Chapter 4
Aura rode hard through the cloak of darkness, urging her precious black stallion to hurry on. It was her third night of riding and she could feel that she was approaching her destination. She felt lonelier as she furthered her way from home, but her excitement grew as well. What would she face? Who would she meet? Most importantly, where will this lead her? The forest seemed to grow darker, the branches snapping in the wind, the leaves springing violently towards her, and the path becoming increasingly traitorous leaving her much less at ease. She knew however that Orcs would not hunt her tracks as she was in the closely guarded borders of Rohan. To ease her mind from the frightful surroundings, she reminded herself of her tearful departure from home, Galdor and her father.
By the time she had left, her father's health had deteriorated so that he no longer recognized her. She remembered her exact words as he stared at her blankly.
"Father, I am leaving now," as she held his cold hand into her own. "Father? Your Aura is leaving." She cried, alarmed for his recognition. "Father! Can you not see me? My face? Do you not know your daughter? Your Aura?" she desperately asked through tears. Droplets fell on her beloved father's hand and she wiped it lovingly.
"Father, I love you." She stood up quickly, fearing that if she did not leave now, she never would, and ran out the door. As the doors closed, she fell upon them and sobbed heartedly. A cold hand caressed her shoulder.
"It is time to leave," Galdor's voice accompanied it, and she let him lead her to her horse.
"I am weak," she whispered "worse yet, father saw my weakness." Large tears continued to fall.
"Dear Aura, you know as well as I that he is still very proud of you. You are not weak. A weak person would not have the courage to leave at time like this. A weak person would not be able to show emotion. Always remember this." Galdor whispered. Quickly composing himself, he continued, " There is plenty of bread in the saddle bag, a map as well if you need it. Take care sweet princess. May the stars look down on you with glory. Return home to us safe." He kissed her hand. Before tears could flow again, she mounted her horse and galloped down the drive to the gate, looking at her home and her past one last time before she headed forward to her future.
Now that the scene had come to pass once again in her mind, Aura felt much more at ease. It reminded her that once her adventure was over, she had a home and a friend to return to.
Somehow, the forest did not seem to be as dark as before. It was then that Aura realized that the sun was rising and that she may now stop and rest her tired horse under the protection of daylight. She slowed him down to a walk and encouraged a few more steps towards a clearing near the riverbanks. As she dismounted, she felt her tired legs give under her. Letting her horse drink a fair share of water, she led him to a great oak tree where they rested side-by-side. As she looked up at the beautiful creature, she realized that it was still a stranger to her. "I have not yet given you a name," she whispered, "Perhaps one will be earned once our journey is done," as she drifted into blissful sleep.