Hey all! Yes, I'm still on vakay, but it's relatively early here and I have
been reading nonstop, so I was of course inspired to write. This prolly
won't be posted until a few days from now, but oh well. I'm feeling
*inspired* - lol, not really, but yeah - plus, I'm sunburned within an inch
of my life and need a distraction..but then again you don't really give a
crap about all this, so without further adieu..*drum roll please*..
-- Chapter 12 ( Swept Away )
The wind, free and invisibly independent, danced mockingly around her, as if to taunt the young captives, who at the moment were anything but free. The cold was intensely enraged, as if it too was punishing Krystal and her friends for daring to hunt in human lands. It wrapped its deathly icy fingers around their bodies, seeping deep into their bones and freezing the very blood running through their veins. The elves were not as affected by the cold, of course, but Aragorn and Krystal were feeling it, and the effects showed.
With her head bowed against her chest, her hands tied tightly together behind a thick, wooden poll by tightly woven ropes, to all but some Krystal appeared asleep. But she was not. The sun had begun to sink into the shadows upon their arrival in town, and Annore had quickly surrendered his new found captives to the guards of the settlement. With a quick counsel, the guards decided to leave the fate of their captives until the morrow, leaving them to face the cold of the darkening night and the mouths of the hungry wolves alone.
On her back, Krystal wistfully imagined that she could almost feel the heat of a flame providing warmth. Annore's cottage was closest to them, and glancing behind her, she could see the cheerful flame that lit the lone cottage.
Next to her, Legolas's intense eyes racked the darkness that was the forest, not more than 40 feet away from them. Her shivers became more violent as the dark howl of wolves was heard, and Legolas tore his gaze from the woods to glance over with empathy. The prisoners were all in close enough proximity to exchange words, but no one had been speaking much, but Legolas felt the need to break the silence.
"My lady, how fare you?" he asked, trying to remain polite but worry lacing through his voice.
She didn't answer him, just nodded, jerking her knees tighter to her chest and resting her chin on them. Her eyes fluttered shut, but somewhere, she remembered reading it wasn't good to fall asleep when you were deathly cold. Perhaps it was in the movie Titanic? She shook her head slightly. No, that wasn't it. Well, whatever, didn't matter. Just don't fall asleep. She needed to say awake, to do something to keep her conscious.
She could sing, she decided suddenly. Falling upon the only song she could recall, she began to sing softly.
She couldn't remember how the song started, so she just began singing where she remembered. It began to hurt to think.
"I was always in a fight Cuz I Can't do nothing right
So, doctor, doctor won't you please prescribe me something? A day in the life of someone else!
Cuz I'm a hazard to myself.. Don't let me get me! Don't wanna be my friend no more, I wanna be somebody else..
Don't let me get me! I'm my own worst enemy, It's so bad when you annoy yourself.. So irritating Don't wanna be my friend no more- I wanna be somebody else."
----
To Legolas's right, Aragorn was on the verge of merciful, peaceful sleep, but Elladan continued to speak to the young ranger. Babbling about everything and anything under the sun from the length of the beards of dwarfs to the height of the Misty Mountains, to the exact location of the best weed in Middle Earth, Elladan kept up a steady stream of one sided conversation, pausing frequently to animatedly say, "Don't you agree, Aragorn?" To which the young man's eyes would flutter open and he would nod. "Aye, Elladan." The elder twin didn't care the others found him increasingly annoying. Anything to keep the young man awake.
Raising his eyes to the elder elf in question, Legolas cocked his head curiously. Why was Aragorn not being allowed to sleep?
Elladan sighed and confided in a whisper. "If he falls to sleep, I fear he will not awake. The cold has slowed his heart beat, and the numerous hits from the arrows have caused him labored breathing. He must remain awake, or.."
He did not finish his sentence, his eyes darting away from the elven prince to his human brother, as Aragorn's breathing began to settle and his head began to nod.
"Don't you agree, ARAGORN!" he said loudly, leaning over to shout in the human's ear.
The ranger's eyes snapped open. "What? Oh, yes, Elladan, aye.." He muttered sleepily.
Relentlessly, Elladan began again. "Have you ever been to the Shire yet, Aragorn? Really a marvelous place, funny little creatures -- WOULDN'T YOU SAY ARAGORN!"
"What? Oh, yes Elladan.."
Turning to Elrohir who seemed to be deeply in thought, Legolas said nothing, just studied him quietly. Soon after, Elrohir opened his eyes with a slight smile. "Yes?"
Legolas chuckled, slightly embarrassed at having been caught staring at the young son of Lord Elrond. "You seemed so deep in thought; I wonder what about?" He pressed, anxious to know if the elf had thought of a plan of escape.
Elrohir was always the calm, cool, collected one in their adventures, always the one who inevitably figured a way out of their dilemma. It was often the young twins of Rivendell who everyone turned to in a crisis; Elladan provided the strength and battle talents - Elrohir provided the intelligence and the battle plan. Each was equally important, though right now, Legolas was fervently glad to have Elrohir with them. Really glad.
"If your asking if I've figured out how to get out of here.." Elrohir guessed, somehow picking up on the other elf's thoughts. "Then..my apologies for my sudden lack of creativity. I'm not a complete failure when it comes to my planning abilities, at least. I can figure out easily enough how to get us into the forest. Once we get there, however, the problem arises. I cannot see a way for us to survive once there. Rivendell is a good 2 days, maybe 2 and a half trek away from here and we have no food or protection from the elements. For you, myself and Elladan, 'tis not so much of a problem- and even Aragorn should be fine. But, for Krystal.." His voice trailed off and he shook his head. Having forgotten Krystal for a moment, Legolas glanced back over.
She was singing to herself, apparently trying to keep herself awake. Leaning away from Elrohir, and towards her, he listened in on some of the words, expecting to hear words of comfort, possibly words that reminded her of home. What he did hear made his heart jump into his throat and his eyes darkened with unexpected pity.
-----
Ten minutes later, Elrohir's bright eyes widened, before his face fell. Elladan glanced over restlessly.
"What's wrong?"
Elrohir shook his head than paused, his head tilted. Widened eyes racked over his fellow captives. His gaze focused on Krystal, before he shook off his twin. The elder elf was trying to get his twin's attention, but Elrohir's gaze remained fixed on Krystal. Elladan glanced at the half asleep girl, confusion flashing in his gray eyes. Shrugging, he turned away.
Elrohir waited until Elladan's attention was turned, before he leaned towards Aragorn, attracting the human's notice.
"Yes?" Aragorn looked up expectantly, his body curled into the smallest ball he could make it to protect it from the biting cold. His neck was drawn into his shoulders to protect his ears and his lips were faintly blue, but his eyes were bright.
Elrohir frowned. "I have a plan."
Aragorn stared. "Try to curb your enthusiasm." He said dryly, puzzled by the worried look in his brother's eyes. "What is it?"
The elf heaved a sigh. "You're not going to like it." He warned.
Aragorn's eyes narrowed. "Try me."
"This is the only plan I can come up - so refrain from judgment." He glanced at the bindings on their wrists. "If we can get these off, we won't have a problem escaping. The darkness is cover enough and we can move soundlessly when needed. Rivendell is less than 3 days away, and we are used to the hardships of the wild. We have no food, nor water to take with us but I feel we shall manage. However, Krystal.."
His voice trailed off, and Aragorn, who had nodded at the basis and beginning of his brother's plan, glanced up sharply.
"She's not suited to the wild, Aragorn. Her body isn't able to go days without water; here, they'll provided for her. Food, water, shelter even, once they discover us gone. If Legolas, Elladan, you and I can make it to Rivendell and return to rescue Krystal.."
Aragorn's eyes widened as the full realization of what his brother planned hit him. "We can't all leave her here, Elrohir! With these men?! Are you insane? Elladan and Legolas will never agree to it! *I* don't agree to it." He paused, then added furiously, "I'll stay; the three of you go. We cannot leave her *alone*. There is no reason we all must go."
"LISTEN to me, Aragorn. *Think*! These men are not cruel, just ignorant. They will not harm a lady--"
"Annore did not hesitate to hurt her this afternoon," the ranger interjected in protest. Elrohir continued with a warning look.
"--they will not harm a lady if she does not provoke it! She will not be punished for our disappearance, but if one of us were to remain behind-- you for example, you would bear the punishment. We cannot afford you being injured if we are to return and rescue you from the village undetected. We would have to go in and take you by force, which in turn would deteriorate the already tarnished relations between elves and men!"
The young human opened his mouth as if to argue, then shut it abruptly. He didn't like the idea, but what else could they do? How else could they escape?
"Elladan won't like it." Aragorn said finally. "Nor will Legolas."
Elrohir sighed heavily. "Nor do i. But 'tis the only way. She'll understand, Aragorn. She has to."
--
Elladan shook his head adamantly. "No." he said definitely, when the plan had grudgingly been told to him. "I won't."
"Nor will I." Legolas agreed flatly, his voice firm. "We can't just *leave* her."
"Do you see another choice?" Elrohir snapped. His conscience had already taken a beating from having suggested it originally and he was at his wits end. There was only so much he could take while keeping his resolve firm. And he was wavering.
Aragorn saw the emotions whirling through Elrohir's face and sighed. "Elladan, try to understand. This plan, much as we dislike it, is the only way. Krystal will understand, and I do not believe these men to be cruel. They will not take out their anger of our disappearance on her, but on you they will. Your elven endurance can only help you so much, and they will only see that as a challenge. You *will* suffer injuries and we can not afford to have you limping back to Rivendell while we have the men in hot pursuit. Do you understand?"
"And do you understand that it will appear we are deserting her in a foreign village with men who have taken us captive? She has already suffered at the hands of that oaf, Annore, I will not leave her here to suffer alone." Elladan replied swiftly, his voice rising despite the conscious effort he made to keep his voice low so Krystal didn't hear their words.
"Elrohir, why don't you and Aragorn go. Elladan and I will escape but remain in the trees to watch over her," Legolas suggested after a awkward silence in the conversation. Elrohir rolled his eyes but his answer was cut off by his brother.
"Where is the good in that? You'll only torture yourselves, for she would not be able to know you were there. Somehow, unintentionally, she would betray you, whether by a look or a word. It does not matter how careful she is- they will find out and we will be back to the same problem as square one." Aragorn answered wearily, another wave of shivers racking his body.
Silence was his only answer as Elladan tried desperately to find another solution, but he could not see one. Legolas cast his eyes to Krystal, who was aware the others were conversing but was too cold and tired to care. Leave her? How could they all just go?
Finally, Elrohir interjected into their thoughts. "Elladan, Legolas - it's the only way. Let us go quickly, the sooner we return."
Elladan said nothing, but nodded, his face tight with displeasure. "Fine," he said softly. "I will inform her."
He leaned over and tapped her gently on the shoulder. When she did not show signs of response, he gently tugged on her hair playfully. She looked up then, and her eyes narrowed in suspicion at the look of regret on his face. "What's wrong?" she said immediately, glancing around at the faces staring bluntly at her.
"Nothing - nothing," he assured her carefully, before trudging forward determindedly. "We've found a plan of escape..."
Her eyes remained narrowed as she studied him. Usually, a plan of escape from a hostile location would prompt joy, would it not?"And?"
"Well..it's quite complicated and..risky. For you, especially."
"I'll do it," she agreed swiftly. "Just tell me what it is I must do."
"That's it," he said carefully. "You must do nothing."
She raised a brow. "What?"
He told her of the plan quickly, stumbling over his words in his hurry to inform her. Legolas gauged her reaction carefully, his hands still bound.
Her eyes continued to narrow and her face grew impassive. Her clear blue eyes became clouded suddenly, and her body, stiff with cold already, grew even more rigid. She breathed in softly, and her eyes suddenly found her boots fascinating, so appealing she couldn't afford to look up and meet any of their eyes, eyes that continued to be latched onto her.
"Krystal?" Elladan gently prompted when the plan had been told and she said nothing. After a moment, She nodded in response. "Go, quickly. I'll be fine." Her voice was flat, impassive and with a wrench of his heart, Elladan knew their words had hurt her.
"Krystal, try to understand.." he began softly, and her head snapped up frantically. He paused as the cold fury in her eyes stopped him. "Elladan, I *do* understand. Just go!" she snapped at him. "Safe trip, quick journey, etc etc. I'll be fine, just *leave*."
Sharing a look with Legolas, Elladan pulled away. Elrohir didn't look up as he grasped a nearby rock and began sawing on his bindings. Within minutes, he was free and in turn, untied his companions. When he got to Krystal, he paused. "Do you want me to untie you?"
It didn't matter either way, she thought savagely. She wasn't going anywhere. She might as well let the last glance they had of her be of her bound as a prisoner- just to prick at their conscience. If they had any.
"No," She answered flatly.
Heaving a sigh, the elf turned away. Slowly he and his companions turned and stood up, stretching their aching joints and muscles. When they were prepared to go, Legolas turned to Krystal, still bound. She wasn't watching them; her eyes patrolled the forest, searching for something, anything to distract her attention.
"We will come back," he said softly, easily identifying her biggest fear and trying to ease it.
She shrugged. "Do what you want." She answered uninterestedly.
He did not pause as he leant down to be eyelevel with her. "We *will* return." He promised gently, his eyes begging her to look at him. She finally raised her eyes to his and did not blink. "Bye." Was all she said, was all she could say. "bye," he echoed delicately, before Aragorn called his name.
Abreast, the four of them began to seep into the forest. The darkness hid their shadows and quiet movements, but Krystal found herself determined fixed on the sounds of their receding footsteps. The quietness of their movements combined with the crunching of the leaves made it appear as if the wind was running through the trees, and not three elves and a human.
When she could hear, nor see them no more, she leaned her head back on thick wooden stake, fighting the emotions that threatened her cool resolve.
Much as she had tried to fight it, every word Elladan had spoken had torn at her heart. Once again, she was a burden, an excess person for whom they had to be accountable for, something she had vowed to prevent. She wanted to believe that these people were her friends, her allies, that they cared for her as much as she did for them but something warned her that every kind word they had spoken to her were lies. They had left her there in a hostile village with men who had abused her already, and probably would again. She was alone among strangers and did not know where she was; even if she had managed to escape she had no sense of direction. Though they claimed to return once they reached Rivendell, she knew, some sixth sense in her heart told her, she knew they were not coming back. Despite the promises and oaths they had taken, she knew, she could tell. The sight of people walking away from her was not a new one and she was accustomed to it enough to know there was no one coming back to save her. It was her own fault, she knew, for letting her guard down. Hell, she thought wryly, she had been open with Elladan and Elrohir from the moment she met them and she didn't know why. She was never that open with anyone upon first meeting them..but something about the twins prompted trust and friendship, and she had willingly surrendered. Maybe she was tired of defending herself against Legolas, maybe she was looking for allies in a foreign land, whatever the reason she had, she gave up her one defense - distance. In turn, Elladan had become protective of her, but he surely deserved and Academy Award for his brilliant performance - for it was obvious he was only *acting* like a close friend. She wasn't naïve enough to think that this whole thing had been a well conceived and intricate plan to get rid of her; even they wouldn't go through that much just to get rid of her. They could have just left her in the wilderness or something. No, this was just a convenient excuse for them to leave her, quick and painless - for them anyway.
Once again, she felt her mind wandering to her own family but her thoughts were interrupted by quiet, tiny footsteps approaching her from behind. Struggling to see behind her, she found her gaze intercepted by huge brown eyes. A tiny boy, maybe age 6, was standing there, with windswept blonde hair in a mushroom cut, and huge, gorgeous brown eyes. He reminded her instantly of the little boy who played Anakin, in Star Wars, the Phantom Menace, only much younger, but less innocence. There was a depth to this one's eyes that told of unspoken horrors he had to witness, and for a moment, she marveled at this strange world she was in, where children younger than she were forced to bear burdens far heavier than was deserved.
He carried a thick bowl of something, steam rising from the top as he held it tightly. When he caught sight of the forgotten ropes that had been used to bind the other prisoners, he stopped short. Peering into the darkness, he caught Krystal's gaze. His voice was quiet and serene but surprised.
"Hello."
She hid her smile at the shocked little boy, who was obviously confused that one prisoner remained while 5 had been there.
"Hey."
"They left?" He asked carefully, his squeaky voice betraying his tender age.
She nodded wordlessly.
"How come you didn't go?"
She paused before answering. "I wasn't invited."
He nodded after a moment, then nodded as if accepting the answer. "Oh."
She looked pointedly at the bowl of something in his hand, feeling her stomach rumble with hunger at the intoxicating smells. She hadn't realized she was so hungry. "Is that for me?"
He nodded, then glanced at the bindings on her hands. "Can ya eat it like this?" he questioned. She nodded apprehensively. "I'll manage."
He gently put the bowl, which seemed to be filled with scorching hot soup, near her thigh, then glanced around again at the empty clearing. "I should tell someone, right?" he asked, looking for advice. "that they left, I mean." He clarified when she didn't answer. She stifled a smile. "I would imagine so."
"I'll tell Annore," he decided, turning slightly. "He gave me this job, you know. He's my mama's brother." His voice boasted the fact that he was related to the master of the town, and his face shown with obvious pride.
Her smile faded at the mention of Annore but she nodded. "How nice."
"Yeah. Okay, well, happy eating."
He turned on his heel and after a few steps, flew into Annore's cabin. She sighed and eyed the soup warily. If only she had a spoon.
-- Chapter 12 ( Swept Away )
The wind, free and invisibly independent, danced mockingly around her, as if to taunt the young captives, who at the moment were anything but free. The cold was intensely enraged, as if it too was punishing Krystal and her friends for daring to hunt in human lands. It wrapped its deathly icy fingers around their bodies, seeping deep into their bones and freezing the very blood running through their veins. The elves were not as affected by the cold, of course, but Aragorn and Krystal were feeling it, and the effects showed.
With her head bowed against her chest, her hands tied tightly together behind a thick, wooden poll by tightly woven ropes, to all but some Krystal appeared asleep. But she was not. The sun had begun to sink into the shadows upon their arrival in town, and Annore had quickly surrendered his new found captives to the guards of the settlement. With a quick counsel, the guards decided to leave the fate of their captives until the morrow, leaving them to face the cold of the darkening night and the mouths of the hungry wolves alone.
On her back, Krystal wistfully imagined that she could almost feel the heat of a flame providing warmth. Annore's cottage was closest to them, and glancing behind her, she could see the cheerful flame that lit the lone cottage.
Next to her, Legolas's intense eyes racked the darkness that was the forest, not more than 40 feet away from them. Her shivers became more violent as the dark howl of wolves was heard, and Legolas tore his gaze from the woods to glance over with empathy. The prisoners were all in close enough proximity to exchange words, but no one had been speaking much, but Legolas felt the need to break the silence.
"My lady, how fare you?" he asked, trying to remain polite but worry lacing through his voice.
She didn't answer him, just nodded, jerking her knees tighter to her chest and resting her chin on them. Her eyes fluttered shut, but somewhere, she remembered reading it wasn't good to fall asleep when you were deathly cold. Perhaps it was in the movie Titanic? She shook her head slightly. No, that wasn't it. Well, whatever, didn't matter. Just don't fall asleep. She needed to say awake, to do something to keep her conscious.
She could sing, she decided suddenly. Falling upon the only song she could recall, she began to sing softly.
She couldn't remember how the song started, so she just began singing where she remembered. It began to hurt to think.
"I was always in a fight Cuz I Can't do nothing right
So, doctor, doctor won't you please prescribe me something? A day in the life of someone else!
Cuz I'm a hazard to myself.. Don't let me get me! Don't wanna be my friend no more, I wanna be somebody else..
Don't let me get me! I'm my own worst enemy, It's so bad when you annoy yourself.. So irritating Don't wanna be my friend no more- I wanna be somebody else."
----
To Legolas's right, Aragorn was on the verge of merciful, peaceful sleep, but Elladan continued to speak to the young ranger. Babbling about everything and anything under the sun from the length of the beards of dwarfs to the height of the Misty Mountains, to the exact location of the best weed in Middle Earth, Elladan kept up a steady stream of one sided conversation, pausing frequently to animatedly say, "Don't you agree, Aragorn?" To which the young man's eyes would flutter open and he would nod. "Aye, Elladan." The elder twin didn't care the others found him increasingly annoying. Anything to keep the young man awake.
Raising his eyes to the elder elf in question, Legolas cocked his head curiously. Why was Aragorn not being allowed to sleep?
Elladan sighed and confided in a whisper. "If he falls to sleep, I fear he will not awake. The cold has slowed his heart beat, and the numerous hits from the arrows have caused him labored breathing. He must remain awake, or.."
He did not finish his sentence, his eyes darting away from the elven prince to his human brother, as Aragorn's breathing began to settle and his head began to nod.
"Don't you agree, ARAGORN!" he said loudly, leaning over to shout in the human's ear.
The ranger's eyes snapped open. "What? Oh, yes, Elladan, aye.." He muttered sleepily.
Relentlessly, Elladan began again. "Have you ever been to the Shire yet, Aragorn? Really a marvelous place, funny little creatures -- WOULDN'T YOU SAY ARAGORN!"
"What? Oh, yes Elladan.."
Turning to Elrohir who seemed to be deeply in thought, Legolas said nothing, just studied him quietly. Soon after, Elrohir opened his eyes with a slight smile. "Yes?"
Legolas chuckled, slightly embarrassed at having been caught staring at the young son of Lord Elrond. "You seemed so deep in thought; I wonder what about?" He pressed, anxious to know if the elf had thought of a plan of escape.
Elrohir was always the calm, cool, collected one in their adventures, always the one who inevitably figured a way out of their dilemma. It was often the young twins of Rivendell who everyone turned to in a crisis; Elladan provided the strength and battle talents - Elrohir provided the intelligence and the battle plan. Each was equally important, though right now, Legolas was fervently glad to have Elrohir with them. Really glad.
"If your asking if I've figured out how to get out of here.." Elrohir guessed, somehow picking up on the other elf's thoughts. "Then..my apologies for my sudden lack of creativity. I'm not a complete failure when it comes to my planning abilities, at least. I can figure out easily enough how to get us into the forest. Once we get there, however, the problem arises. I cannot see a way for us to survive once there. Rivendell is a good 2 days, maybe 2 and a half trek away from here and we have no food or protection from the elements. For you, myself and Elladan, 'tis not so much of a problem- and even Aragorn should be fine. But, for Krystal.." His voice trailed off and he shook his head. Having forgotten Krystal for a moment, Legolas glanced back over.
She was singing to herself, apparently trying to keep herself awake. Leaning away from Elrohir, and towards her, he listened in on some of the words, expecting to hear words of comfort, possibly words that reminded her of home. What he did hear made his heart jump into his throat and his eyes darkened with unexpected pity.
-----
Ten minutes later, Elrohir's bright eyes widened, before his face fell. Elladan glanced over restlessly.
"What's wrong?"
Elrohir shook his head than paused, his head tilted. Widened eyes racked over his fellow captives. His gaze focused on Krystal, before he shook off his twin. The elder elf was trying to get his twin's attention, but Elrohir's gaze remained fixed on Krystal. Elladan glanced at the half asleep girl, confusion flashing in his gray eyes. Shrugging, he turned away.
Elrohir waited until Elladan's attention was turned, before he leaned towards Aragorn, attracting the human's notice.
"Yes?" Aragorn looked up expectantly, his body curled into the smallest ball he could make it to protect it from the biting cold. His neck was drawn into his shoulders to protect his ears and his lips were faintly blue, but his eyes were bright.
Elrohir frowned. "I have a plan."
Aragorn stared. "Try to curb your enthusiasm." He said dryly, puzzled by the worried look in his brother's eyes. "What is it?"
The elf heaved a sigh. "You're not going to like it." He warned.
Aragorn's eyes narrowed. "Try me."
"This is the only plan I can come up - so refrain from judgment." He glanced at the bindings on their wrists. "If we can get these off, we won't have a problem escaping. The darkness is cover enough and we can move soundlessly when needed. Rivendell is less than 3 days away, and we are used to the hardships of the wild. We have no food, nor water to take with us but I feel we shall manage. However, Krystal.."
His voice trailed off, and Aragorn, who had nodded at the basis and beginning of his brother's plan, glanced up sharply.
"She's not suited to the wild, Aragorn. Her body isn't able to go days without water; here, they'll provided for her. Food, water, shelter even, once they discover us gone. If Legolas, Elladan, you and I can make it to Rivendell and return to rescue Krystal.."
Aragorn's eyes widened as the full realization of what his brother planned hit him. "We can't all leave her here, Elrohir! With these men?! Are you insane? Elladan and Legolas will never agree to it! *I* don't agree to it." He paused, then added furiously, "I'll stay; the three of you go. We cannot leave her *alone*. There is no reason we all must go."
"LISTEN to me, Aragorn. *Think*! These men are not cruel, just ignorant. They will not harm a lady--"
"Annore did not hesitate to hurt her this afternoon," the ranger interjected in protest. Elrohir continued with a warning look.
"--they will not harm a lady if she does not provoke it! She will not be punished for our disappearance, but if one of us were to remain behind-- you for example, you would bear the punishment. We cannot afford you being injured if we are to return and rescue you from the village undetected. We would have to go in and take you by force, which in turn would deteriorate the already tarnished relations between elves and men!"
The young human opened his mouth as if to argue, then shut it abruptly. He didn't like the idea, but what else could they do? How else could they escape?
"Elladan won't like it." Aragorn said finally. "Nor will Legolas."
Elrohir sighed heavily. "Nor do i. But 'tis the only way. She'll understand, Aragorn. She has to."
--
Elladan shook his head adamantly. "No." he said definitely, when the plan had grudgingly been told to him. "I won't."
"Nor will I." Legolas agreed flatly, his voice firm. "We can't just *leave* her."
"Do you see another choice?" Elrohir snapped. His conscience had already taken a beating from having suggested it originally and he was at his wits end. There was only so much he could take while keeping his resolve firm. And he was wavering.
Aragorn saw the emotions whirling through Elrohir's face and sighed. "Elladan, try to understand. This plan, much as we dislike it, is the only way. Krystal will understand, and I do not believe these men to be cruel. They will not take out their anger of our disappearance on her, but on you they will. Your elven endurance can only help you so much, and they will only see that as a challenge. You *will* suffer injuries and we can not afford to have you limping back to Rivendell while we have the men in hot pursuit. Do you understand?"
"And do you understand that it will appear we are deserting her in a foreign village with men who have taken us captive? She has already suffered at the hands of that oaf, Annore, I will not leave her here to suffer alone." Elladan replied swiftly, his voice rising despite the conscious effort he made to keep his voice low so Krystal didn't hear their words.
"Elrohir, why don't you and Aragorn go. Elladan and I will escape but remain in the trees to watch over her," Legolas suggested after a awkward silence in the conversation. Elrohir rolled his eyes but his answer was cut off by his brother.
"Where is the good in that? You'll only torture yourselves, for she would not be able to know you were there. Somehow, unintentionally, she would betray you, whether by a look or a word. It does not matter how careful she is- they will find out and we will be back to the same problem as square one." Aragorn answered wearily, another wave of shivers racking his body.
Silence was his only answer as Elladan tried desperately to find another solution, but he could not see one. Legolas cast his eyes to Krystal, who was aware the others were conversing but was too cold and tired to care. Leave her? How could they all just go?
Finally, Elrohir interjected into their thoughts. "Elladan, Legolas - it's the only way. Let us go quickly, the sooner we return."
Elladan said nothing, but nodded, his face tight with displeasure. "Fine," he said softly. "I will inform her."
He leaned over and tapped her gently on the shoulder. When she did not show signs of response, he gently tugged on her hair playfully. She looked up then, and her eyes narrowed in suspicion at the look of regret on his face. "What's wrong?" she said immediately, glancing around at the faces staring bluntly at her.
"Nothing - nothing," he assured her carefully, before trudging forward determindedly. "We've found a plan of escape..."
Her eyes remained narrowed as she studied him. Usually, a plan of escape from a hostile location would prompt joy, would it not?"And?"
"Well..it's quite complicated and..risky. For you, especially."
"I'll do it," she agreed swiftly. "Just tell me what it is I must do."
"That's it," he said carefully. "You must do nothing."
She raised a brow. "What?"
He told her of the plan quickly, stumbling over his words in his hurry to inform her. Legolas gauged her reaction carefully, his hands still bound.
Her eyes continued to narrow and her face grew impassive. Her clear blue eyes became clouded suddenly, and her body, stiff with cold already, grew even more rigid. She breathed in softly, and her eyes suddenly found her boots fascinating, so appealing she couldn't afford to look up and meet any of their eyes, eyes that continued to be latched onto her.
"Krystal?" Elladan gently prompted when the plan had been told and she said nothing. After a moment, She nodded in response. "Go, quickly. I'll be fine." Her voice was flat, impassive and with a wrench of his heart, Elladan knew their words had hurt her.
"Krystal, try to understand.." he began softly, and her head snapped up frantically. He paused as the cold fury in her eyes stopped him. "Elladan, I *do* understand. Just go!" she snapped at him. "Safe trip, quick journey, etc etc. I'll be fine, just *leave*."
Sharing a look with Legolas, Elladan pulled away. Elrohir didn't look up as he grasped a nearby rock and began sawing on his bindings. Within minutes, he was free and in turn, untied his companions. When he got to Krystal, he paused. "Do you want me to untie you?"
It didn't matter either way, she thought savagely. She wasn't going anywhere. She might as well let the last glance they had of her be of her bound as a prisoner- just to prick at their conscience. If they had any.
"No," She answered flatly.
Heaving a sigh, the elf turned away. Slowly he and his companions turned and stood up, stretching their aching joints and muscles. When they were prepared to go, Legolas turned to Krystal, still bound. She wasn't watching them; her eyes patrolled the forest, searching for something, anything to distract her attention.
"We will come back," he said softly, easily identifying her biggest fear and trying to ease it.
She shrugged. "Do what you want." She answered uninterestedly.
He did not pause as he leant down to be eyelevel with her. "We *will* return." He promised gently, his eyes begging her to look at him. She finally raised her eyes to his and did not blink. "Bye." Was all she said, was all she could say. "bye," he echoed delicately, before Aragorn called his name.
Abreast, the four of them began to seep into the forest. The darkness hid their shadows and quiet movements, but Krystal found herself determined fixed on the sounds of their receding footsteps. The quietness of their movements combined with the crunching of the leaves made it appear as if the wind was running through the trees, and not three elves and a human.
When she could hear, nor see them no more, she leaned her head back on thick wooden stake, fighting the emotions that threatened her cool resolve.
Much as she had tried to fight it, every word Elladan had spoken had torn at her heart. Once again, she was a burden, an excess person for whom they had to be accountable for, something she had vowed to prevent. She wanted to believe that these people were her friends, her allies, that they cared for her as much as she did for them but something warned her that every kind word they had spoken to her were lies. They had left her there in a hostile village with men who had abused her already, and probably would again. She was alone among strangers and did not know where she was; even if she had managed to escape she had no sense of direction. Though they claimed to return once they reached Rivendell, she knew, some sixth sense in her heart told her, she knew they were not coming back. Despite the promises and oaths they had taken, she knew, she could tell. The sight of people walking away from her was not a new one and she was accustomed to it enough to know there was no one coming back to save her. It was her own fault, she knew, for letting her guard down. Hell, she thought wryly, she had been open with Elladan and Elrohir from the moment she met them and she didn't know why. She was never that open with anyone upon first meeting them..but something about the twins prompted trust and friendship, and she had willingly surrendered. Maybe she was tired of defending herself against Legolas, maybe she was looking for allies in a foreign land, whatever the reason she had, she gave up her one defense - distance. In turn, Elladan had become protective of her, but he surely deserved and Academy Award for his brilliant performance - for it was obvious he was only *acting* like a close friend. She wasn't naïve enough to think that this whole thing had been a well conceived and intricate plan to get rid of her; even they wouldn't go through that much just to get rid of her. They could have just left her in the wilderness or something. No, this was just a convenient excuse for them to leave her, quick and painless - for them anyway.
Once again, she felt her mind wandering to her own family but her thoughts were interrupted by quiet, tiny footsteps approaching her from behind. Struggling to see behind her, she found her gaze intercepted by huge brown eyes. A tiny boy, maybe age 6, was standing there, with windswept blonde hair in a mushroom cut, and huge, gorgeous brown eyes. He reminded her instantly of the little boy who played Anakin, in Star Wars, the Phantom Menace, only much younger, but less innocence. There was a depth to this one's eyes that told of unspoken horrors he had to witness, and for a moment, she marveled at this strange world she was in, where children younger than she were forced to bear burdens far heavier than was deserved.
He carried a thick bowl of something, steam rising from the top as he held it tightly. When he caught sight of the forgotten ropes that had been used to bind the other prisoners, he stopped short. Peering into the darkness, he caught Krystal's gaze. His voice was quiet and serene but surprised.
"Hello."
She hid her smile at the shocked little boy, who was obviously confused that one prisoner remained while 5 had been there.
"Hey."
"They left?" He asked carefully, his squeaky voice betraying his tender age.
She nodded wordlessly.
"How come you didn't go?"
She paused before answering. "I wasn't invited."
He nodded after a moment, then nodded as if accepting the answer. "Oh."
She looked pointedly at the bowl of something in his hand, feeling her stomach rumble with hunger at the intoxicating smells. She hadn't realized she was so hungry. "Is that for me?"
He nodded, then glanced at the bindings on her hands. "Can ya eat it like this?" he questioned. She nodded apprehensively. "I'll manage."
He gently put the bowl, which seemed to be filled with scorching hot soup, near her thigh, then glanced around again at the empty clearing. "I should tell someone, right?" he asked, looking for advice. "that they left, I mean." He clarified when she didn't answer. She stifled a smile. "I would imagine so."
"I'll tell Annore," he decided, turning slightly. "He gave me this job, you know. He's my mama's brother." His voice boasted the fact that he was related to the master of the town, and his face shown with obvious pride.
Her smile faded at the mention of Annore but she nodded. "How nice."
"Yeah. Okay, well, happy eating."
He turned on his heel and after a few steps, flew into Annore's cabin. She sighed and eyed the soup warily. If only she had a spoon.