Well I'm speeding up their journey, moving further ahead so I can get this
thing rollin'!
It had been an exhausting day. After battling the orc's the three travelers(and two tag alongs) had run nearly the whole day. Legolas hadn't even stopped to refill his empty quiver before they left to continue their journey. Elora had fallen asleep almost before she lay down but Morgan and Legolas looked about before relaxing. Legolas leaned against a thick oak and sighed, tucking his arms around him as he watched the woods with sharp eyes.
"You know you can sleep if you want. I'll take the first watch." Morgan said as he put out the small fire they'd made to warm their tired feet. The air was cool and they pulled their cloaks tight around them as the wind whispered by them and then carried on through the forest. Legolas didn't seem bothered by the cold and simply shook his head to Morgan's comment.
"An elf may rest his body and not sleep, it is our way." Morgan seemed a little grudged by this and the prince thought better and added. "But I will wake you in a few hours, I cannot rest just yet. The day's event's have me awake and thoughtful." Morgan knew what he meant, those Orc's had been hunting them. And there were no doubt more in these woods, and that bothered Legolas to no end.
"Alright, in a few hours then." Legolas nodded to him, his eyes kind. "I will wake if you sooner if need be." And then the man lay down stiffly on his back and tried to rest his eyes.
A few moments later he was asleep and Legolas turned his gaze to the night, letting his eyes fall on every shadow and tree, making sure they were alone and safe. There was a whispering in the tree's that something foul was among it's dark forest and the prince knew they would encounter more trouble before reaching the plains. But he would know if they were near and though he felt a heavy shadow in his heart there was no dire fear in him. They would be safe for the night at least. Urak hai walked day and night and he was sure that mountain orc were also on their trail, scrambling through the beautiful wood at night. Not in many years had Mirkwood been free of such nusainces and he prayed that this woman with him could change things for the better.
He looked at her as she slept, her arm craddled against her body. He couldn't help but frown at the dark bruise that ran along her lower cheek and jaw, it looked so wrong on her face. She was afraid today though she would have never said it and he didn't argue when she pushed herself and said many times that they needed to reach Rohan sooner than ten days. Seeing the creatures that now roamed her lands as well as these had made her wary.
He continued the watch and as promised he woke Morgan at a few hours before dawn and lay down to rest himself. He was surprised to realize how weary he was and fell into deep thoughts and his eyes drifted as he rested in elvish fashion.
And when the morning came they trudged on southward and west, eyes watchful and their senses alert on their journey.
The King of the Mark was surprised at first when Mithrandir rode into his city on the mighty Shadowfax. But surprise gave way to foreboding as he knew Gandalf the White only visited when trouble was near and the free lands were in danger. So it had always been.
"Gandalf, what brings you to Edoras?" Eomer asked as he met the approaching wizard on his way up the stairs to the great golden halls.
"Haste," was his initial response. "I come to tell you that the mystery of the roaming evil is solved and beg your help to those few who fight it." He said as Eomer nodded and brought his fist to his chest.
"I will do whatever is needed of me to help, but my kingdom is not yet rebuilt from the terror of Mordor and now my men are again stretched thin at it's borders. I will need time to muster the strength of Rohan if that is what you ask." He and Gandalf walked through the great hall's alone now and talked freely. "Tell me what cause I am sending my army against." He finished as Gandalf pused his beard covered lips and his brow's furrowed.
"An evil sorceress now lives in the ruins of Barad Dur, who is called Bavmorda." He revealed as Eomer frowned and tilted his head. "Does she command his ruined army?" The king asked and Gandalf nodded.
"What is left is more than enough to spread terror, but not to withstand the amry's of Rohan or Gondor." They entered a great metal door and once it was shut they stopped and faced eachother as they spoke.
"And together we can ensure that this evil spread's no more." Eomer had a thoughtful look on his sun darkened face and nodded. "This threat has spread far east but not to the extent of Sauron's deceit, and all the army's of this land could not smite the evil witch whom reigns. Only one can and that one shall enter this city in a few day's time, I have traveled ahead and they are a week at least in my wake. Legolas of the fellowship is their guide." Eomer's face lit at this.
"It will be good to see my elven friend once more, tell me does the dwarf Gimli come as well?" He asked hopefully, but Gandalf shook his head and his smiled failed a little.
"No they traveled together for a good while and then Legolas returned to Mirkwood to help rid it of the remaining troubles. Though they plan to sail together in a few years time on an adventure of some kind." Eomer nodded his head, "And so I and two of my friends shall unite along with a chance maybe to see Eowyn, which is good enough. Where am I to take my troup?"
"Gondor, to meet Aragorn's own and wait for the one who possesses the gift to defeat Bavmorda. She if far from the east and though her speech is strange she is much alike to those of your people. Much like Eowyn she seems to me." Eomer lifted his head in question. "A woman shall lead us?" He asked as Gandalf smiled slightly and nodded.
"Yes and no." He offered, which seemed an answer he would give. When Eomer only glared at the answer he went on. "You will lead her to where she needs to go and then she will fight alone for none can withstand the injuries such a battle would cause to others around." He suddenly went very somber and lifted a finger to punctuate his thoughts. "But she must not fall to the hands of the enemy, she must not be taken into the depths of Mordor, it would be the end of her." Eomer bowed his head.
"Then so shall it be, and if she be like Eowyn I would welcome her company for I miss my sister greatly. When I reach Gondor that will be the first face I should like to see." A fond expression reached his face and Gandalf sighed.
"Then I must go, but ask for a place to rest and stable Shadowfax for the night." He said as Eomer and he again walked through the large metal doors.
"To house the great horse would be my pleasure. You may take all the rest you need and we shall feast tonight." Gandalf thanked him and then walked outside to see to Shadowfax himself. He looked to the north and hoped that Elora Danan would reach the green plains of Rohan safely.
The days blended together as they traveled and it seemed that they had spotted signs of orc or seen them every day. It was becoming more perilous the further south they went. By night fall they would reach Rohan but Edoras, it's capital city, would be another couple of day's to reach. Elora was amazed at how much Legolas knew of healing. Her arm was perfect, it didn't ache and there wasn't even a mark where the gash in her arm had been. Just a simple mixture of herbs and a few soft words and the wound was gone in a few days.
Legolas had also been more careful of orc's and goblin's, though they were all capable swordsmen. That was not the reason, the few orc's they'd run into on the road were not a problem. He trusted Elora and Morgan, though the man seemed harsh at times he had proven himself in battle.
But it is never wise to rush into battle while you carry something you wish to keep safe. His father had told him that and he knew that getting Elora to Rohan safely was the only way to truely rid the world of this new evil. And so he'd also lost some time during the trek, circleing around orc bands and sometime's not crossing bridge's for fear of being seen and traveling down stream for miles to find a narrow crossing.
"So," Morgan said idly as he walked next to Legolas. "You say Rohan is safe?" His eyes were worn down a little but still held vigor, and the way he looked around the open plain's showed his wariness. "They have a great army, isn't that what you said?" Legolas did not reply instantly, he turned his eyes to Morgan and back to the plains before him silently.
"Not great in number, but matched to any other in strength and valor." He finally said after a pause. Alway's it seemed to Morgan that the elf did not speak unless his words were full of thought or need. Which was, the more he thought, a very wise trait. "Their king is great by any way you mean it and with the might of Gondor at the helm of battle, you have no cause of worry save that of the quest itself." Morgan was comforted by the deep feelings behind the answer and almost smiled.
"I trust your judgement." He said at length as if it took effort to say the words. This actually made the elf smirk and look to the man once more.
"I hope that statement did you no harm." He jested as Morgan sighed slightly and nodded. "Maybe only to my pride." He countered and then looked down.
"I didn't like you at first." Then he shrugged. "I judged harshly and let my personal feelings blind my eyes. But I've never held ill thoughts about any man I fought beside, and I don't now. You are a valiant warrior and I am glad you are with us." When he finished the elf smiled, looking back to see where Elora was. She walked quietly behind them, she'd seemed distant the past few nights. Sitting in deep thought, eyes closed in meditation.
He could feel that she was honing and mustering something deep inside her mind, a few time's he had felt her mind touch his own. She was preparing and he wasn't sure even she knew what for. Gandalf said she would need to travel the long journey to do so, but his worry wasn't lessened by it. He turned his attention back to the man before him, who he regaurded a moment before speaking.
"Then again, when first we met." He stopped walking and looked the man straight on. "I was prepared to kill you." The words were not harsh but Morgan still was taken aback. "Fear not, I see you have a pure heart and are a great swordsman. Alway's trust your instincts, it was natural for you to be wary of a strange person in a land you do not know." His smiled broadened and his eyes showed a new respect for the man before him. "But you've also surprised me with your words, they are true and noble. Whatever land you come from, if there are more men like you it is in good keeping." The two looked at eachother in mutual respect for moment and then turned to continue through the tall grass.
They topped a hill and looked in wonder at the beautiful scene before them. The sun was setting and the orange glow of it painted the sky as the green feilds of Rohan shone in the waning light. Legolas took a deep breath and remembered while traveling with Aragorn and Gimli years back when he had smelt the cool, fresh grass after the long trek from the arms of the Aragonath. His reminiscing ended as he turned at a slight noise far off. His sharp bright eyes narrowed as he spotted a rider speeding from the direction they had just come. A border man of the mark, his yellow hair streamed behind him as his brown horse raced across the open land.
"What is it?" Morgan asked as he looked to the direction Legolas stared. He saw nothing and frowned. "What do you see?" He tried to look again.
"Elora?" Legolas called as he realized the scout must have seen trouble, coming from behind them. When she did not answer he turned in a fret and shouted once more. "Elora!"
Elora heard her name from the slope of the hill and turned away from the sunset. She had sought out the highest spot to view it from, not realizing her companions hadn't seen her.
"I'm here." She saw Legolas and Morgan both sigh in relief as she trotted down to them. "What's the matter?" She asked at their worried faces.
"Now is not the time to wonder." Legolas said as he turned and looked again, the rider was almost out of his sight and his course was directly towards Edoras. "I fear we haven't escaped the eyes of our enemy as we thought. They've been tracking us, and my worry is that they will run us down in the open plains." He was already walking down the hill as he spoke the words. "Come, we must reach Edoras." They decended the great hill and quickly treaded over the lush plains, keeping watchful eyes at their backs.
Ok, there should be some pretty cool action coming up and maybe a slight spin on things. Please tell me what you think so far!
It had been an exhausting day. After battling the orc's the three travelers(and two tag alongs) had run nearly the whole day. Legolas hadn't even stopped to refill his empty quiver before they left to continue their journey. Elora had fallen asleep almost before she lay down but Morgan and Legolas looked about before relaxing. Legolas leaned against a thick oak and sighed, tucking his arms around him as he watched the woods with sharp eyes.
"You know you can sleep if you want. I'll take the first watch." Morgan said as he put out the small fire they'd made to warm their tired feet. The air was cool and they pulled their cloaks tight around them as the wind whispered by them and then carried on through the forest. Legolas didn't seem bothered by the cold and simply shook his head to Morgan's comment.
"An elf may rest his body and not sleep, it is our way." Morgan seemed a little grudged by this and the prince thought better and added. "But I will wake you in a few hours, I cannot rest just yet. The day's event's have me awake and thoughtful." Morgan knew what he meant, those Orc's had been hunting them. And there were no doubt more in these woods, and that bothered Legolas to no end.
"Alright, in a few hours then." Legolas nodded to him, his eyes kind. "I will wake if you sooner if need be." And then the man lay down stiffly on his back and tried to rest his eyes.
A few moments later he was asleep and Legolas turned his gaze to the night, letting his eyes fall on every shadow and tree, making sure they were alone and safe. There was a whispering in the tree's that something foul was among it's dark forest and the prince knew they would encounter more trouble before reaching the plains. But he would know if they were near and though he felt a heavy shadow in his heart there was no dire fear in him. They would be safe for the night at least. Urak hai walked day and night and he was sure that mountain orc were also on their trail, scrambling through the beautiful wood at night. Not in many years had Mirkwood been free of such nusainces and he prayed that this woman with him could change things for the better.
He looked at her as she slept, her arm craddled against her body. He couldn't help but frown at the dark bruise that ran along her lower cheek and jaw, it looked so wrong on her face. She was afraid today though she would have never said it and he didn't argue when she pushed herself and said many times that they needed to reach Rohan sooner than ten days. Seeing the creatures that now roamed her lands as well as these had made her wary.
He continued the watch and as promised he woke Morgan at a few hours before dawn and lay down to rest himself. He was surprised to realize how weary he was and fell into deep thoughts and his eyes drifted as he rested in elvish fashion.
And when the morning came they trudged on southward and west, eyes watchful and their senses alert on their journey.
The King of the Mark was surprised at first when Mithrandir rode into his city on the mighty Shadowfax. But surprise gave way to foreboding as he knew Gandalf the White only visited when trouble was near and the free lands were in danger. So it had always been.
"Gandalf, what brings you to Edoras?" Eomer asked as he met the approaching wizard on his way up the stairs to the great golden halls.
"Haste," was his initial response. "I come to tell you that the mystery of the roaming evil is solved and beg your help to those few who fight it." He said as Eomer nodded and brought his fist to his chest.
"I will do whatever is needed of me to help, but my kingdom is not yet rebuilt from the terror of Mordor and now my men are again stretched thin at it's borders. I will need time to muster the strength of Rohan if that is what you ask." He and Gandalf walked through the great hall's alone now and talked freely. "Tell me what cause I am sending my army against." He finished as Gandalf pused his beard covered lips and his brow's furrowed.
"An evil sorceress now lives in the ruins of Barad Dur, who is called Bavmorda." He revealed as Eomer frowned and tilted his head. "Does she command his ruined army?" The king asked and Gandalf nodded.
"What is left is more than enough to spread terror, but not to withstand the amry's of Rohan or Gondor." They entered a great metal door and once it was shut they stopped and faced eachother as they spoke.
"And together we can ensure that this evil spread's no more." Eomer had a thoughtful look on his sun darkened face and nodded. "This threat has spread far east but not to the extent of Sauron's deceit, and all the army's of this land could not smite the evil witch whom reigns. Only one can and that one shall enter this city in a few day's time, I have traveled ahead and they are a week at least in my wake. Legolas of the fellowship is their guide." Eomer's face lit at this.
"It will be good to see my elven friend once more, tell me does the dwarf Gimli come as well?" He asked hopefully, but Gandalf shook his head and his smiled failed a little.
"No they traveled together for a good while and then Legolas returned to Mirkwood to help rid it of the remaining troubles. Though they plan to sail together in a few years time on an adventure of some kind." Eomer nodded his head, "And so I and two of my friends shall unite along with a chance maybe to see Eowyn, which is good enough. Where am I to take my troup?"
"Gondor, to meet Aragorn's own and wait for the one who possesses the gift to defeat Bavmorda. She if far from the east and though her speech is strange she is much alike to those of your people. Much like Eowyn she seems to me." Eomer lifted his head in question. "A woman shall lead us?" He asked as Gandalf smiled slightly and nodded.
"Yes and no." He offered, which seemed an answer he would give. When Eomer only glared at the answer he went on. "You will lead her to where she needs to go and then she will fight alone for none can withstand the injuries such a battle would cause to others around." He suddenly went very somber and lifted a finger to punctuate his thoughts. "But she must not fall to the hands of the enemy, she must not be taken into the depths of Mordor, it would be the end of her." Eomer bowed his head.
"Then so shall it be, and if she be like Eowyn I would welcome her company for I miss my sister greatly. When I reach Gondor that will be the first face I should like to see." A fond expression reached his face and Gandalf sighed.
"Then I must go, but ask for a place to rest and stable Shadowfax for the night." He said as Eomer and he again walked through the large metal doors.
"To house the great horse would be my pleasure. You may take all the rest you need and we shall feast tonight." Gandalf thanked him and then walked outside to see to Shadowfax himself. He looked to the north and hoped that Elora Danan would reach the green plains of Rohan safely.
The days blended together as they traveled and it seemed that they had spotted signs of orc or seen them every day. It was becoming more perilous the further south they went. By night fall they would reach Rohan but Edoras, it's capital city, would be another couple of day's to reach. Elora was amazed at how much Legolas knew of healing. Her arm was perfect, it didn't ache and there wasn't even a mark where the gash in her arm had been. Just a simple mixture of herbs and a few soft words and the wound was gone in a few days.
Legolas had also been more careful of orc's and goblin's, though they were all capable swordsmen. That was not the reason, the few orc's they'd run into on the road were not a problem. He trusted Elora and Morgan, though the man seemed harsh at times he had proven himself in battle.
But it is never wise to rush into battle while you carry something you wish to keep safe. His father had told him that and he knew that getting Elora to Rohan safely was the only way to truely rid the world of this new evil. And so he'd also lost some time during the trek, circleing around orc bands and sometime's not crossing bridge's for fear of being seen and traveling down stream for miles to find a narrow crossing.
"So," Morgan said idly as he walked next to Legolas. "You say Rohan is safe?" His eyes were worn down a little but still held vigor, and the way he looked around the open plain's showed his wariness. "They have a great army, isn't that what you said?" Legolas did not reply instantly, he turned his eyes to Morgan and back to the plains before him silently.
"Not great in number, but matched to any other in strength and valor." He finally said after a pause. Alway's it seemed to Morgan that the elf did not speak unless his words were full of thought or need. Which was, the more he thought, a very wise trait. "Their king is great by any way you mean it and with the might of Gondor at the helm of battle, you have no cause of worry save that of the quest itself." Morgan was comforted by the deep feelings behind the answer and almost smiled.
"I trust your judgement." He said at length as if it took effort to say the words. This actually made the elf smirk and look to the man once more.
"I hope that statement did you no harm." He jested as Morgan sighed slightly and nodded. "Maybe only to my pride." He countered and then looked down.
"I didn't like you at first." Then he shrugged. "I judged harshly and let my personal feelings blind my eyes. But I've never held ill thoughts about any man I fought beside, and I don't now. You are a valiant warrior and I am glad you are with us." When he finished the elf smiled, looking back to see where Elora was. She walked quietly behind them, she'd seemed distant the past few nights. Sitting in deep thought, eyes closed in meditation.
He could feel that she was honing and mustering something deep inside her mind, a few time's he had felt her mind touch his own. She was preparing and he wasn't sure even she knew what for. Gandalf said she would need to travel the long journey to do so, but his worry wasn't lessened by it. He turned his attention back to the man before him, who he regaurded a moment before speaking.
"Then again, when first we met." He stopped walking and looked the man straight on. "I was prepared to kill you." The words were not harsh but Morgan still was taken aback. "Fear not, I see you have a pure heart and are a great swordsman. Alway's trust your instincts, it was natural for you to be wary of a strange person in a land you do not know." His smiled broadened and his eyes showed a new respect for the man before him. "But you've also surprised me with your words, they are true and noble. Whatever land you come from, if there are more men like you it is in good keeping." The two looked at eachother in mutual respect for moment and then turned to continue through the tall grass.
They topped a hill and looked in wonder at the beautiful scene before them. The sun was setting and the orange glow of it painted the sky as the green feilds of Rohan shone in the waning light. Legolas took a deep breath and remembered while traveling with Aragorn and Gimli years back when he had smelt the cool, fresh grass after the long trek from the arms of the Aragonath. His reminiscing ended as he turned at a slight noise far off. His sharp bright eyes narrowed as he spotted a rider speeding from the direction they had just come. A border man of the mark, his yellow hair streamed behind him as his brown horse raced across the open land.
"What is it?" Morgan asked as he looked to the direction Legolas stared. He saw nothing and frowned. "What do you see?" He tried to look again.
"Elora?" Legolas called as he realized the scout must have seen trouble, coming from behind them. When she did not answer he turned in a fret and shouted once more. "Elora!"
Elora heard her name from the slope of the hill and turned away from the sunset. She had sought out the highest spot to view it from, not realizing her companions hadn't seen her.
"I'm here." She saw Legolas and Morgan both sigh in relief as she trotted down to them. "What's the matter?" She asked at their worried faces.
"Now is not the time to wonder." Legolas said as he turned and looked again, the rider was almost out of his sight and his course was directly towards Edoras. "I fear we haven't escaped the eyes of our enemy as we thought. They've been tracking us, and my worry is that they will run us down in the open plains." He was already walking down the hill as he spoke the words. "Come, we must reach Edoras." They decended the great hill and quickly treaded over the lush plains, keeping watchful eyes at their backs.
Ok, there should be some pretty cool action coming up and maybe a slight spin on things. Please tell me what you think so far!