As Mysterious as the Dark side of the Moon

[Aizreal]

She wasn’t aware of where she was.. To be honest he hit her a bit more than what was needed but regardless the point was that she was knocked out completely she missed the ride back to his castle she missed being dragged from the castle all those small minor details went un-known in her small moment of weakness that concluded with the consequence of being rendered un-conscience which was sort of a mix blessing to be honest as if she was aware of what had occurred the shame of it all would have killed her instantly after all what person would want to admit that a less than worthy opponent had used your stupidity against you and one up’d you using it.

It wasn’t till late at night did she begin to stir in the confounds of her new home. The rotten straw that smelled of dying men lingered beneath her nose. The small whiff she took as she dreamed of her short stance of freedom the victory of defeating a noble king and seeing his country looted before his very eyes Dreaming of a heavy crown weighted on her head the depths of it sucking her into tormented darkness till the weight of it all became painful too painful realistic painful..

Blurry eyed and still groggy she pushed herself with all her energy up feeling the itchy straw beneath her fingers she cringed slightly till she forced herself to sit up bowing on her knee’s placing her fingers to her temples she felt first the matted strands of hair that was mixed up with blood and then the searing pain as her fingers drifted over the sore wound that was the size of a grape. Moaning she fought to stay up on her knee’s

Her eyes glaring against the soft light of a full moon that drifted threw the small box that allowed fresh air to drift into the unfortunate sad surrounding of a prison. It only took a moment to gather her bearings and put the necessary links in place.

ack large welt She found herself frowning and her brain twisting to put a reason for it.

The large sword where have I seen that before? it slithered up on her like the cold chill of a cruel dread as the moment she spent in the presence of a former owner replayed.

“That bastard..” her fingers pulled to the wound that he had given her.. “ ohh He is dead..Knock me out…Sodding end of a sword.. “ It was only fury that fueled her struggle to stand up and fight the urge to sit down. Soft grey eyes focused on the iron bars that held her caged. The the man just beyond the bars leered openly giving her a quick advantage to play. Looking up she gave him her best terrified look allowing the sleeve of her tunic to fall barring one shoulder which was all that was needed for him to come running watching him she timed his steps and as she saw his hands fall to the key that kept her locked she heard all the turning of the key in the lock and that was her cue to strike and strike she did.. It was an obvious shock for him to see her fight his face showed that he was shocked to see her fight and that was all she needed as she slammed the graurd door against him watching him fall she continued forward till she tasted the freedom of the night air. It only took minutes to find a horse and kill the owner and within seconds she was making a v-line back towards the forest that would conceal her knowing that she was a sitting duck till she cleared the tree line. Something she did as the bell’s tolled in the distance signaling her escape.

[sorsha]

My amber eyes watched this creature, flicking back and forth. My hand grasped my sword, making me secure. Aizreal... the name tugged at my mind, stealing my breath. Thraldur, my horse, snorted a whinnying call. "Hush, hush" I quickly verbalised my thoughts.

If she made the tree line, maybe we could talk of her past. I could find out who she really was, Aizreal. I could not forget the name. "Oh, damn you! Why dont you run faster!" I cursed at Aizreal's horse. There was NO way I was going to actually go out there and help her myself, so it was all up to her horse.

[eomer]

Eomer moved his arm, signalling his archers to lower their bows. Stepping out of the shadows of the trees he moved up behind Aizreal, though remaining at a safe distance, that area between his legs had been granted enough attention from her knees during their first meeting. “It seems we meet in the same scenery as the first time.” He let out a soft laugh as he tightened his grip around the handle of his sword. When she turned around the amused look on Eomer’s face seemed to grow. “Surprised to see me here?”

The reason he was there was simple, she was a prisoner and she escaped, the normal thing to do was go after her and capture her again.

Eomer remembered how the search had started. How he had woken up in the middle of the night due to an icy breeze blowing into his face. Sitting up immediately he scanned the room and in the light of the moon he saw the empty couch. Hurrying towards the small window he looked outside and in the light of the burning torch he saw the guard lying unconscious on the ground. The gate and the door to the stables were open. Turning around he called at the guards outside his room, the door bursting upon within seconds and two fully armoured Rohan warriors entered the room, spear clutched in their hand, big round wooden shield hanging from their left arm. They knew what was going on when they noticed Eomer was the only one in the room. “Wake my Eored. Get everyone ready on horseback, fully armed with spear, bow, sword and shield. She is too important to have her return to Isengard, she has information that is crucial for the future of Rohan.” Moving to his bed he grabbed his armour and started to get ready, his guards rushing outside, within minutes the alarm sounded and men called for order and a swift mounting of horses.

After having tied his belt around his waist he picked up his silver helmet with the golden horse head, staring outside for a few minutes, cursing himself for letting his guard down. He grabbed his spear on his way out and soon found himself standing at the top of the stairs, looking over his men. “When we find her I don’t want anyone to kill her, I want her back alive.” His words were met with silence, but they were still accepted, you see sometimes silence can be a more reassuring way of accepting, rather than saying something that might be interpreted the wrong way.

The sound of hooves was heard in the rooms of the houses next to the main road, some curious people peered outside to see what was going on, rather surprised to see a horde of Rohan warriors riding out at this hour.

It was after a few miles that the first problem occurred. The tracks of the horse they were following, tracks they knew where made by the horse Aizreal had used to escape, turned to the east and not to the west. Two theories appeared in Eomer’s mind, or she continued on foot towards Isengard and then they would have no trouble finding her, or she had decided to go to Mordor to her Master’s Master. Either way they had to persue her.

His mind was made up, she wouldn’t be so stupid as to take the road to Isengard, not on foot. Raising his spear he pointed it to his right, indicating they were moving west. At high speed the horses travelled over the soft wet ground trying to follow the tracks of her horse. As the night grew darker they had no choice but to stop their search now and continue in the light of day. Camping deep within a nearby forest, Eomer had forbidden the use of fire or talking, not that his men had any desire to do any of that, all of them, except a few guards used the time to get some more sleep. It was in the early morning that one of the guards, who had climbed up a tree to try and see if the tracks were still clear enough to follow, had alarmed Eomer that a single rider was on its way towards them. Following standard ambush procedure they hid in the shadows of the forests and stretched their bows, awaiting the command to pierce the rider with arrows.

[boromir]

He heard the slightest rustle of leaves in the forest opposite the White City, one hand falling to the ornate Horn of Gondor while the other wrapped around the hilt of his sword. His green eyes flickered this way and that as he scanned the trees surrounding his camp. Boromir knew that horsemen had entered Greywood during the night, remembered that they had come in from what sounded like the North. They had been quiet, almost as if they had been tracking someone or something. He knew that they had seen his fire, but he was certain that had they been after the Son of the Steward, they would have either approached him or attacked him. He smiled now as he heard the faint rustle of leaves once more, causing him to silently cross to the large trunk of the southernmost tree just before he heard a familiar voice on the thick air of the Greywood.

“It seems we meet in the same scenery as the first time.” A soft laugh followed Eomer’s words, amusement coloring the Man of Rohan's next words. “Surprised to see me here?”

Oh, Aizreal... you have yourself in quite the fix now. What happened to you, child? What happened to make you someone that would become so hunted? What would place that grim a smile on Eomer's face? What did you do to him? Boromir carefully peered around the trunk of the tree he hid behind, seeing the still form of Aizreal facing a battle hungry Lord of the Mark. Glancing up, he saw Eomer's Rohirrim in the trees, bows drawn and arrows nocked, trained on Aizreal to protect their leader. If she tries to draw the blade at her hip, she will die before her stroke falls.

Boromir smiled again, knowing that if Eomer hadn't arrived, she might have caught up with him. Half of him wished she had while the other half felt the relief of knowing that Eomer had tirelessly pursued his prey and would feel no remorse about killing Aizreal for whatever she had done to him or his kin. Boromir, however, did not kill women and did not like to have to exert the control he'd utilized over Aizreal in Osgiliath.

Shaking his head, he knew that the loss of Aizreal from the jail would result in the jailer's death and the emotional beating Faramir would no doubt incur. Anger surged through him at the thought of what their father would do to his little brother in his absence. Please, Faramir, be strong. Please... do not let Father get to you. I will return soon, little brother. I will return soon to protect you and defend you from him. Lifting his head once more, his eyes losing some of their life at the thought of Faramir facing Denethor II alone, he watched the scene unfold between the splintered shadow of a beautiful chambermaid from long ago and the fearless leader of the Rohirrim.

[sorsha]

I knew I would regret it. That was the stupedest thing I had ever done. Instinct swelled in my breast, I came so close to knowing the truth. I suddenely yelled out, "Hoi! You great orc's dung, leave her alone!" I said that!
My horse snorted. This, hopefully, would be a distraction enough for Aizreal to escape. But what is they came after me?

I could not stand to be a prisoner, my freedom stolen from me. How stupid I was!

[Aizreal]

Making each action with perfection she was used to riding softly as soft treading meant a better shot of getting up and surprising your enemy which face it was a matter of life and death. Though it did little good with a damn horse that had gas. Grimacing as the horse ripped of another prizer that seemed to have the power to rattle the trees she creped up the sloping grass line careful to dodge rocks and stones and twigs anything that might give away her location as she knew she was hunted by one.. The other still un-known to her.

It was with a final rip from the horses hind end that halted her and made her dismount and with a slap the disgusting beast was off in the opposite direction though its rotten smell still lingered. Hissing to herself.

“Fowl beast of all animals to get my hands on I must gather something equivalent to a sow ready for butcher. Rancid beast..” Wiping her hands on her tunic she thought the smell of the horse still lingered on her pale fingers “Great I smell like it.. Should have killed it. Least there is nothing as disgusting I will have to touch. “

Well it seemed she spoke to soon as who should come popping out of no where as if he were a gnome. Her eyes narrowed as she heard the coolness in his voice a voice that was dripping with as much hatred as she felt.

Tilting her head she just looked at him matterfactly there was no surprise or astonishment in her glance just a matterfactly look plastered on her face though most knew that look with Aizreal could be very deceptive as with just a slight glance she scanned for sign of his men.

What she saw was that she was indeed completely surrounded Eomer’s Horse men lining the trees and ground just breath away from their leader and from the other side Boromir’s men hunted her. Looking to the blond one who’s blond hair and rage seemed to only glisten in the absence of sunlight. “Am I surprised.. Well yes just at the fact you have the courage to do it yourself. .After all your not hunting down a defenseless fox.” Her words hissed coldly” go back to your warm fire and soft bed you weak worthless leader before you bring the death of more of your men.”

Something flashed threw the night air and landed just inches from her throat in a trunk of a tree just behind her. An arrow marked with intention . Looking at Eomer her lips tightened as she lowered her head.. “ some are not meant for the confines of a prison. I will not return with you alive.” With that she lowered herself to the ground her fingers digging at the soil of the merciful ground she stood upon. Laying her weapon on her foot she set the trap…

Watching as Eomer gave the signal to lower their weapon she took less than a second to strike. Scooping up a hand full of mud she flung it at him hitting him in the eyes she jumped on him quicker than light. Pulling his blade she pulled him against her and laid his blade against his neck. Ordering like the men in the words where hers to command she spoke loudly.. “ His fate is yours to decided. One of you have a shot on me.. But I assure you I die, his blood rest on your hands” Pulling hard she forced his cheek to rub against her own. “ seems our fate is intertwined at the end. Perhaps it is that I’m your guide to the next world” IT was then a voice called out and caught Aizreal attention which couldnt' be worse timing as she needed her focus then.. The hell is child doing out in a forest? was her last thoughts.

[eomer]

…the death of more of your men.

Those words how strange they might sound to his men, brought up thoughts about Theodred. The King’s son had been gone for a very long time, not that Theoden had known about it. His condition was rapidly growing critical. The proud King he once was had been replaced by the old weak man, hardly able to speak, his mind clouded with the lies of Grima Wormtongue. After countless visits Eomer made the decision himself to start a search for his cousin, his cousin he loved as a brother. The fear he felt, though did not show, when he rode out with a handful of his warriors, was one that made his body grow cold, a constant shiver ran up and down his back. A feeling his sister was able to sense within him when he went to speak to her about his decision.

In a matter of seconds his mind shot from his view of leaving Edoras to the shallow banks of the river Isen, and the slaughtered Orcs and Rohan knights. All hope faded at that moment, it was impossible that anyone could have survived this. Though after a search of each body, checking for life signs they found their Prince, more dead than alive. In a fast pace they raced towards Edoras, not stopping for food, drink nor rest. The safety of their Prince, their heir was more important than anything else.

Eomer was forced to return to the present day as he heard her last words. “…I will not return with you alive.” About to react when she threw the mud into his eyes. His hands shot up to his face in an attempt to wipe his eyes clean, only to find himself grabbed by her. Bows were lifted and arrows were aimed straight at Aizreal’s chest. But it was the cold steel of his own sword that reached a victim first. Unfortunately for him he was the victim.

“What do you hope to accomplish with this? It is you against a horde of riders. We have been in this situation before, only this time there is nothing stopping me from telling my men to shoot you, even if it costs me my life. We do not fear you, nor would my men hesitate to kill you. They respect me, but they know that duty should be valued higher than respect, if I give the order for them to kill you they will, no matter what. You can only produce empty threats, your actions are a joke.”

The voice from the side was a unexpected appearance, casting his eyes to the side he saw the young woman standing boldly, proclaiming some sort of strength or trade of prisoners. “You have no business here, leave for you have seen to few summers to die needlessly in these woods.” Eomer turned his head far enough to look into Aizreal’s eyes from the corner of his own, catching a glimpse of worry, fear that this young one would be harmed. “What to do now?” He smiled and never moved his eyes away from hers. “If you kill me you will be dead before you take another breath, you need me alive if you wish to flee these woods. You need me to survive, face it you weakling, once again you are in the position where you should be submissive, not making demands. Surrender and you will be spared, be foolish and stubborn and your life as that of the young one will end today.”

[sorsha]

I suddenely loomed up. "Since when have men been willing to kill the innocent?" I spat. My eyes had lost thier dreamy air, and they were now a hard amber, like pebbles in a stream. "Aizreal has good reason for not wishing to return with you!" I always had a curiosity for the men of Rohan and Gondor, but this had indeed shocked me beyond all reason.

My temper was flaring once more, but the only time I had seen it as bad as this, is when i fought the orks that killed my mentor.

"Innocent people, if i was innocent, should not be killed by thier own soldiers. Supposing I was only a child. You would kill me for the sake of returning this maiden to her prison?" I turned coldly to the man. "If you have any sense, you would know that I am not afraid to die."

I drew my sword also. Its shining radiance echoed throughout the forest. I took off my helmet. "I am not a child" She said. "I am Sorsha of Marhanye, the only surviving citizen! My words are finished. What is your decision?" Normally I would have walked away, but my fiery temper did not allow even that.

I wondered what would become of my horse. Yes, onmy dying moment, I was thinking about a horse. I hoped I would fall to the sword of an orc, not one of my own kin. These people are related. I silently reminded myself. So we must have similar weaknesses. The one thing they knew, is that I would be selling my life at the highest possible price.

[boromir]

I watch the events playing out before me, as do the Rohan man's men above me do the same. I shake my head at Aizreal, wondering how she managed to escape from the dungeons of Minas Tirith, but knowing that she was more than likely after my blood since I put her there. This new female-- the same one from Osgiliath-- she troubles me. As she had once again spoken with the confusion of someone not knowing their own mind, I wonder truly if she has lost her faculties. Yet, she did give a name, a name I know that I have not heard, but that I will ask Lord Elrond if he knows.

I pay closer attention to the unfolding events, knowing that I have a good angle on Sorsha the Mad. If I wanted to, I could remove that threat, as she is but maybe ten feet from me and unaware of my presence. Theoden's nephew, though... if I were to attempt to help, will he see it as Gondor meddling in his affairs? Should I care? Silently drawing my sword, I make my decision and slip up behind Sorsha, putting my blade to her throat as I wrap an unyielding arm around her waist. "Wrong decision, mad one." I lift a cold green gaze to Aizreal. "We meet again, Aizreal. I do not know how you escaped the dungeons of Minas Tirith, but release Eomer or suffer the consequences of your actions once more." I wet my lips in anticipation of battle. "I will not be so kind as I was before if you choose the latter."

[sorsha]

I raised her eyebrow, annoyed. "Dammit" I whispered under my breath. I suddenely lowered my sword slightly. Maybe I should just walk away. You know, the old saying. Curiosity killed the cat. I saw a faint rustle in the bushes, but dismissed it for some creature of the night. I hesitated again, i could not fight for one i did not know! Aizreal was not a friend, just an escapee from the local prison! How stupid was i to let my emotions overpower my strong power of common sense?

Yes, i would slip away from this, without a fight. I would save my strength for one more willing to die. Suddenely, a man burst from the bushes, and grabbed my waist, pressing his sword to my throat. I heard him whisper a taunt. He thought i was mad? I tell you, I was saner than the rest of his drunken rabble. But i could use this to my atvantage. "Better to be mad than to be one of the cowards of Gondor" I hissed. "It seems that the stories my Mother told me about the brave men in armour was a bunch of lies" I knew this would make him angry. It seemed I did not care any more. \

"Coward!" I hissed once more, and made my decision. I stamped down hard on Boromir's foot.

[Aizreal]

Rose bud lips curl and for a fleeting second she looked like the little girl that was content scrubbing the floors in a castle that was the house of a kingdom she was proud to be apart of. What had caused that emotion to seep threw skin that refused to feel anything.

Could it be that she knew it would come to this. She had been right. Should the honorable Boromir be pushed and pushed hard would honor and nobility and ways of the old be cast to the wind so he could achieve what it was that he wanted. Seeing the blade gleam against the tender throat of a girl that was little younger than the man that held her against her will.

“yet again the blood of the innocent will water the grass of your land. But an innocent scrap of a girl, one that seems ill equip to realize the enormity of her actions. Far from the war lord that demands death, I would say and yet her fate is the same?” Looking at him standing there a full image of what all his father wanted him to become she couldn’t help but mock his very existence.

“My, Heir to a fake throne. I see your fathers Grace and mercy has been passed down to you as well such linage. Clinging to a helpless whelp of a girl how “ Her words edged out with such coldness and sharpness they where almost hissed “ very manly you truly are your father’s son”

Her glance glittering as Eomer’s words that were spoken so softly that only he and her would hear the threat a threat she had long but become accustom to. Moving him a bit so he literally had to bend back a bit under the feel of her hand Clutching him so that she wrenched he glance to hers.

“You speak as if I ever thought I would live to see the dawning of a new day or that I would care to.. Have you know.. That If I fall you will go down with Me.. and as for the little whelp she chose her fate and it has been a long time since the cries of the innocent haunt my dreams. Loss of one makes you a bit cold forgive me if I could care less.”

As the words ventured out her mouth she saw her mistake she gave information of her past to one that would no doubt use it to see her fall. Aizreal knew better personal heart break she be just that PERSONAL..Looking to prove her point she saw the opportunity in a Horse rider that sat little more than man length away his eyes told her that he had seen to few of Summers to remain calm when he was tormented a second glance she could tell that he was furious with the position she had taken against a leader he obvious admired.

Lips curl and she whispered once again to the ear that laid below her lips. “ Looks like your little boy there might pee himself if he see’s your blood fall.. Think I can get him to attack.. Wonder if I can get him to meet your blade while you still hold it…”

Her lips pulled as she kissed the tip of his ear ever so gently. “lets see now shall we..” To her surprise getting the boy to attack only to so much a one swift action that looked life threatening to Eomer and the boy with a roar attacked as she knew he would posed to defend but with cat like reflexes she turned and pulled the man who still served as a shield allowing the boy miss her by inches and inches is all it took for her to see the boy run threw by her hand and looking up at Eomer for his reaction as she held his hand to the sword. Savoring the look in his eyes so much so that she didn’t feel the piercing that came to her shoulder it was only the wetting of her clothes that caught her attention and before she could place the warm thick liquid that fell between her shoulder blades she felt fell dizzily to her knee’s Unknowing that an arrow was still lodged in her shoulder just a inch left from a place where it would have been deadly.

[eomer]

His attention was drawn to his left, the rustling of the bushes and the sound of metal. Within seconds the proud son of Gondor appeared and grabbed the little one. Feeling annoyed that he was rescued, that he looked that helpless in the eyes of the bystanders, made his voice sound a little less friendly than intended. “Oh Boromir, warrior and son of Gondor, what is it that brings you to this forest?” Although it seemed his words were lost in the bickering of the two that stood a little further.

The information he received from Aizreal was more than he could hope for, it seemed that Boromir’s intervention in the situation turned out to be very helpful. Trying to put together a plan in which he would use this newfound information against her and break free from her grasp. Her voice sounded in his ear, causing a strange feeling in his stomach, tough her whispering words startled him and before he could even finish giving his order he saw the cold steel of his sword entering the young rider’s stomach.

His eyes widened as he saw the expression in the boy’s eyes, the horror when he saw the blood pouring out of the boy’s stomach over his sword. “What have you done!?” Within seconds he slammed his elbow into her stomach and pushed her back, and with an arrow lodged into your shoulder you could imagine that a push would be enough to send you falling down.

Without giving her the chance to even consider getting up again Eomer leaned down and pinned her to the ground, his eyes burning with fury and rage. “He was just a boy, only just made it into my Eored. You killed an innocent boy that may have never had a woman between his sheets.” He shook his head and stared deep into her eyes, eyes that didn’t even blink at his words, eyes that remained cold and still even with that arrow in her arm.

“Why do I even bother in telling you that. You don’t care, all you care about is to see us dead. I won’t allow it. You will return with me to Edoras where you will be under arrest and should you escape again, you will meet a horrible end. I will not be made a fool of.” His eyes drifted to the wound and with a twist of the arrow to open the wound more he pulled it out, using leaves from the forest to bandage her wound and stop the flowing of her blood. Leaning down to a position where he was literally lying on top of her he moved his lips to her ear and whispered softly. “Your body will be tortured and your mind as well and afterwards you will be taken to the mountains and naked you shall wander there left to the lust and what ever the Wild Men want from you.”

Getting up he gave her a last look, a confused look, before he turned his attention to the dead rider. Bowing his head he said a soft prayer and closed the boy’s eyes. “Get him onto his horse, he’ll ride to Edoras and there he’ll start his last sleep.” Without turning to face Boromir he spoke softly but still determined. “Boromir, I thank you for your help in changing the situation. I am only interested in returning Aizreal to Rohan, where she will remain our prisoner. The other does not interest me, do to her as you like.”

[sorsha]

I looked at the man, then at Aizreal. I wasen't afraid, only wishing Aizreal had ignored me, and kept her information a secret. Her downfall would come of this, I was sure. Aizreal was to be returned to Rohan...that was intresting. All I had to do now was to escape Boromir and his men, then I could go back to the life had always lived. Alone, and unwavering from the true path. This day had been an eye opener to me, and i could still feel the hot courage Aizreal had left behind.

It was probably my fault that Aizreal had been taken. My fault. Those words had echoed into my head, almost like the ring of a bell. It was like some unchangable memory, that whereever I went, Troubly followed willingly in my wake. This had happened before, and it would happen again. I turned away, for the first time in my life, I felt lonely. What I had endured allowed me to realise what solitude I was destined for, yet I never expected it to hurt like his.

I sighed, as the words echoed in my head.

"Use your strength to make strong the weak, use your courage to braven the cowardly" It was my Mother, her dying words.

"You are strong, Sorsha, yet your skill is untrained, too selfish to be used for this town" The Leader of the small Mountain village had despised me. I was not one of them, and I did not belong. I had never truly realised the meaning until now, and I knew that they were right. A small tear slipped out of my eye, as the pain of my Family's and Mentor's death was opened like an old wound. I could be a prisoner, yet my heart would never wane, for I knew, that for the first time in three years...I had felt something. A twinge of what I felt was right, not in my head, but in my heart.

[boromir]

When she had stamped upon my foot, I only shook my head, whispering a curse underneath my breath. Women, I had thought to myself. At Eomer's call to me, I had favored Theoden's nephew with a small smile, intending to answer but then Aizreal used her malice, taunting one of the younger men in the Eored, spurring him into action... and subsequent death. Bile burns the back of my throat at the untimely end the boy meets, causing me to hold fast to Sorsha the Mad. I will not cause further death to Eomer's men, I vow silently. No more men will die today because of my inability to do my duty honorably.

I watch the events play out, knowing that had she stayed put in the dungeons of Minas Tirith, she would have found far kinder a fate waiting for her. I nod at Eomer. "You are most welcome, son of Rohan." I push Sorsha into the large arms of the nearest rider of Eomer's Rohirrim before crossing to Theoden's nephew. I kneel next to him, placing one hand to his shoulder. "He died an honorable death, my friend. He will be in the halls of his father by now." Lowering my voice, I meet Eomer's eyes. "I go now to Rivendell. Lord Elrond has sent word that a Council is to be held once representatives of each race of Middle Earth have arrived there. My father, the Steward of Gondor, believes that the rumors of Isildur's Bane are to be believed. If that is so, Sauron's spies are everywhere." I glance over at the struggling madwoman and at the fallen Aizreal. "Could be closer than we think. Be aware... have a care when you take Aizreal. She escaped Minas Tirith, which is by no means an easy task, Eomer. Keep your eye on her."

I stand, turning my gaze to Sorsha the Mad. "You, dear madwoman, will be going to Minas Tirith as fast as my brother can send a horse and rider for you. I will leave it up to Captain Faramir as to exactly where you will be spending your evening." Returning my gaze to Eomer, I give him a small smile. "The gods be with you, Eomer, son of Eomund."

Crossing to the rider of Rohan and taking Sorsha's arm, I move through the forest to the treeline, dragging her behind me. Lifting the Horn of Gondor to my lips, I signal the White Tower for help, keeping a careful eye on Sorsha the Mad.

[sorsha]

I looked at Boromir, slightly annoyed. He was interrupting my chain of thought. It was ironically funny the way he kept on calling me mad, almost laughable, if the circumstances were not so serious. Minas Tirith..I had been there once before, although I had no idea why he insisted on keeping me prisoner. I was no further use to him, was I?

"That makes me feel a lot better" I said sarcastically to Boromir as he shoved me toward a man of Rohan. He held me fast, and I looked up at him. I pulled a face, to irk him, but he either did not see, or did not care. Damn Rohan riders.

Faramir...the name did indeed seem familiar to my ears. Ah, yes, his Brother, the one who his Father disliked so greatly. Well, I knew that it did not matter where I was, that was for sure. Better in a sheltered place than out in this bloody weather. The weather was the least of my concerns, though. I was alive, yet I was not sure for how long this state would be mine to call.

He grabbed my arm, and I shook it angrily, as he was cutting off the blood. Surly he knew I wasen't fool enough to try and escape now?

[Aizreal]

Sorsha the mad was the least of his problems not by a long shot. More like the one that lingered beneath the steel grasp of Eomer all sorts of hate and maliced cursed threw Aizreal's young veins.. This wasn't as she wanted she had escaped and was allowed to enjoy her freedom only for month or so evading his men easily till her greed for a ring from the falling hand of a Nazgul had returned her to a sceen of a crime that labeled her a traitor on both ends..(okay before I get hounded with hate mail I will find a way to explain how this could possibly happen.. Just give me time and just work with the post as is...)

So easily she ended up in a prison at least this wasn't a closed chamber at the mercy of a leader who only sought about seeing her distruction threw the slow imprinting of a soul that she was never ment to have.

Her eyes flashed at Boromir as he chose to allow her to return in the hands of Eomer which was the last thing she wanted, to her it was considered more cruel. She not soon would forget this as she planned to reply Boromir for his mercy as soon as she escaped as she would.. Even now Eomer had grown lazy in his grasp as it didn't clutched like it normally did.

Looking up at Eomer she hissed as tried to pull from his grasp.. I will see more of your men fall before I return willingly. Feeling a breaking weight on the arrow that was still sticking out of her shoulder she quietened quickly till she bit her own lip and with a quick snap she broke the tip of the arrow off and went to jab Eomer in the neck with it that caused him flich which was all he needed to trow him off blance and cause him to release his grip and with that she wasted time in looking for an escape and the first ride out seeing a free horse she quickly pulled herself upon it.

[eomer]

Eomer rose to his feet and nodded to Boromir, placing his right hand on his shoulder. “You have my gratitude Boromir, son of Gondor.” Leaning closer he dropped his voice to a soft whisper, keeping the conversation between the two of them. “If you ride to Rivendell be careful. Lately many Orcs travel through Rohan, watch yourself when passing through the gap of Rohan.” With a final nod he turned back to Aizreal and pinned her down to the ground as she started her struggle.

With a hard push he kept her down but also caused the arrow in her shoulder to start to break. Within seconds she saw her opportunity and jammed the tip of the arrowhead into his neck. Eomer jumped back and threw the arrowhead into the ground, covering the wound with his hand.

Watching her run off with one of the horses he narrowed his eyes and grinded his teeth. Looking at one of his men he nodded and the next second an arrow pierced the air between the archer and Aizreal. Eomer watched as the cold steel penetrated the skin of her left shoulder, the warm blood colouring her clothes.

Eomer kneeled over the young soldier and took a piece of his clothes to use as bandage for the wound on his neck. Closing his eyes he sighed and with a single command he sent riders after Aizreal, who couldn’t have gone far with both her shoulders being pierced with an arrow. With another sigh Eomer called a few of his remaining men closer and told them to help their fallen brother onto his horse.

Biting away the pain at his neck he walked towards his own horse, preparing to ride towards his men that were already closing in on Aizreal. Being a man of honour and nobility he did not leave his men behind, not when they were watching over the corpse of the young rider. As his men passed him in a slow gallop he looked at Boromir, giving a soft nod as if to say thank you for your assistance.

Riding to the front of his men he slowly made his way towards the rest of his Eored, following the tracks of their horses. A smile formed on his face as he reached Aizreal who had been surrounded and was now facing bows and arrows from all directions. “You cannot escape, you may have succeeded in fleeing before, but no more. Bind her legs together.”

[Aizreal]

She knew she was now fighting for the freedom that he seemed to think he could pull from her. How many times had she allowed him to hold her reigns he should really know better when dealing with her. He might see himself a leader and able to harbor some sort of control over her but he had dealt with her enough to know that the feeling was never mutal.

"you see it being something easy, even you should know better... How many times have you tried to handle my Reigns only to find your Grasp is far too weak.. "

Her words sparked a Male voilent frenzy amongst his men in a lightings flash the attacked her and forced her to bow down to him. Though it didn't come easy it was a fight only won when his men had stooped so low to twist the wood protruding from her wounds. The pain their hands brought nearly made her pass out but to her own luck she was far to strong to give into those frailties no she was wide awake and alert to suffer the taste of defeat as she was pressed to rest her cheek agianst the leather of his boot.

"You savor this kind of victory.. One that your men obtain for you as you lack the ability to gain my respect on your own accord. Truly indebted to them I'm sure. "

[eomer]

Eomer lowered his eyes to meet hers as his facial expression was anything but kind. “I have realised that I have been to kind and too good towards you. By running you have shown me that it is not human behaviour that you value but pure evil. I am a honourable man of Rohan there is no evil in my heart nor mind. I will not treat you the way you were treated before your life of captivity started.” Eomer dismounted and looked down at her as she was forced to kneel.

“My men have saved my life, and I have saved theirs. On the battlefield there is no such thing as owing someone. On the battlefield we fight as one, as a shield of Rohan, there is no time for selfish behaviour. When one of us falls in battle it is a part of Rohan that dies. A part of ourselves that leaves this earth. You will be punished for murdering a knight of Rohan. And you will never again taste freedom.”

He leaned down and whispered to her making sure she was the only one that could hear him. “You made a mistake by leaving Isengard’s walls. You were captured and you will remain captured until your death. You fail to show respect to me and the people of Rohan, we who have given you clothes, food, ale, a safe place to sleep, and how do you repay us? You kill one of our protectors.”

Eomer straightened his back and grabbed a hand full of hair. Pulling her head back he narrowed his eyes and gave her a disgusting look. “Bind her! Bind her so she can’t even move a single muscle. I will take no more risks with this one.” Releasing her hair he turned towards one of his men and told him to ride towards Edoras immediately to bring news to the King and prepare some sort of holding room for her.

He mounted his horse and looked down as his men did their best to bind her and pull her up onto a horse. Eomer positioned himself behind her and the other riders formed a circle around their captain and their prisoner. “As you can see Aizreal, there is no escape possible, even attempt to do something which will be hard being bound and all, you will be pierced with spears and swords. And this time I will not hesitate to spill your blood.” He looked at her with an honest look in his eyes, showing he was indeed meaning every word he had said.

[Aizreal]

Such arrogance was in the gender of men then again perhaps it was just him that served a credit to his sex. However she had yet to come in contact with a man that had the ability to act with shred of reason. Were they all just a physical sort of beings un-able to first think out an action before just acting out on impulse alone?

As she glared at him her seething hatred for which his very foundation was made. That trivial bit of emotion brought her to realize that with a spurring of her emotions she could in fact be reduced to the same barbaric sort of thinking.

She watched him threw a narrowed glance as her hands were first bound Savoring the hatred she felt as he ripped her head up by pulling her hair. Her lips pulled into a rather devious pout as he looked down at her as he mounted his Horse.

"Bound and un-able to defend myself.. That is the way you like me as that is the only way you will ever be able to control me. What a credit to your Sex, truly a specimen you are to the Race of Man.. "

With that utterance she allowed the men to bind her hands and her feet. Her mind racing as she placed upon a fowl smelling horse that swayed with weakness under her small frame. Looking over her shoulder she found him stationed directly behind her in close range so he could alleviate the situation if she should get un-controllable. She watched threw curious eyes as his men did as he ordered them never asking or second guessing they just buying everything he said taken it down like a bunch of fools in-capable of independent thought.

Looking at him her lips pulled into a tight smirk as she looked to break his plan just allowing her body to go rigid she smirked body's weight pulled her from the back of the horse several times this happened till the riders became aware of the fact that you mush have some control of your body to ride.. Looking up the annoyed riders she spoke calmly..

"Un-tie me and I will gladly walk for you" it of course was answered with a sounding snap as she was slapped something she topped over onto her side at but of course it did get what she intended it to get Eomer's attention.

Watching from the ground as he rode up next to the one that had just given her a bruise on her cheek she watched as they spoke in lowered tones till finally the rider reappeared.

Looking at the two she suppressed the urge to laugh as she was re-tied her hands pulled into a near painful knot that the rope burns already being felt by her skin as her hands were drawn to her waist but that was the end of it seemed they allowed her use of her legs frowning she watched as the end of her rope was placed in Eomer's hand like some sort of leash for leading. She watched as he wrapped the rope around his forearm not doubt intending to drag her to a certain painful death if she should attempt another escape.

With a painful pull she was coaxed to ride just in back of him to keep from being dragged. Her head pulled down ward as she obeyed him this time. Though how long it would last was un-certain as she was always thinking even if her gaze was downward pointed she would no doubt be plotting..

[eomer]

“Untie you? Oh come on, give me some credit. You don’t seriously think I’m going to take off your bounds and give you the chance of attacking me again.” Eomer shook his head before turning around and looking at her with a disappointed look in his eyes. “I thought you would have realised that, but I can see I gave you more credit than you deserved.”

Turning to his left he whispered his instructions. “Get her onto her feet and bind her hands again, make sure she can’t get them loose. Then help her mount a horse and tie a longer rope to her wrists and give the other end to me. I will drag her horse along so we don’t have to stop every three feet because she can’t sit still.”

With a smile he turned his head away and give a pull on the robe that was connected to her hands. It amused him to know that it gave her problems with keeping balance, but he really wasn’t in much of a mood to care much, he was mourning over the loss of one of his men. He was not yet ready to have a light talk or exchanging of threats with a murderer.

Having grown more cautious and a lot less trusting Eomer kept an eye on Aizreal from the corner of his eye. He didn’t like her sitting like that. Only people that are in deep thoughts would close their eyes or avert them from the path in front of them. His voice sounded loud and demanding as he wanted to put an end to this.

“You should keep your eyes on the road, it’s not because I guide your horse that you don’t have to do anything. Let me tell you Aizreal, the only reason I am guiding your horse is because I don’t trust you when you have the ability to use your hands. Secondly you’re only on a horse, a creature far more worthy than you, because I didn’t want to spent a long period of time riding to Edoras with you walking.”

[Aizreal]

My noble Lord you seem to fancy hearing yourself speak.

She watched the bobbing of his head threw hooded eyes she wasn't listening to what he said. He by now should realize that his insults fell upon deaf ears as she heard only what she wanted to hear.

And his words mingled in her brain and only preduced one loud overwhelming song..
"The foolish one needed to be put in his place"

She gave a sharp rip on the rope that linked the too and it is then she caught his glance.
"you speak as if you owned me.. Surely you realize you assume too much.. Your Lordship"

And true to Aizreal form she offered little else in insult but did as he refused and let her actions speak louder than her words. With another sharp Pull she was able to pull the rope around the neck of the horse he might be able to drag her but he wouldnt' have the weight to drag her horse.

"then agian your Lordship I do consider myself privledge as it is not everyday you see a horse with TWO rear ends..." IT a cruel jerk she made her horse Reel up and she watched as the motion ripped Eomer from the horses back with a vicous kick in the horses side she struggled to remain upright as horse leaped under her and knocked over one other rider who was stomped beneath the legs of his horse and then chaos errupted with Aizreal dragging Eomer over several sharp rocks as she forced the horse to cut threw the woods knowing it would be harder to mark her for an arrow without the aid of a clear shot and she was right.. Soon she had gain a healthy lead looking down she frowned seening him hanging on.

"Let go.. regroup and see if you hunt me at another time.. I will only lead you to a quick death and what the fun in that kill you have been to valant of a enemy to end your days on the ridges of a rock.."

[eomer]

It all happened so fast, as if he noticed an arrow flying towards him in the midst of a giant battle. In a matter of hundreds of seconds he had fallen from his horse, his helmet stopping the rocks from piercing his skin. His eyes were opened wide with shock, something like this hadn’t happened since he was a child and had only just started riding a horse. But this was different, when he was little he fell and that was the end of it but this time…

Trying to recover from the fall he moved to a sitting positions but soon felt the rope around his arm being pulled and then the fear hit him. Yes fear. He was being pulled forward by a horse, his body rolling over the sharp rocks like a plastic bag caught in the wind. The pain was high but not something he couldn’t handle, after fighting as many battles as he had, you would grow accustomed to a certain degree of pain.

Wimps have no place on the battlefield, they are the first to die simply because they run around the battlefield like a chicken without a head. Doing his best to keep his eyes closed to prevent any dirt or loose pieces of stone to hit his eyes and trying to keep his chest against the rocks so his armour would only cause a sea of sparks and no immediate threat to his back being ripped apart.

“I will not let go because in case you haven’t noticed it yet. I’m bloody stuck to you. How can I untie a knot when one end is being pulled? STOP OR I WILL HAVE TO STOP YOU!” With a short but powerful whistle he was able to order the horse to make a sharp turn, keeping a firm grip on the rope he smiled as he saw Aizreal sliding of the horse.

“Now we’re going to have a fair fight.” Although his legs were not at all ready to carry his weight, it didn’t stop him from trying and eventually resting on his knees.

[Aizreal]

She seriously question why she still rode horses. She had no luck with the fowl beast they seemed not to care for her as she didn't seem to care for them either. But still when that thing that thundered beneath her showed a ounce of loyality to Eomer. She hissed her rotten luck.

So easily she slid from his back and in that she took little time in finding something sharp to release her hands. Granted she didn't hink for a moment he would find humor as it was his sword she used.

As he fell to his knee's she smirked standing strong she looked at him so easily she could kill him so easily she could free herself from his hunt.

' I could kill you.. You know I could.. You seen my deadly streak.. You know i have it in me to kill and kill I would."

He was weak she knew it she could see as much in his glance. It was those aged eyes that she lost herself in Leaning down she placed a small kiss on his cheek and hit him hard over the head with the hilt of his sword. When he awoke he would find her gone with his swords and the nagging beast which she would use to ride to find that one that eluded her.