*Sarah comes in, her face wreathed in smiles (which is an odd phrase, if you think about it…)* Oh, I'm SOOO glad you are liking it so far!
EVERYONE: But, um, I feel I really ought to tell you something… *gets sheepish expression of a girl with her hand caught in the cookie jar* Our beginning is a little misleading: not much of this fic takes place in Gondor. *smiles guiltily and pulls hand out of cookie jar* But I hope you enjoy what we have!
ALSO: POSTING! We hope to post every other day, like on our last fic, *but*, like on our last fic, we will probably forget/not be available/etc. at times. We hope you will forgive our tardiness when it arises, and for our part we shall try our best not to leave you too long! As for 'when' during the day… Um. We have no idea. : )
fliewatuet: Welcome, and thank you so much! *beams over all the details fliewatuet listed* You noticed! Sometimes we wonder if we're being too subtle for our own good, and whether anybody will ever realize what we were trying to put across… Either we did better than we thought, you are a very observant reader, or all of the above (and I'm pretty sure it's the latter)! : )
Starfleet Hobbit: *bows* Thankyouver'much! And Denethor the grumpy gets his own applause! I'm sure he's very happy. Um, as happy as he ever gets. ; )
Gwyn: Not much politics, but I think we have some intrigue in here… *hunts around a bit* Hm, well I'm pretty sure we do, and as for whether it's brilliant, I guess we'll have to see what *you* think! Anyway, don't worry, personal is just around the bend here. : )
Lina: Thank you, thank you!! We are pleased to have Ara-Thorongil's sworn protector in our audience once again! *laughs* Well do we recall your attempts to do away with Mornaeg! Chloe read us most of them, in fact, and we've seen you going for Dyryn's throat on Cassia/Sio's thread as well. *bows to Eomer* Hail and well met, oh champion of Lina-restrainers! I must say, you're doing a pretty good job, even if you *haven't* ever managed to ride south… Some things are more important, I suppose, like Denethor keeping all his teeth, or Mavranor and Harnwe surviving so that they can-- whoopsie, that's classified! ; )
Chloe: *collapses off her chair with laughter* You are obviously out for revenge for all my Sarah Snicket reviews; there is NO WAY I'll be able to tell you how much I laughed-at/snorted-through/appreciated your feedback! Phooey. Will it do to tell you that you quoted one of my favorite lines, complimented me on vocabulary that (after reading some REAL Tolkien recently) I was none too sure about, praised our portrayal of our favorite ranger, and all around boosted my confidence so high that *begins to float towards the ceiling* I'm not sure if I'll be able to get down to post again…. ; ) What's more, you called me 'subtle', and ultimately I liked it so much, I've decided I won't kick Stitch off the thread! *smiles brightly*
Oh yeah, and 'ohana'? It means 'family'. 'Family' means: 'nobody gets killed for anything dreadful they may write later on down the line'. In case you were curious. : P
Evenstar: Thanks! I like reading that time period myself. ; D
sabercrazy: *hug* You could pep up a stone troll! Thank you SO much for all that praise; feedback seriously makes our day! As for the rest… *watches saber do the caffienated elf bounce* My goodness. Be careful you don't bump yourself on anything! ; )
e: *innocent look of astonishment* Of *course* not! Why, if the message got to Thengel, then what fun would be left? As for Denethor and Aragorn: fortunately/unfortunately, they never actually reach the throwing-gloves-in-each-other's-faces stage. Other than that, you'll just have to see. : ) And Legolas? You're going to keep pestering us until we tell you? *groan* Ho boy. Well, sorry. Super secret and all that. We'll tell you as soon as we can! ; )
None: Funny, isn't it? With all the time Aragorn spends around immortal folk, it gets easy to forget that he's pretty old in his own right. ; ) Keep reading and who knows when that elf might appear! As for when he meets up with Thorongil… *winning and completely silent smile*
RainyDayz: *blushes up to the roots of her hair* Golly, hanta le! Wow. And a movie, you think? Well, I doubt it, but maybe Hannah can do something with it; she's a much better actress than I. ; )
Elwen: Thanks! And here's the next post… : )
Larus: *blushes* Yes, well, we actually considered 'The Inferiority Complex Sisters' as our group name, but it just wasn't as catchy. Mostly: it's the product of reading too much stuff from people who *really* know what they're doing (Tolkien, Lewis, Cassia/Sio, etc. ; ). We feel sure that, with all that other stuff out there, we are sure to disappoint. Thank you for your reassurances! We will attempt to keep our flights of anxiety to ourselves for your sake… Alas, poor Erfiren! His role is limited and never will he be able to live down this stain on his two-dimensional character. Fortunately, you're right: Ecthelion is not a 'shoot the messenger' type; even if he were, you never get a chance to find out. And oopsie! I don't think we ever mentioned the time period, even if you had read the beginning thingy… But yeah, this is pre-FOTR, and Thorongil is an alias Aragorn took so that he could travel without being recognized. : )
Hiro-tyre: Thank you! We are pleased beyond words when people (a) notice and (b) appreciate our attempts at subtlety. It comes of not liking it when writers insult their readers intelligence by explaining things too thoroughly. Towards that end, we may have erred with the message (by making it so obvious), but you'll be happy to know: the message is never retrieved or otherwise brought back in to the plot. It's sole reason for existing in this fic is to point out that Gondor *did* attempt to warn it's allies, and to help *you guys* understand that Rohan has no warning (where have I heard that before…?). Erfiren doesn't even get another scene, poor guy!
We're considering starting up an answering service to pass on all these threats/requests to our sister… Don't worry, she's working on it! ; )
Our response section is getting longer…. *grins*
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Thorongil
By Sarah and Hannah (Siri)
(disclaimers, explanations, and summaries
available at the top of chapter 1)
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Chapter 3
Son of Thranduil, Son of Maen
The breeze rose up from the distance and blew carelessly through grass and heather; the sound of trees rustling could be plainly heard and leaves cascaded towards the ground lazily, landing soundlessly upon the chill autumnal earth. Over this the sound of running water was heard, a tributary flowing endlessly and undisturbed towards the Anduin.
Suddenly there was a light penetration in the quiet sounds; those who heard it may have thought it was only another leaf, but in fact, slight as they were, the sounds that now approached were footsteps. The light footsteps of elves.
"Step lively, Meldir, for it grows dark," one chided softly.
"My lord, if we may not travel at night we are a sad disappointment to our race indeed." Meldir responded with a smile. "I do not believe the darkness should hinder our travel."
"I prefer not to travel in shadows in either case; there it is that foul things oft dare to tread." The other answered simply. "After all, Meldir, you ought to recall the last excursion in which we participated at the dead of night; a broken ankle and wolves figured rather prominently in it, if my own memory serves me."
Meldir looked hurt and frowned at his companion. "But my lord, grant me this at least: it was not *my* suggestion to investigate the moanings in the glade."
The other elf opened his mouth to speak a retort then closed it once more. "But it does not do to bicker, friend."
Meldir laughed heartily at his companion's response. "We will not speak of it again, Prince Legolas."
Legolas shook his head in mirth. "As you say. And I will repeat: step lively, Meldir, for it grows dark."
Legolas smiled at the expression on Meldir's face and the two continued their silent travel toward the great river's banks in the distance.
Legolas had known Meldir since childhood, as Meldir's father, Maen, was a great warrior and trusted advisor in King Thranduil's courts. Though Meldir had never been as close a friend as Raniean and Trelan, and certainly not so close as Legolas' friend Estel — whom the elf had not seen in some time — still, as Legolas had spent more time with him over the last few years, he had come to appreciate the other as an loyal companion, a clear thinker, and a good friend.
Long now the two had been traveling from Mirkwood to Lothlórien with a message from Thranduil to Celeborn — never before had Legolas traveled to that fair wood and he was gladdened in his heart to be the one chosen now — but the errand was not urgent, and they were not much wearied, for they had gone slowly. In truth, Legolas' first inclination had been to travel alone, but Meldir's presence had been required as bodyguard, and though Legolas sighed that his father still felt he must take such precautions, he had not objected long. Merry talk and humor had stemmed any possible monotony during the long journey.
"We should soon seek a place to rest the night my lord." Meldir suggested as they came to a halt at last. "There are many trees we might take refuge in and we may find a cave or alcove further into the wood."
To this last suggestion Legolas did not have a response; he deeply detested caves and his past and recent experiences in such places did not leave him wishing to enter one again, but he spoke not of his concern and led the way towards the grove.
At last a well hidden clump of trees was selected to be their resting place. Legolas felt very much at home up among the trees and soon fell into a deep sleep beneath the stars, his eyes gazing blankly out across towards the direction of the Anduin.
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Legolas awoke with a start — some sound below had roused him. Carefully he glanced through the branches towards the ground, but naught was there to be seen. He looked across in time to see Meldir awaking as well. Legolas motioned for the elf to stay put, but Meldir shook his head furiously. Legolas did not have time to argue, so as he quietly swung down from the tree, he heard Meldir also descending.
There was indeed someone close by and Legolas' keen ears had picked up on the light rustle of feet through grass and leaves, his eyes shifted to the side: whatever was approaching was now so close upon him he was sure it must be behind him. He whirled about quickly, his hands grasping his knives, ready to strike out at the attacker...but there was none to see. Legolas glanced warily between the trees as Meldir approached. Then, quite suddenly, Legolas was startled as a voice spoke from behind him.
"I believe that a prince of Mirkwood should be more aware of his surroundings, Legolas Greenleaf."
"Mithrandir!" Legolas breathed as he turned to see who had spoken. The gray wizard was leaning on his weathered staff, chuckling as he watched the two startled elves.
"Myself indeed. Hail and well met Prince Legolas of Mirkwood, and to you, Meldir son of Maen."
Meldir bowed his head respectfully to the wizard. "Greetings, Mithrandir."
"How came you thus?" Legolas asked, very glad to see the wizard, though surprised all the same.
"I am heading towards the Gap of Rohan, for I intend to visit the head of my order in Isengard." Gandalf explained, straightening and moving to join the two elves.
"How did you stumble upon us?" Legolas questioned, a wariness in his gray-blue gaze.
"Suspicious creature; quite by accident I assure you." Gandalf replied with a smile. "I was merely passing through these woods when I felt sure that someone was near. As I found it to be you, I decided not to disturb your rest, however I feel I did not discern correctly the accuracy of elven hearing." The wizard's eyes twinkled and Legolas gave a half smile. Gandalf unwound a silver scarf from about neck and rewound it against the evening damp. "And where are you now bound, son of Thranduil?"
"We are traveling even now to Lórien on my father's business." Legolas explained. "Never before have I visited those fair woods and I dearly wish to see what has only been spoken to me in legend."
"Ne'er will you find fairer than those woods." Gandalf agreed, looking from one elf to the next. "And how comes young Meldir to be traveling with you?"
"Protection and company." Meldir responded with a pointed smile at Legolas who rolled his eyes heavenwards slightly.
"My father deems me incapable of taking on so many long journeys without 'adequate protection'."
Gandalf seemed to find this amusing as he leaned on his gnarled staff. "You disagree? For the many years that I have been in close company with elves — and I will tell you that it has been no small amount of time — I have yet to know an elf so prone to stray into danger as you. If you and Estel were together absent longer than a full sun's cycle through the sky, I would instantly fear some ill had befallen you."
Legolas tried to frown but it came out wrong as he was trying hard not to smile. "It is Estel's fault." He retorted in an undertone.
Gandalf redirected his attention to the second elf and put a hand on Meldir's shoulder, "I needn't worry for you, though; I am firmly confident in your ability to avoid what seems inevitable, for I could not soon forget yours or your father's actions in the battle of Five Armies. In few hands could his highness be more safely placed."
Meldir was pleased, if embarrassed, by this rare praise and Legolas banished the frown and smiled at his friend.
"It seems we are journeying the same way, Mithrandir." Legolas observed turning to the Wizard once more. "Would you travel with us for a time?"
"Why do you think I am still here?" Gandalf replied, falling into step with the elves as they began to walk towards the border of the trees.
After a short time of peaceful travel Gandalf paused and glanced at the trees above. "Something stalks us." He said casually. Legolas, who had been talking with Meldir, frowned at him and listened for a moment.
"I hear nothing, Mithrandir."
"It smells ill." Gandalf replied easily. Legolas shook his head slightly with a small laugh; how like the wizard to depend on his nose above his hearing.
The two elves returned to their conversation, but Legolas let part of his attention lock onto the surrounding trees in case Gandalf was correct and something *was* stalking them.
Gandalf suddenly stopped in the middle of the path behind them. Legolas turned slightly when he realized the wizard had paused. "Mithra—"
He got no further. As if lightening had come down from the sky, a warg was suddenly upon them. Landing directly where Gandalf would have been, it realized that the wizard had not continued his steady forward progress and turned instead on Legolas. The elf had his dagger out in front of him even as the beast altered his attack. Legolas struck at its eyes as it lunged towards him. The creature recoiled at the defense. By now Meldir had come up beside his prince and stood a fraction in front of Legolas, his own knives out.
The warg could not seem to decide which to attack and in the moment of indecision Legolas and Meldir charged it. Legolas drove his dagger towards the creature's head and it turned towards the prince, but Meldir thrust his own dagger into the beast side, twisting the blade sharply. The warg let out a howl and turned heavily toward the new attack. Legolas, however, had depended on this and even as the warg made to clamp his fangs down on Meldir, a silver blade pierced its skull, and it fell back towards Legolas' feet. The elven prince leapt nimbly out of the way and landed back off the path.
Meldir's look was one of disgust as he cleansed his blade on the ground, but Legolas was looking at Gandalf. The wizard was seated quite calmly on a rock a short distance behind, his pipe in his mouth and his pointed hat resting lightly on his knee.
"Were you not planning to assist Mithrandir?" Legolas asked in bewilderment.
Gandalf chuckled lightly but made no move to stand. "I might have, if I had thought you needed it, but you seemed to have the situation well in hand and a feeble man such as myself would have been only a hindrance."
Legolas smiled slightly as the wizard stood and put a hand on the elven prince's shoulder. "Worry not, Legolas Greenleaf, and be assured that when there *is* great need I will always assist if I can." There was something in the wizard's expression that made Legolas feel that Gandalf was looking further ahead, much further than the elf could ever see. "Shall we continue on?" Gandalf asked suddenly, turning to retrieve his staff from beside the rock. "Or do we wait for more such uninvited guests?"
Legolas laughed at that and moved over to Meldir to be sure his friend was well and again they returned to the path, though now Legolas was far more wary, not wishing to be surprised again.
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They traveled thus to the Anduin, and a long way down its banks; now speaking, now walking in silence and it was made a pleasant journey for all. At last Gandalf made to take his leave, explaining that he intended to travel a different path than the one the elven companions were taking.
"I wish you both a safe journey and safe return."
"And you as well Mithrandir." Legolas replied. "We were honored by your company."
"My honor as well, Son of Thranduil and you, Son of Maen. Oh," Gandalf added, turning once more, "it is a curious path you chose, I must say." The wizard gave a chuckle and turned back towards the thinning tree line again.
Legolas and Meldir exchanged confused glances, and when they turned back, Gandalf had gone.
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Legolas scuffed his foot gently in the dirt sending clods of earth cascading gently down the steep banks into the churning water far below. He could now clearly see the mistake he and Meldir had made in their chosen path, but couldn't help smiling in spite of himself — so this was what Gandalf had meant about a 'curious path'.
"Meldir, we have need to cross the Anduin in order to reach the woods of Lórien."
Meldir smiled back at his prince and stared across the river. "I had feared as much my lord, but how do you propose we cross the water, or even move down its banks?"
Legolas, who was teetering between frustration and amusement, gave a measured shrug of his shoulders and sized up the stretch of water up as well as glancing with shaded eyes at the bottom of the bank. "Far too deep to wade." He commented softly.
"Too wild to swim." Meldir added.
"No boat to ferry us across." Legolas murmured coming to a stand-still at the edge.
"No native of this place to show us an alternative way across."
"And as for this steep bank: we've traveled a good distance from the actual banks of Lórien and this seems to be the lowest place."
"But it is not low enough make reach the water, even so." Meldir added.
"And we have no rope."
"Neither do we have light enough left to see our way safely down in any case."
Meldir hid a smile as Legolas spoke once more.
"No boat, no bridge, no felled trees, no rope and no former knowledge of this place." The Prince concluded with a slight grimace. "Had I traveled this way before I should have known to cross the ford south of the Carrock instead of taking this path."
"I suppose we should take up camp here then, my lord?" Meldir suggested glancing up at the sky as it dropped into darkness.
"I do not wish to encounter another warg, especially not in the open if I can help it." Legolas grimaced at the unpleasant thought. "I think it may be better to again seek refuge in the tree line here."
"I agree, for I believe that Gandalf is too far now to come to our aid."
Legolas laughed at that.
The two elves left the banks of the river as the light waned and darkness began to stain the sky inky black. Stars scattered across the blanket of darkness above them and they were forced to count on their keen eyes to make their way through the close knit tree line that ran near the high banks of the Anduin. Legolas was determined to find a place where they would not be easily seen, but unfortunately no such place was presenting itself and they continued into the forest.
Legolas was beginning to think they should just set up camp where they were when suddenly a noise behind them halted their motion. Legolas turned swiftly, bringing his hand back over his shoulder to grasp one of his weapons. Meldir paused in his tracks and listened, another rustle and a snap of a twig greeted their keen hearing.
"Warg?" Meldir whispered.
"Maybe." Legolas nodded warily.
"Should we try and find out?" Meldir's question was hesitant.
"I do learn my lessons occasionally, Meldir," Legolas' said dryly, "Let us leave it alone and hope it does not track us." Meldir seemed to like that suggestion and quickly the two elves slipped away through the trees ahead of them, trying to make as little noise as they could so that the beast would not sense their presence.
So intent were they on their escape that their senses did not apprehend the strangers that lay ahead. Indeed, until they had both literally stumbled over the beings laying on the ground, they did not realize there were men in the forest at all.
TBC…