Wild Monster

by Matthew Harrington

  "You sent the river to guide me." He whispered into her ear, prompting Mae to squeeze tighter.

  "I thought... I thought.." Maethien couldn't get the words out, the overwhelming emotions forming a stinging lump in her throat, the tears of relief spilling from her eyes as she pulled away far enough so that she could rest her brow on his in the elvish way of greeting... she did not pull away.

  "I am here. I am alive." He promised, reaching up to wipe away the tears streaming down her face gently. "So why do you cry?"

  "I cry because i'm happy!" She exclaimed, punching his chest lightly. "You... You scared me, Aragorn!" Maethien admitted, the emotion causing her voice to break when she said her name. The man's eyes widened ever so slightly, a barrage of emotion rising into his eyes as he looked into the sincere green eyes of the elleth in front of him. Was she really saying...? Could she really...? Aragorn wanted nothing more than to hold Maethien in his arms until she no longer felt the need to cry... but there were pressing matters that he needed to take to the King. Immediately.

  "I'm sorry, Maethien. I will try not to do so again." He promised as he tightened his arms around her for another moment longer, before pulling back to look into her eyes urgently.

  "Come, I must speak to the King." Hand in hand, Aragorn pulled her with him into the hall. He made his grand return with Maethien at his side, swinging the doors open wide and standing there, bathed in light like a god. He spoke his news to the King then waited silently for Theoden to respond.

  "A great host you say?" Theoden repeated, his tone grim and his back to everyone in the hall.

  "All Isengard has been unleashed." Aragorn confirmed.

  "How many?"

  "Ten thousand strong at least." There was a tense silence as Theoden turned to face the men... and women.

  "Ten thousand?" He breathed, shocked, turning to Maethien who was gazing at Aragorn with a small smile, her eyes only for him. Saeleth fought back a smile, it was not the best time to be smiling, though it wouldn't be the first time she did, but how could she not? She suspected her dear sister did not realize exactly how... in love, she looked but Elle saw it as clear as day.

  "It is an army bred for a single purpose. To destroy the world of men. They will be here before nightfall."

  Theoden's wide eyes lowered to the ground, a decision forming in his mind, he then turned away slowly and walked to the doors.

  "Let them come."

  Maethien bowed her head as the King left, then, after giving Aragorn's hand one more squeeze, she slowly wandered over to Eowyn and Saeleth, glancing at Ewoyn, who had tensed with nerves at the news. Maethien smiled kindly at the princess and placed a hand in hers, squeezing it comfortingly.

  "Everything will be alright." Elle promised kindly, smiling in response to Mae's bright grin. Oh yeah, she most definitely was unaware of how much Aragorn's presence influenced her smiles.

  "How can you be so sure?" Eowyn asked, prompting a devilish smile from the sisters.

  "Because you have us fighting with you, not against you." Maethien said with a playful grin while Elle breathed out an amused chuckle.

  "Aye! These are two women I would not like to anger." Gimli chuckled as he walked past, making Elle roll her eyes as she followed her friend through the caves, Maethien at her side as they were given blankets and supplies to hand out to the people.

  The time for war was drawing near, but the sisters would do what they needed to make sure the people were well taken care of before they went about readying themselves for the battle to come. The sister's were standing by a corner, talking privately when a familiar young voice called out to them.

  "Eothain?" Surprised, Elle looked at the young boy with a warm smile.

  "You should be in the caves, Eothain." Maethien said, it didn't take the sisters long to realize what was happening. Mae's face drained of color as she spotted his mother and sister weeping just a few feet behind him, when she noticed the blade in Eothain's little hand.

  "Oh." She whispered.

  "Don't worry, miss." Eothain spoke up suddenly. "I'll be alright." He said confidently, but the sisters could see the underlying fear in his eyes.

  "Can you fight?" He did not move for a moment, but then he shook his head, and Maethien turned to look at Saeleth, a similarly troubled look in her sister's eyes.

  "Hama," Saeleth turned when she spotted the soldier rushing past them. "Send those who have never lifted a weapon into the hall." She ordered, then looked at Maethien with new found determination.

  "It's your time to shine, Mae." She said suddenly, not really sure why she was so sure of her words, but she had learned to never doubt her instincts. The Valar had gifted her with her insight, she would no longer doubt it.

  "What are you talking about?" Maethien asked, a brow rising. Elle laughed and gripped her sisters shoulders, looking into the gleaming green with confidence.

  "You are the Warrior, Mae. If anyone can help these people, if anyone can teach them how to fight in the little time we have... it's you." Saeleth said, squeezing her sisters shoulders, smiling as the understanding dawned into her eyes. Then, soon, understanding turned into a brazen determination, her shoulders straightening and her smile radiant.

  "Come on." Maethien said, pulling her sister and Eothain with her.

  Men and boys filed into the room, murmuring and whispering words of worry and hopelessness, their eyes clouded with fear of what was to come. Saeleth stood to her sister's right as she watched Maethien stand before them all, her chin held high and her palms resting on her hips.

  "Quiet!" Maethien commanded firmly. The room silenced immediately, and all eyes turned to face the honey haired elleth in front of them. Faced with so many eyes... for a moment, Maethien felt herself falter. Was she really the one to help these people? Could she really find a way into their hearts and bring them strength and courage? What if she couldn't? What if she failed them miserably? What if-

  Have faith in yourself, Maethien. You are a daughter of the Valar. You are the Warrior and you can do great things, you will do great things. Do not fear, my daughter, for you are strength and courage.

  A powerful surge of joy and valor rose within Maethien at the words Manwe spoke in her mind. The Valar had faith in her, her sister's had faith in her, her friends had faith in her... all she needed was to have faith in herself. Thanking the heavens for their strength, Maethien pulled Silmacil elegantly from the scabbard at her side.

  "First things first, a sword." She flipped it up into the air, then caught the handle, slicing the air with graceful movements as she spoke. "Your blade is your defender. Your blade must be a part of you, it is and will be your savior in battle. Never let it go." She spoke firmly, emphasizing the word never greatly.

  "The first, and most important lesson that I can guarantee will save your life each and every time." Maethien swung the blade and pointed it at a soldier at her side, the man gulped. "You stick them with the pointy end." A chuckle ran through the crowd and Maethien pulled back her blade, smiling at the men and boys watching her.

  "What if we use the other end?" A small boy asked, grinning brightly at her.

  "Well, my boy, you had better make sure to stick on some armor. I don't know bout you but I much prefer having my limbs intact." Another chuckle, this one louder and heartier.

  "Right then!" Maethien raised her blade once again. "First movements are blocks. Watch me. You lift high," Maethien demonstrated. "Use both hands, this will make your block all the more stronger." Using her blade, she lifted the blade of a lean teenager standing right in front of her.

  "Come on, let's see what you've got, my boy." She took a gentle swipe and he blocked it, clumsily, but he blocked it nonetheless. "Come on. Put some strength into it, lad." She encouraged, laughing kindly as she repeated the attack.

  "Come now! I know you can do better. Block!" Maethien lunged again and this time she felt a slight tremor in her arm, she smiled grandly. "Much better! Now, partner up and practice. Do try not to cho
p off any fingers, you might need them later." Saeleth smiled proudly at her sister as she watched her lift the spirits of every man and boy in the hall, using her wit to keep everyone laughing and yet also using her authoritative aura to make sure every last on of them understood the gravity of her lessons. Laughter, along with the clashes of metal against metal, shook the hall as the lessons continued.

  "Great! Now, watch and listen. Attacking is far from simple, yet also the simplest action you can make. Try to minimize your movements, save your energy as much as you possibly can. Do not tire yourself out attacking, you will need your energy to face the rest of your opponents. Watch closely, observe, you will find their weakness and you will take advantage of it." Maethien moved gracefully, demonstrating a few deadly moves, her blade cutting the air as she swung expertly.

  "Any volunteers?" There was a silence, Maethien's smile widened. "Oh, come now! I'm not going to kill you!" She declared with a smile.

  "I'll try." Maethien's eyes brightened, her smile curving mischievously as she turned to look at Aragorn, his own wicked smile adorning his handsome face. Saeleth rolled her eyes and bit her lip, oh how she loved watching these two.

  "Hmmm," Maethien hummed as she watched him approach her. "Wish me luck boys. This is a worthy opponent." Mae grinned as she slipped into a respectful bow, Aragorn doing the same then unsheathing his sword.

  The first clash was deafening. It rang out like a clap of lightning through the hall. Maethien smirked when she remained in place.

  "Oh, dear. Is that all you've got, Aragorn?" She asked playfully, the ranger grinned and winked.

  "I have much more than that, Maethien. Trust me." He moved in an instant, and the battle began. They seemed to dance effortlessly across the floor, their feet moving swiftly and gracefully about the room as they swung and lashed out with their gleaming blades. They moved fast, so fast that the movements began to blur to some of the inexperienced eyes watching them.

  Smiling, Maethien called out a warning to the men behind her, they moved instantly, parting so that she could get through. She dived away and was pleased when the men moved back as soon as she had passed, forming a wall between her and Aragorn. Mae laughed happily as Aragorn complained from the other side of the wall of men.

  "Now that's not fighting fair." Aragorn called out, the smile in his voice making Maethien giggle.

  "Helpful tip?" She called out as she moved through the men swiftly, watching for Aragorn as she moved. "Kill your opponent quickly.. or hide from him. Use you surroundings to your advantage and when you see your opening," Maethien sprung at Aragorn from behind. The ranger, expecting her to come from his side, was shocked when he was suddenly tumbling onto the tiled ground, his back hitting the floor. "Attack."

  Maethien smiled as she swung at the man, grinning further when he blocked her blade and rolled out of her way, regaining his stance in a matter of seconds. The warriors faced each other, moving slowly, circling one another like wolves stalking their prey, their eyes focused solely on each other, small smiles on their faces.

  "When you fight, you have to find their weakness. Everyone has at least one. An exposed neck, an opening at the gut, and...well, I'm sure you can guess what other vital limb I have in mind." Aragorn's eyes widened for a split second. There! Maethien smirked, and lunged. Aragorn was expecting her, he dodged and gripped her wrist, forcing her sword up and spun her around, going to cage her in his arms. Maethien reacted fast, twisting in a complete circle before he could cage her in, twisting her wrist so that she could tear free from the grip. Swords locked again and both moved instantly, with smiles they spun the other's way... and when they faced each other again, their blades were pointed at each other's necks.

  The warriors breathed deeply, chests rising and falling slowly as they gazed at one another. Maethien dove into the bright blue of his eyes and happily lost herself in those crystal pools. Thank the Valar... she was so very happy he was alive and safe. Watching the man she loved, Maethien's eyes lowered to Aragorn's lips and she wondered... how it would be like to kiss a man with a beard. Wondered how it would feel to kiss Aragorn...

  The thunder of claps and laughter from the crowd awoke Maethien from her trance, she shook herself, trying not too blush as she pulled back her blade to sheath it. Goodness, if they knew what she had been thinking... hell, she had completely forgotten they were being watched! Damn those beautiful blue eyes! They seduced her! Then she spotted Saeleth's smile and Mae felt her cheeks flush, well there was someone who definitely knew what she had been thinking.

  "You did well, Mae." Aragorn told her, putting his sword away and stepping closer to the elleth. He wondered briefly why her cheeks her so flushed, then concluded that perhaps she had just tired herself during their battle. "You helped them forget their fears. Made them happy, even if just for this moment."

  "I seem to have a knack for talking people into believing in themselves." Maethien smiled and looked up at Aragorn, smiling further when Saeleth walked up behind the man with a proud grin on her face. Maethien felt her heart swell with joy, they truly believed in her.

  "Is Legolas near?" Mae suddenly asked, looking to Aragorn. "I could use his help in teaching them how to use a bow." Aragorn smiled and nodded.

  "I'll bring him. Keep doing what you're doing here, Mae. Your doing magnificently." Then he did something that made Maethien's heart skip a beat, he leaned forward, his hands on her shoulders, and kissed her head gently before turning and walking away. She glanced after him and followed him with her eyes until he had left the room.

  "When exactly are you planning on telling him, sister?" Maethien jumped at the sound of Elle's voice behind her, prompting a grin from her younger sister. Her brow rose as she contemplated Mae smugly, mischief in her gaze. Maethien felt herself flush, she had been staring after Aragorn rather obviously, hadn't she?

  "How do you know I haven't already?" Mae said with a smile. Elle rolled her eyes and cocked a hip, settling a palm on the hip and looking at Mae with a are-you-serous look.

  "I'm your sister, Maethien. I know you well. You haven't told him, yet." Mae sighed and nodded, her shoulders slumping as she turned to look over the men and boys practicing the moves she had shown them. Elle stepped to her sisters side and set an arm around her shoulders. "So when are you planning on telling him?"

  Maethien sighed again and shook her head. "I don't know, Elle. It just never seems like the right time to say it. I was so determined to tell him the minute I was sure he was okay... but then he told the King what he had seen. We've been getting ready for war since then and... it just doesn't seem like the right time to tell him that I'v fallen in love with him." Maethien froze... that was the first time she'd admitted, out loud, that she had fallen in love with Aragorn. It was a scary yet incredibly wonderful feeling, to be able to say the words aloud.

  Now if she could just say the words aloud to the man that held her heart...

  They trained the inexperienced men and boys as best as they could. Aragorn had succeeded in bringing in Legolas and Gimli, he even brought along several of the experienced Generals and soldiers to help equip them. They trained hard for part of the day, teaching them the essentials of shooting arrows, wielding a blade, swinging an ax, and combating without a weapon at all.

  By the time they were finished, every single person felt much more ready to face what would coming to them that night. Proud of them all, Maethien ordered them all to get some rest before the battle descended upon Helm's Deep.

  Maethien sat atop the Deeping Wall. She had been feeling restless, nervous, and... clouded. Melkor was always there, obscuring her memories from her, clouding her foresight and worrying her, always worrying her. What if he was hiding something important from her? What if Aragorn was going to be attacked again? What if... What if. Two simple words that caused Maethien so much worry and torment.

  Shaking her head, Mae drew a calming breath and closed her eyes to meditate.

  "Do not worry, brave warrior, our people are com
ing to you." Maethien heard the voice of Lady Galadriel almost instantly, her words bringing a blanket of relief to Mae's panic.

  "Thank you, my lady... Is Frodo well? Sam? My sister?"

  "They're quest has strayed far from their path, Faramir of Gondor is captivated by the power of the Ring. Anoreth is strong, she holds a fire in her soul... Perhaps she will convince him to release them all."

  Maethien chuckled. "I know she will." Then Mae felt herself tense, a question fighting it's way to the forefront of her mind. "My lady... I am... afraid. Am I wrong? To love him?" Maethien was not sure why the question plagued her so, why she was so afraid of her own feelings for Aragorn.

  "No love is wrong, Maethien. In times such as these, it is love that helps all rise, helps us all fight to live. No, your love for him is not wrong, Maethien, but it will be painful. You will need to give up much should you decide to stay with him, brave warrior."

  "I will not go home. I know that. I have known that for some time now."

  "That is not the sacrifice I was referring to, my dear."

  "Then... what-"

  "Maethien." Saeleth's voice broke her vision, Mae looked up, blinking her vision clear as she frowned at her sister softly.

  "Elle, I was talking to Galadriel." She said sharply as she uncrossed her legs and took the hand Elle had offered to help her up.

  "I'm sorry, Mae." Elle said quietly, smiling apologetically at her. "But they're looking for us. The time draws near, we need to prepare." Saeleth said solemnly as the sister's walked together. Maethien sighed and nodded, this time she smiled at Elle apologetically and reached out to take her sister's hand into hers.

  "I know. I'm sorry I snapped at you." Maethien was happy when she saw Elle smile in return, felt her squeeze her hand in return. "I was just... asking Galadriel about Aragorn." Elle blinked in surprise, a confused look in her eyes as she regarded Maethien.