Betrayal and Salvation
Present...
"Will you look into the mirror?" asked Galadriel serenely, her gray eyes sparkled. "For that is what you came for, is it not?" Her question burned Elrond's heart; that was what he had come for and what he had not dared to do since the passing of Celebrian over the sea.
Elrond answered quietly, "I will, for that is why I came." Slowly, he stepped near the basin where the mirror worked its wonders. Galadriel took the silver pitcher and poured it deliberately into the shimmering pool below.
"I need not tell you to be wary of the water," she said, "for that you know already."
Elrond peered into the dark water of the mirror and held his breath as his dark eyes gazed into the basin of fates. The water began to swirl and Elrond felt his heart jump with anticipation. He had to watch out that he did not lean too far in, towards the silvery water.
A vision appeared. It was dark. He saw Elladan, or at least that's who his heart told him it was. The raven-head was turned away, but the Elf-lord could tell his son's breathing was hitching in gasps.
The head turned and the face was pale, ashen and bleak. Elladan's eyes, for it was the older twin, were lifeless and yet they roved around then closed. Crimson blood began to creep across the water in thin, red streaks, tainting it rose colored, making the Noldo's face look flushed. The water's red color deepened and Elrond saw the source of the red liquid was a wound in Elladan's throat. The twin was bleeding to death, his throat cut. He saw Elladan's breathing slow and then the water went to such a dark shade of scarlet, that he could not make out his son's face in the basin any longer. The reddened water seemed for a moment to over flow the basin and run onto the ground as silvery elven blood, but that was only a hallucination of his own mind.
Elladan was dead, in the mirror, however, the Elf-lord knew that the mirror showed past, future and present at its own will.
A new vision rose, and it was Elrohir this time. Elrond was sure of it.
The 'younger' Noldo was gray of face too, and yet his held life. Tears streaked the bloodless cheeks and the eyes were red rimmed. Beyond the elf was dark, as though it was night. Elrond looked at his son's lips, for they seemed to move, as if uttering some words. As he tried to read the movement, he read the word, "Ada." This broke his heart, his son, his child wanted him and yet he could not be there for him. As he looked closer, he made out the word, "No," being repeated as though the raven-haired son was denying something in utter defiance. This nearly brought tears to his eyes. As far as he could interpret, Elrohir was mourning Elladan's death.
Elrond stared blankly at the basin, then another specter came.
It was a golden-haired elf that he recognized instantly as Glorfindel. The Gondolin elf was not weeping, but his face told the story of pain with his dull, blue eyes and furrowed brow. He seemed to be yelling something, but what, Elrond was unsure. The golden-locks of the elf in the vision were tainted red with blood, his or someone else's. Dirt and black streaked smudged the flawless face of the Elf-lord and the start of a sling could be seen about his neck.
Still yet another vision came.
This one was of Legolas and Aragorn. The ranger was held in the elf's arms. Legolas's face was thin and colorless, tears streamed down the almost hollow cheeks. Yet Aragorn looked younger than the Elf-lord had remembered him when he saw him last. Could it be this was a glimpse of the past come forth in an hour like this? What did it mean? Elrond had little time to ponder this, for it faded into nothingness as quickly as it had come.
Then came an odd vision he did not expect.
A dark-haired elf came out of the darkness. He was stumbling. As Elrond gazed closer, he saw heavy chain manacles binding the elf's wrists. He was being dragged along none too gently. Black streaks or dark dried blood, Elrond could not tell, besmirching the fair being's face. His hair hung about his features as it was somewhat pulled loose from the catch in the back of his neck. The dark strands were wet with sweat or rain. Elrond knew with a heart tremor, it was Ancú. The elf he had sent to look for his sons, Glorfindel and Legolas.
The Elf-lord's heart burned. If he had known this would happen to the younger elf, he would have never sent him.
The visions ended.
Elrond spun around to see Galadriel, but she was not there.
But someone else was.
Arwen, his daughter, stood with a blanching face as she saw her father's expression. Her bright eyes were filled with anxiety. "What did you see?" she asked in a deep tone of thoughtfulness.
Elrond knitted his brows. "Nothing for you to know, daughter." His voice was grave, and he could barely keep a quaver out of it. His son's and friends, all hurting or dead. The thought was enough to kill. But, the mirror did not always say what it showed was what would be...it may only happen if he went out of his way to prevent it.
"You saw my brothers," she said in a sad voice filled with dread. "I have not seen them as of late, what has befallen them, Ada?"
Elrond swallowed and then said, "One may not be returning, I cannot be sure." He was ready to cry.
"It is Elladan, isn't it, Father?" asked Arwen mournfully, brushing a dark strand of hair away from her face. She felt ill, her brothers were hurting and she had felt it.
"Aye, though the mirror shows many things, as Galadriel herself once said. We cannot be sure."
Arwen looked at her father and she said, "there is one other close to you who is hurt. I can sense it in my heart."
"No, there is no other," said Elrond. The thought of Aragorn came to his mind and he hastily pushed it out. She could not know, because if she knew, he had a feeling some fate would come between him and his daughter. He knew not what it would be, but his heart forebode it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Glorfindel rolled his eyes. This had not been his plan. Not in the least, however, he had no better ideas.
Looking to his right, he saw Ancú and Rothinzil with his horse Asfaloth behind them. They were in position. All was ready, or at lest the Elf-lord hoped so, because he was going to do his part.
Glorfindel drew a deep breath. This was not going to be easy. 'Why, oh, why did I have to be the diversion?' He knew it was because he could not fight, not with the wounds he had received.
Holding back a laugh that was trying to burst out of his throat, the elf marched right up to one of the orcs. The creature was either drunk out of its mind or just stupid. Either was likely, decided the Gondolin elf with a wry grin that he quickly stowed. "Hello, ugly brute," said Glorfindel cheerily. The orc raised his hand and the elf fully expected the orc to strike him, but it reached behind its head to scratch itself in utter confusion. Glorfindel smirked inwardly. This was too perfect. His tone of voice had wholly baffled the stupid beast and he was not unhappy about that, it only made his job easier.
Suddenly, he heard a cry of anger, from the throat of an orc. It shouted, "you little brat! I'm going to wring your little neck elf!"
Glorfindel turned his head in the direction of the yell. Elrohir, what did you do now? The golden-haired elf could only imagine what the twin had done to provoke such ire. Ancú and Rothinzil had better hurry up or else there may not be anything left of Elrohir to rescue. Glorfindel knew he had to rescue the Noldo when he heard the angered orc growl, "where's my warg? There is only one way to deal with a worthless elf and that's to feed it to the wargs and have a little fun with it before it dies." A pang shot threw the Gondolin elf's system. He made up his mind not to wait on the other two elves, but go and see what was happening to Elrohir.
Looking to the orc before him, Glorfindel said, "I must be going."
The orc grabbed the Gondolin elf by his injured shoulder. "I don't think so elf, just who are you?" The creature dug its nails into the soft flesh of the injury, causing pain to score the golden-haired elf. He remained firm, for he had known worse, lots worse.
Glorfindel said, "Um...my name is um..." He had to make up some name to fool the creature or else his cover would be blown.
"Yes?" growled the orc impatiently. Was this elf stupid or just slow?
Glorfindel spoke up quickly before the orc could decide and said light-heartedly, "my name is...Dandelion." He did not know why he came up with such a stupid name, but he guessed dimly that it came from being around the Sons of Elrond a lot too much, either that or being around Thranduil's child, for that was how he saw Legolas, as much as the prince protested it.
The orc smiled, "and what brings you here, my little daisy?" he purred mockingly.
Under normal circumstances, the elf would have slain the creature for this, but he was in no position to now.
Daisy? Where in all Arda did the dumb, obviously oblivious orc get that pathetic choice of name into his vocabulary?
Glorfindel shrugged uncaringly, of course that was far from the truth, he cared a lot. "I came to see the might of the Goblins of the Misty Mountains." He said this as if it was just the simple fact and he didn't care who knew it.
The goblin rumbled contently, "well, you came to the right place, elf, we can show you everything." Glorfindel sensed a tone change he did not like, but he could not place why it unnerved him.
Glorfindel suddenly whipped his head in the direction of the woods when he heard a strangled cry in elvish. He could not make out the words, but it sounded surprised and angered. He looked back at the orc and grinned foolishly. "I was, just cracking my neck. It gets stiff every now and then." The orc glared and stared hard at the Gondolin elf for a moment that seemed like ages, before Glorfindel noticed the creature's eyes shift away from him. He hoped the orc had not gotten off its drunken high enough to know he was lying completely and really would much rather be in Rivendell, in peace.
"Right elf," the orc said with a low growl that showed he was clearly suspicious. "We will show you a demonstration of our power right now." He grasped the elf's tunic and pulled him along behind him. Glorfindel rolled his eyes behind he miserable being's back, looking up at the tree branches. The orc looked at a goblin racing by, "what's yer hurry?"
"Where's my warg? By the Great Eye! I think he ran off again!" snarled the other beast, spitting into the woods, as a way of ejecting his anger.
"What der yer want it for?" asked the orc gripping the Gondolin elf. Glorfindel eyed the orc and his eyes fell on the creature's exposed throat. That would be the perfect place to stab him with his knife. Glorfindel's fingers were itching to reach into his boot and whip out his knife to kill the beast. However, that would serve him no purpose, so he ignored the thought as much as possible.
"That dark-haired brat has had it! He ups and kicked me with his good leg when I came to play with him a bit more! My warg is hungry, he can have the guttersnipe!" snapped the orc angrily. "It may turn out interesting, for elves don't die easy, or so I'm told." Glorfindel glared in the creature's direction. 'Haven't you tormented and killed enough to know Spawn of Filth?' he asked mentally.
The orc looked at the golden-haired elf and said, "what's this?"
"He's a traitor, come to see us he did." The orc shook Glorfindel and the elf remained calm as ever, but his anger was rising. This was getting rather aggravating. He could not wait until they had Elrohir out of range of these beasts and then they slaughtered them all.
"How do you know he isn't lying?" asked the other beast with a sneer.
"Because I have a test." Glorfindel nearly jumped with alarm. He had not expected this. "He can watch as another elf, the Son of Elrond, gets ripped up by your warg. If he cries out, the mount gets another play toy, if he remains silent and shows no sign of feelings for the other, he is truly switched over." He looked at Glorfindel's face and said with a smirk, "are you alright with that master elf?"
Glorfindel stammered, "of course, a test, why not?" Who would have ever thought orcs could be so sinisterly bright? The thought had not even crossed the golden-haired elf's mind. He should have expected it all along, but he hadn't and it grated on his nerves.
Orcs...
Those stupid, evil, irksome, loathsome, beneath rock bottom, pack of slobbery, mangy oafs! He wanted nothing more than to kill every last one of them. Oh, yes, elves hated killing living things, but orcs were an exception.
"Good elf, 'cause that's what's coming!" came the swift retort of the orc who seemed somewhat angry about the immortal's steadiness. He wished the elf had failed the test, then he could rip him apart. That time may come, however.
It was not long before Glorfindel found Elrohir placed before him, his bonds were cut. The golden-haired Elf-lord did his best to keep his face totally expressionless and uncaring as was possible, but it was hard, because the Son of Elrond was like a son to him as well. Even though he was sure that Ancú and Rothinzil were going to pull through, and rescue the raven-haired elf, it still was going to be hard to watch this, and the thought crossed his mind; what if he failed?
The orc that had been looking for his mount must have found it, because he came back, leading it on a rope like a large, ugly dog on a leash, or at least, that was how the Gondolin elf saw it. The beast was utterly hideous in his way of thinking. It snarled when it saw Elrohir sitting on the ground, calmly watching its every move. The young elf had no weapon, he had no way to defend himself. Glorfindel felt slight pangs of worry stab him. Although, he was sure that Elrohir would find a way to snatch a weapon of some sort from somewhere. The Son of Elrond was many things, but not stupid, irritating, yes, rash at times, yes, daft, no.
The warg tugged at the end of its leash, snapping its jaws furiously at the elf that sat perfectly sedated on the ground. 'Damn it Elrohir! Wake up! You have to fight!' The orc withholding the animal smiled coldly. Oh, he was going to enjoy this. This elf was going to die and it would be bloody, oh yes, very bloody. And why shouldn't it be? Elrohir watched in dream-like horror as the orc let its grip slide from the leash and the bloodthirsty warg go. It came towards him in a blurry ball of furry fury. Elrohir saw its gapping mouth and its long, yellow, twisted teeth. Glorfindel stiffened inwardly. Why wasn't the raven-haired elf fighting or attempting to move? Test or no test, the Gondolin elf could not take this.
Elrohir, however, was not prepared to give in so easily. He jumped (or rather rolled)clear of the gapping jaws, at the last possible moment. Just a little while ago, he had wanted to die, now, his warrior instincts were driving him towards battle. He rolled further and was lying at Glorfindel's feet. The Elf-lord smiled. He knew what the raven-haired elf was up to. The orcs took his smile as a smile of betrayal and were stunned. Elrohir reached into the golden-haired elf's boot, and whipped out a small knife. The Gondolin elf had had it in his boot for some time. Now, it would finally see service once more.
The warg managed to get a grip on the back of Elrohir's tunic and dragged him backwards. Elrohir grunted as his damaged leg rubbed and bounced along the ground. The elf twisted back to look into the red and savage eyes of the creature trying to take his very life. Snaking around, the elf stabbed and cut a deep laceration into the soft flesh of the warg's muzzle. It yelped and released its hold on the immortal with a strangled cry. Elrohir dragged himself clear of the creature's swiping claws. The warg was trying to slash its victim to death and claw him to ribbons.
Elrohir jumped back (as best as he was able) as he dodged the warg's huge jaws once more. He thrust his knife at the thing's face once more and it landed a savage blow to the creature's nose, nearly splitting it in two. Blood flushed out of the wound, dark and flowing. Elrohir smirked outwardly, not even trying to hide his scornful pleasure at the warg's pain.
That would give the beast something to think about.
It did.
The warg decided that biting this mad thing was not going to get it anywhere but hurt. It was going to resort to using only its claws. The monster swung an enormous paw at Elrohir's face. The elf ducked and rolled beneath the warg. This had been his last intention, but now he was stuck with it. He felt a sharp twinge of fear throb through his body, this was the worst position to be in. From here the warg could crush you, bite you and claw you, even suffocate you.
The beast's hot hair hung in the elf's face and caused Elrohir to blanch at the odor of it. He wrinkled his nose and could not help but wonder about whether wargs ever took a bath like a normal animal.
The elf had to get out from under the wolf-like creature. Elrohir decided to take a chance on getting stepped on and rolled clear of the beast once more. The warg spun around to see its prey and was bewildered that it had gotten out from beneath it. Elrohir thought he was about to die when the warg opened it's gapping mouth to enclose on the immortal's throat.
The clamp of death never came.
An arrow sang through the air, piercing the creature's shoulder. It yelped and spun around in the direction of the shot to find its attempted killer.
An elf leaped through the air from a treetop, landing agilely on the warg's shoulders in perfect balance. Elrohir was shocked, for he did not recognize this elf.
It was Rothinzil of Mirkwood. He had out his short bow and was notching two arrows at once to drill the monster in the head with.
The warg bucked to try and through the elf. Rothinzil counter- balanced the creature's movements and shot it squarely in the back of the head, sending it to the ground. Before the beast fell, Roth leaped nimbly from the animal's back, bending his knees as he hit the ground to absorb the impact.
Arrows were still flying from the trees as Ancú shot them off, slaying the goblins. The Rivendell elf was carefully concealed and even the eyes of Glorfindel could not see him.
Glorfindel smiled a wry grin. Without warning, the orc that had been 'guarding' him, fell with a cry, a white tipped projectile sticking out from its throat. Well, that was one less orc to worry about. Glorfindel whistled in a shrill voice.
His horse, Asfaloth heard the call and came swiftly to his best friend's side. Glorfindel stroked the horse's nose and said softly in Quenya, "Ah, Asfaloth, my friend, so faithful." The horse nickered gently. The Gondolin elf spoke again to his horse, but his voice was grave, "now, I must ask that you bear both Elrohir and I again, for our need is great." The white horse shook its mane as though it understood. Glorfindel smiled, he loved this horse more than he loved himself.
The horse lowered itself onto the ground to allow the Elf-lord to mount it easier, because of his injuries. Once mounted, Glorfindel stroked the animal's neck with his hand.
The golden-haired elf looked up as Rothinzil came up, Elrohir leaning heavily on him. Glorfindel extended his hand and gripped Elrohir's forearm; Elrohir gripped the Gondolin elf's back. Rothinzil helped support the Son of Elrond while he mounted the horse to sit before Glorfindel. "Leave it to us," said the Mirkwood archer, as he referred to Ancú and himself, "we will wipe this camp out and catch up with you and ...Elrohir later." Glorfindel nodded and gently heeled Asfaloth to let him know their stay here was over. The hose lurched for ward at a perfectly smooth pace that even surprised the Gondolin elf. He knew his horse was smooth, but not like this. Why couldn't the horse be like this all the time?
- - - - - -
Before long, all the elves were out of the camp. All looked well, until Ancú came out and he was sucking on the back of his hand. Glorfindel narrowed his eyes from atop the horse, " Ancú, let me see that."
The dark-haired elf looked up and quickly withdrew his hand from his mouth, stuffing it in a pocket. "It is of no importance my Lord," he responded briskly.
Glorfindel looked at the elf's face and how he kept the hand out of sight then said in a thoughtful, faraway voice, "indeed."
Elrohir actually laughed, a thing which it seemed ages since he had done last. "Glorfindel, you know if Ancú says its nothing then its something. He is like Estel that way," jested the twin with a smile. Then, recalling his brother, the smile faded. His brothers were both gone.
Glorfindel nodded and said, "agreed, although, I think he takes more after you in some ways." Elrohir snorted and pretended not to hear. Who did the Elf-lord think he was to insult him that way? Then, the Elf-lord turned his piercing gaze on the dark-haired elf that was looking innocently the other way. " Ancú, let me see it."
Reluctantly the elf came and drew his hand out. It had a welt on it and blood still was pooling on it. Glorfindel looked it over and asked, "what weapon did this? It is strange to me."
"Well it shouldn't be, it was your horse that did it!" snapped Ancú angrily. He snorted, "That THING hates me!" Asfaloth turned his head around and snorted and nuzzled the Gondolin elf's leg, suing for either innocence or mercy. Glorfindel chuckled wryly.
"Not my good Asfaloth," he said in good-natured humor, patting the horse that was clearly sucking up to him.
Ancú rolled his eyes at the sight, that nearly made him sick, "yes your precious horse did it I tell you." Then, the elf raised a dark brow, "you are close to IT why don't you ask IT?"
That cruel, sneaky, too smart for a beast horse!
Glorfindel smiled brightly and said, "I don't suppose that was your strangled cry that I heard in the woods before we put our little plan into full swing, oh, I forgot, your little plan," he added sarcastically and with a roll of his eyes towards the heavens.
Ancú frowned, "yes, my little plan. Anyway, one of these days, I am going to teach that horse a thing or two," he growled. Although, he admitted to himself sourly, it was an idol threat.
Elrohir smiled and said, "oh yes, and you will do that how? Pray tell, for I would love to be in on it." The diabolic grin on the 'younger' twin's face was hilarious and, even more importantly, it was contagious. Glorfindel could not help but give a huge, devilish grin himself.
"Would you now?" catechized Ancú, arching his brows, as though he had expected anything but, and as a matter of fact, that was the near truth. "I must say, I didn't really expect that from you my good Elrohir." Ancú smiled and watched his dear friend's eyes.
"I certainly would! That horse has had it coming!" piped up Elrohir with a smirk on his face. However, Ancú was still upset to see a flicker of pain behind Elrond's Son's gray eyes that were usually so serene and happy. Now he seemed to have to reach up to touch rock bottom.
Glorfindel could not help but interfere on his horse's behalf. "That horse saved your lives and you act like he's a villain! He wouldn't harm anyone unless they asked for it Ancú, you should know that."
Ancú rolled his eyes and stared at the ground. He was mimicking the Elf- lord and he muttered something inaudible then they all made out the words, "is", and "villain". Elrohir shot Ancú a look of amusement, Glorfindel shot him a look of pity. In his opinion, anyone who had nothing better to do than bad mouth his horse was pitiable as a stupid orc in a mire not realizing he was sinking to his death. Or, decided the Gondolin elf with an inward laugh, as pitiable as Estel was when he got into trouble.
He looked at Ancú and Rothinzil, then said gravely, "I hope you two are willing to travel farther, because we are going to take a trip to Umbar or as far as we have to," added the golden-haired elf.
Rothinzil answered darkly and with resolve, "I will go where my prince needs me with or without you."
Ancú said, "and I where ever the Sons of Elrond need me." Elrohir smiled weakly at the other mischievous dark-haired elf, his friend.
The looks on both of their faces showed their deliberate confirmation that would not easily be broken. Glorfindel knew he should have been prepared for this kind of response. He was glad, he could travel lighter of heart now, knowing that they were willing. "Well that is good," Glorfindel said, then with a smile he added, "very good."
Suddenly, Elrohir knitted his brow and asked, "Glorfindel, what in all Middle Earth happened to your arm? Oh excuse me, both of them?" His tone was one asking for a argument. Elrohir really was not sure he wanted to know what had happened, but he felt he must and anyway, it diverted attention away from him.
Glorfindel said, "do you really want to know?"
Elrohir said in a voice that was thick with irritation, "no, but I feel I must. My Ada would throw a fit like non never seen on Middle Earth if he knew that I showed no care for my rescuers."
Glorfindel arched a golden, fair brow in sheer amusement. "He would not. But, if you really are dying to know and not trying to divert attention from yourself, "here he gave the ebony-haired elf an accusing glare. "And I have my suspicions. I will tell you. Elladan and I came in search of you, but we were attacked by Wargs-"
"Rather ambushed," corrected Ancú grumpily at the two elves upon the mount. He hadn't been there, but it was more than obvious and he ad heard the tale about three times over by now.
"Fine then, ambushed," growled Glorfindel, shooting the other Rivendell elf a deadly look. "Either way, the result was I was wounded, and your brother..." here he trailed off. He could not explain this to the twin, yet he knew he must.
"What happened to Elladan?" asked Elrohir in a deadly and tense tone. His eyes narrowed and he fixed Glorfindel with a glare that the Gondolin elf thought only Elrond to be capable of. Ancú and Rothinzil watched the Elf- lords face attentively as Glorfindel began to speak.
"Elladan...is...he is blind," finished the elf with a sigh of emotional pain that was intense.
Elrohir turned around on the horse and looked at the Gondolin elf as though he had just said he had chosen to be best friends with the Balrog and loved Sauron like a son. "What? But the orcs sold him to Umbar, the Corsairs, along with Legolas and Estel!" Elrohir was going into a state of hysteria. "They will kill him when they find out! Or find some cruel use for him! Oh Elbereth, we have to go and get them!" Then the younger Noldo looked at Glorfindel's arm and recalled his own injury. "But how, how can we save them? You are wounded, as well as I." Elrohir hated to admit that, but it was the truth and that was that.
Glorfindel said, "I know not, but where there is a will, there is a way. We will...eventually." He heeled Asfaloth into a slow trot, Elrohir gripped the horse's mane, for he was still having trouble keeping his balance because of his injury. The horse snorted and picked his feet up in light clippity- clops. Ancú and Rothinzil followed behind at a steady, but quick walk of their own.
- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - --
Legolas lay on the ground where he had been dropped. Aragorn sat at his side and looked worriedly on. He knew Legolas was near death and had to be parched to the bone from all that sweating.
Draciar went to Elladan, who wasn't even bound, or the men had noticed how he had acted so sluggish and thought that he was not even going to attempt an escape. Putting an hand on the elf's shoulder he said quietly, "Elladan."
The elf shrugged off his hand and said, "who are you, what do you want?" he snarled with a shiver.
Aragorn looked at his brother in alarm and then at Draciar. "No, please. Don't hurt him, I beg of you, take me in his stead."
Elladan may have been blind, but he could hear perfectly well. "Shut up Estel!" he said harshly. Ada had to teach Aragorn the meaning of the words, 'be quiet'. Draciar gripped the immortal's shoulder again and then bent down by Elladan's ear and whispered, "trust me Lord Elladan." Elladan twisted away.
"You? Do think I am insane!" he retorted in a voice that sounded like he was under the impression that the man had said he was one of the Valar.
"No, listen, I implore you-"
"Why should I?" asked the twin suspiciously.
"Because, I am not who I seem. Elladan, you know me," the man looked up at Aragorn and Legolas. "And you do too. I am Anders, ranger of the North."
Aragorn's eyes widened with familiarity and he looked at Legolas. The prince was asleep, however, exhaustion had gotten the best of him. His chest still rose and fell unevenly, in pain, decided Aragorn darkly. Elladan still frowned, "how did you-"
"I have no time to explain."
"Anders I am so glad you are here," said Elladan in a relieved voice. Anders looked at the elf.
Suddenly, a voice said, "Captain, what did that there elf jus say to ya?"
Anders looked at Elladan and said hastily, "nothing Lord Cracire. Nothing, he's mad." The human glared darkly at the elf beneath him, giving him a kick in the ribs. Elladan suddenly looked at Anders in alarm once more. What was the man saying? He was betraying him, that's what he was doing. Anders gripped Elladan by his collar, the elf tried to twist free, but the man's grip tightened and he twisted the elf's collar tight enough to take his breath away. "On your feet elf!" he commanded sharply. Elladan struggled lamely up to avoid getting strangled, he could not see, and his equilibrium was completely off.
Aragorn watched in shock and pain. They were going to do the same thing that they had done to Legolas to his BLIND brother. Anders was insane, had he switched sides? This was not happening! He wanted to scream, but he could not find his voice. His brother was going to be in pain on top of being blind. It was almost too much to bear. Who was the ranger kidding, it was too much to bear! Not his brother! No! He would have it any other way!
- - - - -
Lord Cracire had seen it far more charming to not bind the twin to the pole as had been done to the prince. Instead, he had the elf tossed to the ground.
Elladan did not recall much of what had happened for the past few hours. Oh, yes, he had been with the men for hours now and they still did not seem to be through with him.
His ribs and head were throbbing and he knew one or more ribs had to be broken. They had kicked him unmercifully with their heavy boots. All of them had jumped in on the fair being and kicked all of the elf's breath out of his lungs. Blood ran from his mouth and it wasn't all from a swollen lip that was turning a disturbing black and blue color. This was a beautiful result of one of the men's boots, he guessed Frinican's, connecting with his mouth. But some of the other blood flowing from his mouth was from inside. He was having some internal bleeding, it wasn't enough to really kill him, but enough to make him horribly ill and make him wish he was at Death's Door. Elladan licked the blood unconsciously. He had kept his eyes closed and refused to open them. Sweaty strands of dark hair hung in his eyes and irritated him. Taking a trembling white hand, he brushed it away as best as he was able.
Frinican reached down and grabbed Elladan by a lock of his hair and said coldly, "ah, what's wrong elf? Getting tired? Well, that's too bad, we have barely begun."
Elladan shuddered and growled back, "I am not tired, just angry."
"One would think from the way you talk, but your shuddering body and the way you refuse to look at me tell a different story," said Frinican with a sigh. He was getting bored with this immortal who also, refused to scream. He refused to give any utterance of pain except a hiss or a moan. He was going to get through to this elf, one way or another. But, he had noticed how the elf never opened his eyes really, he never looked at anyone. Tilting the dark-haired elf's head back, he said, "why don't you look at me elf? Are you frightened?" he jeered.
"No, why should I be frightened of you?" seethed Elladan. He tried to wriggle free. He could hear some of the men laughing and knew thy were laughing at him. It made his pale face flush scarlet to the pointy tips on his ears.
"Yes, you are. You're scared of us, of men. Aren't you?" taunted the tormentor. He was smiling as he said this, for he thought he was right. He was close and that scared the twin more than anything the men could physically do to him. The elf felt a deep sense of betrayal.
"No."
"Then show me your eyes master elf!" Frinican shook the Son of Elrond harshly until Elladan thought his head would explode from the pain of his growing headache. He began to feel dizzy and knew that unconsciousness was calling. Should he give in? No, he may never come out of it.
"No," growled the immortal through clenched teeth.
"I know who you are you know," mused the insane man with a glint of pleasure. Elladan went stiff. How? Anders. The man was a traitor. Oh, yes, he was certain of that. He wanted to kill the 'ranger' but right now, it was not one of his options (which he sorely regretted). If even the rangers were turning traitor, what about Estel? Not his brother, that human had a heart of gold. He would never be corrupted against him.
But Anders...
That loathsome human that he longed to strangle with a passion. Men were so weak and so often failed the test. He had a scornful pity for them. All of them but Aragorn, his brother. Elladan had always trusted the man called Anders, this was an utter shock that tore at him heart and soul!
"You don't know me," growled Elladan, "I deem you barely know yourself past your immediate wants and discomforts." This explanation resulted in another savage kick, only this time it was in his back, the force slammed him to the ground. Elladan's broken ribs screamed and the elf hissed ruefully. His ears rang.
"Oh, but I do know you just about as well as I know myself. I know you are hurting deeply," snarled Frinican like a mad beast. His hand gripped Elladan's tunic and he pulled the aching immortal to his knees. "Someone hurt you, wounded you deeply and now you are beginning to feel the effects, but this isn't the first time." He drew out his knife and twisted Elladan's head back to rest against his thigh. The elf contended against the man, but it was short lived, for as much as the elf hated to admit it, he was tired- and somewhat intimidated.
Elladan had no clue the man even had a knife, all he knew was that he had not been dragged into this position for nothing, so it wasn't a complete surprise when he felt the icy touch of a dagger pressing into the point on one of his ears. Still, it sent chills down his spine and caused an involuntary shiver to shake him. Frinican smiled as he felt the convulsion and said, "you have the blood of men in you." Frinican looked at the graceful tips on the young elf's ears. "These ears just didn't turn out right did they? No, see, they weren't supposed to have these points," Frinican answered his own question.
Here, the mortal flicked one of Elladan's ears mockingly. The elf had a sickening feeling in the pit of his stomach that was gnawing away at him, he knew where this was leading. "I will just have to correct them for you," stated Frinican and he pushed the tip of the elf's right ear back against the blade. Elladan heard the men chuckle frostily and shivered again. He knew the human meant to cut the tips of his ears off. Elladan tried to jerk away, but he was held firmly in place. Panic gripped his heart.
He shot his eyes open and tried to see behind him, but everything was as though he had them closed. Fear ran through him and he felt alone in a dark, cruel world. Frinican was about to follow through with his plan when he saw the elf's eyes. They were pale and yet a remnant of steel gray still lingered in them. The man smiled, he knew well the signs of blindness. Taking his finger, he placed it before one of Elladan's eyes. The ebony- haired immortal did not blink or shift his once steel colored orbs, he just kept his eyes staring blankly ahead. The Son of Elrond licked his lip again and felt the salty taste of his own warm blood run into his mouth.
Frinican nearly laughed. Having a blind elf could be so much fun. The man actually did start to laugh and it was cold and sent a chill through the elf he had captive. But, then again a stone-blind elf was worthless as a slave. He could not work. Well, maybe a blind elf wasn't entirely worthless. But he wasn't interested in that. He was interested in making life for this elf miserable.
"You're blind, aren't you?" asked the human. Elladan did not speak. "You are." Frinican hurled the elf to the ground. Then, put the toe of his boot beneath the elf's chest, with a twist, he rolled the elf onto his back. Frinican then placed his boot on the ebony-haired immortal's throat, the human pressed down, closing off Elladan's air. "Now, we must consider what to do with you."
Lord Cracire snapped, "so he's blind!"
Frinican stammered, "yes ...my lord. But we can find-" Elladan was too distraught to smirk, although if he had been well, he certainly would have. Cracire was the only one able to make Frinican crawl.
"I am not going to feed and look after a blind slave that can't work!" snarled the human angrily. "Kill it!" Elladan felt the man's boot press further into his neck, threatening to break it. Hew as quite sure that was the human's intention and shut his eyes tightly against the sickening feeling of his neck bones beginning to compromise.
"Wait!" shouted Anders, who had been standing to the back and trying not to watch. "I wouldn't be doing that."
Cracire looked at the captain and said, "Why not? He's worthless, I don't pay for and uphold profitless slaves."
Anders said, "not entirely profitless, not if you play your cards right." His voice held a tone of mystery that intrigued the human lord.
All the ranger could think of was that he had to save Elrond's Son. At whatever cost. Although, he admitted sadly, the elf probably saw him as a traitor and would never trust him willingly. He knew Elladan could discern his voice from that of others, and he probably thought that the ranger was ready to sell him to some whore. Anders was trying to make it sound that way for the immortal's sake, but that was not his intention. How would he ever regain the dark-haired elf's trust?
Cracire narrowed his dark brows. "Explain yourself Captain Draciar," he said in a dangerous tone that warned Anders to be careful.
"We could sell him to others, after all, he is one of the Firstborn," reasoned the human and he watched as Lord Cracire nodded for Frinican to stop choking the elf. Elladan held back coughs as the death hold was released; air rushed into his oxygen deprived lungs.
"I'm listening. But, who would buy a blind elf?" questioned the lord tensely. He was getting frustrated with the captain's game playing.
Anders smiled a cold grin. "I know a woman who has been searching for an elf, one that she could easily control. How hard could it be to command a blind elf?" Elladan shivered inwardly. He did not like the direction this conversation was taking; he did not like it in the least.
Anders knew exactly what Elrond's Son was thinking and he inwardly smacked himself. He hated having to say this.
Cracire seemed pleased. He smiled and said, "and who is this woman that you speak of? How much would she pay for a blind elf that she could have her way with?" Elladan shifted uneasily on his back.
He was being sold out to be some harlot's slave or be a whore himself. Cold, prickly fear ran through him. He was not going to give in to this. They could go ahead and kill him; he would rather that than lead a life of shame.
Frinican watched the elf and grinned. He could feel the elf's fear radiating from the immortal. Elladan knew the man was looking at him and quickly stowed his dread that was welling up in his heart.
Anders answered the lord carefully; "her name is Tethane, she would probably offer you a few silver pieces and perhaps something more for the elf." Elladan felt like screaming out, 'traitor!' over and over at the human. However, he knew that first of all, it would do no good, secondly, it would show his weakness and if Anders denied ever knowing him, make him look crazy. Which, he may be somewhat mad, but he was not that deranged.
Lord Cracire nodded, "then it is settled. He will be handed over to Tethane tomorrow, if she will receive him. For tonight, put him with the others."
Anders went to the elf. He bent down to grip Elladan's tunic and pull him up, but Frinican stopped him with his hand. He shook his head and smiled wickedly. "You are far too nice to the brat. When you want an elf to get up," he drew back his foot, "you kick it and tell it to." He drove his foot into Elladan's side. Elrond's Son suppressed a cry as he felt the boot strike his injured ribs. Anders winced, he prayed to the Valar it was not noticeable. Apparently it wasn't, for Frinican said nothing. The man just barked at Elladan sharply, "get up you lazy, no-account elf!" Elladan tried to, but his ribs were screeching and movement was a torment.
Because he was slow, Frinican drew back his boot to deliver another savage blow to the immortal. Anders stopped him, "he just got the snot beat out of him by you. Give him a minute!" pleaded the ranger for the elf. Frinican growled a rumble of disgust. This elf was a slave, he cared not for how much pain the thing was in, when he told it to do something, the waif had better hurry about it!
Anders watched as Elladan slowly hefted himself to his knees, clutching a hand about his ribs. Frinican rolled his eyes in exasperation. Anders beseeched in his mind with the elf, 'hurry up! Time is running out! Hurry mellon nin.'
To say Elladan was furious was an understatement. Elladan so ticked he was sure of he could see, it would be anything but straight. He was not going to let them sell him that way. Frinican came and placed a hand on the elf's shoulder. Elladan flipped it off angrily. Frinican put his hand back and gripped the shoulder tighter. "Elf, why are you so difficult?" he snarled.
Elladan snapped back, "because I don't like it when people torture me! Why else?" Was this human stupid or something? No, the immortal loved it when he got kicked, punched, beaten and smacked around. These men were insane. He wondered what kind of shape his friend and brothers were in. The thought of what they must be going through made him sick. It also welled up a bitter anger in him. He wanted to throttle every last one of these barbarian, stupid men!
His response to Frinican's obviously rhetorical question garnered him a smack in the face. "Shut up elf!"
Anders watched in dismay as Frinican's hate for the elf showed through in another brutal slap across the immortal's pale features, drawing some blood from one of the lacerations that already marred the elf's lips. Frinican then back handed the fair being and was about to hit him again when the ranger offered, "let me handle him."
Frinican growled back, "what do you know about elves Draciar! You are a young little up start who should know how to give respect to those who do things better!"
"Its Captain Draciar to you, and I know that they are sensitive and that this one is in pain!" retorted Anders heatedly. "I know he is a slave, but he needs rest as does the other you insisted on antagonizing!" Anders knew he had to keep his cool lest his cover should be blown, but he hated this man and his cruelty.
Frinican's face turned a shade of scarlet that was surprising. He looked down at the raven-haired elf that was on his knees, drawing a white hand across his mouth to wipe away the blood. "Fine," he said in a low, malicious growl, "you want him, take him." He cuffed Elladan on the back of his head sharply as a gesture of handing him over to the captain.
Anders nodded and said swiftly and with a bark of his own, "I will, thank you." Going over, knelt by the elf and gripped his arm gently, but firmly, pulling the immortal to his feet. Elladan stumbled a little, not so much from blindness, as from the pain of movement, especially breathing. Anders whispered to the Son of Elrond, "I am sorry Elladan. I didn't mean to." Elladan twisted away in annoyance and mistrust.
"You are a traitor Anders," he muttered angrily. He had not the strength to say it any louder, or else he would have, he cared not who heard it.
"No, Elladan, please try to understand," pleaded the human. "I did it for you. I couldn't let them kill you. I know I should have stood up for you better, but if I would have blown my cover, what good would it have done either of us?"
"So you are having me sold to a whore, to save me? Why do I have trouble believing that?" asked the elf in a near sarcastic and yet fully serious voice.
"Not exactly, but I cannot speak of such things here." Elladan pushed away from the mortal that was supporting him and begging him to discern his actions.
"Why not? Afraid your new friends will turn on you?" the elf whispered hoarsely between grit teeth as the action caused caustic pain to score his ribs, leaving him breathless.
"No, they aren't my friends!"
Elladan spun around, to face the human as best as he could gather the man was and snarled, "well you had me fooled," he spat in elvish.
Anders rolled his eyes upward, "look, you are going to have to put your faith in what you cannot see Elladan. I know it is hard, and I am not making it easier, but try, please. Everything will be alright, I promise you this."
Elladan sighed. He was far too weary to contend any longer. "I suppose I will have to, for I see no other way right now."
- - - - - - -
Aragorn shifted his shoulder to alert the elf that had fallen asleep
again with his head leaning on the ranger's shoulder, that Elladan was
being brought back. Even though Aragorn's shoulder hurt him badly, it
was not unbearable to let his friend, who was in far worse shape than he
was, lean on it in restful slumber, or at least, the ranger hoped it was
restful.
Legolas opened a set of bleary blue orbs to stare at the man
supporting Elladan as the elf hobbled towards them in he mist.
Carefully, so as not to set off another headache, the prince raised his
head. "Elladan is returning?" he asked Aragorn softly in Sindarin.
The human nodded. "So it seems." Aragorn felt his heart rate speeding
up. His brother could walk, at least he knew he was that much better
than Legolas was. The blonde elf would not be able to walk on his own
for hours or maybe even days yet. His strength had been totally sapped
from him.
Legolas focused his hurting eyes on the figures coming near him. He
could not help but wonder what they had done to Elladan and why they had
stopped so early, for the prince had been with the men at least two
hours longer, perhaps more. He shuddered and Aragorn looked at the elf
with grave, steel gray eyes.
He knew Legolas was recalling old memories that were terribly painful
and had to be all too real. The ranger felt them too. Suddenly they
heard a sound that they both knew all too well, the trumpets of
oliphaunts. Aragorn looked at Legolas whose eyes were huge and the
prince was drawing frightened, quick breaths. He was not so scared of
the oliphaunt however, as the experience he had with them prior to this
misadventure.
So the corsairs were going to use oliphaunts to help transport and
travel? How far would they be going? To the land of Umbar, far, far
away.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Past...
Legolas stared up at the creature before him and Aragorn put a hand comfortingly on the elf's shoulder. Oliphaunts. The elf had heard of them, but never seen one before. They were huge, larger than tales told. Legolas did not even realize his eyes had gotten large until one of the slaves with him, Lanotin asked in a cold and unmerciful voice, "could your eyes get any bigger elf? What wrong?" he jeered. "Never see one of these before." Here he gestured to the mighty beast that stood before them all.
"Just leave him alone!" snapped Aragorn heatedly. Legolas turned his gaze upon the ranger and it was a piercing blue.
"Strider, your concern is appreciated, but I can stand up for myself, if I want to," stated the prince in a low voice and with a sheepish grin.
Aragorn rolled his eyes and growled, "well then why don't you? For the sake of Elbereth! They are walking all over you!"
Legolas gave a wistful smile, "for now, later they won't be so lucky as to have me for their door mat." Aragorn could not help but grin back. However, he was still disturbed at the pale greenish tint to the prince's face that showed how ill the elf still felt from the meat he had been forced to take.
"Legolas," asked the human, "how do you feel?"
The prince knitted his brows and said in a small and weak voice that he accidentally let come through, "horrible. Ugh, I feel like I have been turned inside out!"
Aragorn nodded. "I expected as much." He gripped the elf's shoulders and said, "Legolas, next time we stop, I want you to rest, got it? You are going to kill yourself staying up to look after me. I will be fine!" Legolas grinned weakly.
"I will try mellon in," said the prince.
"Good," said the ranger. "See that you do."
Unario came up and climbed a ladder that was leaning against the oliphaunt's side. He raised his hand for silence and it was swiftly given. The man cleared his throat and Legolas rolled his eyes. Unario said in a deep voice that was an utter surprise to elf and ranger alike, "I have been ordered to get all of you mounted onto this oliphaunt! I intend to do that. Any trouble will be painfully rewarded." He turned his bitter gaze upon Legolas. "And you," he shook his finger at the elf in a way Legolas thought of as very mother-henish, "you had better behave or else your friend will do your share of the suffering in front of you. You wouldn't want that to happen again, would you?"
Legolas responded sullenly, "no."
Unario smiled and said, "No what?"
"No, sir," said Legolas in a sarcastic voice that garnered some chuckles. Unario rolled his eyes. The elf would not be acting that way later. Elves, one minute you think you have wrapped around your finger, the next they are mocking you and defying you to the extreme. He did not understand it.
Aragorn looked at the fair being, who had a dangerous glow in his eyes. The elf was planning something. "Legolas, are you mad?"
"As you were saying, they are walking all over me, I have to do something," stated the elf mater of factly. Aragorn rolled his eyes for what had to be the third time and decided to let the matter go. It would do no good to argue with the prince, that might even make matters worse, empathized the ranger darkly.
He did not have time, however, to further tell the prince that he thought he was insane, for Unario pointed at Legolas and said with a bark, "you first elfy." He reached a burly hand down to grasp Legolas by his forearms and pull him up onto the ladder and guide him onto the beast.
- -- - - -
Ere long they were all mounted on the creature. Unario was in the front. It was his responsibility to guard the slaves and make sure all went well. It was all too obvious he man loved his job.
Legolas sat up front near the human, with Aragorn (who had refused to be parted from his friend's side) right behind him. Legolas's blue eyes watched the ranger's every move. For he knew Aragorn was not nearly well enough for this trip. The ranger's wound had to be painful still and Legolas doubted the human was well from the venom he had received earlier.
The ranger's face was pale and he was breathing awkwardly, or at least, the prince thought so. When he would ask about it, however, the young man would say all was well and that Legolas should not be worrying himself with him right now. For these reasons, the elf had quite asking and just decided to judge it himself. It wasn't too hard, for humans were more free with their emotions than were elves.
Travel was slow and the sun was hot, very hot. They were now nearing the land or Harad and the place that was to be their new home. However, they were also nearing Mordor. Just the thought caused the prince to shiver. He felt fear creeping into his heart again like a worm wriggling its way into his soul. The elf pushed his fear away briskly and looked to the ranger.
The heat was getting to the human, that was more than apparent to the elf. Though Legolas felt comfortable in this weather and it effected him not, he knew with men it was another story. Taking his hand, he carefully placed it on the crown of the ranger's head. Legolas then quickly withdrew it and the human gave the prince a odd look of bewilderment. Legolas responded with a tone of worry, "Strider you are burning away. Thank the Valar you are not made of wax! You would be a puddle for sure!"
"And a happy one if you would stop being a mother hen to me! Legolas, I will be fine," argued the ranger adamantly. Unario rolled his eyes and gave them a pitying look of annoyance. Legolas saw it and ignored it.
"I am not being a mother hen!" snapped the prince in an almost teasing voice. "You are sick and don't deny it Estel."
"I am better than I was and am well on the road to recovery Legolas. You need to relax. Elladan was right, you are one of the jumpiest elves there ever was!" retorted the young human with a little heat.
Legolas furrowed his brows and said, "Elladan said that? Humph! He's one to talk, if anyone ever played the mother hen, it was him!" stated the prince, even though, he admitted sadly, Elladan was not here to hear the snappy comeback. "However, Strider, you are not well. You need water, this heat is dangerous."
"Tend to your own self Legolas. I am used to being alone, I can look after myself," said the ranger with a grin. Legolas wasn't paying a bit of attention to the human, Aragorn noticed with a start, the elf was watching the dark clouds that hung over Mordor. The ranger whispered in the Gray Tongue, "Legolas we will escape, do not despair my friend."
The prince looked at him and said sadly and with a touch of sorrowful regret, "no we won't Aragorn, or at least, I shan't."
"Then I shall not either," Aragorn stated and gripped Legolas's shoulder; giving it a condoling squeeze. Legolas gave a wry smile and the ranger felt better.
"Yes you will, if I have to threaten to kill myself to be rid of you, I will," said the prince.
Aragorn felt his face blanch and he concluded this was not worth arguing about either.
Legolas relieved him of the subject. "I am going to get you some water mellon nin." The prince turned about to face Unario. Aragorn looked at the elf in alarm.
"Legolas, you are going to get in trouble, don't!" he called to his friend.
Lanotin had been watching the whole thing and thought it rather humorous. The elf was going to get into tribulation again and he was going to get another show. His followers and fellow slaves that hated elves loved this as well and they were all grinning like the set of fools that they were.
Legolas called to Unario, "Human!" The man turned a dark gaze upon the elf and Legolas continued, "my friend needs water! Please, he is sick." Legolas did not care what people thought of him, Aragorn needed water and he was going to get it.
"Why should I elf?" he asked in a voice that was filled with a false lack of interest. Legolas caught it and glared with narrowed eyes.
"Because I will...will kill myself if you don't," said the prince with a grin that taunted the human. Unario smirked when he saw the greenish tint on the elf's face. The poor little thing was still sick. All the same he was concerned about the threat the immortal had just made, as it could cost him his life as well.
Unario jumped up in apprehension. "You wouldn't."
Legolas grinned a toothy sneer. "I would and you know that if I really wanted to you could not stop me edain."
Unario knew that the elf had him. He gave Legolas a look that plainly stated he was angered beyond measure and if it weren't for orders, he would hang the elf with no regrets later. Grabbing a water flagon, he tossed it to the elf, who skillfully caught it. Unario turned his face away in utter disgust and wrath.
Legolas looked at Aragorn. "See?" he said. "I got you water. Now drink it."
"Legolas," the prince narrowed his brows and Aragorn could have sworn the blonde elf had been around Elladan and Elrohir too long, for his frown was no less compelling now. Aragorn really thought it was quite unfair that even when his brothers were not around, their looks of adamancy still chided him. Shaking his head, he took the flask and opened it. Legolas looked at him with the same frown until he took a sip, then the prince smiled wryly.
Aragorn felt the water run down his parched throat and drank heavily. It felt so good. Legolas relaxed, now that his friend had water to go against the burning heat of the day, recovery was inevitable.
Suddenly, the Oliphaunt they were riding on bulked and trumpeted so all the hills and woodlands echoed with the noise.
All on the creature sat up on it bolt right. Something was wrong. Unario growled. "We are in ranger territory. They are around somewhere." Grabbing a whip from his belt, he unfurled it and struck the animal. The great beast lurched forward at lopping gallop. Legolas clung to the creature's rough folds of hide and then looked over at Aragorn. The human had been totally unprepared for the jolt and was falling. Legolas reached out and caught the ranger's upper arm and pulled him closer. The water flask fell to the ground and splashed the contents all over. There went Aragorn's salvation, thought Legolas hazily.
Arrows, with dark green feathers, sang thickly in the air. One, struck by the prince's leg. The rangers of the South were attacking.
The oliphaunt, now dazed with pain and scared into panic ran madly about. "Everybody hold on, if you fall you are lost!" shouted Unario. Another projectile whistled through the air and struck the man in the chest. Legolas watched as his eyes went big and blood spurted from his mouth before he fell. Was that going to be their fate? Legolas looked at Aragorn.
The ranger's eyes were fastened at the place were Lanotin had been seated. Where was the creepy man? Legolas suddenly felt a hand snarl in his blonde locks and pull his head back, to make liable his throat. Aragorn snapped at the man. "Let him go, what good is he to you?"
"He is an assurance that I will get out of here. You rangers love elves and wouldn't ever shoot them." He pulled Legolas's head and twisted it over closer to him, placing his hand on Legolas's throat and tightening the grip enough to constrict the prince's airway. Legolas's eyes flashed angrily. Suddenly, he felt his feet slipping, he was going to fall and drag Aragorn down with him. The ranger felt it and knew it.
"They can't tell the difference from here and would shoot him just the same. Our only hope to survive is to stick together. Legolas will do us far more good free than held hostage," growled the ranger militantly. Lanotin shrugged.
"Whatever ranger, I don't believe you." Lanotin watched as Legolas's lips began to turn a tinge of blue, not enough to kill the elf, but enough to keep him under control. Aragorn saw it too and looked up at Lanotin with a horror struck face.
The oliphaunt began to slow as its wounds throbbed and bled. Arrows continued to rain down amongst them, hitting other slaves and Haradrim. Lanotin looked up from his hostage just in time to see an arrow heading straight for him. He pulled Legolas up as a shield. Aragorn screamed, "Nooo!" as he saw the man's intentions. It was too late. The arrow struck he elf in the upper chest on the prince's left. Legolas's glazed blue eyes struggled to focus connected with Aragorn's as the elf felt the sickening feeling of the arrow piercing his flesh and hot blood running down his front.
The immortal mouthed a single word. 'Good-bye' and then he fell to the ground below.
Aragorn watched in consternation as the elf fell many feet to what had to be his death. If the arrow didn't kill him, the fall would. There was no way around it. Lanotin even looked slightly disheartened, though the ranger did not know why.
TBC...Muahahahahaha! Finally! An evil cliffie! We were beginning to wonder what was wrong with us! LOL
Now, we said this story would have no 'adult situations' and we meant it! THIS IS NON-SLASH FOLKS! Just thought we would clear up any confusion that might happen ahead of time because of Elladan and stuff. Okay? Okay!
And since all of our pets were kidnapped, we have no excuse for this evil cliffie other than, WE DID IT! (dodging tomatoes and Valar knows what else) We will post in week, but only if you don't kill us!
Review Responses
Crazy Kitty 2 Not even going to respond!
Shadowed Flames Yes. LOL they are all getting it now!
Strider's Girl We have been trying to read your stuff and review but w/ school and all its hopeless. We will next week. No! You got them all? Ahhh!
Lyn Thanks, although we don't think we write that well. We know, but all blood looks near black in dim light and stuff. We have read the Silmarillion and know all that. But you are more than welcome to tell us if you think we went out of line. Thanks!
Deana yes! Poor elf indeed!
Beling Yes! Poor EVERYBODY! Elladan and Elrohir are around.