Amystika

AFF.net replies:

HHS: Heehee, I like Haldir too. I've decided to make it a bit more complicated for our Elves (is that possible?). I'll explain a bit.

giggle: *huggles and hands bowl of soup and slashy Elves* Mostly a mix between books and movie, but I have a preference for the books. Men are slaves, and get to show up. I have a plan for the Dwarves, but since I'm screwing up the world so much, and because I felt like it, Smaug is still in Erebor and guarding the Arkenstone. I'll explain about Saruman too. *huggles again and wanders off to watch the pretty Elves*

FF.net replies:

Cyblade Silver: Thanks, working on the story. Have a few twists planned.

Legolas19: More here. Thanks.

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Current Soundtrack: "Nexus" by Criss Angel. "Try to control myself facing the demons before they control me. Are you ready to... Are you ready to... Are you ready to go? Into Amystika."

For the general inspiration for this story, the songs "Nexus", "Revelation", and "Darkest Day" by Criss Angel played a major part.

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The living shadow that had spread across the land of Middle-Earth pulsed with the confusion caused by the sensation of a spirit long thought vanquished. The tendrils of Darkness edged closer to the great forest of Mirkwood in their curiousity to discover the reason behind the confusion.

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The dead leaves of what was once Lothlorien stirred in an unnatural wind. A strange mist spread through the dead forest, swallowing the trees and ruined talans. Wispy figures moved through the mist as well, weaving between the trees in fluid motions. To even the eyes of the Firstborn, the figures would have seemed to be part of the mist. As both mist and apparitions moved eastward to Mirkwood, the strange breeze caught a leaf and carried it forward. Unlike the dead leaves that littered the equally dead and dark land, this leaf was a new, bright golden hue.

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High atop the mountain of Erebor, from a half-hidden cave, a spurt of fire and black smoke announced the dragon that had just woken from his long slumber. The already scorched earth shook as a rumble sounded from the ruins of the Dwarven halls. The light of the full moon, before it was blocked by the smoke and ash, shone upon a forgotten door lined with Ithildin. The sliver glow was quickly snuffed out by a dragon's roar loosing several boulders onto the small stairway.

Below, in the village of Men, warriors took up their bows and blades. A steady procession made its way from the village, and into the nearby forest.

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The angry Sea crashed against the shores of Arda, fighting as the dark tendrils plunged into their depths.

In the ruins of Mithlond, broken and shattered ships rose from the depths. The once beautiful swan shapes distorted and grotesque. Manned by no crew, the ships made their way southwards, towards the realms of Men.

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The fires of Mount Doom blazed in the darkness that surrounded the land. Had a far-sighted Elf stood at the borders to Mordor, he may have seen the great fires and the waves of orcs and beasts filing out of the towers. But no Elf would have been fast enough to outrun the two winged Nazgul, even if he could escape the three on their black steeds.

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"No," said both Elrond and Celeborn at the same time.

"You will remain here, Legolas," Elrond made to take a piece of honeyed bread as if he had just settled the matter.

"But-"

Celeborn shook his head, "It is far too dangerous in Mirkwood, youngling."

"What if Elladan and I went as well?" Elrohir asked quickly. "With Haldir, Rumil, and Glorfindel, the threat should be less than if we followed on our own."

Elrond raised an eyebrow and looked at his son. "The three of you are to remain here."

"Adar," Elladan started; "the three of us are capable warriors. Mirkwood is not someplace where we have not gone before. Surely, you understand that we have a curiousity of this matter as well?"

"We know, Elladan," said Celeborn. "But you three are-"

"Too young?" Elrohir asked, pushing a bit of food about his plate.

"Too dear to us," Celeborn finished. "Including Legolas. Strange as it seems, Legolas has a talent of endearing himself to others."

Legolas cleared his throat, "I have reason to go, Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn. This matter directly concerns me. If for no other reason, perhaps I may remember something in Mirkwood? And the twins have taken it upon themselves to protect me since I came here, I cannot refuse their offer. To them, it is a matter of honour as well as curiousity."

Glorfindel chuckled and the other Elves looked at him. "The young one makes a point. And I am not opposed to having the three along."

Elrond looked at his friend, "I doubt they would have persisted if you agreed with us."

Glorfindel smiled and shrugged. "I have sparred with Legolas. His sword skills could use a little practice, but his archery is excellent. He would be useful. The twins are both capable warriors, and have been to Mirkwood twice before, they know what can be expected."

Elrond and Celeborn looked at each other, finally, Celeborn sighed. "Fine. The three of you may go as well, but just be careful."

The three younger Elves smiled and nodded. Pleased with their minor victory, they continued their dinner while making plans with Glorfindel while Celeborn and Elrond listened.

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Elrohir smiled as he caught up to Legolas in the hallways. Elrond had kept the twins a few extra minutes to speak with them.

"Legolas, you have yet to tell me of your world," Elrohir fell into step next to his friend. "Would you? Tonight?"

Legolas smiled, "Of course, Elrohir."

The younger of the twins hooked his arm with Legolas' and happily led the younger Elf off. "You would not object to spending the night in my room?"

"Of course not. What did you want to hear of first?"

Elrohir thought, "I would like to know of the Imladris in your world."

Legolas smiled as memories returned to him and he began to describe the beautiful valley he knew.

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Haldir sat by the graves of his friends and brother, Orophin. On a normal day, he would have come to see his brother's grave, but instead, he had turned his attention to another site.

The graves of the Mirkwood Elves seemed greater than any of the others, and Haldir could only seem to remember them as warriors. He could not recall any poets, or musicians, or artists among those he had known. Thranduil's was an image of him, with the names and smaller images of his sons close. To Haldir, it always seemed like the memorial created the image of a close family unite, and that was as Haldir remembered the family.

His eyes were locked on the image of Legolas tonight. He did not know if anyone had shown the new Legolas the memorial, but he really could not care right now. Stepping up to the stone image of a relaxed princeling sitting by his elder brothers, Haldir traced the features with a gentle hand.

Resting his hand at the nape of the statue's neck, Haldir shuddered as the cold stone chilled him. He could feel his tears begin as memories of Legolas passed through his mind.

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Legolas stuck his tongue out at Haldir as the latter bested him. Acting quickly, Haldir captured Legolas' lips with his own, taking the tongue into his own mouth. Releasing the woodland Prince, Haldir grinned at Legolas' shocked face.
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Sitting below the trees in the small garden with the twins, argueing over nothing.
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Watching the stars when neither could sleep. Legolas sitting behind Haldir, playing with his hair. Sometimes, Haldir swore that Legolas braided whatever flowers could be found into his hair, just to annoy him.
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Haldir sighed and placed a quick kiss to the cold stone lips of his lost lover before making his way back inside. He reminded himself that this was not his Legolas. The new youth was different, shared none of his memories or love.

As he walked to his room, he wished he could have one last time with his Legolas. Or that he could go West. He knew he would have given up his immortal life if it meant he would have had Legolas back.

Yet, now Legolas was sent to Imladris, but had no sense of the love Haldir held for him. Haldir sighed, "It's just not fair..."

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Okay now, oooh, spooky things happening now. And a bit of angst thrown in to boot.