The elleth from under the mountain

Night raids

Ontarios P.O.V

They came during night. During the wee hours as night soon turned to day.

The sound of a strangled cry, tearing me from an uneasy slumber. My eyes opening just to see an elvin guard hit the ground. A shadowed figure disappearing into the brush.

Rubbing a hand over my face, the last of sleep vanishing in an instant. Instinctively I reached for my bow, my hand grasping the cool metal. My eyes struggling to adjust to the almost complete darkness.

Pushing myself unsteadily to my feet, I quickly shoved the last of my clothes into my bag, tying the strings together. My entire left arm aching from the simple movement. I had the feeling we wouldn't be staying long.

Everyone who had been sleeping up until this stage were now on their feet, swords drawn as they faced the surrounding woodlands.

I rushed over to where Dothrum crouched over the now dead Ellon. Blonde hair sticking to the thick, claw marks that marred his now still chest. Blood smearing over his torn cloak.

I swallowed thickly at the sight. For beings that were supposedly immortal, this was a sure way of reminding us of our impermanence.

"Get those fires stoked!" Lindir ordered from behind us, elves rushing to get the dying light rekindled.

I placed a comforting hand on Dothrum's shoulder, I may not have known the Elf very well but he was still shocked over the death of his friend.

Before I could offer any words of comfort or even suggest retreating closer to the safety of the others a, shadowed mound of grotesque flesh burst from the shadows.

My eyes widened in shock as I slashed down ward's with my bow. With an air piercing cry it hit the ground. Black blood oozing from its mangled face.

It screeched loudly, tongue waving rapidly against its fangs as it darted towards me.

Uncoordinatedly I dove out of the way, my arm giving out as I landed heavily in the leaves, sprawling on my stomach.

I could hear Bofur yelling my name as the horrific creature stood on its hind legs, drawing to its full height of at least 7 foot tall. Bearing its teeth as it stalked towards me.

Before I could even pull myself to my feet, Dothrum had come to his senses, drawing his sword he slashed at the creature forcing it backwards.

The far taller of the two having a slight advantage as it swung its deadly claws at his head. Dothrum gliding out of its reach as he tried to find an opening within its attacks.

I tried to draw my bow, eager to do anything to help, only to release the strings almost instantaneously. The pain far too great, the motions pulling at the muscles in my chest.

The creature managing to one up Dothrum who turned too far, leaving his side unprotected. It's thick arm connecting with his waist sending him flying through the air.

Everyone else was too preoccupied trying to stay alive to help us.

With great difficulty, I planted a foot against the body of my bow, locking it against the heel of my boot. Grabbing an arrow, balancing it precariously against the notch, I pulled back with my right arm, my left doing little to still my nervous shaking.