Disclaimer: I own the hideous mini-Koi, 15 bandits and a hot mocha! JRR owns the rest


A/N:

'This is thought'

This in mind speech

'This is visions'

"" This is mind to mind Far Speak ""

To my Lovely Readers: THANK YOU!



Creeping Vines

A vicious smile was the only movement to be seen. The bandits had circled the Elves camp like wraiths. The Elf on watch had been dealt with by the leader and then all moved forward into position. They lay on branches above the camp with weapons trained on the sleeping Elves. The leader looked into Shadow's green eyes and nodded sharply. They had talked briefly before leaving the cave and Shadow knew should the leader get caught, he was in charge of the others safety. He truly hoped it would not come to that.

Without a sound the leader dropped to the forest floor and slowly crept to the lead elf's side. Each bandit dropped to the floor after the leader, taking up position by an elf until all the elves were covered. There had been nine elves total, but with the elf on watch already taken care of, they only had eight to worry about. The youngest and least experienced bandits kept their bows trained on the elves from the trees in case things went bad. A nod was all the signal they needed. As a group, they launched themselves at the elves and knocked them unconscious. Swiftly blindfolding and binding the elves, the leader looked around in satisfaction. Now it was time to wake the leader elf and give him their ultimatum.


Elladan came awake with a start. He could neither move nor see. He let his mind race for a few seconds before going still. Listening closely produced a few answers. There were at least four of the intruders on the ground as he could hear the whisper of their softly padded boots. Taking a deep breath, the older twin caught the scent of peppermint and musk and pine. Now he had the scent of one, but which one? He wanted the leader's scent and voice so he could readily identify him. That villain would pay dearly for his crimes! Elladan could feel eyes upon him so he lay silent, willing the bandits to make the first move. If he was tied up so were the others of his patrol. Letting his mind drift, Elladan reached out to his twin's mind in the hope Elrohir was still alive.

"" Ro are you injured? "" the thought danced into the younger twin's mind like a gentle breeze.

""No Adan I am fine but I can neither see nor move. How fare you? "" Elrohir replied in kind.

""I am the same Ro. I make out at least four of the six are here. The one closest to me smells of peppermint, musk and pine. I know not where their leader is, but I believe we will know soon enough. ""

""There are two near me as I can smell their distinctive scents. I believe there are actually five not four already here, so we should figure on all six being here. The attack was well coordinated and silent, Adan. These are experienced warriors, but they have yet to harm us. I wonder why they have designed to come forward now, when they have eluded us for weeks! ""

""We will soon find out I wager Ro. Aye they are indeed experienced fighters, so we will not underestimate their skills when we get free ""

A low purr sounded next to Elladan's ear, making the older twin startle. "Are you quite through conversing with your mirror, leader of the elves, or do I need to give you a few more moments?" A shiver ran down Elladan's spine as he listened to the words whispered in his ear. This bandit knew of their twin-speak! "I am glad you will not underestimate my people for we are formidable warriors, elf leader. You on the other hand have stayed out too long and your guard is lax. Pray tell, what were you thinking of ? Did you truly believe we would be so lazy as to allow you near our home?" A husky chuckle sent more shivers down Elladan's spine, but this time it was a combination that puzzled and confused him. The shivers were not only of trepidation but heated awareness.


Elrond could not sleep. A nagging feel lay over him, warning of possible danger. He had just decided to return to his study and summon Glorfindel there, when an arrow lodged itself into the wood of the doorway to the Last Homely House, right next to his shoulder. Whirling to see where the arrow came from and what threat loomed in the darkness, Elrond's warrior training sprang to life changing him from noble scholar to formidable warrior in a split second. Fading back into the shadows, Elrond scanned the trees and underbrush with deadly eyes. No movement could be seen, even by his exceptional eye sight. The feeling of danger passed as quickly as it came alerting the Elven Lord to the retreat of the hidden archer. Turning back to the arrow lodged deep in the wood, he was able to see the note that lay wrapped on the arrow shaft. Undoing the paper, the elf lord read the letter:

Lord of Imlandris,

For three years we have lived in peace with you. We have asked for nothing. All we wish is for the return of our solitude, the withdrawal of the hunters and your patrols removed from our part of the Vale. We wish no harm to any, but we will not hesitate to use force if necessary! Be forewarned that we are highly skilled and know this area much better then any warrior or tracker you have. As you read this, know we have your sons and their patrol under our power. No harm will come to them if they comply to our wishes of their swift departure. You have been warned!

Fury

With a snarl of pure rage, Elrond crumpled the paper and stormed up the stairs. Heading directly to Glorfindel's chambers, the elf lord hoped his sons would cooperate and return home for reinforcements. Sadly he was sure his stubborn, hard headed Elladan would not agree to do as asked, so a new patrol would need to be sent in as a rescue mission. A sleep tousled blond poked his head out the door Elrond had been banging on. The look of surprise was comical, but Elrond was in no mood to enjoy it. "Assemble a large patrol immediately! They have my sons and the twins will most likely not comply with the bandit's wish for them to return home." With that Elrond spun on his heels and proceeded to his study for the maps of that area of Imlandris.


Elladan tried to make sense of his reaction. There was something wrong about this bandit that he could not put his finger on, but he was planning on finding out exactly what this intruder wanted of them. Sudden light made him blink hard. The firelight blinded him for a second after the blindfold was removed, but when his eyes adjusted to the light, Elladan was shocked at what he saw. A pair of lavender-grey eyes glared at him from a face so beautiful it made his heart stop. She had silvery hair nearly to her waist, which was held back from her face by the warrior braids of the Mirkwood archers. High cheekbones were flushed in anger and her full lips were pressed tightly into a thin line. She was short, as she stood no more then 5ft6in tall, but her body was lithe, muscled and curved in all the right places. She wore a pair of knives on her back as well as a full quiver of arrows. On her hip she carried two jewel encrusted daggers and a sword; both were of Elven make. A dagger was in each boot top as well, though they were not as elaborate as the ones at her waist. Her bow was of Mirkwood design and was hooked on her quiver for instantaneous usage. All in all she looked deadly and desirable, which Elladan found to be a troubling thought.

With a decidedly evil smile, the bandit leader leaned closer to Elladan and whispered huskily, "So Elf, we meet at last!"