*Author's Note* Hey guys, so sorry that it's been a while since I updated
this story. it's my senior year of High School and I've been getting
swamped with homework. plus I have a horse to take care of and that pretty
much eats up my weekends.anyway. with out any further rambling.here is the
next chapter. (I'll try to get the next one posted a lot sooner that this
one took.)
~ Squijim~
Chapter 4: Wild Horses Just Stay Wild.
More than a few years had passed, and with them the friendship between Aireromen and Legolas had grown.
It was towards the middle of fall, the leaves were turning bright colors and the leaves of the Golden Wood were above all the most gorgeous. Aireromen sat next to a large pond, braiding a piece of her hair. She brushed some dirt off of her dark leggings and bright blue tunic, the wind was softly blowing but it was still strong enough to blow things around.
She looked up and laughed.
"What's so funny?" Legolas asked, staring down at her, his arms folded across his chest.
Aireromen shook her head rapidly. "Nothing" she smirked.
Legolas narrowed his eyes, "Your lying princess." He let his arms hang loose at his sides. "What is it?"
Airereomen had a few more laughs at Legolas's expense before talking to the elf again. "It's just that. you said if you lost the race with me that you would jump into the lake. and yet here you stand on dry land cowering before the water!" She giggled.
The pond was without a doubt, below freezing, it was morning and of corse the middle of fall. Aireromen knew very well how cold the water was, she had gone in just the other day, it was too cold even for her. But she was not planning of making any effort to share this information with her friend; it would spoil half the fun.
'What's taking you so long? You lost the bet Legolas now jump!' Aireromen demanded.
'Fine, Fine!' Legolas walked over to a log that hung out over the water and stood on it, preparing to leap into the freezing pond.
Aireromen leaned forward, waiting eagerly for Legolas to fling himself in.
She heard something, a distant rumble of some sort, her smile fell and she turned her head listening.
Legolas too had heard something; he jumped down from the log and came to stand beside Aireromen. He glared off into the trees, 'What do you suppose it is?' he glanced over at Aireromen.
She stood up, listening hard, her face contorted in thought, 'I do not know'
There came a shrill sound, like a scream. The two elves started their eyes wide with fear.
Aireromen turned slowly to Legolas. 'It can't be- it. it sounds like.'
'Nazgul,' Legolas whispered, finishing the sentence for her.
'But how can that be? There are no Nazgul around here, I thought they were in Minas Morgul?' Aireromen argued.
'That is as I thought; though it is possible that the black gate could have opened. I have heard Gandalf the wizard speaking with my father about a great blackness and how he fears that the land of Mordor is awakening.' Legolas moved backwards uneasily.
There came another scream, Aireromen too fell back. 'I are not armed, my sword is not here'
'Nor am I' Legolas said.
He scanned the area around them, searching for a place to hide. 'Aire, over there, that tree should do well to conceal us' he took Aireromen by the hand and they ran quickly to a large tree, ducking down low in the bushes around it.
Aireromen peeked around the tree, waiting for the Nazgul, or whatever it was to show it's self. The rumble grew louder and soon it was as thunder in their ears.
A black form burst through the trees and screamed, Aireromen and Legolas fell back, staring wide eyed, there before them was a Nazgul's steed, unsaddled and riderless. He was huge and his eyes blazed, his mane looked wet and matted his coat was sweaty and ruffled and parts. He reared and blasted another deadly scream; a white horse soon came after him, this one was beautiful, a coat shiny and a mane and tail so long and silky. Behind this beautiful horse came another, as huge and as black as the Nazgul steed and for a moment they thought that it was. But this horse was too beautiful to be the steed of a Nazgul, his coat dark coat shone like gems and his mane and tail were as long and as beautiful as the white horse's, but his eyes were the same blazing red of the Nazgul steed.
'Annun Fennias.' Legolas whispered.
Aireromen glanced at Legolas, 'The mare Lord Elrond lost?'
'Yes, and I believe that is the stallion who took her, but I do not know this other horse that travels with them, he looks like a Nazgul's steed, and yet. he's too beautiful. too finely built to be one.' Legolas breathed.
Aireromen rolled her eyes, 'Legolas, it is quite obvious. the horse is an offspring of the two.'
Legolas glared at her, 'I was going to figure that out. if you would have given me a chance!' he grumbled.
'Yes. I'm sure you were.' Aireromen laughed silently.
'We had better get back to the city Legolas whispered.
'I believe you are right in that' Aireromen whispered back.
They stood slowly and turned, making their way softly through the trees, but like elves, the ears of an elvish horse are sharp. Annun Fennias raised her head, she saw the young elves and nickered happily, she had no fear of them.
The Nazgul stallion's head jerked up, his eyes blazed and he reared, legs tearing at the sky, he screamed a bugle so loud that birds flew from the surrounding trees.
Legolas and Aireromen turned quickly.
'RUN! RUN!' Legolas yelled, taking Aireromen's arm and plunging deeper into the trees.
The horses sped after them, but elves were quick and fast and Aireromen knew the forest well, she took the lead and sped off to the fair city of Lothlorien.
'AI! Nazgul! Nazgul steeds approach!' yelled Legolas.
Haldir heard the cries and quickly summoned as many guards as could be found.
Legolas and Aireromen burst through the trees, and behind them came the horses, the stallion screaming.
All around them was chaos, the horses ran about the elves, maddened and rearing. The stallion kicked whoever came close.
Celeborn and Galadriel came down from the lofty trees; Celeborn was brandishing a long and shining sword.
'Seize them!' Celeborn cried 'Quickly!'
Haldir and Legolas grabbed strong ropes and tossed them in the air, one looped around the Stallion's thick neck and the other around his front legs, they tugged hard, jerking the giant horse off of his feet and he fell with a thud to the ground. More ropes were cast onto him and it took many elves to hold him.
With the stallion restrained, Annun Fenias was free to be handled; she took a rope around her neck willingly and walked calmly as she was led away.
Legolas pulled with all his might on the rope, he looked to Haldir, 'Where is Aireromen?'
His question was answered by a shrill neigh, Legolas turned his head and saw the other black horse, rearing and bucking, trying to get to Aireromen who was hanging by her hands from a tree branch.
'Aire!' Legolas called, but he could do nothing to help her, he had to stay here and deal with the Nazgul Steed. Every spare hand was needed to hold him down. A few elves tried to reach the princess, but the black horse would turn and slash at them; already four elves were being taken away, suffering from broken bones.
The giant black horse screamed at her, his blood red eyes burning with hatred.
Aireromen dropped down from the branch, facing the monestrous horse, her eyes steeled over and she stood ridged. 'DINA!' (Be silent) she yelled at him.
The horse's front feet came down with a thud in front of her. He neighed shrilly at her and tossed his head warningly, pawing the earth.
'Tampa tanya!' (Stop that!) She yelled at the horse sternly.
To the surprise of everyone around the horse ceased and stood still, almost relaxed and calm. Aireromen walked slowly up to the giant muscular horse, reaching her hand up to stroke his muzzle.
'Aire, don't.' Legolas called.
But Aireromen headed him not, and let her hand come in contact with the velvet muzzle and strong, huge cheekbones of the horse.
An elf came up with a rope and tried to put it around the horse's neck, but he reared suddenly and lashed his hooves out at him.
'Shhhhhhh.. Easy there Mor-o.' (Black one) Aireromen gently stroked his neck calming him down, it was like a spell had been cast over the horse and he seemed only to listen to her.
Celeborn came forward and examined the three horses. 'Dariel!' he called to one of the guards.
A tall brown haired elf with grey eyes approached, 'Yes my Lord?'
'Take this mare to Rivendell, it is the mare that is missing from the Lord Elrond's private stables, I am sure he will be more that happy to see her back again.' Celeborn responded.
Dariel took the mare by the rope and disappeared from sight.
Celeborn walked up to the struggling Stallion; his blue-gray eyes were cold as he looked at the horse. 'This is Dimernil, the steed of the Witch King, a cruel and evil creature he is. I cannot have him in my lands. nay, he cannot walk upon any of the free lands of Middle-Earth, and to send him back to Mordor would be foolish. I'm afraid he must be destroyed.' Celeborn, for once, looked upon the animal with pity, no horse. even the wicked steed of a Nazgul deserved to be murdered, but he was far to dangerous to the elves and to any other creature who lived.
'Haldir, please. if you will. put him out of his misery' Celeborn cast his eyes away for a moment. He then stepped closer to the stallion, and reached a hand out, placing it on the horse's head, surprisingly, the horse made no attempt to hurt him, he seemed to be in a trance as soon as the hand of Celeborn had touched his head. 'Quel esta, Dimernil' (Rest well, Dimernil) he whispered to the horse softly, then he stepped back.
Haldir walked up to the horse, his eyes brimmed with tears as he raised the bow, and the arrow he held was pointed directly at the horse's heart. He hesitated. 'Is there any other way my Lord?' He looked to Celeborn.
'No, it will be quick, please Haldir, just release the arrow, he will not feel much.' Celeborn gazed at the horse.
Aireromen watched from behind the black horse, she buried her face into the horse's soft mane; she could not watch this.
Haldir sighed deeply and released the arrow, it struck the heart of the horse quickly, and the great beast crumpled to the ground and was gone.
The black horse had watched the whole thing, and when Celeborn approached him, he backed away, hiding behind Aireromen.
Celeborn stopped just feet in front of them, 'Aire, please move.' He said softly.
Aireromen shook her head fiercely. 'No Ada, I wont' she stood her ground, and kept one hand on the horse's shoulder protectively. ' He is merely an offspring.' She argued.
'Yes, and is just as dangerous as his sire, we cannot have such a threat in Lothlorien my daughter.' Celeborn replied sternly.
'He's no where near as dangerous as Dimernil, he would not intentionally hurt someone. he simply doesn't know elves. he has never seen them before. besides, he listens to me. Ada he is young, please give him a chance, please Ada!' Aireromen begged, a tear fell down her cheek.
Celeborn stood silent for a while, looking at his daughter and at the giant horse beside her. He sighed and bowed his head. 'All right Aire. all right, You may keep him, he is permitted to stay. But train him, and train him well. I do not want him running a muck and hurting other elves. He his your responsibility.'
Aireromen smiled and hugged the horse, she had spared his young life, she gazed into the horse's red eyes. They seemed softer now and full of trust for her. 'It is all right now, you will be safe with me. Morwing'
The ears of the horse perked forward at the mention of his new name, he let it roll around in his head for a while, he liked it. he never had a name before. This girl seemed sweet and was very kind. He liked her; he felt a strong connection with her that seemed to draw him to her. He nickered softly and nudged her gently.
Legolas approached slowly as not to spook the horse.
Morwing's eyes steeled over as he approached, what was this male doing? Couldn't he see she was his? He snorted and pawed the ground a few times to warn the elf to back off.
Legolas kept his distance, 'Are you actually serious about keeping that animal?' He folded his arms and looked at the horse uneasily.
'Of corse I am. he's sweet.' She responded.
Legolas rolled his eyes, 'Yes, very sweet. chasing us through the forest was very sweet. breaking the arms and legs of four elves is very sweet as well.'
Aireromen glared at him. 'Be quiet! Morwing was only acting in self- defense.'
'You have already named it? Sweet Valar.' Legolas rubbed his forehead. 'I would like to stay, but I fear they are going to need some help in getting ride of the body... enjoy yourself with your knew. friend.' He laughed once and turned, walking off.
Aireromen stroked the soft black coat, kissing the horse's neck. 'Come along Morwing, I will feed you and show you around.'
Morwing tossed his head and followed her eagerly, glancing from side to side.
~ Squijim~
Chapter 4: Wild Horses Just Stay Wild.
More than a few years had passed, and with them the friendship between Aireromen and Legolas had grown.
It was towards the middle of fall, the leaves were turning bright colors and the leaves of the Golden Wood were above all the most gorgeous. Aireromen sat next to a large pond, braiding a piece of her hair. She brushed some dirt off of her dark leggings and bright blue tunic, the wind was softly blowing but it was still strong enough to blow things around.
She looked up and laughed.
"What's so funny?" Legolas asked, staring down at her, his arms folded across his chest.
Aireromen shook her head rapidly. "Nothing" she smirked.
Legolas narrowed his eyes, "Your lying princess." He let his arms hang loose at his sides. "What is it?"
Airereomen had a few more laughs at Legolas's expense before talking to the elf again. "It's just that. you said if you lost the race with me that you would jump into the lake. and yet here you stand on dry land cowering before the water!" She giggled.
The pond was without a doubt, below freezing, it was morning and of corse the middle of fall. Aireromen knew very well how cold the water was, she had gone in just the other day, it was too cold even for her. But she was not planning of making any effort to share this information with her friend; it would spoil half the fun.
'What's taking you so long? You lost the bet Legolas now jump!' Aireromen demanded.
'Fine, Fine!' Legolas walked over to a log that hung out over the water and stood on it, preparing to leap into the freezing pond.
Aireromen leaned forward, waiting eagerly for Legolas to fling himself in.
She heard something, a distant rumble of some sort, her smile fell and she turned her head listening.
Legolas too had heard something; he jumped down from the log and came to stand beside Aireromen. He glared off into the trees, 'What do you suppose it is?' he glanced over at Aireromen.
She stood up, listening hard, her face contorted in thought, 'I do not know'
There came a shrill sound, like a scream. The two elves started their eyes wide with fear.
Aireromen turned slowly to Legolas. 'It can't be- it. it sounds like.'
'Nazgul,' Legolas whispered, finishing the sentence for her.
'But how can that be? There are no Nazgul around here, I thought they were in Minas Morgul?' Aireromen argued.
'That is as I thought; though it is possible that the black gate could have opened. I have heard Gandalf the wizard speaking with my father about a great blackness and how he fears that the land of Mordor is awakening.' Legolas moved backwards uneasily.
There came another scream, Aireromen too fell back. 'I are not armed, my sword is not here'
'Nor am I' Legolas said.
He scanned the area around them, searching for a place to hide. 'Aire, over there, that tree should do well to conceal us' he took Aireromen by the hand and they ran quickly to a large tree, ducking down low in the bushes around it.
Aireromen peeked around the tree, waiting for the Nazgul, or whatever it was to show it's self. The rumble grew louder and soon it was as thunder in their ears.
A black form burst through the trees and screamed, Aireromen and Legolas fell back, staring wide eyed, there before them was a Nazgul's steed, unsaddled and riderless. He was huge and his eyes blazed, his mane looked wet and matted his coat was sweaty and ruffled and parts. He reared and blasted another deadly scream; a white horse soon came after him, this one was beautiful, a coat shiny and a mane and tail so long and silky. Behind this beautiful horse came another, as huge and as black as the Nazgul steed and for a moment they thought that it was. But this horse was too beautiful to be the steed of a Nazgul, his coat dark coat shone like gems and his mane and tail were as long and as beautiful as the white horse's, but his eyes were the same blazing red of the Nazgul steed.
'Annun Fennias.' Legolas whispered.
Aireromen glanced at Legolas, 'The mare Lord Elrond lost?'
'Yes, and I believe that is the stallion who took her, but I do not know this other horse that travels with them, he looks like a Nazgul's steed, and yet. he's too beautiful. too finely built to be one.' Legolas breathed.
Aireromen rolled her eyes, 'Legolas, it is quite obvious. the horse is an offspring of the two.'
Legolas glared at her, 'I was going to figure that out. if you would have given me a chance!' he grumbled.
'Yes. I'm sure you were.' Aireromen laughed silently.
'We had better get back to the city Legolas whispered.
'I believe you are right in that' Aireromen whispered back.
They stood slowly and turned, making their way softly through the trees, but like elves, the ears of an elvish horse are sharp. Annun Fennias raised her head, she saw the young elves and nickered happily, she had no fear of them.
The Nazgul stallion's head jerked up, his eyes blazed and he reared, legs tearing at the sky, he screamed a bugle so loud that birds flew from the surrounding trees.
Legolas and Aireromen turned quickly.
'RUN! RUN!' Legolas yelled, taking Aireromen's arm and plunging deeper into the trees.
The horses sped after them, but elves were quick and fast and Aireromen knew the forest well, she took the lead and sped off to the fair city of Lothlorien.
'AI! Nazgul! Nazgul steeds approach!' yelled Legolas.
Haldir heard the cries and quickly summoned as many guards as could be found.
Legolas and Aireromen burst through the trees, and behind them came the horses, the stallion screaming.
All around them was chaos, the horses ran about the elves, maddened and rearing. The stallion kicked whoever came close.
Celeborn and Galadriel came down from the lofty trees; Celeborn was brandishing a long and shining sword.
'Seize them!' Celeborn cried 'Quickly!'
Haldir and Legolas grabbed strong ropes and tossed them in the air, one looped around the Stallion's thick neck and the other around his front legs, they tugged hard, jerking the giant horse off of his feet and he fell with a thud to the ground. More ropes were cast onto him and it took many elves to hold him.
With the stallion restrained, Annun Fenias was free to be handled; she took a rope around her neck willingly and walked calmly as she was led away.
Legolas pulled with all his might on the rope, he looked to Haldir, 'Where is Aireromen?'
His question was answered by a shrill neigh, Legolas turned his head and saw the other black horse, rearing and bucking, trying to get to Aireromen who was hanging by her hands from a tree branch.
'Aire!' Legolas called, but he could do nothing to help her, he had to stay here and deal with the Nazgul Steed. Every spare hand was needed to hold him down. A few elves tried to reach the princess, but the black horse would turn and slash at them; already four elves were being taken away, suffering from broken bones.
The giant black horse screamed at her, his blood red eyes burning with hatred.
Aireromen dropped down from the branch, facing the monestrous horse, her eyes steeled over and she stood ridged. 'DINA!' (Be silent) she yelled at him.
The horse's front feet came down with a thud in front of her. He neighed shrilly at her and tossed his head warningly, pawing the earth.
'Tampa tanya!' (Stop that!) She yelled at the horse sternly.
To the surprise of everyone around the horse ceased and stood still, almost relaxed and calm. Aireromen walked slowly up to the giant muscular horse, reaching her hand up to stroke his muzzle.
'Aire, don't.' Legolas called.
But Aireromen headed him not, and let her hand come in contact with the velvet muzzle and strong, huge cheekbones of the horse.
An elf came up with a rope and tried to put it around the horse's neck, but he reared suddenly and lashed his hooves out at him.
'Shhhhhhh.. Easy there Mor-o.' (Black one) Aireromen gently stroked his neck calming him down, it was like a spell had been cast over the horse and he seemed only to listen to her.
Celeborn came forward and examined the three horses. 'Dariel!' he called to one of the guards.
A tall brown haired elf with grey eyes approached, 'Yes my Lord?'
'Take this mare to Rivendell, it is the mare that is missing from the Lord Elrond's private stables, I am sure he will be more that happy to see her back again.' Celeborn responded.
Dariel took the mare by the rope and disappeared from sight.
Celeborn walked up to the struggling Stallion; his blue-gray eyes were cold as he looked at the horse. 'This is Dimernil, the steed of the Witch King, a cruel and evil creature he is. I cannot have him in my lands. nay, he cannot walk upon any of the free lands of Middle-Earth, and to send him back to Mordor would be foolish. I'm afraid he must be destroyed.' Celeborn, for once, looked upon the animal with pity, no horse. even the wicked steed of a Nazgul deserved to be murdered, but he was far to dangerous to the elves and to any other creature who lived.
'Haldir, please. if you will. put him out of his misery' Celeborn cast his eyes away for a moment. He then stepped closer to the stallion, and reached a hand out, placing it on the horse's head, surprisingly, the horse made no attempt to hurt him, he seemed to be in a trance as soon as the hand of Celeborn had touched his head. 'Quel esta, Dimernil' (Rest well, Dimernil) he whispered to the horse softly, then he stepped back.
Haldir walked up to the horse, his eyes brimmed with tears as he raised the bow, and the arrow he held was pointed directly at the horse's heart. He hesitated. 'Is there any other way my Lord?' He looked to Celeborn.
'No, it will be quick, please Haldir, just release the arrow, he will not feel much.' Celeborn gazed at the horse.
Aireromen watched from behind the black horse, she buried her face into the horse's soft mane; she could not watch this.
Haldir sighed deeply and released the arrow, it struck the heart of the horse quickly, and the great beast crumpled to the ground and was gone.
The black horse had watched the whole thing, and when Celeborn approached him, he backed away, hiding behind Aireromen.
Celeborn stopped just feet in front of them, 'Aire, please move.' He said softly.
Aireromen shook her head fiercely. 'No Ada, I wont' she stood her ground, and kept one hand on the horse's shoulder protectively. ' He is merely an offspring.' She argued.
'Yes, and is just as dangerous as his sire, we cannot have such a threat in Lothlorien my daughter.' Celeborn replied sternly.
'He's no where near as dangerous as Dimernil, he would not intentionally hurt someone. he simply doesn't know elves. he has never seen them before. besides, he listens to me. Ada he is young, please give him a chance, please Ada!' Aireromen begged, a tear fell down her cheek.
Celeborn stood silent for a while, looking at his daughter and at the giant horse beside her. He sighed and bowed his head. 'All right Aire. all right, You may keep him, he is permitted to stay. But train him, and train him well. I do not want him running a muck and hurting other elves. He his your responsibility.'
Aireromen smiled and hugged the horse, she had spared his young life, she gazed into the horse's red eyes. They seemed softer now and full of trust for her. 'It is all right now, you will be safe with me. Morwing'
The ears of the horse perked forward at the mention of his new name, he let it roll around in his head for a while, he liked it. he never had a name before. This girl seemed sweet and was very kind. He liked her; he felt a strong connection with her that seemed to draw him to her. He nickered softly and nudged her gently.
Legolas approached slowly as not to spook the horse.
Morwing's eyes steeled over as he approached, what was this male doing? Couldn't he see she was his? He snorted and pawed the ground a few times to warn the elf to back off.
Legolas kept his distance, 'Are you actually serious about keeping that animal?' He folded his arms and looked at the horse uneasily.
'Of corse I am. he's sweet.' She responded.
Legolas rolled his eyes, 'Yes, very sweet. chasing us through the forest was very sweet. breaking the arms and legs of four elves is very sweet as well.'
Aireromen glared at him. 'Be quiet! Morwing was only acting in self- defense.'
'You have already named it? Sweet Valar.' Legolas rubbed his forehead. 'I would like to stay, but I fear they are going to need some help in getting ride of the body... enjoy yourself with your knew. friend.' He laughed once and turned, walking off.
Aireromen stroked the soft black coat, kissing the horse's neck. 'Come along Morwing, I will feed you and show you around.'
Morwing tossed his head and followed her eagerly, glancing from side to side.