Breath of Midnight
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Visions

The age of visions is past.
We can no longer see where we are going
We can see only where we have already been
And even that is not altogether certain.

Events that had occurred only days ago, already seemed lifetimes away. I had been home in Rivendell when we had received the word; the armies of men were marching; their eyes fixed and set against fair Lorien.

I bid my sister farewell and rode out to defend that golden wood. We could not, and we would not, stand to see Lorien fall. It was our last stronghold and it must not fail.

With an army growing closer everyday, we wasted no time in our preparations. We would not wait in fear as our enemy came to us; we would come to them. Thus, we moved our newly formed army south into Fangorn forest. We had a plan that could end this war with one last fight. All along the edge of the forest, we hid weapons and supplies. Within the tops of every tree, we positioned arrows and the strongest bows; just waiting for their masters to make them sing. We were going to surprise our enemy while they marched through the Gap of Rohan. Half of our numbers would put out a wave of attack, and then fall back into the woods. The enemy would come with us into the forest where the others remained hidden. We wanted our enemy to follow us and fight us on our own terms. Once beyond the tree line archers would thin the enemy's lines, while the infantry would retrieve needed extra weapons and circle around them. Once the enemy was surrounded, both halves would come together and end it once and for all. Unfortunately, we never had a chance to put our plans in to action.

We had been betrayed.

The enemy had known we were coming and had not been surprised. They were not just marching from the South West as we had been told. They also came up from the South East, and they instead surrounded us. They encircled us, and cut us into two, preventing us from ever reaching our friends in the forest. Very few of us made it back to the tree line, and those of us who survived were captured.

I stood in the dim light for a moment lost in my memories.

I did not know if any of our hidden weapons were still keeping their secrets somewhere yet unfound; but the need for something to defend myself with was worth the risk of venturing so near the edge of the forest. I began to examine the ground below me and saw what only a pair of elf eyes probably would have seen; a small patch of ever so slightly discolored grass. I pulled up the patch to find a hidden treasure of beautiful Elven blades. I reached into the ground and carefully selected a slender dagger, and a long silvery sword. As I continued my search, I found and collected an unused bow, and many un-shot arrows still hidden in the trees. I came across a few unexpected things as well; leather wristbands, a good belt, a satchel filed with leaf wrapped lembas bread, and a cloak. I clasped the bands on my wrists over the sleeves of my tunic, and fastened the belt around my waste. I tied my black hair back out of my face, and tied the cloak around my neck. Last but not least, I finally sheathed my weapons. My shoulder began to ache as I placed the bow and the quiver of arrows on my back; but at least now, I would be able to fight if I needed to. That tracker had better hope he did not cross my path today.

As I stared to walk toward the safety of the deep wood, a foreign noise again broke the peace in my mind.

Impossible!

However, this did not sound like my tracker and his dogs; it sounded like a lady's scream.

I probably should have continued on my way unnoticed; but my curiosity got the better of me. I moved toward the sound, and climbed up behind a tree with a hidden view of the commotion. Below me, I saw three large men, all in some unrecognizable uniform. They did not appear to be soldiers; they appeared to be some kind of hired mercenary. Their weapons were old and ill fashioned, and their own appearances matched them. The largest of the three had a young woman thrown over his shoulders. She was thrashing every which way while yelling, swearing, and beating the larger man with her fists. For some reason I could not take my eyes off her; it was though I had fallen into a strange trance. She had fire red hair and a fiery spirit to match; her voice was strong and so were her fists. I was actually beginning to believe she would bring the large man down, when the spell was suddenly broken. The big man threw her of his shoulders onto the ground. She fell hard and her head hit a sharp rock; she had been knocked senseless. The large man taunted,

"That should calm you down!"

My blood began to boil. The familiar image of the lady Alfirin being dragged across the filthy dungeon floor began playing itself in my mind. Why must the strong always prey upon those who are weaker? All I knew at that moment was that it was going to stop.

I pulled the hood of my cloak over my head and I placed my right hand on the hilt of my sword. Then, reason unknown, I jumped out of the tree and charged right for the biggest of the three. My soul was on fire as my sword forced its way though the chest of the big man. I withdrew the blade and used it to block my left side. With a powerful clash, it came into contact with the blade of another. The second mercenary. As the third approached on my right, I quickly used my free hand to draw my dagger from my boot, and sharply blocked his blow as well. Using all the strength I could muster, I forced my then crossed hands to uncross; my one hand leading my sword through to the man on my right; bringing him down. My dagger hand was now open, and I gracefully cut into the one on my left, dropping him to his knees. My sword; then in one sweeping motion moved to finish him. It was all over in seven moves.

Once the adrenaline rush had eased, I realized how hot headed I had been. Had I been listening to common sense I would have went on my way. This poor girl had noting to do with me, and she would probably only get me into more trouble. I have never been very good at thinking things through. My heart has always had lead over my head, often to a fault.

I cleaned my blades on the grass and began to walk towards the woman's side. She had regained consciousness and had seen the last of the fight; her green eyes grew wide as I approached her.

"Who are you and what are your intentions stranger?"

I pulled my hood further down over my face to hide my appearances. If she saw that I was of elf kind it would probably only add to her fears.

(She was a strong woman and I did not want to risk being attacked by her too.)

"Just a wanderer who shows up when he is most needed I hope."

"Indeed, just when he is most needed."

She slowly looked me over before she continued. She forced herself to smile.

"I am in your debt; but I cannot properly thank you until I know your name stranger."

She removed me from her gaze, and focused on straitening her skirts as she tried to stand up. I went over to her and offered my hand to help her up. She accepted, and I pulled her to her feet.

"Feaestel. My name is Feaestel."

I really could not see any harm in giving her my name, and I was hoping she would return the favor and give me hers.

"My name is Meril. It's very pleasant to meet you Feaestel."

She held on to my hand and gave it a good shake. I just looked at her. Meril was a nice name; an elvish name; the name of a flower. I smiled without thinking.

"What so funny about that, why are you smirking?"

"A rose! Meril; your name means rose where I come from."

She smiled as she dusted herself off.

"That's wonderful! Roses are my favorite flower. I think I'll insist that everyone call me Rose from now on."

She began to search the ground for something she must have lost in the struggle. She stopped and let out a sigh of relief. She then bent down; pulling her missing shoe out of a nearby bush.

"Why would you want to change your name like that?" I asked.

"You said my name means rose; so I'm not really changing it am I? Besides, I'm starting a new life and I'll need a new name."

I was beginning to believe her knock on the head had left her daft. I turned to head back, and readied myself to leave. I was at a loss; what was I supposed to do next? The girl was safe and my part was done. I should leave and get back to my business with that tracker fellow. Before I could do anything though, she suddenly spoke again. This time more seriously and with a twinge of dread in her voice. I turned back toward her and saw that she had changed; she was no longer moving about, or looking me over with forced confidence. She was just still; her eyes had fear in them.

"I don't really know who you are or where you are going, but please take me with you!

A tear had fought its way through her guise and was slipping down her check. She whipped it away with an indifferent determination.

"There will be more mercenaries after me before long, and I have no place to go. Please do not leave me here at the mercy of time."

I was moved. Her strong facade was beginning to crack and I felt for her. Any plans I may have had would just have to wait, I could not abandon her after all this.

"I won't leave you. I promise."

To be continued…