After the long wait, it has arrived. Sorry guys... It took TTT EE to cure me (The Two Towers Extended Edition) from my writing block. Dr. Peppers to all my reviewers tho!!!!
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Aragorn thought as he went, his wrong move caused quite an error. Now the only source of reprieve from the now coming storm lay upon their enemy's fortress. How joyful. Snapping his head around, he decided to follow from the rear, making sure none were left behind, collecting the group while Elladan would push ahead, trying to get close enough to the establishment for it to be of some use. Slipping back he again yelled for all to gather, grabbed another elven warrior of his fathers who was the last and pushed onwards, sword in head, attempting to block with it any arrows that happened to come close to their mark. Surprisingly, not an arrow hit but for two minor wounds, dealt with quickly with Elladan.
Now moving into step two, Aragorn had to figure out what to do, and what to do fast. For while they were protected from arrows here, he smiled dryly as a few bounced and shadowed on overhanging stones, he was sure they had some defenses that ran along the wall. The cold structure behind him pressed in different pressures at his back, and he realized, if they could, climbing the wall and hiding in the little grottos the ostentatious structure boasted could be used to shield them from anything unpleasant. Looking around he saw his small troop and thanked the valar they were all elven, and most in good health.
"Elladan! All! We climb! Head for the shortest areas of the wall, hide in he grottos nearest you if need be or I yell!" With that, he sheathed his sword and swiftly swung his foot onto the nearest small ledge. Starting to find foot and hand holds, he had little time to think of those he commanded, to his guilty mind, but he knew they could easily out climb him, the wood elves that followed anyway. He was certain though that Elladan was keeping an eye not he others and so kept his mind focused as a bit of the wall he was about to grip crumbled just inside his hand and he was forced to shift. Slowly working his way up, he felt a small tap on his shoulder as if a pebble had fallen and at first ignored it as a misstep from one above before freezing, eyes widened, realizing there was none above him. Slowly allowing his head to look up, he saw the first line of defense against invaders coming at him and others... huge rocks from above.
The alarm had successfully been raised and now most the guards had gathered on the rooftop above, pulling huge stone and some larger cauldrons of burning substances with them to be thrown over the side. "To any refuge you can find!" Was all Aragorn could yell before peering to his right at a small gargoyle-like overhang that would serve it's purpose... if he could get there in time. Shifting his weight, he actually swung along the ledge he held, hoping the momentum he held would get him to the safe haven before it was too late. With his last force and the great whooshing sound of stone hurtling down to him, he closed his eyes hoping that he had achieved a position that would hold.
A huge pressure and bang landed against the very side of his shoulder, causing him to loose his hardened grip on the ledge and gargoyle. Quickly swinging the protesting limb up, he grasped at the gargoyle's spines desperately, and found sufficient grounds to pull himself up. Taking only one breath to calm himself, he continued upwards, now chastising himself to know end... hating himself for what he chose and now could not undo. Here they were, climbing a wall, with little please to climb over above now to this turn of events, and now his pessimism only greatened when he heard a twang from below. 'Archers… Valar, no.' He thought to himself as he screamed in his head at himself at the impossible situation he had just put his, his brothers, and all these elves in that may cost them all their lives. Yet he still kept on, no possible way down now, other than death.
After running twice more for hiding spots, they were nearing the top. Swallowing hard, Aragorn almost visibly paused in panic as he started to discern voices from one another above. Gritting his teeth hard, he remembered the prize to be won and the stakes at hand, and so began pushing himself to the very rim of this stronghold's walls. As his hand clamped over the edge, he peered up almost as if expecting to see nothing but a scimitar risen to end his life. But none came. With another look around, he saw very few men, yelling orders, obviously having run out of the disposable objects to throw, the others sent down for more.
'They didn't expect us to climb so fast... or get out of reach of their archers!' Aragorn smiled ironically, nearly laughing out loud but for the fear in his heart telling him not to give up his position, for now, in the dark, they had yet to see him. 'I must clear a place for the others to ascend!' He now saw a few wood elves also having made it to the top, waiting for what to do. Aragorn reached behind him, grabbing his bow and notching an arrow, visibly for the elves to see due to their excellent night vision yet without sound. In the turmoil the yelling guards couldn't hear a thing as the arrow was sent loose and destroyed the life of Kiftin without the guards even knowing one of their own was down. It was not until 4 more and more counting fell to the arrows and precise aim of the wood elves that they started to register this threat and turn their attentions.
As the men ran at him, Aragorn peeked behind him, seeing a doorway that probably led down into the dark lower interior. He could run and find Legolas and then return and escape, for he knew not how many strong this place was, and they might have to make a tactical retreat in order to survive. But not without Legolas. Loathe to leave the fighting elves above; Aragorn was indecisive until Elladan, who had just pulled the last of the elves over the edge, yelled to him. "Go! Go find him Estel, we can hold them off here!" Nodding quickly, Aragorn restored his bow to its rightful place before taking off towards this entrance.
Once inside, the area was actually better lit by torches lit against the walls, which Aragorn both now loved and hated. It would be terrible moving without the moonlight or any, he was no elf, but being so visible against these walls of stone made him feel so vulnerable. Down below the hurried footsteps were the first things that put Aragorn back on guard, his sword drawn for this close range activity. Two faces followed by their heavily armored bodies rushed up the stairs, a cauldron full of burning liquid to use during the fights bubbled between them. With one more breath, Aragorn turned, surprising them with his presence, and quickly stabbed one through the chest, before coming to finish the second. The second had stopped however, and now was ready to defend, having dropped the liquid, which sizzled as it spilled down the entire length of the stairs. This guard raised his shield and jumped forward as if to attack, but Aragorn, having the better above ground, easily shoved him back, his own sword plunging into the man while his arm wrenched his shield to the side.
The man fell, leaving his shield still clenched in Aragorn's hands, and the man gave a sickening sizzle as he hit the boiling substance. Aragorn, looking at his blocked path, seemed almost chaotic for a moment, trying to think of a way to get down without scorching his much needed feet. He looked around almost hysterically, like a trapped deer before trying to calm his senses. 'Breathe Aragorn... Breathe!' He did as his mind told him, and now in a stable state of mind he took in the scene before him, and then a sideways glance at the shield he held. A smile dawned on his face as he dropped the shield, face down onto the ground, and stepped and pushed off of it, allowing the now more slippery stairs to pull him downwards as Legolas had long ago taught him. Sure it was dangerous, he could lose his balance and go face first into the burning death. Or he could simply break his neck. OR even yet, the shield could be of flimsy metal and dissipate right below him... but hey, risks could be the most fun in the end. He spiraled out of control down the steps even past the part from which the cauldron had spilled, held upright only by the hand against a wall when he was about to fall. Zipping down, he heard quite the clatter as other guards had heard the noise and come running.
More faces came running up the narrow passage way only to stop in terror as they saw one insane man racing down on a fellow guard's shield, too much in shock to move as it crushed them underfoot and came to a standstill because of collision, throwing Aragorn clear off of his source of entertainment. Thinking quickly, Aragorn fumbled and gripped onto a wall hanging to his right, not stopping his breakneck velocity, but slowing it down to the point that when he did finally drop and land in a crouch, the impact did nothing but jar him, torn tapestry in hand. Quickly disposing of the shred of fabric, Aragorn took off down a hallway, knowing that the men he trampled would surely be up very soon, and not about to give in so easily.
Taking the first hallway, he ran and heard footsteps running behind him, as he must have turned into a very little used hallway. He slowed his steps and decided to go sneakily from here, but did draw his sword from his scabbard. No need to be terribly surprised. He moved slowly to find on one side a huge room, full of guards and a few cultured men, surprisingly, as well. He heard yells of orders, and comments of how this could happen, and messages being carted to some wizard... this was interesting enough for Aragorn to stop, taking a few seconds of a breath before heading off again.
"Tell the wizard that we are under attack, and seek aid. Some unknown group of elves... No, they do not outnumber us, but... but they are dangerous!" Aragorn tried to pick up a meaning from the small argument. A wizard? A wizard aided this small hidden area? Fueled by a new resolution, he knew he had to get Legolas AND warn his father about this new threat, for surely then the high council would know. He again began to move silently and trot softly across the halls as to not attract any attention, although that was not to be. Aragorn looked down to see that in his small endeavor, some of the hot substance has spilled onto his cloak, and was now dripping leaving an easy trail to follow. Swearing in his mind, he tore that piece from his cloak and left it on the ground, though he could already hear men approaching, following the trail.
Aragorn took off running again, and turned down two separate hallways before almost drawn to another stairwell leading downwards, and gave into the feeling and raced down it as well, hoping to lose his now trail less followers. The very air around him seemed to get darker and more condensed and heavy, and he knew he was getting underground. He followed the lay of the hallway by pressing his hand against the wall, feeling for doors in the unearthly quiet that was this underground area. Eventually though, he had no need, for a dim light of a torch lightly swam ahead of him, and Aragorn followed it to find a man sleeping, as if on guard, totally unaware of the turmoil above. And so it would always be, and Aragorn's hot fear allowed him not a second to interrogate the man for fear of others around, Aragorn's sword was slick and the man's death came suddenly, that Aragorn granted him.
Behind the man was a large oaken door, which would not swing open no matter how Aragorn tried. Seeing the lock as if for the first time, Aragorn cursed under his breath and moved back to the man whom he had killed. Searching his pockets, Aragorn found little but a small note addressed to 'Malick'. "Well Malick..." Aragorn said sarcastically to the dead man. "You sure are a great guard forever is right behind here. Now where did you put those keys... Ah, dropped them I see." The keys were in fact, tossed uncaringly onto he floor right next to two bottle of some fine ale. Taking the keys, Aragorn looked and felt the lock for a second, trying to place which key where, before finding the only one large enough to match. Quickly grasping it, he shoved it into the lock and turned until he heard the audible click. The door swung open, and Aragorn stepped in...
There before him, was a scene of darkness that did not move, but told it's recent history with just a glance. Dark, windowless... with blood scraped against the walls, not without a manacle or two littering the wall. And then in the gloom Aragorn's eyes picked up a huddled being in the corner, held by only two manacles on his feet, for there was no strength left to fight, and the captors had been too lazy to do anything more if it was not necessary. Aragorn clenched his mouth hard if not to yell in anger at the despair they had thrown his friend into and his helplessness of stopping it. Covering the width of the room in less than a second, Aragorn seemed to fling himself on his knee in front of Legolas to check if he was conscious, or with injury.
To his surprise, Aragorn found that Legolas indeed was not straying from this world, rather, just asleep due tot he utter exhaustion and pain evident on his face and radiating from his very soul. Laying a soft hand on Legolas's shoulder and sweeping some of the dirty golden locks aside, Aragorn shifted Legolas just enough so the elf was now somewhat facing him, and surprised that that didn't wake the elf, Aragorn realized just how much Legolas had drawn into himself and the amount of rest he actually needed, as if he'd been deprived of it for long. Aragorn let another breath escape and be gained in his lips, trying to stop his troubled mind. There was Legolas, right in front of him. Injured, but there. He could not have lived with himself had it been any other way. Gently he began tapping Legolas's cheek to awaken him. Slowly and surely, Legolas seemed to pry himself away from the bliss of a dream state to come back to the dark reality, Strider above him.
"Estel..." Legolas looked up at his friend through worried yet still somewhat unseeing eyes. "You are not supposed to be here. You shouldn't' have come..." Legolas was stopped by a sharp intake of breath followed by a raspy cough because of his dry throat, and was quickly quieted by Aragorn.
"I'm sorry my friend, I could never have not come." He reached inside his cloak to find his water canteen, always on hand in case of trouble, and surprisingly unopened after his encounters, but the once cool water was now of moderate temperature, and Aragorn wasn't sure how much Legolas would want it. Taking one more look at Legolas's ashen complexion and slightly shivering pain ridden body, along with the raspy throat and cough, Aragorn needed he could receive any liquids he could get. Pulling up the simple lid, Aragorn rested the water canteen at Legolas's lips. "Drink mellon nin, please."
Legolas, however, did not have to be told twice, and gingerly raised his and to aid him and grasped the water along with Aragorn, who kept his hand on it to keep it steady. While the elf usually hated having any of the two's supplies used in large amounts towards him, he could not stop his body when it eagerly gulped down the water long it had been deprived of and would not leave hold to until partially satisfied, emptying nearly half the container. "I'm sorry Estel..." Legolas said sheepishly as he saw how much he had actually drank.
Smiling above him, Aragorn nearly laughed, chiding him slightly. "Do not apologize Legolas, you needed it more than I... but now, we must get out of here... and soon. Do you think we can leave once we get these accursed things off you?" He said, signaling towards the manacles, already having found the appropriate key while Legolas was apologizing.
Stoically nodding, Legolas shifted away from Aragorn so it could be done, seeming somewhat unpleased. "Why did you not say so before ranger? The water could have waited." He saw but did not comment as Aragorn smiled while unlocking the chains that held him prisoner. Strider then got off his knees and crouched, placing one arm on Legolas's shoulder, the other his upper chest and pressed up trying to help him rise. The helping soon turned to carrying, as with a small gasp of pain, Legolas's body refused to carry him upwards, no matter what he tried. Aragorn, in turn, pulled his friend up, set him as steady as he could though still he held him, and set upon Legolas a searching stare. His friend was more hurt than he put on, though what he already had seemed quite enough to set the ranger to worry.
The fact that Legolas kept his downcast while Aragorn did search was a warning enough to the ranger, who knew that Legolas would argue to the most if he thought it was something that he could hide, and many times the elf succeeded. "Legolas, my friend, you need not hide it from me. You are tired, dehydrated, nearly starved, without rest, energy and with quite a few wounds that shall need tending. What else is there... save us time." Aragorn knew time was of the essence, and the usually almost careless bicker between them would have been welcome yet a bit time consuming.
Giving a large sigh Legolas knew he was too weak not to let on to something more. "It is not much Aragorn... I believe I just lost a little too much blood... maybe shock. I also am quite cold, may... may I borrow your cloak?" Legolas asked tentatively. "Then I insist we get out of here. I must see the trees and open air again."
Aragorn blinked at the request. Elves hardly ever felt the pulls of extraneous factors, such as warmth, but then since Legolas was indeed hurt he would be a bit more affected by these things. Yet still it was strange, Legolas was not one to comment about such weaknesses, the proud thing he was. Strange though it may have been, Aragorn never would have denied the request and quickly shed the cloak and in this darkness handed it to Legolas, who thanked him and put it on, covering himself with it shakily. Worried about the blood loss issue yet still knowing that their chances were seeping away, Aragorn nodded to the elf and helped him through the doorway of his prison for so many months into the dim light of the hall.
Legolas did not stop in his shuffling progress, but did glare sufficiently and fully enough at the dead body of Malick that Aragorn became glad for killing him. Holding his sword in front of him with one hand, Helping Legolas stay upright with the other, Aragorn had little of his previous sneaking ability. Though this time he was pleasantly noting that many of the guards that previously had been inside this strange fort had now left, though his hopes plummeted as he realized they were probably all outside on the roof fighting his small force. 'Oh Valar, give them strength...' He mumbled as he moved with Legolas beside him, who gave the appearance of nonchalance but at times could not hide his stumble.
Eventually the two had snuck to the previous stairwell in which Aragorn had pulled his little trick, now covered over by hard cloths so the enemy could easily climb up the stairwell, most notes of the entire incident erased, cleaned, replaced by new images of blood. Legolas peered with him up the exit as they climbed, hearing the sounds of battle above. "Estel, what's happening up there?" Utterly confused, Legolas wanted to know what chaos he was heading into.
"That, nin mellon, would be your rescue party trying to destroy as many of these warriors as they can." Aragorn hurriedly whispered to the other as they climbed to the top of the stairs and peered among the elven soldiers, most of whom seemed well to Aragorn's now relieved mind, though there were a few protecting injured comrades. The elf and ranger took in the situation quickly, almost all this stronghold's guards an warriors were now atop this very small roof pathway, overfull to capacity. Coming from the outer areas they had previously scaled, ladders were set up so the archers from below could have a direct route now that the elves had gone beyond firing distance from the ground. Nothing needed to be said, both had almost visibly had a conversation with each other and come to the same conclusion though barely a second went by and not a word was uttered. They needed to get down, but Legolas could not climb down, so they would use the ladders.
Still somewhat surprised and confused that all these elves had come for him, Legolas decided there was also an alternative motive and would therefore except it. He moved as inconspicuously as he and the ranger could from the shadows, but quite a few pairs of elven eyes saw the pair. Immediately Annaendis and Elladan, being the closest, yelled an elvish war cry and pushed the enemy back more before moving slowly back and acting to guard Aragorn and Legolas, who all were incredibly relieved to see. As if pushed on by sight of their goal so close, the elves began to fight with more vigor, the men who fought them not knowing what hit them.
Aragorn sheathed his sword and began down the ladder, Annaendis then helping Legolas over the small rim and onto the ladder before following him, Elladan guarding the top of the ladder as to allow them time for escape. Aragorn was very careful not to get too far below Legolas, for many times he had to steady the elven prince. He knew how hard this must be on the exhausted body. He had no idea. Legolas was totally indwelled by this pain of his hidden injuries, which he would not let the ranger see. Aragorn would never have let him do this if he knew, and Legolas would have stayed silent anyways. Yet he continued down, telling himself after each movement that it was the closer to the end, every muscle clenching and paining him, taught till they felt as if they would snap and send him and Aragorn, who was below him, tumbling to their dooms.
As soon as they were half way down, other elves, under the elvish orders of Elladan, began to seep down the ladders, leaving only guards at each ladder. The men, having seen this, pressed harder and harder at the guards, trying to get to where they could destroy those using their own means of transportation. Actually finding some sort of unity, they decided to start attacking in unison the two guards at the very western ladders, working east, where Elladan's was the last. Seeing this, Elladan yelled encouragement to the guards and he himself began to climb down as to help all the others down and perhaps steady some ladders.
A certain woman, a 'friend' of Malick's, saw this, however. She yelled to Tillin, her brother, and they both moved to shove against the one deserted ladder before those unfortunate three on it got off. Elladan was speedily making it to the bottom, and was about 15 feet above when he realized what was being done. He also saw a ladder to his far left go down, and prayed a silent prayer no one was hurt. Aragorn and Legolas were only about 8 feet off the ground, but it was enough, and each looked on in horror as above the siblings started to successfully push over the ladder.
With a creak and a feeling of air blowing from behind, the two above cried in delight as Legolas, Aragorn, and Elladan began to plummet backwards.
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Reviewers all get Dr. Peppers!!! -hands them out-
Deadly Chakram: Sitting on the edge of your seat?! Don't fall off... for i have found when falling forward, WEAR KNEE GUARDS! lol, I always keep up with "A King's Ransom", and in the morning I just love it when my Author Alert pops up saying you have a new chappie!!!
I-like-chickens: I like chickens to... short sweet, and to the point! I didn't get to it as quickly as you wanted, but you get to find out what happens!
Ryoko Lasgalen: lol, I feel like I scored a basket. "Nice one!" heh. I love your last name. Power to the Silvan and Sindarin elves of Greenwood the Great!
Bookworm85: Oh yes... that first chapter was terrible... dont even comment -_- I haven't gotten around to revising it yet... bad Caunoiech!
Lady Beriaron: Yes, it seems our dear ranger is quite blind. Dog blind. pshah, it's the lack of elven site I tell you... you should have contacts to fix that :P Thankyou tho ^_^
Vana E: WWWWHHHHAAATTTT?!?!? Never. I believe I must say this now, I am purely anti killing canon characters, at least during or before the war of the ring. That's just slapping Tolkein in the face and spitting on his grave! While it does get annoying when Legolas is stabbed through the heart fifty times and brought back by a ditsy non-Tolkein elf, I hope I have made it somewhat believable.
LalaithoftheBruinen: -snort- apples and cherries... why do I comment? glad the hugs and bunnies are gone tho... sorry, it wasn't very 'soon'
Das Blume: Yes, they will reach the dungeons faster... very optimistic in a strange, insane way 0.o; lol, jk. soem reviewers will strangle you into a chapter... -snort- Aragorn really needs some elvish vision laser surgery...
Alina11: Why thankyou! I wondered who would like my Thranduil additions, no one has really gottan close even though I spelled out everything that was happenning for you. Not very observant reviewers :P lol, jk
elfmage: You'll all die if I don't update?! Gee... you're screwed! HAH! sorry... it was funny ^_^ Yes, Leggy angst, Leggy Angst... quick update? I NEVER update! hah, but you win for greatest untrue comment of the year! thank you ^_^
Iavala: -snort- no one else picked that up. I'm such a grammar clutz XD. Sorry there, I was having the kettle call the pot black... though hey, Elrond doesn't always have to be perfect... -snort-
Iavala again: Why thank you! glad you didn't stop at chapter 5 with me horrendous grammar XD
Kourin Lucrece: Ooops! I never make people think! I'm so sorry! I hope you've gotten that virus fixed. Good thing for you I don't kill canon charries before or during War of the Ring... hah, but I may make an exception... heh. Awesome with the Thranduil figuring ouing thingy... sorry there's none of him int his chapter...
FieryDemon09: Awesome?! Why hannon lle! Oh my, stop complimenting me! Too much praise! -falls over dead-
THANKYOU ALL!
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Aragorn thought as he went, his wrong move caused quite an error. Now the only source of reprieve from the now coming storm lay upon their enemy's fortress. How joyful. Snapping his head around, he decided to follow from the rear, making sure none were left behind, collecting the group while Elladan would push ahead, trying to get close enough to the establishment for it to be of some use. Slipping back he again yelled for all to gather, grabbed another elven warrior of his fathers who was the last and pushed onwards, sword in head, attempting to block with it any arrows that happened to come close to their mark. Surprisingly, not an arrow hit but for two minor wounds, dealt with quickly with Elladan.
Now moving into step two, Aragorn had to figure out what to do, and what to do fast. For while they were protected from arrows here, he smiled dryly as a few bounced and shadowed on overhanging stones, he was sure they had some defenses that ran along the wall. The cold structure behind him pressed in different pressures at his back, and he realized, if they could, climbing the wall and hiding in the little grottos the ostentatious structure boasted could be used to shield them from anything unpleasant. Looking around he saw his small troop and thanked the valar they were all elven, and most in good health.
"Elladan! All! We climb! Head for the shortest areas of the wall, hide in he grottos nearest you if need be or I yell!" With that, he sheathed his sword and swiftly swung his foot onto the nearest small ledge. Starting to find foot and hand holds, he had little time to think of those he commanded, to his guilty mind, but he knew they could easily out climb him, the wood elves that followed anyway. He was certain though that Elladan was keeping an eye not he others and so kept his mind focused as a bit of the wall he was about to grip crumbled just inside his hand and he was forced to shift. Slowly working his way up, he felt a small tap on his shoulder as if a pebble had fallen and at first ignored it as a misstep from one above before freezing, eyes widened, realizing there was none above him. Slowly allowing his head to look up, he saw the first line of defense against invaders coming at him and others... huge rocks from above.
The alarm had successfully been raised and now most the guards had gathered on the rooftop above, pulling huge stone and some larger cauldrons of burning substances with them to be thrown over the side. "To any refuge you can find!" Was all Aragorn could yell before peering to his right at a small gargoyle-like overhang that would serve it's purpose... if he could get there in time. Shifting his weight, he actually swung along the ledge he held, hoping the momentum he held would get him to the safe haven before it was too late. With his last force and the great whooshing sound of stone hurtling down to him, he closed his eyes hoping that he had achieved a position that would hold.
A huge pressure and bang landed against the very side of his shoulder, causing him to loose his hardened grip on the ledge and gargoyle. Quickly swinging the protesting limb up, he grasped at the gargoyle's spines desperately, and found sufficient grounds to pull himself up. Taking only one breath to calm himself, he continued upwards, now chastising himself to know end... hating himself for what he chose and now could not undo. Here they were, climbing a wall, with little please to climb over above now to this turn of events, and now his pessimism only greatened when he heard a twang from below. 'Archers… Valar, no.' He thought to himself as he screamed in his head at himself at the impossible situation he had just put his, his brothers, and all these elves in that may cost them all their lives. Yet he still kept on, no possible way down now, other than death.
After running twice more for hiding spots, they were nearing the top. Swallowing hard, Aragorn almost visibly paused in panic as he started to discern voices from one another above. Gritting his teeth hard, he remembered the prize to be won and the stakes at hand, and so began pushing himself to the very rim of this stronghold's walls. As his hand clamped over the edge, he peered up almost as if expecting to see nothing but a scimitar risen to end his life. But none came. With another look around, he saw very few men, yelling orders, obviously having run out of the disposable objects to throw, the others sent down for more.
'They didn't expect us to climb so fast... or get out of reach of their archers!' Aragorn smiled ironically, nearly laughing out loud but for the fear in his heart telling him not to give up his position, for now, in the dark, they had yet to see him. 'I must clear a place for the others to ascend!' He now saw a few wood elves also having made it to the top, waiting for what to do. Aragorn reached behind him, grabbing his bow and notching an arrow, visibly for the elves to see due to their excellent night vision yet without sound. In the turmoil the yelling guards couldn't hear a thing as the arrow was sent loose and destroyed the life of Kiftin without the guards even knowing one of their own was down. It was not until 4 more and more counting fell to the arrows and precise aim of the wood elves that they started to register this threat and turn their attentions.
As the men ran at him, Aragorn peeked behind him, seeing a doorway that probably led down into the dark lower interior. He could run and find Legolas and then return and escape, for he knew not how many strong this place was, and they might have to make a tactical retreat in order to survive. But not without Legolas. Loathe to leave the fighting elves above; Aragorn was indecisive until Elladan, who had just pulled the last of the elves over the edge, yelled to him. "Go! Go find him Estel, we can hold them off here!" Nodding quickly, Aragorn restored his bow to its rightful place before taking off towards this entrance.
Once inside, the area was actually better lit by torches lit against the walls, which Aragorn both now loved and hated. It would be terrible moving without the moonlight or any, he was no elf, but being so visible against these walls of stone made him feel so vulnerable. Down below the hurried footsteps were the first things that put Aragorn back on guard, his sword drawn for this close range activity. Two faces followed by their heavily armored bodies rushed up the stairs, a cauldron full of burning liquid to use during the fights bubbled between them. With one more breath, Aragorn turned, surprising them with his presence, and quickly stabbed one through the chest, before coming to finish the second. The second had stopped however, and now was ready to defend, having dropped the liquid, which sizzled as it spilled down the entire length of the stairs. This guard raised his shield and jumped forward as if to attack, but Aragorn, having the better above ground, easily shoved him back, his own sword plunging into the man while his arm wrenched his shield to the side.
The man fell, leaving his shield still clenched in Aragorn's hands, and the man gave a sickening sizzle as he hit the boiling substance. Aragorn, looking at his blocked path, seemed almost chaotic for a moment, trying to think of a way to get down without scorching his much needed feet. He looked around almost hysterically, like a trapped deer before trying to calm his senses. 'Breathe Aragorn... Breathe!' He did as his mind told him, and now in a stable state of mind he took in the scene before him, and then a sideways glance at the shield he held. A smile dawned on his face as he dropped the shield, face down onto the ground, and stepped and pushed off of it, allowing the now more slippery stairs to pull him downwards as Legolas had long ago taught him. Sure it was dangerous, he could lose his balance and go face first into the burning death. Or he could simply break his neck. OR even yet, the shield could be of flimsy metal and dissipate right below him... but hey, risks could be the most fun in the end. He spiraled out of control down the steps even past the part from which the cauldron had spilled, held upright only by the hand against a wall when he was about to fall. Zipping down, he heard quite the clatter as other guards had heard the noise and come running.
More faces came running up the narrow passage way only to stop in terror as they saw one insane man racing down on a fellow guard's shield, too much in shock to move as it crushed them underfoot and came to a standstill because of collision, throwing Aragorn clear off of his source of entertainment. Thinking quickly, Aragorn fumbled and gripped onto a wall hanging to his right, not stopping his breakneck velocity, but slowing it down to the point that when he did finally drop and land in a crouch, the impact did nothing but jar him, torn tapestry in hand. Quickly disposing of the shred of fabric, Aragorn took off down a hallway, knowing that the men he trampled would surely be up very soon, and not about to give in so easily.
Taking the first hallway, he ran and heard footsteps running behind him, as he must have turned into a very little used hallway. He slowed his steps and decided to go sneakily from here, but did draw his sword from his scabbard. No need to be terribly surprised. He moved slowly to find on one side a huge room, full of guards and a few cultured men, surprisingly, as well. He heard yells of orders, and comments of how this could happen, and messages being carted to some wizard... this was interesting enough for Aragorn to stop, taking a few seconds of a breath before heading off again.
"Tell the wizard that we are under attack, and seek aid. Some unknown group of elves... No, they do not outnumber us, but... but they are dangerous!" Aragorn tried to pick up a meaning from the small argument. A wizard? A wizard aided this small hidden area? Fueled by a new resolution, he knew he had to get Legolas AND warn his father about this new threat, for surely then the high council would know. He again began to move silently and trot softly across the halls as to not attract any attention, although that was not to be. Aragorn looked down to see that in his small endeavor, some of the hot substance has spilled onto his cloak, and was now dripping leaving an easy trail to follow. Swearing in his mind, he tore that piece from his cloak and left it on the ground, though he could already hear men approaching, following the trail.
Aragorn took off running again, and turned down two separate hallways before almost drawn to another stairwell leading downwards, and gave into the feeling and raced down it as well, hoping to lose his now trail less followers. The very air around him seemed to get darker and more condensed and heavy, and he knew he was getting underground. He followed the lay of the hallway by pressing his hand against the wall, feeling for doors in the unearthly quiet that was this underground area. Eventually though, he had no need, for a dim light of a torch lightly swam ahead of him, and Aragorn followed it to find a man sleeping, as if on guard, totally unaware of the turmoil above. And so it would always be, and Aragorn's hot fear allowed him not a second to interrogate the man for fear of others around, Aragorn's sword was slick and the man's death came suddenly, that Aragorn granted him.
Behind the man was a large oaken door, which would not swing open no matter how Aragorn tried. Seeing the lock as if for the first time, Aragorn cursed under his breath and moved back to the man whom he had killed. Searching his pockets, Aragorn found little but a small note addressed to 'Malick'. "Well Malick..." Aragorn said sarcastically to the dead man. "You sure are a great guard forever is right behind here. Now where did you put those keys... Ah, dropped them I see." The keys were in fact, tossed uncaringly onto he floor right next to two bottle of some fine ale. Taking the keys, Aragorn looked and felt the lock for a second, trying to place which key where, before finding the only one large enough to match. Quickly grasping it, he shoved it into the lock and turned until he heard the audible click. The door swung open, and Aragorn stepped in...
There before him, was a scene of darkness that did not move, but told it's recent history with just a glance. Dark, windowless... with blood scraped against the walls, not without a manacle or two littering the wall. And then in the gloom Aragorn's eyes picked up a huddled being in the corner, held by only two manacles on his feet, for there was no strength left to fight, and the captors had been too lazy to do anything more if it was not necessary. Aragorn clenched his mouth hard if not to yell in anger at the despair they had thrown his friend into and his helplessness of stopping it. Covering the width of the room in less than a second, Aragorn seemed to fling himself on his knee in front of Legolas to check if he was conscious, or with injury.
To his surprise, Aragorn found that Legolas indeed was not straying from this world, rather, just asleep due tot he utter exhaustion and pain evident on his face and radiating from his very soul. Laying a soft hand on Legolas's shoulder and sweeping some of the dirty golden locks aside, Aragorn shifted Legolas just enough so the elf was now somewhat facing him, and surprised that that didn't wake the elf, Aragorn realized just how much Legolas had drawn into himself and the amount of rest he actually needed, as if he'd been deprived of it for long. Aragorn let another breath escape and be gained in his lips, trying to stop his troubled mind. There was Legolas, right in front of him. Injured, but there. He could not have lived with himself had it been any other way. Gently he began tapping Legolas's cheek to awaken him. Slowly and surely, Legolas seemed to pry himself away from the bliss of a dream state to come back to the dark reality, Strider above him.
"Estel..." Legolas looked up at his friend through worried yet still somewhat unseeing eyes. "You are not supposed to be here. You shouldn't' have come..." Legolas was stopped by a sharp intake of breath followed by a raspy cough because of his dry throat, and was quickly quieted by Aragorn.
"I'm sorry my friend, I could never have not come." He reached inside his cloak to find his water canteen, always on hand in case of trouble, and surprisingly unopened after his encounters, but the once cool water was now of moderate temperature, and Aragorn wasn't sure how much Legolas would want it. Taking one more look at Legolas's ashen complexion and slightly shivering pain ridden body, along with the raspy throat and cough, Aragorn needed he could receive any liquids he could get. Pulling up the simple lid, Aragorn rested the water canteen at Legolas's lips. "Drink mellon nin, please."
Legolas, however, did not have to be told twice, and gingerly raised his and to aid him and grasped the water along with Aragorn, who kept his hand on it to keep it steady. While the elf usually hated having any of the two's supplies used in large amounts towards him, he could not stop his body when it eagerly gulped down the water long it had been deprived of and would not leave hold to until partially satisfied, emptying nearly half the container. "I'm sorry Estel..." Legolas said sheepishly as he saw how much he had actually drank.
Smiling above him, Aragorn nearly laughed, chiding him slightly. "Do not apologize Legolas, you needed it more than I... but now, we must get out of here... and soon. Do you think we can leave once we get these accursed things off you?" He said, signaling towards the manacles, already having found the appropriate key while Legolas was apologizing.
Stoically nodding, Legolas shifted away from Aragorn so it could be done, seeming somewhat unpleased. "Why did you not say so before ranger? The water could have waited." He saw but did not comment as Aragorn smiled while unlocking the chains that held him prisoner. Strider then got off his knees and crouched, placing one arm on Legolas's shoulder, the other his upper chest and pressed up trying to help him rise. The helping soon turned to carrying, as with a small gasp of pain, Legolas's body refused to carry him upwards, no matter what he tried. Aragorn, in turn, pulled his friend up, set him as steady as he could though still he held him, and set upon Legolas a searching stare. His friend was more hurt than he put on, though what he already had seemed quite enough to set the ranger to worry.
The fact that Legolas kept his downcast while Aragorn did search was a warning enough to the ranger, who knew that Legolas would argue to the most if he thought it was something that he could hide, and many times the elf succeeded. "Legolas, my friend, you need not hide it from me. You are tired, dehydrated, nearly starved, without rest, energy and with quite a few wounds that shall need tending. What else is there... save us time." Aragorn knew time was of the essence, and the usually almost careless bicker between them would have been welcome yet a bit time consuming.
Giving a large sigh Legolas knew he was too weak not to let on to something more. "It is not much Aragorn... I believe I just lost a little too much blood... maybe shock. I also am quite cold, may... may I borrow your cloak?" Legolas asked tentatively. "Then I insist we get out of here. I must see the trees and open air again."
Aragorn blinked at the request. Elves hardly ever felt the pulls of extraneous factors, such as warmth, but then since Legolas was indeed hurt he would be a bit more affected by these things. Yet still it was strange, Legolas was not one to comment about such weaknesses, the proud thing he was. Strange though it may have been, Aragorn never would have denied the request and quickly shed the cloak and in this darkness handed it to Legolas, who thanked him and put it on, covering himself with it shakily. Worried about the blood loss issue yet still knowing that their chances were seeping away, Aragorn nodded to the elf and helped him through the doorway of his prison for so many months into the dim light of the hall.
Legolas did not stop in his shuffling progress, but did glare sufficiently and fully enough at the dead body of Malick that Aragorn became glad for killing him. Holding his sword in front of him with one hand, Helping Legolas stay upright with the other, Aragorn had little of his previous sneaking ability. Though this time he was pleasantly noting that many of the guards that previously had been inside this strange fort had now left, though his hopes plummeted as he realized they were probably all outside on the roof fighting his small force. 'Oh Valar, give them strength...' He mumbled as he moved with Legolas beside him, who gave the appearance of nonchalance but at times could not hide his stumble.
Eventually the two had snuck to the previous stairwell in which Aragorn had pulled his little trick, now covered over by hard cloths so the enemy could easily climb up the stairwell, most notes of the entire incident erased, cleaned, replaced by new images of blood. Legolas peered with him up the exit as they climbed, hearing the sounds of battle above. "Estel, what's happening up there?" Utterly confused, Legolas wanted to know what chaos he was heading into.
"That, nin mellon, would be your rescue party trying to destroy as many of these warriors as they can." Aragorn hurriedly whispered to the other as they climbed to the top of the stairs and peered among the elven soldiers, most of whom seemed well to Aragorn's now relieved mind, though there were a few protecting injured comrades. The elf and ranger took in the situation quickly, almost all this stronghold's guards an warriors were now atop this very small roof pathway, overfull to capacity. Coming from the outer areas they had previously scaled, ladders were set up so the archers from below could have a direct route now that the elves had gone beyond firing distance from the ground. Nothing needed to be said, both had almost visibly had a conversation with each other and come to the same conclusion though barely a second went by and not a word was uttered. They needed to get down, but Legolas could not climb down, so they would use the ladders.
Still somewhat surprised and confused that all these elves had come for him, Legolas decided there was also an alternative motive and would therefore except it. He moved as inconspicuously as he and the ranger could from the shadows, but quite a few pairs of elven eyes saw the pair. Immediately Annaendis and Elladan, being the closest, yelled an elvish war cry and pushed the enemy back more before moving slowly back and acting to guard Aragorn and Legolas, who all were incredibly relieved to see. As if pushed on by sight of their goal so close, the elves began to fight with more vigor, the men who fought them not knowing what hit them.
Aragorn sheathed his sword and began down the ladder, Annaendis then helping Legolas over the small rim and onto the ladder before following him, Elladan guarding the top of the ladder as to allow them time for escape. Aragorn was very careful not to get too far below Legolas, for many times he had to steady the elven prince. He knew how hard this must be on the exhausted body. He had no idea. Legolas was totally indwelled by this pain of his hidden injuries, which he would not let the ranger see. Aragorn would never have let him do this if he knew, and Legolas would have stayed silent anyways. Yet he continued down, telling himself after each movement that it was the closer to the end, every muscle clenching and paining him, taught till they felt as if they would snap and send him and Aragorn, who was below him, tumbling to their dooms.
As soon as they were half way down, other elves, under the elvish orders of Elladan, began to seep down the ladders, leaving only guards at each ladder. The men, having seen this, pressed harder and harder at the guards, trying to get to where they could destroy those using their own means of transportation. Actually finding some sort of unity, they decided to start attacking in unison the two guards at the very western ladders, working east, where Elladan's was the last. Seeing this, Elladan yelled encouragement to the guards and he himself began to climb down as to help all the others down and perhaps steady some ladders.
A certain woman, a 'friend' of Malick's, saw this, however. She yelled to Tillin, her brother, and they both moved to shove against the one deserted ladder before those unfortunate three on it got off. Elladan was speedily making it to the bottom, and was about 15 feet above when he realized what was being done. He also saw a ladder to his far left go down, and prayed a silent prayer no one was hurt. Aragorn and Legolas were only about 8 feet off the ground, but it was enough, and each looked on in horror as above the siblings started to successfully push over the ladder.
With a creak and a feeling of air blowing from behind, the two above cried in delight as Legolas, Aragorn, and Elladan began to plummet backwards.
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Reviewers all get Dr. Peppers!!! -hands them out-
Deadly Chakram: Sitting on the edge of your seat?! Don't fall off... for i have found when falling forward, WEAR KNEE GUARDS! lol, I always keep up with "A King's Ransom", and in the morning I just love it when my Author Alert pops up saying you have a new chappie!!!
I-like-chickens: I like chickens to... short sweet, and to the point! I didn't get to it as quickly as you wanted, but you get to find out what happens!
Ryoko Lasgalen: lol, I feel like I scored a basket. "Nice one!" heh. I love your last name. Power to the Silvan and Sindarin elves of Greenwood the Great!
Bookworm85: Oh yes... that first chapter was terrible... dont even comment -_- I haven't gotten around to revising it yet... bad Caunoiech!
Lady Beriaron: Yes, it seems our dear ranger is quite blind. Dog blind. pshah, it's the lack of elven site I tell you... you should have contacts to fix that :P Thankyou tho ^_^
Vana E: WWWWHHHHAAATTTT?!?!? Never. I believe I must say this now, I am purely anti killing canon characters, at least during or before the war of the ring. That's just slapping Tolkein in the face and spitting on his grave! While it does get annoying when Legolas is stabbed through the heart fifty times and brought back by a ditsy non-Tolkein elf, I hope I have made it somewhat believable.
LalaithoftheBruinen: -snort- apples and cherries... why do I comment? glad the hugs and bunnies are gone tho... sorry, it wasn't very 'soon'
Das Blume: Yes, they will reach the dungeons faster... very optimistic in a strange, insane way 0.o; lol, jk. soem reviewers will strangle you into a chapter... -snort- Aragorn really needs some elvish vision laser surgery...
Alina11: Why thankyou! I wondered who would like my Thranduil additions, no one has really gottan close even though I spelled out everything that was happenning for you. Not very observant reviewers :P lol, jk
elfmage: You'll all die if I don't update?! Gee... you're screwed! HAH! sorry... it was funny ^_^ Yes, Leggy angst, Leggy Angst... quick update? I NEVER update! hah, but you win for greatest untrue comment of the year! thank you ^_^
Iavala: -snort- no one else picked that up. I'm such a grammar clutz XD. Sorry there, I was having the kettle call the pot black... though hey, Elrond doesn't always have to be perfect... -snort-
Iavala again: Why thank you! glad you didn't stop at chapter 5 with me horrendous grammar XD
Kourin Lucrece: Ooops! I never make people think! I'm so sorry! I hope you've gotten that virus fixed. Good thing for you I don't kill canon charries before or during War of the Ring... hah, but I may make an exception... heh. Awesome with the Thranduil figuring ouing thingy... sorry there's none of him int his chapter...
FieryDemon09: Awesome?! Why hannon lle! Oh my, stop complimenting me! Too much praise! -falls over dead-
THANKYOU ALL!