Black Moon Part Two: Gwain Ithil

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Having returned to his room undisturbed, Glorfindel placed the book on his own desk and gathered a few pieces of paper, as well as ink and a quill. Settling down, his half-eaten bread forgotten, the Elf opened the book and started copying what he had found.

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"Are you certain that what you found is relevant?" Elrond asked Glorfindel. It was now getting near to dusk, and the Lore-Master had been surprised to find his friend absent from dinner. "Perhaps the book was just folklore, you know we have more than enough of those."

Glorfindel shook his head, "I am positive, Elrond. These were old records, though I do not doubt that most are from hearsay and legend. Most are from Doriath, and some are in Oropher's own hand."

Elrond sighed and held out his hand for the paper Glorfindel offered. He looked it over, reading it aloud;

"'Though it has long been thought that blood carries more than life to the body, only one creature known has used such knowledge to pass on traits chosen by the donor.' Glorfindel, this reads like a child's story."

Glorfindel waved his hand, "Continue it. Please, humour me."

"Very well. 'A Wolf of Morgoth, born and bred to the Dark 's s's servitude, along with over two hundred, rebelled against their master. Garaug, the renamed WolfKing takes residence in the Forest near Doriath before the Fall. Two years prior to the Fall- a young one of these creatures is found in the hands of a band of orcs by Oropher, at the time of this writing; of the Great Forest. Allegience sworn by Garaug to Oropher's line.'"

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow, "Well?"

"This still does not explain things," Elrond said.

"Then continue. It will."

Sighing, Elrond continued; "'Of the Second Age, circa 500 to 1100; Oropher moves to the northern reaches of the renamed 'Mirkwood'. Son, Thranduil weds Lady Alothrhis and bears son, Rhiernil, in 1350 of the Second Age. Garaug swears blood oath to Oropho reo remain hidden until all is prepared for the rite. Circa 3429 of the Second Age, second son, Feinereg birthed to Princess Alothrhis. Alliance with Gil-Galad and Celeborn is honoured. Second Age 3430 to 3434, Battle of Last Alliance fought on the slopes of Mount Doom, Oropher slain, Garaug slain in Mirkwood. Thranduil returns from battle, King.'

"This is not new," Elrond maintained. "A record of events, with mention of these 'Wolves'."

Glorfindel nodded, "Continue. More is said. It leaves the records, whoever wrote these, was not close with Thranduil, or this information would have been known to us."

Elrond continued, "'Garaug's son, sworn to the blood oath of secrecy and servitude takes lead of dimished pack. Beginning of Third Age, third son of Thraduil born, Nimelen. Watchful Peace begins. No record of Wolves documented from here on. Queen Alothrhis dies birthing final son, Legolas, at end on Watchful Peace. Blood oath is still asd tod to be in effect.'"

Elrond looked ovhe she second half of the paper, "'The Blood Rite, as documented by Taithsiniath, who recieved the tale from Agarwaen.

"When the chosen is near majority, the WolfKing brings him or her to the Den. Blood if the chosen is taken in a small amount, for use in controlling thoughts. WolfKing, when the time is right, will share own blood with the chosen, passing on desired traits. Takes place during the Gwain Ithil, or the new moon of an Age. Wolves keep different times and Ages are changed from those of Elves and Men.'"

Placing the sheet on the desk, Elrond sat back. "What are you suggesting this means?"

"I think Legolas is the 'chosen' of this Age," Glorfindel answered. "If I am correct in this, then it means that these Wolves will be sworn to him, and most likely will follow on the journey to Mordor."

"You think there is danger to the Fellowship?"

"Perhaps some, but only if the Wolves percieve a threat to thchoschosen one."

Elrond nodded slowly, "Find what else you can. If you are correct, and I am not saying that you are, then we will need to learn all we can before the next two weeks are over. I will arrange a message to be sent to Thranduil in the morning."

Glorfindel nodded.

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Draugaran stepped away from the little group of warriors he had chosen to follow him on Legolas' trail. He knew it would be far too difficto kto keep hidden from whoever the warriors were that were going with Legolas on this journey, especially since he had planned to stay as close as he could to provide a protective eye on his charge.

Thranduil had given him a vial earlier, filled with a substance that looked something like water, but felt like something else.

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"Use it only if you feel that you must," Thranduil said. "It carries a powerful magic from my father. It will heal the wounded, cure the ill, and create illusions."

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Draugaran considered seeing just what kind of illusion could be created, but thought better of it. Should the liquid be needed during the coming months, it would be best not to waste a drop. He looked West, Guide moving to stand next to him. The other Wolf was worried, Draugaran could sense it. Only a few more days to the Elven city.

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Elrohir slowly woke, missing the warmth that had been beside him not long ago. Sitting up, he spotted Legolas on the balcony; a thin robe wrapped around him and illuminated only by the torchlight from the bedroom and path below.

Getting up and pulling another robe over him, Elrohir took a place next to Legolas. "You should be sleg. Tg. There may only be two weeks or so before you leave."

Legolas smiled, "I am aware of that."

Elrohir moved to stand slightly behind the blonde, resting his head on Legolas' shoulder and wrapping his arms around the slender waist. "Then why are you awake, Little Prince?"

Legolas grinned playfully and turned in Elrohir's arms. "How could I find rest with the noises you make in your sleep? You sound like a Dwarf."

Elrohir laughed, "I will miss you."

"I will be fine."

"I suppose Aragorn will be there to protect you," Elrohir mused.

"Or I will be protecting him."

Elrohir rested his forehead against Legolas', smiling as he looked into the mithril-silver eyes. "I love you."

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The Man frowned as he saw the two figures on the balcony above. At least the two would not be together during the journey with the Ringbearer, which would give him plenty of time to try to win the silver Elf's affections. Boromir stalked off to his own room, his mind turned from the beauty of the moonless night to Legolas.

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I don't like this chapter much. There will be a quick little time jump coming up.