CHAPTER TWO

Inborn Confrontation

They had been traveling for nearly two days and were nearing the other side of the Misty Mountains. Glorfindel growled, "it is going to snow soon. I can feel it."

Legolas looked at Glorfindel with a scowl and said, "well if you keep talking about it you are going to call in down upon us and then I will be forced to strangle you!" The yellow-haired Elf's eyes narrowed to slits and he rolled them with annoyance. Why did he do things like this?

Elrohir was acting a bit slow and weary. The gray tint to his face and the way he slumped just a little in the saddle made it more than evident that he was feeling under the weather. Elladan stayed close by his side. He knew that his brother was feeling the bite that come from little sleep, a wound still in healing and the stress of travel. The creases in the elder twin's brow stated his apprehension.

They were all seated on a horse. Asfaloth had regenerated remarkably well and was bearing Glorfindel. The Gondolin Elf vowed that the stallion was twice the horse he had once been. Elladan and Elrohir just said that he was more mischievous than before. They snickered and thought that it was just as well that Ancú had not been allowed to come. He would no let anyone sleep for fear Asfaloth might bite him or steal his things.

Rothinzil was riding old Naneth. She was being her sweet old self. Legolas was riding his steely colored dappled mare. He still could not get over the fact that Roth insisted on calling his horse Naneth. Valar forbid he should ever actually get a warg pup and name it something near as stupid. Legolas thought he would run away, prince or no. It would push him towards wanting to banish Roth if that Elf ever got a warg pup. As much as he loved the archer as a friend, he did not think he could stand a warg pup loose in the palace and keep his sanity.

Aragorn was being quiet and his eyes were mostly on Legolas; watching and wait for his friend to falter as he knew the Elf eventually would. He knew that the wound was hurting more than the prince let on. He would often see Legolas stop, pretending to fix the girth of his horse or adjust the bridle and bit. He knew that really the Elf was trying to 'walk off' the pain as he walked his horse around on the rocky terrain of the mountain pass with hardly a rest.

He rode up beside the prince; to the blonde Elf's left so as not to have Rothinzil between them. "Legolas you need rest. Your father is only going to care that you get home in one piece, "he persisted anxiously.

Legolas looked at him with a half-frown, half-smile and said quickly, "I am well, honestly Strider." He was going to get annoyed. He knew that the human had been watching him every time he stopped. His Elven pride would not let him admit easily that all was not well and he often began to feel faint.

Aragorn knew it and the man said with a sigh, "no, you aren't. I know you and you are not going to tell me until you are in agony!" He edged his horse closer to Legolas' and said, "your pride is going to kill you someday."

Legolas pulled back on his horse's reins and looked at the man riding beside him. Aragorn halted his animal as well and returned the prince's annoyed glance. "Estel," began Legolas somewhat tightly, "If I was really hurting and needed you I would ask. I am no fool, but there are some things that one needs to learn to endure. Only the strong survive."

Aragorn raised a single brow, inclined his head and stated quietly, "define 'strong'."

Legolas smiled and said, "fit for survival." Aragorn had suspected that such an answer would come so he was not taken off guard. He spurred his horse and moved forward, trying to end the conversation that was disturbing him. He let the chill wind that was coming from the north sweep across his face, flapping his hood about him and blowing his long golden locks of hair.

Aragorn heeled his horse and trotted up to his friend swiftly. "It also means being wise in their decisions. You know this, yet you do not act on it." His eyes were narrowed and he used his piercing gaze that often reminded other of Elrond to weaken Legolas' opposition. Those silvery eyes, now darkened to a stormy color of annoyance and frustration made Legolas uncomfortable-the desired effect.

Legolas sighed as he broke down to the young ranger's inquiry and said aversely, "alright, I am hurting, but I can make it home. It isn't that far, any more than six days or so. I really need to see my father Estel," he pleaded. His face looked anxious as his eyes wonder towards his homeland. He wanted to know more of what was transpiring back home. His many friends there he longed to see...the trails he longed to walk...it all beckoned to him.

Aragorn was not happy, but now he was going to let the matter rest. He had gotten the Elf to admit what he needed to and he feared if he pushed any further the prince would clam up again. He knew Legolas would, it was the Elf's nature. It could be a good trait, but by the same note deadly. If Legolas was having internal bleeding he had to know, it could mean the difference between life or death. He brushed aside (with much difficulty) the sudden urge to grab that Wood-Elf by his skinny throat and choke him to death.

Roth had let Legolas ride ahead and when he sensed that whatever his prince and Aragorn were talking about was drawing to a close he came up quickly. Both heard him coming and turned to see the youngest of the Elves hurrying to catch up. A brief look from Aragorn told Legolas that he was not through with him. They would talk more after they had camped and were settled for the night. Legolas just looked away, angry with himself for ever telling the whippersnapper of a human in the first place.

Elladan and Elrohir called up, "do you feel like waiting for others to catch up so we can actually accompany you or did you just bring us along to give us a taste of the fresh air?" They laughed and spurred their horses into a canter, for they were more than ten yards behind. Elrohir was slower, though it went more or less unnoticed by all.

Glorfindel remained silent. As far as he was concerned he was here to get them there safe and drag them back even if they were unconscious. Then a thought occurred to him, were they not supposed to stop at the Misty Mountains? Even though the original agreement was halfway they had to change plans because of Elrohir, did they not? Well, at any rate he wished to go home and the quicker he got the Sons of Elrond turned around the quicker he would be in his study, safe, warm and dry. He was honestly getting tired of being in the saddle already. It was chilly out and even for Elves it would make their muscles taut and cold.

"I think we should be turning back," he shouted to the others quickly. He found it odd that they had crossed over the mountains without any incident from the goblins. He guessed it was the winter and its chill. The goblins were probably deep in their lairs and holes like the bunch of debased creatures they were, planing wicked plots and mining for jewels and silver.

Elladan grinned in a way that made Glorfindel feel an argument coming on and said, "oh Glorfindel! You are such a spoil sport!" Oh yes, here it came. The Gondolin Elf rolled his eyes inwardly and sighed out loud.

Elrohir, who normally would have chimed in, was quiet and he said with a thin smile, "I think Glorfindel is right." All looked at the raven-haired Elf and their faces looked more aged with cares upon cares that they felt for there friend and brother.

Elladan looked intensely at his younger brother and could tell Elrohir was feeling the pinch of illness from the wound and needed rest. However he wished to move on and he knew Estel would brood if he could not continue.

Wrinkling his brow, he decided that Elrohir's health was far more important and further up his list than his youngest brother's pleasure.

Glorfindel continued, "the winter storms will be upon us before we can get through the pass. They are coming early this year, I can feel it." He shifted in his horse's saddle uneasily. Getting trapped in the mountains was death sentence. Not only from cold but if goblins did choose to come abroad, one had no way of defense and would be slain or taken by them to be slain later as the miserable orcs saw fit. He was charged with getting the twins and Estel back. If they even got into a confrontation with orcs and came back with a scratch Lord Elrond would not be happy at all and most likely lecture for an hour about the dangers of the mountains and how they all knew better.

Aragorn had over heard and was having nothing of it. "I said I would accompany them half way. This is a third!" The he began to wonder if Elrohir was the reason that they were turning back...

Glorfindel snapped, "nevertheless, I was told by Elrond himself not to go further once we were over the mountains. It is dangerous. What if the snow blocked the pass?" Glorfindel spurred his horse up and looked Aragorn in the eye; "your brother's strength is waning Estel. He came so he could be with you and you could go but he needs to return home."

Aragorn looked at Elrohir and then back at Glorfindel. His eyes showed plainly he was having doubt about whether or not this had been a good idea. "He is bad then?" asked the young Dùnadan slowly. If his brother were seriously hurting, Legolas and Roth would have to continue homeward alone. His brother came first, whatever the case, though Legolas was like a brother to him.

Glorfindel looked down or a moment, struggling for the right words. Elrohir was bad yes, but not that bad. Yet he needed to go home. He looked back up at Aragorn and nodded, "yes. We have to hasten back to Rivendell before something ill happens." Aragorn looked at Legolas and Roth, who stood silently, watching and waiting to continue. They were anxious to get home and Aragorn knew it. Elrohir would slow everyone down, but Legolas just was getting over a wound too. The Elf of Gondolin sighed and said, "he knows his way home. Roth will look after him and they will be fine. Nothing dwells in the plains that could really harm them this time of year."

Aragorn frowned and said softly, "let me explain it to Legolas." How could he tell his best friend that he would have to travel back alone besides Roth? But he knew that the Elf would understand, or at least his heart knew, for it also knew he always underestimated the blonde prince.

Glorfindel smiled and said, "he will understand Estel."

Aragorn guided his horse over to Legolas' and said, "Legolas I have to turn back." This was not going to be easy, even though it should be...

The blonde Elf narrowed his azure eyes and said, "it is Elrohir, isn't it?" He sounded pained and Aragorn looked at the ground quickly. Legolas said reassuringly and in a nearly soothing voice, "it is not your fault, now go. He needs you Aragorn." Legolas held nothing over the ranger. He knew what the man's obligations were and he could make it home solely with Roth. It was not far, he just hoped Anduin was crossable.

The human looked at the Elf and said, "hannon le, Legolas." The prince smiled and that was enough. Aragorn knew the Elf held nothing against him or his injured brother. He smiled thinly back and Legolas nearly laughed. He would have held onto that smile forever if he had known what was going to happen.

Legolas watched them all begin to turn back and he sighed. Looking at Roth he said, "we had better keep going, we might make it before it snows." Legolas felt a pain in his right side and knew the wound was not warm and was getting chilled and the muscles were cramping. He shifted, but said nothing of it for fear Roth would slow their pace to make up for him. All Legolas wanted to do was get home to his father whom he had not seen in months.

The prince began to turn his horse away and Rothinzil followed. He hoped they would reach the Anduin before mid week. He also hoped it was not flowing with ice, for that would make the crossing difficult and dangerous.

Aragorn watched as Elladan rode close to his twin, Elrohir was looking fine but Aragorn knew he could be hurting and never mention it, like any other Elf. In this sense he thought that Elves were fools. They didn't often ask for aid until it was too late.

Glorfindel rode in the back, making sure no one lagged or was left behind. He had his hood pulled up about his face as the wind picked up. He had a strange feeling, like some evil was no longer at rest, but he shoved it to the back of his mind. They soon would be home with no incident and he could relax.

Aragorn rode in the front and he was silent. He hoped Legolas would make it home with no trouble. But he also trusted Glorfindel. The golden-haired fair being seemed to be in haste to get back for more than the sake of getting back.

As the ranger looked about the ground that they were troding on, his eyes darted to the edges of the mountain path. He then looked out into the rocks and sandy patches beyond, but he saw something. The ground looked mutilated and crushed in some parts as though heavy shod feet had crossed there at one time. Orcs: there was no other explanation.

They must have come through in the night. The wind began to pick up, fell and chilled: a sign that winter had indeed come early and they would be lucky not to get snowed in. It whipped his brown hair into his face and before the man could brush it back the wind became stronger. He could here Elladan grumbling about it and though he could not hear Glorfindel because of the roaring in his ears he had a feeling hat the Gondolin Elf was complaining just as much.

When Aragorn looked at the tracks again he saw that they were gone, blow over and obscured b the wind. They were nothing more than small hills and crevices in the earth now. He cursed his ill luck and as Elladan passed he grabbed his arm. "Elladan, I saw tracks, in the sand. They were orc like but the wind picked up and shifted the sand to cover them."

Elladan nodded, "the winter that comes to these mountains has set its will against us. Who can wonder at that in a place inhabited and made filthy by orcs?" He looked at the spot and saw that the sands were moving again and the tracks were no more than a phantom. But the orcs were abroad, yet they had not been attacked.

Chances were the creatures were off raiding some small village or raiding themselves. He hoped the filthy beasts were unaware of them.

Elladan rode further up and Elrohir hung back with his human brother. He wished to talk. "Estel?" he asked quietly as he drew his hood about his face to fend off the wind.

"What?" asked the human crossly. He had not received much sleep and was not in an overly good mood. The wind was grating on his nerves too. This was quite a nasty combination in a man who had not as much patience as Elves and he was not afraid to snap his responses back.

Elrohir was quiet a moment ad then said, "I am sorry I caused us to turn back. I know how much you wanted to travel at least to the Anduin." He heeled his horse back onto the path as it began to stray off into the rocks. Unspilled tears hung like gems in the younger twin's eyes. He had let his brother down.

Aragorn smiled warmly, in a solacing way and said, "think nothing of it. You are hurt and need to be home and warm. I would not have it any other way." He instantly regretted how he had spoken to his hurting brother moments ago and wished he could go back in time, if only for a moment.

Elrohir coughed slightly and Aragorn noticed with distress that his brother shivered. He felt guilt at ever letting Elrohir come out to begin with. It was his fault. "Estel," he said after the ailment seemed to pass; "I know you wouldn't. But you worry too much." He then gave his human brother a sharp glance and snapped, "put your hood on!" He knew men got sick from this kind of weather and was of no frame of mind to haul his younger brother home half-dead from phenomena.

Aragorn hastily snatched his hood and pulled it about his features and he had to admit that it felt better and the feeling in his ears was coming back. "Elrohir you are coughing, Elves don't cough unless something is really wrong!" he retorted quickly. "And anyway, you worry ten times more than I!"

Elrohir just shook his head. "I am fine, I just got some wind blown into my mouth and it made me cough is all," he tried to convince the human briskly. The he made his horse trot up so he could catch up with Elladan.

Aragorn reached out and grabbed the reins, "you shivered, Elrohir!" he argued in a compressed voice. His patience was being stretched as thin as it could get and he was certain that Elrohir knew it.

Elrohir sighed and argued back, "I am fine! I can't get sick and you know it!" He gave the man a hard look and said, "you are the one who can get sick, so look after yourself!" Aragorn released the reins and let his brother ride up with Elladan. He began to wonder if Elrohir was scared.

Glorfindel saw that Aragorn had stopped his horse and rode up beside him, "just give him some space," he Gondolin Elf wisely advised. "He will come around in time."

Aragorn looked at the Balrog-Slayer, whom he noticed was anxious to press on. He knew that Glorfindel could not push Gondolin and the ambush in the mountains out of his mind. The young man spoke his sentiment and nearly to himself, "I wonder if Legolas is as bad off as Elrohir."

Glorfindel stared at the human for a minute and then said, "I tend to doubt it." He watched as Elrohir and Elladan rode ahead, singing silly songs that were pointless and he said, "I wonder if all young Elves are so assured of themselves, or if it is only Elladan and Elrohir who tempt the Valar so."

Aragorn laughed and said, "Elladan and Elrohir, definitely!" Glorfindel smiled and rode on and Aragorn pushed his horse up along the path as well. Then a sudden thought occurred to him, "but I must say this on their be-half; in their youth they have yet to find a Balrog and do battle with it!"

Glorfindel snorted, though it was lost in the draught of the coming storm and he laughed to himself. Yes, he was insane and at times spontaneous. Elrond had told him this long ago and so had Erestor, who had most likely heard it from Elrond to begin with. In any case, it was a perfectly correct assertion, he thought with an inward laugh and smile.

The wind continued to howl and beat down on them. It began to get darker and all knew a storm was approaching that was going to be terrible.

Legolas and Rothinzil looked back at the mountains and saw dark clouds coming swiftly as though Mordor itself was driving them. Both of the Elves suppressed shivers that lifted the hair on the back of their neck, thinking of Sauron having so much power. Legolas said, "a storm is coming. Roth we need to find shelter." He suddenly placed his hand under his cloak and touched his wound, or what was left of it. It was throbbing.

Roth saw his anxious look and his narrowed eyes that were a clear sign of pain and said, "we need some aid and a fire to warm you with too, but will you please tell me something I don't know?"

Legolas looked at him with a frown and said, "we do not know anyone around here. Elves are not as well loved as you may think."

Roth sighed as he thought, I know that! Then he said, "I know, but we still need to try. The storm is drawing closer and fast." They could see lightening in the clouds and knew that this was going to be a huge winter storm.

Legolas watched the clouds for a little while then said, "we will never make it home before this snowstorm hits." He sighed and tried to push thoughts of traveling home in the frigid temperatures out of his mind. "I concede, we do need aid." His wound was aching and he needed rest.

Both of he Elves rode a little further until they were near a forest of fir trees. They noticed with alarm that a bit of snow was already falling and a half an inch lay on the ground and in their hair, collecting in their hoods.

As they looked into the wood, wondering whether or not to go in for fear of wargs they heard the sound of many horses. The sharp hearing of the Elves could hear pawing and snorting, along with munching and neighing. But they were still cautious, after all, who was to say that the creatures or people hidden amongst the trees were friends and not foes?

Both of the Elves pulled here cloaks tighter about themselves as the wind picked up. It was truly miserable out. The snow began to swirl and they could hear rumbles of thunder that told them it was getting closer and if they did not find shelter soon or get a fire going they were done for.

Exchanging looks, both of the Elves began to ride into the evergreens, hoping that they met with friendly company. They were afraid that they felt a little too chill to fight in a battle.

It was not long before they saw the horses all crowded around each other for warmth against the winter chill. But they also saw the glow of a fire. It was welcome looking and they began o wonder if these were not fellow Elves moving a herd of horses to the palace for use after they were purchased from the Rhohirrim.

As they got closer, they saw it was men and Legolas looked on carefully. He did not wish to be seen if these men were not friendly. He slid silently from his horse and motioned for Rothinzil to do the same. The other Elf did so, but not without stepping on a twig. Roth never failed to be a klutz when the worst time for him to make a noise arouse. Legolas winced, but then recalled how the hearing of men were not as sharp as his own.

The Elves drew closer to the fire, so they could see the men's faces. Legolas smelled the thick smell of much smoke and liquor. He was not sure that was such a good combination with humans and was slightly put off by it. But then the wind picked up again and the horses were becoming uneasy.

It was an ideal spot to camp in good or bad weather and the wind was shielded some, for the fir trees blocked it as well as sheets or blankets spread between the trees. Snow drifts piled up all baout them, tall and glimmering.

Legolas began to fear the cold and harsh winds more than anything and did something that he normally would never do: he went against his judgement. Rising from the brush e walked cautiously amongst the men and into the firelight, for the cloud over had made the world quite dreary and it was getting onto dusk already. Roth followed and both of the Elves put their hands up as a sign of peace.

The men jumped up, all but one, a tall and burly looking man wrapped in a cloak. They grabbed their swords and unsheathed them. Legolas followed every move they made with his quick eyes and Roth felt a sudden urge to be sick. "What are you Elves doing sneaking around here all alone?" one snarled loudly over the wind that was bending the trees and sending varieties of leaves that had not yet fallen completely from the trees to dance about their heads in swirling masses.

Legolas spoke quickly, lest he should find a sword through his chest. "We need your aid for the night. We cannot make it home in this storm and to try would be insanity." He watched as one of the men came forward and put his sword tip onto his neck. He did not push it in, he did not need to , the intention was clear.

Legolas did not know what to do, but he had hoped this wouldn't happen. The sitting man said, "stay that sword. They came with a show of peace for aid! Is that the best you can do Calmir or do I have to show you better?"

The human that had threatened the prince dropped the blade but he still argued, "they are bloody Elves, the witches of Middle Earth!" Legolas stiffened at the title and would have a made a sharp remark back, but knew it was worthless and would only serve to increase tensions. "With all due respect father, how can they be trusted?"

"Calmir! You will sheath your sword and let them join us! You and I will talk later," he finished gruffly. He turned to Legolas and Roth, "go and set our stuff in the tent so this cursed snow doesn't soak it. You can then come and eat with us if you like or sleep, or whatever you like if it is possible in this cursed weather," he finished lamely.

Legolas breathed with relief. He looked at Roth and saw that his friend's breathing was still unsteady. The prince smiled and said, "thank you, we are sorry for the trouble we have caused you."

The man laughed, "no trouble at all master Elf. Glad to have you. It isn't often a man runs into the fair folk, just wish our welcome could have been better, eh Calmir?" he glanced at his son, who said nothing.

He was going to see those Elves dead. They could ruin everything.

Legolas and Roth set their packs in the tent and were grateful to get away from the wind. The tent was small, five bedrolls already occupied it and then there was their two. The Elves looked at each other and Roth smiled, "at least we are safe."

Legolas shrugged, "I don't know. That one...Calmir...he seemed eager to slay us on the spot and he probably wouldn't pass up the opportunity."

Roth sighed, "I am hungry, I think I will go out with them, are you coming?" he asked as he headed for the tent flap door. He was either oblivious to the danger, or he just didn't care. At the moment, Legolas could not decide which, but he was leaning towards the former.

Legolas smiled and said, "no. I am tired. I think I will stay in here for a time." He began to unroll his bed and Roth looked at him hard for a minute.

"Well at least eat some Lembas bread, Legolas. You need he energy, especially in this cold," he added. With that he turned and went out the door. Legolas sat on his bedroll and thought for moment. He wasn't really hungry and joining the men went against his better judgement.

Deciding to let Roth go ahead and take company with the men, he curled up beneath his blanket along with his cloak and tried to sleep. However the new environment he was in and the thought of getting murdered while he slept did not allow for much rest. He tried to blend night and dream together by leaving his eyes open as Elves do but it only served to provoke nightmares in which he was always freezing while a human stood over him with a naked sword ready to run him through the heart. Sighing, he did the one thing that felt most awkward and yet was the most relaxing at the time: he shut his eyes and let dream alone take over.

Roth came in with a bowl of hot soup, steam curling from the lip of the bowl. He looked at his prince, fast asleep and sighed. Legolas was more weary than he would willingly let on. Frowning, he wondered if he should wake the other Elf. Legolas had to eat or his body would get weak. Drawing a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he drew close to the Elf-prince and gently gripped his shoulder.

Legolas was instantly awake and he grabbed Roth's wrist with a speed only a frightened and startled Elf could possess, lucky it was not the hand with the soup, otherwise he would have been scalded. Roth said quickly, "Legolas it is I, Rothinzil." The blonde Elf looked at his friend with bleary eyes and then gave a small smile.

"Sorry, I am just a bit on edge about this whole stay over with men. Don't you find them a bit hard to trust?" he whispered wistfully.

Roth pushed the bowl of soup at him. "Eat."

Legolas looked at it and asked with a frown, "what is it?" It did not look like something he wanted to digest. Wrinkling his nose he sniffed thinking that it would smell as badly as it looked. However, he was pleasantly surprised.

Roth sighed, "it is good for you, that's what. Now eat." He shoved the bowl towards his prince again. Legolas refused.

"I'm not hungry," he said with a scowl. He yawned, "but I am tired. Wake me before dawn will you?"

Roth scowled back and said, "I watched them make it and nothing strange is in it, I can assure you. You must eat, don't make me force you Legolas. It would be rather ugly," he finished with a laugh.

Legolas sighed and took the hot bowl. It did smell delightful and it had to be better than Lembas bread. When he saw Roth with no bowl he asked quietly, "what about you?" If that skinny klutz of a Wood-Elf gave him all of what they had to share he would force it down his throat.

Rothinzil knew this very well and chuckled before he said, "I have already eaten while you were sleeping. You have slept for hours." He watched as Legolas downed a huge spoonful and looked around for water as the soup burned his mouth. He had been a little too eager. Rothinzil laughed again and said, "I am afraid what water we had is frozen, but I have some cordial in my pack that is mean to give strength." He looked at Legolas and said, "couldn't do you any harm to have some. I should have thought of it sooner."

He went to his pack and rooted through it for about five minutes before he found it. He tossed it to the prince, "a gift from Elladan and Elrohir," he said in response to the strange look on the blonde immortal's face. Legolas smiled and popped the top of the vial.

He knew it only took a few drops and it would work like a gallon of water to a weary and thirsty horse. As he felt the small mouthful of the liquid hit his tongue it instantly cooled the burns and eased the pain. He also felt new strength flow into his limbs and he felt his spirit lighten.

Roth smiled and said, "they are not bad folk once you get into talking. I think I will go and talk some more. You just get your rest."

Legolas nearly spat his soup out. "Roth, be careful what you say. Do remember the Corsairs?" he asked with a single golden brow raised and a dull look in his eyes. "I mean it Rothinzil, you could get us killed and I would have to kill you then if we somehow managed to survive. I do not think I would like that very much," he finished with a dignified snort.

Roth rolled his eyes and said, "they are different. Anyway, I am always careful!" he frowned. What was Legolas implying?

The blonde Elf made on last plea to get his friend to stay, "you are tired too Roth. You have been worrying since I was wounded and you worry still. You need rest as well." Legolas honestly feared something would happen to his companion. He knew how Roth liked to talk and was an utter klutz. What if he said something that put them and their home in danger?

Roth insisted that everything would be well. Legolas just frowned and whispered, "you be careful."

Roth just smiled and said, "always!"

As Roth came out of the tent with a scowl on his face as he contemplated once more all that his liege had mentioned Calmir asked, "your companion, he does not like to talk?" Rothinzil's head snapped up from where it had been staring intensely at the snow as though he was trying to burn it with his eyes. From the fire like look, it seemed as though it was remotely possible.

Roth eyed the liquor bottle in the young human's hand and he said tentatively, "he is just tired. He will be himself by morning." He was speculating whether or not the mortal had too much to drink and whether or not he should go back in the tent.

The man that he had come to know as Calstor called to him, "come sit here young Rothinzil and tell us more about you." Roth thought it was pretty paradoxical that the human was calling him young when he was at least two thousand, five hundred years older. But then again, to this man he probably looked only twenty most.

Roth looked at the human for a moment and then decided it would be worse not to join, for then the mortals would get suspicious and that could lead to disaster. When men could not understand something, they feared it and after they feared it they were not satisfied until they destroyed it utterly.

Going over, the Elf sat by the elderly and yet hale human with a grin. The man offered the immortal a swig from his canteen of liquor but Roth turned it down saying he was not in the mood for it.

"You Elves are strange folk," said the man as he shook his head. He ran a wrinkled hand over the white whiskers on his face that was nearly as full as a beard. "The alcohol will stave off the chill of the night and storm."

Roth smiled politely and said, "perhaps you did not know this, but we Elves do not feel the cold as you do. It is annoying to us and certainly if we are out long in it painful. Yet we can endure it longer." The Wood Elf nearly jumped as he heard a clap of thunder mixed amongst the wind and billowing snow. He was glad for the protection the men had put for the camp around the trees: blankets stretched between the trunks.

If it weren't for those they would be buried alive by ice and snow. The Elf wondered about the horses, but he knew they were sleeping, buried in caves beneath the blankets of snow that acted as an insulation to trap their heat.

The older man's son smiled evilly and said, "so after you are finished enchanting the weather, then what do you Elves do? Did you stop here to watch us suffer though it?" he asked scornfully. He sneered at the immortal and said, "well you won't have the satisfaction. We all have been out in worse and survived with little to speak of!"

Roth nearly snarled back at the man, but held his temper in check, knowing that is what Legolas would have done in this situation. Although he was NOT Legolas and if this continued he could not be responsible for his actions that they would more than have earned. "We do not bewitch the weather. It is what it is and we are not but beings dwelling here for a time. We are certainly not magical." He was beginning to get a little frightened, but not too much. It was enough, however, to make a shiver start at the nape of his neck, raising his hair, and race down his spine.

The man watched curiously as the Elf took out a pipe and began to smoke it thoughtfully. It was medium in length so as to be easily traveled with. It was made of clay and wood. "I did not know Elves smoked," he said with a laugh.

Rothinzil looked at the human and laughed as well, more to relieve tensions than because he found it amusing, "they don't, I do. I am Peredhil." They looked at him strangely and he explained, "I am sorry, that is half-Elven. My father was a man, mother an Elf." He blew out a puff of smoke. "But I learned this after she died and I was raised among men for a time."

The elderly man wrinkled his brow in confusion and some exasperation, "you were raised with men?" he asked incredulously. Shaking his head he said, "that is strange."

Roth smiled and said, "true nonetheless and Elves back home say that is why I am such a klutz." He gave a small laugh that seemed a bit more nervous than he was comfortable with. Drawing a breath of the sweet tasting smoke he sighed as it blew out between his lips. It was a pleasure that he could not often take.

The Calmir sighed in an agitated way and said, "father may I have a word with you?"

Calstor just smiled and said tersely, "later." He shot his son a quick cryptic look that stated as though it was written out in ink that he was in no frame of mind to be messed with right now and if his son knew what was good for him he would take a seat or go away and complain else where.

Calmir was about to argue but thought better of it. It would get him no where. He looked at Roth and sighed, He hated those damned Elves. He could not wait to get his hands on them and slay them.

Rothinzil just looked at the man and mentally shrugged. He was willing to make friends. Calstor seemed willing enough to be a friend and not try to rip his head off with sinister glares. He had half a mind to do something really strange and make them a little scared, even though he knew it could lead to disaster.

The Elf finally decided he should get back and check on Legolas. The prince was recovering after all and he did not want him to get murdered by one of these men. He smiled and put out his pipe. "I am sorry my friends, but I must take my leave. My companion is ill and I need to tend to him."

Calmir watched Rothinzil get up and go to the tent, draw back the flap and go in.

Rothinzil felt it, eyes on his back, and he went quickly to his bedroll, unrolled it and went inside. Memories were returning, ones he had not recalled for a very long time. So long he wondered if he would understand them. He closed his bleary hazel eyes and sleep found him quickly.

Calmir looked at his father and the other three men. He drew his sword and said, "I can go and kill them now. If they find out-"

"About the horses? Nay, they won't and if they do we can make like we was the ones that caught them stealing them," he said firmly and with a low growl. "I think that they will be gone in the morning without ever knowing." He shook his head and said, "if you harm them, I will kill you!" Calstor loved his son, but he knew how evil the young man could be and he knew how deep his hate for Elves ran.

Calmir sneered, "some father you are!" He set his hand on the sword hilt and fingered it a moment before taking his hand off it and then frowning, "what about the horses of theirs?" he asked in a rumble of annoyance.

Calstor just sighed, "we will let them keep the horses, either that or we give ourselves away and slay them. I would not see such a thing as an immortal flame be put out without need."

Calmir smiled cruelly, "who says we have to kill them? They could fight for us in the pit and make us scores of money!" He remembered the time he had captured a warg and had trained it to fight, but it had long ago been slain. He wanted to revisit the arena. He wanted to have the feel of cash in his hand again, of coins clinking and taste the smoke of the hidden chambers that held the pits where the illegal fights took place.

Calstor just growled back, "no! We would not be able to break them anyway. They are Elves, even if we did break them it would be their bodies not their spirit, which is what it will take to get them to fight and spill innocent blood." He drew a lung drink from his canteen of liquor. The old man nodded and said curtly, "if you harm them, may death find you swiftly."

Calmir came and gripped his father's shirt collar and then snarled, "it isn't as if we are virtuous or anything, you are the one who helped me and my boys get those damn horses for an equal share yourself." He gestured out to where he knew the beasts were waiting for the storm to pass.

Calstor flung his son's arm off in a rage and threw the younger man back roughly. Jumping up he shouted, "don't act that way with me boy!"

Calmir just spat at his father and he went to his own group of three followers who flocked about him. Calstor watched his son and knew that the boy was about to lose it. It was ironic how he thought of the child as a boy when the said son was going on thirty.

He and his son had never entirely gotten along. Calmir was too ambitious and anything that stood in his way was an obstacle to be removed by any means essential.

He and his daughter had always been close, but after they lost most of what they had because of a foolish venture, she grew estranged from her family and took to learning how to ride horses and would go away for long periods of time. She was compared with the Elves for her skill with horses and other creatures and her light feet.

Calmir looked at his comrades and said, "those cursed Elves could make us a lot of money like we have never seen the likes of before but my old man ain't gonna let us touch 'em!" He spat and then said, "Damn I want those Elves. Just imagine them in The Pit, just take a moment to imagine!" He could feel the gold in his pockets right then. Of course he knew breaking them would not be easy, but would that not be half of the fun?

One of those closest to him said, "and how do you expect to control them?" His voice was a low hiss that reeked of poison, poison for the ears. But his question was a rather blatant one that was lingering on everyone's mind. It just so happened he was the poor creature to point it out and made to look like a fool.

Calmir rolled his eyes and said, "Kushor, chains can hold anyone and Elves are no different. How do you tame a warg? One step at a time. A horse that bucks? You use spurs, you fool!" He smiled with a look of ice and steel that if the Elves had seen it, they would have ran for their lives and anyone else would have fled in sheer terror, "I will break them, and you can mark my words."

Kushor shook his head, "I mark them, but wait to see if they will come true." Calmir took a sip from his canteen and Kushor asked, "so your father won't let you touch them?"

"No, but will get them one way or another or they will die. We can take them with us when we take the horses into Rhovanian's black market."

He was going to capture and break those Elves, even if he had to commit a murder first. Nothing and no one were to stand in his way.

TBC...

Review please? Thanks for all the ones you sent us to start with! We love them and now that the action started we hope it is only getting better and more interesting for you to read. Angst two chapters away; our next post will be on Friday or Monday.

Oh! And we think it is fair to say this is a cliffy! Enjoy!

Deana: Yup! New story! There are many reasons, we have had so many re-writes its not even funny, and we are getting frustrated with our writing style at times and just because we think we got over our heads with the theme. Bu thanks for the encouragement and the splendid review. :)

Azla: Yay! New reviewer! So you liked the court scene? We thought that would be boring for you readers. LOL Well gee, thanks for the complement and review. -blushes- :)

elitenschwein : Hehehehe. Glad you like it so far. Now how can we tell you that? Oh-well, can't hurt. Yes, there will be ranger angst –giggles- Why would we not put it in there? Its us! –more giggles- Awwwwwww...you like our writing style a lot? Thanks (because we are ready to kill it). That is so sweet. And your English seems fine to us for the most part and its our first language. LOL Thanks for the sweet review. :)

Lucy: Are you a Glorfy fan? Just wondering. –g-. He is adorable. Well...we fear to say too much, but he is going to be in there and if you are a Glorfy angst fan you will like it. But you will see. LOL Just keep reading and thank you for this cute review! It is an encouragement. :)

Leela 74: Hello Mellon nin. Hey, you can add more stories to our community if you want. (we haven't checked our e-mail lately, sorry if you sent a reply and we never noticed) Favorite authors? –g- that makes us feel so loved (both hug Leela). Thanks a lot friend. Oh! You really think our style has improved? Thank goodness, because we are getting fed up with it. Oh yes...the evil pets are making their triumphant return. You better watch out. LOL They are lurking where they are least expected...dumdumdum...to annoy and scare readers everywhere. :)

Astievia: Our chapters are too long? Hehehehehe. Sorry. Hey, we print out Nili's and Cassia's at times. But anywho...do your siblings read ff, or just you? None of ours do. Oh! You read our other ones. Cool! Yes, we use the whole palm pilot thing a lot ourselves. Most of the time we never get back to the authors whose story we meant to read. Yes! That song is really helpful. We love it and listen to it often. She is such a great singer. We actually got to see her at Acquire the Fire 2003 (or was it 2004). Anyway, we love her music. English is much more challenging and I love it the most. But Western can be more wild and free so I love that too. I guess it depends on the purpose. –giggle-snort- Thanks for the awesome and inspirational review. :)