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Big thanks to all reviewers and special thanks to Alida Fruit!
Chapter Three
Legolas huddled under an overhang that jutted out from the cliff wall. A storm was brewing, and he wanted to be out of the rain. Thunder boomed in the distance, yet his thoughts were directed towards Aragorn. He hoped that the ranger would be all right. Aragorn was clever, hopefully clever enough to evade his pursuers.
Thunder boomed again, and this time the elf caught sight of something in the flash of lightning that followed. Tensing in apprehension, he peered out into the rain that began to fall. What he saw made him freeze, as the gleam of large eyes became illuminated in the next flash, and he could also clearly discern the shape of the creature. A wolf, and knowing as he did that the elves that were after him used wolves, one of those elves would also be nearby.
The wolf completely ignored the storm, intent on searching for something. Legolas knew there was a good chance that 'something' was he. He drew back farther under the overhang. It kept him dry and hopefully would keep him out of sight.
A low snarl proved the mistake of the action. The wolf spotted the movement, and crept closer to examine the overhang. The next lightning flash revealed Legolas, and the wolf leaped forwards with a howl of rage. Legolas shrank back as the wolf bounded under the overhang. It stood a couple of feet from the elf, baring pearly fangs in a feral snarl. Tensing, it lunged.
The wolf bowled the elf over, and tried to clamp his jaws shut. Legolas held the wolf by the heavy fur around its neck with one hand, the other trying to stop its teeth from finding him. Lightning flashed, and Legolas saw that the fur he held was gray, and the wolf was normal sized. The wolves that were with the elves were huge, about the size of a small calf, with very dark fur. This must be one of the wild wolves that lived about these mountains, for all the good it did him.
Legolas's shoulder burned from his wound, and his left arm was losing its strength, allowing the wolf to be able to push through. Legolas felt the weight on his chest increase, and he felt the hot breath from the wolf. Teeth gleamed inches from his face, and with a low growl it snapped its jaws shut, lunging forward as it did. The teeth would have closed on the elf prince's neck had not something suddenly barreled full tilt into the gray wolf. With a startled yelp, it rolled out into the rain.
Sitting up and backing off, the next lightning flash revealed to Legolas the wolf facing another one. The gray wolf was half the size of its opponent, and its gray fur contrasted sharply with the black fur of the other. The black wolf was large, very large, and Legolas knew it belonged to the elves that were following him. The two wolves stood three feet apart, snarling and bristling at each other. Eyes gleamed as they glared at the other, baring sharp teeth that were an inch long on the gray and over two inches on the black.
Teeth flashed amid a symphony of snarls and growls as the large black wolf leaped forwards with a roar, and the smaller one, not about to let its prey get taken away, ducked in under it and set his jaws in the other wolf's thick ebony fur. They danced about, clawing and snapping, a show of strength and endurance as well as savagery. Rearing up on their haunches, they clawed at each other with their forelegs, clamping their teeth into the other. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed, rain poured down upon the battling wolves.
Legolas was not sure what to think. The gray wolf was obviously wild, while the black one was surely with the elves. He did not know which he would want to win. His decision did not matter anyways, as the black wolf overwhelmed the smaller gray one and drove it off with a snapping of fangs and furious snarls.
Stalking towards Legolas, the victorious wolf laid his ears back and eyed the elf in warning. Legolas knew the wolves of the elves were intelligent, as well as dangerous. He stayed still, understanding the threat and not moving. With a growl of approval at the elf's comprehension, the wolf lay in front of the overhang, blocking it off so that Legolas could not get out. The elf prince sighed as he realized the helplessness of the situation. He could not defend himself while crouched over under the overhang, as he had found out with the gray wolf, so he had to sit and wait for the elf the wolf was with to come.
~*~*~*
Sirithiliel had been following Tamulis along the trail of the wounded elf, when Tamulis suddenly launched himself forward at full speed. As fast as a falcon flies, the swift wolf covered the ground with ease and grace, ignoring boulders, rocks, brambles, and anything else he encountered; the ground beneath him not registering, which meant Tamulis must have sensed something that had to be dealt with quickly. Since Sirithiliel had no hope in keeping up with the wolf, even if she was running her fastest. She continued along the trail, hoping to be able to be there in time to help Tamulis with whatever he was going to do. ~*~*~*
The large cave that Aragorn was in led through the mountains that otherwise he would have been unable to cross because of their steep sides and jagged valleys. It did not lead directly to Rivendell, but it helped make the journey safer. Once the ranger was out of the cave, he would have to cross between two more mountains, before reaching the valley of Rivendell. With the two wolves after him, and possibly the elves as well, he would have to travel swiftly. He had reached the cave, and had found the secluded area where Legolas had said to wait for him at. But Legolas was not there, and Aragorn had been forced to leave it when the wolves had followed him in.
He did not know where Legolas was, or if he was hurt. All he knew was that the elf did not show up where he said he would, and Aragorn had to keep moving to evade the elves. Silently praying to the Valar for Legolas's safety, Aragorn crept as quietly and carefully in the dark as he could. Not wanting to attract the elves that followed him with the light of a torch, he tried to make his way in the dark.
Feeling the wall with one hand, and using a stick he found when he was in the supposed meeting place were he was to wait for Legolas, he made his way forward relatively well. Trying not to scuffle his feet on the stone, he felt his way through the corridors.
He was getting tired, but he did not trust himself to sleep. The intelligence and speed of those wolves combined with the determination of their masters convinced Aragorn that if he stopped he would be found. Still he was only a human and still needed to periodically take quick stops, to keep his strength up. It would not bode well to face the elves and be unable to battle because of weariness.
When he decided to stop for another rest, he splashed through a small puddle that had water dripping into it constantly, and climbed atop a small ledge that was shadowed nicely to stop prying eyes.
It was well he did, for, minutes after he paused for the rest, two wolves glided past and crept through the water with barely a whisper. Two dark haired and black eyes elves followed them, passing as quietly as their wolf companions, and they were gone before Aragorn could even react to the wolves.
The ranger had no idea they were so close! They had managed to sneak up on him in this dark cave corridor where the slightest sound would echo if you were not careful, and two elves with their calf sized wolves were able to approach with barely a sound! Aragorn was lucky he had decided to stop, other wise the wolves would have happened upon him. He did not want to think on how that would end up.
Slipping off the ledge, Aragorn followed the elves, careful to stay far enough back. He wondered why the wolves did not notice he was on the ledge, and then realized that the water he had gone through must have masked his scent well enough to foil the wolves, and the constant dripping had covered any noise he might have made. Blessing his luck, Aragorn used all the stealth he had mastered from living with elves, and crept along behind.
~*~*~*
"I don't think the human could have gotten this far. He would have to stop and rest," Savarre muttered to Teysrol as they followed their wolves down the dark cave corridor.
"Indeed, but he may not have stopped to rest," Teysrol whispered back to his older brother. Savarre looked uncertain of that, but kept silent.
Both Amras and Anborn were ahead, scanning the hall with eyes that easily pierced the heavy gloom, sifting the scents, and listening to every sound.
"What do you know?" Teysrol called to Amras, his Companion. The wolf yawned, emitting a low growl. With a sigh, Teysrol tried to quell his rising frustration. The human had avoided them well so far. They did not expect that of him, even if he was a ranger. With a low growl of annoyance, he followed his older brother's lead.
Farther back, Aragorn listened with interest. They might just let something slip that could be helpful to him. Stumbling for a moment when he hit a crack in the floor, he stifled a hiss of pain as his hand scraped against the rough stone of the wall. Stopping, listening carefully and holding his breath, he waited to see if the elves had heard.
They were still walking, whispering softly to each other in elvish, and apparently they hadn't hear a thing. Heaving a silent sigh of relief, Aragorn continued on his way.
Teysrol talked softly with his brother, but they kept one ear behind them. They had heard the sounds made by Aragorn, and realized he must have somehow been able to get behind them. Now Amras walked ahead, and Anborn was no where to be seen.
Aragorn treaded softly, not wanting to risk being discovered again. What he did not notice was the dark shadow creeping up behind him.
Anborn followed his master's orders, and crept behind the human, ready to attack on command. Slipping in the shadows with nary a sound, he positioned himself until he had a clear view of the ranger.
Aragorn thought he had done well in evading the notice of the elves, but then they suddenly stopped. Aragorn stopped as well, curious and nervous as to why the elves stopped. His heart stopped at what the elves said next.
"Come out, human. We know you are behind us, and you have been since the passing of the small cave puddle in this otherwise dry cave," Teysrol said clearly. He turned and scanned the darkness behind him. Savarre did the same, while Teysrol's companion Amras snarled at the shadows where Aragorn hid.
The ranger was unsure of what to do. He took a careful step back, moving slowly so that they could not discern his movement from that of the shadows. He would have to travel back, since he could not go forward, but another snarl behind him directed his attention towards the second wolf, blocking his way.
"Now what am I to do?" Aragorn muttered under his breath, as he considered his options.
~*~*~*
Legolas was allowed out of the overhang by the wolf after the storm stopped. He was wary, but knew better than attack the wolf. It would be able to evade his attacks, and he already knew it was not out to kill him.
He sat in the ring of stones, silently fletching his arrows. His shoulder hurt horribly, but there was nothing he could do about it. The wolf gave him another warning growl, and then slipped away. Legolas sighed, knowing he could probably leave now, but this was the safest place to be right now. Or so he thought.
"Well, now. If it isn't a little elf, how do you do, Master Elf?" a gruff voice said mockingly. Legolas looked up, to see he was facing a score of tough looking dwarves. They sneered at him, the racial hatred between dwarves and elves shining in their eyes.
"What might you be doing on our trade path, Master Elf?" the lead dwarf asked, slurring the title in disgust.
"Just resting, Master Dwarf," Legolas replied in the same tone of voice, narrowing his eyes. They outnumbered him, how could he battle them?
"Resting? Who have you been battling?" the same dwarf asked, noting his bloodied shoulder. Legolas stiffened, curling his lip at the dwarf.
"My business is my own, and it would do you well to remember that, dwarf," the elf snarled, dropping all pretense of courtesy, even if it was mocking.
"Filthy elf!" the dwarf spat. He eyed Legolas, then his eyes widened in recognition.
"I know you! You may not know me, but I am Ori. I was with Thorin Oakenshield when your father threw us in Mirkwood's dungeons, young prince!" the dwarf hissed. The other dwarves shifted and rumbled to each other.
Legolas could not express his surprise that the dwarf remembered him from that fateful time when his father discovered thirteen dwarves and one hobbit wandering in Mirkwood. They had disrupted the autumn feasts three times, and had infuriated his father to the point where they were thrown in the dungeons.
"I had sworn vengeance upon Mirkwood's King and I think it would be fitting to rid him of his beloved son!" the dwarf shouted, running forward with his axe leading the way. Legolas, in his sitting position with a single arrow in his hands and a fletching knife, he was incredibly vulnerable. His knives, quiver, and bow were under the overhang, and he would not be able to get to them in time.
Leggylover03: You want my wolves to catch Aragorn? I'll see what I can do.
Niori: I'm glad you liked this chapter, and the next will come soon!
Rubberduck: Glad you like it all, hope you like chapter three as well!
Drizztluver: No, I don't know what is wrong with the quotations. I read "Forgotten Realms" too!
Soul Searcher: I must admit, you reassurance helped a lot! Thanks a bunch!
Darkwind: I like Mercedes Lackey as well, and I appreciate your review.
Coolio02: Thanks a lot for your review! (
Big thanks to all reviewers and special thanks to Alida Fruit!
Chapter Three
Legolas huddled under an overhang that jutted out from the cliff wall. A storm was brewing, and he wanted to be out of the rain. Thunder boomed in the distance, yet his thoughts were directed towards Aragorn. He hoped that the ranger would be all right. Aragorn was clever, hopefully clever enough to evade his pursuers.
Thunder boomed again, and this time the elf caught sight of something in the flash of lightning that followed. Tensing in apprehension, he peered out into the rain that began to fall. What he saw made him freeze, as the gleam of large eyes became illuminated in the next flash, and he could also clearly discern the shape of the creature. A wolf, and knowing as he did that the elves that were after him used wolves, one of those elves would also be nearby.
The wolf completely ignored the storm, intent on searching for something. Legolas knew there was a good chance that 'something' was he. He drew back farther under the overhang. It kept him dry and hopefully would keep him out of sight.
A low snarl proved the mistake of the action. The wolf spotted the movement, and crept closer to examine the overhang. The next lightning flash revealed Legolas, and the wolf leaped forwards with a howl of rage. Legolas shrank back as the wolf bounded under the overhang. It stood a couple of feet from the elf, baring pearly fangs in a feral snarl. Tensing, it lunged.
The wolf bowled the elf over, and tried to clamp his jaws shut. Legolas held the wolf by the heavy fur around its neck with one hand, the other trying to stop its teeth from finding him. Lightning flashed, and Legolas saw that the fur he held was gray, and the wolf was normal sized. The wolves that were with the elves were huge, about the size of a small calf, with very dark fur. This must be one of the wild wolves that lived about these mountains, for all the good it did him.
Legolas's shoulder burned from his wound, and his left arm was losing its strength, allowing the wolf to be able to push through. Legolas felt the weight on his chest increase, and he felt the hot breath from the wolf. Teeth gleamed inches from his face, and with a low growl it snapped its jaws shut, lunging forward as it did. The teeth would have closed on the elf prince's neck had not something suddenly barreled full tilt into the gray wolf. With a startled yelp, it rolled out into the rain.
Sitting up and backing off, the next lightning flash revealed to Legolas the wolf facing another one. The gray wolf was half the size of its opponent, and its gray fur contrasted sharply with the black fur of the other. The black wolf was large, very large, and Legolas knew it belonged to the elves that were following him. The two wolves stood three feet apart, snarling and bristling at each other. Eyes gleamed as they glared at the other, baring sharp teeth that were an inch long on the gray and over two inches on the black.
Teeth flashed amid a symphony of snarls and growls as the large black wolf leaped forwards with a roar, and the smaller one, not about to let its prey get taken away, ducked in under it and set his jaws in the other wolf's thick ebony fur. They danced about, clawing and snapping, a show of strength and endurance as well as savagery. Rearing up on their haunches, they clawed at each other with their forelegs, clamping their teeth into the other. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed, rain poured down upon the battling wolves.
Legolas was not sure what to think. The gray wolf was obviously wild, while the black one was surely with the elves. He did not know which he would want to win. His decision did not matter anyways, as the black wolf overwhelmed the smaller gray one and drove it off with a snapping of fangs and furious snarls.
Stalking towards Legolas, the victorious wolf laid his ears back and eyed the elf in warning. Legolas knew the wolves of the elves were intelligent, as well as dangerous. He stayed still, understanding the threat and not moving. With a growl of approval at the elf's comprehension, the wolf lay in front of the overhang, blocking it off so that Legolas could not get out. The elf prince sighed as he realized the helplessness of the situation. He could not defend himself while crouched over under the overhang, as he had found out with the gray wolf, so he had to sit and wait for the elf the wolf was with to come.
~*~*~*
Sirithiliel had been following Tamulis along the trail of the wounded elf, when Tamulis suddenly launched himself forward at full speed. As fast as a falcon flies, the swift wolf covered the ground with ease and grace, ignoring boulders, rocks, brambles, and anything else he encountered; the ground beneath him not registering, which meant Tamulis must have sensed something that had to be dealt with quickly. Since Sirithiliel had no hope in keeping up with the wolf, even if she was running her fastest. She continued along the trail, hoping to be able to be there in time to help Tamulis with whatever he was going to do. ~*~*~*
The large cave that Aragorn was in led through the mountains that otherwise he would have been unable to cross because of their steep sides and jagged valleys. It did not lead directly to Rivendell, but it helped make the journey safer. Once the ranger was out of the cave, he would have to cross between two more mountains, before reaching the valley of Rivendell. With the two wolves after him, and possibly the elves as well, he would have to travel swiftly. He had reached the cave, and had found the secluded area where Legolas had said to wait for him at. But Legolas was not there, and Aragorn had been forced to leave it when the wolves had followed him in.
He did not know where Legolas was, or if he was hurt. All he knew was that the elf did not show up where he said he would, and Aragorn had to keep moving to evade the elves. Silently praying to the Valar for Legolas's safety, Aragorn crept as quietly and carefully in the dark as he could. Not wanting to attract the elves that followed him with the light of a torch, he tried to make his way in the dark.
Feeling the wall with one hand, and using a stick he found when he was in the supposed meeting place were he was to wait for Legolas, he made his way forward relatively well. Trying not to scuffle his feet on the stone, he felt his way through the corridors.
He was getting tired, but he did not trust himself to sleep. The intelligence and speed of those wolves combined with the determination of their masters convinced Aragorn that if he stopped he would be found. Still he was only a human and still needed to periodically take quick stops, to keep his strength up. It would not bode well to face the elves and be unable to battle because of weariness.
When he decided to stop for another rest, he splashed through a small puddle that had water dripping into it constantly, and climbed atop a small ledge that was shadowed nicely to stop prying eyes.
It was well he did, for, minutes after he paused for the rest, two wolves glided past and crept through the water with barely a whisper. Two dark haired and black eyes elves followed them, passing as quietly as their wolf companions, and they were gone before Aragorn could even react to the wolves.
The ranger had no idea they were so close! They had managed to sneak up on him in this dark cave corridor where the slightest sound would echo if you were not careful, and two elves with their calf sized wolves were able to approach with barely a sound! Aragorn was lucky he had decided to stop, other wise the wolves would have happened upon him. He did not want to think on how that would end up.
Slipping off the ledge, Aragorn followed the elves, careful to stay far enough back. He wondered why the wolves did not notice he was on the ledge, and then realized that the water he had gone through must have masked his scent well enough to foil the wolves, and the constant dripping had covered any noise he might have made. Blessing his luck, Aragorn used all the stealth he had mastered from living with elves, and crept along behind.
~*~*~*
"I don't think the human could have gotten this far. He would have to stop and rest," Savarre muttered to Teysrol as they followed their wolves down the dark cave corridor.
"Indeed, but he may not have stopped to rest," Teysrol whispered back to his older brother. Savarre looked uncertain of that, but kept silent.
Both Amras and Anborn were ahead, scanning the hall with eyes that easily pierced the heavy gloom, sifting the scents, and listening to every sound.
"What do you know?" Teysrol called to Amras, his Companion. The wolf yawned, emitting a low growl. With a sigh, Teysrol tried to quell his rising frustration. The human had avoided them well so far. They did not expect that of him, even if he was a ranger. With a low growl of annoyance, he followed his older brother's lead.
Farther back, Aragorn listened with interest. They might just let something slip that could be helpful to him. Stumbling for a moment when he hit a crack in the floor, he stifled a hiss of pain as his hand scraped against the rough stone of the wall. Stopping, listening carefully and holding his breath, he waited to see if the elves had heard.
They were still walking, whispering softly to each other in elvish, and apparently they hadn't hear a thing. Heaving a silent sigh of relief, Aragorn continued on his way.
Teysrol talked softly with his brother, but they kept one ear behind them. They had heard the sounds made by Aragorn, and realized he must have somehow been able to get behind them. Now Amras walked ahead, and Anborn was no where to be seen.
Aragorn treaded softly, not wanting to risk being discovered again. What he did not notice was the dark shadow creeping up behind him.
Anborn followed his master's orders, and crept behind the human, ready to attack on command. Slipping in the shadows with nary a sound, he positioned himself until he had a clear view of the ranger.
Aragorn thought he had done well in evading the notice of the elves, but then they suddenly stopped. Aragorn stopped as well, curious and nervous as to why the elves stopped. His heart stopped at what the elves said next.
"Come out, human. We know you are behind us, and you have been since the passing of the small cave puddle in this otherwise dry cave," Teysrol said clearly. He turned and scanned the darkness behind him. Savarre did the same, while Teysrol's companion Amras snarled at the shadows where Aragorn hid.
The ranger was unsure of what to do. He took a careful step back, moving slowly so that they could not discern his movement from that of the shadows. He would have to travel back, since he could not go forward, but another snarl behind him directed his attention towards the second wolf, blocking his way.
"Now what am I to do?" Aragorn muttered under his breath, as he considered his options.
~*~*~*
Legolas was allowed out of the overhang by the wolf after the storm stopped. He was wary, but knew better than attack the wolf. It would be able to evade his attacks, and he already knew it was not out to kill him.
He sat in the ring of stones, silently fletching his arrows. His shoulder hurt horribly, but there was nothing he could do about it. The wolf gave him another warning growl, and then slipped away. Legolas sighed, knowing he could probably leave now, but this was the safest place to be right now. Or so he thought.
"Well, now. If it isn't a little elf, how do you do, Master Elf?" a gruff voice said mockingly. Legolas looked up, to see he was facing a score of tough looking dwarves. They sneered at him, the racial hatred between dwarves and elves shining in their eyes.
"What might you be doing on our trade path, Master Elf?" the lead dwarf asked, slurring the title in disgust.
"Just resting, Master Dwarf," Legolas replied in the same tone of voice, narrowing his eyes. They outnumbered him, how could he battle them?
"Resting? Who have you been battling?" the same dwarf asked, noting his bloodied shoulder. Legolas stiffened, curling his lip at the dwarf.
"My business is my own, and it would do you well to remember that, dwarf," the elf snarled, dropping all pretense of courtesy, even if it was mocking.
"Filthy elf!" the dwarf spat. He eyed Legolas, then his eyes widened in recognition.
"I know you! You may not know me, but I am Ori. I was with Thorin Oakenshield when your father threw us in Mirkwood's dungeons, young prince!" the dwarf hissed. The other dwarves shifted and rumbled to each other.
Legolas could not express his surprise that the dwarf remembered him from that fateful time when his father discovered thirteen dwarves and one hobbit wandering in Mirkwood. They had disrupted the autumn feasts three times, and had infuriated his father to the point where they were thrown in the dungeons.
"I had sworn vengeance upon Mirkwood's King and I think it would be fitting to rid him of his beloved son!" the dwarf shouted, running forward with his axe leading the way. Legolas, in his sitting position with a single arrow in his hands and a fletching knife, he was incredibly vulnerable. His knives, quiver, and bow were under the overhang, and he would not be able to get to them in time.
Leggylover03: You want my wolves to catch Aragorn? I'll see what I can do.
Niori: I'm glad you liked this chapter, and the next will come soon!
Rubberduck: Glad you like it all, hope you like chapter three as well!
Drizztluver: No, I don't know what is wrong with the quotations. I read "Forgotten Realms" too!
Soul Searcher: I must admit, you reassurance helped a lot! Thanks a bunch!
Darkwind: I like Mercedes Lackey as well, and I appreciate your review.
Coolio02: Thanks a lot for your review! (