Life Sucks
By: Honolulu
Four days had passed since I got my glimpse of the future in Galadriel's mirror. Early in the mornings I would train with Haldir and in the evenings I spent my time with Legolas. Today is my last training session with Haldir and possibly the last time I will see him after our departure.
I sat down on a bench drinking water as we took a short break. " Haldir?"
"Yes?"
"Will you miss me when I leave?" He looked up at me.
"Of course I will, do you even have to ask?" I shrugged my shoulders.
"I just wanted to confirm it. It makes me feel better." He nodded with understanding and rose.
"Let's continue, I want to get enough training in because I letting this end early. You must get plenty of rest before you depart." I nodded. I rose, stretched the kinks out of my neck and got into a fighting stance. All the while I blinked back my tears that threaten to fall.
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Maria rested with the fellowship at the base of the trees, she slept between the hobbits. At the rise of the sun, Aragorn shook them awake. Maria did not go to the counsel with them and learned that they will be riding the rivers. That morning, they packed up the goods that they were to bring while the elves brought them gifts of food and clothing.
The food that the elves brought consisted of what looked like thin pieces of white bread. But Maria found out that the bread was called 'Lembas' and could fill and strengthen the stamina of a man. The clothing that they provided them were green cloaks which consisted of a hood. At the neck of the cloak, it was fastened with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.
She also learned that the cloaks would also help them by shielding them from unwanted eyes. After breakfast, Haldir approached them and said that he was to be their guide out of Lothlorien. They traveled ten miles until Haldir lead them to an opening bank of the rivers. Tied to the trees, three small boats had been prepared and stowed with their things ready to go.
The fellowship was arranged in this way: Aragorn, Frodo and Sam in one boat, Boromir, Pippin and Merry in another and last were Legolas and Gimli; who became fast friends; along with Maria. Aragorn led them down the stream to another boat that was carved into a swan.
In the boat sat Lady Galadriel who sang a beautiful song and announced that they were to have one last meal together. Celeborn spoke with them about the many rivers and where they each led to. As the meal started to come to and end, Galadriel passed around the cup of farewell. After each had a sip, Galadriel's maidens walked into the clearing with gifts in their arms.
Each member received a gift from the Lady, all except Maria. The Lady pulled Maria away from the others as the fellowship admired their gifts. " Maria, I do not have a gift to present you that will help you in the battles that you will face but I have something you can wear for the successes." With a wave of her hand, a maiden approach them and presented Maria with a dress.
Maria was immediately telling her that she won't ever wear the dress until the maiden pulled it out of its wrapping. Maria's eyes widened. She looked at the elaborate gown, done in rich silk brocade. The dress was in shimmering white and gold. Long sleeves with a little bit of blue. A belt made in blue silk and a cape to hang off the shoulders.
Maria touched the dress and smiled at the coolness of it. "The dress is gorgeous but how would I keep it intact and clean?" She asked.
"A material will be wrapped around the dress and protect it from the natures. Just promise me that you will wear it at least once." The maiden handed the dress, folded and wrapped, to Maria. She gently took it and placed it in her pack.
"I promise...and thank you." Galadriel smiled and led her back to the fellowship who were saying their goodbyes. Maria ran to Haldir and pounced on him. She hugged him with all her might while he tried to keep his balance. Haldir settled when she placed herself back on the ground. "You will miss me right?" He opened his mouth to respond she cut him off. "Of course you will. Now you take care of yourself." She hugged him again.
"Maria!" She turned to see the others waiting for her. "Come, it's time to depart." Aragorn called out to her. She nodded and faced Haldir. She gave him a smile, a quick peck on the cheek and ran off to the others. He touched the cheek she kissed and shook his head.
"Strange girl." He smiled and waved as they left. Along with Legolas, Maria helped row the boat while he and Gimli discussed about the Lady's gifts they received. As they continued to row, Maria was so engulfed with her thoughts she didn't hear her name being called until Gimli shook her. She shook herself out of her daze and looked at them.
"Yea?"
"Are you alright?" Legolas asked. She nodded.
"What did you want?"
"Gimli and I wanted to know what the Lady presented you with." Maria looked at them, Legolas in particular, and gave them a coy smile.
"I'll show you later." She said as she resumed paddling. The innuendo not lost on either of them, Gimli laughed loudly while the tips of Legolas' ears turned a little red. The rest of the fellowship looked at them strangely when they heard Gimli's loud laughing.
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For ten days they traveled on the rivers resting only at night. On the eleventh morning, Aragorn gathered them and he spoke of where their destination should be. The deciding factor came down to Frodo's decision. "I know that haste is needed, yet I cannot choose. The burden is heavy. Give me an hour longer and I will speak. Let me be alone." Frodo told them as he walked into the woods.
Maria settled down against a tree as Legolas spoke to Aragorn. She closed her eyes and listened to the soft ramblings of everyone and enjoying the soft breeze that played on her warm skin. Her eyes fluttered open when she felt movement next to her. She looked to her left to see Merry sitting down; she smiled at him then listened on to the others.
"Where is Mr. Frodo? Shouldn't he be back now?" Sam asked.
"Frodo is probably thinking hard on the course we shall take but we don't have time to waste." Gimli spoke up.
Merry bit into the apple he had in his hands and looked around their make-shift camp. "Where's Boromir?" He asked. The fellowship look surprised at the point Merry brought up; they looked around camp to find that Boromir was indeed gone.
"Where did he go?" Maria asked, she looked at Aragorn for an answer but even he could not answer.
"We must look for both of them. Time is of the essence." Aragorn said. At that moment Boromir walked in. "Where have you been?"
"I've been picking up wood for the fires and I spoke with Frodo." Boromir told them.
"You've seen Frodo?"
"Yes and no."
"What did you speak to him about?"
"I tried to convince him to go to Minas Tirith and not to go east. He grew angry with me and vanished."
"Boromir, we gave Frodo this time to let him decide a course...alone."
"What do you mean by vanished?" Maria spoke up. All eyes whipped back to him.
"He put on the ring. I tried to look for him but I was unsuccessful." Sam jumped to his feet.
"No, Mr. Frodo would never do that. He would only do that if he was trying to get away from someone." Sam shouted.
"How long ago did you see Frodo?" Aragorn asked.
"Nearly half an hour."
"An hour since he vanished! We must find him, let's go!" Sam yelled.
"Wait a moment!" Cried Aragorn. "We should divide up in pairs so we won't lose everyone----here, hold on! Wait!" They took no notice of his words. Sam ran off, Merry and Pippin following. The air filled with yells of Frodo's name. Legolas and Gimli soon took off, leaving only Maria, Aragorn and Boromir.
Aragorn sighed and looked at Maria and Boromir. "I don't know what kind of part you played in making Frodo disappear but I want you to follow those hobbits and protect them. Maria, I want you to stay here just in case Frodo comes back. I shall return soon." He gave instructions and ran off, Boromir trailing him.
Maria sighed and plopped down on a log. She sat for awhile, fiddling with a twig between her fingers when she started to feel vibrations on the ground. She stood up and edged closer to the forest. She strained her ears to hear metal clashing, heavy footsteps. Her eyes widen as she grabbed her weapons and strapped them on. She was debating whether or not she should stay or go.
Her decision was made when she heard a horn sound ringing in the air. "Forget this." She took off running into the woods. As she ran farther in, parts of the ground were littered with dead orcs. She stopped and listened, she heard thundering of footsteps heading in her direction. Maria dived behind a bush as dozens of orcs ran past her.
She parted some of the branches to get a look. "Merry...Pippin..." To her surprise, she saw Merry and Pippin being pulled away by the ugly beings. Maria made sure that the orcs were totally gone before she came out of the bushes. She doubled checked to see that her weapons were strapped on tight before she ran after the orcs. Had Maria turned around, she would've seen Boromir on his knees with arrows in his chest.
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As days passed, Maria did her best trying to trail the orcs. She was thankful that on her belt held a pouch that had only two pieces of Lembas bread. When she felt extremely fatigued, she nibbled on the bread. She thanked the gods for Haldir's training. Had it not been for all the endurance running he made her do, she wouldn't have made it this far.
It was the third night of following; the orcs were resting by a nearby stream. Maria collapsed by some boulders. She laid against them trying to catch her breath. She didn't dare light a fire in case they might see it. She blew on her hands to warm them up. She broke off a small piece of lembas and ate it. "So tired." She whispered to herself.
Maria licked her chapped lips and tasted copper from where blood leaked through her broken skin. She gathered her cloak and wrapped it around herself. She shivered slightly from the chilly air. "Just a little sleep." She mumbled as she closed her eyes.
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Maria awoke to the noise of movement from below. She gave a little cry as she stretched out her sore limbs. She rubbed her tire eyes and looked over the boulders. She saw the orcs gathering and preparing to leave. Maria moved to stand up but her knees buckled under her. She gritted her teeth when her knees grinded into the ground.
She moved her legs to see that her leggings were slightly torn at the knee and that blood leaked from some little scrapes. She leaned back and shut her eyes. A few tears leaked out, her frustration growing more and more. She rubbed her face and pushed back her dirty and matted hair. Maria hissed as she moved her sore body. Below she could hear the thundering of the orcs leaving.
She broke off a little bit of lembas and popped it into her mouth. She wrapped up the bread, placed it back into the pouch and tied it around her belt. Maria waited a few minutes before running down the hill and to the stream. She kneeled down, cupped her hands and drank some water. She splashed some on her face to wake herself up.
Maria moved to drink more water when she noticed a shadow over her. She slowly moved her hand to her sword. Maria quickly turned and brought out her sword only to have it knocked away from her. She moved to grab it when a punch to the face knocked her to the ground. She tried to stand when the wind was knocked out of her from a kick to her stomach.
Maria rolled out of the way from another kick. She stood up and tried to block the oncoming blows from the orc but she was to unfocused and tired to move quick enough. Maria blocked a punch to her head but missed the hand that grabbed her neck. She was pulled towards the face of the orc. She coughed, trying to struggle away from the bad smell.
"Filthy human." The orc spat out. Maria lashed out, trying to remove its grip on her. Her actions only provoked the orc. The orc tightened its grip, dots started to appear before her eyes as she tried to breathe. Maria's face started to turn blue, darkness came over her as she became unconscious.
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"M-a-r-i-a! M-a-r-i-a!" Maria started to come to from the sound of her name. The voice sounded distorted to her. She shook her head to remove the dizziness. "M-a-r-i-a! M-a-ria!" The voice started to sound clearer. " M-a-ria! M-aria! Maria!" She looked towards the voice that was calling her. She found out that Pippin was calling out to her.
"Pippin! Merry!" She cried. Maria moved to get up only to find her arms and feet were binded by rope. She swallowed to get some condensation moving her in dry and sore throat. "How are you two?"
"We're fine! Are you alright?" Pippin asked.
"I'm alr---" She gasped as she was kicked twice by an orc.
"No talking!" The orc hissed at her. An orc leapt towards the hobbits.
"Hello there." He said. He moved down and sniffed Merry. "Tasty little thing. How about a small bite?"
"No!" Both cried Maria and another orc. An orc named Ugluk grabbed the smaller orc away from Merry. Maria gave a sigh of relief.
"No eating the halflings. That is an order, they are to be unharmed." Ugluk commanded. Another orc pushed its way in front of him.
"But we're hungry! We've eaten nothing but rotten, maggot infested bread! We want meat!" The orc cried out. Other voices shouted out in agreement.
"We don't touch the halflings!"
"We're HUNGRY!" Two of the orcs pulled out their swords, others following the same motion. All hesitated to strike Ugluk. Ugluk cried and pulled out his sword. In one swipe, the two orcs were beheaded.
"We leave the halflings for Saruman's doing! Eat the human but no touching the halflings!" He shouted. The group shouted in agreement and headed towards Maria. The hobbits yelled at them as the orcs moved towards her. She tried to scramble away from the hands.
"Don't move!" An orc shouted, it moved down to bite her arm when it cried out. It looked down to see a spear sticking out of its chest. The next moment was a blur to Maria. Merry and Pippin managed to get themselves free as men attacked the group. The hobbits ran to her and cut her binds. She stood up and tried to grab her weapons to find them gone. She looked around the chaos to see her weapons lying near a fire.
"Run into the forest!" She told the hobbits.
"What about you?" Merry asked.
"I'll be right behind you. Now go!" She shouted. They took off as Maria scrambled to get her weapons. She dodged a blow that was aimed towards her head. Making sure to dodge both men and orcs, she quickly grabbed her weapons and headed into the forest.
A rohan soldier that was fighting nearby noticed Maria and saw her head into the woods. What caught his attention were not only the weaponry she carried but the orcs that followed. Quickly killing of the monster he was fighting, he headed after them.
"Merry! Pippin! Where are you?" She shouted as she tried looking for them.
"WATCH OUT!" Maria turned around to see an orc trying to swing at her. She jumped back when a man ran to her side.
"I don't know who you are but thanks for the warning!" She told the man.
"You are welcomed but you shouldn't be here!"
"And why not?" She spat out while she tried to block swipes from the orcs that approached them.
"Because no lady should have to fight!" He grunted.
"I'm no lady! What's your name?"
"My name is Haile."
"Nice to meet ya Haile but now is not the time for pleasant introductions." Haile and Maria moved back to back as five orcs surrounded them.
"Do you know how to use that sword and daggers?" He asked.
"Do fish swim?"
"What?"
"Yes, I know how!"
"On the count of three we strike. Ready?"
"Ready!"
"One," They counted off together. "Two...three!!!" They moved apart from each other, both striking down one orc. With her sword in one hand and her dagger in the other, Maria striked with both weapons. Both of them were doing fairly well until two orcs decided to gang up on Haile.
"Help!" He cried out!
"Hold on!" Maria killed the orc as quickly as possible and ran to help Haile. She ran to one orc, stabbed it in the stomach and shoved it to the side. Haile decapitated the last one as he was thrown to the ground.
Maria lended him a hand. "Are you alright?" She asked. He took her hand as she pulled him up.
"Yes, I'm fine. Tha---"He said no more as blood splattered across his face. Maria looked down to see a sword sticking out of her abdomen. She screamed as it was pulled out. She clutched the wound as blood trickled down her mouth. Haile pulled her to the ground as the orc made a swipe at her body.
Haile laid Maria on the ground as he faced the last remaining orc. Maria cried as she applied pressure to her wound. She watched as Haile faced the orc but not faring to well. Maria slowly pulled herself up and tried to help him fight. The orc shoved Haile to the ground. Maria shoved and stabbed the orc in the back to get its attention on her.
"No Maria!" Haile shouted. The orc turned and ran at her. To slow to dodge him, both Maria and the orc tumbled to the ground. Placing a knee on Maria, the orc used her own dagger to slit her throat. Haile cried as he ran towards the orc and sliced its body in half. Shoving the body aside, he picked up Maria.
She tried to speak but all that came out was blood. Maria grabbed her remaining dagger from her thigh and pressed it into his hand. She started to convulse as she choked on her own blood. Tears leaked out of her eyes and then there was nothing. Her head laid on her shoulder, eyes unseeing, her body limp in his arms.
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Four days passed as Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas traveled the plains of Rohan. No sign so far of people. On his back, Legolas carried Maria's backpack that he found at camp. All wondered what happened to Maria, was she alive or dead? They wondered the same for Merry and Pippin.
That fourth morning, Legolas was the early riser and was singing to himself as he eyed the lands. Aragorn moved beside him and looked around. Over the rivers and the rough terrain, Aragorn saw a shadow in the distance moving at a fast pace.
"Riders!" He called out.
"The riders are little more than five leagues distant." Said Legolas.
"Five leagues or one, we cannot escape them in this bare land. Shall we wait for them here or go on our way?" said Gimli.
"We will wait," Said Aragorn. "I am weary and our hunt has failed. These horsemen might know about the orcs. We may get news from them."
"Or spears." Commented Gimli. The three of them waited as the riders came closer. The sound of hooves rumbled against the ground. The riders nearly rode by them.
Aragorn called in a loud voice: "What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?" With great speed and skill, the riders turned their horses around and surrounded the three companions. The ones who carried spears aimed it at them.
"Who are you and what are you doing in these lands?" A rider spoke.
"I am Strider. I came out of the North, hunting for orcs." Aragorn answered. The rider jumped off his horse.
"At first I thought you were orcs but now I see that isn't so. You know so little of orcs by hunting in this fashion. Had you continued and ran into orcs, you as hunters would've become the prey. You seem strange to me Strider. Tell me, how is it I did not see you before? Are you of elvish kind?
"No, only one of us is an Elf, Legolas from the Woodland Realm in distant Mirkwood. We have passed through Lothlorien, and the gifts and favour of the Lady go with us." Said Aragorn. The rider, who is named Eomer, spoke more with Strider who later pronounced himself as Aragorn, son of Arathorn and heir of Isildur.
"Strange these last days have become. Tell me Aragorn, why do you hunt the orcs?" asked Eomer.
"We are looking for two possibly three of our friends that have been taken captive by the orcs. What can you tell us?"
"That you need to look no further. We've destroyed the orcs."
"And our friends?"
"We saw none and destroyed but orcs."
"That is strange indeed. Did you look amongst the slain? Two of the bodies would be small and look like children to your eyes. They would be clad in grey."
"We saw none. We piled up the carcasses and burned them."
"What about a woman?" Legolas spoke up. "She is quite young and has dark hair and dark skin. Have you seen her?"
"I'm sor—
"Wait!" Eomer was cut off. All eyes averted to the man who spoke up. The rider moved forward and leaped from his horse. "I saw a woman that you speak of."
"What is your name?" Legolas asked.
"Haile, son of Haythe. Was this woman's name Maria?" Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli smiled at the name.
"Yes! Yes! What can you tell us?" Aragorn asked. Haile' face sobered.
"I'm sorry but she is dead." Their smiles wiped off their face, Legolas' face went white.
"No! Not the lass!" cried Gimli. Swallowing hard, Aragorn asked:
"How did it happen?"
"She saved my life but lost hers." A cry came from the dwarf. "I am sorry for your loss but I have something you would like." Haile moved to his pack on his horse and took out something that was covered in cloth. " Here. She gave them to me. I think she knew what was going to happen and intended me to give this to you." He handed it to Legolas.
Legolas took it and removed the cloth. He nearly cried out when he saw that it was her daggers. He placed her daggers in her backpack that he was carrying. "I am truly sorry for your loss." Said Eomer. He ordered that the spare horsed were to be lent to the strangers. Legolas mounted one of the horses, Gimli sitting behind him.
"Haile!" Legolas called. "Did you burn her body?"
"No, her body lies in Fangorn forest covered by a cloak."
"Thank you."
"Farewell. I hope you find your two friends and wish you the best of luck." Eomer and his riders parted as Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn rode towards the smoke.
To be continued.....
Authors Note: So sorry for the long update, school has been so hectic and there were some personal problems to deal with. This chapter may seem a bit rushed but I'm so anxious to write the next following chapters. Let me know what you think by reviewing!!!
Four days had passed since I got my glimpse of the future in Galadriel's mirror. Early in the mornings I would train with Haldir and in the evenings I spent my time with Legolas. Today is my last training session with Haldir and possibly the last time I will see him after our departure.
I sat down on a bench drinking water as we took a short break. " Haldir?"
"Yes?"
"Will you miss me when I leave?" He looked up at me.
"Of course I will, do you even have to ask?" I shrugged my shoulders.
"I just wanted to confirm it. It makes me feel better." He nodded with understanding and rose.
"Let's continue, I want to get enough training in because I letting this end early. You must get plenty of rest before you depart." I nodded. I rose, stretched the kinks out of my neck and got into a fighting stance. All the while I blinked back my tears that threaten to fall.
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Maria rested with the fellowship at the base of the trees, she slept between the hobbits. At the rise of the sun, Aragorn shook them awake. Maria did not go to the counsel with them and learned that they will be riding the rivers. That morning, they packed up the goods that they were to bring while the elves brought them gifts of food and clothing.
The food that the elves brought consisted of what looked like thin pieces of white bread. But Maria found out that the bread was called 'Lembas' and could fill and strengthen the stamina of a man. The clothing that they provided them were green cloaks which consisted of a hood. At the neck of the cloak, it was fastened with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.
She also learned that the cloaks would also help them by shielding them from unwanted eyes. After breakfast, Haldir approached them and said that he was to be their guide out of Lothlorien. They traveled ten miles until Haldir lead them to an opening bank of the rivers. Tied to the trees, three small boats had been prepared and stowed with their things ready to go.
The fellowship was arranged in this way: Aragorn, Frodo and Sam in one boat, Boromir, Pippin and Merry in another and last were Legolas and Gimli; who became fast friends; along with Maria. Aragorn led them down the stream to another boat that was carved into a swan.
In the boat sat Lady Galadriel who sang a beautiful song and announced that they were to have one last meal together. Celeborn spoke with them about the many rivers and where they each led to. As the meal started to come to and end, Galadriel passed around the cup of farewell. After each had a sip, Galadriel's maidens walked into the clearing with gifts in their arms.
Each member received a gift from the Lady, all except Maria. The Lady pulled Maria away from the others as the fellowship admired their gifts. " Maria, I do not have a gift to present you that will help you in the battles that you will face but I have something you can wear for the successes." With a wave of her hand, a maiden approach them and presented Maria with a dress.
Maria was immediately telling her that she won't ever wear the dress until the maiden pulled it out of its wrapping. Maria's eyes widened. She looked at the elaborate gown, done in rich silk brocade. The dress was in shimmering white and gold. Long sleeves with a little bit of blue. A belt made in blue silk and a cape to hang off the shoulders.
Maria touched the dress and smiled at the coolness of it. "The dress is gorgeous but how would I keep it intact and clean?" She asked.
"A material will be wrapped around the dress and protect it from the natures. Just promise me that you will wear it at least once." The maiden handed the dress, folded and wrapped, to Maria. She gently took it and placed it in her pack.
"I promise...and thank you." Galadriel smiled and led her back to the fellowship who were saying their goodbyes. Maria ran to Haldir and pounced on him. She hugged him with all her might while he tried to keep his balance. Haldir settled when she placed herself back on the ground. "You will miss me right?" He opened his mouth to respond she cut him off. "Of course you will. Now you take care of yourself." She hugged him again.
"Maria!" She turned to see the others waiting for her. "Come, it's time to depart." Aragorn called out to her. She nodded and faced Haldir. She gave him a smile, a quick peck on the cheek and ran off to the others. He touched the cheek she kissed and shook his head.
"Strange girl." He smiled and waved as they left. Along with Legolas, Maria helped row the boat while he and Gimli discussed about the Lady's gifts they received. As they continued to row, Maria was so engulfed with her thoughts she didn't hear her name being called until Gimli shook her. She shook herself out of her daze and looked at them.
"Yea?"
"Are you alright?" Legolas asked. She nodded.
"What did you want?"
"Gimli and I wanted to know what the Lady presented you with." Maria looked at them, Legolas in particular, and gave them a coy smile.
"I'll show you later." She said as she resumed paddling. The innuendo not lost on either of them, Gimli laughed loudly while the tips of Legolas' ears turned a little red. The rest of the fellowship looked at them strangely when they heard Gimli's loud laughing.
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For ten days they traveled on the rivers resting only at night. On the eleventh morning, Aragorn gathered them and he spoke of where their destination should be. The deciding factor came down to Frodo's decision. "I know that haste is needed, yet I cannot choose. The burden is heavy. Give me an hour longer and I will speak. Let me be alone." Frodo told them as he walked into the woods.
Maria settled down against a tree as Legolas spoke to Aragorn. She closed her eyes and listened to the soft ramblings of everyone and enjoying the soft breeze that played on her warm skin. Her eyes fluttered open when she felt movement next to her. She looked to her left to see Merry sitting down; she smiled at him then listened on to the others.
"Where is Mr. Frodo? Shouldn't he be back now?" Sam asked.
"Frodo is probably thinking hard on the course we shall take but we don't have time to waste." Gimli spoke up.
Merry bit into the apple he had in his hands and looked around their make-shift camp. "Where's Boromir?" He asked. The fellowship look surprised at the point Merry brought up; they looked around camp to find that Boromir was indeed gone.
"Where did he go?" Maria asked, she looked at Aragorn for an answer but even he could not answer.
"We must look for both of them. Time is of the essence." Aragorn said. At that moment Boromir walked in. "Where have you been?"
"I've been picking up wood for the fires and I spoke with Frodo." Boromir told them.
"You've seen Frodo?"
"Yes and no."
"What did you speak to him about?"
"I tried to convince him to go to Minas Tirith and not to go east. He grew angry with me and vanished."
"Boromir, we gave Frodo this time to let him decide a course...alone."
"What do you mean by vanished?" Maria spoke up. All eyes whipped back to him.
"He put on the ring. I tried to look for him but I was unsuccessful." Sam jumped to his feet.
"No, Mr. Frodo would never do that. He would only do that if he was trying to get away from someone." Sam shouted.
"How long ago did you see Frodo?" Aragorn asked.
"Nearly half an hour."
"An hour since he vanished! We must find him, let's go!" Sam yelled.
"Wait a moment!" Cried Aragorn. "We should divide up in pairs so we won't lose everyone----here, hold on! Wait!" They took no notice of his words. Sam ran off, Merry and Pippin following. The air filled with yells of Frodo's name. Legolas and Gimli soon took off, leaving only Maria, Aragorn and Boromir.
Aragorn sighed and looked at Maria and Boromir. "I don't know what kind of part you played in making Frodo disappear but I want you to follow those hobbits and protect them. Maria, I want you to stay here just in case Frodo comes back. I shall return soon." He gave instructions and ran off, Boromir trailing him.
Maria sighed and plopped down on a log. She sat for awhile, fiddling with a twig between her fingers when she started to feel vibrations on the ground. She stood up and edged closer to the forest. She strained her ears to hear metal clashing, heavy footsteps. Her eyes widen as she grabbed her weapons and strapped them on. She was debating whether or not she should stay or go.
Her decision was made when she heard a horn sound ringing in the air. "Forget this." She took off running into the woods. As she ran farther in, parts of the ground were littered with dead orcs. She stopped and listened, she heard thundering of footsteps heading in her direction. Maria dived behind a bush as dozens of orcs ran past her.
She parted some of the branches to get a look. "Merry...Pippin..." To her surprise, she saw Merry and Pippin being pulled away by the ugly beings. Maria made sure that the orcs were totally gone before she came out of the bushes. She doubled checked to see that her weapons were strapped on tight before she ran after the orcs. Had Maria turned around, she would've seen Boromir on his knees with arrows in his chest.
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As days passed, Maria did her best trying to trail the orcs. She was thankful that on her belt held a pouch that had only two pieces of Lembas bread. When she felt extremely fatigued, she nibbled on the bread. She thanked the gods for Haldir's training. Had it not been for all the endurance running he made her do, she wouldn't have made it this far.
It was the third night of following; the orcs were resting by a nearby stream. Maria collapsed by some boulders. She laid against them trying to catch her breath. She didn't dare light a fire in case they might see it. She blew on her hands to warm them up. She broke off a small piece of lembas and ate it. "So tired." She whispered to herself.
Maria licked her chapped lips and tasted copper from where blood leaked through her broken skin. She gathered her cloak and wrapped it around herself. She shivered slightly from the chilly air. "Just a little sleep." She mumbled as she closed her eyes.
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Maria awoke to the noise of movement from below. She gave a little cry as she stretched out her sore limbs. She rubbed her tire eyes and looked over the boulders. She saw the orcs gathering and preparing to leave. Maria moved to stand up but her knees buckled under her. She gritted her teeth when her knees grinded into the ground.
She moved her legs to see that her leggings were slightly torn at the knee and that blood leaked from some little scrapes. She leaned back and shut her eyes. A few tears leaked out, her frustration growing more and more. She rubbed her face and pushed back her dirty and matted hair. Maria hissed as she moved her sore body. Below she could hear the thundering of the orcs leaving.
She broke off a little bit of lembas and popped it into her mouth. She wrapped up the bread, placed it back into the pouch and tied it around her belt. Maria waited a few minutes before running down the hill and to the stream. She kneeled down, cupped her hands and drank some water. She splashed some on her face to wake herself up.
Maria moved to drink more water when she noticed a shadow over her. She slowly moved her hand to her sword. Maria quickly turned and brought out her sword only to have it knocked away from her. She moved to grab it when a punch to the face knocked her to the ground. She tried to stand when the wind was knocked out of her from a kick to her stomach.
Maria rolled out of the way from another kick. She stood up and tried to block the oncoming blows from the orc but she was to unfocused and tired to move quick enough. Maria blocked a punch to her head but missed the hand that grabbed her neck. She was pulled towards the face of the orc. She coughed, trying to struggle away from the bad smell.
"Filthy human." The orc spat out. Maria lashed out, trying to remove its grip on her. Her actions only provoked the orc. The orc tightened its grip, dots started to appear before her eyes as she tried to breathe. Maria's face started to turn blue, darkness came over her as she became unconscious.
******************
"M-a-r-i-a! M-a-r-i-a!" Maria started to come to from the sound of her name. The voice sounded distorted to her. She shook her head to remove the dizziness. "M-a-r-i-a! M-a-ria!" The voice started to sound clearer. " M-a-ria! M-aria! Maria!" She looked towards the voice that was calling her. She found out that Pippin was calling out to her.
"Pippin! Merry!" She cried. Maria moved to get up only to find her arms and feet were binded by rope. She swallowed to get some condensation moving her in dry and sore throat. "How are you two?"
"We're fine! Are you alright?" Pippin asked.
"I'm alr---" She gasped as she was kicked twice by an orc.
"No talking!" The orc hissed at her. An orc leapt towards the hobbits.
"Hello there." He said. He moved down and sniffed Merry. "Tasty little thing. How about a small bite?"
"No!" Both cried Maria and another orc. An orc named Ugluk grabbed the smaller orc away from Merry. Maria gave a sigh of relief.
"No eating the halflings. That is an order, they are to be unharmed." Ugluk commanded. Another orc pushed its way in front of him.
"But we're hungry! We've eaten nothing but rotten, maggot infested bread! We want meat!" The orc cried out. Other voices shouted out in agreement.
"We don't touch the halflings!"
"We're HUNGRY!" Two of the orcs pulled out their swords, others following the same motion. All hesitated to strike Ugluk. Ugluk cried and pulled out his sword. In one swipe, the two orcs were beheaded.
"We leave the halflings for Saruman's doing! Eat the human but no touching the halflings!" He shouted. The group shouted in agreement and headed towards Maria. The hobbits yelled at them as the orcs moved towards her. She tried to scramble away from the hands.
"Don't move!" An orc shouted, it moved down to bite her arm when it cried out. It looked down to see a spear sticking out of its chest. The next moment was a blur to Maria. Merry and Pippin managed to get themselves free as men attacked the group. The hobbits ran to her and cut her binds. She stood up and tried to grab her weapons to find them gone. She looked around the chaos to see her weapons lying near a fire.
"Run into the forest!" She told the hobbits.
"What about you?" Merry asked.
"I'll be right behind you. Now go!" She shouted. They took off as Maria scrambled to get her weapons. She dodged a blow that was aimed towards her head. Making sure to dodge both men and orcs, she quickly grabbed her weapons and headed into the forest.
A rohan soldier that was fighting nearby noticed Maria and saw her head into the woods. What caught his attention were not only the weaponry she carried but the orcs that followed. Quickly killing of the monster he was fighting, he headed after them.
"Merry! Pippin! Where are you?" She shouted as she tried looking for them.
"WATCH OUT!" Maria turned around to see an orc trying to swing at her. She jumped back when a man ran to her side.
"I don't know who you are but thanks for the warning!" She told the man.
"You are welcomed but you shouldn't be here!"
"And why not?" She spat out while she tried to block swipes from the orcs that approached them.
"Because no lady should have to fight!" He grunted.
"I'm no lady! What's your name?"
"My name is Haile."
"Nice to meet ya Haile but now is not the time for pleasant introductions." Haile and Maria moved back to back as five orcs surrounded them.
"Do you know how to use that sword and daggers?" He asked.
"Do fish swim?"
"What?"
"Yes, I know how!"
"On the count of three we strike. Ready?"
"Ready!"
"One," They counted off together. "Two...three!!!" They moved apart from each other, both striking down one orc. With her sword in one hand and her dagger in the other, Maria striked with both weapons. Both of them were doing fairly well until two orcs decided to gang up on Haile.
"Help!" He cried out!
"Hold on!" Maria killed the orc as quickly as possible and ran to help Haile. She ran to one orc, stabbed it in the stomach and shoved it to the side. Haile decapitated the last one as he was thrown to the ground.
Maria lended him a hand. "Are you alright?" She asked. He took her hand as she pulled him up.
"Yes, I'm fine. Tha---"He said no more as blood splattered across his face. Maria looked down to see a sword sticking out of her abdomen. She screamed as it was pulled out. She clutched the wound as blood trickled down her mouth. Haile pulled her to the ground as the orc made a swipe at her body.
Haile laid Maria on the ground as he faced the last remaining orc. Maria cried as she applied pressure to her wound. She watched as Haile faced the orc but not faring to well. Maria slowly pulled herself up and tried to help him fight. The orc shoved Haile to the ground. Maria shoved and stabbed the orc in the back to get its attention on her.
"No Maria!" Haile shouted. The orc turned and ran at her. To slow to dodge him, both Maria and the orc tumbled to the ground. Placing a knee on Maria, the orc used her own dagger to slit her throat. Haile cried as he ran towards the orc and sliced its body in half. Shoving the body aside, he picked up Maria.
She tried to speak but all that came out was blood. Maria grabbed her remaining dagger from her thigh and pressed it into his hand. She started to convulse as she choked on her own blood. Tears leaked out of her eyes and then there was nothing. Her head laid on her shoulder, eyes unseeing, her body limp in his arms.
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Four days passed as Gimli, Aragorn, and Legolas traveled the plains of Rohan. No sign so far of people. On his back, Legolas carried Maria's backpack that he found at camp. All wondered what happened to Maria, was she alive or dead? They wondered the same for Merry and Pippin.
That fourth morning, Legolas was the early riser and was singing to himself as he eyed the lands. Aragorn moved beside him and looked around. Over the rivers and the rough terrain, Aragorn saw a shadow in the distance moving at a fast pace.
"Riders!" He called out.
"The riders are little more than five leagues distant." Said Legolas.
"Five leagues or one, we cannot escape them in this bare land. Shall we wait for them here or go on our way?" said Gimli.
"We will wait," Said Aragorn. "I am weary and our hunt has failed. These horsemen might know about the orcs. We may get news from them."
"Or spears." Commented Gimli. The three of them waited as the riders came closer. The sound of hooves rumbled against the ground. The riders nearly rode by them.
Aragorn called in a loud voice: "What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?" With great speed and skill, the riders turned their horses around and surrounded the three companions. The ones who carried spears aimed it at them.
"Who are you and what are you doing in these lands?" A rider spoke.
"I am Strider. I came out of the North, hunting for orcs." Aragorn answered. The rider jumped off his horse.
"At first I thought you were orcs but now I see that isn't so. You know so little of orcs by hunting in this fashion. Had you continued and ran into orcs, you as hunters would've become the prey. You seem strange to me Strider. Tell me, how is it I did not see you before? Are you of elvish kind?
"No, only one of us is an Elf, Legolas from the Woodland Realm in distant Mirkwood. We have passed through Lothlorien, and the gifts and favour of the Lady go with us." Said Aragorn. The rider, who is named Eomer, spoke more with Strider who later pronounced himself as Aragorn, son of Arathorn and heir of Isildur.
"Strange these last days have become. Tell me Aragorn, why do you hunt the orcs?" asked Eomer.
"We are looking for two possibly three of our friends that have been taken captive by the orcs. What can you tell us?"
"That you need to look no further. We've destroyed the orcs."
"And our friends?"
"We saw none and destroyed but orcs."
"That is strange indeed. Did you look amongst the slain? Two of the bodies would be small and look like children to your eyes. They would be clad in grey."
"We saw none. We piled up the carcasses and burned them."
"What about a woman?" Legolas spoke up. "She is quite young and has dark hair and dark skin. Have you seen her?"
"I'm sor—
"Wait!" Eomer was cut off. All eyes averted to the man who spoke up. The rider moved forward and leaped from his horse. "I saw a woman that you speak of."
"What is your name?" Legolas asked.
"Haile, son of Haythe. Was this woman's name Maria?" Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli smiled at the name.
"Yes! Yes! What can you tell us?" Aragorn asked. Haile' face sobered.
"I'm sorry but she is dead." Their smiles wiped off their face, Legolas' face went white.
"No! Not the lass!" cried Gimli. Swallowing hard, Aragorn asked:
"How did it happen?"
"She saved my life but lost hers." A cry came from the dwarf. "I am sorry for your loss but I have something you would like." Haile moved to his pack on his horse and took out something that was covered in cloth. " Here. She gave them to me. I think she knew what was going to happen and intended me to give this to you." He handed it to Legolas.
Legolas took it and removed the cloth. He nearly cried out when he saw that it was her daggers. He placed her daggers in her backpack that he was carrying. "I am truly sorry for your loss." Said Eomer. He ordered that the spare horsed were to be lent to the strangers. Legolas mounted one of the horses, Gimli sitting behind him.
"Haile!" Legolas called. "Did you burn her body?"
"No, her body lies in Fangorn forest covered by a cloak."
"Thank you."
"Farewell. I hope you find your two friends and wish you the best of luck." Eomer and his riders parted as Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn rode towards the smoke.
To be continued.....
Authors Note: So sorry for the long update, school has been so hectic and there were some personal problems to deal with. This chapter may seem a bit rushed but I'm so anxious to write the next following chapters. Let me know what you think by reviewing!!!