Black Moon Part Two: Gwain Ithil

I'm mixing movie and book for this, but it'll still be two months before the Fellowship is officially formed and leaves.

Okay, a note on 'transformations'; the only thing that's changed are his eyes, hair, and senses. He's still an Elf. There are no wild transformation by the light of the moon. Rather, these Wolves are those of Morgoth. No Changes. Of Morgoth's wolves were just really big, intelligent normal wolves. These ones take on a humanoid form, fur-covered, but basically human/Elf. There are lupine features (ears, muzzle, etc.) but they aren't walking around on four legs, nor do they change during the full moon. Meaning, neither does Legolas.

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[A/N: insert Book-cannon Council scenes here, complete with Legolas being overdramatic. ;)]

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~After the Council~

"It is good to see you again, Legolas," Aragorn said, seeing Legolas aware of him long before his actual approach. He had witnessed a few strange things in his two weeks spent in Mirkwood, but still had yet to think of any reason as to why Legolas' senses seemed more acute than any other Elf he had known.

"Aragorn, I can say the same. You must tell me of your travels."

Aragorn smiled wryly, "You mean leading four Hobbits through the 'wild'? Hardly an adventure worth hearing."

"Surely you have had something interesting happen on that little journey. Word from the twins is that you've pledged your sword to Frodo's safety. You'll be going with him to Mordor."

"It is my duty, my fate," Aragorn said bitterly. "You kno my my heritage, what choice do I have? I must right the wrong my ancestor wrought."

Legolas laid a hand on his friend's shoulder, "You know you have a choice. And besides, who better to protect the little Hobbit?"

Aragorn smiled, "I have missed you, my friend. I hope you will accept the challenge of the Quest and volunteer your bow; I can think of no one better to stand by my side in a battle."

"You flatter, Estel. But I will seek an audience with Master Elrond and Mithrandir after the evening meal."

The Man and Elf stood together in companionable silence, leaning against the rail of the open walkway where they stood. The walkway connected the main house of Imladris to the guest rooms and healing rooms. Each meant to provide some measure of comfort to the people that resided in them this night. Light steps, those of an Elf politely letting the two know of the approach, caused both to turn.

"Lady Ninimwen," Aragorn greeted; "What, may I ask, is the handmaiden of the Lady Arwen doing out here? When the late lunch is being served in the Hall of Fire?"

The petite blonde maiden curtsied and smiled, "My Lady Arwen asked me to fetch you, Lord Aragorn. It seems that you have forgotten to meet her by the banks of the stream she is so fond of."

Legolas and Ninimwen laughed as Aragorn feigned horror. "By the stars! How could I have forgotten such a pressing engagement! Shame on you, Legolas, for keeping me from my beloved!"

"Ai, but Lord Aragorn, should I tell your Lady that you sought me out?"

Aragorn chuckled and turned to the amused she-Elf. "I will be there shortly, if you would be so kind as to relay that message? I have a surprise from Fornost for her."

"Should I tell my Lady that you have also broken her engagement to her in favour of the alluring young Prince of the dark forest?" Ninimwen asked, giving a wink to Legolas.

Aragorn waved her away, smiling. "I think not, fair maid. I will buy your silence with whatever you wish."

"Only the tale of your latest adventure."

"Then be off with you. And you will have your tale."

Giggling, Ninimwen quickly left in the direction she had come from. Aragorn faced the smiling Legolas. "Well, that has lightened our mood. But I must now leave you to your own devices, friend Legolas."

"Against all better judgement, I assume?"

Aragorn grinned and nodded. "I know you well enough."

The Man left, leaving Legolas to his thoughts once more.

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The day had passed uneventfully after the Council, a slight commotion from two of the four Hobbits when they were told that Samwise Gamgee would be staying with Frodo to destroy Rin Ring, but nothing more. Legolas had spent the promised time with the twins, telling them the vague details of the Council. When dinner came, Legolas was moving to his seat by Lindir when a hand on his arm stopped him.

"Lord Glorfindel? May I be of service?"

Glorfindel smiled, "Master Elrond wishes your company for dinner. And I would be interested in hearing of the events in Mirkwood, it has been long since I visited your sire's realm."

Legolas smiled, "Of course, my Lord."

findfindel nodded his approval and led the much younger Elf to the head table where Elrond greeted them both. Legolas was placed between the twins, across from Elrond himself. Gandalf sat nearby, as did all four Hobbits (as Frodo had refused to let Sam serve him this night). Aragorn, naturally, sat next to Arwen. And Glorfindel and Erestor took places on either side of Elrond. The feast began with Elrond's customary words, and the decision made during Council earlier in the day.

Once everything was underway, Elrond turned his attention to Legolas. "Tell me, Legolas, what is your opinion on the Fellowship?"

"I believe that the small number may be better to pass what guards are in place in the Dark Lands. Use stealth and speed rather than brute force."

Glorfindel nodded, "A decent philosophy, young one. I presume that is the tactic most used in your home?"

Legolas nodded, "Yes, Lord Glorfindel. My father's people choose to use the forest to our advantage. Disappear in the trees and brush until there is a vulnerable moment in our enemies defense."

"Long range weapons are common, are they not?" Erestor asked after sipping his wine. "Bows and such? I have heard that the Mirkwood Elves are the best archers in Arda."

Glorfindel smiled, "It may have been long since my last visit, but I can remember the fine archery. Princes Rhiernil and Feinereg were eager to seek approval on the patrols they had been given. Your brothers have very sharp minds when it concerns the placement of soldiers."

"A good trait in any future ruler, Valar forbid, should something befall Thranduil," Elrond said, relaxing into the conversation.

Legolas smiled, "My brothers are all very well prepared to assume duties, and they have before."

"Aye," Elrohir piped up. "During that 'Wolf' incident."

Elrond straightened, "Thank you for mentioning that, Elrohir. I have been meaning to ask you about that, Legolas. My sons say that nothing was found, that it had been a passing illusion caused be the tendrils of Darkness from Dol Guldor. I, not meaning to offend, find this hard to believe."

Legolas thought quickly, "Your sons reported the incedents correctly. I am afraid to say, but all was caused by a sword wound I recieved when I foolishly wandered too far by myself. Orcish poison in my system that had been cleared by a healer caused me to see these 'Wolves'. It seems that I had small amounts of the poison remaining in my system, creating a fever and hallucinations.""Tha"That is odd then," Glorfindel said, leaning back in his chair. "I remember travellers' tales of the golden-haired little Prince. One with clear eyes named 'Greenleaf.' Clearly, your eyes are silver, as is your hair, quite a change."

"Oh, come now, Glorfindel," Elladan said light-heartedly; "You cannot say that you do not remember the time when you thought Elrohir would have Mother's golden tresses. And look at how we've both changed. Dark of hair and of eye, rathean tan the light colours from past summers."

"Yes, we matured, as did Legolas," Elrohir added. Glorfindel cocked his head and Erestor just sighed.

"It never ceases to amaze me at how quickly such things can happen. And you must accept their point, Glorfindel, as it was you who lost ten gold pieces when their hair turned," Erestor said.

Glorfindel sighed, "Very well, I concede."

Elrond chuckled, "Well, though that is settled, I suppose; I would like to see your wound, Legolas. I know that it has been long, but if it was as deep as you say, a scar would remain."

Legolas nodded, suddenly grateful for the thin, fading scar that did stay. "Of course, my Lord."

When the three Elf-Lords became preoccupied with the arrival of the desserts, Legolas leaned over to Elladan. "Thank you."

The elder twin smiled, "You owe me, Little Prince."

Legolas returned the smile and nodded, "We'll speak later?"

A quick nod from Elladan before the elder Elf was pulled into light banter with his sister and foster brother. Legolas turned his attention back to his three hosts, actively discussing Mirkwood's border defenses until the meal was over.

As most of the gathered prepared to take their leave, Elrond stepped up to Legolas. "I would see you tomorrow, Legolas. Rest well."

"Yes, Master Elrond. And thank you."

Elladan grabbed Legolas' arm and led him to a place in an empty corridor. "Now, we are going to talk."

Legolas nodded and Elladan began. "It involves what Arwen had almost said yesterday. And the favour I want to call in is this; since Elrohir's duties will keep him closer to Imladris while I'm sent to gather the Dunedain, I want you to spend time with him."

"Elladan, how is that a favour? I would gladly-"

Elladan shook his head, "Elrohir loves you, Legolas. And he has since your first meeting in that 'den'. You know as well as I that some Elves can sense who they are destined to love. Elrohir is such an Elf. You know he is a kind man, will you give him this chance?"

Legolas thought, he had admired Elrohir. Had sensed the younger twin's dedication and strength. Finally, Legolas nodded, "I will, Elladan. I do admire Elrohir. And I'd be willing to try to let it develop."

Elladan smiled brilliantly, "Great!"

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Elrond ran a gentle touchh over the mark on legolas' shoulder, "It is almost completely faded, but it was deep, as you said. Does it ever pain you?"

Legolas shook his head and pulled his tunic back on. "No, my Lord. But thank you for the concern."

"I do not want the archer that will be going with the Ringbearer to feel any discomfort now."

"I'll be going?"

Elrond nodded and smiled. "Oh, most deffinately. Aragorn was quite persistant. And I thought that you have the greatest experience concerning stealth and silence. And your senses are legendary here since the twins returned."

Legolas smiled, "Thank you. I would gladly go on this Quest."

"I know, which is why I let Glorfindel convince me. Now, I'm certain that you have things to do today. And please be nice to the Dwarf Gimli, he'll be going along as well."

Legolas feigned a dramatic sigh, "If I must."

Elrond chuckled, "Off with you."

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There, ending on a happy note.