Hiro Hyn Hidh Ab'Wanath: Let Them Find Peace In Death...

---

Chapter 18: Distracted Bait

---

"We can't just walk into Ungoliant's lair and expect to win. At the first sign of intruders, her entire brood will jump into action." Thranduil stated matter-of-factly.

It was true, for the Elvenking of Mirkwood had been dealing with the spawn of Ungoliant for over an Age now. He and the warrior contingents which Captain Legede had brought with him knew how to effectively and efficiently deal with spiders. However, they were talking about a handful of Elves against who knew how many arachnids. At the very least, it would be a massacre.

Aragorn nodded, "I agree. King Thranduil's warriors will not be enough. This is why I will be committing over half of Gondor's forces to this threat. I have already received word from King Eomer that half of his own army will arrive tomorrow." He sighed, "This is not only the problem of the Elves. Ungoliant is no different than Sauron. She will cover Middle-earth in an unending darkness if we do not stop her here and now. Yes, we are all still hurting from recent losses, Eryn Lasgalen most of all, but once more we must stand together."

The King of Gondor smiled, looking to Legolas who was seated nearby.

While the prince was attentive, he was still feeling quite exhausted and, oddly enough, chilled by his recent dreams. Thus, instead of sitting with the rest of the assembled group, the blond archer sat alone near the fire place. He was rest comfortably in a large chair with a footstool before it, a thin blanket draped over his lithe frame. He listened intently to the discussion, but his piercing blue gaze was locked on the hearth.

When Aragorn ceased speaking however, the prince's eyes moved to lock with the gaze of the King of Gondor. Legolas returned the man's smile, though only half-heartedly.

"This darkness has struck too close to home, for many of us." Aragorn continued. "But I believe that, with the combined efforts of Gondor, Rohan, Eryn Lasgalen, Mithlond, Lothlorien, and Imladris, not to mention the power and might of the three Elven Rings, we may beat the darkness back yet."

Gandalf laughed from where he sat, "My dear Aragorn, I believe I may have a fool proof plan to defeat this monster with the forces you just mentioned. However, a word of caution to us all… It will be incredibly dangerous and, quite possibly, seem foolhardy and rash."

"But there is no other option than to fight." The Elvenking spoke up. "It is either a choice between this danger, or out own ultimate destruction."

Aragorn nodded, "And we cannot turn a blind eye to this ever deepening darkness."

"And we will not." Lord Elrond replied, watching the human who had once been as a son to him.

In fact, the Elven Lord of Imladris still considered Aragorn to be his son. Seated beside him, were his twin sons. Even Arwen was present, for this situation had troubled her greatly.

Long hours had she given to making sure Legolas was well and, while the prince was still suffering from his dark dreams and the maladies of Ungoliant, he was feeling much better. Part of this thanks had been directed to the Elven woman, who had watched over him when Aragorn was needed elsewhere.

As an added bonus, Arwen was perhaps one of the few whom he had not seen murder him in his dreams.

"We will battle this darkness with light." came the Lady Galadriel's voice, her expression grave. "Perhaps this shall be the final test of these three rings."

Legolas' eyes lighted on the Lady of Lorien. She made him feel at ease, something which the prince had not experienced in days. True, Aragorn and his own father had tried to assure him that all would be well, but as the dreams increased… the prince had found that he was at his wits end.

Others had come to this assembly as well. Haldir and his brothers stood to one end of the room. They silently watched all that occurred within the room, obviously retaining the information in case they were called upon to relate the meeting's proceedings to those who served under them. The three brothers had brought a contingent of warriors from Lothlorien, just as Legede had done with those of Eryn Lasgalen.

The Elves were not to sit idly by and watch this darkness grow.

Haldir's gaze caught Legolas' eyes, the prince looked away hurriedly. He knew the Marchwarden, for he had become good friends with the Elf while on the Fellowship's stay in the Golden Wood. However, the blond archer felt as if, perhaps, Haldir was looking through the prince's soul, as if he were trying to find out what so bothered Legolas.

Only a handful knew of the Elf's dark dreams… and Legolas wished it to stay that way.

As the conversations within the room continued, Legolas found his gaze wandering to seek out Legede. The Elven Captain had always been a source of guidance and wisdom for the younger Elf.

Legede had served under Oropher, just as his own father had before him. When Legolas was an Elfling, Legede had told him stories of when he and Thranduil had grown up. The two Elves were roughly the same age, and Thranduil looked to Legede for far more than he would any other captain. Legede was a warrior, but he was also a confidant, an advisor, and a most trusted friend. The elder Elf had been there for Legolas when his father could not, and thus, Legede had become a mentor and close friend to the prince.

As far back as Legolas could remember… Legede was always there for him.

Even during the chaos that had surrounded Galenion's claim to power.

Before Legolas could dwell on the past dealings of his deranged uncle however, the prince's eyes were pulled back to the conversation at hand.

"Well?" Gandalf asked, looking to the prince. "Do you agree, Legolas?"

The blond Elf found himself suddenly very uncomfortable. "I…" he paused, a slight blush tinting the tips of his ears and his cheeks. "Forgive me, Mithrandir… My mind wandered, I fear."

A smile found its way to the wizard's expression, "Perfectly understandable, Legolas." Gandalf replied. "I had merely divulged my plan for destroying Ungoliant. Something that involves you quite a bit I fear."

The tone in Gandalf's voice caused Legolas' eyes to narrow. "How does it involve me?"

There was a sigh from behind the prince, and Legolas realized that his father now stood behind him. A comforting hand was placed on the younger Elf's shoulder, and as Legolas stared up into his father's blue gaze, a chill of fear spiked through the prince.

"Because Legolas… we shall need you to draw Ungoliant from her lair… as bait."

---

TBC...

---

Reviewer Responses:

Deana: I posted again! Yay me! Sorry it took so long... I had MASSIVE writers block where Leggy was concerned.

Sun-Star-N-Moon: Actually, I have now read all of the Harry Potter books. Jason Isaacs is my Thranduil... I swear... Lucius Malfoy is like my absolute favorite HP character of all time. Though Fred and George come in a close second... even winning over Draco I think. But yeah, there's not much action in this chapter either. But I decided to post it like this, and begin work on the next chapter right now. I just wanted to eat some hot dogs first... hungry!

Jedi Padfoot: Thanks for liking the songs I use! I've been in a big Josh Groban mood lately, with the release of his new cd, "Awake". In my LOTR RPG I've used like 5 of his songs from that cd already, and it's only been out a couple of weeks.

Sashenka Greenleaf: Okay, I didn't continue it soon... I mean... yeah... I continued it... but it took me about a year. Gomen nasai!

GabrielKenobi: I don't think the Hobbits will get involved, nor will Eowyn. After all, she's kind of busy looking after a still recovering Faramir. Eomer's sending some help though! Plus, there will be Haldir action! Legolas has some angst still left. I mean dude... he's bait now!

---

Muse Moments:

"Do you see how long it took me to update?" Nil sighs, taking a bite of a hot dog. "I mean honestly, Legolas... it's just sad.""Indeed, it is." Legolas smiles, patting Nil on the head. "I have felt quite neglected by you lately... though Legede seems to enjoy your company as of late.""That's only because he's the main character in my screenplay for class." Nil replies with a smile, hugging Legolas. "You're still my favorite angst bunny."
"Bunny?" the prince asks in disgust.
"Yes." Nil nods, continuing to cling to him. "My angst bunny."
Legolas says nothing for a long moment. Nil appears to consider her plate. She picks up a hot dog, holding it before Legolas.
"Want a bite?"

---

Disclaimer:

Please refer to chapter 1 for this.

---

Author's Note:

Yes, it took me a very long time to update. I've had a ton of shit to deal with since then, but I should be back and better than ever! Also, keep in mind that yeah... Haldir's not dead. Not that I dislike PJ's decisions, Craig seemed to really enjoy that death scene, but yeah... I like Haldir too much to have him dead.