"Ada look at them. There are many things that can happen between here and Lasgalen. Not the mention Orwen and the child. I feel responsible for them. I really feel like this is my purpose ada. I am supposed to do this. " Elladan plead with his father.
Elrond sat in silence. The fire crackling before him. The sounds of the camp faded into a hum around him. It was a bright day. The sky was clear and blue. The air was brisk and the breeze held a chill. The wheels of the covered wagon turned slowly. Within lay the sleeping new mother and her child.
The land looked like the land they had just crossed days before. These people with their renewed hope. His son leading them towards safety. It was a proud moment for Elrond . Then the horns blew and the call of danger echoed. The caravan was come upon by raiders. Men from the Rhun valley. Elladan gathered men and women to defend and they began to fight.
"Ada? Ada?" Elladan's voice took on a tone of concern. Elrond finally pulled himself from the depths of his vision. "You saw something didn't you ada."
Elrond nodded slowly. "You must go with them. On the 3rd day as you are nearly around the Rhun valley you will be set upon by human raiders. You will lead these people ion nin. Do not ever become complacent always be vigilant. Then you will join me in the east."
Elladan nodded and smiled as he gasped his fathers shoulder. "I will ada. I will finally make you proud."
Elrond's brows knit and his hand lifted to lay upon his sons as it rested on his own shoulder. "I have always been proud of you Elladan. Even if you make it hard sometimes. I know you are truly good."
Drannor sighed as he looked out over her territory. Grah had already given him the details of their visitors. "Ride out. Do not attack them. Simply invite them to come to the castle."
Grah looked on the one he served with wide eyes. "My Lord wont your Master see this?"
Drannor grinned and looked over his shoulder. "Master's eye is turned else where. His new pets are in play and he is focused there. "
Grah bowed and hurried out to do his Lord's Bidding. Drannor spun around and walked towards his chambers. She would be there. His pretty slave . He would enjoy her while she was still his. He threw the door open in such a way that it startled her. She jumped from where she had been walking across the vast room and sighed once she realized it was him.
"Has something happened?" She asked and watched him stalk into the room . His eyes on fire as he looked her up and down.
"Not yet." He said with heat to his voice. Before she could respond he was on her. Making her gasp.
Minogos stayed crouched within the brush. Watching the plain before them. They had moved well within the sight of Drannor. So now stealth was his only option. Glorfindel was about 30 yards ahead . Hiding against a rocky out cropping. Hiroc and Hannibal had them both beat at stealth. Having taken their spirit forms. Hiroc flew over head keeping watch. The hawk could see for many miles even so high he was but a speck in the clouds. Hannibal prowled then modest tree line as the wolf. His sense of smell far greater than any of theirs.
They watched 5 riders crossing the plain and heading right for them. With luck they would just pass by without incident. To have a skirmish now would be a disaster. The riders stopped a small distance from where Glorfindel hid.
"I am Grah. Servant of Drannor. He invites you to the castle. He offers you food and shelter. He has no intentions of fighting Minogos. He only wishes to speak. " Glorfindel looked back to Mingos and shrugged.
Suddenly they heard the cry of the hawk as Hiroc swooped down from the heights and landed before Grah in his human form. He towered over even their mounts. "I am Hiroc the Ancient. Guardian of Minogos. Why should we trust your words?"
Grah smiled and bowed slightly before he dismounted. "Call the wolf for I know he can tell you if I speak with deceit."
Glorfindel's head sank then. For all their hard work they were all known. Hannibal now walked from the trees. "He speaks with no lie on his lips."
Minogos and Glorfindel rise from their hiding places. Grah smiles widely. "It is an honor to meet you Glorfindel. The stories of your prowess have even reached my ears." His eyes shift onto Minogos. "I am moved to joy to see you again Minogos." Glorfindel raised a brow as he looked to Minogos. Minogos just shook his head . "Don't ask." He said as he passed Glorfindel.
"He does not wish to fight as you say Grah. How do we know we will be allowed to leave?" Minogos asked.
"I assure you He is extending his hospitality to you. You will not be captives." Grah sighed and relaxed a bit. " Formalities aside Minogos. Take the offer. It is in your interest. How long have you known me? Have I ever been underhanded? "
Hiroc looked to Minogos. "You once called him friend nephew. "
Minogos gave a long loud whistle and their mounts came running from where they had been left. "Hannibal, Glorfindel. You do not have to come ."
Glorfindel just shook his head. "You kid yourself if you think I will not go. "
Hannibal stayed back. " I think I will remain. The smell of this place is unsettling. "
Minogos nodded in understanding.
"I will stay with Hannibal. I agree about the scent. " Hiroc added. "You are tasked with his safety Glorfindel."
Glorfindel scowled and pulled himself up on his Meara.
Grah bowed to the two ancients before mounting up once again. The five riders now became seven as they rode towards the castle.
"Sister. Sister it's time to wake up." Ryu could hear the soft distant voice of Juniper calling her. She began to drift towards it.
"Beloved please come back to me. Please open your eyes." Now Legolas called to her. She moved closer and closer to the sound and a light formed in the distance.
"That's it sister . You're almost here." Junipers voice encouraged her. "Legolas is waiting for you. We are all here waiting on you."
Legolas saw her long lashes begin to flutter. His hand lifted her to his lips. Kissing the softness tenderly. Juniper snuggled in closer and kissed her cheek before whispering in her ear.
"You are so loved." Juniper whispered.
"I love you too. " Ryu spoke in a hoarse whisper before her eyes opened. Just a bit at first. The first face she saw was Legolas' and she felt the familiar warmth of Juniper beside her. Tears fell from Legolas's eyes and streaked down his cheeks. He smiled and kissed her hand again.
Legolas sat back as Celeborn came into her line of sight. "Welcome back lovely fae." He said softly and smiled. He large warm hand pressed to her forehead then her cheek. He straightened up and turned to speak to someone. "The fever has broken and she seems to be focusing well."
She saw Juniper sitting up from where she had been laying beside her. She was looking to someone. Then she turned to look to Ryu. "Minol needs to check your wounds. He saved you. Along with Celeborn and Thranduil. "
Ryu shook her head a bit. " It was you. I saw you. Over me. You killed the beast attacking me."
Juniper looked down. " We will talk about that later. I assure you though. Minol and the others are the real heroes. " She then leaned down and kissed her sisters forehead. "I am so happy you are with me. "
Juniper crawled down the bed and moved away . Legolas too backed away. Ryu lay there feeling a bit numb in the moment. Minol now came into view. As she looked up at him she had a memory come to her. One where she was carried in his arms and she was floating amongst the trees.
"Help me please Celeborn." He spoke and soon the covers were pulled away and she realized she was wrapped up in bandages. "Please forgive us Ryu but modestly will not be allowed much while we check your wounds. " Minol said softly. He was being very gentle with her. She managed a nod.
The robe she was wear was opened leaving her nude before them. They carefully sat her up. Celeborn holding her in place while Minol worked to unwrap her torso. Now she was beginning to feel the discomfort of her injuries. Her face wincing from it.
"I'll get the tea made for the pain." Juniper said softly.
"Yes please do so." Celeborn looked to juniper as he spoke.
Legolas knelt beside her and took her hand. "Just a bit more Melamin." He said softly.
Everything was a bit fuzzy to her. She felt the cool air as the bandage was removed. It hurt too badly for her to lower her head so much to try and see the injuries. So she asked for a mirror.
"I would like to see." Her voice managed just a whisper.
Legolas looked to Minol and Celeborn. His eyes widen a bit.
"Show her." Celeborn finally spoke up. "Hiding it from her will do little in the end."
Legolas released her hand and rose. He soon he returned with a hand mirror. Minol was inspecting the wounds closely as Legolas lowered down before her and turned the mirror around.
Ryu looked at and 4 nasty gashes across her chest. She gasped softly and also saw the bandages on her arms and the ones on her face.
"There are also marks on your back." Minol said softly. "They are healing too. "
She looked once more into the mirror and she could see that indeed she was healing up. The bruising around the marks was fading into yellow. They had the appearance of slowly closing up as well.
Minol began to apply salve to the marks that ran across her breast. He was very gentle but it still stung making her begin to cry from the pain. "I am so sorry. It can not be helped." He explained.
Once her torso was wrapped in fresh bandages she was lain back down but now she was propped up on many pillows. Juniper came to sit and help her sip the tea before they started on her arms and face. "Any scars I will take away." She told her sister.
Ryu felt as if she was in a daze. She looked tired and weak and felt it too. "How long have I been asleep?" She asked and Juniper lifted the cup to her lips once more . "Five days. You are actually healing very quickly. It's our fae blood. "She winked to her sister. "What was the worst was the venom. It was far more potent than the venom I was stricken with. It seems the Dark Lord is doing terrible things. Far more terrible than before. Minol was able to pull it out of you but he had to have the strength of Celeborn and Thranduil to do it. "
Juniper was telling Ryu everything now. "It was not me that killed the beast Ryu. It was Rowena. I have no memory of it. I am just glad she was able to do something. I am so very happy Minol was there to save you with the help of our family. Legolas has not left your side. It's been hard to get him to bathe. I told him you did not want to wake up to a stinky prince. "
That made Ryu laugh then wince as it hurt. "I'm sorry." Juniper frowned .
"No no sister its ok . Even though it hurts I am happy to laugh. " Ryu said before Juniper got her to drink some more tea.
"We will leave with the second wave of troops. I will ride with you in a carriage. We will lounge on soft pillows. Which will be much better than astride a horse. Our backsides will be spared. " Juniper smiled and so did Ryu.
Legolas and Celeborn could do little more than smile at the two fae. Juniper was doing well to lift the spirits of Ryu. She too was doing well to tell her the truth without alarming her. Minol showed no emotion. Deep within himself he wanted to weep. This scene was beautiful. Yet he did not trust the elves gathered to not try to use his feelings against him.
"That is enough tea for the moment . Keep it warm. You must give her the rest when we are done." Minol said in a soft tone. Juniper nodded and slipped away .
She stood beside Legolas . He was trying to not show his worry as they completed the task of checking her wounds . Cleaning them and redressing them. Ryu made it through what was a painful necessity well.
"Thank you." Ryu said to them. When they were done and were helping her back into her robe. Minol lowered his head and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "You can thank us by getting well quickly dearest Ryu. " He said and looked her in the eye before backing away. Celeborn gave her a gentle caress to her uninjured cheek before moving away.
Now she was left with Legolas and Juniper. Juniper handed him the tea cup. "Please get her to finish this. I need to be excused for just a moment. " She smiled to Ryu. "I need to little Pixies room." Juniper wrinkled her nose then turned to scamper away.
Juniper left the tent and was met with a blast of cold air. It made her gasp but her eyes fell on Minol. She had been sensing something off about him for days now. He was far more reserved than he had ever been. His mannerisms changed. "Minol!" She called out and both he and Celeborn stopped and turned to look to her.
She smiled to them but shivered. Minol moved closer and wrapped her within his cloak. "My Queen you should not be out here without being dressed for it." Minol lightly scolded her .
"I'm sorry but I need to speak with you." Her eyes lifting to look deeply into his eyes.
Celeborn politely excuses himself and Minol quickly guides her into a near by tent to get her out of the wind. Inside was was crates of things nothing more . Minol lowered down and pulled her closer to him to warm her up. Something he gladly did . It wasn't often he was allowed to feel her so close.
"What is so important you would risk freezing to speak to me about?" He said softly and wrapped his arms around her.
"It's you. What is wrong?" Her voice will shaking from the chill , held the hint of worry.
Her concern was moving. His wings slipped under the cloak and now wrapped around her as well. Adding more warmth. "I am fine. I am just concerned about the long journey."
There was deceit but not an out right lie. "You know you can not hide things from me." She whispered against his chest. His embrace tightened around her slight frame. His hands caressed over her shoulders before he gently pushed her back so he could look into her eyes.
"Juniper do not dig into this. Not now. Just know that truly I am fine. The things that bother me are none of your concern. However the fact you care means more to me than you can know." He spoke very gently to her.
Everything within her wanted to reject this answer and she wanted to "dig" into it. She could demand he tell her but there was something about how he looked at her in those moments. With a sigh she nodded and lowered her head.
"Thank You. What bothers me will become apparent soon enough My love. Let me just have you without that burden for now. " He pressed a kiss to her forehead then rose up. "Lets get you into a warmer place. "
He guided her out of the tent and his eyes were immediately drawn to Elthian. "Elthian." He watched as the regal ellon approach. "The Queen seems to think she is impervious to the cold can you please see to it that she stays in warmer places."
Elthian looked at the head of Juniper peeking from the demons cloak. "Melamin." He half said in a scolding way and scooped her up and wrapped her inside his own cloak. He nodded to Minol and carried her away.
Minol watched him moving towards the royal tent then sighed and looked down. No this burden would be his to shoulder for as long as he could.
Glorfindel and Minol dismounted outside the castle. If they did not know this was a place of evil they would not be able to tell just from the appearance of the outside. Of course it was just stone but it was finely smoothed stone. It was clean and there was no sign of this being an orc den. Though the sent of orc was present.
Grah led them inside. The anteroom was warm and inviting. Draped in the colors of red and orange. There were cushioned benches along the wall and even fine art work hung from the walls. A heavy set of oak doors swung open and Grah lead them deeper into the castle. The first room they entered was obviously the throne room. It was draped as well in orange and red. Around a large fire pit were cushions and rugs. The throne itself was rather stunning. Carved from a block of stone. It looked like a seat among flames. The stone draped in orange and red silk. The seat cushioned.
"I wish I could say I am surprised that you took my offer of hospitality." His voice was rather deep and smooth as he appeared from behind the throne and stood beside it looking at them.
For several moments Glorfindel was simply frozen in place. Glorfindel remembered well Sauron's fair form. He had gazed upon it more than once long ago. Standing before him was Sauron reborn in appearance and while the weight of his presence was felt by the ancient elf it was not so hefty like Sauron. His skin tone was grey like Minogos. He was tall and lean yet as he moved around the throne one could tell he was powerful. Muscled and beautiful. His long hair the color of fire. His golden gaze drifting over Glorfindel making a knot form in the pit of his stomach. He was draped in golden robes and he lowered himself onto the throne.
Glorfindel could see Minogos' body tense and his hands flinch. They had not been disarmed when taken into the castle. He reached out and grabbed Minogos' shoulder. They looked at each other and Glorfindel smiled gently. He voice but a whisper. "I think the purpose is diplomacy. Though I understand well the instinct to attack."
"You advise him well Glorfindel. I would rather have this end peacefully rather than in blood." He said smoothly and smiled to Glorfindel. "I am Drannor. There are no other titles required for I detest all of them. Please sit and relax. No harm shall befall either of you as long as you behave within these walls." He motioned graciously towards the piles of cushions. Serving girls came with platters of refreshments and placed them on the low tables near the throne.
Glorfindel arched his brows. While he was a warrior he also could play the role of diplomat when needed and it seemed like Minogos was struggling to not turn this into a blood bath. So he nudged Mingos. "Let's take a seat my friend. "
Minogos inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly before giving Glorfindel a single nod. They moved to the low tables near the throne and lowered down to sit on them. Glorfindel looked at the delicacies offered and lifted a goblet of wine. He sniffed at it suspiciously. This made Drannor chuckle. "Glorfindel. Seriously? I have no need for underhanded tricks while you are here. If I wanted you dead I could have made that happen on the plains. While I wish you would relax I know you wont but please enjoy the refreshments. They are not poisoned."
As he said that the serving girls sprawled out on the cushions along side them and began to eat from the platters showing them that all was well. Glorfindel shrugged and took a drink of the wine and nodded at its flavor.
"I know you are both dying to know why I have taken this route under the current circumstances." His gaze leveled on the still silent Minogos. "Brother I am not your enemy." He spoke frankly to him.
Minogos scowled. He voice shaking as he struggled to not raise it. " I am not your brother. I was never your brother." Glorfindel looked to Minogos from the side of his eye.
Drannor frowned a bit then sighed. " Well that's fine you can feel that way. It is your right. I still consider you my brother."
Glorfindel began to become very curious of their past relationship. His eyes drifting from Minogos not to the flame upon the throne. Mingos' eyes locked on him. Drannor remained calm and even perhaps looked a bit saddened.
"As I said I am not your enemy Minogos. My misguided actions have caused this rift and I apologize for them. I know that will mean nothing to you. I do however hold many regrets."
These words seemed to make Minogos seethe. His jaw growing tight. Glorfindel held out his goblet to be refilled. A comely woman filled it from a jug and pressed to his side making him grin. Yet he listened to every word being spoken.
"I would have you know I am not the one that took your current woman. Nor did I have anything to do with laying her home in ruin. My sights have never been on the Rhun or the area north of here. That being said when He, " His eyes met Minogos' now. The way he said HE with disgust to the tone told Minogos who he was speaking of. " offered me this woman as a means to get under your skin I took her. Though not for those reasons. I truly wished to protect her. I had the idea of returning her to you. Perhaps I fooled myself into believing it could be a means to make up for what happened in the past."
Glorfindel pulled himself away from staring at the large breast that pressed to his arm to looked to Minogos. His gaze now widened and holding a rather shocked look. While Glorfindel had no idea of what they were speaking he had a fairly good idea.
"I healed the wounds He inflicted upon her. I have treated her well in her time here. She and I came to an agreement. I think you will find the knowledge she has gathered to be useful to you." Drannor smiled fondly as he spoke.
Glorfindel had to ask the question. He just had to know what Drannor's end game was and how he was able to take this risk. "Excuse me. I know I am supposed to be distracted by this beauty beside me and.." He looked down at her lovely breast once more. "I am distracted but I am also very old. How is it you can afford to be this treacherous? Does he not know ever thought and deed?"
Drannor smiled and steepled his fingers. "I too am very old. I also have had time to develop certain skills. I have complete control of these lands. Even more control of this castle. I also have more control over myself that he knows. I learned these things from Minol. "
Minogos' gaze widened. He could read between the lines.
"It had been a dangerous game Glorfindel. My deceit is perfected." He explained.
Minogos' lips began to quiver. He thought back to the night the queen had been taken. He rose quickly and stared at Drannor. "You and father were working together. He knew you would come to take the Queen. That's why he sent me there. He used the whole situation to... "He trailed off a moment . "You didn't escape when he pursued you. He let you go. She was never in any real danger. It was all a show for your Master."
Drannor began to clap his hands. "Excellent Minogos." He clasp his hands together and smiled. "You have figured it out. " He motioned to his guards and a door to the side opened. She was lead into the room. Minogos stood there looking and stuck to the spot. She staring back at him with those big green eyes. Glorfindel now rose. Pulling himself away from the big breasted beauty at his side.
Tears began to fall from the red heads eyes . " Minogos." She cried and took a few steps towards him then finally she ran towards him and he towards her. Glorfindel watched as they embraced. Then his eyes shifted to look to Drannor who had looked away . Glorfindel could swear he saw sadness in his expression.
"Now be gone all of you. I grow weary of all this prattle. " He waved his hand lazily but did not look at them.
"Drannor." Mingos spoke and those golden eyes shifted to look on him. "Thank you."
That made his brows arch and he bowed his head silently to Minogos.
The three of them turned to leave. Moving through the antechamber and out. There standing beside the horses was Grah. Bynsarda walked up to him and hugged him. "Thank you Grah." She said softly before releasing him. "You take care My Lady." Grah said softly and stepped back. He watched as the rode off. Soon he was joined by his Master. Drannor looked at the fading forms with tears in his eyes.
