Title: Under the Innumerable Stars Author: Earwen of Alqualonde Rating: PG-13 Feedback: undomiel_evariel@hotmail.com Chapter 9 After a few weeks of uneventful traveling, they neared the borders of Lothlorien. Ariel was horrified to discover she was disappointed there had been no adventure of sort. Now that she mastered the use of the knives, she longed to be of use the escorting party. In her opinion she thought she and Arwen were perfectly capable of taking care of themselves, but Lord Elrond would not hear of it, and insisted they travel with five other elves for protection. Though she wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it, at the same time she was touched by her father’s love for his daughters, always ensuring their well-being. They were now under the eaves of the Golden Wood. It was spring and the boughs of mallorn were laden with yellow flowers. The forest floor was golden from the falling leaves and the trunks were a beautiful shade of silver. Elanor and Niphredil blooms graced the hills. Ariel thought she heard a twinkling of bells and sound of clear water rushing down a river stream. Everything was so calm, as if the whole place was not in the least bothered by the looming war outside. The horses slowed to a trot, neighing in delight at the lush green grass beneath their feet. “Land of our mother’s kindred, here my heart would be glad.” Sighed Arwen in contentment and bliss. She took a deep breadth of the air, and felt wholly refreshed. Ariel glanced at her sister and half wished the same could be said for her. She knew naught of what to expect from Galadriel, or what was expected of her. Nevertheless, she was still filled with joy and wonder at the sight of such beauty of nature. The flowers were unlike any she seen before — so simple, sweet and beautiful. The towering presence of mallorn made her feel insignificant, and humbled her immensely. “Daro!” A clear voice rang out, stopping them in their tracks at once. Out from a tree leaped an elf clad in shadowy gray, noiselessly onto the forest floor. He could not be seen among the trees, lest he moved quickly. “Vedui, Lady Undomiel” “Vedui, Haldir.” Replied Arwen warmly. Haldir was taken aback by Ariel’s presence. For he did not know anyone whose beauty could be equivalent to the Lady Arwen. “ And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?” “Ariel Silverstar, daughter of Lord Elrond.” “Mae Govannen, Lady Silverstar. The Lady awaits your arrival.” If he was any surprised by Ariel’s identity, he did not reveal it. All elves of Lothlorien guarded their emotions well, and it was hard to perceive what they were thinking, Ariel noticed. Haldir led the way on a straight and smooth path. Along the way shadowy figures were seen, darting to and fro in between the trees. Careful not to be seen by unfriendly eyes. “Haldir, why are the elves do discreet?’ Ariel inquired. “The enemies would be less likely to spot us. In times of war, all the more reason for concealment. It is sad these days our hands are more on the bow than the harp. There is no time for making merry, and less songs are heard in Caras Galadhon” Haldir replied sorrowfully. They soon reached the elven dwellings. Ariel saw flets on impossibly tall trees, and strange songs sung in a tongue unknown to her. It was Quenya, a much more rich and subtle language than Sindarin. And rather than hearing it, she felt as if she was part of the song. The March Warden led them right into the heart of the city itself, and then they climbed up a never-ending flight of stairs, to a platform, that was when Haldir left them. “Welcome to Lothlorien, my dear granddaughters. Ariel, it hath been long since I saw you.” Celeborn of Doriath had a deep, resounding voice, almost like her father’s. He had shoulder length silver hair and his eyes beheld his granddaughters with a grandfatherly kindness, which Ariel felt unworthy of. Lady Galadriel, on the other hand was clad in shimmering white. Her hair was of the deepest gold and it was said the radiance of Laurelin, one of the two Trees of Light was caught in it. A circlet of gold rested on her forehead, as did Celeborn. Starlight glimmered in those blue eyes of hers. And when her gaze was turned to her, Ariel felt icy warmth go through her body, and slightly shivered. The Lord and Lady bade them to sit at a table, where they talked about Elrond and other matters concerning Rivendell. Celeborn did most of the talking, while Galadriel simply looked grave. They were careful not to touch on the subject of Celebrian, and for that Ariel was glad, for it would be reliving a nightmare. Turning whence forth to Ariel, Galadriel finally spoke. And when she did it sounded like the peals of countless bells, echoing in silence, the sparkling of streams, musical, serious yet with a touch of joy. Anyone who heard it knew it belonged to someone of great wisdom and knowledge. “Would it comfort you to know that the fellowship left yester eve ere your arrival?” Arwen and Ariel were greatly astonished and relieved. “It gladdens me much to know that they passed through the Misty Mountains safely. It is full of perils and dangers that none know of,” said Arwen. “As do I.” Stated Ariel as a matter of fact. Galadriel gave Ariel a knowing look, and Ariel realized Arwen was not the only person she could hide secrets from. “Celebrian” started Galadriel. At this Ariel felt a wrenching in her gut, and Arwen grew numb at the sound of their mother’s name. Till now they had not spoken about her, but to avoid the subject was to prolong the inevitable. “She managed to pass away over the sea and dwells now on the Undying Lands. I know she has been healed fully, so do not trouble yourselves over her any longer.” It was as if a burden had been lifted off their shoulders. Ariel immediately felt relaxed in Lothlorien. “How can you be so sure?” Ariel asked, fearful of false hope. “I know this, in my heart.” And that was proof enough. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They were given a flet for their own. Ariel looked out. There was lanterns everywhere, hung on trees, they gave the whole place an unearthly glow. She could feel very strongly the power of the Lady Galadriel. No evil was present here, lest someone brought it with him. “It was here where my doom was appointed.” Said Arwen talking softly, more to herself than her sister. “He walked toward me, under the trees when they were laden with gold. Like an Elf-Lord out of the Isles of the West, he seemed. His raiment was silver and white, and the power of Numenorean Kings was revealed in him.” “And thus from that hour I knew I would renounce the Twilight and land of my kin. For a season we walked upon the glades of Caras Galadhon till it was nigh time for him to leave. Then, on an evening of Midsummer, we were troth plighted on Cerin Amroth.” “But know this, sister, I would always love my family, and Eru forbid that I shall ever forget them. You, Father, Elladan and Elrohir will always be in my heart.” Turning to Ariel, she said. Ariel said naught, but was deep in thought. When the time comes for the elves to depart, when they grow weary of Middle Earth, she too, will leave for the Undying Lands, but Arwen would stay behind, and walk upon the paths that mortals take. This grieved her verily, for she longed to spend many years with Arwen, whom she loved dearly. And yet, who can tell what will happen? Many things hide the future, and even the wisest cannot tell. Ariel knew she would soon be restless, she cannot be like Arwen, peacefully dwelling in Imladris. Sooner or later she would leave and seek adventure, see the whole of Middle Earth. For she liked not the confinement of being in a house, or behaving properly like a lady, like Arwen. The position of the lady of Rivendell belonged to Arwen, she was not going to change that. What she knew naught of was an unseen doom, which awaited her. Her time will come, soon. End of Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Dawn arrived when Ariel felt Galadriel calling in her mind. “Will thou not meet me?” She arose quickly and walked down from her flet. Galadriel did not tell her where to meet, but Ariel found herself going towards a green glade. A waterfall rushed out to meet her, and somehow she knew this was the place of meting. There, she waited for her foremother to arrive. Galadriel studied her grand daughter intently. It was amazing how twins can be alike yet different. Both of them have hearts pure and true, have pride from their Noldorian decent, and loyal to those they love. Arwen was more gentle, wise, Ariel was more willful, impulsive, and headstrong. It was said in Arwen the likeness of Luthien Tinuviel was seen. But few elves know Ariel resembles Galadriel’s mother, Earwen of Alqualonde, greatly. For few who have seen Olwe’s daughter lived till today to see Ariel. Earwen was swan maiden of the Teleri, and her star-like silver hair flashed in Galadriel’s memory, bringing on a swift rise of emotions. Again the desire for the Sea rose in Galadriel’s heart, but she hardened her will, knowing she had long forfeited the chance to go back to Valinor when she and Celeborn made their choice and rejected the offer from the Valar. Yet she did not regret coming to Middle Earth, for she had long wanted a realm of her own to rule. And neither did she regret her love for Celeborn. Though she was the last of the Noldorian leaders, and the fire in her heart was slowly being quenched. The power of Nenya over her could not be undone. Each day she renewed her vow not to leave Middle Earth till it was Sauron was defeated. But each day the longing for the Undying Lands grew and she desired to see her mother, Earwen, again. And in Ariel’s heart Galadriel perceived restlessness, a desire to prove one’s worth, to be capable of being Lady of a dwelling, as virtuous as a captain of an army, and worthy of a certain Elf’s love. It was moments ere Ariel sensed Galadriel’s presence. “My Lady, what dost thou wish to speak to me about?” “Would thou like to hear how the fellowship were when they arrived?” “Aye, my Lady, were they all doing well?” “They were weary when they came, but recovered soon enough. But for Frodo, the power of the Ring is beginning to overpower him. He finds it harder to resist outing it on every day, and I fear this quest will take his life.” Her heart went out to the Halfling, and said, “It pains me greatly to see such merry folk being the ones to carry the burden of Middle Earth. Especially when he has seen the Eye.” “I have done what I thought was the best for him, and can do no more. But for thou, thy path lies not homeward.” At this Ariel wondered greatly, if she was not to go home then where would she go? But knowing better than to question, she just acknowledged Galadriel’s strange statement. After all, is she not one of the wisest on Middle Earth? As if reading her thoughts, Galadriel said, “Thy time wilt come, when thou shalt face perilous tasks which thou must complete.” If Galadriel had not been her foremother but one of lower rank than her, Ariel would have snapped, “Speak plainer!” But her respect and reverence for her did not permit her to do so. Therefore Ariel just tried to nod and look wise, as if what Galadriel had just said explained everything. “Mayhap you could tell me about your journey from Mirkwood to Imladris?” Ariel brightened considerably, as if a child being given a treat. She told Galadriel with great enthusiasm, and though she said did not say aught about her feelings, the Lady could see she was drawn to Legolas. Her very actions betrayed her. For everytime she spoke his name, her eyes would lit up, and she would find it hard to stop smiling. And though Ariel knew naught, her feelings were reciprocated. During the fellowship’s stay, Legolas and Aragorn often looked to the night sky and admired Evenstar and Silverstar. Galadriel hoped their attraction to each other would soon end, or much grief it would cause to both parties if one were to perish. In the midst of strife and war, many things remain veiled from her Sight, and it was hard to discern what would befall Ariel or Legolas. “Ariel, will thou not accept this gift?” Galadriel handed a bow and a quiver of arrows over to Ariel. “Your mother was also a skilled archer, I am sure she would love you to have this.” Ariel was amazed. She had yearned to find out more about Celebrian, her mother whom she spent only a few centuries with. And clearly this was unexpected, her mother an archer? Galadriel answered her unspoken question. “Celebrian had many talents, and archery was simply one of them.” The bow was wholly white, save for a few gold elf runes imprinted at the side. A strand of elvish hair strung the bow, taut and tough, no doubt her mother’s. As Ariel gripped it, she felt the flow of her mother’s being into her. Tears stung her eyes and she wished she had known Celebrian better. “One day you would be reunited with her, but not in the years to follow, for you have much to accomplish here.” Again Galadriel spoke about her unseen destiny. This time Ariel really could not help asking. “What is it about me that seems so important?” “Even I cannot see nor tell. But hold this true in your heart: Your mother would have loved to see you, her daughter now. A warrior princess you have become, which was why you were named Eruiawien, lion of God.” Ariel took this piece of information in silently. “I foresee many dangers on your way home, have a care not to go too near Isengard, for Saruman who dwells there is not to be trusted.” “But we were going to take the High Pass, my Lady.” “It is not possible now, Haldir told me orcs were sighted at Dimrill stair and goblins have dared to venture forth from the Mines of Moria. The only way would be the Gap of Rohan.” “I thank thee for the gift and counsel.” Ariel gazed into Galadriel’s eyes and saw her reflection there. She felt glad Galadriel chose to counsel her of the journey instead of the escorts from Imladris. It made her feel important, on the way to Lothlorien Aradreth, the leader of the escorts would not speak of anything about the journey to her, and grudgingly revealed only a little after she had persisted. They regarded each other solemnly for a moment, before embracing. “You have strength and perseverance, a rare trait from your mother.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Gandalf!” Ariel and Arwen exclaimed when they saw the Istari. There was no mistake, it was he.” “Why are you not with the fellowship?” Ariel asked. “It is a long tale.” He replied. They saw his raiment was no longer gray, but white, and a power was revealed to him that Ariel felt compelled to bow and address him as ‘my lord’. Neither did he bend like an aged man any longer, but his stature was proud, and Glamdring lay openly on his belt.” He told them about the Mines of Moria, and how he battled with the Balrog. A flicker of pain briefly crossed his face, but passed quickly, and Ariel knew it had not been easy defeating that ancient devil. “And I was reborn as Gandalf the White, for my task here is not completed, and I was sent back.” Since Gandalf was leaving for Fangorn, he agreed to accompany them till the forest, and Ariel would be no doubt glad of his company. End of Chapter 10 Chapter 11 The escort of elves, together with Gandalf, Ariel and Arwen set out at dawn, while the stars were fading. They were given food supplies (mostly lembas) enough to feed an army and Ariel just could not stop fingering her bow lovingly. Parting was such sweet sorrow. In times like these there would not be any more visits to Lothlorien till the end of the war. And who knew when that time would come? And if they did, would victory be on their side? Celeborn and Galadriel stood solemnly as they embraced their granddaughters. “Naamarie. Varda naan lle.” < Farewell. Elbereth be with you. > The Lady said to them. < You will find your strength in the least likely places, Eruawien. > Ariel beheld the gaze of Galadriel, and she felt as if calmness has settled within her. They mounted their steeds, the lady Arwen on a palfrey, whereas Ariel could handle any type of horse. With one last glance at the Golden Wood, Ariel resisted the urge to linger, and so the party took off for Imladris. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For days they traveled across open plains, into the Field of Celebrant, where spring has begun working marvels on the meadows. Flowers greeted them and swayed to and fro in the light breezes that blew from the Misty Mountains. Already, both sisters missed Lothlorien and its inhabitants. Then Fangorn loomed into sight on the third day of traveling. The vegetation looked thick, and the forest dark and menacing. “It is to my deep regret I have to leave. For my task lies in Fangorn.” Gandalf said. “Farewell, Mithrandir.” And so he departed into the forest, a white light slowly being swallowed up by the darkness of the wood. Ariel and Arwen looked after him as he rode away, without his presence, the plains looked wide and dangerous. But they were daughters of Elrond, and were hardy of heart and will, so they urged the horses on. With a heavy heart they continued. That was when Ariel began to have an unsettling feeling that grew with each passing moment, making her uneasy. < What ails you so, sister? > Arwen’s soothing voice sounded in Ariel’s mind, as she sensed Ariel’s disquiet. < Nothing, tis’ just a distinct uneasiness. > Ariel replied, not wanting Arwen to be unduly worried. But Arwen saw her sister’s knitted eyebrows, and knew something was wrong. When dusk fell and they had made camp, Ariel went to a nearby stream to wash, which was when she realized an evil was drawing close. Aradreth, suddenly sprang up. His Elvin ears alert. “Protect the Ladies!” All five elves surrounded Ariel and Arwen, forming a protective circle around them. A large group of about fifty orcs came running towards them. These orcs seem different, as they did not seem to tire, and are greater in size than other orcs. “You need not forfeit your life for mine!” Angrily, Ariel pushed Aradreth away. She shot down the first few orcs. When they were too close for shooting, she drew her blades. But the orcs did not seem interested in battling, and took no heed to the fallen orcs at all, running in a northwest direction. Neither did they pay any attention to the group from Imladris, except Ariel, who was keen on slaying at least ten. She sucked in her breadth as piercing pain drove through her shoulder, causing her to cry out. Glancing her wound, she saw a wide gash that did not appear too deep. An orc took the opportunity to grab her and toss her on its foul shoulder, like a sack of grain. Arwen gasped and tried to go after her sister but Aradreth withheld her from going. Strong as she was, the orc was stronger and kept Ariel from struggling. For they were no ordinary orcs, they were the Uruk Hai, bred by the wizard Curunir, Saruman. Ariel winced as the captor stumbled upon a rock, her injury hit the hard amour. She summoned all her strength to squirm and kick the orc but to no avail. The orc mercilessly dealt a hard blow to her head, and all went black. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Arwen watched in despair and grief as her sister was taken away, she felt so useless and helpless, and would have gone after them and attempted rescue had not Ariel spoken: Even so, five elves and herself against an army of Uruk Hai were not possible, they might all end up getting killed. Aradreth and the rest persuaded Arwen not to go too. “Lord Elrond would be deeply grieved if he lost both daughters, my lady could do well to lessen the pain. There is still hope Lady Silverstar would survive.” ‘Unlikely’ Arwen thought bitterly. Then she saw the other elves had minor injuries, save Fingailas who was in dire need of a healer. She put aside her grief for a moment. “We must tarry not any longer. Fingailas is in need.” With only one horse left (the others were shot down) Aradreth took the severely wounded elf back to Lothlorien, which was still near. He bade the others take care of the Lady Arwen back to Imladris. Arwen desparately tried to communicate with Ariel. No reply, as Ariel was unconscious. Too wrought with grief, Arwen believed she had failed her sister. And felt an utter failure. End of Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Night fell and under the innumerable stars, Ariel lay captive the Saruman’s Uruk Hai. When she finally regained consciousness, the army had swelled to a hundred and all hopes of escape vanished in an instant. Her wrists were untied to allow her to eat, some of the Uruk Hai threw strips of bread at her but she made no move to touch the food, desperately searching for a way out, which at the moment seemed highly impossible. Furthermore her head still throbbed from the blow and the shoulder wound hurt badly. But what pained her most was the sight of her fair elven bow and blades in foul orc hands. They tried to destroy it, but the bow refused to break. For strong was the ash wood it was made of, and the blades were crafted with extraordinary skill. They threw the weapons upon the grass in disgust. Ariel murmured a word of thanks to the heavens. And then she saw two other captives. Two familiar hobbits she recognized by the names of Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregin Took. Shocked, she tried to register the fact in her mind but to no avail till Pippin gave her a feeble hello, and Merry scrambled across to her. She did not know whether to feel glad at the thought that they were alive or distressed that such gay and joyful Halflings are bound by orcs. And what of the rest of the fellowship? Are they in danger? Are they …dead? She suddenly started to feel sick. “Lady Silverstar, what a pleasure meeting you.” “I am afraid meeting under this circumstances, it isn’t much of a pleasure.” Ariel replied. They glanced at their bound legs and wounds, and then laughed grimly at the irony of the situation. “Where are the others?” “The fellowship was attacked at Amon Hen. Alas! Boromir died a valiant death, trying to save us. Of the others I do not know.” Merry’s eyes misted, for he and Pippin grew to love Boromir just as he was as fond of them. Ariel tried consoling Merry, but was momentarily distracted by creaking and groaning in the forest of Fangorn. They say the trees actually talk to each other, Merry’s voice dropped to a whisper. She suddenly remembered, and told the hobbits about Gandalf. They were astonished but glad, that he had not perished in the Dark Abyss of Moria. “We must get into Fangorn, Gandalf is in there.” Pippin said. “Having a nice little chat eh?” No one needed to think twice in order to identify the owner of that sneering voice. The orc tied up their hands again, when all of a sudden the ground shook, and hoof beats sounded. Ariel, surprised, tried to stand and see what was going on, but tripped over instead. And she saw about a hundred horsemen galloping by, slaying the Uruk Hai one by one. The orc army was thrown into disorder, and some ran off to the hither plains. She was quite taken aback. Though it was known they were in Rohan, she did not expect help of any kind to come to their rescue. Merry and Pippin, however, made use of the moment to cut their bonds on a sharp rock, and then they helped to free Ariel. “Come on, run!” Pippin urgently tried pulling the lady towards the dark eaves of Fangorn. “No, wait.” Ariel made for her beloved elven bow and blades. Never in her life would she abandon them, unless there was a dire need to do so. Now Eomer Eadig, Third Marshall of the Mark was extremely shocked to see a fair elf maiden on the plains of Rohan. And an armed one, too. He got off his horse and started towards her, for no one without leave from the king was to walk freely on their land, elf or not. She had just slung the weapons over her shoulder and started running towards Merry and Pippin when a hand clamped on her shoulder, the injured one, in fact. Biting down the urge to cry out, she turned and faced the man. “Who are you, an elf? What business do you have in Rohan?” He demanded. “I am Ariel Silverstar and headed towards Imladris, Rivendell, it is called in Westron.” She prayed fervently the hobbits managed to escape. But Merry and Pippin were fiercely loyal and not the type to desert their friends. So it came to be Eomer found himself wondering if his eyesight had failed him or was he really seeing children, swords (more like little daggers) drawn running towards him. Ariel groaned inwardly and hissed, “Why didn’t you leave while you had the chance?” Turning to Eomer, she explained they were hobbits of the Shire and the Uruk Hai had taken them. “Let us, or at least let them go, I will be answerable for them.” “It is indeed strange these days. An elf and hobbits found in RiddleMark.” Then Eomer noticed Ariel grimaced whenever she spoke and gripped her right shoulder. Eomer flung open her cloak and drew in breadth at the sight of such a deep gash. How could she still stand there and talk calmly to him? He marveled at her strength. “You are hurt. I will take you and these, what do you call them again? Halflings to Edoras at once. But first, your wound must be cleaned.” It was not a request, but an order. He motioned to his men and immediately one of them came over and started to clean Ariel’s wound. Merry, meanwhile told Eomer, “We would be on our way soon and not trouble you any further, sir.” But Eomer would not hear of it. “ The lady would be taken to Edoras till she recovers. But I give leave to both of you to go, unless you rather come with us.” “We need to find a friend in Fangorn.” Pippin said. “Go as ye may but it does not do well for anyone to enter the wood, it is full of unknown dangers worse than orcs. But I would not permit Lady Silverstar to go, though I will provide you with food.” “Thank you, our families and us would be forever in your debt.” Said Merry. Ariel protested at this, for she had planned to go into Fangorn too, but seeing Eomer’s determined set of the jaw, she gave in. As the night wore on, several times she tried communicating with Arwen, but her strength failed her. She was still wary of the men of Rohan as elves are as distrustful as hobbits are delightful. (A/N: Hey! It rhymes!) “You have naught to fear from us.” Eomer said, as if sensing her thoughts. “I worry for the hobbits.” Ariel said in a bid to cover up her earlier fear. “You remind me much of my sister, Eowyn. Headstrong, a will of resolve that does she does not seem capable of. Unfortunately, our King, my mother’s brother has been under an evil spell.” He told Ariel all about Grima Wowmtongue, and how he fears for his sister. “He watches her every movement under those pale eyelids of his, and I in turn, watches him. But I cannot always be looking out for my sister, I have matters to attend to as Third Marshall of the Mark.” Ariel wondered if her brothers felt the same about her. He continued, “ Because of him, Theodren, son of the King was slain. I was forbidden to go after orcs. I pursued these orcs against the King’s orders with those loyal to Rohan.” Ariel looked around and saw the men were proud, and possessed many qualities needed for a well-trained army. And Eomer made a fine leader. “I have yet to thank thee, my lord for the kindness shown to me.” “Part of the reason was because I wish not to forfeit my life any further by allowing you to wander about this land without leave of the King. The Halflings would do no harm, so I have let them go. I would have let you go too, if only you were not wounded or armed.” Ariel saw clearly the distrust men had in elves, and wished it were not so. The two races were estranged from one another mainly because of a series of misunderstandings, and, of course, the Enemy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dawn came and the hobbits, well laden with food said farewell and set off gloomily into the dark forest of Fangorn. Ariel feared for them, but realized if Gandalf were in there, it would be safe. But she could not shake off the worry. The host of the Rohirrim was ready to leave. “Come, Lady, you wound is fresh and you have not the strength to ride alone.” Eomer held out a hand, which Ariel hesitatingly took. For hours they rode south, upon the grassy plains of Rohan. Ariel was amazed at the speed of the horses. They never wearied, neither did they falter, and oft held their heads proudly. Such was the tireless energy in them that Ariel yearned to have a steed of her own too. Not one of those gentle palfreys specially trained for women, but a strong and beautiful one, with a spirit matching hers. “What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?” A startingly familiar voice called out. At Eomer’s signal, all the riders wheeled around and surrounded three people, who happened to be Aragorn, Legolas and the dwarf Gimli. Stifling back a cry, she had to restrain herself from falling over. They were on a Quest, and revealing her identity would only slow them down, and she would be a hindrance to them. No, it certainly would not do to join them. She whispered in Eomer’s ear, telling him not to harm them, and not to tell them about her. He grunted in response, and then leapt off the horse, giving Ariel a clear view of Legolas. Her heart leapt at the sight of him, and it was all she could do to keep from crying out. She nearly had to intervene, when Legolas threatened Eomer with his bow, and the soldiers of Rohan pressed in further, ready to strike Legolas down with their deadly spears if their leader’s life was in danger. Eomer learned that they had been on the Uruk Hai’s trail, going after them in hope of rescuing the Halflings. And when he told them of Merry and Pippin, their faces brightened considerably. And Gimli exclaimed: “ Then our search had not been in vain!” They made ready to leave, but was stopped by Eomer, saying, “Loath am I to break the law any further as I have done so by pursuing the orcs, and I cannot let strangers, even if for a good cause to wander freely in our land without leave of the king.” “Then you will have to battle one hundred and fifty to three, for we will not submit to you will when our comrades are in need. Choose swiftly now, for I am Isildor’s Heir!” Aragorn suddenly flung his cloak aside and revealed in him a majesty of Kings of old for a brief moment, that Ariel was amazed. Eomer, fortunately, was a man of good will and judgement. Not only did he give them leave to go, but horses to aid them in their journey. He bade them to return the horses to Edoras as soon as possible, and bade them farewell. Legolas was given Arod, and to the wonder of all save Ariel, he refused the saddle, and chose to ride Arod bareback. As he leapt up gracefully onto the horse, Ariel was undergoing pure torture. He was so near and yet she could not reach him, and the desire to be in his arms was strong, that it frightened her. What’s this? Developing feelings for him? No, she told herself firmly, he is but a friend. Pulling her hood down further, this action caught the attention of Legolas. Who was this hooded stranger? Suprisingly, he caught a whiff of honey and cinammon. It brought back memories of Ariel Silverstar, of her fair elven face in which was beset a calm and innocent look. Her sparkling silver eyes made him want to be the cause of all those sparkles, and then the wise words of Galadriel came to mind. Legolas had a feeling she was referring to someone else, but who knows what the Lady meant? Soon he will decipher it, but not now.