Responses to my readers!!
Deana: Much thanks for reading and reviewing this story as well as my other...I'm glad you like them! I am a bit bogged down right now, but I will try to post daily if possible!!
ElvenRanger13: SEE I didn't kill Legolas! I wouldn't do that! Just seriously HURT him!
Tonianne: Another multiple-story reviewer. Thanks for reading this one and SORRY about the cliffie's! Just happens to be how I write! LOL..I will try to keep you as enthusiastic with the next chapters.
Adlea Evanstar: Hmmm...vague idea where it is going?! Darn, I am being predictable again! I hope I can surprise you...but maybe not...I did a lot of foreshadowing in this!
Kelsey: Much thanks for reviewing my stories...Glad you like this one and yes it must have been quite painful. (I wouldn't know!) It won't leave a physical scar, not in this story...
Marbienl: Ahh... you like Estel being in trouble, eh? Well, hopefully either chapter 5 or 6 shall greatly interest you then! Thanks for reading and I hope I can live up to that quick updating!
Lyn: Thanks for reading! Reviews help me post quicker, I get SO excited!
Tinnuial: Glad you like so far! And trouble is definitely brewing...
Grumpy: Thanks for the review, glad you like the story. And DARN it...you are right, I can't imagine that "pissed off" is a common phrase in Middle- Earth. Good catch! I should have said "greatly angered" or something! LOL...
Okay, enough of my babbling...on to Chapter 5!
Disclaimers: Don't own'em and ain't makin' any money!
Chapter Five: The Past Relived
Estel slumped down beside the small fire, staring listlessly at the flames as they danced in the dark. He was weary; they had rode hard today and though he traveled with his brothers, he wasn't used to travel with Legolas who never seemed to tire.
"Are you all right, mellon nin?" Legolas ventured, settling himself gracefully down on the ground across from Estel.
Sighing, the human nodded. "Bit tired. Aching all over."
Legolas laughed. "You should have said something, Estel. We could have set camp earlier. The message isn't urgent and I do not think Lord Elrond would want me to overburden his son with this pace if it was too much for him."
Estel's eyes narrowed. "Hrmph, very funny, Legolas. You are centuries older then me and have much experience in this journeying. You should have recognized I was tiring if you are so smart!"
"So you admit you were tiring long before we stopped then, Human?"
"You...well," Estel frowned. True, he had just admitted that. "That's not the point!" he was about to continue arguing when his eyes darted to Legolas and a feral grin crossed his face. "You said when we reached camp you would tell me your story!"
Legolas groaned. "I did, didn't I?"
"Yes you did!" Estel laughed, making himself comfortable. "Go on, you can't get out of it now."
"What if I refuse?"
Estel feigned shock. "An Elf would lie!? How dishonorable!"
"Oh all right," Legolas muttered. If there was anything Legolas would not do, it was be dishonorable. Honor was very important to him and his people. "It happened many long years ago when I was part of a war party, trying to rid the woods of my home of Orcs and other vile creatures. My father's party was set upon by Orcs and greatly outnumbered and my party went to their res..."
He stopped short, head snapping up and eyes penetrating the darkness. Estel frowned. "You can't get out of the story that easily, Legolas...I want to kno..." he too stopped when Legolas put up his hand and did not move.
"There is something approaching," Legolas said. "The ground shakes and the trees groan at the passing. I fear it is orcs that approach."
Surging to his feet, Legolas doused the fire and tugged Estel to his feet. "We must break camp; make for the safety of the trees. Perhaps we can hide in their branches."
Estel didn't wait for any more prompting, recognizing the tone of the Elf's voice as completely serious. He grabbed his sword and pack, thrusting the latter over his shoulder and moving to follow Legolas.
Both stopped dead in their tracks.
Orcs are not quiet creatures. How they managed to get so close to the camp without Legolas knowing, the Elf had only to ponder for a moment. I was lost in the past when Estel asked me to recount my story. I should have been paying more attention to the surroundings!
Drawing his bow and notching an arrow, Legolas waited with the calm of an Elf for the orcs to advance. Estel, seeing no way past the Orcs to reach the trees, drew his sword and held it out in front of him, fully intending to stand by his friend's side until the fight was over, or he was dead.
Legolas heard the sword leaving the sheath and frowned. Estel was not as battle-hardened as the Elf would have liked, but he knew he couldn't do this on his own so he said nothing. But in the back of his mind he remembered Elrond's words.
He didn't have any more time to think before the Orcs charged forward. Releasing the notched arrow, he took down the foremost of the advancing creatures and quickly notched a second arrow, letting it fly in quick succession.
Estel shifted his weight uneasily as the creatures approached, having difficulty waiting in patience for the attack to come to him. Out of the corner of his eye he watched Legolas firing arrow after arrow without any hesitation. I'll never make fun of his archery again! Estel mused. I don't think even Elladan can shoot that fast!
Then the Orcs were upon them and Legolas abandoned his bow for his twin knives. The two fought back to back, wreaking havoc on the attacking horde. Estel had never fought so hard in his life. Usually he had both his brothers with him, this time it was just he and Legolas.
Still, the two were formidable foes, slashing and thrusting, parrying and blocking blows from all directions.
To his dismay, Legolas realized they were being pushed back toward the trees and he had a funny feeling there was a reason why. "Estel, don't let them get us against the trees!"
Estel could hear an odd fear in his friend's voice. Wonder where that came from? Legolas isn't afraid of anything! He thought as he thrust his sword into an advancing Orc. Instead of debating the words, he did as Legolas told him and tried hard to avoid the trees.
Unfortunately, neither Elf nor Man was aware of the approaching Orc archers. Legolas heard rather then saw the arrow that hit his shoulder. Memories flooded through him, it was the same shoulder he had taken an arrow in all those years ago. The memories caused him to falter and Estel found his back exposed.
Struggling to compensate for Legolas' sudden lack of attention, Estel nearly missed a thrust aimed for his chest. Searching quickly, he eyes fell on his friend, renewing the battle with an arrow protruding from his body.
"Legolas!" he called, seeing the Orc approaching the Elf from behind. But the Elf couldn't do anything. Estel saw this immediately and didn't hesitate for a moment to grab a dagger from his belt and throw it toward his friend.
Legolas felt the blade rush past him, a hair's width from his head, and heard the grunt of the Orc. Spinning on his heel, he saw the creature fall; an Elven blade lodged in it's throat.
Turning back to Estel, his eyes widened. The man had neglected his own situation to save his friend's life and was now backed up against a large tree. Legolas' mind raced. A repetition of the distant past; nothing more, Elrond had said. The distant past...my past!
He raced toward Estel, pushing through the remaining Orcs, desperately trying to reach his friend. An Orc loomed up in front of him and halted his advance. Legolas made quick work of him, but not quick enough.
Estel saw the blade coming, but he couldn't maneuver with the tree behind him and was unable to block or parry it. The cold steel of the Orc blade thrust through his side and imbedded in the tree behind him.
Estel cried out in pain and dropped his sword, gripping the blade with both hands and tugging uselessly with his waning strength. He saw Legolas defeat the Orc he had been blocked by and stop dead in his tracks, his eyes wide with some emotion.
Then, the Elf's eyes clouded with pain and fury and he surged forward destroying the remaining Orcs with a ferocity that scared Estel. As soon as they were dead, the Elf cried out, "Not again! Not you!"
The man didn't know what his friend meant, only knew that it hurt; and it hurt bad. Legolas reached his side in an instant and tilted his head up. "Estel? Mellon nin? Are you with me still?"
Estel looked up, locking painfilled eyes with the Elf. "It hurts, Legolas!" he whispered, refusing to allow the pain to infiltrate his voice.
To his surprise, Legolas hung his head and said quietly, "Trust me, I know it does. I will explain all later, we must get you down."
Nodding lightly, Estel waited to see what Legolas would do. To his surprise, the Elf made no attempt to remove the blade from the tree. Instead, he grabbed the weapon in front of and behind Estel and suddenly jerked them both to the side; breaking the weapon.
Estel screeched at the movement, slumping into Legolas' waiting arms. As the Elf lowered him to the ground, Estel muttered. "Have you...done this...before?"
Looking into Estel's eyes, Legolas nodded as he examined his friend. "Not quite."
"Legolas, tell me...I fear I'll not be able to stay conscious."
Sighing, Legolas nodded, taking hold of the weapon's hilt before speaking. "Let me remove this, I will tell you everything."
Estel didn't reply. He braced himself as the Elf straddled him. Then, the pain came on in waves and he arched off the ground as Legolas pulled the blade from his side. Panting, Estel struggled to regain his breath.
"Stay with me, Estel. I will get you to Lord Elrond in Rivendell, we are still closest to there. Do not give in to the darkness."
Estel grabbed Legolas hand, stilling his movements. "Tell me."
A small sob escaped Legolas' lips. "I am so sorry, mellon nin. I should have realized what Lord Elrond meant; I should have spared you this pain. I didn't know what he meant and I should have."
"This...is not your...fault," Estel said, desperately clinging to consciousness. "You couldn't know."
Legolas shook his head as he worked on the wound. "Lord Elrond said...he had seen a repetition of the distant past. I didn't put it together. I could have saved you."
"Distant past?" Estel said; his mind wandering.
Legolas grabbed his head and turned Estel so he was looking him in the eyes. "This happened to me long ago, when I was part of those war parties. My father was where I now am, and I, I was where you are now."
Estel nodded, too weak to speak. Legolas called for his horse and soon had the man up in front of him. He urged the mount on as fast as he dared toward Rivendell. Then, a few moments later, Legolas cried out.
"No, wake up!"
A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I must admit I lost my inspiration and don't really think this came out as well as I would have liked. BUT it isn't terrible!! Please r/r for me, let me know what you think.
Deana: Much thanks for reading and reviewing this story as well as my other...I'm glad you like them! I am a bit bogged down right now, but I will try to post daily if possible!!
ElvenRanger13: SEE I didn't kill Legolas! I wouldn't do that! Just seriously HURT him!
Tonianne: Another multiple-story reviewer. Thanks for reading this one and SORRY about the cliffie's! Just happens to be how I write! LOL..I will try to keep you as enthusiastic with the next chapters.
Adlea Evanstar: Hmmm...vague idea where it is going?! Darn, I am being predictable again! I hope I can surprise you...but maybe not...I did a lot of foreshadowing in this!
Kelsey: Much thanks for reviewing my stories...Glad you like this one and yes it must have been quite painful. (I wouldn't know!) It won't leave a physical scar, not in this story...
Marbienl: Ahh... you like Estel being in trouble, eh? Well, hopefully either chapter 5 or 6 shall greatly interest you then! Thanks for reading and I hope I can live up to that quick updating!
Lyn: Thanks for reading! Reviews help me post quicker, I get SO excited!
Tinnuial: Glad you like so far! And trouble is definitely brewing...
Grumpy: Thanks for the review, glad you like the story. And DARN it...you are right, I can't imagine that "pissed off" is a common phrase in Middle- Earth. Good catch! I should have said "greatly angered" or something! LOL...
Okay, enough of my babbling...on to Chapter 5!
Disclaimers: Don't own'em and ain't makin' any money!
Chapter Five: The Past Relived
Estel slumped down beside the small fire, staring listlessly at the flames as they danced in the dark. He was weary; they had rode hard today and though he traveled with his brothers, he wasn't used to travel with Legolas who never seemed to tire.
"Are you all right, mellon nin?" Legolas ventured, settling himself gracefully down on the ground across from Estel.
Sighing, the human nodded. "Bit tired. Aching all over."
Legolas laughed. "You should have said something, Estel. We could have set camp earlier. The message isn't urgent and I do not think Lord Elrond would want me to overburden his son with this pace if it was too much for him."
Estel's eyes narrowed. "Hrmph, very funny, Legolas. You are centuries older then me and have much experience in this journeying. You should have recognized I was tiring if you are so smart!"
"So you admit you were tiring long before we stopped then, Human?"
"You...well," Estel frowned. True, he had just admitted that. "That's not the point!" he was about to continue arguing when his eyes darted to Legolas and a feral grin crossed his face. "You said when we reached camp you would tell me your story!"
Legolas groaned. "I did, didn't I?"
"Yes you did!" Estel laughed, making himself comfortable. "Go on, you can't get out of it now."
"What if I refuse?"
Estel feigned shock. "An Elf would lie!? How dishonorable!"
"Oh all right," Legolas muttered. If there was anything Legolas would not do, it was be dishonorable. Honor was very important to him and his people. "It happened many long years ago when I was part of a war party, trying to rid the woods of my home of Orcs and other vile creatures. My father's party was set upon by Orcs and greatly outnumbered and my party went to their res..."
He stopped short, head snapping up and eyes penetrating the darkness. Estel frowned. "You can't get out of the story that easily, Legolas...I want to kno..." he too stopped when Legolas put up his hand and did not move.
"There is something approaching," Legolas said. "The ground shakes and the trees groan at the passing. I fear it is orcs that approach."
Surging to his feet, Legolas doused the fire and tugged Estel to his feet. "We must break camp; make for the safety of the trees. Perhaps we can hide in their branches."
Estel didn't wait for any more prompting, recognizing the tone of the Elf's voice as completely serious. He grabbed his sword and pack, thrusting the latter over his shoulder and moving to follow Legolas.
Both stopped dead in their tracks.
Orcs are not quiet creatures. How they managed to get so close to the camp without Legolas knowing, the Elf had only to ponder for a moment. I was lost in the past when Estel asked me to recount my story. I should have been paying more attention to the surroundings!
Drawing his bow and notching an arrow, Legolas waited with the calm of an Elf for the orcs to advance. Estel, seeing no way past the Orcs to reach the trees, drew his sword and held it out in front of him, fully intending to stand by his friend's side until the fight was over, or he was dead.
Legolas heard the sword leaving the sheath and frowned. Estel was not as battle-hardened as the Elf would have liked, but he knew he couldn't do this on his own so he said nothing. But in the back of his mind he remembered Elrond's words.
He didn't have any more time to think before the Orcs charged forward. Releasing the notched arrow, he took down the foremost of the advancing creatures and quickly notched a second arrow, letting it fly in quick succession.
Estel shifted his weight uneasily as the creatures approached, having difficulty waiting in patience for the attack to come to him. Out of the corner of his eye he watched Legolas firing arrow after arrow without any hesitation. I'll never make fun of his archery again! Estel mused. I don't think even Elladan can shoot that fast!
Then the Orcs were upon them and Legolas abandoned his bow for his twin knives. The two fought back to back, wreaking havoc on the attacking horde. Estel had never fought so hard in his life. Usually he had both his brothers with him, this time it was just he and Legolas.
Still, the two were formidable foes, slashing and thrusting, parrying and blocking blows from all directions.
To his dismay, Legolas realized they were being pushed back toward the trees and he had a funny feeling there was a reason why. "Estel, don't let them get us against the trees!"
Estel could hear an odd fear in his friend's voice. Wonder where that came from? Legolas isn't afraid of anything! He thought as he thrust his sword into an advancing Orc. Instead of debating the words, he did as Legolas told him and tried hard to avoid the trees.
Unfortunately, neither Elf nor Man was aware of the approaching Orc archers. Legolas heard rather then saw the arrow that hit his shoulder. Memories flooded through him, it was the same shoulder he had taken an arrow in all those years ago. The memories caused him to falter and Estel found his back exposed.
Struggling to compensate for Legolas' sudden lack of attention, Estel nearly missed a thrust aimed for his chest. Searching quickly, he eyes fell on his friend, renewing the battle with an arrow protruding from his body.
"Legolas!" he called, seeing the Orc approaching the Elf from behind. But the Elf couldn't do anything. Estel saw this immediately and didn't hesitate for a moment to grab a dagger from his belt and throw it toward his friend.
Legolas felt the blade rush past him, a hair's width from his head, and heard the grunt of the Orc. Spinning on his heel, he saw the creature fall; an Elven blade lodged in it's throat.
Turning back to Estel, his eyes widened. The man had neglected his own situation to save his friend's life and was now backed up against a large tree. Legolas' mind raced. A repetition of the distant past; nothing more, Elrond had said. The distant past...my past!
He raced toward Estel, pushing through the remaining Orcs, desperately trying to reach his friend. An Orc loomed up in front of him and halted his advance. Legolas made quick work of him, but not quick enough.
Estel saw the blade coming, but he couldn't maneuver with the tree behind him and was unable to block or parry it. The cold steel of the Orc blade thrust through his side and imbedded in the tree behind him.
Estel cried out in pain and dropped his sword, gripping the blade with both hands and tugging uselessly with his waning strength. He saw Legolas defeat the Orc he had been blocked by and stop dead in his tracks, his eyes wide with some emotion.
Then, the Elf's eyes clouded with pain and fury and he surged forward destroying the remaining Orcs with a ferocity that scared Estel. As soon as they were dead, the Elf cried out, "Not again! Not you!"
The man didn't know what his friend meant, only knew that it hurt; and it hurt bad. Legolas reached his side in an instant and tilted his head up. "Estel? Mellon nin? Are you with me still?"
Estel looked up, locking painfilled eyes with the Elf. "It hurts, Legolas!" he whispered, refusing to allow the pain to infiltrate his voice.
To his surprise, Legolas hung his head and said quietly, "Trust me, I know it does. I will explain all later, we must get you down."
Nodding lightly, Estel waited to see what Legolas would do. To his surprise, the Elf made no attempt to remove the blade from the tree. Instead, he grabbed the weapon in front of and behind Estel and suddenly jerked them both to the side; breaking the weapon.
Estel screeched at the movement, slumping into Legolas' waiting arms. As the Elf lowered him to the ground, Estel muttered. "Have you...done this...before?"
Looking into Estel's eyes, Legolas nodded as he examined his friend. "Not quite."
"Legolas, tell me...I fear I'll not be able to stay conscious."
Sighing, Legolas nodded, taking hold of the weapon's hilt before speaking. "Let me remove this, I will tell you everything."
Estel didn't reply. He braced himself as the Elf straddled him. Then, the pain came on in waves and he arched off the ground as Legolas pulled the blade from his side. Panting, Estel struggled to regain his breath.
"Stay with me, Estel. I will get you to Lord Elrond in Rivendell, we are still closest to there. Do not give in to the darkness."
Estel grabbed Legolas hand, stilling his movements. "Tell me."
A small sob escaped Legolas' lips. "I am so sorry, mellon nin. I should have realized what Lord Elrond meant; I should have spared you this pain. I didn't know what he meant and I should have."
"This...is not your...fault," Estel said, desperately clinging to consciousness. "You couldn't know."
Legolas shook his head as he worked on the wound. "Lord Elrond said...he had seen a repetition of the distant past. I didn't put it together. I could have saved you."
"Distant past?" Estel said; his mind wandering.
Legolas grabbed his head and turned Estel so he was looking him in the eyes. "This happened to me long ago, when I was part of those war parties. My father was where I now am, and I, I was where you are now."
Estel nodded, too weak to speak. Legolas called for his horse and soon had the man up in front of him. He urged the mount on as fast as he dared toward Rivendell. Then, a few moments later, Legolas cried out.
"No, wake up!"
A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I must admit I lost my inspiration and don't really think this came out as well as I would have liked. BUT it isn't terrible!! Please r/r for me, let me know what you think.