Disclaimer: These characters belong to Tolkien, to Tolkien, to Tolkien.
Yada, yada, yada! You all get the picture! No profit is made from these
stories; they are merely for the enjoyment of myself and anyone who cares
to read them.
As always, a continued thanks goes out to everyone who has taken the time to review my story! I cannot express my gratitude enough through mere words! :) And as Shirebound would say, " I walk on the shoulders of giants." A continued thanks also goes out to those of you that have put me on your favorites list: krisnkriss; Lady Jaina; chescaotaku; Elenora; O. B. I. M.; Shauna; Karri; KC-Kick Camel; Astarael; Jessica332; princess- Greenleave-of-Mir; CartDi; pupulupk; Legilmalith; Sporky Doom; merrylyn; kelly; szhismine; Lilly Blackstar; kuramaswildfire; Lamoo; TrinityTheSheDevil; Lovely Elven Princess and Lady of the Forest. You have made me feel soooooooo special! Thanks! :) As always, please keep those reviews coming!
I apologize if I have inadvertently left anyone out of my review comments for I appreciate them all! LOL BTW...szhismine, I did get your review for chapter 19! :)
And last...
All the spelling and grammar mistakes in this chapter are mine and mine alone. Hope there's not too many. Please keep in mind I am not an expert on Middle Earth's geography. I am merely looking at Tolkien's map and making my own interpretations. So forgive me if there are errors in my descriptions of it. ;)
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Twenty
The sun continued to dip lower in the sky as the three elves and human followed the Old Road over the mountain pass. Small patches of snow here and there marked the ground and the higher they climbed the larger the patches became until the snow covered the ground in an endless blanket of white. The air was cold and silence prevailed. Not even the birds visited this remote area with any consistency.
Aragorn shivered slightly and looked around careful to steer his horse around several large stones in their path. The blond hair blowing in his face brought his attention back to the Elf seated in front of him. He leaned forward and turned his head so he could look at Legolas closely. "How do you fare friend?"
The Elf looked at him with raised brow, "I am well Aragorn. It is not I who feels the chill in the air but you. Now quit mothering me and watch the road."
Aragorn laughed lightly and turned his attention back to the road. So, it would seem the prince had noticed his shivering despite his attempts to keep his body's reactions at bay. Not to mention Legolas was still upset with him. No matter, his friend would soon forgive him. He had numerous times before.
Elrohir watched the two friends ahead of him with growing amusement. Legolas was irritated at being coddled just as his brother had been when Elladan had treated him. The prince and human were more alike than they knew. A fierce streak of independence and stubbornness ran through each and sometimes it caused the two friends more harm than good.
Aragorn heard his brother's soft laugh and he turned slightly to see what the Elf found so amusing. He slowed his horse until he was even with Elrohir. "What is so amusing brother?"
Elrohir shook his head slowly, "It is nothing Estel." He quickly changed the subject, "How do you fare Legolas?"
The Mirkwood prince rolled his eyes, "Ai! One would think you two are purposely trying to annoy me!" Legolas looked at Elrohir but the Elf only grinned. With as much patience as he could muster Legolas told the twin, "I am well. Now will you quit mothering me as well!"
From behind them Elladan called out softly, "If you would quit getting hurt Legolas, there would be no need to mother you." The prince turned in the saddle and shot the twin a glare but Elladan only raised his brows playfully daring Legolas to make a comment.
Legolas sighed in defeat. He knew better to respond to the bribe for Elladan was right. He tended to get hurt more often than the ranger, especially when they traveled together. He could hear the twins laughing softly and his pride bristled slightly. Even Aragorn shook suspiciously against his back and he knew this time it was not from the cold.
He ignored their soft laughter and turned his attention to their surroundings focusing on the eerie quiet that existed in this area. Part of it was due to the extreme cold but a larger portion of the blame could be fixed on the fact that orcs and other foul creatures tended to use this pass from time to time to cross over the mountains as well.
At the crest of the mountain, the road ran through a narrow canyon. The rocky walls rose steeply on either side then rounded off at the top and gently sloped downward. Low bushes and large boulders were scattered on both sides of the slopes. Several horses at once could hide behind a number of the boulders, so large were they. Snow covered every overhang and outcropping of rock visible to the eye which made the steep walls look like a solid sheet of snow. The thick white coating only made the boulders look larger than they already were.
The riders approached the canyon silently and cautiously. Legolas' senses prickled with unseen danger and that feeling grew stronger as they approached the rift. His eyes darted back and forth trying to locate the source of his growing unease. He studied the tops of the canyon walls and sloping mountainside but could find nothing unusual. He whispered in alarm, "Aragorn, something is amiss. I can feel it."
Trusting the Elf's instincts without question, the ranger immediately pulled on the reins halting his horse. Elladan and Elrohir followed suit.
"What is it?" Elladan whispered as he stopped his horse next to Aragorn and Legolas.
Legolas turned to face the twin, "Something is wrong. Can you not feel it?"
Elladan studied the narrow rift carefully and concentrated. All his senses were heightened, straining to pinpoint any source of danger. Then he felt it, a light tickling had started at his spine and crept slowly up his neck. Legolas was right, something was amiss. He turned his eyes turned to his brother in alarm but Elrohir had already sensed what Legolas had. The Elf sat perfectly straight in the saddle and stared forward with an intensity only an Elf could manage.
Although Aragorn had not the Elven senses of his friend or brothers, he too began to feel a small measure of danger creep into his consciousness. Without understanding why, he felt an overwhelming need to flee, to run as far and as fast away from this place as he could. Instead he held the reins steady and turned to his brothers.
The horses too had felt a growing sense of danger. They stamped their hooves in alarm and Aragorn had to pull hard on the reins to keep his horse under control. "We must leave, now." Aragorn's brow furrowed in worry.
Legolas spoke quietly as if his voice alone would bring forth the danger, "Yes, we will have to turn back and take the long way around. We should not venture forth any further. We know not what awaits us."
The horses had become more and more agitated while they quietly conversed. Aragorn's steed began sidestepping nervously and the ranger tugged on the reigns gently, trying to calm the animal. When Elrohir's horse bumped the ranger's, the horse let out a loud whinny and panicked altogether.
Aslathon reared on his hind legs, causing his riders to grab for something to hang on to. Legolas' wove his fingers through the horse's thick mane and hung on. Since Aragorn had lost his grip on the reins the only thing he could grab hold of was Legolas. The ranger wrapped his arms around his friend to avoid being thrown.
In its panicked state, the hold on its mane felt restricting so the horse reared up again, its terror mounting. Legolas lost his grip and he and Aragorn tumbled from the panicked horse and hit the ground. The ranger managed to twist his body so he landed on his hands and knees but Legolas was not so lucky. Unable to twist as nimbly as the ranger due to his healing injury, he landed on his back hard. The force of the landing knocked the air out of him and he lay stunned for several moments, unable to move.
The frantic horse raced forward madly through the narrow canyon. Elladan and Elrohir struggled to bring their own frightened mounts under control. Desperately, each pulled on the reins trying to speak comforting words to the horses but both were so panicked they did not hear the Elves soothing voices.
When his horse tossed its head, Elrohir lost his grip on the reins. He was thrown from his horse as it bucked wildly. Luckily, the soft snow cushioned his fall. He rolled out of the way narrowly avoiding the stamping hooves as his horse disappeared into the narrow canyon after Aslathon.
Elladan had finally managed to bring his horse under control. Its sides heaved from the exertion and it whinnied in distress. Aragorn scrambled to his feet and grabbed the dangling reins of Legolas' horse as it reared up before it too, could dart through the canyon. He struggled with it for several anxious moments but finally, he was able to bring the frightened animal under control.
All this happened in but a few short moments. Aragorn took several deep breaths and glanced at his brothers. Elrohir had already regained his feet and was aiding Elladan in calming his terrified horse. His eyes quickly searched for Legolas. He found the Elf sitting on the ground, his back to a large boulder.
The ranger quickly passed the reins off to Elrohir. "Take the horses. I will see to Legolas." He ran forward and knelt beside his friend. The Elf's head was bent and he could hear his ragged breathing. Aragorn grasped the slender shoulders gently and called to his friend, "Legolas."
The Elf's eyes snapped up and he fixed his gaze on Aragorn. The ranger immediately frowned. Legolas' complexion was far too pale and his eyes were wide in his face. He held his hand over his side grimacing in pain. With grim determination Aragorn grabbed Legolas' arm and pulled him up. "Come my friend, we must make haste!" He wrapped his arm around the Elf's waist to help support him.
Before they could move further, Aragorn was startled by a cry from the twins. He looked up in surprise though he should not have been. Only something ill would make the horses react as they had. To his horror, where there were none before, he now saw several wargs watching them from the top of the canyon.
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The horses screamed in renewed terror and began their struggles anew as the creatures began sprinting towards them. Elrohir fought to keep his hold on the reins of the remaining horses. If they lost them now, they would be in serious trouble.
Aragorn lowered Legolas to the ground and drew his sword. "Stay here," he told the elf sternly. Without waiting for an answer, he ran forward to meet the wargs before they could get too close to Legolas and the horses. He heard someone shout his name but he ignored it and focused on the battle about to begin. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Elladan running beside him already stringing his bow.
He met the first warg with a viscous chop to its head. His blade glanced off the thick skull and stunned the warg for several moments. It shook its head and let out an angry growl. The creature turned to face the ranger then ran towards him a second time. Aragorn waited until the last moment then moved to the side to avoid the snapping jaws. He turned around sharply and stabbed his sword through the beast's side. It fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
Aragorn had no time to regain his breath though, for another one tried to run past him. It had smelled Elves and a wild frenzy had taken hold of the creature. The ranger pierced the creature's back leg with his blade as it ran by him. It turned its head with a loud yelp and knocked the ranger to the ground. The warg leaped at Aragorn, its gaping jaws dripping with saliva. Without thinking he thrust his sword into the creatures mouth, piercing its brain and killing it instantly. The ranger rolled the creature off him and jumped to his feet.
Several arrows whizzed past his ear and he automatically ducked. Aragorn heard a heavy thud behind him and when he turned he found a dead warg lying at his feet. His brother's arrow protruded from the creature's eye. He glanced at his brother and nodded quickly in thanks.
Elladan smiled grimly and dropped his bow lightly to the ground. The creatures were now too close for him to use his bow effectively. The Elf grasped his knives and slashed at the neck of a warg as it jumped at him.
Aragorn yanked his sword out of the side of the creature he had just killed. A low growl alerted him and he ducked just in time to avoid the biting jaws of another warg. It leapt over him and continued to run towards Elladan and Legolas.
The ranger made to follow it but just then a heavy weight hit his back and knocked him to the ground. He could feel hot breath at the back of his neck. He rolled hard to the right, throwing the creature off balance. It toppled to the side and Aragorn slit its throat with his blade when it hit the ground.
His looked up and searched for his brother. He found Elladan on his back, a large warg was looming over him effectively pinning him to the ground. The Elf's hands were at the creature's neck struggling to keep its snapping teeth away from his throat. Aragorn charged forward but was halted when he practically ran into another creature.
With a viscious cry he hacked at the warg with all his strength, fear for his brother making his blows even fiercer. He kicked the creature over after he'd killed it and ran forward hoping he was not too late to help Elladan.
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Elladan jumped to his feet as Aragorn rushed to his side. Out of breath, but relieved to find his brother alive and well, the ranger pulled his brother forward and wrapped his arms around him in a tight embrace.
The Elf was a bit taken back at the gesture. His arms automatically encircled Aragorn and absently he patted his back. "Are you well Estel?"
"I am fine, just very glad to find you alive brother." The ranger pulled back and looked at his brother, relief written all over his face.
Elladan's eyes narrowed in understanding. His brother must have seen him pinned to the ground by that last warg. Though exceptionally strong, the Elf had dispatched the creature after several anxious moments. "
A look of understanding passed between the two brothers. Although no creatures remained alive that they could see, they knew not how many had managed to slip past them. Both turned and ran back towards Elrohir and Legolas.
Aragorn's mind raced as he ran. He knew not if Legolas had been grievously hurt when he was thrown from the horse. If he had been, the Elf would not be able to fight and though his brother was a fierce warrior, Elrohir could not defend both Legolas and the horses against a large number of wargs. He would be overwhelmed.
When they reached Legolas and Elrohir he felt both a wave of relief and dread wash over him. The first thing he saw was the horses. They were tethered to small bush prancing nervously. Sweat glistened on their coats and they tossed their heads when they saw Aragorn and Elladan approach.
The ranger ignored them for the moment and searched for his friend and brother. Beside him, Elladan called out softly, his voice echoing in the quiet.
"Elrohir! Legolas!"
Silence was their only answer.
This time Aragorn tried, "Elrohir!" He waited several moments and when he got no response he called again, "Legolas!"
He turned his head sharply, he thought he had heard someone call his name albeit faintly.
Elladan grabbed his arm and steered him towards the edge of the road. "I heard Legoals' voice Estel. They are down here."
The ranger peered over the side and what he saw made his stomach clench in fear.
The mountain sloped gently downward for a short distance then abruptly fell sharply downward forming a steep cliff. It was here that Legolas lay sprawled on his stomach, the upper portion of his body hanging over the side.
Elladan reached him first. Seeing what Legolas held on to, he tried desperately to grab his brother arm as well.
The prince shook his head, "Nay Elladan! Grab my legs, I am slipping forward!"
Seeing that Legolas was indeed being pulled forward slowly, Elladan wrapped his arms around Legolas' legs and braced his feet in the loose dirt.
A second later, Aragorn reached their side. Immediately, he assessed the situation. Elladan had a firm grip on Legolas and at present, seemed to holding onto the Elf without too much difficulty. The ranger dropped to his knees beside his friend and looked down.
Elrohir held on tightly to Legolas' arms with both hands and his feet struggled to find a foothold on the smooth cliff. Aragorn could see the motion loosening his friend's grip on his brother's arms. He spoke softly, "Elrohir, you must not move!"
Elrohir stopped his efforts immediately and looked up. He fixed his gaze on Aragorn's face. "Estel, I cannot find purchase on these cursed rocks! I am unable to pull myself up and I think Legolas has not the strength to do it." The twin turned his eyes worridly to Legolas.
With barely the breath to answer, Legolas managed to gasp out, "He is right Aragorn, I am sorry. I cannot pull him up."
Aragorn nodded his head, "It is all right my friend. It is not your fault for you are yet injured." He leaned forward and touched the Elf's shoulder, "Can you hold onto him a moment longer?"
Legolas nodded his head fiercely, "I will."
The raner straightened and turned to speak to Elladan, "We have not the time to fetch the rope from Legolas' pack for Elrohir is slipping even as we speak."
Elladan nodded, he knew what they must do. He tightened his grip further on the prince's legs and called out softly, "Hang on tightly Legolas! Estel and I will pull you up."
Legolas answered impatiently, "You must hurry Elladan! I am losing my grip!"
Aragorn stood and braced himself behind his brother. He wrapped his arms tightly around the Elf's middle, "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"On three. . . one, two, three!"
Together, Elladan and Aragorn pulled. Slowly, they dragged Legolas backwards over the rough earth with Elrohir in tow.
Legolas tried to keep his expression neutral, but the pain already throbbing in his side, blossomed into a full blown inferno. He pressed his lips together and stifled a moan.
Although Legolas clung to his arms fiercely, Elrohir could feel the prince's grip slowly weakening. He tightened his grip on his friend's arms and tried to peer into Legolas' eyes, but the Elf's hair obscured his face.
Before long, the previously dangling Elf found himself at the top of the cliff lying in the dirt next to Leoglas. He struggled to calm his racing heart. That had been close!
Before he had even caught his breath, Aragorn and Elladan were at his side, pulling him further away from the edge of the cliff. Elladan pulled him up and gave him a fierce hug, "If you ever do that again brother, I will throw you over the side myself!"
Elrohir grinned, he could hear the relief in his brother's voice. "If I ever do that again brother, I think I would rather fall than face your wrath." Both twins laughed softly.
Aragorn shook his head and smiled. Those two would never change. Joking was their way of relieving their tension and worry. He supposed it was far better than yelling or becoming angry. He too hugged Elrohir as soon as Elladan released his twin. "I am glad you are well Elrohir." He looked at him sideways, "You *are* well, are you not?"
Elrohir nodded and laughed, "Yes, I am well Estel. I am not sorry to say, you will not be able to mother me as you have Legolas!" Suddenly alarmed, he turned to see how the prince fared and found the Elf still on his back, eyes closed.
TBC...
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Goma-Ryu- So glad you drink diet too! LOL Otherwise, all that hard work at the gym would be for naught! LOL Here is more, hope you like it! :)
Lady of the Forest! Thanks for adding me to your list of favorites! :) I don't mind crazy fans at all! Wow! Better than pizza even! That's gotta be good! LOL
Nebride-*bowing, bowing, bowing* I, I, I, *slightly tongue-tied* I'm sooooooo happy to have you here! I ABSOLUTELY, adore, worship, love your stories! You can probably tell huh? LOL I only review your story after every chapter! I am sooooooooo glad to hear that the ending will be happy! YAY! *wipes forehead* Whew! You had me worried there for a minute! LOL My nails are even starting to grow again! ;) I'm so glad you like my story so far too. You have made me one very happy camper as I always am when one of my favorite authors reads and reviews my story! It's an absolutely humbling experience! :) Thank you for taking the time to let me know what you think! It means a lot to me! And yes, YOU do write nail biters! Even worse than mine! LOL But I still love your stories all the same! ;) *bowing, bowing, bowing as I slowly walk away* :)
princess-Greenleaf-of-Mir: I think I may be leaving that "one" orc story for another time. But let me tell you about this plushie thing. LOL It's not an actual, physical plushie, in any sense of the word. But it is. It's more of a mental, kind of physical plushie. Ok, that made absolutely no sense whatsoever! LOL Anyway, id does not actually exist in "our" time, only in Elvish time. But it is still real. WHAT I'm trying to say is, it only exists in the mind of believers! So I can't actually send you a picture or tell you where to get one! LOL That you will have to come up with on your own or maybe you can ask merrylyn where you can get one from. I am having mine made by a Mirkwood seamstress since I have connections to our blond god and it will be inspected by Merrylyn as soon as it's ready. She will make sure it is up to code for me. She is the one who let me borrow hers and once I have my own, I can give hers back to her so she can quit using that Gimli plushie she has had to make do with! It's been doing funny things to her mind! :D And as to why Leggy is so stubborn? Well, don't we just love him that way? ;) I will try to read those stories ASAP. Things have been pretty hectic of late. Graduation is coming up and I've got a final report and a fianl exam to study for. As soon as that is over I'll be able to devote more time to writing and reading stories! :) I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far!
Lovely Elven Princess: Thanks for adding me to your list of fav's! :) I've often done the same thing! When it is 3:00 am when you finish reading a story, the last thing you want to do is write a review. So I understand! Thanks for reviewing now though! Glad you like the story and thanks for the compliments! :)
Jessie-Greenleaf: *grins evily* Yeah, danger left behind huh?! LOL Here's a new chappy for ya! :)
Shauna: Yes, you were right. The last two chapters were fillers more than anything. I guess in this chapter evil did catch up with them though! ;) Oh, you are just too good! That recurring injury is rearing it's ugly head yet again, is it not?! *evil grin* Yup, home is looming on the horizon, we are nearing the end. That is, unless those darn plot bunnies have their way with me again! LOL And don't worry, I didn't change a thing! You most definitely earned that Golden Fortune Teller Globe for a reason! AND here is a smidgen of more action for ya too! :) LOL ROTLMHO! I'm sitting here right now reading/writing/responding to reviews INSTEAD of typing a report that is due on Tuesday! So, I guess you and I are alike in that way! LOL Well, so glad you've stuck this far with me! And so glad you like this story! I always look forward to your reviews! Hope you like this chapter too! :) BTW...what does MLA stand for?
szhismine: :( I didn't get your review of chapter 18! Pooh on FF.net! ARG! This is too frustrating! Well, I'm glad I did get your review of this chapter (19)! :) As always, thanks for your reviews, even if I don't get to see them all! :)
Elenora: ROTFLMHO! "Decrepid???!!!" That painted quite a funny image in my head! LOL As for where this is going...I don't think everything will be answered with this story alone though I do have plans for further stories. :) I'm afraid that crease in your, *clears throat* well, you know, it's not going anywhere! Especially after you read this chapter! And as for Leggy's fanny in the fire! It's in the fire!! LOL Glad you've enjoyed the story!
legolasluva: Though it takes incredibly long to post a response to each and every review FF allows me to see, I really try hard to do that. I know from personal experience, when an author responds to you, it makes you feel all warm and tingly inside! :) So I try to do that for my readers/reviewers to let them know how much I appreciate the fact they have chosen to read my story. I am happy you enjoy my story too! :)
sabercrazy: Yes, we are all pretty "sadistic" aren't we! :D They all wear angst, stubborness and friendship very well! I enjoy reading them in all those lovely colors! :) Here's more for you! :)
Lady Lenna: Now you sound like me! LOL More angst, more angst! I think that is my favorite saying when I review! LOL I'll oblige you a tad! :)
White Wolf: Good questions! LOL Here's the answers in this chapter! LOL And here is more for you! Hope you like it! LOL :)
Imbefaniel: Ok, this is where *I* pictured them on the map...When Leggy ran off, he was on the Anduin banks just past the River Gladden. Then he ran east into the forest where Elrohir found him. Then they came back out towards the west and traveled north again, finally meeting up with the Old Road, taking that over the pass. They are heading for Rivendell now. Now I know my descriptions probably are far from being accurate but at any rate, that's my take on where they are. Hope that cleared things up for ya! :)
Karri: Glad you like the little ittby bitty smidgen of Leggy's horse! :) My professors are mean!!! My graduate project is due this coming week and a report is due this coming week and I have a KILLER final to study for next week AND it's the day before graduation, May 9! SO, it's been and it's gonna be a busy two weeks for me! :( I hope I get to write and post! :)
merrylyn: Ok, guess what!? My Leggy plushie is FINALLY ready for your inspection! ;) I'm sending it to you via Leggy's messenger hawk! (It's a really strong hawk!) When you get it, please inspect if for any inconsistencies or flaws and let me know the results of your inspection. The hawk will wait until you are done so you can send it back with him along with your findings. :) Is that ok? I really tried to hurry that Mirkwood seamstress cause I am worried about your sanity! I think that Gimli plushie is doing something to your mind! LOL Especially, since you slipped that blond wig over his red hair! I think it may be a tad angry with you for that stunt! Your Leggy plushie is just fine though so don't worry! He's been getting plenty of squeezes from me lately! If mine meets code, you will soon have yours back then you can squeeze him all you want! LOL I am excited to have my very own Leggy plushie!!!!!! I've actually had a couple of people ask what a Leggy plushie is and where can they get one! LOL I just told one reviewer that maybe she can ask you where she can get a Leggy plushie too! So, you might get an inquiry about it! LOL And don't worry, I don't feel a burn out coming for a looooong time! :) I enjoy writing too much to stop now! I'm addicted! LOL Well, if you are a fangirl floozy, what does that make me?! LOL So glad you liked the Oliphant cloud. That little bit of inspiration just hit me out of the blue (no pun intended! LOL) My lips are still sealed as to my connections with our blond god! ;) and I didn't hear that exclamation, what was that??????? ;) And I sure don't mind if the review comments are as long as the chapter! I'm glad so many people take the time to respond to my story! Sure makes me happy! Ok, I think I've blabbed long enough! Can't wait for you to inspect my Leggy plushie! Hope that seamstress did a good job or I will have to tell on her to Leggy!!
Anime Soccer Lobos: I've actually thought about doing a prequel! :) It's something I may tackle later on so keep your eyes peeled. :) And, I'm gonna fry your brain just a little with this cliffy. :) *smiles innocently* LOL I hope you like this chapter too! :)
lessien Helyanwe: Well, I certainly don't want you to die! I tried to get this chappy out fast, I really did! LOL :)
White Wolf: I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far! I hope you liked the rest of it! :)
Rath: I love the way you amended that statement "...and Legolas slightly stubborn. Ok, so really stubborn, but that's nice." That was too funny! Yes, Leggy is truly stubborn isn't he!? LOL I'm glad you like Elladan and Elrohir too. They are not as easy to write about as I thought they'd be! :)
Legilmalith: Thanks for your Easter wishes for my family and me! That was very thoughtful of you! :) I hope your Easter was nice as well! ;) I don't think the cliffies will be stopping any time soon though! LOL I do try to thank each person who has reviewed and added me to their list of favorites. It's always an honor when someone does that! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! ;)
Lady Jaina: Glad you liked that chapter! Hope you like this one too! :)
O. B. I. M. : Here's another for you! I'm glad you like the story! ;)
Isilwen-Telpefion: Well, I guess the drop just got a lot steeper. . . literally! LOL Hey, you sound like the witch from The Wizard Of Oz! She ALWAYS gave me the creeps, even now! :O I'm afraid them little plot bunnies are quite immune to any kind of noxious spray you can pelt them with! :( They just are resourceful little buggers! LOL
LOTRFaith: Well, here's another TBC! :) *runs and hides then peeks out* Hope you like it! :)
krisnkriss: No, no more cloaks. :) *evil grin* I don't think he should donate it though! He just may have need of it yet! :D Aack! Ok, I'm writing, I'm writing! Sheeesh! ;D
As always, a continued thanks goes out to everyone who has taken the time to review my story! I cannot express my gratitude enough through mere words! :) And as Shirebound would say, " I walk on the shoulders of giants." A continued thanks also goes out to those of you that have put me on your favorites list: krisnkriss; Lady Jaina; chescaotaku; Elenora; O. B. I. M.; Shauna; Karri; KC-Kick Camel; Astarael; Jessica332; princess- Greenleave-of-Mir; CartDi; pupulupk; Legilmalith; Sporky Doom; merrylyn; kelly; szhismine; Lilly Blackstar; kuramaswildfire; Lamoo; TrinityTheSheDevil; Lovely Elven Princess and Lady of the Forest. You have made me feel soooooooo special! Thanks! :) As always, please keep those reviews coming!
I apologize if I have inadvertently left anyone out of my review comments for I appreciate them all! LOL BTW...szhismine, I did get your review for chapter 19! :)
And last...
All the spelling and grammar mistakes in this chapter are mine and mine alone. Hope there's not too many. Please keep in mind I am not an expert on Middle Earth's geography. I am merely looking at Tolkien's map and making my own interpretations. So forgive me if there are errors in my descriptions of it. ;)
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Twenty
The sun continued to dip lower in the sky as the three elves and human followed the Old Road over the mountain pass. Small patches of snow here and there marked the ground and the higher they climbed the larger the patches became until the snow covered the ground in an endless blanket of white. The air was cold and silence prevailed. Not even the birds visited this remote area with any consistency.
Aragorn shivered slightly and looked around careful to steer his horse around several large stones in their path. The blond hair blowing in his face brought his attention back to the Elf seated in front of him. He leaned forward and turned his head so he could look at Legolas closely. "How do you fare friend?"
The Elf looked at him with raised brow, "I am well Aragorn. It is not I who feels the chill in the air but you. Now quit mothering me and watch the road."
Aragorn laughed lightly and turned his attention back to the road. So, it would seem the prince had noticed his shivering despite his attempts to keep his body's reactions at bay. Not to mention Legolas was still upset with him. No matter, his friend would soon forgive him. He had numerous times before.
Elrohir watched the two friends ahead of him with growing amusement. Legolas was irritated at being coddled just as his brother had been when Elladan had treated him. The prince and human were more alike than they knew. A fierce streak of independence and stubbornness ran through each and sometimes it caused the two friends more harm than good.
Aragorn heard his brother's soft laugh and he turned slightly to see what the Elf found so amusing. He slowed his horse until he was even with Elrohir. "What is so amusing brother?"
Elrohir shook his head slowly, "It is nothing Estel." He quickly changed the subject, "How do you fare Legolas?"
The Mirkwood prince rolled his eyes, "Ai! One would think you two are purposely trying to annoy me!" Legolas looked at Elrohir but the Elf only grinned. With as much patience as he could muster Legolas told the twin, "I am well. Now will you quit mothering me as well!"
From behind them Elladan called out softly, "If you would quit getting hurt Legolas, there would be no need to mother you." The prince turned in the saddle and shot the twin a glare but Elladan only raised his brows playfully daring Legolas to make a comment.
Legolas sighed in defeat. He knew better to respond to the bribe for Elladan was right. He tended to get hurt more often than the ranger, especially when they traveled together. He could hear the twins laughing softly and his pride bristled slightly. Even Aragorn shook suspiciously against his back and he knew this time it was not from the cold.
He ignored their soft laughter and turned his attention to their surroundings focusing on the eerie quiet that existed in this area. Part of it was due to the extreme cold but a larger portion of the blame could be fixed on the fact that orcs and other foul creatures tended to use this pass from time to time to cross over the mountains as well.
At the crest of the mountain, the road ran through a narrow canyon. The rocky walls rose steeply on either side then rounded off at the top and gently sloped downward. Low bushes and large boulders were scattered on both sides of the slopes. Several horses at once could hide behind a number of the boulders, so large were they. Snow covered every overhang and outcropping of rock visible to the eye which made the steep walls look like a solid sheet of snow. The thick white coating only made the boulders look larger than they already were.
The riders approached the canyon silently and cautiously. Legolas' senses prickled with unseen danger and that feeling grew stronger as they approached the rift. His eyes darted back and forth trying to locate the source of his growing unease. He studied the tops of the canyon walls and sloping mountainside but could find nothing unusual. He whispered in alarm, "Aragorn, something is amiss. I can feel it."
Trusting the Elf's instincts without question, the ranger immediately pulled on the reins halting his horse. Elladan and Elrohir followed suit.
"What is it?" Elladan whispered as he stopped his horse next to Aragorn and Legolas.
Legolas turned to face the twin, "Something is wrong. Can you not feel it?"
Elladan studied the narrow rift carefully and concentrated. All his senses were heightened, straining to pinpoint any source of danger. Then he felt it, a light tickling had started at his spine and crept slowly up his neck. Legolas was right, something was amiss. He turned his eyes turned to his brother in alarm but Elrohir had already sensed what Legolas had. The Elf sat perfectly straight in the saddle and stared forward with an intensity only an Elf could manage.
Although Aragorn had not the Elven senses of his friend or brothers, he too began to feel a small measure of danger creep into his consciousness. Without understanding why, he felt an overwhelming need to flee, to run as far and as fast away from this place as he could. Instead he held the reins steady and turned to his brothers.
The horses too had felt a growing sense of danger. They stamped their hooves in alarm and Aragorn had to pull hard on the reins to keep his horse under control. "We must leave, now." Aragorn's brow furrowed in worry.
Legolas spoke quietly as if his voice alone would bring forth the danger, "Yes, we will have to turn back and take the long way around. We should not venture forth any further. We know not what awaits us."
The horses had become more and more agitated while they quietly conversed. Aragorn's steed began sidestepping nervously and the ranger tugged on the reigns gently, trying to calm the animal. When Elrohir's horse bumped the ranger's, the horse let out a loud whinny and panicked altogether.
Aslathon reared on his hind legs, causing his riders to grab for something to hang on to. Legolas' wove his fingers through the horse's thick mane and hung on. Since Aragorn had lost his grip on the reins the only thing he could grab hold of was Legolas. The ranger wrapped his arms around his friend to avoid being thrown.
In its panicked state, the hold on its mane felt restricting so the horse reared up again, its terror mounting. Legolas lost his grip and he and Aragorn tumbled from the panicked horse and hit the ground. The ranger managed to twist his body so he landed on his hands and knees but Legolas was not so lucky. Unable to twist as nimbly as the ranger due to his healing injury, he landed on his back hard. The force of the landing knocked the air out of him and he lay stunned for several moments, unable to move.
The frantic horse raced forward madly through the narrow canyon. Elladan and Elrohir struggled to bring their own frightened mounts under control. Desperately, each pulled on the reins trying to speak comforting words to the horses but both were so panicked they did not hear the Elves soothing voices.
When his horse tossed its head, Elrohir lost his grip on the reins. He was thrown from his horse as it bucked wildly. Luckily, the soft snow cushioned his fall. He rolled out of the way narrowly avoiding the stamping hooves as his horse disappeared into the narrow canyon after Aslathon.
Elladan had finally managed to bring his horse under control. Its sides heaved from the exertion and it whinnied in distress. Aragorn scrambled to his feet and grabbed the dangling reins of Legolas' horse as it reared up before it too, could dart through the canyon. He struggled with it for several anxious moments but finally, he was able to bring the frightened animal under control.
All this happened in but a few short moments. Aragorn took several deep breaths and glanced at his brothers. Elrohir had already regained his feet and was aiding Elladan in calming his terrified horse. His eyes quickly searched for Legolas. He found the Elf sitting on the ground, his back to a large boulder.
The ranger quickly passed the reins off to Elrohir. "Take the horses. I will see to Legolas." He ran forward and knelt beside his friend. The Elf's head was bent and he could hear his ragged breathing. Aragorn grasped the slender shoulders gently and called to his friend, "Legolas."
The Elf's eyes snapped up and he fixed his gaze on Aragorn. The ranger immediately frowned. Legolas' complexion was far too pale and his eyes were wide in his face. He held his hand over his side grimacing in pain. With grim determination Aragorn grabbed Legolas' arm and pulled him up. "Come my friend, we must make haste!" He wrapped his arm around the Elf's waist to help support him.
Before they could move further, Aragorn was startled by a cry from the twins. He looked up in surprise though he should not have been. Only something ill would make the horses react as they had. To his horror, where there were none before, he now saw several wargs watching them from the top of the canyon.
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The horses screamed in renewed terror and began their struggles anew as the creatures began sprinting towards them. Elrohir fought to keep his hold on the reins of the remaining horses. If they lost them now, they would be in serious trouble.
Aragorn lowered Legolas to the ground and drew his sword. "Stay here," he told the elf sternly. Without waiting for an answer, he ran forward to meet the wargs before they could get too close to Legolas and the horses. He heard someone shout his name but he ignored it and focused on the battle about to begin. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Elladan running beside him already stringing his bow.
He met the first warg with a viscous chop to its head. His blade glanced off the thick skull and stunned the warg for several moments. It shook its head and let out an angry growl. The creature turned to face the ranger then ran towards him a second time. Aragorn waited until the last moment then moved to the side to avoid the snapping jaws. He turned around sharply and stabbed his sword through the beast's side. It fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
Aragorn had no time to regain his breath though, for another one tried to run past him. It had smelled Elves and a wild frenzy had taken hold of the creature. The ranger pierced the creature's back leg with his blade as it ran by him. It turned its head with a loud yelp and knocked the ranger to the ground. The warg leaped at Aragorn, its gaping jaws dripping with saliva. Without thinking he thrust his sword into the creatures mouth, piercing its brain and killing it instantly. The ranger rolled the creature off him and jumped to his feet.
Several arrows whizzed past his ear and he automatically ducked. Aragorn heard a heavy thud behind him and when he turned he found a dead warg lying at his feet. His brother's arrow protruded from the creature's eye. He glanced at his brother and nodded quickly in thanks.
Elladan smiled grimly and dropped his bow lightly to the ground. The creatures were now too close for him to use his bow effectively. The Elf grasped his knives and slashed at the neck of a warg as it jumped at him.
Aragorn yanked his sword out of the side of the creature he had just killed. A low growl alerted him and he ducked just in time to avoid the biting jaws of another warg. It leapt over him and continued to run towards Elladan and Legolas.
The ranger made to follow it but just then a heavy weight hit his back and knocked him to the ground. He could feel hot breath at the back of his neck. He rolled hard to the right, throwing the creature off balance. It toppled to the side and Aragorn slit its throat with his blade when it hit the ground.
His looked up and searched for his brother. He found Elladan on his back, a large warg was looming over him effectively pinning him to the ground. The Elf's hands were at the creature's neck struggling to keep its snapping teeth away from his throat. Aragorn charged forward but was halted when he practically ran into another creature.
With a viscious cry he hacked at the warg with all his strength, fear for his brother making his blows even fiercer. He kicked the creature over after he'd killed it and ran forward hoping he was not too late to help Elladan.
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Elladan jumped to his feet as Aragorn rushed to his side. Out of breath, but relieved to find his brother alive and well, the ranger pulled his brother forward and wrapped his arms around him in a tight embrace.
The Elf was a bit taken back at the gesture. His arms automatically encircled Aragorn and absently he patted his back. "Are you well Estel?"
"I am fine, just very glad to find you alive brother." The ranger pulled back and looked at his brother, relief written all over his face.
Elladan's eyes narrowed in understanding. His brother must have seen him pinned to the ground by that last warg. Though exceptionally strong, the Elf had dispatched the creature after several anxious moments. "
A look of understanding passed between the two brothers. Although no creatures remained alive that they could see, they knew not how many had managed to slip past them. Both turned and ran back towards Elrohir and Legolas.
Aragorn's mind raced as he ran. He knew not if Legolas had been grievously hurt when he was thrown from the horse. If he had been, the Elf would not be able to fight and though his brother was a fierce warrior, Elrohir could not defend both Legolas and the horses against a large number of wargs. He would be overwhelmed.
When they reached Legolas and Elrohir he felt both a wave of relief and dread wash over him. The first thing he saw was the horses. They were tethered to small bush prancing nervously. Sweat glistened on their coats and they tossed their heads when they saw Aragorn and Elladan approach.
The ranger ignored them for the moment and searched for his friend and brother. Beside him, Elladan called out softly, his voice echoing in the quiet.
"Elrohir! Legolas!"
Silence was their only answer.
This time Aragorn tried, "Elrohir!" He waited several moments and when he got no response he called again, "Legolas!"
He turned his head sharply, he thought he had heard someone call his name albeit faintly.
Elladan grabbed his arm and steered him towards the edge of the road. "I heard Legoals' voice Estel. They are down here."
The ranger peered over the side and what he saw made his stomach clench in fear.
The mountain sloped gently downward for a short distance then abruptly fell sharply downward forming a steep cliff. It was here that Legolas lay sprawled on his stomach, the upper portion of his body hanging over the side.
Elladan reached him first. Seeing what Legolas held on to, he tried desperately to grab his brother arm as well.
The prince shook his head, "Nay Elladan! Grab my legs, I am slipping forward!"
Seeing that Legolas was indeed being pulled forward slowly, Elladan wrapped his arms around Legolas' legs and braced his feet in the loose dirt.
A second later, Aragorn reached their side. Immediately, he assessed the situation. Elladan had a firm grip on Legolas and at present, seemed to holding onto the Elf without too much difficulty. The ranger dropped to his knees beside his friend and looked down.
Elrohir held on tightly to Legolas' arms with both hands and his feet struggled to find a foothold on the smooth cliff. Aragorn could see the motion loosening his friend's grip on his brother's arms. He spoke softly, "Elrohir, you must not move!"
Elrohir stopped his efforts immediately and looked up. He fixed his gaze on Aragorn's face. "Estel, I cannot find purchase on these cursed rocks! I am unable to pull myself up and I think Legolas has not the strength to do it." The twin turned his eyes worridly to Legolas.
With barely the breath to answer, Legolas managed to gasp out, "He is right Aragorn, I am sorry. I cannot pull him up."
Aragorn nodded his head, "It is all right my friend. It is not your fault for you are yet injured." He leaned forward and touched the Elf's shoulder, "Can you hold onto him a moment longer?"
Legolas nodded his head fiercely, "I will."
The raner straightened and turned to speak to Elladan, "We have not the time to fetch the rope from Legolas' pack for Elrohir is slipping even as we speak."
Elladan nodded, he knew what they must do. He tightened his grip further on the prince's legs and called out softly, "Hang on tightly Legolas! Estel and I will pull you up."
Legolas answered impatiently, "You must hurry Elladan! I am losing my grip!"
Aragorn stood and braced himself behind his brother. He wrapped his arms tightly around the Elf's middle, "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"On three. . . one, two, three!"
Together, Elladan and Aragorn pulled. Slowly, they dragged Legolas backwards over the rough earth with Elrohir in tow.
Legolas tried to keep his expression neutral, but the pain already throbbing in his side, blossomed into a full blown inferno. He pressed his lips together and stifled a moan.
Although Legolas clung to his arms fiercely, Elrohir could feel the prince's grip slowly weakening. He tightened his grip on his friend's arms and tried to peer into Legolas' eyes, but the Elf's hair obscured his face.
Before long, the previously dangling Elf found himself at the top of the cliff lying in the dirt next to Leoglas. He struggled to calm his racing heart. That had been close!
Before he had even caught his breath, Aragorn and Elladan were at his side, pulling him further away from the edge of the cliff. Elladan pulled him up and gave him a fierce hug, "If you ever do that again brother, I will throw you over the side myself!"
Elrohir grinned, he could hear the relief in his brother's voice. "If I ever do that again brother, I think I would rather fall than face your wrath." Both twins laughed softly.
Aragorn shook his head and smiled. Those two would never change. Joking was their way of relieving their tension and worry. He supposed it was far better than yelling or becoming angry. He too hugged Elrohir as soon as Elladan released his twin. "I am glad you are well Elrohir." He looked at him sideways, "You *are* well, are you not?"
Elrohir nodded and laughed, "Yes, I am well Estel. I am not sorry to say, you will not be able to mother me as you have Legolas!" Suddenly alarmed, he turned to see how the prince fared and found the Elf still on his back, eyes closed.
TBC...
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Goma-Ryu- So glad you drink diet too! LOL Otherwise, all that hard work at the gym would be for naught! LOL Here is more, hope you like it! :)
Lady of the Forest! Thanks for adding me to your list of favorites! :) I don't mind crazy fans at all! Wow! Better than pizza even! That's gotta be good! LOL
Nebride-*bowing, bowing, bowing* I, I, I, *slightly tongue-tied* I'm sooooooo happy to have you here! I ABSOLUTELY, adore, worship, love your stories! You can probably tell huh? LOL I only review your story after every chapter! I am sooooooooo glad to hear that the ending will be happy! YAY! *wipes forehead* Whew! You had me worried there for a minute! LOL My nails are even starting to grow again! ;) I'm so glad you like my story so far too. You have made me one very happy camper as I always am when one of my favorite authors reads and reviews my story! It's an absolutely humbling experience! :) Thank you for taking the time to let me know what you think! It means a lot to me! And yes, YOU do write nail biters! Even worse than mine! LOL But I still love your stories all the same! ;) *bowing, bowing, bowing as I slowly walk away* :)
princess-Greenleaf-of-Mir: I think I may be leaving that "one" orc story for another time. But let me tell you about this plushie thing. LOL It's not an actual, physical plushie, in any sense of the word. But it is. It's more of a mental, kind of physical plushie. Ok, that made absolutely no sense whatsoever! LOL Anyway, id does not actually exist in "our" time, only in Elvish time. But it is still real. WHAT I'm trying to say is, it only exists in the mind of believers! So I can't actually send you a picture or tell you where to get one! LOL That you will have to come up with on your own or maybe you can ask merrylyn where you can get one from. I am having mine made by a Mirkwood seamstress since I have connections to our blond god and it will be inspected by Merrylyn as soon as it's ready. She will make sure it is up to code for me. She is the one who let me borrow hers and once I have my own, I can give hers back to her so she can quit using that Gimli plushie she has had to make do with! It's been doing funny things to her mind! :D And as to why Leggy is so stubborn? Well, don't we just love him that way? ;) I will try to read those stories ASAP. Things have been pretty hectic of late. Graduation is coming up and I've got a final report and a fianl exam to study for. As soon as that is over I'll be able to devote more time to writing and reading stories! :) I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far!
Lovely Elven Princess: Thanks for adding me to your list of fav's! :) I've often done the same thing! When it is 3:00 am when you finish reading a story, the last thing you want to do is write a review. So I understand! Thanks for reviewing now though! Glad you like the story and thanks for the compliments! :)
Jessie-Greenleaf: *grins evily* Yeah, danger left behind huh?! LOL Here's a new chappy for ya! :)
Shauna: Yes, you were right. The last two chapters were fillers more than anything. I guess in this chapter evil did catch up with them though! ;) Oh, you are just too good! That recurring injury is rearing it's ugly head yet again, is it not?! *evil grin* Yup, home is looming on the horizon, we are nearing the end. That is, unless those darn plot bunnies have their way with me again! LOL And don't worry, I didn't change a thing! You most definitely earned that Golden Fortune Teller Globe for a reason! AND here is a smidgen of more action for ya too! :) LOL ROTLMHO! I'm sitting here right now reading/writing/responding to reviews INSTEAD of typing a report that is due on Tuesday! So, I guess you and I are alike in that way! LOL Well, so glad you've stuck this far with me! And so glad you like this story! I always look forward to your reviews! Hope you like this chapter too! :) BTW...what does MLA stand for?
szhismine: :( I didn't get your review of chapter 18! Pooh on FF.net! ARG! This is too frustrating! Well, I'm glad I did get your review of this chapter (19)! :) As always, thanks for your reviews, even if I don't get to see them all! :)
Elenora: ROTFLMHO! "Decrepid???!!!" That painted quite a funny image in my head! LOL As for where this is going...I don't think everything will be answered with this story alone though I do have plans for further stories. :) I'm afraid that crease in your, *clears throat* well, you know, it's not going anywhere! Especially after you read this chapter! And as for Leggy's fanny in the fire! It's in the fire!! LOL Glad you've enjoyed the story!
legolasluva: Though it takes incredibly long to post a response to each and every review FF allows me to see, I really try hard to do that. I know from personal experience, when an author responds to you, it makes you feel all warm and tingly inside! :) So I try to do that for my readers/reviewers to let them know how much I appreciate the fact they have chosen to read my story. I am happy you enjoy my story too! :)
sabercrazy: Yes, we are all pretty "sadistic" aren't we! :D They all wear angst, stubborness and friendship very well! I enjoy reading them in all those lovely colors! :) Here's more for you! :)
Lady Lenna: Now you sound like me! LOL More angst, more angst! I think that is my favorite saying when I review! LOL I'll oblige you a tad! :)
White Wolf: Good questions! LOL Here's the answers in this chapter! LOL And here is more for you! Hope you like it! LOL :)
Imbefaniel: Ok, this is where *I* pictured them on the map...When Leggy ran off, he was on the Anduin banks just past the River Gladden. Then he ran east into the forest where Elrohir found him. Then they came back out towards the west and traveled north again, finally meeting up with the Old Road, taking that over the pass. They are heading for Rivendell now. Now I know my descriptions probably are far from being accurate but at any rate, that's my take on where they are. Hope that cleared things up for ya! :)
Karri: Glad you like the little ittby bitty smidgen of Leggy's horse! :) My professors are mean!!! My graduate project is due this coming week and a report is due this coming week and I have a KILLER final to study for next week AND it's the day before graduation, May 9! SO, it's been and it's gonna be a busy two weeks for me! :( I hope I get to write and post! :)
merrylyn: Ok, guess what!? My Leggy plushie is FINALLY ready for your inspection! ;) I'm sending it to you via Leggy's messenger hawk! (It's a really strong hawk!) When you get it, please inspect if for any inconsistencies or flaws and let me know the results of your inspection. The hawk will wait until you are done so you can send it back with him along with your findings. :) Is that ok? I really tried to hurry that Mirkwood seamstress cause I am worried about your sanity! I think that Gimli plushie is doing something to your mind! LOL Especially, since you slipped that blond wig over his red hair! I think it may be a tad angry with you for that stunt! Your Leggy plushie is just fine though so don't worry! He's been getting plenty of squeezes from me lately! If mine meets code, you will soon have yours back then you can squeeze him all you want! LOL I am excited to have my very own Leggy plushie!!!!!! I've actually had a couple of people ask what a Leggy plushie is and where can they get one! LOL I just told one reviewer that maybe she can ask you where she can get a Leggy plushie too! So, you might get an inquiry about it! LOL And don't worry, I don't feel a burn out coming for a looooong time! :) I enjoy writing too much to stop now! I'm addicted! LOL Well, if you are a fangirl floozy, what does that make me?! LOL So glad you liked the Oliphant cloud. That little bit of inspiration just hit me out of the blue (no pun intended! LOL) My lips are still sealed as to my connections with our blond god! ;) and I didn't hear that exclamation, what was that??????? ;) And I sure don't mind if the review comments are as long as the chapter! I'm glad so many people take the time to respond to my story! Sure makes me happy! Ok, I think I've blabbed long enough! Can't wait for you to inspect my Leggy plushie! Hope that seamstress did a good job or I will have to tell on her to Leggy!!
Anime Soccer Lobos: I've actually thought about doing a prequel! :) It's something I may tackle later on so keep your eyes peeled. :) And, I'm gonna fry your brain just a little with this cliffy. :) *smiles innocently* LOL I hope you like this chapter too! :)
lessien Helyanwe: Well, I certainly don't want you to die! I tried to get this chappy out fast, I really did! LOL :)
White Wolf: I'm glad you've enjoyed the story so far! I hope you liked the rest of it! :)
Rath: I love the way you amended that statement "...and Legolas slightly stubborn. Ok, so really stubborn, but that's nice." That was too funny! Yes, Leggy is truly stubborn isn't he!? LOL I'm glad you like Elladan and Elrohir too. They are not as easy to write about as I thought they'd be! :)
Legilmalith: Thanks for your Easter wishes for my family and me! That was very thoughtful of you! :) I hope your Easter was nice as well! ;) I don't think the cliffies will be stopping any time soon though! LOL I do try to thank each person who has reviewed and added me to their list of favorites. It's always an honor when someone does that! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! ;)
Lady Jaina: Glad you liked that chapter! Hope you like this one too! :)
O. B. I. M. : Here's another for you! I'm glad you like the story! ;)
Isilwen-Telpefion: Well, I guess the drop just got a lot steeper. . . literally! LOL Hey, you sound like the witch from The Wizard Of Oz! She ALWAYS gave me the creeps, even now! :O I'm afraid them little plot bunnies are quite immune to any kind of noxious spray you can pelt them with! :( They just are resourceful little buggers! LOL
LOTRFaith: Well, here's another TBC! :) *runs and hides then peeks out* Hope you like it! :)
krisnkriss: No, no more cloaks. :) *evil grin* I don't think he should donate it though! He just may have need of it yet! :D Aack! Ok, I'm writing, I'm writing! Sheeesh! ;D
