And so Arnuriel's story continues, in The Two Towers, yay!

If you've just found this, it will make MUCH more sense to read the prequel, 'The Royalmaiden's Journey'! It's on my profile! XD

I hope you enjoy, and please review!
Neiax

May it be an evening star

Shines down upon you

May it be when darkness falls

Your heart will be true

You walk a lonely road

Oh! How far you are from home

- 'May It Be', Enya

23 February 3019

I pushed Alrohar on, crossing the rough terrain at a steady pace. Alrohar galloped tirelessly and obediantly forward, jumping obstacles, tossing his mane in exhiliration.

For two days I had followed the tracks and now I had lost them. I did not know if I was behind them, if I had overtaken them. If they had turned onto a different course entirely. And now I had passed into the country of Rohan. Friends to Gondor, were their king not as he was.

I suddenly noticed something. On the horizon, towards me, quickly. Men, warriors, on horseback. The Rohirrim.

I brought Alrohar back to a canter, before pulling him up to halt atop a hill. Here I could be seen by anything, but I had the same advantage of full sight in all directions.

The riders drew closer. As he caught the scent, Alrohar tossed his head, prancing on his hooves.

"Esta, Alrohar," I murmured. Rest, Alrohar. "We must see what they know."

Alrohar snorted disdainfully and I smiled.

As the riders approached, they in turn noticed me and I watched calmly as spears were raised. The Rohirrim were honourable warriors; threaten me they may do, but they would not kill a lone rider without first knowing their business.

Alrohar half reared in protest as the Rohirrim encircled us warily, turning a half circle on his hind hooves. I heard one of its riders breaking through their ranks behind me and so turned my head to meet their leader, my gold hair flying.

The young man heading the column eyed me with suspicious eyes from beneath his horse adorned helm.

"It has been many years since one of your kind ventured into Rohan country, elf," he said boldly, his voice strong.

"My name is Lady Arnuríel of Lothlorien," I replied. "I am daughter to the Lord and Lady of that place and I mean no harm in Rohan.

"I am Theodred, son of Theoden king," the man nodded. "May I ask as to your business here?"

"I am merely tracking friends of mine; I believe they have come this way but the signs have since diminished," I answered. "It is important that I find them, or at least know of their safety but I can waste little more time searching. I must soon return to my own lands."

Theodred frowned. "What friends do you speak of?"

"Three companions; a man of Gondor, a dwarf and one of my own kind," I explained. "I have been following them for two days."

"Then I am sorry, my Lady," Theodred said. "For none of that description have passed through my father's lands to my knowledge. But should I see them, I will tell them of our meeting."

"Thank you Prince," I smiled. "That would mean a lot to me."

"Do your companions go by name?" Theodred asked.

"The dwarf is called Gimli, the elf is Legolas," I replied. "But I am unsure as to whether the man is Aragorn or Boromir."

"Boromir of Gondor?" Theodred frowned.

I nodded. "The same."

"Then I shall keep watch for you, my Lady."

"Again, I thank you," I replied. "You have your mother's kind heart."

"You knew my mother?" Theodred asked, his interest stirred.

"I met her briefly, she was a good woman," I told him gently. "I was sorry to her of her passing."

"Thank you, my Lady," the young prince nodded with a smile. "We must now ride on, but I wish you luck in your search."

"And you," I replied.

Theodred reined in his horse. "I am glad to have met one of your kind. I have heard of your famed beauty and wisdom and now I may bear truth to that. I hope that we might meet again, Lady Arnuríel."

I laughed. I liked this young man; he was a good hope for Rohan's future. "As do I, Prince Theodred. Tenna' lento lye omenta." Until we next meet.

Theodred cocked his head slightly, but I think he understood my words. He raised his spear and called to the Rohirrim. "We ride on."

The warriors urged their horses forward and all passed me in a wave of galloping hooves. I watched them leave, my heart sinking slightly. There was still no sign of Legolas and I had to return to Lorien. But there was hope. Theodred would let them know if he saw them. I took a deep breath and told myself the same line again. It would be alright.

I lstood in my stirrups and leant forward to whisper in my stallion's quivering ear. "Noro lim, Alrohar!" Ride on, Alrohar!

It would be alright.