A/N: I'm so sorry for not having updated in ages! But first I was really busy with my exams and then very soon thereafter I got a full time holiday job and to be quite honest, it's taking up much more time than I had originally anticipated. Then I also got a new computer which is a positive thing, but it did mean that I had no access to it for almost a week and I am still trying to organise my old stuff on my new computer. Add a small writer's block to the whole bunch and a stupid idea to make a picture to go with this story, considering that I have absolutely _no_ skills whatsoever in either drawing for real nor in modifying images on the computer (although, my skills on the latter have improved considerably in the past week…). And then, on top of it all: FF.net is making things difficult by being down almost all the time! *grumbles threats at FF.net operators*
Anyway, all I can say is that once I finish AES there won't be no more WIP's! Once again, my apologies for not posting more regularly.
Additional A/N: Hmmm, a warning for this chapter: there is a fighting scene in this chapter… no, this isn't a warning about rating, it's about the way I wrote the scene. I'm absolutely useless when it comes to battle scenes, so it always turns out a bit strange and this time, it's even stranger than usual. It's written in a totally different style than the rest of the story, more heroic and epic-like. So I only wanted to warn you, though it appears to be part of a different story, I assure you it belongs here…
2nd A/N: it's almost midnight, so please bear with if I wrote some strange things in the (additional) A/N, in the R2R's or at the end (after the actual chapter)…
Disclaimer & other standard ramblings: see some previous chapter
R2R's:
Elladan – Thank you for your kind words and I'm glad you liked the flash backs; I was a bit worried it would not be entirely clear what I meant, but apparently most of you got it! Hah! I also thought that I would have some spare time during the summer holidays to catch up on some of the stories on my 'must-read'-list, but as you can see I'm awfully busy, in fact even busier than I was during school time! *grumble* Anyway, here's chapter eight and I sure hope you'll enjoy it!
Kawaii BlueBear - *hides* Erm… well, I'm truly honestly very sorry it took me so long to update… please forgive me?
Belothien – Thanks! Ik had inderdaad gemerkt dat Mr. Strider Returns weg was *sniff*, maar als dat alleen maar is omdat je 'm een beetje herschrijft en daarna dus weer post is er niets aan de hand *g* En dat hele Sindarin-gebeuren heb je helemaal gelijk in; mijn hele Elvish, daar klopt geen ene hout van, maar dat ga ik pas veranderen als ik het hele verhaal af heb; dan ga ik alles nog één keer doornemen en dan opnieuw posten. Maar in ieder geval, bedankt dat je het zegt; niet veel mensen hier op FF.net doen dat, terwijl het eigenlijk juist zo belangrijk is: opbouwende kritiek is van levensbelang wil je een toekomst in het schrijven zoeken… hmmm, ik zal maar stoppen voordat ik al te filosofisch wordt…
Anita – Dank je wel! Ik ben blij dat het hele gebeuren met de herinneringen en wat er nou daadwerkelijk aan de hand was ook een beetje is doorgedrongen. Hoofdstuk 7 was sowieso leuk om te schrijven. LOL! Ik ben ook met een 6 voor wiskunde geslaagd… maar dan wel voor wiskunde-A! (ja, ik ben een echte alpha: talen en geschiedenis, that's me!). Anyway, ik hoop dat hoofdstuk 8 je ook een beetje bevalt!
Puck - *eg* I'm evil, you say? Well, I should not be complaining if I were you, 'cause I seem to remember a certain story about kiwi's that hasn't been updated in…ehm…a long time! … … Hmm, never mind, once again I seem not able to talk my way out of this… Note to myself: read the note to myself about thinking first, saying later… Oh, and you were right, Razhluk indeed is Peanut. LOL! When you wrote this review we weren't graduated yet… *dreamy look in her eyes* now it seems ages ago… *g* ROTFLOL! I see M&S did not have much influence on you *g* Anyway, before this is getting way too long: thank you for reviewing! *g* Oh, and yes, the FF.net operators were for you *g*
TC - *blushes* Thank you for your praise! You made me feel really special! And thank you for your understanding when I don't update so regularly…
SperryDee – Here you are, the next chapter. And the chapter where you will find out whether the rescue party succeeds in their mission… or fail…
Emmithar – You can hope… but as you see it had quite little effect… And no, Estel doesn't have to worry about getting killed… I would never _kill_ him… just torture him so much until he would _want_ to be killed… Anyway, have fun reading chapter eight!
Lauriena – I'm glad you like it and thank you so much for your kind words; though it does not seem so, they truly do encourage me to write more. Most likely, if I hadn't got any reviews, I would not have finished AES; so once again: thank you!
Kaeera – Indeed, you are right; aren't we a bunch of cruel people? Our favourite pastime being torturing our favourite characters? Ah, well, as long as it remains fiction… *g* I'm glad you liked the hallucinations, they were fun to write too. LOL! That should teach 'em!
Anime Elvengirl – LOL! And here I was, thinking that most people who'd read AES would be crazy, and yet here I find someone who isn't crazy… yet, that is! *g* Anyway, thank you for leaving a review and I hope you'll like this chapter too!
Orphelia-Rose – *puts an arm around Orphelia-Rose* Don't worry; after this chapter the worst is over! Again, I'm so sorry, I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long…
leggylover03 – You're Rhonda, aren't you? I sure hope so, otherwise I'm in the process of making a real fool out of me…
alexa – I'm glad you like it and though I'm afraid I didn't update very soon, I still hope you haven't lost interest in the story!
Rhonda – *blushes* Thank you! You give me way too much credit! Well, here's chappie eight and chapter nine will be posted next week, but I'm afraid I don't know how long it will take to post the last chapter… I don't dare to make any statements on the expected update date… All I can say is: as soon as possible *g*
Mysterious Jedi – Thank you for the praise! I hope you'll enjoy reading chapter eight too!
alexandra – Thank you for your kind words and well, here's the next chapter!
* * * * * * * * indicates the passing of time
Chapter eightSince they had split up with Elladan and Elrohir, the two Elves and Istar had ridden throughout the night, leading their horses effortlessly through the forest. They had only stopped once, taking a short break to give the horses the chance to drink some water and get some rest, for even Elven horses did not have an inexhaustible stamina.
'I think they adjusted their course slightly to the north,' Glorfindel said, after studying the marks on the ground. He stooped to pick up a fallen leaf and then searched for a thorn. When he found one, he fastened the leaf to a near tree trunk, the pointy end of the leaf facing north being at eyelevel of a horseman.
The party continued, but an uncomfortable silence fell on the company. Until, after a few moments, Glorfindel once again spoke. 'And no, we're still not gaining on them. As neither they are gaining on us.'
'Hold on to hope, melloneamin,' Gandalf said. 'For soon the sun will rise and then the orcs will have to take cover from the sun. Or, in the worst situation, even if they decide to travel through broad daylight their pace will be slowed considerably.'
Though the Elves did not react to the wizard, inside they felt their heart relax the tiniest bit as they treasured the hopeful words, repeating them often as they rode through the woods of Rivendell, hardly making any sound.
* * * * * * * *
As soon as the first rays of sunlight enlightened the forest, all heads turned towards the warm golden beams simultaneously, a feeling of hope filling them all.
'Dawn is the hope of Men,' breathed Elrond, repeating a saying Elrohir loved to tell Estel. Deep down he knew that if Estel's spirit would no longer be on Arda, he would feel it. However, at this moment his heart was telling him that Estel was still alive and that the sunrise would give him strength.
'They paused here for a couple of minutes,' Glorfindel said, leaning over the neck of his horse to look at a particularly squashed area. It was obvious that the orcs had not valued the forest they rampaged through at its true worth; water skins littered the ground, some still half filled with dirty looking water, but most appeared to be soiled with an ugly-yellow looking liquid with a foul smell. Remnants of animals that had been unfortunate enough to be caught in the claws of the orcs marred the forest floor. Torn clothing, some stained with dark blood laid next to various pieces of iron from the orcs' harnesses, ripped from their uniforms during one of the bestial fights they enjoyed so much.
Glorfindel registered the ill-treatment of the forest with a strange detachment, his focus not being on what tracks the orcs had left behind.
'I see no traces of…,' he hesitated, he couldn't bring himself to say 'Estel'; for that would make the situation completely substantial and Glorfindel did not know whether he was ready to handle the truth yet.
'… a prisoner,' he finally decided. 'But they rested only briefly, so it is only to be expected that there is no indication of the presence of a non-orc among them.'
'I pray the orcs haven't hurt him severely, or they will pay for it. By the Valar, I swear I will make them pay for every hurt they inflicted upon my family.' An image of his beloved wife unwillingly entered his mind's eye. He saw Elladan walking up to the gates of Rivendell, carrying a limp body and in thought he rushed forward as he recognized the once warm golden hair of his wife, now reduced to a dull and pale blonde mass partly covering her dim face. He tried to shake the image off, and suddenly it changed.
Now it was no longer Celebrian his eldest was holding in his arms; he was looking at the broken body of Estel, his chest not indicating even the slightest hint of respiration. He barely registered Elrohir's tear stricken face, a face many years younger than it had been when Estel had been brought to Rivendell, less than a decade ago.
He was pulled out of his reverie, as Rhoscieth whinnied softly, worried for the well-being of her rider.
Glorfindel had also noted the distress the Elven lord was in. 'Are you feeling alright, Elrond? Maybe it would be wise to take a short break.'
'I'm fine,' Elrond responded curtly. 'They are merely memories.'
He did not need to explain further, both Glorfindel and Gandalf knew the Elven lord was remembering what had happened to Celebrian shortly before she had left to find peace in Valinor.
Gandalf shook his head sadly. 'I don't know what will happen to Elrond if we lose Estel to the same fate way we lost Lady Celebrian, I don't think he will survive such a blow. Most likely he will decide to sail to the Undying Lands, walking down the road that will reunite him with his wife. But it's not yet his time to leave, I feel that he still has many tasks to perform here on Arda.'
Glorfindel's thoughts followed a similar path, 'Elrond will surely leave, but what of Elladan and Elrohir? Elladan will never forgive himself if he will arrive too late to save Estel, it will only remind him of Arathorn's death and I know that on that day he swore to protect Aragorn with his life. If we will not arrive in time to save the boy, I know for certain Elladan will blame himself personally for Estel's death. No one will be able to talk it out of his head, the only person will be Elrond, but he will be too much consumed by grief to explain Elladan it would not be his fault, until it is much too late. If Elladan falls into darkness, he will not the only one we will lose; Elrohir will surely follow him. Arwen would not choose to remain either; none of us will be able to avert the destiny of Elrond and his children and there is little doubt they will choose to leave the shores of Middle-Earth, I'm afraid. And what about the other Elves? Would they stay if there will be no Lord of Imladris any more?'
Glorfindel shuddered and dared not think of the answer to that question. 'I fear the world will plummet in darkness if we fail to save Estel now.'
'We are finally catching up on them,' Glorfindel announced with a grim smile. 'They have slowed their pace.'
It was midday by now and though the sun shone merrily, not often hindered by clouds, there was a chill breeze in the air. For the umpteenth time, Elrond mentally repeated which healing herbs and extracts he had brought along and which of them he should use when they would find Estel. His hands brushed over a warm Elven made blanket, its colour the deep dark brown of ebony. 'He must have caught a cold, there is no doubt about that. Yesterday's storm combined with today's cool breeze will most certainly result in a serious case of influenza. Aîre should lessen the cold and he must be kept very warm until we reach home.'
* * * * * * * *
Time did not seem to exist as the three travelled through the forest, they simply rode on without acknowledging the passing of time. And though each one was lost in their own fears, not discussing them aloud, the content of all these thoughts were centred around the fate of the youngest inhabitant of Rivendell.
Suddenly Gandalf reigned in his horse, signalling the others to do the same; he tilted his head to listen more carefully to the sounds that echoed through the forest. The two Elves followed his example and all three of them stood silent and listened to their surroundings, one with the nature around them.
Foul voices filled the bright air and a shudder went down Glorfindel's spine. Elrond, however, revealed nothing of any uneasiness he might feel, his face a stoic mask.
Gandalf furred his brows in concentration as he tried to decipher the orcish talk. 'It seems they are searching for something,' he said. The Istar hesitated for a heartbeat. 'Or someone.'
'What are you saying, Mithrandir?' asked Elrond impatiently. 'Speak plain.'
Gandalf listened in silence for a while, then finally turned towards the anxious father. 'The band has split up, some of the orcs are ordered to stay in the camp and stand guard. Others are searching for 'the Dark Lord's gift' as they call it; it must be Estel they speak of.
'The searching orcs are told to search only east of their camp so we don't have to worry about stumbling over a wandering orc,' Gandalf concluded, as he remounted his horse.
'So they don't have Estel?' Glorfindel asked to make sure he had understood it correctly.
Gandalf shook his head. 'No, they don't.'
'He must have found a way to escape,' commented Elrond, a small yet grim smile on his face. 'I guess the orcs have found out the hard way what it means to capture one of Imladris.'
They continued their pace until Glorfindel halted. 'I think it best to continue on foot, we have neared the camp as to the point where we have to be careful. It will not be long before we will encounter the first guard.'
Gandalf and Elrond nodded and after a few chosen words and a pat on their backs, the three horses left into the woods, making sure they stayed out of sight, yet remained close enough to answer their masters summon should they call on their aid.
Cautiously the three companions glided through the dense woods, moving like shadows, only betrayed by their slight glow. All of a sudden Glorfindel, who walked just in front of the others, held up his right hand, causing the two behind him to freeze. He made an almost invisible movement with his index finger, telling the others he wanted to check on something and then leapt into the trees.
Unnerving seconds passed until the swishing sound of a released arrow was heard, followed by a soft thud.
Moments later Glorfindel reappeared, his quiver one green-feathered arrow lighter, the forest floor one dead orc body heavier.
Glorfindel repeated his performance two more times and then the two Elves and Istar found themselves at the edge of the orc camp.
'How do we proceed?' whispered Glorfindel, not taking his eyes off of two patrolling orcs.
'There is little more we can do but wait,' replied Gandalf. 'We cannot look for Estel ourselves.'
Elrond looked ready to argue and Glorfindel was strongly reminded of Elladan. 'Not that any of them would ever admit stubbornness was one of their traits.'
'As I said, we cannot look for Estel ourselves,' the wizard repeated, a little louder this time, giving Elrond a stern look. 'Though the three of us are capable warriors and can handle ourselves perfectly, the risk of getting shot is simply too high; there are numerous orcs swarming these woods. As long as the orcs don't have Estel, the best policy is to wait for Elladan and Elrohir.'
Glorfindel nodded, thus giving the plan his approval.
Both then turned to Elrond; the Elven lord met their gaze defiantly, but after a few moments, he sighed. 'I agree.'
To say that the wait was trying would be an understatement; it was truly nerve-racking. The three appeared composed, yet Gandalf clutched his staff tighter than necessary and though there was no apparent threat Glorfindel was holding an arrow, following its smooth form with his fingers. Elrond was clenching and relaxing his fists constantly, his eyes dark with unexpressed rage, his mind thinking of ways to punish the ones that had hurt his Estel.
* * * * * * * *
Elrond's head shot up sharply when he heard the triumphant cry of an orc. Questioningly he looked at Gandalf for an explanation, but the wizard showed no signs of having heard the orc's yell at all. Glancing at Glorfindel, Elrond saw the golden-haired Elf was still fidgeting with the arrow and he could hear the Elf softly muttering prayers to the Valar as to calm himself. Nothing indicated any sign of disturbance and Elrond thought might have imagined the cry.
Then someone screamed. 'Ada! Tua amin!'
Though the scream was not actually audible, everyone felt it; it was full of pain and fear, an undisguised plea for help. Elrond could not contain himself and rushed forward, but two pairs of arms stopped him.
'Calm down, Peredhil! Don't make a hasty decision which you will deeply regret afterwards.'
'Let go of me! Let me help my son!' the angry Elven lord whispered harshly, trying to free himself from his golden-haired friend's grip.
'Elrond, lasto!' Gandalf whispered urgently, forcing the distraught father to look him into the eye. 'Try to think logically! What good will it be if we get ourselves killed? Who will help Estel then? And even if he survives what will it do to him if he loses another parent? Think of your other children too!' It pained the wizard to use such harsh words on his friend, but he could see no other way to calm the raging Elven Lord. 'They already lost their mother, you can't leave them here on Arda all alone!'
As Elrond stopped struggling, he concluded in a gentle voice. 'That is not the way to help your son.'
Sensing Elrond had relaxed completely in their grip, Gandalf and Glorfindel released him, though they still eyed him warily for any sign of a kamikaze action.
As soon as the group of orcs entered the camp, Elrond went rigid. He craved his neck to find his son among the dark creatures and when he found him, he froze in shock. Estel's lifeless body was bruised and there were scrapes and scratches all over him; his clothes were ripped and dried blood covered his face. Dark tangled hair was full of ash, mud and other kinds of dirt; a face paler than that of one who has lived his entire life in caves, never having seen the sun. Yet his son's body was covered in a thin layer of sweat and obviously radiating an unhealthy heat. Then he noticed the knife wound in the human's right leg. A light-headedness caught him for a short time, and then a red haze appeared in front of his eyes.
He didn't care any more. As far as he was concerned the entire world could be plunged into a war, resulting in the end of all free people. He no longer minded whether Middle Earth plummeted into the deep and dark nothing of abyss, as long as he could get to his youngest. Melkor take it all!
Elrond felt Glorfindel brushing his arm and his muscles tightened in anticipation of swatting it away, not caring what damage it would inflict on the Elf. However, Glorfindel had no intention of restraining the enraged father, his arm being only a gesture of support.
With a unanimous battle cry the three charged the orc camp; Elrond in the front, Glorfindel and Gandalf flanking him.
And lo and behold! an answering cry was heard through the forests of Rivendell. Elladan and Elrohir had come and with them a large company of well-trained Elven warriors.
The startled orcs looked up in terror and a tremendous fear washed over them as they saw Elrond Half-Elven, Lord of Rivendell and keeper of Vilya. Few realized what hit them, as the unforgiving Elf Lord released his revenge and anger on them. And though some orcs were granted to behold the coldest pair of eyes ever moments before their spirits fled them, none lived to tell the tale they had faced Elrond in his hour of ire and survived.
Great was the fury of his sons, the fair Elladan and Elrohir, their love for their brother giving them strength, speed and agility beyond that of even Elven kind. Had they encountered the Ring Wraiths at the very gates of Barad-dûr, even the nine would have fled fearing their vengeance. The two cold faces, identical in their expression, promising only untold misery to those they encountered.
Terrifying were Gandalf's sword and Glorfindel's bow; Glamdring gleamed with a bluish flame; the sword had been in disuse for a long time, but had not long ago tasted orc blood and wanted more. Glorfindel's bow was taut and the blonde Elf made it sing as it burned in the anticipation of killing the dark creatures. As the moment of surprise was over, Glorfindel threw his bow over his shoulder, and drew his Elven knives and the orcs learned that his fame with weapons was not a myth and soon they crawled away, trying desperately to find a place to hide.
None dared oppose or defy them; the wrath of Elrond Peredhil and his sons was indeed terrible.
As Elrond had been the first to attack, the main force of the orcs concentrated on them and thus it happened that Elladan and Elrohir were the first to reach Estel, closing the distance between their human brother rapidly.
'Estel!' cried Elrohir, kneeling next to the small form. 'Wake up! It's us, your brothers, you're safe now! Ada is here too!'
Elladan meanwhile stood near his two younger siblings, making sure no one would disturb them personally. Though there were two Elven warriors who guarded Estel and Elrohir, Elladan didn't dare let anyone but himself take the responsibility for his brothers' safety.
When Elrond, fighting his way through the orcs, finally reached his sons, Elrohir had taken Estel in his arms, wrapping himself around the boy, yet careful not to aggravate his wounds further.
'He's still alive, but I can't wake him,' Elrohir looked at his father, his eyes shimmering with tears. 'I told him he was safe, that you were here, but he didn't react at all! It's just like with…' the twin faltered. 'Just like years ago!'
There was a definite edge of panic in the younger Elf's voice and Elrond took Estel over from Elrohir quickly, yet gently. He wrapped the warm blanket around him and examined the human child, automatically slipping into healer-mode. As he finished his examination, he let out a relieved sigh. 'All is well, Elrohir, you don't have to worry. Estel's body is merely coping with his predicament. This has been very hard on him, he is both physically and mentally drained. And though the wounds that were inflicted on him must have been painful, they haven't caused any serious damage.'
'But the knife…' the younger twin faltered, not being able to finish his sentence.
'Rest assured; there's no Morgul poison on it, no poison at all. We only have to worry about an infection and that is easily remedied.
'No,' he continued. 'I'm more worried about his fever, caused by the rain and cold.'
'And about his mental well-being,' he added privately, not wanting to worry his already anxious twin son.
Elrond then turned to Elladan, who had put a supportive hand on Elrohir's shoulder. The elder twin had listened attentively to his father's words, though still had kept an eye on possible danger.
'You should stop worrying too,' the Elven Lord said.
'I wasn't worrying,' objected Elladan.
'You arrived in time, my son,' Elrond continued not paying attention to Elladan's interruption. 'Everything has turned out well.'
Then he started to lift Estel to carry him home, but the boy let out a soft moan and his eyes fluttered open.
'Ada?' he whispered and it was only for their Elven ears his family could hear him.
Elrond smiled. 'Yes, nin ion, I am here, and your brothers are here too.'
Estel moved a little so he could look at the two dark-haired Elves. In the background the warriors took care of the remaining orcs under the experienced guidance of Glorfindel, but Estel was alone with his family at last; the thought giving him even more strength than the orc potion had and he smiled a small smile. 'I knew you would come, but what took you so long?' the last words were lost in a coughing fit.
'Easy, titto toro,' Elladan said, 'You've managed to get yourself into a pretty ugly mess and you have be careful with your wounds.'
'Don't fuss, Elladan, I feel fine,' contradicted Estel.
The elder twin barked. 'That would be the understatement of the century! Of course you don't feel fine!'
'If you feel fine, why does this…' Elrohir prodded Estel softly in the side and the boy reflexively flinched ever so slightly. '… hurt?' Elrohir finished.
'Well, maybe I am a bit sore then,' he conceded. 'And sleepy,' he added as an afterthought, while trying to conceal a yawn.
Elrond chuckled. 'Then sleep, my son. Soon you will be home again.'
He picked him up and Estel fell into a deep healing sleep, appearing unconscious. He did not notice as he was handed to Elladan as his father mounted Rhoscieth, nor when Elrond took him back and cradled him in his arms again.
As Rhoscieth trod away slowly, Elladan watched them and sent a quick thank you prayer to the Valar for looking after Estel. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.
'You arrived just in time, Elladan,' Glorfindel said seriously. 'Hannad lle.'
'We would have been too late if it were not for the trail you left. It is I who should thank you, mellonamin.'
'And thank you for taking care of ada too,' added Elrohir, who had silently rode up to the two.
'You should thank Mithrandir for that, I could not have done it alone.'
'Nonsense!' A voice interrupted and the three startled Elves turned around to see the subject of their conversation standing right behind them. 'You could have handled him easily, I was just there to provide some entertaining fireworks.'
The Elves laughed heartily, though in their hearts they knew that without Gandalf's 'fireworks' things may have not worked out as well as they had; though there had been some Elves injured in the battle none had taken grave wounds and none had perished.
'It's Estel we should be proud of, I think,' said Elladan seriously, a proud note in his voice.
All sobered and nodded their agreement.
'He's quite a handful, that brother of yours,' Glorfindel added. 'I guess the orcs found that out first-hand!'
They erupted in clear laughter as they walked over to their horses to finally head back for Rivendell, complete at last.
TBCMelloneamin = my friends
Ada! Tua amin! = Dad(dy)! Help me!
Peredhil! = Half Elf
Lasto! = listen!
Nin ion = my son
Mellonamin = my friend
= = = = = =
I know, it seems as if everything is alright and Estel will be fine… but well, he's still ill and there are some questions that need answers so this will not be the end yet. Two more chapters will follow, but the outlining of chapter 9 is almost finished, so it shouldn't be long before I post it. Chapter 10 however, is a different story and I honestly can't say when it'll be posted.
LOL! Originally I planned this to become a 5 chapter story, then it became a 7-chapter and at last I decided to make it a 9-chapter. But I couldn't help myself and now it will become a 10-chapter-story! Ah well, I'll just hold on to the words of Horace 'Brevis esse laboro, obscurus fio' (Hor., De arte poetica 25/26); very rough and loose translation: 'If I try to be brief, I become inscrutable'
Oh, and in case someone was wondering, 'Glamdring' is the name of Gandalf's sword (source: The Hobbit).
Please R&R!
*big pleading puppy dog eyes*