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Old 01-21-2004, 05:15 AM   #203
Hilde Bracegirdle
Relic of Wandering Days
 
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Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: You'll See Perpetual Change.
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Sting

Gilly

Gilly had been just about to protest to Misters Kaldir and Dúlrain, that Miss Benia and she really should have some say in what was to happen to them, when the distinct ringing sound of clashing metal found its way through the night air and to their group. It gave her great pause to hear that fighting was near. So much so, that she quite forgot her complaint, and wondered exactly who might be fighting whom and to what purpose. And despite not knowing much about these things, she did gather that it sounded frightfully close, and reminded her again that she had naught but her knife to protect herself and her dear friend. Though Miss Benia did have her father's sword. She thought to ask the dagger of her again, but after having witnessed the struggle Dúlrain had had with the orcs several days ago, she was loath to strip her friend of any advantage.

Her face must have betrayed her thoughts, she realized, for Dúlrain came forward with a fine short companion sword in his hand and entrusted it to her saying, "It is light and a of a proper size for one of your kind. Please take it to use in your defense, Mrs. Banks."

Gratefully accepting, Gilly hoped that some skill might also come with the sword the ranger buckled at her side. And giving him a low curtsey she said with gravity, "I am much indebted to you sir, for you kindness!"

"I am much indebted to you, also," the ranger replied. "And may this blade serve you well! For I am proof that you can strike a commendable blow at need. But as you know, to do this you must have a weapon."

"And such a beautiful one too…Thank you, sir!" the hobbit murmured, looking at it appreciatively.

Then turning to Benia, the ranger explained, "We ride for Imladris at once. We might have to fight our way through, so be prepared. Kaldir and I will do our best to shield you. Both of you,” he added, looking again to Gilly. “But you must be prepared to fight," he warned.

Benia and Gilly looked at one other nervously, wondering what was in store for them, before taking to their horses. Gilly on the small pack pony rode along side Benia, as Kaldir hurried them, shouting from behind. Toby was at the rear sitting behind Kaldir on the great grey horse of his. Out in front, Dúlrain spearheaded the group.

They had gone a short ways and before she knew it, orcs seemed to be popping up, out of the ground, in the darkness, assaulting them. But the wave was quickly broken and three of the creatures soon lay dead on the ground, before Gilly had even a chance to raise her sword. A loud command to ride was heard as Kaldir drove them faster through their peril. Though sounds of unrest still filled the air from the distance before them.

If Naiore Dannan had raised this many orcs to her cause, the hobbit thought, and if she were indeed to attack even Imladris as these men now seemed to think she might, truly what was to keep her from the Shire also. For she had been headed toward that region and had seemingly changed her route only on some unforeseen whim. Orcs in the Shire! It must never happen, never! Gilly had had enough of tyrants in her day, and she swore that she would do all in her power to keep it from happening again.

As a second wave broke upon them, Gilly dug her heels into the pony and shouting “for the Shire!” leveled her blade at a rather sickly looking attacker on her right. Dispatching him after a few mishaps, which almost cost her pony, she looked around to see if there were more that needed to be felled. But catching sight of Kaldir, her heart wavered within her. He had an unnatural expression on his face that made her fear him once again, though she now considered him a friend. Quickly looking around for Dúlrain, she saw that he was headed for the river, with Benia close behind, and pulling her horse in to line behind them, she shouted over her shoulder to the bounty hunter. “To the river Mr. Kaldir, it’s the river! We are almost there!” before galloping down the hill after them.

Last edited by piosenniel; 05-11-2006 at 10:23 AM.
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