Okay guys, so a bit of an announcement. I recently started two new jobs, so I can't always be 100% certain as to when I'll be posting a new chapter. However, I'm just going to push for either Saturday's or Sunday's. I do have about six chapters already written, so I'm hoping that I can get those out for you guys by the weekends. Alrighty? Alrighty.
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Tibblets: I am glad that you are enjoying it so far! Hope you like the upcoming chapters just as well.
"Come on, you can do better!" Annalynn dodged the stick coming at her, with a roll she came up on her knee. Using her lower elevation, she brought her staff around his knees and knocked him off his feet. Quick on her feet, she pressed the edge of her staff to his neck. "I yield, I yield." He cried, dropping his own staff and lifting his hands to his face. With a laugh, Annalynn moved her staff and extended her hand. Hauling him to his feet, the boys chest blocked her vision. "You're getting better Garreth."
The boy smiled down at her, bending over to pick up his own staff. "Me next, me next!" Godric came around his brother, trying to take the staff from his hands. "You're too little." Garreth put a hand on his little brothers forehead keeping him at bay as he swung his tiny fists. "I am not!"
"He is right you know. I was younger than he when I first started sparring."
"And Eryniel a girl." Grindin sneered, wanting to join his brothers. "Not you." Annalynn laughed swinging the tiny blonde haired boy onto her hip. "You are still too young."
"I not!"
"I am not." She corrected him, "And yes you are." She tickled the little boy, he laughed trying to squirm away from her. When he did a back bend, Annalynn squatted and flung him back up.
"Supper time!" Odette called from the house to them. Annalynn put Grindin down, taking his hand in hers, the four of them walked towards the home.
Annalynn had attempted to leave the following morning, but Godric didn't want her to leave. After much convincing she managed to convince him that they would see each other again. As she was packing up to leave, a scream had torn through the house. Armed with her staff and polearm, she ran towards it to see a Warg trying to break through the window. With a hefty throw, she pierced it right through its eyes. After calming down Grindin, another roar ripped through the air, a small band of Orcs came rushing through the treeline near the house. She and Geoff were able to keep them from getting to close to the house, but during the scuffle one Orc stabbed her in her leg, her already once broken leg mind you.
Both Odette and Geoff agreed that she should not be traveling injured. For a month or so, she lived with the small family. Grindin slowly wormed his way into her heart. While she laid in the bed, he would ask her to tell him stories. She told him all the ones her grandmother used to tell her and some of her own about living with the Elves. Once her leg was a bit better, she started taking walks around the farm. Mostly admiring the horses and taking in all the splendor that was Rohan. It was then, she found Garreth attempting to train himself. Something about his determination to protect his family tugged at her heartstrings. She would give him tips and pointers on how to hold himself and how to properly attack. When her leg was completely healed, she began training him herself. She told herself, that when he was better, she would leave. If both he and Geoff could protect their family, it would be better than one skilled fighter and someone who would mostly likely die in a fight. Eventually, she just couldn't bring herself to leave.
Here she was, almost six months later. She still kept an eye on things. She would go to the nearest town with Odette to get things that they weren't able to grow. Or help Geoff with taking the broken in horses to their buyers. Doing so, it kept her in the loop of how Rohan was faring. Nothing ever stuck out enough for her to run straight for Edoras, but the news she did here did not qualms her fears.
On one such trip to deliver a pack of foals to their buyer, Geoff mentioned that her coming was a blessing by the Valar. He was indeed a retired soldier of the Mark, but when he had to leave his family at times, he feared for their safety. Especially in these times. Annalynn told him that she was happy to help. They had become like a family to her, she wasn't going to let them fend for themselves. Even Odette extended her gratitude more than once, saying that raising three boys on her own was a daunting task. Annalynn got a laugh out of that and began teaching the boys all she knew. They were even slightly fluent in Sindarin and Dwarvish, which annoyed their mother to no end. They would often talk to each other in their broken speech just to get a rise out of her.
As they entered the house, Annalynn welcomed the warmth. Shaking off her coat, they four of them huddled around the fireplace trying to get warm. Once she was warm enough, she moved to her seat at the table. She was shocked at how well the family welcomed her in. They made no fuss about the extra mouth to feed or the trouble of having to cloth her. Of course, she always helped out when it was needed, just as she has always done. No matter where she was. Getting Grindin in his chair, she tied the bib around his neck. Taking his plate, she filled it with vegetables and his chopped portion of potatoes and meat. "I no want vegables." He huffed at the greens.
"They aren't that bad Grindin." Godric told his younger brother as he took a bite of the stewed greens. "Even Garreth eats his vegetables." The eldest son nodded his head in agreement, but didn't eat his.
"If you want to be a big boy like your brothers, you'll eat your vegetables." Odette commented from her place by the fireplace. The little boy grabbed the utensil from the older woman, immediately digging into is food. Annalynn couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Taking her own portion of food, she happily ate away with the little family that quickly became her own. It was strange how after so long from being away how quickly life of a Eorlingas became natural. She was used to working, never once did she shy away from working in the kitchens or helping the staff with minor things. Being here, in this home, she found herself working out in the fields, with Geoff and Garreth. Helping them with the horses or tending the their crops. It was satisfying work, one that Annalynn was grateful to help with. As they ate, Garreth told his parents all about his training session, Annalynn filling in on his progress. The two adults knew however, that this would not last forever. They never once asked why she hadn't continued her journey to Gondor to meet her cousin, they never once questioned how she knew so much about Rohan or how she knew its speech. They did know that she was hiding something from them, but never dared push the subject.
Their suspicions had been confirmed when a few members of the Mark had come to give them horses of fallen riders. They were well known for taking in the war-horses and giving them comfortable living after seeing battle. When they arrived, their newest household member had kept her head down and spoke only when needed, keeping her distance from the riders. They didn't ask about it, they figured when she was ready, she would tell them.
"Oh no. I left my laundry outside." Annalynn stood up from her chair, grabbed her basket and went to head outside. "It is rather dark, would you like me to go with you?" She gave Geoff a small shake of her head. "It's alright. It isn't all that far." With a nod of approval from the patriarch, Annalynn left the warm home. Walking the short distance, she pulled her clothes from the line, neatly folding them in the basket. Once she was done, she hefted the basket onto her hip, making her way towards the house. Only to pause when a distant "drum" caught her attention. Climbing up the small hill, she lay flat against it, peering over the crest.
"No…."
Scrambling to her feet, she ran towards the house. When she burst through the doors, she dropped her basket. Instantly, she grabbed a bucket of water, completely dousing the fire. If it weren't for the few candles placed around the home, it would have been consumed in darkness. "Quickly, into the back room." She ushered the boys into the room as Geoff and Garreth grabbed their swords. When Odette and the boys were safely hidden away in a small nook, Annalynn grabbed her staff and joined the others. Long ago, they would have questioned her actions, but now, with the news of Orcs and Goblins roaming the territory they quickly followed her stead.
Crouching below the window, she could see the horses stirring within the paddock. Eagon among them. Then she saw the light torches coming over the hill.
"Shh." She crouched farther down, as did the other two. They remained quiet as they heavy footsteps got closer. Why were Orcs this far West? Nearly all those from Dol Guldur were slaughtered by the Elves, those that weren't fled to the East. No doubt taking refuge behind the walls of Mordor. Other than their appearance here, one other thing stood out among the Orcs as they passed through. The white hand-print on their armor.
The White Hand of Saruman.
Why would a goodly wizard such as him let such foul creatures bear his mark? The more she questioned it, the worse her thoughts ran. Was it him that is causing the distress in Rohan? It was something she had a hard time believing.
Thankfully though, the Orcs bypassed the little house entirely. They all trampled through the nearby lands straight into Fangorn. After waiting a few moments until the horde's footsteps could no longer be heard did Annalynn give them the okay to move. She didn't dare light the fire again, so she took a candle and lit the wick. A low light glowing throughout the house. When Geoff came back with Odette and the children did Annalynn know that it was time for them to leave.
"We have to go." She grabbed a near by pack and began filling it with essentials. "We'll make for Edoras. Theoden must be made aware of this."
"We can't just leave our home." Odette cried, holding Grindin tightly on her hip.
"You have to. That large of a host is not a well-boding sign Odette." She disappeared into the back rooms.
Geoff looked at his family, he heartedly agreed Eryniel. They could not stay here, it was far too dangerous. "Garreth, go ready the wagon." Garreth looked at his father for a moment, but eventually left the house to get the horses tackled to the wagon. Walking over to his other sons, he placed a hand on Godric's shoulder. "Can you help Eryniel with the packing." The young boy nodded his head. "Take only what you need." Like a dart, the boy took off after the strange woman who came into the lives.
Grabbing Gridin from his mother, he sent the little boy in the same directions. "Odette, listen to reason. We can't stay any longer. Do you want the boys to have to hide away at a moments notice, living in such fear?" He could see the tears welling in her eyes. Wrapping his hand around her head, he pulled her closer. "It'll all be okay my love. We'll make for Edoras and warn the King. Surely he'll know what to do." With her arms wrapped around him, Odette couldn't help but think their King might not know how to protect them anymore.
With a clatter, the boys came from the back bedrooms armed with several packs. "If we leave now, we should make it there in two days time." She handed Geoff two packs, holding two in her own arms. "Gather food that won't spoil. I'm going to help Garreth." Geoff gave her a nod.
Annalynn walked out of the house, walking straight for the stables. She had to get them to safety, her banishment be damned. Theoden needed to know what was happening, if he didn't already know. Placing the two bags into the back of wagon, she went into the stables. Grabbing his saddle, she threw it over his back. Quickly adjusting the straps, Eagon made little noise. Thankfully, she had yet to change from her training clothes, so as she strapped her bow and quiver over her tunic, she realized how hard it might have been if she were in her usual dresses. Pulling her small daggers from a side pouch, she pushed them into her boots, then tied her larger dagger onto her hip. Finally, with it perfectly wrapped, her slid her pole arm through the straps of her holster. By that point in time, Garreth managed to get Etholos tackled to the wagon. Grabbing his reins, Annalynn led her horse to the wagon. Without fuss, he let her tie him to the wagon, knowing how much he hated it. A hand placed itself over hers as she leaned her head against her friend. Turning her head slightly, she was met with a pair of worried brown eyes. "Are we going to be okay Eryniel?" She gave him a small smile. "I don't know Garreth. I honestly don't. I've waited for a time for this to happen. I wished that it would pass, only being a slight disturbance, but now…I don't know."
Garreth wrapped his arms around the older woman, resting his head on her shoulder. Even with his slumped stature, he still found comfort when she returned his hug. After a few moments of silence, she pulled back from him. "Let's hurry. Travel this late is not ideal, but we need to hurry."
Once both Eagon and Etholos were all tackled up, saddles up on, and their provisions stuffed onto the wagon were they on their way. Geoff and Garreth sat at front, ready to lead them on. Odette was sitting in the back with the boys. All huddled together under a thick blanket that Annalynn managed to find. She walked to the front of them all. She leaned her head against Etholos. "May the Valar give you wings that will help them fly across the plains." The soft tone of Elvish floated from her tongue to the horse's ears. His muzzle grazed slightly over her cheek. Knowing he understood her, she moved onto Eagon. "Get them there safely old friend. Stop for no one." Eagon flung his mane around with short snort. As she round the wagon to get into the back, a loud screech broke through the air. One by one, the Orcs from before came filing out. Annalynn grabbed her staff from the wagon, jumped quickly onto it. "Go!" Geoff gave the reins a snap and the two horses were off. It would seem that the Valar heard her prayers, for the two were running through the open plains with the speed of a thousand horses.
Even at their speed, the Orcs were catching up. "Make for Edoras. Ask for Hama, tell him his little bird sent you. He'll know what I mean."
"Eryniel, what are…" Garreth began asking, his sword at his side.
"Do not stop until you are within its gates. Do you understand me?" He didn't give her an answer. "Do you understand me Garreth?!" She yelled.
"Yes." His voice trembled. Taking one last look at her new found family, her staff held tightly against her. "Goodbye." She leapt from the wagon. When her feet hear the ground, she gave a roll, jumping quickly to her feet.
"Eryniel!" She looked over her shoulder to see Garreth holding back Godric. The young boy wriggled against his older brother, trying to break free. "GO!" She turned back to the oncoming horde, with a twist of her staff, she broke free her blades. The steel shining against the moonlight. She sent a quick prayer, for her new friends to reach Edoras in time to stop this madness. As long as they made it safe, she would not care if she were to fall tonight. Several faces flashed through her mind as they drew closer. Geoff, Odette, Garreth, Godric, and Grindin. Legolas, Tauriel, Mirima, Melda. Brand, Eira, Astrid, Bard. Her grandmother Tilda, Bain, and Aldric. Theoden, Theodred, and Eowyn. Guwenifer and Arryn. Her mother. Thranduil. Eomer.
Eomer.
"I'm sorry my love. I had hoped to see you one more time." Knowing he'd never hear it from her lips, she sent it out into the world, hoping that it would somehow reach him. His face was the last thing to run through her mind as she swung.