Part 44.
They stood at the foot of the tower for a moment, looking up at the smooth black stone walls. A staircase led up to the entrance, which was barred and gated.
"Saruman has no way of getting out, except through this door." Treebeard told them.
"Good." Gandalf told him, before looking up at the tower.
Two-thirds of the way of a barred balcony jutted out from the smooth tower walls. He walked up the stairs, followed by Theoden and Eomer, Aragorn and Arwen, Gimli and Legolas stood at the foot of the staircase with the hobbits Merry and Pippin, whom Gandalf did not want too near to Saruman.
The Rohirrim riders also waited at the foot of the stairs, watching nervously as their King ascended.
"Saruman! Saruman!" Gandalf cried, rapping his staff on the heavy door. "Saruman come forth!"
Above them a window opened. "Who is it? What do you want?" Came the reply from high up in the Tower.
"I know that voice." Theoden said. "I curse the day I first listened to it."
"Go and fetch Saruman since you have become his footman, Grima Wormtongue." Gandalf ordered.
Another voice sounded from the tower, gentle and melodious. "Well? Why must you disturb my rest?" Saruman asked from the tower balcony, his once white robes seeming to be no color at all, for the hue changed with the light and with his motion. "Speak! Two of your number I know by name. Gandalf, who I know has not come here for council, and Theoden, son of Thengel, King of Rohan, Lord of the Mark, I will aid you in this time of great need."
"Be silent now Saruman!" Gandalf ordered, "Do not speak until I ask it of you."
"Come now Gandalf, my old friend..." Saruman began.
"A lesser son of great sires I am, but I do not need to lick your fingers Saruman. Turn elsewhere. I fear your voice has lost some of its power." Theoden interrupted him.
"Gandalf, old friend, come up and take council with me. We understand one another." As Saruman spoke none within hearing were unmoved. For Arwen it was like hearing the pleading of a small child.
To everyone's surprize Gandalf laughed out loud. "Saruman, you missed your path in life. You should have been a King's jester, earned your bread and stripes by mimicking the King's counselors."
A flicker of desperation crossed Saruman's features. He chose another target. "Lady Arwen, Lady of Rivendell, Evenstar. If you ask me I will help you. I can make you into a great queen. Together we can rule over all of this Middle Earth. Remember Celebrian, your mother? Together we will make the roads safe for all. Over many years I have watched you grow into womanhood, mature in the beautiful Lady you are today. Do you remember coming to Isenguard as a child with Celebrian and Elrond? You will make a magnificent queen, the most beautiful creature anyone, Men, Elves, Dwarves, will lay eyes on."
"Be silent, Saruman. Be still." Arwen said to him, her voice reflecting the peaceful expression on her face. "You have no power over me. The Saruman I knew as a child was corrupted by the Dark One. He has been replaced by a sniveling, wriggling snake. I trust no words that come out of your mouth. You have tried to use memories against me. You forget that in a life as long as mine I cannot, and do not hold onto things. I let them be."
"Lady, I will make you into the most sought after, desirable woman in all of Middle Earth. All who see you will love you." Saruman tried again before becoming silent.
Arwen stared up at him, not speaking. Then she closed her eyes. Beside her Aragorn looked on fearfully.
After a few moments of loud silence there was a flash of light around Saruman who became engulfed in smoke, stumbling against the balcony railing.
Then as the smoke cleared Arwen spoke. "Your hand is no longer white, Saruman. And your title may no longer be Saruman the Wise. I name you Saruman the Servant, Saruman the Fool. He who thought he could align himself with the Dark One, then turn on him and defeat him, taking the One Ring for yourself. That will not happen. The One Ring shall soon be no more, and when that time comes you may find your life forfeit to your master." Once the smoke had cleared all present could seen the color of Saruman's robes had changed, from indistinct and non-descript to the deepest, darkest black. Even his hair and beard had darkened.
"It is finished Saruman." She told him.
The once-white wizard looked down at his new apparel and glared at her. Then he spun on his heel and left the balcony.
At once Gandalf spoke. "Come back Saruman!" He commanded.
The others looked on in amazement as Saruman turned once more, slowly, as if being dragged against his will, and walked, half stumbling back to the balcony railing.
"I did not give you leave to go. I have not finished with you yet. I would have given you a choice to walk out of your tower, and be among friends. Now I see that I cannot give you that choice, you hold too tightly to your old plots. Stay! You will not come out of there so easily. Not unless the dark hands from the East stretch to you to take you out." Gandalf paused before speaking again, his voice growing in power and authority. "Behold Saruman! I am not Gandalf the Grey whom you betrayed, I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death. You have no color now, save for the blackness of your own heart which you are now clothed in, and I strike you from the council!"
There was a loud crack as Saruman's staff split in two, the head of it landing at Gandalf's feet. "Go!" Gandalf commanded the fallen Istari, and all watched as Saruman fled back into the tower.
At the same time a heavy ball-shaped object came hurtling out of the window, glancing off the iron rail and coming close to Gandalf's head, finally hitting the black stone stair, which cracked and showered glittering sparks. Then the ball stopped, unharmed once it had rolled down the remaining stairs to rest near Pippin's feet. He picked it up and looked at it. The globe was a dark crystal, glowing with a heart of fire.
At once Arwen darted down the stairs to take the crystal from Pippin's arms, covering the sphere with her cloak and setting it down on the ground once more.
"Come now!" Gandalf ordered the others from on the stairs. He stopped at the base looking at the crystal, now smothered in Arwen's gray-green cloak. "Well done Lady of Rivendell. You have proved yourself to us many times over. None will underestimate your strength ever again." He picked up the cloak, making sure to keep the material over the sphere.
The riders of Rohan saluted Gandalf and cheered his name. The spell of Saruman was broken, and they had seen him come at a call and then crawl away dismissed.
Legolas and Aragorn walked on either side of Arwen. As they walked Legolas slipped his arm through hers. "Are you all right Lady Evenstar?" He asked, seeing her quietness against her troubled features.
"I did not expect to see so much darkness in him. There was not one part of him that wished to be saved. Not by me, or us at least. He is not the Saruman I remember." Arwen said softly.
Gandalf turned back to her. "You did well Arwen. Very few left in this Middle Earth have the strength and the skill it takes for one to perform such powerful magic. Your father Lord Elrond would be proud of you."
Arwen turned away from all of them, pulling away from Legolas, and walking a few steps on her own. "Then why couldn't I save him? Why couldn't I light up his darkness?" She whirled around to face them. "Why couldn't I stop all of this?" She threw her hands up behind her, gesturing wildly to the desolation surrounding them, then bit her lip and turned from them once more.
Aragorn laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "There is still hope Arwen. You told me that."
She turned to face him. "I don't understand the path I have been laid on. I don't understand what I am supposed to do, or how I can react. This place is like something out of my nightmares."
"Lasto nin melath, A si i-Dhúath ú-orthor, Arwen. Ú or le a ú or nin." #Listen my love, the shadow does not hold sway yet, Arwen. Not over you and not over me.#
He reached out to brush a stray tear from her cheek. Through the tears welling up in her eyes she managed to smile. "I remember those words." Arwen told him quietly.
"A very wise woman once told me that, as always she was right." Aragorn smiled at her.
"I do not despair. There is hope, I can see it. I can always see it." Arwen answered softly.
"How do you mean?" Aragorn asked.
Arwen reached out and took his hand. "Come with me."
She raised her voice to the others. "All of you, come with me." She led Aragorn by the hand into the very center of the grounds of Isenguard.
Then she turned to the others. "Here in this time of great pain and sorrow, we are all equal. We are all fighting the same fight, be we Elves, or Men, Dwarves or Hobbits or Ents or Istari. Here now, in this place we are equal. We are one, united as the Free People of this Middle Earth of ours should be. This is our land, and most importantly, this is our home." She told them. "This place, Isenguard, was corrupted from something beautiful and magical into a desolate wasteland. But no more, Isenguard is about to be re- born."
"Lady, this isn't... you haven't had a vision have you?" Gimli asked uncertainly.
"Not the kind you think Gimli." She told him, reaching into a pouch on her belt. "This spot here is the center, it is the center of our alliances, which I hope will grow as our Middle Earth is freed from the grasp of the Dark One."
With those words she knelt down on the ground, using one hand to create a small hole in the ground. Then she placed something small from her hand into the hole and covered it over again. She laid both hands on the small pile of earth and waited. White light blossomed under her hands, and she moved them as a sapling sprouted from the spot.
"This tree, as it grows symbolizes our unity, and our alliance. No more will the people of this land be divided and afraid. Isenguard, the scene of the biggest betrayal against us, will now be a place of unity, a place very much like my own home, where all who seek may be found, and all who ask will be helped." She stood tall facing them all, Men, Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, Istari, and Ents.
"Well spoken, beautiful Lady." Treebeard rumbled. "Isenguard shall truly be re-born."
"This is only the beginning, my friend." Arwen told him softly, walking over to him.
She pressed her hand into one of his. "There are six seeds here. One for each race of Free People. Elves, Dwarves, Men, Hobbits, Istari and Ents. Plant them so that we are all equal."
The two stood there for just a few moments in complete silence, staring into each others eyes, earthy brown into ethereal blue.
"You have my promise Lady Evenstar. The Ents accept the responsibility for Isenguard re-born." He rumbled.
"And do I have your promise to watch over Saruman, keeping him safely in his tower of Orthanc?" Gandalf asked Treebeard.
"That you do, Gandalf the White, who is a great friend of Fangorn and Fangorn Forest." Treebeard answered the wizard, towering over him. "My promise I give to you, and all others. Saruman shall not leave his tower."
Part 45.
The sun was sinking behind the Western mountains before remaining members of the Fellowship and the Riders of Rohan set out once more from Isenguard.
Arwen carried Merry on the front of her saddle, while Aragorn, who remained constantly at her side, carried Pippin the same way.
As the last rays of sunlight faded Arwen turned to look back towards Isenguard. Treebeard and the Tower of Orthanc were both silhouetted against the twilight. Even at the distance Arwen could see that Treebeard was gently tending to the new sapling.
Despite the pain she still felt over the desolation of what had once been such a beautiful place, Arwen smiled.
Aragorn took her hand, guiding Hausufel with one hand. "Sometimes re-birth is needed, nin melath."
"I don't think I feel pain over it anymore. I can understand what Saruman did, and even why he did it. I have done all I can. Now only time can do the rest." Arwen answer him, she smiled and pointed up at the sky. "The stars have come out."
"There is one that has shone throughout today." Gandalf said.
"May she shine forever." Aragorn smiled, squeezing her hand.
***************
The remaining members of the Fellowship rode in silence for a long time. Finally Merry piped up, his voice tired. "Are we riding far tonight?"
"We will ride gently for a few hours, until we reach the end of the valley." Gandalf told him, "But tomorrow we must ride faster."
"Where are we going?" Pippin asked.
"We were headed for the King's Hall at Edoras, but we have since changed that plan. Now we make for a return to Helm's Deep, then onto Dunharrow." Gandalf said, looking up towards the stars.
In front of her Merry was almost falling asleep. Arwen leaded forward and whispered in his ear. "Sleep now if you wish it. Nallahir will carry us both safe and sound. I will watch over you, Master Hobbit."
"My thanks to you for your generosity and compassion, Lady Arwen." Merry replied sleepily, leaning his head against her arm. Within scant moments the small hobbit was sleeping deeply.
****************
The road passed slowly, winding down the valley. The Isen burbled happily in its banks, while a chilled wind blew, driving all of the mists away.
When they stopped, Arwen carefully dismounted, then reached up to take Merry's sleeping form. Pippin made up a place for them both to sleep, on top of a pile of soft bracken, with several blankets for covers.
Arwen laid Merry down gently, smiling as the hobbit did not even move. She laid a gentle hand on Pippin's shoulder. "Sleep now for you too, Pippin." She laid a blanket over him and watched for a moment, until Pippin too fell asleep.
As she stood there, Arwen felt Aragorn approach from behind. He laid his hand on her shoulder. "Sleep now, my Lady. For you it is well-deserved."
"What about you?" She asked, her eyes sparkling in the night.
"I have offered to take first watch, with Eomer." Aragorn told her. "If you sleep now, I will watch over you."
Arwen nodded. "May the sun rise bring us all better fortune." With those words she pulled her cloak around her and fell asleep.
Aragorn watched over her faithfully, watching her breathe, watching her move as she dreamed.
Just after he and Eomer woke the next two who were on watch, Aragorn felt Arwen project a thought into his mind. /Go to sleep\. He looked over at her sleeping form and smiled, pulling her blanket back up over her, then wrapping his cloak and blanket around himself and falling asleep too.
Then in the darkest reaches of the night, all were awoken by an agonized cry.
Both Arwen and Aragorn were awake within seconds, pushing away their blankets, cloaks whirling around them. As they moved to where the scream had come from, the two saw Gandalf throw his cloak down over the darkened crystal, the palantir. Beside it Pippin lay stiff, his eyes unseeing staring upward into the sky.
"What mischief has he done-, to himself, and to all of us?" Gandalf's face was drawn and haggard.
Arwen dropped to her knees beside Pippin, taking up his hand in one of hers. She leaned over his face, feeling for his breath. Then she turned to Aragorn. "Bring me the blue pouch from my saddle bags, quickly."
Hurriedly Aragorn retrieved it, dropping beside Arwen. She took a small handful of crushed leaves out of the pouch and dropped them onto a plate, running her hand through the air over the plate to light them on fire.
The burning leaves had a strange scent, sweet and mellow. Using her free hand she wafted the smoke into Pippin's face. "Pippin. Pippin, it is Arwen. If you can hear me, speak!" She called gently.
Arwen waited a few moments while nothing happened. Then she laid her hands upon his forehead, before speaking again. "Pippin, answer me. Come back to the light." The crowd of Men looking on were shocked to see her skin begin to glow once more.
After several seconds Pippin stirred and sat up. "It is not for you Saruman." He cried, his voice toneless, shrinking away from all. "I will send for it at once. Do you understand? Say just that!" He struggled as Gandalf and Aragorn held him.
Once more Arwen laid her hand on his forehead. "Hush now Pippin! Come back to the light. Come back to us!"
To everyone's surprise Pippin relaxed and clung to Gandalf. "Gandalf, Gandalf forgive me."
"What have you done, Master Peregrin?" Gandalf asked.
"I took the crystal, and I looked into it. I saw things that frightened me. I couldn't get away from them. Then He came and questioned me. I do not remember what we talked of. He looked at me, and that is all I remember."
"That is not enough." Gandalf told him firmly, "What did you see? What did you say?"
Arwen closed her eyes as Pippin related the things he had seen and spoken of. It was all very much in her mind.
*********
Finally Pippin finished and Gandalf spoke once more. "Look at me." He told Pippin, his voice gentle.
He stared for several moments into Pippin's eyes. "There is no lie as I feared there might be." He laid a gentle hand on Pippin's shoulder. "Say no more. You have taken no harm, thanks to the Lady." Then, Gandalf lifted him and carried him back to his bed.
***********
"How is Pippin?" Aragorn asked when Gandalf returned to them.
"I think he will be well now. He was not held for long, and hobbits have amazing powers of recovery." Gandalf told him. Then, after a long pause Gandalf spoke again. "Aragorn, will you take charge of the Orthanc-stone and guard it?"
"This is the palantir of Orthanc, taken from the treasury of Elendil, set here by the Kings of Gondor. Now my hour draws near, I will take it." Aragorn told him.
"Well received then." Gandalf said. "Now I will take Peregrin and ride ahead. The sooner he is away from this place the better."
"I will take ten riders and leave at early day. The rest shall ride with Aragorn when they are of a mind." Theoden decided.
At that moment the moonlight seemed to be cut off. Several of the Riders cried out and crouched down on the grass, holding their arms above their head, as if trying to ward off a blow. High above a vast black-winged shape crossed the moon. The stars became faint as it approached them.
Gandalf stood, staring up the sky and shouted, "Nazgul! The messenger of Mordor. The storm is coming! The Nazgul have crossed the river. Do not wait for dawn! Ride, ride now!" He darted away, calling Shadowfax as he ran.
One of Eomer's men packed all of Gandalf's belongings onto Shadowfax, while Legolas took Pippin, now soundly sleeping and laid him in front of Gandalf.
Aragorn held Arwen tightly as she trembled, calling for both Hausufel and Nallahir. Elessar and Illya, the falcons flew low, close to the ground.
They hurriedly packed up anything of importance and were soon able to depart. Arwen swung up into Nallahir's saddle, waiting as Aragorn passed Merry up to her, wrapped in cloak and blanket. She watched as Aragorn and Legolas lifted Gimli onto Arod, then mounted their horses themselves.
"Away!" Aragorn cried for all to hear, "Away!"
Arwen squeezed Nallahir's sides with her legs and felt him shoot forward beneath her. She grabbed a handful of his mane to steady herself and felt Aragorn move up beside her.
Arod, carrying Legolas and Gimli galloped up beside him. "I still cannot get used to these creatures and their confounded gaits!" Gimli hollered over the sound of hoof beats.
In spite of everything that was happening around them, Arwen managed a smile. "One day you shall ride with Nallahir and I, and he shall show you his paces." She called back.
Gimli smiled back at her, holding on to Legolas all the more as he was bumped around.
************
"Five of us yet remain, only one half of the Fellowship that set out from Rivendell." Aragorn said, once they had slowed. "We will ride on together, although, not alone, as I thought."
"We are among friends now in Rohan." Legolas answered him. "I think that for now it is a good choice for us to stay with them."
From in front of Arwen, Merry piped up. "What will happen to me now?"
"All is well Master Hobbit. You shall be safe with us until you reach the Golden Hall of Meduseld and sit at the side of Theoden King. Do not fear." Arwen told him, her voice gentle and soothing to his troubled mind.
"Your path lies with him, Merry." Aragorn said. "But do not look for mirth at the end of our journey, I fear it will not find us. Many hopes will wither in this bitter Spring."
Arwen became silent, and simply looked up towards the sky.
Part 46.
The large group of riders passed the mounds at the Fords of Isen, pressing swiftly through the night.
Not long after they passed the Fords a Rider galloped up from the rear of the pack. He bowed his head to the King before speaking. "My lord, there are horsemen behind us. We heard them earlier, and now we are sure. They are riding hard, overtaking us."
Theoden called a halt at once. The Riders turned and seized their spears.
Arwen stayed silent. In her heart she felt that the riders behind them were not foes.
No evil floated upon the air. In the darkness, night birds called to each other and insects clicked.
She watched as Aragorn dismounted and moved to her, lifting Merry down. Then he placed his hands around her waist, guiding her down. Once on the ground Arwen unsheathed her sword Shalat, and following her example, Merry did the same.
The sound of heavy hoof beats filled the air, and in the darkness shapes formed.
At once Eomer cried out, "Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"
The men pulled their horses up, and in the scarce moonlight they watched on of the riders dismount and walk towards them, his hand showing white as he raised it, palm outwards in a token of piece. He halted ten paces from them, then called out. "Rohan did you say? That is good news, we seek this land in haste from far away."
"What is you business here?" Eomer asked. "None ride in Rohan, save those who have our King, Theoden's leave to do so. Who are you? What is your haste?"
"Halbarad Dunedan I am. Ranger of the North. My company and I seek Aragorn, son of Arathorn. We received news that he was in Rohan." The rider answered.
Aragorn stood forward. "Search no more for me Halbarad, for you have at last found me." Aragorn moved to embrace the man. "Halbarad my friend, of all the joys this is the least expected."
Arwen slid Shalat back into its sheathe. She turned to the King standing beside her. "Do not fear these Men. They are Aragorn's kin from the North." She explained to him.
Theoden bowed his head to her. "Why have they come? How many are there?"
"Only thirty, Lord of the Mark. We have come because we received summons." Halbarad turned to Aragorn. "Elladan and Elrohir too have ridden with us desiring to go to the war."
"My greetings to all who have ridden out at this time. But I did not summon you." Aragorn told him. "You find us now riding in haste and danger. I have sent no word, but ride with us now if the King gives his leave."
"I do." Theoden told them. "If these kinsmen of yours are anything like yourself Aragorn, thirty such warriors will be a strength that cannot be counted by heads."
"Halbarad, where are Elladan and Elrohir?" Arwen asked.
His grim expression split into a smile. "Lady Arwen, an unexpected pleasure to meet you once more. Elladan and Elrohir are coming along. I think that they bring news from Rivendell." Halbarad told her.
As he spoke more hoof beats sounded. Elladan and Elrohir dismounted from their horses. "Arwen! Thank Valar you are safe!"
She opened her arms to them, embracing them both. "Mae govannen." She told them, a happy expression on her face. #Welcome#.
"These are friends of your my Lady?" Theoden asked, amused.
"My kin. Theoden King I present to you my brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond Half-Elven."
"You may Lady Arwen." Theoden smiled at her. "Welcome to Rohan, sons of Elrond."
"My Lord we must move on." Eomer said to the King.
"Very well," Theoden answered him, "Give the order to move off."
"All move out." Eomer called to the Riders of Rohan, and to their new companions the Rangers of the North.
"Come then, little sister. We will see you safely on Nallahir." Elladan told her.
She smiled. "Come then, ride with me." Arwen told them.
"As you wish, sweet Lady." Elrohir answered.
She led them over to where Merry stood with Nallahir. "Merry, these are my brothers, Elladan and Elrohir."
"Well met, young Master Hobbit." Elladan told him.
"Thank you." Merry mumbled, Arwen could see that he was awed by the two Elves.
"Elrondion!" Legolas hailed them. "Well met!" #Elrond's sons.#
"Well met, Legolas Thranduilion." Elladan called back.
"Is everyone set?" Aragorn asked them, leading his horse Brego over to them.
Elrohir whistled to his and Elladan's horses who made their way over to them. "I would think now."
Arwen placed her foot in one of Nallahir's stirrups and swung her leg over his back. Aragorn lifted Merry up to her, placing him on the saddle in front of Arwen. "We are set." She told him, patting Nallahir's satiny gray neck.
She watched as the others mounted up, then rode off Aragorn and Legolas on one side, Elladan and Elrohir on the other. Halbarad rode beside Legolas, while Theoden and Eomer rode ahead of all of them.
"Aragorn we bring you word from Rivendell." Elrohir began. "Lord Elrond has bidden us to say, 'The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.'"
"Always my days seem too short to achieve my desire. But my haste will be haste indeed ere I take that road." Aragorn answered.
"That will soon be seen." Elladan told him. "Let us not speak anymore of these matters on the open road."
Halbarad called to Arwen. "Lady, what is it you bear?" He gestured to the staff, once tied carefully behind her saddle, now standing upright against it.
She smiled. "It is a gift. I have carried it with me since my return to Rohan from Lothlorien. It shall soon be given to its intended, Halbarad of the North."
"What sort of gift?" Merry piped up, ever curious.
"The kind that love wrought, and shall see through. Soon all hopes will come true, or all hopes will end. Only time can tell." Arwen answered him.
Legolas chuckled, along with Elladan and Elrohir. "I don't think she is going to tell you what it is, Merry. The gift is not for you."
Arwen released her hold on Nallahir's reins to stretch her arms over her head. Merry, sitting in front of her grasped a handful of Nallahir's mane to keep his balance. She smiled up at the stars and began to sing.
*"The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering.
Tinuviel was dancing there
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her rainment glimmering."*
Arwen paused and smiled as Aragorn began to sing with her, his voice a deep contrast to her own.
*"There Beren came from mountains cold,
And lost he wandered under leaves,
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone and sorrowing.
He peered between the hemlock-leaves
And saw in wonder flowers of gold
Upon her mantle and her sleeves,
And her hair like shadow following.
Enchantment healed his weary feet
That over hills were doomed to roam;
And forth he hastened strong and fleet,
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.
Through woven woods in Elvenhome
She lightly fled on dancing feet,
And left him lonely still to roam
In the silent forest listening."*
They both stopped singing, Arwen stared up at the stars once more.
"Don't stop now." Legolas urged them. "There are still six verses to finish!"
"Let them remain unsung for the rest of tonight then." Arwen told him. "For the night will soon be over."
"What is the song?" Merry asked.
"It is the Lay of Luthien. We spoke of it on our journey from Rivendell, Merry." Legolas told him. "Lady Arwen told you and the others Luthien's story."
Aragorn reached out to her and took her by the hand. "Be still Evenstar. Nothing will cloud our road tonight."
She looked over at him, 'I am not thinking of our road tonight, nor indeed tomorrow."
"Then what ails you my Lady?" Aragorn asked her gently.
"Can Merry ride with you for now?" She asked him, by way of an answer, "I wish to be left alone with my thoughts for just a little while."
Aragorn reached across and took Merry, seating him on his own saddle. "As you wish Lady Evenstar."
"Do not stray to far Arwen." Elladan warned her. "It is not safe."
She nodded to him and gathered up Nallahir's reins, turning him around towards the back of the group.
She rode there for a long time, thinking deeply.
Her father's words echoed in her head. /It is not your fate. Aragorn will die the death of a mortal man.\
She closed her eyes, as though in great pain. In the dimness her own words echoed through her head, along with Aragorn's.
^"You said you'd bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your people."^
^"And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you, than face all the Ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life.^" She had told him.
^"You cannot do this."^ He had protested, not wanting her be alone, far from her kin.
^"I can do what I choose. This is my life. I will follow my heart."^ She had answered, leaving no room for argument.
She closed her eyes, riding blind, allowing Nallahir to follow the horses in front of them.
Tears trickled down her cheeks, but she did not sob. The tears burned on her cool skin, like her love for Aragorn and Middle Earth burned her heart and soul.
**********
High above the stars ceased to glow as dawn began to creep over the horizon. Hastily brushing her tears away, she returned once more to Aragorn's side, saying nothing.
Elladan looked over at her, seeing the troubles of her mind lying just below the surface. "Are you sure that you are all right, little sister? Perhaps you are ill?"
"I am not ill. Elladan." She told him, after several moments. "I am just waiting."
"Waiting?" Elrohir asked. "What for?"
"Do not trouble yourself with these thoughts." Arwen answered, avoiding his question.
"Have you seen something?" Elladan asked.
"I cannot say." Arwen told them. 'I cannot tell things I do not know."
They stood at the foot of the tower for a moment, looking up at the smooth black stone walls. A staircase led up to the entrance, which was barred and gated.
"Saruman has no way of getting out, except through this door." Treebeard told them.
"Good." Gandalf told him, before looking up at the tower.
Two-thirds of the way of a barred balcony jutted out from the smooth tower walls. He walked up the stairs, followed by Theoden and Eomer, Aragorn and Arwen, Gimli and Legolas stood at the foot of the staircase with the hobbits Merry and Pippin, whom Gandalf did not want too near to Saruman.
The Rohirrim riders also waited at the foot of the stairs, watching nervously as their King ascended.
"Saruman! Saruman!" Gandalf cried, rapping his staff on the heavy door. "Saruman come forth!"
Above them a window opened. "Who is it? What do you want?" Came the reply from high up in the Tower.
"I know that voice." Theoden said. "I curse the day I first listened to it."
"Go and fetch Saruman since you have become his footman, Grima Wormtongue." Gandalf ordered.
Another voice sounded from the tower, gentle and melodious. "Well? Why must you disturb my rest?" Saruman asked from the tower balcony, his once white robes seeming to be no color at all, for the hue changed with the light and with his motion. "Speak! Two of your number I know by name. Gandalf, who I know has not come here for council, and Theoden, son of Thengel, King of Rohan, Lord of the Mark, I will aid you in this time of great need."
"Be silent now Saruman!" Gandalf ordered, "Do not speak until I ask it of you."
"Come now Gandalf, my old friend..." Saruman began.
"A lesser son of great sires I am, but I do not need to lick your fingers Saruman. Turn elsewhere. I fear your voice has lost some of its power." Theoden interrupted him.
"Gandalf, old friend, come up and take council with me. We understand one another." As Saruman spoke none within hearing were unmoved. For Arwen it was like hearing the pleading of a small child.
To everyone's surprize Gandalf laughed out loud. "Saruman, you missed your path in life. You should have been a King's jester, earned your bread and stripes by mimicking the King's counselors."
A flicker of desperation crossed Saruman's features. He chose another target. "Lady Arwen, Lady of Rivendell, Evenstar. If you ask me I will help you. I can make you into a great queen. Together we can rule over all of this Middle Earth. Remember Celebrian, your mother? Together we will make the roads safe for all. Over many years I have watched you grow into womanhood, mature in the beautiful Lady you are today. Do you remember coming to Isenguard as a child with Celebrian and Elrond? You will make a magnificent queen, the most beautiful creature anyone, Men, Elves, Dwarves, will lay eyes on."
"Be silent, Saruman. Be still." Arwen said to him, her voice reflecting the peaceful expression on her face. "You have no power over me. The Saruman I knew as a child was corrupted by the Dark One. He has been replaced by a sniveling, wriggling snake. I trust no words that come out of your mouth. You have tried to use memories against me. You forget that in a life as long as mine I cannot, and do not hold onto things. I let them be."
"Lady, I will make you into the most sought after, desirable woman in all of Middle Earth. All who see you will love you." Saruman tried again before becoming silent.
Arwen stared up at him, not speaking. Then she closed her eyes. Beside her Aragorn looked on fearfully.
After a few moments of loud silence there was a flash of light around Saruman who became engulfed in smoke, stumbling against the balcony railing.
Then as the smoke cleared Arwen spoke. "Your hand is no longer white, Saruman. And your title may no longer be Saruman the Wise. I name you Saruman the Servant, Saruman the Fool. He who thought he could align himself with the Dark One, then turn on him and defeat him, taking the One Ring for yourself. That will not happen. The One Ring shall soon be no more, and when that time comes you may find your life forfeit to your master." Once the smoke had cleared all present could seen the color of Saruman's robes had changed, from indistinct and non-descript to the deepest, darkest black. Even his hair and beard had darkened.
"It is finished Saruman." She told him.
The once-white wizard looked down at his new apparel and glared at her. Then he spun on his heel and left the balcony.
At once Gandalf spoke. "Come back Saruman!" He commanded.
The others looked on in amazement as Saruman turned once more, slowly, as if being dragged against his will, and walked, half stumbling back to the balcony railing.
"I did not give you leave to go. I have not finished with you yet. I would have given you a choice to walk out of your tower, and be among friends. Now I see that I cannot give you that choice, you hold too tightly to your old plots. Stay! You will not come out of there so easily. Not unless the dark hands from the East stretch to you to take you out." Gandalf paused before speaking again, his voice growing in power and authority. "Behold Saruman! I am not Gandalf the Grey whom you betrayed, I am Gandalf the White, who has returned from death. You have no color now, save for the blackness of your own heart which you are now clothed in, and I strike you from the council!"
There was a loud crack as Saruman's staff split in two, the head of it landing at Gandalf's feet. "Go!" Gandalf commanded the fallen Istari, and all watched as Saruman fled back into the tower.
At the same time a heavy ball-shaped object came hurtling out of the window, glancing off the iron rail and coming close to Gandalf's head, finally hitting the black stone stair, which cracked and showered glittering sparks. Then the ball stopped, unharmed once it had rolled down the remaining stairs to rest near Pippin's feet. He picked it up and looked at it. The globe was a dark crystal, glowing with a heart of fire.
At once Arwen darted down the stairs to take the crystal from Pippin's arms, covering the sphere with her cloak and setting it down on the ground once more.
"Come now!" Gandalf ordered the others from on the stairs. He stopped at the base looking at the crystal, now smothered in Arwen's gray-green cloak. "Well done Lady of Rivendell. You have proved yourself to us many times over. None will underestimate your strength ever again." He picked up the cloak, making sure to keep the material over the sphere.
The riders of Rohan saluted Gandalf and cheered his name. The spell of Saruman was broken, and they had seen him come at a call and then crawl away dismissed.
Legolas and Aragorn walked on either side of Arwen. As they walked Legolas slipped his arm through hers. "Are you all right Lady Evenstar?" He asked, seeing her quietness against her troubled features.
"I did not expect to see so much darkness in him. There was not one part of him that wished to be saved. Not by me, or us at least. He is not the Saruman I remember." Arwen said softly.
Gandalf turned back to her. "You did well Arwen. Very few left in this Middle Earth have the strength and the skill it takes for one to perform such powerful magic. Your father Lord Elrond would be proud of you."
Arwen turned away from all of them, pulling away from Legolas, and walking a few steps on her own. "Then why couldn't I save him? Why couldn't I light up his darkness?" She whirled around to face them. "Why couldn't I stop all of this?" She threw her hands up behind her, gesturing wildly to the desolation surrounding them, then bit her lip and turned from them once more.
Aragorn laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "There is still hope Arwen. You told me that."
She turned to face him. "I don't understand the path I have been laid on. I don't understand what I am supposed to do, or how I can react. This place is like something out of my nightmares."
"Lasto nin melath, A si i-Dhúath ú-orthor, Arwen. Ú or le a ú or nin." #Listen my love, the shadow does not hold sway yet, Arwen. Not over you and not over me.#
He reached out to brush a stray tear from her cheek. Through the tears welling up in her eyes she managed to smile. "I remember those words." Arwen told him quietly.
"A very wise woman once told me that, as always she was right." Aragorn smiled at her.
"I do not despair. There is hope, I can see it. I can always see it." Arwen answered softly.
"How do you mean?" Aragorn asked.
Arwen reached out and took his hand. "Come with me."
She raised her voice to the others. "All of you, come with me." She led Aragorn by the hand into the very center of the grounds of Isenguard.
Then she turned to the others. "Here in this time of great pain and sorrow, we are all equal. We are all fighting the same fight, be we Elves, or Men, Dwarves or Hobbits or Ents or Istari. Here now, in this place we are equal. We are one, united as the Free People of this Middle Earth of ours should be. This is our land, and most importantly, this is our home." She told them. "This place, Isenguard, was corrupted from something beautiful and magical into a desolate wasteland. But no more, Isenguard is about to be re- born."
"Lady, this isn't... you haven't had a vision have you?" Gimli asked uncertainly.
"Not the kind you think Gimli." She told him, reaching into a pouch on her belt. "This spot here is the center, it is the center of our alliances, which I hope will grow as our Middle Earth is freed from the grasp of the Dark One."
With those words she knelt down on the ground, using one hand to create a small hole in the ground. Then she placed something small from her hand into the hole and covered it over again. She laid both hands on the small pile of earth and waited. White light blossomed under her hands, and she moved them as a sapling sprouted from the spot.
"This tree, as it grows symbolizes our unity, and our alliance. No more will the people of this land be divided and afraid. Isenguard, the scene of the biggest betrayal against us, will now be a place of unity, a place very much like my own home, where all who seek may be found, and all who ask will be helped." She stood tall facing them all, Men, Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, Istari, and Ents.
"Well spoken, beautiful Lady." Treebeard rumbled. "Isenguard shall truly be re-born."
"This is only the beginning, my friend." Arwen told him softly, walking over to him.
She pressed her hand into one of his. "There are six seeds here. One for each race of Free People. Elves, Dwarves, Men, Hobbits, Istari and Ents. Plant them so that we are all equal."
The two stood there for just a few moments in complete silence, staring into each others eyes, earthy brown into ethereal blue.
"You have my promise Lady Evenstar. The Ents accept the responsibility for Isenguard re-born." He rumbled.
"And do I have your promise to watch over Saruman, keeping him safely in his tower of Orthanc?" Gandalf asked Treebeard.
"That you do, Gandalf the White, who is a great friend of Fangorn and Fangorn Forest." Treebeard answered the wizard, towering over him. "My promise I give to you, and all others. Saruman shall not leave his tower."
Part 45.
The sun was sinking behind the Western mountains before remaining members of the Fellowship and the Riders of Rohan set out once more from Isenguard.
Arwen carried Merry on the front of her saddle, while Aragorn, who remained constantly at her side, carried Pippin the same way.
As the last rays of sunlight faded Arwen turned to look back towards Isenguard. Treebeard and the Tower of Orthanc were both silhouetted against the twilight. Even at the distance Arwen could see that Treebeard was gently tending to the new sapling.
Despite the pain she still felt over the desolation of what had once been such a beautiful place, Arwen smiled.
Aragorn took her hand, guiding Hausufel with one hand. "Sometimes re-birth is needed, nin melath."
"I don't think I feel pain over it anymore. I can understand what Saruman did, and even why he did it. I have done all I can. Now only time can do the rest." Arwen answer him, she smiled and pointed up at the sky. "The stars have come out."
"There is one that has shone throughout today." Gandalf said.
"May she shine forever." Aragorn smiled, squeezing her hand.
***************
The remaining members of the Fellowship rode in silence for a long time. Finally Merry piped up, his voice tired. "Are we riding far tonight?"
"We will ride gently for a few hours, until we reach the end of the valley." Gandalf told him, "But tomorrow we must ride faster."
"Where are we going?" Pippin asked.
"We were headed for the King's Hall at Edoras, but we have since changed that plan. Now we make for a return to Helm's Deep, then onto Dunharrow." Gandalf said, looking up towards the stars.
In front of her Merry was almost falling asleep. Arwen leaded forward and whispered in his ear. "Sleep now if you wish it. Nallahir will carry us both safe and sound. I will watch over you, Master Hobbit."
"My thanks to you for your generosity and compassion, Lady Arwen." Merry replied sleepily, leaning his head against her arm. Within scant moments the small hobbit was sleeping deeply.
****************
The road passed slowly, winding down the valley. The Isen burbled happily in its banks, while a chilled wind blew, driving all of the mists away.
When they stopped, Arwen carefully dismounted, then reached up to take Merry's sleeping form. Pippin made up a place for them both to sleep, on top of a pile of soft bracken, with several blankets for covers.
Arwen laid Merry down gently, smiling as the hobbit did not even move. She laid a gentle hand on Pippin's shoulder. "Sleep now for you too, Pippin." She laid a blanket over him and watched for a moment, until Pippin too fell asleep.
As she stood there, Arwen felt Aragorn approach from behind. He laid his hand on her shoulder. "Sleep now, my Lady. For you it is well-deserved."
"What about you?" She asked, her eyes sparkling in the night.
"I have offered to take first watch, with Eomer." Aragorn told her. "If you sleep now, I will watch over you."
Arwen nodded. "May the sun rise bring us all better fortune." With those words she pulled her cloak around her and fell asleep.
Aragorn watched over her faithfully, watching her breathe, watching her move as she dreamed.
Just after he and Eomer woke the next two who were on watch, Aragorn felt Arwen project a thought into his mind. /Go to sleep\. He looked over at her sleeping form and smiled, pulling her blanket back up over her, then wrapping his cloak and blanket around himself and falling asleep too.
Then in the darkest reaches of the night, all were awoken by an agonized cry.
Both Arwen and Aragorn were awake within seconds, pushing away their blankets, cloaks whirling around them. As they moved to where the scream had come from, the two saw Gandalf throw his cloak down over the darkened crystal, the palantir. Beside it Pippin lay stiff, his eyes unseeing staring upward into the sky.
"What mischief has he done-, to himself, and to all of us?" Gandalf's face was drawn and haggard.
Arwen dropped to her knees beside Pippin, taking up his hand in one of hers. She leaned over his face, feeling for his breath. Then she turned to Aragorn. "Bring me the blue pouch from my saddle bags, quickly."
Hurriedly Aragorn retrieved it, dropping beside Arwen. She took a small handful of crushed leaves out of the pouch and dropped them onto a plate, running her hand through the air over the plate to light them on fire.
The burning leaves had a strange scent, sweet and mellow. Using her free hand she wafted the smoke into Pippin's face. "Pippin. Pippin, it is Arwen. If you can hear me, speak!" She called gently.
Arwen waited a few moments while nothing happened. Then she laid her hands upon his forehead, before speaking again. "Pippin, answer me. Come back to the light." The crowd of Men looking on were shocked to see her skin begin to glow once more.
After several seconds Pippin stirred and sat up. "It is not for you Saruman." He cried, his voice toneless, shrinking away from all. "I will send for it at once. Do you understand? Say just that!" He struggled as Gandalf and Aragorn held him.
Once more Arwen laid her hand on his forehead. "Hush now Pippin! Come back to the light. Come back to us!"
To everyone's surprise Pippin relaxed and clung to Gandalf. "Gandalf, Gandalf forgive me."
"What have you done, Master Peregrin?" Gandalf asked.
"I took the crystal, and I looked into it. I saw things that frightened me. I couldn't get away from them. Then He came and questioned me. I do not remember what we talked of. He looked at me, and that is all I remember."
"That is not enough." Gandalf told him firmly, "What did you see? What did you say?"
Arwen closed her eyes as Pippin related the things he had seen and spoken of. It was all very much in her mind.
*********
Finally Pippin finished and Gandalf spoke once more. "Look at me." He told Pippin, his voice gentle.
He stared for several moments into Pippin's eyes. "There is no lie as I feared there might be." He laid a gentle hand on Pippin's shoulder. "Say no more. You have taken no harm, thanks to the Lady." Then, Gandalf lifted him and carried him back to his bed.
***********
"How is Pippin?" Aragorn asked when Gandalf returned to them.
"I think he will be well now. He was not held for long, and hobbits have amazing powers of recovery." Gandalf told him. Then, after a long pause Gandalf spoke again. "Aragorn, will you take charge of the Orthanc-stone and guard it?"
"This is the palantir of Orthanc, taken from the treasury of Elendil, set here by the Kings of Gondor. Now my hour draws near, I will take it." Aragorn told him.
"Well received then." Gandalf said. "Now I will take Peregrin and ride ahead. The sooner he is away from this place the better."
"I will take ten riders and leave at early day. The rest shall ride with Aragorn when they are of a mind." Theoden decided.
At that moment the moonlight seemed to be cut off. Several of the Riders cried out and crouched down on the grass, holding their arms above their head, as if trying to ward off a blow. High above a vast black-winged shape crossed the moon. The stars became faint as it approached them.
Gandalf stood, staring up the sky and shouted, "Nazgul! The messenger of Mordor. The storm is coming! The Nazgul have crossed the river. Do not wait for dawn! Ride, ride now!" He darted away, calling Shadowfax as he ran.
One of Eomer's men packed all of Gandalf's belongings onto Shadowfax, while Legolas took Pippin, now soundly sleeping and laid him in front of Gandalf.
Aragorn held Arwen tightly as she trembled, calling for both Hausufel and Nallahir. Elessar and Illya, the falcons flew low, close to the ground.
They hurriedly packed up anything of importance and were soon able to depart. Arwen swung up into Nallahir's saddle, waiting as Aragorn passed Merry up to her, wrapped in cloak and blanket. She watched as Aragorn and Legolas lifted Gimli onto Arod, then mounted their horses themselves.
"Away!" Aragorn cried for all to hear, "Away!"
Arwen squeezed Nallahir's sides with her legs and felt him shoot forward beneath her. She grabbed a handful of his mane to steady herself and felt Aragorn move up beside her.
Arod, carrying Legolas and Gimli galloped up beside him. "I still cannot get used to these creatures and their confounded gaits!" Gimli hollered over the sound of hoof beats.
In spite of everything that was happening around them, Arwen managed a smile. "One day you shall ride with Nallahir and I, and he shall show you his paces." She called back.
Gimli smiled back at her, holding on to Legolas all the more as he was bumped around.
************
"Five of us yet remain, only one half of the Fellowship that set out from Rivendell." Aragorn said, once they had slowed. "We will ride on together, although, not alone, as I thought."
"We are among friends now in Rohan." Legolas answered him. "I think that for now it is a good choice for us to stay with them."
From in front of Arwen, Merry piped up. "What will happen to me now?"
"All is well Master Hobbit. You shall be safe with us until you reach the Golden Hall of Meduseld and sit at the side of Theoden King. Do not fear." Arwen told him, her voice gentle and soothing to his troubled mind.
"Your path lies with him, Merry." Aragorn said. "But do not look for mirth at the end of our journey, I fear it will not find us. Many hopes will wither in this bitter Spring."
Arwen became silent, and simply looked up towards the sky.
Part 46.
The large group of riders passed the mounds at the Fords of Isen, pressing swiftly through the night.
Not long after they passed the Fords a Rider galloped up from the rear of the pack. He bowed his head to the King before speaking. "My lord, there are horsemen behind us. We heard them earlier, and now we are sure. They are riding hard, overtaking us."
Theoden called a halt at once. The Riders turned and seized their spears.
Arwen stayed silent. In her heart she felt that the riders behind them were not foes.
No evil floated upon the air. In the darkness, night birds called to each other and insects clicked.
She watched as Aragorn dismounted and moved to her, lifting Merry down. Then he placed his hands around her waist, guiding her down. Once on the ground Arwen unsheathed her sword Shalat, and following her example, Merry did the same.
The sound of heavy hoof beats filled the air, and in the darkness shapes formed.
At once Eomer cried out, "Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"
The men pulled their horses up, and in the scarce moonlight they watched on of the riders dismount and walk towards them, his hand showing white as he raised it, palm outwards in a token of piece. He halted ten paces from them, then called out. "Rohan did you say? That is good news, we seek this land in haste from far away."
"What is you business here?" Eomer asked. "None ride in Rohan, save those who have our King, Theoden's leave to do so. Who are you? What is your haste?"
"Halbarad Dunedan I am. Ranger of the North. My company and I seek Aragorn, son of Arathorn. We received news that he was in Rohan." The rider answered.
Aragorn stood forward. "Search no more for me Halbarad, for you have at last found me." Aragorn moved to embrace the man. "Halbarad my friend, of all the joys this is the least expected."
Arwen slid Shalat back into its sheathe. She turned to the King standing beside her. "Do not fear these Men. They are Aragorn's kin from the North." She explained to him.
Theoden bowed his head to her. "Why have they come? How many are there?"
"Only thirty, Lord of the Mark. We have come because we received summons." Halbarad turned to Aragorn. "Elladan and Elrohir too have ridden with us desiring to go to the war."
"My greetings to all who have ridden out at this time. But I did not summon you." Aragorn told him. "You find us now riding in haste and danger. I have sent no word, but ride with us now if the King gives his leave."
"I do." Theoden told them. "If these kinsmen of yours are anything like yourself Aragorn, thirty such warriors will be a strength that cannot be counted by heads."
"Halbarad, where are Elladan and Elrohir?" Arwen asked.
His grim expression split into a smile. "Lady Arwen, an unexpected pleasure to meet you once more. Elladan and Elrohir are coming along. I think that they bring news from Rivendell." Halbarad told her.
As he spoke more hoof beats sounded. Elladan and Elrohir dismounted from their horses. "Arwen! Thank Valar you are safe!"
She opened her arms to them, embracing them both. "Mae govannen." She told them, a happy expression on her face. #Welcome#.
"These are friends of your my Lady?" Theoden asked, amused.
"My kin. Theoden King I present to you my brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, the sons of Elrond Half-Elven."
"You may Lady Arwen." Theoden smiled at her. "Welcome to Rohan, sons of Elrond."
"My Lord we must move on." Eomer said to the King.
"Very well," Theoden answered him, "Give the order to move off."
"All move out." Eomer called to the Riders of Rohan, and to their new companions the Rangers of the North.
"Come then, little sister. We will see you safely on Nallahir." Elladan told her.
She smiled. "Come then, ride with me." Arwen told them.
"As you wish, sweet Lady." Elrohir answered.
She led them over to where Merry stood with Nallahir. "Merry, these are my brothers, Elladan and Elrohir."
"Well met, young Master Hobbit." Elladan told him.
"Thank you." Merry mumbled, Arwen could see that he was awed by the two Elves.
"Elrondion!" Legolas hailed them. "Well met!" #Elrond's sons.#
"Well met, Legolas Thranduilion." Elladan called back.
"Is everyone set?" Aragorn asked them, leading his horse Brego over to them.
Elrohir whistled to his and Elladan's horses who made their way over to them. "I would think now."
Arwen placed her foot in one of Nallahir's stirrups and swung her leg over his back. Aragorn lifted Merry up to her, placing him on the saddle in front of Arwen. "We are set." She told him, patting Nallahir's satiny gray neck.
She watched as the others mounted up, then rode off Aragorn and Legolas on one side, Elladan and Elrohir on the other. Halbarad rode beside Legolas, while Theoden and Eomer rode ahead of all of them.
"Aragorn we bring you word from Rivendell." Elrohir began. "Lord Elrond has bidden us to say, 'The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead.'"
"Always my days seem too short to achieve my desire. But my haste will be haste indeed ere I take that road." Aragorn answered.
"That will soon be seen." Elladan told him. "Let us not speak anymore of these matters on the open road."
Halbarad called to Arwen. "Lady, what is it you bear?" He gestured to the staff, once tied carefully behind her saddle, now standing upright against it.
She smiled. "It is a gift. I have carried it with me since my return to Rohan from Lothlorien. It shall soon be given to its intended, Halbarad of the North."
"What sort of gift?" Merry piped up, ever curious.
"The kind that love wrought, and shall see through. Soon all hopes will come true, or all hopes will end. Only time can tell." Arwen answered him.
Legolas chuckled, along with Elladan and Elrohir. "I don't think she is going to tell you what it is, Merry. The gift is not for you."
Arwen released her hold on Nallahir's reins to stretch her arms over her head. Merry, sitting in front of her grasped a handful of Nallahir's mane to keep his balance. She smiled up at the stars and began to sing.
*"The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering.
Tinuviel was dancing there
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her rainment glimmering."*
Arwen paused and smiled as Aragorn began to sing with her, his voice a deep contrast to her own.
*"There Beren came from mountains cold,
And lost he wandered under leaves,
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone and sorrowing.
He peered between the hemlock-leaves
And saw in wonder flowers of gold
Upon her mantle and her sleeves,
And her hair like shadow following.
Enchantment healed his weary feet
That over hills were doomed to roam;
And forth he hastened strong and fleet,
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.
Through woven woods in Elvenhome
She lightly fled on dancing feet,
And left him lonely still to roam
In the silent forest listening."*
They both stopped singing, Arwen stared up at the stars once more.
"Don't stop now." Legolas urged them. "There are still six verses to finish!"
"Let them remain unsung for the rest of tonight then." Arwen told him. "For the night will soon be over."
"What is the song?" Merry asked.
"It is the Lay of Luthien. We spoke of it on our journey from Rivendell, Merry." Legolas told him. "Lady Arwen told you and the others Luthien's story."
Aragorn reached out to her and took her by the hand. "Be still Evenstar. Nothing will cloud our road tonight."
She looked over at him, 'I am not thinking of our road tonight, nor indeed tomorrow."
"Then what ails you my Lady?" Aragorn asked her gently.
"Can Merry ride with you for now?" She asked him, by way of an answer, "I wish to be left alone with my thoughts for just a little while."
Aragorn reached across and took Merry, seating him on his own saddle. "As you wish Lady Evenstar."
"Do not stray to far Arwen." Elladan warned her. "It is not safe."
She nodded to him and gathered up Nallahir's reins, turning him around towards the back of the group.
She rode there for a long time, thinking deeply.
Her father's words echoed in her head. /It is not your fate. Aragorn will die the death of a mortal man.\
She closed her eyes, as though in great pain. In the dimness her own words echoed through her head, along with Aragorn's.
^"You said you'd bind yourself to me, forsaking the immortal life of your people."^
^"And to that I hold. I would rather share one lifetime with you, than face all the Ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life.^" She had told him.
^"You cannot do this."^ He had protested, not wanting her be alone, far from her kin.
^"I can do what I choose. This is my life. I will follow my heart."^ She had answered, leaving no room for argument.
She closed her eyes, riding blind, allowing Nallahir to follow the horses in front of them.
Tears trickled down her cheeks, but she did not sob. The tears burned on her cool skin, like her love for Aragorn and Middle Earth burned her heart and soul.
**********
High above the stars ceased to glow as dawn began to creep over the horizon. Hastily brushing her tears away, she returned once more to Aragorn's side, saying nothing.
Elladan looked over at her, seeing the troubles of her mind lying just below the surface. "Are you sure that you are all right, little sister? Perhaps you are ill?"
"I am not ill. Elladan." She told him, after several moments. "I am just waiting."
"Waiting?" Elrohir asked. "What for?"
"Do not trouble yourself with these thoughts." Arwen answered, avoiding his question.
"Have you seen something?" Elladan asked.
"I cannot say." Arwen told them. 'I cannot tell things I do not know."