Author's Notes: This is only my second LOTR fic and it has yet to be
proofread by someone other than yours truly so feedback is definitely
welcome but please be kind. Like this story, I have a lot of others that
are work in progress so bear with me. The more reviews and comments I get,
the more I can write and the better the stories will be. Also, some of the
Elvish may be incorrect so I'd appreciate any help there too. This story is
a bit of a mix between book and movie-verse so there may be a few
inconsistencies as well. I call Aragorn Estel or Strider more often here
because I figured that to the Elves he is Estel as he was so named by his
mother (or was it Elrond o.O) But, to Shihaku and other humans he is the
Ranger named Strider. None of these characters save for those obviously not
created by the great Tolkien and since I am not profiting from this story
so don't sue me!
"//..//" denotes Elvish dialogue
Italics denote dream sequences or flashbacks (also Elvish words)
. denotes telepathic dialogue
Synopsis: Set before the Lord of the Rings books. On a hunting trip Legolas discovers an assassination plot for Estel for some humans apparently know he is Aragorn, the true heir of Gondor. But he is betrayed by a fellow Elf and as he rushes to warn his friend, he encounters a Ranger's aid who has more secrets hidden even from the Ranger herself. Will Legolas make it to Rivendell in time to warn his friend? And even if he does, will that be enough to save Estel?
THE SILVER LIGHT OF A WANING MOON
By Terra Forever
CHAPTER THREE: Climbing Caradhras
Legolas didn't realize that he had fallen asleep until he woke up. For a brief moment, panic gripped him when he did not recognize his surroundings. "Calm yourself for you are safe - just relax and take your rest," came Shihaku's voice, a little softer than usual.
"Where are we? How did we get here?" As he asked his questions, Legolas could feel a throbbing pain in his side suddenly wishing he hadn't woken up; that the next time his eyes would open from a deep healing sleep, he would be at the House of Elrond. But, he knew better. Too many times had he been in similar situations, injured and wishing for the comfort of a warm bed safe and healing. How he's had to comfort his kin when he knew no bed but that of the earth would await them. He took a deep breath to push those sad memories away, which have, on more than one occasion, made him wish Elves had not such clear visions of their pasts to haunt them.
"We're a little further down our path and I carried you." Legolas looked at the dark figure partially hidden in the shadows. "Don't look so surprised Prince Legolas. Have you already forgotten how I saved you the first time?"
"You're a very skilled fighter. None of those men had much of a chance. Although I know that Strider was taught many things by his brothers, I see you must have taught him a few things as well."
Shihaku looked at Legolas. He is more attentive than I gave him credit for, she thought. "Yes. I taught him a few things."
"You must have been the reason he became a Ranger then," the Elf prodded.
"I have no need to tell you anything since you have obviously figured everything out."
Legolas sighed inwardly. "There's nothing wrong with telling me about that. Strider told me a few things but not enough. Though in different ways, he is like kin to me as well. He is a good Man - quite unlike the Men my people have come to tell stories of- and I believe he will make a good King one day should he ever return to his people." The thought of his friend brought a smile to his lips. He turned to Shihaku who gave a nod. "He told me that as a youth he was out in the woods separated from his group when a Ranger saved him from some fell creatures. From then on he became interested in the goals of a Ranger and met with that one Dunedain to learn more. Eventually he realized what future lay ahead of him and fearing what it may mean, he had no qualms when he and his mother made their way to Rivendell. He arrived there already with the goals of becoming a great Ranger. You taught him the basics of fighting and survival." Legolas eyed Shihaku carefully. "How would you have taught him when you seem younger than him? You would still have been a small child."
Shihaku knew what Legolas was getting at. "I am much older than I seem Prince Legolas. Perhaps you can say that I have been blessed with youthful looks. Do not judge everything by what it seems to be alone."
"It seems that I can trust you -but can I really?"
Shihaku moved out of the shadows and leaned toward Legolas, and suddenly her face began to glow under the moonlight. "That, Prince, is up to you. You must decide for yourself who is worthy of your trust."
"Do you trust me?"
Shihaku contemplated a vague response as she normally would reply with, but instead she simply said, "Yes." Standing up, she lifted the hood over her head and left to get food, disappearing into the dark woods.
Legolas lay back. His side ached and he realized that the concoction Shihaku had given him earlier had put him to sleep. She taught Strider much of the healing he knows, although I can imagine Elrond and his sons added more wisdom. "Why do you trust me?" he asked her when she returned with some food. Though she could have hunted at for at least a rabbit or other small animal, she feared to light a fire and signal their whereabouts and gathered only what food did not need cooking.
"Haven't we finished this conversation already?" Shihaku replied, not hiding her annoyance. Legolas did not drop his gaze. You want something to show that you can trust me, she thought. "Because I know you speak the truth about Strider. I can see that you are not my enemy if you are that close." Again Shihaku found herself thinking of what a strong and good ally Strider had made of this Elf and vice-versa.
"Thank you."
"Thank me by eating. You need to keep up your strength. I do not want to carry you anymore than I have to."
Legolas gave in and ate the vegetables and berries Shihaku gathered including the jerky she offered from her pouch. She too ate what she had collected and took a few bites of the rather tasty jerky. He was relieved to finally see her eat more than before just as she was relieved to see him eating. Yet still Shihaku ate less than Legolas thought would be normal for a human.
"We must take the Redhorn Gate," Shihaku announced the next morning as they walked. Though not as swiftly as before due to Legolas' newest injury, they still traveled rather quickly.
"iMani/I(What)?" Legolas exclaimed halting for a moment. "That is folly! The two of us, with what little supplies we have, cannot hope to make it through Caradhras! It is no secret that it despises Elves and humans alike. That mountain has no liking for anything but its own solitude."
Shihaku turned abruptly to him, stopping as well. "If you hope to reach Rivendell before our enemies, this is the most direct route. I am sure they are going around the Misty Mountains especially with those horses so we must go through it. If we do not stop it will be our short cut by two days if not more. It is the fastest route to Rivendell."
Legolas closed his eyes and then nodded slowly. "Very well." He had been to Caradhras before, though not out of free will, and it was not a friendly mountain. At least she had not suggested the Mines of Moria, he thought with some relief.
When the two travelers made it to the base of Caradhras they stopped. "It will be a difficult journey whether or not Caradhras accepts us," said Shihaku looking up the mountain. A slight biting breeze circled them as if to warn the two of what awaited them. "We rest here, Prince and go on at first light. We shall make it ahead of Norvelin." Legolas was barely comforted. He had no idea that Shihaku had passed this way many times before. Caradhras knew her well. While it liked no one, somehow Shihaku's respect for the mountain allowed her safer passage. Though even that did not guarantee a safe journey.
"I would like to push on either way, Shihaku, but I must admit that I am tired," sighed Legolas.
"Let me see your wound again." Shihaku checked the stab wound and pursed her lips. If it was healing there was no sign and she feared that the poison was keeping it from doing so. She had no doubt it was going to be infected even if she cleaned it again and again. If that blasted Elf had not stabbed Legolas a second time with this poison he could have been almost fully healed by now, she thought angrily. "I will get a few more herbs," she said anyway. Shihaku had to try something even if it seemed futile. When she disappeared, Legolas gathered some firewood and by nightfall they were watching their surroundings carefully -neither wanting to sleep.
Shihaku stayed silent and though Legolas was used to this, he felt a sudden urge to sing to lighten the mood between them. Though he did not entirely trust his companion, he did not like the uneasy air between them. If they were to make this journey together, they needed cooperation. But, the Prince knew that even the softest voice could be heard by any Elf in the area -especially a good hunter like Norvelin.
"You should rest and save your anger for later, Prince," Shihaku told him seeing dark clouds in his usually brilliant blue eyes. "The night will be cold here -best get some rest before it affects you."
"I am an Elf, Shihaku, the cold does not bother me."
"Caradhras will make sure it does. It is not winter yet but the mountain will be more than happy to make it seem otherwise."
"I have crossed this path before, I will be fine." Legolas was rather annoyed that this mere human was treating him like a child, a human child at that.
"Yes, but how many of those times were you injured? There is a strange poison in your veins and you are weary. You have not had proper rest and treatment for the wound. Trust me when I say that you will feel the cold tonight. And you will need the strength for tomorrow. We will not stop until we reach the base of the mountain."
"That is more than a day's journey," murmured Legolas. She said earlier that they would not stop but hearing it again knowing for sure they would make that trek brought less than warm thoughts.
"Do you or don't you wish to make it to Rivendell, Prince of Mirkwood?"
"." Always she was questioning his desire, his need, to reach Aragorn and it was beginning to unnerve him, but he knew she did it to urge him on. Legolas eventually gave in to Shihaku's reproaches and decided to get as comfortable as he could but he wondered how a Ranger -even as experienced as Shihaku, could stand through days of Mount Caradhras. Has she no intention of sleeping, he thought. The Ranger did not show any signs of settling down for that night either and Legolas began to wonder about her. There is something odd here -something is not right. He blamed his weakened state for hindering him from discovering the truth. Surely he would have known what was really going on if he was in better conditions.
Shihaku could sense Legolas' uneasy thoughts and knew that he was tired and confused and desperately wanting to help his friend. The Ranger looked up at the stars and the waxing moon hoping it would not hinder their journey. Though she knew that the light of the moon might make for easier travel, it would also make them easier to spot. Shihaku wondered if Legolas would make it through Caradhras with his injury. I could have led us through other paths, but there are darker evils that lie hidden in the unused trails. Nay, we must get to Rivendell before this enemy and Caradhras is the best way. Yet perhaps I should have left him in Lorien and gone ahead with the message. Shihaku knew well the answer to that: Legolas would have gone with or without her. He would not trust anyone with this message but himself. She realized that while Legolas did not trust her entirely, he at least respected her and for that she was grateful.
The next day, Legolas awoke long before dawn. Shihaku still sat at the base of the trunk beside him. He was glad that so far they had not been attacked by any fell creatures during the night. It surprised him though for, especially in Mirkwood, the servants of Sauron were ever ready to attack in the cover of darkness. "I do not expect to fall asleep again, Shihaku. It is best we start now." With a nod they both stood up and Legolas realized that while he was not cold but the wind was uncomfortable. "You have not slept for days - at least not much - and now you are climbing Caradhras like you were fully rested and this mountain a molehill?" he asked her
"I have no time for weariness, Master Elf. As I said before, I've crossed this path many times before - this is a much easier journey than others that I've taken," Shihaku replied. That is not entirely true nor is it entirely a lie, she thought. The wind began to pick up and soon snow began to strike them hard with fury almost making the path before them disappear.
If Legolas' eyesight was not so keen, he would not have noticed the light footsteps of the Ranger in front of him. He knew that Shihaku's footsteps were light for a human in the forest, but he decided that she had been a Ranger for a long time. He thought that after all, she was of slender build, quite unlike the heavier build of her kin so her weight would not allow for heavy footsteps. Now, seeing that she was nearly walking on the snow instead of sinking in it, he began to wonder who she really was.
Shihaku knew that Legolas was watching her and now studying her small imprints in the snow. She tried to lower herself in the white powder as much as she could but to no avail. She was just too light. Now he will think me to be an Elf, she thought. It doesn't matter. When it was becoming obvious that the mountain was not happy to be climbed by either Elf or Ranger, Shihaku stopped and looked up to the peak. " //Caradhras,// " she said into the wind in Elvish, surprising Legolas. "//It is I, Shihaku, Ranger of Middle Earth whom you know well. I know you do not wish to be bothered but we are on an urgent quest. The less you mount your fury against us the sooner we shall cross and leave you be. Know that we have no intention of taking any other path but through you.//"
If not for the fact that he was getting to know Shihaku a little more now than before and that her words echoed his thoughts, he would have thought her mad. She was talking to the Redhorn Gate as if it was but a small obstacle in her path. Her tone was respectful but it was obvious that she cared little for Caradhras' response. Their only other path was through Moria and neither of them had any intention of going there. At first he thought that Caradhras had rejected them but instead the winds died down ever so slightly and he thought he saw Shihaku smile as she walked on.
They continued on and took no rest until the day was more than halfway over and even then they stopped for only a short time under a small out cropping to shelter them from the worst of the elements. Legolas had never seen so much energy in a human before. Aragorn had amazed him with his abilities and his stamina but even then, as a human, he had his limits. Shihaku looked as if she could have gone up and down the mountain twice in one day. Turning away from Shihaku who looked to be deep in thought, Legolas looked out at the mountain before him. The Redhorn was just as deadly and gloomy as he remembered it to be. He was glad that they were making good progress on their journey climbing Caradhras for he was tiring quickly. Of course, it was too good to be true to have a safe journey now.
"Orcs," Legolas muttered hearing the sound of the fell creatures through the howling wind. Already he could see them in the distance eyeing them.
"Not that we should be surprised," muttered Shihaku. They quickened their pace but they were soon being hunted down.
"There are more now than I remembered there to be here-The Darkness has grown." Legolas turned to Shihaku. "I do not know this path as well as you -what do you suggest?" he was already reaching for an arrow.
Shihaku was doing the same, thankful she had stolen one of the hunter's quivers to replenish both Legolas' and her own supply of arrows. "I will open up a path for you. Follow the path of the wind. Caradhras wants us out so it is showing us the way!"
"I'm not leaving you!"
"Foolish Elf! You said yourself that I know my way better than you. I know it better than these Orcs may think they do."
"Shihaku!"
"Go or I will shoot you and then kick you down the other side of the mountain!" Shihaku leveled her arrow at the Prince and he saw that she was serious. "Do you, or don't you want to warn Strider, Master Elf?" She didn't wait for a response. She fired her arrow and let loose as many as she dared for she had few arrows left. Legolas fired a few shots but as he ran through the path that Shihaku was making for him, he was forced to use his knives. Shoving and stabbing Orcs as he ran, he often turned and caught glimpses of Shihaku not too far behind. The wind grew fierce and the snow that Caradhras decided to pour down on them seemed to be the mountain's way of disagreeing of a battle on its grounds. If Legolas was not careful, he could either find himself stabbed by an Orkish blade or falling off the steep slope, neither of which appealed to him.
Shihaku watched in the corner of her eye as Legolas moved but because she was forced to defend herself she could not give him much of a cover, leaving him to be surrounded as well. He will fall if he isn't careful, she thought. He has passed here before but doubtless with a larger group of Elves well equipped for a fight worse than this. I have to admit that despite everything he is holding his own well. There is much strength in you, Legolas Greenleaf. I have a feeling that this tells me Illuvitar has great plans for you. Shihaku's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a spear she was forced to dodge, stealing it form its owner as she moved She danced around her opponents, jumping up and down, knowing well where to place her feet.
The sounds of fighting were barely heard because of the fierce wind. Even the cries of the Orcs as they died or fell from the cliffs were muffled by Caradhras' anger. The mountain was willing to let Legolas and Shihaku cross but they lured out the Orcs it so despised and now there was a battle on its precious mountainside. Stupid mountain, thought Shihaku. Don't you know that we hate these creatures as much as you? That we wished for a passage without incident as much as you? Leaving the Orcs, she pushed her way toward Legolas. They had to keep moving for if they tarried too long they would be overwhelmed.
Shihaku barely felt a sharp object scrape her cheek as she loosed an arrow to protect Legolas. The warm blood almost froze instantly in the cold. Before she knew it the Orcs had now surrounded her; her archery skills would be of no use now so she grabbed her sword and slashed at the fell creatures. There are so many of them, she thought. I do not know how we will win this! As she turned to block an attack to her right she felt something and turned the other way just in time to see an object flying to her head. "Agh!" She fell to the ground, blood sliding down the side of her face from a gash on her forehead. The blow was unlike any she had ever felt, blurring her vision and disrupting all her other senses. She turned over on her back and the creatures around her looked like nothing but swirling masses of black and gray.
"Kill her," he Orcs screamed.
"No!" Shihaku kicked up her leg and struck an Orc straight in its gut, knocking the wind out of it. But, as it fell to the ground, its last attempt to strike her was rewarded when the dagger in its hand still drew blood. "Ngh." Shihaku tried to roll out of the way of the falling Orc but its falling arm still glanced her left side. The Orcs around her let out a frustrated screech and she sprung to her feet. No! We must not fail! Remembering her mission, Shihaku's strength returned and only the blood on her clothes and face and the drops that stained the snow gave away her injuries. Then she turned and remembered too her companion. "Legolas!"
The Prince saw her coming and was slightly alarmed to see the gash on her forehead but she seemed relatively unscathed, not seeing the wound on her side. Her cry startled him and he turned just in time to see a large group of Orcs lunging for him. Legolas jumped as high as he could and the Orcs fell over the edge of the steep cliff, plunging down the crevice. The Prince managed to land safely but was immediately tackled by another group of Orcs. In an effort to get the creatures off he tried to roll to the side only to find himself at the edge. When Legolas shoved the last Orc off, it gripped his clothes tightly and Legolas felt his body being pulled over the edge. "AAAH!" The Prince grasped for anything to hold onto and his hands found the edge of the cliff. His hands, slightly raw from the cold and fighting were losing their grip. "Shihaku!" He kicked at the Orc that hung tightly onto his left leg. "Get off you foul creature!" With a final kick the Orc let out a squeal as it lost its grip and Legolas felt relieved that now his hands only had to hold his own weight.
"Legolas!" The Ranger saw Legolas' peril and shoved any Orc in front of her to the ground. She slid down the small slope carefully, a small trail of blood from her wound behind her, and grabbed Legolas' hands. She started to pull him up when an Orc attacked her. She ducked as a spear grazed her neck, cutting her hair tie. Letting go of one of Legolas' hands, she grabbed the Orc's arm as it came down and twisted it. The sound of breaking bone was barely audible as the Orc screeched in pain. Shihaku shoved the Orc away and as it writhed in pain, slid off the side of the mountain. The Ranger leaned down again to help Legolas and pulled him up with all her strength and Legolas found a foothold which he used to hoist himself up. The Prince winced as he felt his wound tearing painfully with every movement now but he did not hesitate to stand and raise his weapons.
The two were side-to-side facing the Orcs now. "We have to make a run for the base," Shihaku whispered, her heavy breath turning into puffs of white cloud. "I will hold them back-"
"Enough of your foolishness. We'll run together."
"We won't make it, Legolas," Shihaku shook her head. "If we both run they will be on us in a second. I will hold them back. You must get to Rivendell and warn Strider!"
"You make it sound as if I will be making the rest of this journey alone," Legolas eyed her carefully.
"Stupid Elf." The two began to slowly back away from the Orcs, their arrows aimed at anything that moved any closer to them. "How fairs your wound?"
"Thankfully the cold that I suddenly feel has numbed my body and the ache is now bearable," Legolas replied sarcastically. He did not think it would benefit them any to mention that he could feel his warm blood flowing freely again. "We can worry about it when we get out of here."
"Once we round the next bend, hopefully, if Caradhras wants us to leave after all rather than bury us here, then our way will not be so heavily blocked by snow. It will be easier for us to run downward, sliding in the snow. We can use one of the larger shields and use it as a vehicle."
Legolas nodded. "The path is narrow. how will we control it?"
"That is a risk we'll have to take. On my word grab one of the shields and start running." Again Legolas could not say anything before Shihaku cried out and fired her remaining arrows consecutively. Legolas barely had any time to marvel at her archery skills before he grabbed a fairly large shield and began to run. He fired at any Orc that came near but he soon realized that his quiver lay empty. "Keep running," he heard Shihaku shout.
Soon she caught up with him, her sword out in her hand. She had run out of arrows as well. Together they ran around the bend and carefully made their way down the slope, jumping from outcropping to outcropping as the Orcs raced after them. Shihaku came to a halt and peered down at the long drop.
"Hold on!" They jumped into the air, hands clasped tightly together. Legolas brought the shield beneath him and pulled Shihaku closer to his body. They landed roughly on the snow but thankfully it was softer than they expected. The two sped down the steep slope upon their makeshift sled still followed by the avalanche of Orcs tumbling and running after them. Legolas held Shihaku tightly around the waist as they moved. He had never felt this rush before in his life and if not for the danger they were in, he could have laughed. But, the sight of the edge of a cliff looming ahead quickly smothered any happy thoughts. "Shihaku!" They both tried to push and lean to move away, but they were moving too fast and they were almost to the cliff. "AGH!"
From afar, the two figures could be seen tumbling to the side as a small object flew over a cliff and then plummeted to the ground below. The two figures began to roll toward the edge if they hadn't plunged their blades into the ice to stop their fall. Shihaku quickly gained leverage despite the sharp incline for the wound in her side was not half as painful as Legolas'. She leaned down toward the Elf who was clinging to the knife he stabbed into the stone. As Legolas dug his feet into the snow to gain balance and climb back to the path, he looked up and saw that because Shihaku's hair was blown wildly about her now, no longer tied back, an interesting feature: her ears. "You're an Elf!!"
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ooooh who didn't see that one coming? Heh. Well anyway there's Chapter 3. Reviews and Comments greatly appreciated! Thanks for all of you who have commented already! You guys are totally awesome! You're definitely helping me keep this story going.although I have no idea really where it's going heh. I'm just glad that there are people out there enjoying it as much as I am!
"//..//" denotes Elvish dialogue
Italics denote dream sequences or flashbacks (also Elvish words)
. denotes telepathic dialogue
Synopsis: Set before the Lord of the Rings books. On a hunting trip Legolas discovers an assassination plot for Estel for some humans apparently know he is Aragorn, the true heir of Gondor. But he is betrayed by a fellow Elf and as he rushes to warn his friend, he encounters a Ranger's aid who has more secrets hidden even from the Ranger herself. Will Legolas make it to Rivendell in time to warn his friend? And even if he does, will that be enough to save Estel?
THE SILVER LIGHT OF A WANING MOON
By Terra Forever
CHAPTER THREE: Climbing Caradhras
Legolas didn't realize that he had fallen asleep until he woke up. For a brief moment, panic gripped him when he did not recognize his surroundings. "Calm yourself for you are safe - just relax and take your rest," came Shihaku's voice, a little softer than usual.
"Where are we? How did we get here?" As he asked his questions, Legolas could feel a throbbing pain in his side suddenly wishing he hadn't woken up; that the next time his eyes would open from a deep healing sleep, he would be at the House of Elrond. But, he knew better. Too many times had he been in similar situations, injured and wishing for the comfort of a warm bed safe and healing. How he's had to comfort his kin when he knew no bed but that of the earth would await them. He took a deep breath to push those sad memories away, which have, on more than one occasion, made him wish Elves had not such clear visions of their pasts to haunt them.
"We're a little further down our path and I carried you." Legolas looked at the dark figure partially hidden in the shadows. "Don't look so surprised Prince Legolas. Have you already forgotten how I saved you the first time?"
"You're a very skilled fighter. None of those men had much of a chance. Although I know that Strider was taught many things by his brothers, I see you must have taught him a few things as well."
Shihaku looked at Legolas. He is more attentive than I gave him credit for, she thought. "Yes. I taught him a few things."
"You must have been the reason he became a Ranger then," the Elf prodded.
"I have no need to tell you anything since you have obviously figured everything out."
Legolas sighed inwardly. "There's nothing wrong with telling me about that. Strider told me a few things but not enough. Though in different ways, he is like kin to me as well. He is a good Man - quite unlike the Men my people have come to tell stories of- and I believe he will make a good King one day should he ever return to his people." The thought of his friend brought a smile to his lips. He turned to Shihaku who gave a nod. "He told me that as a youth he was out in the woods separated from his group when a Ranger saved him from some fell creatures. From then on he became interested in the goals of a Ranger and met with that one Dunedain to learn more. Eventually he realized what future lay ahead of him and fearing what it may mean, he had no qualms when he and his mother made their way to Rivendell. He arrived there already with the goals of becoming a great Ranger. You taught him the basics of fighting and survival." Legolas eyed Shihaku carefully. "How would you have taught him when you seem younger than him? You would still have been a small child."
Shihaku knew what Legolas was getting at. "I am much older than I seem Prince Legolas. Perhaps you can say that I have been blessed with youthful looks. Do not judge everything by what it seems to be alone."
"It seems that I can trust you -but can I really?"
Shihaku moved out of the shadows and leaned toward Legolas, and suddenly her face began to glow under the moonlight. "That, Prince, is up to you. You must decide for yourself who is worthy of your trust."
"Do you trust me?"
Shihaku contemplated a vague response as she normally would reply with, but instead she simply said, "Yes." Standing up, she lifted the hood over her head and left to get food, disappearing into the dark woods.
Legolas lay back. His side ached and he realized that the concoction Shihaku had given him earlier had put him to sleep. She taught Strider much of the healing he knows, although I can imagine Elrond and his sons added more wisdom. "Why do you trust me?" he asked her when she returned with some food. Though she could have hunted at for at least a rabbit or other small animal, she feared to light a fire and signal their whereabouts and gathered only what food did not need cooking.
"Haven't we finished this conversation already?" Shihaku replied, not hiding her annoyance. Legolas did not drop his gaze. You want something to show that you can trust me, she thought. "Because I know you speak the truth about Strider. I can see that you are not my enemy if you are that close." Again Shihaku found herself thinking of what a strong and good ally Strider had made of this Elf and vice-versa.
"Thank you."
"Thank me by eating. You need to keep up your strength. I do not want to carry you anymore than I have to."
Legolas gave in and ate the vegetables and berries Shihaku gathered including the jerky she offered from her pouch. She too ate what she had collected and took a few bites of the rather tasty jerky. He was relieved to finally see her eat more than before just as she was relieved to see him eating. Yet still Shihaku ate less than Legolas thought would be normal for a human.
"We must take the Redhorn Gate," Shihaku announced the next morning as they walked. Though not as swiftly as before due to Legolas' newest injury, they still traveled rather quickly.
"iMani/I(What)?" Legolas exclaimed halting for a moment. "That is folly! The two of us, with what little supplies we have, cannot hope to make it through Caradhras! It is no secret that it despises Elves and humans alike. That mountain has no liking for anything but its own solitude."
Shihaku turned abruptly to him, stopping as well. "If you hope to reach Rivendell before our enemies, this is the most direct route. I am sure they are going around the Misty Mountains especially with those horses so we must go through it. If we do not stop it will be our short cut by two days if not more. It is the fastest route to Rivendell."
Legolas closed his eyes and then nodded slowly. "Very well." He had been to Caradhras before, though not out of free will, and it was not a friendly mountain. At least she had not suggested the Mines of Moria, he thought with some relief.
When the two travelers made it to the base of Caradhras they stopped. "It will be a difficult journey whether or not Caradhras accepts us," said Shihaku looking up the mountain. A slight biting breeze circled them as if to warn the two of what awaited them. "We rest here, Prince and go on at first light. We shall make it ahead of Norvelin." Legolas was barely comforted. He had no idea that Shihaku had passed this way many times before. Caradhras knew her well. While it liked no one, somehow Shihaku's respect for the mountain allowed her safer passage. Though even that did not guarantee a safe journey.
"I would like to push on either way, Shihaku, but I must admit that I am tired," sighed Legolas.
"Let me see your wound again." Shihaku checked the stab wound and pursed her lips. If it was healing there was no sign and she feared that the poison was keeping it from doing so. She had no doubt it was going to be infected even if she cleaned it again and again. If that blasted Elf had not stabbed Legolas a second time with this poison he could have been almost fully healed by now, she thought angrily. "I will get a few more herbs," she said anyway. Shihaku had to try something even if it seemed futile. When she disappeared, Legolas gathered some firewood and by nightfall they were watching their surroundings carefully -neither wanting to sleep.
Shihaku stayed silent and though Legolas was used to this, he felt a sudden urge to sing to lighten the mood between them. Though he did not entirely trust his companion, he did not like the uneasy air between them. If they were to make this journey together, they needed cooperation. But, the Prince knew that even the softest voice could be heard by any Elf in the area -especially a good hunter like Norvelin.
"You should rest and save your anger for later, Prince," Shihaku told him seeing dark clouds in his usually brilliant blue eyes. "The night will be cold here -best get some rest before it affects you."
"I am an Elf, Shihaku, the cold does not bother me."
"Caradhras will make sure it does. It is not winter yet but the mountain will be more than happy to make it seem otherwise."
"I have crossed this path before, I will be fine." Legolas was rather annoyed that this mere human was treating him like a child, a human child at that.
"Yes, but how many of those times were you injured? There is a strange poison in your veins and you are weary. You have not had proper rest and treatment for the wound. Trust me when I say that you will feel the cold tonight. And you will need the strength for tomorrow. We will not stop until we reach the base of the mountain."
"That is more than a day's journey," murmured Legolas. She said earlier that they would not stop but hearing it again knowing for sure they would make that trek brought less than warm thoughts.
"Do you or don't you wish to make it to Rivendell, Prince of Mirkwood?"
"." Always she was questioning his desire, his need, to reach Aragorn and it was beginning to unnerve him, but he knew she did it to urge him on. Legolas eventually gave in to Shihaku's reproaches and decided to get as comfortable as he could but he wondered how a Ranger -even as experienced as Shihaku, could stand through days of Mount Caradhras. Has she no intention of sleeping, he thought. The Ranger did not show any signs of settling down for that night either and Legolas began to wonder about her. There is something odd here -something is not right. He blamed his weakened state for hindering him from discovering the truth. Surely he would have known what was really going on if he was in better conditions.
Shihaku could sense Legolas' uneasy thoughts and knew that he was tired and confused and desperately wanting to help his friend. The Ranger looked up at the stars and the waxing moon hoping it would not hinder their journey. Though she knew that the light of the moon might make for easier travel, it would also make them easier to spot. Shihaku wondered if Legolas would make it through Caradhras with his injury. I could have led us through other paths, but there are darker evils that lie hidden in the unused trails. Nay, we must get to Rivendell before this enemy and Caradhras is the best way. Yet perhaps I should have left him in Lorien and gone ahead with the message. Shihaku knew well the answer to that: Legolas would have gone with or without her. He would not trust anyone with this message but himself. She realized that while Legolas did not trust her entirely, he at least respected her and for that she was grateful.
The next day, Legolas awoke long before dawn. Shihaku still sat at the base of the trunk beside him. He was glad that so far they had not been attacked by any fell creatures during the night. It surprised him though for, especially in Mirkwood, the servants of Sauron were ever ready to attack in the cover of darkness. "I do not expect to fall asleep again, Shihaku. It is best we start now." With a nod they both stood up and Legolas realized that while he was not cold but the wind was uncomfortable. "You have not slept for days - at least not much - and now you are climbing Caradhras like you were fully rested and this mountain a molehill?" he asked her
"I have no time for weariness, Master Elf. As I said before, I've crossed this path many times before - this is a much easier journey than others that I've taken," Shihaku replied. That is not entirely true nor is it entirely a lie, she thought. The wind began to pick up and soon snow began to strike them hard with fury almost making the path before them disappear.
If Legolas' eyesight was not so keen, he would not have noticed the light footsteps of the Ranger in front of him. He knew that Shihaku's footsteps were light for a human in the forest, but he decided that she had been a Ranger for a long time. He thought that after all, she was of slender build, quite unlike the heavier build of her kin so her weight would not allow for heavy footsteps. Now, seeing that she was nearly walking on the snow instead of sinking in it, he began to wonder who she really was.
Shihaku knew that Legolas was watching her and now studying her small imprints in the snow. She tried to lower herself in the white powder as much as she could but to no avail. She was just too light. Now he will think me to be an Elf, she thought. It doesn't matter. When it was becoming obvious that the mountain was not happy to be climbed by either Elf or Ranger, Shihaku stopped and looked up to the peak. " //Caradhras,// " she said into the wind in Elvish, surprising Legolas. "//It is I, Shihaku, Ranger of Middle Earth whom you know well. I know you do not wish to be bothered but we are on an urgent quest. The less you mount your fury against us the sooner we shall cross and leave you be. Know that we have no intention of taking any other path but through you.//"
If not for the fact that he was getting to know Shihaku a little more now than before and that her words echoed his thoughts, he would have thought her mad. She was talking to the Redhorn Gate as if it was but a small obstacle in her path. Her tone was respectful but it was obvious that she cared little for Caradhras' response. Their only other path was through Moria and neither of them had any intention of going there. At first he thought that Caradhras had rejected them but instead the winds died down ever so slightly and he thought he saw Shihaku smile as she walked on.
They continued on and took no rest until the day was more than halfway over and even then they stopped for only a short time under a small out cropping to shelter them from the worst of the elements. Legolas had never seen so much energy in a human before. Aragorn had amazed him with his abilities and his stamina but even then, as a human, he had his limits. Shihaku looked as if she could have gone up and down the mountain twice in one day. Turning away from Shihaku who looked to be deep in thought, Legolas looked out at the mountain before him. The Redhorn was just as deadly and gloomy as he remembered it to be. He was glad that they were making good progress on their journey climbing Caradhras for he was tiring quickly. Of course, it was too good to be true to have a safe journey now.
"Orcs," Legolas muttered hearing the sound of the fell creatures through the howling wind. Already he could see them in the distance eyeing them.
"Not that we should be surprised," muttered Shihaku. They quickened their pace but they were soon being hunted down.
"There are more now than I remembered there to be here-The Darkness has grown." Legolas turned to Shihaku. "I do not know this path as well as you -what do you suggest?" he was already reaching for an arrow.
Shihaku was doing the same, thankful she had stolen one of the hunter's quivers to replenish both Legolas' and her own supply of arrows. "I will open up a path for you. Follow the path of the wind. Caradhras wants us out so it is showing us the way!"
"I'm not leaving you!"
"Foolish Elf! You said yourself that I know my way better than you. I know it better than these Orcs may think they do."
"Shihaku!"
"Go or I will shoot you and then kick you down the other side of the mountain!" Shihaku leveled her arrow at the Prince and he saw that she was serious. "Do you, or don't you want to warn Strider, Master Elf?" She didn't wait for a response. She fired her arrow and let loose as many as she dared for she had few arrows left. Legolas fired a few shots but as he ran through the path that Shihaku was making for him, he was forced to use his knives. Shoving and stabbing Orcs as he ran, he often turned and caught glimpses of Shihaku not too far behind. The wind grew fierce and the snow that Caradhras decided to pour down on them seemed to be the mountain's way of disagreeing of a battle on its grounds. If Legolas was not careful, he could either find himself stabbed by an Orkish blade or falling off the steep slope, neither of which appealed to him.
Shihaku watched in the corner of her eye as Legolas moved but because she was forced to defend herself she could not give him much of a cover, leaving him to be surrounded as well. He will fall if he isn't careful, she thought. He has passed here before but doubtless with a larger group of Elves well equipped for a fight worse than this. I have to admit that despite everything he is holding his own well. There is much strength in you, Legolas Greenleaf. I have a feeling that this tells me Illuvitar has great plans for you. Shihaku's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a spear she was forced to dodge, stealing it form its owner as she moved She danced around her opponents, jumping up and down, knowing well where to place her feet.
The sounds of fighting were barely heard because of the fierce wind. Even the cries of the Orcs as they died or fell from the cliffs were muffled by Caradhras' anger. The mountain was willing to let Legolas and Shihaku cross but they lured out the Orcs it so despised and now there was a battle on its precious mountainside. Stupid mountain, thought Shihaku. Don't you know that we hate these creatures as much as you? That we wished for a passage without incident as much as you? Leaving the Orcs, she pushed her way toward Legolas. They had to keep moving for if they tarried too long they would be overwhelmed.
Shihaku barely felt a sharp object scrape her cheek as she loosed an arrow to protect Legolas. The warm blood almost froze instantly in the cold. Before she knew it the Orcs had now surrounded her; her archery skills would be of no use now so she grabbed her sword and slashed at the fell creatures. There are so many of them, she thought. I do not know how we will win this! As she turned to block an attack to her right she felt something and turned the other way just in time to see an object flying to her head. "Agh!" She fell to the ground, blood sliding down the side of her face from a gash on her forehead. The blow was unlike any she had ever felt, blurring her vision and disrupting all her other senses. She turned over on her back and the creatures around her looked like nothing but swirling masses of black and gray.
"Kill her," he Orcs screamed.
"No!" Shihaku kicked up her leg and struck an Orc straight in its gut, knocking the wind out of it. But, as it fell to the ground, its last attempt to strike her was rewarded when the dagger in its hand still drew blood. "Ngh." Shihaku tried to roll out of the way of the falling Orc but its falling arm still glanced her left side. The Orcs around her let out a frustrated screech and she sprung to her feet. No! We must not fail! Remembering her mission, Shihaku's strength returned and only the blood on her clothes and face and the drops that stained the snow gave away her injuries. Then she turned and remembered too her companion. "Legolas!"
The Prince saw her coming and was slightly alarmed to see the gash on her forehead but she seemed relatively unscathed, not seeing the wound on her side. Her cry startled him and he turned just in time to see a large group of Orcs lunging for him. Legolas jumped as high as he could and the Orcs fell over the edge of the steep cliff, plunging down the crevice. The Prince managed to land safely but was immediately tackled by another group of Orcs. In an effort to get the creatures off he tried to roll to the side only to find himself at the edge. When Legolas shoved the last Orc off, it gripped his clothes tightly and Legolas felt his body being pulled over the edge. "AAAH!" The Prince grasped for anything to hold onto and his hands found the edge of the cliff. His hands, slightly raw from the cold and fighting were losing their grip. "Shihaku!" He kicked at the Orc that hung tightly onto his left leg. "Get off you foul creature!" With a final kick the Orc let out a squeal as it lost its grip and Legolas felt relieved that now his hands only had to hold his own weight.
"Legolas!" The Ranger saw Legolas' peril and shoved any Orc in front of her to the ground. She slid down the small slope carefully, a small trail of blood from her wound behind her, and grabbed Legolas' hands. She started to pull him up when an Orc attacked her. She ducked as a spear grazed her neck, cutting her hair tie. Letting go of one of Legolas' hands, she grabbed the Orc's arm as it came down and twisted it. The sound of breaking bone was barely audible as the Orc screeched in pain. Shihaku shoved the Orc away and as it writhed in pain, slid off the side of the mountain. The Ranger leaned down again to help Legolas and pulled him up with all her strength and Legolas found a foothold which he used to hoist himself up. The Prince winced as he felt his wound tearing painfully with every movement now but he did not hesitate to stand and raise his weapons.
The two were side-to-side facing the Orcs now. "We have to make a run for the base," Shihaku whispered, her heavy breath turning into puffs of white cloud. "I will hold them back-"
"Enough of your foolishness. We'll run together."
"We won't make it, Legolas," Shihaku shook her head. "If we both run they will be on us in a second. I will hold them back. You must get to Rivendell and warn Strider!"
"You make it sound as if I will be making the rest of this journey alone," Legolas eyed her carefully.
"Stupid Elf." The two began to slowly back away from the Orcs, their arrows aimed at anything that moved any closer to them. "How fairs your wound?"
"Thankfully the cold that I suddenly feel has numbed my body and the ache is now bearable," Legolas replied sarcastically. He did not think it would benefit them any to mention that he could feel his warm blood flowing freely again. "We can worry about it when we get out of here."
"Once we round the next bend, hopefully, if Caradhras wants us to leave after all rather than bury us here, then our way will not be so heavily blocked by snow. It will be easier for us to run downward, sliding in the snow. We can use one of the larger shields and use it as a vehicle."
Legolas nodded. "The path is narrow. how will we control it?"
"That is a risk we'll have to take. On my word grab one of the shields and start running." Again Legolas could not say anything before Shihaku cried out and fired her remaining arrows consecutively. Legolas barely had any time to marvel at her archery skills before he grabbed a fairly large shield and began to run. He fired at any Orc that came near but he soon realized that his quiver lay empty. "Keep running," he heard Shihaku shout.
Soon she caught up with him, her sword out in her hand. She had run out of arrows as well. Together they ran around the bend and carefully made their way down the slope, jumping from outcropping to outcropping as the Orcs raced after them. Shihaku came to a halt and peered down at the long drop.
"Hold on!" They jumped into the air, hands clasped tightly together. Legolas brought the shield beneath him and pulled Shihaku closer to his body. They landed roughly on the snow but thankfully it was softer than they expected. The two sped down the steep slope upon their makeshift sled still followed by the avalanche of Orcs tumbling and running after them. Legolas held Shihaku tightly around the waist as they moved. He had never felt this rush before in his life and if not for the danger they were in, he could have laughed. But, the sight of the edge of a cliff looming ahead quickly smothered any happy thoughts. "Shihaku!" They both tried to push and lean to move away, but they were moving too fast and they were almost to the cliff. "AGH!"
From afar, the two figures could be seen tumbling to the side as a small object flew over a cliff and then plummeted to the ground below. The two figures began to roll toward the edge if they hadn't plunged their blades into the ice to stop their fall. Shihaku quickly gained leverage despite the sharp incline for the wound in her side was not half as painful as Legolas'. She leaned down toward the Elf who was clinging to the knife he stabbed into the stone. As Legolas dug his feet into the snow to gain balance and climb back to the path, he looked up and saw that because Shihaku's hair was blown wildly about her now, no longer tied back, an interesting feature: her ears. "You're an Elf!!"
*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ooooh who didn't see that one coming? Heh. Well anyway there's Chapter 3. Reviews and Comments greatly appreciated! Thanks for all of you who have commented already! You guys are totally awesome! You're definitely helping me keep this story going.although I have no idea really where it's going heh. I'm just glad that there are people out there enjoying it as much as I am!