Title: Moon Rune
Author: GundamNymph
E-mail: runttie@cybertours.com
Rating: PG-13 for now (violence, some swearing)
Summary: The three Slayers of our time are sent to Middle-Earth to kick Vampire @$$. Romance to come.
Feed back: Please review, even if it's a one liner, so I know there are people reading.
Warning: Uh, violence to come?
Chapter 4
Ellen slowly became aware to the motions of a horse running. Arms were tightly around her, pressing her up against warmth. She leaned into the hold, and gave a little yawn. She felt completely rested. Another pro about being a Slayer, fast healing abilities. She smiled.
"Lady Ellen?" She slowly opened her eyes to the sound of Herdare's voice. The rhythmic clopping of horse hooves slowed a bit. It was night, with a full moon over head. She was able to make out Herdare's worried face, atop his steed. She stretched as much as she could within the strong arms.
"Yeah, Herd Boy?"
His face showed relief. "Unbelievable. First you slay all those creatures with amazing movements and strength, and now, your awake only after a few hours rest." That made her more alert. She straightened. The two guards rode slightly ahead, their skin shining lightly in the moonlight. Her eyes widened. She remembered how shocking it was when she first saw the elves beneath the light of the moon. They actually glowed with it's light. That was what had made it so easy to see Herdare.
"What do you think your doing?! Put your hoods up before the vamps see us!"
Herdare looked startled at her out burst. Then he realized what she said. But it was Legolas who called out the order.
"Sim'nol! Arni'or! Herdare! Put up your hoods and hide your skin!"
Ellen blushed as she came to the conclusion that it was Legolas who held her. Herdare sent her a smirk. The bastard.
The others complied to what Legolas had ordered them to do. Ellen didn't know elfish, as much as she wanted to. She relaxed a bit, and one again leaned back into Legolas's arms. She shivered lightly when she felt his breath caress her ear. "How are you feeling Lady Ellen?"
"Uh, much better thank you. And it's Ellen. I think you should be able to call me that. You did when I was passing out." She felt the smile in his voice. Then concern.
"Okay, Ellen. But it might take some getting used to. You truly are all right?"
"Yes. I'm fine."
"I do believe, your highness, that she simply feels heavenly right now." Ellen glared at Herdare, and the two friends laughed heartily. "He is only teasing you, Ellen. He does it to me all the time. It is a wonder he isn't dead yet." Ellen bit her lip.
"Any ways, it will be only a day longer of his torments before we reach Rivendale. I can not wait to see my friends." She smiled as he began to talk of them. She was going to meet the fellowship. It was then that she came up with a plan. She had to speak to Bonnie as soon as she arrived.
Celia was tired, achy, frustrated, and downright BORED. The Hobbits, as they called themselves, were chatting lively about things she had no clue about. Well, at least Pippin and Merry were. Frodo was silent, as well as Sam. She had to admit, though. Sam was a great cook. She stared moodily up along the path way. "So, how much farther have we to go?" She asked. Again. Frodo turned to look at her, and smiled. She scowled at that smile, wondering why these creatures with little furry feet were always so happy.
"Not much farther, Lady Celia. We should be there by night fall."
"Celia."
"Sorry?"
"Call me Celia. It feels weird every time you call me Lady Celia."
"Oh, all right. Celia."
The raven haired girl began to wish that there were vampires or demons to kill. SOMETHING to at least get her hands on she thought, as Pippin and Merry started their horridly cheerful conversation again.
She breathed a sigh of relief as Rivendale came into view, later that evening. It was gorgeous, but she was eager to see Bonnie and Ellen. She ran her horse in front of the ponies, until she crossed by the gates. She got off the horse near what seemed to be the stables, and practically ran until she saw Bonnie. Her breath WAS taken away as she saw four hot guys with her.
Celia leaped up the stairs lightly, before taking her friend into a hug. "Argh! It's SO good to see you! It thought I was going to DIE. Those Hobbits are just so boring and NOT amusing. I am going to KILL Arneania." One of the men blanched at that. But Bonnie reassured him that Celia was just kidding.
"So Bon Bon. I see that you're quite the lucky girl. I am stuck with four short men with furry feet, and here you get all the hotties!" Her slang was unknown to them, so they just smiled at her in welcome. To the males present, her gaze upon them was very intense, and sly.
"Celia, stop undressing them with your eyes. This is no time for that. This is Lord Elrond, and his twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. They are elves. And this is Aragorn, and his WIFE, Arwen. Arwen used to be an elf. I see you left your exhilarating companions in the dust. I have a bath ready for you upstairs, if you-" Bonnie was cut off as Celia grabbed her wrists, and pulled her up the stairs. She heard the twins cry out as they passed. She glared at Celia.
"What?" She asked pulling an innocent face.
"Lord Elrond IS King of this city, making his sons, princes."
"So they're hot. They deserve to have their tushes pinched. Hard as rocks, I tell you. Gotta envy them." Bonnie tried to continue to be stern, but couldn't help herself as she broke out laughing. She led them to where Celia was staying , and threw open the door. "Whoa, nice digs."
Her room alone could fit her entire house in. There were no windows, and the walls were pretty much open to the outside in their places. The bed was twice the size of her queen at home, and the first thing she did was jump on it. "Wee. This fun. Now where is that bath?" The bath rested behind a wall jutting out. There was also a closet there, and she was VERY happy to see the things she packed for the trip there. As she began to strip, she asked, "So where is Ellen?"
"She's still on the road. She's riding with a bunch of elves. No doubt another lucky femme fatale." Bonnie lay on her friends bed as her hidden friend bathed. There were often sighs coming from the other side of the wall, and Bonnie had to agree. The elves did have the best baths made up. And the soap smelled so good. Better than anything at Bath and Body.
"Elrond estimates that Ellen and her group will be here tomorrow night. The council will be the day after. I think we are only waiting for Ellen's party, and a guy named Mithrandir. Until then, you're going to have to get used to all the male elves around here, and keep your hormones in check."
Laughter was heard on the other side. After bathing, Celia stepped out in a pale green robe.
"So where are my clothes?"
"Elrond thought it would be best if we were to dress up while we were here. There are quite a few dresses in your closet. Pick one out, I'm going to get in my own. I'm just next door to you on the left. Dinner's at Eight." With that, Bonnie hopped off the bed and walked to her own room. Celia chose a ruby colored gown, that set off her eyes, and put it on. Then she took a clip and pulled back the front portion of her hair. It was long enough there to do so. She went into Bonnie's room, not bothering to knock, and saw the red head wearing a deep purple gown. As usual, she had a hard time with her hair.
"Here, let me do that." She then piled some of the hair at the back of the head, and used a beautiful head ornament she found to fasten it there. "Now we're ready for a ball, Cinderella."
The feast was tasteful, even though the girls weren't used to such food. Celia had had the basics on the road, and Bonnie had a little more time to get used to the food. The twins seemed not to take much offense at Celia's earlier forwardness. They smiled at the girls as they joined (though kind of hesitant), and Bonnie realized Ce was right. They were gorgeous. Even for an elf.
The Hobbit's seemed to be in shock upon seeing Celia, but Frodo just greeted her with a smile and kissed her hand. Bonnie smirked when she realized that Ce was blushing over 'a furry short man'.
The elves seemed to almost forget what they looked like normally. Ce found out that Aragorn was a king, as well. She also found a fellow mischievous female friend in Arwen. After the food was taken away, many of the elves moved to separate rooms for storytelling, or singing; or stayed to dance in the other half of the room. Celia and Bonnie were kind of sad as they listened to the music and songs. Arwen had been with them, along with Frodo.
"What troubles your hearts?"
"Don't worry, Arwen. All this singing and music and stuff just reminds me of Ellen."
"Yeah. The girl can be just like one of these elves the way she loves art and music. She's also a HUGE fan of animals. Dogs in particular. She hasn't had a pet since her last pet cat died. And they make her so happy. She's also a fan of nature. Can't cook too well, that's Bonnie's talent. Bakes okay, though."
"There are a few pets in Rivendale. I'll try to make sure they are present when they arrive."
"And don't worry, my Ladies. I am sure Legolas is taking care of her."
"Or she's taking care of him." At this they smiled. Celia didn't seem to notice Frodo's comforting hand in hers, though.
"Ahhhh-" The creature's scream was cut off as Legolas's arrow found it's mark. They had been attacked twice since the first fight, this was the third time. They seemed to swim around Ellen at the moment, as she once again showed her amazing skill. This time, when they had attacked, the group had been riding hard towards Rivendale. They weren't kidding now. There had to be a hundred of them.
Legolas, Herdare, Sim'nol, and Arni'or were surrounded by their own dark pools; but Ellen had by the far most around her. Thirty seven had been killed, and more were being hacked down. In the first battle, blood hadn't even been drawn. Now, both sides had blood flowing. Numerous cuts ran along Ellen's body, memoirs of the creatures swords. Even the elves were having a difficult time. The leader this time, had black hair. He sat and watched the battle, not caring if his kind were being slaughtered. There was a pleasure in those blood red eyes of his, and there was a cruel smile upon his lips. *give up the rings* a voice in her head sang. *they do not belong to you…* "Wha…huh?"
The distraction almost cost her, her life. She plunged another stake into a vampire, then looked up at the leader. He gazed at her, *give up the rings…or you and your companions will die* The voice was in her head. He would probably kill them any ways. She had no clue as to what he was talking about, though. She didn't have any rings of power, and that's what she thought he wanted. The creatures attacking the elves were now only a distraction for them, and the rest of them cornered her. She heard Herdare cry out, probably noticing what was going on.
She lost another stake, and grabbed one from her waist. She was getting low, and would run out soon. The only good thing about vampires, was that when they are killed, they were reduced to ash at her feet. Ellen cried out as a vampire once again managed to bite her, and screamed in rage. *give up the rings…* She bit her lip, almost drawing blood. Her muscles began to tire. About a little under fifty percent to go. She felt a probing presence in her mind, and tired of his game; let all her frustration out. It formed a shield of energy around her that expanded, throwing the creatures up in the air and killing them. Ash rained down on her.
Sim'nol stared at her, mirroring her own wide eyes. She tried it again, with the same result. The leader frowned at her, seeming to realize something. The vampires swarmed over the elves, leaving Ellen alone. "No! Leave them alone!" She trotted over to the leader. "What do you want?" *the rings…* "Well, that's good and all, BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY FREAKING RINGS!" The vampire stared at her, coming to his conclusions. *retreat… We will come back later…* The vampires seemed to disappear.
"Legolas! Herdare! Guys, are you all right?!" Arni'or was on the ground, catching up with his breath. He had cuts all over him, sword nicks. A gash caressed his forehead, sending blood into his gray eye. Sim'nol watched her wearily, brown eyes suspicious. His shoulder was dislocated.
Legolas and Herdare sported more wounds than the guards, though. It was as if the leader had known about their importance. Legolas was bleeding all over, and as her fingers glided over him, she found cracked ribs and a sprained arm. Herdare was bit better, having only a broken ankle. She also found bite marks on them all. "Why did they leave, I wonder?" Sim'nol spoke for the first time, and although his voice was melodious, it was serious.
Ellen met him, eye to eye. "The leader asked for rings. He asked me for rings, and I'm guessing that he means some kind of ring of power. I don't have a ring of power. Only the people from this world do. I told him so, he got pissed. And I'm sorry to say he took it out on you guys. I don't know why he left. We have to get to Rivendale soon. We're already delayed. Where are the horses?" She called for her horse, and saw her come trotting along. She had the other horses behind her.
"Arni'or, up on Counstar. Ride ahead of us, and please tell Elrond we were delayed and are now on our way. We'll be fine." She helped him onto his horse, and whispered encouragement to the horse. Arni'or took her hand and gave it a small squeeze, and she looked up to see a ghost of a smile on his face. With that he took off, deep golden hair flying behind him.
She went to her bags to find something to treat the others. "What was that we saw earlier? Some kind of witchcraft? Devilry?"
"I don't know. It' just kind of happened."
"Surely-"
"Sim'nol, there are more pressing matters. Like the Prince's wounds, perhaps?" The guard glared at Herdare, but went off into the woods to get herbs.
Ellen just took the bag off her horse, and for the first time noticed a plate on the harness. It read Elendil. "Nice name, horse." The horse neighed. "Fine. Elendil."
She walked over to where Legolas lay. "Help me take this off." She told Herdare, nodding to the tunic. It was too serious a situation to blush at his bare pale skin. Blood was smeared across him, and she found the sources. She applied pressure until she could get the wounds clean, and bandaged them. Sim'nol came back bearing healing remedies. She smiled. But then had the grueling task of setting his arm back in place.
They worked together to bind Legolas's ribs, and then set his arm. She turned to Herdare, and set his leg. Then, she and Sim'nol took care of the lesser cuts. When they were done, Sim'nol was still touching the gauze she had used on them, not used to their feel. "Curious." Then she turned her attention on him.
"Your turn."
"What do you mean, Lady?"
"Your turn to get fixed up." She said reaching into her bag. He started to protest, but she silenced him with a death glare. Sim'nol was not used to being defied by a woman, and shut up from shock.
" It will take only a couple of seconds. Then we can be on our way. Till then, keep your worried for nothing trap shut." They were all on their horses an hour after Arni'or left. They rode swift, and Ellen was not worried about the gait of the horses. Elf horses rode as smooth as butter. She sat behind Legolas, keeping arms around him to keep from falling. He had protested, but not much, due to the fire in his chest. And he found it quite peaceful in her arms, any way.
A horn blew through out Rivendale's court, alerting the residents to an incoming rider. Bonnie and Celia ran to the front of the city, waiting at the top of the receiving stairs. One rider came through the gates, in the early morning. Both the sun and moon were out, casting odd shadows. And the pets that Arwen had promised trotted and stalked about. The girls waited for more riders, but none came. Lord Elrond came up from behind them.
"Arni'or! Where are the others?!" The elf climbed the stairs weakly, but stood tall beside the Lord of Rivendale.
"We were attacked by the evil creatures, my lord. Several times. The last attack was an hour and a half ago, and they were looking for something. Legolas and Herdare were wounded the most, and the Lady Ellen sent me ahead. She and Sim'nol were going to tend to their wounds, and follow behind."
"You may go rest. You earned it. Silv'a, show him his room." A servant came forward, and led the weary warrior to his room. As they left, he asked Arni'or, "Do you know what they were looking for?"
"Yes. Lady Ellen said the leader told her to give him the rings. She doesn't hold any rings of power, and told him so. But she was somehow able to use an unknown power during battle. She, along with us, was quite surprised." Then he left with the servant. Elrond was emerged in his thoughts. Then he called out, "Nilneana, fetch me my sons, please." And another servant left the room.
Author: GundamNymph
E-mail: runttie@cybertours.com
Rating: PG-13 for now (violence, some swearing)
Summary: The three Slayers of our time are sent to Middle-Earth to kick Vampire @$$. Romance to come.
Feed back: Please review, even if it's a one liner, so I know there are people reading.
Warning: Uh, violence to come?
Chapter 4
Ellen slowly became aware to the motions of a horse running. Arms were tightly around her, pressing her up against warmth. She leaned into the hold, and gave a little yawn. She felt completely rested. Another pro about being a Slayer, fast healing abilities. She smiled.
"Lady Ellen?" She slowly opened her eyes to the sound of Herdare's voice. The rhythmic clopping of horse hooves slowed a bit. It was night, with a full moon over head. She was able to make out Herdare's worried face, atop his steed. She stretched as much as she could within the strong arms.
"Yeah, Herd Boy?"
His face showed relief. "Unbelievable. First you slay all those creatures with amazing movements and strength, and now, your awake only after a few hours rest." That made her more alert. She straightened. The two guards rode slightly ahead, their skin shining lightly in the moonlight. Her eyes widened. She remembered how shocking it was when she first saw the elves beneath the light of the moon. They actually glowed with it's light. That was what had made it so easy to see Herdare.
"What do you think your doing?! Put your hoods up before the vamps see us!"
Herdare looked startled at her out burst. Then he realized what she said. But it was Legolas who called out the order.
"Sim'nol! Arni'or! Herdare! Put up your hoods and hide your skin!"
Ellen blushed as she came to the conclusion that it was Legolas who held her. Herdare sent her a smirk. The bastard.
The others complied to what Legolas had ordered them to do. Ellen didn't know elfish, as much as she wanted to. She relaxed a bit, and one again leaned back into Legolas's arms. She shivered lightly when she felt his breath caress her ear. "How are you feeling Lady Ellen?"
"Uh, much better thank you. And it's Ellen. I think you should be able to call me that. You did when I was passing out." She felt the smile in his voice. Then concern.
"Okay, Ellen. But it might take some getting used to. You truly are all right?"
"Yes. I'm fine."
"I do believe, your highness, that she simply feels heavenly right now." Ellen glared at Herdare, and the two friends laughed heartily. "He is only teasing you, Ellen. He does it to me all the time. It is a wonder he isn't dead yet." Ellen bit her lip.
"Any ways, it will be only a day longer of his torments before we reach Rivendale. I can not wait to see my friends." She smiled as he began to talk of them. She was going to meet the fellowship. It was then that she came up with a plan. She had to speak to Bonnie as soon as she arrived.
Celia was tired, achy, frustrated, and downright BORED. The Hobbits, as they called themselves, were chatting lively about things she had no clue about. Well, at least Pippin and Merry were. Frodo was silent, as well as Sam. She had to admit, though. Sam was a great cook. She stared moodily up along the path way. "So, how much farther have we to go?" She asked. Again. Frodo turned to look at her, and smiled. She scowled at that smile, wondering why these creatures with little furry feet were always so happy.
"Not much farther, Lady Celia. We should be there by night fall."
"Celia."
"Sorry?"
"Call me Celia. It feels weird every time you call me Lady Celia."
"Oh, all right. Celia."
The raven haired girl began to wish that there were vampires or demons to kill. SOMETHING to at least get her hands on she thought, as Pippin and Merry started their horridly cheerful conversation again.
She breathed a sigh of relief as Rivendale came into view, later that evening. It was gorgeous, but she was eager to see Bonnie and Ellen. She ran her horse in front of the ponies, until she crossed by the gates. She got off the horse near what seemed to be the stables, and practically ran until she saw Bonnie. Her breath WAS taken away as she saw four hot guys with her.
Celia leaped up the stairs lightly, before taking her friend into a hug. "Argh! It's SO good to see you! It thought I was going to DIE. Those Hobbits are just so boring and NOT amusing. I am going to KILL Arneania." One of the men blanched at that. But Bonnie reassured him that Celia was just kidding.
"So Bon Bon. I see that you're quite the lucky girl. I am stuck with four short men with furry feet, and here you get all the hotties!" Her slang was unknown to them, so they just smiled at her in welcome. To the males present, her gaze upon them was very intense, and sly.
"Celia, stop undressing them with your eyes. This is no time for that. This is Lord Elrond, and his twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. They are elves. And this is Aragorn, and his WIFE, Arwen. Arwen used to be an elf. I see you left your exhilarating companions in the dust. I have a bath ready for you upstairs, if you-" Bonnie was cut off as Celia grabbed her wrists, and pulled her up the stairs. She heard the twins cry out as they passed. She glared at Celia.
"What?" She asked pulling an innocent face.
"Lord Elrond IS King of this city, making his sons, princes."
"So they're hot. They deserve to have their tushes pinched. Hard as rocks, I tell you. Gotta envy them." Bonnie tried to continue to be stern, but couldn't help herself as she broke out laughing. She led them to where Celia was staying , and threw open the door. "Whoa, nice digs."
Her room alone could fit her entire house in. There were no windows, and the walls were pretty much open to the outside in their places. The bed was twice the size of her queen at home, and the first thing she did was jump on it. "Wee. This fun. Now where is that bath?" The bath rested behind a wall jutting out. There was also a closet there, and she was VERY happy to see the things she packed for the trip there. As she began to strip, she asked, "So where is Ellen?"
"She's still on the road. She's riding with a bunch of elves. No doubt another lucky femme fatale." Bonnie lay on her friends bed as her hidden friend bathed. There were often sighs coming from the other side of the wall, and Bonnie had to agree. The elves did have the best baths made up. And the soap smelled so good. Better than anything at Bath and Body.
"Elrond estimates that Ellen and her group will be here tomorrow night. The council will be the day after. I think we are only waiting for Ellen's party, and a guy named Mithrandir. Until then, you're going to have to get used to all the male elves around here, and keep your hormones in check."
Laughter was heard on the other side. After bathing, Celia stepped out in a pale green robe.
"So where are my clothes?"
"Elrond thought it would be best if we were to dress up while we were here. There are quite a few dresses in your closet. Pick one out, I'm going to get in my own. I'm just next door to you on the left. Dinner's at Eight." With that, Bonnie hopped off the bed and walked to her own room. Celia chose a ruby colored gown, that set off her eyes, and put it on. Then she took a clip and pulled back the front portion of her hair. It was long enough there to do so. She went into Bonnie's room, not bothering to knock, and saw the red head wearing a deep purple gown. As usual, she had a hard time with her hair.
"Here, let me do that." She then piled some of the hair at the back of the head, and used a beautiful head ornament she found to fasten it there. "Now we're ready for a ball, Cinderella."
The feast was tasteful, even though the girls weren't used to such food. Celia had had the basics on the road, and Bonnie had a little more time to get used to the food. The twins seemed not to take much offense at Celia's earlier forwardness. They smiled at the girls as they joined (though kind of hesitant), and Bonnie realized Ce was right. They were gorgeous. Even for an elf.
The Hobbit's seemed to be in shock upon seeing Celia, but Frodo just greeted her with a smile and kissed her hand. Bonnie smirked when she realized that Ce was blushing over 'a furry short man'.
The elves seemed to almost forget what they looked like normally. Ce found out that Aragorn was a king, as well. She also found a fellow mischievous female friend in Arwen. After the food was taken away, many of the elves moved to separate rooms for storytelling, or singing; or stayed to dance in the other half of the room. Celia and Bonnie were kind of sad as they listened to the music and songs. Arwen had been with them, along with Frodo.
"What troubles your hearts?"
"Don't worry, Arwen. All this singing and music and stuff just reminds me of Ellen."
"Yeah. The girl can be just like one of these elves the way she loves art and music. She's also a HUGE fan of animals. Dogs in particular. She hasn't had a pet since her last pet cat died. And they make her so happy. She's also a fan of nature. Can't cook too well, that's Bonnie's talent. Bakes okay, though."
"There are a few pets in Rivendale. I'll try to make sure they are present when they arrive."
"And don't worry, my Ladies. I am sure Legolas is taking care of her."
"Or she's taking care of him." At this they smiled. Celia didn't seem to notice Frodo's comforting hand in hers, though.
"Ahhhh-" The creature's scream was cut off as Legolas's arrow found it's mark. They had been attacked twice since the first fight, this was the third time. They seemed to swim around Ellen at the moment, as she once again showed her amazing skill. This time, when they had attacked, the group had been riding hard towards Rivendale. They weren't kidding now. There had to be a hundred of them.
Legolas, Herdare, Sim'nol, and Arni'or were surrounded by their own dark pools; but Ellen had by the far most around her. Thirty seven had been killed, and more were being hacked down. In the first battle, blood hadn't even been drawn. Now, both sides had blood flowing. Numerous cuts ran along Ellen's body, memoirs of the creatures swords. Even the elves were having a difficult time. The leader this time, had black hair. He sat and watched the battle, not caring if his kind were being slaughtered. There was a pleasure in those blood red eyes of his, and there was a cruel smile upon his lips. *give up the rings* a voice in her head sang. *they do not belong to you…* "Wha…huh?"
The distraction almost cost her, her life. She plunged another stake into a vampire, then looked up at the leader. He gazed at her, *give up the rings…or you and your companions will die* The voice was in her head. He would probably kill them any ways. She had no clue as to what he was talking about, though. She didn't have any rings of power, and that's what she thought he wanted. The creatures attacking the elves were now only a distraction for them, and the rest of them cornered her. She heard Herdare cry out, probably noticing what was going on.
She lost another stake, and grabbed one from her waist. She was getting low, and would run out soon. The only good thing about vampires, was that when they are killed, they were reduced to ash at her feet. Ellen cried out as a vampire once again managed to bite her, and screamed in rage. *give up the rings…* She bit her lip, almost drawing blood. Her muscles began to tire. About a little under fifty percent to go. She felt a probing presence in her mind, and tired of his game; let all her frustration out. It formed a shield of energy around her that expanded, throwing the creatures up in the air and killing them. Ash rained down on her.
Sim'nol stared at her, mirroring her own wide eyes. She tried it again, with the same result. The leader frowned at her, seeming to realize something. The vampires swarmed over the elves, leaving Ellen alone. "No! Leave them alone!" She trotted over to the leader. "What do you want?" *the rings…* "Well, that's good and all, BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY FREAKING RINGS!" The vampire stared at her, coming to his conclusions. *retreat… We will come back later…* The vampires seemed to disappear.
"Legolas! Herdare! Guys, are you all right?!" Arni'or was on the ground, catching up with his breath. He had cuts all over him, sword nicks. A gash caressed his forehead, sending blood into his gray eye. Sim'nol watched her wearily, brown eyes suspicious. His shoulder was dislocated.
Legolas and Herdare sported more wounds than the guards, though. It was as if the leader had known about their importance. Legolas was bleeding all over, and as her fingers glided over him, she found cracked ribs and a sprained arm. Herdare was bit better, having only a broken ankle. She also found bite marks on them all. "Why did they leave, I wonder?" Sim'nol spoke for the first time, and although his voice was melodious, it was serious.
Ellen met him, eye to eye. "The leader asked for rings. He asked me for rings, and I'm guessing that he means some kind of ring of power. I don't have a ring of power. Only the people from this world do. I told him so, he got pissed. And I'm sorry to say he took it out on you guys. I don't know why he left. We have to get to Rivendale soon. We're already delayed. Where are the horses?" She called for her horse, and saw her come trotting along. She had the other horses behind her.
"Arni'or, up on Counstar. Ride ahead of us, and please tell Elrond we were delayed and are now on our way. We'll be fine." She helped him onto his horse, and whispered encouragement to the horse. Arni'or took her hand and gave it a small squeeze, and she looked up to see a ghost of a smile on his face. With that he took off, deep golden hair flying behind him.
She went to her bags to find something to treat the others. "What was that we saw earlier? Some kind of witchcraft? Devilry?"
"I don't know. It' just kind of happened."
"Surely-"
"Sim'nol, there are more pressing matters. Like the Prince's wounds, perhaps?" The guard glared at Herdare, but went off into the woods to get herbs.
Ellen just took the bag off her horse, and for the first time noticed a plate on the harness. It read Elendil. "Nice name, horse." The horse neighed. "Fine. Elendil."
She walked over to where Legolas lay. "Help me take this off." She told Herdare, nodding to the tunic. It was too serious a situation to blush at his bare pale skin. Blood was smeared across him, and she found the sources. She applied pressure until she could get the wounds clean, and bandaged them. Sim'nol came back bearing healing remedies. She smiled. But then had the grueling task of setting his arm back in place.
They worked together to bind Legolas's ribs, and then set his arm. She turned to Herdare, and set his leg. Then, she and Sim'nol took care of the lesser cuts. When they were done, Sim'nol was still touching the gauze she had used on them, not used to their feel. "Curious." Then she turned her attention on him.
"Your turn."
"What do you mean, Lady?"
"Your turn to get fixed up." She said reaching into her bag. He started to protest, but she silenced him with a death glare. Sim'nol was not used to being defied by a woman, and shut up from shock.
" It will take only a couple of seconds. Then we can be on our way. Till then, keep your worried for nothing trap shut." They were all on their horses an hour after Arni'or left. They rode swift, and Ellen was not worried about the gait of the horses. Elf horses rode as smooth as butter. She sat behind Legolas, keeping arms around him to keep from falling. He had protested, but not much, due to the fire in his chest. And he found it quite peaceful in her arms, any way.
A horn blew through out Rivendale's court, alerting the residents to an incoming rider. Bonnie and Celia ran to the front of the city, waiting at the top of the receiving stairs. One rider came through the gates, in the early morning. Both the sun and moon were out, casting odd shadows. And the pets that Arwen had promised trotted and stalked about. The girls waited for more riders, but none came. Lord Elrond came up from behind them.
"Arni'or! Where are the others?!" The elf climbed the stairs weakly, but stood tall beside the Lord of Rivendale.
"We were attacked by the evil creatures, my lord. Several times. The last attack was an hour and a half ago, and they were looking for something. Legolas and Herdare were wounded the most, and the Lady Ellen sent me ahead. She and Sim'nol were going to tend to their wounds, and follow behind."
"You may go rest. You earned it. Silv'a, show him his room." A servant came forward, and led the weary warrior to his room. As they left, he asked Arni'or, "Do you know what they were looking for?"
"Yes. Lady Ellen said the leader told her to give him the rings. She doesn't hold any rings of power, and told him so. But she was somehow able to use an unknown power during battle. She, along with us, was quite surprised." Then he left with the servant. Elrond was emerged in his thoughts. Then he called out, "Nilneana, fetch me my sons, please." And another servant left the room.