Hiss
Her blades sang as they cleaved through the air, slicing a rouge Uruk-hai's femoral artery to spill forth black blood. Evelyn turned on one foot, extending her other arm to cut the achilles tendon in another who was attempting to sneak up on her from behind. The foul beast gave a cry of pain, falling forward and meeting the tip of her blade as it slid through its chest. Evelyn released the handle of her first blade as it was lodged too deeply in the creature's chest cavity to retrieve. Then, in one fluid motion she turned again and sheathed her other blade in the spine of an orc barreling towards Nightshade. The beast managed one hoarse cry before collapsing forward and convulsing on the ground.
That left one beast standing.
A nod from Evelyn was all Nightshade needed to know as she began running straight for the girl, an Uruk-hai trailing behind her. At the sound of a low whistle from Evelyn, Nightshade ducked her head down and sped up, creating a good amount of distance between her and the wolf.
Evelyn stood there, her blades still sheathed in the bodies of fallen Uruks, her bow strapped to her back, and her quiver unused. She planted her feet firmly in the earth and let her hands dangle by her side.
She closed her eyes.
She could feel the ground beneath her feet, the life of the air, the grass, and the earth itself. There was an energy all around her, a pulsing life which came and went with every breath that she took. She grasped at it, at the life flowing through her.
Nightshade zoomed past her and turned, one high pitched bark of warning had Evelyn opening her eyes to see the Uruk-Hai nearly upon her. The foul beast's wicked club was raised high, moonlight reflecting off the shards of glass embedded in the rough wood.
Evelyn smiled.
When the beast was only a few feet away from her, just as it swung its club back in preparation for crushing Evelyn's skull, she lifted her hands. Calling forth all the rage, anger, and bitter hatred in her heart she yanked at the ball of magic she once used the heal Nightshade. She pulled on that light deep within her soul and fashioned it into a sharp spear, thrusting it out and into the Uruk-hai.
A beam of light shot out of Evelyn's hands and hit the beast, exploding on contact in one brilliant burst of light so bright, Nightshade was forced to close her eyes. But, Evelyn kept hers open. She kept her eyes open wide as she watched that light penetrate the foul creature and lift it several feet off the ground before it exploded.
Black blood and flesh flew in every direction save where Evelyn stood; leaving her completely clean, but a clear radius of orc flesh remained. The creature was blown up. Instead of a carcass, there was a semicircle of black sludge.
Nightshade ambled over to Evelyn who leaned heavily upon her companion. She took one last survey of the scene before retrieving her blades and wiping them clean before sheathing them. She then hopped astride Nightshade and the pair ambled off, away from the stench of orc flesh and the grisly remains of their battle.
The pair had been roaming to and fro for weeks as Evelyn trained her powers. She was still unsure as to how she acquired them and from where they came, but she knew that they were strong and that her anger fueled them, though left her drained. At night they traveled for night was when orcs were most active and therefore when they were most likely to encounter them. The creatures that they once avoided they now sought out for there were no better beings to practice on.
In some cases, she would use her blades or her bow, honing her weapon skills and training her body to fight as it had those years whilst dwelling in Mirkwood. Other times, like this one, she would train her newfound powers. Although often times her conventional weapons were the most efficient method of dispatching the beasts, none could argue that her powers were less effective; for no creature who crossed her wrath was left alive.
Through their travels, Evelyn and Nightshade avoided all signs of men and certainly elves. Evelyn didn't dare to travel back to the cave that she once called home. Although Glorfindel never saw it from the outside, there was too much of a risk that he would find it. The blond elf seemed to be incredibly stubborn and annoyingly undeterrable. Once, Evelyn had found it almost charming, the way that Glorfindel sought out her friendship an trust with such blind devotion. That was of course up until the point where she saw his promises to be as thin as tissue paper.
Traitor,
He will always choose his kin first-
Evelyn shook her head at the thought, urging Nightshade forward. It had been a successful night's hunt and neither were injured. Thus they hoped to make greater headway on their travels and get a larger distance between them and any orcs that might deem it suitable to give chase.
They eventually found shelter in the form of a tree bearing massive roots. The tree seemed to welcome the pair as they settled down, Evelyn not daring to make a fire whilst knowing how neat they were to orcs. Luckily, they were deep into spring and the weather was rather mild. Nonetheless, Evelyn extended her wings and nestled both her and Nightshade in them like a cocoon, one that would hopefully stave off the terrors of sleep.
Evelyn still had regular nightmares: some of the Balrog, some of the dungeons, and some of Mirkwood. Nonetheless, at least she had Nightshade. Nightshade, her constant companion always at her side. Before she had thought that she would move the world for the wolf, in reality she did something similar in her promise. She knew the devil's bargain that she entered, but sitting there in that hollowed-out root cave with Nightshade's massive head on her lap, she would do it all over again. Once she completed her end of the bargain, she and Nightshade could disappear from Sauron, Glorfindel, the elves, and all creatures of Middle Earth. In actuality, she wouldn't be changing much as in the books Sauron did eventually get to Gollum. She was just changing the method with which he obtained the creature and in all honesty, Evelyn couldn't really claim to care.
As she saw it, the elves held no moral high ground over Sauron. They were no better than the orcs who blindly followed orders- be them from fear or loyalty.
Thranduil would pay for his arrogance and his cruelty.
Though using her powers drained her energy, the rage which she tapped into each time fueled Evelyn's anger. Her hatred for the woodland king was ever growing. Legolas had nearly murdered Nightshade- would have actually murdered her if it weren't for the deal that she struck with Sauron. Any possible mercy that she once held in her heart for the naive and playful elf of Tolkien's books was gone.
Legolas Thrandulion was a murder, pup-slayer, liar, and son of an arrogant prig.
Evelyn stroked Nightshade's fur, the steady heartbeat of her companion coming her and lulling her to sleep. Her fingers carded their way through the thick and wiry overcoat- into the soft down-like fur below. As she closed her eyes and leaned back her fingers came across the spot where and arrow had almost stopped Nightshade's heart. She found her hand lingering there and in response, Nightshade nuzzled at Evelyn's wrists where the manacle scars still remained. She smiled slowly, whispering words that only Nightshade could hear.
"Thranduil will burn."
Evelyn stretched her wings a bit more, ensuring that both her and Nightshade were tucked within the protective folds.
"Legolas will burn."
Nightshade nestled down a bit closer, snuggling in and breathing warmth into the space.
"Mirkwood will burn."
The pair soon fell asleep, lulled by the promises of vengeance that they made. The promises were lofty, high-set, and nearly impossible to achieve.
Neither Evelyn nor Nightshade were the type to break their promises.
Erestor stood by his office window watching the comings and goings of the elves of Imladris. The Last Homely House was once a bustling hub of activity. Tracing all the way back to when Imladris was known as the Great Forge as it prepared for war with Sauron it had always been a center of elvish community. Now, the number of elves inhabiting the valley dwindled with each voyage to the sea. The last laughter of a child heard in the valley was that of the young Estel for no elfling's were born in times of such trepidation. So many elves had journeyed on, taken with longing for the home that many had never known... it was a longing that Erestor simply couldn't understand. His home was in the gentle slope of the valley, the graceful arches of stone, and cascading waters of the Bruinin. He loved Imladris and would do all in his power to protect it.
A knock on his door sounded and he bid the elf to enter. It was a servant who informed him that Lord Elrond and Prince Legolas requested his presence in Elrond's office. Erestor thanked the servant and turned immediately down the familiar and short path to Lord Elrond's office. Without hesitation he knocked firmly and entered at his Lord's bidding. Glorfindel was still nowhere to be see whilst Legolas was pacing near the heart. Lord Elrond however, stood above his desk, fingertips pressed to the wood as he stared at a map of Middle Earth.
"You requested my presence, my Lord."
"Yes, Erestor... there is much for us to discuss," Elrond replied with a severity in his tone that Erestor had not heard since Estel all but rejected his heritage as Aragorn. "Prince Legolas brings news that the creature Gollum is making progress under the care of the Woodland Realm."
"I sense that there is a 'but' about to be added." Erestor was admittedly beginning to grow concerned. His Lord rarely delayed bad news. Lord Elrond looked at Prince Legolas, but the Woodland Prince averted his gaze, obviously not willing to speak again.
"You are correct," Elrond spoke at last. "There is more... Legolas brings news from Mithrandir, who visited his realm and sent him forth on this errand." Elrond paused again and looked down at his desk as if attempting to absorb strength from the solid wood beneath his hands. "The One has been found."
"My Lord?!" Erestor was shocked, surly he had heard wrong.
"Mithrandir is certain... the One has been found and the creature Gollum held it for years without knowing its significance."
"Who holds it now?"
Lord Elrond audibly sighed, placing a hand to his forehead and inhaling deeply. He turned to Erestor and faced him, staring straight into his eyes so that there would be no mistake in the seriousness of his words.
"A Halfling."
"A Halfling?"
"Yes, a halfling." There was a moment of stunned silence before Lord Elrond continued. "There is a Halfling living in the Shire who holds the One. Mithrandir goes to seek him out and Estel leaves meet him tonight. Prince Legolas will return to his realm and continue to guard Gollum."
"An unprotected halfling holds the One... not even knowing what it is."
"That is why Estel rides out tonight for he will make less of a scene than a troop of elvish warriors."
"Do the Nazgul move?" Erestor asked, the incident from earlier all but forgotten in light of the current revelations. If the One had been found then it wasn't only Imladris that was in trouble... it would be all of Arda that could fall.
"As of yet... we are unsure."
"The darkness of Dol Guldur grows in strength," Legolas, finally speaking, added. "Orc and spider attacks are becoming more and more frequent."
"And where will Mithrandir and Estel bring this Halfling?"
"Here. They will bring him and the One here. I think it wise that we hold a council... a gathering of all the races for all shall share the fate of the One."
"All?"
"Yes."
"Stall Estel represent-"
"No."
"Are you sure it is wise to allow Men to be in the presence of the One?"
"It is they who are destined to remain in Arda... they shall be the most affected by the decisions of the council."
"But the Eldar-"
"We are leaving these shores, Erestor." Elrond fixed the counselor with a stern glare. "Few of the Eldar remain and soon we shall all travel on. The Halflings are nearly entirely unaware of the lands beyond their farms, the Dwarves delight in the bowels of the earth and will one day vanish from the surface... it is Man that shall shape the future of Arda."
Elronds words where heavy with the lingering hints of his gift of sight, a tone which Erestor knew indicated that there would be no further argument. Thus, he nodded his head slowly in acquiescence. No matter how much Erestor loved Arda, the elves were falling out of love with it. Valinor's call was too strong and Eru was beckoning his Firstborn to join him across the Straight Road. Man, the weak race which once allowed the One to escape destruction after years of war, would now hold the loudest voice in the fate of Aman. No matter what, Erestor couldn't bare to see the land he loved destroyed... even if he would sail away from the land forevermore.
"Prince Legolas," Elrond spoke to the elf who had remained rather silent throughout the course of the discussion. His brow was creased and he seemed deep in thought. In truth, Erestor couldn't tell if it was gilt over the small battle or concern over the fate of the One. "Please deliver this message to King Thranduil," he handed him an envelope with his official seal. "It informs him of the council that we shall be hosting and asks him to send a representative for the Woodland Realm."
"May I-" he began.
"Allow me to speak to Estel first. Then you may then converse with him before he sets out on his task."
Prince Legolas thanked Lord Elrond for his hospitality and bowed once before leaving with great haste. This left Erestor alone with his Lord. The pair shared a long, somber look. It was a glance that bore the weight of the situation that they were lost in. Isildur's Bane had returned... Estel would be forced to face his fate and they were now relying on a meddlesome wizard and a Halfling to not die on the journey from the Shire to Imladris.
"One last thing," Lord Elrond spoke slowly, "Raven..."
"If you'll pardon me saying my Lord, despite Lord Glorfindel's attachments... I doubt that she is the greatest of our problems now."
"I suspect that there may be more to her than we are aware... the Valar rarely have such humor to hold two extraordinary events in such proximity."
"Do you think her a spy of the Dark One?" He asked, suddenly concerned as he recalled Raven's use of the Black Speech in retaliation against them... she did know the prophesy... such things were not common knowledge.
"I sensed no darkness in her... fear, confusion, grief, and anger... but no darkness."
"Then what role is she to play?"
"I fear only Eru shall know."
Erestor shook his head, leaving Lord Elrond's office with more questions and worries swimming in his head since the days after Lady Celebrian's departure. Glancing out a window that overlooked the gardens, he saw Estel and Legolas walking side by side, exchanging words and likely worries. There was a strange sense of camaraderie between the Edain and the Prince... it was a rare and beautiful thing that Erestor had little experience in for he could never quite forgive Man for their weaknesses. They were frail, corruptible, and most often foul. In truth, Estel was the only of Eru's Secondborn who Erestor found himself to grow fond of.
The ghost of a smile quickly vanished from Erestor's face when he realized that scenes such at those- of an Eldar and Edan walking side by side- would soon fade from all of Arda. The elves would sail no matter what... there was nothing that Erestor could do to prevent that. But, whether they would sail away from a land freed from shadows at last or a burning crucible of misery and pain would soon be decided.
If only for the sake of Estel, if only for the sake of those of Elros' decedents who still bore a drop of noble blood... then Erestor would prevent that grim fate.
Nothing, no one- not even the savior of Gondolin would prevent him from safeguarding the fate of all of Arda.