Beyond Borders
Summary: Gondor rules over all of Middle Earth save for one large forest in the North-Western area, Mirkwood. As he tried to unravel its mysteries he comes across a strange discovery, about himself and the world around him. What happens when he meets the Commander of the Elleselsian army? Read and find out. A/L and many other pairings.
Any dream bits will be in italics for this chapter. Just so you know. For anyone who is reading Maniacal Laughter, I promise I'm not stopping it but I'm having severe writer's block and I can't seem to make Legolas do what I want, so it'll be a week at least before I get it up maybe more, maybe less, depends when Legolas decides to listen to me. cries sorry.
"Vi'en i roch atta? Where is the other one?" Legolas asked the closest Elf. Motioning to the field, the archer pointed out the struggling blonde elf, fighting two taller archers as they bound his hands. "Kieta. Kelosa tai eun ethie Ondonae, Fool. Bring them to the Queen," he headed back through his command, occasionally patting an archer on the back, or joking with them shortly. The five were pulled along, bound together, all fearful…
They had walked for hours during the night before they came to a large break in the trees around sunrise. Aragorn's breath caught in his throat. What had looked like an endless mass of trees from the borders of the forest, turned into a spanning city, stretching beyond Aragorn's sight. "Ni ovet or eun alou eun. Chie okh dar eun van tai. I have things to attend to. You know where to take them." Legolas told a red-haired Elf standing next to him. The Elf bowed and motioned for the company to move through the street. Aragorn allowed himself to be pulled forward, his gaze lingering on Legolas' receding form, disappearing through the crowded city.
"It is remarkable!" Aragorn heard Elrond whisper in his ear. "Their culture is unlike anything I have witnessed. There, the way the houses are formed, it is completely remarkable." Aragorn looked at one street of houses.
The small houses were lined perfectly down the cobbled road, each with a small patch of bright green grass and a tree, usually a blossoming one, for a lawn. The roofs were made of a deep red stone, delicately spiraled at the tops and the structures themselves were a pale blue marble. A few windows were cut from the stone, some drawn shut with pale white or tan curtains and some left open to catch the morning breeze. Some of the most beautiful women Aragorn had ever seen were standing huddled together by the street's edge, giggling and chatting the morning away, their red or blonde hair pulled back into braids, their dresses made of green, red, blue or tanned material that flowed down their soft frames. None wore shoes and their feet were perfectly formed, no scratch or scar to mal the pale skin. Some young boys were fighting with wooden swords, their short blonde hair outlining slightly chubby cheeks and a rosy smile. A few girls, no older than 5 in Aragorn's opinion, and looking a lot like their mothers, were sitting under one of the pink-blossomed trees, playing with small dolls made of spare cloth, wicker and tiny stones or gems. It was the ideal lifestyle, as Elrond pointed out.
They were lead through a few more streets like the last and finally emerged in a busy main street, lined with markets and plazas, with a few music stands where a stream of light music filtered down the streets. Crystal clear brooks flowed down one side of the road, some of the men working the markets bending down to scoop up some of the water and pour it over their fruits and vegetables, cleansing them. Some women were crowed around the stalls, sampling the fresh produce or ogling the new jewelry one man was selling. The red haired Elf commanding their party leaned over to a blonde haired woman trying on a bracelet made of silver and rubies, which matched perfectly with her red dress and pale grey eyes, and handed her a gold coin, kissed her cheek and rubbed her protruding belly. "Oh isn't that lovely?" Arwen giggled. "I would so like to return here under more pleasing circumstances." Aragorn chuckled and nodded, watching as the blonde paid for her bracelet and continued her shopping, picking out some large red fruit at the next stall.
"No kite iten ith al, Irhan. Your wife has been productive, Irhan." a blonde archer smiled. Irhan smiled back and started moving again, winding through more spaces of stalls, women, children and a few men here and there until they reached a large, pale marble building that glinted in the sun, the silver detailing catching the early rays. They were pulled up the stairs and into the large cherry oak doors, through a golden room and passed a dozen guardsmen, standing alert, some bowing their heads as Irhan addressed them. Opening one more door, the band of Elves stepped up to take Aragorn, Arwen, Haldir, Eomer and Elrond from Legolas' company and brought them before a large silver throne. "Ondonae Etine, Legolasika iten var chie Aragorn tha Gondorno. Queen Etine, Legolas has sent you Aragorn of Gondor." Irhan said with a bow.
"Chie na dor, Irhanion. You may leave, Irhan." a soft, youthful voice called from behind a screen of light fabric that hung in the corner. Irhan bowed and led his company from the chamber. Two young girls dressed in soft yellow cloth scurried to the screen and passed a thin red cloth behind it. The screen was pulled back and Etine walked to her throne, strawberry-blonde hair pulled up in braids, a golden tiara placed on her head. On her feet she wore a pair of golden sandals and her dress was richly decorated, the thin red cloth draped over her frame, barely concealing her pale, creamy flesh from view. Silver chains hung from her neck, wrists and ankles, and rings lined her fingers and pointed ears. Every person in the hall bowed, and the five captives were pulled to the floor. "You enter our forest, Aragorn of Gondor," she spoke, her voice musical with a strange accent. "Why? You intend to over-throw me like your father once tried?" Aragorn stood and stepped forward.
"I mean nothing of the sort. Long ago, my father untied the lands of Middle Earth under one rule, in hopes of a peaceful era, but you have chosen to ignore his decree." Etine's blue eyes flashed with anger and she stood gracefully.
"I follow no command of a man of the South. Legolasion!" she hollered. Legolas stepped from out of the shadows and knelt, kissing her hand gently. "Who brings you here?" she asked.
"I do, your highness," Elrond said, standing. "I have come to show you Eru, the one true God…" his words were cut short when Etine clicked her fingers and immediately Legolas had pinned the older Elf to the floor, pulling out a knife and cutting into his tunic and flesh.
"May you know that I bow to the Valar alone. You have become arrogant, Elrond of Rivendell," she snapped. Legolas tossed his knife aside and reached into the cut he made, pulling apart Elrond's ribcage bone by bone, a sickening crack echoing throughout the chamber. He pulled out the Elf's heart and stood, letting him dye on the floor. Legolas made his way back to Etine's side and handed her the beating organ, bowing his head. She took it and held it above her head, the blood running in rivulets down her arm and onto the floor. The heart disappeared and Elrond's body was hauled away.
"Barbarians!" Arwen whimpered and clutched Aragorn tunic, burring her face in the cloth. "They practice witchcraft! See how my father's heart vanished!" she cried. "You murder my father!" Legolas stepped up to her and placed his bloodied hand on her shoulder. Arwen's eyes grew wide and she collapsed on the floor, blood pooling about her stomach and Legolas sheathed his sword.
"If there will be anymore objections, please speak now," Etine smiled sweetly. "Very well. Van tai ish. Take them away." Two guards took the remaining three and lead them from the chamber, leading them down under the palace, into a cell.
"How long will we be kept alive?" Aragorn asked.
"It is a mystery," Haldir pulled himself onto one of the small wooden beds and lay down.
"What is the time? I am famished." Eomer mentioned from another bed, trying in vain to make his wound feel more comfortable.
"Near mid-day," Aragorn whispered. Leaning against the metal bars, he rested his head back with an echoing 'clang'.
"What I would give for a good bottle of Brandywine." Eomer moaned.
"The finest of the Shire. Do you suppose Lord Frodo would be kind enough to send one?" Haldir chuckled and shifted.
"You speak of wine and Halflings while our lives lean on the edge of a knife," Aragorn scoffed but was unable to hide a small smile.
Eomer didn't last the night. It had become obvious that after his rough treatment at the hands of the Elves, his wound had been re-opened and he had died in his sleep. When the guards came in the morning to pick up the corpse, Haldir protested so greatly that they had threatened to have him hanged. Aragorn had intervened then, stopping before Haldir's mouth got him into more trouble.
"What do you suppose they want with us?" Haldir asked, breaking the silence that had claimed their cell. Aragorn closed his eyes and sighed.
"Perhaps this strange venture was not the idea I had thought it would be. But one thing troubles me more than the sake of our lives." Haldir sat up and studied Aragorn hard.
"And what would that be, my friend?"
"That girl… Etine… she spoke of my father. And more so, in the common tongue. How is it possible she could learn to speak it when it is painfully obvious her people know nothing of it, not a word?" Haldir nodded and lay back down, resting his head.
"All mysteries. Do you suppose we may discuss it with her over a cup of tea and biscuits?" Haldir joked. Aragorn chuckled and slid down the wall, sitting on the stone floor.
"Even in the dimmest times you still manage to bring a smile to my face, my friend," he smiled. Haldir smiled and closed his eyes.
"I fear I am unable to rest this night," Haldir muttered, rolling over.
"And why is that?" Aragorn asked calmly.
"The more we speak of Etine, the greater problem I find below," Haldir whined, rolling onto his back, trying to relieve his 'problem'. Aragorn laughed, his eyes, still closed, crinkled at the corners as he chuckled. "I do not see the humor you find in my torment," Haldir scoffed.
"Is that how you see me, Haldir of Lorien?" a crisp, youthful voice asked from the bars of their cell. "Ollen to sin, Irhanion. Open their cell, Irhan." Etine whispered to the red haired Elf standing next to her. "Shall we go someplace more comfortable?" she asked sweetly, holding out a thin hand that was lined with silver rings and bracelets that matched her deep blue skirt perfectly. Her feet were bare and, Haldir swallowed thickly, her hair had been left down (crowned with a silver tiara that hung down her forehead, a teardrop shaped sapphire glimmering in the dim light) and covered her bare breasts in a soft reddish-blonde sheen of silk. Her feet were left bare save for a thin sliver band that wrapped like a snake around her left ankle. Silver hoops hung from her ears and sapphires dotted the delicate point.
The two men followed behind her through the bustling streets, followed closely by Irhan. "You see, I have a great plan, which you, as your father before you, seem bent on destroying. When I was still a child, my mother told me of a man who would unite the three races of Middle Earth. Man, Dwarf and Elf alike would bow to him, holding to his oath of peace. My land would fall into despair should I allow that man to take it from me. So, you understand why you cannot leave? To allow you to flee would be like freeing a snake. Although it promises not to bite, you know it may strike at any moment."
"We mean you no harm. I only wish for a peaceful land, my Lady. Your land would be your own, to do with as you please." Aragorn moved to her side.
"This is true. Yet would you not demand I bow before an idol? This Eru I have heard of… does he speak to you? Does he listen? Do you know he exists? Long have I heard rumors from the western lands that Eru has passed beyond the sea. Would you that I make my people follow an idol made of gold and lies?" Aragorn lowered his gaze and thought. "Western men have invaded my land for over 3 000 years and shown me no charity. Yet, I do not wish to be as foul as those men. You shall return to the palace but not to your cell. I shall have Legolas prepare a room for you both… should you accept." Aragorn nodded.
"I fear I have misjudged you over my life. Your charity would be most welcome," he said softly. Haldir looked between them, then to the edges of the city where the tall trees of Mirkwood stood against the afternoon sun.
"Aragorn, I do not wish to stay here. I would rather rot in a cell than be bound by enchantments and lies," Aragorn sighed and looked away.
"Haldir, should you wish to leave my side, so be it. But know that if we ever do return to Gondor, your allegiance shall not be welcomed." Haldir's eyes froze in an icy glare.
"My allegiance holds true to the King of Middle Earth, not a man who would betray his country!" Haldir took off at a run, heading for the line of trees. Just as he entered them, a hail of arrows rained upon him. Blood splattered the forest floor as he collapsed in a useless heap.
"Should you wish to leave, you may do so. But I am not sure of how far you will flee," Etine stated simply from his side.
"You leave me with no choice, my Queen. If you will forgive my companion's ignorance, I would accept your offer of hospitality." Aragorn bowed and bit his lip, unable to believe that he was bowing before a girl no older than twenty in a human's standards. After all, he was King of Gondor, why should he bow? But, in his situation, he saw no other way around it.
"Very well. Irhanion, van ethie Etun Aragorn eun ethie amor iket. Ni kon monome eun Legolasion. Irhan, take the Lord Aragorn to the guest chambers. I shall speak with Legolas." Irhan bowed stiffly and motioned for Aragorn to follow him. Etine turned and headed down another winding street, stopping to speak with some shop owners about business and bought a few lovely dolls for three young girls with hair as black as night, who were playing with dull, tan coloured dolls they had made themselves. Aragorn smiled at the scene and strode behind Irhan into the palace and through the large doors.
Irhan had left Aragorn in a large chamber on the highest floor. The door was elegantly carved cherry oak and the walls were a light red colour when the light hit them. Large, pale gold curtains hung from floor to ceiling over the window and a large four-poster bed sat in the centre of the room, the covers sewn from gold fabric and the pillows made from white deer hide and stuffed with the softest feathers Aragorn had felt. A red, translucent fabric hung from the four posts and cascaded down the sides of the bed, offering slight privacy should someone open the door while he was sleeping. A smaller cherry oak door joined a private washing room to the chamber and it was lined in ivory, the bath glimmering in the candlelight. A few shelves stacked with books, oils and candles lined the walls of the chamber and two chairs sat on either far corner. It was an elegant room and Aragorn was in awe.
He opened the door to the washroom and ran a hand through the warm water that had been drawn for him. He pulled off his tunic and shirt, folding them neatly beside him on the floor. He slipped off his boots and breeches and placed them with the rest of his clothing before sliding down into the water with a sigh as the warm liquid soothed his tense body. A soft knock on the door brought him back to reality and he called out, "Come in!" Soft footsteps echoed across the floor and he felt someone kneel next to the tub. Opening one eye, Aragorn smiled friendly at the blonde who was staring openly at him. "Yes?" he asked.
"Queen tells me to bring to you," he said shakily, his voice not used to speaking common tongue and his accent slurred the words. A light blush fell over his cheeks and Aragorn had to swallow his tongue so he didn't laugh. What a change, from the fierce army commander he had first met to a shy, unsure Elf. Legolas held out a large tray, filled with a plate of large red, orange and blue fruits, a goblet of wine and a small bowl of lemon water. "These," he whispered, holding a pair of tan hide leggings and a white shirt that had no sleeves and tied at the front.
"Thank you," Aragorn smiled and motioned for the Elf to leave the tray and clothes on the ivory table across from the tub. Legolas did so and sat, heels tucked underneath him, by the counter. Aragorn stood and grabbed the towel that was folded beside the bath, drying his hair and chest, oblivious to Legolas biting his lip. He stepped up to the counter to reach for the clothes Legolas had left him but jumped when he felt cool hands run up his thighs to his hips and stomach. He looked down to see Legolas exploring his body, fascinated by his tanned, muscled frame, marked with scars and a faint dusting of hair. "Legolas, what are you –" he moaned as Legolas' thin fingers swept over his cock.
"Gorgeous," Legolas whispered and lent forward and laid a butterfly kiss on his abdomen. Aragorn pulled the Elf away from his body and reached over his blonde head to grab the clothes laid out for him.
"Please leave," Aragorn breathed. Legolas nodded and stood, almost running out of the chamber.
Etine was seated at the head of a long marble table on a golden throne. She wore an intricate dress made of green silk, wrapping tightly around her frame. Green slippers covered her small feet and she wore long glove-like covers over her arms that started below her shoulder and fell loosely to her wrists where they hung like a long sleeved dress. A large, curved crown sat on her head, the bronze swirls and emeralds making the crown looking too big for her head. Her fingers were covered in bronze rings and bands wrapped her wrists and neck. Her hair was pulled back at the top into a braided bun while the rest was left down.
To her right, sat Aragorn, who wore plain tanned pants with his black boots and red sleeveless tunic. The man looked to his right and gazed at Legolas. The Elf had chosen to wear a green tunic, long sleeved with delicate gold embroidery over the cuffs and collar. His breeches were simple black and his boots were a matching green and gold. The Elf kept shooting glances at Aragorn while he spoke with Irhan in a hushed voice. "Once again, Lord Aragorn, I am deeply sorry for Legolas' advances. I do hope that you had a good meal before you slept?" Etine asked, munching on her breakfast fruit.
"Yes, I did thank you. May I be so prudent as to ask, why he would advance so?" Etine giggled and took a sip of her tea.
"You men have customs of women and men marrying to keep children coming so your population does not run dry. However, we here are immortal as even the Elves of Rivendell or Lothlorien. You find that for them, immortality looses its spark after seven thousand years or so. We, however, do not. In that sense, we are the only immortals on Middle Earth. As such, it is guaranteed that we shall have a strong number for eternity and the need for children is not as great. So, men and women are able to express their… urges… more freely." Aragorn blushed and nodded. "But let us not become too serious for the time being. Let us dine!" she laughed and plopped another piece of fruit into her mouth. Legolas looked over at her and smiled; a bright grin that lit up the room.
It was halfway through their breakfast and Aragorn was becoming more and more uncomfortable. Etine and Legolas kept talking quickly in the Elleselsian tongue and would occasionally shoot a glance his way. After their plates were cleared, Aragorn stood as Etine left the chamber, followed by the rest of the noble men and women. He was ready to head for the door when a cool hand settled upon his wrist. "Not go," a small voice whispered and a thin frame pressed against his back…
A.N.: Could that have been any longer?! My God, I wanted to stop sooner but I just couldn't. So I left it at a somewhat of a cliffhanger. Muahaha, what will happen to out friends next time?
For anyone who has read the fabulous series: 'The Axis Trilogy' by the amazing author Sara Douglass, you will recognize that Elrond's death is the same as Borneheld's. I had just finished reading 'Starman' and for some reason that fat oaf's death in 'Enchanter' was stuck in my head and it seemed like a good death for him. So, furthermore, I take no credit in designing Elrond's death. The idea was completely Sara Douglass' and I borrowed it. But I am giving her credit so you can't say I plagiarized! If you haven't read her series, go to your local huge ass bookstore and check it out. I got mine at chapters. Hehe, go Chapter's/Starbuck's complex! I love it! Also, you should check out 'The Troy Game,' series. It is so good! And pretty soon, like, a year or so, she has a new series called 'The Crucible' that will be coming out. So I suggest you check out her books if you like to read. They're super good. If you want a quote or whatever from one of her 'Axis Trilogy' books, give me your e-mail in your review and tell me. I'll try and get back to you A.S.A.P. And just so you know when you get it, my e-mail is unnecessaryevilshotmail.com so don't delete it if you ask for a sample.
And to all my 'Maniacal Laughter' fans, I will be posting the next chapter very soon but I'm having a rather bothersome writer's block and it won't go away. I could post it how it is but I want it to be longer. I'm trying to keep it under 15 chapters and to do that the next few chapters will have to be rather lengthy so they'll take me more time, for example, writing this chapter, took me a week. A whole week devoted to school, homework and writing this… this brainchild!
You may have noticed that I spent quite a bit of time describing Etine. She is my absolute favorite character that will be appearing in this story so I get a little eccentric when it comes to her outfits. And I'd like to make note, that the last dress she wears, the green one with bronze stuff… that was the original idea for my formal dress for school. Of course I toned down the tiara but other than that it was pretty close. Her hair style there is a match to Akasha's hair in 'Queen of the Damned'. I love that movie and I love her hair when it's pulled up so it just sort of… clicked. The silver tiara she wears when she's half naked is like the one the Princess wears in 'The Never Ending Story'. When I was a little girl I always wanted that tiara but with a sapphire instead of a pearl. So, if you want to know where I got my inspiration from, look into these books and movies. I swear, they're all brilliantly made.
Reviews mean so much to me! And it doesn't take a lot of time to just click "Review" and type 'I like it. Please update soon." Or "This was okay; however, I think you could improve it a bit. Here is what I think you can work on…". You can obviously use other stuff, but just no flames please! Thanks a lot,
Luv,
Kiava.