The slain body of Theodred, the son of the King, was laid to rest. With all grandeur and honor bestowed to a prince, he was placed in the tombs of his forefather. The mountains extended their shadow over the silent green mounds. The white flower littered the mounds. The lady Éowyn song's carried over the muffled, suppressed sobs. The King stood tall and silent but refused to look at Theodred's procession. The stone door was shut. The crowds filtered away until only the King and Gandalf remained at the tomb.
Duties called the Lady Éowyn back to the Golden Hall. The Lady whisked the four new guests with her, arranging accommodations and food. Together they sat in the hall as the food was prepared and set out for them. Elanorièl watched as the servants buzzed about. Servants ran in the hall carrying heavy loads of furniture and kitchenware. Whispers of a feast reached Elanorièl's ears.
But even in their busy preparations, servants still found time to look upon the strangers. Elanorièl knew Gandalf was well known in Edoras, but to have Elves, a Dwarf, and a Man traveling with him made an unusual party. Especially ones who helped to free the King. Elanorièl could feel their eyes lingering on them only to look elsewhere when she returned the gaze. She caught the Lady Éowyn herself a few times. The Lady would stand still as she looked over the strangers. More than often, the Lady would gaze longer on Aragorn. What broke her gaze was the hall's doors being thrown open. Gandalf rushed in at the heels of the King. Two unconscious children were carried in.
"They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go," Éowyn recounted what she knew of the past days. "Rick, cot and tree."
The children were quick to wake up. Their first upon awaking was a warning. Days and nights, they rode hard to deliver the news to Edoras. These children had come from the Westfold of Rohan. Wild Men from the mountains allied with Saruman with the promise to regain the lands once belonging to them. Orcs and Wildmen ran through the Westfold burning and killing any within sight. Both of the children were tired and hungry at the end of their journey.
"Where is momma?" the little girl cried out. Lady Éowyn consoled the child, wrapping the blanket on the child's shoulders.
The king sat low in his seat. His hand obscured his face. The news he received was only the beginning of his problems. Wormtongue and Saruman had done much to weaken Rohan. As the hunters listened to the story, Aragorn glanced at Legolas standing against the pillar behind him. Gandalf's words were taking shape as he predicted.
"This is but the taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash," Gandalf warned the King, resting a hand on the King's chair. Theoden relaxed the hand from his face, staring at Gandalf's hand. "All the more dangerous he is by the fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head-on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight."
"You have two thousand men riding North as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their King," Aragorn said.
King Theoden launched up his seat, striding towards Aragorn but quickly changed direction, "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now… Éomer cannot help us now."
Gandalf arose from his seat after the king. His face looked grim as followed the king.
"I know what it is you want of me, but I will not bring further death to my people," Theoden spoke and stopped Gandalf in his movement. " I will not risk open war."
Aragorn put down his pipe, "Open war is upon you whether you risk it or not."
Heads twisted in Aragorn's direction. Gimli looked about, picking at his plate. The servants wore looks of surprise when Aragorn openly countered the King.
The King turned. His eyes locked on Aragorn as he paces a few steps forward. He spoke: "When last I looked, Theoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan."
Aragorn said nothing but sighed to himself. Legolas, however, his hands fell to his side into tight fists. His critical eyes became fixated upon the King. A harsh line drew across his mouth until he felt a hard, sharp pinch. He jumped and all his anger dissipated. Legolas glanced down. There Elanorièl stood quietly next to him. He wondered how long she had gone unnoticed as her hand returned to her side. A blech disturbed the uncomfortable silence. Gimli dabbed his mouth with using his beard to soak up the leftover beer.
"Then what is the King's decision?" Gandalf asked.
Theoden turned to Gandalf. His gaze cast to the ground before he lifted his head to speak.
"By order of the King, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Only take what Provisions you need," Hama announced the King's command.
People grimaced at the news. Elanorièl could see the sadness and fear showing on their faces. They rushed about to pack what meager food and belongings they had. Some openly cried while others moved on. Wagons were loaded up with those who could not walk. Children on horse and others by feet, the people pooled their way to the gate.
"Helm's Deep. They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight," Gandalf stomped his staff on the ground. People cleared out of his path as he rushed to the stables with the hunters in tow. "Who will defend them if not their King?"
"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," Aragorn said, walking beside Gandalf.
Aragorn continued ahead with Gandalf. Elanorièl entered her way to Arod's stall while. Legolas and Gimli broke off to Hasufel. Arod cordially greeted her as she approached. With a glance at Aragorn and Gandalf, Elanorièl sighed as she set to work on Arod's saddle.
"Gandalf is leaving us again so soon," Elanorièl said to Legolas in the other stall, "And we've merely enjoyed half a day's rest before setting out again."
"Eager to be back on a horse so soon?" Legolas jested her. He leaned across the wood separating the stalls, a wry grin forming on his lips.
Elanorièl huffed as she finished buckling Arod's saddle. Turning to him, she leaned closer to his face, "I would be merrier if I was not stuck riding behind another."
"Be at peace, there will be more walking than riding," Legolas chuckled.
With the saddles on the horses, Legolas and Elanorièl stepped out of the stalls. Gimli waited as they picked up their weapon bundles from the ground. Gimli opened his mouth when Gandalf's voice carried over their conversation.
"With my luck, my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east," Gandalf called out to the hunters.
"Go," Aragorn said, holding the gate open.
Shadowfax reared his legs into the air and leaped forward. He raced down the narrow stable and Legolas, Gimli and Elanorièl stood in his path. Legolas acted promptly. He gripped Elanorièl's waist, pulling her with him as he moved back. Elanorièl squeaked in surprise. She clutched her weapons close to her chest when she felt her back press against his chest. The heat from their touching bodies crawled up her neck and onto her cheeks. Elanorièl was quiet as Shadowfax whipped past her.
Gimli, however, was less fortunate. As Shadowfax ran by, the straw under Gimli's foot proved to be a slippery surface. When he jumped back, his back fell hard onto the ground.
Elanorièl tilted her head back. Her eyes widened; there Legolas was, staring back at her. Two did move until Gimli grumbled. Legolas jerked his arm away, releasing his gentle grasp. His hands hovered in the air before dropping. Legolas mumbled something as he walked back to Hasufel's pen.
"Thank you..." Elanorièl muttered at his retreating form. Her head fell to the side as she turned to Gimli, "What happened?"
Gimli huffed before rising to his feet. Elanorièl shrugged her shoulders as she walked out of the stables. The chilled breeze hit her face. Elanorièl raced up the steps of the golden hall. At Gimli's request, she made her way into the kitchens to acquire him food for his pack. Lembas was good for travel, but the Company had lived on it for days. With access to the Rohirrim kitchens, a change of palate was in order. Elanorièl was sure to grab extra provisions for Legolas and Aragorn as well.
"Lady Elanorièl!"
Elanorièl was making her way back to the stables when someone called out her name. Gently twisting her head, she recognized Lady Éowyn walking towards her.
"Lady Elanorièl!" She called out with Arod's reins in her hands. The horse followed behind. " Lord Aragorn suggested I give this horse to you for your use. He has found another to ride."
"Thank you Lady Éowyn!" Elanorièl beamed, taking Arod's reins from Éowyn. Arod gave a whinny when Elanorièl tenderly stroked the horse's long neck. Arod flared his nostrils, nuzzling his face into her hand.
"Well if that is, I will be off. I do hope to speak with you more later," Éowyn said.
Elanorièl nodded her head to Éowyn. She gave a light tug on Arod's reins as she led him over to Legolas and Gimli.
"Gimli," Elanorièl said, tossing the pack of food to him. "Legolas."
"Thank you," Gimli said as he grasped it.
Legolas eyed the smiling elleth as he accepted his pack from her. "What is the cause of your joy?"
"I no longer need to share a horse or have your hair in my face." Elanorièl smirked, "The journey should now be pleasant for the both of us."
"Pleasant for you, though I may smell of Dwarf after a while," Legolas teased. Gimli laughed heartily at the thought as he was helped onto the horse.
The evening bell tolled. Elanorièl and Legolas heeled their horse to the gate. Aragorn rode up to join them as they headed to the from with the King.
"Well, at last, we set off! My ax is restless in my hands," Gimli said, "This warfare doesn't suit me. I'd rather walk than sit like a sack on a saddle."
"You will not have long to wait Gimli," Elanorièl said. Her eyes glanced uneasily ahead of villagers; A slow-moving stream across the vast plain.
"I will gladly put you down on your feet when blows begin. An ax is no weapon for a rider," Legolas said.
"And a Dwarf is no Horseman!"
The city emptied, people young and old made their way onto the road. Riders were all spread out as the group traveled. It would be a long journey across the plains of Rohan. A perilous road to take through the mountains. They would be a slow target, easy picking for their enemies.
At the King's and Aragorn's request, Elanorièl and Legolas rode up and down the line each day to scout. Their useful eyes could survey the vast miles for any danger. Legolas followed the front of the column as Elanorièl maintained the rear. The tedious back and forth of communication became tedious and eventually, they took to scouting together. Frequently their time was spent apart from Aragorn and Gimli.
"The Woodland realm has a great love for their wine," Legolas said, eagerly telling Elanorièl stories of Mirkwood as they rode back from the rear.
"And not you? Should I vow never to engage in any drinking contest around you?" Elanorièl said, snickering, "I would surely lose."
"Indeed, there are only a few I could lose to."
"One is your father? His love for the drink is legendary."
"As opposed to yours?" Legolas said, his eyes full of mirth.
"Mine prefers books over many things."
"Like a true Noldor elf."
Elanorièl laughed as she shook her head, "No, my mother is Noldor. I am counted among the Peredhel like my father."
"So a choice of races was given to you then?"
"Yes. I can either sail to the Undying Lands or accept the fate of man. One or another, I must choose."
"A hard choice to ponder. Surely your father would have you go to Valinor but what would your mother have to say in this?"
Legolas paused Hasufel when he received no response. He could no longer hear Arod's footfalls or the giggling elleth next to him. He turned in the seat to see Elanorièl had halted her horse. Her face was solemn as he wheeled back to her.
"The answer is rather simple," Elanorièl said bluntly, her voice flat in Legolas' ear. Her mouth was downcast. "My mother is gone. She has no right to influence my choice."
Legolas said nothing. Only the horse made noise as they flicked their tails. Without a look, Elanorièl nudged her horse forward. Legolas followed her back with widening eyes. He remained in place until Hasufel moved without command. The horses steered in unison through the silence became heavy. Legolas peeked at her often, growing uncomfortable in the heavy silence.
A small breath of air escaped her lips before she heads turned to him, "I know you are looking at me."
"Forgive me. I have-"
"Please do not," Elanorièl interrupted him, "You do not need to apologize. You have done nothing wrong."
Legolas reluctantly gave a slight nod and turned in his seat, focusing ahead.
Once more, Elanorièl sighed. She reached over, placing a hand on Legolas' shoulder: "I am the one who needs to apologize. I feel I have spoken rudely for now you look sad.
The sudden contact made his shoulder tighten beneath the hand. The dejected look of Elanorièl drove him to interlace his gentle fingers with hers. Their joined hands dropping into the space between them. His normally gentle face twitched before he spoke: "You speak of your mother. I do not remember mine. She was killed when I was very young. My father does not speak of it. There is no memory of her."
"Legolas… I…" Elanorièl paused, choking on her words until she shook her head. "It looks as if we share some commonality."
Legolas smiled bitterly at her. To Elanorièl, it felt sad and hollow. Legolas lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a light kiss against the back of it. He relinquished her hand and pressed Hasufel ahead. The cold bit her hand before she could process the feeling of his lips against her skin. The cold wind pushed her hair frontwards, blocking his back as he rode away. For the rest of the ride, Elanorièl kept Arod back a few paces behind Legolas.
The sun sunk low into the horizon on the first day. Night had fallen and all traveling ceased for rest. The mountains brought down air that chilled the night. The lights of the scattered campfire twinkled like the stars overhead. Legolas and Elanorièl established a camp on the outskirts. Aragorn and Gimli joined them later, sharing a meal and words. Any talking mostly came from Gimli. As night grew, Aragorn left but Gimli stayed. The three laid in the grass watching the stars next to the fire.
Legolas sang softly, telling of stories through the night. When Legolas ceased his singing, he scanned for his companion. Gimli curled under his blanket, fighting away the cold. But next to him, Elanorièl curled into a ball, sleeping peacefully. He watched as her chest softly moved up and down with each calming breath. The wind blew her blonde strands, bringing the smell of water mist to his nose. Elanorièl was the last sight he saw before he fell into a deep sleep.
Note: Noldor refers the 'clan' of elves. The Noldor were considered great craftsmen and deeply learned of history and knowledge. The more notable members of the Noldor are: Feanor and his sons; Glorfindel, Galadriel; and etc.
Perehel: means half-elven or those born of elf and human parents. Members of this race were given a choice by the valar: to be counted as Elves and go to the Undying Lands; or be mortal and receive the Gift of Men. The choice can be delayed, but cannot be avoided.