Disclaimer ~ Never have, never will own Lord of the Rings nor the song either.
Author's Note ~ I'm writing this fic especially for and dedicated to four very good friends of mine, Kate, Kara, Ty and TD. It has now been past a year since I've known their friendship and I have to say that I owe more to them than they can know. Kate, Kara, Ty, TD, if you read this then I must tell you this; I am grateful and proud to be your friend and I cherish our friendship deeply and I also cherish all the time I spend with you guys. You will always be my best friends, probably the greatest and from my heart I thank you for everything you have done for me.
One last thing; Ty, there's a part in this chapter that I think you will love, I did it just for you ^_~
Dedicated to Kate, Kara, Ty and TD.
Summary ~ When Pippin is fatally wounded and dies from an orc attack, Merry flees from everyone and everything around him. Lost in his grief, Merry is captured by the same orcs that attacked Pippin. Legolas goes alone to save Merry from the same fate as Pippin, for he made a promise with the hobbit before he died, a promise he won't break.
Oh and one more note, would someone kindly like to help me get rid of my nasty cold? Stupid bloody thing won't go away and it's making me feel rough.
The Lord Of The Rings
A Promise Lives Within You
Chapter 5-The Courage Of Meriadoc
Merry shivered in the corner of the cold cave, wrapping his arms around his body not just for the warmth put for the protection too.
The orcs who had found him in the long grass had captured him and taken him to this foul cave in which they dwell and had proceeded to beat him soundly. Merry wondered why they hadn't killed him yet, a part of them wished they had.
He was not only cold but wet too, for a great storm had started when the orcs reached they're cave home with him captive. The rain sent a chill right to his bones and his shivering only increased little by little. His heart was overcast by a shadow of grief, regret and pain and he wished it would end.
He needn't look up to know that several orcs were guarding him, their sharp, stony gaze stabbed through him like an arrow pierces the heart. He didn't know what they intended to do with him, but he guessed that they would torture him more before finally killing him and it made him feel sick.
Suddenly Merry felt a rough hand grab his arm and he yelped in surprise, lifting his head up quickly and staring with terrified eyes. The orc that stood before him merely grinned at the response from the hobbit and dragged Merry to his feet, forcing him to walk further into the cave.
Merry wrapped his cloak further around himself, trying his best to stop shivering, however his body would not co-operate. He was taken to a large chamber in the cave, obviously created by the orcs. Merry knew what this meant and he tried not to shake in fear.
However, before he knew it, a cruel hand found his chin and lifted up his face.
"Well it's so nice to see you again hobbit."
Merry was trembling under the icy touch, his eyes squeezed shut and fighting back tears. He heard voices around him screeching in delight at Merry's fear and the owner of the hand hissed in satisfaction. This orc was the leader of them and he was named Merzoc. He delighted in personally torturing the poor souls he and his orc followers captured, Merry was no exception.
Then a clenched fist connected with Merry's stomach. The hobbit cried out in pain and doubled over. At that second another fist found its way to Merry's back, causing him to topple over on to the cold, rocky ground. Whips, hands and feet were used to beat the hobbit where he had fallen.
Screams of rapture echoed through out the cave and ringed endlessly in Merry's ears as wave after wave of devastating pain hit his body. He curled up as best he could, trying vainly to protect himself from the assault. The tears fell freely from his eyes and he could not stop them. He bit his bottom lip in an attempt to stop himself from crying out, though it didn't work as well as he wished.
After a few minutes the beatings ceased, but Merry kept himself curled up. He wished they would kill him, right there and then, he couldn't stand this torture anymore.
"Master Merzoc! We have captured another foul creature! I am sure you shall be pleased!"
Merry slowly lifted his head and turned towards the voices. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped.
Being dragged into the chamber soaked from the bitterly cold rain and exhausted from an obvious previous beating, was an elf with long blond hair that currently stuck to the side of his face, a thick trail of a red substance plastered the side of his pale face and tinted some strands of his hair.
Merry felt his heart take a leap and his breathing grew rapid, his eyes blinking several times to make sure he was really seeing the person standing before him.
"Legolas…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mister Frodo, are you alright?"
Frodo was pulled from his current thoughts and lifted his face to look at Sam. His hobbit companion had a worried gaze in his eyes, but then they had been that way for some time.
Frodo knew that since Pippin died, Sam had stayed close to him for the reason he was deeply worried for him, worried the grief might be too much for him to bare like it had been for Merry. Frodo smiled at the thought. If only Sam knew how much he was helping him even when he didn't seem to be helping at all. Every single thing, no matter how small, helped Frodo in some way and he was so grateful for a friend like Sam.
"It's okay Sam, I was just thinking."
"Oh, alright."
It was Frodo this time who became a little concerned and looked at Sam. All the while Sam was trying to help him, who was helping him get through this loss? Frodo could see the strain was starting to take its toll upon his friend and he rested a hand on Sam's shoulder. The hobbit jumped a little in surprise.
"What? What is it mister Frodo?"
"Thank you Sam." Frodo replied with a smile.
"Thank you? For what?"
"For everything. For everything you ever done for me, during the quest to destroy the One ring, before and after it. And thank you, for just being you."
Sam was a little taken back by what Frodo has said, but he quickly smiled happily.
"Thank you mister Frodo, that really means a lot to me."
Aragorn, who had heard most of the conversation between the two hobbits, smiled to himself. He admired the friendship between Frodo and Sam, it reminded him the friendships between himself and Legolas, and Gimli and Legolas. Who would've thought that an elf and dwarf would turn out to be such good friends? But he was glad for it. It just showed that different races, no matter how different, could get along peacefully if they tried.
Aragorn sighed to himself as he turned his mind back to his own thoughts as he led the small group through the Rivendell trees. Frodo and Sam's conversation reminded him a lot of the things he and Legolas used to do when they were younger, before the quest to destroy the One ring, before it was even found to still exist.
But those were distant memories now, no matter how fond they were. Aragorn was now King of Gondor and Arwen was his Queen and his place was in Minas Tirith, but Legolas did not belong there. Stonewalls were no place for an elf, he belonged to the trees where the songs of the wind burned in his soul.
Aragorn missed the company of his elven family and Legolas. There wasn't much time for them to see each other anymore and though the One ring had been destroyed, times were still changing. He knew someday the elves he called family and friends would mostly likely cross the sea to the Grey Havens and he was almost certain that Legolas would do so one day.
A muttered comment from Gimli, who walking behind him, brought Aragorn from his thoughts and he smiled.
"Yes Gimli, you are quite right." He said quietly so only Gimli could hear him. "But Legolas had more reason to leave without us in urgency. I'm sure he will tell you himself when we find him and Merry."
Gimli was about to make a reply when everyone stopped. Aragorn glanced at those behind him; Gimli, Elladan, Elrohir, Frodo and Sam were all looking around themselves. Sam then glanced downwards and his eyes widened.
"Mister Frodo look!"
Frodo looked down and gasped. Sting…it was glowing blue!
Then hideous screeches and screams were heard from all directions and getting closer. The group reached for their weapons and stood with they're backs turned to each other.
Gimli growled under his breath, "Orcs!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merry and Legolas were sat next to each other in silence, backs against on of the cave walls.
Merry hadn't dared speak to the elf, not after learning that he had followed him and purposely let himself get caught by the orcs, hoping he would be taken to where Merry was being held.
"I wonder what Pippin would say if he saw us now." Legolas whispered under his breath.
A shaky breath passed Merry's lips as he heard the elf's words.
"He would probably yell at me for getting us into this mess." The hobbit said quietly. "You shouldn't have come after me Legolas. Look at you, you're hurt because of me."
Legolas slowly turned his head to look at Merry, who averted his gaze, not being able to stare the elf in the eyes. Legolas could see more tears fall from Merry's eyes.
"They told me you know." Merry said, squeezing his eyes shut. "They told me how they had found Pippin walking towards Rivendell alone. They told me how they had beaten him and taken delight in hearing him scream. The told me they relished the soul destroying cry Pippin had let go when they're poisoned blade ripped through his body. They told me everything they had done to him and said it was my fault and they're right. It is my fault. It's all my fault!"
Merry was now sobbing uncontrollably, his body shaking from the force of them. Legolas wasn't sure what to do at first, but then he slid a hand under Merry's chin and brought his head up so the hobbit and elf eyes met.
"Do you know about the promise Pippin and I made before he died?"
Merry shook his head, turning his eyes back to the floor, his hands resting in his lap. Legolas sighed but continued.
"Pippin asked me to promise to look after you for him, to watch out for you, to make sure that nothing horrible happened to you. But it looks as though I've failed in that."
Merry lifted his head and looked at Legolas, his mouth slightly ajar as the elf continued.
"But I didn't just come to find you because of a promise. I came after you because you are my friend Merry and I wish to help you through the loss of our friend Pippin. However right now, I think Pippin would be angry with me more than you."
Merry watched as Legolas sighed again and winced at his injuries. New tears came to the hobbit's eyes and he slowly placed a hand on the elf's arm.
"No Legolas, Pippin wouldn't be angry at you." He spoke softly. "He would be angry at me. I have been a fool and hurt those around me because of my grief. I am so sorry."
"Grief is to be expected Merry. You cannot help but feel it. Pippin was your cousin and very close to you, he would not expect anything other than for you to grieve for him."
Legolas smiled a little, the first time in a while and rested a hand on Merry's shoulder.
"But I have learned that we should not mourn over the loss of a friend, but to cherish the memories spent with that friend. You will always miss Pippin, we all shall, but to bring back joy you must learn to hold the memories in your heart. Pippin's spirit and his strength now lies within your heart Meriadoc Brandybuck, use it to make yourself stronger."
Merry stared in awe of the words Legolas had spoken. Slowly, as his mind comprehended everything the elf had said, he began to feel the heavy shadow lift from his heart and he knew the words spoken were true. Merry smiled, the few remaining tears in his eyes spilling down his face, but for a different reason.
"Thank you Legolas." He whispered. "I will."
Legolas smiled and opened his mouth to speak again, but a rough hand grabbing his arm stopped him. Merry's mouth fell as Legolas was forced to his feet by two large orcs. The hobbit tried to get to his feet but another orc grabbed him from behind and held him back. Merry's eyes widened when he saw Merzoc walking towards Legolas, smirking wickedly and it made him struggle all the more.
"Well elf, I guess now is my time to play with you." He orc leader said before punching Legolas hard in his stomach, making him double over.
"No! Stop it!" Merry cried, tears of despair flying from his eyes as he struggled. "Leave him alone!"
But Merzoc and the other orcs assaulting Legolas paid him no attention. Merry was becoming more and more hysterical at his helplessness and he continued to thrash around, the orc holding him was getting all the more angrier.
Finally, in rage, the orc holding Merry punched him in the face. Merry went flying back against the cave wall and slumped down with a groan. His right hand then felt something on the ground, cold and smooth. Merry's eyes shifted to look down; his fingers had found his blade, which had been tossed aside when he was brought inside.
Merry took a few deep breathes as his heart hammered in his chest and his eyes were closed tightly shut as he heard Legolas realise a choked cry. The orc that had hit Merry walk right up to him and dragged him to his feet, not noticing that Merry was still clutching his small sword.
Then one nasty cry from his elven friend echoed through out the cave and it made Merry snap. His eyes snapped open and he screamed for all it was worth.
"LEGOLAS!!!!!!!!!"
His arm jerked up and the sword slashed deep into the orc holding him, killing the foul creature. Merzoc and the other orcs around him stopped and looked up and saw a furious Merry charging towards them yelling a battle cry.
Fuelled by raw rage, Merry easily killed the two orcs holding Legolas while Merzoc and the others stepped back in surprise. Merry held one of Legolas' arms to keep him standing and glared at all the orcs, his sword flashing in what little light there was flowing through the cave. His breathing was heavy and rushed, but his eyes were on fire and it actually scared the orcs, for they had never seen such a thing from a small creature before.
Like a phoenix rising from the flames, Merry had arisen from his grief and found his lost courage and strength. He didn't care if the orcs killed him now; he only cared about saving Legolas, no matter what the cost. He had already lost Pippin to these orcs, there was no way he'd lose another friend to them.
"I won't let you hurt him anymore!" Merry growled his eyes narrowed and his lips seemingly curled into a snarl.
"You are outnumbered hobbit!" Merzoc growled back, regaining his posture. "You will die and so will the elf!"
Merry was about to speak when an almighty screech echoed through the cave. Everyone's heads turned to the entrance of the cave and all eyes saw another orc tribe pour in. Merzoc yelled and ordered his followers to kills those entering the cave and Merry guessed that these two orc groups didn't like each other.
Merry backed up and let Legolas lean against the cave wall for a moment and the hobbit stood in front of him, watching the fight and protecting the elf.
"Legolas we have to get out of here!" Merry said, glancing at his friend. "Can you run?"
"I believe so." Legolas replied quietly, wiping some blood from his cut lips and ignoring the painful protests of his injured body.
In the chaos that followed in the cave, Merry led Legolas from the cave and both made they're escape.
TBC…
Author's Note ~ I'm writing this fic especially for and dedicated to four very good friends of mine, Kate, Kara, Ty and TD. It has now been past a year since I've known their friendship and I have to say that I owe more to them than they can know. Kate, Kara, Ty, TD, if you read this then I must tell you this; I am grateful and proud to be your friend and I cherish our friendship deeply and I also cherish all the time I spend with you guys. You will always be my best friends, probably the greatest and from my heart I thank you for everything you have done for me.
One last thing; Ty, there's a part in this chapter that I think you will love, I did it just for you ^_~
Dedicated to Kate, Kara, Ty and TD.
Summary ~ When Pippin is fatally wounded and dies from an orc attack, Merry flees from everyone and everything around him. Lost in his grief, Merry is captured by the same orcs that attacked Pippin. Legolas goes alone to save Merry from the same fate as Pippin, for he made a promise with the hobbit before he died, a promise he won't break.
Oh and one more note, would someone kindly like to help me get rid of my nasty cold? Stupid bloody thing won't go away and it's making me feel rough.
The Lord Of The Rings
A Promise Lives Within You
Chapter 5-The Courage Of Meriadoc
Merry shivered in the corner of the cold cave, wrapping his arms around his body not just for the warmth put for the protection too.
The orcs who had found him in the long grass had captured him and taken him to this foul cave in which they dwell and had proceeded to beat him soundly. Merry wondered why they hadn't killed him yet, a part of them wished they had.
He was not only cold but wet too, for a great storm had started when the orcs reached they're cave home with him captive. The rain sent a chill right to his bones and his shivering only increased little by little. His heart was overcast by a shadow of grief, regret and pain and he wished it would end.
He needn't look up to know that several orcs were guarding him, their sharp, stony gaze stabbed through him like an arrow pierces the heart. He didn't know what they intended to do with him, but he guessed that they would torture him more before finally killing him and it made him feel sick.
Suddenly Merry felt a rough hand grab his arm and he yelped in surprise, lifting his head up quickly and staring with terrified eyes. The orc that stood before him merely grinned at the response from the hobbit and dragged Merry to his feet, forcing him to walk further into the cave.
Merry wrapped his cloak further around himself, trying his best to stop shivering, however his body would not co-operate. He was taken to a large chamber in the cave, obviously created by the orcs. Merry knew what this meant and he tried not to shake in fear.
However, before he knew it, a cruel hand found his chin and lifted up his face.
"Well it's so nice to see you again hobbit."
Merry was trembling under the icy touch, his eyes squeezed shut and fighting back tears. He heard voices around him screeching in delight at Merry's fear and the owner of the hand hissed in satisfaction. This orc was the leader of them and he was named Merzoc. He delighted in personally torturing the poor souls he and his orc followers captured, Merry was no exception.
Then a clenched fist connected with Merry's stomach. The hobbit cried out in pain and doubled over. At that second another fist found its way to Merry's back, causing him to topple over on to the cold, rocky ground. Whips, hands and feet were used to beat the hobbit where he had fallen.
Screams of rapture echoed through out the cave and ringed endlessly in Merry's ears as wave after wave of devastating pain hit his body. He curled up as best he could, trying vainly to protect himself from the assault. The tears fell freely from his eyes and he could not stop them. He bit his bottom lip in an attempt to stop himself from crying out, though it didn't work as well as he wished.
After a few minutes the beatings ceased, but Merry kept himself curled up. He wished they would kill him, right there and then, he couldn't stand this torture anymore.
"Master Merzoc! We have captured another foul creature! I am sure you shall be pleased!"
Merry slowly lifted his head and turned towards the voices. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped.
Being dragged into the chamber soaked from the bitterly cold rain and exhausted from an obvious previous beating, was an elf with long blond hair that currently stuck to the side of his face, a thick trail of a red substance plastered the side of his pale face and tinted some strands of his hair.
Merry felt his heart take a leap and his breathing grew rapid, his eyes blinking several times to make sure he was really seeing the person standing before him.
"Legolas…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mister Frodo, are you alright?"
Frodo was pulled from his current thoughts and lifted his face to look at Sam. His hobbit companion had a worried gaze in his eyes, but then they had been that way for some time.
Frodo knew that since Pippin died, Sam had stayed close to him for the reason he was deeply worried for him, worried the grief might be too much for him to bare like it had been for Merry. Frodo smiled at the thought. If only Sam knew how much he was helping him even when he didn't seem to be helping at all. Every single thing, no matter how small, helped Frodo in some way and he was so grateful for a friend like Sam.
"It's okay Sam, I was just thinking."
"Oh, alright."
It was Frodo this time who became a little concerned and looked at Sam. All the while Sam was trying to help him, who was helping him get through this loss? Frodo could see the strain was starting to take its toll upon his friend and he rested a hand on Sam's shoulder. The hobbit jumped a little in surprise.
"What? What is it mister Frodo?"
"Thank you Sam." Frodo replied with a smile.
"Thank you? For what?"
"For everything. For everything you ever done for me, during the quest to destroy the One ring, before and after it. And thank you, for just being you."
Sam was a little taken back by what Frodo has said, but he quickly smiled happily.
"Thank you mister Frodo, that really means a lot to me."
Aragorn, who had heard most of the conversation between the two hobbits, smiled to himself. He admired the friendship between Frodo and Sam, it reminded him the friendships between himself and Legolas, and Gimli and Legolas. Who would've thought that an elf and dwarf would turn out to be such good friends? But he was glad for it. It just showed that different races, no matter how different, could get along peacefully if they tried.
Aragorn sighed to himself as he turned his mind back to his own thoughts as he led the small group through the Rivendell trees. Frodo and Sam's conversation reminded him a lot of the things he and Legolas used to do when they were younger, before the quest to destroy the One ring, before it was even found to still exist.
But those were distant memories now, no matter how fond they were. Aragorn was now King of Gondor and Arwen was his Queen and his place was in Minas Tirith, but Legolas did not belong there. Stonewalls were no place for an elf, he belonged to the trees where the songs of the wind burned in his soul.
Aragorn missed the company of his elven family and Legolas. There wasn't much time for them to see each other anymore and though the One ring had been destroyed, times were still changing. He knew someday the elves he called family and friends would mostly likely cross the sea to the Grey Havens and he was almost certain that Legolas would do so one day.
A muttered comment from Gimli, who walking behind him, brought Aragorn from his thoughts and he smiled.
"Yes Gimli, you are quite right." He said quietly so only Gimli could hear him. "But Legolas had more reason to leave without us in urgency. I'm sure he will tell you himself when we find him and Merry."
Gimli was about to make a reply when everyone stopped. Aragorn glanced at those behind him; Gimli, Elladan, Elrohir, Frodo and Sam were all looking around themselves. Sam then glanced downwards and his eyes widened.
"Mister Frodo look!"
Frodo looked down and gasped. Sting…it was glowing blue!
Then hideous screeches and screams were heard from all directions and getting closer. The group reached for their weapons and stood with they're backs turned to each other.
Gimli growled under his breath, "Orcs!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merry and Legolas were sat next to each other in silence, backs against on of the cave walls.
Merry hadn't dared speak to the elf, not after learning that he had followed him and purposely let himself get caught by the orcs, hoping he would be taken to where Merry was being held.
"I wonder what Pippin would say if he saw us now." Legolas whispered under his breath.
A shaky breath passed Merry's lips as he heard the elf's words.
"He would probably yell at me for getting us into this mess." The hobbit said quietly. "You shouldn't have come after me Legolas. Look at you, you're hurt because of me."
Legolas slowly turned his head to look at Merry, who averted his gaze, not being able to stare the elf in the eyes. Legolas could see more tears fall from Merry's eyes.
"They told me you know." Merry said, squeezing his eyes shut. "They told me how they had found Pippin walking towards Rivendell alone. They told me how they had beaten him and taken delight in hearing him scream. The told me they relished the soul destroying cry Pippin had let go when they're poisoned blade ripped through his body. They told me everything they had done to him and said it was my fault and they're right. It is my fault. It's all my fault!"
Merry was now sobbing uncontrollably, his body shaking from the force of them. Legolas wasn't sure what to do at first, but then he slid a hand under Merry's chin and brought his head up so the hobbit and elf eyes met.
"Do you know about the promise Pippin and I made before he died?"
Merry shook his head, turning his eyes back to the floor, his hands resting in his lap. Legolas sighed but continued.
"Pippin asked me to promise to look after you for him, to watch out for you, to make sure that nothing horrible happened to you. But it looks as though I've failed in that."
Merry lifted his head and looked at Legolas, his mouth slightly ajar as the elf continued.
"But I didn't just come to find you because of a promise. I came after you because you are my friend Merry and I wish to help you through the loss of our friend Pippin. However right now, I think Pippin would be angry with me more than you."
Merry watched as Legolas sighed again and winced at his injuries. New tears came to the hobbit's eyes and he slowly placed a hand on the elf's arm.
"No Legolas, Pippin wouldn't be angry at you." He spoke softly. "He would be angry at me. I have been a fool and hurt those around me because of my grief. I am so sorry."
"Grief is to be expected Merry. You cannot help but feel it. Pippin was your cousin and very close to you, he would not expect anything other than for you to grieve for him."
Legolas smiled a little, the first time in a while and rested a hand on Merry's shoulder.
"But I have learned that we should not mourn over the loss of a friend, but to cherish the memories spent with that friend. You will always miss Pippin, we all shall, but to bring back joy you must learn to hold the memories in your heart. Pippin's spirit and his strength now lies within your heart Meriadoc Brandybuck, use it to make yourself stronger."
Merry stared in awe of the words Legolas had spoken. Slowly, as his mind comprehended everything the elf had said, he began to feel the heavy shadow lift from his heart and he knew the words spoken were true. Merry smiled, the few remaining tears in his eyes spilling down his face, but for a different reason.
"Thank you Legolas." He whispered. "I will."
Legolas smiled and opened his mouth to speak again, but a rough hand grabbing his arm stopped him. Merry's mouth fell as Legolas was forced to his feet by two large orcs. The hobbit tried to get to his feet but another orc grabbed him from behind and held him back. Merry's eyes widened when he saw Merzoc walking towards Legolas, smirking wickedly and it made him struggle all the more.
"Well elf, I guess now is my time to play with you." He orc leader said before punching Legolas hard in his stomach, making him double over.
"No! Stop it!" Merry cried, tears of despair flying from his eyes as he struggled. "Leave him alone!"
But Merzoc and the other orcs assaulting Legolas paid him no attention. Merry was becoming more and more hysterical at his helplessness and he continued to thrash around, the orc holding him was getting all the more angrier.
Finally, in rage, the orc holding Merry punched him in the face. Merry went flying back against the cave wall and slumped down with a groan. His right hand then felt something on the ground, cold and smooth. Merry's eyes shifted to look down; his fingers had found his blade, which had been tossed aside when he was brought inside.
Merry took a few deep breathes as his heart hammered in his chest and his eyes were closed tightly shut as he heard Legolas realise a choked cry. The orc that had hit Merry walk right up to him and dragged him to his feet, not noticing that Merry was still clutching his small sword.
Then one nasty cry from his elven friend echoed through out the cave and it made Merry snap. His eyes snapped open and he screamed for all it was worth.
"LEGOLAS!!!!!!!!!"
His arm jerked up and the sword slashed deep into the orc holding him, killing the foul creature. Merzoc and the other orcs around him stopped and looked up and saw a furious Merry charging towards them yelling a battle cry.
Fuelled by raw rage, Merry easily killed the two orcs holding Legolas while Merzoc and the others stepped back in surprise. Merry held one of Legolas' arms to keep him standing and glared at all the orcs, his sword flashing in what little light there was flowing through the cave. His breathing was heavy and rushed, but his eyes were on fire and it actually scared the orcs, for they had never seen such a thing from a small creature before.
Like a phoenix rising from the flames, Merry had arisen from his grief and found his lost courage and strength. He didn't care if the orcs killed him now; he only cared about saving Legolas, no matter what the cost. He had already lost Pippin to these orcs, there was no way he'd lose another friend to them.
"I won't let you hurt him anymore!" Merry growled his eyes narrowed and his lips seemingly curled into a snarl.
"You are outnumbered hobbit!" Merzoc growled back, regaining his posture. "You will die and so will the elf!"
Merry was about to speak when an almighty screech echoed through the cave. Everyone's heads turned to the entrance of the cave and all eyes saw another orc tribe pour in. Merzoc yelled and ordered his followers to kills those entering the cave and Merry guessed that these two orc groups didn't like each other.
Merry backed up and let Legolas lean against the cave wall for a moment and the hobbit stood in front of him, watching the fight and protecting the elf.
"Legolas we have to get out of here!" Merry said, glancing at his friend. "Can you run?"
"I believe so." Legolas replied quietly, wiping some blood from his cut lips and ignoring the painful protests of his injured body.
In the chaos that followed in the cave, Merry led Legolas from the cave and both made they're escape.
TBC…