Black Moon Part Two: Gwain Ithil

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Elrohir gave Legolas one last kiss before releasing the younger creature to join the rest of the Fellowship. He watched as Arwen playfully told him to watch over Aragorn, while the Man just rolled his eyes. A hand was laid upon Elrohir's shoulder, and the younger of the twins turned to face his father.

"He will be well. And will return to you in no time."

Elrohir nodded, turning back to watch the group of nine prepare to leave.

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y ary are off," Elrond said as he moved to the empty seat next to Glorfindel. "Let us pray that they will succeed."

The ancient blonde nodded, "I observed from the balcony. And a letter from Thranduil just arrived via carrier bird."

Elrond nodded and picked up the folded note from where it rested on a pile of books. He looked it over quickly, "Thranduil will be coming here in a few weeks time."

"I know."

The dark-haired Half-Elf sighed, "Why must you insist on going through my mail?"

Glorfindel grinned, "Because I never seem to get any?"

"Perhaps if you chose to be social with those outside of our own lands, you would not have that problem," Elrond said, grinning. "This visit may allow us to question Thranduil directly about this Wolf matter."

"That is, if the good King is not as secretive as his child...or yours, for that matter."

Elrond rolled his eyes.

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"Why do we walk only at night, Merry?" Pip asked as quietly as he could, watching the rest of the group, save Frodo and Gandalf set up camp.

Merry shrugged, trying to find something that might let him help. Both did not notice the small smile the Elf had after overhearing the question. Once the needed wood was placed by the little area designated for the fire, the Elf moved to sit not far from Pippin.

"We walk at night, young Pippin, because our enemies do as well. It is safer to rest when they would and move when they do."

The two Hobbits jumped, not realizing that Legolas had heard them. Aragorn chuckled as he sat as well.

"Just take the rest you can, Master Hobbits," the Ranger said. "We will move again before nightfall."

As the two Hobbits nodded and went to see in Sam needed any help getting their meal ready, Aragorn held Pippin back long enough to whisper;

"And remember, Master Pippin, Elves have excellent hearing."

The Hobbit looked at Legolas, who was just watching the going ons of the camp and smiling.

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The journey seemed longer than neccessary to the Mountain Pass and Draugaran was fearful that he had missed Legolas. The smell of Elves muddled his needed search until the WolfKing was able to discern one scent that was familiar.

As expected, even in his own home, the younger of the twins had his sword nearby. Draugaran found him by a river, a small piece of the larger one.

"Elrohir..."

The dark-haired Elf turned and nodded. "I thought you would be coming soon."

"Where is Legolas? I can still smell him on you."

Elrohir smiled sadly, "He has already left on this quest."

Draugaran settled uneasily next to the Elf, "You have spent much time with him...You have shared his bed."

The Elf nodded, "Yes."

"You chose him as a mate?"

"Yes. I love him."

Draugaran nodded, "You may need to fight for him. There will be others that find interest in him."

Elrohir looked down, watching the water. "I know."

The WolfKing placed a heavy hand on the Elf's shoulder, "You will prevail. But I must find him, do you know the route?"

"They started Southward. I think they mean to either cross the mountains or to pass through the Gap of Rohan."

"Thank you."

Draugaran left quickly, gathering those that had come with him and moving into the mountains. The troubles of Elrohir weighed on his mind; the Elf was a good one, but Legolas had much Wolf in him now. Another may try to claim him. A movement caught his ears and all fifteen turned to defend themselves against whatever was coming after them.

"Peace! Peace, Wolves."

"Elrohir? What are you doing here?" Draugaran stepped to meet the Elf. "You must go back."

The Elf shook his head, "Nay, I wish to go with you. If you plan to meet with Legolas, I want to go with you."

The WolfKing shook his head, "No. It is out of the question."

"You do not have a say in this matter," Elrohir crossed his arms in front of his chest. "I will go. I just had the notion that it may be safer with you."

"What of your brother? Surely you have others in your home."

"I have left a note. I had planned to leave this morning."

Turning to judge the reaction of his warriors, Draugaran faced the Elf again. He finally sighed when he saw and sensed the unrelenting determination. "Very well. But we move quickly."

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"It looks like you have another piece of mail, Elrond."

The Lore-Master looked up from his desk to see an agitated Glorfindel come in with a piece of paper in his hand. Elladan was following, mirroring the elder Elf's expression.

"What has happened now?"

Elladan scowled, "Elrohir has left. No doubt following the Fellowship."

Elrond stood, sending several papers off of his desk, "What!?"

"He cannot be very far. It must have been less than a day," Glorfindel assured. "He is without a horse. It will not take long to find him."

"I can go," Elladan said. "He cannot hide from me, and I may be able to catch up to him by nightfall."

Elrond sat back down, rubbing his temples and absently wondering if he and Elros had ever been like this. "He will not come back willingly. He must be intent on protecting Legolas."

"I could at least keep him from getting into trouble," Elladan insisted.

Glorfindel snorted and Elrond shot him a warning look. "Go then. At least to watch his back, if not bring him home."

Elladan nodded and left. Glorfindel sat on the edge of the desk and smiled. "'Keep him out of trouble'?"

"Has anyone ever told you how annoying you are?"

"I think it was one of the reasons for my release from Mandos' Halls."

Elrond sighed, "I would not be surprised. Go keep an eye on them? I doubt either would be willing to return so easily."

Glorfindel nodded, "Of course. Oh, and let me know how the interaction with Thranduil goes."

Elrond glared at his retreating friend.

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Hmmm...I think I've effectively screwed up some vital plot pieces now. Anyway, not entirely pleased with this chapter. Seems a bit rushed at the end.