Chapter 2
Legolas did not let them rest until they had journeyed four days from Gondor. Kerri carried Tumuril because the nine year old refused to walk. Tumuril was light for her age. "I want my mother." Tumuril begged when they sat down to a cold supper Merry and Pippin had prepared. Legolas would not allow them to light a fire yet unless it was a matter of life and death. "You will I promise but first we have to take a vacation and learn about the Shire." Kerri said. Legolas looked up at her sharply but didn't say anything. "Where's the Shire?" Tumuril asked grumpily. "In Hobbiton just past where Grandpa Elrond used to live. Uncle Pippin and Merry live there most of the time." Pippin offered. "Oh." Tumuril said. "Its time for young ones to get their rest. You can ask more questions in the morning." Kerri said firmly creating a small sleeping bag out of the Elven blankets for the girl. "Are you going to sleep too?" Tumuril asked. "Yes." Kerri said sitting by the girl. Tumuril crawled in the makeshift bed satisfied. "Sleep will be needed." Legolas said. Kerri refrained from rolling her eyes.
"We are being followed I did not want to frighten Tumuril but the Hobbits know as well. I do not know how they were given this information. There is only ten men following us but should an attack it will be your duty to escape with the little girl and continue alone to Rohan." Legolas said. "I will do it." Kerri said nodding. "Do you know the way?" Legolas asked. "For the most part I studied maps inside Gondor." Kerri explained. "Good. You have a sword and know how to use one yes?" Legolas asked. "Arwen had Aragorn train me when I became Tumuril's nanny." Kerri said. "And yes I have one." Kerri said. "Good. I'll be keeping watch." Kerri looked over at the Hobbits who were asleep. Tumuril woke up and crawled onto Kerri's lap. They both fell asleep.
"Kerri wake up take Tumuril and run!" Legolas shouted shaking Kerri awake as Kerri sat up an arrow whizzed overhead. Kerri grabbed Tumuril (who was just waking up) and ran in the right direction away from the fighting she hoped. She would have grabbed a horse but they were scattered by the men who were trying to kill them. Kerri stopped only long enough to see one of the horses fall dead and then hurried on.
"Where's Legolas?" Tumuril whimpered as stars glittered overhead above the empty plains. Kerri had paused to see which direction to go in and was heading that way. "Legolas, Pippin and Merry had to go make sure no one knew we were asleep where we were." Kerri lied. "Oh. Why?" Tumuril asked. "Because bed man are after us and they will harm us if they can. When we get to Hobbiton I'm going to call you Raeanin. The Hobbits should leave us alone but if asked that's your name okay?" Kerri whispered. "Wasn't that the name of your sister from the distant lands?" Tumuril asked burying her head onto Kerri's shoulder. "Yep." "All right to keep me and daddy safe I'll do it oh and mommy." Tumuril said. "Whoever says children aren't wonderful need their head fixed." Kerri muttered and continued to walk even though Tumuril was getting heavier.
Dawn came up on the second day. Tumuril slept for half of that day. Kerri wished she could but she couldn't rest until they had reached Edoras safely. "How long until we reach Rohan?" Tumuril demanded. "Ten more days by walking." Kerri said. "Put me down." Tumuril demanded. "Why?" "Because if you don't have to carry me we can reach there faster." Tumuril said. "You sound like Legolas." Kerri grumbled. "You don't like him?" Tumuril asked once her feet touched solid ground. "Not really." "Why?" "Goodness must we have all these questions late in the evening?" Kerri asked. "Why?" "I don't know." "He likes you." Tumuril said giggling. "The less we talk the faster we'll get to Edoras." Kerri said. Tumuril smiled when she realized her nanny was smiling.
The sun sank into the west again and Kerri found her heart going with it. Just as she was going to give them both a rest they heard hoof beats towards them. "Quick! Stay close to me. If I tell you I want you to run hard and fast in the direction." Kerri told Tumuril who gripped her hand tight. "You ladies look as if you need a ride." A familiar voice said coming to a slow trot behind them. "Legolas!" Kerri and Tumuril exclaimed both happy to see the Elf. "Kerri if you pick her up and hold her I'll help you up and you can both sit in front of me. I'll steer but I can take both of you." Legolas said. "Where are Merry and Pippin?" Kerri asked quietly obeying Legolas and picking up Tumuril. "Rounding up the other two horses. Come it is three days ride still till we reach Edoras. They are expecting us." Legolas said. Kerri took the hand offered and was helped up along with Tumuril.
Legolas raced on and just as they reached the outskirts of a small but lovely village they heard calls from behind them. Legolas turned the horse around flawlessly. "Merry and Pippin!" "They killed the other horse once we had this one but we made sure the others were killed so no one could report to their so called King." Pippin announced. "Uncle Pippin!" Tumuril cried. "Its good to see you to girl." "What am I chopped liver?" Merry grumbled. "Your small enough." Kerri teased. "Hush now."
Eowyn had been on the lookout for Legolas, Merry, Pippin and their guest. "Eomer two riders approach Edoras." Eowyn came into the hall of the King. "Excellent are our horses ready?" Eomer turned to Eowyn's husband Faramir. "Yes sire they are." Faramir replied bowing. "How many people?" Eomer asked. "Four." Eowyn said. The doors burst open. "We would have gone to greet you. Welcome to our home." Eomer called. "Thank you Eomer." Legolas said. "And on behalf of Lady Arwen and Lord Aragorn I and my daughter thank you." "Precious child you must be starved! What is your name?" Eowyn asked rushing to Tumuril. "Raeanin. And it has been awhile since I've eaten." "Well we shall fix that problem right away. And in the meantime Legolas and I will discuss your accommodations." Eomer nodded to show he understood the words. For he and Eowyn knew this girl was Tumuril daughter of the King and Queen of Gondor that Kerri was watching but it was not wise to speak of such things openly. "Please follow me." Legolas nodded Kerri and Tumuril followed Eowyn in search for some food unaware that Merry and Pippin were right behind them.