Iron Stars

Chapter 22: The Breaking

So I'm going to be altering the story from this point onwards, mainly due to Nyx and her role in the story. It will still follow the movies mainly though so enjoy!

TA 3019
Amon Hen

     Soon, the group was nearing the falls of Rauros, where they would leave the boats and traverse the Emyn Muil. Pale cliff faces surrounded them as they set off down the river, the water clear and calm. Nyx paddled their boat while Aragorn and Boromir controlled the others. Gazing into the clear water, Nyx could see small fish swimming upstream, scales glittering in the sunlight. Birds chirped in the trees, their clear songs filling the warm air.

     They came upon two massive statues not long later, each with an axe. Their noble faces gazed across the wild, proud and strong. Both had an arm upraised and extended westwards, pointing to their old home of Númenor. Aragorn stared in open wonder, looking upon the faces of his kin. Nyx recalled speaking with Isildur and his brother, remembered their courage and strength.

     They docked their boats near the falls, electing to rest for the night. Pulling their pale boat up the gravelly shore, she spotted Gimli and Sam setting up a campfire, getting some food ready. Boromir and her set out to go gather some firewood, hoping to keep the fire burning and get some coals to cook food over.

     Nyx headed slightly northward, her steps almost silent in the forest. Leaves fell slowly downwards, spiraling to the forest floor. However, no birds sang in these trees causing her to stop and listen. No animals scurried through the underbrush or through the trees. Immediately she knew. Something was wrong. Darkness was here.

    Back at camp, the others were discussing their path forward. Gimli did not wish to traverse the Emyn Muil, knowing the danger of those mountains. Aragorn explained their course was already set. Merry who had gone to get some sticks came back, then raised the question, "Where's Frodo?"

     The others looked at his spot, realizing he was gone. Aragorn's gaze shifted to Boromir's spot, realizing it was empty too. Some of the others glanced at Nyx's pack. They trusted her but she had a history that couldn't be forgotten. Aragorn immediately turned and plunged into the forest.

     Nyx knew something was wrong so without waiting she raced back towards where Boromir had been. Distantly she heard raised voices and the darkness she felt grew with each step. Something was very wrong. She burst into a clearing seeing Boromir on his knees, his face scared and stunned.

     "I tried to take it. I tried to take it, Nyx," he whispered, his pain coming through. She came over beside him and laid her hand on his shoulder. Her silver eyes gazed down upon the man, gentle and kind.

     "Regardless of what you have done, we must fix it. I sense a darkness in these woods beyond that of the Ring. No birds sing and no creatures travel these trees. Come," she said, extending her hand to him. He stared at it for a moment before grasping it, pulling him to his feet.

     The man stood with her aid, his eyes laying kindly on her. Despite the fact he had been tempted by the Ring, she still cared for him and assisted him. Her unfailing strength and courage were coupled with a hidden kindness.

     The two turned their heads upon hearing sounds of battle. Nyx tilted her head, listening for any sounds telling her what was there and where it came from. Leading Boromir, she headed off towards the camp before turning slightly. "It's centered over here. I think-, I fear orcs have found us," she explained in a low voice.

     A yell soon pierced the air, the yell of a hobbit. Merry and Pippin. Without saying anything, they both drew their blades and ran in the direction of the hobbits. They burst into the battle, blades already striking downwards.