Disclaimer: I do not own the people, places or plot associated with LOTR.
A/N: I am using the movie version in some places because I consider it the abbreviated version and did not set out to rewrite Tolkien's masterpiece and therefore must condense the material somehow. And the movie is a decent guide for doing so. Thank you and enjoy!
Chapter 28- When Horsepower Meant What it Said
Our horses were very swift, and I delighted in the feel of the wind against my face. Almira was clinging to me with a viselike grip. When we stopped so Aragorn could dismount and survey the ground, I jokingly remarked, "You might want to loosen your grip or I could suffocate, and then where would be?" Legolas smiled and Gimli was eyeing Almira sympathetically.
I felt her shake her head stubbornly. "I c-can't," she replied fearfully. "I'll fall."
"I promise I will not let you fall," I stated. "Squeeze with your legs and focus on keeping your bum in the saddle. I know it sounds silly because of course you think that's what you're doing. But if you tense up you aren't controlling your bouncing. A little separation from the saddle is natural, so RELAX. Trust me, it's all in your legs; besides this saddle is designed to make the rider very secure and is meant for long distance riding, similar to Western style saddles in the United States. You know the ones the cowboys used."
"Really?" Almira asked, and I felt her relax slightly.
"Really," I assured her.
"There is little to discover," Aragorn said as he returned. "The main trail is all confused with the passage of the horsemen as they came back; their outward course must have lain nearer the river. But this eastward trail is fresh and clear. There is no sign there of any feet going the other way, back towards Anduin. Now we must ride slower (I felt Almira relax even more) and make sure that no trace or footstep branches off on either side. The Orcs must have been aware from this point that they were pursued; they may have made some attempt to get their captives away before they were overtaken." (1)
We rode forward, every now and then coming upon single, fallen orcs pierced by gray arrows. It was a gloomy sight, and the overcast sky was a fitting backdrop for the unfolding scene of slaughter. In the late afternoon we finally reached the piled orc bodies. The ashes were still smoking, and the smell wafting towards us was beyond disgusting. Impaled upon a stake was a great goblin head whose broken helm bore the white hand of Saruman. I gagged. If ever I had been worried about being desensitized from the scores of action movies I'd seen, I was not now. I was having a hard time not puking. We searched long and hard, but no sign could be found of Merry and Pippin's fate as night descended.
"We can do no more," said Gimli sadly. "We have been set many riddles since we came to Tol Brandir, but this is the hardest to unravel. I would guess that the burned bodies of the hobbits are now mingled with the Orcs'. It will be hard news for Frodo, if he lives to hear it; and hard too for the old hobbit who waits in Rivendell. Elrond was against their coming." (1)
"But Gandalf was not," said Legolas. (1)
"But Gandalf chose to come himself, and he was first to be lost," answered Gimli. "His foresight failed him." (1)
"The counsel of Gandalf was not founded on foreknowledge of safety, for himself or for others," said Aragorn. "There are some things that it is better to begin than refuse, even though the end may be dark. But I shall not depart from this place yet. In any case we must here await the morning-light." (1)
We camped beneath an old tree that looked like a chestnut, whose leaves rattled mournfully in the wind. Once camp was set-up, I motioned to Almira and we went to stand a few feet away as Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas argued about whether or not to start a fire.
Deciding I was far too tired for beating around the bush, I opened with, "How have you been handling Boromir's death?"
Almira started then dropped her gaze to the ground. "I haven't," she admitted quietly. "The sight of his body haunts me and I can barely sleep. I have tried to push it from my mind by focusing on finding you and the hobbits. I was so worried that something had been messed up because you tried to save Boromir, like maybe you or the hobbits had been killed. I am just so tired of what-ifs. However, having you back has helped relieve some of that stress."
"I have not truly grieved either," I stated. "I do not think it will hit us until we have a chance to rest. We're probably both still in shock."
Almira nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. I really cannot believe he is dead…and I helped bury him, sort of."
Our conversation was cut short because Aragorn motioned for us to return. As soon as we did we drew lots. Gimli received first watch, so I made my way over to my bedroll and eased my body down gently. Legolas approached me and handed me a piece of Lembas. I took it gratefully and savored it slowly. He tilted his head subtly in the direction of Almira, a question in his eyes and I gave him a reassuring smile. 'She will be alright,' I mouthed.
"And you?" he asked softly.
I gazed into the fire, hugging myself, feeling the knots and bruises on my body. "In time," I replied softly.
Legolas kept silent, and his silence signified his acceptance of my answer. Brushing a few stray strands of hair back from my face, he blushed.
"What is it?" I asked curious as to his sudden abashment.
"Nothing…" I raised one eyebrow dubiously and he continued. "It is just your hair needs to be re-braided." Brow furrowed, I ran a hand over my disheveled braid absentmindedly. I was confused as to why this should discomfit him.
"Would you re-braid it for me?" I asked. Legolas' eyes widened and his blush deepened, plunging me further into confusion. I looked over to Aragorn who was grinning like a sinner and then back at Legolas who was glaring at him. "What? Did I offend you?"
Legolas' returned his gaze to mine and it gentled. "Nay, I will help you." He moved to sit behind me. Tilting my head back, he undid my previous braid, running his fingers through my hair several times before beginning to braid it. I flushed as I realized how intimate this act could be. The feel of his hands in my hair was soothing…and slightly sensual. And given his earlier reaction and Aragorn's, I had the wriggling suspicion that there was more to this act than I realized. Luckily the others had already lain down to sleep, save Gimli who was on watch several paces away staring into the forest. Legolas finished all too soon, and I ran a hand down it hesitantly. I could feel its complexity. Turning, the look on his face made what I had been about to say die in my throat. Self-consciously, I asked, "Does it suit?"
He just nodded. After a moment, he spoke, "Indeed, you look very elven."
"This is good, yes?"
Legolas smiled then, and as always I got a strange fluttering in my stomach. "Yes, it is."
I nodded then promptly yawned. "Rest," he urged. "You must so you can heal. I will take your watches tonight." I started to protest but he placed a finger firmly to my lips and fixed me with a stern stare.
My weary body needed no more convincing and I quickly slipped under my blanket. "Thank you," I murmured. Legolas pressed a quick kiss to my forehead before moving to his own bedroll close by. I slept deeply, until suddenly I felt a presence. Sitting up quickly, I realized two things: that the others were all sitting up and staring, and that they were staring at an old man in a wide hat and large cloak.
"Well, father, what can we do for you?" said Aragorn, leaping to his feet. "Come and be warm, if you are cold!" He strode forward and the old man vanished. Almira gasped and I blinked rapidly. Then it dawned on me: Saruman. (1)
Suddenly Legolas gave a cry. "The horses! The horses!" (1) Our horses had disappeared, and I could hear them whinnying and neighing far in the distance. My companions stood still, troubled by this occurrence and I kept my silence.
"Well, they are gone," said Aragorn at last. "We cannot find them or catch them; so that if they do not return of their own will, we must do without. We started out on our feet, and we have those still." I had to grin at Almira's obvious relief, though she was trying to seem disappointed.
"Feet!" Gimli said. "But we cannot eat them as well as walk on them." (1) I seriously hoped he was not implying he would like to eat my horse. Braith did not deserve that. Besides, yuck.
"Only a few hours ago you were unwilling to sit on a horse of Rohan," laughed Legolas. "You will make a rider yet." (1)
"It seems unlikely that I shall have the chance," Gimli muttered darkly. (1)
My eyelids were drooping at this point so I slipped quietly back to sleep. Too soon I was shaken awake by Legolas. Groggily, I ate the meager breakfast he handed me, paying little attention to the speculation of Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn concerning the events of the previous night. Once finished we searched for clues about our companions, their hearts weighed down with the fear of finding sad news while Almira and I were plagued with what-ifs.
"Here at last we have some news!" said Aragorn. (2) "A hobbit lay here, and the other. They crawled." (3)
We exchanged excited glances and followed after Aragorn as he recreated the hobbits path.
"Their hands were bound. Their bonds were cut." Aragorn announced, holding up a broken length of thick rope. "They ran over here…they were followed." (3)
Almira gave me a panicked glance, but I winked. Thankfully Gimli and Legolas were too focused on Aragorn's revelations to notice.
"The tracks lead away from the battle..." Aragorn stated excitedly and began to run as he followed the hobbits' trail, the rest of us breaking into a run as well. However we all stopped short as we reached the edge of the forest.
"One hobbit at least stood here for a while and looked back; and then he turned away into the forest," said Aragorn. (2)
"Then we must go in, too," said Gimli. "But I do not like the look of this Fangorn; and we were warned against it. I wish the chase had led anywhere else!" (2)
"I do not think the wood feels evil, whatever tales may say," said Legolas. He was leaning forward, wide eyes peering into the darkness, seemingly listening. "No, it is not evil; or what evil is in it is far away. I catch only the faintest echoes of dark places where the hearts of the trees are black. There is no malice near us; but there is watchfulness and anger." (2)
Almira and I exchanged wide-eyed glances. We could feel what Legolas was talking about. I did not pay attention to the rest of the conversation, all my concentration was bent on listening to the trees, trying to hone the sense Legolas seemed to have, though he had far more practice than I did. I snapped back to awareness when the others plunged into the forest.
We had not been in the forest long when Legolas espied an old man. He was moving slowly, walking tiredly, leaning on a rough staff. We waited silently, expectantly, held in our place by the sense of power-or menace-emanating from the stranger.
Suddenly Gimli burst out: "Your bow, Legolas! Bend it! Get ready! It is Saruman. Do not let him speak, or put a spell upon us! Shoot first!" (2)
Legolas moved as if to fit an arrow to the string of his bow, but never completed the action. He was gazing intently at the old man. And I wondered if he had figured out that the stranger was not Saruman. Almira turned to me and mouthed 'Gandalf?' I gave a curt nod and she smiled, ducking her head lest the others notice.
"Why are you waiting? What is the matter with you?" said Gimli in a hissing whisper. (2) Boy, was he in for a surprise.
"Legolas is right," said Aragorn quietly. "We may not shoot an old man so, at unawares and unchallenged, whatever fear or doubt be on us. Watch and wait!" (2)
The old man, really Gandalf, I amended silently, quickened his pace and soon stood in front of us. We stood there rather awkwardly until Gandalf broke the silence. "Well met indeed, my friends," he said in a soft voice. "I wish to speak to you." (2) He approached and Gimli urged Legolas to shoot him but Legolas only dropped his bow and arrow, seemingly without thinking. I stayed quiet as Gandalf and Aragorn spoke. I tensed as Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas attacked Gandalf and winced when Gandalf threw off his grey rags unveiling a bright white light basically owning the males of our party. Almira was standing next to me with her mouth hanging open. I sagged wearily and sighed in relief when we sat by Gandalf's feet to recount our journey thus far and to hear what had befallen him and what he had learnt since we last parted. I barely kept my eyes opened as we exchanged news. My body ached and I had recovered only marginally. It would have been worse if I was entirely human but that was cold comfort while my body was still one giant bruise.
"Come!" Gandalf said, "We have spent all the time that is allowed to a meeting of parted friends. Now there is need of haste." (2)
I nodded gratefully at Legolas as he helped me to my feet. He stayed close to me, obviously concerned, as we returned to the edge of the forest. When we once again stood under the eaves of the wood, Gandalf whistled, a clear and piercing note. Three times he did this, and then far off in the distance the sound of a whinny was heard and at long last came the sound of hooves. Soon Shadowfax and our three horses appeared. We mounted and rode with all possible haste towards Meduseld. We halted for only a few hours after night had fallen. I was asleep as soon as I cast myself upon the ground and seriously unhappy when I was roused around midnight and told we would be carrying on. As the day dawned, Edoras could be seen in the distance by those of us with elven sight. We approached the city slowly and cautiously.
After we passed through the gates Gandalf warned, "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here." (3)
We dismounted at the bottom of the stairs and were greeted by several guards once we reached the top of the steps. One of the guards stepped forward. "I am the Doorward of Théoden," he said. "Háma is my name. Here I must bid you lay aside your weapons before you enter." (2)
The other guards came forward then and I passed off my weapons, as did Legolas and Almira. I stifled a frustrated sigh at the incredulous looks the Men were giving Almira and I. She and I shared a glance that seemed to say: MEN. Aragorn held off, eyeing Háma distrustfully. Stubbornly, he refused to hand over Anduril until Gandalf managed to convince him that his sword would be just fine. Once Gimli laid down his axe we all turned to the guards expectantly.
"Your staff," Háma said. (3)
"Oh, no. You would not part an old man from his walking stick?" Gandalf wheedled cajolingly (3). Háma eyed him like he knew what he was about, but just shook his head resignedly and led us into the hall. Gandalf winked at Aragorn and I ducked my head to hide my smile. The hall was dark and dank, and I shivered. As we walked down the center aisle lined with pillars I likened the space to that of a medieval church as it possessed the same sort of overwhelming and mysterious atmosphere. We passed the hearth in the center of the room with a low fire burning and then halted not too far from the dais at the end of the hall. King Théoden was seated on the throne, and let me just say the poor guy had seen better days. He was hunched up and greatly aged, yet mighty he seemed as his eyes burned with a fierce light. Behind him stood Éowyn, taller and colder than I imagined, clad in all white; and at his feet sat Grima who looked less conspicuously evil than in the movie. However under no circumstances would you ever want to be alone with him. He still gave off massive creeper vibes. As Gandalf spoke with first Théoden then Grima I noticed Almira searching the hall. I caught her eye and shook my head. We were not going to be attacked by any evil henchmen of Grima's. She looked relieved then we both turned to stare at Gandalf when he cast of his robes and caused the hall to darken. Just about everyone in the hall jumped when there was a bright flash of light. When my eyes had re-adjusted Grima was sprawled on the ground. "That's Gandalf: 1, Grima: 0," I muttered to Almira, who gave a quiet "huzzah."
We moved aside as Gandalf and Théoden made their way out of the hall, Gandalf helping Théoden to cast off the enchantment placed upon him by Grima. "I am glad Gandalf knocked Grima out. I did not like him at all," Almira stated as we followed the wizard and the king out of the hall.
I snorted. "Who did?" Our Company kept to one side as Gandalf counseled Théoden. Suddenly Éomer appeared. "What the hell is he doing here?" Almira queried softly.
"I am not sure. Maybe Grima banished him, but he somehow got word to get back in time? In the book, he was imprisoned not banished," I explained quietly. "Hopefully this is just a small example of an alternate what-if."
Éomer presented Théoden with his sword and when he took it he seemed to regain strength and solidity he had lacked only seconds before. "Whoa," Almira and I said in unison.
It was then announced that Rohan would be going to war and the all too familiar feeling of dread settled in my stomach. "Damn," I heard Almira mutter.
"No rest for the weary," I mumbled and she nodded in grim agreement.
At that moment, Grima was dragged forward. "I've only ever served you my lord," he cried. (3)
"Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast," Théoden growled. (3)
"Send me not from your side," Grima begged. (2) When it was revealed that he could either go to war with Théoden…or go to war with Théoden he was none too pleased. I stifled a yawn as Grima tried to weasel out of going to war. I knew I should be trying to look surprised, especially when it was revealed to all that he was in league with Saruman, but all I could focus on was whether or not a hot meal was in the cards in the future.
"Ew," Almira whispered when it was revealed that Grima had been stalking Eowyn.
"For real," I said and we both shuddered.
When Grima was finally pushed to choose to ride to war or leave Edoras, he stood slowly, a malicious light in his eyes that actually really freaked me out. Grima bared his teeth then with an odd hissing sound spat at the king's feet before shoving past everyone down the stairs.
"After him!" said Théoden. "See that he does no harm to any, but do not hurt him or hinder him. Give him a horse, if he wishes it." (2)
"And if any will bear him," said Éomer. (2) Legolas snorted in agreement.
"Now my guests, come!" said Théoden. "Come and take such refreshment as haste allows." (2).
Almira, Gimli, Legolas and I lingered as the others headed back into the great hall and watched Grima depart.
"I do not believe this is the last we shall see of him," Legolas stated darkly.
"And more's the pity," Gimli agreed.
"Note to self: Never let backstabbing stalkers live."
Almira turned to me surprised as did Gimli and Legolas. "I never painted you as the bloodthirsty type," she said.
"Well you know what they say: that which does not kill you-"
"Makes you stronger?" Almira interrupted.
"Actually I was going to say that it will probably just try again," I finished dryly.
"We are of one mind," Legolas stated, his gaze still trained on the fast disappearing shape of Grima. I studied him intently, fascinated as always by how ruthless he could be. We stood in silence for a moment longer before turning and entering the hall.
We sat at the king's table, eating silently while he questioned Gandalf concerning the treachery of Saruman. I am slightly ashamed to admit that I did not care at all about what they were saying. I was simply way too happy about the hot meal I was consuming. When we had finished men appeared bearing raiment of war for the men, well males, of our company and Almira and I were led to a different chamber by a woman named Greta. Once we arrived, I noticed there was no chainmail or armor in sight. All that was laid out were two dresses. "If you will begin to disrobe, we can help you don your new garments," Greta stated.
Almira and I exchanged a glance. "Right. About that," I began, "We noticed that you have only brought dresses, and while lovely, are not exactly practical for the nature of our venture." Not too shabby, I thought. But I was wrong. The women there to help use dress looked positively scandalized.
"I assure you that these dresses are fit for riding," Greta said. "Surely you are not expecting to fight? You are traveling with men after all."
"Actually, that's exactly what we are expecting," Almira stated uneasily.
"But women cannot be warriors!" burst out one of the younger women present. Greta ent her an obvious "Be quiet" glare.
"Well, things are a little different where we come from," I explained trying not to be upset by the disapproving looks the older women were sending our way. "So if we could just get some breeches and tunics we can be on our way."
"I am afraid we do not have any for you," Greta stated pulling herself up to her full height, which was fairly impressive seeing as the Rohirric people were big people, think big-boned.
"Is that so?" Almira stated sarcastically and I elbowed her.
"Indeed," said Greta frostily.
"Fine," I said. "We will gratefully accept the dresses you have prepared for us. However, we will need some form of protection," I stated firmly, trying to make peace and compromise. I wanted new clothes. Unlike Almira's mine still smelled like orc.
Greta looked at me for a moment before saying something, which I assumed translated to 'Fetch some armor or whatever for these weirdos' (or something along those lines), to one of the younger women present who quickly disappeared.
In short order we had changed and were presented with mirrors. I had a burgundy gown on, with chainmail over that and finally a leather jerkin. Almira had a blue gown on and chainmail as well, but had opted for a simple leather bodice instead.
"It'll do," Almira said and grabbing up her weapons left without so much as a thank you or backwards glance.
"Thank you for all your help, we greatly appreciate it," I supplied though most of the women did not look convinced. Then I grabbed my weapons and dashed out of the room to catch up with Almira.
"What was that all about?" I asked to which she shot me a dark glance.
"They looked at us like we were freaks of nature, like we were completely delusional for not wanting to just stand behind our man. Ugh, it's like feminism never happened," she finished with a disgusted snort.
"To be fair it actually hasn't happened."
"I know, I know. I just expected a little less hostility. After all, as anti-family values as our participation might be, we are still trying to save the known world."
"I was a bit surprised about that myself, especially given Eowyn's obsession with honor, valor, and/or dying for the aforementioned traits. I actually find myself sympathizing with her, despite her goo-goo eyes over Aragorn."
We had entered the main hall at this point and I quickly made my way over to Legolas. The hall's inhabitants were looking at us like we had just arrived from the moon. Starting to feel more and more put out, I began grumbling. I could tell Legolas was amused and also confused at our state of dress. "They would not let me wear a tunic and leggings as they do not believe I am actually going to fight," I offered, "Despite my numerous assurances to the contrary. It took all of my might to convince them to give me the mail and jerkin that I gave up on the tunic and breeches," I complained.
"Their customs are not ours," Legolas reminded me.
"I know, I know. But still, MEN," I muttered. Legolas grinned.
Suddenly the king rose and Éowyn came forth bearing wine. "Ferthu Théoden hal!" she said. "Receive now this cup and drink in happy hour. Health be with thee at thy going and coming." (2) Théoden drank first and then she brought the cup to each of us in turn. I noticed she gazed upon Almira and I with what seemed like envy and I could sympathize. I studied her closely as she paused before Aragorn and noticed that she trembled when his hand brushed hers and I pitied her. There was just no competing with someone like Arwen. Aragorn looked troubled, the smile having fled from his face. He must have sensed her enthrallment as well. Legolas turned to me and we shared an uneasy glance as Théoden approached the doors out of the hall. It was determined Éowyn would lead the people in the king's absence. She knelt before Théoden and received from him a sword and fair corslet.
"Farewell sister-daughter!" Théoden said. "Dark is the hour, yet maybe we shall return to the Golden Hall. But in Dunharrow the people may long defend themselves, and if the battle go ill, thither will come all who escape." (2)
"Speak not so!" she answered. "A year shall I endure for every day that passes until your return." (2) Her eyes strayed to Aragorn.
"Could she be more obvious?" Almira muttered in Elvish, and I had to stifle a smile as Aragorn shifted uncomfortably and glared at Almira.
"Well, it is definitely going to be an interesting couple of days," I stated as we departed the hall. Aragorn turned to look back at Éowyn who stood alone before the doors of the house. "Eyes ahead, Aragorn" I ordered, smirking mischievously. "Do not encourage her." Aragorn flushed slightly before rolling his eyes.
"I am not encouraging her. I do not believe she can be infatuated with me already," he replied a tad huffily.
"Are you blind?" Almira asked. "Because seeing is believing and there was a lot to see."
"It must be such a burden to have women swoon over you so easily. Your masculine beauty is such a curse," I said melodramatically.
"I do not understand it," he muttered again.
"Me either. You are not that handsome," Legolas interjected and he shot him a withering stare.
"I do not know why I put up with you elves," Aragorn grumbled before quickening his pace to walk with Gandalf and the king.
We shared a quiet laugh before falling into silence. Almira and I stayed quiet as Gimli caught up to us. "Well, at last we set off!" he said. "Men need many words before deeds. My axe is restless in my hands. Though I doubt not that these Rohirrim are fell-handed when they come to it. Nonetheless this is not the warfare that suits me. How shall I come to the battle? I wish I could walk and not bump like a sack at Gandalf's saddlebow." (2)
"A safer seat than many, I guess," said Legolas. "Yet doubtless Gandalf will gladly put you down on your feet when blows begin; or Shadowfax himself. An axe is no weapon for a rider." (2)
"And a dwarf is no horsemen. It is orc-necks I would hew, not shave the scalps of Men," said Gimli, patting the haft of his axe. (2)
When we reached the gate, Éomer desired for Gimli to be his riding partner and he acquiesced as long as Legolas would ride beside them. Almira and I shared an amused glance. It was night and day between those two since when we first started. We mounted our horses and only a moment later the trumpets sounded, our horses whinnying and rearing in response. Almira had a viselike grip on me, and I answered Legolas' amused with a slightly exasperated one of my own. I turned my eyes back to the open plains ahead of us as, like an arrow loosed from the string, our company departed in a great hurry.
Citations
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers- Book Three: Chapter Five-The White Rider
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers-Book Three: Chapter Six-The King of the Golden Hall
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (film transcript)
