^^^ The song has nothing to do with the chapter. I just really like the song. If ya wanna know it's Circles by Pierce the Veil. I seriously considered putting Bulletproof Love up instead, actually, it was attached but I put this one up instead. I know this kind of music isn't for everyone, but Vic's voice calms me. It's amazing. So is his hair.

Sorry for the long(ish) wait. Hopefully, this longer chapter (4450 words!) will make up for it! Also, almost all of the dialogue and events that happen in this chapter are from the book, so I hope that is a pleasant surprise. It's hard to actually find a fanfic that includes a lot from the book, not just the movies, right?

Beads of sweat trickle down my neck, making strands of hair stick to my skin. Long hours have passed since we started running. Gimli had stopped conversing with us long ago due to being exhausted, leaving me to my own thoughts (which at the moment is dangerous).

The weight of the Ring feels like a boulder hanging around my neck. But at the same time, the Ring gives me a sense of power, making me feel full of energy. I now understand why Lumornel feels so exhausted all the time, having all this energy in you wears you out.

Thoughts had started trickling into my mind like how water trickles down an icicle, making the icicle grow. These thoughts entered my mind silently, I barely registered them. That is until they built up.

My mind itched, these thoughts irritating me. I need to get home, protect my people. With my new found sense of power, they will follow me easily and any threat that comes to my beloved home I can destroy them with ease. They will cower under me.

I shake my head, these thoughts aren't me! We really must get to Sam soon.

I run a little faster to catch up with Aragorn, who is huffing and running clumsily. "Aragorn, how far away are we from them?"

Aragorn stops and I catch the thankful look in his eyes, he's thankful for the excuse the stop, however short.

Aragorn drops to the rocky terrain, not even wincing as a rock gets him in the thigh. He presses his ear to the ground. As he does this I catch my own breath as I look behind us for the lagging Gimli. I smirk, he's huffing and puffing while running on his stocky legs, he looks quite hilarious. And I don't plan on letting him get away with it.

"Their pace has quickened. They must have caught our scent," he rises quickly, setting his eyes upon the horizon as if he is searching for something.

He beckons for us to follow him, "hurry!" He sets off at a fast run.

I start running, but stop to call back to my dwarven friend, "Come on, Gimli!"

"Three days and nights pursuit. No food, no rest, no sign of our quarry but what bare rock can tell," Gimli's words comes in puffs as he struggles to keep up. I smirk again and begin running.

Soon enough we came to the East Wall of Rohan; which meant that we were no longer in Emyn Muil. The green plains of the Rohirrim stretched out before us, on and on it went until it passed out of our sight.

The tracks on the ground from the Uruk-Hai were clear in this area, anyone could see them. The ground was turned up and muddy, the footprints of the beasts clear.

Several yards ahead of me Aragorn stopped and kneeled. His fingers picked up something from the damp dirt, the sun glinted off of it.

"Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall," He said, then looked to the horizon. I tried not to imagine what how this brooch could've come off... but then... One of the hobbits or Lumornel could've torn it off.

I ran up to him, "They may yet be alive."

Aragorn got up and glanced at us, "Less than a day ahead of us. Come." We started running, but then I hear Gimli fall and roll down a hill.

I turned around, "Come! Gimli, we are gaining on them!"

As we're running Gimli yells out, almost to himself, "I am wasted on cross-county. We Dwarves are natural sprinters. Very dangerous over short distances."

I laugh to myself at the dwarf's self-confidence.

We came to a rise in the terrain, "Rohan. Home of the Horse-lords. There is something strange at work here. Some evil gives speed to these creatures. Sets its will against us." Aragorn's voice was grim.

As we continued our way down the rocks Aragorn calls out to me, "Legolas! What do you Elf-eyes see?"

I peer into the distance, my elven eyes easily making out the large group of beasts and the dust the rose from the ground under their feet. "The Uruks turn Northeast. They're taking the hobbits to Isengard!"

I try to see our companions, but the dark clothing and moving bodies of the Uruk-Hai obscured my view. I silently prayed that the hobbits and Lumornel were okay. They must not be harmed or tainted.

Although I'm sure Aragorn didn't mean for any of us to hear, my ears picked up the word he said to himself, "Saruman."

We rested for a night, as Aragorn wanted, although I did not wish too. I feared, no, I knew that the Uruks would run out of our reach if we rested for a night. We will never reach them in time now.

*********

Now it was morning and my companions were still asleep. A large, red, rising sun peeked up above the horizon, "Awake! Awake! It is a red dawn. Strange things await us by the eaves of the forest. Good or evil, I do not know; but we are called. Awake!"

I watched as my companions got up much too slowly for my liking. Before they had awoken I was left to my own thoughts... And the Ring's. The Ring's thoughts itched my mind, telling me that if I were to wield it and keep it for myself, I could protect my home... And my companions, including Lumornel. It told me that I could brutally destroy any of the dark beasts that hurt or even threatened my friends, all with my bare hands. These thoughts were very tempting... But it was all a trick, that I knew. Finally, I had gotten enough of it and woke my friends with my yelling. I didn't mean to yell for them to awaken... I was just so irked with the Ring and it's putrid thoughts.

"Why is it concerning if the dawn is red or not? The sun can be blue and the world will still go on," Gimli cried.

I explained to him in a few short words, "a red sun rises, blood has been spilled this night." Gimli's eyes widened and his pace seemed to quicken.

We ran swiftly and seldom spoke. The Ring only tempted me when I was not pumping my legs further on, but when I was resting it seeped into my mind. In an effort to destract  while I rested I sang softly to myself, for the Ring would not let me sleep without giving me fitful dreams.

I was filled with anxiousness, desperate to get Lumornel and our three hobbits back. I couldn't think of what the Uruks could've done to them by now. The only thought that comforted me was the fact that the Uruks had bound our companions hands; which meant they needed them alive. The Uruks have run before us, as if the very whips of Sauron were behind them. I fear they have already reached the forest and the dark hills, and even now are passing into the shadows of the trees.

We ran for most of the day as if no weariness could quench the fire that burned inside of us, right up before high noon came.

Aragorn cast himself on the ground and listened intently for any sound. I shaded my eyes with my hand and saw many horses with figures upon them and the sun that glinted off of their spears. Far behind them, dark smoke curled upwards in threads.

Gimli and I stayed silent as Aragorn listened, we listened to the air moving through the grass.

"Riders!" Aragorn sprung to his feet. "Many riders on swift steeds are coming towards us!"

"Yes," I smirked, "there are one hundred and five. Yellow is their hair, and bright are their spears. Their leader is very tall."

Aragorn smiled, "keen are the eyes of the Elves."

"Nay! The riders are little more than five leagues distant," I responded. He gives me too much credit. Anyone could see them! Or has my years being alone with the elves blinded me?

"Five leagues or one," Gimli grumbled, "we cannot escape them in this bare land. Shall we wait for them here or go on our way?"

Aragorn answered almost immediately, "we will wait. I am weary, and our hunt has failed--"

I cut him off, "do not say that! Our hunt has only failed when the hobbits are dead and when the Ring consumes me!" I surprised myself at this sudden outburst... But it is true. We cannot give up on this, Sam must destroy this Ring!

Aragorn held up a hand in surrender and continued on with what he was saying, I began to feel guilty, "or at least others were before us; for these horsemen are riding back down the orc-trail. We may get news from them."

"Or spears," Gimli unhelpfully added.

I look off too were the horsemen were, "there are three empty saddles, but I see no hobbits nor Lumornel."

"I did not say we should hear good news," as Aragorn said this I glared at him, "but evil or good we will await it here."

Aragorn smiled sadly at me, then walked slowly down the northern slope.

Gimli and Aragorn started a conversation once we settled. I wandered off, but still kept them in earshot.
I tried to keep the Ring out of my mind. It scraped at the edge if my consciousness, not leaving me alone.

I gripped my head, burying my fingers in my hair. I gritted my teeth and tried to focus on Gimli and Aragorn's conversation.

I interrupted, losing all consentration on keeping the Ring out, "you will soon learn the truth. Already they approach."

They looked at me in surprise, not expecting me to speak. I shook my head and went back into silence. It was hard to completely focus on their words.

With those words that I had said, the Ring intruded completely. It's voice bounced off the insides of my mind. It told me the same things as before; if I were to wield it, then I can protect my friends and family. Plus get the respect I deserve from my Father. He never understands me, never has. It's like my mother's death changed him completely, it's hard to imagine he was a different person before. He won't respect me, can't understand me, and doesn't seem to appreciate me. I see the emotion his eyes carry every time he's sees me. I see the recognition. My whole life I have been told that I have the same gray-blue as my mother and a similar face.

You'll never be appreciated. No one will ever understand you. I can help

I clutch my head, the deep resonating voice bouncing around. It was enough to drive anyone crazy.

No, you're wrong. You can't help.

I can help more than you will ever know. With me, you will have more power than any living elf. Not one of your friends will be hurt.

No. I will not use you as my own power.

Without me, your friends and family and people will die.

I gritted my teeth, "no." My voiced came out as a hoarse whisper.

The Ring told me I was worthless, no one wanted me, that I'm a dead weight. I tried to ignore it, but it's hard to not let those words get to you.

Time passed. The Ring kept tempting me. My hand raised to my neck, and I rubbed it, feeling the same chain that was around Frodo's neck. The image of Frodo's lifeless body filled my mind. Sweat glued his dark curly hair to his forehead, blood soaking his clothes and pooling around him, his eyes blank and staring up at the sky, and his expression finally at peace--the weight of his burden finally lifted off of him. Will that be me one day? Will the Ring lead me to my doom? Making me lie in my own blood, my friends and family crying over my lifeless body?

My fingers wrapped around the chain, lifting it and the Ring from between my clothing. I held the glittering Ring up to my face, inspecting it. How could such a tiny thing cause so much damage? This Ring floated in front of me, twisting ever so slowing in the wind. Time seemed to slow down as the Ring glittered and silently called to me. My attention seemed to only be able to zero in on it.

I am everything you will ever need.

Yes... Yes you are...

I continued to be enthralled by the Ring. This powerful object is beautiful, it can do anything for me. Be anything.

As long as you do everything I ask of you.

As long as I do everything it asks of me...

I don't know how long I stared at it. My arm never went heavy with the burden, only felt as if it was floating, and my eyes never strayed from the golden, glittering object that hung from a silver chain.

"Legolas!" My eyes broke contact with the Ring and went to Aragorn. His face held worry, concern, and fear. I search for Gimli with my eyes, but he must still be on the other side of the green hill.

My eyes went back to the Ring and I gulped. I had been so close. I slipped the chain on, once again making sure the Ring fell securely between my tunic and undershirt.

I went to walk past Aragorn, for I could hear the pounding hoofbeats of the horsemen approaching, but I halted by Aragorn and softly said over my shoulder, head bowed in shame, "thank you for not letting the Ring consume me." From the corner of my eye I could see his head nod with wide eyes.

I walked down the hill to stand beside Gimli, "nice of you to join us, elf-friend." I smiled in return. The voices of many men on horse back filled the air. A tall man on a horse led the others galloping by the foot of the hill, appearing not to even notice us. Each man had a coat of mail, a painted shield on his back, a sword in his belt, sharp, deadly spears in hand, golden hair braided or flowing behind them, and sweat glistening on their faces under their helmets.

Over the loud noise of the horses hoofs pounding into the ground, Aragorn called out, "What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?"

With astonishing speed, the riders wheeled around and circled around and around us, trapping us in, the circle getting smaller. The three of us, Aragorn, Gimli, and I, stood almost back to back, wary of what way the events might turn.

Without even a signal, all the riders halted and a tall rider with a helm that had a white horse-tail flowing from and he had dirty and tangled dark blonde hair that spilled over his shoulders. Spears pointed at us, one just mere inches from Aragorn's heart, and some even had arrows fitted to the string of their bow.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in this land," The Rider said in the Common Speech, his voice not that different from Boromir's.

Aragorn, making himself the speaker for the three of us answered. "I am called Strider." I looked at him with my brows furrowed. I understand that he gave his pseudonym for safety, but if he were to give his real name, this would be over swifter. I could state that I am the elven prince of Mirkwood, that may move things along.

"I came out of the North. I am hunting Orcs," The heir to the throne of Gondor continued.

The Rider jumped from his horse, gave is spear to another, and withdrew his sword. Gimli and I held tighter onto our weapons, ready to defend our comrade.

After staring at Aragorn for awhile, he finally spoke, "at first I thought that you yourselves were Orcs, but now I see that it is not so. Indeed you know little of Orcs, if you go hunting team in this fashion. They were swift and well-armed, and they were many. You would have changed from hunters to prey, if ever you had overtaken them. But there is something strange about you Strider."

He paused a moment before he began again, "that is no name for a Man that you give. And strange too is your raiment. Have you sprung out of the grass? How did you escape our sight? Are you elvish folk?"

I almost laughed with his stupidity, did he see elf ears on Aragorn? Or how short Gimli is or even his mass of hair upon his face?

I relaxed my grip on my bow, obviously this man is no threat to us. Despite his display of weapons and men, he gave off a friendly aura; one that said he wished not to harm anyone lest they are harming the innocent.

I let my focus slide from the conversation, I could not focus on anything without great effort.

I looked off into the distance to try and see Isengard and it's tower. Not even my eyes could see that many leagues away. I tried searching for the Uruks, all I saw was a great pile burning, the black smoke curling upwards.

Suddenly, the horse rider turned a cold glance upon Gimli and I. "Why do you not speak, silent ones?"

Gimli straightened himself more and planted the butt of his axe firmly on the ground, "give me your name, horse-master, and I will give you mine, and more besides."

"As for that," the strange Rider said, staring down at the Dwarf at my side, "the stranger should declare himself first. Yet I am named Éomer son of Éomund, and called the Third Marshal of Riddermark."

Gimli immediately retorted back, "the Éomer son of Éomund, Third Marshal of Riddermark, let Gimli the Dwarf Glóin's son warn you against foolish words. You speak evil of that which is fair beyond the reach of your thought, and only little wit can excuse you."

Éomer's fists clenched in anger and the men around us muttered angrily, "I would cut off your head, beard and all, Master Dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground."

In my short-tempered state, I lashed out before I could think, but I do not regret my actions. I reached for an arrow in my quiver faster than they could see and knocked it in my bow string, aiming it at Éomer's forehead. "He stands not alone. You would die before your stroke fell." The way my words were so nonchalant and cold sounded very frightening. Éomer raised his sword, but before he could do anything drastic, Aragorn sprung in between us.

He raised his hands in surrender, "your pardon, Éomer! When you know more you will understand why you have angered my companions. We intend no evil to Rohan, nor to any of its folk, neither to man nor to horse. Will you hear our tale before you strike?"

"I will," Éomer lowered his blade, "but wanderers in the Riddermark would be wise to be less haughty in these days of doubt. First tell me your right name."

I relaxed again, keeping my eyes on the men around us and trying to not listen to the eerie whispering from the Ring in my head.

I am everything you will ever need.

No, you are not

I am everything you will ever need.

Be quiet.

I am everything you will ever nee--

Aragorn threw back his cloak suddenly. He pulled Anduril out of its sheath and it shone like a flame.

"Elendil!" he cried. "I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and am called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dunadan, the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor. Here is the Sword that was Broken and is forged again! Will you aid me or thwart me? Choose swiftly!"

Gimli and I looked at him in amazement. We had not seen him like this before. He seemed to grow in stature while Eomer appeared to shrink. The power and majesty of the kings of stone seemed to radiate off of him for a brief time. And I am sure that no one else saw this; a white flame appeared to flicker on his brow, almost like a crown.

Eomer stepped back, awe evident on his face, "these are indeed strange days," he muttered. "Dreams and legend spring to life out of the grass."

*********

My eyes felt like they had millions of sand particles in them. I wasn't able to sleep last night for fear that I would dream of those terrible creatures. Every night those dreams seem to be getting worse, I would wake up in my sweat and shaking in terror.

With all night left to thinking, I came up with a name for those black beasts. Uur Rauko, meaning 'fire demon.'

I shivered with just the thought of one. That crawling human-shaped creature with black hard armor for skin, black slitted eyes, long whip like tail, clawed hands for paws, and that tongue that looks and glows like molten lava is enough to give anyone nightmares for years.

Most of the orcs slept on the cold hard grassy ground, but there were some that were awake to keep watch and some guarding me. They have been eyeing me uneasily lately.

Yes, I have thought about using my 'power'. I even tried once, but it didn't work. I don't why it didn't work, maybe because I'm terrified? Maybe because I'm sleep deprived?

I lay uncomfortably on my side, the rough ropes cutting into my wrists and ankles. My small journel that I had in Mirkwood is in the hem of my trousers, tighly pressed up against my hip. My sweat had made the leather of the book slippery and rub around. I am certain that I now have a blister. Moving my hips in any way burns.

I don't cry over my situation like I expected myself to. In the begining I had to hold in my tears, but now I just accept my fate. The hobbits, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, were probably going to get rescued by Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. I am not. Well, at least the hobbits will be safe.

The sun had started to rise a while ago. The sky is in an array of beautiful colors, the sun peeking out above the horizon and it's colors mixing in with the blackness of the sky. 

The orcs keeping watch conversed with eachother and suddenly started kicking the sleeping orcs awake. Another day of being carried starts once again.

Orcs yelled, they grumbled, they complained. The usual.

Once they ate some of their food reserves we were going again. And I had a feeling that this would be the last day of it.

About midday I saw a huge black rock wall, it seemed to be encircling something. Rising out from within the circle is an enourmous black tower. My breath got caught in my throat. From my time of reading in Mirkwood I learned about this place. Orthanc. Saruman. Isengard.

While in Lorien I had heard rumours of Saruman the White turning on us, starting to use his power for evil.

We approached the gate in the black wall sooner than I wanted. Uruk-Hai stood guard and sneered at us as we passed though. The orc leader and the guards barely exchanged words.

I could sense the change in the group of orcs. They didn't like it here, they didn't like the Uruk-Hai. 

From inbetween orcs I could see huge gashes in the earth, black smoke rose out of them. I saw piles of dead trees from Fangorn being burned. I saw Uruk-Hai and Orcs alike minning the earth. I saw more digging and dragging in trees. I saw the beasts transporting weapons and armor. I even saw some Wargs about.

The sight was truly sorrowful. How could anybody do these things to the earth? 

Suddenly, the group of orcs that had brought me here split up, only about five of them staying with me.

My blood ran cold as they started dragging me to the Black Tower. I wanted to cry out for them to stop, but it would be useless.

They dragged me up the stairs, the air was cold in the tower.

We came to a corridor and at the end of the dimly lit hall was two double doors.

Time seemed to slow as we walked towards it. With everystep it brought us closer. I know what, or who, lays behind that door. 

No, no, no. I can't do this!

There's no saying what he will do to me, he could lock me up forever, torture me, or he could bring me to Sauron. That last option made me what to crawl up in a hole and die.

The doors flew open dramitically and I was pushed and thrown onto the ground, my cheek stinging painfully as it lay on the cold tile.

My eyes caught movement of white. It's funny how he wears white when his soul is black.

He stood before me, my eyes painfully looking up as he stared at me. His white hair and beard are longer than I expected and his robes are so dirty that they look almost yellow. He held his dark staff in one hand as he inspected me.

Saruman.

"Well, well, what do we have here, Lumornel Tree-Shade?"

*********

Dun Dun Duuuun! Cliff hanger! Whoops!

Sorry for any mistakes, whether grammaticly or spelling. My editing thing-a-ma-bob (grammarly) isn't working. I re-read the chapter... but mistakes still get past me. Hope you like the new cover!

Okay... anyways... let me know what you think!   ...and remember votes are ALWAYS appreciated.

hehe, see what I did there? Did ya catch that Harry Potter reference?

I'm watching The Shining right now and *shudders*

Novaer, melloneamin!