Duath uin Taur
"Darkness of the Forest"
By G. D. Gauss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For disclaimer, rating, etc. see Chapter 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just want to thank everyone that has read my story and took the time to review! You guys are great! I love you all!!!!!!!
BTW: GoldenRose, I'm so proud of myself, I was actually able to understand your review! That French class I took paid off. Though, I speak very little myself. Merci pour votre revue. Je vais poster un chapitre par deux jours, d'accord? :-P (I hope I got that right, my French is VERY rusty! )
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Chapter 4 Beneath the Shadows
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Legolas tensed and drew his bow once again. Aragorn unsheathed his sword and stood ready. The eyes shifted and moved soundlessly forward. Just as one dark figure arose from the mists, a low growl was heard. Several dark shadows emerged and took the forms of large black wolves, all unnaturally larger than any ordinary forest wolf. These were wargs, evil wolves that had obviously taken over this part of the forest and weren't about to pass up a good meal, let alone let these intruders into their territory.
Just as one of the black beasts hunched itself up to leap at the ranger, the one standing further forward of the two, Legolas let one of his arrows loose and it flew into the chest of the warg, killing it instantly.
More angry growls were heard suddenly behind them and the two spun around to find that an enormous pack had gathered and were now advancing. There were so many of them. dozens made up the entire pack. They were not pleased with the fact that one of their own had been killed so easily. The intruders would suffer for that.
Legolas suddenly spoiled their plans. As two wargs sprang forward at once, the elf pulled Aragorn along with him and they raced off to the left down the ravine and around a bend. Sounds of many padded feet following them soon came from behind. The elf and ranger ran over the rough ground as quickly as they could, which proved to be not quickly enough. All too soon, the wargs were on their heels and the chase would have come to an untimely end had the ranger not suddenly spotted a quick getaway.
He gripped a thick vine hanging from an overhanging tree. He flung his arm around Legolas' waist as they swung just above the ground and hoisted them both onto the branches of the dense beech tree. Just as they clambered onto the branch in safety, the vine gave way and let a whole net of vines and tangled shrubbery fall underneath them onto the unsuspecting wargs' path. The beasts growled and made a terrible noise struggling under the thick entanglement. They were blinded momentarily by the twigs and dead leaves poking them in the eyes that they did not see the escape of their pursuees.
Legolas climbed up higher into the tree and helped Aragorn along as well. They found a high, comfortable spot to rest a while. The wargs below were coming free of the vines and were prowling the area, trying to relocate their potential feast. It seemed as if the two travelers wouldn't be going anywhere for a while.
As far as they could figure it was late in the evening, but they couldn't tell for sure as the forest held a constant darkness making it difficult to determine what was day and what was night. Either way, they were tired and were afraid to move lest they alert one of the foul beasts below and re-engage the chase.
"Great. another tree to sleep in," said Aragorn, trying to find a spot in the thick branches that would hold him securely while he slept.
"Come here, human," Legolas said as he settled down where the trunk split in two and formed a sturdy V, supported by other strong limbs on all sides. Aragorn climbed over to the elf and settled himself down by his friend. The prince wrapped an arm around the ranger's shoulders and gave him a squeeze. "I won't let you fall."
Aragorn smiled and lay his head back against the tree. Before long, Legolas heard the ranger's slow but steady breathing. His head had slid over to rest again the elf's shoulder. Legolas sighed quietly to himself. He decided they were safe enough here for the night. He rested his feet on top of their packs to ensure they didn't fall, then let his mind drift softly into sleep.
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Aragorn awoke slowly and reluctantly. He had grown accustomed to waking in strange places and wasn't at all surprised to find himself gazing up into a sky of dark beech leaves. He first thought of his friend who slept beside him, yet when he turned to look Legolas was nowhere to be found in the tree.
The ranger sat up and quickly scanned the area. The forest was as quiet as it had been the previous day but not nearly as dark. The sun had somehow managed to lighten the canopy just enough that Aragorn could barely see the forest floor through the morning mist.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when a hand was laid on his shoulder. He flipped himself around and almost knocked Legolas out of the tree. The elf grabbed a limb and regained his balance. "Calm yourself! There's no need to be so jumpy. We're safe up here."
Aragorn leaned back against the tree trunk and sighed. "Yeah, safe. remember that these very trees used to be the dwelling place of those giant spiders your people had so much trouble with?"
"Yes, used to. They live deeper into the forest now, away from the paths. I doubt the wargs would share their territory with those menaces."
Aragorn actually laughed at this. "Menaces? The spiders are simply pests compared to those horrid beasts!"
Legolas sighed and nodded. "Anyway, I've been out looking around our immediate area. There's no sign of anything we could possibly catch and eat here. or water sources for that matter. Though, it shouldn't be any more than another day's walk until we reach the edge of my father's kingdom as long as we keep a brisk pace."
The ranger nodded. "We should have no trouble traveling quickly if we should meet up with another warg pack, should we?"
Legolas smiled at his friend's jest. "Very true. We'll also have to find the path again I'm afraid. I hope we're not too far off. It shouldn't be a problem, though. I believe I still remember my way around."
After gathering up their packs they left the tree and started on their search for the trail. They were forced to track their way up the edge of the ravine again and take up the path from the side they never reached the day before. A soft but chilled wind blew against them as they continued through the dense and misty shadows. Winter was already nearly behind them, but the temperatures were the coldest of the season and brought winds that turned their fingers and noses to ice. They didn't know whether there were clouds above them or not. They would have no prior warning if a blizzard suddenly came upon them and burdened them further.
The day's trek proved to be more difficult than yesterday for the ground was rough and there were several icy streams that had to be crossed. A few could only be forded and the two travelers continued on with cold, soggy boots to march in.
Legolas continued to keep his eyes open and his ears alert for any movement, the slightest sound. Aragorn kept his hand on the hilt of his sword, for the warg attack had left them both with a never ending worry that something bigger and nastier was waiting out there for them.
The ranger was stopped suddenly when the elf's arm swung up and caught him in the chest. He searched the forest before them, trying to see what it was his friend had seen. He too then heard a soft noise and soon after a large black buck ventured slowly out of the brush. The creature was a sorry sight. He looked as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. His ribs protruded from his sides and his movement was labored.
Legolas sighed quietly and drew his bow. The poor animal was suffering considerably and there was nothing that could possibly keep it alive in the forest. He let the arrow fly and it pierced the deer straight in the throat, the creature dropping immediately to the forest floor.
The elf walked up to the body and froze suddenly. Aragorn followed him and saw what had made Legolas freeze in place. The eyes of the deer glowed a deep red, then faded slowly. The elf and the ranger exchanged looks of confusion and fear.
The body of the deer suddenly began deteriorating and melted into ash, a fierce wind blowing from where the animal lay. The gust flew away, taking an odd form then fading into nothing.
After watching that strange and slightly frightening sight, the two looked back at each other.
The fear was evident Legolas' deep eyes. "I've never seen anything like that happen before." Aragorn simply nodded in agreement. They turned back slowly onto the path, careful to step well around the ash that remained of the strange creature.
They walked quickly and in silence for a long while. As they passed a thick grove of dark beech trees, they began to see familiar signs that they were nearing the edges of the king's land. Their hearts lightened and they pressed on, hoping to arrive at the palace by the next morning.
Rounding a rock outcropping, both travelers froze this time. Both faces turned white and both tongues were speechless.
On the ground lay a bloodied mass of carnage, covered in ripped shreds of green and brown fabric. A head of golden hair was barely discernable amidst the gory mess. It was an elf. or had once been.
By G. D. Gauss
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For disclaimer, rating, etc. see Chapter 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just want to thank everyone that has read my story and took the time to review! You guys are great! I love you all!!!!!!!
BTW: GoldenRose, I'm so proud of myself, I was actually able to understand your review! That French class I took paid off. Though, I speak very little myself. Merci pour votre revue. Je vais poster un chapitre par deux jours, d'accord? :-P (I hope I got that right, my French is VERY rusty! )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 4 Beneath the Shadows
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas tensed and drew his bow once again. Aragorn unsheathed his sword and stood ready. The eyes shifted and moved soundlessly forward. Just as one dark figure arose from the mists, a low growl was heard. Several dark shadows emerged and took the forms of large black wolves, all unnaturally larger than any ordinary forest wolf. These were wargs, evil wolves that had obviously taken over this part of the forest and weren't about to pass up a good meal, let alone let these intruders into their territory.
Just as one of the black beasts hunched itself up to leap at the ranger, the one standing further forward of the two, Legolas let one of his arrows loose and it flew into the chest of the warg, killing it instantly.
More angry growls were heard suddenly behind them and the two spun around to find that an enormous pack had gathered and were now advancing. There were so many of them. dozens made up the entire pack. They were not pleased with the fact that one of their own had been killed so easily. The intruders would suffer for that.
Legolas suddenly spoiled their plans. As two wargs sprang forward at once, the elf pulled Aragorn along with him and they raced off to the left down the ravine and around a bend. Sounds of many padded feet following them soon came from behind. The elf and ranger ran over the rough ground as quickly as they could, which proved to be not quickly enough. All too soon, the wargs were on their heels and the chase would have come to an untimely end had the ranger not suddenly spotted a quick getaway.
He gripped a thick vine hanging from an overhanging tree. He flung his arm around Legolas' waist as they swung just above the ground and hoisted them both onto the branches of the dense beech tree. Just as they clambered onto the branch in safety, the vine gave way and let a whole net of vines and tangled shrubbery fall underneath them onto the unsuspecting wargs' path. The beasts growled and made a terrible noise struggling under the thick entanglement. They were blinded momentarily by the twigs and dead leaves poking them in the eyes that they did not see the escape of their pursuees.
Legolas climbed up higher into the tree and helped Aragorn along as well. They found a high, comfortable spot to rest a while. The wargs below were coming free of the vines and were prowling the area, trying to relocate their potential feast. It seemed as if the two travelers wouldn't be going anywhere for a while.
As far as they could figure it was late in the evening, but they couldn't tell for sure as the forest held a constant darkness making it difficult to determine what was day and what was night. Either way, they were tired and were afraid to move lest they alert one of the foul beasts below and re-engage the chase.
"Great. another tree to sleep in," said Aragorn, trying to find a spot in the thick branches that would hold him securely while he slept.
"Come here, human," Legolas said as he settled down where the trunk split in two and formed a sturdy V, supported by other strong limbs on all sides. Aragorn climbed over to the elf and settled himself down by his friend. The prince wrapped an arm around the ranger's shoulders and gave him a squeeze. "I won't let you fall."
Aragorn smiled and lay his head back against the tree. Before long, Legolas heard the ranger's slow but steady breathing. His head had slid over to rest again the elf's shoulder. Legolas sighed quietly to himself. He decided they were safe enough here for the night. He rested his feet on top of their packs to ensure they didn't fall, then let his mind drift softly into sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aragorn awoke slowly and reluctantly. He had grown accustomed to waking in strange places and wasn't at all surprised to find himself gazing up into a sky of dark beech leaves. He first thought of his friend who slept beside him, yet when he turned to look Legolas was nowhere to be found in the tree.
The ranger sat up and quickly scanned the area. The forest was as quiet as it had been the previous day but not nearly as dark. The sun had somehow managed to lighten the canopy just enough that Aragorn could barely see the forest floor through the morning mist.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when a hand was laid on his shoulder. He flipped himself around and almost knocked Legolas out of the tree. The elf grabbed a limb and regained his balance. "Calm yourself! There's no need to be so jumpy. We're safe up here."
Aragorn leaned back against the tree trunk and sighed. "Yeah, safe. remember that these very trees used to be the dwelling place of those giant spiders your people had so much trouble with?"
"Yes, used to. They live deeper into the forest now, away from the paths. I doubt the wargs would share their territory with those menaces."
Aragorn actually laughed at this. "Menaces? The spiders are simply pests compared to those horrid beasts!"
Legolas sighed and nodded. "Anyway, I've been out looking around our immediate area. There's no sign of anything we could possibly catch and eat here. or water sources for that matter. Though, it shouldn't be any more than another day's walk until we reach the edge of my father's kingdom as long as we keep a brisk pace."
The ranger nodded. "We should have no trouble traveling quickly if we should meet up with another warg pack, should we?"
Legolas smiled at his friend's jest. "Very true. We'll also have to find the path again I'm afraid. I hope we're not too far off. It shouldn't be a problem, though. I believe I still remember my way around."
After gathering up their packs they left the tree and started on their search for the trail. They were forced to track their way up the edge of the ravine again and take up the path from the side they never reached the day before. A soft but chilled wind blew against them as they continued through the dense and misty shadows. Winter was already nearly behind them, but the temperatures were the coldest of the season and brought winds that turned their fingers and noses to ice. They didn't know whether there were clouds above them or not. They would have no prior warning if a blizzard suddenly came upon them and burdened them further.
The day's trek proved to be more difficult than yesterday for the ground was rough and there were several icy streams that had to be crossed. A few could only be forded and the two travelers continued on with cold, soggy boots to march in.
Legolas continued to keep his eyes open and his ears alert for any movement, the slightest sound. Aragorn kept his hand on the hilt of his sword, for the warg attack had left them both with a never ending worry that something bigger and nastier was waiting out there for them.
The ranger was stopped suddenly when the elf's arm swung up and caught him in the chest. He searched the forest before them, trying to see what it was his friend had seen. He too then heard a soft noise and soon after a large black buck ventured slowly out of the brush. The creature was a sorry sight. He looked as if he hadn't eaten in weeks. His ribs protruded from his sides and his movement was labored.
Legolas sighed quietly and drew his bow. The poor animal was suffering considerably and there was nothing that could possibly keep it alive in the forest. He let the arrow fly and it pierced the deer straight in the throat, the creature dropping immediately to the forest floor.
The elf walked up to the body and froze suddenly. Aragorn followed him and saw what had made Legolas freeze in place. The eyes of the deer glowed a deep red, then faded slowly. The elf and the ranger exchanged looks of confusion and fear.
The body of the deer suddenly began deteriorating and melted into ash, a fierce wind blowing from where the animal lay. The gust flew away, taking an odd form then fading into nothing.
After watching that strange and slightly frightening sight, the two looked back at each other.
The fear was evident Legolas' deep eyes. "I've never seen anything like that happen before." Aragorn simply nodded in agreement. They turned back slowly onto the path, careful to step well around the ash that remained of the strange creature.
They walked quickly and in silence for a long while. As they passed a thick grove of dark beech trees, they began to see familiar signs that they were nearing the edges of the king's land. Their hearts lightened and they pressed on, hoping to arrive at the palace by the next morning.
Rounding a rock outcropping, both travelers froze this time. Both faces turned white and both tongues were speechless.
On the ground lay a bloodied mass of carnage, covered in ripped shreds of green and brown fabric. A head of golden hair was barely discernable amidst the gory mess. It was an elf. or had once been.