Genres: Romance, Action/Adventure, Angst, General, Supernatural
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the Tolkien estate or New Line Cinemas. All elves and people of Middle Earth belong to Tolkien. Any movie scenes are owned by Peter Jackson and new Line Cinemas. All Original Characters are mine as is the plots and any facts, not in book or movies, are mine and mine alone. This piece is a work of fiction. No money is being made from this work of fiction.
Chapter Thirty-Four: Back in Rohan
Arriving in Edoras to Celebrations...
The entourage arrived in Edoras the following evening. The city was buzzing with activity as the inhabitants came out to greet them. Though joyous of their king's return, a veil of sadness still loomed at the loss of many warriors in the battle.
Approaching the top of the plateau, they were greeted by Lady Eowyn and Lord Eomer, who were overjoyed themselves for their uncle's safe return. It was nearing the latest part of the day and the sun was sinking low.
Arlothiyenne dismounted Naufaer and was greeted by Eowyn who told her that it was tradition after battle to hold a feast in the honor of the dead and victory and that a gown had been prepared for her. As Eowyn whisked her away, Arlothiyenne turned back to find Haldir and his brothers had been stopped by children who were curious about them. Haldir looked up just then and smiled at her. It was his silent way of telling her that he would be along shortly.
After a brief respite, cleaning up, and a quick nap, Arlothiyenne arose to find that it was time for the feast. The entire city of inhabitants were there. Music played, the people laughing, the smell of fire burning in the pits filled the air, merriment was about the room.
Haldir sat next to Arlothiyenne, dressed in Rohan's finest attire, his brothers across the table dressed similarly, down the table sat Merry and Pippin with Gimli and Legolas. The fellowship was mostly here, but two were absent and one gone forever. It saddened her. She wondered how Sam and Frodo was faring.
The became quiet as the King Theoden, sitting at the high table stood. Raising his goblet. Everyone rose from their seats raising theirs as well. King Theoden spoke, "These past days, we have seen sadness, death, and fear. But we have also seen courage, loyalty, and old alliances reforged. Let us not forget these days, may they ever be remembered when Man prevailed. Never forget those who have gone on to the great halls of our fathers. Hail the Victorious Dead!" he raised his glass again, and all in the room repeated his words. The merriment continued.
Drinking Game...
The merriment raged on well into the late hours of the night. Arlothiyenne sat around watching the comings and goings on around her, Haldir always by her side, holding her hand in his. It was in the lateness of the hour, she began to smile, as the men's and, yes, hobbits and dwarf's behavior began to lighten the moods. She herself had indulged in the drinking, but always in control not to have too much. It was an amazement to her, how men, who had faced such perilous diversity, could find joy and peace in such terrible times. Men. They truly did know how to adapt to changes.
She and Haldir began to really pay close attention as Merry and Pippin, now merrily lightened, as they danced upon a table, singing, dancing, and spreading the joy they felt. Orophin and Rumil, found their own sort of entertainment, talking with a few of the Rohirrim riders, sharing stories of past battles and victories.
Haldir and Arlothiyenne also began to circle about the room, conversing with several people who would stop and thank them for their help during the battle and healing. During one such conversation, Arlothiyenne glanced about the massive hall and captured an intimate moment shared between Lady Eowyn and Aragorn. Sharing a cup of wine, which was seen as in invitation of affection. Once Aragorn took a sip, he gave it back to her, then turned to leave. King Theoden approached congratulating her. The Lady had no idea that it was not Aragorn that her heart would belong to, but another, in the land south of them in Gondor.
In another part of the room, a group was gathered around a table watching a particular elf and a dwarf in a game of dominance. A drinking game. Haldir, pulled Arlothiyenne behind him toward the small crowd.
There stood Legolas, listening to the challenge that Gimli set forth. The two completely opposite in heritage friends, were so much alike. Competitive and in a way, stubborn. Legolas had taken on the challenge and began drinking with the dwarf. One cup of ale after another he drank with no real effects. Gimli after nearly ten pints was beginning to wane, but Legolas held strong. His cups lined up in front of him, at least twenty to count, until at last he stopped a moment and looked at his hands.
"I feel a sensation, tingling through me." he looked up at all near by him, "I believe it is affecting me." he said to really no one.
Lord Eomer, who stood next to Haldir, his brow cocked in curiosity. He leaned closer to Haldir to speak. "Lord Marchwarden, tell me. Do elves respond to the drink as we humans do?" he asked still watching the two friends.
Arlothiyenne heard the question and looked at Haldir wondering just how he would answer.
Haldir smiled broadly. "Actually, Elves have a higher tolerance to human brewed ales, and have to drink extra-large quantities before they feel the full effects. Just like our elven brews and wines, are stronger, if you were to drink our spirits, you would be fully incapacitated after one cup, or maybe even two." he said to the man.
Eomer seemed quite interested, then came back. "Remind me to never drink more than a half cup or one full one should I ever visit your realm." he stopped looked to Gimli who was now showing signs of complete inebriation. His eyes half closed, his beard dripping with liquid. As Legolas took another sip, it was then that Gimli fell forward on the table completely unconscious. Legolas looked at him, shrugged, then set his now empty cup down on the table with a loud thud.
The crowd seeing the Elf had won the challenge, began cheering and patting him on the back.
Arlothiyenne was completely amused she began clapping. Haldir laughed at how much the dwarf had drunk, and passed out as he had.
In dreams, he comes...
By the time the celebrations came to a close, it was near the mid-point of the night. Haldir had long since escorted her to her chambers, and retired to his own. Arlothiyenne laid upon her bed, fighting find her slumber, when it finally came, she found more than she had expected.
(Reveries)
Frodo climbing the mountainside, with Sam and a gangling creature that had a past with the ring. Gollum was his name, a tortured soul, not much different from a hobbit once. His mind in turmoil, his heart blackened with dangerous thoughts of the One Ring. He was plotting and playing the innocent loyalty game with the two young hobbits with him.
Then they were separated, Sam and Frodo was alone, traveling on and then caught by a man, a young man with dirty blond hair wearing the armor of Gondor. The son of the steward, and brother to Boromir. He was holding them hostage at the foot of the mountains that crossed over into Mordor.
Then images of the earlier days flashed before her, seeing and reliving the death of Saruman. There was a question as to where the next battle would take place, that was never asked, never answered. But in her heart, she knew it was near. The battle that would come, huge and chaotic. Masses and masses of creatures brought to a battlefield of unknown origins. A place she had never been before. The losses would be great, but victory would come.
Then to the present, she saw herself lying on her bed, but it shifted to other parts of the Golden Hall, to the room that held most of her friends. Pippin. Pippin was at the center.
The fiery eye of Sauron flashed before her, she woke in a panic, but her vision did not stop. She blinked, but it never left.
There at the foot of the bed, she saw a fog and in it, was the room where her friends were. Pippin was reaching for something that Gandalf held. Her heart quickened as the realization hit her. The Palantir. He was going to hold it.
(End Reverie and Vision)
She nearly flew from the bed, throwing on her robe, she left her rooms to stop him.
On the Steps of the Golden Hall...
In the clear night, the moon shown down. Legolas, standing on the platform looked out upon the moonlit terrain. His mind constantly scanning his feelings. Aragorn approached him cautiously, trying not to startle his friend.
Legolas looked at him, his eyes wide, full of emotion. "Something stirs in the east. I feel it." he told him.
Aragorn looked to the east and tried to connect with the feeling, but found he could not.
Abruptly, Legolas' head shot to face him. His heart had quicken, he was on alert. "He is here!" he said.
Both of them ran back into the Hall and to the room where the rest of them laid.
Pippin's mistake...
Pippin rose quietly from his sleeping pad, and carefully walked to where Gandalf laid. Sensing his cousin's rousing, Merry whispered to him, "What are you doing? Pippin?"
"I have to see it, touch it." he said grabbing the water pitcher, then reaching for the cloaked wrapped ball of glass. He made the switch quickly and held the ball close to himself.
"Pippin, do not do it. It is not wise." Merry told him, trying to discourage him.
Pippin unwrapped the Palantir, and gazed at it in wonder. He closed his eyes and placed his hands about it. Immediately, he was thrown back, his hands unable to move. The power surged and the raspy voices began to ring out in his mind. He saw the images flashing before him. The White tree, ablaze with fire but not consumed. The Dark Lord's minion, the Witch King, then the the Great Fiery eye that spoke to his mind.
He screamed out as the pain came to him from the palantir.
All in the room, shot from their beds and rushed to his side. The door burst open, and in came Haldir, his brothers and Arlothiyenne. Gandalf who had beaten them all, pulled the magic ball from his hands and fell back. Seeing that Pippin still suffered, he threw it down and bounced back to lean over the hobbit, trying to see what he had been shown.
He laid there, barely able to speak.
The truth in his eyes, and fate is revealed...
Gandalf fought the little hobbit, trying to see what he was shown. Arlothiyenne crossed the room, seeing her little friend in such a state. She fell to her knees and began to talk to Pippin.
"Pippin, what did you see?" she asked, Gandalf had both hands upon his face, his eyes closed trying to read his mind.
"I saw-I saw- a white tree. On fire, but not consumed. Then I saw-" he stopped the tears beginning to fall, he opened them, looked from Arlothiyenne to Gandalf, "Him. I saw him. He spoke to me. He knows of the Ring. He asked me my name. But I did not answer."
Hearing his words, Gandalf looked at the others, but said nothing. Arlothiyenne closed her eyes and saw the fiery Eye. Saw the images Pippin had. The White Tree on fire, the Witch King, then she heard the voices, and Pippin's response. She opened her eyes and looked at Gandalf.
"He is telling the truth, Gandalf." she whispered.
Gandalf shook his head. "I know." he said. He stood, his irritation of the hobbit reigning through. "Fool of a Took!" he proclaimed.
Arlothiyenne, hearing his aggravated proclamation softly scolded Gandalf. "Gandalf, please! He cannot help himself. It is in his nature to be curious." she said standing.
Pippin was now being held by Merry with Sam and Frodo looking on at their friend.
Haldir stood by the door, disheveled in only his leggings and his hair unbound. He looked concern for the little hobbit. Aragorn and Legolas was nearly breathless from their short run to the chambers. Gimli had fallen back to sleep and snoring loudly.
Meeting with the King...
The house had been awaken in the dead of night, the commotion had brought them from their beds. The king, his nephew, Gamling and his niece, stood in the Main hall in their robes listening to Gandalf.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. He told Sauron nothing. A fool he is, but an honest one." he said.
King Theoden sat upon his throne taking in all that had been revealed in the vision. Pippin stood in the room, before the king, head bowed low for the shame of doing something as dangerous as he had. King Theoden looked at them. "What does it mean?" he asked.
Gandalf spoke, "We had wondered where the next battle would take us. Saruman would never have told us. The white tree on fire but not consumed. The white tree of Gondor. This tells me that his eye is fixed on Gondor. I leave at first light for Minas Tirith and-" he said turning to Pippin, "I will not be going alone. We shall meet with the steward and request he light the beacons. When that time comes, Rohan must answer."
The king said nothing. The room was eerily quiet. Arlothiyenne waited to hear what the king would decided. Haldir was beside her, arm about her waist. The king rose up and began pacing. "Why should I answer when they did not come to my aid?"
No answer came.
It was after a few mere moments that all in the meeting, left to return to their chambers. Tomorrow would swiftly and all needed their rest.
Gandalf departs...
The morning came with Gandalf stalking fast to the stables. Aragorn walked beside him talking about the plan. Arlothiyenne and Haldir followed closely behind with his brothers following. The plan was simple, Gandalf and Pippin would ride to Minas Tirith and urge the steward to light the beacons. Easy enough, but Arlothiyenne knew that the steward would not do it, and matters would have to be taken on ones own. Three days they would have to ride in order to reach the White City. Three long days to wait.
She looked back at Pippin who was being scolded by Merry. "Why do you always have to look?" he asked irritated.
"I can't help it." Pippin said frankly. They stopped just outside the stable doors. Merry pulled out a small pouch and handed it to Pippin. Pippin looked down at it and then back up again, confused. "The last of the long bottom leaf?"
Merry simply looked at him. "Yes. You smoke too much, you always have." he told him.
"You are coming with me, right?" Pippin said as Merry turned then began walking again. "Merry?"he said hopefully.
"No, not this time." Merry said sadly.
Inside the stables, Gandalf mounted Shadowfax and reached down for Pippin. Gandalf whispered to the horse. "Time to go, my friend. Show us the meaning of haste." With those words, Shadowfax tore from the stall with a great speed.
Merry ran to the nearest post to watch as Gandalf and Pippin rode off. Eomer, who stood near by looked down at the childlike hobbit, then placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "We have always went everywhere together. I do not know what to do."
Eomer spoke not a word, and looked over to find that Arlothiyenne and Haldir had joined them, watching the Wizard and hobbit ride off.
Revelations...
Eomer, curious, spoke to Arlothiyenne. "My lady, can you tell us what will happen?' he asked.
Arlothiyenne, knew what would happen, felt it. She felt Aragorn and the others behind her. She turned to face them all. "The beacons will be lit, but not without some trickery. Denethor's heart is gray, and clouded. But Gandalf, has with him quite an extraordinary little hobbit." she smiled at them all, then looked down at Merry. "He will be fine, Merry. Pippin had a part to play, and this is just a start. We all have some part to play." she patted his shoulder.
Merry looked at her, then smiled slightly. "I am sure we all do, it is just, that Pip and I have never been without each other." he said pointing out the obvious.
She smiled again. "We all know it, no two people are as close as the two of you are. That is something that will help in the end. Pippin has to find his courage, and this is one step in that direction." She looked at Haldir, who was looking back to see that Gandalf was now completely out of sight.
He turned back, held out an arm to Arlothiyenne. "He is now well on his way. We need to find my brothers, there are a group of young riders who are interested in honing their skills with weapons. Eomer, would it be alright to have demonstrations on how the elves do it?" he said looking to the King's nephew.
He cocked a brow, then spoke quite interested. "Of course, how often does men get a chance to train with elves? This way." he said waving a hand toward the bottom of the stairs.
Haldir led Arlothiyenne down the steps to the ground. "Haldir, I would like to go with you, but I feel that the King may want to converse with me further on my stays in the North. I shall be with him, should you need me." she told him as they approached the bottom of the steps.
He smiled at her, brushed his lips lightly upon hers and pulled back. "Aye, my love, we shall be training with the men and the others if you want to join us later. I believe Merry will join and so will Legolas and Aragorn, I am sure." He said looking to Aragorn and Legolas.
Legolas smiled. "Yes, I would like that very much. Long has it been since I was able to best, the best of Lorien's warrior at archery." he said fighting back a smile.
Aragorn snickered a little, his grin pulling up at the corners of his mouth. "Legolas, you are forgetting. You are good, but Haldir has at least millennia on you at the least." he said looking at his friend.
"Perhaps, but I still say I could best him easily." He said adamantly.
Gimli standing quiet until this point, spoke, his voice gruff, full of challenge. He closed an eye and looked at both Legolas and Haldir. "I bet I could best the both of you." he said arrogantly.
The two elves smiled, and motioned for him to lead the way.
Arlothiyenne stood there a moment and watched them all leave, with Merry trying to catch up. She shook her head, and made her way to the Golden Hall and her meeting with Theoden.
N/A: Sorry so short. The chapters will be coming faster now, I think. This chapter is one of my originals..First time in ages that I have written from scratch..Hope you like. Please Review..and be kind...Love constructive crit.
Up Next: Gondor and Edoras, then onto the Dunharrow. (Also a little foreshadowing of things to come)