Hi!
This weekend I seem to be on a roll! I had to get Faun out of there - and the next cliffie is only a small tiny one to give all of us a break.
Thanks your all your reviews (!!!) - responses below.
Keep them coming, they make my day!
Now on to the story...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Leap of faith
Legolas could feel his arms waver both with fatigue and an overwhelming dread. He forced his aim to be steady, unknowingly biting his lip as he did, drawing blood. Part of him still desperately hoped for Faun to stop, to stumble, to do anything but advance. If he only had his voice! Maybe a command would have stayed the stallion, maybe - but then, Legolas knew better. He knew his mount and why he had picked him. It was a cruel fate that his companion´s values were now proving his downfall.
There were duties tied to friendship, though, no matter how heartbreaking, and he intended to carry them out. Faun had shown his loyalty to him, and now it was time to repay the animal. Blocking every other thought from his mind, his sorrow even dimming the song to a mere glimmer in his soul, he fixed his eyes on the horse, following him with the tip of his arrow. He would give Faun every chance there was, but he would shoot before the animal got close enough to serve the lake with the blood he was about to spill. He would not allow his friend´s death to aid this evil.
The stallion pricked his ears as he drew closer, nostrils flaring. He threw up his head, eyes rolling to show white. Legolas watched his every move with apprehension. Then he thought to detect a slight change of direction in the steed´s path. The elf blinked rapidly, trying to ascertain that he was not deceiving himself. Could it be...
Faun´s breath became more laboured with every step he took towards the group of trees that was his aim. The proud horse shook his head again in defiance of the strong pull that had seized him not long ago, guiding him first closer to his master but then trying to lure him to a white pool whose smell assaulted his senses. To him it felt like a noose around his neck, tightening in an attempt to break his will by force. Others had tried this before and failed.
A neigh filled with anger broke the eerie stillness that had befallen the landscape. Legolas could see his mount´s face now, could read the struggle in it, and the hope that flared up in him weakened his defences. He could feel the tune rush at him once more, and out of the corner of his eyes he discerned movement to his right. He whipped around, the arrow flying before he had even realized that it was a boar running towards its doom. A boar followed by more wild pigs. Too many to kill.
Faun had slowed to a trot, unwillingly so, his hooves dragging through the grass with effort, but his eyes were fixed on the slim Elven form he had made out in one of the trees. Foam flaking off his shivering body the huge beast ploughed on. Legolas had drawn and fired his two last arrows, felling two more pigs with them, and now the cold steel of his knife flashed as he drew it. He knew that there would be no help for him once one of the remaining wild pigs reached the pool.
Faun stemmed his chest against what felt like the current of a stream, his pace almost down to a walk, but there were but a few paces left and he would not falter now.
Legolas saw the beast approach and knew that he had to come to a decision. He could see the way his horse shook with effort. He could sense the lake rise in joy at the fodder that was mere heartbeats from its reach. The risk was high, the stakes beyond anything he had ever encountered, yet in the knowledge that with his death, this evil would lose an opponent that had grown to know it well, Legolas took a leap of faith.
His bow clattered to the ground, of no more use now. The second blade was drawn in free fall.
He barely made it, arms flinging out to grab the horse´s mane. The first knife lashed out and buried itself into the stallion´s grey neck, making him shriek in angry pain. Legolas could feel the powerful muscles under him burst into action as if cut free, and behind him a pig screamed. Weaving his free hand into Faun´s mane and praying for the Valar to protect him once more, Legolas raised the second knife.
Behind him, the rush of the song that aimed its call at him made the grass bow and whisper. He could feel the waves of music come crushing down on his soul simultaneously with the burning pain in his already throbbing leg when the blade cut through it. He welcomed the darkness that took him.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Faintly, a tinge a red began to spread through the lightening sky. The air had the fresh smell of nature reborn, and some of Aragorn´s weariness waned. He sat up and watched in silence as the great shining disk if Anor rose from the depth of night to bring light and hope to creation. The ranger closed his eyes, his skin soaking up the first touches of warmth that traced his cheeks with gentle fingers.
Red and fiery was Anor´s face, and Elrohir´s gentle voice drifted over to the man with the ageless phrase many a warrior had spoken before him. "Barn amrun..." //A red sunrise...// Aragorn opened his eyes and quickly finished the phrase. "Blood has been spilled tonight." He smiled in apology, but he had not wanted to hear the words in Elvish. Not this morning. His brother seemed to understand. He nodded to him. "Aye, but who can tell whose blood it was, and for what purpose? There is no dread in this, Estel, no promise of defeat. This day will see us bring Legolas home." He spoke with utter conviction, and Aragorn found himself believing in the elf´s hope, even though he did not know where his own feelings came from.
The ranger rose to his feet with determination. Now that the light of day was on his side once more nothing would deter him from his path, no matter where it would lead him. Or to what. Part of him dreaded finding his worst fears confirmed, bringing back his friend lost to madness, but he knew that his own weaknesses could not be his guide in this. There were duties tied to friendship, no matter how heartbreaking, and he intended to carry them out.
Even though the urge to simply gallop off was strong in him, he took his time to make sure that he had his healing supplies, an extra blanket, anything he might want for later. After he had found his friend. When he was sure that nothing was missing, he straightened once more to find Ninim //Snowflake// stand behind him. Elladan´s mare pawed the ground impatiently and shook her head at him to get going, and he bowed in gratitude, a smile gracing his lips.
The steed was just like her master, eager to prove herself against a danger that had once almost defeated her, and he was sure that she could feel Elladan´s approval. Else she would never leave her Elven friend´s side. Aragorn fastened his belongings to the horse, absent-mindedly wondering at the intensity with which the still rising sun painted he white coat a light red.
Aragorn turned to his brothers, finding that Elladan already looked a bit better, even though he was aware that this might have been a trick of light. Elrohir smiled at the ranger as the man swung himself atop the mare´s back. "Valar berio le, gwador-nin" //[May] the Valar protect you, my brother// he said seriously, " and rest assured that I will follow as soon as help has arrived for Elladan. You will not be on your own for long." "Iston" //I know// Aragorn answered simply, then he allowed Ninim to race off towards the very place she had rescued her master from not long ago.
It felt good to be on the move. Aragorn relished in the feeling of the wind ruffling his hair and the horse´s powerful leaps beneath him. He kept alert, his eyes searching the ever lightening landscape around him for signs of his friend or his horse. He hoped and prayed that Faun had been there for his rider tonight. There was no doubt in his mind that the stubborn stallion would have run himself into the ground to make sure of that.
The ranger knew that, if he looked for them, he could easily find the traces left by the steed´s hooves, but he was glad that Ninim´s assistance released him from this duty. They would reach their aim much more quickly like that. Even though he had no way of knowing whether that meant that he would be in time.
The sun rose higher, yet again highlighting autumn´s colours in all their glory. The trees that crowded around them grew less dense and the ground less rocky, making room for growing patches of meadows among them. Aragorn started when he suddenly felt the mare pick up her speed, going from the steady canter they had travelled in to a full-fledged gallop across the soft grass. He leaned down over her neck and peered ahead, trying to see with his eyes what she must have picked up with senses of her own.
Trees flew past him, more than once narrowly missing his knees, and there seemed to be a growing tension in the air, not unlike the one he had sensed in the clearing a day ago. The forest was calling out to him. His muscles tensed painfully in anticipation. Constantly scanning his blurring surroundings made him feel slightly dizzy, but he kept himself from closing his eyes even for a heartbeat.
Otherwise he might have missed them.
There was no movement in the two forms. They stood framed by trees that urgently swayed in the still morning, shedding their bright leaves around them as if praising warriors at their homecoming. Horse and rider looked more like a statue, though, and not one erected to celebrate victory. The elf lay slumped over his steed´s neck, arms hanging loosely at the beasts sides. The horse had its head almost on the ground but not in peaceful grazing. It shook as if ready to fall any second, its side heaving pitifully. The grey coat was drenched in blood.
The picture burned itself into Aragorn´s stunned mind. For a moment joy and dread warred in him, then both were chased away by surprise. Instead of changing directions to approach their friends, Ninim went straight ahead. The ranger tried to make her turn, not having wasted a thought before on steering the animal who knew her own way well enough. She complied slowly, her breath quickening. Aragorn could feel her quiver beneath him. There was a painful heaviness in the air.
"Ninim, baw!" //Ninim, no!// He put authority in his voice as well as tenderness. "Garo bith nin."//Do as I tell you.// He signalled her to turn again, and they managed to swing around in a wide arch. The mare´s speed slackened, and she neighed in what seemed defiance, but now kept her course towards the two still creatures the forest cradled in its midst.
Aragorn´s heart caught painfully in his throat while they were drawing closer. He could now clearly see that Legolas´ leg seemed to be badly injured and his stomach almost turned when he realized that one of his friend´s long knives was buried in his thigh to the hilt. Blood from both the elf and the horse had mingled in the animal´s fur, signalling that the blade had gone through the leg to bite into the flesh beneath.
The second knife stuck from Faun´s neck, firmly embedded at its base. Oh Valar.
Time seemed to stop flowing, halting him from crossing what little distance remained between himself and his friend, then he was at his side. He reached out to gently brush the sweaty blond hair away from the elf´s throat, feeling the unnatural heat radiate from Legolas even before his hand had touched the burning skin. The pulse he found was thready and weak, racing along at a dangerous pace. But at least it was there. "Estel di cui"//hope in life// he whispered to himself, almost hearing Lord Elrond calmly speak those soothing words that had often accompanied the sight of a grievous injury.
Faun had raised his head so slowly as if it was weighted down by a tombstone and Ninim nickered in quiet distress, nuzzling the stallion´s neck affectionately. Even though, the mare would not stand still and danced from one foot to the other, making it hard for Aragorn to find out more about the wounded elf´s state. Yet, he did not dismount. It felt wrong to even think of staying here.
Although all sense would have called for him to make sure Legolas´ clearly more than fragile health would not be put to another test, one it might not pass, there was a growing unease in him that told him otherwise. He placed one hand on his friend´s back, feeling slight shivers run through the battered body and leaned forward, speaking quietly. He could see Faun turn back his ears to catch the gentle Elven words, as if knowing that they were directed at him as well as his master.
"Dartho, mellyn-nin, lhu thent annan."//Hold on, my friends, a little while longer.// He thought he could feel the muscles under his hand tighten in response, and Faun raised his head even higher, the deep breath he took rattling painfully in his lungs. Yet he seemed to agree to Aragorn´s urgency and took one wavering step. Then another. Ninim stayed at his side, matching his slow gait without her rider´s bidding.
Still, Aragorn could feel the tension in the mare as they moved away in the direction they had come from. The hairs at the base of his neck rose as if a warg had breathed down his back, danger so close he could almost grab it. A frantic rabbit dashed out from a hole, making Ninim startle ever so slightly, then a second, a third, racing away as if in mortal fear of the two horses and their burdens.
Bile rose in the ranger´s thoat, but he pressed on, whispering words of comfort to both his friend and the shaking stallion. He was aware that he would have to get Legolas off Faun before the animal finally collapsed, sure that the fall would kill the elf, yet he knew with the same certainty that he would have to put more distance between them and what loomed behind.
Praying that his instincts would not lead him astray, he coaxed the horses on, one step at a time.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Some distance away, but not far enough, the entity boiled with rage. Its prey had managed to get away mere heartbeats from its certain doom. Yet, there was another way. There always was. The entity´s awakening mind, now strengthened by the blood of many, had already devised a new plan, one the elf would have no chance of escaping.
An endless stream of animals was lured, drained, thrown aside now that calling them was the dark creature´s sole effort. The once white water had turned a crimson that lightened after every screech of death to be plunged into a glowing dark red once again with each fresh victim. The water was rough with the animal´s death throes and the entity´s newly found power, and the sickly liquid splashed the ground around, landing with a hiss and burning away all life around it.
At the bottom of the pool, movement began to stir that had no cause in the frantic battles that were lost above it. The bones were shifting. Rubbing against each other, gently at first, an eerie music arose, underlined by the choir of dying creatures. The deep began to open, ready to release a force that had slept for centuries but would now reclaim its place in Middle Earth. The water densed, beginning the transformation.
TBC
Review responses:
Mirkwoodelf101: Thank you! And as you can see, I do update quickly (I cannot help it)
LinZE: Yes, Elrond would come in handy - but not yet!
Ertia: Awww, don´t cry! Here´s a tissue, a piece of chocolate to calm your nerves and an update...
Alexa: Hey addictions are no good - except for this one, of course! I seem to be addicted to writing, so things should work out fine.
Tychen: I was crying, too //sniff//, had to fix this quickly . And see, there is some hope now (and more danger...oh well). And don´t worry, I don´t hear evil voices //smirk// I rather like stories like this that just demand to be written!
NightShadow131: I never wrote that he DID shoot, did I? Had you worried a bit, though, it seems. Seriously, I love horses, no way I could kill one (I think), and I´m sorry I hurt poor Faun...
Gozilla: Thanks!! And here is a quick update for you!
Amy: You´ll have to wait a bit for your confrontation, but don´t worry, it´ll come!!
Red Tigress: I love horses, too! But Faun is a tough one, he can take it - a true fighter!
Deana: You can stop crying now //hands out tissue//, it´s OK
Sangfroid: Hey, glad you join the review-fun! Whether you review here or on the lest, I´m glad you like my story. And you can´t imagine how much I loved your last sentence, so fitting - by the way, here´s a spade, go and rise!!
Thank you all sooooooo much!!
This weekend I seem to be on a roll! I had to get Faun out of there - and the next cliffie is only a small tiny one to give all of us a break.
Thanks your all your reviews (!!!) - responses below.
Keep them coming, they make my day!
Now on to the story...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Leap of faith
Legolas could feel his arms waver both with fatigue and an overwhelming dread. He forced his aim to be steady, unknowingly biting his lip as he did, drawing blood. Part of him still desperately hoped for Faun to stop, to stumble, to do anything but advance. If he only had his voice! Maybe a command would have stayed the stallion, maybe - but then, Legolas knew better. He knew his mount and why he had picked him. It was a cruel fate that his companion´s values were now proving his downfall.
There were duties tied to friendship, though, no matter how heartbreaking, and he intended to carry them out. Faun had shown his loyalty to him, and now it was time to repay the animal. Blocking every other thought from his mind, his sorrow even dimming the song to a mere glimmer in his soul, he fixed his eyes on the horse, following him with the tip of his arrow. He would give Faun every chance there was, but he would shoot before the animal got close enough to serve the lake with the blood he was about to spill. He would not allow his friend´s death to aid this evil.
The stallion pricked his ears as he drew closer, nostrils flaring. He threw up his head, eyes rolling to show white. Legolas watched his every move with apprehension. Then he thought to detect a slight change of direction in the steed´s path. The elf blinked rapidly, trying to ascertain that he was not deceiving himself. Could it be...
Faun´s breath became more laboured with every step he took towards the group of trees that was his aim. The proud horse shook his head again in defiance of the strong pull that had seized him not long ago, guiding him first closer to his master but then trying to lure him to a white pool whose smell assaulted his senses. To him it felt like a noose around his neck, tightening in an attempt to break his will by force. Others had tried this before and failed.
A neigh filled with anger broke the eerie stillness that had befallen the landscape. Legolas could see his mount´s face now, could read the struggle in it, and the hope that flared up in him weakened his defences. He could feel the tune rush at him once more, and out of the corner of his eyes he discerned movement to his right. He whipped around, the arrow flying before he had even realized that it was a boar running towards its doom. A boar followed by more wild pigs. Too many to kill.
Faun had slowed to a trot, unwillingly so, his hooves dragging through the grass with effort, but his eyes were fixed on the slim Elven form he had made out in one of the trees. Foam flaking off his shivering body the huge beast ploughed on. Legolas had drawn and fired his two last arrows, felling two more pigs with them, and now the cold steel of his knife flashed as he drew it. He knew that there would be no help for him once one of the remaining wild pigs reached the pool.
Faun stemmed his chest against what felt like the current of a stream, his pace almost down to a walk, but there were but a few paces left and he would not falter now.
Legolas saw the beast approach and knew that he had to come to a decision. He could see the way his horse shook with effort. He could sense the lake rise in joy at the fodder that was mere heartbeats from its reach. The risk was high, the stakes beyond anything he had ever encountered, yet in the knowledge that with his death, this evil would lose an opponent that had grown to know it well, Legolas took a leap of faith.
His bow clattered to the ground, of no more use now. The second blade was drawn in free fall.
He barely made it, arms flinging out to grab the horse´s mane. The first knife lashed out and buried itself into the stallion´s grey neck, making him shriek in angry pain. Legolas could feel the powerful muscles under him burst into action as if cut free, and behind him a pig screamed. Weaving his free hand into Faun´s mane and praying for the Valar to protect him once more, Legolas raised the second knife.
Behind him, the rush of the song that aimed its call at him made the grass bow and whisper. He could feel the waves of music come crushing down on his soul simultaneously with the burning pain in his already throbbing leg when the blade cut through it. He welcomed the darkness that took him.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Faintly, a tinge a red began to spread through the lightening sky. The air had the fresh smell of nature reborn, and some of Aragorn´s weariness waned. He sat up and watched in silence as the great shining disk if Anor rose from the depth of night to bring light and hope to creation. The ranger closed his eyes, his skin soaking up the first touches of warmth that traced his cheeks with gentle fingers.
Red and fiery was Anor´s face, and Elrohir´s gentle voice drifted over to the man with the ageless phrase many a warrior had spoken before him. "Barn amrun..." //A red sunrise...// Aragorn opened his eyes and quickly finished the phrase. "Blood has been spilled tonight." He smiled in apology, but he had not wanted to hear the words in Elvish. Not this morning. His brother seemed to understand. He nodded to him. "Aye, but who can tell whose blood it was, and for what purpose? There is no dread in this, Estel, no promise of defeat. This day will see us bring Legolas home." He spoke with utter conviction, and Aragorn found himself believing in the elf´s hope, even though he did not know where his own feelings came from.
The ranger rose to his feet with determination. Now that the light of day was on his side once more nothing would deter him from his path, no matter where it would lead him. Or to what. Part of him dreaded finding his worst fears confirmed, bringing back his friend lost to madness, but he knew that his own weaknesses could not be his guide in this. There were duties tied to friendship, no matter how heartbreaking, and he intended to carry them out.
Even though the urge to simply gallop off was strong in him, he took his time to make sure that he had his healing supplies, an extra blanket, anything he might want for later. After he had found his friend. When he was sure that nothing was missing, he straightened once more to find Ninim //Snowflake// stand behind him. Elladan´s mare pawed the ground impatiently and shook her head at him to get going, and he bowed in gratitude, a smile gracing his lips.
The steed was just like her master, eager to prove herself against a danger that had once almost defeated her, and he was sure that she could feel Elladan´s approval. Else she would never leave her Elven friend´s side. Aragorn fastened his belongings to the horse, absent-mindedly wondering at the intensity with which the still rising sun painted he white coat a light red.
Aragorn turned to his brothers, finding that Elladan already looked a bit better, even though he was aware that this might have been a trick of light. Elrohir smiled at the ranger as the man swung himself atop the mare´s back. "Valar berio le, gwador-nin" //[May] the Valar protect you, my brother// he said seriously, " and rest assured that I will follow as soon as help has arrived for Elladan. You will not be on your own for long." "Iston" //I know// Aragorn answered simply, then he allowed Ninim to race off towards the very place she had rescued her master from not long ago.
It felt good to be on the move. Aragorn relished in the feeling of the wind ruffling his hair and the horse´s powerful leaps beneath him. He kept alert, his eyes searching the ever lightening landscape around him for signs of his friend or his horse. He hoped and prayed that Faun had been there for his rider tonight. There was no doubt in his mind that the stubborn stallion would have run himself into the ground to make sure of that.
The ranger knew that, if he looked for them, he could easily find the traces left by the steed´s hooves, but he was glad that Ninim´s assistance released him from this duty. They would reach their aim much more quickly like that. Even though he had no way of knowing whether that meant that he would be in time.
The sun rose higher, yet again highlighting autumn´s colours in all their glory. The trees that crowded around them grew less dense and the ground less rocky, making room for growing patches of meadows among them. Aragorn started when he suddenly felt the mare pick up her speed, going from the steady canter they had travelled in to a full-fledged gallop across the soft grass. He leaned down over her neck and peered ahead, trying to see with his eyes what she must have picked up with senses of her own.
Trees flew past him, more than once narrowly missing his knees, and there seemed to be a growing tension in the air, not unlike the one he had sensed in the clearing a day ago. The forest was calling out to him. His muscles tensed painfully in anticipation. Constantly scanning his blurring surroundings made him feel slightly dizzy, but he kept himself from closing his eyes even for a heartbeat.
Otherwise he might have missed them.
There was no movement in the two forms. They stood framed by trees that urgently swayed in the still morning, shedding their bright leaves around them as if praising warriors at their homecoming. Horse and rider looked more like a statue, though, and not one erected to celebrate victory. The elf lay slumped over his steed´s neck, arms hanging loosely at the beasts sides. The horse had its head almost on the ground but not in peaceful grazing. It shook as if ready to fall any second, its side heaving pitifully. The grey coat was drenched in blood.
The picture burned itself into Aragorn´s stunned mind. For a moment joy and dread warred in him, then both were chased away by surprise. Instead of changing directions to approach their friends, Ninim went straight ahead. The ranger tried to make her turn, not having wasted a thought before on steering the animal who knew her own way well enough. She complied slowly, her breath quickening. Aragorn could feel her quiver beneath him. There was a painful heaviness in the air.
"Ninim, baw!" //Ninim, no!// He put authority in his voice as well as tenderness. "Garo bith nin."//Do as I tell you.// He signalled her to turn again, and they managed to swing around in a wide arch. The mare´s speed slackened, and she neighed in what seemed defiance, but now kept her course towards the two still creatures the forest cradled in its midst.
Aragorn´s heart caught painfully in his throat while they were drawing closer. He could now clearly see that Legolas´ leg seemed to be badly injured and his stomach almost turned when he realized that one of his friend´s long knives was buried in his thigh to the hilt. Blood from both the elf and the horse had mingled in the animal´s fur, signalling that the blade had gone through the leg to bite into the flesh beneath.
The second knife stuck from Faun´s neck, firmly embedded at its base. Oh Valar.
Time seemed to stop flowing, halting him from crossing what little distance remained between himself and his friend, then he was at his side. He reached out to gently brush the sweaty blond hair away from the elf´s throat, feeling the unnatural heat radiate from Legolas even before his hand had touched the burning skin. The pulse he found was thready and weak, racing along at a dangerous pace. But at least it was there. "Estel di cui"//hope in life// he whispered to himself, almost hearing Lord Elrond calmly speak those soothing words that had often accompanied the sight of a grievous injury.
Faun had raised his head so slowly as if it was weighted down by a tombstone and Ninim nickered in quiet distress, nuzzling the stallion´s neck affectionately. Even though, the mare would not stand still and danced from one foot to the other, making it hard for Aragorn to find out more about the wounded elf´s state. Yet, he did not dismount. It felt wrong to even think of staying here.
Although all sense would have called for him to make sure Legolas´ clearly more than fragile health would not be put to another test, one it might not pass, there was a growing unease in him that told him otherwise. He placed one hand on his friend´s back, feeling slight shivers run through the battered body and leaned forward, speaking quietly. He could see Faun turn back his ears to catch the gentle Elven words, as if knowing that they were directed at him as well as his master.
"Dartho, mellyn-nin, lhu thent annan."//Hold on, my friends, a little while longer.// He thought he could feel the muscles under his hand tighten in response, and Faun raised his head even higher, the deep breath he took rattling painfully in his lungs. Yet he seemed to agree to Aragorn´s urgency and took one wavering step. Then another. Ninim stayed at his side, matching his slow gait without her rider´s bidding.
Still, Aragorn could feel the tension in the mare as they moved away in the direction they had come from. The hairs at the base of his neck rose as if a warg had breathed down his back, danger so close he could almost grab it. A frantic rabbit dashed out from a hole, making Ninim startle ever so slightly, then a second, a third, racing away as if in mortal fear of the two horses and their burdens.
Bile rose in the ranger´s thoat, but he pressed on, whispering words of comfort to both his friend and the shaking stallion. He was aware that he would have to get Legolas off Faun before the animal finally collapsed, sure that the fall would kill the elf, yet he knew with the same certainty that he would have to put more distance between them and what loomed behind.
Praying that his instincts would not lead him astray, he coaxed the horses on, one step at a time.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Some distance away, but not far enough, the entity boiled with rage. Its prey had managed to get away mere heartbeats from its certain doom. Yet, there was another way. There always was. The entity´s awakening mind, now strengthened by the blood of many, had already devised a new plan, one the elf would have no chance of escaping.
An endless stream of animals was lured, drained, thrown aside now that calling them was the dark creature´s sole effort. The once white water had turned a crimson that lightened after every screech of death to be plunged into a glowing dark red once again with each fresh victim. The water was rough with the animal´s death throes and the entity´s newly found power, and the sickly liquid splashed the ground around, landing with a hiss and burning away all life around it.
At the bottom of the pool, movement began to stir that had no cause in the frantic battles that were lost above it. The bones were shifting. Rubbing against each other, gently at first, an eerie music arose, underlined by the choir of dying creatures. The deep began to open, ready to release a force that had slept for centuries but would now reclaim its place in Middle Earth. The water densed, beginning the transformation.
TBC
Review responses:
Mirkwoodelf101: Thank you! And as you can see, I do update quickly (I cannot help it)
LinZE: Yes, Elrond would come in handy - but not yet!
Ertia: Awww, don´t cry! Here´s a tissue, a piece of chocolate to calm your nerves and an update...
Alexa: Hey addictions are no good - except for this one, of course! I seem to be addicted to writing, so things should work out fine.
Tychen: I was crying, too //sniff//, had to fix this quickly . And see, there is some hope now (and more danger...oh well). And don´t worry, I don´t hear evil voices //smirk// I rather like stories like this that just demand to be written!
NightShadow131: I never wrote that he DID shoot, did I? Had you worried a bit, though, it seems. Seriously, I love horses, no way I could kill one (I think), and I´m sorry I hurt poor Faun...
Gozilla: Thanks!! And here is a quick update for you!
Amy: You´ll have to wait a bit for your confrontation, but don´t worry, it´ll come!!
Red Tigress: I love horses, too! But Faun is a tough one, he can take it - a true fighter!
Deana: You can stop crying now //hands out tissue//, it´s OK
Sangfroid: Hey, glad you join the review-fun! Whether you review here or on the lest, I´m glad you like my story. And you can´t imagine how much I loved your last sentence, so fitting - by the way, here´s a spade, go and rise!!
Thank you all sooooooo much!!