Hey guys. heres another chapter, this doesn't mean the stories done but i do have quiet a few chapters done. I am looking for someone to look over these chapters. the person i normally have is working a job so she pretty busy. if anyone wouldn't mind looking them over i would apprishate it.
Also thanks to the those who reviewed, the next one will come up after five reviews for i have finished another chapter. till then!
Chapter Two: Rocky Start
Clara blew hot air into my face, scrambling my already messy hair. Reaching up with my uninjured arm I placed my hand against her muzzle, scratching it softly. No matter how long I lived around horses, the soft skin of their nose would always leaving me marveling over it. I could spend hours petting it.
"I am so glad you are okay my friend." After introductions had been made I had asked about Clara, distressed about the only family I had left. Legolas had helped me up and pointed to the corner of the haven where I had found Clara and another horse grazing. My heart had felt much lighter when I had found her unharmed. It had also surprised me to see Arod standing next to her, but I did not mention it. Clara nickered and snorted into my hand, stomping her front hooves.
"I think she was just as concerned about you." Legolas walked up behind me, hands gently interlocked behind him. He wore a kind smile on his face and while I was not used to such looks from his kind, I was glad for it. "You have a very loyal friend. When we found you she was stomping her hooves at us, making angry sounds. She would not let us come close till we had put our weapons down."
I felt deep warmth in my chest as he told me this, and smiled leaning forward and resting my forehead to my mare's snout. "That does not surprise me as we have been together for many years. The bond between horses and my people are as strong as that of elves." I looked at him from the corner of my eye. "Having a mix of both in my blood has made our bond stronger still."
Legolas nodded, looking thoughtful for a moment before he walked over to Arod. The white and gray stallion was one I had known from home, one that gave me sadness and joy in seeing him so well. "We saw the Rohan symbol on your armor, but it is good to hear your allegiance confirmed." He rubbed his horse's forehead and spoke some elvish before turning back towards the fire. "Come, you must be hungry."
I had been ignoring my body's need since I had woken, but at the mention of food, it suddenly began to be too much to bear. Nodding my head I patted Clara's snout before following the elf back into camp.
Gimli had already sat down on a fallen log, eating a hardy piece of meat that looked like the leg of something. At first I was not sure where such a thing had come from before my eyes wandered to the fire and saw my answer. There was a large pot hanging over the flames and Legolas was standing over it, stirring whatever was in it. To the side of the pot and under it, chunks of meat were skewered on metal barbs that stuck out from the ground and hung in the lower flames. I stood there for a moment watching them both as they talked about something I did not know of and of names I did not recognize.
I felt as if I was intruding on them. They seemed to be having a good time and who knows what I had put on hold by showing up the way I had. Biting my lip, I told myself it could not be helped and slowly walked over and sat down on the other fallen log by the fire. Gimli grinned at me and held his food out as if it were made of gold. I shook my head at him, but a smile had crept up on to my face and that seemed to please him.
I let my gaze shift back down again and looked at my red under shirt with a frown. The fabric was ruined now that trails of dried blood striped the left side of it; it made me wish I had my traveling bag with me.
"My lady?" Looking up I was met with a wooden bowl, and looked up at the elf, momentarily confused, before regaining myself and taking in from him. He smiled good-naturedly and sat down on the other side of the log a few feet from me.
Placing the bowl down on my lap I realized it was some kind of stew and was suddenly grateful. I had been cold since I had woken up and something warm to eat was welcome. "Thank you. I did not realize you were making dinner, or I would have helped."
Legolas shook his head dismissing my offer. "It is fine. I did not want you to have to move that shoulder if you do not have too."
At the mention of it I rubbed the bandaged wound and winced as it ached, cursing myself once again for being caught off guard. "You are right…"
A rough laugh made my head swivel to the dwarf as he eyed me from across the fire pit. "Do not look so down lassie, for yer wound will heal soon enough." I could not help but smile at the gruff man, as he reminded me so much of the men of Rohan. He might have passed as one if he weren't so short.
"Many thanks Master dwarf. I am just not use to such a wound. I am afraid my pride has been damaged more then my body." For the first time since I had woken up I felt my chest lighten as I bantered good-naturedly with the short man. Gimli chuckled again and I took the lull in conversation as a chance to eat some of the stew. It was good, and much better then anything I had ever made, though I still made it better then a few women I knew back home. Neither of them talked as we eat and I did not comment on the food, but as I eat my serving rather quickly I was sure they figured I was pleased with it.
"But this has me wondering lass." I raised an eyebrow at the dwarf and tilted my head. "Where were ye going before ye met up with us?"
I chewed my last few bites slowly, wondering if I should answer truthfully. They had done nothing but show me kindness and were certainly trustworthy. "I head towards the Golden Woods."
"Lothlórien?" I nodded my head at Legolas, who seemed surprised.
"Yes. I have… I have business there that can not be avoided."
They seemed to mull over that for a few minutes, which gave me time to finish off my meal. I reflected on my own words for a moment, remembering when I had first gotten the letter. Part of me had wanted to throw it in the fire, but no matter how hard I tried I could not bear to do so. Even now I continued to remain uncertain if I viewed my quest as one of pleasure or something merely necessary, the complexities of my journey such that I did not know my own mind. That I had never been to an elven community was in itself enough to make my stomach twist unpleasantly.
"My lady?" I was just setting my bowl down when the fair-haired elf spoke again. I raised an eyebrow and looked to him with a smile.
"You can call me by my name if you wish. I am not use to such formal titles, for we of Rohan find comfort with more friendly speech." The Prince blinked, looking a little surprised, before he nodded his head. It was true that amongst my people those of close acquaintance did speak without such titles, though why I had made my request when we had been known to each other for less than a day, I did not know. Perhaps it was because I wanted to feel like I was on good terms with them both. I knew whom they were and that I had fought along side them, even if they were not aware.
"Áriel then." I nodded my head pleased and waited for him to go on. "I know it might be difficult, but could you tell us what happened to you?" I heard Gimli make a grunt of agreement as he started on his second leg of the night. I shifted slightly my hand trailing over the bandages again before I nodded my head.
"It is no problem, my lord." I let my hand stray to a piece of my hair and started twisting my finger around it. "Last night I made camp out side the forest because I had been traveling since just after the sun rose and needed to rest Clara. All was well until only a few minute before dawn." I pulled on the strand and frowned, looking to both men who were listening quietly. Gimli had even stopped eating for the moment. "I was more tired then I thought because I did not sense them until they were nearly upon me."
"Who?"
I pressed my lips, looking at Legolas.
"Orcs." Both of their faces grew quite serious then and I waited a moment to see if one of them would say something. When they did not move their mouths to do so, I went on. "There were about two dozen of them. I fought and killed about four before they started getting the upper hand. Knowing I couldn't win I abandon my things and got on Clara and rushed into the forest. I knew that the trees of Fangor were no friends of orcs and I hoped I would receive help. I did, but not before I had taken down a few more and one had shot me." My frown deepened and I ground the ball of my foot into the dirt in frustration. "I lost conciseness quickly after that."
It was silent again for a time and I listened to the fire crackle, felt the warm of its flames dance over my skin. After minutes pasted I shifted nervously and stood up. "I'll go wash the dishes…" I did not give them any time to reply, I simply took both used bowls and turned, hurrying down the path. I could hear water a little ways away, the percolating of a stream.
As I walked, I contemplated if I had done the right thing, but felt my new companions needed to talk about what I had told them. It had been over a month since the destruction of the ring and it had looked like most of the Orcs had run off to hide. I myself had been surprised to see such a large group of them together.
I found the stream after five minutes of walking. It wasn't huge, but it was plenty big enough to clean the dishes in. Slipping off my metal riding boots I walked out into the stream, finding the cold water a bit too chilly for my liking but with my skin dirty from days of travel and probably orc blood cold water was nothing if I could get clean.
Washing the two bowls was easy enough as I bent down and let the running water flow over them and used my hands to scrub at them. Once that was finished I set them on the bank and then joined them, letting my feet move with the current. My eyes drifted around the area looking at the trees and the sky. The forest was old indeed and the emotions that ran around in it were intense if one was not careful to ignore them.
Frowning I shook my head and shifted to sit on my legs and lean forward so that I could look into the water. I figured I should get a good look at myself. Sadly what stared back at me was worse then awful. I was a mess. My fair skin was covered in dried dirt and blood and my blond hair that normally shined with steaks of orange and red was now brown and green, and matted and clumped together. It made me wonder how the boys had not looked at me with displeasure and sent me off to get clean sooner – I couldn't have smelled very good. Grimacing I got to work and bent down to clean my hair in the shallow water and scrub my face clean. I was going to be freezing after this, but I would rather be clean and cold than smelling like a cesspool.
It took a good few minutes to claw the knots and snags from my hair and get it clean but once that was accomplished I pulled all of it to the side and rung it out the best I could. I was already shivering as I dried my face off with the bottom of my tunic. Letting out a tired sigh I watched the puff of air as it dissipated before looking down again at my reflection. Face clean and as good as it ever looked these days, I felt satisfied and sat back down on the ground pulling my boots back on.
I sat there for a while, a knee pulled up to my chest, chin resting on it and stared at the stream. I concentrated on repressing the shivers that ran through me, wondering once again why I had been blessed with so many elfish traits except the one that I wished I had right now.
I heard the footsteps long before their owner was next to me. The light footfalls clearly identified Legolas and I did not look to my side as he joined me on my left, his legs tucked under him. He did not speak for a long time and I liked the company he brought, but still felt unnerved by how friendly he was.
"I am sorry that we made you uncomfortable Áriel." Surprised I shifted my gaze to him. He was staring out at the forest ahead of him, his brow crumpled to match his tone. I shook my head.
"It is fine. I have never liked tense silence, even more so since the war. It fills me with anxiety and I always feel the need to run."
"That is understandable. There were times during the war that I lost all hope. It was the will of Valar that every time I was pulled from it."
I smiled to myself, remembering such a time and wondered if he realized I was the same person that had been there that day. I told myself it was of no importance, and did not bring it up.
"It matters not. The war is over now, and there is little resistance." Though more then I had thought since the attack on me. "The fact that the orcs went after a single traveler shows that they have little meaning in what they do now. They are lost without their dark lord."
"You speak with great knowledge and wisdom my lady."
I quirked a smile.
"As do you master elf, though I am rather sure you are a far many years ahead of me." At that the Prince turned to look at me. I was still facing straight ahead but my eyes were looking at him and I smiled gently before looking ahead again. His gaze was bewildered, as many elves' were when they spoke to me. It was as if they could see into my soul and were confused by it.
"If I may ask you, what is your age?"
My eyebrows rose, and I thought about chastising him for asking after a women's age. I thought better of it after a moment though and sighed.
"I turned forty five a few months past." His eyes widened a fraction, but then he nodded his head. As all who had half elven blood, I had stopped aging in my early twenties and so still wore that face. He seemed surprised though and I could not help but snicker in silence. "You forget half elves grow faster then one of pure blood. While our minds are sharp and our lives are long our bodies grow much like a human's."
"You seem pleased with that truth."
"Yes well, if I had grown up like an elf I would have been even more singled out as a child. I got plenty of teasing as it was for these." I tucked some hair behind an ear and tapped at it, referring to the pointed shape. "'Leaf head' they use to call me…" My tone came out more bitter then I had wanted it, but I still begrudged such memories, remembering the nights I crumpled on my mother's lap crying.
"You should not feel such distaste for your heritage." I was surprised by the stern tone of his voice and glancing at him I saw he looked at me with disappointment. As I looked away my shock turned to anger quickly and my hands clenched. I did not like it when people told me such things. As if they could change my mind by scolding me.
"Forgive me, but I do not think you have any right to speak of that. You know nothing of my life or what it is like to live as I have." I stood swiftly, brushing off my pants and glanced at him. He wore a face of shock, and regret was seeping into his eyes. "You are a pure blood elf and a prince Legolas, I do not expect you to understand." With that I turned and started off.
I had thought I would get away, storm off before I became too upset and recollect myself but a hand on my wrist stopped me. Reflexively I turned and tugged my arm away frowning at him.
It was then that he finally saw me fully, for as my eyes met his, blue eyes widened at what he saw. I did not ask him what was wrong, for I knew what drew his gaze. Across my right eye, from hair line to below my cheekbone sat a thick red brown scar that stood out against my pale skin. I could only guess he had not seen it before because of all of the blood and dirt that had been on my face.
Either way he stood there shocked, his mouth slightly open as if he meant to say something. Sighing I shook my head, my wet hair clinging to my neck, and reached out undoing his hand from my wrist. "As I said… you know nothing of my life, my lord. Please do not assume you do." Bending over I picked up the two bowls on the ground and pivoted, walking back toward the haven for I had nothing more to say to him.
Legolas did not follow after me, and I guessed it was because he was trying to solve the riddle that was on my face. For people with elven blood did not scar, and I never had before either. Frowning, I ran my fingers over the tough scared skin and hoped it would be the only one I would ever get.
I was shivering when I stepped back inside the camp. The fire was still roaring and as I walked over to the log Gimli threw two chunks of wood on to it. He watched me as I sat down and pulled my damp hair in front of me, leaning forward to try and dry it in the fire's warmth. My scar was facing him, but unlike Legolas he did not look shocked, but rather curious and strangely approving.
"I can tell from yer armor lass that ye have seen many battles, for it is not without its scuffs and dents." He gestured to my armor, which was lying with my outer tunic against a tree. I smiled at him. I had never understood the rivalry of elves and dwarfs. Gimli certainly seemed a nice person, perhaps a little rough around the edges, but still nice.
"You would be right master dwarf-"
"Now, now lassie! Ye have told us to call you by yer name, least ye can do is do the same!" Surprised, I stared at him for a moment before my smile brightened.
"Right you are Gimli." The bearded man nodded in approval. "I have seen many battles in my days. My mother was a Shield Maiden of Rohan, and not just because of her status in court." From the corner of my eye I saw the elf trek back in, his face blank but his posture slumped a bit forward in defeat. He glanced at me but did not sit down with us and rather moved to the horses and tended to them. "We are not spoken of much, but there are true Shield Maidens, ones that have sworn to protect their king, for what enemy would suspect a lady to be a bodyguard?"
Gimli made a sound of agreement, chuckling. "That be true. It makes me wish I could see their faces when ye turn on them transforming from a flower to a bush of thorns!"
I liked his humor and it made it easier to talk of my life in Rohan. "I took my mother's place when I was twenty. I was fully trained and Theoden had only been on the throne for a short time. He had known me all my life, for he was but a lad of fourteen when I was born. For a while it was just me at his side, until another woman joined me and together we led Rohan on many hunts."
I launched into a story of one of my first confrontations out of the battlefield. Gimli sat and listened like a child and it made my heart lighter, and my voice full of energy as I spoke. When I was done it was his turn to speak, and he spoke of travels from his youth, hunting with his father in the woods of the Misty Mountains. We went on like that for a while, talking and laughing around the fire, until words became too much fore sleepy minds.
