Author's note:
Mae govannen, mellonae! I know present to you Chapter 2 of "To Live by Brush and Bow". The characters, the setting, all are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien, save for Tanglinna, Celair, and Riwmegor. They were created by Treehugger, who was kind enough to give me permission to write a story about them.
If you want to read more about Tanglinna *swoon*, go read all of Treehugger's fics. There are a few others floating around, too.
NekoHitori: Your review was first, then I hit a few wrong buttons and voila. New story ID number, new location, no more review. Sorry! I'll see what I can do about having a less.err, choppy intro, but I'm horrible at starting stories.
Loki Flamewing: I'm glad you liked it, Loki. Dera, I'm note sure if this is your kind of story, but we won't know until you look. Loki and Dera, you have an ff.n account but you haven't written anything! I mean, having favorite authors and stories is all good, but still.jk. I think you have a lot of great ideas for stories and think you should write them. Between the two of you, it has to be good.
Treehugger: Tanglinna is such a complex character that if you tried to focus on just one aspect of him, it won't be him! And I'm glad you like Oropher. I remember hearing mention that Thranduil was a bit like Legolas when he was younger, and I find it hard to believe Oropher would act too different about his son's escapades than Thranduil would his son's. I think it's genetic ; ). Celair.I don't think Tanglinna could fall in love with a moron, so the way she's portrayed is natural. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the first one!
Amlugwen: I'm so glad to see you liked the story! And in Galion's defense, I feel I should say that, as Oropher's butler, who has time to cook? Treehugger has alluded to a few escapades of Thranduil's much like Legolas's. I don't see how dealing with that would leave much time for cooking, lol.
Artemisa: I'm glad you liked first chapter, and, well, this started out as an English assignment, so I really can't push much farther for now, but there will be one more chapter after this one. I don't think I'm up enough to write Thranduil in just yet. As soon as I can, though, I will. He's a favorite of mine, too.
Diola lle, everyone (thank you)
**********
Tanglinna awoke slowly, feeling a dull throbbing in his head. All around him he could hear the sound of furious arguing, and sound of weeping. What had happened? He struggled with himself for a moment, and managed to pry his eyes open. Looking around, he saw Riwmegor, Celair's father; King Oropher; and one of the healers. Hearing the Master Archer pushing himself upright, Riwmegor spun around and pushed him back down.
"Nay, Master Archer," he said. "You took a nasty blow and should not try to rise from bed for two days!" Tanglinna looked at him and looked at the king for help. Oropher smiled, amusement plain on his face.
"Thank you, Riwmegor," he said, rising to his full height. "I understand your feelings, but I must speak with Tanglinna alone." Celair's father gave the king a piercing look before walking slowly from the room. Oropher watched him go with sad eyes, then turned back to Tanglinna as the door slid shut.
"Well, old friend," he asked. "How do you feel?" Tanglinna considered for a moment, and spoke.
"I feel ready to resume by duties, my lord. May I ask how we faired against the goblins?" Oropher looked at the others for a moment.
"Our warriors triumphed with only minor wounds." Here the king paused, struggling to find the words he needed. "Unfortunately, though, that not all of our people were so fortunate. Old friend, I wish I had better new for you, but I fear the Lady Celair has not returned to the Hall. She alerted a patrol of the goblins and continued towards the Hall. When her presence was missed after the battle, scouts were sent out to see if she had become lost. They found her trail and followed it, but not long after she left the patrol, a second group of goblins appeared. Their tracks intersected hers. I fear they have taken her captive."
Tanglinna looked the king, his eyes begging him to retract his words. His mind was in a panic, for he knew what goblins did to their captives. Oropher looked down at his friend a motioned for the others to leave.
"We have scouts following their trail, old friend. We will find her." The king hesitated a moment, and then left room.
Tanglinna lay on the bed, his eyes closed. It could not end here, he swore. He would not leave his lady's fate to others. He would find her and rescue her himself. He had to.
**********
Tanglinna slipped into the shadow of another tree. He was close now, close to the band of goblins that had kidnapped his lady. He could not see Celair, but he believed she still lived. He had to, or all he had done would be for naught.
He crept closer, moving in and out of the shadows cast by the pale moonlight. He could smell their foul stench. Glancing about, he located a tree with branches that hung over the goblin's camp. He climbed into it and crept down the branch to look closer at the creatures below him. Looking carefully, he could just make out Celair's slender frame lying just outside the light of the fire. His mind burned when he saw the cuts and bruises on her fair skin, and he silently promised himself that the goblins would not live to see the sun. Swiftly counting the goblins and noting their position, he slipped back down the tree trunk and crept around the camp.
Kneeling close to the lady's inert frame, he called her name softly, watching the slumbering goblins for any sign of movement. "Celair!" he whispered again. Still she did not answer. Reaching out carefully, he brushed her arm with his fingers. Slowly, she stirred, and turned her head towards him. Her eyes widened when she saw him. She opened her mouth to speak, only to clamp it shut. Pulling out his long hunting knife, Tanglinna cut the ropes that bound her and carried her away from the fire.
"Stay here," he whispered. "I will take care of the goblins. Then we will return to the Hall together."
Celair nodded, and, with Tanglinna's help, climbed into a nearby tree. See that she was now safe, Tanglinna returned to the goblin camp to complete his task.
**********
Oropher sat on his throne, listening to a petition from one of the wood-men who wished to live his forest. He found himself struggling to pay attention, for his mind turned often to Tanglinna and Celair. He sighed silently, wishing Tanglinna had not crept out to hunt the goblins alone. With a silent shake, he focused his mind once more on the mortal who stood before him.
His head snapped up as the doors at the end of the throne room flew open and Tanglinna and Celair stumbled through. Riwmegor stared in disbelief and rising hope as he saw his daughter and future son-in-law walking wearily towards them.
Tanglinna looked at the surprised faces around him and tried to straighten his tired body. Celair swayed and clutched at him for support
"A healer," he cried, holding her upright. "Lady Celair requires a healer!"
A healer was found and the elf-woman pushed her way to dais where Celair was now seated. Tanglinna stood next to the women, fear rising in his throat. Oropher gripped his shoulder, giving his silent support. The healer straightened and smiled at the fearful Master Archer.
"Her wounds are minor, Master Tanglinna," she assured him. "All she requires is food and rest."
Tanglinna all but collapsed when he heard her words. He had been so frightened he would lose her. Tanglinna gave himself a small shake. He hadn't lost her. That was what mattered. He hesitated a moment and called servant to him. Whispering instructions, the servant left, returning a few minutes later with a small box. Taking a deep breath, he knelt down next to his lady, who was currently being plied with wine and food.
"My lady," he asked, "Will you marry me?"
Celair looked at him in surprise. Then she smiled.
"Of course, Silver," she said. "Of course."
**********
I said above there would be three chapters and there will be. I just need to finish writing it. Please stick around and review! I would love to hear your thoughts.
Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta! May your ways be green and golden!
Mae govannen, mellonae! I know present to you Chapter 2 of "To Live by Brush and Bow". The characters, the setting, all are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien, save for Tanglinna, Celair, and Riwmegor. They were created by Treehugger, who was kind enough to give me permission to write a story about them.
If you want to read more about Tanglinna *swoon*, go read all of Treehugger's fics. There are a few others floating around, too.
NekoHitori: Your review was first, then I hit a few wrong buttons and voila. New story ID number, new location, no more review. Sorry! I'll see what I can do about having a less.err, choppy intro, but I'm horrible at starting stories.
Loki Flamewing: I'm glad you liked it, Loki. Dera, I'm note sure if this is your kind of story, but we won't know until you look. Loki and Dera, you have an ff.n account but you haven't written anything! I mean, having favorite authors and stories is all good, but still.jk. I think you have a lot of great ideas for stories and think you should write them. Between the two of you, it has to be good.
Treehugger: Tanglinna is such a complex character that if you tried to focus on just one aspect of him, it won't be him! And I'm glad you like Oropher. I remember hearing mention that Thranduil was a bit like Legolas when he was younger, and I find it hard to believe Oropher would act too different about his son's escapades than Thranduil would his son's. I think it's genetic ; ). Celair.I don't think Tanglinna could fall in love with a moron, so the way she's portrayed is natural. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the first one!
Amlugwen: I'm so glad to see you liked the story! And in Galion's defense, I feel I should say that, as Oropher's butler, who has time to cook? Treehugger has alluded to a few escapades of Thranduil's much like Legolas's. I don't see how dealing with that would leave much time for cooking, lol.
Artemisa: I'm glad you liked first chapter, and, well, this started out as an English assignment, so I really can't push much farther for now, but there will be one more chapter after this one. I don't think I'm up enough to write Thranduil in just yet. As soon as I can, though, I will. He's a favorite of mine, too.
Diola lle, everyone (thank you)
**********
Tanglinna awoke slowly, feeling a dull throbbing in his head. All around him he could hear the sound of furious arguing, and sound of weeping. What had happened? He struggled with himself for a moment, and managed to pry his eyes open. Looking around, he saw Riwmegor, Celair's father; King Oropher; and one of the healers. Hearing the Master Archer pushing himself upright, Riwmegor spun around and pushed him back down.
"Nay, Master Archer," he said. "You took a nasty blow and should not try to rise from bed for two days!" Tanglinna looked at him and looked at the king for help. Oropher smiled, amusement plain on his face.
"Thank you, Riwmegor," he said, rising to his full height. "I understand your feelings, but I must speak with Tanglinna alone." Celair's father gave the king a piercing look before walking slowly from the room. Oropher watched him go with sad eyes, then turned back to Tanglinna as the door slid shut.
"Well, old friend," he asked. "How do you feel?" Tanglinna considered for a moment, and spoke.
"I feel ready to resume by duties, my lord. May I ask how we faired against the goblins?" Oropher looked at the others for a moment.
"Our warriors triumphed with only minor wounds." Here the king paused, struggling to find the words he needed. "Unfortunately, though, that not all of our people were so fortunate. Old friend, I wish I had better new for you, but I fear the Lady Celair has not returned to the Hall. She alerted a patrol of the goblins and continued towards the Hall. When her presence was missed after the battle, scouts were sent out to see if she had become lost. They found her trail and followed it, but not long after she left the patrol, a second group of goblins appeared. Their tracks intersected hers. I fear they have taken her captive."
Tanglinna looked the king, his eyes begging him to retract his words. His mind was in a panic, for he knew what goblins did to their captives. Oropher looked down at his friend a motioned for the others to leave.
"We have scouts following their trail, old friend. We will find her." The king hesitated a moment, and then left room.
Tanglinna lay on the bed, his eyes closed. It could not end here, he swore. He would not leave his lady's fate to others. He would find her and rescue her himself. He had to.
**********
Tanglinna slipped into the shadow of another tree. He was close now, close to the band of goblins that had kidnapped his lady. He could not see Celair, but he believed she still lived. He had to, or all he had done would be for naught.
He crept closer, moving in and out of the shadows cast by the pale moonlight. He could smell their foul stench. Glancing about, he located a tree with branches that hung over the goblin's camp. He climbed into it and crept down the branch to look closer at the creatures below him. Looking carefully, he could just make out Celair's slender frame lying just outside the light of the fire. His mind burned when he saw the cuts and bruises on her fair skin, and he silently promised himself that the goblins would not live to see the sun. Swiftly counting the goblins and noting their position, he slipped back down the tree trunk and crept around the camp.
Kneeling close to the lady's inert frame, he called her name softly, watching the slumbering goblins for any sign of movement. "Celair!" he whispered again. Still she did not answer. Reaching out carefully, he brushed her arm with his fingers. Slowly, she stirred, and turned her head towards him. Her eyes widened when she saw him. She opened her mouth to speak, only to clamp it shut. Pulling out his long hunting knife, Tanglinna cut the ropes that bound her and carried her away from the fire.
"Stay here," he whispered. "I will take care of the goblins. Then we will return to the Hall together."
Celair nodded, and, with Tanglinna's help, climbed into a nearby tree. See that she was now safe, Tanglinna returned to the goblin camp to complete his task.
**********
Oropher sat on his throne, listening to a petition from one of the wood-men who wished to live his forest. He found himself struggling to pay attention, for his mind turned often to Tanglinna and Celair. He sighed silently, wishing Tanglinna had not crept out to hunt the goblins alone. With a silent shake, he focused his mind once more on the mortal who stood before him.
His head snapped up as the doors at the end of the throne room flew open and Tanglinna and Celair stumbled through. Riwmegor stared in disbelief and rising hope as he saw his daughter and future son-in-law walking wearily towards them.
Tanglinna looked at the surprised faces around him and tried to straighten his tired body. Celair swayed and clutched at him for support
"A healer," he cried, holding her upright. "Lady Celair requires a healer!"
A healer was found and the elf-woman pushed her way to dais where Celair was now seated. Tanglinna stood next to the women, fear rising in his throat. Oropher gripped his shoulder, giving his silent support. The healer straightened and smiled at the fearful Master Archer.
"Her wounds are minor, Master Tanglinna," she assured him. "All she requires is food and rest."
Tanglinna all but collapsed when he heard her words. He had been so frightened he would lose her. Tanglinna gave himself a small shake. He hadn't lost her. That was what mattered. He hesitated a moment and called servant to him. Whispering instructions, the servant left, returning a few minutes later with a small box. Taking a deep breath, he knelt down next to his lady, who was currently being plied with wine and food.
"My lady," he asked, "Will you marry me?"
Celair looked at him in surprise. Then she smiled.
"Of course, Silver," she said. "Of course."
**********
I said above there would be three chapters and there will be. I just need to finish writing it. Please stick around and review! I would love to hear your thoughts.
Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta! May your ways be green and golden!