A/N: This might be AU. I wrote that Legolas's room has a window, *sigh* I
know, I know.I just thought I'd let you all know. I'm still uncertain if
this fact is true or not, but I'm keeping with what I wrote ^_~.
Another thing is that I'm really sorry for taking so long to update. I had extreme writer's block. _ I think I'm back to normal now ^_^
Thank you Elendil for beta'ing it and everyone one of my chat buddies (you know who you are ^_^) for helping me with ideas and such. *hugs everyone*
Now on with the fic!! ^_^
Chapter 8
Raniean patiently waited until all the soldier's had dispersed to their proper quarters before proceeding back towards the palace. Taking one last glance at the night sky, he determined that he had a few more hours until the sun would rise; plenty of time to do something time had prevented him from doing.
He clambered up two flights of stairs and down a hall until he hesitantly stopped at a particular room. Slowly entering, the silvan elf observed that there were no healers present; only the three bodies of the wounded elven warrior's occupied the room. Breathing in deeply, Raniean stepped closer to the bed where his long-time friend lay.
The cuts and bruises that had once marred Trelan's face were now healing, leaving only deathly pale skin in its wake. His eyes were tightly shut, revealing the rough battle his friend was fighting so that he could live. It was a battle that he was losing.
All Raniean could hear was the short, labored breathing of the smaller elf, betraying the fact that the elf was indeed alive. Tears began welling into his eyes and yet they would not spill over; his anger was slowly consuming his grief.
Kneeling down, he placed his right hand onto Trelan's shoulder and began speaking softly. "Trelan, I will avenge you and all that have been hurt. You have a strong will, mellon nin, and I know you can fight this." Raniean paused as he felt another presence enter the room. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that it was a healer and his time with Trelan was over.
He gracefully stood up, his hand still placed on Trelan's shoulder, and leaned over to kiss the elf's forehead. Whispering a short prayer, Raniean gave one last look at Trelan before moving to exit the room. He was stopped as an anxious looking elf-maiden entered the room, stopping in front of Raniean.
"What is the matter?" Raniean asked calmly.
"Well, it's just that," the elf maiden paused, trying to figure out what she would say. "Have you seen the prince lately?"
The silvan elf nodded his head, "Yes, he is in his room. Why do you ask?"
The elf-maiden stared at him, her eyes questioning what he had said. "How long has it been since you've seen him? I have just come back from his room. He is no longer there."
Raniean's eyes widened at the news. Without a farewell, he exited the room and bolted to Legolas' room although he already knew that the elven prince had left without him.
*******
The elf stared at the unconscious man lying on the ground. It was a shame that men could not endure as much pain as the elves could. Walking over to Aragorn, he easily shouldered the man and headed back to his camp. He needed to check on the elfling, but he knew that he had plenty of time. The elfling was not going anywhere.
The day had not been a long one. As quickly as the sun had risen, it set leaving the world covered in darkness. That night was the start of a new moon and the light of the stars shined unnaturally bright.
The elf shook his head in disgust. He despised the stars. He hated the light and ignored happiness. His past had left him with nothing to care about, until now.
Upon entering the camp, he threw Aragorn off his shoulder and onto the hard ground below. Smiling, he walked over to the elfling that was tied around the base of a tree; a gag was placed in his mouth to muffle the sounds of his screams. The elfling stared hard at the elf before him, not wanting to show fear.
"Don't worry little elf, your purpose of being here is almost fulfilled and you needn't be tied to this tree for very long," the elf said, his lips parting into a menacing smile.
The elfling tried to calm the panic that was visible on his face, but it was no use. Fear arose from deep inside his heart and the elfling became confused. It felt as if there was another presence in the camp, an evil presence, yet the elf standing before him did not seem to acknowledge it.
Taking a deep breath, the elfling tried to calm the pounding of his heart. Squinting his blue eyes tightly shut the elfling leaned his head back against the tree and tried to sort out what the elf had told him. If he were no longer needed. The elfling felt warm tears flow down his cheeks as he remembered his family and friends he would most likely never see again.
*~.~*
From the canopy of trees above, eyes observed the elf below as he quietly came into the camp and not so carefully thrown the man to the ground. The eyes continued to follow the elf's movements around the camp. "You should be more careful with those which you hold captive," a voice growled from above.
The elf quickly turned his gaze from the elfling to the surrounding darkness. He recognized the voice that had spoken. Swiftly, he placed his right hand onto his left shoulder and bowed low onto one knee. "I'm sorry, my lord."
The being that approached the kneeling elf was clad in a long black cloak; his hood pulled low, covering his features. He was a harbinger of fear to all who knew him and even worse to those who did not. His aura is that of darkness and it wrapped about him like a protective shield.
The kneeling elf looked up to see his master approaching him. The elf was surprised that he had not felt the presence of another in his camp; then again him and his master had created a bond that not even fear could break.
*His master was an elf; he was twisted with cruelty and malice that he no longer resembled an elf in appearance, but compared in physical strength. He despised the race of elves and men alike, for what they had done many millennia ago, yet he would never would kill a man for it was their weakness that allowed evil to endure.
It was by chance that he came upon the one elf kneeling before him. Normally he would have killed any elves that crossed his path, but he knew the first time he had found the elf, that together they could accomplish many things. Countless years passed and the elf still served him loyally. When he learned that Mirkwood was weakening, he began developing and idea that would finish the Mirkwood elves off, once and for all.
"Is all going by plan?" he asked slowly, his voice deep and raspy.
"Yes, my lord. I'm sure that with the prince's best friend as our captive, he will do anything to get him back. As for the elfling," the elf said sternly, "he will serve to bring many of Mirkwood's soldier's looking for him.leaving it easier for you to reach the king. I must admit that I did not expect you so early in our plans; they have only just begun to take motion."
"I didn't expect to be here either, Mornince, but we work with the time we have. Stand up." The elf lord smiled. "I must say you've been busy." His eyes roamed the camp, catching a glimpse of the frightened elfling tied at the base of a tree before landing onto Aragorn's unconscious form.
Mornince followed his lord's gaze. "Would you like me to kill him? The prince is still coming after him. He will just be a burden to us both."
"No," the dark elf said smiling, "he could be of some use to us after all this is over. You can kill the elfling."
******
Legolas felt Raniean's presence leave the room just minutes after he had laid down on his bed. Breathing in deeply, the prince knew he didn't have long before his friend would come back to check on him.
The elf rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as he quickly jumped out his bed; quickly strapping his daggers to his quiver before slinging that and his bow over his shoulder. Racing over to the window, he peered out into the darkness searching for a means of escaping his window. Spotting a tree branch dangling not to far from his window, he positioned himself for a leap when his keen hearing caught on a small noise from below.
A few feet beneath his window stood two sentinels, hidden by the shadows. They were most likely sent there from his father to keep him from his escaping. Grabbing the edge of the window in frustration, he began thinking about his options. If he jumped now he would chance being caught by the guards and waste the little time he had.
Sighing deeply Legolas paced the floor of his room, trying to think of another way of escaping without being caught. Stopping abruptly, the elf turned his head absently to the left corner of his room and a small smile formed on his lips.
He had forgotten that his room held a secret passageway to the gardens below. Legolas knew that there were probably guards positioned there as well, but he had no other choice.
Suddenly a thought formed in his mind. Parting the door slowly, the elf prince cautiously edged his way into the guest room where Aragorn's things still lay unpacked on the bed. A feeling of guilt washed over him as he rummaged through the ranger's clothing; one thought flashing through his mind. What if Aragorn were already dead?
Legolas dismissed the thought quickly. I will find you Estel. Pulling out a worn cloak that Legolas remembered Aragorn wearing many times before, he quickly pulled it on over his own clothes, making sure that everything was concealed by the darkness of the fabric. Tying his silky golden hair back away from his face, he pulled the hood up over his head.
Making his way over to the hidden door in his room, his hand automatically found the skillfully hidden lever and pushed it. The door squeaked open loudly making Legolas pause. Satisfied no one heard, he continued his way slowly down the passageway, closing the door behind him.
In an instant he was submerged in darkness. The torches that lined the wall on either side were not lighted, and Legolas dared not light one. The air was humid and he felt a deep sense of claustrophobia rise from the pit of his stomach.
The elf tried to make his going faster, groping the walls with his hands to get a better sense of direction and every now and the reaching in front of him for any chance of reaching the exit.
His heart fell as he heard something in the tunnel. Instinctively pressing himself against the wall he tried to concentration on any motion. A few seconds later, Legolas heard footsteps approaching him from ahead.
The guards must have been positioned inside the tunnel and not outside, Legolas thought. He should have known that his father would not have taking any chances.
Quickly retracing his steps, he quickly jogged back the way he came, keeping as silent as possible. The prince heard the footsteps behind him raise a pace and soon enough Legolas was running; the wind making Aragorn's hood fall off his head, exposing his white golden hair and the light that naturally emanated from his body.
He heard shouts from the guard that was following him, telling the prince to stop, but Legolas did not heed them.
From ahead he heard the loud squeak of a door opening and his heart sank even lower. The tunnel only connected one place to another. Legolas soon saw the shinning armor the guards wore heading straight towards him. It was useless. He was trapped by the elves he was trying his hardest to avoid.
******
"Elladan."
"What 'Ro," Elladan answered. His back faced the fire in the middle of their camp as he lay on his bedroll trying to gather some rest.
"I told you so," his twin answered teasingly.
"Go to sleep Elrohir," Elladan replied irritated.
"What brother, can you not admit I was right-"
"-for once." Elladan interjected, ".and you cheated so I wouldn't exactly say you were right about anything."
Elrohir stared at his brother with an amused expression. His back was against a tree and he chuckled as he saw his brother turn and fix him with a glare. "'Dan, I clearly remember you taking my bet."
"I was sleeping for Valar's sake, Ro'!"
"A ha! So you were sleeping! I thought you told me you were resting your eyes-"
"-along with how many other things?!?! It is normal to sleep talk. Plus, brother, we both knew Estel would not come back in a fortnight." Elladan tried to make his brother see reason but of course Elrohir take nothing of it. Annoying Elladan was just too much fun to pass up.
It had been a week since the two half-elves left Rivendell on their thousandth mission to recover Aragorn from Mirkwood. It was not unusual for their human brother to overstay his visits and it was even less unusual for the twins to be sent after him.
Elrond always worried about his human son and his adventures. He always tried to let Aragorn make his own choices and he trusts that his human son would come back to him soon, but he couldn't seem to calm the worry that filled his heart. Sending his two twin sons, he knew, was wrong of him but there was not other way he could subdue his concern. The elf lord sent them with his blessings to come home with Aragorn soon.
"Enlighten me Elrohir what exactly were the stakes that we supposedly agreed to?" Elladan asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Elrohir smiled evilly in return and deep down in Elladan's mind, he knew that he was in for it.
*********** To the reviewers:
Jack Sparrow- I just have to tell you that I love your nickname. I'm glad you like my fic so far and I hope I didn't make you wait too long. ^_^
Iawen Londea- *covers ears* Wow, I think you busted an eardrum :P I have a feeling that you like Estel torture.^_^.and as for the killing.we'll see.
Anonymous- ^_^ Still know what this thing might be or did I totally twist everything around? I'm sorry about the cliffies and taking so long to update.*hides behind the returning plot bunnies*
Daw the minstrel- Legolas to the rescue.lol, not anymore!! *evil laugh* Oh, and as for your question about what could have affected the Elven King.hehehe.we'll see. ^_^
Nilbrethiliel- *kicks ff.net along with you8 Sorry about the 9 lost reviews.*snort* Your review made me laugh so hard. *continues laughing* I'm glad you didn't give up on reviewing! Thank you.
Sara Fletcher- I'm happy you like it so far. We'll see how long it takes me to update my next chapter.
Jessi-Greenleaf- I see that ff.net is very evil when it comes to reviews. Your review really inspired me. I'm glad you like my fic and I hope you enjoy this chapter because it sure took a lot of time to write.
Shandrial- So many things this new evil could be! I do hope it's devious enough. ^_^
Thank you everyone for reviewing!! All these reviews mean a lot to me and they really helped me in overcoming my writer's block. I must add one thing.this evil is NOT Sauron. Just thought I'd let you all know. ^_^
Another thing is that I'm really sorry for taking so long to update. I had extreme writer's block. _ I think I'm back to normal now ^_^
Thank you Elendil for beta'ing it and everyone one of my chat buddies (you know who you are ^_^) for helping me with ideas and such. *hugs everyone*
Now on with the fic!! ^_^
Chapter 8
Raniean patiently waited until all the soldier's had dispersed to their proper quarters before proceeding back towards the palace. Taking one last glance at the night sky, he determined that he had a few more hours until the sun would rise; plenty of time to do something time had prevented him from doing.
He clambered up two flights of stairs and down a hall until he hesitantly stopped at a particular room. Slowly entering, the silvan elf observed that there were no healers present; only the three bodies of the wounded elven warrior's occupied the room. Breathing in deeply, Raniean stepped closer to the bed where his long-time friend lay.
The cuts and bruises that had once marred Trelan's face were now healing, leaving only deathly pale skin in its wake. His eyes were tightly shut, revealing the rough battle his friend was fighting so that he could live. It was a battle that he was losing.
All Raniean could hear was the short, labored breathing of the smaller elf, betraying the fact that the elf was indeed alive. Tears began welling into his eyes and yet they would not spill over; his anger was slowly consuming his grief.
Kneeling down, he placed his right hand onto Trelan's shoulder and began speaking softly. "Trelan, I will avenge you and all that have been hurt. You have a strong will, mellon nin, and I know you can fight this." Raniean paused as he felt another presence enter the room. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that it was a healer and his time with Trelan was over.
He gracefully stood up, his hand still placed on Trelan's shoulder, and leaned over to kiss the elf's forehead. Whispering a short prayer, Raniean gave one last look at Trelan before moving to exit the room. He was stopped as an anxious looking elf-maiden entered the room, stopping in front of Raniean.
"What is the matter?" Raniean asked calmly.
"Well, it's just that," the elf maiden paused, trying to figure out what she would say. "Have you seen the prince lately?"
The silvan elf nodded his head, "Yes, he is in his room. Why do you ask?"
The elf-maiden stared at him, her eyes questioning what he had said. "How long has it been since you've seen him? I have just come back from his room. He is no longer there."
Raniean's eyes widened at the news. Without a farewell, he exited the room and bolted to Legolas' room although he already knew that the elven prince had left without him.
*******
The elf stared at the unconscious man lying on the ground. It was a shame that men could not endure as much pain as the elves could. Walking over to Aragorn, he easily shouldered the man and headed back to his camp. He needed to check on the elfling, but he knew that he had plenty of time. The elfling was not going anywhere.
The day had not been a long one. As quickly as the sun had risen, it set leaving the world covered in darkness. That night was the start of a new moon and the light of the stars shined unnaturally bright.
The elf shook his head in disgust. He despised the stars. He hated the light and ignored happiness. His past had left him with nothing to care about, until now.
Upon entering the camp, he threw Aragorn off his shoulder and onto the hard ground below. Smiling, he walked over to the elfling that was tied around the base of a tree; a gag was placed in his mouth to muffle the sounds of his screams. The elfling stared hard at the elf before him, not wanting to show fear.
"Don't worry little elf, your purpose of being here is almost fulfilled and you needn't be tied to this tree for very long," the elf said, his lips parting into a menacing smile.
The elfling tried to calm the panic that was visible on his face, but it was no use. Fear arose from deep inside his heart and the elfling became confused. It felt as if there was another presence in the camp, an evil presence, yet the elf standing before him did not seem to acknowledge it.
Taking a deep breath, the elfling tried to calm the pounding of his heart. Squinting his blue eyes tightly shut the elfling leaned his head back against the tree and tried to sort out what the elf had told him. If he were no longer needed. The elfling felt warm tears flow down his cheeks as he remembered his family and friends he would most likely never see again.
*~.~*
From the canopy of trees above, eyes observed the elf below as he quietly came into the camp and not so carefully thrown the man to the ground. The eyes continued to follow the elf's movements around the camp. "You should be more careful with those which you hold captive," a voice growled from above.
The elf quickly turned his gaze from the elfling to the surrounding darkness. He recognized the voice that had spoken. Swiftly, he placed his right hand onto his left shoulder and bowed low onto one knee. "I'm sorry, my lord."
The being that approached the kneeling elf was clad in a long black cloak; his hood pulled low, covering his features. He was a harbinger of fear to all who knew him and even worse to those who did not. His aura is that of darkness and it wrapped about him like a protective shield.
The kneeling elf looked up to see his master approaching him. The elf was surprised that he had not felt the presence of another in his camp; then again him and his master had created a bond that not even fear could break.
*His master was an elf; he was twisted with cruelty and malice that he no longer resembled an elf in appearance, but compared in physical strength. He despised the race of elves and men alike, for what they had done many millennia ago, yet he would never would kill a man for it was their weakness that allowed evil to endure.
It was by chance that he came upon the one elf kneeling before him. Normally he would have killed any elves that crossed his path, but he knew the first time he had found the elf, that together they could accomplish many things. Countless years passed and the elf still served him loyally. When he learned that Mirkwood was weakening, he began developing and idea that would finish the Mirkwood elves off, once and for all.
"Is all going by plan?" he asked slowly, his voice deep and raspy.
"Yes, my lord. I'm sure that with the prince's best friend as our captive, he will do anything to get him back. As for the elfling," the elf said sternly, "he will serve to bring many of Mirkwood's soldier's looking for him.leaving it easier for you to reach the king. I must admit that I did not expect you so early in our plans; they have only just begun to take motion."
"I didn't expect to be here either, Mornince, but we work with the time we have. Stand up." The elf lord smiled. "I must say you've been busy." His eyes roamed the camp, catching a glimpse of the frightened elfling tied at the base of a tree before landing onto Aragorn's unconscious form.
Mornince followed his lord's gaze. "Would you like me to kill him? The prince is still coming after him. He will just be a burden to us both."
"No," the dark elf said smiling, "he could be of some use to us after all this is over. You can kill the elfling."
******
Legolas felt Raniean's presence leave the room just minutes after he had laid down on his bed. Breathing in deeply, the prince knew he didn't have long before his friend would come back to check on him.
The elf rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as he quickly jumped out his bed; quickly strapping his daggers to his quiver before slinging that and his bow over his shoulder. Racing over to the window, he peered out into the darkness searching for a means of escaping his window. Spotting a tree branch dangling not to far from his window, he positioned himself for a leap when his keen hearing caught on a small noise from below.
A few feet beneath his window stood two sentinels, hidden by the shadows. They were most likely sent there from his father to keep him from his escaping. Grabbing the edge of the window in frustration, he began thinking about his options. If he jumped now he would chance being caught by the guards and waste the little time he had.
Sighing deeply Legolas paced the floor of his room, trying to think of another way of escaping without being caught. Stopping abruptly, the elf turned his head absently to the left corner of his room and a small smile formed on his lips.
He had forgotten that his room held a secret passageway to the gardens below. Legolas knew that there were probably guards positioned there as well, but he had no other choice.
Suddenly a thought formed in his mind. Parting the door slowly, the elf prince cautiously edged his way into the guest room where Aragorn's things still lay unpacked on the bed. A feeling of guilt washed over him as he rummaged through the ranger's clothing; one thought flashing through his mind. What if Aragorn were already dead?
Legolas dismissed the thought quickly. I will find you Estel. Pulling out a worn cloak that Legolas remembered Aragorn wearing many times before, he quickly pulled it on over his own clothes, making sure that everything was concealed by the darkness of the fabric. Tying his silky golden hair back away from his face, he pulled the hood up over his head.
Making his way over to the hidden door in his room, his hand automatically found the skillfully hidden lever and pushed it. The door squeaked open loudly making Legolas pause. Satisfied no one heard, he continued his way slowly down the passageway, closing the door behind him.
In an instant he was submerged in darkness. The torches that lined the wall on either side were not lighted, and Legolas dared not light one. The air was humid and he felt a deep sense of claustrophobia rise from the pit of his stomach.
The elf tried to make his going faster, groping the walls with his hands to get a better sense of direction and every now and the reaching in front of him for any chance of reaching the exit.
His heart fell as he heard something in the tunnel. Instinctively pressing himself against the wall he tried to concentration on any motion. A few seconds later, Legolas heard footsteps approaching him from ahead.
The guards must have been positioned inside the tunnel and not outside, Legolas thought. He should have known that his father would not have taking any chances.
Quickly retracing his steps, he quickly jogged back the way he came, keeping as silent as possible. The prince heard the footsteps behind him raise a pace and soon enough Legolas was running; the wind making Aragorn's hood fall off his head, exposing his white golden hair and the light that naturally emanated from his body.
He heard shouts from the guard that was following him, telling the prince to stop, but Legolas did not heed them.
From ahead he heard the loud squeak of a door opening and his heart sank even lower. The tunnel only connected one place to another. Legolas soon saw the shinning armor the guards wore heading straight towards him. It was useless. He was trapped by the elves he was trying his hardest to avoid.
******
"Elladan."
"What 'Ro," Elladan answered. His back faced the fire in the middle of their camp as he lay on his bedroll trying to gather some rest.
"I told you so," his twin answered teasingly.
"Go to sleep Elrohir," Elladan replied irritated.
"What brother, can you not admit I was right-"
"-for once." Elladan interjected, ".and you cheated so I wouldn't exactly say you were right about anything."
Elrohir stared at his brother with an amused expression. His back was against a tree and he chuckled as he saw his brother turn and fix him with a glare. "'Dan, I clearly remember you taking my bet."
"I was sleeping for Valar's sake, Ro'!"
"A ha! So you were sleeping! I thought you told me you were resting your eyes-"
"-along with how many other things?!?! It is normal to sleep talk. Plus, brother, we both knew Estel would not come back in a fortnight." Elladan tried to make his brother see reason but of course Elrohir take nothing of it. Annoying Elladan was just too much fun to pass up.
It had been a week since the two half-elves left Rivendell on their thousandth mission to recover Aragorn from Mirkwood. It was not unusual for their human brother to overstay his visits and it was even less unusual for the twins to be sent after him.
Elrond always worried about his human son and his adventures. He always tried to let Aragorn make his own choices and he trusts that his human son would come back to him soon, but he couldn't seem to calm the worry that filled his heart. Sending his two twin sons, he knew, was wrong of him but there was not other way he could subdue his concern. The elf lord sent them with his blessings to come home with Aragorn soon.
"Enlighten me Elrohir what exactly were the stakes that we supposedly agreed to?" Elladan asked, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
Elrohir smiled evilly in return and deep down in Elladan's mind, he knew that he was in for it.
*********** To the reviewers:
Jack Sparrow- I just have to tell you that I love your nickname. I'm glad you like my fic so far and I hope I didn't make you wait too long. ^_^
Iawen Londea- *covers ears* Wow, I think you busted an eardrum :P I have a feeling that you like Estel torture.^_^.and as for the killing.we'll see.
Anonymous- ^_^ Still know what this thing might be or did I totally twist everything around? I'm sorry about the cliffies and taking so long to update.*hides behind the returning plot bunnies*
Daw the minstrel- Legolas to the rescue.lol, not anymore!! *evil laugh* Oh, and as for your question about what could have affected the Elven King.hehehe.we'll see. ^_^
Nilbrethiliel- *kicks ff.net along with you8 Sorry about the 9 lost reviews.*snort* Your review made me laugh so hard. *continues laughing* I'm glad you didn't give up on reviewing! Thank you.
Sara Fletcher- I'm happy you like it so far. We'll see how long it takes me to update my next chapter.
Jessi-Greenleaf- I see that ff.net is very evil when it comes to reviews. Your review really inspired me. I'm glad you like my fic and I hope you enjoy this chapter because it sure took a lot of time to write.
Shandrial- So many things this new evil could be! I do hope it's devious enough. ^_^
Thank you everyone for reviewing!! All these reviews mean a lot to me and they really helped me in overcoming my writer's block. I must add one thing.this evil is NOT Sauron. Just thought I'd let you all know. ^_^