Disclaimer: OK! I don't own any of the LOtR characters. But I do own Isilya! And the plot is mine. If there are any characters in this that resemble anybody dead or alive, then it is plain luck.
Prologue: A time after the war of the ring. When everyone was happy that the evil was over, a new or perhaps a forgotten enemy rears his head. Now, the three friends travel to a land quite east to Mordor. New adventures await them. And new friends and trials too!
A/N: I would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing my story and thus encouraging me and giving me pointers. You people make the world go around! U
JessieRose: The first reviewer of this story, you helped me through the time when I thought if this story was ever good enough to be published! I have acknowledged your correction and shall be changing it immediately! Thank you!
Leggylover2004: Thanks a bunch for your reviews! I loved it!
Gods-girl2004: Thanks for your reviews as well! I will keep updating as soon as I can!
Chapter 3 (The host of warrior elleth)
The party of four had left the capital city of Minas Tirith four days ago and was now on a long journey to distant lands of the east. Aragorn was quiet for most of the journey and it was the job of Legolas and Gimli to start any conversation and end them. Gandalf who was riding Shadowfax seemed immersed in the scroll. They were crossing Mordor when Gandalf spoke,
"There was evil here once!"
Aragorn looked at Gandalf. "Does it sleep for eternity? Or will it claim my family as well?"
Gandalf looked at Aragorn with fleeting pity in his glance. "You fret too much lord! Your child shall save middle earth and you should be grateful for that! The prophecy shall come true! Now don't you worry!"
Aragorn glared at Gandalf but remained silent. Legolas and Gimli could merely shake their heads. They knew it would be hard for Aragorn but knew that all of this happened for a purpose.
Just as they passed Mordor's distant eastern borders, they found a green wooded area. Aragorn stopped his horse to gaze at the region in surprise. Legolas stopped his white steed too. He turned to Gandalf,
"What is this place Mithrandir? We have never seen any region as this before! Where are you leading us?"
Gandalf stopped Shadowfax.
"This my friends, is the region east of Mordor. The country here is named Edona. The people are warrior like and it is better that we behave with a little respect to them. The minion of Nwalme is to the south from where we stand. Another day's journey shall take us there! Now let us not waste time and hurry."
This was their cue to speed up their horses. Gimli who was sitting behind Legolas as usual was grumbling.
"Behave with respect! Does Gandalf not know that we helped defeat Mordor? Is this country more dangerous than that?"
As if to answer his question, an arrow whizzed past his head and stuck to the tree behind them. The party stopped and listened for any possible movement but none seemed to come. Then, as if called, three cloaked figures dropped from the oak trees in front of them. Legolas turned his head slowly to see five more such figures behind them. He then turned to Aragorn and whispered,
"There are five more behind us."
Aragorn merely nodded and picked up his sword from its sheath. But that must have been the best thing he could have avoided doing as the cloaked figure in the middle extended its hand and as though a strong gale had blown upon him, Aragorn's sword fell from his hand onto the ground. He turned to see the mysterious warrior lowering its hand. The next instance the other seven of them raised their dark brown bows and aimed at the party. Gandalf glared at Aragorn who was looking at the turn of events rather astonished and bemused.
Gandalf then spoke to the figure, which had earlier disarmed Aragorn.
"I, Mithrandir come here asking for friendship. I pray you allow us to pass."
The cloaked figure slowly removed the hood from its face to reveal an elleth (female elf). She had light grey eyes and white hair. But she did not look old at all! Her skin was dark and that complemented her appearance more than anything. She turned to look at the rest of her party and they all lowered their bows at the silent command of her eyes. She then turned to Gandalf who was smiling at her. But she merely scowled.
"Tell me 'Mithrandir', why should I believe you? I have never heard of you before and what assurance do you give us that you are not the game of Nwalme the torment?"
Aragorn stiffened as he heard her name. " You are her enemy as well?"
The elleth glared at Aragorn as she hissed, " isn't it obvious? But are you her enemy?"
Gandalf cut in before Aragorn could open his mouth, "his daughter is the one mentioned in the prophecy, mighty one."
The elleth looked at Aragorn again but this time there was astonishment in her eyes.
"Really! What proof have you got?"
Gandalf deftly got down from his steed, but the rest of the archers pointed their arrows at him. Legolas turned to see that all of them were elleth warriors. He then turned to see Gandalf retrieve the scroll that spoke of the prophecy towards the elleth in front of him. She deftly got it from him and after staring at it for a moment; she turned to Gandalf and smiled, nodding her head. She signaled the other warriors to lower their hoods and lower their weapon. She then turned towards Gandalf and said returning the scroll with reverence.
"You must pardon us Mithrandir. These are time when we can trust nobody! The evil one has been keen to get into our territory, which is the only place where she has not been able to gain control! We humbly apologize for not trusting you. May you give us the honor of treating the ones included in the prophecy to be treated with respect and honor in our humble lodgings!"
She motioned towards the five elleth behind her and they nodded and moved forward within their line of sight. She then turned towards the four of them who now stood beside their horses; Aragorn had just straightened himself after retrieving his fallen sword. As he caught her eye, the elleth flashed him an apologetic smile for which Aragorn smiled and nodded gently as if accepting her apologies. She then turned to Gandalf and to Legolas, who now stood to his right,
"Let me introduce myself as Isilya. I am the March warden in the woods of Edona where you my good sirs stand now. I am honoured to accompany you to the halls of my mistress, the queen of Edona." She then turned to look at Legolas who was staring at her. She smiled at him and replied,
"It is heartening to know another Ilkorin elf! Lord – er – what is you good name sir?"
"Legolas Greenleaf." He replied. Isilya nodded. "Lord Greenleaf! You must be from the woodland realm!"
"I am from Mirkwood. I am their heir prince."
"I know. I must say Mirkwood must be busy nowadays not to respond to the calls of the Edonians! We have tried contacting the king for a long time now!"
Legolas blushed a little under the piercing stare of the elleth before him. "we had an evil lord of our own to handle."
The elleth smiled at this and said, "I knew your grandfather Legolas, he was a very good elf. An able leader and understanding friend he was and it gladdens me to say you take after him."
Legolas looked at her abruptly. Did the Mirkwood elves know of the Edonians? Why hadn't anybody told him such a class existed? He was brought out of his reverie when Gimli nudged him slightly and motioned him to follow Isilya. He could not do anything but follow.
So, how is it? My imagination got the better of me and I can't believe I wrote a chapter this big! Good or bad, you can tell me! Any positive constructive criticism is welcome! More to come! So, review away!
- Anarya of Lorien.