The forest had become thicker then further they traveled. The small miss matched group had so far remained undetected. They had seen no one or ran into anything dark and dangerous. Perhaps it was just luck or perhaps it was the way Minol had taken them. They were no one path or road afterall. Now they traveled under the cover of thick ancient trees. They spent their nights under their canopy and saw few stars.
This made traveling a slight challenge as well as easier. They found the need to stop at small meadows during the mid- day hours a must, Juniper needing to feel the sun light was just one of those things they did daily. She was being more resilient than they had thought she would, they never heard her complain about the conditions.
Finnola sat beside a small fire, Narl approached with a large bowl in each hand. She watched him from the periphery of her vision and grinned. "Minol has already taken to his watch. The moon rises full and bright so Elthian has absconded with the Queen and you and I can just sit here for a bit and enjoy our drinks."
Her large powerful hands lifted to take the offered bowl from the orc. He lowered down to sit beside her. They lifted the bowls slightly in an orcish toast of luck and well being then began to drink. The orcish mead was particularly delicious. Finnola had become quickly fond of it. She and Narl had become like family in the last weeks. Both tall and powerful. She could not wait to introduce her new brother to her mate.
"That relationship seems strange to me. We believe once you enter into the bond of marriage that you are now only for each other. It does not matter if your mate is jaluk (male) or jalil (female) or even toha vith (same sex) or even tuth vith (both sexes). Marriage is always only 2." Narl spoke and sighed.
"I was wondering when you would say something dalninuk (brother). Her's and Minol's stories are very long and very much intertwined." She took a drink and set her bowl down beside her hip. Her long fingers lifted and meshed together.
"It's hard to understand for all of us, well the elves probably understand it all better than we mortals. Time to them moves differently. There story goes back before my own race was even awake. All the way back to a war that was fought by gods. It marred the arda so badly part of it sank below the sea." Finnola cast a glance to him. Watching him let her words absorb before continuing.
"Minol is a very powerful being. He started out like Juniper." Narl looked at her with wide eyes filled with disbelief. "It's true, the way I understand it. Is a simplified version. A prophecy was heard by the fae and they knew they had to help but also knew they would not be long in the arda as we know it. Juniper was born special, they waited for her and when she was ready they plucked her from her life and gave her another." Finnola trailed off a bit and sighed.
"Only this new life would not happen for many thousand years. They took their mightiest warrior. The Queen Rowena and Juniper. They took the Queens soul and placed it within Juniper. Giving her a fighting chance when she awoke. Their spell was perfect and could not be broken. It would simply end when it was time. They did not account for the one that loved her. The one that would make himself one of the most powerful beings ever known. He would make himself a god for her."
Narl's brows creased. "That is a great sacrifice."
Finnola nods gently. "The thing is Narl, Gods do not think as we do. If I would give Minol a title it would be the God of Fae Anger. He set this all up Narl. Everything thing we do. Every battle we fight or have fought. Even the fact your own people exist has something to do with Minol."
Narl knew his origin story well. Minol was the winged messiah. The one that saved the first orcs from the evil that created them to be his slaves.
"Juniper is not an elf nor human or orc. Dwarf, hobbit or any other race in the arda. There are only 2 fae in the whole world. This makes them quite valuable. Though none of us think her property. He knew what he was doing when he put Thranduil in her path. She did not full know or understand beliefs on marriage or anything. She formed her own opinions on that after learning about elven beliefs. Elthian was an accident Narl. One that worked out."
"Fae are effected by the moon. When it is full they have a need to mate that is so powerful it will cause them agony should they ignore the call. It was necessary for her to have more than one mate. Though they did not know it at the time. The three of them are truly a family Narl. They have children together. Elthian is called father right along with Thranduil."
"That sounds like a family." Narl looked into his bowl before drinking.
Finnola lifted her bowl and drank too. " It is Narl. I now believe love can happen between more than 2."
They continued to drink and talk, by the end of this night Narl would understand everything Finnola did concerning her.
With the chilled nights came the pitching of her tent. It was small with a water proof base made from the skin of a certain sea creature Cirdan sometimes hunted at the Grey Havens. It was filled with the gentle silver glow from her small form. Elthian eased her pain with expert ease as he would do many more times that night. He could not feel Thranduil at this distance but she could and she told him that Thranduil did not suffer.
Which was a relief to him and her. He held her as she rested. Despite there being a full moon she needed to sleep. She drifted off in his arms to sleep until the need would awaken her. Outside lurking in the shadows was Minol.
Sitting in a high trees branches. There was nothing near by to harm them. So he just sat listening to them inside the tent. A smug grin on his lips. She was happy and content and that was all could ask for. The next day would have them entering the elvish lands. They way had already been made after all.
The elven line was made. They filled the open area between trees for as far as the eye could see under these conditions. They moved silently further and further. They expected to meet the orc line soon. Their scent was in the air as it mixed with the smell of the near by torches. Elrohir high upon his horse giving orders to his troops as he rides among them and prepares to join them on foot. Being on his mount would make him more of a target and if he wanted to get the most kills he would fight side by side with his kin.
Elladan was leaving a now outfitted Kree. She in the armor she has chosen. A breast plate that fit close to the flesh. Its metal shone in the torch light. On her hand a rather long spear and on her hip a sword. She was to stay back and fight off any orc that made it that far. It was expected and she would be fighting hard. He gave her few words of advice. He knew what she was capable of. He kissed his shield maiden, then again the kiss going from tender to a bit aggressive.
Kree gives him a soft punch to the side. "Go get your armor and get out there. I have this covered."
Elladan stepped back and gave her a half grin before turning and running off through the caravan. She then turned and walked towards her horse. The caravan on the move to put distance between them and the battle. She riding along side the wagon with most of the medical supplies. They would be the most important cargo they had in those moments. She stayed alert to the sounds around them and the smells.
Elladan was now in command of a company. The 3rd wave they would place into battle. 5000 fresh soldiers. Humans and elves. They leaving last would arrive at the battle to give their friends a boost. His thoughts going to the orcs who left the night before. He did not envy their job.
Yarth and the orc hord had rode hard through the night. They had let the horses rest well behind the enemy line. On their armor the wore the crest of Thranduil proudly. Their helms painted green symbolizing the as first orc and not their wicked cousins. Yarth lay on the top of a hill. He and Hock watched the line of dark move into the distance and the dust kicked up by their steps fade into the breeze.
Their was cloud cover. They knew this would happen. His troops fought better without direct sunlight. So clouds always preceded them. He motioned with his head to the left and looked at Hock who nodded and crawled back from the top of the hill. With a round sweeping motion of his hand in the air his group began to mount up. The ground under them disturbed by the army that moves off before them. Their horses paw at clods of dirt and prepare. They now their are about to ride hard.
Hock and his part of the assault ride to the left of the dark line in the distance. Krugge leads his to the right and Yarth mounts up and charges down the center. The hooves 300 horses thunder against the ground.
Thranduil rode along his line that was now coming to a stop. They could feel the tremors of the earth under foot. The smell in the air changed and clouds rolled along the sky.
"Caetha-gwanath nin. Gwe atha-tûr arad. An bardor nothlir Ídh Bereth nin. (My death bringers. We will Master this day. For home for my kin and for my Queen.)" Thranduil's voice carried loudly to all the elven ears. "dagorlind an ech lhaw lathron nin (A singer in the battles prayers shall reach you and be heard)" He said more softly as his troops answered in unison.
Thranduil's army falls completely silent. There is a hum to the air, an electric spark that seemed to hover among them. Every muscle engaged and ready to spring forth. A haze clung to the tree's and bushes surrounding them. The sky now a dim inky blue as the sun rises behind thick clouds.
This position was terrible. It was meant to be. They were on the low ground but that was part of it. The first line of orc began to peer of the edge of the hill. "Daro, Daro!" Thranduil commanded his troops. Then suddenly the line that threatened to come over the hill turned to look behind them.
Thranduil's lips twitched and for a moment his breath was taken. "MAETH! (FIGHT)" Now the charged up the hill. Calvary first followed by infantry. Panicked orc were easily leveled as they were attacked from all sides at once.
In the back the might of the first orc was felt first. 300 of them fought like 3000. Their war machines were better protected this time. They were learning from their mistakes. Yet these misshapen and tormented orc were no match for those that came first. Many fell to their superior weapons. Axe's and swords of tougher steal split the shields and broke the blades of those they fought.
The troll fell under coordinated attacks. The catapults burned in flaming dots in the distance. Now the found themselves battling hand to hand against a retreat. The wiz of arrows cuts the air as Yarth looks up to see the first volleys from the sides. Then feels the thousands of hooves on the ground under his feet. Dust clouded his view but he could hear the battle within the cloud. He finding one opponent after the other as they run from the terror inside soon the first orc found themselves have to back away as the onslaught never ended.
The caravan rolled along with the sounds of war behind them. Kree rode along side the wagon that carried their fae. The door was opened to the wagon and Ryu sat in the middle of the floor upon a soft rug. Her eyes were closed and she was in deep concentration. She seeing through the eyes of her wraiths.
Her dark eyes opened and she looked to Kree. "They are coming from the east. I can not see how many. There is smoke and fire. "
Kree nodded and began to call out orders. The caravan picked up speed and was nearing a full gallop. Wagons bumped along roughly. Ryu was thrown back as the door slammed shut . Clattering on the floor beside her was one of Legolas' bows and a quiver of arrows. She did not know why she picked it up. She held it in her hand and it felt good to be in her grip.
She began to notice things about it. Like how it was balanced. how her hand curled around its grip perfectly and how her body seemed to know what to do with it. She went through the motions of nocking an arrow and firing it and she did so with such fluidity that she must have done so before.
She could hear the sounds of fighting outside. The enemy was near now. Her eyes on the bow, her lips pursed together and the next thing she knew was the quiva of arrows was around her. She kicked the door of the wagon open and with little effort she climbed to the roof. Crouching low she found balance easily and looked at the fighting around her. These were men they fought. Mounted men in the colors of Khand. She knew this just by looking at them. Having been a slave there for many years.
Reaching back she pulled an arrow with two fingers from the quiva and had it nocked almost instantly, drawing back on the bow as she aimed for one of the enemy she loosed the arrow and watched it hit and the rider fall from his mount. She pulled another and did the same. Her heart raced as she did these things and didn't understand how she knew how to. Yet she was deadly accurate and turning nearly around she fired an arrow at the rider attacking Kree.
The arrow flew just inches from her face and hit the man in the neck. She looked with wide eyed shock as he fell and was trampled under the hooves of her horses. Ryu gave her a nod and a smile and went back to skewering men with arrows. Kree turned around and grabbed the quiva off a riderless horse and rode towards Ryu. She tossed the quiva to her then nodded and veered off to get back into the fight.
Soon the riders were none and the caravan slowed to a stop. In the distance they would see the smoke from the fires. They had set fire to the forest.
Elthian was strapping the tent down in their small wagon. Finnola and Narl were already scouting ahead. Minol watched her as she drank her morning tea. She staring off into the flames . The hand that held her cup slackened and the cup fell from her fingertips. He made no move, his arms crossed over his chest as she watched her. He knew what she was seeing through his eyes. He knew what she was feeling, their bond was great after all.
Elthian turned to get her and saw what she was doing. "Juniper?" He moved closed and saw the blank look in her eyes. He shook a gently. "Juniper?"
"She is having a vision Elthian she will awaken when its over." Minol said softly from wear he leaned casually against a tree.
Elthian's glare moved right to Minol. "How long has been like this?"
Minol shrugged. "5 minutes or so. Really Mr. Every Elf there is nothing to worry about. She is fine."
Elthian had, at that moment the last of Minol's indifference and was about to spring upon him when he felt the soft grip of a small hand on his wrist. "Elthian, He is fighting. He is fighting right now."
Elthians gaze hardened then he lowered his lashes and veiled his eye's from her view. "How does he fair?"
"He is eager to be done. The battle is going well. He is just annoyed that there was so many for him to swing his swords at." She said and began to sit up. Elthian helping her.
"Oh is that all?" He said and chuckled.
"Indeed, Let's go I suspect I will get updates. "
Elthian looked to Minol who just grinned at him before pushing away from the tree.
Thranduil looked out on a smouldering battlefield. All around him lay death. He was covered in the dark rancid blood of orcs and the red splattering of human blood from those humans that had been with them.
He began to ride from the carnage but it seemed to stretch on for miles. He was not seeing many elves or the men of Gondor amongst the dead. They were there though.
Feren was approaching him. "We are victorious My lord but I suspect another small battle in a few days and another after that."
"You would be correct Feren. They plan to widdle us down slowly."
"There is nothing we can do about it either." Feren sighed.
"No there isn't. Has the healers tents been set up?"
Nodding Feren sighed. " They have and they are already in use. Will you go to them?"
Thranduil nodded. "I will lend them my aid until I drop. I plan to loose as few as possible."
Feren looked on his Kings back as he rode on towards the camp. His broad shoulders held high. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. The weight was already bearing down on those shoulders. He could feel it himself.
He stood over the large stone. His hands lay upon it, his grin filled with malice. He knew this first battle would be lost as would the 2nd and even the 3rd. He did not send armies that would be too difficult but it did hurt him. It hurt the elven King and that was his goal. He would suffer losses that would add up and he planned to hammer this prissy elf into the ground.
"Taking these petty shots at him will backfire in the end Master. You should just allow me to take the pets out to play. At least then he will suffer some noticible losses." Drannor chimed in from where he sat smoking hookah and lounging.
Melkor just glides over to the couch and looms over Drannor who just grins. "Are you eager to get your pretty hands dirty mine?"
Drannor smirks. " I am eager to do anything. You have had me securely held in your lair, while its been mostly pleasurable all this laziness gets bothersome after a while." He exhaled a thick cloud of smoke that drifted up in the air and carried with it the acrid smoke of the weed he puffed lazily on. He wiggled down into the soft furs that lay under her near naked body.
"Patience my dear, your time is coming. " Melkor said in a sing song way and reached down to caress the soft cheek of his lover. Only to find the fist of the embodiment of flame curled in his tunic and pulling him roughly down. He allows this. Letting his body sink down to meet the lips of his slave with his own. Enticing imp he could be sometimes.
He gave into the pleas carried to his ears on the sounds of whimpers. His pet was growing board and he began to toy with the idea of allowing him to go slap the King. How much joy would that bring him? Not nearly enough for the sacrificing not yet anyway. His eyes were being drawn to the north. Perhaps it was time to turn Thranduil over to Drannor and his flames.
She was coming closer and soon she would be in his arms. He too knew how this game ends. He would watch Minol's plans crumble.
His lips were conquering Drannor's, his body trembling against him and he was of the mind to take him with a viciousness yet tonight might require a more gentle touch. No he wanted a different type of obedience from him tonight. Rarely did he push his own desires to side to slake those of his sword. Tonight was truly special indeed.
Legolas finally returns to the camp and washes the blood from his skin. He stood over a basin with dark water dripping from his face. Kree approached him and stood just to the side until he turned to acknowledge her. " You are Elladan's exotic woman. I hear you defended the caravan well."
"My name is Kree and you are Legolas. Ryu's mate." She said with a smile which made him look towards this power exotic beauty.
"Aye I am."
"I wanted you to know that she handles a bow expertly. You should allow her to fight as well. Without her help today that defence may not have been as good as it was." Kree pat his shoulder. "She is amazing." She said before walking off. Legolas watching her prowl through the crowd and disappear.
"Is she now." Legolas says to himself and dries his face with a towel.
He went seeking her then and found himself stopped by the sound of his adar's voice in song. He stepped back and peered into the healers tent. His adar there with the healers as they worked to save the life of one of the wounded elves. His father was very old and often Legolas did not think of it but powerful as well. Yet his true power lay in healing. He was adept at killing too. Now he worked to save lives.
Legolas was his son and too had abilities. With a deep breath he too entered the healing tent to offer his help. Ryu could wait that long. He noted his adar's smile as he walked in.
