Prince of Dol Guldur; Chapter 18: Shadows Fall
Story Info
Title: Prince of Dol Guldur
Author: Del Rion (delrion.mail (at) gmail.com)
Fandom: The Lord of the Rings
Era: Third Age of the Sun
Genre: Action/Adventure, AU
Rating: M / FRM
Characters: Legolas, Thrandui (, OCs)
Summary: Mirkwood Elves live constantly under an influence of a shadow, and it isn’t too hard to cross the line to the side of darkness... Legolas learns this as he meets a stranger in the woods, who desires to show him a new way to see the world.
Part of the history of “The Last Journey”. Complete.
Warnings: Death, evil, darkness, violence, etc.
~ ~ ~
Chapter 18: Shadows Fall
Legolas stumbled forward, his shadowed eyes sweeping across the ground. He knew something was wrong with him, but as he tried to force his thoughts upon the matter, his entire body seemed to paralyse. On the occasions when he pressed beyond that state, he blacked out and “woke up” moments later, finding himself walking after the other Elf like a mindless ghost. When I lose consciousness, something else takes control, he decided. It did not take him a great effort of thought to realise it was the shadows, both outside and within.
They had walked for hours now, passing nameless mile after another. Legolas very much doubted he had been this far from home before. The trees seemed strange, bent and twisted, their song entirely gone. If there were voices, they spoke of hatred and pain. Or maybe it is just me, hearing their words wrong? the Prince pondered. This shadow seems to twist everything else, anyway. Not for the first time since leaving Woodland Realm he hoped he would be home again. But there was no turning back from this road. Not anymore. Even if he would have wanted to leave, he was in control no more.
The dark Elf halted on top of a hill, waiting patiently until his young companion joined him. Glancing at Legolas, he pointed to the south. “There raises the hill where Dol Guldur is set upon. At day, it seems less threatening,” he smiled. “We shall not go closer to it,” he continued, giving Legolas a stern look. “Remember this sight, however.”
“Why do we not approach it?” Legolas mused with a distant voice. The darkness inside his head was whispering urgently, almost excited.
“I do not wish Sauron to interfere into my doings,” the older Elf explained. “He hides in his fortress, searching for his lost Ring. Such a fool he is, pouring his power into such a thing. But in his pride he did not see the day coming when a mere Man would cut off his fingers - and Ring,” he smiled ironically. “Now he waits and seeks. But he shall move on soon, to another place, for many eyes are turned upon Dol Guldur at the moment, some of them guessing his hideout. He is not yet strong enough to fight. But there will be a day…”
“Why do we not destroy him?” Legolas asked, the idea clearing his mind somewhat. Yes, destroying Sauron would be an important thing… The shadows flared, making Legolas cry out in pain. The Prince raised his hands to his head, waiting for the stabbing pain to fade. His entire body seemed to be one, great source of pain, the feeling making his head spin.
“It is not the right time yet,” the dark stranger informed his companion, watching carefully as Legolas gathered himself again. “Stop resisting the darkness,” he hissed finally, turning back almost angrily. “It brings you only pain, nothing more. Accepting and learning is more useful for you now -” he halted, eyes directed at the forest before him.
Legolas looked at the other Elf, his mind still trying to recover from the invisible assault. What was the other waiting for? Stepping closer, Legolas also gazed at the unmoving forest, trying to reach out with his senses to understand what the other was awaiting.
The dark Elf’s hand shot to the side, halting Legolas. “Wait,” he murmured, his eyes narrowing. Legolas felt the other’s power push his senses back, even as the other scanned the forest. A smile appeared to the pale features, the black eyes flashing. “Now, now… It is dangerous to be too eager.” Turning his eyes to Legolas, he sent his own power upon the youth. It took only few seconds before Legolas’ eyes turned dark, the shadows in him taking control. “We are going to have company,” the dark one informed. “It seems that you have been careless with hiding your presence. Well, it matters not. We can consider this as a… second test. Now go and give your Elven friend a warm welcome - I am sure he will appreciate it after such a hard search.” His hand stole at his side, drawing out a second sword he carried with him. He gave it to the Elf beside him, knowing that the other would understand.
Legolas nodded, a cold smile passing his features. Then he sprang to the trees, making his way back towards the north. The dark one looked after the youth, his smile fading. It is not the youth being in control at the moment, but it matters not. He gets used to the shadows, and when more time passes, I do not need to control him anymore. We have time, my Legolas, and there is no need at all to rush things. Also taking his leave, he followed the Prince in silence, keeping his own presence hidden. Let’s see how this guardian welcomes his Prince.
to be continued…
Story Info
Title: Prince of Dol Guldur
Author: Del Rion (delrion.mail (at) gmail.com)
Fandom: The Lord of the Rings
Era: Third Age of the Sun
Genre: Action/Adventure, AU
Rating: M / FRM
Characters: Legolas, Thrandui (, OCs)
Summary: Mirkwood Elves live constantly under an influence of a shadow, and it isn’t too hard to cross the line to the side of darkness... Legolas learns this as he meets a stranger in the woods, who desires to show him a new way to see the world.
Part of the history of “The Last Journey”. Complete.
Warnings: Death, evil, darkness, violence, etc.
~ ~ ~
Chapter 18: Shadows Fall
Legolas stumbled forward, his shadowed eyes sweeping across the ground. He knew something was wrong with him, but as he tried to force his thoughts upon the matter, his entire body seemed to paralyse. On the occasions when he pressed beyond that state, he blacked out and “woke up” moments later, finding himself walking after the other Elf like a mindless ghost. When I lose consciousness, something else takes control, he decided. It did not take him a great effort of thought to realise it was the shadows, both outside and within.
They had walked for hours now, passing nameless mile after another. Legolas very much doubted he had been this far from home before. The trees seemed strange, bent and twisted, their song entirely gone. If there were voices, they spoke of hatred and pain. Or maybe it is just me, hearing their words wrong? the Prince pondered. This shadow seems to twist everything else, anyway. Not for the first time since leaving Woodland Realm he hoped he would be home again. But there was no turning back from this road. Not anymore. Even if he would have wanted to leave, he was in control no more.
The dark Elf halted on top of a hill, waiting patiently until his young companion joined him. Glancing at Legolas, he pointed to the south. “There raises the hill where Dol Guldur is set upon. At day, it seems less threatening,” he smiled. “We shall not go closer to it,” he continued, giving Legolas a stern look. “Remember this sight, however.”
“Why do we not approach it?” Legolas mused with a distant voice. The darkness inside his head was whispering urgently, almost excited.
“I do not wish Sauron to interfere into my doings,” the older Elf explained. “He hides in his fortress, searching for his lost Ring. Such a fool he is, pouring his power into such a thing. But in his pride he did not see the day coming when a mere Man would cut off his fingers - and Ring,” he smiled ironically. “Now he waits and seeks. But he shall move on soon, to another place, for many eyes are turned upon Dol Guldur at the moment, some of them guessing his hideout. He is not yet strong enough to fight. But there will be a day…”
“Why do we not destroy him?” Legolas asked, the idea clearing his mind somewhat. Yes, destroying Sauron would be an important thing… The shadows flared, making Legolas cry out in pain. The Prince raised his hands to his head, waiting for the stabbing pain to fade. His entire body seemed to be one, great source of pain, the feeling making his head spin.
“It is not the right time yet,” the dark stranger informed his companion, watching carefully as Legolas gathered himself again. “Stop resisting the darkness,” he hissed finally, turning back almost angrily. “It brings you only pain, nothing more. Accepting and learning is more useful for you now -” he halted, eyes directed at the forest before him.
Legolas looked at the other Elf, his mind still trying to recover from the invisible assault. What was the other waiting for? Stepping closer, Legolas also gazed at the unmoving forest, trying to reach out with his senses to understand what the other was awaiting.
The dark Elf’s hand shot to the side, halting Legolas. “Wait,” he murmured, his eyes narrowing. Legolas felt the other’s power push his senses back, even as the other scanned the forest. A smile appeared to the pale features, the black eyes flashing. “Now, now… It is dangerous to be too eager.” Turning his eyes to Legolas, he sent his own power upon the youth. It took only few seconds before Legolas’ eyes turned dark, the shadows in him taking control. “We are going to have company,” the dark one informed. “It seems that you have been careless with hiding your presence. Well, it matters not. We can consider this as a… second test. Now go and give your Elven friend a warm welcome - I am sure he will appreciate it after such a hard search.” His hand stole at his side, drawing out a second sword he carried with him. He gave it to the Elf beside him, knowing that the other would understand.
Legolas nodded, a cold smile passing his features. Then he sprang to the trees, making his way back towards the north. The dark one looked after the youth, his smile fading. It is not the youth being in control at the moment, but it matters not. He gets used to the shadows, and when more time passes, I do not need to control him anymore. We have time, my Legolas, and there is no need at all to rush things. Also taking his leave, he followed the Prince in silence, keeping his own presence hidden. Let’s see how this guardian welcomes his Prince.
to be continued…
Story Info