AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that from now on, updates will be coming a lot faster since I want to finish this story by the end of the month. My target is two chapters a week, so I hope you will all take the time to check up on me every few days! I BADLY need your super reviews to keep my stamina up. I still have EIGHT more chapters to go. . .
This chapter is full of action. I know you all know the battle in Balin's tomb like the back of your hand, but I do hope you won't get bored with my version of it. It's got quite a different twist. Besides, I PROMISE it'll be the last chapter where you'll have to bear with so much "borrowings" from the movie.
I don't have time for individual greetings right now, but I want all reviewers to know I would NEVER have been able to update this quickly if it weren't for your inspirational reviews! Please keep it up, and I will maintain this speed I'm going at at present. LOVE YOU GUYS!
Oh, and for all those who asked, yes, "Amin mela lle" means "I love you". Sorry. . . I guess I was being presumptuous when I thought all Legoromance readers knew that. lol Won't happen again!
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Six- Grief
"Behold!" Gandalf said, raising his voice slightly in pride and satisfaction. "The great realm of the dwarven city of Dwarrowdelf!"
Legolas stared up at the huge pillars surrounding them with growing admiration at the size of the cavern they had just entered. For a very brief moment he was actually impressed with the majesty of this part of Moria. In spite of its age and wear, Dwarrowdelf still showed signs of past splendor. It almost made up for the gloom and ruin of the paths they had marched through previously.
As the Fellowship ventured further into the hall, Legolas heard a small gasp of awe by his shoulder. He smiled and gently pressed the slender hand that was enveloped within his fingers.
Armir looked up at him and returned his smile. For the first time since they had entered Moria, her eyes were sparkling with admiration and excitement, momentarily void of all apprehension.
"This is wonderful." she whispered to him, turning her gaze back at the high walls and vast space around them. "Never in my life have I dreamt I would see anything like it."
Legolas simply nodded, and continued to watch her face silently as her eyes danced with honest fascination. His heart overflowed with great affection for the maiden at his arm. She was so simple and childlike, yet so special beyond description.
And now she was his. To Legolas it somehow all seemed like just an incredible dream.
"How on earth could she want someone like me?" the elf thought dazedly, shaking his head in astonishment. A goofy smile crept furtively across his face as he recalled their tender kisses. "I cannot believe she loves ME."
"What? What is it?" a soft voice beside him demanded.
Pulled out of his reverie, Legolas looked blankly at Armir's questioning face. "Um. . . pardon?"
Armir raised her eyebrows. "Why were you staring at me like that?" she asked suspiciously.
Legolas chuckled lightly and brought her hand to his lips, planting a soft kiss on her knuckles.
"Lle naa vanima. (You are beautiful.)" he told her simply.
Armir smiled back. "And so are you, Melamin." she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked on behind the others.
Suddenly they heard a shout from up ahead. His senses snapping back on full alert, Legolas craned his neck to see what the matter was.
Gimli had broken away from the rest of the group and was running towards an open doorway at the end of the hall. Gandalf immediately took after the dwarf, and the rest of the Fellowship followed.
Legolas tightened his grip around his beloved's hand protectively. "Come." he said, as they hurried after their friends.
When they finally entered the chamber Gimli had rushed into, the dwarf was kneeling in front of what appeared to be a large stone tomb. Judging by the way his shoulders shook as he sobbed, Legolas knew at once that whoever lay in the grave must have meant a lot to their friend. At once, sympathy for Gloin's son filled the elf's own heart with grief.
Meanwhile, Gandalf had approached the tomb beside Gimli and read aloud the inscription written upon it.
"Here lies Balin, Son of Hrundin. Lord of Moria." The wizard shook his head gravely. "It is as I feared."
"Oh no. . ." Legolas heard Armir whisper, as she released his hand to cover her face.
The two elves watched as Gandalf picked up a dusty old book that lay in the arms of a rotting skeleton. As the wizard flipped the heavy volume open, Legolas felt a strange wave of fear rush through him. He turned immediately to Aragorn, who was standing beside him and Armir.
"We must move on." he said in urgency. "We cannot linger."
Aragorn gave no reply but simply nodded. However, Legolas could see anxiety also darkening the man's eyes.
Gandalf began to read from a page in the battered book. "They have taken the bridge, and the second hall. The ground shakes. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. Drums, drums in the deep"
Legolas sensed a trembling hand press against his chest. He looked down and saw that Armir had drawn close to him, her fingers curled slightly around his tunic. The expression on her face told him she felt the same fear that was growing in him right then.
"We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out. They are coming."
A long moment of nervous silence filled the chamber as Gandalf finished reading the last words on the page.
All of a sudden, a chain of loud crashing noises sounded, startling them all. Looking over to where Pippin stood, Legolas realized that the clumsy hobbit had accidentally pushed something heavy and metallic into an open well, resulting in the raucous clashes that echoed dangerously through the cavern below. He closed his eyes, groaning mentally.
"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf snapped angrily, grabbing his hat and staff back from the hobbit. "Next time, throw yourself in and rid us of your stupidity!"
Then suddenly, more noises followed the ones made by Pippin. Legolas' body tensed up reflexively as he listened to them carefully.
Drums. With each beat, the pounding grew louder and clearer. The source, whatever it was, seemed to be drawing nearer to their location. Just then, footsteps -- lumbering ones - joined with the drum roll. Screeching followed.
"Orcs!" Legolas cried.
* * *
Armir stood frozen even as the rest of the Fellowship began to scramble to action upon hearing Legolas' shout. She too had heard her guardian's call, but somehow she could not seem to move herself from where she stood. The terror that had overcome her was now too great. Her knees shook uncontrollably beneath her as she felt as though she were going to crumple.
A strong hand caught her arm just as she stumbled. Lifting her frightened gaze up, she met the blue eyes of the elf she loved so much.
"Armir, listen to me." Legolas told her urgently, as he led her away to one side of the chamber. "I am going to have to fight, and cannot have you by my side as I do so."
The girl then realized that he had pulled her behind a crumbling stone pillar, where she could easily hide in the shadows safely away from view.
"Stay here." he ordered firmly, pushing her gently into the tight space between the pillar and the wall adjacent to it. "Do not move until I come for you."
He drew out one of the long knives from the sheath on his back.
"I shall see to it that no orc dares come near you. But in case you are in need, do not hesitate to use this." he instructed, as he handed the weapon over to her.
The maiden's anxiety grew as she stared down at the Elven blade in her hand. It felt heavy and foreign to her, and she much doubted that she would ever be able to wield it effectively.
"Be safe." Legolas murmured, taking a moment to squeeze her hand reassuringly.
Armir caught his arm before he could turn away. As he faced her again, she tried to make words come out of her mouth in an attempt to beg him not to leave her. However, she found that her fear had once again rendered her dumb.
Fortunately, the wide eyed expression she wore seemed to be enough to help Legolas understand.
"Melamin," he said softly, holding her face between his hands. "I will sooner die than let anything happen to you. If you love me you will trust in that."
"I do." Armir whispered, reaching out to touch his cheek.
Legolas gave her a loving smile, then leaned over to kiss her lips before hurrying to help Boromir and Aragorn bar the doors.
Her heartbeat racing faster and faster each moment, Armir watched helplessly as her beloved took his place beside Aragorn and Boromir, his bow ready and aimed at the chamber door. She could hear the deafening pounding and screeching from outside, like a flood of vicious beasts struggling to be let out of a cage.
She had never seen an orc before in her life, but she knew very well that these monsters had been the cause of her mother's death, and were thus also the mortal enemies of her father. From the stories she had heard from her friends who had actually encountered them before, she also knew that orcs were by far the last beasts she would ever want to face.
Suddenly, the doors came crashing open. A stream of hideous creatures stormed the chamber, all brandishing swords, spears, or bows. The place was instantly engulfed in the sounds of fighting and battle cries, of metal clashing against metal, of weapons slicing through flesh, of dead bodies hitting the floor.
Armir's entire body shuddered as she beheld the race of her mother's murderers. They were far more gruesome than any nightmare she could come up with. They seemed to radiate an aura of malice and hate in the same way elves glowed with goodness and peace.
The room was in total chaos. Everywhere she looked Armir saw one of her companions locked in combat with one or more orcs. Much to her relief, it seemed that every body that fell to the ground in defeat did not belong to any of her friends.
The maiden had grown so preoccupied with watching the ongoing battle that she did not notice an orc was venturing closer to her hiding place, its ugly nose lifted to the air as though smelling for something. She never had the chance to even detect its approach when suddenly it fell dead a few meters away from her feet, an arrow buried into the back of its head.
Shaken, Armir looked to where she knew the saving arrow had flown. Legolas was still busy finishing off a couple of orcs who were trying to gang up on him. After he had slain both, the prince found a spare moment to glance Armir's way. He nodded and offered her a brief smile of assurance before turning to face yet another attacker.
Armir saw the elf slay one villain after another, moving rapidly and gracefully as though he had killed so many times in the past. A sharp pain stung her at the sight of this new side to her lover. She was aware that Legolas had always been a renowned warrior back in his homeland, but that knowledge failed to ease the disappointment she felt at the sight of his uncharacteristic brutality. It was difficult to understand how a soul so kind and gentle could at the same time manage to slaughter so easily and unaffectedly.
All of a sudden, there was a violent tremor that shook the entire chamber. The door and part of the wall by it exploded, showering rock and dust all over the room. A strident, beastly growl echoed against the walls.
Armir watched in horror as an ugly, mammoth beast about fourteen feet tall lumbered into the chamber, knocking down orcs that stood in its path. She recognized it from the history books her grandfather would make her read when she was growing up.
A troll.
She saw Legolas spin around and immediately shoot an arrow at the giant creature, hitting it squarely on the shoulder. The troll roared in pain and rage, then lifted the massive club in its hand.
"Legolas!" Armir screamed, unable to control herself as the troll swung its deadly bludgeon at the elf. To her relief, Legolas was able to duck before the weapon could hit his head.
Just then, Armir heard a snarl that was perilously close to where she stood. She turned and came face to face with a sneering orc.
"Well hello there, my pretty." the orc growled, baring a mouthful of decaying teeth as it lifted its sword to strike.
As the sharp blade came down upon her, unexpected instinct powered Armir's actions. In one swift motion, she deflected the orc's attack with Legolas' knife and pushed back. As the orc stumbled, she retaliated with a blow of her own. With a heavy thud, her opponent fell.
The maiden stared in amazement and dismay at the dead body on the floor, the Elven knife buried deep into its chest. She had killed it. She had never freely killed anything before, not even an ant. This orc had a life, evil or not, and the knowledge that she had taken it away struck Armir with a heavy sorrow that rendered her paralyzed for a minute.
The sounds of crashes and crumbling stone snapped her out of her daze. Her eyes widened as she directed her gaze across the chamber. The troll was once again trying its best to take Legolas down, this time by aiming a heavy chain at him.
The elf was able to evade each one of the attacks, however, and within seconds managed to clamber atop the monster's head. Pointing his bow downward, he shot an arrow directly to the troll's skull.
Upon seeing Legolas scramble to safety, Armir released the breath she had been holding the entire time, mentally rebuking her guardian for taking so many terrifying risks. If anything happened to him, she didn't know what on earth she would do.
"What do we have here?"
Armir screamed as a powerful hand hauled her roughly from her hiding place and shoved her to the ground. Before she got a chance to defend herself, her wrists were restrained above her head. She could only struggle in vain as a bulky orc crawled on top of her, its yellow eyes staring lustfully. Terror and repulsion made her too weak to even cry out as a slimy tongue ran over the skin on her neck and face. She could only shut her tearing eyes, praying this torture would end soon.
Two shouts rang in her ears. One of anger, and one of anguish. Before she even opened her eyes, the heavy body that had her pinned was removed, and a gentle hand pulled her from the floor into a warm embrace.
Quivering uncontrollably, Armir burrowed into the safety Legolas' arms. He in turn held her tightly against him, the pounding of his heart telling her he had been just as frightened as she by the close call.
"Are you all right?" the elf asked her anxiously, his gaze examining her as he moved away slightly. "Did he hurt you?'
Armir opened her mouth to reply, but was stopped by an abrupt cry that rang from across the room.
"Frodo." she whispered, recognizing the voice. She whirled around, dread already filling her chest.
The hobbit slumped to the ground with a glassy look in his eyes. A massive spear was stuck at his left side. Armir felt her knees weaken.
"Frodo!" she shouted.
Overcome by an impulse to get to the Ring Bearer, Armir pulled away from Legolas and made a mad dash across the room. She could hear her guardian shouting at her to stop, but not a bone in her body was willing to heed his call.
She fell to her knees beside the hobbit's body. She placed a hand on his shoulder and was about to turn him over face up when suddenly an immense growl reached her ears.
Armir turned her head with a gasp. The troll was standing a few feet behind, its beady black eyes zeroed in directly at her. It reached out with a huge hand, but then abruptly recoiled with a shriek of pain. She looked up and saw Pippin perched precariously on top of the troll's head, hacking at it with his sword.
At the same, Legolas stepped in between Armir and the troll. Holding his loaded bow up, he took careful aim. As Pippin stabbed the troll's head once more and as the monster reared its ugly face up, the elf shot an arrow straight into its open mouth. The troll staggered dazedly for a few moments, then groaned before finally collapsing. Upon hitting the floor, it moved no more.
There was a moment of silence as the dust settled. All fighting had ceased, as all orcs had either been slain or retreated. There seemed to be no casualties on their side, apart from the hobbit that lay still beside Armir.
"Frodo." the elf whispered, as she caressed the hobbit's motionless head.
Just then, Aragorn and Sam came to kneel beside her. Aragorn's face was twisted with grief, and Sam was in near tears.
"Oh, no." Aragorn murmured. He took Frodo's shoulder and heaved him face up.
Suddenly, the still body moved. They all stared in surprise as Frodo sat up and looked at the concerned faces surrounding him.
"He's alive!" Sam cried out with a sigh of relief.
"I'm all right." Frodo assured them breathlessly, touching the part of his chest where the spear had struck. "I'm not hurt."
"But how. . .?" Armir gasped.
"You should be dead!" Aragorn added in disbelief. "That spear would have skewered a wild boar!"
"I think there is more to this hobbit than meets the eye." Gandalf remarked, amusement audible in his voice.
They watched as Frodo undid the middle buttons of his shirt, and pulled it back to reveal a silver corselet underneath. Immediately Armir recognized the shimmering metal it was made of.
"Mithril!" she heard Gimli exclaim from behind her. "You are full of surprises, Mr. Baggins!"
Just then, Armir felt a hand grab her arm and haul her up from where she was crouched beside Frodo. She flinched slightly as Legolas yanked her away from the rest of the group. His tight grip was not painful, but from it she could tell that at the moment he was not very pleased with her.
"Legolas," she said nervously, as he finally stopped dragging her to the side. "I am sorry. I was not thinking. I just. . ."
Her rambling apologies were silenced as his mouth covered hers. When at last he pulled away, Armir stared at him in confusion, her breath taken away by the brief but passionate kiss.
"Do not EVER scare me like that again." Legolas told her firmly, cupping one cheek in his hand.
Armir nodded mutely, then threw her arms around him in a hug.
The sounds of coming orcs interrupted them however, and quickly Armir drew away in fright. Legolas took her hand in reassurance, though even he appeared worried as the noise of approaching enemies grew louder.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" Gandalf ordered.
The Fellowship rushed out of the chamber and back out into the enormous hall. Armir clutched tightly to Legolas' hand as they ran through the pillared passageway towards the opposite end. She had found in past occasions that she could actually move just as swiftly as the Mirkwood elf, but this time, it seemed as though something was slowing her down. Perhaps it was the unusually strong feeling of dread increasing in her heart, or maybe it was the queer weakening she was feeling all over her body.
Suddenly, the clamor of screaming orcs and the rattle of armor and weapons engulfed their company. Armir gazed at the great columns and walls around them and to her horror caught sight of hundreds of the ugly creatures streaming down towards them.
At last, it became obvious their party had no chance of escaping the army that was quickly besieging them from all directions. They came to a stop right at the center of the hall, drawing their weapons as they formed a defensive circle. Within seconds they were completely surrounded by thousands of orc soldiers. There was no way out except by fighting their way through.
Legolas pushed Armir behind him, away from the view of the snarling orcs that drew nearer and nearer. The elf maiden's radiant beauty seemed to especially excite them. They tried to draw close, though wary of Legolas who glared menacingly at them. A bow was ready for firing at the first fiend who dared approach his maiden.
Armir closed her eyes, leaning slightly against Legolas' back. There was something wrong with her. She felt strangely faint. It was as if she couldn't breathe, and was losing the strength to even hold herself up. The overwhelming presence of so much evil seemed to be affecting her both physically and spiritually in ways even she could not understand.
Just when she thought she was going to collapse, a distant roar sounded. All at once an alarmed buzzing rose from the army surrounding the Fellowship. A frenzied scrambling then followed, as every one of the orcs began a hasty retreat, rushing back to the shadows from where they had come. By the time Armir had found the strength to reopen her eyes, there were no more enemies in sight.
"What is this new devilry?" she heard Boromir ask, his tone both suspicious and afraid.
The muffled roaring continued, alternated with heavy thuds that shook the cavernous walls. A soft, yellow light was slowly rising from the passageway behind them.
There was prolonged silence. Armir felt a tight grip around her fingers, and immediately looked up at Legolas' face. The worried expression that she saw upon him plunged even more fright into her. Never did she think she could see her brave protector look so scared.
"A Balrog." Gandalf muttered. "A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you."
"RUN!!!"
* * *
Legolas skidded to a stop as he reached a six-foot long chasm on the long staircase they were running on. With hardly a pause, he jumped and gracefully landed across the gap. He turned quickly and held out his hand to Armir, who was right behind him.
"Come on!" he urged, hoping his outstretched arm was enough encouragement for the girl.
But Armir leapt to him without faltering, displaying a firm trust that touched the elf. He hugged her briefly after she landed in front of him, before focusing his attention back on Gandalf and the rest of the company waiting to cross.
As Gandalf jumped over, a whizzing sound caught Legolas' attention. He hopped slightly as an arrow struck the ground he was standing on, narrowly missing his feet. He swiveled his head to the direction of source, and with his keen eyes spotted an orc archer standing above them in the very far end of the cavern.
The elf hesitated briefly, trying to decide on whether to shoot back or continue helping the rest of his companions. He chose the latter, and then turned back to where Boromir was getting ready to jump with Merry and Pippin in tow.
Suddenly, his ears detected the movement of yet another speeding arrow. His eyes widened. It sounded as though it would hit its target.
"Legolas!"
Before he could even move, Legolas felt a pair of slender arms wrap around his midsection, as a soft body pressed against his back. An anguished scream jolted every nerve in him. The arms that held his waist dropped as he spun around in alarm.
"No!" he gasped, catching Armir before she fell off the narrow path walk into the endless abyss below.
He stared in horror at the arrow that had pierced the maiden's left shoulder blade. The sharp tip as well as two inches of shaft was lodged into her soft flesh, and blood was slowly starting to trickle from the wound. Luckily, orc arrows were slimmer than those of the elves. But then again, Armir was also very delicate, and her body was unaccustomed to such damage.
"Armir. . ." Legolas choked out, the rage and shock stealing further words from his mouth.
"Help her!" he heard Gandalf shout. "I will take care of the others!"
"I will be all right." Armir tried to reassure him, though the agony that swathed her face said otherwise. She winced as her injury stung her, and the hands that clung to Legolas' arms shuddered.
"You should not have done that." Legolas muttered, though the anger he felt in his heart was for himself. "My life is of no worth compared to yours."
Armir looked up into his eyes and smiled through her tears of pain. "Not to me." she murmured.
Legolas slid his arms further around her body and laid his cheek against hers. "All right." he said softly into her ear. "This might hurt. . ."
Armir screamed as he swiftly ripped out the arrow from her back, then crumpled weakly into his arms.
"Shh. . ." Legolas whispered, kissing away the tears that had slipped down her cheeks. "It's all right. It is over now."
He growled furiously as more orc arrows continued to fly treacherously around them. Keeping a firm arm wound around his beloved, he drew his bow.
"Hold on to me." he instructed her. Understanding his plan, Armir moved around him and wrapped her arms around his waist to support herself.
Legolas loaded his bow and aimed carefully at the increasing number of orcs shooting at them. His first arrow flew and hit evenly on the forehead the one who he knew had hurt Armir. More arrows soared afterward, each one sending a dead orc plummeting to the abyss.
He ceased fire only when at last every member of the Fellowship had crossed the gap. Then, holding Armir securely around the waist, he followed their friends in a race towards the Bridge of Khzad-dum.
* * *
Armir closed her eyes and shook her head, fighting against the increasing urge to pass out. Apart from than the sting caused by her injury, the heaviness of her spirit made it even more difficult to move, much less run, without stumbling. Something was pulling her down, and hard.
Gritting her teeth, the girl forced herself onward, determined not to act like such a dependent weakling. She and Legolas were at the rear of the line, with only Gandalf behind them as they rushed across the precariously narrow bridge. Behind them, she could hear rumbling that reverberated on the rocky masses around them.
A Balrog. Armir had never seen one of those in her life, not even in pictures. But if it was a being dreadful enough to scare both Gandalf and Legolas, the mere idea of it certainly was enough to doubly frighten her.
At last, they had reached the end of the bridge. It appeared to be just in time, for seconds later, the earlier ominous rumbling suddenly turned into a deafening roar and crashing of stone. Armir turned her head to behold a terrible sight which surpassed a thousand fold even the impressions of the orcs.
A gigantic demonic beast of fire had smashed through the passage at the end of the bridge, and was now making its way across. Standing at the center of the passage, blocking the way of the terrible monster, was. . .
"Gandalf!" Armir heard Frodo scream.
A wave of blinding, scorching flame flared around the Balrog as it let loose a chilling roar. At that same moment, a flood of burning weakness slammed into Armir. Caught in surprise by the sudden burst of torture, she felt her knees give way under her.
Moments later, she found herself staring up weakly at Legolas' concerned face. He was carrying her completely, now a limp body immobile in his arms. She saw that his lips were moving as though her were speaking to her, but she could not hear a word. She sensed no strength left in her entire being. All that she could feel was a crushing ache in her heart and her mind.
"What is happening to me?" Armir thought fearfully as she closed her eyes once again. Keeping them open was getting to be too much work.
Faint screams and noises immediately rang in her head. They sounded blurred and unclear, as though she were hearing them from underwater.
"You shall not pass!!!"
Armir's body trembled uncontrollably as wild surges of pure fear swamped her.
"No!!!"
A whimper escaped her lips as the fear morphed into intense shock and sorrow.
"Aragorn!"
Armir gasped for breath. These destructive sensations that were cutting through her felt like a giant hand crushing down against her chest. It was as though she was carrying a burdening load of emotions much too vast and heavy for any one individual to bear.
Forcing her eyes open, Armir looked through her tears up at Legolas' face. He was no longer looking at her, but had his intense gaze forward. She could tell that they was running once more, now making their way out of the mines.
"Legolas. . ." Armir whispered.
Immediately, her guardian looked down at the girl in his arms. She met his eyes, and through them Armir clearly saw terror devastating his soul. All of a sudden, she felt a current of fear at the thought that this could be the last time she ever laid eyes on him again.
Then, all went black.
* * *
The Fellowship had finally exited Moria and were now standing in the sunlight surface of Dimrill Dale. Stricken with grief at the loss of Gandalf, the hobbits had collapsed in anguished tears. Boromir was likewise in a state of shock and distress, while Gimli expressed his heartache in shouts of anger.
Meanwhile, Aragorn and Legolas were tending to Armir, who up to that point remained frightfully pale and lifeless for a reason that remained unknown to both of them.
Aragorn stared down at the unconscious maiden that lay in his arms. He ran a gentle, searching hand down the soft skin of her neck and face. She was not in cold sweat, nor was her body growing too hot or too cold. There were no signs of injury upon her, except for the arrow wound at her back.
Beside him, Legolas was in a state of panic.
"Is she going to be all right?" the elf kept asking, his voice shaking with dread. "What is wrong with her?"
Aragorn merely shook his head, unable to give a reply just yet. He laid his head against Armir's chest, listening for her heartbeat. It was calm and at a regular pace, just as her breathing was.
The Ranger frowned. It was very strange. There appeared to be nothing wrong with the elf at all. In fact, she seemed to be quite at peace as she lay there with her eyes closed. It was as though she were in a deep sleep, and nothing more.
However, this apparent tranquility gave Aragorn no comfort. He knew there were many peculiar ailments and injuries beyond his knowledge and skill.
"We must get to Lorien as quickly as possible." Aragorn announced gravely, rising to his feet with Armir still cradled in his arms. "I know not what it is that has affected her."
He turned to give Legolas a reassuring nod. "Hopefully, nothing will happen till we get to the Galadrim healers. But we must hurry." he said firmly.
Aragorn carefully handed Armir's limp body back to her guardian, and gave her head one last caring stroke.
"Hold on, Armir." he whispered, before turning to rouse the others.
* * *
COMING UP . . . Chapter 7 - Refuge
Note: I know you all have question marks dancing in your heads right now, but the mystery of Armir's condition will be explained soon, I promise!
I am pleased to announce (finally) the upcoming appearance of my second favorite LOTR character! He's going to play quite a big role in the next few chapters, so I hope all you Haldir fans out there are ready for a whole lot of March Warden loving! ;p
Pls. review! See you in the next update (in a few days)!
Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that from now on, updates will be coming a lot faster since I want to finish this story by the end of the month. My target is two chapters a week, so I hope you will all take the time to check up on me every few days! I BADLY need your super reviews to keep my stamina up. I still have EIGHT more chapters to go. . .
This chapter is full of action. I know you all know the battle in Balin's tomb like the back of your hand, but I do hope you won't get bored with my version of it. It's got quite a different twist. Besides, I PROMISE it'll be the last chapter where you'll have to bear with so much "borrowings" from the movie.
I don't have time for individual greetings right now, but I want all reviewers to know I would NEVER have been able to update this quickly if it weren't for your inspirational reviews! Please keep it up, and I will maintain this speed I'm going at at present. LOVE YOU GUYS!
Oh, and for all those who asked, yes, "Amin mela lle" means "I love you". Sorry. . . I guess I was being presumptuous when I thought all Legoromance readers knew that. lol Won't happen again!
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Six- Grief
"Behold!" Gandalf said, raising his voice slightly in pride and satisfaction. "The great realm of the dwarven city of Dwarrowdelf!"
Legolas stared up at the huge pillars surrounding them with growing admiration at the size of the cavern they had just entered. For a very brief moment he was actually impressed with the majesty of this part of Moria. In spite of its age and wear, Dwarrowdelf still showed signs of past splendor. It almost made up for the gloom and ruin of the paths they had marched through previously.
As the Fellowship ventured further into the hall, Legolas heard a small gasp of awe by his shoulder. He smiled and gently pressed the slender hand that was enveloped within his fingers.
Armir looked up at him and returned his smile. For the first time since they had entered Moria, her eyes were sparkling with admiration and excitement, momentarily void of all apprehension.
"This is wonderful." she whispered to him, turning her gaze back at the high walls and vast space around them. "Never in my life have I dreamt I would see anything like it."
Legolas simply nodded, and continued to watch her face silently as her eyes danced with honest fascination. His heart overflowed with great affection for the maiden at his arm. She was so simple and childlike, yet so special beyond description.
And now she was his. To Legolas it somehow all seemed like just an incredible dream.
"How on earth could she want someone like me?" the elf thought dazedly, shaking his head in astonishment. A goofy smile crept furtively across his face as he recalled their tender kisses. "I cannot believe she loves ME."
"What? What is it?" a soft voice beside him demanded.
Pulled out of his reverie, Legolas looked blankly at Armir's questioning face. "Um. . . pardon?"
Armir raised her eyebrows. "Why were you staring at me like that?" she asked suspiciously.
Legolas chuckled lightly and brought her hand to his lips, planting a soft kiss on her knuckles.
"Lle naa vanima. (You are beautiful.)" he told her simply.
Armir smiled back. "And so are you, Melamin." she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked on behind the others.
Suddenly they heard a shout from up ahead. His senses snapping back on full alert, Legolas craned his neck to see what the matter was.
Gimli had broken away from the rest of the group and was running towards an open doorway at the end of the hall. Gandalf immediately took after the dwarf, and the rest of the Fellowship followed.
Legolas tightened his grip around his beloved's hand protectively. "Come." he said, as they hurried after their friends.
When they finally entered the chamber Gimli had rushed into, the dwarf was kneeling in front of what appeared to be a large stone tomb. Judging by the way his shoulders shook as he sobbed, Legolas knew at once that whoever lay in the grave must have meant a lot to their friend. At once, sympathy for Gloin's son filled the elf's own heart with grief.
Meanwhile, Gandalf had approached the tomb beside Gimli and read aloud the inscription written upon it.
"Here lies Balin, Son of Hrundin. Lord of Moria." The wizard shook his head gravely. "It is as I feared."
"Oh no. . ." Legolas heard Armir whisper, as she released his hand to cover her face.
The two elves watched as Gandalf picked up a dusty old book that lay in the arms of a rotting skeleton. As the wizard flipped the heavy volume open, Legolas felt a strange wave of fear rush through him. He turned immediately to Aragorn, who was standing beside him and Armir.
"We must move on." he said in urgency. "We cannot linger."
Aragorn gave no reply but simply nodded. However, Legolas could see anxiety also darkening the man's eyes.
Gandalf began to read from a page in the battered book. "They have taken the bridge, and the second hall. The ground shakes. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. Drums, drums in the deep"
Legolas sensed a trembling hand press against his chest. He looked down and saw that Armir had drawn close to him, her fingers curled slightly around his tunic. The expression on her face told him she felt the same fear that was growing in him right then.
"We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out. They are coming."
A long moment of nervous silence filled the chamber as Gandalf finished reading the last words on the page.
All of a sudden, a chain of loud crashing noises sounded, startling them all. Looking over to where Pippin stood, Legolas realized that the clumsy hobbit had accidentally pushed something heavy and metallic into an open well, resulting in the raucous clashes that echoed dangerously through the cavern below. He closed his eyes, groaning mentally.
"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf snapped angrily, grabbing his hat and staff back from the hobbit. "Next time, throw yourself in and rid us of your stupidity!"
Then suddenly, more noises followed the ones made by Pippin. Legolas' body tensed up reflexively as he listened to them carefully.
Drums. With each beat, the pounding grew louder and clearer. The source, whatever it was, seemed to be drawing nearer to their location. Just then, footsteps -- lumbering ones - joined with the drum roll. Screeching followed.
"Orcs!" Legolas cried.
* * *
Armir stood frozen even as the rest of the Fellowship began to scramble to action upon hearing Legolas' shout. She too had heard her guardian's call, but somehow she could not seem to move herself from where she stood. The terror that had overcome her was now too great. Her knees shook uncontrollably beneath her as she felt as though she were going to crumple.
A strong hand caught her arm just as she stumbled. Lifting her frightened gaze up, she met the blue eyes of the elf she loved so much.
"Armir, listen to me." Legolas told her urgently, as he led her away to one side of the chamber. "I am going to have to fight, and cannot have you by my side as I do so."
The girl then realized that he had pulled her behind a crumbling stone pillar, where she could easily hide in the shadows safely away from view.
"Stay here." he ordered firmly, pushing her gently into the tight space between the pillar and the wall adjacent to it. "Do not move until I come for you."
He drew out one of the long knives from the sheath on his back.
"I shall see to it that no orc dares come near you. But in case you are in need, do not hesitate to use this." he instructed, as he handed the weapon over to her.
The maiden's anxiety grew as she stared down at the Elven blade in her hand. It felt heavy and foreign to her, and she much doubted that she would ever be able to wield it effectively.
"Be safe." Legolas murmured, taking a moment to squeeze her hand reassuringly.
Armir caught his arm before he could turn away. As he faced her again, she tried to make words come out of her mouth in an attempt to beg him not to leave her. However, she found that her fear had once again rendered her dumb.
Fortunately, the wide eyed expression she wore seemed to be enough to help Legolas understand.
"Melamin," he said softly, holding her face between his hands. "I will sooner die than let anything happen to you. If you love me you will trust in that."
"I do." Armir whispered, reaching out to touch his cheek.
Legolas gave her a loving smile, then leaned over to kiss her lips before hurrying to help Boromir and Aragorn bar the doors.
Her heartbeat racing faster and faster each moment, Armir watched helplessly as her beloved took his place beside Aragorn and Boromir, his bow ready and aimed at the chamber door. She could hear the deafening pounding and screeching from outside, like a flood of vicious beasts struggling to be let out of a cage.
She had never seen an orc before in her life, but she knew very well that these monsters had been the cause of her mother's death, and were thus also the mortal enemies of her father. From the stories she had heard from her friends who had actually encountered them before, she also knew that orcs were by far the last beasts she would ever want to face.
Suddenly, the doors came crashing open. A stream of hideous creatures stormed the chamber, all brandishing swords, spears, or bows. The place was instantly engulfed in the sounds of fighting and battle cries, of metal clashing against metal, of weapons slicing through flesh, of dead bodies hitting the floor.
Armir's entire body shuddered as she beheld the race of her mother's murderers. They were far more gruesome than any nightmare she could come up with. They seemed to radiate an aura of malice and hate in the same way elves glowed with goodness and peace.
The room was in total chaos. Everywhere she looked Armir saw one of her companions locked in combat with one or more orcs. Much to her relief, it seemed that every body that fell to the ground in defeat did not belong to any of her friends.
The maiden had grown so preoccupied with watching the ongoing battle that she did not notice an orc was venturing closer to her hiding place, its ugly nose lifted to the air as though smelling for something. She never had the chance to even detect its approach when suddenly it fell dead a few meters away from her feet, an arrow buried into the back of its head.
Shaken, Armir looked to where she knew the saving arrow had flown. Legolas was still busy finishing off a couple of orcs who were trying to gang up on him. After he had slain both, the prince found a spare moment to glance Armir's way. He nodded and offered her a brief smile of assurance before turning to face yet another attacker.
Armir saw the elf slay one villain after another, moving rapidly and gracefully as though he had killed so many times in the past. A sharp pain stung her at the sight of this new side to her lover. She was aware that Legolas had always been a renowned warrior back in his homeland, but that knowledge failed to ease the disappointment she felt at the sight of his uncharacteristic brutality. It was difficult to understand how a soul so kind and gentle could at the same time manage to slaughter so easily and unaffectedly.
All of a sudden, there was a violent tremor that shook the entire chamber. The door and part of the wall by it exploded, showering rock and dust all over the room. A strident, beastly growl echoed against the walls.
Armir watched in horror as an ugly, mammoth beast about fourteen feet tall lumbered into the chamber, knocking down orcs that stood in its path. She recognized it from the history books her grandfather would make her read when she was growing up.
A troll.
She saw Legolas spin around and immediately shoot an arrow at the giant creature, hitting it squarely on the shoulder. The troll roared in pain and rage, then lifted the massive club in its hand.
"Legolas!" Armir screamed, unable to control herself as the troll swung its deadly bludgeon at the elf. To her relief, Legolas was able to duck before the weapon could hit his head.
Just then, Armir heard a snarl that was perilously close to where she stood. She turned and came face to face with a sneering orc.
"Well hello there, my pretty." the orc growled, baring a mouthful of decaying teeth as it lifted its sword to strike.
As the sharp blade came down upon her, unexpected instinct powered Armir's actions. In one swift motion, she deflected the orc's attack with Legolas' knife and pushed back. As the orc stumbled, she retaliated with a blow of her own. With a heavy thud, her opponent fell.
The maiden stared in amazement and dismay at the dead body on the floor, the Elven knife buried deep into its chest. She had killed it. She had never freely killed anything before, not even an ant. This orc had a life, evil or not, and the knowledge that she had taken it away struck Armir with a heavy sorrow that rendered her paralyzed for a minute.
The sounds of crashes and crumbling stone snapped her out of her daze. Her eyes widened as she directed her gaze across the chamber. The troll was once again trying its best to take Legolas down, this time by aiming a heavy chain at him.
The elf was able to evade each one of the attacks, however, and within seconds managed to clamber atop the monster's head. Pointing his bow downward, he shot an arrow directly to the troll's skull.
Upon seeing Legolas scramble to safety, Armir released the breath she had been holding the entire time, mentally rebuking her guardian for taking so many terrifying risks. If anything happened to him, she didn't know what on earth she would do.
"What do we have here?"
Armir screamed as a powerful hand hauled her roughly from her hiding place and shoved her to the ground. Before she got a chance to defend herself, her wrists were restrained above her head. She could only struggle in vain as a bulky orc crawled on top of her, its yellow eyes staring lustfully. Terror and repulsion made her too weak to even cry out as a slimy tongue ran over the skin on her neck and face. She could only shut her tearing eyes, praying this torture would end soon.
Two shouts rang in her ears. One of anger, and one of anguish. Before she even opened her eyes, the heavy body that had her pinned was removed, and a gentle hand pulled her from the floor into a warm embrace.
Quivering uncontrollably, Armir burrowed into the safety Legolas' arms. He in turn held her tightly against him, the pounding of his heart telling her he had been just as frightened as she by the close call.
"Are you all right?" the elf asked her anxiously, his gaze examining her as he moved away slightly. "Did he hurt you?'
Armir opened her mouth to reply, but was stopped by an abrupt cry that rang from across the room.
"Frodo." she whispered, recognizing the voice. She whirled around, dread already filling her chest.
The hobbit slumped to the ground with a glassy look in his eyes. A massive spear was stuck at his left side. Armir felt her knees weaken.
"Frodo!" she shouted.
Overcome by an impulse to get to the Ring Bearer, Armir pulled away from Legolas and made a mad dash across the room. She could hear her guardian shouting at her to stop, but not a bone in her body was willing to heed his call.
She fell to her knees beside the hobbit's body. She placed a hand on his shoulder and was about to turn him over face up when suddenly an immense growl reached her ears.
Armir turned her head with a gasp. The troll was standing a few feet behind, its beady black eyes zeroed in directly at her. It reached out with a huge hand, but then abruptly recoiled with a shriek of pain. She looked up and saw Pippin perched precariously on top of the troll's head, hacking at it with his sword.
At the same, Legolas stepped in between Armir and the troll. Holding his loaded bow up, he took careful aim. As Pippin stabbed the troll's head once more and as the monster reared its ugly face up, the elf shot an arrow straight into its open mouth. The troll staggered dazedly for a few moments, then groaned before finally collapsing. Upon hitting the floor, it moved no more.
There was a moment of silence as the dust settled. All fighting had ceased, as all orcs had either been slain or retreated. There seemed to be no casualties on their side, apart from the hobbit that lay still beside Armir.
"Frodo." the elf whispered, as she caressed the hobbit's motionless head.
Just then, Aragorn and Sam came to kneel beside her. Aragorn's face was twisted with grief, and Sam was in near tears.
"Oh, no." Aragorn murmured. He took Frodo's shoulder and heaved him face up.
Suddenly, the still body moved. They all stared in surprise as Frodo sat up and looked at the concerned faces surrounding him.
"He's alive!" Sam cried out with a sigh of relief.
"I'm all right." Frodo assured them breathlessly, touching the part of his chest where the spear had struck. "I'm not hurt."
"But how. . .?" Armir gasped.
"You should be dead!" Aragorn added in disbelief. "That spear would have skewered a wild boar!"
"I think there is more to this hobbit than meets the eye." Gandalf remarked, amusement audible in his voice.
They watched as Frodo undid the middle buttons of his shirt, and pulled it back to reveal a silver corselet underneath. Immediately Armir recognized the shimmering metal it was made of.
"Mithril!" she heard Gimli exclaim from behind her. "You are full of surprises, Mr. Baggins!"
Just then, Armir felt a hand grab her arm and haul her up from where she was crouched beside Frodo. She flinched slightly as Legolas yanked her away from the rest of the group. His tight grip was not painful, but from it she could tell that at the moment he was not very pleased with her.
"Legolas," she said nervously, as he finally stopped dragging her to the side. "I am sorry. I was not thinking. I just. . ."
Her rambling apologies were silenced as his mouth covered hers. When at last he pulled away, Armir stared at him in confusion, her breath taken away by the brief but passionate kiss.
"Do not EVER scare me like that again." Legolas told her firmly, cupping one cheek in his hand.
Armir nodded mutely, then threw her arms around him in a hug.
The sounds of coming orcs interrupted them however, and quickly Armir drew away in fright. Legolas took her hand in reassurance, though even he appeared worried as the noise of approaching enemies grew louder.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" Gandalf ordered.
The Fellowship rushed out of the chamber and back out into the enormous hall. Armir clutched tightly to Legolas' hand as they ran through the pillared passageway towards the opposite end. She had found in past occasions that she could actually move just as swiftly as the Mirkwood elf, but this time, it seemed as though something was slowing her down. Perhaps it was the unusually strong feeling of dread increasing in her heart, or maybe it was the queer weakening she was feeling all over her body.
Suddenly, the clamor of screaming orcs and the rattle of armor and weapons engulfed their company. Armir gazed at the great columns and walls around them and to her horror caught sight of hundreds of the ugly creatures streaming down towards them.
At last, it became obvious their party had no chance of escaping the army that was quickly besieging them from all directions. They came to a stop right at the center of the hall, drawing their weapons as they formed a defensive circle. Within seconds they were completely surrounded by thousands of orc soldiers. There was no way out except by fighting their way through.
Legolas pushed Armir behind him, away from the view of the snarling orcs that drew nearer and nearer. The elf maiden's radiant beauty seemed to especially excite them. They tried to draw close, though wary of Legolas who glared menacingly at them. A bow was ready for firing at the first fiend who dared approach his maiden.
Armir closed her eyes, leaning slightly against Legolas' back. There was something wrong with her. She felt strangely faint. It was as if she couldn't breathe, and was losing the strength to even hold herself up. The overwhelming presence of so much evil seemed to be affecting her both physically and spiritually in ways even she could not understand.
Just when she thought she was going to collapse, a distant roar sounded. All at once an alarmed buzzing rose from the army surrounding the Fellowship. A frenzied scrambling then followed, as every one of the orcs began a hasty retreat, rushing back to the shadows from where they had come. By the time Armir had found the strength to reopen her eyes, there were no more enemies in sight.
"What is this new devilry?" she heard Boromir ask, his tone both suspicious and afraid.
The muffled roaring continued, alternated with heavy thuds that shook the cavernous walls. A soft, yellow light was slowly rising from the passageway behind them.
There was prolonged silence. Armir felt a tight grip around her fingers, and immediately looked up at Legolas' face. The worried expression that she saw upon him plunged even more fright into her. Never did she think she could see her brave protector look so scared.
"A Balrog." Gandalf muttered. "A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you."
"RUN!!!"
* * *
Legolas skidded to a stop as he reached a six-foot long chasm on the long staircase they were running on. With hardly a pause, he jumped and gracefully landed across the gap. He turned quickly and held out his hand to Armir, who was right behind him.
"Come on!" he urged, hoping his outstretched arm was enough encouragement for the girl.
But Armir leapt to him without faltering, displaying a firm trust that touched the elf. He hugged her briefly after she landed in front of him, before focusing his attention back on Gandalf and the rest of the company waiting to cross.
As Gandalf jumped over, a whizzing sound caught Legolas' attention. He hopped slightly as an arrow struck the ground he was standing on, narrowly missing his feet. He swiveled his head to the direction of source, and with his keen eyes spotted an orc archer standing above them in the very far end of the cavern.
The elf hesitated briefly, trying to decide on whether to shoot back or continue helping the rest of his companions. He chose the latter, and then turned back to where Boromir was getting ready to jump with Merry and Pippin in tow.
Suddenly, his ears detected the movement of yet another speeding arrow. His eyes widened. It sounded as though it would hit its target.
"Legolas!"
Before he could even move, Legolas felt a pair of slender arms wrap around his midsection, as a soft body pressed against his back. An anguished scream jolted every nerve in him. The arms that held his waist dropped as he spun around in alarm.
"No!" he gasped, catching Armir before she fell off the narrow path walk into the endless abyss below.
He stared in horror at the arrow that had pierced the maiden's left shoulder blade. The sharp tip as well as two inches of shaft was lodged into her soft flesh, and blood was slowly starting to trickle from the wound. Luckily, orc arrows were slimmer than those of the elves. But then again, Armir was also very delicate, and her body was unaccustomed to such damage.
"Armir. . ." Legolas choked out, the rage and shock stealing further words from his mouth.
"Help her!" he heard Gandalf shout. "I will take care of the others!"
"I will be all right." Armir tried to reassure him, though the agony that swathed her face said otherwise. She winced as her injury stung her, and the hands that clung to Legolas' arms shuddered.
"You should not have done that." Legolas muttered, though the anger he felt in his heart was for himself. "My life is of no worth compared to yours."
Armir looked up into his eyes and smiled through her tears of pain. "Not to me." she murmured.
Legolas slid his arms further around her body and laid his cheek against hers. "All right." he said softly into her ear. "This might hurt. . ."
Armir screamed as he swiftly ripped out the arrow from her back, then crumpled weakly into his arms.
"Shh. . ." Legolas whispered, kissing away the tears that had slipped down her cheeks. "It's all right. It is over now."
He growled furiously as more orc arrows continued to fly treacherously around them. Keeping a firm arm wound around his beloved, he drew his bow.
"Hold on to me." he instructed her. Understanding his plan, Armir moved around him and wrapped her arms around his waist to support herself.
Legolas loaded his bow and aimed carefully at the increasing number of orcs shooting at them. His first arrow flew and hit evenly on the forehead the one who he knew had hurt Armir. More arrows soared afterward, each one sending a dead orc plummeting to the abyss.
He ceased fire only when at last every member of the Fellowship had crossed the gap. Then, holding Armir securely around the waist, he followed their friends in a race towards the Bridge of Khzad-dum.
* * *
Armir closed her eyes and shook her head, fighting against the increasing urge to pass out. Apart from than the sting caused by her injury, the heaviness of her spirit made it even more difficult to move, much less run, without stumbling. Something was pulling her down, and hard.
Gritting her teeth, the girl forced herself onward, determined not to act like such a dependent weakling. She and Legolas were at the rear of the line, with only Gandalf behind them as they rushed across the precariously narrow bridge. Behind them, she could hear rumbling that reverberated on the rocky masses around them.
A Balrog. Armir had never seen one of those in her life, not even in pictures. But if it was a being dreadful enough to scare both Gandalf and Legolas, the mere idea of it certainly was enough to doubly frighten her.
At last, they had reached the end of the bridge. It appeared to be just in time, for seconds later, the earlier ominous rumbling suddenly turned into a deafening roar and crashing of stone. Armir turned her head to behold a terrible sight which surpassed a thousand fold even the impressions of the orcs.
A gigantic demonic beast of fire had smashed through the passage at the end of the bridge, and was now making its way across. Standing at the center of the passage, blocking the way of the terrible monster, was. . .
"Gandalf!" Armir heard Frodo scream.
A wave of blinding, scorching flame flared around the Balrog as it let loose a chilling roar. At that same moment, a flood of burning weakness slammed into Armir. Caught in surprise by the sudden burst of torture, she felt her knees give way under her.
Moments later, she found herself staring up weakly at Legolas' concerned face. He was carrying her completely, now a limp body immobile in his arms. She saw that his lips were moving as though her were speaking to her, but she could not hear a word. She sensed no strength left in her entire being. All that she could feel was a crushing ache in her heart and her mind.
"What is happening to me?" Armir thought fearfully as she closed her eyes once again. Keeping them open was getting to be too much work.
Faint screams and noises immediately rang in her head. They sounded blurred and unclear, as though she were hearing them from underwater.
"You shall not pass!!!"
Armir's body trembled uncontrollably as wild surges of pure fear swamped her.
"No!!!"
A whimper escaped her lips as the fear morphed into intense shock and sorrow.
"Aragorn!"
Armir gasped for breath. These destructive sensations that were cutting through her felt like a giant hand crushing down against her chest. It was as though she was carrying a burdening load of emotions much too vast and heavy for any one individual to bear.
Forcing her eyes open, Armir looked through her tears up at Legolas' face. He was no longer looking at her, but had his intense gaze forward. She could tell that they was running once more, now making their way out of the mines.
"Legolas. . ." Armir whispered.
Immediately, her guardian looked down at the girl in his arms. She met his eyes, and through them Armir clearly saw terror devastating his soul. All of a sudden, she felt a current of fear at the thought that this could be the last time she ever laid eyes on him again.
Then, all went black.
* * *
The Fellowship had finally exited Moria and were now standing in the sunlight surface of Dimrill Dale. Stricken with grief at the loss of Gandalf, the hobbits had collapsed in anguished tears. Boromir was likewise in a state of shock and distress, while Gimli expressed his heartache in shouts of anger.
Meanwhile, Aragorn and Legolas were tending to Armir, who up to that point remained frightfully pale and lifeless for a reason that remained unknown to both of them.
Aragorn stared down at the unconscious maiden that lay in his arms. He ran a gentle, searching hand down the soft skin of her neck and face. She was not in cold sweat, nor was her body growing too hot or too cold. There were no signs of injury upon her, except for the arrow wound at her back.
Beside him, Legolas was in a state of panic.
"Is she going to be all right?" the elf kept asking, his voice shaking with dread. "What is wrong with her?"
Aragorn merely shook his head, unable to give a reply just yet. He laid his head against Armir's chest, listening for her heartbeat. It was calm and at a regular pace, just as her breathing was.
The Ranger frowned. It was very strange. There appeared to be nothing wrong with the elf at all. In fact, she seemed to be quite at peace as she lay there with her eyes closed. It was as though she were in a deep sleep, and nothing more.
However, this apparent tranquility gave Aragorn no comfort. He knew there were many peculiar ailments and injuries beyond his knowledge and skill.
"We must get to Lorien as quickly as possible." Aragorn announced gravely, rising to his feet with Armir still cradled in his arms. "I know not what it is that has affected her."
He turned to give Legolas a reassuring nod. "Hopefully, nothing will happen till we get to the Galadrim healers. But we must hurry." he said firmly.
Aragorn carefully handed Armir's limp body back to her guardian, and gave her head one last caring stroke.
"Hold on, Armir." he whispered, before turning to rouse the others.
* * *
COMING UP . . . Chapter 7 - Refuge
Note: I know you all have question marks dancing in your heads right now, but the mystery of Armir's condition will be explained soon, I promise!
I am pleased to announce (finally) the upcoming appearance of my second favorite LOTR character! He's going to play quite a big role in the next few chapters, so I hope all you Haldir fans out there are ready for a whole lot of March Warden loving! ;p
Pls. review! See you in the next update (in a few days)!