THANK-YOU EVERYONE! I HAVE HIT 100 REVIEWS!
Sorry for the small delay in posting this chapter people. I am in the middle of my mid-year exams and as you can imagine it is a stressful time. I have a test worth 20% of my mark an hour and a half… *gulp*. Leave me reviews to cheer me up afterwards, lol.
Fading Hope Update… I know I have been promising you all one… but I have to be honest at this point. I don't have time for school and two stories at one time. So I plan on finishing this one since there is only really one and a half chapters left in it and then I will return to Fading Hope. Sorry for the wait everyone.
Disclaimer (just because I haven't put one up in a while): Nothing… Nada… Zip… Except Addrodoc! He is mine! ^_^
Chapter #6 ~ The Great Escape
It was once again dark - time lumbering onward relentlessly granting no luxury to those who clung to rapidly waning seconds as though they were gold. Stars laced the outside sky almost taunting the fact that, for some, it would be the last time they shone.
The hallways within the temple were silent in the night, their shadows still and unmoving in a lifeless state, making the world itself coalesce into a blank sheet of impenetrable blackness. The gradual increase in tapping footsteps against stone that first broke the peace; the telling signs of an impeding presence. The dim light of a candle rounded the bend chasing away the lingering darkness, forcing it to swirl from the path of the dwarf as he made his way purposefully forward.
The moment of action had come. He had no more time.
Gimli had shed his travelling clothes and now donned a ceremonial toga, its violet and gold trim shining. His feet, now sandalled, were flopping creating clinking noises as the thin soul clicked first against his heal and then flapped downwards to hit the floor. Holding the candle straight and high above himself and trying to avoid the indignity of tripping over the hem of his toga, Gimli attempted to stride forward projecting an air of confidence and certainty which he was so far from actually feeling. So much was riding on the next few hours, and Gimli was not at all certain of his own abilities when it came to acting and deceit.
Pushing open the main doors to Legolas' hall, he entered. The elf lay sleeping at the far end, bathed in moonlight. Near the oaken workbench sat a single attendant whose head shot abruptly up on hearing Gimli entre.
It was these observers, the temples staff and the town's people who had presented the largest obstacle in freeing the elf from the clutches of the priest. It was for their benefit that Gimli was now so dressed (much to his own embarrassment) and it was for them that he would soon speak the part he had scripted himself.
The attendant flew across the room silently, frowning at Gimli for his disturbance, but the dwarf purposefully strode past him, brushing the man aside as though he was barely aware of his presence. Striding forward he reached Legolas' dias and, clearing his throat, he spoke the words that until now he had not been entirely sure he could say,
"Master, arise for the world has need of you." His voice echoed in the hall, deep and powerful, yet carrying a tone of reverence. The dwarf tried not to wince as the words came softly back to his ears while they flitted about the high ceiling. It took a moment, in which he had to swallow what remained of his shaky pride, before he could bring himself to go on.
"The world is calling and the Gods demand much, my Master. You must awaken and heed their call." Gimli watched as Legolas stirred, his eyes flitting open to regard the dwarf drowsily.
"The Gods have called for me?" he asked dazed.
Gimli spared a quick glance at the attendant to see how the act was effecting their audience. The page was watching with large eyes, as though he had been granted a singular privilege in being able to witness the interaction. Gimli suppressed his smirk - so far everything was going as he had hoped and planned.
"Yes. They have spoken their will to me, your servant, and ask that I now prepare you for your destiny," Gimli finished, pulling the words from his head as they appeared. He was not entirely sure what he should be saying - but as long as what he did say lured Legolas from the temple and prevented any from questioning their purpose - he would be satisfied with the outcome.
Legolas sat up stiffly, his face looking alarmingly pale. He was not well - that much the dwarf could see. It pained Gimli to know that his friend was suffering, yet hopefully that pain would soon be ended. Puffing up his chest, Gimli reached forward and grabbed one of the elf's hands firmly. He was amazed at the coldness of the prince's skin. Gimli firmly led Legolas to his feet and started back towards the doors which had remained open.
Glancing back at the page he bellowed in a loud commanding voice, "Pray for the survival of your village and for the fulfilment of the Gods will. Pray until the darkness of the night melts into the noon of the coming day. None will disturb you from this task."
The man was quick to obey. He dropped to his knees and began to chant lightly under his breath as his eyes closed. The dwarf made these absurd proclamations in the hopes that the ruse would keep the man from reporting to Addrodoc, informing the mad priest that the dwarf had just walked out of the room with their elf God.
Directing his unresisting friend, Gimli then started to put his previous days exploration to use -wandering the twisting hallways with growing confidence. Their familiarity was reassuring and their progress was also uninterrupted and eased by the fact that most were abed at this late hour. Gimli's confidence grew with each step that led them towards the exit of the temple.
He immediately recognized the stately entrance hall and the final doors they would have to cross to leave the god-forsaken temple thankfully behind. He remembered it well. The first fateful morning he had pushed his way inside when trying to find the elf had left an impression. He strolled towards the blank wall, his fingers starting to search for the mechanism that would spring the door open. Pushing the unmoving stone, Gimli frowned with the first tinglings of self-doubt.
When he had been here earlier the previous day the temple doors had been held open allowing anyone to move freely to and from the temple, but now they were most certainly barred closed. He released Legolas, his free hand coming up to vainly join the search for a way out. The marble, smooth and perfect in its construction, was unyielding and jealously guarded its secrets. The stone remained quiet to Gimli's gentle probing.
This was a complication he had not been expecting.
He had assumed, perhaps rather prematurely, that this would be the simple part of their escape. How could opening a single door prove daunting?! Gimli grumbled quietly under his breath, brows furrowing down to distort his face into a picture of frustration.
"Blasted thing," he breathed out, his search growing wider as he fumbled for a mechanism that might spring the lock.
"I can hear the trees," Legolas' voice said suddenly, startling Gimli, who had almost forgotten that he was present in the face of this new adversary.
"Not now, elf," he replied dismissively.
"They have been quiet for so long... How could I not have noticed their absence?" The self-reproachfulness in the tone the elf employed startled Gimli - a tone that was all to familiar and had been absent in the past few days in favour of the gentle, obedient voice Addrodoc had elicited from Legolas.
"Don't be to hard on yourself, lad. The past few days have tested us both, I feel," Gimli said in all honesty. "Besides, normally one would not boast over the claim of hearing trees speak! Only you elves seem to think it normal. Give me the ringing of hammer on stone any day above your wistful dreams of rustling leaves."
The elf smirked at this comment, his eyes holding a degree of life in them that made Gimli sigh in relief. "For only such a rustic din would be able to penetrate that head of yours," he replied casually, the familiar routine of their jibes coming back to each with surprising ease. "Better yet," Legolas playfully recommended, " knock the hammer against your own head to jar some semblance of sense back into it and so you might then be able to recognize and appreciate the sounds of nature's true harmony."
Gimli snorted. "I think one of us with our wits scrambled is quite enough for us to content with. I shall leave that role for you to continue filling I think. Now let us focus on the problem at hand. Do you know how to open this?"
When no reply came, Gimli twisted his head over his shoulder, his eyes seeking out his friend. Legolas stood still and listless once again, the previous spark of life in him having vanished as quickly as it had come. He had resumed the quiet obedient role of the mad priest's God. Gimli sighed. He suppose though it was a little much to hope that Legolas could be magically restored to his former self so quickly.
Still, it was good to know that beneath the zombie Legolas had become, he still existed. He would be restored to his former self soon. Focussing his attention once again back to the dilemma of the door, Gimli's features disintegrated back into a scowling expression. How can it be moved? The question swam in front of his exhausted eyes, mocking the utter silence which followed it.
The situation was almost laughable. If only less had been riding on the outcome he might have dissolved into laughter. It was, decidedly, an entirely elfish inclination. This knowledge served to irritate Gimli all the more. He still did not fully know how he had come to trust and love the elf as he would a brother. It worried him to some extent. How would his people accept their friendship? He knew the road which he and Legolas would walk would not be an easy one... and yet he would not wish to change it.
It seemed strange to Gimli, who had once held elves in general (and Legolas in particular) with an air of contempt. Now he knew the friendship he shared with Legolas would last until the end of his days. He would not choose to have it any other way.
Doubts aside, Gimli slammed his fist against the stone. This action predictably failed to resolve the present situation. Clambering to his feet from where he knelt, Gimli attempted to do some very quick thinking.
The echoing sounds of footsteps approaching alerted the dwarf to their impending threat of a witness to their attempted escape. Gulping down the urge to panic, he grabbed Legolas' hand once again and started to weave back through the corridors away from the individual. He did not need further complications at the moment, and trying to think up a suitable lie to give out was more then Gimli felt he could cope with.
Navigating the twisting maze of passages, the dwarf soon realized that there seemed to be a great deal of activity in the temple. Many people had risen from their beds and were now searching the hallways. His time was up - Addrodoc must have discovered that they had fled.
Melting back into the shadows, Gimli blew out the candle he still carried, hoping that the darkness would grant them a few more precious minutes to plot an escape route. Yet even as he racked his brain, Gimli knew he was out of options. He had been outside the temple once, and he already knew there was but one exit point - the main doors, which at present were barred closed as if by some spell. Their time now was limited - there was only so long he and the elf could remain hiding within the building itself before they were caught.
"Find them! Search everywhere!" Addrodoc's voice sounded distant, but that was of little relief. They were being hunted. Realizing that the chances of getting them both to freedom were slim, Gimli started to form another plan. He had to hide Legolas. These people were going to kill him in less then twelve hours and the least Gimli could do was try to buy Legolas some time to fight the drugs in his system so he could defend himself. Gimli quickly pulled Legolas into a new room and yanked the elf over to a cupboard. Flinging open the ornate doors he pushed aside its jumbled contents and thrust Legolas' unprotesting body into it.
"Now, elf," Gimli began trying to make his voice sound as hypnotic as Addrodoc's did when he addressed the elf, "you must remain here. Exactly here. It is vital that you do so because... because..." Gimli floundered searching desperately for a reason that would convince the elven prince to obey. "... because it is the wishes of the God's that you do so," he finished, flustered and lamely.
Legolas, scrunched into the rather small space looked at Gimli with confused eyes. "What of you?" he asked.
"I am going to lead them away from this section of the temple. It is not me these human's want to kill, so worry not. Just stay here and do not move." Risking no further interaction Gimli shut the doors, blocking Legolas from view.
Muttering a quick prayer to the Valar, he turned from the room and fled, hoping that the rather ill-conceived rouse would work. Allowing the first human he happened upon to see him, he dashed down another hallway, leading the string of pursuers that followed from Legolas' concealed position.
Feet thundering, as all discretion was dropped, the dwarf barrelled down the corridors. He lost track of where he was and this disorientation cost him. Running through a doorway he found himself in a room with no other exits besides the one he had entered through and with his pursuers hot on his trial he was prevented from back-peddling.
Trapped.
Realizing that the chase was up, Gimli turned. His breath was coming in ragged and laboured pants, but he managed to retain his sense of stoic dignity nonetheless. He faced Addrodoc with his head held high and his eyes full of loathing.
"That was the stupidest thing you could have done, disfigured gnome!" the priest hissed, viciously through clenched teeth. The human's face was red with exertion but his eyes were alight with hatred, his expression twisted and sadistic. "Now where is the elf and I might yet be lenient with you."
"Gone. Escaped," Gimli lied easily - savouring the panicked expression that briefly crossed the human's face. "He will unfortunately be missing your little ceremony this coming evening," the dwarf continued smugly enjoying his small triumph.
"You lie. The seal of the temple was not breeched. Only I can open and close those gates. This deceit will cost you, worm." With a small nod of his head Gimli realized his mistake. So focussed had he been upon the human - his personal opponent in this adventure - that he had not been observing the others who had entered. He was grabbed roughly from behind, and a damp, foul smelling cloth was pressed to his mouth and nose.
Struggling with someone twice his size proved difficult, as the arms which secured him held fast and strong against Gimli's wild bucking and twisting. As a boot roughly slammed down upon his own foot, Gimli sucked in a deep breath. This left his head spinning as fumes from the cloth entered his body. Trying to cough the poison back out only served to allow more of the polluted stuff in, as he wheezed through gritted teeth.
Dizziness claimed him where he stood. The world was spinning - faster and faster... then nothing.
Reviewer Responses:
Bookworm2000 ~ Well what did you think of Gimli's ultimate plan… even if it has gone somewhat opposite to what the dwarf had hoped for? LOL. You are right – it did sound like some warped version of a Tolkien chapter… hehehe… Would you mind if I called my last chapter that – giving you the full credit for inspiring me and all? I am glad you took the time to rip apart so of Addrodoc's views when it comes to life and death… I had fun trying to get you guys into his mind frame so he is not just a one dimensional character – I really appreciated reading some of your views on the subject. I love Gimli too. ^_^
LalaithoftheBruinen ~ Hope Gimli's plot did not disappoint… and hopefully I managed to bring some of the humor back into this chapter. As always thanks for your support and enthusiasm for this story!
Gwyn ~ ROFL. "Opps." I had fun with that line too. I could so visualize it in my head while I was writing. I am glad so many of you got a kick out of it too. Yes – and so I have revealed the escape… attempt at any rate – and you so predicted it would not work. Well there is only one chapter left after this one and then a short epilogue… so the next chapter will reveal all!
Sparrow Greenleaf ~ LOL. SO Gimli has got a bit of a cheerleading squad thing happening, does he? Well I am sure he appreciates it! LOL. Addrodoc with a new hobby? He strikes me as the obsessive, compulsive type… though he might want to change professions after all you reader get through with him, lol.
Nikki1 ~ I know I said this in my review to you… but it is still so weird. I was so obsessed with your story and then lost it when it changed areas… only to find it once again when you reviewed me… not once but twice *large grin*. I am glad you think this is original… I had not thought I had read any stories of its nature before and I wanted this to be unique. Glad I pulled it off. Hope the "crazy escape plan" did not disappoint you!
Shlee Verde ~ I am glad you think I write Gimli well. I find him a tough character to understand and write so… it pleased me to know I have a somewhat firm grasp for writing him now at any rate. Glad you think this has an element of comedy – I was really shooting for that! Thanks for the review!
Rosie ~ Sorry to have disappointed you with building up their escape only to have it fail, lol. I like being evil though. One chapter and an epilogue to go! So the story is almost done and soon you will know how it ends.
fliewatuet ~ I think it is the least I can do. I mean you guys all come here and take the time to write reviews for me… so even if I don't have much to say the least I can do is leave you a little thank-you note for your troubles. Glad you got a kick out of the "oops" line. I had fun writing that part! Hope Gimli's plan did not disappoint you after all the build up eLLe and I gave it, lol. I don't know if I told you but in some of my review notes I was leaving hints that the servant roll would come back to be a major part in this story, lol.
Ryoko Lasgalen ~ Oh! If you can draw then by all means go ahead and bring that scene to life, lol. I would love to see it on paper! I love getting fanart! Giggle fits are healthy and ever since you mentioned the alternative universe version of this story I too have been prone to laughing out loud randomly when thinking on it. I am glad you are enjoying it so much! O_O Yummy! A Legolas shaped chocolate bar!? If that isn't motivation I don't know what is, lol.
Artemisa ~ I am so sorry to have made you wait… real life is getting really annoying, lol. I am in the middle of my mid-year exams now, lol. Glad you liked the last chapter. Um… yeah… Fading Hope. I think what I am going to do is finish this story since there is only one chapter and the epilogue left after this and then go back to my epic. Sorry to make you all wait but I just need time to sit on Fading Hope until inspiration comes back to me.
HalandLeg4ever ~ I am glad you found and enjoyed, lol. I too could imagine Legolas being mistaken for a God, *dreamy sigh* - but I can admit that I am a totally obsessive fan girl so that would be my explanation for coming up with this idea, lol. Also it pleases me to know that I am building up the suspense! Thanks so much for your support and I hope you continue to review.
Sirithiliel ~ Oh… Darkness Descending is almost over then is it. That is sad in a way because I was really enjoying it. I blush to say this but do to real life interfering and keeping me horribly busy (I am taking course overload this year with five and a half credits, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and working a part time job) and I have not yet read what you sent me. When I sit down to work on Fading Hope after completing this story I will read it through and I am sorry to say that – because I really appreciated what you did and how you helped me. Anyway – hope your school is going well!
bunny-luver ~ Glad you like it! Such praise is music to my ears, lol. WOW – you think this one of the best Legolas and Gimli friendship fics out there!? Thank-you for that huge compliment. I am thrilled you like it that much! Hope it continues to impress you!
White Wolf1 ~ Yeah – I know I just kind of left you hanging with Fading Hope. I felt bad for that but I needed a bit of a break on it. It was getting so long and complicated and so I felt if I could just write something cute and lighthearted for a while it would re-inspire me with Fading Hope. Glad you found humor merged with the suspense of this piece. I really wanted it to be funny. Don't worry about not reviewing right away… I mean I have been falling behind with all my reviews too (and leaving only short crappy ones when I do leave them at all) just because life has been so hectic. It is a busy time of the year. Glad to hear I am doing Gimli justice… this story really belongs to him just because you don't have many Gimli hero fics out there. Yes, I agree. What makes Addrodoc all the more dangerous is that fact that he thinks he is right. Means he will stop at nothing to see it done. Hope you continue to enjoy.
Karri ~ I was looking at your bio page looking for another vignette to read and I saw you are writing a longer piece… how could I not have noticed that before!? I am really going to have to check that out… but forgive me if it does not happen right away. Real-life is keeping me hopping. Anyway – hope you enjoyed the escape attempt and thanks for the continued support.
Star-Stallion ~ LOL. I know… my updates are getting further and further apart. I could get into my list of excuses… but well… the main thing is I should have gotten this up earlier, lol. Sorry for making you wait. LOL. Yes – Gimli was totally in gear in this chapter… in his intentions at least. As for actually escaping… well I hope this chapter didn't dash your hopes too much! LOL! Glad your target is ready because if you think Addrodoc has been bad up until now it is nothing to what you are going to think of him in the next chapter! LOL. Don't know what color your wall is, huh? Well it has at least got to be interesting! My walls are to blank and they are driving me nuts! Anyway – hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Niori ~ You were the lucky review. Number 100! It was sitting on the edge of 99 and I kept checking hoping one other person would review… and low and below yours came in and I was literally dancing around my room, lol. I know that sounds pathetic but there it is. LOL. I am sure Gimli would be blushing to know he has a cheering squad, lol. Reviews make me write faster so keep them coming! ^_^
merrylyn ~ Hey – don't worry about delays… I mean I am behind in all my reviewing too so it is not a problem. I understand how hectic real life can keep you. LOL. It was in that sort of category of annoying. I was trying to think up a subtle form of protestation and that just popped into my head… hence Gimli was following the priest around for half the chapter, lol. Your fears were well founded… Addrodoc does ruin everything. Glad my writing gives you some relief from the pressures and depression of real-life… my escape is in writing it, lol. Thanks for you review!