Sorry, everyone, real life, you know how it is, plus rebelling plot bunnies. I'll glad everyone liked the last chapter. I did!
Chapter 24--Dark Desires
Zion left the dark room, feeling much stronger. A gesture and word sealed the door behind him and it disappeared. He was the only one that could see it. He felt strong and alert as he always did after a sacrifice. Opening the door to his chambers, he noticed a young servant working outside. With his newly strengthened powers he could sense she was untouched. Desire surged through him. She wasn't as pretty as the other, but she would do. ""Pardon me, my dear, for interrupting your work, but could you fetch me wine and fruit from the kitchen?" he asked.
""Of course, advisor," the maid said. She curtsied and hurried off.
Zion retreated into his room and closed the door. He waited for her return. Soon there was a knock at the door. He opened it. "Thank you, please bring it in and set it on the table, please," he said.
The girl did then she turned to him. "Is there anything else I might do for you, sir?" she asked.
"In fact there is," Zion said. He closed the door and murmured a word of power, feeling magic surge within him. "What are you called, child?" He stared directly into her eyes.
"Melinna, sir," she said. She seemed unable to take her eyes from his as her will was taken over by his her eyes glazed over.
"Remove your clothes and lay on the bed, Melinna," Zion smirked. She obeyed and he removed his own clothes and joined her. After he had taken her Zion ordered her to dress and leave. She would remember nothing of what had occurred. The door closed behind her and he laughed. The other Elves were fools to refuse the Dark One's power and all it could give. First he would have Mirkwood then he would set his sights on Imladris. Perhaps then he could even have Lorien as well. He would be all powerful and have everything he wanted and desired for so long!
Meanwhile
Legolas didn't wake up until dawn the next morning. After a hot breakfast they were ready to continue. "Do you feel strong enough to ride on your own?" Aragorn asked.
Yes, I am fine now," Legolas said. He mounted and they rode off towards home.
As they traveled Elrohir soon noticed how subdued Legolas seemed. "All will be well, Legolas. Ada will figure all of this out and then you can go home," he said.
"I am sure he will, Elrohir," Legolas said. That was really not what troubled his thoughts though. The real question was did he really consider Mirkwood his home anymore and did he want to go back? Could he even go back? He was still silent and distant when they stopped for lunch.
That reawakened Elrohir's concern and worried Aragorn and Elladan as well. "Legolas, we all know that something is troubling you and what it might be, please talk to us," Aragorn said.
"I am sorry, but I cannot do that, not yet. When I have sorted everything out I can tell you. I just need time, please," Legolas said.
Aragorn and the twins knew how stubborn Legolas could be all to well, so they dropped the subject. They knew Legolas wouldn't talk to them before he was ready no matter how much they bothered him.
"We will be willing to listen when you are ready," Aragorn said and they left it at that and continued their journey.
Meanwhile
A young couple out for a ride found the bound Elves and asking worried questions while the young man freed them. "Are you hurt? What can I do to help you?" he asked.
"There is one thing," one Elf said.
Soon the two Elves were on the trail again with the couples' horses. The young man and woman's body would not be discovered in their shallow graves.
Nasty pair aren't they? As brutal and cold as Zion. R/R please!