A/N: Well we've made it through 20 chapters guys! Well, at least we will
have when you finish reading this chapter. Now this is a long one and I
worked hard on it. I am proud because I am thus succeeding in my mission
that is to stay true to the Lord Of The Rings- which I will continue to do
even if it kills me! And it just might:)))) But hey, we've made it this
far, there's no turning back now. Not that I would anyway. I won't hold you
all up, enjoy chapter 20!!! Hugs and Kisses to all who take the time to
review...
*********************
As the days passed slowly and heavily for Legolas, he found himself amidst a strange new friendship. They who were meant to be enemies now seldom parted, ate together, drank together and told stories together. Yes, it is to Gimli the Dwarf that I refer to. For as the Fellowship was now broken, the Three Hunters were left alone in barren lands to search for their friends Merry and Pippin with very little luck on their sides. Needless to say, Legolas was not having the best of times. A strange thing came upon him, though, as he walked through the Fangorn forest. He was at once made aware of his age but felt incredibly young in comparison to the wood. He made sure to comment on that.
Losing their horses was a major drawback, no mistake about that. Eomer would be quite displeased. But there was nothing that could be done as strange events had begun to unfold anew. Beggars in white and uncertain armies gathering against the Dark Forces. A war was in the brewing and all too late had Legolas come to see this new seriousness. Alas for how he missed the forests of Mirkwood, his home. The unending gardens of the palace in which he would pass the time away, as if it were a trinket. With her...always with her. He knew that Aragorn had kept the letter. In fact, he even once tried to approach Legolas with the subject. This was their conversation:
"Legolas, may I have a word with you my friend?"
"Certainly, what seems to be the trouble brother?"
"I know you do not wish to hear this... but I see your strength weaken day by day. Nay, perhaps I do not -see- it as much as I -feel- it. And I know what it is that plagues you. I reread the letter my friend and what was at first a great shock seems now to me to be quite out of character."
Legolas was about to interrupt as this topic was the greatest and only wound in his soul and he was not ready for further discussion of it. But Aragorn was not about to let him interrupt his speech just yet. He was about to make a point. He did not yet know what that point was but he was determined to make it.
"Let me finish," he continued and Legolas turned his head away with a frown on his face but nonetheless with a fair amount of curiousity as to what Aragorn had to say.
"Continue if you must..."
"Legolas I have known both you and Dileriyen many, many years. I honestly cannot bring myself to believe that she could be capable of such cruelty. It is quite unlike her."
Legolas opened his eyes a bit more (in a sarcastic manner) and mumbled, "You would be surprised..."
Aragorn chose not to hear those words. "Legolas I have seen the love in her eyes more times than words can say. She adores you-"
"Right you are Estel, she does love me. As a sister she will no doubt always love me. But nothing more. And even if there were something more, I have managed to kill any hope of it by leaving her. Do not look saddened my friend for no regrets do I carry in joining the Fellowship. True love must always stand the tests of time and space; unfortunately, Dileriyen has failed on both counts. She now finds her love and comfort in Elrohir's arms."
Now Aragorn was quite aware of the mention of another in her letter but never once had Legolas mentioned whom he speculated that person to be. Aragorn could only look at him baffled and somewhat amused. Surely this was some kind of mistake.
"You smile my friend as if you do not believe what you have just heard. Aye, it is the truth, not my suspicions. They may have been suspicions in origin but I found my proof from the messenger Celerin of Rivendell. He is probably a close friend of Elrohir's, therefore removing all doubt of it being idle gossip..."
"I know this Celerin of whom you speak and true indeed that he is a close friend of Elrohir's. A little too close, perhaps. He is a kind soul but I warn you Legolas, he is easily swayed by Elrohir's words, I have been witness to it many times. Perhaps-"
"Estel, my dear friend..." He made the 'stop' motion by holding up his hand.
"I thank you from the bottom of my shattered heart but your words ought to be spared. There is nothing left for anyone to say. She is a dream that is dead for me."
And with that Legolas walked off once again to be alone. But Aragorn knew all too well what he did when he was away from them. He wept and wept; for love, for loss and for all the confusion he was suffering. All this and the quest for the Ring had taken quite a toll on him. What strength he had to not let it show!
We skip now ahead to the night when Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas have set camp at the edge of the forest. Their horses have not gone off yet but The Three are about to take some rest and keep watch. As mentioned earlier, the friendship between the Elf and Dwarf grew and Legolas began to trust his new friend with many things, as he had done with Aragorn. While Aragorn busied himself with other matters that needed tending to, Legolas and Gimli sat by, laughing and chatting to keep their spirits up. But Gimli had not been stranger to the matters that grieved his new friend and concern mixed with curiosity now took their places. The laughing thus died down and the Dwarf made an introduction to the topic.
"Legolas, I do not mean to intrude but there is a matter which I have been meaning to discuss with you."
"Gimli we are friends now, not the strangers we once were. What is it that concerns you my friend?"
"Much have you told me about your home and your past but there is a name that is often brought up between you and Aragorn that you have yet to speak of. Who is this Dileriyen? Do you have a wife that you have not mentioned?"
Legolas cast his eyes to the ground. He wanted and did not want to tell Gimli at the same time. How to begin such a story was a journey in itself. Was he ready to walk those paths once again? He needed to talk to someone, that much was certain. Maybe this new friend of his could shed some different light for him. And after all, why not? It was worth a shot. There really was nothing left to lose at this point.
"Master Gimli, you have asked of me not a question but a story whose end has yet to come. I will not deny your request but I must ask if you are ready to hear it my friend for I do not wish to bore you and renew my pain."
"Nonsense Legolas do not say such things. Although I hate to admit it, I have learned much from you my lad, hahaha. And I see your mind wander off constantly. Something tells me that you have a history to you. I am ready to listen if you are ready to tell it."
Legolas sat silent for a minute, thinking of the perfect way to start his story. He then lifted his head up and looked at the stars as he began to speak.
"I have known her all my life and yet why I have been so blessed is still a mystery to me, for let's not forget, not everyone on this Earth can claim to have an angel by their sides. And an angel she is Gimli. The purest of them all. She was there at my beginning, never letting me go even for a moment after my mother's murder, or so I have been told. We grew together, always together. You have taken a liking to the Lady Galadriel, my friend, but you have yet to see my Lady...or so she was once upon a time. Nay, I have not a wife for she is so much more than a wife could ever hope to be. She is the other piece of my soul, departed. That is why you see me half dead..."
He carried on for quite a while, throwing in random stories of their past amidst the tale of the main problem at hand. Gimli seemed fascinated and touched, never once attempting to interrupt. And all the while Legolas looked up to the Heavens, almost as if he were remembering his life story for himself and not retelling the tale to another. But then, when everything seemed said and done and all was quite, Legolas ceased his gaze and looked Gimli in the eyes.
"All this I have lived and continue to live through my friend. But I know not whether you are aware of the depths of an elf's emotions. Our love and grievances know no limits. They are eternal as are we, the firstborn; always destined to live both parts of the cycle. I cannot simply shut my emotions off. I do not love her. No, the word love does not do justice. She is the very air I breathe. Alas for she is now reduced to a dream of memories that I chase but am doomed to never recapture. Let her marry Elrohir and find her happiness. I am not selfish for she has taught me better than that. It would make her proud to know that I respect her wishes and place them above my own. She is my soul, now and till the Great End claim us. But I shall beg for death before the end of my journeys comes."
"Such misery I have never seen before, my friend. You are a sad and beautiful creature to my eyes. Accept now the infinite friendship of this old Dwarf for you have grown in his eyes to such a height that his respect now knows no bounds. Henceforth he will be at your side till his last breath, if he may."
"In the perfect time do you bestow your true friendship Gimli, my brother. I sense that we have yet many great times to share before leaving these lands. I accept your friendship with the condition that you take mine in return."
"It is done then! A Dwarf and an Elf made brothers. A queer two we are Legolas, hahaha. But it seems that fate has allowed for it.. Many roads have we yet to travel but in the end there is no doubt we will end up home, if we make it through alive, that is. I should very much like to see Mirkwood and this other half of yours, as I may rightly name her."
"Agreed! When all is said and done, we shall head home Gimli. But for now, let us bring closure to this subject and never more speak of it until the day for return comes. And come it shall!"
That was the end of that.
*********************
Asona galloped with all her might through the very gates of the palace, in such a rush and with such force that the guards had a hard time restraining her. She was recognized of course, as the horse that bore the Lady out of Mirkwood. But if here stood the horse then where was the Lady?? The King was called upon to see to this matter immediately.
*knock knock*
"Your Highness, there is an emergency downstairs!"
"What is it lad?" Thranduil asked, now getting an ill feeling in his heart as he stood up and looked for answers.
"Milord, Asona has returned without the Lady and she is in a frenzy, we are having trouble restraining her."
There was no time to lose. Thranduil did not know what happened and did not care, his daughter was obviously in some sort of peril and there was no time to think. He tried to remain calm but the terror and panic in his voice was evident.
"Assemble men at once! Get my equipment ready! Go now lad there is not a moment to lose!!!"
He screamed his instructions at anyone and everyone that crossed his path as he sped down the stairs. He saw Asona trying to be held down in a futile manner as she jumped and screamed forcefully. Indeed, something very ill had befell his daughter. He could see it in the poor animal's eyes annd no doubt Asona could pick up the fear in his.
"Step aside quickly!" Thranduil ran up to the horse and looked her in the eyes. She immediately understood and let the King mount her. He was given his sword, bow and arrows and immediately twelve Elves were at his side. Thranduil leaned into Asona's ear and whispered forcefully:
"Fly Asona! Lead us to her! Now!"
Like lightening they were off but in vain for even when they reached the spot where Asona had last left poor Dileriyen, there were hundreds of places she could have been taken to, for all that stood recognized the trails of the Spiders. Hoping with all his heart that she was still alive, Thranduil screamed now to his small but ferocious band.
"Search every bush, tree, cave and hole! No rest, no stopping until she is found! Kill anything that lies dark in your path! Go now, scatter and do not return without my daughter!"
And thus they all sped in different directions, including Thranduil who could no longer hold back his emotions. But it was of no use for little did they know that they were still a far way off from where the foul ones had carried her.
***********************
Dileriyen found it hard to breathe in the suffocating web that was woven intricately around her. The dizziness was hard to cope with but it began to wear off and she was in a foul mood now. Someone or, more correctly, something was going to pay for all this today. She was going to escape, make no mistake of that. But her body had been poisoned and all she could feel were her arms in the tiny cocoon. Her legs were completely paralyzed and refused to listen to Dileriyen's commands. She listened to the sounds of her surroundings for hours but there was nothing there. She was left alone in the cave. Fortunately, the spiders hunted in packs and they were probably out now gathering more victims to hang until they were ready to feast. This was the time to act and Dileriyen thanked Eru that she had taken the care to place one dagger on her person (of the initial few that she had taken with her when going to Rivendell). But reaching it was no easy task for her body had no space to move in and her entire being from the waist down was paralyzed. There was nothing she could do but make tiny scratches with the point of her blade to the sides of her cocoon. Yet slowly and slowly the scratches became a hole and the hole thus grew until it could support her weight no longer and she crashed to the ground so hard that the wind was knocked out of her.
Still, nothing but the silence. All the better for she now made efforts to stand but alas! Her body was completely numb. What to do? Surely those hideous beings would be back very soon. There seemed to be quite a few entrances to the cave on several sides as fresh air blew forth from every direction. That was good for she would want to exit a different direction from which she came. It seemed like a small and unstable surrounding, though, and every now and then a fragment of rock would chip off and crumble to the ground, terrifying Dileriyen for it made it harder to tell if something were approaching her or not.
There was nothing left to do but crawl and crawl she did. Forty-five minutes of crawling and finally a faint light could be seen ahead! The air also seemed to become ever fresher and thus Dileriyen crawled with all her might, her legs finally beginning to recover a little. Suddenly, many shrieks and hisses could be heard in the distance. They were back!
A million thoughts ran through her head frantically for they would be hot on her trail in no time. What could she possibly do? Suddenly, an idea struck her. A very clever one at that. She would take a chance on her legs and it was going to hurt but there was no other way. She took her dagger and with one quick movement drew it straight across her thigh. She held the screams inside her but alas for the enemy's screams were getting closer. Fortunately, though, her plan had worked! The cut got the blood pumping in her leg once again and the pain brought back the feeling. At least it would move. Now for the other one. With another swift motion she drew the blade across her second thigh but this time, the blade mistakenly struck her knee as well and Dileriyen could not prevent the loud scream that escaped her lips. The echo was even more tremendous than the original scream and the cave began to quack. It was just too unstable for the power of the emitted sound. Rocks, at first small, began to fall from the ceiling but they got bigger as Dileriyen limped harder. She was almost there but a mere two feet before the edge she stopped before a large rock fell in front of her though at the same time one fell from behind and hit her hard on the head as well as on the back. Dileriyen stumbled forward in daze and as she fell out of the mouth of the cave, a few last boulders sealed the entrance. The blood now seeped down from her head, back and legs and she just couldn't take it. She broke down to the ground. The last thing she saw was the face of an angel. But Legolas was many a mile and dream away...
*****************
It was a day and a half later that she awoke and felt the pain rush through every inch of her body. She could barely lift her head up as the sun's rays kissed her face. But they held no warmth for her. She was wounded, hungry and sick and she certainly had no idea of how long she had been outside. She stood up very slowly and painfully, shedding tears at the force of the pain. Looking around her, everything seemed strange and new yet familiar in an eerie way. There was no choice but to walk and hope that someone friendly would cross her path so that she might ask for assistance. So she limped on and on and on, always forward for there was something that drew her to that direction. It was towards the setting of the sun when she finally came across a town, and images of flashbacks played sporadically in her head. Something warned her not to go there but another voice beckoned for her not to stop. In any case, she could not stop for she needed immediate medical attention. With her final thread of life she limped into the village and someone from behind spoke to her. It was an Elf on a horse who had noticed her entrance into the town. His eyes opened in wide astonishment as he looked upon her and her war-torn appearance.
He jumped off his horse and caught her in his arms before she fell once more. Immediately he carried her into his house and called for his wife who was skilled in the art of treatment. But Dileriyen was in bad shape and now began to shiver uncontrollably as the poison was taking its last toll on her frail body. Thank the Valar that she was built tougher than she looked.
The hands of her healer were quick and able to defeat the poison. Dileriyen was cleaned, bandaged, treated and laid to rest. She was a very lucky soul. The Valar seemed to be smiling upon her. It was the next day when she found the strength to regain consciousness and found sitting on a chair beside her bed the Elven Lady who had saved her life.
The lady, noticing that she was awake, introduced herself.
"Thank the Valar that you are awake Lady! For a minute there we thought you might not make it. But the Valar seem to have their eyes on you. My name is Galadya and this is my home. And so too shall it be yours until you desire to leave it. You are in Bordertown. It was my husband Renil who found you and brought you here. I am just glad that he was in time for a few more minutes and you would surely have been beyond our aid."
Dileriyen opened her mouth to speak but found even that to be a painful task.
"There, there Milady. Do not rush your motions for your body needs much rest."
She tried once more and spoke very slowly and quietly for that was about as much as she could accomplish at the moment.
"Galadya...I...thank you my friend. You and Renil are no doubt my angels..."
"Think nothing of it my dear! It is a joy to see your health begin to flow back. I have but one question, though. Who is this beautiful Lady that we have had the pleasure of assisting?"
"I...I am..."
Dileriyen stopped in confusion. She thought for a moment but it was no use. Looking up at Galadya with tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat, she whispered:
"I do not know..."
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A/N: Oh believe me.it gets much worse...I will update again VERY soon.
*********************
As the days passed slowly and heavily for Legolas, he found himself amidst a strange new friendship. They who were meant to be enemies now seldom parted, ate together, drank together and told stories together. Yes, it is to Gimli the Dwarf that I refer to. For as the Fellowship was now broken, the Three Hunters were left alone in barren lands to search for their friends Merry and Pippin with very little luck on their sides. Needless to say, Legolas was not having the best of times. A strange thing came upon him, though, as he walked through the Fangorn forest. He was at once made aware of his age but felt incredibly young in comparison to the wood. He made sure to comment on that.
Losing their horses was a major drawback, no mistake about that. Eomer would be quite displeased. But there was nothing that could be done as strange events had begun to unfold anew. Beggars in white and uncertain armies gathering against the Dark Forces. A war was in the brewing and all too late had Legolas come to see this new seriousness. Alas for how he missed the forests of Mirkwood, his home. The unending gardens of the palace in which he would pass the time away, as if it were a trinket. With her...always with her. He knew that Aragorn had kept the letter. In fact, he even once tried to approach Legolas with the subject. This was their conversation:
"Legolas, may I have a word with you my friend?"
"Certainly, what seems to be the trouble brother?"
"I know you do not wish to hear this... but I see your strength weaken day by day. Nay, perhaps I do not -see- it as much as I -feel- it. And I know what it is that plagues you. I reread the letter my friend and what was at first a great shock seems now to me to be quite out of character."
Legolas was about to interrupt as this topic was the greatest and only wound in his soul and he was not ready for further discussion of it. But Aragorn was not about to let him interrupt his speech just yet. He was about to make a point. He did not yet know what that point was but he was determined to make it.
"Let me finish," he continued and Legolas turned his head away with a frown on his face but nonetheless with a fair amount of curiousity as to what Aragorn had to say.
"Continue if you must..."
"Legolas I have known both you and Dileriyen many, many years. I honestly cannot bring myself to believe that she could be capable of such cruelty. It is quite unlike her."
Legolas opened his eyes a bit more (in a sarcastic manner) and mumbled, "You would be surprised..."
Aragorn chose not to hear those words. "Legolas I have seen the love in her eyes more times than words can say. She adores you-"
"Right you are Estel, she does love me. As a sister she will no doubt always love me. But nothing more. And even if there were something more, I have managed to kill any hope of it by leaving her. Do not look saddened my friend for no regrets do I carry in joining the Fellowship. True love must always stand the tests of time and space; unfortunately, Dileriyen has failed on both counts. She now finds her love and comfort in Elrohir's arms."
Now Aragorn was quite aware of the mention of another in her letter but never once had Legolas mentioned whom he speculated that person to be. Aragorn could only look at him baffled and somewhat amused. Surely this was some kind of mistake.
"You smile my friend as if you do not believe what you have just heard. Aye, it is the truth, not my suspicions. They may have been suspicions in origin but I found my proof from the messenger Celerin of Rivendell. He is probably a close friend of Elrohir's, therefore removing all doubt of it being idle gossip..."
"I know this Celerin of whom you speak and true indeed that he is a close friend of Elrohir's. A little too close, perhaps. He is a kind soul but I warn you Legolas, he is easily swayed by Elrohir's words, I have been witness to it many times. Perhaps-"
"Estel, my dear friend..." He made the 'stop' motion by holding up his hand.
"I thank you from the bottom of my shattered heart but your words ought to be spared. There is nothing left for anyone to say. She is a dream that is dead for me."
And with that Legolas walked off once again to be alone. But Aragorn knew all too well what he did when he was away from them. He wept and wept; for love, for loss and for all the confusion he was suffering. All this and the quest for the Ring had taken quite a toll on him. What strength he had to not let it show!
We skip now ahead to the night when Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas have set camp at the edge of the forest. Their horses have not gone off yet but The Three are about to take some rest and keep watch. As mentioned earlier, the friendship between the Elf and Dwarf grew and Legolas began to trust his new friend with many things, as he had done with Aragorn. While Aragorn busied himself with other matters that needed tending to, Legolas and Gimli sat by, laughing and chatting to keep their spirits up. But Gimli had not been stranger to the matters that grieved his new friend and concern mixed with curiosity now took their places. The laughing thus died down and the Dwarf made an introduction to the topic.
"Legolas, I do not mean to intrude but there is a matter which I have been meaning to discuss with you."
"Gimli we are friends now, not the strangers we once were. What is it that concerns you my friend?"
"Much have you told me about your home and your past but there is a name that is often brought up between you and Aragorn that you have yet to speak of. Who is this Dileriyen? Do you have a wife that you have not mentioned?"
Legolas cast his eyes to the ground. He wanted and did not want to tell Gimli at the same time. How to begin such a story was a journey in itself. Was he ready to walk those paths once again? He needed to talk to someone, that much was certain. Maybe this new friend of his could shed some different light for him. And after all, why not? It was worth a shot. There really was nothing left to lose at this point.
"Master Gimli, you have asked of me not a question but a story whose end has yet to come. I will not deny your request but I must ask if you are ready to hear it my friend for I do not wish to bore you and renew my pain."
"Nonsense Legolas do not say such things. Although I hate to admit it, I have learned much from you my lad, hahaha. And I see your mind wander off constantly. Something tells me that you have a history to you. I am ready to listen if you are ready to tell it."
Legolas sat silent for a minute, thinking of the perfect way to start his story. He then lifted his head up and looked at the stars as he began to speak.
"I have known her all my life and yet why I have been so blessed is still a mystery to me, for let's not forget, not everyone on this Earth can claim to have an angel by their sides. And an angel she is Gimli. The purest of them all. She was there at my beginning, never letting me go even for a moment after my mother's murder, or so I have been told. We grew together, always together. You have taken a liking to the Lady Galadriel, my friend, but you have yet to see my Lady...or so she was once upon a time. Nay, I have not a wife for she is so much more than a wife could ever hope to be. She is the other piece of my soul, departed. That is why you see me half dead..."
He carried on for quite a while, throwing in random stories of their past amidst the tale of the main problem at hand. Gimli seemed fascinated and touched, never once attempting to interrupt. And all the while Legolas looked up to the Heavens, almost as if he were remembering his life story for himself and not retelling the tale to another. But then, when everything seemed said and done and all was quite, Legolas ceased his gaze and looked Gimli in the eyes.
"All this I have lived and continue to live through my friend. But I know not whether you are aware of the depths of an elf's emotions. Our love and grievances know no limits. They are eternal as are we, the firstborn; always destined to live both parts of the cycle. I cannot simply shut my emotions off. I do not love her. No, the word love does not do justice. She is the very air I breathe. Alas for she is now reduced to a dream of memories that I chase but am doomed to never recapture. Let her marry Elrohir and find her happiness. I am not selfish for she has taught me better than that. It would make her proud to know that I respect her wishes and place them above my own. She is my soul, now and till the Great End claim us. But I shall beg for death before the end of my journeys comes."
"Such misery I have never seen before, my friend. You are a sad and beautiful creature to my eyes. Accept now the infinite friendship of this old Dwarf for you have grown in his eyes to such a height that his respect now knows no bounds. Henceforth he will be at your side till his last breath, if he may."
"In the perfect time do you bestow your true friendship Gimli, my brother. I sense that we have yet many great times to share before leaving these lands. I accept your friendship with the condition that you take mine in return."
"It is done then! A Dwarf and an Elf made brothers. A queer two we are Legolas, hahaha. But it seems that fate has allowed for it.. Many roads have we yet to travel but in the end there is no doubt we will end up home, if we make it through alive, that is. I should very much like to see Mirkwood and this other half of yours, as I may rightly name her."
"Agreed! When all is said and done, we shall head home Gimli. But for now, let us bring closure to this subject and never more speak of it until the day for return comes. And come it shall!"
That was the end of that.
*********************
Asona galloped with all her might through the very gates of the palace, in such a rush and with such force that the guards had a hard time restraining her. She was recognized of course, as the horse that bore the Lady out of Mirkwood. But if here stood the horse then where was the Lady?? The King was called upon to see to this matter immediately.
*knock knock*
"Your Highness, there is an emergency downstairs!"
"What is it lad?" Thranduil asked, now getting an ill feeling in his heart as he stood up and looked for answers.
"Milord, Asona has returned without the Lady and she is in a frenzy, we are having trouble restraining her."
There was no time to lose. Thranduil did not know what happened and did not care, his daughter was obviously in some sort of peril and there was no time to think. He tried to remain calm but the terror and panic in his voice was evident.
"Assemble men at once! Get my equipment ready! Go now lad there is not a moment to lose!!!"
He screamed his instructions at anyone and everyone that crossed his path as he sped down the stairs. He saw Asona trying to be held down in a futile manner as she jumped and screamed forcefully. Indeed, something very ill had befell his daughter. He could see it in the poor animal's eyes annd no doubt Asona could pick up the fear in his.
"Step aside quickly!" Thranduil ran up to the horse and looked her in the eyes. She immediately understood and let the King mount her. He was given his sword, bow and arrows and immediately twelve Elves were at his side. Thranduil leaned into Asona's ear and whispered forcefully:
"Fly Asona! Lead us to her! Now!"
Like lightening they were off but in vain for even when they reached the spot where Asona had last left poor Dileriyen, there were hundreds of places she could have been taken to, for all that stood recognized the trails of the Spiders. Hoping with all his heart that she was still alive, Thranduil screamed now to his small but ferocious band.
"Search every bush, tree, cave and hole! No rest, no stopping until she is found! Kill anything that lies dark in your path! Go now, scatter and do not return without my daughter!"
And thus they all sped in different directions, including Thranduil who could no longer hold back his emotions. But it was of no use for little did they know that they were still a far way off from where the foul ones had carried her.
***********************
Dileriyen found it hard to breathe in the suffocating web that was woven intricately around her. The dizziness was hard to cope with but it began to wear off and she was in a foul mood now. Someone or, more correctly, something was going to pay for all this today. She was going to escape, make no mistake of that. But her body had been poisoned and all she could feel were her arms in the tiny cocoon. Her legs were completely paralyzed and refused to listen to Dileriyen's commands. She listened to the sounds of her surroundings for hours but there was nothing there. She was left alone in the cave. Fortunately, the spiders hunted in packs and they were probably out now gathering more victims to hang until they were ready to feast. This was the time to act and Dileriyen thanked Eru that she had taken the care to place one dagger on her person (of the initial few that she had taken with her when going to Rivendell). But reaching it was no easy task for her body had no space to move in and her entire being from the waist down was paralyzed. There was nothing she could do but make tiny scratches with the point of her blade to the sides of her cocoon. Yet slowly and slowly the scratches became a hole and the hole thus grew until it could support her weight no longer and she crashed to the ground so hard that the wind was knocked out of her.
Still, nothing but the silence. All the better for she now made efforts to stand but alas! Her body was completely numb. What to do? Surely those hideous beings would be back very soon. There seemed to be quite a few entrances to the cave on several sides as fresh air blew forth from every direction. That was good for she would want to exit a different direction from which she came. It seemed like a small and unstable surrounding, though, and every now and then a fragment of rock would chip off and crumble to the ground, terrifying Dileriyen for it made it harder to tell if something were approaching her or not.
There was nothing left to do but crawl and crawl she did. Forty-five minutes of crawling and finally a faint light could be seen ahead! The air also seemed to become ever fresher and thus Dileriyen crawled with all her might, her legs finally beginning to recover a little. Suddenly, many shrieks and hisses could be heard in the distance. They were back!
A million thoughts ran through her head frantically for they would be hot on her trail in no time. What could she possibly do? Suddenly, an idea struck her. A very clever one at that. She would take a chance on her legs and it was going to hurt but there was no other way. She took her dagger and with one quick movement drew it straight across her thigh. She held the screams inside her but alas for the enemy's screams were getting closer. Fortunately, though, her plan had worked! The cut got the blood pumping in her leg once again and the pain brought back the feeling. At least it would move. Now for the other one. With another swift motion she drew the blade across her second thigh but this time, the blade mistakenly struck her knee as well and Dileriyen could not prevent the loud scream that escaped her lips. The echo was even more tremendous than the original scream and the cave began to quack. It was just too unstable for the power of the emitted sound. Rocks, at first small, began to fall from the ceiling but they got bigger as Dileriyen limped harder. She was almost there but a mere two feet before the edge she stopped before a large rock fell in front of her though at the same time one fell from behind and hit her hard on the head as well as on the back. Dileriyen stumbled forward in daze and as she fell out of the mouth of the cave, a few last boulders sealed the entrance. The blood now seeped down from her head, back and legs and she just couldn't take it. She broke down to the ground. The last thing she saw was the face of an angel. But Legolas was many a mile and dream away...
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It was a day and a half later that she awoke and felt the pain rush through every inch of her body. She could barely lift her head up as the sun's rays kissed her face. But they held no warmth for her. She was wounded, hungry and sick and she certainly had no idea of how long she had been outside. She stood up very slowly and painfully, shedding tears at the force of the pain. Looking around her, everything seemed strange and new yet familiar in an eerie way. There was no choice but to walk and hope that someone friendly would cross her path so that she might ask for assistance. So she limped on and on and on, always forward for there was something that drew her to that direction. It was towards the setting of the sun when she finally came across a town, and images of flashbacks played sporadically in her head. Something warned her not to go there but another voice beckoned for her not to stop. In any case, she could not stop for she needed immediate medical attention. With her final thread of life she limped into the village and someone from behind spoke to her. It was an Elf on a horse who had noticed her entrance into the town. His eyes opened in wide astonishment as he looked upon her and her war-torn appearance.
He jumped off his horse and caught her in his arms before she fell once more. Immediately he carried her into his house and called for his wife who was skilled in the art of treatment. But Dileriyen was in bad shape and now began to shiver uncontrollably as the poison was taking its last toll on her frail body. Thank the Valar that she was built tougher than she looked.
The hands of her healer were quick and able to defeat the poison. Dileriyen was cleaned, bandaged, treated and laid to rest. She was a very lucky soul. The Valar seemed to be smiling upon her. It was the next day when she found the strength to regain consciousness and found sitting on a chair beside her bed the Elven Lady who had saved her life.
The lady, noticing that she was awake, introduced herself.
"Thank the Valar that you are awake Lady! For a minute there we thought you might not make it. But the Valar seem to have their eyes on you. My name is Galadya and this is my home. And so too shall it be yours until you desire to leave it. You are in Bordertown. It was my husband Renil who found you and brought you here. I am just glad that he was in time for a few more minutes and you would surely have been beyond our aid."
Dileriyen opened her mouth to speak but found even that to be a painful task.
"There, there Milady. Do not rush your motions for your body needs much rest."
She tried once more and spoke very slowly and quietly for that was about as much as she could accomplish at the moment.
"Galadya...I...thank you my friend. You and Renil are no doubt my angels..."
"Think nothing of it my dear! It is a joy to see your health begin to flow back. I have but one question, though. Who is this beautiful Lady that we have had the pleasure of assisting?"
"I...I am..."
Dileriyen stopped in confusion. She thought for a moment but it was no use. Looking up at Galadya with tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat, she whispered:
"I do not know..."
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A/N: Oh believe me.it gets much worse...I will update again VERY soon.
