HalandLeg4ever: I'm glad you liked the last chapter! It was great fun to write! I thought about having someone to punch another out so wounds could be tended, but that seemed a bit too much. Besides, there definitely WOULD be hostilities between the two nations if that happened. I think it's a lot easier to use the drug version, not to mention it didn't raise as bad tempers if I would have used the fist version. ;) The Mirkwood elves were pretty close to decking the March Warden… it got a bit tense there for a bit. I hope you like this chapter as well, though I admit it isn't my best yet.
Sarah: Don't worry about this story being abandoned. I already have the outlines and chapters set up, so it IS going to be finished. And just to let you know, its 30 chapters, so ya better start now or end up reading the whole thing at once, which I must say, resembles a novel. LOL As for romance, there will be a dash of it, but not slash or anything. Its going to more of an infatuation, but I cant say anymore, lest I give it away. I hope you enjoy the story as much as the fun I've had writing it. There are others on the way too, so be on the lookout. ;)
Lady of Light: Ask and ye shall receive. LOL I'm glad you liked the last chapter, it was a blast to write. Its fun how the characters seem to write themselves and go in their own, separate directions. Do we, as writers, actually have ANY say in the matter of stories or are we merely the typists who slave over the work to get it to character standards? shakes head I need a vacation! LOL I don't think this chapter is as good as the others, but I promise I will make it up in the next one. ;) I try to put in some humor to offset the darkness and bloodiness that I put in there. Its hard to find the right balance. Anyway, Thanks and I hope you enjoy.
Naomie: giggles Thanks for the great review! I tried to give the elves more human qualities, cause lets face it, if they are perfect, doesn't that make them Mary Sues? LOL j/k I try to make Rumil the comic relief, but he DOES have a serious side, which is shown a bit more in this chapter. I must admit, this chapter didn't do much for me, it kinda wrote itself and I just agreed to do its dirty work. I don't think it's the best so far, but it helps set things up that will happen in the future chapters. :D Hope you like and thanks again for your wonderful or wonderfly review. ;)
Just Me: Hello again! Thanks for the uplifting review. I really appreciate all the kind words and support. After such an uplifting review, I'm kinda ashamed to post this one after the 'ten.' LOL This one isn't my best, but I'm hoping that it will give some background info and be a 'downtime' chapter. I try to balance out all the blood and gore with some humor and elven-aimed jibes, but it's a hard thing to do. Yes, Eremae will have a role in the tale, and I will give some more info on him in a later chapter…. 20 I think. I have the chapters already sorted out and working on filling in gaps and editing, so I can dedicate my time to the other fics I'm currently working on. :D BTW, they will be uploaded here shortly and I must say, I think I enjoy them more than writing this one. ;) Scary thought eh? LOL Thanks again and I look forward to your reviews!
AN: Also, I don't know what is wrong but I am NOT responsible for the constant changes from bold to regular and italic in between. I have no clue what happens when I upload cause here on my screen, it all looks good. As soon as FF.net gets a hold of it, it goes all wonky. Please forgive this problem and overlook it. For once, it is not the authors fault. ;)
Chapter Eight: Foresight and Forgiveness
As mid-morning blossomed fully, the sky a powder blue, crystal clear, and sparkling under the dazzling sun, the elves gathered for their final good-byes. Each grasped the others' forearms in good faith, wishing them a safe journey. Two Mirkwood elves help hoist Dassenil to his feet and flanked the injured elf as he hobbled along, protesting and arguing that he was fit to travel with Haldir. The fuming elf didn't win the verbal battle, so he grudgingly allowed the Mirkwood contingent to lead him towards their home. The two escorting Dassenil spoke joyously of their wood and chatted with the injured elf as if he was a long time friend. The other Mirkwood elves gave grim farewells, hobbling and wincing, though trying to hide the extent of pain their injuries were causing.
Lastly, Legolas grasped Haldir's arm and pulled him into a one-armed hug and whispered in his ear, "Watch over Eremae. He is a great warrior, but I fear for him."
Haldir nodded and hugged the young prince, careful of the youth's injuries and answered, "He will be well protected. You have my word, my friend."
Legolas withdrew, wincing slightly from his aching ribs and smiled at the Mirkwood elves and the small contingent of Lothlorien elves standing at the ready. With a heavy sigh, he spoke, "Haldir of Lorien is confident in his warriors and offers them as our protection. We shall see first hand the legendary elegance of the Lothlorien wardens."
Several of the Mirkwood elves frowned noticeably; casting dark looks at the blonde elves standing among them.
Legolas's grin turned wicked, "Let us see if they are as good as he boasts."
Haldir crossed his arms over his chest and rose a brow at Legolas, "Are you trying to pick a fight, Youngling?"
Legolas's face dropped to an innocent mask, "Oh, I would not think to do such a thing."
Haldir rolled his eyes and addressed his guards escorting the Mirkwood contingent back to their home, "When I return to Mirkwood, I expect to hear about how well you conducted yourselves. I will be most aggrieved to hear of wrongful conduct."
Several of the guards bowed their heads and placed their hands on their hearts, "They will be well protected, Commander."
Haldir nodded and said softly, "Guard my friends well."
Legolas bowed in departure and followed his limping and ailing comrades from the clearing. Haldir led the remaining elves back to the spot where the orcs were slaughtered. The smell of rotting flesh assailed the Elven senses, causing them to sputter and choke on the stench. Haldir easily picked out a trail and followed it through the brambles.
The company remained quiet, their passing unnoticed by animals and insects. They drifted in and out of sight, slipping easily into the shadows of the trees, and blending ceaselessly with the foliage.
The day passed by slowly, the elves quickly traipsing the terrain and following the trail left by the orcs. As the violet hour approached, veiling the sky with a royal hue, the elves slowed their pursuit. Haldir wound his way through thickets, dodging the briars and snagging branches. His brow furrowed, a deep sense of dread filling his heart with every step.
The shroud of night laid heavy on the land as the elves began to set up a hasty camp. Haldir ordered no fire be lit, insisting that their rest would be short. Assigning posts, the elves took up their positions in trees, some sleeping, others keeping watch.
Haldir stationed Eremae beside him, Orophin on his other side, higher up in the branches. Eremae had remained silent throughout the entire day, never complaining or offering any advice. Rúmil, on the other hand, wouldn't shut his mouth and was threatened death by Haldir-twice.
"We have traveled far and fast today, Eremae," Haldir said softly.
Eremae nodded, his eyes drooping slightly, "I have not moved so quickly in a long time, Commander. I am sorry if I slow you down."
Haldir laughed, careful to keep his voice down so he would not disturb the others resting in the trees, "You have done well, do not think you have slowed us down."
The corners of Eremae's mouth turned up and he nodded, nestling himself on the branch comfortably. Within a few seconds, his eyes were half lidded in Elven dreams. Haldir made himself as comfortable as possible and began to feel the familiar pull into reverie, but only allowed himself to drop off when he heard Orophin's gentle snores from high above.
The trees rustled softly, their boughs singing an ancient tune that dwelled in all wooden hearts and spirits. The night crickets began their chirping; the nocturnal animals resumed their prowls for food as the elves slept on, high above in the canopy, nestled by nature's bosom.
Dawn broke to find the elves already awake and scouring the ground for prints. Eremae joined with Múrendil, their eyes searching for signs of the orcs route. Láiraen partnered with Orophin, trudging carefully over the uneven ground and searching for signs of recent passing. Rúmil was at Haldir's side, doing more complaining then searching, gruffly mumbling names at Haldir for the early start and minimal rations.
"Commander!" Eremae called, crouching low. "Over here!"
Haldir gave Rúmil a look of pure daggers and sprinted to Eremae. He frowned when he inspected the tracks. There were orc prints for sure, but what was disturbing was the tread of Men on the ground. The footprints were evenly spaced, showing that they were not fleeing from the foul beasts. Legolas's words filtered through Haldir's mind once again, and the line on his brow etched further.
"With what you have told me, Haldir, I believe that the Men may have been involved with this treacherous act. That they are the ones that have planned this and that one of their kind is the master the orcs serve."
"This is most unnerving," Haldir said more to himself than to anyone else.
Orophin crouched down beside his brother and frowned, "Haldir, what does the path tell you?"
Haldir sighed, looking over at Orophin, "That Men have been in the company of the orcs. Legolas spoke of an alliance, thinking they were bargaining for his messenger's life, but learned that they were in league with the orcs." Orophin hissed, his brow drawn together as he listened to Haldir, "Legolas feared that possibly a man is responsible for the kidnapping of our kin."
Rúmil lowered himself to his brothers, looking between the two of them, "What are you talking about?"
Haldir repeated everything to Rúmil, speaking slowly and deliberately, as if speaking to a child. Rúmil frowned, ignoring the tone and looked from to Orophin to Haldir.
"Do these tracks confirm Legolas's thoughts?"
Haldir pointed out the sole marks of boots, "There is no sign of a struggle. It appears the Men walked freely among the orcs. As to their allegiance, I know not if Legolas was correct."
Orophin looked to where Eremae, Múrendil, and Láiraen stood, their eyes sweeping the ground for any signs that may assist in the tracking of their kidnapped kin. He frowned, "There is only six of us, Haldir. Is it wise to proceed further with our low numbers? What if we encounter more orcs, and they are as Legolas said, allied with humans?"
Haldir's face grew taunt, "I believe we are able to see the quest through to conclusion. Our numbers may be small, but we are warriors and know how to take care of ourselves and each other."
"Well spoken, Brother!" Rúmil grinned, giving Haldir a slap to the back.
Haldir sighed at Rúmil's attitude and pushed him away, sending Rúmil off balance.
Rúmil tottered for a second, trying to regain his balance, but Orophin gave Haldir a wicked grin and pushed Rúmil over, intending to send the youngest sibling on his backside. Rúmil overcompensated and lurched forward, his hands slamming into the ground and his knees digging into the earth.
Rúmil gasped, his breathing becoming irregular and strained. Orophin and Haldir both converged on their brother, apologies tumbling out of their mouths, but their words went unheard.
Rúmil's head snapped back; his lungs expanded erratically as he sucked in air.
Eremae had never seen Rúmil's attacks and hurried to the elf's side, his eyes wide and fearful.
Haldir held his hand up to prevent Eremae from advancing. His other arm was wrapped around Rúmil's chest to prevent him from falling face-forward as he lunged again.
Orophin held his breath as he watched Rúmil's torment. He had witnessed several of his brother's attacks, some easy and short lived, others violent and frightening to behold. This attack seemed the worse yet, the fear of what Rúmil was going through shone in Orophin's wide eyes.
Múrendil and Láiraen gained Eremae's side, their brows drawn down in worry as Rúmil spasmed backwards, his head whipping around in a way that sent their nerves on edge. They watched in silent horror as the minutes stretched by, the blonde elf gasping. With a jolt Rúmil fell forward, his head lulling against his chest.
Haldir and Orophin caught Rúmil and cradled him between them. Rúmil struggled for breath, his chest expanding erratically as he fought against invisible bonds. A light sheen of sweat broke out over his skin, the normally beautiful shine dulling to a sickly pale gray.
After a couple minutes, Rúmil spoke, his voice dry and raspy, "There is great evil at work here."
"What did you see, brother?" Haldir asked softly.
"A figure," Rúmil panted, closing his eyes, trying to hold onto the image that burned there. "Figure… dark…pure evil."
"Was it an orc or a man?" Orophin asked.
"I know not," Rúmil said, his energy spent from the vision. His body fell limp against his brothers, unable to sustain his weight and posture. "Haldir, I feel a terrible evil. We must turn back."
Haldir eased Rúmil to the ground and pulled his cloak off his shoulders and secured it around his brother. "I am sorry Rúmil, but our kin will be lost if we give up now."
Rúmil frowned, took several deep breaths, and relaxed into unconsciousness, spent from the vision. Haldir looked to Orophin, whose face was grim, his worried eyes searching Rúmil's face.
Haldir turned to the others, whose their faces were similar to that of Orophin's, and called out, "We rest here for the night. Eremae, you and Múrendil are on first watch."
Eremae nodded and sprinted off to a tree, scaling it easily and taking up his vigil atop the highest branch. Múrendil's lips curved on the edges at the youth's exuberance and nodded to Haldir, then took off in the opposite direction to find a place to begin his watch.
Láiraen looked down on Rúmil and asked, "Commander, will your brother be all right?"
Haldir nodded and favored Láiraen with a weak smile, "He will be fine, Láiraen. He is only resting. This vision was the strongest I have witnessed."
Orophin added with a soft voice, "I do not like this, Haldir. Rúmil is right, we should turn back."
"No!" Haldir said with a bit more force than what he intended. "Rúmil's visions have always prepared us for what was ahead. It is no different now. We know there is an evil person behind these attacks and the more that Rúmil sees, the better prepared we shall be."
"What if the next vision is so intense that it kills him?" Orophin asked quietly.
Haldir felt his heart lodge itself in his throat. The prospect that a vision could kill Rúmil bothered him greatly. He remembered that Galadriel had mentioned Rúmil's strong connection, but assured Haldir that it was not a connection of which to be wary. Still, the idea that Rúmil could die from the prophetic visions sent Haldir into a worried frenzy. His mind worked furiously, wondering if there was a way to block Rúmil from absorbing too much. He made a mental note to ask Galadriel about it when they returned.
"We will watch him closely," Haldir said, his voice barely over a whisper as he watched the unsteady rise and fall of Rúmil's chest. The attack had weakened him further than they anticipated. Orophin bowed his head and settled himself on Rúmil's side, his eyes lowered to monitor his younger brother.
Haldir let the silence surround them for a couple of hours before he spoke, his voice calm, "Rúmil is strong. The Valar will protect him, as they have always done."
Orophin felt his heart skip a beat. It bothered him to hear Haldir's voice so calm, a tone he only adopted when he tried to cover his emotions. Centuries of being around Haldir had taught Orophin, and Rúmil, the subtle changes he hid behind. The past ill feelings melted away and Orophin shook himself mentally, wondering what was so important and why he had to keep the flame of anger at his brother burning within him. Orophin felt his eyes well up slightly, thinking of the times that they come close to death. He honestly didn't know what he would do if one of his brothers were taken from him. He bowed his head and silently prayed to the Valar for their protection and grace. He knew he would always collide with Haldir on certain issues; it was just the way they were. However, he vowed never to hold a grudge as he had been doing the past few centuries. Haldir had staved off death several times the past few decades, a few times barely withdrawing from its call. Orophin shuttered involuntarily at the recollection. The thought of the last words to his brother, being in anger, sent a vicious chill through his bones.
Orophin looked across to where Haldir leaned against a tree, his eyes half lidded in Elven dreams. Keeping his voice low, he said softly, "I am sorry, Haldir. Please forgive me and my stubborn ways."
Haldir huddled gently in sleep, not hearing the words. High above, the words lilted to the grace of the Vala, who smiled benignly upon the brothers, and granted them peace of heart and mind as they slept.
Dawn peeked dark and dreary, the sky promising rain and chilling winds. The elves parted from their safe havens in the trees. Rúmil, refreshed and fussing about the early morning as usual, and took off through the countryside, following behind Haldir, who tracked the Men that had mingled with the orcs. The terrain changed from heavily forested to vast wasteland, dotted occasionally by the stripped brush, withered and drawn.
The earth below the Elven feet was hard, cracked and barren. The grasses that were once vibrant and green now lay limp and parched upon the ground. Trees turned a dull russet color, their leaves giving up their hold and falling to the ground with a last rustle of breath. The dried ground muffled the steps of elves as they passed, led by Haldir whose keen gaze swept the desolate landscape, picking out patterns of human treading. As midday approached, Haldir slowed and bent low, swiping his hand over the unyielding ground.
"The orcs have taken another route than the humans."
The other's nodded grimly and set out again, their steps light over trampled grasses and cracked ground that sported gouges consistent with Man's booted foot. All through the day, Haldir's mind worked furiously trying to understand the turn of events.
Elves were being kidnapped from their realms by orcs, who pass them onto Men. The references the orcs made to a 'master' led Haldir to believe that instead of an orc overlord or a minion of Sauron that escaped from Mordor, there was a Man responsible for the infraction against the Elven kind. Men tended to keep to themselves, preferring to leave the Elven realms alone, which suited the Elven community perfectly. The idea that a human was behind these attacks seemed ludicrous, but in all the centuries that Haldir traveled the land, very few things surprised him.
With his brow furrowed, Haldir led the Elves over the rough terrain, heading in the direction that the scuffle marks made by human passing lead. The day passed by, hot and parching. The sun seemed to be unmerciful and unseasonably warm. When night fell, Haldir called for torches to be ignited, and though their pace was slow, the elves continued on, breaking only once for a short rest and rations.
As the Company rested, well past midnight, Orophin approached Haldir, his face drawn, "I am sorry."
Haldir's head jerked to look at Orophin, surprise clear in his eyes, "For what, Orophin?"
Orophin sat down beside his older brother and hung his head, "For my attitude and actions against you. I have carried this bitterness for far too long. I think it is time for me to allow it to pass."
Haldir felt like letting his jaw drop but refrained, "What brought on this sudden change of heart, Brother?"
"Rúmil's vision," Orophin spoke quietly as not alert the others of the conversation. "I have never seen a vision so strong. I am worried that he may have a vision that could kill him."
Haldir shifted slightly and favored Orophin with a small smile, "I have asked the Lady about such a possibility. She reassured me that there is no harm to Rúmil. They may be painful to him, and fearful to us, but she is quite sure that he will not succumb to death."
Orophin lowered his gaze, "I do believe the Lady, but I am still wary, Haldir. I have never seen an attack last as long or be as intense. What if he has a vision while fighting orcs? What if we are not there to help him?"
Haldir sighed heavily, knowing that they have had this conversation before, "That is why you and I always stay close to him. It has only happened once, and luckily there were few orcs. Do not dwell on such thoughts."
"I wish I could have your confidence," Orophin mumbled.
Rúmil ventured over to his two siblings and settled himself down opposite of them, his expression playful and curious, "Brothers!"
"Rúmil," Haldir said with a crooked grin. "How do you fare?"Rúmil waved his hand dismissively, "I am fine. It was nothing I have not been through before." Rúmil grinned at his brothers as they exchanged worried looks. "So, what were you talking about so quietly over here?"
Orophin muttered, "Nothing."
Rúmil raised a brow and glared from one brother to the other.
"We were talking about you," Haldir said.
Rúmil's hands jumped to his ears and rubbed them vigorously, "I thought my ears were itching! So, what did you two say about me?"
"That you are a horrible swordsman," Orophin grinned good-naturedly.
Rúmil gave Orophin a rude gesture and looked over to Haldir, who had surveyed him without blinking during the conversation. Rúmil huffed impatiently, "Haldir, must you stare at me? It is most unnerving!"
Haldir finally blinked, smiling at Rúmil, "I was only trying to see if you were fully recovered."
Rúmil puffed up his chest and thrust his chin in the air defiantly, "I am fully recovered. I do not need anyone to mother me." As an afterthought, he jerked his head towards Orophin, "I have Orophin to do that already!"
Orophin launched himself at Rúmil; the two grappled and struggled on the ground. Eremae jumped to his feet and rested his hand on the hilt of his long knives, watching fearfully as the two wrestled. Láiraen and Múrendil continued to eat and rest, not giving the commotion a second thought.
Haldir's laughter broke out, his hands raised before him to stop Eremae from advancing. Through laughter, Haldir called, "They are not wanting to do each other harm. It is all in good fun."
Eremae looked skeptically at the two jostling on the ground like Elven tumbleweeds. He settled back down and watched the two wearily, hoping that Haldir knew what he was talking about.
Rúmil flipped Orophin onto his back and lunged for the pinning move, but Orophin was prepared. With a quick flash, he turned onto his stomach and crouched low, waiting for Rúmil to make a move. Rúmil grinned maliciously and sprung forward, hoping to knock Orophin onto his side or back to render him motionless. Unfortunately, the momentum was too great. Orophin leaned forward, letting Rúmil slam into his shoulder, and then used Rúmil's energy to flip him over and land him flat on his back. Orophin stretched across his winded brother, pinning one arm beneath him and holding the other in a vice-like grip.
Rúmil struggled to throw Orophin off of him, but Orophin firmly planted himself, keeping his center of gravity and using his weight to flatten Rúmil to the ground.
"Let me up!" Rúmil panted with exertion.
"What is the magic word?" Orophin sneered over his shoulder.
"NOW!" Rúmil bellowed.
Orophin laughed and readjusted his hold, his left shoulder digging into Rúmil's left shoulder. Rúmil hissed in pain as Orophin's weight helped expel air involuntarily from his lungs. He tried to use his feet to break the contact, but Orophin shook his head and tutted.
Throwing all thought of playing by the rules out of his mind, Rúmil rose up and opened wide, clamping down onto Orophin's shoulder and eliciting a cry of surprised pain from his older sibling.
"You bit me!" Orophin shouted, pulling away from Rúmil and holding onto the top of his shoulder where Rúmil's teeth marks were still visible on the fabric.
Rúmil rose into a sitting position, wiping his mouth and making faces of disgust, "Orophin, when was the last time you washed your clothes?" He accented the question with sputtering and smacking his lips with a foul look on his face.
Orophin rubbed his bite mark and snapped, "They were clean when we decided to go on this quest. Serves you right, getting the orc blood in your mouth!"
Rúmil scrunched up his nose, "I do not think that was orc blood. Perhaps you are the one that is becoming more human?"
Orophin gasped, struggling for words, and made to advance on Rúmil again, but he barely moved an inch before he found himself hampered, suspended with sudden stillness. He turned around and found Haldir holding onto his tunic, a smile beaming across his face.
"That is enough you two. We need to continue," Haldir pulled Orophin's tunic back a little, letting his brother know that playtime was over.
Orophin puffed and readjusted his clothes. As he rose to his feet, he gave Rúmil a look that clearly said 'this is not over yet.'
Rúmil grinned at the silent challenge and winked, accepting the hand Orophin offered. He got to his feet and gave Orophin a nudge, walking after Haldir, who had returned to his tracking.
As the elves continued into the night, Eremae leaned to Múrendil, "Are they always like this?"
"Yes," Múrendil nodded as a matter-of-factly. "Sometimes they get worse than this."
"Worse?" Eremae whispered harshly. "Commander Haldir allows this behavior?"
"He tried to make his brothers stop, but they answered by waiting until he was asleep and cut off his hair," Múrendil grinned at the memory. "The Commander was most unpleased."
"Did he punish them?" Eremae asked.
Láiraen joined the two conversing, having heard every word of it and grinned, "He tried. Backfired though."
Eremae frowned, "Backfired?"
"All the boots they were to polish had a foul stench," Múrendil looked over to Eremae and added, "Turns out they used some 'leftovers' from a hunting expedition on the boots. After a while, the smell became so bad, that no one could tell when an orc was near, or a Warden."
Eremae's jaw went slack, his eyes wide as he looked ahead to watch the three brother's race along the landscape. Haldir was in the lead, followed closely by Rúmil and Orophin, side by side, their voices a constant hum, but no words could be picked out.
"The things those two do to us and their brother," Láiraen shook his head and muffled a laugh. "They have kept these past centuries very interesting."
Múrendil nodded and picked up his speed. The other two followed suit.
As dawn approached, the landscaped turned into a lush green area, though signs of drought could still be detected. The sun hid behind an early morning haze. The clouds changed colors from blood red to intense orange, and then to pearly black as the sun's tendrils of light faded into nothingness, not able to beat away the lingering veil.
A distant roll of thunder echoed in the distance, dancing across the sky with a bass lullaby. Haldir continued following the path of the humans, though his ears caught every little sound. Without the sun as a guide to the time, he guessed that they had only a few short, precious hours left, before the heavens burst open, and spilled down their burdens. Glancing up to the majestic rolls of silvery cotton, Haldir prayed that their kin be safe, and that the elements be kind to the Elven company as they trekked, the only hope for their lost brethren.