Disclaimer: Still the same.
A/N: Thanks so much, you all. I can not believe all the reviews. 205 reviews? Wow! You are all so awesome. I got so many response that I do not believe I can reply to all of you guys. There are some comments at the end of this chapter. Just know that you are all really awesome and I appreciate every comment. I'm so happy you all like Linriel and are happy that she might yet be alive. I was afraid she would be unliked, but everyone seems fine with her. Thanks so much for your comments. This is in Aragorn's POV.
Chapter 14
The Frailty of Life
'Wake me up inside
Wake me inside'
I stared in shock. "What?!" I asked unbelieving. "What do you mean she is still alive?"
Legolas' face was full of excitement. "Gerchen didn't kill her. She is alive, Estel! I know it!"
I placed my hands back on Legolas. "How do you suddenly know this?"
Legolas smiled at me. "Because I can feel her. I can feel her light in my spirit! It was so dim that I had thought her dead, but it has grown stronger. She is alive, Estel!"
I smiled at him as my eyes lit up. I had heard my brothers say the same thing before. Once, when Elladan was lost in the woods and thought killed by orcs, Elrohir had said he could still feel him. Elrohir never gave up searching until Elladan was found. They had such a close bond with one another that they could feel each other's pain and the simple presence of the other. Legolas must share the same with Linriel.
"It is almost dawn, I will search for her then." I told him.
Legolas nodded. "You must find her, Estel. She is extremely weak. You have to help her."
I nodded. "I will find her."
Legolas closed his eyes tightly and drew in a deep breath. "Don't tell Elrohir yet. Just in case something happens."
I nodded my head in understanding.
Legolas sighed and slumped down on the bed. He ran a hand through his tangled blonde tresses and then rubbed his eyes wearily.
"You should rest, my friend." I said gently to him.
Legolas shook his head. "What if I'm just imaging it?" He said as he looked up. "What if I want her to be alive so badly, that my mind is just making things up to make me believe it."
"What does your heart tell you?" I asked.
Legolas was silent for a moment. "It wants to believe that she is alive."
"Then trust that Legolas. Hold on to that hope, and don't let go." I said.
Legolas nodded wearily. Suddenly the bedroom door opened and Legolas and I turned. Elladan walked through the door and silently closed it behind him.
"How is Elrohir?" I asked.
Elladan shrugged. "I do not know. He wished to be alone to compose his thoughts." Elladan looked at Legolas. "How are you holding up, my friend?"
Legolas looked up slightly, still afraid to meet the older twin's eyes. He simply shrugged his shoulders.
Elladan placed a hand on his head and ran it through his hair. "We will make it through." He said. "All of us will."
I swallowed hard. I could see the pain in my brother's face. I knew he would not admit it, but he was grieving as well. I knew he would not cry though, for he wished to be strong for his brother. He wanted to be the strong one for Elrohir to lean on, although inside, his heart was shattered as well.
Elladan turned to look at me. "Elrohir and I have almost solved the mystery of the Karps." He said.
I looked at him.
"That is why we came to see you tonight." Elladan explained. "We found traps in the woods. Traps designed to capture and kill young Karps. Often the young ones will stray from the group. Men have been capturing them and I believe this is why the Karps are angry. They are attacking towns and villages, searching for their children."
"Well, that would explain why the villages are being attacked." I said thoughtfully. I turned back to Legolas. "But we can't worry about that right now. There is something else we must see to first."
Legolas looked at me and nodded.
Elladan looked at us both. "Is there something I don't know?" He asked confused.
Legolas looked up at him and gave him a small smile. "I don't believe Linriel is dead."
Elladan's eyes widened. "But… but you said…you said.."
Legolas raised his hands. "I know what I said. I saw her life fading before my eyes, I saw her eyes close as she passed into darkness, I felt her spirit fade. But it never fully dimmed. She is very weak, but she is alive."
Elladan stared wide-eyed. Suddenly he turned around. "Elrohir must know."
"No, wait!" Legolas and I both said in unison.
Elladan turned to face us before we could speak. "He has to know. I have to ease his pain. Let me tell him."
"Tell me what?" A small, weak voice asked from behind Elladan.
Elladan turned and met the sad eyes of his twin. "Elrohir, I was just going to talk to you."
Elrohir looked over at Legolas. Legolas looked at him for a moment, but lowered his eyes. He was still ashamed to face the younger twin.
"Elrohir, I don't know how to say this," Elladan began. Elrohir stared at him, curiosity and hope in his eyes. "Legolas doesn't think…"
Suddenly someone pounded on my door. "Strider!" Cormir shouted from outside. "Strider wake up!"
I looked to my brothers and ran to the door. "What is it? What's wrong?" I said as I opened the door.
"The Karps are attacking Gerchen's men. He calls for our aid." Cormir said quickly.
I turned around and quickly grabbed my weapons. "Elladan, we might need your help." I said quickly.
Elladan nodded and turned back to face his twin. "Elrohir, Linriel might still be alive."
Elrohir's eyes widened.
"Take Legolas. Go find her." Elladan told his brother.
Elrohir still stared in shock. "She isn't dead?" He asked not comprehending.
Legolas stood. "No, my friend. She is alive. We can still save her."
Elrohir looked up. "Then let's go find her." Elrohir said quickly rushing towards the door.
I grabbed his arm. "Elrohir, wait!" Elrohir turned to look at me.
"Estel, I must find her!"
"You will! You can't just go charging out, though. If you are seen, you could get in big trouble. Gerchen might even try to capture you as a slave." I said.
"It doesn't matter. I have to get to Linriel!" Elrohir yelled.
Elladan stood beside him. "Elrohir, get a hold of yourself. You have to use caution." Elladan yelled gently at his brother.
Elrohir took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I promise to be careful." He glared at me and Elladan, as if to say, 'now let go.'
Elladan and I nodded and I released his arm that I was still holding. Legolas followed him out the door. I quickly turned back to Cormir who was waiting impatiently.
"Let's go." I said quickly.
Cormir and Elladan nodded and we took off down the halls. As we reached the outside, my stomach churned at the sight. Even from the distance, I could see guards fighting in the fields. Slaves and servants were running for their lives. At least fifteen Karps were out near the fields, killing guards, slaves, anyone that came near them.
Gerchen stood on the balcony, shouting at his guards.
"Hold them off! Keep them distracted." He yelled.
I ran to him. "What is going on?" I asked.
Gerchen grinned. "Everything is falling into place. This is perfect. You have performed your job well, Strider."
I stared in shock. "What are you talking about? Your men are being killed!"
"But the Karps are right where we need them. Hamath is bringing the cubs out from the dungeons now so we can capture them." Gerchen replied.
I stared at him, confusion written on my face.
"You mean…" Elladan began, but interrupted himself. "Oh no! This isn't good."
I turned around. "What is it?"
Elladan ignored my question and took off running back inside the house. I ran after him.
"Elladan what is it?" I yelled.
Elladan turned around briefly to look at me, but did not slow his pace. "Gerchen has captured their cubs. That is why the Karps are here. Gerchen is using the cubs as bait. He knew they would come." Elladan explained.
My eyes widened and I quickened my pace. "Where are you going?" I asked, seeing him look around frantically. "The dungeon is this way."
Elladan nodded and followed me. We raced down the steps and began to walk down the dimly lit path of the dungeon.
"They have to be down here somewhere. We need to release the cubs or I fear how the battle will turn. The Karps will stop at nothing to rescue their young, but they are not stupid. They will not easily fall into a trap."
"Why does Gerchen want to capture them?" I asked.
"For profit." Elladan replied. His eyes scanned through the darkness, his senses on high alert. "Did you hear that?"
I shook my head. I strained my ears and I heard a whimpering cry from a baby animal. "I heard that." I said.
Elladan ran towards the sound. He paused as he came to a small cell.
"Hamath, you can't do this." I said as I saw the man in the cell. Hamath had two cubs locked up in small cages.
"You know nothing, Strider. Now out of my way." Hamath commanded as he picked up the cages. The cries of the small animals grew louder.
Elladan stood his ground. "If you try to use these cubs as bait, you will cause more trouble for yourself than you can imagine. The Karps are too smart. They will not fall for your trap."
Hamath glared at Elladan. "Didn't I tell you to get lost? You know nothing, elf. Now move before I make you the bait."
"Hamath let me have the cubs." I said. "The only way out of this is to release the cubs. The Karps will leave when you are no longer a threat to them."
Hamath looked at me and seemed to be considering this for a moment. "Do you think it will work?" He asked as he looked down at the cubs.
Before I could reply, Cormir spoke from behind me. "You have to trust them, Hamath. They know what they are doing."
Hamath looked at him. He nodded his head. "Alright."
He lifted up one of the cages and reached out to hand it to me. Just as I grasped it, however, he shoved me hard. I stumbled and almost fell against the wall. Elladan caught me and steadied me. I looked up just in time to see Hamath trying to make a dash for the door, one cage clutched tightly in his hand. Cormir stood in his way, but before he could react, Hamath plunged a dagger into his stomach.
"Cormir!" I gasped as I regained my balance. I rushed to his side as he fell to the ground.
Elladan looked down at me then took off to catch Hamath. I knelt on the ground and began to look at Cormir's wound. He was gasping for breath, struggling to hold on to life.
"Stay with me, Cormir." I comforted, praying to the Valar that his wound was not serious. Cormir was like a son to me. We had been through so much together. We journeyed together, fought in battles together, and learned together. He was so young and innocent, and so eager to learn. He had his whole life ahead of him. I couldn't lose him now.
"Strider, don't leave me." Cormir gasped with a fearful, weak voice.
"I'm not leaving you. Just hold on."
"I don't want to die." He mumbled.
"You won't!" I said as seriously as I could manage, but doubting myself. "Now I must remove the dagger, before it goes any deeper."
Cormir closed his eyes and nodded.
I placed one hand against his chest to hold him down. With my right hand, I grasped the dagger firmly. I drew in a deep breath and carefully, but quickly removed the knife.
Cormir couldn't keep the scream from his lips. I cringed and muttered, "I'm sorry." Quickly, I covered the wound with cloth from my cloak. I pressed hard to try to stop the bleeding. The wound was deep; however, and I feared internal bleeding.
Cormir drew in a few quick breaths and looked up at me. He swallowed hard, finding it difficult to speak.
"Thank you for everything, my friend." He gasped.
"Don't you dare give up on me, Cormir." I pleaded. I cursed myself for not having brought my pack. I had enough medical supplies in there to stabilize him. Here I had nothing. I could not minimize his pain, nor could I stop the bleeding. There was nothing I could do.
"You must stop…" Cormir swallowed again. "Stop Gerchen."
My breath began to quicken as I panicked. "Don't give in to the darkness, Cormir. Hold on!." I urged.
Cormir drew in another painful, weak breath. He placed his hand over mine and weakly squeezed. "Do not forget me." He murmured.
I squeezed his hand tightly as his head fell limply to the ground. "Cormir!" I yelled. I got no response. Frantically, I searched for a pulse. I drew my hand away numbly, as I found none.
Note to reviewers.
Deana: Yes, you were right. You are a very smart reviewer. I didn't think anyone would realize that I had only said her eyes closed. I'm glad you are liking the story. I hoped you liked this chapter. I will try to update as soon as I can.
Lady of Rivendell78: Yes, Linriel is alive. I know this story is sad and it seems like every time I add something good, I put something bad as well. Ah, well, it should get gradually happier now. Thanks for the review. And yes, stupid Gerchen. I want to kill him so badly. Soon my friend, soon.
Dreaminoflorien: Yep, we are so mean together, but this story has turned out nicely. It is far better than I had planned. Thanks so much for your faithful reviews and for all your help.
Mornflower: Well, you will see more about Linriel and her condition in the next chapter. You don't want her to be dead, huh? Okay, well, she might just stay alive this time. Thanks so much for your reviews.
Sielge: There is always hope, mellon nin. Always hold on to hope. Thanks for your review. Hope you liked this chapter too.
Alia G. L: Yes, she is alive, at least for now. Yes, cliffhangers are evil but so fun to write. Sorry for the cliffhanger at this chapter too. Thanks so much for your reviews.
Astievia: I'm glad you won the bet. Yes, Linriel is still alive, for now. Thanks for the review. Hope you liked this chapter.
Blue Autumn Sky: I'm glad that you are happy that Linriel is alive. I'm sorry that the last chapter and this one took so long to update. My life is really busy right now and I have very little free time to write and post chapters. I'm sorry that it is not sooner for you, but I try my hardest to post whenever possible. I hope to have the next chapter up within the week. Thanks, mellon nin.
Lindhoyland: I'm glad you like Aragorn's devotion to Legolas. That is what I have been trying to portray in my story. Hope you liked this chapter. I hope to have the next one soon. Thanks so much.
Irukapooka: No all hope is not lost. There is always hope, mellon nin. No, I couldn't kill Legolas or Aragorn. I'm not that mean, truly I'm not. I'm so glad you love my story and that you keep watching for me to update. Thanks so much.
EyesLikeSilk: Thanks for the review. Hope you liked this chapter. Sorry it wasn't sooner. I'll try to get the next one up as soon as possible.
SaphireCat: I'm glad you like Linriel and that you are very happy she is still alive. I'm honored that you think I am a great author and that you anxiously await each new chapter. BTW, Happy Birthday to your brother.
MusicDreamer: It seems like everyone really liked Linriel. You all make me feel bad for almost killing her. Yes, it would be sweet if Elrohir and her get married. But you are very right. There is no telling what Gerchen has done to her and what he has planned. Please continue to read and I will update as soon as possible.
Elven Kitten: (Does happy dance with Elven Kitten) Yes, it is good that she is alive. I'm happy about that too. It made me sad when I 'killed' her. Thanks for the review.
Kitsune Kida: Yes, I suppose one would be wise to keep the elves alive. Thanks for you review. And I have no idea what people mean by you have issues. Do we precious? Nos we have no ideas at all. Lol. Thanks again.
The Cap'n: Glad you liked the chapter and that you are happy that she is alive. Hope you liked this chapter as well. Thanks.
Ella-elbereth: I'm glad this cliffe was nicer. Cliffies are mean though, but so much fun to write. Thanks so much for your review.
Kukumalu: Yes, some light in the darkness. (makes a toast to all readers of my story and drinks glass of champagne.) Hannon le, mellon nin. I'm glad you are enjoying my story and eagerly awaiting each chapter.
Aranna Undomiel: I'm glad you liked the surprise at the end. Sorry that this is another cliffhanger and that it was not up sooner. Like I told the others, I will try to update as soon as my busy schedule allows. Thanks so much for your reviews.
Isildwen: Yes, it was a sad chapter, but I did manage to offer a bit of light in the darkness. Sorry that this chapter had some sad parts as well. Hope you liked it though. Thanks so much for your review.
Dark Borg Drone: Here is the next chapter for you. Thanks so much for reviewing. Reviews are much appreciated and treasured.
Aldawen Eldartari: Hmmm… that could have been a very angsty and cruel idea. If I would have said she is alive, but Legolas only meant in spirit. That would have been really cruel to my readers who became so excited to hear that she is alive. Well, I hope this chapter answered some of your questions. More about Linriel will be in the next chapter. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing.
Legolas lover: You can die happy now? Well, I guess that means you liked my chapter. Thanks so much. I hope you will continue to read. I still have a lot in store for our friends.
Okay, well I did end up thanking everyone. You are all so awesome that you deserve a response. Thanks so much. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Like I said, the next one will be up as soon as I can get it ready. There are not too many chapter left and sadly this story will come to a close soon. There are still, however, many things in store for our friends and I do hope you all come back to read more. Thanks so much and remember to review.