Hi there!
It´s a beautiful, sunny day - and here I am writing this story! But it wants to be written, so I have little choice. Thank you all for your reviews, they are so much appreciated. You can find the responses at the end of the chapter.
Please keep the comments coming!
But now enjoy the new chapter - I won´t say "have fun", I have been scolded for it last chapter because of the lack of fun in it - fair enough ;-))
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Brothers
Pain laced through his body and soul, yet part of Legolas welcomed it, welcomed the relative quiet it allowed him. He had invited pain again and again over the last few hours, almost failing to notice now when he lashed out with an arm against a branch, the bruises leaving almost no white skin on his formerly fair skin. The song was constantly eating away at his strength, so much so that he shivered as if from illness or extreme fatigue. Now, however, with a pain that far surpassed that of any bruise he could have inflicted, its tune had loosened its hold enough for him to feel the intense guilt the sight of Elladan loaded upon his struggling mind.
He had severely underestimated how terribly his current state effected his abilities, and the arrow that had been aimed to grace the other elf´s shoulder had buried itself into his chest. The two arrows that had failed to scare the other away had flown true, but the strain of drawing the bow had made his arms ache and the third arrow had slightly slipped upon release. The predicament had been worsened by the horse suddenly severing to the side, but there was no doubt in Legolas´ soul that his weakness had so gravely wounded his friend. Maybe even killed him.
What evil had befallen them all to lure Elladan to the accursed lake also? An intense fear that others would be called upon to share his fate, maybe loosing themselves completely, had driven Legolas closer to the accursed water again. Oh, he had tried to flee the song after Aragorn had left, he had tried to outrun the haunting music that mocked his fight, but the more his hopes rose in defiance the louder it had become, heedless of the distance he had put between himself and the source of his misery.
Finally he had collapsed, his body begging for deliverance. He had felt the song gain on him with every ounce of strength he had wasted on running, and the sleep that beckoned him with its promise of peace had been filled with the tune, washing away any Elven dream, even any nightmare he might have forced to appear. He had shed himself of hope then, allowed his desperation to drive the offending tune away from his soul. He knew that he would not last for much longer. But at least he had wanted his final days to have a purpose.
His return to the scattered trees that mourned his battered state had swiftly been followed by the arrival of Elladan. Elrond´s oldest son, so beloved by his siblings, so gentle to his friends and fierce in his fight against the forces of darkness. Legolas felt a wild hatred grow in him at the thought that the lake had tried to draw someone so utterly free of evil, but his very resolve to keep his friend from harm might have killed him in the end.
A sob wretched itself free, momentarily drowning any music. He let his bow slip, barely noticing how it fell to the ground below, and buried his face in his arms. Dimly, he could still hear the receding hoofbeats fade away in the distance, and he prayed with all the strength left in him that the Valar would take pity on them all and send help for Elladan. His horse would surely head for Rivendell, it was not too far off, and Lord Elrond...
The tune rejoiced at the hope that began to glimmer brightly in the lost elf´s resilient soul and rushed at him with a ferocity that made him move instinctively, dodging to the side as if sensing the blade of a sword descending towards his neck. The movement failed to serve its purpose, however, and instead overbalanced him. His reflexes were too slow to respond to prevent his fall, and he barely managed to twist in the air in an attempt to avoid serious injury.
He got his legs beneath him but the earth met him before he could roll, sending a blinding pain through his left ankle. He could feel the bone snap and the white flash that accompanied the feeling briefly severed his bonds to the music. For the fraction of a second his mind soared free and took in his situation, analysing it with a speed beyond human comprehension. Then the pain receded enough for the tune to return, trapping him yet again, but his resolve was set and even caged it would not waver until the end.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Aragorn barely registered where he was going, so deeply were his thoughts rooted in the clearing he had left a few hours ago. Gwaef was picking their way carefully yet with the speed that he had been so aptly named for. The steed could clearly feel his master´s preoccupation, and while usually not a horse that took well to being ignored thus, he did nothing to upset his rider´s seat but instead widened his leaps, taking them along even more swiftly.
The ranger sighed. He had felt Legolas presence among the trees so clearly his lack to actually see his friend had frustrated him greatly. No plea had brought the elf to reveal himself, and Aragorn could not fully ignore the wound this rejection had caused him. Even worse, he now feared that it had been hurt pride that had hastened his departure when a more thorough search might have allowed him to find his friend, whether he had wanted to or not.
The rational part of his mind scolded him for assuming he would be able to find a woodelf hiding among trees, but then again, Legolas had been weakened. Maybe he had not even hid himself willingly, but fallen unconscious in the branches. His doubts made him unwittingly slow their pace, and Gwaef neighed in question. The horse threw his head up in confusion when Aragorn failed to urge him on but neither bid him stop, and finally slid to a halt on his own account, panting.
What a wonderful day the golden morning had brought them. Aragorn wearily closed his eyes and turned his head to the sun. It lit his closed eyelids a crimson red that whispered of death and despair, and the man shuddered in the comfortable warmth. He drew a deep breath, willing himself to concentrate on the soothing smells of wet leaves and soft earth in an attempt to verify his choice to go for help. It was not far to Rivendell now, but he would never forgive himself if Legolas died in the meantime, left alone by the one person who should have not allowed him to flee in the first place.
A sharp neigh drew the ranger out of his musings and he felt Gwaef tense beneath him. The stallion had raised his head in anticipation, ears forward, and neighed again, loudly. This time the sound was echoed not far off, and new hope surged through Aragorn. He urged his mount in the direction the sound had come from and soon met with a riderless grey steed he knew so well. Legolas´s horse.
Its light coat was covered in sweat and foam had collected at its heaving flanks, yet it seemed irritated to have to break its stride for the obstacle Aragorn presented in its way. It skidded to a stop, slightly rearing as it did, and neighed once again, its angry purpose more than clear. "Sidh, Faun, sidh" //Peace, Faun [cloud], peace// the ranger tried to soothe, totally taken aback by the sight. The horse threw its head up, ears so flat they were no longer visible, and bit the air in annoyance.
Aragorn urged Gwaef back a few steps, knowing better than to further upset a horse reputed to match its master´s stubborness. He was pondering how to react when he heard a clear voice call out, a voice that almost brought tears of relief to his eyes.
"Faun, roch raug, daro!" //Faun, demon of a horse, wait!// Elrohir´s angry yell only caused the upset white animal to dance to the side, trying to by-pass the ranger, but the path was wedged between a steep embankment that rose to Aragorn´s left and a sharp drop to the right, and the ranger quickly blocked what little space there had been. Faun nudged his leg sharply with his head but was forced to remain where he was, contending himself with another restless rear.
A heartbeat later Elladan´s younger twin rounded the corner of the path and drew his mount to a sudden halt when he saw his human brother. A happy smile spread across his flushed features, and in spite of the dire situation Aragorn could not help but smile back, a gesture that equally reflected his joy at the meeting and his amusement at his brother´s untidy appearance. Elrohir´s long dark hair was in complete disarray, the thin braids at his temples partly undone and a few small branches entangled in them. His mount´s broad chest was splattered in mud.
"Mae gonannen, gwathor tithen!" //Well met, little brother.// The greeting was heartfelt but not without a hint of mirth. "Man agorel hi?" //What did you two do now?// He did not bother to explain who he expected to be in trouble at the human´s side but continued: "Faras mae raug fein tegi amin. Hir raug nasto ammaer." //A fine hunt this white demon has led me. The demon´s master [should] better show himself.// He searched his brother´s expression while he spoke, and what he read there quickly chased all traces of happiness from his handsome face. His vivid eyes darkened like a sky suddenly heralding a deadly storm, and Aragorn was sorry.
Before he knew it Elrohir was at his side, hugging him tightly. He did not remember dismounting nor did he recall shedding the few tears that wet his cheeks, but he clearly heard his brother´s voice in his ear. "Do not worry, Estel, whatever happened we will find him. We will get him back." Faun neighed at that and pawed the ground, and Aragorn gently broke the embrace, fearful of wasting precious time.
The man swung himself back onto his horse, finally moving it out of the impatient light stallion´s way. The animal took off with renewed strength, showering human and elf with tiny pebbles and dirt as he went. "Your help is more than appreciated, my brother, and with you at my side we may yet find Legolas. Come, let us follow Faun in his haste and I will tell you what has befallen us."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Elladan´s head rang with his mare´s frantic hoofbeats, each gentle rolling of the animal´s back sending a wave of pain through his chest. He could feel the powerful muscles beneath him constrict and relax while the steed strove to combine swift speed with a gentle gait. One of his hands was entwined in the beast´s soft mane, the other wrapped about its neck he was leaning on, but he doubted that he would be able to keep himself from falling much longer.
He hardly saw the world swirling past him, all he could think of was the look in Legolas´ eyes when his arrow had found its mark. His eyes had mirrored shock and pain, yet there was no mistaking that he had not shot at him accidentally. Elladan knew that his confusion was not only caused by his injury. He had known Legolas for years beyond count and he had never seen him act like this before. The woodland prince had carried grave responsibilities in his endangered homeland and was known for his fierce loyalty for any elf (or human) given into his care by friendship or duty. He would rather sacrifice his life than his soul, and Elladan had recognized an underlying protectiveness in Legolas´ face that seemed to stand in stark contrast to his actions. Worry for his friend almost overrode his awareness for his own state.
He had turned his upper body slightly to avoid the shaft of the arrow producing from him making contact with this horse´s skin, and by some miracle he had so far been spared from any obstacles brushing past him too closely. He could feel his blood soaking his tunic and saw the spreading stain marring his mounts shining coat. He dreamily wondered how long it would take Elrohir to scrape the animal clean, knowing full well that she would allow none but his twin close to her. None but him.
He could feel himself slip and the mare twisted beneath him, intent on balancing her burden as she had done before, but this time she failed. His hand released her mane and he met the ground hard, the impact finally taking all pain away.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Elrohir and Aragorn were hard-pressed to match Faun´s frantic pace, but the ranger had managed to relate most of his tale to his brother nonetheless. Elrohir´s frown had deepened and still lingered as they sped along. His mind was working through any tale he might have heard of such an evil, but so far all he had managed to produce was a mounting fear for his friend.
He was about to turn to Aragorn with yet one more question when his horse raised her head and neighed wildly. The other two animals joined in, and they picked up their pace even more, the ground all but blurring beneath their thundering hooves. "What is it?!" Aragorn yelled over the din, "Can you sense what has them in such a frenzy?" Elrohir shook his head, his face mirroring intense concentration as he tried to locate the source of their mounts renewed urgency, then sudden awareness hit him and he paled.
"It´s Elladan!" was all he called to his human brother before spurring his already panting horse on even further. Aragorn simply held on to Gwaef numbly, the stallion not liking to be outrun and thus keeping up without the need of further urging. The man knew the look he had seen on the younger twin´s face and he dreaded what it foreshadowed. By the Valar, what had he done to bring such wrath upon those he loved?
It took them mere moments to reach the fallen form, guarded by his mare, but those moments stretched into eternity for Aragorn. He slid off his horse and knelt by his brother´s side mere heartbeats after Elrohir, and his soul froze at the sight that presented itself to his widening eyes.
Elladan lay motionless, his eyes closed, the dark lashes touching his skin only enhancing its deadly paleness. His breath was barely more than a shudder that rolled over his chest - a chest pierced by an arrow. Aragorn´s hand reached out almost without his mind acknowledging the action and he stopped his fingers at the last moment, allowing them to hover over the carefully bound fledges on the wooden shaft. Fledges that he had seen applied many an evening, laughing over a fire. Fledges that were as unmistakable as a smile, a singing voice.
Speechless, Aragorn looked up to find his own horror mirrored in Elrohir´s grey eyes. "Valar, berior min faer." //Valar, protect our souls.// The silent Elven plea seemed to send a shiver through all living things around them, making earth itself tremble in pity.
TBC
Review responses:
Alariel: "Siren´s song" does fine for now, even though there is no siren involved... ;-)
Kept-Secret: Yes, I like creepy. You can expect more creepy...Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Tychen: Thank you! Yes, Legolas is trying to keep others from harm... and I try to please my sweet reviewer. How could I resist such a nice plea? Black icing, hmm? Would look fine with a red cherry, if you ask me ;-)
White Wolf: Yes, poor Elladan - but help´s on the way (if somewhat slowly...)
Someone Reading: Happy you are along for the ride! Hang on tight! I do hope you like it a bit spooky (and angsty)?
Alexa: Thanks! Well - he did. Poor Elves, this story is tough on them...
MoonMist: Thank you! And I assure you, Legolas is trying his best and fighting like a lion.
Deana: Of course - here it is!
NightShadow131: Yes, he did shoot Elladan- and now he is one miserable elf! (Poor guy.)
Red Tigress: Yes, Elrond will NOT be happy - but sadly, he is nowhere in sight just yet...
Thanks again - big hug to you all!
It´s a beautiful, sunny day - and here I am writing this story! But it wants to be written, so I have little choice. Thank you all for your reviews, they are so much appreciated. You can find the responses at the end of the chapter.
Please keep the comments coming!
But now enjoy the new chapter - I won´t say "have fun", I have been scolded for it last chapter because of the lack of fun in it - fair enough ;-))
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Brothers
Pain laced through his body and soul, yet part of Legolas welcomed it, welcomed the relative quiet it allowed him. He had invited pain again and again over the last few hours, almost failing to notice now when he lashed out with an arm against a branch, the bruises leaving almost no white skin on his formerly fair skin. The song was constantly eating away at his strength, so much so that he shivered as if from illness or extreme fatigue. Now, however, with a pain that far surpassed that of any bruise he could have inflicted, its tune had loosened its hold enough for him to feel the intense guilt the sight of Elladan loaded upon his struggling mind.
He had severely underestimated how terribly his current state effected his abilities, and the arrow that had been aimed to grace the other elf´s shoulder had buried itself into his chest. The two arrows that had failed to scare the other away had flown true, but the strain of drawing the bow had made his arms ache and the third arrow had slightly slipped upon release. The predicament had been worsened by the horse suddenly severing to the side, but there was no doubt in Legolas´ soul that his weakness had so gravely wounded his friend. Maybe even killed him.
What evil had befallen them all to lure Elladan to the accursed lake also? An intense fear that others would be called upon to share his fate, maybe loosing themselves completely, had driven Legolas closer to the accursed water again. Oh, he had tried to flee the song after Aragorn had left, he had tried to outrun the haunting music that mocked his fight, but the more his hopes rose in defiance the louder it had become, heedless of the distance he had put between himself and the source of his misery.
Finally he had collapsed, his body begging for deliverance. He had felt the song gain on him with every ounce of strength he had wasted on running, and the sleep that beckoned him with its promise of peace had been filled with the tune, washing away any Elven dream, even any nightmare he might have forced to appear. He had shed himself of hope then, allowed his desperation to drive the offending tune away from his soul. He knew that he would not last for much longer. But at least he had wanted his final days to have a purpose.
His return to the scattered trees that mourned his battered state had swiftly been followed by the arrival of Elladan. Elrond´s oldest son, so beloved by his siblings, so gentle to his friends and fierce in his fight against the forces of darkness. Legolas felt a wild hatred grow in him at the thought that the lake had tried to draw someone so utterly free of evil, but his very resolve to keep his friend from harm might have killed him in the end.
A sob wretched itself free, momentarily drowning any music. He let his bow slip, barely noticing how it fell to the ground below, and buried his face in his arms. Dimly, he could still hear the receding hoofbeats fade away in the distance, and he prayed with all the strength left in him that the Valar would take pity on them all and send help for Elladan. His horse would surely head for Rivendell, it was not too far off, and Lord Elrond...
The tune rejoiced at the hope that began to glimmer brightly in the lost elf´s resilient soul and rushed at him with a ferocity that made him move instinctively, dodging to the side as if sensing the blade of a sword descending towards his neck. The movement failed to serve its purpose, however, and instead overbalanced him. His reflexes were too slow to respond to prevent his fall, and he barely managed to twist in the air in an attempt to avoid serious injury.
He got his legs beneath him but the earth met him before he could roll, sending a blinding pain through his left ankle. He could feel the bone snap and the white flash that accompanied the feeling briefly severed his bonds to the music. For the fraction of a second his mind soared free and took in his situation, analysing it with a speed beyond human comprehension. Then the pain receded enough for the tune to return, trapping him yet again, but his resolve was set and even caged it would not waver until the end.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Aragorn barely registered where he was going, so deeply were his thoughts rooted in the clearing he had left a few hours ago. Gwaef was picking their way carefully yet with the speed that he had been so aptly named for. The steed could clearly feel his master´s preoccupation, and while usually not a horse that took well to being ignored thus, he did nothing to upset his rider´s seat but instead widened his leaps, taking them along even more swiftly.
The ranger sighed. He had felt Legolas presence among the trees so clearly his lack to actually see his friend had frustrated him greatly. No plea had brought the elf to reveal himself, and Aragorn could not fully ignore the wound this rejection had caused him. Even worse, he now feared that it had been hurt pride that had hastened his departure when a more thorough search might have allowed him to find his friend, whether he had wanted to or not.
The rational part of his mind scolded him for assuming he would be able to find a woodelf hiding among trees, but then again, Legolas had been weakened. Maybe he had not even hid himself willingly, but fallen unconscious in the branches. His doubts made him unwittingly slow their pace, and Gwaef neighed in question. The horse threw his head up in confusion when Aragorn failed to urge him on but neither bid him stop, and finally slid to a halt on his own account, panting.
What a wonderful day the golden morning had brought them. Aragorn wearily closed his eyes and turned his head to the sun. It lit his closed eyelids a crimson red that whispered of death and despair, and the man shuddered in the comfortable warmth. He drew a deep breath, willing himself to concentrate on the soothing smells of wet leaves and soft earth in an attempt to verify his choice to go for help. It was not far to Rivendell now, but he would never forgive himself if Legolas died in the meantime, left alone by the one person who should have not allowed him to flee in the first place.
A sharp neigh drew the ranger out of his musings and he felt Gwaef tense beneath him. The stallion had raised his head in anticipation, ears forward, and neighed again, loudly. This time the sound was echoed not far off, and new hope surged through Aragorn. He urged his mount in the direction the sound had come from and soon met with a riderless grey steed he knew so well. Legolas´s horse.
Its light coat was covered in sweat and foam had collected at its heaving flanks, yet it seemed irritated to have to break its stride for the obstacle Aragorn presented in its way. It skidded to a stop, slightly rearing as it did, and neighed once again, its angry purpose more than clear. "Sidh, Faun, sidh" //Peace, Faun [cloud], peace// the ranger tried to soothe, totally taken aback by the sight. The horse threw its head up, ears so flat they were no longer visible, and bit the air in annoyance.
Aragorn urged Gwaef back a few steps, knowing better than to further upset a horse reputed to match its master´s stubborness. He was pondering how to react when he heard a clear voice call out, a voice that almost brought tears of relief to his eyes.
"Faun, roch raug, daro!" //Faun, demon of a horse, wait!// Elrohir´s angry yell only caused the upset white animal to dance to the side, trying to by-pass the ranger, but the path was wedged between a steep embankment that rose to Aragorn´s left and a sharp drop to the right, and the ranger quickly blocked what little space there had been. Faun nudged his leg sharply with his head but was forced to remain where he was, contending himself with another restless rear.
A heartbeat later Elladan´s younger twin rounded the corner of the path and drew his mount to a sudden halt when he saw his human brother. A happy smile spread across his flushed features, and in spite of the dire situation Aragorn could not help but smile back, a gesture that equally reflected his joy at the meeting and his amusement at his brother´s untidy appearance. Elrohir´s long dark hair was in complete disarray, the thin braids at his temples partly undone and a few small branches entangled in them. His mount´s broad chest was splattered in mud.
"Mae gonannen, gwathor tithen!" //Well met, little brother.// The greeting was heartfelt but not without a hint of mirth. "Man agorel hi?" //What did you two do now?// He did not bother to explain who he expected to be in trouble at the human´s side but continued: "Faras mae raug fein tegi amin. Hir raug nasto ammaer." //A fine hunt this white demon has led me. The demon´s master [should] better show himself.// He searched his brother´s expression while he spoke, and what he read there quickly chased all traces of happiness from his handsome face. His vivid eyes darkened like a sky suddenly heralding a deadly storm, and Aragorn was sorry.
Before he knew it Elrohir was at his side, hugging him tightly. He did not remember dismounting nor did he recall shedding the few tears that wet his cheeks, but he clearly heard his brother´s voice in his ear. "Do not worry, Estel, whatever happened we will find him. We will get him back." Faun neighed at that and pawed the ground, and Aragorn gently broke the embrace, fearful of wasting precious time.
The man swung himself back onto his horse, finally moving it out of the impatient light stallion´s way. The animal took off with renewed strength, showering human and elf with tiny pebbles and dirt as he went. "Your help is more than appreciated, my brother, and with you at my side we may yet find Legolas. Come, let us follow Faun in his haste and I will tell you what has befallen us."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Elladan´s head rang with his mare´s frantic hoofbeats, each gentle rolling of the animal´s back sending a wave of pain through his chest. He could feel the powerful muscles beneath him constrict and relax while the steed strove to combine swift speed with a gentle gait. One of his hands was entwined in the beast´s soft mane, the other wrapped about its neck he was leaning on, but he doubted that he would be able to keep himself from falling much longer.
He hardly saw the world swirling past him, all he could think of was the look in Legolas´ eyes when his arrow had found its mark. His eyes had mirrored shock and pain, yet there was no mistaking that he had not shot at him accidentally. Elladan knew that his confusion was not only caused by his injury. He had known Legolas for years beyond count and he had never seen him act like this before. The woodland prince had carried grave responsibilities in his endangered homeland and was known for his fierce loyalty for any elf (or human) given into his care by friendship or duty. He would rather sacrifice his life than his soul, and Elladan had recognized an underlying protectiveness in Legolas´ face that seemed to stand in stark contrast to his actions. Worry for his friend almost overrode his awareness for his own state.
He had turned his upper body slightly to avoid the shaft of the arrow producing from him making contact with this horse´s skin, and by some miracle he had so far been spared from any obstacles brushing past him too closely. He could feel his blood soaking his tunic and saw the spreading stain marring his mounts shining coat. He dreamily wondered how long it would take Elrohir to scrape the animal clean, knowing full well that she would allow none but his twin close to her. None but him.
He could feel himself slip and the mare twisted beneath him, intent on balancing her burden as she had done before, but this time she failed. His hand released her mane and he met the ground hard, the impact finally taking all pain away.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Elrohir and Aragorn were hard-pressed to match Faun´s frantic pace, but the ranger had managed to relate most of his tale to his brother nonetheless. Elrohir´s frown had deepened and still lingered as they sped along. His mind was working through any tale he might have heard of such an evil, but so far all he had managed to produce was a mounting fear for his friend.
He was about to turn to Aragorn with yet one more question when his horse raised her head and neighed wildly. The other two animals joined in, and they picked up their pace even more, the ground all but blurring beneath their thundering hooves. "What is it?!" Aragorn yelled over the din, "Can you sense what has them in such a frenzy?" Elrohir shook his head, his face mirroring intense concentration as he tried to locate the source of their mounts renewed urgency, then sudden awareness hit him and he paled.
"It´s Elladan!" was all he called to his human brother before spurring his already panting horse on even further. Aragorn simply held on to Gwaef numbly, the stallion not liking to be outrun and thus keeping up without the need of further urging. The man knew the look he had seen on the younger twin´s face and he dreaded what it foreshadowed. By the Valar, what had he done to bring such wrath upon those he loved?
It took them mere moments to reach the fallen form, guarded by his mare, but those moments stretched into eternity for Aragorn. He slid off his horse and knelt by his brother´s side mere heartbeats after Elrohir, and his soul froze at the sight that presented itself to his widening eyes.
Elladan lay motionless, his eyes closed, the dark lashes touching his skin only enhancing its deadly paleness. His breath was barely more than a shudder that rolled over his chest - a chest pierced by an arrow. Aragorn´s hand reached out almost without his mind acknowledging the action and he stopped his fingers at the last moment, allowing them to hover over the carefully bound fledges on the wooden shaft. Fledges that he had seen applied many an evening, laughing over a fire. Fledges that were as unmistakable as a smile, a singing voice.
Speechless, Aragorn looked up to find his own horror mirrored in Elrohir´s grey eyes. "Valar, berior min faer." //Valar, protect our souls.// The silent Elven plea seemed to send a shiver through all living things around them, making earth itself tremble in pity.
TBC
Review responses:
Alariel: "Siren´s song" does fine for now, even though there is no siren involved... ;-)
Kept-Secret: Yes, I like creepy. You can expect more creepy...Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.
Tychen: Thank you! Yes, Legolas is trying to keep others from harm... and I try to please my sweet reviewer. How could I resist such a nice plea? Black icing, hmm? Would look fine with a red cherry, if you ask me ;-)
White Wolf: Yes, poor Elladan - but help´s on the way (if somewhat slowly...)
Someone Reading: Happy you are along for the ride! Hang on tight! I do hope you like it a bit spooky (and angsty)?
Alexa: Thanks! Well - he did. Poor Elves, this story is tough on them...
MoonMist: Thank you! And I assure you, Legolas is trying his best and fighting like a lion.
Deana: Of course - here it is!
NightShadow131: Yes, he did shoot Elladan- and now he is one miserable elf! (Poor guy.)
Red Tigress: Yes, Elrond will NOT be happy - but sadly, he is nowhere in sight just yet...
Thanks again - big hug to you all!