As promised! it's dec 25 where i am now, so here's my gift to all of you =)
17 pages!=0 Hold on to your seats, things are about to take a turn.
disclaimer: I don't own anything, nor am i affiliated in anyway shape of form to tolkien, his works and any other places, characters referenced in this ff. =)
Enjoy!
Chapter 13
Running is a method of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. Running is a type of gait characterized by an aerial phase in which all feet are above that is in contrast to walking, where one foot is always in contact with the ground, the legs are kept mostly straight and the center of gravity vaults over the stance leg or legs in an inverted pendulum fashion.
A feature of a running body from the viewpoint of spring-mass mechanics is that it changes in kinetic and potential energy within a stride occur simultaneously, with energy storage accomplished by springy tendons and passive muscle, the term running can refer to any of a variety of speeds ranging from jogging to sprinting.
Running in humans is associated with improved health and life expectancy.
For Alex and Paul, running this time, meant life or death.
The vast horizon stretching from all directions, the texture of the landscape ranging from rocky terrains, to grassy fields and to mud and soil, to slippery to an inclined slope. The two friends found themselves, along with their companions, on a quest to hunt down the monsters that took Merry and Pippin. But nothing could have prepared them for the intensity of the challenge they are now encountering.
Sweaty, and heaving for air, Alex tried to swat her hair away from her face. Her usual blade hanging low on her hips had now become a weighted burden on her already screaming body. Paul was also not faring any better. The sun was high on the sky and they had yet to take a rest.
A couple of hours rest at dawn and even before the sun rises, they were at it again. Little to no food and water—thanks to Alex— and little chance of rest in between sprinting and climbing, the remaining members of the fellowship found themselves on the brink of exhaustion, only adrenaline and the need to save their friends their only fuel to keep them going.
Alex and Paul would take turns in collapsing on the ground from utter and complete loss of muscle function, sometimes Alex would feel nauseated having already pushed her mortal body to its limits, but they refused to stop. Alex and Paul were not new to exhaustion, having been exposed themselves to workout sessions and gym classes, but three days of non-stop running and sprinting had them both already ready to wave the white flag.
"Their pace has quickened, they must have caught out our scent, hurry!" Aragorn yelled, jumping to his feet and begin running again.
"Come on, Gimli!" Legolas called out, looking behind him to find the last three companions struggling to catch up. Even Paul who started strong three days ago had now started to tire out.
"Three days and nights pursuit." Gimli grumbled, "No food, no rest. Not a sign of our quarry but what bare rock can tell." Pulling his heavy weight up the sloping hill on the rock that they were currently perched on.
"How is it that he's still talking?" Paul asked while heaving the pack that is currently attached behind his back that is getting heavier by the minute. His face contorted in pain but still trying to carry on.
Alex released a chuckle at her friend's comment. She was goddamn tired, but her companions persistence and their resiliency are contagious. It would be unfair for them for her to wimp out now.
Moving down a steep but short slope to a small crevice between rocks, Alex and Paul managed to catch up to Aragorn and Legolas. The latter bent forward on the ground, seemingly fascinated by something on the grass, "Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall," Aragorn muttered, looking ahead and studying the terrain ahead of them.
"They may yet be alive, less than a day ahead of us." Legolas added, his head snapping over Alex and Paul's form. Both of whom had their heads hung low, their bodies bent forward, their hands bracing on their knees as they both try to catch their breathe.
Legolas nodded once and then turned to follow Aragorn who had started running again, "Come on, we're gaining on them!"
"Hallelujah!" Paul exclaimed, his face red, beads of sweat on his brow.
Alex turned to where Gimli is and found him just barely turned and started to run down the slope.
Gimli missed a step and rolled all the way downhill to were Aragorn and Legolas previously stood, who by now were on the run again.
"Oh my God! Gimli!" Alex was startled, her eyes glued to small stout form of Gimli rolling over the slope, the only distinguishable feature is his fiery red beard, "Are you alright?" Exhaustion, thirst and the lack of rest must be messing with Alex's brain for she could not control the laughter that bubbled out of her, even as she tried to help Gimli to his feet."I am sorry. I should not be laughing."
"I'm wasted on cross-country! We Dwarves are natural sprinters. Very dangerous on short distances!"
Paul also could not stop laughing, his lungs and throat already burning at the added work load of gasping for air and laughing.
It was another hour of continuous running and the group had suddenly come to stop near a high hill, looking over the endless hectares of land.
"Rohan. Home of the horse-lords." Aragorn offered, "There is something strange at work here, some evil that gives speed to these creatures sets its will against us." His brow furrowing, his dark eyes scanning the land and deciding their next course of route.
"Legolas! What do your elf eyes see?" Aragorn called, just as Legolas perched himself on top a boulder. Alex observed that he was almost cat-like in his movements. Silent but sure, graceful but deadly. He stood still as a statue, his sharp blue eyes cutting through the terrain as if searching for something.
"The Uruks turn northeast! They're taking the hobbits to Isengard!" Alex sat on the ground, amazed that he could see that far. An old memory of her asking him how far he can see as she studied his eyes by the river bank was brought to the forefront of her mind.
Nana was right.
"Saruman." The group was brought back to reality with that one single word, uttered by the ranger.
Darkness had fallen and the group had decided to take a few hours rest. Aragorn had started a small fire, enough to keep them warm. It was during their first night that they had discovered what Alex had done. Pouring all the contents of their pack to the ground as they found only meager remains of lembas bread, a few slices of cheese and tomatoes and a few skins of water.
Alex tried to apologize profusely expecting the cold stares and sermon that was sure to come her way, explaining what she had done and to whom she had given it to. She offered not to eat that night, and offered her share to the rest of the group. Aragorn and Gimli looked to the lady, admiration and understanding on their features. They were not mad for there was no reason to be.
Legolas crouched low in front of her, rubbing her arms and offering his cloak to try to keep her warm. "You did well." Was his silent praise for what she had done. Pushing half of his lembas and a slice of cheese onto her hands. The elf then offered to take first watch.
It was his first time to witness Alex's first bout of nightmare.
Their camp was quiet, except for the occasional crickets and the howling of the cold wind. The stars were shining clear in the black sky, the moon providing their small camp with the ample light and for Legolas to study their surroundings, as he took first watch of duty that night, urging Gimli, Paul and to rest.
The rustling of dirt and rocks caught his attention a few hours before dawn, as he watched Paul slowly rise from his small cot. The mortal moved lazily, scratching his tousled hair in the process as he walked languidly towards the cover of trees before his eyes caught the steady gaze of the elf's, "Shit." Holding his hand across his chest to steady his rapidly beating heart, "You scared me." Exhaling a breath he was not aware he was holding, Paul shook his head and continued on his silent drag to the nearby tress.
"Oh hey..um.. I was to going to um, well you know." Sheepishly rubbing his neck, hoping that the elf understood what he was trying to say. Legolas in turn furrowed his brow on what Paul was getting at. "I mean Alex told me all about your exceptional hearing and all and I was hoping you wouldn't hear..or just try to cover you ears.." Unable to voice out what he wanted to say to an incredibly handsome being who looked absolutely ethereal but stoic at the moment, the only clue that the elf was listening was the slight tilt of his head and his questioning blue gaze directed at him.
Pinching the bridge of his nose from frustration and embarrassment, Paul watched as the elf tried to process what he was trying to say.
Quickly picking up at what Paul was getting at, Legolas tried to hold a ghost of smile at finding some amusement at their current predicament. Gesturing for his hand to move Paul along, completely understanding what the mortal was trying to say.
"Okay, okay. I'm going." Raising both of his hands and quickly running towards the cover of trees, Paul tried to complete his business.
Trying to block out the sound of Paul going about his business, another rustle of dirt and blankets caught the elf's attention, this time it was paired with silent whimpers. Quickly recognizing the sound, he turned swiftly, leaping silently from where he was perched, Legolas made a beeline towards where Alex lay.
Her brow was furrowed, small beads of sweat covered her forehead, her face was flushed but her eyes were closed tight. Her fists were turning white from their clenched hold on her cloak. She was vibrating with silent tremors but rigid at the same time. "Alex?" Legolas tried to shake her awake which only resulted to her crying more. This time tears leaked from her closed eyes, her breathing becoming ragged.
"Shit! Alex, Alex." In perfect timing, Paul came on the other side, shaking Alex roughly by her shoulders. "She has not had one of these in a long time."
"This is not the first time?" Legolas asked, shock and fear running on a rampage within him.
"No. It usually happens when she's stressed or exhausted. I should've expected this." Paul added, shaking her slender form again, "I mean, we are not exactly doing a walk in the park here."
Legolas bristled at the information. Guilt seemed to consumed the elf more at the revelation. A lot had indeed happened since their separation.
The commotion woke Aragorn up, it was almost time for his shift, but his attention was immediately gathered on the pair hunched over Alex's form. Quickly pulling himself upright and moving to the pair, he was just in time to watch Alex gasp and wake from an obvious nightmare.
Alex was still half awake and dazed as she clung to the nearest person, her arms going around the person. Trying to slow down her breath.
Legolas' arms immediately going around her shoulders, her arms holding onto him tightly made his heart clench.
"You were having a nightmare." Paul explained from behind her, feeling his hand rubbing down her back. Alex was startled at Paul's voice coming from behind her, raising her head that was currently snuggled into, she was shocked to find that she clutching hard on Legolas whose own expression was covered in concern.
"Are you alright?" The smooth, dark, rich tone of his voice wafter to her ears and it calmed her beating heart.
Exhaling roughly, "I can't even remember what it was." Pertaining to the dream she had. Pulling herself free from Legolas' hold and trying to compose herself.
"You never remember any of your nightmares, Lex." Paul commented, checking her one last time.
"Are you alright?" Sweeping his dark gaze over Alex, "Tis a few hours till dawn. Why don't all of you get some rest." It was not a request but an order from an already awake Aragorn, who took Legolas' previous position, perching himself on the highest rock they could find. Giving him a full view of the horizon.
Paul and Legolas refused the offer too. While Paul tried to busy himself with packing his things, Legolas moved about the camp. Removing any traces of their stay before they leave in a few hours, but his gaze never left Alex's form, who decided to seat beside Aragorn.
"I'm okay. You both get some rest." Alex tried to reassure her friends, shaking her head to clear her brain of some of the remnants of sleep. "I can't sleep anymore."
"We have long day ahead of us, You'll need the rest." Aragorn urged,
"I'm okay. I don't want to go back to sleep." Alex tried to play off, but a creep of fear crawled up her spine. As much as she did not remember what her current nightmare was, something about it felt different. Something ominous and foreboding and a silent warning was already going off in her mind.
"A red sun rises. Blood has been spilled last night." The sun was just peaking over the horizon when the group started their run again. The memories of last night was already forgotten as they hurried their pace cover as much distance.
Running over uneven terrain for another couple of hours, the group had to stop, lead by Aragorn as he stood atop a hillside studying the terrain again. His tracking expertise being put to good use.
Suddenly the ground started to shake, a sound getting louder and closer as it vibrated over the land they are standing on. "Is it an earthquake?" Paul asked to no one in particular. Following his friends as they started to run to the nearest group of huge boulders nearby. The five of them tried to pull their cloaks over them, effectively shielding them as they watched hundreds of men on horses stampede, passing them by.
It was Aragorn who decided to call for them, his desperation at losing time and needing information to navigate the lands consuming him. "Riders of Rohan! What news from the mark?"
As soon as his voice broke the thunder of hooves, the large army of knights turned altogether, engulfing the small fellowship in the middle, completely blocking any chance of escape. Spears from all sides was directed at them.
Aragorn tried to play it calm, Gimli was in a defensive position. Paul was obviously confused and afraid, while Legolas tried to pull Alex behind him.
"What business does two elves, two men and a dwarf have in the Riddermark?" A loud voice broke through from the group, his lone horse walking in front, his brown eyes sweeping from one individual to another, "Speak quickly!"
"I..I'm not an e—" Alex tried to interject out was quickly cut off by Gimli,
"Give me your name horse-master, and I shall give you mine."
As if seemingly insulted by Gimli's remark, the knight jumped down from his high horse, removing his helmet in the process and piercing Gimli with his stare, "I would cut off your head dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground." His tone cold and condescending.
"You will die before your stroke fell." Legolas sharp tone, his bow and arrow aimed at the tall man, his eyes cold and piercing—surprised everyone around him. Gimli's brow almost shot up to his hairline, even Aragorn was looking visibly chastised by the sudden turn of events.
"Don't!" Alex instinctively reacted along with Paul,
"Stop!" Paul's high pitched protest diverted everyone's attention to him, the tall knight turned his dark brown eyes to him. As if like a deer caught in the headlights, Paul cleared his throat noticing that everyone was now watching him intently, "I..I mean, if killing is your only talent that's your curse. I don't want anyone dying for me."
"Jesus Christ, Paul." Alex muttered as quietly as possible, her sharp glare directed at Paul whose own puzzled gaze was facing her's. Alex mouthed 'Troy?' Her disbelieving gaze locked onto her best friend. Paul seemed confused himself at what he just said, shrugging his shoulders for Alex to drop the subject.
Aragorn tried to ignore the silent argument between Alex and Paul going on behind him and decided to intervene, moving towards the front to try and diffuse the situation by extending his hand and lowering the Legolas's aim, "I am Aragorn son of Arathorn. This is Gimli son of Gloin, and Legolas from the Woodland Realm. Lady Alex and Sir Paul. We are friends of Rohan and of Theoden, your King."
Sadness suddenly overtook the once cold glare of the tall knight, his eyes now downcast and defeated, "Theoden no longer recognizes friend from foe. Not even his own kin. Saruman poisoned the mind of the King and claimed lordship over these lands." Sweeping his gaze along his men, and they took the sign to lower their spears.
"My company are those loyal to Rohan and for that we are banished. The white wizard is cunning. He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And Everywhere his spies slips past our nets." His eyes stared harder at Legolas whose own mirrored the same expression.
"We are not spies. We track party of Uruk Hai westward across your plane. They have taken two of our friends captive." Aragorn intervened, his gaze searching and hopeful as he offered the truth and might ease the Knight's suspicion.
"The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night." The knight's gaze return to Aragorn,
"They were two hobbits. Did you see two hobbits with them?" Gimli piped up, his eyes betraying his fear,
"They would be small." Alex piped up from behind, her line only to he continued by Aragorn, "Only children to your eyes."
Shaking his head grimly the knight answered them, "We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burnt them." Pointing over the visible mound in the distance where a cloud of smoke had started to dissipate.
"Dead?"
"I am sorry." Whistling and gesturing to the men behind him, "Hasufel, Arod and Midnight." Pulling on the reigns of the saddled horses and proceeding to handle them over to Aragorn, "May these horses bring you better fortune than their former masters. Farewell." Nodding his head as he mount his horse again and place his helmet back on his head.
Stopping his horse short from the unlikely party, "Look for your friends, but do not trust for hope. It has forsaken these lands. We ride north!" Quickly disappearing over the hill they came from.
Silenced engulfed the fellowship, the ranger, the elf and the dwarf all had their eyes downcast seemingly accepting defeat and surrender.
"I don't believe this." Alex hissed, her eyes studying her friends who looked forlorn. "They are not dead."
"Alex.." Aragorn tried to plead with her,
"We did not come all the way here just for them to turn up dead. Have some faith in them, Aragorn." Alex pleaded refusing to be dragged down to their somber mood, "Merry and Pippin are resourceful, they would have found a way to escape last night."
"I'm with you." Paul added, his tone firm. "They are not dead. I refuse to acknowledge it until I see it." Waving his arm gesturing for Aragorn to hand over the reigns of the other two horses.
Nodding his head, grateful for the stubbornness of Alex and Paul. They were right. It is unfair to judge Merry and Pippin so quickly. It would have been unfair to think they are incompetent to look after themselves. Passing over the reigns to Paul and Legolas, he motioned to adjust the straps of his own horse, Hasufel, who nudged his shoulder with his nose. "Alright, let's find them."
"Now I wished I had a grandmother who owned a stable and a mother who insisted I get horse riding lessons when I was a child." Paul muttered looking at the three beautiful beasts before them.
"I use to think they were quite useless, but now I think there is actually one thing I have to thank my mother for." Moving from the group towards where the horses are, the black one immediately taking to her and bumping his nose in her shoulder. "I'll take him."
"At least we don't have to run anymore." Paul sent a silent prayer to whoever was listening.
"You have had the proper instruction in riding a horse?" Aragorn asked, all the while checking his own horse and tightening the saddle.
"Since I was five." Alex smiled, placing one of her foot on the stirrups and lifting herself up gracefully on top of her mane. Leaning down and brushing her hand along his neck while she whispered soothing words to the beast. The horse neighed and stomped his feet in response.
"I'll ride with you—"
"No!" A chorus from the three stopped Paul from approaching Alex. Even Alex was stunned at the sudden opposition from the three, the loudest being from the elf.
"We will maintain propriety." Aragorn announced, "We do not know who might be watching and we do not want to garner any more attention to ourselves." While placing his foot on the stirrup and also lifting himself easily onto the saddle. "You, will ride with me." Giving Paul a scolding glance, leaving no room for argument.
"Great—This is just great." Paul complained, all the while struggling to lift himself behind Aragorn.
After successfully hoisting himself up the large dark horse, Paul chanced to glance at Alex and found her sitting comfortably alone on the back mare that the blonde knight presented them with.
"You look like Xena the warrior princess and we look like Will Ferrell and Jon Heder in 'Blades of Glory'."
"Hey! I take offence. I love Blades of Glory." Alex exclaimed but was not able to hold in her laughter, "You can always ride with me—propriety be damned." Offering the last part seeing as Paul did look quite distressed.
"And straddle a girl?" a shiver of disgust Paul did not even dare to hide wrack his frame, "No, thank you. I quite realize I'm better here." Smiling at his current predicament, from his earlier comeuppance.
Aragorn threw an unamused glance behind him.
"Blades of Glory! Now that is one story worth telling Master Paul!" Gimli exclaimed while being settled onto the back of the white horse behind Legolas.
Alex could not contain the laughter that bursted out from her, immediately covering her mouth to quiet herself, but her shoulders still shook with mirth.
Paul's eyes widened, his own laughter swimming in its depths. "Maybe someday, Gimli." Stuttering out his answer.
"When all of this is over, Gimli, maybe McElroy'll share the story." Alex chuckled at her own joke, earning a glare from her best friend.
"As soon as this is over, you owe me a story lad." Gimli announced, his axe proudly lifted. Alex's joke completely went over his head.
Legolas trotted Arod close to Midnight, "Are you going to be alright?" Looking to Alex and then letting his gaze, sweep all over the her form and then the horse. Pulling Arod even closer to allow him access to pull the belt straps of the saddle to ensure they are snug tight and secure.
"Yeah." Alex muttered, feeling warmth spread throughout her at his sudden softness and obvious concern for her, also watching him check her saddle.
"Ride close with me and do not stray." Legolas instructed.
Both seeming oblivious that they were being watched by their dwarf friend. Gimli's smile was warm as he regarded the two. The attraction obvious and the pull undeniable. His silent mirth was now directed at the elf. He had heard of the stories, the tales his father had regarded him when he was young, when his father—including the company of Thorin—when they ventured to reclaim Erebor, had unfortunately passed through Mirkwood. Glancing at the elf before him now, it was a little hard for him to put two and two together. The smug and cold elf princeling that met his father years ago and the now elf princeling falling at the feet of a maiden who seemed to challenge him every step of the way.
"It's one of their wee belts." Gimli whispered, sadness and disbelief painting his tone and face. The mode had turned solemn as soon as they arrived at the top of hill were the pile of carcasses were. The fire had already dwindled but the unmistakeable stench of rotting and burning Uruk flesh still permeated the air.
In frustration, Aragorn kicked a lone helmet and screamed out his anger and exhaustion.
"We failed them." Gimli's tearful remark brought the ranger to his knees. Alex stood in silence, Paul beside her had tears in his eyes for the poor little hobbits who were subjected to such horror and torture. They were his friends.
Aragorn remained on the ground, his head hung low as he tried to compose himself but his eyes wandered on the mess that littered the ground when something caught his eye, "A hobbit lay here." With his interest now peaked, Aragorn followed the tracks, "Crawled." Moving away from where the pile lay, Aragorn moved this time garnering the attention of his companions who were now also intrigued by the ranger's peculiar movements.
Reaching over and scratching over the surface of grass and dirt, Aragorn pulled out ropes, "Their bonds were cut!"
Feeling excitement and adrenaline course through her veins, Alex felt renewed and suddenly hopeful that maybe, just maybe, they were wrong in assuming that Merry and Pippin had perished. That just maybe, her earlier reinforcement and faith that the two hobbits had escaped were in fact true.
"They ran over here…they were followed." This time, Aragorn was on his feet running away from the evidence of massacre and looked up as his view was suddenly over shadowed by the huge trees overhead. "The tracks lead away from the battle…into Fangorn Forest."
"Fangorn. What madness drove them in there?" Gimli asked to no one in particular. One by one the members of the fellowship followed the ranger into the dark, opposing forest, their fear and trepidation squashed by the possibility that Merry and Pippin and inside and safe and alive.
It was a tricky expedition inside the forest, the trees are all entangled, the ground muddy, the surrounding was dimmed with little light. The feeling of being watched was ever present. Aragorn continued to navigate around the tree trunks, his hands and eyes would occasionally inspect a leaf, his eyes would suddenly spot a clue but no real evidence that Merry and Pippin were ever here.
Suddenly Gimli moved, spotting something slightly but eerily iridescent in the light, a dark liquid splattered over a large leaf. Rubbing his stubby finger over the liquid and then placing it in his tongue, "Orc blood." Gimli spitting out the offending substance.
Paul and Alex watched on, disgusted that Gimli would put something with that color and scent right into his mouth and taste it. Paul looks even sicker, his face turning sickly shade of green at what Gimli must have tasted with the black liquid.
"These are strange tracks." Aragorn muttered nearby, studying the ground and moving here and there looking for any clue or sign of where Merry and Pippin might have gone to.
"Yes—so close in here." Gimli commented, looking around him and observing the tall trees seeming ominous in their height and size.
"This forest is old, very old." Legolas muttered, his eyes intense as he too, studied the trees around them. Looking over to Alex and consciously moving closer to her side. "Full of memory and anger." His eyes roaming over the ancient evergreen that surrounded them. His ear straining at the never-ending background sound of creaking branches and grunting tree trunk, "The trees and speaking to each other!"
"Perfect. Talking trees." Paul commented, his face contorted in fear, "Now why didn't I think of that?!"
"Paul, hush." Alex was scared too. Hearing the echoing grunts and squeak of every trunk and branch around them. Unconsciously, she moved closer to Legolas too, her hand closing in on his cloak. Her eyes darting left and right, the silence was engulfing them, the sun have challenge of breaking through the tall branches. The air felt suddenly stiff, the temperature dropping to cool air. Goosebumps erupted along her arms and at the nape. Something felt insidious hidden behind every tree bark.
"Gimli, lower your axe." Aragorn commanded, his hand making the clear gesture as his eyes turned to look at the trees around them.
Gimli watched on in horror too, as if the forest gave if an eerie vibe, and for a dwarf who was so used to being under caves and mines, this place gave him the feeling similar of claustrophobia.
"They have feelings, my friend." Legolas added slowly, his hand reaching out to Alex's tight fist on his tunic and placing it on his own, his fingers intertwining with her's and giving it a gentle squeeze. "The elves began it. Waking up the trees, teaching them to speak."
"Talking trees. What do trees have to talk about hmm? Except maybe the consistency of squirrel droppings." Paul snickered, table to control the laughter that bubbled out of him from Gimli's off handed comment.
Suddenly the mood turned sinister, something was coming for them. "Aragorn, nad no ennas."
"What is it?" Aragorn hissed, his stance now on defensive, his eyes looking left and right, following Legolas' gaze as he too tried to decipher what is beyond the bushes and shrubbery.
"The white wizard approaches." Gently pulling his hand free from Alex, nudging her behind him to were Paul was positioned, his sword also at the ready.
"Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us." A warning to the rest of the group, "We must be quick!" As soon as the words left Aragorn's lips, they all attacked in unison but to no avail.
Legolas arrow and Gimli axe was deftly swatted away like irritating flies. The sword on both Aragorn and Paul's hand started to glow molten red, the rapidly increasing heat becoming unbearable that both had to throw their blades to the ground.
A blinding white light surprised them, hindering them from seeing their attacker.
"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits." These halted the warriors from continuing on attacking, the voice sounded familiar but something felt off. Covering their eyes from the light that emanated from the being, they had no choice but to abandon the fight.
"Where are they?" Aragorn asked defiantly,
"They passed this way, a day before yesterday. They met someone, they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"
"Who are you? Show yourself!" As the demand left the ranger's lips, the light started to dwindle and die down. The face they did not expect to see suddenly welcomed them, "It cannot be…" unbelieving and unsure, Aragorn stayed rooted to the ground but his eyes stayed glued to the person, whom they had already thought dead, was now standing before them.
Legolas could not believe his eyes. Immediately bending on his knees to offer his apologies to the Maiar that had supposedly returned to life, "Forgive me. I mistook you for Saruman."
"I am Saruman…or rather Saruman as he should have been." A kind smile spread across the old man's face as he studied each person quickly. His gaze lingering on Alex as his smile seemed to widen more and his eyes turned kind and all knowing.
Alex felt her eyes brim with unshed tears at the Gandalf. She had cried when she had found out what happened to him while she was unconscious at Moria. Her guilt at not being able to help him consumed her and her guilt followed her to Lothlorien.
"You fell." Paul commented disbelief in his tone and face. His own shock present on his face.
"Through fire and water…from the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. " Gandalf's eyes turned cold and his look faraway at the memory, "Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruins upon the mountainside. Darkness took me and I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead, and everyday was a spark of the life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back, until my task is done. "
"Gandalf—" Aragorn whispered,
"Gandalf? Hmm.. that is what they used to call me, Gandalf the Grey, that was my name." Another smile graced the old man's face, suddenly he was engulfed in a hug. Rich, dark, long hair partially obscured his view of the rest of the party. Gandalf's arms going around the slender frame of Alex's. "I'm glad you're back." She tearfully whispered, smile gracing her lips as she watched Gandalf return the smile.
"Gandalf." Gimli added more forcefully, his tone garnering the attention of the old Maiar.
"I am Gandalf the White and I return to you now at the turn of the tide." Gandalf proclaimed, "One stage of your journey is over, another begins. We must travel to Edoras at full speed. "
"Edoras? That is not short distance."
This made Paul and Alex pause in confusion. What is Edoras? Looking at each other, and feeling the crippling feeling of foreboding again flooding both their senses.
"We hear trouble with Rohan. It goes ill with the King." Ah. So that is where they are headed.
"Yes, and it will not be easily cured." Gandalf said grimly pulling all of them from out of their thoughts.
"Then we have ran all this way for nothing. How can we leave those poor hobbits here, in this horrid dark, dank, tree infested—"as soon as Gimli started to complain, the trees around them started to grumble as well, scaring Paul and Alex at the same time.
"ah..I mean..ah.. charming, quite charming." Oh, Gimli.
"It was more than mere chance that brought Merry and Pippin to Fangorn, a great power has been sleeping here more many long years. The coming of Merry and Pippin will be like the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains." Gandalf explained, trying to put their doubts and fear to rest.
"The one thing you have not changed, dear friend." Garnering the attention of Gandalf, "You still speak in riddles." Both the ranger and the wizard shared a silent laugh at the comment.
"A thing is about to happen, that has not happened since the elder days. The ents are going to wake up and find that they are strong."
"Strong? Well, that's good."
"So stop your fretting Master Dwarf. Merry and Pippin are quite safe. In fact, they are far safer than you are about to be."
"This new Gandalf is more grumpy than the old one." Alex commented, snickering silently as she felt a smooth hand glide along her's, the fingers lacing with her own. She looked to her left to see Legolas smiling at her, his laugh concealed behind his blue eyes at her comment about Gandalf. She didn't't even try to shake his hand away, welcoming the feeling of safety and feeling for the first time that things are falling into place.
"I like upgrades." Paul muttered but not before raising his eyebrow questioningly at Alex, his eyes straying to their hands, patting Gimli on the back and passing by them to follow Gandalf and Aragorn out of the forest.
The look Paul gave was not lost on the elf.
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"The veiling shadow that glows in the east, takes shape." Glancing at the arriving form of Aragorn, Gandalf continued on, "Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-dur, his eyes watches over ceaselessly, but he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear."
Night time has fallen over the land, and the group has decided to rest for the night and recuperate before continuing on with their journey towards Edoras. Aragorn needed Gandalf's council, moving a few feet away from the group. Leaving four of his companions as they attempt to retire for the night get a good night's rest for the first time in three days.
Gandalf's voice becoming louder and clearer as they both study the surrounding landscape, "Doubt never alluded him. Rumor has reached him," Gandalf's grey eyes gazing intently over Aragorn's, "The Heir of Numenor still lives. So feared you are, he fears what you may might become."
Gandalf's tone lowering into a whisper. "Then so he'll strike hard and fast at the world of men. He will use his puppet—Saruman, to destroy Rohan. War is coming. Rohan must defend itself and there in lies our first challenge for Rohan is weakened than ever before. The King's mind is enslaved. It's another device of Saruman."
Shaking his head as he was suddenly fed up of the tactics of his old friend, "His hold now on King Theoden is very strong. Sauron and Saruman are now tightening the noose." His voice a grim whisper suddenly turned light and hopeful, "But for all they're cunning, we have but one advantage,—the ring remains hidden."
Gandalf's small smile was addictive and Aragorn felt like he was able to breathe again. "And that we should seek to destroy it, has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the enemy is moving towards Mordor in the hands of a hobbit, each day it brings closer to the fires of Mount Doom. We must trust the heart of Frodo. Everything depends on his speed and the secrecy of this quest." Looking over at Aragorn again, Gandalf added, "Do not regret your decision to leave him. Frodo must finish this task alone."
"He's not alone. Sam went with him." Aragorn's silent voice pierced the silent air, startling Gandalf with the good news.
"He did? Did he?" A small proud smile crossed the old grey beard's wrinkled features. "Good. Yes. Very good."
"Alex aided them to cross the lake. She was able to resist the temptation of the ring and raided our bags and gave all our supplies to both of them."
More good news. "It seems what the fellowship needed was a woman's touch after all." Gandalf's voice turned teasing, glancing back at the rest of the members who are trying to get comfortable around the small fire.
Aragorn's voice turned grim, remembering the state of Alex when they stumbled back to camp. "She almost died trying to hold off the Uruk Hai while Frodo and Sam tried to get away."
Gandalf's brow furrowed, realizing that now is the better time to share the information to the ranger, "How much do you know about her?"
Now it was Aragorn's turn to get confused, " What is it that you speak of?"
"She is Lady Aemelia's granddaughter."
"Arwen's sister? But I thought she perished, long before I was ever born?"
"That was what we were told. But apparently the Lady survived."
"Does Lord Elrond…Alex said she met him once long ago," Aragorn stumbled, confusion and astonishment battling within him. All this time, all the while, he had been friends with Arwen's granddaughter! And Legolas—
"If I know Lord Elrond, his doubt is already slim to none. Lady Alexandria is a spitting image of her grandmother—apart from her eyes—the Lord of Imladris would have already claimed her as family." Turning towards Aragorn already reading the question that was about to follow, "Although I am quite sure the Prince of Greenwood is yet to be made aware of this current development. I assume King Thranduil was informed." Gandalf's voice turned silent again.
"But she's a mortal? If she really was half-elf, would she have had at least distinguishable elven features?"
"That path is yet before her. As is the discovery of her true lineage." Defeat coloring Gandalf's face, "I am afraid it is not up to us to decide. The Valar had already played their part in Lady Alex's tale, I am sure they are not quite finished yet. Our plan still stands, keep her close and keep her safe. The Dark Lord has eyes and ears everywhere, we would not want her to be a pawn in another one of his tricks." Turning around to return back to camp with Aragorn following silently in the wizards wake.
Legolas went over the side of the camp, his view unobstructed as he gazed at Alex's sleeping form. Gandalf and Aragorn had returned from their own private conversation to gaze at the fire. Mithrandir offering first watch, as Gimli tried to doze off while still half awake. Paul is sitting right beside the sleeping form of his friend. The mortal's face was covered in concern, every once in while the elf watched as the mortal would sweep his gaze over Alex, like a coiled spring ready to jump at the slight sign of fear or panic over his wife's face.
Alex's trouble at sleeping had not been lost from the group. For three days and night's pursuit they had engaged in, had seriously put a dampen on Alex's mood. Her fear and recent bout of nightmares and uneasy sleep had been observed, not just by Legolas, but by Aragorn as well. The future King of Gondor had been caught more than once glancing at Alex when she was not aware, as she tried to get not more than an hour's peaceful sleep when they chance at a rest from pursuing the pack of Uruk Hai that had taken capture both Merry and Pippin. Her eyes are red rimmed and the bags underneath are telling of the lack of rest. Her exhaustion was clear by the number of falls she had taken when there are on the run. Her attention span short and her headaches are already starting to become a constant bother. She was not accustomed to this, of that was clear , but they could not afford to stop for time was against them and Legolas could not have been more hard on himself at seeing Alex suffer silently.
A lot has happened since then. Not only did they fail at recapturing the pack of monsters that had evaded them, but apparently their small companions are now under the care of the ents. The only upside to their tale was to find that Mirthrandir had been reincarnated as the White Wizard and now their journey has taken them towards Rohan.
Pouring the last of the dwarfinian ale down his throat, and with a cursory glance at Paul, asked him to bring up another flask from Gimli's pack. Negligently tossing down the liquid, he sank onto his cot and stretched his legs out, trying to calm his rampaging fear. Somehow, he didn't not quite believe Alex had come to any harm, but her nightmares and horrors would say otherwise.
Fifteen years, for her. At least fifty years for him. What had occurred on those time they were apart that had caused such a drastic change in their relationship?
"Bring the flask over here." Legolas asked quietly not wanting to disturb the silence of the night, while eyeing Paul. If there was one person who could provide him with answers, it would be her friend, and by the Valar he would get the answers that he seek.
"Tell me something—" addressing her wife's friend properly his eyes gazing intently into Paul's own. It did not go unnoticed by him, that the rest of the group's attention is now on him, "was she always like this?"
Paul stiffened resentfully, in the act of passing the dwarf's flask over. "Alex—" Paul began but Legolas interrupted him with a glacial voice, "You maybe her friend, but you will refer to her as my wife, properly. She is the Princess of Greenwood."
Aragorn stiffened at the information, while Gandalf and Gimli both stared almost slack jawed at the news.
"And a lotta good that has done her!" Paul flung back furiously, sarcasm dripping from his tone.
"Just exactly what is that suppose to mean?" Legolas demanded, so taken aback by the unprecedented display from Paul who has always been so jovial and easy-going, that he failed to react with the outrage one might have reasonably expected from an elf of his temperament and rank.
"It means what it says," Paul snapped, slamming the flask down on the ground beside him. "Being the Princess of Greenwood has never brought her nothing but heartbreak. You are as bad as her mother was—no, you are worse. She only broke her heart, you broke her heart once too and now you are trying to break her spirit." Spitting the last of his tirade, as Paul pulled the blanket closer to Alex's still sleeping frame, as he stood up abruptly to leave the camp to cool his head off.
Paul was almost away from camp, when Legolas' calm voice, yet cool as ice echoed through the silence, "Get back here." What is it with these two and walking away every time he seeks information?
Paul obeyed, but his gnarled hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and he glared resentfully at the elf who had a hand in Alex's sad young life.
"What in the Valar's name are you talking about?" Legolas asked, pure confusion crossing his features. His younger self would have scolded him at how calm he seemed to be after Paul's outburst, but the elf reminded himself that he is a different elf now. He needs to win Alex back, and with that, he needs to address the fact he was not a perfect being, even far from an adoring partner.
Paul's jaw jutted belligerently, "If you think I'm gonna tell you things about her past just so you can use it against her, then you are in for a shock, you holy highness."
Legolas stiffened at the obvious insult at the use of his title, but he held himself back. He wanted an explanation at Paul's startling revelations. "If you have anything to say in the defense of your friend, it would be wise to speak out now." Paul still looked balky. "In the mood that I am currently in, if I get my hands on her fiancé, Alex'll wish to Eru that he'd stay out of my sight."
Paul paled and swallowed, but he remained mutinously silent. Sensing that Paul was wavering and that intimidation alone would never get him to talk freely, Legolas passed the almost forgotten flask and in an action that would have knocked the Elven High society onto its collective face, the Prince of Greenwood held the flask toward a mortal and invited in a clam voice, "Now then, since I apparently hurt your friend—unintentionally—suppose you have a drink, and tell me how I am like her mother. What did she do?"
Paul' suspicious gaze shifted from the elf's face to the silver flask in his outstretched hand, then he slowly reached for it, "Do you mind if I sit while we talk?"
"By all means," Legolas nodded, his hand gesturing to the empty vacated spot beside his wife's slumbering form.
"Her mother was a bitch." Paul offered no sugarcoating and aiming right for the jugular, "She was the loveliest lowliest scoundrel that ever lived—in my opinion. " Paul finished, oblivious to the way the elf's eyebrows shot up to his hairline at the added insult. He paused to take a long fortifying swallow from the flask and shuddered, glaring at the substance from the opening with unhidden revulsion, "God!" He uttered, "What the fuck is this?"
"Dwarfinian ale, it does leave a burning sensation as it goes down and an awful bitter after taste but I love it." Legolas offered, thinking no elf would be excited to hear him appreciate anything dwarf-made.
"Of course you do." Paul rolled his eyes, and then added. "Vile stuff."
"That opinion is shared by most people and I seem to be the only elf that loves it. Now, what did her mother do to her?"
Taking another brave swing from the silver flask, Paul launched into Alex's history, starting from the time she was admitted to a "Reform school for troubled teens" to the time they had met at Dr. Patel's office—including a background description of who Dr. Patel was. "Reformed School for Troubled Teens" —A beautiful name to hide the fact they force-fed teens, isolated them and gave them prescription medications that was suppose to cure them of their 'mental illness'. The outside world would call it help, but for people like Alex, it was hell. The horrors of that place still provided a good juicy gossip for those who were lucky enough to have only stayed there for a year. Alex sadly, had to endure three.
It took six swings from the flask and two hours to drag the story from the reluctant friend. By the time Paul was nearly finished, Legolas—who had felt challenged to match the mortal drink for drink—was slouched down in his cot, his shirt open halfway down his chest, trying to keep his head clear.
"And one day, about a year after she got out of that horrendous school, and finally finding solace in Dr. Patel, her mother's town car pulls into his office driveway in all her Townsend glory and demanded that her daughter's council be divulged to include her in the progress of Alex' treatment." Paul scoffed, "some fucking 'treatment', Alex did not need any treatment because she was not sick."
Legolas' head snapped around, guilt clear on his face. "I should have been there."
A humorless laugh escaped Paul, "and what would you have done? Where were you when she needed you?" Another swing from the flask and Paul continued on, oblivious to the regret and obvious pain that crossed the elf's face. "You should have seen the argument between the two Miss Townsendes and Dr. Patel. But Alex was already exhausted—years of arguing with her mother—it was as if she had accepted that her mother would always feel ashamed of Alex and her choices. She looked her mother in the eye—and for the first time in her life she said something she should have said a long time ago—'no, mother.' in a voice that was devoid of all fight."
"The blonde bitch didn't say anything, she stuck her nose up in the air and noticed the white gold necklace hanging from Alex's neck—the only reminder of her late father, and she treasured that necklace like you wouldn't believe, always touching it when she gets anxious or overly critical of herself and worrying if she lost it."
"Your father would have certainly been disappointed with you. Just like I am." Paul shook his head, the memory of Alex when she came home that night was forever etched onto his memory, she looked so lost and beyond heartbroken that she was not crying, Her eyes are blank and emotionless as she sat at the couch and gave Paul an empty smile and an 'I'm okay.'
"There was so much pain in her eyes, but she did not say anything. I had to find out, of course, after my next session with Dr. Patel—through his temp—about what happened, and I swear to God I wanted to rip that woman's golden hair from her empty head." Paul's teeth clenching at the emotion. "I went home after my session and cried. How can one women be so cruel towards her own daughter?"
Legolas swallowed against the unfamiliar lump in his throat, understanding now the brotherly protectiveness of Paul towards Alex. Paul had known it all and had seen Alex at her lowest and while it comforted the elf that Alex was well looked after, it broke his heart that someone had to pick up her pieces every time, a duty he should have been present for. "Then what happened?"
"The next day, Alex showed up to breakfast like always, smiled at me like always and joked with me like always, but for the first time since meeting her, she wasn't wearing the locket. She has not worn it ever since. She had already given up on her art, what was another necklace, right?"
"And you think I'm like her mother?" Legolas bit out furiously, his anger simmering beneath the surface, not at Paul, no. But for the twisted turn of fate Alex was subjected to. If she had been with him, none of it would have happened, but it was not like she would be scathe-free had she stayed with him, was she?
"Aren't you?" Paul challenged, "You broke her heart when you're around and it's up to me to pick up the pieces."
"What are you talking about?" Legolas insisted, taking a long swing from the same flask, while Paul tried to reach and get another swing from it too, only to find in his disappointment that the flask was now empty.
Paul's eyes suddenly narrowed with anger as he warmed into his story, "You made her fall in love with you. Then she comes into your country and finds out that you never meant to treat her like a proper wife. You only married her for pity! A naive witless chit!" Paul growled, "As far fetched and crazy was her tales are about this place, I believed her. And thank god I did!" Roaming eyes to their surrounding, "Even if her stories were not true, her tears and pain made it real."
Hearing that infamous line again set Legolas's blood to boil, "How did she know about that?"
"She knows about all of it. An elf maid had to break the truth to her because all your fancy elf-friends were laughing at her behind their hands for loving you. They all knew how you really felt about her, because you talked about your plans for your 'future wife' to your lady friend and she talked to everyone else. You shamed Alex even before you met her and when it came down to introduce her, you left her alone and unwanted. You broke her heart, your friends made her feel like she was a disappointment and a laughing stock, way before her mother could deliver the final blow. Her mother's assurance that she was a disappointment—in both worlds— sealed her self loathing. But you will not be able to hurt her again—for she knows what a lying elf you are."
Having finished his piece, Paul moved to lie down on his cot, but not before looking at the silent elf one last time, "If you have an ounce of care for her, let her go."
Legolas watched as Paul moved to pull the blanket over his head and retire for the night. His gaze finally moving from gazing onto the fire, to find the kind stares from Aragorn and Mithrandir.
"I hurt her beyond repair." Legolas whispered, his tone silent but hurt.
"Perhaps." Was the white wizard's only reply after a long silence, his tone bellying a secret that he only knew. Looking at the elf prince before him one last time, his gaze then flickering to Aragorn's. The two had once again, silently decided that the truth of Alex's lineage be kept a secret for now. Patting the elf's shoulder, Aragorn turned towards his own cot to retire for the night. His heart also burdened thinking about what Alex had to go through at such a young age.
Legolas stared blindly at the dwindling fire, while the reasons for Alex's complete change in attitude since their separation had slowly began to crystallize. Paul's brief but eloquent description of a painfully thin Alexandria being subjected to both Elven Society and her own mother's judgement made his heart wrench. Across his mind paraded a vivid image of Alex coming to Greenwood wearing her heart on her sleeve—and then facing the cold disdain Enyelwen had apparently instigated by repeating Legolas' thoughtless, joking remark.
Leaning his head against the tree, Legolas closed his eyes while regret and relief flooded through him. Alex had cared for him. The image he had cherished of the enchanting, artful girl who had loved him had not been false, and for that he was suddenly profoundly overjoyed. The fact that he had wounded her countless had made him wince. But not for one moment was he willing to believe that the damage was irreparable. Neither was he fool enough to think that she'd believe any explanation he could make. Actions, not words, would be the only way to make her lower her guard and trust him again.
A faint, preoccupied smile played about his lips as he contemplated his strategy.
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Don't you just love Paul? I know I do! =)