I'm back! So okay...I am sorry, once again, for not updating lately. Been quite busy, but since the weekend is almost here, I promise to put up more chapters!
-Nescit Cedere-
"Ryn!" A worried voice called. "Ryn!" I hardly paid any heed to the person shaking me, I remained there, on my knees, staring down into the hole. My brothers...Faramina... "Ryn! We have to move!" The voice insisted, shaking me even more.
"They are down there..." I murmured and they stopped.
"Ryn, we have to go!"
"I cannot leave them!" I cried, snapping my head in their direction. Aarya and Thranduin took a step back.
"Ryn...The ground is not stable! We must move to a safer place." Aarya said, eyes filled with grief and worry.
"I cannot leave my brothers!" I held back a sob, tears glistening in my eyes, blurring my vision. "Faramina too! I cannot abandon them!"
"Aranyth, there is nothing we can do." Thranduin sadly informed me, he too, struggling to accept what had just happened. My eyes flashed and the two flinched.
"Nothing?!" I spat. "There is always something! I refuse to believe them dead! This is Estel! Arathorn and Faramina too! Any time something happens, we always pull through! No matter what! We have never given up before and I refuse to do so now!" I harshly stated. "They are down there, alive. I know it." I whispered, glancing at the hole again. The ground shook around us and Aarya gave Thranduin a worried look.
"We will not be of any help if we just remain here!" Aarya told me and I knew she was right. I should not just be kneeling here, acting as though it were the end of the world. I still felt overwhelmed with worry and fear. My brothers and Faramina were down there and I did not know what to do. It was too deep to jump down. The earth began to quake once more. I slowly stood up but did not move. I felt that if I left, I would be betraying them. But what could I do?
"Ryn," Thranduin clasped my shoulder.
"Please be safe," I whispered before turning and allowing Thranduin to pull me away as the ground began to collapse.
"Faster!" Aarya cried, already perched on a boulder not too far away. Thranduin and I pushed faster, listening as the rumble grew closer and closer. "Come on!" Just when we thought we were safe, I felt the ground give way beneath me.
"Thranduin!" I yelped as I tumbled backwards. Said Elf whipped around, eyes widening in horror and dismay as I fell into the darkness.
"ARANYTH!" Aarya screamed, leaping from the boulder as Thranduin slid around and lunged forward to grasp my hand. Our fingers touched but we could not get a firm grip. The two pure-blooded Elves were left to watch me disappear. I collided into the ground and was left there, breathless. I gasped for air, my lungs burning. I could hear Aarya and Thranduin calling from above but could not reply. Soon, I was able to inhale deeply.
"Sweet Mother of breathing!" I gasped, rolling over and curling into myself as I registered the pain shooting through my body.
"Aranyth?" Aarya.
"I am alright!"
"Thank the Valar!" Aarya breathed and I could see the two not too far above me peering down into the hole.
"Are you injured?" Thranduin asked.
"No." I replied, looking around. I was taken aback by what I saw. There was a cavern ahead with torches lining the sides.
"I do not understand what caused for the ground to collapse." Aarya murmured.
"It is an old tunnel." I called up.
"A tunnel?" the two repeated, looking at one another. How was that possible?
"Are you certain?" Aarya asked.
"Very. There are torches and a trail leading further into the tunnel!" I stood up, stifling a groan as the sudden movement sent some pain up my leg.
"Aranyth, do not move." Aarya told me. I rolled my eyes.
"I am going to see what this tunnel leads to."
"Alone?! I think not!" Aarya exclaimed, her voice echoing.
"What if..." I hesitated for a moment, a pang of sorrow flashing through me. "What if they are down here?"
Silence.
"Ryn, you cannot go alone." Thranduin began but I shook my head.
"I am going to look." I started heading down the tunnel when Aarya stopped me.
"Wait! How far down are you?" She asked.
"Possibly twenty feet or less." I replied. Thranduin and Aarya glanced at one another.
"Then we are coming with you!" Aarya was about to jump but Thranduin stopped her.
"No, Aarya."
"What?" Aarya looked at the wood-elf in confusion. "She cannot go alone."
"And she will not but one of us must ride to Gondor and tell Lord Aragorn of what has happened. I have a feeling we may need their help." Thranduin explained to the Noldor. Aarya hesitated, reluctant to leave.
"I will go then." Aarya nodded. "I am the faster rider."
"Indeed. Ride swiftly," Thranduin's eyes scanned their surroundings, sensing danger nearby. "Something approaches."
"I will." Aarya called for her loyal steed, who came running at once, sensing the urgency of his mistress. Aarya began to mount the horse, turning to face Thranduin once again. "Keep her safe, Thranduin. We cannot afford to lose her as well. Or you. And should you find the others..." Aarya shook her head. "Be careful." Was all she said. Thranduin gave a slight smile, looking nearly like Lord Thranduil himself.
"When are we not careful?" The wood-elf then sobered. "Make haste, Aarya." He turned and slid into the hold. Aarya rode to the edge.
"Are you alright?" she called down.
"Yes! Aranyth appears uninjured...For once." Thranduin said and Aarya relaxed, feeling relieved her cousin was safe. Now that Thranduin was with her, she should be well.
"I am leaving now. Aranyth, when I return, I would like to see you in one piece!"
"We will see!" I called up to her.
"I mean it!" Aarya then turned her horse and bolted from the area, heading for Minas Tirith. If luck was on their side, she would be able to reach the city in less than a day and a half. Hopefully it would not be too late. A foreboding feeling came over the Noldor and she nearly stopped to return to her cousin and friend but forced herself to continue. She was too deep in thought to notice the eyes watching her as she left. Suddenly sensing that she was not alone, Aarya glanced over her shoulder. "Valar forbid!" She exclaimed.
-Nescit Cedere-
Deep within the ground, three motionless figures lay. Two brothers sprawled near one another and one young female, unconscious nearby. Estel shifted, groaning as he began to gain consciousness. He opened his grey-blue eyes slightly, blinking as his sight became accustomed to the darkness surrounding him. He remained there, mildly bewildered. Where was he? What had happened? Where was everyone? It took him a moment to collect his thoughts and it was not very long until he remembered. Faramina had cried out and pushed Aranyth aside, the ground had collapsed, and he as well as Arathorn and Faramina were swallowed up by the hole that had suddenly formed. He shot up, wincing in pain and snapped his head from side to side, searching. He felt a weight on his chest and looked to see familiar dark brown head resting there.
"Arathorn," he gently shifted himself and set his younger brother onto the ground. "Arathorn!" he shook the half-elf but he would not stir, his head only bobbing a few times before lolling to the side. A pang of fear struck Estel as he continued to shake his brother, begging for him to awaken, to open his eyes and assure him that he was well. "Arathorn!" he called but received no reply. He looked to see another figure lying nearby. "Faramina..." he breathed. Faramina moved and after a few moment, rolled over and opened her eyes, blinking a few times before focusing on Estel.
"Estel?" she softly whispered, attempting to sit up. Her eyes immediately snapped to Arathorn's still form, concern and worry dancing within the light blue orbs. "Is he..."
"I cannot wake him." Estel replied, his voice nearly wavering. Faramina, thought dizzy from having struck her head, crawled over, feeling the ground before her as she moved. "Arathorn!" Estel tried once again but the young Dunedain remained still. Estel sighed, looking around. They had fallen into some sort of tunnel, it seemed. He raised his head and was startled to find that he could not see any sign of light. How long had they been unconscious? Or had they fallen too deep into the tunnel that they could not see the outside? Were Aranyth and the others safe? Knowing his twin, she would want to come down after them. He hoped she would not do anything reckless. Estel checked his younger brother for any injuries but could not find any.
"He probably hit his head a little harder than we imagined." Faramina said and Estel nodded, hoping that was what it was. Oh how he wished he had paid attention to his Ada's lessons on healing. Arathorn was the healer out of all the children in his family, as well as Aragorn. Aranyth knew a little but she wasn't with them. Estel sighed and shook his head. It was always them. He blamed it on his Ada and the others. It was their fault they were danger prone. "Estel, should we stay here or should we try to find a way out?" Faramina asked, snapping Estel out of his thoughts.
"We should move." Estel answered, gazing down at his brother. "Perhaps we will be able to find the entrance to the tunnel."
"One that will not lead to Mordor?" Faramina said as she glanced about the darkness.
"I do not know." Estel said. He could only hope they did not stumble into Mordor. Who knew what evil still remained in that cursed land? He, for one, did not want to find out, but knowing their luck, they would probably end up right in the middle of the place. If only he knew... "Let us start going." Estel knelt down and lifted his brother off of the ground, cradling him gently in his arms. As carefully as he could, he slung Arathorn over his shoulder. It was for precaution. Just in case they were attacked and Estel needed to fight, he would have his right hand free to grasp his sword. Faramina checked her quiver, realizing she did not have all of her arrows and quickly searched the area for stray arrows. She found them and placed them in the quiver before hastily moving to stand by Estel's side.
"I am ready." she told him and Estel nodded, walking towards a cave entrance to their left, Faramina close to his side.
-Nescit Cedere-
Aarya quickly strung another arrow on her bow and let it loose, watching as it sailed through the air and struck the heart of a nearby Warg. She had been riding most of the day with Warg Riders on her tail and was now trying to frighten them away. Orcs sneered and scowled at the Elf, urging their steeds to ride faster. Aarya growled in annoyance, letting two other arrows go. They flew straight and true, throwing two Orcs off of their Wargs. She continued striking the Wargs and Orcs until they were upon her. She unsheathed her blade and swung it skillfully at the nearest Orc, decapitating it and leaving the Warg riderless. It snarled and leaped, only to be cut down by Aarya. Her horse neighed and suddenly reared, striking another riderless Warg with his hooves, intent on protecting his mistress.
"Hannon le." Aarya quickly thanked the horse before returning her attention to the Orcs. She suddenly felt sharp pain erupt in her side and gasped, slumping over in surprise, eyes darting down to see an arrow embedded right below her rib-cage. 'Archers?' Aarya groaned. She had already spent all of her arrows. Clenching her teeth against the pain, Aarya straightened in time to deflect another blow. The Orc sneered, revealing its sharp teeth dripping with black blood. Aarya smirked in response, confusing the Orc, who watched as the Elf suddenly ducked below a log, but the Orc was not as lucky. Aarya snickered, wincing in pain, but continued to fight. She had to reach Minas Tirith, and nothing would stand in her way.
-Nescit Cedere-
"Aragorn?" Faramir leaned over to shake the King, who had fallen asleep, yet again, while signing the many papers lying on his desk. Aragorn awoke at once, sitting up.
"I am awake!" He automatically said before blinking and noticing Faramir standing before him. He glanced out the window to find that it was already dawn. "Valar...I did not realize how weary I was..."
"All is well, Aragorn. Arwen has left with Eowyn to the lower level. Lord Thranduil is to arrive today." Aragorn blinked.
"Thranduil?" He repeated, unsure as to whether he had heard correctly or not.
"Aye, Adar is to arrive in less than a few hours." Aragorn jumped when Legolas appeared at his side. Clutching his tunic, Aragorn glared at the Wood-Elf.
"Valar, 'Las! That was not amusing!" Legolas only grinned, his eyes looking above Aragorn. Aragorn narrowed his in response, wondering what had caught his friend's attention before they widened in realization. "No-" He attempted to escape but was suddenly grabbed and pulled back against two bodies.
"Ah, Estel! How is our younger brother this morning?" Elladan smirked as he held the struggling human against him.
"Indeed! Arwen was concerned when you did not retire last night!" Elrohir ruffled his hair, earning a growl. Aragorn fought against his brothers but they refused to release him. After some time, he slumped back against them, mumbling under his breath. This only amused the Elves and Faramir even more.
"Giving up already, Tithen Gwador?" (little brother) "How very unlike you." Elladan teased.
"Oh hush. I am just protecting your dignity." Aragorn retorted, earning two identical snorts.
"Our dignity?" Elladan scoffed.
"How so?" Elrohir asked, quirking an eyebrow. Aragorn felt a pang of sorrow as he was reminded of Elrond. There were many times when he was on the receiving end of the 'Eyebrow of Doom', as it was often called. He quickly sobered before anyone could notice.
"It wouldn't do for you to be beaten by your little human brother before everyone else, now would it?" Aragorn questioned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Elladan and Elrohir rolled their eyes.
"Beaten by you? Never."
"Are you certain?" Aragorn asked, tilting his head to face his brothers, who still refused to let him go.
"Quite." the two chimed. Aragorn grinned.
"If you say so," he shrugged.
"What is this?" A new voice spoke up, startling the inhabitants within Aragorn's study. "Elladan, Elrohir, release Estel." Glorfindel softly ordered, stifling a sigh that threatened to escape him. The twins were at it once again. Erestor, who stood beside Glorfindel, gazed at the twins before looking to Aragorn.
"And if we refuse?" the twins inquired, smiling innocently as they tightened their hold on Aragorn, whose air supply was now being shortened by the arms crushing him.
"Then I will have no choice but to interfere." Glorfindel replied, eyes twinkling as this sight brought many fond memories to mind. Erestor shook his head, noting the expression in Aragorn's eyes. Though they were filled with mirth and joy, there was also sorrow. Though it was carefully hidden, Erestor, ever the observant one, was able to see it. As Glorfindel and the twins bickered back and forth, Erestor stepped in.
"Aragorn," Everyone immediately silenced, their attention focused on the dark elf. "Walk with me." It was not a question, but a statement. One Aragorn did not dare to turn down. He was able to slip out from the twins' grasps. Glorfindel blinked, as did the twins and Legolas. Faramir remained bewildered, wondering why the four were stunned. Aragorn also seemed surprised. Once Aragorn had reached him, Erestor faced the others. "We will join you for breakfast." With that, he turned and shut the door behind them. It was not long after they had left when two cries of dismay echoed through the hall, quickly followed by laughter. Erestor and Aragorn halted, glancing back towards the study.
"ARAGORN!" Elladan and Elrohir roared, "We will get you for this!"
Aragorn only smiled victoriously, noticing the servants and maids shaking their heads at their antics. He returned his attention to Erestor, curiosity settling in. "What is it you wished to speak to me about?" Erestor halted at the garden entrance, eyes locking onto Aragorn's, expression serious and with a hint of grief.
"I wish to speak to you of Dyn."
-Nescit Cedere-
The fair Elf halted his steed, relieved that he did not have long before he would reach the White City of Minas Tirith. He had traveled far and wide, and alone. Very few knew of his absence in Mirkwood. He smiled softly. Mirkwood was now healing and slowly becoming the Great Greenwood it once was. He also could not wait to be reunited with his son, who he had not seen for many years. He would also see Aragorn. He wondered how much Aragorn had grown since last he had seen the Ranger. That was over ten years ago. That was also the last time he had seen his son and the King had decided it was time for him to visit. His mind drifted to the young twins and son Aragorn had had when they had last visited Mirkwood. The twins were nearly five years of age and very much like their Father and twins uncles. The son, Arathorn, had been calm and content with just observing everything around him. He had received news that Aragorn's family had grown even more. Legolas had written to him not too long before about the newest members of Aragorn's family and had told Thranduil that he had been adopted into the family as an Uncle. It pleased Legolas and Thranduil could not help but smile fondly. Aragorn had been a miracle and it seemed his children were also little messengers sent by the Valar. He remembered how Aragorn, as a toddler, had saved Legolas from fading. Legolas had been distraught after having to go through many hardships, one including the loss of his mother and being kidnapped and tortured by men.
Thranduil, worried that he might lose his one and only son, had sent Legolas to Rivendell, hoping that the twins would help bring Legolas back to life. He did not know of the little human boy Elrond had adopted that lived in Rivendell. It wasn't until Legolas returned home from the trip with the human that Thranduil first met him. Thranduil was not very accepting of the human at first and avoided the little adan as much as he could. After what the Men had done during the First Alliance, Thranduil had conjured up a great hatred towards their kind. But it wasn't until Estel ran into him one stormy night that Thranduil's cold heart had softened. The little boy refused to be pushed away and soon, Thranduil found it hard to allow Estel to go. Thranduil shook his head, gazing up into the sky. There was a light tint of pink and purple as Anor began to rise over the mountains. He had only a couple of hours before he would reach the city. He urged his steed forward before coming to an abrupt halt.
A sudden sense of danger had struck the Elf and he knew it would not be wise to ignore it. Eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger, Thranduil slowly moved forward, hand resting on the hilt of his broadsword. He immediately knew what was nearby. Yrch. The filthy little creatures that had escaped from the Fall of Mordor and fled into the wilderness. But what were these Orcs doing so near the city? Few dared to come this close to a city. His sharp hearing caught the sound of a horse urgently neighing, clearly in need of help and soon, the air was filled by the howls of wargs. Thranduil's eyes narrowed. Warg riders. A horse soon emerged from behind a boulder, but it was not galloping. Thranduil searched the steed for any injuries, but found none. That was when he noticed the horse was not alone. On the ground, foot caught in the reins of the horse, was a still figure with an arrow embedded in their chest. Thranduil's eyes slightly widened when he found that it was not a human, but an Elleth.
A young one at that.
He acted at once, sensing the Warg riders coming nearer, and immediately went to the horse. The horse, upon seeing Thranduil, seemed to be relieved and came to a stop, silently begging for the Elvenking to save his mistress. Thranduil dismounted and swiftly knelt beside the Elleth, checking for a pulse. There was one, but it was uneasy and the Elleth's complexion was very pale. Not a very good sign. Thranduil looked to see that the arrow was not the only injury the Elleth had sustained, but there were many more. He brushed away the hair from the Elleth's face and froze.
"Aarya." he breathed. He did not have time to waste but before he could place the Elleth onto his steed, the Warg Riders fell upon them. His horse reared and bucked, striking the Wargs nearest him. Aarya's horse instantly placed himself above his mistress. Though he was weak from having ridden nonstop, he would not allow his mistress to be injured or taken. Thranduil stood and whipped around, blade screaming as it was released from its sheath. The Warg and Orc that had tried to strike him fell dead at his feet. Thranduil slew several others, sensing a new presence behind him. He slowly turned to face the newcomer, eyes flashing. The Uruk was the largest Thranduil had ever come across and did not appear happy to find that a lone Elf had slain all of his men. It raised its crude blade, scowling angrily at the Elvenking.
"Die, scum." the Uruk growled. Thranduil smirked in amusement, twirling his blade. It had been too long since last he fought and this was refreshing. He set his sword firmly into the ground at his side and waited. The Uruk charged, believing it had the advantage seeing as Thranduil was weaponless. Thranduil paid it no heed, kneeling down to lift Aarya into his arms. As his back was turned the Uruk lunged, taking this as its chance to attack.
-Nescit Cedere-
There you have it! A nice long chapter to make up for the short and choppy previous chapters. I hope this chapter was good. Hopefully I'll have another one up soon!