Hey everyone, it's Siri again! =D And BOY am I mad!! Sarah and I have been trying for the past two days to upload our chapter and as happened to Cassia: FF.net just would not let us post! Erg. *goes off to smack a certain server up one side and down the other* ! Sooo sorry about the delay!
Here we go!
Cali: Oh my. Well I TRIED to hide, but it didn't exactly work, somehow the readers always know where I am ;D
None: Thanks!! I'm afraid it's little too late for 'your Legolas' to be found unharmed…yeah…just remember it wasn't MY fault! =D
RainyDayz: *makes sure she's carefully placed out of hugging distance* Oh well, that's awful nice of you RainyDayz! :D *laughs* Yeah, my siblings don't like it when I scream during fanfics either, except for the ones who do it themselves ;D And yes! You are Miss Prediction Extraordinaire! Sarah and I were laughing so hard when you practically predicted the whole chapter!! You deserve many cookies and ribbons for such great foresight! :D Yes, we'll remember that CARRIED bit ;D I'm so glad you enjoyed it RainyDayz! Thanks for the great review! =D
phoenixqueen: OH! Thank you phoenixqueen! We're glad you enjoy our story so much! Hope your Sign Language Performance went well : ) Oh my! Yes that guy was not the brightest light in the harbor, not to mention the fact that his own stupidity got him killed in the end! *laughs* Yeah, Aragorn's never too happy with his friend's often horrific injuries which, thanks to people like Cassia, Siobhan and Chloe, have become quite the norm for him! :D
Elwen-Star Maiden: *laughs* Be kind to the poor clones Elwen! =D Glad you're enjoying it! And yes, I'm afraid we very rarely give our characters a break!
Staran: Thank you Staran! I'm glad you're liking it!
Asen: The woman on the hill was Mavranor, (as you may soon discover), yeah, it's kinda hard to catch, but when Brerg his waiting for the Rohirrim to arrive, he notes that the "Lady Mavranor" had even come to watch. :D Yes! And Legolas and Aragorn are finally back together!
Lil'layah: Yeah! It took them a long time didn't it? ;D
Gwyn: *blinks innocently* Well, of course! We couldn't possibly have everyone all together like that and NOT throw the whole thing into massive chaos! Where would be the fun in that? ;D
Anarril: Yeah, that couldn't help being a pretty big shock! Though Cassia and Sio certainly have quite a filing cabinet full of big shocks! :D No, sorry, can't kill Brerg ;D We may need him later! ;)
Lina Skye: *covers ears* Oh man! I had no idea she had that kind of lung power! That's perfectly all right Eomer, I understand she must be busy. :D Good luck getting her South though! ;D
Mouse: Glad you like it! :D Sorry about the cliffy but that's the way the posts fall sometimes, and other than that…well it's Sarah's fault ;D
w: That is QUITE all right w! We don't mind if it's a little short at all! And in fact it really wasn't very short. =D Oh, I'm glad you like that. Yes there are times when we do that on purpose for the sake of the flow, but other times it's accidental. I am glad that it comes out well! :D Oh good! I'm glad Findel has (at least for the moment) escaped the realm of Mary Sue. :D And that you think she was better here! :D Yup! That was Mavranor all right, for future reference the 'red dress' kinda gives her away ;D
LadyIsabelle: Glad you're enjoying it! :D Yes he's back again!
Maranwe: Don't worry, there will be more action soon :D Hey! Another person who guessed our 'devious' plot! Great job =D OH! I'm glad you like Findel! Yes we have conflicting requests for the chapters length, I'm afraid all I can say is that some are long some are short, we try to equalize it as much as possible but sometimes we don't have much choice. :D Glad you're enjoying the story!
Enigma Jade: I should get one of those harness thingies ;D Don't worry! We have another post! :D
reginabean: *grins* Right! Of course! =D
Krismarief: I'm glad you're liking it! :D
sabercrazy: Sorry, you kinda have to wait. =D Her brother? Now *what* would make you think that? *smiles innocently* I'm afraid you'll just have to wait and see. ;D *laughs* A torture detector? That's interesting! =D
Hiro-Tyre: Yeah, though I'm afraid it wasn't our fault this time :D Doesn't it get boring in the 'Mists of Lurker-Doom?' I went there once but couldn't stay long, I just talk too much ;D Yeah, that whole omnipotent thing might go straight to your head ;D Wouldn't want that! =D *laughs* No, he didn't die! At some point we mention that he went with a scouting trip with some of the Rohirrim before the trade was even mentioned. :D I'm glad you're liking it!
And here it is folks: the next chapter, and I'm finally gonna be quiet and let you read it =D
Hope its worth the wait!
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Thorongil
By Sarah and Hannah (Siri)
(disclaimers, explanations, and summaries
available at the top of chapter 1)
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Chapter 14
Found
At the sound of his name Legolas looked up with some difficulty, but he did not recognize Thorongil as a friend. The elf closed his eyes tightly and shuddered.
"Come to finish what you began?" he asked tonelessly. Thorongil dropped quickly to Legolas' side and drew his own small knife from his belt, sliding it carefully through the bonds that held his friend's hands and then the ones at his chest and waist.
"Legolas," Thorongil spoke quietly as he slit the looser cord at the elf's throat. The elf slid forward weakly at the sudden release and fell against Thorongil's chest. "Legolas, it is I," the captain whispered as he put an arm around his friend.
"Stri—Strider?" Legolas questioned faintly, trying to look up at the man. His eyes suddenly gained an astonished gleam. "Strider," he said more certainly.
"Yes it is I," Thorongil gave a relieved smile. "My friend, what are you—" he broke off, "Never mind that now, I must get you out of here." Rising to his feet, Thorongil drew the elf up with him, supporting his weight as he led Legolas out of the tent. Casting a quickly glance over the plains, Thorongil could still see the Rohirrim leading their women and children back to Medui.
Thorongil gave a sharp whistle and Maerhiin came charging towards them; the animal had obviously waited for his master and thankfully the Rohirrim had not tried to take the horse with them. Thorongil lifted his friend up onto the horse then swung up behind him.
A sharp crack was heard as a projectile of some kind ricocheted off a large rock by Maerhiin's feet. Thorongil looked up and saw several Southrons rushing towards them, weapons at hand. Thorongil gave a brief order to Maerhiin and the horse sped away from the attack out across the gully towards the retreating Rohirrim. At the same time he drew Legolas against him. The elf hissed in pain and Thorongil relaxed his grip slightly.
"Hold on my friend, just hold on."
The captain turned to look back at the Southron camp once more before charging full in the other direction. It was a miracle that none but the enemy had been killed in the disaster and it was certain they could never risk such a calamity again.
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Mavranor ran down the hill at great speed, heedless of her image for the moment. She had only one thing that concerned her and nothing else would deter her attention. Dropping down by the lifeless body laying on the ground she wept bitterly, stroking her brother's face and calling his name again and again. Her brother, whom she had held as a baby, played with as a child… Tears fell like scalding rain down his cheeks, but they came not from him. His dark eyes stared blankly at her face without recognition; cold and lifeless. He was dead! The Rohirrim had murdered him!
//No// she remembered suddenly as she turned to look the direction the Rohirrim had fled. Her eyes grew fierce as her she recalled the death she had been forced to witness. //No not the Rohirrim — the man. The man with strange eyes and dark hair; different from the Rohirrim people// She could remember him vividly — see him as he cruelly drove his knife into her young brother's body. She gave a broken scream that rent the air, her hands jerking the bloody knife from Gwanur's body. Getting to her feet she stood as the cold air burned her cheeks and whipped her dark hair behind her. This man had killed her brother. And if ever she saw him again, he would pay dearly for his crime.
She clenched her fist about the knife, the horse carvings along the handle impressing themselves into her palm. Very dearly.
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Thorongil drew his cloak gently about his friend and stayed a good distance behind the others, not wishing to raise their alarm and knowing the fears Rohirrim had for elves. He tried to be mindful of the elf's wounds, which were harsh. None had been tended to properly and most had become infected; the elf had also been starved and felt frail as an autumn leaf within his hold. Thorongil had no way of knowing how long his friend had been held, but it had left the elven prince terribly weak.
"What did they do to you?" he whispered softly as Maerhiin wove steadily after the others.
The moment Medui was in sight there were cries of joy and relief from the Rohirrim and many picked up their pace, desiring the safety of the fort. Riding in closer as well, the captain could not help but smile at the reunions of families all around him.
Thorongil held tightly to his friend and had the uncomfortable feeling that the elf had lost consciousness, but with so many people around him, he dare not pull back his cloak to see. After a moment he caught sight of Kelegalen and made his way towards him.
To his good fortune Thorongil found the older man was standing alone, watching the activity around him. Kelegalen smiled when he saw the captain but this smile quickly turned to a frown and his eyes squinted briefly in an expression of concern as he sighted the covered figure riding slumped before his friend.
"Thorongil—"
"Kelegalen," Thorongil broke in smoothly leaning close to the man standing beside him, "it is Legolas, he was imprisoned in their camp. I know not how he fell under the Southrons' hold, but he has been badly hurt and I must see to him. Is there somewhere I can take him where he will not be seen?"
Kelegalen was obviously startled, but came to himself with admirable swiftness and nodded, "Yes of course, there is a tent in amongst the workmen's shops that was erected as temporary lodging; it is empty now and you can stay there as long as you need it." He motioned in the right direction and Thorongil spotted the tent easily.
"My thanks," he whispered before urging Maerhiin onwards through the crowd.
The tent was safely out of the way, having been braced between two of the shops against the wall Medui's western wall. No one would have need for it and it was likely to be passed by without notice. Thorongil pulled back on the reins bringing Maerhiin to a full stop before he dropped to the ground and gently pulled Legolas down after him.
Part of his cloak fell back from his friend's face, and Thorongil winced inwardly; it was only half recognizable as that of the prince of Mirkwood.
Entering the tent, Thorongil found a cot near the back and lowered Legolas down on it as gently as he could. Pulling the cloak fully from his friend, he inspected the various injuries. He was not sure of broken bones at present, but what he could see on the outside was enough to fill him with mixed remorse and anger.
Leaving Legolas only for a moment he retrieved his pack from Maerhiin's saddle bag. Catching sight of a young lad who he knew worked as a stable boy, Thorongil motioned to him and turned the weary horse into the boy's care before returning to the tent. Legolas was stirring when he entered and moaned as the motion aggravated several wounds.
Thorongil moved quickly to his friend's side and rested one hand on the clammy forehead. "Easy my friend, all will be well."
"Stri…" Legolas twisted feverishly and Thorongil gently eased his friend's movement; waiting until the elf had lapsed back into unconsciousness.
At last he set to work cleaning and dressing the many wounds and he found bruises on the elf's back as well as his chest. Thorongil let out a breath; that likely meant he had fractured a rib. Moving as swiftly and as carefully as he could Thorongil bound each hurt in turn, being sure he had done all he could for one before he passed to the next. The fractured rib was not easy to set, and Legolas jolted almost awake when Thorongil attempted to right it, but Thorongil murmured several words in the elf's own tongue and managed to settle him once more.
Finally the work was done — not to the captain's liking in the least, but it would have to do for now. He was low on medical supplies and would have to ask Kelegalen for ointments later.
Thorongil waited patiently for his friend to come around again and until he woke the man brewed a warm drink he knew would help the aches the elf would undoubtedly be suffering.
A quiet hiss was the first indication that the elf had at last regained consciousness. Thorongil quickly drew beside the cot where his friend lay and when the elf's eyes opened he looked up in confusion for a moment.
"Strider," he whispered hoarsely, as though he didn't understand. "What are you doing—"
Thorongil silenced him with one hand, "Don't try to speak just yet, Legolas, you've had quite an ordeal from what I can see." He smiled slightly and Legolas made a weak attempt to return it. "I don't understand why this always happens to you my friend," Thorongil continued casually causing Legolas' smile to broaden slightly. "It may be you are naturally prone to such dangers, but it will be the death of you one day, or the death of me." Legolas' battered face suddenly fell. It was such a slight change of expression that Thorongil barely noticed it, and he did not address it. "What do you need, my friend?" he whispered gently instead, helping Legolas to rise to a sitting position on the small cot.
"I'm thirsty," Legolas replied weakly.
"Ah," Thorongil gave another smile and rose, "that is an ailment I can easily remedy." Returning in a moment with the drink he had made, Thorongil handed it to the elf, who drank it down without objection. He closed his eyes for a moment and relaxed as the liquid warmed him and felt relief as the ache ebbed away slightly.
"My friend," he smiled fully at last, though it seemed to pain him, "I am grateful that even though I find so often myself in such trouble, you always seem to be somewhere near."
Thorongil laughed at that, "I dearly hope that I will always will be! I owe your rescue a great deal to a young maiden, Findel. It was she who told me of your whereabouts."
"Findel is safe then?" Legolas seemed suddenly interested.
"Yes, they have all arrived home now," Thorongil nodded, then frowned. "I am actually very curious how she knew where you were, and how you, in turn, know her."
"That is a long story," Legolas gave the predictable reply with a wry smile.
"One I am much in suspense to hear," Thorongil replied with a laugh, "but first I insist on assuring myself that you are well. You look as though you have not eaten your whole life, and a great deal more water would be best, if you can handle it."
Legolas shook his head in disbelief, "Why do you humans always have food on your minds?"
Thorongil made the pretence of looking hurt, though it did him no good, "Why is it you elves never consider important matters? Now I shall not be long." He moved to leave but Legolas' voice called him back.
"Strider…" Thorongil turned back to look at his friend. "Thank you," Legolas whispered softly, Thorongil nodded and smiled.
"You are most welcome my friend."
True to his word, Thorongil returned to the tent with haste, having retrieved food and drink for himself and Legolas. He seated himself beside the cot where the elf was now sitting with ease.
After a moment of silence, Thorongil looked up from his food with a questioning gaze, "Will you now tell me how you came to be held prisoner in the Southron camp?"
Legolas considered a moment then nodded. "I had been on my way to Lothlórien on business for my father. It was a long journey, but a pleasant one, and I did not suspect any sort of danger. Then, when I reached the place where I had to cross over the Anduin to Lothlórien I realized I should have taken the Ford by the Carrock."
Thorongil chuckled lightly and looked up at his friend, "I could have told you that; you should have had a guide, Legolas!"
Legolas smiled weakly then looked down. "Perhaps," he agreed. "I decided to instead stay in the forest and try to find a way to cross the next day — but I stumbled across a camp of Southrons and — I-I was captured by them—" he broke off suddenly and looked up at Thorongil; his friend was staring at him closely as though trying to read his mind.
"They captured you…" the captain prompted after a moment's pause.
"Yes," Legolas continued, hastening on. "I was taken to their camp. Many of my injuries were acquired while we traveled, but when we arrived their king was not pleased. I gathered that he feared I was from Lothlórien and that when my absence was discovered, the elves would attack him. So he ordered me imprisoned in the camp…and then he forgot about me altogether. I can't actually say how long I was there; I lost count of the days." Thorongil let out an angry breath before allowing his friend to continue, and Legolas hesitated a moment before returning to the tale once again, "A man was put in charge of feeding me and bringing me water. He brought me out a few times, but I nearly escaped and then he ceased to do even that; he merely threw my rations into the tent where I could seldom reach it. Sometimes he would come in drunk and would rage about with a lash. He disliked his assignment and took it out on me, but he was not often capable of doing me much harm; it was only that I could not dodge the blows. I had about given up hope of ever escaping, if indeed I could survive the neglect, and that was when Findel found me." Legolas paused and actually gave a slight laugh, "All humans, you know, are extremely curious creatures; my tent intrigued her and she just simply couldn't ignore it. So she investigated, found me, and after overcoming her initial fear she brought me food…" He trailed off and waited a long moment before adding in a detached way, "If you hadn't come just then, though, I probably would have been killed."
Thorongil looked up, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"I said the man disliked his duties: he finally was thrust beyond endurance by some mockery amongst his fellows. Since it was assumed I had been left for dead… he tried to kill me. One of the senior guards came to investigate and he left before he could be caught in the act, but I have no doubt he would have managed it if I had remained." Legolas let out a short, relieved breath, and it seemed as though a great load had been taken from him, "That was when I assume you arrived, but I cannot remember it well."
Thorongil nodded in affirmation. It was a harsh tale indeed, but he couldn't help feeling that something had not been confided and it worried him. He was about to speak when someone entered the tent behind him.
"Findel," Thorongil and Legolas greeted at almost the same time. She smiled and greeted them awkwardly before handing something to Thorongil.
"I apologize for disturbing you, Captain, but Kelegalen asked me to bring you these ointments in case your supply was not extensive enough."
Thorongil took them from the girl and smiled, "Thank you."
"I am glad to see you well, Legolas," she greeted the elf behind Thorongil and Legolas inclined his head to her.
"Thanks in great part to you, I am to understand, my lady," he smiled at her and she smiled uncertainly, still not accustomed to conversing with an elf.
"You are most welcome," the girl replied at last, before turning back to Thorongil. "Kelegalen also wished me to inform you that he has alerted Nethtalt and the Warden to your presence; however no one else knows that there is an elf here, and he wishes to leave it to your discretion on how you desire to proceed."
"I thank you," he said again then nodded to her. "Please also inform Kelegalen that I will speak to him on this matter later." She gave a short nod in return before taking her leave.
"'Captain'?" Legolas queried, one eyebrow raised as he blinked slowly.
"Long story."
The other eyebrow joined the first, "At what time has an elf ever been deterred by *that* excuse?"
"Since he took a slow-acting sleeping draught in his tea," Thorongil returned calmly.
The elf's eyes went wide, though with seeming difficulty, "That was a rotten trick, Strider!"
"Blame my father. I'll catch you up on my doings later; don't worry."
The last thing Legolas saw before he drifted off to sleep again was his friend's reassuring smile.
TBC…