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Chapter Three: The Travelling Circus
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The sun rose to its fullest upon their second day of travel, warming the tips of their ears despite the wintertime. The party had travelled through sporadic conversation and scattered song, but now were more focused on the rumbling of their bellies.
Gandalf, who lead the pack down the well-travelled path, came to a stop. Shadowfax snorted in approval beneath him, as the wizard spoke. "We shall rest here, and continue after a good meal. It would not be wise to wear ourselves down with so many miles yet to go!"
Pippin gave a great cheer, nearly tumbling off his pony. "Finally," said he, rubbing his saddle-sore bottom. "What shall we have to eat?"
"We have stew and heavy bread, and cheese with apples. It would be best to eat these now, for I do not think they will keep much longer," Elrohir suggested.
"Good," said Legolas, "I will fetch fire-wood."
"I will help!" Merry volunteered at once. He hopped down from his pony and followed the Elf into the woods that bordered their path. Though there was an abundance of trees, there was not much in the way of firewood. The trees stood tall and strong, and had left no branches lying about for travellers. Further from the path, the vegetation around the trees became denser and difficult for Merry to manage.
"Ah!" said Legolas suddenly, stopping so short that the young Hobbit nearly piled into him, "What's this?" He guided Merry over a particularly thorny shrub, and pointed at a clearing that had appeared before them. It was not big, but definitely a campsite. In its center was carved a fire-pit, and at the far side, a small pile of neatly chopped wood.
"A camp!" exclaimed Merry, "Do you think it's still occupied, Legolas?"
The Wood-Elf navigated the remaining bushes easily, and stepped into the clearing. "It has not been empty long, at most a day and half, I should guess. See how the wind has caught the ashes? And tracks of coon—there have been scavengers. What luck that he has left us firewood! I did not wish to harm a tree for sake of a warm meal."
"Coon?"
"A thief of a beast. There are many in my home-forest, but they are not a danger to aught but unguarded dinners," Legolas replied with a laugh, running a slender finger down the smooth bark of the topmost branch. The wood was dry, kept so by the roof of many leaves sitting at great height above.
Merry made a mental note to keep an eye out for these 'coons', for to him, a stolen dinner was a heinous crime indeed! Stumbling through the remainder of the bushes, the Hobbit crossed the grassy clearing to the golden-haired Elf's side. The pair sorted through the carefully hewn wood, picking out the best dry logs to be found.
Curiosity winning through, Merry paused to set his blue eyes upon his Elven companion's. "What's your father like, Legolas?"
"My father?" Legolas asked, taken quite by surprise. "Why do you ask?"
"Well," Merry replied, taking a moment to choose his words, "I've heard tales from Old Bilbo that don't seem too kind, and Gimli swears up and down that—"
A delighted chuckle cut Merry short, "Has that gruff little Dwarf been putting ideas into your head, Master Hobbit? Did he tell you that my father would chain you up in the deepest depths of our dungeons for no crime greater than treading his soil?"
Merry blushed, feeling foolish for taking Gimli's exaggerated recounting of Gloin's trials in Mirkwood as complete truth. "Well… no, I…"
Legolas grinned from ear to pointed ear, clapping the small traveller's shoulder. He hefted his pile, and walked easily back the way they had come. Pausing, and leaning so as to speak closer to Merry's ear, he continued impishly: "If so, he spoke the truth. I trust you will make good use of what freedom you have left!"
After a moment of stunned silence, Merry began to laugh, and chased the nimble Wood-Elf back through the trees to their companions.
***
"Ah! They return!" Samwise, quite proud to have noticed their returning companions before anyone else, pointed to the wood. The horses were grazing nearby, and the company rested quietly upon a bed of deep grass. It had not been long since the Bucklander had followed the Wood-Elf into the trees, and in fact it had been but moments since the pair had disappeared from sight. "They sure must be hungry," said Sam thoughtfully, "Hear them rush!"
Looking up from a petty—nevertheless heated—argument, Elladan and Elrohir cocked their heads simultaneously in confusion. The others turned now to the wood, and were also surprised by this 'rush'. There came a great thundering sound, as if someone of tremendous girth was racing through the thicket, leaving in his wake a path of snapped branches and trampled soil.
"That is no Elf," Elrohir said surely, drawing his bow and readying an arrow. Beside him, Elladan did the same, and the Hobbits drew their swords in trepidation.
"Nor a Hobbit," said Frodo, eyeing the thick bush grimly. "We too are a soft-footed people, if not so feather-light as the Elves."
"Then," said Gandalf, quite calm, "Let him come and be revealed."
At his words, the party relaxed somewhat. Though his noise was great, there was surely only one approaching. Their number was far greater! Despite this confidence, no weapon wavered. Finally, a creature burst at great speed from the wood. He was dressed not unlike a peasant, in warm but ragged furs. Dark hair clung to his face and neck in his sweat, and ice-pale eyes were wide and sunken from lack of sleep.
Not expecting the sudden drop of several feet at path's edge, he crashed to the ground in a tangle of limbs. "Mithrandir! Mithrandir!"
At the sheer sight of him, tumbling as he did, the twins relaxed their bowstrings and the Hobbits leaned upon their swords. The man, and indeed he was a Man, rose to legs shaking with exhaustion and nearly wept in his joy at the sight of the White Wizard. "Ai, Mithrandir!"
Gandalf strode forward and gripped the man's shoulders, and it seemed to the Hobbits that he was quite alarmed. "Mithrandir is here. Are you chased?"
"Nay, I should hope not. I rush not for fear of being caught. I have a message, one of urgency that I should pass unto you by order of Radagast the Brown!" All of this was spoken in one breath, and in the silence that followed the visitor found himself under five sets of scrutinous eyes. He bowed to the Elves and Hobbits, panting and wiping the sweat from his forehead. "My apologies. Any friends of Mithrandir deserve much more courtesy than this. I am Hannor, messenger to Radagast of Rhosgobel."
Gandalf, with a wave of his hand, cut off any like introductions from his crew. Grasping his staff now as weapon instead of crutch, he led Hannor aside. "What words does Radagast send, weary friend? Why should he send you in his stead, and upon only foot?"
Hannor's eyes turned hollow at these last words, "Hanniual my horse, he has fallen to a pack of most loathsome Wargs. It was at only his sacrifice that I did escape with my life, not three nights past. Radagast is not fit to come himself, and sends you this most urgent message." The Wizard waited with bated breath, but Hannor spoke no more. He pulled a scroll of parchment from beneath his cloak, and handed it to Gandalf with a bow.
"Hannor," said Frodo, "come, and eat. We have good food and water to spare, and any friend of Gandalf deserves courtesy himself! Sit soft."
The Man looked questioningly up at the Istari, awaiting a dismissal despite the fact that the Brown Wizard was his master and not the White. With the slightest nod of his head, Gandalf turned to the shade beneath the trees and began to study the rushedly-penned note of Radagast. Moving to collapse between Sam and Elladan, he smiled at the mixed party. "Your kindness is an unexpected gift, but I know of Hobbit custom. Fear not! I will not lighten your portions."
Pippin rose to his impressive height, which was spurned by Ent-draught and not Hobbit-trait, and said something then which won a gasp from even distracted Gandalf. "Nonsense," said he. "We've plenty to spare. You are welcome to it."
Hannor took Pippin's hand in his own, "Most gracious Hobbit! I know not your name, alas that I cannot thank you rightly!"
"Peregrin Took," said Gandalf with a great deal of pride. He had folded the scroll into a crevasse of his own robes. "Pippin, more commonly. At his left Elrohir and Elladan, sons of Elrond of Imladris, and to your left, Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins."
"Sam, to my friends," the sandy-haired Hobbit added, passing Hannor a half-loaf of bread. "We should have fire soon to warm our stew. Your timing is good!"
Hannor smiled gratefully, tearing apart the bread as though he had not seen loaf nor crumb in months. He took offered water, cheese and was half-way through a crisp apple before Sam let out a cry. "Ai! That's them for sure."
Legolas and Merry, joyous song heard long before they were seen, danced through the trees and out to the path. They both bore heavy loads of lumber, but their spirits were not dampened by the burden; both wore broad grins. It was indeed almost comical, the looks of sheer shock that appeared upon their faces as they caught sight of the unfamiliar, haggard messenger.
***
"I would not leave, were it my choice. Any chance to choose is now passed, and I must go. I will take comfort in knowing that you are safe in each other's company," Gandalf addressed his friends from Shadowfax's strong back. At his left, Hannor sat upon the horse lent to him by Legolas, looking far better with a full belly and renewed hope in his heart. "Continue on our path with leisure. I will find you when I am able. Be on your guard, for my peace of mind if nothing else! Farewell!"
"Namárië, Mithrandir!" cried Legolas as the white-clad Wizard raced down the path, Radagast's messenger at his heels. He turned to the others as they waved and cried well-wishes of their own, and said softly, "What luck. Mithrandir has just come from great and perilous battle, and now goes to urgent trouble? I hope it is resolved quickly, and with ease on his part. What message could Radagast send to alarm him so?"
"Nothing old Gandalf can't manage, I reckon," said Sam.
"Sam is quite right," said Elladan, "I would not be surprised if we enter your father's halls, Legolas, and find him waiting for us."
"Probably having a smoke, just to irritate your father," Elrohir grinned. He had yet to come across anyone who despised pipe-weed with such passion as Thranduil. No Elf, of course, was fond of it, but Thranduil insisted the Wizard suck on toffees, when he was so keen to make use of his pipe. It had become custom that Gandalf bring a bottle of the finest wine he could manage upon every visit, in exchange for smoking (albeit only out-of-doors) in Thranduil's Realm. Any lesser man would be locked up at the offence, doing little for the King's reputation among outsiders.
Legolas reluctantly smiled, "I suppose you are right. There is very little that poses Gandalf threat… Whose horse may I share? I should hope Aragorn's is safe in Hannor's keeping…"
Elrohir smiled, wrapping an arm around Legolas' shoulders. "That horse was once one of Rivendell, and knows better than to take a rider with less than wholesome intentions. Do you wish to ride Arlad with me? He is strong, and you are slight in build…"
Legolas laughed, and Elrohir felt as though his heart might burst at the beautiful sound. "Slight, dear Elrohir? You do not suggest that I am weak, surely?"
Elrohir flushed, "Nay, nay! Of course not, I—"
"What he means is," began Pippin impishly, his eyes sparkling, "You are slight compared only to such mighty, robust Hobbits as Merry and I."
Legolas raised a dark brow, as Merry copied Pippin's pose and puffed his chest out to it's fullest, flexing his war-born biceps with a grunt. "That's right, Pip!"
Frodo laughed, "I daresay your height has gone to your head, Pippin! But," he began, knowing full well what havoc his next words would wreak, "who is sturdier? Yourself or Merry?"
Took and Brandybuck shared a look. "Oi, I never thought of that…" admitted Pippin, and then almost immediately; "I am!"
"You!?"
Merry's oft-raspy voice was incredulous, and Frodo laughed at his success. At his side, Sam shook his head, bemused, but pleased to all ends with the smile on his Master's face. "You ought not tease them, Mister Frodo… They'll argue for hours!"
"If it spares us an eightieth refrain of the Entwives' song, I would be all the gladder," smirked Legolas, and he turned his gaze back to Elrohir. "If you don't mind me, Elrohir, I will accept your offer. You are slight of build as well."
The blond Elf grinned cheekily, and patted Elrohir's shoulder as he leapt easily onto Arlad the horse. Elladan marvelled at his twin's pleased blush. Even Aragorn did not turn so vivid a hue when embarrassed, and that was a sight in itself! Mounting his own horse, and making sure nothing was left behind, the eldest son of Elrond took the lead. Passing Elrohir and Legolas on Arlad, he fought back a giggle. Elrohir rode behind the Wood-Elf, holding him around the waist tightly. His cheek rested upon Legolas' shoulder, and an expression of pure bliss was on his handsome face.
"We shall have to stop early tonight," decided Legolas, misunderstanding Elrohir's position, "I did not realize you were so tired, Elrohir."
Elrohir smiled into the Elf's back. He felt the warmth of Legolas' body seeping into his own, but it was nothing compared to the flames licking his heart. Oblivious to the pointed, quizzical stares of the Hobbits, and the thinly veiled amusement of Elladan, he began to hum, and continued to do so until the sky turned pink and red, and the sun slipped behind the mountains.
***
Days passed in high spirit, though unease remained when thoughts turned to Gandalf's flight. The ruins of Osgiliath were truly a sight to behold. Though the armies of darkness had been resolute in their destruction, they had not broken the spirit of the Gondorian people. The Fortress of the Stars was partly rebuilt, very much still a shambles, and home to a most magnificent, gleaming white pole. Towering above the city, it bore the country's standard, a sight that stirred every heart to surge of pride. The people there were noble and good-spirited, and in their company, the travellers spent two nights.
They travelled through the Greywood with a new-met hunting party, who came from a small village bordering Osgiliath. Once parted from them, the company had had continued into North Ithilien in the days that followed. Now, they stood merely a half-day from Cair Andros, and their return over the Anduin. Their pace was not a strenuous one, and it was an indescribable pleasure in its stark contrast to their most recent journey. They stopped to rest for the night at the edge of a small, murky-watered pond.
Fire crackling in their midst, blankets were unfurled and spare clothes wadded up for use as pillows. The night was not unbearably cold, but they laid as close to the fire as was safe, and bid one another good-night.
Gazing up at the stars, Legolas stretched gracefully within the fire's red glow, relishing the feel of soft grass beneath his bare feet. "I shall take first watch."
"Wake me in twice two hours, mellonamin," said Elladan, "I am not in need of much sleep this night."
"I will keep a watch, as well," Elrohir offered, carefully re-braiding the dark hair at his temples. Legolas shook his head, and strode to the edge of their camp.
"You must rest, Elrohir. I feared you would fall from our horse today, as you nearly slept against my shoulder. Tomorrow you shall keep watch." Not noticing the blush on Elrohir's features, the Prince of Mirkwood leapt into the low branches of a great tree before him, and scaled it with an ease likened to that of men running down-hill. The Hobbits marvelled as the Elf's golden head reappeared near the ancient tree's topmost branches, his pale and unsoiled feet swinging beneath him. "Quel kaima!" He said, and Frodo smiled in limited understanding, "Sleep well!"
***
The deep of night had come once more. What remained of their fire smouldered and collapsed upon itself, and only the light snores of his companions could be heard. With a frustrated sigh, Frodo disentangled himself from sleeping Sam, and walked stealthily across the camp, taking great care not to wake the others. He wandered for some time down the path, and then back again the way he'd come, but to no avail. Sleep would not come to him this night. Defeated, he slumped against the broad trunk of a tree, and began to pick bits of debris from the hair upon his feet. It was not until Elladan dropped from the tree's belly to his side did Frodo notice that he was not alone. "What troubles you, Master Hobbit?"
The Hobbit shrugged lightly, "I am not troubled, yet I cannot sleep."
Elladan sat upon the grass, crossing his impossibly long legs. "That is good news for me! It is a gift, a quiet watch, but nevertheless I crave excitement. Will you keep me company?"
Frodo chuckled, and clasped his hands behind his head. "I will."
Long did they sit in silence, but at last Frodo spoke. His eyes were trained on Elrohir, who in his sleep had managed to drape himself over the slight form of soundly-sleeping Legolas. The Wood-Elf, grey eyes vacant, did not realize the source of the warmth on his chest and sensed no danger, and thus allowed the contented Elrohir to remain. Anyone unknowing would have thought them lovers.
Leaning toward Elladan, the Ringbearer spoke in hushed tones. "Your brother seems rather fond of our Legolas..."
Elladan nodded his agreement. "He is. He has always been, and it has been long since I have been able to pass it off as mere infatuation. I fear it may cause him deadly hurt, in the end. It seems clear to me that Legolas would not return such feelings, if he knew of them."
Seeing the worry Elladan's eyes held for his beloved twin, Frodo patted the Elf's arm gently. "Elrohir is strong. Though he is hurting for the present, I hold no doubt that he will find a lover in time. Likely soon, for an Elf such as he should be highly sought after indeed! I have known you both for only a short time, and already you are dear friends to me." Large blue eyes settled on Legolas, "and Legolas is dear to me as well. We have lost much in this war, but have gained much as well. I am an only child, and yet I feel as though I now have many brothers."
Elladan's smiling face glowed in the darkness. "Truly, it is an honour to be called your friend, Frodo Baggins. I understand now Aragorn's unfaltering devotion to your borders, during his time as Strider the Ranger. I too would see your people and your culture unspoilt. Hobbits are indeed magnificent creatures! I regret that I have met so few…"
Frodo chuckled, "You are most welcome to visit the Shire, after the wedding. I suspect Sam, Merry, Pip and I should return rather soon afterward…"
"Give us the grand tour, will you?"
Frodo yawned hugely, and rubbed his eyes. "The grandest. Begging your pardon—" another yawn stopped his words, "But I think I will try to sleep, after all."
Elladan nodded wordlessly, as the Hobbit crawled over the sleeping forms of Merry and Pippin, to snuggle back into Sam's embrace. Light was slowly creeping back into the forest, and it would not be long before they would be on their way once more.
***
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Hmmm… This update only took me a couple days, instead of a couple months! I deserve a pat on the back, or something. This chapter, too, might be dull. Action is imminent! It just seems to me that this chapter would grow to be overlong if I continued from here. We'll see… Chapter four shouldn't be too far behind this one. I've shaken off my writer's block, and honestly, seeing all those reviews helped a lot. Thank you guys so much! I love you all for it. :)
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