Elves in Space
Author's note: We've come to it at last! The final chapter of this tale! After such a long wait, it's my pleasure to present to you the last chapter of Elves in Space. As always I apologise for the tardiness of this chapter, but hey! It's the last one! Now I must all ask you a very big favour... please stay tuned at the end of the chapter for a very special announcement by the author, me!
We've come to it at last! The final chapter of this tale! After such a long wait, it's my pleasure to present to you the last chapter of Elves in Space. As always I apologise for the tardiness of this chapter, but hey! It's the last one!As always thank yous are at the end and Thanks for travelling with me on this journey. I'm sure you're as glad as I am that it's over! I hope to hear from you again on my other stories! Thanks!
This chapter is dedicated to all the nice readers, whether silent, or those who reviewed, who have so patiently waited for this story to end. Here goes!
New author's note: This is for Calimbor: thank you for your review, I really appreciate the pointers you mentioned and I hope to keep them in mind in the future with other stories. I wish you would have left your email so I could have contacted you to discuss your review further. I hope you read this and will either leave me your email address or you can email me if you like. I always appreciate honest feedback and what you had to say was very true and I do recall my restriction on technology and yes, there was a very logical explanation about the universal translator and such but I had intentionally left it out, hoping to include it in my next story, whenever I can get around to starting it! Thanks again and I hope to be in contact with you. Karina
Epilogue:
What has yet to Come
There was naught but the soft sounds of the engines humming in the background and the quiet vacuum of space. All were silent, impatiently awaiting what was to come. The coordinates and been set and they were now headed for a place they never imagined they would ever believe possible to see: a place where real Elves lived and prospered. It felt so unreal that it was near impossible to truly believe they were headed in that direction.
All this time, the Elf on the bridge stood tall, his back straight, his face fresh and alert, and eagerly waiting to return home. He looked every bit the prince he was, having since their previous meeting, dropped his Starfleet uniform to wear again the customary attire of the Prince of Mirkwood. His blond hair was braided with the usual elven warrior braids. However he did not carry his bow nor wear his quiver since it was not standard protocol on a Starfleet vessel to carry armament.
The others around him easily felt the pride radiating off his entire being as only an elven prince of the highest lineage could. Filled with pride for his kind, for their accomplishments, he was just as eager to share his new home as much as he was truly looking forward to again see the ones he loved so dearly. The Elf glowed with the usual elven luminescence that was customary to his kind.
"We are approaching the coordinates, Captain," Paris' voice sliced through the solemn silence, effectively breaking everyone from their trance-like state.
"Excellent, bring it up on the viewscreen," the captain replied almost automatically. Paris did as he was told, but what the viewscreen had to show before them was a completely unexpected sight.
"There's nothing," Harry said, effectively stating the obvious.
Commander Chakotay turned to stare at the elven prince behind them, who was not at all troubled by the blank sight on the viewscreen.
"That is well, do not worry," Legolas said, his soft and soothing voice effectively easing their concerns.
"Please open a channel at these coordinates," the elf spoke again in his elegantly smooth voice, the crew had come to miss since their return from Middle-earth.
"Open a channel?" Paris asked, confused, "but there is nothing here, Les- err, Legolas."
"Trust me," was all the Elf said and it took one look in those eternally profound elven eyes for Tom to feel his need to put his trust in this Elf.
"All right," he said and set in the coordinates, nodding to Harry to open a channel.
The Elf acknowledged the lieutenant before speaking. "Im Ernil Legolas Thranduilion. Lasto beth nin, saes edro i athrad!" Legolas commanded softly. I am Prince Legolas, Son of Thranduil. Listen to me, please open the way.
After a few lingering moments there was a reply : "Mae govannen, Thranduilion, minno ah lîn gwîn mellyn. Hir Elrond dartha an le." Well met, Son of Thranduil, enter with your new friends. Lord Elrond awaits for you.
"Hannon le, Gildor Inglorion." Thank you, Gildor, Son of Inglor. Legolas looked up towards both captains and the other occupants of the bridge. He smiled brightly. "It is well, you may look, there is now something to see."
All eyes turned to the viewscreen and if fact there truly was something to see. A small planet of blue and green, speaking volumes of the paradisal world of which the elf had spoken of earlier in the day, appeared before them. Similar to Earth it was indeed, only this planet did no show any signs of having been inhabited before the Elves nor did it possess any evidence of it having been ravaged by industry and pollution, such as the human world was. Not a sound was uttered on the bridge as all remained transfixed on the sight before them.
"Welcome to Valinor," Legolas said, breaking the stuporous sensation the planet provoked.
"I don't recall ever seeing a planet this wondrous before, Legolas when did the Elves find such a paradise?" Harry exclaimed.
"Centuries ago, long and arduous was our search and it was proved fruitful indeed," the Prince replied. "Do you wish for Voyager to dock on the surface or would you rather remain in orbit? I am certain the Lords of Valinor would be most pleased to have guests such as yourselves. You are considered legend among our people, you know."
"Legend, really?" Janeway queried. " I'm not sure, do you have the means for a ship to dock on the surface? I mean from the looks of it, this planet doesn't look like it possess much technology and from what I've learned of the Elves, it would surprise me to find those kinds of mechanisms."
"Yes, you would be surprised indeed, Captain, for the Elves of Valinor do have the adequate technology. We have attempted to marry nature and technology all the while keeping our ways of life. We do not disturb the planet without giving back to it, and so she has repaid us with the permission to use certain parts of Valinor for our technological advances. Come, I know there are those of us who are eager to see some old faces."
"I think Voyager could use a few days' rest, but I would prefer if we stayed in orbit. I hope you don't mind Legolas."
"Not at all, Captain. I had anticipated such a reply," Legolas smiled. "If you would then assemble an away team if you wish. I am certain with the permission of the Lords of Valinor your crew may take shore-leave on the surface."
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind. Paris, Tuvok, B'Elanna, Seven be ready to beam down in an hour." Janeway made to leave the bridge when suddenly she stopped. Without turning her head she smiled. "Yes Harry, you can join the away team," she said just before exiting.
Harry smiled excitedly and Paris clasped him on the shoulder as they left the bridge. "Well Harry you're in for something I tell you, if the Elves are anything like what we've seen, you're in for a great surprise. Just wait until you see the women!"
"What about the women?" B'Elanna asked, joining them.
"Nothing B'Elanna. Elven women are nothing like humans, or Klingons or half Klingons for that matter."
"You are very right, Master Tom," Legolas said as he strode past the group. "I do recall your reaction upon seeing the Lady Arwen for the first time. I do believe you were completely awestruck."
If Tom had been anyone else, he would have blushed. He simply stared at his wife and shrugged.
Nearly an hour later, Janeway's assembled away team met Picard and his team consisting of Riker, Troi and Data in the transporter room where Legolas joined them shortly.
"I must tell you immediately however that despite the fact that your coming has been highly anticipated, not all shall be warm and welcoming to your presence here. You must understand that many of us have suffered greatly at the hands of men and that for many the last they have seen of mankind was during a dark time of war and intolerance. They do not hate humans, they fear them and are very cautious with their relations with strangers. They do not wish to be hurt a second time. Let us hope your coming shall help mend our broken friendship. Come, we have been expected for quite a while now."
"What do you mean Legolas? How long have you been gone?" Counsellor Troi asked.
"Oh, I have been gone for a little while now."
"How long is that?" Riker queried.
"At least a century and one half," the Elf answered.
"You've been gone for 150 years? What have you been doing all that time?" Harry asked.
"I have been studying humanity in Starfleet in order to gain the necessary knowledge and skill that would grant me a position on a privileged vessel such as Voyager. I have mentioned that my parents were Thierry and Anna Greenleaf. I knew I could not pass off for Leslie Greenleaf for a century long, and so for a while, I was Thierry Greenleaf."
"You passed yourself off as your own father!" Tom spurted. "That's hilarious actually!"
Legolas smirked. "Yes, with the help of Gandalf and Lord Elrond, I was able to conceal and modify my appearance as I saw fit. I suppose you can say that I am now an expert on humanity. However most of my knowledge on human behaviour I gained through the nearly two centuries I spent with Aragorn."
"Two centuries? Whoa, how old was Aragorn when he died?" Tom questioned.
"He was 210 years when he passed," Legolas said sadly.
"Do you miss him?" Paris wondered.
There was a pause for a while, where none said anything, their silence almost mourning the loss of the King. At last Legolas spoke. "Yes, everyday."
The Elf sighed before speaking again. "Come, we must not delay."
It was a beautiful , nay breathtaking sight that greeted the away team upon beaming onto the surface. The coordinates were set to deposit the away team before the main gardens of the Homely House, Lord Elrond's fabled home which now served as a delegation house for far off visitors.
Those who had seen the house in Middle-earth noted it was almost just as they remembered it, only it was not filled with the desolation and sadness that burdened the Elves at the end of the Third Age. This was a new house; a new world where no longer could be reflected the waning of a culture or the disappearance of an era. Over here it was forever spring in the life of the Eldar; never would they fade or wane into nothingness as they had before. Much was the same, yet all was so different at the same time, Rivendell was no longer a hidden refuge, but a welcoming home for a distant traveller.
It was mid afternoon and all of Rivendell was alive and bustling with activity. In the courtyards, the sound of laughter could be heard as well as the tinkling of water as elven children played around the fountains. Since their disappearance from Middle-earth, the Elves had since resumed bearing offspring, content they could raise their elflings in a peaceful stable environment. Paris and Harry noticed a group of elven maidens frolicking in the gardens laughing and dancing as they listened to harpists and flutists playing.
"It's more beautiful than I remember," Captain Janeway breathed her amazement.
"Yes, all of Valinor now breaths new life. The old realms have been restored to their former glory never to be dimmed by time or desolation," Legolas explained. "Come, Lord Elrond awaits us." The Elf could not help but smile upon seeing the look of awe on his comrades' faces.
Legolas walked into the main garden leading up to the large archway which lead to the Homely House's doors, the others following closely. He was about to knock but there was no need since the doors opened to reveal a delighted Erestor, Elrond's chief advisor.
"Ah Legolas, mae govannen pen neth. well met little one It is good to see you at last."
"Hannon le, Lord Erestor. I fear we come at a later time than was desired but please, tell Lord Elrond of our arrival."
"Yes of course, he already knows of your presence, ernil neth. young prince Come in, all of you."
Legolas nodded and the others followed. Erestor's eyes widened as he glanced at the humans who stepped into his lord's home. It had been a long time, nearly 20 000 years since he has last seen these travellers; it was a little surreal, if not amusing.
The air inside the house was freer, sweeter; it smelled of citrus and lily of the valley. A soft warm breeze wrapped the guests, bringing them the wonderful freshness from the outside. All was bright and cheerful, the sun shining ten times brighter. These were but more changes from Middle-earth, since the away team had come at a time where the impending doom was Middle-earth was imminent and the weight of the Ring was heavy upon Rivendell and the Ringbearer. The grand foyer seemed grander and warmer than any could remember. Féldur and Calathiel, Elrond's ever so faithful attendants came to the highly welcomed guests.
"Please follow us, Prince Legolas. Lord Elrond will see you in the courtyard."
"Thank you Calathiel." Legolas bowed his head to the maiden and followed her with the away team.
"It is remarkable how so little has changed, just about everything seems to be just as it was," Picard remarked.
"Yes, indeed much is the same, yet not quite. As you can tell I am certain the Elves no longer bear the weight of their impending disappearance. No longer is Rivendell hidden, yet still it reposes at the foot of the mountains near a river similar to the Bruinen, though we named them Ered Melui and Celondin," whispered Legolas. Even since he was a child, he was always compelled to whisper when walking down the Lord's hallways. They arrived at the entrance to the grand courtyard overlooking the gardens of Imladris surrounded by waterfalls from the Celondin.
"Here it is at last! We meet again," said a disembodied voice from the courtyard. Elrond stepped into his house and smiled to greet his new visitors. The Lord of Rivendell seemed different himself, his face was no longer line with care and his eyes were no longer weary; he did not carry the heavy burdens of the past.
Picard and Janeway bowed respectfully in front the of the Elf. "I knew there would be a time where we would meet again! Come, I welcome you."
The captains nodded and followed the Lord out onto the terrace. As he invited them to sit down, Elrond noticed Harry and B'Elanna. "I see you have brought forth new visitors," he commented casually.
Janeway turned to her crew. "Oh, yes! Forgive me Lord Elrond I hope..."
"It is no trouble," reassured Elrond, "Imladris is a place opened and welcomed to all, I am pleased in fact to meet more of your crew."
"Yes, excuse me. I would introduce to you, Lieutenant B'Elanna Torres, my chief engineer and Tom Paris' wife." Elrond raised his eyebrows at Tom and smiled. "And this is Lieutenant Harry Kim, my operations and communications officer."
The Lord of Rivendell inclined his head towards the officer. "Wonderful," he said as he turned to Legolas, who had remained quiet all this time "Thank you Legolas, for your care and hard work."
Legolas nodded to the Elf lord. "Thank you, my Lord. I only pray that we are not too late."
"Nay, of course not. There is still time. The white council should be ready to assemble within a day, given time for the Ambassadors to arrive. Do not worry, tithen pen little one . In the meantime I invite you all to refresh yourselves. I am aware there is much you wish to discuss and it is the same for me, but I am obliged to wait for the council to be formed and there is still much I wish to discuss with you, Legolas. I see you have some very interesting findings that could help us with our present dilemma. I would hear from you as soon as you are willing. I fear that, though we may have time, we do not have much of it."
"Elrond, melleth nin! my love There you are!" exclaimed a lovely blonde Elf of obvious high stature as she entered the courtyard. Elrond turned towards the lady and smiled.
"Esteliel has been searching far and wide for you. Oh! Legolas you have returned," she said upon seeing the prince.
"My Lady Celebrian," Legolas bowed low before the Lady of Imladris, "it honours me to be in your presence."
Celebrian laughed merrily, her eyes as radiant as sunlight. "Thank you. I see you have not returned empty handed," she said. "These must be the humans naneth and Olórin speak of so often?"
"Yes, melleth, my love, may I present them to you." Elrond introduced each member of the away team to his wife.
"This is Celebrian, my wife and the daughter of the Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn of Lórien."
"Ada, ada! Is it true?" a fairly young elven girl shouted, startling all.
"Is it true, ada? Lord Erestor said there were real humans in our home!"
Elrond and Celebrian smiled upon seeing their daughter, raven haired and beautiful not unlike the other children of Elrond. In fact, she was almost an exact replica of Arwen save for the violet tint in her eyes.
Legolas stared at the girl, confused and wide eyed. This was a recent development he was not aware of.
"Yes my little one, they are here."
"Just like the ones Elladan and Elrohir speak of all the time? Like Estel?"
"Yes indeed my curious child. Just like Estel, in fact they knew Estel. Speak not of them as though they were not here, say hello Esteliel."
Esteliel blushed slightly, reminding Legolas even more of the Evenstar, and smiled at the visitors. She curtsied to them introduced herself politely. In turn she was presented to the Starfleet officers.
When she saw Legolas she frowned. "You are no human, yet I have never seen you before."
"Nor have I," replied Legolas. "I am Legolas Thranduilion and a friend of your brothers."
Then Esteliel's smile brightened. "Legolas? Yes, yes my brothers speak of you all the time! Is it true that you coloured your hair green as a child because you wanted hair like my brothers and that you stole all of the servants of your home's cloths and you made dwarves take the long pass around the Misty Mountains to get to Imladris?"
Legolas blushed, embarrassed. He stammered a response to the girl. "Well, uh your brothers have a talent for exaggeration, nin mell. I would speak of them and their mischief making to you later." His eyes twinkled with malice.
"Esteliel, nin mell, please go find Olórin and Glorfindel and send them to my study."
"Yes ada! Will I see you again Legolas? Your ada speaks much of you."
"My father?" Legolas whispered. To Esteliel he said: "Yes, Esteliel I would very much like to see you again."
Once the girl was gone, Elrond looked to the away team, who was all but forgotten during the previous exchange.
"Please my friends, I would speak with you further but there is still much that needs to be discussed and much to clarify. In the morrow the White council shall take place."
"Thank you Lord Elrond. I am pleased that we shall once again be working together," Picard said.
"Likewise," replied the Lord. As they set out to leave, Elrond bid them to stop. "It is good to see you all again and to meet more of your friends. At last we can put an end to this mystery that has been plaguing us for many a millennia now."
Elrond clasped Legolas on the shoulder. "Come Legolas, no rest for you. I know there is much for you to tell."
Once inside Elrond's study, where Gandalf and Glorfindel waited, Legolas explained his infiltration among men and of his mandate aboard Voyager and subsequent revelation of his true identity to the crew.
"The White Hand of Saruman," pondered Glorfindel.
"It was only a matter of time before he would resurface," Gandalf sighed. "There is no surprise knowing he is behind this. Since his downfall, he had all but disappeared from our sight, letting us feeling safe and secure, believing there was no danger left to cause harm. I would not be surprised to find him with his full strength renewed and seething with anger."
"This is ill news you bring us, Legolas," Glorfindel said, but not without a hint of sympathy for the young Elf. "The question remains, what does he want?"
"Saruman as he was in the elder days was above such things as revenge," Gandalf explained, "but that was before the desire for the Ring corrupted him. However now, I believe it would be clear, he desires vengeance and his desire is very strong."
Elrond, who had remained silent until now, spoke. "Lady Galadriel shall not arrive until dusk. With her wisdom I am certain she knows more, as would the Maiar order."
"Indeed. I shall seek council among the Maiar this night."
Elrond nodded his approval. "Excellent. Tomorrow the White Council assembles. Until then."
The White Council was always in session in the same courtyard, in fact it was the very same courtyard where the Fate of Ring was discussed many passed millennia. There was a slight murmur of conversation floating before the session began.
"The White Council assembles once a century to address various affairs of importance. On occasion the council assemble to ascertain matters of urgency such as is the case today," Legolas explicated.
"Who is part of this White Council?" Janeway inquired.
"The White Council is exclusive to those of highest authority in Valinor. The Valar often attend, mostly Melian and Manwe. Lady Galadriel and Gandalf usually preside the sessions. Lord Elrond and Lord Glorfindel are members as are Lord Celeborn and my father, though he is not present at the time."
The murmuring ceased as Galadriel entered the council.
"Mae govannen. A meeting such as this, has been long over due," she said in her usual strong tone, once she was seated at the head of the council. Gandalf was at her side. "Long has it been since the Eldar had the opportunity to collaborate with the race of men. Not since the passing of King Elessar, have the Elves sought the council of the Edain. Pleased I am, that we are here once again as one so that we may bind our efforts together. I shall not drown you in a sea of details you already know. There is no need and time is pressing.
"Now, we are aware of who is behind the mystery of the appearance of the foreign visitors before the coming of the Great War. Contrary to what was believed, it was not a friend but a foe who is responsible for your coming to us. Voyager's passage through the time space anomaly was indeed provoked by one of our most grievous opponent, one whose reappearance was most feared by the council.
"Long have the Valar foreseen the return of Saruman. Since his disappearance in the Shire after the War of the Ring, there was so record of him, but we knew he was not defeated and he would return with a vengeance. However, we did not know of the circumstances. That is, until now. Thanks are given to Prince Legolas, who having spent years investigating. Our fears have indeed been confirmed. Saruman the White is the instigator behind this. He is preparing an assault, we know not when or where, but despite the direness of the situation we have one advantage. Saruman has no knowledge that we know of his plan. It is inconceivable for him at this time that we shall be prepared for his conflict.
"Therefore, I ask you all to be vigilant and take great care in the next few months for the council expects Saruman to strike hard and swiftly. Once already, he attempted to use these humans against us. That is why I wish to ask you for your help, dear captains and fellow officers. Already you have suffered at his hand, do not wait for him to attack you again, for he has involved you and placed you in grave danger."
"Perhaps you may wonder why would you wish to help the Elves," Elrond interjected. " I assure you, after the Elves are defeated, the race of men shall be his next target, and after that who can tell? For the strength and power of Saruman has not waned over the millennia, on the contrary his power grows and soon he will have reached his full strength. It should also be noted that Saruman has access and more that enough wisdom to use all the most advanced weaponry at his disposal. A being of such wisdom and intellect is unpredictable and can very well use all the latest technology to his advantage. He will most likely create new weapons and a new breed of Orcs or anything of the like to come to us. Saruman seeks with all his might to destroy us and there is not telling what he may do to achieve his goal."
"Great harm, Saruman intends to inflict upon the race of Men and Elves," Gandalf added. "Saruman does not forget, nor does he forgive. Word has reached him of the humans that helped in the Great Quest for that is why he sought to destroy you, but unintentionally caused our fateful meeting."
"Saruman still bears with him the memory of his rejection out of the order of the Istari and of his great defeat. He shall seek vengeance upon those who cast him out and I fear he will target primarily those who were once part of the Nine Walkers. Olórin has not to worry, having surpassed Saruman's strength long ago, however the White Wizard preys on those less powerful than he." Galadriel paused, staring long into Legolas' eyes until the Elf felt the weight of the lady's words.
"Legolas, my dear young friend," Gandalf started in a voice that would ordinarily make the Elf's eyes roll, "I fear you may have placed yourself in graver danger than you sought, being the only Walker left next to myself left."
"I am prepared to face Saruman if need be," the Prince replied calmly but firmly.
"I do not doubt you at all, however I would be less ill at ease if you were not thrown needlessly into harm's way."
Legolas was about to retort but Glorfindel interfered.
"It is true, the life of the young prince is at risk; he is vulnerable. However, I do know Legolas could he very helpful if he chose to remain with us or lead an attack from Ithilien."
Legolas leaned back in his chair, how he hated being referred to as a 'young prince' and treated like one. Glorfindel noticed the Prince's predicament and winked at him compassionately.
Galadriel stood up to speak directly to the Captains.
"I would ask you, Captains to review our data with your crew and make a decision. There is no obligation and we are in full understanding if you choose not to ally with us. Let us all allow the present information settle into our weary spirits. Rest and give your answer in the morning, no sooner I bid you."
"Very well my Lady. We thank you for the explanations of the mystery behind out unexpected yet not unpleasant journey into Middle-earth," Picard replied, speaking truthfully for all the members of his and Janeway's crew.
The White Lady nodded. Gandalf stood up and declared : "This session of the White Council is now adjourned. I bid thee to spent the evening wisely." All present rose as Galadriel and Gandalf left the council room, the other attendants following suit not long after.
The night sky in Valinor was not unlike that of Earth save for the brilliance of the stars and the twin moons, one with a ring such as the one on Saturn, the other as silver as the purest mithril. Every night was just as magical as the one before, the sky offering a wild variety of stellar phenomena, from star bursts to shooting stars, stellar formations and the occasional supernova. A magical sky it was, which often brought out the most romantic feelings in all those who walked under it's nocturnal spell.
However, there was one who walked under the stars that did feel the romantic effect of the night as he walked along a quiet lake of shining water. Many troubled thoughts tumbled in Legolas' mind. He felt so young, so helpless, vulnerable and weak. How he hated being treated so! So intent the Prince was in his thoughts he did not feel the presence of another following him closely.
"Deep in thought?" a voice called out from behind the Elf.
Legolas whirled around swiftly, a wild startled look in his eyes.
"Lord Glorfindel!" the young Elf exclaimed. "You startled me! I did not hear you approach."
The Lord smiled. "That much is obvious young one. Legolas, Legolas, Have I ever told you, you have a talent for stating the obvious?"
"More than I can bear, actually," the Prince countered, making Glorfindel chuckle.
"Of course. May I walk with you?" He asked. Once Legolas nodded his response, both elves continued to walk along the moonlit lake in silence until Glorfindel broke it. "Tell me my young friend, what troubles you this night, for you seem to be in great distress."
"You also have acquired that same talent, my Lord." Legolas said humourlessly as he stopped walking. Glorfindel observed the young Prince as he sighed heavily and his shoulders slumped. "So many things. I do not know where to start."
"Let me help," offered the Lord of Gondolin. "Firstly, you worry as everyone else does, over the threat of Saruman. You are also angered by the White Lady's comments regarding your safety. You feel powerless and cornered. You despise these feelings since you are a formidable warrior, tested and tried through many hardships. You have a great desire to participate actively in this conflict and abhor the thought of being left idle. Is there anything missing?" Glorfindel asked, a small smile on the corner of his lips.
Legolas smiled ruefully. "You know me too well, my Lord."
"Ah yes, that is the case with those I have known since they were but tiny elflings cradled in the loving, protective arms of their parents."
"I am no elfling, yet I am still treated as though I have never left my parents' bough. Why does everyone insist on holding me back!"
"Galadriel is powerful and wise and knows much more over this impending doom than any of us. She knows what we do not. We also know how greatly you have suffered and suffer still from your mother's passing. No one wished to see you so harmed again."
'But I am a warrior, a prince and a lord, not a child! I know I can be of great use!" the elf exclaimed.
"I know Legolas. We all know. You are one of the best archers I have ever seen and in my long years I have seen many. Still to this day your title is undisputed. Legolas mell mellon- nin, my dear friend , calm yourself. Nothing is in motion as of yet. We are at a standstill, there is nothing to do. Once we fully understand the situation at hand I assure you, I am certain of it, your help and prowess shall be graciously accepted."
"I certainly hope so. It is just that I feel so helpless and that I am being diminished."
"Please do not think that. It is not so." There was a long pause between the two elves and they resumed their walking.
"You are also highly perturbed by Esteliel," Glorfindel remarked casually. Legolas stopped walking and stared hard at the great Lord with wide eyes. "I know, it was unexpected for you. You still miss him, don't you?"
"He was the greatest friend I ever had," Legolas said sadly.
Glorfindel smiled compassionately. "I know, seldom has there been such a friendship between man and elf. You also fear that Elrond and Celebrian sought to replace Arwen with Esteliel."
"Yes, that as well," the young Elf reflected, "she has always been a sister to me."
Glorfindel could not help the tiny bubble of mirth that rose to his throat. "Yes indeed, and she loved you as well. So desperate she was for a younger sister she chose to adopt you."
Legolas blushed mildly. "Do not remind me, my Lord."
The Lord's mirth slowly came to a soft laugh. "You do not wish to be reminded how she would pass you off as her child and dress you in her own little gowns?"
The Prince tried to restrain his laughter, but it could not be helped. "Please, I do not believe my father would approve that this sort of rumour would resurface."
"No, indeed. The council has reviewed your proposal," Glorfindel mentioned, returning to his usual serious nature.
Legolas' eyes shined hopefully upon hearing the Elf speak. "Really? What do they say? Have they come to a decision?"
"No, not yet. But do not give up hope."
"I intend not to," Legolas stated purposefully.
At the same moment Legolas and Glorfindel conversed, another discussion took place. In the Halls of Fire, in the House of Elrond, he, Lady Galadriel, Gandalf and the two starship captains sad together over tea, coffee and pipeweed.
"Saruman has gained power yes, but he is restrained by the limitations of technology. He has not the wisdom he once had, nor does be possess the skills of the White Wizard. Else he would have discovered Legolas on the bridge of your ship and what would have been done to the lad is unthinkable." Gandalf said before taking a long drag from his pipe and blowing his smoke in small voyagers.
"How do you know, it's this Saruman behind this?" Janeway asked after a sip of her black coffee.
"Legolas saw the symbol of the White hand, the mark of Saruman," the Maiar replied, still puffing away.
"But how can you be certain? It could have been anything."
"Legolas is no fool, nor is he easily stirred. What he saw was accurate. The Hand of Saruman is unmistakable."
"I felt the presence of Saruman," Galadriel interposed. "Your ship is tainted with it. There is no doubt, he was there and he is the only one who could be responsible."
"I fear what he will come up with," Elrond said. "He will not take this lightly. His betrayal to Middle-earth was complete. He will certainly attempt to overthrow the Elves and then Men."
"Captains, be on your guard. He is coming for you." Galadriel spoke gravely. "There are many things left to be done, many questions left unanswered, thoughts unspoken," the Lady said cryptically.
"You are saying there is more to come?" Picard asked sipping his Earl Grey.
"Oh yes, much more. This is far from the beginning of the end, Captain, but we are at the end of the beginning.. I fear this is but a taste of what is to come."
"What can we do? Are we completely helpless? You speak as though this Saruman is invincible and there is no hope against him."
"No, not at all. We are all in grave danger, yes, but if we are aware and well prepared we can level this conflict and solve it," Elrond said.
"I fear though, however big or small, war is inevitable," Gandalf commented. "That is the way of Saruman. Certainly he must have built himself an army large enough to challenge the Elves and the races of Men and certainly he must know about your alliances in the United Federation of Planets. He will attack."
"And so, he will be coming for us," Picard said direfully.
"Indeed, but do not worry. United under one banner, we shall accomplish what Saruman is hoping to avoid and tried to prevent. We greatly fortify our chances of succeeding."
"I certainly hope so."
"As do we, however expect many hardships to come," finished Galadriel.
Quietly the fivesome continued their evening contemplating the future at hand, while on the other side of the galaxy, a great army amassed as a great wizard concocted his plans for revenge.
Reflexion. Contemplation. Revenge.
The End
Well that's it! The end. I can't believe it! Finally after nearly two years (I'm exactly shy of one month) this sotry has finally come to an end. Well sort of an end anyways. As you can tell I've got a sequel in the works... It's all TreeHugger's fault! I only wanted to end it with the Fellowship, but she gave me a brilliant suggestion to continue... and so the story continues in...
"Broken Timelime"
I've got a little summary ready for you to see if you're interested. However with the response from the last chapter, I'm not sure if it's worth continuing. I'd like to, but if I see there's no interest in a sequel I'll stop here. So, I have something to ask of you if you want me to write this sequel, please let me know. I just want to know if there's any interest out there. No matter what I'll probably write it for myself but your say will let me know if I'll publish it or not... I will try to write nearly all of it, before posting so that will greatly shorten the time between updates. Also, to have an idea how long it will take before Broken Timeline is going to be written, keep an eye for my story "The Space Between". I'm going to concentrate my efforts to finish that story off before I set off on another story. Then I'll be able to concentrate fully on Broken Timeline and the billion other stories in my mind... Without further ado here's a brief summary :
"Reflexion. Contemplation. Revenge. Aterrible disaster comes to the peaceful Elves of Valinor, when suddenly and inexplicably, Elves of the Galadhrim begin to disappear.The crew of Voyager and the Enterprise once again unite their forces with the Elves in order to solve this new mystery all the while fighting off Saruman's impending threat. What is the link between the disappearing Elves and Saruman? In the meantime, Legolas finds himself fighting a war on both fronts while he discovers more than he expected and gives up more than he asked for to repair a terrible wrong. Can the broken timeline be repaired?
Think you might be interested in reading this? Let me know! It would be my pleasure to work on it as soon as possible and post it on
Thank yous :
Zammy :Hi! Thanks for your review! I hope to see you on the next story!
M.A.D : Thank you for reading my work and for voting for me! I really appreciate everything! P.S. Did you help yourself out to my thank you gifts for those who voted? You can get them here #thankyou.
HaloGatomon : Hi! Thank you so much for reviewing all the time throughout this story! I really appreciated your support! I hope to see you again soon with Broken Timeline
Anita H : Hey! I'm glad I was able to make it up to you! Again here there's a lot of dialogue, but I'm just setting the stage for another production. Thank you for reviewing throughout the tale! I hope to hear from you again! Yeah, Legolas was touchie, but like he said, the Elves went through a lot.
silvervail : I'm sorry I got your name wrong! Silly me! Though I think there was someone called silvertail who reviewed. I'm not sure... maybe it was my brain that was all fuzzy or something! And thank you for such a gracious review! Thank you thank you thank you! Wow! Now I feel I have a bit more confidence and you know I really am considering becoming an author. I love writing, it's my passion. I'd be more than happy to let you know when (not if!) I write a book! Thank you so very much! I hope to see you again in the future with the next part of this tale!
Tinnuial : Hi! Thank you for always reviewing! I find it so nice that there are those like you and a few others who always send me a word to let me know how the story is doing. Thank you for letting me share this with you! I hope the sequel won't disapoint you! Thanks!
Ember : Again another wonderful faithful reviewer! Thank you so much for all of your ideas and support throughout this story! I'm sure we'll be seeing Q in Broken Timeline! Thanks so much and I hope to see you with Broken Timeline, I hope you'll like it!
Thanks to everyone who supported me through the entire length of this story, whether you reviewed every chapter, a few or just one. All of it counted and I cherish and am grateful for every review!
Thank you! And hopefully until next time with Broken Timline! Coming soon sometime in the near future. Early winter I would say... I hope!