Anala’s Wrath, Angrod’s Path
Staring expressionless into the crackling fire, his mind miles and years away, Angrod was in a precarious position. Not immediately, however, if his trainers and captain could see him now he would spend the better part of a century on the receiving end of lectures and intense retraining.
It wasn’t so much that the young guard had ignored the decades of training that he had received but he had allowed his mind to wander and was, presently, oblivious to his current surroundings. His father would have his head had he known the unnecessary danger that Angrod had put himself in.
Night had fallen several hours ago and, although the dark elf wished to continue on his journey to Imladris, he knew it was unwise to travel after dark. Too easily it would have been to miss something of importance with just the light of the stars illuminating his path. Begrudgingly he halted his horse and set about making camp for, what was sure to be, a very long night.
Soon after setting the fire and coming to rest beside it, Angrod found himself lost in memories. A small smile began to appear on his generally stoic face as memories flitted through this mind.
"Surely you jest Angrod. One would be foolish to even think of crossing Anala’s path." Legolas laughed as he spoke and Angrod watched his Prince as he rose from the seat next to the fire and made his way toward the door of his private chamber.
"I assure you Legolas, I do not tell tales." The dark elf shifted slightly and opened the door, leading to the hallway
He moved swiftly into step next to the blonde elf prince. He knew exactly where Legolas was headed and hoped that the pair would get there in time. It would be a tragic day in Mirkwood, for sure, if they were not able to quell Anala’s rage., and allowed his friend to exit.
Legolas stopped abruptly, a sinister smile overtaking his fair features. "Perhaps we should pretend we never heard anything of this incident. Let him face her wrath on his own." The smile deepened and Legolas began to laugh, his musical mirth echoing off of the palace walls causing the royal maids to stop their work and watch their prince admiringly.
Angrod had always been aware of the effect the golden prince had on his people. Legolas lit up any room he entered and people stopped to listen to all that he had to say, which wasn’t much. The Mirkwood Prince was very reserved and spoke only when absolutely necessary.
"You cannot be serious Legolas. She will kill him." Angrod feigned pleading.
Laughter burst forth from Legolas once more. "Oh yes, he would definitely deserve it."
The pair began to move toward their destination once again, both trembling with glee. Both envisioning the sight in their own minds. Angrod’s imagination then wandered to the repercussions of the impending incident. He stopped once again, reaching out to grab Legolas by the elbow. "You do realize the twins will kill you, do you not?"
Legolas slowed in his steps but did not stop. "And you think I fear the twin sons of Elrond do you?" He spared a quick glance at his long time friend, his next statement coming out in a mere whisper. "Couple of softies."
Biting down on his lower lip to keep himself from bursting, Angrod took several large breaths to calm himself. The last thing that he needed to do was to explode into laughter at his Prince’s last declaration.
"My friend," Angrod began, stopping long enough to ensure Legolas focused his attention on him. "You are a fearless warrior, one of the bravest elves I have ever had the pleasure to know. But do not tell me that the thought of Elladan and Elrohir focusing their vengeful pranks on you does not cause you to quake in your boots."
"Angrod, if you do not watch your tongue then I will focus my vengeful pranks on you." Legolas looped his arm around Angrod’s shoulders pulling him along down the hallway.
"They already owe you for that incident with the horses, my Prince."
Legolas stopped at these words, gazing down the hallway lost in thought. He took another tentative step forward. "It is not the twins that we are gaining entertainment from this day."
Angrod chuckled lightly. "Nay, but they are always looking for an excuse to get you."
The golden elf shifted uneasily on his feet, his eyes darting back and forth between Angrod and the end of the hallway toward which they walked. He shook his head in response to some internal thought, the smile finally slipping from his regal face. The dark royal guard paused, searching Legolas’ deep blue eyes, an identical smile began to slip onto his own face and Angrod fought the humor he saw in the situation. "He would deserve it though wouldn’t he?"
"When was the last time you saw him?"
A loud pop from the fire ripped Angrod from his memories and he glanced about, cursing himself for his lax behavior. It was foolish to drop his guard while alone in the woods and it was something that could get a person killed.
"Seems foolish Woodelves are running rampant these days." He grumbled to himself as he rose from his spot next to the dying fire. His thoughts turned back to his reason for being so far from home. With that in mind he peered up between the thick branches that sheltered him to see that the sky was beginning in lighten to the East. Dawn was approaching and he could be on his way.
Less than a day and he would be in Imladris. Hopefully at that time he would receive answers to his lost Prince’s whereabouts. He forced himself to be optimistic about what he would find once he arrived in the home of Lord Elrond and his family and a picture of Legolas sitting with his feet up, reading, tickled the back of his mind. "Oh that I could be so lucky." He said to his horse as he tied his provisions over the animal’s back.
He remembered that Legolas had planned to journey with Estel back to Imladris and because the pair would already be traveling in the company of a host of elves from Imladris, Thranduil didn’t think it necessary for Angrod to accompany them. But that had been near a month ago, plenty of time for them to reach Imladris. The troublesome pair must have decided that the trip between the two elven realms had not been exciting enough and had sought some type of adventure.
The dark elf nimbly swung himself up onto his steed and heeled it into motion. He had a long ride ahead of him and his desire to reach Imladris and find his friend increased with each passing moment.
Several hours into his journey a light rain had begun to fall and Angrod repeatedly pushed his soaked hair out of his eyes as he tried to focus through the mist that surrounded him. The overlying tree branches seemed to bend in an effort to shield him from the incessant drizzle but to no avail.
The elf had needed to slow his horse as the terrain had become more rough. The evidence of numerous storms was everywhere. Soil had been washed away revealing tree roots and unearthing new plants. Flood beds had been formed from the overflow of water. Broken limbs dipped down into the pathway causing Angrod to have to duck several times to avoid losing his head.
The dark elf pulled his hood tighter about his face to shield him from the cold mist and tucked himself closer to his horse for warmth. He had almost slipped back into his previous, preoccupied state when a lithe form dropped from a nearby tree and stepped in front of his horse.
"A little off course?" The Imladris sentry inquired.
Angrod pushed his hood back revealing himself to the guard. He knew there were more nearby with their arrows trained on him and he didn’t want to do anything to alarm them. "I am Angrod of Mirkwood. I come seeking news on my Prince."
The sentry stepped forward, swinging his bow onto his back and placing a hand on the neck of Angrod’s horse. "Well met Angrod. I am Curin and I will guide you to Imladris where I am sure Lord Elrond will be eager to speak with you."
Angrod watched as Curin turned and gave a quick signal then proceeded down the path that he had already been following. The dark elf swung himself off of his horse and hurried to catch up to the sentry, knowing that his horse would follow. It would be easier to speak with Curin if they were both on foot.
"What news? Is Legolas in Imladris?"
Curin didn’t stop but pressed on in the now pouring rain, seemingly unfazed by the irritating moisture. "I am sorry Angrod but Legolas has not been seen in many weeks."
Angrod sighed in frustration and willed his aggravation away. He was tired, cold and feared for his friend, it would be easy to let his emotions get the better of him but he tried to remind himself that anger rarely accomplished much. "Have you any news at all Curin?"
Curin smoothly pushed a low hanging branch out of the way, barely slowing for the natural obstacle. "Estel returned over a week ago. He is severely injured and has been unable to speak. Legolas’ location is unknown." He stopped now, understanding the weight of his words. "My apologies Angrod, I know that you fear for your prince. Legolas is well loved in Imladris as well."
Angrod lifted a gentle hand, placing it on the sentries shoulder. "I know Curin." With no further words the two pressed on for the elven city and home of Elrond.
It was several hours later that they finally stepped over the bridge and into the courtyard outside of the noble elf lord’s home. There, standing on the steps, stood Elrond and his twin sons, waiting for the arrival of the Woodelf. The dark elflord moved forward to greet Angrod, his face stony and expressionless. Angrod searched Elrond’s eyes and demeanor for any showing of Aragorn and Legolas’ fate. Two sets of stoic eyes bored into one another, neither revealing anything to the other.
Pulling himself from Elrond’s searching gaze, Angrod hastily lifted his hand in greeting. "Lord Elrond."
"Welcome Angrod. It is good to see you again, although I wish our meeting were under better circumstances." Elrond paused, deepening his study of the younger elf. "I gather you have no news of Legolas."
Angrod’s breath hitched in his throat. It had been too much to hope for that things had changed during the time he had traveled from Mirkwood to Imladris. The vision of Legolas sitting comfortably in the Hall of Fire had been nothing more than wishful naivety. "I was hoping that you would have some news for me."
Elrond dropped his head then quickly glanced over his shoulder to his waiting sons. Elladan and Elrohir had both been optimistic at Angrod’s arrival, now they stood atop the stairs, their own expressions mirroring the lost, hopelessness on Angrod’s. "Come Angrod, there is someone you must see."
Wistfully Elrond turned and climbed the stairs leading into the main hall of his home. Angrod hurried to follow, stopping briefly to acknowledge Elladan and Elrohir as he passed. No words were exchanged between the three as Angrod clasped arms first with Elrohir then with his twin brother. The dark woodelf then continued into the house with the twin elves on his heels.
He had been to Imladris with Legolas on several occasions and knew Elrond’s home well so he was well aware of where he was being led. What he wasn’t prepared for was the sight that met him upon entering Estel’s room.
Angrod froze in the doorway, unable to force himself to move any closer to the bed where the young human lay. From where he stood, Angrod could see the fever plagued body of the young ranger. Beads of sweat covered his sallow features, the flesh surrounding his eyes and nose was red and inflamed. Taking a tentative step forward, Angrod could now clearly see the large bruise which decorated Estel’s jaw.
"Valar!" He bit his tongue to keep from expressing any more of the horror he felt. Inhaling deeply, he forced himself to turn away from the man lying motionless on the large bed. "This is how you found him?"
Elrond stepped to the bed and, taking a wet cloth from a bowl on the night stand, began to mop the sweat from Estel’s brow. "His injuries were more severe. The fever is taking its toll now and it is my primary concern."
"Any information on Legolas?" Angrod asked, his question overflowing with hope.
Elrond sighed deeply, pulling a chair next to his foster son’s bed. "Estel woke very briefly several days ago. He inquired as to Legolas’ location then became very distraught when he was told that the Prince was not here. That has led us to believe that the two were together when Estel was injured, however, we do not know where Legolas is." A sad, forced smile of attempted reassurance formed on the elflord’s face. "I am sorry."
A quiet shuffle came from behind Angrod and he turned to see Elladan and Elrohir enter the room, the same feigned smile on both of their faces. Elladan slowly stepped forward and placed his hand gently on Angrod’s shoulder. "We have searched the parameter but have found nothing. We are unsure of where Estel and Legolas were when they were attacked. All we can do is wait for Estel to wake."
Soft mumbling interrupted the grim conversation and all eyes flew to the young, deathly ill man. Estel’s head tossed back and forth, his lips moved rapidly but the words that could be heard were indiscernible. The three younger elves flew to the bedside and bent over the delirious patient. Brows furrowed in concentration as the four attempted to make out what Estel was saying.
A short minute after Estel’s agitation had begun, the young ranger fell still again. The death like pallor returning. Angrod slumped to the floor next to the bed, issuing a quivering sigh. Valar, if this is Estel’s state then how must Legolas fair?
Angrod raised his eyebrows at the question, it had been too easy to change the Prince’s mind and he wondered if there was some other incident for which the twins might owe revenge to the young prince.
"Just before I came to your private chambers. He seemed intent on his mission."
"Then we best hurry or he will surely be caught and Anala will not be pleased."
The two started at a slight jog down the hallway. They followed the maze-like corridors, getting closer and closer to their quarry. Making one last sharp turn, both sets of eyes fell upon the one they sought.
Angrod and Legolas froze, watching as the invader stared through the crack of the door. A tentative hand reached up to push the door open and Legolas jerked forward.
"ESTEL WAIT!"