Author's note: Hi, everyone! I'm still here! I'm so sorry this took me so long to update! But there's a lot that happens in this chapter, and they meet up with a familiar face from the movie. It's just too bad I can't remember any details of what he looks like, like his eye color and what color his horse is. Anyway, read on to see who it is!
Rhovanion's Child by Shelly
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Within the next couple of days, Rhiannon was healed enough to go on her journey with Boromir to find Imladris, and she was glad to be leaving. She hated being in one place for too long, simply because she had the restless spirit of a ranger, and she looked forward to seeing different places. Never had she been on the other side of the Misty Mountains, and she wondered at what she would see there.
Boromir had come to visit a few more times, and the time they spent together had been filled with awkwardness after the kiss they had shared. She didn't doubt the feelings that his kiss had stirred within her, she was just a little nervous about what to do next so she did nothing. Besides, she broke her promise to herself to keep from getting involved with the warrior, and she hoped that she could keep her distance from him from now on.
But when she looked upon him, her heart fluttered deep within her chest, a reaction that she tried to ignore but did so unsuccessfully. Why did he always have this kind of effect on her? It was unnerving, and she vowed to herself that she would keep her distance from him during this journey, if for no other reason than to preserve her sanity.
Finally the day came for when they would leave, and they prepared their horses in silence. Boromir had noticed her withdrawal from him lately, and he wondered if the kiss had been a little hasty on his part. But he knew that he had seen the desire burning in her eyes, so what was the problem? Not wanting to figure it out, he kept silent, thinking that if that was how she wanted to play it, then he would, too.
Their departure drew the attention of everyone in the city, since all wanted to be there to say goodbye to their favorite Captain, one who had spent his life protecting them all. The street sides were lined with people wishing them well, and more than a few of them were teary-eyed females that no doubt wept for his departure. For some reason that riled her jealous streak, and she found herself staring them down with a cold glance.
Then she would glance back up to see Boromir watching her with a satisfied smirk on his lips, and she managed to control herself for the remainder of their departure from Minas Tirith. No reason in giving him something to encourage him to pursue her further.
As soon as they cleared the gates, they turned north and exited through the Forannest, the North Gate. They kept their northern heading for some time before turning west, and for the next month they traveled close to the White Mountains, seeing the beacon towers that stood along its length. They both kept their conversations civil with one another, neither of them making a move towards the other out of respect for each other's feelings, although Boromir was in reality waiting for any type of initiation from her. He was beginning to doubt what he had seen that day since she said very little to him except ask a few questions about the surrounding countryside.
Rhiannon, on the other hand, found it an exhausting journey since she was always having to control her emotions around him. They both took turns watching their camp at night, and during those times she was sorely tempted to run her fingers through his hair or place a kiss upon his brow. But she knew it would do her no good to act upon her desires, and so she kept to herself most of the time, saying very little in fear of becoming too close to him.
Soon they came into the grasslands of Rohan, the endless waves of grass a sight to behold. But then they turned their eyes westward when they caught the scent of smoke upon the air, and there some distance away in the Eastfold were columns of smoke rising. Something was burning, and they urged their horses into a faster run in order to get there quickly before anyone else was hurt.
They arrived just in time to help as the attackers were still there, causing chaos and mass destruction wherever they went. They were men, that much they could tell through the dirt and grime that clung to their skin, and their clothes were in similar shape. Their weapons were rudimentary, but they more than knew how to use them to deadly ends. The frightened screams of the villagers seemed to incite a battle rage in them, as if they enjoyed it, and perhaps they did. There was no way of knowing if they were being commanded by another or if this was just some random attack on an unfortunate village.
Knowing that to hesitate meant more lives would be lost, they charged into the fray with their swords shining without a second thought, riding through the attackers and slicing at them with their swords. Their blades were stained blood red before long, and still many were left amongst the village, continuing their destruction even though their men were being killed. But then they seemed to notice, and they slowly came out into the open, their dark eyes burning with a seething hatred at the Captain of Gondor and the Ranger of the Wilderland.
Rhiannon and Boromir sat in silence on their horses, which were fidgeting nervously at the sudden silence, and they glanced quickly at one another with grim faces. Not only were they surrounded from the front, they were blocked off from the rear as well by more of the wild men. She swallowed deeply, knowing the situation they were in was grim, but they had to do something if it meant keeping the villagers safe for the time being.
She looked into the eyes of one of them, and her own widened suddenly before they unleashed their battle cry and surged forward, the sound strangely sounding like the peal of a horn cutting through the air. But then the thundering of horses' hooves reverberated across the ground, and confusion split the ranks of the men for a moment before they saw the mounted and armored men that appeared from behind them.
Rhiannon didn't know what to make of these new riders, but one look at Boromir told her all she needed to know as relief was etched on his face. Apparently they were allies, and they both joined in the battle with renewed strength. It was a rout after that since the wild men were outnumbered now, and many of them fled into the mountains from where they had come. She watched them retreat, clutching her left thigh as she had been gifted with a cut by a lucky strike with a spear.
Boromir noticed this and came to her side, viewing her leg with concern. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of breathlessness from the battle's exertions.
She nodded and pushed strands of hair from her face, her own heart beating at a fast pace from the adrenaline rush that still flowed through her, as well as having him so near her and looking just as exhilarated from battle. "It's just a scratch," she replied with a quick flash of a smile. "Don't worry, though. I paid him back."
His rich laughter enveloped her like a warm blanket, and she joined in his laughter for a moment before seeing movement from the corner of her eye. "Boromir," she warned him, watching as the strange riders stopped near them, one of them eying them curiously.
He was tall and very proud as he sat upon his horse, the shining armor he wore reflecting the sun's rays and making him glimmer. His helm was crested by a plume of white horsehair, and he removed it to reveal a noble face framed by long blond hair a little lighter than Boromir's. "It is strange to see Gondor's Captain so far from home," he said in his rich voice. "Why have you crossed into Rohan this day?"
Boromir bowed a little in greeting. "It is good to see the nephew of the King of the Mark," he replied. "I am on my way north on an errand for my father."
Eomer's gaze slid over to Rhiannon, not surprised to have seen her fighting alongide them since all women of Rohan possessed some skill with a blade. But he had to wonder if she was as good as his sister, Eowyn, and what would come of a meeting between them. He sensed that she had a strong spirit just as his sister did, and no doubt a friendship between them could go either way. "And what of you?" he asked her. "Do you travel north as well?"
"I do, my lord," she replied, remembering she was speaking to royalty.
"And do you come from Gondor?" he continued.
She noticed the jealous fire that ignited in Boromir's eyes, and she fought not to smile. "No, my lord. I come from further east, from the wildlands of Rhovanion. And my name is Elena, if you wish to know."
This time Eomer did smile, and it did wonders for his features as it warmed his previously stern expression. "Indeed I do. I welcome you both with many thanks of your aid to the people of Rohan. In return, I extend an offer of my uncle's hospitality to you, if you will accept it."
Rhiannon looked to Boromir hopefully, wishing he would accept as it meant sleeping in a real bed and bathing in warm water instead of cold for once. She saw him nod once in acceptance, and her elation was evident only by the light that shone in her eyes. "We accept your gracious offer, Lord Eomer," he replied.
Eomer nodded once in acknowledgement. "Follow me, then."
********************
See, it was Eomer! But I guess you all already knew that. And Rhiannon had managed to distance herself from Boromir. But we'll see when she meets Eowyn. I'll tell you all right now, I don't much care for her, I don't know why. She just rubs me the wrong way.
Oh well, thanks for reading! C-ya!
Rhovanion's Child by Shelly
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Within the next couple of days, Rhiannon was healed enough to go on her journey with Boromir to find Imladris, and she was glad to be leaving. She hated being in one place for too long, simply because she had the restless spirit of a ranger, and she looked forward to seeing different places. Never had she been on the other side of the Misty Mountains, and she wondered at what she would see there.
Boromir had come to visit a few more times, and the time they spent together had been filled with awkwardness after the kiss they had shared. She didn't doubt the feelings that his kiss had stirred within her, she was just a little nervous about what to do next so she did nothing. Besides, she broke her promise to herself to keep from getting involved with the warrior, and she hoped that she could keep her distance from him from now on.
But when she looked upon him, her heart fluttered deep within her chest, a reaction that she tried to ignore but did so unsuccessfully. Why did he always have this kind of effect on her? It was unnerving, and she vowed to herself that she would keep her distance from him during this journey, if for no other reason than to preserve her sanity.
Finally the day came for when they would leave, and they prepared their horses in silence. Boromir had noticed her withdrawal from him lately, and he wondered if the kiss had been a little hasty on his part. But he knew that he had seen the desire burning in her eyes, so what was the problem? Not wanting to figure it out, he kept silent, thinking that if that was how she wanted to play it, then he would, too.
Their departure drew the attention of everyone in the city, since all wanted to be there to say goodbye to their favorite Captain, one who had spent his life protecting them all. The street sides were lined with people wishing them well, and more than a few of them were teary-eyed females that no doubt wept for his departure. For some reason that riled her jealous streak, and she found herself staring them down with a cold glance.
Then she would glance back up to see Boromir watching her with a satisfied smirk on his lips, and she managed to control herself for the remainder of their departure from Minas Tirith. No reason in giving him something to encourage him to pursue her further.
As soon as they cleared the gates, they turned north and exited through the Forannest, the North Gate. They kept their northern heading for some time before turning west, and for the next month they traveled close to the White Mountains, seeing the beacon towers that stood along its length. They both kept their conversations civil with one another, neither of them making a move towards the other out of respect for each other's feelings, although Boromir was in reality waiting for any type of initiation from her. He was beginning to doubt what he had seen that day since she said very little to him except ask a few questions about the surrounding countryside.
Rhiannon, on the other hand, found it an exhausting journey since she was always having to control her emotions around him. They both took turns watching their camp at night, and during those times she was sorely tempted to run her fingers through his hair or place a kiss upon his brow. But she knew it would do her no good to act upon her desires, and so she kept to herself most of the time, saying very little in fear of becoming too close to him.
Soon they came into the grasslands of Rohan, the endless waves of grass a sight to behold. But then they turned their eyes westward when they caught the scent of smoke upon the air, and there some distance away in the Eastfold were columns of smoke rising. Something was burning, and they urged their horses into a faster run in order to get there quickly before anyone else was hurt.
They arrived just in time to help as the attackers were still there, causing chaos and mass destruction wherever they went. They were men, that much they could tell through the dirt and grime that clung to their skin, and their clothes were in similar shape. Their weapons were rudimentary, but they more than knew how to use them to deadly ends. The frightened screams of the villagers seemed to incite a battle rage in them, as if they enjoyed it, and perhaps they did. There was no way of knowing if they were being commanded by another or if this was just some random attack on an unfortunate village.
Knowing that to hesitate meant more lives would be lost, they charged into the fray with their swords shining without a second thought, riding through the attackers and slicing at them with their swords. Their blades were stained blood red before long, and still many were left amongst the village, continuing their destruction even though their men were being killed. But then they seemed to notice, and they slowly came out into the open, their dark eyes burning with a seething hatred at the Captain of Gondor and the Ranger of the Wilderland.
Rhiannon and Boromir sat in silence on their horses, which were fidgeting nervously at the sudden silence, and they glanced quickly at one another with grim faces. Not only were they surrounded from the front, they were blocked off from the rear as well by more of the wild men. She swallowed deeply, knowing the situation they were in was grim, but they had to do something if it meant keeping the villagers safe for the time being.
She looked into the eyes of one of them, and her own widened suddenly before they unleashed their battle cry and surged forward, the sound strangely sounding like the peal of a horn cutting through the air. But then the thundering of horses' hooves reverberated across the ground, and confusion split the ranks of the men for a moment before they saw the mounted and armored men that appeared from behind them.
Rhiannon didn't know what to make of these new riders, but one look at Boromir told her all she needed to know as relief was etched on his face. Apparently they were allies, and they both joined in the battle with renewed strength. It was a rout after that since the wild men were outnumbered now, and many of them fled into the mountains from where they had come. She watched them retreat, clutching her left thigh as she had been gifted with a cut by a lucky strike with a spear.
Boromir noticed this and came to her side, viewing her leg with concern. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of breathlessness from the battle's exertions.
She nodded and pushed strands of hair from her face, her own heart beating at a fast pace from the adrenaline rush that still flowed through her, as well as having him so near her and looking just as exhilarated from battle. "It's just a scratch," she replied with a quick flash of a smile. "Don't worry, though. I paid him back."
His rich laughter enveloped her like a warm blanket, and she joined in his laughter for a moment before seeing movement from the corner of her eye. "Boromir," she warned him, watching as the strange riders stopped near them, one of them eying them curiously.
He was tall and very proud as he sat upon his horse, the shining armor he wore reflecting the sun's rays and making him glimmer. His helm was crested by a plume of white horsehair, and he removed it to reveal a noble face framed by long blond hair a little lighter than Boromir's. "It is strange to see Gondor's Captain so far from home," he said in his rich voice. "Why have you crossed into Rohan this day?"
Boromir bowed a little in greeting. "It is good to see the nephew of the King of the Mark," he replied. "I am on my way north on an errand for my father."
Eomer's gaze slid over to Rhiannon, not surprised to have seen her fighting alongide them since all women of Rohan possessed some skill with a blade. But he had to wonder if she was as good as his sister, Eowyn, and what would come of a meeting between them. He sensed that she had a strong spirit just as his sister did, and no doubt a friendship between them could go either way. "And what of you?" he asked her. "Do you travel north as well?"
"I do, my lord," she replied, remembering she was speaking to royalty.
"And do you come from Gondor?" he continued.
She noticed the jealous fire that ignited in Boromir's eyes, and she fought not to smile. "No, my lord. I come from further east, from the wildlands of Rhovanion. And my name is Elena, if you wish to know."
This time Eomer did smile, and it did wonders for his features as it warmed his previously stern expression. "Indeed I do. I welcome you both with many thanks of your aid to the people of Rohan. In return, I extend an offer of my uncle's hospitality to you, if you will accept it."
Rhiannon looked to Boromir hopefully, wishing he would accept as it meant sleeping in a real bed and bathing in warm water instead of cold for once. She saw him nod once in acceptance, and her elation was evident only by the light that shone in her eyes. "We accept your gracious offer, Lord Eomer," he replied.
Eomer nodded once in acknowledgement. "Follow me, then."
********************
See, it was Eomer! But I guess you all already knew that. And Rhiannon had managed to distance herself from Boromir. But we'll see when she meets Eowyn. I'll tell you all right now, I don't much care for her, I don't know why. She just rubs me the wrong way.
Oh well, thanks for reading! C-ya!