The sky was ablaze as two travelers set foot on Eryn Vorn, north-west of
Middle-Earth. They turned back to the sea just in time to see the red sky
turn blue. Their mission was at hand and there was no turning back. They
unloaded their packs from the vessel that they used driven by an enormous
sea snake. Both hunters smiled at their friend and waved at him as he slunk
back to the depths of the sea.
One of them had hazel colored hair that got to the nape of her neck. Her gray eyes showed signs of weariness and her brow cringed at the concept of starting as early as the sun and her long face seemed longer seeing that their ride had gone. Beside her stood one taller than she. Her golden blond hair seemed like silk to the cool sea air. Her blue eyes glittered with the prospect that lay beyond her. Both were clad in black. A robe held by 3 sashes that are tied around the waist, below the ribs and the lower part of the ribs was accompanied by shalwar. All around them, nature seemed to welcome their arrival.
"Riya," called the shorter of the two, "There must be no time wasted for your elvish instincts to accede over you."
"I understand," answered the other who was called, "I just think that time is having no effect at all for Middle-Earth. Not a tree has grown nor has any fresh creature settled in its limbs. Let me hark back that I am indeed no elf, Jeiko."
"Whatnot. Let us make for Emyn Muil. The sooner we capture a Nazgul or two, the more possibility we have in getting back home and tend to the dragons." Jeiko sighed as she started walking without her companion.
Riya sighed and went after her. They set course around Rohan avoiding contact from men as much as they could.
~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas and Gimli met at the Anduin River at mid-spring to heed the beckoning of the Lord of Gondor. There was to be a feast and the remainder of the fellowship was to attend. They decided to go by boat rather than on foot.
After a long day's ride, they decided to continue their journey on foot since they were near the rapids of Sarn Gebir. The land barren and deserted for across it was Fangorn. What tales they tell of its hideous woods and how they cross the Great River, Anduin, to reach foreign lands! Legolas and Gimli did not heed these words for crossing the rapids would be embracing death. Soon, dark clouds came hovering overhead blocking out the warmth of the sun. The cool breeze was driven away by rampaging winds and the travel companions had no choice but to hide themselves. They sought a cave in the deep recesses of The Wold.
"Ah! Good thing that we started out early." Gimli said, "At Least we wouldn't be deferred for the feast. Such queer weather we have these days."
"Queer indeed!" Legolas agreed, "I have not seen such sudden changes in weather in the previous days of my life. I do not fear that we are now close to Fangorn for even whatsoever beast that waylays those woods would not dare set out under these conditions."
"Nay, Legolas! 'Tis not beast, but evil spirit who wields magic that abides within its wooden walls," Gilmi corrected, "For I have heard the accounts of many a country; it is not anything that neither bow nor axe could cast asunder.
Legolas laughed, "It is so my friends in the countries of the North; but most accounts are more so true when told in which country they are near. Indeed I have heard travelers from Rohan scare themselves out of their hides as they speak of mortal devils within. 'Nazgul', or 'Uruk-hai' as they please to tell thought I doubt such tales are true for they have waned along with the fall of Sauron, the greatest of evils. 'Dragons,' as some may say could be more to be proven and believed."
"Aye, such tales may be told by North or by South and I daresay one thing is true; evil resides within growing stronger each day. I shall not venture in even if I was to be given all of Middle-Earth." Gimli sighed laying his axe by his side.
Upon resting, Legolas heard something other than the heavy drops of rain beating on the rocks or the wind that pound and whistle among the trees. Or the thunder crashes amidst the skies. He concentrated more on what it was for he was still unsure of what they were. Then at last, as clear as a bell, he heard it. A voice from an unknown direction.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Have you heard that?" whispered Riya, " The Nazgul are no more. They have vanished along with their Lord."
"I do not hear what you do," Jeiko said out louder, "You say you are no elf yet you have inherited what they posses, save the appearance of their ears. Why do you whisper?"
"I do not know, yet I fear if I talk aloud, I shall be heard." Riya said keeping her tone low. "There are two others out there."
"The storm is causing quite a havoc outside. No one could hear you a meter away even in fine weather. But enough of that. If what you have heard is true, and the Nazgul and the others are no more, then what are we to do? This misinformation has caused me some good days' rest. I shall trounce upon the bearer of the bearer of the information for this!" Jeiko raged.
~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas instinctively held his breath for no apparent reason. Though he hadn't understood the other who was whispering, he had an indication of what he was saying through the girl's responses. He only resumed breathing normally yet again when Gimli shook him from his current state. Legolas turned to his friend and whispered, "Let us not talk aloud, Gimli. There are others who could hear us from a distance. One of the voices belongs to a woman who says her companion could be of elven race. It seems that they are seeking after the creatures of the dark lord."
"Dark creatures?" Gimli whispered trying his best not to say it aloud amidst his astonishment, "Aye, Legolas! They are more likely of evil race than of elven. You know as well as I that such beings are evil. Let us make haste after the storm has passed be it night or day."
"I agree. Let us bear this news unto Elessar. Surely he is wise and will know what to do." the elf suggested.
"Indeed we must." answered the dwarf.
~~~~~~~~~~
"They have resorted to whisper. I cannot make out what they say." Riya whispered and shifted to a louder voice as she spoke in her native tongue. *Zawaru agoshi tame kaku inoshi. Haggai zame.* this meant, "I fear they have heard you. They are keen."
*So I deem that we speak our language and thus be safer?*Jeiko responded in their own tongue.
*No, I do not deem so. I am interested in them, though. I shall find out what they are after the rage of storm ebbs.* Riya answered.
*What if they are elves, Riya, what then? You know well that we and our kind fear them. It is best you do not hasten with your inquisitive mind, rather, let us hasten our return. I might not see you again if they are what I fear.* Jeiko's voice quivered.
*Then I shall conquer that fear! I cannot allow myself to fear their kind eternally. I believe that dragons are even more to be feared for even elves themselves fear them. If I do not return, then alas! You shall return without me. I do not know by what reason I am drawn to them, perhaps fate? But rest assured, I shall not have it jest with me and I shall be very wary.
*If they attack, I have two of my best swords, my kunai (throwing knives), and my whip within reach. I also have a song that shall be my shield against fear if it overwhelms me. I do not ask you to come. I bid you to stay. If I do not return by nightfall on the morrow, go and do not linger. I shall call in our tongue for you to know that it is I who have come.* The way she said these words in her tongue made sound harsh and strong as if return was hopeless.
Jeiko could utter no words; she nodded and followed her superior's bidding. She knew that she could not make her stay or return with her once her mind is set on things. She only sighed and prayed that luck was on her side as soon as she sets out. There were many rock formations that could conceal her comrade's location. She hoped that the condition of the place would do her good and keep her alive.
~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas, Gimli and Riya hurriedly set out from where they were hid when the sun had shone the next morn. Riya had put her ears to work for any sound of footfalls. She forgot about how sharp the ears of whom she heard last night and was overwhelmed by fear by the elderly tales about the elves. She began to sing softly to herself a popular song sang among her people which gave them courage by the words used.
*Tei gokoru hashi kono usa
Ikon de bikashi so uta kai
Miso bida kura chi sogasa
Rakukai ami ko in burusai
Dawaru ai maki i i no bade
Tochi ka n de yubi da soe
Mikainaru hontani na mide
Shi kori masho da waru hoe*
"Even if fear overwhelms me much
By the threats of elves and such
My heart shall never give away
Nor my feet lead me astray
I shall conquer all my fears
And wipe away children's tears
For peace I shall do my best to keep
And all those who fear shall at ease sleep"
*Miwo kuruda; mi hai ga yo sa
Togei gaso han shi bi mi ga ru
Dawaho, daigon, e miteru mosa
Shuba de zaikara i konoru
Dandon go zeki hidari banji
Poride deni kiwa kiwa zen
Heikago shinken ga daho koji
Gogo ushi jai da mi asoden*
"It is my oath; I shall stand for it
To see their smiles and in peace sit
All creatures, peace, at one with nature
Giving them the hope for to see the future
Though I die and all pass before my eyes
I know my life had not been all lies
The future is in youth not in old
As so have I my people told"
Her spirits rose as she sang the song yet again and she became more adamant of herself. She was now unaware of Legolas and Gimli who were now in the hunt for her. She ended her song with a gasp and climbed the rock shelf near her. She stopped and breathed slowly calming herself to avoid unwanted confrontation. She heard a pair of heavy footfalls getting louder. 'A pair?' she thought. She knew there were two and the other was light footed.
The heavy steps veered off a few paces and she held her breath sensing the other was near. She made no movement, sudden or not. She peered down beneath the crevice of the shelf. She blinked and saw that it was elven hair. Never had she seen one and yet confirmed it was an elf for she saw the edge of his ears. His bow and arrow were at hand; ready to let it fly at anything that might come around. Riya couldn't help but smile at the plan that formed in her head.
She got hold of the hilt of her sword and with one fluid movement, as that of lightning, she drew her sword jumping off the ledge and had it at the nape of his neck. "Cede your weapons if you desire to live." she commanded. Though she had fear that time, she did not show it.
Legolas staggered spontaneously and founds the tip of her blade. So sharp was it that it drew out little blood. He let go of his bow and arrow, detached his quiver and the scabbard that held his blade.
"Hearken unto my word, my Lady, or you shall deeply regret it!" Gimli called out axe in hand ready to strike. "Let go of my friend and I shall spare your life. From whence evil you came or for what you intend, we have no business. Although if you go as far as laying a hand upon them who I hold dear, you shall dearly pay with your life!"
"Is that so my little dwarf?" Riya snarled, "Do you not know that you friend may lose his head upon your heedless actions? I fear you know little of what he has behind him. My blade has drawn a little blood from him by his own foolishness. I suggest you surrender your axe, my friend, for I have very little patience."
"A friend to you I am not! But if you do harm on him, I shall have my folk and his alike against you." Gimli said showing no signs of giving up his axe.
"My dear dwarf, what use of a warrior or a savior are you if you haven't your axe?" Riya asked. She pulled out a rope and lashed out at his axe. It coiled itself around it and used quite some amount of energy for him to unhand his weapon. She caught it as it sprang back. "Come. I shall not harm you nor your friend; or do I have to snipe you to heed my words?"
Gimli showed no signs of yielding unto her and stood firm. Hands turned into fists and his eyes were filled with fury.
Legolas, for his part could do nothing. "Save yourself and fly! Do not linger here. Tell Elessar." He called out.
"You shan't. For if you do, this shall burry itself between your left sleeve and the tree you are nearest to. Heed my warning, dwarf!" She warned with a kunai in hand.
Gimli sought his friend's eyes. They bade him to depart but he could not do so. He found it heavy in his heart to leave him. He knew he could not do anything else but to run to Aragorn and explain to him of Legolas' absence. Gilmi turned and began to run. As soon as he put his first step forth, his left shoulder met a huge tree by a sudden force. He looked at what it was and saw it was a kunai.
One of them had hazel colored hair that got to the nape of her neck. Her gray eyes showed signs of weariness and her brow cringed at the concept of starting as early as the sun and her long face seemed longer seeing that their ride had gone. Beside her stood one taller than she. Her golden blond hair seemed like silk to the cool sea air. Her blue eyes glittered with the prospect that lay beyond her. Both were clad in black. A robe held by 3 sashes that are tied around the waist, below the ribs and the lower part of the ribs was accompanied by shalwar. All around them, nature seemed to welcome their arrival.
"Riya," called the shorter of the two, "There must be no time wasted for your elvish instincts to accede over you."
"I understand," answered the other who was called, "I just think that time is having no effect at all for Middle-Earth. Not a tree has grown nor has any fresh creature settled in its limbs. Let me hark back that I am indeed no elf, Jeiko."
"Whatnot. Let us make for Emyn Muil. The sooner we capture a Nazgul or two, the more possibility we have in getting back home and tend to the dragons." Jeiko sighed as she started walking without her companion.
Riya sighed and went after her. They set course around Rohan avoiding contact from men as much as they could.
~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas and Gimli met at the Anduin River at mid-spring to heed the beckoning of the Lord of Gondor. There was to be a feast and the remainder of the fellowship was to attend. They decided to go by boat rather than on foot.
After a long day's ride, they decided to continue their journey on foot since they were near the rapids of Sarn Gebir. The land barren and deserted for across it was Fangorn. What tales they tell of its hideous woods and how they cross the Great River, Anduin, to reach foreign lands! Legolas and Gimli did not heed these words for crossing the rapids would be embracing death. Soon, dark clouds came hovering overhead blocking out the warmth of the sun. The cool breeze was driven away by rampaging winds and the travel companions had no choice but to hide themselves. They sought a cave in the deep recesses of The Wold.
"Ah! Good thing that we started out early." Gimli said, "At Least we wouldn't be deferred for the feast. Such queer weather we have these days."
"Queer indeed!" Legolas agreed, "I have not seen such sudden changes in weather in the previous days of my life. I do not fear that we are now close to Fangorn for even whatsoever beast that waylays those woods would not dare set out under these conditions."
"Nay, Legolas! 'Tis not beast, but evil spirit who wields magic that abides within its wooden walls," Gilmi corrected, "For I have heard the accounts of many a country; it is not anything that neither bow nor axe could cast asunder.
Legolas laughed, "It is so my friends in the countries of the North; but most accounts are more so true when told in which country they are near. Indeed I have heard travelers from Rohan scare themselves out of their hides as they speak of mortal devils within. 'Nazgul', or 'Uruk-hai' as they please to tell thought I doubt such tales are true for they have waned along with the fall of Sauron, the greatest of evils. 'Dragons,' as some may say could be more to be proven and believed."
"Aye, such tales may be told by North or by South and I daresay one thing is true; evil resides within growing stronger each day. I shall not venture in even if I was to be given all of Middle-Earth." Gimli sighed laying his axe by his side.
Upon resting, Legolas heard something other than the heavy drops of rain beating on the rocks or the wind that pound and whistle among the trees. Or the thunder crashes amidst the skies. He concentrated more on what it was for he was still unsure of what they were. Then at last, as clear as a bell, he heard it. A voice from an unknown direction.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Have you heard that?" whispered Riya, " The Nazgul are no more. They have vanished along with their Lord."
"I do not hear what you do," Jeiko said out louder, "You say you are no elf yet you have inherited what they posses, save the appearance of their ears. Why do you whisper?"
"I do not know, yet I fear if I talk aloud, I shall be heard." Riya said keeping her tone low. "There are two others out there."
"The storm is causing quite a havoc outside. No one could hear you a meter away even in fine weather. But enough of that. If what you have heard is true, and the Nazgul and the others are no more, then what are we to do? This misinformation has caused me some good days' rest. I shall trounce upon the bearer of the bearer of the information for this!" Jeiko raged.
~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas instinctively held his breath for no apparent reason. Though he hadn't understood the other who was whispering, he had an indication of what he was saying through the girl's responses. He only resumed breathing normally yet again when Gimli shook him from his current state. Legolas turned to his friend and whispered, "Let us not talk aloud, Gimli. There are others who could hear us from a distance. One of the voices belongs to a woman who says her companion could be of elven race. It seems that they are seeking after the creatures of the dark lord."
"Dark creatures?" Gimli whispered trying his best not to say it aloud amidst his astonishment, "Aye, Legolas! They are more likely of evil race than of elven. You know as well as I that such beings are evil. Let us make haste after the storm has passed be it night or day."
"I agree. Let us bear this news unto Elessar. Surely he is wise and will know what to do." the elf suggested.
"Indeed we must." answered the dwarf.
~~~~~~~~~~
"They have resorted to whisper. I cannot make out what they say." Riya whispered and shifted to a louder voice as she spoke in her native tongue. *Zawaru agoshi tame kaku inoshi. Haggai zame.* this meant, "I fear they have heard you. They are keen."
*So I deem that we speak our language and thus be safer?*Jeiko responded in their own tongue.
*No, I do not deem so. I am interested in them, though. I shall find out what they are after the rage of storm ebbs.* Riya answered.
*What if they are elves, Riya, what then? You know well that we and our kind fear them. It is best you do not hasten with your inquisitive mind, rather, let us hasten our return. I might not see you again if they are what I fear.* Jeiko's voice quivered.
*Then I shall conquer that fear! I cannot allow myself to fear their kind eternally. I believe that dragons are even more to be feared for even elves themselves fear them. If I do not return, then alas! You shall return without me. I do not know by what reason I am drawn to them, perhaps fate? But rest assured, I shall not have it jest with me and I shall be very wary.
*If they attack, I have two of my best swords, my kunai (throwing knives), and my whip within reach. I also have a song that shall be my shield against fear if it overwhelms me. I do not ask you to come. I bid you to stay. If I do not return by nightfall on the morrow, go and do not linger. I shall call in our tongue for you to know that it is I who have come.* The way she said these words in her tongue made sound harsh and strong as if return was hopeless.
Jeiko could utter no words; she nodded and followed her superior's bidding. She knew that she could not make her stay or return with her once her mind is set on things. She only sighed and prayed that luck was on her side as soon as she sets out. There were many rock formations that could conceal her comrade's location. She hoped that the condition of the place would do her good and keep her alive.
~~~~~~~~~~
Legolas, Gimli and Riya hurriedly set out from where they were hid when the sun had shone the next morn. Riya had put her ears to work for any sound of footfalls. She forgot about how sharp the ears of whom she heard last night and was overwhelmed by fear by the elderly tales about the elves. She began to sing softly to herself a popular song sang among her people which gave them courage by the words used.
*Tei gokoru hashi kono usa
Ikon de bikashi so uta kai
Miso bida kura chi sogasa
Rakukai ami ko in burusai
Dawaru ai maki i i no bade
Tochi ka n de yubi da soe
Mikainaru hontani na mide
Shi kori masho da waru hoe*
"Even if fear overwhelms me much
By the threats of elves and such
My heart shall never give away
Nor my feet lead me astray
I shall conquer all my fears
And wipe away children's tears
For peace I shall do my best to keep
And all those who fear shall at ease sleep"
*Miwo kuruda; mi hai ga yo sa
Togei gaso han shi bi mi ga ru
Dawaho, daigon, e miteru mosa
Shuba de zaikara i konoru
Dandon go zeki hidari banji
Poride deni kiwa kiwa zen
Heikago shinken ga daho koji
Gogo ushi jai da mi asoden*
"It is my oath; I shall stand for it
To see their smiles and in peace sit
All creatures, peace, at one with nature
Giving them the hope for to see the future
Though I die and all pass before my eyes
I know my life had not been all lies
The future is in youth not in old
As so have I my people told"
Her spirits rose as she sang the song yet again and she became more adamant of herself. She was now unaware of Legolas and Gimli who were now in the hunt for her. She ended her song with a gasp and climbed the rock shelf near her. She stopped and breathed slowly calming herself to avoid unwanted confrontation. She heard a pair of heavy footfalls getting louder. 'A pair?' she thought. She knew there were two and the other was light footed.
The heavy steps veered off a few paces and she held her breath sensing the other was near. She made no movement, sudden or not. She peered down beneath the crevice of the shelf. She blinked and saw that it was elven hair. Never had she seen one and yet confirmed it was an elf for she saw the edge of his ears. His bow and arrow were at hand; ready to let it fly at anything that might come around. Riya couldn't help but smile at the plan that formed in her head.
She got hold of the hilt of her sword and with one fluid movement, as that of lightning, she drew her sword jumping off the ledge and had it at the nape of his neck. "Cede your weapons if you desire to live." she commanded. Though she had fear that time, she did not show it.
Legolas staggered spontaneously and founds the tip of her blade. So sharp was it that it drew out little blood. He let go of his bow and arrow, detached his quiver and the scabbard that held his blade.
"Hearken unto my word, my Lady, or you shall deeply regret it!" Gimli called out axe in hand ready to strike. "Let go of my friend and I shall spare your life. From whence evil you came or for what you intend, we have no business. Although if you go as far as laying a hand upon them who I hold dear, you shall dearly pay with your life!"
"Is that so my little dwarf?" Riya snarled, "Do you not know that you friend may lose his head upon your heedless actions? I fear you know little of what he has behind him. My blade has drawn a little blood from him by his own foolishness. I suggest you surrender your axe, my friend, for I have very little patience."
"A friend to you I am not! But if you do harm on him, I shall have my folk and his alike against you." Gimli said showing no signs of giving up his axe.
"My dear dwarf, what use of a warrior or a savior are you if you haven't your axe?" Riya asked. She pulled out a rope and lashed out at his axe. It coiled itself around it and used quite some amount of energy for him to unhand his weapon. She caught it as it sprang back. "Come. I shall not harm you nor your friend; or do I have to snipe you to heed my words?"
Gimli showed no signs of yielding unto her and stood firm. Hands turned into fists and his eyes were filled with fury.
Legolas, for his part could do nothing. "Save yourself and fly! Do not linger here. Tell Elessar." He called out.
"You shan't. For if you do, this shall burry itself between your left sleeve and the tree you are nearest to. Heed my warning, dwarf!" She warned with a kunai in hand.
Gimli sought his friend's eyes. They bade him to depart but he could not do so. He found it heavy in his heart to leave him. He knew he could not do anything else but to run to Aragorn and explain to him of Legolas' absence. Gilmi turned and began to run. As soon as he put his first step forth, his left shoulder met a huge tree by a sudden force. He looked at what it was and saw it was a kunai.