Chapter 9 - not revised
Legolas stared in disbelief as the scimitar descended toward him. Egla Ash was going to kill him! But as he moved - too slowly - he felt something wrap about his throat cutting off his breath. He was yanked backwards, choking in surprise and panic. He fell to the ground, fingers clawing at the leather around his neck, the scimitar striking the space between his legs where he had been standing.
Egla Ash looked up snarling, and saw an Uruk-Hai standing head and shoulders above the other Orcs. A long whip was clasped in its hand, a grin on its ugly face. Long coarse hair swung down its muscled back.
"What's this? The little rats are playing?" He pushed through the smaller Orcs, thrusting them aside. He yanked on the whip, watching as Legolas fought for air. He laughed and jerked him to his feet and pulled him close, their faces inches apart. "Found some sport, did we?" He looked to where the other Elves were tied and turned to Fengbad. "Where is it?"
Fengbad, who didn't like having his authority usurped especially by an Uruk-Hai, moved to confront him.
"What do you want?" He asked, his eyes narrowing menacingly even though the Uruk-Hai towered over him by several inches.
This seemed to amuse the Uruk-Hai rather than irritate him. He laughed and released Legolas from the whip's stranglehold. Mirkwood's prince dropped to the ground, gulping huge breaths of air and choking.
"You sluggards were supposed to move out at sunset," he growled. "The Master is not going to be pleased to find that you were sitting here sporting with an Elf."
"The Master?!" Fengbad gulped. "Get up!" He called, turning to glare at growl at those under him. "We're moving out! Now!"
The Uruk-Hai allowed himself a satisfied snort.
Little rats indeed, he thought as he watched them scurrying about, breaking their hasty camp. They untied the Elves and hustled them into a straggling line, striking them with whips, sword blades, claws and feet.
Gollum was brought before the Uruk-Hai. He stared up at it, his pale eyes narrowed with hatred. The Uruk-Hai bent down to inspect him.
"We hates it, we does. Nasty Orc!"
"Ugly little slug." He laughed into the much smaller creature's face.
Gollum growled in his throat and launched himself at the large Orc.
It caught the monstrous Uruk-Hai off guard. He tumbled to the ground, Gollum biting and tearing at him.
Legolas had stood, gasping air down his bruised throat. He glanced toward the other Elves, eyes bleak.
"Drega!" [Flee!] They called. "Drega, Legolas!"
Cuil and Calenthar were pleading with their eyes as well as their voices. Lindir looked desperately at him.
"Drega, nin mellon!" He yelled, the Orc holding his ropes backhanding him viciously.
This was his chance when there was so much confusion, perhaps his only chance. Nearly everyone's attention was riveted on Gollum and the Uruk-Hai, looks of cruel delight on the Orcs faces as they watched their 'superior' being bitten and scratched by such a pitiful, little thing. It hurt him desperately to leave the other three in such a situation. He had told them that he wouldn't leave them. But he was no help to them as a fellow captive.
He turned suddenly and ran.
"You fools!" The Uruk-Hai screamed. "The Elf is escaping!" He finally managed to pin Gollum to the ground and ordered them to bind and gag him.
Several Orcs turned and chased after Legolas.
"Fools." The Uruk-Hai muttered. He grabbed a bow from a stunned Orc and sprinted after them.
Fengbad glared around at the Orcs. They were in trouble. A lot of trouble. How he hated Elves.and Uruk-Hai.
"Why didn't you kill him, Blue Eyes?" He demanded, glaring at Egla Ash, needing someone to blame for this turn of events. "Go after them!"
Egla Ash looked up at him, then stared numbly down at the scimitar embedded in the ground. He blinked several times, scowling, then he shrugged and then trotted into the trees.
Fengbad snarled and stalked about the camp, shouting orders and obscenities, striking out at anyone who got in his way.
Legolas breath was burning in his chest. He could hear the crashing behind him and knew that he wasn't going to make it. His vision was blurring and his entire body ached and shook uncontrollably. He needed a weapon. At least he could fight them. A stout dead branch in the underbrush ahead caught his attention. He yanked it from the brambles that imprisoned it and turned, making his stand.
"Elbereth, anna enni bellas." [Varda, give me strength.] He breathed, hefting the branch, amazed at how his hands shook.
The Orcs skidded to a halt, surprised to see their prey standing before them, his legs braced apart, eyes grim and full of determination.
"Thaur Yrch!" [Abhorrent Orcs!] He spat at them, all the hatred and burning anger he felt was poured into those two words.
The Orcs exchanged uneasy glances.
"Fools! What do you wait for?!"
The Uruk-Hai strode through Mirkwood's trees. "Slugs! Rats! Cowards! Scared of an Elf with a stick." He reached into the quiver on his back and pulled out a thick black arrow and raised the bow to point it at the Elf.
Legolas grimaced, fear racing through him.
The Uruk-Hai laughed and loosed the arrow.
Legolas raised the thick branch with a cry and was shocked to see the arrow strike it. He stared at it wide eyed. His vision was beginning to blur and he wondered how long it would be before he collapsed. Would it be before they killed him?
The Uruk-Hai looked surprised as well. Growling he pulled another arrow from the quiver.
Legolas didn't wait. He rushed forward, yelling and swung the branch at the Orc. It caught the Uruk-Hai on the side of his face. He roared in pain and fell to the ground. The other Orcs were slow to react and Legolas turned to run once more, but Egla Ash stepped through the trees, a bow in his hand.
"I wouldn't if I were you, Legolas Elvellon," he said quietly.
Legolas hesitated only a second, but the Uruk-Hai was on its feet, fists clenched. He strode over to the Elf and grabbed him by the throat.
"I'll snap your neck, you vile Elf!" He threatened shaking the slender archer, enjoying the look on his captives face as he squeezed the slim neck, the Elf's hands clawing at the Uruk-Hai's much larger one.
"He is mine." Egla Ash found himself saying, moving the bow so it was pointing at the Uruk-Hai.
"What are you saying?" The Uruk-Hai said quietly, turning his malevolent glare on the blue-eyed Orc.
"I caught him. He is mine."
The larger Orc stared at him in disbelief.
"What did you say, little rat?!"
Egla Ash shrugged and fired an arrow into the Uruk-Hai's forehead.
The others gasped at his audacity. Then they smiled. They had not liked the arrogant Uruk-Hai and were glad to see him dead.
Egla Ash quickly assumed control, anything to keep his churning mind away from why he had just killed the Uruk-Hai.
"The Elf shot him," he told them. "We will mourn the passing of one of our brethren."
At first the others looked at him in confusion. Then they laughed.
"Yes! The Elf shot him!" They knew that they would all pay dearly if the truth were ever revealed. It was one thing to kill a regular Orc, but to kill an Uruk-Hai - that was another matter.
"Head back. I will bring the Elf."
The others quickly headed south once more, speaking of how brave Egla Ash was to shoot the Uruk-Hai. They each saluted him before disappearing into the dimness.
Legolas was doubled over on the ground panting for air. His strength was nearly spent as the shaking in his limbs worsened. He saw Egla Ash's feet before him. He sighed and closed his eyes, sob clawing at his raw throat. He was so weary, the poison running rampant within him. His head dropped in defeat, long hair veiling his face.
Egla Ash stared down at him. Why had he spared his life? His mind was a strange confusion of conflicting emotions. There had been a time when he had wanted Legolas dead, his warm blood spurting over Egla Ash's hands. Then he had wanted the Elf to die in long lasting torment. And this very night he wanted to strike him down instantly with the scimitar. He had been an Orc in that moment.
But now.
When the Uruk-Hai had been threatening to end Legolas' life, the Uruk- Hai lay dead at his hands.
The Orc snarled and gnashed his teeth in frustration.
What was wrong with him?! He was an Orc and he would act like one.
"Get up!" He hissed angrily, pulling on the blond hair until the Elf was on his hands and knees. "Get up now!"
Legolas could feel his last strength flowing out of him. Pain flared along his left arm and it would no longer support his weight. He moaned and tucked it against his chest.
"Get up I said!"
Legolas managed to raise his head, vision wavering even more. He didn't think he could stand.
"Get up!"
Egla Ash reached down and grabbed Legolas' left arm.
The Elf cried out at the touch and pitched forward.
Egla Ash felt unwanted concern fill him.
No! This is not what he wanted!
He tightened his grip and yanked Legolas to his feet. But he had lost consciousness and fell into the Orc. He caught the Elf in surprise.
"Get up, you lousy Elf! You can't fool me!" He roared, trying to drown out the voice in his mind that screamed in panic and fear. And loss.
When Legolas didn't respond, Egla Ash lowered him to the ground. The blue eyes were closed, dark bruises surrounding them. The slender pale face was pale and bloody, brilliant spots flaming on his checks; his skin, usually so cool to the touch, burned with fever. The slender throat was darkly bruised. Egla Ash stared down at him in dismay.
Now what was he to do?
His rough fingers touched one cheek.
"Wake up!" He hissed, consternation and concern warred within him. His brows furrowed. The conflict within must cease or he would go mad. He moaned, his two selves struggling for mastery of his soul. He groaned and clenched his fists, hitting the ground.
No! This was not what he wanted! He would not give in. He shook his head, baring his teeth, the agony of his indecision tearing at him.
"No!" He vowed fiercely, calling on all the anger and hatred he had learned in Dol Guldur. He picked up the limp form, shifting him in his arms. He started back to the camp.
Legolas lay dreaming, but it was not a good dream filled with trees and stars, the voices of loved ones, all the things that calmed him. He was back in Emyn Mor Esgal, trapped in the starless darkness. The Orcs would be coming for him soon. They always came. He tried to think of a song, but his mind seemed filled with a haze of pain and confusion. Pain. .. Orcs excelled at inflicting it. He shuddered, a small moan escaping him. When they returned for him there would be pain again. More pain. Always pain. Suddenly it exploded through him, calling him from the darkness.
When Legolas' wounded arm came in contact with Egla Ash's chest he cried out, eyes flying open. Fear was written clearly on his features. But when Egla Ash looked down at him, relief swept over him. A sweet smile touched his lips.
"Egla Ash. nin mellon." [my friend] He raised a shaky hand to touch the Orc's face.
Egla Ash shuddered beneath the tender touch. This was not what he wanted.
Legolas relaxed in his arms, though every step jarred his injuries, causing him to bit at his lips to stop his cries. A flash of silver and green caught his attention. He reached up and opened a fold of the Orc's black cloak. Pinned inside was the oak leaf brooch he had given him years ago. Legolas smiled.
"You kept it," he murmured weakly.
He had kept the brooch with him even in the darkness of Dol Guldur. Some how he had kept it. And it had comforted him despite all the torments and abuse he had suffered.
"I will not forget," he had vowed.
And he had not forgotten.
"I will take them with me into darkness," he had whispered of the glorious stars as he was being led into captivity. "I will not forget. I will not forget, Legolas Elvellon."
Yet he had pushed such things as stars and friendship, hope and love down, trying to smother them with hatred and anger. But he had never gotten rid of the brooch, a symbol of a friendship begun in darkness.
No, he had never truly forgotten.
A smile touched Egla Ash's lips, not a cruel smile at the contemplation of revenge or wicked amusement, but a true smile. He felt a long carried weight lift.
"Of course I kept it," Egla Ash said gently. "You gave it to me." Tears of joy stung in the Orc's blue eyes. Oh, Legolas Elvellon, he thought. Forgive my fall into darkness. I never wanted to hurt you. I am sorry, my friend. Yes. This was indeed what he had wanted all along.
"Sing for me, Egla Ash," Legolas whispered.
"I.I have not sung in a very long time," the Orc said uncomfortably. He had forgotten how to sing beneath the stars. Almost.
"Please."
Egla Ash frowned, but he would sing. He would always sing for Legolas now. The song was his first, born in the darkness along with their friendship. He had struggled with it, for Orcs did not sing.
"Gar estel anann i elenath sila." [Have hope (as) long (as) the stars shine.] He began, his voice rough from many years of not using it for anything but cursing and screaming. It had been so long.too long.
"Ind mor lothron garo le Gil galad ath sila godref. Arad a nain ath or. Estel na tol."
[Though darkness may hold you A star's light will shine through. Days of tears will soon be over. Hope is coming.]
"Your first song," Legolas breathed, gracing the Orc with a beautiful smile. "It is wonderful. Sing it again."
Egla Ash smiled and began once more.
"Blue Eyes! What are you doing?"
Egla Ash looked up in shock. He hadn't heard the Orc approaching them until now. It stood before them, bow clasped loosely in one hand, a quizzical look on its face. Egla Ash cursed himself. He had been heading for the camp without knowing it.
How could I?! He thought, anxiety biting at him. What have I done?!
"What are you doing?" The Orc repeated, eyeing Egla Ash and the Elf in his arms suspiciously.
Egla Ash glanced down at Legolas, uncertainty and renewed fear burned in his friend's eyes.
"The Elf cannot walk," he answered simply, shrugging slightly.
The other Orc frowned, not certain if he could believe him. Then he grunted. "Come on then. They've left already."
Egla Ash looked at Legolas once more.
"Don't worry, Legolas Elvellon," he whispered in Sindarin, moving to follow the departing Orc. "I will try to free you and the others if I can."
It was with heavy steps and heavier heart that he moved south after the band of Orcs heading for Dol Guldur.
Horus - Well, I haven't killed Legolas.yet. (evil laughter) JastaElf - Plug: Everyone go read JastaElf's stories if you haven't already!! Thanks for reviewing. This chapter's been hard to write. Redemption ain't easy sometimes. Thanks for being Number 50. Never thought I'd get there!! Salak - I love cliffhangers! And I know you do to. Admit it! Your dances really work!!! Thanks a lot!! Irena - Glad that you love this series. I appreciate that. But you'd better uncover your eyes or you'll miss the fun! AJ Matthews - Ack! Here's the next part!! Shinigamio - You are right, my friend. I love to torture you with cliffhangers!! Just call me the Queen of the Cliffies!! long under tree - Like I told Salak and Shinigamio I love cliffhangers! I really do! I like to write them and I like to read them. Anxiety is good. (heh heh) If I run across any more interesting Tolkien tidbits I'll keep you informed.
Legolas stared in disbelief as the scimitar descended toward him. Egla Ash was going to kill him! But as he moved - too slowly - he felt something wrap about his throat cutting off his breath. He was yanked backwards, choking in surprise and panic. He fell to the ground, fingers clawing at the leather around his neck, the scimitar striking the space between his legs where he had been standing.
Egla Ash looked up snarling, and saw an Uruk-Hai standing head and shoulders above the other Orcs. A long whip was clasped in its hand, a grin on its ugly face. Long coarse hair swung down its muscled back.
"What's this? The little rats are playing?" He pushed through the smaller Orcs, thrusting them aside. He yanked on the whip, watching as Legolas fought for air. He laughed and jerked him to his feet and pulled him close, their faces inches apart. "Found some sport, did we?" He looked to where the other Elves were tied and turned to Fengbad. "Where is it?"
Fengbad, who didn't like having his authority usurped especially by an Uruk-Hai, moved to confront him.
"What do you want?" He asked, his eyes narrowing menacingly even though the Uruk-Hai towered over him by several inches.
This seemed to amuse the Uruk-Hai rather than irritate him. He laughed and released Legolas from the whip's stranglehold. Mirkwood's prince dropped to the ground, gulping huge breaths of air and choking.
"You sluggards were supposed to move out at sunset," he growled. "The Master is not going to be pleased to find that you were sitting here sporting with an Elf."
"The Master?!" Fengbad gulped. "Get up!" He called, turning to glare at growl at those under him. "We're moving out! Now!"
The Uruk-Hai allowed himself a satisfied snort.
Little rats indeed, he thought as he watched them scurrying about, breaking their hasty camp. They untied the Elves and hustled them into a straggling line, striking them with whips, sword blades, claws and feet.
Gollum was brought before the Uruk-Hai. He stared up at it, his pale eyes narrowed with hatred. The Uruk-Hai bent down to inspect him.
"We hates it, we does. Nasty Orc!"
"Ugly little slug." He laughed into the much smaller creature's face.
Gollum growled in his throat and launched himself at the large Orc.
It caught the monstrous Uruk-Hai off guard. He tumbled to the ground, Gollum biting and tearing at him.
Legolas had stood, gasping air down his bruised throat. He glanced toward the other Elves, eyes bleak.
"Drega!" [Flee!] They called. "Drega, Legolas!"
Cuil and Calenthar were pleading with their eyes as well as their voices. Lindir looked desperately at him.
"Drega, nin mellon!" He yelled, the Orc holding his ropes backhanding him viciously.
This was his chance when there was so much confusion, perhaps his only chance. Nearly everyone's attention was riveted on Gollum and the Uruk-Hai, looks of cruel delight on the Orcs faces as they watched their 'superior' being bitten and scratched by such a pitiful, little thing. It hurt him desperately to leave the other three in such a situation. He had told them that he wouldn't leave them. But he was no help to them as a fellow captive.
He turned suddenly and ran.
"You fools!" The Uruk-Hai screamed. "The Elf is escaping!" He finally managed to pin Gollum to the ground and ordered them to bind and gag him.
Several Orcs turned and chased after Legolas.
"Fools." The Uruk-Hai muttered. He grabbed a bow from a stunned Orc and sprinted after them.
Fengbad glared around at the Orcs. They were in trouble. A lot of trouble. How he hated Elves.and Uruk-Hai.
"Why didn't you kill him, Blue Eyes?" He demanded, glaring at Egla Ash, needing someone to blame for this turn of events. "Go after them!"
Egla Ash looked up at him, then stared numbly down at the scimitar embedded in the ground. He blinked several times, scowling, then he shrugged and then trotted into the trees.
Fengbad snarled and stalked about the camp, shouting orders and obscenities, striking out at anyone who got in his way.
Legolas breath was burning in his chest. He could hear the crashing behind him and knew that he wasn't going to make it. His vision was blurring and his entire body ached and shook uncontrollably. He needed a weapon. At least he could fight them. A stout dead branch in the underbrush ahead caught his attention. He yanked it from the brambles that imprisoned it and turned, making his stand.
"Elbereth, anna enni bellas." [Varda, give me strength.] He breathed, hefting the branch, amazed at how his hands shook.
The Orcs skidded to a halt, surprised to see their prey standing before them, his legs braced apart, eyes grim and full of determination.
"Thaur Yrch!" [Abhorrent Orcs!] He spat at them, all the hatred and burning anger he felt was poured into those two words.
The Orcs exchanged uneasy glances.
"Fools! What do you wait for?!"
The Uruk-Hai strode through Mirkwood's trees. "Slugs! Rats! Cowards! Scared of an Elf with a stick." He reached into the quiver on his back and pulled out a thick black arrow and raised the bow to point it at the Elf.
Legolas grimaced, fear racing through him.
The Uruk-Hai laughed and loosed the arrow.
Legolas raised the thick branch with a cry and was shocked to see the arrow strike it. He stared at it wide eyed. His vision was beginning to blur and he wondered how long it would be before he collapsed. Would it be before they killed him?
The Uruk-Hai looked surprised as well. Growling he pulled another arrow from the quiver.
Legolas didn't wait. He rushed forward, yelling and swung the branch at the Orc. It caught the Uruk-Hai on the side of his face. He roared in pain and fell to the ground. The other Orcs were slow to react and Legolas turned to run once more, but Egla Ash stepped through the trees, a bow in his hand.
"I wouldn't if I were you, Legolas Elvellon," he said quietly.
Legolas hesitated only a second, but the Uruk-Hai was on its feet, fists clenched. He strode over to the Elf and grabbed him by the throat.
"I'll snap your neck, you vile Elf!" He threatened shaking the slender archer, enjoying the look on his captives face as he squeezed the slim neck, the Elf's hands clawing at the Uruk-Hai's much larger one.
"He is mine." Egla Ash found himself saying, moving the bow so it was pointing at the Uruk-Hai.
"What are you saying?" The Uruk-Hai said quietly, turning his malevolent glare on the blue-eyed Orc.
"I caught him. He is mine."
The larger Orc stared at him in disbelief.
"What did you say, little rat?!"
Egla Ash shrugged and fired an arrow into the Uruk-Hai's forehead.
The others gasped at his audacity. Then they smiled. They had not liked the arrogant Uruk-Hai and were glad to see him dead.
Egla Ash quickly assumed control, anything to keep his churning mind away from why he had just killed the Uruk-Hai.
"The Elf shot him," he told them. "We will mourn the passing of one of our brethren."
At first the others looked at him in confusion. Then they laughed.
"Yes! The Elf shot him!" They knew that they would all pay dearly if the truth were ever revealed. It was one thing to kill a regular Orc, but to kill an Uruk-Hai - that was another matter.
"Head back. I will bring the Elf."
The others quickly headed south once more, speaking of how brave Egla Ash was to shoot the Uruk-Hai. They each saluted him before disappearing into the dimness.
Legolas was doubled over on the ground panting for air. His strength was nearly spent as the shaking in his limbs worsened. He saw Egla Ash's feet before him. He sighed and closed his eyes, sob clawing at his raw throat. He was so weary, the poison running rampant within him. His head dropped in defeat, long hair veiling his face.
Egla Ash stared down at him. Why had he spared his life? His mind was a strange confusion of conflicting emotions. There had been a time when he had wanted Legolas dead, his warm blood spurting over Egla Ash's hands. Then he had wanted the Elf to die in long lasting torment. And this very night he wanted to strike him down instantly with the scimitar. He had been an Orc in that moment.
But now.
When the Uruk-Hai had been threatening to end Legolas' life, the Uruk- Hai lay dead at his hands.
The Orc snarled and gnashed his teeth in frustration.
What was wrong with him?! He was an Orc and he would act like one.
"Get up!" He hissed angrily, pulling on the blond hair until the Elf was on his hands and knees. "Get up now!"
Legolas could feel his last strength flowing out of him. Pain flared along his left arm and it would no longer support his weight. He moaned and tucked it against his chest.
"Get up I said!"
Legolas managed to raise his head, vision wavering even more. He didn't think he could stand.
"Get up!"
Egla Ash reached down and grabbed Legolas' left arm.
The Elf cried out at the touch and pitched forward.
Egla Ash felt unwanted concern fill him.
No! This is not what he wanted!
He tightened his grip and yanked Legolas to his feet. But he had lost consciousness and fell into the Orc. He caught the Elf in surprise.
"Get up, you lousy Elf! You can't fool me!" He roared, trying to drown out the voice in his mind that screamed in panic and fear. And loss.
When Legolas didn't respond, Egla Ash lowered him to the ground. The blue eyes were closed, dark bruises surrounding them. The slender pale face was pale and bloody, brilliant spots flaming on his checks; his skin, usually so cool to the touch, burned with fever. The slender throat was darkly bruised. Egla Ash stared down at him in dismay.
Now what was he to do?
His rough fingers touched one cheek.
"Wake up!" He hissed, consternation and concern warred within him. His brows furrowed. The conflict within must cease or he would go mad. He moaned, his two selves struggling for mastery of his soul. He groaned and clenched his fists, hitting the ground.
No! This was not what he wanted! He would not give in. He shook his head, baring his teeth, the agony of his indecision tearing at him.
"No!" He vowed fiercely, calling on all the anger and hatred he had learned in Dol Guldur. He picked up the limp form, shifting him in his arms. He started back to the camp.
Legolas lay dreaming, but it was not a good dream filled with trees and stars, the voices of loved ones, all the things that calmed him. He was back in Emyn Mor Esgal, trapped in the starless darkness. The Orcs would be coming for him soon. They always came. He tried to think of a song, but his mind seemed filled with a haze of pain and confusion. Pain. .. Orcs excelled at inflicting it. He shuddered, a small moan escaping him. When they returned for him there would be pain again. More pain. Always pain. Suddenly it exploded through him, calling him from the darkness.
When Legolas' wounded arm came in contact with Egla Ash's chest he cried out, eyes flying open. Fear was written clearly on his features. But when Egla Ash looked down at him, relief swept over him. A sweet smile touched his lips.
"Egla Ash. nin mellon." [my friend] He raised a shaky hand to touch the Orc's face.
Egla Ash shuddered beneath the tender touch. This was not what he wanted.
Legolas relaxed in his arms, though every step jarred his injuries, causing him to bit at his lips to stop his cries. A flash of silver and green caught his attention. He reached up and opened a fold of the Orc's black cloak. Pinned inside was the oak leaf brooch he had given him years ago. Legolas smiled.
"You kept it," he murmured weakly.
He had kept the brooch with him even in the darkness of Dol Guldur. Some how he had kept it. And it had comforted him despite all the torments and abuse he had suffered.
"I will not forget," he had vowed.
And he had not forgotten.
"I will take them with me into darkness," he had whispered of the glorious stars as he was being led into captivity. "I will not forget. I will not forget, Legolas Elvellon."
Yet he had pushed such things as stars and friendship, hope and love down, trying to smother them with hatred and anger. But he had never gotten rid of the brooch, a symbol of a friendship begun in darkness.
No, he had never truly forgotten.
A smile touched Egla Ash's lips, not a cruel smile at the contemplation of revenge or wicked amusement, but a true smile. He felt a long carried weight lift.
"Of course I kept it," Egla Ash said gently. "You gave it to me." Tears of joy stung in the Orc's blue eyes. Oh, Legolas Elvellon, he thought. Forgive my fall into darkness. I never wanted to hurt you. I am sorry, my friend. Yes. This was indeed what he had wanted all along.
"Sing for me, Egla Ash," Legolas whispered.
"I.I have not sung in a very long time," the Orc said uncomfortably. He had forgotten how to sing beneath the stars. Almost.
"Please."
Egla Ash frowned, but he would sing. He would always sing for Legolas now. The song was his first, born in the darkness along with their friendship. He had struggled with it, for Orcs did not sing.
"Gar estel anann i elenath sila." [Have hope (as) long (as) the stars shine.] He began, his voice rough from many years of not using it for anything but cursing and screaming. It had been so long.too long.
"Ind mor lothron garo le Gil galad ath sila godref. Arad a nain ath or. Estel na tol."
[Though darkness may hold you A star's light will shine through. Days of tears will soon be over. Hope is coming.]
"Your first song," Legolas breathed, gracing the Orc with a beautiful smile. "It is wonderful. Sing it again."
Egla Ash smiled and began once more.
"Blue Eyes! What are you doing?"
Egla Ash looked up in shock. He hadn't heard the Orc approaching them until now. It stood before them, bow clasped loosely in one hand, a quizzical look on its face. Egla Ash cursed himself. He had been heading for the camp without knowing it.
How could I?! He thought, anxiety biting at him. What have I done?!
"What are you doing?" The Orc repeated, eyeing Egla Ash and the Elf in his arms suspiciously.
Egla Ash glanced down at Legolas, uncertainty and renewed fear burned in his friend's eyes.
"The Elf cannot walk," he answered simply, shrugging slightly.
The other Orc frowned, not certain if he could believe him. Then he grunted. "Come on then. They've left already."
Egla Ash looked at Legolas once more.
"Don't worry, Legolas Elvellon," he whispered in Sindarin, moving to follow the departing Orc. "I will try to free you and the others if I can."
It was with heavy steps and heavier heart that he moved south after the band of Orcs heading for Dol Guldur.
Horus - Well, I haven't killed Legolas.yet. (evil laughter) JastaElf - Plug: Everyone go read JastaElf's stories if you haven't already!! Thanks for reviewing. This chapter's been hard to write. Redemption ain't easy sometimes. Thanks for being Number 50. Never thought I'd get there!! Salak - I love cliffhangers! And I know you do to. Admit it! Your dances really work!!! Thanks a lot!! Irena - Glad that you love this series. I appreciate that. But you'd better uncover your eyes or you'll miss the fun! AJ Matthews - Ack! Here's the next part!! Shinigamio - You are right, my friend. I love to torture you with cliffhangers!! Just call me the Queen of the Cliffies!! long under tree - Like I told Salak and Shinigamio I love cliffhangers! I really do! I like to write them and I like to read them. Anxiety is good. (heh heh) If I run across any more interesting Tolkien tidbits I'll keep you informed.