A/N: Hey, everyone! I'm struggling a bit as I fill in the gaps of storyline with this reboot. Thoughts on this chapter would be greatly appreciated, as always : ) Thanks for your patience!
The air felt different as soon as they had entered inside of the forest. Thicker and heavier. It made Rahlsma feel quite closed in, a sensation she did not like at all, and caused her to long for the open spaces of the valley. But she pushed down such feelings, instead focusing on keeping her eyes constantly scanning the woods around them as she rode behind Gandalf.
Gandalf's hat had been knocked off twice before the tall Wizard, mumbling to himself, removed it and placed it on his lap instead. Still, he often had to lean down in order to avoid being scratched in the face or poked in his eye. Eventually, with a mutter of 'confound it all,' he swung one long leg over the back of his ride and resigned himself to walk.
Rahlsma, too, climbed down, despite the fact that she was much shorter than her companion and was therefore not having the same problem. But it did not seem right to her to ride on when he could not. They had not been travelling on foot long when the young woman stopped suddenly, turning her gaze to the left and then remaining perfectly still, one hand on the hilt of one of her swords strapped to her back.
Gandalf took a few steps more before he sensed the lack of movement behind him, stopped, and watched Rahlsma closely. He waited to speak until she looked at him.
"Is everything alright?" he asked.
"I thought I heard something, but…" she let the rest of her sentence hang in the air as she turned and looked into the thick woods once more.
"Hmm," Gandalf hummed. "Perhaps you did, but either way, we should keep moving."
She nodded and they continued on.
Having to continue on foot greatly slowed their progress, a fact that weighed on them both heavily now that the hospitality of Grimbeorn seemed far behind them and their destination was so close, yet felt so far away. Rahlsma, always cautious, became increasingly twitchy the further down the path they travelled, her hand often resting on her knife's handle as she walked. Their surroundings were eerily quiet, but when there was a noise or the hint of a shadow passing by, the woman could not help but imagine one of the great spiders creeping along beside them.
Unable to see the sun and not knowing their current path, Rahlsma wondered how long they had been travelling and how much further they were to go but resisted the urge to ask. She could sense the sour mood and did not wish to bicker with the Wizard and become distracted. Instead, she continued her diligent watch of the woods as she followed her companion deeper and deeper into this place she had no desire to be.
The fact that Aragorn was somewhere here was the only reason she had agreed to come this way at all.
"Ah," Gandalf said, interrupting her thoughts. "The path seems to open up a bit ahead. Perhaps we can ride for a time, if we are fortunate."
They rounded a slight bend and Rahlsma saw that the trees here did not hang so low. Gandalf remounted and Rahlsma followed his lead.
"The hat may still be a bit too tall," she reminded him, with a nod towards his head.
He smiled and winked at her as he removed it and once more sat it on his lap instead. She reached into her saddle bag and offered him a small piece of dried meat, which he accepted, before she bit into her own.
"Hmm, tasty," he said to himself as they began to ride once more, slower than their typical pace of late, but still better than walking on foot.
Some of the tension seemed to dissipate, at least a little, perhaps from their salty snack or from the perceived safety of being back on horseback. But nonetheless, Rahlsma remained on edge as they rode through many hours made longer by the lack of sunlight and any way to track the time. Every now and then, she continued to hear sounds in the forest that she hoped were just some animal, though they never saw another living creature. Other times, she sensed someone's presence, but neither saw nor heard any sign of a person.
"Do you think they know we are here?" she asked Gandalf, after once again thinking someone – or something – was nearby and watching them.
He looked at her and raised his bushy eyebrows but said nothing.
Soon they could hear the low sound of moving water; it had been a very long time since that sound brought such relief to Rahlsma. The corner of her mouth twitched up, and they both quickened their horses' pace to as quick as they dared on the small path in such a dangerous place. The sound grew louder until they found themselves at the river's edge.
"I have never seen such dark water," Rahlsma noted as she dismounted and, with great care, stepped towards the obstacle that now blocked their way.
"Be cautious," Gandalf warned, though he had already reminded her of the water's danger as they approached and knew she would heed his words. The threat of endless sleep and stolen memories was a strong deterrent.
"Curious," was all she said in response. "It does not seem to smell strange. Ancient magic, perhaps?"
"Perhaps," he answered, glancing around them.
Rahlsma had crouched down to better investigate their current situation and suddenly became aware that three figures were now observing them from the opposite bank. She had not heard their approach nor noticed them just a moment before. She stood while taking in as much information as possible. Three woodland Elves, clad in greens and browns. All armed, but no weapons drawn or aimed. They had been expecting them.
"The trees seemed to have slowed your arrival, Mithrandir," one of the elves spoke loudly across the river.
Rahlsma glanced at her companion and was surprised to see the hint of a smile on his face.
"When you have existed as long as I have, Legolas Greenleaf," the wizard responded, "perhaps you will better understand just how much of a virtue patience can be."
The one called Legolas laughed. "It is good to see you again. My father will greatly appreciate your aid with the matter at hand."
He gestured to the other two elves, who bent behind a nearby bush and produced a small boat. They put it in the river, nimbly climbed in without touching the water as Legolas held it steady, then the two began paddling across.
"What about the horses?" Rahlsma asked him.
"They will be brought to a nearby area to be safely led across, Rahlsma, friend to Mithrandir and Aragorn." When the woman looked uncertain, he added, "I assure you, they are in good and capable hands."
"For your sake, they better be," she mumbled as she helped pull the boat onto the shore, looking warily at its inhabitants as they hopped out.
Gandalf lay his hand on her shoulder. "Do not be rude. And do not worry, we can trust them."
"You trust everyone," she countered, running her hand over Muineth's muzzle, then whispering to her in elvish before handing her reigns to one of the Elves.
She helped Gandalf into the boat, waited until he had sat and then pushed it further into the water before jumping in behind him and picking up a paddle. She rowed them across with no problems then watched from her seat as Legolas offered his arm in assistance to Gandalf, then pulled the boat up further by himself. She scaled its side on her own before anyone could offer her a hand. Legolas began to drag their transport back to its hiding spot but Rahlsma grabbed the end and, with her help, it was returned behind the bush from which it had emerged earlier.
"Rahlsma," Gandalf began, "may I formally introduce you to Legolas, son of Thranduil, and Prince of Greenwood."
She nodded respectfully, noting that the name Mirkwood must not be used by the Elves who live there.
"Welcome to the great wood," he said to her, palm over his heart. "Aragorn informed us that Mithrandir may be accompanied by you. Our scouts were surprised that you seemed to sense their presence. And you know our tongue?"
"Yes," she replied. "I have spent some time in Rivendell."
Legolas nodded and looked at her like he imagined there was much more to this story.
"Come, I will lead you both to the halls of my father."
The forest felt safer on this side of the Enchanted River, but still Rahlsma did not lower her guard. They were not on the path long before it began to slowly curve northwards, and they moved this direction until it widened little by little and eventually led to the bridge across the Forest River and, just beyond that, the main gate. Rahlsma paused before crossing the bridge and looked up at the mountain before them.
"Surprised to see elves making their home in a mountain?" Legolas asked, reading the expression on her face.
"I knew it was so," she replied, glancing at him only briefly before returning her gaze upward. "But it is still somewhat strange to behold."
They crossed the bridge, Legolas in the lead, and walked through the gate the guards quickly opened for them.
"That is understandable. But it has proven a strong defense for us over many long years." He paused and glanced back at the two he now led into the front passage. "And against many shadows."
Gandalf nodded. "All the more reason we are grateful for your gracious hospitality." Still behind their guide, the Wizard raised his eyebrows at Rahlsma, as if to remind her to act accordingly. She made a face at him but nodded almost imperceptibly.
The tunnel curved a couple of times, then opened up into the large main hall. Despite being under a mountain, it did not feel rugged or dwarf-like but was adorned in an earthy, elvish style. Though not as elegant as Lothlorien or as ornate as Rivendell, Rahlsma still caught her breath at the beauty of it. It was a quiet sound, but Legolas heard it and one corner of his mouth twitched up.
The woman stood taller and pulled back her shoulders as they approached the great throne near the back of the room. When they stopped in front of it, they all bowed their heads before the tall king sitting before them.
"As you have requested, father, I have brought Mithrandir to you with haste. His companion is Rahlsma, sent by Aragorn to alert the wizard of the creature's capture."
"Very good," King Thranduil spoke, his voice reminding Rahlsma of Elrond, though she also noted how similar in appearance this Elf and his son were. "We typically prefer to keep to our own affairs, but as our current prisoner is not really our own, I am glad that you have arrived to see to the creature."
"Your willingness to hold him, as well as your hospitality to us, is much appreciated," said Gandalf, with another respectful tip of his head. "I would speak with him at once, as soon as I have conferred with Aragorn about the situation."
"Very well. The evening meal is about to be served. Legolas will accompany you to your table, as I am sure he would much rather dine with our adventuring visitors than at his usual place near his father." His words sounded harsh, but there was a twinkle in his eyes.
"As you wish," Legolas replied, barely containing a chuckle as he turned from the throne and gestured for them to follow him once more.
The far side of the great hall was filled with wooden tables and benches, and at one of them sat Aragorn. Legolas led them towards him, and the man stood as he saw them approach. Rahlsma regarded him, grateful that he seemed better rested and cared for than the last time she had seen him less than a fortnight before.
He greeted the Wizard first, the old friends grasping opposite forearms and patting one another on the shoulder.
"It is good to see you, Mithrandir," Aragorn said, his smile wide.
"I couldn't agree more, my friend. I know this quest has been a long one, but I thank you for your sacrifice and labor."
The man accepted this praise with a humble nod, then turned towards Rahlsma. He opened his arms to her and gave her a quick hug before she pulled back and he rested two calloused hands on her shoulders.
"I knew you could find him and bring him to me quickly," he told the young woman. He turned her slightly one way, then the other before adding, "And all in one piece, too."
She rolled her eyes. "There has been absolutely no one to fight, Aragorn. Not even a stray orc. I am beginning to bore."
"How terrible" he chuckled, shaking her playfully. "Come and sit. I am sure you are both hungry from the journey."
"You know me," Rahlsma quipped, sitting next to Aragorn on the bench. Legolas and Gandalf sat across from them, and the young woman immediately began to eat what had been placed in front of her.
Gandalf, not touching his food, leaned forwards. "Has Gollum given you any information?"
"Nothing too useful, I am afraid," Aragorn said with a sigh. "He has mumbled occasionally about Bilbo, and losing his precious, which seem to confirm Bilbo's accounts. But anytime I tried to breach the subject of Mordor, he refused to speak. I was hesitant to say too much…his body is not the only slippery thing about him."
Rahlsma swallowed a large mouthful of bread. "If talking doesn't work, I am sure I can find a way to be a bit more persuasive."
"If what I fear is true, then the poor creature has been tortured enough, Rahlsma," Gandalf said firmly, narrowing his eyes at the woman. "And you of all people should not be so quick to jump to violence as a solution."
She stopped her fork halfway to her mouth and lowered it back to her plate.
"I of all people am quick to do what is necessary to survive," she spat, glaring across the table. "You have lived many years and know much beyond my grasp, but do not for a second think that means you understand what my life has been like."
Their table grew silent, Legolas's widened eyes moving between the woman and the Wizard. Gandalf opened his mouth as if to speak, but then closed it once again before taking a deep breath. Aragorn looked at Rahlsma, a strange, almost pained expression on his face.
"You are right," Gandalf finally said, to everyone's surprise. Saying he was wrong was not a usual habit of his. "Forgive me. I only meant that as we face whatever evil may be ahead, we must all be cautious not to be altered by it."
Rahlsma snorted but said nothing as she raised her fork and began to eat again.
Aragorn cleared his throat. "Since you do not seem hungry, Mithrandir, perhaps I could take you to the prisoner now while Rahlsma finishes her dinner." Before she could argue, he turned to the woman next to him and added, "I am sure Legolas would not mind showing you around afterwards, since this is your first time here. Wouldn't you like to see where Bilbo made his grand escape?"
Rahlsma glanced at the prince across from her and then looked into Aragorn's eyes. She was curious about this creature Gollum, but she was still hungry and did not wish to be a bother to Aragorn who had been travelling so long on his recent task of Mithrandir's. She looked at the Wizard and realized that her desire for some time away from him was currently stronger than any of her other wants. A fake smile emerged on her face.
"A tour of Mirkwood's royal halls with the Prince himself?" She watched the Elf's face shift slightly at her choice of names, though he said nothing. "How could I possibly refuse?" Then she looked at Aragorn pointedly while taking another bite.
"You don't mind?" He asked Legolas as he stood.
"Of course not," the Elf said with a polite smile, and Rahlsma wondered if it was genuine. "It would be my pleasure."
Aragorn lay a heavy hand on the woman's shoulder. "Try not to get into any trouble." And then, quieter and closer, "This is neither the time nor place for it."
She nodded but then smirked up at him. "Trouble? Me?"
