Chapter Fifteen: Across the Plains

Written in story form by Telahalien

Webposter's notes: This is written from the roleplaying that we did, but written in story form by Ally.

Strider bent over the Athelas plant he discovered growing under a tree; he took out his dagger to cut a stem off, but he soon finds the end of a long sharp blade under his chin.

Arwen extended out her sword to a kneeling man who Halien could not recognize. Arwen then spoke softly, "What's this, a ranger caught of his guard? Strider looked up slowly, his eyes meeting the Elf's, and the firm look on his face lessened as he did so, "Arwen..."

Halien could now see the face of the man. She found herself looking at Elessar as he spoke softly to Arwen. She could not contain her joy, "Elessar!"

He quickly rose to his feet, his face brightening, but the thought of Frodo's condition suddenly overtook his mind, as his grin faded. "Arwen... I have with me a young hobbit of great importance... He has been stabbed by a Nazgul..."

"Lead us to him," Arwen said, the smile also fading from her lips.

Strider led them quickly to the fallen hobbit, whose eyes were turning pale with the increase of the poison; Elfindel was crouched next to him, turning her head when she heard more than Strider's footsteps approach.

Arwen rode on her horse to where Frodo lay, while Halien followed quickly leading her horse. Arwen reached Frodo first and dismounted, kneeling close to him. "Im Arwen. Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nin, tolodan na ngalad." Halien stood nearby and watched her. She did not want to interrupt, so she let Arwen handle the situation.

Merry, who was also standing near Frodo, turned to observe Arwen, his eyes then turning to Halien; he spoke to the others. "Who are they...?"

Sam's eyes moved to the two newcomers, "They're Elves..."

Halien's ears picked up the words and she turned to the hobbits. She had never in fact seen one, but now there were four, and beside Frodo knelt an elf whom she knew from Rivendell; Elfindel. She walked towards Arwen and knelt down beside her to look at the Frodo. She looked up and smiled quickly at Elfindel, and then returned her attention to Frodo's wound.

Strider walked up to them, his face showing his growing concern, "How is he...? Can you heal him...?"

Arwen looked at his wound and answered, "He's fading. He's not going to last. We must get him to my father. "

After placing some Athelas in his mouth and transferring the moist herb to Frodo's shoulder, Strider nodded and picked up Frodo's body and walked towards Asfaloth. Arwen and Halien followed close behind, and Arwen continued, "I've been looking for you for 2 days..."

Sam's face grew angry, and scared, as he quickly rose, following them, "Where are you taking him?!" Elfindel stood up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder as Strider placed Frodo upon Asfaloth's back.

Halien turned back to the hobbit, and gave him a look hoping he would understand, "He will be safe, you have my word." She nodded at Elfindel, and she was sure that she would understand since she too was an elf. Halien turned back to face Arwen and they nodded knowingly at each other.

"There are five wraiths behind you. Where the other four are I do not know," Arwen said facing Aragorn and Halien mounted her horse meanwhile.

Strider's eyes stayed on Arwen's, "Dartho guin Berian. Rych le ad tolthathon..." Elfindel quietly approached them, unnoticed.

A smile grew on Arwen's face as she answered, "Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im." Halien coudn't help, but smile as well. Arwen was in fact a faster rider than Elessar. Halien's horse stirred under her letting her know it was time they left. She patted softly in the head and whispered calming words to it.

Aragorn only shook his head, his voice growing more worried, "Andelu i ven..."

One of the hobbits from behind asked, "What are they saying." Arwen paid no attention, but Halien looked over to them. They were cute little beings, so curious and all. She smiled warmly at them. However, Arwen's words brought her back to the current happenings.

"Frodo fir. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nîn beriatha hon." Then she added in the common tongue, "I do not fear them."

Strider bowed his head, "Be iest lîn... Arwen..." he looked up again, "Ride hard... Don't look back... "

Arwen who was already on Asfaloth, smiled and looked back at Halien who nodded. Arwen directed her gaze forward and gave Asfaloth a command, "Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim!" And with that she took off with Halien close at her heels.

Sam watched in horror, turning to Strider, "What are you doing?! Those Wraiths are still out there!" Strider and Elfindel could only watch on in hope as the two Elves rode off.

*~*~*~*

Translator:
Dartho guin Berian. Rych le ad tolthathon. ["Stay with the Hobbits. I will send horses for you."]
Hon mabathon. Rochon ellint im. ["I'm the faster rider. I'll take him."];
Andelu i ven. ["The road is too dangerous."];
Frodo fîr. Ae athradon i hir, tur gwaith nîn beriatha hon. ["Frodo is dying. If I can get across the river, the power of my people will protect him."];
Be iest lîn. [Translation: "According to your wish."];
Noro lim, Asfaloth, noro lim! ["Ride fast, Asfaloth, ride fast."]