___
ok, the next part is here…
some blood is going to flow so beware!!!
Thanks for the many, many reviews …
With so many people asking for a quick update I simply had to post another part tonight… :-)
Hope you like it …
___
Legolas used the moment of distraction as Gimli was dragged away by Merry and excused himself from the sons of Elrond to make his escape. It saved him from answering Elrohir's question as to how he had come to sport a bruise on his face. He hardly noticed the twins following him as he made his way through the crowded room towards Aragorn and Arwen. Taking his leave from them was not as easy as he had hoped. The man grabbed his forearm, unknowingly putting pressure on the healing bruises there.
'Is all well with you, Legolas?' he asked, concern coloring his voice. His sharp eyes wandered over Legolas' face but he did not comment on what he saw there.
'I will be, my friend.' Legolas answered softly. 'If the Lady Arwen allows it I would like to retire now.' He smiled at her and added 'I will meet you tomorrow to see what I can do about your garden.'
A smile lit her face as he remembered the promise he had given her. The palace gardens was filled with many trees and plants but the war and dark times proceeding it had left their signs even there. Arwen had asked the wood elf if he could help her to return it to its former beauty.
As Legolas had expected did his friends attribute his paleness and anything else they noticed about him to the sea longing that had gotten hold of the Mirkwood elf ever since he had seen the sea for the first time. So no more questions were asked and Legolas could leave. Casting a last glance across the room to make sure Gimli was still occupied he met Gandalf's eyes. For a moment he felt frozen as if the wizard could look right into his soul. He quickly averted his eyes and turned away leaving the room.
His reason for slipping away without wanting the dwarf to know was not only his wish for retribution. Ever since Gimli had told him about the information he had gained and the way he had succeeded in doing so the elf had realized that his friend was also in danger. If he was thought dead than Gimli was the only who presented a danger to Bethrol as he had been witness to their first encounter. He had been lucky at his return to the tavern that he had not been recognized.
Legolas knew he could not wait any longer before Gimli got even more involved than he already was. Of course the dwarf would not agree with this and so Legolas slipped away silently to avoid the argument that would ensue if Gimli found out what he planned.
He reached the house and took of his robe throwing it on his bed. His knifes were ready and he strapped them on his back ignoring the pain caused by the pressure on his back. His wrist guards finished his outfit and only minutes after he had stepped into the room he left again disappearing into the dark.
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Bethrol glowered at his companions. They were standing outside the tavern as was their custom almost every evening. But tonight there was no easy joking and laughing going on between them.
'I will not run away like a coward. The elf has not even been missed yet as far as I know. If you wish to leave, then go but I will stay here.'
'You will not leave ere I had words with you.' A cold voice sounded from behind them. All four of them turned at once, hands reaching for their swords.
The expressions on their faces could have been comical but Legolas' mood was far from laughing. The shock, guilt and even fear he could read in their features told him they were indeed the men he was looking for.
'There is a matter to settle between us.'
His appearance as well as the reaction of the four men was starting to draw attention from others standing close to them.
'I would call it a matter of honor, but I doubt you even know the meaning of this word. I ask for retribution. But contrary to you I will give you a fair chance to fight.' The elf spat.
His words evoked a murmur going through the men around them.
Looking around Bethrol noticed that too many people had heard the elf's words. The word 'fight' had captivated their attention and a crowd was already starting to form around them. There was no other way as to accept the elf's challenge.
It was fear that made the first of the four men step forward to meet the challenge. He was one of the two that had held Legolas down and he feared the consequences of his doing should it ever be known to the king. The people around them backed away to give them room for what was to come.
He draw his sword and faced his opponent who stood calmly, no weapon in his hands. The memory of the state the elf had been in only the night encouraged him that this fight would not be hard to win.
He moved into attack, not waiting for Legolas to draw a weapon. Seconds later he knew he had widely overestimated his own chances in this fight as the elf draw both knifes in the blink of an eye and countered his move.
The fight did not take long.
With awe the people around them watched as Legolas easily fended off each blow of the man until he saw his chance and with one precise stroke ended the fight.
The sword clattered to the ground and with a cry of pain the man sank to his knees, clutching his arm. The elven blade had cut through his flesh and bone without resistance, severing his thump and index finger from his right hand.
No emotions played on Legolas' face as he stepped back forgoing to take the man's life as would have been his right. He watched as he was dragged away before he turned to the three remaining man.
Bethrol's eyes burned with hate but the elf ignored him, his hard eyes coming to rest on the second man who had held him down.
The fight took hardly longer than the first and again it cost the looser a few fingers on his right hand.
Clenching his sword Bethrol stepped forward.
'Now I know why you needed to be four to hold me down.' Legolas taunted him.
Rage flared in the man's eyes but he was a warrior and knew better than to let emotions control a fight. They circled each other, waiting for the right moment to attack.
Legolas could feel the sharp pain in his back with each breath that he took. Although he had held back in the fights until now the movements had been enough to rip open the barley healed welts again. Knowing this opponent was far more dangerous than the two before he stayed careful, watching each move of the man with utter concentration.
Bethrol knew the elf was wounded, he had gotten sight of the growing patches of blood that had started to form on his back. Not even an elf could heal that fast after all.
So he took his time, hoping to wear out his opponent.
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The sound of clashing metal directed Gimli the way. His heart sank as he realized he was too late. Legolas had managed to find who he was looking for.
He pushed his way through the crowd gathered around the fighters until he could see them clearly.
The man was no match to the elf the dwarf noticed. Then he got a look at Legolas back and could feel concern well up as he saw his tunic was already drenched in blood. He must have ripped his wounds open again.
'I told you it was not the sea longing that ailed him.' A familiar voice behind the dwarf said.
Another just as well known answered 'So you were right, brother. At least I have never seen this form of sea longing before.'
With a sigh Gimli closed his eyes for a moment before he turned to face the two elves standing behind him. How they had come to be here he did not know but he had to prevent them from telling Arwen or Aragorn before Legolas had a chance to talk to them.
At seeing him turn around Elladan grinned at him.
'Master Gimli! I thought you had retired to get some rest after attending too many feasts in too short a time! What a surprise to meet you here.'
But before Gimli could answer the expression on the elf's face turned to one of deep concern as his eyes looked over Gimli. He had seen the blood on Legolas' clothing.
'What is going on here?' Elrohir asked, his face dark. He did not like what he saw.
'Legolas is wounded?' his eyes turned on Gimli and the dwarf nodded turning his attention back to the fight just as the man cried out in pain loosing his sword.
Before Gimli could move or call out to his friend another man stepped in front of Legolas his sword ready. Gimli immediately recognized him for who he was. Bethrol.
With growing concern Gimli watched the two opponents circle each other. It was obvious to him that the man knew Legolas was wounded and waited for the elf to tire or make a mistake. Only when he got a look at his friend's face did he feel relieved. His face was calm but his eyes burned as they followed Bethrol's every move. This was what he had been waiting for, this was the man who would come to feel his wrath.
When Bethrol finally attacked the elf no longer held back. His first two opponents had been easy to overcome and he had saved his strength for this fight. He moved quick as lightning and even before the man knew what had happened he had dodged his blow and made two steps that brought him behind Bethrol. He lashed out with both knives before he moved again, facing the man once more. The man flinched and the dwarf could see two blood stained gashes running across his back. A grim smile played across the dwarf's face as he watched the elf take his revenge.
Moving with graze and speed that betrayed nothing of the pain he felt Legolas circled the man again and again adding cut after cut to the his back. Bethrol's tries to attack the nimble elf seemed clumsy and helpless as Legolas moved way too fast for the man to land a single blow. More than once laughter arose at the sight of the man hitting air where the elf just stood while another blow landed on his back. His tunic was in shreds by now and blood running freely. Pain and humiliation added up and rage slowly began blinding Bethrol. His moves grew more furious and hasty as he started to drive into the elf without ever hitting his target.
The cuts to his back were never deep enough to seriously wound him put the pain added up as well as the loss of blood. The man started to weaken and finally Legolas moved in for the final blow. Bethrol had just turned to the left where he expected the elf to be as he appeared on his right, bringing down both knifes at once. One neatly sliced through the man's clothing leaving on more gash across his chest while the other cut deeply into his right arm, disarming him as well as cutting through flesh and sinews, crippling him for life.
With a cry of agony the man stumbled back his eyes wide as he stared at the heavily bleeding wound.
For a moment the elf stood like frozen before he sheathed his knifes and turned away.
He had only taken two steps away from the man as a sudden sound behind him made him move to the side and whirl around even seconds before he heard the cries of warning. The dagger aimed at his heart only hit him in the left arm, the force of the impact driving him backwards. He could see Bethrol coming towards him, his face a distorted mask of agony and rage. Without thinking Legolas fingers curled around the hilt and tore the weapon out of his flesh. Faster than any eye could follow the dagger was flung back to where it had come from.
Without a sound the man collapsed as his own weapon buried itself in his throat.
ok, the next part is here…
some blood is going to flow so beware!!!
Thanks for the many, many reviews …
With so many people asking for a quick update I simply had to post another part tonight… :-)
Hope you like it …
___
Legolas used the moment of distraction as Gimli was dragged away by Merry and excused himself from the sons of Elrond to make his escape. It saved him from answering Elrohir's question as to how he had come to sport a bruise on his face. He hardly noticed the twins following him as he made his way through the crowded room towards Aragorn and Arwen. Taking his leave from them was not as easy as he had hoped. The man grabbed his forearm, unknowingly putting pressure on the healing bruises there.
'Is all well with you, Legolas?' he asked, concern coloring his voice. His sharp eyes wandered over Legolas' face but he did not comment on what he saw there.
'I will be, my friend.' Legolas answered softly. 'If the Lady Arwen allows it I would like to retire now.' He smiled at her and added 'I will meet you tomorrow to see what I can do about your garden.'
A smile lit her face as he remembered the promise he had given her. The palace gardens was filled with many trees and plants but the war and dark times proceeding it had left their signs even there. Arwen had asked the wood elf if he could help her to return it to its former beauty.
As Legolas had expected did his friends attribute his paleness and anything else they noticed about him to the sea longing that had gotten hold of the Mirkwood elf ever since he had seen the sea for the first time. So no more questions were asked and Legolas could leave. Casting a last glance across the room to make sure Gimli was still occupied he met Gandalf's eyes. For a moment he felt frozen as if the wizard could look right into his soul. He quickly averted his eyes and turned away leaving the room.
His reason for slipping away without wanting the dwarf to know was not only his wish for retribution. Ever since Gimli had told him about the information he had gained and the way he had succeeded in doing so the elf had realized that his friend was also in danger. If he was thought dead than Gimli was the only who presented a danger to Bethrol as he had been witness to their first encounter. He had been lucky at his return to the tavern that he had not been recognized.
Legolas knew he could not wait any longer before Gimli got even more involved than he already was. Of course the dwarf would not agree with this and so Legolas slipped away silently to avoid the argument that would ensue if Gimli found out what he planned.
He reached the house and took of his robe throwing it on his bed. His knifes were ready and he strapped them on his back ignoring the pain caused by the pressure on his back. His wrist guards finished his outfit and only minutes after he had stepped into the room he left again disappearing into the dark.
@@@
Bethrol glowered at his companions. They were standing outside the tavern as was their custom almost every evening. But tonight there was no easy joking and laughing going on between them.
'I will not run away like a coward. The elf has not even been missed yet as far as I know. If you wish to leave, then go but I will stay here.'
'You will not leave ere I had words with you.' A cold voice sounded from behind them. All four of them turned at once, hands reaching for their swords.
The expressions on their faces could have been comical but Legolas' mood was far from laughing. The shock, guilt and even fear he could read in their features told him they were indeed the men he was looking for.
'There is a matter to settle between us.'
His appearance as well as the reaction of the four men was starting to draw attention from others standing close to them.
'I would call it a matter of honor, but I doubt you even know the meaning of this word. I ask for retribution. But contrary to you I will give you a fair chance to fight.' The elf spat.
His words evoked a murmur going through the men around them.
Looking around Bethrol noticed that too many people had heard the elf's words. The word 'fight' had captivated their attention and a crowd was already starting to form around them. There was no other way as to accept the elf's challenge.
It was fear that made the first of the four men step forward to meet the challenge. He was one of the two that had held Legolas down and he feared the consequences of his doing should it ever be known to the king. The people around them backed away to give them room for what was to come.
He draw his sword and faced his opponent who stood calmly, no weapon in his hands. The memory of the state the elf had been in only the night encouraged him that this fight would not be hard to win.
He moved into attack, not waiting for Legolas to draw a weapon. Seconds later he knew he had widely overestimated his own chances in this fight as the elf draw both knifes in the blink of an eye and countered his move.
The fight did not take long.
With awe the people around them watched as Legolas easily fended off each blow of the man until he saw his chance and with one precise stroke ended the fight.
The sword clattered to the ground and with a cry of pain the man sank to his knees, clutching his arm. The elven blade had cut through his flesh and bone without resistance, severing his thump and index finger from his right hand.
No emotions played on Legolas' face as he stepped back forgoing to take the man's life as would have been his right. He watched as he was dragged away before he turned to the three remaining man.
Bethrol's eyes burned with hate but the elf ignored him, his hard eyes coming to rest on the second man who had held him down.
The fight took hardly longer than the first and again it cost the looser a few fingers on his right hand.
Clenching his sword Bethrol stepped forward.
'Now I know why you needed to be four to hold me down.' Legolas taunted him.
Rage flared in the man's eyes but he was a warrior and knew better than to let emotions control a fight. They circled each other, waiting for the right moment to attack.
Legolas could feel the sharp pain in his back with each breath that he took. Although he had held back in the fights until now the movements had been enough to rip open the barley healed welts again. Knowing this opponent was far more dangerous than the two before he stayed careful, watching each move of the man with utter concentration.
Bethrol knew the elf was wounded, he had gotten sight of the growing patches of blood that had started to form on his back. Not even an elf could heal that fast after all.
So he took his time, hoping to wear out his opponent.
@@@
The sound of clashing metal directed Gimli the way. His heart sank as he realized he was too late. Legolas had managed to find who he was looking for.
He pushed his way through the crowd gathered around the fighters until he could see them clearly.
The man was no match to the elf the dwarf noticed. Then he got a look at Legolas back and could feel concern well up as he saw his tunic was already drenched in blood. He must have ripped his wounds open again.
'I told you it was not the sea longing that ailed him.' A familiar voice behind the dwarf said.
Another just as well known answered 'So you were right, brother. At least I have never seen this form of sea longing before.'
With a sigh Gimli closed his eyes for a moment before he turned to face the two elves standing behind him. How they had come to be here he did not know but he had to prevent them from telling Arwen or Aragorn before Legolas had a chance to talk to them.
At seeing him turn around Elladan grinned at him.
'Master Gimli! I thought you had retired to get some rest after attending too many feasts in too short a time! What a surprise to meet you here.'
But before Gimli could answer the expression on the elf's face turned to one of deep concern as his eyes looked over Gimli. He had seen the blood on Legolas' clothing.
'What is going on here?' Elrohir asked, his face dark. He did not like what he saw.
'Legolas is wounded?' his eyes turned on Gimli and the dwarf nodded turning his attention back to the fight just as the man cried out in pain loosing his sword.
Before Gimli could move or call out to his friend another man stepped in front of Legolas his sword ready. Gimli immediately recognized him for who he was. Bethrol.
With growing concern Gimli watched the two opponents circle each other. It was obvious to him that the man knew Legolas was wounded and waited for the elf to tire or make a mistake. Only when he got a look at his friend's face did he feel relieved. His face was calm but his eyes burned as they followed Bethrol's every move. This was what he had been waiting for, this was the man who would come to feel his wrath.
When Bethrol finally attacked the elf no longer held back. His first two opponents had been easy to overcome and he had saved his strength for this fight. He moved quick as lightning and even before the man knew what had happened he had dodged his blow and made two steps that brought him behind Bethrol. He lashed out with both knives before he moved again, facing the man once more. The man flinched and the dwarf could see two blood stained gashes running across his back. A grim smile played across the dwarf's face as he watched the elf take his revenge.
Moving with graze and speed that betrayed nothing of the pain he felt Legolas circled the man again and again adding cut after cut to the his back. Bethrol's tries to attack the nimble elf seemed clumsy and helpless as Legolas moved way too fast for the man to land a single blow. More than once laughter arose at the sight of the man hitting air where the elf just stood while another blow landed on his back. His tunic was in shreds by now and blood running freely. Pain and humiliation added up and rage slowly began blinding Bethrol. His moves grew more furious and hasty as he started to drive into the elf without ever hitting his target.
The cuts to his back were never deep enough to seriously wound him put the pain added up as well as the loss of blood. The man started to weaken and finally Legolas moved in for the final blow. Bethrol had just turned to the left where he expected the elf to be as he appeared on his right, bringing down both knifes at once. One neatly sliced through the man's clothing leaving on more gash across his chest while the other cut deeply into his right arm, disarming him as well as cutting through flesh and sinews, crippling him for life.
With a cry of agony the man stumbled back his eyes wide as he stared at the heavily bleeding wound.
For a moment the elf stood like frozen before he sheathed his knifes and turned away.
He had only taken two steps away from the man as a sudden sound behind him made him move to the side and whirl around even seconds before he heard the cries of warning. The dagger aimed at his heart only hit him in the left arm, the force of the impact driving him backwards. He could see Bethrol coming towards him, his face a distorted mask of agony and rage. Without thinking Legolas fingers curled around the hilt and tore the weapon out of his flesh. Faster than any eye could follow the dagger was flung back to where it had come from.
Without a sound the man collapsed as his own weapon buried itself in his throat.