Naomie: A dreadful ending? Blast, I must be losing my touch! Surfers eh? I
adore surfers! They seem to know all the good places, parties, songs,
expressions...you get the point. LOL
Zammy: Updated mellon-nin! Let me know if you like this one. :D
Seeing spots: update 7 or 8 times a day? Well that means the story would be finished in a day or so... there's only a handful of chapters left and now its starting to take shape. I'm currently working on some other fics, but I'm shortening up the chapters. I think people will respond better to shorter chapters cause these long ones makes their butts go numb! Lol I don't like short chapters personally cause they don't seem to draw in the audience as well, but I digress. Maybe I can pull off an entertaining fic without the drawn out process of character development.
Lady of light: If your computer wont work, I suggest threatening it with a water gun. I do with mine and it seems to work. ;) I hope you like this chapter, though it is a bit sad.
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Chapter Eighteen: A Mortal Slip
Haldir and Múrendil rode side by side, protecting the others as they fled. The distinctive sounds of the hooves before them pounded lightly, like the rhythm of a child's lullaby. The stampeding horses behind began to fall away, their beat chaotic and distorted as the men fanned out and searched fruitlessly.
The group turned a sharp right, Haldir and Múrendil flanking them, their bodies tensed for any sounds that could lead to an attack. In the distance, a lone figure on a horse appeared, galloping desperately to catch up to the company. Easily twisting at the waist and clamping his legs tighter around the horse, Múrendil released an arrow. It whistled through the air, the figure swerved out of the way, and the arrow embedded itself in a tree. Frowning, Múrendil notched another arrow and let it fly. Its aim was perfect, catching the man in the chest and unhorsing him. The horse nickered and turned away from the chase. The sounds of the pursuers died away in the sounds of the forest.
One by one, the horses began to slow from exhaustion until they were progressing at a sluggish walk. The horses were drenched in sweat, darkening their natural color.
"We are far enough away?" Amarah asked in a hushed voice. The hard ride had left her flushed, her dark hair unkempt and flying about, sticking up in all directions.
Haldir strained his hearing, and couldn't hear a single hostile noise. The others nodded their agreement that they hadn't heard anything for quite some time and felt that it was safe, at least for the moment.
Haldir frowned, "We keep going until we find a suitable place to rest."
Lómetar began to moan and thrash against Orophin, who still held tightly to him. The stricken elf was glistening with sweat, his face a deadly ashen pallor. The ride was clearly not helping his injured state.
"Haldir, Lómetar is not fairing well. I fear for him," Orophin said desperately.
"Talk to him. Let him hear your voice. If we allow the men to catch up with us, all of our lives will be lost." Haldir pleaded.
Orophin's face contorted as he whispered in Lómetar's ear, reassuring the elf that they would find safety soon and he would recover fully. Lómetar stirred restlessly and groaned in a delirium as Orophin spoke of returning home.
Haldir looked to the others, who were almost as pallid as Lómetar. Their eyes were unfocused in Elven unconsciousness; their bodies limp against the ones that held them protectively. The hard ride was not helping their injuries either. The passing of time was working against them. Yet, if they slowed, they would surely be found, and all of them could die or suffer at the hands of the men.
Haldir set his face sternly and began the pace anew, keeping his horse at a slow walk and listening to the trees around them. After a few minutes, the sounds of rushing water came to Haldir's ears from the left. Thinking the raging noise of the river could further mask their escape, he ordered everyone to the water's edge. The group looked tired, yet determined as they followed at a gait, emerging on top of a sharp precipice.
A sheer rocky cliff, draped heavily with a tangled mane of vines and branches, marked where the river flowed. The parting of the creviced earth was approximately fifteen feet across, though how deeply its shadowed depths was unknown to the contingent.
Though the overhanging foliage camouflaged the water, by its sounds the elves gauged it to be very deep and extremely fast in its current, moving against rocks and breaking its flow intermittently.
"Now what?" Amarah asked, rising in her saddle to peek over the edge of the crag.
"We follow the bank and cross when it becomes shallow," Haldir said, directing his horse along the rocky wall.
The group traveled in silence, the elves attuned for threats and the humans exhausted from the intense chase. The melody of the river in the canyon lulled everyone into a deep, settling comfort as they wound their way down and around the banks, taking the paths that were already formed from the wildlife. Orophin occasionally whispered to Lómetar, trying to reassure the elf and prayed that he remain with them.
The path sloped along the leafy bed of the river. The waters raging voice calmed to a mere babble, and once the company leveled along its side, they saw its murky coloring. The banks were crested, the tree trunks lowered in the beige water that swirled around loose hanging vines and ivy. The water looked to be only a few feet deep, the lower branches of the trees barely caressing the water's foam.
"We should rest here. Let the horses drink," Calorad said, his eyes scanning the water that seemed stagnate, save for the occasional swing of a leafy creeper. As if on cue, all the horses ventured to the water's edge and dipped their muzzles into the water, drinking deeply.
Haldir sighed, "The rains have caused the lands to flood. I do not trust this."
"It looks safe to me. We can cross here," Calorad said with assurance.
"It is unsafe," Haldir repeated exasperatedly, his patience wearing thin.
"It is not that high," Calorad huffed, pointing to a nearby tree that held one delicate branch above the water. "We can make it. I know it. Besides, your friends need to rest and recover, or they may die."
Haldir felt the urge to agree with Calorad and attempt the crossing for the sake of the injured, but all his centuries told him that this was a bad idea. He leaned forward on his horse, his keen gaze seeking any clue to resolve his decision either way.
Without another word, Calorad edged his horse closer into the churning water. The horse bucked, then lowered its head to drink its fill, its tail skimming the top of the water as it ventured another step. The other horses, without their owners consent, followed suit, drinking fully and swishing their tails happily at the respite.
Calorad egged his mount out into the shallows, the cloudy water rising around the horse's legs.
"See Haldir?" Calorad said waving an arm around. "It is not that deep. The horses can make it."
"It is not wise. When the horses have cooled themselves, we will continue on our way," Haldir said curtly.
"But what about your kin?" Calorad's voice hitched slightly. "We need to take shelter so your brother can tend to their wounds. I do not wish for them to suffer."
Orophin spoke quietly to Lómetar, but loud enough so Haldir could hear, "Just a while longer, my friend. Then you will feel better." He opened a small cache on his saddle and withdrew a small pinch of herbs and held them close to Lómetar's face. The injured elf sighed peacefully and relaxed into a deep sleep.
Haldir looked worriedly at Orophin but caught the subtle hint that his brother offered. The injured could travel farther to ensure their escape from the evil men that chased them. Orophin gave Haldir a reassuring look that all was fine for the time, and that he supported the need to flee as far as possible.
Calorad scoffed but Haldir took no notice, instead he studied the banks and the river, hoping it would give him a clue as to its depth and its strength. If it was as he feared, then they will have to travel far up the rivers edge to find a safe place. Haldir's horse came level with Calorad's, slightly apart from the others. The new vantage point gave him better vision up and down the river as his Elven eyes took in clues and indications.
Impatiently, Calorad pushed his horse farther into the water, the chilled wet lapping against the horse's belly. The horse tossed his head reluctantly, stepping nervously about, refusing to advance any further. Calorad frowned, then jabbed the horse hard in the ribs, spurring the stubborn beast forward.
Haldir's eyes scanned the waters up the river, his sight acutely picking out details that were partially hidden behind overgrown nettles, brush and tree limbs. His eyes widened at the sight of treetops swaying violently in the middle of the stream. The water was deeper than they realized!
Haldir opened his mouth to warn Calorad, but at that precise moment, Calorad spurred his horse forward.
A rushing wave swept up along Calorad and his mount, effectively pulling both into its chilling depths. With a strangle whinny the horse bobbed in the water, but found no ground on which to stand. The rushing water pulled unmercifully at the equine and with a last whinny of despair, the horse's head disappeared beneath the swirling water.
"CALORAD!" Amarah screamed her eyes wide. "Calorad, where are you?"
Amarah made to follow Calorad's tracks but Haldir shouted, "Retreat from the water! Now!" Múrendil reached the woman and started to pull her back as she stared horrorstruck at the place where Calorad had disappeared, her face and body frozen in shock. Her horse automatically followed the others that backed away, snorting as they hurriedly escaped the waters.
Haldir had returned to shore faster than anyone could recollect and dismounted swiftly and raced to Rúmil's side. Pulling off his cloak and withdrawing the length of Elven rope, he tied one end to Rúmil's saddle, who lassoed it securely to prevent slipping. Haldir secured the other end tightly around his waist and waded into the freezing water, the sting of the icy body not lost on the elf that was hip-deep in its dangerous clutches. His eyes constantly scanned downstream, his heart pounding in his chest and thundering in his ears, the water tugging mercilessly at his body to pull him under into its murky depths.
Calorad found himself horseless in the muddy waters as he fought desperately to resurface. With his eyes closed against the chilling torrent around him, Calorad felt fear well up, alone in the darkness, abandoned and left to fight the raging water in solitude that pressed all around him. He kicked hard, trying to break the surface, the rushing water tumbling, twisting, blinding and holding him almost lovingly in its deadly embrace.
Calorad flailed his arms and felt a break in movement. Kicking as hard as he could, he broke the surface, gasping in air, though the relief was short lived as the undercurrent dragged him back down as if teasing with him. He continued to tumble, his legs and arms frantically trying to gain some sense of direction and fight the surge that pulled him along in the dark abyss.
The current swept past the confused boy and unmercifully slammed him against a large, wide tree trunk that had been flooded. The torrential water sped him onward, not allowing him any reprieve. Feeling his limbs grow numb and his mind clouded over with fog, Calorad vaguely felt his body slip along the raging waters, twisting him limp form as if it was weightless.
The water caressed his face and Calorad felt himself pulled upward, its fingers gentle as it held him in a sacrificial manner. He felt his body once again slam against a solid surface, the rough bark of the tree tearing cruelly into his skin and allowing the chilling waters to lap hungrily at the wounds.
His head broke the surface, but precious little air entered his oxygen- starved lungs. Calorad was vaguely aware of wrapping his arms around the branch cradling him before he closed his eyes and allowed the darkness to claim him.
Haldir's acute sight glimpsed the sandy-haired human surface almost a mile downstream. The boy's hair was stained with mud as he clung to the treetop swaying in the current, its boughs, once ruffled in a breeze, now jerked to the drowning power of the water.
Taking a deep breath, Haldir plunged into the swirling, muddy enemy and nearly gasped when he felt the full blast of cold caressing his skin. Using his arms and legs to steer, Haldir strained his body and fought with the current before using its energy for him, instead of against his efforts. Taking advantage of the enraged river's lax touches in its natural flow, Haldir reemerged, taking several deep breaths and training his sight on his destination.
As if sensing the elf's intension, the violent water surged, submerging the elf once more in its thunderous roar of anger. Haldir sent a prayer of thanks to the Valar that Elves had a larger lung capacity and tolerance for such things and the turbulent water turned him upside down and sideways, shaking him to the point of him questioning which way was the surface.
Time stood still beneath the glassy surface. Not able to gauge his direction, Haldir kicked hard against the pounding water and broke the surface to find himself off course. Pulling his arms free of the angry water, he swam hard as taunt muscles flexed against the current fighting his efforts. After several strokes and tense seconds later, Haldir returned to his previous course. His eyes easily detailed Calorad's position, slumped face forward, and his head resting in the fork at the tree's upper bough.
'Just hold on,' Haldir thought frantically. The water seemed to laugh and tugged at his feet, playfully trying to pull him under again. Gritting his teeth, he fought with all his might, his muscles aching from the exertion and force constraining them.
The water twisted and churned, its inertia taking the elf into its depths, then hard into a tree. Haldir gasped as the wind was knocked out of him. Several large bubbles of air escaped his lips and floated to the surface. Haldir's opened eyes registered brilliant white spots of blinding light against the black, skeletal tree among the churning waters.
Haldir kicked hard and resurfaced with a gasp, then slipped below the icy waters, and resurfaced again with a grimace. Gasping for breath, he reached for Calorad and felt his heart leap despite the chilling deluge.
Calorad was lying limp over the fork of two branches, his head drooping forward, and water lapping into his pale face. Haldir wrapped his arms around the youth and leaned his head to rest on the elf's shoulder and out of the water.
Haldir tugged three times on the rope, then secured his arms around Calorad as the rope constricted and jerked, pulling them through the abusing current. He winced as the rope, though finely woven by expert Elven hands, cut into the tender skin around his ribs, making his breath come short and shallow from the raw fire that was spreading through his body. He fought desperately to keep their faces above the mutinous water that yanked downward, hoping to pull the two into a chilling grave.
Rúmil kept his hand light on the rope wrapped around his saddle, thankful that Elven rope was sturdy and taunt, it could also stretch and flex when needed, acting like a strip of elastic to extend to lengths that normal rope wouldn't accomplish. Feeling the rope jiggle three times, he guided his horse backwards, pulling the rope from the water little by little.
Múrendil dismounted and began to manipulate the rope that fed off of Rúmil's saddle. When the horse could go no further, Múrendil gripped the braided strands and pulled, feeling the weight of the two magnify with the fierce current that fought to keep the two in its clutches.
Amarah dismounted, trying to add her strength to the rope, but Múrendil ordered her back in rough Elvish, his face strained.
"Stay!" Rúmil said in Common. "Elves do this."
Láiraen joined Múrendil, pulling against the tide's greedy grasp. Aravitan had regained consciousness and sat lopsided in the saddle, his face grave as the two Elves pulled at the rope, their faces set in desperation and concentration.
When Haldir was close, Múrendil released his hold and waded in, helping Haldir with the limp human boy. Láiraen kept a firm grip on the rope, fearing that any moment the raging river could sweep off more victims.
Múrendil took Calorad into his arms, relieving the aching and exhausted March Warden of his burden and setting the human gently on the ground, away from the water's edge. Múrendil leaned over Calorad, then rose and spoke rapidly to Orophin. He held fast to Lómetar as Orophin dismounted and rushed to Calorad. Múrendil replaced him in supporting the unconscious elf on the horse.
Haldir dropped to his knees at Calorad's side, the Elven rope lax against his aching sides. Mud caked his clothes and hair, the murky water draining from his fair head and streaking down his face. He watched as Orophin went about a series of routines as he felt his breath starting to even out from the panting. The pain in his ribs stung with every breath. Haphazardly, he undid the knot and released the rope holding onto his midsection. The rope coiled and rested on the ground by Rúmil's horse.
Orophin sighed, his hand sweeping over the prone form before him. His face rose to look at Haldir.
Haldir knew the answer before Orophin spoke. The hollowness in his brother's eyes was unmistakable. Calorad didn't make it.
"I am sorry, Haldir," Orophin's voice cracked as tears filled his eyes. "The water has taken him. There is nothing I can do."
Haldir nodded mutely, and walked to Amarah, who stood transfixed by her horse. Her eyes were wide and unblinking.
"I am sorry, Amarah. He is gone," Haldir whispered, his voice gruff with grief.
Amarah's face was frozen in an unbelieving expression. The shock of what just happened seemed to have settled into her body, rendering it uncooperative and incapable of reaction.
Orophin removed his cloak and draped it over Calorad's cold body. The Elves bowed their heads and spoke soft words of mourning in Elvish.
"No," Amarah whispered. "It can not be. You are mistaken."
"I am sorry," Haldir repeated, fighting the tears that stung his eyes.
"No," Amarah gasped through spasms. "He is merely asleep. Take the cloak from his face. You will scare him."
Amarah made to advance on Orophin, but Haldir reached out and prevented her from going after his brother.
"We will return him home for burial," Haldir said with a choked voice.
"But," Amarah's face was pale, her deep emerald eyes bright with tears, though shadowed in grief. "It... it can not be, Haldir. Tell me that he is only sleeping."
Haldir could only shake his head, fearing the sound of his voice.
Amarah began to shudder in his grasp. With a strangled cry, she fell limp in his arms, tears flowing unchecked down her cheeks.
"We can not linger here," Múrendil said softly.
Haldir nodded, but didn't release his hold on Amarah. Her body trembled like a leaf in a strong wind, her chest heaving in spasms between sobs. She shook her head from side to side, refusing to accept the words.
"Amarah? Can you ride?" Haldir asked gently.
Amarah sniffed, still lulling her head as fresh waves of grief washed over her. Her knees buckled, no longer able to support her weight as she hiccupped between wails of anguish. Her hands grasped and clenched at Haldir's soaked shirt, tugging and twisting the fabric as she continued to refuse the fate of her young friend.
Haldir knelt with Amarah on the ground, the water still clinging to his hair, sticking the fair tresses together and tangling them. Múrendil pulled his tunic over his head and offered it to Haldir. Haldir pulled his jerkin, long sleeved, and short-sleeved undershirt over his head. Muddy water ran in rivulets from his discolored hair, earth-stained and unbecoming to an elf, down his body. Knowing his brother detested filth and the feeling of being unclean; Rúmil removed his cloak and offered it to dry off the mired, murky water. Haldir dried his hair as best he could, wringing out the droplets and wiping his skin dry, though for the March Warden's taste, definitely not clean to his normal standard.
When Haldir finished, Rúmil retrieved his cloak and stuffed into his pack with a sour look. Now a lot drier than before, Haldir pulled Múrendil's tunic over his head and fastened his cloak about his shoulders with the broach of Lothlorien.
Orophin gestured to Calorad's body, "How will we take him back? Our hands are already burdened with the injured."
Haldir picked up Calorad's body with great care and reverence and carefully placed it over the saddle of Amarah's horse. Securing the limp form, he lengthened the reigns to their fullest extent and went to Amarah's side.
She had remained kneeling, despondent and wavering in her grief. Haldir's horse sensed what he was planning and nudged the girl with his muzzle. She trembled and mumbled inaudible words as Haldir boosted her upon the horse, then easily mounted behind her, the reigns of her horse still clutched in his hand.
"Ride silent though gentle. The horses are burdened and there is no time to stop to rest. Listen for sounds of danger."
The others nodded in understanding. Múrendil climbed atop his steed and poised himself nobly as he switched into defensive mode. Orophin relieved Láiraen of Lómetar's care as he replaced the elf with a nod of thanks. Láiraen and Rúmil exchanged a look as Láiraen mounted his horse, his face grim.
The veil of night descended heavy upon the weary travelers. Silence shrouded the figures weaving through the forest, only broken by the muffled clopping of hooves in the curtain of black. The horses, too weary from their escape and chases, huffed along, though their heartbeats slowed from the exertions. Occasionally, Múrendil would whisper or adjust the direction and the group turned, as if of one mind.
Haldir held Amarah in front of himself, one arm snaked around her waist, the other holding the lead of her horse that trudged sorrowfully behind, Calorad's body secured on the saddle and lulling along with the uneven terrain.
The caravan slipped through the trees, which moaned high in their boughs, a soft song of passing and heartache to the laminating group below. Far into the night and through till dawn did they keep their steady pace.
Múrendil rode close to Haldir and spoke in hushed tones, so as to not disturb the woman now asleep in his leader's arms.
"We will arrive within moments. Do you think it wise to remain in their company when one of their own perished?"
"We have no choice," Haldir said, his voice laden with sorrow. "Our brethren need care and rest before we begin the journey home."
"So you trust them?" Múrendil raised his brow skeptically.
"I believe they are to be trusted. One of their own gave his life in the rescue of strangers. We will honor his memory," Haldir felt a lump rise in his throat, dreading their entrance into the grounds around the manor and the enclosed protectiveness of the estate.
Amarah stirred in Haldir's arms, and her body became tense as she awoke from her grief-induced slumber.
"Be still Amarah," Haldir's deep voice echoed in her ear, "We are almost to your home."
"How long have I slept?" she asked timidly, her body now becoming aware of the closeness of the elf at her back.
"Many hours. You fell asleep long into the night and slept through the dawn. It is now mid-morning," Haldir's chest rumbled against Amarah's back and sent a shiver down her spine. Sensing the tremor, Haldir tightened his hold, hoping to stave off whatever chill swept through her body.
The gates of Amarah's home rose through the tops of the trees, and a sigh of relief went through the party. A lump of dread rested in the Elven stomachs, an unrest settled into each of their acute minds as they passed the massive doors and went into the courtyard.
Zammy: Updated mellon-nin! Let me know if you like this one. :D
Seeing spots: update 7 or 8 times a day? Well that means the story would be finished in a day or so... there's only a handful of chapters left and now its starting to take shape. I'm currently working on some other fics, but I'm shortening up the chapters. I think people will respond better to shorter chapters cause these long ones makes their butts go numb! Lol I don't like short chapters personally cause they don't seem to draw in the audience as well, but I digress. Maybe I can pull off an entertaining fic without the drawn out process of character development.
Lady of light: If your computer wont work, I suggest threatening it with a water gun. I do with mine and it seems to work. ;) I hope you like this chapter, though it is a bit sad.
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Chapter Eighteen: A Mortal Slip
Haldir and Múrendil rode side by side, protecting the others as they fled. The distinctive sounds of the hooves before them pounded lightly, like the rhythm of a child's lullaby. The stampeding horses behind began to fall away, their beat chaotic and distorted as the men fanned out and searched fruitlessly.
The group turned a sharp right, Haldir and Múrendil flanking them, their bodies tensed for any sounds that could lead to an attack. In the distance, a lone figure on a horse appeared, galloping desperately to catch up to the company. Easily twisting at the waist and clamping his legs tighter around the horse, Múrendil released an arrow. It whistled through the air, the figure swerved out of the way, and the arrow embedded itself in a tree. Frowning, Múrendil notched another arrow and let it fly. Its aim was perfect, catching the man in the chest and unhorsing him. The horse nickered and turned away from the chase. The sounds of the pursuers died away in the sounds of the forest.
One by one, the horses began to slow from exhaustion until they were progressing at a sluggish walk. The horses were drenched in sweat, darkening their natural color.
"We are far enough away?" Amarah asked in a hushed voice. The hard ride had left her flushed, her dark hair unkempt and flying about, sticking up in all directions.
Haldir strained his hearing, and couldn't hear a single hostile noise. The others nodded their agreement that they hadn't heard anything for quite some time and felt that it was safe, at least for the moment.
Haldir frowned, "We keep going until we find a suitable place to rest."
Lómetar began to moan and thrash against Orophin, who still held tightly to him. The stricken elf was glistening with sweat, his face a deadly ashen pallor. The ride was clearly not helping his injured state.
"Haldir, Lómetar is not fairing well. I fear for him," Orophin said desperately.
"Talk to him. Let him hear your voice. If we allow the men to catch up with us, all of our lives will be lost." Haldir pleaded.
Orophin's face contorted as he whispered in Lómetar's ear, reassuring the elf that they would find safety soon and he would recover fully. Lómetar stirred restlessly and groaned in a delirium as Orophin spoke of returning home.
Haldir looked to the others, who were almost as pallid as Lómetar. Their eyes were unfocused in Elven unconsciousness; their bodies limp against the ones that held them protectively. The hard ride was not helping their injuries either. The passing of time was working against them. Yet, if they slowed, they would surely be found, and all of them could die or suffer at the hands of the men.
Haldir set his face sternly and began the pace anew, keeping his horse at a slow walk and listening to the trees around them. After a few minutes, the sounds of rushing water came to Haldir's ears from the left. Thinking the raging noise of the river could further mask their escape, he ordered everyone to the water's edge. The group looked tired, yet determined as they followed at a gait, emerging on top of a sharp precipice.
A sheer rocky cliff, draped heavily with a tangled mane of vines and branches, marked where the river flowed. The parting of the creviced earth was approximately fifteen feet across, though how deeply its shadowed depths was unknown to the contingent.
Though the overhanging foliage camouflaged the water, by its sounds the elves gauged it to be very deep and extremely fast in its current, moving against rocks and breaking its flow intermittently.
"Now what?" Amarah asked, rising in her saddle to peek over the edge of the crag.
"We follow the bank and cross when it becomes shallow," Haldir said, directing his horse along the rocky wall.
The group traveled in silence, the elves attuned for threats and the humans exhausted from the intense chase. The melody of the river in the canyon lulled everyone into a deep, settling comfort as they wound their way down and around the banks, taking the paths that were already formed from the wildlife. Orophin occasionally whispered to Lómetar, trying to reassure the elf and prayed that he remain with them.
The path sloped along the leafy bed of the river. The waters raging voice calmed to a mere babble, and once the company leveled along its side, they saw its murky coloring. The banks were crested, the tree trunks lowered in the beige water that swirled around loose hanging vines and ivy. The water looked to be only a few feet deep, the lower branches of the trees barely caressing the water's foam.
"We should rest here. Let the horses drink," Calorad said, his eyes scanning the water that seemed stagnate, save for the occasional swing of a leafy creeper. As if on cue, all the horses ventured to the water's edge and dipped their muzzles into the water, drinking deeply.
Haldir sighed, "The rains have caused the lands to flood. I do not trust this."
"It looks safe to me. We can cross here," Calorad said with assurance.
"It is unsafe," Haldir repeated exasperatedly, his patience wearing thin.
"It is not that high," Calorad huffed, pointing to a nearby tree that held one delicate branch above the water. "We can make it. I know it. Besides, your friends need to rest and recover, or they may die."
Haldir felt the urge to agree with Calorad and attempt the crossing for the sake of the injured, but all his centuries told him that this was a bad idea. He leaned forward on his horse, his keen gaze seeking any clue to resolve his decision either way.
Without another word, Calorad edged his horse closer into the churning water. The horse bucked, then lowered its head to drink its fill, its tail skimming the top of the water as it ventured another step. The other horses, without their owners consent, followed suit, drinking fully and swishing their tails happily at the respite.
Calorad egged his mount out into the shallows, the cloudy water rising around the horse's legs.
"See Haldir?" Calorad said waving an arm around. "It is not that deep. The horses can make it."
"It is not wise. When the horses have cooled themselves, we will continue on our way," Haldir said curtly.
"But what about your kin?" Calorad's voice hitched slightly. "We need to take shelter so your brother can tend to their wounds. I do not wish for them to suffer."
Orophin spoke quietly to Lómetar, but loud enough so Haldir could hear, "Just a while longer, my friend. Then you will feel better." He opened a small cache on his saddle and withdrew a small pinch of herbs and held them close to Lómetar's face. The injured elf sighed peacefully and relaxed into a deep sleep.
Haldir looked worriedly at Orophin but caught the subtle hint that his brother offered. The injured could travel farther to ensure their escape from the evil men that chased them. Orophin gave Haldir a reassuring look that all was fine for the time, and that he supported the need to flee as far as possible.
Calorad scoffed but Haldir took no notice, instead he studied the banks and the river, hoping it would give him a clue as to its depth and its strength. If it was as he feared, then they will have to travel far up the rivers edge to find a safe place. Haldir's horse came level with Calorad's, slightly apart from the others. The new vantage point gave him better vision up and down the river as his Elven eyes took in clues and indications.
Impatiently, Calorad pushed his horse farther into the water, the chilled wet lapping against the horse's belly. The horse tossed his head reluctantly, stepping nervously about, refusing to advance any further. Calorad frowned, then jabbed the horse hard in the ribs, spurring the stubborn beast forward.
Haldir's eyes scanned the waters up the river, his sight acutely picking out details that were partially hidden behind overgrown nettles, brush and tree limbs. His eyes widened at the sight of treetops swaying violently in the middle of the stream. The water was deeper than they realized!
Haldir opened his mouth to warn Calorad, but at that precise moment, Calorad spurred his horse forward.
A rushing wave swept up along Calorad and his mount, effectively pulling both into its chilling depths. With a strangle whinny the horse bobbed in the water, but found no ground on which to stand. The rushing water pulled unmercifully at the equine and with a last whinny of despair, the horse's head disappeared beneath the swirling water.
"CALORAD!" Amarah screamed her eyes wide. "Calorad, where are you?"
Amarah made to follow Calorad's tracks but Haldir shouted, "Retreat from the water! Now!" Múrendil reached the woman and started to pull her back as she stared horrorstruck at the place where Calorad had disappeared, her face and body frozen in shock. Her horse automatically followed the others that backed away, snorting as they hurriedly escaped the waters.
Haldir had returned to shore faster than anyone could recollect and dismounted swiftly and raced to Rúmil's side. Pulling off his cloak and withdrawing the length of Elven rope, he tied one end to Rúmil's saddle, who lassoed it securely to prevent slipping. Haldir secured the other end tightly around his waist and waded into the freezing water, the sting of the icy body not lost on the elf that was hip-deep in its dangerous clutches. His eyes constantly scanned downstream, his heart pounding in his chest and thundering in his ears, the water tugging mercilessly at his body to pull him under into its murky depths.
Calorad found himself horseless in the muddy waters as he fought desperately to resurface. With his eyes closed against the chilling torrent around him, Calorad felt fear well up, alone in the darkness, abandoned and left to fight the raging water in solitude that pressed all around him. He kicked hard, trying to break the surface, the rushing water tumbling, twisting, blinding and holding him almost lovingly in its deadly embrace.
Calorad flailed his arms and felt a break in movement. Kicking as hard as he could, he broke the surface, gasping in air, though the relief was short lived as the undercurrent dragged him back down as if teasing with him. He continued to tumble, his legs and arms frantically trying to gain some sense of direction and fight the surge that pulled him along in the dark abyss.
The current swept past the confused boy and unmercifully slammed him against a large, wide tree trunk that had been flooded. The torrential water sped him onward, not allowing him any reprieve. Feeling his limbs grow numb and his mind clouded over with fog, Calorad vaguely felt his body slip along the raging waters, twisting him limp form as if it was weightless.
The water caressed his face and Calorad felt himself pulled upward, its fingers gentle as it held him in a sacrificial manner. He felt his body once again slam against a solid surface, the rough bark of the tree tearing cruelly into his skin and allowing the chilling waters to lap hungrily at the wounds.
His head broke the surface, but precious little air entered his oxygen- starved lungs. Calorad was vaguely aware of wrapping his arms around the branch cradling him before he closed his eyes and allowed the darkness to claim him.
Haldir's acute sight glimpsed the sandy-haired human surface almost a mile downstream. The boy's hair was stained with mud as he clung to the treetop swaying in the current, its boughs, once ruffled in a breeze, now jerked to the drowning power of the water.
Taking a deep breath, Haldir plunged into the swirling, muddy enemy and nearly gasped when he felt the full blast of cold caressing his skin. Using his arms and legs to steer, Haldir strained his body and fought with the current before using its energy for him, instead of against his efforts. Taking advantage of the enraged river's lax touches in its natural flow, Haldir reemerged, taking several deep breaths and training his sight on his destination.
As if sensing the elf's intension, the violent water surged, submerging the elf once more in its thunderous roar of anger. Haldir sent a prayer of thanks to the Valar that Elves had a larger lung capacity and tolerance for such things and the turbulent water turned him upside down and sideways, shaking him to the point of him questioning which way was the surface.
Time stood still beneath the glassy surface. Not able to gauge his direction, Haldir kicked hard against the pounding water and broke the surface to find himself off course. Pulling his arms free of the angry water, he swam hard as taunt muscles flexed against the current fighting his efforts. After several strokes and tense seconds later, Haldir returned to his previous course. His eyes easily detailed Calorad's position, slumped face forward, and his head resting in the fork at the tree's upper bough.
'Just hold on,' Haldir thought frantically. The water seemed to laugh and tugged at his feet, playfully trying to pull him under again. Gritting his teeth, he fought with all his might, his muscles aching from the exertion and force constraining them.
The water twisted and churned, its inertia taking the elf into its depths, then hard into a tree. Haldir gasped as the wind was knocked out of him. Several large bubbles of air escaped his lips and floated to the surface. Haldir's opened eyes registered brilliant white spots of blinding light against the black, skeletal tree among the churning waters.
Haldir kicked hard and resurfaced with a gasp, then slipped below the icy waters, and resurfaced again with a grimace. Gasping for breath, he reached for Calorad and felt his heart leap despite the chilling deluge.
Calorad was lying limp over the fork of two branches, his head drooping forward, and water lapping into his pale face. Haldir wrapped his arms around the youth and leaned his head to rest on the elf's shoulder and out of the water.
Haldir tugged three times on the rope, then secured his arms around Calorad as the rope constricted and jerked, pulling them through the abusing current. He winced as the rope, though finely woven by expert Elven hands, cut into the tender skin around his ribs, making his breath come short and shallow from the raw fire that was spreading through his body. He fought desperately to keep their faces above the mutinous water that yanked downward, hoping to pull the two into a chilling grave.
Rúmil kept his hand light on the rope wrapped around his saddle, thankful that Elven rope was sturdy and taunt, it could also stretch and flex when needed, acting like a strip of elastic to extend to lengths that normal rope wouldn't accomplish. Feeling the rope jiggle three times, he guided his horse backwards, pulling the rope from the water little by little.
Múrendil dismounted and began to manipulate the rope that fed off of Rúmil's saddle. When the horse could go no further, Múrendil gripped the braided strands and pulled, feeling the weight of the two magnify with the fierce current that fought to keep the two in its clutches.
Amarah dismounted, trying to add her strength to the rope, but Múrendil ordered her back in rough Elvish, his face strained.
"Stay!" Rúmil said in Common. "Elves do this."
Láiraen joined Múrendil, pulling against the tide's greedy grasp. Aravitan had regained consciousness and sat lopsided in the saddle, his face grave as the two Elves pulled at the rope, their faces set in desperation and concentration.
When Haldir was close, Múrendil released his hold and waded in, helping Haldir with the limp human boy. Láiraen kept a firm grip on the rope, fearing that any moment the raging river could sweep off more victims.
Múrendil took Calorad into his arms, relieving the aching and exhausted March Warden of his burden and setting the human gently on the ground, away from the water's edge. Múrendil leaned over Calorad, then rose and spoke rapidly to Orophin. He held fast to Lómetar as Orophin dismounted and rushed to Calorad. Múrendil replaced him in supporting the unconscious elf on the horse.
Haldir dropped to his knees at Calorad's side, the Elven rope lax against his aching sides. Mud caked his clothes and hair, the murky water draining from his fair head and streaking down his face. He watched as Orophin went about a series of routines as he felt his breath starting to even out from the panting. The pain in his ribs stung with every breath. Haphazardly, he undid the knot and released the rope holding onto his midsection. The rope coiled and rested on the ground by Rúmil's horse.
Orophin sighed, his hand sweeping over the prone form before him. His face rose to look at Haldir.
Haldir knew the answer before Orophin spoke. The hollowness in his brother's eyes was unmistakable. Calorad didn't make it.
"I am sorry, Haldir," Orophin's voice cracked as tears filled his eyes. "The water has taken him. There is nothing I can do."
Haldir nodded mutely, and walked to Amarah, who stood transfixed by her horse. Her eyes were wide and unblinking.
"I am sorry, Amarah. He is gone," Haldir whispered, his voice gruff with grief.
Amarah's face was frozen in an unbelieving expression. The shock of what just happened seemed to have settled into her body, rendering it uncooperative and incapable of reaction.
Orophin removed his cloak and draped it over Calorad's cold body. The Elves bowed their heads and spoke soft words of mourning in Elvish.
"No," Amarah whispered. "It can not be. You are mistaken."
"I am sorry," Haldir repeated, fighting the tears that stung his eyes.
"No," Amarah gasped through spasms. "He is merely asleep. Take the cloak from his face. You will scare him."
Amarah made to advance on Orophin, but Haldir reached out and prevented her from going after his brother.
"We will return him home for burial," Haldir said with a choked voice.
"But," Amarah's face was pale, her deep emerald eyes bright with tears, though shadowed in grief. "It... it can not be, Haldir. Tell me that he is only sleeping."
Haldir could only shake his head, fearing the sound of his voice.
Amarah began to shudder in his grasp. With a strangled cry, she fell limp in his arms, tears flowing unchecked down her cheeks.
"We can not linger here," Múrendil said softly.
Haldir nodded, but didn't release his hold on Amarah. Her body trembled like a leaf in a strong wind, her chest heaving in spasms between sobs. She shook her head from side to side, refusing to accept the words.
"Amarah? Can you ride?" Haldir asked gently.
Amarah sniffed, still lulling her head as fresh waves of grief washed over her. Her knees buckled, no longer able to support her weight as she hiccupped between wails of anguish. Her hands grasped and clenched at Haldir's soaked shirt, tugging and twisting the fabric as she continued to refuse the fate of her young friend.
Haldir knelt with Amarah on the ground, the water still clinging to his hair, sticking the fair tresses together and tangling them. Múrendil pulled his tunic over his head and offered it to Haldir. Haldir pulled his jerkin, long sleeved, and short-sleeved undershirt over his head. Muddy water ran in rivulets from his discolored hair, earth-stained and unbecoming to an elf, down his body. Knowing his brother detested filth and the feeling of being unclean; Rúmil removed his cloak and offered it to dry off the mired, murky water. Haldir dried his hair as best he could, wringing out the droplets and wiping his skin dry, though for the March Warden's taste, definitely not clean to his normal standard.
When Haldir finished, Rúmil retrieved his cloak and stuffed into his pack with a sour look. Now a lot drier than before, Haldir pulled Múrendil's tunic over his head and fastened his cloak about his shoulders with the broach of Lothlorien.
Orophin gestured to Calorad's body, "How will we take him back? Our hands are already burdened with the injured."
Haldir picked up Calorad's body with great care and reverence and carefully placed it over the saddle of Amarah's horse. Securing the limp form, he lengthened the reigns to their fullest extent and went to Amarah's side.
She had remained kneeling, despondent and wavering in her grief. Haldir's horse sensed what he was planning and nudged the girl with his muzzle. She trembled and mumbled inaudible words as Haldir boosted her upon the horse, then easily mounted behind her, the reigns of her horse still clutched in his hand.
"Ride silent though gentle. The horses are burdened and there is no time to stop to rest. Listen for sounds of danger."
The others nodded in understanding. Múrendil climbed atop his steed and poised himself nobly as he switched into defensive mode. Orophin relieved Láiraen of Lómetar's care as he replaced the elf with a nod of thanks. Láiraen and Rúmil exchanged a look as Láiraen mounted his horse, his face grim.
The veil of night descended heavy upon the weary travelers. Silence shrouded the figures weaving through the forest, only broken by the muffled clopping of hooves in the curtain of black. The horses, too weary from their escape and chases, huffed along, though their heartbeats slowed from the exertions. Occasionally, Múrendil would whisper or adjust the direction and the group turned, as if of one mind.
Haldir held Amarah in front of himself, one arm snaked around her waist, the other holding the lead of her horse that trudged sorrowfully behind, Calorad's body secured on the saddle and lulling along with the uneven terrain.
The caravan slipped through the trees, which moaned high in their boughs, a soft song of passing and heartache to the laminating group below. Far into the night and through till dawn did they keep their steady pace.
Múrendil rode close to Haldir and spoke in hushed tones, so as to not disturb the woman now asleep in his leader's arms.
"We will arrive within moments. Do you think it wise to remain in their company when one of their own perished?"
"We have no choice," Haldir said, his voice laden with sorrow. "Our brethren need care and rest before we begin the journey home."
"So you trust them?" Múrendil raised his brow skeptically.
"I believe they are to be trusted. One of their own gave his life in the rescue of strangers. We will honor his memory," Haldir felt a lump rise in his throat, dreading their entrance into the grounds around the manor and the enclosed protectiveness of the estate.
Amarah stirred in Haldir's arms, and her body became tense as she awoke from her grief-induced slumber.
"Be still Amarah," Haldir's deep voice echoed in her ear, "We are almost to your home."
"How long have I slept?" she asked timidly, her body now becoming aware of the closeness of the elf at her back.
"Many hours. You fell asleep long into the night and slept through the dawn. It is now mid-morning," Haldir's chest rumbled against Amarah's back and sent a shiver down her spine. Sensing the tremor, Haldir tightened his hold, hoping to stave off whatever chill swept through her body.
The gates of Amarah's home rose through the tops of the trees, and a sigh of relief went through the party. A lump of dread rested in the Elven stomachs, an unrest settled into each of their acute minds as they passed the massive doors and went into the courtyard.