Disclaimer: Full disclaimer on first page. And once again, some dialogue
and names and places may sound familiar and I claim no ownership to them.
There may be lags in between updates, since school has started and I'm having difficulty fitting in time to work on my stories. Sorry and I will try to get the chapters up quickly!
Chapter Eight
Elladan's breath hissed out from between his teeth as he was slammed against the side of the alley wall. Tylendal lay crumpled on the ground a few feet away, eyes closed and breathing raggedly. Bruises and cuts marred his face and arms, and were upon his chest and back; hidden under the dark green tunic, either from the beating he had received in the inn or from crashing through the inn's window.
Elladan looked little better. The men pinning him to the wall jeered and laughed to each other. One shoved his swarthy face up in front of the Elf's.
"The dwarves who brought ye don't even know what we're doing, and they're not here. So we'll say ye left on ye're own, no one will know the difference." He said, laughing with the rest of his companions at their deception.
Elladan sighed. He had thought the dwarves had planned this. It was a small relief that they had not. His breath slightly caught as he saw Tylendal slowly push himself to his feet, leaning against the wall for support. Maybe they had a chance after all.
The men seemed to be ignoring Tylendal, but the luck of the Elves did not seem to be there at the moment. One man turned to say something to another, and noticed Tylendal leaning heavily against the wall, trying to get his bearings.
He shouted an alarm and the other men turned and laughed. Tylendal was swaying, a dazed expression on his face from the blow to the head he had received when they had fled into the alley. All in all, he looked unable to do a thing to the men.
Elladan struggled against those holding him, and his breath was knocked sharply out of him as a fist slammed into his stomach. Tylendal's hand went for the dagger hidden in his boot, but his fingers were jarred loose as he was forced against the wall, with more than one pair of hands pressing him down.
The Mirkwood Elf struggled earnestly, trying to reach his dagger, but a burly man grabbed a handful of his dark brown locks and twisted, entangling the hair around his wrist. His captor suddenly jerked his hand, driving Tylendal's head into the stone wall behind him. With a crack and a low moan, Tylendal slumped against the men holding him, eyes half lidded as he slipped into semi-consciousness.
Elladan felt the first feelings of panic set in, as his arms were wrenched back and tied. Tylendal was forcefully tied the same way, and was hauled to his feet, and they were led away to a more private place.
~*~*~*
Thranduil paced his study, worry and concern filling his heart at the thought of his beloved son out in the forest, surrounded by the dangers of Mirkwood.
Elrond was little better, and was fretting over his sons. Tylendal had no parents, having been orphaned at a young age, and Thranduil worried for him too, since he was very fond of the young Elf.
With a sigh, Thranduil leaned against the large window, watching the darkening sky. This night would be third night the Elflings were missing. Thranduil sat in a chair and rested his forehead into the palm of his hand.
~*~*~*
The raven screeched and cawed, hopping and fanning its wings. Legolas and Elrohir watched it for a moment, before looking about for the cause of its alarm.
The forest was still. There was nothing to show them what was the matter. Legolas shook his head, and watched the raven once more. With one last frightened caw, the bird took to the air, flying with all speed towards the mountains. Elrohir watched it go, scowling slightly. He turned to say something to Legolas, but whatever he was going to tell the Elven prince was cut off as a large form barreled into the young Elf.
~*~*~*
Elladan kicked and struggled, but to no avail as he was roughly slammed into a wall once more. Before he could say a word, one of the men kicked his legs out from under him, dropping him to the ground. He immediately tried to stand, but a heavy boot was placed on his chest, just over his collarbones, convincing him to stay still.
Tylendal was dragged in, and the Elf moaned as he was tossed carelessly to the ground. His eyes cracked open, and he closed them again as the world swam dizzyingly around him. The two blows to his head had rattled his mind, and he was having a hard time focusing on anything for a length of time.
But he was renowned as a quick healer, and began to assess the damage his body had sustained. Numerous cuts from when he leaped through the window, none serious. Bruises from the beating the men gave him in the inn, as well as two nice sized lumps at the back of his head from both times he was struck in the alley. Those would be his main problem, but he can work with the pain. The one problem was that when he was in pain he tended to have a even shorter temper than usual and any brash words on his part might land them in deeper trouble.
~*~*~*
Elrohir hit the ground hard, and the Elf rolled almost immediately to his feet. He wound up facing the creature that had hit him, and froze slightly as he gazed at it.
The creature was probably the oddest-looking creature they had ever seen. A large bear stood there, reared up on its haunches and snarling, but its fur was a mottled brown that, mixed with the dappled light from the sun through the leaves, gave it a blotchy appearance. It was not happy to see them, either.
It bellowed, rushing towards the two.
~*~*~*
Marin entered Lake Town once more, this time leading the Elven patrol. He brought them before the inn he and his brothers had left the Elves, but when they entered the Elves were not there, and there were obvious signs of a brawl.
Marching up to the innkeeper, he pointed towards the mess.
"Where are the Elves, Runabout?" He snarled, and his glare deepened as he watched the guilty look appear on the man's face.
"Thompson and 'is boys took them." The innkeeper said, gulping as the Elves that were with the dwarves glared at him and several anxiously began speaking to one who was obviously the leader.
"Where did this 'Thompson' take them?" The silver haired Elf asked, with a deadly glint in his stormy eyes. The innkeeper shook his head, shrugging to show his lack of knowledge.
"All I know is that they broke my window and several good hard wood chairs, and I will have to pay them out of my own wagers." The man said. The Elf sensed he was not speaking the whole truth, but did not press the matter. With a curt nod, he turned and led his patrol out into the darkened streets.
~*~*~*
Legolas and Elrohir skipped out of the way of the bear, and it charged past them, roaring in rage.
They were blocked. They could not out run a bear, and all the trees were too far apart to be able to pass from one to another, and climbing a single tree was useless.
The bear charged again, and the two expected to be killed this time.
A shriek above their heads distracted them, and they looked up to see a rather large eagle swoop and bring its deadly talons to strike at the bear. The monstrous bird shrieked again, and the bear howled as its sharp talons and cruel beak tore through its thick fur.
With a final roar, the bear lumbered off into the woods. The eagle landed in front of the Elves, blowing up dust and leaves.
It regarded them with sharp, intelligent eyes, and chuckled softly. It kept its wings half spread, but its feathers smoothed down and it took on a gentler appearance.
"You young ones have had a mighty time, have you not?" the great eagle said to them, and the fact that such a creature was speaking shocked the already stunned Elflings.
Legolas regained his composure enough to nod in answer. The eagle was not being threatening, and Legolas felt no cause to fear it, even though its great beak could snap him in half.
"I am Gwahir, Lord of Eagles. I saw your peril and decided to help. But tell me, what are two Elflings doing out all alone in the broad forest of Mirkwood?" The great eagle asked, and he cocked his head to the side and watched them through his great golden eyes.
"We got lost, and we were chased away from the palace by orcs and wargs." Elrohir piped in, obviously not fearing the eagle as well.
"Well then, if you do not know the way back, I shall take you to a friend of mine who can lead you there. I myself would take you, but I would be useless in the dense trees. Come, climb upon my back and I shall bear you safely to my friend." The eagle hunched down for better access to his back, and the two elves climbed up.
Why shouldn't they go? They trusted the eagle instinctively, and he would not let harm come to them. How they knew that they did not know, but they settled into the deep golden brown feathers of the eagle, tightening their grip as the bird took to the air with a clapping of wings.
~*~*~*
Elladan cursed as he tried to free himself from the binding ropes about his wrists, but to no avail. Leaning back, he sighed, and watched as Tylendal came to the same results. Each were tied with their backs to a post, their wrists tied behind it, keeping them standing straight against the wall.
Watching Tylendal try again, Elladan couldn't help but tell the truth: his friend looked awful. The cuts were healing and the bruises fading, thanks to the quick healing of elves, but the young Elf looked exhausted, and Elladan knew he looked no better.
The men came in again, ready for some more fun, and Elladan hissed softly as they roughly jerked the rope tied to his wrists, causing the rope to dig into his skin.
They started to drag him away to another room, and Tylendal panicked. He started struggling fiercely, and a man threw a punch at him.
"Yer turn will come, Elf!" The man bellowed, and Tylendal suddenly lashed out with a leg, catching the laughing man in the back of the knee. A satisfying crack split the air, and the man howled and collapsed, clutching his crushed knee.
Another man attacked Tylendal, only this time instead of a fist he had a knife. The blade sank into the right side of helpless Elf's neck, just above the collarbone, and the man jerked it away, drawing a long line from the side of his neck to his shoulder. Tylendal stared in shock at the blood running from his neck and shoulder, before turning to stare into Elladan's horrified eyes. The wound was not deep enough to be fatal, but it would be painful and would take a while to heal, even for an elf. And it would probably leave a scar.
Not waiting for Tylendal to get a hold of himself, the laughing men dragged Elladan and their injured companion into the next room, leaving the wounded Elf to bleed.
~*~*~*
The eagle made an abrupt landing, and the two Elves slid off his back. Standing before them was a old man in grey, and the Elves looked at him curiously as he looked at them.
"What have you brought me this time, Gwahir?" the old man asked, and the eagle chuckled again, folding his monstrous wings and clacking his beak in amusement.
"Two lost Elves who cannot find their way home." The eagle answered. The man looked at the Elves again, and smiled kindly.
"I shall help you, never fear. I have visited Mirkwood often, and would delight in another visit. I am Gandalf the Grey, and I am pleased to meet you."
Firesong: Thanks a bunch for your review, I'm glad you like the way this story is going, I try!
Ravenwing: I borrowed the name Runabout Kickastone from R. A. Salvatore's book series "Forgotten Realms" I kind of liked it. Thanks for your review!
Qullemorgul: It is very creative. Thanks for your review.
Artemisa: As I said at the top of this chapter, there will be some time between updates. Hope I can get them up fast enough!
Itarilde-elenastar: Nice name. Very nice, I like it a lot. Thanks for the review.
There may be lags in between updates, since school has started and I'm having difficulty fitting in time to work on my stories. Sorry and I will try to get the chapters up quickly!
Chapter Eight
Elladan's breath hissed out from between his teeth as he was slammed against the side of the alley wall. Tylendal lay crumpled on the ground a few feet away, eyes closed and breathing raggedly. Bruises and cuts marred his face and arms, and were upon his chest and back; hidden under the dark green tunic, either from the beating he had received in the inn or from crashing through the inn's window.
Elladan looked little better. The men pinning him to the wall jeered and laughed to each other. One shoved his swarthy face up in front of the Elf's.
"The dwarves who brought ye don't even know what we're doing, and they're not here. So we'll say ye left on ye're own, no one will know the difference." He said, laughing with the rest of his companions at their deception.
Elladan sighed. He had thought the dwarves had planned this. It was a small relief that they had not. His breath slightly caught as he saw Tylendal slowly push himself to his feet, leaning against the wall for support. Maybe they had a chance after all.
The men seemed to be ignoring Tylendal, but the luck of the Elves did not seem to be there at the moment. One man turned to say something to another, and noticed Tylendal leaning heavily against the wall, trying to get his bearings.
He shouted an alarm and the other men turned and laughed. Tylendal was swaying, a dazed expression on his face from the blow to the head he had received when they had fled into the alley. All in all, he looked unable to do a thing to the men.
Elladan struggled against those holding him, and his breath was knocked sharply out of him as a fist slammed into his stomach. Tylendal's hand went for the dagger hidden in his boot, but his fingers were jarred loose as he was forced against the wall, with more than one pair of hands pressing him down.
The Mirkwood Elf struggled earnestly, trying to reach his dagger, but a burly man grabbed a handful of his dark brown locks and twisted, entangling the hair around his wrist. His captor suddenly jerked his hand, driving Tylendal's head into the stone wall behind him. With a crack and a low moan, Tylendal slumped against the men holding him, eyes half lidded as he slipped into semi-consciousness.
Elladan felt the first feelings of panic set in, as his arms were wrenched back and tied. Tylendal was forcefully tied the same way, and was hauled to his feet, and they were led away to a more private place.
~*~*~*
Thranduil paced his study, worry and concern filling his heart at the thought of his beloved son out in the forest, surrounded by the dangers of Mirkwood.
Elrond was little better, and was fretting over his sons. Tylendal had no parents, having been orphaned at a young age, and Thranduil worried for him too, since he was very fond of the young Elf.
With a sigh, Thranduil leaned against the large window, watching the darkening sky. This night would be third night the Elflings were missing. Thranduil sat in a chair and rested his forehead into the palm of his hand.
~*~*~*
The raven screeched and cawed, hopping and fanning its wings. Legolas and Elrohir watched it for a moment, before looking about for the cause of its alarm.
The forest was still. There was nothing to show them what was the matter. Legolas shook his head, and watched the raven once more. With one last frightened caw, the bird took to the air, flying with all speed towards the mountains. Elrohir watched it go, scowling slightly. He turned to say something to Legolas, but whatever he was going to tell the Elven prince was cut off as a large form barreled into the young Elf.
~*~*~*
Elladan kicked and struggled, but to no avail as he was roughly slammed into a wall once more. Before he could say a word, one of the men kicked his legs out from under him, dropping him to the ground. He immediately tried to stand, but a heavy boot was placed on his chest, just over his collarbones, convincing him to stay still.
Tylendal was dragged in, and the Elf moaned as he was tossed carelessly to the ground. His eyes cracked open, and he closed them again as the world swam dizzyingly around him. The two blows to his head had rattled his mind, and he was having a hard time focusing on anything for a length of time.
But he was renowned as a quick healer, and began to assess the damage his body had sustained. Numerous cuts from when he leaped through the window, none serious. Bruises from the beating the men gave him in the inn, as well as two nice sized lumps at the back of his head from both times he was struck in the alley. Those would be his main problem, but he can work with the pain. The one problem was that when he was in pain he tended to have a even shorter temper than usual and any brash words on his part might land them in deeper trouble.
~*~*~*
Elrohir hit the ground hard, and the Elf rolled almost immediately to his feet. He wound up facing the creature that had hit him, and froze slightly as he gazed at it.
The creature was probably the oddest-looking creature they had ever seen. A large bear stood there, reared up on its haunches and snarling, but its fur was a mottled brown that, mixed with the dappled light from the sun through the leaves, gave it a blotchy appearance. It was not happy to see them, either.
It bellowed, rushing towards the two.
~*~*~*
Marin entered Lake Town once more, this time leading the Elven patrol. He brought them before the inn he and his brothers had left the Elves, but when they entered the Elves were not there, and there were obvious signs of a brawl.
Marching up to the innkeeper, he pointed towards the mess.
"Where are the Elves, Runabout?" He snarled, and his glare deepened as he watched the guilty look appear on the man's face.
"Thompson and 'is boys took them." The innkeeper said, gulping as the Elves that were with the dwarves glared at him and several anxiously began speaking to one who was obviously the leader.
"Where did this 'Thompson' take them?" The silver haired Elf asked, with a deadly glint in his stormy eyes. The innkeeper shook his head, shrugging to show his lack of knowledge.
"All I know is that they broke my window and several good hard wood chairs, and I will have to pay them out of my own wagers." The man said. The Elf sensed he was not speaking the whole truth, but did not press the matter. With a curt nod, he turned and led his patrol out into the darkened streets.
~*~*~*
Legolas and Elrohir skipped out of the way of the bear, and it charged past them, roaring in rage.
They were blocked. They could not out run a bear, and all the trees were too far apart to be able to pass from one to another, and climbing a single tree was useless.
The bear charged again, and the two expected to be killed this time.
A shriek above their heads distracted them, and they looked up to see a rather large eagle swoop and bring its deadly talons to strike at the bear. The monstrous bird shrieked again, and the bear howled as its sharp talons and cruel beak tore through its thick fur.
With a final roar, the bear lumbered off into the woods. The eagle landed in front of the Elves, blowing up dust and leaves.
It regarded them with sharp, intelligent eyes, and chuckled softly. It kept its wings half spread, but its feathers smoothed down and it took on a gentler appearance.
"You young ones have had a mighty time, have you not?" the great eagle said to them, and the fact that such a creature was speaking shocked the already stunned Elflings.
Legolas regained his composure enough to nod in answer. The eagle was not being threatening, and Legolas felt no cause to fear it, even though its great beak could snap him in half.
"I am Gwahir, Lord of Eagles. I saw your peril and decided to help. But tell me, what are two Elflings doing out all alone in the broad forest of Mirkwood?" The great eagle asked, and he cocked his head to the side and watched them through his great golden eyes.
"We got lost, and we were chased away from the palace by orcs and wargs." Elrohir piped in, obviously not fearing the eagle as well.
"Well then, if you do not know the way back, I shall take you to a friend of mine who can lead you there. I myself would take you, but I would be useless in the dense trees. Come, climb upon my back and I shall bear you safely to my friend." The eagle hunched down for better access to his back, and the two elves climbed up.
Why shouldn't they go? They trusted the eagle instinctively, and he would not let harm come to them. How they knew that they did not know, but they settled into the deep golden brown feathers of the eagle, tightening their grip as the bird took to the air with a clapping of wings.
~*~*~*
Elladan cursed as he tried to free himself from the binding ropes about his wrists, but to no avail. Leaning back, he sighed, and watched as Tylendal came to the same results. Each were tied with their backs to a post, their wrists tied behind it, keeping them standing straight against the wall.
Watching Tylendal try again, Elladan couldn't help but tell the truth: his friend looked awful. The cuts were healing and the bruises fading, thanks to the quick healing of elves, but the young Elf looked exhausted, and Elladan knew he looked no better.
The men came in again, ready for some more fun, and Elladan hissed softly as they roughly jerked the rope tied to his wrists, causing the rope to dig into his skin.
They started to drag him away to another room, and Tylendal panicked. He started struggling fiercely, and a man threw a punch at him.
"Yer turn will come, Elf!" The man bellowed, and Tylendal suddenly lashed out with a leg, catching the laughing man in the back of the knee. A satisfying crack split the air, and the man howled and collapsed, clutching his crushed knee.
Another man attacked Tylendal, only this time instead of a fist he had a knife. The blade sank into the right side of helpless Elf's neck, just above the collarbone, and the man jerked it away, drawing a long line from the side of his neck to his shoulder. Tylendal stared in shock at the blood running from his neck and shoulder, before turning to stare into Elladan's horrified eyes. The wound was not deep enough to be fatal, but it would be painful and would take a while to heal, even for an elf. And it would probably leave a scar.
Not waiting for Tylendal to get a hold of himself, the laughing men dragged Elladan and their injured companion into the next room, leaving the wounded Elf to bleed.
~*~*~*
The eagle made an abrupt landing, and the two Elves slid off his back. Standing before them was a old man in grey, and the Elves looked at him curiously as he looked at them.
"What have you brought me this time, Gwahir?" the old man asked, and the eagle chuckled again, folding his monstrous wings and clacking his beak in amusement.
"Two lost Elves who cannot find their way home." The eagle answered. The man looked at the Elves again, and smiled kindly.
"I shall help you, never fear. I have visited Mirkwood often, and would delight in another visit. I am Gandalf the Grey, and I am pleased to meet you."
Firesong: Thanks a bunch for your review, I'm glad you like the way this story is going, I try!
Ravenwing: I borrowed the name Runabout Kickastone from R. A. Salvatore's book series "Forgotten Realms" I kind of liked it. Thanks for your review!
Qullemorgul: It is very creative. Thanks for your review.
Artemisa: As I said at the top of this chapter, there will be some time between updates. Hope I can get them up fast enough!
Itarilde-elenastar: Nice name. Very nice, I like it a lot. Thanks for the review.