Chapter Seven; News of peril.

I know I haven't updated in ages, but here is the next installment of Atùvinel's adventures.

Many sat in the grand hall of Minas Tirith, city of the Kings that evening. Representatives of every race were there, the Prince of Mirkwood, Legolas Greenleaf was the most celebrated of the elves. Along with his friend, Gimli, Lord of Aglarond, the glittering caves of Helm's deep, he sat at the high table. Three hobbits sat there, dressed richly, one in the exalted livery of the King's council, one in the dress of Rohan and the other in simple hobbit clothes. The latter two also wore the brooch of office as advisors to the King. The King himself sat in a mighty chair at the table, with a simple circlet of gold upon his brow. His Queen, Arwen of Rivendell sat on his right, she was clothed all in white and gold. Great was her beauty and she smiled upon all that sat at the lower tables. Eldarion sat next to his mother, the Prince of Gondor, wore the same deep blue as his father, but carried no sword at his side. Four seats were empty at the high table, although all other tables were full to overflowing. Hobbits sat with Dwarves and Elves easily in this hall, as they could nowhere else. Music was playing gaily in the background until a minstrel stepped before them all and spoke clearly, so everyone could hear him.

"Fair company, let me tell you of our Lady Nenya and the voyage to the last of the nine. But first allow me to announce Princess Atùvinel of the Reunited Kingdom and Prince Elfwine of Rohan."

A roar of general approval rang out through the room as the two entered from the opposite end of the hall. The soldiers in the hall all slammed their palms down onto the table tops. Atùvinel blushed as she began to walk down the hall. Elfwine was a tall handsome young man, who was as fair as Atùvinel was dark haired. He was smiling at the Princess and laughing slightly at her red cheeks as they reached the stairs to the dais. He pulled out Atùvinel's chair and waited for her to sit before he sat down himself. Slowly the applause lessened as the herald announced

"Frodo Baggins of the Shire, Ringbearer. Mithrandir of the Istari." Frodo and Gandalf entered the hall and, with greetings from those they knew, ascended the stairs and sat between Sam and Gimli. Soon all the plates were cleared and the minstrel had finished his song. Eldarion stood alongside his sister and the musicians began playing again. Eldarion escorted his sister to the waiting Prince of Rohan. The two bowed to Aragorn and Arwen before, at the minstrel's signal beginning to dance. The steps of the dance were smooth and flowing, the two obviously knew them well, even though Atùvinel was obviously reluctant to dance before everyone in the hall. She escaped as soon as she could. She stood on the terrace outside of the hall, a solitary figure, clothed in silver and green, clothes blowing behind her in the wind. The flowing cloth gave her the deceptive sense of being fragile. Atùvinel turned and looked out to the west, then to the east. Her face looked hard and cold in the moonlight. There Aragorn found her.

"Why do you still look to the east daughter?"

"It is to the east that the Urûkan trail led. There were other tracks on that path that I did not know."

"The east is where our peril lies." Aragorn sat beside her on the bench. "But you must not dwell on the thought of peril. Come back inside and enjoy your homecoming."

"I will. But I am worried, there is an ill wind coming from there."

"An Ill wind has blown from there for many a year. We will stop it."

"I know." As the two turned to walk inside a horseman came up the streets below them. His mount was breathing hard and frothing at the mouth. The man himself ran to the stairs and mounted them as fast as he was able. A beam of light fell upon his face as he climbed, and Aragorn called to him

"Orone! What news of the east?"

"My lord. A host is issuing from the gates of Agaron, it is headed this way. The men of Rohan are mustering as I brought the news to them in the early morning."

"How many?" Atùvinel asked. The man turned to face her, previously having been unaware of her presence.

"Your Highness. There are, as best as I can guess, three thousand. I rode for two days, only stopping to exchange horses to get here before it. They must be crossing the barren lands even as we speak."

"We must ride to meet them." Aragorn declared. "Orone, you have done well, rest now." Orone bowed low and hurried from the balcony. Atùvinel too turned to enter the hall again.

"Atùvinel." She turned back to see her father looking solemn. "I cannot allow you to come with us on this battle."

"Why not?"

"Gondor cannot afford to loose both it's heirs. I will need you to stay here with Arwen and guard our people. You know what to do to defend them if necessary." Her face was dark with suppressed fury.

"Others know that too. You cannot leave me here."

"I am afraid I must. Atùvinel, you only just arrived back from the Havens, I don't want to send you off on another dangerous errand if you don't have to."

"Eldarion will go with you." She voice was bleak and distant.

"Yes. He must." Atùvinel turned abruptly and fled to her rooms. There Frodo found her.

"Why are you so upset Lady?"

"I don't want to stay here, Imprisoned in a gilded cage."

"Your father doesn't want to imprison you, he wishes to keep you safe."

"It comes down to the same thing in the end." Atùvinel sat by the window, looking out as men scurried around in the lower city. "I should be there with my brother. Not sitting here like a doll, pretty but useless."

"You are not useless Princess." Frodo moved to sit on a low stool. "I am not going with them either, nor is Sam. The host rides in the morning. Your father will be grieved if you are not there to bid him farewell."

"Frodo..." He cut her off gently,

"I am not here to tell you what to do. Your choices must be your own. But I would not risk trying to ride with the host tomorrow, each man shall be checked." At that he left, leaving Atùvinel deep in thought.

I know I've been nasty, leaving it for son long, but I have the next chapter planned, so you will be getting that soon!

HuntressDiana