867/The Plight of Legolas

The Plight of Legolas
Date of Scene:	28 October 2014
Location:	Middle Earth
Synopsis:	Under contract to kill Thranduil, Gaffgarion lures Legolas into a trap, and then waits for his real quarry. Thranduil is quite a bit more than the Ivalician sellsword can handle, though...
Cast of Characters:	493, 592

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Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    It's a strange letter that arrives to the elven king of Mirkwood this eve. Strange... and likely enough to make Thranduil's blood run cold. It's in Legolas's handwriting. And may or may not show signs of stress. Either way, the letter's contents will probably bring more than a little consternation to the king.

Thranduil, Elf-King of Mirkwood,

I have with me a young man of pale skin and hair, pointed of ears and delicate of face. He tells me his name is Legolas, and that he is your son. My name is Goffard Gaffgarion, and I am not from your world. However I find myself in need of an audience with you, under orders from another party. So much in need of an audience, in fact, that I insist your son remain with me until you come to the clearing outside the Forsaken Inn as one travels in the direction of Bree.

You have one day's time-- come alone. Else I will cleave his head from his shoulders as soon as your army fires upon me. If I do not at the very least receive word that you are on your way in that time, I will begin the process of sending your son back to you. A piece at a time.

Though I may keep his ears. They would do for an appropriate trophy.

--Goffard Gaffgarion

    And sure enough, there are a trio of figures in the appointed place should Thranduil appear. The appointed place is a clearing far enough away from the forest that hiding elves within it to keep them at hand would be difficult. There is a large black bird there with glossy feathers; it wears tack for riding, and barding. A war-mount.

    It's bent down to examine and occasionally peck at the clothing and hair of a blond fellow-- clearly an elf-- who's been bound hand and foot, and then his arms and legs tied up. And also tied DOWN, it seems, his bonds tacked to the ground with tent stakes. Whoever did this didn't want him escaping. He may be bruised up a bit, maybe a bit scorched-- Choco Meteor is a rather painful and EXTREMELY unexpected attack, but it isn't instantly deadly.

    And who did it? The third figure in the clearing, presumably. It's a large, muscular man in brown armor that sports horns on the helm. A blood-red sword that very likely makes any good and pure creature wish to be anywhere but near it is set point-down on the ground. His visor is up, and he waits patiently.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     When Thranduil finishes reading the message that had been sent to him, he crumples it up and balls his hands into fists. He rises to is feet from his throne and walks with purpose past his guards. "I will return, I have an important matter to attend to that needs immediate attention. Double the guard at all borders and all gates until my return."

     The Elvenking arrives at the appointed location riding his trusty Elk. He is wearing his battle armor and a simple crown made of braided silver with a goldish colored jewel at the top of his forehead. Dismounting and letting his Elk go to safety, he keeps one hand on his sword as he approaches.

     "I am here." is all he says as his ice blue eyes take in the scene, a frown upon his lips.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    At Thranduil's approach, the black bird looks up, giving a curious 'Wark?' in the elven king's direction. As he notes the approach Gaffgarion picks up his sword and places it in front of Legolas, to block him in case the elf tries to leap forward in his bonds. "So you are," he replies. His voice is rough but strong. This is no smarmy master of deception. This is a warrior.

    "You are Thranduil, aye?" he inquires. Presuming there's an affirmative response, he continues, "I am Goffard Gaffgarion. As you can see, your son is still safe." Pause, looks to the elf prince. "Including his ears," he adds, referencing the letter. Then he looks to Thranduil again. "Now. As for what I require you for."

    Here he shifts-- oh dear, that's a tensing for battle. He whistles at the chocobo and it warks again, heading back in the direction of the inn. "What I require you for is this. Someone you know all too well has hired me to deliver a message. By eliminating you with as much prejudice as I can muster."

    Shield is raised, sword is readied. "Decide, elf-king. Fight me here and your son goes free. Refuse and he dies here."

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil draws his ornate sword with a flourish. "Yes, I am Thranduil. I have never heard of you, I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage." The somewhat smug Elvenking stops a short distance away.

     "If it is a fight you want, it is a fight you shall have."

     The Sindaran Elf is a man of few words. He isn't above monologing when the situation is appropriate, but when his son, his only heir to the throne, is in danger, actions will speak louder than words. He takes a defensive posture, holding his sword along his arm. It seems a bit unconventional, but Thranduil has never been a conventional man.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    "Good," Gaffgarion replies. Pointing to Legolas with his sword, "He stays here until a victor is decided. Else there is nothing to stop him aiding you in combat should I free him now." Pointing now slightly to the left of their current position. "We will fight there, so he is out of immediate danger. Should discourage you from using your magic." Pause. "Of course you know that if any of your subjects charges through the wood to free him or aid you, he still dies, aye?"

    Oddly, this man speaks of this situation as thought it's no more than a checklist. As if he expects Thranduil to know exactly how this works... as if he expects Thranduil to be CALM AND RATIONAL about his son's life being essentially traded for his own. This is clearly business. Nothing personal to him. This is all a matter of course for him. He cares not whether he kills Legolas in the course of completing his job for his unknown client.

    Perhaps that is the most disturbing thing about this all.

    He readies his sword for battle. It's a Blood Sword, a sword that drains the very life from those it draws the blood of. No blood is being drawn yet, but the blade is so full of malice, hate, and all the fell things the elves despise that even looking upon a blade like this must be an additional torture for both the elves.

    He's also looking at Thranduil and his sword. High stance, but ready to block low if necessary. Watch for overhead blows. Thin, curved, single-edged sword. A slashing blade, but that clipped point may offer stopping power enough for a stab. He'll need to be careful of both-- there are seams between his armor that are thick enough for a blade that thin to get between. However a blade that small may be thin enough to break. But he's not banking on it; elves are supposed to be magical, aren't they? Adding to that the effect of Aura. Meaning the weapon is probably supernaturally strong.

    A long moment of silence follows. Thranduil has two cues that it's about to end. First is the pulling down of his visor. The second... is the horrible smirk that pulls lopsidedly at Gaffgarion's face. And he charges to swing at the elven king. It's nowhere near has hard as he can swing. The experienced in combat will see it's a probing strike. He's testing Thranduil first.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil stares down Goffard with a steely gaze. On the outside he appears calm and rational. Inside, he's at his utmost boiling point and is just a few seconds away from striking like a snake coiled in the grass. For now, he only has one sword drawn, but he has another on his other hip, perhaps partially concealed by his cloak. Overall, he looks like he is dressed for a ceremony rather than a battle, but Elves always had fantastic craftsmanship. Why shouldn't one look good while being protected?

     When Goffard comes at him, Thranduil stands still, measuring his speed and the intensity of his swing. When he becomes too close for comfort, Thranduil swiftly dodges with a quick turn, snapping his arm out to try and deliver a blow with his sword to the man's back. It's with the non bladed side, perhaps also meant to test out his opponent and see how he reacts. He is a lot stronger than he looks but hasn't used his full strength either.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    There are certain points on the human body that hurt tremendously when hit. They send pain flaring through the body from that point as surely as if one had been struck by lightning at that very spot. Thranduil may not have used his full strength but, whether by accident or by design, the flat of his blade struck Gaffgarion PRECISELY in one of these areas on his back. The elven king will thus receive the pleasure of seeing and hearing the results of such a strike. In this case a bitten-off "AUGH!", a pained arch, and a forward tumble.

    He doesn't stay on the ground long, however. Gaffgarion is nothing if not tenacious. "Good strike," he compliments as he stands. "Excellent strike." He works his shield arm. He speaks as if they're only sparring. Which is simultaneously ridiculous and possibly a little insulting. And speaking of insulting? Gaffgarion's about do to something Thranduil is probably REALLY going to hate. He raises his shield arm, the fingers of that hand in a clawed configuration. Magic gathers above his hand, the raw mana turning red and orange... Is... is it... is that... is he...?

    It is. And yes, he is.

    Gaffgation chants something under his breath, clearly a magical incantation. The words translate roughly into something that Thranduil is probably going to hate even more. And hate HIM even more for using.

    "Destruction of nature, gather in flame!"

    And as he thrusts his hand in Thranduil's direction, a gout of flame appears. Not literally from his hand, though. The fire seems to leap from the earth below the elven king and tries to wrap around him like a great, fiery serpent!

    Either Gaffgarion is intentionally trying to make Thranduil hate him-- who uses FIRE against an elf whose kingdom is IN THE FOREST?!-- or he's a fool.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil's anger is reaching the point where it is about to overflow. Elves are very emotional people, but as King, Thranduil has always had to keep his cool. He levels those cool blue eyes upon Gafgarion, holding his sword out at his side, head tilted back as if looking down at him.

     Thranduil has issues with fire. And dragons. When the attack hits him, he quickly shields his face and head from attack. It's an instinct, from back in the days when he hunted dragons. He writhes and gasps, twisting around. Something inside him snaps, though, and he emits a loud cry, throwing his arms out at his sides to try and dispel the flames. Despite it being wrapped around him, he manages to move forth, trying to use his own spell against him, while slashing out with his sword.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    Gaffgarion grins at the cry. And makes the mistake of being a little petty. "Might that be burning hair I smell?" he calls out. "Or your majestic eyebrows? Such a pity about that, they're quite-- GYAH!"

    Unfortunately he doesn't get any farther than that. Because suddenly there's a burning sword being swung at his face! And what's on his face? His MUSTACHE! Which ends up getting singed by the dying flames. In addition to him getting slapped in the side of the head with a flaming sword. They just didn't die fast enough.

    Is that burning hair Thranduil smells? Or just Gaffgarion's prodigious mustache? Which is now slightly less prodigious.

    He has to take a moment to put out his mustache. He doesn't comment, though. Probably because despite him acting like this is all fun and games, he knows there's no time to complain about unfair use of his own spell. Besides, it's not like Gaffgarion plays fair. He totally expects someone to return the favor.

    Anyway, it's back to swordplay for him. He's hoping to catch Thranduil while he's still flailing, but knows that's not likely. So instead he makes a feign strike for the elven king's arm. But at the last moment redirects to try and strike Thranduil hard with the pommel of his sword.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil emits a grunt when he's hit with the pommel of the sword, throwing him off balance and making the world spin around. He finds himself crashing to the ground with a clank of his ornate armor. He doesn't go down that easily though and climbs to his feet, a bit winded. He still manages to look fabulous, of course. Elven armor doesn't show scratches easily.

     Once he's up, Thranduil rises to his full 6'5 height and tilts his head back to look down at the other man whether he's taller than him or not. "You will not goad me so easily, outsider. I have gone easy on you because I do not believe you are familiar with the fighting prowess of the Elves. Allow me to demonstrate."

     Thranduil draws his second sword, darting forward with speed and attempting to whack him in the side with the blunt end of one while making a slicing motion with the other, aimed for his upper thigh.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    Elves are fast. REALLY fast. So fast that a human can't possibly hope to match them at full speed. That is the case here, too. Thranduil's dual-sword style doesn't take Gaffgarion off guard-- he'd seen the second sword, after all. What DOES take him off guard is the sheer speed of the elf-king's strike. The whack in the side hurts, enough to get him stumbling the other direction. But his thigh is covered with armor, and with his sideways step, it didn't quite make contact with an unarmored place. It did, however, hurt like hell and raise sparks from the dark armor.

    Gaffgarion darts back out of range with surprising quickness. Not as fast as an elf, but quick for a fully-armored human. "Oho, so the gloves have come off then, have they?" Unseen behind his visor, his eyes narrow. His voice possesses a growl as he agrees, "So be it then." And then he raises his sword into the air.

    The sense that something is horribly WRONG is almost instantaneous. Even before he speaks. More chanting, something that translates roughly into "Master of all swords, cut energy!" And then he points that sword at Thranduil. He's far out of melee range. But it turns out that's fine.

    The sense of WRONG-ness increases exponentially as the area seems to darken noticeably. A growl appears, sounding as though it echoes up from the ground underneath Thranduil. And a large, stylized eye appears above the elf-king, the shape blazing with dark golden power. It opens, crimson energy pouring to the ground like bloody tears. As the energy touches the ground, it SNAPS up into a blade, appearing to pierce the open eye. The eye and the darkness both disappear...

    But even the sensation of that energy NEAR Thranduil just feels WRONG in every way. That power was one of darkness and shadows. And if it hits, the elf-king will feel his strength being drained away... into Gaffgarion!

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil rarely looks overly worried, but when that sensation of darkness begins to tug at his very soul, the Elvenking looks concerned. He averts his eyes, bringing one forearm up to shield himself from the oncoming dark. A gasp escapes his lips as the ground around him seems very wrong. He regains command of his senses long enough to try and dodge, but it hits him and he falls to his hands and knees, feeling part of his strength leaving him.

     He doesn't waste too much time being down, just like before, but it takes him longer to climb to his feet. His swords scrape against the ground as he's chanting in Sindaran in a low tone. It starts to sound as though it is echoing through the land until he's reached his full height when he speaks the final word and a flash of light accompanies his sword strike, aiming for Goffard's side, hoping to strike through a gap in the armor.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    Gaffgarion had been waiting for a normal strike, and had raised his shield to block. The flash of light however, hurt his eyes-- apparently his visor doesn't have flare-reducing lenses. This shifted his attention, and Thranduil will feel the unmistakeable sensation of the sword striking flesh as the blade strikes true between the plates at his torso and waist. And a choked "Hrk!" from Gaffgarion.

    Being unable to see for the moment, he can't really aim a sword strike just yet, or risk completely missing. He can, however, lash out in the direction the sword strike came from. Thranduil may have moved in that time, but until his eyes clear up, that's about all he can do.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil throws himself into a twirl, trying to dodge Gaffarion's attack. He gets a little too close to his lashing out, however and catches his blade across the shoulder. The blow draws blood, and he lands on his feet, staggering back and holding the damaged arm. He seems momentarily stunned, but then looks up and sees Legolas bound and under threat. He sets his jaw firmly and starts /running/ toward Gaffgarion, pushing back the pain and spinning to strike out with one sword, then again to strike in the other direction. He is in 'srs bznis' mode and isn't going to allow this man to harm his only son and heir. A primal cry escapes at the top of his lungs before he even knows it's happening, those ice blue eyes wild.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    Ah-ha! THAT'S what Gaffgarion wanted to see! Rage. Anger. He wanted to see the base emotions behind that cool elven facade. Because at that level he can gauge an opponent much better. An opponent can also be made to slip up.

    Except rage also gives strength. Particularly when it's the kind of righteous indignation and paternal anger invoked when threatening someone's child. And in this case it pays off tremendously for Thranduil. His vision is slow to clear... and it does so JUST as Thranduil is striking at him. The first sword slams into the seam at his shoulder; the second kicks his leg out from under him.

    He falls to a knee, catching himself with his shield arm. He's down! But not out. Which becomes clear momentarily. Because as soon as Thranduil is close enough? HEADBUTT! Unfortunately, due to where he is, this is liable to be in some, uh, not very nice places. Gaffgarion does not follow that unspoken rule amongst men when fighting apparently.

    Hit or miss, he's going to get to his feet and get some distance after this. Can't have an angry elfdad with a sword near his throat, after all!

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     So far, they've been almost perfectly matched blow for blow, but there's still a ways to go yet. Thranduil is taken to the ground when Goffard headbutts him. Fortunately his armor makes that blow a little less terrible, but still it's very uncomfortable.

     Goffard may get some distance between them, but that isn't going to stop him. He doesn't run, but he walks toward him at a brisk pace, those eyebrows furrowed in extreme disapproval. Drawing a deep breath, he summons all his strength and makes a quick move. He may be six thousand years old, but he's still quite spry and locked in his physical prime for...well, forever. With a grunt, he pulls a bit of a move out of the Matrix, using the dirt ground to slide, arching his back backward. The ends of his hair trail in the dirt behind him as he swipes out one arm to try and hit him hard in the backs of the knees.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    Thankfully there's chainmail underneath Gaffgarion's armor, otherwise that could have quite literally knocked his leg out from under him. As it is, Gaffgarion grunts in pain and shock, transferring his weight to his other leg and lunging forward, opposite of the direction Thranduil is going. He's got distance now, and while that's usually a good thing for a swordman's opponent, this particular fell swordsman doesn't need to be close.

    This is demonstrated when he starts with that chanting again. It's with his shield hand raised in a clawed fashion, so a spell is coming, not more of that darkness he wields. The chanting translates roughly to "Swirling bolts, gather and strike with power!" It's a clue, just before a lightning bolt lances down from the sky, at Thranduil's position.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil uses the opening Goffard gives him while he chants to dart in behind him and raises his swords above his head, aiming to bring them both down pommel first against his shoulderblades. It is done with a grunt of pain as his shoulder protests along with the rest of his aching body. He will need to practically bathe in athelas to fully recover from this fight.

     "Release my son immediately." The words are said with so much venom even if he doesn't raise his voice.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    Gaffgarion had been too focused on the chanting. Suddenly when his eyes open, there is an elf-king in his face! The pommels of the swords strike with a force he wasn't expecting from someone so willowy. It knocks the wind out of him with a loud grunt of his own, and he falls. This results in Thranduil standing over him, very likely with swords pointing down at him, as the elven king repeats his demand to release Legolas.

    "Do you not remember the terms you agreed to?" Gaffgarion inquires. "Do all elves so easily break their word?" His tone is a drawl. He's really in no position to bargain. And yet he is, and there is no trace of fear in his tone. He's also trying to anger Thranduil.

    Reckless? Definitely. Stupid? Perhaps. Brazen? Gods yes. Demonstrated when he tenses... and then in the next moment his feet kick out and up, aiming for Thranduil's stomach. Hit or miss, his momentum pulls him into a backwards roll that takes him to his knees proper. It will take him a few minutes to get to his feet. But still he baits Thranduil, "Well? this is not finished yet." He raises his shield hand again, gathering mana there... but holding it. "Will you chance that the next one strikes your son?"

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil was a bit careless by letting himself get into kicking range and goes sprawling across the dirt on his side. He rolls onto his front, propping himself up with one elbow as he keeps his head bowed, long hair hanging down and obscuring his face from Gaffgarion's view. He closes his eyes for several long moments. The other man was right. He doesn't want to risk hitting Legolas.

     It takes more of an effort to get back up every time he is thrown to the ground, but as long as he can still rise, he will keep fighting. Wiping a tiny bit of blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, his eerie blue eyes are locked on Goffard, every movement, every breath. He's sizing him up, and preparing his next move. When he does move, he runs so lightly upon the ground that his boots don't leave footprints in the dirt, gaining speed until he tries pulling off a spinning attack, hoping to whack with one sword and slice with the other.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    Gaffgarion's a fair bit heavier in both weight and tread, and Thranduil's light steps take him off-guard. He manages to block the first sword, but it knocks his shield to the side so he can't block the second. That sword neatly splits the skin of his cheek just below the visor of his helm. He emits a rough cry of pain and stumbles back with his hand to his jaw. When he pulls it away, the bone is almost visible.

    He's not going to delude himself. He's hurting. But so is Thranduil. He just has to gamble on the elf king falling first. And since Thranduil hadn't liked it the last time, let's pull out another dirty trick. But first he needs to replenish his mana. And he'd heard that elves were very magical creatures, so maybe it'll even hurt.

    He raises his sword into the air again, and again that feeling of 'AUGH SO MUCH WRONG' starts to rise. Gaffgarion chants, "Dead or alive, slash magic power!" And points at Thranduil again. This time it's nothing nearly so elaborate. The feeling of pulling, before a great purple 'spur' of sorts bursts through the ground at the elf king's position.

    It's there and gone, whether Thranduil is hit by it or not. If it misses, so much the better for the elven king. But if it happens to hit, the feeling of his magical energy being pulled away by a multitude of dark, slimy appendages slithering inside him is likely to result.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Skidding to a hald after his attack, Thranduil takes a few moments to catch his breath. He watches Gaffgarion as he conjures his spell, uncertain what he's doing. Whatever it is, though, he must stop hi-

     The spur catches his ankle and he darts to one side, but then the energy drain begins. His mouth agape, he stares out into the distance, one hand searching for something to hold onto as he feels as though his very soul was being drained out of him. He staggers and wobbles, the fight almost out of him. He lowers his head, holding his sword at an angle against his other arm as he begins chanting. The wind begins to blow, picking up speed and debris until he finishes the chant and a powerful blast of air is sent toward Gaffgarion with all the rocks and debris it picked up along the way.

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    The wind picking up gets Gaffgarion's attention, and he stances to prevent debris from being flung at him. Except hitting his shield is just as damaging because of the blunt force. Besides that, the debris knocks into his shield, staggering him, and between that and the high winds he's forced to put his arms out to his sides to steady himself. Which leaves him wide open for a large rock to just nail him right in the side of the head. Down he goes. And he doesn't get up.

    Not immediately anyway. But he does eventually stand. He makes to advance on Thranduil... but then at the last moment darts to the side. Towards Legolas. Not to worry though. He's not attacking. He DOES have that fell sword uncomfortably close to Legolas's throat.

    Still... this dark knight has shown himself on multiple occasions to be dishonorable. This whole sordid affair with capturing Legolas-- and he HAD to have been stalking him, or set a trap to catch him; Legolas is too cautious to have been accidentally stumbled upon while off his guard. Attacking with fire and lightning. Willingness to rather literally hit below the belt.

    Might he have decided that his aim of killing Thranduil was more important than Legolas's life?

    "So, elf king." The tone is almost conversational. "I yield. But I will call this a draw. While you may have bested me in combat, I still have your son's life in my hands." He moves around the captive elf, keeping Legolas between Thranduil and himself-- now, to get to Gaffgarion, the elven king will have to go through his son.

Thranduil (592) has posed:
     Thranduil stands with is swords at his sides, panting. His hair is a bit tousled, his clothes streaked with dirt and blood. He glares at Gaffgarion with an intensity that he hasn't used since the last war in the Second Age.

     "If you harm my son I will find you and I will destroy you. You will feel agony as you have never felt it before." Thranduil's low but even tone is a bit spooky. With a slight flourish he sheathes his swords. "It is a draw, then. Leave Legolas go and we will walk away."

Goffard Gaffgarion (493) has posed:
    "I am told this is an event I should not expect twice." Gaffgarion raises his free hand and... pats Legolas on the top of the head, like he's nothing more than a child. Then, in direct opposition, he raises the sword, bringing it near the side of Legolas's head. "If this is so memorable an event, perhaps a trophy is truly in order." He was talking about rather gruesome trophies in his letter. Surely he isn't planning to...

    No, the blade goes back. He instead slides the sword down, aiming to take the end of Legolas's braid. "This should do." He whistles, and his chocobo runs in, standing next to him. He then mounts up on the chocobo's back. "I will see you again, Elf King. I never leave a task uncompleted." He gives an almost merry wave. And only then does he cut the bonds around Legolas.

    He doesn't 'accidentally' cut Legolas, no. But that blade is made to drain away the life of any who it cuts, using dark powers. Even contact with the flat of the blade as it slits the ropes, while it should do no damage or harm, will probably feel like cold and slimy things crawling across the skin.

    Once that's done, Legolas is mostly free and unharmed. However, while Gaffgarion has removed the ropes that bound Legolas to the ground, he's left the elf's hands and feet bound. Thranduil will have to undo those himself. They're just normal ropes. Then Gaffgarion whistles sharply and the bird begins to run, flapping its wings... and then takes off into the air!

    ...Well, following him is going to be damn hard...