Okay, first I have to say that my friend La Diosa de LOTR has posted a
chapter and is looking for reviewers, and would appreciate it if you looked
at her chapter and let her know what you think. She said she would even
take flamers, so she is pretty desperate.
Second, I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry for not getting this out sooner, as a few of you know, I got sick for a time period, pretty sick actually, couldn't do much more than sleep and drink water so typing was definitely out of the question. But after missing a week of school I got to catch up on all my work, and since it was the first week of the new quarter I missed a whole bunch of notes and had no clue of what was going on. I'm still making stuff up, even now.
But anyway, those are my excuses, whether or not you like them. Well, onto reviews
Carrie-n-Emmithar-
Hey look at that, I'm responding to myself! Actually, no, it's Carrie, so don't look at me weird. LOL Carrie, settle down, no you cannot have the chapter, I don't think my reviewers will be happy if you take it. You're me? Boy, your personality is split, isn't it? Here you have snow, hope you stay warm.
Elladan-
Glad you like it, and it was a long update, I normally don't take this long but I had other things to deal with/ Thanks for reviewing
Smeagol-
No you may not kill Legolas. If you do I'll assign you to a lifetime sentence of physic lab!!! HAHAHAHA, So beware.
Legolas is not for sale! So you can't buy him, even when you conquer the world, sorry! Go buy Smeagol, and Gollum. Get that split personality there you would!
JediKnightBalthasar-
Both you and Smeagol are over this Legolas vrs. Aragorn thing aren't you?
Nieninque helping out is not a bad idea, I think you'll be surprised in this chapter. But remember with all the other wolves out there being taken care of, he may accidentally get killed, and that wouldn't be good.
*Snickers*, I love Legolas, he has such a cocky attitude. Who would put up with it? Well, I'm sure most wouldn't, but hey, what can Aragorn do?
Actually, I've never seen Alice in Wonderland. I got the idea of being stuck in a rabbit hole from Winne the Pooh, when Pooh Bear gets stuck in Rabbit's hole. Really pathetic I know. Humor is not one of my best qualities.
That line "No one is going to kill anyone", took a while to come up with actually. But yes, I can picture Elrond saying it.
Don't worry about Nieninque, he's back this chappie.
IllegalSmugglers, shame upon you two, you shouldn't smuggle anything illegal. . .well maybe, it depends. . .
Belothien-
New Round huh? I still have the same small route, but I get a lot of money. Mostly from tips. I made $70 this X-mas in tips alone! Isn't that great?
Don't wear his name out!!!!!!!!!
It's good to know you won't be mad at me, and I won't be mad at you for waiting so long to update yours! Hurry up with another chapter!!!
Anita-
They are going to Askeverba, Azscverbae was the city they were in before, with all the wolves. But don't worry, they are supposed to confuse people. Remember Aragorn and the map?
Keep braiding, you're doing a great job. And don't worry, even though this chapter is the last doesn't mean that it is over. There is another story coming up!
ThE iNsAnE oNe-
Back up story, well I hadn't planned on it, but I suppose, when I have time that is. I still need to read chapter 2 of Inside the Beast, I didn't realize it was going to be more than one chapter, good thing I checked on you, huh? I'll read when I can, not tonight, to late!
Ellewyn Greenleaf-
Yes, Nieninque has been quite popular, go to think of it I do all that work on the characters and a little wolf pup gets the spotlight. . . go figure. FINALS!!!!!!!! DIE!!!!!!!!!! Okay, so you can see I hate them as well. Thanks for the review!!
ONTO THE STORY!!!!!
Chapter 20: The Turn of the Tide
Orcs. The night air was shattered with the all too familiar cries. Things happened all too quickly afterwards, fear could be smelt easily, shining deeply in the eyes of the men, who were no more than boys. They clutched their swords, drawing them halfway from their belts. Legolas and the others quickly found themselves armed as Arrgralo tossed them back their weapons.
"Let us move, we will avoid a quarrel if we can," Arrgralo shouted to his men.
"You cannot outrun a band of Orcs," Elladan said fiercely. "You will only lead them to the city."
"They will attack sooner or later, and we are not nearly prepared enough to fight now. We must get word to Askverba. Let us make haste," Arrgralo called back, sprinting forward.
Legolas cursed, shaking his head. The fool of a human was leading them strait into a trap. "Stay! You are headed strait for them!"
Arrgralo skidded to a stop. For a moment he didn't move, and no one else behind dared to do no more than breathe. "They have already started," he whispered.
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged uneasy glances. Aragorn stepped up behind him, clutching his sword. It seemed as if time itself was frozen, then suddenly one of the men sprung forward, sword held high.
"For the city!" he cried. The act was not lost on the others, who quickly sprang into action after him, repeating the same cry.
Arrgralo stood for a moment shocked, then a smile split his lips as he started into a swift jog after them.
The four were left behind, forgotten in the moment of attack. Legolas stepped up beside the twins, exchanging glances with them.
"What do we do?" Elrohir asked quietly.
"I for one have never abandoned someone in the time of need," Legolas remarked.
"This isn't someone, it's a city," Elrohir reminded him.
"Legolas is right, if we can help, let us do so," Aragorn said, running lightly after the other men.
"Strider, get back here," Legolas yelled at him as the human disappeared over the hill. He took pursuit after him, the twins only moments behind him, their steps falling behind his.
At the top, Legolas paused only a moment to gaze at the city before him, a larger city than Azscverbae. A large wall lined the city on three sides; the front lie open, taking on most of the damage as the numerous Orcs attacked.
Attached to chains were the wolves, fully-grown and tortured into fighting machines. Their lethal jaws snapped at open air as the slowly drug the Orcs along until they were released. Cries split the air as the wolves found flesh, and shouts of surprise and alarm followed as torches lit house on fire, the dry wood burning easily.
Legolas scanned the terrain quickly, searching for Aragorn. He spotted the young human, already engaged in battle with several Orcs. He was quick, and so far luck had been on his side, but Legolas doubted that would last much longer.
He made his way down the hill, stabbing one of his Elven blades deep inside the chest of an Orc, dropping him in place. He knew that Elladan and Elrohir had already split up, slowly picking off the Orcs one by one not too far off to his side. Their numbers were overwhelming. More than he count before losing his head. The same number of wolves, or more, could be seen, their white coats contrasting sharply with the Orcs.
The smell of smoke hung in the air as the city slowly burned. Frantic villagers tried their best to put the flames out, but without a nearby river, they were at loss. Legolas spun out of the way of an advancing Orc blade, plunging his own into the back of another.
He brought it out quickly, turning to face the Orc, dropping it moments later with a swift blow. In a few more steps he had reached Aragorn, helping to dispatch the last few Orcs that remained. No sooner had they finished than a group of wolves moved in on them, wasting no time as they pounced on the prey before them.
In two swift swipes Legolas had dropped two, Aragorn cut another beside him, leaving only two left. However the wolves lost interest and sped quickly away before another move was to be made. Making his way closer to the town Legolas clutched his dagger tightly, wishing he had his bow. It would be more useful in such a situation as this.
Screams echoed through the air as the wolves began to press deeper into the city. Desperate soldiers raced to defend their loved ones, fear building with each breath of what may come in the end. Legolas' sharp Elven ears caught the faint sound of a familiar cry, and turned to see one of the soldiers stumble as an Orc blade swipe toward him.
Already he was moving, even as the human stumbled out of the way, barely blocking the next blow with a feeble swing. With a small leap Legolas landed in front of the young man, but not before the Orc blade found flesh.
The soldier gripped his arm, blood dripping down toward his fingers as Legolas battled the Orc. He was larger and stronger than most, and several times the dagger came too close for the Elf's comfort. Slowly he led the Orc away from the young human. He stumbled to his feet seconds before dodging another oncoming blow.
Behind him he heard the heavy steps of another foul creature, and ducked mere seconds before a blade passed through the air, right where his head had been. He ducked out of the way of the next two blades, sliding down the hill, careful to keep his balance.
The two Orcs followed greedily, and a third to his own dismay. The hatred Orcs had for Elves was so strong that they often of times sought out Elves as targets, unless of course they were in groups. //But I was not// Legolas thought to himself, //I am alone//
The thought brought little fear. He had been in worse situations before, and had gotten out alive, but badly wounded. Legolas' scrunched his face, //positive thoughts// he reminded himself, bringing his duel Elven blades up to face them.
He ducked as the first blow came, stabbing his swords forward at the foul beast. But somehow the creature avoided the deathly blow. Legolas scowled as he moved backwards with an easy flip. This was going to be harder than he thought. At the same moment two blades slashed toward him, one towards his feet, the other towards his left side. He spun right, jumping over the lower blade, burying his own blade in the neck of one, felling the Orc in place.
Now there were only two left, both advanced without fear. Legolas pushed aside his thoughts as he jumped up onto a fallen log, positioning himself to the side of the creatures. He stepped to his right, then quickly retreated and jumped forward. Fooling both the Orcs with his maneuver his blade found flesh easily.
He ducked as the last Orc swung at him, dancing backwards as another blow came by, grazing his tunic. He twirled the duel Elven blades in his hands as he dodged yet another fierce swing. He was running out of room, the ground behind him started to rise again, and he realized dimly that he had turned around, and was being forced up the hill. He would lose the advantage as his opponent gained one. He moved to his left, trying to slide past the Orc, but jumped back as the blade slashed toward his chest. Moving to his right proved useless as well.
"You are fleet footed for your kind," Legolas grunted as he blocked an oncoming blow. "I must say you surprise me."
The Orc laughed cruelly, swinging an open fist toward the Elf. "More than you know," he snarled.
As Legolas ducked from the fist the Orc brought the blade with a fierce swing, smashing the dull edge into the side of the Elf's head. A sharp cry echoed through the forest as the scalpel made contact, splitting his temple open. Legolas stumbled, dropping a blade to press a hand to the open wound.
Legolas' vision wavered as the Orc grabbed him roughly by the arm, pulling him dangerously close to the scalpel. With a frantic attempt Legolas brought his free hand up, connecting with the Orc's chin, the small blow enabling him to scoot away.
Groping around in his hazy vision Legolas found his other blade. Pushing away the pain he staggered to his feet. He stumbled again, the darkness threatening to take him away. A swift kick to his stomach dropped him back to his hands and knees, added pain shot through his abdomen as he tried to breathe. A thick hand twisted in his hair, forcefully jerking his head up.
The cold steel of the blade pressed against his throat, and through his blurred vision he could see the Orcs yellow teeth lined up in a satanic grin as darkness began to overcome. "You are mine Elf," he spat, pressing the blade harder into his flesh.
"Agaryulnaer" Legoals whispered, then a smile crossed his lips. "Gurth gothrim lye! Gurth gothrim Tel'Quessir! Gurth glamhothrim!" Legolas yelled even as darkness claimed him.
-('Blood-sucker' 'Death to our foes! Death to the foes of Elves! Death to the Orcs!')-
*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn swung his sword swiftly as the Orcs and wolves continued to attack. He fell one after another, but still they came in numbers. An Orc fell against him, causing him to stumble. He turned around to defend himself, but the Orc already lay dead. Arrgralo straitened up, wiping off the black blood that coated the blade.
"Come, they are destroying the city," he told him breathlessly.
Aragorn nodded and followed his lead. A line of warriors had been able to form a wall in front of the city, protecting their people even as they fell. Aragorn caught sight of his Elven brothers fighting not too far off. They seemed to be ahead of the game as the moved through the twisted maze of Orcs and wolves, fighting both of easily as arrows flew from their bows.
Soon they would have to retreat to their swords, he noted as he saw their quivers running low. He scanned the other side of the terrain as he ran along the rugged ground. He slowed when he did not spot Legolas, turning around behind him to see where the Elf may be.
Arrgralo stopped to look at him, and Aragorn answered the unasked question. "Legolas, I cannot find him."
"Many are lost in battle, we have no time!" Arrgralo told him, turning away from him.
Aragorn growled but said no more, Legolas was alive, he knew. Elves did not fall easily in battle. He swung his sword up as a wolf lunged at him, stopping the creature in its tracks, The memories of the wolves resurfaced in his mind, the way they worked, the way they planned.
Aragorn and Arrgralo now were deep in battle, trying to drive away the foul creatures from the city, as the people inside were slowly gaining advantage of the fires that threatened their homes. Here was the thickest group of Orcs and wolves, attacking whatever moved. It was hard to move, being so close together. Sometimes Aragorn couldn't tell who was who until it was almost too late.
Arrgralo pressed against the wall, barely avoiding the teeth of another wolf before felling it in place. He leaned against the wall, catching his breath for only a moment. He was about to lunge out again, but a soft sound caught his attention. Turning he placed a hand on the wall, watching quietly as the battle raged on behind him. He pulled away suddenly, catching Aragorn by the arm, dragging him along.
"Get away from the wall," Arrgralo shouted in warning as he and Aragorn jumped in last effort to get away.
Aragorn rolled onto his back and watched as the wall cracked at the base, falling over quickly. With a heavy thud it landed on the ground, crushing all its victims underneath it. Shards of rock and brick flew out cutting into their faces lightly. Aragorn shook his head, brushing away the stray derbies.
"How?"
"The town's old, these walls were ready to fall years ago. They can't withstand all that hammering and pounding that was done by the fighting. They were to close to it, hoping to get in through the corner. It turned on them."
Aragorn nodded, his gaze sweeping around the area. "We have the advantage. That wiped out most of them," he remarked quietly.
Arrgralo followed his gaze. "You are right," he said, trying to catch his breath. "Let us finish this fight."
*~*~*~*
The last of the wolves were finished off quickly as the last few Orc retreated. Few tried to follow, but were stopped, the others convincing them that it was in vain. Elladan and Elrohir sheathed their swords; their arrows spent some time ago. They joined Aragorn over by the entrance to the city, which now lay mostly in ruins, the wives and children picking up stray items that had survived the attack.
The fallen of their own were placed together, while the Orcs and wolves were burned in a pile not too far away. Arrgralo joined the three of them near the entrance.
"Our dead will be buried when we get ourselves together. If another attack is planned I don't think it will be for a while."
"I don't think there is another. That looked like the whole lot. Hadrian and Diomedes sure went through a lot for this."
"Diomedes?" Arrgralo questioned.
Aragorn nodded. Elrohir turned to him.
"You know him?"
"He's in our tales that we speak of, none of them of good. He's a Demon, from long ago. The tales claim that he wanders these woods, searching for unsuspecting souls to bend to his will, and make them his slaves. If you did meet him face to face, then be grateful you still walk free."
"I doubt it. Legolas would have known if he was. . ." his voice trailed off.
He searched the terrain quickly. "Elladan, Elrohir, where is Legolas?"
"I didn't see him in battle," Elladan said, worry building in his voice.
"Neither did I," Elrohir added.
The four of them scanned the forest around them, unaware of the man that came up behind them. "Legolas, your Elf friend, the fair haired one, is that the one you speak of?"
Aragorn turned and nodded. Arrgralo laid a hand on the young man's shoulder. His left arm was bandaged, bruises ran across his face, but he seemed fine other than that.
"Do you know something Talen?"
He nodded. "Last I saw him he was over by the hill, leading the Orcs away from me. He saved my life."
"Yes, well he seems to be doing a lot of that lately," Elladan muttered, already headed for the direction he had showed.
Elrohir and Aragorn were not far behind. For a moment Arrgralo was tempted to follow, but decided against it, fearing the worst, yet hoping for the best.
*~*~*~*
He could hear his name being called, but it was faint, as if a dream. For a moment he thought it was a dream, but the light shining in his eyes told him it was not. With a groan he opened his eyes, the blurry vision still clouding his eyes.
It was then he realized that something was on top of him, weighing him down so that he could not move. Wiping the blood from his eyes he turned to see the Orc lying on top of him, unmoving. With a cautious touch he discovered that it was dead.
Laying his head back down a groan escaped his throat. //But how?// he thought to himself. Things didn't make sense. He rubbed his neck gently, feeling the small cut that ran along his throat, shivering slightly at the thought of how close he came to dying. Opening his eyes slowly he listened closely, it was quiet, and he wondered how long he had been out, thinking that the battle must be over, due to the silence.
He closed his eyes once again, breathing softly, trying to calm the raging pain within his head. He was about to rub it once more, but at that moment something warm and wet touched his cut. Flinching back Legolas opened his eyes to stare directly into that of a wolf's.
Alarmed he threw his hands up, trying to shoo the wolf away, only to stop a moment later. He lay he his head back down, breathing in a deep sigh of relief. The young wolf dropped to a crouch, scooting forward so his nose lay on the Elf's neck, licking his chin. Legolas softly stroked his white fur, running a hand along the red blood that stained his leg. "Nieninque, you saved me," Legolas said quietly as he drifted slowly back into the darkness.
This was the way the others found him, still weighed down by the large Orc, the young wolf pup lay curled up by the Elf's head, every once in a while lifting his head up to clean the blood from his face. He turned yellow eyes on the Elves and the human as they approached.
"Legolas," Elladan said softly, kneeling besides the fallen Elf. He gently pushed Nieninque to the side, quickly checking the Elf's vitals. "He lives," he told the others, brushing the hair from the Elf's face.
Elrohir captured Nieninque in grasp, checking the wound on his leg where the Orc blade had caught him. "Looks like he took down one of his own," he mentioned, running a hand over it as the pup struggled in his grasp.
Aragorn moved over to help Elladan pull off the deceased Orc, lifting Legolas between the two of them. Moving carefully over the hill Aragorn laughed inwardly.
"And, pray tell, what is so humorous?" Elladan asked him harshly.
"Just thinking of all the stuff I'm going to have to explain to father."
Elrohir laughed behind them, still holding the struggling wolf. "He isn't going to be very happy."
"Indeed not."
*~*~*~*
Aragorn lay sleeping soundly on the small bed, buried under the covers as the sun began to rise, hiding from the light. They would have offered him a larger bed, but it was all the people of Askverba had since most was lost during the blaze.
Suddenly the door swung open with a bang, and Aragorn groaned as he burrowed deeper into his covers. He was sure it was one of his brothers.
"Come along Strider, get up! The day is here, and we'll be leaving by noon."
Strider sat up, pulling the covers from his head. "Legolas?" he questioned. "What are you doing up?"
The Elf still no longer wore a bandaged around his head, the cut nearly healed. He had received a concussion from the blow, and had been warned to take it easy. Now seeing the elf nearly prancing around the room, obviously enjoying waking the human from his sleep, he doubted Legolas had listened to the warning.
"The sun has already risen hours ago, wake up! Get out of that bed. . .human," Legolas added with a wicked smile, knowing how Aragorn hated to be called that.
Aragorn growled, "You'll regret that Elf, some day," he said with a sigh lying back down with a yawn.
"Well?" Legolas questioned.
"Get out then, let me get dressed. Since it's obvious that you won't let me sleep anymore"
"Of course not, it's time to rise," Legolas stated as he slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him. Aragorn shook his head as he slid out of bed. He dressed quickly and soon found himself outside with the others. Elrohir sat on the dusty ground, holding Nieninque in his lap.
It had taken a while to convince the villagers that he was indeed harmless, and the fact that there were more wolf pups held captive had been taken in concern. Arrgralo was also worried about Diomedes, the fact that the Demon could be real, but the twins had convinced him that it more in likely was someone claiming be such a thing.
"We would have known if he was real, the power of a Demon is deathly dark," Elladan stated.
Arrgralo nodded. "The wolf pups will be released and taken to neighboring cities. I'm sure we can find homes for them all. They are in a good stage right now," Arrgralo added with a smile as Elrohir wrestled with the young wolf pup.
"King Terrican would like to thank you in person, but he is busy with other issues, we've lost most of our homes and he's been seeing to those that need help, I hope you understand."
Elladan nodded. "Certainly, you have a wonderful leader who is willing to help so much, especially in the time of need. You should be grateful."
Arrgralo nodded, "I am my young friends."
Elrohir snorted at the comment but Arrgralo ignored him.
"It is time we must be leaving, we have tarried long enough," Legolas said quietly. "We thank you for all you have done, some of us may have not survived."
Arrgralo nodded. "The same goes for all of you as well, hope your passage home is safe. You are always welcomed here."
THE END
Whew, it's finally finished, my next story wont start until I have finished writing it first, so I won't get behind on updating. I'll try and finish it as soon as I can, but I really have no idea on when it will be finished.
Tomorrow Brings Another Day
When a fire traps Aragorn and Legolas in a cave, the two must struggle to find a way to survive, but after days pass Legolas grows more and more agitated, and Aragorn must find out why, and what he can do to help. Even as the days pass by, they must remember that tomorrow brings another day.
Second, I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry for not getting this out sooner, as a few of you know, I got sick for a time period, pretty sick actually, couldn't do much more than sleep and drink water so typing was definitely out of the question. But after missing a week of school I got to catch up on all my work, and since it was the first week of the new quarter I missed a whole bunch of notes and had no clue of what was going on. I'm still making stuff up, even now.
But anyway, those are my excuses, whether or not you like them. Well, onto reviews
Carrie-n-Emmithar-
Hey look at that, I'm responding to myself! Actually, no, it's Carrie, so don't look at me weird. LOL Carrie, settle down, no you cannot have the chapter, I don't think my reviewers will be happy if you take it. You're me? Boy, your personality is split, isn't it? Here you have snow, hope you stay warm.
Elladan-
Glad you like it, and it was a long update, I normally don't take this long but I had other things to deal with/ Thanks for reviewing
Smeagol-
No you may not kill Legolas. If you do I'll assign you to a lifetime sentence of physic lab!!! HAHAHAHA, So beware.
Legolas is not for sale! So you can't buy him, even when you conquer the world, sorry! Go buy Smeagol, and Gollum. Get that split personality there you would!
JediKnightBalthasar-
Both you and Smeagol are over this Legolas vrs. Aragorn thing aren't you?
Nieninque helping out is not a bad idea, I think you'll be surprised in this chapter. But remember with all the other wolves out there being taken care of, he may accidentally get killed, and that wouldn't be good.
*Snickers*, I love Legolas, he has such a cocky attitude. Who would put up with it? Well, I'm sure most wouldn't, but hey, what can Aragorn do?
Actually, I've never seen Alice in Wonderland. I got the idea of being stuck in a rabbit hole from Winne the Pooh, when Pooh Bear gets stuck in Rabbit's hole. Really pathetic I know. Humor is not one of my best qualities.
That line "No one is going to kill anyone", took a while to come up with actually. But yes, I can picture Elrond saying it.
Don't worry about Nieninque, he's back this chappie.
IllegalSmugglers, shame upon you two, you shouldn't smuggle anything illegal. . .well maybe, it depends. . .
Belothien-
New Round huh? I still have the same small route, but I get a lot of money. Mostly from tips. I made $70 this X-mas in tips alone! Isn't that great?
Don't wear his name out!!!!!!!!!
It's good to know you won't be mad at me, and I won't be mad at you for waiting so long to update yours! Hurry up with another chapter!!!
Anita-
They are going to Askeverba, Azscverbae was the city they were in before, with all the wolves. But don't worry, they are supposed to confuse people. Remember Aragorn and the map?
Keep braiding, you're doing a great job. And don't worry, even though this chapter is the last doesn't mean that it is over. There is another story coming up!
ThE iNsAnE oNe-
Back up story, well I hadn't planned on it, but I suppose, when I have time that is. I still need to read chapter 2 of Inside the Beast, I didn't realize it was going to be more than one chapter, good thing I checked on you, huh? I'll read when I can, not tonight, to late!
Ellewyn Greenleaf-
Yes, Nieninque has been quite popular, go to think of it I do all that work on the characters and a little wolf pup gets the spotlight. . . go figure. FINALS!!!!!!!! DIE!!!!!!!!!! Okay, so you can see I hate them as well. Thanks for the review!!
ONTO THE STORY!!!!!
Chapter 20: The Turn of the Tide
Orcs. The night air was shattered with the all too familiar cries. Things happened all too quickly afterwards, fear could be smelt easily, shining deeply in the eyes of the men, who were no more than boys. They clutched their swords, drawing them halfway from their belts. Legolas and the others quickly found themselves armed as Arrgralo tossed them back their weapons.
"Let us move, we will avoid a quarrel if we can," Arrgralo shouted to his men.
"You cannot outrun a band of Orcs," Elladan said fiercely. "You will only lead them to the city."
"They will attack sooner or later, and we are not nearly prepared enough to fight now. We must get word to Askverba. Let us make haste," Arrgralo called back, sprinting forward.
Legolas cursed, shaking his head. The fool of a human was leading them strait into a trap. "Stay! You are headed strait for them!"
Arrgralo skidded to a stop. For a moment he didn't move, and no one else behind dared to do no more than breathe. "They have already started," he whispered.
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged uneasy glances. Aragorn stepped up behind him, clutching his sword. It seemed as if time itself was frozen, then suddenly one of the men sprung forward, sword held high.
"For the city!" he cried. The act was not lost on the others, who quickly sprang into action after him, repeating the same cry.
Arrgralo stood for a moment shocked, then a smile split his lips as he started into a swift jog after them.
The four were left behind, forgotten in the moment of attack. Legolas stepped up beside the twins, exchanging glances with them.
"What do we do?" Elrohir asked quietly.
"I for one have never abandoned someone in the time of need," Legolas remarked.
"This isn't someone, it's a city," Elrohir reminded him.
"Legolas is right, if we can help, let us do so," Aragorn said, running lightly after the other men.
"Strider, get back here," Legolas yelled at him as the human disappeared over the hill. He took pursuit after him, the twins only moments behind him, their steps falling behind his.
At the top, Legolas paused only a moment to gaze at the city before him, a larger city than Azscverbae. A large wall lined the city on three sides; the front lie open, taking on most of the damage as the numerous Orcs attacked.
Attached to chains were the wolves, fully-grown and tortured into fighting machines. Their lethal jaws snapped at open air as the slowly drug the Orcs along until they were released. Cries split the air as the wolves found flesh, and shouts of surprise and alarm followed as torches lit house on fire, the dry wood burning easily.
Legolas scanned the terrain quickly, searching for Aragorn. He spotted the young human, already engaged in battle with several Orcs. He was quick, and so far luck had been on his side, but Legolas doubted that would last much longer.
He made his way down the hill, stabbing one of his Elven blades deep inside the chest of an Orc, dropping him in place. He knew that Elladan and Elrohir had already split up, slowly picking off the Orcs one by one not too far off to his side. Their numbers were overwhelming. More than he count before losing his head. The same number of wolves, or more, could be seen, their white coats contrasting sharply with the Orcs.
The smell of smoke hung in the air as the city slowly burned. Frantic villagers tried their best to put the flames out, but without a nearby river, they were at loss. Legolas spun out of the way of an advancing Orc blade, plunging his own into the back of another.
He brought it out quickly, turning to face the Orc, dropping it moments later with a swift blow. In a few more steps he had reached Aragorn, helping to dispatch the last few Orcs that remained. No sooner had they finished than a group of wolves moved in on them, wasting no time as they pounced on the prey before them.
In two swift swipes Legolas had dropped two, Aragorn cut another beside him, leaving only two left. However the wolves lost interest and sped quickly away before another move was to be made. Making his way closer to the town Legolas clutched his dagger tightly, wishing he had his bow. It would be more useful in such a situation as this.
Screams echoed through the air as the wolves began to press deeper into the city. Desperate soldiers raced to defend their loved ones, fear building with each breath of what may come in the end. Legolas' sharp Elven ears caught the faint sound of a familiar cry, and turned to see one of the soldiers stumble as an Orc blade swipe toward him.
Already he was moving, even as the human stumbled out of the way, barely blocking the next blow with a feeble swing. With a small leap Legolas landed in front of the young man, but not before the Orc blade found flesh.
The soldier gripped his arm, blood dripping down toward his fingers as Legolas battled the Orc. He was larger and stronger than most, and several times the dagger came too close for the Elf's comfort. Slowly he led the Orc away from the young human. He stumbled to his feet seconds before dodging another oncoming blow.
Behind him he heard the heavy steps of another foul creature, and ducked mere seconds before a blade passed through the air, right where his head had been. He ducked out of the way of the next two blades, sliding down the hill, careful to keep his balance.
The two Orcs followed greedily, and a third to his own dismay. The hatred Orcs had for Elves was so strong that they often of times sought out Elves as targets, unless of course they were in groups. //But I was not// Legolas thought to himself, //I am alone//
The thought brought little fear. He had been in worse situations before, and had gotten out alive, but badly wounded. Legolas' scrunched his face, //positive thoughts// he reminded himself, bringing his duel Elven blades up to face them.
He ducked as the first blow came, stabbing his swords forward at the foul beast. But somehow the creature avoided the deathly blow. Legolas scowled as he moved backwards with an easy flip. This was going to be harder than he thought. At the same moment two blades slashed toward him, one towards his feet, the other towards his left side. He spun right, jumping over the lower blade, burying his own blade in the neck of one, felling the Orc in place.
Now there were only two left, both advanced without fear. Legolas pushed aside his thoughts as he jumped up onto a fallen log, positioning himself to the side of the creatures. He stepped to his right, then quickly retreated and jumped forward. Fooling both the Orcs with his maneuver his blade found flesh easily.
He ducked as the last Orc swung at him, dancing backwards as another blow came by, grazing his tunic. He twirled the duel Elven blades in his hands as he dodged yet another fierce swing. He was running out of room, the ground behind him started to rise again, and he realized dimly that he had turned around, and was being forced up the hill. He would lose the advantage as his opponent gained one. He moved to his left, trying to slide past the Orc, but jumped back as the blade slashed toward his chest. Moving to his right proved useless as well.
"You are fleet footed for your kind," Legolas grunted as he blocked an oncoming blow. "I must say you surprise me."
The Orc laughed cruelly, swinging an open fist toward the Elf. "More than you know," he snarled.
As Legolas ducked from the fist the Orc brought the blade with a fierce swing, smashing the dull edge into the side of the Elf's head. A sharp cry echoed through the forest as the scalpel made contact, splitting his temple open. Legolas stumbled, dropping a blade to press a hand to the open wound.
Legolas' vision wavered as the Orc grabbed him roughly by the arm, pulling him dangerously close to the scalpel. With a frantic attempt Legolas brought his free hand up, connecting with the Orc's chin, the small blow enabling him to scoot away.
Groping around in his hazy vision Legolas found his other blade. Pushing away the pain he staggered to his feet. He stumbled again, the darkness threatening to take him away. A swift kick to his stomach dropped him back to his hands and knees, added pain shot through his abdomen as he tried to breathe. A thick hand twisted in his hair, forcefully jerking his head up.
The cold steel of the blade pressed against his throat, and through his blurred vision he could see the Orcs yellow teeth lined up in a satanic grin as darkness began to overcome. "You are mine Elf," he spat, pressing the blade harder into his flesh.
"Agaryulnaer" Legoals whispered, then a smile crossed his lips. "Gurth gothrim lye! Gurth gothrim Tel'Quessir! Gurth glamhothrim!" Legolas yelled even as darkness claimed him.
-('Blood-sucker' 'Death to our foes! Death to the foes of Elves! Death to the Orcs!')-
*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn swung his sword swiftly as the Orcs and wolves continued to attack. He fell one after another, but still they came in numbers. An Orc fell against him, causing him to stumble. He turned around to defend himself, but the Orc already lay dead. Arrgralo straitened up, wiping off the black blood that coated the blade.
"Come, they are destroying the city," he told him breathlessly.
Aragorn nodded and followed his lead. A line of warriors had been able to form a wall in front of the city, protecting their people even as they fell. Aragorn caught sight of his Elven brothers fighting not too far off. They seemed to be ahead of the game as the moved through the twisted maze of Orcs and wolves, fighting both of easily as arrows flew from their bows.
Soon they would have to retreat to their swords, he noted as he saw their quivers running low. He scanned the other side of the terrain as he ran along the rugged ground. He slowed when he did not spot Legolas, turning around behind him to see where the Elf may be.
Arrgralo stopped to look at him, and Aragorn answered the unasked question. "Legolas, I cannot find him."
"Many are lost in battle, we have no time!" Arrgralo told him, turning away from him.
Aragorn growled but said no more, Legolas was alive, he knew. Elves did not fall easily in battle. He swung his sword up as a wolf lunged at him, stopping the creature in its tracks, The memories of the wolves resurfaced in his mind, the way they worked, the way they planned.
Aragorn and Arrgralo now were deep in battle, trying to drive away the foul creatures from the city, as the people inside were slowly gaining advantage of the fires that threatened their homes. Here was the thickest group of Orcs and wolves, attacking whatever moved. It was hard to move, being so close together. Sometimes Aragorn couldn't tell who was who until it was almost too late.
Arrgralo pressed against the wall, barely avoiding the teeth of another wolf before felling it in place. He leaned against the wall, catching his breath for only a moment. He was about to lunge out again, but a soft sound caught his attention. Turning he placed a hand on the wall, watching quietly as the battle raged on behind him. He pulled away suddenly, catching Aragorn by the arm, dragging him along.
"Get away from the wall," Arrgralo shouted in warning as he and Aragorn jumped in last effort to get away.
Aragorn rolled onto his back and watched as the wall cracked at the base, falling over quickly. With a heavy thud it landed on the ground, crushing all its victims underneath it. Shards of rock and brick flew out cutting into their faces lightly. Aragorn shook his head, brushing away the stray derbies.
"How?"
"The town's old, these walls were ready to fall years ago. They can't withstand all that hammering and pounding that was done by the fighting. They were to close to it, hoping to get in through the corner. It turned on them."
Aragorn nodded, his gaze sweeping around the area. "We have the advantage. That wiped out most of them," he remarked quietly.
Arrgralo followed his gaze. "You are right," he said, trying to catch his breath. "Let us finish this fight."
*~*~*~*
The last of the wolves were finished off quickly as the last few Orc retreated. Few tried to follow, but were stopped, the others convincing them that it was in vain. Elladan and Elrohir sheathed their swords; their arrows spent some time ago. They joined Aragorn over by the entrance to the city, which now lay mostly in ruins, the wives and children picking up stray items that had survived the attack.
The fallen of their own were placed together, while the Orcs and wolves were burned in a pile not too far away. Arrgralo joined the three of them near the entrance.
"Our dead will be buried when we get ourselves together. If another attack is planned I don't think it will be for a while."
"I don't think there is another. That looked like the whole lot. Hadrian and Diomedes sure went through a lot for this."
"Diomedes?" Arrgralo questioned.
Aragorn nodded. Elrohir turned to him.
"You know him?"
"He's in our tales that we speak of, none of them of good. He's a Demon, from long ago. The tales claim that he wanders these woods, searching for unsuspecting souls to bend to his will, and make them his slaves. If you did meet him face to face, then be grateful you still walk free."
"I doubt it. Legolas would have known if he was. . ." his voice trailed off.
He searched the terrain quickly. "Elladan, Elrohir, where is Legolas?"
"I didn't see him in battle," Elladan said, worry building in his voice.
"Neither did I," Elrohir added.
The four of them scanned the forest around them, unaware of the man that came up behind them. "Legolas, your Elf friend, the fair haired one, is that the one you speak of?"
Aragorn turned and nodded. Arrgralo laid a hand on the young man's shoulder. His left arm was bandaged, bruises ran across his face, but he seemed fine other than that.
"Do you know something Talen?"
He nodded. "Last I saw him he was over by the hill, leading the Orcs away from me. He saved my life."
"Yes, well he seems to be doing a lot of that lately," Elladan muttered, already headed for the direction he had showed.
Elrohir and Aragorn were not far behind. For a moment Arrgralo was tempted to follow, but decided against it, fearing the worst, yet hoping for the best.
*~*~*~*
He could hear his name being called, but it was faint, as if a dream. For a moment he thought it was a dream, but the light shining in his eyes told him it was not. With a groan he opened his eyes, the blurry vision still clouding his eyes.
It was then he realized that something was on top of him, weighing him down so that he could not move. Wiping the blood from his eyes he turned to see the Orc lying on top of him, unmoving. With a cautious touch he discovered that it was dead.
Laying his head back down a groan escaped his throat. //But how?// he thought to himself. Things didn't make sense. He rubbed his neck gently, feeling the small cut that ran along his throat, shivering slightly at the thought of how close he came to dying. Opening his eyes slowly he listened closely, it was quiet, and he wondered how long he had been out, thinking that the battle must be over, due to the silence.
He closed his eyes once again, breathing softly, trying to calm the raging pain within his head. He was about to rub it once more, but at that moment something warm and wet touched his cut. Flinching back Legolas opened his eyes to stare directly into that of a wolf's.
Alarmed he threw his hands up, trying to shoo the wolf away, only to stop a moment later. He lay he his head back down, breathing in a deep sigh of relief. The young wolf dropped to a crouch, scooting forward so his nose lay on the Elf's neck, licking his chin. Legolas softly stroked his white fur, running a hand along the red blood that stained his leg. "Nieninque, you saved me," Legolas said quietly as he drifted slowly back into the darkness.
This was the way the others found him, still weighed down by the large Orc, the young wolf pup lay curled up by the Elf's head, every once in a while lifting his head up to clean the blood from his face. He turned yellow eyes on the Elves and the human as they approached.
"Legolas," Elladan said softly, kneeling besides the fallen Elf. He gently pushed Nieninque to the side, quickly checking the Elf's vitals. "He lives," he told the others, brushing the hair from the Elf's face.
Elrohir captured Nieninque in grasp, checking the wound on his leg where the Orc blade had caught him. "Looks like he took down one of his own," he mentioned, running a hand over it as the pup struggled in his grasp.
Aragorn moved over to help Elladan pull off the deceased Orc, lifting Legolas between the two of them. Moving carefully over the hill Aragorn laughed inwardly.
"And, pray tell, what is so humorous?" Elladan asked him harshly.
"Just thinking of all the stuff I'm going to have to explain to father."
Elrohir laughed behind them, still holding the struggling wolf. "He isn't going to be very happy."
"Indeed not."
*~*~*~*
Aragorn lay sleeping soundly on the small bed, buried under the covers as the sun began to rise, hiding from the light. They would have offered him a larger bed, but it was all the people of Askverba had since most was lost during the blaze.
Suddenly the door swung open with a bang, and Aragorn groaned as he burrowed deeper into his covers. He was sure it was one of his brothers.
"Come along Strider, get up! The day is here, and we'll be leaving by noon."
Strider sat up, pulling the covers from his head. "Legolas?" he questioned. "What are you doing up?"
The Elf still no longer wore a bandaged around his head, the cut nearly healed. He had received a concussion from the blow, and had been warned to take it easy. Now seeing the elf nearly prancing around the room, obviously enjoying waking the human from his sleep, he doubted Legolas had listened to the warning.
"The sun has already risen hours ago, wake up! Get out of that bed. . .human," Legolas added with a wicked smile, knowing how Aragorn hated to be called that.
Aragorn growled, "You'll regret that Elf, some day," he said with a sigh lying back down with a yawn.
"Well?" Legolas questioned.
"Get out then, let me get dressed. Since it's obvious that you won't let me sleep anymore"
"Of course not, it's time to rise," Legolas stated as he slipped out of the room, closing the door behind him. Aragorn shook his head as he slid out of bed. He dressed quickly and soon found himself outside with the others. Elrohir sat on the dusty ground, holding Nieninque in his lap.
It had taken a while to convince the villagers that he was indeed harmless, and the fact that there were more wolf pups held captive had been taken in concern. Arrgralo was also worried about Diomedes, the fact that the Demon could be real, but the twins had convinced him that it more in likely was someone claiming be such a thing.
"We would have known if he was real, the power of a Demon is deathly dark," Elladan stated.
Arrgralo nodded. "The wolf pups will be released and taken to neighboring cities. I'm sure we can find homes for them all. They are in a good stage right now," Arrgralo added with a smile as Elrohir wrestled with the young wolf pup.
"King Terrican would like to thank you in person, but he is busy with other issues, we've lost most of our homes and he's been seeing to those that need help, I hope you understand."
Elladan nodded. "Certainly, you have a wonderful leader who is willing to help so much, especially in the time of need. You should be grateful."
Arrgralo nodded, "I am my young friends."
Elrohir snorted at the comment but Arrgralo ignored him.
"It is time we must be leaving, we have tarried long enough," Legolas said quietly. "We thank you for all you have done, some of us may have not survived."
Arrgralo nodded. "The same goes for all of you as well, hope your passage home is safe. You are always welcomed here."
THE END
Whew, it's finally finished, my next story wont start until I have finished writing it first, so I won't get behind on updating. I'll try and finish it as soon as I can, but I really have no idea on when it will be finished.
Tomorrow Brings Another Day
When a fire traps Aragorn and Legolas in a cave, the two must struggle to find a way to survive, but after days pass Legolas grows more and more agitated, and Aragorn must find out why, and what he can do to help. Even as the days pass by, they must remember that tomorrow brings another day.