Black Moon

Glad you liked it so far.

***********************************************************************

It was another night similar to the one two weeks earlier, no moon's light broke through the trees' canopy, though a full moon graced the night sky far above. And once more, a lone Elf wandered aimlessly.

Legolas was wandering a small path he had once used as a child, not lost in his grief this time, but still lost in thoughts. No orcs troubled him this night, rather, the peace seemed thick, almost a suffocating silence. Even the trees were stilled from any wind, their songs strangely quieted.

The young Elf looked up from his path, seeing a black wolf, a normal wolf, standing before him. The beast's eyes glinted an amber colour as some light fell on them. Legolas stopped and looked around, seeing the clear image of a fire beyond the path. When he looked back to the path, it was clear that the wolf was not going to move any time soon.

Drawn to the flame as if a moth, Legolas felt himself being pulled towards the obvious camp. A voice in the back of his head reminded him that it could have been an orc encampment. But something was calling him there.

As expected, the creatures were there. Few turned to watch Legolas' approach, but quickly brought their attention back to their meal. He was drawn past most of them to the imposing figure of the most Elven looking of them, Draugaran,the the fire, at a substitute made from the stup of a fallen tree.

"Greetings Little Prince," the rumbling voice greeted. A furred and clawed hand indicated a seat and Legolas took the offer, looking around the clearing as he wrapped his arms around himself.

"What am I doing here?"

"I called you."

Legolas turned his eyes to the creature before him. "Why?"

"I have an offer for you, a proposition."

Legolas shook his head, "But why me?"

A strange form of smile crossed Draugaran's features, "You are interesting. You are a strong one, a brave little pup. And I am without a mate."

Legolas cocked his head, "You want me to do what?"

"Be mine. Let me raise you, give you the power to lead this pack, to keep this forest safe. Your Elf-father is strong, as are your brothers, but the Elves do not have the strength to fend off the Black Tower."

Legolas shook his head, "I can't do that."

Draugaran raised a chalice to his mouth. Legolas absently wondered how, if at all, these creatures were different. Cutlery and dishes were used by all, the deer meat was cooked, and the young Elf had to assume that there was a shelter somewhere.

"A cave, cavern really, not so different from your home. A large den for us."

Legolas started and there was a deep-throated chuckle from his host. "A mind is an open thing, Little Prince, and innocence is what keeps it open."

The Elf looked away, "I ot wot wish to accept your offer."

"I understand. It is always open, though."

Legolas nodded his understanding and thought for a moment. "Where did you come from? Your kind, I mean. Were you once like the Elves?"

Another deep chuckle, "I can say only this; like the Ents, we were woken by the Elves. I lead this pack, and have since the forming of this forest. I have made it my responsibility to protect your Elven home long before you played in your sire's den."

"So you're immortal too?"

A nod, "That is all I can tell you."

Legolas nodded and looked over the clearing once more. "I wish to go home... Ada will be worried if he wakes and I'm not there."

Draugaran nodded and a black creature that Legolas recognized from his first encounter came over. Taking the offered hand, Legolas bowed to his host before letting his guide lead him home.

************************

"Any luck, Ada?" Nimelen asked as he set a tray down on the end of his father's desk.

Thranduil sighed, "Not yet. I think a message should be sent to Elrond to ask for his guidance."

Nimelen nodded, "I can carry it, Ada. It has been long since I've been to Imladris. And I am the swiftest rider."

Thranduil smiled, "I'll consider it. Is Legolas awake yet?"

A nod from Nimelen, "He has been on the archery range for most of the morning."

"Will you ensure that he eats something? His appetite has decreased lately."

"Of course, Ada."

"Thank you, Nim."

*************************

The offer made by Draugaran repeated itself through Legolas' mind at an almost non-stop pace. He had already admitted to himself that he was no longer content under his father's roof, not as he had once been. But he had told no one of the second meeting with the creatures. For lack of a better term, Legolas had taken to calling them 'Wolves' in his mind, rather than associate the kind creatures with the servants of Morgoth so long ago.

As his last arrow struck the center of his target for the seventh time this morning, Legolas finally relaxed. He fetched his arrows and resolved to seek out Draugaran again tonight, at least leran more about the offer.

***********************************************************************

It's getting somewhere. I'll update again at 7-10 reviews. :)