Title: The Road to Paradise 11-13/ 30 Author: Dane Type: FPS Email: writerdane@yahoo.com Pairing: Aragorn/ Legolas Rating: R Summary: AU. After Legolas’ disappearance, half of the remaining fellowship comes for him in Prince Imrahil’s fiefdom. A few elves from Lindon offer their support. Series: Yes Archive: Dimension of Dhvana, Of Elves and Men, Melethryn, Library of Moria Disclaimer: None of this is real. All the characters mentioned came from the brilliant mind of J.R.R. Tolkien, thus I cannot claim them as my own. Authors Note: The elves from Lindon are of my own creation. For those in the list of Dimension of Dhvana, the elves are Cuner (Colin), Arandur (Stuart), Mirimon (Charles or Charlie), and Taurnosto (Ewan). You know who they are. My source for the plants and places are from David Day’s Tolkien: The Illustrated Encyclopedia. Part 11: The Weatherlight The storm lingered over Dol Amroth and the Bay of Belfalas for five days before moving on to the Northwest towards the Sundering Sea. On the fifth day’s dawn, the people of the city were greeted by clear skies and gentle breezes. When everyone started to resume their daily routines that were interrupted by the storm, they were amazed at the magnificent sight of the white elven ship, the Weatherlight. As often as he got curious, Pippin was immediately drawn to the crowd at the docks of the city’s harbor. He joined them in marveling at the ship, which was shaped of that of a white swan. For a ship, it wasn’t that big but it could outrace bigger vessels by the use of elven ingenuity. The front was the swan’s neck and head that gracefully curved down and held a lantern in its finely carved beak. On its side, delicate etchings in silver drew the wings. The mast of the ship had three sails on it that shimmered in the sunlight. On the captain’s deck, a large wheel with white stones on its center steered the ship. The hobbit continued to stare as one of the elves in Cuner’s crew came down from the castle and stood next to him. “Lovely sight, isn’t it?” the Elf asked to the young hobbit. “I don’t think anyone else in Middle-Earth other than the Teleri in Lindon have the privilege to see a ship like this. “He looked down while Pippin looked up. “I’m Mirimon, an elf of Lindon and a crewman in the ship Weatherlight.” Pippin returned the introductions. “I am Perigrin Took of the Shire, son of Paladin and a knight of Gondor in the service of King Elessar and of his steward, Lord Faramir.” He made a melodramatic bow, which delighted the young Teleri. Both of them broke from the crowd and went on board the vessel by climbing the ropes of Heathline. As they got on board, the other elves of the crew were already doing their chores under the watchful eye of Lord Cuner. He gave the young elf, who barely passed his majority a few months prior, consent for him to entertain the Halfling and to answer all of his questions. Along side the captain of the Weatherlight was the King and Prince Imrahil. “Resplendent,” commented Pippin as he felt his hands along the sides and was astonished at the craftsmanship of the Weatherlight. “It was inspected by Lord Cirdan, himself, to see if it was up to the standards that the Ulmo of the Waters have set,” said Mirimon. “Since this is the latest ship to be crafted the ship builders of the Grey Havens, most likely it will be the last one to leave Middle-Earth when all of the Eldar depart these shores for Valinor. It would be a shame for me if I didn’t travel beyond my home at least once when everyone I know and love leaves.” “Is that what you want to do? Explore Middle-Earth before you leave?” asked Pippin as they toured the ship. “Yes. There are many places I want to see before I go to the West. Mirkwood. Lothlorien. Imladris. Eriabor. I want to see the white tower of Minas Tirith, the great waters of the Anduin, the far city-kingdom of Dale, the windy mountains, and maybe even the Shire.” When Pippin heard that last part, he smiled. “I’m just hoping that this journey won’t be my last one here on Middle-Earth.” “You still have time,” offered Pippin. “The time of the elves is not yet over. Men still have many things to know before your people leave. We would like some of you fair folk to visit us in the Shire before you depart so you could tell your family members in the Undying Lands about us. Should make a good anecdote or two.” The young elfling laughed. “I’m sure to visit your fine home when I am able, then. I consider your words an invitation to be taken upon future encounters.” “And you will be welcome, in turn.” Part 12: The Evidence of Mithrandir “Heart of Mallorn Wood, Dreamsmoke Weed, Athelas, Grounded Elanor, Alfirin, the liver of a Crebain Bird, a vial of Ent Draught, snippets of Gallow-weed, the bottled sap from a Hourn spirit tree, the blossom of a Lairelosse, Nessamelda leaves, Niphredil, essence of Galenas, Holly bark, Seregon, Simbelmyne, Willow bark, and the fruit of a Yavannamire tree,” recounted Gandalf as he identified each of the ingredients used by Legolas found in the Garden of Paradise. “I may not be a healer like my Lord Arandur,” started Taurnosto, “but even I understand the purpose of the Dreamsmoke Weed, and the Galenas. The first is used to lull people into a hypnotic trance and the Galenas, also known as Pipe-Weed to the Halflings, relaxes the body when it is in its purest form. What of the other items in that bag?” The wizard gathered the items into the traveling bag left by Legolas, pausing a moment when he saw the sketch of the Fellowship, and took them with him back to the escorting guards. As they trekked back to the edge of the forest, he explained some of the items’ uses. “Athelas is essentially an antidepressant. The Ent Draught is a liquid that promotes growth. In the case of the Hobbits, it is a physical metamorphosis. To elves, it’s a matter of spiritual and mental growth. Alfirin is meant to promote yearning in extremis; such is the case that the Eldar yearn for Valinor. Seregon is a mind-altering flower that affects the memories. Simbelmyne has preserving properties that extend the effects of other herbs and substances. The rest are variations of those that I have just mentioned in one form or another.” They eventually reached the escorts and mounted their horses. The sky was close to dusking and they needed to ride hard if they are to reach the outpost midway of their journey. Without further delay, Mithrandir set the pace and galloped away back to the city. The Golden Prince, the wizard thought to himself, was certainly ambitious in even thinking he could try the ritual. It was a dangerous act for the chances of a successful outcome were slim, of those who failed would join Mandos at a delayed time as such was what was going to happen to Legolas if they didn’t act soon. Haste was made to reach the outpost and then they rode fast into the dawning sky for the harbor capital. The party arrived just at midday, in time for lunch. “We leave at dawn, my friends,” he announced to those seated at Prince Imrahil’s table. “It is as we suspected. He made the potion for the ritual and now must suffer the consequences. But being that Arandur and I intervened in time, we shall do our best to delay his passing until we get to the White City to cure him.” Looking around the dining hall, Gandalf noted the mood of the rest of the Fellowship. Gimli smoked and tolerated Pippin’s exuberance at recalling the tour of the ship. Aragorn was getting more morose by the day. He was the most affected, after all, by Legolas’ desperate attempt at escapism. Mentally noting to himself, the Istari would need to talk to the King before they sailed back to Osgiliath and to Minas Tirith. Later in the chambers that the Prince assigned to them, Mithrandir pensively looked at fire, lost in thought and a lit pipe between his lips. He waited for the King to appear as what he anticipated to happen. The King had questions that needed answering. As he muttered out his random thoughts out, the subject of his musings silently entered and took the chair opposite him. “What are his chances, Gandalf?” Aragorn asked plainly. The former ranger looked very down trodden and stressed, despite the regal bearing of his attire. With an enigmatic twinkle, the white wizard smiled wanly. “There is still hope that he will survive. Even with all the desperation that Legolas seemed to encounter, there is much strength in him. His chances would improve with your cooperation, however.” The King motioned for his friend to continue, apprehensive all of a sudden. “The counter ritual to cure Legolas is very difficult. It was done only once by the High Elven Kings of old and was last performed by Gil-Galad’s father. It is even more perilous now because Legolas is still tied to you. The Ritual of Total Ablution would have had him memory free of his life. Seeing that he still remembers certain things, his soul is still bound to you.” “Like a husband who rejected his partner,” said Aragorn miserably. Sympathy touched Gandalf and offered a supporting hand on Aragorn’s shoulder. “You did not know that one night of indiscretion would lead to this. Though you haven’t bonded, one kiss was enough to constitute as a union between the two of you. You now have an opportunity to rectify the situation and help him, who was foremost your friend and then your lover. In the long run, should he survive, he would understand and forgive you.” “But that doesn’t make things any easier, doesn’t it? I would still bear my guilt after this affair. Now, how can I help?” “Basically, we have to reestablish your bond with Legolas,” said the wizard. “Since you are mortal, Aragorn, you would eventually die and leave our friend to fade in grief.” The King frowned. “That would not do. What we need is a secondary bond. One that would take over after your death. The Prince still has a purpose elsewhere. This much I know that the Valar has shown me in my recent dreams. The reason, I surmise, as to why Legolas has his connection to you would be either the diminished Elven blood of Elros in your body or that you have the miraculous Numenorean blood in you that can perform incredible feats that are wondrous to common Men. Either way, you have magical powers that can affect Elves as well as Men. An advantage or a curse of being the King of the Dunedain.” “However, despite the astounding source of your lineage, you will still die when the call of death arrives. Legolas needs another bondmate to turn to when the time comes. It would be better if that chosen mate would be a mutual choice between you and our Greenleaf.” Aragorn didn’t respond for a long moment. He knew that the one to replace him in Legolas’ heart must be one of the Firstborn. At least an Elf would take care of him when he is gone to join his forefathers. And what of Arwen? Would she understand the situation? “Do not despair,” consoled Gandalf. “You have had many trials up to this point. Should our Prince survive, you will be twice blessed with love. Many have never known love and often end their lives with sadness. Be happy that the chance is there.” It was a small comfort but it gave the King of Gondor much hope. The next day, the Weatherlight casted off from the harbor of Dol Amroth with its crew of elves and the entourage of the King. Prince Imrahil and his son stood at the docks waving their farewells along with the people of the city. Below deck, Gimli watched intently over Legolas as Arandur placed the herbs and washcloth needed to sustain him until they reached the White City. Gandalf sat apart from everyone, trying not to give in to the impending motion sickness that the journey will undoubtedly give him. Elessar and Cuner stood on the command deck, watching the rising sun from the east, while Pippin spent his time with Mirimon on the crow’s nest. Part 13: The White Council The Weatherlight made its way to the delta of the river Anduin within a day’s travel. By then, Mithrandir calmed his stomach against the lolling waves and sat poised toward the north. Clearing his mind, he stretched out his presence with his gift of Farspeech to the other members of the White Council: Elrond of Imladris, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien, Thranduil of Mirkwood, Radagast the Brown, and Alatar the Blue. “Hail, Gandalf the White!” greeted the members as they rang out clearly in the wizard’s mind. “My party will arrive in the city within two days,” reported Elrond. Celeborn and Galadriel stated the same as well as Thranduil. Alatar and Radagast were traveling together and would arrive in Minas Tirith within a few hours. “While these are excellent news, indeed, I’m afraid that I have more dire things to tell,” relayed the wizard somberly. He recounted the events of the past few days to the council comprising of the highest- ranking Eldar in Middle-Earth and the last of the surviving Istari. “I am currently on a ship that Cirdan provided his emissary to join us in the White City. Aragorn and half of the Fellowship are with me. We are currently entering the mouth of the Anduin and sailing up the river to Osgiliath. A messenger was sent earlier for the Steward and to the Queen to expect us to arrive there.” “These are terrible news you bear,” said Galadriel through the connection. “I presume that you will need our support to perform the counter ritual to save Legolas.” “Yes, my Lady,” the white wizard replied. “It is an elven ritual that needs the highest ranking elves with power for it to be successful.” Elrond sighed, temporarily lost in memory. “I remember the ritual procedure. I used to assist Gil-Galad when he tried to cure the few elves that were suddenly ripped away from their bondmates. He managed to save a couple and sent them off to the Undying Lands before any more damage could happen. It is lucky that any modern healers even know how to do the counter ritual since the only source of it is in my library back in Imladris.” “Since you are still some way off,” said Alatar, the wizard known to wear blue robes and walked with a staff of blue spruce, “we will prepare for your arrive. Shall we gather the required ingredients for the liquid remedy?” “No need,” said Gandalf. “Legolas brought an abundant supply with him and I think it would be better if we used what is in his bag of ingredients.” “Well then, brother,” said Radagast the Brown. “We will wait patiently for the Swan ship from Lindon to arrive and rush the poor young elf to the top of the tower.” “We will see you then in a few days, Mithrandir,” said Celeborn. One after the other, Gandalf said his farewells to the council members until one remained in the link. “You remain quiet, my liege,” supposed Gandalf to the Mirkwood King. Sensing the apprehension through the link, the wizard gave the Elven King a few moments to voice out his concerns. “Will my son recover?” asked Thranduil, worry and remorse pulsing in their mental conversation. Gandalf let out a breath of mild frustration. “There is a chance. Legolas has many things to live for in this world out of Mandos’ reach. I know that something happened and you were involved, but I won’t question about it for it is your own business and none of mine. As always, I am here for you, my friend, if you need my council. Even elves need support at times.” Hesitantly, Thranduil acquiesced to the offer. “Will you tell me what happened to my son? I miss him so and I’m afraid that I hurt him with my ill-tempered letter that was written in such state. I want him to live so I may ask for forgiveness. I do want my son happy, Mithrandir. It is all what a good parent wants for his child. If it is in the arms of a married Man then I will give my blessing.” Gandalf smiled. “Then let me tell you what the others in the White Council don’t know about this affair.” TBC….