All right, all right, this whole thing sounds foolish, doesn't it? I had
little choice in the matter, I am telling you. My broken ankle, my weakness
were completely swallowed by the need to meet up with Dalmiel. To save him,
to hinder him, to stop him, I wasn't sure.
I went on down the road after crossing the Bruinen, Carenloth galloping full out beneath me. I had no idea why I knew where to go, but I kept on going.
Of course, it began to rain. I wiped my face and leaned closer to Carenloth's neck. After about an hour on the East road, I suddenly pulled Carenloth off to the left and into the scrub oak and maples, which Carenloth dodged smooth as a rodeo horse. Another hour, maybe two went by. I pulled up my mare and slowed her headlong rush into the soggy night.
Trotting along I listened to the dark, wet night around me. Being an elvish horse, Carenloth did not make any noise. All I could hear was rain dripping off the trees, the rustle of the damp bushes.
I was getting a headache straining my ears to pick up some sound. At last, I heard it. The very faint sound of voices. I was going to spur Carenloth on in a rush to get to where I could hear the speaking. But I fought the impulse and slid off the horse and clung hard to her withers. She turned her head and nosed me. I smiled and straightened up. Still clutching her mane, she and I walked silently beneath the sound of the rain.
It took us awhile to find where the voices were coming from. We had to wind through a thick stand of saplings and old growth and detour around big boulder. By our upward path I figured we were climbing into the Misty Mountains.
By the time we had stopped, we were far from the East Road, and civilization.
I stared in horror at the black thing before Dalmiel. It was a Nazgul! Dalmiel was kneeling before the creature moaning. About to shout out, I zipped my lips and waited a moment. How to get Dalmiel away from such a fearsome thing?
Well, I could distract him.
Okay, well distracting him, might focus the Nazgul's attention on me.
Probably not a GOOD thing to do.
But Dalmiel.boy, did this explain his behavior.
And I knew it explained mine as well. Lucky for me the dark thing was focused on Dalmiel.
Not for long!
Being the idiot I am, and a bit angry at the Nazgul's manipulation of both Dalmiel, and me, I decided I had to do something. I moved off, taking Carenloth with me (I didn't want her getting hurt or anything). I tied her next to Dalmiel's gelding and then sneaked back to the clearing.
It was surrounded by rocks and a few scrub pines. We were pretty high up in the mountains. I could see the stars in the frosty air. And the sliver of moon.
The Nazgul bent over Dalmiel, reaching for him. The air sizzled and a flash of light burst from the Nazgul and Dalmiel slumped to the ground.
All right, that was enough. But what could I do? He could fry me. I had to come up with something unexpected.something.different.
I got it. I took a deep breath, and with only a few squeaks of fear at the beginning, started to sing. Loudly. I have a decent voice (I mean, I can carry a tune) and though I knew I was no elf, I figured singing is the LAST thing the Nazgul would expect to hear.
And heck, if I was any good, I might at least give him a headache or something.
Stumbling back down the hillside, I moved as quickly as my bum ankle would let me.
The Nazgul, snuffling like a hunting dog, followed me slowly.
All right.it was working!
I started the second chorus of "Climb Every Mountain" and suddenly found my breath cut off.
Okay, Nazgul NOT amused.
I stumbled back until I hit a boulder. The Nazgul, like a mobile black hole, came down the mountain towards me. I moved along, the boulder behind me, trying to go further. But it was kind of hard when you can't breathe.
Then I heard dark ugly sounds in my head and I dropped to the ground. Not the evil voices again! I tried to scream, but no luck. I fumbled around me in the dark and picked up a rock, heaving it towards the blackness. It sank into the dark creature and he didn't flinch. The voice got louder and I slapped my hands to my head trying to block the noise.
Suddenly, I heard singing. Beautiful tenor voices. There were two voices blending in harmony. It lifted my heart like viewing the world from the top of the mountain.
Even the Nazgul stopped.
Then the sky exploded into light, like white-hot flares had gone off. Half blinded, I crawled away, trying to cover my eyes with my arms. I heard a high-pitched scream that hurt my ears. Still crawling, half-blind and deaf, I ran into someone's legs.
I cowered as the singing rose in a glorious crescendo, other voices adding harmony and strength. The white light burned through my close eyes.
The Nazgul screamed again, and a violent rush of wind swept through the little glade, dust, twigs flying everywhere. I was peppered with gravel as the howl of the Nazgul rose off the scale. And then suddenly, it stopped. I could feel the air had cleared and settled.
I looked up into the blazing face of Lord Elrond. An elf lord totally riled up and burning with the pure fire of, well, justice I guess. I could barely see his expression, but he looked stern and angry, like an avenging angel. A similarly glowing Glorfindel carrying a limp Dalmiel soon joined him.
Amazed, I refrained from saying anything. Only slightly similar to the singing the two elf lords had done in my room, this was a wild brushfire compared to it.
The silence the absence of the Nazgul left behind him slowly became filled with the normal sounds of the night: crickets, the hoot of an owl, the yipping of a fox. The wind softly blew my hair off my face as I stood with the help of a boulder behind me.
Lord Elrond's glance fell to me. Still stunned I just stared at him. A soft glow clung to him like faint smoke, as it did with Glorfindel. Suddenly, Elrond smiled and then began to chuckle.
"Well, Marie, in the heart of things once more. Are you all right?"
I just nodded. Faint, carried on the wind was the sound of elvish voices, their song fading off like fog.
"The warriors sing to let the any orcs know they are on the alert. Their singing will confuse any left in the area."
"They could hardly miss the sound of that Nazgul."
"Indeed. But one should never assume with orcs. They can be rather pig-headed with their orders."
Biting my lip, I looked up at him, a shiver running through me. "Did you, um, kill that Nazgul?"
He shook his head. "We just relieved him of his corporeal vessel. His spirit is scattered. It will be some time before he can reform."
Sighing deeply, I went to get to Carenloth. He stopped me and shook his head again. Smoothly, he picked me up. "Your ankle has probably been re- broken with your escapade tonight."
When he mentioned that, a wash of pain radiated up my left leg. If he hadn't said anything, I probably wouldn't have noticed. Embarrassed, I weakly defended myself. "I-I couldn't help myself. I had to go. The compulsion was SO strong. Believe me, I would rather be asleep at this hour."
"That is easily done."
You know, you'd think by now I'd learn.
The smell of hot porridge and honey tickled my nose when I slowly opened my eyes. I realized I was ravenous. Hungrier than I had been since I had returned here to Rivendell.
I slowly sat up and saw breakfast on a table near me. No one was about, so I leaned over, lifted the tray a bit awkwardly and sat it in my lap. A moment's glance revealed a small bowl of porridge, a sliced apple and some juice. I was SOOO hungry. I think I finished the meal in under fifteen minutes. Putting the tray back, I was just feeling kind of warm and replete and about to drift off again, when Lord Elrond came in.
"Good morning, my lord," I said with a yawn. "Thank you for the rescue yesterday, and this fine breakfast."
Lord Elrond chuckled as he bent over to me to check me for fever I guess. But then he caught my attention very quickly and held my eyes with his. He put his hands on either side of my head again and my vision went soft and unfocused.
When I snapped back to reality, the elf lord was pulling up a chair. I sat up. "I am okay? Nothing, um nothing lurking in the corners of my mind?"
"Not that I can determine. Especially now that the dark creature has been dissolved."
I sighed and just looked at him for a moment. It was so good to be "back" as myself and not under any compulsions. Not under thrall to any Nazgul.
"What, um, why did the Nazgul want? What did he think I could do for him?"
"I do not know the creature's thought, as it is a darkness I can not penetrate. I can only guess. Perhaps he wanted to know about Imladris and it's strengths."
"I was hardly the one to help. What did I know?"
"He sent you out to be his "eyes" as it were. You and Dalmiel."
"Dalmiel! Oh that poor elf. Is he all right?"
"He will be. His mind was harder to bind and thus, harder to unbind. He still sleeps."
I nodded and yawned. "Well, I am certainly glad I can without hearing "voices." Is Carenloth all right?"
"Quite. She has been enjoying an open paddock these last few days."
I brought a hand to my face and slapped myself on my forehead. I should have known. "How many days?"
"Three."
"That long, eh?"
He nodded with a smile and stood. "It was three days that you needed, Marie."
I flexed my feet and then grimaced a bit when I pulled my ankle. "Did I re-break my ankle?"
"Actually no, just stressed it considerably. These last few days it has improved a great deal."
"I can get up now and all?"
"Certainly. But I do not want you to leave the House. Nor walk far. The garden of lilies and irises is as far as I want you to go, all right?"
"Yes, my lord." I sighed heavily. I swung my legs out of the bed, he moving aside as I did so. He supported me by my right elbow and helped me to limp to the bathing room. "A hot bath would probably do you a world of good right now, as well."
"All right. I shall."
He helped me sit down on the edge of the small bench there. And then left. I sat a moment and then frowned. "Wait, my lord!"
His return was swift and silent. "Yes Marie?" He appeared in the doorway.
"No, um goblet of medicine?"
"No, unless you are not feeling well." He tilted his head at me.
I hastened to assure him I was fine.
Nodding, he left.
Pulling off my chemise, I looked down at my thin body. Hell of a way to lose weight.
The bath relaxed me utterly, and once I was out, I slept the rest of the afternoon away.
I awoke to find the candles lit at my bedside. I lay there for a long moment. I felt myself. I did not feel anything lurking, no darkness or nasty voices. I still shivered at the memory. My first run in with orcs would have to have a Nazgul as an excursion leader.
I listened to the wind outside the patio and the smell of early flowers filled the air.
I heard evensong coming from outside the arches as a group of elves walked gracefully by to the dining hall, singing thanksgiving.
Me, I was thankful too. So humming the song under my breath, I got dressed, grabbed my crutches and went out to the dining hall. Sitting in the closest empty seat, I saw there was chicken and green vegetables and rice, bread and fruit. Carafes of mead water and juice. Tonight's juice was a tart winterberry. Excellent.
I noted that only Glorfindel and Elrond were at the high table. I saluted the elf lord in silence.
Ahh. Everything was right again in Marie's world. And all was at peace.
Who am I kidding?
I went on down the road after crossing the Bruinen, Carenloth galloping full out beneath me. I had no idea why I knew where to go, but I kept on going.
Of course, it began to rain. I wiped my face and leaned closer to Carenloth's neck. After about an hour on the East road, I suddenly pulled Carenloth off to the left and into the scrub oak and maples, which Carenloth dodged smooth as a rodeo horse. Another hour, maybe two went by. I pulled up my mare and slowed her headlong rush into the soggy night.
Trotting along I listened to the dark, wet night around me. Being an elvish horse, Carenloth did not make any noise. All I could hear was rain dripping off the trees, the rustle of the damp bushes.
I was getting a headache straining my ears to pick up some sound. At last, I heard it. The very faint sound of voices. I was going to spur Carenloth on in a rush to get to where I could hear the speaking. But I fought the impulse and slid off the horse and clung hard to her withers. She turned her head and nosed me. I smiled and straightened up. Still clutching her mane, she and I walked silently beneath the sound of the rain.
It took us awhile to find where the voices were coming from. We had to wind through a thick stand of saplings and old growth and detour around big boulder. By our upward path I figured we were climbing into the Misty Mountains.
By the time we had stopped, we were far from the East Road, and civilization.
I stared in horror at the black thing before Dalmiel. It was a Nazgul! Dalmiel was kneeling before the creature moaning. About to shout out, I zipped my lips and waited a moment. How to get Dalmiel away from such a fearsome thing?
Well, I could distract him.
Okay, well distracting him, might focus the Nazgul's attention on me.
Probably not a GOOD thing to do.
But Dalmiel.boy, did this explain his behavior.
And I knew it explained mine as well. Lucky for me the dark thing was focused on Dalmiel.
Not for long!
Being the idiot I am, and a bit angry at the Nazgul's manipulation of both Dalmiel, and me, I decided I had to do something. I moved off, taking Carenloth with me (I didn't want her getting hurt or anything). I tied her next to Dalmiel's gelding and then sneaked back to the clearing.
It was surrounded by rocks and a few scrub pines. We were pretty high up in the mountains. I could see the stars in the frosty air. And the sliver of moon.
The Nazgul bent over Dalmiel, reaching for him. The air sizzled and a flash of light burst from the Nazgul and Dalmiel slumped to the ground.
All right, that was enough. But what could I do? He could fry me. I had to come up with something unexpected.something.different.
I got it. I took a deep breath, and with only a few squeaks of fear at the beginning, started to sing. Loudly. I have a decent voice (I mean, I can carry a tune) and though I knew I was no elf, I figured singing is the LAST thing the Nazgul would expect to hear.
And heck, if I was any good, I might at least give him a headache or something.
Stumbling back down the hillside, I moved as quickly as my bum ankle would let me.
The Nazgul, snuffling like a hunting dog, followed me slowly.
All right.it was working!
I started the second chorus of "Climb Every Mountain" and suddenly found my breath cut off.
Okay, Nazgul NOT amused.
I stumbled back until I hit a boulder. The Nazgul, like a mobile black hole, came down the mountain towards me. I moved along, the boulder behind me, trying to go further. But it was kind of hard when you can't breathe.
Then I heard dark ugly sounds in my head and I dropped to the ground. Not the evil voices again! I tried to scream, but no luck. I fumbled around me in the dark and picked up a rock, heaving it towards the blackness. It sank into the dark creature and he didn't flinch. The voice got louder and I slapped my hands to my head trying to block the noise.
Suddenly, I heard singing. Beautiful tenor voices. There were two voices blending in harmony. It lifted my heart like viewing the world from the top of the mountain.
Even the Nazgul stopped.
Then the sky exploded into light, like white-hot flares had gone off. Half blinded, I crawled away, trying to cover my eyes with my arms. I heard a high-pitched scream that hurt my ears. Still crawling, half-blind and deaf, I ran into someone's legs.
I cowered as the singing rose in a glorious crescendo, other voices adding harmony and strength. The white light burned through my close eyes.
The Nazgul screamed again, and a violent rush of wind swept through the little glade, dust, twigs flying everywhere. I was peppered with gravel as the howl of the Nazgul rose off the scale. And then suddenly, it stopped. I could feel the air had cleared and settled.
I looked up into the blazing face of Lord Elrond. An elf lord totally riled up and burning with the pure fire of, well, justice I guess. I could barely see his expression, but he looked stern and angry, like an avenging angel. A similarly glowing Glorfindel carrying a limp Dalmiel soon joined him.
Amazed, I refrained from saying anything. Only slightly similar to the singing the two elf lords had done in my room, this was a wild brushfire compared to it.
The silence the absence of the Nazgul left behind him slowly became filled with the normal sounds of the night: crickets, the hoot of an owl, the yipping of a fox. The wind softly blew my hair off my face as I stood with the help of a boulder behind me.
Lord Elrond's glance fell to me. Still stunned I just stared at him. A soft glow clung to him like faint smoke, as it did with Glorfindel. Suddenly, Elrond smiled and then began to chuckle.
"Well, Marie, in the heart of things once more. Are you all right?"
I just nodded. Faint, carried on the wind was the sound of elvish voices, their song fading off like fog.
"The warriors sing to let the any orcs know they are on the alert. Their singing will confuse any left in the area."
"They could hardly miss the sound of that Nazgul."
"Indeed. But one should never assume with orcs. They can be rather pig-headed with their orders."
Biting my lip, I looked up at him, a shiver running through me. "Did you, um, kill that Nazgul?"
He shook his head. "We just relieved him of his corporeal vessel. His spirit is scattered. It will be some time before he can reform."
Sighing deeply, I went to get to Carenloth. He stopped me and shook his head again. Smoothly, he picked me up. "Your ankle has probably been re- broken with your escapade tonight."
When he mentioned that, a wash of pain radiated up my left leg. If he hadn't said anything, I probably wouldn't have noticed. Embarrassed, I weakly defended myself. "I-I couldn't help myself. I had to go. The compulsion was SO strong. Believe me, I would rather be asleep at this hour."
"That is easily done."
You know, you'd think by now I'd learn.
The smell of hot porridge and honey tickled my nose when I slowly opened my eyes. I realized I was ravenous. Hungrier than I had been since I had returned here to Rivendell.
I slowly sat up and saw breakfast on a table near me. No one was about, so I leaned over, lifted the tray a bit awkwardly and sat it in my lap. A moment's glance revealed a small bowl of porridge, a sliced apple and some juice. I was SOOO hungry. I think I finished the meal in under fifteen minutes. Putting the tray back, I was just feeling kind of warm and replete and about to drift off again, when Lord Elrond came in.
"Good morning, my lord," I said with a yawn. "Thank you for the rescue yesterday, and this fine breakfast."
Lord Elrond chuckled as he bent over to me to check me for fever I guess. But then he caught my attention very quickly and held my eyes with his. He put his hands on either side of my head again and my vision went soft and unfocused.
When I snapped back to reality, the elf lord was pulling up a chair. I sat up. "I am okay? Nothing, um nothing lurking in the corners of my mind?"
"Not that I can determine. Especially now that the dark creature has been dissolved."
I sighed and just looked at him for a moment. It was so good to be "back" as myself and not under any compulsions. Not under thrall to any Nazgul.
"What, um, why did the Nazgul want? What did he think I could do for him?"
"I do not know the creature's thought, as it is a darkness I can not penetrate. I can only guess. Perhaps he wanted to know about Imladris and it's strengths."
"I was hardly the one to help. What did I know?"
"He sent you out to be his "eyes" as it were. You and Dalmiel."
"Dalmiel! Oh that poor elf. Is he all right?"
"He will be. His mind was harder to bind and thus, harder to unbind. He still sleeps."
I nodded and yawned. "Well, I am certainly glad I can without hearing "voices." Is Carenloth all right?"
"Quite. She has been enjoying an open paddock these last few days."
I brought a hand to my face and slapped myself on my forehead. I should have known. "How many days?"
"Three."
"That long, eh?"
He nodded with a smile and stood. "It was three days that you needed, Marie."
I flexed my feet and then grimaced a bit when I pulled my ankle. "Did I re-break my ankle?"
"Actually no, just stressed it considerably. These last few days it has improved a great deal."
"I can get up now and all?"
"Certainly. But I do not want you to leave the House. Nor walk far. The garden of lilies and irises is as far as I want you to go, all right?"
"Yes, my lord." I sighed heavily. I swung my legs out of the bed, he moving aside as I did so. He supported me by my right elbow and helped me to limp to the bathing room. "A hot bath would probably do you a world of good right now, as well."
"All right. I shall."
He helped me sit down on the edge of the small bench there. And then left. I sat a moment and then frowned. "Wait, my lord!"
His return was swift and silent. "Yes Marie?" He appeared in the doorway.
"No, um goblet of medicine?"
"No, unless you are not feeling well." He tilted his head at me.
I hastened to assure him I was fine.
Nodding, he left.
Pulling off my chemise, I looked down at my thin body. Hell of a way to lose weight.
The bath relaxed me utterly, and once I was out, I slept the rest of the afternoon away.
I awoke to find the candles lit at my bedside. I lay there for a long moment. I felt myself. I did not feel anything lurking, no darkness or nasty voices. I still shivered at the memory. My first run in with orcs would have to have a Nazgul as an excursion leader.
I listened to the wind outside the patio and the smell of early flowers filled the air.
I heard evensong coming from outside the arches as a group of elves walked gracefully by to the dining hall, singing thanksgiving.
Me, I was thankful too. So humming the song under my breath, I got dressed, grabbed my crutches and went out to the dining hall. Sitting in the closest empty seat, I saw there was chicken and green vegetables and rice, bread and fruit. Carafes of mead water and juice. Tonight's juice was a tart winterberry. Excellent.
I noted that only Glorfindel and Elrond were at the high table. I saluted the elf lord in silence.
Ahh. Everything was right again in Marie's world. And all was at peace.
Who am I kidding?