See part one for disclaimers and such.
Chapter 11
"Riders approaching from the east," the horseman reported almost before he had finished rising from his bow to Théoden. "As we crossed the fords I thought I heard them. Now we are sure. They are overtaking us."
Théoden's expression hardened, and immediately called for a halt. The message spread through the Rohirrim quickly, and they took up their spears, turning their horses about to face the incoming danger.
Aragorn dismounted, setting Merry on the ground, and drew his sword, making his way to where Théoden sat on his horse, watching Éomer pass by as he rode for the end of the line.
"Where should I be?" Merry asked, his small face pinched with apprehension as he watched the men prepare for possible attack.
"Stay by me," Aragorn told him. "Draw your sword and stay close." He gave the hobbit a brief smile of encouragement when Merry complied, taking his place next to the tall ranger.
It did not take long before he heard Éomer's strong voice ring out.
"Halt! Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"
"Halbarad of the Dúnedain, Ranger of the North," came the reply, and Aragorn's eyes widened in surprise and joy, for that was the last reply he had expected. Handing his horse's reins to Merry, he sprinted to the back of the line, passing by Legolas and Gimli and giving them both a cheering grin.
"We are seeking Aragorn, son of Arathorn," Halbarad said to Éomer, his keen eyes catching sight of a familiar form dashing through the horsemen in front of him. "And it seems, at last, I have found him." His handsome face broke into a great smile.
"Halbarad!" Aragorn called, coming to a halt beside the ranger's horse and grinning up at him. "Of all joys, this is the least expected!"
"Well met, kinsman," Halbarad replied, dismounting and embracing the other man warmly. "'Tis good to see you again."
Aragorn stepped back from Halbarad, glancing up at Éomer. "All is well," he said. "These are some of my own kin from the far land where I dwelt. But why they have come, and how many they may be, Halbarad shall tell us."
Éomer gave a signal to the riders behind him, and their lances dropped, and he sent a messenger back to the front of the line to inform the King.
"I have forty with me," Halbarad informed them. "That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, and several elves from the woodland realm of Mirkwood." The wind gusted briefly, blowing his long dark hair into his face, and he brushed it aside before continuing. "Another rides with them, from the golden wood of Lothlórien. Someone you have met before, Aragorn, for she marks you as friend."
Aragorn's eyebrows rose slightly. "Of whom do you speak?" he asked, lifting his gaze to search the riders behind his kinsman. He saw Elrohir with Melaphríl behind him, and his eyes widened slightly as he finally saw Elladan, and the passenger he carried before him. He looked back at Halbarad. "I did not think to see the Lady Erin again so soon," he said finally.
Halbarad grinned, clapping him on the shoulder. "The Lady Galadriel has sent her with us, for she must go to Edoras." His smile faded as he continued, "We rode as swiftly as me could when your summons came."
Aragorn frowned. "But I did not summon you, save only in wish. My thoughts have often turned to you and seldom more than today; yet I have sent no word." He shook his head, his frown fading and a smile crossing his rugged features once more. "But come! These matters must wait. You find us riding in haste and danger. Ride with us now, if the king will give his leave."
"I will," Théoden said, guiding his horse beside Éomer's to greet the newcomer. "It is well! If these kinsmen be in any way like to yourself, my lord Aragorn, their numbers shall be strength that cannot be counted."
Aragorn inclined his head gracefully at Théoden's compliment. "I would ride with my kinsman and my foster-brothers, by your leave," he said. "For I would most like to hear the news they carry."
"You do not need my leave to ride where you will, Aragorn, son of Arathorn," Théoden replied with a smile. "Shall I send your squire with your horse?"
The corner of Aragorn's mouth twitched briefly as he held back his smile. "Aye, that would be well."
The King nodded farewell to them both and rode back to the front of the line, Éomer following close behind him.
"Squire?" Halbarad asked, glancing at Aragorn in surprise. "You have come up in this world, my kinsman."
Aragorn laughed. "You will not think so, Halbarad, when you meet him. Though he is brave and true."
Halbarad understood Aragorn's words when he saw the small form leading the giant horse behind him, making his way through the riders with low mutterings.
"A hobbit?" the captain asked, turning to look at Aragorn in amused surprise.
Nodding, Aragorn took the reins from Merry and introduced him.
"Meriadoc Brandybuck of the Shire, this is my kinsman and friend, Halbarad, captain of the Dúnedain."
Merry looked up at the tall man and sketched a courtly bow. "'Tis indeed an honor sir to meet a kinsman and friend of Aragorn's."
Halbarad's mouth twitched as he struggled to keep from smiling. Instead he bowed in return. "The honor is mine, small knight. Well met."
Merry flushed with delight at being addressed as 'knight', resting his hand proudly on the pommel of his sword. His moment of dignity was lost, however, when Aragorn picked him up and placed him on the saddle of his horse, the ranger mounting behind him. His embarrassment was forgotten, however, as his keen eyes spotted Elladan and Elrohir, riding towards them. He had met the sons of Elrond before, during his brief stay in Imladris, but it was the passenger Elladan carried (at least he was pretty sure it was Elladan) that caught his attention.
"Who is she?" he asked, turning to look up at Aragorn with an awe struck face.
"That, Merry, is the strange traveling woman we have told you about, the one we met on our way to rescue you and Pippin," Aragorn replied, smiling at the immediate look of interest on the curious hobbit's face.
"She is lovely," Merry replied. "If she were any shorter, and had hairy feet, she could pass for a hobbit!"
Aragorn chuckled, and leaned down so that the approaching party would not hear them. "I would keep that observation to myself, Master Hobbit," he said quietly in Merry's ear.
Erin felt a smile break out across her face as she recognized Aragorn, sitting on his horse next to Halbarad and watching them approach. The small, curly haired figure in front of him could only be a hobbit, and his eyes were bright with such unconcealed curiosity that she chuckled.
When Elladan and Elrohir drew their horses to a halt next to Aragorn, they both greeted him in Elvish, and Erin was startled to hear him reply in kind, speaking as smoothly and easily as the twins in their native tongue. She heard Elladan say her name, and Aragorn's attention rested briefly on her, his expression mixed between pleasure at seeing her again, and dismay that she was no longer in the safety of Lothlórien.
"My brother tells me that you are to journey to Edoras to meet the lady Éowyn?" Aragorn asked. At her nod, he continued, "We are riding fast, lady. Your news will have to wait until we stop." He glanced at Elrohir and Elladan, before turning his gaze to Halbarad. "A winged messenger was seen last night. Théoden fears it is following us."
A signal went up from the front of the line, and within moments, the company was on the move once again.
Aragorn rode between Elladan and Elrohir, telling them of the happenings since he had last seen them. Erin listened, a dreadful feeling in her stomach when he described the winged rider that had come the night before, after Pippin had used something he called a Palantír.
"Gandalf thinks that Sauron believes that it is Pippin who holds the ring, and sent his servant to find him. He took him to Minas Tirith, in hopes that he will be safe there, and to consult with the Steward of Gondor."
"Do you think the Steward will heed Mithrandir's words?" Elladan asked.
Aragorn dropped his head for a moment before replying. "I can only hope so."
They rode until well past dark, and Erin found it difficult to keep her eyes open, even while clutching the mane of their galloping horse. After the third or fourth time her head lolled back and rested against Elladan's chest, she heard the elf chuckle softly.
"Rest, Erin, for we will not be stopping this night anytime soon. Sleep while you can." His arm tightened slightly around her middle, bringing her back to rest against his taller form. "I will not let you fall."
She stifled a yawn, closing her eyes. "Can't get rid of me that easily, elf," she replied sleepily.
A gentle hand stroked her hair with soft and even movements, and she found it comforting, like being a child once more in her father's arms as he soothed her scrapes and sorrows. Too tired to stay awake any longer, she allowed herself to be settled against him and slept.
Their horses had no more to give this night, and so Théoden brought the party to a halt next to the shelter of the southern tip of Fangorn. He did not like being still so close to Isengard, despite the destruction of Saruman's army and machines, but there was no hope for it. The horses would go no further, and he was far too good a horseman to push them beyond their strength. He could see exhaustion on the faces of his men as well, and felt his own weariness deep within his bones. Even with Gandalf's miraculous healing, he was still nowhere near his former strength, no matter how well he hid it from others, and the past few weeks had also taken their toll on him. He wondered, with no small amount of bitterness, if he would live to see the end of this war.
His thoughts made him search for Éomer, his sister's son. The man was loyal beyond reproof, and brave as well. Like his uncle, the Third Marshall had within him the very strength that made a good leader, and Théoden saw how his men followed him, trusting and loyal. Éomer would make a fine king, one day, Théoden realized without regret, feeling his bitterness fade with the thought. So long as he knew his people would be safe under his nephew's leadership, Théoden found he did not mind the thoughts of his own passing as much.
Théoden's eyes turned once more to search for the other member of their party who would one day hold the mantle of King, and saw Aragorn riding towards him, his handsome face mirroring Théoden's own weariness.
"It is well you have stopped," Aragorn said, sliding easily from the back of his horse, lifting the small form of Merry from its back and setting the sleepy hobbit on his feet. "All save the elves are sleeping in their saddles, and even their energy is not limitless."
Théoden nodded, handing his reins to the young groom who led the stallion and Aragorn's mount away, stripping his gloves off and tucking them in his belt. He gestured for Aragorn to accompany him and the ranger fell in step beside him, still leading the half-asleep hobbit. He glanced up at the shadowed forms of the trees that loomed over them, shaking his head slightly. Until he had seen the Ents, he had not truly believed the legends about Fangorn; he would never have considered resting beneath their cover. Now, he knew, his men had nothing to fear from the trees, despite their fearsome appearance. So long as no man laid an axe to them, they would be safe.
Aragorn followed the King, resisting the urge to pick up the stumbling Merry and carry him over his shoulder, and admired the way Théoden went out of his way to check on his men, making sure they were settled for the night. He saw a familiar blonde head and equally familiar stocky figure moving beside him, and smiled, bidding good night to the King as he made his way to them.
"Legolas, Gimli," Aragorn said, reaching up to clasp the tall elf's shoulder briefly. "Have you settled for the night?"
"Over there," the elf pointed, and Aragorn saw their belongings resting against the trunk of a gnarled tree. "We would go with you to greet the sons of Elrond and meet with Erin once again."
"Aye," Gimli added, leaning on his axe and looking briefly at the swaying form of Merry with a snort. "How is the lass?"
Aragorn scooped Merry up in his arms, chuckling as the small form went limp, immediately asleep. "Like this one, I fear, the lady is long past being awake."
They followed him to where their belongings lay, and watched the usually stern Ranger tuck the small form beneath the blankets with a tender expression. He turned his head to smile briefly up at them as he arranged Merry's form so that it was completely covered in the warmth of the bedding.
"He will be most upset that he did not get to greet her yet," Aragorn chuckled softly. "For he peppered me with so many questions about her, I am afraid he is already quite enamored of the lady." He heard Gimli's soft laugh as he stood, turning away from the sleeping hobbit. The corner of the Ranger's mouth twitched briefly as he added, "He finds her short stature interesting."
"Oh dear," Gimli chortled, following his companions away from Merry's resting place. "Should we warn the lass?"
Aragorn shrugged, weaving his way through the bodies of the resting Rohirrim and making his way towards where he knew Elladan, Elrohir, and Halbarad were. He saw Elrohir reach up towards his brother, and take the sleeping form of Erin carefully in his arms so his brother could dismount without disturbing her. A dark haired youth led their horses away, but not before Halbarad retrieved something from his saddle, carrying it carefully against his chest.
"Where should I put her?" Elrohir was asking his brother as the others arrived.
"Put her next to Merry," Legolas said, his dark eyes twinkling in mischief as he greeted the twins, his hand touching his heart as he inclined his head gracefully.
Two sets of dark brows rose in question at Legolas' light remark and Elladan turned to Aragorn.
The ranger scowled at his playful friend, though his eyes betrayed his amusement. "I think it would be better for Erin not to meet the hobbit under such circumstances."
Melaphríl returned at that moment and gestured towards the shelter of the trees. "I have laid her bedroll there, meldir," he said quietly, blinking sleepily at Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn. "Shall I take her?"
A very unladylike snore came from Erin's open mouth as she snuggled against Elrohir's chest, sliding deeper into her sleep.
The dark haired elf shook his head and grinned briefly. "She will bring a party of orcs upon us with such noise."
"She does not snore with the strength of Gimli here," Legolas laughed. "So perhaps tonight we will be safe from attack."
The dwarf gave his fair friend a mock scowl, though his expression softened slightly as he looked at Erin's sleeping face. She looked like a child, resting peacefully in the elf's arms.
Elrohir shook his head and moved easily away from the others, depositing the sleeping woman onto her bedroll carefully, so as not to awaken her. He frowned for a moment, watching her curl onto her side and shiver as the night air hit her, and realized he should have put her inside the bedroll, instead of on top of it. With a shrug, he undid his cloak and twirled it from his shoulders, dropping it gently over her small form, tucking it around her shoulders. Satisfied that she would be warm enough, he turned and retraced his steps to where the others were waiting.
Elladan was explaining to Aragorn his grandmother's instructions regarding the girl, and the ranger was shaking his head, obviously not liking it any more than he or his brother had.
"This is no place for a woman like her to be," Aragorn muttered, glancing up as he saw Elrohir return. "I normally would not question the Lady's words, but this seems too dangerous to be anything but folly."
Elrohir draped a companionable arm across Melaphríl's shoulders and gave his friend a light squeeze, before looking back at Aragorn. "I think you will find that the woman is not as helpless as she seems, muindor," he said softly, hearing his brother echo his sentiment.
"Aye," Elladan added. "She has changed much since you saw her last. And we have been teaching her to fight so she can defend herself."
Aragorn snorted, glancing at Gimli and Legolas. "I do not know whether to pity Erin or not, that she should have the two of you instructing her."
Elladan laughed, clasping Aragorn's shoulder lightly. "You will see, muindor."
Their laughter faded as Halbarad approached, and he handed Aragorn the small bundle of cloth he had retrieved from his saddle.
"I have a message for you from the lady of Rivendell," he said quietly, his voice dropping low. "She has said I must tell you this: the days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hopes end. Therefore I send thee what I have made for thee. Fare well, Elfstone."
Aragorn gently fingered the dark fabric, before clutching it to his chest. "Now I know what you bear," he said finally, his voice hushed. He handed it back to Halbarad, his fingers lingering on the fabric. "Bear it still for me a while."
Halbarad nodded, tucking the folded cloth into his tunic. "I bear a message from the Lady of the Golden Wood as well." The dark ranger's eyes lifted to his and Halbarad continued, "The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead."
Aragorn's face paled, and he dropped his head once more. "Always my days have seemed to me too short to achieve my desire," he answered softly, his voice barely audible. He lifted his head and frowned, his eyes glittering in the darkness. "But great indeed will be my haste ere I take that road."
Elrohir stepped away from Melaphríl and embraced Aragorn lightly. "That will soon be seen," he said in Elvish. "But let us speak no more of these things upon this night."
An unearthly shriek woke her from her sleep, and she clutched at her cloak that covered her, terror numbing her mind. She heard it again and scrambled to her feet, glancing up at the dark sky, and nearly screamed when a strong hand grabbed her, another covering her mouth.
"Hush!" Elladan's voice whispered in her ear. "Come."
Erin stumbled, following him in the darkness as he pulled her into the shelter of the trees, where she could barely make out the forms of some of their companions. He took his hand from her mouth but gave her a warning look, telling her without words to remain silent. She heard the shriek again and shivered, terror washing over her in waves.
A dark shape covered the moon for a moment, and Erin saw for the first time what had made that awful and inhuman sound. A winged monster, blacker than the shadows, hovered above where they had been sleeping only moments before, and upon its back was an equally black rider. She shook violently as she heard it give its horrible scream again.
She turned to flee, and felt a pair of arms enfold her; she did not know whose, and she didn't care as she pressed her face against his broad chest, hiding her face from that awful vision. His scent was vaguely familiar, tickling a memory in the back of her mind that wouldn't emerge. She found she could only be grateful for the strength in the arms that held her, preventing her from tearing away and running, screaming into the trees to get away from the horror that flew above them.
She heard the familiar twang of a bowstring as an arrow was released, and looked up, shuddering as the creature gave an unearthly wail and fell from the sky, carrying its rider with it to the ground, where it landed with an audible splash. Gasping, she pressed her face once more against her protector's chest, and heard him whisper softly.
"Hush, it is gone. They cannot abide water."
"Éomer?" she whispered shakily, recognizing his voice. "What was that thing?"
" A winged shadow," he answered softly. "Ringwraith." He stroked her back reassuringly. "The elf, Legolas, shot it down."
She hated the fear that made her shake almost violently in his arms. "I want to go home," she whispered, struggling not to cry. "I want to go home."
"Shh," he told her, uncertain what else he could say that would comfort her. "You are safe. I will let nothing harm you." The trembling woman he held in his arms was a far cry from the young woman who had returned his kisses so boldly at Helm's Deep, but he found himself repeating his words and meaning them with more feeling than he had intended. "I will let nothing harm you."
She felt his large hands stroke her hair as he murmured soft words of reassurance in his own language, calming the tremors from her gradually until finally, they subsided.
"Are you well, lady?" he asked her quietly, releasing her small form with surprising reluctance when he felt her no longer quaking like a newborn foal against his chest.
Erin could not see his face in the darkened gloom of the forest, and something within her made her reach up to touch his cheek, feeling the softness of his beard beneath her fingers.
"Thank you," she managed, dropping her hand away and flushing slightly, glad he couldn't see her embarrassed surprise at her gesture. "I'm okay now."
His cheek tingled where her fingers had touched his face, and he resisted the urge to grab her hand and place her fingers there again, to see if the sensation would be repeated. Instead, he folded her hand against his arm, smiling down at her smaller form in the darkness.
"Come," he said softly. "The danger has passed for the moment, and your companions, no doubt, will be worried about you."
She followed him as pulled her out of the shadows into the light of the moon.
Something was shaking her lightly awake, and Erin opened her eyes reluctantly, peering upwards in the dim light of the early dawn.
Legolas smiled down at her and was startled by her squeal of surprise, and felt his breath being squeezed out of his lungs by the force of her unexpected and warm hug.
"Hello, mellon," he said when he could breathe again, touched by her greeting. He pulled back and looked down at her, smiling in amusement.
Erin smiled impishly at him, glad to see her friend. "Hello, meldir," she replied, grinning when she saw the brief look of startled surprise on his face.
He raised a dark eyebrow at the playful expression on her face. "Pedich i lam edhellen?" he asked with a soft laugh at her expression of confusion.
"I have no idea what you just said, but it sounded lovely," Erin replied, shaking her head. "It is good to see you again."
Legolas rose, offering his hand and pulling her easily to her feet. "I asked if you spoke Elvish, for it seems you may have learned a word or two while you tarried in Lothlórien."
She pulled her hand away, dropping to her knees to roll her sleeping bag up. "You could say I learned a phrase or two," she said mischievously. "Where is everyone?"
"Halbarad and Aragorn have ridden ahead. Elladan and Elrohir are eating with Gimli and Melaphríl, and Merry still sleeps, although I expect his stomach will awaken him soon."
"Hmm," Erin replied, taking his offered arm and glancing up at the beautiful elf beside her with a brief smile. "I'm hungry as well. The last time we ate was sometime yesterday morning."
Legolas' dark eyes glinted in amusement. "We had best hurry, then, before the hobbit wakes, or there will be nothing left."
Erin laughed quietly, noting that the others of the party were stirring as they made their way past them. "Do they really eat that much?"
"Left to their own devices, they will," Legolas replied with a shake of his head. "I do not know how Lord Elrond managed to keep his larder stocked with four of them staying under his roof."
"He sent to the villages for emergency food supplies," Elladan replied, having overheard Legolas' remark as they approached. "And it was a near thing at that."
"Why else do you suppose our father convened the council so quickly?" Elrohir added, finishing the last of his apple and tossing the core behind him. "And did not object to their leaving with the Fellowship?"
Gimli chuckled at the twins' comments, glancing up at Erin and giving her a welcoming nod. "Good morning, lassie," he said, offering her a seat next to him on the fallen log.
"Gimli," Erin exclaimed, hugging the dwarf warmly, and smiling at his grumbles. "It is good to see you again."
"Oh, go on," he said, pushing her away gently, hoping the elves didn't see how pleased her gesture had made him. "What are you doing with these two so far from the safety of Lothlórien?" he asked when she had seated herself beside him.
Erin took the apple Elladan offered her with thanks, biting into it and feeling the juice run down her chin. She wiped her mouth with her fingers and swallowed before answering him. "Apparently I'm to go to Edoras and see Éowyn," she said. "I guess its part of my purpose for being here."
Gimli scowled, glancing at Elladan and Elrohir. "And you agreed to take her along with you? Where is your sense?"
Elrohir frowned. "We have already heard from Estel about why we should not have brought Erin along with us, and I will tell you what I told him: I would like to see you refuse the Lady Galadriel when she has her mind set on something."
Gimli coughed, looking away, and Erin grinned, remembering Orophin and Rúmil's tales of how the dwarf had initially mistrusted the Lady, and had fallen under her spell of gentle beauty.
"Besides," Elladan added, giving Erin an approving look. "She is no longer as helpless as she was when you first met her." He rose to his feet, taking the apple core nimbly from Erin's fingers and tossing it where his brother's lay. "Shall we show them?"
Erin swallowed, feeling slightly nervous about practicing her skills in front of Legolas and Gimli, though it had not bothered her to do so in front of Haldir and the others of the Grey Company. "I don't know," she began uncertainly.
"Come," Elrohir said, rising also. "You did not practice last night. We would not have your newly found skills growing lax." He grinned challengingly at her, and Erin found herself rising to his bait.
"Do we have enough time for me to rub your pretty nose in the dirt?" she asked, arching an eyebrow at him as he handed her stick to her. As if I actually could, she thought with an inward grin.
Elrohir laughed. "It would take far too long an age for that, beren nín," he said, ducking when she poked at him with her stick.
"No calling me names unless I know what they mean," she retorted, following the brothers away from the main encampment to a clearing next to the trees. She was dimly aware of Legolas and Gimli following them, but focused her attention on the lesson ahead. She could not afford to be distracted by her friends, and she definitely did not want to be humiliated in front of them.
Closing out all distractions, Erin took a deep breath and assumed the stance that Elladan and Elrohir had patiently taught her, her 'knife' held easily in her right hand. Elrohir took his customary position across from her and the two circled one another, each searching for an opening in the other's defenses.
"Keep your guard up," Elladan called, watching Erin and his brother move warily, silently approving of her protective stance.
"I think it is your pretty nose that will be rubbed in the dirt," Elrohir taunted, trying to get past her defenses by baiting her. She responded with a laugh and uttered a phrase that neither elf had taught her.
"Mîbo orch!" she replied, silently thanking Rúmil for teaching her that one. He had used it on Orophin and she had asked him what it meant, and had him repeat it several times until she learned it. After all, she had thought at the time, it might be useful to know how to curse someone in Elvish.
Elladan stifled a laugh at his brother's startled expression and silently approved when Erin took advantage of his momentary distraction to make her move. Of course, her speed was no match for Elrohir's, and instead of taking his brother's legs out from under him as she had no doubt intended, her attack met with only empty air.
Elrohir turned and pounced, nearly getting kicked in the face as he took her down with his attack. His 'weapon' was poised at her throat, but his smile faded when he felt something poke him none-too-gently in the ribs.
"Gotcha," Erin said, smiling up at him.
He chuckled, moving off of her with fluid grace. "I think you got lucky that time."
She nodded. "I know I did." She accepted his hand and allowed him to pull her to her feet. "But I'm getting better, aren't I?"
He gave her an approving smile. "Yes, you are." He shook his head with a light laugh. "Mîbo orch?" he asked, raising a dark eyebrow. "Where did you learn that one?"
She snorted, twirling her stick. "Where do you think?"
"What did she say?" Gimli looked at the chuckling elf beside him, wanting to understand the joke.
"She told him to 'go kiss an orc'," Legolas laughed, shaking his head.
"Not all is fair in Lothlórien if she is learning such language from the elves," Gimli snorted. He had been silently surprised at how well the lass had done against Elrohir. No longer did she move so clumsily, as if uncertain how to place her limbs. Though she lacked the fluid style of the elves, she seemed to have learned some of their grace.
"I seem to recall that the dwarves have a similar phrase or two in their tongue," Legolas replied, watching the opponents circle each other once more. He too had been surprised at the change he saw in Erin. Gone was the sad woman who grieved for her loss of home. He saw how much lighter her spirit was, and was gladdened by it, though he wondered what had been the cause of the change.
Gimli chuckled at his friend's comment, his dark eyes gleaming beneath their bushy brows. "I shall have to teach her some of the more inventive curses," he said, following the progress of the young woman and dark haired elf.
"What is going on?" a small voice piped from beside them, and Legolas glanced down, smiling at Merry, who was rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Did I miss breakfast?"
"No, my small friend," Legolas answered with a grin. "You did…" his answer was interrupted by an outraged cry and he looked up.
"Get off me!" Erin said, trying to reach her stick with no success, Elrohir's weight pinning her to the ground.
"You were distracted," Elrohir told her, poking her lightly in the ribs. "And you let your guard down again." He poked her again, and she emitted a noise that sounded suspiciously like a laugh. "How will you learn," he poked her again, "If you let yourself be distracted?" This time he did get a laugh from her as she tried to squirm away from his finger.
"Stop," she laughed. "That tickles."
"Only if," and he poked her several times, eliciting more helpless laughter, "you promise me not to let yourself be distracted. I will not have it."
"Ag!" she pushed ineffectually against his chest, trying to get him away from her. "Okay! Okay! I promise!"
Elladan crossed his arms, looking in amusement as his brother proceeded to tickle Erin further.
"Elrohir, please," Erin laughed breathlessly, still struggling to free herself from his ticklish onslaught. "I can't breathe!"
"Is this some new form of interrogation?" Aragorn's voice came dryly from behind them. "Or is this how the elves of Imladris subdue their foes?"
"You should know better than that, muindor," Elrohir grinned up at him, ceasing his torment of Erin for the moment and allowing her to catch her breath. "I believe Elladan and myself have had you at our mercy this way more than once."
Aragorn's expression lightened briefly. "Aye, too well I remember it. Now, I think the lady has had enough?"
Elrohir obligingly allowed Erin up, pulling her easily to her feet and making a show of brushing the grass from her tunic until she glared at him. She poked him in the chest lightly, tilting her head so she could look at him.
"At least you didn't cop a feel this time," she snorted. "Although I don't know which is worse."
He grinned cheekily at her, which made her roll her eyes.
"What is 'cop a feel?'" Merry queried, glancing up at Legolas with a confused look.
Legolas shook his head. "I do not know, but I do not think it is something good."
"I've had enough of you two," Erin said with a mock glower at the twins. "Legolas, Gimli, would you be so kind as to keep me company for a while?"
"Do not go far," Aragorn said. "We will be leaving soon." He glanced at Elladan and Elrohir, and something in his expression made them lose their cheerful expressions. "I need to speak with you both," Aragorn said softly in Elvish.
"Come, Merry," Gimli said, dropping his hand lightly to the hobbit's shoulder. "Let us keep Erin company for a bit."
"But what about breakfast?"
The dwarf's deep laugh rolled through the trees. "Aye, lad. We will get you some breakfast."
"Good morning, Melaphríl," Erin said, spotting the fair haired elf as he brushed the horse that he and Elrohir shared, noting that their supplies were already neatly packed and ready to go. "Are there any apples left?" she asked. "Merry has not had breakfast."
"Apples?" Merry asked, his small face brightening. "What else?"
Erin laughed, taking the apple that Melaphríl handed her. "Hannon lle," she said, passing it along to Merry. "I don't know. We no doubt have some Lembas as well."
Merry's face fell slightly, but he managed a smile. "Lembas is good," he said, taking an enthusiastic bite from his apple, before plopping comfortably on the grass.
Without a word, the Lórien elf handed her a folded leaf, although his eyes twinkled with humor. She thanked him again, before passing the Lembas to Merry.
Gimli settled his substantial bulk next to the smaller form of the hobbit, bringing one of his axes out to sharpen it as his friend ate. Legolas found a comfortable perch on a nearby rock, folding his arms around his knees, tilting his head slightly as he watched the sky above them lighten with the rising sun.
"Is there anything I can help with, Melaphríl?" Erin asked hopefully, wanting something useful to do.
The elf considered her question a moment, before nodding. "Thalion needs a good grooming as well, if you are up to it."
Erin shrugged. "I've never groomed a horse before, but I'm willing to learn."
Melaphríl gave her a smile, and she suddenly understood why Elrohir might possibly like the fair elf as more than a friend. He was beautiful when he smiled, and his eyes fairly sparkled with good humor. He raised his head and gave a shrill whistle, and moments later, Thalion appeared, his ears pricked up in interest as the horse spotted the elf.
"That's handy," Erin commented, taking the brush from Melaphríl and running it lightly over Thalion's dark coat.
"Use firmer strokes," the Lórien elf instructed, taking the brush from her and demonstrating briefly. "Let him know you are there. Lighter strokes are ticklish."
She nodded, taking the brush back from him and using it the way he had shown her. Thalion seemed to enjoy the attention, leaning into her strokes as she brushed his coat. When she had finished, the elf showed her how to check his feet for stones or other obstructions, explaining that a stone could bruise the sole of the horse, causing him to go lame. As she used the tool he had given her to clean the debris from Thalion's hoofs, she glanced up at him.
"Tell me something," she asked, gripping Thalion's foot between her knees like he had shown her. "Why were you and Elrohir laughing at me the other day, before we reached Lothlórien?"
"We were not laughing at you," Melaphríl countered, avoiding her gaze as he picked an invisible blade of grass from his horse's mane.
Erin snorted, dropping Thanlion's hoof and reaching for the next, sliding her hand down his leg until she reached his ankle, smiling her success as the horse obligingly lifted his foot. I'm getting the hang of this horsey stuff, she thought. "Then what were you laughing at?" she asked, determined not to be put off again.
"It is nothing," he replied. "It was something between myself and Elrohir. Nothing more."
It took her a minute to put it all together. When she did, she blushed and ducked her head, busying herself with Thalion's hooves once more.
Legolas raised an eyebrow at the exchange, and rose gracefully to his feet, curiosity getting the better of him. He walked to where Erin was, watching her reach for the last hoof with growing confidence. He patted Thalion's soft nose, scratching the horse between the ears, and waited for her to finish.
Erin was aware of Legolas' presence on the other side of the horse, and hoped her cheeks had returned to their normal color as she rose, giving him a brief smile, before patting the horse firmly on the neck. "There, that should do it."
"What was that all about?" he asked, glancing briefly at Melaphríl, watching the other elf lead the two horses back to where the others were grazing.
Erin shrugged. "Nothing, apparently. Or something I don't want to know about."
He raised an eyebrow at her.
"I think that Elrohir and Melaphríl are…" she gestured vaguely with her hands. "An item." Her cheeks flushed at the thought. Not that she had anything against it, but it wasn't an idea she was used to. She saw Legolas' uncertain look and she elaborated. "I think they're together."
"Ah," he replied, nodding. "Yes, they have been together for several months now." He watched the color in her face fade back to normal with an inward gin. "How are you faring? You seem happier than the last time I saw you."
Erin shrugged again. "I wouldn't say that I'm happy, really. I'm not unhappy. I just wish that some things were different."
Her reply confused him. "You wish you were not here?" he asked finally.
She gave him a brief smile. "No, and yes." Erin laughed at his puzzled expression. "Did that clear it up?" She shook her head at his confusion. "Don't worry, Legolas," she said with forced lightness. "I'm fine."
Merry gave a rather impressive belch, startling them both into laughter.
"Did you get enough to eat?" Erin asked, moving away from Legolas to sit next to Merry, curling her arms around her knees.
The hobbit patted his stomach and gave her a nod, looking up at her with a grin.
"If you were just a bit shorter and had hairy feet, you would make a lovely hobbit," he said with all seriousness. "Are you married?"
"I'm taken," Erin answered, struggling to keep a straight face. "Sorry."
Merry's face fell comically, before he grinned good-naturedly at her. "Got any sisters?"
Read Chapter 12
