Hi all!
It´s weekend again- time for some writing! I hope you´ll enjoy this chapter, a few more clues are revealed but far from all...
I would like to thank my reviewers yet again - you are making this so much fun! Writing is fun because of itself, but posting is fun because of you ;-)
Responses below, of course. Please continue to share your thoughts with me.
Now: the new chapter. Enjoy!!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Try as I might, I cannot turn into Tolkien - he owns the wonderful characters and places I borrow
Dangerous clues
The smell was soothing. Aragorn drew a deep breath, feeling the safety it promised wrap around him like a soft blanket. He could tell that unpleasant memories lingered at the edge of his awareness, and he would have to allow their approach soon, but for the moment he was content in his slightly dizzy state. He knew well enough that athelas meant injury, but the pain that slowly made itself felt across his chest and pounding away in his head was bearable and no match for the knowledge that his family was close. A hand lingered lightly on his chest, away from the wounds, as if making sure he continued breathing. He smiled inwardly. While usually not fond of being hovered over, the guarding presence reassured him more than he could comprehend, and he had no intention of moving away from it.
He could hear a soft elven voice murmuring not far away, and the smell of a fire mingled with that of the healing herb. Its warmth caressed his face with gentle fingers. A horse snorted softly. Rain drummed away, but he was warm and dry. Safe. With a drowsy sigh Aragorn fought himself a little more awake and risked opening his eyes. Very slowly, a cave settled itself around him. He focused on the hand that touched him so protectively with some effort and realized that Elrond was sitting next to him, his back against the stone wall. The elf lord was deeply asleep, his half-closed eyes a mirror of his exhaustion. The jolt of worry the ranger felt at the sight drew him out of his sluggish state of mind. His sharpening eyes searched his foster father for injuries but thankfully he could find none.
The elven voice that had been keeping up a steady stream of words too soft for Aragorn to understand rose slightly over a pained moan. "Sidh, mellon-nin, dinen... " //Peace, my friend, be still...// The soft plea, one the ranger had made himself so many times, sent strands of icy fear over his skin, making him shiver. Immediately, the hand on him tightened slightly and Aragorn forced himself to calm, unwilling to wake Elrond, but it was already too late. The elf lord gazed down into his foster son´s eyes with a searching smile. "Mae govannen, ion-nin" //Well met, my son//, he greeted quietly, "how do you feel?"
Aragorn answered the smile to show that he was well, but he soon broke away from Elrond´s gaze to glance over to his brother. Elrohir had come. He had kept his promise and he was taking care of their friend in his stead. Aragorn felt a stab of guilt at the thought but it was quickly drowned by a warm glow of gratitude. The memories slowly returned and the ranger winced at the knowledge of just how badly Legolas was hurt. A gentle hand caught his face and guided his eyes away from the sorrowful scene.
"Will you not answer me, my son?" Elrond raised an eyebrow, a gesture he had perfected into a very persuading tool, and Aragorn felt himself falter in its wake once more. "I am well, Adar, thank you." Seeing the eyebrow climb even higher he added with a sigh: "As well as the circumstances permit. Is Legolas..." The elf lord silenced him with a tender finger to his lips and then placed one hand lightly on his forehead, the other on his chest. The ranger succumbed to the procedure. He was well aware that he had little other choice and was most likely to get more information by doing so than by protesting. Even so, he stole a sideways look at Elrohir and saw that his brother had managed to quiet Legolas once more, if not completely. The blond elf still breathed heavily and twitched slightly as if caught in a bad dream.
With a small sigh Aragorn allowed his eyes to travel on and was surprised to find a third elf present. Glorfindel crouched at the mouth of the cave, his eyes trained on the darkness outside. One of his hands almost absent-mindedly lingered on the still grey horse behind him, and Aragorn´s heart rose when he saw that Faun was resting more easily, his neck stretched out and his head turned towards the slim hand that lay between his closed eyes. Legolas would take great pleasure from the news that his steed was recovering.
Although the elf warrior´s back was turned to the human, he had no trouble recognising the Balrog slayer. As a boy he had been in awe and even a bit afraid of the other´s commanding presence but with the years he had learnt to see beyond the walls of power and age to discover a warm and caring soul that could be surprisingly mischievous. He valued the older elf like few others, but the thought of a danger great enough to draw both Elrond and Glorfindel from Imladris made him shiver yet again.
"Sidh, ion-nin, ha anmae." //Peace, my son, it is well.// Elrond broke his connection with the human, one hand gracing the young man´s forehead soothingly as he withdrew. "We are guarded as few could pride themselves to be in the wild of night." The comment drew a soft chuckle from the elf at the cave´s mouth and although the answer was spoken in a low voice, even Aragorn could easily understand it. "Aye, is roch dorn tirith gorn." //Yes, this stubborn horse is a mighty guardian.// Glorfindel´s subdued laugher brightened the cave more surely than the fire, and even Aragorn felt himself smiling.
A gasp from his side shattered the lightened mood swiftly. Elrohir had obviously completely missed anything that was going on around him, so intend he was on his charge, and he continued his tender care, not noticing that he was suddenly at the center of attention. "Adar, how bad is he?" Aragorn ´s quiet question made Elrond sigh. He looked at his son with sympathy, but his voice was clear and his words unclouded. "He will live, so the Valar grant it, but his leg will need a lot of care. We will travel to Imladris at first light to reach it within one day, and once there I might be able to save his leg."
The ranger swallowed at the bare facts, even though they did not surprise him. He felt incredibly weary all of a sudden, the weight of the truth too much to bear for his exhausted body and soul. His eyes slid shut without his consent and he struggled to open them again when another pained groan from Legolas broke into his dizzy reverie. He frowned when he failed to force open eyelids that had become too heavy to lift. "Sleep, ion-nin." Elrond´s voice reached him from a great distance. "Collect strength for the challenges the future holds."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The horses stamped their hoofs impatiently, their breath dancing in the chilly air of the early morning. The storm had passed but had left the first touch of winter´s cold fingers behind. Clouds still raced overhead in the lively breeze that ripped more weak leaves off the trees around. The ground was muddy and deep from the heavy rainfalls, great numbers of once cheerfully colorful leaves drowning in the sluggish brown masses. Aragorn shivered and drew closer to Gwaef, pulling his horse´s head towards him for warmth and comfort.
He had awoken stiff and sore but with a clear mind that was only too aware of the hardships ahead. There was little to lighten his mood, except for Faun who had his head up and seemed much improved. Still, there was no possibility for the weak horse to follow them, and the decision was made to leave the recovering stallion behind with Elrond´s steed for company. It pained them all to abandon the wounded animal like that, but despite his usual eagerness to stay close to his master Faun did nothing to show any defiance. His huge eyes were fixed on Legolas´ still form and he seemed to understand the grave urgency that filled the air.
The last remains of a light mood had disappeared with Elrond´s solemn request for hurry even before dawn´s light had been strong enough to make itself known to Aragorn´s human senses. Glorfindel and Elrohir had gone out to ask for the trees´ assistance and had returned with some strong branches that had allowed them to build a litter. It was out of the question to lift Legolas onto a horse in his fragile state. The litter would be carried by the twins´ light steeds who were almost identical in size and gait, being twins themselves. Under ordinary circumstances there would have been quirks made about the resemblance between elves and horses, the topic having developed into a favourite ever since Elrond´s older sons had chosen their mounts. Yet neither elves nor human were in any mood to joke, and the preparations were carried out in oppressing silence.
Legolas had slipped into a sleep so deep it would not even allow him to react to the fever that still raged through him with smothering force. As distressing as his expressions of discomfort had been, Aragorn almost wished them back now. It tore his heart to see his friend so deadly still, beads of sweat silently gliding down his white face. The ranger stepped closer to the litter that was still on the ground while Elrohir prepared the horses, and sank to his knees with a small groan. Gwaef followed his attention and lowered his head to the still elf, but Aragorn brushed him away. The stallion meant no harm, but any misguided nudge could have dire consequences.
Gingerly, as if afraid to break his friend, Aragorn placed one hand on Legolas´ hot forehead and closed his eyes. He was still weak but the urge to offer any assistance possible was too strong to deny. It did not take the ranger long to realize that there was nothing he could do. He withdrew with a sigh. He could have known, Elrond and Elrohir had already given all strength they could spare but to no obvious avail.
"Man raug aphado cen, mellon-nin?" //What demon follows you, me friend?// he asked silently, "man raug harno anlhong?" //What demon hurt you so badly?// He fought the wave of frustration that threatened to overwhelm him and he struggled to his feet, stepping away to make room for his foster father and Glorfindel who approached to pick up the litter and fasten it to the horses. Glrofindel´s eyes darkened in sympathy when they travelled over the worn human, and he grasped his hand for a short reassuring squeeze as he walked past, his soft words just strong enough not to be lost on the man. "Le Estel." //You [are] Estel/hope.// Aragorn turned away to hide a smile he felt to be grim. Sometimes the name Elrond had given him seemed too much to live up to.
Feeling suspiciously useless when the elves busied themselves with the litter, Aragorn stepped towards Faun to say his goodbyes to the horse. He was glad that the wounds had now been dressed, Legolas´ knife safely returned to its scabbard. The stallion lifted his head higher and eyed the ranger with interest. He even moved a bit closer to the human as if seeking his presence. Aragorn softly spoke some encouragement to him, stroking the grey fur, and he felt heartened by the new strength that he could sense in the horse. He would surely survive. Just like his master.
"Ion-nin, telo." //My son, come.// Elrond´s soft call made Aragorn turn. He gave the horse one last pat and made to walk towards the others. Faun nickered and moved again, drawing one hoof out beneath his body in the process. Obviously dislodged by the horse´s movement, a small white object that must have been wedged under the hoof rolled towards the ranger. It made a small clicking sound as it rolled over the hard stone. Intrigued, the man bent down without thinking and picked up what looked like a piece of bone. A claw?
Completely caught by surprise, Aragorn suddenly found himself face to face with a screeching beast whose nature he could not determine. Neither did he care. An immense lust for blood surged through him, a feeling he had never known, not even in the heat of battle. Aragorn was no stranger to the dark forces that were unleashed when death lingered close, but this was something else entirely. This was a wild hunger that went far beyond the need to kill for defence or even revenge. He gasped when white hands that seemed his drew the struggling creature closer, its sharp claws slashing at him ineffectively.
"Serce. Serce-i-nya..." //Blood. My blood...// He did not know where the strange words were coming from, and fear gripped his heart, but then strong hands he knew well were on his shoulders. Dimly, he felt his name being called and then he was ripped away from the dying beast in his hands. The bloodlust lingered over his soul for a heartbeat as if trying to take hold, but then it, too, faded into oblivion.
"Aragorn, edro hin-cin!" //Aragorn, open your eyes!// The command dug into him like a sharp blow and the ranger´s body complied to it before his mind had even understood its meaning. A face drifted into focus above him, keen eyes glaring down into his with almost brutal intensity. Aragorn tried to shy away from the scrutiny, only to meet hard rock behind him and he quickly shut his eyes again, his heart racing.
"I am sorry, my son, I did not mean to scare you." Elrond´s voice was strangely raw. Aragorn felt a gentle hand touch his cheek, trembling slightly, and he cautiously risked another look. His father was still leaning over him, but he had withdrawn enough to keep the ranger from being smothered by his care. Behind him, Elrohir´s features were so exactly mirroring his father´s that Aragorn could not help but smile. He felt light-headed, the way he would after a successful battle, even though he could not remember an attack.
"What happened?" he asked, pushing himself up as he spoke. The world gave a slight lurch but then stilled, much to his relief. He was surprised when it was not his father who answered, but Glorfindel who stood back a bit, beside the horses that bore Legolas. The blond elf thoughtfully played with a leather pouch that was attached to his belt. "You were once again too eager to touch what you did not know", he said, not suppressing the slight scold in his tone, "and as a result you caught a glimpse into the mind of the demon who stole this claw a long time ago."
"A glimpse that thankfully left no mark on you", Elrond added with a frown of his own, "but that was a pure stroke of luck. You should be more careful, ion-nin. I would much prefer to be left with one patient to concentrate on when we reach Imladris." Aragorn was taken aback by the uncharacteristic mixture of sarcasm and anger in his father´s tone, but looking into his strained face he understood and simply nodded. "Forgive me father, I did not think. I swear I will be more careful." A smile that spoke both of relief and amused doubt crossed the elf-lords face. "If that is so, I think we should leave. The less haste we need to make to reach Imladris in light, the better for our charge."
Aragorn drew in a breath, ready to ask one of the swarm of questions that raced through his mind, but a light hand on his arm stopped him. Elrohir shook his head at him. "Alhi, gwador. Dartho." //Not now, brother. Wait.// The ranger sighed, his impatience clear, but he nodded in understanding. He mounted Gwaef and the small group set out into the unpleasant morning, the Last Homely House a comforting presence in their minds.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The entity raged. The small grove around it was smothered by its wrath, dead wood scattered about like rotting bones in the mud. Its strength had severely suffered in the battle with the first-born, and it was in absolute fury about its loss. It had torn elves to pieces in its prime, feasting on their blood before flinging their broken bodies aside for its minions. These times seemed only a mere breath away, and it swore that they would return soon.
For now, it was forced to retreat, its energy too spent to hold its shape much longer. The horse had helped and it had made the most of what the beast had provided - yet elven blood meant so much more! Yet in defeat there was hope.
Not far away the creature could sense its ally, the one that had protected and fed it in its dormant state. It would return to the safety of the waters, merge and feed and grow stronger once more.
Its minions, however, would not be put to rest any more. The entity could sense their hunger echo through the wind-swept woods and he silently blessed their hunt, knowing that the destruction they brought in their wake would weaken the elves. All but one. The one whom it had forbidden them to harm, the one whose body and soul it had chosen as its new shell, taking a sick pleasure in the choice. It was so fitting.
Fate could be cruel, even to elves.
TBC
Another tiny cliffie - not too bad, is it?
Review responses:
D.K.Blackwater: Welcome to the story! You seem to enjoy it even though you are so sorry for all involved - and yes, I can be mean, but I can be really nice, too - honestly!!
Estel Elven Enchantress: Thanks - I am always a bit nervous around both Elrond and Glorfindel - I´m glad you thought them in character! And I hope ff.net continues liking me ;-)
Gozilla: Thank you!!!
Alariel: How do I love your guesses! Hey are very good, really - and you really know your way around the older tales, some of which I had to re-read for this - but as I said, I´m twisting things around a bit.
WhiteWolf1: Yes, Aragorn did need his rest and Legolas is not out of trouble yet (sorry) - but at least there is some hope on the horizon.
NightShadow131: No, not any danger - well, not much - oh well, maybe more than they know at the moment LOL I know I´m evil.
Amy: Yes, poor Legolas. Sorry he did not really have much to do in this chapter, he will be back, I assure you. And as for the horse - no, it was not Asfaloth. The story takes places way before LOTR (never really said that, did I?) But yes, his horse died in the fight.
Anglefire450: Thanks - I´m so glad you break your silence to review! You are so right about me nor being through with them //grin//
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: Thanks, I hope it stays that way!
Tychen: Yes, who might the mysterious presence be? I love your guesses (you and Alariel would make a great team!) You are so right about Legolas needing healing! I really knocked him around a lot this time - but at least he has a lot of people taking care of him now.
Ertia: Hey, glad my timing suited you! And thank you, I enjoy that you enjoy!
Someone Reading: Thank you for pointing out the mistakes - I don´t mind at all. I think I would have to go through older chapters, too //sigh// will do when I find time... I´m happy you like Elrond and Glorfindel as they appear here - they are tough to capture. And they will reveal what they know soon (relatively soon)
And I would love to go to Elvish school with Glorfindel ;-)
Deana: I think Legolas would feel smothered by all the care were he awake - but then again, he really needs it, poor elf
Red Tigress: Is only this month "torture month"? I feel there always is a lot of pain around ;-) especially with Legolas around
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
It´s weekend again- time for some writing! I hope you´ll enjoy this chapter, a few more clues are revealed but far from all...
I would like to thank my reviewers yet again - you are making this so much fun! Writing is fun because of itself, but posting is fun because of you ;-)
Responses below, of course. Please continue to share your thoughts with me.
Now: the new chapter. Enjoy!!
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Try as I might, I cannot turn into Tolkien - he owns the wonderful characters and places I borrow
Dangerous clues
The smell was soothing. Aragorn drew a deep breath, feeling the safety it promised wrap around him like a soft blanket. He could tell that unpleasant memories lingered at the edge of his awareness, and he would have to allow their approach soon, but for the moment he was content in his slightly dizzy state. He knew well enough that athelas meant injury, but the pain that slowly made itself felt across his chest and pounding away in his head was bearable and no match for the knowledge that his family was close. A hand lingered lightly on his chest, away from the wounds, as if making sure he continued breathing. He smiled inwardly. While usually not fond of being hovered over, the guarding presence reassured him more than he could comprehend, and he had no intention of moving away from it.
He could hear a soft elven voice murmuring not far away, and the smell of a fire mingled with that of the healing herb. Its warmth caressed his face with gentle fingers. A horse snorted softly. Rain drummed away, but he was warm and dry. Safe. With a drowsy sigh Aragorn fought himself a little more awake and risked opening his eyes. Very slowly, a cave settled itself around him. He focused on the hand that touched him so protectively with some effort and realized that Elrond was sitting next to him, his back against the stone wall. The elf lord was deeply asleep, his half-closed eyes a mirror of his exhaustion. The jolt of worry the ranger felt at the sight drew him out of his sluggish state of mind. His sharpening eyes searched his foster father for injuries but thankfully he could find none.
The elven voice that had been keeping up a steady stream of words too soft for Aragorn to understand rose slightly over a pained moan. "Sidh, mellon-nin, dinen... " //Peace, my friend, be still...// The soft plea, one the ranger had made himself so many times, sent strands of icy fear over his skin, making him shiver. Immediately, the hand on him tightened slightly and Aragorn forced himself to calm, unwilling to wake Elrond, but it was already too late. The elf lord gazed down into his foster son´s eyes with a searching smile. "Mae govannen, ion-nin" //Well met, my son//, he greeted quietly, "how do you feel?"
Aragorn answered the smile to show that he was well, but he soon broke away from Elrond´s gaze to glance over to his brother. Elrohir had come. He had kept his promise and he was taking care of their friend in his stead. Aragorn felt a stab of guilt at the thought but it was quickly drowned by a warm glow of gratitude. The memories slowly returned and the ranger winced at the knowledge of just how badly Legolas was hurt. A gentle hand caught his face and guided his eyes away from the sorrowful scene.
"Will you not answer me, my son?" Elrond raised an eyebrow, a gesture he had perfected into a very persuading tool, and Aragorn felt himself falter in its wake once more. "I am well, Adar, thank you." Seeing the eyebrow climb even higher he added with a sigh: "As well as the circumstances permit. Is Legolas..." The elf lord silenced him with a tender finger to his lips and then placed one hand lightly on his forehead, the other on his chest. The ranger succumbed to the procedure. He was well aware that he had little other choice and was most likely to get more information by doing so than by protesting. Even so, he stole a sideways look at Elrohir and saw that his brother had managed to quiet Legolas once more, if not completely. The blond elf still breathed heavily and twitched slightly as if caught in a bad dream.
With a small sigh Aragorn allowed his eyes to travel on and was surprised to find a third elf present. Glorfindel crouched at the mouth of the cave, his eyes trained on the darkness outside. One of his hands almost absent-mindedly lingered on the still grey horse behind him, and Aragorn´s heart rose when he saw that Faun was resting more easily, his neck stretched out and his head turned towards the slim hand that lay between his closed eyes. Legolas would take great pleasure from the news that his steed was recovering.
Although the elf warrior´s back was turned to the human, he had no trouble recognising the Balrog slayer. As a boy he had been in awe and even a bit afraid of the other´s commanding presence but with the years he had learnt to see beyond the walls of power and age to discover a warm and caring soul that could be surprisingly mischievous. He valued the older elf like few others, but the thought of a danger great enough to draw both Elrond and Glorfindel from Imladris made him shiver yet again.
"Sidh, ion-nin, ha anmae." //Peace, my son, it is well.// Elrond broke his connection with the human, one hand gracing the young man´s forehead soothingly as he withdrew. "We are guarded as few could pride themselves to be in the wild of night." The comment drew a soft chuckle from the elf at the cave´s mouth and although the answer was spoken in a low voice, even Aragorn could easily understand it. "Aye, is roch dorn tirith gorn." //Yes, this stubborn horse is a mighty guardian.// Glorfindel´s subdued laugher brightened the cave more surely than the fire, and even Aragorn felt himself smiling.
A gasp from his side shattered the lightened mood swiftly. Elrohir had obviously completely missed anything that was going on around him, so intend he was on his charge, and he continued his tender care, not noticing that he was suddenly at the center of attention. "Adar, how bad is he?" Aragorn ´s quiet question made Elrond sigh. He looked at his son with sympathy, but his voice was clear and his words unclouded. "He will live, so the Valar grant it, but his leg will need a lot of care. We will travel to Imladris at first light to reach it within one day, and once there I might be able to save his leg."
The ranger swallowed at the bare facts, even though they did not surprise him. He felt incredibly weary all of a sudden, the weight of the truth too much to bear for his exhausted body and soul. His eyes slid shut without his consent and he struggled to open them again when another pained groan from Legolas broke into his dizzy reverie. He frowned when he failed to force open eyelids that had become too heavy to lift. "Sleep, ion-nin." Elrond´s voice reached him from a great distance. "Collect strength for the challenges the future holds."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The horses stamped their hoofs impatiently, their breath dancing in the chilly air of the early morning. The storm had passed but had left the first touch of winter´s cold fingers behind. Clouds still raced overhead in the lively breeze that ripped more weak leaves off the trees around. The ground was muddy and deep from the heavy rainfalls, great numbers of once cheerfully colorful leaves drowning in the sluggish brown masses. Aragorn shivered and drew closer to Gwaef, pulling his horse´s head towards him for warmth and comfort.
He had awoken stiff and sore but with a clear mind that was only too aware of the hardships ahead. There was little to lighten his mood, except for Faun who had his head up and seemed much improved. Still, there was no possibility for the weak horse to follow them, and the decision was made to leave the recovering stallion behind with Elrond´s steed for company. It pained them all to abandon the wounded animal like that, but despite his usual eagerness to stay close to his master Faun did nothing to show any defiance. His huge eyes were fixed on Legolas´ still form and he seemed to understand the grave urgency that filled the air.
The last remains of a light mood had disappeared with Elrond´s solemn request for hurry even before dawn´s light had been strong enough to make itself known to Aragorn´s human senses. Glorfindel and Elrohir had gone out to ask for the trees´ assistance and had returned with some strong branches that had allowed them to build a litter. It was out of the question to lift Legolas onto a horse in his fragile state. The litter would be carried by the twins´ light steeds who were almost identical in size and gait, being twins themselves. Under ordinary circumstances there would have been quirks made about the resemblance between elves and horses, the topic having developed into a favourite ever since Elrond´s older sons had chosen their mounts. Yet neither elves nor human were in any mood to joke, and the preparations were carried out in oppressing silence.
Legolas had slipped into a sleep so deep it would not even allow him to react to the fever that still raged through him with smothering force. As distressing as his expressions of discomfort had been, Aragorn almost wished them back now. It tore his heart to see his friend so deadly still, beads of sweat silently gliding down his white face. The ranger stepped closer to the litter that was still on the ground while Elrohir prepared the horses, and sank to his knees with a small groan. Gwaef followed his attention and lowered his head to the still elf, but Aragorn brushed him away. The stallion meant no harm, but any misguided nudge could have dire consequences.
Gingerly, as if afraid to break his friend, Aragorn placed one hand on Legolas´ hot forehead and closed his eyes. He was still weak but the urge to offer any assistance possible was too strong to deny. It did not take the ranger long to realize that there was nothing he could do. He withdrew with a sigh. He could have known, Elrond and Elrohir had already given all strength they could spare but to no obvious avail.
"Man raug aphado cen, mellon-nin?" //What demon follows you, me friend?// he asked silently, "man raug harno anlhong?" //What demon hurt you so badly?// He fought the wave of frustration that threatened to overwhelm him and he struggled to his feet, stepping away to make room for his foster father and Glorfindel who approached to pick up the litter and fasten it to the horses. Glrofindel´s eyes darkened in sympathy when they travelled over the worn human, and he grasped his hand for a short reassuring squeeze as he walked past, his soft words just strong enough not to be lost on the man. "Le Estel." //You [are] Estel/hope.// Aragorn turned away to hide a smile he felt to be grim. Sometimes the name Elrond had given him seemed too much to live up to.
Feeling suspiciously useless when the elves busied themselves with the litter, Aragorn stepped towards Faun to say his goodbyes to the horse. He was glad that the wounds had now been dressed, Legolas´ knife safely returned to its scabbard. The stallion lifted his head higher and eyed the ranger with interest. He even moved a bit closer to the human as if seeking his presence. Aragorn softly spoke some encouragement to him, stroking the grey fur, and he felt heartened by the new strength that he could sense in the horse. He would surely survive. Just like his master.
"Ion-nin, telo." //My son, come.// Elrond´s soft call made Aragorn turn. He gave the horse one last pat and made to walk towards the others. Faun nickered and moved again, drawing one hoof out beneath his body in the process. Obviously dislodged by the horse´s movement, a small white object that must have been wedged under the hoof rolled towards the ranger. It made a small clicking sound as it rolled over the hard stone. Intrigued, the man bent down without thinking and picked up what looked like a piece of bone. A claw?
Completely caught by surprise, Aragorn suddenly found himself face to face with a screeching beast whose nature he could not determine. Neither did he care. An immense lust for blood surged through him, a feeling he had never known, not even in the heat of battle. Aragorn was no stranger to the dark forces that were unleashed when death lingered close, but this was something else entirely. This was a wild hunger that went far beyond the need to kill for defence or even revenge. He gasped when white hands that seemed his drew the struggling creature closer, its sharp claws slashing at him ineffectively.
"Serce. Serce-i-nya..." //Blood. My blood...// He did not know where the strange words were coming from, and fear gripped his heart, but then strong hands he knew well were on his shoulders. Dimly, he felt his name being called and then he was ripped away from the dying beast in his hands. The bloodlust lingered over his soul for a heartbeat as if trying to take hold, but then it, too, faded into oblivion.
"Aragorn, edro hin-cin!" //Aragorn, open your eyes!// The command dug into him like a sharp blow and the ranger´s body complied to it before his mind had even understood its meaning. A face drifted into focus above him, keen eyes glaring down into his with almost brutal intensity. Aragorn tried to shy away from the scrutiny, only to meet hard rock behind him and he quickly shut his eyes again, his heart racing.
"I am sorry, my son, I did not mean to scare you." Elrond´s voice was strangely raw. Aragorn felt a gentle hand touch his cheek, trembling slightly, and he cautiously risked another look. His father was still leaning over him, but he had withdrawn enough to keep the ranger from being smothered by his care. Behind him, Elrohir´s features were so exactly mirroring his father´s that Aragorn could not help but smile. He felt light-headed, the way he would after a successful battle, even though he could not remember an attack.
"What happened?" he asked, pushing himself up as he spoke. The world gave a slight lurch but then stilled, much to his relief. He was surprised when it was not his father who answered, but Glorfindel who stood back a bit, beside the horses that bore Legolas. The blond elf thoughtfully played with a leather pouch that was attached to his belt. "You were once again too eager to touch what you did not know", he said, not suppressing the slight scold in his tone, "and as a result you caught a glimpse into the mind of the demon who stole this claw a long time ago."
"A glimpse that thankfully left no mark on you", Elrond added with a frown of his own, "but that was a pure stroke of luck. You should be more careful, ion-nin. I would much prefer to be left with one patient to concentrate on when we reach Imladris." Aragorn was taken aback by the uncharacteristic mixture of sarcasm and anger in his father´s tone, but looking into his strained face he understood and simply nodded. "Forgive me father, I did not think. I swear I will be more careful." A smile that spoke both of relief and amused doubt crossed the elf-lords face. "If that is so, I think we should leave. The less haste we need to make to reach Imladris in light, the better for our charge."
Aragorn drew in a breath, ready to ask one of the swarm of questions that raced through his mind, but a light hand on his arm stopped him. Elrohir shook his head at him. "Alhi, gwador. Dartho." //Not now, brother. Wait.// The ranger sighed, his impatience clear, but he nodded in understanding. He mounted Gwaef and the small group set out into the unpleasant morning, the Last Homely House a comforting presence in their minds.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The entity raged. The small grove around it was smothered by its wrath, dead wood scattered about like rotting bones in the mud. Its strength had severely suffered in the battle with the first-born, and it was in absolute fury about its loss. It had torn elves to pieces in its prime, feasting on their blood before flinging their broken bodies aside for its minions. These times seemed only a mere breath away, and it swore that they would return soon.
For now, it was forced to retreat, its energy too spent to hold its shape much longer. The horse had helped and it had made the most of what the beast had provided - yet elven blood meant so much more! Yet in defeat there was hope.
Not far away the creature could sense its ally, the one that had protected and fed it in its dormant state. It would return to the safety of the waters, merge and feed and grow stronger once more.
Its minions, however, would not be put to rest any more. The entity could sense their hunger echo through the wind-swept woods and he silently blessed their hunt, knowing that the destruction they brought in their wake would weaken the elves. All but one. The one whom it had forbidden them to harm, the one whose body and soul it had chosen as its new shell, taking a sick pleasure in the choice. It was so fitting.
Fate could be cruel, even to elves.
TBC
Another tiny cliffie - not too bad, is it?
Review responses:
D.K.Blackwater: Welcome to the story! You seem to enjoy it even though you are so sorry for all involved - and yes, I can be mean, but I can be really nice, too - honestly!!
Estel Elven Enchantress: Thanks - I am always a bit nervous around both Elrond and Glorfindel - I´m glad you thought them in character! And I hope ff.net continues liking me ;-)
Gozilla: Thank you!!!
Alariel: How do I love your guesses! Hey are very good, really - and you really know your way around the older tales, some of which I had to re-read for this - but as I said, I´m twisting things around a bit.
WhiteWolf1: Yes, Aragorn did need his rest and Legolas is not out of trouble yet (sorry) - but at least there is some hope on the horizon.
NightShadow131: No, not any danger - well, not much - oh well, maybe more than they know at the moment LOL I know I´m evil.
Amy: Yes, poor Legolas. Sorry he did not really have much to do in this chapter, he will be back, I assure you. And as for the horse - no, it was not Asfaloth. The story takes places way before LOTR (never really said that, did I?) But yes, his horse died in the fight.
Anglefire450: Thanks - I´m so glad you break your silence to review! You are so right about me nor being through with them //grin//
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: Thanks, I hope it stays that way!
Tychen: Yes, who might the mysterious presence be? I love your guesses (you and Alariel would make a great team!) You are so right about Legolas needing healing! I really knocked him around a lot this time - but at least he has a lot of people taking care of him now.
Ertia: Hey, glad my timing suited you! And thank you, I enjoy that you enjoy!
Someone Reading: Thank you for pointing out the mistakes - I don´t mind at all. I think I would have to go through older chapters, too //sigh// will do when I find time... I´m happy you like Elrond and Glorfindel as they appear here - they are tough to capture. And they will reveal what they know soon (relatively soon)
And I would love to go to Elvish school with Glorfindel ;-)
Deana: I think Legolas would feel smothered by all the care were he awake - but then again, he really needs it, poor elf
Red Tigress: Is only this month "torture month"? I feel there always is a lot of pain around ;-) especially with Legolas around
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!