Many thanks, many hugs! The reviews were wonderful! Sorry for the delay,
finals started, and things have been so busy. . . but I'm getting back
under schedule now. I've got one more chapter after this, and then into the
next story which I've already started working on, and it wont be posted
till I'm done! That way I can stay on schedule, though it won't be every
other day for a while, since I am writing with Carrie and in a few other
places as well, but it will be better than it has over the last few months.
MAKE SURE TO WATCH JEPORDY TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT, 7:30 PACIFIC TIME! MY TEACHER IS GOING TO BE ON!!!!!! (BTW: Her name is Bradbury,)
Smeagol-
I wasn't talking just about you when I said that, people get busy I know, just look at me. I heard FF was having problems with a few people. Though my friend had AOL and she didn't have a single problem, interesting? Balthasar said you had lab, and she's explained about it, it sounds like torture to me.
I hope your the same Smeagol as before, that thing with FF drives me crazy. Sometimes I want to add something on but I cant, an it. . . *Sighs* Let's not get into that.
Hey, don't be calling my Legolas a snob, he's my snob, and only I can call him a snob.
Legolas: Yeah. . . wait, that wasn't very nice
Author: Who asked you? I'm the one doing the talking here
I'll take that sledgehammer too. I want my characters to be in one piece. Feel free to have a white wolf pup, there's plenty to go around, and they all need homes.
Umm. . . the wolves are, how can I say this in a light way. . . treated very cruelly, such as dogs are when used for dog fights, I left a lot of detail out just because it's really harsh and cruel of what they do. But anyway, glad you're back, and hope you enjoy the chapter.
Carrie-
Shame on Carrie, Shame, Shame SHAME! Hehe, only kidding, you're life's been haywire. You get a freebee, but only this once!
Shame on Elladan too for invading an Author's apology and explanation. You are cruel to him aren't you? You sense ill tidings with everything. . . except your own work, cause you know ill tidings are afoot.
Yes, you and I would be very happy if the others read our story, it really is a story worth reading!
JediKnightBalthasar-
Well, they don't seem to be getting along very well cause now that all or most of the stress is gone, Legolas is expressing his opinion. It's not that he doesn't like him, it's just that Legolas has never been around humans very much, so he feels kind of awkward. I am kind of basing it off of how my friend and I were when we first meet and all. And no, we were not attacked by wolves or anything like that, so do not even ask.
Hey, maybe later on Nieninque could help! He could probably fight with the other wolves! Oh, he would stand a chance of dying, but...just an idea!
~Balthasar
Anita-
You seem to be fairing well, but don't worry, they will all be back before ya know it!
Belothien-
Yes that is his name, don't wear it out, I still have to use it for the rest of my story.
Gwyn-
Nieninque is a him, likewise if his name were Nieninqua, he would be a she, but he is a he. If that made any sense at all.
Yes the WIP is going to go as soon as the story is over.
ThE iNsAnE oNe-
I went to see TTT again, like, two days after you wrote that review. I went with a whole bunch of friends, I think 8, and that's the biggest group that I've been with. Normally it's two at the largest.
Chapter 19: Friend of Foe
"Legolas," the whisper was faint.
After a moment of silence another whisper came, fiercer this time. "Legolas!"
"Legolas!" a heavy sigh followed. "So much for Elven hearing."
"I heard that," Legolas said quietly, not even opening his eyes. He had slept with them closed last night as the sleeping draught had pulled him into a restful slumber.
"Legolas! You're awake, why didn't you answer me?" Aragorn demanded.
"Because I'm trying to ignore you," Legolas replied flatly.
Aragorn sighed heavily as he slowly eased himself into a more comfortable position. He glared darkly at the Elf, who still leaned against the tree, his eyes closed. His left shoulder was bandaged and his arm was in a sling, this alone was enough to worry him. Beside him Elladan and Elrohir still slept.
"Legolas, what happened to you?"
Groaning Legolas let his head drop back and he opened an eye to look at the human. He grinned inwardly, the world always looked different from an upended view. "What do you want?"
"Look at you. What happened? Did they hurt you?"
"Well," Legolas replied casually, "They took me away while you three were asleep. They drugged your drinks so you wouldn't wake up. They took me into the forest and demanded to know what we were doing here. When I refused to answer they beat me until I screamed for mercy, then they-"
"Legolas, tell me what really happened."
"Oh," Legolas murmured, "you want to know the truth."
Aragorn nodded, "That is what one usually wants to hear."
Legolas grunted. "Don't worry yourself, human. Arrgralo just saw to my wound."
"And it was that bad?"
Legolas just grunted as he closed his one eye, lifting his head back up and settling against the tree.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"And what were you going to do about it?" Legolas demanded.
"I could have done something."
"Leave me be, I'm trying to sleep."
Aragorn frowned, "You're impossible."
"Not yet I'm not."
Aragorn let the conversation dwindle away as Arrgralo came into the camp. "We need to leave if we are to reach the western side by nightfall. Wake your friends up," he told Aragorn before putting out the fire.
The rest of the men were waking up as well as Aragorn lightly shook Elladan and Elrohir awake. Legolas was already up, leaning against the tree with a content look. Both of the other Elves were startled to see his arm bandaged up, but Legolas only shook his head when they asked him about it.
"Tis nothing serious," he said with a yawn, the sleeping draught still clinging to his mind.
Travel was hard that day, as Arrgralo had said before, but they did reach the western side as planned. The foursome was kept in the middle of the men, either to ensure safety due to their current conditions, or to see that they could not escape. Whatever the cause was, they were surrounded by the men at all times.
When nightfall came, they set up camp, and their bonds were cut now that Arrgralo trusted them more, but still they were closely watched. Legolas' wound was tended to and now the four of them sat a ways off from the center of the camp, conversing lightly.
"With our bonds cut we can have a great chance of escape," Elladan whispered, rubbing his wrists.
"They mean us no harm," Legolas told him, "They are only doing what anyone would do under the same circumstances. We were trespassing into their territory, and with all the problems they have had, who can blame them for taking precautions? We would do the same at Mirkwood, and I know you would as well, my friend."
Elrohir nodded. "He does speak the truth, my brother. I agree, we should stay and let them take us to Askverba so we can warn their King of the attack."
Aragorn nodded also.
Elladan sighed heavily. "Fine then, we will stay. But at the first sign of danger we are leaving."
Legolas smirked adding quickly, "Besides, I'm not going anywhere without my weapons."
"Of course not, someone has to drag you away by your ears, otherwise you'd stay behind and get killed," Elladan said sarcastically.
"That wasn't funny, it hurt," Legolas moaned, rubbing his ears lightly at the memory.
"It wasn't my fault you wouldn't come. And I certainly wasn't going to face your father and tell him I left you to a band of Orcs."
"And you claim that I perform ridiculous stunts," Aragorn muttered, shaking his head.
"You do," Elrohir told him, sitting up. "Like that time you went swimming in the river during winter."
Aragorn smiled, "I was only seven," he claimed.
"Eight," Elladan shot at him, "But that wasn't as bad as the time you were chasing that rabbit and got stuck in the rabbit hole, and you were sixteen then."
Elrohir laughed quietly at the memory.
"Okay fine, I get the point," Aragorn muttered, thoroughly embarrassed.
"Let's not forget the two of you," Legolas said suddenly. "Flying lessons? Boulder tag? Oh, yes, here is a good one, the time with the Wargs, -"
"Don't you dare," Elladan warned him with an icy cold voice.
Legolas snickered, "That was a good one."
"Tell me," Aragorn said, sitting up.
"Well it all started when, -"
"Legolas, I'm warning you," Elladan threatened.
Legolas smiled innocently.
"Tell me," Aragorn pleaded.
Legolas shook his head.
"What do you mean no? Why not?"
"Because if I told you, then your brother would kill me," Legolas told him as he leaned back against a tree.
"And this is a problem?"
"Yes, because before Elladan kills me, I will kill you for making me tell you."
"No one is going to kill anyone," Arrgralo said, coming over to where they sat. He looked at the four of them, then shifted his gaze over the forest around them. "Keep your eyes open, rumors have been passed that Orcs are traveling about this night. We may need to leave quickly when the time comes."
"How much longer until we reach Askverba?" Elladan asked suddenly.
"We should reach my home town by tomorrow, it is not much further."
"Then why do we stop, especially when danger may be afoot?"
"Because," Arrgralo said, dropping into a crouch right beside Elladan so that he was mere inches from his face. "Unlike Elves, we mortals do need our rest."
"You know," Elladan said with a heavy sigh, "I usually do not tolerate humans who behave in such a manner, right Strider?" he asked, careful to call him by his new hidden name.
Aragorn laughed. "You have never been able to best me."
"Oh haven't I?"
"Quiet down," Arrgralo said with a smile, "we do not wish to invite anyone else into our camp." He glanced up at Legolas, "How is shoulder faring?"
Legolas nodded, "Sore, but better than it was."
Arrgralo nodded. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. You may be our prisoners, but unlike most, we tend to treat ours well. I wouldn't worry about it much though, by tomorrow you probably will be free and heading home."
"Not if your village is open to attack," Legolas said quietly. "We won't leave you in a time of need."
"We thank you for your help, noble Elf, but this battle, if it does occur, is not your dealings, we will find help from our own people. Take your rest now, but be alert. We could always use some extra ears."
"A moment ago you stated that you did not need our help," Elladan said quietly.
Arrgralo looked at him wryly. "Careful of what you say, Elf. You never know what the tide will bring in next."
TBC. . .
MAKE SURE TO WATCH JEPORDY TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT, 7:30 PACIFIC TIME! MY TEACHER IS GOING TO BE ON!!!!!! I don't know what channel though, it's 4 here, but that doesn't mean it's 4 for you. And don't forget to review! =D
MAKE SURE TO WATCH JEPORDY TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT, 7:30 PACIFIC TIME! MY TEACHER IS GOING TO BE ON!!!!!! (BTW: Her name is Bradbury,)
Smeagol-
I wasn't talking just about you when I said that, people get busy I know, just look at me. I heard FF was having problems with a few people. Though my friend had AOL and she didn't have a single problem, interesting? Balthasar said you had lab, and she's explained about it, it sounds like torture to me.
I hope your the same Smeagol as before, that thing with FF drives me crazy. Sometimes I want to add something on but I cant, an it. . . *Sighs* Let's not get into that.
Hey, don't be calling my Legolas a snob, he's my snob, and only I can call him a snob.
Legolas: Yeah. . . wait, that wasn't very nice
Author: Who asked you? I'm the one doing the talking here
I'll take that sledgehammer too. I want my characters to be in one piece. Feel free to have a white wolf pup, there's plenty to go around, and they all need homes.
Umm. . . the wolves are, how can I say this in a light way. . . treated very cruelly, such as dogs are when used for dog fights, I left a lot of detail out just because it's really harsh and cruel of what they do. But anyway, glad you're back, and hope you enjoy the chapter.
Carrie-
Shame on Carrie, Shame, Shame SHAME! Hehe, only kidding, you're life's been haywire. You get a freebee, but only this once!
Shame on Elladan too for invading an Author's apology and explanation. You are cruel to him aren't you? You sense ill tidings with everything. . . except your own work, cause you know ill tidings are afoot.
Yes, you and I would be very happy if the others read our story, it really is a story worth reading!
JediKnightBalthasar-
Well, they don't seem to be getting along very well cause now that all or most of the stress is gone, Legolas is expressing his opinion. It's not that he doesn't like him, it's just that Legolas has never been around humans very much, so he feels kind of awkward. I am kind of basing it off of how my friend and I were when we first meet and all. And no, we were not attacked by wolves or anything like that, so do not even ask.
Hey, maybe later on Nieninque could help! He could probably fight with the other wolves! Oh, he would stand a chance of dying, but...just an idea!
~Balthasar
Anita-
You seem to be fairing well, but don't worry, they will all be back before ya know it!
Belothien-
Yes that is his name, don't wear it out, I still have to use it for the rest of my story.
Gwyn-
Nieninque is a him, likewise if his name were Nieninqua, he would be a she, but he is a he. If that made any sense at all.
Yes the WIP is going to go as soon as the story is over.
ThE iNsAnE oNe-
I went to see TTT again, like, two days after you wrote that review. I went with a whole bunch of friends, I think 8, and that's the biggest group that I've been with. Normally it's two at the largest.
Chapter 19: Friend of Foe
"Legolas," the whisper was faint.
After a moment of silence another whisper came, fiercer this time. "Legolas!"
"Legolas!" a heavy sigh followed. "So much for Elven hearing."
"I heard that," Legolas said quietly, not even opening his eyes. He had slept with them closed last night as the sleeping draught had pulled him into a restful slumber.
"Legolas! You're awake, why didn't you answer me?" Aragorn demanded.
"Because I'm trying to ignore you," Legolas replied flatly.
Aragorn sighed heavily as he slowly eased himself into a more comfortable position. He glared darkly at the Elf, who still leaned against the tree, his eyes closed. His left shoulder was bandaged and his arm was in a sling, this alone was enough to worry him. Beside him Elladan and Elrohir still slept.
"Legolas, what happened to you?"
Groaning Legolas let his head drop back and he opened an eye to look at the human. He grinned inwardly, the world always looked different from an upended view. "What do you want?"
"Look at you. What happened? Did they hurt you?"
"Well," Legolas replied casually, "They took me away while you three were asleep. They drugged your drinks so you wouldn't wake up. They took me into the forest and demanded to know what we were doing here. When I refused to answer they beat me until I screamed for mercy, then they-"
"Legolas, tell me what really happened."
"Oh," Legolas murmured, "you want to know the truth."
Aragorn nodded, "That is what one usually wants to hear."
Legolas grunted. "Don't worry yourself, human. Arrgralo just saw to my wound."
"And it was that bad?"
Legolas just grunted as he closed his one eye, lifting his head back up and settling against the tree.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"And what were you going to do about it?" Legolas demanded.
"I could have done something."
"Leave me be, I'm trying to sleep."
Aragorn frowned, "You're impossible."
"Not yet I'm not."
Aragorn let the conversation dwindle away as Arrgralo came into the camp. "We need to leave if we are to reach the western side by nightfall. Wake your friends up," he told Aragorn before putting out the fire.
The rest of the men were waking up as well as Aragorn lightly shook Elladan and Elrohir awake. Legolas was already up, leaning against the tree with a content look. Both of the other Elves were startled to see his arm bandaged up, but Legolas only shook his head when they asked him about it.
"Tis nothing serious," he said with a yawn, the sleeping draught still clinging to his mind.
Travel was hard that day, as Arrgralo had said before, but they did reach the western side as planned. The foursome was kept in the middle of the men, either to ensure safety due to their current conditions, or to see that they could not escape. Whatever the cause was, they were surrounded by the men at all times.
When nightfall came, they set up camp, and their bonds were cut now that Arrgralo trusted them more, but still they were closely watched. Legolas' wound was tended to and now the four of them sat a ways off from the center of the camp, conversing lightly.
"With our bonds cut we can have a great chance of escape," Elladan whispered, rubbing his wrists.
"They mean us no harm," Legolas told him, "They are only doing what anyone would do under the same circumstances. We were trespassing into their territory, and with all the problems they have had, who can blame them for taking precautions? We would do the same at Mirkwood, and I know you would as well, my friend."
Elrohir nodded. "He does speak the truth, my brother. I agree, we should stay and let them take us to Askverba so we can warn their King of the attack."
Aragorn nodded also.
Elladan sighed heavily. "Fine then, we will stay. But at the first sign of danger we are leaving."
Legolas smirked adding quickly, "Besides, I'm not going anywhere without my weapons."
"Of course not, someone has to drag you away by your ears, otherwise you'd stay behind and get killed," Elladan said sarcastically.
"That wasn't funny, it hurt," Legolas moaned, rubbing his ears lightly at the memory.
"It wasn't my fault you wouldn't come. And I certainly wasn't going to face your father and tell him I left you to a band of Orcs."
"And you claim that I perform ridiculous stunts," Aragorn muttered, shaking his head.
"You do," Elrohir told him, sitting up. "Like that time you went swimming in the river during winter."
Aragorn smiled, "I was only seven," he claimed.
"Eight," Elladan shot at him, "But that wasn't as bad as the time you were chasing that rabbit and got stuck in the rabbit hole, and you were sixteen then."
Elrohir laughed quietly at the memory.
"Okay fine, I get the point," Aragorn muttered, thoroughly embarrassed.
"Let's not forget the two of you," Legolas said suddenly. "Flying lessons? Boulder tag? Oh, yes, here is a good one, the time with the Wargs, -"
"Don't you dare," Elladan warned him with an icy cold voice.
Legolas snickered, "That was a good one."
"Tell me," Aragorn said, sitting up.
"Well it all started when, -"
"Legolas, I'm warning you," Elladan threatened.
Legolas smiled innocently.
"Tell me," Aragorn pleaded.
Legolas shook his head.
"What do you mean no? Why not?"
"Because if I told you, then your brother would kill me," Legolas told him as he leaned back against a tree.
"And this is a problem?"
"Yes, because before Elladan kills me, I will kill you for making me tell you."
"No one is going to kill anyone," Arrgralo said, coming over to where they sat. He looked at the four of them, then shifted his gaze over the forest around them. "Keep your eyes open, rumors have been passed that Orcs are traveling about this night. We may need to leave quickly when the time comes."
"How much longer until we reach Askverba?" Elladan asked suddenly.
"We should reach my home town by tomorrow, it is not much further."
"Then why do we stop, especially when danger may be afoot?"
"Because," Arrgralo said, dropping into a crouch right beside Elladan so that he was mere inches from his face. "Unlike Elves, we mortals do need our rest."
"You know," Elladan said with a heavy sigh, "I usually do not tolerate humans who behave in such a manner, right Strider?" he asked, careful to call him by his new hidden name.
Aragorn laughed. "You have never been able to best me."
"Oh haven't I?"
"Quiet down," Arrgralo said with a smile, "we do not wish to invite anyone else into our camp." He glanced up at Legolas, "How is shoulder faring?"
Legolas nodded, "Sore, but better than it was."
Arrgralo nodded. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. You may be our prisoners, but unlike most, we tend to treat ours well. I wouldn't worry about it much though, by tomorrow you probably will be free and heading home."
"Not if your village is open to attack," Legolas said quietly. "We won't leave you in a time of need."
"We thank you for your help, noble Elf, but this battle, if it does occur, is not your dealings, we will find help from our own people. Take your rest now, but be alert. We could always use some extra ears."
"A moment ago you stated that you did not need our help," Elladan said quietly.
Arrgralo looked at him wryly. "Careful of what you say, Elf. You never know what the tide will bring in next."
TBC. . .
MAKE SURE TO WATCH JEPORDY TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT, 7:30 PACIFIC TIME! MY TEACHER IS GOING TO BE ON!!!!!! I don't know what channel though, it's 4 here, but that doesn't mean it's 4 for you. And don't forget to review! =D