The day next, at the crack of dawn, a great and fair company made ready to ride north from Minas Tirith. King Elessar and King Eomer went to the tombs in Path Dinen and bore away King Theoden on a golden bier. The bier was placed upon a great wain with the riders of Rohan about it and his banner before. Merry, being the esquire of Theoden, rode upon the wain and kept the arms of the king.

Exiting the city of Minas Tirith, Frodo and Sam rode at AragornÂ’s side while Gandalf rode on Shadowfax. Gimli and Legolas rode on Arod while Pippin rode with the knights of Gondor. Queen Arwen, Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, and all their folk also went in that riding. The Princes of Dol Amroth and of Ithilien were among the host and with them went many captains and knights. It is said that never before had any king of the Mark had such company upon the road as those that went with Theoden to the land of his home.

As they rode, Aragorn pointed out many sights of interest to Sam and Frodo while Gandalf listened. Both hobbits were glad to embark on a journey of leisure so unlike the one they had completed several months earlier. They listened eagerly has Aragorn, with a few interjectory comments by Gandalf, educated them about the lands of Gondor.

A little behind rode the Princes of Dol Amroth and of Ithilien with the elven folk. As ever, Prince Imrahil was engaged in conversation with Elrond, Galadriel, and Celeborn. Their conversation was light-hearted and justly reflected their moods. Faramir rode alongside Arwen and Melian as they conversed about elven lore. He thoroughly enjoyed the subject of discourse since he possessed a passion for things of that nature. Occasionally, those who rode ahead looked back with curiosity as peels of laughter resonated from those who rode behind. Desiring to partake in these supposedly pleasurable discussions, Legolas and Gimli soon fell in with Faramir, Arwen, and Melian as they rode. Before long, Legolas began to tell his companions about the Huorns and the role they played in destroying of the Uruks of Saruman.

“That is strange,” interjected Melian, “I have heard of that ancient power that sleeps in the forest of Fangorn but never of these Huorns. The Ents, they call that old power. I have heard of them but I have never seen them. Yet the forest of Fangorn lies on the border of Lorien, my home.”

“True,” agreed Arwen, “from all that we have learned of our heritage, the awakening of the trees began with the elves. They taught them the art of speaking though that was many years ago in a different age of Middle-earth. I would love to meet them. The eldest, we also call one who resides there.”

“Then, my lady, perhaps you would like to take my place as the companion of this charming Princeling when he goes to explore the forest of Fangorn,” Gimli grumpily stated.

Puzzled, the companions looked at Gimli. “He speaks of the pact we made,” Legolas informed them. “In exchange for my accompanying him into the Glittering Caves at Helm’s Deep, he agreed to journey with me into Fangorn Forest to explore the ancient trees that dwell there.” They all laughed as Gimli rolled his eyes.

“Come now Gimli,” encouraged Arwen, “I am convinced if you open your heart to the wonder of that ancient forest you will find great pleasure therein.”

Gimli submitted to her charm as she smiled expectantly. “I dearly wish I could accompany the both of you on your exploration, but my journey northward ends at Edoras,” she wistfully stated. “However, the opportunity may present itself one day soon for both Melian and myself since at times we will journey to the Northern Kingdom of Arnor.”

“Yes and no doubt we will accompany you,” agreed Legolas.

Melian was pleased with LegolasÂ’ last statement. Of late, she enjoyed his company and feared that his return to Mirkwood would be permanent. Unknowingly, she bore a smile on her face that alighted her eyes. The change in her disposition did not escape the observation of Legolas. He remained silent as he furtively looked at her. Personally, he found her to be beautiful and her personality reinforced the strength of his attraction. As she rode beside him unaware of his scrutiny, her long dark brown hair blew in the gentle breeze. He admitted to himself that he was most certainly enamored by her. His thoughts were interrupted by FaramirÂ’s voice as he said:

“I myself would love to meet these Ents of whom you speak so favorably though I cannot foresee it occurring within the near future. There is much to be done in Ithilien and more speedily now,” he ended evasively.

His last statement did not elude his listeners but they did not wish to pry. Instead, Arwen said, “Then when next we all have time for leisure, perhaps we can arrange an outing initiated from Edoras. I will mention it to Estel.” All agreed and voiced their consent.

After riding for several hours, the company dismounted to refresh themselves. Faramir assisted Arwen from her horse as Legolas did the same with Melian. The sun was now high in the sky indicating that it was probably midday. As the company awaited the preparation of light food, Aragorn approached to invite his wife and the others for a short stroll suggesting that it would aid in stretching their limbs. The others politely declined pleading an immediate need to satisfy their hunger. Within the hour, the company set out again hoping to pass through Anorien before nightfall. When at last they passed into Anorien and came to the Grey Wood, drums beats resonated from the surrounding hills; though, from whence it came, none of the company saw. King Elessar commanded the trumpets to be blown and his heralds declared his decision to give the Forest of Druadan to Ghan-buri-Ghan and his folk to be theirs forever. In answer to this proclamation, the drums resumed their rhythm in acceptance of King ElessarÂ’s gift.

The company rode on without haste until an hour before sunset. Along the way, they met several travelers journeying southward. From them they heard many tidings of the northern road. An hour before sunset they decided to set up camp for the night. All was completed before darkness fell and the campers took time to freshen up before dinner. Much to the relief of many, they were all provided with warm water to remove the toils of the dayÂ’s journey.

Later that evening, after all had eaten, many lingered still around the campfire. Galadriel and Celeborn had excused themselves to embark on a night stroll. Gandalf, Elrond, and Prince Imrahil still sat around the dinner table deep in conversation. Those seated around the campfire listened as Elrohir told stories of his journeys with Elladan and the Northern Dunedain. Arwen smirked as she listened to her brother since she could not help feeling that he embellished his stories to excite the interest of his solicitors who were mainly Sam and Pippin.

As the night wore on, all had retired with the exception of Melian, Legolas, Arwen, Aragorn, Elladan, and Elrohir. As Arwen sat enclosed in AragornÂ’s arms, she listened to the men discuss plans to destroy the remnant of orcs that remained after the war of the ring. They had learned from the southbound travelers that trouble was brewing on the northern road. There were many reports of orc raids in remote villages and several sightings of disbursed bands of orcs north of Isengard and beyond. As a precaution, Aragorn had more guards stand watch throughout the night than he had originally intended. Elladan and Elrohir had much to say on the subject. Their intense hatred of orcs did not lessen with the years. Never did they forget the torment that their mother suffered during her captivity by orcs many years before. Consequently, they rode often with the Dunedain of the north aggressively pursuing orcs to their deaths.

As Arwen listened to her brothers, she began to experience pangs of sleepiness. Sensing her sluggishness, Aragorn shifted to a more comfortable position so that he could rest her head on his chest while he kept her enclosed in his arms supporting her body. Since he planned on consulting with Eomer about the orc raids in the morning, he did not want to prematurely end the discussion. An hour passed during which many strategies were devised and agreed upon. Thus satisfied, Aragorn gently nudged Arwen awake.

When she had regained her alertness, she teased Aragorn saying, “You know, you need not have awoken me.”

Aragorn immediately understood what she implied. Barely had she finished speaking when he swept her off her feet into his arms twirling her around. Arwen threw her head back as she giggled from the light-headed sensation of the twirl. The others looked on amused as Aragorn laughed heartily and said, “Are you awake now sleepy head?” Arwen smiled at him mischievously as he bade the others good night and carried her to their tent.