Moria's Revenge, Chapter 6 Defeated
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I am the crud that JRRT scrapes off the bottom of his shoes.
The two trackers had been following the trail of crushed vegetation for about an hour. Something about the track bothered Gimli, yet he could not pinpoint what was causing him to become uneasy. //It is too simple. Orcs may be viler than a dragon's cesspit, but they are not stupid. They would have made certain to cover their tracks. And, now that I think of it, this is not *going* anywhere. It is meandering, not making for any specific point!//
"M- Legolas." Legolas started at the sound of his given name. he turned to look at Gimli. "I believe we have been fooled."
***
It had taken them less time to go back to the original track, as they were both running, and knew where they were going. This time, after a careful search of the entire area, Gimli spotted a track, very faint, that had been concealed cleverly. A great number of orcs, twenty at least, had passed through though, by the signs. It was now about midnight, and the moon had just cleared the eastern horizon, turning the forest into a world of silvery shadows. The light the moon gave was just sufficient for following the slight marks. As they slowly made their way north, Legolas could not help thinking about how the same moon was shining down on Pippin, wherever he was, or whatever was happening to him.
***
After hours of trudging, Gimli noticed that he could see the ground ahead of him a little more clearly. He raised his head and looked through the branches at the sky. False dawn was coloring the sky a dirty grey. His heart despaired of finding Pippin. //Poor young hobbit. I never thought I would think this, but curse the sun! The orcs that have him are probably going to retreat to their caves at dawn, and if they take him with them...// Gimli shuddered. If that happened, it was unlikely that young Peregrin would ever see sunlight again.
Legolas gave a small cry ahead of him. The elf had just passed through a narrow gap between two rock walls about one and a half man lengths tall. Gimli rushed forward, certain that some sort of ambush had befallen his tracking-mate. Legolas stood in the circle of rocks, motionless. A medium sized stone was on the exact middle. The first thing Gimli noticed was the smell. The dell was choked with the noisome reek of orcs. The dwarf took a closer look around. The stone in the middle cought his eye, and he realized what had made Legolas cry out. Cords lay in a tangle at the base of the rock, and even from several yards away, Gimli could see dark stains on the rock, stains he would have bet the Arkenstone were blood.
In a few short strides Legolas went over to the stone and knelt down to examine it more carefully. In doing so, he placed his hand on the rock. Instantly he jerked it back. His lips curled in disgust. A gooey congealed opaque *something* was all over the rock. And Legolas had a sneaking suspicion he knew what it was. //Don't panic. The last thing you should do is panic. Pippin REALLY needs you right now. I know what you have on your hand is truly revolting, but do not worry you will be able to wash it off, but first make sure...// he lifted his fingers to his sensitive elf nose. Yes, he had been right. It was orc spill and that could only mean one thing. //Oh,// The full implication hit him.//Pippin! Poor little child. That's what he is, a small frightened child, that has no glimmer of understanding about the horrors that can be inflicted on one.//
"What is it?" Gimli came up behind him. "Legolas heard the sharp intake of breath when the dwarf saw what covered the rock and Legolas' fingers. A growl grew in the normally sanguine dwarf. "When I get my axe near the ones who did this!" He was too overcome by rage and grief to speak. Gandalf and now Pippin, both lost to the horrors that had been awakened by his people in the mountains. Guilt washed over him. He felt the elf's soothing hand (the unspoiled one) squeeze his shoulder. Gloin had been right. There was something about elves that when you were near them, your troubles seemed farther away.
"As much as I hate to say this, I do not believe it would be wise to pursue the orcs further without the company." Legolas said.
"Especially after we promised to be back with news by noon today. Gimli looked up at the sun which was just peeking over the horizon. Through the morning mists he could just make out the large outcropping that Aragorn and the others were waiting by. "I think we can make it if we set a good pace. //Just to think, Pippin could have looked right at us while...this was happening last night.// Then his eyes caught what seemed to be a small bundle in the shadows. His heart gave a leap. Pippin? But as the sun rose higher, the shadows drew back, and he saw that it really was a bundle of dirty rags. //But wait. Rags?// He walked quickly to the pile. They were Pippin's clothes! How many other small people would wear a coat that loud of a turquoise in the wilderness? It was proof that Pippin had been here. But as he lowered himself by the clothes, the stench redoubled. Gingerly he picked up the worn cloak. It had patches of blood and congealed orc spill as well. //By the Valar! Did they leave nothing to him?// Legolas joined him.
"I do not relish telling the others of little Peregrin. I also fear for the hobbits' sanity. They are not used to such things. I doubt they even know horrors like this exist."
"Aye, Legolas. But we must."
"Aye."
***
At midmorning they found a small limestone quarry with several hot springs. There they paused to clean their hands and Pippin's clothes of the orc's filth. It was just noontide when they trudged with their sad burden into the camp.
Boromir had been troubled by how long it took Legolas and Gimli to return. The chances of them finding Pippin at just the right time for them to head back and make the uleimatun seemed very small. And one look at their faces confirmed his worst fears. A strangled sob sounded by his side. Merry's small body struck Boromir with a suprising amount of force, and started shaking with violent weeping. Boromir had been up on watch while Aragorn got some sleep, and as a result, had become the hobbits' main source of comfort, as he had been awake when they were.
Frodo came up to Merry, and wrapped his arms around his distrought cousin. Both hobbits huddled against Boromir. Boromir's heart ached at the agony the little ones were going through. He looked over to Aragorn, who had just sat up from him bedroll, and was walking towards Gimli and Legolas.
When Aragorn reached them, Gimli said,
"I will stay with the young hobbits. Legolas will tell you and Boromir what we found." Aragorn caught Boromir's eye and motioned him over. Gimli reached the spot just as Boromir stood up. Sam had now joined the huddle, and it was quite a challenge to extricate himself.
When Boromir had made his way to Legolas and Aragorn, Legolas began the story of his and Gimli's search from when they discovered the false trail. As he spoke, Boromir turned the small cerulean waistcoat over and over in his hands.
"...then we followed the trail to a small circle in the rocks, and there, we found," the elf paused, "we found evidence."
"Evidence of what?" Aragorn demanded. "Is Peregrin alive or dead? And why are his clothes damp?" Legolas looked up at Aragorn with pain in his eyes.
"I believe that Pippin is alive. There was no smell of death in that place, only...pain. His clothes are wet because we washed the blood and...filth off, as Gimli did not think it would be healthy for the halflings to see...that." Legolas finished lamely.
"Legolas," Aragorn started, "we have been friends for time out of mind. You *must* tell what you think happened to Pippin!"
"I do not think. I know. Aragorn, Boromir, Pippin was ravished last night." Boromir closed his eyes and hung his head. //Oh, poor, poor, Pippin. Of all the company, you were the least deserving of this fate. Your innocent spunk inspired all of us.// Aragorn lifted his face towards the over heaven, his eyes glistening.
"How will we tell them?" He asked. "Will they even understand? I have spent many years observing the Shire, and nothing remotely like that goes on I think. Ah! Gandalf, if we ever needed you it is in this hour!" Boromir then spoke up. "If I may make a suggestion, we should each take one and explain. Legolas, I think you should comfort Merry, with whatever elven skill you have, for he has the most dire need of it. Aragorn, you and I will be with Frodo. He trusts you, and I have not the heart for sleep."
"But what of Sam?"
"I think Gimli will be sufficient for him. I know the loss of Pippin pains him deeply, but he likely feels that he is not allowed to show it. I also think that he will understand what has happened better than the other two." When Aragorn and Legolas looked at him in confusion, he sighed. //Trust two people who can live with just the clothes on their backs for months in the wilderness not to grasp the simplest concept of social classes.// This was something Boromir had particular experience in, as Denethor often had his eldest preside over disputes among the commoners of the middle and lower classes. he had correctly identified Frodo, Merry and Pippin as true men of leisure, who would never have to scramble for their coin, or labor for wages. Sam, on the other hand, was of those classes where a lesson soon learned is a meal soon earned. The other hobbits had been sheilded from the harsh realities of everyday survival, but Boromir suspected that Sam had already had much experience with them. This he explained to Aragorn and Legolas.
"But what are we to do now?" asked Legolas. "I want to be able to give a definite answer to Merry, as he is sure to ask."
"If there is the slightest chance that Pippin is alive, we must pursue it." Aragorn replied. "We will rest here until nightfall, as the hobbits are not fit to travel, and I want to take a look at any injuries they might have picked up in those cursed mines. I am afraid I have been remiss in their care."
"But every minute Pippin is with the orcs is another minute he is in death's shadow!" Boromir exclaimed. "How can we wait?"
"The orcs will be hiding in their caves. It will be easisest to gain entry when their gates are open." The three nodded at each other and went to get their respective charge, to break the bad news.
***
Gimli held Sam's shoulders as they shook with silent sobs. Boromir had been correct, Sam was not a complete stranger to the darker side of life. //Poor little hobbit. He's just not used to someone he's close to falling prey to it.//
"B-b-but why M-Mister Pereg-grin?" Sam asked. "He's s-so young! H-he won't understand!"
"I know, Samwise. It is a sore blow to have ANYone of our number used this way, but it is especially saddening to think of Pippin in that situation."
"W-What are we g-going to do n-now?"
"Aragorn had decided that we will not leave until Pippin is either avenged or found. We will rest here until nightfall, then travel to where...Legolas and I left the trail, in the rocks." Sam looked up at Gimli with red-rimmed eyes.
"D-Do you th-think Mister Pippin might- mayb-be still alive?" It broke Gimli's hard dwarf heart to hear Sam's whisper, and see him struggling against hope.
"I would lie to you if I were to say that there was a good chance. As much as it pains me, there is not. However there IS a poor chance, one that we cannot afford not to try. I also give you my word, if Pippin is...proved dead," these words were hard for Gimli to say, and Sam's shoulders shook harder at them, "I then vow by all that is sacred, I will not rest until they have paid for every one of Pippin's tears with a cask of their own blood." Sam sighed and snuggled in closer to Gimli. Tentatively, he put his arm around Sam. //Gloin was right about this too. These little miscreants do grow on you.//
*** "Frodo, Merry." Both hobbits looked up at Legolas' gentle voice. He, Strider, and Boromir were standing before them.
"I-Is P-P-Pip..." Merry began, but could not finish.
"I do not believe so little one." Legolas said, kneeling by Merry and hugging him tightly. "But we must...explain some things to you." Legolas looked up at Aragorn ans Boromir, who nodded. Aragorn picked up Frodo and the trio made their was to his bedroll, just out of earshot.
"B-but if Pip ISN'T...w-well, where is he?" Legolas looked down in sorrow at the pile of clothes he had brought over.
"We believe he has been taken prisoner by orcs." Merry let out a tiny wail that was further muffled by Legolas' jerkin. "Shhh, little one, hush now. We've got to be brave for Pippin." "B-But what are they g-gon-na do t-to him?"
"Merry, I am afraid I have something very bad to tell you." Legolas picked up Pippin's jacket, and placed it in Merry's arms. Merry gasped as he realised what he held, and then his sobs redoubled when he spotted a blood stain Gimli had not been able to get out. Merry pressed his face into the woolen weave. It smelled foul, but beneath the foulness he could scent Pippin's smell, that slung tenaciously to the fabric. //Oh, Pippin, PIPPIN, where are you, what have they done to you?// After a few minutes, Legoas shifted Merry so that the halfling was cradled in his arms. He began to perform the mental exercises that would put him in a Healing trance, and allow Merry to enter it with him. Then he could tell Merry what had befallen his cousin, but at the same time sheild him from the full horror.
When Legolas was ready, he opened his mental 'eyes'. This was really what most people thought was keen elf-sight. When elves wanted to, they could sense the energy put out by all living things. With training, they could distinguish types of energy, and see disruptions in the field. When Legolas looked at Merry, he could see the angry yellow aura of grief and anguish. He entered Merry's mind.
:Meriadoc. Can you hear me?:
:!:
:Try and form the words little one, just like talking.:
:Legolas? Is that you? Why aren't you speaking? How are you doing this? Wha- : Legolas cut off the flood of questions.
:This is just something elves can do. I am going to use it to help you. Will you let me into your mind?: Merry was a little frightened at the thought of someone having access to all of his thoughts, but he trusted the elf completely, never considering that the elf might abuse the priviledge.
:Yes, Legolas. But I don't know how.:
:Do not worry, little one. I simply need permission.: Legolas sank into Merry's conciousness, and wrapped himself in a mental 'blanket' around Merry's mind to partially numb the pain. :Now, Merry. Do you know the way of a man and a woman?: Legolas felt a flash of embarassment and affirmation. At least he would not have to explain that. Now for the hard part. :Do you know what it is to force someone in that way? This time a flash of anger and another affirmation. It was better than he expected. //If such an innocent creature knowing about rape can be considered better.// Legolas thought, keeping his musings carefully sheilded from Merry. Now he let just an inkling of a mental impression of what male rape was pass into Merry. :We think that might have happened to Pippin.: There was a moment of complete shock from Merry. His mind was stunned. Then a turmoil of confusion and lonliness and grief for his cousin hit.
:What?How? Whywhywhy?: Legolas could feel Merry's physical body weeping uncontrollably. :Why Pippin?: There was no more coherent mindspeak for several minutes, just emotions. Sorrow for Pippin, fear for his cousin's safety, rage and disgust at what the orcs had put Pippin through. Then Legolas felt guilt. Guilt that Merry could not be there for his cousin, or should have kept a closer eye on him. That had to be stopped.
:Shhh, Merry, it's not your fault. Do not blame yourself. There was no way you would have been able to prevent this. Shhh: Merry still sobbed. Legolas took this oppurtunity to see to Merry's physical state. He was not suprised to find that Merry was hungry and thirsty, but had been ignoring his body's needs. Legolas reached over to his pack and fished out some jerked meat and an apple. These he laid ready. :Hush, little one. Sleep, and forget your troubles for a few hours.: Legolas soothed Merry's mind, and applied the gentle 'pressure' to calm him into sleep. When Merry's mind settled into the telltale 'low hum' of slumber Legolas carefully fed him the meat and the apple, taking control of Merry's body so the hobbit would get fed and rested at the same time.
***
Aragorn held a hysterical Frodo to his chest as tightly as he dared. // Oh, Frodo, if we just had Gandalf with us, none of this would be happening. He would never have let this happen. I am a failure as a leader, and I am sorry, Frodo.// He and Boromir had just explained to Frodo what had happened. Aragorn found it ironic that the oldest hobbit among them was also the most naive. he wished he had elven Healing to offer to Frodo, to spare him some of this anguish.
"I-It's al-ll m-my fault!" Frodo cried from the folds of Aragorn's cloak. Now that was unexpected.
"What on Middle-earth gave you that idea?" exclaimed Boromir.
"I-f-f it wa-wasn't f-for this stupid r-ring...E-Elrond didn't w-want him to come, w-why d-didn't I send him back?" Frodo's voice dissolved into hiccups.
"Frodo," said Boromir, "you cannot possibly accept any blame for this. The only ones who should are the orcs that took him. If there is any fault in the company, it is mine, for I am the one who has been responsible for Merry and Pippin, and I was lax in my duties." Frodo looked up, and was suprised to see tears in Boromir's eyes.
"It's not your fault either Boromir." Frodo laid his hand on Boromir's arma and gave him a small smile.
***
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I am the crud that JRRT scrapes off the bottom of his shoes.
The two trackers had been following the trail of crushed vegetation for about an hour. Something about the track bothered Gimli, yet he could not pinpoint what was causing him to become uneasy. //It is too simple. Orcs may be viler than a dragon's cesspit, but they are not stupid. They would have made certain to cover their tracks. And, now that I think of it, this is not *going* anywhere. It is meandering, not making for any specific point!//
"M- Legolas." Legolas started at the sound of his given name. he turned to look at Gimli. "I believe we have been fooled."
***
It had taken them less time to go back to the original track, as they were both running, and knew where they were going. This time, after a careful search of the entire area, Gimli spotted a track, very faint, that had been concealed cleverly. A great number of orcs, twenty at least, had passed through though, by the signs. It was now about midnight, and the moon had just cleared the eastern horizon, turning the forest into a world of silvery shadows. The light the moon gave was just sufficient for following the slight marks. As they slowly made their way north, Legolas could not help thinking about how the same moon was shining down on Pippin, wherever he was, or whatever was happening to him.
***
After hours of trudging, Gimli noticed that he could see the ground ahead of him a little more clearly. He raised his head and looked through the branches at the sky. False dawn was coloring the sky a dirty grey. His heart despaired of finding Pippin. //Poor young hobbit. I never thought I would think this, but curse the sun! The orcs that have him are probably going to retreat to their caves at dawn, and if they take him with them...// Gimli shuddered. If that happened, it was unlikely that young Peregrin would ever see sunlight again.
Legolas gave a small cry ahead of him. The elf had just passed through a narrow gap between two rock walls about one and a half man lengths tall. Gimli rushed forward, certain that some sort of ambush had befallen his tracking-mate. Legolas stood in the circle of rocks, motionless. A medium sized stone was on the exact middle. The first thing Gimli noticed was the smell. The dell was choked with the noisome reek of orcs. The dwarf took a closer look around. The stone in the middle cought his eye, and he realized what had made Legolas cry out. Cords lay in a tangle at the base of the rock, and even from several yards away, Gimli could see dark stains on the rock, stains he would have bet the Arkenstone were blood.
In a few short strides Legolas went over to the stone and knelt down to examine it more carefully. In doing so, he placed his hand on the rock. Instantly he jerked it back. His lips curled in disgust. A gooey congealed opaque *something* was all over the rock. And Legolas had a sneaking suspicion he knew what it was. //Don't panic. The last thing you should do is panic. Pippin REALLY needs you right now. I know what you have on your hand is truly revolting, but do not worry you will be able to wash it off, but first make sure...// he lifted his fingers to his sensitive elf nose. Yes, he had been right. It was orc spill and that could only mean one thing. //Oh,// The full implication hit him.//Pippin! Poor little child. That's what he is, a small frightened child, that has no glimmer of understanding about the horrors that can be inflicted on one.//
"What is it?" Gimli came up behind him. "Legolas heard the sharp intake of breath when the dwarf saw what covered the rock and Legolas' fingers. A growl grew in the normally sanguine dwarf. "When I get my axe near the ones who did this!" He was too overcome by rage and grief to speak. Gandalf and now Pippin, both lost to the horrors that had been awakened by his people in the mountains. Guilt washed over him. He felt the elf's soothing hand (the unspoiled one) squeeze his shoulder. Gloin had been right. There was something about elves that when you were near them, your troubles seemed farther away.
"As much as I hate to say this, I do not believe it would be wise to pursue the orcs further without the company." Legolas said.
"Especially after we promised to be back with news by noon today. Gimli looked up at the sun which was just peeking over the horizon. Through the morning mists he could just make out the large outcropping that Aragorn and the others were waiting by. "I think we can make it if we set a good pace. //Just to think, Pippin could have looked right at us while...this was happening last night.// Then his eyes caught what seemed to be a small bundle in the shadows. His heart gave a leap. Pippin? But as the sun rose higher, the shadows drew back, and he saw that it really was a bundle of dirty rags. //But wait. Rags?// He walked quickly to the pile. They were Pippin's clothes! How many other small people would wear a coat that loud of a turquoise in the wilderness? It was proof that Pippin had been here. But as he lowered himself by the clothes, the stench redoubled. Gingerly he picked up the worn cloak. It had patches of blood and congealed orc spill as well. //By the Valar! Did they leave nothing to him?// Legolas joined him.
"I do not relish telling the others of little Peregrin. I also fear for the hobbits' sanity. They are not used to such things. I doubt they even know horrors like this exist."
"Aye, Legolas. But we must."
"Aye."
***
At midmorning they found a small limestone quarry with several hot springs. There they paused to clean their hands and Pippin's clothes of the orc's filth. It was just noontide when they trudged with their sad burden into the camp.
Boromir had been troubled by how long it took Legolas and Gimli to return. The chances of them finding Pippin at just the right time for them to head back and make the uleimatun seemed very small. And one look at their faces confirmed his worst fears. A strangled sob sounded by his side. Merry's small body struck Boromir with a suprising amount of force, and started shaking with violent weeping. Boromir had been up on watch while Aragorn got some sleep, and as a result, had become the hobbits' main source of comfort, as he had been awake when they were.
Frodo came up to Merry, and wrapped his arms around his distrought cousin. Both hobbits huddled against Boromir. Boromir's heart ached at the agony the little ones were going through. He looked over to Aragorn, who had just sat up from him bedroll, and was walking towards Gimli and Legolas.
When Aragorn reached them, Gimli said,
"I will stay with the young hobbits. Legolas will tell you and Boromir what we found." Aragorn caught Boromir's eye and motioned him over. Gimli reached the spot just as Boromir stood up. Sam had now joined the huddle, and it was quite a challenge to extricate himself.
When Boromir had made his way to Legolas and Aragorn, Legolas began the story of his and Gimli's search from when they discovered the false trail. As he spoke, Boromir turned the small cerulean waistcoat over and over in his hands.
"...then we followed the trail to a small circle in the rocks, and there, we found," the elf paused, "we found evidence."
"Evidence of what?" Aragorn demanded. "Is Peregrin alive or dead? And why are his clothes damp?" Legolas looked up at Aragorn with pain in his eyes.
"I believe that Pippin is alive. There was no smell of death in that place, only...pain. His clothes are wet because we washed the blood and...filth off, as Gimli did not think it would be healthy for the halflings to see...that." Legolas finished lamely.
"Legolas," Aragorn started, "we have been friends for time out of mind. You *must* tell what you think happened to Pippin!"
"I do not think. I know. Aragorn, Boromir, Pippin was ravished last night." Boromir closed his eyes and hung his head. //Oh, poor, poor, Pippin. Of all the company, you were the least deserving of this fate. Your innocent spunk inspired all of us.// Aragorn lifted his face towards the over heaven, his eyes glistening.
"How will we tell them?" He asked. "Will they even understand? I have spent many years observing the Shire, and nothing remotely like that goes on I think. Ah! Gandalf, if we ever needed you it is in this hour!" Boromir then spoke up. "If I may make a suggestion, we should each take one and explain. Legolas, I think you should comfort Merry, with whatever elven skill you have, for he has the most dire need of it. Aragorn, you and I will be with Frodo. He trusts you, and I have not the heart for sleep."
"But what of Sam?"
"I think Gimli will be sufficient for him. I know the loss of Pippin pains him deeply, but he likely feels that he is not allowed to show it. I also think that he will understand what has happened better than the other two." When Aragorn and Legolas looked at him in confusion, he sighed. //Trust two people who can live with just the clothes on their backs for months in the wilderness not to grasp the simplest concept of social classes.// This was something Boromir had particular experience in, as Denethor often had his eldest preside over disputes among the commoners of the middle and lower classes. he had correctly identified Frodo, Merry and Pippin as true men of leisure, who would never have to scramble for their coin, or labor for wages. Sam, on the other hand, was of those classes where a lesson soon learned is a meal soon earned. The other hobbits had been sheilded from the harsh realities of everyday survival, but Boromir suspected that Sam had already had much experience with them. This he explained to Aragorn and Legolas.
"But what are we to do now?" asked Legolas. "I want to be able to give a definite answer to Merry, as he is sure to ask."
"If there is the slightest chance that Pippin is alive, we must pursue it." Aragorn replied. "We will rest here until nightfall, as the hobbits are not fit to travel, and I want to take a look at any injuries they might have picked up in those cursed mines. I am afraid I have been remiss in their care."
"But every minute Pippin is with the orcs is another minute he is in death's shadow!" Boromir exclaimed. "How can we wait?"
"The orcs will be hiding in their caves. It will be easisest to gain entry when their gates are open." The three nodded at each other and went to get their respective charge, to break the bad news.
***
Gimli held Sam's shoulders as they shook with silent sobs. Boromir had been correct, Sam was not a complete stranger to the darker side of life. //Poor little hobbit. He's just not used to someone he's close to falling prey to it.//
"B-b-but why M-Mister Pereg-grin?" Sam asked. "He's s-so young! H-he won't understand!"
"I know, Samwise. It is a sore blow to have ANYone of our number used this way, but it is especially saddening to think of Pippin in that situation."
"W-What are we g-going to do n-now?"
"Aragorn had decided that we will not leave until Pippin is either avenged or found. We will rest here until nightfall, then travel to where...Legolas and I left the trail, in the rocks." Sam looked up at Gimli with red-rimmed eyes.
"D-Do you th-think Mister Pippin might- mayb-be still alive?" It broke Gimli's hard dwarf heart to hear Sam's whisper, and see him struggling against hope.
"I would lie to you if I were to say that there was a good chance. As much as it pains me, there is not. However there IS a poor chance, one that we cannot afford not to try. I also give you my word, if Pippin is...proved dead," these words were hard for Gimli to say, and Sam's shoulders shook harder at them, "I then vow by all that is sacred, I will not rest until they have paid for every one of Pippin's tears with a cask of their own blood." Sam sighed and snuggled in closer to Gimli. Tentatively, he put his arm around Sam. //Gloin was right about this too. These little miscreants do grow on you.//
*** "Frodo, Merry." Both hobbits looked up at Legolas' gentle voice. He, Strider, and Boromir were standing before them.
"I-Is P-P-Pip..." Merry began, but could not finish.
"I do not believe so little one." Legolas said, kneeling by Merry and hugging him tightly. "But we must...explain some things to you." Legolas looked up at Aragorn ans Boromir, who nodded. Aragorn picked up Frodo and the trio made their was to his bedroll, just out of earshot.
"B-but if Pip ISN'T...w-well, where is he?" Legolas looked down in sorrow at the pile of clothes he had brought over.
"We believe he has been taken prisoner by orcs." Merry let out a tiny wail that was further muffled by Legolas' jerkin. "Shhh, little one, hush now. We've got to be brave for Pippin." "B-But what are they g-gon-na do t-to him?"
"Merry, I am afraid I have something very bad to tell you." Legolas picked up Pippin's jacket, and placed it in Merry's arms. Merry gasped as he realised what he held, and then his sobs redoubled when he spotted a blood stain Gimli had not been able to get out. Merry pressed his face into the woolen weave. It smelled foul, but beneath the foulness he could scent Pippin's smell, that slung tenaciously to the fabric. //Oh, Pippin, PIPPIN, where are you, what have they done to you?// After a few minutes, Legoas shifted Merry so that the halfling was cradled in his arms. He began to perform the mental exercises that would put him in a Healing trance, and allow Merry to enter it with him. Then he could tell Merry what had befallen his cousin, but at the same time sheild him from the full horror.
When Legolas was ready, he opened his mental 'eyes'. This was really what most people thought was keen elf-sight. When elves wanted to, they could sense the energy put out by all living things. With training, they could distinguish types of energy, and see disruptions in the field. When Legolas looked at Merry, he could see the angry yellow aura of grief and anguish. He entered Merry's mind.
:Meriadoc. Can you hear me?:
:!:
:Try and form the words little one, just like talking.:
:Legolas? Is that you? Why aren't you speaking? How are you doing this? Wha- : Legolas cut off the flood of questions.
:This is just something elves can do. I am going to use it to help you. Will you let me into your mind?: Merry was a little frightened at the thought of someone having access to all of his thoughts, but he trusted the elf completely, never considering that the elf might abuse the priviledge.
:Yes, Legolas. But I don't know how.:
:Do not worry, little one. I simply need permission.: Legolas sank into Merry's conciousness, and wrapped himself in a mental 'blanket' around Merry's mind to partially numb the pain. :Now, Merry. Do you know the way of a man and a woman?: Legolas felt a flash of embarassment and affirmation. At least he would not have to explain that. Now for the hard part. :Do you know what it is to force someone in that way? This time a flash of anger and another affirmation. It was better than he expected. //If such an innocent creature knowing about rape can be considered better.// Legolas thought, keeping his musings carefully sheilded from Merry. Now he let just an inkling of a mental impression of what male rape was pass into Merry. :We think that might have happened to Pippin.: There was a moment of complete shock from Merry. His mind was stunned. Then a turmoil of confusion and lonliness and grief for his cousin hit.
:What?How? Whywhywhy?: Legolas could feel Merry's physical body weeping uncontrollably. :Why Pippin?: There was no more coherent mindspeak for several minutes, just emotions. Sorrow for Pippin, fear for his cousin's safety, rage and disgust at what the orcs had put Pippin through. Then Legolas felt guilt. Guilt that Merry could not be there for his cousin, or should have kept a closer eye on him. That had to be stopped.
:Shhh, Merry, it's not your fault. Do not blame yourself. There was no way you would have been able to prevent this. Shhh: Merry still sobbed. Legolas took this oppurtunity to see to Merry's physical state. He was not suprised to find that Merry was hungry and thirsty, but had been ignoring his body's needs. Legolas reached over to his pack and fished out some jerked meat and an apple. These he laid ready. :Hush, little one. Sleep, and forget your troubles for a few hours.: Legolas soothed Merry's mind, and applied the gentle 'pressure' to calm him into sleep. When Merry's mind settled into the telltale 'low hum' of slumber Legolas carefully fed him the meat and the apple, taking control of Merry's body so the hobbit would get fed and rested at the same time.
***
Aragorn held a hysterical Frodo to his chest as tightly as he dared. // Oh, Frodo, if we just had Gandalf with us, none of this would be happening. He would never have let this happen. I am a failure as a leader, and I am sorry, Frodo.// He and Boromir had just explained to Frodo what had happened. Aragorn found it ironic that the oldest hobbit among them was also the most naive. he wished he had elven Healing to offer to Frodo, to spare him some of this anguish.
"I-It's al-ll m-my fault!" Frodo cried from the folds of Aragorn's cloak. Now that was unexpected.
"What on Middle-earth gave you that idea?" exclaimed Boromir.
"I-f-f it wa-wasn't f-for this stupid r-ring...E-Elrond didn't w-want him to come, w-why d-didn't I send him back?" Frodo's voice dissolved into hiccups.
"Frodo," said Boromir, "you cannot possibly accept any blame for this. The only ones who should are the orcs that took him. If there is any fault in the company, it is mine, for I am the one who has been responsible for Merry and Pippin, and I was lax in my duties." Frodo looked up, and was suprised to see tears in Boromir's eyes.
"It's not your fault either Boromir." Frodo laid his hand on Boromir's arma and gave him a small smile.
***