Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

One of the Dunedain

The Rohan people had set up a temporary camp in a sun-dappled glade, the sounds of laughter and the crackle of fire filling the air. Éowyn approached Gimli and Aragorn, a cooking pot clutched in her hands.

"Gimli," she began, her voice light but firm, "would you care for some stew?"

Gimli shook his head vigorously, his thick beard quivering. "No, I couldn't—I really couldn't," he protested, a hint of fear in his eyes.

Éowyn sighed but smiled knowingly as she moved past him to Aragorn, who was meticulously cleaning his sword. "I made some stew. It isn't much, but it's hot," she offered, filling a bowl and passing it to him.

"Thank you," Aragorn replied, trying to hide a grimace as he took the bowl, the steam wafting toward him.

Éowyn's brow furrowed in concern. "Is it to your liking?"

"It's... good," Aragorn insisted, forcing a smile.

Éowyn turned away, but Aragorn quickly leaned down to pour the stew onto the ground. Just as he was about to do so, Éowyn glanced back, her keen eyes catching him in the act.

"My uncle told me a strange thing," she said, curiosity lacing her voice. "He said that you rode to war with Thengel, my grandfather. But he must be mistaken."

"King Théoden has a good memory," Aragorn replied, his tone thoughtful. "I was but a small child at the time."

"Then you must be at least sixty," Éowyn concluded, crossing her arms with a teasing smile.

Aragorn looked a bit embarrassed. "Seventy? But you cannot be eighty."

"Eighty-seven," he finally admitted, looking at the ground as if it held the weight of his years.

Éowyn's eyes widened in astonishment. "You are one of the Dúnedain. A descendant of Númenor, blessed with long life. It was said that your race had passed into legend."

"There are a few of us left," Aragorn replied somberly. "The Northern Kingdom was destroyed long ago."

"I'm sorry," she said softly, the warmth of understanding in her gaze. "Please, eat."

At that moment, Liv approached, her expression anxious. "Has anyone seen my daughter? She's only three!"

"Is she not with David or Saya?" Aragorn asked, sensing her distress.

"I thought she was," Liv replied, biting her lip in worry.

"Where's Legolas?" Aragorn questioned, glancing around.

"Scouting the area. Lily may have gone with him. I'll send out a flying type," Liv said, reaching into her back pocket.

"Talonflame, come out!" she called, releasing her Pokémon. The fiery bird landed gracefully on her shoulder.

Éowyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You're a Pokémon trainer?"

"A gym leader, actually," Liv replied with a hint of pride.

"Talonflame, go find Legolas and Lily," Liv instructed, watching as the bird took off into the sky.

"Let's hope he finds them," she said, anxiety creeping into her voice. "Mostly Lily. Legolas can handle himself."

"If anything happens, Legolas will protect her," Aragorn reassured her.

"What happened?" David asked, approaching the group, his brow furrowed.

"I can't find Lily," Liv said, frustration evident in her tone.

"Did you let her go off on her own?" Liv shot back, her voice rising slightly.

"No! She went with your brother," David replied, exasperated.

"Oh, thank the Valar! I thought she got lost somewhere. But I swear, if anything happens to our daughter, Legolas will never hear the end of it," Liv declared, crossing her arms defiantly.

"You do realize that Legolas is your brother, right?" David asked, incredulity coloring his words.

"I know! But I'm not paying him to babysit Lily," Liv retorted, tapping her foot impatiently.

Meanwhile, Talonflame soared through the air, searching for its companions. It soon spotted Legolas, who was quietly scouting the area while Lily played innocently with the grass, weaving small flowers into a crown.

"Talonflame!" the Pokémon called out, its voice urgent.

"Ah, Talonflame! What are you doing here?" Legolas asked, glancing up as the bird landed on his shoulder.

"Talonflame," it replied, tilting its head towards the camp, urging him to understand the urgency.

"Lily! Come here!" Legolas called gently.

"Why?" she asked, her small face scrunching in confusion.

"Your parents are worried about you," Legolas explained, trying to keep his tone light.

"Won't my mom punch you or something?" Lily asked, her eyes wide.

"Let's hope not," Legolas chuckled, "unless she finds out I let you come with me."

"If she does, she'll probably use Fireball Jutsu to send you all the way back to Mirkwood," Lily said, grinning mischievously.

"Fireball Jutsu?" Legolas echoed, raising an eyebrow. "She wouldn't! I know your mother better than anyone."

"I just hope I won't be in trouble," Lily said, her expression turning serious.

"You won't be! What kind of uncle would I be if I got you into trouble?" Legolas replied, ruffling her hair affectionately.

As they made their way back to the camp, they were greeted by Liv's relieved expression.

"Lily, you had us so worried!" Liv exclaimed, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace.

"Mommy!" Lily giggled, returning the hug.

"Go see your father. I have to have a chat with your uncle," Liv instructed, her voice firm yet caring.

"Okay, Mommy!" Lily exclaimed, dashing off to find David.

"Legolas, what were you thinking? Taking her with you to scout the area? Something could have happened to her!" Liv said, her voice laced with concern.

"Liv, you know I would never let anything happen to her. I'm sorry I didn't ask you first," Legolas said, his tone earnest.

"Just don't let it happen again," she replied, her expression softening slightly.

"It won't. I'll keep scouting the area, but you know I'm always careful," he assured her.

"I trust you, Legolas," Liv said finally, giving him a small smile. "Just promise me you'll keep her safe."

"Always," Legolas vowed, a fierce determination in his eyes.