Chapter 6 – Traveling

I continued up the slope from the stables on my way towards the hall. On the top of the stone steps I found Éowyn looking out over the city.

"Are you alright?" I ask quietly

"Yes, but why do you ask?"

"You look a little troubled."

"I am touched that you are concerned for someone that you have just met."

"I don't think it matters how long you have known someone."

"And I thank you for that."

I nod

"You know we are leaving tomorrow right?" Éowyn changed the topic.

"Yes. I hope that things go well at Helms Deep."

"As do I."

Riley had gone to spend her morning training. Hacking away at training dummies wasn't satisfying her though.

Boromir conveniently walked by and she got his attention.

"Would you mind sparring with me?"

"I don't see any problem with it."

"Cool"

Boromir looked at her funny.

"Never mind"

Boromir drew his sword and Riley raised her axe.

In the end Boromir won the match.

"You did well" Boromir sheathed his sword "I believe you've improved."

"Thanks" Riley attacked her axe to its strap on her back.

"You are strong for a lady."

Riley laughed "So are you."

"What?" Boromir's jaw dropped.

Riley laughed again "Sorry. I was joking. But you are strong."

Boromir sighed "You children are strange." He muttered

"What was that?" Riley cupped her ear and leaned forward.

Boromir cleared his throat, "A good spar but I need to be on my way."

As Boromir left Riley went back to hacking away at training dummies.

That afternoon I packed my few belongings into a bag for the trip and I waited. I wandered around for awhile until I ran into Nani and Lexie. Together we wandered around the hall watching soldiers pack weapons and supplies.

~~Evening~~

The three of us were in the hall when Théoden came in with a young boy and a little girl. I recognized them as the siblings that escape the burning of the villages.

"Someone call for Éowyn!" commanded the King

Nani ran for Éowyn while Lexie and I went to help Théoden find somewhere for the children to sit.

"What happened?" Éowyn came into the hall followed by a hobbling Théodred.

"These two collapsed just outside of the city." the King explained

"Nani could you serve some soup for these two, they must be starved." Éowyn turned to face me "Cierra could you grab some blankets for one of those chests?"

I opened a small wooden chest and pulled out two blankets. I heard Éowyn whispering with the little boy.

I knew that the following discussions wouldn't be very pleasant.

~~Morning~~

We were woken up before dawn by Gimli.

"Lassies time to rise!" he bellowed, charging into our room.

I groaned and pulled the covers up over my head, where I felt Mia pull the sheets towards her as she rolled over.

"Lassies time to rise!" he bellowed again. I was expecting him to yell more but all I heard was a loud thud and an 'uff'.

"Sorry lad." I sat up to see Gimli roll off Jeff.

"What happened?" Tosha asked groggily.

"I didn't notice Jeffrey and I tripped over him." Gimli said, struggling to his feet.

"Ugg…well I'm up now." Jeff groans

"Shut up!" yells Tosha "And leave while you're at it!"

Gimli and Jeff exited the room and the rest of us grudgingly got up and prepped to go. I slipped into my blue elven dress. Tosha and Riley wore their boy clothes (again). Nani was given a dark green riding dress. Lexie got a black, layered riding dress and Mia wore a dark blue dress with leather trim.

After we finished we let Jeff into the room so he could change and we made our way to the stables.

I attached my bag to Sock's saddle.

"Good morning." Legolas came up beside me.

"I don't know if it's even morning yet."

Legolas chuckled "I believe it is, even without the sun."

"I beg to differ."

"Now is not the time for debate." Boromir said, leaning over the side of the stall.

I gave a big 'hmph' and turned my back to Boromir. Legolas had mounted Socks and was looking down at me.

"What?" I asked

"Are you coming?"

"Do we still have to ride together?"

"Do you not like riding with me?" Legolas looked hurt

"No, not particularly but wouldn't it be better for the horse if he had to carry less?"

"There are not enough horses for everyone. Please bear with me for a little while longer."

"Fine…"

I pulled myself up into the saddle behind Legolas. He kicked Socks and we made our way out of the stables and into the line of people and horses. Legolas skillfully made his way up the line next to Aragorn and Gimli (who were now on separate horses).

"Good to see your still awake lassie." Gimli turned towards me.

"I'm not sure how much longer I'll be awake."

"Just stay upright and we won't have any issues." Aragorn advised

Sorry that this chapter is a little short… I'll try to make up for it in the next one.

~Crystal