Battle wounds and Silver kisses
After the battle of Orcs and Men, an unsuspecting creature is caught in its mist. A fae by the name of Baidyanith, hailing from the Woodland realm, is severally injured. Her only hope is that of the knowledge and affection of a well known warrior Elf. A "Lost" chapter of LotRs: Two Towers
(Taken from LotRs: Two Towers- Chapter: THE RIDERS OF ROHAN; page 39 )
They now drew lots for the watches and the lot for the first watch fell to Gimli. The others lay down. Almost at once sleep laid hold on them. "Gimli!" said Aragorn drowsily. "Remember, it is perilous to cut bough or twig from a living tree in Fangorn. But do not stray far in search of dead wood. Let the fire die rather! Call me at need!"
With that he fell asleep. Legolas already lay motionless, his fair hands folded upon his breast, his eyes unclosed, blending living night and deep dream, as is the way with Elves. Gimli sat hunched by the fire, running his thumb thoughtfully along the edge of his axe. The tree rustled. There was no other sound.
*Suddenly Gimli looked up. A figure clad in shadow stumbled near. Soft groans trickled over lips as a slender body fell to be seen. She was a women a further view, a girl by sound. Legolas' ears perked at the new noise and rose to his feet at an instant. His autumn eyes blinking in awareness as his Dwarven companion stalked ever near to the crumpled form just beyond the fire's light.
"Help me… Master Dwarf… for I am wounded and lost amongst the wood…" the victim whispered as her buttermilk hand fell upon her breast nearing the cause of her sorrows. A Mordorien arrow stood solemnly, feathers moist with blood in desperate attempts of removal.
"What is this? What has happened?" Aragorn implied his sword at hand.
"Never you mind what happened… but what is this maid?" grumbled Gimli as he glared at her frail form.
"A beast of Saruman, if you wish to know what I think." he continued.
"then why is she pierced with an arrow?" asked Legolas kneeling next to the woman. His keen eye caught the fragile vein pulsating ever so lightly beneath pale skin. The slight tear beseeching the crest of heavy lashes.
"A ploy!" jolted Gimli.
"Sent by Saruman to trap the un-expecting. I would not near her so soon. For have you have you seen a winged Elf, if that is what you wish it to be deemed, in all your long years?"
The Once silent Aragorn stepped forth and knelt beside Legolas.
"For once Gimli speaks of much reason, for even not I have seen such a spectacle on my many a journey. Mayhaps we should leave and think not twice of it- or mayhaps tend to her wound for time grows short and this creature dim."
Aragorn placed his gloved hand on the shoulder of his Elven friend.
"Tis' your choice, and yours alone… but come what need I will assist you."
"Tis' a beast!" Gimli announced, his axe raised above his stout head.
"And I will not fall victim to it's spell, for lingering too long will damn us all!"
"No beast is this friend Gimli, lower your axe.." Legolas lifted the scantily dressed woman into his arms. Her pale garment stained with that of earth and blood. Her richly dark hair trestled and knotted where braids once lay. She whimpered softly as her savior cradled her against his person.
"She is of the Fae- race, held dearer than even the Elves. She as magical and mysterious as the wizards themselves. The Elves have long kept such wonderful beings held fast in secret for they are scarce." The Elf whispered holding the Fae protectively.
"Then we must haste the matter, for her hour stalks near and her skin grows placid. I fear she may not live through this night to the next." Aragorn replied as they pushed towards the flame.
Legolas sat silent gazing over the being before him. Her features were paling rapidly. Her eyes fluttering like the butterflies of Mirkwood on a summer's night. Her lips hinted of ruby berry but were now victim to the poison of an Orc. The arrow protruding from her breast; swaying to and fro set as reminder of a job half done.
Her eyes parted briefly revealing her tree-born eyes.
"Mm..Ma.." she begun only to be caught short.
"Nae. Speak not, for you have not the strength. You have been pierced and hence removal shall be quite painful.. But necessary none the less. Death will come with swift wings if not removed at once."
A lone tear fell over her pale flesh and descended on to the wood floor beneath. Fear danced and shimmered in her hazel eyes.
"Cry not, cry not… for I shall be swift in hopes to brief your pain." Legolas traced his finger along the damp trail forgotten by her tear.
"Nall u-" He repeated as he gripped the ridged feathers of the Mordorien arrow tight within his fist. Faster than sight the arrow plunged forth removing shard of bone from her breast with it. The female screamed elapsing what strength she beheld, and the wood shuddered in exchange. For not the night fell silent and worry hung heavy making short the supply of air.
Moments of peace passed without word from Legolas' companions before Aragorn approached.
"Is she well?" Aragorn asked looking down upon Elf and Fae.
"She is resting. Pain lay to close and too large for such one as fragile is she. Alas I fear that poison from the weapon has taken effect. See how her wings wilt?" Legolas whispered as if afraid his very breath would shatter her frame.
His very words were that of truth. Her once silk stung wings now lay in decay. Shards blowing in the wind leaving only blooded remanents in place.
"Is she dying, friend Legolas?" Aragorn knelt feeling sorrow for the one not yet lost.
"Nae, dying- but falling back through her family tree… de-evolving… Fae folk are Elves evolved. She will descend to elf, then to man.. or so states the elders who know more of their kind than I."
Aragorn dropped his head in soft prayer as Elvish spilled from his lips. After only seconds he regained his posture and turned to his comrade.
"I am sorry Legolas, I know death pains your keith folk. For many at time I have seen Arwen shed many a tear over the loss of Man and Elf alike.
Legolas nodded, his head hung low over the small mouth of the women. A slight smile plagued his lips as he rose.
"Maybe her story will not end this night. Hope against hope the arrow was removed before it's full effect took toll." He breathed looking upon the hunter. Legolas' eyes gleamed with all the fires beauty and the hope of a thousand lives.
His hand swiftly grappled the leaf of Lorien about his neck sending his homeland cloak to the floor of the wood. His Earthen style clothes apparent fitting snuggly onto his fair skin. He then bound the cloak to the Fae and brought her near.
"I will not let you die... to that I swear. "
The girl moaned and shifted against him, her eyes opening slowly. Baidyanith smiled weakly for she was in the arms of an angel. Her sight was blurred but all his brightness could show through the darkest of shadows. His moonlit hair waved in the gentle wind that chilled her ever so slightly, his pale skin illuminated by the fire. He was beautiful in her eyes.. this nameless Elf. She smiled once more and sunk into his warm embrace. She would thank him once she awoke. For the hour was late and she exhausted. It would take many dreams to assist her healing, and dreams she prayed would be ignited by such a beauty as the Elf that cradled her so.