Livewire[LOTR]

Chapter Six- Helmet and Armor

Chapter six

The little eagle followed me around the rest of the day as I went about my business forcing my jealousy to the back of my mind. Mother was right, I couldn’t just leave… could I? No. No. Woman where not aloud to fight anyway. Naia chirped at me and nibbled on my fur boots as I pushed a dead deer up my shoulder hoisting my bow behind my back as the small creature waddled behind me.  I reached our little shack uptop the hill as my mother placed furs out to dry. I dropped the deer in the meat hanger next to the home and smiled at her. She could tell I was disheartened about not being able to go with my brothers. She touched my shoulder as she walked over. “I know your envious about not being able to go.” She said again. I shrugged her off. “Nah, I'm ok. I'll stay here and help out while the men are gone.” I half chuckled.

I shrugged, pretending like it didn’t bother me. Of course it did, I was always second to my brothers. They where the crown jewel of my mother. She was proud of them, they had done so many memorable and important things, while the only thing I was good at was shooting a bow. She went inside and I sat next to Naia. The bond between Companion and rider was strong, but she was only slightly older then a hatchling. Naia lay down and put her soft head in my fur-covered lap. I ran my hand over her soft face and traced the outlines of her markings. I was small, smaller then my brothers- I might be able to ride her at this size. She was able to fly, I think.  Naia looked into my eyes with her large brown ones and make a quiet squawk sound as to agree with my thoughts. She got up and walked to the edge of the hillside that overlooked the village and nests. Opening her wings and waiting for me. I stood and looked at the bird who seemed to be smiling, if it was at all possible for  an eagle to smile- she did. I edged over to her and swung my leg over her midsection and sat on her back as she ruffled her wings. She had no saddle or reigns on to speak of- so this… might be-

Before my thought could finish she swore into the air her strong wings pumping and within seconds we where high above the village. I screeched in surprised, but the fear melted into laughter as the breeze ran threw my clothing and caressed my face and hair. I giggled as Naia dipped and flew higher threw the low hanging clouds. I glanced back and saw the little village nestled into the mountain. Smoke bellowing from the chimneys and dark shapes moving around the streets. Naia dropped again just below the cloud line, I reached my hand up and ran it threw the soft air collections. It just felt like water running through my hands. Mist, almost. Naia clicked her beak and dropped again. Just  above the treeline. I could see the creatures below us, deer mostly. This would be an great help in hunting. We could easily shoot pray from the sky without it being to spooked. Naia would have to work on silencing her wing flaps but other then that this was perfect. I found myself laughing again.

My auburn hair wipped out behind me as Naia sped up she banked right and began to head back towards the village. I could tell she was tiring. She was not used to flying with a weight on her back. We landed roughly next to our house. Naia dropped me off then climbed onto the house and sat down. Nestling her wings against the wood blinking her eyes at me and cocking her head. “What are you doing, Naia.” I asked her quietly. Naia cawed then lay her head down behind her wing. I opened the door to the scent of dinner on the stove. Mother had already started cooking. “Naia? Huh.” She smiled behind her long hair. “Yeah, shes a sweet one. She likes me.” My mother nodded. She had never had a companion, atleast not in the time I was around. I imagined the choosing would be soon. Naia had made it obvious oshe would pick me. Perhaps now that I had a Compaion… I could join the war. I mean, even if I was a halfblood- and a woman- I still had a place in this world… but mother… I couldn’t just. Leave.

I glanced up from the dinner table to see my mother eyeing me. I offered her a broken smile, trying to make it look like I was fine. “Honey.” She said as she set a plate next to me. “If… You really. Really, want to go…” she began. My eyebrows raised slightly. “You can- but realize…” She sighed inwardly. “That you must pretend you are a man. You must keep…” She stopped and turned around to rumaged threw a chest next to door and pulled out a elven helmet. “Keep this on.” She sighed inwardly. “I cant believe I am allowing this.” My smile widened. “This was mine… “ it was as green armored helmet that covered all of the face aside from the eyes. A tail-like ribbon spurred out from the back and a wing looking design on either side.

I pulled my hair back and slipped the helmet on over my face. It was hard to see out of, but it would have to do. I smiled, but of course my mother couldn’t see it. She touched my shoulder softly. “Your just like your father… “ She paused for a second then returned to rummaging and pulled out a piece of armor. A chest piece. Decorated with a lion dancing with a wolf- and a dragon curled behind them. “This, was your fathers.” I removed my fur and slipped it on. “I'm sure the army will provide armor- but… until then. Wear this.” I nodded and hugged her swiftly. “You better get going, before it gets dark.” I raced from the house and called Naia. She hopped down from her perch. And I jumped onto her back. “Lets go.” I whispered. “To war, my friend.”