Title: Under the Innumerable Stars Author: Earwen of Alqualonde Rating: PG-13 Summary: Tale of Legolas and Ariel. She is Elrond's daughter, Arwen's twin. He is the Prince of Mirkwood. What fate caused the lives of these two elves to be interwoven into one another? Feedback: undomiel_evariel@hotmail.com Title: Under the Innumerable Stars Author: Earwen of Alqualonde Rating: PG-13 Summary: Tale of Legolas and Ariel. She is Elrond's daughter, Arwen's twin. He is the Prince of Mirkwood. What fate caused the lives of these two elves to be interwoven into one another? Feedback: undomiel_evariel@hotmail.com Chapter 14 Few sleepless nights later, Edoras, dwelling of the Rohirrim came into plain sight. It stood out prominently against the gray of Ered Nimlas, upon a hill. The Golden Hall, Meduseld, glittered in all its fame and glory. Golden were the posts of the door and roof, with intricate carvings of horses. Ariel’s keen elven sight saw guards of bright mail posted outside it, the metal glinted beneath the sun. As they neared the gates, Eomer’s face darkened considerably, and Ariel soon found out why. At the opening stood a deformed twisted kind of creature, none other than Grima Wormtongue (A/N: Round of applause please!) Grima rubbed his hands in glee and anticipation of the task he was asked to carry out. Soon, he would be under complete control of King’s Theoden’s mind and lay hands on Eowyn, ShieldMaiden of Rohan, just as Saruman promised. “You, Eomer, Third Marshall of the Mark have betrayed the trust placed by the King. It has come to be of knowledge that you pursued warriors of our ally, Saruman, against orders. For that you have earned yourself a sentence in prison.” “To prison I will go gladly, were it the only way to be free of your malice and deceit.” Came the proud reply. His men drew their swords, ever loyal were they to their leader. But he stopped them, saying, “Nay! The King needs you more than I, for open war is soon upon us, let there be no blood shed between our people, just as the Enemy wants. And see that the Lady is taken care off.” Than Ariel spoke, to all it seemed the strings of a harp had been stirred. “I will go to your King and plead for you cause. ‘Tis madness indeed that injustice is done to someone so valiant and just, only because he protected his people and land.” “Do none that you speak off!” Eomer turned to Ariel, saying. “My Lady, you know not the danger you put your life in doing so. I have faith that the heir of Elendil will not fail and come to our aid soon. And – ” throwing a contemptuous glance at the evil counselor. “This country can be ridden of filth.” “Enough! Lies come to you easily. Take him away1” Grima was shaken with anger, and feared the fire he saw in Eomer’s eyes and his wrath. But remembering his position, relaxed, and turned his attention to the new comer. He took in the shining beauty of Lady Silverstar. So out of place she seemed, in this treeless land. Like a solitary stalk of flower. Many wondered at her presence, and beheld her fairness. The bow and quiver of arrows together with the blades on her back did nothing but arouse their curiosity further. “It is indeed a pleasure to have you here with us, Milady.” Grima bowed, when he straightened, he nearly stepped back in shock when he looked into her piercing silver eyes and saw only scorn there. Usually women save Eowyn are easily swayed by honeyed words, but not this one. Unless, of course, it was because she was an elf. Ariel regarded Wormtongue as important as the grass on the floor, and passed him as though he was not even worthy of notice, which was quite true. “When Saruman takes over this country, he shall have you, and see if you can still stand proudly after that.” Grima thought silently. Ariel wondered, “ What evil thoughts are flitting through that foul mind of his now?” For she had not the power like Galadriel to read minds and perceive inner emotions. Furthermore it was hard to discern anything from his pale ugly face. She turned her thoughts to pressing matters at hand. Her mind was made up to do anything in order to right the wrong done to Eomer. She tolerated no injustice as much as she could. “I shall seek his sister, Eowyn, and see what aid can be given of this matter. Hopefully, she would be like her brother in judgment, and not have fallen under any spell of that miserable Wormtongue.” ~~~~~~~ Inside the guest chamber servants redressed her wound. Not used to being served upon, Ariel sat uncomfortably while maids fussed over her. She winced whenever a sharp pain was felt, jolting through her shoulder. That being over, she stepped out of the bed to find Eowyn, but in came the Lady of Rohan herself. “Greetings, traveler from afar. It is seldom we receive an elf for a guest.” Eowyn was nearly as tall in Ariel, and had the proud stature of her brother. Her eyes were unusually bright, as if she had been weeping, but it seemed hard to believe. She was indeed fair to look upon, and Ariel saw why Wormtongue lusted after her. Tresses fell down her back like a river of gold. “I was on my journey home when I was waylaid by orcs. I got captured by them and if not for your brother, I would not be alive by now, and I will be in debt to your family.” “Eomer is indeed a valiant and just man, and a very loving brother to me. I wonder where he could be now, for I have seen naught of him ever since the host rode back.” “Alas!” Her fair elven face in distress. “An evil counselor by the name of Wormtongue ordered him locked up. I was about to seek you concerning this matter.” “Evil tidings you bring me,” Eowyn stated, her face turning ashen. “I rue the very day Wormtongue wormed his way through the King’s mind. It will do no good to seek pardon for Eomer, for King Theoden listens to none save Grima, and takes counsel from him only. You endanger your life so if you go.” “There is still hope!” Ariel told Eowyn of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. She foresaw the Quest involved Rohan. “Since it has come to this, we can only wait and see.” Eowyn replied, though she did not look too convinced. ~~~~~~~~~~~ During the next day, Ariel regained much of her full strength, and healed fast. For she was still young by elven standards and had much vigor. Arwen, melamin, I am fine A burst of joy cam forth from Arwen, that Ariel was alive and well. Where art thou, sister? Edoras, capital of Rohan, I was rescued by the Third Marshall of the Mark Will thou be able to leave soon? Father and I were so worried, though I knew you were alive Nay, my path lies here, in Rohan Oh. Arwen was disappointed, and sad. Do not fret, we will meet again soon, Arwen Elen sila lumen omentilmo Namarie ~~~~~~~~~ There was great friendship between both Eowyn and Ariel. For in Eowyn Ariel saw herself – a yearning to do battle, to prove one’s worth. And that was the common desire they shared. When Eowyn learned of Ariel’s love for horses, she took her down to the stables. “This is Phillifax, mare of Shadowfax, whom Gandalf Greyhame tamed.” Eowyn explained. “Shadowfax is running wild over the plains and would let none touch him, neither would Phillifax here. And I am the only one she allows to handle. Mayahp a female’s touch is more trusted.” Phillifax was dappled grey, and had a long silvery mare. She snorted and stamped when Ariel approached her. Tentatively Ariel stretched out a hand to touch the grayish mare. Phillifax, to the amazement of all present, began licking the outstretched hand. Perhaps it was the fact that Ariel was an elf, and mayhap it was Ariel’s affinity with animals, but Ariel became the first person to mount Phillifax. The mare neighed in delight, and galloped out to the plains of Rohan. Feeling the sharp knives of the wind across her face, the pulsating energy of the horse beneath her, the smooth silky mane of Phillifax, Ariel remembered how much she enjoyed riding. Thus it came to be a bond as fostered between both Ariel and Phillifax that day. Ariel felt as light as a feather, and Phillifax loved the gentle handling Ariel administered to her. Suddenly Phil perked up her ears and neighed loudly, and much to Ariel’s surprise, an answer from a distant horse came. Shading her eyes with a slender hand, Ariel scanned the horizon. Three dark specks, horseriders were fast approaching Edoras. Chapter 15 For a moment he thought he was seeing a vision, a vision of loveliness. A lady in silver on a gray mare, gliding perfectly over the grass. It was as if she existed in harmony with the horse. Her golden hair blew out, liberated of restraint, her cloak streaming out behind. He was completely captivated. “Legolas! Who is it you see?” Aragorn’s voice shook him out of his stupor. “A rider, clad in silver upon a gray horse which is of kin to Shadowfax,” he answered. They rode on, till Legolas’ jaw dropped when he realized whom it was. At first the others took no heed of the rider, but the two Meara horses. So grand a pair they made. One pure white, the other gray. They nuzzled each other with their noses as a form of greeting, their affection for the other was obvious. “Lady Evariel, why are you here, and where is Lady Undomiel?” Gandalf spoke, finally acknowledging her. She told them the full story of the journey after Gandalf left them. She certainly was pleased to chance upon them again. Legolas muttered an expletive Gimli did not think he capable of, as his eyes flashed in fury at the thought of those Uruk Hai’s foul hands on Ariel. And felt extremely jealous when he knew Eomer was the one who saved her, yet grateful to this man at the same time. Twas’ confusing, the way he kept having contradicting thoughts “Arwen is well, and has reached Imladris safely.” She said for Aragorn’s benefit, and he relaxed visibly. It was amazing what love can do to a person, Ariel mused, as she observed him. But her gaze rested on Legolas the most, and vice versa. Their eyes locked, and time seemed to come to a standstill. Till Gandalf asked her how the situation at Edoras was. Ariel tore her gaze away reluctantly to reply. “An evil counselor has somehow managed to deceive the king into imprisoning a good man. Eomer should not be in prison. I doubt verily would you find welcome at Edoras, for the king also seems to be overpowered by will and mind by Wormtongue.” Again Legolas immediately began feeling mistrustful towards Eomer. Why did she come to his defense so quickly? But immortality taught him not to look at the surface, and he soon saw it was only another of Ariel’s traits. Wanting to wipe out injustice as much as she could. “It is as I have feared, then. Come! Much haste is needed.” With that Gandalf rode away, closely followed by Aragorn. “Legolas! If you will quit gawking at the Lady!” Gimli snorted, causing Legolas to feign indifference. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And so the entrance at the gate was barred. But Eowyn, seeing Ariel, and understood instantly who the strangers were, gave them leave to enter. Her gaze lingered much on Aragorn, much to Ariel’s wonder. Up the slope they climbed, and the people of Edoras murmured within themselves at the newcomers, each wondering greatly at them. Seldom were there any visitors from afar, mayhap except the time Boromir came. But he, at least was expected. At the doors of Meduseld, the guards demanded their weapons surrendered. There, Gandalf managed to keep his staff. “Foolishness! Prudence is one thing, but discourtesy is another. I am old and surely you will not part an old man from his stick?” The door warden eyed the staff warily, but let the matter be. “Loath am I to enter, for this matter concerns me not.” Ariel told them. “I shall await outside.” But the real reason she did not go in was because she could not bear the thought of being parted from her mother’s bow. It was not a long wait, but soon the doors were thrown open, and out stepped an old man, though anyone could see he had been high and proud in his youth, and old age would definitely not hinder him from doing great deeds. “Breathe the free air again! Said Gandalf. And to a creature sprawled and cowering on the floor, both hands on the head, he said, “ Be gone! Spy of Saruman!” “Mercy! Lord!” whined Wormtongue. “Do not send faithful Grima away!” “You have but a choice. To ride with me to battle and prove yourself, or go whither you will. But if we ever meet again, I will not be as merciful!” Baring his teeth like a trapped hound, Wormtongue hissed and spat at the King’s feet. Then he fled out of Edoras on a black horse. Eomer, having been freed gazed in wonder at the King “It is a joy to see you return to your own.” “Come, my guests, let us take such refreshment as haste allows.” They passed back into the hall, and sat at the table with Eomer and the King while Eowyn waited on them. “Lady, I did not see you with the company, whither did you come from?’ Theoden asked Ariel. “My lord, she was captured by the band of orcs Eomer pursued and he rescued her. She is friend to Gandalf and company.” Eowyn explained. Ariel suddenly remembered with a start. “Gandalf! Did you meet the hobbits? For I fear I sent them needlessly into the perils of Fangorn.” “Rest assured they are well under the care of a friend.” He said no more, and Ariel stopped worrying. Any friend of Gandalf could be trusted. Gandalf, Aragorn, Eomer and Theoden discussed the plans for Rohan. It was not known if Saruman had really bred an army to invade Rohan, but it was confirmed he instigated the wild men to aid him in his cause by trickery. For villages up north had been plundered and the people terrorized. It was but a taste of the terror Saruman was about to unleash on them, Gandalf warned. Theoden decided to move the people to Helm’s Deep. His main concern was not the war, but the people’s safety. He declined open war, though Aragorn told him it was upon him whether he wished it or not. Dosen’t he realize, that fleeing would only prolong the inevitable? Ariel felt herself getting annoyed at Theoden, but she did not say so. “Shadowfax I gladly give to you, Gandalf, for your help and counsel.” Theoden willingly gifted. Ariel wished Phillifax could be given to her too, but that would be asking for too much. She has done nothing whatsoever to help in any way. While deep in thought, she was suddenly aware of someone’s gaze upon her. Looking up, she immediately regretted it. The way he looked at her was enough to stagger and bring her to her knees. Why now? She asked herself silently. Why in the midst of war and battle, why? For Legolas, was slowly reaching for her heart. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ He found her in the hall, admiring the paintings and banners. She was staring at a banner of a man, being thrown of his horse, and biting her lip as her brows furrowed. Even that little action appealed to him. “Care for a duel?” He blurted out. ‘For the love of Eru, why did I say that?’ He thought, for he wanted not to hurt Ariel in any way and hoped she would decline. Unfortunately, Ariel took all challenges seriously. Drawing out her blades, she turned to face him. “Care to wager who wins?” Ariel asked. “Fine with me. Rather unlikely, but what happens if you win?” Legolas asked, amusement evident on his fair face. Looking insulted, Ariel answered. “We shall see about that. Most probably I get you to teach me more battle moves. And if you win?” “Then you will have to do anything I ask.” He drawled out. Ariel stared at him suspiciously, but believed he would not do anything to hurt her, so agreed. He had let his guard down, underestimating his opponent. Blades clashed, and the duel started, Her first attack took him by surprise, and he barely warded it off when she attacked again. He did his best not to hurt her, and soon he spotted her weakness, thus it finally ended with Ariel disarmed, Legolas pinning her under him. Heat radiated from his body, and thrice Ariel tried to push him off, but stopped halfway. “You should not leave your side exposed and open to attack.” He said. “I admit defeat, you win. What is it you want me to do?” “Why didn’t you travel back to Imladris at once? It is safer there.” “You know very well why. I desire adventure like you do, and battle, and…and…will you please get off me?” “And? And because you wish still to be near me?” He asked half teasingly, half seriously, deliberately ignoring her question. “You place too much importance on yourself, you arrogant elf.” Ariel just realized what he said was true, and it shocked her deeply. It was unnerving, the way he gazed at her with those gray blue eyes of his. Flames from the fire reflected from her silver eyes. Why, they were tinged with violet, Legolas noted with interest. She felt so damn soft beneath him. He traced her jaw with a finger, Ariel shivered as she felt the cool caress. “Lle naa vanima” A throat was cleared politely, and Ariel, blushing to a deep red, saw it was Aragorn, who had just entered from the side. Legolas hastened to get off her, and Ariel picked up her blades and sheathed them, flaming with much embarrassment, she turned to Aragorn. With a somewhat amused yet tinged with envy voice, Aragorn asked,” Legolas, Gandalf has gone on an errand he would not say, but we need to discuss plans for battle, though I did not intend to interrupt anything.” He ended, while throwing Ariel a meaningful glance. “We were discussing the…ah…the weather.” Ariel said to Aragorn in a bid to explain herself. She shot a glare towards the other elf, as if to say ‘ this is all your fault’ but he only gave her a devastating smile in return. “Aye, indeed, the weather was an interesting topic to discuss wasn’t it?” Chapter 16 Dawn came and the whole of Edoras emptied of its people. For many hours a long string of people, young and old, healthy and sick, wagons carrying food and necessary supplies trudged up the path leading to Helm’s Deep. Ariel and Legolas were ever in front, on the look out for enemies. Ariel wondered about her encounter with him last night. Why was her reaction towards him so arousing? She did not voice her thoughts out aloud, for she had a feeling Legolas would be smugly pleased about it. Yet it was what attracted her so, his arrogance. He glanced at the slender form of Ariel, and knew looks could be deceiving. Underneath the fragile appearance, was a resolve of steel, a will as hard, and a spirit not easily broken. She shot with a deadly accuracy, and blade in skill surpassed his by only a thin margin. Then, his attention shifted as the wind brought about tidings of danger. His ears perked up and he caught sounds of movements from far. “Something evil is afoot,” he stated. “Aye, I sense it too,” came Ariel’s reply. Their fears were confirmed as warg riders made a sudden appearance. It was impossible to sight them from far off, due to the undulating plains. Both skilled archers brought down the first rank, but more arrived to take the place of the fallen. And the wargs were not brought down easily. One got pierced by Legolas’ arrow, and ran hither and thiter, rampaging about in its agony and proving a threat to the people. Behind the elves the people of Rohan was thrown into turmoil and panic. But Eowyn, instructed by her uncle took charge, leading them to Helm’s Deep whilst the King, Aragorn, and Gimli came to their aid with only a handful of Rohirrim. Eomer and a thousand strong horsemen had ridden ahead to Helm’s Deep to strengthen the Dike and the Deeping Wall. This sudden attack had been unlooked for. Ariel drew her Blades when the wargs were too close for the bow. “Be careful, Ariel.” Legolas cautioned, his worry for her ever mounting. Even her assurance did naught to lessen it. He would have hauled her up with him on Arod but Gimli was sitting behind. The warg riders were at an advantage, having steeds. Ariel was in danger of being trampled when Phillifax came up to her. Leaping up lightly, she felt surer of herself. Slaying the riders was simple enough, but the wargs were another matter. They had tough hides, and blades did naught but to increase their wrath. Sheathing her Blades, the bow of Celebrian sung, and so ends the life of one of the Enemy who was sneaking up on King Theoden. The battle was soon over, if battle it could be called, for there were only about thirty warg riders. But it was but a taste of the terror Saruman was about to unleash upon them. Three valiant horsemen they lost, and Ariel looked upon them with pity and sadness. “Whiter their souls go none knows. May they find peace.” Legolas said, coming up from behind. Feeling weary, Ariel sagged against him. He caught her around the waist, bringing her close to him. She basked in his scent, of a distant woodland realm. “Elves need no sleep as mortal men do, but mayhap you are an exception.” “Nay! Tis only weariness that came about from the grief I feel for the fallen.” “Alas! Many deaths of the Atani I have encountered. Their lives, compared to ours are but leaves being blown away by the wind.” Ariel pulled away from his arm, half wishing she did not, but to her it seemed too intimate, and… ‘Oh For the love of Eru’ she thought as she sighted Aragorn snickering and Gimli, who was more discreet, hiding a smug grin. Apparently they thought Legolas holding her was amusing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ With much surprise Ariel found Theoden riding up beside her. “Lady, the horse Phillifax I give to you, and I deem the debt I owe you repaid. Please accept this gift.” His words were sincere, and Ariel felt a liking towards this man. “And how, pray tell do you owe me?” “You saved my life just in time.” She could see it took much effort for him, a man full of pride to acknowledge the fact that a lady saved him. “I thank thee, my lord.” What a great gift he bestowed on her. Ariel could not believe her ears. She ran a loving hand over Phil’s neck, and the mare neighed in delight, as if she understood that she was going to have a mistress who would love her. Hers. Phillifax was hers. She wanted so much to share the joy with another, and immediately turned her head and saw Legolas, eyes sparkling, grinning at her. Her joy was his, and so was her pain. If he were to compare the last few months and now, twas’ true he was becoming more sensitive to her feelings. ~~~~~~~~~~ Helm’s Deep was set in stone, and made of stone. Ariel had a sense of foreboding as they approached it. Countless battles have been fought here, and countless men have been slain. Gimli exclaimed in delight as he tumbled out of the horse in his eagerness to see the stonework. Legolas and Ariel chuckled as they saw Gimli studying the architecture. “This rock is to my liking. Give me a year and a hundred of my kin and we will make it a place where armies would break like water.” “I do not doubt it, but I do not like this place, though you comfort me, Gimli.” Legolas said. “There are too few archers here. The Rohirrim are good horsemen and wielder of swords, aye, but nonetheless they are poor in archery” Ariel observed. “What we need are a hundred good archers of Mirkwood.” Her heart was not in the conversation, noting the fact that young boys at the age of 12 are being arrayed in mail and armed. So young and they have to battle. Her heart went out to them, praying fervently that they would not be slain, ere the chance of doing great deeds in the future is lost. Legolas gaze fell upon her, and again the urge to touch one of those gold tresses was hard to resist. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ariel apologized to Phil in soft tones. “There would be war tonight, and tis no place for a horse, but when the need to ride out arises, I will call for you.” Phillifax looked forlornly after her mistress, but chose to bear the confines of the underground stables, ever willing was she to do aught for Ariel. The women and children were led to the caves. Ariel caught a sight of Eowyn’s bitter _expression, also filled with longing and passion for battle. There was no time to ponder on that matter, as Ariel hastened to take her place with Legolas at the circuit of the Deeping Wall. War had begun.