Elladan jerked into a sitting position, his grey eyes bleary with sleep. "Ada? Man na den?" He yawned widely and pushed his tousled hair away from his face. "Is something wrong?" He looked towared his parent and froze. Elrond was sitting up, his back stiff, and rigid. His fingers clenched and unclenched slowly, digging long grooves into the dirt.
"Ada?" Elladan quickly scooted to his father's side. "What did you see?"
"Estel." Elrond passed a hand in front of his eyes, as though trying to dispel the images from his mind. "He was holding Legolas and calling to him." Fierce anger burned in the elf lord's gaze. "He was hurt. Both of them were."
Elladan felt his blood run cold at the harshness in his father's tone. "How badly?"
" I don't know." Elrond's voice was sharp with frustration. He sighed softly and leaned back onto his elbows, tilting his head and closing his eyes. "I don't know."
Dawn crept over the mountains, its rosy fingers pushing their way into the small camp. Several of the elves were stirring. Among them, was Elrohir. The dark haired twin groaned softly in his sleep, his hands twitching at his side. Elrond frowned as he heard his son. Elrohir should not be waking so soon…
"Ah…" the young elf gasped. "Ai! Nae… Legolas!" He thrashed weakly.
Alarmed, Elrond quickly moved to his son's side, accompanied by Elladan. "Elrohir, lasto nin. Idh, ion nin…idh…" Murmuring comfortingly, the elf lord quickly captured his son's flailing limbs, afraid he would hurt himself. Elladan assisted his father, speaking reassuringly to his brother as he did so.
" Legolas na mae, gwanor nin, Legolas na mae."
"No…" Elrohir struggled against the gentle hands. " Estel…Estel na erui."
0-0-0-0
"No!" Aragorn ignored the taunting of the orcs, his fingers desperately searching for a pulse. "Legolas…" he whispered softly. "U-awartha nin si erui, Legolas…"
He froze, his hand pressing at the base of the prince's throat. There. It was weak…but more importantly…it was steady. The ranger felt his own heart pound as he realized just what that meant. The elf's pulse was not leaping erraticly. It has settled into a normal rythym.
Legolas was not shuddering anymore.
As Aragorn watched, the fair being breathed deeply…easily. The dark haired man almost sobbed in relief. The fever had broken at last. "Oh, valar…" he choked as he cradled the limp form in his arms. "Sweet Eru…"
It didn't matter that he was a captive.
Sleep was the last thing on his mind.
The orcs could go hang for all he cared.
Legolas was alive…and it was a beautiful day.
0-0-0-0
Elrohir shook his head, and his eyes came into focus. "Ada?" His features twisted with confusion. "Elladan?"
Elrond loosed his hold slowly, nodding to his eldest to do the same. "We are here, Elrohir. How do you feel?"
The younger twin brushed a hand in front of his face, as though trying to push away the shadows the clustered around the edges of his sleep fogged mind. "Terrible." He tried to take a deep breath and groaned at the sharp pain that skittered over his chest. "I feel as though a troll has beaten my ribs with a rather large club." He grinned weakly. "The kind with those pointed spikes on them."
Elladan smiled down at his brother. "At least your sense of humor is intact."
A rather disdainful snort followed that statement. "Wonderful. I shall meet the Valar with the knowledge that though I died painfully, I retained my sense of humor."
"Now you are just being sarcastic."
"Really? I had not noticed."
"Oh, you lie!"
"Enough." Elrond fought back a grin of his own as he bent his dark head over his son, checking the bandages. It was truly amazing. The two had crawled through what appeared to be hell on Arda…yet they found the means to laugh at the end. He sighed deeply. Ah…if only it really was the end.
If only…
0-0-0-0
Aragorn watched the morning light filter through the leaves of the tree above him, scattering shadows across his face and torso. He leaned back with a heavy sigh against the rough bark of the trunk, tilting his head and closing his eyes. He was so…tired. His right hand rested across the chest of his companion. It rose and fell slowly, moving with the breathing of the elf.
Legolas had not woken, but then, Aragorn did not expect him too. The effects of the poison had wrecked havoc on the elf's body, and this was the first real sleep he had slipped into for three days. Small wonder that the prince's lids slid shut from sheer exhaustion.
The ranger glanced at the strip of cloth wound tightly around Legolas forearm. He grinned softly to himself. The elf would kill him when he found out, but the human had been forced to tear the fair prince's outer tunic into shreds for the bandage. After all, he no longer had his own shirt or cloak with him.
Legolas had loved that particular tunic.
His eyes drifted closed as he drank in the early morning sun's warmth. Slowly, he felt himself start to drift off. He smiled. Ah…sleep.
A shadow fell over the young ranger.
Ah…yes.
He peered upwards, keeping his face blank with an effort.
Orchbeck glared at the human and the elf. "He's better." The orc's heavy shoe kicked Legolas' foot lightly. "We leaving tonight."
Alarm surged through Aragorn even as the orc captain strode away. Tonight? But Legolas was not strong enough…the fever had only just broken…what if the rough handling caused a relapse?
The human bit his lip lightly. This was not good…With a sigh, Aragorn checked Legolas' wounded arm. He peeled back the bandage he had fashioned from the elf's over tunic and nodded in satisfaction. The ugly, black tint was gone, indicating that the cut was finally healing.
The fair prince stirred at his friend's touch. His eyes opened slowly and he gazed up at the face above him. "Ar…Aragorn?"
Aragorn smiled, relieved to see the blue eyes open and focused.
A small, mischievious grin tweaked at the corners of Legolas' lips. "You look terrible." His gaze traveled over the ranger's weary, battered form. "What happened to you?"
Aragorn almost laughed. "We are in the midst of an orc camp, and you ask what has happened."
"Alright, so that was a stupid question."
"Truly." The dark haired man's grin faded as he gazed down at the elf. The prince was smiling, but Aragorn could tell that he was still very weak. Over the past few days, the human had forced what liquid and food he could into his patient, but more often than not, it had simply made a return appearance. "How do you feel?"
The elf's mischievious smile widened. "Now who is asking stupid questions?" He saw Aragorn frown and relented. "I feel fine. Thank you for your concern."
The ranger's eyebrow shot up to his hairline.
It was incredible, Legolas thought sourly, just how much the human looked like his foster father when he donned that particular expression. It had to be something that was only learned by the Noldor. Certainly no Silvan elf would be able to convey complete and total disbelief with the twitch of a muscle.
"You feel…fine." Aragorn smiled somewhat dangerously. "In that case, you wouldn't mind sitting up for me."
No, he wouldn't mind. It was just that his head would start spinning on his shoulders if he tried. Then there was the sadistic dwarf that was lying in wait to pummel him with a rather large hammer should he attempt to move. It always seemed to happen that way. Everything felt fine…and then he would move and the dwarf would leap forward with an evil squeal of glee. "Of course not." The elf prince quickly hoisted himself up on his elbows and pushed against the ground. He grinned at the human smugly. "Sat…" the world spun alarmingly in his vision. He clamped his lids shut and counted to ten. When he cautiously cracked an eye open everything had become stationary once more. "…isfied?"
"You must be kidding." Aragorn sighed as he realised that the elf was indeed serious. He pressed a hand against his friend's shoulder, gently pushing the fair prince back down. "Rest while you can mellon nin." He glanced at the orc guards surrounding them and sighed again. "I do not think you are going to get another chance."
0-0-0-0
Shaza watched his commander stride towards him. An evil smile lingered over the orc's face. He had seen the elf. They would be leaving tonight.
And now…He licked his lips hungrily. The elf was well. He would improve. They did not need the ranger any longer. And the company of orcs still longed for blood.
Orchbeck nodded to his second in command. "Tell the troops to be prepared. We leave as soon as it's dark."
"Certainly…captain?" Orchbeck turned as Shaza called after him.
"What?"
"The ranger…we don't need him. The elf is too weak to resist us, and he is well now."
Orchbeck nodded. "Kill him."
Shaza's eyes gleamed maliciously. "Let us have some fun with him first. Tonight, before we get going."
The orc captain considered for a moment. The idea of any further delay chafed at him…they had already lost three days…yet, they were in no particular hurry. There was no reason he should not grant this request. It would satisfy the blood craving of his troops somewhat, and that would make it so much easier to get to Mirkwood with the elf intact.
Besides…this promised to be amusing.
0-0-0-0
"No."
Elrohir scowled ferociously. Seated beside him, Elladan's face mirrored his twin's. "You can not be serious, Ada."
Elrond fought back a wave of impatience with his offspring. " I am indeed, most serious. Elrohir is definitely in no shape to travel, and you are not in the best condition either. Therefore, it would be reasonable for the both of you to stay here with a small group of elves, while I go with the rest to find Estel and Legolas."
"No," Elrohir repeated firmly. " You can not ask us to remain…"
"Perhaps I am not asking," The elf lord said grimly. "I can order both of you to comply. I am your father after all."
Neither twin moved, their eyebrows drawn together in fierce frowns.
Glorfindel strode forwards slowly, hesitant to interrupt what was obviously an argument between the young elves and their parent. "Hir nin?"
"Yes?" Elrond looked up with the expression of someone who was close to being pushed past all their limits.
The blond elf smiled a little insincerely. Oh he just knew that something like this was going to happen. They would not be the twins unless they argued about a descision that was made for their own good. "May I speak with you?"
"Of course," Elrond rose to his feet and strode towards his second in command. He shot a scathingly stern glance over his shoulder at his sons. "We will continue this conversation shortly."
Elladan watched their father walk away and snorted softly. "This is absurd." He picked up a small stone from the ground and threw it moodily. "I am fine. There is nothing that a short time of rest will not heal." He glared at his parent's back.
Elrohir sighed softly. "I know. I wish to go as well." Late afternoon light was creeping into the mountain paths, playing over the younger twin's features. Elladan turned to look at his brother just as the light fell across Elrohir's eyes. The words he had been about to speak died on his tongue. For a moment, he could only stare.
"Elrohir…" he finally said in a hushed voice.
Elrohir blushed and tried to turn from his brother's searching gaze, but Elladan would have none of it. Very gently, yet also firmly, Elladan captured the younger twin's face between his hands. The grey eyes that looked at him were filled with pain. Yet it was not physical pain…
"I wish to go," Elrohir repeated softly. "But I can not." He laughed somewhat bitterly. "I can not even rise." The fingers of his right hand clenched tightly. "Estel needs help…and Legolas…" he pounded the dirt with his fist in frustration. "And I can not move from this spot!"
Elladan grimaced. He could feel his brother's frustration as though it were his own. Opening his mouth to say something, the older twin was cut off by their father's return.
Elrond seated himself beside Elrohir and sighed. "Glorfindel found the orc's trail."
Elladan and his brother exchanged glances. "So we will be leaving soon?" the eldest asked tentatively. He saw his father's brows draw together and sighed, preparing himself for the argument he knew would follow.
"Ada," Elrohir suddenly interjected. "This is pointless. You know that if you order Elladan to remain, he will follow you nonetheless." The younger twin's smile had a slightly bitter edge. "And if I could, so would I."
The elf lord gave in with a deep sigh. "Very well."
0-0-0-0
Red light flowed through the evening sky, tainting the gathering clouds a deep ruby hue.
Like blood.
Thunder rolled ominously. Fat thunderheads started to pile up along the horizon. The air was still….the calm before the storm.
Legolas shifted uneasily. He eyed the surrounding orcs with growing apprehension. Throughout the day, his keen hearing had picked up whispers among their captors…rumors of 'sport' that would take place that night. It worried him.
A fork of lightning flickered across the sky.
The elf's eyes moved to his friend. He was worried for the ranger.
Aragorn lay against the tree, his eyes half closed, obviously not completely awake. Several strands of dark hair lay over his forehead. He shivered slightly, and Legolas frowned. In caring for his friend, the young human had been neglecting himself. Of course, most of the bruises and other injuries he had sustained were not his fault. Like the cut that ran the length of his arm…
The boom of the approaching storm startled Legolas. Everything was growing dark so quickly. The sun sank behind the mountains at what seemed to be twice the normal speed, as though she wished to avoid seeing what was about to take place.
A whisper of glee spread through the orcs. It was evil. Malicious. The kind of wicked joy that Legolas had seen reflected in the eyes of vicious warlords, and the ferocity that clung to wild animals.
The elf could see two orcs approaching, and he felt his stomach lurch as he recognized them. "Aragorn." Legolas shook the ranger slightly. "Aragorn, wake up." As the young human's eyes opened, the prince nodded in the direction of the oncoming orcs. "We are about to have company."
Orchbeck and Shaza strolled up to the two friends. Orchbeck's feautures were blank, his gaze shrewd and calculating as he stared at his captives. As for Shaza…
Aragorn shuddered as the second in command's eyes fell on the young ranger. The orc was staring at the young man as though he were an extremely tasty haunch of venison. Evil aniticipation hovered in the depths of the creature's nasty smile.
Legolas noticed the look and felt his own skin crawl. This could not be good…
Orchbeck nodded to the guards and they immediately stepped forwards. Legolas and Aragorn were jerked roughly to their feet. Aragorn stood still as ropes were wound around his hands, wincing slightly as they were drawn cruelly tight.
Legolas, on the other hand, could not stand at all. His knees buckled as soon as the orc released his arm, and he crashed back to the ground. With his hands tied, the prince could not catch himself, and he split his lip on the unforgiving earth.
"Legolas!" Aragorn tried to kneel at his friend's side, but two orcs gripped his upper arms firmly, their clawed hands digging into his skin.
" I am alright," Legolas managed as he was once again hauled to his feet. This time, his captors kept their hold, ensuring that their prize would not be overly injured. Orchbeck grinned nastily at the prince.
"Careful…careful little elf. Wouldn't want you to get hurt before it's time, would we? Wouldn't want the little prince of Mirkwood to fall into harms way, eh?" He laughed at the horrified expression that Legolas could not repress. "Thought we didn't know who you were?" His laughter turned bitter. "You're the very picture of your father, may he rot in a black hole with rats gnawing at his bones. You may not remember me, little prince, but I remember you. Oh, yes. I've seen you lead the elves into battle. A little captain in your father's army, perhaps? Well my petted elfling, don't worry. You'll see your father again soon." The orc captain reached out, wiping away the blood that trickled from the fair prince's lip with twisted gentleness. "I will enjoy making his life…and yours…a living hell."
The yellow eyes drifted from the elf to the human. "Let's start now, shall we?" He motioned to his company.
The orcs grasping the dark haired man's arms released their hold and moved back slightly. Meanwhile, the rest of the creatures closed in, like wolves surrounding a wounded deer.
Very hungry…evil… wolves.
"You see," Orchbeck continued, almost conversationally, "while I need you…I don't need him." His black clawed fingers gestured towards the ranger. "And my boys want a bit of fun." The yellow eyes swept over Legolas' weak frame, held upright only by the two guards. "There's not much you can do about it now, is there?"
For a moment, Legolas eyes met Aragorn's. He could see the young man standing amidst the evil horde. His hands bound in front of him, bare shoulders rising and falling with every breath. His dark hair whipped around his face in the wind that had sprung up, carrying on it the scent of rain.
Lightning flashed followed by an almost instantaneous rumble of thunder. The lightning reflected in the ranger's eyes…
With a crow of hideous laughter, the orcs moved in on their captive.
0-0-0-0
Aragorn stood firm, his eyes on the enemy advancing on him. Shaza led them at the very front, his knife reflecting the lightning that forked across the blackened sky.
The orc hissed in pleasure and leapt forwards, knife extended. Aragorn spun to his right. As Shaza stumbled past him, the ranger brought his bound hands down on the back of the creatures neck as hard as he could. Shaza fell face first in the dirt, his knife tumbling from his hand. Before the orc could recover, Aragorn pounced on the weapon. He brought it up just in time to stab it awkwardly through the gut of a charging enemy. Black blood gushed over his bound hands, making his hold on the knife slippery…
0-0-0-0
Legolas watched anxiously, his eyes wide with torment. This should not be happening! The very idea that his friend was suffering because of him made the elf sick with grief and guilt.
Yet Aragorn seemed to be doing well so far…a weapon in hand and already one enemy slain… As Aragorn ripped the knife from his enemy's carcass, Legolas saw another jump at his friend's back.
"Aragorn! Behind you!"
0-0-0-0
Aragorn spun in response to Legolas' warning…just in time to take the full weight of the orc that had leapt at him. Fortunately, he had the sense to hold the knife out, and the creature's own momentum impaled it through the throat.
Unforunately, the same momentum carried the ranger to the ground, driving the wind out of his lungs as he hit the earth. He struggled desperately against the dead weight…but could hear the rest of the orcs closing in…
0-0-0-0
Orchbeck spun on Legolas and backhanded the prince savagely. Stars danced in front of the elf's eyes…threatening to pull him down and into blackness. He shook his head violently. No! He had to keep his eyes on Aragorn…there had to be something he could do…
Legolas brought his head up in time to see the horde close in.
"No!"
0-0-0-0
Aragorn heaved the orc corpse off awkardly, his bound hands impeding his movements. Clawed fingers grabbed at his shoulder. The black nails dug deeply into the soft flesh, and Aragorn gasped. He thrust over the shoulder with his knife, feeling slightly satisfied as the blade bit deeply into the twisted monster's arm. The orc screamed.
The ranger's satisfaction ebbed somewhat as the hands ripped themselves away from his shoulder,(taking some of it with them) and knocking the knife out of his fingers. He leapt to his feet…
Aragorn felt his heart sink down to the bottom of his boots. He was surrounded. Completely and totally. They were not about to make the mistake of letting him obtain a weapon again. He could hear, with the very edge of his consciousness, Legolas' voice crying out to him.
Without warning, despair sunk deeply into his mind. Three days with no sleep caught up with a suddeness that left him weak. Blood dripped from his wounded shoulder, streaking down his torso to fall to the ground. He was simply too tired….there was no way…
Thunder rolled menacingly, and the orcs tightened their circle.
0-0-0-0
Legolas stuggled uselessly against his captors. He was too weak. There was no way he would be able to pull himself free of their grip, much less help his friend. He watched, horrified, as a look of exhausted hopelessness spread across the young ranger's bruised face. "Dartho! Dartho, Aragorn! Avo bado dín mi dú!"
At the sound of the elvish tongue, Orchbeck landed another blow to the side of the prince's head, his black nails breaking the flesh. Blood oozed from the scratches, but Legolas ignored the pain. His attention was focused entirely on the dark haired man.
0-0-0-0
Aragorn heard the clear sound of Legolas' voice.
He fought…but he could not overcome the sheer force of number that was thrown at him.
Dragged to his knees, he was held down by at least three of the vile creatures. A fourth wound it's gnarled fingers into his sweaty locks, yanking back until the ranger was forced to tilt his head up towards the sky. He felt the cold steel of a blade at his throat. Any moment now…it would come down swiftly and his life would drain away into the dirt.
But it did not.
Shaza appeared at the ranger's side, his ugly face twisted into an even uglier leer. Only by squinting out of the corner of his eye could Aragorn see him at all…and what he saw did not comfort him.
The orc fondled a knife of his own, stroking the surface as though it was a beloved pet. Or perhaps the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
It was knotched, like a barbed arrow. Something that was meant to enter flesh easily…but to remove it would be another story. Cold sweat broke out on the human's brow. He knew what instruments like that were used for.
Shaza leaned close, almost licking his lips in anticipation. "How long do you think it will take, human?" he whispered into Aragorn's ear. "How long before you scream? You know…we never could get more than a whisper out of the elf. Will you be like him? Or…" the knife slid down Aragorn's side, scraping over the young man's muscles lightly. "Will you beg for mercy before the end?"
Aragorn bit his lip, willing himself not to make a sound. Not for the sake of his pride…but for Legolas. He did not want the elf to know how badly they hurt him. He did not want any more guilt added onto the burden he knew his friend was already shouldering.
His eyes wandered over the heads of the orc…and there was his friend. He could see the tangled blond hair falling over the prince's face…blue eyes filled with such grief and rage it was a miracle that Orchbeck and all his followers weren't frying at this moment…
The edge of the blade dug into his skin. He gasped, eyes widening. Shaza wasn't slicing…he was pushing the length of the thing ever so slowly into Aragorn's body.
"Hurts, doesn't it?" Shaza sneered into the young man's upturned face.
The ranger winced as Shaza pushed a little harder, but dared not twist too much. The blade against his throat held him quite firmly in place.
"Just scream," the orc hissed into his ear. "One scream…and I may end this quickly."
But Aragorn remained silent, grinding his teeth together with the effort it took.
Incensed, Shaza ripped the barbed blade free.
The human gasped as searing pain raced all the way up his rib cage. He could not see the damage the knife had done, but knew instantly that the knife had created a much bigger hole being pulled out than when it had been put in.
Shaza traced the tip of the heinous weapon across Aragorn's cheek, leaving a narrow trail of the ranger's own blood. It stood out brilliantly against the pale skin.
The human winced as Shaza pressed a little harder, cutting a thin line all the way from the young man's cheekbone to his chin. "Shall I take one of these?" The orc dangled the dagger bare centimeters from Aragorn's eye. "Perhaps you would scream then…hmm?
" Or maybe if I took an ear…" the blade nipped unpleasantly at the edge of Aragorn's right ear.
"Or a finger." A line of fire traveled all the way down the ranger's arm from his shoulder to his wrist. 'Wonderful,' a small part of his mind commented wryly. 'It just had to be my other arm…' He was quickly distracted though as, without waiting for the sting of this new injury to die down, Shaza dug his claw-like nails into the gash.
Aragorn almost cried out at the new pain, but bit his tongue at the last moment. He could not let Legolas know…
"Yes…that's it…" Shaza's eyes lit with excitement. He almost had what he wanted… "Go on…"
The ranger choked as Shaza's blade started to press at his ribs once more. Digging inch by painful inch inwards. His eyes clouded over with pain as they sought some comfort…something to which he could anchor his remaining strength…
Images danced before him. Times from long ago flooded his mind as his consciousness shied away from reality.
He remembered…a night when he had been young…he had followed his brothers when they had gone merrymaking, despite his father's orders to remain in bed. The night had been warm for spring…and he had hid in a tree from his brothers, content to listen to the elves singing.
A tree that had happened to be directly underneath a certain guest's window…
He remembered the hobbit and the jesting of the elves as they realized that they had woken the small fellow…
The dagger was ripped free once more.
Aragorn raised his voice…not in a scream…but a song.
He could only remember the last verse the elves had sung that night…yet somehow it seemed to fit…
Sigh no more Pine, till the wind of the morn!
Fall moon! Dark be the land!
Hush! Hush! Oak, Ash, and Thorn!
Hushed be all water, till dawn is at hand!
A roar of rage rose in his ears. Somethind hard crashed against his temple, the darkness rushed up to swallow him, and he knew nothing more.
0-0-0-0
Legolas heard the sound of Strider's voice raised in song for a brief moment. One moment…and then the orcs' howl of rage drowned out the melody. He saw them surge inwards, beating at the ranger in their anger.
"Aragorn!" Adrenaline surged through the elf's weakened body, almost giving him the strength he needed to break free. Almost.
"Stop!" Shaza beat back the orcs angrily. "Stop! You fools!"
Gradually, the maddened creatures drew back, reluctantly leaving their victim.
Legolas felt his heart plunge and twist painfully. That crumpled figure on the ground…it could not be Aragorn…it could not…it had to be one of the orcs…
Lightning flashed, and for a second, the ring of Barahir glinted in the light. The ring that was attached to the hand of the figure that could not be Aragorn…and who could not be otherwise.
Shaza bent over the limp body. His features distored with pure rage. "Idiots! You killed him!"
"Are you sure he's dead?" one of the orcs questioned.
Without a word, Shaza swiped roughly at the side of Aragorn's head. His hand came up wet with blood.
Legolas felt sick.
"Here," another orc stepped forward, drawing a blade as he moved. "Just to make sure."
Legolas' eyes were riveted to the sword the orc swung high. He recognized that blade. It was Aragorn's, the one the twins had given him.
The orc brought the weapon down heavily, stabbing through the ranger's shoulder and pinning the body to the ground.
There was no movement. No sound. Nothing that would indicate life.
The elf prince choked. As surely as though the creature had passed the blade through the fair being's own flesh…he felt the pain. For a moment, he was sure his heart had literally been torn in two.
"Come on then," Orchbeck nodded to the orcs who restrained Legolas. "You've had your fun. Let's not waste anymore time." He leered horribly at the prince. "Wouldn't want to keep your dear father waiting."
Legolas struggled, but there was nothing he could do. Lightning forked through the sky as the fair elf was dragged away. It reflected along the gleaming blade protruding from the ranger's body and highlighted his still, pale face.
The orc who had stabbed Aragorn reached out to retrieve the sword, only to have his hand caught in a vice like grip. Orchbeck glared at his subordinate. "The weapon is elvish," he spat angrily. "Leave it."
Twisting his head, Legolas managed to catch sight of Aragorn one last time before he was thrown over an orc's shoulder and carted off like a sack of potatoes.
Broken…bloodied…his own sword pinning him to the earth. Hot tears scalded the elf's blue eyes. This was not supposed to happen… Perhaps he did cry out….or perhaps he only thought he did. Perhaps the only sound that crossed his lips was the name that he had clung to when reason had fled.
"Aragorn…"
0-0-0-0
With a final rumble, the sky burst open and poured down it's rain in silvery sheets,
as though Arda herself wept for the young ranger's fate.
0-0-0-0
Ada, man na den?- Father(daddy), what is it?
Legolas na mae, gwanor nin, Legolas na mae.- Legolas is well, my brother, Legolas is well.
Estel na erui- Estel is alone.
Dartho! Dartho, Aragorn! Avo bado dín mi dú!- Hold on! Hold on, Aragorn! Do not go quietly into the night!