Hello there readers! Here is yet another update where two of my favorite characters come into the story. I am making up for the shorter previous chapter with this slightly longer one. The next two chapters will kind of be a combination of both the book and movie and a bit of my own invention so hopefully that will keep things interesting! Thank you guys so so so much for all the great reviews, favorites, follows etc. It really means a lot!
*The chapter "Lothlorien" has also been updated. Thank you to the reader who pointed out that I have not posted the updated version of "The Mirror" and my apologies to anyone who has been stuck at that point! The revised chapter will be up within the next few days!
Eredhel pressed her heels against her horse's flanks and he started to canter over the golden plains. It had been several days since Gandalf's departure and she had grown restless within the confines of Edoras. They had nothing to do but simply sit and wait to see if Gandalf succeeded in his plan. Eredhel sighed and relaxed, enjoying the setting sun's warmth. To her right she could see the distant mountains that bordered Rohan and Gondor, their snow-capped peaks gleaming against the clear blue sky. The hills were blanketed with vibrant grass and mosses in shades of red, purple, yellow and green. It was a rugged landscape, one that offered the perfect relief of the havoc inside the city.
A sudden burst of light in the direction of the mountains caught her eye. It was nearly hidden by the mountain peaks and would be invisible to a mortal's eye but not hers. Then there was another, flaring up farther down the ridged line of peaks. Her heart beat quickened, it was the beacons! Eredhel turned towards Edoras and urged the horse into a gallop, speeding towards the city. She flew past the guards watching the entrance and continued up the hill towards the Golden Hall. "Aragorn!" she called. He was sitting atop one of the watchtowers, eating a bowl of stew. He looked down at her inquiringly and she pointed to the mountains. "The beacons! Can't you see them?" He squinted and a moment later the bowl dropped from his fingers as he came racing down the steps. Eredhel moved forwards as he swung onto the horse's back and they continued up the hill before coming to halt in front of Meduseld. Aragorn threw open the heavy doors, drawing the attention of those in the hall.
"The beacons, the signals of the mountains! They are lit, Gondor is in great need!" he exclaimed, looking at the King. Theoden studied him for a moment then bent his head in thought as his men waited for his decision.
"Very well. We shall uphold our honor, if Gondor has called for our aid then we shall answer!" he declared and the men cheered. "Gamling, I want one of your men sent to every village, tell them it is time to bear their banners and ride to our allies! We will gather at Dunharrow in three days' time, then we ride to Minas Tirith. Ride swiftly!" he ordered. Theoden then motioned to Eomer and indicated for him to follow him, striding out through the doors that Aragorn had only moments ago pushed open. Once the King and his men were gone quiet settled on the hall once more and Eredhel noticed Gimli and Legolas seated in the corner.
"Well you made quite the entrance. Where have you been? I have not seen you since this morning," said the blond elf.
"Aragorn and his theatrics. I was riding, I wanted to pass some time as I grew wary of wandering around the city," she explained.
"Ah, yes I am sure it was completely the ranger's fault. Ah, I see. Well now it seems our wait is over."
"Indeed we may see Pippin and Gandalf sooner than we thought."
By that afternoon they had departed once again from Edoras, this time even less sure of their return. The King and his guard rode first with all the men and accompanying women behind them. Lastly rode the remaining five companions. They were grim and little was said between them. Oddly, Eredhel and Legolas were the most talkative of the group, discussing archery avidly. Aragorn was silent, his earlier elation had faded for now his path seemed unclear. Gondor needed aid sooner than Theoden's arrival. Edoras had faded to a speck on the horizon when suddenly the elves and ranger could hear the hoof beats of a large group behind them. They halted their horses and turned to look towards the sound. "It seems a company is approaching," said Aragorn.
"Surely a group from one of the villages hasn't caught us so early?" said Legolas.
"No, no they have not. From the sound of it I would say it is a group no larger than forty but I cannot tell whether it is friend or foe. Rarely do orcs ride horses but still I am wary," explained Eredhel. By this time their halt had been noticed and Theoden and Eomer came riding towards them.
"What is going on?" demanded the King.
"There are riders behind us. You can see them now, on the horizon," said Aragorn.
"Well then we will take a number of my men to match theirs and we shall meet them, we haven't time to spare," decided the King. Eomer called for forty of his company to leave the main group and they started towards the dark line on the horizon. Soon they could see that they were indeed men and horses but their identities could not be guessed. As they came upon them Eomer and Theoden rode slightly ahead of the others, both of them drawing their swords.
"Halt," commanded Eomer, "Who is it that rides in Rohan without the leave of Theoden King?" The company was dressed in shades of grey and black and their horses were high and sturdy. The riders stopped and a tall, sombre man dismounted, holding up his hand in a sign of peace.
"We are the Dunedain, and I am Halbarad. You say we are in Rohan and that is glad news for we have traveled far from our normal paths in search of Aragorn, son of Arathorn. He was said to be in this realm, fighting the forces of Mordor whom we above all else despise," he explained. Aragorn suddenly came forward, a wide grin splitting his face.
"And you come at a most welcome time! I had never hoped to have the aid of my kin in this battle and yet here they stand! If Theoden will give you leave, please, ride with us!"
"Aye," said Theoden, "If you are anything like Lord Aragorn we would be glad to have you. He has aided my country beyond measure and for that you are all welcome in my lands. How many ride with you?"
"You have our deep thanks, my lord. Thirty of us there are, for we had need of haste and that was all that could be mustered in so short a time. Two more there are with us, the brethren Elladan and Elrohir, sons of Lord Elrond," replied Halbarad and the two elves came trotting forward from among the men. Aragorn's smile widened, growing up in Rivendell he had become quite close to the brothers.
"Ah, Aragorn, we are relieved to have found you. We had hoped that our sister would be with you," said Elrohir.
"And so she is," said Eredhel as she dismounted from behind Aragorn and went to embrace both of them. The brothers chuckled and hugged her tightly. Their faces were fair, with ivory skin and dark, straight hair. The twins resembled their father with their steely eyes and strong jaws. They were dressed in dark grey armor with flowing navy and maroon cloaks.
"It has been far too long sister," said Elladan, a bright smile spreading across his face. Now that there was no threat of danger both the companies met, halting for a few moments as Theoden and Aragorn spoke with Halbarad. Gimli, Legolas and Merry joined Eredhel and her brothers, Merry looking up at them with interest.
"So you are the hunters that Eredhel speaks so highly of, it is an honor to meet you my lords," said Merry, bowing low. Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other and laughed.
"And you are one of the halflings we have heard so much of, even now the people of our father's house speak of you," answered Elrohir.
"They are quite the interesting folk," admitted Legolas. "It is great fortune to have you join us but Aragorn sent no words or message. How did you know to find him here?" He had met the brothers only twice yet they had always got along extremely well.
"Gandalf had a hand in it," explained Elladan. "And his path was guessed by Lady Galadriel and our father, which reminds me..." he whistled and Berenoch came trotting forward, laden with a moderate burden. "Adar guessed you would be with Aragorn and we figured you may need a few things." Eredhel raised an eyebrow and stroked the black horse on the nose, wondering what they had thought to bring. The woven bag contained her proper armour as well as another pair of bracers, arrows and her sword was strapped to Berenoch's back. Her eyes lit up as she unsheathed the proud blade. The metal was bright and cold, as if it possessed a bitter flame and the hilt was adorned with black stones. Beside her Legolas inspected one of the arrows, intrigued by the design.
"It's brilliant," he said, his voice full of admiration, "The fletchings are small and narrow enough to allow extreme accuracy and yet also sturdy enough to keep the arrow on its course. Who makes these?"
"One of the smiths in Rivendell. I helped him come up with the idea, though I have not had any of his arrows in many years for he ventured to the Grey Havens, he wished to learn the craft of ship building," explained Eredhel.
"Come," said Theoden suddenly from behind them. "We must reach Dunharrow to organize our forces." The group remounted their horses and Eredhel swung onto Berenoch's back, her previous mount falling into step behind one of the soldiers in Theoden's escort. Elladan and Elrohir fell into pace beside her with Legolas on her left and they questioned them about their journey. The brothers wanted every detail, listening attentively as the other two elves recounted their travels. When Eredhel reached the part where Boromir had died and the Fellowship had been divided she suddenly fell silent, her eyes hardening.
"I need to speak with Aragorn," she said then sped up before any of them could answer. The brothers frowned and Elladan murmured something to Elrohir before they turned their attention to Legolas.
"What happened? Something terrible I imagine for I have seen that look in her eyes only twice, the first when she returned from The Battle of Fornost and the second when our father asked where we had found our mother," explained Elrohir.
"She was taken captive by Saruman," answered Legolas with a sigh, earning identical alarmed looks from the twins. "She refused to tell us what happened until we caught a glimpse of her injuries. Her back was covered in marks and bruises and there was a burn on her arm." Fire flared in Elladan and Elrohir's eyes as their gazes fell on their sister ahead of them.
"It must have frustrated that damned wizard when he could not get the answers he sought from her," said Elladan with a sort of grim pride. "She would never have buckled under his beatings."
"Aye," agreed Legolas. "I assume that's why he resorted to other methods. Eredhel was tossing and turning one night and when I woke her she was in a state of anguish. She told me Saruman had made her relive all the loss she has faced in her life as well as showed her the deaths of all those she cares about."
"Eredhel has long distrusted Saruman, and he knew it. She saw greed within him, and foresaw that no good would come of his obsession with the lore of the Rings. I wonder if our Father knows of her capture, we have not been home in several months," said Elladan. Their discussion was abruptly cut short when they saw Eredhel coming towards them. She once again fell into step beside her brothers and was silent for the rest of the journey.
It was late in the evening when Dunharrow came into sight. Smoke rose into the air from campfires and when they came to the ridge overlooking the giant field they could see that many tents had already been erected. The group separated into pairs now, going side by side on the narrow path that led to the base of the cliff. Eredhel rode alongside Legolas and Elrohir nudged Elladan, nodding in their direction.
"It would seem that after half a dozen centuries Legolas has finally found some sense," he said.
"Aye, it would seem so, I thought you were supposed to look out for our older sister Aragorn," added Elladan with a smirk. The man chuckled from behind them.
"Trust me when I say that he is doing a far better job at it than I," he said. "As usual I do believe your sister has been keeping a better watch on me than I have on her."
"Hmm, well I suppose we won't have to threaten him too much," replied Elrohir mischievously.
"But still a fair bit," added Elladan. Aragorn laughed and shook his head. His heart was lighter now that he was among his familiar companions and he was looking forward to sitting by a fire with a hot meal. When they reached the bottom the large group split apart. The King and his guard going towards his tent, the soldiers going off to the central grounds and the Dunedain heading towards the edge of the field, to make their own encampment. Merry, Gimli, Aragorn, the twins, Legolas and Eredhel remained behind, their horses led away by several men. Even now the camp was thrumming with activity. The sound of metal striking metal rang through the air and men went back and forth, leading horses and carrying weapons in their arms.
"When I was speaking with the King earlier he said he would have tents for use in the far right corner of the field," explained Aragorn. "But I would personally like some hot food for I am sore and weary."
"So would I," said Gimli gruffly, leaning on his axe. "Dwarves aren't built for riding all day."
"Then follow me my friends, a hobbit's nose is rarely wrong!" said Merry eagerly, turning to lead them through the crowd. The companion chuckled before following the halfling. The group earned many strange looks as they passed through the rows of tents. People's attention seemed to especially linger on the elves and men fell silent as they passed. Ten minutes later they had found the outdoor kitchens. Six large fire pits were surrounded by cooks, roasting meat and boiling pots of soup and stew. Long tables and benches had been placed to their left and the elves went to find seats while the others filled their plates. Ale and wine had been set on the tables and they each poured a glass of the latter.
"I hope Theoden is expecting more men, Gondor will have great need," said Elladan.
"Indeed," agreed Legolas. "But your arrival has brightened the men's spirits. Especially Aragorn's, he has been silent the past few days."
"The hardest part of his journey is yet to come. Great trials lie before him," said Elrohir. They fell quiet, each thinking of what the future would hold for their friend. A few minutes later the rest of their companions rejoined them, eagerly digging into their food.
"I like the food they have here," said Merry. "It's good, hardy stuff like back in the Shire."
"If the food of halflings is anything like this I would be more than glad to visit your country," said Gimli, drinking from his mug of ale. Once they had finished their food they rose and made their way back through the camp. Elladan and Elrohir went to rejoin the Dunedain while the others continued towards the tents they had been given. Merry went with one of Theoden's men for the King had taken him on as a squire, much to Merry's delight. He bid his friends farewell and then followed the burly soldier, quickening his pace to keep up with the man's longer stride.
The friends' four tents were arranged around a central campfire, the flames keeping away the night's chill. Aragorn and Gimli bid the elves good night, each drowsy from the long day and heavy meal. Eredhel and Legolas remained awake, retreating into Eredhel's tent. Inside the air was fresher, the smell of hot metal and smoke was weaker and the room was lit by the glow of the outside campfire. A low bed was in the corner with two chairs and a small table. A large candle was burning and a water skin along with several bandages had been left on the table. Eredhel hung her bow and quiver on a hook and then unbuckled her sword sheath. She placed it and her saddle bag on one of the chairs and pulled the knife from her boot before straightening with a sigh. Her muscles tensed a moment later when she felt a warm hand on her waist and Legolas' breath in her ear. "I think you forgot one ermelui." He removed her second sheathed blade, his thumb tracing the curve of her hip before spinning her around and pulling her towards him. Eredhel laughed and placed her hands on his chest, her lips meeting his. He tangled a hand in her soft hair, kissing along her jaw. Her scent overpowered the odour of metal and fire. Legolas inhaled deeply, the smell of trees and mountain air and thyme reminding him of green forests and memories of less perilous times. He wanted to think of nothing but her, to forget about war and death for a while.
Eredhel kissed him harder as he pressed her against the central pole but froze as the wooden beam made contact with her back. Pain shot through her muscles and she felt herself once again being thrown against a rock wall. Legolas sensed her stiffness and released his hold her on her, moving his hands to hold her face gently. "What is it? What's wrong?" he asked, searching for the source of her unease.
"It would seem that my injuries have not sufficiently healed," she said wearily, rubbing her bruised back.
"Then perhaps you should sleep," advised Legolas.
"No." The word was firm, her lips pressed into a thin line. Legolas sighed and took a seat on one of the chairs, passing his fingers over the flame of the candle.
"Very well. Just know that once you are better I won't let you win that argument so easily," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. Eredhel took the seat across from him, removing an apple from her bag. "Where on earth did you get that?"
"Merry has quite of few of them and gave me couple. Here," she tossed it to him before pulling another from her pouch. Legolas studied it for a moment before taking a bite. There was little fruit to be found on the plains and food in Rohan mainly consisted of meat and roasted vegetables. When he had finished he sighed, tilting his head back towards the ceiling.
"I am tired and yet I do not think I will find rest while we are in this camp," he admitted.
"Aye, I miss the sound of wind in the trees but even more beautiful is the sound of the sea. Several years ago I stopped in the Grey Havens. The singing of the shipbuilders is unlike anything you've ever heard. Their voices are like water, the bubbling of a stream and the crashing of the sea. You can hear their songs in the night, while they walk along the beach and the waves break on the rocks. When I slept I did not dream, but when I woke I felt as if I had slumbered for a hundred years."
"I have never seen an ocean though I have always loved walking along the river at night, when the stars shine on the water. Tell me more about the Grey Havens." Legolas settled comfortably in the chair then turned his attention to Eredhel, waiting expectantly. She chuckled and began to tell him of journeys along the shores of Middle Earth and the raging ocean. Though they were Sindarin Elves the Sindar were of original Telerin descent, and their hearts would always be infatuated with the Sea. She told him of the great boats and sandy shores, as well as the odd creatures that inhabited the waters. Then she spoke of the food they ate at the Grey Havens, crustaceans and fish from the ocean. They feasted often and danced in the sand under moonlight. Little darkness there was to be found there for they were far from Mordor, and under the protection of Cirdan, one of the oldest Eldar in all of Middle Earth.
The next thing Legolas knew a horn was blaring and he jumped to his feet, looking around in alarm. He had drifted to sleep in the early hours of the morning and as he looked around he saw that Eredhel was nowhere in sight. Her sword and knives were in the same places as they had been last night and yet her bow was gone. Wondering where she could have gone off to, Legolas walked outside looking around for the source of the noise. Across from him Gimli and Aragorn emerged from their tents, bleary eyed and blinking in the sun.
A large company of men were making their way down the cliff. It seemed that some of the reinforcements from the outer villages had arrived. The men looked hardy and strong, though they did not yet all have proper armor they were proud and many carried flags or banners. Once they had passed Aragorn spoke. "So it seems that Theoden's men have begun to rally to him. I would hope that more will come. For the meantime however I think I shall go the armoury, for one of my bracers needs new cord. Halabarad and the Grey Company set up their camp near that area last night I believe." The others followed him through the maze of tents until they came out onto an open field. To their right was a large training ground and ahead were several tall tents where men were being fitted with armour. To the left they could see the Dunedain, there were one or two tents erected but it seemed that most of them had slept under the open sky. Behind all of this, some hundred metres away was a great forest, of pine and fir.
Aragorn retrieved the cord he needed from one of the smiths and the group then joined the Rangers in their camp. Elladan and Elrohir came to sit with them and it was then that Aragorn noticed their sister's absence. "Where is Eredhel?" he asked, his eyebrows raised.
"I do not know," answered Legolas. "We were speaking last night and then when I woke up this morning she was gone, along with her bow and quiver."
"There," said Elladan, indicating to the training grounds. On the edge, away from the men they could see an archer shooting at a target from long range. "She has been there since before dawn. Emptying her supply of arrows then retrieving them and starting again." Aragorn removed the bracer that needed repairing from his arm and he watched Eredhel as she fired shot after shot. Twenty minutes later she retrieved her arrows once again and then started to walk towards them, the men watching her as she weaved between them. She placed her quiver on the grass and then sat, her eyes on the trees behind them.
"What's troubling you lass?" asked Gimli. She turned her eyes to him distractedly, shaking her herself mentally.
"Nothing master dwarf, I simply wished to clear my head. Though the air is heavy near the trees and the men and animals grow restless."
"Yes, you can see it. They avoid this side of the camp whenever they can," said Elrohir. "The horses are nervous and the men silent when they come within sight of the far forest."
"The Dimrolt is a grim place. The haven of cowards and oath breakers," added Legolas. "A deep evil lurks within the mountains, even in Mirkwood it is known that none who enter there ever leave alive."
"What exactly lives in there?" asked Gimli.
"The spirits of men, doomed to stay be denied peaceful rest for their treachery against Gondor. The men of the mountain swore oaths to Isildur, though they were not of Numenorean descent. But they had worshipped Sauron and though he had shown his malice still held some love for him so when they were called upon to go to battle Isildur cursed them, to live in purgatory until their oaths had been fulfilled," explained Eredhel grimly. She shook herself, the long hours near the eves of the forest had disturbed her. A few moments later Aragorn rose from his place on the ground, having finished his repairs. His eyes were once again grim and he was staring at the forest thoughtfully.
"I have some decisions to make, my mind is burdened. I am going to ride up to the plains above for I have need of quiet and peace." He nodded at Eredhel and she rose as well, whistling. Aragorn turned and strode towards the Dunedain's camp as Berenoch came trotting towards his rider.
"Where are you going?" asked Legolas silently.
"With Aragorn, he is in need of mine and Halbarad's council. We should only be gone a few hours," she answered. At that point Aragorn returned, leading Hasufel with Halbarad and his steed behind him. The three of them mounted their horses and rode through the camp, heading towards the path leading up to the top of the cliff.
"Well Gimli, it would seem that we will have to occupy ourselves until they return," said Legolas.
"Aye lad, for now I am content to sit in the warmth of day yet later I will have to see to it that my axe is sharpened. I'm afraid it has become slightly blunt, what with winning all of our competitions and everything." Legolas rolled his eyes and scoffed at his friend, tilting his face towards the sun. Several of the rangers had gathered around to the left of Elladan and Elrohir and they asked for news of what Aragorn had been up to. Legolas and Gimli once again recounted their travels, passing the afternoon beneath the sun. The Rangers were eager for news and they always yearned for a tale of adventure and travel. By the time the tale was finished and all questions had been answered it was beginning to grow dark and still Aragorn and the others had not returned. "Well Legolas, I think now would be the time to put my axe to stone, it seems the smiths are less busy now than they were before." The two friends rose and made their way towards the bright red tents and open fires. Once there they found Merry and Eowyn, outfitting the halfling with armour and a weapon.
"Hello my Lords," she greeted them, inclining her head before returning her attention to Merry. The hobbit was struggling with a strap on the back of his mail and she attached it to his shoulder before handing him his sword. He swung it around impressively before pausing and running his thumb along the edge.
"Why it's not even sharp," he remarked.
"Well, you're hardly going to protect the King with a blunt blade," said Eowyn.
"Come with me Merry, my axe has need of sharpening. Let's see if we can find a smith!" suggested Gimli. The two eagerly made their way towards the men standing by the fires, the dwarf seeming almost of normal height compared to the hobbit.
"Merry seems to have taken up his duties with much enthusiasm," said Legolas with a smile.
"Indeed, I am glad we could find him some proper fitted armour," agreed Eowyn.
"You should not be encouraging him sister," said Eomer. He, Gamling and a few of their men were seated around a small fire, cleaning their blades or checking their weapons.
"And you should not be doubting him. He has enough courage for the likes of three men," she argued.
"I do not doubt his heart, only the reach of his arm," added Eomer, drawing a laugh from his men. "I do not mean to be harsh but battle is no place for one of his size."
"Why can Merry not fight? Does he not have the right to defend the world he lives in, his home and the ones he loves?" insisted Eowyn. Her brother looked at her, understanding the deeper question in her words.
"He does have the right but he knows not what he is heading into. Once fear takes him, once he has had his armor stained with blood, do you not believe he would flee? And rightly so, but he would die, crushed under a hundred orcs' feet. War is the province of men Eowyn," said Eomer and she scowled.
"I have not heard anyone debate the Lady Eredhel going into battle."
"That is because any man who values his tongue would not question her," said Gamling. His eyes halted on the silhouettes of three riders along the top of the cliff. One separated from the others, stopping their horse and looking out over the ledge over the field below. From the long cloak and black steed they could tell it was Eredhel, sitting immobile atop her horse. The men gave her dark figure an uneasy glance before Eomer continued their discussion. "She has seen more war and death than we ever will and it haunts her, you can see it in her eyes," explained Eomer. Behind their group Legolas' shoulders stiffened, his eyes turning towards the men. "There is a reason men have such short lives, we can only withstand so much of the wearing of the world. We are not meant to see more than our fair share of evil and battle. Perhaps once our days are renewed we will live longer, not having to carry the scars of battle on our backs like bags of grain after a long day's work in the field. No Eowyn, I do not want you in battle, I care for you too deeply sister." Eowyn's eyes narrowed, frustrated with the restraints of her uncle and brother. She went to turn to Legolas but he was gone, his blond hair vanishing from sight as he strode away from them, into the centre of tent grounds.