before I start this chapter, I'd just like to give a little heads up. At
one point (I won't name it exactly, that will spoil it!) things seem to get
a little sketchy between Eladlín and Siriondil. Just so you know, its not
slash at all. its well, something different. but, I won't say anything
more here. you'll see. Oh, and there is a hmm, shall I call it crude?,
joke in there, but it isn't really anything bad. And I didn't think that
one line constituted a ratings change...
~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 11 Stars Fading in the Twilight
Eladlín woke with a start, breathing heavily. He glanced around the room and slowly laid back down on the floor as he attempted to regain control of his breath. It had been long since he had stayed in a bed, and hobbit beds were particularly narrow. Pippin opened the door with a quick snap of the handle, "Is anything amiss, lad?" he questioned.
"I am fine." muttered Eladlín as he pulled himself up. "It has just been long since I slept in a bed, especially one made for small folk."
Pippin let out a hearty laugh. "Come join me, lad. Rosie is preparing our breakfast."
"Aye, I will be out in a second." Pippin shut the door behind him, and Eladlín shook out his clothes before he dressed. As he slid on his tunic, he noticed that the arms stopped well before his wrists. Unsure, he gave the shirt a good shake, but still the sleeves remained on his forearms. He looked at himself in the mirror, and found the change appealing. His childish face was slowly aging as it shaped itself out of the molding clay of boyhood. His days of riding had given him slight muscles in his arms, which were clearly noticeable through the fabric of his tunic. His eyes had also darkened to a deep misty grey, which, although he did not know it, mirrored the color of Elrond's eyes. His features came predominantly from his father's side, although he was born with his mother's curving ears and her high cheekbones. Sighing gently, he walked away from the mirror. It held too many memories of the world he had left behind.
Thankfully, Pippin was oblivious to the change in Eladlín's attitude, and he did not notice the boy's silence throughout breakfast. "As soon as I finish I shall track down Radagast. You will have to accompany me, or Farmer Maggot will have my head for supper."
Eladlín smiled. "There is no need to track him. I remember the path I took last night."
Pippin stood up from his seat, and wiped his mouth gently on the napkin. "Then lead the way, lad."
The two walked out of the house, and Pippin gave a low, short whistle. A small shepard mix came bounding out of a nearby garden. "'Lo, Sergeant." said Pippin as he bent to scratch his ears. "Go on, then." he commanded, and the dog trotted off ahead of them. The two companions strode along in silence until they reached Farmer Maggot's place. "Constable Peregrin!" shouted Farmer Maggot.
"Yes?" Pippin replied.
"Where are you going with my prisoner? He has yet to pay his debt!"
"I have business in the countryside this morning, and I thought it would do the boy a bit of good to stretch his legs."
"Well, I disagree. Please bring him back. The young ones are particularly fast. He will run away!"
"I cannot, Farmer Maggot. The boy is with Radagast, and has lost his way. I must speak with the wizard. I assure you that your window will be replaced. Worry not."
Farmer Maggot snorted his disbelief, but his fondness for Pippin prevented him from speaking a cruel word. Pippin turned and lead Eladlín away by the arm. "Quickly, my boy, before he changes his mind! I have no intention of fighting off his dogs today."
Sergeant had already reached the brook, and was lapping noisily when Pippin arrived. "Over the water then, much as I hate it."
"How can you dislike water?"
"Perhaps it is a hobbit problem, I have never really spoken of it. I just cannot find it in me to trust the water. It is far too hasty for my taste."
Eladlín sighed. "I spent three months aboard a ship a few months back. 'Twas the best few months of my life. The smell of salt, and the sound of the waves...it grants life."
Pippin grimaced as he waded across the stream. "Whatever you say, lad."
~~~~~~~~~~~
"What do you mean he is missing?" asked Siriondil slowly.
"He must have left late last night, though I confess I watched him closely and saw no sign of movement. He stuffed his blanket with straw so I would not notice."
"How could you let him leave? He is naught but a little boy! 'Tis a dangerous world, and he is lost in the midst of it!"
"I do not see how arguing will help the situation." commented Radagast quietly. "I will find the boy. I have spent many years in this country, and the people trust me."
"There is no need for that!" remarked Eladlín as he strode out of the brush, Pippin and Sergeant in tow. Siriondil whipped around, and a broad smile passed over his face. He took Eladlín in his arms and hugged him tightly. Surprised, the boy tried to shy away, but Siriondil just grasped him tighter. Finally, Eladlín consented and held him back, and Siriondil slowly lowered him to the ground. "I thought I had lost you." he said slowly.
Eladlín watched his face for the anger that would normally follow such a statement, but there was only sorrow, and something deeper that he could not read. "But I am fine. I just went exploring for a little while."
Siriondil held that same look, and did not look away, for quite some time. It made Eladlín rather uncomfortable, for it stirred in him something he had never felt before. Radagast broke the heavy silence with a clearing of his throat. Everyone glanced towards him, except for Siriondil. "What is that?" he questioned, for he had never seen a hobbit.
Pippin mistook the question, "You have never seen a dog before? This is Sergeant, my shepherd. Worry not, he will not bite."
"No, I meant..." began Siriondil before Mararion gave him a sharp nudge.
Pippin gave him a queer look, then he appeared to remember something. "Have I not introduced myself? I am sorry. My name is Peregrin Took, and I am a hobbit of the Shire."
"Indeed." replied a rather skeptical Siriondil.
"How did you find me, Pippin? And how did you come across the boy?" questioned Radagast.
Mararion looked between all the companions. "It appears we have some things to discuss. Has everyone eaten?" he said, directing his question at Pippin.
"Aye, we had breakfast before we left this morning." He sat on a nearby log, and recounted the tale of Eladlín's adventures. As he finished, Haldamir left to ready the horses.
"I am sorry we cannot stay, Pippin, but the door of opportunity is closing. We must leave these lands, before it is too late."
Pippin nodded and stood. "I understand. May I ask one more question of you though? What of the orcs? Have they entered our lands?"
"Alas. The one question you ask is the one I cannot answer. But worry not. Your borders are well protected. I have seen to that."
Eladlín interrupted, "Must you stay? Join our company!"
Pippin smiled and turned away. "My heart is in these lands, as is my life. I cannot leave."
"No, indeed." agreed Radagast. "The time has not yet come for hobbits to be known in our world."
Eladlín gave Radagast a confused look. "May I have no say in any of these matters?"
Pippin gave one last grin. "Listen to him, lad. He is wiser than he looks. 'Tis the journey of a lifetime, lad. You remember that."
The cheery hobbit turned away and walked off into the woods, whistling along to a merry tune. Sergeant stood still for a few minutes and watched Eladlín closely before following his master. Mararion gathered the leads of the two packhorses. "Come, my friends. Our journey has barely begun."
Eladlín found himself traveling near Radagast, and used the opportunity to ask a question. "How did you know who I was?"
Radagast gave a serene smile. "Have you heard why they call me Radagast the Brown?" Eladlín nodded, and he continued. "I sat in these very woods a few nights ago, when a small hawk came to me and told me of your plight."
Eladlín smiled. "I remember that! He came to me in the night, and I wondered where he lived, and why he had come to me."
"Many of your questions will remain unanswered until you meet Lord Elrond, which should be soon, barring any further problems."
The boy gave a small groan. "All this talk of Lords. It bores me so. I want to understand now!"
"And such is the way of men, who know not the ways of the world. For the life of a man is but a candle, fragile and short-lived."
Eladlín sat puzzled as Radagast rode ahead. Mararion smiled. "Patience, my young companion. You have nearly reached the height of the leaves. A few more months and I shall reveal my secrets."
Eladlín grinned and turned away. Mararion watched him ride to Siriondil with a wistful heart. Such a bond existed between the two. He had never shared his heart with anyone, be it man or mortal. His life was one of solitude and silence. An elf is at home amongst the trees and the living creatures, but he also craves the warmth of an embrace and the comfort of a loving smile.
"An apple for your thoughts, brother." said Haldamir, tossing a ripe fruit at him.
Mararion caught it easily. "I am lonely." he confessed. "Though you have lost your love, you have had one yet. My life has had no such joy, and I now understand how worn my heart has become."
"Ah, worry not, your virginity will not last! I am sure plenty of girls in Lindon will have you!" he laughed, elbowing Mararion's chest gently.
Mararion looked away. "I do not jest, brother."
"Oh." Haldamir's expression fell slightly. Not knowing what to say, he let Mararion ride ahead.
The day progressed without further excitement, and the company came to rest near the border of Buckland. Mararion did not eat, and quickly left Haldamir to care for the others. He began his own small journey through the woods. Each step brought him closer to understanding, and yet at the same time further away. For he did not know it, but the key to his world lay inside a child.
Eladlín readied his sleeping bag again. Siriondil had been given first watch, and was already snoring away. "At least Mararion gave me a bit of a challenge." smiled Eladlín as he crept away. He found Mararion seated on a large oaken log. He gazed off into the surrounding countryside, full of small sloping chimneys puffing smoke out into the twilight, where it mingled with the moon. "Mararion?" he asked cautiously.
"Leave me be, boy. I am in no mood for speech tonight." Mararion replied gruffly.
"I know what pains you."
Mararion spun around. "You cannot. No one does. Not even Haldamir."
"Haldamir is blinded by his own grief. You should not place your burdens on his back, or it may very well break him."
Mararion turned away from him. "You are wise beyond your years, Eladlín. Come, tell me what ails me."
Eladlín understood that this way as close to an invitation as he would ever receive. He settled himself next to his friend and embraced him. He did not understand the words that came from his mouth, though he knew that something had put them in his mind. "All is not lost. Though I am young, and my heart an innocent gold, I can still see the life that has been yours to bare. Remember your lineage. You are of the Noldori, the proud race of old. Our grief cannot overcome us, for we still have purpose in the Lands of Middle Earth. Renew your heart and feel joy. There are many that love you, you have just been blinded by the obstacles in life." He stood and walked away from Mararion, knowing that his deed was done. Eladlín would never understand why those words had come to him, or what they meant, but he knew that Mararion would not fade that night. The paths before him were long yet, and Mararion realized this as he watched the stars fade through the early morn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are Captain Obvious (meaning you don't catch things) skip ahead to the third paragraph. I have some spoilers for the rest of my story in here.
Ok, so as I have altered history, I have a bit of explaining to do, yes? Well, to make things short, I decided to include a bit about the coming back of Sauron (as if that wasn't obvious enough). Well, although life for Elrond and Gil-galad would not have changed in this time period, Elros, as a man, would be, er, dead. and so would his kids. and his kid's kids. anyways, I understand that a son of Elros would not be alive during these times. but, then again, this is my story, so I am allowed to alter history slightly. So everything is about what's happening is correct according to my research (except for hobbits, but more on that later), but I have done a small amount of mixing and matching time periods.
Hobbits~ migrated into what is now known as the shire when sauron rose for the second time (as in, after the slaying of Gil-galad) in greenwood (mirkwood), and basically scared the bajeebies out of them so bad they moved. didn't know this when I wrote the pippin chapters, and frankly am not going to change it because I really liked pippin. so deal. *Holds up her "Stubborn Author Award'*
phew. that was a lot of history. and as for my opinion of this chapter, I missed Mararion. he was/is too good a character to lose in the crowd. actually *glances around furtively to make sure no one is listening* he's my favorite (well, him and Eladlín). but shhhh! don't tell anyone!
~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 11 Stars Fading in the Twilight
Eladlín woke with a start, breathing heavily. He glanced around the room and slowly laid back down on the floor as he attempted to regain control of his breath. It had been long since he had stayed in a bed, and hobbit beds were particularly narrow. Pippin opened the door with a quick snap of the handle, "Is anything amiss, lad?" he questioned.
"I am fine." muttered Eladlín as he pulled himself up. "It has just been long since I slept in a bed, especially one made for small folk."
Pippin let out a hearty laugh. "Come join me, lad. Rosie is preparing our breakfast."
"Aye, I will be out in a second." Pippin shut the door behind him, and Eladlín shook out his clothes before he dressed. As he slid on his tunic, he noticed that the arms stopped well before his wrists. Unsure, he gave the shirt a good shake, but still the sleeves remained on his forearms. He looked at himself in the mirror, and found the change appealing. His childish face was slowly aging as it shaped itself out of the molding clay of boyhood. His days of riding had given him slight muscles in his arms, which were clearly noticeable through the fabric of his tunic. His eyes had also darkened to a deep misty grey, which, although he did not know it, mirrored the color of Elrond's eyes. His features came predominantly from his father's side, although he was born with his mother's curving ears and her high cheekbones. Sighing gently, he walked away from the mirror. It held too many memories of the world he had left behind.
Thankfully, Pippin was oblivious to the change in Eladlín's attitude, and he did not notice the boy's silence throughout breakfast. "As soon as I finish I shall track down Radagast. You will have to accompany me, or Farmer Maggot will have my head for supper."
Eladlín smiled. "There is no need to track him. I remember the path I took last night."
Pippin stood up from his seat, and wiped his mouth gently on the napkin. "Then lead the way, lad."
The two walked out of the house, and Pippin gave a low, short whistle. A small shepard mix came bounding out of a nearby garden. "'Lo, Sergeant." said Pippin as he bent to scratch his ears. "Go on, then." he commanded, and the dog trotted off ahead of them. The two companions strode along in silence until they reached Farmer Maggot's place. "Constable Peregrin!" shouted Farmer Maggot.
"Yes?" Pippin replied.
"Where are you going with my prisoner? He has yet to pay his debt!"
"I have business in the countryside this morning, and I thought it would do the boy a bit of good to stretch his legs."
"Well, I disagree. Please bring him back. The young ones are particularly fast. He will run away!"
"I cannot, Farmer Maggot. The boy is with Radagast, and has lost his way. I must speak with the wizard. I assure you that your window will be replaced. Worry not."
Farmer Maggot snorted his disbelief, but his fondness for Pippin prevented him from speaking a cruel word. Pippin turned and lead Eladlín away by the arm. "Quickly, my boy, before he changes his mind! I have no intention of fighting off his dogs today."
Sergeant had already reached the brook, and was lapping noisily when Pippin arrived. "Over the water then, much as I hate it."
"How can you dislike water?"
"Perhaps it is a hobbit problem, I have never really spoken of it. I just cannot find it in me to trust the water. It is far too hasty for my taste."
Eladlín sighed. "I spent three months aboard a ship a few months back. 'Twas the best few months of my life. The smell of salt, and the sound of the waves...it grants life."
Pippin grimaced as he waded across the stream. "Whatever you say, lad."
~~~~~~~~~~~
"What do you mean he is missing?" asked Siriondil slowly.
"He must have left late last night, though I confess I watched him closely and saw no sign of movement. He stuffed his blanket with straw so I would not notice."
"How could you let him leave? He is naught but a little boy! 'Tis a dangerous world, and he is lost in the midst of it!"
"I do not see how arguing will help the situation." commented Radagast quietly. "I will find the boy. I have spent many years in this country, and the people trust me."
"There is no need for that!" remarked Eladlín as he strode out of the brush, Pippin and Sergeant in tow. Siriondil whipped around, and a broad smile passed over his face. He took Eladlín in his arms and hugged him tightly. Surprised, the boy tried to shy away, but Siriondil just grasped him tighter. Finally, Eladlín consented and held him back, and Siriondil slowly lowered him to the ground. "I thought I had lost you." he said slowly.
Eladlín watched his face for the anger that would normally follow such a statement, but there was only sorrow, and something deeper that he could not read. "But I am fine. I just went exploring for a little while."
Siriondil held that same look, and did not look away, for quite some time. It made Eladlín rather uncomfortable, for it stirred in him something he had never felt before. Radagast broke the heavy silence with a clearing of his throat. Everyone glanced towards him, except for Siriondil. "What is that?" he questioned, for he had never seen a hobbit.
Pippin mistook the question, "You have never seen a dog before? This is Sergeant, my shepherd. Worry not, he will not bite."
"No, I meant..." began Siriondil before Mararion gave him a sharp nudge.
Pippin gave him a queer look, then he appeared to remember something. "Have I not introduced myself? I am sorry. My name is Peregrin Took, and I am a hobbit of the Shire."
"Indeed." replied a rather skeptical Siriondil.
"How did you find me, Pippin? And how did you come across the boy?" questioned Radagast.
Mararion looked between all the companions. "It appears we have some things to discuss. Has everyone eaten?" he said, directing his question at Pippin.
"Aye, we had breakfast before we left this morning." He sat on a nearby log, and recounted the tale of Eladlín's adventures. As he finished, Haldamir left to ready the horses.
"I am sorry we cannot stay, Pippin, but the door of opportunity is closing. We must leave these lands, before it is too late."
Pippin nodded and stood. "I understand. May I ask one more question of you though? What of the orcs? Have they entered our lands?"
"Alas. The one question you ask is the one I cannot answer. But worry not. Your borders are well protected. I have seen to that."
Eladlín interrupted, "Must you stay? Join our company!"
Pippin smiled and turned away. "My heart is in these lands, as is my life. I cannot leave."
"No, indeed." agreed Radagast. "The time has not yet come for hobbits to be known in our world."
Eladlín gave Radagast a confused look. "May I have no say in any of these matters?"
Pippin gave one last grin. "Listen to him, lad. He is wiser than he looks. 'Tis the journey of a lifetime, lad. You remember that."
The cheery hobbit turned away and walked off into the woods, whistling along to a merry tune. Sergeant stood still for a few minutes and watched Eladlín closely before following his master. Mararion gathered the leads of the two packhorses. "Come, my friends. Our journey has barely begun."
Eladlín found himself traveling near Radagast, and used the opportunity to ask a question. "How did you know who I was?"
Radagast gave a serene smile. "Have you heard why they call me Radagast the Brown?" Eladlín nodded, and he continued. "I sat in these very woods a few nights ago, when a small hawk came to me and told me of your plight."
Eladlín smiled. "I remember that! He came to me in the night, and I wondered where he lived, and why he had come to me."
"Many of your questions will remain unanswered until you meet Lord Elrond, which should be soon, barring any further problems."
The boy gave a small groan. "All this talk of Lords. It bores me so. I want to understand now!"
"And such is the way of men, who know not the ways of the world. For the life of a man is but a candle, fragile and short-lived."
Eladlín sat puzzled as Radagast rode ahead. Mararion smiled. "Patience, my young companion. You have nearly reached the height of the leaves. A few more months and I shall reveal my secrets."
Eladlín grinned and turned away. Mararion watched him ride to Siriondil with a wistful heart. Such a bond existed between the two. He had never shared his heart with anyone, be it man or mortal. His life was one of solitude and silence. An elf is at home amongst the trees and the living creatures, but he also craves the warmth of an embrace and the comfort of a loving smile.
"An apple for your thoughts, brother." said Haldamir, tossing a ripe fruit at him.
Mararion caught it easily. "I am lonely." he confessed. "Though you have lost your love, you have had one yet. My life has had no such joy, and I now understand how worn my heart has become."
"Ah, worry not, your virginity will not last! I am sure plenty of girls in Lindon will have you!" he laughed, elbowing Mararion's chest gently.
Mararion looked away. "I do not jest, brother."
"Oh." Haldamir's expression fell slightly. Not knowing what to say, he let Mararion ride ahead.
The day progressed without further excitement, and the company came to rest near the border of Buckland. Mararion did not eat, and quickly left Haldamir to care for the others. He began his own small journey through the woods. Each step brought him closer to understanding, and yet at the same time further away. For he did not know it, but the key to his world lay inside a child.
Eladlín readied his sleeping bag again. Siriondil had been given first watch, and was already snoring away. "At least Mararion gave me a bit of a challenge." smiled Eladlín as he crept away. He found Mararion seated on a large oaken log. He gazed off into the surrounding countryside, full of small sloping chimneys puffing smoke out into the twilight, where it mingled with the moon. "Mararion?" he asked cautiously.
"Leave me be, boy. I am in no mood for speech tonight." Mararion replied gruffly.
"I know what pains you."
Mararion spun around. "You cannot. No one does. Not even Haldamir."
"Haldamir is blinded by his own grief. You should not place your burdens on his back, or it may very well break him."
Mararion turned away from him. "You are wise beyond your years, Eladlín. Come, tell me what ails me."
Eladlín understood that this way as close to an invitation as he would ever receive. He settled himself next to his friend and embraced him. He did not understand the words that came from his mouth, though he knew that something had put them in his mind. "All is not lost. Though I am young, and my heart an innocent gold, I can still see the life that has been yours to bare. Remember your lineage. You are of the Noldori, the proud race of old. Our grief cannot overcome us, for we still have purpose in the Lands of Middle Earth. Renew your heart and feel joy. There are many that love you, you have just been blinded by the obstacles in life." He stood and walked away from Mararion, knowing that his deed was done. Eladlín would never understand why those words had come to him, or what they meant, but he knew that Mararion would not fade that night. The paths before him were long yet, and Mararion realized this as he watched the stars fade through the early morn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you are Captain Obvious (meaning you don't catch things) skip ahead to the third paragraph. I have some spoilers for the rest of my story in here.
Ok, so as I have altered history, I have a bit of explaining to do, yes? Well, to make things short, I decided to include a bit about the coming back of Sauron (as if that wasn't obvious enough). Well, although life for Elrond and Gil-galad would not have changed in this time period, Elros, as a man, would be, er, dead. and so would his kids. and his kid's kids. anyways, I understand that a son of Elros would not be alive during these times. but, then again, this is my story, so I am allowed to alter history slightly. So everything is about what's happening is correct according to my research (except for hobbits, but more on that later), but I have done a small amount of mixing and matching time periods.
Hobbits~ migrated into what is now known as the shire when sauron rose for the second time (as in, after the slaying of Gil-galad) in greenwood (mirkwood), and basically scared the bajeebies out of them so bad they moved. didn't know this when I wrote the pippin chapters, and frankly am not going to change it because I really liked pippin. so deal. *Holds up her "Stubborn Author Award'*
phew. that was a lot of history. and as for my opinion of this chapter, I missed Mararion. he was/is too good a character to lose in the crowd. actually *glances around furtively to make sure no one is listening* he's my favorite (well, him and Eladlín). but shhhh! don't tell anyone!