Disclaimer: *Grabs Haldir* Mine! Tolkien can have the rest of his book. I
wanna keep Haldir!
Author's Note: The end is coming. *sobs* All good stuff must come to an end but I don't wanna! You reviewers are so awesome! I luv you all! Anyway, if you want to read something sad, check out my other fic, Bittersweet Revenge. Ok, ok enough rambling. On with da chapter! Woot!
We Are One
The End of All Things
"As you wish, milord," answered the skillful warrior.
Ambaril's lips curved into a smile. He was finally going to be rid of that troublesome Haldir. After that, Hithiel will be all his. She'll probably be mad if she finds out but it will be worth it. 'That is..... IF she finds out,' he thought with a grin.
"Do not fail me, Sayda," he said to her before he left the guard. He swung up onto his white mount and galloped off out of the Golden Woods.
Sayda stood there for a few minutes, her fingers exploring the length of the jewel encrusted dagger that he had left her with. A shining green emerald was inlaid at the hilt of the dagger, making the entire blade shine with an eerie green light. Ancient ruins covered ever inch of the blade. She looked up quickly and hid the weapon when she saw the four golden Elves approach.
"Milady," she said with as much dignity as she could muster. "Forgive me for my past behavior." She winced as she remembered how Hithiel had humiliated her in front of the court. "I wish to repay you by helping you find this Haldir of yours. You need as many warriors as possible for the Dark Lands are heavily guarded these times."
Sayda looked up at her Queen. Hithiel had furrowed her brows and looked at her with interest and suspicion. "It's true," butted Legolas beside her. "We need as many Elves as possible. We know not the ways of the enemy nor where Haldir is being kept. Sayda is a skilled warrior and she has always been loyal."
"Ok," Hithiel agreed finally. She still didn't fully trust the new change in Sayda but what they said made sense. She would need fighters.
Inside, Sayda smirked at how they were falling for her submissive act. Her hand went into the folds of her tunic and brushed against the cold steel, reminding herself what she needed to do.
"Are you strong enough to travel?" asked Hithiel to Legolas.
Legolas nodded and threw a smile at Rumil. Sayda watched this exchange with an interested expression but was silenced when Hithiel glared coldly at her.
'You don't deserve to be Queen, you little wrench,' she thought bitterly. This was going to be a loooong trip.
"Good we shall ride for Imladris." Sayda's attention focused once more on the Silvan Elf. "I think I can convince the twins to come. They never miss out a chance to fight."
Hithiel led her black mount up. Sayda and Legolas did the same. "Come, Orophin. Ride with me," she called out.
After he mounted, she glanced at the others. Rumil sat in back of Legolas and Sayda fell in the back. She still didn't fully trust this guard and why she was being so nice. She let the feelings go when she refocused on the only thing that mattered: Haldir.
~*~*~With Haldir~*~*~
Haldir let out a sigh of relief as the pressure around his shoulders were lifted. The chains around his wrists were silently removed by the mindless Black Elves. For a brief moment, Haldir considered killing them and making a break for it but it was soon forgotten. His body was so weak that he could barely lift a sword, let alone handle one. His golden mane fell in tangles around his handsome features that were now darkened with filth. Blood marked his back from the whippings and from Sauron's fingernails when he cried out with pleasure.
His fair features were twisted with pain. His pupils dilated in fear each time one approached him. The only thing about him that was still recognizable was the tiny leaf amulet. The silver veins etched on the leaf glowed softly in the gloom.
At that moment, the doors flew open to reveal Sauron. The grim keeper of the Black Lands strolled almost casually but he froze about three feet away from him. "What is THAT?!" he thundered. His dark melodic voice reverberated within the enclosed chamber. His dark grimy finger pointed to the glowing amulet that he never saw before.
Haldir shrank back a little before the menacing figure but it was no use. The dark hands reached out to try to grab the necklace but Haldir jerked away. The fingertips only brushed over it but as Haldir hadn't expected, the hand withdrew as if stung.
This only angered the Dark Lord more. With a growl, he slapped the Guardian so hard that he stumbled. The Guardian crashed down onto the cold dungeon floor. The chill seeped through his bare skin and sent a shudder down his spine. The dark figure advanced on the fallen warrior and in one swift motion, snapped the amulet off of his neck.
Haldir's hand reached up to his neck but his fingers grasped nothing. Only air. He glared at Sauron and with sudden fury, he leapt up from the floor, surprising both himself and his enemy. He threw himself upon the dark Elf and his fingers reached towards the amulet in his filthy hands. The adrenaline flowed through him as he fought to reclaim the last shred of humanity that he had.
All of the pent up anger and disgust erupted from him. All the pain that Sauron had inflicted upon him was about to be returned with a greater intensity. Almost. All the rage evaporated from him in an instant when he felt a strong grip around his throat. He froze in a mid-punch as the air was cut off from him. His pale hands went up to his throat to try to loosen the grip. His vision became blurry when no air came to his collapsed lungs. His hands still clawed at the grip around his throat but weakly. 'So this is what it is like to die,' he thought despairingly.
Haldir struggled to summon one last image to his head of Hithiel but his dying mind did not obey. The stormy eyes darkened and the hands slackened. The muscled body fell limp like a marionette.
There is a split second between unconsciousness and dying. Right then, Sauron released his hold on the pale column and threw the crumpled form aside like one would do to a used toy. He tossed the necklace aside far away from him. It burned his skin and now he knew why he couldn't break into the Elf's mind. The purifying magic in the amulet held him at bay. Well, now it's gone. He walked slowly out of the door as silently as he came.
"Your friends are coming, Elf," he muttered to himself, gazing at the palantir. The dark globe swirled with a heart of fire showing the five riders. "They shall not come out alive."
~*~*~In Imladris~*~*~
"So will you please help me?" begged Hithiel to the regal twins Elladen and Elrohir.
The twins grinned identical grins. "Maybe," replied Elrohir, "But who is this Haldir anyways?"
Hithiel cast her eyes aside. "He is very special to me," she said choosing her words carefully. "We are bonded. If he dies, so do I."
Two pairs of gray eyes grew wide at this new piece of information. Even Sayda behind her looked a bit interested. 'So if I rid, Haldir, she would also be gone. This is too good.' Sayda tried to keep an expressionless face but the slightest smile decorated her pale features. Orophin noticed but kept silent.
"Fine, we'll go, Sis, but you owe us big time," said Elladen.
Hithiel sighed. They never changed. They never took anything seriously at all. Now she knew hold Lord Elrond felt. Well, at least they were going. Two more warriors. Seven Elves against all the armies of Mordor. It was folly but she knew she had no choice as another wave of pain shot through her. She felt her throat tighten. 'Hold on, Haldir. Just a bit longer.'
~*~*~With Ambaril~*~*~
The steady pounding of hooves filled his ears but something else troubled him. He had a nagging feeling inside that he was forgetting something important but he couldn't remember what. He racked his memory for it but nothing came to him. The feeling intensified as he got closer to the borders of Mirkwood. He pulled up his horse and dismounted, trying to find some comfort within the dark gnarled trees of Mirkwood.
He walked a short distance from his stallion and the ruins of the battle that took place came into view. Spears, swords, and axes littered the ground along with many corpse. One warrior of Mirkwood fell and his body laid amongst the many foes. Pity crept into Ambaril's frozen heart when he realized that the warrior would receive no proper burial for his duties. The dead Elf's long golden hair blew in the wind, like a flag of victory among the black.
That little motion caused Ambaril to remember what he had forgotten. The events played in his head like a video.
~*~*~Flashback~*~*~
"What is it?" he asked, looking over her shoulder.
She turned around to face him with a sorrowful look in her eyes. "It's Haldir's."
To her great disgust, Ambaril broke into a grin. "So where's the body?"
Hithiel gasped and nearly beheaded the arrogant king as she swung the blade at him in her anger. Unused to the weight of the sword, she missed him by millimeters. Ambaril ducked and stepped back. He pulled out his own sword just in time to block a heavy blow to his head. "If he dies, so do I," she snarled.
~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~
Ambaril gasped. 'If he dies, so do I..... if he dies, so do I.....' Ambaril buried his head in his hands. He had ordered Sayda to kill Haldir but they were bonded together so if one died, the other will immediately follow. How could he be so stupid to forget that?! He loved Hithiel. He always had, only he was blind to all the pain he caused. There was no way they could take her away from him, especially now that he would be the one to take the life of the one he loved. That stupid order he gave to get rid of Haldir would also cost him her life.
He muttered every single curse word he knew in the Elvish and Westernese tongue at himself. Desperately, he raked a hand through his golden hair and then raced back to his white mount who was pawing the ground impatiently. He knew he had to catch up to them and cancel the order. Sayda was loyal and would follow through with the plan with no second thoughts. She was always the submissive type. "Nai i Valor onle ramar!" he shouted to his horse as they started a new course. [May the Valor give thee wings!]
His horse flew lightly over the smooth pathway, its light hooves dancing in the moonlight. Its white coat shone like a diamond in the darkness and the mane whipped back and forth from the wind of its own speed. Ambaril urged the horse faster and faster, desperate to set things right between himself and Hithiel. His clear blue eyes looked out ahead, hoping for a miracle to catch a glimpse of the five who set off from Lothlorien.
~*~*~With Hithiel~*~*~
"Come on, Gwathir," she muttered to her mare. Her patience was starting to wear thin, especially since she knew Haldir was somewhere close by. The pain in her throat was ebbing away but she didn't know Haldir's condition.
The five horses galloped side-by-side, their energy nowhere near low. They were the Mearas, able go up to 500 miles a day. The horses and riders had just passed into the Dark Lands. The black mountain loomed overhead, blocking all light and casting everything into shadow.
One look at the gloomy settings was enough to make even the bravest man cower. The hope in Hithiel wavered for a second but she urged Gwathir on. The black mare blended into the dark surroundings perfectly while the other Mearas shone through the darkness like moonlight. Hithiel felt Orophin clutch on to her tighter as they neared Black Gates.
The horses stopped suddenly before them as if they were frozen in time. Hithiel dismounted and ran up to the gates. The marble stone shone in the dim light of Mordor and coldness seized her hand as they made contact. "How do we get through?" she asked not bothering to turn around.
No one answered. She sighed and looked at the cliffs surrounding it. It was steep and rocky but no impossible to climb, but she quickly discarded that idea. They had no rope or anything to secure them to the cliff. One slip and they will fall to their deaths upon the jagged rocks below. She almost yelled in frustration but a rumble started in the ground. The horses screamed in fear and reared up, almost bucking their riders from their backs.
A deep roar pierced the still air about them and the Gates slid open with a loud creak. The riders watched transfixed on the opening Gates. Nothing came out. Nothing. "I don't like this," muttered Sayda nervously, her eyes darting like a trapped rat. "He knows we're here. He sees us. Once we go in, we won't be coming out."
Hithiel also eyes the Gate wearily. "I don't care. You can stay here if you wish but I'll rather die trying then leaving him in there to suffer. I won't blame you if you leave now," she added softly.
Sayda cursed softly behind her. "Love makes you blind. You throw your life recklessly away."
The Silvan Elf turned around slowly and regarded the Mirkwood guard. "All I know is, he'll do the same for me."
Sayda could think of nothing else to say so she just glared at the back of the Queen. She was just plain stupid or very brave, she could make up her mind which would fit the Queen. She sighed. She had orders from the King and she had to fulfill them or live in shame. Sayda threw her head back and lead her horse through the small opening in the Gate. "Are you coming or not?" she asked behind her.
The other riders stared at this new change in Sayda. Hithiel jumped onto Gwathir again and followed the white. The twins and Legolas followed slowly and reluctantly. Behind them, the Gate doors slammed shut with a noise close to thunder. Sayda froze and glanced behind her nervously. "I told you," she hissed at Hithiel. "He knows we're here. He opened the door for us."
Hithiel nodded and without warning, kicked her mare into a fast gallop towards Barad-dur. She heard Orophin gasp behind her and his arms slid around her waist. Her eyes dilated in fear as she neared the tower. The black marble was filled with magic of the Black Lands. Ruins were carved on it and pictured depicting dead Elves and Men were all over the place. Her horse suddenly stopped and would go no further. Hithiel urged it to go but it refused to budge. Its shrill whinny resonated in the dry desert air.
"Let her go," said Orophin gently from behind her. "It will go no further no matter what."
Sighing in defeat, Hithiel dismounted again and walked into the tower with her back erect. Orophin stared, unable to comprehend what happened. 'Does she have no fear?'
Behind him, Sayda, Legolas, Rumil, and the twins also gaped at Hithiel's back. Drawing his sword, the second eldest brother followed the She-Elf. The others followed, though Sayda hung back, her throwing knife in hand. 'I will not be beaten by that Silvan wrench!' and followed reluctantly.
~*~*~With Ambaril~*~*~
Wind whistled past him, his hair flying out wildly behind him as the poor horse bore him towards the Dark Lands. His keen Elven eyes saw the fresh tracks of five horses in the mud. 'Five?' There were only three when he left but he quickly realized that Hithiel must've convinced the Peredhil, Elladen and Elrohir, sons of Elrond.
They had stopped at Imladris, giving Ambaril time to close the gap in between them. He rode his stallion mercilessly, pushing it faster and faster until they were but a blur of white and gold. He must reach them and stop Sayda. If Hithiel died, it would be all his fault. He just couldn't let that happen.
Finally, Ambaril could just make out the outline of the Black Gates of Mordor in front of him. He pushed the stallion on with renewed vigor. "Quesse tal!" he cried, his voice lost in the wind. [Fly!]
They reached the Black Gates in record time but the Gates were closed. Ambaril practically pounded on the Gates to let him in. He reared up his stallion and the powerful hooves flailed at the marble stone.
Suddenly, a foul voice was in the air, smothering the King but just as sudden as it came, it was gone. Ambaril blinked a few times and looked around. The Gate was open. Without thinking, he urged the stallion forward towards the tower that loomed overhead.
~*~*~With Hithiel~*~*~
As soon as she set foot in the tower, she knew something was wrong. Death hung in the air, its scent lingering in the cold stone chamber. Hithiel didn't pay attention to it but all the torches were lit and formed a path as if he knew they were coming and was preparing for them. The seven Elves huddled together, eyeing the path wearily.
Sayda's hand slid into the folds of her tunic once more to touch the dagger that laid hidden within its folds. The time will come. She will finish her task and leave this hated place. "Let's go," she said stepping forward.
"It's a trap," called out Legolas's enchanting voice. "He wants you to go there."
"I know, that's why we have these," said Sayda flashing her long sword.
"She's right. Move out," ordered Hithiel. She also drew out her twin blades and saw Legolas grip his bow tightly, his fingers quivering with anticipation.
The two female Elves led the group deep into the cave. Orophin and Rumil, not use to being in enclosed spaces walked slowly. Their eyes flashing in the gloom and hands at their swords. Soon they approached a wooden door where the line of torches ended. Hithiel pressed her ear against the door, straining to hear any sounds at all. Behind it, she could hear a rasping breath, very faint but still there.
She gripped her long knives tightly until her knuckles turned white. She glanced at Sayda who was just as frightened as she was. As if they were thinking the same thing, they both rammed their shoulders into door. The door gave way easily and they stumbled into the room. Cold seized Hithiel's bones and she struggled to see. For a second she panicked because she was blind. Then slowly, her eyes adjusted. "Hithiel?" a rasping voice said.
Hithiel whirled around trying to find the source of the voice. Her eyes landed on a nude figure on the floor of the dungeon. Thin wispy strands of golden hair framed his features. His eyes were dull but still held life. The frame was thin and the pale skin was marred with angry red marks. "Haldir!" she cried brokenly and ran to him. "What happened to you?" Tears streamed down her face as she looked upon the Guardian's poor condition.
Haldir opened his mouth to answer but he coughed up blood. Hithiel's eyes widened in alarm and she quickly took off her cloak and draped it around him. His skin was icy cold like the dungeon itself. "Don't talk. Let's get you out of here."
Orophin and Rumil gasped as they saw their beloved brother. They hardly recognized him. The ran to help him stand, paying no attention to Sayda who stood in the shadows.
As soon as Haldir stood up with support from the three, Sayda emerged with a vicious grin, a dagger held in her right hand. "Die now, pathetic warrior." And the dagger left her hand, flying towards Haldir.
Oh, man. That was hard. Eight pages, think that's my longest. Sorry this took long but for those who take piano, you know all about the stupid CM. And if you want to know, that's REALLY what happens when someone chokes you. I know because it happened to me once. Not good. Lost my voice for a week. Ok now, see yall in da next chapter!
Author's Note: The end is coming. *sobs* All good stuff must come to an end but I don't wanna! You reviewers are so awesome! I luv you all! Anyway, if you want to read something sad, check out my other fic, Bittersweet Revenge. Ok, ok enough rambling. On with da chapter! Woot!
We Are One
The End of All Things
"As you wish, milord," answered the skillful warrior.
Ambaril's lips curved into a smile. He was finally going to be rid of that troublesome Haldir. After that, Hithiel will be all his. She'll probably be mad if she finds out but it will be worth it. 'That is..... IF she finds out,' he thought with a grin.
"Do not fail me, Sayda," he said to her before he left the guard. He swung up onto his white mount and galloped off out of the Golden Woods.
Sayda stood there for a few minutes, her fingers exploring the length of the jewel encrusted dagger that he had left her with. A shining green emerald was inlaid at the hilt of the dagger, making the entire blade shine with an eerie green light. Ancient ruins covered ever inch of the blade. She looked up quickly and hid the weapon when she saw the four golden Elves approach.
"Milady," she said with as much dignity as she could muster. "Forgive me for my past behavior." She winced as she remembered how Hithiel had humiliated her in front of the court. "I wish to repay you by helping you find this Haldir of yours. You need as many warriors as possible for the Dark Lands are heavily guarded these times."
Sayda looked up at her Queen. Hithiel had furrowed her brows and looked at her with interest and suspicion. "It's true," butted Legolas beside her. "We need as many Elves as possible. We know not the ways of the enemy nor where Haldir is being kept. Sayda is a skilled warrior and she has always been loyal."
"Ok," Hithiel agreed finally. She still didn't fully trust the new change in Sayda but what they said made sense. She would need fighters.
Inside, Sayda smirked at how they were falling for her submissive act. Her hand went into the folds of her tunic and brushed against the cold steel, reminding herself what she needed to do.
"Are you strong enough to travel?" asked Hithiel to Legolas.
Legolas nodded and threw a smile at Rumil. Sayda watched this exchange with an interested expression but was silenced when Hithiel glared coldly at her.
'You don't deserve to be Queen, you little wrench,' she thought bitterly. This was going to be a loooong trip.
"Good we shall ride for Imladris." Sayda's attention focused once more on the Silvan Elf. "I think I can convince the twins to come. They never miss out a chance to fight."
Hithiel led her black mount up. Sayda and Legolas did the same. "Come, Orophin. Ride with me," she called out.
After he mounted, she glanced at the others. Rumil sat in back of Legolas and Sayda fell in the back. She still didn't fully trust this guard and why she was being so nice. She let the feelings go when she refocused on the only thing that mattered: Haldir.
~*~*~With Haldir~*~*~
Haldir let out a sigh of relief as the pressure around his shoulders were lifted. The chains around his wrists were silently removed by the mindless Black Elves. For a brief moment, Haldir considered killing them and making a break for it but it was soon forgotten. His body was so weak that he could barely lift a sword, let alone handle one. His golden mane fell in tangles around his handsome features that were now darkened with filth. Blood marked his back from the whippings and from Sauron's fingernails when he cried out with pleasure.
His fair features were twisted with pain. His pupils dilated in fear each time one approached him. The only thing about him that was still recognizable was the tiny leaf amulet. The silver veins etched on the leaf glowed softly in the gloom.
At that moment, the doors flew open to reveal Sauron. The grim keeper of the Black Lands strolled almost casually but he froze about three feet away from him. "What is THAT?!" he thundered. His dark melodic voice reverberated within the enclosed chamber. His dark grimy finger pointed to the glowing amulet that he never saw before.
Haldir shrank back a little before the menacing figure but it was no use. The dark hands reached out to try to grab the necklace but Haldir jerked away. The fingertips only brushed over it but as Haldir hadn't expected, the hand withdrew as if stung.
This only angered the Dark Lord more. With a growl, he slapped the Guardian so hard that he stumbled. The Guardian crashed down onto the cold dungeon floor. The chill seeped through his bare skin and sent a shudder down his spine. The dark figure advanced on the fallen warrior and in one swift motion, snapped the amulet off of his neck.
Haldir's hand reached up to his neck but his fingers grasped nothing. Only air. He glared at Sauron and with sudden fury, he leapt up from the floor, surprising both himself and his enemy. He threw himself upon the dark Elf and his fingers reached towards the amulet in his filthy hands. The adrenaline flowed through him as he fought to reclaim the last shred of humanity that he had.
All of the pent up anger and disgust erupted from him. All the pain that Sauron had inflicted upon him was about to be returned with a greater intensity. Almost. All the rage evaporated from him in an instant when he felt a strong grip around his throat. He froze in a mid-punch as the air was cut off from him. His pale hands went up to his throat to try to loosen the grip. His vision became blurry when no air came to his collapsed lungs. His hands still clawed at the grip around his throat but weakly. 'So this is what it is like to die,' he thought despairingly.
Haldir struggled to summon one last image to his head of Hithiel but his dying mind did not obey. The stormy eyes darkened and the hands slackened. The muscled body fell limp like a marionette.
There is a split second between unconsciousness and dying. Right then, Sauron released his hold on the pale column and threw the crumpled form aside like one would do to a used toy. He tossed the necklace aside far away from him. It burned his skin and now he knew why he couldn't break into the Elf's mind. The purifying magic in the amulet held him at bay. Well, now it's gone. He walked slowly out of the door as silently as he came.
"Your friends are coming, Elf," he muttered to himself, gazing at the palantir. The dark globe swirled with a heart of fire showing the five riders. "They shall not come out alive."
~*~*~In Imladris~*~*~
"So will you please help me?" begged Hithiel to the regal twins Elladen and Elrohir.
The twins grinned identical grins. "Maybe," replied Elrohir, "But who is this Haldir anyways?"
Hithiel cast her eyes aside. "He is very special to me," she said choosing her words carefully. "We are bonded. If he dies, so do I."
Two pairs of gray eyes grew wide at this new piece of information. Even Sayda behind her looked a bit interested. 'So if I rid, Haldir, she would also be gone. This is too good.' Sayda tried to keep an expressionless face but the slightest smile decorated her pale features. Orophin noticed but kept silent.
"Fine, we'll go, Sis, but you owe us big time," said Elladen.
Hithiel sighed. They never changed. They never took anything seriously at all. Now she knew hold Lord Elrond felt. Well, at least they were going. Two more warriors. Seven Elves against all the armies of Mordor. It was folly but she knew she had no choice as another wave of pain shot through her. She felt her throat tighten. 'Hold on, Haldir. Just a bit longer.'
~*~*~With Ambaril~*~*~
The steady pounding of hooves filled his ears but something else troubled him. He had a nagging feeling inside that he was forgetting something important but he couldn't remember what. He racked his memory for it but nothing came to him. The feeling intensified as he got closer to the borders of Mirkwood. He pulled up his horse and dismounted, trying to find some comfort within the dark gnarled trees of Mirkwood.
He walked a short distance from his stallion and the ruins of the battle that took place came into view. Spears, swords, and axes littered the ground along with many corpse. One warrior of Mirkwood fell and his body laid amongst the many foes. Pity crept into Ambaril's frozen heart when he realized that the warrior would receive no proper burial for his duties. The dead Elf's long golden hair blew in the wind, like a flag of victory among the black.
That little motion caused Ambaril to remember what he had forgotten. The events played in his head like a video.
~*~*~Flashback~*~*~
"What is it?" he asked, looking over her shoulder.
She turned around to face him with a sorrowful look in her eyes. "It's Haldir's."
To her great disgust, Ambaril broke into a grin. "So where's the body?"
Hithiel gasped and nearly beheaded the arrogant king as she swung the blade at him in her anger. Unused to the weight of the sword, she missed him by millimeters. Ambaril ducked and stepped back. He pulled out his own sword just in time to block a heavy blow to his head. "If he dies, so do I," she snarled.
~*~*~End Flashback~*~*~
Ambaril gasped. 'If he dies, so do I..... if he dies, so do I.....' Ambaril buried his head in his hands. He had ordered Sayda to kill Haldir but they were bonded together so if one died, the other will immediately follow. How could he be so stupid to forget that?! He loved Hithiel. He always had, only he was blind to all the pain he caused. There was no way they could take her away from him, especially now that he would be the one to take the life of the one he loved. That stupid order he gave to get rid of Haldir would also cost him her life.
He muttered every single curse word he knew in the Elvish and Westernese tongue at himself. Desperately, he raked a hand through his golden hair and then raced back to his white mount who was pawing the ground impatiently. He knew he had to catch up to them and cancel the order. Sayda was loyal and would follow through with the plan with no second thoughts. She was always the submissive type. "Nai i Valor onle ramar!" he shouted to his horse as they started a new course. [May the Valor give thee wings!]
His horse flew lightly over the smooth pathway, its light hooves dancing in the moonlight. Its white coat shone like a diamond in the darkness and the mane whipped back and forth from the wind of its own speed. Ambaril urged the horse faster and faster, desperate to set things right between himself and Hithiel. His clear blue eyes looked out ahead, hoping for a miracle to catch a glimpse of the five who set off from Lothlorien.
~*~*~With Hithiel~*~*~
"Come on, Gwathir," she muttered to her mare. Her patience was starting to wear thin, especially since she knew Haldir was somewhere close by. The pain in her throat was ebbing away but she didn't know Haldir's condition.
The five horses galloped side-by-side, their energy nowhere near low. They were the Mearas, able go up to 500 miles a day. The horses and riders had just passed into the Dark Lands. The black mountain loomed overhead, blocking all light and casting everything into shadow.
One look at the gloomy settings was enough to make even the bravest man cower. The hope in Hithiel wavered for a second but she urged Gwathir on. The black mare blended into the dark surroundings perfectly while the other Mearas shone through the darkness like moonlight. Hithiel felt Orophin clutch on to her tighter as they neared Black Gates.
The horses stopped suddenly before them as if they were frozen in time. Hithiel dismounted and ran up to the gates. The marble stone shone in the dim light of Mordor and coldness seized her hand as they made contact. "How do we get through?" she asked not bothering to turn around.
No one answered. She sighed and looked at the cliffs surrounding it. It was steep and rocky but no impossible to climb, but she quickly discarded that idea. They had no rope or anything to secure them to the cliff. One slip and they will fall to their deaths upon the jagged rocks below. She almost yelled in frustration but a rumble started in the ground. The horses screamed in fear and reared up, almost bucking their riders from their backs.
A deep roar pierced the still air about them and the Gates slid open with a loud creak. The riders watched transfixed on the opening Gates. Nothing came out. Nothing. "I don't like this," muttered Sayda nervously, her eyes darting like a trapped rat. "He knows we're here. He sees us. Once we go in, we won't be coming out."
Hithiel also eyes the Gate wearily. "I don't care. You can stay here if you wish but I'll rather die trying then leaving him in there to suffer. I won't blame you if you leave now," she added softly.
Sayda cursed softly behind her. "Love makes you blind. You throw your life recklessly away."
The Silvan Elf turned around slowly and regarded the Mirkwood guard. "All I know is, he'll do the same for me."
Sayda could think of nothing else to say so she just glared at the back of the Queen. She was just plain stupid or very brave, she could make up her mind which would fit the Queen. She sighed. She had orders from the King and she had to fulfill them or live in shame. Sayda threw her head back and lead her horse through the small opening in the Gate. "Are you coming or not?" she asked behind her.
The other riders stared at this new change in Sayda. Hithiel jumped onto Gwathir again and followed the white. The twins and Legolas followed slowly and reluctantly. Behind them, the Gate doors slammed shut with a noise close to thunder. Sayda froze and glanced behind her nervously. "I told you," she hissed at Hithiel. "He knows we're here. He opened the door for us."
Hithiel nodded and without warning, kicked her mare into a fast gallop towards Barad-dur. She heard Orophin gasp behind her and his arms slid around her waist. Her eyes dilated in fear as she neared the tower. The black marble was filled with magic of the Black Lands. Ruins were carved on it and pictured depicting dead Elves and Men were all over the place. Her horse suddenly stopped and would go no further. Hithiel urged it to go but it refused to budge. Its shrill whinny resonated in the dry desert air.
"Let her go," said Orophin gently from behind her. "It will go no further no matter what."
Sighing in defeat, Hithiel dismounted again and walked into the tower with her back erect. Orophin stared, unable to comprehend what happened. 'Does she have no fear?'
Behind him, Sayda, Legolas, Rumil, and the twins also gaped at Hithiel's back. Drawing his sword, the second eldest brother followed the She-Elf. The others followed, though Sayda hung back, her throwing knife in hand. 'I will not be beaten by that Silvan wrench!' and followed reluctantly.
~*~*~With Ambaril~*~*~
Wind whistled past him, his hair flying out wildly behind him as the poor horse bore him towards the Dark Lands. His keen Elven eyes saw the fresh tracks of five horses in the mud. 'Five?' There were only three when he left but he quickly realized that Hithiel must've convinced the Peredhil, Elladen and Elrohir, sons of Elrond.
They had stopped at Imladris, giving Ambaril time to close the gap in between them. He rode his stallion mercilessly, pushing it faster and faster until they were but a blur of white and gold. He must reach them and stop Sayda. If Hithiel died, it would be all his fault. He just couldn't let that happen.
Finally, Ambaril could just make out the outline of the Black Gates of Mordor in front of him. He pushed the stallion on with renewed vigor. "Quesse tal!" he cried, his voice lost in the wind. [Fly!]
They reached the Black Gates in record time but the Gates were closed. Ambaril practically pounded on the Gates to let him in. He reared up his stallion and the powerful hooves flailed at the marble stone.
Suddenly, a foul voice was in the air, smothering the King but just as sudden as it came, it was gone. Ambaril blinked a few times and looked around. The Gate was open. Without thinking, he urged the stallion forward towards the tower that loomed overhead.
~*~*~With Hithiel~*~*~
As soon as she set foot in the tower, she knew something was wrong. Death hung in the air, its scent lingering in the cold stone chamber. Hithiel didn't pay attention to it but all the torches were lit and formed a path as if he knew they were coming and was preparing for them. The seven Elves huddled together, eyeing the path wearily.
Sayda's hand slid into the folds of her tunic once more to touch the dagger that laid hidden within its folds. The time will come. She will finish her task and leave this hated place. "Let's go," she said stepping forward.
"It's a trap," called out Legolas's enchanting voice. "He wants you to go there."
"I know, that's why we have these," said Sayda flashing her long sword.
"She's right. Move out," ordered Hithiel. She also drew out her twin blades and saw Legolas grip his bow tightly, his fingers quivering with anticipation.
The two female Elves led the group deep into the cave. Orophin and Rumil, not use to being in enclosed spaces walked slowly. Their eyes flashing in the gloom and hands at their swords. Soon they approached a wooden door where the line of torches ended. Hithiel pressed her ear against the door, straining to hear any sounds at all. Behind it, she could hear a rasping breath, very faint but still there.
She gripped her long knives tightly until her knuckles turned white. She glanced at Sayda who was just as frightened as she was. As if they were thinking the same thing, they both rammed their shoulders into door. The door gave way easily and they stumbled into the room. Cold seized Hithiel's bones and she struggled to see. For a second she panicked because she was blind. Then slowly, her eyes adjusted. "Hithiel?" a rasping voice said.
Hithiel whirled around trying to find the source of the voice. Her eyes landed on a nude figure on the floor of the dungeon. Thin wispy strands of golden hair framed his features. His eyes were dull but still held life. The frame was thin and the pale skin was marred with angry red marks. "Haldir!" she cried brokenly and ran to him. "What happened to you?" Tears streamed down her face as she looked upon the Guardian's poor condition.
Haldir opened his mouth to answer but he coughed up blood. Hithiel's eyes widened in alarm and she quickly took off her cloak and draped it around him. His skin was icy cold like the dungeon itself. "Don't talk. Let's get you out of here."
Orophin and Rumil gasped as they saw their beloved brother. They hardly recognized him. The ran to help him stand, paying no attention to Sayda who stood in the shadows.
As soon as Haldir stood up with support from the three, Sayda emerged with a vicious grin, a dagger held in her right hand. "Die now, pathetic warrior." And the dagger left her hand, flying towards Haldir.
Oh, man. That was hard. Eight pages, think that's my longest. Sorry this took long but for those who take piano, you know all about the stupid CM. And if you want to know, that's REALLY what happens when someone chokes you. I know because it happened to me once. Not good. Lost my voice for a week. Ok now, see yall in da next chapter!