Chapter Eleven: Towards The Mountains

Circling the purple-red sky, the crow swiftly descended and began picking at the bloodied carcass. Another two joined it, feasting on the open wound greedily, devouring all of the flesh they could. There was a sudden twang, and one of the scavengers fell dead. The other black birds took flight but were shot down in a similar fashion.

Galloping ahead of the rest of his small troop of riders, Alar scowled bitterly at the lifeless, feathered forms, feeling hatred and disgust so deep that he almost sensed it seep down to his very bones. Dismounting his horse, he approached the corpse and knelt beside it. Saeldur's body was sprawled over the ground, a large gash stretching across his stomach. This ghastly wound was already home to maggots, and the warrior waved his hands furiously so as to rid the flies which were busily buzzing about the bloodied tunic. His partly visible insides were pock marked from the crow's assault, and one could only be thankful that his eyes, mercifully closed, had not been assailed as well.

The other warriors, now dismounted, sent a prayer to the heavens, whilst Alar continued to stare at his brother-in-arms. He felt bile rise into his throat, and looked away. He would find these goblins and decapitate them. How he hated informing ellith that they were now widows – which was the task that he now had to do.

"Wrap up his body," he finally said, "We journey back to Rivendell this night. I shall inform Lord Elrond of this discovery, and we shall negotiate a further course of action. Tegalad, Daeron, Ovorion; go scout the area and report back to me."

The three riders rode off, whilst the remaining three tended to their fallen comrade. Surveying the immediate area, Alar spotted a spent arrow on the ground. Alar frowned confusedly, and picked it up and placed it inside his tunic. Lifting the bundled form onto a horse, one of the warriors mounted behind the body and set off, the other two following close behind him.

X

Tracing the rim of her wine glass absentmindedly, Arwen was startled when the object of her musings strolled over to her seat on the lounge, and sat beside her. "Are you well?" he asked, "Is something troubling you?"

Arwen sat a little straighter, and gave him a reassuring smile. "Oh no, I am quite well – just reflecting."

"Then I am glad." Legolas replied, though he frowned slightly, still not content with this answer. He spoke again. "And so, how was your day? I will not bother to hide that mine was tiresome. Diplomacy is more than a tad frustrating, let me tell you." Arwen smiled at this.

"Oh, I don't doubt it. My day was quiet. Naneth has been discussing an upcoming ball. She insists we have one before you go."

Legolas smiled. Celebrian was one of the most courteous elves he knew – this was typically like her. "I look forward to it." He took a breath, daring to broach the subject which had been planted firmly in his mind all day long. "I hear Alar has gone to the borders to search for one of his soldiers?"

"Aye, he left early this morning." She replied. Legolas could not detect regret, or affection in her words. He could not discern her feelings towards the charming warrior. He tried again.

"So, he was informed of his task just this morning, or was it last night?"

Arwen shook her head softly. "Oh, no. Last night he was probably far more enjoyably occupied." She chuckled at this. The Prince's heart dropped, although he had all but known that this, or something to this extent, would be the answer. He feigned indifference.

"Is that so?"

"I daresay so." She laughed again. "But come now, how did you spend last evening? Did you enjoy yourself?"

Legolas hesitated for a moment. What could he tell her? That he'd engaged himself, numerous times, in rather vigorous self-pleasuring, sending himself into a mindless frenzy, solely because he found her so alluring? Laughable.

"I chatted to Glorfindel and Erestor. They are agreeable companions."

The Evenstar flashed him a pleased smile. "Indeed they are. I am quite fond of them." The two sat silently for a while before she spoke once more. Whilst Legolas was struggling for something further to say, Arwen was much at ease. "Herendil is to be freed from his sickbed tomorrow."

The blonde was now grateful for this change of direction. "Aye, it has been a long time coming – or so it feels at least. It is strange though, as I spied Oloriel walking back out of the woods this afternoon. Should she not have been in the Halls of Healing?"

Arwen crinkled her brow at this. "Herendil was offering her a respite when I visited this morning - perhaps she took him at his word and went for a walk…but it does not sound like her. She may be impulsive and free-spirited, but I cannot imagine her leaving a patient." She shook her head and then shrugged. "I will ask her about it tomorrow, I suppose."

Legolas nodded. "Aye, I'm sure she'll have a good reason." He paused a moment. He considered asking her to dance – or was that wrong, seeing she had been claimed by Alar? No, Arwen could never be 'claimed' by anyone, and a dance was just a dance, so… "Would you care to -?"

"Yes."

X

Alar strode purposefully towards the small cottage, a growing sense of dread pervading his whole being. This was always the worst part. Climbing the front steps, he stopped for a moment, and then rapped on the door. After a moment, the door opened and revealed a willowy elleth with wavy auburn hair, her face turned towards him in anticipation. "Have you found him? Have you found my husband?"

Staring into her pale blue eyes, he saw hope. He took a deep breath, and nodded, exhaling. "Yes, he has been found."

The blue eyes shone, and a breathtaking smile lit up her face. "Oh thank Eru!" She breathed, and flung her arms around Alar's neck, kissing his cheek. She pulled back, and then frowned at the unresponsive warrior. "What is wrong? Oh dear, is he hurt?" She fretted. Alar stared at her. Why did her have to be the one?

"I am sorry. He is dead."

The wispy elleth froze, her wide eyes already glistening with unshed tears. "No." She whispered. "No, you're lying."

"I am sorry." Alar repeated, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"No, it's not true." She sobbed, feebly shaking her head. "It was someone else."

Alar remained silent as the distraught figure collapsed into his arms, wailing. He stood there, and rubbed her back; let her tears wet his tunic as she cried miserably. Some faces appeared in windows, bowing their heads sorrowfully when locating the cause of the noise.

When she did not pull away, he carried her inside and laid her upon her bed, patting her hair. A feminine form appeared in the doorway. "I am her sister." She said gravely. "I will take care of her."

Alar rose, and nodded. "Hannon le." He exited the cottage sombrely and made his way to the Homely House. Yes, he thought, this was always the worst part.

X

Walking towards his Lord with as much discretion as was possible, the servant easily dodged the dancing couples and tipsy individuals. He finally reached his Master. "My Lord." He bowed. "I am sorry to interrupt, but I have been instructed to inform you that your search party has returned, along with the missing soldier. He is dead, my lord."

Elrond nodded gravely. "That is grave news. Has his family been informed?"

"Aye, my lord."

"Very well. I must speak with Alar. Please direct him to my study." The servant bowed and walked away. Elrond turned to his side. "Erestor, Glorfindel, you are needed. With me please."

The three walked swiftly to Elrond's study, where Alar was already waiting. "You have found Saeldur?" Elrond asked.

Alar nodded his head once. "Aye, it was just a few miles east of where Herendil was attacked. It was open country though, just a few trees – nowhere for the attackers to hide. I do not understand how it happened, how could he have been taken by surp-oh. The gully. There was a gully not far from where he fell." He frowned for a moment. "That would explain the arrow I found near his body. It must have knocked him off his horse. He pulled the arrow out, but by then the goblins must have arrived."

Glorfindel nodded gravely. "That makes sense. Did you send out a patrol?"

"Aye, and they reported no sight of the despicable creatures, although they did see the remains of a fire on the way towards the mountains, as well as some goblin blood on some of the rocks, but there was no sign of an attack."

"Probably squabbling amongst themselves." The Balrog Slayer added.

"With your permission, I would like to take a large patrol into the mountains. There have been too many attacks as of late."

Elrond nodded. "You have my permission. Elrohir and Elladan will accompany you also, no doubt. Glorfindel, if you could organise the party?"

"Yes, my lord." He bowed and left.

Lord Elrond continued to speak. "Alar, go rest tonight. Erestor and I will look further at the maps."

With a bow, Alar left his lordship and Chief advisor, heading for the gardens, where he could clear his head. Plonking himself down onto the grass, he stared into the night sky and perused the stars which were looking down brightly at him. Taking a deep breath Alar searched the inky mass for familiar constellations, a pastime which had always been calming for him. Gradually his mind settled, and he felt at ease. He'd dish out his revenge soon enough…

X

The room was awash with colour, pastel silks and flaming velvets swirling about, the warm glow of the fires painting the walls a reddish-orange. It was a visual feast, but all Arwen cared to look upon was her fair dance partner. Was it proper, or even safe, to admire her friend so thoroughly? After all, had not the previous night been one of temptation and torment? Left all alone in her bed with nought but her hand to bring any comfort…did he know that he did this to her, did he enjoy it? The Evenstar blushed. She hoped that her friend was oblivious. Legolas grinned at her. "You are flushed. Come, let's take a walk."

Stepping out into the cool night air, the couple strolled through the garden, chattering about the things they had once done as playmates. "Do you remember the time I crept up behind you in the forest and scared you?" Legolas laughed. "I thought they'd send someone out after us after that scream you gave."

Arwen laughed. "You scared the living daylights out of me, you darned wood-elf! But I do admit, it now is rather amusing. I still know how to climb trees, you know." She added proudly. Legolas looked at her doubtfully. "'tis true!" she protested. "I taught Oloriel, and we've been using it as a means of both travel and camouflage for years."

Legolas beamed. "Well, I'm very proud of you. Come."

The Evenstar frowned in puzzlement. "Come where?"

"Come climbing, ofcourse!" the blonde told her excitedly.

"Now?"

"No time like the present." With that he ran off towards the forest, the ebony-haired elleth running along behind him. Once a few steps into the forest, Legolas jumped onto a branch and waited for his friend to follow suit - which she did not. He jumped back down. "Arwen, why aren't you climbing?"

She laughed at him. "Because I need you to help take off my dress."

Legolas' blood began to pound, and his breathing began to quicken. "Why?" He choked.

The beauty laughed again. "Can you see me climbing in this dress?" she asked. Feeling a little foolish, the blonde looked down at the long trail extending from the delicate dress and took in the fine embroidery in which the hem was covered.

"Ofcourse not." He held out slightly shaking hands as Arwen turned around. Gently, he pulled loose the ties, and then his friend slid out of the dress, leaving it folded at the base of a tree. She discarded her heeled slippers and left them beside the pile.

"Well, I'm ready." She told him, walking to the nearest tree clad in her silken shift. Arwen took hold of a branch, and swung herself up onto it. "Coming?"

Legolas grinned and followed her lead. She was a little way ahead, but not far. He wondered where she would take him. Darting along after her, he could not help admire the swift movements here lithe body made, and was proud that it was he who taught them to her. They travelled quietly this way for quite a while until Legolas decided to race her. Upon his overtaking her, Arwen gasped with mock indignation, and quickened her pace, leaping from limb to limb with increased energy, barely taking note of the rough bark beneath her fingers and toes. Eventually she began to pant, and Legolas, somewhere in the distance, chuckled at this, continuing his own journey at a leisurely pace.

"Laugh if you must," Arwen yelled into the dark, "but just remember that I don't have to travel as the squirrels do. We have roads in Rivendell." She informed him.

Laughter sounded once more, and the word "Offended!" carried over to her on the breeze. It was not long afterwards when she jumped from her branch onto the soft ground. Legolas was already waiting for her. "It is remarkably similar to the one we visited as elflings." He commented.

"True, but it is not the same – it is too far away from the House and closer to the mountains." She replied, settling herself onto the grass and dipping her feet into the pond. "Oloriel and I go swimming here." She added.

Taking off his boots, Legolas joined her. "I could never do this at home – although there are safe places in our forest, even there we would have to be watchful. But in these woods one feels protected – despite the somewhat foreboding appearance of this place." He sighed and lay down.

Arwen too lay down. "Aye, we are lucky. But for how long, I do not know." She said softly.

Legolas turned his head towards hers. "Let's not think of the dark things of this world tonight. I am far too content for that."

The Evenstar smiled at him. "Me too. Let's be elflings again." Legolas smiled back at her.

"Alright."

It was in that way that the two old friends spent the night, conversing of tadpoles and birds, and how much they parents underestimated them. They talked of all the things that they wanted to do when they grew up, and all the places they wanted to see before sailing to Valinor, in the far, unseeable future. Gradually the pair fell asleep, and woke early to birdsong the following morning. Travelling back to the forest's edge, Legolas helped to redress Arwen, and then the two snuck into the House like a pair of guilty elflings, gave each other a hug and fled in separate directions.

Good things come to those who wait - much like this update (or at least I hope it's alright) and I suppose if I wait patiently good things will also come to me...hmm?