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Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three
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Author:  Melanie [ December 14th, 2017, 5:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda's inhaled sharply and turned to look in the direction Railan indicated; at first all she saw was shadows of men moving rocks not to far from where they stood, but as she squinted her eyes, her heart lifted.
"Dunhama?" She called out as she started to close the distance between them, but then she stopped suddenly.
She didn't want him to get into trouble, but the time they were going to spend with each other was short, so she decided to take advantage of it.
"Dunhama!" She shouted, hoping he would be able to hear her over the loud downpour of the rain.
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Gaelrin shuddered as she urged Sandy down the road towards the wagon crash. Once they arrived though, she followed Kano and helped move the rocks out of the way. As they worked, she caught his eyes and flashed him a small smile-for she saw that concern laced his expression.
"Are you well, Kano?"

Author:  Jax Nova [ December 14th, 2017, 6:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

"I am," Kano told her. His voice was unconvincing but truthful. "I just wish we... I wish you and didn't have to shoulder this hardship." He looked up and noticed Grihias amount the others near the wagon. He smiled and looked back to Gaelrin. "Though it seems at least one prayer will be answered." He pointed her towards her brother.

Author:  Melanie [ December 14th, 2017, 7:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Gaelrin gasped as she saw the rainy outline of her brother, helping remove the rocks further up the road. Her eyes lit up and she turned back to Kano and nodded then turned Sandy around and urged her to her brother.
"Grihias! Grihias!!"
She shouted as the distance quickly closed between them. Tears ran down her face as he saw her, and as she slowed down, she quickly dismounted and ran to him, wrapping her arms around him.
"Grihias! What...what happened to you? Why didn't you do as I said and stayed at the camp?"

Author:  Hanasian [ December 14th, 2017, 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Railan watched as Gaelrin dismounted to hug her brother. Grihias caught his sister as she had trouble balancing. He was glad to see her, but frowned at her words.

”I did what you asked and got firewood. I was not going to sit there waiting for you while you were off with Kanoo. You have a life Gaelrin, and so do I. Dad and mom are dead, and we go on, even if it is to this war.”

He looked up at her and his muddy face gave her a smile.


Dunhama looked over and saw Athilda approaching calling his name. The hood of her cloak had fallen back and her hair hung in dark wet strands with water dripping from them. Dunhama looked over, and Deorwine gave him a slight nod to take a moment with his wife. Dunhama didn’t hesitate to run toward her, and when they met, he hugged her and lifted her and swung her around in his arms. His foot slipped in the mud and they both went tumbling to the ground with a splash, but Dunhama didn’t care. He brushed the muddy wet hair from Athilda’s face and looked deep in her eyes. ”Oh my sweet…”

He didn’t care that they were laying there in the muddy track with people all around, he didn’t want the moment to end, but there was much to do, and knew they would have to regain their composure.

…it is so good to see you!!”

Railan sighed and was glad the rain on her face hid her tears. She turned away as the two showed their affection for each other, She picked up a rock and threw it as far as she could over the hill.

Author:  Melanie [ December 14th, 2017, 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Gaelrin's expression changed as her brother mentioned them both going on to war; what did he mean by that?
"Grihias, you're not...please, don't tell me that you're going off to war?" She shook her head as tears began to form in her eyes, and when she blinked, those tears fell.
"Grihias, I have something I need to tell you...."
She glanced down at the space between them and swallowed a lump in her throat.
"I am going to defend this land from our enemy, Grihias. I am going into battle....and...please, you can't say anything-to anyone! Otherwise...well, I'm not sure. But I have to fight them, Grihias. I have to fight off the monsters who took mom and dad."
She lifted her gaze back into his eyes, then hugged him fiercely.
"I love you, Grihias."
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Athilda wrapped her arms around her husband and laughed gaily as he swung her around, then again as they dropped to the muddy earth.
"Dunhama..." She uttered his name softly as if she had not a care in the world. But the soft whining of the horses behind her brought the reality of where they were back, so she sat up and lifted her hand to touch his rugged, muddy face.
There were no words to express just how glad she was to see him, so she just leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips.

Author:  Jax Nova [ December 15th, 2017, 9:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano watched Gaelrin for a moment, a contented smile on his face. Seeing her relief at finding her brother took a weight off his shoulders. While the two spoke Kano went back to hauling rocks from horseback.

He looked to the young women who he had first seen. She seemed to gaze at Dunham and Athilda sorrowfully. Then, she thrust a rock over the ledge with more force than necessary. He raised a brow at the scene, but kept his reaction to himself. He took the next rope that was tied to a large rock and used Sage to drag it out of the pathway.

Author:  Melanie [ December 15th, 2017, 10:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

As she pulled away to look at her brother, Gaelrin noticed something....odd about one of the women ahead of them. It was the sad expression she wore as she looked at....Dunhama and Athilda?
She cast her gaze back to her brother and smiled, but she couldn't get the image of that woman's expression out of her mind.
"Grihias, forgive me, but I must go back and help remove the rocks from the path. Would you like to ride with me, or perhaps Kano?"

Author:  Hanasian [ December 17th, 2017, 6:23 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Grihias had a feeling his sister would want to stay with Kano. He gave her a hug and said,

”I love you too sis. And you will ride forth for the both of us. Your secret will not be spoken of”

He looked over to Railan as she seemed to gain the attention of both Gaelrin and Kano. Should he tell her of what he heard the night of the reception? He really had no time to talk with Gaelrin of late. He looked up to Gaelrin and said,

”I know you feel you need to look out for me now, but do not let me worry you sis. I will be staying here in Rohan, for I am too young to ride into battle. There will be much to do here, for I am a guard. I will stay and watch over Rohan, and should the war come here, then I will fight. I will serve here, proud to know that my sister rides to war in the east.”

Grihias looked around before saying,

”I will ride with you Gael, for I wish to tell you some things I heard while we ride. Kano may wish to hear as well. But now, we have some work to do.”

Grihias turned and he went to help a rider push a rock over the side.


Dunhama and Athilda held each other for what seemed both an eternity and only for a moment's breath. Deorwine cleared his throat letting the newlyweds know they had an audience and that work needed to be done. When Dunhama and Athilda turned to Deorwine, they looked at each other. Dunhama said,

"Dear wife, will you help clear rocks from the road, and ride to Dunharrow with me? I caught up with Kano and Gaelrin when I was on watch!"

Deorwine said,

Your wife may ride with you, but let us get this road clear, for it will be dark when we are done."

Dunhama smiled and the two went over to where Railan was and started helping clear more rocks.


(Our telcom has stuffed up our roadband internet and we aren't sure when it will be fixed, so will be on spotty.)

Author:  Melanie [ December 17th, 2017, 5:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Gaelrin smiled sadly at her brother, for she knew that he would keep his word and she knew he would be safe here, but for all she knew, this would be the last time they would ever see each other. She pushed that thought out of her mind though and nodded then stood up and mounted Sandy to help move the rocks. After pulling a few of the heavier rocks over the edge, Gaelrin moved over to assist Kano.
It was hard work, and the cold was bitter, but she drew strength in knowing that her brother was by her side as well as Kano.
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With her cheeks now stained a permanent red, Athilda stood up with her husband and walked over to where Railan stood and helped her clear the rocks. As they approached her, though, Athilda thought she saw Railan look at Dunhama with sadness and....longing...or, perhaps....fondness?
She furrowed her brows, then pushed such thoughts aside, for if they were going to get back on the road, the work needed to be done as quickly as possible. Besides, it was a foolish thought...

Author:  Jax Nova [ December 18th, 2017, 9:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

(will keep that in mind Hanasian, and not leave you behind.)


Kano gave Gaelrin a smile and a nod as she finished speaking with Grihias and joined him to clear the rocks. With everyone helping now, the remaining rocks were cleared in short order.

The wagon was in shambles and it seemed there would be no fixing it. Kano allowed Sage to be loaded down with some of the essential supplies and soon everyone was preparing to head out once more.

Author:  Hanasian [ December 22nd, 2017, 9:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama and Athilda worked to clear the road and as darkness claimed the land, the road was clear enough and safe enough for the long-delayed procession to move forth. Lady Eowyn had her horse and he weapons that had been salvaged from the wagon in the ravine, and she set off with the company of riders that rode through towards Dunharrow. As Gaelrin, Kano, Dunhama, Grihias, and Athilda stood there, Railan looked t Dunhama and smiled. She gave a nod and turned. A wagon came by and she hailed it for a ride. Wulgov helped her on and gave Athilda a smile and a wink, ignoring Dunhama. With the rain taperin gbck to a light drip, they mounted up on their horses and prepared to ride forth. Deorwine came by and said,

”Eorlingas, we ride to Dunharrow! With no other delays, we will arrive at the midnight hour. I want you all to rest upon arriving and gather your strength in the days ahead, for the rest you get will carry you through many days. Riders, move!”

Dunhama mounted up and Athida took his hand and mounted up behind him. Her hands held close, and they set forth behind the wagon Wulgov drove. With one hand on the reigns, Dunhama’s other hand slid over Athilda’s which had slid around him. Their fingers entwined and Dunhama took a deep breath as he leaned back into Athilda. Knowing that their time together was short, this was a time he would remember always. He followed Deorwine through the arched stones and looked back to see Gaelrin and Grihias following, and Kano following her.

Grihias always like riding with his sister. As they made their way up following Athilda and Dunhama, he said to her,

”That driver and that maid, they are scheming. I heard them talking. I heard them talking a lot. I don’t know what they were planning, but I know that the maid desires Dunhama and the driver desires Athilda.”

Gaelrin was shocked at what her brother was saying, but his words seemed to fit after what she saw earlier. Grihias went quiet, and Gaelrin patted his hand. She was going to ride to war, and he was going to stay and guard the homeland. The problems that Dunhama and Athilda would face were theirs. She looked back and Kano and took a breath. They rode on silently and finally they came to the field of Dunharrow, nestled in the White Mountains. Now, they could sleep once they set camp. It didn’t take long for Deorwine to find their company, and they dismounted and with greeting, they set up camp. Dunhama looked to Athilda and said,

”Dear wife, it is a blessing to have you with me here. I do not think of the days ahead, but only now, here.”

His fingers freed a few twigs from her tangled locks, and then entangled themselves in her locks. He smiled as he drew her close, giving her a long, lingering hug, unknowing of the long stares that bot Railan and wulgov gave toem not far away.

Author:  Melanie [ December 22nd, 2017, 4:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda had finished moving the rocks aside and found herself standing beside her husband, awaiting his commanding officers' orders. As they waited, she couldn't help but pause in curiosity at the smile Railan gave Dunhama. But her thoughts were completely dashed as Wuglov slowly drove by, all the while smiling at her and winking before looking at the road ahead. Her heart paused for a moment and she glanced down to hide the blush that had risen to her cheeks.
The sound of the commanders' voice startled her, but soon, she was sitting behind her husband, with her arms wrapped around him and her cheek resting against his back.
She closed her eyes and smiled-sadly-as he twined their fingers together, then she kissed his back as he leaned against her.
The road was long and the trip was exhausting, and it was bittersweet when they arrived and dismounted and set up their camp. Dunhama suddenly turned to her and what he spoke caused her heart to ache. She longed to be with him, and she longed for him to stay and not risk breaking the promise he made to her. But she knew that he was sworn to his duty, for he would fight-not only to protect her, but their future children.
"Dunhama...I will not think of the somber days that lie ahead for us, but only of our hours together. As I said before, I am yours, and I will go where you go, no matter how far it be. I love thee."
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Gaelrin mused over her brothers words, even after she told herself not to mettle in others affairs; something was not right, but she was powerless to do anything about it. The hours passed in silence, but once they reached the camps, she helped Kano and her brother out-in any way she could, then once she dismounted and went inside a smaller tent, she turned to her brother and looked into his eyes intently.
"Grihias, please be careful around those two that you speak of. I do not want you getting into trouble because you heard something that was spoken in secret. Please, Grihias. Just use caution."

Author:  Hanasian [ December 23rd, 2017, 9:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

"Yes, my sister, I am very careful. For now I have my stature as an advantage. Few suspect a young boy of spying, and are often overlooked. But my ears hear, and my eyes see, and I know there is something that I do not fully understand going on."

Grihias paused as he gave Gaelrin a squeeze with his arms wrapped around her. He said quietly,

"I know father and mother loved each other very much, like Dunhama and Athilda do, and maybe like you and Kano do. But as a young boy, I saw much that father and mother did that I did not understand. You have always tried to protect me from these things Gaelrin, but I have always been sneaky. Father and mother both had lovers that they thought the other did not know of. I think they both knew, and accepted each other for our sake and protected us the best they could."

Gaelrin swallowed but said nothing. She could only squeeze her brother's hand that wrapped around her. She could not speak of what she had witnessed in those years before Grihias was conceived and born.

---------------------------------------------------------

Dunhama looked ahead and patted Athilda's hand as she spoke. She was his, and would go where he goes. Would she go into the field of battle with him? Dunhama swallowed at the thought. Her healing skills would be much welcome on the field of battle, but Dunhama feared she would be slain. But so too could he be slain, far away from Rohan, and Athilda would await word of him. Would the army of Rohan return victorious or would they lie dead, trampled by the hordes of Mordor as they storm into Rohan, raping, pillaging, and plundering the lands for all their worth? Dunhama stared far away, lost in battle, but Athilda's last words cut through the cloud that had descended upon him.

"Dear wife, I love thee, and this time together is a blessing passed to us by Varda, Queen of the stars. May we honour her blessing.

Coming to the camp of his company, they had set a tent for his arrival. Dunhama and Athilda sat by the fire and a bowl of the camp stew was given to them both. Dunhama ate heartily, and when he finally looked over to Athilda, he saw her looking off toward the darkness. Lady Eowyn and the Captain of the Dunedain stood in the far shadow talking. Dunhama paused and watched, and as Athilda looked back at her bowl, Dunhama reached over and ran his fingers through her hair. Looking into her eyes, he said,

"I do not think the paths of the Dunedain will be the paths of the Rohirrim. Tell me dear wife, do you scheme to ride to Gondor and to war? I feel the wind of this night's air even as the rain has ceased, and it speaks loudly to me. It whispers loudly that many will ride forth unsuspected."

He set his hand beside Athilda's head and looked deep into her eyes, his own burning with question of her intentions, and with desire for her comfort.

---------------------------------------------------------

Wulgov and Railan rode the wagon silently. finally before they arrived in Dunharrow, Railan said to him,

"I know not how to get Dunhama's eyes away from Athilda and on to me. Neither can I draw Athilda's eyes from Dunhama and onto me. Soon Dunhama will ride to war, and Athilda, me,
and you will remain here..."


Wulgov was silent as he unloaded the wagon. He paused and leaned to Railan's ear. He said,

"Patience m'lady. You cannot let your desire for what Athilda has to cause you to stumble. How do you feel about Athilda?"

Railan looked over across the way, barely able to see Athilda and Dunhama talking. She closed her eyes and tears fell down her cheeks.

"I love her. I love Dunhama. Neither have eyes for me."

Wulgov stepped to Railan and took her hands. He looked her in the eyes and said,

"Stay strong Railan. Sometimes the desires of one's heart will lead one down may long paths."

Inside, Wulgov laughed to himself. He didn't believe any of it, and was manipulating the young Rohirrim maiden with his words. The fact was Dunhama was going to ride off to battle with most of the rohirrim menn, and he would remain with most of the Rohirrim women. He never dreamed this would ever happen when he was taken prisoner in Helms Deep.

Author:  Jax Nova [ December 23rd, 2017, 10:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano helped set up the tents once they arrived at Dunharrow. The hour was late and all were tired. He walked in a half daze. Partly thinking of the days ahead, and partly because of his lack of sleep.

He saw Gaelrin head towards her tent and after her words with her brother he caught her before she retired for the night. He smiled and nodded as he approached, taking her hand. "How did he take it?" He asked her of Grihias. He knew she had told her brother of her plan.

Author:  Melanie [ December 23rd, 2017, 11:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

As she wrapped her arms around her brother, she squeezed him and forced back all unwanted thoughts of their parents' unfaithfulness towards each other.
"Sh...let us not think of the past now, Grihias. We all must look onwards towards the hope that carries us through such dark days."
Her eyes wet with tears, and she squeezed him again, then pulled back and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
"I must go and get my things from Sandy. I will be back in a moment."
Gaelrin stood up and cringed as her ankles screamed with pain, but she forced her feet forward, and not long after she got to Sandy, Kano was there.
Her lips formed a smile, but they were forced, for the pain in her ankles was proving too much for her, but as he took her hand, the smile became more natural.
"To my surprise, he took it well....I believe he knew my desire to fight before I even told him, for he spoke with such calmness and pride."
Her brows furrowed as she saw the exhaustion weighing down his eyelids.
"Kano? You look weary. Would you....would you like to sleep in our tent tonight?"

Author:  Melanie [ December 23rd, 2017, 11:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda found herself looking out into the darkness, weighing the outcomes of the war and what it would mean to her and Dunhama. But as she gazed out, she saw the Lady Eowyn speaking to the captain of the Dunedain, then she sighed as she looked back into her bowl of stew.
Her gaze flicked back up into Dunhamas' eyes with mixed uncertainty and desire, but as he swept his fingers through her hair, she found her confidence again.
"My lord, I wish with all my heart to be by your side and hold your heart in mine."
She set down her bowl and drew her face close to his until her lips grazed his.
"I will ride with you, Dunhama, soldier of the Mark, until the end of days."
Then she gently pressed her lips onto his and kissed him slowly but with passion.

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