A Woman's Heart

The Ford of Loudwater

Well nothing much to add at the beginning of this chapter, except to say that the one in the picture is the Lord of the Nazgûl - the Witch-King of Angmar himself - who in the book was the first one to try and cross the Ford in order to reach Frodo. I had to choose between this and another piece of art with all of the characters involved in the scene.

But while that more complex picture was better suited for the canon universe, I believe this one suits my story better, seeing as the Witch-King was the one Leeya impeded in his crossing (even though she didn't know at that point that it was him). So in my story, with the added non-canon bits, he kind of took the central role in the scene. Which is why I felt that the chapter image should also have him as the focal point.

But enough out of me, don't forget to toss me a little comment and tell me what y'all think. Enjoy, lovelies~ ( ˘ ³˘)❤

= oOo =

The feeling of Glorfindel's hand grasping his shoulder caused Aragorn's heart to leap within his chest, and he became aware that the Hobbits were watching him with great confusion and concern written on their faces; and only then did he realize he had not moved at all and that the sword had fallen from his grasp.

"We should go." the Elf suggested, gently nudging the Ranger to walk.

"Why would Lord Elrond let her leave Imladris? Why now  of all times?" he asked after stiffly retrieving the blade and sheathing it.

"Let  her?" Glorfindel replied with a measure of amusement in his tone. "My friend, no rope or chain could have restrained her; especially after Mithrandir arrived, wounded and exhausted, and struck fear of the worst in our hearts."

A soft whinny and the bump of a muzzle against his arm drew the Ranger's attention briefly to Leeya's stallion. In that moment, as man and beast glanced at each other, Aragorn knew that they both shared the desire of following her; and yet, the male reached out not to grasp Huitaar's bridle and leap in the saddle to pursue the Wraiths... his hand instead settled onto the horse's neck, and he felt the animal's muscles slightly easing their tension beneath his touch.

"Alone we would be of too little help, if any... we must all be there, if we are to aid her." he said before looking to the others. "Come!"

Finally grasping the bridle while the stallion flattened his ears and whinnied once more, he took to the road again, running to catch up to the Wraiths and their quarry. And his heart burned within him, his pace terribly faster than ever before – to where even Glorfindel marveled silently at the Ranger's endurance – his wrist whitened from how tightly he was holding onto the reins to lead Huitaar. But the Hobbits dared not complain, though they had great trouble keeping up with him and the nimble Elf, for they too had realized by now who the woman was and their hearts were heavy with worry – not only for Frodo, but also for her – for she had so boldly taken it upon herself to face death for the sake of their friend, without hesitation and without any obligation to protect him.

It was shortly afterwards that they heard the murmur of the Ford, still some distance away, and the breeze carried neighs of horses and sharp screeches to them.

"There." Glorfindel suddenly spoke.

When they looked up they saw the Elf Lord already heading off-road, to a few nearby stunted trees which revealed a hidden hollow.

"Tie the horses here; they will be safe until we return for them."

Paying no more heed to Aragorn and the Hobbits, he rushed to the other side of the trees and soon returned with an armful of dry twigs and leaves. Placing it to the side, he looked up when the wind carried to them the echo of Asfaloth's unbridled neigh, followed by Frodo's voice and then Leeya's.