Chapter X: Rohan

I awoke the next morning to find that Ali had already packed our things. Elaina was still fast asleep on my shoulder. I gently shook her to wake her up. She rubbed her eyes.

"Breakfast time?" She asked sleepily.

I smiled but shook my head. It seemed then that she had remembered the events of the previous day. Ali continued to gather our gear silently. The three of us remained quiet untill she was done, and even then, the only sound was a quick, "Let's go" from Ali.

It went on like that for days, and I was beginning to wonder whether I would ever see my friends again, or if we would simply go on walking forever. We had passed by now through hills and grasslands and for eight days, Ali hardly said a word to us. Elaina and I, too, made no effort to start conversation with her.

"I don't like this," I whispered to Elaina after our eighth day of walking.

"Oh, I know, my legs feel as if they're about to fall off!"

"No, not that," I said and nodded towards Ali. "That… her. Something is bothering her. I miss the old Ali," Elaina nodded. "The one who is fun and- and smiles, and-"

Suddenly I heard Ali ahead call back to us, "Laurelin, Elaina, behold, the Gap of Rohan!"

Elaina and I ran up to her side and we saw it then, stone pillars taller than anything I'd ever seen, standing majestically in the distance, shining in the dim sunlight. Elaina and I let out a cheer and turned just in time to see a smile make its way onto Ali's face as she, too, scheered in delight.

"There she is," I whispered, smiling, "She's back!"

* * *

The next morning, we made our way cheerfully to the tall gates. I could see the sheer happiness on Ali's face as she spoke to the gatekeeper, an old friend from days long ago, I assumed.

We continued to ride for a few hours. Ali seemed confused at the state of the land and croutched down to examine it. Just then, we heard a loud, thunderous sound coming from over the plans. Elaina and I ran to Ali and grabbed her cloack. I tried to shout out to her, but I heard no response, except, "How wonderful! Look to the East!"

As she spoke, a great herd of horses came galloping from the distance. I had never seen such beasts in all my life, and in such great numbers. All of them, trotting majestically, they seemed to travel as one being. I thought of how afraid I would have been months ago, had I not developed such a love for Arauka, and it seemed now that hundreds of Araukas were coming towards me. They continued to run directly at us, but changed direction just in time and ran to the north.

When they had run by, we all stood silent, in wonder.

"Beautiful," I finally said, "Absolutely beautiful."

We continued to ride the rest of the day, and it was clear that the old Ali was back and all was well between us. We joked and laughed as we always had, and forgot all of our cares. We set up camp and slept well that night.

The next afternoon, we reached Harrowdale. I smiled as we walked through the streets and at the sight of people and buildings again, but mostly at the sight of a tavern.

"We will sleep here tonight, for it is long since you have slept in a decent bed," Ali said, motioning towards the Silver Steed. Elaina and I rushed in and took our places at a tall bar.

"Half a pint!" I said in delight, and Elaina ordered the same.

Ali came in to pay for a room and our drinks. "I have some work to do," she said, "I am sure that you will have no problem making yourselves at home," she smiled. "Namarie."

Elaina and I waved without a word and continued drinking our draughts. We sat in silence for some time, until I finally spoke.

"What do you think they're doing right now?" I asked Elaina.

"I sure don't know," she answered, "But I hope they're safe."

"I miss them all," I said, "especially Sam. I feel like a part of me is missing without him. I don't understand at all." I looked at her. "I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense."

"I understand, you're making perfect sense," Elaina said, turning towards me and smiling. "You love him. You love him as I love Frodo. That's why you feel the way that you feel. You're incomplete."

I blushed. "But it's only Sam, and I'm just a simple hobbit. All this talk of love isn't for me."

Elaina smiled. "Oh Laurie, when will you learn," she replied. "You're not just a simple hobbit, you're so much more. Simple hobbits don't go out on adventures with elves to the other side of the world. Simple hobbits don't save other hobbits' lives. You're not just a simple hobbit, you're an extraordinary hobbit, and you're the best friend I've ever known."

I smiled and blushed. "You, too, Elaina. I don't know where I'd be without you."

Elaina raised her glass. "To being more than just a simple hobbit."

I raised my glass to hers, "And to love." I grinned.

Just then, Ali came back through the door with Stryker at her side.

"Stryker!" I exclaimed happily.

"Well if it isn't a woner to see you!" Elaina cried.

The two of them grabbed a hold of each of us and carried us up to our room. "Careful with the names you use," Stryker warned. "You do not know who may be listening."

I really did not know of whom Stryker spoke, but I apologized anyway and began to tell Stryker of our travels since we had met last.

"You should have seen me!" I exclaimed. "There I was, orcs all around, three to my left, and another fi- SIX to my right! I drew my sword and yelled out and killed all te- eleven in one swing! But then, even more came! And you wouldn't believe how many there were!" I realized that I was slightly exaggerating, but I went on anyway. "Isn't that right Elaina?"

"Oh, for sure, why there were nearly twenty if I guessed right." She answered.

"Well, I didn't think we let nearly that many escape," Stryker answered back, smiling at Ali, obviously no believing us. "We will have to be more careful next time."

"Yes, indeed," Ali added, "but they fought bravely, Stryker, you would have been proud."

"Oh, I wish I could have been there, but I'm afraid your adventure is not at an end."

"Actually, Styker," Ali's tone again seemed grave, "That is what I wish to speak to you about. What has happened since we last spoke? Where do the Dunedain plan to ride?"

"Alas," Stryker answered gravely, "it is a fearful road that we must take. Aragorn plans to ride through the Paths of the Dead."

I was shocked at the mention of the name.

"Aragorn?!" I asked, almost at the ame time as Ali and Elaina. Then, what of the rest of the Fellowship, I wondered.

"Why, yes, Ar--. Oh you have not heard?" With that she began to tell us all that had happened to the Fellowship thusfar. "And as for Merriadoc and Peregrin, they were captured by orcs after the death of Boromir, but-"

"Captured?!?!" I exclaimed, feeling the tears about to whell in my eyes.

"Aye, Laurelin, but fear not, all is well now." She began to tel us of their escape to Fanghorn and I listened to her in amazement of the bravery of my friends. Stryker told of their meeting with Treebeard, and when I asked her what a Treebeard was, Ali explained with a strange description of walking trees.

"And as for the other two hobbits, the ringbearer and his faithful companion, Sam, well," Stryker looked at Elaina and me. "Frodo made the grave decision to leave the otehrs and travel alone, but young Samwise would not let Frodo leave without him."

I turned to Elaina who seemed as if she was about to cry.

"And the other three went in search of Merry and Pippin, not knowing that they had already been freed."

Styker and Ali continued on about Gandalf falling into shado and his escape, Helm's Deep, and the fall of Isengard, but I could not shake my mind from Sam. Stryker then said that she had to leave and bid us farewell. Ali sat in thought, pondering the decision that lay ahead of her.

No words were spoken for some time after Stryker's departure. We were all deep in thought. I thought about Sam's bravery, his fearlessnes and how he knew exactly what he had to do: protect Frodo at all costs. I sat there in complete disbelief and shock.

Finally, Elaina spoke. "Mordor," saying the word seemed to take all of her energy out of her. "Oh Laurie! Whatever will they do?!" She buried her face in my shoulder and began to cry, but I hadn't the energy to speak.

Ali sat there thinking still, and finally began to speak. "Fate is a powerful thing. She holds us all in the palm of her hand. But take comfort in her design. Frodo was meant to inherit the ring, and Samwise was meant to befriend him. Together, they were meant to embark on this journey. Hope still exists, for they have not yet played out their part. Have faith, my friends. Do not mourn for those who still draw breath."

I thought about her words, they spoke a wisdom that I had come to know from Ali, but not expect. She was right, it was Sam and Frodo's fate to end up together on their journey, it was what they were meant to do. What, then, was my fate? Why had I left the Shire that day so long ago? There was something inside of me, telling me to go. But, why? Then I suddenly realized why. It wasn't for the reasons I had thought. I wasn't meant to simply follow Sam, Merry, Pippin, and Frodo, I was meant to be there with Ali and Elaina.

Just then, Ali interupted my thoughts. "A heavy burden has been placed upon us," she spoke looking at us, "The Paths of the Dead are perilous. Although I do not fear the dead of men, it is very difficult for mortals to withstand their presence. Yet Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas take that road, as will as the Dunedain, our companions from the beginning. I long to be in their company, for reasons that you can surely understand. However," she paused. "I was given a warning before I ever set forth on this journey. Galadriel, the Lady of the Wood was the one who sent me. To me she said, 'You cannot pursue the company. It will only bring doom to all.' Indeed, the Fellowship has broken, but I fear that her warning will hold tru to each and every member. And so, deep within my heart, I see that our future lies with the Rohirrim."

I saw things clearly. From the time I had spent with her, I was able to tell what was going on inside Ali's head, and I could tell now what was bothering her. "You already know the road we must take, Ali," I replied. "Your heart has always guided you, but you have yet to listen. You set out to intertwine your fate with his. But you do not see that you are strong, Ali, and that this journey is your own. All you need to find is the strength to do what you know is right. All this time I planned to follow my Samwise to the end of the earth. But you words have opened my eyes, Ali. I know now that this is not my place. My place is here, with Elaina, and with you Ali. Fate has brought me to both of you. And for that I am forever grateful." I could see that Ali was deep in thought over my words and I saw a slight change in her. She now knew what she had to do.

Elaina, too, had found something in my words, and spoke. "And I am grateful to have you, as well." She wrapped her arms around me.

Ali spoke again, but this time, her voice had changed. "And I, aswell. I will heed your words. We shall ride with the Rohirrim." She stood up and continued, "Our journey will change dramatically. We can no longer hide in the shadows. I will be back shortly." Ali pulled her cloak up and put on her hood as she left the room.

Elaina and I sat alone and looked at each other.