Everyone who had been summoned to the meeting had arrived. Estel, Calale,
Atanvardo, Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen, and old man(I assume Mithrandir),
Elrond and myself. Standing behind his desk Elrond started, "I have
informed Mithrandir of the events which have taken place here over the last
few days, and now we are all here discuss some possible solutions."
Not wanting to stand around in awkward silence all morning I asked the old man, "Excuse me but I believe we have never met before, I am Lady Nolwe, or just Nolwe, which ever you prefer."
Laughter danced in his eyes while he said, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Lady Nolwe. I am Mithrandir, but I am sure that you had already come to that conclusion." I raised an eyebrow at this.
"Do you know what haunts my cousin?" I asked boldly, having decided that I was better off being forward with the istari.
"I am aware of what haunts your cousin Calale, and as for a solution, unfortunately the only one I can offer is not permanent." Mithrandir said, coming over and looking at Calale.
"Please." Calale whispered out, although with the emotions that she portrayed, it was if she had shouted. I quietly moved over to her and took her hand. Feeling her straighten, I knew that she had put up her emotional barriers again.
Sighing to myself I asked, "So what is this solution, even if it not permanent, I am sure it could take away some of the pain."
Mithrandir looked sad, "I have spoken to the head of my order before coming here, and he suggests I bring Calale to him. He can cast a very powerful warding spell, so the dreams no longer come. Only he knows it, so my solution is to take her to Isengard, after I leave the Shire in a fortnight."
Isengard. The word made my heart tighten. I couldn't let her go there, Saruman was evil, although no one here knew that. I wondered what the right thing was to do. Go to Isengard and risk Saruman being corrupt or stay here, and watch Calale scream from her nightmares every night. When I thought of it that way, I knew I had to take the chance, for Calale's sake. Looking at Mithrandir I said, "Calale will go to Isengard on one condition, I go with her."
Mithrandir looked like he had been expecting me to make that answer, but looking around the room no one else had.
Atanvardo was the first to speak aloud, "Nolwe I know that your decisions are usually wise, but in this I must ask, is this the right thing to do?"
Calale looked at her brother and in a fierce voice said, "What about me? Do you realise in asking Nolwe that, you ask me to bear dreams that make hell look like a picnic?"
Atanvardo realised his mistake.
Elrond sighed, seeing that everyone had come to a silent conclusion "Then it is decided. Estel, when do you leave?"
Estel said, "We leave in two days time to Bree, and from there, to Rohan."
Nodding Elrond looked at Mithrandir and said, "Will you be able to leave in two days old friend? I wish you to travel with Estel to Bree before going off to the Shire, not for your protection, but for theirs."
Elladan then stood and spoke something to his father in a quiet voice. "Ahhh! Good idea Elladan. Mithrandir is it okay if my sons go with you to the Shire before heading to Rohan and meeting up with Estel?"
Mithrandir looked at the elven lord and said, "Of course, but they must know that once they enter the Shire they can not be seen, and the same goes for Nolwe and Calale."
Elrond smiled and said, "Well that solves two problems, Calale's dreams, and Nolwe and Calale's safety."
After that people disbursed from the room, and soon I found myself standing alone with Mithrandir and Elrond.
Mithrandir raised an eye and said, "Nolwe shouldn't you be preparing for the journey?"
"I just wanted to know if this was the only way for Calale to be rid of her dreams?" I asked, I needed to know.
Mithrandir looked at me and replied, "Unfortunately that is all I could come up with Nolwe. I am sorry there was no easier way."
Trying to smile I said, "No, do not apologise. I just needed to know I had made the right decision."
Taking my leave I went to my room and started to prepare for the long journey.
"That went well." Elrond said, "but I wonder why she hesitates at the mention of Saruman."
Mithrandir looked at Elrond as he spoke aloud what he had been thinking. "Nolwe knows something of the future here doesn't she? Maybe she knows something of Saruman that we do not?"
Elrond rubbed his hands over his face, as if somehow it would make the question answer itself. "Be careful, old friend. I do not know what I would do if harm came to Nolwe. That is to say after Galadriel and Celeborn had their way with me."
Mithrandir chuckled, and together they sat down and talked over the journey to come.
Two days later and I find myself wondering if I am really willing to live out of a pack again, for the next few weeks until we come back to Rivendell. 'Stop being silly' I said to myself. Calale had spent the last two nights in my room, and for the last two nights, she had woken up screaming of the burning eye. Each time she screamed the same three people came back. Atanvardo, Elrond and Elrohir. Each night they would come and wait until after she had fallen back to sleep with the aid of one of Elrond's potions. I could see that although they were sincere, that the sooner we got to Isengard the better.
Wrapping a cloak around my shoulders, a present from Arwen, so I would not get cold on the trip, I departed my room and headed for the stables. Seeing that everyone had already arrived I made my way over to my mare who name was Suumegust of wind. As her name suggested, she could run like the wind when she wanted to. Securing my pack, I mounted her and awaited the call to leave.
At the last moment Elrond arrived with Mithrandir. "Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuvaSweet water and light laughter till next we meet." Before we set out though, he came to me holding a flask. "Take these Nolwe, it contain the sleeping draught I have given Calale on these previous nights." Thanking him, I stowed them into my pack. Making sure that we were all prepared, we departed. For some reason I looked back, and realised that Elrond still watched the party. Seeing me looking at him, he gave a slight nod of his head before returning to the house.
I blushed at the thought of having been caught staring. The journey to Bree went undisturbed, except for when Calale woke us with her screams. By Bree we had set into a familiar pattern, where Atanvardo or Elladan would stay awake while I slept until she screamed. Where I would wake, along with Elrohir, and give Calale the draught. When she fell asleep, me and Elrohir would watch over her until sunrise, while Atanvardo and Elladan slept. This was how it usually happened although occasionally I would fall asleep, and Elrohir would watch over her on his own. I didn't really mind this, and no one else commented about it so I let it rest. One of these nights though I was curious and asked, "Elrohir why don't you tell her?"
Startled he looked at me and said, "I didn't think it was so obvious." Sighing he continued, "I not sure why, but I guess my only reason would be that I fear her rejection."
Moving over to him I said, "In my world there was a saying that it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all. Give her a chance, I think you will be surprised, but remember, she does not become an adult for another ten months."
Elrohir smiled and asked, "Will you tell me about her?"
Seeing him looking so hopelessly smitten with her, I obliged him.
On our arrival at Bree, we separated to go our different ways but not before Atanvardo said to Calale, "Good luck little sister. I know you are in safe hands." The last part he said at Elrohir, who had the grace to blush. Turning to me he came over with Estel, "We are to go to Tharbad, and then onto Rohan."
"Good luck to the both of you. Before I forget Atanvardo I have a gift from Galadriel and Celeborn," I handed him the necklace with the mallorn leaf on it, "It is for your coming of age. Namaariefarewell" I said, hugging Atanvardo in our parting.
Turning to Estel I said, "Take care of him for me."
Estel smiled and said, "Take care of yourself Nolwe. If you ever in danger, remember sometimes it is better not to look back."
***
As we approached the Shire I asked Mithrandir, "So tell me of your travels Gandalf." I deliberately let his name in the tongue of men slip.
Mithrandir simply raised an eyebrow before replying cryptically, "Surely you would know already, but I shall humour you." And so the next few days, I learnt all the major ongoings of middle earth. It reminded me of my time in Lothlorien, listening to the daily reports come in for Celeborn.
On the fourth day of travel from Bree, Mithrandir halted and said, "This is the start of the Shire. I have warned you all at Rivendell to stay clear, it would not be wise to be seen." With this in mind we headed to the residence of Bilbo Baggins.
On the road Elladan and Elrohir had decided that they would journey with us as far as the Gap of Rohan. It comforted me that they would be with us for so much of the journey to Isengard, for I was still wary about my decision.
On our arrival, as promised we disappeared into the shadows, well at least tried to in the cramp circumstances. The afternoon had come and gone, leaving a darkened sky with stars sprinkles across it. Calale had gone to have a nap, when the trouble started. Mithrandir had returned with Bilbo after talking all afternoon, and I was making supper for the four of us who where not going to the party when I heard Calale's scream. Something about it seemed different.
On my arrival I saw Elrohir and Elladan looking at me, and then I saw Calale. She had red welts across her body, as if she had been whipped. Shaking her, she struggled with me before waking. Seeing her eyes, I almost cried, a sob caught in my thought. They were void of any colour, and all I saw was white.
At that moment Bilbo came in, Calale, in a trance pointed to him and said, "You have what the master Sauron wants Bilbo Baggins of the Shire." After this she promptly fainted. Turning to look at Mithrandir, who as usual was one step ahead, I saw was busily pushing a confused Bilbo out the door. "Elrohir can you please fetch me some water, and Elladan can you fetch some towel?" Both of them gave a quick nod of the head, before heading out. I wondered how Mithrandir would deal with this piece of news. I didn't have long to wait. Mithrandir, followed by the twins came back into the room.
"I am about to leave with Bilbo and Frodo for the party. I think it would be best if we saved any discussions about what happened until tomorrow morning. It is always better to think with a clear mind." Mithrandir said, looking at each of us in the eye, before leaving.
Hearing the door shut, it broke the silence in the roo. Taking the water and towels form the twins, I began to mop the blood off the welts on Calale's arms and chest. "What do you think we should do? It is certain that Sauron now has gained a hold over her dreams." Elladan spoke.
Elrohir almost looked close to tears, as he picked up her hand and gently ran his fingers over her smooth skin. "I think the sooner you get to Isengard, the better." Elrohir said finally.
I knew that there was a chance that Saruman was already weakened by what Sauron offered him, but then again I knew that Elrohir was right. "Mithrandir is right, we had best rest, before making a decision. Although I am with you Elrohir, she needs to be taken to Isengard."
Not much more was said that night, and each of us found a place to sleep, in the small room, none of us willing to leave. The bright sunshine greeted us the next morning, and I saw a young hobbit, staring at us from the door.
"My name is Frodo. Gandalf has sent me to fetch you for breakfast." The hobbit said, before leaving us. Elladan and Elrohir had already woken, and Calale still slept on the bed. Leaving her to rest, I went to find the dinning room.
On my arrival Mithrandir stood up and motioned my to take a seat before he spoke, "I have thought this over, and I think it best we leave for Isengard today, after lunch."
"Okay, we shall leave then. When do I wake Calale?" I asked
Mithrandir looked up at that, "She has not yet woken?" shaking my head he said, "Then this might be graver than I thought." Mithrandir looked to Frodo, who had been quiet all this time. "Remember Frodo, I shall send you a message as soon as I can."
Eating breakfast, I left the table soon after and woke Calale. She seemed unaware of her surroundings, and actually asked, "Nolwe where am I?" I told her where she was, and also the news of our departure that afternoon.
"Good," Calale said, when I finished explaining, "I will be happy when I can sleep a whole night through." Helping her up, I went and fixed her a big breakfast.
Handing the food to Elrohir to take to her I said, "Elrohir when you talk to her, don't mention yesterday afternoon. She doesn't seem to remember that, and I would like to keep it that way."
Elrohir thought on it for a moment, and said, "I think that you should eventually tell her, even if it isn't today."
Smiling I said, "I will Elrohir, and thankyou for caring." Elrohir blushed and left the room with Calale's breakfast.
Lucky for us being in the Shire meant we actually had three meals before it came time to leave. Everyone ate as much as they could between organising their packs. Before leaving I spoke a little with Frodo, mostly about the elves.
"Excuse me Lady Nolwe, but can I ask you a few questions?" I turned to see Frodo large blue eyes focused on me.
"Sure, but please call my Nolwe, master Frodo." I said, motioning for him to sit on the chair in the room, while I continued packing.
"What is it like in Rivendell?" he asked in an earnest voice.
How to answer a question like that. Thinking it over I said, "Well I haven't spent that long there, since I originally came from Lothlorien, but from what I have seen, Rivendell possesses it's own beauty, separate from middle earth." seeing his eyes widen I continued, "All the building are built around the trees and there are many waterfalls, and gardens. I wish I had, had more time there to explore, but unfortunately I was needed here."
Content with my short answer, Frodo soon left me to pack. Hearing someone clear there throat I looked up and saw Elladan. Raising an eyebrow I asked, "Yes?"
Elladan simply smiled before asking, "So that is what you think of my home?"
I blushed before replying, "Well to be honest I spent so much time indoors, that I really wouldn't be able to give a fair opinion."
Elladan nodded in understanding. "I came to tell you it is time to leave. We are waiting outside, so when you are ready Nolwe."
We left the Shire in haste, and I must admit that I almost looked forward to arriving at Isengard. Almost.
Not wanting to stand around in awkward silence all morning I asked the old man, "Excuse me but I believe we have never met before, I am Lady Nolwe, or just Nolwe, which ever you prefer."
Laughter danced in his eyes while he said, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Lady Nolwe. I am Mithrandir, but I am sure that you had already come to that conclusion." I raised an eyebrow at this.
"Do you know what haunts my cousin?" I asked boldly, having decided that I was better off being forward with the istari.
"I am aware of what haunts your cousin Calale, and as for a solution, unfortunately the only one I can offer is not permanent." Mithrandir said, coming over and looking at Calale.
"Please." Calale whispered out, although with the emotions that she portrayed, it was if she had shouted. I quietly moved over to her and took her hand. Feeling her straighten, I knew that she had put up her emotional barriers again.
Sighing to myself I asked, "So what is this solution, even if it not permanent, I am sure it could take away some of the pain."
Mithrandir looked sad, "I have spoken to the head of my order before coming here, and he suggests I bring Calale to him. He can cast a very powerful warding spell, so the dreams no longer come. Only he knows it, so my solution is to take her to Isengard, after I leave the Shire in a fortnight."
Isengard. The word made my heart tighten. I couldn't let her go there, Saruman was evil, although no one here knew that. I wondered what the right thing was to do. Go to Isengard and risk Saruman being corrupt or stay here, and watch Calale scream from her nightmares every night. When I thought of it that way, I knew I had to take the chance, for Calale's sake. Looking at Mithrandir I said, "Calale will go to Isengard on one condition, I go with her."
Mithrandir looked like he had been expecting me to make that answer, but looking around the room no one else had.
Atanvardo was the first to speak aloud, "Nolwe I know that your decisions are usually wise, but in this I must ask, is this the right thing to do?"
Calale looked at her brother and in a fierce voice said, "What about me? Do you realise in asking Nolwe that, you ask me to bear dreams that make hell look like a picnic?"
Atanvardo realised his mistake.
Elrond sighed, seeing that everyone had come to a silent conclusion "Then it is decided. Estel, when do you leave?"
Estel said, "We leave in two days time to Bree, and from there, to Rohan."
Nodding Elrond looked at Mithrandir and said, "Will you be able to leave in two days old friend? I wish you to travel with Estel to Bree before going off to the Shire, not for your protection, but for theirs."
Elladan then stood and spoke something to his father in a quiet voice. "Ahhh! Good idea Elladan. Mithrandir is it okay if my sons go with you to the Shire before heading to Rohan and meeting up with Estel?"
Mithrandir looked at the elven lord and said, "Of course, but they must know that once they enter the Shire they can not be seen, and the same goes for Nolwe and Calale."
Elrond smiled and said, "Well that solves two problems, Calale's dreams, and Nolwe and Calale's safety."
After that people disbursed from the room, and soon I found myself standing alone with Mithrandir and Elrond.
Mithrandir raised an eye and said, "Nolwe shouldn't you be preparing for the journey?"
"I just wanted to know if this was the only way for Calale to be rid of her dreams?" I asked, I needed to know.
Mithrandir looked at me and replied, "Unfortunately that is all I could come up with Nolwe. I am sorry there was no easier way."
Trying to smile I said, "No, do not apologise. I just needed to know I had made the right decision."
Taking my leave I went to my room and started to prepare for the long journey.
"That went well." Elrond said, "but I wonder why she hesitates at the mention of Saruman."
Mithrandir looked at Elrond as he spoke aloud what he had been thinking. "Nolwe knows something of the future here doesn't she? Maybe she knows something of Saruman that we do not?"
Elrond rubbed his hands over his face, as if somehow it would make the question answer itself. "Be careful, old friend. I do not know what I would do if harm came to Nolwe. That is to say after Galadriel and Celeborn had their way with me."
Mithrandir chuckled, and together they sat down and talked over the journey to come.
Two days later and I find myself wondering if I am really willing to live out of a pack again, for the next few weeks until we come back to Rivendell. 'Stop being silly' I said to myself. Calale had spent the last two nights in my room, and for the last two nights, she had woken up screaming of the burning eye. Each time she screamed the same three people came back. Atanvardo, Elrond and Elrohir. Each night they would come and wait until after she had fallen back to sleep with the aid of one of Elrond's potions. I could see that although they were sincere, that the sooner we got to Isengard the better.
Wrapping a cloak around my shoulders, a present from Arwen, so I would not get cold on the trip, I departed my room and headed for the stables. Seeing that everyone had already arrived I made my way over to my mare who name was Suumegust of wind. As her name suggested, she could run like the wind when she wanted to. Securing my pack, I mounted her and awaited the call to leave.
At the last moment Elrond arrived with Mithrandir. "Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuvaSweet water and light laughter till next we meet." Before we set out though, he came to me holding a flask. "Take these Nolwe, it contain the sleeping draught I have given Calale on these previous nights." Thanking him, I stowed them into my pack. Making sure that we were all prepared, we departed. For some reason I looked back, and realised that Elrond still watched the party. Seeing me looking at him, he gave a slight nod of his head before returning to the house.
I blushed at the thought of having been caught staring. The journey to Bree went undisturbed, except for when Calale woke us with her screams. By Bree we had set into a familiar pattern, where Atanvardo or Elladan would stay awake while I slept until she screamed. Where I would wake, along with Elrohir, and give Calale the draught. When she fell asleep, me and Elrohir would watch over her until sunrise, while Atanvardo and Elladan slept. This was how it usually happened although occasionally I would fall asleep, and Elrohir would watch over her on his own. I didn't really mind this, and no one else commented about it so I let it rest. One of these nights though I was curious and asked, "Elrohir why don't you tell her?"
Startled he looked at me and said, "I didn't think it was so obvious." Sighing he continued, "I not sure why, but I guess my only reason would be that I fear her rejection."
Moving over to him I said, "In my world there was a saying that it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all. Give her a chance, I think you will be surprised, but remember, she does not become an adult for another ten months."
Elrohir smiled and asked, "Will you tell me about her?"
Seeing him looking so hopelessly smitten with her, I obliged him.
On our arrival at Bree, we separated to go our different ways but not before Atanvardo said to Calale, "Good luck little sister. I know you are in safe hands." The last part he said at Elrohir, who had the grace to blush. Turning to me he came over with Estel, "We are to go to Tharbad, and then onto Rohan."
"Good luck to the both of you. Before I forget Atanvardo I have a gift from Galadriel and Celeborn," I handed him the necklace with the mallorn leaf on it, "It is for your coming of age. Namaariefarewell" I said, hugging Atanvardo in our parting.
Turning to Estel I said, "Take care of him for me."
Estel smiled and said, "Take care of yourself Nolwe. If you ever in danger, remember sometimes it is better not to look back."
***
As we approached the Shire I asked Mithrandir, "So tell me of your travels Gandalf." I deliberately let his name in the tongue of men slip.
Mithrandir simply raised an eyebrow before replying cryptically, "Surely you would know already, but I shall humour you." And so the next few days, I learnt all the major ongoings of middle earth. It reminded me of my time in Lothlorien, listening to the daily reports come in for Celeborn.
On the fourth day of travel from Bree, Mithrandir halted and said, "This is the start of the Shire. I have warned you all at Rivendell to stay clear, it would not be wise to be seen." With this in mind we headed to the residence of Bilbo Baggins.
On the road Elladan and Elrohir had decided that they would journey with us as far as the Gap of Rohan. It comforted me that they would be with us for so much of the journey to Isengard, for I was still wary about my decision.
On our arrival, as promised we disappeared into the shadows, well at least tried to in the cramp circumstances. The afternoon had come and gone, leaving a darkened sky with stars sprinkles across it. Calale had gone to have a nap, when the trouble started. Mithrandir had returned with Bilbo after talking all afternoon, and I was making supper for the four of us who where not going to the party when I heard Calale's scream. Something about it seemed different.
On my arrival I saw Elrohir and Elladan looking at me, and then I saw Calale. She had red welts across her body, as if she had been whipped. Shaking her, she struggled with me before waking. Seeing her eyes, I almost cried, a sob caught in my thought. They were void of any colour, and all I saw was white.
At that moment Bilbo came in, Calale, in a trance pointed to him and said, "You have what the master Sauron wants Bilbo Baggins of the Shire." After this she promptly fainted. Turning to look at Mithrandir, who as usual was one step ahead, I saw was busily pushing a confused Bilbo out the door. "Elrohir can you please fetch me some water, and Elladan can you fetch some towel?" Both of them gave a quick nod of the head, before heading out. I wondered how Mithrandir would deal with this piece of news. I didn't have long to wait. Mithrandir, followed by the twins came back into the room.
"I am about to leave with Bilbo and Frodo for the party. I think it would be best if we saved any discussions about what happened until tomorrow morning. It is always better to think with a clear mind." Mithrandir said, looking at each of us in the eye, before leaving.
Hearing the door shut, it broke the silence in the roo. Taking the water and towels form the twins, I began to mop the blood off the welts on Calale's arms and chest. "What do you think we should do? It is certain that Sauron now has gained a hold over her dreams." Elladan spoke.
Elrohir almost looked close to tears, as he picked up her hand and gently ran his fingers over her smooth skin. "I think the sooner you get to Isengard, the better." Elrohir said finally.
I knew that there was a chance that Saruman was already weakened by what Sauron offered him, but then again I knew that Elrohir was right. "Mithrandir is right, we had best rest, before making a decision. Although I am with you Elrohir, she needs to be taken to Isengard."
Not much more was said that night, and each of us found a place to sleep, in the small room, none of us willing to leave. The bright sunshine greeted us the next morning, and I saw a young hobbit, staring at us from the door.
"My name is Frodo. Gandalf has sent me to fetch you for breakfast." The hobbit said, before leaving us. Elladan and Elrohir had already woken, and Calale still slept on the bed. Leaving her to rest, I went to find the dinning room.
On my arrival Mithrandir stood up and motioned my to take a seat before he spoke, "I have thought this over, and I think it best we leave for Isengard today, after lunch."
"Okay, we shall leave then. When do I wake Calale?" I asked
Mithrandir looked up at that, "She has not yet woken?" shaking my head he said, "Then this might be graver than I thought." Mithrandir looked to Frodo, who had been quiet all this time. "Remember Frodo, I shall send you a message as soon as I can."
Eating breakfast, I left the table soon after and woke Calale. She seemed unaware of her surroundings, and actually asked, "Nolwe where am I?" I told her where she was, and also the news of our departure that afternoon.
"Good," Calale said, when I finished explaining, "I will be happy when I can sleep a whole night through." Helping her up, I went and fixed her a big breakfast.
Handing the food to Elrohir to take to her I said, "Elrohir when you talk to her, don't mention yesterday afternoon. She doesn't seem to remember that, and I would like to keep it that way."
Elrohir thought on it for a moment, and said, "I think that you should eventually tell her, even if it isn't today."
Smiling I said, "I will Elrohir, and thankyou for caring." Elrohir blushed and left the room with Calale's breakfast.
Lucky for us being in the Shire meant we actually had three meals before it came time to leave. Everyone ate as much as they could between organising their packs. Before leaving I spoke a little with Frodo, mostly about the elves.
"Excuse me Lady Nolwe, but can I ask you a few questions?" I turned to see Frodo large blue eyes focused on me.
"Sure, but please call my Nolwe, master Frodo." I said, motioning for him to sit on the chair in the room, while I continued packing.
"What is it like in Rivendell?" he asked in an earnest voice.
How to answer a question like that. Thinking it over I said, "Well I haven't spent that long there, since I originally came from Lothlorien, but from what I have seen, Rivendell possesses it's own beauty, separate from middle earth." seeing his eyes widen I continued, "All the building are built around the trees and there are many waterfalls, and gardens. I wish I had, had more time there to explore, but unfortunately I was needed here."
Content with my short answer, Frodo soon left me to pack. Hearing someone clear there throat I looked up and saw Elladan. Raising an eyebrow I asked, "Yes?"
Elladan simply smiled before asking, "So that is what you think of my home?"
I blushed before replying, "Well to be honest I spent so much time indoors, that I really wouldn't be able to give a fair opinion."
Elladan nodded in understanding. "I came to tell you it is time to leave. We are waiting outside, so when you are ready Nolwe."
We left the Shire in haste, and I must admit that I almost looked forward to arriving at Isengard. Almost.