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We rode for three long, hard days. The landscape was smooth and bare, dry grass stretching endlessly on for miles, with only the occasional outcropping boulder to show that we were actually getting anywhere. By midday of the second day the shapes of mountains had begun to form on the eastern horizon, and today, on the third, we reached the Great West road.
It was early evening when we rode through the gates of the majestic city. I've never seen anything like it! The whole place, hundreds of feet tall, brilliant white marble reaching up into the sky, filled with people wearing rich, dark clothing.
We rode through the city, up the many levels, until we reached the top. I dismounted, and nudged Tela towards the stable boy, who was unsure of how to lead two un-bridled horses.
Ever since we left Edoras, neither Gandalf, Pippin, nor myself had said a word--we had been too pressed for time. But at this point the hobbit could no longer contain himself.
"It's the tree!" I followed his gaze to a tall, withered tree as white as the stone we walked upon, perhaps once tall and majestic, now a reminder of an age nearly forgotten.
"Yes, it's the white tree of Gondor, the tree of the King."
"It's beautiful," I whispered, for despite it's twisting, leaf-less branches, it was stunning.
Gandalf had only glanced at me, slightly amused, before continuing on. "Lord Denethor is not the king, however. He is a steward only: a caretaker of the throne."
We mounted the stairs leading to the ebony doors of the hall, Gandalf in front, with myself and Pippin immediately behind. When we reached the top, Gandalf turned to look at us.
"You," he spoke to me first, "should not speak unless addressed. The people of Gondor are not accustomed to women dressing and speaking freely as men do." He then turned to Pippin. "Now, listen carefully: Lord Denethor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise. And don't mention Frodo. And say nothing of Aragorn either." I raised my eyebrows and looked at the hobbit as he only nodded his head sheepishly. The wizard began again to move towards the door, but turned back towards us abruptly. "In fact, it is better if you do not speak at all, Peregrin Took." Pippin looked up at me, but I only smiled and nodded in agreeance. I had already witnessed just how much trouble this young halfling could manage to find.
But alas! I am called away to supper.
Tuesday
Wednesday
I ride to Gondor
But let me go back a ways.
Perhaps it was not the best decision to join the drinking game. The men were so drunk they had no objections, and I heartily downed tankard after tankard, until I reeled off to one of the lesser halls that had been transformed into a sleeping room. I thankfully collapsed onto a pile of furs, hardly noticing the two hobbits and the wizard follow.
I was awoken some time later with a very large headache--but this proved to be the least of the problems.
Pippin held a large orb in his hands, writhing horrible as a lighted seared through the glass. Legolas and Aragorn burst in through the door, Aragorn rushed to Pippin and wrestled the orb from Pippins hands. Gandalf was up, Merry was shouting, Aragorn began convulsing. The orb fell from his hands, and rolled across the floor. Gandalf threw a cloth over the orb, and it's fiery light ceased.
"Pippin!" cried out Merry, who was now hudled over his friend, who lay on the floor, staring up with blank eyes.
"Fool of a Took!" exclaimed Gandalf with some exasperation, but it quickly changed to concern as he went to the young hobbit, pushing Merry aside.
He grabbed Pippin's hands, rubbing them and murmuring strange words under his breath. He pressed his hand to Pippin's forehead, and with a gasp Pippin blinked and seemed to revive.
All the while I stood nearby, trying to understand what had taken place, and trying to push away the monstrous headache.
"Look at me." Gandalf commanded to Pippin.
"Gandalf, forgive me" said the hobbit, making an attempt to close his eyes, but Gandalf stopped him.
"Look at me. What did you see?" There was a pause.
"A tree... There was a white tree... in a courtyard of stone... It was dead. The city was burning."
"Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?"
"I saw - I saw - Him! I could hear His voice in my head!"
"And what did you tell Him? Speak!"
"... He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me!"
"What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?!"
Pippin's answer was whispered and barely audible. It was morning, so we went to the great hall to eat, and to tell King Theoden of what had occured.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool... but an honest fool he remains." Gandalf said as he stood before Theoden. Gimli and myself are seated at a table eating and I am writing, Aragorn and Legolas stood nearby. Merry and Pippin were sitting by the fire, the latter looking quite remorseful.
"He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan.
Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Trirth. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing: He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as He supposed; there is courage still. Strength enough perhaps to challenge Him. Sauron fears this.
He will not risk the peoples of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of men. If the Beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
I stir uneasily as I hear this. I do not feel I am ready for another battle.
"Tell me," Theoden addresses Gandalf, "why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"
There is a smoldering fury as Aragorn steps forward. "I will go."
"No!" was Gandalf's curt reply.
"They must be warned!"
"They will be." Gandalf walked to Aragorn. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships." He stepped back. "Understand this: things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone." He looked at Pippin.
"I shall go, also." I stepped forward. Immediately all eyes turned to me. "I was not sent here to be a common soldier. Minas Tirith is on the front lines of war, and it seems that is where I am needed most."
"But you could not ride fast enough! No ordinary horse can match the speed of Shadowfax!" Gandalf said to me, speaking of his own horse.
I smiled. "That is not true. There is a horse who I traveled with for a time, a gift from Elrond of Rivendell. I had thought I sent her home, but she was found nearby, and brought to the stables. I shall ride her, Tela, for an elven horse should easily keep pace with one of the Mearas."
So now I pack what little I have, for by noon we ride for Minas Tirith.
Perhaps it was not the best decision to join the drinking game. The men were so drunk they had no objections, and I heartily downed tankard after tankard, until I reeled off to one of the lesser halls that had been transformed into a sleeping room. I thankfully collapsed onto a pile of furs, hardly noticing the two hobbits and the wizard follow.
I was awoken some time later with a very large headache--but this proved to be the least of the problems.
Pippin held a large orb in his hands, writhing horrible as a lighted seared through the glass. Legolas and Aragorn burst in through the door, Aragorn rushed to Pippin and wrestled the orb from Pippins hands. Gandalf was up, Merry was shouting, Aragorn began convulsing. The orb fell from his hands, and rolled across the floor. Gandalf threw a cloth over the orb, and it's fiery light ceased.
"Pippin!" cried out Merry, who was now hudled over his friend, who lay on the floor, staring up with blank eyes.
"Fool of a Took!" exclaimed Gandalf with some exasperation, but it quickly changed to concern as he went to the young hobbit, pushing Merry aside.
He grabbed Pippin's hands, rubbing them and murmuring strange words under his breath. He pressed his hand to Pippin's forehead, and with a gasp Pippin blinked and seemed to revive.
All the while I stood nearby, trying to understand what had taken place, and trying to push away the monstrous headache.
"Look at me." Gandalf commanded to Pippin.
"Gandalf, forgive me" said the hobbit, making an attempt to close his eyes, but Gandalf stopped him.
"Look at me. What did you see?" There was a pause.
"A tree... There was a white tree... in a courtyard of stone... It was dead. The city was burning."
"Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?"
"I saw - I saw - Him! I could hear His voice in my head!"
"And what did you tell Him? Speak!"
"... He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me!"
"What did you tell Him about Frodo and the Ring?!"
Pippin's answer was whispered and barely audible. It was morning, so we went to the great hall to eat, and to tell King Theoden of what had occured.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool... but an honest fool he remains." Gandalf said as he stood before Theoden. Gimli and myself are seated at a table eating and I am writing, Aragorn and Legolas stood nearby. Merry and Pippin were sitting by the fire, the latter looking quite remorseful.
"He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan.
Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Trirth. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing: He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as He supposed; there is courage still. Strength enough perhaps to challenge Him. Sauron fears this.
He will not risk the peoples of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of men. If the Beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
I stir uneasily as I hear this. I do not feel I am ready for another battle.
"Tell me," Theoden addresses Gandalf, "why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"
There is a smoldering fury as Aragorn steps forward. "I will go."
"No!" was Gandalf's curt reply.
"They must be warned!"
"They will be." Gandalf walked to Aragorn. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships." He stepped back. "Understand this: things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone." He looked at Pippin.
"I shall go, also." I stepped forward. Immediately all eyes turned to me. "I was not sent here to be a common soldier. Minas Tirith is on the front lines of war, and it seems that is where I am needed most."
"But you could not ride fast enough! No ordinary horse can match the speed of Shadowfax!" Gandalf said to me, speaking of his own horse.
I smiled. "That is not true. There is a horse who I traveled with for a time, a gift from Elrond of Rivendell. I had thought I sent her home, but she was found nearby, and brought to the stables. I shall ride her, Tela, for an elven horse should easily keep pace with one of the Mearas."
So now I pack what little I have, for by noon we ride for Minas Tirith.
Sunday
a feast
This morning a party had ridden out to Isenguard. I was among them, and so can give a first hand account of what took place.
When we rode there, many were surprised to find a dense forest growing around the walls. The walls themselves were torn down, and being 'guarded' by two halflings enjoying a smoke and some food. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were surprised and overjoyed to see the hobbits, and I soon learned that they were members of the original fellowship I had sought, believed to have been dead.
Isenguard had been flooded, and was now controlled by an ent by the name of Treebeard. Saruman was powerless, and captive in his tower. King Theoden and Gandalf attempted to talk peace with him, but to no avail. He threw down a large glass orb at Gandalf, which was retrieved by a very curious Pippin.
That is really all I wish to tell of the trip there, though I will say that both Saruman and his assisstant Wormtongue are no more.
Now there is much feasting. We first raised a toast to the victorious dead, but now everyone is filled with food and drink and going back for more. There is music, ale, wine, wild game.
I myself have had my share of the gaiety. I have withdrawn to a corner, the haunting images of battle linger before my face, even as I put my quill to the page. The people are dancing, laughing. I smile as I see the faces of young, innocent children who are happy to be alive.
A drinking game has begun, and I am tempted to join. But I would not be welcome there. Many of the men disbelieve that I fought along side them, as a woman, I am unworthy of fighting, and unworthy of partaking in a mans game.
I smile as I see the two young hobbits, Merry and Pippin, begin to sing and dance upon a table, much to the enjoyment of nearby spectators.
When we rode there, many were surprised to find a dense forest growing around the walls. The walls themselves were torn down, and being 'guarded' by two halflings enjoying a smoke and some food. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were surprised and overjoyed to see the hobbits, and I soon learned that they were members of the original fellowship I had sought, believed to have been dead.
Isenguard had been flooded, and was now controlled by an ent by the name of Treebeard. Saruman was powerless, and captive in his tower. King Theoden and Gandalf attempted to talk peace with him, but to no avail. He threw down a large glass orb at Gandalf, which was retrieved by a very curious Pippin.
That is really all I wish to tell of the trip there, though I will say that both Saruman and his assisstant Wormtongue are no more.
Now there is much feasting. We first raised a toast to the victorious dead, but now everyone is filled with food and drink and going back for more. There is music, ale, wine, wild game.
I myself have had my share of the gaiety. I have withdrawn to a corner, the haunting images of battle linger before my face, even as I put my quill to the page. The people are dancing, laughing. I smile as I see the faces of young, innocent children who are happy to be alive.
A drinking game has begun, and I am tempted to join. But I would not be welcome there. Many of the men disbelieve that I fought along side them, as a woman, I am unworthy of fighting, and unworthy of partaking in a mans game.
I smile as I see the two young hobbits, Merry and Pippin, begin to sing and dance upon a table, much to the enjoyment of nearby spectators.
- Oh you can search far and wide,
- You can drink the whole town dry,
- But you'll never find a beer so brown
- As the one we drink in our home town!
- You can keep your fancy ales,
- You can drink them by the flagon,
- But the only brew for the brave and true,
- Comes from the Green Dragon!
- Their song is greated with much enthusiasm and applause. I've a mind to join that drinking game anyhow. After all, if they can allow an elf to join in, why not myself?
Wednesday
the battle
I was quickly equipped with a chain mail shirt, and a round shield. I positioned myself in of the regiment of elvish archers on the Deeping Wall.
The elves coming had been a blessing. I do not think this battle would have been won but for them. The numbers were far too few. Not long after the elves had been positioned-Legolas, Gimli, and myself among them-it began to rain. The torches of the orcs could be seen, and their heavy footsteps heard as they marched towards the fortress. Aragorn began to walk through the elves, until he reached Legolas and Gimli, not far from where I was.
I could hear them talking, but through the rain, it was hard to make out words. I heard Legolas say "You're friends are with you Aragorn," then Gimli added in his rough voice, "Let's hope they last the night." It seemed he was making a pun on an earlier comment.
Thunder crashed in the distance. The orcs were close enought now that we could hear their hideous grunts, see their grotesque faces beneath the helms they wore.
Aragorn began pacing among the ranks of the elves. "A Eruchin, ú-dano i faelas a hyn, an uben tanatha le faelas!" he yelled to the archers. Show them no mercy for you shall receive none!
The orcs ( Uruk-hai, as I have learned) stopped, and stood silently facing us perhaps five-hundred feet from the base of the stone wall.
"What's happening out there!" I heard Gimli ask in frustration. I somewhat pitied the dwarf, his head did not reach the top of the stones, and he could not see. Then Legolas: "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" I could hear the smirk in his voice, yet it was not unkind. Gimli laughed. All else was silent.
The Uruk-hai began to stamp their spears on the ground, creating a menacing, thunderous noise. Aragorn drew his sword, and the elves, myself, and some men on the far side of the ramparts fitted arrows into our bows. I waited with bated breath for a few tense seconds. Suddenly, from the group of men an arrow was sent loose, seemingly by accident. The arrow pierced an Uruk-hai in the neck, and he fell. The Uruk's becam deathly silent, all ten-thousand. It was disquieting to say the least.
"Dartho!" yelled Aragorn. Hold!
The Uruk-hai roared in fury, and as a whole charged forward towards the wall.
"Tangado a chadad!" Prepare to fire!
I heard Legolas mutter, almost to himself (though I am glad I overheard) "Faeg i-varv... dîn na lanc a nu ranc." Their armour is weak at the neck... and under the arms.
"Leithio i philinn!" cried Aragorn. Fire the arrows!
I released my arrow along with the other elves, and Gimli cried out in earnest "Did they hit anything?" The first line and much of the second of Uruk's fell.
I heard the voice from the keep cry out "Fire!" and the lines of men behind the wall released arrows, which went flying over our heads and into the mass of orcs. Arrows from the orcs began to let loose arrows of their own, and elves began to fall.
I strung more arrows, and sent them at the orcs, killing two. I could have done more, but I knew it would drain my energy. I would wait until we really needed it.
Then I heard Aragorn again. "Pendraith!" Ladders!
Then I saw them. The orcs were raisig giant ladders up to the wall, swarming up. "Swords! Swords!" cried Aragorn.
I shot at the Uruk's on the ladder nearest me, and as it slammed against the wall and the Uruk's clambered off, and pulled out my sword, my wonderful elven sword glowing pale blue, and began stabbing and hacking at the Uruk as they came my way.
I found myself next to Legolas, he was using his bow still, which seemed unconventional to me.
"Legolas, two already!" called Gimli proudly.
"I'm on seventeen!" He replied.
"What?! I'll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!" Gimli cried. I smiled at their competition, and decided not to mention that I had killed perhaps fifteen, as I was too busy working on the sixteenth.
The battle drove me away from Legolas and Gimli, but for the next few minutes I could still hear them crying out how many they had killed.
As I whipped around with my sword, seeing the bodies beginning to pile up all over, I happened to glance down and see a clearing in the mass of Uruk still below, near what seemed to be a drain.
I ducked, as an orc scimitar was swung at me, and stabbed my attacker in the gut. Looking back down, I saw two Uruk's carrying a large metal ball place it in some recess in the wall, and then a rather large Uruk started making his way for it, carrying a torch that spitted flames.
I stabbed another Uruk, and slashed at one who was trying to kill a nearby elf, succeeding in cutting off his head.
"Togo han dad, Legolas! Dago hon! Dago hon!!!" Aragorn cried, pointing at the Uruk with the torch. I saw two arrows fly in quick succession and hit the Uruk in the chest, but he continued to make his way. I grabbed my bow. This was my chance.
I closed my eyes, fitting an arrow to the string. Whispering a few quick words, I drew from the power within me. I pulled back the bow string, and let go. The arrow flew, and hit the Uruk in the back of the neck, and would have gone all the way through him had it not been caught on the metal armour at the front of its neck.
It pitched forward, and fell into the reccess, the torch still in its hand. There was a sudden flash of light, a thunderous roar, and then the section of the wall where the Uruk had just been went flying into the air, many warriors along with it. Water came rushing out, and the Uruk-hai rushed in.
Gimli jumped into the mass of orcs. I heard someone cry out to brace the gates. So much confusion!
I had been thrown back in the blast, and I staggered to my feet. "Gimli!" I think I heard Aragorn cry. He was on the ground, behind where the explosion had ripped apart the wall. I could only assume that he had been thrown there in the explosion.
I looked over and saw another regiment of elves, standing behind Aragorn. There were almost no more orcs here, so I ran down the stairs of the wall to join them.
"Hado i philinn! Herio!" Aragorn yelled. Hurl the arrows! Charge!
I joined the mass of elves as they ran at the oncoming Uruk-hai. I saw Gimli among them, hacking at their chests with his axe.
We plunged into the mass of orcs, and there was more chaos.
"Aragorn, pull back to the keep! Get your men out of there!" I heard Theoden yell.
Aragorn yelled to one of the elf-commanders on the wall, "Nan Barad! Nan Barad! Haldir! Nan Barad!" To the keep! To the keep! Haldir! To the keep!
I swund my head around at the name I heard. And yes, I recognised him, Haldir, from Lorien. He looked grim, covered in orc blood, his white-blonde hair glistening. I did not bother to stay and watch the show, though. I swung my sword once more, and fired an arrow as I ran towards the keep with the other soldiers.
I heard Gimli protesting as someone dragged him back with the rest of us. All was in chaos, shades of gray and red swimming in my vision. And then I was back in the keep.
I heard a voice cry out "Brace the gate!", and went running. The Uruk had managed to break a hole in the gate, and now soldiers were trying to put new planks in place and brace the gate shut.
"To the gate! Draw your swords!"
This I did willingly, shooting at the oncoming Uruks. Suddenly they stopped coming, and glancing out I saw Aragorn and Gimli on the bridge, fighting off the Uruks.
Men ran forward, yelling "Make way!" and "to the barricade", hefting a large crossbar which was braced against the gate.
The call came to pull back, and we retreated into the Hornburg. The gates splintered, and Uruks rushed through.
"They have broken through! The castle is free! Retreat! Retreat!" and "To the keep!" rang out, soldiers ran from the Uruk.
We barricaded ourselves in the keep. We grabbed tables, benches, anything heavy and large enough and placed them in front of the doors.
"The fortress is taken. It is over." I pretended not to hear as these solemn, terrible words came from the King's lips.
"You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it. They have died defending it!" was Aragorn's angry reply. "Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves? Is there no other way?"
Gamling answered him when Theoden would not. "There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-hai are too many."
"Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. And barricade the entrance!" Aragorn ordered.
Finally, Theoden spoke. "So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?"
There was a pause. Then Aragorn spoke in a low, determined voice. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
"For death and glory."
"For Rohan. For your people."
"The sun is rising." Gimli said to Aragorn. What significance that was, I knew not.
"Yes. Yes! The Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time." Hope seemed to have returned to Theoden.
"Yes!" cried Gimli. He sprang up, and ran out of the room. What horses there were were brought from the stables, and we mounted. Those without stood behind.
"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And the red dawn!" cried Theoden. The horn of Helm's Deep sounded, loud and triumphant. "Forth Eorlingas!"
The orcs broke through, and we rode out into them, trampling, stabbing, slashing, clearing a path all the way to the bridge.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn muttered. I followed his gaze to the hill rising in the east, and there was an old man, dressed in white, mounted on a beautiful gray horse. Gandalf it was. A man rode up next to him, closely followed by an entire army of men on horse back.
By now everyone was watching, even the orcs. They faced the horsemen, spears upraised, and the horsemen began their descent, Gandalf at the lead.
It was then that the sun rose above the hill, and the orc, and all others watching were blinded. The orc lowered their weapons and sheilded their eyes, and the Rohirrim rode through and slaughtered them.
After that, all is a blur. The orc were destroyed. Those that could fled back to where they came from. We have triumphed, but at a cost. Many men and elves have died, and I am fortunate to be among those who live.
The elves coming had been a blessing. I do not think this battle would have been won but for them. The numbers were far too few. Not long after the elves had been positioned-Legolas, Gimli, and myself among them-it began to rain. The torches of the orcs could be seen, and their heavy footsteps heard as they marched towards the fortress. Aragorn began to walk through the elves, until he reached Legolas and Gimli, not far from where I was.
I could hear them talking, but through the rain, it was hard to make out words. I heard Legolas say "You're friends are with you Aragorn," then Gimli added in his rough voice, "Let's hope they last the night." It seemed he was making a pun on an earlier comment.
Thunder crashed in the distance. The orcs were close enought now that we could hear their hideous grunts, see their grotesque faces beneath the helms they wore.
Aragorn began pacing among the ranks of the elves. "A Eruchin, ú-dano i faelas a hyn, an uben tanatha le faelas!" he yelled to the archers. Show them no mercy for you shall receive none!
The orcs ( Uruk-hai, as I have learned) stopped, and stood silently facing us perhaps five-hundred feet from the base of the stone wall.
"What's happening out there!" I heard Gimli ask in frustration. I somewhat pitied the dwarf, his head did not reach the top of the stones, and he could not see. Then Legolas: "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" I could hear the smirk in his voice, yet it was not unkind. Gimli laughed. All else was silent.
The Uruk-hai began to stamp their spears on the ground, creating a menacing, thunderous noise. Aragorn drew his sword, and the elves, myself, and some men on the far side of the ramparts fitted arrows into our bows. I waited with bated breath for a few tense seconds. Suddenly, from the group of men an arrow was sent loose, seemingly by accident. The arrow pierced an Uruk-hai in the neck, and he fell. The Uruk's becam deathly silent, all ten-thousand. It was disquieting to say the least.
"Dartho!" yelled Aragorn. Hold!
The Uruk-hai roared in fury, and as a whole charged forward towards the wall.
"Tangado a chadad!" Prepare to fire!
I heard Legolas mutter, almost to himself (though I am glad I overheard) "Faeg i-varv... dîn na lanc a nu ranc." Their armour is weak at the neck... and under the arms.
"Leithio i philinn!" cried Aragorn. Fire the arrows!
I released my arrow along with the other elves, and Gimli cried out in earnest "Did they hit anything?" The first line and much of the second of Uruk's fell.
I heard the voice from the keep cry out "Fire!" and the lines of men behind the wall released arrows, which went flying over our heads and into the mass of orcs. Arrows from the orcs began to let loose arrows of their own, and elves began to fall.
I strung more arrows, and sent them at the orcs, killing two. I could have done more, but I knew it would drain my energy. I would wait until we really needed it.
Then I heard Aragorn again. "Pendraith!" Ladders!
Then I saw them. The orcs were raisig giant ladders up to the wall, swarming up. "Swords! Swords!" cried Aragorn.
I shot at the Uruk's on the ladder nearest me, and as it slammed against the wall and the Uruk's clambered off, and pulled out my sword, my wonderful elven sword glowing pale blue, and began stabbing and hacking at the Uruk as they came my way.
I found myself next to Legolas, he was using his bow still, which seemed unconventional to me.
"Legolas, two already!" called Gimli proudly.
"I'm on seventeen!" He replied.
"What?! I'll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!" Gimli cried. I smiled at their competition, and decided not to mention that I had killed perhaps fifteen, as I was too busy working on the sixteenth.
The battle drove me away from Legolas and Gimli, but for the next few minutes I could still hear them crying out how many they had killed.
As I whipped around with my sword, seeing the bodies beginning to pile up all over, I happened to glance down and see a clearing in the mass of Uruk still below, near what seemed to be a drain.
I ducked, as an orc scimitar was swung at me, and stabbed my attacker in the gut. Looking back down, I saw two Uruk's carrying a large metal ball place it in some recess in the wall, and then a rather large Uruk started making his way for it, carrying a torch that spitted flames.
I stabbed another Uruk, and slashed at one who was trying to kill a nearby elf, succeeding in cutting off his head.
"Togo han dad, Legolas! Dago hon! Dago hon!!!" Aragorn cried, pointing at the Uruk with the torch. I saw two arrows fly in quick succession and hit the Uruk in the chest, but he continued to make his way. I grabbed my bow. This was my chance.
I closed my eyes, fitting an arrow to the string. Whispering a few quick words, I drew from the power within me. I pulled back the bow string, and let go. The arrow flew, and hit the Uruk in the back of the neck, and would have gone all the way through him had it not been caught on the metal armour at the front of its neck.
It pitched forward, and fell into the reccess, the torch still in its hand. There was a sudden flash of light, a thunderous roar, and then the section of the wall where the Uruk had just been went flying into the air, many warriors along with it. Water came rushing out, and the Uruk-hai rushed in.
Gimli jumped into the mass of orcs. I heard someone cry out to brace the gates. So much confusion!
I had been thrown back in the blast, and I staggered to my feet. "Gimli!" I think I heard Aragorn cry. He was on the ground, behind where the explosion had ripped apart the wall. I could only assume that he had been thrown there in the explosion.
I looked over and saw another regiment of elves, standing behind Aragorn. There were almost no more orcs here, so I ran down the stairs of the wall to join them.
"Hado i philinn! Herio!" Aragorn yelled. Hurl the arrows! Charge!
I joined the mass of elves as they ran at the oncoming Uruk-hai. I saw Gimli among them, hacking at their chests with his axe.
We plunged into the mass of orcs, and there was more chaos.
"Aragorn, pull back to the keep! Get your men out of there!" I heard Theoden yell.
Aragorn yelled to one of the elf-commanders on the wall, "Nan Barad! Nan Barad! Haldir! Nan Barad!" To the keep! To the keep! Haldir! To the keep!
I swund my head around at the name I heard. And yes, I recognised him, Haldir, from Lorien. He looked grim, covered in orc blood, his white-blonde hair glistening. I did not bother to stay and watch the show, though. I swung my sword once more, and fired an arrow as I ran towards the keep with the other soldiers.
I heard Gimli protesting as someone dragged him back with the rest of us. All was in chaos, shades of gray and red swimming in my vision. And then I was back in the keep.
I heard a voice cry out "Brace the gate!", and went running. The Uruk had managed to break a hole in the gate, and now soldiers were trying to put new planks in place and brace the gate shut.
"To the gate! Draw your swords!"
This I did willingly, shooting at the oncoming Uruks. Suddenly they stopped coming, and glancing out I saw Aragorn and Gimli on the bridge, fighting off the Uruks.
Men ran forward, yelling "Make way!" and "to the barricade", hefting a large crossbar which was braced against the gate.
The call came to pull back, and we retreated into the Hornburg. The gates splintered, and Uruks rushed through.
"They have broken through! The castle is free! Retreat! Retreat!" and "To the keep!" rang out, soldiers ran from the Uruk.
We barricaded ourselves in the keep. We grabbed tables, benches, anything heavy and large enough and placed them in front of the doors.
"The fortress is taken. It is over." I pretended not to hear as these solemn, terrible words came from the King's lips.
"You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it. They have died defending it!" was Aragorn's angry reply. "Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves? Is there no other way?"
Gamling answered him when Theoden would not. "There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-hai are too many."
"Send word for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. And barricade the entrance!" Aragorn ordered.
Finally, Theoden spoke. "So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?"
There was a pause. Then Aragorn spoke in a low, determined voice. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
"For death and glory."
"For Rohan. For your people."
"The sun is rising." Gimli said to Aragorn. What significance that was, I knew not.
"Yes. Yes! The Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time." Hope seemed to have returned to Theoden.
"Yes!" cried Gimli. He sprang up, and ran out of the room. What horses there were were brought from the stables, and we mounted. Those without stood behind.
"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath. Now for ruin. And the red dawn!" cried Theoden. The horn of Helm's Deep sounded, loud and triumphant. "Forth Eorlingas!"
The orcs broke through, and we rode out into them, trampling, stabbing, slashing, clearing a path all the way to the bridge.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn muttered. I followed his gaze to the hill rising in the east, and there was an old man, dressed in white, mounted on a beautiful gray horse. Gandalf it was. A man rode up next to him, closely followed by an entire army of men on horse back.
By now everyone was watching, even the orcs. They faced the horsemen, spears upraised, and the horsemen began their descent, Gandalf at the lead.
It was then that the sun rose above the hill, and the orc, and all others watching were blinded. The orc lowered their weapons and sheilded their eyes, and the Rohirrim rode through and slaughtered them.
After that, all is a blur. The orc were destroyed. Those that could fled back to where they came from. We have triumphed, but at a cost. Many men and elves have died, and I am fortunate to be among those who live.
Friday
the eve of battle
Much has happened since my last entry. I ran for eight days, southward and west, hardly stopping until I reached the city. It stood on a rocky hill, and at the very top stood a great hall. Ragged banners and flags hung from the wall surrounding the city, but I found the gate unguarded. I soon discovered, much to my frustration that the city was empty. One lone horse, old and lank, remained, most likely because it knew no other home.
No words could express my frustration. Where could everyone be? How could all signs of life in a city were the monarch dwells just be empty? I sat for perhaps an hour in the great hall-its insides adorned with gilded carvings of horses and intricate knots on the beams, walls, and ceilings-chewing on lembas, drinking some good wine I had found, and thinking. It was then that it occurred to me that the people had fled the threat of the unnaturally large orcs, but to where? After checking my map, I found a likely candidate. To the north was a great fortress in the mountains, Helms Deep, so I mounted the old nag and rode. His condition was not to poor, but it still took me three days to get here.
And so here I am. When I arrived, soldiers and commoners alike stared at me, unsure of what to think. I must admit, I do not blame them. I look like some man-elf hybrid with my short silver hair and rich brown eyes, and my days spent in the wild has left me rather disheveled.
A soldier, being unsure of my were my loyalties were, took me to the main hall, where it was that I was first introduced to King Theoden, and to my surprise, three of the company I had been searching for.
He was in consult with a dark haired man I knew at once to be Aragorn, leaving the elf and the dwarf. Legolas, and Gimli, respectively.
Stumbling over my words, I quickly explained that Elrond had sent me, that I was there to join them in their quest. There was much surprise, and even disbeleif and indignation at my tale; I had to prove myself by speaking "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo", a traditional and respectful elvish greeting that anyone who stayed in the house of Elrond would have picked up.
But even then there was astonishment. "You are but a child," Aragorn said to me, "Hardly a woman, yet Elrond sent you on such a trying journey? I do not believe it." I assured him that Elrond had plenty reason to send a "child" such as myself on this task. I look younger than I really am, I have almost reached my twentieth year. To be honest, I was insulted initially, the comment did nothing for my vanity.
But we quickly moved on to more pressing matters, and I learned that indeed, the people of Rohan had crowded into this fortress because they feared an attack from the orcs, who were under the control of the White Wizard of Isenguard. Now I am thankful I did not take the original planne route, I would have gone right by the corrupt wizard, and perhaps even apprehended.
Aragorn, who had been delayed in returning from an earlier skirmish, had witnessed at least ten-thousand of these orcs headed for Helm's Deep, and they were expected to arrive by nightfall.
We spent the better part of the evening discussing battle tactics, and readying the soldiers and the walls for attack. I have eaten a proper meal now, and though it was rushed, it was well enjoyed.
As the sky began to darken, marching could be heard, and a horn call rang out. The soldiers stiffened, but then someone called out "Open the gates! It's the elves!" and hope and wonder filled everyone. The elves have come, and now I put down my pen, for they have formed ranks of bowmen on the outer ramparts, and I am to join them.
I can only hope that I will make it through the night.
No words could express my frustration. Where could everyone be? How could all signs of life in a city were the monarch dwells just be empty? I sat for perhaps an hour in the great hall-its insides adorned with gilded carvings of horses and intricate knots on the beams, walls, and ceilings-chewing on lembas, drinking some good wine I had found, and thinking. It was then that it occurred to me that the people had fled the threat of the unnaturally large orcs, but to where? After checking my map, I found a likely candidate. To the north was a great fortress in the mountains, Helms Deep, so I mounted the old nag and rode. His condition was not to poor, but it still took me three days to get here.
And so here I am. When I arrived, soldiers and commoners alike stared at me, unsure of what to think. I must admit, I do not blame them. I look like some man-elf hybrid with my short silver hair and rich brown eyes, and my days spent in the wild has left me rather disheveled.
A soldier, being unsure of my were my loyalties were, took me to the main hall, where it was that I was first introduced to King Theoden, and to my surprise, three of the company I had been searching for.
He was in consult with a dark haired man I knew at once to be Aragorn, leaving the elf and the dwarf. Legolas, and Gimli, respectively.
Stumbling over my words, I quickly explained that Elrond had sent me, that I was there to join them in their quest. There was much surprise, and even disbeleif and indignation at my tale; I had to prove myself by speaking "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo", a traditional and respectful elvish greeting that anyone who stayed in the house of Elrond would have picked up.
But even then there was astonishment. "You are but a child," Aragorn said to me, "Hardly a woman, yet Elrond sent you on such a trying journey? I do not believe it." I assured him that Elrond had plenty reason to send a "child" such as myself on this task. I look younger than I really am, I have almost reached my twentieth year. To be honest, I was insulted initially, the comment did nothing for my vanity.
But we quickly moved on to more pressing matters, and I learned that indeed, the people of Rohan had crowded into this fortress because they feared an attack from the orcs, who were under the control of the White Wizard of Isenguard. Now I am thankful I did not take the original planne route, I would have gone right by the corrupt wizard, and perhaps even apprehended.
Aragorn, who had been delayed in returning from an earlier skirmish, had witnessed at least ten-thousand of these orcs headed for Helm's Deep, and they were expected to arrive by nightfall.
We spent the better part of the evening discussing battle tactics, and readying the soldiers and the walls for attack. I have eaten a proper meal now, and though it was rushed, it was well enjoyed.
As the sky began to darken, marching could be heard, and a horn call rang out. The soldiers stiffened, but then someone called out "Open the gates! It's the elves!" and hope and wonder filled everyone. The elves have come, and now I put down my pen, for they have formed ranks of bowmen on the outer ramparts, and I am to join them.
I can only hope that I will make it through the night.
Tuesday
I soon depart....
When I reached the top of the hill, I found more orc bodies, but not many. There was also a stone structure, with a stone chair upon it. Curious, I clambered up, and sat down.
Suddenly, it was as if I could see everything, apart from my body. Looking east, I saw the mountains, and then I could see two small figures, huddled over, climbing through the rocks. I immediately knew that they were hobbits, but they were being followed by a small, ungainly looking creature.
I looked west, and saw Rohan before me. I could see three figures, and knew they were a man, elf, and dwarf, that were at the edge of a great, old forest. This troubled me. They appeared to be searching for something, but what? And where were the others? Two hobbits, and elf, man, and a dwarf. Where was the other two hobbits, the wizard, the other man?
And then I looked a small bit to the south, and saw a city, and I knew where I needed to go.
I climbed down and checked my map. The city is Edoras, and now I curse myself for not going there initially. I have packed everything, save the net and my bow. I do not feel comfortable leaving the boat here, so I will send it over the falls, though I regret ruining such a lovely work of craftsmanship.
I also wish that I had Tela still, but it is too late now. I suppose I shall just have to make haste on foot. I will be writing even less, I suppose, as I no longer can afford to stop and write. That lembas shall surely come in handy.
Suddenly, it was as if I could see everything, apart from my body. Looking east, I saw the mountains, and then I could see two small figures, huddled over, climbing through the rocks. I immediately knew that they were hobbits, but they were being followed by a small, ungainly looking creature.
I looked west, and saw Rohan before me. I could see three figures, and knew they were a man, elf, and dwarf, that were at the edge of a great, old forest. This troubled me. They appeared to be searching for something, but what? And where were the others? Two hobbits, and elf, man, and a dwarf. Where was the other two hobbits, the wizard, the other man?
And then I looked a small bit to the south, and saw a city, and I knew where I needed to go.
I climbed down and checked my map. The city is Edoras, and now I curse myself for not going there initially. I have packed everything, save the net and my bow. I do not feel comfortable leaving the boat here, so I will send it over the falls, though I regret ruining such a lovely work of craftsmanship.
I also wish that I had Tela still, but it is too late now. I suppose I shall just have to make haste on foot. I will be writing even less, I suppose, as I no longer can afford to stop and write. That lembas shall surely come in handy.
which way do I go?
I have reached where the Anduin runs through Emyn Muil, I can hear Rauros thundering in the distance. I rest on the western shore, torn, unsure of where to go.
Looking out across the waters towards Emyn Muil, I feel a strong tug. But even as I walk westward, towards trees that provide shelter (as it has begun to rain), I feel that I should go this way.
The only way to explain this is that for some unknown reason, the Fellowship has separated. But for what reason?
I think I know, now. I have just stumbled upon the bodiesof orcs. They lie all around, some with arrows, some with gashes and stabs.
I remember the sun rising red this morning, an omen that blood has been spilt, but these bodies smell so horribly, they must be days old. Whatever blood was spilt during the night, it has nothing to do with these orcs.
I count at least 30, so that is good. If nine travellers could kill over 30 orcs, ones as unusually large as these, then it is likely that they are all safe. But split apart? To go seperate ways? Who knows. That man, Boromir, he is from Gondor. Perhaps he left the Fellowship to return home, and perhaps someone accompanied him, while the rest of the company continued east. It is a mystery, most likely one that will remain unanswered.
I now put down my pen, the ground begins to slope upwards, and I wish to investigate what may be up there, and perhaps get a view of the surrounding land.
Looking out across the waters towards Emyn Muil, I feel a strong tug. But even as I walk westward, towards trees that provide shelter (as it has begun to rain), I feel that I should go this way.
The only way to explain this is that for some unknown reason, the Fellowship has separated. But for what reason?
I think I know, now. I have just stumbled upon the bodiesof orcs. They lie all around, some with arrows, some with gashes and stabs.
I remember the sun rising red this morning, an omen that blood has been spilt, but these bodies smell so horribly, they must be days old. Whatever blood was spilt during the night, it has nothing to do with these orcs.
I count at least 30, so that is good. If nine travellers could kill over 30 orcs, ones as unusually large as these, then it is likely that they are all safe. But split apart? To go seperate ways? Who knows. That man, Boromir, he is from Gondor. Perhaps he left the Fellowship to return home, and perhaps someone accompanied him, while the rest of the company continued east. It is a mystery, most likely one that will remain unanswered.
I now put down my pen, the ground begins to slope upwards, and I wish to investigate what may be up there, and perhaps get a view of the surrounding land.
Monday
Monotonous
I have not bothered to write for one simple reason: nothing has changed.
I paddle my elven boat down the river. At night, I tie my boat up on shore and sleep. I made a net from my old, worn-out pack, and once the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, I put it in the water, behind my boat, in the hopes that I will catch a fish before nightfall. I still have plenty of the lembas, but I prefer to save it for a time when there are no animals around to hunt, or when I cannot waste time to hunt and prepare food.
What else is there to say? The landscape varies greatly. From empty flat lands to sheer cliffs and deep forests. Up ahead are two great masses of stone, one on either side of the river. It is hard to tell from this distance, but they look like giants, or giant stone statues, at least.
I am writing now because I must rest my arms, sore from almost non-stop rowing. But the soreness is beginning to fade, and I think I will continue. It is almost dark, and there are not many places to pull ashore. I must find something to fasten my boat to, before I end up rowing and drifting through the night.
I paddle my elven boat down the river. At night, I tie my boat up on shore and sleep. I made a net from my old, worn-out pack, and once the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, I put it in the water, behind my boat, in the hopes that I will catch a fish before nightfall. I still have plenty of the lembas, but I prefer to save it for a time when there are no animals around to hunt, or when I cannot waste time to hunt and prepare food.
What else is there to say? The landscape varies greatly. From empty flat lands to sheer cliffs and deep forests. Up ahead are two great masses of stone, one on either side of the river. It is hard to tell from this distance, but they look like giants, or giant stone statues, at least.
I am writing now because I must rest my arms, sore from almost non-stop rowing. But the soreness is beginning to fade, and I think I will continue. It is almost dark, and there are not many places to pull ashore. I must find something to fasten my boat to, before I end up rowing and drifting through the night.
Friday
Lothlorien
How long it's been, I do not know. The spell that lays over Rivendell seems twice as heavy here. For all I know, I've been in this strange elven wood for years. All I know is that it was dark when I arrived, and now it is light.
But let me pick up where I left off.
I slowly climbed the gray ropes that led upward into the tree, closely followed by Haldir. Fifteen feet up I went through a hole in the first platform, but it was empty but for a few elves sitting and talking, dressed in fine clothes the color of the stars and the dew on the grass.
I made to get off the ladder, but Haldir told me to continue on, so up I went. It was on the third platform that I finally got off, and what I saw amazed me.
An elf, so fair and old and young, with long gold hair, clothed in white, and a silver circlet upon her brow. A male elf sat with her, he also fair of hair and dressed in white, as she sat weaving.
I stood and looked at her in awe. Haldir stepped forward, and the lady looked up. A small, strange smile appeared on her face. Sad, knowing, mysterious, all at once, and then it was gone. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed. I could feel a presence, and I felt that the lady was looking into me.
"Welcome to Lorien." said she, standing up. I noticed that Haldir had left. "I am Galadriel, Lady of the Wood." Inside my head, I felt as if I was being examined.
I cannot remember the details after this. It seems as if this all occurred and age ago, and but a few minutes before this very moment at the same time.
She did question me. Of my origins, my motives, how and where I traveled, and where I planned to go. I told her everything, and as I told, I felt as if a burden were lifting off me.
And then, after perhaps hours of listening to me speak, Galadriel revealed that the Fellowship had passed through this wood not long ago, and she offered me assistance. I was excited to say the least.
So now, here I am, minutes or days later, preparing to set out again. The Lady has been kind to me, she gave me a green-grey cloak that she herself weaved, with a clasp in the shapes of the leaves that grow on the trees here. She told me that the fellowship had also gotten this gift, as well as Lembas, an elven way bread that will help me on my journey. but one thing she gave me that I think I shall never be able to thank her enough for.
A sword. I fine elven long-sword. Wrought with silver detail, the blade is long and sharp, and the Lady guarantees that it will warn me when orcs are near. It is a two-handed blade, that balances nicely at the hilt. I will treasure it always.
When I left Rivendell, I had only a dagger and a bow. Now, I feel outfitted for war. I had no idea that my task would be so dark, yet I suppose that if it were not, my skills would not be needed.
But now I part from this land. Indeed, I am already gone. I have stayed too long. Tela I have left behind, though I wish I could keep her. But the way the Fellowship went was by boat, and if in riding Tela, I end up on the wrong side of the river, I have no way to cross to the other side. Now I drift away in this small grey boat of the elves, packed with Lembas and my weapons. My cloak is wrapped around me as I drift on the current.
There are no elves to be seen on the shore of Lorien, indeed, if any but Haldir and Galadriel knew I had been there. I now put down my pen and pick up the leaf shaped paddle, and row down the Anduin river....
But let me pick up where I left off.
I slowly climbed the gray ropes that led upward into the tree, closely followed by Haldir. Fifteen feet up I went through a hole in the first platform, but it was empty but for a few elves sitting and talking, dressed in fine clothes the color of the stars and the dew on the grass.
I made to get off the ladder, but Haldir told me to continue on, so up I went. It was on the third platform that I finally got off, and what I saw amazed me.
An elf, so fair and old and young, with long gold hair, clothed in white, and a silver circlet upon her brow. A male elf sat with her, he also fair of hair and dressed in white, as she sat weaving.
I stood and looked at her in awe. Haldir stepped forward, and the lady looked up. A small, strange smile appeared on her face. Sad, knowing, mysterious, all at once, and then it was gone. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed. I could feel a presence, and I felt that the lady was looking into me.
"Welcome to Lorien." said she, standing up. I noticed that Haldir had left. "I am Galadriel, Lady of the Wood." Inside my head, I felt as if I was being examined.
I cannot remember the details after this. It seems as if this all occurred and age ago, and but a few minutes before this very moment at the same time.
She did question me. Of my origins, my motives, how and where I traveled, and where I planned to go. I told her everything, and as I told, I felt as if a burden were lifting off me.
And then, after perhaps hours of listening to me speak, Galadriel revealed that the Fellowship had passed through this wood not long ago, and she offered me assistance. I was excited to say the least.
So now, here I am, minutes or days later, preparing to set out again. The Lady has been kind to me, she gave me a green-grey cloak that she herself weaved, with a clasp in the shapes of the leaves that grow on the trees here. She told me that the fellowship had also gotten this gift, as well as Lembas, an elven way bread that will help me on my journey. but one thing she gave me that I think I shall never be able to thank her enough for.
A sword. I fine elven long-sword. Wrought with silver detail, the blade is long and sharp, and the Lady guarantees that it will warn me when orcs are near. It is a two-handed blade, that balances nicely at the hilt. I will treasure it always.
When I left Rivendell, I had only a dagger and a bow. Now, I feel outfitted for war. I had no idea that my task would be so dark, yet I suppose that if it were not, my skills would not be needed.
But now I part from this land. Indeed, I am already gone. I have stayed too long. Tela I have left behind, though I wish I could keep her. But the way the Fellowship went was by boat, and if in riding Tela, I end up on the wrong side of the river, I have no way to cross to the other side. Now I drift away in this small grey boat of the elves, packed with Lembas and my weapons. My cloak is wrapped around me as I drift on the current.
There are no elves to be seen on the shore of Lorien, indeed, if any but Haldir and Galadriel knew I had been there. I now put down my pen and pick up the leaf shaped paddle, and row down the Anduin river....
Wednesday
I am not alone....
The forest was further away than it appeared, and I did not reach it until the sun was touching the horizon.
I was relieved when I finally reached the eaves of the woods, and I quickly dismounted Tela. As I began to lead her into the trees, a feeling of being watched stole over me, but I shrugged it off.
I had made it only perhaps 60 paces in when suddenly I heard someone call out "Daro". Halt. I stopped. The voice was so low, I wasn't sure If I imagined it. I heard nothing more, so I began to continue on.
Suddenly, I was surrounded, arrows pointed at me from all directions. The change was so sudden I jumped.
"In ier le?" Who are you? An elf with blonde hair stepped forward. His face was stern, and beneath the beauty of immortality, I could see his age.
"I am Neenuvar" I told him, not bothering to speak in a language I hardly know.
"And what business have you in the Golden Wood?" he asked, now in the Common tongue.
"I have traveled from Imladris, and here I only seek shelter from the night. In the morning I head out again in search of a company that Elrond has sent me after." At the mention of Imladris and Elrond, the elf's expression changed.
"Ah. I see," he said, apparently dubious, "And what do you have to prove this claim? You are not known in these parts." At first I was astounded, and then confused, and finally panicked. When I realized what he was asking me, I had no idea what to give him. The only things I had brought from Imladris was my map, which there were many of in the world, probably all the same, and food. My clothes had been gotten in a small town of men on my way from Celondim to Rivendell.
And then I realized. Tela. I wasn't sure if a horse would count as a 'token', but I had to try. "My horse," I said, "My horse, she comes from the house of Elrond. Her name is Tela." I added, dumbly.
The elf's attention moved to the horse. He began to circle her, noting the elven designs on her saddle, hidden under my saddle bags, and to her sleek, shiny coat. A coat unlike any other horse's that I've seen.
"I see. Indeed, you tell the truth. You are elvellyn, elf-friend." He smiled. "Please, forgive me for my initial - coldness. We face dark times, and we must be cautious with strangers." He signaled the other elves, and they lowered their bows.
I smiled back. "Of course." I said, but as to what he meant by dark times, I had no idea.
"My name is Haldir. Come, tonight you will stay in the realm of the Lady of the Wood. Who knows, perhaps you will learn something of those whom you seek." He turned around, and began to walk deeper into the woods. Relieved, I followed.
The walk was long, and it was well after dark when we arrived. To describe the place, it is almost impossible. It was a city of trees. Surrounding it was a wall, in the darkness it was hard to tell what it was made of. We circled around until we cam to a closed gate, which opened at a word from Haldir. Tall trees, with silver trunks and golden leaves. In the branches were platforms, in which the melodious voices of many elves floated down. Paths wandered between the trees, but these were empty. Ahead, there was an extremely large tree, that went so high. Haldir led me to this, as another elf led Tela away.
When we reached the base, Haldir called up, and a rope ladder fell down through a hole in the lower-most platform. He turned to me. "Wait here until I return." he said, then he swiftly ran up the ladder.
So now I stand here, writing and waiting awkwardly. Of the elves that had first surrounded me, only two have come, besides Haldir. I suppose the others were left to guard the edge of the forest, wait for more visitors. The two that have come with us just stand there, as if they are sentinels. They are talking, but I can only understand a few words, not enough to piece together their conversation.
Finally Haldir has returned. He smiled at me, but I am unsure of what to make of it this time. "Let us go up," he says, "The Lady wishes to speak with you."
To be continued....
I was relieved when I finally reached the eaves of the woods, and I quickly dismounted Tela. As I began to lead her into the trees, a feeling of being watched stole over me, but I shrugged it off.
I had made it only perhaps 60 paces in when suddenly I heard someone call out "Daro". Halt. I stopped. The voice was so low, I wasn't sure If I imagined it. I heard nothing more, so I began to continue on.
Suddenly, I was surrounded, arrows pointed at me from all directions. The change was so sudden I jumped.
"In ier le?" Who are you? An elf with blonde hair stepped forward. His face was stern, and beneath the beauty of immortality, I could see his age.
"I am Neenuvar" I told him, not bothering to speak in a language I hardly know.
"And what business have you in the Golden Wood?" he asked, now in the Common tongue.
"I have traveled from Imladris, and here I only seek shelter from the night. In the morning I head out again in search of a company that Elrond has sent me after." At the mention of Imladris and Elrond, the elf's expression changed.
"Ah. I see," he said, apparently dubious, "And what do you have to prove this claim? You are not known in these parts." At first I was astounded, and then confused, and finally panicked. When I realized what he was asking me, I had no idea what to give him. The only things I had brought from Imladris was my map, which there were many of in the world, probably all the same, and food. My clothes had been gotten in a small town of men on my way from Celondim to Rivendell.
And then I realized. Tela. I wasn't sure if a horse would count as a 'token', but I had to try. "My horse," I said, "My horse, she comes from the house of Elrond. Her name is Tela." I added, dumbly.
The elf's attention moved to the horse. He began to circle her, noting the elven designs on her saddle, hidden under my saddle bags, and to her sleek, shiny coat. A coat unlike any other horse's that I've seen.
"I see. Indeed, you tell the truth. You are elvellyn, elf-friend." He smiled. "Please, forgive me for my initial - coldness. We face dark times, and we must be cautious with strangers." He signaled the other elves, and they lowered their bows.
I smiled back. "Of course." I said, but as to what he meant by dark times, I had no idea.
"My name is Haldir. Come, tonight you will stay in the realm of the Lady of the Wood. Who knows, perhaps you will learn something of those whom you seek." He turned around, and began to walk deeper into the woods. Relieved, I followed.
The walk was long, and it was well after dark when we arrived. To describe the place, it is almost impossible. It was a city of trees. Surrounding it was a wall, in the darkness it was hard to tell what it was made of. We circled around until we cam to a closed gate, which opened at a word from Haldir. Tall trees, with silver trunks and golden leaves. In the branches were platforms, in which the melodious voices of many elves floated down. Paths wandered between the trees, but these were empty. Ahead, there was an extremely large tree, that went so high. Haldir led me to this, as another elf led Tela away.
When we reached the base, Haldir called up, and a rope ladder fell down through a hole in the lower-most platform. He turned to me. "Wait here until I return." he said, then he swiftly ran up the ladder.
So now I stand here, writing and waiting awkwardly. Of the elves that had first surrounded me, only two have come, besides Haldir. I suppose the others were left to guard the edge of the forest, wait for more visitors. The two that have come with us just stand there, as if they are sentinels. They are talking, but I can only understand a few words, not enough to piece together their conversation.
Finally Haldir has returned. He smiled at me, but I am unsure of what to make of it this time. "Let us go up," he says, "The Lady wishes to speak with you."
To be continued....
lhein na medui
free at last, free of the mountains. It is nice to be out in the open again, so I have paused to rest and write.
Thought the sun has not set yet, it is getting late in the day. Ahead I can see the forest, and what a sight it is! The leaves are gold in the trees, a wonder for the time of year. It is so beautiful, that I will ride to it. I feel the same tug, but I think it is because it looks so sheltered, and I dare not camp out in the open. Not in these wild parts.
But for now I rest. The edge of the forest is at least two miles yet, and I have not stopped walking all day. And I want to allow Tela a short rest before riding again.
Looking at the sun as it descends towards the horizon, I feel at peace somehow. it is probably because I am finally out of the mountains. Out of that 'pass'.
It's funny, there is no pass labeled on the map other than the pass of Caradhras further north, yet you'd think that it would have been found and used before now. Who knows, perhaps the map I have is a little dated.
Well, I will ride now. The sun fast approaches the horizon, and I would like to be under cover of the forest (much bigger than it appears on the map) before dark.
Im nor erin....
Thought the sun has not set yet, it is getting late in the day. Ahead I can see the forest, and what a sight it is! The leaves are gold in the trees, a wonder for the time of year. It is so beautiful, that I will ride to it. I feel the same tug, but I think it is because it looks so sheltered, and I dare not camp out in the open. Not in these wild parts.
But for now I rest. The edge of the forest is at least two miles yet, and I have not stopped walking all day. And I want to allow Tela a short rest before riding again.
Looking at the sun as it descends towards the horizon, I feel at peace somehow. it is probably because I am finally out of the mountains. Out of that 'pass'.
It's funny, there is no pass labeled on the map other than the pass of Caradhras further north, yet you'd think that it would have been found and used before now. Who knows, perhaps the map I have is a little dated.
Well, I will ride now. The sun fast approaches the horizon, and I would like to be under cover of the forest (much bigger than it appears on the map) before dark.
Im nor erin....
Tuesday
the day is long....
I woke up as the sky was beginning to lighten. After allowing Tela a short drink from the river, and taking one myself, I began trekking eastward again. We came to the spring that the river originates from, and I filled my water skin. Thankfully, it seems that the path continues without the river.
The day was almost completely uneventful. I lead Tela again over the rocks in the path, though I must admit, the path was more stone outcropping than walkway. Around noon I stopped for a drink and a few bites of the bread that I had brought with me from Rivendell, but I did not tarry long. I was loathe to sit still very long, I want to be out of these mountains as soon as I can.
The flock of birds passed over again today. I no longer feel that my wariness of them is paranoia, I am sure that it is the same flock. Soon after they passed over me, less than an hour, a small storm blew in. Not anything of extraordinary significance, I suppose, but it slowed me down, nonetheless.
There are no stars visible tonight. The snow continues to fall, and I fear I may be trapped here until summer, if it does not let out soon. Already the snow reaches mid-shin, and I fear of losing my footing in the snow.
It is my hope that, if it stops snowing soon, I may leave this pass for good by tomorrow evening. But for now, I will sleep by my fire, much larger than last nights, and try my best to stay warm.
I have consulted my map again, and on the other side of this "pass" is a small wood, called Lothlorien. I know not what, or whom, may dwell there, but I have a feeling that who or whatever does live there does not mean me any harm.
I will sleep now. The sun went down not long ago, but the clouds make it darker than it should be. I've no wish to stay awake.
The day was almost completely uneventful. I lead Tela again over the rocks in the path, though I must admit, the path was more stone outcropping than walkway. Around noon I stopped for a drink and a few bites of the bread that I had brought with me from Rivendell, but I did not tarry long. I was loathe to sit still very long, I want to be out of these mountains as soon as I can.
The flock of birds passed over again today. I no longer feel that my wariness of them is paranoia, I am sure that it is the same flock. Soon after they passed over me, less than an hour, a small storm blew in. Not anything of extraordinary significance, I suppose, but it slowed me down, nonetheless.
There are no stars visible tonight. The snow continues to fall, and I fear I may be trapped here until summer, if it does not let out soon. Already the snow reaches mid-shin, and I fear of losing my footing in the snow.
It is my hope that, if it stops snowing soon, I may leave this pass for good by tomorrow evening. But for now, I will sleep by my fire, much larger than last nights, and try my best to stay warm.
I have consulted my map again, and on the other side of this "pass" is a small wood, called Lothlorien. I know not what, or whom, may dwell there, but I have a feeling that who or whatever does live there does not mean me any harm.
I will sleep now. The sun went down not long ago, but the clouds make it darker than it should be. I've no wish to stay awake.
Monday
daw....
night time.
I decided to take the pass. I almost wish I hadn’t, but it is too late to turn back now. And besides, I have a bad feeling about taking the gap.
The path was hard and treacherous. It was very stony, with little room to walk. Most of the time, I lead Tela by her reins. There were times when the path disappeared altogether, and we had to walk in the river. Mercifully, it was shallow, and I did not get too wet in the icy water.
Because of these conditions, we did not get far. I’d say we are not even half through the ‘pass’.
To be entirely honest, before I reached the river today, there was an old road. Tela ran over it fast, but in the few seconds that we were over it, I felt the same, intuitive tug. I shrugged it off at the time, I was in a hurry and we had not stopped long enough for me to understand the feeling. But now that we have stopped, I checked my map. The road leads into the mountains, to a place called Moria. I’m sure I’ve heard the name somewhere; I think it is an abandoned dwarf-city. Those places can be huge, I’ve heard, and I’m in no mood for getting lost in some old tunnel system that’s long been abandoned.
But back to now. Not half an hour ago I discovered a shelf that has plenty of room to rest for the night. I've built a small fire, just enough to read by and cook the fish I caught. I'm quite disappointed, as I've seen neither bird nor beast to test out my archery and fill my stomach on. The sky is getting darker, and the enthusiasm and determination that filled me earlier today has given way to fear. Just now an inauspicious looking flock of large, black birds flew overhead, and ridiculous as it sounds, I feel that they are trying to spy on me. But what interest would a flock of birds have in me? They were probably just migrating to a warmer climate, for indeed, today there has been light snow falling steadily. It has stopped now, and the sky is clear. But the bright stars do not ease my fear. I cannot sleep because of it, and though I will pay dearly for it tomorrow, I will stay up and write a bit more. About me, I suppose.
I will not say where I came from. Only my story since I came here. I was found by an elven merchant ship, at the mouth of the river at the Gulf of Lune. The captain took me on board, and sailed me up river to the small refuge of Celondim.
The elves were amazed at me. It was quite plain that I was not one of them, yet the only place I could have come from was out of the West, over the sea, as I admitted that I had never heard of Middle Earth. But the only men ever to come out of the West were the Numenoreans, and that was long ago. No men remain in Numenor, leaving the Undying Lands. But that was impossible, as only elves and the Valar dwell there, so the elves, being at a loss, sent me to Rivendell.
When I arrived, Elrond first let me rest. I had not done so properly since being found, and I slept for three days. After that he questioned me extensively on where I came from, who I was. Things were pleasant there, in the Last Homely House. When Elrond was not talking with me, I could listen to the elves sing, or read in the library, or just sit in the gardens and think.
For the same reasons that I will not tell you about myself, I told Elrond only the bare minimum of what he asked of my past. He understood completely, and it was during these conversations of ours that he discovered my talents. It was then that he asked me if I could aid him, and all of Middle Earth, in a task that he would not name. Though I much enjoyed staying in Imladris, it had the feeling of being without time. I felt that I could stay there all my life and feel that only a few days had passed, or that if I stopped to read a short poem (which are few, among the elves), when I finished it could have been days later.
So I accepted. He told me only where I needed to go, and who I needed to find. But he also told me to trust my instinct always, which is how I ended up on this god forsaken path in the mountains.
Ah! How the wind bites at this hour of night, I must have been sitting here reminicing for hours! The fire has already burned down to embers. Oh, how I shall regret this in the morning....
i' minui arad
The first day....
I rose before the sun today, just as the sky was beginning to lighten. I am unaccustomed to early rising, but I suppose it is something I shall have to get used to.
Tela rode fast and hard, as promised. It is now mid-day, and I have stopped so that she may rest, and graze. We have reached the Glanduin river, which I had not hoped to reach so soon. I take my meal at the foot of the Misty Mountains, according to my map, and not fifty miles west from here the Glanduin meets the Greyflood, which becomes Bruinen further north. Looking at the small pass that the Glanduin takes through the mountains, a strange feeling comes over me, as if there is something on the other side that I must go to. But that would take me away from the route that Elrond planned for me.
But still, I wonder....
I dare not tarry for long, already the sun has moved quite a bit. I am drawn to follow the river through the mountains, though it may not be wise. But then again, my intuition is my greatest chance of survival....
I rose before the sun today, just as the sky was beginning to lighten. I am unaccustomed to early rising, but I suppose it is something I shall have to get used to.
Tela rode fast and hard, as promised. It is now mid-day, and I have stopped so that she may rest, and graze. We have reached the Glanduin river, which I had not hoped to reach so soon. I take my meal at the foot of the Misty Mountains, according to my map, and not fifty miles west from here the Glanduin meets the Greyflood, which becomes Bruinen further north. Looking at the small pass that the Glanduin takes through the mountains, a strange feeling comes over me, as if there is something on the other side that I must go to. But that would take me away from the route that Elrond planned for me.
But still, I wonder....
I dare not tarry for long, already the sun has moved quite a bit. I am drawn to follow the river through the mountains, though it may not be wise. But then again, my intuition is my greatest chance of survival....
Sunday
ron ialla enni Melo...
they call me Melo... at least, that is my name in their tongue. But my name is a part of my past, something I wish to leave behind....
So I take upon myself the name Neenuvar - Waterlily. It is appropriate. When they found me at the havens, I was half drowned. Washed upon the shore, amongst the water plants and the stones, my white hair-once dark-strewn about me, floating on the surface of the salty water, like the elongated petals of an estranged flower.
I have shed my past, and I will seek out the challenge that faces me with relish. My skills, hidden until I was rudely and abruptly torn out of my old life-home, world, call it what may you-and thrown into this one, have blossomed and may prove useful to those who have set out before me. I have not been told the details, and only my intuition tells me what I may be riding into, but my ignorance, up until the point I join the Fellowship, may help and protect me in my travels-allow me to take quicker routes that otherwise would have been too dangerous to take, had I been told what is happening.
I have been instructed by the too kind lord Elrond that I must ride south with haste, until I reach the river Isen and the tower that guards it, and through the Gap of Rohan, whatever and wherever that may be. But he tells me that the Rohirrim-the horse lords of Rohan-are men of honour, and are to be trusted. It is his hope that if I ride hard and reach the halls of Edoras within a few days, that I should be able to stop there to rest, and before another weeks end, meet and join the Fellowship. But as he does not know what plans for journeying they have made, as it has been almost two fortnights since they left Imladris, he urges that I wait in the Golden Halls no more than seven days, before parting for the white city in Gondor, where it is likely that I shall meet at least one of the Fellowship-a man named Boromir, who could tell me how I may join the others. As for how late in the journey I join them, it matters not. I am told that my skills will be most needed during the last stage of their mission, in the black land.
I now write of those whom I seek, lest my weary and confused mind forget. There is a man, tall and dark and skilled, whom is called Strider and Aragorn, among others. Another man, Boromir, who bears the Tree of Gondor upon his helm and raiment. An elf, Legolas, quick with the bow and knives, and a dwarf named Gimli, who favours the axe. And then there are the halflings. Little People, call the what you wish. Short, stout, and brave of heart, the company has four. Frodo, the most important, though why I have not been told, and also the oldest. His close companion Samwise, a gardener (why they need a gardener on such a dangerous task, I've no idea), and Meriadoc and Perigrin, often called Merry and Pippin. These two are the most foolish, but apparently the most resolute, and Elrond quotes Pippin as saying "You'd have to tie me up in a sack", when he was told to stay behind. And an old man, Gandalf. He is one of the istari, the wizards. He is cloaked in grey, old and wise.
I have heard and read that the istari are a small faction of the Maiar. If that is true, then Gandalf's powers must be great. There is one I've heard of, the one they call the lord of the dark land, and I believe that in the same book from Elrond's library, it said that he too is one of the Maiar, servant to the corrupt Valar, called Morgoth. But those dark lords concern me not, Morgoth was defeated many ages ago, and his servant fell soon after.
I must go to sleep now, I start out early in the morning on a horse that Elrond has loaned me. A fine grey mare, fast and strong for such a beautiful beast. Her name is Tela, which means finish, so I hope that is a good omen for my trip. I do not believe Elrond would have lent her to me if he thought otherwise. I hope, at least. But now is time for rest, not for troubled thoughts of what is to come.
So I take upon myself the name Neenuvar - Waterlily. It is appropriate. When they found me at the havens, I was half drowned. Washed upon the shore, amongst the water plants and the stones, my white hair-once dark-strewn about me, floating on the surface of the salty water, like the elongated petals of an estranged flower.
I have shed my past, and I will seek out the challenge that faces me with relish. My skills, hidden until I was rudely and abruptly torn out of my old life-home, world, call it what may you-and thrown into this one, have blossomed and may prove useful to those who have set out before me. I have not been told the details, and only my intuition tells me what I may be riding into, but my ignorance, up until the point I join the Fellowship, may help and protect me in my travels-allow me to take quicker routes that otherwise would have been too dangerous to take, had I been told what is happening.
I have been instructed by the too kind lord Elrond that I must ride south with haste, until I reach the river Isen and the tower that guards it, and through the Gap of Rohan, whatever and wherever that may be. But he tells me that the Rohirrim-the horse lords of Rohan-are men of honour, and are to be trusted. It is his hope that if I ride hard and reach the halls of Edoras within a few days, that I should be able to stop there to rest, and before another weeks end, meet and join the Fellowship. But as he does not know what plans for journeying they have made, as it has been almost two fortnights since they left Imladris, he urges that I wait in the Golden Halls no more than seven days, before parting for the white city in Gondor, where it is likely that I shall meet at least one of the Fellowship-a man named Boromir, who could tell me how I may join the others. As for how late in the journey I join them, it matters not. I am told that my skills will be most needed during the last stage of their mission, in the black land.
I now write of those whom I seek, lest my weary and confused mind forget. There is a man, tall and dark and skilled, whom is called Strider and Aragorn, among others. Another man, Boromir, who bears the Tree of Gondor upon his helm and raiment. An elf, Legolas, quick with the bow and knives, and a dwarf named Gimli, who favours the axe. And then there are the halflings. Little People, call the what you wish. Short, stout, and brave of heart, the company has four. Frodo, the most important, though why I have not been told, and also the oldest. His close companion Samwise, a gardener (why they need a gardener on such a dangerous task, I've no idea), and Meriadoc and Perigrin, often called Merry and Pippin. These two are the most foolish, but apparently the most resolute, and Elrond quotes Pippin as saying "You'd have to tie me up in a sack", when he was told to stay behind. And an old man, Gandalf. He is one of the istari, the wizards. He is cloaked in grey, old and wise.
I have heard and read that the istari are a small faction of the Maiar. If that is true, then Gandalf's powers must be great. There is one I've heard of, the one they call the lord of the dark land, and I believe that in the same book from Elrond's library, it said that he too is one of the Maiar, servant to the corrupt Valar, called Morgoth. But those dark lords concern me not, Morgoth was defeated many ages ago, and his servant fell soon after.
I must go to sleep now, I start out early in the morning on a horse that Elrond has loaned me. A fine grey mare, fast and strong for such a beautiful beast. Her name is Tela, which means finish, so I hope that is a good omen for my trip. I do not believe Elrond would have lent her to me if he thought otherwise. I hope, at least. But now is time for rest, not for troubled thoughts of what is to come.
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