Miriel (LOTR fanfiction)

Chapter 3

When I entered, I noticed that Eomer already was asleep. Quietly I put off my boots and then I laid down on a pillow and covered my body with a poor blanket, which barely held warm. But it was better than nothing. A few minutes later I fell asleep as well.

Early in the next morning Eomer wakened me. I yawned and looked at him. "Get dressed, Miriel. There is a meeting in a few hours and I bet you don't want to show yourself to the men the way you look now." he grinned. "Thank you." I replied. Eomer left the tent and I got up. I pulled over a new, brown tunic and my usual leather pants. Before I put on my boots, I brushed my hair and braided the part which hung in my face.

When I left the tent as well, I saw that everyone already gathered at the place where the men started a bonfire yesterday evening. When I saw Alden and Kenley, I smiled at them and they returned my smile. Since I was a leader as well, I took my position next to my half-brother who started talking when I reached him.

"Good morning everyone." he started. The men mumbled a quick good morning too. "I wanted you to gather here because I and my sister do want to stop the orc-invasion which is currently taking place. It isn't safe anywhere in these lands." he said. I nodded in agreement. "As you might know, my mother was an elf. I lost her, my father and my stepmother in several attacks. But now the situation is much more dangerous. The king's mind is poisoned and he banished so much loyal soldiers and family members." I explained. Eomer continued. "Yes, and this is the reason why we need to leave this place and ride out. We have to kill all the orcs – and uruk-hai – which are running through this land without being stopped by anyone. They murder so much innocent people, and it's our duty to protect Rohan, isn't it?" The men shouted loudly. When they calmed down again, Eomer took word again. "So, pack all your things which you really need and arm yourselves. We will start our mission this afternoon."

"Aye!" The men cried.

I knew there wasn't much hope for us but at least we had to try. My brother looked really proud and confident. I turned to him when all the soldiers moved away to get ready. "I will join you." I said to him. Eomer was surprised. "Really? Well, if I wanted to hold you off you probably would find a way to come with us. And it wouldn't be bad to have an elf beyond us." he grinned. "HALF-elf!" I corrected him. I was proud of my human descend. I had the archery skills and the beauty of the elves, but the strength and will power of men. My mother used to say that I was as proud as a dwarf, but I did never mind that. I liked the idea of being a mix between all the races of Middle-earth. Not literally of course, that would probably be a bit awkward.

Anyway, everyone has gone and I stood alone at the gathering place. The men were running around to get their armour, horses and a lot of other stuff. I decided to have a look in the tent where they stored all their weapons. Kenley was there too. "Hey Miriel!" he shouted. I grinned and hugged the tall brunette man. "Hello Kenley. Already armed yourself I see." I said smiling. "Yes, it was a torture getting my own armour because everyone needs some and a few minutes ago here was a really huge crowd." he explained. "I can imagine. Gladly my armour is in my tent." "Are you doing archery?" Kenley asked. I nodded. "Yes I do. I love shooting with bow and arrow, I always have done it when I was a child. My elven mother taught me." I said with a sad smile. "I bet you're an amazing archer." he complimented. "Thank you." I blushed. "I never got a compliment from a man like you." I whispered. "Really? You are like the most beautiful elf I ever have seen." "Stop it, you make me blush" I laughed. "I like it when you're blushing." he smiled. I looked into his eyes and saw an awkward glance. "I... I think I have to get myself ready now." I said quietly and left the weapon storage.

When I entered my tent, Eomer already was fully armed. "I will get our horses saddled and ready now. Pack some food and enough weapons. Make sure that they are sharp and you have enough arrows." I laid my hand on his shoulder "I will brother."

I pulled on my breastplate and greaves. Then I took my lower vambraces. But before pulling them and the gauntlets on, I opened my hair to get it in a straight long braid. I took my bow and my quiver and put them on my back, buckled my sword around my waist, as well as my daggers. I was ready and held my helmet in my arm. I looked for some food to wrap in a linen sheet and pack it on my horse which Eomer already saddled. I went outside and nearly everyone was ready. When I saw Kenley's face, I remembered what he told me this morning. It was rude and sweet the same time. It was just... awkward.

Anyway, I mounted on my horse. The men already waited for me. When I looked though the crowd, I recognized Alden who just stared forwards with a fierce face. He was a remarkable man. He noticed that I was looking at him and he turned his head to smile at me. I gave him a slight smile as well and looked at Eomer who started talking.

"My fellows – and Miriel – this is a day which we all will keep in our minds. It's the day when we, simple Rohirrim, ride out to defend our beloved country. Although we are banished, may nothing stop us, not even the orcs. Remember your families, your friends, siblings, wives and every person you love. Fight for them, they don't deserve any pain! Ride now!" he cried out loud and all the men started shouting as well. I had to calm my horse, but then I joined the riders. I had nothing to fight for, except Eowyn and my uncle.