----
Finally another chapter … sorry it took so long but I spent two weeks in Italy without phone or internet… I suffered severe lotr withdrawal there!!!
thanks for the many reviews I received for the last chapter!
So, on with the story…
----
Rain fell on the unmoving form of the elf as he slept for hours, not even wakening as a figure bent over him and touched his arm for a short moment before it disappeared again. Only slowly the downpour lessened to a trickle and finally stopped.
When Legolas woke he knew that hours had passed. His ribs still hurt, the merciless grip of the monster had bruised them badly and the hard impact had injured them further, maybe even cracked a few. Even for an elf this would need time to heal. The pain in the rest of his body were the sharp edge of the rocks had torn through clothing and skin had lessened. Looking down he sighed at the sight of his torn and stained clothes. They were covered in mud as well as dried blood.
Movement behind him made him get to his feet much faster than he had intended, and for a moment his vision blurred as his hands reached for weapons that were not there. He relaxed as he caught sight of Arod, standing there a few feet away. The horse looked pensive, almost afraid to come closer.
Legolas extended a hand softly calling his name. With a soft snicker Arod came closer and he gently petted his nose, telling him he did not begrudge him his terrified flight. He was relieved to find his bow still secured to the horse's back. He felt a lot better holding the familiar weapon in his hands again.
Looking around he noticed Selena standing not far away and a feeling of dread welled up. He could see the armor and axe she still carried. So Gimli had not found his way back here.
The surface of the river was calm again, showing no sign of the fight that had taken place here only hours ago. Legolas stepped to the water, his eyes scanning the calm surface. A twinkle breaking through the surface draw the elf's attention and he stepped closer, trying to make out the source of it. His sharp eyes made out the contours of the object laying in the river. With a relief he realized it to be his own knife reflecting the last rays of the sun, calling out to him. He retrieved it quickly, remaining in the dangerous water for only a few heartbeats. Then he stood, waiting but nothing stirred. Daylight was fading and the elf decided to loose no more precious time in looking for his friend.
Gimli's arm had looked twisted as he had been hanging from the monster's grasp and Legolas doubted he had been able to swim for long injured like this.
He only took the time to unload the horses so if Gimli made his way back here he would find the makeshift camp and wait for his return.
'Stay here, Arod.' He whispered to the horse before turning away. His sharp elven eyes searched the shore carefully on both sides of the river hoping to find anything. The rain had most probably washed away any tale telling signs but he knew that if he had reached the shore Gimli would stay close to the river or even try to return to the place they had been parted so he looked closely nevertheless. But he had soon passed the waterfall and although he walked slowly he got further and further away from the place of the fight and his hope slowly turned to fear. More then once he stopped, kneeling on the ground but the traces he found never fit those a dwarf would make.
After almost two hours the river widened to a small lake. For the first time there was no strong current, the water was calm. It would have been a beautiful place but for once the elf did not take in his surroundings with his usual enthusiasm. All his eyes were looking for was any trace of his friend.
He knew that this was his last hope. He had walked much further than he believed the injured dwarf had managed to swim, even with the strong current. But than Gimli had shown an astonishing level of endurance before. But here in the calm water of the small lake the dwarf must have been able to reach the shore. If he did not make it here then he had not made it anywhere.
Slowly he circled this side of the lake until he reached its end where it narrowed down to a river again. More than once he stopped and listened but only the sounds of night reached his ear. No sign of a living being that did not belong in this surroundings.
With a sigh he secured his bow safely on his back before stepping into the water. His clothes had barely dried and although he was not as sensitive to cold or wetness as mortals he still disliked the discomfort of damp clothing. But if he wanted to search the other side he had no choice but to swim there. For a moment the images of another of this creatures waiting for him in the unknown depths of this lake welled up but he forced them down. There was no use in fearing something he did not know about. And he needed to find Gimli.
His rips protested painfully against the strain of swimming but he ignored it. But it took him longer to reach the other shore than it would usually have.
A little bit out of breath he waded out of the water, annoyed at his weakened state. As soon as he had found the dwarf he would take him to one of the nearby villages to have his arm taken care of and some rest. And being dry for a change would be nice too.
Half an hour later he had to admit to himself that there was no sign of his friend on this shore of the lake either. He fought down the despair and fear welling up deep within him. It could not be. Gimli must have reached the shore earlier on this side of the river. He had missed the tracks. Wearily he made his way back to the place of the fight slowly, eyes darting around to find what he must have missed.
Almost three hours later he reached the place where they would have left the river had they managed to cross it safely. Nothing he had found to tell him about his friends whereabouts and in the dim light of dawn he could see the horses on the other side just as he had left them. Gimli had not returned on his own. The bitter truth was slowly forming in his mind.
Gimli was lost.
Sudden despair and grief welled up as he sank to the ground. For long moments he sat there, his head on his knees, unmoving. Like waves the pain of grief washed over him as he finally admitted to himself what he could no longer deny.
When finally he raised his head again tears dried on his cheeks and cold fury had replaced the anguish in his wide eyes. He had not been able to save his friend but avenge him he could do.
He took of his green tunic and folded it neatly before laying it down on the ground. His movements were calm but spoke of a grim determination. The elf that stepped now closer to the water, scanning it with cold eyes held no resemblance any more with the light hearted elf that had raced his friend to the shore only hours ago. A fierce warrior he was with an expression of cold hatred in his eyes and hands that clutched his bow tightly holding one arrow ready.
Nothing stirred in the water, the first daylight reflecting on its calm surface. A beautiful and peaceful sight, hardly disturbed by the quiet movements as Legolas slowly stepped into the river. The water here got deeper much quicker than on the other side. Legolas stopped after a few steps, the water almost up to his hips.
Nothing stirred.
'Come on.' He whispered, waiting.
Nothing.
With an exasperated sigh he put the arrow back into his quiver and left the water to pick up some stones. He slowly returned to the water the bow slung over his shoulder. He aimed the stones at what seemed to be the deepest part of the river, throwing them with all his strength and pent up anger while he slowly stepped back into the water.
The first one had no effect but to disturb the quiet surface. The next ones seemed to achieve little more and Legolas paused, waging the last stone in his hand, carefully watching the waters. He noticed a ripple in the surface that had not been caused by a stone and a grim smile crossed his face. After throwing the stone carefully at exactly this place the elf quickly readied his bow, waiting. He could make out the center of disturbances and sent an arrow flying not really expecting it to hit his target but to provoke it enough to attack.
The disturbances intensified only to die down again.
Another arrow had no more effect than the one before. He could make out the movement under the water but the beast did not show itself.
Legolas stepped deeper, thinking rapidly of how to provoke it further. It was wounded and therefore probably more careful to attack. He needed a bait. Now as he thought about it he realized for the first time the lack of life around this place. The thing in the water had most likely killed anything that came close enough and now this place was avoided by any living being. Not even fish he could make out in the water.
It had to be hungry.
But it was wounded and would not dare to attack an healthy opponent like it had done the day before.
An idea formed. If it worked with wargs it could work here too.
Keeping bow and arrow in his left hand he draw his knife. He extended his left arm and brought the silver blade down in on swift movement, cutting into his forearm. Bright blood welled up und run down his arm and fingers, hitting the silver surface of the river in thick drops. By the time he had sheathed the knife again the bleeding had already died down as his natural healing abilities kicked in. For one quick moment Legolas submerged his arm into the water, cleaning it of blood. Then he stood and watched as the red spots of blood in the water slowly swirled away towards the middle of the river to be taken with the current.
Then he started to move in the water, taking a few steps forward and backwards careful to never get too deep. The bow was ready in his hands and his eyes never left the place he suspected the beast to hide. The blood had mixed with the water too much to be seen any more but he was sure this beast would be able to make it out. It would think him wounded and hopefully the taste of blood would arouse its hunger for more.
It took some time but Legolas did not loose patience, taking care of disturbing the water to draw attention.
This time the attack came all of a sudden without any warning. The water exploded in sudden movement as countless arms swung out at once, aiming at the elf. He rapidly loosened his bow, firing several arrows while ducking and evading the tentacles that came too close. His movements were quick as he used all his elven agility to escape the monster's grasp and wound it as much as possible. He was ready to discharge his bow in favor to his long knife when the bow was ripped from his hands with a strength that made him stumble. With lightning speed he recoiled, knife already in hand.
A spectator would have had trouble to make out much more than a blur from the fighting elf. Even waist deep in water Legolas' movements were faster than a mortal eye could follow and the beast in the water could not get a grasp on him. This time the elf was not distracted by his concern for a friend and cold fury directed his fighting as he slashed and cut at his enemy, severing and wounding its tentacles.
The fight came to a sudden halt when the beast retreated. Legolas first impulse was to follow but the water soon reached his chest and he stepped back, watching it closely. The head had appeared above water now and once more he could see its cold, dark eyes starring at him. He held its stare unwavering. His bow was gone, his chance to kill it from afar with it. Throwing the knife was out of question so all he could do was wait.
Had he been not blinded by anger and grief Legolas would most probably not have done what he did next. But for once in his long life his actions were solely directed by emotion. All he wanted to do was lash out, hurt this monster as much as he himself hurt right now. Kill it like it had killed Gimli.
So when another attack came he evaded a few arms until one of them started to wrap itself around his waist. Instead of fighting it off he allowed the tentacle to wrap around him, only slashing at anything else that came too close. He felt a breathtaking tightening and then he was roughly lifted. For one moment he lost his breath. He could feel a slimy liquid soaking through his thin shirt where the arm held him tightly. A burning sensation became a searing pain and he deeply regretted that he had taken off his tunic. It might have hindered his movement in the water but it would have shielded him from the acid liquid burning his skin now. His right hand still clutched his knife as he suddenly went still and limp in the merciless grip that brought him closer and closer to the ugly head and the huge mouth filled with sharp teeth. For a moment the beast hesitated as all resistance suddenly stopped. Then with another movement it brought its victim closer. For one moment he was right in front of its ugly head, almost eye to eye with it. A breathtaking stench rose as it opened its mouth wide, ready to tear into the unmoving body in its grasp. Then, with lightening speed Legolas' knife came up, burying itself deep in the monster's left eye.
He had intended to not let go of it this time, but he could not hold onto it as once more he was flung away as the beast screeched in agony, its arms flailing.
Legolas had expected this reaction and was prepared for the hard landing. His side collided with the sharp sledge on the other side of the river where the water suddenly became deep. Gasping he forced himself up and to his feet again, ignoring the pain he felt. All his intentions were directed at the monster and killing it.
It was beyond reason with pain, using one of its tentacles to rip out the knife and flung it away. It landed in the water, too far away for Legolas to reach. Dark blood welled from the deep wound, coloring the water. Its good eye searched its surroundings and fastened on Legolas. The elf quickly backed away as it started to move towards him. His eyes darted around, looking for something he could use as a weapon. His eyes fell on the horses. They had backed away from the water but were still there.
His eyes returned to the beast that was already coming dangerously close. A grim smile crossed his face once more as he turned and run. His flight enraged the beast even more and it followed him as far as it could until the water became too shallow.
Legolas reached the horses but he did not turn to them but bowed and lifted something from the ground. Holding Gimli's axe tightly in his hands he slowly turned back to face his foe.
With calm steps he returned to the water, shifting the unfamiliar weapon in his hands to get used to its feeling. Half blind the monster's attempts to grab for him were much easier to dodge and with cold determination the elf closed the distance between them. Only a few steps away he stopped for a moment, once more seizing up his opponent. The moment it reached out once more for him he moved. It had no chance as the elf passed by its tentacles with astonishing speed and with one swift movement brought the axe down.
This time there was no screech. It died the instance the axe cut through it's head and deep into its brain.
Forcing the axe out of the deep wound Legolas stumbled back, his breath coming in short gasps. He backed away until there was no more water around his feet. Only then did he turn and slowly walked back to the horses. Carefully he lowered the axe back to the ground, next to the rest of Gimli's belongings.
Then he himself sank to the ground.
For a long time he simply sat, not moving, his eyes far away. Killing the beast had rid him of some of his anger but not of the anguish he felt. The rush of adrenaline the battle had brought was fading and left him drained. Only when a cold nose nuzzled the side of his face did he stir. Turning his head he found himself looking into Selena's dark eyes.
'I am sorry, little one.' He whispered as he slowly forced himself to his feet. For a moment he petted her, rubbing her behind the ears. Then he turned to Arod, loading Gimli's belongings on his back.
A few minutes later he was mounted and ready to go. Selena moved to follow Arod just like she had always done.
'You are free now, little one.' The words softly spoken in elvish did not stop her and Legolas gave her a sad smile. If she wished to come with him he would not stop her. But he doubted that she would ever again allow anybody to ride her. As Gimli had only ever learned the elvish way of riding she would not accept a saddle anymore.
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Haldir of Lorien had long ago stopped to ask his Lady's intentions when she sent him on a mission. So he had not wondered but only summoned two other elves and ridden to the south of Lorien just as she told him to. They had set up camp there and roamed the surroundings, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Everything seemed peaceful and undisturbed and on the third day he found the other two elves getting restless.
'When are we to return, Haldir?'
'When the time is right.'
The younger elf that had asked the question sighed and wandered away again. Sometimes Haldir seemed to him no easier to read than the Lady herself.
A shrill whistle came from the trees where the third of their small company held watch. The two elves quickly seized their weapons and mounted their horses to join their companion.
'A rider is approaching. An elf, but not of Lorien.' He called out to them as he swiftly climbed down the tree he had been perched on to land on his horse's back.
'Stay back.' Haldir ordered as he stirred his mount to leave the protective shelter of trees. He could see the rider coming closer, a spare horse trailing after him. He seemed familiar to the Lorien elf and after a few seconds he recognized the rider.
A smile broke out on his face and he put his bow away. A short whistle told his companions to join him as he extended one arm to wave a greeting.
'Who is this?'
'Legolas of Mirkwood.' Haldir answered, a frown on his face. His greeting seemed to have gone unnoticed. In fact the other elf seemed to not notice them at all.
'Legolas!' he called out.
This time he could see a reaction as Legolas' head came up, searching his surroundings. He could make out the three riders not too far away from him and his bow came up, an arrow notched within the blink of an eye. But at the same moment he recognized Haldir and relaxed.
The guardian watched as Legolas spurred his horse on to meet them, his concern growing. Something was not right, he could see the lines of exhaustion on the wood elf's face as he came nearer as well as something else. But only when their eyes met he realized what it was that shadowed the other's eyes. Grief.
'Hail, Legolas. What brings you here?' he asked, noticing a bruise marring the side of his face and the torn and stained clothes. The youngest son of Thandruil looked like he had gone through a fight with a Balrog.
For a moment Legolas just stared at him trying to find words.
'Hail Haldir.' He finally said, his voice lacking any of its usual life and merriment. 'I am on my way to Minas Tirith. And no good news are what I carry for Gimli, son of Gloin has perished.'
His words came as a shock to Haldir. The unusual friendship between the son of Thandruil and the son of Gloin was as famous as it was unique. He himself had been witness to the first forming of their deep bond. But it explained the deep anguish he could see in the dark eyes of Legolas.
'How did this happen?'
In meager words Legolas told his story, not ready to dwell in details. It pained him too much to form more than a few simple words to tell of Gimli's fate.
The Lorien elf tried to persuade Legolas to join them and take some rest in the depths of the woods of Lothlorien. But Legolas refused any offer and finally Haldir was forced to let him go.
'Be well Legolas.' He murmured as he watched the lone figure riding away, the grief he carried painfully apparent.
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Finally another chapter … sorry it took so long but I spent two weeks in Italy without phone or internet… I suffered severe lotr withdrawal there!!!
thanks for the many reviews I received for the last chapter!
So, on with the story…
----
Rain fell on the unmoving form of the elf as he slept for hours, not even wakening as a figure bent over him and touched his arm for a short moment before it disappeared again. Only slowly the downpour lessened to a trickle and finally stopped.
When Legolas woke he knew that hours had passed. His ribs still hurt, the merciless grip of the monster had bruised them badly and the hard impact had injured them further, maybe even cracked a few. Even for an elf this would need time to heal. The pain in the rest of his body were the sharp edge of the rocks had torn through clothing and skin had lessened. Looking down he sighed at the sight of his torn and stained clothes. They were covered in mud as well as dried blood.
Movement behind him made him get to his feet much faster than he had intended, and for a moment his vision blurred as his hands reached for weapons that were not there. He relaxed as he caught sight of Arod, standing there a few feet away. The horse looked pensive, almost afraid to come closer.
Legolas extended a hand softly calling his name. With a soft snicker Arod came closer and he gently petted his nose, telling him he did not begrudge him his terrified flight. He was relieved to find his bow still secured to the horse's back. He felt a lot better holding the familiar weapon in his hands again.
Looking around he noticed Selena standing not far away and a feeling of dread welled up. He could see the armor and axe she still carried. So Gimli had not found his way back here.
The surface of the river was calm again, showing no sign of the fight that had taken place here only hours ago. Legolas stepped to the water, his eyes scanning the calm surface. A twinkle breaking through the surface draw the elf's attention and he stepped closer, trying to make out the source of it. His sharp eyes made out the contours of the object laying in the river. With a relief he realized it to be his own knife reflecting the last rays of the sun, calling out to him. He retrieved it quickly, remaining in the dangerous water for only a few heartbeats. Then he stood, waiting but nothing stirred. Daylight was fading and the elf decided to loose no more precious time in looking for his friend.
Gimli's arm had looked twisted as he had been hanging from the monster's grasp and Legolas doubted he had been able to swim for long injured like this.
He only took the time to unload the horses so if Gimli made his way back here he would find the makeshift camp and wait for his return.
'Stay here, Arod.' He whispered to the horse before turning away. His sharp elven eyes searched the shore carefully on both sides of the river hoping to find anything. The rain had most probably washed away any tale telling signs but he knew that if he had reached the shore Gimli would stay close to the river or even try to return to the place they had been parted so he looked closely nevertheless. But he had soon passed the waterfall and although he walked slowly he got further and further away from the place of the fight and his hope slowly turned to fear. More then once he stopped, kneeling on the ground but the traces he found never fit those a dwarf would make.
After almost two hours the river widened to a small lake. For the first time there was no strong current, the water was calm. It would have been a beautiful place but for once the elf did not take in his surroundings with his usual enthusiasm. All his eyes were looking for was any trace of his friend.
He knew that this was his last hope. He had walked much further than he believed the injured dwarf had managed to swim, even with the strong current. But than Gimli had shown an astonishing level of endurance before. But here in the calm water of the small lake the dwarf must have been able to reach the shore. If he did not make it here then he had not made it anywhere.
Slowly he circled this side of the lake until he reached its end where it narrowed down to a river again. More than once he stopped and listened but only the sounds of night reached his ear. No sign of a living being that did not belong in this surroundings.
With a sigh he secured his bow safely on his back before stepping into the water. His clothes had barely dried and although he was not as sensitive to cold or wetness as mortals he still disliked the discomfort of damp clothing. But if he wanted to search the other side he had no choice but to swim there. For a moment the images of another of this creatures waiting for him in the unknown depths of this lake welled up but he forced them down. There was no use in fearing something he did not know about. And he needed to find Gimli.
His rips protested painfully against the strain of swimming but he ignored it. But it took him longer to reach the other shore than it would usually have.
A little bit out of breath he waded out of the water, annoyed at his weakened state. As soon as he had found the dwarf he would take him to one of the nearby villages to have his arm taken care of and some rest. And being dry for a change would be nice too.
Half an hour later he had to admit to himself that there was no sign of his friend on this shore of the lake either. He fought down the despair and fear welling up deep within him. It could not be. Gimli must have reached the shore earlier on this side of the river. He had missed the tracks. Wearily he made his way back to the place of the fight slowly, eyes darting around to find what he must have missed.
Almost three hours later he reached the place where they would have left the river had they managed to cross it safely. Nothing he had found to tell him about his friends whereabouts and in the dim light of dawn he could see the horses on the other side just as he had left them. Gimli had not returned on his own. The bitter truth was slowly forming in his mind.
Gimli was lost.
Sudden despair and grief welled up as he sank to the ground. For long moments he sat there, his head on his knees, unmoving. Like waves the pain of grief washed over him as he finally admitted to himself what he could no longer deny.
When finally he raised his head again tears dried on his cheeks and cold fury had replaced the anguish in his wide eyes. He had not been able to save his friend but avenge him he could do.
He took of his green tunic and folded it neatly before laying it down on the ground. His movements were calm but spoke of a grim determination. The elf that stepped now closer to the water, scanning it with cold eyes held no resemblance any more with the light hearted elf that had raced his friend to the shore only hours ago. A fierce warrior he was with an expression of cold hatred in his eyes and hands that clutched his bow tightly holding one arrow ready.
Nothing stirred in the water, the first daylight reflecting on its calm surface. A beautiful and peaceful sight, hardly disturbed by the quiet movements as Legolas slowly stepped into the river. The water here got deeper much quicker than on the other side. Legolas stopped after a few steps, the water almost up to his hips.
Nothing stirred.
'Come on.' He whispered, waiting.
Nothing.
With an exasperated sigh he put the arrow back into his quiver and left the water to pick up some stones. He slowly returned to the water the bow slung over his shoulder. He aimed the stones at what seemed to be the deepest part of the river, throwing them with all his strength and pent up anger while he slowly stepped back into the water.
The first one had no effect but to disturb the quiet surface. The next ones seemed to achieve little more and Legolas paused, waging the last stone in his hand, carefully watching the waters. He noticed a ripple in the surface that had not been caused by a stone and a grim smile crossed his face. After throwing the stone carefully at exactly this place the elf quickly readied his bow, waiting. He could make out the center of disturbances and sent an arrow flying not really expecting it to hit his target but to provoke it enough to attack.
The disturbances intensified only to die down again.
Another arrow had no more effect than the one before. He could make out the movement under the water but the beast did not show itself.
Legolas stepped deeper, thinking rapidly of how to provoke it further. It was wounded and therefore probably more careful to attack. He needed a bait. Now as he thought about it he realized for the first time the lack of life around this place. The thing in the water had most likely killed anything that came close enough and now this place was avoided by any living being. Not even fish he could make out in the water.
It had to be hungry.
But it was wounded and would not dare to attack an healthy opponent like it had done the day before.
An idea formed. If it worked with wargs it could work here too.
Keeping bow and arrow in his left hand he draw his knife. He extended his left arm and brought the silver blade down in on swift movement, cutting into his forearm. Bright blood welled up und run down his arm and fingers, hitting the silver surface of the river in thick drops. By the time he had sheathed the knife again the bleeding had already died down as his natural healing abilities kicked in. For one quick moment Legolas submerged his arm into the water, cleaning it of blood. Then he stood and watched as the red spots of blood in the water slowly swirled away towards the middle of the river to be taken with the current.
Then he started to move in the water, taking a few steps forward and backwards careful to never get too deep. The bow was ready in his hands and his eyes never left the place he suspected the beast to hide. The blood had mixed with the water too much to be seen any more but he was sure this beast would be able to make it out. It would think him wounded and hopefully the taste of blood would arouse its hunger for more.
It took some time but Legolas did not loose patience, taking care of disturbing the water to draw attention.
This time the attack came all of a sudden without any warning. The water exploded in sudden movement as countless arms swung out at once, aiming at the elf. He rapidly loosened his bow, firing several arrows while ducking and evading the tentacles that came too close. His movements were quick as he used all his elven agility to escape the monster's grasp and wound it as much as possible. He was ready to discharge his bow in favor to his long knife when the bow was ripped from his hands with a strength that made him stumble. With lightning speed he recoiled, knife already in hand.
A spectator would have had trouble to make out much more than a blur from the fighting elf. Even waist deep in water Legolas' movements were faster than a mortal eye could follow and the beast in the water could not get a grasp on him. This time the elf was not distracted by his concern for a friend and cold fury directed his fighting as he slashed and cut at his enemy, severing and wounding its tentacles.
The fight came to a sudden halt when the beast retreated. Legolas first impulse was to follow but the water soon reached his chest and he stepped back, watching it closely. The head had appeared above water now and once more he could see its cold, dark eyes starring at him. He held its stare unwavering. His bow was gone, his chance to kill it from afar with it. Throwing the knife was out of question so all he could do was wait.
Had he been not blinded by anger and grief Legolas would most probably not have done what he did next. But for once in his long life his actions were solely directed by emotion. All he wanted to do was lash out, hurt this monster as much as he himself hurt right now. Kill it like it had killed Gimli.
So when another attack came he evaded a few arms until one of them started to wrap itself around his waist. Instead of fighting it off he allowed the tentacle to wrap around him, only slashing at anything else that came too close. He felt a breathtaking tightening and then he was roughly lifted. For one moment he lost his breath. He could feel a slimy liquid soaking through his thin shirt where the arm held him tightly. A burning sensation became a searing pain and he deeply regretted that he had taken off his tunic. It might have hindered his movement in the water but it would have shielded him from the acid liquid burning his skin now. His right hand still clutched his knife as he suddenly went still and limp in the merciless grip that brought him closer and closer to the ugly head and the huge mouth filled with sharp teeth. For a moment the beast hesitated as all resistance suddenly stopped. Then with another movement it brought its victim closer. For one moment he was right in front of its ugly head, almost eye to eye with it. A breathtaking stench rose as it opened its mouth wide, ready to tear into the unmoving body in its grasp. Then, with lightening speed Legolas' knife came up, burying itself deep in the monster's left eye.
He had intended to not let go of it this time, but he could not hold onto it as once more he was flung away as the beast screeched in agony, its arms flailing.
Legolas had expected this reaction and was prepared for the hard landing. His side collided with the sharp sledge on the other side of the river where the water suddenly became deep. Gasping he forced himself up and to his feet again, ignoring the pain he felt. All his intentions were directed at the monster and killing it.
It was beyond reason with pain, using one of its tentacles to rip out the knife and flung it away. It landed in the water, too far away for Legolas to reach. Dark blood welled from the deep wound, coloring the water. Its good eye searched its surroundings and fastened on Legolas. The elf quickly backed away as it started to move towards him. His eyes darted around, looking for something he could use as a weapon. His eyes fell on the horses. They had backed away from the water but were still there.
His eyes returned to the beast that was already coming dangerously close. A grim smile crossed his face once more as he turned and run. His flight enraged the beast even more and it followed him as far as it could until the water became too shallow.
Legolas reached the horses but he did not turn to them but bowed and lifted something from the ground. Holding Gimli's axe tightly in his hands he slowly turned back to face his foe.
With calm steps he returned to the water, shifting the unfamiliar weapon in his hands to get used to its feeling. Half blind the monster's attempts to grab for him were much easier to dodge and with cold determination the elf closed the distance between them. Only a few steps away he stopped for a moment, once more seizing up his opponent. The moment it reached out once more for him he moved. It had no chance as the elf passed by its tentacles with astonishing speed and with one swift movement brought the axe down.
This time there was no screech. It died the instance the axe cut through it's head and deep into its brain.
Forcing the axe out of the deep wound Legolas stumbled back, his breath coming in short gasps. He backed away until there was no more water around his feet. Only then did he turn and slowly walked back to the horses. Carefully he lowered the axe back to the ground, next to the rest of Gimli's belongings.
Then he himself sank to the ground.
For a long time he simply sat, not moving, his eyes far away. Killing the beast had rid him of some of his anger but not of the anguish he felt. The rush of adrenaline the battle had brought was fading and left him drained. Only when a cold nose nuzzled the side of his face did he stir. Turning his head he found himself looking into Selena's dark eyes.
'I am sorry, little one.' He whispered as he slowly forced himself to his feet. For a moment he petted her, rubbing her behind the ears. Then he turned to Arod, loading Gimli's belongings on his back.
A few minutes later he was mounted and ready to go. Selena moved to follow Arod just like she had always done.
'You are free now, little one.' The words softly spoken in elvish did not stop her and Legolas gave her a sad smile. If she wished to come with him he would not stop her. But he doubted that she would ever again allow anybody to ride her. As Gimli had only ever learned the elvish way of riding she would not accept a saddle anymore.
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Haldir of Lorien had long ago stopped to ask his Lady's intentions when she sent him on a mission. So he had not wondered but only summoned two other elves and ridden to the south of Lorien just as she told him to. They had set up camp there and roamed the surroundings, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
Everything seemed peaceful and undisturbed and on the third day he found the other two elves getting restless.
'When are we to return, Haldir?'
'When the time is right.'
The younger elf that had asked the question sighed and wandered away again. Sometimes Haldir seemed to him no easier to read than the Lady herself.
A shrill whistle came from the trees where the third of their small company held watch. The two elves quickly seized their weapons and mounted their horses to join their companion.
'A rider is approaching. An elf, but not of Lorien.' He called out to them as he swiftly climbed down the tree he had been perched on to land on his horse's back.
'Stay back.' Haldir ordered as he stirred his mount to leave the protective shelter of trees. He could see the rider coming closer, a spare horse trailing after him. He seemed familiar to the Lorien elf and after a few seconds he recognized the rider.
A smile broke out on his face and he put his bow away. A short whistle told his companions to join him as he extended one arm to wave a greeting.
'Who is this?'
'Legolas of Mirkwood.' Haldir answered, a frown on his face. His greeting seemed to have gone unnoticed. In fact the other elf seemed to not notice them at all.
'Legolas!' he called out.
This time he could see a reaction as Legolas' head came up, searching his surroundings. He could make out the three riders not too far away from him and his bow came up, an arrow notched within the blink of an eye. But at the same moment he recognized Haldir and relaxed.
The guardian watched as Legolas spurred his horse on to meet them, his concern growing. Something was not right, he could see the lines of exhaustion on the wood elf's face as he came nearer as well as something else. But only when their eyes met he realized what it was that shadowed the other's eyes. Grief.
'Hail, Legolas. What brings you here?' he asked, noticing a bruise marring the side of his face and the torn and stained clothes. The youngest son of Thandruil looked like he had gone through a fight with a Balrog.
For a moment Legolas just stared at him trying to find words.
'Hail Haldir.' He finally said, his voice lacking any of its usual life and merriment. 'I am on my way to Minas Tirith. And no good news are what I carry for Gimli, son of Gloin has perished.'
His words came as a shock to Haldir. The unusual friendship between the son of Thandruil and the son of Gloin was as famous as it was unique. He himself had been witness to the first forming of their deep bond. But it explained the deep anguish he could see in the dark eyes of Legolas.
'How did this happen?'
In meager words Legolas told his story, not ready to dwell in details. It pained him too much to form more than a few simple words to tell of Gimli's fate.
The Lorien elf tried to persuade Legolas to join them and take some rest in the depths of the woods of Lothlorien. But Legolas refused any offer and finally Haldir was forced to let him go.
'Be well Legolas.' He murmured as he watched the lone figure riding away, the grief he carried painfully apparent.
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