Whispers in the Dark
Whispers in the Dark
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Series: Whispers in the Dark – Part 1
Pairing: Legolas/Aragorn
Rating: Overall, NC 17. But it is PG for
this chapter.
Warnings: AU
Summary: Something lurks in the darkness of
the forest…
The
Shadow
of their spines, coiling like an errant serpent. Yet, no one was willing to
give voice to their fears – they were without doubt, plagued by an unwelcome
presence.
wayward Orcs would not breach their territory and had brought along two of his
best warriors and friends, Boromir as well as his younger brother, Faramir.
Nevertheless, the presence of such fearsome warriors did little to save them
from the plight that they had consistently found themselves in.
without any form of meat in their diet, feeding instead on an increasingly
stale supply of bread that they had brought with them for provision. Traps had been
set and weapons sharpened, but that was all to no avail because not a deer, not
even a rabbit had they managed to ensnare.
caught under the cover of darkness had been freed. Once there was even an
attempt to free their horses for the ropes that bound the animals to the trees
were cut and their saddles thrown aside. It was fortunate then that the animals
were loyal to their Masters and thus did not escape.
to put a stop to the mischief that had been done to them, only managing to
unearth a chilling discovery – there were no evidence of footprints. No
imprints upon the soft forest ground nor broken twigs or crushed leaves to show
that the forest floor had been disturbed during the night. None
whatsoever.
fingers through his hair, pushing away the sweaty locks from his face. “Even
the slightest of body must leave its mark upon the ground. It was as if the
rogue were made of nothing but air!”
unsuspecting wanderers. Perhaps we have displeased the guardian of the forest
with our intrusion upon the woods?” Faramir suggested, squinting his eyes
against the glare of the sun that had penetrated through the thin canopy of the
forest trees.
have been listening to too many of Gandalf’s tales speaking of trees that
walked in forests and of spirit beings that guard the trees. Nay, I do not
believe in this stories, do you, sire?”
good-naturedly argued with one another. It was typical of Boromir to contradict
whatever Faramir said, even if it was for argument’s sake. But the King knew
that deep down in Boromir’s heart, he loved his brother more than life itself.
is that this… this *shadow*… does not mean us any harm. Perhaps it is just as
Faramir said, and we have intruded upon his territory. But this forest is
within the realm of Gondor – property of Gondor – and we will not be frightened
by someone who will not show his face to us nor face us with a sword in hand.”
had tried to sabotage their attempts at ensnaring a meal could possibly not
“mean any harm”. But he became silent, deferring to the King’s wisdom.
Boromir’s face, “If it is deer meat you crave, it shall be as you desire. Do
not worry, dear friend. We will taste the sweetness of red meat before reaching
the
of the strange shadow, never noticing a keen pair of eyes watching them as they
headed towards the thickest part of the forest…
that blinded the men, forcing them to make camp. It was quiet. So quiet that
the men felt the strange unease they had felt escalating into a tension that
robbed them of sleep. Something was going to happen. They sensed it more sharply
this time… that feeling of being followed… being watched… and being stalked as
if they were animals.
peer through the stubborn darkness in hopes of being able to see something… see
anything. Anything but the all-consuming blackness that
overwhelmed their senses.
continued, his hand resting upon the hilt of his sword, ready to attack should anything
spring out from the darkness.
complete picture of the King of Men – proud and regal of bearing as he spoke in
voice that could send tremors of fears even through the most hardened heart of
the enemies.
step forward now and draw his sword against him,” he cried, the sharp note of a
sword brushing against metal rang out loud in the blackness of the night as n
cn
class=SpellE>Anduril was drawn forth from its sheath, the blade glinting
white even in the dark.
Something was moving. And it was moving quickly, as if it were leaping nimbly
from branch to branch… from tree to tree.
the rustlings became more frantic.
cried, his sword nowwn iwn in preparation for battle
as the noises from the leaves seemed to surround them completely.
motions in the trees. It became quiet again, the silence broken only by the
sounds of the King’s deep laur.
lead us into thinking that there is more than one in the trees. He is alone and
will not attack unless provoked. Let us rest and take turns to keep watch just
in case our escort decides to visit us in the night. Boromir, you keep first
watch,” Aragorn said, as he lay down upon the ground to rest, closing his eyes
as he did.
tree.
wanted to kill us, it would have done so already. Now be at ease and rest.”
Boromir to contend with the darkness alone.