Into the Forest
When we finally arrived at Dunharrow I almost immediately headed to the forest. I needed the time to be alone and possibly do some last minute training. Part of me wanted to go and talk to Legolas and Gimli but I was sure they would be busy with preparations of their own. I went deep enough in the woods not to be disturbed, but still close enough to the encampment to hear if I needed to go back. The trees were tall and thick, their branches resting high. I found one with branches that hung low enough for me to jump to, and walked up to it, swiftly climbing up to rest of its branches. As I relaxed in the natural hammock I pulled out my sword, testing its sharpness. The blade had been recently sharpened so it still shone with a dangerous point. I sheathed that then proceeded to do the same with the dagger. Its edges proved to be razor sharp, for I had not used it for many months, the small weapon was only used for last-ditch efforts. It was one of the few things I had on my person when I awoke in Mirkwood. It was delicately curved and intricate designs of elvish swirled on the ends. I lay in that tree until the sun dipped into the mountains; I then decided to head back to the encampment. I swung from the branches and landed on the dirt floor. As I lifted my face up I saw a figure walking towards me, only a few paces ahead. Caution flooded through my veins and I placed my hand on the hilt of the sword. As the figure drew closer I saw it was a man, yes, it was the captain from earlier. A tremble of fear swept through my body, for I knew he was one who strongly disagreed with my presence in the group. My eyes swept through the trees, but he was alone.
"Oh hello!" He cooed, malice coated his fine tipped words, "What is the little elfling doing out here by herself?" Worry shot through me again as I smelt the strong sent of alcohol, ever stronger the closer he got. "I saw you go in earlier little elf, what are you doing." He finished the sentence with a small laugh as he tripped on a root.
"Just on a walk." I replied sternly, checking my escape routes. Although I have always chosen fight over flight, if I hurt this man I would be sent from the group horseless and foodless. If I hurt him badly this would be my last living moments. The man staggered closer, I could smell every breath he made. I decided this was enough. I pulled my sword free and positioned it at his chest. The captain laughed and pulled his own.
"Oh no! Little elf had a sword." He leaned over in a drunken laughter. "That won't do." He raised his own and clashed it against mine. I was surprised at the strength he brought down at such impaired state. We clashed the swords together for a few moments, I was able to push him back some. I saw he was frustrated and sent a powerful swing knocking me back a few steps. As I looked up to him I saw behind the clouded eyes of alcohol a frenzied lust. He smiled again, but not in the drunken way before, as if being so close to a woman cleared his thoughts his smile contained a maniacal need, now driven with whiskey, exhaustion, and the fear of death from the upcoming battle. His knee was brought up with an amazing amount of speed. I exhaled and loosened my grip on my sword enough for the man to knock it aside. I felt a stinging pain on the palm of my hand as he grabbed my throat and shoved me down so I laid in a crumpled mess at the bottom of the tree. I struggled, kicking with all my might, but his numbed brain heeded no pain, his left hand remained at my neck. His right hand went to the collar of my shirt. I knew I needed to act know if I were to die…or anything else to happen…it would not be by his hands. My one hand, reached for my dagger, held it for half a moment to create a grip then jabbed it in to under his ribs. He howled in pain, letting me go and fell to the ground. I stood and went to grab my sword, but saw a different sight. Legolas stood in front of the sword, a look of shock portray on his face. I did not know how he knew I was here, how much he saw, or what he will do. After a second he said,
"Grab the sword and follow me." I nodded and we ran through the forest until we were a safe distance. "You will not be welcomed back to Dunharrow, the man will tell Théoden that you stabbed him for no reason either than for death. Stay here and I will get you. Understand?" I nodded relieved he did not think me to have done harm for reasons either than my own protection. He then grabbed my hand. "You're bleeding, try to wrap his, or find some herbs." I pulled my hand away quickly form his touch, I had been touched enough that evening.
"I am fine." I growled. I wanted to sound nice but fear still held my words in anger. The elf nodded then informed me he had to return to camp.
"I will come back to get you."
"Yes, and I will stay." With that Legolas sped away back to Dunharrow.
…..
When he had left I looked at my hand for the first time, a gash run down my palm. That must have happened when the man threw my sword away. I looked around the area for any herbs that could be of use. I found one I knew would help close the wound, squished it and pushed onto the opening. It stung, but nothing worse than I had felt before. I was still frightened by the encounter, it's not that I had never fought before; it's just something about him. Maybe because he was a man, not a disgusting orc or other foul creature. I spent the night dozing in and out of sleep, although elves do not need sleep I was exhausted enough to try. Legolas came in the early morning as he promised. I expected him to have brought some provisions and send me on my way, but he carried nothing.
"Come follow me," He started saying as I got up then proceeded to ask how I felt. "Is your hand okay?" He said, concern mingled with his voice.
"I am fine, but where are you taking me, should I not just leave. As you said Théoden won't want me back." The elf nodded, agreeing with my statement then told me where we were off to.
"Yes, you will not be going back to Dunharrow, you will come with me, Gimli, and Aragon. We are going a different way to Gondor." I stopped and looked at Legolas intently.
"You should have just brought some food and sent me on my way. You have your quest; I am no part of it." The elf sighed and looked at me back, an earnest look on his face.
"I could not just let you wander these woods alone, and I could not sneak food or horse without arising suspicion. " It was my turn to sigh this time; he clearly did not understand I had done that for the past forty years.
"Well fine I will come, but not all the way to Gondor. I will leave you when it is safe, you must know I have been on my own for a long time." Legolas shifted his gaze to the left, a look of concern passed over his face. He wasn't telling me the whole truth, but there was no time to ask at the moment. He quickly recollected his thoughts. He grabbed my lower arm and told me to hurry.
"Come, Aragon will leave without us if you do not hurry!" We rushed through the woods to a future a knew nothing of.
