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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness	By : MPB Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 26457 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter XLIV

Rohan, March T.A. 3019

The slender figure carefully picked its way through the rubble. Though fair of hair like the Men of the Mark it was no mortal warrior who ascended the stone stairs to the battlements of the castle fortress that guarded Helm's Deep. Silently making his way past the sentries, Legolas of Mirkwood sought a space where he could be by himself, away from the incessant murmur of a recovering army previously besieged and the stench of sweat and blood and dead Orc.

It was the day after the Battle of the Hornburg, a vicious clash between the Riders of Rohan and the Orcs of Isengard that had seen the breaching of the Deeping Wall for the first time since it was built in the Second Age of the world. The Elf grimaced as he surveyed the corpse-strewn Deep. After all that he had seen and done in the turbulent three months since he walked away from Imladris, that hallowed valley felt so far away and his own forest home even more remote that they almost seemed but part of a dream. The ache in his heart sharpened as his yearning for its owner grew apace with the distance that took him ever further away from him.

The journey by boat from Lothlórien had ended in tragedy and calamity. Frodo had fled the Company at Amon Hen on the western banks of Anduin, taking the Ring and faithful Sam Gamgee with him. Why the Hobbit had chosen to part from them he did not know for certain though he suspected that Boromir had played a part in it. His suspicion came in the wake of the unforeseen battle that interrupted their search for the runaway Hobbits and led to the loss of the Steward's son when he defended the Halfling cousins Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took from ambushing Orcs. To no avail for they were borne away when he fell, pierced by three orkish arrows. The mortally wounded warrior had spoken to Aragorn ere he died but what he disclosed the Ranger did not reveal to either Legolas or Gimli. Still, his haunted expression afterward led Legolas to wonder if Boromir had confessed some wrongdoing with regard to Frodo. After all, 'twas he who had last encountered the Hobbit before the latter made his unexpected choice to leave the Company. And 'twas Boromir who had expressed a far from healthy interest in that which Frodo had in his keeping. The more he considered it the more Legolas was convinced that Boromir must have hearkened to its call on that fatal day.

The subsequent chase after their abducted friends had taken them into Rohan where they were quickly embroiled in that country's troubles, culminating in the treacherous attack by the Wizard Saruman's army on the Rohirrim. So had the Battle of the Hornburg played out - grim, brutal, almost hopeless it seemed. Yet in the end, the Men of the Riddermark had prevailed and, though the cost had been great, a day of evil had been averted once more.

They had Mithrandir to thank for this hard won victory. Mithrandir whom they had thought lost in the shadows of Moria had come back to them when they most needed him. The harrowing tale of his fall into the dark with the Balrog Legolas cared not to recall. It was enough that the Powers had seen fit to return this staunchest of all the Dark Lord's foes to their midst. For where Mithrandir walked, hope and strength of will waxed and fear and despair were kept at bay.

He heard voices below and glanced down to espy Aragorn walking with King Théoden's nephew Éomer, Third Marshall of the Riddermark and Erkenbrand, Lord of the Westfold. Perhaps the Ranger sensed the Elf's regard for he looked up and met Legolas' eyes. He dipped his head briefly in greeting and Legolas did likewise. The archer watched them walk on until they disappeared from sight. He turned his gaze outward once more.

His relationship with Aragorn was on the mend but not fully restored. His loyalty to the Ranger had never wavered nor had his love for the Man he had long deemed a brother and good friend diminished. And his faith in Aragorn as a capable captain remained whole to this day. What was grievously shaken was his trust in him as a Man of unassailable honor and virtue. He had always deemed Aragorn above his fellowmen, his youthful foibles notwithstanding. All younglings were permitted their moments of foolishness provided they learned from their errors. Aragorn had grown into a Man worthy of the legacy to which he had been born. Equal in nobility Legolas believed to his Peredhil kin and incapable of the base desires and actions of Men of lesser blood. The sordid encounter in that isolated corner of Caras Galadhon had rudely disabused him of this idealistic notion. Aragorn had shown himself as flawed and fallible as any mortal child of these Hither Lands. Not evil, no, not by any stretch of the imagination, but possessed of weaknesses that could be turned to the Enemy's use when discovered and exploited.

Legolas shuddered and closed his eyes. He had no right to think thusly of the Ranger. He had proved himself as frail. He permitted those liberties; had responded to them as fervently as any wanton. Instinct had nearly undone him. He clenched his fists. Instinct had also preserved him, he reminded himself. His response to Aragorn's pleasuring had been as visceral as his recoiling from it. But while his initial yielding had stemmed from a purely physical reaction, his eventual resistance had come from somewhere deeper within. From his very soul.

That was what Gimli firmly told him when his guilt and shame threatened to overcome him. During the long hunt for the Orcs who had taken Merry and Pippin, the Dwarf had made himself a buffer of sorts between his two comrades. His belief in Aragorn's leadership never faltering even when he perceived the inner battles the Ranger fought, he was the neutral ground upon which the Man and Elf had slowly renegotiated the terms of renewed friendship. Were it not for Gimli, Legolas knew he would have long given in to his worst fears and darkest moods.

At least the Ring was no longer in proximity to them. No longer able to twist innocent curiosity or stoke dangerous desire into something its master could use. Indeed, he and Gimli had seen the change in Aragorn in the days after the breaking of the Fellowship. Though a glimmer of his yearning still shone through on occasion in his eyes, it was swiftly dispersed by shame and remorse. And many a time they overheard him singing softly to himself and mostly melodies Legolas knew Arwen favored. Comprehending at last that 'twas not only Legolas and Elrohir he had nigh betrayed but also the Elf-maid who had chosen to sacrifice so much out of love for him, Aragorn had turned his energies back to making himself worthy of her.

Devotion and affection Legolas had aplenty for the Ranger. More so now that they had shared peril and incertitude and horror far from home. The Valar willing, his trust would also be forged anew and their original amity fully restored. But Legolas considered another matter more important and that was what Elrohir would make of him should he learn of his transgression.

He was gripped at the elbow and he turned and saw Gimli eyeing him reprovingly. “Thinking again about what your Elf-knight might do?” he gruffly chided. “Confound it but you Elves would worry yourselves to death were you mortal!”

Legolas wanly smiled. How well Gimli had come to know him that he could guess his thoughts from the look on his face. He lightly touched the linen bandage around the Dwarf's head.

“How does this fare?” he asked.

Gimli shrugged. “It gives me little more grief than a mild headache. I am hale, Legolas. Do not add another worry to your list.”

“Then you will ride with us?” the Elf inquired, referring to Théoden's intention to confront Saruman in his stronghold in Nan Curunir.

“But of course!” Gimli replied. “Not for all the mithril in Middle-earth would I would pass up the chance to see that blackguard's face when he discovers himself at the wrong end of a sword. Were I in Théoden's shoes I would order him hung from the highest gibbet in the land.”

Legolas frowned. “He is still an Istar and one of Mithrandir's kind. I do not think his judgment lies with any of us.”

“I care not what he is,” Gimli snorted. “He is wicked and without ruth and that is enough reason for me to deem him food for the crows.” He tilted his head in invitation. “Come, leave your troublesome thoughts behind for a spell. There is still much to do ere we depart for Isengard.”

Legolas acquiesced and together they descended and went to join the others.

**********

“My Lord, there are horsemen behind us. As we crossed the fords I thought I heard them. Now we are sure. They are overtaking us, riding hard.”[1]

Legolas frowned as he listened to the ominous news. He glanced back at Gimli ere turning his attention to Théoden and Aragorn. King and Ranger looked at each other grimly. Was another fight in the offing?

The King of Rohan had taken twenty-one of his men with him on the ride to Isengard. Mithrandir had accompanied him as had Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. Upon arrival on the half-drowned, debris-littered grounds of Saruman's lair, they were welcomed by the unlikeliest custodians of all. Great was their joy to meet with the Hobbits Merry and Pippin once more after having thought the worst of their fates.

But the attempt at parley with Saruman soon snatched away the joy of reunion from the companions. The treacherous Wizard initially tried to manipulate Théoden into believing him innocent of the charges brought against him then uttered injurious words when the king resisted his blandishments. In the end, Mithrandir had broken his erstwhile fellow Wizard's staff and cast him out of the order the Istari comprised. Attempting to do injury to Mithrandir, Saruman's right-hand man Grima, formerly of Rohan, hurled a missile at him. The missile turned out to be the palantír of Orthanc and proved both boon and bane before too long.

Tempted beyond endurance, Pippin laid hands on it against Mithrandir's tacit warning that none touch it. The upshot of his folly was a terrifying encounter with the Dark Lord himself and Mithrandir's decision to take him along to Minas Tirith that he might keep an eye on the chastened Hobbit. Just in case. And so the Wizard departed for that war-threatened city with Pippin in tow to warn its people of impending invasion, Théoden's company headed back for Helm's Deep and Merry now rode with Aragorn on sturdy Hasufel, as gloomy as the night's gloom about them.

But just as they crossed the Fords of Isen, a Rider from the rear hastened to the king with the report of a party of horsemen hard on their heels. They halted and readied themselves for a verbal confrontation at best or a bloody skirmish at worst. Gently stroking Arod's mane, Legolas soothed his skittish mount.

Éomer challenged the newcomers when they were some fifty paces away. Great was their surprise when one of the strangers replied that they were seeking Rohan.

Hardly had Legolas registered that the speaker was Aragorn's cousin Halbarad when he felt a presence he had not in the least expected. His heart started to race and he turned incredulous eyes on the approaching company of Rangers, searching their ranks with as much apprehension as hope.

He barely heard Halbarad's urgent message that they were seeking Aragorn. Did not pay heed to Aragorn's joyful greeting to his kinsman. Did not need to hear who else rode with the Rangers when his spirit already reached out in joyous recognition.

“What is it?” Gimli asked. His intense perusal had not gone unnoticed by the Dwarf.

Ere he could answer, he found his quarry. An argent gaze met his from beneath a grey hood.

Your eyes do not deceive you, beloved. I am here.

It took all of Legolas' will not to fling himself into Elrohir's arms. Mindful that they were amongst Men who did not understand, much less accept wedlock between ellyn, he limited himself to exchanging cordial greetings with the sons of Elrond. However, he could not stop himself from staring avidly at his mate and hungrily listening to every word he uttered just so he could savor the sound of his voice. It was likely in any case that the Rohirrim would take his demeanor as eagerness for the company of those of his kindred.

Still he could not help a shiver of worry as he watched Elladan and Elrohir confer with Aragorn. Recollection hounded him and he wondered whether Elrohir would catch a whiff of his anxiety. Or Aragorn's guilt.

Though the Ranger seemed at ease with his foster-brothers and his welcome to them as warm as could be, Legolas marked the swift glance the Man cast his way when Elrohir imparted their father's counsel to him. The Elf tensed in turn though reason told him there was naught to fear as yet.

“Easy, lad,” Gimli admonished him. “You will betray yourself if you do not desist.”

Legolas mildly grimaced. “I cannot hide what happened from him,” he murmured.

“Nor should you if you wish to keep his trust,” Gimli agreed. “But if you act like a spooked horse whenever he speaks to Aragorn, Elrohir will notice and wonder and untimely think the worst. You do not want him to reach that conclusion, not least because it is far from the truth.

“Not so far,” Legolas muttered morosely.

“Far enough,” Gimli insisted. “You are allowing your fears to get the better of you. Do you hold your mate in such low regard that you believe him capable of judging you without first hearing you out?”

The archer shook his head and managed a faint smile. Sensing Elrohir's eyes on him, he turned his gaze back to the Elf-knight and saw that he was looking at him with concern. He urged Arod forward until he and Gimli were abreast with the younger twin.

“I am well,” he said in answer to Elrohir's unspoken query.

“You do not seem all that well,” Elrohir commented, glancing at Gimli who looked back at him amicably. “Has aught overly troubled you?”

“Only the perils of our journey,” Legolas replied.

“You have endured much,” Elrohir said. “Tell me of them, Legolas.”

“I - I will. But not just yet.”

Elrohir stared at him searchingly. At length, he said, “As you wish. There will be time enough later for confidences.” His eyes gleamed in the dark. “And if not, we will make time.”

They said no more for in the silence that had befallen the company, even hushed whispers carried far. They had spoken in the elven tongue and that had attracted the suspicious Rohirrim's attention and garnered some disapproval. This was no time to see how far the Men of Rohan's tolerance of matters beyond their ken went. Especially when they had been lately and sometimes cruelly exposed to strange folk and events and survived treachery in the very heart of their kingdom.

The company arrived back at the Burg in the early hours of the day. With sunrise fast approaching, most took what rest they could, even the hardy Dúnedain and the well-travelled sons of Elrond. Though neither twin felt the Rangers' weariness from many days of constant riding, they prudently snatched a few hours of sleep to refresh themselves. They were far more resilient than mortal Men but they were not nigh inexhaustible as were their pureblooded kin. Best to store up their reserves of strength for the toils to come.

Legolas joined the twins in the spacious hall set aside for the Rangers even if he felt not in the least tired. He laid a pallet by the Elf-knight, as near to him as was seemly and, lying down on his side facing Elrohir, drew his cloak about his body. He stared at his dozing mate, gladdened by the very sight of him and regretful that they could not find enough privacy for even the most cursory of intimacies. They had not even spoken of much beyond the troubles that had recently beset the lands about. But he was also relieved that his time of reckoning was not yet at hand. There had been a few opportune moments wherein he could have taken Elrohir aside to apprise him of what had passed between him and Aragorn. But each time his courage failed him and the opportunities passed.

For the first time he fully understood Elrohir's long ago delay in telling him about his supposed indiscretion with Legolas' brother Nimaras. The fear of retribution ran deep particularly if the loss of the regard of he who exacted it was a price one could not afford to pay.

Needful of some contact with his mate, Legolas slipped his hand beneath Elrohir's blanketing cloak to clasp his hand. In the dimness of the poorly lit hall, it was improbable any would clearly mark his gesture of affection. The reciprocating press of long, lean fingers around his soothed his troubled heart and to his surprise he quickly slid into restful slumber.

Later that day, Aragorn parted ways with Théoden. Circumstances led the Ranger toward other paths and he took his leave of the king. Théoden was surprised and regretful but he did not question Aragorn or attempt to dissuade him. Thus while the Rohirrim followed the slower paths through the hills, gathering more men as they did, Aragorn and his Dúnedain band cut across the plains to head straightly for Edoras, Rohan's chief city and seat of her kings. Legolas and Gimli and the sons of Elrond rode with them. Merry, however, remained with Théoden and his friends wondered if they would see the plucky Hobbit again.

They came to Edoras as night was falling but they did not stay. Instead, they rode on to Harrowdale and, coming to that valley, climbed the winding switchback road called the Stair of the Hold to Dunharrow, the fortified refuge that nestled in a level grass and heath covered clearing that lay in the lap of three conjoined mountains: the southerly Starkhorn, the northward facing Irensaga and, in between, the grim Dwimorberg, the Haunted Mountain of fearsome legend. Aragorn and the twins had come to this place under guise in years past and so knew the way.

Two lines of standing stones cleaved the wide high field in half ere vanishing into the clustered trees before the Dwimorberg. This ominous road led down to the Dimholt, the dark and gloomy forest at the mountain's foot that not even a Wood-elf could long abide. Following this path one came at last to a large stone shaped like a finger that barred the way of the feeble of heart. Past it was a shadowed glen and there, in the sheer face of the mountain, was the Dark Door, the forbidden way, which suffered no living mortal to enter unscathed lest it be one appointed to the daunting task.

It was this road the grey-cloaked company of Rangers would take come the following morn. A foolhardy endeavor many would mutter when their quest became known. And valorous beyond belief others would whisper even as they consigned the company to doom and oblivion.

Up in the Hold, Théoden's niece Éowyn, she who was called the White Lady of Rohan, awaited news of her menfolk's fates. She warmly welcomed them and offered them shelter for the night. Already tents and booths stood in ordered rows on either side of the stone-edged path. On the narrower left side of the field, the tents were sparser but in their midst a tall pavilion had been raised. This was to be the king's quarters and to the small dining space within Éowyn bade Aragorn and his closest companions to come for the evening meal.

The brief time before supper was the first that Legolas and Elrohir were able to talk by themselves at length. As they waited for the others to join them in the pavillion, they spoke of the events that had occurred in the months since the Fellowship's departure from Imladris, conversing in Elvish to prevent the hovering footmen, squires and pages from hearing anything of a sensitive nature. Legolas had much more to say and the younger twin listened to his account carefully, filing away in his mind any and all things of import.

“So, it is as we suspected,” Elrohir murmured when the archer's tale came to a close. “Denethor will rue the day he chose his older son to seek Imladris if he has not already. I recall how dismayed Mithrandir was when 'twas not the younger who came to us. 'Tis clear that Denethor does not realize the true nature of the One Ring. Or mayhap he chooses not to. And Boromir understood even less.” He shook his head in pity. “Poor man. He could not withstand the temptation it posed. He had not the knowledge to arm himself against it.”

“Knowledge is not true protection,” Legolas said. “Even your grandmother felt its lure.”

“Grandmother?” Elrohir softly exclaimed. “How do you know this?”

“'Twas the last night of our stay in Lórien,” Legolas explained. “I felt restless and thought to ease myself with a stroll. I came upon a small clearing and saw the Lady with Frodo and Sam. Frodo was peering into a silver basin and he seemed to see something in it that frightened him terribly. I confess I was curious as to what that basin held and so I stayed and watched as they talked after. I know not what led to it but of a sudden Frodo offered her the Ring.”

Elrohir stared at him. “He offered it?” he repeated disbelievingly. “Why I wonder?”

“I could not hear that part of their exchange,” Legolas admitted. “In any case, the Lady declined it much to my relief. But what she said to Frodo made me realize what it had tempted her with.”

“What did she say?”

“She said, 'I pass the test. I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.'[2] And then she told the Hobbits that 'twas time for the Company to depart.” Legolas pursed his lips then peered keenly at the younger twin. “She would have made a formidable Queen of Elves given the chance,” he ventured.

“Given the chance, yea, she would,” Elrohir said. “Do not repeat this to anyone else, Legolas. She would not care to have her desire known to others.”

Legolas felt a thrill of apprehension at the sudden opening their conversation gave him.

“You knew of her desire? You and Elladan?” he assayed.

Elrohir nodded. “We are her kin and have known her all our lives. We saw it long ago.”

“And it did not trouble you?” Legolas cautiously pressed.

“Why should it?” Elrohir countered. “The mere desire for a realm to call one's own comes naturally to any who has a ruler's heart. What would be cause for concern is if she were to attempt to take one by force or press others into servitude to attain her goal. But she has contented herself with the shared rule of the Galadhrim with our grandsire. And ever does she defer to his judgment in most matters for she highly esteems his wisdom. My granddam may dream of being a queen but she would refuse any crown were it offered at the cost of her very soul.”

“Then - then you would not deem a base desire evil unless it were acted upon?”

“For the most part,” Elrohir replied. He looked curiously at Legolas. “Why do you ask this, calenlassen?”-my green leaf.

Legolas caught his breath in a sudden fit of pure fright. And then he let it out and forced himself to calm down. Taking Elrohir's hand under cover of the table, he hesitantly said, “You were right when you said I would change during this Quest. I never expected so many of the things that happened. The horrors we faced… Least of all did I foresee faithlessness in the Company itself or that any of us would submit to evil.”

“Boromir's actions were not all that surprising,” Elrohir reminded him. “We hoped he would not be waylaid but knowing what we did of him, we anticipated even ere you left that if any of the Company were to fall first, 'twould be him.”

“Boromir was not the only one to succumb,” Legolas blurted out. “I wish it were not so but-”

He stopped short when Éowyn came to them. She graciously greeted them as she took a seat, signing to a footman to serve them wine.

“I hope you find our accommodations enough for your needs, spare as they are,” she said.

“They are more than enough, my lady,” Elrohir replied. “Your hospitality is a beacon of light in the gathering darkness. We thank you for it.”

“'Tis little comfort for those who must face that darkness,” Éowyn somberly remarked. “Would that I could do more to give ease to you all. But especially the Lord Aragorn who carries a great burden.”

“There are others who bear even heavier burdens,” Legolas murmured, thinking of Frodo and Sam and their nigh hopeless errand.

The shield-maiden shrugged. “Mayhap. But I do not know them and must content myself with giving aid to those I do know.” She smiled at Legolas. “As you have, Master Elf. I cannot thank you enough.”

Legolas shook his head. “I only did what any soldier would.”

“A soldier sworn to his liege lord perhaps. But you are a stranger yet you fought as you would for your kindred. You are a great heart to risk so much for a people not your own and we are blessed to have you as an ally. Small wonder Lord Aragorn holds you in such high regard.”

To his horror, Legolas felt his face burn at the wholly innocent remark. Éowyn noted his reddened cheeks and giggled.

“You are so modest to blush over simple praise,” she teased.

Ere Legolas could respond, Elladan arrived with Gimli. Aragorn and Halbarad followed soon after. The conversation turned to the Rangers' plans for the morrow.

Éowyn displayed great dismay when she learned of Aragorn's plan to take the Paths of the Dead. Little did she comprehend his objective to conscript an army of Men long dead but cursed to walk the earth until they redeemed themselves of the ancient breaking of their oath of fealty to Isildur to whom he was heir.

Legolas observed her as she strove to persuade Aragorn to reconsider taking that dreaded road. Marked how distraught she was at the danger the Man was placing himself in. Even when she ceased to argue with him, her eyes betrayed her for she regarded Aragorn with such distress it was heartbreaking to watch her. She loves him, the Elf sadly thought. Of all the Men she might have gifted with her heart, she chose one who was not free to give his in turn.

He sighed. It was not surprising for Éomer's sister to be drawn to the Ranger. Aragorn was not only noble of character, he was also the last scion of an exalted line, a warrior of great prowess and an indisputable leader of Men. And he was strikingly handsome as could only be expected of a Man who bore elven blood in his veins. Aye, it was a pity that Éowyn desired one who was beyond her reach but it was not surprising.

He realized with a slight start that Elrohir was watching him closely. It dawned on him that he had been gazing with some absorption at Aragorn while pondering Éowyn's attraction to him. He flushed then silently berated himself for his lack of control. Elrohir might mistake his intent perusal of Aragorn for something else. Blushing guiltily upon being caught doing so only made matters worse.

At length, the meal came to an end. Éowyn, now somewhat subdued, informed them of their respective accommodations. Legolas was unhappy to learn that she had quartered him with Aragorn and Gimli and asked if he could join the twins instead.

Éowyn apologetically said: “I understand that you wish to be with your kindred. But the tent I assigned to the brethren is very small with only one bed barely enough to accommodate two grown men, let alone three. The booth I assigned to Lord Aragorn is a trifle larger and you will have a cot apiece.”

Legolas resignedly accepted the arrangements she had made. Rising to go with Aragorn and Gimli, he glanced longingly at Elrohir. But the twins lingered to speak with Halbarad afore they sought their tent. Legolas reluctantly fell in step with Aragorn as they followed Gimli out of the pavillion.

On the way to the booth assigned to them, Aragorn quietly asked the Elf: “Have you told him?”

Legolas shook his head. “I was about to but…” Frustration limning his features, he kept his gaze on Gimli's back.

Seeing his distress, Aragorn comfortingly said, “Mayhap tomorrow you will find the chance. 'Twill be a long ride.” He hesitated. “Or if you wish, I could tell him.”

Legolas refused. “I will not have Elrohir think me craven, letting my accomplice face him in my stead.”

They had come to their booth. Gimli slipped past the curtained entryway and entered. About to follow, Legolas paused when Aragorn placed a restraining hand on his arm.

“Legolas, you did naught that makes me an accomplice,” he said. “I on the other hand should have stayed myself. Of the two of us, I bear the greater blame. Let me speak to him and make amends for my part in that misdeed.”

The Elf looked over his shoulder and saw Éowyn nearing them. “Aragorn, Lady Éowyn approaches,” he cautioned.

Aragorn glanced back and saw that Éowyn was indeed approaching them. With a last pleading look at Legolas, he turned and awaited her.

Legolas made to enter the booth. As he did he espied Elrohir several paces away, standing before the tent he would share with Elladan.

He wondered how long the Elf-knight had been standing there and what he had seen or heard. He saw Elrohir study Aragorn as he spoke to Éowyn. The Elf-knight briefly laid his grey eyes on Legolas and noted his anxious countenance, which the archer, try as he might, was unable to school. He looked probingly at Aragorn once more. His eyes narrowed and a frown creased his brow. Returning his gaze to Legolas, he regarded him gravely before finally following his brother into the tent.

Legolas suddenly felt ill, as if a leaden weight in his belly had done a flip-flop within. His vision fast blurring and his throat tightening painfully, he all but lurched into the booth much to Gimli's consternation.

'He knows,' the stricken Elf-prince thought. 'He knows and is displeased. Eru almighty, what shall I do?'

***********************

Glossary:

Helm's Deep - the great gorge, and the caverns behind it, that lay in the northern valleys of the White Mountains. The Rohirrim took refuge in it during times of great crisis such as war or invasion.

Isengard - once a fortification of Gondor, it stood at the source of the River Isen and was granted to Saruman by Beren, one of the Stewards of Gondor. It was located in a valley which later came to be known as Nan Curunir, or 'the Valley of the Wizard Saruman', Curunir being the Elves' name for Saruman. Isengard was largely destroyed during the War of the Rings but its central tower Orthanc remained standing.

Deeping Wall - the solid stone wall, about twenty feet in height, that defended the refuges of the Rohirrim in Helm's Deep

Amon Hen - 'Hill of Sight'; it stood on the western banks of Anduin, above the Fall of Rauros. It was on its slopes that the Fellowship of the Ring was broken.

Riddermark - 'the land of the Rohirrim'; the name of the people of Rohan for their land

Peredhil - Half-elves/Half-elven

palantír - 'stone of seeing'; one of seven crystalline globes of elven make brought to Middle-earth by Elendil. The palantiri enabled their users to witness events and communicate with one another over great distances.

ruth - pity or remorse (archaic)

ellyn - male Elves

[1] Taken from “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”, Book V, Chapter 2: The Passing of the Grey Company.

[2] Taken from “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”, Book II, Chapter 7: The Mirror of Galadriel.

To be continued…
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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness