* Four *
Fords of Isen
Gap of Rohan
"There is an evil moon tonight." Fiona said, rubbing her hands together, trying to warm them in front of the fire.
"Everyone is at their posts. We are prepared if the barbarians attack tonight." Dollen informed, sitting next to Fiona so to warm his cold body.
"I hardly think that anyone could ever be prepared for those beasts attacks. We think we are prepared, but when the time comes…" Fiona let her voice trailed. She had already lost her dear ones to those barbarians. She was a survivor and she had witnessed what those animals could do.
"I heard they drink the blood of the dead." Sully said with fear in his voice. Everyone around the fire shivered inwardly. Yes, they had all heard stories equally brutal. "And that they collect the bones of their victims." Everyone had a disgusted expression on his or her faces, but none dared to look at each other, afraid to recognise the same fear mirrored in the face of their companions.
"Where I've come from, they've burned down all the villages. I think the fields around them will be forever stained by the deep red shade of blood." Dollen stated, his eyes lost in the fire. Everyone had similar stories to tell, for they all were survivors, probably the last free men and women of Middle-Earth. They had found a refugee in the Misty Mountains, but even that safe refugee was now being attacked.
"They are demons, looking like half Orcs and half humans. Where have they come from? Mordor?" Another man asked.
"No. For what I heard they came from the Southeast. Mordor was the first to fall into their Evil shadow." Fiona corrected.
"I've seen they perform rituals. They worship the Gods of fire and when they attack, they are very fast and precise. We have no chance against them." Another woman stated defeated.
"What do they want from us?" Sully questioned with sorrow. "Why are they attacking our cities and slaughtering our families and friends? What harm have we done to them?" Silence fell as the words hanged in the air.
"I don't know." Dollen answered after a while. "They seem to want our lands though."
"Foes!" The yell echoed through the camp and the small group rose immediately to their feet.
"Where?" Dollen inquired, looking at the sentinel up in the tower. He pointed towards the East and there, just above the line of the hills they could see hundreds of creatures with torches. They were a horrifying image and for a moment everyone stood froze to the ground.
"Take the children to the mountains Fiona." Dollen ordered, taking the lead. Fiona just looked at him stunned, by a moment. He saw her hesitation and stepped closer to her. "Please Fiona, take them to the mountains and stay there. We will try to stop the barbarians to reach that far."
"No!" She protested. "You will all be killed. I won't leave you behind." She said firmly, her eyes starting to fill with tears.
"Listen to me." Dollen shook her, seeing the pain in her eyes. "You must take the children and protect them. Head to Rivendell, to the Elvish City. I'm sure the Elves will help you. We will follow you soon, trust me." He added, his eyes pleading with hers. All around them, people were preparing for the assault, but Dollen and Fiona were lost in each other eyes.
"What happens if I don't see you again?" She wondered, her voice quivering with sadness.
"You will. I promise." He said, pulling her for a tight embrace. "Now go!" Dollen commanded, not looking at her eyes. Fiona nodded, knowing she had lost all her arguments. Dollen was right; someone had to get the children as far away as they could from those beasts. They had suffered enough. Dollen took two steps away from Fiona, but she pulled him again, her mouth founding his for a kiss. It was more than a goodbye kiss, more like a lingering promise. Fiona broke the kiss and turned away, heading to where they had gathered all the children. Dollen stood stuck to the ground for a moment, still savouring the kiss and Fiona smiled at him, before disappearing from sight.
"Snap out of it Dollen!" Sully barked throwing him a sword, seeing that his friend was still mesmerised. "This is not the time to think about such enticing things."
"You are right, of course. We have some beasts to kill." Dollen said completely recovered from the kiss and feeling hopeful all of a sudden. If he could find love again, then maybe they could win that battle. It was a shot in the dark, but it was worth fighting for.
The five Elves entered the Gate of Rivendell late at night. By request of the two visitors, Legolas directed them to Lord Elrond. He was sure that Elrond would want to speak with those two at once. It wasn't every day that visitors from Aman walked the corridors of Rivendell.
"Lord Elrond, I bring you some…" Legolas started, but was interrupted by Lord Elrond.
"Visitors, yes I know." Legolas stared at him bluntly. Elrond had known all along, that was why he had been sent to the Ford. "Welcome to Rivendell." Lord Elrond greeted them with a stoic face, his eyes revealing nothing.
"Thank you for receiving us, Master Elrond." Lord Menel uttered in a pleasing tone.
"And why would I not receive you? You have come in peace, have you not?"
"Of course we have." Lord Menel was trying too hard, Ryanna thought watching as the old Elf made a fool of himself with all his pleasantries.
"My my, you seem to have grown a lot since the last time we saw each other." Gandalf's voice made Ryanna and Lord Menel turn around to face him.
"Gandalf." Ryanna greeted him with a frank smile. She had missed the old wizard and his fantastic stories. "It's good to see you again." She stated, taking the wizard's hands in hers and kissing them gently. Legolas couldn't help but flinch a little with envy. He had wanted to see that happiness in Ryanna's eyes upon their meeting, but she had only showed him scorn and disdain.
"Doesn't she look remarkably like Varda, Elrond?" Gandalf inquired gazing over the young Elf.
"So this is Elbereth's daughter?" Elrond wondered stepping closer to them both and watching Ryanna intensely.
"Her youngest daughter, Lord Elrond." Ryanna corrected with a half smile.
"And what is the youngest daughter of Elbereth doing here, in Middle-Earth?" Lord Elrond was known to be a very direct and open-minded Elf, two characteristics greatly appreciated by Ryanna.
"We were sent by the Queen herself, Lord Elrond." Lord Menel decided to step in.
"You…were sent by Elbereth?" Lord Elrond was looking at the two visitors with a strange look. He seemed disappointed with something. "Tell me Gandalf, what sort of joke is this now?" Lord Elrond looked angry.
"I'm lost for words myself." Gandalf admitted, his eyes travelling from Lord Menel to Ryanna.
"We asked for the Valar's help and Elbereth sends us an old Elf and her youngest child?" Elrond was definitely angry now. He started to pace the room. "I should have known that the Valar would toy with us. I should have known." He muttered under his breath.
"Excuse me my lord, but I'm a bit lost." Ryanna spoke, her soft voice making Lord Elrond stop his pacing and look at her. "Were you expecting somebody else, or even us for that matter?"
"I was expecting an army!" He snapped, startling Ryanna and everyone else there. The young princess felt anger starting to creep through her veins. How dare that arrogant Elf speak to her like that? "They were supposed to help us!"
"We came here, by my mother's request, to try to make you change your mind about not wanting to leave Middle-Earth!" She spat in the same angry tone.
"Then you can leave now, for I will not change my mind. Not when this land is being badly mistreated!" Lord Elrond bit back and Gandalf knew he should say something to lighten up the mood.
"Please, quarrel no more. It is late and I'm sure the princess and Lord Menel would like to rest." He stood between the young Elf and Lord Elrond, braking their intense eye contact. "Come now Elrond, we can discuss this tomorrow." Lord Elrond sighed, calming down.
"Of course Gandalf. The servants will take them to their rooms." He added, motioning to some servants to get in the room. "Rest here for the night, you are my guests." He said, showing them the door. Ryanna wanted nothing, but to protest and continue her argument, but she was tired and not thinking straight so she did as told and followed the servant.
"I'm glad he didn't kicked us out. I would have hated to spend the night out there, in the cold and stiff ground." Lord Menel muttered and Ryanna rolled her eyes, completely worn out. She sensed that tomorrow would be a long day, for she knew that Lord Elrond would want to continue their exchange of bitter words.
Bella, thanks a lot! I've made some changes to the previous chapter. I had intended to let you guys know a little more about the so-called barbarians. If you haven't guessed who they are, well you will know in the end. Be patient ok?
About my other fic: who said I wasn't going to finish it? I am going to finish it, just waiting to get inspired, that's all! Meanwhile, I'm writing this one. Please review!!!