A/N: I just want to say thank you to Katie Weasley, I was trying to be cruel with that last cliffhanger, I'm glad I achieved it. **evil grin** And thank you to Sharpe's Girl for your review, it's nice to know some people are still reading this. =o) Alright everyone, break out the tissues! This is going to be VERY sad.
Chapter 40: Magic and Torment
Erestor guessed he blacked out, because the next thing he knew he was clinging to Alagos' back as the horse raced across the deserted plains. Groggily Erestor glanced back at Barad-Dûr, tears streaking his face. Elwing, why did you do it? But then the thought just came to taunt him, Because she loves you. You knew she loved you, but you just ignored her. His heart full of grief, Erestor turned back to face the Shadow Mountains, and, farther on, his freedom.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Elwing watched as Erestor and Alagos began to climb the mountains, a sad smile on her face. You're safe now.
"Come here, slave," Sauron bellowed. Elwing didn't budge. "I said come here," Sauron growled.
Elwing glanced over her shoulder with an infuriating smile. "I don't think so."
"What?" Sauron snapped. "What of your promise?"
"I won't break my promise," Elwing said calmly.
"Then you are my servant, and you will do as I command," Sauron said angrily.
Elwing's grin broadened. "Oh, I agreed to serve you all right, but I didn't say how long I would serve you. And if I'm not mistaken," Elwing glanced out the window to make sure Erestor was safely over the mountains, "your time is up."
She had scarcely finished her sentence when she was suddenly lifted off her feet and thrown into the doors to the throne room. Elwing gasped from the impact and the feeling of a hand about her throat.
"Do not trick me, Sunstar!" Sauron roared. "I'll have your head!"
Fighting for air, Elwing managed to gasp, "Get in line."
The hand released her and she fell to the floor, taking deep gulps of air.
"I underestimated you," Sauron said, calm once again. "But you will serve me, or you will die."
"Oh I would gladly commit hara-kiri," Elwing said, rubbing her neck, "but I seem to have forgotten my sword. Would you mind lending me one?"
Sauron made no reply, but began to sing softly. Elwing found this strange, until she remembered the Lay of Lúthien.
He chanted a song of wizardry,
Of piercing, opening, of treachery,
Revealing, uncovering, betraying.
Then sudden Felagund there swaying
Sang in answer a song of staying,
Resisting, battling against power,
Of secrets kept, strength like a tower,
And trust unbroken, freedom, escape;
Of changing and of shifting shape,
Of snares eluded, broken traps
The prison opening, the chain that snaps.
Backwards and forwards swayed their song.
Reeling and foundering, as ever more strong
The chanting swelled, Felagund fought,
And all the magic and might he brought
Of Elvenesse into his words.
Softly in the gloom they heard the birds
Singing afar in Norgothrond,
The sighing of the Sea beyond,
Beyond the western world, on sand,
On sand of pearls in Elvenland.
Then the gloom gathered; darkness growing
In Valinor, the red blood flowing
Beside the Sea, where the Noldor slew
The Foamriders, and stealing drew
Their white ships with their white sails
From lamplit havens. The wind wails,
The wolf howls. The ravens flee.
The ice mutters in the mouths of the Sea.
The captives sad in Angband mourn.
Thunder rumbles, the fires burn-
And Finrod fell before the throne.
Elwing shivered as she recalled the tale, wishing she knew the songs of power. But she did not have to wish long, for Sauron's spell began to take hold, and Elwing sank to her knees wearily. Images flashed before her eyes, scenes of death and destruction. Rivers of pain coursed through her body, and stars flashed before her eyes. Sauron preferred to torture a Sunstar by magic, refraining from hurting them physically; but the pain was still real.
Elwing fell to the ground and curled up in a ball, trying to escape the pain; but it was to no avail. Slowly Elwing slipped into unconsciousness... and closer to Sauron's control.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor passed out again, and awoke in a small copse of trees, surrounded by StarWolves.
"Where am I?" he moaned.
"You are in Ithilien," Draug replied. "Get some rest, you will continue your journey shortly."
Erestor fell back asleep, but instead of sweet dreams, he fell into a nightmare.
Death and destruction was everywhere. There seemed to be only two colors: black and blood red. Blood dripped from leafless trees onto a ravaged landscape, filled with the corpses of Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, and Men. A cold, blood-chilling laugh rang through the air, bringing with it visions of Orcs burning and killing. Rivendell was drenched in blood, and the Shire was reduced to ashes. Erestor felt sick at the sight and wished he were free of this nightmare, when a cold piercing scream filled the air around him. Erestor shuddered and felt pity for the owner of the scream. It came from a tormented being that was close to losing its spirit. The scream tore through the air again, desperate and anguished. Then the screams became words, and Erestor froze as he heard them.
"Erestor! Help me! Erestor!"
The words cut Erestor's heart like a knife. "Elwing!" the cry tore itself from his throat, and Erestor set off running through the morbid dreamscape, desperately searching for Elwing. Her cries grew louder and more anguished, and Erestor's heart broke afresh with each one.
Then he saw her, curled up on the blood-soaked ground, a small forlorn figure amidst the carnage. His heart in his throat, Erestor rushed to her side.
"Elwing, it's me, I'm here," Erestor said, trying to rouse her.
Elwing looked up at him, but her eyes were full of terror, and she did not recognize him.
"Elwing, please, it's me, it's Erestor," he pleaded, tears running down his cheeks.
Recognition flickered in Elwing's eyes. "Erestor?" she whispered; but immediately a scream came from her and she doubled over.
"Elwing, what's wrong, what's happening?" Erestor asked, frantic to ease her pain.
"Make him stop," Elwing moaned. "Please make him stop."
Erestor's eyes widened as he caught on. "Sauron."
Elwing nodded, her face twisted in pain. Erestor sat beside her and gently lifted her into his lap. Elwing clung to him, twitching as more pain assailed her.
"Why he is doing this?" Erestor asked softly. "I thought you agreed to serve him."
"I did, but he didn't read the fine print," Elwing said with a forced grin. "Memo to self, don't get Sauron mad at you." She grimaced and suppressed a scream. "Please make him stop," Elwing said faintly.
"I can't," Erestor said, his own face contorted with grief. "Only you have the power to fight him. You must fight him, Elwing."
"I can't!" Elwing sobbed. "He's too strong."
"Elwing, this has to stop!" Erestor said as she cried out again.
"It will stop," Elwing said grimly, a strange look in her eye.
Erestor took her chin and forced her to look at him. "Listen to me miss, you will not commit suicide!"
"And why not?" Elwing asked, bitterness in her voice.
Erestor bit his lip. "Because I love you," he said at last.
Elwing's eyes widened, and for a moment she forgot her pain. "Y-you what?"
"I love you," Erestor replied with a sad smile. "And besides that, you can beat Sauron, and you know it."
Elwing watched him, choosing to ignore Sauron's spell. "You really think I can fight him?"
Erestor smiled. "I know you can. Kick his butt, Aurlach."
Elwing smiled at her nickname, but that smile was wiped away as she was suddenly torn from Erestor and thrown forcefully back into consciousness.
"Your friend is stronger than I thought," Sauron mused. "But he cannot save you now. As soon as you are mine, I will give you the pleasure of killing him."
Elwing's eyes blazed angrily and she tried to rise to her feet. Sauron easily knocked her down and laughed at her effort.
"Fool! You cannot fight me. All who have done so have died," Sauron taunted.
Elwing grimaced and glanced down. As she did, she caught sight of the ring on her thumb. Boromir... Anger boiled even hotter inside her. If it weren't for Sauron's stupid ring, he would not have died. Sauron is responsible for his death, and I will not forgive him for that! And no one, no one beats up the guy I love and gets away with it!
Gathering her courage and her strength, Elwing climbed to her feet. Sauron sneered, but watched her cautiously.
"Give up, you will never win," he gloated.
"You are way to confident for your own good," Elwing growled.
Elwing raised her hand and a flash of light illuminated the black throne room. Recovering from the bright flash, Sauron turned back to the girl. But this was not the same girl.
Elwing appeared taller then ever, and her eyes were deep green, filled with an angry fire. The jewel about her neck was black as deepest night, and her black clothes made her frightening to see. Even more frightening was her face, which was that of an Elven queen... an angry Elven queen.
"I will never serve you," she said, her voice soft yet stern. "You have been after the Sunstars for many a decade, when will you learn that we will never be yours?"
Sauron's wrath boiled over, and he unleashed all his power. But Elwing was not swayed. She fought back, matching all that he threw at her. At last Sauron could fight her no longer, but refusing to surrender, he cast a spell that sent her into a deep sleep. To tired to fight back, Elwing collapsed into unconsciousness.
Sauron eyed the sleeping Sunstar coldly. "I may not be able to break you, but I will bend you to my purpose. Take her to a cell, and see that none disturb her."
The Orcs were too afraid to obey the order, so two Nazgûl had to come and take her away. When the wraiths had gone, the Black Lieutenant turned to his master.
"What will you do with her, milord?" the Lieutenant asked.
"I will make her pay," Sauron snarled.
End Chapter 40
Uh-oh, another cliffhanger! Boy, I'm getting good at these. What does Sauron have in store for our Sunstar? Wait and see. **grin** **brings out plate of cookies** Okay, people, it's that time again! Review and tell me what you think... and feel free to vent any frustration. ;o) .... Oh, and incase any of you are wondering, just because she defeated Sauron it doesn't necessarily mean she's escaped her Fate. Then again, it may. (Ooo, the cruelty. **grin**)
Chapter 40: Magic and Torment
Erestor guessed he blacked out, because the next thing he knew he was clinging to Alagos' back as the horse raced across the deserted plains. Groggily Erestor glanced back at Barad-Dûr, tears streaking his face. Elwing, why did you do it? But then the thought just came to taunt him, Because she loves you. You knew she loved you, but you just ignored her. His heart full of grief, Erestor turned back to face the Shadow Mountains, and, farther on, his freedom.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Elwing watched as Erestor and Alagos began to climb the mountains, a sad smile on her face. You're safe now.
"Come here, slave," Sauron bellowed. Elwing didn't budge. "I said come here," Sauron growled.
Elwing glanced over her shoulder with an infuriating smile. "I don't think so."
"What?" Sauron snapped. "What of your promise?"
"I won't break my promise," Elwing said calmly.
"Then you are my servant, and you will do as I command," Sauron said angrily.
Elwing's grin broadened. "Oh, I agreed to serve you all right, but I didn't say how long I would serve you. And if I'm not mistaken," Elwing glanced out the window to make sure Erestor was safely over the mountains, "your time is up."
She had scarcely finished her sentence when she was suddenly lifted off her feet and thrown into the doors to the throne room. Elwing gasped from the impact and the feeling of a hand about her throat.
"Do not trick me, Sunstar!" Sauron roared. "I'll have your head!"
Fighting for air, Elwing managed to gasp, "Get in line."
The hand released her and she fell to the floor, taking deep gulps of air.
"I underestimated you," Sauron said, calm once again. "But you will serve me, or you will die."
"Oh I would gladly commit hara-kiri," Elwing said, rubbing her neck, "but I seem to have forgotten my sword. Would you mind lending me one?"
Sauron made no reply, but began to sing softly. Elwing found this strange, until she remembered the Lay of Lúthien.
He chanted a song of wizardry,
Of piercing, opening, of treachery,
Revealing, uncovering, betraying.
Then sudden Felagund there swaying
Sang in answer a song of staying,
Resisting, battling against power,
Of secrets kept, strength like a tower,
And trust unbroken, freedom, escape;
Of changing and of shifting shape,
Of snares eluded, broken traps
The prison opening, the chain that snaps.
Backwards and forwards swayed their song.
Reeling and foundering, as ever more strong
The chanting swelled, Felagund fought,
And all the magic and might he brought
Of Elvenesse into his words.
Softly in the gloom they heard the birds
Singing afar in Norgothrond,
The sighing of the Sea beyond,
Beyond the western world, on sand,
On sand of pearls in Elvenland.
Then the gloom gathered; darkness growing
In Valinor, the red blood flowing
Beside the Sea, where the Noldor slew
The Foamriders, and stealing drew
Their white ships with their white sails
From lamplit havens. The wind wails,
The wolf howls. The ravens flee.
The ice mutters in the mouths of the Sea.
The captives sad in Angband mourn.
Thunder rumbles, the fires burn-
And Finrod fell before the throne.
Elwing shivered as she recalled the tale, wishing she knew the songs of power. But she did not have to wish long, for Sauron's spell began to take hold, and Elwing sank to her knees wearily. Images flashed before her eyes, scenes of death and destruction. Rivers of pain coursed through her body, and stars flashed before her eyes. Sauron preferred to torture a Sunstar by magic, refraining from hurting them physically; but the pain was still real.
Elwing fell to the ground and curled up in a ball, trying to escape the pain; but it was to no avail. Slowly Elwing slipped into unconsciousness... and closer to Sauron's control.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor passed out again, and awoke in a small copse of trees, surrounded by StarWolves.
"Where am I?" he moaned.
"You are in Ithilien," Draug replied. "Get some rest, you will continue your journey shortly."
Erestor fell back asleep, but instead of sweet dreams, he fell into a nightmare.
Death and destruction was everywhere. There seemed to be only two colors: black and blood red. Blood dripped from leafless trees onto a ravaged landscape, filled with the corpses of Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, and Men. A cold, blood-chilling laugh rang through the air, bringing with it visions of Orcs burning and killing. Rivendell was drenched in blood, and the Shire was reduced to ashes. Erestor felt sick at the sight and wished he were free of this nightmare, when a cold piercing scream filled the air around him. Erestor shuddered and felt pity for the owner of the scream. It came from a tormented being that was close to losing its spirit. The scream tore through the air again, desperate and anguished. Then the screams became words, and Erestor froze as he heard them.
"Erestor! Help me! Erestor!"
The words cut Erestor's heart like a knife. "Elwing!" the cry tore itself from his throat, and Erestor set off running through the morbid dreamscape, desperately searching for Elwing. Her cries grew louder and more anguished, and Erestor's heart broke afresh with each one.
Then he saw her, curled up on the blood-soaked ground, a small forlorn figure amidst the carnage. His heart in his throat, Erestor rushed to her side.
"Elwing, it's me, I'm here," Erestor said, trying to rouse her.
Elwing looked up at him, but her eyes were full of terror, and she did not recognize him.
"Elwing, please, it's me, it's Erestor," he pleaded, tears running down his cheeks.
Recognition flickered in Elwing's eyes. "Erestor?" she whispered; but immediately a scream came from her and she doubled over.
"Elwing, what's wrong, what's happening?" Erestor asked, frantic to ease her pain.
"Make him stop," Elwing moaned. "Please make him stop."
Erestor's eyes widened as he caught on. "Sauron."
Elwing nodded, her face twisted in pain. Erestor sat beside her and gently lifted her into his lap. Elwing clung to him, twitching as more pain assailed her.
"Why he is doing this?" Erestor asked softly. "I thought you agreed to serve him."
"I did, but he didn't read the fine print," Elwing said with a forced grin. "Memo to self, don't get Sauron mad at you." She grimaced and suppressed a scream. "Please make him stop," Elwing said faintly.
"I can't," Erestor said, his own face contorted with grief. "Only you have the power to fight him. You must fight him, Elwing."
"I can't!" Elwing sobbed. "He's too strong."
"Elwing, this has to stop!" Erestor said as she cried out again.
"It will stop," Elwing said grimly, a strange look in her eye.
Erestor took her chin and forced her to look at him. "Listen to me miss, you will not commit suicide!"
"And why not?" Elwing asked, bitterness in her voice.
Erestor bit his lip. "Because I love you," he said at last.
Elwing's eyes widened, and for a moment she forgot her pain. "Y-you what?"
"I love you," Erestor replied with a sad smile. "And besides that, you can beat Sauron, and you know it."
Elwing watched him, choosing to ignore Sauron's spell. "You really think I can fight him?"
Erestor smiled. "I know you can. Kick his butt, Aurlach."
Elwing smiled at her nickname, but that smile was wiped away as she was suddenly torn from Erestor and thrown forcefully back into consciousness.
"Your friend is stronger than I thought," Sauron mused. "But he cannot save you now. As soon as you are mine, I will give you the pleasure of killing him."
Elwing's eyes blazed angrily and she tried to rise to her feet. Sauron easily knocked her down and laughed at her effort.
"Fool! You cannot fight me. All who have done so have died," Sauron taunted.
Elwing grimaced and glanced down. As she did, she caught sight of the ring on her thumb. Boromir... Anger boiled even hotter inside her. If it weren't for Sauron's stupid ring, he would not have died. Sauron is responsible for his death, and I will not forgive him for that! And no one, no one beats up the guy I love and gets away with it!
Gathering her courage and her strength, Elwing climbed to her feet. Sauron sneered, but watched her cautiously.
"Give up, you will never win," he gloated.
"You are way to confident for your own good," Elwing growled.
Elwing raised her hand and a flash of light illuminated the black throne room. Recovering from the bright flash, Sauron turned back to the girl. But this was not the same girl.
Elwing appeared taller then ever, and her eyes were deep green, filled with an angry fire. The jewel about her neck was black as deepest night, and her black clothes made her frightening to see. Even more frightening was her face, which was that of an Elven queen... an angry Elven queen.
"I will never serve you," she said, her voice soft yet stern. "You have been after the Sunstars for many a decade, when will you learn that we will never be yours?"
Sauron's wrath boiled over, and he unleashed all his power. But Elwing was not swayed. She fought back, matching all that he threw at her. At last Sauron could fight her no longer, but refusing to surrender, he cast a spell that sent her into a deep sleep. To tired to fight back, Elwing collapsed into unconsciousness.
Sauron eyed the sleeping Sunstar coldly. "I may not be able to break you, but I will bend you to my purpose. Take her to a cell, and see that none disturb her."
The Orcs were too afraid to obey the order, so two Nazgûl had to come and take her away. When the wraiths had gone, the Black Lieutenant turned to his master.
"What will you do with her, milord?" the Lieutenant asked.
"I will make her pay," Sauron snarled.
End Chapter 40
Uh-oh, another cliffhanger! Boy, I'm getting good at these. What does Sauron have in store for our Sunstar? Wait and see. **grin** **brings out plate of cookies** Okay, people, it's that time again! Review and tell me what you think... and feel free to vent any frustration. ;o) .... Oh, and incase any of you are wondering, just because she defeated Sauron it doesn't necessarily mean she's escaped her Fate. Then again, it may. (Ooo, the cruelty. **grin**)
