*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
˚ ₊ ♡ ❰  BALLAD OF BROKEN SWORDS ❱
*✧ ─── ❝ ❪ A MATTER OR COURAGE ❫ ❞
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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ACT ONE ── ad melinora 🏹 ⁺⑅

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CHILDREN OF ARDA DUOLOGY ⋆ ☄.
♯ ❝ YOU HAVE A BRAVE HEART ❞
CHAPTER TWO ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
˚ ₊ ♡ the third age ─── year one
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━━ ˚ ₊ ♡ 🏹
❝ 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙩 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙨 𝘢𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦
𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙩 𝘪𝘯𝘬
𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯; 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙚 ❞

*✧ ─── THE FIRST WEEKS OF TRAVELING HAD GYDA SPENDING ALL HER EFFORTS MAKING SURE ELGARAIN WAS NOT WANDERING OFF, especially when they had reached Hobbinton, and Elgarain had seen the hills of the Shire in the early morning sunshine. A piece of parchment and a pencil in both hands. Galion, ever the fateful companion of the princess now, close on her heels to stir her back to the group where the brunette would be scolding the princess again to remain close.

But the peaceful land of Hobbinton was already behind them, the road ahead far darker than one would expect after the defeat of Sauron. And it only meant for Gyda to be more tense and vigilant.

She didn't dare say her temper had ever been shorter than right now.

"Found her near the stream again." Galion pops up once more, the sun barely looking over the trees.

Elgarain was scowling, parchment held close to her chest as Galion held her arm.

Gyda has her arms crossed over her chest, sleep still in her eyes and two guards haven't even woken up yet. "How many times do we have to tell you not to leave camp alone." The brunette mutters, simultaneously attaching her belt and sword to her waist.

"But I wanted to paint the sunrise at the stream." Elgarain pouts, big green eyes looking between Galion and Gyda.

Galion was barely able to hide the grin on his face as the princess spoke. "It is a pretty sunrise." He shrugs before slightly shrinking under Gyda's piercing gaze.

"I don't care if it's pretty. It won't be pretty if she's dead." She knows the words are harsh, and she knows that Elgarain is still a child. But danger doesn't care about that. She knows it doesn't. And orcs certainly don't care either.

Only days ago they had come across an abandoned Orc camp, one made just next to a raided farmhouse. Gyda didn't even want to think about what happened to the farmers.

Elgarain recoils at her words, gaze lowering to the ground and fingers clutching that pencil she always has with her tighter and Gyda sighs. Adjusting her posture to not look as rigid as she is feeling. "Look aranel. If you want to paint or sketch or do whatever, you ask us, and we can go with you if it's safe enough."

The young princess casts her eyes to the ground, seemingly lost in her thoughts but she nods anyway and mumbles a soft: "Alright."

Gyda nods, already focusing on planning the journey ahead. "Go get something to eat with Galion. We'll be leaving shortly." She clears her throat, "And don't wander off again."

Elgarain nods, shoulders slouching and without looking back, the princess slowly moves towards the fire that Cirdan made.

Gyda sighs, tired eyes surveying the camp before they settle on a hurrying figure in the distance. She recognises Daros towering stature easily as he comes into the clearing. He looks nervous, eyes darting around, even glancing behind him as if something is close on his heel.

Gyda quickly walks closer, ducking her head as she speaks, "What's happened?" she whispers forcefully.

"I think the Orcs from the farmhouse are on our trail." The elf declares, "I found another camp not too far from here. There was still smoke."

Gyda swallows, back rigid, "Did you find anything that tells us where they went?"

The elf shakes his head, "No, they covered their tracks."

"Okay." Gyda nods, "Let's not raise alarm quite yet. We'll fan out, make sure to cover our own tracks, and take care of this before it becomes a problem." She looks at Elgarain from the corner of her eye, seated by the roaring flames next to Galion, both eating a piece of Lembas bread. "I do not want her to know. Not unless absolutely necessary."

"Alright Captain." Daros mutters.

"Go get Cirdan and Ithil," The brunette instructs, "Go back to their camp, work your way out."

"What about you? Should you be going alone?"

Gyda places a hand on the hilt of her sword, "I can take care of myself." Her eyes flame with determination, "I'll make sure there aren't any surprises up ahead. Blow the horn if you're in trouble."

"Will do, Captain."

Making quick work of pulling her horse loose, Gyda catches Galion's eye and the blonde elf casually says goodbye to Elgarain, cutting their conversation short.

"You look like something bad has happened," His words hold humour but when she doesn't even smile at him, he straightens out. "Something bad has happened." He corrects himself.

Gyda's lips are pulled in a thin line as she nods, making sure to turn her back to the princess as she addresses the elf. "Daros found an orc camp close by. He suspects it's the group from the farmhouse. I'm not risking anything yet, and if we go around running for the hills we as good as give our position away."

"So what's our plan, Captain?" Galion asks, eyes glinting.

"I'm sending Daros, Ithel and Cirdan back, make sure they're not following us." She casually nods her head to Elgarain, "I want you to stay with the aranel. She likes you well enough. Keep her distracted, and don't let her wander off."

"What are you going to do?" He frowns.

"I'm scouting ahead, make sure nothing us waiting up ahead." Gyda tells him.

"Hope for the best." Galion grasps her wrist in his hand.

Gyda smirks, "Prepare for the worst."

She doesn't waste more time and swiftly makes her way to Ilya, the grey mare already waiting for her. The other guards already left, and without a second to spare, she passes into the clearing and up ahead, closer towards the mountains of Amun Sûl.

The woods are eerily silent for this hour, shadows dancing on the ground where the sunlight can't break through the leaves. Gyda does her best to keep her breathing steady, and her heart calm. The road ahead is small, an offbeat path that isn't often crossed by the sight of all the plant life covering it.

Even the wind has fallen silent, holding its breath in anticipation.

Ilya trots cautiously, when rustling catches the brunette's attention and she silently unsheathes her sword. The elven-made weapon gleaming, deadly sharp in the light. She manoeuvres off of her horse, feet landing silent on the ground.

She takes in a deep breath, holding the air in her lungs for a second before stalking closer with grace only years of training have taught her. The bush rustles again, more violently this time.

Ilya neighs behind her and Gyda freezes for a moment, afraid that whatever hiding in front of her now knows she's there. But before she can confirm or deny the thought an startling loud scream thunders in the woods. High-pitched and dreadfully afraid sounding.

It takes her a moment to realise that whatever hiding in the bush moves, a group of crows fluttering in the sky and she falls back in surprise. Hands catching her before she can fully hit the ground. Small rocks cutting into her skin.

She blinks once, before realisation sets in.

It's Elgarain.

She stumbles back to her feet, already running towards the sound, Ilya close on her heels and without even thinking twice about it, swings her body on top of the saddle mid-run. The horse is galloping at full speed, the wind nipping at her skin as she moves swiftly. 

The trees blur together and Gyda can feel her heart hammering in her chest when she can hear more screams echo in the woods. She spurs Ilya on to go faster when they get closer.

The grip on the hilt of her sword is as strong as steel when she finally spots Elgarain, backing away from a Orc, its grotesque features twisted in an ugly smirk, yellow eyes full of malice.

Gyda doesn't slow down the horse as she jumps off of the saddle, feet barely hitting the ground before she sets out in a sprint towards the princess.

The Orc has already raised its axe above its head, ready to strike and Elgarain has her hands above her head, shielding her face from the frightful sight.

Skidding underneath the Orc's legs, Gyda braces herself and moves her sword to counter the strike. A shockwave of power vibrates through her arms and she clenches her jaw. Her brows are knitted together in concentration as she remained upright on her knees and she uses the Orcs' momentarily surprise to her advantage. Pushing off from the ground she pushes against the axe with all the strength she can muster.

Because of its large stature, the orc is easily unbalanced and stumbles backwards.

Gyda doesn't look at Elgarain when she shouts next. "Get out of here aranel!" She demands forcefully through gritted teeth, ducking at the same time when the Orc swing his left fist at her.

When she doesn't hear the princess moving, she dares a quick look over her shoulder, "Now!"

Elgarain eyes are frantic.

Gyda doesn't look back again, instead focusing her full attention on the Orc in front of her.  Its heavily armored, only a couple weak spots for her to strike.

She steadies herself, both hands clutching the hilt with a firm grip, already heaving in air.

They circle each other, and Gyda is glad its focusing on her instead of the princess. The putrid smell of rotten skin infiltrates her senses, it hangs thick in the air and it makes it harder to breath.

There is a moment's pause before Gyda is barreling herself forward again with a war cry leaving her lips. She swings her sword.

Clang

The axe meets her weapon again and Gyda is pushed backwards, losing her footing.

Going with the force of the blow, the brunette lets herself fall to the ground, landing on her shoulder before rolling sideways just before the axe lands on the ground –where her head was only second ago.

Placing a hand on the grass covered dirt, Gyda shakes of the pain that shoots through her body.

The Orc is turning toward her again, a malicious smirk on its lips, the tip of the axe dragging over the ground as it moves closer.

Gyda huffs, pushing herself back to a standing position, raising her sword with shaking arms. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she moves forward.

Metal clashes once more, and this time, Gyda ducks beneath the axe, before slicing her sword against the skin of the orcs thighs. It howls in pain for a moment, but it only angered the Orc more.

And Gyda isn't prepared this time when the Orc's axe swing with more force than before.

The sword clatters to the ground a couple feet away from her, and she can't even set a single step before its fist connects to her jaw, sending her spiralling to the ground.

She coughs, air forced out of her lungs when she lands roughly. She can taste copper on her tongue, and feel blood trickle down her forehead. She glares up at the Orc when it hovers over her and fear fills her.

But just when the Orc goes for the final strike, something hits its head.

Hazel eyes move to the object. A rock

The orc snaps its head to the side and Gyda follows its gaze to see a shaking Elgarain standing a couple feet away from the Orc. The brunette can see pure terror in the princess's eyes, but her hands are surprisingly steady despite it.

The Orc growls deeply, and Gyda unsheathes a dagger from her thigh, taking the distraction as an advantage. Her legs hurts when she moves up, but she ignores the pain and jumps.

Her left hand clings to the shoulder of the Orc, and using the motions of her movements, she swings upwards and with one fatal strike, she drags the dagger across its throat.

Blood spurts from the wound, and the Orc falls forward with a deafening tut, landing just in front of Elgarain's feet.

Tears are streaming down Elgarain's face as she looks at the fallen Orc, and Gyda is suddenly all too aware of the sight the princess just witness. All too aware of the blood on her hands, on her neck and face. Coating her a sinister red.

The princess crumbles to her knees, shoulder shaking in silent sobs.

"Aranel?" Gyda whispers as she walks closer to the young elfling. "Aranel?"

The elf doesn't acknowledge her, eyes remain fixated on the dead Orc.

"Elgarain."

This time the elfling's head snaps up to meet her eyes.

Cautious of her movements, Gyda gently grasps the princess' shoulder and moves her around before kneeling in front of her.

With the adrenaline wearing off, Gyda notes Elgarain's shaking hands and she clasps them in her own. "It's over Elgarain."

Finally her green eyes snap up to meet Gyda's gaze and the guilt is all over her features. "You almost died because of me." Panic slowly seems to take over, as if saying the words out loud made it real. "I-I ran away, I didn't listen and you-and you." She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

Gyda's gaze softens immediately and she leans in closer, "Elgarain. I'm okay," She guides Elgarain's hand to her chest where her heart is beating steadily again. "I'm okay. I'm fine, and so are you. That's what's important alright?"

For a moment Elgarain remains still, eyes focused on where her hand is placed against Gyda's chest, then finally she nods. "I'm sorry," she mumbles softly. "I just wanted to have some fun before-" She looks away from Gyda, eyes turned to the ground. "Before I have to be all grown up."

A frown settles on Gyda's face as she listens to Elgarain's words. "I wish you could Elgarain. I wish you could stay innocent and happy—" She pauses her father's words ringing in her ear. "But you can't. You have a duty, and sadly it won't go away. But what you did today—it saved my life." She tells the elfling firmly. "You have a brave heart Elgarain. It will get you through this."

Elgarain smiles a little. "Not as brave as you." Then she frowns. "Can you teach me how to fight like that?"

Gyda chuckles softly, "I wasn't always brave. My father made me brave." Her eyes met Elgarain's again. "If you really want to learn, I won't stop you and I will teach you. But I can't promise to take it easy on you."

A mischievous spark appears in her green eyes upon hearing those words. "Good, because I'm not easy either."

"I've noticed." Gyda smirks, "Now let's get back. I have some very important things to discuss with Galion."

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ELVISH TRANSLATIONS
Aranel — princess