Hi!
I promised a quick update and here it is! The sun seems to get to me - I actually included a poem (sort of - more like a rhyme...), I hope you won´t run from me because of it!
Anyway, I was once again blown away by your reviews - please keep them coming - responses below.
And now the chapter - it is basically a H/C healing chapter (even though they get little healing done just yet) of the kind that you find in many fics, but it was needed at this point, so bear with me.
Enjoy!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Alive
"Adar? Sain guinor?" //Father? Do they live?// Elrohir´s soft question woke Elrond from the shocked daze he had fallen into and he quietly scolded himself for letting his feelings get the better of him in a situation as dire as this. He felt his younger son touch his shoulder and reached back with his free hand to grip him reassuringly. The tunnel being as tight as it was he probably blocked Elrohir´s view, raising his worries even more.
"Aye, sain cuin" //Yes, they are alive//, he reassured, even though he could be sure of that only for Estel, Legolas being almost completely covered by the human and out of reach in the close quarters. Knowing the prince´s stubborness, though, he hoped that his words would turn out to be the truth. "Sain harnel anum, em lim."//They are badly hurt, we [should be] quick.// His voice had regained the calmness he usually displayed in a crisis and he even without turning could feel some tension leaving his son. He smiled at the trust and prayed he would once more live up to it.
"We will have to get them out one after the other", Elrond observed, handing the lamp back for Elrohir to hold up, "you will have to light the way for me." He carefully reached into the small cave and was relieved to find his human son´s pulse rather steady, his forehead cool. There was blood on the side of his head that was already clotting over a large bruise and blood from gashes that had torn though his clothes and deeply into his flesh covered his chest. He could tell no more than that, but he allowed himself hope that the ranger was not as badly wounded as his heart had feared.
"Back off a little", he said over his shoulder, "I have to try and dislodge the two." "Adar, the room is too tight for me to remain here...", Elrohir began uncomfortably and Elrond sighed, knowing what his son was getting at. Yet there was no choice, even though he, too, loathed to leave Legolas behind alone. "Iston, ion-nin" //I know, my son//, he answered, "em lheithotham Legolas anlhagr, gewston."//we will free Legolas quickly, I swear.//
He heard Elrohir mirror his sigh before the light retreated a little, signalling that the younger elf had made some room. Elrond repositioned himself and reached in again, seeking out the pulse on Legolas´ wrist. He was relieved to feel one, but dismayed when he found that the young prince seemed to be in a far worse state than his human friend. His skin was hot and clammy and his heart raced along far too quickly. Fear for the wounded elf laced through him sharply and he closed his eyes, sending warm rays of healing into the battered body, requesting the frantic heart to clam. He could not keep the connection for long, the task commanding more concentration that his current position allowed. Even tough, he noted that Legolas was breathing a bit more easily. There was no more he could do now, and he instead concentrated on moving his son.
Gently, Elrond tried to lift Legolas´ hands off the ranger´s chest but he soon realized that the elf had locked his friend in a tight grip that would not budge easily. Not wanting to hurt the younger elf even worse, he used only a little more force and began to speak in an urgent voice that he hoped would reach the unconscious prince. "Legolas, lasto anim, anno lhein Estel" //Legolas, listen to me, let Estel go// ,he whispered, "em lheithom den hi, em lheithotham chen anlhagr. Anno lhein Estel..." //we are freeing him now, we will free you soon. Let Estel go...//
Elrond had no way of knowing whether his plea had actually reached Legolas or his strength was simply waning, but he finally managed to pull Aragorn free. Carefully, he turned the human around a bit so that he could grab him under the armpits. The young man stirred at the touch and reached up weakly as if wanting to brush off the hands that were holding him. Relief streamed through the elf lord and despite their predicament he felt a genuine smile cross his face.
He brought his mouth close to the human´s ear as he tenderly pulled him against his shoulder, beginning to inch backwards on his knees and elbows. "Sidh, ion-nin, im nev hi"//Peace, my son, I am here now//, he soothed, "dinen, algost." //Be still, don´t be afraid.// He moved as quickly as he dared, Elrohir lighting the tunnel and occasionally directing him to keep him from hitting sharp rocks that stood out from the walls. Time stretched and Elrond could feel Aragorn tense in his arms again, mumbling under his breath. He could hear that his son kept repeating Legolas´ name and the elf´s heart shivered when he thought of the young prince. He prayed that consciousness would not return as long as he was alone in the dark.
Elrond moved on at a steady pace, his knees and elbows bloody without him recognising it, until he finally reached the open cave. Elrohir had already shooed the horses away and placed a blanket on the ground, mindful not to let his brother look at the sorry sight of Faun. The fact that the grey stallion was still breathing, stubbornly hanging on to life, was a miracle in itself.
Quickly, the elf lord lowered the ranger to the ground and was relieved to find the grey eyes open. His biggest fear, one that did not concern physical injuries, could wait no longer, and he took the young man´s face into his hands gently, forcing him to lock eyes with him. Aragorn tried to pull away, distress now clearly visible on his pale features, and Elrond knew what he was demanding, but he would not withdraw. He needed he mind´s peace first.
Elrohir looked on fearfully as Elrond searched Aragorn´s soul. He did not yet know what they were pitted against, but that did nothing to quench his fears, especially when his father kept holding on and the human intensified his struggles to pull free. The younger twin´s heart froze in his chest and he quickly dropped to his knees behind his brother, bringing his hands down on his shoulders and holding him.
"Baw!" //No!//, Aragorn ground out, "sina rhoeg, sina rhoeg..."//This is wrong, this is wrong...//
Elrohir had his eyes locked on his father, and when the elf lord finally broke the link and wearily sat back, the younger elf could not stop a sound of dismay escaping his lips. Elrond raised his head, startled, and when he saw the panic that was plainly painted across the younger twin´s fair face he quickly reached out for him with a tired smile. "No, he will be fine. He was exposed to this evil and it has brushed him but his soul is safe. Do not worry."
The images that floated through Aragorn´s groggy mind were merging with the reality of the cave, and slowly he realized that he was indeed still alive. He was fighting the restraining hands that held him. His soul cried out to return to his friend, and even though he vaguely understood that his family was close, he was acutely aware that Legolas was not. He clearly recalled the elf´s arms around him in the dark, his heart racing against the ranger´s back. He had felt himself lying halfway on the elf´s leg but his body had refused to move. The pure horror that had radiated from Legolas even after he had gone limp as awareness fled him had transferred himself to the ranger and he was desperate to return to him.
Aragorn forced himself to focus, to gather his wits about him and make himself understood. "Adar, toltho Legolas, hi adar..."//Father, get Legolas, now father...// The urgency in the human´s voice reminded Elrond of the state he had left Legolas in and he looked back to the mouth of the tunnel. Elrohir caught his father´s glance and halted him when he rose.
"Adar, dartho na Estel." //Father, stay with Estel.// He could not abide the thought of staying with his brother now to discover his state was worse than they had been able to determine in their haste. He was by no means a bad healer but would never reach his father´s abilities. He felt much rather up to the task of retrieving his friend. He could see defiance in Elrond´s eyes and inwardly flinched, knowing that this did not bode well for Legolas´ condition, but he stood by his decision.
"Im tolthon Legolas, adar, im anlhagr."//I get Legolas, father, I am faster.// He tenderly touched the older elf´s torn elbows, and Elrond gave in. He feared for Legolas, but the tiny cave he was wedged in left little room for healing. Getting the prince out quickly was most urgent now, and he acknowledged that his son would indeed be the better choice for the exhausting crawl through the dark. He would prepare everything to help the wounded elf once he was brought back. Looking down at Aragorn he was amazed to find the man´s eyes still open and locked on them and when Elrohir began to make for the tunnel he reached out and gripped his brother.
"His leg", Aragorn breathed, fighting hard to stay conscious, "badly broken...a splint..." Elrohir hunched down beside his brother and took his hand tenderly, seeing that Elrond already searched their packs. "Henion, gwador, alghost."//I understand, brother, do not fear.// He stroked his other hand lightly over Aragorn´s forehead, willing him to rest. "Sidh, im tolthon mellon-min." //Peace, I get our friend.// He felt the sharp grey eyes bore into his, silently demanding an oath, and Elrohir gave it freely. The elf breathed a deep sigh of relief when the hand that gripped his relaxed and the ranger finally allowed his body some relief from the pain.
Elrohir stood and took the bag that his father handed him, slinging it over his back. "Lhagr, ion-nin" //Be swift, my son// he said quietly, "im gostan o cuil tin." //I fear for his life.// The direct words made Elrohir´s heart sink in despair, but he nodded, wordlessly accepting his father´s honesty. He turned gracefully, fast but without haste, and Elrond´s eyes followed him until he had been swallowed by the dark tunnel. Only then did he add what he had withheld before upon seeing the pain that had crossed Elrohir´s face. "Im gostan o faer tin. Lhagr, ion-nin." //I fear for his soul. Be swift, my son.//
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The warmth that had spread through his heart had brought Legolas closer to consciousness once more, but he did not appreciate the feeling. The presence that had kept him company not long ago seemed to be dormant again and he felt utterly alone. He could not recall where Estel had gone, vaguely remembering hugging the human to him, and worry warred with the pain in him.
Both emotions were strangely dulled, though, as if he was finally too weak to uphold what he felt. Wearily, he forced his heavy eyelids open and was greeted by the sight of sheer rock almost directly in front of him. He jerked back in unpleasant surprise only to be met by a solid wall behind him. His gaze fluttered like a caged bird and panic rose when he realized that he was almost completely surrounded by the suffocating substance. An iron grip settled around his chest and tightened mercilessly. He gasped for breath and tried to close his eyes again, yearning for the peace of oblivion, but his instincts screamed at him and refused to let him go.
Estel, he must have gone out without him!
Out. He needed to get out, too. He tried to rise and his forehead connected with the ceiling, drawing blood. The pain only heightened the impression that all air was drawn away from him and his eyes fixed upon the narrow mouth of the tiny cave, almost feeling the imagined draft as the air left where he could not follow.
His breathing quickened and the rational part of his mind scolded him for it, warning him that he made his situation worse, but his body was frantic now. Panting, he once again leaned forward, ducking low. Pain shot through him when he attempted to draw his legs beneath him in order to turn. Black shadows at the edge of his vision contrasted sharply with the bright spots that danced before his eyes. His stomach lurched with the nausea that assaulted him, cold sweat creeping over his hot skin, making him shiver. A faint sound touched him like a distant caress, but he was too tightly locked in his panic to acknowledge it.
He stopped moving for a number of racing heartbeats, curled in on himself, his senses overwhelmed by misery. Yet darkness would not come to release him of his fears and he urged himself on, a raw sound of pain escaping his sore throat when he dragged his tormented leg around until he finally lay on his stomach, his head at the mouth of the cave. He lifted his eyes and groaned. A twisted tunnel stretched out before him, seemingly melting before his very eyes as he looked on in desperation.
Was there a shadow moving within? His ears picked up faint scarping noises. And the flowing sound again. Deep inside something demanded him to listen, but he could not, another thought overriding all others. "Estel, dartho amin." //Estel, wait for me.// He bit his lips before he could utter the plea a second time. He had to count his blessings if it at least his friend made it out alive. And the human was earning his escape, fighting for it!
Yet here he was, his only means of escape diminishing while he lay lazily! Reaching out for the edges of the cave´s mouth, heedless of the sharp rocks that cut his fingers, he pulled himself out and forced his good knee under his body as he did. Another wave of pain and dizziness hit him and the deep breaths he instinctively took seemed to fill his lungs with nothing but clinging emptiness. He coughed and gagged but his body moved as if possessing a will of its own. The sharp rocks bit at him from all sides as the tunnel kept shrinking around him. The world was coming down and he would be buried in its ruins.
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Elrohir moved as swiftly as he dared. His sharp eyes had trouble making out more than the rough shapes of the rocks around him and he could not go too fast if he wanted avoiding cutting himself on the edges. He had hardly entered the tunnel, though, when he picked up sounds from ahead and his heart grew heavy. Not sure whether his friend was awake, praying that he was not, Elrohir soothingly spoke, hoping to ease Legolas´ fears should he be aware of his surroundings. "Dartho, mellon-nin, im telin."//Hold on, my friend, I´m coming. // He repeated himself over and over again, his soft voice filling the musty air.
He knew well that even though he was not fond of tight places, Legolas held even less love for them, and being trapped in one as badly hurt as he obviously was had to be nothing short of torment. When a strangled sound of pain drifted over to him he picked up his pace, no longer caring about his own safety. He kept his head low to make sure that he would not knock himself senseless but blocked out any other pain while he crept forward. Crouched like a cat sneaking up on its prey, he gracefully advanced on the tiny cave despite his occasional rough contacts with the walls.
He could hear heavy, quick breaths in the darkness and muffled words mingled in them, but the low voice was so hoarse he could barely recognize it as his friend´s, let alone understand the words it uttered. Yet again quickening his movements, he finally caught sight of the slim shape that was pulling itself along against the wall, obviously heedless of the damage he caused to himself. Elrohir crossed the distance between them without even realizing he was moving any longer, gaze fixed on his friend, and caught him in his arms.
He was shocked at the heat that radiated from Legolas and the blood that immediately covered his hands. His friends struggled to free himself from his grasp, clearly unaware that help had finally arrived, and Elrohir could now understand the frantic words that flowed from him. "Sarn dant nu, sarnt dant nu, lhagr Estel... " //The stone is coming down, the stone is coming down, quick Estel...//
Elrohir winced and pulled Legolas closer, settling himself against the wall. He tried to still his friend´s movements, knowing full well that this fear might prove too much for the other elf´s weakened body and soul if he did not calm it soon. The thought of the sleeping herbs in the pack briefly crossed his mind, and for a fleeting second he wished he had allowed his father to retrieve his friend. Elrond would have been sure what path to choose - but the younger elf did not dwell on his slight insecurity for long. Seeing that Legolas´ eyes were open and fixed on the walls around them he covered them gently with one hand and bent down to softly speak into the wounded elf´s ear.
"Dinen, mellon-nin, sarn gwann"//Be still, my friend, the stone is gone//, he whispered, "lasto, sir glin. Em di doron daer di Imladris.//Listen, the brook sings. We are under the great oak in Imladris.// Estel ethir-min di galadh rhi, a ho aniro glear.// Estel is our lookout in the top of the tree, and he wishes for a poem.//"
Without even realizing it, Elrohir had closed his eyes as well, calling a forth a sunny day they had spent together this spring. It seemed an eternity away, yet his soft words conjured the picture of the lush landscape and the scent of the awakening flowers collected around them on the transcendent wings of elven memory . He could feel Legolas relax slightly against him, his eyelashes gracing Elrohir´s plam as his eyes drifted shut in exhaustion. The twin kept his hold on his friend and continued with the same poem he had recited then for his younger brother´s entertainment.
Ad lirulin, tond di gell //Two larks, high in the sky//
Costar man anmea. //Are fighting who is better.//
Thoron telo, sin estel, //An Eagle comes, their hope,//
Pedan sain algae. //Tells them not to worry.//
Hortha rhenio, tond a tond, // Makes them fly, high and high,//
O trida sin tur. //To see their abilities.//
"Curu rhenio, is athond, //"The ability in flight is not the key,//
Nasto nin man cur." //Show me how far (you can go).//
Or eryn laeg, aelin taeg, // Over green forest and deep sea//
Baran sain dantar. //Eagerly they dart.//
I men palan, tars beleg. //The road is far, their trouble big.//
Hir menel: "Ha far!" //(The) lord of birds (says): "It is enough."//
I lalaith bruin, pith pont glas, // The laughter loud, the words full of glee//
Thoron sain pedo: //The eagle tells them://
"Gwanun el nae, sidh garo!" //"You are twins, make peace."//
The soft words wrapped themselves soothingly around the two elves, and Elrohir could feel Legolas slip into oblivion, leaving fear and pain behind. He stroked the tangled golden hair with a sigh that carried both relief and sadness, preparing himself to finish his task and bring his friend to safety.
TBC
Sorry that Glrofindel and Faun are still left hanging in the balance - other than that, hardly a cliffie this time. I must be getting soft - maybe it was the poetry that went to my head somehow?! LOL
Review responses:
Alariel: Your guesses are really, really good (even though not fully accurate). You will get more hints as the story moves along - and I changed what I "stole" from Tolkien around a bit, too, that may make it a bit more tricky. But as I said, very good thinking! And Glrofindel - you´ll see in the next chapter!
Tychen: Yes, Glrofindel is a very interesting character, but to tell you the truth, he scares me a bit - so ancient! I hope he won´t get to me for what I´m doing...
LinZE: Yes, well - he tries to help them, at least. More in the next chapter - keep waving!
Red Tigress: As I said, Faun is one tough horse! Once Elrond has finally done some healing on the "Hapless Duo" (LOL) he may be able to help there, too...
Deana: Keep cheering, he needs it!!
MoonMist: I would never kill Faun just to get to you - or would I ?!? And I hope you feel even more sad for Legolas now, he really needs some cuddling.
Sangfroid: Errmm - are you feeling well? I do hope so - and "burning" the lake would be one tricky thing to do ;-)
Ertia: Oh no, what have I done to you?! Maybe chocolate could get you off this addiction, or jogging - or you could just keep reading ;-) And Glorfindel - well, the next chapter will tell, but my guess is that he is REALLY tough to kill, won´t you agree? By the way, sorry I messed up your lunchbreak :-(
Alexa: Yes, I am EVIL //smirk//. Sorry that the "5 minutes" did not work out - but I guess one day gave you some time to recover.
candidus-lupus-full Moon: Thanks - and I will, I simply cannot help it!
Amy: Hey, very good guesses!! Won´t tell you HOW good but really good, that´s for sure. I hope one day was not asking too much (hanging on, I mean) but I´m afraid what Faun is concerned you will have to wait a little longer.
I promised a quick update and here it is! The sun seems to get to me - I actually included a poem (sort of - more like a rhyme...), I hope you won´t run from me because of it!
Anyway, I was once again blown away by your reviews - please keep them coming - responses below.
And now the chapter - it is basically a H/C healing chapter (even though they get little healing done just yet) of the kind that you find in many fics, but it was needed at this point, so bear with me.
Enjoy!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Alive
"Adar? Sain guinor?" //Father? Do they live?// Elrohir´s soft question woke Elrond from the shocked daze he had fallen into and he quietly scolded himself for letting his feelings get the better of him in a situation as dire as this. He felt his younger son touch his shoulder and reached back with his free hand to grip him reassuringly. The tunnel being as tight as it was he probably blocked Elrohir´s view, raising his worries even more.
"Aye, sain cuin" //Yes, they are alive//, he reassured, even though he could be sure of that only for Estel, Legolas being almost completely covered by the human and out of reach in the close quarters. Knowing the prince´s stubborness, though, he hoped that his words would turn out to be the truth. "Sain harnel anum, em lim."//They are badly hurt, we [should be] quick.// His voice had regained the calmness he usually displayed in a crisis and he even without turning could feel some tension leaving his son. He smiled at the trust and prayed he would once more live up to it.
"We will have to get them out one after the other", Elrond observed, handing the lamp back for Elrohir to hold up, "you will have to light the way for me." He carefully reached into the small cave and was relieved to find his human son´s pulse rather steady, his forehead cool. There was blood on the side of his head that was already clotting over a large bruise and blood from gashes that had torn though his clothes and deeply into his flesh covered his chest. He could tell no more than that, but he allowed himself hope that the ranger was not as badly wounded as his heart had feared.
"Back off a little", he said over his shoulder, "I have to try and dislodge the two." "Adar, the room is too tight for me to remain here...", Elrohir began uncomfortably and Elrond sighed, knowing what his son was getting at. Yet there was no choice, even though he, too, loathed to leave Legolas behind alone. "Iston, ion-nin" //I know, my son//, he answered, "em lheithotham Legolas anlhagr, gewston."//we will free Legolas quickly, I swear.//
He heard Elrohir mirror his sigh before the light retreated a little, signalling that the younger elf had made some room. Elrond repositioned himself and reached in again, seeking out the pulse on Legolas´ wrist. He was relieved to feel one, but dismayed when he found that the young prince seemed to be in a far worse state than his human friend. His skin was hot and clammy and his heart raced along far too quickly. Fear for the wounded elf laced through him sharply and he closed his eyes, sending warm rays of healing into the battered body, requesting the frantic heart to clam. He could not keep the connection for long, the task commanding more concentration that his current position allowed. Even tough, he noted that Legolas was breathing a bit more easily. There was no more he could do now, and he instead concentrated on moving his son.
Gently, Elrond tried to lift Legolas´ hands off the ranger´s chest but he soon realized that the elf had locked his friend in a tight grip that would not budge easily. Not wanting to hurt the younger elf even worse, he used only a little more force and began to speak in an urgent voice that he hoped would reach the unconscious prince. "Legolas, lasto anim, anno lhein Estel" //Legolas, listen to me, let Estel go// ,he whispered, "em lheithom den hi, em lheithotham chen anlhagr. Anno lhein Estel..." //we are freeing him now, we will free you soon. Let Estel go...//
Elrond had no way of knowing whether his plea had actually reached Legolas or his strength was simply waning, but he finally managed to pull Aragorn free. Carefully, he turned the human around a bit so that he could grab him under the armpits. The young man stirred at the touch and reached up weakly as if wanting to brush off the hands that were holding him. Relief streamed through the elf lord and despite their predicament he felt a genuine smile cross his face.
He brought his mouth close to the human´s ear as he tenderly pulled him against his shoulder, beginning to inch backwards on his knees and elbows. "Sidh, ion-nin, im nev hi"//Peace, my son, I am here now//, he soothed, "dinen, algost." //Be still, don´t be afraid.// He moved as quickly as he dared, Elrohir lighting the tunnel and occasionally directing him to keep him from hitting sharp rocks that stood out from the walls. Time stretched and Elrond could feel Aragorn tense in his arms again, mumbling under his breath. He could hear that his son kept repeating Legolas´ name and the elf´s heart shivered when he thought of the young prince. He prayed that consciousness would not return as long as he was alone in the dark.
Elrond moved on at a steady pace, his knees and elbows bloody without him recognising it, until he finally reached the open cave. Elrohir had already shooed the horses away and placed a blanket on the ground, mindful not to let his brother look at the sorry sight of Faun. The fact that the grey stallion was still breathing, stubbornly hanging on to life, was a miracle in itself.
Quickly, the elf lord lowered the ranger to the ground and was relieved to find the grey eyes open. His biggest fear, one that did not concern physical injuries, could wait no longer, and he took the young man´s face into his hands gently, forcing him to lock eyes with him. Aragorn tried to pull away, distress now clearly visible on his pale features, and Elrond knew what he was demanding, but he would not withdraw. He needed he mind´s peace first.
Elrohir looked on fearfully as Elrond searched Aragorn´s soul. He did not yet know what they were pitted against, but that did nothing to quench his fears, especially when his father kept holding on and the human intensified his struggles to pull free. The younger twin´s heart froze in his chest and he quickly dropped to his knees behind his brother, bringing his hands down on his shoulders and holding him.
"Baw!" //No!//, Aragorn ground out, "sina rhoeg, sina rhoeg..."//This is wrong, this is wrong...//
Elrohir had his eyes locked on his father, and when the elf lord finally broke the link and wearily sat back, the younger elf could not stop a sound of dismay escaping his lips. Elrond raised his head, startled, and when he saw the panic that was plainly painted across the younger twin´s fair face he quickly reached out for him with a tired smile. "No, he will be fine. He was exposed to this evil and it has brushed him but his soul is safe. Do not worry."
The images that floated through Aragorn´s groggy mind were merging with the reality of the cave, and slowly he realized that he was indeed still alive. He was fighting the restraining hands that held him. His soul cried out to return to his friend, and even though he vaguely understood that his family was close, he was acutely aware that Legolas was not. He clearly recalled the elf´s arms around him in the dark, his heart racing against the ranger´s back. He had felt himself lying halfway on the elf´s leg but his body had refused to move. The pure horror that had radiated from Legolas even after he had gone limp as awareness fled him had transferred himself to the ranger and he was desperate to return to him.
Aragorn forced himself to focus, to gather his wits about him and make himself understood. "Adar, toltho Legolas, hi adar..."//Father, get Legolas, now father...// The urgency in the human´s voice reminded Elrond of the state he had left Legolas in and he looked back to the mouth of the tunnel. Elrohir caught his father´s glance and halted him when he rose.
"Adar, dartho na Estel." //Father, stay with Estel.// He could not abide the thought of staying with his brother now to discover his state was worse than they had been able to determine in their haste. He was by no means a bad healer but would never reach his father´s abilities. He felt much rather up to the task of retrieving his friend. He could see defiance in Elrond´s eyes and inwardly flinched, knowing that this did not bode well for Legolas´ condition, but he stood by his decision.
"Im tolthon Legolas, adar, im anlhagr."//I get Legolas, father, I am faster.// He tenderly touched the older elf´s torn elbows, and Elrond gave in. He feared for Legolas, but the tiny cave he was wedged in left little room for healing. Getting the prince out quickly was most urgent now, and he acknowledged that his son would indeed be the better choice for the exhausting crawl through the dark. He would prepare everything to help the wounded elf once he was brought back. Looking down at Aragorn he was amazed to find the man´s eyes still open and locked on them and when Elrohir began to make for the tunnel he reached out and gripped his brother.
"His leg", Aragorn breathed, fighting hard to stay conscious, "badly broken...a splint..." Elrohir hunched down beside his brother and took his hand tenderly, seeing that Elrond already searched their packs. "Henion, gwador, alghost."//I understand, brother, do not fear.// He stroked his other hand lightly over Aragorn´s forehead, willing him to rest. "Sidh, im tolthon mellon-min." //Peace, I get our friend.// He felt the sharp grey eyes bore into his, silently demanding an oath, and Elrohir gave it freely. The elf breathed a deep sigh of relief when the hand that gripped his relaxed and the ranger finally allowed his body some relief from the pain.
Elrohir stood and took the bag that his father handed him, slinging it over his back. "Lhagr, ion-nin" //Be swift, my son// he said quietly, "im gostan o cuil tin." //I fear for his life.// The direct words made Elrohir´s heart sink in despair, but he nodded, wordlessly accepting his father´s honesty. He turned gracefully, fast but without haste, and Elrond´s eyes followed him until he had been swallowed by the dark tunnel. Only then did he add what he had withheld before upon seeing the pain that had crossed Elrohir´s face. "Im gostan o faer tin. Lhagr, ion-nin." //I fear for his soul. Be swift, my son.//
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The warmth that had spread through his heart had brought Legolas closer to consciousness once more, but he did not appreciate the feeling. The presence that had kept him company not long ago seemed to be dormant again and he felt utterly alone. He could not recall where Estel had gone, vaguely remembering hugging the human to him, and worry warred with the pain in him.
Both emotions were strangely dulled, though, as if he was finally too weak to uphold what he felt. Wearily, he forced his heavy eyelids open and was greeted by the sight of sheer rock almost directly in front of him. He jerked back in unpleasant surprise only to be met by a solid wall behind him. His gaze fluttered like a caged bird and panic rose when he realized that he was almost completely surrounded by the suffocating substance. An iron grip settled around his chest and tightened mercilessly. He gasped for breath and tried to close his eyes again, yearning for the peace of oblivion, but his instincts screamed at him and refused to let him go.
Estel, he must have gone out without him!
Out. He needed to get out, too. He tried to rise and his forehead connected with the ceiling, drawing blood. The pain only heightened the impression that all air was drawn away from him and his eyes fixed upon the narrow mouth of the tiny cave, almost feeling the imagined draft as the air left where he could not follow.
His breathing quickened and the rational part of his mind scolded him for it, warning him that he made his situation worse, but his body was frantic now. Panting, he once again leaned forward, ducking low. Pain shot through him when he attempted to draw his legs beneath him in order to turn. Black shadows at the edge of his vision contrasted sharply with the bright spots that danced before his eyes. His stomach lurched with the nausea that assaulted him, cold sweat creeping over his hot skin, making him shiver. A faint sound touched him like a distant caress, but he was too tightly locked in his panic to acknowledge it.
He stopped moving for a number of racing heartbeats, curled in on himself, his senses overwhelmed by misery. Yet darkness would not come to release him of his fears and he urged himself on, a raw sound of pain escaping his sore throat when he dragged his tormented leg around until he finally lay on his stomach, his head at the mouth of the cave. He lifted his eyes and groaned. A twisted tunnel stretched out before him, seemingly melting before his very eyes as he looked on in desperation.
Was there a shadow moving within? His ears picked up faint scarping noises. And the flowing sound again. Deep inside something demanded him to listen, but he could not, another thought overriding all others. "Estel, dartho amin." //Estel, wait for me.// He bit his lips before he could utter the plea a second time. He had to count his blessings if it at least his friend made it out alive. And the human was earning his escape, fighting for it!
Yet here he was, his only means of escape diminishing while he lay lazily! Reaching out for the edges of the cave´s mouth, heedless of the sharp rocks that cut his fingers, he pulled himself out and forced his good knee under his body as he did. Another wave of pain and dizziness hit him and the deep breaths he instinctively took seemed to fill his lungs with nothing but clinging emptiness. He coughed and gagged but his body moved as if possessing a will of its own. The sharp rocks bit at him from all sides as the tunnel kept shrinking around him. The world was coming down and he would be buried in its ruins.
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Elrohir moved as swiftly as he dared. His sharp eyes had trouble making out more than the rough shapes of the rocks around him and he could not go too fast if he wanted avoiding cutting himself on the edges. He had hardly entered the tunnel, though, when he picked up sounds from ahead and his heart grew heavy. Not sure whether his friend was awake, praying that he was not, Elrohir soothingly spoke, hoping to ease Legolas´ fears should he be aware of his surroundings. "Dartho, mellon-nin, im telin."//Hold on, my friend, I´m coming. // He repeated himself over and over again, his soft voice filling the musty air.
He knew well that even though he was not fond of tight places, Legolas held even less love for them, and being trapped in one as badly hurt as he obviously was had to be nothing short of torment. When a strangled sound of pain drifted over to him he picked up his pace, no longer caring about his own safety. He kept his head low to make sure that he would not knock himself senseless but blocked out any other pain while he crept forward. Crouched like a cat sneaking up on its prey, he gracefully advanced on the tiny cave despite his occasional rough contacts with the walls.
He could hear heavy, quick breaths in the darkness and muffled words mingled in them, but the low voice was so hoarse he could barely recognize it as his friend´s, let alone understand the words it uttered. Yet again quickening his movements, he finally caught sight of the slim shape that was pulling itself along against the wall, obviously heedless of the damage he caused to himself. Elrohir crossed the distance between them without even realizing he was moving any longer, gaze fixed on his friend, and caught him in his arms.
He was shocked at the heat that radiated from Legolas and the blood that immediately covered his hands. His friends struggled to free himself from his grasp, clearly unaware that help had finally arrived, and Elrohir could now understand the frantic words that flowed from him. "Sarn dant nu, sarnt dant nu, lhagr Estel... " //The stone is coming down, the stone is coming down, quick Estel...//
Elrohir winced and pulled Legolas closer, settling himself against the wall. He tried to still his friend´s movements, knowing full well that this fear might prove too much for the other elf´s weakened body and soul if he did not calm it soon. The thought of the sleeping herbs in the pack briefly crossed his mind, and for a fleeting second he wished he had allowed his father to retrieve his friend. Elrond would have been sure what path to choose - but the younger elf did not dwell on his slight insecurity for long. Seeing that Legolas´ eyes were open and fixed on the walls around them he covered them gently with one hand and bent down to softly speak into the wounded elf´s ear.
"Dinen, mellon-nin, sarn gwann"//Be still, my friend, the stone is gone//, he whispered, "lasto, sir glin. Em di doron daer di Imladris.//Listen, the brook sings. We are under the great oak in Imladris.// Estel ethir-min di galadh rhi, a ho aniro glear.// Estel is our lookout in the top of the tree, and he wishes for a poem.//"
Without even realizing it, Elrohir had closed his eyes as well, calling a forth a sunny day they had spent together this spring. It seemed an eternity away, yet his soft words conjured the picture of the lush landscape and the scent of the awakening flowers collected around them on the transcendent wings of elven memory . He could feel Legolas relax slightly against him, his eyelashes gracing Elrohir´s plam as his eyes drifted shut in exhaustion. The twin kept his hold on his friend and continued with the same poem he had recited then for his younger brother´s entertainment.
Ad lirulin, tond di gell //Two larks, high in the sky//
Costar man anmea. //Are fighting who is better.//
Thoron telo, sin estel, //An Eagle comes, their hope,//
Pedan sain algae. //Tells them not to worry.//
Hortha rhenio, tond a tond, // Makes them fly, high and high,//
O trida sin tur. //To see their abilities.//
"Curu rhenio, is athond, //"The ability in flight is not the key,//
Nasto nin man cur." //Show me how far (you can go).//
Or eryn laeg, aelin taeg, // Over green forest and deep sea//
Baran sain dantar. //Eagerly they dart.//
I men palan, tars beleg. //The road is far, their trouble big.//
Hir menel: "Ha far!" //(The) lord of birds (says): "It is enough."//
I lalaith bruin, pith pont glas, // The laughter loud, the words full of glee//
Thoron sain pedo: //The eagle tells them://
"Gwanun el nae, sidh garo!" //"You are twins, make peace."//
The soft words wrapped themselves soothingly around the two elves, and Elrohir could feel Legolas slip into oblivion, leaving fear and pain behind. He stroked the tangled golden hair with a sigh that carried both relief and sadness, preparing himself to finish his task and bring his friend to safety.
TBC
Sorry that Glrofindel and Faun are still left hanging in the balance - other than that, hardly a cliffie this time. I must be getting soft - maybe it was the poetry that went to my head somehow?! LOL
Review responses:
Alariel: Your guesses are really, really good (even though not fully accurate). You will get more hints as the story moves along - and I changed what I "stole" from Tolkien around a bit, too, that may make it a bit more tricky. But as I said, very good thinking! And Glrofindel - you´ll see in the next chapter!
Tychen: Yes, Glrofindel is a very interesting character, but to tell you the truth, he scares me a bit - so ancient! I hope he won´t get to me for what I´m doing...
LinZE: Yes, well - he tries to help them, at least. More in the next chapter - keep waving!
Red Tigress: As I said, Faun is one tough horse! Once Elrond has finally done some healing on the "Hapless Duo" (LOL) he may be able to help there, too...
Deana: Keep cheering, he needs it!!
MoonMist: I would never kill Faun just to get to you - or would I ?!? And I hope you feel even more sad for Legolas now, he really needs some cuddling.
Sangfroid: Errmm - are you feeling well? I do hope so - and "burning" the lake would be one tricky thing to do ;-)
Ertia: Oh no, what have I done to you?! Maybe chocolate could get you off this addiction, or jogging - or you could just keep reading ;-) And Glorfindel - well, the next chapter will tell, but my guess is that he is REALLY tough to kill, won´t you agree? By the way, sorry I messed up your lunchbreak :-(
Alexa: Yes, I am EVIL //smirk//. Sorry that the "5 minutes" did not work out - but I guess one day gave you some time to recover.
candidus-lupus-full Moon: Thanks - and I will, I simply cannot help it!
Amy: Hey, very good guesses!! Won´t tell you HOW good but really good, that´s for sure. I hope one day was not asking too much (hanging on, I mean) but I´m afraid what Faun is concerned you will have to wait a little longer.