A/N1: My thanks to Master Sparrow, the "Top Gun" of his species, for giving me the idea for the attack of the flying foxes. Master Sparrow, wherever you are, I had never seen a sparrow or any other bird for that matter, do barrel rolls then dip and turn like you did when you were trying to catch that bug. You were truly poetry in motion.
A/N2: Of the 160 species of fruit bats, 60 of the larger species make up the flying foxes, the largest of which has a wing span reaching five feet. Fruit bats, including the flying foxes, rely on a keen sense of sight and smell to locate their food unlike other species of bats who rely on echolocation. The Samoans call the flying foxes "manu lagi" or "animals of the heavens." In Sindarin, that would translate as Levan Uin Menelath.
A/N3: There is a reference to: Black Rider, Chapter 23, Despair
Chapter 6
Animals of the Heavens
There was a strong wind blowing around the perimeter of Imladris. Like many of the storms that would occasionally frequent the region, this one, too, seemed reluctant to cross over into the land of the elves although it held no such reservations about standing at the realm's borders, howling in fury. Though the Last Homely House no longer creaked and groaned, it could almost be felt as if it drew in upon itself in an attempt to shield those in its charge, within its walls.
The sons of Elrond and the Prince of Mirkwood were relaxing in the Hall of Fire with a glass of fine wine. Elrond and his guests, the Lord and Lady of Lórien, were relaxing in the Sitting Room and Anayah and the four elves of her new escort were in the kitchen where Anayah was demonstrating what, in her opinion, was one the best skills the elves had ever mastered - sandwich making. Fierce though they might be in battle, the four Thurin Tirith warriors were learning their "new" skills and applying them with much enthusiasm to freshly baked breads and cold roast venison. Elurin, Master of the Kitchen, sensing that this was a "getting-acquainted" gathering, had discreetly left.
The atmosphere throughout the house was relaxed. That is, it was relaxed until the first scream was heard. Everyone paused what they were doing.
"It's coming from the Hall of Fire." Anayah immediately started looking for a way out of the kitchen and when she saw that the only passage to the door was crowded if not blocked not only by guests and elves but by her four guards as well, she instinctively took the only other route available - over the top of the table then through the door.
"She's quick." Súrion took a bite out of his sandwich before he and the other three ran after the disappearing she-elf.
When she reached the Hall of Fire, Anayah paused, not prepared for the chaos she encountered in a room known only for its peace and tranquility. At first, her eyes had sought out evidence of intruders - and found none but when a frightened elf screamed and pointed toward the high vaulted ceilings, she looked upwards and saw three Levan Uin Menelath, Animals Of The Heavens, also known simply as Great Bats, circling high overhead. The giant bats dove at the running and screaming Elves beneath them, clawing all who were not quick enough to dodge out of their way.
She quickly concluded that swords and arrows would be useless, for as quick as the creatures were, it was doubtful if even the Mirkwood Prince could have shot one down.
Glorfindel and Erestor were busy trying to evacuate the panicking elves, Elrond, who had arrived soon after the first scream was standing protectively in front of Amrûn with Legolas at his side, while Elladan and Elrohir hovered protectively over Ninniach.
Grabbing the arm of the guard called Semoro, she ran to the front door, threw it open and gave a shrill piercing whistle, then after turning back to the puzzled elf, she explained.
"I have called for my falcon, Shakir. After he enters the Hall, I want you to close the door behind him." Not waiting for the elf to respond, she sprinted back toward the bedlam.
After again reaching the Hall, she stopped dead in her tracks, her heart hammering in her chest when she saw that one of the large creatures had landed on the couch and was advancing on Aragorn where he sat frozen in place, a panicked look in his eyes. Her heart almost broke for her brother, for she knew what it was that had frozen him so - she knew he was remembering the rats. (See A/N 3.)
"Súrion, you and Saeros help Lord Glorfindel get the rest of these elves out of here."
Then after grabbing the dagger from her biceps sheath, she sprinted toward her brother. The Great Bat had locked eyes with the terrified human and was creeping ever closer to him, wings aggressively spread wide and hissing as it advanced. Jumping over a low table in front of the couch on which her brother sat, and using both hands, she plunged the ceremonial dagger into the back of the creature's neck and pinned its twitching body to the couch beneath it.
Even though the creature was dead, Aragorn still could not take his eyes off of it. She knelt beside him, wrapping her arms around his trembling body, and though it would have been better to try to get him out of the hall all together, he would not move, even for her, and in fact, did not even seem to notice that she was there beside him at all.
Gently she placed a hand over his eyes so that he would not be able to see the dead creature in front of him while she gently rocked him and whispered in his ear.
"Im sí muindor-nín. Cara ú del. Im sí." (I am here my brother. Do not fear. I am here.)
At that moment a scream of another sort was heard, a scream of defiance, then Shakir, no more than a black blur, streaked into the room from outside, screaming as he flew. He had come quickly, for he had sensed the urgency in his Lady's voice when she had called to him, and he knew that somewhere inside the house where she lived, there was work to be done.
After the falcon entered the Hall, Anayah gave a short whistle after which he slowed his flight and circled over her, awaiting his next command. Raising a closed fist in the direction of the Levan Uin Menelath, then giving three short whistles, she suddenly opened her fist. It was the signal the falcon was waiting for - it was his call to war - and he obligingly took up that call.
Circling the Hall once more to gain momentum, the black falcon flew directly at the two creatures as they continued to circle near the top of the vaulted ceiling. As he neared them, he elevated his flight path slightly, dropped his legs and extended his razor-sharp talons, then, as he passed over the top of the two, he sliced through flesh to the bone of the one nearest him. It screamed as it dropped away, spiraling slowly as it neared the ground until finally, after regaining its flight ability, rose slowly toward the ceiling. Banking hard, Shakir turned in midair and came back for the second creature and even though the Great Bat attempted to defend itself with fang and claw, the falcon evaded the attack, rolling over in midair, effectively taking away the creature's target. The bat shrieked in frustration and banked away.
The wounded Levan Uin Menelath searched beneath it for an easier target and seeing the one its mate had sought was now protected by another it decided that the second being would be where it would now direct its attack.
Anayah saw it coming and curled her body protectively around her still unresponsive brother while, from across the room, Rahan, Captain of her guard, guessed its intent and sprinted toward his new charge and the human she was protecting. Though he was extremely fast, even by Elven standards, he could not get to her before the creature had buried its claws in her unprotected back and its fangs in her neck.
When he finally reached her side, he grabbed the creature by the legs with one hand and with the other forced it to release its hold on her neck. As it withdrew its fangs, it twisted its head around and bit the elf restraining it on the hand, forcing him to release his hold on it. Quickly it rose from the two elves and the human and raced back to its partner to rejoin the fight against the falcon.
Rahan stood protectively over the human and Anayah who was still curled protectively around her brother. The fangs of the creature had opened a wound dangerously close to the main artery in her neck and the big captain did the only thing he could until it would be safe to move her - he clamped his hand over the wound, applying pressure to stop the bleeding.
Overhead, the aerial battle continued and those who remained in the hall watched in fascination as the falcon fought valiantly. Shakir dipped, banked, rolled and stooped as he slowly but surely cut the creatures' backs, wings and bellies to bloody ribbons. He never gave up, never slowed and never stopped, shrieking at the hissing creatures as he attacked them - again and again. Though at four feet his wingspan was a foot shorter than those of the two creatures he fought, he was quicker, and now his own instinctive skills plus the training he had received stood him in good stead as first one creature fell, with the second following soon after. At long last, the battle was over.
Shakir called to his Lady and continued to circle over her, waiting for an answer - for his next command. It was Elladan who finally called the falcon to rest, using the command whistles that Anayah had been teaching all of them to use.
After making sure that Ninniach and Amrûn were safe and uninjured, Elrond and the twins ran to Anayah and Aragorn and became extremely concerned when they saw that there was blood everywhere. Rahan's hands were covered with it as was the front of Anayah and also Aragorn onto whom the blood had fallen.
"She is bleeding to death for I fear the creature's fangs have nicked an artery. We must get her to the Healing Wing immediately. Captain Rahan, I would appreciate it if you would please continue to apply pressure on the wound, even after we begin to move her."
Unfortunately, neither Elrond nor his sons could get the now unconscious elf to release her hold on her brother who had also gone into shock and had lost consciousness. All of them knew they had to do something quickly before they lost Anayah as her face was beginning to take on more of a grey pallor as blood continued to seep from under Rahan's fingers. All who saw this grew increasingly frustrated for they knew that if they could not get her to release the grip she had on Aragorn that she would quickly bleed to death.
It was Legolas who came up with the solution. He walked up to the frustrated elves.
"May I?"
"Please Legolas, if there is anything you can do I would appreciate it if you would try," Lord Elrond said. "We do not have much time left."
"Anayah I am truly sorry for doing this and I hope you can forgive me." Quickly finding the correct pressure point between jaw and ear, Legolas applied a quick pressure and with a sigh, she finally released the death grip she had on her brother and relaxed.
Scooping his foster-daughter up in his arms and with Rahan still applying pressure, Lord Elrond quickly headed for the Healing Wing. Behind him, Elladan did the same with his little brother.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Anayah had not regained consciousness for several hours. When Lord Elrond finally told her what had happened, she had been mortified that she had fainted. Then she divulged a secret to the healer that she had never told anyone before - that she was afraid of things flying around her head - with Shakir being the only exception to that fear and attesting to the trust each had in the other.
She had lost a lot of blood before the wounded artery could be artfully stitched and as a result, had suffered from weakness for some time after. Then there had been the unnatural cravings for organ meats, heart and liver. Elrond had told her that though she was replenishing the fluids her body had lost, her cravings were nothing more than her body telling her that it also needed to replenish certain vitamins that had been lost with the blood.
Aragorn had been treated for shock and when he woke, had been totally embarrassed about freezing at the sight of what he called "a little bat." He knew that he would have to work on his fear but as he looked over at the pale face of his sister who lay in the adjacent bed in the Healing Wing, he knew that he would not be alone in his efforts.
TBC
Arwen721: Thanks for the Review! I am letting my characters stretch a little bit in this story so there will be quite a few new things for them to do and experience - plus the regular assortment of bad guys!
DesolateAznVamp: Yes, the Thurin Tirith are mine. Think of them as the Special Forces of the Elf World - Bad guys beware! Hope you like this chapter!
A/N2: Of the 160 species of fruit bats, 60 of the larger species make up the flying foxes, the largest of which has a wing span reaching five feet. Fruit bats, including the flying foxes, rely on a keen sense of sight and smell to locate their food unlike other species of bats who rely on echolocation. The Samoans call the flying foxes "manu lagi" or "animals of the heavens." In Sindarin, that would translate as Levan Uin Menelath.
A/N3: There is a reference to: Black Rider, Chapter 23, Despair
Chapter 6
Animals of the Heavens
There was a strong wind blowing around the perimeter of Imladris. Like many of the storms that would occasionally frequent the region, this one, too, seemed reluctant to cross over into the land of the elves although it held no such reservations about standing at the realm's borders, howling in fury. Though the Last Homely House no longer creaked and groaned, it could almost be felt as if it drew in upon itself in an attempt to shield those in its charge, within its walls.
The sons of Elrond and the Prince of Mirkwood were relaxing in the Hall of Fire with a glass of fine wine. Elrond and his guests, the Lord and Lady of Lórien, were relaxing in the Sitting Room and Anayah and the four elves of her new escort were in the kitchen where Anayah was demonstrating what, in her opinion, was one the best skills the elves had ever mastered - sandwich making. Fierce though they might be in battle, the four Thurin Tirith warriors were learning their "new" skills and applying them with much enthusiasm to freshly baked breads and cold roast venison. Elurin, Master of the Kitchen, sensing that this was a "getting-acquainted" gathering, had discreetly left.
The atmosphere throughout the house was relaxed. That is, it was relaxed until the first scream was heard. Everyone paused what they were doing.
"It's coming from the Hall of Fire." Anayah immediately started looking for a way out of the kitchen and when she saw that the only passage to the door was crowded if not blocked not only by guests and elves but by her four guards as well, she instinctively took the only other route available - over the top of the table then through the door.
"She's quick." Súrion took a bite out of his sandwich before he and the other three ran after the disappearing she-elf.
When she reached the Hall of Fire, Anayah paused, not prepared for the chaos she encountered in a room known only for its peace and tranquility. At first, her eyes had sought out evidence of intruders - and found none but when a frightened elf screamed and pointed toward the high vaulted ceilings, she looked upwards and saw three Levan Uin Menelath, Animals Of The Heavens, also known simply as Great Bats, circling high overhead. The giant bats dove at the running and screaming Elves beneath them, clawing all who were not quick enough to dodge out of their way.
She quickly concluded that swords and arrows would be useless, for as quick as the creatures were, it was doubtful if even the Mirkwood Prince could have shot one down.
Glorfindel and Erestor were busy trying to evacuate the panicking elves, Elrond, who had arrived soon after the first scream was standing protectively in front of Amrûn with Legolas at his side, while Elladan and Elrohir hovered protectively over Ninniach.
Grabbing the arm of the guard called Semoro, she ran to the front door, threw it open and gave a shrill piercing whistle, then after turning back to the puzzled elf, she explained.
"I have called for my falcon, Shakir. After he enters the Hall, I want you to close the door behind him." Not waiting for the elf to respond, she sprinted back toward the bedlam.
After again reaching the Hall, she stopped dead in her tracks, her heart hammering in her chest when she saw that one of the large creatures had landed on the couch and was advancing on Aragorn where he sat frozen in place, a panicked look in his eyes. Her heart almost broke for her brother, for she knew what it was that had frozen him so - she knew he was remembering the rats. (See A/N 3.)
"Súrion, you and Saeros help Lord Glorfindel get the rest of these elves out of here."
Then after grabbing the dagger from her biceps sheath, she sprinted toward her brother. The Great Bat had locked eyes with the terrified human and was creeping ever closer to him, wings aggressively spread wide and hissing as it advanced. Jumping over a low table in front of the couch on which her brother sat, and using both hands, she plunged the ceremonial dagger into the back of the creature's neck and pinned its twitching body to the couch beneath it.
Even though the creature was dead, Aragorn still could not take his eyes off of it. She knelt beside him, wrapping her arms around his trembling body, and though it would have been better to try to get him out of the hall all together, he would not move, even for her, and in fact, did not even seem to notice that she was there beside him at all.
Gently she placed a hand over his eyes so that he would not be able to see the dead creature in front of him while she gently rocked him and whispered in his ear.
"Im sí muindor-nín. Cara ú del. Im sí." (I am here my brother. Do not fear. I am here.)
At that moment a scream of another sort was heard, a scream of defiance, then Shakir, no more than a black blur, streaked into the room from outside, screaming as he flew. He had come quickly, for he had sensed the urgency in his Lady's voice when she had called to him, and he knew that somewhere inside the house where she lived, there was work to be done.
After the falcon entered the Hall, Anayah gave a short whistle after which he slowed his flight and circled over her, awaiting his next command. Raising a closed fist in the direction of the Levan Uin Menelath, then giving three short whistles, she suddenly opened her fist. It was the signal the falcon was waiting for - it was his call to war - and he obligingly took up that call.
Circling the Hall once more to gain momentum, the black falcon flew directly at the two creatures as they continued to circle near the top of the vaulted ceiling. As he neared them, he elevated his flight path slightly, dropped his legs and extended his razor-sharp talons, then, as he passed over the top of the two, he sliced through flesh to the bone of the one nearest him. It screamed as it dropped away, spiraling slowly as it neared the ground until finally, after regaining its flight ability, rose slowly toward the ceiling. Banking hard, Shakir turned in midair and came back for the second creature and even though the Great Bat attempted to defend itself with fang and claw, the falcon evaded the attack, rolling over in midair, effectively taking away the creature's target. The bat shrieked in frustration and banked away.
The wounded Levan Uin Menelath searched beneath it for an easier target and seeing the one its mate had sought was now protected by another it decided that the second being would be where it would now direct its attack.
Anayah saw it coming and curled her body protectively around her still unresponsive brother while, from across the room, Rahan, Captain of her guard, guessed its intent and sprinted toward his new charge and the human she was protecting. Though he was extremely fast, even by Elven standards, he could not get to her before the creature had buried its claws in her unprotected back and its fangs in her neck.
When he finally reached her side, he grabbed the creature by the legs with one hand and with the other forced it to release its hold on her neck. As it withdrew its fangs, it twisted its head around and bit the elf restraining it on the hand, forcing him to release his hold on it. Quickly it rose from the two elves and the human and raced back to its partner to rejoin the fight against the falcon.
Rahan stood protectively over the human and Anayah who was still curled protectively around her brother. The fangs of the creature had opened a wound dangerously close to the main artery in her neck and the big captain did the only thing he could until it would be safe to move her - he clamped his hand over the wound, applying pressure to stop the bleeding.
Overhead, the aerial battle continued and those who remained in the hall watched in fascination as the falcon fought valiantly. Shakir dipped, banked, rolled and stooped as he slowly but surely cut the creatures' backs, wings and bellies to bloody ribbons. He never gave up, never slowed and never stopped, shrieking at the hissing creatures as he attacked them - again and again. Though at four feet his wingspan was a foot shorter than those of the two creatures he fought, he was quicker, and now his own instinctive skills plus the training he had received stood him in good stead as first one creature fell, with the second following soon after. At long last, the battle was over.
Shakir called to his Lady and continued to circle over her, waiting for an answer - for his next command. It was Elladan who finally called the falcon to rest, using the command whistles that Anayah had been teaching all of them to use.
After making sure that Ninniach and Amrûn were safe and uninjured, Elrond and the twins ran to Anayah and Aragorn and became extremely concerned when they saw that there was blood everywhere. Rahan's hands were covered with it as was the front of Anayah and also Aragorn onto whom the blood had fallen.
"She is bleeding to death for I fear the creature's fangs have nicked an artery. We must get her to the Healing Wing immediately. Captain Rahan, I would appreciate it if you would please continue to apply pressure on the wound, even after we begin to move her."
Unfortunately, neither Elrond nor his sons could get the now unconscious elf to release her hold on her brother who had also gone into shock and had lost consciousness. All of them knew they had to do something quickly before they lost Anayah as her face was beginning to take on more of a grey pallor as blood continued to seep from under Rahan's fingers. All who saw this grew increasingly frustrated for they knew that if they could not get her to release the grip she had on Aragorn that she would quickly bleed to death.
It was Legolas who came up with the solution. He walked up to the frustrated elves.
"May I?"
"Please Legolas, if there is anything you can do I would appreciate it if you would try," Lord Elrond said. "We do not have much time left."
"Anayah I am truly sorry for doing this and I hope you can forgive me." Quickly finding the correct pressure point between jaw and ear, Legolas applied a quick pressure and with a sigh, she finally released the death grip she had on her brother and relaxed.
Scooping his foster-daughter up in his arms and with Rahan still applying pressure, Lord Elrond quickly headed for the Healing Wing. Behind him, Elladan did the same with his little brother.
8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)
Anayah had not regained consciousness for several hours. When Lord Elrond finally told her what had happened, she had been mortified that she had fainted. Then she divulged a secret to the healer that she had never told anyone before - that she was afraid of things flying around her head - with Shakir being the only exception to that fear and attesting to the trust each had in the other.
She had lost a lot of blood before the wounded artery could be artfully stitched and as a result, had suffered from weakness for some time after. Then there had been the unnatural cravings for organ meats, heart and liver. Elrond had told her that though she was replenishing the fluids her body had lost, her cravings were nothing more than her body telling her that it also needed to replenish certain vitamins that had been lost with the blood.
Aragorn had been treated for shock and when he woke, had been totally embarrassed about freezing at the sight of what he called "a little bat." He knew that he would have to work on his fear but as he looked over at the pale face of his sister who lay in the adjacent bed in the Healing Wing, he knew that he would not be alone in his efforts.
TBC
Arwen721: Thanks for the Review! I am letting my characters stretch a little bit in this story so there will be quite a few new things for them to do and experience - plus the regular assortment of bad guys!
DesolateAznVamp: Yes, the Thurin Tirith are mine. Think of them as the Special Forces of the Elf World - Bad guys beware! Hope you like this chapter!