By nautika
Rating: K
Summary: Two friends take a day off
Disclaimer: These characters belong to Tolkien. This is a not for profit fiction.
Play-time
The two friends raced through the field, enjoying the feel of the wind and the freedom from responsibility. There were no orcs or wargs to fight, no sign of wolves, nothing but a beautiful day and a good friend to enjoy it with. These days were rare. Usually, when they were together, they were caught up in some type of situation that seemed to always lead to someone getting hurt and having to be carried back to Lord Elrond of Rivendell. Lord Elrond was a great healer, but the two agreed he must sometimes dread their return. Today, however, they pushed such thoughts from their minds and enjoyed some friendly competition.
The fair being crossed the agreed upon point first, and turned to see his companion reach him only moments later. As expected, he protested the other's victory.
'You cheated! You left before the count was finished.'
'I hardly see how you would know when I left. How do you even see where you are going? In truth it is a miracle you find the finishing point at all.'
The darker of the two tossed his head, an old habit. 'I will win the next one. Are you ready for a rematch?'
'Let us rest for awhile, mellon nin. Are you not hungry?'
The friends ate in silence, glancing around them to make sure their time together was not spoiled by unwelcome predators. Finally having eaten their fill, they began to review former battles and debate which of them had shown the greater courage or defeated the greater adversary. Such bickering was common, only showing their affection for each other.
Finally, the time they had dreaded came. Voices called to them from a distance. Loyal creatures that they were, they could not ignore them. After all, as true as their devotion was to each other, their devotion to those who called them was even greater. They took one last look at the meadow and ran toward the voices, which were clearer now.
Their keen eyes quickly spotted those calling to them. As one, they stopped in front of their friends and lowered their heads. Hands came out to welcome them; the new arrivals smiled and patted their necks, speaking softly to them.
"I am glad you have returned safely, mellon nin," said the elf.
"Did you have a good time, my friend?" asked the Ranger.
"It is unfortunate we are not able to allow them to do this more often" said the Prince.
Then they grasped their manes, pulled themselves onto the back of their faithful mounts, and rode off to more adventure.
The End
A/N: Okay, did you understand it? I looked for their names, but I wanted this to be pre-Fellowship and all I could find was the name of the horses Eomer gave them. Hope you enjoyed it!