Darkness spread across the dreary land.

A dark figure blended into the gathering shadows.
A horse, galloping swiftly towards the mist-enshrouded Forest.

The hooves of the grey mare could scarcely be heard on the soft dew-covered grass. Perched atop the lithe horse was a rider cloaked in black.

The mare slowed to a stop and looked around, her ears swiveling to and fro. The rider's bright eyes glanced around nervously.

The rider dismounted and led the horse into the gloom of the trees. Neither made any noise on the soft pine needles.

For about an hour they walked thus, until they reached a clearing in the trees. There, the moonlight streamed down through an opening in the forest canopy above.

The rider untacked the horse and began preparing a fire.

Once finished, the rider sat down.

"Tolo anin naur, Mellon."*

The horse nickered and walked slowly towards the fire.
With a grunt, the horse laid down.

The rider pulled down his hood.
His soft hazel eyes glanced keenly at the mare.
His usually grim face creased into a smile.

He walked over to the mare and sat down by her head.
She nuzzled his hand and then began chewing a mouthful of grass within reach. He caressed her soft ears.

"Losto vae."* He muttered softly.

He pulled his cloak closer around himself and gazed thoughtfully into the fire.

He was Amarth, a Ranger of the North.

Suddenly he felt that he was not alone.

Silently, he drew forth his sword.

His horse stood up, prancing nervously.

He whispered calming words into her ears and she stood still.

He walked forward a few paces, listening intently.

Suddenly he felt cold metal slice a shallow cut on his arm. He whirled around and the two swords collided.

Determination blazed in his eyes and he fought ruthlessly.

And as quickly as the fight began, it ended. He was disarmed.

He stared at the masked man incredulously.

The man stepped forward slowly.

Amarth glared at him, awaiting what would surely be a painful death. But he did not blench nor look away: he awaited his fate fearlessly.

The man raised the sword and prepared to strike.

"Now thou shalt die!"
The voice sounded high-pitched, and familiar.
Amarth looked up curiously.

Suddenly the man laughed.
He pulled down the mask and his hood.

It was not a man, but a woman.
Her blonde hair shone brightly in the moonlight.

He stood up, still shocked.

"Amarth, I have tracked you the whole way! Did you not know I was following?" She laughed.

Amarth walked towards her.
"I knew someone was following, but I thought under the cover of the trees I could lose them. But it is not so with you." He sighed.

Calírien's smile faded.

"Amarth, I have followed you this far. I will not turn back now."

"It is too dangerous, Calírien. The road is long and dark."

"Did I not know that already? I am not a child, Amarth." Her eyes flamed.

Amarth walked closer. He lifted her chin.

As she looked up at him, she noticed his face looked pained.

"No. Not this time, Calírien."

He kissed her forehead.

"Amarth..." Her eyes misted over.

"I will say no more."

She watched him return to his horse, Adémar.

He quickly tacked her up again and prepared to leave.

Calírien's face was downcast.

Amarth turned towards her.

"Farewell." He said softly.

He smiled half-heartedly at her and turned away.

He flicked the reins. And just as quickly as she had found him, he was gone again.

She watched him until he was only a tiny speck heading north.

She pulled her hood back up and her mask over her face again.

She began running as fast as she could after him. She whistled.

Her horse, Nahar, came crashing through the trees towards her.

As soon as he was close enough, she leaped into the saddle.

"Agoreg vae."* She muttered and patted his neck.

Nahar began to gallop as fast as he could. The dark land passed swiftly by.

Amarth heard hooves other than that of his horse, and looked behind.

Calírien.

"Amarth, wait!" Her shrill voice echoed across the land.

He pulled back on the horse's reins gently. Adémar checked her pace and slowed to a stop.

"Do you mean to get us caught?"
He said sharply.

She dismounted and ran up to him.

"I will not stay behind. There's nothing you can do to keep me from following you."

"I know that." He said softly.

"Then... You knew I would follow?"

"Calírien, I am not as blind as you might think. It was clear to me that you would follow even if I forbade it."

She blinked.
"I am sorry, Amarth. But I tire of staying within our borders. I long to see other sights than our village."

"I know that also."

She smiled.

"Well, we had better start. The road is long, and I fear we may run out of food before we reach our destination.
You brought supplies, I presume?"

"Yes, I never come unprepared." She laughed.

Amarth leaped into the saddle.
Calírien followed suit.

"Noro!"* He yelled.

Both horses took off and their journey began.-

-Well, that's the first chapter of a new story I might be doing. I just want to see what people think of it before I for sure begin writing it.
I hope you enjoyed!
This chapter is dedicated to princesswithashotgun , and her story, The Shadow Walker. It's so amazing!!

*Tolo anin naur, Mellon:
Come near the fire, friend.

*Losto vae: Sleep well

*Agoreg vae: You did well

*Noro:
Run!