Disclaimer: Unfortunately, none of this is mine! *sob*
Title: Strike of the Serpent
Rating: R
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Note:: Hi everyone! I am back on Irish soil again and proud to announce that I got a whole chapter and a half written while I was away!! *tumbleweed blows past* Okay so it's not that impressive…but still better than nothing! ;) Anyway I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who reviewed cos it was nice to see a few in my inbox when I got home! COOKIES FOR ALL!!! :) Anyway enough waffling. Back to the story!!
.:Tithen Min:.
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Chapter 3
For Legolas, the return to consciousness was slow. The first sense to return was his hearing and he could hear sounds around him that confused him. He could not place what the sounds could mean or where he was and he tried to focus harder on the strange noises.
As he did so, the pain slammed into him, spiking from the left side of his head through his whole body, and he let out an involuntary moan. Shuffling sounds came closer and he frowned, trying to open too-heavy eyelids. His nose twitched and he smelled…
His eyes shot open, all that had happened coming to him in a sudden rush of clarity. Legolas' eyes narrowed as he saw Grima standing close to him, undisguised hunger in the man's eyes. Legolas glared at him with all the revulsion and hatred he was feeling.
Grima raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his twisted lips. "Still so proud, little Elf?" He mocked, looking down at the archer sitting on the cold ground, his hands bound around the tree behind him so tightly that any struggles would likely dislocate both shoulders.
Legolas refused to back down, his grey gaze burning into Grima, until the man could take it no more and glanced away. Legolas sighed, eyeing the man closely still, unwilling to take his eyes off him for even a second.
Grima strode forward and crouched beside him. Legolas pulled back as far as he was able, but the man followed him, gripping his chin and studying his features.
"Such a fair creature…" Grima smirked to himself.
Legolas reared his head back and spat in his captor's face. "Where are you taking me, worm?" He snarled.
Grima slammed the Elf's head back into the tree behind him, making Legolas' vision swim, "I have orders from Lord Saruman to leave you pure, Elf," he spat, "But he did not say I was not to hurt you."
Legolas' eyes widened at the mention of the corrupted wizard. Grima cackled, "Ah yes, Saruman. And when he is finished with you, I will take you as my pet, to do as I will with you…"
Legolas spat at him again, "Nor an Udûn." [Go to hell.] He growled.
Grima's face darkened and he slapped the Elf hard, snapping Legolas' head back to hit the tree. Legolas heard the man's retreating footsteps as he was taken by darkness once more.
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Aragorn paced outside their room, waiting impatiently for Gimli to gather himself. The new day had barely begun to colour the horizon when he was out of bed, weapons ready and literally dragging his Dwarven companion from his bed. Now he was outside while said Dwarf dressed and gathered his weapons.
"Gimli, I will go alone if you do not hasten your steps!" He heard nothing but incoherent grumbling from the other side of the door and he rolled his eyes, beginning to pace again.
He barely allowed a full minute to pass before he grew impatient. "Gimli!"
The door flew open and a stomping, grumbling Dwarf emerged. The man turned to head out and almost walked into Gandalf, who had seemingly appeared from nowhere. He sighed, impatient to be off. "What is it, Gandalf?"
Gandalf raised an eyebrow. "Peace, Aragorn. I believe you need to hear this. I have a feeling he will attempt to take Legolas to the den of Saruman."
Aragorn's eyes widened, "To Isengard? Why?"
Gandalf signed grimly, "I do not know why. Grima was bought by Saruman several moons past. He now serves Saruman and will do as he bids. I cannot see him sneaking up on an Elf alone, especially Legolas."
Aragorn frowned as he came to the same conclusion. "Saruman was helping him,"
Gandalf nodded. "I am afraid so."
"But— why— what would Saruman want with Legolas?" Aragorn sputtered, trying to come to terms with everything.
"Do not ask me to get inside Saruman's mind. It is not a pleasant place to be. If I were to try and figure out his reasoning, it would take hours and we have not the time."
Aragorn nodded. "You are right. Thank you, Gandalf."
Gandalf nodded, "Let us be off then."
The man paused. "You are coming with us?"
"You will need my help before this is over."
Aragorn knew better than to argue, so they turned and hurried together to the stables. They prepared and mounted in silence, worries and fears clouding each of their minds.
The city was far behind them when Gimli finally broke the silence. "What would they do to him?" The Dwarf almost looked sick with worry, but would never admit to feeling such emotion for an Elf.
Gandalf sighed. "I have known Legolas for many long years, since before Greenwood became Mirkwood. He will not break, will not reveal the ringbearer's destination, nor his course…no matter what the cost to himself."
Gimli and Aragorn flinched, although they had already known this in their hearts.
"Allow me to put it this way," Gandalf continued, "I hope we catch them before they reach Orthanc. For Legolas' sake."
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Legolas awoke to find he had been moved away from the tree and re-bound with his hands behind his back, the rope digging deeply into him. He shifted quietly and turned over, paying no heed to the pain in his head.
It was dawn, but the sun was hidden behind a bank of dark clouds and a wet mist hung over the land. Grima was trying unsuccessfully to kindle a fire with the damp wood, but gave up when he saw that his captive was awake.
He walked over and kicked the Elf in the stomach. "Get up. We must move on."
Legolas rose slowly to his feet and turned. He suddenly lashed out and kicked the man hard in the chest, winding his captor and knocking him to the ground. "Do not touch me," he growled.
Grima rose to his feet faster than Legolas would have given him credit for and grabbed the Elf's hair, wrenching his head to the side. "You will learn to be obedient. My lessons are hard learned. I will not have you killed; you will live as my personal slave, my little Elf. And I do not like disobedient slaves. Get on the horse."
Legolas glared defiantly at him and Grima sighed. Legolas flinched as a sudden voice invaded his head, blocking out everything else;
'Do as he says, Elf,' Saruman's eerily silky voice hissed, 'Or I will be forced to kill you and continue this business with another member of your pathetically failed fellowship. The Dwarf perhaps…' The evil wizard mused, 'or maybe the man? Yes, I think the Human…men are easy to break.'
"No," Legolas spoke aloud, "I will do as you say."
Grima smirked and released his hold on the archer, watching with satisfaction as his captive awkwardly mounted the horse. He followed, mounting behind Legolas and grabbing the reins. The horse moved off and left the camp behind.
Legolas struggled with the ropes that bound him until his wrists were burned and raw. The horse was moving at a fast pace and they drew nearer Isengard with every hour that passed.
As they passed through a grove of trees, Legolas' struggles ceased and he froze. The horse sensed his uneasiness and slowed its steps. The trees around them screamed of danger and Legolas twisted in his seat, trying to pinpoint the source.
Grima's eyes narrowed, noticing Legolas' restlessness. "What is it?" He snapped finally.
"Yrch." [Orcs.] Legolas whispered, "The trees, they speak of danger. We are being followed."
Grima smirked. "I am sure we are,"
An arrow suddenly thumped into a tree to their left and Grima sharply turned the horse. Legolas' blinked, not trusting his eyes. Aragorn stood a little ways off, just lowering his bow. Gimli and Gandalf stood beside him. He could sense that the horses were not far off.
Legolas suddenly realised why Grima was not disturbed by the presence of the orcs that haunted their steps. "Aragorn, no! It is a trap! Get out— "
Legolas' warning was choked off as Grima wrapped the reins around his neck, tightening them until black and yellow spots danced before the Elf's eyes.
"Legolas!" Gimli charged towards them, axe raised, as Aragorn swiftly notched another arrow, but they suddenly had to use their weapons for their own defence instead of Legolas', as thirty Uruk Hai burst from the trees and surrounded the three, cutting them off from the man and the captive Elf.
Legolas struggled desperately, needing to help his friends. He ignored the hold the leather reins had on him and drove his head back into Grima's face, hitting the man solidly on the nose and toppling him from the mount.
Once Grima's grip was released, Legolas managed to wriggle free of the leather straps. He swiftly dismounted, stumbling slightly, and made his way towards the others, using the only weapons he had. His legs.
He spun and kicked viciously, his only thoughts of getting to his friends before they were overrun. One of the Uruks caught him off guard, attacking him from the side and slamming him back into a tree. Legolas groaned as he felt several ribs crack as he was crushed between the huge creature and the unyielding tree.
Aragorn looked over in time to see Legolas hit the tree, saw the expression of pain on his friend's features as he hit the trunk hard. The hybrid then grabbed the Elf by his already bruised neck and turned back towards Grima, whose face was nearly purple with rage, contrasting with the blood still dripping from his nose.
Aragorn charged towards them, but several Uruk Hai blocked his path, forcing him to go on the defensive. He looked up briefly, as the Uruk that held Legolas struck a brutal blow to the side of the Elf's head. Aragorn's stomach lurched as he watched his friend crumple to the ground.
One of the Uruk Hai used his distraction and launched an arrow at him, hitting the Ranger in the shoulder with a force that knocked him to the ground. Another of the creatures landed a solid kick to his chest.
The last thing Aragorn saw was Legolas' unconscious form being bundled onto Grima's horse before he was pulled into unconsciousness.
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Review replies::
Cheysuli: Oh well, even if you weren't first, the main thing is that you got there!! :) I don't think you're paranoid at all! I do it too!! Then maybe we're just both paranoid… ;) Yay! You got the title!! Have you any idea it took me to think up a title for this that didn't sound dumb and also had relevance to the story? I would've had this up like a week earlier if I'd been able to think of one!! Tis indeed what I meant! Well done!! =)
Shandrial: I'd say he is a tough gnat alright! Bit ugly though… ;) Aw be careful banging your head off the computer!! I don't wanna have to go over there and bandage it!! Nine hours on a plane sounds tempting, but I think I'll stay in Ireland for a while!! (sorry about that if it freaked you out, I've had way too many cups of tea today!) Hope you enjoyed this and please UPDATE FADING LIGHT!!!! I need to see what happens!! =)
MoroTheWolfGod: Wow! The Hobbit and LOTR hardback!! That must've cost a bomb! Bet it was great as a bday pressie though!! Glad you like this one so far! :) Anyway enjoy your books and I'll have the next bit up as soon as it's written!! =)
Lefty: They lost your review!??! *incoherent Gimli-esque grumbling* Stupid FF.net!! I wish To New Mutiny was the only one I had going now, I almost put it as the story title at the top of this chapter and then I was like wait a minute… ! This was entirely the fault of errant plot bunnies!! I wrote the first two chapters in fifteen minutes while watching the Eurovision song contest!! Thank you for taking the time to review a second time cos as far as I know I only got the one!! You're so nice to me! =)
DXPrincess: Yeah he is really creepy isn't he? I don't write him very well though. I can't seem to get his creepy, evil, wormish-ness down right!! Maybe I should put his picture up!! Do you realise that my head has grown drastically in size since you started reviewing? If you keep complimenting me it'll explode!! Sorry this is late but there ya go!! Hope you liked anyway!!
wispykitty: Promising?? Aw! You're too nice to me!! Seriously! :) Not that I don't appreciate it though! Grima is the ultimate bad guy isn't he? There's something so evil about him…I think Pete Jackson cast him perfectly!! Poor Legolas I'll definitely have to give him a vacation soon…You want him for a few weeks?? ;)
Jenna: *blush* Thank you!! :) I know this took ages, I am evil!! Holiday and FF.net's constant overloads got in the way! Glad you like it so far though and hope you like this bit too, but I'm really bad at action scenes!! *gulp* =)
Estel Baggins: I will continue this until people get tired of it or until I run out of story!! I promise! I hope my email got to you ok and that FF.net was working! I'm sorry it took so long!! Hope you enjoyed it though! :)
Jadey: Aw!! Thank you! It's nice to know my attention to detail has improved since my first story!! ;) Grima is so creepy I know what you mean!! *shiver* But it's fun alright! I don't really do him justice though. Poor Legolas, we give him such a hard time, don't we? *sigh* But it has to be done!! *evil snigger* :) I promise I'll continue and thank you for your lovely compliments, they made my day! I was walking around smiling all day after them! =)
heraldtalia: It was cruel of me wasn't it?? Thousand apologies!! I won't do it again!! I'm glad you like it so far. (the first two chapters I jotted down in fifteen minutes with a plot bunny attached to my foot!!) And hope you still like it! He was a little helpless in this chapter, but he was tied to a tree… ;) Sorry it took so long! =)
Lady Jaina: Yeah he was that shiver-inducing kinda evil! I think PJ cast him very well!! And thank you for the compliment! Hope you liked!! :)
Alice: You too?? Yeah they've been bugging me lately too! Grr…He does look like Snape, doesn't he?? Well spotted!! And also very creepy… And your drama teacher too?? It's a conspiracy I tell you!! ;p Yeah he's a bit too sexy to be called young, but he is compared to Gandalf!! He's as old as the hills!! Literally. ;) Hehehe!! I'm not one for normal review responses, so I guess we're alike then!! Hehehehe!! Way too many cups of tea today… =)
Angel of Death: 0_0 Rotten cottage cheese huh?? Well scared of you!! Actually that's not a bad idea… think they had cottage cheese in Middle Earth? ;) I'm afraid he seems to be heading in that direction!! Eep!! I'm sorry!! Apologies for the delay and I hope you liked it! =)
tamara: Ah but they did find him!! They just couldn't help him!! MWA HA HA HA!!! I am evil aren't I?? *sigh* Oh well, more fun this way!! I know this took ages, I'm sorry! Hope you liked it!!
Silmarien: The reason I try to update frequently is cos my chapters tend to be short and everyone yells at me!! Yeah I love angst Aragorn as well! He's fab!! Full of stubbley goodness!! Did that make sense?? Caffeine is clouding my perception!! Sick and proud of it I like that!! Nice one!! Hope I didn't leave you waiting too long and push you into permanent craziness!! You still there?? ;)
michaela: By the G in G/L, did you mean Grima or Gimli (or Gandalf?? *shudder*)? :) I'm pretty sure it won't be any of the above, so don't worry!! I'm not sure if this'll be slash or not yet cos, although I love A/L myself (and I don't think you're at all narrow minded!), I'm not sure I can do it justice so we'll see what happens!! Aw I'm sure it's not that good, but thank you!! **blush** Aw!! =)
Andmetwen: Aw you're making me blush!! :) Glad you love it so far!! It's fun to write it cos I suddenly get attacks of inspiration for new parts of it and I'm suddenly like WHERE'S MY WRITING PAD??!!!! Very amusing if you're sitting beside me when I do it…my friends all think I'm mad!! Sorry for the delay! Hope you like! Oh and thanks for fav authors!! =)
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Did I reply to everyone?? :) Thanks for all your lovely reviews!!