Here is another chapter! Thank you again for all the great comments! This
is my favourite chapter so far; I hope I have the emotions correct. I hope
you like it too!!
*
"Twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty." The numbers were repeated across the trees as the elves counted arrows, handing them out to the elven archers who tested them with their bows before moving to their assigned positions. Azian and Legolas walked through the trees watching the preparations for the upcoming battle. The elves expressions were determined and resolute, Legolas sensed fear among them but it was fading as the battle approached. They would die but they would take as many as possible with them, the adrenaline was beginning to flow.
Azian and Legolas walked towards the clearing where the horses were gathered.
"My Princes." A voice called. Rimmal approached them. Legolas smiled at him. He was one of the longest serving warrior captains of Mirkwood and Legolas was so grateful he had survived. The duo stopped and waited for him to reach them.
"I have something I need to talk to you about." He said rising from the bow.
"Concerning?" Azian asked. Legolas looked at Azian in surprise at the commanding tone, much had changed since his capture. Azian used to shy away from command just like he did. He was now beginning to realise what the cost of this had been on his brother. He had had to take command in a desperate situation and it seemed to Legolas that his innocence had been lost, but Legolas mused so had all who had to face this fight.
"Something your father once showed me before your births. It was when the darkness looked like it would take our realm; he told me that if he died and the fight was desperate enough I was to give them to his sons."
"What?" Legolas asked curious.
"I will show you, follow me." Rimmal said. The brothers looked at each other and shrugged before following the captain.
The trio walked into a clearing. Rimmal walked up to a rocky outcrop and disappeared.
"Right.I think I have finally gone insane." Azian said
"No brother, unless its contagious because I saw the same thing." Legolas responded walking up to the place where Rimmal had disappeared. Reaching out a hand he touched the rock, it felt like rock. Opening his mouth to note his observations he felt a hand clasp his wrist and pull him forward.
"By the Valor." He exclaimed as Azian appeared behind him. Rimmal stood with a large smile on his face.
"Sometimes I am reminded that you are mere elflings." Rimmal jested and laughed as Azian's mouth fell open. Legolas just shook his head well aware of Rimmal's jesting after having served for years under his command.
After the few seconds of mirth Rimmal sobered.
"Follow me." He commanded and he disappeared further into the cave. The brothers followed. They entered a dully-lit cavern and halted in amazement. On the wall in front of them rested two identical swords. They shone bright silver despite the darkness. Elvish runes promising death to whoever crossed their paths were inscribed on the blades. Rimmal stepped forward and lifted one of the swords off the wall.
"These were your father's and grandfather's swords that they carried in the battle of the Last Alliance. They were only meant to be wielded again when the time was desperate, which I think I can safely say it is now." He handed the first blade to Azian and then passed the other one to Legolas. Both brothers gazed in awe at the blades as they tested the grip.
"I thought that as you would ride out leading us that you should carry them. There is also silver chain mail here and gauntlets. I know we wear no armour but if you fell, despair would be our downfall. I will leave you now." Rimmal backed out leaving the pair alone.
The two stood in silence for a few minutes before placing the swords reverently on the table before them.
Azian walked up to the light armour and lifted it up.
"So light and supple." he whispered as he put them on. Legolas stepped forwards and helped him secure it. Silently the brothers helped each other in turn. Azian watched Legolas grip his hands into fists and then relax them again. He kept casting looks in Azian's direction.
"Speak Legolas." He said softly
"Would you braid my hair?" Legolas whispered. Azian stepped closer and caught Legolas's chin and tilted it to face him. "I.I couldn't do it myself before, my hands shock too much and." Azian smiled and placed a finger to his brother's lips.
"You do not have to ask little brother." Legolas sank into a chair and closed his eyes as he felt Azian smooth his hair out before gently plating the braids. The brother's relished the last quiet moments they would share for a while, not uttering a word but saying everything. Azian moved around to stand in front of Legolas and knelt down.
"I am afraid." Legolas whispered his eyes wide and his face pale. "I do not wish to fall." A tear ran down his face leaving a silver trail.
Azian wiped the tear away. He leant forward until their foreheads touched. "I will not let you fall."
Legolas sighed and closed his eyes.
"They will not take you again. I promise."
"How? How can you promise?" Legolas asked sadly
"Because I am your brother and I will lay down my life to protect you. Anyone out there would. To get to you they will have to go through us all." Azian vowed.
"Kill me." Legolas stated so softly that Azian wasn't sure he had heard correctly.
"If they take me. Kill me. I can withstand no more torment." Legolas said determinedly.
Azian sobbed as tears fell from his face. "I promise Legolas. I promise." Legolas sighed and leant forward. They hugged desperate for assurance of the others presence.
Rimmal cleared his throat softly not wanting to disturb the two princes but knew he had to. After a few seconds they turned to look at him.
"Scouts have sighted an army thousands strong approaching. They will be here by nightfall."
"Thank you Rimmal." Azian said standing up and helping Legolas to his feet.
"Get our horses. We will ride out and talk to the warriors." Azian said. Rimmal nodded and left. Legolas picked up his sword and sheathed it. He secured his bow, quiver and knives onto his back. Azian did the same and they both put on their white cloaks. Azian looked and was amazed at how his brother glowed. His eyes sparkled silver.
"Ready?" Azian asked
"Not really, but the world does not wait for anyone. Let's show them that the vengeance of the wood elves is a terrible thing to behold."
Legolas took a deep breath and they exited the cave. Stood before them was Voronwer and Azian's stallion. Their white coats shone. Both horses were wearing a light saddle and a bit less bridle made of soft white linen. Rimmal walked up to them and bowed.
"We are ready my lord's."
The duo mounted and turned to look at the amassed warriors. So few remained, a hundred tired warriors. Azian nodded at them all and smiled grimly.
"Today is the day where we make our last stand. We will face the dawn victorious or not at all. We must protect the haven. Everyone of you must fight like the brave and powerful warriors that you are. Each one of you have made Mirkwood proud and your sacrifice will not be in vain."
Azian looked at Legolas who nodded.
"You all know what befell me a year ago but the one thing that gave me hope was my memories of Mirkwood and the elves who inhabit it. I believe that you are the bravest of all warriors and today you will live up to that. Tales will be told of your bravery and those in the havens will sing songs about your courage and spirit. I know you will make me proud and I am full of pride to be your prince. You have served Mirkwood valiantly and I know you will continue to do so. Today you will make us proud. Gurth gothrim Tel'Quessir [Death to the foes of the elves]" Legolas said loudly.
The warriors placed their arms across their chests hand over heart in salute. Azian and Legolas turned to face each other.
"Let's go." Azian said.
The two brothers nudged their horses forward and led the troops to the canyon to wait for the dark army.
**
"Gimli." Aragorn said walking up to the dwarf with his horse in tow. They were ready to move off but the dwarf had wondered a few feet away from the group and seemed to be oblivious to everything.
"Gimli." He said again lightly touching his shoulder. The dwarf jumped and quickly turned around.
"Yes." He said
"I have been calling you. We are ready to leave. Are you well?" Aragorn asked concerned with the dwarf's behaviour.
"I am fine Aragorn. Now lets be off. I want to show that dratted elf what I do to pointed eared creatures that run away to place themselves in danger and make us put ourselves in danger trying to rescue him." He snapped gruffly.
Aragorn nodded at Gimli and helped him onto the horse. He had noticed the tear streaks on the dwarfs face but wouldn't say anything about it, knowing the dwarf would gruffly deny everything.
Nudging his horse forward he led the warriors towards Mirkwood.
They made it to the border without so much as sighting a single enemy.
"This was too easy" Eomer commented as they led the horses through the dark trees.
"I know and that worries me." Aragorn replied glancing around.
"Ambush?" Eomer questioned fearfully looking at the trees.
Aragorn shook his head.
"There are so many of these dark creatures that they could easily just kill us now. I fear that they have found a distraction."
"The wood elves?"
"Yes and hope to the Valor I am wrong."
"My lords I have found something." An elf said running up to them. Following the dark haired elf they left the path. A few paces off the path was a clearing and the contents stilled them all. There were over a hundred mounds marked with a single wooden cross at the head of each. Small white flowers covered the grass over each mound and hung on chains between the trees. Aragorn stepped forward but was prevented by a force that stopped him moving forward.
"What is it?" a soldier of Rohan questioned.
"A burial place." An elf said softly "They enchanted it to prevent the orcs from disturbing the burials."
Grief hit Aragorn like a kick to the chest. He gasped out loud and clutched his chest.
"Aragorn." Eomer said concerned as the elves began singing songs of grief so quietly that it sounded like the wind.
"Look." He choked indicating the clearing. "Elves over a hundred elves. Elves aren't meant to die. I caused this." Eomer shook his head frantically.
"No no listen to me. No one caused this except Sauron. The attack would have happened whether we would have been there or not. Elves would still have died. You could not have prevented that."
Aragorn turned unable to look at the haunting sight anymore.
"Do not lose heart Aragorn. We need you. Let's avenge them, make the enemy rue the day that they attacked them. Do not let the grief take you."
Aragorn closed his eyes and took a number of deep breaths to calm himself. The elves finished their songs and now bowed their heads in prayer.
"You are right." He said
Suddenly horns rang through the still air. Orc horns.
"Mount up." Aragorn cried. He took one more look at the clearing and turned back to his horse. Quickly mounting his horse the group took off, ready to aid their allies.
*
"Twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty." The numbers were repeated across the trees as the elves counted arrows, handing them out to the elven archers who tested them with their bows before moving to their assigned positions. Azian and Legolas walked through the trees watching the preparations for the upcoming battle. The elves expressions were determined and resolute, Legolas sensed fear among them but it was fading as the battle approached. They would die but they would take as many as possible with them, the adrenaline was beginning to flow.
Azian and Legolas walked towards the clearing where the horses were gathered.
"My Princes." A voice called. Rimmal approached them. Legolas smiled at him. He was one of the longest serving warrior captains of Mirkwood and Legolas was so grateful he had survived. The duo stopped and waited for him to reach them.
"I have something I need to talk to you about." He said rising from the bow.
"Concerning?" Azian asked. Legolas looked at Azian in surprise at the commanding tone, much had changed since his capture. Azian used to shy away from command just like he did. He was now beginning to realise what the cost of this had been on his brother. He had had to take command in a desperate situation and it seemed to Legolas that his innocence had been lost, but Legolas mused so had all who had to face this fight.
"Something your father once showed me before your births. It was when the darkness looked like it would take our realm; he told me that if he died and the fight was desperate enough I was to give them to his sons."
"What?" Legolas asked curious.
"I will show you, follow me." Rimmal said. The brothers looked at each other and shrugged before following the captain.
The trio walked into a clearing. Rimmal walked up to a rocky outcrop and disappeared.
"Right.I think I have finally gone insane." Azian said
"No brother, unless its contagious because I saw the same thing." Legolas responded walking up to the place where Rimmal had disappeared. Reaching out a hand he touched the rock, it felt like rock. Opening his mouth to note his observations he felt a hand clasp his wrist and pull him forward.
"By the Valor." He exclaimed as Azian appeared behind him. Rimmal stood with a large smile on his face.
"Sometimes I am reminded that you are mere elflings." Rimmal jested and laughed as Azian's mouth fell open. Legolas just shook his head well aware of Rimmal's jesting after having served for years under his command.
After the few seconds of mirth Rimmal sobered.
"Follow me." He commanded and he disappeared further into the cave. The brothers followed. They entered a dully-lit cavern and halted in amazement. On the wall in front of them rested two identical swords. They shone bright silver despite the darkness. Elvish runes promising death to whoever crossed their paths were inscribed on the blades. Rimmal stepped forward and lifted one of the swords off the wall.
"These were your father's and grandfather's swords that they carried in the battle of the Last Alliance. They were only meant to be wielded again when the time was desperate, which I think I can safely say it is now." He handed the first blade to Azian and then passed the other one to Legolas. Both brothers gazed in awe at the blades as they tested the grip.
"I thought that as you would ride out leading us that you should carry them. There is also silver chain mail here and gauntlets. I know we wear no armour but if you fell, despair would be our downfall. I will leave you now." Rimmal backed out leaving the pair alone.
The two stood in silence for a few minutes before placing the swords reverently on the table before them.
Azian walked up to the light armour and lifted it up.
"So light and supple." he whispered as he put them on. Legolas stepped forwards and helped him secure it. Silently the brothers helped each other in turn. Azian watched Legolas grip his hands into fists and then relax them again. He kept casting looks in Azian's direction.
"Speak Legolas." He said softly
"Would you braid my hair?" Legolas whispered. Azian stepped closer and caught Legolas's chin and tilted it to face him. "I.I couldn't do it myself before, my hands shock too much and." Azian smiled and placed a finger to his brother's lips.
"You do not have to ask little brother." Legolas sank into a chair and closed his eyes as he felt Azian smooth his hair out before gently plating the braids. The brother's relished the last quiet moments they would share for a while, not uttering a word but saying everything. Azian moved around to stand in front of Legolas and knelt down.
"I am afraid." Legolas whispered his eyes wide and his face pale. "I do not wish to fall." A tear ran down his face leaving a silver trail.
Azian wiped the tear away. He leant forward until their foreheads touched. "I will not let you fall."
Legolas sighed and closed his eyes.
"They will not take you again. I promise."
"How? How can you promise?" Legolas asked sadly
"Because I am your brother and I will lay down my life to protect you. Anyone out there would. To get to you they will have to go through us all." Azian vowed.
"Kill me." Legolas stated so softly that Azian wasn't sure he had heard correctly.
"If they take me. Kill me. I can withstand no more torment." Legolas said determinedly.
Azian sobbed as tears fell from his face. "I promise Legolas. I promise." Legolas sighed and leant forward. They hugged desperate for assurance of the others presence.
Rimmal cleared his throat softly not wanting to disturb the two princes but knew he had to. After a few seconds they turned to look at him.
"Scouts have sighted an army thousands strong approaching. They will be here by nightfall."
"Thank you Rimmal." Azian said standing up and helping Legolas to his feet.
"Get our horses. We will ride out and talk to the warriors." Azian said. Rimmal nodded and left. Legolas picked up his sword and sheathed it. He secured his bow, quiver and knives onto his back. Azian did the same and they both put on their white cloaks. Azian looked and was amazed at how his brother glowed. His eyes sparkled silver.
"Ready?" Azian asked
"Not really, but the world does not wait for anyone. Let's show them that the vengeance of the wood elves is a terrible thing to behold."
Legolas took a deep breath and they exited the cave. Stood before them was Voronwer and Azian's stallion. Their white coats shone. Both horses were wearing a light saddle and a bit less bridle made of soft white linen. Rimmal walked up to them and bowed.
"We are ready my lord's."
The duo mounted and turned to look at the amassed warriors. So few remained, a hundred tired warriors. Azian nodded at them all and smiled grimly.
"Today is the day where we make our last stand. We will face the dawn victorious or not at all. We must protect the haven. Everyone of you must fight like the brave and powerful warriors that you are. Each one of you have made Mirkwood proud and your sacrifice will not be in vain."
Azian looked at Legolas who nodded.
"You all know what befell me a year ago but the one thing that gave me hope was my memories of Mirkwood and the elves who inhabit it. I believe that you are the bravest of all warriors and today you will live up to that. Tales will be told of your bravery and those in the havens will sing songs about your courage and spirit. I know you will make me proud and I am full of pride to be your prince. You have served Mirkwood valiantly and I know you will continue to do so. Today you will make us proud. Gurth gothrim Tel'Quessir [Death to the foes of the elves]" Legolas said loudly.
The warriors placed their arms across their chests hand over heart in salute. Azian and Legolas turned to face each other.
"Let's go." Azian said.
The two brothers nudged their horses forward and led the troops to the canyon to wait for the dark army.
**
"Gimli." Aragorn said walking up to the dwarf with his horse in tow. They were ready to move off but the dwarf had wondered a few feet away from the group and seemed to be oblivious to everything.
"Gimli." He said again lightly touching his shoulder. The dwarf jumped and quickly turned around.
"Yes." He said
"I have been calling you. We are ready to leave. Are you well?" Aragorn asked concerned with the dwarf's behaviour.
"I am fine Aragorn. Now lets be off. I want to show that dratted elf what I do to pointed eared creatures that run away to place themselves in danger and make us put ourselves in danger trying to rescue him." He snapped gruffly.
Aragorn nodded at Gimli and helped him onto the horse. He had noticed the tear streaks on the dwarfs face but wouldn't say anything about it, knowing the dwarf would gruffly deny everything.
Nudging his horse forward he led the warriors towards Mirkwood.
They made it to the border without so much as sighting a single enemy.
"This was too easy" Eomer commented as they led the horses through the dark trees.
"I know and that worries me." Aragorn replied glancing around.
"Ambush?" Eomer questioned fearfully looking at the trees.
Aragorn shook his head.
"There are so many of these dark creatures that they could easily just kill us now. I fear that they have found a distraction."
"The wood elves?"
"Yes and hope to the Valor I am wrong."
"My lords I have found something." An elf said running up to them. Following the dark haired elf they left the path. A few paces off the path was a clearing and the contents stilled them all. There were over a hundred mounds marked with a single wooden cross at the head of each. Small white flowers covered the grass over each mound and hung on chains between the trees. Aragorn stepped forward but was prevented by a force that stopped him moving forward.
"What is it?" a soldier of Rohan questioned.
"A burial place." An elf said softly "They enchanted it to prevent the orcs from disturbing the burials."
Grief hit Aragorn like a kick to the chest. He gasped out loud and clutched his chest.
"Aragorn." Eomer said concerned as the elves began singing songs of grief so quietly that it sounded like the wind.
"Look." He choked indicating the clearing. "Elves over a hundred elves. Elves aren't meant to die. I caused this." Eomer shook his head frantically.
"No no listen to me. No one caused this except Sauron. The attack would have happened whether we would have been there or not. Elves would still have died. You could not have prevented that."
Aragorn turned unable to look at the haunting sight anymore.
"Do not lose heart Aragorn. We need you. Let's avenge them, make the enemy rue the day that they attacked them. Do not let the grief take you."
Aragorn closed his eyes and took a number of deep breaths to calm himself. The elves finished their songs and now bowed their heads in prayer.
"You are right." He said
Suddenly horns rang through the still air. Orc horns.
"Mount up." Aragorn cried. He took one more look at the clearing and turned back to his horse. Quickly mounting his horse the group took off, ready to aid their allies.