NOTE: Another chapter. I've actually been experiencing some writer's block.
The previous chapters I'm not too happy with, but I'm glad you guys liked
it. I hope that the story gets to be a little more exciting in these next
coming chapters. Well, hope you guys enjoy! And please review!!
SURPRISE AT EVERY TURN: 22
Laurelas sat quietly on the bench, watching as the company of Gondorian escorts loaded their things and mounted their steeds. Aragorn was still inside, as was Faramir, privately talking with King Thranduil, but what of Laurelas did not know. At the moment, it hadn't mattered to him, all he could think about was Arodiel. When he couldn't find her anywhere, he quickly informed Lord Faramir, but to his uneasy dismay, Faramir only handed him a note. Apparently Arodiel had awoke before the sun rose, and took a horse to ride about the forest, wanting to see a little more of Rhovanion before her return to the White City. The note also revealed her wish to follow the company at a later time, and that she would go back on her own. Faramir only accepted this, because she had done such a stunt before. Laurelas recalled in his mind the conversation he had had with the Lord of Ithilian only moments before.
*^* "But do you not think it strange, my Lord? That she would just leave?"
"Laurelas, I really do not think it strange. There is a perfect explanation sitting on that table. Why you wish to ignore the note I do not know."
"My Lord, I am telling you she would not have just left."
"I think if she had not had such a trying day yesterday then I would be just as suspicious as you are. But try to understand Laurelas. There is so much upon her mind. She must have needed some time to recover her thoughts."
"But she was fine yesterday. I spent the night with her." Laurelas remembered the look Faramir gave to him right before the Lord of Ithilian raised his voice in both anger and suspicion.
"YOU WHAT?!" He then remembered his fumbling, fearing state afterwards.
"Oh, n-no I mean, the e-evening my Lord. I mean, my Lord, we kept each other company during the evening, but came nightfall we parted ways; retiring to TWO DIFFERENT rooms."
"Laurelas, I know you worry, but you cannot deny that Arodiel isn't exactly the most responsible maiden. Just relax. We will be leaving for the North before the sun is at high noon. Try to rest a bit before we do."
"Yes, my Lord."
*^*
Laurelas only sighed, heavily. Why was it that he could not put his mind to ease just as easily as Lord Faramir had? He had the feeling that all wasn't well, and he could not ignore it. In the back of his mind, he suspected one person to have something to do with her disappearance, but knew he had no real proof. He surely could not follow a feeling, especially if he was to try and get Faramir and Aragorn to trust in his instincts. He stood from the bench, and approached Aragorn, Faramir and Thranduil, who emerged from the stone fort's main entrance.
"May you be blessed with a safe journey then, Elessar, and may you find the rest of your family."
"Thank you Thranduil, for all that you've done." Both Aragorn and Faramir bowed their heads in respect and gratitude, as Thranduil did the same to gesture his humbleness in return. Thranduil then turned to Laurelas, and Laurelas came close to address him.
"I want to thank you, for taking care of my friends and I, and for opening my eyes to the truth. It is strange, for I think that if I was never thrown into that river, I would have never found you."
"Maybe so child, but thank Eru that you were thrown in and survived. I am only glad I've helped you discover that piece of your soul."
"As am I," Laurelas answered. Thranduil extended his hand to shake Laurelas' but Laurelas ignored it and embraced him. "Grandfather.." he said under his breath, only loud enough for Thranduil to hear. When they parted, Thranduil smiled to the boy, and Laurelas bowed to him, and then followed Aragorn to the grouping of horses that awaited them. Nestor was already mounted on a horse, having said her goodbyes and thanks earlier. She was obviously eager to get home, and her father only playfully, subtly pointed it out to her. As the company was riding out of the forest boundaries, Laurelas felt the sudden urge to head east instead of North in the direction the company was heading. The feeling of foul play now stronger than ever in his mind. He looked to Aragorn, who was on the steed across from him, calmly enjoying the ride, and then to Faramir, who had a distant look upon his face. He knew he could not go on like this any longer, and decided he would journey to Arlen instead of the North.
"Aragorn," he called firmly. Aragorn turned to him a bit surprised for the King was lost in his own thoughts. "I beg of you to give me my leave. I wish to travel to Arlen."
"What? For what purpose Laurelas?" Aragorn asked with a strained voice. Laurelas noticed Faramir attentive in the conversation, and was careful to choose his words.
"I have only some business I'd like to see to. There is something I must do, something I must find."
"No. You will accompany us, and put an ease to my nerves."
"Aragorn, I will leave without consent, if that is what you are forcing me to do." Aragorn could see the boy would not be swayed, so, with a heavy sigh, and apprehensive eyes he allowed him to leave. He watched as Laurelas made his way towards the east. Faramir only stared at Aragorn, both knowing why Laurelas was so eager to get to Arlen, but neither one really wishing to speak of it.
Arodiel groggily awoke to find herself draped over a man's shoulder. She would have protested if she hadn't felt her strength drained out of her. She figured it was a henchman of Rhaemyr's, but she was curious as to why the man was running. She could feel the pace of the man's feet, and felt his shoulder bump into her stomach every time he ran a step. She opened her eyes fully, and noticed behind this man a group coming towards them. They were being chased, she finally figured, and at that point was completely fed up with all that was going on. Kidnapped, for a second time? She only complained in her mind at how crazy her life had become in only a short period of time. She decided she would not protest to this mysterious man's kidnapping of her, for he had kidnapped her from Taemyr and his father, so for whatever reason this man had, she did not care. She was only glad to be getting away. To her dismay, however, her rescuer suddenly stopped, and Rhaemyr's men behind him caught up with them. She heard voices in front of her, and witnessed the man carrying her raising his arms as if he was surrendering. A group of Rhaemyr's soldiers must have trapped them.
"Put her down!" one of the men called, and Arodiel took that as her cue to get off the man's shoulder, as she did so.
"You are awake," the man said to her, and she turned to look to him to answer, and only realized he was an elf. Arodiel's eyes widened at the elf's features. She could not help but see his striking resemblance to Laurelas. Though he was an elf, fair- haired and blue eyed, he looked almost identical to her love. She stood speechless, as two of Rhaemyr's men grabbed her and held onto to each of her arm, substituting as her personal restraints. She struggled and squirmed within their grasped, wanting desperately to escape at the site of Taemyr approaching. The rest of the group, who were pointing swords and spears at the elf, parted as Rhaemyr made his way to speak to him.
"Well, if it isn't an old friend of mine. Come back from exile have you Legolas?" Arodiel suddenly stood idle, and looked to the elf with attentive eyes. "It is Laurelas' father," she thought to herself.
"I was on my way to Arlen, to visit my wife's kin, when I came upon your camp. I heard this girl speak of how you stole her."
"You did? And what pray tell, made you think you had the right to intrude on our business?"
"I only desired to help the girl, seeing as how you've unfairly outnumbered her in strength. She is not yours to take."
"Nor is she yours to take," Rhaemyr turned to two of his men and signaled for them to advance. "Secure him. He is returning with us to Arlen, but not as my King's long lost son by marriage, but as a criminal." Legolas struggled against the men's grasps and attempts to bind his hands, and called to Rhaemyr.
"Criminal? What crime have I committed?" Rhaemyr turned to Legolas, smiling vindictively.
"The kidnapping of the daughter of the Steward of Gondor. My King would be pleased to know we've captured a mad-man who tried to escape with an ally's daughter."
"But it is not true! I will tell him!" Arodiel called.
"You do whatever you will, Arodiel, and we will see if your word can save your newfound friend." Rhaemyr turned fiercely, annoyed with all the delays in his homecoming. The men dragged on their two prisoners, and made their way to Arlen.
LÓRIEN
"Eldarion!" Eldarion turned to see two slender men on horseback coming towards him, one after the other, following them was a third steed. Ewan and Amdiriel halted as Eldarion did, and watched as the two men approached. When they came within clear vision, the three recognized them to be elves. As they came closer, Eldarion and Amdiriel recognized them to be their elvish uncles.
"Elladan, Elrohir. What are you doing here?" Eldarion asked, as the two dismounted.
"We've come to escort you to Gondor." Amdiriel's eyes brightened, but Ewan intervened.
"No, you cannot take them there. There is a threat that is after them, and if you take them to the White City..."
"We know of the threat, boy, and we know it is after our niece and nephew," Elrohir answered firmly.
"Then why do you endanger Gondor?"
"I only take the risk because the White City is already in danger. An army, that has come to grow in size and strength, has gathered around the walls of Minas Tirith. They pressure our sister into deciding the fate of the city and the citadel. It is a trap that my sister is blindly stepping into. We've sent a rider to find your father, who we believe is in Eryn Lasgalen,"
"Eryn Lasgalen? That is only across the river. He was so close the entire time," Amdiriel interrupted.
"Yes, yes but there is no time for that now. We must go to your mother in Gondor before sunset. She is in need of our help."
"Wait, that army is connected to Ainik, I know it. If we take them there it will only make it easier for him to find these two," Ewan protested.
"We must take that chance. Aragorn will not return until he has found all his children, even if there is a threat upon his city. The decision will linger in mind, and greatly weigh his thoughts, but in the end we know what he will choose. If we bring them with us, it will only guarantee his return home, for he will know all his children as safe within Gondor under our protection," Elladan replied to the boy, annoyance present as he spoke.
"Can you not take them elsewhere, and assure Aragorn that they will be safe somewhere else?"
"We would feel better if our niece and nephew were with us, and not sent off somewhere else in Middle Earth where they could be taken just as easily as they had been before. We would feel more confident of their safety if they were under OUR guard. Now come, we head for Gondor," Elrohir commanded, as all mounted the three steeds provided, and headed for Gondor. Ewan suddenly halted the horse, as the two elves turned their steeds to look to the boy.
"What is it now?" Elrohir asked.
"If Gondor is in danger, then they will need help. I will ride ahead, and go to Rohan. I will request help for the White City." Elrohir looked to his twin brother, as Elladan nodded in approval.
"We had hoped to send a messenger to Rohan as well, but it had slipped our minds amongst the madness that had been going on. Make a swift journey then, and persuade the Rohirrim King to come as soon as possible."
"It will not be difficult," Ewan replied, but before he clicked his heels to ride off, he was halted by Amdiriel's call.
"Wait. Uncle, I will go with him," she said firmly, already dismounting the horse. Elladan looked to his niece.
"No, you are returning with us, there is no choice in the matter."
"Amdiriel, get back on the horse and listen for once," Eldarion pleaded. Amdiriel shook her head, and mounted onto Ewan's horse; Ewan only speechless not knowing what to say to the stubborn princess, for he was elated she wished to go with him.
"It is something I must do. You do not understand. Just go, I will be fine. I will arrive in Gondor when the Rohirrim arrives. My father needn't worry, so do not tell him. Go Ewan." Amdiriel's voice was commanding, and Ewan glanced at the two elves, and then obeyed as he was told. Eldarion called to his sister, but it was of no use. The now solely horse-riding Elladan looked to his brother, letting a smile escape his face.
"In the name of Eru, she is Aragorn's child," he chuckled, then continued the journey to Gondor.
TBC.. please review! Hope you liked it!
SURPRISE AT EVERY TURN: 22
Laurelas sat quietly on the bench, watching as the company of Gondorian escorts loaded their things and mounted their steeds. Aragorn was still inside, as was Faramir, privately talking with King Thranduil, but what of Laurelas did not know. At the moment, it hadn't mattered to him, all he could think about was Arodiel. When he couldn't find her anywhere, he quickly informed Lord Faramir, but to his uneasy dismay, Faramir only handed him a note. Apparently Arodiel had awoke before the sun rose, and took a horse to ride about the forest, wanting to see a little more of Rhovanion before her return to the White City. The note also revealed her wish to follow the company at a later time, and that she would go back on her own. Faramir only accepted this, because she had done such a stunt before. Laurelas recalled in his mind the conversation he had had with the Lord of Ithilian only moments before.
*^* "But do you not think it strange, my Lord? That she would just leave?"
"Laurelas, I really do not think it strange. There is a perfect explanation sitting on that table. Why you wish to ignore the note I do not know."
"My Lord, I am telling you she would not have just left."
"I think if she had not had such a trying day yesterday then I would be just as suspicious as you are. But try to understand Laurelas. There is so much upon her mind. She must have needed some time to recover her thoughts."
"But she was fine yesterday. I spent the night with her." Laurelas remembered the look Faramir gave to him right before the Lord of Ithilian raised his voice in both anger and suspicion.
"YOU WHAT?!" He then remembered his fumbling, fearing state afterwards.
"Oh, n-no I mean, the e-evening my Lord. I mean, my Lord, we kept each other company during the evening, but came nightfall we parted ways; retiring to TWO DIFFERENT rooms."
"Laurelas, I know you worry, but you cannot deny that Arodiel isn't exactly the most responsible maiden. Just relax. We will be leaving for the North before the sun is at high noon. Try to rest a bit before we do."
"Yes, my Lord."
*^*
Laurelas only sighed, heavily. Why was it that he could not put his mind to ease just as easily as Lord Faramir had? He had the feeling that all wasn't well, and he could not ignore it. In the back of his mind, he suspected one person to have something to do with her disappearance, but knew he had no real proof. He surely could not follow a feeling, especially if he was to try and get Faramir and Aragorn to trust in his instincts. He stood from the bench, and approached Aragorn, Faramir and Thranduil, who emerged from the stone fort's main entrance.
"May you be blessed with a safe journey then, Elessar, and may you find the rest of your family."
"Thank you Thranduil, for all that you've done." Both Aragorn and Faramir bowed their heads in respect and gratitude, as Thranduil did the same to gesture his humbleness in return. Thranduil then turned to Laurelas, and Laurelas came close to address him.
"I want to thank you, for taking care of my friends and I, and for opening my eyes to the truth. It is strange, for I think that if I was never thrown into that river, I would have never found you."
"Maybe so child, but thank Eru that you were thrown in and survived. I am only glad I've helped you discover that piece of your soul."
"As am I," Laurelas answered. Thranduil extended his hand to shake Laurelas' but Laurelas ignored it and embraced him. "Grandfather.." he said under his breath, only loud enough for Thranduil to hear. When they parted, Thranduil smiled to the boy, and Laurelas bowed to him, and then followed Aragorn to the grouping of horses that awaited them. Nestor was already mounted on a horse, having said her goodbyes and thanks earlier. She was obviously eager to get home, and her father only playfully, subtly pointed it out to her. As the company was riding out of the forest boundaries, Laurelas felt the sudden urge to head east instead of North in the direction the company was heading. The feeling of foul play now stronger than ever in his mind. He looked to Aragorn, who was on the steed across from him, calmly enjoying the ride, and then to Faramir, who had a distant look upon his face. He knew he could not go on like this any longer, and decided he would journey to Arlen instead of the North.
"Aragorn," he called firmly. Aragorn turned to him a bit surprised for the King was lost in his own thoughts. "I beg of you to give me my leave. I wish to travel to Arlen."
"What? For what purpose Laurelas?" Aragorn asked with a strained voice. Laurelas noticed Faramir attentive in the conversation, and was careful to choose his words.
"I have only some business I'd like to see to. There is something I must do, something I must find."
"No. You will accompany us, and put an ease to my nerves."
"Aragorn, I will leave without consent, if that is what you are forcing me to do." Aragorn could see the boy would not be swayed, so, with a heavy sigh, and apprehensive eyes he allowed him to leave. He watched as Laurelas made his way towards the east. Faramir only stared at Aragorn, both knowing why Laurelas was so eager to get to Arlen, but neither one really wishing to speak of it.
Arodiel groggily awoke to find herself draped over a man's shoulder. She would have protested if she hadn't felt her strength drained out of her. She figured it was a henchman of Rhaemyr's, but she was curious as to why the man was running. She could feel the pace of the man's feet, and felt his shoulder bump into her stomach every time he ran a step. She opened her eyes fully, and noticed behind this man a group coming towards them. They were being chased, she finally figured, and at that point was completely fed up with all that was going on. Kidnapped, for a second time? She only complained in her mind at how crazy her life had become in only a short period of time. She decided she would not protest to this mysterious man's kidnapping of her, for he had kidnapped her from Taemyr and his father, so for whatever reason this man had, she did not care. She was only glad to be getting away. To her dismay, however, her rescuer suddenly stopped, and Rhaemyr's men behind him caught up with them. She heard voices in front of her, and witnessed the man carrying her raising his arms as if he was surrendering. A group of Rhaemyr's soldiers must have trapped them.
"Put her down!" one of the men called, and Arodiel took that as her cue to get off the man's shoulder, as she did so.
"You are awake," the man said to her, and she turned to look to him to answer, and only realized he was an elf. Arodiel's eyes widened at the elf's features. She could not help but see his striking resemblance to Laurelas. Though he was an elf, fair- haired and blue eyed, he looked almost identical to her love. She stood speechless, as two of Rhaemyr's men grabbed her and held onto to each of her arm, substituting as her personal restraints. She struggled and squirmed within their grasped, wanting desperately to escape at the site of Taemyr approaching. The rest of the group, who were pointing swords and spears at the elf, parted as Rhaemyr made his way to speak to him.
"Well, if it isn't an old friend of mine. Come back from exile have you Legolas?" Arodiel suddenly stood idle, and looked to the elf with attentive eyes. "It is Laurelas' father," she thought to herself.
"I was on my way to Arlen, to visit my wife's kin, when I came upon your camp. I heard this girl speak of how you stole her."
"You did? And what pray tell, made you think you had the right to intrude on our business?"
"I only desired to help the girl, seeing as how you've unfairly outnumbered her in strength. She is not yours to take."
"Nor is she yours to take," Rhaemyr turned to two of his men and signaled for them to advance. "Secure him. He is returning with us to Arlen, but not as my King's long lost son by marriage, but as a criminal." Legolas struggled against the men's grasps and attempts to bind his hands, and called to Rhaemyr.
"Criminal? What crime have I committed?" Rhaemyr turned to Legolas, smiling vindictively.
"The kidnapping of the daughter of the Steward of Gondor. My King would be pleased to know we've captured a mad-man who tried to escape with an ally's daughter."
"But it is not true! I will tell him!" Arodiel called.
"You do whatever you will, Arodiel, and we will see if your word can save your newfound friend." Rhaemyr turned fiercely, annoyed with all the delays in his homecoming. The men dragged on their two prisoners, and made their way to Arlen.
LÓRIEN
"Eldarion!" Eldarion turned to see two slender men on horseback coming towards him, one after the other, following them was a third steed. Ewan and Amdiriel halted as Eldarion did, and watched as the two men approached. When they came within clear vision, the three recognized them to be elves. As they came closer, Eldarion and Amdiriel recognized them to be their elvish uncles.
"Elladan, Elrohir. What are you doing here?" Eldarion asked, as the two dismounted.
"We've come to escort you to Gondor." Amdiriel's eyes brightened, but Ewan intervened.
"No, you cannot take them there. There is a threat that is after them, and if you take them to the White City..."
"We know of the threat, boy, and we know it is after our niece and nephew," Elrohir answered firmly.
"Then why do you endanger Gondor?"
"I only take the risk because the White City is already in danger. An army, that has come to grow in size and strength, has gathered around the walls of Minas Tirith. They pressure our sister into deciding the fate of the city and the citadel. It is a trap that my sister is blindly stepping into. We've sent a rider to find your father, who we believe is in Eryn Lasgalen,"
"Eryn Lasgalen? That is only across the river. He was so close the entire time," Amdiriel interrupted.
"Yes, yes but there is no time for that now. We must go to your mother in Gondor before sunset. She is in need of our help."
"Wait, that army is connected to Ainik, I know it. If we take them there it will only make it easier for him to find these two," Ewan protested.
"We must take that chance. Aragorn will not return until he has found all his children, even if there is a threat upon his city. The decision will linger in mind, and greatly weigh his thoughts, but in the end we know what he will choose. If we bring them with us, it will only guarantee his return home, for he will know all his children as safe within Gondor under our protection," Elladan replied to the boy, annoyance present as he spoke.
"Can you not take them elsewhere, and assure Aragorn that they will be safe somewhere else?"
"We would feel better if our niece and nephew were with us, and not sent off somewhere else in Middle Earth where they could be taken just as easily as they had been before. We would feel more confident of their safety if they were under OUR guard. Now come, we head for Gondor," Elrohir commanded, as all mounted the three steeds provided, and headed for Gondor. Ewan suddenly halted the horse, as the two elves turned their steeds to look to the boy.
"What is it now?" Elrohir asked.
"If Gondor is in danger, then they will need help. I will ride ahead, and go to Rohan. I will request help for the White City." Elrohir looked to his twin brother, as Elladan nodded in approval.
"We had hoped to send a messenger to Rohan as well, but it had slipped our minds amongst the madness that had been going on. Make a swift journey then, and persuade the Rohirrim King to come as soon as possible."
"It will not be difficult," Ewan replied, but before he clicked his heels to ride off, he was halted by Amdiriel's call.
"Wait. Uncle, I will go with him," she said firmly, already dismounting the horse. Elladan looked to his niece.
"No, you are returning with us, there is no choice in the matter."
"Amdiriel, get back on the horse and listen for once," Eldarion pleaded. Amdiriel shook her head, and mounted onto Ewan's horse; Ewan only speechless not knowing what to say to the stubborn princess, for he was elated she wished to go with him.
"It is something I must do. You do not understand. Just go, I will be fine. I will arrive in Gondor when the Rohirrim arrives. My father needn't worry, so do not tell him. Go Ewan." Amdiriel's voice was commanding, and Ewan glanced at the two elves, and then obeyed as he was told. Eldarion called to his sister, but it was of no use. The now solely horse-riding Elladan looked to his brother, letting a smile escape his face.
"In the name of Eru, she is Aragorn's child," he chuckled, then continued the journey to Gondor.
TBC.. please review! Hope you liked it!
