I am so sorry for updating so late! :(
Once again, thank you to everyone who is sticking with this story! (And thanks to Oblivian03 for helping me figure out some tricky details.)
Enjoy!
Kíli roamed through the darkened maze of corridors that made up the dungeon. It was strange, the young Dwarf mused, that there were no guards, no one in sight in fact. Where were their captors? Were they not worried about an escape? Kíli stopped in his tracks, having reached a fork in the path. Looking left then right, a humorless smile tugged at the corners of his lips. They did not have to worry about escapes, anyone trying to get out would just get lost in the winding passageways as Kíli currently found himself. Deciding to go right with a shrug, Kíli took a step but paused mid-stride. Turning around slowly, the young archer looked down the other corridor. He could not explain it, but the Dwarf felt that he should go that way. It was like he was being drawn down that hall. Without a second thought, Kíli turned around and headed to where he was being summoned.
As Kíli traversed the winding halls he let the strange feeling guide him. It was almost as if he was being beckoned, but where? The young archer could not even begin to guess. Another troubled thought crossed the Dwarf's mind, how was he ever going to find his way back to the Company? Kíli quickly pushed that thought aside, he would have to deal with it later.
Kíli paused in his tracks—what was he doing? He was walking into an unknown situation, alone, unarmed, and… unafraid? Either Kíli had changed drastically, for it had been drilled into his mind from a young age not to walk into an unknown situation unarmed, or something—or someone— was messing with his mind. Whatever the reason someone had better offer some answers.
Continuing around yet another corner Kíli could see a stairwell winding upwards, presumably heading out of the dungeon. "Well, at least I am making some sort of progress." the young archer muttered under his breath.
Before he could reach the stone stairs something in the cell to his left caught the archer's eye. Moving closer to the barred window Kíli could barely contain his shock as he saw the strange beings that had captured the Company. Only they were locked in a cell! The beings were just sitting there, unmoving, staring into space—they did not try to communicate to each other or move about.
What in all of Middle Earth was going on?
Kíli clutched his head in despair and slid down the wall to the floor. This was too much for Kíli to even begin to comprehend.
How long Kíli sat there willing it all away, wishing to wake up from this horrid nightmare, the young archer did not know, but he soon had the distinct feeling that he was being watched. Lifting his head slowly the Dwarf visibly startled as his eyes landed on a lone figure standing directly in front of him.
Seeing the distress of the young Dwarf the figure quickly took a few steps back, hands raised in a non-threatening manner. "I apologize for startling you." came a sweetly musical voice.
"You… you can see me?" questioned the flabbergasted Dwarf, scrambling to his feet
A sad smile tugged at peach lips. "Yes." There was a pause as the two studied each other.
The figure before Kíli was definitely an Elf, he concluded, although the she-Elf stood only a head taller than the Dwarf—much too short for an Elf, but what did Kíli know? He had never encountered one before. However it was her pointed ears and lean body that gave her race away. The Elf's sandy-colored hair was pulled back into a simple braid lying delicately over her left shoulder, tied with a dull-green ribbon. Her clothing was simple, more practical than elegant, consisting of a dark brown tunic over a pure white blouse paired with green leggings and tall leather boots. With a cloak to cover her hair the Elf could easily blend into nature, Kíli mused.
Kíli snapped from his thoughts as the she-Elf broke the silence. "What is your name, young one?" Kíli noted a deep sadness that sparkled in her emerald eyes as if those simple words caused the deepest pain.
Standing a little taller the young archer remembered his manners. "Kíli, at your service." he concluded with a bow.
"Kíli." she breathed as if that one word was the most precious thing in the whole world. "Kíli, it is a wonderful name, never forget it."
"I… will not." he replied, unsure of what else to say.
The sad smile returned to the fair creature's features.
"And, who might you be?"
There was a slight pause. "It has been so long I do not remember anymore."
"So long since what, if you do not mind my asking."
She gestured to the cell containing the dirtied creatures. "Since the separation. Your name is the first thing you lose—your identity. Then sometime later your language, then all the memories of before the attack until all you know is pain, suffering, and a deep desperation."
Kíli could only stare at the fair she-Elf, not fully comprehending her words.
Smiling sympathetically the Elf took Kíli by the arm. "Come, I will explain."
Before they could take two steps a blinding pain shot through Kíli, causing a gasp to escape his lips as he fell to his knees, his descent aided by the surprisingly strong arms of the Elf.
"It is alright, you will be okay, this will pass." the she-Elf soothed, rubbing gentle circles on his back in a motherly fashion. "Just breath through it, this pain will pass."
True to her words the pain eventually diminished. Catching his breath Kíli asked, "What happened?"
Instead of answering his question the Elf asked one of her own. "How long ago were you shot?"
"Maybe a day or two ago, but how did you know I was shot?"
"That is how you got here; you were shot with a poisoned arrow. As for what happened, you are still connected with your body, only barely. Someone must be tending to your wounds. However, with time, that connection will be lost."
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
Taking Kíli's arm once again she guided them both to their feet. "Come. I will explain."
Author's Note: Hmmmm... can this she-Elf be trusted? Kili seems to think so...
Please, pretty please, do review! I love to hear your thoughts, they are a great encouragement! (And how else am I supposed to grow as a writer without feedback?) :)
