
"No!" Gimli shouted, looking around, "No!"
I knelt down and pulled out one of the arrows. They were crudely made, with a one-sided top.
I looked at the others, "Goblins."
Aragorn and Boromir pulled out their swords. I laid an arrow to my bow.
"We make for the Gap of Rohan," Boromir said, "We should never have come here."
I was completely in agreement. We needed to leave this place. It reeked of evil.

"Strider!" Sam exclaimed.
I turned to see the three Hobbits bent over something. Sam, Merry, Pippin, where was Frodo?
I ran out to see something dragging Frodo towards the lake. The Hobbits were attacking something with their swords.

All was quiet for a moment and then at least ten snake-like arms burst out of the water, pulling Frodo back towards the creature.
I shot, my arrow slicing through one of the arms holding Frodo.
Boromir and Aragorn rushed into the water. I held an arrow ready, but watched as the two men attacked.
And then it surfaced. A mass of arms emerging from a huge head. It opened it's jaws wide.
Aragorn sliced at the arms and it dropped Frodo into Boromir's arms.
I kept my focus on the creature, waiting for a clear shot.
"Leoglas!" Boromir was shouting my name, "Into the cave!"
I let my arrow fly, it struck one of the eyes. I helped Merry up and followed the others into the cave.
I did not understand why we were running inside the cave.
The creature would only follow us. And it did.

But instead of following us into the cave it pulled the walls around the entrance down. I watched as the light vanished. We were trapped. We should never have come here.
A slight weight increase on my back brought me back my senses. Elrond's arrows. I took a breath to calm myself.
"We now have but one choice," Gandalf's voice said, as he lifted his staff again, "we must face the long dark of Moria."
He looked at me with an expression I could not read. "Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things then Orcs in the deep places of the world."
I kept my bow ready, and it provided me with some comfort.
I am almost ashamed to admit that I remained close to Gandalf.
But I am an Elf. I am used to Sunlight and the open air, not Darkness and these walls of stone.
I had a constant uneasy feeling. Gandalf's words remained in my memory. I hope we would not come across what Gandalf feared. I remembered my vision, although I hoped it was a false-vision.

"Quietly now," Gandalf said, "It is a four day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed."
And as we made our way through what had once been a prosperous mine. But all was in ruins now, the path was difficult.
I knew in my heart that I truly felt sorry for Giml this had once been a fine place, and now it was in ruins.

Gandalf led us along a narrow ledge, where he hesitated.
"The wealth of Moria was not in gold, or jewels, but mithril."
Mithril? No wonder the Elves had been friendly with Dwarves. Mithril was light and fine, and strong, but very rare. I had not been lucky enough to have anything made of mithril. Elves could work with it, and Dwarves could mine it. What a good partnership that must have been.
Gandalf shown his light down the pit and revealed a series of ladders and structures that I had no name for. And in the walls, the tell-tale silver-white sparkle of raw mithril. What a waste. So much lost.
"Bilbo had a shirt of mithril rings that Thorin gave him," Gandalf said as we continued on our way.
"Oh that was a kingly gift," Gimli said, impressed.
"yes," Gandalf said, "I never told him, but it's worth was greater then the value of the Shire."
And I could well believe it.

Then I heard something. "~ Gandalf ~" I whispered, "~ There is something following us… ~"
"~ Yes I know ~" he answered.
"~ What are we to do about it? ~" I asked, slowly reaching for an arrow.
"~ Nothing, ~" Gandalf said.
"~ Nothing? ~" I repeated in astonishment, "~ but it could be a spy to report back to… whatever took this place. ~"
"~ It is not, ~" Gandalf said, "~ Just ignore it ~"
"~ I cannot. ~" I said.
"~ Then do nothing about it, and say nothing to the other ~"
I did not understand, but I agreed.

Gandalf led us up a steep set of stairs which the Hobbits had trouble with.
We stopped in a cavern with three passages branching off. Here Gandalf hesitated, "I have no memory of this place."
We rested here while Gandalf sat in front of the doors, thinking.
I stood, still watchful while the others relaxed as best they could. Merry and Pippin held a whispered discussion about if we were lost or not.
I saw the creature that had been following us for the past three days - the creature Gollum, the one I had pointed out to Gandalf. It was crawling after us. It would be such an easy shot. But Elves did not kill needlessly. And Gandalf had warned me to leave Gollum alone. So I just watched. I had not been able to realax since we entered the mines, and now was no different.
"Oh!" Gandalf said suddenly, "It's that way."
"He's remembered!" Merry exclaimed as we followed Gandalf.
"No," Gandalf said, "But the air doesn't smell so foul down here." He turned to Merry, "If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose."
Once I had entered the passageway, I took a sniff. Gandalf was right, the air did smell better.

He led us onwards, and then suddenly he increased his light.
"Behold," he said, "The great realm and Dwarf-city of Dwarrowdelf."
Sam put it nicely: "There's an eye-opener and no mistake."
The city was made of great pillars and arches. Why, it was a stone forest! No wonder Gimli was so proud of this place, and sorrowed by it's decay.
It is hard for me to admit this, but I was impressed.

We walked along the great hallway until Gimli let out a soft exclamation and ran off into a room on the side.
He did not seem to hear Gandalf call him back.
We followed the Dwarf into a smaller room.
"No!" he whispered, kneeling before a white stone box and weeping.
"Here lies Balin," Gandalf read the inscription, "Son of Fundin, Lord of Moria," he sighed, "He is dead then. It's as I feared."
Boromir set a comforting hand on Gimli's shoulder while I just watched. So Gimli's cousin was dead, fallen into Shadow. That meant that the dwarves no longer lived here.
As I looked around I realized something. This was the room from my vision. But Gandalf made no move to leave.
Instead he picked up an old dusty book. This was no time for this! Not now!
I moved towards Aragorn, "we must move on," I whispered, "We cannot linger."
Aragorn nodded.

Gandalf was reading the book, "They have taken the bridge and the scond hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums. Drums in the deep. We cannot get out. They are coming."
As Gandalf read, I looked around nervously. We must leave this place at once! All of my senses were shouting this to me.
Suddenly there was a loud bang. I whirled, an arrow ready, but nothing was there. I saw something fall down an old stone well, and Pippin standing there sheepishly.
The clatter went on and on, echoing loudly in my ears.
And then finally it stopped. I listened intently as silence fell. It was not a vision, but I knew that now danger would come.
I tensed listening.
Boromir sighed, breaking the silence.
"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf snapped, scolding Pippin.

Then I heard a thump, and I another, and another.
Drums! And then I heard something else.
"Orcs!" I exclaimed.
Boromir rushed to the door just as several arrows embedded themselves in the wood.
"Get back!" Aragorn shouted to the Hobbits, "Stay close to Gandalf!"
I am ashamed to admit that I just stood there for a moment, watching.

The two men had closed the door. I picked up one of the heavy axes lying against the wall. We could barricade the door, slow the Orcs down.
I bent my bow, holding an arrow in place. It was time to fight. We would not be kept here.
I watched the Orcs outside try to break the door down.
Gimli said something, but I did not hear it.
They started to hack through the door. I stood, still as stone, watching. I saw an Orc cutting a hole in the door. My arrow flew, sinking firmly into it's target.
I shot another Orc before they burst through.
I fired arrows until they led a great cave troll in by a chain. My arrow sank into the chest of the troll, but seemed to have no effect.

Then the real battle began. I moved up higher so I could shoot, then I saw the troll lunging for Gimli.
I let two arrows fly, forcing it back.
Yanking my knives out as I put by bow away I defended myself against the converging Orcs.
I saw the troll swinging it's chain and I ducked as it cracked against the pillars and ground.
The chain smacked around on the pillars, getting stuck. I ran up it to finish off the cave troll, but even a direct shot to the head did not kill it. I did not see where the troll went, as I had to deal with more Orcs.
But I saw the troll go after Frodo.
The primary threat was the troll, but I had to rid myself of the Orcs first.
I cut down one of the last and looked up to see Pippin atop the troll's head. I took aim. The troll jerked it's head back and my arrow flew. My arrow struck true, and the troll fell.

The battle was over and I caught my breath. I am glad that I do not remember much of it.
Gandalf rushed off to one side, where Aragorn had already gone to Frodo.
Frodo coughed and gasped for air, he must have taken a great blow, gotten the wind knocked out of him.
"He's alive," Sam said.
I blinked. The thought that he might be otherwise had never crossed my mind.
"I'm alright," Frodo panted, "I'm not hurt."
"You should be dead," Aragorn said in amazement, "that spear would have skewered a wild boar."
"I think there's more to this Hobbit then meets the eye," Gandalf said.
Frodo drew back his shirt.
"Mithril," Gimli breathed, "You are full of surprises Master Baggins."

There was a screeching sound, more Orcs!
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" Gandalf ordered.
We ran. I did not look back. I knew what I would see.
Instead I looked up to see a whole swarm of Orcs.
We ran as far as we could before we were surrounded.
The familiar feeling of my blood rising took me as I prepared for battle.
And then, suddenly a great fear seemed to over-take the Orcs, and they fled.
Gimli laughed, but I was not at ease. What could frighten Orcs?
A dull red light shone out of one of the passage ways.

I held my arrows ready, but for what I wasn't sure.
"What is this new devery?" Boromir whispered.
Gandalf closed his eyes.
I did not like this one bit! The very air was fleeing in terror.
"A Balrog," Gandalf said softly, "A demon of the ancient world."
A Balrog? We should not have come here! An ancient fire demon! A destroyer!
Darkness. Heat. Fear. But it was real now.
"It's power is beyond any of you," Gandalf said, "Run!"

I needed no other urging. We ran down the passage way. Boromir ran past me into another room.
I saw the great chasm in front of him, but he did not. I pulled him back and he landed on top of me. Men were heavy. But at least he had not fallen off the cliff.
Gandalf told Aragorn to lead us on. We made our way down a staircase. The others were taking too long, so I jumped, not bothering with the stairs.
Part of the pathway was missing, but it was only a few steps, perhaps as long as a Hobbit was tall. I did not hesitated and jumped across.
I turned to help whoever was next. I heard all too well the walls starting to crumble.
"Gandalf!" I called, ready to catch him.
He jumped into my arms when I heard an arrow whiz through the air. I could see the Orc archer. I let one of my own arrows fly. One less Orc to worry about.
Boromir gathered Merry and Pippin into his arms and jumped while Aragorn felled another Orc. I fired off more arrows at our attackers.
I caught Sam as Aragorn threw him into my arms.
He turned to Gimli, who refused help: "Nobody tosses a Dwarf."
He jumped, and nearly made it, but he over-balance and fell backwards. I caught hold of his long beard (so that's what those were for).
He wasn't pleased, but I hauled the Dwarf to safety.
The passage had been breaking down, and it started to crumble again. Aragorn and Frodo jumped back.
I looked up at the two of them. The distance was too far for me to jump, much less anyone else.
I was filled with dread as I heard something, but I refused to think about what I was hearing.
Then the whole column started to tumble - thankfully towards us.
"Come on!" I called.
"Now!" Aragorn said to Frodo, jumping into my arms.
We ran on as the staircase crumbled behind us.
At least it stopped the pursuit behind us.

"Over the bridge!" Gandalf shouted, "fly!"
As I ran, the sense of fear nearly overwhelmed me. The Balrog was close. Very close.
I looked back. I should not have, but I looked back.
It was a Shadow. Darkness, but yet it burned. Darkness! Heat! A Balrog!
I ran. I have often said that before, but I had never truly run before.
We reached the bridge, (thankfully, still intact) and without hesitating, ran across it.

"You cannot pass!" Gandalf's voice boomed.
"Gandalf!" Frodo shouted.
I had been nearly up the stairs, I could see daylight, but I turned back to see Gandalf in the center of the bridge, facing the Balrog. Alone. I pulled out an arrow, but it was too far.
The crystal in his staff glowed brighter and I knew Gandalf was casting a spell.
The Balrog brought a flaming sword down on top of Gandalf, but it was deflected.
I could do nothing but watch. I could not move.
"Go back to the Shadow!" Gandalf ordered.
The Balrog just roared and cracked his whip.
"You shall not pass!" Gandalf shouted, bringing his sword and staff together. There was an intense bright light, but it appeared nothing happened.
I could not move. I could hardly breathe, all I could do was watch.
The Balrog took a step closer and the stone bridge shattered. The Balrog vanished from sight and I was freed of my terror.

Gandalf turned to come back to us and I smiled. So much for my vision.
Then suddenly he fell back, almost as if he were dragged. He was being dragged towards the edge!
Hanging on by his hands, Gandalf looked up as us. Frodo screamed Gandalf's name and Boromir held him back.
"Fly you fools!" Gandalf shouted.
And then, he let go. He let go. Gandalf let go of the edge of the bridge and disappeared over the edge.
Frodo screamed.

I do not remember getting outside, I was suddenly outside in the Sunlight on the side of the mountain.
I saw the others, but my mind was back in the cave. Gandalf had let go. I had not been able to see the bottom of that chasm. He had let go. He was not here with us. He was not here. Gandalf he…
No! It was not possible. How could he be… gone? How could it be?
I started at the distance, but all I saw was Gandalf letting go and falling.
I could see the others, although through what seemed like a fog.
Pippin was sobbing and the rest of the Hobbits didn't look too much better.
They were sad because Gandalf wasn't coming back. He was gone and he was not coming back.

"Legolas, get them up."
It took me a moment to process what Aragorn had said, and I mechanically did so, feeling oddly disjointed, almost numb.
"Give them a moment!" Boromir protested as I started to help Pippin and Merry up.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs," Aragorn argued.
Orcs. Bad. Avoid them. Yes.
"we must reach the woods of Lothlórien," Aragorn said, starting to go.
I perked up slightly at the mention of that place, but even the Golden Wood was not enough to forget what had happened.
I could see the sorrow in their eyes, but heart ached as well. How could it be that Gandalf was gone?

Aragorn led us onwards, and it did not occur to me to question it.

The sight of the Golden Wood was enough to raise my spirits out of this strange sorrow.
"Lothlórien," I said, looking up at the comforting sight of the trees, "It is too bad that it is winter."
The leaves were yellow and red now, but still.
"Let us hope that the virtue of the Elves will keep us safe tonight," Aragorn said.
"And longer," I said, very much wanting the comfort of Lothlórien.
One of the Eldest of Elves lived here, and I wished to speak with her. I did not understand this strange heavy feeling that I had felt since Gandalf had left.
I was lost in thought, but the very air here felt like a soft caress. The trees seemed to close in around me, sheltering me from the trouble of the world.
I heard Gimli talking to the Hobbits.
"They say that a great sorceress lives in these Woods," the dwarf said, "An Elf-Witch of terrible power."
I bristled, how dare he speak like that of things he did not understand?
But I had promised Gandalf I would hold my peace and I did not want to cross him, he had enough to worry… Gandalf was not with us.

Suddenly we came to a stop. Instantly I had an arrow on the string. We were surrounded by arrows. Very familiar looking arrows…
I lowered my bow as a host of my people stepped out of the trees. What was wrong with me that I had not noticed them?
"Thw Dwarf breathes so loud," the leader of the band said, "We could have shot him in the dark."
Gimli growled at that.
Aragorn bowed to the leader, "~ Haldir of Lorien, we come here for help. We need your protection. ~"
"~ Please Haldir," I added respectfully, "There are Orcs following us. ~"
"Aragorn!" Gimli called, "These woods are perilous! We should go back."
"You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood," Haldir said, "You cannot go back."
Gimli did not look pleased.
"~ Forgive my companion ~" I said quickly, "~ He is a Dwarf, he does not understand. ~"
He considered and then nodded, "We cannot linger here."

We followed Haldir and his company further into the wood where we could speak properly.
"~ Welcome, Legolas, son of Thranduil, ~" Haldir said.
"~ Our Fellowship stands in your debt, ~" I answered respectfully.
He turned to Aragron, "~ Aragorn of the Dunedain, you are known to us. ~" Here Haldir crossed his heart.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves," Gimli grumbled, "Speak words we can all understand!"
Haldir turned to Gimli with a look of distaste, "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days."
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that?" Gimli said crossly, then spoke in Dwarvish.
I will not repeat what he said, but Haldir showed a remarkable amount of patience.
"That was not so courteous," Aragorn scolded.
Haldir turned to Frodo. I could tell that he could sense the Ring.
"You bring great evil with you," he said.
Suddenly Haldir turned to Aragorn, "you can go no further."
I understood Haldir's uncertainty, and yet he did not completely understand. And I needed to speak with the Lady.

I stared out across the forest, so rich and alive, but I did not feel as happy as I should have felt.
I did not listen as Aragorn argued with Haldir. I felt almost ashamed of my people.

"~~ Greenleaf, you are coming, but one in your company brings great evil here. We cannot hide it for long ~~"
I blinked, "~~ My lady, I would speak with you- ~~"
I was not answered.
Suddenly Haldir turned to us, "You will follow me."

Haldir led us through the forest and up a hill where we could see the Great Elven City.
"Caras Galadhon," Haldir said, "The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."
I felt a thrill run through me at Haldir's words.
However strange I was feeling, it could not completely erase the joy of this place. I had never felt anywhere more alive.
I looked around with wide eyes as Haldir led us into the city. As much as I loved my home, and as dear as Rivendell was, I was in amazement of Caras Galadhon. Here the land belonged to the Elves and it knew it.
The trees sang out to me, welcoming one of their kin.
We climbed to where the Lord and Lady would received us, high in the trees.

The Lord Celebron and Lady Galadriel descended a staircase to receive us. I crossed my heart and inclined my head to two of the Eldest.
The Lord Celeborn knew all of us and greeted us by name, but his tone quickly became somber.
"the enemy knows you are here," Lord Celeborn spoke, "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone." He looked us over, "Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar."
I felt a sudden wave of sorrow. Gandalf was not with us.
The Lady Galadriel gazed upon me with her endless deep blue eyes. I felt her presence in my mind.
"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow."
Lord Celeborn looked to Galadriel, but she had learned nothing else, I would have to tell.
"He was taken by both Shadow and Flame," I said softly, "A Balrog of Morgoth."
I could see the surprise in their eyes. We had thought that none of these still existed on Middle Earth.
"For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."
I had not wanted to go there, and neither had Gandalf. We could have taken another way. There must have been another way! Then Gandalf would still be with us.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life," Lady Galadriel rebuked me gently, "We do not yet know his full purpose." She turned to Gimli, "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your heart, Gimli, son of Gloin, for the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands, love is now mingled with greif."
"~~ Grief, Lady? ~~" I questioned silently.
"~~ Yes, Greenleaf, even the Elves are not immune to this. ~~"
"What now becomes of the Fellowship?" Celeborn asked.
"The quest stands on the edge of a knife," Galadriel spoke, "Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep with us."
I crossed my heart again.
"~~ Welcome Greenleaf. You desire to speak with me? I will see you again tonight. ~~"

We were shown to a comfortable tree. I saw that they were settled, then went to see the Lady again.
"Legolas?" Sam asked, "Where are you going?"
"To visit with some of my kin," I answered, which was true enough.

Galadriel met me alone this time.
"What is it that you wished to speak with me about?"
"Ever since… since Gandalf left our company - " I started.
"Since he died," Galadriel supplied.
I nodded, "I - I do not understand!" I had not intended to say that, "How can it be that I will never see him again!" A flood of emotions seemed to have burst within me.
She looked into my eyes.
"I do not understand," I said again, glad to finally give voice to this, "I feel… tired, as if I had a great weight," I touched my heart, "Right here."
She nodded, "you have never met with the death of one that was close to you."
"No," I answered, "I always think that I will turn and see him, but he is not there. How can he not be there?"
Galadriel set a hand on my shoulder, "Elves are immortal, and it is hard when friends of other races leave us here. You are grieving for Gandalf. Yes. That is the name for how you feel. There is nothing wrong with you."
"I still do not understand…" I said softly, feeling tears starting to work their way out of my eyes. I was aware of how young I sounded, but I did not care.
Then the Lady took me into her arms and I wept.
I had not done so since Gandalf had… died.

I do not know how long she held me, but eventually the tears stopped. The fuzzy cloud that had surrounded me had vanished and I felt myself again. I still would miss Gandalf, but at least now I did not feel so strange. But as I looked at Galadriel I felt slightly embarrassed.
"Thank you," was all I could think to say.
She smiled and kissed my forehead, "You are setting an example of all of us," she said.
"I am? How so?" I was curious.
"Your friendship with the Dwarf, Gimli," she said, "Perhaps it can be the start of a repair of the old friendship."

I returned to the others in the Fellowship with a lighter heart. The Elves of Lothlórien had started to sing a lament for Gandalf.
"What are they saying about him?" Merry asked.
"I have not the heart to tell you," I said, if I repeated the song I would start to weep again, "For me the grief is still too near."
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks," Sam said, "There should be a verse about them." He stood,

"The finest rockets ever seen
They burst in stars of blue and green
Or after thunder, silver showers
Come falling like a rain of flowers."
The Hobbit would make a good poet.
"Oh that doesn't do him justice by a long road," Sam muttered, sitting down again.
"I have never seen Gandalf's fireworks," I said, "But from what you have described, they must have been wonderful.."
Sam smiled, "You think so?"
I smiled for the first time since Moria, "And I think that Gandalf would be proud to have you say this about him."
"I'm no poet," Sam said shyly.
"I think you are," I said.

I slept that night in a room nestled among the branches of the trees, feeling completely at home.
I woke up as the trees tremored, something was wrong. It felt as if the power here was about to explode. Something pulsed through the forest, and then it was gone and all was as it had been.
I remained wakeful for a time, but fell asleep again.

The Departure from Lothlórien

All too soon we were ready to depart. None of us were eager. We were not sent away empty handed.
We were given the cloaks of Lorien, clasped with brooches in the shape of leaves.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," Lord Celeborn spoke, "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."

Then Galadriel offered her gifts.
"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our Woodland kin."
She placed a long bow into my hand. I lifted the longer carefully made bow and bent it back. It was strong and powerful - stronger then my own. I knew it would serve me well. She also filled my quiver with arrows to replace those that I had not recovered. With the bow from the Lady and Lord Elrond's arrows I knew that I would be well protected.
She smiled at me.
She presented Merry and Pippin with a pair of daggers and to Sam, a coil of Elven rope.
"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" she asked.
"Nothing," Gimli said, "Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair then all the jewels beneath the earth."
She smiled and laughed lightly.
It made my heart glad to see Gimli - my friend - so happy to see her.
She came to Frodo, "Farewell Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star."
She gave him a crystal flask.
"May it be a light for you in dark places when all other lights go out."

We were also given boats to travel by in the Anduin river and provisions.
As I loaded the bundles onto theboat I looked at Merry and Pippin, seating on one of the boats. I caught sight of something in the bundle and pulled one out to show the Hobbits.
"Lembas," I said, "Elvish way bread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man."
The Hobbits nodded. Suddenly remembering the eating habits of the Hobbits, I wondered how much it would take to fill them.
I helped Sam down into one of the boats. He did not look at all comfortable, but it was better then walking. Then I helped Gimli down.
I am not sure how he and I managed to end up in the same boat, but I did not mind as much as I would have been at the beginning of our travels.

"~~ Farewell Legolas Greenleaf ~~" Galadriel spoke in my mind as we started down the river, "~~ Go with my blessing ~~"

I felt a slight sorrow as we departed from Lothlórien, but I was ready to continue. The power there had renewed my strength.
"I have taken my worst wound at this parting," Gimli said, "Having looked my last upon that which is fairest."
I smiled, glad of Gimli's happiness in the memory of the Golden Forest and in Lady of Light.
"Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me," he said.
"What was it?" I asked.
"I asked her for one hair from her golden head," he answered, "And she gave me three."
I smiled.

The River Aduin

Far too soon, we left the borders of Lothlórien and the shores became much less friendly.

On our second day on the river, I heard the distant sound of orcs, some way behind us. We were able to travel faster by river, but I still was watchful. I think everyone was.
When we stopped for the night, Boromir noticed Gollum.
When we had started out on the river I had pointed him out to Aragorn, but repeated Gandalf's warning about Gollum.
Frodo had been uneasy these past few days, but no one could offer him any comfort, not even Sam.

The next day, by mid-day we reached the Aragonath, giant statues of the ancient kings of Men, guarding the river. We were approaching the dwellings of men.
I had a slight uneasy feeling as we passed through them. I wondered if this was how the others felt in seeing the power of my people.
"~ Let us pass, ~" I murmured in Elvish, "~ I travel in the company of your kin. ~"
"What was that?" Gimli asked.
"The Argonath," I said, "Aragorn must be glad to see the likenesses of some of the Eldest of Men."
"That's an Elvish term," Gimli said, "For men, they are their ancestors."
"The name does not matter," I said, "For it is the same idea."

How sad for men, that the only hope they could have in seeing the Eldest of their race was only in statues.

Pareth Galen

We reached the end of our journey by boat the next day. We beached our boats on the West bank of the Anduin, near the falls of Rauros in Pareth Galen, near the ruins of Amon Hen
"We cross the lake at nightfall," Aragorn said, "Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North."
I was gathering firewood at this point, it was something I had become surprisingly good at.

Gimli, who did not like travelling by boat, was in a foul temper and he protested against Aragorn's plan.

The birds in the wood had suddenly grown silent. The trees shivered fearfully. A foul smell hung in the air. This was not a safe place.
"We should leave now," I whispered to Aragorn.
"No," he answered, "Orcs patrol the Eastern shore, we must wait for cover of darkness."
Aragorn made sense, and yet as I looked out on the forest I again I could not ignore the warning signs.
"It is not the Eastern shore that worries me," I said uneasily, "A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near." I turned to Aragorn, "I can feel it."
Aragorn looked into the woods as well.

"Where's Frodo?" Merry asked suddenly.
I turned, seeing Merry, Pippin, Sam, Gimli, Aragorn, and myself made six. Boromir was gone as well.
"Oh no," Aragorn said, moving off to try and find them.
"Aragorn?" I asked, "What is it?"
"Boromir has been corrupted," he said softly, "by the-"
"What?" I was astonished, "He still thinks he can use it? But that is madness."
"I know," Aragorn said, "It has driven him mad for it. I had hoped that the rest of us might help him, but now… if he is alone with Frodo…"
"What will he do?" I asked, fear growing within me, "We must find them!"
Aragorn ran off into the woods.
"Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Sam!" I called, "Be careful. There are Orcs near!"
The Hobbits pulled out their daggers, all of which were still silver.
"I must find Frodo and Boromir," I called.
Gimli nodded, taking up his axe, "Go. We'll be fine here."

I had lost Aragorn in the woods, but he is not the only one who can track. I had spend my entire life in a forest.
I found him on the trail of Frodo.
"Aragorn!" I called, pulling the hood of my cloak over my head, "Hide!"
I dropped to the ground, hidden by the brush, my own magic, and by the cloak. I could barely see Aragorn, so he must have been well-hidden as well.
The forest grew very afraid.
Then I had my first sight of the Uruk-Hai. Taller then normal Orcs, they were built like men, but stronger, and with a much fouler stench. (and saying that they smelt worse then Orcs is certainly saying something).
"Find the Halfling!" One of them roared.

I remained still until the company had passed, then turned to Aragorn.
"Warn the others," he whispered.
"But they're after Frodo!" I said.
"Do you think they'll be able to tell the difference?" Aragorn hissed, "Go!"

I ran back to the beach, startling Gimli as I appeared.
"Orcs!" I exclaimed, "Looking for the Hobbits!"
The Hobbits went pale.
"Why us?" Merry asked.
"They're looking for Frodo, but I don't doubt that they would take all of you," I said, "We must hide."
We moved further inland to where the Hobbits could be safely hidden.
Suddenly I heard something.
"What is it?" Gimli asked.
"Orc battle roars," I answered.
"What are we waitin' for then?" Gimli growled.
"Stay hidden," I said to the others, "They are looking for Hobbits, not Men, Elves or Dwarves."
Merry nodded.

Gimli and I followed the sound of the battle. I felt my blood rising, ready to fight.
"Find the Halfling!" the cry came to my ears. They had not found Frodo yet.
"Elendil!" I heard Aragorn shout, and then I saw the battle.
I let an arrow fly.
"Aragorn, go!" I shouted, letting another arrow fly, cutting down as many Orcs as I could to give Aragorn a chance to get to Frodo first.
My next arrow flew straight through one Orc and into the next. I immediately yanked out another arrow, but an Orc was advancing on me too fast, so I didn't bother using the bow.
I pulled it back out of the fallen Orc and place it to the string, taking the next one down. No sense in wasting arrows.
It was too close for arrows now, so I switched weapons.
The more Orcs I could be rid of the better.
After a time, the enemy's numbers became smaller and I could use my bow again.
I am glad to say that no more Orcs made it past me.
I saw Aragorn struggling (so he had not made it after Frodo) and I show down that Orc.

Then I heard a clear horn blast and turned, "The horn of Gondor!"
"Boromir!" Aragorn shouted.
The Lords of Gondor used that horn to call for help, but this was far from Gondor, the only aid that could come to Boromir would be us.
Aragorn ran past me. It was then that I realized that the Orcs were fleeing in the same direction.
Gimli and I followed after Aragorn, cutting down Orcs as we ran. Blasted Orcs, always getting in the way!
I tried to clear a path for Aragorn to get to Boromir, but there were just too many Orcs.
This was getting frustrating!
Blasted Orcs! Evil, Foul, Mindless, Nasty, Rotten, Evil… Things! (Gimli later told me that he thought I was swearing in Elvish as I cut down the Orcs. I do not remember)

"Legolas!" Gimli was shouting my name, "Easy lad, the battle here is done."
I blinked, seeing the ground covered with the bodies of Orcs.
"Come on, Aragorn went this way!"
There were no more Orcs as we ran in the direction Aragorn had gone. None that were any threat at least.

I came to a stop to see Aragorn kneeling over Boromir.
Something told me to stop, so I just watched.
Gimli came up behind me, but also stopped.
I watched as Boromir went completely still. After a moment, Aragorn rose. "They will look for his coming from the White Tower," he said, "but he will not return."
"Not return," I repeated.
"We have lost a good man, and a good companion," Gimli said softly.
I felt the same whirl of emotions that I had felt when we lost Gandalf, but at least this time I understood it a bit better. But I knew I would never understand completely.

"Legolas. Gimli. Help me," Aragorn said.
We helped Aragorn carry Boromir's body out of the woods, away from the battleground.
Then I just watched as Aragorn and Gimli arranged the body in one of the boats and sent it over the falls.
Boromir had departed on his final journey, without us.

I noticed that one of the boats were missing. I could see the other boat on the other shore and Frodo and Sam climbing up the beach.
"Hurry!" I called, shoving our last boat into the water, "Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore."
One of us must go stop them so the rest of us could catch up. Yes. Gimli and I could take the boat across while Aragorn found Merry and Pippin, then I could come back for them and we could continue on.
Neither of them moved when I told them my plan.
"You mean not to follow them…" I said softly, seeing Aragorn watch Frodo and Sam vanish into the woods.
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands," Aragorn said, "And Merry and Pippin have been taken by the Orcs."
I looked down sadly, how could this be? We had come so far together. First Gandalf, then Boromir, and now all of the Hobbits.
"Then it has all been in vain," Gimli said, "the Fellowship has failed."
Aragorn set a hand on each of our shoulders, "Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death, not while we have strength left."
He walked over to the camp, "Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light."
He looked to us, "Let's go hunt some Orc!"
Gimli looked at me and then winked.
"Yes!" he shouted, following Aragron.
He'd done that on purpose to distract me to get a head start! I chased after them, quickly catching up with Aragorn.

~~~ The Ring Bearer is setting off on the quest to Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath or bond is laid to go further then you will ~~~

Well, I had done so, Lord Elrond, and I knew the story was not finished. Not while I was still here.

So ended the Fellowship of the Ring.

The Road Goes Ever On And On...
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*******Just a note. I've not studied Elvish so when I used it, I DID look at the "directions" but I would just like to state that I'm not postive that it's 100 percent correct. *******

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