Hey everyone, I just wanted to let you know that I am planning to continue with more chapters soon. Actually, I wrote another one but my silly computer deleted it... :( But I'll try to type it up again and post it asap! Feel free to review and let me know what you think! Thanks!
The wind whipped back her long dark hair as she rode, swaying in the large saddle. Windrae's large paws tore at the ground as they ran. The young warg pup had proved to be very trusting of Isówyn and had remained with her since that night. The warg had grown quite large in their time together. Isówyn had named him Windrae, meaning wind.
The girl and warg had grown close and protected each other, never leaving each other for more than a day. They hunted, traveled, and lived as one. Isówyn found that this black warg came to fill the role of a Rohirrim's horse. They shared a strong bond.
They typically stayed away from the towns. At the sight of Windrae, people panicked and armed themselves, glaring at her suspiciously before delivering threats to come if they did not leave. When the need arose, Isówyn would leave Windrae to hunt whilst she visited markets and towns. Upon her return, he would always leave her a part of his prey.
Isówyn and Windrae lived this way for many years, travelling throughout Middle Earth. Six years had passed since Isówyn had been forced to flee her home. As time passed, Isówyn became more confident and curious. She was no longer tied to once place, and felt that she was free to live her life in any way she saw fit. She had decided to travel throughout all the lands, to see all the people and places of the world.
Having recently traveled through the High Pass of the Misty Mountains, Isówyn knew she was close to the fabled land of the elves. It was rare that men dared to look for it, but she disregarded the warnings of the travellers she had spoken to. She would see Rivendell, as she would see all the other lands of Middle Earth.
She knew the valley had to be close, she was in the right area but had no means of finding the hidden home of the elves. Perhaps they would find her, she mused to herself.
Windrae padded across the dense forest floor under the cover of night, leaving large tracks in their wake. Isówyn surveyed the area around her, eager for a chance to see the elves. Her curiosity peaked as she saw a light in the distance.
Urging Windrae foward, Isówyn craned her neck to see ahead. The reddish flames of a fire slightly illuminated the way. Windrae hesitated, looking around warily. Isówyn ignored the wargs uncertainty, once again urging him on. When they were not far from the fire, she dismounted. She could hear the low rumble of a throaty growl from Windrae. Placing a gentle hand on his nose, she silenced him.
Crouching down, Isówyn peered through the dense woods. She looked around the fire to see who the camp belonged to, but no one was there. Suddenly, she felt the cool, slight bite of a sword against her neck. She turned around at its urging, careful not to move too suddenly. She looked up into the piercing grey eyes of a tall, fair man with dark hair that fell down his back. She could see that his ears were slightly pointed.
"Who are you?" The elf demanded calmly.
"I am Isówyn, Master Elf. I wish you no harm and my intentions are innocent," she promised confidently.
The elf cocked his head to the side, looking into her eyes. "So you say. But why should one that is innocent be astride such a foul beast?"
"Foul beast?! Windrae is not a beast, he is my friend. He would not harm anyone, save to protect me or himself. You should not be so fast to judge," she scolded hotly.
The elf examined the young girl, surprised. She was surely passionate, and not afraid to show it. He watched her for a few moments, but to Isówyn it felt an eternity. Removing his blade, he turned and gestured for her to follow him.
"I shall take you to m'lord Elrond. He shall decide your fate," the elf told her as she followed close behind. As they walked, they were silently joined by another elf. He looked almost the same as the other; dark-haired and grey-eyed, with fair elven faces and silver grey cloaks. They glanced at each other and then Isówyn, as if they were unsure of her intentions.
It was not long before the elves led her down a path into a golden valley, filled with trees of deep reds and greens. The rising sun cast its light over the valley, reflected by the flowing stream that made its way through the land. Isówyn's breath was taken away as she gazed upon the Last Homely House East of the Sea. She gazed at it reverently before being urged on by the two elven men.
They crossed a beautiful stone bridge and made their way up to the House of Elrond. There he stood at the top of the stairs, watching their approach.
"M'lord, this is Isówyn. I found her on our borders, riding a black warg. It has followed us from a distance, but has made no threat of attack. I thought it wise to seek your council," the elf that had first found her told Lord Elrond.
"You were right to do so, Elladan," Elrond assured him. "You may now leave us."
The two elven men took their leave, only Elrond and Isówyn remained at the stairs.
"Tell me, Isówyn, why have you come here?" Elrond asked as he looked into her deep green eyes.
"Simply traveling. I wish to see all the lands of Middle Earth, starting with Imladris. I heard the hospitality of the elves is renowned," she answered honestly.
"While this is true, there are a rare few who seek it. I can tell that you bear us no will ill, and shall allow you to remain here. But first, tell me of your past. I see that it troubles you greatly."
Isówyn told him everything. First, she spoke of her village in Rohan and how it had been raided by orcs. She told him of her escape, and then the warg attack. She told him of Windrae, and how she had come to love the warg. By the time she was done revealing her history, a tear had escaped against her will and made its way down her cheek.
Elrond reached out a gentle hand to wipe away the single tear. "You have had a hard past indeed, and are obviously aged more than your years would suggest. Your friend cannot remain in the valley, but may remain unhunted in the borders of this land." He moved to place a kind hand on her arm, but was instead enveloped in a hug. The girl had a strong grip, and had startled him. He chuckled lightly before returning the hug.
"Thank you, Lord Elrond," she whispered, her tears now freely flowing.
