For disclaimer please view chapter 1.
They ran for three days without rest. Gimli could barely keep up. They had to help Merry and Pippin, now that the fellowship had broken and Frodo and Sam had gone, the least that the four left could do was find the little hobbits.
Gimli cannot keep up with us.... commented Aurel to Legolas as they continued on sprinting.
He will have to, there is no time for rest. said Legolas coldly as he continued running ahead of her, and then catching up with Aragorn.
Aurel waited for Gimli, Pay no heed to me Lady, I will catch up soon enough...your elven ears and eyes are needed up ahead.
Aurel contemplated staying behind for a second, but Gimli was right, she was needed up ahead. She caught up with Legolas and Aragorn, she placed herself in between them as she saw what they saw. A group of riders, skilled for they rode in formation, holding spears and swords. They were of the Rohirrim. Legolas felt instant comfort at her side, and she felt this as well. She lightly brushed his hand as she saw riders of Rohan approaching.
Aragorn trusting, stepped out to where the riders could see them, yelled, What news of the North, riders of Rohan?
Gimli finally caught up, out of breath he looked around him.
The riders in an amazing display of talent, stopped their riding and quickly surrounded the four companions.
Who are you? And what are you doing in this land? Asked one of the riders, whose face was masked.
I am called Strider. answered Aragorn. I came out of the North. I am hunting orcs.
The rider looked at Aragorn in question, his eyes squinted. He handed his spear to a rider next to him and dismounted his horse, sword in hand, and stood face to face with Aragorn. At first I thought that you yourselves were orcs... He looked over to the others, his eyes stuck on Aurel, But now I see that is not so. Indeed you know little of orcs if you go hunting them in this fashion. They were swift and well-armed, and they were many. You would have changed from hunters to prey, if ever you had overtaken them. But there is something strange about you Strider. His gaze returned to Aragorn. That is no name for a Man that you give. And strange too is your clothing. Have you sprung out of the grass? How did you escape our sight? Are you Elvish Folk?
said Aragorn. Only two of our company are so. Legolas from the Woodland Realm in distant Mirkwood and Aurel, daughter of Elrond of the last homely house in Rivendell. We have passed through Lothlorien, and the gifts and favor of the Lady go with us.
The strange man's eyes squinted once more, he took a quick glance at the dwarf, before speaking again. Then there is a lady in the Golden Wood as old tales tell. Few escape her nets' they say. These are strange days! But if you have her favour, then you also are net-weavers and sorcerer's maybe. He turned and looked at Aurel, Legolas, and Gimli. Why do you not speak, silent ones? He asked roughly. Aurel looked at him, trying to catch a glimpse of what his face may look like under that mask. She kept her hands close to the handle of her sword. His tone was distrusting.
Give me your name horse master, and I will give you mine. Gimli now gripped his axe in contempt, he too had noticed his arrogance. And more besides.
The rider looked down upon Gimli and smirked, he took his mask of and revealed a much younger face than Aurel expected. As for that, the stranger should declare himself first. Yet, I am named Eomer son of Eomund, and am called the Third Marshall of the Riddermark.
Then Eomer, Son of Eomund, Third Marshall of the Riddermark, let Gimli the Dwarf Gloin's son warn you against foolish words. You speak evil of that which is fair beyond the reach of your thought, and only little wit can excuse you.
There was murmurring amongst the men, and they were angry. Eomer's eyes had now become angry.
I would cut off your head, beard and all, Master dwarf, if it stood but a little higher off the ground. He went to unsheathe his sword.
He stands not alone. Legolas's bow went up in seconds, You would die before your stroke fell.
Eomer went to strike with his sword but Aragorn but himself in the way. He cried. When you know more you will understand why you have angered my companions. We intend no evil to Rohan, nor to any of its folk. Neither to man or to horse. Will you not hear our tale before you strike?
Aurel pushed Legolas's arrow down Calm, Legolas Then looked at him as if to tell him to watch his temper. Aurel averted her attention to the rider, she smiled once more and he seemed to be entranced by her every movement. Legolas took notice of this and stepped closer to her, though out of instinct. Aurel was capable of taking care of herself, but he did not like the way the horse master looked at her. Eomer lowered his blade. I will. He sheathed his sword. But riders in the Riddermark would be wise to be less haughty in these days of doubt. First tell me your right name.
If you will tell me who you serve. Are you friend or foe of Sauron, the Dark lord of Mordor?
Aurel looked around to the other men who were close, their spears pointed at them. They too had the same gleam in their eyes that Eomer held when he looked upon her.
I serve only the Lord of the Mark, Theoden King son of Thengel. said Eomer, he now looked at Aragorn suspiciously, We do not serve the Power of the Black land far away, but neither are we yet at open war with him, and if you are fleeing from him, then you had best leave this land. There is trouble now on all our borders, and were are threatened. But we desire only to be free, and to live as we have lived, keeping our own, and serving no foreign lord, good or evil. We welcomed guests kindly in the better days, but in these times the unbidden stranger finds us swift and hard. Come! Who are you?! Whom do you serve? At whose command do you hunt Orcs in our land?
I serve no man. said Aragorn, But the servants of Sauron I pursue into whatever land they may go. There are few among mortal Men who know more of Orcs, and I do not hunt them in this fashion out of choice. The Orcs whom we pursued took captive two of my friends. In such need a man that has no choice will go on foot and he will not ask for leave to follow the trail. Nor will he count the heads of the enemy save with a sword. I am not weaponless. Aragorn then threw back his cloak. I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn and am called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dunadan, the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor. Here is the Sword that was broken and is forged again! Will you aid me, or thwart me? Choose swiftly!!
Aurel took a step back. She had ever rarely seen Aragorn like this. Never had he proclaimed his name so proudly. As he stood there she caught a good look at him. He stood tall and in question of Eomer, and for a moment Eomer did look afraid, confused and amazed all at the same time.
These are indeed strange days. muttered Eomer. Dream and legends spring to life out of the grass. Tell me Lord, what brings you here? And what was the meaning of the dark words? Long has Boromir son of Denethor been gone seeking an answer and the horse that we lent him came back riderless. What doom do you bring out of the North
Aragorn became saddenned. The doom of our choice. You may say that to Theoden son of Thengel: Open war lies before him, with Sauron or against him. None may live now as they have lived, and few shall keep what they call their own. But of these great matters we will speak later. If chance allows, I will come myself to the king. Now I am in great need, and I ask for help, or at least for news. You heard that we are pursuing an orc-host that carried off our friends. What can you tell us?
"That you need not pursue them further," Eomer stated boldly, "The orcs are destroyed.
Aurel's breathing stopped for a moment Destroyed? Her complexion paled.
And our friends? asked Aragorn.
We found none but Orcs.
That is strange, did you search the slain? Were there no bodies other than those of orc-kind? They would be small, only children to your eyes. said Aragorn almost pleading.
There were no dwarves or children. We counted all the slain and despoiled them, and then we piled the carcasses and burned them, as is our custom. The ashes are smoking still.
"We do not speak of dwarves or children." Gimli insisted. "Our friends were hobbits."
Eomer said as if not recognizing the word. And what may they be? It is a strange name.
A strange name for a strange folk. But these were very dear to us. It seems you have heard in Rohan of the words that troubled Minas Tirith. They spoke of the halfling. These hobbits are Halflings. said Gimli.
said another rider, and began to laugh. Halflings?! But they are only a little people in old songs and children's tales out of the North. Do we walk in Legends or on the green earth in the daylight?
A man may do both... began Aragorn. But then another rider interrupted him.
Time is pressing. We must hasten south, Lord. He spoke to Eomer. Let us leave these wild folk to their hunt. Or lets us bind them and take them to the king.
Eomer looked back to the rider and spoke to him in his own tongue, commanding him to assemble the company and make ready to leave without him, at least for the moment. All that you say is strange Aragorn, yet you speak the truth that is plain: the Men of the Mark do not lie, and therefore they are not easily deceived. But you have not told all. Will you not now speak more fully of your errand, so that I may judge what to do?
I set out from Imladris many weeks ago. answered Aragorn. With me went Boromir of Minas Tirith. My errand was to go to that city with the son of Denethor, to aid his people in their war against Sauron. But that company that I journeyed with had other business. Of that I cannot speak now. Gandalf the Grey was our leader.
As Aragorn explained his purpose and reason for being there, he told them of their story, and Eomer listened attentively, ever always looking for understanding to the questions that mounted in his mind. When he had heard enough, he made his decision on what to do with these strange folk. This is my choice, you may go, and what is more, I will lend you horses. There is only one thing I ask, when your quest is achieved, or proved vain, return the horses over the Entwade to Meduseld, the high house in Edoras where Theoden now sits. Thus you shall prove to him that I have not misjudged. In this I place myself, and maybe my very life, in the keeping of your good faith. Do not fail.
I will not. said Aragorn.
Surprised looks were casted and murmurring began once more when Eomer commanded that the spare horses be given to the wild folk, and even so, one of his men thought it strange that a dwarf would ride a horse. Gimli complained and said he would rather walk than ride the grand horse, but Aragorn's scolding, and Legolas's offer to ride along with him changed Gimli's mind.
Aragorn mounted the dark grey horse named Hasufel and offered his hand to Aurel, who freely took it, putting her arms around his waist and her chin on his shoulder, it had been long since they had ridden this way. I did not feel their passing, they could not be dead. thought Aurel.
Legolas mounted the smaller lighter colored horse named Arod and helped Gimli up.
Farewell, and may you find what you seek! cried Eomer. Return with what speed you may, and let our swords thereafter shine together!
Aragorn gave a warm smile, I will come. In that fashion they parted and rode towards were the smoke was bellowing.
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The stench was unmistakable, and the sight was even more wrenching than they could have imagined. Aurel jumped off the horse and walked over to the burning bodies. The smell made her sick and she turned her head away. They searched high and low through and around the area where the mound was smoltering, searching well into the nightfall, they were in low spirits, for they had found no trace of Merry and Pippin.
We can do no more. said Gimli looking at the burning orcs.. I would guess that the burned bones of the hobbits are now mingled with the Orcs'. It will be hard news on Frodo, if he lives to hear it, and hard too for the old hobbit who waits in Rivendell. Elrond was against their coming.
But Gandalf was not. pointed out Legolas.
But Gandalf chose to come himself, and he was the first to be lost. His foresight failed him.
Aurel stood by Aragorn, thinking about Gandalf, and the possible death of the hobbits lowered her hopes. Annoyed by what Gimli spoke of Aragorn responded. The counsel of Gandalf was not founded on foreknowledge of safety, for himself or for others. There are some things better started before being refused, though the end may be dark. We will not leave this place yet. In any case, we must wait here until the light of dawn.
They found a place not far from the battle field to camp for the night, and Gimli shivered in the cold of night. Aurel gave her blanket to him, each had brought only one, and she really did not need hers. He thanked her and insisted on making a fire, he boasted about not fearing Orc. Legolas commented on how a fire might attract the little hobbits if they were out there somewhere, but Aragorn denied them both. His was the wise choice, for he knew that the fire may attract other things besides Orcs or Hobbits. Little discussion was had otherwise, and finally they took some rest for the night. Aragorn and Legolas had fallen asleep almost right away, but Gimli was still mildly awake, clutching at his ax as if it were another blanket, and Aurel was standing at the very edge of the trees they slept under, looking into the darkness as if she could hear something. The trees were speaking to one another. She looked back at her companions and noticed that most were asleep and decided that she too should try and rest. As she sat herself down next to Legolas she caught a glimpse of something. It was an old man, leaning on a staff, wearing a great cloak, he wore a hat the covered his eyes. She immediately stood and so did Gimli, for both had seen, Gimli in weariness did not shout out, but their sudden movement woke Legolas and Aragorn. Startled, Aragorn spoke.
What is it old man? asked Aragorn, he started to walk towards him but the old man seemed to vanish and Aurel began to search for him. Aragorn and her both walked to where the old man had been standing just moments ago. Confused, but then alarmed when Legolas shouted out that the horses had gone. All said nothing for a while, and stood there not knowing what to do or how to understand how such bad luck followed them everywhere they went. Well, they are gone, there is nothing we can do. We started on our feet and we shall have to continue that way. said Aragorn.
cried Gimli, But we cannot eat them as well as walk on them! He practically threw himself on the ground while he grumbled and Aurel became amused, looking over to Legolas who also had the same playful gleam in his eyes.
Only a few hours ago you were unwilling to sit on a horse of Rohan. You will make a rider yet. said Legolas in a playful tone.
It seems I will never get the chance. He said crossing his arms, not finding the situation humorous at all.
I will take watch. said Aragorn. I have more need of thought than sleep....get some rest. he said to his companions. But Aurel could not sleep and she only accompanied Aragorn, while Legolas stayed behind with Gimli.
Aragorn sat down and Aurel mimicked his actions. He kept his stare ahead and began to speak in a lower tone than he had used before. He said, his eyes searching for words to say, thinking. I have come to realize that you deserve an apology from me.
Aurel looked at him curiously, she did not see the need for it.
The things I said to you in the caves of Moria, were cruel. All the while, I was trying to convince the others that you were indeed strong enough to accompany us, when I myself did not believe it. Still sometimes, I do not believe it, but that is only when I am very weary and lose some sense of reality. I see you always as the one who took care of me when my birth mother died, I do not see you as a fighter or warrior. I try to understand that which I could not possibly understand. You are no easy riddle to unfold. I should not have treated you as I did then. Will you forgive me? He turned his face to look at her. Aurel was looking down at her hands, and then met his gaze giving a slow nod. He seemed releaved at her response at let out a great sigh, and he kept watch for the rest of the night as she fell asleep as the others had done.
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It is cold this morning. said Gimli while stretching to ease him muscles a bit. He stood up from the ground he had slept on and began to wave his arms and stamp his feet. Where have the elves gone? He asked looking around.
They woke long before you Gimli and began their search right away. said Aragorn, who had made some type of food to eat.
I will never get accustomed at how little food and rest they take. said Gimli walking over and sneaking a peak at what Aragorn was cooking.
Aurel and Legolas had awoke with the sunrise, and had already begun the search once more for the little hobbits. Tracing over where they had the day before to make sure that they had not missed anything. Have you heard the trees?
Legolas nodded his head while looking into the forest. They quietly speak to one another.
I have never travelled this far, I have heard tales of the forests of old, how the trees spoke to one another and roamed about as freely as you and I do now. I never thought them completely true, what have you heard?
Legolas shook his head. Nothing more than you, I too have not roamed as freely as I would have liked to.
Why not?
He gave her an exasperated look. You are nieve for your age Aurel.
No need for that. She said walking past him examining the grass. I was asking in sincere curiosity, not so that you could make a mock of me.
I am heir to the throne. I have other things that need attending to, my personal desires and wants are second to anything else.
Do you have a choice in the matter? Is that what you wish for, to rule your father's kingdom?
Legolas chuckled to himself. Whenever has there been a choice when it comes to that? I am the eldest, I must do it.
Then you are not given a choice? She looked at him. How sad, if the case was that you did not want to be heir to the throne, which I suspect it is, for you would not have answered me so strangely before. One of her braids had come lose and with a slight breeze unraveled it, she quickly braided it and tied it back. Legolas only stood there watching her. She smiled, You should be searching, not staring.
How is it that you do that?
Do what?
I am easily unraveled to you, as easily as you could undo one of the braids in your hair, that is what your words do to me, in instants I am an open book to you and I only have to say few words for you to read me. They stared instensely at one another for a few more moments before Aurel broke it and continued to search.
Aragorn went back to the pile of bodies, studying the ground, trying to find anything, when all at once he dropped to ground and put his face in the grass it seemed. He began to crawl and then stopped. Here at last we find news! He cried.
All the others ran up to where he was, bending forward to see what Aragorn had discovered. Here is a Mallorn-leaf of Lorien, and there are some crumbs on it, and a few more crumbs in the grass. And look, there are some pieces of cut cord nearby!
Gimli found a hidden knife in the ground, it looked like it had smashed into the ground by someone's heavy foot. And here is the knife that cut them! said Gimli, as he examined the knife, It was an orc weapon. Aurel looked at the knife, and she frowned.
She looked over to Legolas who looked like he was greatly amused. Well, here is the strangest riddle of all!...A bound prisoner escapes both from orcs and the surrounding horsemen. He then stops, while still in the open, and cuts his bonds with an orc-knife. But how and why? For if his legs were tied, how did he walk? And if his arms were tied, how did he use the knife? And if neither were tied, why did he cut the cords at all? Being pleased with his skill, he then sat down and quietly ate some waybread! That at least is enough to show he was a hobbit, without the mallorn-leaf. After that I suppose, he turned his arms into wings, and flew away singing into the trees, it should be easy to find him, we only need wings ourselves!
Why do you make jest of the findings? asked Aurel who grew tempered by his sarcasm.
He only smirked at her and crossed his arms. Gimli ignored Legolas, which was not uncommon and looked to Aragorn for an answer, and he did have one, explaining what he thought had happened. His conclusion that the hobbits had been led into Fangorn forest. All four stood looking at the edge of the forest, none had good feelings about it, especially Gimli. Aurel thought of what she had heard the night before when they had made camp. She had heard the trees speak, but of what, she was not sure.
Let us go into the Forest. Said Aragorn
"The air is close here," Gimli said, he took a tighter grip of his axe as he looked upwards in fear and awe.
"This forest is old, very old." Legolas whispered, he seemed to be listening for something. "It is so old that I almost feel young again."
Aurel looked Legolas's way, It is full of memory. She thought.
Legolas looked up and listened carefully to the trees. And anger. Their eyes locked for a moment as they both realized they had communicated through thought without meaning to, she nodded, as the anger mounted.
As the feeling of anger grew, Aurel searched for the cause. She found it right in front of her. Gimli, it was Gimli's axe! His fear had overrun his awe and he was ready to swing at anything that blocked his way.
"The trees are speaking to each other!" a tinge of reverence and fear could be heard in Legolas's voice as he said that. Aurel managed to get Aragorn's attention as she pointed at Gimli's axe. At first Aragorn did not understand, but soon, he too was feeling the tension build, as slow creaks could be heard.
"Gimli!" Aragorn said sternly, making a wave of his hand.
Lower you axe! Gimli huffed and lowered it a little.
Legolas looked around. They have feelings my friend. The elves started it; waking up the trees, teaching them how to speak.
Gimli snorted. Talking trees? What do trees have to talk about? Except the consistency of squirrel droppings?! He exclaimed amused with himself. Aurel found herself inwardly laughing at what he had just said, while Legolas looked annoyed.
Suddenly the tension built up once more. Aragorn! nad no ennas! (Something is out there)
Aurel turned to find that she also felt the presence, though, she could not see anything yet. She put her hand on the hilt of her sword.
Man Cenich? said Aragorn squinting his eyes, trying to catch what Legolas was looking at.
He looked at Aragorn as he readied his bow to let an arrow fly. Aragorn unsheathed his sword as did Aurel, Gimli raised his axe, they were all readied and in stance.
"Do not let him speak. He will cast a spell upon us! We must be quick!" Aragorn warned.
An old man appeared before them. Well met my friends. He said, I wish to speak to you. He began to walk closer to them.
Now! Stop him Legolas! shouted Gimli.
The voice seemed to float like the light, and Aurel found that she no longer felt threatened but invited. She sheathed her sword. Legolas, though he also felt the same peace that Aurel did, did not lower his bow. Did I not say that I wished to speak to you? Put away that bow Master Elf. said the old man.
At once Legolas released his hold on both bow and arrow and they fell to ground, his arms hung loose at his sides.
And you Master Dwarf! Please take your hand from your axe until I am closer. You will not need such defenses. The old man walked closer, and Gimli lowered his axe. Now everyone stood there, weary of the old man. Well met, I say again! He looked at the four companions and smiled, his gaze remained upon Aurel, And what may you be doing in these parts? Two elves, a Man and a dwarf, all in Elvish fashion. No doubt there is a tale worth hearing behind it all. Such things are not often seen here.
You speak as one who knows Fangorn well. said Aragorn. Is that so?
Not well. said the old man. That would be the study of many lives. But I come here now and again.
Might we know your name, and then hear what it is that you have to say to us? said Aragorn,
The morning passes and we have an errand that will not wait.
As for what I wished to say, I have said it, what may you be doing, and what tale can you tell of yourselves? As for my name! He began to laugh softly to himself. The companions all began to feel something strange at hearing his laugh, and Aragorn could not help but shudder, not out of fear, but out of surprise.
