Silva and her siblings were cousin to the direct royalty of Rohan. It was simply that her mother had been a direct cousin to king Theoden. This made Eowyn, Theodred, and Eomer also her cousin as well. She had grown up not closely with them, but close enough to them that she knew them well enough. When her parents died she was left caring for her three siblings. One sister age ten, another sister of five, and a little brother who was only three. She had been living there for some time now. As the time passed she noticed the ruin that dotted across the lands of Rohan. The busy nature of her two male cousin Theodred and Eomer. Most of all she noticed how her older cousin the king of Rohan had been nothing more then a pupper.
Then one day a messenger was sent to Rohan one of the guards still loyal to Rohan. As the Rohirrim and Eomer had not been banished yet it made it to Eomer. Eomer in turned read the message of a quest to fight against the evil of the lands of Rohan. He read it and shook his head no. He declined with ice in his voice as the idea of leaving his people when in need seemed insane to him. "I will not abandon my people Eowyn" he spoke in a deep voice. Eowyn was not backing down stepping to her brother.
"Then I will go" she said her voice strong. Eomer grabbed his sister by the shoulders and looked at her with distaste.
"You are a woman. A woman of royal blood and if we were to send you it would send shame to Rohan should you fall. You are our princess not some random woman" his voice was hoarse as he spoke. "You need to remember our people need you more then anyone. Eowyn you are their hope" he sighed heavily. Soon he had walked off.
Silva was completely unware of any such events. She played with her three siblings with glee as they all giggled around her. She was a warrior of Rohan as she had been since she was young. Her mother instilled this attribute in her from a young age and she was working on doing the same for her siblings as well. She knew something was wrong when Eowyn showed up on the training grounds where they all had set to play. Her eyes held a look that made Silva's heart thump rapidly. She recognized the look of defeat on her cousins face all to well. "Eowyn what troubles you?" she stood up reaching for her cousin in earnest concern. She reached back pulling Silva to the side. "A message from Rivendell on about a ring of power. They request a representative from Rohan, but" she looked around as if worried someone may attack at any moment. "The message barely made it to us. Grima works dark magic on Uncle Theoden. I tried to convince Eomer he should go. Theodred is away on mission". Silva knew where this was going and she stepped back from her cousin in shock.
"What of you?" she asked knowing how the woman desired so to be a shieldmaiden of Rohan. "You are a great a fighter as I and" she looked to her siblings with tearful eyes. "They suffer so much loss as is". Eowyn had a knowing look on her face as she stared back at her cousin. "If you bid me go not as a cousin, but as the princess of Rohan to one of Rohan warriors I will do so. If I do though you must promise no matter how tight Grima's grip becomes you will protect yourself and above all else my siblings as I would" her words crashed down on Eowyn hard.
"I promise dear cousin" she sounded sad and uncertain as she spoke. "I know not when you will return and have already started to pack for you. A horse is in wait outside. Eomer does not know neither does anyone else. Leave soon pack anything else you may need. Make haste there is no time for goodbyes as the messenger already reached us late. The guards at the gate have been ordered to turn a blind eye to you this once. Do not turn back to Rohan unless you have no choice as I fear your quest will be stopped short" she slid the letter into her hand. Upon opening it she found a basic map and time frame as well as the details of the quest. The time frame was less then a weak and a half away. She felt her hurt thump in her chest as she realized how little time she had.
She ran to her room packing her clothes, hairbrush, her hair ornaments, tooth brush, weapons, water skin, and some medicine she kept for emergencies. As she packed these items into a satchel she knew that Eowyn already had to have packed the other need supplies. She did not bother changing from her dress. She slung her bow, arrow, sword, and then lastly her cloak onto her person. She ran to the stables satchel in hand. Climb aboard her trusted companion and speed on out of Edoras. She speed on without stopping for an entire two days only stopping as her horse needed rest. After her horse Prancer had rested for a few small hours she speed on again. She was tired from lack of sleep as she side saddled the horse the whole way there.
She began to see the surrounding change constantly. As she watched them pass she was aware they were reaching Rivendell. The week had almost passed and she still had another two days ride. She sat down next to a stream with her horse. She quickly drank water and ate some of the dried fruit Eowyn had packed. She passed and apple in slices to horse in concentration. Her mind focused on one thing making it to Rivendell.
"Only a little further Prancer and then I will leave you with the elves when I go on my journey" she spoke to the horse gently. She knew that for one thing no matter who took the ring she would see it destroyed. She would fallow them to the deep burrows of hell if needed or slit their throats to ensure it did not end up being used for evil. She hoped back onto the horse and in record speed they arrived as the meeting began to start.
She walked through the hall of Rivendell exactly to the location detail on the paper. She open the doors wide and watched as an uproar grew silent.
"Who are you?" Elrond asked a look of shock on his face. She swept the bangs out of her face not concerned by the shocked looks of the others amongst her. "I am Silva daughter of Haruld. I am cousin to King Theoden and I come on behave of Rohan". She bowed her head slightly to the elf, but to no others as she did not view them as above her.
"Welcome Silva daughter of Haruld. Cousin to the king of Rohan" Elrond spoke in a friendly tone. "We now decide what to do with the ring and who should take. What do you think?". His words did not shock her and she narrowed her eyes at him.
"I will not take it myself for uses in Rohan. It brings only darkness and calls for enemies to come from whatever it location is. I am sure when we all stray further back from here orcs or some other enemy will already be close searching. I however will follow who ever has the ring. I intend to see it destroyed and if this person should not" she paused for a moment wondering if she should be so blatant. "I will stalk them and see them destroyed" they all watched her as if in shock by her words.
"As if a woman truly knows about war or evil. This ring would help Gondor and it would help my people" she shook her head at this notion.
"If you wish to use my gender then I will wager that I know more of such pretty trinkets then you" she cocked her head slightly. "That is one you ought not play with". She watched as the room fell into angry fighting and she simply sat down unaffected by the turmoil. Then she heard something that shocked her. What she had assumed was the child standing next to a wizard approached everyone fist to his chest with conviction.
"I WILL TAKE IT" he shouted as they all looked at him. Not nearly as intrigued by him as her, but rather concerned. "I will take it to Mordor. Although I do not know the way" his little voice seemed to soothe them. The old wizard next to him began to speak saying he would help the child do the job.
The others fell in line and then shouting from bushes as other small what appeared to be children ran from them. They joined the line up and Silva stood amused watching it all.
She caught the "that rules you out Pippin". She nearly lost her composure she had been trying to keep. Then she finally stepped forward getting on eye level with Frodo.
"I will do my best to help you with your burdens if you will allow me?" she asked him gently. He seemed nervous, but then blushed gently looking away. He nodded his little head slowly and she smiled at him. "Then I shall come with you" she spoke in whisper now "and if it should be needed and I will make sure any of them fall on my sword for deceit". The hobbit looked scared at this, but again nodded. She knew it would scare him for her to say such things, but also knew it may need to be said. She stood next to Boromir as she watched Elrond closely. He proclaimed them the fellowship of the ring.
The old wizard turned towards them eyeing them all. "We will not be waiting long to leave" his words felt gut wrenching to her. She had not slept in a little over a week. Her eyes were heavy and truly she was exhausted. "We will depart in two weeks time" she felt joy at these words. She nearly shouted with glee and he gave her a knowing look. "I would hope to leave sooner if possible, but" his words seemed dark. "I think some here are much to burdened with their travels now" he was not looking at her, but she knew she was referring to her. "That and I would think training together might help the group on our long journey". She felt like she was ready to drop where she stood, but felt it hard to voice this. After it seemed he was only talking to the hobbits out of kindness she bowed her head gently. She then turned to leave seeing Elrond. She approached the elf slowly not trying to seem rude she bowed her head again.
"Lord Elrond" she addressed him in a way that communicated she needed to speak with him. He nodded to her gently a sign he was listening to Silva as she spoke. "I have travelled far with very little time for rest. I wonder if there is a room I could rest in?" truly she did not care if she had to sleep on the ground at this point. She was asking less of need and more out of requirement. "Yes, of course" he waved her along. "Come follow me Lady Silva". His words seemed very kind to her. They reached a large room. She guessed this was where she was to stay. Truthfully it was breath taking, but she was to exhausted to noticed. She was swaying on her feet and clutching the door frame for dear life. "I see you did not rest well on the way here" he held out an arm in offering to help her move towards her bed. She took it gently nodding her head as they moved towards the bed sitting down.
"I do not wish to be here. As I am sure the others feel the same" she sounded very weary. "I brought a horse with me. He is in the stables, but I do not intend on bringing him with me as it may be certain doom" her words seemed heavy in her heart. "May I ask you keep him? You may do with him as you see fit, but please keep him safe" she felt so tired. Elrond nodded a knowing look on his face. "I am sure you do feel very tired and I wish you a good rest" his words seemed fatherly in nature as he smiled at her. "I will make sure your horse is taking well care of in your stead. Do not worry I take good care of all animals in my care". He left shutting the door leaving the room silently. She simply shut her eyes falling asleep where she sat. Still dressed her boots on her feet sprawled out across the bed.
She slept for eleven hours before she roused herself and stood up. She found a bath tub in a side room along with a mirror. She stripped down in front of the mirror looking at her dirty hair. She looked decent as she stared at her dirty blond hair green eyes staring back. She was much shorter then her cousin Eowyn. She stood at 5'2 her figure was more of a hour glass with toned muscle here and there. Really she was rather plain compared to her cousin having a skin tone that was the same as Theoden. She felt self conscious as she knew she was the lesser of the royalty that could be sent in every way. In her mind she was lesser for many reasons the first when compared to her male relatives she was obviously a woman, her fighting prowess she felt was less then even Eowyn's, her stature as royalty was less, and then there was of course her looks. A large burn scar came from the bottom of her thumb up to her elbow. It appeared angry and bumpy in texture its red coloring telling the severity of the injury. She sighed heavily pulling out her ornate hair clip that held her long lock out of her face. She then stepped to the baths utilizing the various soaps available. She shaved herself gently as she hummed songs to herself. By the time she was done it was mid day. She stepped out of the wooden tub and towel off gently. She then set to brushing her curly hair. The blond waves framed her face gently as she put the rest in a fishtail braid. She put on a clean dress and undergarments to go with it. Then she put herself back together. She paid mind to wrap her arm with bandages as she did not want anyone to see her arm. She then pulled the dress sleeve back over it as far as she could. The sleeve only covered to about her wrist as long as she did not lift her arm to often. Now was the time to explore Rivendell and allow herself a brief reprieve.
She left her room gently walking slowly as she looked around the space for the first time. It was beautiful and much of the outside was exposed in various rooms. The halls had ornate carvings on them and reached high above her head. The halls were immaculately clean as she walked through the area back towards what she assume was the training grounds. She heard clinking as she approached and when she walked onto the grass covered field she watched as the men sparred for a moment. She felt herself shrinking at the idea of keeping pace with them. Eomer and Eowyn both believed her a wonderful fighter, but still she felt self conscious. She had her bow on her and that was all she brought. She wanted to practice alone and did not notice the elf watching her intently. He was curious about her level of skill. She moved over to the archery range and silently shot her bow landing dead center each time. She was in a lulled state of mind focused only on keep occupied until all her arrows were emptied into the target.
Legolas approached her wanting to complement her and wanting to begin a conversation with her as well. "Lady Silva?" he inquired and she seemed not to hear him, so he reached for her heavily bandage right arm. She nearly swung on him in that moment as he had startled her beyond belief. She ripped her arm back face covered in what he knew to be well masked fear and distrust. "I came to formally introduce myself as well as complement your wonderful archery skills" his words seemed to cause a shift in her demeanor. She flushed slightly and looked just past him avoid eye contact. "I am Legolas son of Thranduil and prince of Mirkwood. It is a pleasure to formally meet you my lady" he said with a gentle bow. She felt her heart thunder in her chest. She hated conversations like this and was never good at them.
"Such praise is unworthy, but appreciated. I am Silva daughter of Haruld" she bowed her head back at him. "I would think elves would have a much higher standard of archery, but perhaps you are applying a more human standard to my skill?" it was a simple point she was making. She knew there was no way she had the skill of any elf trained in archery. In fact she doubted she even had a tenth of their skill. He laughed warmly at her comment knowing that she was being modest.
"Well, I would say that a great many people would only dream of being as skilled with a bow as you are" his voice was thick with amusement. "Although I am not saying you necessarily best me or my kin" he smiled at her happily. He then looked at her arm with curiosity he had felt the bandages beneath his fingers. He wondered now if he had injured her when he grabbed her arm. "I must beg your forgiveness my lady. I did not pay notice to your arm being hurt when I grabbed it. Normally I would never miss such a thing, but I was so impressed with your skill I paid little attention to your person. For that I am very sorry and hope that I did not harm you" he spoke gently. She put her hands up waving her arms up in the air.
"It is nothing really. Trust you did not harm me at all and I do not mind that you grabbed my arm. I was simply startled by it and am not used to much contact from others" she said a smile now on her face. "I hope I did not worry to much Legolas" she spoke as she watched his blond hair move in the wind behind him. He looked handsome and kind all at once. She decided she needed to get a grip on herself.
"I see" he rubbed his chin gently as if thinking of something. "Tell me what came to pass to cause you to be injured. Have you not considered speaking to Elrond to see if it may be healed?" he asked intently. She actually knew this would come and always dreaded when it did. It was one of the main reasons Silva did not often come around the people of Rohan.
"How it came to pass is rather personal" she looked away from him upset. ",but truly I am not hurt in that sense. I respect your concern, but I ware the bandages to avoid such questioning" her chest was tight. She felt his gaze shift to her arm and back to her face. He nodded in understanding of what she was saying. To him it was clear that she was saying she was disfigured by something in the past.
"I will not judge you with or without the bandages Lady Silva" he spoke gently. "I feel you are a beautiful woman and wonderful fighter. I understand your feelings of apprehension, but I am sure very few here would treat you poorly or see you any differently do to your scars" he meant every word he said. He saw her eyes flicker over to the others and to him.
"Everyone says that" her words shocked him now. "Everyone thinks they have control of how they treat me, but in reality there are always a select few reactions to it. Even now you have the start of one. A sympathy towards me that I appreciate, but do not currently need". He reflected on this point as he looked around the space. "The other reactions are two very simple one. Fake indifference where one tries not to look, but is actually looking. Then there is general disgust vocalized or not" she walked to the target now with him in toe. Pulling the arrows from the target gently. "I can tells your would be sympathy as a reaction, but then the reactions are not the worst part" she stowed her arrows away. "Simply put then I have to either attempt explaining my scars or have to deny explanation resulting in rumors". She looked at him a hopeful look and a knowing one. "Tell me Legolas if I tell you or I do not tell you either way will you not speak to those closest with you? Talk with them of my scar and then it will become something a barrier of sorts for me" she was looking him in the eyes now. He felt a pang of guilt as he knew until she pointed it out that he very may have spoken with Aragorn of her scar. That he may have even asked Elrond to look into the scar he knew was under the bandages.
"I am a curious person. I can not lie to you when it comes to that Lady Silva" he reached out placing his hand on her shoulder. ",but know this. Now that you have vocalized your concerns with me I will do no such thing. I will attempt to treat you the same in all regards and will not speak to others about you. If I were to it would only be to stop such a discussion in its tracks. I promise you as a prince of Mirkwood that I will not speak of your scar in such a manner, but if you should wish to confide in me in a way related to it or not I will be here as one of your fellow companions". She felt herself in awe at him and she stepped back a foot and truly this time she did bow her head rather deeply.
"I appreciate you and will attempt to do so as well. Would you like to practice with me?" she asked charmingly. Legolas nodded grabbing his own bow, but standing much father away. It seemed the range not big enough to challenge him as he was practically against the wall on the other side. She shot her bow in silence enjoying the time spent with him. When she finally felt like she was done she noticed the elf followed suit. "So what is your family like?" she asked the elf as she grabbed the arrows.
"My father is the king of Mirkwood. He is a Nobel man and one of many standards. He is not harsh or unforgiving, but is strict". He seemed at ease with the conversation. "What of your family lady Silva?" now the others were slowly walking towards them. She felt herself anxious now as she smiled at her knew friend. "My parents passed not to long ago, so me and my siblings live with our cousins in Edoras" she smiled at him gently. "My siblings are all young. Mei is ten and she is very astute trying to act much older then she is. Then there is my other sister Lillyiana she is bubbly and full of energy at all times. She is five years old and in my opinion very understanding for one. Lastly there is the youngest my little brother. He is only three and his name is Gero. He is shy and often clings to me or my sisters" she seemed happy speaking of her siblings he noted. He wondered if her injury had been perhaps caused by whatever ill fate had also met her parents. "My cousins all are a little more reserved as royalty typically goes and I feel they attempt to act very serious much to often, but I do try to lighten the mood when I am around them" she smiled as she walked toward the inside. The elf was busy pondering now and it was no longer Legolas that seemed to want to speak with her.
Boromir walked next to her now his height towering over her. His blonde hair at the edges of his face. "So why does Rohan send a woman? Things must not be well if that is the case" the implication that she would not be sent otherwise was there, but she knew better then to be offended.
"If I did not know that what you are assuming was correct I would be offended. However my cousins are currently indisposed and can not come to help with such a quest. Despite this I do not believe Rohan should be one of the only people not present in such affairs and was sent to care for them. Although I am a woman I am capable of being on such a journey and I do not mind it all that much" the response was simple to her and she did not understand how he even needed to ask.
"Tell me then in what way are they indisposed? Does it not bring more shame on Rohan should you fall in battle when your cousins are meant to protect you from such a fate?" a point she knew that Eomer had made. She rubbed her temples at this point annoyed with Boromir's questioning.
"Simply put even if they felt that way I am my own person. I do not need permission to do as I would like, but to answer your question Isengard has been very busy targeting Rohan of late. My cousins are needed in the Rohirrim to fight the many orcs threatening our land. They can not leave the citizens to die or Edoras with out anyone to take charge. King Theoden is not well and is very much so incapable of making much decisions on such matters. Eowyn did not wish to go as she felt she was needed in Edoras and Eomer has forbidden her leaving. So I was sent it is pretty much as simple as the family is only so big" her frustration with him was evident.
"A pity such times would bring a situation like this. It is not that I doubt your capabilities it is just that I feel you should not have to be capable at all. You should be doing something more suited to your station and enjoying your days in Edoras with your siblings you spoke of. Not here worried of fighting for the sake of middle earth" she noted him slightly less of an asshole now.
"Hmm, I should say I agree. Believe it or not though I dare say it might be more dangerous in Rohan right now then it is on mission. At least in the idea that your enemy is clear in this case and at the moment Rohan is filled to the brim with spies. Spies and deceit any way you turn" the statement seemed to make the others stiffen. "It is a place I suggest we avoid if possible for I doubt you will receive a happy welcome".
"Spies?", Aragorn asked his concern evident. She smiled at this and wondered how long they would follow her. "Deceit?" this time it came from Legolas who was staring at her arm. She did not like this as she knew in some level he was getting close to the correct answer in his head.
"The white wizard sends them along with the orcs to Rohan. He has them in villages and all over Edoras. They plan with him for the fall of Rohan and that much is known. We have an idea of who a few of them are, but with so little evidence it is hard to do much" she verbalized this. "I know not what he promises each one, but I am sure that empty promises are being made by him. Ones of grander design that entice them to betray Rohan".
"So Rohan may fall?" this time it was Legolas wearing a face that screamed concern. A concern she felt was mainly for her and her siblings she had just spoke of. She looked contemplative as she stared down the halls.
"It is possible, but I would say it is only that possible if Eomer or Theodred keeps allowing their feelings to block that of reason. Usurping is not always the best course of action, but in an instance such as that I would personally recommend it". She saw the looks of confusion on the face around her. "We all know that Theoden is now a puppet of the white wizard. You can look him in the face and ask your name and he will not know it, but then when it is time to send troops to help the villages or cousin Eomer argues to send the Rohirrim to gaurd Rohan better he suddenly is lively again. Speaking in a way that does not sound like him and with a cruelty that is not his own. Truthfully my cousins are both to passive and to serious. They would let it continue rather then harming their uncle or father. They allow Rohan to move towards certain doom because of emotional attachments. I understand this and understand not wanting to do such things, but I risked my siblings for Rohan when I left. I do not truly feel them safe or that anyone in Rohan safe at this time, but the only thing I can think to do to help is try to eliminate the problem all together".
"I hope that your siblings remain safe and that you get the justice Rohan deserves" Boromir stated as he began to feel sympathy for the girl next to him. They had fallowed her into the dinning hall without paying much attention. Gimli finally felt it was his turn to enquire about something.
"I understand the explanation of why you are here now, but" he stared at the woman with kind eyes "You seem secretive one minute and then open the next. Tell me lass what happen to your arm?" Gimli let out a grunt of shock when he was picked up by his axe. She was staring him in the eyes now with him dangling at her eye level.
"You could find out?" she hummed a playful tone in her voice. She set him back down and she laughed gently ", but one of you would have to volunteer for a matching set". She heard Gimli grumble about how nobody picks up a dwarf this way. Then heard Aragorn and Legolas begin laughing. Boromir looked curiously at her arm, but also looked as though he was holding back peels of laughter. She then gathered herself some food and sat with them as they all idly bantered. She knew at this second it may just be a rough few weeks. Let alone the length of the entire journey.