Title: Dreaming of You 
Author: Lomadia 
Rating: PG-13 
Feedback: angelmouse91@hotmail.com 
sorry it took me soo long to update...i lost chapter 13. 
luv hannah
Chapter thirteen
Lomadia and Ireth had been travelling for a few days now and both were starting to feel the strain. Scavenging for the little fruit that had not been washed away or destroyed by the storm, the two weary travellers scanned the ground with tired eyes. The only weapon they had with them was Ireth’s sword, and that was no good for hunting, so meat was virtually impossible, unless of course, it was already dead when they found it. Water, on the other hand, was plentiful, new ponds and tiny streams had been created by the rain and were quite clean and suitable for drinking.
Ireth continued to ponder over Lomadia's words. The words aroused new suspicions inside her and she looked at Lomadia with curious and slightly untrusting eyes. Lomadia wasn't telling her everything; she could sense it in her voice. Lomadia had become rather uncomfortable around Ireth. Not only was she asking questions that she did not wish to answer, but also she reminded her of Legolas. Her heart sank as her mind whispered his name. She missed him greatly, and she hated herself for doing so. She hated him, didn't she? But she longed to see him again. Lomadia was so deep in thought that she didn't realise where she was walking. Misplacing her foot on some soggy ground, she slipped and stumbled to regain her balance.
"Lomadia?" Ireth leaned over and grabbed hold of Lomadia's arm, pulling her back up again. "Are you alright?"
Lomadia frowned and jerked, freeing her arm from Ireth's grip. "I'm fine, I don't need any help. Leave me be." Without looking back, Lomadia strode off into the field, Tathiel hot on her trial. Once a fair distance away from Ireth, Lomadia closed her eyes, silent tears rolled down her crimson cheeks. Bringing her hand up to her face, Lomadia wiped away the salty liquid and drew a deep breath. Tathiel paused behind her, looked worriedly at her mistress. Gently nuzzling Lomadia's back, she snorted. Lomadia turned and stroked Tathiel's silver mane. Her lower lip trembled slightly and her eyes watered. Lomadia couldn't fight back the tears any longer and bringing her head down to Tathiel's neck, she wept quietly. 
The sky became dark and small silver stars twinkled brightly in an ocean of navy blue clouds. The two companions had built a small camp for the night. They sat around the little campfire, which crackled loudly in the silence of the night. Lomadia hadn't said a word since she wept. Her half closed eyes starred blankly into the flames. Ireth sat with her chin resting on her knees, as she watched Lomadia, who seemed almost oblivious of her. Finally Ireth broke the unsettling silence.
"I meant no offence…about before. I am sorry." Lomadia turned her head slowly and looked at Ireth. She made no effort to reply, instead she sighed and her gaze returned to the fire. Ireth frowned. "Why won't you speak to me?"
"I have nothing to say." Lomadia said bluntly, still looking into the blaze in front of her. Ireth shifted and looked hard at Lomadia.
"Yes. Yes, I think you do. Lomadia, I mean no offence. If I have done something wrong, please tell me, I need to know." Ireth's voice sounded a little more demanding this time. 
"I don’t want to continue this." Lomadia said and lay down on her side in an attempt to go to sleep, much to the annoyance of Ireth. She rose to her feet and strode to Lomadia's side.
"Why are you blocking me?" she demanded.
Lomadia drew a deep breath and turned to face Ireth. "I am not blocking you. I just do not wish to talk now. "
"But I do." Ireth became frustrated. "And I want to know why you have been acting like this. It's like I've done something wrong!" 
"It is nothing you have done." Lomadia tried to end the conversation.
"Then what is it? Lomadia, please tell me. You've been so distant ever since we talked about Legolas, Isorfir and Aniond. For pity's sake, what is wrong with you?"
Lomadia didn't like Ireth's tone of voice, and she sat up straight and tall. "Why wont you just let me be? I don’t want to talk about it, will you leave it alone?"
Ireth was silent for a while. The fire's dim light lit up Ireth's face and shone in her dark eyes. "Why don’t you want to talk about the elves? Don’t you like my kin? I thought you where different from the others, but it looks like you just as untrusting and neglectful as your people." Ireth folded her arms across her chest.
Lomadia jumped to her feet, her face written with anger. "How dare you talk to me like that. Am I not helping you find you lost friends?" Lomadia raised her voice. "Did I not help them escape from here?"
"I don’t know if I can believe what you told me. For all I know they could be rotting in the damp cell back in Anbrethil. Or perhaps being sentenced to life imprisonment or even death by you unforgiving father and an unworthy ruler of your city!"
Lomadia's eyes widened and bringing her hand above her head, she slapped Ireth hard across her soft cheeks. "How dare you talk about my father that way, you ungrateful cow! I risked my life to help your prince and what did I get? I'll tell you what I got. Heart break. I was hurt and humiliated by your so called Prince of Mirkwood, who wouldn't make the effort so show even a little bit of gratefulness or gratitude. I'm starting to regret helping them. Maybe I should have just left them to rot like my father told me."
Ireth looked at Lomadia coldly. "If your own father taught you to feel hatred for my kin, then why go against his wishes and aid the elves? And if you hate Prince Legolas as much as you say you do, then why go out of your way to help me find them?" 
Lomadia froze. She didn't answer Ireth's questions, but gave her a sour gaze before turning and leaving the camp. Ireth followed. "Why, Lomadia? Tell me why."
Lomadia spun around on her heels and glared at Ireth. She looked about ready to explode. Her fists clenched, she stepped forward. She opened her mouth; about to snap back at Ireth, but suddenly jerked her head to the side, listening with keen ears. In the distance, the faint cry of horses echoed amongst the trees. The two girls gazed into the wood for a while before following the sound of the distressed cries. Tathiel’s ears pricked forward and her bright eyes were wide with curiosity. Jumping up from where she was resting, she galloped after Lomadia and Ireth. 
The sound lead the two travellers to a shallow slope along side the River Airabeth. The horse’s cries were louder now. Tathiel snorted excitedly, but wouldn’t leave Lomadia’s side. Slowly, the two girls neared the slope and peered down into the shadows below. Two faint figures of horses pranced about and whinnied loudly. And on the floor, right by the river’s edge, lay another figure. Motionless on the flooded ground, the cool water lapped up at the limp form. Ireth felt an icy shiver run down her spine as she gazed at the body. Dread filled her heart and a silent tear rolled down her bruised cheek. her greatest fear had come true. 


Chapter fourteen
The elves walked slowly on, the stallions keeping a slow and steady pace. With heavy hearts, the silent riders hung their heads low. A single silver tear trailed down Legolas’s cheek, leaving a glistening trail behind it. The sound of horse’s footsteps hovered in the still air. 
Everything seemed so empty now. It wasn't right. Now that the three had become two, it all seemed so out of place. Like everything was uneven. 
So consumed in their sorrow and even guilt, the elves were completely unaware of the many pairs of cold and unfriendly eyes glaring at them through the darkness.
The sun was hanging low in the amber sky and small crystal stars started to appear high above. A cold breeze swept about the elves, making their long hair ripple like fluid gold. The two silent stallions walked slowly and steadily alongside the tall trees, trudging through thick weeds and damp grass. The air was cold and carried a strange aroma that was sickening to smell. The odour was a gruesome combination of rotting flesh and foul blood. The elves wrinkled their noses in disgust as their keen eyes looking into the darkening cluster of trees. 
Discomfort settled in their hearts and they reluctantly quickened their pace. The stallions raised their heads and broke into a steady canter. Their hooves thudded heavily on the ground. The weary travellers continued to canter on across the fields, occasionally glancing over their shoulders. Seeing that they were not being pursued they turned and looked ahead once again, unsure of which way they were supposed to be heading. They had long since lost their sense of direction, and they were not highly sure of Eloith’s exact location. They were just riding aimlessly; hoping that whichever way they chose was the right one. 
For at least three long days the elves rode on. This journey was beginning to get tiresome. They had no idea where they were heading and a shadow and a threat had been growing in their minds. Despite their growing attempts to find the right path the elves had got nowhere. Whichever way they chose lead them straight back to where they had started or took them no where at all and they had to retrace their steps and start again. And to add to all this, the feeling that they were being watched kept growing, making them feel even more uncomfortable. 
Finally the third day began to draw to an end, and having travelled a total distance of roughly thirty four metres in a large circle the elves gave up for the night and collapsed by what looked like the same cluster of trees they had walked by three days ago. Legolas dismounted and just collapsed where he landed. Raising his hands to his face he moaned and then looked up at the sky.
“We’ll never reach Eloith in time at this rate. We’ve been running around in circles for the past three days.” He moaned, raising to a sitting position. Aniond dismounted and came to crouch by Legolas’s side. He lightly rested his hand on Legolas’s tired shoulder and looked down at his friend.
“We cannot give up. It’s only a matter of days before we find the lost company. Do not despair. We need to keep our heads, for Eloith’s sake.” His voice sounded hopeful, whether he meant it to or not.
Aniond was right. What help would they be to Eloith if they just gave up? What kind of brother would he be? No. They had to keep going. His gaze turned to Aniond and he looked at him for a short while in silence. Aniond didn't need to be told what Legolas was thinking; he could see it buried in his cool blue eyes. Sighing, Aniond rose and walked silently back to his horse, his feet barely pressing the ground. Legolas soon followed his example. Mounting their horses, the two elves made ready to continue their ride. A cold wind blew by the elves, carrying a foul stench and a strange sound. Confused, Legolas and Aniond paused, the their keen ears straining to pick up another sound. Soon the need for haste overtook them and they made to leave. Whispering to their steeds to ride on, the elves turned to leave the cluster of trees when their path was suddenly blocked by dark figures riding what could only be some kind of horse.
"Halt right there!"

Chapter fifteen
For what seemed like an eternity the two travellers gazed down into the shadows. Ireth in particular kept a watchful eye on the figures below. The two shadowy figures of horses pranced about at the bottom of the bank, until one, having seen the onlookers, turned swiftly and struggled to climb up the slippery slope. Lomadia looked down in wonder, but her thought of concentration was soon broken when she saw Ireth move and practically sprint down the slope. Lomadia frowned in confusion and then in surprise when she saw her own horse jump past her and join the congregation below. Unsure she wanted her horse to go down the banks, Lomadia leapt to her feet and ran after her companions. 
The horse that had finally reached Ireth whinnied loudly and threw it's head about madly. Ireth wrapped her arms around its smooth neck and cried out, her voice was full of joy.
"Tasartir, mellonamin, Tasartir!" 
The horse seemed to whinny in reply. Tathiel didn't hesitate in greeting this new horse as well. She whinnied excitedly and pranced about. Lomadia, who had no idea what was happening, stood in silence and watched the reunion. Finally she stepped forward.
"Ireth. What is going on?"
Ireth looked back at Lomadia's confused face and grinned widely. "Why Lomadia. This is my horse, Tasartir! I told you about her and how she saved my life!" Ireth turned to Tasartir, "I never thought I would see you again!" Tasartir whinnied and nuzzled Ireth's chest, Lomadia couldn't help but smile. But Lomadia's smile faded as she heard Tathiel's more distressed cry. Turning on her heels, her eyes gazed down at the almost forgotten limp figure on the ground. Her dark brow frowned and she hastily approached the casualty. Kneeling down beside the river's edge, Lomadia carefully pulled the figure away from the icy water of the River Airabeth and onto the damp grass. She pressed her fingers gently on his wrist searching for a pulse, and relaxed when she felt a slow but steady beat. 
"Ireth!" Lomadia turned and called back to her elven friend. Ireth, letting go of Tasartir 's neck, came running over and joined Lomadia kneeling on the moist ground. Ireth's face was stern as she examined the unconscious, battered being lying in the puddle of murky water. After a very short pause, she looked up at Lomadia.
"I have some herbs in Tasartir's saddle bag, we can use them to help heal some of these wounds." Ireth rose to her feet and hurried back to Tasartir, who was watching her newly found rider with great interest. Lomadia's eyes refused to leave the figure. There was something about him that seemed so familiar, but it was hard to tell in the fading light. She frowned, straining her eyes to try and make out the features. 
"Ireth?" Lomadia called out, still looking down at their patient, "Do you have a lamp or a fire light of some sort?"
Ireth fumbled around in her saddlebags and eventually pulled out a beautifully decorated golden lantern. It didn't take her long to get a small orange flame burning and she returned to Lomadia with a small pouch of ground herbs. 
"Here," She said, passing a handful of herbs to Lomadia, "These are Athelas plants, otherwise known as Kingsfoil. Add some water to these and rub them into the wounds. Lomadia."
But Lomadia pushed Ireth's hand away and reached for the lantern. "Wait a minute. Let me see…" She held the lantern up to the figures face and gasped at what she saw. Underneath the mud and the dirt, Lomadia could just make out the out line of pointed ears hidden beneath a tangled mess of hair. The elf's face although bruised and bloody was unmistakable.
"Isorfir!" Ireth started. Lomadia quickly lowered the lantern to the floor and dipped her hand in the river's fast flowing water. "Isorfir," Ireth said again, "Isorfir, wake up!" She gently shook Isorfir's battered shoulder, but her attempts to wake the elf were in vain. Her deep brown eyes began to water as she looked down at one of her own kin. 
Lomadia looked at Ireth and then at the pouch. "Give me the herbs." Her voice was stern and demanding, but Ireth didn't seem to notice. She was too busy trying to rouse Isorfir. "Ireth. Give me the herbs!" Lomadia asked again, but still there was no answer. Now it was time for her to take control. She had to knock some sense into Ireth, that and the cold river water was making her finger turn numb. Quickly, Lomadia raised her dry hand and pinched Ireth hard. Ireth grimaced and glared at Lomadia, who, now that she had Ireth's attention, repeated her question. "Give me the herbs, Ireth."
Hastily Ireth handed Lomadia a small amount of herbs. Lomadia took her hand out of the river (for which she was very relived) and took hold of the herbs, mixing them with the water she had collected. Carefully, she rubbed the healing herbs into the cuts. Isorfir stirred at the sudden stinging pain he felt in his right shoulder. Once the herbs had been rubbed in, Lomadia wiped her wet hand onto her tunic and pushed her self up. 
"Come," she looked down at Ireth, "We have to get him to shelter if we want him to heal properly. It has been three days since the storm, he has been exposed to the cold for too long." Bending down, Lomadia took hold of one of Isorfir's arms. Ireth followed her example. Lomadia heard a soft snort behind her, and turning her head she saw Isorfir's stallion peering down over her shoulder and his injured rider. Trotting round in front of Lomadia and Ireth, the stallion lowered his neck, making it easier the two girls two hoist Isorfir up onto his back, and although elves are practically weightless, it wasn’t easy trying to lift an unconscious and uncooperative body onto the back of a horse. Lomadia jumped up onto the stallion's back and sat behind Isorfir, making sure he wouldn't fall off. Tathiel trotted up next to the stallion; there was no way she was leaving her rider unattended on another horse. Ireth who had mounted Tasartir soon joined them.
"Where are we going to go? I'm not familiar with this area." Ireth asked, studying Isorfir.
Lomadia paused for a while before answering. " Do not worry. There is an inn not to far from here, The Green Dragon. We should arrive there before midnight."
Ireth nodded slowly before spurring Tasartir on, and the company rode on into the night. 

Chapter sixteen
"Halt right there!" The orc's husky voice growled. Its foul mouth was filled with disgustingly yellow teeth and its breath was horrendous. The foul creature sat on top of a black horse, its thick coat was terribly knotted and its long tattered forelock hung over its dark eyes. 
Looking around Legolas could see they were surrounded, and not just by orcs but goblins as well, although the majority of them were on foot. Their chances of escape looked slim. Legolas lowered his voice so as only Aniond could hear him. "This must be part of the army that attacked our soldiers. They must have been patrolling the boarder of their camp."
Aniond raised his eyebrows slightly. "Well, at least we know where we are now."
Another orc on horseback stepped forward. "Elves, eh? They look like they're some of 'em Sindarin Elves from Mirkwood."
"So let's kill 'em!" a smaller goblin called out. "We can eat 'em afterwards, we haven't had fresh mean for days!"
"Shut it, soldier!" the larger orc bellowed, before returning his gaze to the elves. "They've been sent to find survivors." The orc smirked cruelly. "Ya won't find any. They're all dead, every single one. An' we had one hell of a time killin' 'em!" he grinned maliciously, "We might as well kill you now an' all." He said unsheathing his dark blade. A chorus of cheers sounded as the rest of the company drew their swords, daggers and bows. The orcs and goblins didn't hold back in shouting out death threats to their captives. 
"It's time for a killin'!"
"We're gonna slit ya throats an' watch ya blood flow!"
"Fresh meat!"
The elves looked around desperately trying to find a way out of the ring of orcs and goblins. Their keen eyes searching for the smaller soldiers or the smaller weapons. 
"Legolas," Aniond whispered, "Our only chance is to head straight through them. Over there," Aniond titled his head towards a group of smaller and less armed goblins. "They're the best bet we've got."
Legolas nodded slightly and the elves drew their daggers. The leading orc grinned even wider and held up his sword. "I'm gonna enjoy this." He smirked, before turning to the others. 
"CHARGE!" He bellowed loudly. His hoarse cry was followed by loud battle cries as the other orcs and goblins prepared to lunge themselves at their victims. The elves however had different plans. Calling out to their horses to ride on, they charged towards the smaller goblins they had spotted before. The goblins shrieked and held out the swords in a stabbing motion, but the elves were too fast for them. Dropping the reins, Legolas and Aniond whipped out their daggers and in one clean motion drove the elven blades through the goblins' helmets', spilling their thick blood onto the grasslands. With a cry their stallions leapt over the lifeless corpses sprang away across the field. 
"ARGH!" the orc leader cried out, his face was written with rage. "GET THEM! GET THEM!" he ordered and the orcs on horseback sped madly after the elves. Sensing their pursuers, the elven stallions sped like the wind across the grasslands. The elven riders could hear the orcs voices calling out from behind, "Cut them off! Cut them off!" and the occasional arrow whizzed past their heads. The stallions were tiring fast, they had not had much rest since the storm and they were burning up all of their energy. The dark creatures were close behind, refusing to give up the chase. They clutched their long swords tightly in their gloved hands, ready to stab the elves once they were in reach. But the fair elven horses ran as if they were on wings, and the wind whistled and whipped the elves' ears. Legolas could see what could only be the Far East boarder of Anbrethil. If they could just make the trees then they would be safe. 
"Noro lim! Noro lim!" Legolas cried to the stallions, as they flew across the fields. The orcs were not far behind; the elves could almost feel they hot breath on the back of their necks. The dark horses broad hooves pounded down on the ground, digging up the turf with every step as the riders kicked their sides viciously commanding them to run faster. Another arrow whistled past the elves, and it was followed by another and another, the spent arrows burying themselves in the ground. The woods were so close now, and all weight seemed to lift from Legolas's heart as he realised that they would make it. But his line of thought was broken when he heard a whistle in the wind followed by a cry of pain and he felt his stallion stumble slightly. Looking back he could see crimson blood trickle down onto the ground from his horses hind leg, he had to act quickly. Dropping the reins again, he spun his legs over the horse's neck in a scissors like motion so as he was facing the opposite way as he was going. Leaning forward, Legolas balanced himself across the horse's back and peered down at it's wounded leg. The arrow was burying deep within the flesh. If he were to pull it out now his horse wouldn't be able to withstand the pain. They had to keep going. Legolas spun his legs round so he was facing the right way again. Legolas pulled his bow from his back and fitted it with an arrow with hands that moved faster than the eye could see. His keen elven eyes fixed on the orc that had fired at his horse, and with one pull on the string he sent the arrow flying through the air straight into the orc's heart. The creature squealed before toppling over and landing on the ground with a thud. Legolas turned around just as they entered the woodland. They were sure to lose the orcs here. The horses manoeuvred in and out of the thick trees and vegetation, springing over fallen logs. The orcs horses slowed considerably for they were unable to move through the trees with such speed and skill as the elves, but that didn't stop them from trying. Anywhere they're horses couldn't go, they would go by foot and shot the elves down. Once the elves were off their horses they wouldn't have such an easy time escaping. Still the elven horses swerved through the woodland, the elves ducking under the lower branches. Chancing a quick glance over his shoulder Legolas could barely see the orcs anymore. A small grin formed on his face. The only way they would catch up with them now was if they grew wings. 
The orcs watched after the elves as the disappeared into the thick woodland. The orc leader cursed loudly and sent his fist flying into the nearest orc he could find. Looking behind him, the orc could see the army of orcs and goblins on foot come running into the trees. He gritted his teeth in anger and raised his voice so that everyone could hear.
"Spread out! Cover every corner of this woodland! I want 'em! I want 'em dead!" the army made no verbal response, but scattered themselves through out the vegetation. The orc leader looked into the forest in the direction the elves had fled. Even if these elves had escaped the chase, there was no way he would let them escape this woodland alive. 

Chapter seventeen
Small silver stars glistened in the dark night sky, as the three shadowy travellers entered the small village of Ellonen. Both big and small people busied themselves about the dusty yard, carrying lanterns and baskets. A small sign could be seen hanging from the side of a small building. At the foot of the thick timber door were a few small candle lit lanterns, and a warm yellow light shone through the small windows. Ireth dismounted and took hold of Tasartir's reins. 
"Is this it?" she asked quietly, as if not to draw attention to herself. Ireth didn't feel particularly comfortable in a village full of humans and a few hobbits.
Lomadia nodded. "Yes. The Green Dragon." Carefully, she dismounted, making sure that Isorfir stayed safely on top of his stallion. "You wait here," Lomadia looked at Ireth, "I'll check to see if there are any rooms spare." Ireth nodded silently as she watched Lomadia hurry inside the inn. Ireth peered from side to side. She knew she was being watched. She could feel the humans and hobbits starring at her from under their hoods. They probably hadn't seen an elf in these parts for a fair few years at least. Finally Lomadia emerged from the inn followed by a small lad with scruffy hair and an apron tied around his waist. 
The stable boy took hold of Tathiel's reins, much to Tathiel's discomfort. The silver mare tucked at the boy's grip and stamped her hooves loudly on the muddy ground. It was only after Lomadia gave her a stern look that she finally gave up protesting. The boy took hold of the other horses and led them to a stable. 
Lomadia and Ireth carried Isorfir into the inn, where someone was waiting for them. A plump man wearing an apron with a tea towel slung over his shoulder greeting them as they walked through the door. He smiled brightly and nodded.
"Hello there, little ladies." He beamed at them, "My name's Mr. Falcore, I'm the innkeeper. It's lucky you came here when you did, you've taken the last free room." He smiled at Lomadia before turning his gaze to Ireth and Isorfir. "This is quite an odd occasion I must say. It's been decades since we've had elven visitors. Err, I hope you don't think I'm intruding or anything, but what brings you folk to Ellonen?" 
"Our business is our own." Lomadia said flatly, "But we've been travelling for long time and need some where to rest. Our friend has been injured and needs somewhere to rest, we…"
"Oh you didn't get caught in that storm, did you?" Mr. Falcore butted in. "Oh, a dreadful thing that was. Yes, we got caught up in it as well. I've never seen anything like it before, half our village was ruined and our crop fields the same. Luckily Ellonen's residents pulled together and we've repaired most of the damage." He stopped himself when he saw Ireth's rather impatient face. "Oh err, best not keep you waiting any longer, eh?"
Mr. Falcore, being a lot larger than Ireth and Lomadia, helped carry Isorfir upstairs and led them a small, but cosy guest room. It was a small rectangular room with a window in the far wall. Along another wall were three beds, each with a bedside table and lantern. On the wooden floor was laid a small and simple rug. Mr. Falcore carefully laid Isorfir down on one of the beds.
"Now if any of you need anything, I'll be in the pub below." He smiled as Lomadia and Ireth nodded, before turning and heading out of the door, closing it quietly behind him. 
Ireth moved and sat on the side of Isorfir's bed, running her fingers lightly through his tattered hair. Lomadia didn't move from where she stood, instead she folded her arms across her chest and watched the elves. She felt strange as she watched them. A strange combination of guilt and jealousy. As she watched them, she couldn't help but think of Legolas. She felt a lump begin to grow in her throat and decided to leave the room before she embarrassed herself. 
"I'll go down to the pub and bring some water up for Isorfir." Lomadia suggested. She made her way to the door, but stopped before walking through it. "Ah. We don't have any money. How are we to pay?" she turned to Ireth, hoping she had an answer.
"Oh, don't worry." Ireth began to fumble around in the pocket of her tunic. She pulled out a small pouch and reaching inside, handed Lomadia a small handful of coins. Lomadia looked down at the money, with a rather idiotic _expression. "It's toll money," Ireth explained, "to pay to cross bridges and things." Lomadia nodded before heading down to the pub. 
It didn't take Lomadia long to buy a small jug of water and bring it back up to her companions. She walked briskly along the corridor, being careful not to spill the water, and halted outside the door to their room. She could hear someone talking. It had to be Ireth. 
"Isorfir, please wake up." Lomadia pressed her ear against the door and strained her ears. "I'm deeply sorry for hurting you in Mirkwood, you know I didn't mean to. How was I to know that I had been betrothed to Legolas?" Lomadia quickly pulled her head away from the door; she wore a dumb-stuck _expression on her face. Ireth and Legolas? Lomadia couldn't believe it. A sudden rush of jealousy over took her heart. Legolas marry Ireth? No! She wouldn't have it. Pushing the door open, Lomadia stormed inside. She slammed the jug down on the table and charged back towards the door. Ireth, who was rather taken back by this sudden mood swing, watched her leave the room. Jumping to her feet, she sped after Lomadia. 
"Where are you going?" Ireth called down the hall, not really taking any notice of the many pairs of eyes watching the feud.
"To the pub." Lomadia answered sourly, not bothering to stop of turn around.
Ireth, having seen these mood swings before, decided it would probably be best to let it pass. She headed back to Isorfir. 
Ireth sat on the bed watching Isorfir and occasionally glancing out of the window. Lomadia had been away for quite a long time and Ireth started to feel a little bit worried. She took once last look at Isorfir before standing up and leaving the room, quietly closing the door behind her. It was about time Lomadia left the pub and came back upstairs. 
As Ireth neared the pub she could hear a dreadful din. People were shouting and laughing, glasses and mugs were being pounded down on the tables; the usual atmosphere you would find in a pub. She entered the pub and started scanning the room of drunkards, looking for Lomadia. It didn't take long for Ireth to find her. Lomadia was seated at the bar grinning widely at a man who, by the looks of things, was telling either telling a tale of his travels, or flirting unsuccessfully. They both held a large mug of what could only be alcohol and were laughing uncontrollably. 
"Oh fantastic!" Ireth said sarcastically to herself. Lomadia was drunk. Pushing her way through the crowds of people, Ireth tapped Lomadia on the shoulder and made a motion to go upstairs. 
"Hello there!" Lomadia beamed at Ireth. "Where did you go?"
Ireth completely ignored Lomadia's question (partly because she didn't understand it) and pulled on Lomadia's arm. "Come on, we need to go upstairs." She told Lomadia and pulled on her arm again, managing to dislodge her drunken friend from her stool. 
"Ge' off!" Lomadia's words slurred together. "I'm not finished yet." She picked up her stool and sat back down again. "Oh," she pointed towards the man; "this is Atares" she giggled. "He's a wizard, you know, from the Misty Mountains. It's cold out there so you had best wear your cloak."
Ireth shook her head in utter confusion. "What?" He wasn't a wizard. He was hardly dressed for that (actually he was hardly dressed at all, his shirt was in pieces on the floor underneath his stool). He beamed idiotically at Ireth waving his mug around like it was a flag of some sort.
Lomadia laughed loudly before pouring some more ale down her throat. "Now," she started, slamming her mug down on the bar and pointing her finger at Ireth. "I bet you're wondering what a place like me is doing in a girl like this…" she grinned and picked up her mug again. "Well, unlike Atares, I know when to stop! (On saying this she took a large swig of ale) and when to say 'no'."
"Lomadia," Ireth protested, "Come on let's go!" 
"Why?" Lomadia questioned Ireth and looked up at hr from half closed eyelids. 
"Because, " began Ireth, leaning closer to Lomadia so as only she could hear, "we don't have enough money to pay."
Lomadia looked at Ireth, her face was expressionless. Ireth took this as a good sign and hoped that Lomadia had understood what she had just said, but her hopes were shattered when Lomadia started laughing hysterically and looking at Ireth like she was a blundering idiot, before turning to Atares.
"We haven't got any money!" she laughed loudly, tears pouring from her eyes. Atares started sniggering, trying desperately to swallow his mouthful of ale before he spat it out all over the bar. Ireth, on the other hand, had no idea what was so funny. Lomadia was clearly out of her head and it was completely hopeless trying to get any sense out of her, and to make matters worse the innkeeper decided to ask for the bill. 
"Bill?" Lomadia looked at the innkeeper. "Bill? What d' you want that for?" she gazed up at the innkeeper, who was clearly getting very impatient. 
Ireth had made her mind up. It was time to go. Grabbing Lomadia by the arm and practically lifting her off of the stool, Ireth smiled at Mr. Falcore.
"We'll just go and get it, it's inside our saddlebags." She insisted and dragged a protesting Lomadia out of the pub door. The half-elf dragged Lomadia to the stable yard, and hurriedly opened the gate. Leaving Lomadia waiting by the fence, Ireth ran into the stables and brought out their horses, which were luckily still tacked up. Ireth handed the Tathiel's reins Lomadia before mounting Tasartir.
"Lomadia, mount Tathiel, and hurry up!" Ireth told Lomadia, who looked up at her with confusion. 
"What?" 
"Jump on the saddle! Hurry!"
Lomadia vision was blurred and she was starting to see double, which made it difficult for her to figure out what she was supposed to be looking at. She looked down at Tathiel's many blurred saddles. "Which one?" she wailed and rubbed her eyes.
Ireth groaned and dismounted Tasartir quickly. With one swift motion she picked up Lomadia and threw her over Tathiel's back. Just as she was about to mount Tasartir again a thought struck her. Isorfir! She looked across at the pub door. There was no way she would be able to sneak back up to her room unnoticed. She had to think and fast. Glancing over to the window of their room, she could see ivy growing up the wall. Well, it was worth a try. Ireth sprinted towards the wall and started climbing the vines without any difficulty at all. Using her elven grace she swung in through the window and disappeared from view. Only a small while after she reappeared again with Isorfir slung over her shoulder (luckily for her he wasn't very heavy) and descended from the window. Tasartir trotted over to her rider and Ireth mounted, pulling Isorfir up in front of her. 
"Let's go!" she spurred Tasartir on and Tathiel and the stallion followed close behind. Ireth smiled to herself. She didn't actually think they would get away with it, but her smile soon faded when she heard angry voices calling out from behind her!
"OI! Get back here, you thieves!" Turning her head she saw the faint image of Mr. Falcore chasing after them on a small shaggy pony with a pitchfork held high above his head. The little pony didn't really have much of a chance against the three speedy horses, but Ireth was afraid none the less. 
"Noro lim, Tasartir, Noro lim!" she called down to Tasartir, who galloped along the dusty road as if she was on wings. Glancing behind her shoulder, Ireth could see the figure of the innkeeper and his pony getting further and further into the distance. Ireth also saw Lomadia gripping Tathiel's mane (Having dropped the reins) and was looking both rather worried and extremely excited. Ireth couldn't help but laugh, but from underneath her Tasartir whinnied loudly. Ireth turned just in time to see a bridge directly in front of them with a stunned gatekeeper standing by the edge. Unable to stop, the travellers flew over the gate, horses whinnying and Lomadia squealing. The horses' hooves pounded down on the wooden bridge as the water lapped up at the poles holding the bridge in place. Looking back, Ireth saw the shaggy little pony and the innkeeper being stopped at the bridge. They hadn't the money to pay the toll and the pony was far to small to jump the gate of the bridge. After waving his pitchfork a couple of times and shouting out threats, the innkeeper turned around and headed back to his pub. Ireth let out a sigh of relieve and turned to face the road again as the three travellers sped of into the night. 

Chapter eighteen
"They are not following us." Legolas said, taking a quick glance over his shoulder as they sped through the woodland. The stallions panted heavily and slowed to an active walk and then to a halt. Legolas spun his legs over his horse's head in a similar way as he had down during the chase. Bending forward, he leant across the horse's back and pulled the arrow from its leg. The stallion jerked and whinnied at the sudden rush of pain, but settled down soon after as Legolas ripped a small fragment of his cloak and wrapped the fabric around the wounded leg. At least it would stop the blood from spilling; it should heal soon. A chill breeze blew through the air and caused the elves to shiver. Legolas's cool blue eyes searched the thick trees, his gaze piercing the darkness. There were no orcs here. Aniond let out a sigh of relief, before turning to his companion.
"Legolas, we cannot keep running like this. We must find a way out of these woods and fast, if we don’t then by the time we reach your brother he will be beyond our aid."
Legolas's eyes fell to the ground. "I know." His voice was barely a whisper. After a short pause he continued to look around the trees. There had to be a path here somewhere, or perhaps a gap through the thick vegetation. "If we can find a path then we can…" Legolas froze. A sudden pang of fear and terror struck his heart and it began to beat fiercely inside his chest. The air grew deathly cold and abnormally still. An eerie sound weaved its way in and out of the treetops, an icy voice of the wood moaning and whispering, before dying into the night. A sudden silence hovered in the woods. The elves were afraid to make a noise, sound of their breathing sounded frighteningly loud in their ears, even the stallions dared not move. They were not alone in these woods. 
"Legolas…" Aniond whispered, his throat felt like it was lined with icy knifes, cutting the flesh whenever he spoke. "What is it?" 
"I don’t know." Legolas managed after a long moment. Another long ghostly moan broke out from the treetops, closer than before. The voice drew nearer to the riders, whispering unknown words, before seemingly surrounding them, drifting in circles around them. A stallion shifted, it's hooves bending the blades of grass and rustling a few fallen leaves, but the sound was swallowed by the darkness. Legolas closed his eyes as he felt a cold breath down the back of his neck, followed by a deathly whisper.
"Die." 

*****************************
Ireth sighed loudly when she saw the shadow of trees ahead of her. Smiling, she turned to Lomadia, who looked half-asleep. Once they reached the trees they could stop for a rest. 
The three horses entered the woods and slowed to a walk. Ireth dismounted Tasaritr and gently pulled Isorfir down to the ground. Lomadia remained on top of Tathiel, her eyes were closed. She was asleep. Ireth frowned, but made no attempt to help her down. She would be alright were she was for a few hours. Tathiel, on the other, had no intentions of standing for hours on end waiting for Lomadia to wake up, be she her rider or not. Tathiel wondered over to where Tasartir and the elven stallion lay and slumped down beside them, shifting slightly to one side when Lomadia failed to wake up and rolled off Tathiel's side so she was now leaning on Tathiel's belly. Tathiel snorted before taking a well-earned nap.
Ireth leaned over Isorfir, whispering in elvish. After a short while Isorfir began to stir, but his eyes stayed closed. Ireth, for the moment satisfied with Isorfir's response, stood up and walked lightly over to where Lomadia fell and was now sleeping. She bend down and began to shake Lomadia's shoulder, not bothering to be gently or careful in anyway. Lomadia could them chased out of an inn, why should she get a rest and Ireth shouldn't? Lomadia groaned and turned onto her side, hoping that if she ignored Ireth maybe she'd go away. Ireth frowned when Lomadia didn't get up and decided to do the only thing that would get Lomadia's attention and most probably anger at the same time. She slapped her. Lomadia's eyes snapped open at the sudden rush of pain through her left cheek, followed by the worst headache in all Middle Earth. She sat up rather quickly and grimaced as she felt her stomach churn, threatening to spill it's contents. Lomadia looked up to see Ireth grinning widely. 
"Wake up!" she said in an unusually happy tome of voice. 
"Don’t slap me." Lomadia growled, clutching her stomach as it gurgled once again.
"Why not?" asked Ireth innocently, still smiling widely. 
"Because I don’t need to be slapped!" Lomadia snapped back, before attempting to stand up. She was in a bad enough mood as it was and didn't need Ireth to make it any worse. Of course, Ireth's snigger didn't help the situation. Spinning around on her heels, and stumbling slightly, Lomadia sneered and glared at Ireth, whose smile had faded. "You treacherous snake!" Lomadia hissed through clenched teeth. "How dare you. You lied to me."
"What?" Ireth frowned in confusion and anger. She hadn't lied to Lomadia. She didn't understand what was going on. How could Lomadia accuse her of something she hadn't done? "Lomadia, I have not lied to you."
"You're lying now. What is the real reason you seek Legolas?" Lomadia growled.
"I told you. He is my prince. I feared they were lost and so went looking for them." Lomadia snorted. "What? You do not believe me?" Ireth raised her voice. 
"I find it hard to believe anything you say anymore. You were not looking to help them, you were looking to bring them home." Lomadia spat.
Ireth straightened her back. "What on earth makes you think that is why I want to find them."
Lomadia raised her chin, showing her noble bloodline and dignity as she did when she met Ireth. "Do not take me for a fool, Ireth Felagund. I heard you in the room at the inn. I know of you and Legolas and your marriage so do not even think of lying to me!" Lomadia shouted, and among the rage and anger in her voice was hidden a hint of jealously. 
"If you had listened to what I was saying then you would know that I am not going to marry Legolas." Lomadia opened her mouth as if she was about to answer back, but Ireth continued to speak before Lomadia had the chance to interrupt. "Yes, I was betrothed to him, but it would not be right! Legolas and I have been friends since we were children; we could not marry each other. And what would you care if I married him or not? You said yourself you despised him." Ireth waited for an answer, but she did not get one. Lomadia starred at the half-elf, her gaze was cold and unwelcoming. For a while she stood motionless, before closing the gap between herself and Ireth. 
"Nadorhuan. Amin delotha lle." Lomadia's eyes seemed to glow with an angry light, like a raging fire was burning behind the lens.
"Antolle ulua sulrim, edan. Dolle naa lost." Ireth sneered viciously. 
"Wethrina Elandili!" Lomadia growled before backhanding Ireth hard across the face. Ireth's head jerked to one side and a sudden rush of immense anger overcame her. She turned her head to face Lomadia and before the human had time to react, Ireth clenched her fist into a tight ball and using all her strength, thrust her fist into Lomadia's stomach. Lomadia fell forward onto Ireth, clutching her stomach desperately trying to ease the pain, but failed and emptied the contents of her stomach over Ireth's back. Still unable to stand straight, Lomadia bit down onto Ireth's shoulder, drawing blood. Ireth grimaced at the stinging pain in her right shoulder and felt as if she was about to explode. Stupid human! Ireth balled her fist up once more and delivered a well-aimed punch to Lomadia's upper lip, splitting the skin. The sour taste of copper filled Lomadia's mouth and she made ready to strike Ireth again, when she heard a voice call out from behind her. 
"Tampa! Tampa tanya! Sii'!" 
Both fighters turned to see Isorfir come running towards them. He instantly turned to Ireth. "Ireth…" he breathed and looked at her up and down. "What are you…why are you here?" Ireth smiled warmly and placed her hand on his shoulder.
Lomadia stepped back and watched them. It seemed they had completely forgotten about her. The anger flowing inside her blood died down a little as she watched them together. Slowly, she brought her hand up to the side of her mouth and gingerly touched the skin. A hiss of pain escaped her lips and she pulled her hand away. Looking down, she saw blood stain her fingers. Raising her gaze again, she eyed Ireth and Isorfir. She didn't feel angry anymore. Not angry, but empty. Finally the two elves turned, as if finally acknowledging Lomadia's presence, their eyes were cold and unwelcoming, just as hers where when she looked at Ireth before. She lowered her gaze to the floor as her dark orbs watered and her vision blurred. She struggled to find her voice and when she did, her words were barely a whisper. 
"If you are that keen to find your friends…then you can do it without my help." She turned towards Tathiel, who rose from the floor and walked towards her rider, nuzzling her shoulder. Lomadia slightly mounted and without looking back at the elves, rode off towards her home. 



Elven Translations 

Nadorhuan - Cowardly dog
Amin delotha lle - I hate you 
Antolle ulua sulrim, edan - Much wind pours from your mouth, human.
Dolle naa lost - Your head is empty.
Wethrina - Deceitful
Elandili - Half-elf
Tampa! (tanya) - Stop! (that)
Sii'! - Now! 

Chapter nineteen
Tathiel walked slowly through the thick trees of Anbrethil, while Lomadia sat still in the saddle. Her eyes were closed, but that didn't stop the tears from spilling silently from under her eyelids and staining her already dirty face. Why was she being so weak? She thought to herself.' I am the lady of Anbrethil for pity sake, I'm supposed to be strong. Not just collapse in a sniffling mess of tears on the floor. That is exactly why father is so protective over me.' Lomadia opened her teary eyes. They caught the light of the moon and sparkled like crystals. 'Father. What will he think of me when I return?' She pulled Tathiel to a halt. 'I have already failed him once. He is right. I dishonour my bloodline.' She bowed her head and wept silently. A cool breeze ruffled her weatherworn hair and cooled her hot face. Lomadia opened her eyes, listening carefully. 
"Why do you weep, child?" a tender voice whispered in her ear. "You fear you are unfit you carry your family name?"
"I have dishonoured my father. I have failed him." Lomadia whispered.
"Oh, but that is not way you weep so." The spirit replied softly. "You fear not because you have failed your father, but because you have failed yourself. You remember what your mother said. 'Follow your heart', so why don't you?" The spirit soothing voice echoed in Lomadia's ear and brought her warmth and comfort, she couldn't help but smile. 
"I am still afraid. What will they think of me if I go back after all I've done?"
"But what will you think of yourself if you don’t? They will need you if they wish to leave these borders alive."
"They will die of I don’t?"
"Yes."
Lomadia raised her head and glanced over her shoulder. The darkness of the night seemed to swallow the trees and plants. She strained her dark eyes to see into the shadows, but there was little to see. Tathiel snorted and shifted on the spot. Lomadia turned Tathiel's head so as they were facing the direction, in which they came, but paused before riding on. Doubt hovered over her heart, but it dissolved as the gentle words of the spirit filled her ears.
"Ride on, Hiril Lomadia. Ride on."
Lomadia leant forward and without a word speed forward into the darkness.
*****************************
Ireth and Isorfir rode on through the woods. Ireth was silent, anger still boiled in her blood and in a way she felt glad she was finally rid of the human, but a small part of her was saying she was doing the wrong thing. Saying she should go back and find Lomadia. What if Lomadia had returned to the city of Anbrethil? What if she was raging an army against them? No. Shaking these thoughts out of her head, Ireth pressed Tasartir to ride faster. 
"Amin n'rangwa edanea." She said coldly.
Isorfir smiled. "Uuner uma,n'dela no'ta!"
Ireth ignored the hint of humour in his voice and continued to downgrade Lomadia. "She accuses me of things I have not done. I still find it hard to believe I actually trusted and followed her! She is naught but a stubborn child!"
Isorfir smiled again. "Ireth, sometimes you are naught but a stubborn child yourself. It does not do to speak so ill of someone when they can almost mirror your personality at times." 
Ireth pulled Tasartir to sudden halt and glared at Isorfir. "You mean to say that I am like her?" 
Isorfir stopped beside Ireth, smiling again. "At times I suppose you are alike. I know she can be confusing at times and she has a rather short temper, but when I think about it, we would be dead if it weren't for her help." 
Ireth looked at her feet. "I suppose you're right." A long sigh escaped her lips. "She wasn't that bad." Ireth laughed softly to herself as she remembered their rather 'interesting' visit to The Green Dragon. "And she can be quite funny sometimes as well. You will not believe how much trouble she managed to get us in when we borrowed a room at an inn. We had to make a speed y exit and we almost left without you." A sudden look of shock horror swept over Isorfir's face at the thought of being forgotten in a pub. Ireth laughed again. "We got chased by the innkeeper and his shaggy little pony and had to jump the gate without paying! You should have seen the look on his face!" Isorfir smiled, seeing how Ireth had brightened up. "I will miss her." she sighed softly, before urging Tasartir to ride on again. Isorfir followed close behind. He still had one question playing on his mind.
"Why were you fighting?" he asked solemnly.
"Lomadia and I fought a lot of the time." Ireth replied, her answer was not quite what Isorfir had in mind, in fact it rather shocked him. 
"As violent as that?" he asked feeling concerned. 
"No, never as violent as that. I was on the receiving end of a few slaps though." She grinned. It was quite funny to look back on really. They argued about the stupidest things. Her grin soon faded. "But this time…I don’t know. She seemed angry at me because she found out I was betrothed to Legolas. I can't understand how that would anger her though, I didn't think she cared about that. In fact I got the impression she hated him, she didn't speak very highly of…" Ireth stopped when she saw the strange _expression on her friend's face. "Isorfir, what is it?"
"You didn't know?" he turned to her. Ireth's brows knotted together in a frown and she slowly shook her head. Isorfir raised his eyebrows and looked ahead again, much to Ireth's annoyance.
"I didn't know what? Tell me!" she demanded. 
"Well, I thought it was obvious in the way she spoke and behaved, but clearly not." Ireth frowned again and gritted her teeth together. She hated it when Isorfir delayed in telling her something. "Lomadia…well…let's just say she has a soft spot for our prince." 
Ireth's eyebrows instantly lifted. "What? You mean love?" she looked at the elf with a mixed look of amazement, surprise, concern and even a little bit of amusement.
"Ai." Isorfir nodded. "And I wouldn't be wrong in saying that Legolas shares the same feeling." Ireth's eyes widened and a wide smile appeared on her fair, but rather muddy face. "You are telling the truth?" Isorfir nodded. "Ai! Ed' I'ear ar' elenea! I cannot believe I didn't notice it before. She spoke so ill of him, if words were poison…well. What happened? If she liked as much as you make out then why did he leave him?"
"I am not wholly sure. But we had to leave her when a group of scouts from the city of Anbrethil followed us down the road. She stopped them from chasing us any further."
"Oh." Ireth nodded in understanding. "Well, I understand now that she was content to fight due to jealously rather than real hatred, I can't really blame her. I would have become jealous if it were me who found out someone was betrothed to you."
A broad smile of satisfaction grew over Isorfir's face and Ireth grinned and shook her head from side to side, her long hair flowing through the air. The smile on the elves faces melted away and they gazed ahead of them. From the depths of the shadows came a cry. An icy, deathly high-pitched cry, that was soon followed by some familiar voices. 
"Legolas. Aniond." Isorfir breathed deeply. Terror was written over his face.
"Legolas! Aniond!" Ireth cried out as loudly as her lungs would allow her. "Legolas!" The two elves sped forward, following the sounds of their friends voices, praying to the Valar that they were not too late. 






Elvish Translations 

Amin n'rangwa edanea - I don’t understand these humans
Uuner uma, n'dela no'ta! - No one does, don’t worry about it!
Ed' I'ear ar' elenea! - By the sea and stars!