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Merry looked up as the riders approached him. He smiled as he saw Gandalf and the others, but rose to introduce himself to the other two who rode with them. He frowned at Pippin, who lay asleep beside him, but put on a smile and bowed as the men approached. "Welcome to Isengard my lords! We are the door-wardens. Meriadoc, son of Saradoc is my name; and my companion, who I'm afraid is overcome with weariness, is Peregrin, son of Paladin of the house of Took. Far in the North is our home. The Lord Saruman is inside, but at the moment he is closed inside with one called Wormtongue, or I'm sure he would be here to welcome such fine guests." Merry said, but not before digging his foot into Pippin's side. The latter jumped to his feet in embarrasment.
"No doubt he would Meriadoc! And tell me, was it Saruman who ordered you to guard his damaged doors and watch for guests' arrival, when your attention could be spared from your food?" Gandalf asked with a laugh. "No sir, I'm afraid the matter slipped his mind. He has been much occupied as of late. Treebeard has taken over Isengard and gives us our orders. He told me to welcome the Lord of Rohan with good words, I've done my best." Merry said gravely. "And what of Legolas and I? You rascals, you woolly-footed and wool-pated truants! A fine hunt you have lead us on! Do you know how far hobbit? Do you?" Gimli burst out. Merry jumped slightly and shook his head violently. "Well then I'll tell you, two hundred leagues, through forests, battle and death, to rescue YOU! Yes you young hobbit! And here we find you eating and lazing about, and, and, and SMOKING! Smoking! Where did you come by the weed you villains? I'm so worn between rage and joy that if I do not burst it will be a marvel!" Gimli finished. "I can see that." Merry said. Legolas laughed loudly. "I am with you Gimli, although I myself personally wonder how they came by the wine." Legolas said with a smile, his eyes twinkling as he took in the spoils.
"Well, one thing you haven't found in your hunting is brighter wits. Here you find us sitting on a field of victory my friends, amid the plunder of armies and you wonder how we came by a few well-earned comforts!" Pippin said. The others laughed. "I cannot understand how such beings as hobbits have escaped my knowledge." Theodin, the king of Rohan remarked, shaking his head. "I really cannot either." Merry said grimly. The others laughed and Theodin and Eomer departed from their company. As Gandalf turned to leave, Merry suddenly tugged his cloak. Aragorn started to walk away, but stopped as Gandalf stopped. Gandalf looked down at the serious face of Merry. "What is it Meriadoc?" Gandalf asked quietly. "Well Gandalf, its in the matter of Aria. The Lady Aria I mean. She, well, she left you did she not?" Merry asked. "She did indeed. Went off on her own to search for you I suspected. Why?" Gandalf asked. "Well Gandalf, we found her." Merry said in halting speech.
Gandalf's face lit up. "You did? Then where is she? I would speak with her." Gandalf said, looking down at the hobbits. "I'm afraid, you, you cannot." Merry said quietly. "What do you mean I cannot?" Gandalf asked. Merry did not speak, but twisted his fingers around each other, biting his lip. "Well speak up. Why can I not speak with her?" Gandalf demanded. "Because she's dead Gandalf." Pippin burst out. Gandalf stared down at the two hobbits, his eyes unbelieving, unwilling to believe. But his face softened as he saw the distress of the hobbits beneath him. Aragorn too stared at the hobbits, shock reading in the way his lips fell. Gandalf sighed and placed his hand on Merry's shoulder. "Then lead the way." He said gently.
Gandalf and Aragorn followed the two hobbits to the marble bench where the body lay in state. Pippin had seen to it that the blood had been wiped from her face and hands. The only thing that disfigured the face and body was the dark bruises. Her face was white as snow, the lashes that lay against her face, dark. Gandalf and Aragorn stared at the body, wanting to believe that it was a dream, but knowing it was reality. "It seems that Saruman got to her first. We saw an Orc carry her out of there." Merry said, motioning towards the Orthanc. "And that was after we heard her scream." Pippin put in. There was silence as Gandalf looked upon the body with sympathy, and Aragorn touched his forehead in reverence. "Can you do nothing Gandalf?" Pippin choked. Gandalf turned his blue gaze upon the small hobbit, his green eyes wide and pleading. Gandalf gently rested his wrinkled hand on the hobbit's shoulder, comfort in his gaze. "I'm afraid I cannot Peregrin. I'm afraid I cannot." He said softly. Pippin dropped his head, his eyes eventually looking back to the pallid face before him, but taking comfort in Gandalf's touch.
Gimli stepped forward from the shadows, Legolas following him, his forehead furrowed in confusion at the solemn faces before him. Gimli's mouth fell open as the body came into his sight. "Who has done this?" He growled. "Saruman." Gandalf answered softly. Gimli raised his axe, his eyes flaming, but Gandalf's hand came down upon him. "Not now Gimli. Now is not the time for that." He said softly, but firmly. Legolas stepped lightly between Gandalf and Aragorn, his forehead furrowed, his face confused. Gandalf and the others stepped back as Legolas stood above the body. He cocked his head so as to see her face better, then looked at her, her still body lying there, her hands clasping the brooch of Lothlorien. Tentatively, his hand strayed to her face, but he recoiled as he touched the skin. He turned around to face Gandalf, his expression that of bewilderment. "Why is she so cold Gandalf?" He whispered. Gandalf lowered his head, but said nothing. Legolas looked from face to face, and upon finding no answer, he turned back to Aria. He lay his hand down once more, but he avoided her cold skin, instead running his fingers lightly along her hair. He lifted his hand, staring at it in the moonlight. His fingers were stained with red blood. He turned to Gandalf once more, his hand still held in front of him.
"She is not dead Gandalf." He whispered. "She is not dead. She sleeps. She rests. She has had hard times, but she has not passed away. Not now." Legolas insisted. Gandalf lay his hand upon the Elf's shoulder. The Elf stared into Gandalf's face, pleading with him to find a reason for his friend's stillness. "These things happen Legolas. Death comes when we least expect it, but it comes. It has come this eve." He said softly. Legolas shook his head and turned away. "It is not true. She rests Gandalf. That is all. She shall wake up." Legolas leaned against the bench, taking one of her cold hands in his and rubbing it gently. Gimli raised his hand, placing it on the arm of the Elf. Legolas looked down at the dwarf and seeing the pity in his eyes said, "She will awaken Gimli. She will." He said urgently. Gimli shook his head, but his hand remained on the elf's arm.
There was silence for a moment before the others made a move to walk away, to leave Legolas alone. They walked away silently, leaving Legolas with the body. Legolas continued to stroke her hand, firmly but gently, trying to draw back redeeming warmth. But as he rubbed, he cocked his head, stared at her lips. Had they opened? The eyelids. Had they fluttered? A gentle breath fanned his face. He sat erect joyfully and called out behind him. "She lives! She breathes! Come see Gandalf! I told you!" He called out. The others came rushing back, the hobbits in the lead, rushing to the front. Aragorn stared at her hard, watching the breaths entering and departing her body. They watched as a rose color returned slowly to the white cheeks as the breaths came quicker.
Gandalf lay his hand upon the Elf's forehead, feeling the warmth that exuded from her skin. Her eyelids slowly fluttered open, revealing the deep blue irises beneath. Her eyes focused and she smiled slightly at those who stood around her. "I never thought I'd be so happy to see so many faces." She said weakly. The others chuckled softly, from the pure joy of hearing her speak once more. "We thought you were dead Lady!" Pippin said happily, his eyes beaming. Aria moved to look at him. "I am glad that you were wrong. Though I must admit I was surprised that a great wizard like Saruman did not see that coming." Aria chuckled, then coughed. Gandalf raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean, 'he didn't see that coming'?" Gandalf asked suspiciously. Aria smiled at the old man. "Have you not guessed yet Gandalf? For it is one of your own spells." Aria said. Gandalf shook his head. "I have no memory of a spell like this." He said.
Aria smiled and moved slightly to get a better view of his face. "You do not remember? Well, it was many hundreds of years ago, but still, a memory I would think that you would remember. I was only a child when you told it to me. You must remember Gandalf. It was the celebration of my sister's anniversary. Everyone was off celebrating, but I was not allowed to go. I was sitting alone, all by myself in the entry hall feeling sorry for myself. Do you remember now, old friend?" Gandalf's eyes lit up. "Yes, yes, continue! The others have not heard of this." He said with a smile. "You came to me from the banquet, the only elder who did that night. You asked me why I was so sad, and I told you of my loneliness. Then you asked me if I wanted to play a trick on the guests. I said I did. And you taught me the spell. Galadriel was so frightened for a time before she saw through it. I wish I had been awake to see her face." Aria chuckled.
"Wait, I don't see what happened." Pippin protested. "It was a small spell I had learned long ago. A spell that stills the heart and the body to feign death. But in reality, the soul has not yet departed from the body, though the blood is chilled and death seems apparent. You were right in thinking her in death hobbits. For in death she was, and deep in it. Why in all the blazes did you think of something like that? At a time like that?" Gandalf suddenly asked. "I don't know. I was thinking that I was going to die, and the event came into my mind. I am grateful for its memory." Aria said softly. "As am I, seeing as it saved you from an eternal death." Gandalf said gently, patting her hand. "I must admit that I too am glad you remembered such a meaningless spell. It is good to have you with us again Lady." Gimli said gruffly. "It is good to be among your company again friend dwarf." Aria said with a smile.
"But what is this? Am I dreaming, or is it truly the faces of Merry and Pippin in front of me?" Aria asked, turning to the hobbits. The hobbits grinned and chuckled. "Yes its us! We've been here the whole time! Glad you're back!" Merry said, Pippin finishing the sentence with a jump for joy, ending in laughter from the others that caused him to blush furiously. Aria finally focused on the figure of Legolas who was seated on the bench beside her, on of her hands still in his own. "And I am glad to see you as well." She whispered. Legolas said nothing, but his grip on her hand grew tighter. "I knew you weren't dead." He murmured, a smile on his features. "Here, drink this Aria. Trendil, from the house of Elrond." Aria accepted the vial from Gandalf, pausing before drinking the liquid. She rested the vial on the bench as she closed her eyes, waiting for the potion to take its effect. "Whats that Merry?" Pippin asked, watching as Aria lay still. "Its a healing potion made only by the elves. Its potency heals wounds, and renews strength." Aragorn said softly, leaning down towards the hobbits. The hobbits nodded, then stared as the black and blue bruises slowly faded from the Elf's face, giving her back the fresh beauty she had had before Saruman.
She sat up slowly and turned to Gandalf. "My shoulder still pains me." She said softly, her fingers touching the spot tenderly. "Saruman caused me to feel the pain of a Nazgul blade." She said, answering the questioning faces around her. Gandalf shook his head, placing his hand on her other shoulder. "It will fade in time, but its pain will remain." He said gently. A wave of pain passed Aria's face. She tenderly moved her shirt aside, revealing her shoulder. Around a certain spot, it was tinged black, though there was no cut in the skin. "I shall endure. He will not win that easily." She said with determination. "And I don't believe you shall let him." Gandalf said with a smile. "This may sound odd, but, I wish to rest." Aria said, frowning.
Gandalf and the others laughed. "Very well, but let us find you some other place besides cold marble." Gandalf said, taking her hand, Legolas taking the other and helping her walk across the yard. "You can have my blanket!" Pipping said, running alongside the others. "And mine too! You can have mine!" Merry joined in. Gandalf helped Aria to lay on the ground wrapping her in Merry and Pippin's blankets gently. Legolas smiled and watched a moment, then turned back to the marble bench. He frowned, then walked over to it, picking up an object that had fallen from Aria's hands when she had stood. He held the small leaf-brooch from Lothlorien in his palm for a time, watching the moonlight glint off of its surface. He then realized how close he had come to death, for had she slipped into the shadow, he too would have been forced to follow.
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