Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.
My Friend, My Brother
Chapter 12 Revelations
Aragorn took the lead as they followed the trail that headed northwest, for he knew something of the land in these parts. As they continued their desperate chase, all three kept a sharp look out for any sign that would indicate the Hobbits were alive and well. Fortune was with them and it was with much relief that Aragorn finally spotted the tracks of Hobbit feet leading off the main path. Legolas and Gimli waited as Aragorn followed the footprints, for he was by far the most experienced tracker and they did not want to destroy any clues he might find.
"I have found something," Aragorn shouted jubilantly from the undergrowth. "It is Pippin's leaf brooch that he received from Galadriel." Legolas and Gimli inspected the find and the tracks that indicated that the Hobbits had been there and were still alive. There was much debate as to whether they had indeed escaped, and if so, where were they now?
"These Orcs are unlike any I have encountered before," commented Legolas as they took a short rest break. "They are travelling swiftly and in the daylight."
"Yes," agreed Aragorn. "The distance between us is increasing every hour. I fear we will not overtake them and if we do not, there is little chance of rescue. We three are no matches for the forces of Isengard."
"No, but I will gladly wield my axe and remove as many heads as I can before I fall!" Exclaimed Gimli demonstrating his technique on an imaginary foe. Aragorn was impressed by his courage, but Legolas simply laughed and said,
"I can not allow you to behave in such a foolhardy manner, friend Gimli. Even this 'crazy Elf' as you often call me, would not dare engage in such folly." Legolas commented wryly.
"Legolas is right, it would be folly." Aragorn said, smiling at the disappointed look on the Dwarf's face. "Do not be disappointed, I am sure your axe will have plenty of opportunity to do battle in the days ahead." Gimli muttered something under his breath and sat on a nearby rock and lit his pipe while Aragorn and Legolas made their way to the top of the hill.
"You seem to have become very close friends with Gimli," Aragorn said as they stood surveying the landscape below. "I can not imagine you allowing anyone else call you 'crazy'!"
"We spent a lot of time together in Lothlorien, for he felt very much alone. Not all Elves harbour ill will towards Dwarfs, once they become better acquainted."
"Just as Man and Elf have become Allies once more," Aragorn said.
"Our two Races may be considered such, but you and I are more than Allies, were are friends, brothers fighting for a common cause."
"I am honoured to be both your friend and brother," replied Aragorn, sensing for the first time the depth and intensity of the Elf's emotions towards him.
"Do you know where we are?" Legolas asked, suddenly shifting the conversation back to their quest.Already he was beginning to realise the grief the future held for him. "I have not travelled this far away from Mirkwood before."
"We are nearing the grasslands of Rohan," Aragorn replied, pointing to the green plains in the distance. "I once travelled here, many years ago."
"I remember you mentioning that you had been in Edoras during your wanderings," Legolas said. "I hope you still have the favour of the Lord of the Mark, for I can see Riders approaching." A dark speck had appeared on the horizon, moving rapidly across the green plains.
"Once again your keen eyesight aids us." Aragorn said gratefully. "Perhaps we have come across help unlooked for in our time of need."
They made their way to the foot of the hill and sat quietly waiting for the golden haired Riders of Rohan to reach them. The elven cloaks of Lothlorien they still wore were said to make the wearer almost invisible and this proved to be the case. The host had all but passed them by when Aragorn called to them. In a skilled manoeuvre horsemen armed with spears quickly surrounded them. Eomer, Third Marshal of the Mark was their leader and he demanded to know who they were and what business brought them to the Riddermark. Aragorn explained that they were seeking to rescue the Half lings from their captors and was alarmed to hear that the band of Orcs was no more. The Riders had killed them all under the eaves of Fangorn, and nothing remained of the creatures except their ashes.
After much discussion, Aragorn finally convinced Eomer to lend them horses, rather than take them to Edoras as trespassers. Gimli flatly refused to ride, but with much persuasion accepted Legolas' offer to ride behind him on Arod, the horse he was given. Aragorn vowed, as a sign of good faith to return both Arod and Hasufel to Meduseld when their quest was ended and the Riders departed to their battle in the south. The three companions rode quickly to the outskirts of Fangorn where the massacre of the Orcs had taken place, ever in the hope that Merry and Pippin had not been mistakenly taken for enemies.
A camp was set under a large chestnut tree and Gimli made a small fire, heeding Aragorn's warning not to harm any living tree.
Legolas saw to the care of the horses and with a quiet word of comfort to Arod, left them tethered in a sheltered place beneath the leafy branches. He moved away from the others and stood staring into the forest, listening to the distant sounds of the trees of Fangorn, voices only he could hear.
Aragorn wandered up to him and placed a brotherly hand on Legolas' shoulder, startling him out of his reverie. "I think you should try and sleep tonight," he said in a tone of voice that was more of a command than a suggestion. Grey eyes smiled at him with delight as the Elf Prince bowed and answered in the same formal tone of voice he used when speaking to Thranduil as his King, not as his father.
"As you command, My Lord."
Aragorn had never before been addressed in such a manner, even in jest, and although he laughed at the words, a part of him accepted them as his due. Legolas sensed the subtle change in his friend, and for a brief moment he caught a glimpse of the King that Aragorn was destined to become.
The moment passed, as did Aragorn's concern over the elf's lack of sleep for Legolas agreed to let Gimli take the first watch and settled peacefully into the misty realm of elven dreams. Aragorn also quickly fell asleep, leaving Gimli to his pipe and the comfort of the fire.
Late into Gimli's watch, there was the sound of disturbance from where the horses were tethered and it was quickly discovered that they had been set free. It appeared that Eomer's warning had been timely and that Saruman, in the guise of an old man, was responsible for the treacherous deed.
The next morning they searched the blackened area where the fire had been set by the Riders to burn the corpses, as well as in the surrounding forest. It was Aragorn who triumphantly produced the first evidence that the Hobbits were alive; he found the lembas crumbs and the leaf in which the way bread had been wrapped. Close by he also found cut cords and he tracked their movements that lead directly into Fangorn.
"Celeborn warned us not to enter here," he said as they cautiously made a path through the woods. "Do you know why, Legolas?"
"No, unless it was because these ageless tree do not want to be disturbed. I sense the shadow of evil far off in the distance, but not in this part of the forest. There is no danger to us as long as we do no harm to any living tree." He said looking pointedly at Gimli's axe.
"I only used branches and twigs which were already dead on the ground for my fire," Gimli said loudly, annoyed with the sudden interest in his axe but looking around nervously all the same.
"See, even a Dwarf knows how to talk to trees." Legolas whispered in Aragorn's ear. They both laughed at the memory of the day Aragorn had accused Legolas of conspiring with a certain tree in Mirkwood.
The atmosphere in the forest was thick and stifling and Legolas suggested they climb a nearby hill in search of fresh air. It was then they noticed the old man following them and they awaited him with weapons drawn, thinking him to be Saruman. To the utter astonishment of all, the old man was none other than their friend, the Istari known as Mithrandir to Legolas and Gandalf to Gimli and Aragorn.
The three totally amazed companions were pleased to hear that he knew Merry and Pippin were safe and well and under the protection of the Ents and they listened intently to what he could tell them of his battle with the Balrog in the depths of Moria and his resurrection and recovery in Lothlorien. Aragorn listened in thoughtful silence as Gandalf relayed a message from Galadriel, not quite understanding its meaning. Legolas felt something beautiful yet sad tug at his soul when he heard her warning to him about the sea.
They all smiled at her light-hearted words to Gimli about being careful with his axe. The Dwarf eyed his friends suspiciously, wondering if they had somehow been in contact with the beautiful Lady of Light.
"We must make haste to aid Theoden King, for war is brewing." Gandalf the White said when he had finished his tale. "Isengard and Mordor seek to destroy Rohan." They followed him silently as he lead them out of Fangorn, stopping only to signal for Shadowfax, his horse. The great white steed galloped to his master bringing with him Arod and Hasufel and they rode swiftly to Meduseld.
The single trees merged into one large, green canopy as they left Fangorn behind and Legolas vowed silently to return one day, for he greatly desired to spend more time in the ageless forest.
My Friend, My Brother
Chapter 12 Revelations
Aragorn took the lead as they followed the trail that headed northwest, for he knew something of the land in these parts. As they continued their desperate chase, all three kept a sharp look out for any sign that would indicate the Hobbits were alive and well. Fortune was with them and it was with much relief that Aragorn finally spotted the tracks of Hobbit feet leading off the main path. Legolas and Gimli waited as Aragorn followed the footprints, for he was by far the most experienced tracker and they did not want to destroy any clues he might find.
"I have found something," Aragorn shouted jubilantly from the undergrowth. "It is Pippin's leaf brooch that he received from Galadriel." Legolas and Gimli inspected the find and the tracks that indicated that the Hobbits had been there and were still alive. There was much debate as to whether they had indeed escaped, and if so, where were they now?
"These Orcs are unlike any I have encountered before," commented Legolas as they took a short rest break. "They are travelling swiftly and in the daylight."
"Yes," agreed Aragorn. "The distance between us is increasing every hour. I fear we will not overtake them and if we do not, there is little chance of rescue. We three are no matches for the forces of Isengard."
"No, but I will gladly wield my axe and remove as many heads as I can before I fall!" Exclaimed Gimli demonstrating his technique on an imaginary foe. Aragorn was impressed by his courage, but Legolas simply laughed and said,
"I can not allow you to behave in such a foolhardy manner, friend Gimli. Even this 'crazy Elf' as you often call me, would not dare engage in such folly." Legolas commented wryly.
"Legolas is right, it would be folly." Aragorn said, smiling at the disappointed look on the Dwarf's face. "Do not be disappointed, I am sure your axe will have plenty of opportunity to do battle in the days ahead." Gimli muttered something under his breath and sat on a nearby rock and lit his pipe while Aragorn and Legolas made their way to the top of the hill.
"You seem to have become very close friends with Gimli," Aragorn said as they stood surveying the landscape below. "I can not imagine you allowing anyone else call you 'crazy'!"
"We spent a lot of time together in Lothlorien, for he felt very much alone. Not all Elves harbour ill will towards Dwarfs, once they become better acquainted."
"Just as Man and Elf have become Allies once more," Aragorn said.
"Our two Races may be considered such, but you and I are more than Allies, were are friends, brothers fighting for a common cause."
"I am honoured to be both your friend and brother," replied Aragorn, sensing for the first time the depth and intensity of the Elf's emotions towards him.
"Do you know where we are?" Legolas asked, suddenly shifting the conversation back to their quest.Already he was beginning to realise the grief the future held for him. "I have not travelled this far away from Mirkwood before."
"We are nearing the grasslands of Rohan," Aragorn replied, pointing to the green plains in the distance. "I once travelled here, many years ago."
"I remember you mentioning that you had been in Edoras during your wanderings," Legolas said. "I hope you still have the favour of the Lord of the Mark, for I can see Riders approaching." A dark speck had appeared on the horizon, moving rapidly across the green plains.
"Once again your keen eyesight aids us." Aragorn said gratefully. "Perhaps we have come across help unlooked for in our time of need."
They made their way to the foot of the hill and sat quietly waiting for the golden haired Riders of Rohan to reach them. The elven cloaks of Lothlorien they still wore were said to make the wearer almost invisible and this proved to be the case. The host had all but passed them by when Aragorn called to them. In a skilled manoeuvre horsemen armed with spears quickly surrounded them. Eomer, Third Marshal of the Mark was their leader and he demanded to know who they were and what business brought them to the Riddermark. Aragorn explained that they were seeking to rescue the Half lings from their captors and was alarmed to hear that the band of Orcs was no more. The Riders had killed them all under the eaves of Fangorn, and nothing remained of the creatures except their ashes.
After much discussion, Aragorn finally convinced Eomer to lend them horses, rather than take them to Edoras as trespassers. Gimli flatly refused to ride, but with much persuasion accepted Legolas' offer to ride behind him on Arod, the horse he was given. Aragorn vowed, as a sign of good faith to return both Arod and Hasufel to Meduseld when their quest was ended and the Riders departed to their battle in the south. The three companions rode quickly to the outskirts of Fangorn where the massacre of the Orcs had taken place, ever in the hope that Merry and Pippin had not been mistakenly taken for enemies.
A camp was set under a large chestnut tree and Gimli made a small fire, heeding Aragorn's warning not to harm any living tree.
Legolas saw to the care of the horses and with a quiet word of comfort to Arod, left them tethered in a sheltered place beneath the leafy branches. He moved away from the others and stood staring into the forest, listening to the distant sounds of the trees of Fangorn, voices only he could hear.
Aragorn wandered up to him and placed a brotherly hand on Legolas' shoulder, startling him out of his reverie. "I think you should try and sleep tonight," he said in a tone of voice that was more of a command than a suggestion. Grey eyes smiled at him with delight as the Elf Prince bowed and answered in the same formal tone of voice he used when speaking to Thranduil as his King, not as his father.
"As you command, My Lord."
Aragorn had never before been addressed in such a manner, even in jest, and although he laughed at the words, a part of him accepted them as his due. Legolas sensed the subtle change in his friend, and for a brief moment he caught a glimpse of the King that Aragorn was destined to become.
The moment passed, as did Aragorn's concern over the elf's lack of sleep for Legolas agreed to let Gimli take the first watch and settled peacefully into the misty realm of elven dreams. Aragorn also quickly fell asleep, leaving Gimli to his pipe and the comfort of the fire.
Late into Gimli's watch, there was the sound of disturbance from where the horses were tethered and it was quickly discovered that they had been set free. It appeared that Eomer's warning had been timely and that Saruman, in the guise of an old man, was responsible for the treacherous deed.
The next morning they searched the blackened area where the fire had been set by the Riders to burn the corpses, as well as in the surrounding forest. It was Aragorn who triumphantly produced the first evidence that the Hobbits were alive; he found the lembas crumbs and the leaf in which the way bread had been wrapped. Close by he also found cut cords and he tracked their movements that lead directly into Fangorn.
"Celeborn warned us not to enter here," he said as they cautiously made a path through the woods. "Do you know why, Legolas?"
"No, unless it was because these ageless tree do not want to be disturbed. I sense the shadow of evil far off in the distance, but not in this part of the forest. There is no danger to us as long as we do no harm to any living tree." He said looking pointedly at Gimli's axe.
"I only used branches and twigs which were already dead on the ground for my fire," Gimli said loudly, annoyed with the sudden interest in his axe but looking around nervously all the same.
"See, even a Dwarf knows how to talk to trees." Legolas whispered in Aragorn's ear. They both laughed at the memory of the day Aragorn had accused Legolas of conspiring with a certain tree in Mirkwood.
The atmosphere in the forest was thick and stifling and Legolas suggested they climb a nearby hill in search of fresh air. It was then they noticed the old man following them and they awaited him with weapons drawn, thinking him to be Saruman. To the utter astonishment of all, the old man was none other than their friend, the Istari known as Mithrandir to Legolas and Gandalf to Gimli and Aragorn.
The three totally amazed companions were pleased to hear that he knew Merry and Pippin were safe and well and under the protection of the Ents and they listened intently to what he could tell them of his battle with the Balrog in the depths of Moria and his resurrection and recovery in Lothlorien. Aragorn listened in thoughtful silence as Gandalf relayed a message from Galadriel, not quite understanding its meaning. Legolas felt something beautiful yet sad tug at his soul when he heard her warning to him about the sea.
They all smiled at her light-hearted words to Gimli about being careful with his axe. The Dwarf eyed his friends suspiciously, wondering if they had somehow been in contact with the beautiful Lady of Light.
"We must make haste to aid Theoden King, for war is brewing." Gandalf the White said when he had finished his tale. "Isengard and Mordor seek to destroy Rohan." They followed him silently as he lead them out of Fangorn, stopping only to signal for Shadowfax, his horse. The great white steed galloped to his master bringing with him Arod and Hasufel and they rode swiftly to Meduseld.
The single trees merged into one large, green canopy as they left Fangorn behind and Legolas vowed silently to return one day, for he greatly desired to spend more time in the ageless forest.