A/N: Hello! So, you decided to read chapter three, huh? This one's pretty short, so I'll be posting another very soon. Thanks to VeronicaD13, for the kind words! I appreciate them! Thanks to Midnight Promise for your concern and your nice compliments – they are much loved ;). Thanks to SormustenHerra for nice words of motivation! And finally, thanks to Clodia for the advice once again! Hopefully this chapter will be better!
So sit back, relax, grab a handful of jellybeans, and enjoy!
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Estel was falling.
Or rather, it felt like he was.
His body tumbled and tumbled through the merciless hands of the river. Gasping for breath when for a split second his drenched body was thrown to the surface, the boy choked and coughed. Blinding currents of water shot past him, and his limbs felt as though they were being torn apart.
His mind was spinning, which was not surprising, considering his head literally was. Water flooded into his lungs, and he coughed out and struggled for breath as he was once again dragged beneath the surface.
Estel's heart pounded and hammered against his ribs as the terrified boy was tossed and thrown throughout the river like a ball of string in the clutches of a kitten.
He was rammed repeatedly into rocks, bruising his sore and battered body. All of a sudden, a jagged limb of stone seemed to reach out of nowhere.
Arms protectively flew up to shield his face, and he was only slightly stunned. However, a sharp pain shot through his nose, a sickening 'crack' sounding with it.
The world was spinning, and through the stream of endless cold, he could feel his life slipping away. His throat screamed. His lungs burned for air.
'Help me… Someone, please…'
But there was no one to answer his call.
Suddenly, he was thrown, spluttering and coughing, up to the surface of the water. His throat was raw and sore, but the cool, good air massaged his lungs.
He tried to overcome the current, but no matter what he did, the cruel body of water was determined to have its way.
Just when he thought that things couldn't get any worse, he was once again dunked under the raging water. He fought to get to the surface, but with every push upwards, he was thrust farther and farther down.
Estel knew he was going to drown.
'I'm sorry Ada, I'm sorry Elladan, I'm sorry Elrohir…" Estel's throbbing mind could barely form words, but he found the strength to at least say goodbye to those he loved.
But once again, the river wanted to keep its toy a little longer.
Throwing him up the surface, the water spun and threw the boy throughout its tumbling and crashing body.
Suddenly, when Estel was just about to give up, and let the last bit of life in his flee his battered body, he saw it. The raging, rampaging river flew around a corner, yet to his left, the steep banks flattened out to a meager beach.
If he could just get to the beach, he would be safe.
If he could only find the strength in him to reach the shore, he could get home.
Home.
With a burst of determination, Estel threw his entire weight towards the beach.
'This is for Ada…'
Estel narrowed his eyes and tensed himself as he flung himself further.
'This is for the twins…'
Estel groaned as his beaten body began to catch up with him, and he felt his vision dimming.
'Come on Estel…You can do it…'
With a final, burst of power, the young child threw himself for all he was worth towards the shore.
"AURGH!" Estel cried as he launched himself at the stony beach.
His body connected roughly with the banks, and he began to drag himself onto them. The cruel hands of the river grabbed at his legs and dragged him back, but he fought on. He gave a cry of fury, and clenched his fists on the shore. Silt and mud burrowed deep into his fingernails, and his body begged for him to stop, but still, he went on.
His chest heaved, and his vision dimmed, but the boy's will was strong.
White knuckles clenched earth as the boy dragged himself further and further from the pitiless river. And finally, with a heave of exhaustion, Estel collapsed to the ground, now a good seven feet from the treacherous water.
His breathing heavy, his eyes closing, Estel sighed and let out a sob. He was safe, but oh so tired, and still lost.
And as Estel's world faded, he neglected to notice one of the few positives of the situation.
He was no longer thirsty.
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A/N: Well, Estel's managed to get out of trouble – and don't worry, he'll meet someone in the next chapter (wink wink, nudge nudge….), which I will be posting right away!
Thanks for your time – I really appreciate it!
