Tolkein still owns it and Meyer still owns her bit too!
15 Isengard (March 5 - 6)Later the day after the battle the remaining members of the company, along with Theoden and Twenty of his Rohirrim commanded by Eomer set off for Isengard. They wanted Bella to remain behind due to her injuries, but she refused and joined them on the back of Brego with Aragorn. As they left Helms Deep they looked Eastwards towards Mordor, seeing the fire of Barad Dur light the sky, Saurons eye firmly fixed on the west.
"Saurons wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift," Gandalf exclaimed, "All our hope now lies with Frodo and Sam somewhere in the wilderness," he finished.
"As long as there is hope," Bella offered.
The party continued on the north-south road toward the Fords of Isen and the Gap of Rohan. Smoke could be seen in the distance and rumbles from the forests could be heard all around.
"Let us rest the night and approach with clearer heads and less weary bodies," Gandalf stated as they arrived at the dry fords.
Theoden looked about him, crows flew about and there was evidence of battle all around. "Is this the place at which my son fell?, what of his men?" he said to no one in particular.
Gandalf sighed and approached the king, "Come my friend, I was here but days ago and Erkenbrand and Grimbold were retrieving those who had been lost," he said sadly, leading the king to a mound ringed with spears. "Here lies the brave souls of your sons Rohirrim who gave their lives in defence of Rohan, the survivors were directed to Edoras under the command of Marshal Elfhelm, to defend the halls of the Meduseld from looters and plunderers, your seat is safe for your return!"
Theoden looked up at the wizard, saddened by the loss of so many, yet his spirits lifted by the efforts of his men, "Thank you my friend, as always you honour us with your wisdom and efforts!"
They moved along the mostly dry ford till they found a small area that seemed untouched from battle and set up camp. Eomer arranged his men to keep watch and it wasn't long before a fire was lit and food was cooking for those gathered around.
That night they ate quietly and spoke in whispers so as not to alert any wandering enemies of their presence. At the break of dawn they broke camp and mounted their horses for the final 5 miles. The closer they got to the Fords the louder the rumbles became, until they came into view of Isengard and the tower of Orthanc. The once green lands were scorched by fire and the Isen had flooded the ring of Isengard. They could see what appeared to be huge tree's throwing boulders and could hardly believe their eyes. They had expected a battle, yet it seemed as if the battle had already been won.
"I thought they were just stories, told in the night to the children," Eomer said in awe.
"The Ents and Hourm have been around for a long time, once they could be found all over the land, now they are but a few, it must've been something grave for them to respond thus, Ents do nothing in haste," Gandalf offered.
The company continued to ride towards Isengard, their approach unnervingly peaceful, due to the distinct lack of opposition. They followed the wall of Isengard around to the gate, where they found Pippin and Merry, sat upon the wall. Bella smiled widely to see the two young hobbits safe and well, the pair were laughing and joking without a care, a jug of something in one hand and smoking pipes in the other.
"Welcome, my lords...ooh and lady...to Isengard!" they announced somewhat wobbly from atop the wall.
Aragorn grinned to see the pair, as did Legolas, whilst Bella stifled a laugh.
"You young rascals! We have run across the whole of Rohan in search of you, and now we find you feasting and...smoking!" Gimli laughed.
Pippin and Merry laughed in joy to see their friends once more, "We are sitting on the field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good." Pippin said as he wobbled on the wall, slightly inebriated from the ale he had drank.
Gimli sat up then, "Salted pork you say?" His mouth salivating at the prospect of some meat.
Gandalf huffed and shook his head, "Hobbits, if there is food or pipe weed they'll settle anywhere."
Merry stumbled slightly as he stood from his perch, "We're under the orders of Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard."
"Yes, we're the uh, door wardens," Pippin added with a satisfied nod almost toppling off the wall.
"Yes! that's right, we're door wardens, I am Meriadoc, son of Saradoc and my weary friend is Peregrin, son of Paladin of the house of Took!" Merry said with a light kick to Pippin who had flopped onto his bottom and was looking a little bleary eyed.
Bella snorted from behind Aragorn and buried her head into his back as she laughed, so as to go unnoticed, or at least attempt to. Legolas looked over to her and smirked, she shook her head at him as he too saw the funny side of things.
"Well door wardens, it would help if you could take us to Treebeard," Gandalf said, feeling enough time had been wasted.
"Oh yes of course, come this way," Merry responded hopping down from the wall.
The company followed on somewhat bemused by the half-lings as Eomer rode up beside Aragorn and Legolas, "These are the little ones you were hunting?"
"Yes, two of their friends are currently crossing into Mordor to destroy the Ring of power." Aragorn stated.
"When you first mentioned them, I thought...well I'm not sure that I believed you, but I am glad that I did, I have never seen the like," Eomer replied. "And you say two more are walking into Mordor?" he shook his head in a mixture of awe and concern.
"The Hobbits have proven to be quite hardy little fellows," Aragorn stated.
"As long as they get a meal 7 times a day," Bella laughed.
Eomer looked at her wondering if she was exaggerating or not, she grinned and nodded to say that it was a fact.
"Where do they put all that food?" Eomer whispered to himself, causing Bella and Legolas to laugh out loud.
"Their feet," joked Aragorn as he snickered in front of Bella.
The hobbits lead them through the gates, the once green and pleasant sanctuary of Isengard was a dark scar, deep pits dropped into the earth and the river Isen flowed into them. Ents and Hourns walked about the desolate remains of the once pleasant fortress, while Treebeard directed them.
"Master Treebeard, sir!" Pippin called out as they approached.
"Ah, Hobbits, hrrrm I see you have bought Young master Gandalf with you," Treebeard said as he looked down upon the company. "I am glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there's a wizard to manage here, locked in his tower."
"Show yourself!" Aragorn shouted.
"Be careful, even in defeat Saruman is dangerous." Gandalf stated.
"Then let's go in and remove his head and be done with it." Gimli growled.
"Don't be hasty Master Dwarf, we need him alive. We need him to talk," Gandalf said a curious look upon his face.
The company all looked up when Saruman appeared on top of the tower. "Give up Saruman, you have lost!" Aragorn shouted.
"You have no dominion over me Aragorn, son of Arathorn, oh I know who you are, Isildurs heir, would be king of Gondor, Ranger of the north," Saruman taunted. "Theoden, would we not have peace if we could talk together as we use to?!"
"We shall have peace, when you answer for the burning in the westfold, the children murdered by your terrible horde. When you atone for the soldiers, whose bodies were hewn as they lay at the gates of the Hornburg. We shall have peace when you hang from a gibbet as a feast for your own crows!" Theoden shouted.
"We have taken council together for years, Thoeden king, why not now? Why would you have me put to the gibbet?" Saruman retorted.
"Your treachery has already cost many lives. Thousands more are now at risk, but you could save them Saruman. You were deep in the enemies council." Gandalf interrupted.
The company sat unsettled on their horses as they looked between the two wizards. Saruman pulled the Palantir from his robes and placed his hand upon it.
"Information Gandalf, comes at a high price, but this I will give for free," Saruman sneered.
Gandalf huffed and shook his head.
"You are all going to die. But Gandalf already knew this, he knew that sending those half-lings into Mordor would lead to death. Like he knew pulling the exile from the shadows, the man who would be king, will end in his death and all that follow him. Gandalf the great user, what words of comfort did you offer, what promises did you make, this path only leads to death!" Saruman shouted from the tower.
"Does he ever shut up?" Gimli asked, "My pointy eared friend, shoot him, stick an arrow in him, for he is too far up for me to stick my foot up his arse!"
Legolas went to pull an arrow from his quiver, he too had heard enough. Bella put up her hand to stop him, "No… death is too easy," she said.
"Ah the missing daughter of Mirkwood, surely you would not see me murdered by these ruffians and barbarians?" Saruman called.
"If I felt it would help, I would do the job myself wizard, how could you turn against your own order and all that it held dear in favour of the great deceiver?!" Bella replied angrily.
Saruman looked down at her a sneer upon his face, "What of you, for 60 years you hid in obscurity, yet now you return to what, lift your skirts for a vagrant king?" he jeered.
"And if I did, what business of yours would it be wizard, you bring shame on the Istari order, and will answer for your deeds in the halls of the Valar, the void would be too kind a sentence for you, but nor should you be given the blissful ending of death either! I can only wish that you get what your deserve!" Bella retorted.
"Hush woman! Know your place, know that it is not in the council of your betters and turn your weak mind to pursuits more suited to your station!" Saruman spat.
Bella growled in anger, "I shall not dignify him with an answer for he is undeserving of it, the old fool believes his own legend, he shall have to learn the hard way!"
"Nothing to say? As I expected," Saruman taunted.
"No, nothing worthing wasting on someone who is incapable of grasping the concepts and ideals offered," Bella responded, dropping from the back of the horse and walking away. "Come for me when you're done, I have not the patience to listen to any more of his senile ramblings."
The vampires looked on from the rear of the party, seated on sturdy Rohirric mounts, who held no fear of them. Jasper and Peter shared glances as they watched the two wizards, they knew that this could not end well. Rose and Emmett held hands beside them, the tall sturdy horses they sat on, standing motionless as they watched enthralled.
Bella came and stood beside them, patting the noses of the horses more in comfort of herself than them. Jasper sent her light waves of calm, an offering to help if she asked for it. Bella smiled as she felt the light emotional push, "Thank you Jasper, I'm afraid I have never seen eye to eye with this wizard, he has always had a darkness about him that unnerved me when I was younger, Father very rarely had time for his council, I used to joke that the Greenwood wasn't big enough for two ego's such us theirs, but with age comes wisdom and perhaps father saw something in him too," she stated.
"He feels different than Gandalf," Jasper offered, "Emotionally, there is a lust for power that exudes from him, whilst Gandalf there is an inherent goodness, wizards are very hard to read, but I can certainly feel how different the two are," he added.
"Come down and face us! Surely you wish to live!" Gandalf called out.
Saruman raised his staff and shot a fireball towards Gandalf, the wizard raised his own staff and the flame was snuffed out. Saruman recoiled in shock and raised his staff once more. Gandalf raised his own in response, "You have become a fool Saruman, I hold nothing but pity for you now. You have shown no remorse for your plots and plans, you could've redeemed yourself and helped us, yet still you are set on your course, busily gnawing at the stubby ends of your folly. Stay if you must, but you will find it difficult to leave. I am Gandalf the White he who has returned from death, he whom you betrayed. You have no colour now, your powers are taken and I cast you out of the order and the council. Your staff is broken, Saruman!" Gandalf shouted as the staff disintegrated in the wizards hands. Saruman looked on shocked and appeared to shrink away from the top of the tower as if cowering.
The palantir dropped from his robes and rolled over the edge, falling into the shallow waters before the company.
Pippin moved to retrieve the palantir, entranced by the glow that came from the large orb, Gandalf stopped him with his staff and spoke, "Use a cloth, touch it not with your hands young hobbit." As he held out his hand to accept it from him. "Quickly now!"
Treebeard returned from organising his Ents, pleased to see that the issue of the wizard had been dealt with. "The land will recover, young and wild tree's will return, all will be put right," the large Ent stated as he bid the company farewell.
With nothing left to do, they turned to return to Edoras, and to see where to go next. Gandalf and Theoden talked as they rode, "We need to send word to all our allies, and to every corner of middle-earth, where free people still stand. The enemy is on the move, we need to know when he will strike, we need to be prepared, the old alliances need to be reforged." Gandalf stated.
As they rode through the Westfold, they could see the refugees returning, the battle of Helms Deep now behind them, the war of middle-earth to come. Bella snuggled into Aragorns back, her arms tightly wound around him from behind. They talked lightly as they rode, this short ride was the first real peace they had had since Lothlorien and they would enjoy it while they could. Gimli and Legolas, spent much of the ride talking with Eomer of all they had seen, Gimli questioned him on the glittering caves behind the Hornburg, and how he would love to explore them. Legolas talked of the Mirkwood and home, of having his sister returned from the other realm. The four vampires joined him and shared stories of their exploits with Bella also. Legolas was amused by Emmett and the things he did to get a rise from his sister and found the vampires quite fun to talk with.
It wasn't long before they spotted the Golden Hall of the Meduseld and a feeling of comfort filled the company. They passed many refugees as they entered, Edoras bustled with life, something that it hadn't in along while.
That evening, once horses were rested and fed, the hall was filled and a banquet was held in remembrance. The king looking more alive than he had in a while sat on his throne and proudly looked across the hall. Aragorn and Bella in a dress for the first time since Rivendell, joined their party towards the front of the hall as honoured guests, comrades in arms. Tales were told, and friendships were forged as the ale flowed and plates were filled.
Theoden stood from his throne and raised his cup. "Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead!"
"Hail!" the crowd roared.
Music was struck and the room erupted in cheers and song. The hobbits took to the tables, singing and drinking and dancing much to the enjoyment of those gathered.
"Ho! Ho! Ho! to the bottle I go
To heal my heart and drown my woe.
Rain may fall and wind may blow,
And many miles be still to go,
But under a tall tree I will lie,
And let the clouds go sailing by."
Pippin and Merry continued to sing and dance on the tables, sloshing ale as they went. The revellers clapped and laughed as the child like Half-lings entertained the crowd.
"Oh you can search far and wide,
You can drink the whole town dry,
But you'll never find a beer so brown,
Oh you'll never find a beer so brown,
As the one we drink in our home town,
As the one we drink in our home town.
You can drink your fancy ales,
You can drink them by the flagon,
But the only brew for the brave and true...
..Comes from the Green Dragon!!"
Bella and Aragorn laughed as the pair fell off the table, before promptly jumping up and refilling their cups. The four vampires watched on with huge smiles and Jasper spread the feelings of joy around the great hall. Legolas and Gimli were also having fun, they had been dragged off to a corner by Eomer, where they joined members of the Rohirrim. Mugs of ale were passed around as they sat at a table.
"No pauses, no spills," Eomer stated.
"No regurgitation!" Gimli added.
"So this is a drinking game?" Legolas asked, looking at the tankard.
"Aye, last one standing wins!" Gimli laughed, sounding like he'd already been quite heavy in his cups.
The men of Rohan toasted to victory before downing their drinks, Gimli followed, gulping his down. Legolas sipped a little and sat back as Bella and Aragorn approached. "Sister! Aragorn, they have drinking games like Elves!" Legolas announced.
Bella laughed as she watched her brother let loose. Aragorn smiled into her hair, he'd been increasingly touchy since they'd returned from Helms Deep, they both had and she didn't mind it at all.
"Here, here. Its the dwarves that go swimming with little hairy women!" Gimli sang as he wobbled on his seat.
Bella laughed loudly at their friend as he grabbed another cup.
"Not just little hairy women my friend, I remember a time in Rivendell, a party of dwarves took a dip in Lord Elronds fountain, they'd been given perfectly adequate facilities, and there were numerous waterfalls they could've used, yet they chose my Ada's private gardens," Aragorn laughed. "I fear he was never the same after coming across 13 dwarves splashing naked in his sanctuary!"
Bella snickered alongside him as she looked at her brother with a wicked glint in her eyes.
"I feel something. A slight tingling in my fingers, I think its affecting me." Legolas stated seriously as he drank another tankard, "Its not the same as the wine father keeps at home, but the flavour grows on you."
Aragorn stifled a laugh at the pair as they continued to drink.
"Shee, whaa did I shay? Pointy earsh can't hold 'is liquor!" Gimli mumbled before his head hit the table and a loud snore growled from him followed by an exceptionally loud fart.
The whole table of Rohirrim roared with laughter, along with Bella and Aragorn as Legolas looked over, sinking his drink..."Game over."
"That was cruel brother, and quite unfair, why I bet the only person who could out drink you here is me," Bella announced.
"Sister, it has been many years since you've drank in fathers halls, I'm sure you would fall over after just one glass you're so out of practice," Legolas crowed, much to the Ooohs and Aaahs of the assembled Rohirrim.
"I would do so now, but brother dear it would be an unfair game, you're too far into your cups, how could I lose?!" Bella laughed.
Aragorn laughed at the twins as they baited and badgered each other, much to the delight of the men of Rohan. "I think we've stayed long enough, come I want you to myself for a while," Aragorn said pulling her away to cheers of the men.
They bid everyone goodnight and departed to their own room for a long waited reunion.
Rose watched Bella and Aragorn and smiled into Emmett's shoulder as they danced together amongst the revellers, "She looks so happy, this is why I didn't like her for Edward," she said so that only the vampires heard.
"He was never good enough for her, but the choices weren't ours to make, I wonder what's happening with them now?" Emmett murmured.
"I can imagine they're trying every trick in the book to get Renee to tell them where she is, she can handle them, I have no doubts," Jasper said appearing at their sides.
Peter joined them then a smirk on his face and a large tankard in his hand, "You should try this?" he said with a grin.
"Um Peter, we drink blood," Emmett looked at him as if he was mad.
"Oh I know, but it seems the rules in middle-earth are in our favour, try this..." he said pushing the tankard into Jaspers hand.
"Why me?" he asked as Peter forced his arm up till the tankard tilted towards his mouth, Jasper sniffed it lightly and smelt the distinctive smell of honey, "Mead?" he asked.
"Yeah, try it," Peter coaxed.
Jasper shrugged and took a sip, his eyes went wide as the honey'd alcohol spilled over his lips and into his mouth, he gulped as it went down and didn't feel the desire to vomit it back up, "Whew, that's really sweet," he said in surprise. "But really good too!"
Emmett didn't need any encouragement and he went and grabbed his own drink and another for Rose who looked on surprised.
Gandalf appeared beside them then a wry smile on his wizened face, "You might like to try the bread too, the longer you're here, your vampirism will eventually morph into a more elvish like existence," he stated.
The vampires looked at him shocked and unsure what to believe, but Gandalf just smiled and walked away. "Was he serious?" Rose asked.
"I didn't get any hint of a lie from him, but then he's a wizard, I've never had to read one before." Jasper replied taking another sip of the mead.
"I think I will believe him till proven otherwise, I'd like to think he wouldn't give us such false hope," Rose said as she too took a sip. "What I wouldn't give to wear a dress instead of this armour, I'm just glad that we don't have to use the bathroom," she chuckled.
Emmett grinned at his wife as he gulped from the tankard in his hand, he wondered what else was affected, the weather had been with them so far, so sparkling hadn't been a problem for them, but perhaps it was one of the numerous changes they'd undergone since arriving and they wouldn't sparkle like a 70's disco ball anymore, "I can hope!" he said to himself.
"Jasper smiled at his siblings, "Yet Rose, yet...we don't have to use the bathroom..yet, but if the wizard is right, it's coming."
Rose looked over her tankard at him, her eyes widening with realisation, indeed, what goes in, must eventually come out.
The four returned to the festivities, feeling for once truly accepted as themselves.