A/N: I've decided to merge chapter three and what used to be chapter four together. Both chapters were inanely short and i felt it would be more practical if they were together.
Laurelin rode out into the darkness. She did not dare look back for fear of seeing the Riders of Rohan pursuing her in the night. However no trailing hooves disrupted the windless air. Linad's lonely gallop seemed to echo for miles. The long gray green fields stretched on and on in a never ending sea of grass.
She did not know exactly where she would flee, but she had an idea. She might go west across a tamer part of the Misty Mountains. Tales of Halflings from her childhood intrigued her. She did know, however, that she could not return to Rohan or Ithilien. It pained her to know this was her only choice next to an arranged marriage.
After many hours of riding, the east lightened as dawn's pale yellow pink head peered over the rim of the Earth. Linad began to slow until at last she completely stopped, worn from the strenuous riding.
"Shh, little one," Laurelin said, gently dismounting, "We'll stop now and rest. I believe we both need to get some sleep,"
Linad turned her gaze from Laurelin and started tearing up great mouthfuls of mist-dusted grass. Laurelin felt her own stomach lurch with hunger and wished she had not forgotten to pack some bread or meat. She lay down on the ground and folded her hands over her growling stomach, remembering the food she had eaten when she had visited Mirkwood. She savored the memory quietly, recalling the exotic and exquisite tastes of the elves' generous table. Soon reminiscences of that glorious visit came back to her.
They were welcomed into the forest with open arms as the Prince of Mirkwood's guests. They stayed for almost two months, reveling in the splendor of the ancient kingdom. The moss draped trees touched the heavens and the leaves that fell were dark smoky emerald like a dragon's eye. The pleasant memories soon lulled her to sleep. The drunken black of slumber soon drifted her off into the lost corridors of dreams.
She awoke to the sound of hoof beats echoing in the ground below her. The sound pulsated through her body making her eyes fly open and blink away the sleep that still lay thick on her bleary mind. Startled, she looked over at Linad who had stood grazing beside her. The horse's head was up and her alert ears moved back and forth. She had heard the thundering sound as well. Laurelin stood up; fully awake now and peered into the clear blue distance of the east. She saw an approaching company of horses. To the east was Gondor. She sat down and pondered what to do next. If they were a band of soldiers sent from Minas Tirith to look for her, her adventure into the unknown would be cut short. But that was absurd! Surely King Elessar could not send word that quickly of her absence. They were probably only now noticing that her bed was vacant and her horse gone. There were no trees to climb up and hide in on the open field, so she stood stroking Linad who grew nervous at the sounds.
Finally the company came close enough for her to get a better look at them. There were at least thirty men upon horseback. They flew the banner of Gondor with its white tree and seven stars. The leader was rode a dapple-gray horse with a proud gallop. Its white tail streamed behind as it ran. The rider was tall in the saddle with black hair that fell to arrogant shoulders. His face was young and brave with a stern brow. He wore a chain mail shirt and a sword at his side. The riders behind him were similarly dressed. The bright red of Laurelin's tunic soon caught his eye against the green of the landscape. He quickened his horse's gallop and stopped the company in front of her. Laurelin stroked Linad's nose and held the horse's head close to her for strength. She felt very small and afraid under the great warrior's sharp gaze.
"What is a mere maid doing in these parts alone?" He questioned sternly. He must have seen her shocked expression at correctly guessing her gender for he fashioned a conceited smile on his lips, "Do not act so surprised. Your features are too feminine for you to be a boy, even a young one. Though from a distance you did look like a youth with that scraggly mop of hair." He continued. At that comment a ripple of amused laughter went through the company.
Humiliated and angry at the man's arrogance, Laurelin lost her disquiet, "It is no business of yours in how I dress or cut my hair. I had no intention of disguising myself as a boy." She lied to cover up her embarrassment.
The man's face contorted in surprise and bemusement "Where did you come from maid?"
"Rohan, near Helm's Deep, sir." Laurelin replied coolly.
"How did you manage to get all the way out here? You are nearly in Gondor."
"I was running away sir,"
"Running away?" He said with a laugh, "What troubles would a young maid have to run from?"
"Troubles that do not concern you." Laurelin answered sharply.
So far the young warrior from Gondor had not impressed her. A silence passed with the two glaring at each other till finally a soldier from behind broke in.
"Your highness, I believe it would be wise to camp here for the evening. The light is fadin' fast." The soldier spoke in a strange accent.
He was older than the conceited young warrior but was obviously below him in rank. And he was right. With all of the excitement, Laurelin had barely noticed that the sun had almost disappeared into the land.
"You are right, Captain." The warrior agreed, looking out into the west. He turned his attention back to Laurelin, "Are you hungry? We have enough food to share."
The mention of food made Laurelin's belly rock with hunger, "I might be," She replied, angry with herself for giving into her pride and not answering that she was starving.
The warrior looked at her with a smirk, "Well, if you want some, you'll have to work for it. So I'd decide soon if I was you." He said getting down from his horse, "And in case you were curious, I am Eldarion son of King Elessar and Queen Arwen."
Laurelin's mouth was soaked in stunned silence. This was Eldarion? This arrogant warrior was to be her husband?
"And you are?" He questioned, discarding his gloves.
Laurelin stood speechless for a moment. He would surely know her name if she gave the real one.
"Morwen," She answered, giving the first name that came to her mind. Queen Arwen herself had said that was what she should be called.
"Mistress Morwen, are you hungry or not?" He asked, dark eyes posing the question along with his mouth.
Feeling quite helpless and still at a loss, she replied, "What kind of work?"
Eldarion smiled, "Good. Then you can start earning your bread by seeing to the horses." He swept his arm back to the rider less steeds. She noticed there were more than just riding horses but beasts of burden being unloaded of their packages.
"Suppers' in an hour," He walked away toward his men who were busy with the tents.
Laurelin looked after him, her lips curving at the tips. The irony of the situation was almost too vile yet too delicious to bear. She ran from what she met on the road.
Laurelin could hear the men getting together to eat by the time she finished caring for the horses. She ventured closer to the fire where a soldier was ladling soup into bowls. Laurelin watched hungrily but was reluctant to approach the stranger. Finally the soldier called Rolen saw her distress and brought her a wooden bowl filled with stew.
"Here," He said handing it to her. A silver white scar ran down the side of his cheek, "If you be wanting more all you need do is ask,"
"Thank you," She answered, then sat to hungrily devour the stew.
The soldier eyed her with curiosity, "Now what would a pretty lass like you be runnin' from eh?" He asked sitting down beside her.
All Laurelin really wanted was walk back up to the fire and ask for more food but she didn't. If she wanted answers to her questions, she would have to answer some herself.
"An arranged marriage," She replied looking down at her empty bowl.
"Oh, that be a terrible thing indeed. A lass should be able to marry whom she likes, not whom her family likes," The soldier responded, "Oh if you did not know, my name is Rolen," He held out a weathered hand in friendship.
Laurelin smiled and took it in her own fingers, "Morwen," She said using her alias.
"Very nice to meet you Morwen. Now, out of curiosity, I would be wondering where you're goin' now that you got no home?" He asked.
Laurelin smiled, "I've already answered some of your questions Rolen, now you must answer some of mine."
"Oh," He chuckled, "A shrewd lass, are ye? Alright then, ask away,"
"What would a company of Gondorian soldiers be doing on their way through Rohan." She asked trying to sound as disinterested as possible.
"Oh now, that be easy. Have ye heard of the Mines of Moria?" He asked, his gray brown hair reflecting the firelight.
Laurelin had heard of Moria from Gimli and Legolas when they told of their adventures during the War of the Ring. The mines used to be a great Dwarven stronghold, famous for its fine metals and also for it's evil. Though the great White Wizard Mithrandir had defeated it, a Barlog had dwelt in the dark deep places of the mine. Laurelin nodded mutely at Rolen's question.
"Oh then you must be a right smart lass to know of such a dark place," Rolen answered, "We be riding for the mines to clean the mines of the orc scum, with the Barlog being defeated, and restore the mines to the dwarves. Of course we shall be meeting with a few other legions of men and dwarves, even perhaps elves." He said, his eyes now wide with excitement.
Laurelin looked at him in astonishment. It was a fool's errand; pure and utter idiocy. There had been many attempts to retake the mines but all had failed.
"But," Rolen continued, "I believe there is another reason for this 'quest' other than to help the dwarves."
"What?" She asked. Her interest peaked.
"The poor prince is in some what of a same predicament as thee. The good King and Queen have set up a marriage between Prince Eldarion and the Lady Laurelin, daughter of the Steward of Gondor and the Lady Eowyn. The prince wants nothing to do with the lass for she is but sixteen years and he a full-grown lad of twenty-two. He says he has no time for children yet his parents have already signed the marriage treaty. He is also a dutiful youth and knows his obligations to the kingdom. He sees this as a last chance for adventure before matrimony. That is at least what I 'eard." Said Rolen in a low voice so none but Laurelin could hear.
Laurelin sat crestfallen. A child? She? The prince did not even know her! For the second time that day, she felt fire rise up in her belly toward future king. She looked up at the aging soldier, clutching her hands till the knuckles turned white.
"How dreadful," She answered, trying to steady her voice.
"Yes lass, very dreadful indeed. Now for answering my last question? Where would you be going?" He asked, tearing a biscuit in two.
Laurelin smiled weakly, "Well, I do not quite know yet. May be I shall go on an adventure like the prince." She said, giving a frail chuckle.
"Well," Rolen stared into the camp fire with a wrinkled brow, "I have never seen the horses happier. I believe even the prince himself would have to compliment your job with them. And we need a cook somethin' terrible. Soldiers just weren't meant to cook, as you can tell from tonight's supper."
"Are you suggesting that I come with the company?" She asked.
Rolen shrugged with a smile, the wrinkles on his brow deepening, "I believe it would not be such a bad idea," He replied, "You remind me of my daughter in Minas Tirith and I could not leave a daughter of Rohan to the wilds of Gondor or worse. It would probably be best if you came."
Laurelin mulled over the offer. She could get her adventure and could prove to the spoiled Prince that she was no child, though he would never know it was she. Also this was the most unlikely of spots to find her. Her family would never know. She had nowhere else to go.
Laurelin smiled at Rolen widely, "Why not?" She answered.
"Well then! We'll speak to his royal highness in the morn then. Agreed?" He asked holding out his hand.
"Agreed," Laurelin took hold of it and gave his fingers a firm shake.
"Then you'd best be gettin' some sleep." He said standing; "You'll have a long day tomorrow if the prince decides that you can come along. Tomorrow we ride to West Emnet, since we only just crossed the Merring this morn." He said.
Laurelin nodded and, after saying goodnight to her new friend, went to find Linad. Her horse lay in the grass asleep. Laurelin curled up beside her and sighed. She prayed the morning would prove eventful.