The keen eyes of the Elf picked out the sight of an eagle soaring high above the clouds. He smiled. News.

His silver cloak glittering in the sun as he stood atop the hill, the Lord of Imladris pondered upon the unanswered questions. He had left Orthanc two days ago, and was on his way back to Imladris, where he would await the arrival of his messenger and the Silvan Elf representative. It was unlikely that King Thranduil himself attend the council, and he knew it was likely that the young prince would be sent in his father's place.

Elrond's smile widened as he saw the eagle go into a steep dive. His steed did not panic as the big bird drew near and landed next to the Elf.

"Greetings, Lord Elrond," The Eagle bowed in deference to the Elflord, "I am Obsiran, and bring tidings from Eryn Galen."

"You have travelled far, mellon-nîn. I thank you for bearing the news," Elrond said. He noted that the eagle was not yet full grown. Its wingspan had yet to reach twenty feet, and the feathers had not yet taken on the resplendent gold sheen of his kindred.

"Indeed I have flown many days, but it is with pleasure that I did so. The Prince of Eryn Galen wishes to convey the following message: he has set out from Eryn Galen not seven days ago, and with him were his friend, Esendri, and lord Glorfindel. Barring any extenuating circumstances, he should reach Imladris within twenty days."

Elrond laughed. "You bring joyful tidings, for my heart longs greatly to see Legolas again, for it has been too long since we parted! May I assume he is a friend of yours, for surely no eagle would consent to carry a message unless he is willing to."

"More than a friend, my lord. Prince Legolas saved me when I was but a nestling. I had fallen from the eyrie, and his sharp eyes spotted me amidst harsh rocks and stone. He picked me up and cared for me, nursing my broken bones, healing them with his magic. It was not long before I was well again."

"I knew not that Legolas possessed any magic! He has never mentioned it to me before!" the Elflord exclaimed, surprised at the revelation.

"He knows magic, and much more. Compassion and love are never far from his heart. He did not stop there, and instead, he bore me up and climbed the steep peak to return me to my family, risking his own life."

"Indeed. But that may come about to be his detriment one day! He is young and has yet to learn that kindness is not necessarily repaid. Compassion towards those who do not deserve it may yet lead to undesired outcomes. But I digress. What news of Eryn Galen?"

The eagle flapped his wings, anger creeping into his body.

"Orcs are starting to make their presence felt in Eryn Galen. Nine days ago the prince came across a clearing in the heart of the woods. The wounds were inflected by the axes of Orcs."

Elrond paled. While he had felt the threat, he had not expected it to be this serious.

"Orcs," he muttered, "They have neither the courage nor intelligence to launch such a strike against the trees. The wrath of the Silvan Elves would be great!"

"His Majesty has managed to keep the matter silent. Only a select few know of it. It has also come to the attention of my leader, Gilidan, that a creature has been stealthily bringing the Orcs under its control. What sort of creature it is, we do not know, but it appears to be of great evil and possess much power. We fear that if nothing is done to act against the assault on Eryn Galen, the Wood would be lost forever."

"Indeed you speak wisely, my friend, for your fears are not without basis. Once again, I thank you for the help you have rendered. It is imperative that I rush back to Imladris as soon as possible, for I believe Legolas will be arriving soon enough."

"That would be so under normal circumstances, my lord. However, if I read it correctly, the weather at the High Pass of the Misty Mountains is about to take a change for the worse. His Highness will be delayed, for the horses will not be able to make it through. I must warn Legolas. Something does not feel right about this; something is amiss."

Elrond raised an eyebrow. Eagles had senses sharper than that of Elves even, and it was not wise that their intuitions be ignored.

"Perhaps then, Obsiran, I should request an audience with your leader. Let it be known to him that there will be a council in Imladris on the first of September, and I will very much like to meet him after."

"I will gladly carry your message, Lord Elrond. Meanwhile, I have to take my leave. The hour grows late, and I have to reach the prince to prevent him from attempting the High Pass without due warning!"

With that, the big bird spread its wings and took off, circling once more around the hill, before disappearing from sight.

The Lord of Imladris stood and watched the bird of prey with a heavy heart. If his hunch were correct about the creature that had re-emerged from the shadow of the Withered Heath near Eryn Galen, it would soon come to the same days that plagued Middle-Earth while the Dark Lord had been in power.

He moved off, gradually working up his mount to a fast gallop. It was imperative that he return to Imladris as soon as possible. Mithrandir had promised to meet him again before the council to be held on September the first, and he had some research to do before that.