Hi guys, sorry that it took so long! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Behind them the Hall emptied as Mÿne parted from Legolas' arms. She walked over to the wall of the Masion of Meduseld and stood on her toes to look through the windows.
"It's almost empty now." she said and she turned to look at Legolas, who had stood up too. He pulled up his hood too and looked at the far distant. She joined him and together they looked at the people that found their way home. They talked for a while. About the journey, about the places they wanted to visit, about the feast... She often took his hand and enjoyed the feeling of it. It was so strange to have these feelings for someone. He sometimes gave her a small reassuring and nice squeeze and together they stared to the dark horizon.
When some time had passed Aragorn came to join them. He was filling his pipe with weed and he lit it. Mÿne reluctantly let go of Legolas' hand. She didn't want to tell Aragorn just yet.
Aragorn gave her a smile and passed his pipe. She eagerly took it and blew out smoke.
"What is it? What do you see?" she asked as Legolas suddenly squinted his eyes.
"I'm not sure." he said, "But I have this peculiar feeling..."
"Is it good? Bad?" she asked as she looked upon his face once more.
"The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the east. A sleepless malice." he said as he stared into the far distant. "The Eye of the enemy is moving..."
Mÿne gave the pipe back to Aragorn and looked at him, her gaze full of thoughts. They nodded in understanding to each other and waited until Legolas could tell them more.
"It is here." and Legolas looked alarmed, staring at them both.
They ran into the Mansion, past Eowyn and turned left to a common dormitory, where Mÿne's friends were staying. They slammed the door open and rushed inside. What Mÿne saw was horrific. Pippin was holding the palantír. Fire seemed to lick on its round features. Pippin had an expression of pain on his face and he seemed to be screaming, but without sound. He was twirling and stretching in different ways. Ways that weren't possible for a normal body. Aragorn scurried over to him and grabbed the palantír from Pippin. It had a weird affect on Aragorn, making him slump to the ground unconscious for some reason. The Palantír rolled away on the stony floor. Legolas held Aragorn and placed him carefully on the ground while Mÿne rushed over to Pippin. She placed his head in her lap as Gandalf, who had woken up, threw his cloak over the orb. Mÿne stroke carefully over Pippin's head. It was all sweaty and cold. His eyes were open, but stared off into the nothingness before him.
"Fool of a Took!" Mÿne heard. Gandalf marched over to them and pushed Merry away. He took Pippins hand and and placed his other on his head that rested on Mÿne's lap. He started to mutter words Mÿne couldn't understand. Pippin started to gasp for air suddenly and looked around, bewildered. His eyes fell on Gandalf and he started to mutter apologies. His gaze avoided Gandalf's eyes then, trying to squirm their way out of his stare.
"Look at me." Gandalf said as he turned Pippins head to himself, forcing attention. "What did you see?" Pippin tried to avoid his gaze again, but soon gave up. Mÿne felt him tremble on her knees.
"A tree..." he started, " A white tree in a courtyard of stone... It was dead...and burning. The whole city was burning!"
Realisation hit Gandalf and he shook Pippin eagerly. "Minas Tirith? Is that what you saw?"
Minas Tirith, city of Men. It was famous for its White Tree of descendants of the Old Kings. Of course Sauron would lay his hands on it. Edoras was far out of reach for him with Saruman destroyed. Minas Tirith was Saurons gate to the Free Lands. After that, only Edoras stood in his way but it would be wiped out swiftly. With the Battle of Helms Deep, there was no more forces to defend Rohan. Gandalf urged Pippin to speak further. Pippin looked pained, but Mÿne doubted it was because of Gandalf. The dread in his eyes could only come from something with great evil...or someone.
"I saw... I saw him!" Pippin exclaimed fearful, "I could hear his voice in my head." and Pippin trembled again. He shut his eyes and Gandalf had too get his attention again.
And what did you tell him? Speak!" he boomed.
Fear crept back in Pippins eyes.
"He asked me my name, I didn't answer. He hurt me!" Pippin said. Gandalf's eyes widened as he grabbed Pippin firmly.
"What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?"
Mÿne's heart leapt into her throat. The Ring. Frodo. Their mission! If Sauron was to find out, all was for nothing. He would send his Black Riders through all Middle Earth. They would find it...and kill Frodo. Mÿne watched as Pippin seemed to think.
"N-Nothing." he stuttered. "I didn't tell him anything. The pain was too hard to utter a single word."
Gandalf stood up, satisfied with his answer.
"Go to bed, Peregrin Took. You have been foolish, but brave." after that he left the room.
Mÿne helped him up and guided him to his bed. Pippin crawled underneath his blankets and pulled them up to his nose. The fear still lingered in his eyes.
"Sleep Pippin." she shushed him and she stroke his hair. "Let the night take you back in its soft arms."
"I cannot." Pippin said and he watched Merry, who seemed to drag his bag of hay towards them. "I can only think of... of it. That eye...That voice. The pain."
"There is none here who would harm you. See, your friend Merry has already come to aid you..." and she smiled as Merry flopped down on his bed. He propped up his arms and looked at Pippin.
"Honestly Pip..." he said as he shook his head. Pippin gave him a small smile and soon Mÿne left the room too. She could use some rest herself.
But in the Hall stood Gandalf. He sat on the bench-like bed Eowyn had first slept on. She was gone though and Mÿne assumed she had moved to her own room. She eyed Gandalf for a moment, who was smoking a pipe and staring into the smouldering fire before him. He was murmuring to himself in small faint whispers. Mÿne approached him softly.
"Gandalf?" she asked wearily. He didn't seem to hear her, he kept on staring into the ashes before them. Mÿne decided to take place next to him. Only moments later he noticed her.
"It's a relieve he hasn't said anything about Frodo or the Ring." he said solemnly, "Fool of a took..."
"A relieve indeed." she agreed, "On the other hand, we hadn't known about Minas Tirith if he hadn't picked up the Palantír. It gives us an advantage. Be it even small..."
Gandalf nodded, "Yes my dear. But for how long? The enemy is swift and Minas Tirith is unprepared."
"Then we should warn them."
A silence fell. Mÿne gave up on receiving an answer and stood up.
"We'll talk about this in the morning, my dear." Gandalf said, "Sleep now. While you can." Mÿne nodded and took off, to the stairs that led her to Eowyn's room.
When she opened the door she wasn't surprised to see Eowyn asleep. With great afford Mÿne manage to slip out of the dress she had wore this evening. She crawled under the covers. But sleep did not come. She thought about Minas Tirith. Of the people there that slept peacefully, without knowing the danger that hung above their heads. Danger that reeked of death and fire.
The moment she woke up it was still a little bit dark outside. Night was slowely fading, making room for a faint dawn. Mÿne turned around to see Eowyn still asleep. So peaceful and full of rest. Mÿne siled softly while she crept out of bed. She dressed herself in her Ranger get-up and grabbed her pipe and weed from her bag. She stuck it in the space between her body and belt and walked over to the mirror. For someone who hadn't slept that long she looked fine. She pulled a hand through her hair before she headed for the Hall. None was there yet when she arrived so she crossed it and went outside. The chilly morning made her smile. Some of the people were already awake. Drunk men going home from the small pubs, bakers that started their daily business, soldiers that took over the watch... Mÿne set down at the steps of Meduseld and lightened her pipe with the fire next to her. She nodded a greeting to the guards and stared into the view before her. Slowely light turned night into day and when she went back inside the whole city of Edoras was awake. The ashes in the Hall had been revived to a roaring flame and bread and fruit was served on the tables. Mÿne was pleased to see Aragorn sitting at one of them. She walked over to him and sat beside him.
"Good morning," she said and she pulled a wooden plate towards herself. "Did you sleep well?"
Aragorn swallowed his bread and shrugged. "I've slept better. My dreams were dark. But they're dreams. I'm not scared of them."
"A wise thing..." Mÿne murmured as she poured herself some goats milk. She gulped it down and broke off some bread. She stuffed it in her mouth and gathered some fruits. She didn't notice their third companion at the table until she heard him speak.
"Gandalf has urged a meeting after breakfast. It is about Minas Tirith."
Mÿne looked up and was met by a pair of piercing blue eyes. Legolas smiled mysteriously at her and Mÿne felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. She hadn't forget about yesterday. About the soothing night sky. About Legolas' lips. About the kiss they had shared. His embrace, warm and comfortable. Only thinking of it made Mÿne almost choke on her bread. She hid her face and avoided his eyes.
"We will be there." Aragorn said, nodding. He stood up to make room for Legolas and disappeared outside.
For a moment Mÿne did not know what to say. She just watched her own wooden plate and played around with the grapes on it.
"Are you feeling well?" Legolas asked her, "You do not speak as often as normal."
Mÿne nodded, "I'm feeling well, thank you."
"Then what is troubling you?"
"It's...nothing." she said and she softly smiled when she felt his hand on her leg. That warm feeling, that little subtle squeeze... It felt so nice and she welcomed every sense of it. She gathered the courage to look at him and was met with a warm gaze. She placed her hand over his and leaned over to him. She munched on her piece of bread and enjoyed the moment. Until more people came into the Hall. She crept back to her own place on the table and finished her breakfast. Mÿne was about to get up from the table, to smoke outside when she felt a small peck on her cheek. She turned around to face Legolas, but he had turned his attention back to his food. With a smile on his lips.
The meeting started after the Hall was emptied. The remains of the Fellowship had gathered, and the King with his guards. Eowyn was prohibited to come, to her dismay. Gandalf sighed after he had told the King what had happened.
"There was no lie in Pippins eyes. A fool, but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing about Frodo or the Ring." and he gave Pippin a quick stare. Pippin turned his gaze back to the stone floor, still ashamed.
"We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron means to strike the city of Minas Tirith. His defeat at Helms Deep him one thing: he knows the heir of Ellendil has come forth." and he nodded to Aragorn, who stood at one of the pillars.
"Men are not so weak as he supposed," and Mÿne thought he was glancing her way, "there is courage still, strength perhaps enough to challenge him. Sauron fears this. He will not risk the people of the Free Lands of Middle-Earth to be united under one banner." Gandalf turned to the King as he tried to make his point. The King looked stoically back at him.
"He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a King return to the throne of Men. When the beacons are lit, Rohan must be ready for war!"
The King seemed to think about this and a dark expression grew on his face.
"Tell me...Why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"
Mÿne felt her jaw drop in disbelieve. How could he say something like that! He refused to send out riders for aid in Helms Deep himself! Mÿne closed her mouth, realizing it was rude and she crossed her arms. Legolas, who stood next to her laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. An angry silence fell, each and everyone of them taking in Théodens words.
"I will ride." one of them said. Mÿne turned around to look at Aragorn. Of course, it was his city after all. He was going to become King of it, if he was to chose that path. Gandalf dismissed the idea almost immediately. He shook his head and walked through the hall. When he passed Aragorn he whispered quickly something in his ear. Aragorns face turned into a small scowl. His eyes showed a mystery to Mÿne. She wished she could hear what Gandalf had said to him, but she knew it was rude to ask for it. She decided to put her own opinion into this matter, for the talking seemed to be done.
"They must be warned." she pressed. "Minas Tirith is now unaware of this matter. They will be crushed."
She could feel the gaze of the King on her and she ignored it. If he didn't want to help, fine. But she would not let this matter pass unheeded. In the back of her mind Boromir's words returned to her. About his city. About his people. About her promise. Gandalf nodded at her comment and turned to all of them.
"Understand this: things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith." his gaze swept over them as an eagle and he rested on Pippin.
"And I will not be going alone." Pippin seemed to cower at those words and he shifted his eyes back to the ground.
"I will ride with you." Mÿne said as she stepped forward. She saw Gandalf turn and gaze at her. With a small satisfied smile he nodded.
Mÿne returned to Eowyns room to gather her belongings. If they wanted to reach Minas Tirith in time, they had to move quickly. The sooner, the better. She picked up her bag and looked around the room. There wasn't much that was hers. She had her ranger outfit, her pipe and weed, her sword... She felt like she missed something. Her bow. She had left it at Helms Deep. It had broke during the battle and sadly Mÿne hadn't found one yet that could replace it. She hoisted up her quiver with arrows on her shoulder. Maybe she would find a good bow at Minas Tirith. The door opened and Eowyn entered the room. She looked still angry because she wasn't allowed at the meeting, but seeing Mÿne packing her stuff got her attention.
"You're leaving." she stated.
"Yes, I will ride to Minas Tirith with Gandalf and Pippin."
"What about Lord Aragorn? The Elf and the Dwarf?" Eowyn asked cautious.
"They will stay." Mÿne answered. Eowyn eased a bit. A silence fell. It felt weird to leave Edoras again. In a way it had felt familiar and comfortable to her.
"First, before you leave...Can I ask something?" Eowyn said as she walked over to the mirror. She looked at herself and a mysterious expression grew over her face. Mÿne couldn't quite place it, but it seemed she was unhappy.
"Of course, my friend." Mÿne said as she looked at Eowyn.
"When you fought at Helms Deep...What was it like?" and a spark of energy emerged in her eyes. Mÿne sighed as she thought back to her despair, her feeling of hopelessness.
"It is nothing like what's told in stories." she said, "I felt afraid, terrified. I wasn't sure if I could stay alive, not to mention defend hundreds of people. The feeling of your nearing doom is something I will never forget. And when the battle starts...the shouting, the blood...the deaths... It is horrifying, Eowyn. It is no place for a woman."
"Yet you go to Gondor to defend their city too." Eowyn stated.
"I will ride to warn them." Mÿne corrected her. "But there's a chance we might be too late and the battle has already started. Sauron knows that we have seen his plans... He will not wait until we have arrived."
"Still..." Eowyn said, her brows knitted in a frown. "I want to come with you."
Mÿne was surprised with her request.
"No." she said, "Not only is it not in my place to decide this. It is also dangerous."
"But I can fight!" Eowyn retorted. "I will not be left alone by everyone."
"Eowyn..." Mÿne said, feeling her pain. First being ordered to tend the wounded and the people, being excluded from the meetings, now even rejected by a friend. "You are a daughter of Kings... One would not let you roam around on a battlefield. You are too important to miss."
"But you-"
"I am just a ranger, born from a family of farmers. If I would die in battle, none would miss me. I'm not important enough."
"You are to me. I would miss you." Eowyn said.
Mÿne smiled softly and embraced her. "Thank you, my friend. For everything. We will meet again, I am sure of it."
Eowyn smiled, her eyes were swimming with tears.
"Good luck to you, my friend." she said as Eowyn escorted Mÿne to the gates of the Hall.
Mÿne grabbed the saddle of Hasufel. She would take her with her on this journey. Surely Legolas could find another horse. There were spares enough. While she pulled the belts of the saddle under Hasufel she doubted. Did she really made the best decision. Was it wise? Or had it been folly? Either way, there was no way back now. She tightened the belts and sighed as she stroke Hasufel.
"What are you doing?" she heard a voice saying. A familiar voice, Legolas.
"Saddling Hasufel, as you can see." she answered. Legolas sighed behind her.
"No, I mean riding to Minas Tirith." Mÿne noticed he sounded bitter...even a bit angry? She turned around to look at him.
"I have to go, Legolas." she said as she studied his face.
"Why?" he asked. Mÿne swallowed. Was it that hard for him to see her leave? Or was it because he thought she was vulnerable? She hoped it wasn't the last one. As he could see at Helms Deep she was capable of handling herself. She struggled to answer him.
"Because..." she muttered.
"Because you feel guilty of Boromir, is it not?" he said, and now Mÿne could truly hear anger in his voice.
"I will not let his city fall! They must been warned!" she snapped at him. He sighed again as he approached her.
"Mÿne. Throughout this journey you have earned my respect and my love, but... you're not a saviour."
Mÿne felt angry herself now. She never claimed to be a saviour! Why was he being so selfish? Why didn't he understand? Her voice trembled with anger when she spoke.
"If Boromir had lived he would go. But he isn't. He's dead and I couldn't save him, so I must go. I owe it to him. The last thing I can do is to warn and try to protect his city."
"But saving it will not bring him back." Legolas retorted.
"I know that, Legolas! I know that!" she grunted, jaws clenched.
"Then why are you going to risk your own life for it?" his cheeks turned red and his eyes were icy. Mÿne could now easily tell that he was mad.
"Do you know what it's like to lie across a dying friend? To look each other in the eye when you know all is over? Do you know how it feels when you stand on the brink of death together and one may live?!" her voice turned to a harshness she'd never used before. "I could see death in his eyes, and yet he stood to save my life!" and without a further word she hoisted herself on Hasufel. She led her out of the stable and looked at Legolas one more time.
"I'm sorry. But I must try it. If I don't I will regret it forever." and without waiting for his response she rode out to the city. She could hear him shout her name but she rode further to the gate, where Gandalf waited for her.
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