Part 10.
In their private chambers Elrond sat beside his daughter's bed as Arwen and
her hand maidens began to pack the items she would need on the journey.
"Arwen, this is not your destiny. You do not need to go."
"Father I must. My fate has become intertwined with the fate of my heart,
and the fate of the Ring-bearer."
"I implore you to be careful, Arwen. If you must go, promise me that you
will come home to me safe and sound." Elrond warned his daughter.
"Fate will bring me back to you, Father. The winds of change, be they good
or ill, will bring me home to you." she told him. "Of this I am certain."
"As long as you do return, my daughter." Elrond embraced her tightly. "I
should let you pack your things."
It was early the next morning when Arwen reached the assembly point,
leading her horse Nallahir, with her.
"You're late." Gimli growled at her.
"You are early, Master Dwarf." Arwen replied. "There is a distinction
between being late and on time."
"Are you set, Hiril-nin?" One of Arwen's hand maidens asked her mistress.
My Lady.
"Thank you." Arwen replied to the maiden. "Take care of yourself, and the
others while I am away."
"Why do we need two beasts to carry luggage?" Boromir demanded. "Unless the
Lady must bring along her wardrobe, of course?"
Arwen ignored him, as one of her hand maidens approached, a large silver
falcon perched on her gloved hand. "Elessar." she called softly. The falcon
flew from it's perch to Arwen's outstretched hand.
Carefully she set him upon the perch at the front of Nallahir's saddle. The
three of them were regular traveling companions.
"Sam, come and load some of those things onto Nallahir." she called to the
young hobbit, struggling to lift his unbalanced pack.
"Thank you, Lady." he said shyly, "I was afraid the company would have to
leave without me. And I couldn't bear to be without Mr. Frodo. I made a
promise to Gandalf that I wouldn't, and I don't mean to break it."
"Your loyalty to your master is important, Sam. Don't forget that." she
told him quietly, as she tied several rugs to the back of Nallahir's
saddle, and placed several heavier camping tools into the saddle bags.
Legolas and Aragorn were not surprised at her appearance when they too
arrived.
Earlier that morning Arwen had pulled her hair into braids, fixing them to
encircle her head. She wore clothing of green and mossy gray, over which
she wore a lightweight gray cloak, clasped at her throat with a leaf shaped
broach. Her lightweight traveling boots were well broken in, perfectly
suited to walking, or running long distances.
As she watched the remaining members of the Fellowship, Elrond approached
her, carrying both her sword and longbow, along with a quiver of arrows.
With care she buckled the sword-belt around her hips, so that it sat just
below the other belt she wore, before slipping the strap for her quiver
comfortably over her head. After handing his daughter the bow, Elrond
adjusted the strap on her quiver, so that it lay close to her back, without
restricting her movement.
Once he had completed the task, Elrond laid his hand on Arwen's cheek.
"Remember to come home, my daughter."
"Is the Company ready to depart?" Gandalf cried.
Giving her father one last hug, Arwen turned to join her companions.
"Namarie ada." She called out as they began to leave. Farewell father.
From the highest window in the Great Hall of Rivendell Elrond watched them
until, even with his keen Elvish eyes, he could see them no more.
Part 11.
"What's that?" Pippin asked, pointing to the jewel which still hung around
Arwen's neck.
"It is an Elven jewel." she told him. "My people call it the 'Evenstar'."
"Arwen is the Evenstar of her people." Aragorn explained further to the
hobbits.
Good naturedly Arwen gave him a little shove. "Next you'll be telling them
I am Luthien returned to my people."
"The first time I saw you I thought you were." Aragorn told her, smiling.
"Who's Luthien?" Merry asked curiously.
"I daresay Arwen could sing you her story." Aragorn told him.
"Go on Arwen, I shall help you if you forget the words." Legolas teased.
"I daresay Aragorn and Legolas know the words." Arwen smiled. "But I do not
feel like singing now. I will tell you her story. Luthien was an Elf maiden
who fell in love with a mortal man, Beren, and she gave her heart to him.
Beren gave to her father one of the three Silmarils, the brightest of the
three as her bride price. Then Beren was killed and Luthien chose to die
with him. She is the only Elf in the history of the world to have died."
She smiled sadly.
"From Luthien and Beren came Dior, who was Luthien's father Thingol's heir.
Dior was the father of Elwing, who fell in love with the Mariner Earendil,
another mortal man. From Elwing came Elrond and Elros." Aragorn continued.
"Then in the year one hundred and nine of the Third Age, Lord Elrond of
Rivendell married Lady Celebrian of Lothlorien, one of my cousins." Legolas
went on.
Arwen smiled, "In the year one hundred and thirty, my mother, the Lady
Celebrian gave birth to my brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. I was born in the
year two hundred and forty-one." She closed her eyes for a moment, then
opened them again. "My mother left these shores five hundred and eight
years ago. My brothers and I are all that is left of the ancient bloodline
in this Middle Earth."
"Why did the Lady Celebrian leave Middle Earth?" Sam asked.
"Perhaps that is enough questions for one day?" Aragorn asked aloud, unsure
of whether Arwen would want to talk about her mother. He knew that her
leaving had caused Arwen great pain.
"It is all right, Aragorn, I do not mind." Arwen told him. She turned back
to Sam. "While she was traveling to the home of her parents, my mother was
waylaid in the Redhorn Pass by Orcs in the year two thousand, five hundred
and nine. She was taken prisoner by them and was badly wounded. My brothers
rescued her, but she had fallen out of love with Middle Earth and she
sailed to Valinor, the Undying Lands the next year. I have not seen her
since."
"I keep forgetting you are much older than you seem." Merry told her.
"What about the Evenstar?" Pippin asked.
"It was a gift given to me when I was small." Arwen smiled. "It symbolizes
goodness and longevity of the Elves. For me it symbolizes hope and all that
is yet to come."
"When I was a child I was told to fear the Elvish witch who possessed the
Evenstar." Boromir told them, knowing that his remark would cause dissent.
To everyone's surprise, Arwen smiled at him. "Now that you have seen me for
yourself, do you still believe I am an Elvish witch, Boromir?"
He seemed lost for words.
"Legolas." Gandalf broke in, "Can either you or Arwen see anything past the
trees?"
Both Elves shook their heads. "Elessar, go, and tell me what you see."
Arwen told the falcon. In seconds the great bird had taken flight.
As it flew back to them, Arwen offered her wrist for him to land on. The
falcon hissed and whistled to her, as Arwen stroked his feathers. "Good
job."
"The country is clear. No sign of Orcs, or any of Sauron's other spies."
She told Gandalf.
"Good. The less we encounter his forces, the better." Gandalf announced.
"Which way are we taking?" Arwen asked him.
"Toward the Ford of Bruinen, then west towards the mountains." Gandalf told
her, "This is your country, Lady. If you know of any faster routes, or
short-cuts, we would be grateful."
Arwen nodded, looking around into the dense forest. "If we take that path,
we can reach the edge of the forest by nightfall." She told Gandalf,
gesturing towards a grove of trees. "It is the path I use when I travel to
visit my mother's kin in the West."
"That is no path." Gimli told her. "That is a lot of trees."
"Maybe the Lady had been in the sun too long." Boromir suggested.
"Your eyes only see what they wish too." Arwen told the pair. "If you
opened them more often, instead of closing them, you would be surprised at
the wondrous things one can see."
"I can see the path." Sam said quietly. Beside him Merry and Pippin nodded
as well.
"Will it be a more difficult road?" Gimli asked.
"It will be much easier than our current path. Anyone who feels tired is
welcome to ride, though." Arwen told him, a twinkle in her eye.
"It would be best if you led the way, Arwen." Aragorn told her, "We should
avoid becoming lost that way. I have used this path only once before. You
led me that time also." He added, trying to instill some faith in her
leadership.
Part 12.
Many hours later Arwen halted, allowing the others to catch up. As she
waited, she watched the clouds shifting overhead, searching for a sign that
all would be well.
As she stared up at the clouds the others caught up to her.
As Gandalf looked around the clearing he seemed pleased. "This seems like a
good place to spend our first night on the road. Arwen, do you know if
there is fresh water anywhere?" he asked.
"Gandalf." Boromir interrupted, "We could go another four of five leagues
before we lost light. Why waste time?"
"I would wager, Boromir, son of Denethor, that this is the most secure
campsite we will find between here and the end of our journey. We have come
much further today that I thought we would." Gandalf told him.
"It's best that we ease ourselves into this journey." Legolas said aloud.
"We do not know how long it will take."
Turning away from the argument, the hobbits helped Arwen to begin unloading
the things they would need for the night.
Merry and Pippin began to pile wood for a fire, while Sam and Frodo began
to unpack food.
"Leave that." Arwen called to them. "We should hunt whilst we are able. We
don't know when we'll have a chance to replenish our supplies.
Legolas nodded. "Anything in mind?"
"I thought you and I might take two of the hobbits each, and see what game
we can find. There's a stream just down that way." Arwen gestured behind
him. "If someone here will light the fire, by the time we get back it
should be hot enough to cook on."
"Anything else?" Aragorn asked.
"Legolas, did you bring a short bow, as well?" She smiled, "I would like to
teach the hobbits the art of archery. I feel that it is important we can
all use weapons properly, it many save one or more lives in the future."
"If the hobbits are to be taught to wield weapons, shouldn't they be taught
by an experienced teacher?" Boromir asked.
"I have instructed others in the art of archery for many years Boromir. I
was teaching on the morning of the Council of Elrond." Arwen told him. "I
do not have many pupils though, there are precious few young Elves still
living in Middle Earth.
Legolas handed the short bow to her. "Which hobbits are coming with me
then?" he asked, "We'll see if we can catch some fish in the stream."
Merry and Pippin volunteered, leaving Frodo and Sam to hunt with Arwen.
After handing each hobbit one of the Elvish short bows she and Legolas had
brought with them, Arwen led them silently away, carrying her longbow.
Speaking softly she instructed Sam and Frodo in the art of archery, at
which she and Legolas were already so adept. Arwen allowed the pair to
practice for a little while, before moving the off once more to begin their
hunt.
The three of them returned to camp, with Sam carrying several fat rabbits,
while Frodo carried an armful of wild sweet potatoes and some wild herbs.
Arwen herself carried only her bow, and a small leather satchel, into which
she placed other different kinds of wild herbs, as well as parts of other
plants.
"You three took long enough." Legolas laughed, as he sat by the fire.
"And what had you been doing since you returned?" Arwen asked him.
"Relaxing by the fire." Aragorn teased his friend. "Legolas wanted to send
out a search party, but he was too lazy to move."
Arwen chuckled, giving her kinsman a shove as she sat down beside him.
As they spoke Sam took up a pan of water and began to dress the rabbits,
while Frodo took out a small knife and began to slice the potatoes.
"How was the hunting, Frodo, Sam?" Aragorn asked the pair.
"It was good." Sam told him, "The Lady is a good teacher." He added shyly.
"You are both naturally skilled with a bow.' Arwen praised them.
"Really?" Legolas sat up and looked over at the two hobbits. "I should make
a start on teaching the others then."
Arwen smiled at his comment, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Boromir pounced on the opening it gave him. "Are you tired then Lady?
Perhaps you should retire early?" His voice was falsely polite, dripping
with sarcasm.
Aragorn shot him a hard look, which wasn't unnoticed by Arwen.
"Perhaps we should establish some boundaries and discuss our differences?"
Arwen asked aloud, for all to hear.
"What sort of boundaries do you wish to establish, Lady?" Gimli asked
gruffly.
"I would ask that everyone call me Arwen. My name is not Lady." She
answered quietly.
"But, it is part of who you are." Legolas told her.
"I am Arwen Undomiel, Evenstar of my people. Not Lady." She answered. "Do I
call you Prince instead of Legolas?"
"No." Legolas answered, understanding where she was coming from.
"Then, Arwen Undomiel, why did you see fit to join the company?" Boromir
pressed her.
"I have gifts unique to me alone in this group. I saw fit to join because I
am bound to this company as friend and kin. And I am bound to this Middle
Earth." She looked around at the trees surrounding them, her eyes filled
with wonder. "Have ever seen such trees? These only grow in Elvish lands.
This is my home, and I will fight for it."
"Most women are content to leave fighting to their men." Gimli observed,
his voice no longer critical.
A smile played at the corners of her lips. "I am not most women."
"This is true." Legolas agreed, "You are my cousin."
Arwen shook her head, laughing. "I know that several of the company dislike
my coming on this journey. But the time nears when you will need my help."
"What sort of help?" Gandalf asked, having taken a back-seat in the earlier
discussions.
Arwen lowered her eyes to look into the bowl of water. Unexplainably the
surface rippled. "The future is hard to see, always in motion."
"What does that mean?" Merry asked, not fully understanding her.
"The future is uncertain. I cannot see beyond the ripples... Not until the
waters still. Even then though, our actions change the future. I can only
glimpse what may yet happen." As she finished speaking Nallahir laid his
soft nose against her cheek. She cooed to him in Elvish, reaching up to
stroke his face.
Elessar already roosted upon Nallahir's back, his head tucked under a wing
to ward off the cool night air.
Part 13.
The Fellowship packed up camp early, and arrived at the Ford of Bruinen
well before midday.
With Arwen's and Aragorn's assistance they managed to take the paths which
were less traveled by any except for the forest creatures and their kin.
They had traveled for scarcely five days, traveling ever South of fair
Rivendell when Arwen, Aragorn and Legolas halted. One by one they fell to
their knees, reclining their heads in an Elvish worship.
Aragorn rose first, offering his hand to Arwen to help her to her feet. She
nodded her thanks to him before turning to the others. "This was once
country of the Elves, called Eregion by them. Men now call it Hollin.
Beyond us is the mountain range of the Misty Mountains, home to the Dwarf-
lords of old." She smiled at Gimli, who was only too happy to continue her
commentary.
"There lies Baraz, Zirak, and Shathur. Beneath them lies Khazad-dum, that
dwarves now call the Black Pit, or Moria in the Elven tongue. Above it lies
Barazinbar the Redhorn, and cruel Caradhras. From even those lies
Silvertine and Cloudyhead. Celebdil the White, and Fanuuidhol the Grey,
which the Dwarves call Zirakzigil and Bundushathur, respectively. There the
Misty Mountains divide leaving the vale of Azanulbizar, the Dimrill Dale,
that which the Elves call Nanduhirion."
The company fell silent for a moment, all awed by the sight presented to
them.
"What happened to all of the Elves who lived here?" Sam asked Arwen in a
quiet voice, once they had begun moving again.
The Elves of Eregion left this place for the Grey Havens so that they could
travel to the Undying Lands long ago, Sam. Just as many others are doing
now."
"Why?" he asked, his curiosity about Elves still ever present, even after
his stay in Rivendell and journey with Arwen and Legolas.
"The time of the Elves is ending. This Middle Earth is changing. Many of my
kin have made the choice to sail to the Undying Lands that there they will
live in peace and harmony." She told him gently, knowing that in front of
her, with Legolas and Gandalf at his sides, Aragorn was listening.
"But there are still Elves like you and Legolas in Middle Earth?" Pippin
asked, alarmed. He sat high above Sam, riding Nallahir while Arwen led him.
"There are still Elves in Middle Earth." She reassured them. "The Elves of
Mirkwood have been content to stay, there are still many Elves in places
like Rivendell where Elves have sought sanctuary."
"Will you go to the Undying Lands?" Frodo asked from behind Pippin.
"My father wishes me to. My mother sailed a long time ago, she waits for my
father, brothers and I."
"So will you go?" Sam asked, not satisfied with her answer.
"My heart is tied to Middle Earth, and those that dwell here." Arwen
answered him. Unexpectedly she began to sing, surprising the hobbits with a
song Bilbo had been fond of before he had left the Shire to live in
Rivendell.
"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road had gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then I cannot say.
The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Not far ahead the road his gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a new journey begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening rest and sleep to meet.
Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate;
And though I oft passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun."
Frodo smiled. "Did you learn that from Bilbo?"
Arwen nodded. The first time he came to Rivendell he taught me that song."
"It reminds me of home." Sam said wistfully.
"Don't worry Sam." Frodo tried to reassure his friend. "We'll be back in
the Shire before you know it."
Arwen grew quiet, the swirl of events worried her.
"Do you know any more about the Ring?" Frodo asked Arwen, seeing her
quietness.
She smiled, "I know that my father fought in the Last Alliance that cut
down Sauron, when Isildur took the ring. He bade Isildur to cast the ring
into the Fires of Mount Doom, to no avail. There is a verse long known in
Elven tongue about the Rings of Power though." Arwen told them, seeing the
disappointed looks on each of the hobbit's faces.
"How does it go?" Sam asked, his homesickness quite forgotten.
"Three ring for the Elven-Kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for mortal men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One ring to rule them all, One ring to find them,
One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the land of Mordor where the Shadows lie."
She recited, making a sign to ward off the Evil Eye.
"What happened to them all?" Merry asked.
"The Elves still have their three rings, all hidden so that evil cannot
find them. Last I heard several of the Dwarvish rings were unaccounted for.
The nine rings of men transformed their bearers into the nine Nazgul,
Ringwraiths. The One Ring of the Dark Lord lies about Frodo's neck." Arwen
answered, as honestly as she was able to. In front of them Aragorn, Legolas
and Gandalf slowed.
"I was unaware of your knowledge about the rings." Gandalf told her,
slowing to walk beside her.
"I only know some of the legends, the rhyme. Legends of the Elvish Rings of
Power. That's all." Arwen told him.
"Do you know where the Elven rings of power lie?" Boromir asked, strangely
curious.
"Even if I did know where the rings lay, I could not tell you." Arwen
answered him. "It would be against the interests of my people."
"What do they look like, Arwen?" Frodo asked. "Do you know?"
"Narya, the Ring of Fire wrought of silver and is set with a ruby, Nenya,
the Ring of Water is set with an adamant, laid into mithril, and Vilya the
Ring of Air made of gold and is set with a sapphire." Arwen told him.
"You know where they are." Boromir accused her. "We should have brought
them on this journey. They may have aided us."
Aragorn laid his hand on the hilt of his sword. Watching him closely, Arwen
laid her hand on his. Be calm. All is well. She projected into his mind.
"Boromir I cannot wield the Rings of Power. Neither can Legolas. There are
few in Middle Earth who can. The rings, any of the twenty rings can only be
wielded by one with strength of character and strength of will." She told
him.
"To where are we headed?" Gimli asked, in order to stave off Boromir's
answer, unwilling to be asked the same question of the Dwarvish rings.
"To the Dimrill Dale." Gandalf answered him. "Over and under the mountains,
so that we may reach the Silverlode and pass on to the Great River."
"And then where?" Pippin asked excitedly.
"Then we persevere until the end of our journey." Gandalf told him.
Part 14.
They journeyed on for several more days before Gandalf decided that all
could use a well-earned rest before they attempted the mountains.
For the first time in a week they were able to light a fire and get some
proper rest. All except Arwen and Legolas slept through the night, and
indeed through most of the day. Their Elvish ways had meant that they could
sleep on their feet, while the hobbits had often been placed on Nallahir's
back to rest a while and had slept while he carried them over many miles.
During Sam's watch, Aragorn sat up with him, having slept enough, while
even the Elves took leave of their circumstances and slept while they
could.
It was mid-afternoon before the rest of the company roused themselves.
As they had many times since they had left Rivendell the ten companions sat
together in a circle talking, taking care of their weapons and just
enjoying each other's company.
Aragorn sat checking the blade of his sword Anduril for nicks and
scratches. The hobbits busied themselves playing a game Arwen and Legolas
had shown them. Beside the hobbits Gimli sat sharpening his ax.
Arwen unbraided her hair, combing it out gently with her fingers, before
gathering it up once more to braid it up again, so that it sat neatly up
out of her way.
"Why don't you cut your hair?" Pippin asked her, noticing what she was
doing.
"Because I like it the way that it is." She told him, smiling. Well
practiced she twirled the braids up behind her head, fastening them in
place with small butterfly shaped clips. With his practiced eye for
beautiful, well-made things, Gimli picked one of the dainty clips up,
laying it in his palm. "Where did you get these?"
"They were a gift from one of my kin. Each was made by the Elves." She
smiled, reaching out to close his hand, securing the clip inside. "Keep
it." Arwen told him. "When you return to your own people you can show them
something of Elvish make."
Gimli looked stunned by her generosity, and thanked her profusely.
Arwen rested comfortably beside the small fire Sam had lit, while she
watched Boromir teach Merry and Pippin swordsmanship. One at a time he
would take them through thrusts and blocks and parries, coaching them to
move their feet, and stay well balanced.
She walked over to sit on a large boulder beside Aragorn, closer to the
lesson.
Aragorn smiled at her, moving slightly so that she could sit down. She
leaned comfortably against his shoulder, while he reached out to take her
hand, holding his pipe in the other. Together they watched as Boromir took
the two hobbits through their paces once more. "Good. Very good." Boromir
praised Pippin, moving to take on Merry once more. "Move your feet."
Aragorn coached from the sideline. Arwen smiled.
Then Merry winced and dropped his sword as Boromir's blade accidentally
nicked his hand. "Sorry." Boromir apologized, but to no avail. Seeing the
opportunity to have some fun, Merry kicked the larger Man in the knee, then
used his doubled fists to pound into him, Pippin joining in. Together they
wrestled Boromir to the ground, while Boromir laughed.
Arwen and Aragorn laughed along too. Then Aragorn got up and walked over to
them. "That's enough gentlemen." He came up behind the two hobbits, meaning
to grab them and drag them away from Boromir. The hobbits, however had
other ideas, each grabbing one of Aragorn's legs and pulling, sending him
crashing down to the ground. Unable to help herself Arwen laughed at the
sight. She walked over to offer him a hand up. "Here." She said to him,
offering her hand. For a split second Arwen saw a mischievous glint in his
eye, then reaching out with one arm he swept her off her feet, and she
landed heavily across his stomach.
The five of them laughed all the harder. From a higher rock they could hear
Sam and Frodo laughing too.
They all stayed there on the ground laughing, Merry and Pippin on Boromir,
and Arwen sprawled across Aragorn. They lay there gasping for breath after
laughing so hard. "My father would be blue in the face if he could see us
now." Arwen told Aragorn.
"I don't doubt you." He answered, wrapping his arms around her and getting
to his feet, still holding her.
"Aragorn put me down!" She cried, laughing once more as he spun around.
"Put me down! Please!" Still spinning he went to put her down, and slipped
on a loose rock lying on the ground. They both fell again, this time
laughing harder. Carefully Arwen got to her feet, lightheaded and dizzy
with all of the spinning. She took Aragorn by the hand and helped him to
his feet, still laughing.
"You're both hopeless." Legolas told them.
"Come and have some fun Legolas," Arwen called to him. "You look like you
need it."
Legolas just shook his head and laughed.
"Arwen," Pippin began. "Do you know how to use your sword?"
She smiled. "Yes, Master Pippin I do. I have had Shalat for many years
longer than you have been born." She answered.
"You have really practiced much of late though, have you?" Aragorn asked.
Arwen smiled and un-sheathed her sword. "Come on then."
Aragorn smiled back at her and drew Anduril. "How did you know?"
"I know you too well." She told him, "Besides, you might have gotten better
since we last practiced together." She teased.
Aragorn shook his head and made the first move, a thrust easily parried.
They continued on for a short while, trading blows, both proving that they
were very able with a blade.
"Come on nin melath. Do not try anything other than your best." Arwen
taunted him.
"When was the last time you beat me?" Aragorn asked, blocking one of her
thrusts with an elegant parry.
"The second to last time we did this." Arwen told him. "Be careful," She
warned him, "You might find Shalat at your throat once more."
"When was the last time that happened?" Legolas asked from the sidelines.
"When I last caught a Ranger off his guard." Arwen called, dodging
Aragorn's blade.
"I was worried about Frodo." Aragorn defended himself, "He was ill at the
time, afflicted by a Morgul blade wound. Sam and I were both looking for
athelas."
"What is that?" Sam asked, pointing.
Turning to the direction in which he pointed the others stared at the
sight. In the distance a dark shape flew high in the sky, looking almost
like a wisp of cloud. As the shape neared Arwen could see that it was in
fact a flock of birds, some distance away, their coloring the blackest
black.
"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas called out.
Aragorn gave an order for everyone to hide. He dragged Arwen and Sam
beneath a large holly bush with him. Arwen cradled Elessar in her cloak,
whispering softly to him in Elvish.
In the close confines of their hiding place Aragorn heard her every word,
in his heart he was praying the same thing.
"A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silivren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath,
Gilthoniel, A! Elbereth!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this fair land beneath the trees
The starlight on the Western Seas."
All were silent, staying in their hiding places until they were sure the
dreadful birds had gone.
Gandalf dragged himself out first. "They were surely the spies of Sauron."
In their private chambers Elrond sat beside his daughter's bed as Arwen and
her hand maidens began to pack the items she would need on the journey.
"Arwen, this is not your destiny. You do not need to go."
"Father I must. My fate has become intertwined with the fate of my heart,
and the fate of the Ring-bearer."
"I implore you to be careful, Arwen. If you must go, promise me that you
will come home to me safe and sound." Elrond warned his daughter.
"Fate will bring me back to you, Father. The winds of change, be they good
or ill, will bring me home to you." she told him. "Of this I am certain."
"As long as you do return, my daughter." Elrond embraced her tightly. "I
should let you pack your things."
It was early the next morning when Arwen reached the assembly point,
leading her horse Nallahir, with her.
"You're late." Gimli growled at her.
"You are early, Master Dwarf." Arwen replied. "There is a distinction
between being late and on time."
"Are you set, Hiril-nin?" One of Arwen's hand maidens asked her mistress.
My Lady.
"Thank you." Arwen replied to the maiden. "Take care of yourself, and the
others while I am away."
"Why do we need two beasts to carry luggage?" Boromir demanded. "Unless the
Lady must bring along her wardrobe, of course?"
Arwen ignored him, as one of her hand maidens approached, a large silver
falcon perched on her gloved hand. "Elessar." she called softly. The falcon
flew from it's perch to Arwen's outstretched hand.
Carefully she set him upon the perch at the front of Nallahir's saddle. The
three of them were regular traveling companions.
"Sam, come and load some of those things onto Nallahir." she called to the
young hobbit, struggling to lift his unbalanced pack.
"Thank you, Lady." he said shyly, "I was afraid the company would have to
leave without me. And I couldn't bear to be without Mr. Frodo. I made a
promise to Gandalf that I wouldn't, and I don't mean to break it."
"Your loyalty to your master is important, Sam. Don't forget that." she
told him quietly, as she tied several rugs to the back of Nallahir's
saddle, and placed several heavier camping tools into the saddle bags.
Legolas and Aragorn were not surprised at her appearance when they too
arrived.
Earlier that morning Arwen had pulled her hair into braids, fixing them to
encircle her head. She wore clothing of green and mossy gray, over which
she wore a lightweight gray cloak, clasped at her throat with a leaf shaped
broach. Her lightweight traveling boots were well broken in, perfectly
suited to walking, or running long distances.
As she watched the remaining members of the Fellowship, Elrond approached
her, carrying both her sword and longbow, along with a quiver of arrows.
With care she buckled the sword-belt around her hips, so that it sat just
below the other belt she wore, before slipping the strap for her quiver
comfortably over her head. After handing his daughter the bow, Elrond
adjusted the strap on her quiver, so that it lay close to her back, without
restricting her movement.
Once he had completed the task, Elrond laid his hand on Arwen's cheek.
"Remember to come home, my daughter."
"Is the Company ready to depart?" Gandalf cried.
Giving her father one last hug, Arwen turned to join her companions.
"Namarie ada." She called out as they began to leave. Farewell father.
From the highest window in the Great Hall of Rivendell Elrond watched them
until, even with his keen Elvish eyes, he could see them no more.
Part 11.
"What's that?" Pippin asked, pointing to the jewel which still hung around
Arwen's neck.
"It is an Elven jewel." she told him. "My people call it the 'Evenstar'."
"Arwen is the Evenstar of her people." Aragorn explained further to the
hobbits.
Good naturedly Arwen gave him a little shove. "Next you'll be telling them
I am Luthien returned to my people."
"The first time I saw you I thought you were." Aragorn told her, smiling.
"Who's Luthien?" Merry asked curiously.
"I daresay Arwen could sing you her story." Aragorn told him.
"Go on Arwen, I shall help you if you forget the words." Legolas teased.
"I daresay Aragorn and Legolas know the words." Arwen smiled. "But I do not
feel like singing now. I will tell you her story. Luthien was an Elf maiden
who fell in love with a mortal man, Beren, and she gave her heart to him.
Beren gave to her father one of the three Silmarils, the brightest of the
three as her bride price. Then Beren was killed and Luthien chose to die
with him. She is the only Elf in the history of the world to have died."
She smiled sadly.
"From Luthien and Beren came Dior, who was Luthien's father Thingol's heir.
Dior was the father of Elwing, who fell in love with the Mariner Earendil,
another mortal man. From Elwing came Elrond and Elros." Aragorn continued.
"Then in the year one hundred and nine of the Third Age, Lord Elrond of
Rivendell married Lady Celebrian of Lothlorien, one of my cousins." Legolas
went on.
Arwen smiled, "In the year one hundred and thirty, my mother, the Lady
Celebrian gave birth to my brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. I was born in the
year two hundred and forty-one." She closed her eyes for a moment, then
opened them again. "My mother left these shores five hundred and eight
years ago. My brothers and I are all that is left of the ancient bloodline
in this Middle Earth."
"Why did the Lady Celebrian leave Middle Earth?" Sam asked.
"Perhaps that is enough questions for one day?" Aragorn asked aloud, unsure
of whether Arwen would want to talk about her mother. He knew that her
leaving had caused Arwen great pain.
"It is all right, Aragorn, I do not mind." Arwen told him. She turned back
to Sam. "While she was traveling to the home of her parents, my mother was
waylaid in the Redhorn Pass by Orcs in the year two thousand, five hundred
and nine. She was taken prisoner by them and was badly wounded. My brothers
rescued her, but she had fallen out of love with Middle Earth and she
sailed to Valinor, the Undying Lands the next year. I have not seen her
since."
"I keep forgetting you are much older than you seem." Merry told her.
"What about the Evenstar?" Pippin asked.
"It was a gift given to me when I was small." Arwen smiled. "It symbolizes
goodness and longevity of the Elves. For me it symbolizes hope and all that
is yet to come."
"When I was a child I was told to fear the Elvish witch who possessed the
Evenstar." Boromir told them, knowing that his remark would cause dissent.
To everyone's surprise, Arwen smiled at him. "Now that you have seen me for
yourself, do you still believe I am an Elvish witch, Boromir?"
He seemed lost for words.
"Legolas." Gandalf broke in, "Can either you or Arwen see anything past the
trees?"
Both Elves shook their heads. "Elessar, go, and tell me what you see."
Arwen told the falcon. In seconds the great bird had taken flight.
As it flew back to them, Arwen offered her wrist for him to land on. The
falcon hissed and whistled to her, as Arwen stroked his feathers. "Good
job."
"The country is clear. No sign of Orcs, or any of Sauron's other spies."
She told Gandalf.
"Good. The less we encounter his forces, the better." Gandalf announced.
"Which way are we taking?" Arwen asked him.
"Toward the Ford of Bruinen, then west towards the mountains." Gandalf told
her, "This is your country, Lady. If you know of any faster routes, or
short-cuts, we would be grateful."
Arwen nodded, looking around into the dense forest. "If we take that path,
we can reach the edge of the forest by nightfall." She told Gandalf,
gesturing towards a grove of trees. "It is the path I use when I travel to
visit my mother's kin in the West."
"That is no path." Gimli told her. "That is a lot of trees."
"Maybe the Lady had been in the sun too long." Boromir suggested.
"Your eyes only see what they wish too." Arwen told the pair. "If you
opened them more often, instead of closing them, you would be surprised at
the wondrous things one can see."
"I can see the path." Sam said quietly. Beside him Merry and Pippin nodded
as well.
"Will it be a more difficult road?" Gimli asked.
"It will be much easier than our current path. Anyone who feels tired is
welcome to ride, though." Arwen told him, a twinkle in her eye.
"It would be best if you led the way, Arwen." Aragorn told her, "We should
avoid becoming lost that way. I have used this path only once before. You
led me that time also." He added, trying to instill some faith in her
leadership.
Part 12.
Many hours later Arwen halted, allowing the others to catch up. As she
waited, she watched the clouds shifting overhead, searching for a sign that
all would be well.
As she stared up at the clouds the others caught up to her.
As Gandalf looked around the clearing he seemed pleased. "This seems like a
good place to spend our first night on the road. Arwen, do you know if
there is fresh water anywhere?" he asked.
"Gandalf." Boromir interrupted, "We could go another four of five leagues
before we lost light. Why waste time?"
"I would wager, Boromir, son of Denethor, that this is the most secure
campsite we will find between here and the end of our journey. We have come
much further today that I thought we would." Gandalf told him.
"It's best that we ease ourselves into this journey." Legolas said aloud.
"We do not know how long it will take."
Turning away from the argument, the hobbits helped Arwen to begin unloading
the things they would need for the night.
Merry and Pippin began to pile wood for a fire, while Sam and Frodo began
to unpack food.
"Leave that." Arwen called to them. "We should hunt whilst we are able. We
don't know when we'll have a chance to replenish our supplies.
Legolas nodded. "Anything in mind?"
"I thought you and I might take two of the hobbits each, and see what game
we can find. There's a stream just down that way." Arwen gestured behind
him. "If someone here will light the fire, by the time we get back it
should be hot enough to cook on."
"Anything else?" Aragorn asked.
"Legolas, did you bring a short bow, as well?" She smiled, "I would like to
teach the hobbits the art of archery. I feel that it is important we can
all use weapons properly, it many save one or more lives in the future."
"If the hobbits are to be taught to wield weapons, shouldn't they be taught
by an experienced teacher?" Boromir asked.
"I have instructed others in the art of archery for many years Boromir. I
was teaching on the morning of the Council of Elrond." Arwen told him. "I
do not have many pupils though, there are precious few young Elves still
living in Middle Earth.
Legolas handed the short bow to her. "Which hobbits are coming with me
then?" he asked, "We'll see if we can catch some fish in the stream."
Merry and Pippin volunteered, leaving Frodo and Sam to hunt with Arwen.
After handing each hobbit one of the Elvish short bows she and Legolas had
brought with them, Arwen led them silently away, carrying her longbow.
Speaking softly she instructed Sam and Frodo in the art of archery, at
which she and Legolas were already so adept. Arwen allowed the pair to
practice for a little while, before moving the off once more to begin their
hunt.
The three of them returned to camp, with Sam carrying several fat rabbits,
while Frodo carried an armful of wild sweet potatoes and some wild herbs.
Arwen herself carried only her bow, and a small leather satchel, into which
she placed other different kinds of wild herbs, as well as parts of other
plants.
"You three took long enough." Legolas laughed, as he sat by the fire.
"And what had you been doing since you returned?" Arwen asked him.
"Relaxing by the fire." Aragorn teased his friend. "Legolas wanted to send
out a search party, but he was too lazy to move."
Arwen chuckled, giving her kinsman a shove as she sat down beside him.
As they spoke Sam took up a pan of water and began to dress the rabbits,
while Frodo took out a small knife and began to slice the potatoes.
"How was the hunting, Frodo, Sam?" Aragorn asked the pair.
"It was good." Sam told him, "The Lady is a good teacher." He added shyly.
"You are both naturally skilled with a bow.' Arwen praised them.
"Really?" Legolas sat up and looked over at the two hobbits. "I should make
a start on teaching the others then."
Arwen smiled at his comment, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Boromir pounced on the opening it gave him. "Are you tired then Lady?
Perhaps you should retire early?" His voice was falsely polite, dripping
with sarcasm.
Aragorn shot him a hard look, which wasn't unnoticed by Arwen.
"Perhaps we should establish some boundaries and discuss our differences?"
Arwen asked aloud, for all to hear.
"What sort of boundaries do you wish to establish, Lady?" Gimli asked
gruffly.
"I would ask that everyone call me Arwen. My name is not Lady." She
answered quietly.
"But, it is part of who you are." Legolas told her.
"I am Arwen Undomiel, Evenstar of my people. Not Lady." She answered. "Do I
call you Prince instead of Legolas?"
"No." Legolas answered, understanding where she was coming from.
"Then, Arwen Undomiel, why did you see fit to join the company?" Boromir
pressed her.
"I have gifts unique to me alone in this group. I saw fit to join because I
am bound to this company as friend and kin. And I am bound to this Middle
Earth." She looked around at the trees surrounding them, her eyes filled
with wonder. "Have ever seen such trees? These only grow in Elvish lands.
This is my home, and I will fight for it."
"Most women are content to leave fighting to their men." Gimli observed,
his voice no longer critical.
A smile played at the corners of her lips. "I am not most women."
"This is true." Legolas agreed, "You are my cousin."
Arwen shook her head, laughing. "I know that several of the company dislike
my coming on this journey. But the time nears when you will need my help."
"What sort of help?" Gandalf asked, having taken a back-seat in the earlier
discussions.
Arwen lowered her eyes to look into the bowl of water. Unexplainably the
surface rippled. "The future is hard to see, always in motion."
"What does that mean?" Merry asked, not fully understanding her.
"The future is uncertain. I cannot see beyond the ripples... Not until the
waters still. Even then though, our actions change the future. I can only
glimpse what may yet happen." As she finished speaking Nallahir laid his
soft nose against her cheek. She cooed to him in Elvish, reaching up to
stroke his face.
Elessar already roosted upon Nallahir's back, his head tucked under a wing
to ward off the cool night air.
Part 13.
The Fellowship packed up camp early, and arrived at the Ford of Bruinen
well before midday.
With Arwen's and Aragorn's assistance they managed to take the paths which
were less traveled by any except for the forest creatures and their kin.
They had traveled for scarcely five days, traveling ever South of fair
Rivendell when Arwen, Aragorn and Legolas halted. One by one they fell to
their knees, reclining their heads in an Elvish worship.
Aragorn rose first, offering his hand to Arwen to help her to her feet. She
nodded her thanks to him before turning to the others. "This was once
country of the Elves, called Eregion by them. Men now call it Hollin.
Beyond us is the mountain range of the Misty Mountains, home to the Dwarf-
lords of old." She smiled at Gimli, who was only too happy to continue her
commentary.
"There lies Baraz, Zirak, and Shathur. Beneath them lies Khazad-dum, that
dwarves now call the Black Pit, or Moria in the Elven tongue. Above it lies
Barazinbar the Redhorn, and cruel Caradhras. From even those lies
Silvertine and Cloudyhead. Celebdil the White, and Fanuuidhol the Grey,
which the Dwarves call Zirakzigil and Bundushathur, respectively. There the
Misty Mountains divide leaving the vale of Azanulbizar, the Dimrill Dale,
that which the Elves call Nanduhirion."
The company fell silent for a moment, all awed by the sight presented to
them.
"What happened to all of the Elves who lived here?" Sam asked Arwen in a
quiet voice, once they had begun moving again.
The Elves of Eregion left this place for the Grey Havens so that they could
travel to the Undying Lands long ago, Sam. Just as many others are doing
now."
"Why?" he asked, his curiosity about Elves still ever present, even after
his stay in Rivendell and journey with Arwen and Legolas.
"The time of the Elves is ending. This Middle Earth is changing. Many of my
kin have made the choice to sail to the Undying Lands that there they will
live in peace and harmony." She told him gently, knowing that in front of
her, with Legolas and Gandalf at his sides, Aragorn was listening.
"But there are still Elves like you and Legolas in Middle Earth?" Pippin
asked, alarmed. He sat high above Sam, riding Nallahir while Arwen led him.
"There are still Elves in Middle Earth." She reassured them. "The Elves of
Mirkwood have been content to stay, there are still many Elves in places
like Rivendell where Elves have sought sanctuary."
"Will you go to the Undying Lands?" Frodo asked from behind Pippin.
"My father wishes me to. My mother sailed a long time ago, she waits for my
father, brothers and I."
"So will you go?" Sam asked, not satisfied with her answer.
"My heart is tied to Middle Earth, and those that dwell here." Arwen
answered him. Unexpectedly she began to sing, surprising the hobbits with a
song Bilbo had been fond of before he had left the Shire to live in
Rivendell.
"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road had gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then I cannot say.
The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Not far ahead the road his gone,
Let others follow it who can!
Let them a new journey begin,
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening rest and sleep to meet.
Still round the corner there may wait
A new road or a secret gate;
And though I oft passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun."
Frodo smiled. "Did you learn that from Bilbo?"
Arwen nodded. The first time he came to Rivendell he taught me that song."
"It reminds me of home." Sam said wistfully.
"Don't worry Sam." Frodo tried to reassure his friend. "We'll be back in
the Shire before you know it."
Arwen grew quiet, the swirl of events worried her.
"Do you know any more about the Ring?" Frodo asked Arwen, seeing her
quietness.
She smiled, "I know that my father fought in the Last Alliance that cut
down Sauron, when Isildur took the ring. He bade Isildur to cast the ring
into the Fires of Mount Doom, to no avail. There is a verse long known in
Elven tongue about the Rings of Power though." Arwen told them, seeing the
disappointed looks on each of the hobbit's faces.
"How does it go?" Sam asked, his homesickness quite forgotten.
"Three ring for the Elven-Kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for mortal men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One ring to rule them all, One ring to find them,
One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the land of Mordor where the Shadows lie."
She recited, making a sign to ward off the Evil Eye.
"What happened to them all?" Merry asked.
"The Elves still have their three rings, all hidden so that evil cannot
find them. Last I heard several of the Dwarvish rings were unaccounted for.
The nine rings of men transformed their bearers into the nine Nazgul,
Ringwraiths. The One Ring of the Dark Lord lies about Frodo's neck." Arwen
answered, as honestly as she was able to. In front of them Aragorn, Legolas
and Gandalf slowed.
"I was unaware of your knowledge about the rings." Gandalf told her,
slowing to walk beside her.
"I only know some of the legends, the rhyme. Legends of the Elvish Rings of
Power. That's all." Arwen told him.
"Do you know where the Elven rings of power lie?" Boromir asked, strangely
curious.
"Even if I did know where the rings lay, I could not tell you." Arwen
answered him. "It would be against the interests of my people."
"What do they look like, Arwen?" Frodo asked. "Do you know?"
"Narya, the Ring of Fire wrought of silver and is set with a ruby, Nenya,
the Ring of Water is set with an adamant, laid into mithril, and Vilya the
Ring of Air made of gold and is set with a sapphire." Arwen told him.
"You know where they are." Boromir accused her. "We should have brought
them on this journey. They may have aided us."
Aragorn laid his hand on the hilt of his sword. Watching him closely, Arwen
laid her hand on his. Be calm. All is well. She projected into his mind.
"Boromir I cannot wield the Rings of Power. Neither can Legolas. There are
few in Middle Earth who can. The rings, any of the twenty rings can only be
wielded by one with strength of character and strength of will." She told
him.
"To where are we headed?" Gimli asked, in order to stave off Boromir's
answer, unwilling to be asked the same question of the Dwarvish rings.
"To the Dimrill Dale." Gandalf answered him. "Over and under the mountains,
so that we may reach the Silverlode and pass on to the Great River."
"And then where?" Pippin asked excitedly.
"Then we persevere until the end of our journey." Gandalf told him.
Part 14.
They journeyed on for several more days before Gandalf decided that all
could use a well-earned rest before they attempted the mountains.
For the first time in a week they were able to light a fire and get some
proper rest. All except Arwen and Legolas slept through the night, and
indeed through most of the day. Their Elvish ways had meant that they could
sleep on their feet, while the hobbits had often been placed on Nallahir's
back to rest a while and had slept while he carried them over many miles.
During Sam's watch, Aragorn sat up with him, having slept enough, while
even the Elves took leave of their circumstances and slept while they
could.
It was mid-afternoon before the rest of the company roused themselves.
As they had many times since they had left Rivendell the ten companions sat
together in a circle talking, taking care of their weapons and just
enjoying each other's company.
Aragorn sat checking the blade of his sword Anduril for nicks and
scratches. The hobbits busied themselves playing a game Arwen and Legolas
had shown them. Beside the hobbits Gimli sat sharpening his ax.
Arwen unbraided her hair, combing it out gently with her fingers, before
gathering it up once more to braid it up again, so that it sat neatly up
out of her way.
"Why don't you cut your hair?" Pippin asked her, noticing what she was
doing.
"Because I like it the way that it is." She told him, smiling. Well
practiced she twirled the braids up behind her head, fastening them in
place with small butterfly shaped clips. With his practiced eye for
beautiful, well-made things, Gimli picked one of the dainty clips up,
laying it in his palm. "Where did you get these?"
"They were a gift from one of my kin. Each was made by the Elves." She
smiled, reaching out to close his hand, securing the clip inside. "Keep
it." Arwen told him. "When you return to your own people you can show them
something of Elvish make."
Gimli looked stunned by her generosity, and thanked her profusely.
Arwen rested comfortably beside the small fire Sam had lit, while she
watched Boromir teach Merry and Pippin swordsmanship. One at a time he
would take them through thrusts and blocks and parries, coaching them to
move their feet, and stay well balanced.
She walked over to sit on a large boulder beside Aragorn, closer to the
lesson.
Aragorn smiled at her, moving slightly so that she could sit down. She
leaned comfortably against his shoulder, while he reached out to take her
hand, holding his pipe in the other. Together they watched as Boromir took
the two hobbits through their paces once more. "Good. Very good." Boromir
praised Pippin, moving to take on Merry once more. "Move your feet."
Aragorn coached from the sideline. Arwen smiled.
Then Merry winced and dropped his sword as Boromir's blade accidentally
nicked his hand. "Sorry." Boromir apologized, but to no avail. Seeing the
opportunity to have some fun, Merry kicked the larger Man in the knee, then
used his doubled fists to pound into him, Pippin joining in. Together they
wrestled Boromir to the ground, while Boromir laughed.
Arwen and Aragorn laughed along too. Then Aragorn got up and walked over to
them. "That's enough gentlemen." He came up behind the two hobbits, meaning
to grab them and drag them away from Boromir. The hobbits, however had
other ideas, each grabbing one of Aragorn's legs and pulling, sending him
crashing down to the ground. Unable to help herself Arwen laughed at the
sight. She walked over to offer him a hand up. "Here." She said to him,
offering her hand. For a split second Arwen saw a mischievous glint in his
eye, then reaching out with one arm he swept her off her feet, and she
landed heavily across his stomach.
The five of them laughed all the harder. From a higher rock they could hear
Sam and Frodo laughing too.
They all stayed there on the ground laughing, Merry and Pippin on Boromir,
and Arwen sprawled across Aragorn. They lay there gasping for breath after
laughing so hard. "My father would be blue in the face if he could see us
now." Arwen told Aragorn.
"I don't doubt you." He answered, wrapping his arms around her and getting
to his feet, still holding her.
"Aragorn put me down!" She cried, laughing once more as he spun around.
"Put me down! Please!" Still spinning he went to put her down, and slipped
on a loose rock lying on the ground. They both fell again, this time
laughing harder. Carefully Arwen got to her feet, lightheaded and dizzy
with all of the spinning. She took Aragorn by the hand and helped him to
his feet, still laughing.
"You're both hopeless." Legolas told them.
"Come and have some fun Legolas," Arwen called to him. "You look like you
need it."
Legolas just shook his head and laughed.
"Arwen," Pippin began. "Do you know how to use your sword?"
She smiled. "Yes, Master Pippin I do. I have had Shalat for many years
longer than you have been born." She answered.
"You have really practiced much of late though, have you?" Aragorn asked.
Arwen smiled and un-sheathed her sword. "Come on then."
Aragorn smiled back at her and drew Anduril. "How did you know?"
"I know you too well." She told him, "Besides, you might have gotten better
since we last practiced together." She teased.
Aragorn shook his head and made the first move, a thrust easily parried.
They continued on for a short while, trading blows, both proving that they
were very able with a blade.
"Come on nin melath. Do not try anything other than your best." Arwen
taunted him.
"When was the last time you beat me?" Aragorn asked, blocking one of her
thrusts with an elegant parry.
"The second to last time we did this." Arwen told him. "Be careful," She
warned him, "You might find Shalat at your throat once more."
"When was the last time that happened?" Legolas asked from the sidelines.
"When I last caught a Ranger off his guard." Arwen called, dodging
Aragorn's blade.
"I was worried about Frodo." Aragorn defended himself, "He was ill at the
time, afflicted by a Morgul blade wound. Sam and I were both looking for
athelas."
"What is that?" Sam asked, pointing.
Turning to the direction in which he pointed the others stared at the
sight. In the distance a dark shape flew high in the sky, looking almost
like a wisp of cloud. As the shape neared Arwen could see that it was in
fact a flock of birds, some distance away, their coloring the blackest
black.
"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas called out.
Aragorn gave an order for everyone to hide. He dragged Arwen and Sam
beneath a large holly bush with him. Arwen cradled Elessar in her cloak,
whispering softly to him in Elvish.
In the close confines of their hiding place Aragorn heard her every word,
in his heart he was praying the same thing.
"A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
silivren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath,
Gilthoniel, A! Elbereth!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this fair land beneath the trees
The starlight on the Western Seas."
All were silent, staying in their hiding places until they were sure the
dreadful birds had gone.
Gandalf dragged himself out first. "They were surely the spies of Sauron."