Finished in good time this week! Can't wait to write the next one!


Aragorn was angry.

This was no surprise for there were several good reasons to feel this way. Without a decent excuse both him and Legolas had been drugged and taken captive. No-one would listen to a plausible, well meaning and true reason to be where they were. Despite doing nothing of major consequence to aggravate anyone, an immediate disliking had been taken to them. Also, he was injured, or at least had been, and it showed no honour whatsoever to disregard that fact.

However, this was not what was frustrating him.

All of that came from looking at the stubborn elf sat next to him.

Legolas' ankles and wrists were red and raw, on his face, there was a cut, albeit a small one, with a forming bruise taking place on his jaw below it. The blood on his arm appeared to be from a small but potentially deep wound. Granted, his injuries were mild, you could even consider them barely worth noticing.

Still, he was annoyed that the damage was worse then had been initially said.

Of course Aragorn knew most of his anger was poorly reasoned. Thinking about it, his feelings probably stemmed from the injuries being there at all.

Looking around though, he doubted things would get much better. The semicircle surrounding them didn't foreshadow exchanging fact, it seemed to Aragorn as if they were trying to be intimidating.

A man with vibrant robes stepped towards him.

"What is your purpose here Strider?"

He thought a while. He guessed he the reason he was picked out specifically was due to Legolas' interrogation earlier. One option was to spin some sort of wild tale that would allow them to be released or lead them into more trouble. The other option was to tell the truth and have them forcefully reject it.

Inside he knew he would have to tell the truth. Even if they cut him down there would still be the fact that he was honest. It was only their faults that would show through upon denying such.

"We were passing by when there was an orc attack. We were heading home but came here as I was injured and it is difficult to overcome poison in the wilderness. Legolas had no idea of what you think of us when he brought me here. He was just interested in saving my life."

Aragorn knew his words were a gamble. There was a chance they could see everything as his fault and take things out on him, see the story as an elaborate lie. Most people would hopefully see the act as one of friendship though. Looking at Legolas, he saw he shared his hopes and doubts but ultimately looked thankful at his efforts.

Many of those around them also seemed as if they wanted to accept this story. Unfortunately, they didn't make up the majority.

"You're sure there is nothing more?"

The brightly garbed man had spoken once more. His voice was calm but a tornado thrashed in his eyes. Turning on his heel to become one with the line, he allowed someone else to take his place.

It was the youngest of the bunch. Eyes fuming and mouth set in a grim half smile. He then proceeded to kick Aragorn in the stomach, clipping, probably cracking, his floating ribs. Holding back a grunt, Aragorn looked on in amazement as he also turned, this time to face the elf who then received a heavy blow to his left shoulder, assisted by a slither of silver metal.

He watched as the man retreated. Legolas' face was fixed, showing no sign of the pain he was containing. A dark stain was steadily becoming more prominent and worrying to the ranger.

The man with the broken nose then came over and whispered in the ear of the man with the blade. Looking at Legolas, he tried to use his expression as a means of finding out what they were saying.

Nothing was given away.

Then, the first man stood next to Legolas, knife angled towards him threateningly. The latter strode towards Aragorn and looked down at him.

"Tell us what we want to know or you friend gets it."

Despite his voice being very nasal due to the damage done by his friend, Aragorn could hear in his voice that he meant every word he said. Racking his brains, the dúnadan searched rapidly for something he could say to dissuade them from harming the elf. Finding only one feeble response he offered it openly, struggling to keep his voice neutral.

"We had considered coming here to rest beforehand but otherwise all I have said is true."

As soon as he the last word had left his mouth a quick nod resulted in a crimson laceration along the archer's right arm.

Aragorn barely contained an exclamation of profound annoyance. They had both known this would happen. It had been a likelihood from quite early on. But that didn't mean it didn't hurt to see his friend being used against him when he was helpless to prevent it.

A new man stepped up. One he didn't recognize. He motioned for the man with the knife to stop.

"Kerin, wait. They have given us one piece of useful information: they had planned on coming here in the first place," Aragorn stared at him. He hadn't said that! "Now they just need to admit why."

He felt despair claw at him. There was nothing more to say. He couldn't stop the man, Kerin, from injuring Legolas. He couldn't get them out if this when he was the reason they were there in the first place.

The question kept coming for a further half an hour. By now both of the prisoners had been inflicted with various wounds. Not enough to bother with themselves but so much that the other was greatly concerned.

Legolas had a nosebleed, several knife initiated injuries along his arms and legs and another on his right thigh.

Aragorn himself had a rapidly forming black eye, several scratches on his torso and arms as well as a deep gash above his left eye that had ceased to work through the blood. He could see his friend's nervous glances towards him but chose to disregard them in favour of his own unease.

After a time the questions had as good as stopped coming. Instead only blow upon blow was delivered, regardless to the protests from the ranger and archer.

Some of the men held back, refusing to be involved, watched, disturbed by the malace vibrating through the room.

One of them was determinedly looking anywhere but at them. Legolas was glaring at him intently, though not angry. Aragorn recognised him to be the one who escorted Freed away. However, he allowed his curiosity and confusion over the subject to be overridden fit the time. There wasn't any use wondering about anything other than escape.

A further ten minutes passed and the flamboyant man signalled for the interrogation to stop.

"That will do. Clearly, they won't be telling us anything. Inform the villagers about them and let them do as they please."

Aragorn knew this had some meaning to it. Something he was mercilessly left out of. But from Kerin's smile alone, he knew it wasn't to be desired.

A WARM WELCOME

Shuffling nervously from foot to foot, Merry's eyes darted between the crowd around them and the motionless large folk of the fellowship. He wished someone would do something. After the ominous words had been spoken things settled into a standoff. No-one had reached for any weapons, but as soon as they did, Merry knew pandamonium would erupt.

This didn't explain why no-one made move to attack thought. Admittedly, Merry didn't want to hurt anyone but his will to stop them from harming any of his friends may just outweigh that. Was that enough to attack most likely innocent people even if they did seem to wish harm on them?

When the first move did happen he was strongly unsurprised to see it was the man who had spoken. Brandishing a long knife, he sauntered forwards.

Glancing towards Gandalf uncertainty, Merry waited for him to do something. In his eyes was a calm yet somehow frustrated look. He made no movement toward his staff or Glamdring, his sword. Neither Boromir or Aragorn moved either. For Aragorn, it was quite likely out of shame for bringing this upon them but Merry remained unaware of this. Gimli and Legolas also did nothing even though Merry was aware they could have committed to an blow before anyone had even noticed.

Just as things were about to get bad, a woman rushed forwards.

"Kerin! Cease this at once! There is no need for such." Turning to the crowd she called out stonily to them. "You may all go back to your business. Care no more for what's happened here."

One by one the crowd dissipated. Then she turned to the fellowship after directing a glare at the man.

As she walked up, Merry watched how she showed no signs of fear or distress. He even thought he saw familiarity in her warm brown eyes, framed by her sunset brown hair.

Upon reaching them, she smiled, all traces of demanding orders gone.

"If you will follow me. I will explain all back at my house. For now though, I think it's best to move so there is no unnecessary discomfort."

Aragorn followed her almost instantly and even Legolas joined them after a nod of reassurance to the istari .

Seeing his resigned expression, Boromir also followed and Merry prodded Pippin, pushing him along. Surging forwards, they all trailed after the nameless woman, Gandalf following up in the rear.

When they reached a house, considerably larger than those they saw littering the main square. She ushered them all in.

The sound that greeted them was numerous shrieks and squeals of glee. Two children raced past them and vanished into a room on the left.

"Eldor! Don't chase your sister!"

The hobbits exchanged wistful looks. How long had it been since they were doing similar things in the Shire?

The company stood awkwardly as a man pushed his head around a door. Like the woman, his eyes were brown. That was where the similarities stopped. His eyes were more hazel amber and freckles dotted his nose. A mess of darkened coal formed his hair and the stubble of a beard masked his lower face in a shadow.

"Ne! You're back! Who do you have with you?"

His eyes traveled over the group gathered in front of him before letting them settle on the two in the corner.

"Estel! Legolas! It's good to see you again. Under better circumstances I hope."

He then proceeded to hug them both, leaving them quite startled though pleased at his show of affection.

Hands on her hips, the dark eyed woman spoke.

"Freed, can we get to the table. I have a feeling there will be more questions and- Eldor! Leihla! Calm down!"

Twin balls of energy rushed over and latched onto her legs. Softening, she leaned down and spoke to them.

"El, Lei, these are…"

She looked up to Gandalf, who promptly filled in the gap.

"I am Gandalf the Grey, this is Boromir, son of Denethor, Gimli son of Glóin, Strider or Estel of the Dúnadan, Legolas Thranduilion of the woodland realm and Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took, hobbits from the Shire."

For unknown reasons, the introduction made Merry inflate with pride, but not enough to stop him from making a few changes.

"You can just call me Merry, him Pippin, and him Sam." He pointed to each hobbit in turn.

Smiling, 'Ne' responded after nodding in thanks:

"And these are my children Eldor and Leihla."

The boy sprung forwards shyly.

"Hello! You can call me El."

Then, without warning, he squealed. Behind him, Leihla had pushed him and they restarted their race about the house. Freed stepped forwards apologetically.

"I apologize about that. If you come through here. It's not ideal but it'll do."

They moved to a table with five chairs surrounding it. After a gesture for the hobbits to sit Merry obliged, feeling it would just be ride to forgo such a request. Everyone else stood. Noticing no-one else would sit, Ne took up the last chair.

Then she began.

Over the course of an hour she told them about the events of twenty-five years ago, starting from after the prison break. All throughout, everyone listened without fidgeting, whispering or asking questions.

Afterwards, Gandalf looked thoughtful before confirming pieces of the given information.

"Twenty-five years ago there was a storm. This storm brought in some sort of shadow that, once it touches someone, lured people away mindless. It forced you to move. It can be prevented from getting inside the town through the circle of fire baskets, or light in general, and it is assumed to be a curse brought upon the village because two people were held captive, escaped and held a grudge. Am I correct?"

Both man and woman gazed at each other before confirming.

"Pretty much."

Everyone was looking towards Gandalf. Merry felt jittery. He didn't like the sound of things and dearly hoped they could be explained away.

"Does everyone share this opinion?"

Ne shook her head.

"No. It's mostly those who were alive then, but the rumour has passed on, and, while it may be doubted, it is generally accepted to be the truth. I have been trying to use my position as the mayor's secretary to change this and find out more. I have been entirely unsuccessful. It's hard to convince people of things they don't want to believe."

Taking a deep breath Gandalf spoke. It was quiet and almost calm. The words though, made Merry shift unconsciously closer to Pippin protectively.

"I believe it is the creator known as The Shadow of Morgoth. A shadow like being as you described. Doesn't confront people directly but can stir up a lot of trouble. It has been many years since anyone has heard anything of him. He has even gone as far to be forgotten by nearly all races."

Leaning on his staff he sighed, hat tilted to cover his face.

"It's a shame. I was planning on passing through here before nightfall. Now we will be staying."

Everyone looked confused. Looking towards the two former prisoners he smiled knowingly.

"It is most likely unsafe to travel when night may be too near to outrun the shadows. Also I doubt some here will be willing to leave without helping."

Gazes all swiveled to those highlighted. Both of their mouths were set in a determined line. At the confused looks they were receiving they smiled. Pippin couldn't help but ask another of his famous questions.

"Why do you want to help those who hurt you?"

Legolas laughed and answered.

"Many here had no part in that like all of those born recently. Others had no part in it anyway."

Aragorn then pushed in, grinning deeply at the couple who had offered their own home as safety.

"Besides, we must do something to repay those who saved our lives somehow."

Both Sunine and Freed smiled in thanks.

Gimli looked on, a glint in his eyes.

"So. What's the plan?"


I bet you all knew it was Sunine. I've now confirmed that they saved our favourite trouble makers as well. I'm starting to wonder whether they should he locked up or not...

By the way, does anyone like the names of Sunine and Freed's children?

Thanks for all the views and comments. Don't be afraid to add one! Please be nice. Though any suggestions for improvement will be appreciated and I'm starting to worry I've got the rating wrong...

Surely only a few more chapters left?

Sorry to those wanting to read more of 'Tales Of Home' as well. I will to get around to it. I promise!