Author ~ Halo Son
Rating ~ PG
Disclaimer ~ How many times must I say I don't own Lord of the Rings?! The characters Trelan, Raniean, Celboril and Moranuen are made up characters belonging to Cassia and Sio and they gave me permission to use them in my story, so DO NOT steal them!
Author's Note ~ A story I came up with while brainstorming, I doubt there's much else to say expect this story takes place before FOTR. Oh yes and also I'm changing a little bit in the history by saying that Aragorn's mother and father both died in an orc attack.
Summary ~ What began as a pleasant stroll for Elladan, Elrohir, Aragorn and Legolas turns into a storm of an argument between the man and the elf prince. In the aftermath, Aragorn goes missing and Legolas doesn't seem to care. Elladan and Elrohir leave to find Aragorn and sort out this mess, but some sinister dangers await the elven twins and their human brother and in the end, they're fate may lay in the hands of the elf prince who is no where in sight.
The Lord Of The Rings
Falling Into Silence
Chapter 4-The Cost For Protecting
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh brother of mine
Times have changed
And how much you've grown
But it doesn't matter to me
For one thing will always be true
You will always be my brother
From small to big,
You've grown in more ways than one
I can see what you have become
And I can see the destiny that awaits you
I will always watch you and love you
As a brother should
There are many dangers to face
Many obstacles to overcome
I will be right there by your side
To protect and guard as I always have
And I do it all out of love
Oh brother of mine
~Halo Son
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Captain Toria, get the slaves on their feet, we leave now!" Neron demanded.
"Yes sir!"
The captain and his hunting men walked to where the prisoners were resting and forcefully got them standing. Strong rope painfully bound their hands together and a long chain of that rope feed through metal hoops held the slaves together, one behind the other, and their weapons taken from them when they were captured.
As they began their walking trek, Aragorn glanced behind him at his two-elven brothers and they looked back at him. For that brief moment they said nothing, then Aragorn turned around as the forward motion of the other prisoners tugged him forward.
The previous day, when Elladan and Elrohir had been captured, the brothers had argued and since then Aragorn hadn't spoken. It was clear to Elladan and Elrohir that he was pained deeply by guilt not just for getting them into trouble, but for causing the argument with Legolas, so their own argument didn't help.
Aragorn was partly glad for the argument with the elf prince, if not for it then Legolas would've come with his elven brothers and been captured too. However his guilt reminded him if the argument hadn't happened in the first place, he wouldn't have run off and none of them would be here now.
Elrohir increased his pace so he could walk behind his human brother and whispered a few words into his ears, but Aragorn wasn't paying much attention to them.
For hours the prisoners were forced to walk at a set pace with their captors watching them constantly. If one of them fell behind the pace, stumbled or fell over they would earn themselves a forceful kick in the lower body or a blow on the upside of the head.
They weren't merciful or lenient to their captives, none of them at all.
Aragorn and the twins weren't sure how much time had passed when they stopped for a short break, but they were glad for it.
Elrohir gave a concerned gaze at his twin then gestured to the young human. It was clear to see that Aragorn hadn't been sleeping and he was near exhaustion. Elladan and Elrohir walked over and sat down next to their human brother.
"Estel, are you alright?" Elrohir asked, wanting to put a hand on his shoulder but due to his hand being tied together he was unable.
"Other than a bit tired, I am fine." Aragorn replied quietly, not looking at his elven brothers.
Elladan sighed and brought his bound hands under Aragorn's chin, forcing him to look up into the elf's eyes.
"Estel, I am sorry I was harsh last night, but you must understand this from mine and Elrohir's point of view. You just ran off and never came back, we were so worried about you, we still are and always will be."
"You are our brother Estel and nothing will ever change that." Elrohir softly continued. "We try to give you as much freedom as you want, but it is very hard for us. It's in our instinct to look over you; we want to protect you. I know we cannot protect you forever and that is why it is so hard."
Aragorn nodded numbly and Elladan smiled, "Now rest little brother. You must keep strong and save your strength." He glanced at the hunters watching them. "I will not let them hurt you."
"Elladan please, do not cause a fight on my account." Aragorn said. "If I should stumble and they hit me for it, don't aid me. I do not wish to see you hurt on my part Elladan."
Elladan looked at Aragorn with narrowed eyes that clearly showed his disapproval, but finally he sighed and nodded his head, though speaking no words.
For ten minutes they were given rest before being forced to continue their relentless walk, but to where only the hunters knew.
It was a little while later when Aragorn and twins noticed Neron talking quietly to Captain Toria up ahead. Aragorn glanced at his elven brothers to see if they could hear what was being said, but they could not, all that they could do was watch and wait to see what happened.
And sure enough something did happen. After Neron had finished speaking to his chief hunter, the Captain gathered his best hunting men and split from the group, heading to what appeared to be a forest and it did not look welcoming.
"Where are they going and for what purpose?" Aragorn whispered more to himself then to his elven brothers.
"I know not." Elrohir replied in a whisper. "I did not hear what Neron and Toria spoke of."
"Nor did I." Elladan added. "But it appears as though they may be going to hunt."
Aragorn's face turned grim, "I pray to valar that they snare no more poor souls on this trek."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Long into the evening hours they continued the journey and it was late until Neron announced they were to make camp for the night. While several guards kept an eye on the prisoners, the other hunters stared a fire and gathered round it.
At night the hunters would free the prisoners of the long rope chain that held them all together and the rope that bound their hands. But to make sure they did not try to escape the guards would watch them very closely and each slave was made to drink a broth that made them very tired and seemingly energy drained.
The broth was made by Neron himself. The man obviously had a wide knowledge of herbs and plants and by the glare in his eyes whenever he happened to glance up at his prisoners, you could tell he was not one to take likely. The liquid was of a foul taste and bitter content and looked just as bad.
Once the dark drink was finished it was poured into cups then passed to the captives by the guards. As Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir were given their cups, a noise startled them and everyone's attentions were drawn to some approaching figures.
Captain Toria and his men had returned and they had new captives, but these were not the ordinary kind of captives; they had orcs prisoners.
Aragorn and his elven brother's eyes grew in alarm as Toria and his men dragged the captured orcs in chains into the camp.
"We have some orcs as you requested master." Captain Toria spoke as Neron walked over.
The man wore a satisfied grin and nodded, "Well done Captain Toria. I am impressed, once again you have proven your excellent service and have not failed me."
Neron walked over the orcs and stared at them, long and hard. For several minutes he just stood there, glaring at the shrieking orcs with threatening narrowed eyes. Then to the stunned eyes of those watching, the orcs calmed down and fell silent.
Neron smiled then turned back to his captain, "Now Toria, you will take charge until I have returned." And with that he walked into the shadows and away from the camp.
Toria nodded and ordered some of his men to watch the orcs then went to get food and drink to give to the slaves.
Aragorn shook his head; "I have never before seen such a sight." He turned to look at Elladan and Elrohir and instantly filled with dread when he saw that they looked paler than they were before and they seemed to be shaking slightly in fear.
"No…no mere man could have done that." Elrohir muttered.
"There is something more going on here…and it involves a greater evil than just the simple greed of men." Elladan added.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Far from the camp Neron walked. On and on through a thick growth of trees until he reached a small clearing where weak moonlight shone.
A low growl emitted from the trees opposite from where Neron stood and the man bowed in respect for some unseen creature.
"On your feet Neron." A deep, haunting voice spoke, echoing through out the trees.
"As you command my lord." Neron replied, rising to his feet. "It has been done. We have gathered more prisoners, more than enough for the task and we have captured some orcs as you wished."
"Very good Neron." The voice spoke, falling silent for a moment before speaking again; "Something else is troubling you."
"It is not cause for concern my lord, I am merely intrigued." Neron replied.
"Then speak it."
"A new slave I caught two days ago, there is something different about him though what it is I cannot say."
"Watch him closely then and if he becomes a nuisance, kill him."
"Yes my lord."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elladan and Elrohir watched their young human brother fall into a restless sleep. Though both were very tired, they kept the darkness of sleep away for now. Elladan had his fists clenched.
Several times during the day Aragorn had been hit for stumbling and it had taken all of Elladan's strength to stop himself interfering. The last time it happened Elrohir had to hold his twin brother back, reminding of what Aragorn had asked and saying it would help no one.
Elladan sat right next to Aragorn's still form and stroked his hair, running his fingers through the semi-damp black locks.
"Elrohir, I can't keep holding back. I can't stand back and watch them hurt Estel!" He growled under his breath.
Elrohir placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly.
"I know Elladan, I do not know how I have held myself back."
"Maybe because you had to make sure I stayed back." Elladan replied.
"Do you think Legolas will come looking for us?"
"Most likely."
As Elrohir sighed, he noticed out of the corner of his eyes that Toria rose to his feet and walked across the camp towards Neron, who was just returning. At once the two began talking and Aragorn awoke.
"What is happening?" He asked with a yawn, staring bleary eyed up at Elladan.
Neron, who had heard Aragorn yawn, turned and stared at the ranger and Aragorn too stared back straight into the fiery gaze while Elladan and Elrohir watched anxiously.
Neron then rounded the fire and walked slowly to where Aragorn sat. Reaching down, he pulled Aragorn to his feet and stared right into the man's silver eyes. Elladan and Elrohir were on their feet in a second, on full alert and awaiting what would happen next.
In a flash Neron's clenched fist found Aragorn's stomach and the young man cried in pain and doubled over. Elrohir cried and ran to his human brother's side and pulled him close to him. Elrohir glared daggers at Neron; Aragorn had done nothing to provoke such an action. Elrohir wanted to lash out at the dark man for hurting his brother, but he never had the chance.
With a yell of rage, Elladan rushed forward and punched Neron in the face, causing him to tumble over. The sheer force of the blow could've broken his jaw, but fortunate for Neron it did not.
As guards grabbed Elladan roughly and slammed him into the rock wall behind him, the whole camp was deadly quiet and frozen in shock at what had just happened. Neron got to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and walked over to Elladan.
The elf's eyes were aflame in fury and they were locked on to Neron's, showing no fear, not even a hint of it. Neron then struck Elladan hard across his jaw and the elf cried in pain, but was given no room to move as the guards still held him.
Aragorn and Elrohir shouted his name and jumped to their feet to help Elladan, but a pair of hunters held them back tightly, forcing them to watch knowing they could do nothing to help.
Neron smirked at Elladan and grabbed his jaw and growled, "That was very unwise of you elf!"
The man then turned and called over his captain, "Bring our orc friends here. Tonight I will allow them some sport with the elf."
"NO!" Elrohir and Aragorn cried together, struggling in vain against the men that held them.
A few moments later the freed orcs screeched in delight and pounced on Elladan, beating him without mercy and relentlessly. Elrohir felt like he was going to be sick and he felt his body turning limp and his head fell forward, tears streaming down his face while Aragorn kept screaming Elladan's name over and over.
And from somewhere far off, a lone figure holding a bow in his hand heard the man's cries and ran in the direction from which they came.
TBC…
Rating ~ PG
Disclaimer ~ How many times must I say I don't own Lord of the Rings?! The characters Trelan, Raniean, Celboril and Moranuen are made up characters belonging to Cassia and Sio and they gave me permission to use them in my story, so DO NOT steal them!
Author's Note ~ A story I came up with while brainstorming, I doubt there's much else to say expect this story takes place before FOTR. Oh yes and also I'm changing a little bit in the history by saying that Aragorn's mother and father both died in an orc attack.
Summary ~ What began as a pleasant stroll for Elladan, Elrohir, Aragorn and Legolas turns into a storm of an argument between the man and the elf prince. In the aftermath, Aragorn goes missing and Legolas doesn't seem to care. Elladan and Elrohir leave to find Aragorn and sort out this mess, but some sinister dangers await the elven twins and their human brother and in the end, they're fate may lay in the hands of the elf prince who is no where in sight.
The Lord Of The Rings
Falling Into Silence
Chapter 4-The Cost For Protecting
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh brother of mine
Times have changed
And how much you've grown
But it doesn't matter to me
For one thing will always be true
You will always be my brother
From small to big,
You've grown in more ways than one
I can see what you have become
And I can see the destiny that awaits you
I will always watch you and love you
As a brother should
There are many dangers to face
Many obstacles to overcome
I will be right there by your side
To protect and guard as I always have
And I do it all out of love
Oh brother of mine
~Halo Son
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Captain Toria, get the slaves on their feet, we leave now!" Neron demanded.
"Yes sir!"
The captain and his hunting men walked to where the prisoners were resting and forcefully got them standing. Strong rope painfully bound their hands together and a long chain of that rope feed through metal hoops held the slaves together, one behind the other, and their weapons taken from them when they were captured.
As they began their walking trek, Aragorn glanced behind him at his two-elven brothers and they looked back at him. For that brief moment they said nothing, then Aragorn turned around as the forward motion of the other prisoners tugged him forward.
The previous day, when Elladan and Elrohir had been captured, the brothers had argued and since then Aragorn hadn't spoken. It was clear to Elladan and Elrohir that he was pained deeply by guilt not just for getting them into trouble, but for causing the argument with Legolas, so their own argument didn't help.
Aragorn was partly glad for the argument with the elf prince, if not for it then Legolas would've come with his elven brothers and been captured too. However his guilt reminded him if the argument hadn't happened in the first place, he wouldn't have run off and none of them would be here now.
Elrohir increased his pace so he could walk behind his human brother and whispered a few words into his ears, but Aragorn wasn't paying much attention to them.
For hours the prisoners were forced to walk at a set pace with their captors watching them constantly. If one of them fell behind the pace, stumbled or fell over they would earn themselves a forceful kick in the lower body or a blow on the upside of the head.
They weren't merciful or lenient to their captives, none of them at all.
Aragorn and the twins weren't sure how much time had passed when they stopped for a short break, but they were glad for it.
Elrohir gave a concerned gaze at his twin then gestured to the young human. It was clear to see that Aragorn hadn't been sleeping and he was near exhaustion. Elladan and Elrohir walked over and sat down next to their human brother.
"Estel, are you alright?" Elrohir asked, wanting to put a hand on his shoulder but due to his hand being tied together he was unable.
"Other than a bit tired, I am fine." Aragorn replied quietly, not looking at his elven brothers.
Elladan sighed and brought his bound hands under Aragorn's chin, forcing him to look up into the elf's eyes.
"Estel, I am sorry I was harsh last night, but you must understand this from mine and Elrohir's point of view. You just ran off and never came back, we were so worried about you, we still are and always will be."
"You are our brother Estel and nothing will ever change that." Elrohir softly continued. "We try to give you as much freedom as you want, but it is very hard for us. It's in our instinct to look over you; we want to protect you. I know we cannot protect you forever and that is why it is so hard."
Aragorn nodded numbly and Elladan smiled, "Now rest little brother. You must keep strong and save your strength." He glanced at the hunters watching them. "I will not let them hurt you."
"Elladan please, do not cause a fight on my account." Aragorn said. "If I should stumble and they hit me for it, don't aid me. I do not wish to see you hurt on my part Elladan."
Elladan looked at Aragorn with narrowed eyes that clearly showed his disapproval, but finally he sighed and nodded his head, though speaking no words.
For ten minutes they were given rest before being forced to continue their relentless walk, but to where only the hunters knew.
It was a little while later when Aragorn and twins noticed Neron talking quietly to Captain Toria up ahead. Aragorn glanced at his elven brothers to see if they could hear what was being said, but they could not, all that they could do was watch and wait to see what happened.
And sure enough something did happen. After Neron had finished speaking to his chief hunter, the Captain gathered his best hunting men and split from the group, heading to what appeared to be a forest and it did not look welcoming.
"Where are they going and for what purpose?" Aragorn whispered more to himself then to his elven brothers.
"I know not." Elrohir replied in a whisper. "I did not hear what Neron and Toria spoke of."
"Nor did I." Elladan added. "But it appears as though they may be going to hunt."
Aragorn's face turned grim, "I pray to valar that they snare no more poor souls on this trek."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Long into the evening hours they continued the journey and it was late until Neron announced they were to make camp for the night. While several guards kept an eye on the prisoners, the other hunters stared a fire and gathered round it.
At night the hunters would free the prisoners of the long rope chain that held them all together and the rope that bound their hands. But to make sure they did not try to escape the guards would watch them very closely and each slave was made to drink a broth that made them very tired and seemingly energy drained.
The broth was made by Neron himself. The man obviously had a wide knowledge of herbs and plants and by the glare in his eyes whenever he happened to glance up at his prisoners, you could tell he was not one to take likely. The liquid was of a foul taste and bitter content and looked just as bad.
Once the dark drink was finished it was poured into cups then passed to the captives by the guards. As Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir were given their cups, a noise startled them and everyone's attentions were drawn to some approaching figures.
Captain Toria and his men had returned and they had new captives, but these were not the ordinary kind of captives; they had orcs prisoners.
Aragorn and his elven brother's eyes grew in alarm as Toria and his men dragged the captured orcs in chains into the camp.
"We have some orcs as you requested master." Captain Toria spoke as Neron walked over.
The man wore a satisfied grin and nodded, "Well done Captain Toria. I am impressed, once again you have proven your excellent service and have not failed me."
Neron walked over the orcs and stared at them, long and hard. For several minutes he just stood there, glaring at the shrieking orcs with threatening narrowed eyes. Then to the stunned eyes of those watching, the orcs calmed down and fell silent.
Neron smiled then turned back to his captain, "Now Toria, you will take charge until I have returned." And with that he walked into the shadows and away from the camp.
Toria nodded and ordered some of his men to watch the orcs then went to get food and drink to give to the slaves.
Aragorn shook his head; "I have never before seen such a sight." He turned to look at Elladan and Elrohir and instantly filled with dread when he saw that they looked paler than they were before and they seemed to be shaking slightly in fear.
"No…no mere man could have done that." Elrohir muttered.
"There is something more going on here…and it involves a greater evil than just the simple greed of men." Elladan added.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Far from the camp Neron walked. On and on through a thick growth of trees until he reached a small clearing where weak moonlight shone.
A low growl emitted from the trees opposite from where Neron stood and the man bowed in respect for some unseen creature.
"On your feet Neron." A deep, haunting voice spoke, echoing through out the trees.
"As you command my lord." Neron replied, rising to his feet. "It has been done. We have gathered more prisoners, more than enough for the task and we have captured some orcs as you wished."
"Very good Neron." The voice spoke, falling silent for a moment before speaking again; "Something else is troubling you."
"It is not cause for concern my lord, I am merely intrigued." Neron replied.
"Then speak it."
"A new slave I caught two days ago, there is something different about him though what it is I cannot say."
"Watch him closely then and if he becomes a nuisance, kill him."
"Yes my lord."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elladan and Elrohir watched their young human brother fall into a restless sleep. Though both were very tired, they kept the darkness of sleep away for now. Elladan had his fists clenched.
Several times during the day Aragorn had been hit for stumbling and it had taken all of Elladan's strength to stop himself interfering. The last time it happened Elrohir had to hold his twin brother back, reminding of what Aragorn had asked and saying it would help no one.
Elladan sat right next to Aragorn's still form and stroked his hair, running his fingers through the semi-damp black locks.
"Elrohir, I can't keep holding back. I can't stand back and watch them hurt Estel!" He growled under his breath.
Elrohir placed a hand on his brother's shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly.
"I know Elladan, I do not know how I have held myself back."
"Maybe because you had to make sure I stayed back." Elladan replied.
"Do you think Legolas will come looking for us?"
"Most likely."
As Elrohir sighed, he noticed out of the corner of his eyes that Toria rose to his feet and walked across the camp towards Neron, who was just returning. At once the two began talking and Aragorn awoke.
"What is happening?" He asked with a yawn, staring bleary eyed up at Elladan.
Neron, who had heard Aragorn yawn, turned and stared at the ranger and Aragorn too stared back straight into the fiery gaze while Elladan and Elrohir watched anxiously.
Neron then rounded the fire and walked slowly to where Aragorn sat. Reaching down, he pulled Aragorn to his feet and stared right into the man's silver eyes. Elladan and Elrohir were on their feet in a second, on full alert and awaiting what would happen next.
In a flash Neron's clenched fist found Aragorn's stomach and the young man cried in pain and doubled over. Elrohir cried and ran to his human brother's side and pulled him close to him. Elrohir glared daggers at Neron; Aragorn had done nothing to provoke such an action. Elrohir wanted to lash out at the dark man for hurting his brother, but he never had the chance.
With a yell of rage, Elladan rushed forward and punched Neron in the face, causing him to tumble over. The sheer force of the blow could've broken his jaw, but fortunate for Neron it did not.
As guards grabbed Elladan roughly and slammed him into the rock wall behind him, the whole camp was deadly quiet and frozen in shock at what had just happened. Neron got to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and walked over to Elladan.
The elf's eyes were aflame in fury and they were locked on to Neron's, showing no fear, not even a hint of it. Neron then struck Elladan hard across his jaw and the elf cried in pain, but was given no room to move as the guards still held him.
Aragorn and Elrohir shouted his name and jumped to their feet to help Elladan, but a pair of hunters held them back tightly, forcing them to watch knowing they could do nothing to help.
Neron smirked at Elladan and grabbed his jaw and growled, "That was very unwise of you elf!"
The man then turned and called over his captain, "Bring our orc friends here. Tonight I will allow them some sport with the elf."
"NO!" Elrohir and Aragorn cried together, struggling in vain against the men that held them.
A few moments later the freed orcs screeched in delight and pounced on Elladan, beating him without mercy and relentlessly. Elrohir felt like he was going to be sick and he felt his body turning limp and his head fell forward, tears streaming down his face while Aragorn kept screaming Elladan's name over and over.
And from somewhere far off, a lone figure holding a bow in his hand heard the man's cries and ran in the direction from which they came.
TBC…