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with the story. I'm so excited about the next chapter after this one, I
really just can't put it into words. Please, read the bottom of the page
for more info. PLEASE REVIEW! I feel like crying sometimes when nobody
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on fire, and we don't want that do we?
REVIEW!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Now without further ado:
A Stolen Love
By: Blade Eclipse
Chapter 4: Discovery
Haldir seemed hard pressed to keep his nonchalant expression in place. Anger practically seeped from his being, leaving everybody standing within the chamber in a permanent state of unease and fear. The Marchwarden was at the very end of his famed patience. The nerve of that...that woman! How dare she take what is rightfully his! How he would love to wring that pretty little neck of hers... She would pay for this.
A distant voice brought Haldir stumbling back to reality.
"Marchwarden, I must admit I did not expect to see you return with such haste, nor do I remember informing you to pick scuffles with my soldiers," Denethor finished, raising a bushy eyebrow.
Imperceptibly, Haldir made his hands into fists. He would not allow this mockery of a steward to tarnish the fair name of Lothlorien. Humans were so quick to judge, and mayhap this was one of their greater flaws. Mortals had no business conversing with the race of the eldar, and Haldir would like nothing more than to leave this forsaken place and return to his home. But alas, he would rather die than dishonor the wishes of the Lady of Light.
"I was under the suspicion that the ladies we had escorted to the city gates were in connection with the Forest Thieves. But, as we neared Minas Tirith, they claimed that we had...taken advantage of them. And, your soldiers, being the honorable men they are, decided to defend the honor of the women in question. Of course, we had done the women no harm, and it came as quite a shock when my elves and I were attacked outright. To our credit, my Lord, we did not land a single blow on your soldiers, and none were injured," Haldir spoke firmly, his haughty exterior back in its proper niche. Conversing with humans was a truly tiring affair.
The Steward seemed poised to speak again, but Haldir thought it best to cut him off.
"With your permission, my Lord, my company and I wish for another opportunity to capture the thieves. We are confident that we can find them, and we now know exactly whom we are searching for," the Marchwarden spoke calmly, hoping that he would not have to repeat himself.
Denethor contemplated on the subject, seeing no other way to rid Gondor of its thieves and keep the wealthy happy and content. He sighed openly, looking at the Marchwarden from booted toe to golden head, wondering how something could be so perfect, and yet so fearsome at the same time.
Haldir fought with his mind, urging himself not to cringe at such a blatant inspection. Some humans were completely unbearable at times.
Clearing his throat, Denethor spoke in a rusted tone, "My permission is yours to do with what you wish, Marchwarden. I only seek to remind you that I want the leader brought back to me alive, I care not if she has injuries. As for the others, you may kill them if that is your desire."
Haldir narrowed his eyes at that comment. He would never kill needlessly, especially if the victims happened to be females.
Noticing the elf's expression, Denethor thought to alter his statement.
"Or, you can bring the thieves back to Minas Tirith alive, I care not for their capture or death, only for their leader."
The Steward minutely smiled to himself, sitting back in his stony niche, happy he had done away with the formalities of the mission. He would get his thief queen. Oh yes, he most definitely would.
Haldir, ever one to know when a conversation had ended, bowed his head quickly to Denthor and spun around in one fluid motion. Mentally, the elf was fuming. Never had he failed a mission, and the fact that he found himself incapable of capturing a bunch of humans, and females no less, worked its way into his very blood, streaming and pulsing through aggravated veins. He would not fail his Queen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
The ground shuddered as hooves met earth, combining to form an intricate dance. Horses ran swiftly to an unknown destination, reveling in the feeling of freedom that the wind so willingly provided. Their riders, far from being a hindrance, became an extension of the horses. Human and animal moved as one. While they did not know its cause, the steeds sensed the urgency to flee in their owners' demeanor, and complied with their wishes to go faster. Leading this blend of women and creature was Ariel, Queen of Thieves.
She softly kicked Bow, adding a little more speed to his gallop. The other women followed suit, Dialan and Tiera taking the opportunity to bring themselves closer to Ariel's side.
The wind whipped and lashed at the women, some of them closing their eyes in defense. Under normal circumstances the thieves would never travel so fast, but they made an exception on this occasion.
Running for your life could do that to a person, I suppose.
Tiera tried to steal a glance at Ariel, furiously blinking to keep the moisture in her eyes. "My Lady, we have to stop soon! The horses cannot take much more! And I fear neither can the women!" Tiera yelled, trying to dominate over the ever- increasing wind.
Ariel acknowledged her with a nod and tucked her head closer to Bow's muscular neck, feeling every broken intake of breath that the steed provided.
"I trust you have a plan, my Queen!" yelped Dialan, trying to stay on her horse.
Ariel lifted her head and frowned at her friend. "If you refer to me as queen again, I will be forced to hire a pig to stab you!" She screamed, the wind drowning out most sounds by now.
Dialan exchanged a confused glance with Tiera, each believing their leader to have finally become insane. It was bound to happen sooner of later.
Irritated at their sense of humor, or lack thereof, Ariel frowned and yelled, "Of course I have a plan, I have no idea if it will work, but I do have a plan!"
Relief spread throughout Dialan and Tiera. So, there was a chance for escape from the elves!
Trees passed like faded blurs and the company moved so swift that dirt created a mist about them, encompassing all in its depths.
Slowly, Ariel tugged at the reigns of Bow. The horse whinnied and complied, bringing itself to s slow trot. The company followed, careful not to cause unnecessary damage to human or animal.
Ariel cleared her throat and prepared to speak to the whole group. The elves, most likely, would still be tied up in matters at the palace, so the Queen of Thieves thought it proper to take advantage of the situation and speak freely, and loudly, if she could help it.
The horses never faltered from their trot, and Ariel didn't intend to stop them anytime soon.
Ariel didn't turn in her horse to look at the group of women, and it felt odd addressing the company when she was facing nothing but foliage. "Listen up everyone!" Ariel's voice echoed in the forest, creating an odd ripple effect. "We don't have much time, and we aren't stopping to rest the horses."
At this, women shouted how their horses would give out from under them and how at least water was needed to continue.
Ariel would have none of this and silenced everyone with a wave of her hand.
"As you no doubt realize, we are coming upon some low hanging branches," she yelled, trying extremely hard to steady their attention and support while not being able to look at them. She just HAD to be in the lead.
The women glanced as one and struggled but locked eyes on the branches.
"When we reach them, I want each of you to grab on and let the horses run on without you," continued Ariel.
"Are you MAD?!" yelled Rarill. Like the others in the company, each women was emotionally tied to her horse, almost like family.
The Thief Queen grunted in frustration. "It is the only way! If not, and we get off and walk with the horses, the elves will surely catch up to us when we take a rest! It would be too slow! And, those elves will no doubt follow the hoof prints that we have left behind in our wake, inevitably leading them to us! If we choose to abandon our steeds, the eldar will not realize until too late that we are not occupying our horses."
All saw the logic in this statement, but that did not make it easier to part with the animals. The low braches crept upon them like an ominous puzzle, forever twisting and confusing.
Gulping, Dialan knew she would have to start out, for if she didn't, the women would never follow the plan. Ariel would stay on Bow until the last thief was safe inside the deep crevices and niches of the thick braches.
"Only bring your weapons, everything else can be left behind," yelled Ariel, hoping to rally their spirits.
Patting her horse farewell, Dialan tied her short sword to her waist and, finding a substantial opening in the mass of branches, reached with her arms and pulled herself into their depths, waiting for others to do the same.
Ready to cry, the women hugged their steeds, hoping that it would not be the last time they saw their comrades.
Momentarily, weapons were attached to bodies more branches became occupied. Stronger women helped those who lacked the upper body strength and soon, all women save their Queen were nestled in the branches.
Ariel glanced behind her only to find a group of rider-less horses. The sight was a haunting one. The steeds breathed heavily and a thin layer of dirt covered every space, making nothing appear in its true color.
Leaning down, Ariel whispered to Bow, "I know the trail has been a hard one, but as a last request, my friend, I ask that you run as fast and far as you can. I am sorry to wish it of you, but I am afraid this is the only way." Bow neighed softly, still in a soft trot. Ariel smiled sadly, kissing the horse's neck.
She retrieved her twin blades, knowing how out of practice she was. She picked up Haldir's dagger and smiled. She would be keeping this item. Strapping the dagger to her ankle and her blades to her back, Ariel bade her horse goodbye.
An opening presented itself in the branches above her, and she took it, hoping to one day see her dear Bow again.
Straining to see her horse through the tangled web of branches, she wished him luck on his journey.
Momentarily, Bow broke into a fast gallop, the other steeds doing the same.
Ariel turned to spot her friends and fellow thieves.
"Uh, my Queen, I hope you do not think me rude, but, what are we going to do now? What is the next step in your plan?" asked Cirnen, a girl who was an expert with arrows.
Ariel gave her a bewildered look before answering, "Well, you know, I guess I haven't thought that far ahead yet."
Groans reverberated throughout the forest as each woman wondered why, exactly, they had chosen Ariel to lead them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Haldir pushed his soldiers. No time would be wasted. The horses raced together, each trying to prove their worth as elven steeds.
Almost two hours had elapsed since his last encounter with the women, and he meant to make up for lost minutes.
Astaldo barely touched the ground, sensing his master's anger and wanting to go faster.
The group of elves each wore a determined expression. They were close. The prints were fresh and they could tell the steeds were tiring.
Eventually, the thieves would have to rest.
Haldir smiled, a moment of weakness coming over him as his cold, indifferent mask slipped off. The thrill of the chase was overpowering. That thief queen didn't stand a chance.
He could practically smell her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a time, the company of elves came upon an area of low hanging branches, slowing their pace.
Looking about them, the elves brought all focus to the branches.
"I do not know why we slow our pace, the hoof prints still continue on, and we are losing time," said an impatient soldier called Alata.
The others nodded in silent agreement and glanced at their commander.
Haldir concentrated on his surroundings. Something about the situation wasn't quite right.
Above the elves, the Forest Thieves of Gondor held their breath. None moved, praying that their presence would go undetected.
Ariel closed her eyes, willing the elves to leave. She was brought out of her thoughts as a familiar voice reached her ears. The Marchwarden.
"Go on without me. I shall investigate this site further. Signal if you find them," the Haldir commanded.
His company nodded and galloped off, leaving the Captain alone.
Haldir set about checking the hoof prints. His elven senses heightened, he noticed a few things that didn't add up.
The prints were odd. It seemed like the horses got lighter somehow, judging by the deep indentations in the soft ground that grew slightly shallower as the trail went on.
He looked into the dense forest and failed to see any supplies that could possibly have been dropped by the women. He sighed in frustration.
Suddenly, he sensed a movement above him.
A moment later he had drawn his weapons and was looking at a rather familiar face in front of him.
She smiled maliciously at the Marchwarden, and it was not until he glanced around himself that he truly realized the full extent of his predicament...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=End of Chapter
I know, I know, kind of a boring chapter. But, never fear, dear readers! For, I am giving a special gift!
I cannot tell you how amazing the next chapter will be! I'm extremely excited about it and I know it WILL NOT DISAPPOINT! I really want to give you a hint, but I don't want to spoil it!
Anyway, your gift is that I will be giving you the next chapter by Friday night! That's (counts on fingers) two days from now!
I promise you, there will be Haldir/Ariel action galore! Actually, the entire chapter will revolve around the two together!
Hey! Hope you liked the chapter! I realize that I said I'd get that chapter out by Friday, but I still need reviews to get me motivated! PLEASE REVIEW! I LITERALLY LIVE FOR THEM.
It is such a bummer when I sign online and have no emails that say I have a review. I have no idea why more people aren't reading it...perhaps I should set the whole community of reviewers on FIRE! Except for ya'll, of course, my faithful reviewers!
Hmmm...where did I put that gasoline...?
Please REVIEW and keep me SANE, and more importantly WRITING!
--Blade
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Now without further ado:
A Stolen Love
By: Blade Eclipse
Chapter 4: Discovery
Haldir seemed hard pressed to keep his nonchalant expression in place. Anger practically seeped from his being, leaving everybody standing within the chamber in a permanent state of unease and fear. The Marchwarden was at the very end of his famed patience. The nerve of that...that woman! How dare she take what is rightfully his! How he would love to wring that pretty little neck of hers... She would pay for this.
A distant voice brought Haldir stumbling back to reality.
"Marchwarden, I must admit I did not expect to see you return with such haste, nor do I remember informing you to pick scuffles with my soldiers," Denethor finished, raising a bushy eyebrow.
Imperceptibly, Haldir made his hands into fists. He would not allow this mockery of a steward to tarnish the fair name of Lothlorien. Humans were so quick to judge, and mayhap this was one of their greater flaws. Mortals had no business conversing with the race of the eldar, and Haldir would like nothing more than to leave this forsaken place and return to his home. But alas, he would rather die than dishonor the wishes of the Lady of Light.
"I was under the suspicion that the ladies we had escorted to the city gates were in connection with the Forest Thieves. But, as we neared Minas Tirith, they claimed that we had...taken advantage of them. And, your soldiers, being the honorable men they are, decided to defend the honor of the women in question. Of course, we had done the women no harm, and it came as quite a shock when my elves and I were attacked outright. To our credit, my Lord, we did not land a single blow on your soldiers, and none were injured," Haldir spoke firmly, his haughty exterior back in its proper niche. Conversing with humans was a truly tiring affair.
The Steward seemed poised to speak again, but Haldir thought it best to cut him off.
"With your permission, my Lord, my company and I wish for another opportunity to capture the thieves. We are confident that we can find them, and we now know exactly whom we are searching for," the Marchwarden spoke calmly, hoping that he would not have to repeat himself.
Denethor contemplated on the subject, seeing no other way to rid Gondor of its thieves and keep the wealthy happy and content. He sighed openly, looking at the Marchwarden from booted toe to golden head, wondering how something could be so perfect, and yet so fearsome at the same time.
Haldir fought with his mind, urging himself not to cringe at such a blatant inspection. Some humans were completely unbearable at times.
Clearing his throat, Denethor spoke in a rusted tone, "My permission is yours to do with what you wish, Marchwarden. I only seek to remind you that I want the leader brought back to me alive, I care not if she has injuries. As for the others, you may kill them if that is your desire."
Haldir narrowed his eyes at that comment. He would never kill needlessly, especially if the victims happened to be females.
Noticing the elf's expression, Denethor thought to alter his statement.
"Or, you can bring the thieves back to Minas Tirith alive, I care not for their capture or death, only for their leader."
The Steward minutely smiled to himself, sitting back in his stony niche, happy he had done away with the formalities of the mission. He would get his thief queen. Oh yes, he most definitely would.
Haldir, ever one to know when a conversation had ended, bowed his head quickly to Denthor and spun around in one fluid motion. Mentally, the elf was fuming. Never had he failed a mission, and the fact that he found himself incapable of capturing a bunch of humans, and females no less, worked its way into his very blood, streaming and pulsing through aggravated veins. He would not fail his Queen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
The ground shuddered as hooves met earth, combining to form an intricate dance. Horses ran swiftly to an unknown destination, reveling in the feeling of freedom that the wind so willingly provided. Their riders, far from being a hindrance, became an extension of the horses. Human and animal moved as one. While they did not know its cause, the steeds sensed the urgency to flee in their owners' demeanor, and complied with their wishes to go faster. Leading this blend of women and creature was Ariel, Queen of Thieves.
She softly kicked Bow, adding a little more speed to his gallop. The other women followed suit, Dialan and Tiera taking the opportunity to bring themselves closer to Ariel's side.
The wind whipped and lashed at the women, some of them closing their eyes in defense. Under normal circumstances the thieves would never travel so fast, but they made an exception on this occasion.
Running for your life could do that to a person, I suppose.
Tiera tried to steal a glance at Ariel, furiously blinking to keep the moisture in her eyes. "My Lady, we have to stop soon! The horses cannot take much more! And I fear neither can the women!" Tiera yelled, trying to dominate over the ever- increasing wind.
Ariel acknowledged her with a nod and tucked her head closer to Bow's muscular neck, feeling every broken intake of breath that the steed provided.
"I trust you have a plan, my Queen!" yelped Dialan, trying to stay on her horse.
Ariel lifted her head and frowned at her friend. "If you refer to me as queen again, I will be forced to hire a pig to stab you!" She screamed, the wind drowning out most sounds by now.
Dialan exchanged a confused glance with Tiera, each believing their leader to have finally become insane. It was bound to happen sooner of later.
Irritated at their sense of humor, or lack thereof, Ariel frowned and yelled, "Of course I have a plan, I have no idea if it will work, but I do have a plan!"
Relief spread throughout Dialan and Tiera. So, there was a chance for escape from the elves!
Trees passed like faded blurs and the company moved so swift that dirt created a mist about them, encompassing all in its depths.
Slowly, Ariel tugged at the reigns of Bow. The horse whinnied and complied, bringing itself to s slow trot. The company followed, careful not to cause unnecessary damage to human or animal.
Ariel cleared her throat and prepared to speak to the whole group. The elves, most likely, would still be tied up in matters at the palace, so the Queen of Thieves thought it proper to take advantage of the situation and speak freely, and loudly, if she could help it.
The horses never faltered from their trot, and Ariel didn't intend to stop them anytime soon.
Ariel didn't turn in her horse to look at the group of women, and it felt odd addressing the company when she was facing nothing but foliage. "Listen up everyone!" Ariel's voice echoed in the forest, creating an odd ripple effect. "We don't have much time, and we aren't stopping to rest the horses."
At this, women shouted how their horses would give out from under them and how at least water was needed to continue.
Ariel would have none of this and silenced everyone with a wave of her hand.
"As you no doubt realize, we are coming upon some low hanging branches," she yelled, trying extremely hard to steady their attention and support while not being able to look at them. She just HAD to be in the lead.
The women glanced as one and struggled but locked eyes on the branches.
"When we reach them, I want each of you to grab on and let the horses run on without you," continued Ariel.
"Are you MAD?!" yelled Rarill. Like the others in the company, each women was emotionally tied to her horse, almost like family.
The Thief Queen grunted in frustration. "It is the only way! If not, and we get off and walk with the horses, the elves will surely catch up to us when we take a rest! It would be too slow! And, those elves will no doubt follow the hoof prints that we have left behind in our wake, inevitably leading them to us! If we choose to abandon our steeds, the eldar will not realize until too late that we are not occupying our horses."
All saw the logic in this statement, but that did not make it easier to part with the animals. The low braches crept upon them like an ominous puzzle, forever twisting and confusing.
Gulping, Dialan knew she would have to start out, for if she didn't, the women would never follow the plan. Ariel would stay on Bow until the last thief was safe inside the deep crevices and niches of the thick braches.
"Only bring your weapons, everything else can be left behind," yelled Ariel, hoping to rally their spirits.
Patting her horse farewell, Dialan tied her short sword to her waist and, finding a substantial opening in the mass of branches, reached with her arms and pulled herself into their depths, waiting for others to do the same.
Ready to cry, the women hugged their steeds, hoping that it would not be the last time they saw their comrades.
Momentarily, weapons were attached to bodies more branches became occupied. Stronger women helped those who lacked the upper body strength and soon, all women save their Queen were nestled in the branches.
Ariel glanced behind her only to find a group of rider-less horses. The sight was a haunting one. The steeds breathed heavily and a thin layer of dirt covered every space, making nothing appear in its true color.
Leaning down, Ariel whispered to Bow, "I know the trail has been a hard one, but as a last request, my friend, I ask that you run as fast and far as you can. I am sorry to wish it of you, but I am afraid this is the only way." Bow neighed softly, still in a soft trot. Ariel smiled sadly, kissing the horse's neck.
She retrieved her twin blades, knowing how out of practice she was. She picked up Haldir's dagger and smiled. She would be keeping this item. Strapping the dagger to her ankle and her blades to her back, Ariel bade her horse goodbye.
An opening presented itself in the branches above her, and she took it, hoping to one day see her dear Bow again.
Straining to see her horse through the tangled web of branches, she wished him luck on his journey.
Momentarily, Bow broke into a fast gallop, the other steeds doing the same.
Ariel turned to spot her friends and fellow thieves.
"Uh, my Queen, I hope you do not think me rude, but, what are we going to do now? What is the next step in your plan?" asked Cirnen, a girl who was an expert with arrows.
Ariel gave her a bewildered look before answering, "Well, you know, I guess I haven't thought that far ahead yet."
Groans reverberated throughout the forest as each woman wondered why, exactly, they had chosen Ariel to lead them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
Haldir pushed his soldiers. No time would be wasted. The horses raced together, each trying to prove their worth as elven steeds.
Almost two hours had elapsed since his last encounter with the women, and he meant to make up for lost minutes.
Astaldo barely touched the ground, sensing his master's anger and wanting to go faster.
The group of elves each wore a determined expression. They were close. The prints were fresh and they could tell the steeds were tiring.
Eventually, the thieves would have to rest.
Haldir smiled, a moment of weakness coming over him as his cold, indifferent mask slipped off. The thrill of the chase was overpowering. That thief queen didn't stand a chance.
He could practically smell her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
After a time, the company of elves came upon an area of low hanging branches, slowing their pace.
Looking about them, the elves brought all focus to the branches.
"I do not know why we slow our pace, the hoof prints still continue on, and we are losing time," said an impatient soldier called Alata.
The others nodded in silent agreement and glanced at their commander.
Haldir concentrated on his surroundings. Something about the situation wasn't quite right.
Above the elves, the Forest Thieves of Gondor held their breath. None moved, praying that their presence would go undetected.
Ariel closed her eyes, willing the elves to leave. She was brought out of her thoughts as a familiar voice reached her ears. The Marchwarden.
"Go on without me. I shall investigate this site further. Signal if you find them," the Haldir commanded.
His company nodded and galloped off, leaving the Captain alone.
Haldir set about checking the hoof prints. His elven senses heightened, he noticed a few things that didn't add up.
The prints were odd. It seemed like the horses got lighter somehow, judging by the deep indentations in the soft ground that grew slightly shallower as the trail went on.
He looked into the dense forest and failed to see any supplies that could possibly have been dropped by the women. He sighed in frustration.
Suddenly, he sensed a movement above him.
A moment later he had drawn his weapons and was looking at a rather familiar face in front of him.
She smiled maliciously at the Marchwarden, and it was not until he glanced around himself that he truly realized the full extent of his predicament...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=End of Chapter
I know, I know, kind of a boring chapter. But, never fear, dear readers! For, I am giving a special gift!
I cannot tell you how amazing the next chapter will be! I'm extremely excited about it and I know it WILL NOT DISAPPOINT! I really want to give you a hint, but I don't want to spoil it!
Anyway, your gift is that I will be giving you the next chapter by Friday night! That's (counts on fingers) two days from now!
I promise you, there will be Haldir/Ariel action galore! Actually, the entire chapter will revolve around the two together!
Hey! Hope you liked the chapter! I realize that I said I'd get that chapter out by Friday, but I still need reviews to get me motivated! PLEASE REVIEW! I LITERALLY LIVE FOR THEM.
It is such a bummer when I sign online and have no emails that say I have a review. I have no idea why more people aren't reading it...perhaps I should set the whole community of reviewers on FIRE! Except for ya'll, of course, my faithful reviewers!
Hmmm...where did I put that gasoline...?
Please REVIEW and keep me SANE, and more importantly WRITING!
--Blade