A/N: This fic contains a mix of BookVerse and MovieVerse. So if there's stuff you don't recognize and you haven't read the books, it's a good bet it's from the books.

"What was that?" Mari asked Gandalf quietly.

"That, my dear," said Gandalf, releasing a small moth from his hands, "was a friend who wandered into Isengard by accident. I've sent him to get help." A look of relief passed over Mari's face. She was scared to death of what the wizard Saruman might do to her when he returned. Mari had told Gandalf everything: about her life, her lack of memory, and what happened the moment before she awoke on top of Orthanc. It took a lot of convincing for Mari to believe that Gandalf wasn't her old guardian, and even then, she wasn't too sure that he wasn't at least a reincarnation. She had trouble explaining her study topics, so she showed him one of her books. Absolute befuddlement appeared on the wizard's face.

"Explain it to me later," was all Gandalf could say.

****For the next two days, they cleared up confusions, shared stupid stories, and huddled together for warmth at night. Mari sometimes got out her harmonica and played a few blues tunes. Gandalf thoroughly enjoyed her music and was fascinated by the harmonica. On the second night, Gandalf woke Mari from her unrestful sleep.

"Mari," Gandalf began, "now you must listen to me very carefully. Our message has reached its destination. I can sense it. You must be prepared to escape at any moment. Keep your bags near and watch the skies for a great eagle. When he swoops down, grab your bags and jump on his back. You must not hesitate, and you must not be afraid. Do you understand?" Mari had not seen such urgency in Gandalf's eyes since he had saved her from Saruman. She forced the fear from her eyes and nodded. When the time came, she would be ready. She wouldn't have to wait long.

****Mari stiffened as Saruman reappeared. She knew that Gandalf could do nothing to save her this time if Saruman wished to kill her.

"Your time is up, Gandalf." Saruman stared steely at Mari. "I want answers. Now." Mari opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come. She started gaping like a fish, but couldn't utter a sound.

"You injured her throat, she cannot speak,' Gandalf lied. "Torment her no longer." Saruman shifted his eyes back to Mari, whose mouth was still hanging open, trying to speak.

"Then let us change the subject while she collects herself. There is still the issue of you to address," Saruman said to Gandalf with an insane glint in his eyes. Before Gandalf could react, Saruman threw Gandalf onto the floor with the same power he had choked Mari with.

"A friendship with Saruman is not lightly thrown aside," he said, his voice dripping with venom. He threw Gandalf across the floor and held him out over the ledge with his invisible hand. Mari cried out, fearing for Gandalf and cursing herself for being helpless to stop Saruman.

"One ill turn deserves another. It is over." Mari felt her stomach tighten. Something was about to happen. She had a gut feeling. She reached for her bags and silently put the straps over her shoulders.

"Embrace the power of the ring," Saruman said. 'Ring? What ring?' Mari wondered. Saruman pulled Gandalf back over the edge and onto his face on the floor. Mari felt like she was going to cry. But then, she felt a strange and sudden breeze hit her back. She turned and saw a huge silhouette against the moon. Mari's eyes widened in awe and comprehension. Here was their get-away car. Mari quietly stood up with her bags on her back. The eagle swooped down, and Gandalf scrambled to his feet and jumped over the ledge, Mari less than a second behind him. They both landed on the eagle's back and the three of them fled the tower of Orthanc. Mari held on for dear life, terrified that she would fall to her death. Gandalf braced her by the shoulder.

"It's alright child. Gwaihir will not let you fall. He complains about your luggage a bit, but he won't let you fall." Mari's eyes widened with panic.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!!!" she screamed. "Please forgive me, I didn't mean it, please don't let me dieeeeeee!!!" Gandalf let out an amused chuckle. He'd never heard Mari say so much in one go, nor with that much emotion. So she COULD speak with decent volume.

"Shh, calm down, he's not that cruel. Mari? Mari?" Mari had passed out cold.