Whispers of the Forest (Legolas x Male OC)

A Tomb

Gandalf had chosen the way of the Caradhras. The path was long up the mountain, and it seemed to turn on them as the Fellowship continued. A blizzard had descended upon them, whipping snow and ice that stung their cheeks. Legolas and Sîrion walked ahead of the group, taking advantage of their elven lightness and ensuring the way was as safe as it could be. The chill bit at their ears, but Sîrion did not move to pull his cloak around him tighter nor put his hood up. He would forever be grateful for the elven resilience when it came to extreme temperatures, which allowed him to endure this as a simple chill.

The Fellowship trailed behind the two elves, fighting to get through the deep snow. They stopped for a moment, and Sîrion walked towards the edge of the snowy cliff, straining to hear what the wind was whispering. He was hoping for some sort of good news – a break in the storm further ahead, perhaps. The further he strained to listen, the more he realized how different it sounded and felt – more menacing and... heavy. Aragorn said something about 'giving the ring back,' but Sîrion was much too focused on the wind to pay proper attention. It was beginning to sound less like the wind and more like a voice the wind was carrying. A voice that made Sîrion's heart sink with dread.

"Legolas," Sîrion looked back at the prince, brow furrowed, "Can you hear that?"

"There is a fell voice on the air." Legolas nodded slightly, brows furrowed in concern as he turned back.

"It's Saruman!" The wizard called back, only confirming the dread sinking into Sîrion's chest.

Valar, the last thing they needed was the head wizard actively working against them. The voice chanted louder, sending some rocks on snow into the path of the Fellowship.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain, Gandalf!" Aragorn screamed.

The wind screamed a warning in Sîrion's ear, finally overpowering the voice for a moment. He didn't waste any time, Aragorn's yell ringing in his ear as it was only confirmed by the wind's warning. He turned and pushed Legolas toward the mountain wall, his heartbeat hammering in his ears. Barely a moment later, lightning struck above them, causing a mini avalanche of rocks and snow to rain down. The weight of the snow piled on top of the Fellowship, and they were quickly buried. Sîrion quickly fought to unbury himself, looking for the prince the moment his head was uncovered. He let out a breath of relief when he saw Legolas moving snow and attempting to climb back on top of it. His gaze shifted to a boulder covering the area they used to be standing, and he muttered a quiet thanks into the wind before getting up onto the snow again. Valar, that was much too close for comfort. He brushed the snow off his tunic and cloak, the prince going the same as the rest of the Fellowship began to argue on what they should do. It was clear this path was meant to be deadly, and Sîrion didn't know if the Fellowship make it if they pressed on. It was clear they wouldn't if Sarumen kept up his chants and spells through the wind. The hobbits looked half dead already, shivering violently and their lips blue.

"We will go through the mines." Frodo finally declared, and though that way would be much warmer and hopefully less dangerous, Sîrion didn't enjoy the harrowed look Gandalf tried to hide.

The trek down the mountains was just as treacherous as the way up. The hobbits were slipping through the snow, being caught by whoever was in front of them with better footing. Still, Sîrion's heart was in his throat the entire way down. Not nearly soon enough, they were on the trail to the hidden door into Moria—a much warmer path, yet the stillness in the air was unwelcoming. Gandalf was leading the group and had called for Sîrion to walk with him. He spoke just above a whisper, his brow furrowed in disapproval.

"Lord Elrond told me of your business in Mirkwood. Legolas will not respond kindly if he were to find out."

"Elrond said he would not tell any others." Sîrion felt frustration bubbling in his chest, and his lips twinged into a frown, "The more who know, the more likely it will be found out."