Authors Note: None of Tolkien's creations belong to me, only Jen, Gyst and
various Mary Sues who may appear do.
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Fangorn was claustrophobic. I usually liked forests, but this one was old, full of strange creaks and groans. The air was hot and stifling, making it hard to breathe. And always on the edge of hearing was a whisper that itched and could not be scratched, a whisper of anger.
Aragorn tried to track the hobbits, Legolas was reverting to childhood and Gimli was jittery. I tagged along at the back, resisting the urge to start yelling at the trees.
We clambered over roots, through thickets of brambles and around trees, trying to play 'Follow the Hobbit'. This was fairly difficult as Hobbits rank third in woodcraft after Rangers and Elves. I lurked at the back, feeling like a chocolate teapot. But I was looking forward to seeing Gandalf again. Perhaps he would be able to help me return to me own time and world. But, I mused, did I really want to?
This train of thought was momentarily halted as it passed through Thought Station - 'What the Hell" as Legolas took a funny turn. Even though he was facing in the completely wrong direction, his eye widened, his skin glowed and he announced in an eerie voice,
"The White Wizard approaches."
Elves. Drama Queens Extraordinaire.
"Stay back Jen." Aragorn whispered quietly. I nodded and sidled behind the nearest tree, patting its bark to reassure it. The sense that I got from that was confusion, which made me grin a little. I peeked out from my scant cover to see the three turn, as a white light blazed in the clearing.
I stood behind my tree, shading my eyes with one hand as I listened to the conversation. I briefly poked my head and hand round to way cheerfully at Gandalf before once more waiting quietly.
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We got moving again fairly quickly, heading to the outskirts of Fangorn again. Whether the trees were helping to get rid of us, the unwanted intruders, or whether it was the presence of Gandalf the White that did it I didn't know, but we made swift time out of the forest.
I retrieved the horses from where I had tied them, while Gandalf whistled up a Mearas. I stared. Shadowfax eyed me skeptically once he and Gandalf had exchanged greeting. I shuffled my feet nervously, remembering tales of Felarof, before waiting till the other four were distracted.
"Lord Shadowfax, I swear I will not attempt to ride you unless I am bidden by Gandalf or given leave by yourself. "By my elbow Gyst whickered, perhaps, I thought fancifully, adding reassurances to my vow.
Shadowfax stared at me a moment longer, before he dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement. I sighed with relief. Annoyed Mearas were not good as the past showed, and since Shadowfax could sense that I wasn't from Middle Earth, that automatically made him suspicious. The poor dear wasn't very well treated by Mary Sues in fanfiction that I had read. Speed seemed to be of the essence (I could see that but my body insisted on complaining) and we were quickly mounted and riding again.
The five of us galloped over the plains of Rohan, heading for Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. I was plotting what I would be doing. Elrond, in my eyes anyway, had a soft side, but Theoden was all steel. I may have joked with Elrond, but I would not try to cross Theoden.
Gyst cantered onwards, following the white gleam that was Shadowfax, the tireless leader. I lost track of how long we rode for, sinking into a dream world of my own. I can't tell you what I thought about for my thoughts faded when Edoras appeared on the horizon, and gradually drew ever nearer.
The golden roof of Meduseld gleamed in the sun, a flickering beacon that called to us. From the outside, you could not tell that darkness lurked within its walls.
As we rode through the gates, my eyes momentarily looked towards the place where the chill white figure of Eowyn stood, and my heart ached for her, and what would happen to her in the future. Then my attention turned to the houses that we were passing. Fear was an almost visible cloud over everything. Voices were hushed and eyes were downcast. It gave me the shivers. Grooms held our horses as we dismounted, well, they took Hasufel, Arod and Gyst. Shadowfax walked alone, leading the way.
Three armored men stepped out of the main hall, armor jingling. I fell into step with my companions, since it was difficulty ( not to mention impolite) to hide.
Hama stepped forward.
"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By the order of..." he hesitated here and his voice held a hint of anger. "Grima Wormtongue."
Gandalf nodded to us, indicating that it was safe to obey. I did, with some degree of happiness. I didn't think that I would ever make a swordswoman, but at least at the moment I was no longer a danger to myself.
The arms of Hama's two companions were soon filled with the weapons that we gave into their safekeeping. Gimli in particular merited a few startled looked with the number of axes that he divested himself of. Satisfied, Gandalf nodded, before looking at Hama with a smile.
"Your staff." Hama said almost apologetically. Gandalf looked at his staff as though he had forgotten he was holding it, tutted under his breath before looking back at Hama.
"Surely you would not part an old man from his walking stick, hmm?" he asked and I had to stifle a giggle as his voice almost seemed to quaver. The ageless Istari acting the old man.
Hama nodded before he turned to let us pass. Gandalf hobbled forward, taking the arm of Legolas as a support. I turned a laugh into a hasty cough as I followed behind.
Hama remained behind as we advanced, Gandalf dropping Legolas's arm and striding forward. "The courtesy of your hall is greatly lessened of late, Theoden King." He called. I cast my eyes to the side as I watched Wormtongues lackeys approach. I sidled away from them choosing my own opponent for when the fighting broke out. Grima.
Grima was currently whispering to Theoden and I mentally added the words.
Then Theoden spoke. To me it sounded like he was trying to speak through a frog in his throat as well as through a mouthful of cushions.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?"
Then Grima stood and I continued my sidle.
"A just question my liege. Late is the hour when this wanderer chooses to return. Lathspell I name him, Ill-news, and Ill-news is an ill guest."
"Be silent." Gandalf commanded and I bit back a squeak. Brain, take an internal memo - To Jen, don't annoy Istari. Gandalf continued.
"I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." "His staff!" Grima lamented as the aforementioned object was practically shoved in his face. "I told you to take his staff!"
Then chaos broke out around us as Grima's henchmen lunged at us. Gandalf continued to stalk towards Theoden, while Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn beat five types of hell out of their opponents. I launched myself in a flying tackle at Grima's legs, crawling up his body as he struggled and writhed. I did have to resort to biting him on the nearest part that I could reach (yuck) to get him to settle, before I made myself comfortable on his spine, holding his arms with my own. Gimli joined me and glared at Grima in case he should try anything, fingering his axe threateningly.
I watched during the whole surreal three-way conversation between Gandalf/Theoden/Saruman, wriggling occasionally to remind Grima that I was still there.
Halfway through Eowyn came rushing out of a sideroom to be stopped by Aragorn. Another figure also dressed in white moved behind her, so I twisted, stuck out one leg, and tripped her. Blasted Sues.
As Theoden was healed, I bounced happily, earning a grin from Aragorn, and pained grunts from my Grima cushion.
Then Theoden looked at me, or rather at my cushion, and I slithered off (with a parting prod). While Grima was being thrown down stairs and Aragorn and Theoden were testing to see who was alpha male, I stayed back, figuring that to stay quiet would be the best. And I had a decision of my own to make. The battle with the Wargs was rapidly approaching, as was Helms Deep. What would be the role that I would play? I had been lucky so far, but I didn't think that my luck would hold out. Nope, I was safer staying out of the way.
And with that settled in my mind, I wandered off to be introduced, and to explore. And to try not to swoon over random Rohirrim.
---------------
Fangorn was claustrophobic. I usually liked forests, but this one was old, full of strange creaks and groans. The air was hot and stifling, making it hard to breathe. And always on the edge of hearing was a whisper that itched and could not be scratched, a whisper of anger.
Aragorn tried to track the hobbits, Legolas was reverting to childhood and Gimli was jittery. I tagged along at the back, resisting the urge to start yelling at the trees.
We clambered over roots, through thickets of brambles and around trees, trying to play 'Follow the Hobbit'. This was fairly difficult as Hobbits rank third in woodcraft after Rangers and Elves. I lurked at the back, feeling like a chocolate teapot. But I was looking forward to seeing Gandalf again. Perhaps he would be able to help me return to me own time and world. But, I mused, did I really want to?
This train of thought was momentarily halted as it passed through Thought Station - 'What the Hell" as Legolas took a funny turn. Even though he was facing in the completely wrong direction, his eye widened, his skin glowed and he announced in an eerie voice,
"The White Wizard approaches."
Elves. Drama Queens Extraordinaire.
"Stay back Jen." Aragorn whispered quietly. I nodded and sidled behind the nearest tree, patting its bark to reassure it. The sense that I got from that was confusion, which made me grin a little. I peeked out from my scant cover to see the three turn, as a white light blazed in the clearing.
I stood behind my tree, shading my eyes with one hand as I listened to the conversation. I briefly poked my head and hand round to way cheerfully at Gandalf before once more waiting quietly.
-----------
We got moving again fairly quickly, heading to the outskirts of Fangorn again. Whether the trees were helping to get rid of us, the unwanted intruders, or whether it was the presence of Gandalf the White that did it I didn't know, but we made swift time out of the forest.
I retrieved the horses from where I had tied them, while Gandalf whistled up a Mearas. I stared. Shadowfax eyed me skeptically once he and Gandalf had exchanged greeting. I shuffled my feet nervously, remembering tales of Felarof, before waiting till the other four were distracted.
"Lord Shadowfax, I swear I will not attempt to ride you unless I am bidden by Gandalf or given leave by yourself. "By my elbow Gyst whickered, perhaps, I thought fancifully, adding reassurances to my vow.
Shadowfax stared at me a moment longer, before he dipped his head slightly in acknowledgement. I sighed with relief. Annoyed Mearas were not good as the past showed, and since Shadowfax could sense that I wasn't from Middle Earth, that automatically made him suspicious. The poor dear wasn't very well treated by Mary Sues in fanfiction that I had read. Speed seemed to be of the essence (I could see that but my body insisted on complaining) and we were quickly mounted and riding again.
The five of us galloped over the plains of Rohan, heading for Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. I was plotting what I would be doing. Elrond, in my eyes anyway, had a soft side, but Theoden was all steel. I may have joked with Elrond, but I would not try to cross Theoden.
Gyst cantered onwards, following the white gleam that was Shadowfax, the tireless leader. I lost track of how long we rode for, sinking into a dream world of my own. I can't tell you what I thought about for my thoughts faded when Edoras appeared on the horizon, and gradually drew ever nearer.
The golden roof of Meduseld gleamed in the sun, a flickering beacon that called to us. From the outside, you could not tell that darkness lurked within its walls.
As we rode through the gates, my eyes momentarily looked towards the place where the chill white figure of Eowyn stood, and my heart ached for her, and what would happen to her in the future. Then my attention turned to the houses that we were passing. Fear was an almost visible cloud over everything. Voices were hushed and eyes were downcast. It gave me the shivers. Grooms held our horses as we dismounted, well, they took Hasufel, Arod and Gyst. Shadowfax walked alone, leading the way.
Three armored men stepped out of the main hall, armor jingling. I fell into step with my companions, since it was difficulty ( not to mention impolite) to hide.
Hama stepped forward.
"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By the order of..." he hesitated here and his voice held a hint of anger. "Grima Wormtongue."
Gandalf nodded to us, indicating that it was safe to obey. I did, with some degree of happiness. I didn't think that I would ever make a swordswoman, but at least at the moment I was no longer a danger to myself.
The arms of Hama's two companions were soon filled with the weapons that we gave into their safekeeping. Gimli in particular merited a few startled looked with the number of axes that he divested himself of. Satisfied, Gandalf nodded, before looking at Hama with a smile.
"Your staff." Hama said almost apologetically. Gandalf looked at his staff as though he had forgotten he was holding it, tutted under his breath before looking back at Hama.
"Surely you would not part an old man from his walking stick, hmm?" he asked and I had to stifle a giggle as his voice almost seemed to quaver. The ageless Istari acting the old man.
Hama nodded before he turned to let us pass. Gandalf hobbled forward, taking the arm of Legolas as a support. I turned a laugh into a hasty cough as I followed behind.
Hama remained behind as we advanced, Gandalf dropping Legolas's arm and striding forward. "The courtesy of your hall is greatly lessened of late, Theoden King." He called. I cast my eyes to the side as I watched Wormtongues lackeys approach. I sidled away from them choosing my own opponent for when the fighting broke out. Grima.
Grima was currently whispering to Theoden and I mentally added the words.
Then Theoden spoke. To me it sounded like he was trying to speak through a frog in his throat as well as through a mouthful of cushions.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?"
Then Grima stood and I continued my sidle.
"A just question my liege. Late is the hour when this wanderer chooses to return. Lathspell I name him, Ill-news, and Ill-news is an ill guest."
"Be silent." Gandalf commanded and I bit back a squeak. Brain, take an internal memo - To Jen, don't annoy Istari. Gandalf continued.
"I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." "His staff!" Grima lamented as the aforementioned object was practically shoved in his face. "I told you to take his staff!"
Then chaos broke out around us as Grima's henchmen lunged at us. Gandalf continued to stalk towards Theoden, while Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn beat five types of hell out of their opponents. I launched myself in a flying tackle at Grima's legs, crawling up his body as he struggled and writhed. I did have to resort to biting him on the nearest part that I could reach (yuck) to get him to settle, before I made myself comfortable on his spine, holding his arms with my own. Gimli joined me and glared at Grima in case he should try anything, fingering his axe threateningly.
I watched during the whole surreal three-way conversation between Gandalf/Theoden/Saruman, wriggling occasionally to remind Grima that I was still there.
Halfway through Eowyn came rushing out of a sideroom to be stopped by Aragorn. Another figure also dressed in white moved behind her, so I twisted, stuck out one leg, and tripped her. Blasted Sues.
As Theoden was healed, I bounced happily, earning a grin from Aragorn, and pained grunts from my Grima cushion.
Then Theoden looked at me, or rather at my cushion, and I slithered off (with a parting prod). While Grima was being thrown down stairs and Aragorn and Theoden were testing to see who was alpha male, I stayed back, figuring that to stay quiet would be the best. And I had a decision of my own to make. The battle with the Wargs was rapidly approaching, as was Helms Deep. What would be the role that I would play? I had been lucky so far, but I didn't think that my luck would hold out. Nope, I was safer staying out of the way.
And with that settled in my mind, I wandered off to be introduced, and to explore. And to try not to swoon over random Rohirrim.