Hi!
Sorry that this is such a "slow" weekend, only two chapters :) Work can really get in the way of things - but here´s chapter 14.
What can I say to thank my wonderful reviewers?! THANK YOU! Comments are below, please, please keep them coming.
Let´s keep our fingers crossed that our heroes will make it to Rivendell, it´s not that far away, really...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Homeward
The chilly breeze tugged at Aragorn´s cloak as he rode and he shivered, pulling the rough fabric more closely around himself. The hours dragged by and the ranger began to fear that they would not be able to reach Imladris before night fell. Their pace was dictated by the two white steeds that carried the litter Legolas rested on. The animals moved steadily, their strides bearing a unity that made them appear like mirror images of each other. The beasts took their task seriously and it was obvious that they strove to avoid any undue jostling while covering as much ground as possible. Even so, they could not go beyond a brisk walk, and the overcast sky already began to darken.
Ahead of them, Aragorn could make just make out the slim figure of Glorfindel. The older elf had scouted ahead many times, more than once suggesting a slight change in their course without ever offering an explanation. Looks had passed between Elrond and the Balrog slayer that the ranger had not been able to read, and their secrecy was beginning to unnerve him. He knew better than to press matters, however, especially because Elrond had not been inclined to conversation.
The elf lord had taken to securing their small group towards both sides as Glorfindel did up front, repeatedly declining Aragorn´s offer to help. He regularly returned to look after Legolas, and they had stopped twice to give the healer some peace to care for his charge. The ranger had not missed that on both occasions Elrond had offered more than salves, strengthening the still body with as much of his own power as he could spare. The effort had not been made without a prize, and Elrond now moved with a heavier steps than befitted an elf. The human stole another glance at his foster father who stoically marched alongside at some distance, and the worry he felt intensified.
Aragorn had kept Gwaef slightly behind Gloss and Ninim, allowing him to closely watch Legolas for any sign of discomfort. It was disheartening that he had not been able to discern any change in the almost transparent face of his friend. The ranger tried to tell himself that it was good for Legolas not to feel the pain the movement, however gentle, was sure to cause him, but he feared that the lack of response signalled a further weakening in the battered body. The thought scared him, and only his foster father´s stern presence had kept him from simply sweeping the wounded elf onto his horse and rushing off to Imladris.
The wind gripped him again, more forcefully this time as a cold gust rushed past him, followed by another. Elrohir seemed to have registered the change, too. He had been walking beside his horse all day, his watchful eyes alternating between hovering over Legolas and scanning their environment. Now he frowned down at his wounded friend, and apparently seeing something that had escaped the human´s notice he quickly untied his blanket from Gloss´ back and spread it onto the one already securely tucked around the unconscious elf.
"Is he shivering?" Aragorn asked and urged Gwaef forward to reach his brother´s side. His own wounds protested his actions and he could not quite stifle the wince that fought itself past his lips. The world gave a sudden spin but then settled down again. Elrohir glanced up at him, the same scrutinising glare that he had kept trained on his friend now piercing the human. A disapproving scowl flashed over his handsome features when Aragorn attempted a grin, but he contented himself with answering the question. "No, brother, but he should. The fever still burns him and cause him to sweat and as frail as he is, I´m sure the cooler temperatures cause him some discomfort. As they do to you."
Aragorn waved off the concern underlying his brother´s voice and quickly continued speaking in the hope to divert attention from himself. "I fear we may be going too slow. There is still some distance to cover." Elrohir cocked his head and turned his eyes ahead, his gesture very similar to the one Legolas would have made. The dark-haired elf watched silently for a moment, then he turned to the ranger. "I agree." Seeing the urgency on the human´s face he held up a hand to continue undisturbed. "However, much of the darkness that now falls is due to the rain that will soon be upon us. While this change in weather is not favourable for us, true darkness is still some hours off. We should be able to get very close to home before night catches up with us, and I do hope that we will travel safely within our own borders."
Aragorn lifted his own eyes to the sky and let out an annoyed snort when he realized his brother was correct. It made him uncomfortable that he had failed to read weather and time correctly, an ability that usually came as naturally to him as drawing breath. "Don´t berate yourself." The ranger almost flinched when a soft hand touched his leg. Elrond had approached him and he had not noticed. He felt his frown deepen even when his foster father spoke. "You have not recovered from your wounds, Estel. Rest and let us do the work. I assure you that there is a good chance we will reach Imladris with the darkness, or shortly after. Do not worry so."
The ranger answered the smile that the elf lord offered him and allowed Gwaef to fall back behind the white steeds once more, watching idly as the two elves before him brought out yet another blanket that they pulled tight between the two horses´ broad backs to create a makeshift roof. They hoped to shield Legolas from the rain that hung heavily in the chilly air, but Aragorn doubted the efficiency of the small device when yet another blast of wind blew his dark hair into his eyes.
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Sometimes Aragorn despised being correct, and now was such a time. The rain had set in as an uncomfortable drizzle but it quickly changed into a gusty and steady downpour that had them all soaked to the bone. The wind drove the icy drops under the horses´ bellies and the shielding blanket, and there was nothing they could do to protect the wounded elf from the cold onslaught. At first even this new ordeal brought no reaction from Legolas, but as time wore on and the breeze continued to race over his wet skin he became restless.
Elrohir stayed as close as he could, the sound of his soothing words almost too faint for Aragorn to catch, even though he continued to stay close behind. Both Elrond and Glorfindel did not venture far from them anymore, the sight being reduced by the foul weather, but walked slightly ahead to both sides of their group, sharp eyes forever searching.
Thankfully, they had already entered the forest that signalled Imladris was close. They had not yet arrived within the closer boundaries, though, and the terrain could prove treacherous as their path narrowed. Their pace slowed even more now that Gloss and Ninim were forced to pick their way with greater care. Gwaef matched their thoughtful strides, gently rocking his rider in a rhythm that felt calming. Aragorn´s occasional shivers had turned into a constant nuisance and he was exhausted. The cold began to creep into the marrow of his bones, its icy grip forming a steal band around his head that grew more tight the more he tried to ignore it. He attempted to keep his senses alert, intend on making himself useful somehow, but his thoughts often drifted.
Tiredly, Aragorn closed his eyes to give them a short rest and started when a hand gripped his arm. His head shot up and confusion washed over him when he realized that the forest had suddenly grown darker, as if a smothering blanket had been spread overhead. The rain continued to fall. The air smelled of wet earth. Tension rose from the ground like a suffocating fog, winding its tentacles around the confused human. Something moved in the underbrush to his side, and Aragorn´s hand shot for his sword with a strangled cry of alarm. "Dinen, gwador" //Be still, brother// Elrohir hissed at his side, "toltho sigil-cin, alanbruin." //Get your dagger, silently.// The elf glowed lightly in the dark, the whites of his eyes flashing as Aragorn looked down to him.
Elrohir held his sword tightly clutched in the hand that did not grip his brother and his attention was clearly fixed on the dark forest around them. Aragorn slowed his movements, very carefully drawing his dagger. Before him, he could see Elrond and Glorfindel hastily cutting the ropes that held the litter attached, placing it gently on the wet ground. "Man doelio ennas ette?" //What is hiding out there?// the ranger questioned under his breath, fighting hard to get rid of the annoying confusion that clung to his mind with damp fingers. He could not help feeling that in the seemingly short moment he had held his eyes closed he had missed something of great importance.
"Im aliston"//I don´t know// ,came the short reply, "foeg yn anglennar." //Evil creatures draw near.// Aragorn´s attention was redirected when Elrond urgently motioned for him to dismount. He slid off Gwaef´s back and stumbled slightly when he found his legs strangely weak. His head spun. He felt Elrohir´s hand steadying him and behind him Gwaef gave a protesting snort as if unwilling to let his master go. Then Elrond was at his side and helped him on. Aragorn shook his head to clear his vision and immediately regretted it when painful lights exploded in front his eyes. He would have stumbled again but for the elf´s secure grip on him.
"Here, sit down Estel, lean against the tree." Aragorn did as he was told, wondering exactly when he had gone from tired to sick, but this mattered little now. Once seated, the pain in his head abated and he saw that he sat next to Legolas. He started to see his friend lying with his eyes open, staring into the dark, and the ranger instinctively grasped his hand. More movement could be heard around them. Even in his dazed state Aragorn could tell that they being encircled and his heart clenched. He gripped his dagger more tightly. The three remaining elves and their two horses stood protectively in front of the two friends.
For long moments all that could be heard was the wet sound of raindrops hitting the earth. Then there was a growl. It was joined by a second, a third, a forth, the sounds melting together until if felt as if the air itself was threatening them with an assault. Aragorn strained to see but wisely remained seated. He thought he could glimpse a bony white paw break through the brushes, then there was a shout from Glorfindel and all of a sudden light shapes lunged themselves through the darkness.
Swords cut the air with sharp sounds of destruction and growls turned into yelps. There was the unmistakable crush of bones breaking. Aragorn could see Elrohir bring his blade down on a snarling white shape and the snarling stopped. A bony skull of what looked like a wolf rolled from the site of battle with the force of decapitation and hit the startled human´s foot. Empty sockets started blindly at him, seeking him out. He felt his stomach turn at the unnatural display, but could not dwell on it when suddenly his name was called in warning.
"Estel, sigil, sigil!" //Estel, dagger, dagger!// He numbly realized that he had dropped his weapon and quickly groped for it. Before him the defenders were driven apart by the sheer number of ghostlike wolves that engaged them in a deadly dance. The gap was used by a pair of creatures whose hungry sockets bore into the ranger, and he forced himself onto his knees for a slightly better position. He knew he could not stand. The wolves growled deeply, but fear left Aragorn when his mind narrowed on his opponents. His eyes took in bodies that seemed to consist of a white sheets tightly spread over bare bone, and he wondered where to best hit these beasts for maximum effect.
They crouched and he tensed, only vaguely aware that Legolas had his hand on his knee, seeking his attention, but in this moment all the world held for him were the wolves. Time slowed. Movements became sluggish, as if the wolves were pressing towards him against an invisible current. He had time to assess their paths, and he found that he would never be able to dodge and slash at both. One would hit him, would hit them. The beasts collected themselves, but only one made it to jump.
From the corner of his eye, Aragorn had seen Glorfindel turn, swinging his sword in a wide arc that had shattered all wolves around him not quick enough to avoid the gleaming blade, and from the momentum of his one-handed strike a dagger flew, piercing one of the creatures bound for Aragorn clean through the throat. However precise the throw had been, one of the wolves was still free to make for the easiest prey.
The ranger´s dizzy mind cleared with the opponent that was flying towards him, and just before the shape could slam into him he dropped to the ground and stabbed up towards the exposed belly above him. The small blade found its mark and Aragorn held on to it, allowing the beast´s own force behind the jump to rip it open. A strangled yelp was heard and then the wolf came crushing down, never to get up.
The sudden movement had sent sparks flying across Aragorn´s vision and his chest exploded in pain where he had strained his fresh wounds. Dizzily, he told himself to get up onto his knees again. A pounding in his ears grew louder with every shaky breath he took and almost drowned out the new warning that several voices called out to him. He struggled to comply but before he could, a slight weight pushed into him from behind with what sounded like a pained cry and he fell down again. In front of him, two paws of bone appeared and a threatening growl drifted down to him.
His knife was still in his hand, but he found himself unable to lift his arm. The growl deepened and he closed his eyes, anticipating the pain of sharp teeth tearing into him, but instead the air above him whined with the power that cut through it. A deadly thud followed, then another and a third and the paws wavered. Fighting to keep his eyes open, Aragorn found himself facing the wolf´s skull on the ground, several arrows sticking from the hideous beast. He briefly wondered how Legolas had been able to retrieve his bow before a gentle wave of darkness took him.
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Elrohir´s heart still raced in slowly abating panic. He had seen Aragorn kill the wolf that had managed to get past their thinning defences, but it was clear that the human had spent the last strength he had possessed in this kill. He had stayed on the ground, panting heavily, totally unaware of the wolf that had jumped onto Gloss´ back, cutting red lines across it when the beast slithered on the wet fur. The steed had reared in pain and anger, but the wolf had already left her again in a mighty jump that was aimed straight at the ranger´s exposed back.
The younger twin had yelled in anger and frustration. He had allowed the battle to carry him off towards the side, and even though creatures fell before his angrily slicing sword he had had no way to reach his human brother in time, and the same had gone for the two older elves who were desperately trying to reach the ranger.
Only one had been close enough to help, and Legolas had struggled hard to rise. Without any weapon at his disposal, the wounded elf had flung himself across his friend´s back and Elrohir´s fear had risen in the knowledge the Aragorn would never forgive himself should Legolas sacrifice his life for the human - but to the startled twin´s amazement the ghostly wolf had twisted away from them in the air, landing in front of the unmoving friends. There it had remained in tense confusion and hope had flared up in Elrohir.
The racing hoof beats that he had caught moments ago were finally drawing near enough, and he could have shouted in joy when several arrows cut across the scattered battlefield, picking out the remaining wolves with deadly accuracy. The fight ended so quickly that the desperate scenes that had filled his soul with dread mere heartbeats ago seemed like visions from a nightmare.
Regardless of the eerie nature of the opponents that now lay dead, Elrohir raced to his brother´s side, nimbly jumping over the carcasses in his way, to arrive right after his father. Elrond´s face had been grave but it lit up after a swift examination of the two still figures that lay sprawled in front of him. "Sain guinar" //They live//, the elf lord breathed and the darkness seemed to lift around Elrohir even though the rain continued to pour down on them and the empty bones that were scattered over the forest floor.
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The lights of Imladris had hardly ever shone with as much promise of hope and safety as they did for Elrohir this night. He drew Aragorn´s shivering body a little closer and whispered into his ear: "We are home, brother. Soon you shall rest in your own bed without rain or wolves to worry about." He smiled when a silent sigh was his response and the human relaxed in his arms.
But not all was fair in Elrohir´s mind. A shadow crossed his features when he glanced over to Legolas who had once again fallen into an frighteningly deathlike slumber. The horses carrying him were flanked by Elrond, his expression tired and angry. The elves that had come to their assistance, already on their way but spurred on by Ninim whom they had sent to raise the alarm, circled them protectively, the shock of what they had seen still clearly painted out on their still faces.
Behind them, a pyre sent clouds of black smoke curling into the overcast night. Glorfindel had stayed behind with a group of warriors to see to the carcasses´ complete destruction. Even though weary, the Balrog slayer had not allowed anybody else to guard the grim procedure. The sickly smell followed them as they approached the open gates of the Last Homely House, and Elrohir found himself spurring Gloss into a trot in a vain effort to escape it.
Even as the elf entered his home, allowing the relief of safety to wash over him, a mournful wail rose in the distance. The sound wove into the smoke that snaked itself through the unresisting air, its process unhindered by gate or stone.
TBC
Review responses_
Deana: Yes, we are both tough on Legolas ;-)
Amy: You are very welcome. And as for the clues - more to come in the next chapter.
Red Tigress: Well MAYbe I´ll let them live, we´ll see. LOL
Someone Reading: Thank you! But I promise, no spinach-spitting in my story. I´m glad that you are happy with the portrayal of the character. And thanks for pointing out yet another mistake - Gwaef is very thankful that you stopped me from making him seem aggressive :)
NighShadow131: Aren´t we all evil in a way? And there certainly is more trouble on the way - but first some healing and research are called for
Lirenel: Balrogs? No idea where they come from. LOL But there were more things than Balrogs around in the first age...
Tychen: Hehehe, I hope I can keep you "hooked". And a demon-hunter really would come in very handy at the moment, let´s see whether we can find one.
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: I cannot quit, even if I wanted too :) Thanks!
Ertia: More coming for you, of course. And the guesses really are great - but they are still guesses
Alexa: Actually, your wish may come true. The idea that this story comes from is simply too much to put into just one plot, so there will be more. As for the length of the chapters - I´m afraid you´ll have to live with this. It seems like a very "natural" length to me, it just suits my rhythm of writing, I guess. And Legolas walking? Not any time soon, but there are ways to compensate (at least a little).
Beling: Thank you! I´m happy I could surprise you!
Thank you all again- your reviews make my day.
Sorry that this is such a "slow" weekend, only two chapters :) Work can really get in the way of things - but here´s chapter 14.
What can I say to thank my wonderful reviewers?! THANK YOU! Comments are below, please, please keep them coming.
Let´s keep our fingers crossed that our heroes will make it to Rivendell, it´s not that far away, really...
Alinah
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: Not mine
Homeward
The chilly breeze tugged at Aragorn´s cloak as he rode and he shivered, pulling the rough fabric more closely around himself. The hours dragged by and the ranger began to fear that they would not be able to reach Imladris before night fell. Their pace was dictated by the two white steeds that carried the litter Legolas rested on. The animals moved steadily, their strides bearing a unity that made them appear like mirror images of each other. The beasts took their task seriously and it was obvious that they strove to avoid any undue jostling while covering as much ground as possible. Even so, they could not go beyond a brisk walk, and the overcast sky already began to darken.
Ahead of them, Aragorn could make just make out the slim figure of Glorfindel. The older elf had scouted ahead many times, more than once suggesting a slight change in their course without ever offering an explanation. Looks had passed between Elrond and the Balrog slayer that the ranger had not been able to read, and their secrecy was beginning to unnerve him. He knew better than to press matters, however, especially because Elrond had not been inclined to conversation.
The elf lord had taken to securing their small group towards both sides as Glorfindel did up front, repeatedly declining Aragorn´s offer to help. He regularly returned to look after Legolas, and they had stopped twice to give the healer some peace to care for his charge. The ranger had not missed that on both occasions Elrond had offered more than salves, strengthening the still body with as much of his own power as he could spare. The effort had not been made without a prize, and Elrond now moved with a heavier steps than befitted an elf. The human stole another glance at his foster father who stoically marched alongside at some distance, and the worry he felt intensified.
Aragorn had kept Gwaef slightly behind Gloss and Ninim, allowing him to closely watch Legolas for any sign of discomfort. It was disheartening that he had not been able to discern any change in the almost transparent face of his friend. The ranger tried to tell himself that it was good for Legolas not to feel the pain the movement, however gentle, was sure to cause him, but he feared that the lack of response signalled a further weakening in the battered body. The thought scared him, and only his foster father´s stern presence had kept him from simply sweeping the wounded elf onto his horse and rushing off to Imladris.
The wind gripped him again, more forcefully this time as a cold gust rushed past him, followed by another. Elrohir seemed to have registered the change, too. He had been walking beside his horse all day, his watchful eyes alternating between hovering over Legolas and scanning their environment. Now he frowned down at his wounded friend, and apparently seeing something that had escaped the human´s notice he quickly untied his blanket from Gloss´ back and spread it onto the one already securely tucked around the unconscious elf.
"Is he shivering?" Aragorn asked and urged Gwaef forward to reach his brother´s side. His own wounds protested his actions and he could not quite stifle the wince that fought itself past his lips. The world gave a sudden spin but then settled down again. Elrohir glanced up at him, the same scrutinising glare that he had kept trained on his friend now piercing the human. A disapproving scowl flashed over his handsome features when Aragorn attempted a grin, but he contented himself with answering the question. "No, brother, but he should. The fever still burns him and cause him to sweat and as frail as he is, I´m sure the cooler temperatures cause him some discomfort. As they do to you."
Aragorn waved off the concern underlying his brother´s voice and quickly continued speaking in the hope to divert attention from himself. "I fear we may be going too slow. There is still some distance to cover." Elrohir cocked his head and turned his eyes ahead, his gesture very similar to the one Legolas would have made. The dark-haired elf watched silently for a moment, then he turned to the ranger. "I agree." Seeing the urgency on the human´s face he held up a hand to continue undisturbed. "However, much of the darkness that now falls is due to the rain that will soon be upon us. While this change in weather is not favourable for us, true darkness is still some hours off. We should be able to get very close to home before night catches up with us, and I do hope that we will travel safely within our own borders."
Aragorn lifted his own eyes to the sky and let out an annoyed snort when he realized his brother was correct. It made him uncomfortable that he had failed to read weather and time correctly, an ability that usually came as naturally to him as drawing breath. "Don´t berate yourself." The ranger almost flinched when a soft hand touched his leg. Elrond had approached him and he had not noticed. He felt his frown deepen even when his foster father spoke. "You have not recovered from your wounds, Estel. Rest and let us do the work. I assure you that there is a good chance we will reach Imladris with the darkness, or shortly after. Do not worry so."
The ranger answered the smile that the elf lord offered him and allowed Gwaef to fall back behind the white steeds once more, watching idly as the two elves before him brought out yet another blanket that they pulled tight between the two horses´ broad backs to create a makeshift roof. They hoped to shield Legolas from the rain that hung heavily in the chilly air, but Aragorn doubted the efficiency of the small device when yet another blast of wind blew his dark hair into his eyes.
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Sometimes Aragorn despised being correct, and now was such a time. The rain had set in as an uncomfortable drizzle but it quickly changed into a gusty and steady downpour that had them all soaked to the bone. The wind drove the icy drops under the horses´ bellies and the shielding blanket, and there was nothing they could do to protect the wounded elf from the cold onslaught. At first even this new ordeal brought no reaction from Legolas, but as time wore on and the breeze continued to race over his wet skin he became restless.
Elrohir stayed as close as he could, the sound of his soothing words almost too faint for Aragorn to catch, even though he continued to stay close behind. Both Elrond and Glorfindel did not venture far from them anymore, the sight being reduced by the foul weather, but walked slightly ahead to both sides of their group, sharp eyes forever searching.
Thankfully, they had already entered the forest that signalled Imladris was close. They had not yet arrived within the closer boundaries, though, and the terrain could prove treacherous as their path narrowed. Their pace slowed even more now that Gloss and Ninim were forced to pick their way with greater care. Gwaef matched their thoughtful strides, gently rocking his rider in a rhythm that felt calming. Aragorn´s occasional shivers had turned into a constant nuisance and he was exhausted. The cold began to creep into the marrow of his bones, its icy grip forming a steal band around his head that grew more tight the more he tried to ignore it. He attempted to keep his senses alert, intend on making himself useful somehow, but his thoughts often drifted.
Tiredly, Aragorn closed his eyes to give them a short rest and started when a hand gripped his arm. His head shot up and confusion washed over him when he realized that the forest had suddenly grown darker, as if a smothering blanket had been spread overhead. The rain continued to fall. The air smelled of wet earth. Tension rose from the ground like a suffocating fog, winding its tentacles around the confused human. Something moved in the underbrush to his side, and Aragorn´s hand shot for his sword with a strangled cry of alarm. "Dinen, gwador" //Be still, brother// Elrohir hissed at his side, "toltho sigil-cin, alanbruin." //Get your dagger, silently.// The elf glowed lightly in the dark, the whites of his eyes flashing as Aragorn looked down to him.
Elrohir held his sword tightly clutched in the hand that did not grip his brother and his attention was clearly fixed on the dark forest around them. Aragorn slowed his movements, very carefully drawing his dagger. Before him, he could see Elrond and Glorfindel hastily cutting the ropes that held the litter attached, placing it gently on the wet ground. "Man doelio ennas ette?" //What is hiding out there?// the ranger questioned under his breath, fighting hard to get rid of the annoying confusion that clung to his mind with damp fingers. He could not help feeling that in the seemingly short moment he had held his eyes closed he had missed something of great importance.
"Im aliston"//I don´t know// ,came the short reply, "foeg yn anglennar." //Evil creatures draw near.// Aragorn´s attention was redirected when Elrond urgently motioned for him to dismount. He slid off Gwaef´s back and stumbled slightly when he found his legs strangely weak. His head spun. He felt Elrohir´s hand steadying him and behind him Gwaef gave a protesting snort as if unwilling to let his master go. Then Elrond was at his side and helped him on. Aragorn shook his head to clear his vision and immediately regretted it when painful lights exploded in front his eyes. He would have stumbled again but for the elf´s secure grip on him.
"Here, sit down Estel, lean against the tree." Aragorn did as he was told, wondering exactly when he had gone from tired to sick, but this mattered little now. Once seated, the pain in his head abated and he saw that he sat next to Legolas. He started to see his friend lying with his eyes open, staring into the dark, and the ranger instinctively grasped his hand. More movement could be heard around them. Even in his dazed state Aragorn could tell that they being encircled and his heart clenched. He gripped his dagger more tightly. The three remaining elves and their two horses stood protectively in front of the two friends.
For long moments all that could be heard was the wet sound of raindrops hitting the earth. Then there was a growl. It was joined by a second, a third, a forth, the sounds melting together until if felt as if the air itself was threatening them with an assault. Aragorn strained to see but wisely remained seated. He thought he could glimpse a bony white paw break through the brushes, then there was a shout from Glorfindel and all of a sudden light shapes lunged themselves through the darkness.
Swords cut the air with sharp sounds of destruction and growls turned into yelps. There was the unmistakable crush of bones breaking. Aragorn could see Elrohir bring his blade down on a snarling white shape and the snarling stopped. A bony skull of what looked like a wolf rolled from the site of battle with the force of decapitation and hit the startled human´s foot. Empty sockets started blindly at him, seeking him out. He felt his stomach turn at the unnatural display, but could not dwell on it when suddenly his name was called in warning.
"Estel, sigil, sigil!" //Estel, dagger, dagger!// He numbly realized that he had dropped his weapon and quickly groped for it. Before him the defenders were driven apart by the sheer number of ghostlike wolves that engaged them in a deadly dance. The gap was used by a pair of creatures whose hungry sockets bore into the ranger, and he forced himself onto his knees for a slightly better position. He knew he could not stand. The wolves growled deeply, but fear left Aragorn when his mind narrowed on his opponents. His eyes took in bodies that seemed to consist of a white sheets tightly spread over bare bone, and he wondered where to best hit these beasts for maximum effect.
They crouched and he tensed, only vaguely aware that Legolas had his hand on his knee, seeking his attention, but in this moment all the world held for him were the wolves. Time slowed. Movements became sluggish, as if the wolves were pressing towards him against an invisible current. He had time to assess their paths, and he found that he would never be able to dodge and slash at both. One would hit him, would hit them. The beasts collected themselves, but only one made it to jump.
From the corner of his eye, Aragorn had seen Glorfindel turn, swinging his sword in a wide arc that had shattered all wolves around him not quick enough to avoid the gleaming blade, and from the momentum of his one-handed strike a dagger flew, piercing one of the creatures bound for Aragorn clean through the throat. However precise the throw had been, one of the wolves was still free to make for the easiest prey.
The ranger´s dizzy mind cleared with the opponent that was flying towards him, and just before the shape could slam into him he dropped to the ground and stabbed up towards the exposed belly above him. The small blade found its mark and Aragorn held on to it, allowing the beast´s own force behind the jump to rip it open. A strangled yelp was heard and then the wolf came crushing down, never to get up.
The sudden movement had sent sparks flying across Aragorn´s vision and his chest exploded in pain where he had strained his fresh wounds. Dizzily, he told himself to get up onto his knees again. A pounding in his ears grew louder with every shaky breath he took and almost drowned out the new warning that several voices called out to him. He struggled to comply but before he could, a slight weight pushed into him from behind with what sounded like a pained cry and he fell down again. In front of him, two paws of bone appeared and a threatening growl drifted down to him.
His knife was still in his hand, but he found himself unable to lift his arm. The growl deepened and he closed his eyes, anticipating the pain of sharp teeth tearing into him, but instead the air above him whined with the power that cut through it. A deadly thud followed, then another and a third and the paws wavered. Fighting to keep his eyes open, Aragorn found himself facing the wolf´s skull on the ground, several arrows sticking from the hideous beast. He briefly wondered how Legolas had been able to retrieve his bow before a gentle wave of darkness took him.
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Elrohir´s heart still raced in slowly abating panic. He had seen Aragorn kill the wolf that had managed to get past their thinning defences, but it was clear that the human had spent the last strength he had possessed in this kill. He had stayed on the ground, panting heavily, totally unaware of the wolf that had jumped onto Gloss´ back, cutting red lines across it when the beast slithered on the wet fur. The steed had reared in pain and anger, but the wolf had already left her again in a mighty jump that was aimed straight at the ranger´s exposed back.
The younger twin had yelled in anger and frustration. He had allowed the battle to carry him off towards the side, and even though creatures fell before his angrily slicing sword he had had no way to reach his human brother in time, and the same had gone for the two older elves who were desperately trying to reach the ranger.
Only one had been close enough to help, and Legolas had struggled hard to rise. Without any weapon at his disposal, the wounded elf had flung himself across his friend´s back and Elrohir´s fear had risen in the knowledge the Aragorn would never forgive himself should Legolas sacrifice his life for the human - but to the startled twin´s amazement the ghostly wolf had twisted away from them in the air, landing in front of the unmoving friends. There it had remained in tense confusion and hope had flared up in Elrohir.
The racing hoof beats that he had caught moments ago were finally drawing near enough, and he could have shouted in joy when several arrows cut across the scattered battlefield, picking out the remaining wolves with deadly accuracy. The fight ended so quickly that the desperate scenes that had filled his soul with dread mere heartbeats ago seemed like visions from a nightmare.
Regardless of the eerie nature of the opponents that now lay dead, Elrohir raced to his brother´s side, nimbly jumping over the carcasses in his way, to arrive right after his father. Elrond´s face had been grave but it lit up after a swift examination of the two still figures that lay sprawled in front of him. "Sain guinar" //They live//, the elf lord breathed and the darkness seemed to lift around Elrohir even though the rain continued to pour down on them and the empty bones that were scattered over the forest floor.
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The lights of Imladris had hardly ever shone with as much promise of hope and safety as they did for Elrohir this night. He drew Aragorn´s shivering body a little closer and whispered into his ear: "We are home, brother. Soon you shall rest in your own bed without rain or wolves to worry about." He smiled when a silent sigh was his response and the human relaxed in his arms.
But not all was fair in Elrohir´s mind. A shadow crossed his features when he glanced over to Legolas who had once again fallen into an frighteningly deathlike slumber. The horses carrying him were flanked by Elrond, his expression tired and angry. The elves that had come to their assistance, already on their way but spurred on by Ninim whom they had sent to raise the alarm, circled them protectively, the shock of what they had seen still clearly painted out on their still faces.
Behind them, a pyre sent clouds of black smoke curling into the overcast night. Glorfindel had stayed behind with a group of warriors to see to the carcasses´ complete destruction. Even though weary, the Balrog slayer had not allowed anybody else to guard the grim procedure. The sickly smell followed them as they approached the open gates of the Last Homely House, and Elrohir found himself spurring Gloss into a trot in a vain effort to escape it.
Even as the elf entered his home, allowing the relief of safety to wash over him, a mournful wail rose in the distance. The sound wove into the smoke that snaked itself through the unresisting air, its process unhindered by gate or stone.
TBC
Review responses_
Deana: Yes, we are both tough on Legolas ;-)
Amy: You are very welcome. And as for the clues - more to come in the next chapter.
Red Tigress: Well MAYbe I´ll let them live, we´ll see. LOL
Someone Reading: Thank you! But I promise, no spinach-spitting in my story. I´m glad that you are happy with the portrayal of the character. And thanks for pointing out yet another mistake - Gwaef is very thankful that you stopped me from making him seem aggressive :)
NighShadow131: Aren´t we all evil in a way? And there certainly is more trouble on the way - but first some healing and research are called for
Lirenel: Balrogs? No idea where they come from. LOL But there were more things than Balrogs around in the first age...
Tychen: Hehehe, I hope I can keep you "hooked". And a demon-hunter really would come in very handy at the moment, let´s see whether we can find one.
Candidus-lupus-full Moon: I cannot quit, even if I wanted too :) Thanks!
Ertia: More coming for you, of course. And the guesses really are great - but they are still guesses
Alexa: Actually, your wish may come true. The idea that this story comes from is simply too much to put into just one plot, so there will be more. As for the length of the chapters - I´m afraid you´ll have to live with this. It seems like a very "natural" length to me, it just suits my rhythm of writing, I guess. And Legolas walking? Not any time soon, but there are ways to compensate (at least a little).
Beling: Thank you! I´m happy I could surprise you!
Thank you all again- your reviews make my day.