A Matter of When
Lamentations of Bloody Hell

Through the mischief of two Hobbits Rick discovers his family line travels further back than he could have imagined.

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She tended her fallen brother gently, with soft hands and soft-spoken words that were filled with sorrow and guilt. For this was her fault, or so she claimed. Voices could be heard outside the great tent they had been gathered in to wait whatever fate the desert warriors would deal them. One of the so-called 'Americans' had died, though he could not recall the brief telling of his name. In fact not much was said in this small tent. The fair men were silent in their heaviness and distrustful of the two strangers within their midst and the other, the 'Egyptologist' as the woman had called him, refused to speak except to place blame and express fear.

Evelyn was the only one of them who seemed capable of civil conversation given the harsh circumstances they all felt, a mark of the strength within. Her brother was injured and even still she could paint a smile upon her face to give him cheer, an act of healing that may well aid his recovery. They had brought him back from the den of a creature called Imhotep—so named by the wilders outside that only he could hear with his Elvish ears—and he had been unconscious, but alive. The creature had given him many slashes and bruises, but had left him with his life, deeming him likely unworth his time. What manner of creature would do this?

Orcs would make time to kill their prey slowly, enjoying the pain even in the smallest of fair folk and animals. Surely an Orc would have yearned for the taste of this man's flesh. Aragorn's description matched nothing like anything Legolas had ever heard tell of or seen. The creatures of Sauron were legion and he did not count it impossible that something may have been hidden inside Mordor, waiting for such a time as this, to emerge and further its master's wishes.

But these people knew nothing of Sauron, or so it seemed. The prince of Mirkwood listened intently to the conversations taking place outside amongst the wild men and none named the dark lord or even referenced him as he would be recognized in Middle-earth. They spoke only of their task in stopping the 'dark one' within the place they had escaped, this 'Hamunaptra' and of their missing captain and departing this camp. And these men did not feel foul to him, not so foul as their initial actions maybe have led him to believe. A day and a night had passed them by and their captors kept them fed, their thirst quenched and offered no mistreatment. Creatures of Sauron seldom care for their charges, except by the bare minimum of standards.

Legolas sat with his arms propped upon his knees and gazed around the dim place in which they were kept, noting that most of the occupants had fallen under the sway of sleep. Even at his side Aragorn had drifted away an hour past, expecting to be awakened for watch soon. Only Evelyn was awake, sitting beside her brother and looking tired now that her duty of giving hope was over for the night. "You may trust me to keep watch," he said softly into the stillness, knowing she needed rest.

"What?" was her reply, her dark eyes finding him watching. He merely offered a reassuring smile and she returned it. "That's not it. I'm just…worried, I guess. What about you? Don't you ever sleep? Every time I look at you, you're awake. I heard you…singing."

The last seemed to disturb her and he laughed. "I am sorry if I have kept you from your rest. I had thought everyone asleep and lost myself to my thoughts. Most find Elvish singing soothes their nerves."

Evelyn looked down at that and shook her head, still smiling and toying with the sand. "That's not what I meant. It was pleasant to hear. You have quite a gift." Again her eyes rested on his, a puzzled expression written there as she thought. Taking one last glance at her ailing brother, Evelyn moved closer to where he sat against the rear of the tent. Her tone became curious. "You and your friend are very peculiar. Oh, I don't mean that as rude as it sounds, but I've never met anyone like either of you. 'Elvish' singing, you say? And this is that language you keep using?"

Legolas looked at her amusedly. "Aye. Is that truly so strange to you?"

The human fidgeted slightly, shrugged and then nodded. "Yes, well, Elves are really no more than a bedtime story as far as I know."

"Truly?" he asked, furrowing his brow. "In this part of the world you do not believe in Elves?"

Her fidgeting stopped and her expression was genuinely concerned as she looked him over, then flit her eyes to Aragorn's sleeping form. "All over the world, Mr. Legolas. No one believes in Elves or Orcs or things of that nature…at least the majority, anyway." Evelyn tucked her hair behind her ear and nodded once. "I mean there could be some, but they're likely locked up in institutions or to be found in pubs and alleys. Do you…do you honestly believe you aren't human?"

Legolas turned, showing her his ear. "For over three-thousand years have I believed so."

Evelyn's features were dubious and he furrowed his brow again, puzzling at this strange place and its ignorance of even such basic things as Elves and Orcs as she spoke. "With all due respect, you could have had your ears altered to look that way or even been born with a defect…"

"I assure you my ears are the result of no defect," he said a little too quickly, then not wishing to cause distress in possibly their only ally in this, he offered another smile in friendship. "And would not altering my ears be a little extreme to feed a delusion?"

She glanced at his ears again and her expression became sardonic and impish. "You have a point there, but I hardly think extreme matters to those who are delusional." Evelyn smiled archly at him and again Legolas laughed.

The Elf bowed his head once and replied, "I concede. You may believe me delusional. I would have to be to find myself trapped in a place such as this." He took in their surroundings as if he could see beyond the tent walls and sighed. "We are in the east, are we not? Yet I have never heard the name of your country Egypt, nor heard of Easterlings that were not in league with the Dark Lord. Tell me, what of the west? That is where my dwelling is. Have none of your kind heard of what lays in that direction?"

Evelyn nodded to the contrary. "We've charted the world over and never came across a people called Elves, except in mythology. Across the ocean lies the Americas and beyond that merely circles back around to Asia and eventually here again and other places." She exhaled and looked up. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you. I never used to believe in walking corpses either. Not until I came here."

Almost instinctively Legolas turned his ears towards the outside again, listening for stray comments. "That creature, what do you know of it? Aragorn said his sword had little effect on it."

"Not much," she began, but another sound was already drawing his attention away from her voice as she spoke. Legolas lay a hand on her arm, asking for silence as he watched the entrance keenly. The footsteps drew nearer and without fail the flap was opened.

The Med-Jai Salih entered in haste. "Gather your things and wake your people. We are leaving at once." He stopped where the two Americans made their rest and knelt down to rouse them. "I will place your brother on my horse. Who of you opened the chest?"

Evelyn knit her brows. "What chest?"

Salih ignored her question, turning his eyes to Legolas and the Elf shook his head. As the first of the Americans roused, he then chose to answer. "There was a chest within Hamunaptra containing the Book of the Dead and four canopic jars." His hand hit against the shoulder of the other, but the Med-Jai trained his eyes upon the now awakened one. "It is important to know who opened the chest. Did you and your friends?"

The fair man nodded in confirmation with an irritated expression. "Yeah, I opened it, and Burns and Daniels. Oh, and Chamberlin over there. Why is that important?"

Legolas gripped Aragorn's shirt and gave but a small tug, which effectively began to awaken his friend as he listened to the warrior speak. "Because, my American friend, whomever opened that chest is in the gravest of danger. It is you that the creature will come for first, for you consummated his curse." Salih looked seriously into his face. "And you already know what will happen when he gets his hands on you."

Henderson had spun a tale of dread for them upon their rescue, claiming that the beast Aragorn had fought had become as the very wind and gathered their companion Burns into his net of power, stealing his very life before them before the Med-Jai had entered the fray. Their eyes were still troubled when they spoke of it, even now as the Med-Jai questioned them. "Did anyone else open that chest?" The American shook his head.

"What exactly is this creature?" spoke Evelyn as she crawled to the Egyptologist and slapped him rather roughly on the arm. He jolted awake. "You seem full of questions, but not free with answers. Would you be so kind?"

Salih got to his feet and dusted the sand off his black robe. "He is the bringer of death. An ancient one, cursed and angry. For three-thousand years my people have watched over him to prevent his foretold awakening, but it seems fate cannot be stayed." His grave expression kept a moment, but faded under another need. "We must go. We drove him off last night, but he will not stop until he gets all that he craves."

"Us," Henderson breathed smartly, shaking his head as he stood and helped his injured friend.

The Med-Jai continued. "My men have sighted a wind storm sweeping across the desert. An unusually large storm. It could be him, or it may not. We know nothing of what powers the Hom-Dai will give him."

Legolas stood with Aragorn, sensing sudden urgency outside. There was a flutter of voices, startled and concerned as they made preparations to leave. They spoke of abandoning the tents and of great winds heading this way. "The need to leave has become greater than you believed," he spoke to the Med-Jai, brushing aside the distrust between them enough to speak in the face of danger. "Your men make haste and believe danger is sweeping upon us sooner rather than later. Return to me my bow that I might defend against whatever comes."

Salih furrowed his brow and took a few steps towards the tent exit at the urgency of his tone, peeled back the flap and peered outside. It could be seen even upon the darkness of the skyscape, a vision of swirling clouds and it could be heard through the howling of a fell wind. "Your bow will not defend against one such as Imhotep. Come! We must go now! Help the Englishman to his feet if he can walk."

Daniels had a broken arm and Chamberlin flat out refused to help, following after the Med-Jai who left the tent open for them. "Oh dear," Evelyn breathed as the wind sailed in and gave them a chill. She knelt down beside Jonathan and caressed her hand across his cheek, trying to wake him gently. Glints of blue found their vision before the wind blew their few candles out, leaving them in darkness.

The sounds outside grew and Legolas took a step in their direction to help, but stopped when Aragorn did the same. "I will help," he offered kindly and together with Henderson, they got Jonathan to his feet and out the door, amidst curses of pain and lamentations of 'Oh, bloody hell'.

In the short span of steps to the exit the Elf thought of freedom and escape, though hopeless it was. Outside Med-Jai guardians, who for all the impending danger still had angered expressions when looking upon the instigators of this trouble, immediately set them upon to prevent escape. They knew Evelyn had been the one who had read the book as well, offering the greater of their glares to her. The prince of Mirkwood frowned at this and closed in behind her, giving a glare of his own. This was no way to treat this situation. The enemy was this creature and holding them captive would not only endanger the group of westerners, but also hold the Med-Jai themselves down with unnecessary burden.

Their proclaimed leader—since apparently their captain had disappeared in the Elf's own place—came on a great brown horse and stopped before his brother and the procession behind him. "The horses are there," he indicated the left, "and ready to go. Take them to the Med-Jai encampment. I fear the worst of this storm."

"Yes, brother," Salih replied, adding to his stern temporary-captain, "Be safe."

Naseen said nothing and turned his hard glare onto the doom that came closer. This seemed no natural storm and Legolas could feel the ill intent echoing through the charged atmosphere. His blonde hair whipped with the wind as they began at a run towards a group of six horses. "Two by two," the younger of the brothers ordered, motioning for Jonathan to be brought to his own horse. With the freedom of their own rides they could escape, but Evelyn would never leave her brother behind. Upon his saddle was strapped Legolas's bow, which the Med-Jai ripped down and offered with his quiver on the other side. His swords were not given, he noticed with some irritation. "It may not help, but I will not send a man against Imhotep without his weapon." With that he also tossed a few black instruments that the Elf did not recognize to the Americans.

Aragorn took to a saddle after handing Jonathan into the care of the Med-Jai and offered his partnership to Evelyn, leaving Legolas the snide Egyptologist as the two Americans got upon their own. "I do hope you know how to ride," he commented dryly, stepping beside the beast. The ranger gave him a glance and the prince of Mirkwood could see a hint of humor at the corners of his lips.

"Have no fear," Legolas replied as he mounted and helped Chamberlin onto the back. "If you fall it will be no error."

Joined by three Med-Jai, they drove off and broke into the open night before the Egyptologist could make a reply and Legolas found himself grateful for at least this small familiar activity. This place burned during the day with a heat he found unwholesome and even with his Elven vision it seemed to stretch on for leagues without hint of forest.

Both the horse bearing Aragorn and that bearing Legolas were brought close to the lead Med-Jai's. Evelyn gazed at her brother in concern and the man offered a wan smile. "This creature you say is cursed," Aragorn spoke into the lonely air, "who is he and what can we expect?"

"As for what to expect, I cannot say more than that he will stop at nothing to gain the openers of that chest," Salih replied, his dark eyes fixed ahead, concealing worry. Perhaps he did know something of what they could expect at that, Legolas mused privately. "I don't think it will be peace, though. As for who I will give you the short version. Three thousand years ago a man fell in love with a woman he could not have. The king decreed that none could touch her, but Imhotep was a stubborn man and their love passionate. He killed his king for her and was punished by a curse. This curse gave him the powers he now has and those powers will only increase when he kills and absorbs their life. After that, who knows what he will do to have his revenge?"

That left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth, including Evelyn's brother who said, "So they cursed him with unstoppable, unholy powers. Remind me never to worry about angering ancient pharaohs." His sister gave him a wry look.

Aragorn pressed on with his quest for knowledge and Legolas listened both to he and the Med-Jai, and to the angry desert around them. "What can stop him?"

Awarding the ranger finally with a barely seen in the dark glance, Salih could not hide the fear tainting the very edges of his words. "Nothing, save the Book of Amun Ra."

"And where is this?"

The Med-Jai turned his gaze back out into the night. His reply was short, a word they had only learned these past two nights from Evelyn and her group. It filled even him with dread, for if the creature guarded the very thing that would end his terrible reign, what could be done? "Hamunaptra." He looked again at the ranger beside him. "If my captain is indeed where you came from, I hope it is a place more peaceful than here."

On that sorrowful note the two were silenced by their musings and Legolas exhaled, sweeping his crystal eyes around them again. Something was changing, he could sense, though he knew nothing of Egypt. He liked not the look of this place, nor the feel and the air seemed permeated with what headed for them. Away from camp even his sight was hard pressed with no firelight, a sliver of a moon and dim stars. Stars…Legolas looked up as the sand began stirring and just before it clouded his vision he caught a glimpse of Eärendil burning high in the black of the night. They had not left Middle-earth. He had expected to see it there, but in a way the sight chilled him, for this was not the home he knew. Was this woman lying when she said none believed in Elves, yet knew the world over?

There was no time afforded to ponder it, however. The breeze around them brought the sands into the very air, so much so that Legolas stopped his horse when it became too unbearable to see through. Raising an arm to help block his eyes he yelled, "Aragorn!" His voice seemed to shrink in the howling.

"Legolas!" The ranger was not far, but neither was he beside him as he had been. The horse he was on began to nicker nervously and the Elf gave a reassuring pat.

Slowly but surely sight was restored to him and the sand began to die down again, causing the prince of Mirkwood puzzlement. This did not feel like the clearing of a storm. The air was becoming too still from such a violent flow. Ahead he could see the others scattered, but close, each bearing uncertainty on their faces. Spurring the horse, Legolas absently whispered in Elvish and rejoined the others, looking to Salih. "Is it the creature?" whispered his friend to the Med-Jai, but Legolas already had the answer.

"Aye," he said suddenly as his horse backed into one of the Med-Jai's. He pointed into the distance. They could see a shadow coming, but their eyes were not as keen as his. What he saw filled Legolas with disgust. A twisted thing came towards them with dark eyes and deadly intent. Clad in a black robe from head to toe, he may have passed in other lands as a traveler except for what could be seen beneath his hood. The flesh was marred and decayed, hanging in papery sections from blackened bones. Such hideousness befitted only the darkest things kept secret in Mordor.

A moment they spent in silent vigil, but sense returned to all in the party soon enough. "Run!" Salih commanded, drawing his weapon and holding it aloft. "Get to the encampment at all costs!"

A single Med-Jai alone on a horse hissed, "Come this way!" and the Americans bolted off after him as he turned his horse.

"We will help," Aragorn said, his hand already on the hilt of Anduril with notice of Salih's intent. Ahead the creature could be seen by all, now in full horror and wearing an intensely cruel smile.

Salih shook his head. "No! Get them to the camp! At all costs run!"

Both Ranger and Elf shared a look before they obeyed that command, heading from the three that stayed behind to fight. But it proved in vain. The cries of shock from behind drew Aragorn's attention to the rear, but Legolas saw already again the answer to the question, this time before it could even be spoken. From either side sand came before them, stopping both horses dead as it materialized into a solid form before them.

The horse bearing the Elf and Egyptologist reared suddenly in fright of the creature and both slipped from his back, unprepared for the gravity. Beneath Legolas Chamberlin cursed and sputtered as he got up, and was quick to take his helping hand. But they were at a loss, for their horse had already bolted before he could regain control. "Legolas," Aragorn hissed, finally drawing his sword as the foul thing approached.

The Elf drew an arrow from his quiver before another second passed and drew it back, then sent it sailing towards the oncoming doom. The arrow struck its close target and nestled into tattered black fabric and bone. But the creature did not fall. A painfully thin, black hand lifted from the billowing sleeves of the robe and came up to the weapon buried in its chest, curling horribly deformed fingers around the arrow and yanking it out as if it were nothing. The creature laughed darkly and awarded Legolas's effort with an amused smile as he bore down on the Elf and the man behind.

Aragorn pulled his horse around with the intent of fighting, but the beast before them would not be sidetracked. Giving an unearthly growl it stormed by with an inhuman push that knocked the horse back and met the backing Elf head on. As hands curled around his tunic Legolas glared and prepared to fight hand to hand. But Imhotep wanted nothing to do with him, either. His attentions were focused behind upon the Egyptologist. He tossed Legolas to the sand as if he were a child and gave chase after the already running Chamberlin.

The Elf raced to his feet as his friend calmed the frightened horse and remounted. "We have to get him," said Salih as he and his two Med-Jai companions caught up. But they were too late. All heads turned towards the sound of screaming entering the night and Legolas saw within the darkness what they could not. Chamberlin was dying a horrible death unlike he had ever been told of even in stories, having his life yanked from him, his body decaying even as he lived and thrashed through it. One of the Med-Jai uttered something that may have been a curse and the Elf felt his shoulder being shaken.

Wordlessly he took the offer being made and mounted behind the warrior who had shaken him, knowing that danger was still ever near. He could hear a body hit the sand. The creature was done with his victim would turn his anger upon them. "He comes," he warned and the remains of the group spurred their mounts on into a gallop.

But none missed the scream from behind, a sound filled with triumph and a threat. "Nefertiri!" the creature yelled, and continued on into other words that faded with their distance.

"What did it say?" Legolas asked, conscious that there were no sounds betraying pursuit. If he thought he could make a guess at the creature's plan he would say it was toying with them almost.

Unexpectedly it was not one of the Med-Jai that replied to his query, but Evelyn herself and her face was very troubled and worried when she looked up. "He said 'Nefertiri, when I get my hands on you, you will beg me for death'. That's not a very promising message, is it?"

"Nay, my lady. It is not," Aragorn replied gravely, looking to the Med-Jai for answers, but they seemed just as confused as everyone else in the company. "Who is Nefertiri?"

Exhaling a shaky breath, Evelyn answered that question as well with fear trickling through her voice. Her brother's gaze was upon her as she said it, soft and sorrowful. "Nefertiri is a female name and since…" She looked to Salih for confirmation and received only uncertainty. "I believe he meant…me."

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Author: Ruse – jedinineofnine@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Naseen and Salih are mine.
Feedback: Yes! By all means, my precioussss, lemme know how I'm doing!
Archive: Sure, just please let me know if you will, so I can stop by and see your site.

A/N: I dunno. Is this all traveling too fast? :-/

Reviewers:

Lady FoxFire – Heyas! Thanks for the review! To be honest, I'm not sure which would be funner or who I'd rather be stuck with. ;-) Steamy hot Med-Jai or steamy hot Ranger? Equally exciting prospects. ;-D

Lula – Hey, Lu! Glad to see have you aboard and I hope you enjoy it! :-)

Kessele – Thanks again for your continued viewing. :-) I hope this is turning out at least half as interesting as the premise! :-D

Mythical Assassin – Haunt me in my sleep? Was that you the other day that woke me up! :-O Hehehe. Thanks! I hope you enjoy!

Mommints – Thanks…it's hard writing Rick and Ardeth at this point…I'm so used to writing Ardeth as I see him in TMR that I'm having trouble connecting with him in this one! :-O Lol. ;-) Doh! I feel like I'm the one thrust into another world with no idea what to do! ;-) Hehe. Where's Heroes at so I can be inspired, huh? ;-)

Marcher – Hehe! Boromir is coming next chapter I do believe… :-O He's sa purty. ;-) Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying!

Patty – Hehe..thanks…I love Merry and Pip…they're so funny and so cool. :-D Arwen does realize it, yes, but I chose not to send her into sorrowful sniffing cause I like the way Liv Tyler portrays her as still being quite optimistic and hopeful despite the odds…I mean I'm sure she'd be worried, but I think with the way she is she'd be grounded enough to stay calm in the face of everything that's happening. :-)

Karri – Thankie, my friend! I'm happy you think so…though I'm getting wary now that I'm delving deeper into the story! ;-) :-)

Deana – Hehe! Thanks, Dee! You're so nice to say that. I'm glad you enjoy this story so much…speaking of enjoying stories…rumor has it there's one you're writing that I'd like to read more off…*cough* :-D