The White City

The White City

Chapter 5
Author: Frosty the Unicorn
Codes: Legolas, Haldir, Elrond, Boromir, Eowyn, Faramir, OC, N/C, AU
Rated: NC-17
Summary: In Middle-earth, the elves are a race of renegades and slaves.
Disclamier: Not min'Cep'Cept Narawen.
Elvish Translations are at the bottom of the page.

*

"Damn mortals. They didn't even give us our weapons back. I really liked that bow." Haldir stood with his hands on his hips as he glared at the backs of the horses riding away. Aragorn's guards had escorted them away from the city, leaving them in the middle of a field, several miles from the forests and the mountains.

Legolas was tired. He had remained awake all night, trying to figure out some way to help Naraweforefore they left. As the hours had passed, his concern for her well-being grew greater. If she did not know they had been released, and continued searching for clues as to why they had been captured, she could very easily be caught.

He had enough blood on his hands. He didn't want hers to be there as well.

"Why are you sitting down?" asked the Marchwarden as the archer lowered himself to the dry ground. "We should leave before they change their minds." "T "They won't change their minds," said Elrond impatiently. His dark eyes gazed down at the young elf. "You've been distracted for quite some while now, Legolas. Do you still worry for the girl?"

"I do," he said, sifting dirt through his fingers, "I know she is but one, but it has been a long while since any have been saved. I feel I must do something."

Haldir sighed and narrowed his eyes at the bright sun. "What would you do? Break into Minas Tirith and smuggle her out?"

He looked up. "Do you have a better idea?"

"Don't be foolish. You will get yourself killed." The Marchwarden lowered himself on the grass beside Legolas and raised an eyebrow. "And her as well."

"Is she not already dead, in a way? Does she not suffer at the hands of men every day? Elrond, this will all be for naught if we do nothing. Our capture has gained us nothing, except the knowledge that the innocent are still being corrupted. Since when does the noble race of elves leave one of their own behind?"

Elrond smiled softly. "You speak well, but it is a suicide mission."

Rising to his feet, Legolas hardened his expression. "Then it is a suicide mission." He looked down at Haldir and and smiled. "When have you ever turned down one of those?"

Taking a deep breath, Haldir slowly rose to his feet and took care in brushing the dirt from his leggings. "Legolas, unless you have lost your will to live, I truly don't understand your passion for this. However, you are my friend, and Elrond deems this inappropriate. Therefore I will accompany you on this...mission."

Elrond glared at the smirk that covered the Marchwarden's face. "You are willing to risk your life for this one girl?"

It felt good to have no question in his mind. "I am." Legolas smiled, feeling strong in this decision. If they could rescue her, their capture will not have been in vain.

Sighing, the dark elf s his his head. "If this is the will of you both, I will assist. Far be it for me to be the lone dissident."

Crossing his arms, Haldir turned to Legolas with an expectant expression. "So, what is your plan, my prince?"

A gentle breeze blew the hair around his face as he frowned in thought.

*

Narawen had spent much of the day in her rooms, not wanting to socialize or speak with anyone, wishing to avoid both Eowyn and Faramir, hoping that something, anything, would turn her life around.

She didn't even realize when darkness began creeping through her room. The light of day was dimming, and as she blinked up at the open window, she realized she had been laying there all day. Her stomach grumbled painfully. She had forgotten to eat.

"Nin galu meth," she murmured in her own tongue, having remembered a few stray words from her early years with her own people. It pained her, knowing there was a world out there that she belonged in but would never have the chance to experience. And now everything she had in this world was in jeopardy.

Closing her eyes, she wished urgently for sleep. She was so tired, but the ache in her heart kept her awake.

A knock at the door made her eyelids flutter open. Knitting her brow, she sat up in bed and stared through the dusky light to where the sound had come from. Who would be visiting her? "Come in," she said, pushing the covers off and swinging her feet to the floor.

The door slowly opened to reveal Eowyn. Narawen frowned as she entered. Her face was hard, and a little fearful. As she stood, she realized why. Behind her was someone Narawen thought she would never see again.

"Lady Eowyn," she breathed, looking from her to the elf, "What's going on?"

Legolas looked wary, as if he thought capture was imminent. "Narawen," he said as his eyes darted around the room, "We're here to take you with us." He held out his hand.

She was worried. Her eyes moved to Eowyn, who looked angry and frightened. Hesitating, she asked, "Why is sere?ere?"

"We didn't know how to find you." Legolas frowned when Narawen did not move forward. "Will you not come with me? Haldir is keeping watch. We don't have much time."

"You should go." Eowyn crossed her arms, glaring at the elf before softening her expression and looking at her servant. "I don't know if I can protect you from Faramir."

Legolas frowned. When he held out his hand again, Narawen took it gently. "I'm sorry, my lady," she whispered.

Eowyn nodded. "Go."

"Wait." Legolas moved Narawen towards the door before turning back to the human. "I can't allow you to remain here."

Grabbing his arm, Narawen felt sudden panic. "Don't hurt her!"

His eyes were gentle. "I won't hurt her," he said, looking back, "But I can't take the chance that you will alert the King to our presence. Forgive me for this, my lady."

Eowyn was still as Legolas bound her wrists and ankles with rope, pulled from one of his pockets. He sat her down upon the bed and gagged her. Narawen felt nothing but fear as she watched him tie her down. "I don't like this," she muttered, tensing her hands, "She's my friend."

Legolas looked up, frowning sadly. "She's your mistress. You're a slave here."

Eowyn's bright eyes looked at Narawen once more before she closed them. The elf couldn't tell what emotions or thoughts were going through her mistress' mind. A warm hand took hers, then, and pulled her eyes from the form of the human. Legolas didn't speak as he quietly took Narawen from the room, closing the door behind them.

Her heart raced as they moved with stealth towards the exit of the building. A form came into view near the window, and her abdomen tensed in fear when Haldir's blue eyes flashed at her. "It's about time," he growled quietly, opening the door and looking around before exiting into the night.

Legolas' hand clasped hers tightly as they moved through the streets of Minas Tirith. It all seemed so unreal to her, as though it were a dream. They swiftly made their way down the empty levels of Minas Tirith, hiding in the dark shadows of buildings whenever a guard happened by. They were fast and quiet, and very observant. When they arrived on the lowest level, Narawen saw Elrond waiting for them near a side gate.

Narawen didn't question why they were so unarmed, or why they didn't take horses. She could barely think straight as she slid through the gate and set foot on the soil outside the city. As the wind caressed her face, she felt suddenly relieved. She had not been outside the walls of Minas Tirith since she was captured.

"Quickly," breathed Legolas as he again took her hand and led her forth. They ran across the barren field and headed over the hills. Her breathing became rapid as she gazed out over the land. They were miles from cover.

"They're going to catch us," she whispered, "We won't be able to make it to the woods."

Legolas glanced back as he took them further and further from the city. "We'll make it. As long as we get there before dawn, we'll be alright."

Adrenaline rushed through Narawen's body. She could think of nothing else but escape as they continued on. Her legs felt like rubber as they ran, and she found herself wondering if Eowyn would forever hate her for what had occured.

*

TBC

Elf-Speak:
Nin galu meth. - My blessings' end.