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Hello everybody! Still reading this story? Well, thanks for doing that & special thanks for reviewing.
This is a short chapter but as some of you asked for more, I did not want you having to wait too long for an update…
_______________________
Slowly they made their way into the water. The feeling of unease still remained in the back of Legolas' mind. But then every time he caught sight of water there was a tingle inside of him that could develop into a growing ache of longing. The sight of the river had once more awakened the memory of the salty tinge of the sea, the cries of the gulls. He was still able to push it away into the back of his mind but it cost him some strength, sometimes more then he would like to admit. And his strength was not fully restored yet, the visit to Moria had drained him. Even those last days with only a few hours underground had been hard on him although he hid it from Gimli. He did not want to show his weakness to the dwarf, no matter how close their friendship had become.
His fingers touched the surface of the water and for a moment the longing was there, so strong it overwhelmed him.
A drop of water landing on his face shook him out of it. It felt like waking from a dream as he raised his eyes again from the silver surface of the river to take in his surroundings. It had not lasted for more than a second but he felt like a great fight had taken place.
Drops of rain were slowly falling around them, telling him they had found this place not a moment too early. If rain should fall as the dark skies promised the river would swell and would become impossible to pass.
The water was getting deeper, far more quickly than he had anticipated. They were still far from the middle and it already reached his hip. Looking sideways he noticed that Gimli was starting to have troubles with walking in the water. His statue much shorter than the elf's he was at a noticeable disadvantage here.
A sudden change in the ground made Legolas stop, his arm halting Gimli's next step.
'It's getting deep here.' He explained and took the one step he knew would bring him over the edge he could feel beneath his feet.
Gimli watched patiently as the elf took one more step and disappeared under water. Only seconds later he resurfaced, his long hair plastered to his head.
'Quite deep.' Legolas corrected himself.
With envy Gimli noticed that he seemed to need only the barest of movement to stay afloat as if the elf was able to float on water as well as walking on snow.
'We need to swim.' Legolas smiled at him as if he had read his thoughts.
'Obviously.' Gimli sighed. 'Your power of observation is astonishing as always.'
'You do know how to swim, do you master dwarf? I would not have you sinking like one of this stones you are so fond of.'
A snort and a scowl were his answer.
Legolas only grinned as he returned to Gimli's side and found ground under his feet again. He turned to Arod who stood still, waiting for his masters command. He was about to tell him to follow him as the horse with a sudden whine of fear bolted away, back towards the shore. Quickly Legolas turned, the feeling of danger suddenly intensifying.
'Gimli! Behind you, beware!'
The warning made the dwarf's head spin around, taking in the danger behind him. The water made his movement slow and sluggish.
Gimli's hands closed around the handle of his axe still fixed to Selena's back as she bolted after Arod, sudden terror stronger than her loyalty to her master. The sudden jolt brought the dwarf into the deeper water and he lost his grip on his axe as well as the secure feeling of ground beneath his feet. In a very undignified splash he disappeared.
Under normal circumstances this rather comic scene would have made Legolas laugh, but right now his eyes were glued to the snakelike being that had risen from underneath the water's surface. It's movements were slow almost tentatively as it crept closer.
Spluttering Gimli's head appeared again as the dwarf tried to find his feet again still not fully realizing what had just happened.
The snakelike being stilled its movement for a moment. Then with sudden speed it turned towards Gimli.
With a cry Legolas finally moved as he saw it advancing on his unaware and defenceless friend. Gimli turned in time to see it coming at him but was powerless to stop it. He held no weapon as his axe was still on Selena's back and he could still not find ground beneath his feet to stand on. A slimy but strong grip closed around his neck and with a strangled cry he stopped his swimming movements and brought both of his arms up to fight it off.
Legolas lunged forward drawing one of his knives. It sliced into the being cutting right through. But he lost his footing in the process and found himself forced to use his left arm in swimming motions to stay over water.
The grip around Gimli's neck suddenly loosened and he was able to pull the disgusting thing off. Trading water he gasped for air.
For a long moment silence fell as they both tried to stay over water, only the sound of their sharp breathing breaking the silence. Somehow Legolas had the sick feeling he had encountered this being before. A short glance shared with his friend told him he felt the same. A second before the memory came the water around them exploded in sudden movement.
As several snakelike arms raised both knew where they had encountered a thing like this before: the watcher in the lake in front of the door to Moria.
Still gripping his knife Legolas realised that while still in deep the water they would barely stand a chance against this creature while being forced to swim.
'To the shore!' he yelled. He knew Gimli had no weapon so he tried to stay between the dwarf and their attacker, slicing at the arms that came too close. For a moment they seemed to retreat and he moved to follow his companion.
Gimli could feel ground beneath his feet again. A quick glance told him his friend was right behind him. Extending a strong hand he got a grip on the elf's tunic and hauled him up next to him.
Legolas pressed the hilt of his blade into Gimli's hand. With his left hand he had already drawn his second knife from the sheath on his back.
The water hindered their escape slowing down their movements considerably as they backed away, never taking their eyes of the creature that had started to rise more and more from the water, its ugly head already appearing. They had taken no more than two steps as several arms lunged for them. They ducked away reacting more out of instinct then anything else. One arm hit Gimli in the side and with a strangled cry he lost his balance, falling forward into the water. Before the arm could grab him Legolas' knife was there, effectively blocking the assault. Daring a look behind while Gimli got to his feet Legolas could feel dread well up. Too far away they were from the shore and their attacker had risen completely from the water now, its cold eyes looking at them. Another arm lounged at him and quickly the elf raised his knife, slicing into it. He could see Gimli using the elven blade in defending himself as several tentacles moved on him at once. Handling the unfamiliar weapon with not quite as much ease as his axe the dwarf cut one off and the severed arm fell into the water, floating there. No blood came from the wound and the shortened arm withdraw for a moment to attack again only moments later. Gimli tried to sidestep another attack but this time his movements were too slow and one tentacle wrapped around his left arm. With a sudden jolt he was pulled up, the creature showing a frightening strength. A terrible pain shoot through his arm and a cry of pain escaped him. For a moment it felt as if his arm was ripped off his body and it took all his willpower to not pass out. Being pulled closer to the ugly head and the open mouth showing sharp fangs Gimli desperately sliced at the arm holding him captive despite the wracks of pain shooting through him at every movement. But fear and desperation gave him strength to try and free himself.
Rain had started to fall in earnest and water was pouring down on them hindering the sight of those who were fighting for their lives.
Hearing his friend's cry Legolas tried to come to his aid but was blocked by several more arms. Only his speed although hindered by the water saved him from a similar fate than Gimli. A quick glance showed him the dwarf hanging from the monsters grasp, his arm looking strangely twisted. Fury flared as well as fear for his friend and defending himself turned into an attack as he tried to reach Gimli. Maybe his sudden change from backing away to charging forward took the monster by surprise but he was able to pass the flailing tentacles. The creature had come as close to the shallow water as it could and so he needed only a few steps to get close enough. With all his strength he directed his blade at the tentacle that held Gimli. It was thick and he was not able to cut through it but the creature's arms seemed to be more sensitive to pain so close to the body for it let out a screeching sound and with a sudden movement it flung the dwarf away to turn its full attention on the one that had hurt it.
Legolas saw Gimli being flung into the water behind the monster and knew a moment of utter despair. This was not the calm water they had chosen to cross the river but much closer to the waterfall and even from this distance he could see the strong current there. Ducking and slicing he tried to back away from the creature again, casting desperate glances at the place where Gimli had disappeared under the water. Sidestepping another attack and letting his knife dance he felt immense relief when he saw movement there as Gimli resurfaced again. The last glimpse he caught of his friend told him that he was obviously fighting and loosing against the strong current as it dragged him away towards the waterfall.
Too many arms it were for him to fight off all of them and finally one managed to wrap itself around his waist, pulling him off his feet and squeezing him with terrible strength, driving the breath from his body. His knife freed him quickly only to find another tentacle slipping around his chest. Sudden fear gripped him as he found himself unable to breath as the strong grip intensified even further. His blood started to roar in his ears. Too many tentacles to slice at and his strength was waning as he fought the crushing grip. Having seen the involuntary reaction of the monster to pain he choose another way of action, hoping he was right. Using all his remaining strength he let his knife fly, aiming at the creatures body right below the terribly mouth.
This time the screeching sound was even louder and he found himself flung away like Gimli had been. He felt the tiniest spark of satisfaction at hearing the sound of pain. Then he hit the ground with cruel force and could not suppress a cry of his own. He had not hit the water like his friend but the hard ground and rocks of the shore. For a moment he was unable to move as agony flared through him. He lay dazed, rain pouring down on him. Only the will to survive and the knowledge of holding no weapon against this creature anymore brought him to open his eyes.
It was advancing again and he forced himself to hands and knees and crawled further away, not even bothering to try getting to his feet. The tentacles followed him and even through the thick rain could he see the dark eyes staring at him, full of hate. When he was far enough away that its attempts to reach him were fruitless he collapsed down to the ground again. He was utterly drenched and could not name one part of his body that did not hurt. Weariness filled him as the high of the fight started to fade, leaving only utterly exhaustion.
Looking up again he found it had stopped to grab for him but was still watching him. Letting his head fall down on his hands he noticed absentmindedly that they were smeared with blood. With a groan of pain he forced himself to roll away further from the shore just to make sure. Laying on his back he stared up into the sky, water hitting his face. The rain was still falling as if nothing had happened.
Gimli.
He had to get up and look for Gimli.
The thought was enough to get him to try to move but flaring pain in his chest forced him down again. For a moment he forced his body to relax and concentrated trying to assess the damage to his body. His chest hurt from the grip of the monster as well as the impact. Several other places hurt as well.
The realisation that he was in no shape to get to his feet and look for his friend brought a wave of despair. He had to find Gimli. Another stubborn try to get to his feet succeeded but only for the shortest time. Dizziness and pain won quickly and he was forced to lay down again. The rational part of his mind told him to stay here and rest. He would recover quickly due to his elven healing abilities. Then he could go and find Gimli.
And the part of his mind that feared deeply for his friend's life quickly lost the struggle against weariness and pain and he slipped into a state somewhere between unconsciousness and exhausted sleep.
---
Hello everybody! Still reading this story? Well, thanks for doing that & special thanks for reviewing.
This is a short chapter but as some of you asked for more, I did not want you having to wait too long for an update…
_______________________
Slowly they made their way into the water. The feeling of unease still remained in the back of Legolas' mind. But then every time he caught sight of water there was a tingle inside of him that could develop into a growing ache of longing. The sight of the river had once more awakened the memory of the salty tinge of the sea, the cries of the gulls. He was still able to push it away into the back of his mind but it cost him some strength, sometimes more then he would like to admit. And his strength was not fully restored yet, the visit to Moria had drained him. Even those last days with only a few hours underground had been hard on him although he hid it from Gimli. He did not want to show his weakness to the dwarf, no matter how close their friendship had become.
His fingers touched the surface of the water and for a moment the longing was there, so strong it overwhelmed him.
A drop of water landing on his face shook him out of it. It felt like waking from a dream as he raised his eyes again from the silver surface of the river to take in his surroundings. It had not lasted for more than a second but he felt like a great fight had taken place.
Drops of rain were slowly falling around them, telling him they had found this place not a moment too early. If rain should fall as the dark skies promised the river would swell and would become impossible to pass.
The water was getting deeper, far more quickly than he had anticipated. They were still far from the middle and it already reached his hip. Looking sideways he noticed that Gimli was starting to have troubles with walking in the water. His statue much shorter than the elf's he was at a noticeable disadvantage here.
A sudden change in the ground made Legolas stop, his arm halting Gimli's next step.
'It's getting deep here.' He explained and took the one step he knew would bring him over the edge he could feel beneath his feet.
Gimli watched patiently as the elf took one more step and disappeared under water. Only seconds later he resurfaced, his long hair plastered to his head.
'Quite deep.' Legolas corrected himself.
With envy Gimli noticed that he seemed to need only the barest of movement to stay afloat as if the elf was able to float on water as well as walking on snow.
'We need to swim.' Legolas smiled at him as if he had read his thoughts.
'Obviously.' Gimli sighed. 'Your power of observation is astonishing as always.'
'You do know how to swim, do you master dwarf? I would not have you sinking like one of this stones you are so fond of.'
A snort and a scowl were his answer.
Legolas only grinned as he returned to Gimli's side and found ground under his feet again. He turned to Arod who stood still, waiting for his masters command. He was about to tell him to follow him as the horse with a sudden whine of fear bolted away, back towards the shore. Quickly Legolas turned, the feeling of danger suddenly intensifying.
'Gimli! Behind you, beware!'
The warning made the dwarf's head spin around, taking in the danger behind him. The water made his movement slow and sluggish.
Gimli's hands closed around the handle of his axe still fixed to Selena's back as she bolted after Arod, sudden terror stronger than her loyalty to her master. The sudden jolt brought the dwarf into the deeper water and he lost his grip on his axe as well as the secure feeling of ground beneath his feet. In a very undignified splash he disappeared.
Under normal circumstances this rather comic scene would have made Legolas laugh, but right now his eyes were glued to the snakelike being that had risen from underneath the water's surface. It's movements were slow almost tentatively as it crept closer.
Spluttering Gimli's head appeared again as the dwarf tried to find his feet again still not fully realizing what had just happened.
The snakelike being stilled its movement for a moment. Then with sudden speed it turned towards Gimli.
With a cry Legolas finally moved as he saw it advancing on his unaware and defenceless friend. Gimli turned in time to see it coming at him but was powerless to stop it. He held no weapon as his axe was still on Selena's back and he could still not find ground beneath his feet to stand on. A slimy but strong grip closed around his neck and with a strangled cry he stopped his swimming movements and brought both of his arms up to fight it off.
Legolas lunged forward drawing one of his knives. It sliced into the being cutting right through. But he lost his footing in the process and found himself forced to use his left arm in swimming motions to stay over water.
The grip around Gimli's neck suddenly loosened and he was able to pull the disgusting thing off. Trading water he gasped for air.
For a long moment silence fell as they both tried to stay over water, only the sound of their sharp breathing breaking the silence. Somehow Legolas had the sick feeling he had encountered this being before. A short glance shared with his friend told him he felt the same. A second before the memory came the water around them exploded in sudden movement.
As several snakelike arms raised both knew where they had encountered a thing like this before: the watcher in the lake in front of the door to Moria.
Still gripping his knife Legolas realised that while still in deep the water they would barely stand a chance against this creature while being forced to swim.
'To the shore!' he yelled. He knew Gimli had no weapon so he tried to stay between the dwarf and their attacker, slicing at the arms that came too close. For a moment they seemed to retreat and he moved to follow his companion.
Gimli could feel ground beneath his feet again. A quick glance told him his friend was right behind him. Extending a strong hand he got a grip on the elf's tunic and hauled him up next to him.
Legolas pressed the hilt of his blade into Gimli's hand. With his left hand he had already drawn his second knife from the sheath on his back.
The water hindered their escape slowing down their movements considerably as they backed away, never taking their eyes of the creature that had started to rise more and more from the water, its ugly head already appearing. They had taken no more than two steps as several arms lunged for them. They ducked away reacting more out of instinct then anything else. One arm hit Gimli in the side and with a strangled cry he lost his balance, falling forward into the water. Before the arm could grab him Legolas' knife was there, effectively blocking the assault. Daring a look behind while Gimli got to his feet Legolas could feel dread well up. Too far away they were from the shore and their attacker had risen completely from the water now, its cold eyes looking at them. Another arm lounged at him and quickly the elf raised his knife, slicing into it. He could see Gimli using the elven blade in defending himself as several tentacles moved on him at once. Handling the unfamiliar weapon with not quite as much ease as his axe the dwarf cut one off and the severed arm fell into the water, floating there. No blood came from the wound and the shortened arm withdraw for a moment to attack again only moments later. Gimli tried to sidestep another attack but this time his movements were too slow and one tentacle wrapped around his left arm. With a sudden jolt he was pulled up, the creature showing a frightening strength. A terrible pain shoot through his arm and a cry of pain escaped him. For a moment it felt as if his arm was ripped off his body and it took all his willpower to not pass out. Being pulled closer to the ugly head and the open mouth showing sharp fangs Gimli desperately sliced at the arm holding him captive despite the wracks of pain shooting through him at every movement. But fear and desperation gave him strength to try and free himself.
Rain had started to fall in earnest and water was pouring down on them hindering the sight of those who were fighting for their lives.
Hearing his friend's cry Legolas tried to come to his aid but was blocked by several more arms. Only his speed although hindered by the water saved him from a similar fate than Gimli. A quick glance showed him the dwarf hanging from the monsters grasp, his arm looking strangely twisted. Fury flared as well as fear for his friend and defending himself turned into an attack as he tried to reach Gimli. Maybe his sudden change from backing away to charging forward took the monster by surprise but he was able to pass the flailing tentacles. The creature had come as close to the shallow water as it could and so he needed only a few steps to get close enough. With all his strength he directed his blade at the tentacle that held Gimli. It was thick and he was not able to cut through it but the creature's arms seemed to be more sensitive to pain so close to the body for it let out a screeching sound and with a sudden movement it flung the dwarf away to turn its full attention on the one that had hurt it.
Legolas saw Gimli being flung into the water behind the monster and knew a moment of utter despair. This was not the calm water they had chosen to cross the river but much closer to the waterfall and even from this distance he could see the strong current there. Ducking and slicing he tried to back away from the creature again, casting desperate glances at the place where Gimli had disappeared under the water. Sidestepping another attack and letting his knife dance he felt immense relief when he saw movement there as Gimli resurfaced again. The last glimpse he caught of his friend told him that he was obviously fighting and loosing against the strong current as it dragged him away towards the waterfall.
Too many arms it were for him to fight off all of them and finally one managed to wrap itself around his waist, pulling him off his feet and squeezing him with terrible strength, driving the breath from his body. His knife freed him quickly only to find another tentacle slipping around his chest. Sudden fear gripped him as he found himself unable to breath as the strong grip intensified even further. His blood started to roar in his ears. Too many tentacles to slice at and his strength was waning as he fought the crushing grip. Having seen the involuntary reaction of the monster to pain he choose another way of action, hoping he was right. Using all his remaining strength he let his knife fly, aiming at the creatures body right below the terribly mouth.
This time the screeching sound was even louder and he found himself flung away like Gimli had been. He felt the tiniest spark of satisfaction at hearing the sound of pain. Then he hit the ground with cruel force and could not suppress a cry of his own. He had not hit the water like his friend but the hard ground and rocks of the shore. For a moment he was unable to move as agony flared through him. He lay dazed, rain pouring down on him. Only the will to survive and the knowledge of holding no weapon against this creature anymore brought him to open his eyes.
It was advancing again and he forced himself to hands and knees and crawled further away, not even bothering to try getting to his feet. The tentacles followed him and even through the thick rain could he see the dark eyes staring at him, full of hate. When he was far enough away that its attempts to reach him were fruitless he collapsed down to the ground again. He was utterly drenched and could not name one part of his body that did not hurt. Weariness filled him as the high of the fight started to fade, leaving only utterly exhaustion.
Looking up again he found it had stopped to grab for him but was still watching him. Letting his head fall down on his hands he noticed absentmindedly that they were smeared with blood. With a groan of pain he forced himself to roll away further from the shore just to make sure. Laying on his back he stared up into the sky, water hitting his face. The rain was still falling as if nothing had happened.
Gimli.
He had to get up and look for Gimli.
The thought was enough to get him to try to move but flaring pain in his chest forced him down again. For a moment he forced his body to relax and concentrated trying to assess the damage to his body. His chest hurt from the grip of the monster as well as the impact. Several other places hurt as well.
The realisation that he was in no shape to get to his feet and look for his friend brought a wave of despair. He had to find Gimli. Another stubborn try to get to his feet succeeded but only for the shortest time. Dizziness and pain won quickly and he was forced to lay down again. The rational part of his mind told him to stay here and rest. He would recover quickly due to his elven healing abilities. Then he could go and find Gimli.
And the part of his mind that feared deeply for his friend's life quickly lost the struggle against weariness and pain and he slipped into a state somewhere between unconsciousness and exhausted sleep.
---
