A/N: Thanks again to all those who review kindly or not, and to the wonderful readers I get every day for this story!

And as always, all sites, characters and outside plot are courtesy of Mr Tokien, RIP, whereas I only own Aniha and her whereabouts.

4. Rohirric prince.

I ran and ran and ran for miles and miles east before I could rest for a moment. Long gone were the sights of Ysengard, and Edoras was far behind me, as I had been running for more than two days in a row.

Being an Elf, I didn't really need to rest, but I had to make sure I wasn't advancing into a trap, and that's when my skills were very useful. Where I stopped that time, I plunged one of my bare hands into a light water current, and listened as it told me that beyond its source lied a camp. A camp of Men.

I sighed.

"Water-dear, could you tell me what kind of Men you see?"

"Men on horses. Fair hair and disdainful looks, as if there were exiled from their homes."

I knew the tales. I heard the Fangorn trees talking about this. Theoden-King of Rohan had been poisoned by Saruman, who had taken control of his mind and will. I could only guess that the Men the river was talking about were Rohirrims, and one of them should have been important.

"One of them, Aniha-Maheran, is the Prince Eomer, nephew to the King."

I bowed and put my other hand to my chest. "Thank you, river-friend, for your kind help. Farewell." And I pulled my palm back, wiping it on my tunic.

So the Rohirrims were camping east of my position. And I definitely didn't want to reach Ithilien by the mountains, so I'd just have to run into the Men and explain them some things.

Every condition could have advantages, even mine, sometimes.

I got up, swallowed a bit of lambas bread Legolas had given me, and I resumed running towards the darkest sky of Mordor.

I silently made my way towards the East, careful not to wake any creatures of the Earth, anything that could make me being seen or heard.

When the sky began to get darker, not because of the shadow Sauron was spreading towards the Men's realms, but because of the oncoming night, I spotted the beginning of a shy fire some miles in front of me.

"Men. They do think fire will keep them out." I nearly giggled at their idiocy.

I've always been aware of the strange cult Men had for fire, as if it protected them from every harm. As far as I was concerned, a thick leaf blanket was the best protection from cold, and Orcs were most definitely not impressed by a couple of flames. Not when it came to eating fresh flesh.

I made my way towards the Men. I quickly saw that their soldiers' tent were placed in a circle, surrounding one single and taller tent, that of the Prince Eomer I supposed. The horses were haltered not far from three soldiers, pikes at the ready, who should be their guards.

I considered for a split second to continue, to pass their camp unnoticed, as I know I could thanks to the night, and continue my journey to Ithilien, but something deep in me told me I needed to talk to these men.

I crawled between the high grass and slowly made my way towards the three guards.

With a push of my mind, I entered the horses' minds, one by one, to reassure them, to tell them I'd come at peace. They responded calmly enough, though one or two felt invaded into their privacy. I apologized quickly, as I knew horses had a fierce spirit.

As I knew I'd not meet any resistance on the animals behalf, I slowly removed my bow from my quiver and armed it as silently as ever.

As I banded the wood, I started speaking loud and clear, and the three Rohirrims knew I was standing right at their back.

"Men of Rohan, I wish you the goodnight!"

One of them jumped aside and drew his sword out, the two others trying desperately to find me in the already thickening darkness. Once they spotted me, their dark eyes widened, and I smirked.

"Who are you? Announce yourself!" His voice wasn't tense, but it wasn't comfortable either. I chose to ignore the man.

"I'd wish to see your Captain. I believe Eomer is his name."

"Eomer I am, She-Elf, and I'd really like to know what you are doing in here, bow out." This time my eyes widened. The voice had come from not far at all from me, and as I looked behind me, I saw a fair haired and dark eyed man, in a reddish armour, relying on his sword.

Not three feet from me.

And I didn't hear him move. Not once.

Galad Estel will most probably tell me that it's almost impossible for Elves not to hear something, but let's just pretend this time Aniha didn't pay real attention, as pretentious as she was acting...

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