Hello again my dear fans! Hope you like!
Legolas blinked for the fist time in hours as the sun's first rays peaked over the mountaintops. He sighed to himself and regained touch with reality. "Wake up Raven." he said as he ate a piece of bread and held some out for his companion.
Raven didn't open her eyes, but she was awake. She was having the most wonderful dream that she was an elf and Legolas saved her from a tree. She didn't feel like letting it slip away just yet. She knew that the second that she opened her eyes, she'd be in her tormenting room and it would all be over.
"Come on Raven, wake up. We need to be leaving soon."
Legolas's soothing voice met her ears. 'Could I still be dreaming?' she though to herself and slowly opened her eyes, and to her utter joy, she wasn't. "Yay! It wasn't a dream!" She exclaimed when she saw Legolas.
"Um, right. Here." Legolas said as he passed the lembas bread to Raven, which she ate quickly.
"So, when are we leaving?" she asked while she handed Legolas two blankets.
"Now." He said throwing them over the horse, "This is-"
"Let me guess, Arod?" Raven said already knowing the answer.
"Correct. How did you know?" Legolas asked in an almost shocked tone
"'Cause I'm smart!" She exclaimed ecstatically while she mentally praised her memory of the books.
"You are as gifted as the Lady Galadriel!" Legolas said in awe as he gracefully leapt to the white horse's back and lowered his hand to Raven.
Raven looked up into his face, and for the first time, got a good look at him. A halo of the sun's light encircled his head, making his golden hair shimmer. His face was more beautiful than she remembered, with his ocean- blue eyes held up with proud, high cheekbones. His skin was so pale and perfect, Raven was almost tempted to glide her fingers across his face; how could it be so smooth? His slender body was held high upon Arod, making him seem almost intimidating, but the soft smile on his lips showed only kindness. The sight made her tremble faintly as she slowly raised her slightly quivering hand to his.
"Don't be afraid. I won't let you fall." He said softly and took her hand, "You may sit in front if that is alright." Legolas finished as he lifted her gently in front of himself.
Raven nodded her head in agreement and let herself lean against Legolas's warm chest. For the first time in years, she actually felt safe.
Legolas smiled down at Raven's pale-blonde head and whispered something to Arod, who broke into a brisk canter. He felt Raven's muscles tense against his torso. "Don't worry! I won't let you fall!" Legolas said laughing slightly.
Raven turned her head and smiled back at him, "You better not!" She said giggling. "You know what Legolas? This isn't as bad as I thought it would be!" Raven laughed again as she leaned forward, getting used to Arod's galloping movements. "When will we reach your home?" she called over her shoulder.
"Midday, if all permits!" He answered back.
"So tell me, what all has been going on with you? Any achievements?" Raven asked to see if the ring had been destroyed or not.
"Well, yes, actually. I was chosen by Lord Elrond to represent Elves in the Fellowship. We where sent to destroy the One Ring, and protect its bearer, Frodo, at all costs." Legolas replied.
Raven frowned for a moment. She would have loved to have been a member in the Fellowship! "Tell me about some of your adventures while you where on this quest!" She requested thinking that a first-hand account of the event was the next best thing to being there, and for the next several hours, she got the full load of Legolas's point of view.
"And after visiting the glittering caves, Gimli and I went our separate ways for a while. I do miss him though. Someday, I plan on sailing across to the havens, and if he wishes, I will take him with me. Do you ever long to sail across the sea, Raven?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't even seen them yet." Raven said honestly.
"The sea is so beautiful." Legolas said with a dreamy sigh and lost touch with reality for the second time. He was so deep in thought, he failed to notice that Arod had stopped and was standing at the edge of a dark river, which the other side to was lost in the gloom.
"Uh, Legolas? I think we need to cross this thing. Legolas? Legolas, are you there? LEGOLAS!" Raven yelled and turned around to face him.
"What? Where are we? I must have dazed out for a moment." Legolas replied coming back to Middle-Earth.
"No duh!" She said rolling her eyes, "Anyway, we are currently at the edge of a very nasty looking river if you care to know. Wait, I know this river! This is the famous 'Don't drink the water or you won't wake up' poison river isn't it?" Raven said with another proud smile of triumph.
(For those of you who haven't read 'The Hobbit', yes, it does exist. Look at a map of Mirkwood if you don't believe me!)
"I suppose so, we just call it, 'Forest River' though. And the water is deadly poisonous. I remember about sixty years ago watching a dwarf, Bombur I think was his name, which was a friend to Bilbo Baggins fall into this river. I had a hard time silencing my laughter! I was sitting in that tree over there watching their every move." Legolas motioned to a tree branch over looking the dark waters. "There is a boat on the other side, but I need to shoot a rope over to it." Legolas finished as he leapt off Arod and tied a rope to his arrow and aimed for the side of the boat far off in the mist.
Raven squinted into the haze and could just hardly make out the outline of a small wooden vessel. Then she heard the spring of Legolas's bow and saw an arrow snag the craft's side. "Need a hand pulling it in?" Raven asked trying not to feel useless.
"Yes, please." Legolas answered slowly pulling the rope inwards.
Raven jumped down and grabbed the line and pulled on it. With their combined efforts, the boat reached their shore in minutes. Raven raised an eyebrow at the tiny craft. "Legolas, you and I can fit on that thing no problem, but will it hold Arod without sinking?"
"Of course it will! It was made by my father's finest ship builders!" Legolas said with pride.
"Okay, if you're sure." Raven said lacking confidence as she stepped on board.
Legolas followed her suit and then guided Arod into the boat. As the horse's heavy hooves came in contact with the wood floor, Raven backed up against the side and braced herself for the vessel to go under the murky water. Legolas chuckled under his breath at her performance. "I heard that Legolas Greenleaf!" Raven yelled more playfully than crossly. The tips of Legolas's ears turned pink. He picked up an oar and dipped it into the water. "Can I help?" Raven asked with her useless feelings threatening to return.
Legolas flashed her a smile and passed her a wooden paddle, "Here. I have never met a woman that was so eager to be helpful."
"I don't like being useless." Raven said simply.
"I see." Legolas replied as they pushed onto shore and dropped his oar, "Let's go Arod! Out!" Legolas whispered to the horse, but it didn't budge. Legolas rolled his eyes. He stretched his hand to Raven to help her out and looked into her face, which was even paler than normal, she was shaking uncontrollably, and her eyes where filled with terror. "Raven? Raven, what's wrong?" Her face didn't change its horrified expression, but she slowly raised her arm and pointed to an area behind him. Legolas turned around and saw them; not even ten yards away, two massive, black, furry, beady red-eyed, evil spiders with black venom oozing from their dagger-like fangs. Legolas felt anger flash through him; he gave mercy to all foes, except these foul creatures. They ruthlessly hunted his people for sport, and he hated them for it. Legolas reached behind his back for and arrow from his quiver. Legolas swallowed hard and felt his fear rising; he only had one arrow left. He had slain several orcs and spiders, Raven had destroyed one, and the second-to-last he had pulled the boat with and was in the water.
The spider cackled evilly, "'E's out of arrows! Ha! Look at 'em squirmin'! They'll make a tasty meal I reckon! I say we kill 'em! Leave 'em hangin' dead fer a while! It's been so long since we 'ad fresh meat!" said the first one in his scratchy voice.
(Yes, Tolkien's spiders can talk.)
"No, we can't kill 'em! We need ta take 'em back 'ome! They killed some of us, and need ta be punished! The nest 'ill deal with 'em!" The other answered back in his equally harsh tongue.
"Fine, s' long as we gets first tastes!" The huge spider replied and swiftly ran towards Raven.
Raven tried to scream, she tried to run, but she was paralyzed with fear. She was petrified of spiders. When she was a little girl, she was playing with one of her friends. Her friend fell, and was bitten by a black widow spider. Normally their bites aren't poisonous, but her friend had an allergic reaction to the venom, went into a coma, and never woke up. Ever since then, she couldn't stand spiders, and now, the a giant arachnid was charging her with it's fangs open wide.
"Not so fast! I still have one arrow left!" Legolas yelled as he fired it at the massive spider, "Raven run!" He shouted as the monster fell dead at his feet, an arrow between its eyes.
"You'll pay fer that!" Hissed the last enraged spider as it ran toward Legolas.
Legolas dodged it easily, and continued to do so several more times as the spider chased after him. He glanced over his shoulder for a split second and saw the river. If he kept this up, maybe he could lead the spider into it, but that spilt second was his major fault. Once he turned his head, the spider spat its web at him, he didn't see it in time to evade it, so he fell down tangled in the web.
"Ha! Yer mine now! This 'ill teach ya ta kill spiders! I know that the nest wanted ta take care of ya, but they don't have ta know 'bout this!" said the monster as it opened its jaws and stooped over Legolas's helpless body.
Raven watched in terror as Legolas fell tangled in webs, and now he was about to be eaten! She felt so helpless, she had no weapons, the arrow on the boat was underwater, and Legolas had spent the last one. 'What am I going to do? I can't just let Legolas die, this is hopeless! Wait, unless.' Raven forgot the numbness plaguing her as she raced to the body of the dead spider and pulled out the arrow. She gripped it tightly and ran towards the spider about to eat Legolas. "Eat this you basterd!" She screamed as she drove the arrow into the spider's stomach, spraying oozing black blood everywhere.
"Damn flies." The spider said weakly as it fell dead on Legolas's arm, making Legolas let out a cry of pain.
"Can you believe it? I killed it!" Raven exclaimed, slightly in shock and helped Legolas out from under the tangle of legs and web. "I killed-" she stopped short as she pulled Legolas's arm out from under the creatures head. The clothing on his upper arm was drenched in red blood and soon the wound was uncovered.
"Raven, when the spider fell on me, its fang pierced my arm. Take me to the palace, don't worry, Arod knows the way. Please hurry, I don't have much time.." Legolas said faintly and his eyes rolled back.
"Legolas, what do you mean you don't have much time?" Raven asked with tears welling in her eyes, but didn't get a response. She turned her head to the steed, "Arod! Over here!" and the stallion did as it was instructed. She bent over Legolas and tried to pick him up. Already weak herself from the whole ordeal, she struggled to her feet, and set him on Arod's back. She climbed onto Arod, and the horse instinctively raced forwards. Raven fought to stay on the speeding horse and hold Legolas's limp body in her arms, which proved to be a far more difficult task that what it seemed.
She continued like that for hours when finally, she heard the sound of music and laughter, and for the first time in hours, Raven smiled. The peaks of the castle were coming into view, and soon the whole palace was in sight. She estimated it was only fifty yards away, and soon she could see fully armed elves standing guard at the front entrance. As they drew closer, the familiar numbness came back to her, but the palace was so close, and she could hold on long enough.
She heard one of the two guards shout, "You there, what business brings you to Mirkwood, wait, Prince Legolas! You! Get help! He's wounded!" With that the guard was running towards them, "What has happened? Who are you?" He asked as he got to Arod's side.
"Spiders." Raven breathed, and the world grew dim.
Sorry if that chapter was somewhat cheesy, but I hope you liked it just the same. Please review with your praise and constructive criticism!
Legolas blinked for the fist time in hours as the sun's first rays peaked over the mountaintops. He sighed to himself and regained touch with reality. "Wake up Raven." he said as he ate a piece of bread and held some out for his companion.
Raven didn't open her eyes, but she was awake. She was having the most wonderful dream that she was an elf and Legolas saved her from a tree. She didn't feel like letting it slip away just yet. She knew that the second that she opened her eyes, she'd be in her tormenting room and it would all be over.
"Come on Raven, wake up. We need to be leaving soon."
Legolas's soothing voice met her ears. 'Could I still be dreaming?' she though to herself and slowly opened her eyes, and to her utter joy, she wasn't. "Yay! It wasn't a dream!" She exclaimed when she saw Legolas.
"Um, right. Here." Legolas said as he passed the lembas bread to Raven, which she ate quickly.
"So, when are we leaving?" she asked while she handed Legolas two blankets.
"Now." He said throwing them over the horse, "This is-"
"Let me guess, Arod?" Raven said already knowing the answer.
"Correct. How did you know?" Legolas asked in an almost shocked tone
"'Cause I'm smart!" She exclaimed ecstatically while she mentally praised her memory of the books.
"You are as gifted as the Lady Galadriel!" Legolas said in awe as he gracefully leapt to the white horse's back and lowered his hand to Raven.
Raven looked up into his face, and for the first time, got a good look at him. A halo of the sun's light encircled his head, making his golden hair shimmer. His face was more beautiful than she remembered, with his ocean- blue eyes held up with proud, high cheekbones. His skin was so pale and perfect, Raven was almost tempted to glide her fingers across his face; how could it be so smooth? His slender body was held high upon Arod, making him seem almost intimidating, but the soft smile on his lips showed only kindness. The sight made her tremble faintly as she slowly raised her slightly quivering hand to his.
"Don't be afraid. I won't let you fall." He said softly and took her hand, "You may sit in front if that is alright." Legolas finished as he lifted her gently in front of himself.
Raven nodded her head in agreement and let herself lean against Legolas's warm chest. For the first time in years, she actually felt safe.
Legolas smiled down at Raven's pale-blonde head and whispered something to Arod, who broke into a brisk canter. He felt Raven's muscles tense against his torso. "Don't worry! I won't let you fall!" Legolas said laughing slightly.
Raven turned her head and smiled back at him, "You better not!" She said giggling. "You know what Legolas? This isn't as bad as I thought it would be!" Raven laughed again as she leaned forward, getting used to Arod's galloping movements. "When will we reach your home?" she called over her shoulder.
"Midday, if all permits!" He answered back.
"So tell me, what all has been going on with you? Any achievements?" Raven asked to see if the ring had been destroyed or not.
"Well, yes, actually. I was chosen by Lord Elrond to represent Elves in the Fellowship. We where sent to destroy the One Ring, and protect its bearer, Frodo, at all costs." Legolas replied.
Raven frowned for a moment. She would have loved to have been a member in the Fellowship! "Tell me about some of your adventures while you where on this quest!" She requested thinking that a first-hand account of the event was the next best thing to being there, and for the next several hours, she got the full load of Legolas's point of view.
"And after visiting the glittering caves, Gimli and I went our separate ways for a while. I do miss him though. Someday, I plan on sailing across to the havens, and if he wishes, I will take him with me. Do you ever long to sail across the sea, Raven?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't even seen them yet." Raven said honestly.
"The sea is so beautiful." Legolas said with a dreamy sigh and lost touch with reality for the second time. He was so deep in thought, he failed to notice that Arod had stopped and was standing at the edge of a dark river, which the other side to was lost in the gloom.
"Uh, Legolas? I think we need to cross this thing. Legolas? Legolas, are you there? LEGOLAS!" Raven yelled and turned around to face him.
"What? Where are we? I must have dazed out for a moment." Legolas replied coming back to Middle-Earth.
"No duh!" She said rolling her eyes, "Anyway, we are currently at the edge of a very nasty looking river if you care to know. Wait, I know this river! This is the famous 'Don't drink the water or you won't wake up' poison river isn't it?" Raven said with another proud smile of triumph.
(For those of you who haven't read 'The Hobbit', yes, it does exist. Look at a map of Mirkwood if you don't believe me!)
"I suppose so, we just call it, 'Forest River' though. And the water is deadly poisonous. I remember about sixty years ago watching a dwarf, Bombur I think was his name, which was a friend to Bilbo Baggins fall into this river. I had a hard time silencing my laughter! I was sitting in that tree over there watching their every move." Legolas motioned to a tree branch over looking the dark waters. "There is a boat on the other side, but I need to shoot a rope over to it." Legolas finished as he leapt off Arod and tied a rope to his arrow and aimed for the side of the boat far off in the mist.
Raven squinted into the haze and could just hardly make out the outline of a small wooden vessel. Then she heard the spring of Legolas's bow and saw an arrow snag the craft's side. "Need a hand pulling it in?" Raven asked trying not to feel useless.
"Yes, please." Legolas answered slowly pulling the rope inwards.
Raven jumped down and grabbed the line and pulled on it. With their combined efforts, the boat reached their shore in minutes. Raven raised an eyebrow at the tiny craft. "Legolas, you and I can fit on that thing no problem, but will it hold Arod without sinking?"
"Of course it will! It was made by my father's finest ship builders!" Legolas said with pride.
"Okay, if you're sure." Raven said lacking confidence as she stepped on board.
Legolas followed her suit and then guided Arod into the boat. As the horse's heavy hooves came in contact with the wood floor, Raven backed up against the side and braced herself for the vessel to go under the murky water. Legolas chuckled under his breath at her performance. "I heard that Legolas Greenleaf!" Raven yelled more playfully than crossly. The tips of Legolas's ears turned pink. He picked up an oar and dipped it into the water. "Can I help?" Raven asked with her useless feelings threatening to return.
Legolas flashed her a smile and passed her a wooden paddle, "Here. I have never met a woman that was so eager to be helpful."
"I don't like being useless." Raven said simply.
"I see." Legolas replied as they pushed onto shore and dropped his oar, "Let's go Arod! Out!" Legolas whispered to the horse, but it didn't budge. Legolas rolled his eyes. He stretched his hand to Raven to help her out and looked into her face, which was even paler than normal, she was shaking uncontrollably, and her eyes where filled with terror. "Raven? Raven, what's wrong?" Her face didn't change its horrified expression, but she slowly raised her arm and pointed to an area behind him. Legolas turned around and saw them; not even ten yards away, two massive, black, furry, beady red-eyed, evil spiders with black venom oozing from their dagger-like fangs. Legolas felt anger flash through him; he gave mercy to all foes, except these foul creatures. They ruthlessly hunted his people for sport, and he hated them for it. Legolas reached behind his back for and arrow from his quiver. Legolas swallowed hard and felt his fear rising; he only had one arrow left. He had slain several orcs and spiders, Raven had destroyed one, and the second-to-last he had pulled the boat with and was in the water.
The spider cackled evilly, "'E's out of arrows! Ha! Look at 'em squirmin'! They'll make a tasty meal I reckon! I say we kill 'em! Leave 'em hangin' dead fer a while! It's been so long since we 'ad fresh meat!" said the first one in his scratchy voice.
(Yes, Tolkien's spiders can talk.)
"No, we can't kill 'em! We need ta take 'em back 'ome! They killed some of us, and need ta be punished! The nest 'ill deal with 'em!" The other answered back in his equally harsh tongue.
"Fine, s' long as we gets first tastes!" The huge spider replied and swiftly ran towards Raven.
Raven tried to scream, she tried to run, but she was paralyzed with fear. She was petrified of spiders. When she was a little girl, she was playing with one of her friends. Her friend fell, and was bitten by a black widow spider. Normally their bites aren't poisonous, but her friend had an allergic reaction to the venom, went into a coma, and never woke up. Ever since then, she couldn't stand spiders, and now, the a giant arachnid was charging her with it's fangs open wide.
"Not so fast! I still have one arrow left!" Legolas yelled as he fired it at the massive spider, "Raven run!" He shouted as the monster fell dead at his feet, an arrow between its eyes.
"You'll pay fer that!" Hissed the last enraged spider as it ran toward Legolas.
Legolas dodged it easily, and continued to do so several more times as the spider chased after him. He glanced over his shoulder for a split second and saw the river. If he kept this up, maybe he could lead the spider into it, but that spilt second was his major fault. Once he turned his head, the spider spat its web at him, he didn't see it in time to evade it, so he fell down tangled in the web.
"Ha! Yer mine now! This 'ill teach ya ta kill spiders! I know that the nest wanted ta take care of ya, but they don't have ta know 'bout this!" said the monster as it opened its jaws and stooped over Legolas's helpless body.
Raven watched in terror as Legolas fell tangled in webs, and now he was about to be eaten! She felt so helpless, she had no weapons, the arrow on the boat was underwater, and Legolas had spent the last one. 'What am I going to do? I can't just let Legolas die, this is hopeless! Wait, unless.' Raven forgot the numbness plaguing her as she raced to the body of the dead spider and pulled out the arrow. She gripped it tightly and ran towards the spider about to eat Legolas. "Eat this you basterd!" She screamed as she drove the arrow into the spider's stomach, spraying oozing black blood everywhere.
"Damn flies." The spider said weakly as it fell dead on Legolas's arm, making Legolas let out a cry of pain.
"Can you believe it? I killed it!" Raven exclaimed, slightly in shock and helped Legolas out from under the tangle of legs and web. "I killed-" she stopped short as she pulled Legolas's arm out from under the creatures head. The clothing on his upper arm was drenched in red blood and soon the wound was uncovered.
"Raven, when the spider fell on me, its fang pierced my arm. Take me to the palace, don't worry, Arod knows the way. Please hurry, I don't have much time.." Legolas said faintly and his eyes rolled back.
"Legolas, what do you mean you don't have much time?" Raven asked with tears welling in her eyes, but didn't get a response. She turned her head to the steed, "Arod! Over here!" and the stallion did as it was instructed. She bent over Legolas and tried to pick him up. Already weak herself from the whole ordeal, she struggled to her feet, and set him on Arod's back. She climbed onto Arod, and the horse instinctively raced forwards. Raven fought to stay on the speeding horse and hold Legolas's limp body in her arms, which proved to be a far more difficult task that what it seemed.
She continued like that for hours when finally, she heard the sound of music and laughter, and for the first time in hours, Raven smiled. The peaks of the castle were coming into view, and soon the whole palace was in sight. She estimated it was only fifty yards away, and soon she could see fully armed elves standing guard at the front entrance. As they drew closer, the familiar numbness came back to her, but the palace was so close, and she could hold on long enough.
She heard one of the two guards shout, "You there, what business brings you to Mirkwood, wait, Prince Legolas! You! Get help! He's wounded!" With that the guard was running towards them, "What has happened? Who are you?" He asked as he got to Arod's side.
"Spiders." Raven breathed, and the world grew dim.
Sorry if that chapter was somewhat cheesy, but I hope you liked it just the same. Please review with your praise and constructive criticism!