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Digging her heels onto the sides of the horses a little, Eilonwy prodded it forward to beside the half-elf ~ "That's a fine blade you have there, Cyrus." ~ She murmured softly in awe ~ "It hums a tune of its own... I hear it..." ~ She tossed a glance at the silent paladin who rode with a hardened expression on his face.
Aragorn looked through her, far beyond, his mind was drifting a little ~ Ursula, you've got to protect Fantine... ~ He barely noticed the dancing katana swivelling around them in a sinuous rhythm ~ Fantine, you will stay back there, won't you? ~ It suddenly seemed a horrible idea to have left those two ladies behind ~ Will they trail us? Is that what Cyrus was mumbling about?... What was it that he said, anyway? ~ Uncharacteristally, a lost look clouded his eyes as he dully urged the horse along.
"Get a grip of yourself." ~ He started as he felt a cool hand upon his wrist. Looking up, he met Eilonwy's solemn countenance, the first time she wore one since they had met ~ "You've made your choice, Aragorn. Live with it. Live in the now." ~ At his instinctive glare, she shook her head ~ "Don't start that now, please. You know I've nothing against you." ~ A mischievous grin persistently crept onto her lips ~ "Except for when you charged towards me like a madman, waving that ridiculous long sword."
With reluctance, he returned the grin, albeit wearily ~ "It is my family blade." ~ Subconsciously running his fingers along the scabbard ~ "It is the pride of the Brightblade family, and has served many generations." ~ I hope I do not disgrace it...
"Yes, the Brightblade family..." ~ She spoke to herself quietly ~ "... or the Freelight..." ~ Jolting as he, in turn, grabbed her wrist.
"How did you know that?" ~ For a strange reason, he almost choked at the sound of the name ~ "How is it that you know so much about me, while I know nothing about you?" ~ It was so unfair! She had the advantage in almost aspect.
"If we survive this adventure, I will let you know all that you want." ~ Once again, she lapsed into a pensive mood ~ "But now, you must do your part, Aragorn." ~ Her voice was hypnotic ~ "You must be alert, and help us live to fight that beast. Then become a hero, a pride to your family..." ~ Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight ~ "... and then, we shall sit around the fireplace and share as many stories as we would like." ~ With that, she pulled her hand away and continued to keep up with Cyrus, ignoring him.
Aragorn took a deep breath, then exhaled. All that she had said made sense. Imp that she was, she had her serious moods. And she was so right ~ What was I thinking of?! ~ With renewed spirit, he now flicked the reins of the horse, and together they made their way to the front, closely behind their companions...
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