Hi readers!
Here is the next chapter - the end is drawing near!!
More trouble on the way, of course - enjoy!!
Review responses:
Ertia: Yes, I did get them out - in a way...well, not really. Good to know about your health ;-)
Tychen: Yes, how much can Legolas take?! He´s about to find out...
Alexa: Poor everybody, really. I can be so mean! And you are right about the floor - they cannot run, though! Glad you like the story!
Vicky Turner: Thanks - and here´s the next one for you!
NightShadow131: Me, kill Aragorn?!? Hehe, good I had you nervous - and thanks for the praise!
Red Tigress: Yes, Legolas must be after some record - and he´s not happy about it, believe me! You are right, they are in trouble!
Thank you all for your feedback - I just love to read your commets. Please keep them coming!!
Now for the next chapter - enjoy!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: If wishes were horses - but not mine!
Water and flame
Aragorn froze, his mind racing. He forced himself to ignore the warmth he could feel radiating from the wall behind him; the vibrations of the floor as something strong pushed at it from beneath; even the laboured breathing of Legolas who had not yet regained consciousness. All that mattered was the frightened child in front of him and the knife it held pressed against his throat.
"Listen to me Telias", he said quietly, ignoring the increasing pain as the knife dug deeper into his flesh when he spoke, "I am myself again. The evil spirit is gone. Would he have rescued Legolas from the fire?" He tried to keep all urgency out of his voice to soothe the child but was not sure he was succeeding. The wood boards groaned and slightly arched up under his knees.
The boy was not that easily persuaded. The trust that had shone from his eyes so brightly when they had first talked in the sun had all but vanished, leaving fear and insecurity in its wake. And determination. Telias gripped the blade more tightly and swallowed nervously, glancing to the unsteady ground beneath his feet for an instance before returning his whole attention to the man.
"Of course you would bring him out with you!" the child growled, "he is hurt and cannot fight you anymore. You want to show me that you are a friend, but you are not! You are evil! And I will defend the both of us." Fear crossed his eyes at his last words, signalling that he envisioned what actions this oath would require from him, but he remained where he was, defiantly holding up a chubby chin.
The sight wretched the ranger´s heart. No child should be forced to make the decision Telias had obviously arrived at. He realized that trying to talk the boy out of his resolution would only pressure him into committing a deed that would haunt him for the rest of his life. With an effort to display a calm he did not feel, Aragorn forced his body to relax. He sat back and slowly raised his hands in a gesture of peace - and surrender. His eyes sought out the child´s face, and once their gazes locked, he spoke again.
"I trust your heart to make the right decision, Telias. You were raised well and once you allow yourself to truly look at me, you will see who I am." With that he lowered his eyes, taking all pressure from the child, and waited. The silence stretched between them and Aragorn could not help but register that the floor vibrated from constant assaults now. The fire behind him spread its heat into the heaving wooden boards and began to warm his knees where he knelt, contrasting the cool steel pressed against his throat.
And then the pressure fell away. A ragged sob broke from Telias and Aragorn looked up, meeting eyes that were a child´s once more, filled with tears. Wordlessly, he gathered the boy into his arms, feeling him stiffen first, but finally relax. He started to cry. Relief washed over the ranger as he stroked Telias´ back soothingly. "I knew you would not let him use you", he whispered into the small ear, "you did so well, I´m sure your father is terribly proud of you." The boy did not reply but tightened his grip around Aragorn´s neck.
The man would have preferred to allow the little one some time to recover, but the more physical dangers around them were now demanding him to act swiftly. Without putting the child down Aragorn made his way over to the elf, gently turning him over to his back. He had to stifle a surprised yelp when he was met with eyes that were open and just returning to awareness. Legolas groaned silently when he focused on his friend.
"Estel, ech delw anim" //Estel, you [will be] the death of me// he croaked, an accusing stare fixed on his friend, "le garo caelb anim. Haew foeg." //You cause me to be bedridden. A bad habit.// As if to counteract his own words, he began to push himself up to a sitting position and managed to do so without swaying too badly.
Aragorn sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Valar at the sight. "Aw, le bronadui, eledh tarlanc." //Oh, you are durable, stubborn elf.// He was rewarded by the reply he had had hoped for. "What do you take me for, ranger, a sturdy donkey? Even I have my limits!" Legolas´ voice was strong, and Aragorn noted with a healer´s expertise that the new injuries his friend had received had stopped bleeding. His breathing sounded much better already, too. Even though it would have taken a human days to recover from the wounds and smoke inhalation, the elf´s superior healing abilities had already begun to work their magic. From the look of it, all that would seriously hamper Legolas was his leg.
Which was, considering the situation, bad enough. Another harsh blow from beneath rocked the mill - and this time it was followed by a splintering crash. Telias, who had quieted down in Aragorn´s arm, gave a cry of fear and both the ranger and the elf were on their feet in an instance, the man supporting his friend without even recognising he did so. The floor ripped open only a few paces away from them, black water reaching up a greedy arm before disappearing again.
Sudden tension bolted through the elf´s body when his senses finally caught up with their predicament. "Out", Aragorn breathed, "no matter what awaits us there, we cannot brave water and fire in here. The light will keep the dark creatures at bay..." With an audible groan, the water erupted from the floor again, splashing against the hot wall behind with a sickening hiss. The crack in the wood widened, allowing in a gush of water, and this time, a dark puddle remained when the wave was pulled down again. The flickering light broke on the shiny surface that seemed to glare at them in amusement.
There was no time to lose. One arm gripping the shivering child, the other wrapped around the elf´s waist, Aragorn made for the door. He nearly toppled over when he met with resistance. "Legolas, come on!" He turned to look at his friend in a mixture of annoyance and worry. The elf held his head at an angle, face taunt from effort. "Ovras ulynd ette", //[There are] many creatures out there// he whispered, "too many, far too many!" His eyes lost there distant look and he shook his head in denial. "Trust me, Estel, all that awaits us out there is certain death. We must stay!"
Aragorn´s instincts warred inside. His body screamed at him to run from the dangers that were so obviously lethal and rather face the unknown outside, but he had long learned to trust elven warnings. "Chebo estel di anim!" // Trust in me!// Legolas began to pull for the stairs as best as he could with his limited range of movement, "please! You know I would fight these beasts at your side and I will if our other choices run out, but not now. Rhinc!" //Move!//
A deafening roar drowned out any response Aragorn might have made, and a rush of heat made them stumble. Telias slipped from Aragorn´s weaker right arm but clung to him as he slid down, refusing to look at the madness that engulfed him. Eyes widening in horror, the ranger saw that the wooden wall to the secret chamber had been wrestled open by the hungry flames that now licked out, meeting yet another wave of dark water. The elements met in a sizzle, red entwining black. Neither would back down and soon they were locked in a deadly embrace, mist rising around them.
Quickly regaining his bearings, Aragorn gave in to Legolas and steered both elf and child across the floor that was now heaving like a ship at sea. Water broke through numerous smaller cracks around them and slipped past the small group, headed for the burning wall. Ignored by the evil liquid for the moment, they made it to the steep stairs. Aragorn had released Legolas and pushed the elf ahead of him when he realized that Telias was no longer clinging to him.
The elf turned his head when he was not followed, holding on to the narrow walls for balance. Both friends could see the small figure stumble through the gathering mist that began to weave through the chamber, veiling the walls and stealing away all the last security provided by the wooden boards. "Telias!" Legolas had found his voice first and started down the stairs again, but Aragorn blocked his path. "Baw! Trevedo caw!" //No! Go up!// Sensing his friend´s defiance against his harsh words, he quickly added: "Please! I´ll get him and follow you, now go!"
With a curt nod, the elf obeyed and began to limp up the stairs while Aragorn dashed back into the chamber. The mist began to seriously impair his vision, and for a breathless heartbeat he could not see the child, darkness gathering in shapes around him that played tricks on his eyes. He refused to give in to the confusion that threatened to overwhelm him and was rewarded by a small figured hunched on the floor only a few feet away.
Aragorn was at Telias´ side in a dash and snatched the boy up into his arms. He felt a heavy rectangular shape press against his chest, but all he cared for now was the child. The floor gave another lurch, a gaping whole appearing right in front of his feet. The dark water leapt at him angrily and he dodged to the side on pure instinct. A hiss that turned into a shriek filled his ears, and he could not resist a quick glance over his shoulder after he had stepped around the new crack and strode for the stairs, the ground too treacherous now for a run.
A bundle of flames had wrapped itself around the water, slowly meting it into curling steam. The black substance seemed to wriggle and fight in the hot grasp, somehow managing to pull the flames to and fro across to creaking boards. The deadly dance was almost hypnotising and he had to forcefully rip his gaze away.
The fierce battle gave Aragorn the chance to reach the stairs unscathed and he ran up, Telias in his arms, relieved to escape the steam, at least for now. Legolas awaited them anxiously at the head of the stairs and quickly closed the door behind them, locking them in their tiny refuge that failed to block out the unearthly noises from below.
Panting, Aragorn placed Telias on the unsoiled bed, sinking down beside him. After only a few steadying breaths, he looked up to find Legolas standing by the window, gazing outside. The flickering light of the spreading fire outlined his tense form. Concentration radiated from him like light from a candle, and the ranger believed to see moving shapes reflected in the blue eyes.
Reluctantly, Aragorn rose and joined his friend. He hesitated, unsure whether he really wanted to see what the elf had already sensed before, but he knew that reality would not be altered by avoiding it. With a sigh, he stepped beside the still elf and willed his eyes to take in the scene below.
The mill was surrounded by dark shapes that rose from the ground and melted back into it at will. Moisture glistened on furry backs, red eyes blinked open and closed. Dark growls rivalled the shrieks of water and flame. There were so many that the earth seemed to have taken on a life of its own, a giant awakened that had just begun to rise and stretch its back.
"The light", Aragorn whispered, both bewildered and mystified by the way the dark bodies absorbed the gleam of the fire, dulling it around their bulks, but never shying from it. "Aye", Legolas replied calmly, "they do not fear it anymore. Now that they and he are one, Daramus´ power has grown. An evil union indeed." The ranger could not help the shiver that ran down his spine. Understanding dawned on him that had so far only hovered at the edge of his mind. Whatever these dark waters were, creature of old, demon...Daramus had somehow gained control of it, sending it through the earth to erupt as dark creatures that followed his commands.
Dimly, Aragorn´s eyes caught on wavering forms, vaguely human, that stalked the mill, sometimes appearing in his line of vision and then fading away under his stare. "Sacrifices", Legolas said sadly, "food. Payment. They were no more than that to him, tools to maintain his control. First he lured them here for the items they possessed, hoping they would set him free or at least add to his power, and then he kept them to entertain his pet."
Aragorn was too aghast to reply. A tiny voice in his mind questioned what price had been paid for his and Legolas´ capture, but he silenced it abruptly. There was nothing to be gained from that sort of guilt. He felt his gaze seek out the horizon, and again Legolas answered the question that remained unasked. "Not soon enough, mellon-nin. Dawn is hours away still, by then fire and water will have worn away what protection remains. We cannot hope for help from the sun." He fell quiet again, thoughtfully following the ghastly display that continued to enfold as the dark water that ravaged the ground gave birth to one beast after the other.
With a sinking feeling, Aragorn realized that there was nothing left to hope for. On Telias´ behalf he had challenged this evil too early and utterly unprepared. Now they would all pay the price.
TBC
Here is the next chapter - the end is drawing near!!
More trouble on the way, of course - enjoy!!
Review responses:
Ertia: Yes, I did get them out - in a way...well, not really. Good to know about your health ;-)
Tychen: Yes, how much can Legolas take?! He´s about to find out...
Alexa: Poor everybody, really. I can be so mean! And you are right about the floor - they cannot run, though! Glad you like the story!
Vicky Turner: Thanks - and here´s the next one for you!
NightShadow131: Me, kill Aragorn?!? Hehe, good I had you nervous - and thanks for the praise!
Red Tigress: Yes, Legolas must be after some record - and he´s not happy about it, believe me! You are right, they are in trouble!
Thank you all for your feedback - I just love to read your commets. Please keep them coming!!
Now for the next chapter - enjoy!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: If wishes were horses - but not mine!
Water and flame
Aragorn froze, his mind racing. He forced himself to ignore the warmth he could feel radiating from the wall behind him; the vibrations of the floor as something strong pushed at it from beneath; even the laboured breathing of Legolas who had not yet regained consciousness. All that mattered was the frightened child in front of him and the knife it held pressed against his throat.
"Listen to me Telias", he said quietly, ignoring the increasing pain as the knife dug deeper into his flesh when he spoke, "I am myself again. The evil spirit is gone. Would he have rescued Legolas from the fire?" He tried to keep all urgency out of his voice to soothe the child but was not sure he was succeeding. The wood boards groaned and slightly arched up under his knees.
The boy was not that easily persuaded. The trust that had shone from his eyes so brightly when they had first talked in the sun had all but vanished, leaving fear and insecurity in its wake. And determination. Telias gripped the blade more tightly and swallowed nervously, glancing to the unsteady ground beneath his feet for an instance before returning his whole attention to the man.
"Of course you would bring him out with you!" the child growled, "he is hurt and cannot fight you anymore. You want to show me that you are a friend, but you are not! You are evil! And I will defend the both of us." Fear crossed his eyes at his last words, signalling that he envisioned what actions this oath would require from him, but he remained where he was, defiantly holding up a chubby chin.
The sight wretched the ranger´s heart. No child should be forced to make the decision Telias had obviously arrived at. He realized that trying to talk the boy out of his resolution would only pressure him into committing a deed that would haunt him for the rest of his life. With an effort to display a calm he did not feel, Aragorn forced his body to relax. He sat back and slowly raised his hands in a gesture of peace - and surrender. His eyes sought out the child´s face, and once their gazes locked, he spoke again.
"I trust your heart to make the right decision, Telias. You were raised well and once you allow yourself to truly look at me, you will see who I am." With that he lowered his eyes, taking all pressure from the child, and waited. The silence stretched between them and Aragorn could not help but register that the floor vibrated from constant assaults now. The fire behind him spread its heat into the heaving wooden boards and began to warm his knees where he knelt, contrasting the cool steel pressed against his throat.
And then the pressure fell away. A ragged sob broke from Telias and Aragorn looked up, meeting eyes that were a child´s once more, filled with tears. Wordlessly, he gathered the boy into his arms, feeling him stiffen first, but finally relax. He started to cry. Relief washed over the ranger as he stroked Telias´ back soothingly. "I knew you would not let him use you", he whispered into the small ear, "you did so well, I´m sure your father is terribly proud of you." The boy did not reply but tightened his grip around Aragorn´s neck.
The man would have preferred to allow the little one some time to recover, but the more physical dangers around them were now demanding him to act swiftly. Without putting the child down Aragorn made his way over to the elf, gently turning him over to his back. He had to stifle a surprised yelp when he was met with eyes that were open and just returning to awareness. Legolas groaned silently when he focused on his friend.
"Estel, ech delw anim" //Estel, you [will be] the death of me// he croaked, an accusing stare fixed on his friend, "le garo caelb anim. Haew foeg." //You cause me to be bedridden. A bad habit.// As if to counteract his own words, he began to push himself up to a sitting position and managed to do so without swaying too badly.
Aragorn sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Valar at the sight. "Aw, le bronadui, eledh tarlanc." //Oh, you are durable, stubborn elf.// He was rewarded by the reply he had had hoped for. "What do you take me for, ranger, a sturdy donkey? Even I have my limits!" Legolas´ voice was strong, and Aragorn noted with a healer´s expertise that the new injuries his friend had received had stopped bleeding. His breathing sounded much better already, too. Even though it would have taken a human days to recover from the wounds and smoke inhalation, the elf´s superior healing abilities had already begun to work their magic. From the look of it, all that would seriously hamper Legolas was his leg.
Which was, considering the situation, bad enough. Another harsh blow from beneath rocked the mill - and this time it was followed by a splintering crash. Telias, who had quieted down in Aragorn´s arm, gave a cry of fear and both the ranger and the elf were on their feet in an instance, the man supporting his friend without even recognising he did so. The floor ripped open only a few paces away from them, black water reaching up a greedy arm before disappearing again.
Sudden tension bolted through the elf´s body when his senses finally caught up with their predicament. "Out", Aragorn breathed, "no matter what awaits us there, we cannot brave water and fire in here. The light will keep the dark creatures at bay..." With an audible groan, the water erupted from the floor again, splashing against the hot wall behind with a sickening hiss. The crack in the wood widened, allowing in a gush of water, and this time, a dark puddle remained when the wave was pulled down again. The flickering light broke on the shiny surface that seemed to glare at them in amusement.
There was no time to lose. One arm gripping the shivering child, the other wrapped around the elf´s waist, Aragorn made for the door. He nearly toppled over when he met with resistance. "Legolas, come on!" He turned to look at his friend in a mixture of annoyance and worry. The elf held his head at an angle, face taunt from effort. "Ovras ulynd ette", //[There are] many creatures out there// he whispered, "too many, far too many!" His eyes lost there distant look and he shook his head in denial. "Trust me, Estel, all that awaits us out there is certain death. We must stay!"
Aragorn´s instincts warred inside. His body screamed at him to run from the dangers that were so obviously lethal and rather face the unknown outside, but he had long learned to trust elven warnings. "Chebo estel di anim!" // Trust in me!// Legolas began to pull for the stairs as best as he could with his limited range of movement, "please! You know I would fight these beasts at your side and I will if our other choices run out, but not now. Rhinc!" //Move!//
A deafening roar drowned out any response Aragorn might have made, and a rush of heat made them stumble. Telias slipped from Aragorn´s weaker right arm but clung to him as he slid down, refusing to look at the madness that engulfed him. Eyes widening in horror, the ranger saw that the wooden wall to the secret chamber had been wrestled open by the hungry flames that now licked out, meeting yet another wave of dark water. The elements met in a sizzle, red entwining black. Neither would back down and soon they were locked in a deadly embrace, mist rising around them.
Quickly regaining his bearings, Aragorn gave in to Legolas and steered both elf and child across the floor that was now heaving like a ship at sea. Water broke through numerous smaller cracks around them and slipped past the small group, headed for the burning wall. Ignored by the evil liquid for the moment, they made it to the steep stairs. Aragorn had released Legolas and pushed the elf ahead of him when he realized that Telias was no longer clinging to him.
The elf turned his head when he was not followed, holding on to the narrow walls for balance. Both friends could see the small figure stumble through the gathering mist that began to weave through the chamber, veiling the walls and stealing away all the last security provided by the wooden boards. "Telias!" Legolas had found his voice first and started down the stairs again, but Aragorn blocked his path. "Baw! Trevedo caw!" //No! Go up!// Sensing his friend´s defiance against his harsh words, he quickly added: "Please! I´ll get him and follow you, now go!"
With a curt nod, the elf obeyed and began to limp up the stairs while Aragorn dashed back into the chamber. The mist began to seriously impair his vision, and for a breathless heartbeat he could not see the child, darkness gathering in shapes around him that played tricks on his eyes. He refused to give in to the confusion that threatened to overwhelm him and was rewarded by a small figured hunched on the floor only a few feet away.
Aragorn was at Telias´ side in a dash and snatched the boy up into his arms. He felt a heavy rectangular shape press against his chest, but all he cared for now was the child. The floor gave another lurch, a gaping whole appearing right in front of his feet. The dark water leapt at him angrily and he dodged to the side on pure instinct. A hiss that turned into a shriek filled his ears, and he could not resist a quick glance over his shoulder after he had stepped around the new crack and strode for the stairs, the ground too treacherous now for a run.
A bundle of flames had wrapped itself around the water, slowly meting it into curling steam. The black substance seemed to wriggle and fight in the hot grasp, somehow managing to pull the flames to and fro across to creaking boards. The deadly dance was almost hypnotising and he had to forcefully rip his gaze away.
The fierce battle gave Aragorn the chance to reach the stairs unscathed and he ran up, Telias in his arms, relieved to escape the steam, at least for now. Legolas awaited them anxiously at the head of the stairs and quickly closed the door behind them, locking them in their tiny refuge that failed to block out the unearthly noises from below.
Panting, Aragorn placed Telias on the unsoiled bed, sinking down beside him. After only a few steadying breaths, he looked up to find Legolas standing by the window, gazing outside. The flickering light of the spreading fire outlined his tense form. Concentration radiated from him like light from a candle, and the ranger believed to see moving shapes reflected in the blue eyes.
Reluctantly, Aragorn rose and joined his friend. He hesitated, unsure whether he really wanted to see what the elf had already sensed before, but he knew that reality would not be altered by avoiding it. With a sigh, he stepped beside the still elf and willed his eyes to take in the scene below.
The mill was surrounded by dark shapes that rose from the ground and melted back into it at will. Moisture glistened on furry backs, red eyes blinked open and closed. Dark growls rivalled the shrieks of water and flame. There were so many that the earth seemed to have taken on a life of its own, a giant awakened that had just begun to rise and stretch its back.
"The light", Aragorn whispered, both bewildered and mystified by the way the dark bodies absorbed the gleam of the fire, dulling it around their bulks, but never shying from it. "Aye", Legolas replied calmly, "they do not fear it anymore. Now that they and he are one, Daramus´ power has grown. An evil union indeed." The ranger could not help the shiver that ran down his spine. Understanding dawned on him that had so far only hovered at the edge of his mind. Whatever these dark waters were, creature of old, demon...Daramus had somehow gained control of it, sending it through the earth to erupt as dark creatures that followed his commands.
Dimly, Aragorn´s eyes caught on wavering forms, vaguely human, that stalked the mill, sometimes appearing in his line of vision and then fading away under his stare. "Sacrifices", Legolas said sadly, "food. Payment. They were no more than that to him, tools to maintain his control. First he lured them here for the items they possessed, hoping they would set him free or at least add to his power, and then he kept them to entertain his pet."
Aragorn was too aghast to reply. A tiny voice in his mind questioned what price had been paid for his and Legolas´ capture, but he silenced it abruptly. There was nothing to be gained from that sort of guilt. He felt his gaze seek out the horizon, and again Legolas answered the question that remained unasked. "Not soon enough, mellon-nin. Dawn is hours away still, by then fire and water will have worn away what protection remains. We cannot hope for help from the sun." He fell quiet again, thoughtfully following the ghastly display that continued to enfold as the dark water that ravaged the ground gave birth to one beast after the other.
With a sinking feeling, Aragorn realized that there was nothing left to hope for. On Telias´ behalf he had challenged this evil too early and utterly unprepared. Now they would all pay the price.
TBC
