Life's Path
folder
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
19
Views:
6,477
Reviews:
39
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
19
Views:
6,477
Reviews:
39
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Becoming a warden
Title: Life’s Path
Author: Elfgirl69
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: NC-17
Genre: romance
WARNING: Adult themes, sex
Disclaimer: I own no one from The Lord Of The Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of
this story.
Feedback: Yes please!
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: Annis is drawn to Caras Galadhon to find her life’s path and love.
Chapter 5 – Becoming a Warden
The day of the tests had finally arrived and Annis stepped onto the training field lining up next to the other trainees. Three weeks had passed since the incident with Haldir and she had become even more determined to be a warden putting all her energy and anger into training.
Orophin approached and explained the tests to the trainees. The 4 parts of the test consisted of archery, swordplay, an obstacle course and an oral exam on history. He then broke the line down into 4 smaller groups. Each group starting a different part of the test, once completed they would then rotate to the next test. Annis was happy to see Varro was in her group and moved to stand next to him.
Annis’ group started with the history portion. Each trainee approached a small tent, which housed an elf who would test them. Annis knew Celeborn and Galadriel were among those asking questions but had heard rumors Haldir also would be one of the examiners. As she entered the tent she hoped that Haldir would not be awaiting her. She was relieved to see Celeborn and bowed to him. He nodded and simply asked if she was ready. She replied yes and he started asking questions. After what seemed forever to her, Celeborn finally smiled:
“Very good Annis. You have only failed to answer 1 question correctly. You may leave the tent and wait for the others to finish. I wish you luck on the other tests.”
“Thank-you.” Annis bowed and departed the tent as quick as she could.
She saw only 1 other trainee who had finished and walked over to him. He asked her how many she missed and said he missed 2 questions. Soon others joined them each talking about the questions. Varro was the last to finish. He smiled widely at Annis as he exited the tent.
“Well how many did you get wrong?” Annis asked.
“None! Haldir was being tricky but he didn’t fool me.”
Annis was relieved that she had not gotten Haldir. She knew that even with all her anger, she still desired him. And was not sure she could have kept control of her feelings. Her thoughts were interrupted as Orophin came over and lead the group to the archery range. There they each had a target and were required to fire 6 arrows to demonstrate their skills. Annis found this easy. All her arrows landed closely grouped near the center.
Next they were graded on their sword techniques. Each elf would go through steps and show how well they handle the sword while being watched by none other then Celeborn and Haldir. The thought of both of them watching her so closely was intimidating. Annis took a deep breath to calm her nerves and looked at Haldir who was standing with the usual arrogant look on his face. She knew she had to control her emotions and cleared her mind of Haldir. She watched as others went ahead her, listening as Haldir or Celeborn corrected them on hand or body position. Soon her turn came, taking a final deep breath she started the techniques. She let her body become one with the sword and easily moved from position to position. Before she knew it she had completed the test without one correction. She couldn’t believe it! She turned and bowed to both Haldir and Celeborn trying not to smile. Celeborn nodded slightly and managed a smug smile at her. Annis chose not to look directly at Haldir and rejoined her group failing to notice Haldir’s eyes following her. Celeborn watched both with interest.
The group moved to the final test – the obstacle course. Here they would be required to climb through trees, shoot targets, and dodge obstacles all within a time limit. Annis readied herself and pounced off the start line when given the signal. She climbed up a tree shooting targets from there. Down the tree, through the woods again engaging targets as she went. She sensed movement to her left and dodged a log as it crashed down. She ran as fast as she could, her lungs burning as she pushed her body through the many obstacles and trees. She saw the finish line and mustered the last of her strength. Once again she sensed something and swiftly dodged another log. She crossed the line and stood to the side catching her breath knowing that she was now a warden.
A hand touched her shoulder and turned to look into the eyes of Haldir.
“Congratulations Annis for you are now a warden. You have proved yourself beyond any doubt that you deserve this. Tomorrow you will start your first patrol, be at the field by the break of dawn.”
“Thank-you March Warden. I look forwardservserving Lady Galadriel and mme.”me.” She said maintaining a neutral tone.
He gave a nod and left. She hed hed as he left to talk to the other trainees. Varro came over, all smiles, and told her of a party for all the new wardens later that evening. She smiled slightly and departed the area, needing to be alone. She walked to her talan thinking about Haldir. She wanted to get him out of her mind but yet couldn’t. Every time she saw him she felt a need deep in her soul to be close to hi
Upon reaching her talan she grabbed a change of clothes and went to bathe. There were a few she-elves already bathing and she idly listened to them talked about the elves they fancied; who was single, whose heart was taken. She heard Haldir’s name mentioned and listen closely. One young elf she had not seen before said that she was determined to make him want her. The others laughed and joked that no she-elf could conquer his heart. Annis wasn’t sure how she felt hearing them talk about Haldir. Jealously? Anger? She got out leaving the young she-elves behind and swiftly changed. She hoped the party would bring some relief from thinking about Haldir. She walked towards the party.
As she arrived she could tell most new wardens were already there due to the loud talking. Seeing Varro she immediately went over and he handed her a mug of wine. She joined in talking to the others about the tests, hearing their stories. She laughed and joked with the others as the wine helped her banish Haldir from her mind. She was not sure how much she had drunk for it seemed, as her mug got empty it was magically filled. As the evening drew later, the crowd thinned out and Annis excused herself. The world seemed to spin as Annis walked to her talan and she found she had to rest a few times. She saw a package in front of her door and picked it up. Upon opening it she saw it was her warden’s tunic. She smiled to herself. She had done it; she was now a warden.
******
The next morning she awoke with a start when she saw how high the sun was. She had over slept. Her first day and she was going to be late! Annis dressed in her warden’s tunic and prepared her pack as quickly as she could. She ran out her talan and towards the meeting point.
As she rounded the corner she saw everyone gathered ariedried to quietly blend in. Haldir was at the front briefing and dividing the group up. She heard her name called and was paired with 2 other elves that she did not know. Haldir dismissed the group but called for her to remain for a moment. She could see the anger on his face as she slowly moved towards him.
“It was nice of you to join us this morning.” Haldir said with a sarcastic tone.
“I am sorry. I promise it will not happen again.” Annis felt her face redden. This was not how she wanted to start her first day.
“It is unacceptable behavior! Do not assume just because you made it through the tests that you can relax now. You can always be dismissed from the wardens.”
“Again, I am sorry. It was not intentional. I must have spent to much time at the…”
“Go now and join your patrol.” He said cutting her off as he turned and walked off.
Annis stood for a moment watching him walk off. She turned towards the 2 elves who were waiting for her. One of them stepped forward and touched her shoulder.
“Put it behind you. It will do nothing to dwell on it. Now come lets us go to our post before the ones we are to relieve yell at us!”
With that the 3 of them turned and left to the border. Her first day started and her desire to prove that she was up to the task burning in her belly. She wanted to prove to Haldir that she could be a warden but not just any warden one of the best.
******
As the days past Annis tried hard to impress Haldir. But it seemed that each time he was around, she managed to do something stupid. Whether it was slipping on a branch, falling out of a tree or dropping her equipment. Each time Haldir gave her a dissatisfied glance. Other than those times Annis was content with her life. Though new wardens were assigned to the safer borders she found patrolling exciting. She was almost sad after each patrol to leave the borders.
When in Caras Galadhon she spent much of her time with Varro and Elgaria whose relationship had blossomed now they seemed determined to get her setup with someone. But no matter whom they fixed her up with, Annis managed to find fault in them.
She now sat in a flet waiting for her to be relieved as her week patrol was coming to an end. hearheard a shout from below and saw that the relief had arrived. She jumped down and started the walk back to Caras Galadhon with the others. Over halfway there she noted that she had left her pack on the flet and turned to go and get it.
******
Haldir greeted the patrols coming as his mind slipped back to Annis. He knew why he was being so hard on her. He found it easier to be angry with her for it seemed to dull the pain in his heart. But no matter how many times he tried to maintain the anger, he still found himself longing for her. His dreams seemed to be full of her image, taunting him. He talked to a few of the senior wardens making sure all was well but his eyes secretly were looking for Annis who was due back. He saw the patrol Annis was assigned to but she was nowhere to be seen.
“Where is Annis?” He asked approaching the patrol.
“Sir, she had to go back for she left her pack behind.” One of the elves replied.
“And you let her go alone?”
“Aye, she assured us she would be alright.”
“You should know better than to ever let a warden go alone. You are a team until you enter Caras Galadhon.” Haldir felt his anger raising.
“Sorry sir. It was just that she was so insistent. We shall go back and get her.”
“Nay, I will go.”
Haldir turned and headed towards the wood contemplating what punishment she would be given. Forgetting her pack and then to go back by herself. What had she been thinking? As Haldir neared the border he suddenly sensed that something did not feel right. He looked up and saw that the usual outlooks where empty. Immediately drawing his bow, he moved closer to the borders as his sensitive ears heard the sounds of swords and arrows. Orcs! They must have attacked. They had never attempted to attack this side before and he knew a l a lot of the newer wardens were posted here.
Upon reaching a clearing he was greeted with a grim sight. The orc band was larger in numbers that usual. He quickly assessed the scene and saw many wardens lay injured. Over to the left he saw Annis was the only one still standing. In one hand she held her sword and the other hand held onto an injured elf. He saw the orcs closing in on her and without delay started to fire his arrows. Annis looked over and managed a small relieved smile upon seeing him. He knew the orcs outnumbered them and that help was needed. He saw an elf with an arrow imbedded in his arm and moved closer to him.
“Do you think you can climb into the flet?”
“I think so.”
“Good, climb up and blow the horn. We need reinforcements.”
With that he turned his attention back to the fight. He tired to make his way towards Annis but his arrival had gotten the attention of the orcs and now they were heading towards him. He could see Annis struggling with her footing as she dragged the injured elf to safety not noticing the orc behind her. He yelled out to her and fired an arrow at the orc. Then a blinding pain engulfed is head.
******
Annis heard Haldir yell and turned to see the orc fall as Haldir’s arrow imbedded in his chest. Annis tried to warn Haldir but it was too late as an orc snuck up and hit him on the head with a huge rock. Annis felt her heart jump into her throat as she saw blood pour from his head but he still turned to the orc and stabbed him. Another orc moved forward and cut Haldir’s leg, causing him to lose his balance. Hel tol to his knees, pain flashing on his face as another orc stabbed him in his chest. The final blow caused him to fall to the ground.
Annis laid the other elf down and started towards where Haldir lay. Suddenly a horn filled the air with it’s sound. The orcs knowing that it would bring reinforcements started their retreat. But not before they grabbed Haldir’s motionless body. Annis moved towards them, a fury like none she had ever felt before took over. She managed to down an orc close to the one carrying Haldir. The others turned their attention to her. A larger orc rushed forward making full body contact as he knocked her to the ground. She felt the air rush out of her lungs as she hit the hard ground. The orc then punched her in the face and the clearing faded as Annis lost consciousness.
******
Annis started to wake and wondered why her bed was so hard. She moved her hands to her head and found them bound together. She trie cle clear the fogginess in her mind by attempting to open her eyes and started to remember what had happened. She could hear the orcs talking to each other but only caught snippets. “Sell for quite a nice amount of gold…” “Always wanted an elf’s bow…” They must have taken me with them she thought. She forced her eyes open and saw Haldir next to her. She moved closer to him but found the task difficult since not only her hands were bound but also her feet were bound. She could see his chest raising and knew he was not dead. She softly whispered his name but got no reaction. She saw his face was covered in dried blood from the gash on his forehead. Her eyes traveled his body and could see the wounds on his leg and chest had caused much bleeding. She noted that he was only in his leggings and under tunic. Then looking at herself she saw she was the same. The orcs had taken everything.
She turned her attention to the orcs who were sitting by a fire holding their prizes. She had a good idea what their plans for her and Haldir where. re wre were many out there who would pay a good amount of gold to own an elf. She shuddered as she thought about it. She had to get them out of here. She rolled to her side managing to grab a sharp rock and slowly started to cut the ties on her hands. She had to stop a few times and pretend to be unconscious as the orcs checked on them. Finally her hands were free and she was able to untie her feet. Then she turned her attention to Haldir. By now the orcs where starting to sleep which gave her a chance to gently undo Haldir’s hands and feet. She stroked his face hoping to wake him. He softly moaned and his eyes flickered open. She talked to him softly explaining what happened. He nodded slightly, acknowledging he had heard her.
Suddenly an orc rushed into the camp yelling that a human band was coming. She watched as the orc fell to his knees revealing a large spear in his back. The other orcs jumped up and ran towards the humans who were entering the campsite. Annis sensed this was the time to escape. She pulled Haldir up and headed towards a group of rocks. She could see that the rocks went for quite a while and would give them cover. Haldir was weak and barely able to walk. Annis held onto him tightly and half carried him to the rocks. Annis placed Haldir behind the rocks and looked back on the camp. By the firelight she could see that the humans had outnumbered the orcs and that no orcs where left alive.
She held Haldir close to her and waited for the humans to leave. Haldir was no longer conscious and she knew she had to get Haldir help quickly for she was no healer. Then the night sky opened up and rained poured down. Annis looked around and saw an alcove that would provide shelter. Mustering the last of her strength, she carried Haldir towards the shelter. It was not a very big alcove and Annis had to cradle Haldir in her arms to make sure they both got underneath. Huddled with Haldir in her arms she fell into a restless sleep.
Author: Elfgirl69
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: NC-17
Genre: romance
WARNING: Adult themes, sex
Disclaimer: I own no one from The Lord Of The Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of
this story.
Feedback: Yes please!
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: Annis is drawn to Caras Galadhon to find her life’s path and love.
Chapter 5 – Becoming a Warden
The day of the tests had finally arrived and Annis stepped onto the training field lining up next to the other trainees. Three weeks had passed since the incident with Haldir and she had become even more determined to be a warden putting all her energy and anger into training.
Orophin approached and explained the tests to the trainees. The 4 parts of the test consisted of archery, swordplay, an obstacle course and an oral exam on history. He then broke the line down into 4 smaller groups. Each group starting a different part of the test, once completed they would then rotate to the next test. Annis was happy to see Varro was in her group and moved to stand next to him.
Annis’ group started with the history portion. Each trainee approached a small tent, which housed an elf who would test them. Annis knew Celeborn and Galadriel were among those asking questions but had heard rumors Haldir also would be one of the examiners. As she entered the tent she hoped that Haldir would not be awaiting her. She was relieved to see Celeborn and bowed to him. He nodded and simply asked if she was ready. She replied yes and he started asking questions. After what seemed forever to her, Celeborn finally smiled:
“Very good Annis. You have only failed to answer 1 question correctly. You may leave the tent and wait for the others to finish. I wish you luck on the other tests.”
“Thank-you.” Annis bowed and departed the tent as quick as she could.
She saw only 1 other trainee who had finished and walked over to him. He asked her how many she missed and said he missed 2 questions. Soon others joined them each talking about the questions. Varro was the last to finish. He smiled widely at Annis as he exited the tent.
“Well how many did you get wrong?” Annis asked.
“None! Haldir was being tricky but he didn’t fool me.”
Annis was relieved that she had not gotten Haldir. She knew that even with all her anger, she still desired him. And was not sure she could have kept control of her feelings. Her thoughts were interrupted as Orophin came over and lead the group to the archery range. There they each had a target and were required to fire 6 arrows to demonstrate their skills. Annis found this easy. All her arrows landed closely grouped near the center.
Next they were graded on their sword techniques. Each elf would go through steps and show how well they handle the sword while being watched by none other then Celeborn and Haldir. The thought of both of them watching her so closely was intimidating. Annis took a deep breath to calm her nerves and looked at Haldir who was standing with the usual arrogant look on his face. She knew she had to control her emotions and cleared her mind of Haldir. She watched as others went ahead her, listening as Haldir or Celeborn corrected them on hand or body position. Soon her turn came, taking a final deep breath she started the techniques. She let her body become one with the sword and easily moved from position to position. Before she knew it she had completed the test without one correction. She couldn’t believe it! She turned and bowed to both Haldir and Celeborn trying not to smile. Celeborn nodded slightly and managed a smug smile at her. Annis chose not to look directly at Haldir and rejoined her group failing to notice Haldir’s eyes following her. Celeborn watched both with interest.
The group moved to the final test – the obstacle course. Here they would be required to climb through trees, shoot targets, and dodge obstacles all within a time limit. Annis readied herself and pounced off the start line when given the signal. She climbed up a tree shooting targets from there. Down the tree, through the woods again engaging targets as she went. She sensed movement to her left and dodged a log as it crashed down. She ran as fast as she could, her lungs burning as she pushed her body through the many obstacles and trees. She saw the finish line and mustered the last of her strength. Once again she sensed something and swiftly dodged another log. She crossed the line and stood to the side catching her breath knowing that she was now a warden.
A hand touched her shoulder and turned to look into the eyes of Haldir.
“Congratulations Annis for you are now a warden. You have proved yourself beyond any doubt that you deserve this. Tomorrow you will start your first patrol, be at the field by the break of dawn.”
“Thank-you March Warden. I look forwardservserving Lady Galadriel and mme.”me.” She said maintaining a neutral tone.
He gave a nod and left. She hed hed as he left to talk to the other trainees. Varro came over, all smiles, and told her of a party for all the new wardens later that evening. She smiled slightly and departed the area, needing to be alone. She walked to her talan thinking about Haldir. She wanted to get him out of her mind but yet couldn’t. Every time she saw him she felt a need deep in her soul to be close to hi
Upon reaching her talan she grabbed a change of clothes and went to bathe. There were a few she-elves already bathing and she idly listened to them talked about the elves they fancied; who was single, whose heart was taken. She heard Haldir’s name mentioned and listen closely. One young elf she had not seen before said that she was determined to make him want her. The others laughed and joked that no she-elf could conquer his heart. Annis wasn’t sure how she felt hearing them talk about Haldir. Jealously? Anger? She got out leaving the young she-elves behind and swiftly changed. She hoped the party would bring some relief from thinking about Haldir. She walked towards the party.
As she arrived she could tell most new wardens were already there due to the loud talking. Seeing Varro she immediately went over and he handed her a mug of wine. She joined in talking to the others about the tests, hearing their stories. She laughed and joked with the others as the wine helped her banish Haldir from her mind. She was not sure how much she had drunk for it seemed, as her mug got empty it was magically filled. As the evening drew later, the crowd thinned out and Annis excused herself. The world seemed to spin as Annis walked to her talan and she found she had to rest a few times. She saw a package in front of her door and picked it up. Upon opening it she saw it was her warden’s tunic. She smiled to herself. She had done it; she was now a warden.
******
The next morning she awoke with a start when she saw how high the sun was. She had over slept. Her first day and she was going to be late! Annis dressed in her warden’s tunic and prepared her pack as quickly as she could. She ran out her talan and towards the meeting point.
As she rounded the corner she saw everyone gathered ariedried to quietly blend in. Haldir was at the front briefing and dividing the group up. She heard her name called and was paired with 2 other elves that she did not know. Haldir dismissed the group but called for her to remain for a moment. She could see the anger on his face as she slowly moved towards him.
“It was nice of you to join us this morning.” Haldir said with a sarcastic tone.
“I am sorry. I promise it will not happen again.” Annis felt her face redden. This was not how she wanted to start her first day.
“It is unacceptable behavior! Do not assume just because you made it through the tests that you can relax now. You can always be dismissed from the wardens.”
“Again, I am sorry. It was not intentional. I must have spent to much time at the…”
“Go now and join your patrol.” He said cutting her off as he turned and walked off.
Annis stood for a moment watching him walk off. She turned towards the 2 elves who were waiting for her. One of them stepped forward and touched her shoulder.
“Put it behind you. It will do nothing to dwell on it. Now come lets us go to our post before the ones we are to relieve yell at us!”
With that the 3 of them turned and left to the border. Her first day started and her desire to prove that she was up to the task burning in her belly. She wanted to prove to Haldir that she could be a warden but not just any warden one of the best.
******
As the days past Annis tried hard to impress Haldir. But it seemed that each time he was around, she managed to do something stupid. Whether it was slipping on a branch, falling out of a tree or dropping her equipment. Each time Haldir gave her a dissatisfied glance. Other than those times Annis was content with her life. Though new wardens were assigned to the safer borders she found patrolling exciting. She was almost sad after each patrol to leave the borders.
When in Caras Galadhon she spent much of her time with Varro and Elgaria whose relationship had blossomed now they seemed determined to get her setup with someone. But no matter whom they fixed her up with, Annis managed to find fault in them.
She now sat in a flet waiting for her to be relieved as her week patrol was coming to an end. hearheard a shout from below and saw that the relief had arrived. She jumped down and started the walk back to Caras Galadhon with the others. Over halfway there she noted that she had left her pack on the flet and turned to go and get it.
******
Haldir greeted the patrols coming as his mind slipped back to Annis. He knew why he was being so hard on her. He found it easier to be angry with her for it seemed to dull the pain in his heart. But no matter how many times he tried to maintain the anger, he still found himself longing for her. His dreams seemed to be full of her image, taunting him. He talked to a few of the senior wardens making sure all was well but his eyes secretly were looking for Annis who was due back. He saw the patrol Annis was assigned to but she was nowhere to be seen.
“Where is Annis?” He asked approaching the patrol.
“Sir, she had to go back for she left her pack behind.” One of the elves replied.
“And you let her go alone?”
“Aye, she assured us she would be alright.”
“You should know better than to ever let a warden go alone. You are a team until you enter Caras Galadhon.” Haldir felt his anger raising.
“Sorry sir. It was just that she was so insistent. We shall go back and get her.”
“Nay, I will go.”
Haldir turned and headed towards the wood contemplating what punishment she would be given. Forgetting her pack and then to go back by herself. What had she been thinking? As Haldir neared the border he suddenly sensed that something did not feel right. He looked up and saw that the usual outlooks where empty. Immediately drawing his bow, he moved closer to the borders as his sensitive ears heard the sounds of swords and arrows. Orcs! They must have attacked. They had never attempted to attack this side before and he knew a l a lot of the newer wardens were posted here.
Upon reaching a clearing he was greeted with a grim sight. The orc band was larger in numbers that usual. He quickly assessed the scene and saw many wardens lay injured. Over to the left he saw Annis was the only one still standing. In one hand she held her sword and the other hand held onto an injured elf. He saw the orcs closing in on her and without delay started to fire his arrows. Annis looked over and managed a small relieved smile upon seeing him. He knew the orcs outnumbered them and that help was needed. He saw an elf with an arrow imbedded in his arm and moved closer to him.
“Do you think you can climb into the flet?”
“I think so.”
“Good, climb up and blow the horn. We need reinforcements.”
With that he turned his attention back to the fight. He tired to make his way towards Annis but his arrival had gotten the attention of the orcs and now they were heading towards him. He could see Annis struggling with her footing as she dragged the injured elf to safety not noticing the orc behind her. He yelled out to her and fired an arrow at the orc. Then a blinding pain engulfed is head.
******
Annis heard Haldir yell and turned to see the orc fall as Haldir’s arrow imbedded in his chest. Annis tried to warn Haldir but it was too late as an orc snuck up and hit him on the head with a huge rock. Annis felt her heart jump into her throat as she saw blood pour from his head but he still turned to the orc and stabbed him. Another orc moved forward and cut Haldir’s leg, causing him to lose his balance. Hel tol to his knees, pain flashing on his face as another orc stabbed him in his chest. The final blow caused him to fall to the ground.
Annis laid the other elf down and started towards where Haldir lay. Suddenly a horn filled the air with it’s sound. The orcs knowing that it would bring reinforcements started their retreat. But not before they grabbed Haldir’s motionless body. Annis moved towards them, a fury like none she had ever felt before took over. She managed to down an orc close to the one carrying Haldir. The others turned their attention to her. A larger orc rushed forward making full body contact as he knocked her to the ground. She felt the air rush out of her lungs as she hit the hard ground. The orc then punched her in the face and the clearing faded as Annis lost consciousness.
******
Annis started to wake and wondered why her bed was so hard. She moved her hands to her head and found them bound together. She trie cle clear the fogginess in her mind by attempting to open her eyes and started to remember what had happened. She could hear the orcs talking to each other but only caught snippets. “Sell for quite a nice amount of gold…” “Always wanted an elf’s bow…” They must have taken me with them she thought. She forced her eyes open and saw Haldir next to her. She moved closer to him but found the task difficult since not only her hands were bound but also her feet were bound. She could see his chest raising and knew he was not dead. She softly whispered his name but got no reaction. She saw his face was covered in dried blood from the gash on his forehead. Her eyes traveled his body and could see the wounds on his leg and chest had caused much bleeding. She noted that he was only in his leggings and under tunic. Then looking at herself she saw she was the same. The orcs had taken everything.
She turned her attention to the orcs who were sitting by a fire holding their prizes. She had a good idea what their plans for her and Haldir where. re wre were many out there who would pay a good amount of gold to own an elf. She shuddered as she thought about it. She had to get them out of here. She rolled to her side managing to grab a sharp rock and slowly started to cut the ties on her hands. She had to stop a few times and pretend to be unconscious as the orcs checked on them. Finally her hands were free and she was able to untie her feet. Then she turned her attention to Haldir. By now the orcs where starting to sleep which gave her a chance to gently undo Haldir’s hands and feet. She stroked his face hoping to wake him. He softly moaned and his eyes flickered open. She talked to him softly explaining what happened. He nodded slightly, acknowledging he had heard her.
Suddenly an orc rushed into the camp yelling that a human band was coming. She watched as the orc fell to his knees revealing a large spear in his back. The other orcs jumped up and ran towards the humans who were entering the campsite. Annis sensed this was the time to escape. She pulled Haldir up and headed towards a group of rocks. She could see that the rocks went for quite a while and would give them cover. Haldir was weak and barely able to walk. Annis held onto him tightly and half carried him to the rocks. Annis placed Haldir behind the rocks and looked back on the camp. By the firelight she could see that the humans had outnumbered the orcs and that no orcs where left alive.
She held Haldir close to her and waited for the humans to leave. Haldir was no longer conscious and she knew she had to get Haldir help quickly for she was no healer. Then the night sky opened up and rained poured down. Annis looked around and saw an alcove that would provide shelter. Mustering the last of her strength, she carried Haldir towards the shelter. It was not a very big alcove and Annis had to cradle Haldir in her arms to make sure they both got underneath. Huddled with Haldir in her arms she fell into a restless sleep.