Authors Note: HEY GUYS! BEFORE I have to do my last paper in this class then start studying for the final exam…I thought I would get another chapter out. Plus I am super eager to give you guys some answers in regards to the creatures.
Just a few thanks, MissCallaLilly, I hope it keeps getting better. Thank you.
RinaHaven, I snorted so loud I got looks. I am glad you liked that bit…it seemed like something Kili would say…so I had to add it in.
I LOVE reading your reviews guys, so thank you for taking the time to write them. AO3 is great in the fashion I get to respond individually to reviews, but here, I just have to put them in the notes. So if you post a review before I post that next chapter…I will mention it next time. Unless you say you don't me to. I am a respecter of boundaries.
Time for some Tauriel. See you at the end!
Chapter Thirteen
"Tauriel? Wake up, amralime. I have someone here ready for her breakfast."
"Her hair color is odd, don't you think?"
"Be quiet, Yvettha. She just must be from a different clan."
"Her skin is so, pale. Bryeth, do you think she has never seen the sunlight before?"
"I cannot say, but have you taken a look at her ears? They are so…different. Certainly not of our clan."
"I said let her be, the both of you! You would think being in our situation, you would curve your tongue of idle gossip. Now silence yourselves…she wakes."
Tauriel groaned and reached out idly, her hand searching blindly. "Kili?"
"Kili? What is a Kili?"
"Hush, Byeth."
Blinking her eyes open, Tauriel tried to look around but the moment she did, she regretted it. Her head felt like the great forge of Erebor…the pressure and pounding were unceasing and the world around her, much too bright. What was worse was, she was having such a lovely dream. Kili was there, holding Ithtiri. Her Ithtiri. They were bidding her awake just as they do every morning…and a wave of despair hit her hard. Some of the feelings she knew were coming from her infant daughter, who never once has stopped calling for her; but some of it was Tauriel's own pain from being so far away.
"Why is it taking her so long. I have never seen anyone need so much time to wake."
The voice was unfamiliar to Tauriel, and it triggered her to force the fog still clinging to her mind away and quickly. She was not at home in her mountain, Kili was not here, and she has been taken far from her children and family. Forcing down all the pain and pressure she felt, Tauriel launched herself at the being towering over her.
It let out a cry and Tauriel breathed heavily as she glared down at the other female. "Where am I? Who are you?"
"Yvettha. Now can you remove yourself from me? Lyra, tell her to get off me! She's a wildling!"
Tauriel glared at Yvettha but slowly slid off her and stood. She grabbed the wall when her legs began to give out; clearly they were not quite ready to hold her weight, though she did not fall to the ground which she was most thankful for. She felt something round enter her hands and looked down to see a tin filled with water.
"Drink."
Tauriel followed the hand up to an elf with hair as black as coal, and eyes the color of a winter sky. "I am Lyra, I come from the far northlands. My father rules our clan. Do you have a name stranger?"
Tauriel took a sip of the stale, slightly warm, water. "I am Tauriel, of Erebor and formally of Mirkwood."
"Erebor? As in the dwarf mountain in the far west?" Yvettha looked taken aback. "She's delusional Lyra, I think she may still be under the influence of the draught."
"I certainly am not delusional. My husband is prince Kili, of the line of Durin. Thorin Oakenshield, my husband's uncle, leads our family, and the dwarven people."
"Definitely delusional." Yvettha whispered to the other elf beside her who nodded in agreement. Tauriel growled and straightened, then after testing her legs with a few unsteady steps, she moved away from the wall.
"Well...she is short enough to be with a dwarf." The eleth mocked though she was only a few inches taller than Tauriel herself.
"Please ignore them. I have never been around so much unnecessary chatter in all my years. What is your age, if I may ask?"
"I am in my six-hundredth year. But hold that against me, and I will show you why I was made a captain of Mirkwood's guard before others twice my age." Tauriel stood proud. "I am a mother, and a wife; I will not be talked down to by any of you." She whipped her head to the pair of snickering females and glared at them. "And I am NOT delusional, so you will hold your tongue or you will lose it."
"Six hundred! That is all?! And a mother already!" Lyra looked taken aback. "Were you…I mean...was your child…" She looked around Tauriel which had her turn to see the same very pregnant she-elf huddled to herself who had been in Dol Guldur along with Tauriel. She was awake, but she stared off at nothing at all. "I do not say this to be unkind, but, was your child, your choice?"
"EXCUSE ME?" Tauriel whipped her head back to stare at the eleth named Lyra. "My choice? Of course they were my choice! Are you insinuating I was attacked or forced to carry against my will?!"
"They? You have more than one? At your age?" Yvettha was still in shock.
"I have five children." Tauriel said in a matter-of-fact tone. "All of which are great blessings in my life, and all of which I was overjoyed to carry and bring into this world. I love them with all that I am. My Kili would NEVER force ANYTHING on me. We are one in this world in all things, he is my perfect match, my perfect mate."
As she spoke, Tauriel felt her husband's questioning concern, feeling it fill her mind. She embraced him, letting him know she was alright, then sent him back the equivalent of 'I will tell you later' and continued to focus on the present. Perhaps she needed to step away from these infuriating female elves before she did something she would regret or have to apologize for.
Taking her own advice, Tauriel moved to the back corner of the cell they were in…which really was a large, stone, room with straw scattered across the floor like some, animal stall, and a heavy looking door with absolutely no doorhandle whatsoever. She will inspect that later.
Tauriel warily eyed the three other elves watching her as she slowly moved to the eleth staring across the room seemingly at nothing. With a soft smile on her face, Tauriel squatted low, ignoring how the straw dug into her bare feet. She had to hold back a laugh as she heard the phantom voice of Kili in her head, grumbling about how much he HATED being barefoot. However, she held back her amusement, wishing she could hear his voice. At least, she could feel him, that was far better than nothing.
"Are you alright?" Tauriel asked gently.
The eleth shrugged. "I cannot say. I do not know what it is to be, as you say…alright."
"Are you in any pain, do you have cramping or bleeding? Anything of the sort? Can you feel your child?" Tauriel asked softly, but she was not prepared for the glare the eleth turned on her.
"Pain? My child?" She scoffed then went back to glaring at the door. "This, is freedom in comparison to what I am accustomed to. Save your concerns for another. I desire only to be left alone for once in my existence."
Tauriel was confused but shook it off. Maybe she was in shock and just needed time. Deciding to do as she requested, Tauriel stood and once more began assessing her surroundings. There really was not much to see in this room; there were wooden bunks on either side of the small space, each with three beds stacked one above another and a ladder on one side to get to the middle and upper bunks. Tauriel could see chamber pots under the bottom bunk of one of the beds tucked away for use, and a single basin where the water likely had come from. Other than that, there were no other furnishings to be seen, no stools, no chairs, and no tables.
There was some light though, but not much. The room was lit by two lanterns beside the door, and nothing else, and with no windows on any wall, Tauriel could not tell if they were up in a tower, or below the ground. Neither could she pinpoint the time of day nor get even a clue as to where they were. Where they deep in a forest? High on a mountain? Near the sea? She did not know...but she needed to find out soon; which meant...she needed to get out of this cell, and preferably quickly.
Tauriel stepped up to the door and tried to give it a push…but it unsurprisingly did not move. She sighed and took a moment to collect herself. She decided to take a moment and focus on Kili, who was sending her constant inquiries about her welfare...or that is how she interpreted it. The moment he felt her connect with him and tell him she was alright, he immediately responded with his love which she let fill her. She needed that; Kili always knew what she needed. He was coming, she could tell, but he was still very far away. So she had time to figure out what was going on before he got to her. Hopefully Fili was doing alright, Tauriel had no way of knowing about her brother until she could find a way to send him a message. She doubted with his cleverness, that he was very far from her, certainly closer than Kili.
Feeling a bit more levelheaded…thanks to Kili of course…Tauriel turned back to the other eleths in the room, though she left the expecting mother to herself. "Can any of you tell me what is going on or where we could be?"
"I do not think you are ready to know, just, give yourself some time to let the draught fully leave your system." Lyra sat on the bottom bunk, her hands on her lap though she was forced to lean forward a bit being too tall to fully sit up.
Tauriel bristled. She felt fine, even her headache had all but gone away. Though that could be because her connection to Kili was back to normal now that she was completely awake…but she was done being talked to like she was some, child. "Look. I am not interested in things being honey coated. I came here to help, and I will do that with or without your aid. So you can either tell me what you know, or I will have to find out for myself."
"You came to help?" Byeth gave her a look. "Do forgive the disbelief, but from my standing…you are in here the same as us. What can YOU do that we cannot?"
"More than you know." Tauriel said once again inspecting the door. She cocked her head, then began reaching up into her tunic, ignoring the growing pressure and pain in her chest as she searched for the very hidden belt just under her bust...Valar this was probably one of the worst times to be thrown into a situation like this, having a nearly four-month-old child. It took her a few moments, but soon she was unclasping and pulling out two small, thin, metal pieces so hidden away, it would take stripping her of her clothes to find it. They fit perfectly in the palms of her hands, and she gave each a quick flick of her wrist then smiled as a sharp blade came out of each silver piece.
"YOU HAVE WEAPONS?!" Yvettha said in surprise. Tauriel could not help but give her a look…she certainly was not like any of the elves from Rivendell or Mirkwood. She must be from a distant clan judging by her reactions. Or, she was very young.
"Quiet Yvettha!" Lyra scolded and stood to approach Tauriel. "How do you have these! They search us when we arrive!"
"For known weapons yes." Tauriel said, retracting one and pocketing it. "But these, were designed by my brother who has a bit of an obsession with hidden blades. He had all of his taken from him once, and vowed to ensure such a thing does not happen again. So he has worked on creating blades that do not resemble blades. These, are thin enough to fit under my tunic, and are virtually undetectable by any but he that knows they are there."
"Genius of a brother you have there. He must be very acclaimed in your clan." Lyra said impressed.
"He is among one of the best at creating blades that I know." Tauriel hummed as she turned to stick the blade in the door seem, searching for any sort of latching contraption. It took a moment, but eventually she heard a small 'tink' and she stopped.
Without looking back at the other elves in the room, Tauriel expertly worked the small blade under what she believed to be the latch, then, pressed it up. She smiled again as the door silently popped open.
"Wait! What are you doing?! Are you mad?" Lyra tried, but Tauriel was already carefully opening the door.
"Stay here." Tauriel didn't wait for them to respond, instead, she stepped out of the room, looking around the dim hall. There had to be nearly a hundred doors identical to hers all stretching across the vast corridor. Each one was closed and latched from the outside. At least, they were easy enough to open.
She also noted the lack of guards. "That certainly makes things easier." She muttered to herself as she pulled her other blade and began creeping down the corridor. It would have been nice if she had something more substantial to defend herself with, like the blade Fili gave her…but that was also taken during the final search before they made her take the draught.
Tauriel paused, then frantically searched her pockets and sighed with gratitude. Both the doll of Orin and her runestone were accounted for. They were her draw to home, apart from Kili…she needed them. Repocketing the precious items, Tauriel continued slowly moving forward, her bare feet allowing her to move silently through the lantern lit corridor.
"Because apparently, dwarves are incorruptible you idiot. If you read the reports, you would know that."
Tauriel froze as she heard a voice and a pair of heavy footsteps heading straight for her from the corner up ahead. She needed to hide, or risk getting caught having escaped her cell.
Scanning the area around her frantically, Tauriel quickly realized all this hall had was dozens of closed doors. Meaning there was no place for her to hide. With no other real choice, Tauriel unlatched and opened the nearest cell, then ran inside, shutting the door as quietly as possible behind her. She heard the lock click back into place, but it didn't bother her…she got out of one, she could get out of another.
Pressing her ear up against the wood, Tauriel strained to hear the conversation getting closer.
"They have tried, but failed each time to turn dwarves...not even those powerful rings could do much to them. But elves, the so named perfect creation of Iluvatar, is where the blueprint of true power lies."
"But, the elves are working against us. Why would they help?"
"They really did not tell you anything before they assigned you here, did they?"
The second voice sounded exasperated. "At first, we did have a few volunteers. Elves who had turned against their own kind to follow the path of our master. Their sacrifice, is what made this place. However, when we ran out of volunteers…we were forced to take other actions. These rooms, hold the resources necessary to keep this place in production. You will see soon enough. First, we need to bring some of the resources to Gerheb. Do you have the draught? Good."
Tauriel heard the steps stop just outside her door.
"Just on the bottom corner, is a hidden catch. Lift it, and put the draught beside it and light the fire. The heat, will dispense it and render all inside unresponsive. It makes it easier to handle them."
"Them? Are you saying the resources, are alive?"
Tauriel heard some grumbling from the second person who seemed to be mocking the concern in their companions voice.
"They are just some high and mighty elves, Stuedert. What have they done for you? Besides, we are doing the right thing. Sauron promises freedom from the elves and men who took our lands for their own! We are reclaiming what is ours. They, are the enemy, and they are nothing to what our master is."
Tauriel heard the sound of a latch activation and stepped back to look at the door, but saw nothing come through. She then heard, the sound of cries and shuffling, before several soft thuds followed by silence filled the hall.
"There see, quick and easy. This stuff works fast and packs a punch. They won't be moving again for the rest of the day. If they make it through the extraction today, we will return them to the cell to sleep it off. If not, they are thrown in the pit."
Tauriel's stomach twisted and she had to place her hand over her mouth to keep from being sick. The pit? She heard a door open, and after a few minutes, the sound of squeaking wheels. They must be removing the elves from the room. This, was not good. Very, not good.
Only when the hall went silent again, did Tauriel turn to look around the room she was in. It was much darker than the one she had woken in, and she was rather surprised to see she was not alone. Rather than six, this room only seemed to have three male elves in it. Each was on the ground, lost to the waking world.
Tauriel dropped to her knees to assess the three males. They were laying on their backs in the straw and appeared to have a sheen of sweat over their brows. Tauriel could not place their clan, noting their darker complexion and braid filled hair; they were, exotic, and beautiful...she felt quite plain next to them.
Shaking her head, Tauriel continued looking over them, searching for injuries. Both had bruising around their head, and upon taking one of their hands, Tauriel also noted bruising and lesions all around their wrist and elbows. She quickly moved to the others, and found the same. Their feet, like hers, were bare and their ankles had the same injuries as their wrists. "What are they doing to you?"
Rising to her feet, Tauriel filled three cups with water, and set them beside each of the elves.
"The corridor is clear, daughter of the forest. You can do nothing for them now, but you should remove yourself from this wing, lest their fate, be your own."
Tauriel sighed and nodded as if Aule was right beside her and could see her. She put her small blade in the door just as she had done with the previous one, but looked behind her. "I will help them." She said, but received no answer so she pushed the door open and stepped out.
Trusting her gut, Tauriel went around the corner where the voices had originated. This hall was different, as it had no doors but instead, archways leading to a large, open, courtyard. At least she knew they were not underground nor where they in a tower. They were ground level. Tauriel also could not help but realize the extreme change in temperature. This place, was warm, very warm, as in deep summer warm. Warmer even than Erebor's massive forge room. Furthermore, the sun was shining brightly in the courtyard which confused her deeply. It was winter, not summer...where was this place?
"Well, hello."
Tauriel's head whipped to the sound of a voice. She held her blades secure and ducked into a defensive position staring at the dark shape casually leaning in a corner. All she could see of them, where the whites of their eyes as they stared at her.
"No need for dramatics. Quite a feat you accomplished, getting out of a cell. Haven't had anyone do that before. Did you use those to escape? How do you even have those? We do a pretty thorough job of removing weapons so I am honestly impressed."
Tauriel growled and backed away as the dark figure approached her. It seemed to care less as it stepped into the light, towering over her and causing Tauriel to have to strain her neck to meet its gaze. "A feisty little elf, aren't you?" He paused and lifted his head, looking around, then to Tauriel's surprise, grabbed her and shoved her into the shadowed corner he had previously been standing in, then stood in front of her.
When she tried to fight him, he shot a quick, "Don't move." over his shoulder. He left no room for argument as he focused back on the approaching figure.
"Tork! Aren't you supposed to be with Gardith at the gates?"
The tall being chuckled lowly. "Aren't you supposed to be scrubbing the floors in the privy? Or did you kiss someone's ass again and get reassigned nagging duty." He leaned forward but not enough for Tauriel to see. "Looks like you got a bit of hair on your lips…you been definitely doing something."
There was some sputtering, but soon whoever the bear of a creature was talking too…stomped off and it laughed to itself before turning and smiling a wide, toothy grin. Tauriel cringed at the sharpened canines that became visible as he smiled. "Now now, little elf. What are we to do with you? I can't have you running amuck here. They will kill you. But…there is something rather fetching about you. And maybe even…alluring." He leered down at her and Tauriel scrunched her nose then glared, hopping away from the being as soon as he gave her room.
"Keep away from me." She breathed but the creature just laughed loudly, uncaring what she said.
"Look, little bunny, if you think you can escape this place by sneaking around, sticking your nose where it shouldn't be, you clearly have no idea where you are."
"I am NOT a bunny. Where am I? What is this place?" Tauriel asked for what felt like the hundredth time. How many times must she ask the question before she finds the answer?
The tall being looked at her intrigued. His dark eyes scanned her head to bare foot, and he folded his massive arms and leaned back against the stone wall behind him. "Who's asking?"
Tauriel blinked at him, her emerald eyes blazing as she decided what to do or if she should tell this thing who she was. He was smaller than Bolg, but still much larger than she was. With his size, he couldn't be a human, but neither was he an orc, goblin, troll, or an elf. She had never seen the likes of him before. Then she paused and looked at him again. No…wait…that wasn't right. He kind of reminded her a bit of Beorn, the great man who can change into a bear at will. "Are you, a shapeshifter?"
He didn't exactly look like Beorn, but the structure was there. He had his thick, golden, hair pulled up in a knot on top of his head, and wore nothing under his leather vest that hugged his broad chest; though, he did have weapons strapped to his back and around his waist. His entire being was made up of thick, rippling, muscles that all but swallowed his neck though unlike Beorn, his beard was trimmed and tame. She did note he did have hair dusted across his exposed chest and down his arms much like the dwarves she lived among.
He hummed and quirked a brow at her. "Perceptive little bunny. How did you come to that conclusion?"
"I have met one." Tauriel said after a moment, trying to ignore the pet name but being rather annoyed by it all the same. "He dwells outside the forest I grew up in."
The tall being, Tork, narrowed his eyes in disbelief. "A forest you grew up in? Again I ask, who, are you? Or, do you prefer I just continue to call you bunny. I must admit the endearment is rather growing on me."
Tauriel huffed. "I am Tauriel."
"Tauriel…Tork…such a pleasure." Tork bowed mockingly, smiling wide. Then, his entire expression changed. "But you are mistaken. There are none of my kind remaining in Arda. I am all that is left. Those opposing Sauron, killed them when the shifters chose to take Sauron's side over theirs."
Tauriel's brows lowered in confusion. "No. That…is not accurate…Sauron sent the orcs to destroy the remaining clans of changers because he feared they would turn the tides of war…not the other way around. And if I was lying, how would I know what you are? I speak the truth, I have no reason to lie."
"So says you, bunny." Tork shrugged, clearly not believing her. He looked at her for a moment, then once more leaned back against the stone wall as if he had no cares in the world. "You know it's not safe for you to be out and about. You are lucky you came across me over anyone else."
"Lucky indeed." Tauriel grumbled wondering when he will stop talking, and begin attacking; or calling the guard on her in the very least. However, he seemed to simply be watching her with interest.
"You do not agree?" He asked as the grin slipped from his face. He then stepped away from the wall and began to walk towards the opposite hall, but paused when he realized she had not moved. "You coming, bunny?"
"I am not, a rabbit." Tauriel huffed and scrunched her nose in distaste.
"No. I believe, I called you a bunny." Tork snickered as she finally began following him.
"Are they not the same creature?" Tauriel asked, lifting a brow.
"Fair." Tork rumbled out. "But I think bunny suits you far more than rabbit."
The red headed eleth glared at him and huffed. "I think Tauriel suits me well enough."
"Oh? Well. Let us agree, to disagree…bunny."
"You are infuriating." Tauriel stared forward.
"Would you rather me just, kill you?" Tork asked, pausing and placing his hand on the hilt of his large, thick, blade. "Because by all means, say the word. You are a captive here, and you are attempting to escape. By rights, and by my orders, I should have killed you already, or taken you straight to Gerheb."
"Then why haven't you?" Tauriel's heart was pounding wildly. She felt Kili's concern and she temporarily brushed it away to stay focused.
Tork cocked his head at her curiously. "Honestly, I can't say. There is something…different about you. I can't find it in me to dispose of you at the moment. You are…well…not like the others. You are bold, and there is something in your eyes that is, by nature, defiant. I like it."
"Wonderful." Tauriel sighed, rolling her eyes. "If you are not going to try and attack me, then, what are you going to do with me?"
"Follow me. And know if you try to run, you won't make it far. I feel, as if I need to show you something. Creators know why I am bothering…I should take you back to your cell…but maybe if you see this…you would think twice about wandering around this place."
Tauriel sighed, and nodded. What choice did she really have? As they walked, she looked around trying to build a mental map of wherever she was. It still threw her off to see evidence of the sun being high in the sky as well as the heat radiating even through the tan stone walls. It could not be further from summer, so it felt…off…to be this warm in winter. However, as there were no windows, she could only guess the weather by the bright sun shining down in the courtyard they were passing.
Tauriel noted the dead, yellowed, bushes and vines, wondering what it looked like when the plants bloomed…if they bloomed at all in a place like this. "Why is everything dead?"
Tork looked to her, eyeing her, but said nothing. Instead, he continued to walk leaving her question unanswered. However, after a few minutes, he did stop before a door and opened it. A large winding staircase lay in the shadows, and Tork pushed Tauriel in first. "Go on bunny. I will be right behind you. I don't think we will fit side by side and I certainly won't let you go behind me. Might get poked in my bum with those little toothpicks you wield."
Deciding not to comment or argue, Tauriel just rolled her eyes keeping said 'toothpicks' at the ready just in case and went first, following the steps up. The higher she went, the fouler the air began to smell and soon, she was covering her nose with her arm, trying not to choke on the stench. Tork watched from behind, but chose not to comment. He smelt it, but by now, he was used to it.
Soon, Tauriel was crossing the top step into a tiny room with a thin door. "Just a moment." Tork said. He waited for Tauriel to nod, then slowly opened the door. She heard sounds below of shuffling and talking but nothing she could make out. The language was unknown to her, so she didn't know what they were saying even before she stepped out when Tork bid her through.
Nothing in her life, could prepare Tauriel for the sight two stories below her. The room was large, circular, and deep…made primarily of dark stone bricks and wood beams. Jars, and instruments lined tables dripping with blood and multitudes of other organic material while chains hung from the beams overhead, and along the walls. Cabinets and bookshelves took up some of the walls, while others, held large water basins and wooden beds with wheels.
But what had her nearly crying out, was seeing her people, strapped to stone tables, with devices she could not name attached to them. One of the humans below placed his hand on an odd smooth stone at the very center of the room, and Tauriel watched as it began to glow bright. A hum filled the room, then…the elves bodies jerked and arched as if they were in agony, yet unable to cry out or fight. Each elf, was attached through lines and tubes to what looked like a sack of some sort…but Tauriel could not make out their purpose.
What was in those things? She swore she saw one of the sacs move, something was inside of it...and whatever it was...it was alive. Tauriel was about to turn towards Tork to ask, but she didn't have to when a worker moved to the very sac she had been watching and inspected it. The worker called another over and spoke, one nodding and pulling a medical blade from a table beside the still arching elf.
"We have one ready." The worker called out in common to the man at the center, who nodded and removed his hand, the stone dimming and the elves finally getting respite from whatever that thing was doing to them. A few more workers came over, once again speaking in their own language Tauriel could not decipher. A passing thought had her wonder if there were language barriers here...some speaking one and others another. Most spoke common, but not everyone in Arda did.
Tauriel decided it was not the time to ponder on such things, she needed to focus on what her people were being strapped to. So she watched as one of the workers carefully and slowly cut into the sac, then reached inside. Tauriel watched, unblinking and afraid to even breathe...worried she would miss what was being removed.
"It is alive." One of the workers said to the man at the center just as Tauriel audibly gasped. A warm, massive, hand landed over her lips before she could make another sound. "Hush, bunny. If they hear you, you will be joining them."
It was a baby. One of the same coloring as those creatures in the forest who took her. Is this...is this how they are made? But...what are they taking from the elves?
"Their lifeforce." Aule whispered quickly in her mind. "Those of the eldar have the brightest lifeforce in Arda. It was once used by Morgoth to create the orcs. He stole the children of Iluvatar, tortured them, bred them, and corrupted them into creatures to fight for him. Who were loyal only to him. Though Morgoth's soul rots in darkness, his methods are known by his successor and are being used once more to build yet another army. But corruption takes centuries, daughter of the forest, and he has grown impatient. He pushed his followers to do what Morgoth did, but to do so on his own timeline. Through great and forbidden blood sorcery, they have found a way to mold a body, a shell only…with no true life. Only Iluvatar can breathe life into a being..it was only great pity that he breathed life into those I made, my beloved dwarrrow…but he swore to never again do such a thing. With no other means to animate the shell they created, they instead steal that breath from those most beloved by Iluvatar, and he is forced to watch his children suffer as their brightness is forced into innocent darkness."
Tauriel felt tears forming in her eyes as she watched the workers add tubes and remove jars from the still elves as if what they were doing was nothing but a normal day's work. It made Tauriel sick even as her emerald eyes roved from elf to elf, then back to the creature pulled from the sac. From what she could see, the infant was silent, but moving. There were no cries of new life, no feeling of wonder or awe associated with a child being freshly born into Arda...instead, in their place, was disgust and horror as she realized her people's fate. That child, was unnatural in every way.
"I think this one is expelled." One of the men said with a huff, having switched to common. "Another today. I thought elves were superior!? Seems to me, like they are not much different than us mere humans."
"Long lived, not superior." The man who seemed to be in charge said as he stepped away from the orb towards the elf in question. He didn't bat an eye at the infant who was being checked over, instead his focus was on the elf on the table. "But what they do have, is the favor of the maker which runs through their veins. They are gifted with senses we could not begin to imagine, infinite years, and some, even have abilities you may call, mystical."
"I'll believe it when I see it. Do you want me to pull another? It is early and we are getting behind our quota."
The man rubbed his chin in thought, then nodded. "Bring in a few of the new additions so we can guarantee they will make it through the day. Not the pregnant one though. I have plans with that baby when it is born. Oh, and leave the one we spoke of this morning, the one with the mark."
The worker nodded, then said something in his native tongue that had several others following him to the still elf. Two removed the body, and the other two grabbed a wooden bed on wheels and began to push it out of sight. Tauriel watched the two with the elf, seeing them throw her into a corner and just leave her there as if she were nothing but a dead animal needing to be disposed of.
Her stomach heaved, and she tore herself from Tork who let her go, ran into the stairwell, and expelled the water she had drunk when she woke. It was all that was in her stomach. Monsters. Those humans, were monsters.
Kili immediately was barraging her with concern, and when she didn't answer, he sent calming and soothing waves...it was all he could do. She swore, she heard him tell her he was coming, she swore she heard his voice in her mind, but she dismissed it as her stomach continued to defy her constitution.
"Save them. Daughter of the forest. Save the children of Iluvatar, or there is little hope in the great war to come. This place must be brought to an end, and that stone destroyed...or middle earth as you know it, will cease to exist."
"How?" Tauriel sighed, rubbing her hand through her hair. She sunk to the first step and buried her head in her hands. Needing her one, she put all her energy into her bond, and pushed herself into Kili's mind. There, it was safe, there she could find respite from the reality she was seeing. She felt his mind caress her, felt it embrace her. There was so much concern, so much worry there, so much love, and she knew he was doubling down on his travels to get to her. Where she was, she didn't know, but at the same time, he was there, with her, holding her, if only in her mind.
"Bunny?"
Tauriel was not ready to face the world. But she had no choice but to reenter reality. "Why, why are they doing this?" Tauriel heard herself ask.
Tork didn't answer. Instead, he let her remain where she was. But then, the sound of wheels approaching again caused Tauriel to stand and swiftly move back to the overhang to see what was happening. "Bunny you don't want to see that." Tork tried, feeling as if she has seen enough and by now, should have an idea of just how dangerous this place is for her. But Tauriel ignored him as her eyes were once again fixated on the activities two stories below her.
She ground her jaw as the workers transferred Lyra, the eleth she shared a room with, onto the stone table the previous eleth had been removed from. Movement to the side had Tauriel looking to see the other two eleths from her cell being set to the side, but not yet hooked up. It made her stomach turn once again. One of the workers turned to the others, asking something in that language she didn't understand. They seemed angry, so she turned back to Tork for some clarification.
"They know your missing." Tork answered before the question left her lips. He moved to stand beside her, watching the preceding's below. As he watched, he continued to interpret the orders being called in that unfamiliar language, and she wondered if it was his native tongue...or if he simply had learned by necessity. "The guard is being ordered to search every room and every hall for you."
"Find the red head! I told you to keep her safe! Are you all idiots! She is worth more than any of these elves!" When some of the workers questioned him, he became furious. "SHE BARES THE MARK OF A VALAR YOU FOOLS! Who knows what power she holds inside her! I said keep the pregnant elf, and the red head together and guarded. Why is it you cannot do ONE simple thing!" When the guards still didn't move, he threw a glass jar at them. It shattered to the ground, but it seemed to do the trick as they all began running about to fulfill their new orders. "FIND THAT ELF!" The man yelled again.
Tork pulled his sword and turned to Tauriel. She could see the challenge in his eyes. He was fighting with himself, deciding what to do. To follow orders…or take his own path. He was going to turn her in, she saw it in his gaze.
"Please. Help me." Tauriel said softly.
Tork smirked and shook his head. "Why? You are only one; you cannot change what is already in progress."
Tauriel lifted her hand, removed her bracer she still had on, and pulled up her sleeve to show the mark now glowing on her skin. "I am not alone."
Tork's vivid, sea green eyes stared at the mark. His grip on the shaft to his sword tightened as he stepped towards her. "What you said, about there being a shapeshifter in the west…about what really happened to them…are you speaking the truth?"
"I am. His name is Beorn, and he shifts into a great bear. He helped me, he helped my family, then, he fought against the orcs, goblins, and the forces of Sauron in the war for Erebor two decades ago. He lives still, in a house, outside the forest. He, was the one to share his story with my family and then with me. I heard of the loss of his people from his lips, and I read if from the histories in my lands." Tauriel looked pleadingly at Tork. "Help me save my people, and I will take you to him. We can get out of here, and leave this place behind."
Tork's jaw clenched; Tauriel could still see the indecision in his expression. "Please. Think about this Tork, think about what they are doing down there. Is this the work of good people? If this…if this is what they are doing in the name of their master…how can that master be someone you want to serve? This is genocide, for the sake of power and lies." Tauriel closed her eyes, unable to unsee what was happening down below them. "Imagine, those where your people they were doing this to. Imagine looking down there, and seeing that through my eyes. Help me, Tork. Choose better. Do not be like those monsters."
Tork looked over his shoulder at the door, then, re-sheathed his blade. "You will take me to this, Beorn, if I help you?"
"Yes." Tauriel promised.
"Fine." Tork stared Tauriel up and down, searching for why, after years of loyal service to a side he never questioned before now, a few elves came along and stirred his thoughts up. Years, he believed the other side destroyed his people. Perhaps, they did and she is lying to him…trying to get him to betray those he followed. But one look into her emerald eyes, and Tork saw only truth. What was more, he saw a light he had never seen before. There was indeed, something special about this elf, and if she did have a creator in her corner…maybe…he was on the wrong side after all.
"Alright. But before you get any wild ideas in your head about escaping, bunny, I need to show you something else."
"Now?" Tauriel said in surprise. There were guards searching high and low to find her, and he wanted to show her something now? After what he just showed her in that room…she wasn't sure if she could stomach something else.
"Yes, now." Tork said moving down the steps, this time, in front of her. At the bottom he stopped, and turned to her. "Stay here a moment."
The large being stepped through the door at the bottom of the steps, and immediately closed it behind him.
"TORK!"
Tauriel pressed her ear to the door and listened as she heard his name being shouted by one of the men. She was one stupid decision away from being exposed and found, so she was forced to trust a shapeshifter she knew nothing about with her freedom, and her safety. Kili is going to kill her when he realizes what was going on and how she willingly threw herself into the furnace...and probably Fili too.
"The ranks are forming to find an escaped elf. One brought in early today."
"Are you sure the elf made it here?" Tork said gruffly. "Could it have gotten away in transport?"
"No, it was here. Do your thing, and see if you can get on her trail."
Tauriel heard Tork scoff. "Do my thing? I am not your beast to order about, Gardith. I work with you, not for you. Forget that, and I may let my wild side slip…and accidentally mistake you for prey."
"Is that a threat, Tork?"
"A threat?" Tork said huskily. "I do not make, threats, Gardith. Don't ever think you can treat me as if I am lesser than you, human, because you may find that to be rather far from the truth." There was almost an animalistic growl that rumbled even through the door. It had chills running down her spine as her instinct screamed 'danger', yet she did not move.
Tauriel held her breath waiting for a response, but there was none. The stomping footfalls of a man retreating indicated Tork had intimidated the human away…for now. She leaned away from the door just before it opened and Tork's towering form stood before her once more. "I honestly do not know why I have put up with that for so long; or why I am only now realizing why they speak to me as if they can control me. They think me ignorant and lowly." He looked at Tauriel, a blazing fire burning in his eyes. "We better move, before I kill someone." He sneered. Tauriel wisely chose not to comment and instead, nodded and followed his lead.
Tork led them swiftly through the hall, then pushed her into darkened corridors and down a few flights of steps. Once or twice, he forced her into a shadowed corner, a crate, and once, lifted her up on top a shelf when voices or footsteps came near. The last one had Tauriel snapping at him when he squeezed her waist a bit too hard. "Keep your hands to yourself." Tauriel huffed, ignoring the smirk on his lips as he turned to send the guards coming towards them in the other direction. He moved to help her down from the shelf, but Tauriel hopped to the floor seeing the all clear causing Tork to snort and repeat, "Little bunny loves to hop." Before he turned from her and continued forward.
After traversing what felt like endless halls, Tork stopped before a large door with a bar across it. "Keep a look out." He said, then began to heave the massive block of wood off the door and leaned it against the wall. Tork wiped his brow and gestured to the door.
"Go ahead bunny, see for yourself why you cannot just...leave this place."
Tauriel looked at him, then, went to the door and gave it a push. At first, it didn't budge, but then, when it did, Tauriel all but fell out onto a broken balcony. She gaped at the scenery, staring off at an endless mass of..."Nothing...there is...nothing." She whispered to herself. The sun towered over her, massive and unrelenting, burning her alabaster skin as it shone down mercilessly. The heat caused Tauriel to retreat a few steps backwards to seek protection in the shade near the entranceway she fell through. This couldn't be the same sun she seeks out in her homelands, the same sun she lifts her head to in the spring and summer, the same sun she basks in with her Kili, and with her children. It just, couldn't be.
"You may survive an escape from this place with or without my help, but, nobody can survive that. Not alone, and not without resources." When Tork looked at Tauriel now, there was some pity in his voice. "You have no horse, you have no map, and you have no food. You will die, bunny, before you even reach that first dune." He gestured to a tall hill of sand that seemed close, but was actually miles away.
Tauriel gaped at the scenery. Growing up in a lush forest, and even living in a mountain surrounded by trees, and water flowing out of Erebor itself, this is a sight she has never in her life beheld. "Where are the trees? Where are the rivers? What is this place?"
"A desert, bunny. Welcome, to the depths of Rhun. Here, the sun burns much of the year, and you will find forests but not in the abundance you are used to if you hail from the west, and certainly not in this dead corner of Rhun."
Tork leaned back against the door both watching Tauriel and listening for the still searching guards. He was hoping they will eventually give up, thinking she got out somehow. Gerheb won't waste his workers or his guards by sending them into the sands. Even if this elf had Aule on her side, it was not worth the losses they really cannot afford. They were supposed to be building an army…not wasting good men. Or what he thought were good men...now Tork is not so sure. "There are also safeguards..." He continued. "...just incase anyone tries to get here...or makes it past the entranceway. Safeguards you will never wish to see, and you will never get past on foot. Death, bunny, is all that awaits anyone who tries to leave, or stupidly make their way to this place."
"Death is all that awaits my people if we stay." Tauriel countered, her eyes not leaving the waves of gold stretching out as far as she can see.
They remained outside for some time, until Tork noticed a reddening of Tauriel's pale skin. "Come on, there is nothing for you out here."
"I cannot stay here, Tork." Tauriel turned to look at him. "I need to help them, and get them out of this place. We have to stop this."
"We?" Tork asked, his brows lifting.
"We." Tauriel said with confidence. "What is happening in that room, Tork? I need more answers."
Tork sighed. "I will tell you what I know, but lets get out of the sun. You're going all…pinkish."
Tauriel looked back out over the sands once more. This would be a perfect spot for Kaw to reach her. She looked up in the sky as if she would see her black and white raven soaring high above her…but all she saw was blue. Shaking her head, and hoping Fili and Kaw were alright, Tauriel followed Tork back inside. He replaced the bar over the door, then guided her through an archway, and down more steps.
Tauriel sighed as the temperature cooled a few degrees, though her skin still felt heated. She was parched too, but was not about to complain in any way. Not here. Deeper and deeper they went, until Tauriel was certain they were several stories beneath the sands. It brought Tauriel comfort, because it felt as if she was in the mountain…though this looked nothing like Erebor and even thinking it, had her missing her children, and her home.
Tauriel pressed her hand to her chest and sighed. She would need to take care of that as well. If she didn't, the pain would only intensify, and she could dry up and not be able to feed her infant when she returns.
"Are you well, bunny?"
Tauriel looked at Tork, her face set in disbelief. "Are you asking me this after what I saw? After being rendered unconscious by Valar knows what and shoved into a cell? After realizing, even if I escape…the dangers out there may outweigh that in here?"
Tork set his jaw, then continued on his way. She didn't mean to upset him or talk down to him when he was only asking out of true concern.
"My chest hurts." Tauriel finally said with a sigh. "I have a child back home who is to turn four months old in a few weeks. I...she nurses." She looked at Tork who seemed a bit surprised, but nodded. "And I miss my family. I want to help, but I very much want to be home as well, with my husband, and my children."
"Family. I once had seven siblings." Tork muttered glancing at her as they walked, unsure why he was even telling her. "Six elder sisters, and myself. 'My cubs', my mother used to call us." He let out a burly laugh. "We were a bit wild...especially my sisters. Both my father and my mother saw Sauron as a deity of sorts, and followed his people with great devotion. They believed through him and his teachings, our people would be free to live without fear of being hunted for what we were."
"Hunted?" Tauriel asked confused. "Why-ever would anyone hunt a shapeshifter?"
Tork stopped, and opened a door. "This is my room. I like my privacy, so we should not be bothered here." He ushered her in and set about moving weapons off the tables and leathers off the chair so she would have a place to sit. "To answer your question, I don't know anymore. I have always been told the elves hunted the clans of shifters, afraid of their strength and fortitude in battle; afraid the shifters would bring the fall of all those who oppose Sauron. I have also been told that some humans, believe us to be synonymous with the were-folk...they fear us."
"But...Sauron fell Tork, he failed, and it had nothing to do with the skinchangers. And that was two-thousand years ago...long before your family would have even been around." Tauriel said accepting a cup of water from Tork who looked at her skeptically. "I am not saying the elven people are perfect, yet I do not know a single one who does not respect the lives of other races. But orcs, those vile beings are a different matter. They kill without thought or mercy. Beorn said it was the orcs who raided their homes and killed all who ran. He lost his family, Tork, to those you serve...not the elves trying to keep middle earth free while protecting life."
"Where you there?" Tork asked, sitting stiffly on the bed. "Your people live endlessly... do they not? You...did you participate in the great war?"
Tauriel shook her head. "I was not born until this age. I am to turn six hundred and twenty-three this year. I have seen war, but not the great war you speak of. To my people...I am still very young."
"You will see war again." Tork said. "Six hundred." He shook his head. "To imagine...you will live thousands more years beyond me."
Tauriel shifted, then shook her head. "Other elves, perhaps, but not me."
Tork lifted a brow. "Giving up already, bunny? You don't seem the sort. Thought you were going to save this place."
"Oh, I am." Tauriel said with a frown. She had placed her cup down and was rubbing her chest, but the pressure was getting to be too much. "But I am not immortal Tork. Not anymore."
"You...you can choose?" Tork was surprised, and a little taken back by her answer. "I was not aware you had the ability to make such a choice." He stood, rubbing the back of his neck, his brows lowered in contemplation. After a moment, he stopped in front of her, looking at her like she was an anomaly. "Are you ill in the mind? What would make you give that up? I know folks who would kill for a single century more of life, let alone endless years."
"Love." Tauriel said. "And no, we cannot choose. My circumstances are...unique...and not well received by my people."
"Well, now we really can't let them find you, bunny. A mortal elf. They would kill you on the spot if they found out; you are useless to them despite what they believe." Tork sat and leaned back, looking at her with a lifted brow. "Love, you say? Am I to assume your mate is a mortal than?"
Tauriel nodded but chose not to elaborate. "Tork, what are they doing to the elves here?"
Tork stared at her, remaining quiet for several minutes. "Building an army." He finally said with a shrug. "I am no man of science. I just do as I am told. The elves are brought here, we hook them up, then when they have nothing left to give...we get another."
"Does none of this bother you?" Tauriel asked, trying not to get frustrated at his nonchalant tone. "You are killing innocent people here. Yet, you speak of their lives like one would a rodent...as if they are worthless and have no value."
"Do you know, what happened to my family? I mean, what was done to them?" Tork leaned forward, glaring at Tauriel. She met his stare, not intimidated in the least by his towering stature. He does not scare her. She has gone up against far more frightening creatures...in fact, Fili in the mornings was twice more intimidating at over half Tork's size.
Tork remained silently waiting, so Tauriel shook her head. Having never met him before this, she knew that he knew she had no idea. "My sisters, they did not follow my parent's teachings. They all found mates outside Sauron's followers, and two of them had infants while my youngest sister, I had just learned, was expecting her first. She was so excited." He grinned, then his face fell as he continued. "They lived peacefully trying to simply exist without picking sides. My parents were torn between choosing the people who promised them freedom and a world unafraid of them, and choosing their children."
Tork sighed and sat back in his chair, pulling one of his blades and inspecting it to keep his hands busy. "I was in training, but I still remember the morning my instructor pulled me aside to inform me a mob of men, led by elves on horseback, slaughtered my family. My mother and father had been visiting, and for their allegiances to Sauron and his cause, they were forced to watch as their daughters, their spouses, and their grandchildren were killed in cold blood. I left immediately, to see my parents heads on spikes, Tauriel. Those first to the burning encampment, said the elves wanted others who followed Sauron to know what would become of them if they continued that path. So, you will have to forgive me for not having mercy on a people who took everyone I love from me, who killed innocent children, and many who simply wanted to live out their lives in peace." He cocked his head at her, giving her a dark and dangerous look. "I should kill you." He growled, but sighed and shook his head.
"Heads on spikes?" Tauriel asked. She felt sick for Tork, she felt his pain. "Elves, do not put heads on spikes, Tork, nor would they kill innocent children...let alone infants...or expecting mothers. I...I was not there so I cannot say...but it is not our way. I was a captain of the elven army once, I had to research the histories of our people and their battle tactics. Never, in our history, would we put heads on spikes. Not even orcs or goblins. I cannot say such for man, as they are quite unpredictable. But, if you were told it was the elves who did that, I am afraid, you were misinformed."
"Are you suggesting they lied to me?" Tork asked, giving her a look that she interpreted as him not believing her one bit.
"Truthfully?" Tauriel asked standing and looking around the room. "I do not know." She paused and picked up an empty jug, turning to look at him. "All I know, is my own experiences Tork. And I no know soul among the elven people who would do such a thing. But I do know orcs and goblins have...and will."
Tork looked angry and stood to full height. "Your saying, those I serve, my people, killed my family then lied about it? I won't believe that, bunny." He paused and gave her a curious look. "What are you going to do with that?" He gestured to the large jug Tauriel grasped in both her hands.
The eleth sighed. "Borrow it, if I may. Do you have somewhere I can go privately for a few minutes? I must relieve some of this pressure before my body decides to suppress itself." She held the jug to her chest, looking mildly uncomfortable.
Tork seemed confused for a moment, but then finally understood and shook his head. "I am sorry bunny, but this is not a grand accommodation. The water basin, and chamber pot are the closest thing I have to a privy here." He stood and walked to a line of rope where he had several pairs of trousers and tunics hung over, likely to dry. "Hand me that blanket there?"
Tauriel obeyed and grabbed the light, red, blanket from where it sat on the chair and held it out to Tork once he removed the clothes from the line, and she watched as he threw the blanket over the rope and clipped it down creating a privacy barrier.
"I am sure, you probably would prefer somewhere else, but, this will have to do." Tork then grabbed a few more blankets and a pillow and began laying them out on the floor on the opposite side of the blanket wall. "I really shouldn't be in here right now. Stay here, and don't open that door for anyone. I will lock it behind me, but nobody comes down here anyway. I need to go at least look like I am helping them."
"Why are you helping me, Tork? If you believe my people led the group to slaughter your family...why do you show me kindness?"
Tork had pulled out a large key, holding it as he stared at Tauriel. "There have always been doubts in my mind about what had happened that night my family died. But all I had, was the faith my parents instilled in me. They never doubted this way of life, so I pushed my doubts aside and continued my training."
Tork looked to the ground. "Then I met her." He said softly. "She was the first elf I spoke to here, or ever really. I was rolling her back from a full days extraction, and she had somehow woken and was looking up at me with no fear in her eyes, just confusion and pain. She asked my name, not where she was or what we were doing here. She just, asked my name."
Tork fell back against the door. "I gave it, and she smiled. Then she made a joke, asking if it would be easier for me if she pushed herself...saying I looked uncomfortable pushing her." Tork laughed, shaking his head. "I tried to be silent, because we are not supposed to speak to the resources...forgive me...the elves." He corrected seeing Tauriel's look of disgust.
"From then on, I tried to be assigned duty when her number came up. Most of the time, she was asleep when she got out, but when she wasn't, she would ask me how my day was, and just tried to make conversation." Tork cringed when he recalled nearly getting caught. "I had to be careful, because, if they found out, it would not be good for either of us. But...at the same time...I didn't care. What I did care about, was how fast she was deteriorating. She went from speaking and laughing, to just looking at me with a distant and pain-filled expression on her face. She took my hand though, when she couldn't talk anymore, and would just hold it as she cried from the pain while I took her back to her cell."
Tauriel didn't know what to say. It wasn't her that caused this shifter to change, but another who, to the sounds of it, was swaying his heart.
"She won't survive going through that, extraction, again." Tork said, but froze, not wanting to say any more.
"She's still alive?" Tauriel asked, thinking for sure he was going to tell her the eleth had died.
Tork nodded, his jaw clenched. "Nelithi is somewhere safe, being tended to by one of her own. I got them both to a place where they won't be found."
The jug fell from Tauriel's hands, clinking to the stone ground. "NELITHI!" She ran up to Tork, ignoring the pain in her chest. "Take me to her! She is from my home clan. I trained her when I was a captain of the guard, Tork. She is...she is my friend."
Tork smiled softly. "No wonder I am so fond of you. But it isn't safe for any of us to move around. Ivethin is a healer of her clan whom I was able to smuggle to Neli, and is doing what she can for her. They are in an abandoned medical room on the opposite side of the compound. I couldn't bring her here...she...is not doing well. She needs care and fluids. Ivethin is doing what she can, with the supplies she has from that room. But even she has undergone several extractions herself; neither of them have the energy to take the steps to get down here...and I couldn't carry them both without the risk of getting caught. I will take you to them, bunny, when I can."
Valar be praised, Ivethin is alright as well. Then, she paused looking at Tork. "Do you…do you love her?" Tauriel asked before Tork could turn around. "Nelithi?"
Tork put his massive hand on the door, not looking at her, as he shook his head slowly. "She's just an elf, but I won't see her harmed further. Stay here." He refused to meet Tauriel's eyes and instead, left the room with a promise to bring food when he returns.
Tauriel stared at the closed door for several minutes…just frozen to the spot. She took a deep, calming, breath…then turned, grabbed the jug, and sat. A plan. She needed a plan if she was going to survive this…and by the Valar, she will survive this.
Authors Note: Yayy, you made it to the end. So we have an idea what is happening…but this is by far, nowhere near the end of this ACT. What do you think of Tork? He sort of just…popped into my head. But I kinda like him. As for the creatures, I did THINK about making them be corrupted elves, but I decided to go a slightly different route for a few reasons. One, it seemed predictable…I an DO try to give this story a few unique twists and turns to keep you all interested. And two, it didn't work with the story in my head so I decided against it and went with the baby growers, lol. You learn a bit more about it later.
Up ahead, we learn more about the creatures, meet new faces, see once face we wished we didn't (I had to, lol), see some familiar creatures, there will be familiar faces from the series (movie and book verse) as well as some who were only mentioned…but we have never seen on the screen yet. There is a lot ahead, so stay tuned. Next chapter we will head back to Erebor before we zoom back to Fili, then to Kili. See you in a bit!
Feel free to leave some words of love and encouragement, or just something you enjoyed…they always make my day.