Chapter
2
Glimpse of Hope
The next morning, Marlina woke up, feeling very week, and tired. Marlina also had a very strong pain across her chest.
"Are you awake, M'Lady?" Marlina's assistant asked as she stepped into the room.
"Yes, I'm awake." Marlina replied. "But my chest is hurting, like a blade has been swept across it."
Marlina's assistant, Lantice, moved closer to the door. "I will get the healer, M'Lady." Lantice said with some worry in the tone of her voice.
"Thank you, Lantice." Marlina replied. "You know you can call me Marlina. You are more of a friend than an assistant." Marlina said with a small smile.
"Yes, I know, Marlina." Lantice said as she left the room.
Soon Lantice returned with the healer and Marlina's family.
"Lets see what the damage is, shall we?" The healer said. Her name was Lantyce, she was Lantice' sister. Lantice and Lantyce were both Elves… and they were both very beautiful. "Well from what I can see, apart from the scar on your chest, you're in perfect health." Lantyce said. "I see nothing that worries me, but if the pain doesn't go away, come see me again in an hour." She concluded.
"Thank you, Lantyce." Marlina replied as she sat on the edge of her bed.
Aragorn and his sons followed Lantice, and Lantyce, to speak with them in the hall.
Arwen stayed to talk to Marlina. "How are you feeling, Marlina?" Arwen asked is a soft voice.
"I don't think it's me… I think its Legolas." Marlina said quietly in Elvish, she held out the jewel from its place on her chest, for her mother to see. "Legolas gave me this jewel before he left…" Marlina paused. "I think he's hurt, alive, but hurt." Marlina said a little louder, still speaking Elvish.
Arwen looked at the jewel, she thought it was very beautiful. "This is the jewel he was bound to when he was born. It's very similar to the jewel I gave to your father." Arwen smiled. "It is something that he should only give to one whom he cares for." Arwen said as she pushed some hair away from Marlina's face.
Marlina looked at the jewel.
"Ask him when he returns. I need to talk to your father, and Lantyce." Arwen said as she stopped speaking Elvish. She then kissed Marlina's forehead, and left the room.
Legolas was awake as the sun was shining into his room.
"Ah, you're awake." An unfamiliar voice spoke.
"Who are you?" Legolas asked weakly, as he propped himself up on his elbow's.
"I, my friend, am Dr. Forest. You seem to have gotten badly wounded, but some how you healed greatly over night." Dr. Forest said calmly. "You are still going to need some medicine though."
Legolas did not want any medicine, nor did he think he needed it. "I'll be alright." Legolas said as he sat up on the edge of the bed.
"Well, you are certainly very strong, I suppose I can let you go on about your business, just as long as you'll be careful. Try not to over do it." Dr. Forest said as he got up and left.
"We should be going." Gimli said. "Get a head start back to Gondor."
Legolas came to the main living area. "Yes, we will leave soon." Legolas said as he ducked under an archway and dodged a Chandelier, then backed into another chandelier and bumped his head on the other archway.
"You must stay for breakfast." Merry said, as Pippin came to his side.
"Yes." Pippin said. "It's the most important meal of the day."
Sam was standing next to Gimli and moved toward Legolas. "It's the least you could let us do." Sam said.
"I think we can stay a little while longer." Gimli said.
"Maybe we could come with you, too." Pippin said quickly.
"If you think you could use the company." Merry finished, as he gave Pippin a foul look.
"I can't just leave." Sam said as he walked to the kitchen.
"Why can't you?" Legolas asked as he and everyone else followed.
"Because, I have nothing to bring, and I promised Marlina, and her bothers, I'd bring them something from the Shire." Sam said quietly. "Plus Rosie, and the kids." Sam finished
"Rosie and the kids can take care of themselves. Plus, Pippin has something you could bring." Merry said.
"No I don-Oh right. I do have something." Pippin said.
"Sam, go on. I'll be alright while you're gone." Rosie said as she came out of the back room. "The kids will help me keep the house in order." Rosie finished as she kissed Sam on the cheek.
Legolas and Gimli just looked at each other and gave the other a mischievous smile.
Now they were riding out.
"I can't believe you talked me into this, I know their going to hate it." Sam argued as he, Merry, Pippin, Gimli, and Legolas, rode out from the Shire on horse back.
"Well, it was a last minuet solution." Pippin replied, in an argumentative tone.
Legolas smiled as Sam and Pippin continued arguing as Gimli and Merry talked about where Dwarves came from.
Legolas, was still wondering why and how he recovered so quickly. Legolas knew his wound was still there on his chest, but it had healed a great deal over night. He could not stop thinking about it, as they continued riding to Minas Tirith, the place he now called his Home.
It was a beautiful, bright, and sunny day, the cool wind was gently blowing Marlina's hair around behind her. She was looking off to the hills in the far distance. Waiting still, for the return of Gimli and Legolas. She still had pain in her chest, but was now a subtle pain.
She was at the highest point, in Minas Tirith, up by the beacon. She was up there alone trying to clear her head.
'Your path will only become clear, when the worries of the world, do not trouble your wary mind.' Legolas' words echoed in her head, the words he spoke to her when she was only 9 years old. 'You have to let go of the things, weighing heavily on your heart, and mind.'
Marlina's mind faded to a memory.
Her first Archery lesson when she was 9½ years old. She was horrible at Archery and thought she would never get it right.
"I give up!" Little Marlina had said, as she plopped down on the dirty ground, in her nice white dress.
She remembered how Legolas just smiled, went over to her and sat on the ground next to her.
"You need to try again, Marlina." Legolas had said.
She knew that he had said it to her so many times when she was little.
"I don't want to try again, Legolas, it's too hard!" She would always give up so easily, so much easier than she would now.
"You'll never get it, if you don't try. Marlina, try again."
She tried again, hit the target, and Legolas smiled at her.
Legolas always knew, and believed, she could do anything, she set her mind on. Even when she did not believe in herself.
Now, she had to believe in him, as he believed in her. Against all odds, she knew, and believed, Legolas would get Gimli, and himself, home safely.
She would wait patiently until they returned. Now, she could honestly say, she never stopped believing, she could not stop believing, ever.
"M'Lady?" The guardsman called.
"Yes?" Marlina replied calmly.
"Lunch is ready." The guardsman said.
"Thank you, guardsman." Marlina said as the guardsman turned to leave. She followed him down the stairs, then headed for lunch.
"Aragorn, I know she is still young…" Arwen said quietly, her voice was quiet enough not to echo through the dinning hall. "But she is too much like you. How long do you expect her to stay here, before going to look for them?" Arwen asked in a gentle and very soft tone.
Aragorn sighed. "Arwen, I do not want her getting hurt." Aragorn said almost in a whisper as he spoke Elvish.
Arwen slightly smiled as he spoke. "You have to trust, that she can take care of herself. We raised her strong, Aragorn." Arwen said, as she lifted her hand to Aragorn's farthest cheek, so he looked into her eyes. "Her will is as strong as her father."
Aragorn slightly smiled, took Arwen's hand in his, and kissed it gently, then held it to his chest. Aragorn leaned his forehead and rested it on Arwen's forehead.
"I cannot protect her forever, even if as her father that is all I want to do." Aragorn said quietly.
Arwen looked at husband. "It may not be protection she will need.." Arwen said as she stopped speaking Elvish. "All we can do, is support her, the best we can."
Aragorn looked at wife, leaned in, and kissed her gently on the lips.
"She may have my will, but, she has your heart." Aragorn said as Marlos walked into the dinning hall.
Marlos stood by the door for a moment then spoke in an irritated tone to someone outside.
"Will you hurry up?" Marlos was not in any mood to be patient.
"Why are you in such a bad mood?" Marlus asked as he and Marlis walked in.
"You spend two hours, trying to get Marlina to go see Lantyce, and then you ask yourself the same question." Marlos said.
It was clear to everyone, that he was very irritable.
Arwen and Aragorn both knew, it was a very challenging task, to complete.
Arwen looked at the door for a moment, then she spoke. "Where is your sister?" Arwen asked her sons.
"I do not know. She probably took off again." Marlos said, trying to calm himself down, for his mother's sake.
"I'm here. Sorry I'm late." Marlina said quickly as she came through the doors. "I was up by the beacon, just trying to clear my head." Marlina said. "I was just thinking about everything." She finished, as she took her seat just across from her mother.
Marlos took his seat across from his father. Marlis sat at the end closest to Marlina. Marlus sat at the end closest to Marlos.
The table was big enough for six people only, and was rectangle shaped. It fits two people long ways on each side of the table, and only one-person short ways at each end of the table. The table was hand-carved out of the most stunning and beautiful white and gray marble. The table also had a carving of the first royal family and King ever to take the throne of Gondor, right in the middle. The table itself was a beautiful work of art, and the table shall remain forever in the royal dinning hall of Minas Tirith.
The royal dinning hall was also a very beautiful sight. The walls were of the most beautiful and perfect white stone, with beautiful burgundy and gold-worded banners hanging highly, and proudly from the walls on golden rods.
The floors were made of beautiful white marble with light gray designs. The ceiling was very high with beautifully arched white stone and marble, and has three white wooden chandeliers hung low and gracefully by white chains.
The food on the table had been brought in on silver platters, which were shining in the light that came in from the four large and high windows on each side of the hall.
"I was thinking, maybe we could send out a search party." Marlina said as she looked at her father. "If you think it would be a good use of resources." She finished.
"And who would lead this search party?" Aragorn asked. Hoping she had thought it out far enough. "Marlos could lead it..." Marlina said as she looked pleadingly at her brother. "That is, if he would want to." Marlina finished and looked back at her father who had glanced up at her and Marlos.
"What about both, you and Marlos?" Aragorn asked, as he looked at his two oldest children. "That is, if the two of you would want to go." He finished and continued looking at them with a sheepish smile on his face.
Marlina looked like she was silently pleading for Marlos to accept.
Marlos was looking into his sisters eyes, knowing how badly she wanted to find Gimli and Legolas. "I think it is a high risk task... However, I believe it is something that needs to be done. I will go." Marlos said finally.
A smile spread across Marlina's face as she also accepted.
"Good." Aragorn said. "We'll have it arranged by tomorrow morning... Now, eat." He finished, gesturing to their plates, that had meat, fruit, and vegetables on them.
Marlos continued eating as a small smile appeared on his face, not nearly as big as the one on Marlina's face. Marlos knew how happy Marlina must have been, and it made him happy that he could help her.
Now, his smile faded, as he thought about what would happen if they found Gimli and Legolas dead. He dismissed the thought, knowing they would have had to gone out eventually anyway.
Aragorn looked at Arwen, who was smiling at him, and that made him smile.
Marlis was just happy to see his sister smiling again and he knew no matter the out come, this would make everything so much easier, and answer so many questions. Then Marlis looked across the table and saw Marlus slowly shaking his head. Marlis knew his brother was about to say something no one wanted, nor needed to hear.
Marlus suddenly stood up in anger. "Tell me, Marlina, how do you know their even still alive?" Marlus asked in a very loud voice that echoed off the walls. "They are dead! They would have come back by now, if they were alive!"
Marlina shook her head, mid speed.
"Marlus, you have said enough. Sit down." Arwen said in a very stern voice, that she rarely ever used, as she stood at the table.
Marlus sat down, and Arwen, did the same.
"They are not dead." Marlina said quietly but still loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.
"Yes, they are, Marlina. They have been gone, for nine years. There is no hope for them, they are gone." Marlus said, and then Aragorn saw a tear run down Marlina's cheek.
"Marlina..." Aragorn started.
"They are not coming back." Marlus said bluntly.
Marlina slowly stood up from the table. "I will believe they are dead, when I stop feeling his pain." Marlina said. Her hand was holding the jewel on her chest, she held out the jewel Legolas gave her. "You were there when he gave this to me." She stated. "I feel every ounce of pain, Legolas feels! That is how I know he and Gimli are alive..." She said coldly to her youngest brother. "Do not dare, tell me they are dead, when I feel the pain from the wound Legolas has... The pain he has had to endure every single day!" Marlina then lowered her voice, almost to a whisper. "Do not tell me, they are dead, when I know they are alive." Marlina finished and silently walked out of the dinning hall.
Leaving her two youngest brothers both completely stunned.
"Merry... Merry, wake up!" Pippin said, trying to be quiet.
Merry was slowly coming awake now. "What do you want Pippin?" Merry asked in a whisper.
"I don't know where Legolas is." Pippin said.
Merry propped himself up on his elbows, and looked around. They were at Weathertop, it had been year's since they first came here, and they never thought they would be here again. "Remember the last time we were here, Pippin?" Merry asked.
"Yes, I remember." Pippin said. "I remember us being here with Aragorn, Sam, and... and Frodo." Pippin said. Remembering his old friend Frodo brought back so many happy, sad, and heartbreaking memories.
Gimli's sleep talking made Pippin and Merry jump. "Don't you come back... You... You filthy little... Cave Troll... I'll teach you a less... Less... Lesson."
Merry and Pippin quietly laughed.
"Let's go find Legolas." Merry said quietly, trying not to wake up Sam or Gimli.
"Right, come on." Pippin whispered.
Merry and Pippin now made it to the bottom of Weathertop, and Pippin was a little scared by all the shadows and noises.
"M-maybe we should head back up." Pippin said, looking back and forth from Merry to the tree line.
"We're not leaving just because you're scared, Pippin." Merry said. Something then caught Merry's eye as he turned to the tree line.
"Merry, why can't we just go back?" Pippin asked.
"Because..." Merry replied. "I think I saw something out there." Merry finished.
"Uruk-Hai, probably." Legolas' voice came from behind them, which made them jump.
"Legolas." Pippin said. "We were looking for you." Pippin finished.
Merry looked at Pippin then at Legolas. "What are you doing down here alone?" Merry asked.
Legolas came out from the shadow of Weathertop. "I was keeping a look out for any unwanted guests." Legolas answered. "You two should be asleep." Legolas stated.
Pippin was the first to speak. "Who could sleep knowing you were wounded, and nowhere to be found?" Pippin asked.
"Pippin!" Merry said sharply and quietly as he elbowed Pippin in the stomach.
"Sorry, he was dropped on his head when he was a child." Merry said in Pippin's defense.
"Stop helping me, Merry... I was not dropped on my head." Pippin argued.
"Yes, you were Pippin, your mother said so." Merry replied.
Merry continued to argue with Pippin. Almost forgetting Legolas was there.
"You should head back up and get some rest." Legolas concluded.
Merry and Pippin stopped arguing with each other.
"Are you sure?" Pippin asked.
Merry looked at him. "Of course he's sure, why else would he say it?" Merry said.
"I was just asking." Pippin replied.
"Go on, you're the faster climber... Go!" Merry said quickly.
"Alright! I'm climbing." Pippin said as he and Merry climbed back to the campsite, arguing all the way.
Legolas, stayed at the bottom. He had not been there very long after Merry and Pippin left, when he could hear something.
There was a sweet, and soft voice in the air, or was it in his mind?
"Legolas..." The sweet voice called to him.
He could now tell that the voice was female. "Legolas..." It called again sweetly.
Legolas was becoming tired, and he was starting to drift.
"Come to me." The sweet voice called in a gentle whisper.
Legolas closed his eyes, and drifted into a calm sleep. When he opened his eyes... He was at Rivendell.
"How did I get here?" He asked, assuming someone was near by.
There was no response. Legolas walked down an open hall, seeing how beautiful Rivendell remained. He could see no one around, yet, he could feel someone, somewhere in Rivendell.
"Legolas..." The soft female voice called to him again. "Come to me..." Legolas looked in every direction, and saw no one.
"Where are you?" Legolas asked.
There was no reply.
Legolas now saw he was completely unarmed, and now felt very uneasy.
"Do not be troubled... You are on safe grounds..." The disembodied voice said sweetly.
Legolas did not know why, but he became relaxed, and continued looking for the unknown woman, who brought him here. Legolas walked outside, and saw someone standing on one of the bridges. He walked in the direction of the bridge, and noticed he was wearing traditional Elven garb.
He was wearing white pants, with a long Green silk shirt, with the pattern of the Trees sewn onto the front of it.
He was at the beginning of the bridge now, as he kept walking toward the woman, as she watched the beauty of the waterfall.
"Do you know why I have brought you here?" The woman asked, without even looking away from the waterfall.
"Who are you?" Legolas asked, trying to be polite to the young She-Elf.
"Why must you know?" She replied sweetly as she turned and faced him, revealing her face to him. It was Marlina. However, Legolas had not seen her in years, and did not recognize her.
Legolas, thought she was very beautiful, He now wondered who she was, more than he did, before. Who was this natural beauty?
"Have we met before?" Legolas asked, almost in a daze.
The young She-Elf moved closer to Legolas, close enough to where he gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. She was wearing a beautiful white flowing dress, with a white scarf draped around her neck and down to cover her chest. She had Simbelmynë flowers, so beautifully placed in her hair.
Then Legolas' thoughts caved in on him when she spoke."I am someone you have known for a very long time." She replied, as she gently moved closer.
For a moment, Legolas put his arms around her and embraced her. He then realized he did not know who this beautiful, young She-Elf was, and he gently pulled away, holding her now only loosely in his arms.
He looked deeply into her eyes. "I know we have met before." Legolas said as he continued to hold her loosely in his arms.
"You will know who I am... In time..." She said softly. "The heir of Gondor..." She continued as she took a step back. "The bearer, of your birth-jewel... is growing weak." She finished.
Legolas looked at her. "Marlina..." Legolas said. "Is Marlina alright?" He Asked.
"She is weak, Legolas." She said quietly.
Legolas could see the soft and still gentle seriousness on her face, and hear it in her voice.
She then slowly placed her hands on Legolas' chest. "Legolas... You have felt it..." She said in a whisper as she looked into his blue eyes. "You may never get the chance to see her. You know this." She concluded.
"I will return, with Gimli, she must wait for our arrival." Legolas said gently.
"Legolas... She cannot wait. King Aragorn is sending out a search party..." She paused. "Marlos and Marlina, are leading the search..." She finished.
Legolas thought for a moment. "They must not..." He started. "They must go no farther than Rivendell." Legolas said. "The journey beyond, will be too dangerous." Legolas finished.
"Then..." Marlina paused. "You know what it is that weakens her."
Legolas looked at her. "Why do you assume I know?" He asked.
"I feel a darkness growing in the heir." She said quietly. "A powerful darkness she will not have the strength to control without you." Marlina said calmly.
"What do you mean, 'Without me'?" Legolas asked.
"Legolas, I-" Marlina paused. "I am sorry. I cannot speak in her place." She said. She was Marlina, but she could not tell him, who she was, not yet.
"Please, tell me what it is that weakens her." Legolas pleaded.
"In time..." Marlina said as she stepped very close and touched Legolas' cheek. "Close your eyes." Marlina said.
Legolas closed his eyes, and with a gentle kiss from the young She-Elf, he opened his eyes. She was gone, and he was back at the bottom of Weathertop...
Marlina opened her eyes, and she was back in Minas Tirith. She sighed. Now, she knew for sure Legolas and Gimli, were both alive.
The sun was rising over the horizon. They would be leaving soon, she needed to speak with her mother, Arwen, before they had to leave.
Marlina got out of her bed and did not bother with her shoe's. She left the room and headed to see her mother. She came to her parents' room, as her father, Aragorn, was leaving it.
She stopped, as her father saw her, Marlina smiled and waited.
"I don't know how your mother knew you were coming. She is awake, go on in." Aragorn said.
Marlina hugged her father and went into the room. Aragorn smiled and continued to walk toward the throne room.
"Mother, may I speak with you?" Marlina asked, respectfully.
"Of course you may, Marlina." Arwen said, as she patted her hand on the bed, for Marlina to sit next to her.
Marlina sat next to her mother.
"What is it?" Arwen asked as she cleared hair from Marlina's face.
"I… I saw, Legolas." Marlina said, as she looked at her mother.
"What do you mean, you 'saw' Legolas?" Arwen asked.
Marlina looked at her hands folded in her lap. "I came to him in a dream." Marlina answered. "Legolas and Gimli are both alive. However, Legolas said not to go any farther than Rivendell, for it would be too dangerous." Marlina finished.
"I did not know you were able to come to people through dreams yet, it is not anything I've taught you." Arwen said. "How did you manage it?" Arwen asked softly.
"All I know, is how badly I felt I needed to see him, his name kept echoing in my head. And then, I was in Rivendell, and he found me, while I was watching the waterfall." Marlina said. "I remember how happy I was to see him. However, I did not tell him who I was." Marlina finished.
"You were too scared?" Arwen asked. "It would make sense, you've not seen him in nine years." Arwen said. "You must understand, Marlina..." Arwen said. "This is your glimpse of hope. Do not let it go." Arwen finished.
Marlina smiled. "I will hold on to it, forever." Marlina said, as she looked at her mother, who was smiling back at her.
"Marlina..." Legolas said. He did not know what to think as he heard the unknown woman's words echo in his mind.
The sun was rising.
Legolas headed up to campsite.
"I think we should hurry and get breakfast started." Gimli said, as Legolas came into view. "Ah, there you are." Gimli said.
"We need to leave soon." Legolas said. "We need to get to Rivendell, Aragorn is sending out a search party for us." Legolas finished.
"How do you know this?" Gimli asked.
"A young She-Elf came to me, in a dream, she knows Marlina... Marlina and Marlos are leading the search." Legolas answered.
"Well I guess we should get to Rivendell..." Merry started.
"Why do we need to get to Rivendell?" Pippin asked as he interrupted Merry.
"The journey past Rivendell will be too dangerous for them." Legolas answered.
"We should head out now then." Sam said.
"I'll get the horses ready." Merry said.
"Dangerous for whom?" Pippin asked. He was clearly confused.
"We're heading for Rivendell!" Gimli said loud and happily. "Well then, I suppose we should be on our way." Sam said.
"Yes, we'll head out now." Legolas said.
Pippin stumbled along. "Why are we-?"
"Alright, all the supplies are ready, if you will ready the horses, we will leave after breakfast." Marlos said.
"Yes sir." The guardsman said.
"Ah, Lantyce, and to what do I owe the honor?" Marlos asked kindly.
"Your sister actually. I need you to keep a close eye on her, Marlos." Lantyce said.
Marlos looked at her. "If I may ask so, why must I keep an eye on her?" Marlos asked.
Lantyce moved slightly closer. "She is in more pain than she will admit. It could get worse over night, so I need you to keep an eye on her." Lantyce warned.
"Lantyce, perhaps, you should come with us." Marlos suggested.
"Perhaps you are right." Lantyce agreed.
"I'll get a horse ready for you." Marlos said.
Lantyce looked at him.
"No need to thank me." Marlos joked. "It will be and honor to have you along for the journey." Marlos finished.
"And my sister." Lantyce added.
"And your sister..." Marlos said. "Of course, I'll just ready another horse." Marlos said coolly. "I do hope you will be riding next to me…" Marlos started. "So I can be sure you are safe." He finished.
"But of course." Lantyce said, as she turned to face him.
From over Marlos' shoulder, Lantyce saw Marlina enter the stable.
"Hello, Marlina Lantice and I, will be joining you on your journey to Rivendell." Lantyce said.
Marlos stepped behind his sister, to ready two more horses.
"That is wonderful! What is wrong with Marlos?" Marlina asked Lantyce.
"He is your brother, M'Lady, not mine." Lantyce answered.
"Lantyce..." Marlina started. "Marlos, cares a great deal about you." Marlina stated, quietly. "Lantyce, I also know that I want you to use my name instead of 'M'Lady'." Marlina finished.
"I apologize, Marlina." Lantyce said. "I have been raised to say 'M'Lady'. I will now say 'Marlina' instead." Lantyce finished.
"Thank you, Lantyce." Marlina said.
With that, Marlina and Lantyce found their horses and waited for the long search ahead of them.
"You shouldn't have spoken out the way you did." Marlis said to his brother.
"Marlis, how was I to know?" Marlus asked. "Marlina always keeps to herself." Marlus finished.
"Marlus, Marlina is our sister. We have to trust in her judgment." Marlis said.
Marlis and Marlus were heading to the throne room, to get permission to ride out, and help search for Gimli and Legolas.
"Where are you boys off to?" Lantice asked, as the boys rounded the corner to see her heading their direction.
"We are heading to get permission to join the search party." Marlis said.
"And where are you off to, Lantice?" Marlus asked in a kind tone.
"I am heading to the stables. I am riding out to help Lantyce manage your sister." Lantice said.
Marlis and Marlus just looked at each other for a moment.
"I wish you luck, managing Marlina is a difficult task." Marlis said.
"I too wish you luck." Marlus said, as he walked a little closer, before nodding and continuing to the throne room.
"Marlus, is in a hurry." Marlis said. "I apologize for him being in such a rush, Lantice." Marlis finished.
"Who would have ever thought, two minutes, would make you the mature twin." Lantice said.
After all, Marlis and Marlus were born two minutes apart. With Marlis being two minutes older, it somehow made him the more mature twin.
"Thank you, Lantice." Marlis said kindly.
Lantice bowed her head slightly and smiled. "I shall be on my way then." Lantice finished.
"Oh. Yes, I don't mean to stall you." Marlis said, as he took a step toward the wall to get out of Lantice' way.
"Thank you." Lantice said. "However, you are never a stall. You are a delight." Lantice finished, as she continued to finish preparing for the ride.
Marlis watched her until she was out of his sight. He then rushed to find Marlus, who was waiting by the throne room door.
"You want to go on the search?" Aragorn asked, slightly stunned.
Marlus had been the only one who had been against it, and now he wanted to help. It was highly unusual.
"Yes. I feel it would help to have more men assisting in the search." Marlus said.
Marlis was standing in silence behind his brother. He somehow knew they would not be allowed to go.
"I am sorry, Marlus." Aragorn said. "We need both of you here." Aragorn stated.
"I understand, father." Marlus said as he turned and walked away. "Marlus..." Marlis said.
Marlus paused, looked back over his shoulder, and continued out of the throne room.
"I apologize, for Marlus, Father." Marlis said to his father, as he stepped forward.
"That's alright Marlis." Aragorn said to his son, as he walked toward him. "You and your brother are still young." Aragorn said. "Marlus, will someday realize, I am keeping the two of you here for your own benefit." Aragorn stated. Aragorn looked at his son and slightly smiled. "The people would follow you both, should anything happen to me while Marlina and Marlos are gone." Aragorn said, as he put his hand on Marlis' shoulder. "Although you are both young, I believe you have the traits of a great leader." Aragorn stated.
"Do you really believe, we would be great leaders?" Marlis asked.
"Marlis..." Aragorn started. "I believe that you both are great leaders." Aragorn said. "Your mother and I both believe in the both of you." Aragorn stated, as Arwen walked in behind him.
"Your father is right, Marlis." She said gently, as she came to Aragorn's side. "You are both leaders." Arwen stated, gently.
"You cannot come with us. I am sorry." Marlos said calmly.
"I second that as well." Marlina said. "If father said you cannot go-" Marlina started.
"-Then you cannot go with us." Marlos finished.
"Marlina, I want to go." Marlus said. "I am sorry for what I said yesterday." Marlus finished.
Marlina looked at her youngest brother and smiled. "Marlus, you must stay here." Marlina said. "What if something were to happen to us or father while we were gone?" Marlina asked sweetly.
"I know, you are right." Marlus said. "However, I feel terribly, about what I said yesterday." Marlus stated.
Marlina stepped closer to Marlus. "I have already forgiven you." Marlina said as she hugged her youngest brother.
Legolas was sitting on a large smooth rock, by a small gentle stream as Merry, Pippin, and Gimli sat down for lunch.
"Are you sure you're not hungry, Legolas?" Pippin asked.
"We need to hurry to Rivendell." Legolas said.
Pippin stood and walked over to Legolas. "How do we know this 'She-Elf' was telling the truth?" Pippin said, as he sat by Legolas on another large but rougher rock.
Legolas thought for a moment. "I don't know how, but I knew her." Legolas said. "I have met her before." Legolas said, as Pippin watched him closely.
"Do you trust her?" Pippin asked.
Legolas sighed. "I am not sure." Legolas finally said.
Farther up the road, something caught Gimli's attention. "Legolas!" Gimli called.
Legolas quickly ran over to Gimli, with Pippin at his side.
"Does that look familiar to you?" Gimli asked.
"It is the armor of Minas Tirith." Legolas said, as he picked up the armor.
A pale gray dust poured out.
"Where do you suppose it came from?" Pippin asked worriedly.
Gimli looked at Legolas, who was looking back at him. "Probably just got left here." Gimli said.
Gimli and Legolas knew, it was the scout they had sent out for Minas Tirith. Now, he was nothing but dust. What happened to him?
"Alright enough!" The head Uruk-hai called. "How did this happen?" He yelled. "We had them outnumbered and we lost!" Head Uruk-hai Vonas, was furious.
He had gained the name "Vonas" after his first single-handed killing of a large man called "Joryn Synko Vonas." Uruk-hai Vonas was a very strong and ruthless Uruk. He came to lead his fellow Uruk-hai, by challenging the strongest Uruk in the group.
"You ran to hide when you should have stayed to fight!" Vonas yelled, as he knocked over a weapons rack. "I should cut you all down where you stand!" He stated. "However, I will give you a chance to redeem yourselves." Vonas now stepped onto an old tree stump and looked over his band of Uruk-hai. "The survivors now travel to Gondor. But, you will not let them reach the city of Rivendell!" Vonas ordered loudly. "Do I make myself clear?!"
Now the band of Uruk-hai all cheered for victory! Vonas triumphantly yelled over the cheering Uruk-hai. Now all 89 Uruk were chanting his name.
Marlina finished readying her horse, and turned to Marlos. "I believe everyone is ready." Marlina stated.
"Alright, then." Marlos said, as Marlina got on her horse before he got on his. "All ready!" Marlos shouted.
All of the riders then steadied their horses. Marlina and Marlos began trotting out on their horses, with Lantice and Lantyce right behind them.
Then all of the riders, slowly followed. They rode down an empty street, then turned down another street lined with the people of Minas Tirith.
The people then began tossing fresh picked flowers on the ground as the party of riders passed by.
Note From TheSeaChelle: I know this one is a bit shorter. Please forgive me. Give me feedback, opinions and such!
~Chelle