A/N: Yay! People reviewed! Thank you kind reviewers! And I would like to thank striderluvver especially for your reviews. I try my best, but without outside opinion, it's difficult to portray things the way you want. Also to answer a couple of your questions: Yea, the part with Sauron was a bit cheezy, but I plan to fix it in the re-write. And yes, the re-write will condense like crazy. It should only be 32 chapters, maybe a few more. Also, yes, I do know ArwenAria18. Well, I should hope I know her seeming as how I sleep over her house all the time. ;o) And actually, she was a little peeved that I changed who Aria liked, but I'm changing Aria's name in the rewrite, so she was okay with that. =o) Wow, that was long. Alright, now onto the chapter! And I really hope that you literally brought tissues this time, you will shed at least one tear if not more. Here we go...
Chapter 41: The Beginning of the End
Erestor opened his eyes with a groan. "Oh my head."
"Keep still, that was quite a backlash," a familiar voice warned.
Erestor focused on the figure kneeling over him. "Falagorn? What are you doing here? And what do you mean by backlash?"
"I figured out what happened and I came to make sure you were taken care of," the Elf explained. "And by backlash, well, I don't know if I can quite put it into words."
Erestor frowned and thought back on his dream of Elwing. Only that definitely wasn't a dream, he reminded himself. "Wait, when I was separated from Elwing, that was backlash?"
"No, the after affects of being separated are backlash," Falagorn corrected.
"You lost me," Erestor said with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm not sure if I can find you again," Falagorn replied, wiping a hand across his forehead. "All Elves posses some magic, and because you are part Elf you have some as well. When you found Elwing you were using your magic, though you did not know it. When Sauron separated the two of you, you were no longer using your magic. It required a lot of magic to do what you did, and I do not think you have used magic before..." Erestor shook his head. "Then you are just feeling the after affects of using your magic."
Erestor stared at Falagorn for a minute. "You're right, you couldn't find me again."
The Elf laughed and turned to a small fire burning behind him. He took a small pot from the fire and turned back to Erestor.
"Eat this," he said. "Then I'll tend to your hurts."
Erestor pouted. "I'm fine."
Without reply, Falagorn gently prodded Erestor's side. Erestor winced and swallowed a yelp. "Yea, you're fine," Falagorn said with a sarcastic smile.
"Smart-alec Elves," Erestor grumbled under his breath.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor sat on a rock staring out across Ithilien, ignoring the ominous mountains towering behind him. Falagorn was off foraging for food, and the wolves were out hunting. Two had stayed behind to keep an eye on Erestor, but they were hidden in the bushes. Erestor gently prodded the bandage around his ribs. Luckily they had only been bruised, but it would still be a while before they stopped hurting.
Erestor sighed and lay back, looking at the clouded sky above him. Two days, Elwing's been in there for two days. Falagorn said the host was leaving Minas Tirith today, which means they will not reach us for four more days. By the time the battle starts Elwing will have been there for ten days... if she is still alive. Shaking his head, Erestor leapt to his feet. He had wondered if she was alive ever since he had awoken, but he knew what his next thought would be. It's my fault.
Erestor glanced at the Shadow Mountains hesitantly. Is it my fault? If it were not for me, would she still be there? Instantly his mind replied, Of course she would be! It was her Fate, remember? But what if she could have changed her Fate? his heart replied. You can't change Fate.
"Wanna bet?" he growled.
"Want to bet what?"
Erestor spun around. "Falagorn, I didn't hear you return."
"Humans rarely do," the Elf smiled. "What were you saying just now?"
"Nothing," Erestor said dismissively. "Do you happen to have extra weapons with you? The wraiths took mine."
Falagorn smiled and produced Erestor's sword. "I thought you would be wanting it."
Erestor took it with a silent nod of thanks. Falagorn paused for a moment, then brought out a bow and a quiver full of arrows tipped with green-tinted feathers. "You may want these too."
Erestor watched the Elf closely. "Do you know something I don't?"
Falagorn smiled. "You could say that. Now get some rest, your ribs weren't the only things that bruised."
Erestor frowned and held his right arm defensively. Stupid Orcs, they'll pay.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"Aragorn! Wait up!"
Aragorn turned and saw Erestor riding up; there was no sign of Falagorn or the StarWolves.
"Erestor! Where have you been?" Aragorn asked, surprised.
"I was being given the grand tour of Sauron's castle," Erestor said dryly. "Now I'm here to help out," he nodded towards the army.
"Are you sure you can?" Éomer asked slowly.
"Yea, Falagorn took care of me," he replied with a shrug.
"And where is Falagorn?" Legolas asked.
"He and the StarWolves are taking the scenic route," Erestor grinned.
"I see," Aragorn muttered. "Very well, if you feel you can."
Erestor smiled grimly. "Let's go kick some Orc butt."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Elwing stirred as the door to her cell was thrown open. "Five more minutes Mom," she groaned.
Two Orcs pulled her to her feet and dragged her along many corridors out into the courtyard. Elwing blinked at the bright light, still groggy from the sleep spell. The Orcs let go of her arms, and Elwing fell to the ground.
"Feeling weak, Oh great Sunstar?" a voice sneered.
Elwing looked up and saw the Black Lieutenant standing over her. "Just a little tired," she mumbled, a headache beginning to form.
"Then we shall just have to wake you up," the Lieutenant grinned, turning to the guards. "Beat her."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor sat uneasily upon Iceriver, glancing at those about him. Gandalf, Aragorn, the sons of Elrond, Éomer, Imrahil, Peregrin, Legolas, and Gimli were all about him, their faces somber. I can't wait for the formalities to be out of the way, let us fight already!
The heralds stepped forward and blew their trumpets, then sent out a cry. "Come forth! Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth!"
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Elwing lay on the courtyard ground, blood coming from various fresh wounds.
"Awake now?" the Lieutenant jeered.
"Oh yea, I'm wide awake," Elwing snarled.
"Still sarcastic I see," the Lieutenant chuckled. "Well, your friends have come to the gate demanding to speak to the Great One. However, he is sending me with a few messages... and you are one of them. Oh, and lest you should think of escaping, your friend has returned, forfeiting the protection over his life. If you so much as think of escaping, I will slay him on the spot."
Elwing looked up out of her blackened eyes. The Lieutenant wore a smile, but she did not doubt he meant what he said. What am I going to do now?
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor watched the other Captains as horror overcame their faces. The Lieutenant had just shown them the short sword Sam had carried, a grey cloak with an elven-brooch, and last the coat of mithril-mail Frodo had worn. The Captains quailed, thinking that the Ring had been discovered and their cause lost. If only the knew, Erestor thought, shaking his head.
"But that is not all I have brought to show you," the Lieutenant continued, enjoying the dismay of his enemies. He motioned towards the gate, and two Orcs emerged, bearing something between them. At first not even Legolas could make out what it was, but their dismay doubled when they realized who it was.
"Elwing!" Erestor stared at her in shock. Her mouth and nose were bleeding, she was bruised and cut, and she was sporting a pair of lovely black eyes.
"Yes, your precious Sunstar," the Lieutenant laughed. "Not so impressive now, is she?"
"Why does she not run?" Legolas whispered. "Surely those guards are not too strong for her."
Erestor caught Elwing's gaze. "If she escapes he'll kill me," Erestor said with an annoyed frown.
Legolas turned to Erestor, startled. "How do you know?" But Erestor's reply was interrupted by the Lieutenant's voice.
"One of you has something that belongs to my master," the Lieutenant continued haughtily, "and he greatly desires its return. If it is returned, the Sunstar is released. If not, she dies." To emphasize his point, the Lieutenant nodded to the guards, and one of them drew his sword and pressed it to Elwing's neck.
"I am not sure what you speak of," Gandalf said slowly.
"Yes you do, Grey Fool!" the Lieutenant snorted. "Return it or the Sunstar pays the price."
Gandalf frowned, pondering the puzzle before him. With an exasperated sigh, Erestor trotted to Gandalf's side.
"He means the ring!" Erestor hissed into the wizard's ear. "They don't know Frodo has it! They caught Frodo, but Sam had taken the Ring and they didn't catch Sam. Don't ask why Sam had the Ring, it's too long a tale. Just know that he doesn't have the Ring and if you don't tell him the Quest may yet be accomplished!"
Gandalf frowned. "But what of Elwing? We cannot let her die."
Erestor held Elwing's gaze for a long moment. "That decision is out of our hands," he said ominously.
"Well, Old One? Have you decided?" the Lieutenant challenged.
Elwing bowed her head. I will not let my death be on their hands. It must be done.
A crack of thunder boomed over head, causing the company to jump. Erestor looked up with a frown as lightning flashed along the thick, black clouds. This looks familiar, he mused. Then he remembered. The mirror! Erestor looked towards Elwing, strangely calm. I did not see Fairidon in the mirror, I saw Elwing.
Elwing held Erestor's eyes, her own wet with tears. "I love you," she whispered.
Erestor closed his eyes and turned away, fearing what was coming.
Suddenly a bolt of lightning tore apart the sky and struck the Sunstar. She fell to the ground, motionless.
An eerie silence fell, during which the Orc guards fled back into Mordor in terror. Nothing else moved, not a sound was heard. It was if time stood still. Surprisingly, it was Erestor who spoke first.
"Go back to your master," Erestor said to the Lieutenant, his voice a menacing growl, "and tell him we will not leave until he is dead."
The Lieutenant turned and fled back inside the gates, giving Elwing's still body a wide berth.
The Captains of the West sat in amazed silence, not understanding. Quietly Erestor rode Iceriver to where Elwing lay and dismounted beside her. Kneeling, he gently touched her face with his hand. She did not stir.
"Why?" Pippin asked.
Erestor looked up and saw the Captains standing around him at a respectful distance. "If she tried to escape the Lieutenant would kill one of us," Erestor explained quietly. "She knew she would die, and she did not wish us to feel responsible."
There was another long silence. "She was nobler than I gave her credit for," Gimli said sadly. "And braver. If only..."
"Do not finish that, Gimli," Gandalf said gently. "She did not want us to blame ourselves. All we can do now is avenge her, but we can not even do that if we keep standing here. Erestor, take Elwing away from here. Go back towards Ithilien, you should meet Falagorn along the way."
Erestor leapt onto Iceriver and Aragorn and Legolas gently lifted Elwing onto Iceriver's back. The pale Sunstar never moved. Gathering up his reigns, Erestor turned Iceriver and spurred him towards Ithilien.
"Come on Iceriver, let's get her some place she can lie in peace," he whispered.
When they had vanished into the gloom, the Captains turned to the task of preparing for battle with heavy hearts.
End Chapter 41
I warned you it would be sad! But don't go abandoning the story, you still have to find out what happens to Erestor, Aria, and Galareal! I promise you, if you do not continue with this story you will never forgive yourself. **brings out chocolate cake and a box of assorted chocolates** Nothing like chocolate when you're sad. ;o) Please don't forget to review!
Chapter 41: The Beginning of the End
Erestor opened his eyes with a groan. "Oh my head."
"Keep still, that was quite a backlash," a familiar voice warned.
Erestor focused on the figure kneeling over him. "Falagorn? What are you doing here? And what do you mean by backlash?"
"I figured out what happened and I came to make sure you were taken care of," the Elf explained. "And by backlash, well, I don't know if I can quite put it into words."
Erestor frowned and thought back on his dream of Elwing. Only that definitely wasn't a dream, he reminded himself. "Wait, when I was separated from Elwing, that was backlash?"
"No, the after affects of being separated are backlash," Falagorn corrected.
"You lost me," Erestor said with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm not sure if I can find you again," Falagorn replied, wiping a hand across his forehead. "All Elves posses some magic, and because you are part Elf you have some as well. When you found Elwing you were using your magic, though you did not know it. When Sauron separated the two of you, you were no longer using your magic. It required a lot of magic to do what you did, and I do not think you have used magic before..." Erestor shook his head. "Then you are just feeling the after affects of using your magic."
Erestor stared at Falagorn for a minute. "You're right, you couldn't find me again."
The Elf laughed and turned to a small fire burning behind him. He took a small pot from the fire and turned back to Erestor.
"Eat this," he said. "Then I'll tend to your hurts."
Erestor pouted. "I'm fine."
Without reply, Falagorn gently prodded Erestor's side. Erestor winced and swallowed a yelp. "Yea, you're fine," Falagorn said with a sarcastic smile.
"Smart-alec Elves," Erestor grumbled under his breath.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor sat on a rock staring out across Ithilien, ignoring the ominous mountains towering behind him. Falagorn was off foraging for food, and the wolves were out hunting. Two had stayed behind to keep an eye on Erestor, but they were hidden in the bushes. Erestor gently prodded the bandage around his ribs. Luckily they had only been bruised, but it would still be a while before they stopped hurting.
Erestor sighed and lay back, looking at the clouded sky above him. Two days, Elwing's been in there for two days. Falagorn said the host was leaving Minas Tirith today, which means they will not reach us for four more days. By the time the battle starts Elwing will have been there for ten days... if she is still alive. Shaking his head, Erestor leapt to his feet. He had wondered if she was alive ever since he had awoken, but he knew what his next thought would be. It's my fault.
Erestor glanced at the Shadow Mountains hesitantly. Is it my fault? If it were not for me, would she still be there? Instantly his mind replied, Of course she would be! It was her Fate, remember? But what if she could have changed her Fate? his heart replied. You can't change Fate.
"Wanna bet?" he growled.
"Want to bet what?"
Erestor spun around. "Falagorn, I didn't hear you return."
"Humans rarely do," the Elf smiled. "What were you saying just now?"
"Nothing," Erestor said dismissively. "Do you happen to have extra weapons with you? The wraiths took mine."
Falagorn smiled and produced Erestor's sword. "I thought you would be wanting it."
Erestor took it with a silent nod of thanks. Falagorn paused for a moment, then brought out a bow and a quiver full of arrows tipped with green-tinted feathers. "You may want these too."
Erestor watched the Elf closely. "Do you know something I don't?"
Falagorn smiled. "You could say that. Now get some rest, your ribs weren't the only things that bruised."
Erestor frowned and held his right arm defensively. Stupid Orcs, they'll pay.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"Aragorn! Wait up!"
Aragorn turned and saw Erestor riding up; there was no sign of Falagorn or the StarWolves.
"Erestor! Where have you been?" Aragorn asked, surprised.
"I was being given the grand tour of Sauron's castle," Erestor said dryly. "Now I'm here to help out," he nodded towards the army.
"Are you sure you can?" Éomer asked slowly.
"Yea, Falagorn took care of me," he replied with a shrug.
"And where is Falagorn?" Legolas asked.
"He and the StarWolves are taking the scenic route," Erestor grinned.
"I see," Aragorn muttered. "Very well, if you feel you can."
Erestor smiled grimly. "Let's go kick some Orc butt."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Elwing stirred as the door to her cell was thrown open. "Five more minutes Mom," she groaned.
Two Orcs pulled her to her feet and dragged her along many corridors out into the courtyard. Elwing blinked at the bright light, still groggy from the sleep spell. The Orcs let go of her arms, and Elwing fell to the ground.
"Feeling weak, Oh great Sunstar?" a voice sneered.
Elwing looked up and saw the Black Lieutenant standing over her. "Just a little tired," she mumbled, a headache beginning to form.
"Then we shall just have to wake you up," the Lieutenant grinned, turning to the guards. "Beat her."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor sat uneasily upon Iceriver, glancing at those about him. Gandalf, Aragorn, the sons of Elrond, Éomer, Imrahil, Peregrin, Legolas, and Gimli were all about him, their faces somber. I can't wait for the formalities to be out of the way, let us fight already!
The heralds stepped forward and blew their trumpets, then sent out a cry. "Come forth! Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth!"
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Elwing lay on the courtyard ground, blood coming from various fresh wounds.
"Awake now?" the Lieutenant jeered.
"Oh yea, I'm wide awake," Elwing snarled.
"Still sarcastic I see," the Lieutenant chuckled. "Well, your friends have come to the gate demanding to speak to the Great One. However, he is sending me with a few messages... and you are one of them. Oh, and lest you should think of escaping, your friend has returned, forfeiting the protection over his life. If you so much as think of escaping, I will slay him on the spot."
Elwing looked up out of her blackened eyes. The Lieutenant wore a smile, but she did not doubt he meant what he said. What am I going to do now?
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Erestor watched the other Captains as horror overcame their faces. The Lieutenant had just shown them the short sword Sam had carried, a grey cloak with an elven-brooch, and last the coat of mithril-mail Frodo had worn. The Captains quailed, thinking that the Ring had been discovered and their cause lost. If only the knew, Erestor thought, shaking his head.
"But that is not all I have brought to show you," the Lieutenant continued, enjoying the dismay of his enemies. He motioned towards the gate, and two Orcs emerged, bearing something between them. At first not even Legolas could make out what it was, but their dismay doubled when they realized who it was.
"Elwing!" Erestor stared at her in shock. Her mouth and nose were bleeding, she was bruised and cut, and she was sporting a pair of lovely black eyes.
"Yes, your precious Sunstar," the Lieutenant laughed. "Not so impressive now, is she?"
"Why does she not run?" Legolas whispered. "Surely those guards are not too strong for her."
Erestor caught Elwing's gaze. "If she escapes he'll kill me," Erestor said with an annoyed frown.
Legolas turned to Erestor, startled. "How do you know?" But Erestor's reply was interrupted by the Lieutenant's voice.
"One of you has something that belongs to my master," the Lieutenant continued haughtily, "and he greatly desires its return. If it is returned, the Sunstar is released. If not, she dies." To emphasize his point, the Lieutenant nodded to the guards, and one of them drew his sword and pressed it to Elwing's neck.
"I am not sure what you speak of," Gandalf said slowly.
"Yes you do, Grey Fool!" the Lieutenant snorted. "Return it or the Sunstar pays the price."
Gandalf frowned, pondering the puzzle before him. With an exasperated sigh, Erestor trotted to Gandalf's side.
"He means the ring!" Erestor hissed into the wizard's ear. "They don't know Frodo has it! They caught Frodo, but Sam had taken the Ring and they didn't catch Sam. Don't ask why Sam had the Ring, it's too long a tale. Just know that he doesn't have the Ring and if you don't tell him the Quest may yet be accomplished!"
Gandalf frowned. "But what of Elwing? We cannot let her die."
Erestor held Elwing's gaze for a long moment. "That decision is out of our hands," he said ominously.
"Well, Old One? Have you decided?" the Lieutenant challenged.
Elwing bowed her head. I will not let my death be on their hands. It must be done.
A crack of thunder boomed over head, causing the company to jump. Erestor looked up with a frown as lightning flashed along the thick, black clouds. This looks familiar, he mused. Then he remembered. The mirror! Erestor looked towards Elwing, strangely calm. I did not see Fairidon in the mirror, I saw Elwing.
Elwing held Erestor's eyes, her own wet with tears. "I love you," she whispered.
Erestor closed his eyes and turned away, fearing what was coming.
Suddenly a bolt of lightning tore apart the sky and struck the Sunstar. She fell to the ground, motionless.
An eerie silence fell, during which the Orc guards fled back into Mordor in terror. Nothing else moved, not a sound was heard. It was if time stood still. Surprisingly, it was Erestor who spoke first.
"Go back to your master," Erestor said to the Lieutenant, his voice a menacing growl, "and tell him we will not leave until he is dead."
The Lieutenant turned and fled back inside the gates, giving Elwing's still body a wide berth.
The Captains of the West sat in amazed silence, not understanding. Quietly Erestor rode Iceriver to where Elwing lay and dismounted beside her. Kneeling, he gently touched her face with his hand. She did not stir.
"Why?" Pippin asked.
Erestor looked up and saw the Captains standing around him at a respectful distance. "If she tried to escape the Lieutenant would kill one of us," Erestor explained quietly. "She knew she would die, and she did not wish us to feel responsible."
There was another long silence. "She was nobler than I gave her credit for," Gimli said sadly. "And braver. If only..."
"Do not finish that, Gimli," Gandalf said gently. "She did not want us to blame ourselves. All we can do now is avenge her, but we can not even do that if we keep standing here. Erestor, take Elwing away from here. Go back towards Ithilien, you should meet Falagorn along the way."
Erestor leapt onto Iceriver and Aragorn and Legolas gently lifted Elwing onto Iceriver's back. The pale Sunstar never moved. Gathering up his reigns, Erestor turned Iceriver and spurred him towards Ithilien.
"Come on Iceriver, let's get her some place she can lie in peace," he whispered.
When they had vanished into the gloom, the Captains turned to the task of preparing for battle with heavy hearts.
End Chapter 41
I warned you it would be sad! But don't go abandoning the story, you still have to find out what happens to Erestor, Aria, and Galareal! I promise you, if you do not continue with this story you will never forgive yourself. **brings out chocolate cake and a box of assorted chocolates** Nothing like chocolate when you're sad. ;o) Please don't forget to review!
