Hey guys, I'm really sorry I haven't updated in a while. Ever since school started back up I've barely had time to even turn on my computer, much less type on it. I really hope you continue to read it and tell me your thoughts on it. Giving me some ideas would be great as well and I'll do my best to incorporate them in future chapters. Thank you for your support and patience Love you all!
Fay sat on a rock, watching the exchange between horse and human. She thought it was amazing how loyal an animal could be to their human. She studied the black stallion as he nicked his hooded owner. She let out a hearty laugh and reached into her bag, bringing out an apple. The horse took it without hesitation, munching happily.
"Oh Daeroch," she spoke, her voice soft, "What would I do without you?"
The voice seemed oddly familiar, but Fay couldn't quite place it. She watched each stroke the hood gave to her horse on the neck. She listened to the horses calm breath. The scene in front of her looked so peaceful. That peace on the other hand was short lived when the figure whipped out her bow. The arrow went right through Fay and her heart stopped for a mere second. Fay had thought that she could see her, but when Fay turned she noticed a dead warg lying in its own pool of blood. She turned back around, but the horse, as well as the rider, were gone. Darkness then swallowed her whole.
She jolted awake, not even remembering when she fell asleep. She must have been very tired to be able to sleep on the back of a bumpy horse. They finally came to a halt to look at the dark kingdom.
"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld," Gandalf announced, "There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong. Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."
When they finally reached the gate Fay watched as a ripped flag landed near Aragorn and her. They walked the the daft and dreary village as the villagers all sent suspicious glances. Gimli made a comment on the villagers as they continued up the steep hill. They climbed the stone stairs, making Fay look at the beautiful castle. It was not as fancy as the elves of course, but she still found it magnificent. A red headed guard exit the doors, flanked by many armed soldiers.
"I cannot allow you before Theoden king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame," He spoke, "By orders of, Grima Wormtongue."
Fay looked at Gandalf and he sent a nod to each of them. Fay undid her belt and handed over her sword, sad to depart from it. Though she was no good at using it, having it by her side gave her a sense of safety. She pulled lose her bag of healing supplies, giving it to them. When they asked about Gandalf staff he used his old man excuse, forcing Fay to hide a smile. When the entered, the halls were dark like a great evil has descended over the room. A greasy and pale looking man sat beside a very old and worn king, whispering in his ear. His eyes were glazed over and his skin was dry and bumpy.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King," Gandalf spoke aloud.
Fay turned her head and noticed at least five men walking by their side in the shadows. They eyed them with disdain, trying to send the message to not try anything funny. She gulped a bit, pressing herself closer to Aragorn.
"Why should I welcome you?" The king spoke weakly, "Gandalf Stormcrow."
The creep of a man whispered back at him before standing up.
"Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear," He spoke, his words like poison, "Lathspell I name him, ill news is in ill guest."
"Be silent!" Gandalf ordered, "Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!"
He raised his staff, pointing it at the man's face.
"His staff!" He spoke, frightened, "I told you to take the wizard's staff!"
Guards ran towards them, but Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli fought them off. Fay backed up quickly, her back pressed against a pillar. A man appeared in front of her, raising his fist to strike her.
An odd sound like an Eek escaped her lips as she quickly ducked and dove between his legs. She noticed a knife sticking out of his boot and she grabbed it quickly, stabbing him in his calf. The man let out a painful scream as he clutched his blood dripping wound. Fay dropped the knife and slide backwards, her back hitting an unconscious body on the floor. A white light emitted around the room and Fay turned to see Gandalf, pushing King Theoden into his throne with the magic of his staff. He then jumped at Gandalf, but he thrust his staff towards him making him hit the back of his throne once more.
A beautiful young girl raced towards the king, who was about to slide off his throne. Fay watched as there became an immense change in his physical appearance. He no longer looked like an old, beaten up man, but instead he was quite handsome. He smiled at the girl that Fay just learned was Eowyn. Eowyn helped him stand from his throne, making everyone look in awe at their now healed king.
"Dark have been my dreams of late," She barely heard Theoden mutter.
The king began to stroke in hands in wonder.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better," Gandalf spoke, "If they grasped your sword."
The man who had taken their weapons stepped forth, offering the king his sword. Fay smiled as he lifted the sword into the air, but it disappeared as she followed the king's gaze. As everyone filed out of the throne room to see what may happen to terrible black haired man, Fay was about to follow until she remembered the man she injured. She turned quickly to see a pool of blood beneath his leg. He had his back against a pillar and a cloth pressed against his fresh wound.
"Oh my gosh," Fay said, falling to her knees, "I'm so sorry. I can heal it, but I'll need my medicine bag."
"No!" The man yelled, "You've helped enough as it is."
"Please," Fay pleaded, "I was the one who did this. I know elven medicine. I can really help."
The man mulled it over in his head after she said 'elvish medicine.'
"Very well," He said, making a gesture towards the corner of the room, "Your belongings should be over there."
Fay quickly ran towards it and sure enough, her bag and weapons sat messily on the dusty floor. She scooped up her bag and ran back towards the wounded soldier. She inspected the wound, surprised that it had gone all the way through.
"This is going to sting," Fay warned, opening up one of her potions.
She poured a bit on a rag and pressed it against the wound, making the man scream out. Fay began to mutter to herself in elvish while the man tried his best to stay still. Everyone had run back in, obviously worried about the screaming. The soldier made a gesture to stop as other were about to pull Fay away. Fay finished and pulled out some bandages to wrap around the leg. The man sighed in relief as Fay tightened the knot. She could see Gandalf smiling at her from the corner of her eye.
"That should heal within the hour or so," Fay spoke, feeling good that she finally put her medical experience to work.
The others helped him up and led him towards where the wounded stayed.
"Thank you," The man said kindly, before hobbling off.
"And who might you be?" A kind voice said behind her.
Fay spun around and came face to face with the king himself. Fay closed her open mouth and bent her knees into a curtsey.
"My name is Fay, my Lord," She said formally, "I am an elf from the Shire."
"The Shire?" The king said, a bit confused, "Isn't that the hometown of hobbits?"
"It's a rather long story," Fay said, not really feeling comfortable to speak of her past in front of so many people.
"Perhaps another time then," King Theoden said.
She nodded and he headed up a flight of stairs quickly. She glanced at Legolas who was sending her a friendly smile. She blushed and quickly turned away.
No Fay that's enough She told herself You are setting yourself up for rejection. There's no point in even trying.