It was the morning of the forty second day of Prodash and Vogurks mission with the Ents.
On this morning we received the answer. Isengard is ours.
Frodo was taking a much needed walk. He was correct in his thinking, that he no longer belonged here. The glares of mistrust continued since his return. They are treating me like they treated Bilbo.
He was now walking amongst the trees to go to his favourite thinking spot. Only this time, there was someone there. A changed Orc. Frodo tenses slightly still not sure if they can be trusted. This particular female Orc is not part of the group of Orcs that he meet in Rivendell.
"Hello," Says Frodo to the Orc.
The Orc looks to Frodo.
"And what are you?" Says the Orc.
The Orc had such a puzzled innocent look that it made Frodo chuckle and forget the reason why he was wary of this Orc.
"In polite conversation, it would be 'Who are you'," Replies Frodo.
Back in Isengard.
Fighting and destruction was our cause, not building. That is not to say we can't build but Orc dwellings were either stolen dwellings or shelters created in haste. We now can take our time with building our city.
Looking at the ruined expanse of Isengard was not encouraging.
"What a wreck Purg! How long are we going to stay here?" Asks Zlog.
"Not long, I am going to help with organising the layout and other issues. I wish to join the hunting parties, then I wish to settle near Bree after that," Replies Purg.
The clean up was slow work. Vruurk and Purg had great ideas on planning the city. It was stressful at times because everyone wanted their say and then opinions started all over again when hunting parties returned. Some were interested in the beginning then they would leave, the amount of workers would fluctuate day by day.
We were delighted to finally have Waruka join our group again. Even with missing limbs he still worked as hard as any other here.
Each day started to roll into one, day in day out rebuilding Isengard day in day out rebuilding Isengard. Only this time the monotony was broken by the company of Vruurk.
In the Shire, the Hobbits were very perplexed about Frodo's behaviour. Talking about creatures not known and talks of Orcs changing alliances. Even rumours of him befriending Orcs. The nerve, at least Bilbo had the decency to stay in his Hobbit hole and leave everyone well enough alone.
The Shire had attracted attention of a Orc hunting party.
"Purg I doubt an Orc would be hiding with Hobbits," Says Zlog, still unconvinced.
"I've got reliable sources that says otherwise," Answers Purg.
"This place is special. A little untouched paradise among the destruction of Middle Earth," Pondered Zlog.
"Speaking of little ..." Mutters Purg when he notices a Hobbit.
"Hello there, my name is Purg and this is my second in charge Zlog. Now I heard that there is a possibility of an Orc being present here?" Asks Purg to the little Hobbit.
The Hobbit was not visibly happy about being spoken to by an Orc.
"Go to the Baggins residence, that's all I know," Replies the Hobbit while saying Baggins with much venom in his voice. The Hobbit then runs away while muttering angrily under his breath.
They finally made it to the Baggins place. When the door opened they were faced with the Hobbit Sam. Purg and Zlog remembered this outspoken Hobbit from Rivendell.
"Sam, we have come here looking for an Orc. Can we speak to them?" Asks Purg.
"No, there is no Orc here," Replies Sam.
"Nar Mat Kordh-Ishi Purg, he is lying," Sneers Zlog.
Zlog barges past Sam into the residence.
"Come back here! You can't just enter someone's place without permission," Shouts Sam at Zlog.
Purg runs after Zlog. When Purg caught up with Zlog he had the Orc and Frodo cornered.
"Found you!" Says Zlog.
Frodo had his sword raised.
"What do you want with Eranak," Hisses Frodo. He moves in front of her to protect her. Luckily for him she wasn't very tall for an Orc.
"I am exhausted Erulo, we can do more building tomorrow," Says Vruurk.
"Let us stop for the day then, why don't I teach you more Elvish?" I reply.
Vruurk and I have been taking advantage of Saruman's library.
As we walk to the library I realise Vruurk is keeping something from me. When she is worrying about something she always has the line creases on the top of her nose and plays with the hem of her shirt.
I wrap my arm around her shoulder in hope to calm her fears.
"Lle anta yulna en alu?" I ask to her in Elvish. /Do you need a drink of water?/
"Amin irma, ... Diole lle," Replies Vruurk.
"Wait! I mean DioLA lle. Amin Irma, Diola lle," Says Vruurk then she smiles. /I would like some, thankyou/
"Getting better!" I reply encouragingly.
Vruurk has been quite determined in her quest to learn Elvish. I think one of her reasons is to be able to understand Aragorn and his wife when they visit soon. Also I don't think she has quite forgiven Aragorn and Legolas for their consistent use of the language to avoid her understanding them.
The sun was almost setting when our session was stopped by a knock at the door.
Purg entered.
"It has been far too long Purg! How was your journey?" Says Vruurk.
When we walk over to him Vruurk then gives him a hug for a proper greeting and I shake his hand.
"Well our journey was one of many surprises! I have guests for you," Replies Purg.
"How many this time?" I ask.
Purg smiles then coughs in embarrassment.
"I think you need to see these guests for yourself," Replies Purg.
A little puzzled we followed Purg to meet these guests of ours. We follow Purg to the entrance hall. My eyes widen in surprise, it's Frodo conversing with a changed Orc. Who is she ...
"Eranak, I trust you and that is the only reason I am here. If they wish you to stay, would you?" Asks Frodo.
"Only if you are ... Afar Angathfark," Replies Eranak.
The Orc Oath was whispered with reverence. Most unusual.
"I wouldn't hold you to such promises Eranak," Counters Frodo.
I hear slight growls from Vruurk and Purg. Eranak and Frodo jump and turn to us.
"Well I wasn't expecting to see you Frodo, what brings you here?" I ask.
"Me," Announces Eranak.
"We wanted to know more of what was happening in Isengard," Adds Frodo.
"Frodo and Eranak, curious. They seem very close," Says Vruurk.
I shifted my weight to see her better.
"You can't be suggesting what I think you are ...
Vruurk laughs.
"No! Not at all. Only it's nice Frodo has a friend that isn't Sam. Sam is a good friend but Frodo needs someone who understands him. Now that Sam has Rosie, Sam won't have time for Frodo," Answers Vruurk.
I think what Vruurk is saying is true. When I spoke to him last he was very empty. He seemed very happy tonight and I am glad.
"I am glad for his happiness. His mind was spoiled by such evil that I thought it would be impossible for him to be happy," I reply.
Vruurk closes her eyes briefly and sighed.
"There was a time I thought it would be impossible for me to be happy, I haven't been free from nightmares either," Says Vruurk softly.
This must be what Vruurk has been hiding from me. As if right on cue Vruurk starts playing with the bottom of her shirt. I move closer to her and hold her close.
"What is different about today?" Asks Frodo.
"Nothing is different Frodo, we are just going to build the city, toil toil and more toil, no peace for the wicked, unless you rather help me with the Wargs?" Replies Opkagu.
Frodo cringes at that and shakes his head.
Opkagu lately had been taking care of lost Wargs and trying to learn how to train them. They have become quite difficult to control even with using black speech. Building the city isn't Opkagu's main objective. This didn't surprise me but it's nice that he helped when he could.
Vruurk wishes to use the Wargs to have a means of travel instead of horses since horses still have an aversion to most of us.
"If nothing is different today, why is Vruurk humming? ... Humming a Hobbit song in fact," Replies Frodo.
Vruurk chuckles then starts filling her plate with food.
"Honestly it's the only song I know! Today is a good day, Aragorn will be visiting us," Counters Vruurk.
Frodo's eyes widen in surprise.
"Today is a good day, I haven't seen him and Lady Arwen for a while," Says Frodo with a big smile on his face.
After breakfast we then spilt into parties. Frodo and Eranak work with the farming and kitchen party, at Frodo and Eranak's request. Vruurk and I still watch them with interest. Their connection Is still quite odd. Vruurk tries to be indifferent about it and says things like 'Aragorn and Arwen apparently go well together', but I know it concerns her.
It's frustrating to me that she is still hiding something. Possibly having Aragorn to talk to will finally get out this secret. Vruurk starts humming again as we start our repairs.
From this height I can see the beginnings of a great city, the ruined city of Isengard was thriving with activity and looking a little less ruined. The populace still fluctuates quite often because of trade and hunting parties. The estimated populace is just over a thousand, more than half are changed.
I hear Vruurk hum the Hobbit song again.
"You miss them that much?" I ask her.
"I do miss Aragorn and Arwen but I am excited about what this visit means for us," Replies Vruurk.
"Having a King visit our somewhat city would be advantageous, but I am surprised you thought of it that way. I don't know whether to be shocked or proud," I answer her.
Vruurk flashes me a smirk then continues to work on the wall. When the midday sun hit down on us it was too much for Vruurk, she swayed in exhaustion. I persuaded her to leave the wall and she complied but when we returned she almost emptied the contents of her stomach.
When I tried to take care of her. she insisted to be left alone.
"Vruurk, I am not leaving you in such condition," I saying insisting.
"I am just going to nap," Rasps Vruurk.
I move a chair next to the bed and sit down.
"Please, I am feeling better already ...
"Not moving," I say softly, interrupting her.
She smiles and grabs a hold of my hand. With her hand in mine she falls asleep. With the amount of times we have comforted each other it pleases me that this time it's not such a drastic condition. I can handle exhaustion and Vruurk has been helping me with nightmares. Battle fever doesn't seem to not only impact a few but the vast majority of us in Isengard. Remorse is a dangerous emotion.
I continue holding her hand and monitor her breathing. She seems to be quite at peace. Horns ablaze and she quickly opens her eyes.
"They are here," She Announces, sounding much better than before.
I help her up. We make our way to the entrance hall. When we finally arrive Frodo is talking very merrily with the King.
... then when we finish the harvest will be plentiful, but like I said before pipe weed, not so easy to grow but we will get there!" Says Frodo, not being able to keep the smile off his face. It seems Frodo has enjoyed being in Isengard.
"So you plan to stay here in Isengard? What of your home, what of ...
"Strider ... I mean King Aragorn I don't wish to go back. Sam has bagend taken care of, and besides I am needed and wanted here," Interrupts Frodo.
"Come now, let us not talk of you encouraging my friend to leave me," Says Eranak.
"Welcome King Aragorn and Lady Arwen, we have much to discuss. Due to travels I am sure you wish for a meal," Announces Vruurk, in Elvish.
Aragorn raises an eyebrow in shock.
"Thank you Vruurk, it has been far too long. Please lead us," Replies Aragorn, In Elvish.
"Thank you Vruurk, from what I can gather already from Frodo there is indeed much to discuss," Says Lady Arwen, then continues with, "But please let us converse in the common speech."
As we were leading them in Arwen whispers to her Husband in very panicked and rushed words.
The meal went well and it included peaceful discussions. Unlike the last time we were in the presence of the King. After the meal Arwen wanted to be shown the Library by Vruurk.
Aragorn, Frodo, Eranak and I decided to stay in the food hall and continue our discussions. After quite some time Arwen and Vruurk return, both looking quite upset.
"I am in need of rest, come Aragorn. I will lead you to our sleeping quarters," Announces Arwen. Considering the Sun had barely set, rest had nothing to do with their hasty retreat.
I stand and follow Vruurk, she is almost running to get out of the presence of Arwen. At the edge of the forest she slows. I grab her hand.
"What has Arwen said to upset you?" I ask.
She sits down on the grassy field, dragging me down to sit with her. I grab her into a side hug and we look out to the stars in silence for a while.
"I have news, good or bad I myself have yet to decide. I have wanted to tell ... but I ... well ..."
I take her hands into mine and I am worried. A tear runs down her cheek.
She takes in a shaky breath.
"I am with child."
I stop breathing. My heart races. I don't know what to say. Instead of looking at her face I start to stare at her hands. This was her secret. Say something. I finally look at her and notice she is scared of my reaction. I can't have that, I can't have my reason to live to have such fears.
"Fear not Princess," I say while placing loose strands of her hair behind her ear.
"It's indisputably the best news I have received in my whole life."
She squeals in delight. Vruurk quickly tackle hugs me and starts kissing me. I can't help but smile.
A/N Thank you, thank you so much for reading. Only one more chapter and an epilogue left. Don't know whether that is good thing or not but I don't wish to drag out this story more then needed. I went from the Shire to Isengard so often that I hope I didn't give you readers whipslash ... (sorry so sorry if this chapter has any mistakes, I am my own editor) :-D JD