Both Fang and Fire
by Erestor
Disclaimer: I own nothing pertaining to The Lord of the Rings.
CHAPTER FOUR
Carca strolled through the gardens that night thinking romantic thoughts. She imagined playing tug-of-war with Gath, except he kept looking at her with love-filled eyes as they fought over the piece of rope. She wondered if her dream would ever become a reality. She wondered if Glorfindel liked puppies.
"I hope he does," she thought, "because I think he might end up with some."
The thought of Glorfindel frantically trying to find homes for a bunch of puppies made her giggle. Then she wondered why Glorfindel annoyed her so much. Nothing was really wrong with the Elf, he was just too perfect and casual, and he had never so much as patted her head. He had called her a 'small animal'. He had brushed aside her friendly efforts. He did not deserve her loyalty and adoration.
But there were more pleasant subjects than Glorfindel, and Carca wanted to think about something more pleasant in a moonlit garden. She decided to think about Gath again. She wondered if he ever thought about her. She wondered if he loved her. She wondered if she loved him.
"I am far too insecure," she told herself. "Stop wondering and worrying. It's not natural for a dog of your age."
Before she could begin wondering and worrying again, someone glided into the garden. It was an Elf-maid dressed in blue, glimmering like a slender shard of moonlight. Her long black hair fell almost to her waist. She wore no jewelry. Her eyes were like sparkling sapphires. Carca felt her mouth drop open at the sight.
It was soon apparent that the dog was not the only one feeling romantic. The maiden kept on sighing, and looking around with dreamy eyes. She paced back and forth. It was obvious that she was waiting for someone.
"Who?" Carca thought.
Her question was answered when Strider walked into the garden, looking almost like a bearded Elf. He was graceful, and serious, and, most surprising of all, he was clean. He did not look as if he would throw sticks for a dog now. He looked too grim and dignified for that.
Then a smile flashed across his face as he saw the maiden. He would throw sticks, Carca realized, for someone he loved.
Of course, the maiden would probably not appreciate the stick-throwing as much as Carca would have.
The Elf and the human began kissing each other. They kissed for a long time. The dog started to feel bored. She hoped they would begin having a sensible conversation soon. She yawned.
"Hello," Gath said.
"I swear," Carca said, (though she refrained from bad language), "you are the sneakiest, cunningest dog I've ever had the misfortune to meet."
"I know," Gath replied.
"Ah, a dog of few words," Carca said. "You drive me crazy, always popping up in strange places. What exactly are you doing here?"
"Glorfindel sent me to watch Estel. Elladan and Elrohir sent me to watch Arwen. She's their sister. If they begin acting... well..." --He rolled his eyes-- "...then I have to report."
"To whom?" Carca asked. "You seem to be in a tight spot. Three people have sent you to spy on these two. What are you going to do now?"
He licked her nose. "Why should I spy on them?"
Carca sniffed him. "I really like you, Gath."
"I really like you, Carca," he thought.
"What now?" she asked him.
The next morning, Carca woke up early again, curled up in a sunny spot by the window. Erestor's bedroom was generally very cold after the fire went out, but somehow she had found a warmer part of it.
"Wake up, Ressi!" she thought and then laughed at herself. Now she was calling the poor Elf by his least favorite nickname. The dog launched herself across the room and unto the advisor's bed with a little bark. "Wake up!"
Erestor sat up very quickly with a gasp of shock, and then sighed in relief, sinking back onto his pillows. "Carca. It's only you."
"Only me?" thought Carca, panting. "Today will be good! Get up!"
"Are you hungry? Is that it?" Erestor asked, dragging himself out of the bed and flinging on a casual robe. "You've never attacked me like this before."
"It's only because I'm very happy," Carca thought. Of course, Erestor would not know that. He was too busy brushing his hair. She rolled over onto her back and kicked her legs in the air, almost resembling a small, shaggy horse. Then she jumped back to her feet and bounced over to where Erestor was now standing, searching his little pantry for something to eat.
"Today will be an interesting day," Erestor said. "Everyone will be reacting now that the council is over. When Elves react, Carca, things can get a little crazy. We know what we have to do, and we're going to steel ourselves to do it. But first we're going to loosen up a little."
"That's what you need, Erestor," Carca thought. "You need to loosen up."
Erestor shot her a piercing look. "I know what you're thinking, my dear. And believe me, I'll loosen up."
"Today," Carca smiled to herself, "sounds very promising."
The first sign of 'loosening up' that Carca noticed, was the fact that the Elves were singing. No matter where she went in Imladris, she could always hear the sound of song. It was a very joyful occasion. The Elves were not in denial: they knew what they had to do, as Erestor had put it. This part of proceedings was like an athlete stretching and relaxing his muscles before he went into some big event.
Carca bounded along through Imladris. Everywhere she went, Elves stopped to pat her head. She, in return, licked their hands eagerly. Everything seemed strangely festive. It was wonderful. At the same time, everything seemed to be in preparation.
Carca was in the courtyard when Elladan and Elrohir entered it, coming down some stairs with packs in hand. Gath trotted behind them, still completely shadow-like. Last of all, Glorfindel glided down the stairs, his eyes sparkling.
"Take care of them, Gath," he said.
The dog gave a sharp bark in reply.
"I'm coming! Wait just a moment!" came a voice. Strider rushed down the stairs after the three Elves. Like them, he was brandishing a pack. "You wouldn't have left me behind, would you?"
"If you had been too slow, Estel, we would have," Elladan said, "and you almost were."
"I told you I was coming," Strider said.
"I think you stayed up too late last night," Elrohir said.
Arwen dashed down the stairs, holding up her skirts just a little, her face bright and filled with love. "Aragorn, you will keep safe, won't you?"
Strider chuckled. "Of course. And I'll keep your brother's safe too. Don't worry."
"Don't do anything too... dangerous on this trip," Glorfindel said. "You're only getting in touch with the other Rangers, not going on an Orc-hunt. So be careful. They'll need you for the Fellowship."
Aragorn looked down for a moment, before meeting the Elf's serious gaze. "I'll be careful," he said. "And remember to do the same," he grinned as he added, "...Glorfy."
Unoffended, Glorfindel smiled back at him. "Take care."
"Gath, what are you doing?" Carca asked.
Gath licked her nose. "Don't worry, Carca. I'm only going on a brief trip with the twins. I have to keep them out of danger."
The two Elves had mounted their horses, and Strider followed. Gath shot a look over his shoulder at her, before he slid away.
When they were gone, Arwen looked at Glorfindel, "Will you be leaving soon?"
The Elf nodded. "Probably in an hour or so." He ran his fingers through his thick hair. "Lord Elrond is finding someone to accompany me."
Arwen smiled. "Will you take Carca?"
Carca looked up at the two Elves, her eyes wide with surprise. She had not realized that would be a possibility. Go with Glorfindel? In place of Gath?
Glorfindel looked equally startled. "I don't know..." he began. He glanced sidelong at the dog. "You must know that Carca doesn't like me much."
"You've always been good with animals." Arwen grinned. "Why not this one?"
"The Elvish ability with animals only stretches as far as 'all good beasts'," Glorfindel said, his bright eyes sparkling even more than usual. Carca growled half-heartedly and the infuriating Elf continued, "Not that I'm suggesting our dear Carca is bad. She is simply stubborn."
"And so are you, Glorfindel," Arwen said.
To Be Continued...
