I would just like to state for good measure that I have not read all of Tolkien's books therefore I do not know all there is to know about the wonderful world of Middle-Earth. While I believe I know enough to consider myself fairly well informed I beg of you, please do not take everything I write down as fact.
I do not write about anything I do not at least believe I know about, but I would in no way be offended if you wanted to double check the information in my works. In fact, if anyone finds that I have said something that is untrue please by all means, tell me; I would love to know.
That is all I have to say at the moment.
"Linger Shadows"
Chapter 2 - Brother
Legolas watched the sun disappear behind the mountains far in the west. The deep purple of the dark stone monsters flashed with shades of red and gold, the sun's rays glinting off their snow capped tops. The edge of the forest, his beautifully-dark home, was just a few miles to the south, its leading edge cutting off abruptly to turn to the pale green grasses of the plains that lead to the mountains.
As the last of the sunlight sank away he slowly made his way down from the tree tops, nimbly sliding from branch to branch until he came to the camp sheltered in the clearing below. Traice looked up from the fire, smiling as the Elf dropped the last ten feet to the leaf-littered floor.
"I was wondering when you were coming down." He said jovially, carefully pulling the cooking pot from the fire.
"Mellon, you should try coming up for once. It is a breathtaking sight. All of Arda before you, glowing in the dying sunlight. There is no better vision." The prince slid to a sitting position, his long legs folding beneath him. "Oh, but I forget. Your fear."
The human looked up, his eyes flashing in mock anger. "I cannot help it if I fear high places. I am not an Elf; I would fall. And break every bone in my body on the way down."
Legolas sifted through his travel pack, pulling out a small wooden bowl and spoon. He passed them to Traice, his eyes locking with the human's across the fire. "I would not let you fall, gwador." He said, smiling as they both withdrew. (... , brother."*)
Traice poured a small amount of the steaming stew into the bowl, his eyes shining in the fire light, flames flickering across his face. "I know."
**
The trees stirred though the night air was still. Legolas's glazed eyes cleared and he sat up, looking around the clearing. The fire had all but burned down and Traice was sleeping soundly on the other side of its dying coals.
Legolas stood, watching the dark forest warily. He walked around the fire and knelt beside his friend. "Traice, wake, mellon nin. I fear we are not alone."
The young human woke, his eyes blinking at the surrounding darkness. "What is it, Legolas?" Traice stood and reached for his sword, wrapping the belt around his waist. He pulled the hilt free with a small hiss of metal, making sure the weapon would not stick.
"The trees warn me of danger." The prince said as he reached for his own weapons.
"Spiders?" Traice tossed a few small sticks onto the dying coals, watching as they burst into flames, bathing the small clearing in orange light.
"No. We are too near the edge of the forest; they do not come this far." Legolas buckled the strap that held his quiver to his back and checked the two white knives that were attached to the smooth wood. "Orcs perhaps, though the trees do not speak of the hatred they feel toward the foul creatures."
"Do you sense what they speak of?"
The Elf shook his head, his bright eyes searching the darkness of the surrounding trees. "No. But the trees tell me where the danger lies. Come, we will see what they speak of."
The two companions gathered their belongings and put out the fire and then they set off, following the direction of the trees. They walked for some time, the prince's steps silent through the dense foliage, the human's very nearly so. Soon the sun began to rise over the forest, letting in what little light could find its way through the thick canopy of the trees. Birds began to sing and Legolas could sense the creatures of the forest waking to begin their day.
'Here.' The tree whispered to their prince, and then they became silent. Legolas peered out into the plains at the edge of the forest. The dark mountains, their western sides still covered in the shadow of night, rose in front of him. The shimmering golden grasses of the plains swayed in a rising wind.
Traice stood close to the prince's side, looking over his shoulder at the countryside. He lifted one weather worn hand, pointing to a half-circle of trees to their left. Legolas nodded. Tucked into the circle of trees a small band of men sat around a fire, talking in whispers that even Legolas's keen ears could not hear.
"I see the men, but I sense no danger." Legolas said, his voice low in Traice's ear. "What would concern the trees?" But before the words had left his mouth they both heard the sound of men making their way through the forest towards them. Many men.
Legolas immediately reached for his bow, but Traice grabbed his wrist, stilling him. "Perhaps they mean no harm." He said in response to Legolas's unvoiced question. "Let's see what they want first. Perhaps they are only hunters."
"The men of these lands do not hunt this forest." Legolas said, his wrist still wrapped in Traice's fingers. "Though my father has not forbidden it, they still do not come. They fear the woods since they have become dark."
"Perhaps they are travelers." The young human said. "Please. Trust me."
Legolas looked at his friend for a moment, then nodded, his hand falling back to his side. "Ai. We will see what they want."
Legolas and Traice stepped out into the open plains. The sun glinted over the mountains, bathing them in warm light. A shout rose from the small group of men around the fire, some stood and pointed to the travelers; they heard an echoing shout from the trees.
Moments later a large group of leather clad men stepped out of the forest, forming a block between the two friends and the safety of the woods. Legolas instinctively took a step back, shielding Traice from the strangers. Against so many men -- for Legolas was sure they were not friendly as his friend proposed -- the young human stood no chance.
Traice laid a staying hand on the prince's shoulder. He could sense the elf's readiness to fight. "What business have you in these lands, strangers?" He asked.
One man stepped forward, his dark eyes glancing at the men that were now approaching from the fire, but he said nothing.
"Are you lost?" Legolas asked, his hands flexing at his sides. His eyes sought out escape routes that both he and Traice could use. "We can show you your way. We are familiar with these lands."
The leading man looked at Legolas, his dark eyes glinting in the rising sunlight. "We come from a land of which you have never been." His voice slid like oil around the two companions. A shiver ran up Legolas's spine and he took a step back, pulling Traice with him. He reached for his white blades as the rest of the men surrounded them.
"You're not very bright, my friend." The leader said, a sickening sneer spreading over his face. "You should always listen to you instincts."
The deadly blades spun gracefully in the prince's hands and he said nothing.
"Detain them." The man ordered.
Traice pulled his sword from its sheath as Legolas spun to meet the first of the men. The man ducked beneath his blades, narrowly missing the sharp steel, but was caught on the reverse swing. He fell to the ground with a scream. Another man fell with a blade to his temple. Yet another would have fallen, but a shout from behind stopped the prince's blades mid-swing.
Legolas spun around, his eyes wide. His blades fell limply from his hands when he saw Traice, struggling against the hold of three of the men; another held a dagger to his throat.
"You are such a weak race." The leader sneered.
"The elves are more noble than you could ever be!" Traice shouted. One of the men wrenched his arm and he fell to his knees with a scream.
"What do you want?" Legolas demanded, his eyes locked on his friend.
"To put it quite simply," the man said as he walked over to the prince, "We want you." Legolas's jaw set and he moved to step forward, hands balled into fists at his sides.
The next moment a damp cloth was wrapped around his mouth from behind. He breathed in a sickening sweet smell and the world went black.
To Be Continued...
* this form or the word brother applies only to those who are not blood related.
That's all I have to say for now. How odd. It's not very often you guys get away without a long rambling author's note at both ends. I wonder... do you even read them? I doubt it. I know I don't all the time. And I do say ever so much; I must get rather annoying. I have a tendency to talk too much all the time. Especially when there is no one there to shut me up. I do apologize for that. I don't do it on purpose.
Hmmm. I guess I did have something to say after all. Ah well. :)
Until next time!
Adrienne
To my wonderful reviewers -
AM - Why thank you. And I'm sure all of your speculations are true. *grins*
Aranna Undomiel - Oh but of course. What would be the point of fanfiction if I did not get to torture my elf. :)
Star-Stallion - That's what I was going for. I'm mean that way.
Deana - Well, that was my intention so I'm glad to hear it worked. Wasn't sure if the point came across. *grins* And yes, more frequent updates seem to be making everyone happy. Who'd have thought?
Jasmine - Yes. Someone could really burn out like this. Not me though. I love the adoration too much. ;)
Silvertongue - Thank you!
Beling - Always glad to have new readers. Thanks for the review!
Estel Elven Enchantress - Yes, I do believe I remember you. Though, I get so many reviewers it's hard to keep track. *grins* And no, no you're not paranoid.
Destiny Lot - Yes, lots more pain and torture. Lots and lots more. But sorry, hun. No Aragorn this time around. It's about 600 years before he was born. Next time.
Kept-Secret - Hey now, the longer the better. And yes, many many people have a sick love of elf torture. It's frightening really.
Magicgirl810 - Thank you!
Vana E - *gasp* What do you think of me? Mary-Sue?!? Never. Not ever. Not even once. *gags* Mary-Sue's are the worst of the bunch. And what is this? Methods of torture? I would perhaps be interested in those. *tries to hide the fact that I really really would love torture methods* *fails* Yeah, bring 'em on! And indeed, my works have not been archived yet. Only on this wonderful site. Do you really want it? I have others as well. Have you read them? They deal with angst of course. But mostly mental. A little bit of physical. But yeah, I would love to archive my story. Just tell me how. I'd give you kisses, but apparently you don't like them. :)
MG87 - Of course it's on time, what do you take me for?! *glares* And yes, put the veggies down though I know you want to use them, I am updating twice a week.
Tsuki no Lomelinde - Thank you!
bailey - Yes, alas, I already miss my Ranger. But he will return in time. I'm glad you like my story even if Aragorn isn't there.
Gozilla - Thank you!
Alariel - Thank you!
Whyscant - As am I. lol. No, I actually know where I'm going with this one. It's a miracle!
XNemesis - Ummm... yes.
Elven Kitten - To the core, baby! And lovin' every minute!
Templa Otmena - Alas, I feel your pain. I despise computers with all my heart and soul. And yet, here I am. And yes, cruel. That is me, always. And yes again, Traice. *eyes OC suspiciously* But wait, I already know what's going to happen. Mwahahaha!
Twin - My my, but my stories seem to be confusing. I understand them, but I suppose I must if I write them. I get so many complaints that people don't know what's going on though. *shrugs* Ah well. You still come back.
mIzXxXmALfoY - Thank you. And no in fact. You spelled it right.
lolly pop3 - But it's so much more fun that way, don't you think? :)
MelanyeBaggins - You don't like it? But I thought everyone ordered and extra large helping of torture and angst. Hmm...
candidus-lupus-full Moon - Thank you. And hey, I've been wondering, what does your name mean?
Ruby Foxburr of Loamsdown - Ai, I agree. No shooting the elf. And yes, I feel your pain. I had to read my updates from the library for over a month once. Very frustrating.
AlmatarioofMirkwood - Yes, we have had our words. It's all better now. Thanks for the concern though. And thanks for the review!