I love getting reviews, and I am so completely happy at the reviews on
chapter 13. At the end of this chapter I will post responses. Thank you so
much,
Love Aiko Alima,
The ride was longer than Caitlin had expected, and toward the end she was thinking that they had passed her friends without seeing them. And in truth the plains, though mostly barren and covered in small plants and shrubbery that can be easily seen across for miles, are a region covered in rolling hills and deep valleys with scattered boulders of granet. Through this tapestry of obstacles, Caitlin feared that she might have overlooked the spot where her companions were. But as they came over a small ridge, Caitlin heard a familiar voice.
"RIDERS OR ROHAN, WHAT NEWS FROM THE RIDDEMARK." Cried Aragorn.
They quickly turned and with precision encircled the three men on foot. Their spears were drawn. Eomer came forward, his horse in the middle of the circle with the men.
"wizard, are these the companions you spoke of?" yelled Eomer.
"Yes, they are." A voice cried. From outside the circle.
Tensions were high, even through the apparent friendship. But upon Caitlin speaking, the riders removed their spears and another horse approached.
"Caitlin!" cried Gimli, with delight as she dismounted. "It is so good to see ya lass." He grasped her tightly and picked her up off the ground.
Eomer frowned as he saw the dwarve, a race he had not had much dealings with. Caitlin then hugged Aragorn who was glad to see her as well. Legolas took her hand and peered into her eyes, "it is good to see you." He said.
"And you.' She responded. With affection.
"I have been informed of your business here in Rohan by your companion but I must tell you, that we came upon urukai and slaughtered them, we piled the bodies and burned them. We left none alive."
"Dead," gasped Gimli.
Aragorn looked at Caitlin in disbelief.
"I know this news is hard to bear, I am sorry for your loss, these dark days are full of sorrow and pain." He motioned and a horse came forth. "Take this horse and the one I have given to your wizard Caitlin, may they bey you better fortunes than their former masters." He said.
"Surly the king has mounted a force to help with the growing threat of the orcs." Said Aragorn.
"Theodin no longer recognizes friend from foe, not even his own kin." He said Removing is helmet. "Souromon has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over these lands. My company are those loyal to Rohan, and for that we are banished, the white wizard is cunning," he paused and then glared at Legolas and Gimli "and everywhere his spies slip past our nets."
"Would you imply us spies?" snapped Caitlin. He had been kind to give her a horse, but his behavior was now, not that of a friend.
Eomer peered at her for a moment. "Spies may travel unnoticed by taking the form of your companions." He said. As he stared at Legolas and Gimli, two races he did not trust.
Caitlin stepped in front of them, blocking his suspicious gaze with her own, "it would take much more magic than exists in the world to convince me that the character of these two friends were anything less than the definitions of virtuous and courageous." She said with a serious look in her eyes.
Caitlin knew that Eomer was doing only what he must to protect his kingdom, asking the questions that needed to be asked, but he had gone to far with that last one.
Legolas held her back as she glared at him. "Its alright." Whispered Gimli to her. "Don't worry about it."
"I thank you for your kindness." Said Aragorn as he took the reigns of the horse
"Search for your friends, but do not trust to hope, it has forsaken these lands," he said. Eomer then turned to Caitlin. "Your company is rare among the riddemark, but you seem loyal to them, so they must have a greater character than I can see, may they protect you in your journeys." He said.
He mounted his horse again and returned his helmet. "WE RIDE NORTH."
Gimli chuckled as they left. "Fat chance of that happening." Said Gimli under his breath.
"What do you mean?" said Caitlin with a suspicious grin on her face.
"Oh, nothing, I was just commenting on your damsel in distress manor." He said with a hardy laugh. "You are quite helpless ya know." He said with a big smile.
Caitlin tossed her hair and placed the back of her hand against her forehead as she sighed dramatically.
"ha ha ha." Laughed Legolas. Caitlin smiled, it was surprising that they understood the satire; she thought that gesture was only in old movies.
"We should make haste." Said Aragorn as he peered into the distance at the billowing smoke.
"Yes," said Caitlin who mounted Asufeld.
Legolas approached her horse and hoisted himself up, positioning himself behind her.
She hadn't even thought about the riding accommodations until he had done that.
As Aragorn and Gimli mounted the other horse the thought crossed her mind that Legolas was a much better rider than she probably ever would be and she suddenly felt that she had been to bold to just jump on and assume she would be the one to take the reigns. But then, as they began to gallop across the plains, Legolas eased his arms across her own, until his fingers covered hers on the leather reigns. His body wrapped around hers and he pressed his face close to hers.
"Ease him along" he said to her. "Good, just relax, trust the horse, Let his movements be your guide." He said as they rode.
His words touched her as gentle guidance, a contented nudge of encouragement in her technique. As he spoke she slowly began to see a glimpse of the connection elves have with their steeds.
"Softly now, listen to the hooves of the horse, do you hear the pace of his gate, the feeling in his movement?" he said.
She closed her eyes, trusting and knowing that at all times Legolas was aware. But she could not hear what he spoke of. "I do not hear it." she said. The wind howled by them and the sound of the horse was muffled by the distracting presence of the saddle and stirrups, the rubbing of the leather saddle. She squeezed the reigns trying to get a better feel through them.
"Here, let me show you," he said, taking her left hand away from the reigns and placing her palm against the flank of the horse. "Feel the horse, feel yourself in the communication with him, not your control over him." The pulsing heat of the animal crept through her hand as she felt the rhythm and movement; the horse was pounding the ground as he ran. She could feel in his shoulder the pressure and power he placed in every stride the feeling of the earth as it was uprooted with every step, as the horse ran. The hooves were strong and agile, and then gently she felt not just the animals movement, but the determination and purpose he felt as he ran. This horse, though he had known her only a short while ran with all his speed because she requested it of him, this animal had respect for her, he was not a dumb beast who would fallow anyone's orders, but an insightful creature who cared to do her bidding because he chose to. "Do you feel it?" asked Legolas as his hand covered her own on the horse.
"Yes." She said, still holding her hand their. "I feel
it." she almost didn't want to release her touch of the
animal, but she did, returning her hand again to the
reigns once more. She had a new respect for her grip on
the leather, not wanting to pull to hard one way or the
other. She did not want to hurt Asufeld, or show
disrespect. She had, now, such understanding of him, and
a respect for this creature.
"Do you understand now why Elves speak to their horses,
their friends?" He asked
"Yes, more than ever, I do." She said. The wind rushed past them as they ran. "Legolas, could you teach me to speak to him." She asked.
"Why should you not know how to speak to him already?" he said with a smile.
"He understands language beyond elvish?" she half whispered, astonished and exhilarated that she might possess such an ability.
Legolas was silent for a moment, knowing the joy this knowledge would bring her. "Of course."
At this realization Caitlin lit up, and smiled from ear to ear, and at the same time a determination came over her and she knelt down, bending to the horses ear. "Asufeld. Show us your love of this earth, by flying across it my friend." She whispered to him.
Asufeld, began to speed up, his stride increasing, his hooves pounding the ground with the force of a dragons wing, his eyes became bright, exhilarated he had been asked to embrace the earth as his kind so loved to do. He ran as though he were rider less, ducking his head to allow the wind to ride along his back. Caitlin released the reigns, removed the stirrups from her feet, wrapping her legs completely around the horses barrel and lowered her head and back, leaning with his movement. Legolas did the same, wrapping his arms around her. Both in perfect unison with this masterful creature.
They overtook Aragorn and Gimli, passing them swiftly. "Now where the hell are they going in such a hurry?" said Gimli to himself.
They ran and ran, across the ground, through the land of horses and wind. The billowing smoke was quite a distance yet giving them the joy and freedom of movement to truly enjoy this rare connection.
It was only when they were half a league from the source of the smoke that they slowed.
Slowing to a walk by the time they reached the pile. "Thank you Legolas. That was the greatest thing I have ever done." She said.
"It would be a disservice to you had I not shown you the beauty my people have found in horsemanship." He said.
The mood turned dark as they came closer and closer.
"Can you tell us?" Legolas asked as they dismounted. "Is there hope for our friends?"
She looked at Legolas, seeing the pain he felt, in even thinking the worst, something in her just could not allow him to feel such pain.
Aragorn and Gimli arrived to the sight, both dismounted from their stead as Caitlin was still staring at Legolas, trying to decide whether to tell them.
"What was all the hurry, did ya think you were gonna win a prize?" said Gimli sarcastically.
"Gimli, this is not the time." Said Aragorn soberly as he peered into the rubble.
Caitlin still looked at Legolas. "They are alive." She said.
Gimli did not hear her, still focused on their mad dash. "Im serious, what did you think would change if you got here a few minutes later." He said.
"What?!" said, Aragorn, whirling around
"I asked, what did you think would chang.." Started Gimli again.
"No! Caitlin what did you say." Said Aragorn again.
" They are alive." she said, Aragorn looked at her.
"They have gone into the forest, if you look here," she said pointing to a spot on the ground. "You will pick up their trail."
Legolas smiled as Aragorn knelt down to find their tracks.
THIS IS THE NEW CHAPTER 14, I WAS REALLY INSPIRED BY THE COMMENTS MADE ABOUT CHAPTER 13, AND I THINK I WILL BE MAKING IT A REGULAR THING TO POST RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS AND SUGESTIONS. NOT ON EVERY CHAPTER BUT ON MORE THAN JUST ONE. OK SO HERE THEY ARE.
Sweetazzhoney, don't worry a bit, this is a Legolas romance and always will be.
Heavenstar3, yes, she will be joining then through fangorn forest.
Angelgoddessmissy, thank you for your suggestion, I love getting suggestions, I will defiantly consider it.
Butterflykisses14, I am trying to make it a bit lighter but situations thus far have been so dramatic and sad, but in the future I will put that in.
Any comments, questions I didn't get to will be given in later chapters.
The ride was longer than Caitlin had expected, and toward the end she was thinking that they had passed her friends without seeing them. And in truth the plains, though mostly barren and covered in small plants and shrubbery that can be easily seen across for miles, are a region covered in rolling hills and deep valleys with scattered boulders of granet. Through this tapestry of obstacles, Caitlin feared that she might have overlooked the spot where her companions were. But as they came over a small ridge, Caitlin heard a familiar voice.
"RIDERS OR ROHAN, WHAT NEWS FROM THE RIDDEMARK." Cried Aragorn.
They quickly turned and with precision encircled the three men on foot. Their spears were drawn. Eomer came forward, his horse in the middle of the circle with the men.
"wizard, are these the companions you spoke of?" yelled Eomer.
"Yes, they are." A voice cried. From outside the circle.
Tensions were high, even through the apparent friendship. But upon Caitlin speaking, the riders removed their spears and another horse approached.
"Caitlin!" cried Gimli, with delight as she dismounted. "It is so good to see ya lass." He grasped her tightly and picked her up off the ground.
Eomer frowned as he saw the dwarve, a race he had not had much dealings with. Caitlin then hugged Aragorn who was glad to see her as well. Legolas took her hand and peered into her eyes, "it is good to see you." He said.
"And you.' She responded. With affection.
"I have been informed of your business here in Rohan by your companion but I must tell you, that we came upon urukai and slaughtered them, we piled the bodies and burned them. We left none alive."
"Dead," gasped Gimli.
Aragorn looked at Caitlin in disbelief.
"I know this news is hard to bear, I am sorry for your loss, these dark days are full of sorrow and pain." He motioned and a horse came forth. "Take this horse and the one I have given to your wizard Caitlin, may they bey you better fortunes than their former masters." He said.
"Surly the king has mounted a force to help with the growing threat of the orcs." Said Aragorn.
"Theodin no longer recognizes friend from foe, not even his own kin." He said Removing is helmet. "Souromon has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over these lands. My company are those loyal to Rohan, and for that we are banished, the white wizard is cunning," he paused and then glared at Legolas and Gimli "and everywhere his spies slip past our nets."
"Would you imply us spies?" snapped Caitlin. He had been kind to give her a horse, but his behavior was now, not that of a friend.
Eomer peered at her for a moment. "Spies may travel unnoticed by taking the form of your companions." He said. As he stared at Legolas and Gimli, two races he did not trust.
Caitlin stepped in front of them, blocking his suspicious gaze with her own, "it would take much more magic than exists in the world to convince me that the character of these two friends were anything less than the definitions of virtuous and courageous." She said with a serious look in her eyes.
Caitlin knew that Eomer was doing only what he must to protect his kingdom, asking the questions that needed to be asked, but he had gone to far with that last one.
Legolas held her back as she glared at him. "Its alright." Whispered Gimli to her. "Don't worry about it."
"I thank you for your kindness." Said Aragorn as he took the reigns of the horse
"Search for your friends, but do not trust to hope, it has forsaken these lands," he said. Eomer then turned to Caitlin. "Your company is rare among the riddemark, but you seem loyal to them, so they must have a greater character than I can see, may they protect you in your journeys." He said.
He mounted his horse again and returned his helmet. "WE RIDE NORTH."
Gimli chuckled as they left. "Fat chance of that happening." Said Gimli under his breath.
"What do you mean?" said Caitlin with a suspicious grin on her face.
"Oh, nothing, I was just commenting on your damsel in distress manor." He said with a hardy laugh. "You are quite helpless ya know." He said with a big smile.
Caitlin tossed her hair and placed the back of her hand against her forehead as she sighed dramatically.
"ha ha ha." Laughed Legolas. Caitlin smiled, it was surprising that they understood the satire; she thought that gesture was only in old movies.
"We should make haste." Said Aragorn as he peered into the distance at the billowing smoke.
"Yes," said Caitlin who mounted Asufeld.
Legolas approached her horse and hoisted himself up, positioning himself behind her.
She hadn't even thought about the riding accommodations until he had done that.
As Aragorn and Gimli mounted the other horse the thought crossed her mind that Legolas was a much better rider than she probably ever would be and she suddenly felt that she had been to bold to just jump on and assume she would be the one to take the reigns. But then, as they began to gallop across the plains, Legolas eased his arms across her own, until his fingers covered hers on the leather reigns. His body wrapped around hers and he pressed his face close to hers.
"Ease him along" he said to her. "Good, just relax, trust the horse, Let his movements be your guide." He said as they rode.
His words touched her as gentle guidance, a contented nudge of encouragement in her technique. As he spoke she slowly began to see a glimpse of the connection elves have with their steeds.
"Softly now, listen to the hooves of the horse, do you hear the pace of his gate, the feeling in his movement?" he said.
She closed her eyes, trusting and knowing that at all times Legolas was aware. But she could not hear what he spoke of. "I do not hear it." she said. The wind howled by them and the sound of the horse was muffled by the distracting presence of the saddle and stirrups, the rubbing of the leather saddle. She squeezed the reigns trying to get a better feel through them.
"Here, let me show you," he said, taking her left hand away from the reigns and placing her palm against the flank of the horse. "Feel the horse, feel yourself in the communication with him, not your control over him." The pulsing heat of the animal crept through her hand as she felt the rhythm and movement; the horse was pounding the ground as he ran. She could feel in his shoulder the pressure and power he placed in every stride the feeling of the earth as it was uprooted with every step, as the horse ran. The hooves were strong and agile, and then gently she felt not just the animals movement, but the determination and purpose he felt as he ran. This horse, though he had known her only a short while ran with all his speed because she requested it of him, this animal had respect for her, he was not a dumb beast who would fallow anyone's orders, but an insightful creature who cared to do her bidding because he chose to. "Do you feel it?" asked Legolas as his hand covered her own on the horse.
"Yes." She said, still holding her hand their. "I feel
it." she almost didn't want to release her touch of the
animal, but she did, returning her hand again to the
reigns once more. She had a new respect for her grip on
the leather, not wanting to pull to hard one way or the
other. She did not want to hurt Asufeld, or show
disrespect. She had, now, such understanding of him, and
a respect for this creature.
"Do you understand now why Elves speak to their horses,
their friends?" He asked
"Yes, more than ever, I do." She said. The wind rushed past them as they ran. "Legolas, could you teach me to speak to him." She asked.
"Why should you not know how to speak to him already?" he said with a smile.
"He understands language beyond elvish?" she half whispered, astonished and exhilarated that she might possess such an ability.
Legolas was silent for a moment, knowing the joy this knowledge would bring her. "Of course."
At this realization Caitlin lit up, and smiled from ear to ear, and at the same time a determination came over her and she knelt down, bending to the horses ear. "Asufeld. Show us your love of this earth, by flying across it my friend." She whispered to him.
Asufeld, began to speed up, his stride increasing, his hooves pounding the ground with the force of a dragons wing, his eyes became bright, exhilarated he had been asked to embrace the earth as his kind so loved to do. He ran as though he were rider less, ducking his head to allow the wind to ride along his back. Caitlin released the reigns, removed the stirrups from her feet, wrapping her legs completely around the horses barrel and lowered her head and back, leaning with his movement. Legolas did the same, wrapping his arms around her. Both in perfect unison with this masterful creature.
They overtook Aragorn and Gimli, passing them swiftly. "Now where the hell are they going in such a hurry?" said Gimli to himself.
They ran and ran, across the ground, through the land of horses and wind. The billowing smoke was quite a distance yet giving them the joy and freedom of movement to truly enjoy this rare connection.
It was only when they were half a league from the source of the smoke that they slowed.
Slowing to a walk by the time they reached the pile. "Thank you Legolas. That was the greatest thing I have ever done." She said.
"It would be a disservice to you had I not shown you the beauty my people have found in horsemanship." He said.
The mood turned dark as they came closer and closer.
"Can you tell us?" Legolas asked as they dismounted. "Is there hope for our friends?"
She looked at Legolas, seeing the pain he felt, in even thinking the worst, something in her just could not allow him to feel such pain.
Aragorn and Gimli arrived to the sight, both dismounted from their stead as Caitlin was still staring at Legolas, trying to decide whether to tell them.
"What was all the hurry, did ya think you were gonna win a prize?" said Gimli sarcastically.
"Gimli, this is not the time." Said Aragorn soberly as he peered into the rubble.
Caitlin still looked at Legolas. "They are alive." She said.
Gimli did not hear her, still focused on their mad dash. "Im serious, what did you think would change if you got here a few minutes later." He said.
"What?!" said, Aragorn, whirling around
"I asked, what did you think would chang.." Started Gimli again.
"No! Caitlin what did you say." Said Aragorn again.
" They are alive." she said, Aragorn looked at her.
"They have gone into the forest, if you look here," she said pointing to a spot on the ground. "You will pick up their trail."
Legolas smiled as Aragorn knelt down to find their tracks.
THIS IS THE NEW CHAPTER 14, I WAS REALLY INSPIRED BY THE COMMENTS MADE ABOUT CHAPTER 13, AND I THINK I WILL BE MAKING IT A REGULAR THING TO POST RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS AND SUGESTIONS. NOT ON EVERY CHAPTER BUT ON MORE THAN JUST ONE. OK SO HERE THEY ARE.
Sweetazzhoney, don't worry a bit, this is a Legolas romance and always will be.
Heavenstar3, yes, she will be joining then through fangorn forest.
Angelgoddessmissy, thank you for your suggestion, I love getting suggestions, I will defiantly consider it.
Butterflykisses14, I am trying to make it a bit lighter but situations thus far have been so dramatic and sad, but in the future I will put that in.
Any comments, questions I didn't get to will be given in later chapters.