Disclaimer: not mine, never will be. They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien.
A/N: finally! Another update! Wow –
who knew half a year could pass by this quickly. Hope you haven't all given up on
me – it's just been busy…That and I had written myself into a nice corner –
well, that is how it felt anyways. That should be sorted out now – I am even
busy with the last chapter now so you can at least expect the next chapter on
Monday. I swear I will not post another story again unless it is finished!
'Replies' to reviewers:
grumpy: and I'm sorry it's been soooo long! Indeed - overtime can be ok,
but too much is just too much. Ah - you know the side effects to certain drugs
LOL: can cause drowsiness, fuzziness and all kinds of other things LOL ;). As
for the twins - you'll see…
sesshomaru103: short but powerful -
thanks!
sr: Ooh... I love angst and torture
too! Especially when I read it!
Somehow writing is just not the same - still fun mind you, but not the same...
As for the other story cringes well -
it has been long posted but there are some other bunnies I've fed. But as I
said on top - no posting until it's done anymore.
Kathleen LaCorneille: pats her on the back There, there – I
finally updated. Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long! Honestly - I've
been swamped these past months. Don't know where other authors find the time
sometimes…
Elessar-Lover: :D too bad no clones
exist of him, isn't it?
Elven Kitten: indeed, you did review
it before. Thanks for doing it again :D! What with time flying past as fast as
it does and stuff happening I keep forgetting just those things you shouldn't.
Ah well!
tmelange: thank you!
jacquelinestel: hello there! thank
you so much for your nice review - I really appreciate it. Don't think I've
reviewed you though I've sneak read a
few chappies of 'No home here'. I thought it looked really nice, but I'll have
to properly read and review it... Type you then as well!
)()()()()(
Chapter 11
When next Estel woke, he and Legolas finally got the chance to speak
with each other about the human's experiences – both in the distant past and
the recent one. The young human told his friend of the dreams he had had after
his fall into the water so many years ago and of the despair he could still
feel just by thinking of it. At the gentle prodding of Legolas, the Man
revealed the details of his childhood dreams, yet he was hesitant to speak of
the dreams he suffered since the attack. Whenever Estel would fall silent
during these talks, remembering a little bit too vividly the shocking cold of
the water or the brutal touches, Legolas would touch his hand – bringing him
out of his reverie. At other times the human would talk with his foster-father,
feeling comforted by the presence he had known nearly his entire life and
finally discussing the problem instead of ignoring it.
Thus two days passed and occasionally, the twins interrupted the serious talks
– forcing the Mirkwood elf to go outside for a walk and enjoy nature. In the meantime
the two elves tried to cheer up their younger brother, mercilessly teasing him
that this time, Estel couldn't even begin to try and get out of bed. The young
human tried to take it all in good spirit, knowing that the teasing of the
twins was just their way of telling him they were glad he was 'all right'.
Although occasionally smiling and jesting, the elves could see that Estel's
face had paled during his forced bed rest and even the least observant elf
could tell the human had become increasingly agitated, only to fall back into
what seemed to the elves a starting depression. After having to endure one of
their brother's more sulky moods, the elves decided to move the human onto the
balcony for some time and have him enjoy the fresh air and sunshine upon his
face. This greatly improved the young Man's mood – not only because of seeing
something else than the same four walls every waking moment, but also because
he could now watch the gate of his home – not feeling such a useless burden
because of it. This change improved the human's mood considerably and all the
elves heaved a relieved sigh. The dark mood had been lifted – for now.
)()()()()(
"Come on little brother!" Elrohir called out to the human on the balcony, "It
is time for you to return to bed. You know you could use the rest and besides,
if you stare any harder at the gates I fear your eyes will fall out!" The dark
haired elf moved towards Estel, ready to take him back inside.
Estel slowly shook his head, "No, Elrohir, I wish to remain outside for a while
longer." His gaze turned pensive as his eyes strayed to the far distance.
Elrohir, sensing the sudden mood shift, knelt down next to the human, laying a
hand on his brother's hand – imploring the man to look at him. When he finally
did, the elf could see storm clouds swirling in the grey orbs. "You're troubled
again…"
Estel snorted, "Did you honestly expect me to just lie in bed while the future
of our home… the people we love… are at stake?"
Elrohir, knowing not to let his brother dwell on this,
interrupted. "We know now… you told us, you need not fear what you cannot
change. Whether you like it or not, you cannot help us this time! Everyone in
Imladris is aware of the danger and prepared. Glorfindel has installed his
troops out there and the guards have been doubled. Have some faith in us,
Estel."
The young Man once more looked away and sighed deeply. He knew it was no use
worrying over something that was bound to happen. He did trust the others; he just hated to be left out of it all. He was
a warrior, not some invalid! Well, actually, right now he wasan invalid Estel had
to admit to himself. "I have faith in you, Elrohir, you know I do… I have known
you and the others nearly my entire life…" But
the images of my dreams are too real! I could not stand it if something were to
happen to you or the others…
Gently squeezing the hand, Elrohir stood up, "Come on, let me carry you
inside then, little one," he said, knowing how much Estel hated to be called
that.
"I am not little!" Estel groused just
loud enough for Elrohir to hear, but allowed his brother to pick him up and
carry him to his bed.
"Get some rest, Estel…" Elrohir said before seating himself in the chair next
to the bed, watching as the eyes of his little brother slowly closed.
)()()()()(
When the sun was lying herself to rest and the elves of Imladris were
becoming more wary of the lurking danger, a certain fair haired elf took his
seat beside Estel who had been silently enjoying his brothers' and Legolas'
company. Glorfindel nodded as the others
instinctively knew that the ancient elf wanted to talk to the young human
alone.
Estel warily looked at his mentor. "I thought you were out there with your
troops," he questioned though in fact he tried to stall what was coming.
Glorfindel smiled indulgingly. "You should know better than that, young one. We
may be elves, but we take turns in guarding our home. Stick to one task for too
long and you will not notice danger when it stares you in the face – you know
this."
Estel rolled his eyes as he could sense his mentor wasn't fooled. "Then why did
you decide to come here if it is your time off? Surely you can think of
something better to do than visiting a cripple?"
Inwardly, Glorfindel shook his head – a slight self reproach could be heard in
the youngster's voice. "Oh, I am certain there are a lot of other things I
could do, but right now I want to
visit said cripple." A twinkle appeared in his eyes as he noticed the grumpy
look directed at him and he held up his hands – warding off the angry words
that were sure to follow. Bending forward in his chair the fair elf turned
serious. "I realize there is a lot that is bothering you, young one. Not being
able to move out of your bed, the orcs…" here he waited to see what impact his
next words would have, "the dreams…"
Startled, Estel looked up. He knew that his family knew about his dreams – his
father knowing a little more than the twins and Legolas knowing almost as much
as he himself. However he seemed to have forgotten about his old mentor.
"Yes, I remember them. I also remember you avoiding your problem – you have
been doing it for years!" The elf held up his hand as he could see the other
opening his mouth. "It is not entirely your fault, all of us started thinking
of your behaviour as normal – that it would pass soon enough. Yet we did not do
anything about it or force you to speak of it. That is going to change now…"
Feeling affronted, Estel tried to defend himself, "Legolas and I-"
"talked – I know," Glorfindel interrupted, "And I am very glad, but there is
still one thing that you will have to do once the orcs have been taken care
of."
Puzzled, Estel raised his eyes. The elf just smiled knowingly. "You will know
then…"
If the human hadn't been so dumbstruck (or physically hurting) he would have
smacked something out of pure frustration. Giving up on elves and their
riddles, he sighed. "If you will not tell me this, then answer a different
question for me, for Ada will not."
Raising an eyebrow, the elf patiently waited.
"You know about the dreams I had… back then. When I talk about them with Ada I
see a certain look in his eyes and when I ask him why he will not speak to me.
Tell me – what was it that I saw? What I still see? Do you know?"
Glorfindel hesitated for a moment before deciding that the boy had the right to
know, though Elrond would not appreciate him telling his son. "You saw what
was, perhaps even some of what shall be…"
Estel swallowed, "So those elves really died in those ways? They were not just
nightmares?"
Glorfindel smiled, reaching to gently squeeze the Man's shoulder. "If only they
were, young one… As for the future; just remember that it is not carved in
stone – while what you see may come to pass, it may also not."
The young human just nodded, staring into space as if seeing them again: elves
trapped and suffering. "I wish to forget," he whispered nearly too soft for the
elf to make out.
"I wish you could have been spared this suffering too, my friend…" whispered
Glorfindel, sitting back in his chair and prepared to stay there until his
presence was required once more by his troops. No words were spoken for some
time – both room occupants pensive.
)()()()()(
Outside the room, the twins looked expectantly at Legolas who had a nervous
look about him.
"The days have passed quickly, my friends," the blonde haired warrior said, "I
expect the attack any minute now and cannot find any rest."
Elrohir sighed and nodded. "It is the waiting that makes it so terrible.
Knowing something is coming yet unable to change anything about it…"
"And here we are – inside while all
of the action will be out there!"
Elladan said agitatedly while pointing outside. He was not used to being inside
like this and let others do the work for him – he was a warrior! He would have
started pacing before Estel's door if it hadn't been for Elrohir.
The younger elf walked up to him, soothing his brother with a touch, "You know
that it is for the best. Ada said that we may be needed yet if the orcs manage
to enter our home…"
Legolas gently stroked the knife he carried with him, "I too do not like being
idle, but your brother needs us with him. We cannot take the chance that one of
those beasts finds its way inside and kills Estel because he could not defend
himself in his condition…"
Elladan laughed at this, gaining odd looks from the other two elves.
"And what is so funny about this,
Elladan?" Legolas demanded.
Elladan controlled his laughter and looked guiltily at the prince. "It is not,
well… What you said just reminded me of the time Estel had broken one leg and
tried to escape his bedroom time and time again. That boy is terribly stubborn
if he wants to be!"
Elrohir smiled. "Ah yes, broken leg or not, that boy will not give up on
something once he has set his mind to it."
"Aye. I can just imagine him trying to stand in his condition right now and
brandishing a sword! The look on the orc's face would be priceless!"
Both twins started snickering at this while Legolas just looked at them as if
they were crazy – and who was to say they weren't?
)()()()()(
Somewhere nearby
Duzbak looked at the creatures under his command. Disfigured and evil, they
were exactly the opposite of the elves they would soon slay. Everyone knew what
they had to do and were willing to give their lives for it. The leader grinned maliciously
at the small orc. "You there!" he pointed, "It is time… You go and clear the
way for us and be quiet or you'll join that other morsel! You have ten minutes
to take care of any problems, understood!?"
Gulping silently, the smaller orc nodded before once again treading through the
water until it had reached the locked hatch. Listening once again and still
hearing no sounds, it once again tested whether it could not be lifted. Feeling
the resistance, it took out its long knife and started hacking through the
wood– creating a hole big enough for its arm to fit through and feeling for the
lock. Luck was with it as it was a simple slide-lock and quickly the hatch was
opened entirely.
Quickly climbing out of the frigid water, the small creature took in its
surroundings with its black eyes and noticed it was in what appeared to be a
wine cellar. No light burned in the room, yet it wasn't necessary as the orcs
were very adapted at living in the dark. The malformed creature walked to the
closed door and laid its twisted and curly ear against it – listening for any
soft footsteps. Hearing none, it opened the door and quickly looked both ways.
The cellar was at the end of a hall and a lone stair led upwards to the other
parts of the house. Grinning at the ease of their entry, the small orc went
back to the cellar to wait for the others…
)()()()()(
TBC