Attack! - Part 1

Soon strike a good path that goes southeast toward the mountain pass. Path is lined with stones. Full moon. 233 miles from start. 1 miles since last location

We all lept up at the sound of Legolas, Ella and Samdo's shouts.

"Orcs!" yelled Samdo, waving his blue sword. "It's orc's it is!"

"Where?" Elena shouted back.

Legolas ran up and pointed back over his shoulder. We turned to see at least a hundred orcs, maybe more, swarming over the next rise in the land. Elrohir began issuing commands.
"Everyone, back up to this rise here, find some place to brace your selves against, where you won't be easily reached. Climb trees if you need to. Those without bows and arrows stay close to those who do! Now move!"

We hurriedly began finding safe places amongst the trees and boulders. Elanor sat with me in a tall oak and we both watched nervously as the orcs came closer, their harsh noises filling the air.
"Stay close to me," I whispered, drawing an arrow from my sheath and preparing to fire on Elrohir's command. She nodded silently, gripping her small sword tightly.

"FIRE!"

I began firing my arows rapidly on the oncoming rabble, hitting a target each time. Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, Elena, Ella, Aldarion and Anarion all had bows, as well as Vila. Samdo stayed crouched beside Aldarion, and I saw Lira with Anarion, and Raewyn with Elrohir and Dior with Legolas. I was relieved that we were all accounted for.

By now the orcs had come upon us and began attacking those on the ground and attempting to shoot the few of us in the trees. I kept firing down at the rabble, hoping and praying that this was it, and that more were not coming. I suddenly realized that Elanor and I were the only two left in a tree, and the rest were now on the ground fighting hand to hand.

"Should we get down?" Elanor touched my arm, looking worried about the jump down. I nodded. I was running out of arrows and if I used them all, then we would both be at risk at our elevated height.

"I'll go down first and make room for you to jump!" I lept down out of the branches without another word and pulled my sword. A large orc made a run at me and I killed him on my first stroke. Fighting furiously and getting further away from the tree then I had intended, I risked a glance back at Elanor. "Jump down!"

Suddenly my heart froze in my chest. Somewhere an orc had lighted a torch - probably from the remains of our campfire - and had just thrown it at the base of Elanor's tree! I cried out and tried to fight my way back through the orcs. Samdo had also seen her plight and was running towards her as well, roaring and chopping, till a sword hilt knocked him to the ground. "Jump!" I screamed.

Taking a large breath and screwing her eyes up tight, Elanor lept as far as she could into the air. I managed to catch her as she came down, just past the flames, and we thudded to the ground. My sword went flying out of my hand and we began rolling down the hillside. Trying futily to stop our descent, we crashed into a tree and everything went black.

Stupid Orcs, You Ruin EVERYTHING!

While everyone celebrated Elanor and Samdo's wonderful news, Legolas asked that I go for a walk with him. "I have...something important...I need to talk to you about."

I was reluctant. Well, that's an understatement. I dreaded the thought of what I knew must be coming.

We walked a little ways from the campsite. Far enough away that we would not be overheard, but close enough that we could still see everyone. Legolas turned to face me, taking my hands in his own.

"Ella..." he started. "Ellarian..."

My full name. This couldn't be good. I willed myself not to run away, though every part of me longed to do just that.

Legolas took a deep breath, released one of my hands, and gently brushed my now-curly hair away from my eyes.

I looked away. If I continued to gaze at those wonderful deep eyes of his, I knew I would be unable to control my emotions.

"Ella I--I have to tell you something."

"No, Legolas. Please," I whispered.

"You...don't want to hear it?" He looked hurt.

"I'm sorry," I said quietly, backing away from him. "I'm sorry." It was all I could think to say.

He started to step forward, to close the gap I was forming between us, when both our thoughts and our eyes turned elsewhere. Orcs!

We raced back to the campsite, pulling out our swords as we ran.

Oh dear....

Reach Hollin Ridge. Large holly trees mark ridge. Day camp on Hollin Ridge. They plan to stay overnight, but after the crebain fly over, they leave at dusk. 232 miles from start. 12 miles since last location.


When I awoke today, I was a bit uneasy, so to speak, though I couldn't see rhyme nor reason why. I looked around some, but like I said, I couldn't see nothin'. So I just shrugged it off and went to join Elanor by the campfire where she was cooking breakfast.

She gave me a sweet little smile as I came up. "An' how are you this morning Samdo?"

"Oh just fine Elanor, and since I've seen you it's been finer!" She swatted at me playfully with her hand. "Hey now, I meant it!"

She laughed. "Here, take this knife and chop up these vegetables for the stew and then the morning will be finer yet!"

"Yes ma'am!" I nodded to her as I took the instructions and began to carry them out. I looked up slyly at her. "You've been getting in the habit of ordering me around, when we ain't even married!"

"Well, as I recal, you did propose!"

"Not properly."

"Well then?"

"My dearest Elanor Brandybuck of Buckland, would you do me the great honor of becoming my dearly beloved wife, just as soon as we can find a proper place to be married?"

Elanor smiled happily. "Samwise Meriadoc Peregrine Frodo Gandalf Took of Tukborough grandson of Peregrin Took I accept!" Applause broke out from the rest of the fellowship as I gave her a kiss and then there was laughter as she shooed me back to the vegetables.

Anarion rose to his feet. "Three cheers for our happy couple!"
"Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!" all exclaimed.

Laughing and blushing we both turned back to our chores. I shook my head with a smile, thinking about the first time I recalled having seen Elanor. I had only been about 3 or 4 years at the time, and she slightly younger. 'Twas at someone's birthday celebration, naturally. She'd been crying due to some hobbit knocking over her cup of cider and I went and helped her refill it. I laughed, she'd not let me out o' her sight after that.

I picked up my knife to start choping when I noticed that the blade wasn't as sharp as it ought to have been. I ran my finger along the edge and nodded ruefully. This wouldn't be safe to work with till it was sharpend. Settin' it down to sharpen after I had finished my job I took out Sting to use instead. My laughter at using such a famous blade to chop up vegtebles was cut short by a site that made my blood run cold. Sting had turned a pale, glowing blue, which as I knew all to well on account of the stories could only mean one thing. Orcs. Ohhhh dear....

~ Master Samdo Took