King Thranduil was already sitting at his table. He stood when we entered
and greeted his son and Lord Gimli. He then motioned for me to sit down. By
the look on his face I could tell what he had to say wasn't good. I sat at
the table and then I couldn't hold on my question any longer.
"What news do you have King Thranduil?" I asked. My voice was very loud and I heard a hint of fear in it. I didn't know what King Thranduil had to say but I had a feeling that it was something ill. Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli sat at the table.
The King of Mirkwood looked at me for a moment before he spoke. "Lady Fatima, as we speak Rohan is being attacked by the evil force we spoke of." He said.
I didn't know what to say. Just to know that my family and my home were in danger it made me angry and scared. "Have the people of Rohan fled?" I asked. I had to know.
"Thankfully they have. They have fled to Helm's Deep, the same place King Theoden led his people to during the war against Sauron." King Thranduil said. I was thankful and Helm's Deep had protected the people of Rohan for a very long time. I was relieved but I knew that Rohan would be destroyed. "Your King has put up his defenses and is battling the evil army. He will need aid though and we have word from King Aragorn that the men of Gondor are on their way to Rohan. I think it would be wise if my son, Legolas takes you to Helm's deep where you will be safe." King Thranduil said.
"But I must go to Rohan and fight with my people. I can not go to Helm's Deep knowing that Rohan is in danger. Do you know what this evil force is? Who controls this army?" I asked.
"We do not know but the evil is coming from Mordor." He said. I looked to Legolas and he had a look of confusion on his face.
"But father the Ring was destroyed and with it Sauron. How can there be evil coming from there?" Legolas asked his father.
"Yes Sauron was destroyed when the Ring was. It isn't Sauron who is leading this army nor is it Saruman. We do not know who is leading the army but who ever it is they are very powerful and strong. I have reason to believe that there is going to be another forging of a ring. I do not know which ring, but we know it can not be Sauron's Ring. But there are many other evil rings that haven't been found. This evil needs to be stopped and the only way is to defeat the evil in Mordor. The source of this evil is coming from Oroduin, which some call Mount Doom. That was where Sauron's Ring was destroyed." King Thranduil said.
"Then that is where I must go." Said Legolas. He stood up from his chair. He looked at his father as if he knew he wouldn't allow it. He stood up tall and sternly.
"I shall go with Legolas, and shall have the same fate." Lord Gimli said. He turned to Legolas. "It will be just like the fellowship." He said. I sat and thought for a while. Everyone was quiet including King Thranduil. He knew his son was stubborn and wouldn't change his mind. Finally I made my decision.
"I shall accompany Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli." I said. They all looked to me with surprise. Then Lord Gimli spoke.
"But Lady Fatima you can not go because-"
"Because I am a lady? Surely you would have a better reason that that Lord Gimli. I am skilled both with a sword and spear, and I have some skill with a bow and arrow. I see no reason why I shouldn't accompany you to Mount Doom. Though that name does strike fear into my heart I will not change my mind." I said firmly. I didn't want any of them to object yet I knew they would.
"But Lady Fatima, I don't think it would be fit for a woman to travel to such a place as Mount Doom." Prince Legolas said.
"Prince Legolas I do take offense to your words. I can only think that you feel that I can not protect myself, and I can tell you I have enough skills, not only to protect myself but others too. And I'm sorry but I will not change my mind, and I shall be journeying with you to Mordor and that is final." With these words and the looks on their faces, which were filled with much surprise I knew that they would no longer object.
"Then I guess Lady Fatima you shall be part of our company. I think Ilhan would like to go too." Prince Legolas said.
"I know of someone else who would like to come too." I said. They all looked at me waiting to tell them who. I knew they would be surprised when I said the name. "I'm sure if we asked Eowyn she would join us." I said. I got the response I suspected. They were all shocked, but didn't say anything. They all just looked at me. Then Prince Legolas spoke.
"Yes I'm sure you are right. But it is unknown if Lady Eowyn is at Helm's Deep or still in Rohan." He said. I suspected I knew the answer to this.
"If we know where Lord Faramir is then we shall find Eowyn. I assume they are either at Gondor, or on their way from Gondor to Rohan." I said. The door to King Thranduil's chamber suddenly opened and Ilhan entered. When I saw him and idea came to my head. "Ilhan do you know the way to Gondor?" I asked.
"Yes, but why do you ask?" He asked. He seemed a little confused. I then looked to Prince Legolas and by the look on his face it seemed he knew my plan.
"I need you to take me to Gondor. We must find Eowyn." I explained. He then looked to Prince Legolas. The prince nodded his head as if giving him permission to say agree.
"When shall we be leaving?" He asked me. I knew he would be alarmed by my answer but we had to leave as soon as possible.
"We must leave as soon as we pack supplies." I said. But surprisingly Ilhan didn't seem shocked. He just nodded his head.
"Well I shall start packing our supplies now. You should make your way over to Lady Isilme's home, and I shall meet you there." Ilhan said. I nodded my head and then realised I didn't know the way to Isilme's home. Again Prince Legolas knew this.
"Lady Fatima I shall escort you to Lady Isilme's home." H said. He then turned to Lord Gimli. "Would you like to join us Gimli?" He asked the dwarf. He was quick to answer.
"Yes I guess I shall. We can talk more about what I was up to the last couple of years." He said. He then laughed deeply. His brown eyes did seem very joyful, and I knew that Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli were very good friends.
"Well we have no time to lose. Prince Legolas please lead the way." I said. I then turned to Ilhan. "I shall see you soon, and King Thranduil, farewell, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me. I shall never forget it." I said, as I bowed.
I then followed Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli out the door and into the forest. They took me back to Isilme's home. I was very excited and scared. I knew that middle-earth was in danger but I was excited because I was going to Gondor. I just hope that Lady Eowyn is still there. I had a feeling that we would find her though.
When we arrived at Isilme's house I said my farewells to Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli and went into the house. I found Isilme sitting in the library. She was sitting on a wooden chair and reading a book. The book had a brown leather cover but I could not read the title, as it was in elvish. Isilme looked up from her book when I entered.
"Fatima, what happened? I hope everything is all right." She said. I didn't want to alarm Isilme and I didn't know if King Thranduil wanted his people to know of this evil. But I felt I owed it to Isilme.
"Isilme, everything isn't all right but you have nothing to worry about. I must leave Mirkwood now for Gondor. I do want to thank you for al the kindness you have shown me. I will never forget you or your verno, thank you once again." I said.
She looked at me as if she had remembered something. "Oh, I didn't get a chance to teach you my language. When this is all over you must return to Mirkwood." She said. I was a little disappointed but I knew what I had to do was much more important.
"I do not know my fate Isilme, but I will try to return to Mirkwood. Now I must pack my belongings. Ilhan will be meeting me here." I said. I started to walk out of the library and towards my room. I opened my door, and bent down and grabbed my bag from under the bed. Packing my things wouldn't take too long, as I hadn't unpacked them. I changed into some pants and a shirt. I would be riding a horse so I knew I had to dress in comfortable clothes.
As I was putting the dress in my back I felt a paper in my bag. I took it out and saw it was the map, Lord Aglareb had given me. I wanted to say goodbye before I left, but I knew I might not have a chance. I put the map in my bag and I swung it over my shoulder. I put my arm through the strap and held the bag on my left shoulder.
I quickly went to the library and Isilme was still there. "Have you already packed? I would think you had the agility and speed of an elf." She said. She laughed lightly.
"Actually I hadn't unpacked so it didn't take me too long. She looked me up and down and I suspected it was because of my clothes. "Yes I know they are not too flattering, but they are comfortable and I will be riding a horse." I said.
She looked at me and smiled. "I will not look down on you because of the way you dress. I admire you, for doing what you please and not minding what others, especially men think." She said. I looked at her surprised, then I smiled.
"Well I don't think anyone would believe that an elf would admire me." I laughed.
"Well how about before Lord Ilhan arrives I teach you what ever elvish words I can?" She asked me. She was smiling brightly and I just couldn't refuse her, even though I knew he would be arriving any minute.
"I guess so. Well I know the elvish words for welcome, husband, and elf- friend." I said.
"Since you know the word for welcome. I shall teach you the elvish word for farewell, which is namaarie." She said.
"Namaarie." I repeated. It felt unusual on my tongue but I found it came out easily enough.
"You are a fast learner, Fatima. I know most people can not get their tongue around most elvish words. How about mellon, mellon means friend." Isilme said. I smiled when she said it and she smiled back to me.
"Mellon, yes that is what you are to me." I said. I continued to smile at her. Then she quickly jumped up from her chair and startled me.
"I just remembered something." She said. She went towards a ladder, which was leaning against the shelves. She climbed up it and took a book form the top shelf. She then slowly stepped down the rungs and put her feet on the floor. "I want you to have this. I can not believe I had forgotten it. This is a book that defines elvish words to the common speech. I think it will help you." She said as she handed me the book.
I took the book from her hand. "Thank you Isilme." I said. I put the book in my bag. "Ilhan should be here now I should wait for him outside." I said.
" I shall show you out." Isilme said. We began to walk to the door and when she opened the door Ilhan rode up to us and he was leading Ohtar, my horse. "Fatima take care of yourself and I hope to see you soon." She said. I jumped onto my horse.
"I shall take care of myself, and Ilhan." I said laughing. Isilme laughed lightly, but I could see the worry in her eyes. Good bye Isilme for now, I hope to see you again too." I said.
"Fare you well, Fatima." She said and waved to me, and I waved back.
"Ride Mea, Ride!" Ilhan said to his horse. His horse started to slowly gallop.
"Ride Ohtar!" I said to my horse. He followed Mea, Ilhan's horse. We were now finally on our way to Gondor. I looked back to Isilme and she was still standing outside looking at me. I waved to her and she waved back. I was now very excited. We rode through trees until we came to Old Forest Road. Then our riding became easier. "Ilhan to get to Gondor we must ride through Rohan. I wish to stop there, but it may be dangerous so we have to be cautious." I said. I had to raise my voice so he could hear me.
"Stopping in Rohan would not be wise. But I guess it would be best. We can see if Lady Eowyn is there before we go to Gondor." Ilhan said. We continued to ride on Old Forest Road until we were finally out of Mirkwood then we rode south.
"What news do you have King Thranduil?" I asked. My voice was very loud and I heard a hint of fear in it. I didn't know what King Thranduil had to say but I had a feeling that it was something ill. Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli sat at the table.
The King of Mirkwood looked at me for a moment before he spoke. "Lady Fatima, as we speak Rohan is being attacked by the evil force we spoke of." He said.
I didn't know what to say. Just to know that my family and my home were in danger it made me angry and scared. "Have the people of Rohan fled?" I asked. I had to know.
"Thankfully they have. They have fled to Helm's Deep, the same place King Theoden led his people to during the war against Sauron." King Thranduil said. I was thankful and Helm's Deep had protected the people of Rohan for a very long time. I was relieved but I knew that Rohan would be destroyed. "Your King has put up his defenses and is battling the evil army. He will need aid though and we have word from King Aragorn that the men of Gondor are on their way to Rohan. I think it would be wise if my son, Legolas takes you to Helm's deep where you will be safe." King Thranduil said.
"But I must go to Rohan and fight with my people. I can not go to Helm's Deep knowing that Rohan is in danger. Do you know what this evil force is? Who controls this army?" I asked.
"We do not know but the evil is coming from Mordor." He said. I looked to Legolas and he had a look of confusion on his face.
"But father the Ring was destroyed and with it Sauron. How can there be evil coming from there?" Legolas asked his father.
"Yes Sauron was destroyed when the Ring was. It isn't Sauron who is leading this army nor is it Saruman. We do not know who is leading the army but who ever it is they are very powerful and strong. I have reason to believe that there is going to be another forging of a ring. I do not know which ring, but we know it can not be Sauron's Ring. But there are many other evil rings that haven't been found. This evil needs to be stopped and the only way is to defeat the evil in Mordor. The source of this evil is coming from Oroduin, which some call Mount Doom. That was where Sauron's Ring was destroyed." King Thranduil said.
"Then that is where I must go." Said Legolas. He stood up from his chair. He looked at his father as if he knew he wouldn't allow it. He stood up tall and sternly.
"I shall go with Legolas, and shall have the same fate." Lord Gimli said. He turned to Legolas. "It will be just like the fellowship." He said. I sat and thought for a while. Everyone was quiet including King Thranduil. He knew his son was stubborn and wouldn't change his mind. Finally I made my decision.
"I shall accompany Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli." I said. They all looked to me with surprise. Then Lord Gimli spoke.
"But Lady Fatima you can not go because-"
"Because I am a lady? Surely you would have a better reason that that Lord Gimli. I am skilled both with a sword and spear, and I have some skill with a bow and arrow. I see no reason why I shouldn't accompany you to Mount Doom. Though that name does strike fear into my heart I will not change my mind." I said firmly. I didn't want any of them to object yet I knew they would.
"But Lady Fatima, I don't think it would be fit for a woman to travel to such a place as Mount Doom." Prince Legolas said.
"Prince Legolas I do take offense to your words. I can only think that you feel that I can not protect myself, and I can tell you I have enough skills, not only to protect myself but others too. And I'm sorry but I will not change my mind, and I shall be journeying with you to Mordor and that is final." With these words and the looks on their faces, which were filled with much surprise I knew that they would no longer object.
"Then I guess Lady Fatima you shall be part of our company. I think Ilhan would like to go too." Prince Legolas said.
"I know of someone else who would like to come too." I said. They all looked at me waiting to tell them who. I knew they would be surprised when I said the name. "I'm sure if we asked Eowyn she would join us." I said. I got the response I suspected. They were all shocked, but didn't say anything. They all just looked at me. Then Prince Legolas spoke.
"Yes I'm sure you are right. But it is unknown if Lady Eowyn is at Helm's Deep or still in Rohan." He said. I suspected I knew the answer to this.
"If we know where Lord Faramir is then we shall find Eowyn. I assume they are either at Gondor, or on their way from Gondor to Rohan." I said. The door to King Thranduil's chamber suddenly opened and Ilhan entered. When I saw him and idea came to my head. "Ilhan do you know the way to Gondor?" I asked.
"Yes, but why do you ask?" He asked. He seemed a little confused. I then looked to Prince Legolas and by the look on his face it seemed he knew my plan.
"I need you to take me to Gondor. We must find Eowyn." I explained. He then looked to Prince Legolas. The prince nodded his head as if giving him permission to say agree.
"When shall we be leaving?" He asked me. I knew he would be alarmed by my answer but we had to leave as soon as possible.
"We must leave as soon as we pack supplies." I said. But surprisingly Ilhan didn't seem shocked. He just nodded his head.
"Well I shall start packing our supplies now. You should make your way over to Lady Isilme's home, and I shall meet you there." Ilhan said. I nodded my head and then realised I didn't know the way to Isilme's home. Again Prince Legolas knew this.
"Lady Fatima I shall escort you to Lady Isilme's home." H said. He then turned to Lord Gimli. "Would you like to join us Gimli?" He asked the dwarf. He was quick to answer.
"Yes I guess I shall. We can talk more about what I was up to the last couple of years." He said. He then laughed deeply. His brown eyes did seem very joyful, and I knew that Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli were very good friends.
"Well we have no time to lose. Prince Legolas please lead the way." I said. I then turned to Ilhan. "I shall see you soon, and King Thranduil, farewell, I thank you for the kindness you have shown me. I shall never forget it." I said, as I bowed.
I then followed Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli out the door and into the forest. They took me back to Isilme's home. I was very excited and scared. I knew that middle-earth was in danger but I was excited because I was going to Gondor. I just hope that Lady Eowyn is still there. I had a feeling that we would find her though.
When we arrived at Isilme's house I said my farewells to Prince Legolas and Lord Gimli and went into the house. I found Isilme sitting in the library. She was sitting on a wooden chair and reading a book. The book had a brown leather cover but I could not read the title, as it was in elvish. Isilme looked up from her book when I entered.
"Fatima, what happened? I hope everything is all right." She said. I didn't want to alarm Isilme and I didn't know if King Thranduil wanted his people to know of this evil. But I felt I owed it to Isilme.
"Isilme, everything isn't all right but you have nothing to worry about. I must leave Mirkwood now for Gondor. I do want to thank you for al the kindness you have shown me. I will never forget you or your verno, thank you once again." I said.
She looked at me as if she had remembered something. "Oh, I didn't get a chance to teach you my language. When this is all over you must return to Mirkwood." She said. I was a little disappointed but I knew what I had to do was much more important.
"I do not know my fate Isilme, but I will try to return to Mirkwood. Now I must pack my belongings. Ilhan will be meeting me here." I said. I started to walk out of the library and towards my room. I opened my door, and bent down and grabbed my bag from under the bed. Packing my things wouldn't take too long, as I hadn't unpacked them. I changed into some pants and a shirt. I would be riding a horse so I knew I had to dress in comfortable clothes.
As I was putting the dress in my back I felt a paper in my bag. I took it out and saw it was the map, Lord Aglareb had given me. I wanted to say goodbye before I left, but I knew I might not have a chance. I put the map in my bag and I swung it over my shoulder. I put my arm through the strap and held the bag on my left shoulder.
I quickly went to the library and Isilme was still there. "Have you already packed? I would think you had the agility and speed of an elf." She said. She laughed lightly.
"Actually I hadn't unpacked so it didn't take me too long. She looked me up and down and I suspected it was because of my clothes. "Yes I know they are not too flattering, but they are comfortable and I will be riding a horse." I said.
She looked at me and smiled. "I will not look down on you because of the way you dress. I admire you, for doing what you please and not minding what others, especially men think." She said. I looked at her surprised, then I smiled.
"Well I don't think anyone would believe that an elf would admire me." I laughed.
"Well how about before Lord Ilhan arrives I teach you what ever elvish words I can?" She asked me. She was smiling brightly and I just couldn't refuse her, even though I knew he would be arriving any minute.
"I guess so. Well I know the elvish words for welcome, husband, and elf- friend." I said.
"Since you know the word for welcome. I shall teach you the elvish word for farewell, which is namaarie." She said.
"Namaarie." I repeated. It felt unusual on my tongue but I found it came out easily enough.
"You are a fast learner, Fatima. I know most people can not get their tongue around most elvish words. How about mellon, mellon means friend." Isilme said. I smiled when she said it and she smiled back to me.
"Mellon, yes that is what you are to me." I said. I continued to smile at her. Then she quickly jumped up from her chair and startled me.
"I just remembered something." She said. She went towards a ladder, which was leaning against the shelves. She climbed up it and took a book form the top shelf. She then slowly stepped down the rungs and put her feet on the floor. "I want you to have this. I can not believe I had forgotten it. This is a book that defines elvish words to the common speech. I think it will help you." She said as she handed me the book.
I took the book from her hand. "Thank you Isilme." I said. I put the book in my bag. "Ilhan should be here now I should wait for him outside." I said.
" I shall show you out." Isilme said. We began to walk to the door and when she opened the door Ilhan rode up to us and he was leading Ohtar, my horse. "Fatima take care of yourself and I hope to see you soon." She said. I jumped onto my horse.
"I shall take care of myself, and Ilhan." I said laughing. Isilme laughed lightly, but I could see the worry in her eyes. Good bye Isilme for now, I hope to see you again too." I said.
"Fare you well, Fatima." She said and waved to me, and I waved back.
"Ride Mea, Ride!" Ilhan said to his horse. His horse started to slowly gallop.
"Ride Ohtar!" I said to my horse. He followed Mea, Ilhan's horse. We were now finally on our way to Gondor. I looked back to Isilme and she was still standing outside looking at me. I waved to her and she waved back. I was now very excited. We rode through trees until we came to Old Forest Road. Then our riding became easier. "Ilhan to get to Gondor we must ride through Rohan. I wish to stop there, but it may be dangerous so we have to be cautious." I said. I had to raise my voice so he could hear me.
"Stopping in Rohan would not be wise. But I guess it would be best. We can see if Lady Eowyn is there before we go to Gondor." Ilhan said. We continued to ride on Old Forest Road until we were finally out of Mirkwood then we rode south.