-Aldril-
The dense air pressed down on the Elves' lungs, forcing them to breathe with difficulty. Even my resistance to magic was weakened by the dark mist that moved between the trees like a living creature.
Dol Guldur loomed before us, a broken ruin whose walls, blackened by corruption, seemed to absorb the light. Even the bravest felt a shiver run down their spine.
[Dark Magic Resistance LV 1 ------ Dark Magic Resistance LV 3]
[Attribute Points: 89]
I had no choice but to level up my resistance. It was a good thing I had saved those attribute points; the current situation was a clear example that I had made the right decision.
With a sigh, my body relaxed, and the pressure from the magic faded like specks of dust. Without a doubt, Sauron was a terrifying force. Even the residue of his magic forced me to strengthen my magical resistance.
Around me, the elves trembled, some even swaying on the verge of fainting. It was Thalwen's intervention that brought a breath of fresh air to the elves.
From the ruined and withered ground, green, vibrant vines sprouted, gently wrapping around everyone's wrists, infusing them with power that pushed the dark magic mist away.
At my side, Tauriel sighed and her shoulders relaxed. Unconsciously, or perhaps deliberately, she swayed toward me. With a small movement, I caught her in my arms. Her figure, delicate as a flower but strong as an oak, rested against my chest.
"Are you alright?" I asked, perhaps with too much force, as my voice drew everyone's attention, especially Thalwen's, who stepped closer with a few strides.
Small vines emerged beneath her feet, sliding gently around Tauriel, enveloping her like a living cloak. She inhaled deeply, absorbing the fresh air offered by those vines, letting her body relax.
"I'm fine, I just got a little dizzy for a moment," she replied, lightly shaking her head, letting her fiery hair slide like a silk dress.
I looked at Thalwen and raised an eyebrow. She understood the gesture immediately and, while gently combing Tauriel's silky hair, explained:
"It's normal for her to feel dizzy in such an environment. The residual dark magic has accumulated for years. Since the blessing of the Vala Oromë she inherited from her father hasn't fully awakened yet, she's more susceptible than the rest of us."
I nodded without asking further questions. Probably, the other elves handled it better than Tauriel because they had lived much longer than her, so it wasn't surprising they could endure the miasma of dark magic a little longer.
I helped her stand, placing her weight on my shoulder. Not that she weighed much; after all, she was slim, except for her bust and hips. Plus, with my strength, carrying even a troll wouldn't have been a problem.
"The path is clear, we can proceed calmly…" Finduilas announced after stepping forward with a group of elves. However, upon seeing Tauriel leaning on me, her expression showed a hint of uncertainty.
"Are you alright, Tauriel?" she asked as we passed by her. Although they had their differences, Finduilas couldn't ignore her concern, especially since Tauriel was Beleg's daughter, someone with whom she had shared moments in the past.
"It's nothing, just a little dizziness," Tauriel replied with an indifferent wave of her hand, downplaying the matter.
Finduilas sighed in relief. "Alright. You can rest at Thranduil's camp," she reassured before continuing on.
---
-General-
Thranduil's camp was shrouded in an eerie silence. Nothing could be heard, not even the crackling of the campfires. The atmosphere was gloomy and oppressive. The dark mist from Dol Guldur spread like a hungry creature, devouring the elves' spirits.
How did they manage to endure the pressure of that dark magic? It was a question anyone would ask, but the answer was simple.
The elves who followed Thranduil were the most seasoned, hardened by centuries of battles and challenges. Their resistance to the dark arts was formidable, though even they were not completely safe. The residual magic of Sauron caused small inconveniences, slight twinges in their minds.
The arrival of Thalwen's group was greeted by Thranduil. Although his face remained stoic, there was an overwhelming affection in his eyes as he looked upon his wife.
"Did everything go well?" he asked in his usual calm tone, though he already knew the answer. He knew that Thalwen had been purifying the forest.
"Yes. A part of the river has been purified," she replied with a loving smile. "It's only a matter of time before the surrounding trees regain their vitality."
Nodding, Thranduil looked past his wife, frowning as he noticed Aldril holding Tauriel. Concern flashed across his face, but Thalwen's gentle touch on his arm indicated that it wasn't anything serious.
He let out a sigh of relief and nodded to Aldril in a gesture of gratitude. "You can take Tauriel to rest in my tent," he said in a serene voice.
Aldril did not speak; there was no need to. As he moved forward, the elves slightly inclined their heads in respect. For him, that gesture had become a custom. His feats in killing Smaug and his role in the Battle of the Five Armies had earned him great renown.
As he crossed the threshold of Thranduil's tent, the atmosphere changed completely. It was like stepping into another world. The vines that twisted in the corners vibrated with pure, latent energy, forming an invisible barrier against dark magic.
"That explains why Thranduil looked better than everyone else," thought Aldril as he carefully laid Tauriel on the Elven king's bed.
Tauriel, as if she had found her mother's warm embrace, curled up between the sheets. Within moments, her eyes closed, and her exhausted body longed for a deep rest.
With a smile, Aldril gently approached and placed a kiss on Tauriel's forehead. After one last glance, he left the tent. The elves accompanying Thalwen had already scattered, looking for a place to rest, for although the journey had not been marked by frequent attacks, the fatigue from the road was evident.
In the distance, Aldril saw Finduilas, Thalwen, and Thranduil talking. The three were looking towards Dol Guldur, but it was Thranduil who caught Aldril's attention; the twitch in his hands betrayed his anxiety.
As Aldril approached, he caught fragments of their conversation.
"A team has gone, but hasn't returned," Thranduil said, his tone revealing subtle concern. "We've cleared the area of orcs, and from what we've gathered, the fortress is desolate. However, the team has been gone for over half a day now."
"Are you planning to send another group to investigate?" asked Thalwen, her voice heavy with concern.
"Yes, I've already prepared a group. I was just waiting for your arrival to depart."
"That's reckless, Thranduil," interrupted Finduilas, her tone firm. "The night is approaching; it's better to wait until morning."
Thranduil shook his head, clearly disagreeing. "My men are out there, and I don't plan on leaving them alone."
"In that case, let me go."
The three turned upon hearing a familiar voice, meeting Aldril's gaze. His presence was overwhelming, and his indifferent look made Finduilas' heart race. Ah, how she loved that gaze! she thought.
On the other hand, Thalwen and Thranduil exchanged a glance; both knew exactly what Aldril was capable of, but Thranduil wanted to refuse. Aldril had already done so much for them, yet Aldril didn't give him time to object.
"Just moments ago, I felt something sinister that made my blood boil," he said, looking towards Dol Guldur. "It's as if something is challenging me, provoking me to go."
-Dol Guldur-
A dense mist swirled at the heights, and a dark specter held the lifeless body of an elf. With an expression of indifference, it tossed the corpse over the cliff. Around it, the bodies of five elves lay dead, horror clearly stamped on their faces.
The specter sensed something in the distance. In a hollow, cold voice, it spoke to the other specters who slid through the shadows.
"Lûg durbûrz ashûr" (The child is here).
***
Filthy orcs! Regarding the matter of magic in Middle-earth, I'll simplify. Gandalf will provide a more detailed explanation of this concept later on. We should recall that Aldril's universe is an AU, and since many canon characters are still alive, it seems odd to me that magic is absent in this AU. Furthermore, let's not forget that Eru Ilúvatar acts according to his will.
Support me in "[email protected]/Mrnevercry"