Fool of an elf- i don't mind people rambling. I do it all the time!
Katja - really? I'm trying to but I'm not all too sure I can finish it so soon. I'll try my hardest though!
Orli's PixiStix sniffing lover, Elainor , Toria, Samwise the Brave, Katie, Yavie Aelinel, feanen, farflung, Elven-Star-of-Gold, Deadly Chakram, Wynjara, XxgemxX, and everyone else I forgot- thank you so much for your reviews!!!!
On to the story.
************************************************************************ Ruviel burst through the trees and stopped right in front of her captain.
"We have to do... something now!" she gasped and faintly felt Aldarion stop be side her.
"What did you see?" Thranduil asked as he got up from the ground. "Are they still alive?"
"I think so. At least at the moment. They don't seem all that sure of what to do now. Vero-"Ruviel said before Valandil cut her off
"Who is 'they'?" he said
"I don't know. It doesn't seem to be Vero's usual group. I mean they might be in on it but I don't know. There were these two people, a 'she' and Vero's right hand man; they were talking about how they had avoided G.M.P.P. {Greenwood Missing Persons Program} and something about her children going to their grandparents. She didn't want them in their custody and I think there was something said about Vero promising to get them back to her like he promised or something like that." Ruviel said. Valandil led her over to the middle of the small clearing were everyone else was standing. Valandil believed that in a rescue mission like this that everyone needed to hear for themselves what was being said. They may even help out in figuring out who all was involved. And who might be helping.
"What else did they say? Anything about Legolas? Arwen? Anybody?" Thranduil asked
"Yes. I think what captives they have now are alive but ... they seem to have a plan about something to do tonight. They think that the king already gave up searching. And that they wanted to make the princes death public, well, that was just a guess that the right hand man said. He said himself that he didn't really know what Vero had planned but he did say that they were prepared to go on if they lost him. That's it." Ruviel said. "I do know that something is going to happen tonight. And they might kill everyone they encounter. The people in the place, the hostages, I think they don't really care. I think the first plan is to cause as much pain and destruction as possible. Then maybe someone will try to take control of things politically. I'm not sure though."
"Is that it? Is that all that was said?" Valandil asked carefully dissecting the information that Ruviel gave him.
"Yes"
Valandil looked over at Aldarion for confirmation
Aldarion just shrugged his shoulders.
"Alright. They seem to have more ideas than plans. Vero must not be talking much. We could use that to our advantage. What did you see, Aldarion?"
"Mostly crates like the ones Ruviel saw told me she saw. They were seemed to be like the kind that you can put anything in. weapons, food, paper etc. One of them was covered in something red, paint or blood I couldn't tell. It was dried I could see that much. They had cave supports. And equipment for expanding the cave. Also there is about maybe 25 elves that I could gather. About 5 are females. There could very well be more elves I couldn't tell. I recognized a few of them." Aldarion reported
"Who?" Thranduil asked as he ignored the sinking feeling in his stomach.
Aldarion took a deep breath and started to name off the enemy's personal.
"Well, I saw, Uialdon, Beleg, and Tiwele; um I heard something about Thathore and Alquaa being there. There were about 6 others that I didn't recognize coming in and out of the cave. There were more in the cave I can tell you that. No sign of Vero."
Valandil looked around. He knew that several of his men had known Alquaa and Tiwele. While a few looked shocked and a little confused no one seemed to be taking the news to hard. Which was good; it meant that they could keep their concentration up.
Thranduil closed his eyes briefly. He knew Uialdon from his counsel chambers. He had been discharged from his position for two reasons. One- he tended to be a little to nosy for Thranduil's liking. Two- Hara had come back from maternity leave. It was a somewhat bitter parting for Uialdon. And Tiwele was supposed to be in the position that Valandil now held. There were some rumors about his past and Thranduil didn't think that it was appropriate for him to be promoted. Therefore Valandil was promoted and Tiwele was demoted once the rumors where cleared up. It had come to light that Tiwele had a bad temper and a streak of bad blood between him and the other officers that would be equal in rank to him. Thranduil had also unearthed that Tiwele didn't like orders given to him and tended to go into things head first. How he had hidden all that as he climbed the ranks Thranduil didn't know and never really cared since Tiwele left { presumably to Lothlorien, where his parents had moved to, or one of the small towns that his brothers and sisters lived in} as soon as he had heard the news about his demotion. Nobody had heard from him ever since then.
*VALAR! I should have had people check up on such bitter leavings! My own stupidity has now put my son's life in danger as well as others! BLOODLY MANDOS.........*
Thranduil stopped swearing at himself and turned his attention to where it should have been to begin with.
"There were several wine cases there. One had been opened and I think two or three elves had gotten drunk. I could hear someone get on to them so we can't really use that to our advantage. They may be sober when we get there. I could see that they were getting the crates into the cave. They have some plan to get them all into cave before this evening. No one seems to be too motivated to do anything at the moment, but I did hear some one trying to get some sort of plan made. She wasn't being very successful. The only thing "I'm sure of is that there is more than fifth teen and that they do have some sort of plan. They are a little unorganized but; if they really wanted to they could turn it all around and have everything all ready soon."
"So... what we do know is that there are most likely 25 elves, they have a loose plan of kill-kill somewhere, they don't really seem to have a schedule, most think we have given up, and it seems that at least the children are alive." Eol said
"That seems to be about it. Am I right?" Valandil said as he looked at his two spies.
Ruviel and Aldarion nodded.
"Well, what we can use to our advantage is the darkness that bill be here soon, the element of surprise, and a good detail of the entrance of the hideout" as he sat down on the ground and motioned for everyone else to do so. He cleared an area free of leaves and took out his knife. He started to map out what Ruviel and Aldarion had told him of the cave. The elves that couldn't see the map moved behind him. Once everyone was settled he spoke again.
"By the looks of it, it would be easy to surround them. We could take out what we can from the cover of the trees. Once that is over with we could storm the cave. But all that is considering that they aren't all ready to go wherever they are going and that there aren't more that 27 elves in there." Valandil said as he studied his map. "Of course those are ifs."
"We could send for more men" Elladan said. "But it would probably take too long to go back, get them rounded up, bring them back, explain everything to them, and then do what was planned."
"True" Valandil said "we could try to ambush them on the way to the palace."
"The children could be dead by then!" Toldur said.
"Another good point." Valandil said
"I think we should go now and take out as many as we can from the cover of the trees and then break the lines and try to reach the hostages and get out." Alata said.
There was a murmur of quiet agreements and a few disagreements.
"My lord?" Valandil asked as he looked at the silent king. "What do you suggest?"
Thranduil pulled his arms around himself.
"I just want my baby... I want my baby. But if... going in there is only going to kill him as long as everyone else... that wouldn't even...." Thranduil said as he tried to put his feelings aside and think rationally about tactics to use. After his father had died and Thranduil made king he had quickly learned that you cant get too emotionally involved with things.{ every time he tried to get involved in something his fathers advisors would tell him that he shouldn't and then stuff something else in front of him saying it was more important} Especially things like the military. Then you just had to decide what would work best and then do it. But when it came to his family there was no way he could think completely rationally. There was no possible way to set aside your feelings for someone you love. Especially when they are all you had left. Thranduil knew that he would never be able to live if Legolas had died. After all, his son was the only thing that was really here for him in Arda expect for his sister and his people of Greenwood. But deep down Thranduil knew that he could leave Greenwood in his sister and brother-in-law's hands.
As if reading his kings disturbing thoughts, Valandil put his arm over Thranduil's shoulders. And Elladan leaned closer to him.
"Don't think like that. We'll get him back."
"But what about Arwen? Or Elrond? Beraid? And however else they happen to have? How can we ensure their safety? Arwen isn't even but a few months older than Legolas. And I don't like Elrond, but, I certainly don't want to leave him there to die! And what of your men? I-"
"Don't worry about us!" Toldur spoke up from behind Ruviel. "We can take care of ourselves"
Everyone turned to look at him. More out of surprise that he had spoken out then of what he had said; for it was already coursing through all of their minds.
Toldur blushed a deep red and continued in what was a shaky voice in the beginning but ended in a proud, speaking voice "I knew the risks when the captain asked me to join his group. I'm not afraid to die for someone else. I think that we could all stand our ground at least long enough to get the children out! If not longer!"
"It looks like the maggot has finally learned something" Eol said.
"Yes it does. Took you long enough" Elu said.
"I think that it would be fun" Ruviel said turning the attention away from her blushing friend.
"I'll beat you yet" Aldarion said.
Valandil shook his head at Ruviel and Aldarion's idea of a game {who could kill/capture/get more info/and generally be the better warrior.}
"they don't stand a chance! Organized or not!" Quensa said
"They crossed the line this time! No body messes with the prince and gets away from it!" Ennyneth said. She, like many, absolutely adored and loved Legolas and took any danger that he was placed in personally. Ennyneth especially since she was usually one of his two body guards.
"Do you not see it my lord? We will get everybody out of there! We are not afraid and failure is not an option!" Riliant said. He was one of Valandil's original group. He was one of the elves that were assigned to take out Vero. He and the rest of the original group had succeeded in capturing Vero. But before he had gone to trail, Vero had escaped. Riliant had sworn that he would not leave Mirkwood for the undying lands as he had planned until Vero had been caught. The fact that he had swiped their beloved prince right under their noses was just too much for them to just sit back and watch.
"Do you see Thranduil?" Valandil asked softly "we failed you once. we should have paid more attention to queen Alasse. We have failed you once, but, I can assure you that you won't see us fail again."
Thranduil gave a small smile. He turned to look Valandil straight in the eye. "You know that that is not the reason I stuck you outside the palace for that year. Don't you? I don't hold you responsible for her death at all. If anyone is to blame it is me and Vero. The reason I took off castle protection was so you could regroup and train your own members."
"I know." Valandil said "and I thank you for trusting me and the elves that I choose to work in this group so much. And right now I need for you to put just a little more trust in me."
"How? What are you planning?" Thranduil asked.
*how can I trust him even more. I would be long dead if it wasn't for him. Doesn't he know that I trust my life to him everyday?*
"I know that you are going though so much at this moment. I don't have any kids, or a wife, I don't even have a niece or nephew. I can only imagine what you feel like. I also know that you only want everybody to come out alive. Let me lead this. Let me be in charge. You can not think straight. No matter how hard you try. I know that you can't. And it's not your fault. But, for legolas' sake, for Arwen's sake, let me take charge of everything. That way you can concentrate on your task and not everybody else's. I'm afraid that you might not look at all the little things that need to be examined. So? Are you going to let me do this for you?" Valandil asked
"I've let you do everything so far." Thranduil said getting a little defensive without realizing it.
"Thranduil, listen to your self? I'm not fighting you. You're right. I have done everything so far. But we are so close. I'm not saying that you aren't a good enough leader to do this. I'm just saying that all of this, not any time to plan, these loved ones have been missing for days, and now we are so close." Valandil said "I don't want to bring this up ,but, do you remember all those talks we had about why your... father... died. It was because he was so close. He didn't wait; he didn't let other people help him. He did it himself and it killed him."
"I don't think like him!" Thranduil said "we had decided that it was because he couldn't stand the fact that Gil-Galad was giving him directions."
"No, that's not what I meant. Turn all that we talked about and put it in your situation. Do you see my point now?"
*he's right. He's done so much. Everything really. Valandil would be
better to lead the attack. He doesn't have a son at stake. He is able to
think in these situations better than I can. After all that is why I
promoted him. But I am NOT going to stay out of the attack completely. I
want to be the one to kill Vero.*
"I'm not going to sit here and wait for news of my son. You can lead, but I will be there every step of the way." Thranduil said
"deal." Valandil said "I wouldn't even try to keep you away."
He squeezed Thranduil's shoulders and leaned over to look at Elladan.
"How's your arm?"
"I can fight" Elladan said.
Valandil looked up and Curfinwe.
Curfinwe gave Valandil a so-so sign with his hand.
"I want you in the back. You can do the support defense. I don't want you in the middle of the battle with that arm unless you have to be. Understand?" Valandil said in a stern voice. He knew that he would never be able to keep Elladan away from his family and he couldn't spare anyone to baby-sit him either.
Elladan frowned. "I'll only stay in the back until I see a way to get to my family. If I can get to them then I'm going." He knew that the only way to fight was to agree. However, if he could get to his family than he was going to get to them. Promise or not.
Thranduil chuckled along with a couple other warriors.
"I suppose there is no other was to ensure that you will stay back. Fine. But you have to stay in the back until you have a clear way."
Elladan nodded.
"Now, it's getting close to sunrise. I don't think we have the time to go get enforcements. And if we wait till they leave lord Elrond, Glorfindel, Arwen, and Beraid might have already been killed." Valandil started to draw circles on his map" I think that we need to use the trees as much as we can then we will have to go into the battle zone. Now I want for group one {Valandil has his men divided into groups depending on skill level, main weapon, etc. everyone belonged to multiple groups so that they could separate easily when needed}* he pointed to a circle* to take this area. Ruviel, I'm going to pull you from that group and place you and group seven in this area. Now you are going to be in charge there. I'd rather you hold out until the first wave of us go into an actual fight. But if you feel like you need to help out earlier do so. You need to put a couple of people on the ground as well as in the trees. I trust your judgment. I want section 2 of group 3 to be here. And the rest of group three will be here. Aldarion, you will follow my lead for group three. But I need for you to hold out on section two as long as you can. If section 2 is not needed than they can start firing after the first of us go. Now keep in mind that only half of us will be in the first wave of attacks. But the second will be only seconds after. The rest of you will be with me along here and here. Elladan, you go with Aldarion, and Thranduil will go with me." Valandil said
"Do all of you understand?" he asked as he stood up and dusted the dirt off his clothes.
"Aye!" everyone said as they too stood and separated into their groups.
"Remember, if you can injure at least one so that he isn't a threat but he can still give us information later do so. If that is not possible go for the kill. Prisoners are not the main objective until the hostages are safe. The main objective at the moment is to get the hostages. Preferably the children and anyone who is seriously wounded first. Are you ready?"
"Aye captain" the groups called out as they checked their weapons on last time before following their captain silently through the woods.
*Legolas, I'm coming. Just hold on long enough for me to get there. I'm going to fix everything. I pray to the Valar that you are safe. I'm going to hold you in my arms soon. I know that Valandil will be able to get me to you*
************************************************************************ Valandil stopped and motioned for Ruviel to leave with her group.
Once they were settled he motioned for the rest of his men to climb the trees. Once up Valandil studied the area. By the sounds of it they were in luck. Vero hadn't gotten his men together yet. But from the sounds of it he was trying to. He started forward silently and his men followed just as soundlessly. Soon Aldarion had his group stop and settle down. Valandil had Thranduil stopped and looked for a spot that would be suitable for ten elves to hide. Thranduil spotted a place off to the left and motioned for Valandil to follow him. Once everyone was settled and had their weapons ready Valandil looked at the cave more closely. It was everything Ruviel and Aldarion had said. He could see the crates they were talking about. A chill went up his spine just thinking about what they could contain. Aldarion was right. They were the kind that weapons, food, paper, etc could be stored in easily.
Everyone inside seemed to be happy about something.
[Hopefully not because they just killed someone.]
Thranduil notched an arrow in his crossbow. His regular bow was strapped to his back with his quiver and he couldn't reach it very easily from the position he was in. the crossbow would work fine though. At least until he reached the cave. Then his sword would of course be his main weapon. His knives would be back up. He fought the same way every time. Bow or crossbow first, sword second, knives, then hand to hand combat if needed.
He turned his attention to what Valandil was looking at. The cave.
It wasn't a really wide cave. Only about nine feet in width and height. On the left side of it, just on the inside was the stack of crates. It was about as tall as he was and looked like two elves could hide behind it easily. The vines that Ruviel had told him about were pulled aside and tied back given him a clear view of it. There was light pouring out of the cave but it only covered a couple feet. Where the light ended there was only about fourteen feet to the tree line where about seventeen skilled elf warriors lay hidden. They completely surrounded the cave.
Valandil had positioned him, Thranduil, and five other elves so that they were on the left side of the cave but still had the center of it just in range for archers. Aldarion was slightly off center but not by much. He had four elves fanned out beside him and Elladan was right next to him. The three section two elves that Aldarion was in charge of were diagonal to the side of the cave that Thranduil was on. Ruviel and her group of 5 were right on the right side of the cave giving them a clear view of every thing in front of it. If a surge of enemies were to come out of the cave Ruviel would be the first to know.
"Amin neek er" {I see one} Valandil said.
"Ya?" {Who} Thranduil said as he turned to look at what Valandil was. Indeed, there was Beraid and Glorfindel was shoved down next to him. They both looked beaten and had their hands tied behind their backs. Thranduil watched as one of the elves, who he didn't recognize, tie a rope around both of their necks and wrists in a way that they had to keep their hands in the middle of their backs. If either one of them relaxed their arms than it would choke the both of them.
On a closer look at Beraid, Thranduil saw that it looked like he had had bandages and salve on but had them taken off.
Thranduil moved his eyes away from his friend in hopes of seeing some sign that his son was all right. He didn't find a trace of him.
Thranduil sighed softly. He closed his eyes briefly.
"sil' ri' never" { now or never (once again I failed to find one word. Grrrrr.)} Valandil said to Thranduil.
"Sil'" Thranduil said as he raised his crossbow and aimed at one of the elves that were laughing.
Valandil raised his right hand and raised the first two fingers.
Aldarion did the same thing.
Ruviel responded as well.
Valandil waited for a minute for everyone to fix their aim, then pointed towards the cave before dropping his hand.
A volley of arrows was released. Three elves lay dead before the notion that they were under attack swept through the enemy headquarters. Valandil signaled for a second release of arrows while he and eight other elves hit the ground and started for the cave with the rest of their friends not but five seconds behind them.
As the enemy scrambled to their arms { and senses} the first of the attackers had reached the cave.
As the two sides clashed together Thranduil hung back looking for two things. His son and Vero.
/ Ah, of course, the back of the cave. Vero's a coward./
Thranduil was able to slip through the fight only stopping briefly to embed his sword in an elf that was coming up behind Toldur. He realized that if Ruviel decided that she had to abandon her post that their advantage would be lost. Vero had gathered quite a group.
While he sent a prayer to Eru that Ruviel wouldn't see a need to join the fight directly, he blocked a stab that an elf that he now recognized as Uialdon threw at him. "Uialdon?" Thranduil said as he swung his sword up in a wide arc almost unarming his opponent. "Why? Why did you have to do this?"
"Vero-i-just..Never have you minded!" Uialdon said flustered. He was a scribe not a warrior. He didn't have enough strength and stamina to hold the heavy sword that he was.
Thranduil once again swung his sword in an arc this time managing to send Uialdon's sword flying overhead. Uialdon, instead of backing down like Thranduil thought he would, came closer to him with his fists raised and his body in a loosely based fighting stance. He swung at Thranduil, who duck and sliced his opponents right thigh deep enough to send him sprawling to the ground. Thranduil quickly stepped over him and used the hilt of his sword to knock him out.
The woodland king slid along the damp, cold, wall of the cave keeping his eyes out for Legolas and Vero. He could see what he thought to be Elrond at the other side but couldn't tell to well since there were too many moving bodies in between them. He looked forward a little more and saw hi, the man he was after.
Vero just stood there. Sword drawn, but motionless. He surveyed the battle with a passive face, but Thranduil could tell by the grip that Vero had on his sword that he was not happy about the ambush.
/be prepared to die this time Vero. There is no way in middle earth that you will walk out of here alive./
Vero turned his head and saw Thranduil creeping towards him. His passive face fell and was replaced with an angry annoyed look. He turned his body towards the king and held a fighting stance, sword at the ready.
Thranduil ran over and stopped just out of Vero's reach.
"Lle nandor!" { You coward} Thranduil hissed.
"Saesa eleu lle au'" { pleasure seeing you again} Vero said coolly
Thranduil lunged at Vero, who was expecting for Thranduil to do so, easily blocked the attack and struck back with own of his own.
Thranduil dodged Vero's sword and brought his down close enough to Vero's left arm to cause a deep nick right above the elbow.
Vero turned around and raised his sword only to find it to be blocked by Thranduil now raised sword.
"I guess I underestimated you" Vero spoke as he tried to overpower Thranduil.
"You will never understand a father's love for his son" Thranduil said. He was slowly gaining the upper hand in the strength battle he and Vero were locked in.
"Amin feuya ten' lle" { you disgust me} Vero said though clenched teeth. Thranduil was winning if he got just a little farther he would be able to disarm him. Vero couldn't let that happen. For if it did he would be without a weapon and Thranduil would gain a big upper hand on him.
"Mankoi? Because you are incapable of love?" Thranduil asked. He put more pressure down of his sword. Once Vero had weakened his hold Thranduil flipped his sword under Vero's and sent it flying. He also managed to lose his sword due to the position of his hands.
"Ha, can't even finish a basic tactic. Tut-tut"
Thranduil punched Vero straight in the face. Causing a severely broken nose. While he stumbled back in surprise Thranduil used the time to bring his knee to his stomach and a punch to his lower back.
"Why did you do this? You had a chance to leave? Why did you stay?" Thranduil asked
"Well, I changed my mind, I decided that I needed to kill your son instead" Vero said
"Instead of what?" Thranduil asked. He didn't move out of the way fast enough to avoid two punches to his stomach. While he was bent over Vero took the opportunity to grab his neck with one hand and continue to punch him with all his strength.
After a few minutes Thranduil collapsed on the floor of the cave and rolled over just in time to avoided being kicked, "what....instead of ...what?" he gasped as he tried to regain his breath and his footing. He started to back up as Vero came closer and closer to him until he backed into the wall. Vero reached down to grab him but Thranduil kicked him in the stomach. He stumbled back as Thranduil quickly gets to his feet. He grabbed Vero and threw him to the floor.
"Instead of what? Instead of having him grow up motherless? Or have you meet him before? Have you?!!" Thranduil said angrily. He came up to the left side of his enemy and started to kick him with all his strength.
"Ada!" a young child called out. Thranduil turned from his beating of Vero in hopes of seeing his son.
/ Legolas.... Please, please, let it be you.../
But Thranduil quickly caught site of Arwen. She had been swept up in the arms of her father and they were following Ruviel { she must have came into the fight} and Elu out of the cave. Thranduil vaguely realized that the fight was slowing down and that he had to hurry.
/ Legolas might be out already! Eru, please let him be out already/
Feeling Vero come up behind him Thranduil spun off to the right and dodged the blow. However Vero had managed to grab both of his knives. Thranduil turned so that he was on the side of Vero and grabbed his wrists in a way that made him drop the knives. When the white-handled knives hit the floor Thranduil kicked them away in a direction he now realized his sword was in. he took a few running steps to it. If he could just reach it...
Vero plowed into Thranduil from behind with all his strength, sending the Mirkwood king sprawling to the cave floor.
Thranduil tried to roll over and away from his enemy but couldn't for Vero was now on top of him slamming his fist into his stomach. Thranduil struggled to push his attacker off. He swung back and was able to catch Vero off guard enough to be able to throw him back off of him. Thranduil quickly jumped to his feet and reached for his sword but Vero was quicker and knocked him down once again. He knew how Thranduil fought. He used that knowledge to his advantage Vero grabbed Thranduil's sword and placed the tip at his throat forcing Thranduil back onto his back.
"So... this is the end. The great Mirkwood king brought down by his own sword...tut-tut. I would have thought better of you. Look at you. Trying to save your precious little son." He scoffed "I honestly don't see why you love him so much. I mean after all, he never talks does he? Doesn't laugh a lot. Doesn't even say I love you. You don't know why do you? But maybe you can ask him later, in Mandos's halls." Vero said as he moved closer to Thranduil neck with his sword. "This, is the end for you and your son. I will be glad to get rid of such traumatized elfling and his worthless father."
Vero swung the sword up.
"Legolas is a good son. I know he loves me. He doesn't have to say it." Thranduil hissed
"Yes, but wouldn't you like to know why? Why he is so shy, why he doesn't want to play, why he wants to stay in his room all the time. I mean, normal elflings don't act like that? They want to play, be outside, and be with their friends. But I see that we are straying off the subject. I'll promise you one thing before I kill you; I won't kill the brat to-
Whoosh...thunck
He stopped in mid sentence. He looked down at his stomach to see the tip of an arrow pocking out of it. Right below his sternum. Blood slowly began to well up and then rushed out of his body. Vero dropped Thranduil's sword barley missing Thranduil's head. He touched the tip unbelieving. He brought his finger to the wound and then raised the bloody digits in front of his eyes unbelieving. He gave a shaky gasp.
Thranduil shoved him over.
"This is your end Vero. You may never harm my son or anyone else again. I doubt that Mandos will have pity for a kin slayer such as you. May you suffer for eternity" Thranduil said. He reached down for his sword. He swung it up just as Vero had done to him expect this time he managed to hit the target.
Thranduil stepped back from Vero's near dead body. he looked up for the shooter and saw legolas standing frozen, eyes glued on Vero, with a cross bow in his hands.
************************************************************************
Now threes a cliff hanger!!! I'll write more soon. Don't forget to review!!! They help me feed my muse!
Katja - really? I'm trying to but I'm not all too sure I can finish it so soon. I'll try my hardest though!
Orli's PixiStix sniffing lover, Elainor , Toria, Samwise the Brave, Katie, Yavie Aelinel, feanen, farflung, Elven-Star-of-Gold, Deadly Chakram, Wynjara, XxgemxX, and everyone else I forgot- thank you so much for your reviews!!!!
On to the story.
************************************************************************ Ruviel burst through the trees and stopped right in front of her captain.
"We have to do... something now!" she gasped and faintly felt Aldarion stop be side her.
"What did you see?" Thranduil asked as he got up from the ground. "Are they still alive?"
"I think so. At least at the moment. They don't seem all that sure of what to do now. Vero-"Ruviel said before Valandil cut her off
"Who is 'they'?" he said
"I don't know. It doesn't seem to be Vero's usual group. I mean they might be in on it but I don't know. There were these two people, a 'she' and Vero's right hand man; they were talking about how they had avoided G.M.P.P. {Greenwood Missing Persons Program} and something about her children going to their grandparents. She didn't want them in their custody and I think there was something said about Vero promising to get them back to her like he promised or something like that." Ruviel said. Valandil led her over to the middle of the small clearing were everyone else was standing. Valandil believed that in a rescue mission like this that everyone needed to hear for themselves what was being said. They may even help out in figuring out who all was involved. And who might be helping.
"What else did they say? Anything about Legolas? Arwen? Anybody?" Thranduil asked
"Yes. I think what captives they have now are alive but ... they seem to have a plan about something to do tonight. They think that the king already gave up searching. And that they wanted to make the princes death public, well, that was just a guess that the right hand man said. He said himself that he didn't really know what Vero had planned but he did say that they were prepared to go on if they lost him. That's it." Ruviel said. "I do know that something is going to happen tonight. And they might kill everyone they encounter. The people in the place, the hostages, I think they don't really care. I think the first plan is to cause as much pain and destruction as possible. Then maybe someone will try to take control of things politically. I'm not sure though."
"Is that it? Is that all that was said?" Valandil asked carefully dissecting the information that Ruviel gave him.
"Yes"
Valandil looked over at Aldarion for confirmation
Aldarion just shrugged his shoulders.
"Alright. They seem to have more ideas than plans. Vero must not be talking much. We could use that to our advantage. What did you see, Aldarion?"
"Mostly crates like the ones Ruviel saw told me she saw. They were seemed to be like the kind that you can put anything in. weapons, food, paper etc. One of them was covered in something red, paint or blood I couldn't tell. It was dried I could see that much. They had cave supports. And equipment for expanding the cave. Also there is about maybe 25 elves that I could gather. About 5 are females. There could very well be more elves I couldn't tell. I recognized a few of them." Aldarion reported
"Who?" Thranduil asked as he ignored the sinking feeling in his stomach.
Aldarion took a deep breath and started to name off the enemy's personal.
"Well, I saw, Uialdon, Beleg, and Tiwele; um I heard something about Thathore and Alquaa being there. There were about 6 others that I didn't recognize coming in and out of the cave. There were more in the cave I can tell you that. No sign of Vero."
Valandil looked around. He knew that several of his men had known Alquaa and Tiwele. While a few looked shocked and a little confused no one seemed to be taking the news to hard. Which was good; it meant that they could keep their concentration up.
Thranduil closed his eyes briefly. He knew Uialdon from his counsel chambers. He had been discharged from his position for two reasons. One- he tended to be a little to nosy for Thranduil's liking. Two- Hara had come back from maternity leave. It was a somewhat bitter parting for Uialdon. And Tiwele was supposed to be in the position that Valandil now held. There were some rumors about his past and Thranduil didn't think that it was appropriate for him to be promoted. Therefore Valandil was promoted and Tiwele was demoted once the rumors where cleared up. It had come to light that Tiwele had a bad temper and a streak of bad blood between him and the other officers that would be equal in rank to him. Thranduil had also unearthed that Tiwele didn't like orders given to him and tended to go into things head first. How he had hidden all that as he climbed the ranks Thranduil didn't know and never really cared since Tiwele left { presumably to Lothlorien, where his parents had moved to, or one of the small towns that his brothers and sisters lived in} as soon as he had heard the news about his demotion. Nobody had heard from him ever since then.
*VALAR! I should have had people check up on such bitter leavings! My own stupidity has now put my son's life in danger as well as others! BLOODLY MANDOS.........*
Thranduil stopped swearing at himself and turned his attention to where it should have been to begin with.
"There were several wine cases there. One had been opened and I think two or three elves had gotten drunk. I could hear someone get on to them so we can't really use that to our advantage. They may be sober when we get there. I could see that they were getting the crates into the cave. They have some plan to get them all into cave before this evening. No one seems to be too motivated to do anything at the moment, but I did hear some one trying to get some sort of plan made. She wasn't being very successful. The only thing "I'm sure of is that there is more than fifth teen and that they do have some sort of plan. They are a little unorganized but; if they really wanted to they could turn it all around and have everything all ready soon."
"So... what we do know is that there are most likely 25 elves, they have a loose plan of kill-kill somewhere, they don't really seem to have a schedule, most think we have given up, and it seems that at least the children are alive." Eol said
"That seems to be about it. Am I right?" Valandil said as he looked at his two spies.
Ruviel and Aldarion nodded.
"Well, what we can use to our advantage is the darkness that bill be here soon, the element of surprise, and a good detail of the entrance of the hideout" as he sat down on the ground and motioned for everyone else to do so. He cleared an area free of leaves and took out his knife. He started to map out what Ruviel and Aldarion had told him of the cave. The elves that couldn't see the map moved behind him. Once everyone was settled he spoke again.
"By the looks of it, it would be easy to surround them. We could take out what we can from the cover of the trees. Once that is over with we could storm the cave. But all that is considering that they aren't all ready to go wherever they are going and that there aren't more that 27 elves in there." Valandil said as he studied his map. "Of course those are ifs."
"We could send for more men" Elladan said. "But it would probably take too long to go back, get them rounded up, bring them back, explain everything to them, and then do what was planned."
"True" Valandil said "we could try to ambush them on the way to the palace."
"The children could be dead by then!" Toldur said.
"Another good point." Valandil said
"I think we should go now and take out as many as we can from the cover of the trees and then break the lines and try to reach the hostages and get out." Alata said.
There was a murmur of quiet agreements and a few disagreements.
"My lord?" Valandil asked as he looked at the silent king. "What do you suggest?"
Thranduil pulled his arms around himself.
"I just want my baby... I want my baby. But if... going in there is only going to kill him as long as everyone else... that wouldn't even...." Thranduil said as he tried to put his feelings aside and think rationally about tactics to use. After his father had died and Thranduil made king he had quickly learned that you cant get too emotionally involved with things.{ every time he tried to get involved in something his fathers advisors would tell him that he shouldn't and then stuff something else in front of him saying it was more important} Especially things like the military. Then you just had to decide what would work best and then do it. But when it came to his family there was no way he could think completely rationally. There was no possible way to set aside your feelings for someone you love. Especially when they are all you had left. Thranduil knew that he would never be able to live if Legolas had died. After all, his son was the only thing that was really here for him in Arda expect for his sister and his people of Greenwood. But deep down Thranduil knew that he could leave Greenwood in his sister and brother-in-law's hands.
As if reading his kings disturbing thoughts, Valandil put his arm over Thranduil's shoulders. And Elladan leaned closer to him.
"Don't think like that. We'll get him back."
"But what about Arwen? Or Elrond? Beraid? And however else they happen to have? How can we ensure their safety? Arwen isn't even but a few months older than Legolas. And I don't like Elrond, but, I certainly don't want to leave him there to die! And what of your men? I-"
"Don't worry about us!" Toldur spoke up from behind Ruviel. "We can take care of ourselves"
Everyone turned to look at him. More out of surprise that he had spoken out then of what he had said; for it was already coursing through all of their minds.
Toldur blushed a deep red and continued in what was a shaky voice in the beginning but ended in a proud, speaking voice "I knew the risks when the captain asked me to join his group. I'm not afraid to die for someone else. I think that we could all stand our ground at least long enough to get the children out! If not longer!"
"It looks like the maggot has finally learned something" Eol said.
"Yes it does. Took you long enough" Elu said.
"I think that it would be fun" Ruviel said turning the attention away from her blushing friend.
"I'll beat you yet" Aldarion said.
Valandil shook his head at Ruviel and Aldarion's idea of a game {who could kill/capture/get more info/and generally be the better warrior.}
"they don't stand a chance! Organized or not!" Quensa said
"They crossed the line this time! No body messes with the prince and gets away from it!" Ennyneth said. She, like many, absolutely adored and loved Legolas and took any danger that he was placed in personally. Ennyneth especially since she was usually one of his two body guards.
"Do you not see it my lord? We will get everybody out of there! We are not afraid and failure is not an option!" Riliant said. He was one of Valandil's original group. He was one of the elves that were assigned to take out Vero. He and the rest of the original group had succeeded in capturing Vero. But before he had gone to trail, Vero had escaped. Riliant had sworn that he would not leave Mirkwood for the undying lands as he had planned until Vero had been caught. The fact that he had swiped their beloved prince right under their noses was just too much for them to just sit back and watch.
"Do you see Thranduil?" Valandil asked softly "we failed you once. we should have paid more attention to queen Alasse. We have failed you once, but, I can assure you that you won't see us fail again."
Thranduil gave a small smile. He turned to look Valandil straight in the eye. "You know that that is not the reason I stuck you outside the palace for that year. Don't you? I don't hold you responsible for her death at all. If anyone is to blame it is me and Vero. The reason I took off castle protection was so you could regroup and train your own members."
"I know." Valandil said "and I thank you for trusting me and the elves that I choose to work in this group so much. And right now I need for you to put just a little more trust in me."
"How? What are you planning?" Thranduil asked.
*how can I trust him even more. I would be long dead if it wasn't for him. Doesn't he know that I trust my life to him everyday?*
"I know that you are going though so much at this moment. I don't have any kids, or a wife, I don't even have a niece or nephew. I can only imagine what you feel like. I also know that you only want everybody to come out alive. Let me lead this. Let me be in charge. You can not think straight. No matter how hard you try. I know that you can't. And it's not your fault. But, for legolas' sake, for Arwen's sake, let me take charge of everything. That way you can concentrate on your task and not everybody else's. I'm afraid that you might not look at all the little things that need to be examined. So? Are you going to let me do this for you?" Valandil asked
"I've let you do everything so far." Thranduil said getting a little defensive without realizing it.
"Thranduil, listen to your self? I'm not fighting you. You're right. I have done everything so far. But we are so close. I'm not saying that you aren't a good enough leader to do this. I'm just saying that all of this, not any time to plan, these loved ones have been missing for days, and now we are so close." Valandil said "I don't want to bring this up ,but, do you remember all those talks we had about why your... father... died. It was because he was so close. He didn't wait; he didn't let other people help him. He did it himself and it killed him."
"I don't think like him!" Thranduil said "we had decided that it was because he couldn't stand the fact that Gil-Galad was giving him directions."
"No, that's not what I meant. Turn all that we talked about and put it in your situation. Do you see my point now?"
*he's right. He's done so much. Everything really. Valandil would be
better to lead the attack. He doesn't have a son at stake. He is able to
think in these situations better than I can. After all that is why I
promoted him. But I am NOT going to stay out of the attack completely. I
want to be the one to kill Vero.*
"I'm not going to sit here and wait for news of my son. You can lead, but I will be there every step of the way." Thranduil said
"deal." Valandil said "I wouldn't even try to keep you away."
He squeezed Thranduil's shoulders and leaned over to look at Elladan.
"How's your arm?"
"I can fight" Elladan said.
Valandil looked up and Curfinwe.
Curfinwe gave Valandil a so-so sign with his hand.
"I want you in the back. You can do the support defense. I don't want you in the middle of the battle with that arm unless you have to be. Understand?" Valandil said in a stern voice. He knew that he would never be able to keep Elladan away from his family and he couldn't spare anyone to baby-sit him either.
Elladan frowned. "I'll only stay in the back until I see a way to get to my family. If I can get to them then I'm going." He knew that the only way to fight was to agree. However, if he could get to his family than he was going to get to them. Promise or not.
Thranduil chuckled along with a couple other warriors.
"I suppose there is no other was to ensure that you will stay back. Fine. But you have to stay in the back until you have a clear way."
Elladan nodded.
"Now, it's getting close to sunrise. I don't think we have the time to go get enforcements. And if we wait till they leave lord Elrond, Glorfindel, Arwen, and Beraid might have already been killed." Valandil started to draw circles on his map" I think that we need to use the trees as much as we can then we will have to go into the battle zone. Now I want for group one {Valandil has his men divided into groups depending on skill level, main weapon, etc. everyone belonged to multiple groups so that they could separate easily when needed}* he pointed to a circle* to take this area. Ruviel, I'm going to pull you from that group and place you and group seven in this area. Now you are going to be in charge there. I'd rather you hold out until the first wave of us go into an actual fight. But if you feel like you need to help out earlier do so. You need to put a couple of people on the ground as well as in the trees. I trust your judgment. I want section 2 of group 3 to be here. And the rest of group three will be here. Aldarion, you will follow my lead for group three. But I need for you to hold out on section two as long as you can. If section 2 is not needed than they can start firing after the first of us go. Now keep in mind that only half of us will be in the first wave of attacks. But the second will be only seconds after. The rest of you will be with me along here and here. Elladan, you go with Aldarion, and Thranduil will go with me." Valandil said
"Do all of you understand?" he asked as he stood up and dusted the dirt off his clothes.
"Aye!" everyone said as they too stood and separated into their groups.
"Remember, if you can injure at least one so that he isn't a threat but he can still give us information later do so. If that is not possible go for the kill. Prisoners are not the main objective until the hostages are safe. The main objective at the moment is to get the hostages. Preferably the children and anyone who is seriously wounded first. Are you ready?"
"Aye captain" the groups called out as they checked their weapons on last time before following their captain silently through the woods.
*Legolas, I'm coming. Just hold on long enough for me to get there. I'm going to fix everything. I pray to the Valar that you are safe. I'm going to hold you in my arms soon. I know that Valandil will be able to get me to you*
************************************************************************ Valandil stopped and motioned for Ruviel to leave with her group.
Once they were settled he motioned for the rest of his men to climb the trees. Once up Valandil studied the area. By the sounds of it they were in luck. Vero hadn't gotten his men together yet. But from the sounds of it he was trying to. He started forward silently and his men followed just as soundlessly. Soon Aldarion had his group stop and settle down. Valandil had Thranduil stopped and looked for a spot that would be suitable for ten elves to hide. Thranduil spotted a place off to the left and motioned for Valandil to follow him. Once everyone was settled and had their weapons ready Valandil looked at the cave more closely. It was everything Ruviel and Aldarion had said. He could see the crates they were talking about. A chill went up his spine just thinking about what they could contain. Aldarion was right. They were the kind that weapons, food, paper, etc could be stored in easily.
Everyone inside seemed to be happy about something.
[Hopefully not because they just killed someone.]
Thranduil notched an arrow in his crossbow. His regular bow was strapped to his back with his quiver and he couldn't reach it very easily from the position he was in. the crossbow would work fine though. At least until he reached the cave. Then his sword would of course be his main weapon. His knives would be back up. He fought the same way every time. Bow or crossbow first, sword second, knives, then hand to hand combat if needed.
He turned his attention to what Valandil was looking at. The cave.
It wasn't a really wide cave. Only about nine feet in width and height. On the left side of it, just on the inside was the stack of crates. It was about as tall as he was and looked like two elves could hide behind it easily. The vines that Ruviel had told him about were pulled aside and tied back given him a clear view of it. There was light pouring out of the cave but it only covered a couple feet. Where the light ended there was only about fourteen feet to the tree line where about seventeen skilled elf warriors lay hidden. They completely surrounded the cave.
Valandil had positioned him, Thranduil, and five other elves so that they were on the left side of the cave but still had the center of it just in range for archers. Aldarion was slightly off center but not by much. He had four elves fanned out beside him and Elladan was right next to him. The three section two elves that Aldarion was in charge of were diagonal to the side of the cave that Thranduil was on. Ruviel and her group of 5 were right on the right side of the cave giving them a clear view of every thing in front of it. If a surge of enemies were to come out of the cave Ruviel would be the first to know.
"Amin neek er" {I see one} Valandil said.
"Ya?" {Who} Thranduil said as he turned to look at what Valandil was. Indeed, there was Beraid and Glorfindel was shoved down next to him. They both looked beaten and had their hands tied behind their backs. Thranduil watched as one of the elves, who he didn't recognize, tie a rope around both of their necks and wrists in a way that they had to keep their hands in the middle of their backs. If either one of them relaxed their arms than it would choke the both of them.
On a closer look at Beraid, Thranduil saw that it looked like he had had bandages and salve on but had them taken off.
Thranduil moved his eyes away from his friend in hopes of seeing some sign that his son was all right. He didn't find a trace of him.
Thranduil sighed softly. He closed his eyes briefly.
"sil' ri' never" { now or never (once again I failed to find one word. Grrrrr.)} Valandil said to Thranduil.
"Sil'" Thranduil said as he raised his crossbow and aimed at one of the elves that were laughing.
Valandil raised his right hand and raised the first two fingers.
Aldarion did the same thing.
Ruviel responded as well.
Valandil waited for a minute for everyone to fix their aim, then pointed towards the cave before dropping his hand.
A volley of arrows was released. Three elves lay dead before the notion that they were under attack swept through the enemy headquarters. Valandil signaled for a second release of arrows while he and eight other elves hit the ground and started for the cave with the rest of their friends not but five seconds behind them.
As the enemy scrambled to their arms { and senses} the first of the attackers had reached the cave.
As the two sides clashed together Thranduil hung back looking for two things. His son and Vero.
/ Ah, of course, the back of the cave. Vero's a coward./
Thranduil was able to slip through the fight only stopping briefly to embed his sword in an elf that was coming up behind Toldur. He realized that if Ruviel decided that she had to abandon her post that their advantage would be lost. Vero had gathered quite a group.
While he sent a prayer to Eru that Ruviel wouldn't see a need to join the fight directly, he blocked a stab that an elf that he now recognized as Uialdon threw at him. "Uialdon?" Thranduil said as he swung his sword up in a wide arc almost unarming his opponent. "Why? Why did you have to do this?"
"Vero-i-just..Never have you minded!" Uialdon said flustered. He was a scribe not a warrior. He didn't have enough strength and stamina to hold the heavy sword that he was.
Thranduil once again swung his sword in an arc this time managing to send Uialdon's sword flying overhead. Uialdon, instead of backing down like Thranduil thought he would, came closer to him with his fists raised and his body in a loosely based fighting stance. He swung at Thranduil, who duck and sliced his opponents right thigh deep enough to send him sprawling to the ground. Thranduil quickly stepped over him and used the hilt of his sword to knock him out.
The woodland king slid along the damp, cold, wall of the cave keeping his eyes out for Legolas and Vero. He could see what he thought to be Elrond at the other side but couldn't tell to well since there were too many moving bodies in between them. He looked forward a little more and saw hi, the man he was after.
Vero just stood there. Sword drawn, but motionless. He surveyed the battle with a passive face, but Thranduil could tell by the grip that Vero had on his sword that he was not happy about the ambush.
/be prepared to die this time Vero. There is no way in middle earth that you will walk out of here alive./
Vero turned his head and saw Thranduil creeping towards him. His passive face fell and was replaced with an angry annoyed look. He turned his body towards the king and held a fighting stance, sword at the ready.
Thranduil ran over and stopped just out of Vero's reach.
"Lle nandor!" { You coward} Thranduil hissed.
"Saesa eleu lle au'" { pleasure seeing you again} Vero said coolly
Thranduil lunged at Vero, who was expecting for Thranduil to do so, easily blocked the attack and struck back with own of his own.
Thranduil dodged Vero's sword and brought his down close enough to Vero's left arm to cause a deep nick right above the elbow.
Vero turned around and raised his sword only to find it to be blocked by Thranduil now raised sword.
"I guess I underestimated you" Vero spoke as he tried to overpower Thranduil.
"You will never understand a father's love for his son" Thranduil said. He was slowly gaining the upper hand in the strength battle he and Vero were locked in.
"Amin feuya ten' lle" { you disgust me} Vero said though clenched teeth. Thranduil was winning if he got just a little farther he would be able to disarm him. Vero couldn't let that happen. For if it did he would be without a weapon and Thranduil would gain a big upper hand on him.
"Mankoi? Because you are incapable of love?" Thranduil asked. He put more pressure down of his sword. Once Vero had weakened his hold Thranduil flipped his sword under Vero's and sent it flying. He also managed to lose his sword due to the position of his hands.
"Ha, can't even finish a basic tactic. Tut-tut"
Thranduil punched Vero straight in the face. Causing a severely broken nose. While he stumbled back in surprise Thranduil used the time to bring his knee to his stomach and a punch to his lower back.
"Why did you do this? You had a chance to leave? Why did you stay?" Thranduil asked
"Well, I changed my mind, I decided that I needed to kill your son instead" Vero said
"Instead of what?" Thranduil asked. He didn't move out of the way fast enough to avoid two punches to his stomach. While he was bent over Vero took the opportunity to grab his neck with one hand and continue to punch him with all his strength.
After a few minutes Thranduil collapsed on the floor of the cave and rolled over just in time to avoided being kicked, "what....instead of ...what?" he gasped as he tried to regain his breath and his footing. He started to back up as Vero came closer and closer to him until he backed into the wall. Vero reached down to grab him but Thranduil kicked him in the stomach. He stumbled back as Thranduil quickly gets to his feet. He grabbed Vero and threw him to the floor.
"Instead of what? Instead of having him grow up motherless? Or have you meet him before? Have you?!!" Thranduil said angrily. He came up to the left side of his enemy and started to kick him with all his strength.
"Ada!" a young child called out. Thranduil turned from his beating of Vero in hopes of seeing his son.
/ Legolas.... Please, please, let it be you.../
But Thranduil quickly caught site of Arwen. She had been swept up in the arms of her father and they were following Ruviel { she must have came into the fight} and Elu out of the cave. Thranduil vaguely realized that the fight was slowing down and that he had to hurry.
/ Legolas might be out already! Eru, please let him be out already/
Feeling Vero come up behind him Thranduil spun off to the right and dodged the blow. However Vero had managed to grab both of his knives. Thranduil turned so that he was on the side of Vero and grabbed his wrists in a way that made him drop the knives. When the white-handled knives hit the floor Thranduil kicked them away in a direction he now realized his sword was in. he took a few running steps to it. If he could just reach it...
Vero plowed into Thranduil from behind with all his strength, sending the Mirkwood king sprawling to the cave floor.
Thranduil tried to roll over and away from his enemy but couldn't for Vero was now on top of him slamming his fist into his stomach. Thranduil struggled to push his attacker off. He swung back and was able to catch Vero off guard enough to be able to throw him back off of him. Thranduil quickly jumped to his feet and reached for his sword but Vero was quicker and knocked him down once again. He knew how Thranduil fought. He used that knowledge to his advantage Vero grabbed Thranduil's sword and placed the tip at his throat forcing Thranduil back onto his back.
"So... this is the end. The great Mirkwood king brought down by his own sword...tut-tut. I would have thought better of you. Look at you. Trying to save your precious little son." He scoffed "I honestly don't see why you love him so much. I mean after all, he never talks does he? Doesn't laugh a lot. Doesn't even say I love you. You don't know why do you? But maybe you can ask him later, in Mandos's halls." Vero said as he moved closer to Thranduil neck with his sword. "This, is the end for you and your son. I will be glad to get rid of such traumatized elfling and his worthless father."
Vero swung the sword up.
"Legolas is a good son. I know he loves me. He doesn't have to say it." Thranduil hissed
"Yes, but wouldn't you like to know why? Why he is so shy, why he doesn't want to play, why he wants to stay in his room all the time. I mean, normal elflings don't act like that? They want to play, be outside, and be with their friends. But I see that we are straying off the subject. I'll promise you one thing before I kill you; I won't kill the brat to-
Whoosh...thunck
He stopped in mid sentence. He looked down at his stomach to see the tip of an arrow pocking out of it. Right below his sternum. Blood slowly began to well up and then rushed out of his body. Vero dropped Thranduil's sword barley missing Thranduil's head. He touched the tip unbelieving. He brought his finger to the wound and then raised the bloody digits in front of his eyes unbelieving. He gave a shaky gasp.
Thranduil shoved him over.
"This is your end Vero. You may never harm my son or anyone else again. I doubt that Mandos will have pity for a kin slayer such as you. May you suffer for eternity" Thranduil said. He reached down for his sword. He swung it up just as Vero had done to him expect this time he managed to hit the target.
Thranduil stepped back from Vero's near dead body. he looked up for the shooter and saw legolas standing frozen, eyes glued on Vero, with a cross bow in his hands.
************************************************************************
Now threes a cliff hanger!!! I'll write more soon. Don't forget to review!!! They help me feed my muse!