Centaur's War
Echo the Nymph
Disclaimer: I don't own Tolkien's characters.
Together, they left the Crystalline Fields,
A battle they had to fight.
Elves, Men and Centaurs, creatures with great might.
Yet their strategy to keep those of the dark at bay
Placed the huntresses in harm's way...
Chapter 2
In the command pavilion, there were the rulers of Elves and Men as well as the representatives of the Elder Lines of Huntresses. The flickering light of the lanterns illuminated the tense scene. Gil-galad let out a tense sigh. "So, the information the lesser dragons brought is reliable?"
"Unfortunately, yes, Gil-galad." Prairie Song replied. "None of those that came with us would lie, as those they are bound to can't." Her gaze shifted to the map on the table before them.
Elendil let out an irritated growl. "I would not like it if these 'Dark Huntresses' would come into the battle. There will be enough trouble with the orcs." The King of Gondor gazed to the huntresses. "As much as we hate to ask you to do this, we must." He broke off, trying to keep his voice under control. The King of the Noldor then took over once more.
"If your group could go behind the enemy lines and keep the Dark Huntresses from joining the main battle, that would ease the load on us a little. It is true that you will be in great danger, but if you fought with us, the danger would wax greater for all."
The huntresses spoke softly in their native language and quickly came to their decision. Prairie Song spoke up. "We know the danger is great. Already have we been in battles alongside you. You have earned our trust many times over, and we know you trust us as well. This isn't just about Elves and Men; it is about all the peoples of Arda. If Sauron isn't stopped here..." Her hand fell to the pouch that was held to her waist by a leather belt. The two mithril chains within each held a different power and were made by her own hand. "Then more than one way of life will be lost. For our friends, and those yet to be born, we accept this danger and will follow through with our task."
Silently, they left the pavilion to brief the huntresses on their mission. Darkness still hung over the land in that early morning hour and the stars sparkled brightly. The huntresses gathered their weapons and formed their ranks.
Lord Elrond came with Isildur and Glorfindel to see them off. "Do be careful, Huntresses. There will most likely be orcs set to watch for those who would attempt to penetrate the lines. Remember all you have learned from us."
Prairie Song smiled. "We will remember. Lord Elrond, keep sorrow from your heart. The wisdom you hold and will hold will be enough to save many. Isildur, don't let your heart be swayed. I feel that there could be a grave danger to your people." Then she looked to Glorfindel. "You are strong; a strength that will still burn brightly for ages to come. It will be needed." She stepped back into the other huntresses.
"Tilla sebin." They chorused and turned from their friends and moved into the lands of Mordor. After they crept past the sleeping parties of orcs dawn broke over the horizon; a dawn sullied by the dark clouds and ash spewed from the mountain. They hid themselves among the rocks and rubble, waiting for their enemies to come.
A large group of Dark Huntresses crested the hill and were headed off by the group of thirty. Caught off-guard, the group quickly rallied and proved themselves to be as lethal as their lineal counterparts.
Prairie Song ducked under a swing from a quarterstaff. She leapt back to put more distance between herself and the one attacking her. Quickly, she drew an arrow from her quiver and notched it into her bow. Aim was quickly taken and the arrow flew true. The Dark Huntress never knew what hit her as she fell to the ground, for she had been killed instantly. Prairie Song leapt away from where she'd been standing as a sword crashed down behind her, grazing her hocks. "Veorina!" She spat, trying to ignore the burning pain. Her bow whipped around and struck her attacker on the side of her head.
The huntress leapt away, allowing another attack to whistle by her harmlessly. Subconsciously, she fired her last arrow. Her target crumpled, not even crying out. Yet the cries of the Lineal Huntresses echoed in her ears. They had accepted the danger and were getting killed for their courage. Blocking out the cries, she pulled the slip knot that kept her quiver on and allowed it to fall to the ground.
Instinctively, she blocked a blow with her bow. The wooden frame broke under the force of dull metal, rendering the weapon useless at least for firing arrows. The strong cord was instantly around her enemy's neck then the dark mare was no more.
I am my only weapon. Time to show them that we are lethal even when unarmed. Gracefully, she dodged the blows coming at her. Then, Prairie Song felt her hindquarters press against Starpromise's and Radiant Light's. Out of the group of thirty, only they remained. Tears for their fallen comrades gathered in their eyes, yet not a single drop fell. A strong wind blew, one stronger than that which had heralded the arrival of Sauron. Panicked, the Dark Huntresses fled from the field of battle. The survivors of the raid painfully picked their way across the land to the road of Mount Doom. Once inside, a shocking scene greeted them.
Elrond stood alone upon the stone ledge in Mount Doom. He stared in the direction Isildur had taken, stunned. Soft foot falls drew his attention back to his location. Three huntresses came up to him, bearing the marks of a lengthy battle. "Corta anyo, Lord Elrond." Starpromise panted. She leaned upon Radiant Light, keeping most of her weight off of her left front leg. Prairie Song choked back a sob.
"The others are walking among the spirits now. We are the only ones that survived." She was very upset, yet needed time to recover before mourning her fallen comrades. "That is something we will never forget." The cries of their allies still echoed in their ears.
"Something dark has happened. The One Ring has influenced Isildur. He has taken it, not destroyed it." His statement caused all three of them to stand upright in anger. The group of four left Mount Doom, heading for the camp of the Last Alliance. After their injuries were treated, the huntresses went to Isildur's tent.
Prairie Song lightly tapped the canvas tent, prompting Isildur to call out. "Enter!" They came into the tent, surprising him. "Huntresses, I am sorry to hear of your loss." Sympathy was in his voice, showing that he didn't wish to anger them and was sorry for what had happened.
Starpromise looked him in the eye. "We have heard of yours as well. As we mourn for our fallen allies, so he is numbered among them." She stopped, fearing what she was about to say.
"Isildur of Gondor," Prairie Song began, "the One Ring is influencing you. Don't listen to it, for the ring will betray you."
Radiant Light spoke up. "This ring has nothing to balance the darkness, anger and hatred that went into forging it. You have a balance within your heart, but this ring will destroy it with betrayal."
Starpromise finally got her nerve back up. "The very stars cry out in anger. The Ring to Rule them All is not something to be taken lightly. Only where it was made can it be unmade. Isildur, please destroy it, before it destroys you."
He glared at them. All seemed sincerely concerned for him, but they did not understand. "The ring is mine now. I will not destroy it, for it is precious to me." At this statement, Starpromise and Radiant Light left.
Prairie Song's gazed at him sadly. "Then this is all I can do for you, King of Gondor." She placed a silver chain about his neck. "By the powers of the Maiar, by those of Manwe himself, protect this King among men from the darkness that would invade him."
She left the tent, keeping most of her limp out of her gait. Sadly, she walked over to where she would be leaving. Then, Prairie Song looked at the leaving people. Isildur, I did what I could for you. May the blessing of the Maiar bring forth a powerful heir to Gondor.
"Tinuviel," Lord Elrond called, "we are ready." She turned and followed him back to the group they were to travel in. The huntress had noticed that his voice was rough with emotion. Loosing Gil-galad had been hard on him. The other elves were tactful and avoided asking about the lock of tail hair that had been braided. Starpromise and Radiant Light were as ready as the rest of them. In silent groups, they set off for their homes.
Prairie Song couldn't stand the sad silence of their group. It was understandable, as they had lost the king of the Noldor, and felt a need to cheer them up. From deep within came a song that would lighten the mood a little. Any muttering from upset elves silenced as her voice rang out clear and sweet.
"Born at dawn's first light
With the song of the bird,
A little Gem came to life
In the home of an elf.
Known by two names will she be,
A precious stone in the light.
Not two years past her birth,
She was to know her mother's friends.
Yet on their way to the north
The evil orcs encountered them.
Parents fell by their swords.
This Gem's light in grave danger,
Yet was saved by his Heir.
Fourteen years past this act, her maturity attained
A glistening gem guarded jealously.
Found by Talitha was One of Nine,
The Gem taken to him.
Kindness came from her being,
Defiance to her family's laws.
Voices floated through the wood,
Four more guided by the light.
Five of the Nine stared in awe
At this rare Gem.
Then the jealous guardians
Came from the heart of the wood.
The Mighty Wizard from the
West curbed their jealousy.
A precious stone to travel
Among the lands of men.
Her adventure just begins."
Indeed, her song had cheered them, yet, Lord Elrond sensed something deeper. Had Tinuviel sung of the future? After all, some of what she had said had already come to pass. He had lost his foster father, and Isildur was taken by the Ring. What else could this huntress, now an elf-friend, do?
Echo the Nymph
Disclaimer: I don't own Tolkien's characters.
Together, they left the Crystalline Fields,
A battle they had to fight.
Elves, Men and Centaurs, creatures with great might.
Yet their strategy to keep those of the dark at bay
Placed the huntresses in harm's way...
Chapter 2
In the command pavilion, there were the rulers of Elves and Men as well as the representatives of the Elder Lines of Huntresses. The flickering light of the lanterns illuminated the tense scene. Gil-galad let out a tense sigh. "So, the information the lesser dragons brought is reliable?"
"Unfortunately, yes, Gil-galad." Prairie Song replied. "None of those that came with us would lie, as those they are bound to can't." Her gaze shifted to the map on the table before them.
Elendil let out an irritated growl. "I would not like it if these 'Dark Huntresses' would come into the battle. There will be enough trouble with the orcs." The King of Gondor gazed to the huntresses. "As much as we hate to ask you to do this, we must." He broke off, trying to keep his voice under control. The King of the Noldor then took over once more.
"If your group could go behind the enemy lines and keep the Dark Huntresses from joining the main battle, that would ease the load on us a little. It is true that you will be in great danger, but if you fought with us, the danger would wax greater for all."
The huntresses spoke softly in their native language and quickly came to their decision. Prairie Song spoke up. "We know the danger is great. Already have we been in battles alongside you. You have earned our trust many times over, and we know you trust us as well. This isn't just about Elves and Men; it is about all the peoples of Arda. If Sauron isn't stopped here..." Her hand fell to the pouch that was held to her waist by a leather belt. The two mithril chains within each held a different power and were made by her own hand. "Then more than one way of life will be lost. For our friends, and those yet to be born, we accept this danger and will follow through with our task."
Silently, they left the pavilion to brief the huntresses on their mission. Darkness still hung over the land in that early morning hour and the stars sparkled brightly. The huntresses gathered their weapons and formed their ranks.
Lord Elrond came with Isildur and Glorfindel to see them off. "Do be careful, Huntresses. There will most likely be orcs set to watch for those who would attempt to penetrate the lines. Remember all you have learned from us."
Prairie Song smiled. "We will remember. Lord Elrond, keep sorrow from your heart. The wisdom you hold and will hold will be enough to save many. Isildur, don't let your heart be swayed. I feel that there could be a grave danger to your people." Then she looked to Glorfindel. "You are strong; a strength that will still burn brightly for ages to come. It will be needed." She stepped back into the other huntresses.
"Tilla sebin." They chorused and turned from their friends and moved into the lands of Mordor. After they crept past the sleeping parties of orcs dawn broke over the horizon; a dawn sullied by the dark clouds and ash spewed from the mountain. They hid themselves among the rocks and rubble, waiting for their enemies to come.
A large group of Dark Huntresses crested the hill and were headed off by the group of thirty. Caught off-guard, the group quickly rallied and proved themselves to be as lethal as their lineal counterparts.
Prairie Song ducked under a swing from a quarterstaff. She leapt back to put more distance between herself and the one attacking her. Quickly, she drew an arrow from her quiver and notched it into her bow. Aim was quickly taken and the arrow flew true. The Dark Huntress never knew what hit her as she fell to the ground, for she had been killed instantly. Prairie Song leapt away from where she'd been standing as a sword crashed down behind her, grazing her hocks. "Veorina!" She spat, trying to ignore the burning pain. Her bow whipped around and struck her attacker on the side of her head.
The huntress leapt away, allowing another attack to whistle by her harmlessly. Subconsciously, she fired her last arrow. Her target crumpled, not even crying out. Yet the cries of the Lineal Huntresses echoed in her ears. They had accepted the danger and were getting killed for their courage. Blocking out the cries, she pulled the slip knot that kept her quiver on and allowed it to fall to the ground.
Instinctively, she blocked a blow with her bow. The wooden frame broke under the force of dull metal, rendering the weapon useless at least for firing arrows. The strong cord was instantly around her enemy's neck then the dark mare was no more.
I am my only weapon. Time to show them that we are lethal even when unarmed. Gracefully, she dodged the blows coming at her. Then, Prairie Song felt her hindquarters press against Starpromise's and Radiant Light's. Out of the group of thirty, only they remained. Tears for their fallen comrades gathered in their eyes, yet not a single drop fell. A strong wind blew, one stronger than that which had heralded the arrival of Sauron. Panicked, the Dark Huntresses fled from the field of battle. The survivors of the raid painfully picked their way across the land to the road of Mount Doom. Once inside, a shocking scene greeted them.
Elrond stood alone upon the stone ledge in Mount Doom. He stared in the direction Isildur had taken, stunned. Soft foot falls drew his attention back to his location. Three huntresses came up to him, bearing the marks of a lengthy battle. "Corta anyo, Lord Elrond." Starpromise panted. She leaned upon Radiant Light, keeping most of her weight off of her left front leg. Prairie Song choked back a sob.
"The others are walking among the spirits now. We are the only ones that survived." She was very upset, yet needed time to recover before mourning her fallen comrades. "That is something we will never forget." The cries of their allies still echoed in their ears.
"Something dark has happened. The One Ring has influenced Isildur. He has taken it, not destroyed it." His statement caused all three of them to stand upright in anger. The group of four left Mount Doom, heading for the camp of the Last Alliance. After their injuries were treated, the huntresses went to Isildur's tent.
Prairie Song lightly tapped the canvas tent, prompting Isildur to call out. "Enter!" They came into the tent, surprising him. "Huntresses, I am sorry to hear of your loss." Sympathy was in his voice, showing that he didn't wish to anger them and was sorry for what had happened.
Starpromise looked him in the eye. "We have heard of yours as well. As we mourn for our fallen allies, so he is numbered among them." She stopped, fearing what she was about to say.
"Isildur of Gondor," Prairie Song began, "the One Ring is influencing you. Don't listen to it, for the ring will betray you."
Radiant Light spoke up. "This ring has nothing to balance the darkness, anger and hatred that went into forging it. You have a balance within your heart, but this ring will destroy it with betrayal."
Starpromise finally got her nerve back up. "The very stars cry out in anger. The Ring to Rule them All is not something to be taken lightly. Only where it was made can it be unmade. Isildur, please destroy it, before it destroys you."
He glared at them. All seemed sincerely concerned for him, but they did not understand. "The ring is mine now. I will not destroy it, for it is precious to me." At this statement, Starpromise and Radiant Light left.
Prairie Song's gazed at him sadly. "Then this is all I can do for you, King of Gondor." She placed a silver chain about his neck. "By the powers of the Maiar, by those of Manwe himself, protect this King among men from the darkness that would invade him."
She left the tent, keeping most of her limp out of her gait. Sadly, she walked over to where she would be leaving. Then, Prairie Song looked at the leaving people. Isildur, I did what I could for you. May the blessing of the Maiar bring forth a powerful heir to Gondor.
"Tinuviel," Lord Elrond called, "we are ready." She turned and followed him back to the group they were to travel in. The huntress had noticed that his voice was rough with emotion. Loosing Gil-galad had been hard on him. The other elves were tactful and avoided asking about the lock of tail hair that had been braided. Starpromise and Radiant Light were as ready as the rest of them. In silent groups, they set off for their homes.
Prairie Song couldn't stand the sad silence of their group. It was understandable, as they had lost the king of the Noldor, and felt a need to cheer them up. From deep within came a song that would lighten the mood a little. Any muttering from upset elves silenced as her voice rang out clear and sweet.
"Born at dawn's first light
With the song of the bird,
A little Gem came to life
In the home of an elf.
Known by two names will she be,
A precious stone in the light.
Not two years past her birth,
She was to know her mother's friends.
Yet on their way to the north
The evil orcs encountered them.
Parents fell by their swords.
This Gem's light in grave danger,
Yet was saved by his Heir.
Fourteen years past this act, her maturity attained
A glistening gem guarded jealously.
Found by Talitha was One of Nine,
The Gem taken to him.
Kindness came from her being,
Defiance to her family's laws.
Voices floated through the wood,
Four more guided by the light.
Five of the Nine stared in awe
At this rare Gem.
Then the jealous guardians
Came from the heart of the wood.
The Mighty Wizard from the
West curbed their jealousy.
A precious stone to travel
Among the lands of men.
Her adventure just begins."
Indeed, her song had cheered them, yet, Lord Elrond sensed something deeper. Had Tinuviel sung of the future? After all, some of what she had said had already come to pass. He had lost his foster father, and Isildur was taken by the Ring. What else could this huntress, now an elf-friend, do?