Beyond the Fords of Isen

Boromir and Co. IV

"If we stay in this slower section, the horses should cross without problems. It's a bit deeper than what's ideal but it's our best bet." Adalmaer spoke up. She had came up to Boromir and was pointing to the shallow water, the bank was mostly rock and stone. It wasn't an ideal crossing but it was better than nothing. Boromir turned to her and frowned. He didn't think that she had the slightest clue about rivers and how to cross them.

"How do you suggest we go about this?" He asked, raising a brow. She looked up at him and met his eyes, her face was calm and collected. "Pairs. Two riders and two horses beside each other." Adalmaer explained with a hand gesture. Boromir looked back to the water and observed the current. It seemed that Adalmaer was right and he gave the go ahead for the men to get ready.

The crossing was slow and steady. The men were careful as they picked their way across the water, not wanting their animals to spook. Adalmaer and Boromir had gone in first. Suddenly a loud crack was heard and beneath the hooves, the ground shifted. Boromir's horse spooked and reared up, knocking the man from his saddle. This caused an uproar from the men.

Boromir had lost the reins and struggled to grab them before the animal could run off. He reached out desperately trying to get a hold of the leather straps but it was too late. The horse bolted from the water and took off at a gallop. Adalmaer made no attempt to stop the beast, if she did it could've caused a stampede. "You can ride with me."

He turned around and looked up to the woman who sat there dry. He frowned, she had no business telling him what to do. "Fine." Boromir grumbled and moved towards her horse. Adalmaer scooted forward, allowing him enough space to mount. Her steed snorted and shuffled his feet with impatience. The Gondorian captain had no problem mounting, his leg slipping easily over the horse's croup.

"Are we ready to go?" She asked, glancing back to the man who held onto her waist. "Let's go." He ordered, his tone sharp. Adalmaer nodded, ignoring his tone, and nudged the horse forward. Slowly they worked their way across the water, the men behind them doing the same. It was slow and tedious but the riders eventually made it across. Once everyone was safe and sound on land, they were able to regroup.

Boromir's horse was nowhere to be found, "My horse is gone." He stated, a frown on his face. He was annoyed and wasn't looking forward to walking all the way to Rivendell. "We'll switch places." Adalmaer suggested and dismounted with ease. With the saddle empty Boromir moved forward to sit in it. He had a firm seat in the saddle and grabbed the reins, waiting for the woman to mount behind him.

She obliged his wordless command and climbed onto the back of the horse. Her hands gripped the cantle, fingers wrapping around the worn leather. The two shared a moment of silence, the group was ready to move on. The company started northward leaving the broken bridge behind. It wasn't long before the sun began its descent into the west, the sky was turning a lovely shade of orange and purple. They made it a good distance before stopping, both humans and horses were tired.

The evening was quiet, no one talked, and the only sounds were of nature. Boromir was seated near the fire, his men as well. They spoke in hushed voices, the topics being things about the journey and Gondor. Adalmaer plopped down across from Boromir in a spot where she wouldn't be too crowded.