I was in a good mood today, so decided to update early! I'm sure you guys won't mind. This is a short chapter, but er… needed. You'll see why.

Thanks for your reviews as always, and replies are below.

Faerlain


ShadowStar21 – Here you go then! Thanks for reviewing.

Tiara Shin – Bounce!

Need I say more?

Yeah, let the boys go shopping together! We went, why shouldn't they? And please keep breathing. Don't pass out BEFPRE the wedding! WE'RE GETTING MARRIED IN 4 DAYS, EEK!!!!!!!!!!

I'm calm.

Thanks for reviewing!

Lothliana – Orcs? Slimy? Probably.

Woo, I get to see you too! That must be the only good thing about school. You get to see your mates! See you then, and thanks for reviewing.

Imma – Hens are cool! Noisy, but cool! I know what you mean about Orcs being mean and corrupted and stuff. But…I don't know. My Orc, (teehee, that sounds funny) is…different. I know that must be the excuse of every author on this site when something they write about isn't exactly true. She is kinda beaten up and dirty, but she has been in the darkness for soooo long…

And you'll see how Legolas recognises her in this chapter. Thanks for reviewing.


Chapter 4: Dago Nin!

We advanced on the wall, growling and yelling. The first ladders were raised into position and we started climbing up them. I was quite a few ranks back, so got out my bow and fired up onto the wall. Others followed me, and we could see men dropping like flies everywhere. Then I spotted something that made me drop the arrow I had just taken out of my quiver. A flash of gold armour.

Elves.

I dropped my bow as well. It sank into the mud, forgotten.

I could not fight. I refused to fight. Not only was my mind screaming at me to stop, turn around, but my heart was also halting me in my tracks. None of the Orcs or Uruk cared. They charged on past me, up the ladders and over the wall. I was pushed and shoved from side to side but I could not keep my eyes off of the glinting gold of the Elven armour. They were Lothlórien Elves, my kin from the South.

I had to get up there.

I ran for the nearest ladder, pushing others out of my way, and started scrambling up it. I kept my body flat and low against the rungs as I progressed, careful not to get hit by any arrows. I reached the top, jumped over, and drew my sword.

There were Men and Elves everywhere. I blocked as many blows as possible, and slew a man. I looked down at him as his soul slipped away. I felt sorry, and prayed again that I would be forgiven.

Goheno nin, goheno nin…

I looked at the surrounding Elves. Yes, they were from Lothlórien alright. Their hair, armour, weapons, features…everything screamed Lórien. I did not hurt them. I parried their aims at me, and ran away as fast as possible to the other end of the wall.

Goheno nin Eru, goheno nin…

I could hear people shouting orders, Men, and Elves screaming as they fell from the wall or were stabbed and shot. Everywhere was the stench of death and destruction. I could see the lust for murder in the Uruk-Hai's eyes, the strength in their swing of the sword, their yearn for blood in their bellows.

I just kept running. All over the wall. I was looking, but I did not what for. I just kept parrying the blows of Men and Elves. But why! I wanted to die; I wanted to be killed. Why then did I protect myself still?

There was then a large Bang! Everyone fell to the floor, covering their heads with their hands. Rocks and dust flew up into the sky, then rained back down on Men, Elves, Orcs, and Uruk-Hai alike. All was silent, then my own army started pouring in through the gap that had been formed in the middle of the wall.

So that was how we were to get inside. Oh well, I was up there already. I stood up and looked around. Some people were still on the floor, having been knocked out by falling rocks and stones. I hurried on; trying to get to the stairs that led down right into where the main battle was now taking place.

Suddenly, I was face-to-face with an Elven arrow. I looked at the owner of said arrow. He wasn't a Lothlórien Elf. He was a Mirkwood Elf. Long blonde hair, dazzling blue eyes, perfect skin, high cheekbones, the narrow but strong shoulders, muscled arms from years of archery. The clothes were typical Mirkwood fare, brown and green, and I could just spy the silver tunic hidden beneath.

"Pen vorn," he spat. (Dark one)

"Connen," I spat back. (My Prince)

He stared at me, surprised. "Na man pâd istach i lam edhellen?" (How do you know Elvish?)

"Edhel," I said simply. (Elf)

"Orch'waur!" he returned, eyes gleaming. His arrow was still drawn. (Dirty Orc!)

I nodded. "Geheno nin," I repeated. "Echedi nin veren, geheno nin Híren." (Forgive me. Please, forgive me my Lord)

"You lie," he hissed, pulling the bowstring taught. "You are no Elf."

If he believed that, then why was he hesitating to shoot me?

I shrugged. "El cúdir vaen. Hebithon antel ned guren. Len hannon. Dago nin. Echedi nin veren. Dago nin." (You are a skilful bowman. I shall treasure your gift in my heart. I thank you. Kill me. Please. Kill me.)

He could only stare at me, the battle around us forgotten. He lowered his bow, confusion overriding his anger. "Avobreston," he replied. (I don't care)

"Dago nin!" I screamed at him. "Echedi nin veren, dago nin!"

Suddenly, there was an Uruk behind him, ready to strike. I unsheathed my sword, and thrust it over the Elf's shoulder. He whirled around to see the Uruk slump to the floor.

"Echedi nin veren?" I tried again, dropping my sword. "Please kill me. Do not hesitate any longer."

"Ech man?" he asked, turning back round. (Who are you?)

"I do not know," I replied. "Just kill me, get it over with."

He hesitated in raising his knife to slit my throat. But the look in my eyes urged him on. I nodded. He was clearly thinking, "This Orc is mad, he thinks he is an Elf. Oh well, one less to deal with. But why am I hesitating so…?"

"Cerithon iestel," he whispered. (I will do your wish)

He raised the blade up to my skin. He was being cautious, in case I had a hidden weapon somewhere. But I did not move, I didn't flinch at all. I said one final thing to him as the knife swept cleanly across my neck.

"Len hannon. Galu." (I thank you. Good luck.)

Then darkness overcame me, and I fell to the floor, all feeling and thoughts gone.


Legolas stared down at the Orc he had just slain. What had all that been about? First he had talked to him in Elvish, said he was an Elf, and then saved the Prince's life!

He turned to walk away, then saw something strange happening. He looked more closely at the Orc. Something was changing about him; he seemed to be…glowing.

The light started at his fingers, then spread up to his face, and down to his abdomen and legs. A light, very faint silver glow. He frowned. Had the Orc been telling the truth after all? Was he really an Elf? Fear spread through him. Had he just killed one of his own kin?

He knelt down beside the glowing figure. Most people were fighting down on the ground now, not on the wall. He was supposed to be there too, but…

As he watched, extraordinary things began to happen. The black skin grew lighter. The armour disappeared, to be replaced by a light blue dress. The body became more slender, the claws turning into fingers and hands. The helmet fell off, and dark hair tumbled down around the shoulders. He saw curves in the body form, and he could just see bare feet poking out from the bottom of the dress.

"Edhel," he whispered. "An man nawech sí?" (Elf. Why are you here?)

The glow grew and grew, till it surrounded both of them in an arc. It was the silver of the moon, and he had to shield his eyes with his hands. When he opened them again, everything was back to normal, and he looked down at the Elf.

Her eyes were closed, her hands clasped across her chest. Her dress was slightly torn in places, and blood seeped out from her side, staining it dark red. There was a livid bruise on her cheek, and he brushed it gently with his fingers. "Tíron." (I see)

He had to get her out of there. But he was needed down in the battle. He was torn between getting the Elf to safety, and protecting his friends.

He lifted her carefully into his arms, and hurried over to the Keep. Men saw him coming and made way for him to pass through. He rushed inside and lay her down on a table. "Look over her," he ordered a guard. "Until I return. Protect her with your life. Do not let anything or anyone touch her. Understand?"

"Yes my Lord," he stammered, then Legolas was gone again, racing back outside to help Aragorn and Gimli.


See, short chapter, but definitely needed. Look forward to your reviews guys.

Faerlain