Ramben's POV

"They're still not here boss." Hames said looking around for the men they'd left back at the city.

"Well if they're not here by the time Elaph comes then they've missed their chance," Thilan snapped, "I'm not going to wait around all night for them."

Ramben tried to block out their voices, laying his head on his knees he focused on making himself as small as possible. Thilan had taken him out of the city and had forced him to walk at a brisk pace until they had left the sight of Minas Tirith. Now they were waiting for this Elaph to show up, and they would be on the move again.

Thilan had left him sitting on the ground and thankfully hadn't paid much notice to him. Ramben glanced up at Thilan who was still speaking to Hames, the two men they'd come with were standing guard nearby. He didn't bother trying to run away knowing full well that he'd be caught before he could get far. Besides, he didn't know these lands and he certainly didn't want to risk Thilan's wrath.

So far the man hadn't done anything to harm him which confused Ramben. He'd seem keen on hurting Amarth, why was he gentle with him? For reasons the young Elf didn't understand, he almost wished that Thilan would be cruel to him. The reverential, almost possesive way Thilan acted towards him made Ramben shudder.

Ramben's shoulders sagged when he heard Thilan's footsteps coming towards him. He drew his knees even closer to his chest, keeping his face hidden behind a curtain of hair. He could tell that Thilan was crouched down beside him. Ramben forced himself to keep his breathing calm and steady, perhaps he would just leave him alone.

A hand reached out and gently brushed Ramben's hair away from his face, tucking it behind his ear. The elfling kept his eyes closed as his body trembled. Why couldn't this all just be a bad dream?

"Why do you hide your face little one?" Thilan asked softly. "You are doing the world an injustice by hiding yourself."

What did he mean by that? Ramben stiffened as Thilan took hold of his face and lifted his head up, forcing him to look at him. 

"I grew up on tales of Elves, I never understood why they went into hiding but I think I do now." Thilan paused for a moment as he studied him. Ramben swallowed a lump in his throat and tried to back away, but Thilan put his arm around the small Elf, keeping him from moving. 

"If Elves were still abundant today," he continued, "every man, woman, king or beggar would desire to posses their beauty. They'd be sought after until everyone had one for themselves." Thilan's thumb brushed against Ramben's cheek and his next words sent a shiver down the elfling's spine. "You Elves are like precious gems: beautiful, rare, and valuable. Yet what is even better is that you are alive, living jewels fit for a king. Or a humble thief."

Thilan stood to his feet and turned his back on him, once he had walked off Ramben released the breath he had been holding. Thilan's words left Ramben feeling small and vulnerable. Being talked about as if he were a mere object, something that could be claimed by whoever wished to have him, made the young Elf feel something he had never felt before.

He'd felt confusion, happiness, and fear. 

But this...

This was different.

This burning sensation he felt inside of him, was unlike any emotion he had ever experienced. His hands clenched into fists and his heart began to beat faster than ever before. He glared in Thilan's direction (something he'd never done either) and felt as if he could burn the man with nothing but his gaze. 

It poked at the back of his mind at first, before suddenly slamming into him.

He was lying on the ground, bound hand and foot. They had used a rope to gag him, shoving it in his mouth and tying it tightly around his head. Their cruel laughs resounded in his ears as they mocked him.

"Not so tough now are you Elf?" One of the men jeered before kicking him in the stomach. He curled in on himself while the others laughed, amused with his torment. 

"Thought you could get away from us, didn't you?" Another kick, this one aimed at his head, sent his world spinning as stars exploded in his vision. 

"How many of my men did you think you could kill before I caught you?" A hand grabbed him by the hair and yanked his head up, contempt in his dark eyes. "I took you in when no one else would, I gave you a home and my trust and this is how you repay me?" The man threw him onto the ground, he stifled a groan of pain and tried to focus on not blacking out.

Behind him he heard his captor growl, "You've made the biggest mistake of your life Elf, you crossed me and I will ensure that you suffer for all eternity. I will keep you for as long as I live, then I will pass you on to another, when they die you be given to another. For all the days of your immortal life you will be treated as nothing but property, a gem to be bought and sold by whoever is willing to pay the most. You are not human so you do not deserve to be treated as one. You will remember this for all the days of your life, I will make sure of that."

After his words ended the beating resumed, but not once did he utter a cry of pain. Looking up he locked eyes with his captor, though no words were spoken the message was clear. 

You will pay for what you've done to me, I'll make sure of it.

Ramben's eyes shot open as he collapsed onto the ground, his body was shaking and covered in sweat. A memory! He'd seen a memory! At first he was overjoyed, he'd remembered something from his past! His elation slowly faded when the man's words came back to him, How many of my men did you think you could kill?

Why would he have said that to him? He'd never killed anyone, had he?

I took you in when no one else would...

What did he mean? Had no one wanted him?

I gave you a home...

Had his own people rejected him? Why would they do such a thing?

How many did you think you could kill?

Kill.

He didn't know what that meant, but it still filled him with horror. 
What did I do?

Ramben was unable to continue pondering this new revelation as Elaph and the rest of Thilan's men finally arrived. Words were exchanged but Ramben was deaf to them. He didn't struggle or feel any resentment when Thilan grabbed him by the arm and guided him to his feet. The young Elf was led forward in a daze, unsure of what to do.

He'd dreamed of getting his memories back, it was all he had ever desired. But after seeing and hearing what was hidden in the fog that clouded his mind, he wondered if it would be better if he never found out about his past.

/\\//\\/

Amarth's POV

We've been following Thilan's for three stinking days and we still haven't caught up to them yet. 
"Are you certain you know where you're going?" I ask Darovel in a very impolite way. The man doesn't seem offended however, but my lack of etiquette.
"Yes I know exactly where we're going. If you would be quiet and patient this trip would go by much faster.

I roll my eyes and mutter something incoherent under my breath. Traveling with Darovel has been a pain. For one thing he has to rest, I could easily go three days without a bite of food or a drop of water, but he stops at every single stream or brook we come across to refresh himself. I think of the time he's wasted and have declared my annoyance more than once, but he only ignores me.

This is why I travel alone, no one else to care about but myself. Ironically the only reason I'm with this man is so I can rescue someone I've been traveling with...

Darovel had removed his hood after he left the city and in the light I was able to get a good look at him. He's tall and lean, but you can tell that there's some strength in him. His eyes are a light, coppery brown and he dresses in drab clothes. His hair is dark brown and he has very little facial hair. Judging by his face, he's at least thirty.

He carries a bow with him as well as a plethora of throwing knives. In my opinion he relies more on stealth to make quick, silent kills. 
Me? 
I go in and slash everything in sight. 
We don't talk much which I'm grateful for, it makes me uncomfortable enough that I'm forced to travel with a man. You're probably wondering why I don't get over my distrust of men and the answer is simple: I'll get over it in my own time.

Until then I'll enjoy annoying him by being as unpleasant as possible. To pass the time I think about the plan for rescuing Ramben-
Oh wait...
I don't have a plan.
I usually improvise everything I do. Long, complicated plans give me a headache and are usually doomed to fail. Rushing in blindly with only your main goal as your focus is much more my style.

Darovel's voice suddenly interrupts my thoughts.
"We'll arrive at the village by tonight."
"Village? What village?" I ask.
"The one where Thilan has taken your friend."

I nod my head as if I knew that the whole time.
"And do you have a plan for getting to Thilan?" I question him.
"I have part of a plan, I'm still working on it."
"Well hurry it up. Nightfall is less than two hours away."

Darovel glances at me and I smile innocently.
"You know," he says slowly, "you could help me with the plan, Arder." 
Here is where I make the second-no fifth biggest mistake of my life.
"Who's Arder?" My movement comes to a stop and I feel as if I was just slapped in the face. I am an idiot...

Darovel is grinning with his arms crossed, should I kill him now?
"I knew that couldn't possibly be your real name," he says smugly, "why don't you stop hiding and tell me who you really are?"

I scowl and turn away from him. I have two options before me: I can kill him or tell him who I am.

I guess I can't really kill him, he's the only one who knows where Ramben is, but I don't want to reveal that I'm an Elf either. I haven't taken my hood off since we met, who knows what he'll do when he finds out that I'm Elf?

You're wasting time! Ramben could be suffering while you worry about some pathetic mortal knowing that you're an Elf! 
That little voice inside my head has a point, I might as well get this over with. I throw my hood off and face Darovel, his eyes widen and I can tell that the ears have said it all.
"You're an Elf," he says in childlike awe.

"And you're a filthy human. Now can we please go now? My friend could be dying for all I know while you stand here and stare at my ears."
This snaps him out of his amazement, but he's still staring at me.
"I'm sorry, it's just that-"
"You thought that Elves were the stuff of myth and legend but now that you've see one with your own eyes the world just became more magical and enchanting."

I turn around and begin walking, satisfied to hear Darovel following.
"So are there more of you? More of Elves I mean?"
I close my eyes and groan. This was a bad idea...

"All the Elves left a long time ago. A few of us stayed but I don't know where they are or if they're even alive. For all I know only Ramben and I are left."
"Ramben is your friend who was taken, right?"

I swear this man keeps saying all the wrong things.
"Yes," I growl, "and I would love to save him as soon as possible before he comes to any harm."

Darovel doesn't say anything after that and I breathe a sigh of relief. Finally some quiet...

"You never told me your name."

I want to scream at this point, but instead I calmly reply while my trembling hands tighten into fists at my sides.
"If I tell you, will you shut up for the rest of the journey?"
"I will only talk when absolutely necessary."
"Fine, my name is Amarth."

Darovel nods his head and I wait for some stupid comment to come from him, but he stays silent. Well, at least he keeps his word. We continue on in silence for the rest of the journey which gives me plenty of time to think about what lies ahead. What will happen after Ramben is rescued? Will I continue on my journey to Harad? Will I face even more obstacles on my way there?

Probably...

Night falls and just as Darovel said we reach a small village that lies in the middle of nowhere. It's time for a rescue, and revenge. 

This is going to be fun...

/\\//\\/

F

or you guys, a picture of Darovel.
Let me know what you guys think of Amarth's new "friend."

Next chapter is going to be intense so get ready!

Also, what do you think of Ramben's memory? Perhaps he's not as sweet and innocent as we all thought.

Alright I'm out.