The Huntress -- LOTR

Chapter 1

All was quiet in the cabin on the hill. But it was not to last.

A man robed in grey strode up the stone path. His staff clacked against the rock as he reached the door. The wood of the door was knocked upon twice by the same staff.

The oak swung open on its hinges to reveal a dark-haired elleth. She stood tall and proud, her golden eyes boring into him. She seemed to hesitate as though if she didn't move he would disappear and she could return to her life. But he remained standing in her doorway.

"I'll put on some tea." was all she said before turning to head back inside, leaving the door open for him to follow.

"You know I wouldn't have come to you if it wasn't of the greatest importance." The man said.

"Of course not, I specifically asked for you not to." the elf said, grabbing a tea kettle out of a cabinet.

"Leora, please I need your help–"

"I know why you're here Gandalf. The ring has been stirring. It calls to its master even as we speak." Leora said, brushing past Gandalf as she went to hang the pot over the fireplace.

"Then you know that the war for Middle Earth is upon us," Gandalf sighed

"Indeed. The fires of Mount Doom are growing. I knew you'd come eventually, so I've already been packing. I can make it to Rivendale within 10 days if I ride fast." She said

Gandalf chuckled, "You always were a step ahead of everyone."

She looked over her shoulder, a smile spreading across her face, "Did you expect any different."

"I am on the road to Isengard, I must speak with Saurman."

She nodded as she poured two cups of tea, handing one to him as they took their seats in front of the fire.

"And what of the hobbits?" Leora questioned

"Aragorn will meet them and guide them to Rivendale. I only hope they can outrun the wraiths."

"I have not seen Aragorn in many years, but if I remember correctly, he did not seem the kind to go down without a fight."

"No indeed, he is rather stubborn in that way," Gandalf spoke fondly

"That may help to keep him alive." She smiled.

Aragorn had always been a brother to Leora, ever since Gandalf had sent him to her to heal. He had gotten himself into a rather brutal fight with a group of orcs and barely escaped. Gandalf left him on Leora's doorstep and she had nursed him back to health before sending him on his way.

Gandalf and Leora continued to speak for over an hour, sharing news of the different regions. Morning had long since turned to midday when they finally rose from their chairs.

As Gandalf opened the door he turned back to the elleth, "And Leora... The world may have need of the Huntress yet."

Leora looked down, and a strange look filled her eyes, neither sad nor angry, "I left that life behind me long ago." she said, her voice soft and remorseful

"It's who you are child, you can only run from it for so long." And with that Gandalf left the cabin and continued on his journey and left Leora to prepare for her own travels.

Quickly donning a forest green tunic and brown leggings, Leora turned to her bed. Reaching under her pillow she retrieved a silver armband. Rolling up her sleeve she clasped it around her bicep. Strapping twin blades onto her back, she steeled herself for whatever may come. Her quiver slipped over her blades, and four daggers were slid into place on her thighs. She slipped two more knives into her boots and strapped many others into various places, it may seem a bit extra but it had saved her life before. Grabbing her pack and saddle bags, Leora headed out to the stables to get her horse.

Vaylin whined when she saw Leora coming from the house. Entering the small stable, Leora smiled. Vaylin had carried her through many a tough fight and they had crossed the whole of Middle Earth together many times.

Brushing her and placing the saddle on her back, Leora paused. She wanted terribly to stay here, in the middle of the woods on her little hill. But too much was at stake, the world need her once again. Swinging herself into the saddle, Leora edged Vaylin forward.

When they reached the edge of the clearing in which her home sat, Leora looked back. Taking in every aspect of what lay before her, who knows if she will ever see it again? Taking off at a gallop, she allowed anticipation and excitement to flow through her. After all, if she was getting dragged along on another adventure she might as well enjoy it.