A/N: Okies, in response to a couple of reviews, I just want to clear out a
couple of things.
You've got to all remember that Nat is one of three humans in Rivendell, as not many humans have been there, Elrohir and Elladan are both used to elven reflexes, strengths and posture. Elves have a natural grace and strength whereas Nat only has a few months of being on the streets to advance her (limited) skills.
The reason Elrohir and Elladan have taught her is mainly because their father and brother both know of Nat's humanity and awkwardness in a city of elves. Hmm, will clear it out a bit more in this chapter, I think. I should have done so earlier.
I'm trying hard to not make anyone OOC and if I do tell me and I'll do my best to fix it up. So, as far as Mary Sue-ness goes, this is only one in the way of "girl falls into ME" thing and some tragic background - but the tragic-ness doesn't really affect her, I'd like to think, she's just coped. She has no special powers, no affections for any canon characters (nor do they have any affections for her, except for Boromir - but that is more of a crush - he hasn't seen a girl in months, let alone a human one, but then he's like 40 while she's only 16/17 as one reviewer pointed out and . . . Canon! Remember the canon!). Physically, she's nothing special. Worn. Thin yes, but disgustingly so. Her eyes are a pretty normal shade of hazel. She's not "better" than anyone else. Want to nitpick? Go to this site: htt p:/ /ww w.merryc oz .o rg/pape rs/MA RYSU E . HT M, which pretty much lists the different types of Mary Sues and ways to recognize them. I admit (ouch, there goes my pride) that this is kind of Mary Sue-ish but never as bad as most.
Ok, now that's cleared out, let's get on with it! Oh yes, Jluvien/Iluvion. I like both names. And they're similar enough. But *cries* I can't decide! Will hopefully get act together by next chappy.
Oh yeah, Lotr don't belong to me. (saw it again today, very cool. Teary at credits ~ weird, no? It was the song, I think. *sigh* The whole thing has just ended.So finally. That's what got to me, I think).
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I've redone this chapter because I didn't like the way I had Boromir and Nat fight. I thought Nat was being too immature and "teeny". And I think I can write better then that.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Title: A Place Of Her Own
Chapter: Run of the Mill
Rating: PG-13
Summary: *sigh* Nat and her brother end up in Middle Earth, meeting various members of the canon and so slowly adapt to the ways of life in Rivendell . . . for the moment anyway.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Boromir sat alone with his thoughts on a balcony overlooking Rivendell.
He glanced down and saw Nat sparring with one of Elrond's sons. Her fumbles were laughable but determination showed in her face. The pair had stopped for a moment to let Nat catch her breath when Elladan had left the yard.
He could not help but feel sorry for her. But he had to be careful not to let it show or she would run away like she did last time. Except that she'd run away with a lot more than his horse. She seemed to have had a rough life, and since Elrond had confirmed her story of these . . . televisions and cars he had felt a lot more isolated from her.
Why did she plague his thoughts? She was human, yes. The only one he could relax around with here. But why couldn't he just let her do what she willed? He must feel some sort of protection over her. Yes, that was it. She was so young . . . and in such a world that was threatened to be consumed by the forces of evil.
He shuddered as he thought of the quest he and eight others had been charged with. Why could they not use it themselves and beat back the enemy? It would be a much smoother course of action and yet Mithrandir and Lord Elrond had been adamant.
He thought to the hobbit, Frodo. Such a responsibility handed to one so small. He could not possibly . . . but Boromir cut off this thought in respect for the older men. They knew what they were doing. Even if he did not agree so whole-heartedly, their decisions should be recognized and unquestioned.
He gave a heavy sigh and took a long draught of the cool wine in his hand.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elladan soon returned with several pieces of fowl, some bread and a salad for them to share. Nat looked on the feast hungrily and rapidly devoured her share before looking to Elladan, wide eyed.
He laughed and gave her half of his meat which was as quickly eaten. Nat lay back and looked at the sky.
"What next?" she asked Elladan, contentedly.
"Next?" he mused, "Why, I have to show you how to practice your knives so that you can improve on yourself. I will check on you occasionally but you will have to develop your skills on your own. Elves here are extremely busy. Especially with the fall of Saruman to the south . . ."
"Who's Saruman?"
"No one you need to worry about. But it is more than a little worrying."
"He's dead?"
"No. Worse than that I'm afraid," Elladan looked down sorrowfully, but quickly hid his emotions and grabbed Nat's hand dragging her to her feet.
"Come on, we do not have much time before sundown and I would like to get through these instructions before dark."
Nat sighed and picked up her weapons, holding them in position slightly lowered in anticipation for his attack.
"First," he began as they circled each other carefully, "you need to know your knives. Know that they will cut you if you let them."
He expertly flipped them over his wrists and then spun them, swapping hands as he threw them above his head, and finishing off with a slight flair.
Nat's eyes widened.
"When you practice this, try to keep them in the sheathes. When you feel comfortable, try it with the naked blade."
Elladan smiled at her.
"Remember, you are still a beginner so do not try too much at once. This will take years to perfect and you must work at it."
"I will not be here that long," Nat replied coldly.
"Oh?" asked Elladan as he lunged for a quick contest.
"I'll be back home before you know it," she panted as she parried his strikes as best she could.
"Ah yes, your world. Full of speeding carriages and flickering images."
"You think I make it up," she accused.
"Nay, my father confirmed it for me. But still, I find it hard to believe," he said calmly as she awkwardly rained down attacks on him.
"It's true and I'm going back. I'm going to get Thom in a school. I'm going to get a job and find a place to live. I'm going to be rich and famous and do whatever I want."
Elladan pulled back from her.
"You do not always get what you want," he warned.
"I'll get what I want."
Elladan shrugged.
"Just remember to practice everyday for an hour or two, same as your archery. Slash at the air or try and find someone who will spar with you. There are plenty who come here after their patrols to hone their skills."
Nat nodded.
"I will go back," she vowed.
"Perhaps," came the answer.
She huffed in impatience and sheathed her blades.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That night, Nat was troubled by dreams once more.
Fire.
It burned the house around her, it burned her brother, Boromir, the elves, everyone she had met. And through the fire she saw her father standing. Wrathful, with his hate bent on her. She drowned in the fate that enveloped her, suffocating. His eyes pierced her mind and she fell to her knees. Pain.
The darkness came and arms took her away.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Nat! Nat!" she woke to the sound of her brother. He had clambered onto the bed and was holding her head in his arms, like the arms in the darkness had comforted her . . .
"What is it, Thom?" she groaned, quickly letting the dream slide back and be forgotten.
Thom looked at his sister seriously.
"I had a bad dream," he began.
Nat gave him a lopsided smile.
"So did I, but how about you hop in and keep them away together, hmm?" Thom grinned and snuggled under the blankets, tangling his arms around his older sister and burying his head in her shoulder.
They lay like that for a long time before slowly dropping off into a dreamless sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Iluvion couldn't believe this but felt that it couldn't be put off any longer. He strode purposefully towards Nat's door and lifted his arm to knock.
"Do I have to?" he turned and asked Glorfindel.
"What makes you think I want to take along a girl who knows nothing of riding on a patrol? But we must do as Lord Elrond asks. He wishes her to get out a bit more."
Iluvion sighed and made a deep growl at the back of throat before knocking on the dor quickly.
"Nat?" he asked tentatively.
He heard a slight groan come from behind the door and turned back to Glorfindel.
"I can't . . ." but gave up on finishing the sentence when the other elf gave him an appraising look.
"Fine," he muttered. Slowly, he pushed open the door to find Nat lying with her brother in her arms. Every now and then she mumbled something and shifted her body around.
Iluvion pursed his lips thoughtfully.
"I know you're awake," he said stoutly. Nat only murmured something and turned away from his to her brother.
"You don't want a repeat of yesterday, do you?"
Nat groaned again and rubbed at her eyes.
"Wha'? Oh Iluvion. . . what are you doing in my room?"
Iluvion rolled his eyes.
"In an attempt to keep you busy, Lord Elrond has decreed that you will accompany his close friend and advisor Glorfindel on a patrol of the outer regions of Rivendell."
Nat blinked.
"Ok then."
"Good. I'll come by to take you to your breakfast in a moment and then we will head off."
Nat grunted and rolled out of bed as Jluvien left her alone with her brother.
Soon enough she had crawled to her wardrobe and dragged on another dress when Iluvion knocked and opened the doors to her room.
"What?" she asked confused.
"How long must you take? Everyone is waiting!"
"But I haven't eaten . . ."
"Here," Iluvion threw some bread to her, "Why are you wearing that for?"
"Wearing what? This dress?"
"How do you expect to be able to . . . oh, nevermind. Quickly!"
Nat readjusted the dress and slipped on some shoes.
"Don't you have any boots?" groaned Elrohir.
"No, I don't. My entire wardrobe is full of flimsy dresses and socks," sniffed Nat haughtily, "And it's not my fault."
Nat grabbed her belt and tied her sheathes with her knives to it.
"They are slippers, not . . . socks. Now quickly, quickly."
"What about my brother?"
"He will find the hobbits to play with today if he manages to avoid, my Lord. Now will you just . .."
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Nat said as she swept past him, nearly barrelling into a tall blonde elf.
"Glorfindel! We were just on our way," Iluvion saluted.
The blonde elf looked at Nat.
"This is why we have been kept waiting? Doesn't she have any appropriate clothing?" he asked Iluvion, ignoring Nat who glowered sullenly.
"No, I do not," she interrupted before Jluvien could open his mouth.
Glorfindel simply turned and led the way downstairs.
Iluvion gave Nat a cold look, "Do not presume to talk to Glorfindel like that. He is highly respected."
Nat shrugged and followed Glorfindel's retreating back, leaving Iluvion to throw his hands up in frustration before hurrying past her to walk slightly behind Glorfindel.
Glorfindel led them to the stables. Where several elves had already mounted up with their horses dancing impatiently.
As their gaze fell on the girl they were to take with them, they made it clear that they were not impressed.
Nat chose not to notice, in fact. She was fairly busy appraising the brute she was to ride. He was a metre taller than her and had dark eyes that threatened her well being if she was to ever going try and go anywhere near him.
Glorfindel was holding the reins and waiting for her to come and take them. Cautiously she took them and went to the side, the stirrup was just below her chest. And she was wearing a dress. With elves watching.
She growled quietly and looked back at Glorfindel who ignored her as well as he had earlier on. She then glared at Iluvion who managed to avoid her gaze for a few seconds before giving up.
"Is there a problem, my lady?"
Nat snorted and put her hand to her head and then went on tip toes to touch the saddle.
"You feel it is too big, my lady?"
Nat snorted.
"I'll take that as a yes, my lady. Do you wish to pick out your own from the stables?"
"I wouldn't know one thing about horses. So I think I'll trust you to come out with one that I can safely get on without getting bitten or end up advertising anything to the general populace."
Glorfindel gave a slight cough.
"I'm afraid that that is the last horse available in the stables. You will see that the rest of our horses are just as large so we cannot trade places with you. Also, if we were to give you one of the ponies, it would not be able to keep the pace as this one would. I assure you it will be quite safe if you . . ."
"Right," Nat said, making a decision, "Turn around."
The elves looked baffled and Glorfindel rolled his eyes deftly.
"I assure you that none here care for that."
Nat glared.
"I won't go, then."
Glrofindel was about to argue when Iluvion stepped forward to intervene.
"My lady?" he asked as he offered his hands as a stepladder to the horse.
"Thank you," she accepted before quickly moving from Jluvien's hands to the saddle, "At least someone around here has some sense," she sniffed, ignoring an indifferent Glorfindel.
Her feet could barely reach the stirrups and already she felt the horse rebelling against her. She clutched at the reins tightly.
The horse began to prance, unsettling her.
"Relax, my lady," said Iluvion beside her on his own horse before leaning over and whispering something in the horse's ear.
She slowly let her shoulders draw back and her back straighten as the horse began to follow one of the others' in front. She soon tied the reins to the saddle and accustomed herself to the swaying of the horse. It would follow the others obediently enough for the rest of the day.
It was near midday when they stopped on the edge of the forest. They over looked a plain to the south, almost immediately the elves around her peered into the distance.
Glorfindel moved back among the ranks and whispered something the Jluvien who seemed to pale slightly.
"What is it?" asked Nat trying to lean over into the conversation. Glorfindel frown and continued in Elvish.
Iluvion nodded.
"A small force, not to worry," Glorfindel said to Nat. He then turned his force and moved back into the lead.
"Small force?" she asked Iluvion.
"Orcs, I suppose. They do not usually come so far north."
"Orcs?" Nat snorted in disbelief.
"Quiet!" commanded one of the elves in a harsh whisper.
"You will soon see, my lady. They will not be more than a dozen, I hope. Scouting perhaps for Saruman." Iluvion drew in a sharp intake of breath as he spoke the name, as if cursing it.
Nat opened her mouth to speak but horses in front had moved on, leading her own horse. Unbalanced, Nat forgot about asking any more questions and focussed on not falling off.
Oh, how she detested horses.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That's it. Hope it was better than that other chapter. Shaitan keeps me from getting slack.
You've got to all remember that Nat is one of three humans in Rivendell, as not many humans have been there, Elrohir and Elladan are both used to elven reflexes, strengths and posture. Elves have a natural grace and strength whereas Nat only has a few months of being on the streets to advance her (limited) skills.
The reason Elrohir and Elladan have taught her is mainly because their father and brother both know of Nat's humanity and awkwardness in a city of elves. Hmm, will clear it out a bit more in this chapter, I think. I should have done so earlier.
I'm trying hard to not make anyone OOC and if I do tell me and I'll do my best to fix it up. So, as far as Mary Sue-ness goes, this is only one in the way of "girl falls into ME" thing and some tragic background - but the tragic-ness doesn't really affect her, I'd like to think, she's just coped. She has no special powers, no affections for any canon characters (nor do they have any affections for her, except for Boromir - but that is more of a crush - he hasn't seen a girl in months, let alone a human one, but then he's like 40 while she's only 16/17 as one reviewer pointed out and . . . Canon! Remember the canon!). Physically, she's nothing special. Worn. Thin yes, but disgustingly so. Her eyes are a pretty normal shade of hazel. She's not "better" than anyone else. Want to nitpick? Go to this site: htt p:/ /ww w.merryc oz .o rg/pape rs/MA RYSU E . HT M, which pretty much lists the different types of Mary Sues and ways to recognize them. I admit (ouch, there goes my pride) that this is kind of Mary Sue-ish but never as bad as most.
Ok, now that's cleared out, let's get on with it! Oh yes, Jluvien/Iluvion. I like both names. And they're similar enough. But *cries* I can't decide! Will hopefully get act together by next chappy.
Oh yeah, Lotr don't belong to me. (saw it again today, very cool. Teary at credits ~ weird, no? It was the song, I think. *sigh* The whole thing has just ended.So finally. That's what got to me, I think).
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I've redone this chapter because I didn't like the way I had Boromir and Nat fight. I thought Nat was being too immature and "teeny". And I think I can write better then that.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Title: A Place Of Her Own
Chapter: Run of the Mill
Rating: PG-13
Summary: *sigh* Nat and her brother end up in Middle Earth, meeting various members of the canon and so slowly adapt to the ways of life in Rivendell . . . for the moment anyway.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Boromir sat alone with his thoughts on a balcony overlooking Rivendell.
He glanced down and saw Nat sparring with one of Elrond's sons. Her fumbles were laughable but determination showed in her face. The pair had stopped for a moment to let Nat catch her breath when Elladan had left the yard.
He could not help but feel sorry for her. But he had to be careful not to let it show or she would run away like she did last time. Except that she'd run away with a lot more than his horse. She seemed to have had a rough life, and since Elrond had confirmed her story of these . . . televisions and cars he had felt a lot more isolated from her.
Why did she plague his thoughts? She was human, yes. The only one he could relax around with here. But why couldn't he just let her do what she willed? He must feel some sort of protection over her. Yes, that was it. She was so young . . . and in such a world that was threatened to be consumed by the forces of evil.
He shuddered as he thought of the quest he and eight others had been charged with. Why could they not use it themselves and beat back the enemy? It would be a much smoother course of action and yet Mithrandir and Lord Elrond had been adamant.
He thought to the hobbit, Frodo. Such a responsibility handed to one so small. He could not possibly . . . but Boromir cut off this thought in respect for the older men. They knew what they were doing. Even if he did not agree so whole-heartedly, their decisions should be recognized and unquestioned.
He gave a heavy sigh and took a long draught of the cool wine in his hand.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Elladan soon returned with several pieces of fowl, some bread and a salad for them to share. Nat looked on the feast hungrily and rapidly devoured her share before looking to Elladan, wide eyed.
He laughed and gave her half of his meat which was as quickly eaten. Nat lay back and looked at the sky.
"What next?" she asked Elladan, contentedly.
"Next?" he mused, "Why, I have to show you how to practice your knives so that you can improve on yourself. I will check on you occasionally but you will have to develop your skills on your own. Elves here are extremely busy. Especially with the fall of Saruman to the south . . ."
"Who's Saruman?"
"No one you need to worry about. But it is more than a little worrying."
"He's dead?"
"No. Worse than that I'm afraid," Elladan looked down sorrowfully, but quickly hid his emotions and grabbed Nat's hand dragging her to her feet.
"Come on, we do not have much time before sundown and I would like to get through these instructions before dark."
Nat sighed and picked up her weapons, holding them in position slightly lowered in anticipation for his attack.
"First," he began as they circled each other carefully, "you need to know your knives. Know that they will cut you if you let them."
He expertly flipped them over his wrists and then spun them, swapping hands as he threw them above his head, and finishing off with a slight flair.
Nat's eyes widened.
"When you practice this, try to keep them in the sheathes. When you feel comfortable, try it with the naked blade."
Elladan smiled at her.
"Remember, you are still a beginner so do not try too much at once. This will take years to perfect and you must work at it."
"I will not be here that long," Nat replied coldly.
"Oh?" asked Elladan as he lunged for a quick contest.
"I'll be back home before you know it," she panted as she parried his strikes as best she could.
"Ah yes, your world. Full of speeding carriages and flickering images."
"You think I make it up," she accused.
"Nay, my father confirmed it for me. But still, I find it hard to believe," he said calmly as she awkwardly rained down attacks on him.
"It's true and I'm going back. I'm going to get Thom in a school. I'm going to get a job and find a place to live. I'm going to be rich and famous and do whatever I want."
Elladan pulled back from her.
"You do not always get what you want," he warned.
"I'll get what I want."
Elladan shrugged.
"Just remember to practice everyday for an hour or two, same as your archery. Slash at the air or try and find someone who will spar with you. There are plenty who come here after their patrols to hone their skills."
Nat nodded.
"I will go back," she vowed.
"Perhaps," came the answer.
She huffed in impatience and sheathed her blades.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That night, Nat was troubled by dreams once more.
Fire.
It burned the house around her, it burned her brother, Boromir, the elves, everyone she had met. And through the fire she saw her father standing. Wrathful, with his hate bent on her. She drowned in the fate that enveloped her, suffocating. His eyes pierced her mind and she fell to her knees. Pain.
The darkness came and arms took her away.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Nat! Nat!" she woke to the sound of her brother. He had clambered onto the bed and was holding her head in his arms, like the arms in the darkness had comforted her . . .
"What is it, Thom?" she groaned, quickly letting the dream slide back and be forgotten.
Thom looked at his sister seriously.
"I had a bad dream," he began.
Nat gave him a lopsided smile.
"So did I, but how about you hop in and keep them away together, hmm?" Thom grinned and snuggled under the blankets, tangling his arms around his older sister and burying his head in her shoulder.
They lay like that for a long time before slowly dropping off into a dreamless sleep.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Iluvion couldn't believe this but felt that it couldn't be put off any longer. He strode purposefully towards Nat's door and lifted his arm to knock.
"Do I have to?" he turned and asked Glorfindel.
"What makes you think I want to take along a girl who knows nothing of riding on a patrol? But we must do as Lord Elrond asks. He wishes her to get out a bit more."
Iluvion sighed and made a deep growl at the back of throat before knocking on the dor quickly.
"Nat?" he asked tentatively.
He heard a slight groan come from behind the door and turned back to Glorfindel.
"I can't . . ." but gave up on finishing the sentence when the other elf gave him an appraising look.
"Fine," he muttered. Slowly, he pushed open the door to find Nat lying with her brother in her arms. Every now and then she mumbled something and shifted her body around.
Iluvion pursed his lips thoughtfully.
"I know you're awake," he said stoutly. Nat only murmured something and turned away from his to her brother.
"You don't want a repeat of yesterday, do you?"
Nat groaned again and rubbed at her eyes.
"Wha'? Oh Iluvion. . . what are you doing in my room?"
Iluvion rolled his eyes.
"In an attempt to keep you busy, Lord Elrond has decreed that you will accompany his close friend and advisor Glorfindel on a patrol of the outer regions of Rivendell."
Nat blinked.
"Ok then."
"Good. I'll come by to take you to your breakfast in a moment and then we will head off."
Nat grunted and rolled out of bed as Jluvien left her alone with her brother.
Soon enough she had crawled to her wardrobe and dragged on another dress when Iluvion knocked and opened the doors to her room.
"What?" she asked confused.
"How long must you take? Everyone is waiting!"
"But I haven't eaten . . ."
"Here," Iluvion threw some bread to her, "Why are you wearing that for?"
"Wearing what? This dress?"
"How do you expect to be able to . . . oh, nevermind. Quickly!"
Nat readjusted the dress and slipped on some shoes.
"Don't you have any boots?" groaned Elrohir.
"No, I don't. My entire wardrobe is full of flimsy dresses and socks," sniffed Nat haughtily, "And it's not my fault."
Nat grabbed her belt and tied her sheathes with her knives to it.
"They are slippers, not . . . socks. Now quickly, quickly."
"What about my brother?"
"He will find the hobbits to play with today if he manages to avoid, my Lord. Now will you just . .."
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Nat said as she swept past him, nearly barrelling into a tall blonde elf.
"Glorfindel! We were just on our way," Iluvion saluted.
The blonde elf looked at Nat.
"This is why we have been kept waiting? Doesn't she have any appropriate clothing?" he asked Iluvion, ignoring Nat who glowered sullenly.
"No, I do not," she interrupted before Jluvien could open his mouth.
Glorfindel simply turned and led the way downstairs.
Iluvion gave Nat a cold look, "Do not presume to talk to Glorfindel like that. He is highly respected."
Nat shrugged and followed Glorfindel's retreating back, leaving Iluvion to throw his hands up in frustration before hurrying past her to walk slightly behind Glorfindel.
Glorfindel led them to the stables. Where several elves had already mounted up with their horses dancing impatiently.
As their gaze fell on the girl they were to take with them, they made it clear that they were not impressed.
Nat chose not to notice, in fact. She was fairly busy appraising the brute she was to ride. He was a metre taller than her and had dark eyes that threatened her well being if she was to ever going try and go anywhere near him.
Glorfindel was holding the reins and waiting for her to come and take them. Cautiously she took them and went to the side, the stirrup was just below her chest. And she was wearing a dress. With elves watching.
She growled quietly and looked back at Glorfindel who ignored her as well as he had earlier on. She then glared at Iluvion who managed to avoid her gaze for a few seconds before giving up.
"Is there a problem, my lady?"
Nat snorted and put her hand to her head and then went on tip toes to touch the saddle.
"You feel it is too big, my lady?"
Nat snorted.
"I'll take that as a yes, my lady. Do you wish to pick out your own from the stables?"
"I wouldn't know one thing about horses. So I think I'll trust you to come out with one that I can safely get on without getting bitten or end up advertising anything to the general populace."
Glorfindel gave a slight cough.
"I'm afraid that that is the last horse available in the stables. You will see that the rest of our horses are just as large so we cannot trade places with you. Also, if we were to give you one of the ponies, it would not be able to keep the pace as this one would. I assure you it will be quite safe if you . . ."
"Right," Nat said, making a decision, "Turn around."
The elves looked baffled and Glorfindel rolled his eyes deftly.
"I assure you that none here care for that."
Nat glared.
"I won't go, then."
Glrofindel was about to argue when Iluvion stepped forward to intervene.
"My lady?" he asked as he offered his hands as a stepladder to the horse.
"Thank you," she accepted before quickly moving from Jluvien's hands to the saddle, "At least someone around here has some sense," she sniffed, ignoring an indifferent Glorfindel.
Her feet could barely reach the stirrups and already she felt the horse rebelling against her. She clutched at the reins tightly.
The horse began to prance, unsettling her.
"Relax, my lady," said Iluvion beside her on his own horse before leaning over and whispering something in the horse's ear.
She slowly let her shoulders draw back and her back straighten as the horse began to follow one of the others' in front. She soon tied the reins to the saddle and accustomed herself to the swaying of the horse. It would follow the others obediently enough for the rest of the day.
It was near midday when they stopped on the edge of the forest. They over looked a plain to the south, almost immediately the elves around her peered into the distance.
Glorfindel moved back among the ranks and whispered something the Jluvien who seemed to pale slightly.
"What is it?" asked Nat trying to lean over into the conversation. Glorfindel frown and continued in Elvish.
Iluvion nodded.
"A small force, not to worry," Glorfindel said to Nat. He then turned his force and moved back into the lead.
"Small force?" she asked Iluvion.
"Orcs, I suppose. They do not usually come so far north."
"Orcs?" Nat snorted in disbelief.
"Quiet!" commanded one of the elves in a harsh whisper.
"You will soon see, my lady. They will not be more than a dozen, I hope. Scouting perhaps for Saruman." Iluvion drew in a sharp intake of breath as he spoke the name, as if cursing it.
Nat opened her mouth to speak but horses in front had moved on, leading her own horse. Unbalanced, Nat forgot about asking any more questions and focussed on not falling off.
Oh, how she detested horses.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That's it. Hope it was better than that other chapter. Shaitan keeps me from getting slack.