A/N: Oh my goodness, another chapter already! I amazed myself... anywhoo, I just want to say thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to all those lovely people who reviewed saying you love my story! =o) I was beginning to think no one was reading this, so thank you! It means a lot. =o) Okay, next chapter! heehee.
Chapter 35: A Most Interesting Day
When Aria awoke, she was safely on the ground, an old blanket wrapped around her. As she sat up, a delicious smell greeted her. Her stomach gave an enthusiastic rumble, making Aria wonder how long it had been since she'd had a decent meal.
"Good morning, Alfirin!" Galareal said cheerfully. "I told you you would not fall."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she laughed, rising to her feet. "What smells so good?"
"Sam is cooking up some rabbits," Galareal explained, nodding towards the Hobbit.
"Mm, herbs and stewed rabbit," Aria said, taking a deep appreciative breath.
"Well are you just going to stand there drooling, or do you wish to eat?" Galareal laughed.
Aria gave him a threatening look and skipped over to Sam. Galareal woke Frodo and the four of them sat down to breakfast. The rabbit was delicious, and the friends felt greatly refreshed. Sam went to wash his pans, and Galareal began instructing Aria in the finer points of climbing. They were far up a tree when the Elf suddenly froze.
"Galareal, what's wrong?" Aria asked anxiously.
"Someone's coming," he hissed. "We better warn the Hobbits."
"Too late," Aria said, pointing.
Sam had returned, but before he and Frodo could hide, four Men strode into the clearing. Two carried large spears with broad heads, and the other two carried bows nearly as tall as themselves. All of them had swords at their sides and were dressed in green and brown. Green gauntlets covered their hands, and their faces were hooded and masked with green, except for their eyes, which were very keen and bright.
"Faramir!" Aria whispered excitedly.
"Who?" frowned Galareal.
"One of those men, the tallest I think, is Faramir, Boromir's brother," Aria explained. "These men are the Rangers of Ithilien!"
"So they are on our side?" Galareal asked, still unsure.
Aria sighed. "Yes, they are on our side! But let's not make ourselves known just yet."
"Why not? I thought they were good," Galareal said, thoroughly exasperated.
"Yes, they are good, but there are men of Harad about, Southrons, and there is going to be a battle here soon. I'd rather be free to run out of harm's way than be a prisoner."
Galareal stared at Aria. "How do you know all this?"
"I'm from the future, remember?"
"Oh, yeah."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Noon came, and with it was the sounding of trumpets. War cries and the clashing of steel reached Aria's ears.
"Come, those guards are distracted, let's find a better hiding place," Galareal whispered.
The two friends crept down the tree and past the two men guarding the Hobbits. Looking about, they finally hid themselves in a thicket. The battle ranged dangerously close, so close Aria could see the faces of the Southrons and count the folds in their scarlet robes.
"This is one time I don't want a front row seat," she muttered to herself. The battle swayed back and forth, and suddenly one Ranger came within view, and Aria recognized him to be Faramir. He was hard pressed and did not see the Southron stealing up behind him.
"Galareal!" Aria gasped, pointing towards Faramir.
Swift as a falcon, Galareal drew his bow and let loose an arrow. It flew dangerously close to Faramir and struck the Southron in the throat. Surprised, Faramir glanced behind him and saw that the feathers of the arrow were black. All my men fletch their arrows with green feathers, and the Hobbits had no bows... His thoughts were jerked back to the battle as more Southrons swarmed towards him. Pushing the mystery aside, he resumed fighting.
"That was close," Aria said, turning away from the battle.
"Are you okay?" Galareal asked. "You do not look well."
"I hate fighting, and I hate seeing people die," she said, feeling slightly queasy at the thought of the dead Southron.
"Me too," Galareal murmured.
Aria's head snapped up. "What?"
Galareal avoided her gaze. "I do not like to fight, and I despise killing, even Orcs. I don't have much of a choice, though. If I want to protect my family I must fight, and I must kill. I just wish this war was over and we had peace."
Aria watched Galareal, surprised. I always thought of Elves as fierce warriors. I forgot that they were forced to fight to protect themselves and that they hate killing. It must be hard for them. Aria glanced toward the battlefield and shook her head sadly.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"Good for Frodo, he didn't breath a word," Galareal said softly, slipping silently through the shadows.
"You didn't think he would, did you?" Aria whispered, trying to imitate the Elf's wood-craft.
After defeating the Southrons Faramir and his men had returned, and Faramir had spoken at length with Frodo. The Hobbit spoke of the Company, but never the Ring nor of Aria and Galareal. Now the Hobbits were going with the Rangers to their hideout, and Aria and Galareal were following at a distance.
"Well, I knew he would not speak of It, but I wasn't sure if he would keep us secret," the Elf replied, trying to follow the almost non-existent tracks of the Rangers. "These men know their wood-craft and Hobbits tread light. It's a good thing we still have some light."
Aria glanced at the setting sun. "But we won't have it for long. What do we do after sunset?"
Galareal shrugged, not taking his eyes from the forest floor. Aria sighed and rolled her eyes. They continued on, but not long after the sun had disappeared, Galareal stopped.
"I lost the trail, but I have a good idea where they are headed," he said, searching the gloom with his Elven sight. Suddenly he snatched his bow and fitted an arrow, but before he could draw back the string a sword was at his throat. Aria found herself in a similar situation, and could barely make out two men in the half-light.
"Who are you?" a third man demanded, stepping out of the shadows. "What is your business here?" Galareal glanced at Aria, but said nothing. The man turned to Aria. "Will you tell me who you are?"
"I do not speak at sword point, Ranger," Aria replied, sounding calmer than she felt.
The man paused, then nodded. The sword was withdrawn from her throat, but the swordsman held her arm lest she should run. "Now, who are you, and what is your business in Ithilien?"
"My name is Aria, and that is Galareal," she said, nodding towards the Elf. "We came here with Frodo and Sam, the Halflings you found. We are just trying to get to our friends."
The man frowned. "Why didn't the Halflings tell us of you?"
Aria shrugged. "They didn't know if they could trust you, so I guess they were protecting us."
"We shall see," the man replied. "Lower your bow, Elf. You have no need of it." Reluctantly, Galareal did as he was told. The men blindfolded them and tied their hands securely, but not uncomfortably, behind their backs.
The men led them a ways, then stopped and turned them around a few times. They removed their blindfolds, but left their hands tied. The men then led them into a rock-chamber filled with Rangers. One of those Rangers came to greet them.
"What have you caught, Anborn?" the man asked.
"A girl and an Elf, Captain," Anborn replied. "I found them in the woods following your trail."
The Captain turned his bright eyes on them. "The woods seem to be filled with strangers today," he said, studying them. "Who are you, what is your errand?"
Before either of them could reply, Sam came running over. "Miss Aria! Galareal! Bless me, I was wondering where you two had got to!"
"We were following you the whole time, Sam," Aria laughed.
"You know them?" the Captain asked warily.
"Why of course I do!" Sam said indignantly. "They were traveling with us, but managed to avoid getting caught when you found me and Mr. Frodo. We didn't say nothing incase you were a bad lot."
"Very well, untie them," the Captain ordered.
"Thank you, Faramir," Aria said with a sweet smile.
Faramir turned to her, startled. "How do you know who I am?"
"You're a lot like your brother," she replied, rubbing her now-freed wrists.
"You knew Boromir?" Faramir asked, surprised.
"Uh, sort-of," Aria said. "I met him near Lorien and I spoke with him a few times."
"And he told you about me?" Faramir asked suspiciously.
"Well, no," Aria admitted. "He told Elwing, who told me."
"Elwing?" Faramir asked, thoroughly confused.
"Never mind," Aria sighed.
Faramir was about to question Aria more when he caught sight of Galareal's quiver. "Do you always tip your arrows with black feathers?" the Ranger asked.
"Yes," Galareal said slowly, a little confused.
Faramir smiled. "That is one mystery solved, and I know now that you can be trusted. Come and rest, dinner will be ready soon."
Aria and Galareal thanked him then went with Sam to where Frodo lay sleeping. With a weary sigh, they sank down beside him and fell fast asleep.
The friends woke refreshed and went to dinner with a noble hunger. After they had had their fill, Faramir took them to a recess at the back of the cave, partly screened by curtains; and two chairs and three stools were brought there.
Faramir then asked Frodo to tell of all that had happened on their journey from Rivendell. Frodo was willing to talk, but he always steered the matter away from the Company's quest and from the Ring, focusing rather on the valiant part Boromir had played in all their adventures. When he was done, it was Frodo's turn to ask.
"Tell me of your own fortunes," the Hobbit said. "For I would learn more of Minas Ithil and Osgiliath, and Minas Tirith the long-enduring. What hope have you for that city in your long war?"
"What hope have we?" said Faramir. "It is long since we had any hope. The sword of Elendil, if it returns indeed, may rekindle it, but I do not think that it will do more than put off the evil day, unless other help unlooked-for also comes, from Elves or Men."
At this, Aria and Galareal exchanged a swift glance, and Faramir saw it. "I think," said the Ranger, "you know something that has not been said."
Aria laughed. "We know something alright. More like someone."
Faramir frowned. "You speak in riddles. Who do you speak of?"
Galareal glanced at the Hobbits, whose heads were beginning to nod. "Let us send the Hobbits to bed, then we can talk in peace," the Elf suggested.
"Of course, it is late and you have journeyed far," Faramir said. "You Halflings go rest, your friends will join you soon."
Frodo and Sam rose, bowed, and trudged to their beds. When they were gone, Faramir turned to Aria. "Now, Lady, will you please explain your riddles?"
Aria glanced at Galareal. "Do you know the Legend of the Sunstars?" the Elf asked.
Faramir snorted. "Of course I know the Legend! The Anorgil were the only Elves who stood by the Númenoreans when the races of Elves and Men became estranged. Even the Men of Rohan, who now fear Elves and speak of the Golden Wood in dread, knew and loved the Anorgil."
"You could have just said 'yes'," Aria muttered.
Faramir ignored her. "What does that old legend have to do with the hope of Minas Tirith?"
Aria and Galareal exchanged another glance. "Well," Aria began slowly, "in about a week the Sunstar should be at your city."
Faramir stared at them in shock. "What?"
"Remember the girl I mentioned, Elwing?" Aria asked. "She's the Sunstar."
"If that is true, the war is ours!" Faramir said eagerly.
"Don't get too excited, you haven't met her," Aria giggled. "She isn't called Aurlach for nothing."
Faramir sat in silence for a moment, pondering this in his mind. "This has been a most interesting day. Get some rest, I will speak with you again in the morning. Good night."
End Chapter 35.
Review please!
Chapter 35: A Most Interesting Day
When Aria awoke, she was safely on the ground, an old blanket wrapped around her. As she sat up, a delicious smell greeted her. Her stomach gave an enthusiastic rumble, making Aria wonder how long it had been since she'd had a decent meal.
"Good morning, Alfirin!" Galareal said cheerfully. "I told you you would not fall."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she laughed, rising to her feet. "What smells so good?"
"Sam is cooking up some rabbits," Galareal explained, nodding towards the Hobbit.
"Mm, herbs and stewed rabbit," Aria said, taking a deep appreciative breath.
"Well are you just going to stand there drooling, or do you wish to eat?" Galareal laughed.
Aria gave him a threatening look and skipped over to Sam. Galareal woke Frodo and the four of them sat down to breakfast. The rabbit was delicious, and the friends felt greatly refreshed. Sam went to wash his pans, and Galareal began instructing Aria in the finer points of climbing. They were far up a tree when the Elf suddenly froze.
"Galareal, what's wrong?" Aria asked anxiously.
"Someone's coming," he hissed. "We better warn the Hobbits."
"Too late," Aria said, pointing.
Sam had returned, but before he and Frodo could hide, four Men strode into the clearing. Two carried large spears with broad heads, and the other two carried bows nearly as tall as themselves. All of them had swords at their sides and were dressed in green and brown. Green gauntlets covered their hands, and their faces were hooded and masked with green, except for their eyes, which were very keen and bright.
"Faramir!" Aria whispered excitedly.
"Who?" frowned Galareal.
"One of those men, the tallest I think, is Faramir, Boromir's brother," Aria explained. "These men are the Rangers of Ithilien!"
"So they are on our side?" Galareal asked, still unsure.
Aria sighed. "Yes, they are on our side! But let's not make ourselves known just yet."
"Why not? I thought they were good," Galareal said, thoroughly exasperated.
"Yes, they are good, but there are men of Harad about, Southrons, and there is going to be a battle here soon. I'd rather be free to run out of harm's way than be a prisoner."
Galareal stared at Aria. "How do you know all this?"
"I'm from the future, remember?"
"Oh, yeah."
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Noon came, and with it was the sounding of trumpets. War cries and the clashing of steel reached Aria's ears.
"Come, those guards are distracted, let's find a better hiding place," Galareal whispered.
The two friends crept down the tree and past the two men guarding the Hobbits. Looking about, they finally hid themselves in a thicket. The battle ranged dangerously close, so close Aria could see the faces of the Southrons and count the folds in their scarlet robes.
"This is one time I don't want a front row seat," she muttered to herself. The battle swayed back and forth, and suddenly one Ranger came within view, and Aria recognized him to be Faramir. He was hard pressed and did not see the Southron stealing up behind him.
"Galareal!" Aria gasped, pointing towards Faramir.
Swift as a falcon, Galareal drew his bow and let loose an arrow. It flew dangerously close to Faramir and struck the Southron in the throat. Surprised, Faramir glanced behind him and saw that the feathers of the arrow were black. All my men fletch their arrows with green feathers, and the Hobbits had no bows... His thoughts were jerked back to the battle as more Southrons swarmed towards him. Pushing the mystery aside, he resumed fighting.
"That was close," Aria said, turning away from the battle.
"Are you okay?" Galareal asked. "You do not look well."
"I hate fighting, and I hate seeing people die," she said, feeling slightly queasy at the thought of the dead Southron.
"Me too," Galareal murmured.
Aria's head snapped up. "What?"
Galareal avoided her gaze. "I do not like to fight, and I despise killing, even Orcs. I don't have much of a choice, though. If I want to protect my family I must fight, and I must kill. I just wish this war was over and we had peace."
Aria watched Galareal, surprised. I always thought of Elves as fierce warriors. I forgot that they were forced to fight to protect themselves and that they hate killing. It must be hard for them. Aria glanced toward the battlefield and shook her head sadly.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
"Good for Frodo, he didn't breath a word," Galareal said softly, slipping silently through the shadows.
"You didn't think he would, did you?" Aria whispered, trying to imitate the Elf's wood-craft.
After defeating the Southrons Faramir and his men had returned, and Faramir had spoken at length with Frodo. The Hobbit spoke of the Company, but never the Ring nor of Aria and Galareal. Now the Hobbits were going with the Rangers to their hideout, and Aria and Galareal were following at a distance.
"Well, I knew he would not speak of It, but I wasn't sure if he would keep us secret," the Elf replied, trying to follow the almost non-existent tracks of the Rangers. "These men know their wood-craft and Hobbits tread light. It's a good thing we still have some light."
Aria glanced at the setting sun. "But we won't have it for long. What do we do after sunset?"
Galareal shrugged, not taking his eyes from the forest floor. Aria sighed and rolled her eyes. They continued on, but not long after the sun had disappeared, Galareal stopped.
"I lost the trail, but I have a good idea where they are headed," he said, searching the gloom with his Elven sight. Suddenly he snatched his bow and fitted an arrow, but before he could draw back the string a sword was at his throat. Aria found herself in a similar situation, and could barely make out two men in the half-light.
"Who are you?" a third man demanded, stepping out of the shadows. "What is your business here?" Galareal glanced at Aria, but said nothing. The man turned to Aria. "Will you tell me who you are?"
"I do not speak at sword point, Ranger," Aria replied, sounding calmer than she felt.
The man paused, then nodded. The sword was withdrawn from her throat, but the swordsman held her arm lest she should run. "Now, who are you, and what is your business in Ithilien?"
"My name is Aria, and that is Galareal," she said, nodding towards the Elf. "We came here with Frodo and Sam, the Halflings you found. We are just trying to get to our friends."
The man frowned. "Why didn't the Halflings tell us of you?"
Aria shrugged. "They didn't know if they could trust you, so I guess they were protecting us."
"We shall see," the man replied. "Lower your bow, Elf. You have no need of it." Reluctantly, Galareal did as he was told. The men blindfolded them and tied their hands securely, but not uncomfortably, behind their backs.
The men led them a ways, then stopped and turned them around a few times. They removed their blindfolds, but left their hands tied. The men then led them into a rock-chamber filled with Rangers. One of those Rangers came to greet them.
"What have you caught, Anborn?" the man asked.
"A girl and an Elf, Captain," Anborn replied. "I found them in the woods following your trail."
The Captain turned his bright eyes on them. "The woods seem to be filled with strangers today," he said, studying them. "Who are you, what is your errand?"
Before either of them could reply, Sam came running over. "Miss Aria! Galareal! Bless me, I was wondering where you two had got to!"
"We were following you the whole time, Sam," Aria laughed.
"You know them?" the Captain asked warily.
"Why of course I do!" Sam said indignantly. "They were traveling with us, but managed to avoid getting caught when you found me and Mr. Frodo. We didn't say nothing incase you were a bad lot."
"Very well, untie them," the Captain ordered.
"Thank you, Faramir," Aria said with a sweet smile.
Faramir turned to her, startled. "How do you know who I am?"
"You're a lot like your brother," she replied, rubbing her now-freed wrists.
"You knew Boromir?" Faramir asked, surprised.
"Uh, sort-of," Aria said. "I met him near Lorien and I spoke with him a few times."
"And he told you about me?" Faramir asked suspiciously.
"Well, no," Aria admitted. "He told Elwing, who told me."
"Elwing?" Faramir asked, thoroughly confused.
"Never mind," Aria sighed.
Faramir was about to question Aria more when he caught sight of Galareal's quiver. "Do you always tip your arrows with black feathers?" the Ranger asked.
"Yes," Galareal said slowly, a little confused.
Faramir smiled. "That is one mystery solved, and I know now that you can be trusted. Come and rest, dinner will be ready soon."
Aria and Galareal thanked him then went with Sam to where Frodo lay sleeping. With a weary sigh, they sank down beside him and fell fast asleep.
The friends woke refreshed and went to dinner with a noble hunger. After they had had their fill, Faramir took them to a recess at the back of the cave, partly screened by curtains; and two chairs and three stools were brought there.
Faramir then asked Frodo to tell of all that had happened on their journey from Rivendell. Frodo was willing to talk, but he always steered the matter away from the Company's quest and from the Ring, focusing rather on the valiant part Boromir had played in all their adventures. When he was done, it was Frodo's turn to ask.
"Tell me of your own fortunes," the Hobbit said. "For I would learn more of Minas Ithil and Osgiliath, and Minas Tirith the long-enduring. What hope have you for that city in your long war?"
"What hope have we?" said Faramir. "It is long since we had any hope. The sword of Elendil, if it returns indeed, may rekindle it, but I do not think that it will do more than put off the evil day, unless other help unlooked-for also comes, from Elves or Men."
At this, Aria and Galareal exchanged a swift glance, and Faramir saw it. "I think," said the Ranger, "you know something that has not been said."
Aria laughed. "We know something alright. More like someone."
Faramir frowned. "You speak in riddles. Who do you speak of?"
Galareal glanced at the Hobbits, whose heads were beginning to nod. "Let us send the Hobbits to bed, then we can talk in peace," the Elf suggested.
"Of course, it is late and you have journeyed far," Faramir said. "You Halflings go rest, your friends will join you soon."
Frodo and Sam rose, bowed, and trudged to their beds. When they were gone, Faramir turned to Aria. "Now, Lady, will you please explain your riddles?"
Aria glanced at Galareal. "Do you know the Legend of the Sunstars?" the Elf asked.
Faramir snorted. "Of course I know the Legend! The Anorgil were the only Elves who stood by the Númenoreans when the races of Elves and Men became estranged. Even the Men of Rohan, who now fear Elves and speak of the Golden Wood in dread, knew and loved the Anorgil."
"You could have just said 'yes'," Aria muttered.
Faramir ignored her. "What does that old legend have to do with the hope of Minas Tirith?"
Aria and Galareal exchanged another glance. "Well," Aria began slowly, "in about a week the Sunstar should be at your city."
Faramir stared at them in shock. "What?"
"Remember the girl I mentioned, Elwing?" Aria asked. "She's the Sunstar."
"If that is true, the war is ours!" Faramir said eagerly.
"Don't get too excited, you haven't met her," Aria giggled. "She isn't called Aurlach for nothing."
Faramir sat in silence for a moment, pondering this in his mind. "This has been a most interesting day. Get some rest, I will speak with you again in the morning. Good night."
End Chapter 35.
Review please!
