Lord of the Rings: This World We Live In

Chapter 1

It was quiet in the forest. It was also dark out. All the animals had retired to their dens and soon the creatures of the night would awaken. The moon was out, her white light sneaking in through the leaves, giving forest a beautiful white glow. Its light also reflected off of the stones along the dirt road, lightening up the path for my companions and me. I rode towards the front with my sister to my left.

At the moment, the only sounds heard were the hooves of our horses. The ones who accompanied me were my sister, and then Haldir and his patrol group.

“Tampa (stop),” I heard Haldir suddenly order.

Instantly, my mare halted in her steps and I turned my head towards Haldir who came to a stop next to me. He looked around as if scanning the area before speaking again.

“We will rest here,” he decided.

I blinked, “this soon, Muindor (brother)?” I asked. He wasn’t my real brother, but I had known since childhood and now considered him my brother.

Looking over at him, I saw that his expression was the usual serious one, which meant that his decision was absolute. Even so, I wanted to insist continuing our travels.

However, Haldir just nodded his head once, “The journey is long, it is a three days travel from here to-”

I interrupted him by letting out a sigh, looking away, “I know. I have traveled there many times now,” I started smiling, “Tomorrow we will reach the borders and then thêl (sister) and I will be on our own.”

“Ariel, you know better than to travel at night.” I looked to see my sister, Alassëa, had finally decided to speak up, “the times have changed. It isn’t the same anymore.” The expression on her face was that of disapproval and that made me frown.

I just nodded with a sigh, “I know. I understand, but why not ride a little more?”

Alassëa frowned at that while Haldir just shook his head.

“We will rest here,” he decided and then turned around, telling the rest the same in he elvish tongue.

I watched as everyone began to dismount from his or her horse and soon followed. When Haldir decided something, there was no arguing and of course Alassëa would listen to him. After all, she was in love with him and would listen, but I knew it was more than just that. Alassëa was older and after witnessing the murder of our parents right before her eyes, she had grown to be a very cautious elf. It was also because Haldir was an experienced soldier and of course he knew best.

Sliding off, I walked to the front to look at my horse in the eyes. She was a beautiful gray mare with her main being much darker, almost black. Mistiel was her name. Her name came from the trouble she caused when younger and the attempts to train her. She would always stray away. Even now the mare had her stubborn moments, but she had become much more loyal.

I smiled, stroking Mistiel’s face. “Thank you for the ride, you may go rest now,” I whispered. With a light snort, Mistiel shook my hand off of her head and turned to walk away to stand under one of the trees. I watched her for a bit before turning back to where the other elves were setting up and went over to help.

We all made our bowers under the trees to sleep in. They were soft and comfortable. I enjoyed sleeping in them out where I could hear the peaceful noise of the nature settling around me. With that, soon the night creatures would be awakening.

Three more days… Even though I had been there many times, every time it seemed something would happen, making it more exciting. The previous time I went, I ended up going exploring with Arwen’s two brothers. Though while exploring I got separated from the two and ended up sleeping in the dark caves. I shivered remembering those caves. It was a horrible time. I slept in those caves for days and I did not like it one bit.