Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net) Title: The Return of the Ring (#1307) Author: SheElf33 Chapters: 1
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Archive: Tolkien Category: Alternate Universe (AU) Description: What would happen if the ring was not destroyed after all this time? Can Aragorn survive the test a second time, when now he already has power? A tale of broken friendships; new hardships; and a brotherhood torn apart. Will the Ring finally find its way back to its Master? And if so, who will be the one that hands it to him? Published: 08 Oct 2004 Updated: 08 Oct 2004 Warnings: Mild Violence; Mild Language Type: Action/adventure Characters: Aragorn; Legolas; Gimli; Elrond Chapter 1 - Hostages Legolas had now been home for some time now. He was slightly troubled, but not as much as he should be. After he came home, his father and Lord Celeborn cleared the woods of evil things. Eryn Lasgalen, they renamed it. That was not so long ago. Now Lord Celeborn had passed over the sea to the West and with it, it seemed, was the peace in the wood. Spiders were returning and orcs had been seen in the woods. It did bother him a little, but not too much. Of course there would still be orcs, not all of them had been destroyed in the end. In fact, he almost missed traveling all around Middle Earth with his friends and fighting the orcs. Almost. He would do it again though, if given the chance. But he knew Aragorn could not do such things now, not as King. Gimli, too, he had heard, was on his way to becoming a Lord of one of the Dwarven Lands. He sighed as he leaned against a tree trunk. He was far from becoming a King and he was happy. He could not bare to think of remaining in Mirkwood all the time. Not now. Not after he had seen so much of Middle Earth. He sits up again, walking to the stables. He was greeted by Arod, a permanent gift to him by Eomer. He led Arod out and mounted bareback. He nudges Arod to a gallop and rides out to the forest. As he grows farther away from the Halls, he slows Arod to a pleasant walk. Though he had his bow, he did not feel he would have to use it. It was true that evil was returning to Mirkwood, but nothing to really worry about. He did not plan on meeting any of the evil. Little did he know, he was wrong... -------------------------------------------- The Army of Orcs watched from the shadows of the trees. Waiting for the one they were ordered to capture. The elf, Legolas Greenleaf. The one close to the King of Gondor. The leader of the orcs sneered. This was too easy. The elf was alone and too outnumbered. Elves were supposed to be difficult to capture were they not? Nonetheless, this one would be easy. Even if he did fight back. He was already surrounded and had not even seen them yet. The leader lifted his hand the orcs leapt out. Some in front, some behind and some from each side. There were about 50 orcs in total surrounding him now. They all draw their swords, holding it up to the elf, but not making any motion to kill him. They were to take him to the Dark Lord... alive. Legolas was surprised, but not so much that he did not fall a few orcs before they completely surrounded him. Arod snorted and stamped his hooves glancing warily around the broad swords. Legolas glares down at the one that is the leader, but did not show his fear. "Man le carel sí, orch?" Legolas sighed as the orcs glanced around seeing if any of them had understood. He bit his lip to control himself before asking again without taking his gaze from the leader. "What are you doing here, Orc?" The orc leader sneered and moved his sword to Legolas's neck, putting the cold steel blade on it, but as a warning. "We do what we like, ELF. We've gots orders. It involves you, so I suggests you listen. We are takin' you on a little trip." As he talks, an orc comes from behind and with the hilt of his sword, brings it down on Legolas's head. They allow the elf to fall to the ground before picking up the limp body. They allow Arod to go, not having any use for horse. Not now anyway. As quickly as the orcs had come to Mirkwood, they leave, carrying the elf to Mordor. -------------------------------------------------------- Legolas was brought into the tower and locked in one of the cells. It was a while before he woke. As he did, a splitting headache reminded him of what had happened. He slowly sat up and his hand went to his head. He could feel a large bump and dried blood from where he was struck. Ignoring the headache, he quickly stood and went quickly to a window, if it could be called a window. The orcs were stupid to believe they could put him in a room with a window and expect him to stay there. He quickly climbed out, barely squeezing through. He had to get to Gondor. His headache was driving him crazy, slightly blurring his vision. He scaled the wall, soon reaching the bottom. As he reached the bottom, he realized how little luck he had. The orcs had been watching him scale the wall with much amusement. They roughly seize him and take him to another cell, one that was larger, but had few, small windows. The windows here were not even big enough for a Hobbit to get through. He was greatly taught his lesson for trying to escape, and they left him alone in the cell. Slowly, he sat up again, his heart thumping so loud he was sure he could hear it. Pain exploded in his back where the orcs had struck him numerously with whatever they could find. He knew though, that they had not drawn blood. It would be against their Lord's orders. He remained sitting up in the center of the room, unable to lie on his back, or lean against the wall. He had a feeling he would not be alone for long though. From what he had overheard, he would soon be reunited with his friends... The door to the dungeon was opened and the dwarf was roughly pushed in. He was unharmed and wide-awake. He was worked up in a rage and shouting loudly in his own tongue. He only stopped when the door shut and he saw Legolas sitting in the center of the room. "Legolas?" Disbelief was in his voice and he rushed over, patting his friend as he sat beside him. "What is going on? Why are we here?" A sharp intake of breath escapes him and he stiffens as he is clasped on the back. His fists clinch and he closes his eyes. "Gimli. Watch it." He spoke through his clenched teeth. He pauses a moment before trusting his voice again. "I tried to get out and the orcs didn't like it too much. Just steer clear of my back for a while. As for your questions, I believe I can answer them vaguely. The orcs are ever loyal to the Dark Lord. They have rebuilt everything. I don't know too much. But I do know they plan on capturing all of the fellowship." He still did not know for what reason they planned on doing this. He knew they would have difficulty getting Aragorn if they would even try it. You could not exactly take a King. Wait. What if they did not want to take Aragorn? "Gimli. I believe we are hostages." But what would Sauron want from Aragorn? He knew that Sauron feared Aragorn and Aragorn feared Sauron, but what would Sauron want from him other than his death? Hostages would not be much good if he wanted a sacrifice. Unless the Dark Lord would want an exchange. Too many questions he had had no immediate answer. That may not even be the matter at all. "I don't know. But I don't think we will be alone too much longer. I have not even been here too long I don't think." Gimli was quiet taken back by what Legolas had said last. "You don't think you have been here too long? What do you mean by that?" Legolas harshly hushed the Dwarf as he heard voices outside the door. Some of the orc guards talked from the other side of the door. They talked quietly; so to avoid the other orcs from hearing, as they each shared the rumors they had heard. "I hear the Master wants all of that King's friends to exchange them for somethin'." There was a short pause before a second voice replied. "Not all of 'um. Just the ones we got now. That should be enough. And that somethin' he wants is the armies from the Gondor. That's what I've heard." A chuckle was heard before a reply. "After we get Gondor on our side, this rat hole will be worth somethin' for once. But what about the prisoners? Why we gots them?"" The sound of a sword unsheathing was heard before the second voice replied gruffly. "Don't speak of the Tower like that if ya know what's good for ya. There's ears everywhere. And about the prisoners. Lets just say they are a matter of leverage. A 'guarantee' that we get Gondor's Men." The sword is sheathed and the other voice does not reply but chuckles. They then fall quiet. As they finish, Legolas stands up, biting his lip before answering Gimli's question. As he answered he moved to the small excuse for a window. "I mean what I said. I don't know. They knocked me out. And it is impossible to tell time here. It is always..." Something caused him to cut his sentence short and he narrows his eyes as he looks out the window. Orcs were pulling a white steed into Mordor. The horse whinnied loudly and tossed his head. Arod. Why did they have Arod? Legolas mumbles angrily under his breath in his own tongue, cursing at the orcs. A black-cloaked figure mounts Arod. Legolas knew Arod would never toss the rider. He closed his eyes and turned away from the window as the figure rides off to the West. "Gimli. They are using us to get to Aragorn. The guards were talking. We are their leverage. And it is just going to be us. At least for now. They want Gondor to fight for them. I am assuming they will set us free if Aragorn agrees." He sighs and lowers himself to the ground again, leaning against the wall and cringing. He had momentarily forgotten about his back. He leans forward and sits in silence. Gimli sighed, shaking his head. He did not answer at once, but answered in a grumble a short time later. "Then I assume we are in trouble." Legolas turned sharply and looks at Gimli in surprise. "What are you saying? Do you really believe Aragorn will just leave us here?" Legolas catches himself before saying anymore and his face softens. "I am sorry, My Friend. I see your meaning." He sighed and looked away. It would be wise for Aragorn to leave them here. For the better of Middle-Earth. Better two dead than entire countries. He shook his head before looking back to Gimli. "I am sure Aragorn is aware of our capture by now. I saw a messenger leaving upon Arod. He had a bundle. I can only guess it was our weapons." Legolas pauses a moment. "We have to get out of here Gimli." ----------------------------------------------------- A cloaked figure rides into the city of Minas Tirith. It was an orc, but that was not seen, or could even be expected. He rode on Legolas's horse, Arod, whom they decided to go back to Mirkwood to retrieve. He rides up the sections until at the top where the King would be. He is let in. Exactly the reason he had rode Arod. Some of the guards recognized the horse and assumed it was Legolas. Dismounting from Arod, he lifted a slightly large bundle that had been tied to the side of the horse. As he makes his way in, he stops a short distance from the throne and lowers the hood. The orc sneered at the King. "I bring word from the Tower. A proposition. An offer for you." He threw the bundle onto the ground, letting the cloth to fall back to reveal Legolas's bow and arrow, along with his white knives. Blood was cleverly soaked onto the handles of the knives and the bow. Falling with a clatter beside them was Gimli's axes in the same condition. "I believe we can reach an agreement what to you think?" Aragorn came down the stairs of the throne before realizing who's knives and axes they were. He took the throat of the orc. "Tell me, what is the condition of my friends before I kill you and leave you to die in front of your friends." The orc made no reaction to pull away at first. "Your friends are alive. For now. If I don't return to the Tower, they won't be. That I can assure you." The orc pulled away before going on. "Will you decline the offer before it is even told to you? Sad. I pity your friends. They will surely be disappointed..." "What is this offer that you bring to me, orc?" Aragorn sneered loosing his grip. If Legolas and Gimli were killed, he would surely not make it through the next few days. He had an elven heart, growing up with them and marrying one swayed his mind and soul. "The Dark Lord requests your armies. To fight for him. Lucky for you, he has chosen to give you time to think about your decision. Unless of course, you wish to answer now. One more thing the Dark Lord has decided was that regardless of your choice, you will get to see your friends again. Though the circumstances will be very different." The orc smiled evilly as he watched the King's reaction. "Needless for me to say, your friends' future rests on your decision." In all of Aragorn's days, nothing had been so cruel as to what the Dark Lord was about to do to him. Why would two enemies join armies? He thought for a moment...joining the armies would be a smart plan; it appears that Gondor is doing the ambushing. Working his mind quickly, he decided that he would go, with his armies, to Sauron. "Tell your lord that The King of Gondor joins with him. And he wishes to speak with him, regardless of his form. And if he does not want his armies to die, he must reply by the sunrise of tomorrow." Aragorn left the room. What had he done? Requesting to speak with the Dark Lord? --------------------------------------------------------- Legolas knew he must remain light of heart. Not give up hope. He trusted Aragorn would do the right thing, even if it meant the sacrifice of his closest friends. "I would rather have Middle-Earth safe for all races, than to see the sun again. But above all else, I believe we will both live to see the sun. We have faced death many times before and still have lived to tell the tale." It was bold of him to say, but he spoke with truth, as he always did. A hard decision would be before Aragorn, if the guards knew of what they spoke. Legolas knew if he was put in the same position, he would be devastated. He stood up again, beginning to pace about. At least they were given the luxury of a rather large room. That was the only luxury they were given. No blankets or food or anything like that. It did not matter too much to him. It was not likely he would eat food from Mordor anyway. No blankets would not bother him much either. He had slept on stone before, and he knew Gimli had as well. "Only time will tell, Gimli. All we can do is trust Aragorn. And do not doubt. Doubts will do us no good here." He already trusted Aragorn, beyond being able to trust in him more. When he told Aragorn he would follow him to the very end, he had meant it. Even now. Legolas closed his eyes and sighed as he became lost in thought. He opened his eyes as the sound of faint hoof beats reached his ears. The messenger had returned. The messenger leapt off the horse before it even stopped, talking quickly to a large group in front of him. They all break out in a joyful cheer that froze Legolas's heart. The messenger soon hurried off to the tower and the group of orcs scatter to tell the news. Aragorn? Did you really agree to their terms? He turned quickly to Gimli. "The messenger has returned. With ill news. For us that is. I fear Aragorn has agreed to whatever terms they have given him." He could tell the Dwarf no more, for the door opened at that moment. The orc guards come in, seizing the elf and the dwarf and carrying them off. Off to the direction of the Black Gate. When there, the were tied up at both the hands and legs and left there. Orcs scattered around, as if preparing. Legolas closed his eyes a moment. Surely Aragorn had a plan. But Sauron would expect something to happen. Some sort of surprise attack. Legolas shifts uncomfortably. Of course it was impossible to get comfortable when your legs and hands are tied together. He knew Gimli would be restless as well. He was still unsure how long he had been there; he wanted to leave right now. But not if it meant the ending of Middle-Earth. He knew it would only be a matter of time before they met with Aragorn again, and possibly for a final time. That is how Sauron was. Finding ones weakness and using that against them. In his heart, he was beginning to doubt. He knew the Dwarf was as well. Trying to lift their spirits, he sings a quiet elvish song. He does not get very far before getting a harsh kick to his ribs from the guard yelling at him to shut up. After that, the elf remained quiet. Despite the fact Mordor was always dark, he knew it was night. If felt as if it would be dawn soon. He strays into elvish dreams for a time, but is taken out of them when he hears a duo of orcs whispering a short distance away. "Did ya hear the news now? Gondor is gonna come here! What a quick death 'or 'um. They 'obably plan on given us a surprise! Just wait. We'll 'ave our fun. Especially with those two!" The orc signaled to Legolas and Gimli before going on. Legolas was forced to turn his head quickly to avoid being caught eavesdropping. "The Dark Lord says we gets to kill 'um when the King gets here. 'e says 'e knows the King 'ill never fight 'or him." The orcs continue talking, but Legolas no longer had the heart to listen. At least they would get the chance to talk Aragorn out of it. Here they were, on another 'certainty of death' quest. If the Valar be with them, they may see this one out as well. Though he had to admit things were not looking to well. It was still hard for him to believe the Dark Lord had indeed returned. He is torn from his thoughts as he is harshly lifted up. The orcs were ready for war. Most were mounted upon Wargs. The orcs brought out two horses, what of the previous owners, Legolas did not want to think about. One, to his surprise, was Arod. The other, after a closer look, was indeed a pony. Both Legolas and Gimli's legs were untied and they were lifted onto their horses. Over the horses necks were many ropes, deeming an tried escape completely useless. There they remained. Waiting. All around him, orcs were talking amongst themselves. Many different speeches rang in his ears, some even that he did not understand. The guards around him were busy talking as well. Ever so slowly, he rotates his wrists against the ropes. They were tied tightly, but not so tight he could not loosen it. After a few long minutes, he had loosened the rope off of his wrists. Quickly, before the orcs realized it, he wrapped the rope around again, so it looked as if he was still tied. He kept his eyes forward, whispering quietly to Gimli. "Gimli, try to loosen the ropes, but do not let them see you." As the Dwarf became preoccupied with the ropes Legolas glanced around. There were many orcs and wargs. Where they all could have come from puzzled Legolas, but it would do him no good to know how. Knowledge was obviously not going to help him out. He would have to rely on strength and silence. No orcs could realize what he was doing. With the speed of elves he reached down to the Warg next to him, unsheathing a dagger. Without being seen, he tucks it away in his tunic. "QUIT YOUR WRIGGLIN' ELF!" He froze, almost thinking for a moment he had been caught, but the orc said no more. He released a deep breath he did not know he had been holding. As he looked back to Gimli, he realized that Gimli had finally managed to free himself of the ropes as Legolas had. Lucky for them, they were in the front of the line. That is where the orcs had made their mistake. They did not think the elf and dwarf could get away, holding their mounts back by ropes. The dagger would quickly take care of that. If he was not mistaken, he would have sworn he heard the sound of hooves in the distance, but he did not know how well he could rely on his sences at the moment. He blocked out the sounds of the Orcs as he tried to work out the plan, playing it in his mind. With honesty, he did not think it would work, but it was worth a try at least. He smiled faintly. Lucky for him the orcs did not know elvish. He would be able to fill Aragorn in before they tried anything. He soon strayed into elvish dreams as he sat there, staring off at nothing in particular. Gimli glanced over at the Elf, but did not say anything as he saw him resting. The sudden blasts of orc horns made Legolas jump and blink suddenly. The Gate was opening. As it opened, Legolas examined the outcropping. There was no one. Confused, he glanced around. They were going to Gondor? This put the elf somewhat at ease. It would give Gondor the home advantage, but it would also endanger the women and children. Arod was forced to gallop to keep up with the wargs. Legolas looked back to see only a third of the army was actually coming. This was all falling together. The Dark Lord did not expect to defeat Gondor now. Now was to defeat Aragorn, and not physically. Legolas knew the orcs planned on killing him and Gimli. But they were going to do it in front of Aragorn. Such torture. He glanced over to Gimli and the pony, and compassion became apparent on his face. The poor pony struggled to keep up at the speed of the Wargs. Even Arod seemed to run more pressed than Legolas had ever seen him. They would soon be to Gondor. Shifting, in the saddle, he was painfully reminded of the dagger he had hidden in the arm of his tunic. He eased himself back again, hiding the wince well. They were traveling far faster than the Elf could believe possible... ------------------------------------------------------------------ Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net) on Sun Nov 15, 2026 1:00 am