Title: To New Mutiny

Author: Tithen Min

Rating: PG-13 (To be safe!)

Disclaimer: Um…these guys aren't mine!! Anyone and anywhere that can be recognised is the property of J.R.R. Tolkien. (Grr…)

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Author's notes!!::

Hey everyone!! Yes, I'm back again! I'm sure some of you are groaning in frustration, but I'm sure some of you don't mind! *cringe* Right?? Here's the sequel anyway. Sorry it took so long, but I've got exams coming up I had to study for and a severe bout of writers block hit me at chapter seven! I'm not sure if it's any good, but be sure to let me know!!

This is dedicated to MoroTheWolfGod, who's been after me to get this up, and to Eleclyn Starmaker, DXPrincess, Shandrial and Lefty, for picking me up and dusting me off when *that* review had me doubting myself! Thanks guys!! :)

Also thanks again to KayteUnfading for editing once again and for letting me bounce my ideas and never-ending frustrations off her! Cheers babes!!

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Chapter 1

"What is it?"

"Is it alive?"

"I think it is an Elf!"

"What?!"

"Look!"

Conran gently brushed some hair away from a pointed ear and the men gasped. "I told you it was an Elf!" Conran announced proudly.

"Quiet, boy!" Narso snapped, "What should we do with it?"

Cedir glanced at him uneasily, "I think we should help it."

Narso glared at him, "Explain that, Cedir."

The younger man cringed, "I am sorry, sir, but remember those Elves who helped us when our town was flooded?"

"How do we know this is one of them?" Rezad asked.

Narso nodded reluctantly. "We do not know. But Cedir is right; we should help. Maybe their High King or whatever he is will reward us." he chuckled.

"I would not count on it." Rezad said conspiratorially, "You know there are rumours that he beats his own son?"

That moved even the most cold hearted of the hunters. "Disgrace," Narso muttered as he bent to pick up the Elf's insubstantial weight. "Alright boys! Let's get it to town."

The band of hunters gathered their belongings and followed Narso to their home, in Lake Town. It was not far and soon they reached the outskirts of the small town. A call went up when the hunters were sighted and the people gathered round to see why the hunters had returned so soon.

Bethaline pushed to the front of the gathering crowd and was dismayed by the sight of her husband carrying a wounded man. "Who fell?" she asked shakily, casting her eyes over the group to try and detect a missing member.

"No one fell," Narso reassured his wife, "It is an Elf. We found it on the borders of the Great Forest. It needs help and none of us know where the Elf city lies."

She nodded and held out her arms. The Elf was passed to her and she rushed to her small house, where her healing supplies were kept. She kindled a fire and lit a lamp over the bed after she laid the Elf down, then she rushed to gather her supply of healing herbs and salves.

She gathered them quickly and returned to the bed, laying the supplies out within easy reach. As she turned back to the creature on the bed, she got her first good look at its face and gasped in wonder.

Beneath all the wounds, blood and dirt lay the most beautiful male Elf she had ever seen. She reached out hesitantly and gently traced his features. The sound of the door closing as Narso came in brought her back to herself. "It is a male," she informed her husband quietly. Narso nodded and grunted a response and went to get food.

As Bethaline's healing efforts brought her further down his body, she gazed in awe at the smooth skin that framed the powerful muscles of his torso and shoulders, and silently wondered at this one's age.

Once all the visible wounds were treated, she began to gently clean off all the blood and dirt that clung to his face and body, revealing soft, golden hair and pale skin that glowed slightly in the low light of the house.

She clothed him, for now, in one of Narso's old shirts. It hung on his lithe frame, but would do as a nightshirt. She then settled in a chair by the bed in case anything should happen. She did not realise she had dozed off until a moan of pain woke her and she turned her attention to her patient.

He was not yet fully conscious, but was obviously feeling the effect of his many wounds and bruises. She sat up and put a hand to his forehead, relieved to find it at normal temperature.

At the touch of her hand, the Elf's grey eyes flew open and he looked around in confusion. He sat up, ready to flee, when she stopped him, gently pushing him back down, knowing he was too weak to fight her. "Take it easy, Elf," she murmured in her most calming voice, "We found you injured and brought you here, but you are still in pain. You cannot leave yet."

The Elf relaxed slightly at her calming tone and stopped struggling. She removed her hands from his shoulders and stroked his hair back from his face. "I am Bethaline, wife to the man who found you. I have been taking care of your wounds." The Elf gave a soft smile, making him look even more beautiful.

"Thank you, my lady." his voice was hoarse, but musical and she found herself returning the smile.

"Have you a name, stranger?" she asked. There was a long silence.

"I…I do not know."

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Um…so whaddya think?? Reviews are appreciated!! Food for thought and all… =) .:Tithen Min:.