Welcome all to the next chapter! Sorry for the small delay in posting it! The last chapter gave me the most reviews I have ever received for a single post. Thanks so much everyone and again there are notes for you all at the bottom (I hope I got everyone!).
Someone asked me if Addrodoc's name meant anything and so here is the story behind that. I went to this site (h t t p:// www. lotruk . com/) and went to their name translator game. I typed in various guys I know until I came up with a translation I liked. Addrodoc is actually the Middle-Earth equivalent to Gordon. Don't get me wrong – I like the name Gordon and don't think it sounds evil at all (it's my dad's name!) it just worked for the priest when translated, lol. So check out the site by all means!
Also – I will do a bit of self-advertising. I have two vignettes posted – one involving Legolas and Eowyn (a bit of a tearjerker) and one involving the twins. I also have a longer adventure 'what-if' story for those of you who are gain. Please check them out if you so have the inclination.
Anyway – not much action here but it sets the scene for the next chapter which will be action packed… so here we go!
Chapter #5 ~ Gimli to the Rescue
Gimli spent another night within the grips of indecision, a sense of powerlessness gnawing at him ruthlessly and preventing him from finding respite within dreams. His heart thundered with anxiety, making sweat beads form upon his forehead and along the spine of his back. He could not, within the vast reaches of his imagination, find a way to envision a worse situation. It amazed him with the number of things that had simply gone wrong; how corned he now was within the grasps of fate - yet it was a path he refused to acknowledge or walk.
He would find a way out of this mess.
Taking a deep breath to strengthen his resolve and chanting his final goal in his head multiple times, Gimli sat down. The temple was silent in the depths of the night, candles providing small dim pockets of yellow light which shone within the otherwise oppressive atmosphere. It was little consolation. The place seemed to be closing in on the dwarf who struggled against its weight, his body and eyes aching with weariness as the combinations of his lack of sleep accumulated. He wanted to sleep so badly, yet he denied himself the privilege. Not until he had figured a way out of this mess.
Stifling a yawn the dwarf leaned his head back against the cool stone. After the initial shock of the sacrifice revelation had sunken in, Gimli had almost dissolved into a state of utter panic, and it was only the years of warriors training that forbade such responses in his past that kept him from giving into it. These madmen were going to kill the elf.
He had to warn Legolas of course, but the more he considered actually doing this, the more he questioned it. Legolas was quiet obviously not himself. The elf was something between a puppet and slave, so what he would do with such information was a mystery to Gimli. In all likelihood he might not care. Which meant that something else would have to be done, but what?
It was this question that plagued Gimli and robbed him of his sleep. He was accustomed to direct conflicts and actions, and his present situation went beyond what he had ever encountered before. How was he suppose to return that blasted elf back to his original, arrogant, flighty self?!
Grunting in frustration, Gimli once again lumbered to his feet, storming down the length of the hall to turn about sharply and retrace his steps. The restless pacing helped starve off the desire to sleep but did not assist the dwarf with acquiring a plan of action. Sighing in frustrated defeat he doggedly returned to the main hall where Legolas slept peacefully.
Scanning the surroundings Gimli was slightly heartened to see no signs of Addrodoc, and letting that small victory drive him forward he prepared himself to once again face the elf. Approaching loudly Gimli frowned when the elf did not stir. Normally Legolas would have woken at the slightest movement or sound, but even with the dwarf purposefully being loud there was no reaction.
Reaching over Gimli firmly shook a shoulder. The elf stirred slightly, his eyes drooping open slowly, making Gimli realize somewhat belatedly that he had been sleeping with them closed, a telling factor as to how unlike himself he truly was.
"Gimli?" came the groggy question.
"Yes, Legolas, it is I. We need to speak."
"Where are we?" Legolas asked, sitting up slowly and rubbing his arms as though they pained him.
Gimli frowned. He did not know how to deal with this. "We are in the temple. Do you not remember?"
Legolas blinked, his eyes reflecting the dim lights and shining eerily as he stared at the dwarf. "Yes," he said after a moment of silence. "Yes, of course, the temple."
"Right," the dwarf said eyeing him uncertainly. "Anyway, lad, the point is that we have run out of time. These people don't just want to worship you. Do you know how they plan to rejuvenate their lands? By spilling your blood upon them!" Gimli said quickly, hoping that for sheer shock value alone it would somehow reach his friend.
The elf blinked. "If that is what they require of me, then I shall give it."
The dwarf felt his mouth fall open as the realisation of just how controlled Legolas was hit him. "We are taking about the end of that immortal life of yours!" he repeated, completely dumbfounded.
"For a cause though. For the land and for these people. I have a duty to give them. I will not flinch from that fate if that is what it is to be," Legolas replied collectedly.
Gimli felt his breath coming out short. He stared at the elf feeling all the protests and threats he desired to yell die on his lips. He realized that it was beyond that now. It was pointless. Legolas was hidden somewhere from him and what he talked to at the present was merely the priests pawn - a willing lamb at the slaughter.
Dejectedly Gimli sat once again upon the floor. He was once again back at square one. He knew the chances of talking actual sense to Legolas had been slim to none, but he had hoped all the same. He jumped slightly when he saw Legolas slid down beside him. The elf was watching him with a concerned expression, his face mournful as he watched Gimli's obvious distress.
"This displeases you," Legolas stated more then asked.
"You are my friend, though you are sometimes more trouble then you are worth," Gimli huffed, "so of course the thought of you dying a pointless death bothers me. Would not my death bother you?"
Legolas frowned. "You are a mortal. I have always had to face the fact that one day you will die; though even foresight and knowledge will not ease my grief when you pass on."
The words gave the dwarf some comfort. "You do know you are not yourself, right?" the dwarf probed.
"Yes, I know," Legolas said softly, the admittance obviously something difficult for him to make.
"Well, at least that is something." A small something, but something nonetheless. The elf seemed at least partially himself at the moment. Sighing Gimli continued to try and plot, racking his brain for any sort of plan - yet none conveniently formed for him.
The duo sat in the darkness for a countless period. Both silent and involved within their own thoughts. It was to this scene that Addrodoc arrived to witness. The priest frowned as he observed the friends sitting cross-legged upon the floor, side by side. For the life of him Addrodoc could not comprehend the friendship. He could not understand how something of such light, as Legolas was, could mingle with something that crawled within the deep caverns of the earth. They were such opposites, and yet the dwarf would not abandon the elf and the elf would not allow the dwarf to be cast from the temple, even under the influence of the drugged drink. It was as frustration to the priest as it was baffling.
Strolling forward confidently he ignored Gimli, focussing his attention upon the elf. Reaching forward he offered the cup he carried wordlessly to Legolas. It was taking alarming amounts of the drug to keep the elf in check now, and Addrodoc was finding that he was having more and more difficulties keeping Legolas under his influence. It was a good thing that the sacrifice would only be in two days time, for the elf seemed to be developing ways to counter the effects of the drink and Addrodoc was not sure for how much longer it would be potent.
Watching Legolas slowly and obediently accept the cup and drank its contents, Addrodoc smiled. So soon everything that he had predicted would come to pass. He would bring salvation to his people, purge them of their imperfections and offer them a fresh start with this offering. He affectionately patted Legolas' head, amazed again that he was alive to witness such things.
Ignoring the growl of protest the dwarf made as he touched the elf's hair, Addrodoc spoke. "You have had a long and difficult day, my lord. You are in need of your rest. Sleep now."
Legolas did not hesitate and rose obediently to crawl back onto the dais that served as his bed, pulling a pillow up and curling into it. His eyes closed quickly and within seconds his breathing had developed a steady rhythm, he became oblivious to the rest of the world once more.
Addrodoc lovingly pulled up the quilt over the elf's shoulder's, making sure he was completely covered and would be comfortable for the remainer of the night. Only then did he turn to look at Gimli, glaring momentarily before turning and sweeping from the room once again.
Gimli remained seated, blinking his eyes as he replayed what he had just witnessed in his head. A sudden image came back to him of the elf trying to shove a cup into his hands and demanding a drink. Gimli cursed himself! Of course! What better way to drug someone then within the contents of a cup!
Resisting the urge to slap himself for not having seen the truth earlier Gimli stood up and went over to Addrodoc's workbench. Much of the tables contents meant nothing to Gimli but what he did look for he recognized. The smell - he remembered it now. It had been sickly sweet in scent, a smell that now clung to the elf, almost like roses but more artificial then that.
Opening various flasks upon the table Gimli smiled when he found the correct one. The smell was unmistakable. Holding the flask Gimli considered his next move. Walking quickly across the room he removed his spare water flask from his saddle bag. Pouring the drugged drink into the nearest flower pot his then proceeded to fill it once again with the contents of his own drinking flask. There would still be some of the contaminated drink it here but that would help to preserve the smell and colour of the original mixture. With any luck, Addrodoc might not notice the change.
Task completed Gimli once again returned the flask to the table where it had been. He then stopped to consider his next move. What he had done was something, yet it was still not enough. He had only today, the next night and the following day to find a way to get the elf to safety. Taking a deep breath and realizing that he was doing himself no favour by depriving himself of sleep, he returned to the elf's side and lay down and slept.
~*~
The next morning came to quickly and Gimli found himself feeling more then a little disappointed. Addrodoc had appeared the next morning with more of the drink and the dwarf had been quick to realize that he had entered the room carrying it. He had another supply of it somewhere. Cursing Gimli had then spent the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon trying to track it down.
He had to admit to himself that he was not doing a lot and that there were probably more productive things he could be doing, but Legolas was once again surrounded by praying people and the dwarf could hardly do anything in the presence of so many. He would have to wait - though it was not something he relished doing. He had little choice.
He started to begin to stalk Addrodoc, following the human priest from room to room. It was gratifying to see that this newest tactic seemed to at least be aggravating the human - though it was still not enough. It was mid-afternoon before the priest snapped.
"Why do you follow me!?" he bellowed, shattering the quietness of the room they were currently in. His eyes bulged silently as he screamed, and strained lines formed around his mouth.
Gimli smirked and folded his arms casually across his chest. "I would think that would be obvious," he stated nonchalantly, enjoying seeing the usually collected individual become undone. "I am watching you."
"Yes, but why?! Why in gods name must you watch me!?" he bellowed only looking the more enraged at the dwarf's collected reply.
"Because you can't be trusted. Because you are a traitorous madman who seeks to injure my friend and I will not let you do so." The words were spoken lowly, the threat behind them obvious. Gimli would prefer nothing better at this point then to simply hurl the human priest into the nearest wall - and yet, while he had Legolas in his power, the dwarf was concerned over what the repercussions such actions would entitle.
The human growled. "Madman, am I? I am a visionary, though I do not doubt that a gnome such as yourself could ever understand that. Fine. Watch if you will. See true history and art unfold. You might learn something from it."
"Spilling blood is never an art," the dwarf replied levelly. "Taking life does not give it."
"That goes to show how little you know. How often must the individual give himself for the benefits of the many? How many times in history has the soldier thrown himself upon the sword for his captain? The father gone without bread, so that his children might eat? Life is about taking, in order to benefit the rest. To say otherwise is naive, or in your case it might simply be stupidity," the human said, passion and conviction melded into his voice.
"You are insane," Gimli hissed. "We helped you in a show of friendship. Your life was owed to us by honour for our deeds. If you were so noble, as you pretend to be, then it would be you upon that alter and your blood upon the ground."
"My blood is not worthy enough, and if it was I would not hesitate to give it. It was Legolas who was foretold of. It is he to whom the land will respond." As the human spoke he crossed the room and poured something from a flask into a goblet. Gimli felt himself lurch in realization that he had found the second supply. Crossing the room quickly he purposefully knocked into the table.
The sudden jarring movements sent everything rolling. Only Addrodoc's quick reflexes caught the goblet, but the main flask tipped over and rolled off the edge, crashing to the ground and shattering.
Cursing the human priest glared at the dwarf. "Look! Look at what your clumsiness has done," he accused.
Gimli shrugged, completely unaffected by the sharp tone, as he attempted to repress his smile. "Oops."
Glaring daggers at the smaller dwarf, the human turned sharply and left the room, carrying the goblet with him. Gimli, feeling an overwhelming degree of smugness, followed after him, a bounce present in his step that had not been there prior.
The dwarf watched placidly as the human returned to the main hall, all but storming up the length of the chamber to reach Legolas' side. He shoved the goblet into Legolas' compliant hands and watched angrily as the elf obediently drank it all.
That is the last time he poisons your mind, my friend. Gimli promised quietly. The small victory gave the dwarf a sense of completeness, but it still did not solve the problem entirely. He did not know how long it would take the elf to return to his normal self and he had to keep in mind that he was running on a deadline.
Yet now that he knew that Legolas would eventually wear off the drugs, else why would the man continue to replenish the drug supply in the elf's system, all he had to do was find a way of getting himself and Legolas out of the town. As he watched the ceremony continue, an idea slowly took shape in Gimli's mind. For a moment he simply winced as he realized what he would have to do to pull it off... but if it worked then it would have been worth it.
An escape plan had finally been formed.
Reviewer Responses:
LalaithoftheBruinen ~ Congrats, you get the honor of being the first reviewer for the last chapter, lol. Which means I talk to you first. Your sanity, huh? Well since so much is on the line I will do my best not to disappoint. I am trying to keep updates at around one a week, but that is rough and subject to change. Thanks for the continued encouraging cheers!
Gwyn ~ Yeah – I am having to make things serious now. Well for the moment anyway – I am still trying to include an element of humor… but it is rather hard to do when I am also getting ready to chop up Legolas. Well once the action is over maybe I will include one or two more punch lines and get you laughing again. – that is if it has a happy ending. I am glad you are willing to give Legolas a little leeway., and lets all hope Gimli-to-the-rescue comes quickly! ^_^
Karri ~ Yep, poor Gimli. The pressure is on so lets see how the dwarf handles the raised stakes. I am really enjoying writing a Gimli hero story. – there are too few of them out there.
Elberethia ~ LOL. Because blood is what keeps you reviewers coming back for more, lol. At least that is my guess. Yeah, the 'Mellon Chronicles' have character angst and pain perfected to a fine art – a level of which I will never reach, lol.
Jedi Cosmos ~ Yes, finally I have revealed all, *cackles evily*. Well, we all just get a lot of pleasure out of causing that elf pain for some reason… don't know why that is but, *shrug* it is the way things are.You said 'once' Gimli saves Legolas… who said anything about him succeeding? WOW – brave and intrepid individual – digging into a 29 chapter story that you know I am having problems finishing, lol. But thanks – that is quite the compliment to me to know that you *want* to read my stuff. Thanks for your review!
Rosie ~ Yeah… I was wondering how many people were thinking sacrifice… from the reviews a couple of you were guessing at it but for some it came as a complete shock, lol. Wow – you put a lot of thought into the names… I kind of just string letters together sort of, lol. But, incase you didn't see the main note above, I got Addrodoc from . Hope that helps you.
Lisette ~ I make no attempts or excuses – I AM A SICK INDIVIDUAL – lol. My sister has been telling me that for years and I have just been smiling back and threatening to put tarantulas in her bed. Hehehehe. I am glad you did not see it coming. I wanted to build it up and keep you guessing so I am glad I can still throw in a few curved plot twists to keep this from being predictable. Your right though – it does somehow feel extra wrong to want to sacrifice an elf – something so pure and beautiful. I had not thought of it along those lines… but it does seem to enhance the nature of the crime. Addrodoc is creepy – there is just no other way to describe him. He is obsessive and what makes it worst is that he thinks he is doing the right thing – so he is not only creepy, but self-righteous too. Not a nice combination. I have been having fun getting into his head as a character. He is one of the first real OC characters I have ever developed in a fan-fiction story – so it has been interesting. Well Gimli has finally realized that he is running against a very fine timeline – so yes you are going to see him pulling out all the stops to try and figure a way out of this mess. I am glad you are willing to give Legolas a little leeway. Both Gwyn and you were more willing to pounce at Legolas then Addrodoc which I found hilarious. Anyway – that was a *really* long note so I will shut up now, lol.
Artemisa ~ LOL. Most school systems exploit you one way or another! My tuition fees this year cost more then I earned all summer working – thank god my parents help me out financially. Okay – sorry – that was my rant and I will stop now. LOL. eLLe loves tormenting you all as much as I do which makes it worst. If you think that cliffhanger was bad – then you ain't seen nothing yet, *evil grin*.
Sirithiliel ~ You are one of many who is threatening to harm Addrodoc… I am getting the impression that you guys don't like him for some reason, lol. Trust me when I say that Gimli is now seriously aware of the full picture and will do all in his power to stop – let's hope it is enough. Oh! Wow. You have done a tone on Fading Hope – more then I managed to do after a month of working on it, lol. I look forward to seeing your version of it and thanks again for helping me. LOL. FIRE! Sorry – could not help but finish that. ^_^
Ryoko: the Welsh Elf ~ Oh! I sympathize completely with the number after your penname thing. I post poetry and stories under the pen name "Jade" on fp.net and my name is now "Jade6". I hate that number thing. It drives me nuts. ROFL – yes… I agree that it is probably best we leave the fan girl version of the ritual silent… *giggles*… I have sworn never to write a romance or Mary Sue story so… we will leave things as they are. LOL. I like the new theory too – let's hope Gimli is up to it. Yeah – Gimli is not going to be going anywhere any time soon – unless he has an elf slung over his shoulder!
Bookworm2000 ~ LOL. I am glad that you are interested in Tolkien related stories rather then crush related ones! If you see any mistakes in our research about Fangorn, then please feel free to point it out. I am glad to know that I have someone who is knowledgeable in these things reading – it will keep me on my toes. Yeah – now it is all up to Gimli's problem solving abilities, lol. Poor dwarf – he is not discreet and very observate. You're right when you say people are not his foray. Yeah – it is pretty powerful stuff. Many of the reviewers seem more sympathetic to our elf now that they have seen things from his perspective. Thanks for your continued support!
Chanra ~ I am so glad you like it, *grin*. LOL. Thanks for the pointers when it comes to sacrificing Legolas. Addrodoc has this all planned out – don't you worry and nothing will get it his way. He is a determined little critter. LOL. You are one of many who is threatening that priests life, lol. No one seems to like him. Thanks for your review! ^_^
merrylyn ~ I am glad you like Gimli. Of all the characters I think I have the hardest time grasping and portraying him – and eLLe is right down scared of him, lol. So we both struggle with portraying him – so it is nice to know we are doing all right if nothing else. Yay – dwarves do seem to have a higher tolerance for blood pressure then we do – don't they? LOL. Little highly strung munchkins. Well – I think it is safe to say that Legolas is pushing the boundaries of Gimli's patience. I mean some of my reviewers were wanting to hit the elf, lol – so imagine where Gimli is standing on the issue!
fliewatuet ~ Yippee! I am glad that you decided to review – and the perk of reviewing is that you now get your own personally addressed note from me. (^_^) LOL. I know! Having Gimli servant remarks is just pushing the dwarf over the edge, lol. We are having fun with that but in the end it is going to serve a major part of the story – but I don't want to ruin anything so I will say no more. I know! Sacrificing Legolas is *so* criminal. Lets all hope Gimli succeeds in rescuing him.
Star-Stallion ~ LOL. Fair deal. He is all yours after Gimli is through with him – tattered remains and all. ROFL. I love the fact that there are grades to posters in your rooms… categories. I also think you brilliant for not putting Grima anywhere near Legolas – as that would just be wrong, lol. Thanks again for reviewing.
Elfling ~ It is okay about reviewing. I too am having problems keeping on top of things here at ff.net what with school and life. LOL – you think Legolas thinking himself a god adorable… that is so cute. Yep, Legolas is definitely in need of a hug – but I am sure you reviewers are up to that challenge. ELLe and I plan to leave other canon characters out of this story… maybe if we do a sequel we will use them, but not in this one… they are on their own. Anyway thanks for not one review but *two*. That got me so excited.
Niori ~ I understand completely. This is a busy time of year and as much as we would all love to live on the net twenty-four seven I do realize you all have obligations and commitments in real life that interferes with you reviewing, lol. Yep, they want to kill Legolas – is that not criminal! Let's hope Gimli can kick high enough to reach their butts, lol. If not I am sure you will jump into the fic and help out. Thanks for the review.
Ria2 ~ Oh. You think it is fabulous… *gets dewy eyed* I love people thinking my writing is good – that makes butterflies appear in my stomach and dance there happily. I am glad I am doing a good job with Gimli's character. I find him difficult to write which is why I was a little bit worried about starting a story that really has him staring as the main character. Hope I didn't leave you dying in suspense for to long and that you enjoy this chapter as well.
evil spapple pie ~ YEAH! You are back! I was wondering where you had disappeared too. I hope your trip to Brisbane was better then you anticipated! Don't worry about reviews. I have been busy too and have not been posting so we are even, lol. Fading Hope… Sirithiliel wrote out the next chapter for me in an attempt to jump start my own ideas, lol (which was very sweet of her) but I have not had the time to invest into it recently. I think I am going to finish this fic since it is only like two or three more chapters and then start in on it again. I am not going to abandon it by any means and if you want to see the start of the next chapter then I will by all means mail it to you – but if you are busy I understand. Addrodoc is sickly sweet… I love that saying too… sickly sweet. I used it this chapter, lol. Addrodoc is striking a lot of people is a lot of different ways… interpret him in any manner you would like too, lol. I am just going to leave it up to you readers on how to interpret him. It does sound like a zombie place -–does it not… I remember hearing about that cult you mentioned too… it was said and as soon as you mentioned it I could see the parallel's you were drawing… there is still much going on behind the scenes. You are sort of finding things out as Gimli and Legolas do and neither of them are exactly clear in judgement right now. Legolas is drugged… that drink… it was something that came across openly in this chapter so hopefully that answered some of your questions. Gimli is taking action – slowly as he forms a plan. The next chapter is the escape attempt so you will see what Gimli is plotting, lol. You don't think I am evil enough to actually sacrifice him? Well we will see if your confidence is well placed or not. That was the longest review I have ever received – I was so excited when I saw it there – so thank-you so much. Best of luck with your homework!