What? You mean, I can post before two o'clock in the morning. I didn't know that.
And just to clarify, it has been brought to my attention that I have made an error. Sort of. Let me explain. I know that Arathorn was never actually the crowned king of Gondor. I realize now that the way I wrote the last chapter it sounded like I was making him so. When Torlin said that he served 'the king' it was more a term of respect than a title. Sorry for the confusion.
" Leaves of Glass "
"I could not for the life of me think of a title for this chapter." (Any suggestions?)
Elladan watched as the hawk flew away, heading northeast to Mirkwood. A slip of parchment, its urgent message hastily written, was clutched in his hand. He felt the tell-tale feeling that told him when his brother was near and sighed.
"A message from Mirkwood?" Elrohir asked as he came to a stop beside his twin. He laid a hand on the elder elf's shoulder.
Elladan nodded. "We are needed."
"What of Estel?"
Elladan said nothing for a long while. It had been far too long since they had heard from their human brother. The fear that had sprung up near two weeks ago had returned, consuming both brothers, crippling their minds with worry. They knew that one day they would loose the child they had loved from first sight, but not yet. It was too soon. They were to leave that day in search of their missing brother.
Elladan sighed, then turned towards the entrance to his bedroom. "He would have us go." He said.
"Ai." Elrohir agreed.
'Forgive us, brother.' Elladan thought as he began to prepare a trip to Mirkwood.
**
Two weeks. Two weeks since the company had left the fields beside the wood. It would be another 4 before they reached Mirkwood's palace. Only one for Legolas and the Arandant king. Strider was running out of time. But he was no closer to figuring out the solution than he had been the day they were captured.
Strider lay on the soft grass, staring at the bright sky, watching the clouds shift and change, watching the birds fly over head. Yesterday he had seen a hawk, heading towards the woods. Plodding feet passed by his head, taking unresponsive bodies to their tasks. He was tucked away in the lee of a large wagon, out of the way of any person.
Horses whinnied from all directions, men laughed and ate and told raucous stories. He thought of many things, as he lay their, unnoticed by anyone. He thought of his family. His brothers, his father. He thought of Ilithien, and his mother; and of the beautiful creature that had stolen his heart in that hidden glade. He thought of his true father. The man who had died before he could ever know him.
'He was leading the orcs that killed him away from a camp of wounded men.'
Torlin's story had run rampant through his head every night for the past 2 weeks. For 7 years, since he learned of his true heritage, he had wondered how his father, a king in his own right, had been killed. Elrond knew nothing more than that he had been slain by orcs.
And now the young Ranger, who had taken his father's place as their chief, knew the truth. 'He died because of who he was.' He had told himself a thousand times, both before and after he knew. 'But he died for them as well. For those he loved.'
'I fear even more that I will.'
The prince's words suddenly sprang to Strider's mind. He wondered why memories of his father would bring to mind the prince. Two birds flew over head, fighting just above his eyes over some small thing, and his mind ran to other things.
Hours seemed to have passed while Strider sat and thought. Torlin had not called for him, and no other was allowed to command him, so he stayed in his peaceful hovel, just thinking. The sun started to set, the sky above him darkening each moment. The clouds started to change to shades of fiery red and orange. A group of men settled on the other side of the wagon and Strider smelt the sharp stench of wet wood burning, the sap snapping as the men talked.
He ignored them for the most part, only small bits of useless information floating passed the wagon to his ears. They began to speak of the prince and his escape attempt.
When Strider had first learned what the elf had done he had been angry. 'I could have left long ago.' The Ranger thought, the bitterness rising again. 'But I stayed for him. And the others. Yet he would leave us all without a thought.' But in the midst of his self-righteous anger some small part of his mind held to the conversation of the men.
He sat up quickly as one small thing caught his attention. But such a sudden move, after so long being still, sent the blood from his head in a rush. He shook away the dizziness, straining to concentrate on the men, on one man. On his tale.
"I'm telling ya, the damned beast tried to throw himself on my blade. I nearly killed him. Would have if I hadn't turned me arm."
"You'd be dead right now, had ya killed 'im." Another said. "Woulda killed the king too."
"I know that, ya git! That's why I turned me arm! I'd like to see the damned thing dead. No better 'n animals if ya ask me."
"No one asked you." A third sneered. "Elves have their good points, 'spite their being damned abnormal. That one the king's got pretty damned fine if you ask me. And he's male. Wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of the women. Us being captains an' all, I'm hoping we get a nice little... reward. After we've taken over their territory."
Strider called on all of his training to keep himself from ripping out their throats as talk like that continued for some time, a round of agreement going up from all the men in the circle.
"I'm tellin' ya though." The first said after a while. His voice had become thick with the effects of too much ale in too short a time. "He tried to kill 'imself. Tried to throw 'imself on me blade. Turned me arm. Good that way, I am. But he tried to kill 'imself."
"Why would he do that?" Another of his companions asked. "He's immortal. Why would he want to kill himself?"
"Dunno. I just thought he was tryin' ta 'scape. Pass me tha' bottle."
'Why indeed.' Strider thought as he crept away from the wagon, back to Torlin's tent.
**
Legolas watched from his seat atop the mare as the men hacked their way through another expanse of thorned bushes. In two weeks time they should have been nearing the palace soon. But thanks to Legolas' 'directions', they were not nearly as close as the Arandant king wished to be.
One of the men let out a loud curse and Legolas smirked as he pulled one of the three inch thorns from his arm. The man cursed again as the barbed end tore a hole through his skin. Though the prince could not give bad directions, he had sported a black eye for nearly a week and the king had taken to 'commanding' his help after his first turn had taken them to the center of a sink pit, but he could still make it as difficult as possible for them.
There was another way, a much simpler way, not 2 miles to the west. It was a trail in fact, created by the deer, made use of by the elves when they traveled these parts of the dark forest. Legolas smirked again as another man cursed. But the king did not specify a 'simple' route.
Legolas' back stiffened and the fine hairs on his neck stood on end. "Laugh all you want, my prince." The king hissed in his ear. "But we will reach you home eventually. And then your family will die."
The smirk left Legolas' mouth and he stared at the forest ahead.
*
Hours passed before they had cleared a useable path through the bushes. All their fine clothes had been torn, and they all sported new, oozing wounds. Had Legolas forgotten to mention that the barbs were poisoned? Ah well, what can you do. They were finally on their way though, heading closer to the palace.
Suddenly an arrow whizzed passed the king's head, imbedding itself in the trunk of a dying tree.
"The next Man to take a step will not be missed." A severe, melodic voice commanded from the trees. Immediately the king had Legolas by his side, a handful of his robes clutched in his fist. Whispered words fell only to his ears.
"Peace, my friends." Legolas kicked his horse to the front of the line, raising one hand to take the hood from his head. Instantly the elves had bowed to one knee before the prince's horse.
"Caun Legolas, díheno men." One said hastily. "Ammen car-ú gwathel le." ("Prince Legolas, forgive us." "We did not recognize you.")
"Up, my friends, it is quite alright." The prince said, regally waving them from the ground. "I am glad to see that you are doing you duties well. What is your name?"
"Thank you, my prince. And I am called Jesteph. I am captain of the guard that patrols this area." The elf replied. "We were given word from several elves at the forests edge that Edain had entered the wood. I am surprised that they did not recognize you." (... Humans ...)
Legolas said nothing. He had thought of the sentries often, wondered if they had seen his attempt at escape. But he had been on the wrong side of the camp. Even with elven eyes they would not have know he was an elf, let alone their prince, from that distance. And as for them not recognizing him, the Arandant king had informed him that the cloak he wore would 'shield his identity for unwanted eyes'.
After a moment the young captain went on. "Why were you cutting through the forest, my prince? Why did you not take the path?" The guard, though he tried not too, kept flicking glances towards the Men.
Legolas instantly felt the cold gaze of the king at his back. He knew any form of delay was now lost. They would be at the palace within the week. "Yes, the path. Of course. I suppose I had forgotten. It has been long since I traveled this part of the woods."
"Perhaps you would like an escort, my lord? At least to the palace grounds." The captain said. Legolas thought despairingly of the trust the young elf placed in him. To make such a suggestion to the king at his back would more than likely have cost the man his life.
'Will I betray that trust?' He wondered.
"My lord?" The young captain asked.
Legolas shook his head, as if to rid it of such thoughts. "Yes, yes of course. I would appreciate that." The prince noticed the captain's glance and the Men behind him. "They are... with me." He said as explanation. "I am... bringing them to the palace."
"Of course, my lord. This way, if you will." Jesteph beckoned one of his men over, whispered directions into his ear; then he slipped his hand around the bridle of Legolas' horse and began leading the company to the west, towards the path. The king rode up beside him and whispered another command into his ear. A shiver ran up the prince's spine.
"Did you hear, my lord, of your brother?" Jesteph asked once they had reached the trail.
"No." Legolas replied, his eyes fixed steadily ahead. He could feel the king's icy glare on his back. "Tell me."
"He left, my lord." The captain explained. He set a comfortable pace, his hand idly stroking the soft fur of the mare. "No one knows why, but some say they heard Avarilas arguing with your father, then both he and your brother simply left."
The Arandant king hissed something into the prince's ear. "No one knows where he went?" Legolas asked, his voice slow, almost bored.
"No, my lord."
"But my father remains at the palace?"
"Yes, my lord. He has been greatly distressed since your disappearance. Most said you had simply gone off on another of your adventures, but he wouldn't believe so. He will be pleased you return unharmed."
"Indeed." Legolas whispered. Cruel laughter echoed through his mind as they drew closer to the palace.
**
Torlin stared at the paper in his hand, the familiar hand writing barely visible in the light of the moon. 'I have found the answer.' It said. So simple, yet it created so many questions. But Torlin supposed he had not expected anything more. He had not even been surprised when Strider left the camp, leaving nothing but the note behind.
"Good luck." He whispered, sending a prayer on the winds. "My King."
To Be Continued...
Ooh, bad cliffie. Mwahahahahaha *choke* I'll give anyone a cookie of you can figure out what Strider's going to do.
And may I just repeat that all my reviewers are amazing. You make a girl feel loved. *hugs everyone*
Until next time!
Adrienne
silvertoekee - Hey, curiosity is a good thing. I was definitely a 'why child'. Why is the sky blue? Why do dogs bark? Too bad I'm not going to give you the answers though. *grins*
Twinlakeshgrl - Not really Gondor, just Arathorn. Still, I'm glad you liked it.
seelenspiel - Ah my dear, how I wish I could. I'm glad you liked it and I hope my short chapters don't turn you off.
Bec - So do I. lol. But alas, I am incapable of doing so. At least with this particular story.
tmelange - Thank you!
tay-yy - Thanks!
cherryfaerie - May I repeat, you're very observant. Though, I won't tell you why.
azla - lol. No worries, you aren't the first, and I doubt you'll be the last. I'm sorry to say though that my next story is more of a prequel than a sequel. But a sequel is in the future if people keep reading my stories. Thank you for the review!
Estel Elven Enchantress - Yeah, stupid know-it-all kings. And no worries, more angst is in the future.
Vicki Turner - That great, huh? Well thanks.
Elenillor - Thank you very much. And oh yeah, UPDATE YOUR STORY! hehe.
Sparrow Greenleaf - Thank you very much. I pride myself on my torture. *insert evil laugh here*
Viresse0 - Ummm... okay.
MalenyeBaggins - You're welcome. I wish I could do it more often.
Elven Kitten - Well if you insist... ;)
MG87 - No, no vegetable please! I'm allergic. lol. And yes, torture, elves, angst. All very fun.
Templa Otmena - *says in voice resembling short green jedi* Die he must, yes. Oops, sorry, wrong trilogy. *grins*
Nesuli - Thank you. And I have no intention of stopping. But you can throw the popcorn anyway. *opens mouth wide* :)
Kit Cloudkicker - Thanks.
Cosmic Castaway - Yeah, I had thought about the rather handy effects it would have on our dear Brit. But alas, 'tis all in my head. And um yes... long. Sorry.
Feagil - No worries. All suggestions and/or tips are appreciated. I knew I should have double checked on those words. But, me being me, I thought I was right. Go figure. Thank you!
Gwyn - (if you haven't, go read the author's note at the beginning) Sorry for the confusion.
Chilamala - Hey, I'm always up for new reviewers. Don't care how late and/or often they post. And yeah, it's a twisted twisted fantasy that I'm sure would scare the crap out of poor Orlando, and it probably has Tolkien rolling over in his grave for what I put his beautiful character through, but still. Torture, good. :)
lolly pop3 - Well thank you. I'm glad you liked both stories so much. And yes, sick. But fun. *grins*
candidus-lupus-full Moon - I actually think The Wiggles is one of the more bearable children's shows. But after 19 hours, they look like deamons straight from hell. lol. And thank you for the review.
Deana - Yeah, I thought that was rather cruel of me. But what can you do? :)
AllThatJaZZ1 - Thank you. I've gotten that reaction to his hands rather a lot. I myself have a fetish with hands (especially his), so it was rather hard for me to do to the poor thing. But I didn't think it would get such a reaction.
Lady Aqawondel - Thank you very much.
kimmaree - Ooh. So you've had the Wiggles a lot longer than I have. Here in the States they've only been on for about two years. I feel for ya babe! And thank you for the lovely compliment.
