I have decided that it is high time that I reclaim my throne of Sadism and
Torture! *sends all her armies (no, not like the Achaean armies) out to
drag off the few people that have been 'keeping my golden throne warm' as
they so put it, and takes her seat. She then waves her hand and commands
everyone to* Carry on.
The lights dim and a small group approach a stage with numerous microphones. A tall blond guy with pointed ears dressed in black leather is in the middle of the group, and he starts to sing:
[Legolas]
Guess who's back
Back again
Minka's back
Tell a friend
Guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back Guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back...
{*Minka hums while walking on stage. She is wearing a big t-shirt, pants five sizes to big, a backwards cap and enough heavy chains around her neck to make her look like a hunchback.*}
[Verse 1: Minka] I've created a monster, cause nobody wants to see romance no more
They want torture, I'm world leader (huh?) (Off camera; Legolas shakes his head)
Well if you want pain, this is what I'll give ya
A little bit of Squassation mixed with some hot liquor
Some fire that'll burn through a tunic quicker
Then a dry forest set on fire cause of some Ring
By a crazed wizard as the trees weren't co-operating (everyone looks at Gandalf suspiciously who points at Saruman.)
When Legolas is rockin' the table while he's tortur-ating (hey!!) (Aragorn: I like that word!)
You waited this long, now stop debating
Cause I'm back on the scene and write-alating (Off camera; Frodo scratches his head in confusion)
I know you got a problem Mr. Sauron
But your Ring's whereabouts is complicating
So the School won't let me be
Or let me be me, so let me see
They try to shut me down on MTV (Legolas: what the fuck does that have to do with school? You weren't on MTV!)
But it feels so empty, without me
So, come on and die, blood on your lips
Fuck that, the usage of whips, and many violent hits (Gandalf: ok, now she is just desperate)
And get ready, cause this shit's about to get heavy
I just settled all my lawsuits - I had lawsuits?! (Looks menacingly at Boromir who backs away.)
[Chorus: Legolas and Aragorn sing while Gandalf, Boromir and Frodo break dance in the background - or until Gandalf throws a hip]
Now this looks like a job for Minka
So everybody, just follow her
Cause we need a little, controversy
Cause it feels so empty, without her
I said this looks li -
Legolas: I'm not doing this anymore! When I said you could torture me as pay back for leaving it did not cover for bad raping! I mean, THE CHORUS DOESN'T EVEN FIT WITH THE TUNE!
Boromir: (rubbing his head) I have to agree with the Elf, it's just not working!
Legolas: don't call me Elf!!!!!!
Aragorn: Now this looks like a job for Minka So everybody...
Frodo: SHUT HIM UP!!!!!!!!
Legolas: (while *accidentally* hitting Aragorn over the head with the end of his bow) oops! (Aragorn falls to the floor unconscious)
Minka: guys, come on, I know this isn't workin' but I need some sorta publicity here, I mean - OH, idea!!!! (Everyone looks horrified)
Legolas: Hungry Jack's is looking pretty darn good right about now!
Minka: trust me! (Smiles sweetly)
Legolas: (while he and everyone step back) oh no, did you guys hear that? They were 'The Famous Last Words.'
*****
The Blood of the Innocent
Part Eight
Nan Im Gwann! [Before I'm Dead]
*****
Saruman pushed Wormtongue out of his way as he approached the restrained Elf. For a split second, Legolas detected the sly man's eyes narrowing at the wizard in what could only be a sign of disrespect, and even possibly hate.
Legolas made a mental note to keep an eye on this man, for he might prove useful in the later confrontation that he knew was coming. For some reason this brought Legolas a glimmer of hope, that maybe, just maybe, this Wormtongue might cause the distraction that Legolas needed to try to gain his freedom. This hope was short lived as the man's face returned to normal and he made a slight bow to his master.
"How did you do it, Elf?" Saruman asked Legolas, and when the Elf made no move to reply, his anger doubled. "HOW DID YOU DO IT?" he yelled, "TELL ME HOW YOU DID IT!" The wizards face turned a dark red in his fury and his anger was made more obvious by his white hair and beard. For some strange reason, Legolas felt compelled to answer him.
"Do what?" he said in his best sugary tone, an innocent smile spread across his face. He looked the wizard square in the eyes and took pleasure in the anger that flared within the orbs.
It was at this point in time, this exact moment, that Legolas realized that he no longer feared the old man. And that was what he was, an old man, nothing more - just an old man, with a stick. Legolas didn't know how it was that he had lost his fear of the other, but he knew it was gone, cast into the wind like most of his memories, and probably never to return again. Something about that idea gave him comfort - that if he could not have the knowledge of his forgotten past, then Saruman could not have the pleasure of his fear. It all seemed ironic, that though so much was lost to him, just the smallest thing could give back so much. It was poetic justice. But no matter what it was, it was all Legolas needed to keep going, at least for now.
Legolas could see the spark of realization in Saruman's eyes as well, thus proving that the wizard picked up on his lack of fear, and subconsciously Legolas' innocent smile turned into a sly and triumphant one, matching how his feelings. In his mind he decided that if he were to die right there and then, Legolas knew on some degree he would be happy. Granted, it would not be even close to how happy he could have been if he were released to the wonders of the forest, or even if he could have his friends here with him, but at least he knew that he had - on a level - beaten his captor. And that satisfaction would stay with him for the rest of his life, no matter how long that was to actually be.
Saruman's next words cut through Legolas's trail of thought, yet they did not disturb him. "I should punish you for your impudence, little prince." The last of the words were said harshly, aimed to stir a fearful reaction in Legolas, and the Elf knew it.
Biting back the comment he wished to say, he simply smiled again and replied in a causal tone that was empty of all emotion, "And what would that consist of, old man?" he asked, adding his own slur on the being before him. "Have you not done everything yet? You have taken me from my quest and friends, dallied in the workings of my mind, and weakened my body. What else do you hope to achieve apart from death, Saruman?"
The wizard swallowed hard, hoping that the Elf would not notice. But nothing slipped past Legolas. "Thus proves my point," Legolas continued flatly, "You don't even know yourself. I have nothing left so you have nothing more to gain save the loss of my life." By now Saruman face was a dark red, knowing what the Elf's next words were to be and expected the slight chuckle that they were spoken with, "and you and I both know that you will not do that, will you? It would seem too easy for me, would you not say?"
Legolas' head snapped back as the sting of Saruman's backhand collided with it, numbing his cheek. Yet, Legolas lifted his head so he would be looking down at the wizard while his tongue flicked out and licked at the blood at the corner of his mouth. As the metallic taste clung to his palette and coated his throat, a smile again forced its way to his face. "Did I strike a nerve, old man?" he asked.
Saruman's face fell and his mouth opened, but it was not his voice that filled the air.
"Do not address him as such!" came the riled command of Wormtongue, his earlier flash of hate towards Saruman obviously forgotten.
"And if I do not comply?" Legolas asked, a sharp edge evident in his tone now. He had hoped the man would say nothing, proving his resentment of the wizard, but it was no so. Yet Legolas would not let himself get disarrayed by this display of loyalty for he had not imagined the tension between the two.
Wormtongue seemed to be a strong-willed man, even though he hid it. He did not seem like the type to just sit there and take orders from someone, especially someone who treated him like a worthless Orc, as Saruman did. Yet he allowed it, and this puzzled Legolas greatly. He could picture Wormtongue as someone who, while being corrupt, would want to do things for himself, to be able to influence people when he wanted and how he wanted. But most importantly, by himself.
Something inside told Legolas to be wary of this man, that he was capable of much more then he let on, and that he would not hesitate in carrying out what he wanted. He looked the type to be able to get away with almost anything, even if it meant receiving some form of punishment for his efforts - just so long as he had acquired what he craved.
When he spoke, Wormtongue demanded attention, which was yet another thing that Legolas found intriguing, and yet he held himself in the way of a sneak, someone who was not important at all. All Legolas could deduce from his survey was that while Wormtongue acted sly and submissive, he really craved leadership.
"If you do not comply we-" Wormtongue began, and with a harsh look for Saruman, he corrected himself, proving Legolas right in his suspicions. "He'll -" his voice trailed off as he realized that he did know what would happen to the Elf.
A strange silence hung heavy in the room. For the first time in however long Legolas had been there, he felt as if he were in control. He didn't know how, but the uncertainty of the two standing by made him feel powerful. From where this feeling of power came from he didn't know, but he did know that he liked it and vowed never to lose it.
As it turned out, it was this thought and this thought alone that prevented Legolas from jumping when the door to the room suddenly burst open, spilling Orcs into the darkened area.
At first, Legolas thought that it was some trick of Saruman's to get him to cease in his mimicry, but at the look of shock and frustration openly displayed on the wizard's face, he knew it not to be so. This was unknown to even Saruman.
One of the larger Orcs crossed the room, bowing before Saruman and speaking in the harsh Black Speech, causing Legolas in inwardly shudder. How he hated that sound, it was pure darkness just created in the depths of Udûn.
Much to Legolas's dismay, a large smile spread over Saruman's face as he listened intently to what the Orc was grumbling out between his large fang- like teeth. With a wave of his hand, Saruman dismissed the Orc, and all of them left the room, equally sneering and adding to Legolas's sudden discomfort.
Saruman approached the Elf once again, and though Legolas felt no fear, his heart was racing with nervous tension. The wizard looked him straight in the eye and then smiled - not a deadly smile full of deceit and lies, but a genuine smile full of happiness. It looked unnatural on Saruman's face, which was normally so full of frown lines and evil glares. Yet he was, smiling like a Cheshire Cat. If Legolas could have backed away, he would have, no matter who was watching. Something about this strange look tore at his heart, and for the first time he found himself listening to every word the evil wizard said.
"Legolas, my dear little princeling," he began, his smile still firmly in place, "I must admit that you were indeed right, and on two things"
No matter how hard Legolas tried, he could not get himself to reply to the wizard even though he wished to show him that he still did not fear him. Or did he? Legolas's courage, which had been blindly obvious only moments ago, had fled, leaving him abandoned and alone in the darkness. He identified this as hell.
"In response to some of your earlier questions that you so boldly demanded, yes, I did force images into your mind." He paused long enough for Legolas to get the full impact of his words. He had been right in his suspicions; Saruman had done something to his memories. Anger boiled up in the Elven prince, yet that look in Saruman's eye stopped him from expressing it. That look was terrorizing, and he dreaded what the wizard would tell him next.
"What you know, or at least what you think you know about your friends and how you came to be here is false. A result of an illusion incantation I stumbled upon - and I must admit, I had not expected it to works so well." He smiled at what Legolas could only think was self-appraisal ere he continued. "'Twas a stroke of luck really, that you were to become the recipient of an arrow not meant for you at Parth Galen." Legolas recalled the burning wound in his back that he had earlier identified as an arrow wound. "It was meant to hit that irritating ranger Strider - or should I say Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the soon-to-be-king of Gondor."
Legolas gasped slightly. He had not known that Saruman knew of Aragorn's identity let alone existence but as the wizard continued, he ran out of time to process that information.
"Admittedly, it would have seen the end to a lot of our troubles if Lurtz's arrow had hit the man and not you - not to mention that it would have saved me a lot of hassle." Inwardly Legolas smiled at that statement, while his gaze flew to the swollen eye and blood-covered face of Saruman.
"But no, you and your Elven loyalty had to get in the way. You spoiled everything. You do know you ruined everything, don't you? If it hadn't been for you then that ranger would have been dead, you all would have fallen and the ring would be mine, assuring me as Dark Lord, and not Sauron.
"And then you didn't even die from the wound, again making things more difficult then they had to be. The Orcs, useless creatures that they are, saw it fit to take you for their sport, and still you lived. That is how I came in possession of you."
Legolas hated the way he was telling this. Sure, it made him feel better that he had caused the other much annoyance, but the 'possession' was enough to make his empty stomach retch. Finally, he found his voice and to his dismay, it had lost the calm, flat tone it had supported not that long ago.
"What was the second thing?"
"Silence!" Saruman commanded, anger in his voice and eyes, "Things have changed, little princeling. You will only speak when told to from now on. And besides," his voice lost its anger, and went back to an almost sing- song state, "I'm not done making you aware of the first quite yet. But to cut it short, your little friends are not in fact dead. They are still tramping around the countryside making each of my days worse then the last."
Legolas couldn't believe it, Aragorn was still alive, as was Gimli and the hobbits, and even Boromir. He had never been so relieve in his life and it felt as if a large weight was lifted off his shoulders.
"They are al-" he began.
"SILENCE!" Saruman yelled as he struck Legolas once again, and this time the Elf did not raise his head. It did not matter if he was beaten now, at least he knew that he had not fail his friends as Saruman had wanted him to believe. He had not cost them their lives as they still lived, they were still fighting the good fight, and they were still trying to destroy the ring.
"Now, for the second thing," Saruman continued though Legolas hardly listened. All that mattered was that his friends were alive and safe, and that hope still remained in the world.
Not once did the Elven prince think of questioning Saruman on why he had told him this, as he was too caught up in his happiness. This would be his downfall.
"The second thing," Saruman stated as he decided the best way to say what he wished, "is that you were right in saying that killing you would be too easy, a release even, and with this I agree. But, you still have one thing I can take." At this he motioned Wormtongue to the door while he himself grabbed Legolas's head roughly by the chin and forced him to look up at the door.
Wormtongue opened the door, and the Orcs that had come through a little while earlier reappeared, this time dragging something with them. Legolas watched absentmindedly, not really caring what Saruman had in stall for him. At least not until what he saw what the Orcs were dragging.
The Orcs lay them just in front of Legolas and Saruman before letting the figures drop cruelly on the ground. Saruman had continued to hold Legolas's head and guided his view, forever following the figures.
One of them stirred, lifting its head as it tried to pull itself to its knees, only to be shoved back down by an Orc.
But in that split second it had lifted its head, Legolas panicked and his heart leap into his mouth. All his past joy fled with the one movement of the figure.
"Aragorn?" he choked out while feeling the wizard's nails biting into his flesh for the speech.
"Ah, but what about their death?" Saruman asked triumphantly, "their life is the last thing for you to loose, is it not? Which is good for me too, as all three are completely expendable."
Legolas tried to block out the thoughts of the wizard and focused on Aragorn, and what he could only make out as Gimli and - Gandalf. His mind was abuzz with thoughts. How was Gandalf here? Where were the hobbits and Boromir? How did they get here? And where was the Ring?
"Aragorn!" Legolas again called, this time more desperate for a response from his friend. He ignored the slap that stung his cheek warning him to be quiet and kept calling out.
Upon hearing his name, Aragorn again lifted his head, this time to look directly into the eyes of Legolas.
The man half-squinted in his attempt to look at Legolas. He barely recognized the Elf he had known for so long a time. Legolas looked terrible, nothing short of a ghost of his former self. His face was covered in a mixture of blood and dirt, yet it did nothing to hide the blue-black bruises and red welts that were present on the normally soft skin. He was terribly thin and looked as if he had not eaten since he was taken - which Aragorn regarded as a strong possibility. His clothes were ripped and soaked in blood, both dry and fresh and it was through that sight that Aragorn saw the main wounds that Legolas supported. His right side had been torn open, exposing the bones within, as well as his left upper leg. He had many circular wounds that Aragorn could only guess were created by hot pokers or something of the like, and parts of his chest were visibly burned though his tattered tunic. Blood was dripping from his lip and newly made nail marks encircled his throat. Legolas's once long silky hair was mattered with blood and cut roughly at his shoulders, but through all that horror, Aragorn knew it was still his dear friend.
The thing that scared the man the most, beyond all other wounds, was his friends eyes. Although they held recognition they were not the same bright cerulean that they had been. They were filled with pain and fear, and above all a sense of hopelessness.
Aragorn hated himself for allowing this to happen. He felt that it was his fault, that Legolas had been wounded with the arrow meant for him. The Elf had been taken by the Orcs and he had suffered so much. The guilt ate at him Yet above all else, he felt bad that he could not carry out the promise that he had made to himself in this past week: that he would save his friend and take him out of this darkness. With the newest turn of events, it looked as if the young Elf would never see the sun again, and it was all the man's fault.
This pained him more than even the thought of dying himself. For himself he did not care. He cared about Legolas and the two unconscious beings that lay beside him, the four hobbits and the free people of Middle-Earth. But not for himself. Not this time.
"I'm sorry, Legolas," was all he could say while looking into his friend's distant eyes, "I failed."
Legolas looked at him, sadness turning his features to stone. To the Elf, Aragorn had not failed. The quest would not continue, but no one had truly failed. No one but him. Even though he now knew that his friends were
alive and that he had not indeed failed them in that sense, he still felt the pang of failure now that they were captured. They should not have come for him, they should have continued on the quest and left him here.
But they didn't, and now, as Legolas knew, all hell was about to break loose.
"Well, wasn't that touching!" Saruman spoke up for the first time, "Heart wrenching even." He motioned for Wormtongue to awaken the other two captives on the floor, and the sly man obeyed in a hurry.
Slowly both Gimli and Gandalf came to consciousness and took in their surroundings. It only took seconds for their eyes to fall upon Legolas tied up in the centre of the room, and their eyes showed the horror that they both felt.
Aragorn had not once taken his eyes off Legolas, trying to get his friend to look at him, but Legolas avoided eye contact for he could not take the pity in the gaze. He felt unworthy of such concern. After all, it was because of him that they were here, awaiting what Fate saw fit to deal them.
"So, now that we are all together and re-aquatinted, lets try this again," Saruman started to speak again, commanding attention. "Tell me where the Ring is Elf or I'll kill - " he reached down and grabbed Aragorn by the hair, "- this one."
Legolas shut his eyes tight, not knowing how this could be happening. He had no idea as to what to do, he knew he could not let his friends die this way, but how could he tell Saruman what he did not know?
"I have told you once and I will tell you again, I do not know where it is."
"You lie!" the wizard yelled as he jerked back on Aragorn's head, causing the man's face to scrunch into a silent hiss. Saruman reached into the folds of his robes and pulled out his twisted knife, pressing it to Aragorn's throat, "now tell me where it is or I'll kill him. It's a simple choice, little Elf!"
"How can I tell you what I don't know?" Legolas screamed at him as a small river of blood seeped from Aragorn's neck. The Elf's heart was racing, causing his breaths to come in short and shallow gasps. He struggled with as much strength as he could against his bonds, but it was useless, they were too tight and he was too weak.
The blade continued to slide into Aragorn's neck, yet the man, like the Elf, had made no noise of pain or even shock. He kept his jaw clamped tightly and his eyes focused on Legolas, much to the Elf's discomfort.
Gimli and Gandalf had also started to protest only to be silenced roughly by the Orcs.
"You know where it is and I want you to tell me!" Saruman was quickly
"I DON'T KNOW!" Legolas was panicking and felt utterly helpless as he watched his friends life being threatened. He almost wished that he knew the location of the Ring so he could help Aragorn, but no amount of wishing would bring that knowledge to him. "Saruman, why would I risk his life if I knew the answers to that which you seek?" he pleased, desperate to make the wizard understand that he was telling the truth. "Why would I know of its whereabouts, for if it has slipped your mind I have been in this light forsaken place since you lost it and its possessor."
"Don't you see," Saruman shot back, his lust for the Ring of power taking control of all of his senses. He had longed after it for so long now and he wanted to claim its power for his own purposes. When the chance came to aid Sauron in his quest to find it, he had seen it as the perfect opportunity to get what he wanted. It should rightfully be his. To lose it now would be too hard to bare, especially when his access to it had been held in his dungeons for the last week. "You do know where it is, don't you see that?" he yelled, "You *do* know, how else do you think you were able to use -"
"Nay, he doesn't know of that yet, Saruman." All eyes turned to the form of Gandalf on the floor, who was looking at his captor with calm eyes. "He knows not all that you know."
Saruman's eyes narrowed at this, before looking over to a baffled Legolas. "He doesn't know?" the distaste was evident in his voice at this new found discovery. "But he - how could he not know?"
"KNOW WHAT?" Legolas, burst out driven by his fear for Aragorn and the plain annoyance of what the two wizards were discussing surrounding him. "Someone tell me. What is it that everyone else seems to know that I do not?" He had forgotten his position and state, and now just wanted answers.
Saruman released Aragorn and the man fell to the floor, gasping for better breath. Slowly he lifted his head and watched the scene before him with interest and ignorance.
As Saruman approached Legolas, the Elf shot a glance at Aragorn and Gimli, and it became obvious that they too were just as confused as him. Saruman grabbed hold of Legolas' face and peered into his eyes as if looking into his soul. A shiver traveled its way up Legolas's spine at the wizard's gaze. He felt as if he could see his thoughts, read his mind and emotions and the thought frightened him more then he cared to admit.
After what seemed like hours, Saruman released Legolas' face and looked to Gandalf. "He doesn't know." He stated in shock. "Why doesn't he know?"
"KNOW WHAT?" Legolas yelled again.
"The time had not yet come to inform the young prince," Gandalf said simple, "and we had no proof that it was in fact him.
Legolas felt the anger that had built up inside of him grow stronger and he struggled to push it down and not to give into it. He was aware that Aragorn was trying to catch his eye but he was too caught up in the strange feeling inside of him to worry about this.
It was as if he were seeing things for a first time. As if he had not yet felt anger till this very moment, that all else had been nothing compared to this rising rage that made his heart pump faster and faster. He could feel his palms grow sweaty behind his back, and he sub-consciously started to pull at the bonds on his wrists.
His hearing was slightly off and as the two wizards conversed and he had trouble focusing on what they were saying, finding every word swirling into the other after it. It was the strangest sensation he had ever felt, and he hated it. It made no sense to him as he knew that it was this feeling that he had loved earlier - the feeling of control and power, of fearlessness and strength. And yet here it was again, and he despised it and wanted it gone.
He knew that this feeling had something to do with what Gandalf and Saruman were talking. Still, he was none the wiser as to what they knew and what this was. It was just anger - wasn't it?
*****
Tbc.
Ok, so I got lazy and decided to make it longer (huh?) as it saved me from writing the big battle scene which will take place NEXT chapter thus making chapter ten the LAST chapter. Yes, I am well aware that I have said that many times, but this time I mean it! *looks shifty* and everyone bow down to my greatness as I have finally gotten myself a god damn plot!!!! *laughs evilly*
Umm, ok, on to the bad news. The next chapter of this will not be up for awhile (not half as long as it took to get this up, but it will still be awhile) as I am moving in, shit, like six days and I still haven't even started to pack. Then there is the issue of I am not to sure when the net will be getting hooked up to the new house, but I will threaten my mother with as many sharp knives as is needed to get me back in action as soon as possible. So, a month at the LATEST! I mean, I actually really want to get this story finished, so I can then concentrate on my others, finish them, and then start all the sequels. Lol, it just never ends.
***///*** NEWS FLASH ***///*** That was awhile ago. I am now in the new house, but, I no longer have the computer in my room, so it will still take me awhile.
Ok, now that that is over with, as you can see, this is getting to be a bit out there (good old Minka weirdisum!) Umm, yeah, so what do you all think the thing that Gandalf and Saruman are talking about (hint: chapters 5 and 6.) Well, good luck guessing, cause I mean, you people have only seen a tiny glimpse into the inner workings of my twisted little mind, and that I am sure, was scary enough for you! Lol.
Ok, now I am done, bye bye, and I hope you are ready for some of the new shit I am going to write!
Minka Greenleaf.
The lights dim and a small group approach a stage with numerous microphones. A tall blond guy with pointed ears dressed in black leather is in the middle of the group, and he starts to sing:
[Legolas]
Guess who's back
Back again
Minka's back
Tell a friend
Guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back Guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's back...
{*Minka hums while walking on stage. She is wearing a big t-shirt, pants five sizes to big, a backwards cap and enough heavy chains around her neck to make her look like a hunchback.*}
[Verse 1: Minka] I've created a monster, cause nobody wants to see romance no more
They want torture, I'm world leader (huh?) (Off camera; Legolas shakes his head)
Well if you want pain, this is what I'll give ya
A little bit of Squassation mixed with some hot liquor
Some fire that'll burn through a tunic quicker
Then a dry forest set on fire cause of some Ring
By a crazed wizard as the trees weren't co-operating (everyone looks at Gandalf suspiciously who points at Saruman.)
When Legolas is rockin' the table while he's tortur-ating (hey!!) (Aragorn: I like that word!)
You waited this long, now stop debating
Cause I'm back on the scene and write-alating (Off camera; Frodo scratches his head in confusion)
I know you got a problem Mr. Sauron
But your Ring's whereabouts is complicating
So the School won't let me be
Or let me be me, so let me see
They try to shut me down on MTV (Legolas: what the fuck does that have to do with school? You weren't on MTV!)
But it feels so empty, without me
So, come on and die, blood on your lips
Fuck that, the usage of whips, and many violent hits (Gandalf: ok, now she is just desperate)
And get ready, cause this shit's about to get heavy
I just settled all my lawsuits - I had lawsuits?! (Looks menacingly at Boromir who backs away.)
[Chorus: Legolas and Aragorn sing while Gandalf, Boromir and Frodo break dance in the background - or until Gandalf throws a hip]
Now this looks like a job for Minka
So everybody, just follow her
Cause we need a little, controversy
Cause it feels so empty, without her
I said this looks li -
Legolas: I'm not doing this anymore! When I said you could torture me as pay back for leaving it did not cover for bad raping! I mean, THE CHORUS DOESN'T EVEN FIT WITH THE TUNE!
Boromir: (rubbing his head) I have to agree with the Elf, it's just not working!
Legolas: don't call me Elf!!!!!!
Aragorn: Now this looks like a job for Minka So everybody...
Frodo: SHUT HIM UP!!!!!!!!
Legolas: (while *accidentally* hitting Aragorn over the head with the end of his bow) oops! (Aragorn falls to the floor unconscious)
Minka: guys, come on, I know this isn't workin' but I need some sorta publicity here, I mean - OH, idea!!!! (Everyone looks horrified)
Legolas: Hungry Jack's is looking pretty darn good right about now!
Minka: trust me! (Smiles sweetly)
Legolas: (while he and everyone step back) oh no, did you guys hear that? They were 'The Famous Last Words.'
*****
The Blood of the Innocent
Part Eight
Nan Im Gwann! [Before I'm Dead]
*****
Saruman pushed Wormtongue out of his way as he approached the restrained Elf. For a split second, Legolas detected the sly man's eyes narrowing at the wizard in what could only be a sign of disrespect, and even possibly hate.
Legolas made a mental note to keep an eye on this man, for he might prove useful in the later confrontation that he knew was coming. For some reason this brought Legolas a glimmer of hope, that maybe, just maybe, this Wormtongue might cause the distraction that Legolas needed to try to gain his freedom. This hope was short lived as the man's face returned to normal and he made a slight bow to his master.
"How did you do it, Elf?" Saruman asked Legolas, and when the Elf made no move to reply, his anger doubled. "HOW DID YOU DO IT?" he yelled, "TELL ME HOW YOU DID IT!" The wizards face turned a dark red in his fury and his anger was made more obvious by his white hair and beard. For some strange reason, Legolas felt compelled to answer him.
"Do what?" he said in his best sugary tone, an innocent smile spread across his face. He looked the wizard square in the eyes and took pleasure in the anger that flared within the orbs.
It was at this point in time, this exact moment, that Legolas realized that he no longer feared the old man. And that was what he was, an old man, nothing more - just an old man, with a stick. Legolas didn't know how it was that he had lost his fear of the other, but he knew it was gone, cast into the wind like most of his memories, and probably never to return again. Something about that idea gave him comfort - that if he could not have the knowledge of his forgotten past, then Saruman could not have the pleasure of his fear. It all seemed ironic, that though so much was lost to him, just the smallest thing could give back so much. It was poetic justice. But no matter what it was, it was all Legolas needed to keep going, at least for now.
Legolas could see the spark of realization in Saruman's eyes as well, thus proving that the wizard picked up on his lack of fear, and subconsciously Legolas' innocent smile turned into a sly and triumphant one, matching how his feelings. In his mind he decided that if he were to die right there and then, Legolas knew on some degree he would be happy. Granted, it would not be even close to how happy he could have been if he were released to the wonders of the forest, or even if he could have his friends here with him, but at least he knew that he had - on a level - beaten his captor. And that satisfaction would stay with him for the rest of his life, no matter how long that was to actually be.
Saruman's next words cut through Legolas's trail of thought, yet they did not disturb him. "I should punish you for your impudence, little prince." The last of the words were said harshly, aimed to stir a fearful reaction in Legolas, and the Elf knew it.
Biting back the comment he wished to say, he simply smiled again and replied in a causal tone that was empty of all emotion, "And what would that consist of, old man?" he asked, adding his own slur on the being before him. "Have you not done everything yet? You have taken me from my quest and friends, dallied in the workings of my mind, and weakened my body. What else do you hope to achieve apart from death, Saruman?"
The wizard swallowed hard, hoping that the Elf would not notice. But nothing slipped past Legolas. "Thus proves my point," Legolas continued flatly, "You don't even know yourself. I have nothing left so you have nothing more to gain save the loss of my life." By now Saruman face was a dark red, knowing what the Elf's next words were to be and expected the slight chuckle that they were spoken with, "and you and I both know that you will not do that, will you? It would seem too easy for me, would you not say?"
Legolas' head snapped back as the sting of Saruman's backhand collided with it, numbing his cheek. Yet, Legolas lifted his head so he would be looking down at the wizard while his tongue flicked out and licked at the blood at the corner of his mouth. As the metallic taste clung to his palette and coated his throat, a smile again forced its way to his face. "Did I strike a nerve, old man?" he asked.
Saruman's face fell and his mouth opened, but it was not his voice that filled the air.
"Do not address him as such!" came the riled command of Wormtongue, his earlier flash of hate towards Saruman obviously forgotten.
"And if I do not comply?" Legolas asked, a sharp edge evident in his tone now. He had hoped the man would say nothing, proving his resentment of the wizard, but it was no so. Yet Legolas would not let himself get disarrayed by this display of loyalty for he had not imagined the tension between the two.
Wormtongue seemed to be a strong-willed man, even though he hid it. He did not seem like the type to just sit there and take orders from someone, especially someone who treated him like a worthless Orc, as Saruman did. Yet he allowed it, and this puzzled Legolas greatly. He could picture Wormtongue as someone who, while being corrupt, would want to do things for himself, to be able to influence people when he wanted and how he wanted. But most importantly, by himself.
Something inside told Legolas to be wary of this man, that he was capable of much more then he let on, and that he would not hesitate in carrying out what he wanted. He looked the type to be able to get away with almost anything, even if it meant receiving some form of punishment for his efforts - just so long as he had acquired what he craved.
When he spoke, Wormtongue demanded attention, which was yet another thing that Legolas found intriguing, and yet he held himself in the way of a sneak, someone who was not important at all. All Legolas could deduce from his survey was that while Wormtongue acted sly and submissive, he really craved leadership.
"If you do not comply we-" Wormtongue began, and with a harsh look for Saruman, he corrected himself, proving Legolas right in his suspicions. "He'll -" his voice trailed off as he realized that he did know what would happen to the Elf.
A strange silence hung heavy in the room. For the first time in however long Legolas had been there, he felt as if he were in control. He didn't know how, but the uncertainty of the two standing by made him feel powerful. From where this feeling of power came from he didn't know, but he did know that he liked it and vowed never to lose it.
As it turned out, it was this thought and this thought alone that prevented Legolas from jumping when the door to the room suddenly burst open, spilling Orcs into the darkened area.
At first, Legolas thought that it was some trick of Saruman's to get him to cease in his mimicry, but at the look of shock and frustration openly displayed on the wizard's face, he knew it not to be so. This was unknown to even Saruman.
One of the larger Orcs crossed the room, bowing before Saruman and speaking in the harsh Black Speech, causing Legolas in inwardly shudder. How he hated that sound, it was pure darkness just created in the depths of Udûn.
Much to Legolas's dismay, a large smile spread over Saruman's face as he listened intently to what the Orc was grumbling out between his large fang- like teeth. With a wave of his hand, Saruman dismissed the Orc, and all of them left the room, equally sneering and adding to Legolas's sudden discomfort.
Saruman approached the Elf once again, and though Legolas felt no fear, his heart was racing with nervous tension. The wizard looked him straight in the eye and then smiled - not a deadly smile full of deceit and lies, but a genuine smile full of happiness. It looked unnatural on Saruman's face, which was normally so full of frown lines and evil glares. Yet he was, smiling like a Cheshire Cat. If Legolas could have backed away, he would have, no matter who was watching. Something about this strange look tore at his heart, and for the first time he found himself listening to every word the evil wizard said.
"Legolas, my dear little princeling," he began, his smile still firmly in place, "I must admit that you were indeed right, and on two things"
No matter how hard Legolas tried, he could not get himself to reply to the wizard even though he wished to show him that he still did not fear him. Or did he? Legolas's courage, which had been blindly obvious only moments ago, had fled, leaving him abandoned and alone in the darkness. He identified this as hell.
"In response to some of your earlier questions that you so boldly demanded, yes, I did force images into your mind." He paused long enough for Legolas to get the full impact of his words. He had been right in his suspicions; Saruman had done something to his memories. Anger boiled up in the Elven prince, yet that look in Saruman's eye stopped him from expressing it. That look was terrorizing, and he dreaded what the wizard would tell him next.
"What you know, or at least what you think you know about your friends and how you came to be here is false. A result of an illusion incantation I stumbled upon - and I must admit, I had not expected it to works so well." He smiled at what Legolas could only think was self-appraisal ere he continued. "'Twas a stroke of luck really, that you were to become the recipient of an arrow not meant for you at Parth Galen." Legolas recalled the burning wound in his back that he had earlier identified as an arrow wound. "It was meant to hit that irritating ranger Strider - or should I say Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the soon-to-be-king of Gondor."
Legolas gasped slightly. He had not known that Saruman knew of Aragorn's identity let alone existence but as the wizard continued, he ran out of time to process that information.
"Admittedly, it would have seen the end to a lot of our troubles if Lurtz's arrow had hit the man and not you - not to mention that it would have saved me a lot of hassle." Inwardly Legolas smiled at that statement, while his gaze flew to the swollen eye and blood-covered face of Saruman.
"But no, you and your Elven loyalty had to get in the way. You spoiled everything. You do know you ruined everything, don't you? If it hadn't been for you then that ranger would have been dead, you all would have fallen and the ring would be mine, assuring me as Dark Lord, and not Sauron.
"And then you didn't even die from the wound, again making things more difficult then they had to be. The Orcs, useless creatures that they are, saw it fit to take you for their sport, and still you lived. That is how I came in possession of you."
Legolas hated the way he was telling this. Sure, it made him feel better that he had caused the other much annoyance, but the 'possession' was enough to make his empty stomach retch. Finally, he found his voice and to his dismay, it had lost the calm, flat tone it had supported not that long ago.
"What was the second thing?"
"Silence!" Saruman commanded, anger in his voice and eyes, "Things have changed, little princeling. You will only speak when told to from now on. And besides," his voice lost its anger, and went back to an almost sing- song state, "I'm not done making you aware of the first quite yet. But to cut it short, your little friends are not in fact dead. They are still tramping around the countryside making each of my days worse then the last."
Legolas couldn't believe it, Aragorn was still alive, as was Gimli and the hobbits, and even Boromir. He had never been so relieve in his life and it felt as if a large weight was lifted off his shoulders.
"They are al-" he began.
"SILENCE!" Saruman yelled as he struck Legolas once again, and this time the Elf did not raise his head. It did not matter if he was beaten now, at least he knew that he had not fail his friends as Saruman had wanted him to believe. He had not cost them their lives as they still lived, they were still fighting the good fight, and they were still trying to destroy the ring.
"Now, for the second thing," Saruman continued though Legolas hardly listened. All that mattered was that his friends were alive and safe, and that hope still remained in the world.
Not once did the Elven prince think of questioning Saruman on why he had told him this, as he was too caught up in his happiness. This would be his downfall.
"The second thing," Saruman stated as he decided the best way to say what he wished, "is that you were right in saying that killing you would be too easy, a release even, and with this I agree. But, you still have one thing I can take." At this he motioned Wormtongue to the door while he himself grabbed Legolas's head roughly by the chin and forced him to look up at the door.
Wormtongue opened the door, and the Orcs that had come through a little while earlier reappeared, this time dragging something with them. Legolas watched absentmindedly, not really caring what Saruman had in stall for him. At least not until what he saw what the Orcs were dragging.
The Orcs lay them just in front of Legolas and Saruman before letting the figures drop cruelly on the ground. Saruman had continued to hold Legolas's head and guided his view, forever following the figures.
One of them stirred, lifting its head as it tried to pull itself to its knees, only to be shoved back down by an Orc.
But in that split second it had lifted its head, Legolas panicked and his heart leap into his mouth. All his past joy fled with the one movement of the figure.
"Aragorn?" he choked out while feeling the wizard's nails biting into his flesh for the speech.
"Ah, but what about their death?" Saruman asked triumphantly, "their life is the last thing for you to loose, is it not? Which is good for me too, as all three are completely expendable."
Legolas tried to block out the thoughts of the wizard and focused on Aragorn, and what he could only make out as Gimli and - Gandalf. His mind was abuzz with thoughts. How was Gandalf here? Where were the hobbits and Boromir? How did they get here? And where was the Ring?
"Aragorn!" Legolas again called, this time more desperate for a response from his friend. He ignored the slap that stung his cheek warning him to be quiet and kept calling out.
Upon hearing his name, Aragorn again lifted his head, this time to look directly into the eyes of Legolas.
The man half-squinted in his attempt to look at Legolas. He barely recognized the Elf he had known for so long a time. Legolas looked terrible, nothing short of a ghost of his former self. His face was covered in a mixture of blood and dirt, yet it did nothing to hide the blue-black bruises and red welts that were present on the normally soft skin. He was terribly thin and looked as if he had not eaten since he was taken - which Aragorn regarded as a strong possibility. His clothes were ripped and soaked in blood, both dry and fresh and it was through that sight that Aragorn saw the main wounds that Legolas supported. His right side had been torn open, exposing the bones within, as well as his left upper leg. He had many circular wounds that Aragorn could only guess were created by hot pokers or something of the like, and parts of his chest were visibly burned though his tattered tunic. Blood was dripping from his lip and newly made nail marks encircled his throat. Legolas's once long silky hair was mattered with blood and cut roughly at his shoulders, but through all that horror, Aragorn knew it was still his dear friend.
The thing that scared the man the most, beyond all other wounds, was his friends eyes. Although they held recognition they were not the same bright cerulean that they had been. They were filled with pain and fear, and above all a sense of hopelessness.
Aragorn hated himself for allowing this to happen. He felt that it was his fault, that Legolas had been wounded with the arrow meant for him. The Elf had been taken by the Orcs and he had suffered so much. The guilt ate at him Yet above all else, he felt bad that he could not carry out the promise that he had made to himself in this past week: that he would save his friend and take him out of this darkness. With the newest turn of events, it looked as if the young Elf would never see the sun again, and it was all the man's fault.
This pained him more than even the thought of dying himself. For himself he did not care. He cared about Legolas and the two unconscious beings that lay beside him, the four hobbits and the free people of Middle-Earth. But not for himself. Not this time.
"I'm sorry, Legolas," was all he could say while looking into his friend's distant eyes, "I failed."
Legolas looked at him, sadness turning his features to stone. To the Elf, Aragorn had not failed. The quest would not continue, but no one had truly failed. No one but him. Even though he now knew that his friends were
alive and that he had not indeed failed them in that sense, he still felt the pang of failure now that they were captured. They should not have come for him, they should have continued on the quest and left him here.
But they didn't, and now, as Legolas knew, all hell was about to break loose.
"Well, wasn't that touching!" Saruman spoke up for the first time, "Heart wrenching even." He motioned for Wormtongue to awaken the other two captives on the floor, and the sly man obeyed in a hurry.
Slowly both Gimli and Gandalf came to consciousness and took in their surroundings. It only took seconds for their eyes to fall upon Legolas tied up in the centre of the room, and their eyes showed the horror that they both felt.
Aragorn had not once taken his eyes off Legolas, trying to get his friend to look at him, but Legolas avoided eye contact for he could not take the pity in the gaze. He felt unworthy of such concern. After all, it was because of him that they were here, awaiting what Fate saw fit to deal them.
"So, now that we are all together and re-aquatinted, lets try this again," Saruman started to speak again, commanding attention. "Tell me where the Ring is Elf or I'll kill - " he reached down and grabbed Aragorn by the hair, "- this one."
Legolas shut his eyes tight, not knowing how this could be happening. He had no idea as to what to do, he knew he could not let his friends die this way, but how could he tell Saruman what he did not know?
"I have told you once and I will tell you again, I do not know where it is."
"You lie!" the wizard yelled as he jerked back on Aragorn's head, causing the man's face to scrunch into a silent hiss. Saruman reached into the folds of his robes and pulled out his twisted knife, pressing it to Aragorn's throat, "now tell me where it is or I'll kill him. It's a simple choice, little Elf!"
"How can I tell you what I don't know?" Legolas screamed at him as a small river of blood seeped from Aragorn's neck. The Elf's heart was racing, causing his breaths to come in short and shallow gasps. He struggled with as much strength as he could against his bonds, but it was useless, they were too tight and he was too weak.
The blade continued to slide into Aragorn's neck, yet the man, like the Elf, had made no noise of pain or even shock. He kept his jaw clamped tightly and his eyes focused on Legolas, much to the Elf's discomfort.
Gimli and Gandalf had also started to protest only to be silenced roughly by the Orcs.
"You know where it is and I want you to tell me!" Saruman was quickly
"I DON'T KNOW!" Legolas was panicking and felt utterly helpless as he watched his friends life being threatened. He almost wished that he knew the location of the Ring so he could help Aragorn, but no amount of wishing would bring that knowledge to him. "Saruman, why would I risk his life if I knew the answers to that which you seek?" he pleased, desperate to make the wizard understand that he was telling the truth. "Why would I know of its whereabouts, for if it has slipped your mind I have been in this light forsaken place since you lost it and its possessor."
"Don't you see," Saruman shot back, his lust for the Ring of power taking control of all of his senses. He had longed after it for so long now and he wanted to claim its power for his own purposes. When the chance came to aid Sauron in his quest to find it, he had seen it as the perfect opportunity to get what he wanted. It should rightfully be his. To lose it now would be too hard to bare, especially when his access to it had been held in his dungeons for the last week. "You do know where it is, don't you see that?" he yelled, "You *do* know, how else do you think you were able to use -"
"Nay, he doesn't know of that yet, Saruman." All eyes turned to the form of Gandalf on the floor, who was looking at his captor with calm eyes. "He knows not all that you know."
Saruman's eyes narrowed at this, before looking over to a baffled Legolas. "He doesn't know?" the distaste was evident in his voice at this new found discovery. "But he - how could he not know?"
"KNOW WHAT?" Legolas, burst out driven by his fear for Aragorn and the plain annoyance of what the two wizards were discussing surrounding him. "Someone tell me. What is it that everyone else seems to know that I do not?" He had forgotten his position and state, and now just wanted answers.
Saruman released Aragorn and the man fell to the floor, gasping for better breath. Slowly he lifted his head and watched the scene before him with interest and ignorance.
As Saruman approached Legolas, the Elf shot a glance at Aragorn and Gimli, and it became obvious that they too were just as confused as him. Saruman grabbed hold of Legolas' face and peered into his eyes as if looking into his soul. A shiver traveled its way up Legolas's spine at the wizard's gaze. He felt as if he could see his thoughts, read his mind and emotions and the thought frightened him more then he cared to admit.
After what seemed like hours, Saruman released Legolas' face and looked to Gandalf. "He doesn't know." He stated in shock. "Why doesn't he know?"
"KNOW WHAT?" Legolas yelled again.
"The time had not yet come to inform the young prince," Gandalf said simple, "and we had no proof that it was in fact him.
Legolas felt the anger that had built up inside of him grow stronger and he struggled to push it down and not to give into it. He was aware that Aragorn was trying to catch his eye but he was too caught up in the strange feeling inside of him to worry about this.
It was as if he were seeing things for a first time. As if he had not yet felt anger till this very moment, that all else had been nothing compared to this rising rage that made his heart pump faster and faster. He could feel his palms grow sweaty behind his back, and he sub-consciously started to pull at the bonds on his wrists.
His hearing was slightly off and as the two wizards conversed and he had trouble focusing on what they were saying, finding every word swirling into the other after it. It was the strangest sensation he had ever felt, and he hated it. It made no sense to him as he knew that it was this feeling that he had loved earlier - the feeling of control and power, of fearlessness and strength. And yet here it was again, and he despised it and wanted it gone.
He knew that this feeling had something to do with what Gandalf and Saruman were talking. Still, he was none the wiser as to what they knew and what this was. It was just anger - wasn't it?
*****
Tbc.
Ok, so I got lazy and decided to make it longer (huh?) as it saved me from writing the big battle scene which will take place NEXT chapter thus making chapter ten the LAST chapter. Yes, I am well aware that I have said that many times, but this time I mean it! *looks shifty* and everyone bow down to my greatness as I have finally gotten myself a god damn plot!!!! *laughs evilly*
Umm, ok, on to the bad news. The next chapter of this will not be up for awhile (not half as long as it took to get this up, but it will still be awhile) as I am moving in, shit, like six days and I still haven't even started to pack. Then there is the issue of I am not to sure when the net will be getting hooked up to the new house, but I will threaten my mother with as many sharp knives as is needed to get me back in action as soon as possible. So, a month at the LATEST! I mean, I actually really want to get this story finished, so I can then concentrate on my others, finish them, and then start all the sequels. Lol, it just never ends.
***///*** NEWS FLASH ***///*** That was awhile ago. I am now in the new house, but, I no longer have the computer in my room, so it will still take me awhile.
Ok, now that that is over with, as you can see, this is getting to be a bit out there (good old Minka weirdisum!) Umm, yeah, so what do you all think the thing that Gandalf and Saruman are talking about (hint: chapters 5 and 6.) Well, good luck guessing, cause I mean, you people have only seen a tiny glimpse into the inner workings of my twisted little mind, and that I am sure, was scary enough for you! Lol.
Ok, now I am done, bye bye, and I hope you are ready for some of the new shit I am going to write!
Minka Greenleaf.
