Hi!
I know, I know, slow update ;-))
Sometimes work can be a real bother - no, I love my job, but I don´t love it keeping me from writing. But finally, here´s another chapter. It seems that Aragorn and Legolas don´t WANT any help, still more obstacles...
I hope you´ll enjoy.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS!!! And so many, too - responses below, and please keep them coming!
Now on with the tale...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Estel di cuil //Hope in life//
The knife slid out with a sickening sound that made Aragorn´s stomach turn, but he did not allow his dread to interfere with his actions. Swiftly, he pulled Legolas free, mindful not to jostle his leg, and stepped back several paces before lowering his friend to the floor. He grabbed the cloth he had prepared for the purpose and pressed it down on the heavily bleeding wound in the elf´s thigh, leaning in with as much weight as he dared while shoving a second piece of cloth beneath the leg to staunch the blood-flow there.
Eerie silence engulfed them despite the storm that raged outside. It seemed to batter down on a different world, leaving them in a dark cocoon that signalled safety as well as a fearful loneliness. Aragorn´s heightened senses caught on every single breath Legolas took, far too fast and shallow, and he even imagined he could hear the galloping heartbeat that sped away in the elf´s chest. The haggard rattles that tore themselves from Faun´s lungs thundered in his ears.
Yet, there had been no sound from the elf. No scream from the horse who still stood numbly shaking. Aragorn felt a wave of pity for the faithful beast when Faun turned his head to him. It was too dark to read the animal´s expression, but the ranger thought he heard an exhalation of breath, almost gentle, before the grey legs finally buckled, pulling the massive body down with them. Aragorn had put enough distance between himself and the horse to make sure neither he nor Legolas were hit when the fall came. Faun stumbled a few steps to the side before he went down, coming to rest against one of the walls with his legs folded up beneath him.
For a dreadful moment the breaths stopped but then they resumed, albeit in such a subdued manner that the ranger´s fears for the stallion´s life remained high. He could feel the cloth beneath his hands soaking up elven blood and pulled his thoughts away from the animal towards its still master. Quickly, Aragorn exchanged the cloth, keeping up the pressure. He knew that it would work better to cut off circulation to the leg for a short while, preventing life to flow away at such an alarming rate, but there was no way he could do so under the circumstances. He desperately wished for Elrohir to appear now. With his brother´s help he would have been able to work much more effectively - but all that came in from the dark turmoil outside was the occasional gust, carrying a torrent of raindrops.
Aragorn forced himself to stop hoping for help and arrange himself with what he had, mentally drawing out his next actions. His quick mind sorted through possibilities and dangers and then presented him with a route he would travel without questioning, hoping deep in his heart that it would lead to his friend´s recovery.
Time slowed and turned around the man, its passing only mirrored in the growing number of discarded cloths, soaked through and through with bright red blood. The speed with which the fabric greedily sucked up the precious liquid seemed to remain frighteningly unmoved by Aragorn´s frantic efforts to slow it. The lack of response from Legolas who had to be in a tremendous amount of pain worried the ranger almost as much and he took one hand away from the wound, clamping down even more forcefully with the other, to place it on the elf´s brow.
He could feel beats of sweat that had collected there, and caked blood from a cut at the temple. Heat radiated from the elf, burning with an intensity that threatened to break though his fragile skin to literally set it alight. Yet there was no movement that Aragorn could discern, not even beneath the closed eyelids. The shivering that had rattled the slim body earlier had gone and left an almost unearthly stillness behind. The ranger could barely feel the elf´s spirit. Loneliness sprang at him like a wild beast, going for his heart with the biting fear that Legolas had left already, leaving only his bleeding, burning body behind.
"Estel di cuil." //Hope in life//. He had not even been aware of speaking until his voice floated through the blood-laden air, and he started when the words were answered by a soft nicker. Ninim had drawn closer again without him noticing, standing next to Faun and nosing him gently. She picked up her head at the soothing words, and the small neigh she directed at the human sounded much like an agreement. Aragorn allowed himself to be comforted, the dreadful feeling of being cut off from all hope leaving him with her response.
He sighed and traced his fingers over his friend´s still face, leaning close and speaking again, directing his words at Legolas this time, his tone soft yet laced with a determination that would not waver. "Im Estel a le cuil" //I [am] hope and you [are] life//, he whispered, "albertho geri gwaeth min." //don´t dare to cut our bond.//
He had no way of knowing whether his solemn threat had actually reached the elf´s soul, but to his immense relief he found the cloth he had held pressed to the wound for a while now was only stained with blood, not soaked in it. He had finally managed to break the flow. Even though the victory was only one that would lead to more battles the man felt himself smile. He kept on pressing down for a bit longer with one hand, reaching out for his pack with the other. He had no fire and thus no chance of brewing up any potent medicine just yet, but thankfully he carried some athelas with him and he knew that the healing plant would at least work against possible infections.
Moving carefully around the unconscious elf without easing the pressure on his leg, he arranged a generous amount of the precious plant on the ground next to him, placing fresh bandages and his water skin within reach. He then pulled out his knife and gently cut away the torn leggings around the wound. He frowned when he found the skin beneath it hot to the touch, hotter than is should have been despite the fever for there was little heat radiating from the injury itself. He knew well that the leg had been badly broken in addition to the stab wound and he feared what he would find when he examined the breaks, but he could not allow himself to be rushed.
He sprinkled a small amount of water on a piece of cloth and slowly lifted his other hand, finally able to get a look at the gash. It was slightly ragged because Legolas´ body had moved and shifted on the horse while attached to it by the dagger, and he winced at the damage to the muscle, maybe even the sinew that must have been inflicted. There was no sign of infection, though. He gently dabbed some more blood away while chewing on the athelas. He knew the wound would need stitches but he had decided to leave that task for later.
When he began to place the plant on the wound Legolas stirred, moaning hoarsely in pain. As glad as Aragorn was to get any sort of response from the elf, the moment was ill-chosen, the wound not being bound yet. "Sith, sidth, mellon-nin"//Peace, peace, my friend//, he soothed urgently, working with more speed on the exit wound, "dinen, alrhinc."//quiet, don´t move.// Legolas stilled slightly at the sound of the words, but his breathing quickened as if in fear. When Aragorn started binding the injury, putting more pressure on it again and forcing the athelas into the wound in the process, the elf flinched and tried to draw away from the pain.
The movement jostled the breaks in his leg and his eyes shot open, clouded in pain. The ranger had to use all of the considerable strength he possessed to keep his friend still enough to finish the dressing, making sure it was secure before turning to look at the elf. Legolas was staring up in terror, trying to speak but no words would come out.
Aragorn leaned over his friend to make sure he could see him well and placed on hand on his forehead, the other resting on his chest to hold him down. The ranger was distraught at the elf´s obvious inability to articulate himself, worry that he had underestimated the cut on his temple lacing through him. Calming his friend was of upmost importance though, dwarfing anything else. "Alrhinc, mellon-nin, le garoch anum harw" //Don´t move, my friend, you are making your injury worse//, he said in his healer´s voice, gentle yet firm, " im berion le, chebo estel di nin." //I protect you, have faith in me.//
Legolas shook his head vigorously, trying in vain to push the ranger off. His eyes darted between Aragorn´s face and something behind him, and the man groaned inwardly when he imagined what the elf was seeing. "Faun analmae, ho chwind" //Faun is not well, he is weak//, he said, knowing better than to contradict the obvious, but intend on bending the truth as much as possible, "post garo mae den, algosto" //the rest is good for him, don´t be afraid.//
Legolas eyes grew even wider at this, the look of urgency and fear crossed by a flash of intense pain that had nothing to do with his injuries, but he kept struggling, shaking his head until his eyes rolled back and he went limp, his movements causing his body to give in to the pain it was subjected to.
Yet, finally, Aragorn understood and he turned quickly, staring towards the mouth of the cave just like Legolas had upon awakening. Ninim had gone rigid next to Faun´s still from and made a sound low in her throat that almost sounded like a growl but was more likely a sign of fear. She backed off several paces, eyes and ears fixed upon the storm. Aragorn rose slowly to join her. He could feel his skin crawl with icy anticipation.
The voice of the wind had changed. It had taken on a greedy quality that reminded of a bird of prey homing in on a kill. Aragorn retrieved his sword off Ninim´s back with the sickening feeling that it would not aid him. Whatever was about to enter felt beyond the physical harm he could cause, but it was all he had to offer.
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Elrohir fought down the wave of panic that hit him and he swiftly turned, his hand finally finding his sword, bringing it up in a graceful arc that dared the enemy to harm his brother. He stood to his feet in one fluent motion, hearing Elladan groan behind him as he tried to rise. "Dartho ampalath!" //Stay down!// the younger twin hissed without turning, "toltho sigil cin a berio dan-nin." //take you dagger and guard my back.// He hoped his brother would swallow the bait. They usually protected each other in battle and his request left the other little choice, even though Elladan preferred to be the one in charge. "Elrohir..." the older twin started, his voice still weak.
"Dinen hi!" //Hush now!// Elrohir growled and faced the wall of rain. He could still see nothing else but driving water, yet he no longer sensed the evil that had just passed them. Still, he feared to trust his instincts. Knowing better than to lower his guard at the wrong time he gripped his sword more tightly. He heard Gloss neigh over the din, the sound answered in multitude. The faint drum of hoofbeats came closer and Elrohir kept his stance with a smile of hope on his lips.
"Adar anglenno." //Father approaches.// Even though soft, Elladan´s words reached Elrohir´s heart and he strained hopefully. The swift hoofbeats drew nearer and a horse broke through the curtain of water, riderless. For a heartbeat the younger twin´s fear surged back with a vengeance, his eyes searching the animal´s wetly shining coat for traces of blood, until he realized who he was facing. "Gwaef, roch mae, le tegach estel!"//Gwaef, good horse, you bring hope!//, he exclaimed in joy. The stallion nuzzled him with rough affection, heedless of the sword he still held, and then danced on to gaze at Elladan, approaching him with more caution before lowering his head and gently nudging him.
Elrohir dropped his weapon to his side, finally allowing himself to believe what his heart told him, and moments later a group of Elves galloped out of the haze. Seeming like one dark shape at first, the images separated to reveal Elrond and Glorfindel heading a group of five more elves, all heavily armed and sodden wet. Gloss happily raced along with them, neighing again at her master to show her delight. Elrohir briefly wondered why Elrond would bring such a mighty lord like Glorfindel with him, but all musings were cut short when his father slid off his horse before it had come to a stop to gather his son in a tight embrace.
Elrohir stiffened in surprise before gladly accepting the open affection. Even though Elrond was no one to hide his emotions he hardly ever greeted his sons like this, and the younger twin did not fail to notice how the other elves swiftly formed a protective circle around them. Glorfindel stayed mounted with the others, turning away from the twins after running a quick glance over them to make sure they were all right. His long blond hair was plastered to his scalp yet he showed no sign of discomfort while his sharp eyes roamed the hidden landscape around them without flinching at the wind that drove cold raindrops into his face.
Elrond let out a sigh of relief, taking in Elladan over Elrohir´s shoulder. He gently disengaged himself from his younger son and took his face into his hands, glaring into his eyes with an intensity that made Elrohir squirm slightly, raising his eyebrows in silent question. His father simply smiled at him and moved on to kneel before Elladan, repeating his gestures even more tenderly, mindful of his son´s obvious injury. "Valar elgerio, sain lhein" //Valar be praised, they are free// he breathed and lowered his head for a moment.
Elrohir stepped closer slowly, joy and confusion warring in him, and he knelt down beside his father, lightly touching his shoulder. "Ada, man..." //Father, what...// Before he could say any more Elrond reached out and drew him close once more, cradling Elladan´s head against him with the other arm. They did not move for many heartbeats, savouring each other´s presence in silence before the Elf lord let out a deep breath and straightened. His face settled into an expression of fierce determination.
"Evil stalks this storm", he said darkly, "an evil few of us have ever faced." Glorfindel turned at his words and inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement, eyes gleaming as he responded. "Aye, and my heart rejoices that it has not touched you, young ones. Yet we are not safe yet. It has gained much strength already, changing its appearance and waking its minions to prey on the weak and unaware." He sighed before adding softly: "Dark are the days we are facing and manifold the victims that will fall before we may be graced with deliverance."
A shiver ran through Elrohir´s body and he unconsciously draped an arm around Elladan and drew him close once more. He could sense fear roll through the other´s feverish body and knew without doubt that his twin was as terrified as he was. Never had they heard the mighty elf, who was older than most who remained in Middle Earth and had lived through shadow and flame, speak with such utter serenity.
It was Gwaef who broke the spell woven by the older elf´s words. He had paced the small camp searchingly and now threw his head back in impatience. He neighed loudly at the elves and set out again at a swift gallop, the raging darkness swallowing him within seconds. "Gwaef, daro!" //Gwaef, stop!// Elrond´s voice cut through the storm like a knife. "Telo na nin!" //Come to me!// It took the stallion a mere breath´s time to re-emerge, a look of defiance in his eyes, his ears flat against his head as he pawed the ground.
Elrond ignored the horse and bent to Elladan again, placing a hand on his forehead and closing his eyes. He smiled when he reopened them and gently stroked his oldest hair before rising once more. "Calen", he addressed one of the other elves who Elrohir knew to be a healer, "would you please take care of Elladan? You should be able to move him. Bring him home as swiftly as you dare. Glorfindel will accompany me, but the others should stay with you to guard you." The flaxen-haired elf dismounted and smiled. "Do not worry, we will keep him safe." Elrond lingered for a heartbeat longer, reluctant to leave Elladan behind.
"The evil has shifted", Glorfindel voiced quietly, "it will yet go for more easy prey. They will surely return without meeting it again. The spirit, however, is intent on another target. We should move on." With a curt nod Elrond mounted again, throwing Elrohir a questioning glance. The younger twin was still holding on to his brother.
"Trevedo" //Go//, Elladan ground out and gave his brother a weak shove, "trevedo a tego mbar tithen gwador-min." //Go and bring our little brother home.// He took a shuddering breath, his strength waning, yet he managed to add: "A thala mellon-nim" //And out steadfast friend.// "Aye" Elrohir promised, and the simple word seemed be enough for Elladan who closed his eyes wearily.
Within seconds, the storm had swept away the three elves who sped through the swirling raindrops in pursuit of a force that had long picked up it´s target´s trail.
TBC
Now, that was not so bad, was it?? Help´s on the way...
Review responses:
Estel Elven Enchantress: Great name you have there :) Thanks, I love horses and in contrast to some people I know I think many of them a really smart and warm-hearted. And we´ll see about Faun //smirk//
LinZE: Yes, I know, really nasty - I was better this time, wasn´t I?
Angefire450: Thank you!! I´m really honoured to hear that and I hope that you will enjoy the rest, too. Sorry for being so slow this time ;-)
Alariel: Yes, that was a new kind of bond, wasn´t it? And as you can see Aragorn will stop at nothing to defend Legolas (which is a good thing...)
Amy: Yes, I am evil - and I enjoy it, too //LOL// Thank´s for the kind words, and updates will remain as quick as work permits ;-)
MoonMist: Hope your river behaves itself!! Give it a good hard "Elrond" stare! And don´t be so hard on Legolas, he´s tried his best to save both himself and his horse - at least he got away from the lake ;-)
Tycen: Yes, the last cliffies were a bit evil, but this a mere "single" one...Legolas and Aragorn will spent some more time in the café, I´m afraid ...and I hope you will not get nervous about all the water around you //smirk// Maybe it was good the new chapter took a few days?! Should have helped you to relax...
Gozilla: Sorry you had to wait so long ... and thank you!!
Someone Reading: You survived Hurricanes? Oh boy, I am happy that I have never been in one! Good that you have all those lights on ;-)
Kept-Secret: Well, Legolas did try to help Faun - but you are right, he seems to draw trouble!
Red Tigress: hey, I was kind to Elladan, wasn´t I?? And I´m so sorry that Aragorn´s healing was interrupted, could not be helped somehow...
Ertia: //Hands out tissue// Sorry. Are you better now? Don´t throw anything at me for this chapter, will you?? Faun is STILL BREATHING
NightShadow: Safe in the cave?? We´ll see about that ;-)) I´m sure updates will remain quick, this story is really after me!
Deana: Yes, what Legolas is concerned we are quite alike! Evil us (but I did not break his arm!) And I saw the pompoms //waves back// I did my very best...
Phew, I do hope I did not forget anybody! I´ve never had this many reviews. Thanks again, you guys are so great!
I know, I know, slow update ;-))
Sometimes work can be a real bother - no, I love my job, but I don´t love it keeping me from writing. But finally, here´s another chapter. It seems that Aragorn and Legolas don´t WANT any help, still more obstacles...
I hope you´ll enjoy.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS!!! And so many, too - responses below, and please keep them coming!
Now on with the tale...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Estel di cuil //Hope in life//
The knife slid out with a sickening sound that made Aragorn´s stomach turn, but he did not allow his dread to interfere with his actions. Swiftly, he pulled Legolas free, mindful not to jostle his leg, and stepped back several paces before lowering his friend to the floor. He grabbed the cloth he had prepared for the purpose and pressed it down on the heavily bleeding wound in the elf´s thigh, leaning in with as much weight as he dared while shoving a second piece of cloth beneath the leg to staunch the blood-flow there.
Eerie silence engulfed them despite the storm that raged outside. It seemed to batter down on a different world, leaving them in a dark cocoon that signalled safety as well as a fearful loneliness. Aragorn´s heightened senses caught on every single breath Legolas took, far too fast and shallow, and he even imagined he could hear the galloping heartbeat that sped away in the elf´s chest. The haggard rattles that tore themselves from Faun´s lungs thundered in his ears.
Yet, there had been no sound from the elf. No scream from the horse who still stood numbly shaking. Aragorn felt a wave of pity for the faithful beast when Faun turned his head to him. It was too dark to read the animal´s expression, but the ranger thought he heard an exhalation of breath, almost gentle, before the grey legs finally buckled, pulling the massive body down with them. Aragorn had put enough distance between himself and the horse to make sure neither he nor Legolas were hit when the fall came. Faun stumbled a few steps to the side before he went down, coming to rest against one of the walls with his legs folded up beneath him.
For a dreadful moment the breaths stopped but then they resumed, albeit in such a subdued manner that the ranger´s fears for the stallion´s life remained high. He could feel the cloth beneath his hands soaking up elven blood and pulled his thoughts away from the animal towards its still master. Quickly, Aragorn exchanged the cloth, keeping up the pressure. He knew that it would work better to cut off circulation to the leg for a short while, preventing life to flow away at such an alarming rate, but there was no way he could do so under the circumstances. He desperately wished for Elrohir to appear now. With his brother´s help he would have been able to work much more effectively - but all that came in from the dark turmoil outside was the occasional gust, carrying a torrent of raindrops.
Aragorn forced himself to stop hoping for help and arrange himself with what he had, mentally drawing out his next actions. His quick mind sorted through possibilities and dangers and then presented him with a route he would travel without questioning, hoping deep in his heart that it would lead to his friend´s recovery.
Time slowed and turned around the man, its passing only mirrored in the growing number of discarded cloths, soaked through and through with bright red blood. The speed with which the fabric greedily sucked up the precious liquid seemed to remain frighteningly unmoved by Aragorn´s frantic efforts to slow it. The lack of response from Legolas who had to be in a tremendous amount of pain worried the ranger almost as much and he took one hand away from the wound, clamping down even more forcefully with the other, to place it on the elf´s brow.
He could feel beats of sweat that had collected there, and caked blood from a cut at the temple. Heat radiated from the elf, burning with an intensity that threatened to break though his fragile skin to literally set it alight. Yet there was no movement that Aragorn could discern, not even beneath the closed eyelids. The shivering that had rattled the slim body earlier had gone and left an almost unearthly stillness behind. The ranger could barely feel the elf´s spirit. Loneliness sprang at him like a wild beast, going for his heart with the biting fear that Legolas had left already, leaving only his bleeding, burning body behind.
"Estel di cuil." //Hope in life//. He had not even been aware of speaking until his voice floated through the blood-laden air, and he started when the words were answered by a soft nicker. Ninim had drawn closer again without him noticing, standing next to Faun and nosing him gently. She picked up her head at the soothing words, and the small neigh she directed at the human sounded much like an agreement. Aragorn allowed himself to be comforted, the dreadful feeling of being cut off from all hope leaving him with her response.
He sighed and traced his fingers over his friend´s still face, leaning close and speaking again, directing his words at Legolas this time, his tone soft yet laced with a determination that would not waver. "Im Estel a le cuil" //I [am] hope and you [are] life//, he whispered, "albertho geri gwaeth min." //don´t dare to cut our bond.//
He had no way of knowing whether his solemn threat had actually reached the elf´s soul, but to his immense relief he found the cloth he had held pressed to the wound for a while now was only stained with blood, not soaked in it. He had finally managed to break the flow. Even though the victory was only one that would lead to more battles the man felt himself smile. He kept on pressing down for a bit longer with one hand, reaching out for his pack with the other. He had no fire and thus no chance of brewing up any potent medicine just yet, but thankfully he carried some athelas with him and he knew that the healing plant would at least work against possible infections.
Moving carefully around the unconscious elf without easing the pressure on his leg, he arranged a generous amount of the precious plant on the ground next to him, placing fresh bandages and his water skin within reach. He then pulled out his knife and gently cut away the torn leggings around the wound. He frowned when he found the skin beneath it hot to the touch, hotter than is should have been despite the fever for there was little heat radiating from the injury itself. He knew well that the leg had been badly broken in addition to the stab wound and he feared what he would find when he examined the breaks, but he could not allow himself to be rushed.
He sprinkled a small amount of water on a piece of cloth and slowly lifted his other hand, finally able to get a look at the gash. It was slightly ragged because Legolas´ body had moved and shifted on the horse while attached to it by the dagger, and he winced at the damage to the muscle, maybe even the sinew that must have been inflicted. There was no sign of infection, though. He gently dabbed some more blood away while chewing on the athelas. He knew the wound would need stitches but he had decided to leave that task for later.
When he began to place the plant on the wound Legolas stirred, moaning hoarsely in pain. As glad as Aragorn was to get any sort of response from the elf, the moment was ill-chosen, the wound not being bound yet. "Sith, sidth, mellon-nin"//Peace, peace, my friend//, he soothed urgently, working with more speed on the exit wound, "dinen, alrhinc."//quiet, don´t move.// Legolas stilled slightly at the sound of the words, but his breathing quickened as if in fear. When Aragorn started binding the injury, putting more pressure on it again and forcing the athelas into the wound in the process, the elf flinched and tried to draw away from the pain.
The movement jostled the breaks in his leg and his eyes shot open, clouded in pain. The ranger had to use all of the considerable strength he possessed to keep his friend still enough to finish the dressing, making sure it was secure before turning to look at the elf. Legolas was staring up in terror, trying to speak but no words would come out.
Aragorn leaned over his friend to make sure he could see him well and placed on hand on his forehead, the other resting on his chest to hold him down. The ranger was distraught at the elf´s obvious inability to articulate himself, worry that he had underestimated the cut on his temple lacing through him. Calming his friend was of upmost importance though, dwarfing anything else. "Alrhinc, mellon-nin, le garoch anum harw" //Don´t move, my friend, you are making your injury worse//, he said in his healer´s voice, gentle yet firm, " im berion le, chebo estel di nin." //I protect you, have faith in me.//
Legolas shook his head vigorously, trying in vain to push the ranger off. His eyes darted between Aragorn´s face and something behind him, and the man groaned inwardly when he imagined what the elf was seeing. "Faun analmae, ho chwind" //Faun is not well, he is weak//, he said, knowing better than to contradict the obvious, but intend on bending the truth as much as possible, "post garo mae den, algosto" //the rest is good for him, don´t be afraid.//
Legolas eyes grew even wider at this, the look of urgency and fear crossed by a flash of intense pain that had nothing to do with his injuries, but he kept struggling, shaking his head until his eyes rolled back and he went limp, his movements causing his body to give in to the pain it was subjected to.
Yet, finally, Aragorn understood and he turned quickly, staring towards the mouth of the cave just like Legolas had upon awakening. Ninim had gone rigid next to Faun´s still from and made a sound low in her throat that almost sounded like a growl but was more likely a sign of fear. She backed off several paces, eyes and ears fixed upon the storm. Aragorn rose slowly to join her. He could feel his skin crawl with icy anticipation.
The voice of the wind had changed. It had taken on a greedy quality that reminded of a bird of prey homing in on a kill. Aragorn retrieved his sword off Ninim´s back with the sickening feeling that it would not aid him. Whatever was about to enter felt beyond the physical harm he could cause, but it was all he had to offer.
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Elrohir fought down the wave of panic that hit him and he swiftly turned, his hand finally finding his sword, bringing it up in a graceful arc that dared the enemy to harm his brother. He stood to his feet in one fluent motion, hearing Elladan groan behind him as he tried to rise. "Dartho ampalath!" //Stay down!// the younger twin hissed without turning, "toltho sigil cin a berio dan-nin." //take you dagger and guard my back.// He hoped his brother would swallow the bait. They usually protected each other in battle and his request left the other little choice, even though Elladan preferred to be the one in charge. "Elrohir..." the older twin started, his voice still weak.
"Dinen hi!" //Hush now!// Elrohir growled and faced the wall of rain. He could still see nothing else but driving water, yet he no longer sensed the evil that had just passed them. Still, he feared to trust his instincts. Knowing better than to lower his guard at the wrong time he gripped his sword more tightly. He heard Gloss neigh over the din, the sound answered in multitude. The faint drum of hoofbeats came closer and Elrohir kept his stance with a smile of hope on his lips.
"Adar anglenno." //Father approaches.// Even though soft, Elladan´s words reached Elrohir´s heart and he strained hopefully. The swift hoofbeats drew nearer and a horse broke through the curtain of water, riderless. For a heartbeat the younger twin´s fear surged back with a vengeance, his eyes searching the animal´s wetly shining coat for traces of blood, until he realized who he was facing. "Gwaef, roch mae, le tegach estel!"//Gwaef, good horse, you bring hope!//, he exclaimed in joy. The stallion nuzzled him with rough affection, heedless of the sword he still held, and then danced on to gaze at Elladan, approaching him with more caution before lowering his head and gently nudging him.
Elrohir dropped his weapon to his side, finally allowing himself to believe what his heart told him, and moments later a group of Elves galloped out of the haze. Seeming like one dark shape at first, the images separated to reveal Elrond and Glorfindel heading a group of five more elves, all heavily armed and sodden wet. Gloss happily raced along with them, neighing again at her master to show her delight. Elrohir briefly wondered why Elrond would bring such a mighty lord like Glorfindel with him, but all musings were cut short when his father slid off his horse before it had come to a stop to gather his son in a tight embrace.
Elrohir stiffened in surprise before gladly accepting the open affection. Even though Elrond was no one to hide his emotions he hardly ever greeted his sons like this, and the younger twin did not fail to notice how the other elves swiftly formed a protective circle around them. Glorfindel stayed mounted with the others, turning away from the twins after running a quick glance over them to make sure they were all right. His long blond hair was plastered to his scalp yet he showed no sign of discomfort while his sharp eyes roamed the hidden landscape around them without flinching at the wind that drove cold raindrops into his face.
Elrond let out a sigh of relief, taking in Elladan over Elrohir´s shoulder. He gently disengaged himself from his younger son and took his face into his hands, glaring into his eyes with an intensity that made Elrohir squirm slightly, raising his eyebrows in silent question. His father simply smiled at him and moved on to kneel before Elladan, repeating his gestures even more tenderly, mindful of his son´s obvious injury. "Valar elgerio, sain lhein" //Valar be praised, they are free// he breathed and lowered his head for a moment.
Elrohir stepped closer slowly, joy and confusion warring in him, and he knelt down beside his father, lightly touching his shoulder. "Ada, man..." //Father, what...// Before he could say any more Elrond reached out and drew him close once more, cradling Elladan´s head against him with the other arm. They did not move for many heartbeats, savouring each other´s presence in silence before the Elf lord let out a deep breath and straightened. His face settled into an expression of fierce determination.
"Evil stalks this storm", he said darkly, "an evil few of us have ever faced." Glorfindel turned at his words and inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement, eyes gleaming as he responded. "Aye, and my heart rejoices that it has not touched you, young ones. Yet we are not safe yet. It has gained much strength already, changing its appearance and waking its minions to prey on the weak and unaware." He sighed before adding softly: "Dark are the days we are facing and manifold the victims that will fall before we may be graced with deliverance."
A shiver ran through Elrohir´s body and he unconsciously draped an arm around Elladan and drew him close once more. He could sense fear roll through the other´s feverish body and knew without doubt that his twin was as terrified as he was. Never had they heard the mighty elf, who was older than most who remained in Middle Earth and had lived through shadow and flame, speak with such utter serenity.
It was Gwaef who broke the spell woven by the older elf´s words. He had paced the small camp searchingly and now threw his head back in impatience. He neighed loudly at the elves and set out again at a swift gallop, the raging darkness swallowing him within seconds. "Gwaef, daro!" //Gwaef, stop!// Elrond´s voice cut through the storm like a knife. "Telo na nin!" //Come to me!// It took the stallion a mere breath´s time to re-emerge, a look of defiance in his eyes, his ears flat against his head as he pawed the ground.
Elrond ignored the horse and bent to Elladan again, placing a hand on his forehead and closing his eyes. He smiled when he reopened them and gently stroked his oldest hair before rising once more. "Calen", he addressed one of the other elves who Elrohir knew to be a healer, "would you please take care of Elladan? You should be able to move him. Bring him home as swiftly as you dare. Glorfindel will accompany me, but the others should stay with you to guard you." The flaxen-haired elf dismounted and smiled. "Do not worry, we will keep him safe." Elrond lingered for a heartbeat longer, reluctant to leave Elladan behind.
"The evil has shifted", Glorfindel voiced quietly, "it will yet go for more easy prey. They will surely return without meeting it again. The spirit, however, is intent on another target. We should move on." With a curt nod Elrond mounted again, throwing Elrohir a questioning glance. The younger twin was still holding on to his brother.
"Trevedo" //Go//, Elladan ground out and gave his brother a weak shove, "trevedo a tego mbar tithen gwador-min." //Go and bring our little brother home.// He took a shuddering breath, his strength waning, yet he managed to add: "A thala mellon-nim" //And out steadfast friend.// "Aye" Elrohir promised, and the simple word seemed be enough for Elladan who closed his eyes wearily.
Within seconds, the storm had swept away the three elves who sped through the swirling raindrops in pursuit of a force that had long picked up it´s target´s trail.
TBC
Now, that was not so bad, was it?? Help´s on the way...
Review responses:
Estel Elven Enchantress: Great name you have there :) Thanks, I love horses and in contrast to some people I know I think many of them a really smart and warm-hearted. And we´ll see about Faun //smirk//
LinZE: Yes, I know, really nasty - I was better this time, wasn´t I?
Angefire450: Thank you!! I´m really honoured to hear that and I hope that you will enjoy the rest, too. Sorry for being so slow this time ;-)
Alariel: Yes, that was a new kind of bond, wasn´t it? And as you can see Aragorn will stop at nothing to defend Legolas (which is a good thing...)
Amy: Yes, I am evil - and I enjoy it, too //LOL// Thank´s for the kind words, and updates will remain as quick as work permits ;-)
MoonMist: Hope your river behaves itself!! Give it a good hard "Elrond" stare! And don´t be so hard on Legolas, he´s tried his best to save both himself and his horse - at least he got away from the lake ;-)
Tycen: Yes, the last cliffies were a bit evil, but this a mere "single" one...Legolas and Aragorn will spent some more time in the café, I´m afraid ...and I hope you will not get nervous about all the water around you //smirk// Maybe it was good the new chapter took a few days?! Should have helped you to relax...
Gozilla: Sorry you had to wait so long ... and thank you!!
Someone Reading: You survived Hurricanes? Oh boy, I am happy that I have never been in one! Good that you have all those lights on ;-)
Kept-Secret: Well, Legolas did try to help Faun - but you are right, he seems to draw trouble!
Red Tigress: hey, I was kind to Elladan, wasn´t I?? And I´m so sorry that Aragorn´s healing was interrupted, could not be helped somehow...
Ertia: //Hands out tissue// Sorry. Are you better now? Don´t throw anything at me for this chapter, will you?? Faun is STILL BREATHING
NightShadow: Safe in the cave?? We´ll see about that ;-)) I´m sure updates will remain quick, this story is really after me!
Deana: Yes, what Legolas is concerned we are quite alike! Evil us (but I did not break his arm!) And I saw the pompoms //waves back// I did my very best...
Phew, I do hope I did not forget anybody! I´ve never had this many reviews. Thanks again, you guys are so great!