Dare Not Close My Eyes: Chapter Two
ScoobySnack: Thanks sooo much!! I tried to put it to where Legolas was a good elf gone bad cause of the wrong influences.. hehe And lets face it, Aragorn can be down right raunchy when he wants to be… comes with being human. LOL
Elenillor: I didn't want to draw out a long boring argument with Legolas and Thranduil for the simple fact that I thought I would lose the readers interest. So I shortened it, and hinted that they were at this argument for awhile… at least that's what I had hoped that readers gathered. Thranduil didn't just give in… Legolas had been working on him for awhile.. I just didn't want to write a whole boring scene with them saying the same thing over and over. Make sense? J
Ankhesanamun: Thank you SOOO much for your review! Yeah, parents try to keep their kids outta trouble, but you think after a few thousand years, Legolas would have SOME idea of what he's doing. LOL
Sorry for the late post but FF would NOT cooperate with me for two days.
And now… part two…..
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With the speed that rivaled a deer, Legolas slipped through the forest of Mirkwood, his steps light. No sound did the prince make as he raced through his home. So quiet and swift was the fair being, that he easily passed a herd of grazing deer in a meadow. Not a blade of grass or extended branch was disturbed save for the occasional wind through the boughs high above.
Knowing that his father would be most displeased and a firm lecture would be in the prince's future when he returned, Legolas hoped the trip to Ford's Bearing would be easy and allow him time to linger in Rivendell. The visit would allow him a chance to see his friend Strider, whom he hadn't seen in several months. It was also a good chance for King Thranduil to calm down and blow off the excess steam he undoubtedly was withholding as he discovered his son disobeyed yet again.
All through the day the elf swiftly ran though the forest of Mirkwood. Not only did the prince want to reach Ford's Bearing by mid-day tomorrow, but since he was alone he didn't wish to meet any spiders that roamed freely through the ancient trees above.
The sun was setting heavily in the west, stinging the prince's eyes as he journeyed towards the ablaze horizon. Splashes of orange and red painted the landscape into a fiery massacre of stained foliage, fading into the darkness of night.
When the night had fallen and stars speckled the sky overhead, Legolas stopped for a rest under the shade of a mellorn tree, it's old withered bough heavy with time and the strain of the ages. Resting peacefully against the soft moss-covered trunk, the prince allowed himself to slip into a light slumber, his eyes glassing over in Elven sleep.
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As the sun peeked through the leaves overhead, cutting through the darkness and lighting up the forest paths, Legolas snapped instantly awake. His mind easily going from slumber to alertness in a blink of an elven eye.
Stretching quickly to shake off the latent effects of sleep, the Prince of Mirkwood took to his travels once more. Clearing the trees of his home, he easily navigated through the high grasses of the bordering plain, heading west to Ford's Bearing. The shadows of the Misty Mountains growing larger, their peaks tipped with soft hues of rose and orange as the dawned bathed them in its early light.
Turning his direction slightly to the west, the prince traveled on, his sped only matched by the passing winds.
By midday, the sun was in full intensity, chasing all shadows away and lighting the world with its brightness. The Misty Mountains loomed closer, their peaks now sparkling like diamonds from the fresh fallen snow that capped their tops.
Stopping for a quick drink at a small stream, the Elf's eyes swept the surrounding area before allowing his guard to drop. With a few drinks, he set off again, his image a blur as he found himself entering a small orchard of trees that signaled the closeness of Ford's Bearing.
With a sly grin, Legolas easily spotted the tallest tree in the surrounding area, and cut a path through the thinned forest. The tree was standing at least twice the size of its surrounding brethren, its trunk wide enough that five men standing hand in hand around it's width would not meet. Its low slung branches were thick and gnarled, twisting around it and resembling large, threatening hands to ward off the evil of man and their lumbering instincts.
Perhaps its almost threatening manner kept the tree from being felled by woodsmen? wondered the Elf Prince.
Whatever the reasoning, Legolas was happy the tree remained and happy that its secrets remained hidden. With a grin on his face he stopped in front of the tree, "Hello old friend." With a quick nod of his head, the elf slipped around to the other side of the tree, where it was thick with bramble and over grown with moss and vines.
Gently swiping a hand through the thick carpet of vine covered mosses, the elf easily ducked in through a small opening in the trunk, covered by the greenery.
If one looked at the outside of the tree, they only saw the contorted, grotesque imagery that gave the impression the tree is one not to be messed with. However, on the inside of the weathered tree, was hollowed out and very comforting, able to allow at least three adults to sleep comfortably within the sanctuary.
The ground was covered with animal pelts, soft and plush beneath the feet. The walls were lined with extra furs for warmth, folded neatly in a pile. Several bottles of herbs and remedies nestled in the natural nook and crannies of the bark. A small wooden box held small bites of dried meat, dried fruit, and lembas. Two large billowing black cloaks rested on hooks etched from the wall.
Seeing the contents of the hidden shelter made the elf chuckle. "Always keep the stock full, Aragorn." With a heart full of nostalgic memories, the Elf grabbed a handful of dried meat and fruit and stuffed into his mouth, then pulled one of the long black cloaks off the makeshift hook. Realizing his bow and quiver would be obviously recognized as Elven, the prince undid the leather tethers and carefully placed them, along with his long knives, on the shelf carved from the tree trunk. Grabbing a small curved blade from its scabbard nestled among other human-made weapons; the elf easily strapped the blade to his thigh and shrugged on the heavy black cloak over his shoulders.
Memories of the many visits the prince and his human companion shared within the confined hollow of the tree flooded into Legolas's mind as he grabbed a small pack of lembas, and nestled in some bits of dried venison for his quick journey to Ford's Bearing, then on to Rivendell to meet with Lord Elrond.
Securing the lembas in a small pocket inside the cloak, the elf slipped out of the safe haven of the tree hollow. Setting out with a steady pace, he began to wind his through the thickets and around the towering trees. Hearing voices, the elf pulled his hair back into a loose braid down his back, and drew the hood over his face, casting his pale fair face into shadow.
Making sure that his face was well hidden, the elf ventured into the city, passing farmers, stable boys, and the bustle of townsfolk. The small town of Ford's Bearing was alive with activity, frenzied and unnerving, fast and alert. Many were hurrying about, looks of intense concentration on their faces, while others shouted and bellowed to one another about things that were foreign to the fair being.
Some children, giggling with mirth, chased each other about the adults, then darted out into the street, laughing merrily around the shrouded figure of the elf, which stopped suddenly, not wishing a confrontation or unwanted revelation of his identity.
A stern woman yelled at the children, causing them to smile sheepishly and walk to her side, their heads bowed. A rough lecture followed the group from the Elf's sight.
As Legolas walked further into town, he heard a sultry voice beckon. "Hello stranger. Are you lonely tonight?"
Glancing in the direction of the voice, the keen Elven eyes spotted a woman, rather scantily clad, standing in a doorway, her hand snaking around her hips and thighs. A slight blush crossed the fair face covered by the black cowl as memories of the first time visit to the city with a certain human ranger came tumbling to the surface of the elf's mind.
Not wishing for a repeat of that particularly embarrassing evening, Legolas raised a hand and quickly gestured for peace, leaving the woman pouting in the doorway, then calling out to others as they passed by.
A grin spread across the prince's face as he thought of the ribbing he would take if Strider found out of the elf's return to the city and the proposition that seemed to follow the elf around unmercifully. Glad that his friend wasn't with him, the elf quickened his pace, directing himself towards the leaders dwelling.
Two large surly men were standing outside of the dwelling, talking animatedly.
"I tell you, it is the work of evil."
"It is not. You are foolish to believe so."
"You would not say such things if you knew of the things I have seen of late."
"I believe you had too much ale."
"I had nothing in me save a draft from the Crossed Sabers. I tell ya, that was no dream I had. Those demons were real!"
"So you keep saying."
"You mark my words, there will be trouble soon."
The two gentlemen silenced as the cloaked figure approached, their eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Halt! Who are you?" One of them asked harshly.
Legolas held up his hands in a dismissive fashion and spoke from deep in his throat. "I have come to warn the leader of this village of a threat. I mean you no harm."
"We are aware already of this threat," the other snarled.
Legolas amended, "I have more information about the threat. I know from whence it comes and why."
The two men strode forward as one, their impressionable width and posture diminishing the concealed elf.
"Tell us now of which you speak!"
"If you do not, we will be forced to imprison you!"
"I think my information is best left for the leader of your town. When he has my knowledge and understanding, he will take appropriate action." Legolas said sternly, not allowing these two humans to intimidate him. Nothing annoyed the elf prince more than arrogant humans.
The two men stared at one another, contemplating what the cloaked figure had said. With an unspoken nod, they gestured towards the door leading into the small building. When he passed, Legolas felt a strange tingling up his spine. The uneasy feeling doubled when the men fell into step behind him.
The dwelling was simple in design. A small greeting room, complete with a small table and chair, guarded a slightly larger room, furnished with a richly designed desk, plush cushioned chairs, and thick woven rugs upon the floor. The desk was laden down with parchments and an assortment of instruments for ruling over a village, and seating several white haired men, all of who were in deep conversation with an extremely irritated looking gentleman with a shock of silver hair and stern countenance.
Arguments immediately quieted as the cloaked figure of the elf entered followed closely by two guardsmen.
"What is this interruption?" The silver haired gentleman asked with a rather strange accent.
"Forgive the intrusion, Lord Temeriul, but this stranger has information about the attacks." One of the guards said with a small bow to his superior.
Lord Temeriul stood, his height impressive for a man, and glowered at the being cloaked before him. "Reveal yourself! I do not answer to strangers that conceal themselves from me!"
Legolas held up his hands and said roughly, "Forgive my rudeness Lord Temeriul, but I fear the reaction that my face may cause. I ask that I remain in shadow, to prevent such an outcry and fear of my appearance."
It was the truth, Legolas thought as he watched the Lord look to his advisors then back at him, nodding his head in agreement. The elf had misled their minds to forego their fears. He knew that they believed him mangled, misshapen and grotesque to look upon, therefor; they would not press further for his identity, and would never know they stood with an elf. Very few humans befriended the Elven kind. Most of them were too afraid of the ethereal beings and feared their great power and their ancient wisdom and knowledge.
"Then I bid you to speak, stranger, for my patience is thin and my heart is hardened these past days," Lord Temeriul snapped.
"There is a great evil rising in the land to the south." Legolas said, his annoyance with this human rising. "Many foul creatures have been coming from the land of Mordor. I fear they are once again rising to power."
Lord Temeriul looked deep in thought as he eyed the stranger, then a smile broke out over his lips. "Mordor? Surely you jest. That evil was destroyed long ago by Men."
The reference to Men and the infliction that they conquered Sauron alone made the elf tense and his blood boil. "The evil that was fought by both Men and Elves was only destroyed in body. The spirit still remains and once again thrives. The many Orcs now pillaging is proof of this."
Lord Temeriul narrowed his eyes and snarled, "If it was not for Elves, the people of Middle Earth would not be burdened by Orcs and their evil!"
"The elves were not responsible for the rise of evil then and they are not responsible for it now. It may come when it wills. Do not forget that Elves placed their lives in danger to come to the aid of Man those years ago," Legolas said, his voice sharper than any weapon's edge. It caused him great irritation to hear Men speak of battles, and forget their allies during the victories.
"You say that as if you ally yourself with the elves." Lord Temeriul glared hard into the shadowed depth of Legolas' cloak. "Why did you really come here?"
"I told you, there is evil in Mordor. The Orcs are traveling far and unchecked. If nothing is done, then they will further invade our borders," Legolas said firmly, injecting iciness into his voice. "Heed what I say. Protect yourselves and your borders. Now is not a safe time."
Turning, the elf went to take his leave, but a hand whipped out and grabbed his arm, painfully locking him in place.
"I do not like threats, especially those of strangers," Lord Temeriul said in a dangerous tone.
"Release me," Legolas said firmly.
The guard holding the cloaked elf only laughed a dry cackle and spun his captive around roughly to face the Lord. Unfortunately for Legolas, a few errant strands of his blonde hair swept from beneath his shroud.
Seeing the bright blond strands, Lord Temeriul rushed to the cloaked figure and jerked the cowl violently off the elf's head. He stared hard into the deep blue eyes of the elf, his face registering confusion, then clouded in anger at the deception.
"How dare you enter this village and threaten my people, Elf!" Lord Temeriul growled.
"The elves are being threatened as well." Legolas snapped, his voice raising. "Mirkwood is also under the constant threat of Mordor."
"Liar," Temeriul breathed heavily and then nodded to his guards.
Not waiting for a blow to land, Legolas kicked out, knocking the dignitary off his feet and reeling over a chair occupied by one of his advisors. With reflexes of his kindred, the elf spun, connecting with one of the guard's ribs, then swept his leg out, knocking the man flat on his back.
A sharp bite to the back reminded the elf of the other guard, but only a fraction too late. The large fist of the man came crashing down hard along the sensitive lower back of the elf, directly across his kidney. Pain seared through his senses, almost nauseating in their intensity as the elf fought to keep control of his faculties.
Feeling the flush of heat streak through his body, the elf tried to rein his composure, but the second guard had regained his feet and grappled the fair being to the floor, landing all his body weight on top of the stunned elf.
"That was most unwise, Elf." Lord Temeriul growled low.
"It is unwise of you to treat peaceful visitors in such a fashion," Legolas said, though breathing was difficult due to the heavy man sitting astride him, a knife held tight against his throat.
"I only treat the conspiring elves of Mirkwood in such a fashion. They are wise to keep to themselves and not venture from their trees," Temeriul said pompously. "I seem to have you at the disadvantage, Elf. You can not continue with your threats or report to your kind about the state of my village." A wicked grin began to form across his mouth.
Within the blink of an eye, Legolas had wriggled around, twisting beneath the guard and angling his body to allow a strong blow to the man's head, rendering him unconscious. Before the other guard could register what was happening, the disabling blows from the elf sent him into a dreamless sleep.
Drawing his knife from its sheath strapped to his thigh, Legolas stood defensively in front of the door, slowly backing away from the Lord and his advisors. "I came here in peace, to warn you of the threats. To give you time to prepare yourselves to defend your village. I have done that. I wish no more trouble with you Humans."
Temeriul stood, his arms crossed over his chest, a look of triumph in his features. "You trespass where you are not welcome. I believe you came to test our defenses. You are but one elf, sent in disguise to see our weakness so you may report back to your kind." The last word was drawn in a slur as Temeriul continued to glare at the elf with smug satisfaction.
"I only came to warn you of Orcs. I do not wish any further encounter with you or your people." Legolas said, taking another backward step out of the room, holding the knife in front of him to ward off possible attacks.
"You will not leave this place alive, Elf." Temeriul said, taking a step forward.
Legolas stared hard at the man, trying to discern the man's intentions. The insight came too late as a large hand slammed into the side of his face, another one brutally twisting the knife out of the nimble fingers, and a strong kick to the back of his knees sent him down to the ground hard, his kneecaps slamming into the floor. When he turned, he saw several armed guards standing inside the small room, many with weapons poised, others just standing, intimidating with their mere size and strength.
"You see Elf, just because I am a man and do not have your skills or your immortal knowledge, does not mean that I am helpless or stupid." Lord Temeriul swaggered up to the kneeling elf, his look of superiority somehow doubled. "You will tell me the real reason you are here. And do not feed me the lies of you only coming to warn us. I know how treacherous your kind can be."
"I do not tell you lies," Legolas said, his senses keenly aware of the outnumbered situation he was in. Deep down, he wished he had listened to his father and brought the royal guards with him. Though as inexperienced they were, they would have evened the numbers and given a justly challenge. Of course, a certain Ranger could have been just as helpful.
The fleeting thought was quickly dashed as a large beefy guard, three times the size of the elf, slammed a flat hand across the elf's face. The man's hand was so large, and was used with so much effort, that it covered the side of the elf's face, leaving a large red mark burning upon the skin.
"I said to tell me the truth, Elf. If you do, your stay here will be moderately comfortable." Temeriul said silkily, motioning for the guard to strike again.
The second blow was aimed a bit lower than the first, sending enough pressure to the sensitive spot behind the elf's ears to render him unconscious. The force of the impact sent the prince reeling sideways, his world spiraling into blackness and his head blank before it struck the ground.
