Elleth of Light
Chapter Two
Not the Thoughts of a Hero
Merenwen's POV
Camping with the fellowship was…interesting to say the least. I had never seen a more diverse gathering of souls. It had become hard in the still of the night, not to allow my thoughts to wander back to the conversation that was my final bid farewell from Haldir. Still, I had grown rather fond of hearing the young hobbits speaking of their home, and the simple joys of enjoying a cold pint of ale after working in the gardens or in Merry and Pippen's case, the spoils of another day visiting a certain man's farm on the outskirts of the Shire.
The life of a hobbit seemed quaint to my mind; I did not understand the pleasures of such a lifestyle but I did understand the pride a creature can have of their home. It was a shame it took me until the very last moment upon the open road so many years ago for me to realize how fond I was of Lorien. The way the trees seemed to whisper to me, allow the breeze to carry words of grace to my ears. It was a comfort I would find no place else. The way the stars would fall upon my face in such a way I appeared to glow.
I recall one night, when the moon was at its highest point in the sky that I was given a name from which I would never forget. The elleth of light she said I was, at least that's what Galadriel said that my mother had said. My mother was an incredible presence, a radiant star by her own right my father once said. I never knew her, having lost her the day I was born into the middle earth; but I never felt like she was missing from me, simply waiting for my return to her arms.
"Dinner is almost ready." Spoke a voice in the darkness. I shifted against the boulder I rested upon and laughed. It was still amusing to me that he would speak in elvish tongue even now.
"Do tell me what is going to be served after the hobbits have finished devouring the meal?" I chuckled watching the four hobbits crouching over the steaming pans of various meats.
"Care to join me for a hunt then?" Elessar asked.
"We are not alone in these woods; I do not think it is wise to venture far from the others."
"Doubting your skills already?" The ranger smirked while propping his hand upon the hilt of his sword.
"Just yours my dear friend. But food for the men and dwarf may yet be a necessity. Let us not linger in the woods for long." With a nod from Elessar we wandered around the grouping of boulders providing us some shelter from the possible threats lurking about in the woods and we cautiously began our hunt. Despite my jests, the ranger was a skilled hunter. He had provided many meals around the campfire we had set on the outskirts of Bree. We could have spent time in some of the inns within town, but naturally we had chosen a less crowded place to rest. He and I were a lot alike; not too keen on the company of others. But we both had a person we spoke of in the night; tales of love that seemed to be too far from our reach.
I was envious this night of the ranger; he could not hide the jewel around his neck from my eye. The pendant seemed to shimmer under the light of the moon with such radiance; it appeared to be a star. Such a jewel meant that his love was not beyond his reach; in fact, he must have reached it and would forever hold it close to his heart.
I desired to ask him about her; I wanted to know how the love of an immortal and a mortal could come to be but it was not the proper time. His eyes were scanning the shadows for movement; a deer perhaps would wander into our midst and provide a sustaining meal for the others.
The trees surrounding us were silent, no emotion, good or bad, could be felt within these woods. It was…unnerving to me. I kept my fingers tightly clasped around my sword. Not typically a weapon of choice for elves; I still carry a beautiful bow and arrow but I feared for what other creatures remain in wait for us.
My fears only escalated as my ears began to pick up on steps in the distance. Heavy, determined steps were approaching.
"Elessar…something draws near." I called to him. I heard his blade being pulled from its sheath. The steps in the distance grew heavier; they had quickened their pace towards us.
I drew in a deep breath as I anticipated my foes. Time grew painfully slow; I focused my eyes ahead and saw a sight I had not yet seen before. A small band of uruk-hai; black beasts of the strongest stature, bearing the hand of the white wizard were looking right back at me as they drew closer. I felt my breath being caught in my throat; I did not expect to be meeting such terrors so soon into our journey.
"Stand strong Merenwen." I heard Elessar shout but my ears were now focused on the heavy steps pounding into the ground, echoing through me as if it were a heartbeat within me. So…Isengard had extended its malice into the land and I would face it firsthand.
Within moments the shadows of the beasts drew close enough to be seen in detail. They were monsters like none I had ever seen. Before I could take them in fully, I heard steps behind me. I quickly turned and swung my sword only to have it connect with the giant blade from my foe. Even in the dark of night I could see his tongue grazing across his sharpened teeth before allowing a growl to reach my ears.
I then released a growl of my own before forcing his blade aside and striking him down with a mighty swing to the chest. I shoved his carcass to the ground with my foot as I turned and met another beast. Our blades danced about wildly, the clash of our steel connecting echoed loudly.
I was shocked at the sheer strength of each of my opponents, but with all of their strength it did little to match me with speed. As his enormous arms lifted his blade I quickly drew close and forced my sword into his gut. The smell of his flesh and blood was nauseating. I then spun around to see four beasts charging towards Elessar.
I pulled my throwing knives out of my thigh holster and threw the tiny blades towards the creatures' necks. Within seconds the four were falling onto the forest floor, clinging to their final breaths.
Suddenly I felt a giant boot connect with my back, sending me crashing onto the ground. I scrambled to my feet only to receive a fist across my cheek. I felt my lip splitting instantly, the throbbing ache within my cheek became evident as well. I wiped the blood from my lip as I scrambled to find my sword.
"Just like old…times right…Merenwen?" I heard the ranger shouted in between the swings of his sword.
"Fighting with drunken men at the Prancing Pony hardly compares to this Elessar!" I shouted while returning to my feet. My opponent provided me the time to stand, this thing enjoyed to fight and he was in no hurry; lucky for him, nor was I.
I smirked as he began studying me with a malicious grin. Such filth…to think these creatures were once elves was almost too hard to believe.
I launched myself towards the uruk-hai; I felt him grab my wrist holding the sword and he began to tighten his grip until my very bones were screaming in pain. My sword made a soft thud as it felt to the ground. Knowing the situation I was in, I kicked the beast with every ounce of strength I could conjure, sending him crashing against a nearby tree.
I was realizing quickly that these uruk-hai were nothing like the orcs I had faced at Lothlorien's borders. Orcs were predictable, unintelligent and weak; nothing like the creatures now circling me. I couldn't help but smile; if they viewed me as their prey then I would ensure it would be one mistake they would not have the luxury to make again.
I grabbed my sword yet again; praying it would remain in hand. I stood but quickly heard the draw of an arrow and the pull of a bow string.
"ELESSAR! THEY HAVE ARROWS!" I shouted. Clever creatures. I broke away from the group of uruk-hai circling me in hopes of taking down the archer. It didn't take long before I found the beast; he had an arrow pulled back, ready to release. I adjusted my steps, zigzagging towards him. I dodged three arrows before finally leaping upon the towering creature and giving his head few turns too far. His body fell to the ground as I stood in victory.
Suddenly I heard something I was not expecting, an arrow forcing through the night air towards me. I turned to face the arrow only to watch a blade connect with the arrow, sending it in another direction towards the ground. I released a sigh of relief.
My lips parted slightly as I was astonished to see my defender was the Prince of Mirkwood himself.
"Glad you could make it to our hunting party my lord. You have my eternal thanks." I said with a bow after watching Elessar strike down the final uruk-hai.
"Do not flatter me with such gestures my lady, I am no more royalty than you in this fellowship. But you are welcome." He said softly. No more royalty than I? Now that was a shock to hear from him. I had heard that the elves of Mirkwood were arrogant in nature, the ruling family especially. I suppose the young price had found humility, a very becoming attribute for such a status as prince.
"Are you injured?" He asked me, I watched his eyes fall upon my lip. His apparent concern made me instantly feel…embarrassed.
"No, though I must admit my pride is slightly wounded." I laughed as Elessar approached.
"You fought well." The elf replied quickly.
"You are kind, but I did not fight well enough. If it wasn't for you, I'd be choking on poison from that arrow. I was…careless." I admitted. I felt a hand upon my shoulder.
"Spoken like a true march warden. Come; let us not linger for more uruk-hai to arrive. We must warn the others and prepare to depart." Elessar said as his bloody knuckles released his sword now strapped to his hip once again.
We had started walking back to the camp; the sun had already begun to rise to welcome this new day. I did not feel the slightest fatigue from my battle; my training has served me well.
We soon returned to camp but it was quickly apparent that something wasn't right.
"Where's Frodo?" I demanded as I noticed his absence. The hobbits looked around frantically, that was the only answer I needed. I took off into the woods without a care that I was alone in my search.
"FRODO!" I screamed. I knew well my shouts would soon draw unwanted attention but I had pledged myself to the hobbit. His safety was my main priority; even if it meant sacrificing my own. I didn't feel as if I had fully accepted my role as a member of the fellowship; I did not see hope in the quest and I did not foresee finding such hope but that hobbit was different. Frodo in my eyes, needed to survive this. I wanted to help him survive this. Whether or not the ring is able to destroyed, I simply wanted him to make it back to this Shire he talked so fondly of. I was shown my end, and it may yet be in a battle that could happen tomorrow, but if nothing else I wanted…I wanted Haldir to know I had gotten the so called savior of this middle earth back home so that maybe the so called hope for a better tomorrow would remain in a small home under the hill.
Not the thoughts of a hero; but I cared not. My job was to keep Frodo alive and I would see it done. I had to see it done.
"FRODO!" I called out again as I raced through the woods. I weaved in and around the trees as I searched for any signs of him. That's when I heard it. I came to a sudden stop as I heard voices nearby.
My ears made out the voices, it was Boromir and Frodo. I felt a wave of relief fall upon my senses as I approached but the mood quickly shifted.
"CURSE YOU! CURSE YOU AND ALL THE HALFLINGS!" I heard the man roar.
"Boromir! What are you doing? Where's Frodo?" I panicked as I noticed the hobbit's absence.
"Leave me elf! My business is not with you!" He spat. The man was not the friendliest but he was speaking in a tone that was not his own. Was this the ring's doing? I had been warned about the power of the ring and the abilities it had to change the heart of any creature. It would turn harmless dreams into devastating desires to the point you find yourself doing all that you can to simply feel the chill of the ring upon your fingertips.
"The ring! It has taken you! You need to remember who you are! We do not have time for weakness! Return to camp! Let me find Frodo!" I demanded.
"So you can take the ring for yourself? I will not see the fate of Gondor in the hands of a woman!" He said as he began a steady pace towards me.
"Your mind it not your own Boromir! Do not make me your enemy!" I snapped but still his advances continued. I placed my hand upon my sword before pulling it into sight. The blade reflected the beams of the sun as I pointed it towards the charging man.
"Think you have what it takes to defeat me? I could break you with my bare hands elf!"
"Well, you could certainly try." I was trying to remain calm, hoping the calmness would ease his poisoned mind but it did nothing but fuel his blind rage. He engaged me in sword combat. His swings were strong, but I would expect no less from such a man of Gondor. I maneuvered away from his blade with ease; his movements quickly grew erratic and vengeful. I was watching his blade become closer and closer to reaching my body. Defense would not serve me well in this.
I began to swing my own sword; our blades seemed to crash together like the crack of lightning. Leaves beneath our feet were stirring about as our steps quickened. I had more than one opportunity to end the man, but this was no foe I wanted to strike down. I was holding back, sifting through my mind for the proper action to take here.
I then swung my sword against his own with such impact he dropped it immediately. I the n dropped my sword and lunged at the man open handed. I slapped the bearded man across the cheek as hard as possible hoping it would snap him out of this trance. But my plan backfired as I felt a strong hand around my throat.
I was soon lifted into the air with ease.
"DAMNIT! Boromir…st-" I choked out before my entire airway was forced closed by his calloused hand. I swung my legs around his arm and pushed my feet into his shoulder until I felt his grip loosen. He tossed me aside before yelping out in pain from the sudden action.
I did not waste a single moment until I was behind the man, snaking my arms around his throat in a choke-hold. I squeezed tight, trying not to focus on the frantic hands clawing and punching my arms. I forced my face away from his reach as I continued to squeeze. He stammered about, trying to free himself but I stood my ground.
"Calm yourself! I am not your enemy Boromir! I am your friend! Snap out of it! Please!" He was fighting the realization of reality away but I felt his body relaxing. I loosened my grip but did not lose my stance.
"Merenwen?" He coughed. I instantly shoved him away from me as I reached my sword once more, preparing myself for another attack but was relieved to find the man was appearing more like his true self with every passing moment.
He looked up at me; regret and shame written across his face as clear as day.
"Where's Frodo?" I calmly asked.
"I…tried-"
"Focus! It matters not what happened simply tell me where he went!" I said sternly.
"He disappeared from my sight." He said. I shook my head; that was not the answer I wanted. Then I heard an all too familiar sound of a group of uruk-hai racing towards us. These beasts simply would not give up; traveling in daylight was a developed skill I was not eager to face.
I heard Merry and Pippen in their path a ways ahead and instantly cursed our obvious lack of luck in this day.
"Merry! Pippen!" The man shouted as he took off towards them. I quickly followed as I noticed the two hobbits were frozen in fear at the sight of the creatures charging towards them.
"RUN!" I screamed at them as I threw a few knives at the uruk-hai reaching for them. They were trying to capture the hobbits rather than kill them? So, the orders their master gave them becomes clear. Saruman desired the ring; he only needed to have the hobbit that carried it.
I began to cut down one uruk-hai after another as I kept an eye on the hobbits and son of Gondor. It wasn't long until I realized that the enemy had us outnumbered tremendously. We wouldn't survive such an onslaught; we would tire long before our opponents.
I don't know how long we had been fighting, but I noticed Boromir was beginning to tire and there was no sign of our companions in sight to lend aid.
Suddenly I felt a searing pain along my side. I stammered backwards as I placed a hand upon my side and felt the warmth of blood freely flowing. Merry and Pippen bravely charged towards me to assist but I threw my hand up towards them.
"YOU WILL NOT!" I shouted, every breath I took only intensified the pain threatening to cripple my body. I quickly stood trying my best to remember my lessons; pain was for the weak. You can not feel pain until you've won your fight. I clenched my teeth together as I lifted my sword; it seemed to weigh twice as much as it did before.
"BOROMIR! WE NEED HELP!" I screamed as I cut down another uruk-hai only to watch three take his place.
The horn of Gondor quickly sounded in the deep, which would suffice for a call for help. Good, this meant help would surely arrive.
I glanced down at my injury; thankfully not a fatal blow but it did not make it any less difficult to breathe or carry a sword.
I defended myself against the three uruk-hai; they were relentless with their attacks and it was becoming quite the task to follow their movements. Damn…I was growing faint from my injury. I shook away the stars dancing about my vision to see an uruk-hai upon the hill above drawing back an arrow and aiming it right at Boromir who was too focused on his opponent to notice.
I swung my sword hard to create an opening for me to escape and I ran towards the uruk-hai; my eyes focused on the arrow about to fire. I ran as fast as my feet would carry me, praying I would make it in time. I reached into the small satchel strapped to my thigh and felt my heart drop when I realized I had no knives left to throw. I scrambled to reach my bow as I placed my sword back within its sheath. The pain searing through my body as I stretched to reach my bow was almost too much to bear. I continued to run until I watched the arrow release and speed through the air. I followed the arrow in horror as it embedded itself into Boromir's chest. My mouth opened slightly to scream but I was frozen where I stood.
I felt my heart beating wildly as I stood as frozen. I heard a short grunt of a laugh from the uruk-hai archer; I turned to him to witness him drawing back a second arrow. Boromir continued to fight; he kept on fighting for the hobbits, for his life and for his honor.
I took in a deep breath and forced the pain at bay as I reached my bow and pulled an arrow of my own back and aimed it right at the smirking beast. He noticed me; his blood lust gaze shifted to me as did his bow. Without thinking I fired my arrow and forced my body to lower to avoid his black arrow. Neither arrow met its mark but I watched as he quickly prepared another arrow. I tried to mimic his action but the pain from reaching back caused me to wince; come on Merenwen! JUST DO IT!
I was screaming at myself, I could not have my body fail me now! I heard an arrow being fired and instantly heard Boromir gasp from the impact.
"NO!" I screamed I felt my body crumbling to my knees but I quickly forced myself up yet again.
"BOROMIR! RUN!" I screamed but the man continued to fight; I had never witnessed such bravery, such unrelenting bravery. A third arrow embedded itself into his torso until he finally crashed onto his knees. I ran towards the uruk-hai with all that I had left within me and was able to pull the bow from his grasp. I drove the bow hard across my knee, snapping it in half only to have a boot crash hard into my chest. I fell onto the ground; the weight of his boot still connected to my chest forced a scream from my lips.
"Scream out she-elf…beg for your life." I would do no such thing but I felt the sense of desperation and fear creeping in. Was this the end?
Author's Note:
TheParanoidGraveRobber: Thanks for taking the time to review! I'm so glad I've got a fan of the story so far, hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! :)