Hello dear readers!
I have to admit that I feel a bit guilty about this story - it has a truly mean streak to it, but I swear, it is practically writing itself (maybe that should worry me...) I do feel pushed for updates because of where I left you all, and then the and of the next chapter tends to be no better...
But enough of this ranting, here is chapter 6 for you - I hope you like it. (I confess that I had tears in my eyes at the end - serves me right!)
Please review - and thank you (!!!) for the reviews for the last chapter, responses are below.
Now enjoy - if you can...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Sadly, not mine
Choices
The wailing tunes washed over him like breakers in a flood ravaging a crumbling coastline. He could feel them slipping icily over his soul, numbing what thought was left within him. Still, he had worked on his defences since this battle had begun and he was not as poorly prepared as the entity had believed him to be. There was frustration behind the repeated onslaughts when each was cut short mere fractions away from its goal, and Legolas could sense some of the evil energy waning.
Then there was another sound weaving its way through the song into his reawakening awareness, a cry of pain that seemed hoarse and desperate. He foggily wondered whether more unfortunate beasts had been drawn into the pool and his resolve reared against his momentary helplessness. He had appointed himself a task and would not abandon it. "Tirmo." //Sentinel// The ancient word added further strength to his struggle and he pushed the song back sufficiently to regain his senses.
Legolas instantly wished he had not done so. Or at least not any senses connected to his broken ankle. The pain was so blinding it filled his vision with a red veil that coated even the bright moon shining down on him. Vaguely, he began to realize that the cries had been his, and from the burning that made itself known in his throat they had been going on for a while. He clamped his mouth shut forcefully and then grabbed his leg with the hand not holding the bow to keep it from thrashing against the broad trunk of the tree his was sitting on yet another time.
It took him a while to regain some control, and when he finally did he felt drained to the point of simply slipping off the tree and into oblivion. The song had weakened considerably for a reason that he could not fully discern. Maybe the tactic his body had subconsciously turned to had worked and his physical misery had loosened the grip, but Legolas could not shake the feeling that the entity had used up its means to break his will. Just like an archer who had run out of arrows and had to let his prey run free.
With the slight difference that he could not run. He knew that this had not been the last assault he had to expect, and he wondered whether he would be able to withstand the next. Valar, he was weary. He could feel his hurt leg burning with the damage that had been done to it and sunndely he could see Estel frowning at him, the look on his face scolding the elf for deliberately putting himself through so much misery. Yet, Aragorn would more than just scold at the other route still open to him. As the thought of the sharp knife still securely fastened to his quiver stole into his mind, his friend appeared to him again, his expression of horror quickly turning to one of heated anger.
"Albertho, Legolas, albertho trevedi men rhoeg!" //Don´t you dare, Legolas, don´t dare to take the wrong way!//
Legolas´ head shot up, sending a wave of dizziness through him. The call had felt so real, so near - even though Estel was nowhere close. Still, the forceful voice had shaken the elf out of his dark musings and his sight fell once again on the white lake. How innocently it seemed to slumber, the reflections of stars and moon barely visible as if they were shying away from it. Feigned innocence. The elf felt cold at the sight and turned away, forcing his senses to block out the sound of the song to their best ability and search for signs of more living creatures drawing near. He heaved a deep breath when he picked up frantic movement not far away, the unmistakable squeals of wild pigs accompanying it.
With a tired sigh, Legolas readied his bow and willed the weariness out of his arms. "Is tirmo im" //I [am] the sentinel// he whispered to himself, his raw voice barely recognizable, and the trees wept.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
"Albertho, albertho..." Elrohir turned to Aragorn with a frown. His human brother had rested fitfully from the beginning, forced into sleep by his exhausted body. The ranger´s strong mind had not been overruled at no cost, though, and it had troubled him with bouts of turning and mumbling before.
Now, however, the restlessness seemed to grow into a full-fledged nightmare. Aragorn tossed from side to side, his voice raising as if frantically trying to make someone listen. "Albertho - men rhoeg! Ego goni sigil..."//Put away the knife...// His hand reached up into thin air, clearly grabbing for something, and Elrohir quickly caught it, hoping to still his brother´s movements. Instead, the unexpected touch woke Aragorn instantly and he shot upright, barely failing to hit his head into the elf´s. His right hand twitched to go for his knife but was stopped by the gentle grip that held it.
"Dinen, gwador, anno daf guino." //Easy, brother, let me live.//
It took the confused ranger a moment to recognize both Elrohir and the situation he was in, then he slowly relaxed, smiling an apology to the elf. His brother shook his head in a mixture of sorrow and amusement while he gently released Aragorn´s hand and scooted back over to Elladan who in turn had grown restless at being left alone. "I am everybody´s nurse tonight", Elrohir sighed in mock annoyance, picking up the cloth drenched in herbs that he had used to soothe his twin, "I shall ask a couple of favours from both of you in return."
He had hoped to draw a smile from the human, but when he looked over he realised Aragorn had not even heard him, so lost he was in dark thoughts. "Ol noer?" //A sad dream?// the elf asked sympathetically and was taken aback when the ranger sprang up at the question and kicked his blanket away with a shout of frustration. The horses jumped nervously, neighing in protest, and Elladan´s reflexive jerk made him groan in pain.
The mournful sound brought Aragorn to his knees at Elladan´s side, frantically searching his oldest brother´s features. He had been so caught up in his dream that he had forgotten about Elladan´s injury. How could he have caused his brother even more pain! The wounded elf was unnaturally pale, yet there were red flecks on his cheeks that spoke of a fever.
"Why have you not woken me?" he asked Elrohir, the words coming out more harshly than he had meant them. He shook his head at his inability to express himself correctly, but Elrohir´s answer cut short any excuse. His voice held no scorn. "Because there was no need, Estel. The fever was to be expected and it is not dangerous at the moment. Our brother is doing much better than I had feared, and I am confident that he will make a full recovery if we continue to guard him well."
"And not startle him with sudden outbursts", Aragorn added ruefully. He had tenderly touched the back of his hand to Elladan´s forehead and was relieved to feel Elrohir´s words confirmed. The younger twin looked on in slight amusement, but did not rebuke Aragorn for what he was doing, knowing full well that there was no lack of trust behind his actions.
The ranger sat back with a sigh, he weariness a clear sign that he had rested neither well nor long enough. He could feel Elrohir´s eyes on him, waiting patiently for the explanation that he was sure would come. Aragorn collected his thoughts for a moment. He forced himself to relive what he had dreamt, and even now it made his heart race and sweat break out on his face.
"Man cenich?" //What did you see?// the elf prodded gently. He did not want his brother to suffer even more from the images that he was clearly recalling now, and that meant he had to share them. Aragorn let out a deep sigh. "I saw Legolas, and he was hurting. Badly. He was fighting, but there was no opponent near." He felt like he was not making any sense, but Elrohir was watching him intently, bidding him to go on.
"He was hurting himself somehow, he was desperate." The man paused. "He was thinking about ending his life." Aragorn could feel his voice break at these words. He knew as well as his brother how highly Elves treasured any life and Legolas had defended his own fiercely in the past, both against physical harm and mental pain. It was almost unthinkable that he would even consider such an option.
Elrohir remained silent for a long while. "His despair must be deep, then", he finally said, "and it was a blessing that you were there for him." "I was not!" Aragorn was barely able to keep his voice down. "Don´t you see? I should have been there, but all I did was dream..." He threw his hands up in anger at himself. Elrohir was slowly shaking his head. "If this was but a dream, then why are you so worried? It may reflect nothing but your fears."
The ranger´s eyes flashed when he raised them at his brother. "You did say so yourself, he must be in despair! Do not lie to me now just to make me feel better, brother, for I will have nothing of it!" The elf frowned. "I would not, and you know it. There was no lie in what I said. I do believe that your dream was more than a mere shadow, but that does not only mean that you saw Legolas´ pain. He may have felt your response to it, too." A feint smile touched Elrohir´s lips. "There is more than just responsibility to being Isildur´s heir, Aragorn. Your blood carries strength that far surpasses that of other humans. You might do well to trust it more."
Aragorn fell silent, pondering Elrohir´s words. He had indeed felt - close. It had seemed like all he had to do was reach out his hand and touch his friend, but lacking hands in his dream he had used his voice. "Maybe he at least heard me", he sighed. "How much longer ere the sun rises?" As a ranger he was able to make a good guess, but there was no shame to him in asking those who knew better. His brother gazed towards the east and answered: "A little more than an hour. You should use it to rest some more, maethor neth." //little warrior//
Aragorn could not help but smile at the childish nickname that he had fought years to get rid of but that offered strange comfort now. Still, he knew in his heart when he lay down again that there would be no more rest for him this night, and that he would stay still and watch Anor bring a touch of hope to his troubled heart.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Legolas flinched when he saw his arrow pierce a young stag´s throat, bringing it down mere paces from the lake´s edge. There had been no possibility to drive it away in time, and he knew the swift death would be a blessing compared to what would have awaited the poor animal in the waters.
The tune in his head raised its voice forcefully once more and he shook his head in refusal. Gazing closely at the dead stag, Legolas saw some blood seep from the wound in the beast´s throat, leaking into the water to create a slight tinge of pink in the white haze. He cursed under his breath. He had been a heartbeat too slow on the last animal, and now he would have to suffer the consequences. He closed his eyes against the crushing tunes he knew would come, curling his soul in on itself with a feeling of dread.
Even with his eyes closed he could still sense the dead animals that littered the vicinity of the pool. The night had lured more than one unfortunate herd and the occasional loner to the waters, and Legolas had soon been forced to learn that any drop of blood that reached the lake was greedily soaked up to be used for a fresh attack on his soul. Even though no animal had shared the fate of the unfortunate fawn, he had hesitated at first to shoot to kill and thus had brought down a number of animals close enough to the pool for their blood to be turned against him.
The pain in his tormented leg had now spread way past his hip, washing up into his chest. He had used it without mercy to drive back the song, but he knew that the price he way paying was high. The pain itself, while serving him in its own manner, was steadily eating away at his strength and he could feel his defences waning. Yet, he was confident they would hold. Hold just one more time.
When the assault came, it brought with it the now familiar numbing of any other feeling or thought.. It was all the worse because the tiny part of Legolas that remained himself knew with unerring certainty that the return to the world would be a painful one, and he had no strength left to prepare for it. His voice was all but gone now from the screams he had no chance of holding back. Yet this did not matter, it could not.
He allowed himself a tiny amount of relief when the song faded more quickly than he had feared, the blood of the dead beast not enough for a full attack. He knew he would not have bested the entity this time had the stag died in the lake, but he could not linger on the close call. The pain in his leg took over control, and the elf felt himself swaying dangerously.
The tree was muttering warnings to him, and he tried to reach out for the branches around him to steady himself, hearing them creak in their effort to meet him, and he caught on to them at the last moment. Having prevented another fall, Legolas concentrated on his breathing until he trusted himself to stay conscious.
Gingerly, he opened all his senses but that of sight to the world around him yet again, and was dismayed to feel another animal draw close. He felt his heart clench. Soon, he would not be able to fulfil his appointed role anymore, not for lack of strength but for lack of arrows. There were three more left in his quiver, then his choices would be down to one knife. The other he would have to spare for himself.
Still keeping his eyes closed, Legolas drew an arrow and loosely fitted it to the string. He was almost past regret for the creatures he had to hurt and kill, having to force his mental strength to linger at the wall around his soul, but his heart grew heavy when he realized that the beast that approached was a horse. His love embraced all living things of good nature, but his deep friendship to many a horse had softened his heart to them especially.
The animal neighed as it closed in, and Legolas´ eyes shot open in horror. No, this could not be! He had given Faun the order to make for Imladris, and the stallion had never betrayed his trust. Why now? Tears collected in his eyes when he saw the proud animal galloping closer, its movements somewhat laboured from fatigue and foam spraying off its flanks at every jump it took.
Legolas stifled a sob when he realized what the beast had done. Its complete weariness was sign enough. "Ai, roch dorn, cin naw delw." //Oh stubborn horse, your plan [is] deadly.// It was more a thought than a whisper, the elf´s voice having lost its fight, but it was filled with bitter sorrow. Legolas took a deep breath, his eyes reluctantly searching out the spot on the heaving grey chest that the arrow would have to pierce.
"Cin ind thenid cin fern." //Your loyal heart [is] your death..// Blinking away his tears Legolas took aim. This shot had to fly true.
TBC
I know, I know, that was evil. I already see myself at the PC again tomorrow, trying to make up for it -oh well...
Review responses:
MoonMist: Yes, poor everyone...I feel so guilty that I HAVE to update quickly.
Amy: Thanks - and another quick update for you.
Alariel: Hey, your guesses are good (I won´t tell you how close you are, though...) and it´s so delightful to read them!
Meg: I am mean sometimes - but we,, the leg really is Legolas´ smallest problem!
Alexa: I promise help is on the way, but he has to hang on a bit longer!
NighShadow131: A bit longer for poor Legolas - but at least Elladan is recovering!
Deana: Oh yes, he is upset. Even more so now, I´m afraid.
Red Tigress: Glad you took the time for the mail - and glad I have you thinking.
Tychen: Hope the cake did not mess up anything ;-) And another quick update without it! Your guesses are just fine, you are "getting" the story really well, believe me!
I know there is one more review out there, but I cannot view it (grrrr) so it will be answered next time...
CU
I have to admit that I feel a bit guilty about this story - it has a truly mean streak to it, but I swear, it is practically writing itself (maybe that should worry me...) I do feel pushed for updates because of where I left you all, and then the and of the next chapter tends to be no better...
But enough of this ranting, here is chapter 6 for you - I hope you like it. (I confess that I had tears in my eyes at the end - serves me right!)
Please review - and thank you (!!!) for the reviews for the last chapter, responses are below.
Now enjoy - if you can...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Sadly, not mine
Choices
The wailing tunes washed over him like breakers in a flood ravaging a crumbling coastline. He could feel them slipping icily over his soul, numbing what thought was left within him. Still, he had worked on his defences since this battle had begun and he was not as poorly prepared as the entity had believed him to be. There was frustration behind the repeated onslaughts when each was cut short mere fractions away from its goal, and Legolas could sense some of the evil energy waning.
Then there was another sound weaving its way through the song into his reawakening awareness, a cry of pain that seemed hoarse and desperate. He foggily wondered whether more unfortunate beasts had been drawn into the pool and his resolve reared against his momentary helplessness. He had appointed himself a task and would not abandon it. "Tirmo." //Sentinel// The ancient word added further strength to his struggle and he pushed the song back sufficiently to regain his senses.
Legolas instantly wished he had not done so. Or at least not any senses connected to his broken ankle. The pain was so blinding it filled his vision with a red veil that coated even the bright moon shining down on him. Vaguely, he began to realize that the cries had been his, and from the burning that made itself known in his throat they had been going on for a while. He clamped his mouth shut forcefully and then grabbed his leg with the hand not holding the bow to keep it from thrashing against the broad trunk of the tree his was sitting on yet another time.
It took him a while to regain some control, and when he finally did he felt drained to the point of simply slipping off the tree and into oblivion. The song had weakened considerably for a reason that he could not fully discern. Maybe the tactic his body had subconsciously turned to had worked and his physical misery had loosened the grip, but Legolas could not shake the feeling that the entity had used up its means to break his will. Just like an archer who had run out of arrows and had to let his prey run free.
With the slight difference that he could not run. He knew that this had not been the last assault he had to expect, and he wondered whether he would be able to withstand the next. Valar, he was weary. He could feel his hurt leg burning with the damage that had been done to it and sunndely he could see Estel frowning at him, the look on his face scolding the elf for deliberately putting himself through so much misery. Yet, Aragorn would more than just scold at the other route still open to him. As the thought of the sharp knife still securely fastened to his quiver stole into his mind, his friend appeared to him again, his expression of horror quickly turning to one of heated anger.
"Albertho, Legolas, albertho trevedi men rhoeg!" //Don´t you dare, Legolas, don´t dare to take the wrong way!//
Legolas´ head shot up, sending a wave of dizziness through him. The call had felt so real, so near - even though Estel was nowhere close. Still, the forceful voice had shaken the elf out of his dark musings and his sight fell once again on the white lake. How innocently it seemed to slumber, the reflections of stars and moon barely visible as if they were shying away from it. Feigned innocence. The elf felt cold at the sight and turned away, forcing his senses to block out the sound of the song to their best ability and search for signs of more living creatures drawing near. He heaved a deep breath when he picked up frantic movement not far away, the unmistakable squeals of wild pigs accompanying it.
With a tired sigh, Legolas readied his bow and willed the weariness out of his arms. "Is tirmo im" //I [am] the sentinel// he whispered to himself, his raw voice barely recognizable, and the trees wept.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
"Albertho, albertho..." Elrohir turned to Aragorn with a frown. His human brother had rested fitfully from the beginning, forced into sleep by his exhausted body. The ranger´s strong mind had not been overruled at no cost, though, and it had troubled him with bouts of turning and mumbling before.
Now, however, the restlessness seemed to grow into a full-fledged nightmare. Aragorn tossed from side to side, his voice raising as if frantically trying to make someone listen. "Albertho - men rhoeg! Ego goni sigil..."//Put away the knife...// His hand reached up into thin air, clearly grabbing for something, and Elrohir quickly caught it, hoping to still his brother´s movements. Instead, the unexpected touch woke Aragorn instantly and he shot upright, barely failing to hit his head into the elf´s. His right hand twitched to go for his knife but was stopped by the gentle grip that held it.
"Dinen, gwador, anno daf guino." //Easy, brother, let me live.//
It took the confused ranger a moment to recognize both Elrohir and the situation he was in, then he slowly relaxed, smiling an apology to the elf. His brother shook his head in a mixture of sorrow and amusement while he gently released Aragorn´s hand and scooted back over to Elladan who in turn had grown restless at being left alone. "I am everybody´s nurse tonight", Elrohir sighed in mock annoyance, picking up the cloth drenched in herbs that he had used to soothe his twin, "I shall ask a couple of favours from both of you in return."
He had hoped to draw a smile from the human, but when he looked over he realised Aragorn had not even heard him, so lost he was in dark thoughts. "Ol noer?" //A sad dream?// the elf asked sympathetically and was taken aback when the ranger sprang up at the question and kicked his blanket away with a shout of frustration. The horses jumped nervously, neighing in protest, and Elladan´s reflexive jerk made him groan in pain.
The mournful sound brought Aragorn to his knees at Elladan´s side, frantically searching his oldest brother´s features. He had been so caught up in his dream that he had forgotten about Elladan´s injury. How could he have caused his brother even more pain! The wounded elf was unnaturally pale, yet there were red flecks on his cheeks that spoke of a fever.
"Why have you not woken me?" he asked Elrohir, the words coming out more harshly than he had meant them. He shook his head at his inability to express himself correctly, but Elrohir´s answer cut short any excuse. His voice held no scorn. "Because there was no need, Estel. The fever was to be expected and it is not dangerous at the moment. Our brother is doing much better than I had feared, and I am confident that he will make a full recovery if we continue to guard him well."
"And not startle him with sudden outbursts", Aragorn added ruefully. He had tenderly touched the back of his hand to Elladan´s forehead and was relieved to feel Elrohir´s words confirmed. The younger twin looked on in slight amusement, but did not rebuke Aragorn for what he was doing, knowing full well that there was no lack of trust behind his actions.
The ranger sat back with a sigh, he weariness a clear sign that he had rested neither well nor long enough. He could feel Elrohir´s eyes on him, waiting patiently for the explanation that he was sure would come. Aragorn collected his thoughts for a moment. He forced himself to relive what he had dreamt, and even now it made his heart race and sweat break out on his face.
"Man cenich?" //What did you see?// the elf prodded gently. He did not want his brother to suffer even more from the images that he was clearly recalling now, and that meant he had to share them. Aragorn let out a deep sigh. "I saw Legolas, and he was hurting. Badly. He was fighting, but there was no opponent near." He felt like he was not making any sense, but Elrohir was watching him intently, bidding him to go on.
"He was hurting himself somehow, he was desperate." The man paused. "He was thinking about ending his life." Aragorn could feel his voice break at these words. He knew as well as his brother how highly Elves treasured any life and Legolas had defended his own fiercely in the past, both against physical harm and mental pain. It was almost unthinkable that he would even consider such an option.
Elrohir remained silent for a long while. "His despair must be deep, then", he finally said, "and it was a blessing that you were there for him." "I was not!" Aragorn was barely able to keep his voice down. "Don´t you see? I should have been there, but all I did was dream..." He threw his hands up in anger at himself. Elrohir was slowly shaking his head. "If this was but a dream, then why are you so worried? It may reflect nothing but your fears."
The ranger´s eyes flashed when he raised them at his brother. "You did say so yourself, he must be in despair! Do not lie to me now just to make me feel better, brother, for I will have nothing of it!" The elf frowned. "I would not, and you know it. There was no lie in what I said. I do believe that your dream was more than a mere shadow, but that does not only mean that you saw Legolas´ pain. He may have felt your response to it, too." A feint smile touched Elrohir´s lips. "There is more than just responsibility to being Isildur´s heir, Aragorn. Your blood carries strength that far surpasses that of other humans. You might do well to trust it more."
Aragorn fell silent, pondering Elrohir´s words. He had indeed felt - close. It had seemed like all he had to do was reach out his hand and touch his friend, but lacking hands in his dream he had used his voice. "Maybe he at least heard me", he sighed. "How much longer ere the sun rises?" As a ranger he was able to make a good guess, but there was no shame to him in asking those who knew better. His brother gazed towards the east and answered: "A little more than an hour. You should use it to rest some more, maethor neth." //little warrior//
Aragorn could not help but smile at the childish nickname that he had fought years to get rid of but that offered strange comfort now. Still, he knew in his heart when he lay down again that there would be no more rest for him this night, and that he would stay still and watch Anor bring a touch of hope to his troubled heart.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Legolas flinched when he saw his arrow pierce a young stag´s throat, bringing it down mere paces from the lake´s edge. There had been no possibility to drive it away in time, and he knew the swift death would be a blessing compared to what would have awaited the poor animal in the waters.
The tune in his head raised its voice forcefully once more and he shook his head in refusal. Gazing closely at the dead stag, Legolas saw some blood seep from the wound in the beast´s throat, leaking into the water to create a slight tinge of pink in the white haze. He cursed under his breath. He had been a heartbeat too slow on the last animal, and now he would have to suffer the consequences. He closed his eyes against the crushing tunes he knew would come, curling his soul in on itself with a feeling of dread.
Even with his eyes closed he could still sense the dead animals that littered the vicinity of the pool. The night had lured more than one unfortunate herd and the occasional loner to the waters, and Legolas had soon been forced to learn that any drop of blood that reached the lake was greedily soaked up to be used for a fresh attack on his soul. Even though no animal had shared the fate of the unfortunate fawn, he had hesitated at first to shoot to kill and thus had brought down a number of animals close enough to the pool for their blood to be turned against him.
The pain in his tormented leg had now spread way past his hip, washing up into his chest. He had used it without mercy to drive back the song, but he knew that the price he way paying was high. The pain itself, while serving him in its own manner, was steadily eating away at his strength and he could feel his defences waning. Yet, he was confident they would hold. Hold just one more time.
When the assault came, it brought with it the now familiar numbing of any other feeling or thought.. It was all the worse because the tiny part of Legolas that remained himself knew with unerring certainty that the return to the world would be a painful one, and he had no strength left to prepare for it. His voice was all but gone now from the screams he had no chance of holding back. Yet this did not matter, it could not.
He allowed himself a tiny amount of relief when the song faded more quickly than he had feared, the blood of the dead beast not enough for a full attack. He knew he would not have bested the entity this time had the stag died in the lake, but he could not linger on the close call. The pain in his leg took over control, and the elf felt himself swaying dangerously.
The tree was muttering warnings to him, and he tried to reach out for the branches around him to steady himself, hearing them creak in their effort to meet him, and he caught on to them at the last moment. Having prevented another fall, Legolas concentrated on his breathing until he trusted himself to stay conscious.
Gingerly, he opened all his senses but that of sight to the world around him yet again, and was dismayed to feel another animal draw close. He felt his heart clench. Soon, he would not be able to fulfil his appointed role anymore, not for lack of strength but for lack of arrows. There were three more left in his quiver, then his choices would be down to one knife. The other he would have to spare for himself.
Still keeping his eyes closed, Legolas drew an arrow and loosely fitted it to the string. He was almost past regret for the creatures he had to hurt and kill, having to force his mental strength to linger at the wall around his soul, but his heart grew heavy when he realized that the beast that approached was a horse. His love embraced all living things of good nature, but his deep friendship to many a horse had softened his heart to them especially.
The animal neighed as it closed in, and Legolas´ eyes shot open in horror. No, this could not be! He had given Faun the order to make for Imladris, and the stallion had never betrayed his trust. Why now? Tears collected in his eyes when he saw the proud animal galloping closer, its movements somewhat laboured from fatigue and foam spraying off its flanks at every jump it took.
Legolas stifled a sob when he realized what the beast had done. Its complete weariness was sign enough. "Ai, roch dorn, cin naw delw." //Oh stubborn horse, your plan [is] deadly.// It was more a thought than a whisper, the elf´s voice having lost its fight, but it was filled with bitter sorrow. Legolas took a deep breath, his eyes reluctantly searching out the spot on the heaving grey chest that the arrow would have to pierce.
"Cin ind thenid cin fern." //Your loyal heart [is] your death..// Blinking away his tears Legolas took aim. This shot had to fly true.
TBC
I know, I know, that was evil. I already see myself at the PC again tomorrow, trying to make up for it -oh well...
Review responses:
MoonMist: Yes, poor everyone...I feel so guilty that I HAVE to update quickly.
Amy: Thanks - and another quick update for you.
Alariel: Hey, your guesses are good (I won´t tell you how close you are, though...) and it´s so delightful to read them!
Meg: I am mean sometimes - but we,, the leg really is Legolas´ smallest problem!
Alexa: I promise help is on the way, but he has to hang on a bit longer!
NighShadow131: A bit longer for poor Legolas - but at least Elladan is recovering!
Deana: Oh yes, he is upset. Even more so now, I´m afraid.
Red Tigress: Glad you took the time for the mail - and glad I have you thinking.
Tychen: Hope the cake did not mess up anything ;-) And another quick update without it! Your guesses are just fine, you are "getting" the story really well, believe me!
I know there is one more review out there, but I cannot view it (grrrr) so it will be answered next time...
CU