This short chapter is dedicated to CityofAngel. Thank you for always reviewing my chapters and have a lovely birthday!
Disclaimer: The song is but a small extract from the 2nd verse of "Kortirion among the Trees" from "The Book of Lost Tales" by JRR Tolkien. None of the characters except Ariel belong to me.
Chapter 19
The first rays of Anar seeped through the misty façade of the plains, announcing the coming of dawn. The city of Edoras slowly arose from it's slumber, as the sounds of activity increased. Meanwhile, the Dunedain were mounted and ready to leave, awaiting Aragorn.
"Navaer, muindyr*" She bade them farewell stiffly and coldly, having not forgotten what they said to her last night.
"Navaer, muinthel*" they planted a kiss on her forehead each, before leaping up onto their horses.
Much to Legolas' dismay, Ariel did not even spare him a glance, choosing to act as though he were not present. He told himself firmly that he cared not, but the pain inside gnawed at him terribly.
Aragorn was the last, before he mounted his horse, however, he placed a hand on Ariel's shoulder, and said in a voice none could hear.
"Naught would stop you from doing what you desire, if fate allows it, I see it in your eyes. Be it friend, brothers or foe, none will prevent you from joining to war. I may see you at Minas Tirith, unless the journey to the Paths of the Dead proves to be my bane, lady. Do me a favor, tell naught of my whereabouts to the Lady Arwen."
"You have my word." Ariel assured him. She saw the pain he bore, and knew the cause of its existence had something to do with the Lady Eowyn.
"Eru naan le. Im estel le thel tolad. *"
Nodding, he left with the Dunedain, Ariel looked after them till they disappeared within the folds of the mountains entirely. That was when she noticed Eowyn, her face pale. The exchange between her and Aragorn had not gone well. Ariel suspected Eowyn had begged Aragorn for leave to go with him.
A few of the onlookers were muttering, "There goes the last of the elvish wights, let them go and take their dark secrets with them."
She whipped around to glare at those people. How could they insult the Rangers like that? Don't they know the 'elvish wights' would risk life and limb to protect the realms of the Free People of Middle Earth? They have just proven so by venturing into the unknown.
Under her stare, they quailed, and turned away to attend to their businesses. Ariel sighed in vexed frustration, she usually was not a menacing and easily offended person by nature, but the conversation last night was ever present in her mind and she was still sullen and angry. Legolas seemed to bring out the worst in her.
~~~~~~~~*
Soon after, Theoden arrived back at Edoras. The mustering of Rohan began.
"What will thou have me do?" Eowyn whispered to Ariel.
"Array yourself in amour, when the time comes for the Rohirrim to depart, ensure none can tell that you are a lady, much less Eowyn. Ride not in King Theoden's nor Eomer's van, lest they recognize thou."
Personally Ariel thought the idea ridiculous and not even worth considering, but Eowyn readily agreed and seemed to feel it was the best way. For the desire in her to do battle was like an imperishable flame."
Superficially Eowyn looked fragile, like all other maidens, a white flower, so easily broken. And yet inside was hard and fell. Woe betide those who stood in her way, they will feel the sting of her sword.
"This is farewell then, my friend. None know if we would meet again. Receive this gift, as a token of our friendship." Eowyn said to Ariel, as she rode away, but not before passing her a hard object wrapped in gold cloth.
She was with the Perian, Master Meriadoc on her horse. Merry was upset when he was told he had to stay behind, but only Durnhelm Eowyn's new name and identity was willing to bear him secretly.
"Farwell thee, Eowyn of Rohan. May you do great deeds in war, deeds of honor and glory." Ariel whispered under her breadth, ere unwrapping the mysterious gift.
'Twas a dagger, but encrusted in its handle were beautiful gems of old. Clear crystals and blue sapphires, with intricate gold designs of horses. As Ariel sheathed it and tucked it in her silver belt, she felt like a Valier going to war.
~~~~~~*
Ariel tarried at Edoras for a while, and soon she was prepared.
A small bag contained her food, supply of lembas provided by her brothers. White was her raiment, and silver her mantle, enhancing the hue of her eyes. Her hair was pulled back with twine, for she was fed up with the wind constantly blowing it across her face. Armed with a bow and two knives, a quiver of peacock-feathered arrows and the dagger, she felt ready for the journey.
Phillifax was waiting impatiently, stamping her great hooves on the ground, straw and hay flying all over the place. The mere presence of Ariel placated the mare, and the stable hands all sighed in relief when Ariel turned up. Phil wore no saddle, for she would have none.
"We are in for a long journey Phil." Ariel murmured as she gathered the reins.
The mare snorted as if to remind Ariel she was no ordinary horse but cheiftess of the Mearas.
Ariel urged Phil on, and they set out east for Minas Tirith, just as the last gold of the sun was fading in the West, slipping into the roots to sleep and dream till dawn.
Phillifax held her head high and proud, as she moved swiftly and fast across the green plains.
Anyone who happened to catch sight of them, saw only a silver blur, in contrast to the gray of Ered Nimrais, White Mountains of Gondor.
~~~~~~~~~*
Thou art the inmost province of the fading isle,
Where linger yet the Lonely Companies
Still, undespairing, here they slowly file
Along thy paths of solemn harmonies;
The holy people of an elder day, Immortal Elves, that singing fair and fey
Of vanished things that were, and could be yet,
Pass like a wind among the rustling trees,
A wave of bowing grass, and we forget
Their tender voices like wind-shaken bells
Of flowers, their gleaming hair like golden asphodels~~~~~*
Muindyr: brothers
Muinthel: Sister
Eru naan le. Im estel le thel tolad: God be with thou. I believe you will return.