By.CorvidQueen
---------------------------
Islingdur greeted me with his usual warmth, blowing softly in my face in greeting. I sighed, smiling sadly.
"My only friend. I'm afraid this is my last ride." I said softly, pulling his ears gently in affection.
I paused, looking up as the others gathered their mounts for I dared not go anywhere near them for my shame. I had yet to speak to any of them since the interrogation of Gandolf. It hurt to even glance in their general direction, casting my gaze firmly on the lanter of which I now carried as I led Islindur from the stable, leaning on him heavily to borrow the strength he so freely gave. My only friend.....
A shadow loomed, the giant, Shadowfax. I began to shift away, but he caught the hem of my sleeve between his teeth, nickering. I looked to him in surprise and awe, unafraid as he closed his teeth about the circlet the Monit had placed on my head only one dreadful day before, and took it from me. Gandalf did not speak, but watched in thoughtfulness, taking the "crown" and them mounting. I rode without bridal or saddle, perceiving that there was precious little time to escape. The soft ground soaked up the steady beat of trotting hooves, the fog growing thicker the closer we came to the boarders until the lantern provided barely enough light for the others to follow. They fell into position once again, one of either side and the last behind. If they where wet, it did not show, but my hair dripped chillingly down my back, clothes clinging. The cool wet was almost soothing to my battered side, but my teeth chattered from it. The fog seemed to shift and I felt the living shadow draw near.
Wicked child, wicked child, what are you doing?
I swallowed, looking around nervously, but I could see nothing. It came again.
Wicked child, wicked child, you will never see the sun again if you do this
I trembled, but pushed on. Islingdur felt my unease and could sense the Monit as well, ears flickering forth and then back as he blew smokey breaths. If the other horses felt anything, they did not show it, but their riders stiffened.
"I feel a fell presence, I do not like this." Aragorn said.
Demon spawn, you would dare to defy me?!
I cried out as a pain cut through my mind, like a white hot rod had been thrust through my ear. The lantern dropped, shattering upon the ground. The light went out immediately and everything was cloaked in darkness.
"Mathis!"
"The deed is nearly done, away, away from me! I will be fine, your exit is nigh!" I cried, clining to Islingdur.
I found myself suddenly on the ground, iced hands gripping my neck and choking the life from my body.
You will pay for your insolence!
A light suddenly strove back the night, making the living shadow quail. The sound of a bowstring and whistle of an arrow followed, and then a fire in my arm though I was not struck. I wailed in confused terror, the Monit smirking.
You know not what you read that night my dear. So long as you live, I am invincible for your life force is mine own as well. My servent forever you will be.
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Gandolf tundered, holding up the circlet. "I was wondering for what purpose this had been given her, and now I know. It is the charm holder, the connection betwix' the two of you. I break it now, and return what was hers all along!"
I blinked as a flash like lightning send the Monit sprawling, flinching dispite myself. Even as I looked away, I felt a warmth spreading from my toes to my heart and lifting my sunken spirit.
"Legolas, now!"
Again, the bow string snapped, followed by a crack of lightning. The Monit was no more. I sat for a few moments, bewildered and exhausted though I had done nothing. It was a moment before I realized I sat between the protective forefeet of my loyal Islingdur who had not fled upon the attack. The fog was lifted, the moon smiling down upon me from her high thrown. Aragorn kneeled beside me, ruffling my hair.
"You my dear, are more trouble than any would have thought." He said. "And as hardy a creature has not been found, save for the halflings of the shire of which we have told you, though it seem a millennia ago."
I could not smile, nor could I look at him.
"You should go. My father will be after me soon enough." I whispered. "I thank you for your great kindness...I doubt I will ever be able to thank you properly."
"You have been given your freedom and still you look as downtrodden as a daisy in a tempest. Rise Lady Mathis. We enjoy your company far to much to simply leave you here." Legolas called as Aragorn offered his hand.
I sighed and rose on my own, Gandalf nodding.
"I am afraid we can not take you far with us, but for a time, our roads will be the same. I dare say you have no family of which to shelter with." He said as I climbed back onto Islingdur's back.
"I am an orphan. A daughter of a forgotten race, or of a new one spewed from the Earth. Which, I can not tell." I responded.
"Oh?" Gimli pressed, almost upset that he had not gotten in on the action.
"Aye, that is why I was chosen, aside from my curse of tongues. Not so fair as an elf nor strong as a fairy, but a happy medium of the two. A Fearie I think, but where the rhyme originates, I do not know. The Monit took me because I had the powers to conduct his fell exploits with no need of him." I answered. "My father chose me because he could get from no other what he got from me so easily."
Legolas bristled at the mere mention of him and I fell silent.
"We must be on our way friends. We have a long road ahead." Aragorn said, spurring his mount forward. "What is the closest town to here?"
"Odi." I answered as I fell into line behind he and Gandalf.
Legolas road beside me, seeming to ponder something for a moment before looking to me.
"You have no family you say?"
I nodded in confirmation.
"Then I extend an offering to live in Mirkwood. My family will keep you well." He said. "I can send for my brother, he is always about and would gladly take you."
I hesitated for only a moment before smiling.
"I accept your offer. I have no right, but I wish to make one request."
"Oh?"
"I will see you again."
He smiled.
"I will see what I can do."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ok, so it took 4 chapters. Sue me. There you have it, end of shamelessly sappy plug and amazingly dull story. I enjoyed it anyways, I don't know about you. Good night New York!