Thanks for the reviews. Remember, the more input I get the faster you get new chapters! This chapter is also deviating from the "King Arthur story line" a bit so no flames please. I already know this. Enjoy!
The woods were thick and the branches creaked over head as the wind rustled through their leaves. Soft crunching came from beneath their feet as they walked away from the village. Pale moonlight shimmered through the boughs to cast light moving shadows about them. Merlin did not speak and nor did she. They walked side by side for moments until they could no longer hear the activities or see the small fires of the village. Then, without stopping or turning to face her, he began to speak.
"I believe that was surprise you tried so hard not to show when I did not speak Woad." Ilara did not answer and Merlin continued. "I have been able to speak this since I was very young. I know much of these Romans and their ways and I do not agree with them. They come to take these lands and subvert them into mills and streets and large houses for those who can afford it, stripping the land of its natural beauty and existence. They come to conquer us and make us their slaves to be used for their desires. We seek to keep it as it is and always has been. But you would probably know more about that then we do, hmm?"
She decided to choose her words carefully with this man. He was different and seemed to be more acceptant of her tellings.
"Why did you help me?"
He stared off into space and she couldn't tell whether he had heard her or not. If he had he certainly showed no intention of answering. She started when he finally did answer.
"I saw in you courage worth the effort. I saw no lies in your eyes. I saw patience enough to see your way through, probably whatever the cost. I wanted to hear what you would have to say. Also, I wanted to put some sense into those men, who call themselves the Elders or the Council, you just gave me a chance to do that." He gave a slight smile.
"Why, then, did you allow them to send me to retrieve the clothing?"
"It would have taken longer to debate and the others would have sided with Taneir anyway and I would have been powerless to help you in any case. Furthermore, I believe that if you want it you should do it instead of risking one of our own to do it for you. You want the reward you do the work and earn it just as we do, ancestor."
This last part was meant to stem an emotion but barely registered past his words before that. It was spoken like a Wise Man of her people. After all these years, they had not been as changed as the Elman believed they had. He was right as well. Though she did not agree with it, it was her price for her mission and she alone would have to pay this debt.
"I understand" she responded.
"I know you do."
"When do they leave?"
"Just before sunrise."
They continued walking in silence. Ilara felt alone, even with Merlin by her side. She had lost so much already and would still be losing more. And for what? The Elman who had sent her with no help from the start and expected her to do everything on her own. Even when she was with people, she could not have harmony within herself. There was only constant turmoil which would not be ending anytime in the immediate future.
Merlin stopped walking and turned and faced her directly, both hands now on her shoulders. "You should not be troubled so much for one so young" he pointed out. "You should release your thoughts if only for a moment. Close your eyes and clear your mind. Concentrate only on the sound of the leaves and the feel of the wind as it blows past you."
Ilara did as she was told. She could hear the leaves supple rustling in the trees. They were swaying softly and before she was aware of it she began to do the same. The feel of the breeze came next. At first it was cold and chilled her, and then she embraced its existence around her as it moved, giving life as it went, and gave herself to its gentle touch upon her.
When she opened her eyes at last, she felt almost light headed from the experience. It was exhilarating and released the tension inside her. Merlin still stood there with her, hands now at his sides. He gave her a knowing grin.
"Thank you" she whispered. His smile grew a hint and they began walking back to the village.
When they arrived she went back to the hut. Legolas, Faramir, and Gandalf were sleeping against the far wall. Aragorn sat with them, half dazed in his tiredness. He did not say a word, but looked at her face and then lay down himself and was asleep almost instantly. She lay down fairly close but still far enough away to not disturb them when she left in the morning.
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