Disclaimer: I do not own any of it save Kate and Almira. That makes it like, what: millions of dollars for the Tolkien estate and New Line Cinema and zilch for me. That's fine, whatever.

A/N: Once again I must apologize for my absence. This semester of my senior year (dear God, where has the time gone?) has been Hell and I am living proof that when it rains it pours. I will not go into the gory details, save that a heavy schedule and a slew of personal/familial issues have kept me from writing. Again, my sincerest apologies.

And one final note: there is a lot of quoting from Tolkien. I felt it necessary to maintain the integrity of my storyline and character placement. Some characters were present for some rather long dialogue and I thought whisking them out of it with my magical authoress powers would be too contrived, so sorry if it is a bit tedious. Now I am sure you want me to shut up. So I will.

Chapter 31- Under Cover of the Night

Merry, Pippin, Almira and I sat on the stairs as the others went to speak to Saruman. The remaining riders of Théoden's party milled around, looking uneasy. Given their recent experience with Saruman's treachery, I could not blame them. I was not too fond of the wizard either. I still bore marks from my captivity.

"Half a sticky mile from here to the gate!" muttered Pippin. "I wish I could slip off back to the guardroom unnoticed! What did we come for? We are not wanted." (1)

"Come now, it may seem that way, but our welcome at the gate should prove otherwise," I stated congenially.

Pippin just shrugged noncommittally and Merry patted his shoulder. I shifted uncomfortably. Now that I had a moment to rest and nothing distracting me, all the wounds on my body made themselves known.

"How are you holding up?" Almira asked me, eyeing me knowingly.

"Fading fast," I replied.

"Injured, are you?" Merry asked, looking at me sympathetically.

"Indeed. Someone had to jump in front of a knife-wielding orc. Typical," Almira teased.

"You what?" cried Merry and Pippin in unison.

I rolled my eyes. "Well, when you put it that way of course it sounds bad. A boy was being attacked and I stepped in," I explained matter-of-factly. "Unfortunately, the orc was not quite as dead as I hoped when I turned to check on the boy. However, I took care of that." Almira and I smirked.

Pippin and Merry exchanged a pointed glance. "What?" Almira said, voicing our surprise at their reaction.

"It's just…well, you both seem to have gained a love for battle," Merry pointed out hesitantly.

Almira and I both blinked then shared an uneasy glance. Could this be true? How had we missed that? "That's a strange thought," I finally stated aloud. "I know I've been changing, but I haven't really had the time to face it."

"As terrifying as battle is, I must say I find the thought of it rather exhilarating now that I know what I'm doing," Almira admitted rather guiltily.

"Especially having survived Helm's Deep," I added in agreement, gaze trained on my feet. A new thought had occurred to me: would I want to go home knowing my life would never be as exciting as this? "I never really expected to become Xena: Warrior Princess, or to enjoy it for that matter."

Almira gave a startled laugh while Merry and Pippin just looked confused. "How funny!" Almira cried, before jokingly asking, "Should we start carrying whips and wearing extremely tight leather, you think?"

I had to laugh. "Rúmil and Legolas would not know what to make of us."

"No one would," Pippin stated, looking like we might be on the verge of losing our minds. "Who is this Xena?"

Almira and I shared an amused glance. "She's a character in a play, if you will. A stern, yet impossibly sexy, warrior maiden who spends her time roughing it and saving lives," I explained.

"It was cheesy, yet entertaining all the same," Almira added.

Just then, a dark ball with a glowing center went bouncing by down the stairs. "Oh dear," I said recognizing the palantír as Pippin got up and chased after it. Almira gave me a glance pregnant with meaning. This palantír was about to cause another big change in our lives. Almira and I stood slowly as Gandalf and the others descended the stairs. I watched with a heavy heart as Pippin passed us carrying the palantír. He met Gandalf halfway up the stairs where Gandalf took the treacherous orb from him, wrapping it in the folds of his cloak. The group then completed their descent and joined us at the foot of the stairs.

"You wear a grim expression," Legolas stated by way of greeting as he reached my side.

I cast a pointed glance at the folds of Gandalf's robe. "I see," he murmured.

"And what did you glean from the interaction with Saruman?" I asked.

"Nothing useful, I fear. Yet the meeting was enlightening. His voice, the power behind it, you are completely unaware of its affect on you until someone else speaks, and their harsh tones contrast with his dulcet voice. It is disconcerting to think how powerful he was and could have been before he was deceived. Terrible are his thoughts of late," Legolas mused. "It is a pity given how great he was."

I frowned. The elf had a point. Ever since I had been taken captive I had wondered why I had been kept alive. And now Legolas' comment had really set me thinking. Saruman was a powerful wizard, perhaps he had known… "Gandalf," I cried as we started heading away from the tower. I strode away from a startled Legolas towards the wizard. "May I have a word?" I asked when I reached him. He gave me a long look then nodded once before heading a few feet away from the rest of the group. I hobbled after him but stumbled slightly. A strong hand cupped my elbow and kept me upright. I looked up at Legolas. "I believe I know where your thoughts led you, and if correct I am just as curious and anxious for the answer."

I gave a quick nod and faced Gandalf. "Does Saruman know about me and Almira?"

"What has led you to this belief?" He queried, expression carefully blank.

"The orcs left me alive," I stated bluntly, I felt Legolas stiffen. I knew he did not like thinking about how close to death I came, and for that matter neither did I. Therefore I wanted to know if I was on the baddies hit list and if so why.

Gandalf sighed. "It is hard to say. It certainly appears that way, yet how he found out I know not. I was not aware of your presence until after I had discovered Saruman's treachery and therefore could not have revealed your peculiar knowledge to him. But his spies are many and the presence of two women on such a quest is bound to raise questions."

"I do not like this," stated Legolas.

"You and me both," I muttered.

"Unfortunately, we might not have been as subtle as necessary concerning you and Almira. But then again what more could we have done? Do not fret overmuch; they do not want you as badly as a certain hobbit." And with that he walked away.

"Bloody wizards," I muttered.

"A tad dismissive, but true," Legolas stated.

"Fair enough," I sighed.

We returned to the others and our company departed for the ruined gate. We had just passed under the arch when Treebeard and a dozen other Ents came striding towards us out of the shadows of the piled stones.

"Here are three of my companions, Treebeard," said Gandalf. "I have spoken of them, but you have not yet seen them." (1) He introduced Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas. The slight umbrage I felt at not being included faded quickly as I realized it was probably better not to advertise my presence, as well as Almira's, especially in light of our recent conversation.

Treebeard spoke with each of them in turn, before lastly turning to Legolas. "So you have come all the way from Mirkwood, my good elf? A very great forest it used to be!" (1)

"And still is," said Legolas. "But not so great that we who dwell there ever tire of seeing new trees. I should dearly love to journey in Fangorn's Wood. I scarcely passed beyond the eaves of it, and I did not wish to turn back." (1)

Treebeard's eyes gleamed with pleasure. "I hope you may have your wish, ere the hills be much older," he said. (1)

"I will come, if I have the fortune," said Legolas. "I have made a bargain with my friend that, if all goes well, we will visit Fangorn together-by your leave." (1) I frowned at the reminder of his adventure. I was trying not to be jealous and failing. He had talked about courting me after the Quest, which would be rather hard to do if traipsing through Fangorn with Gimli. Not that I minded him wanting to travel with Gimli, I just wish he would have done me the courtesy of running the idea by me before deciding and announcing it to the world, or the Ents at least.

"Any Elf that comes with you will be welcome," said Treebeard. (1)

"The friend I speak of is not an Elf," said Legolas. "I mean Gimli, Gloin's son here." Gimli bowed low, and the axe slipped from his belt and clattered on the ground. (1)

"Hoom, hm! Ah now," said Treebeard, looking dark-eyed at him. "A dwarf and an axe-bearer! Hoom! I have good will to Elves; but you ask much. This is a strange friendship!" (1)

"Strange it may seem," said Legolas; "but while Gimli lives I shall not come to Fangorn alone. His axe is not for trees, but for orc-necks, O Fangorn, Master of Fangorn's Wood. Forty-two he hewed in the battle." (1)

"Hoo! Come now!" said Treebeard. "That is a better story! Well, well, things will go as they will; and there is no need to hurry to meet them. But now we must part for a while. Day is drawing to an end, yet Gandalf says you must go ere nightfall, and the Lord of the Mark is eager for his own house." (1)

I began to tune out after this, trying not to let my jealousy get the better of me and fighting the exhaustion slowly overtaking my body. Legolas seemed to notice I was sagging and came to stand next to me. I leaned on him gratefully until it was time to depart. We mounted up and set out at sunset. Our travel was fairly slow as we worked our way down the valley. I could barely keep my eyes open and was struggling to stay upright in the saddle. I knew Legolas was watching me worriedly but there was nothing he could do. We halted close to the middle of the night to make camp. Legolas dismounted quicker than the eye could see and was at my side in an instant. I practically collapsed in his arms. The next moments passed in a daze as I drifted in and out of consciousness. I was aware of Almira setting up my bedroll, of Legolas changing the bandage on my leg, of Aragorn handing me something to eat before I was finally allowed to fall asleep.

Startled awake, AGAIN, I dazedly looked around. Legolas was sitting up next to me and was glancing around hurriedly. "What is it? What's the matter?"

Legolas started and I followed his gaze to see Gandalf kneeling by Pippin's body. I gasped and Legolas' jumped to his feet quickly then helped me to mine. We approached the pair silently. Almira arrived a moment later, as did Aragorn and Gimli. Most of the camp had been roused by the Hobbit's cry, and King Théoden had soon joined us.

Gandalf took Pippin's hand and bent over his face, then placed his hands on Pippin's brow. The hobbit awakened from his stupor, crying out, staring in bewilderment at those of us surrounding him.

"It is not for you, Saruman!" he cried in a shrill and toneless voice, shrinking away from Gandalf. "I will send for it at once. Do you understand? Say just that!" (2) He rose, trying to escape but was restrained by Gandalf. Aragorn and Legolas exchanged a worried glance seeing as his utterance was troublesome at best. I restrained a sigh and suppressed my frustration with Pippin. This meant we were going to have to get out of here quick and I was not sure I had it in me. But it had to happen, which was really no comfort at all.

"Peregrin Took!" Gandalf said. "Come back!" (2)

Pippin relaxed and fell back, clinging to the wizard's hand. "Gandalf!" he cried. "Gandalf! Forgive me!" (2)

"Forgive you?" said the wizard. "Tell me first what you have done!" (2)

Pippin then admitted, to the disappointment of all, that he had taken the ball and looked at it. Hesitant to speak of his vision, he tried to evade Gandalf's questions, but the wizard would not yield and Pippin finally revealed what he had glimpsed: tall battlements in a dark sky, surrounded by what sounded like Nazgûl, and most shocking of all, a brief conversation with Sauron.

Pippin fell silent and Gandalf gazed deep into his eyes for a moment before his features softened in what appeared to be relief. While not good, things weren't exactly bad either. Now we had some valuable insight into Sauron's plans. Gandalf lifted Pippin and carried him back to his bed, Merry in tow. I watched the pair go with sympathy. They were going to be separated and it would be hard.

Gandalf soon returned to us. "Peril comes in the night when least expected," he said. "We have had a narrow escape!" (2)

"How is the hobbit, Pippin?" asked Aragorn. (2)

"I think all will be well now," answered Gandalf. "He was not held long, and hobbits have an amazing power of recovery. The memory, or the horror of it, will probably fade quickly. Too quickly, perhaps. Will you, Aragorn, take the Orthanc-stone and guard it? It is a dangerous charge." (2)

"Understatement," I muttered and Almira huffed in agreement.

"Dangerous indeed, but not to all," said Aragorn. "There is one who may claim it by right. For this assuredly is the palantír of Orthanc from the treasury of Elendil, set here by the Kings of Gondor. Now my hour draws near. I will take it."

Most of our Company was surprised when Gandalf lifted the stone and bowed as he presented it, even Legolas and Gimli. It was hard to blame them though. It was hard to picture Aragorn as this badass king when he was so grimy.

"Receive it, lord!" he said: "in earnest of other things that shall be given back. But if I may counsel you in the use of your own, do not use it – yet! Be wary!" (2)

"When have I been hasty or unwary, who have waited and prepared for so many long years?" said Aragorn. (2)

"Never yet. Do not then stumble at the end of the road," answered Gandalf. "But at least keep this thing secret. You, and all others that stand here! The hobbit, Peregrin, above all should not know where it is bestowed. The evil fit may come on him again. For alas! He has handled it and looked in it, as should never have happened. He ought never to have touched it in Isengard, and there I should have been quicker. But my mind was bent on Saruman, and I did not at once guess the nature of the Stone. Then I was weary, and as I lay pondering it, sleep overcame me. Now I know!" (2)

"Yes, there can be no doubt," said Aragorn. "At last we know the link between Isengard and Mordor, and how it worked. Much is explained." (2)

"Strange powers have our enemies, and strange weaknesses!" said Théoden. "But it has long been said: oft evil will shall evil mar." (2)

"That many time is seen," said Gandalf. "But at this time we have been strangely fortunate. Maybe, I have been saved by this hobbit from a grave blunder. I had considered whether or not to probe this Stone myself to find its uses. Had I done so, I should have been revealed to him myself. I am not ready for such a trial, if indeed I shall ever be so. But even if I found the power to withdraw myself, it would be disastrous for him to see me, yet – until the hour comes when secrecy will avail no longer." (2)

"That hour is now come, I think," said Aragorn. (2)

"Not yet," said Gandalf. "There remains a short while of doubt, which we must use. The Enemy, it is clear, thought that the Stone was in Orthanc – why should he not? And that therefore the hobbit was captive there, driven to look in the glass for his torment by Saruman. That dark mind will be filled now with the voice and face of the hobbit with expectation: it may take some time before he learns his error. We must snatch that time. We have been too leisurely. We must move. The neighborhood of Isengard is no place now to linger in. I will ride ahead at once with Peregrin Took. It will be better for him than lying in the dark while others sleep." (2)

"I will keep Éomer and ten Riders," said the king. "They shall ride with me at early day. The rest may go with Aragorn and ride as soon as they have a mind." (2)

"As you will," said Gandalf. "But make all the speed you may to the cover of the hills, to Helm's Deep!"

Suddenly, a shadow fell over us, seemingly blotting out the moon. Not this again, I thought. Legolas pushed me behind him and strung his bow. The air was really cold and I felt fear snaking its way through my limbs. A large winged shape passed across the moon like a misshapen cloud. It flew north with a great and unnatural speed, disappearing from sight quickly.

Legolas stood slowly, and I pressed myself into my side. Such freaky creatures were just too much for me at this point.

"Nazgûl!" he cried. "The messenger of Mordor. The storm is coming. The Nazgûl have crossed the River! Ride, ride! Wait not for the dawn! Let not the swift wait for the slow! Ride!" (2) He then sprang away, summoning Shadowfax. Aragorn followed and handed Pippin to Gandalf, who as soon as the hobbit was firmly in place, urged Shadowfax forward and sped away into the night.

"Desperate flights into the night are getting really old," I grumbled, turning away from Legolas to pack my belongings. Almira paused a moment longer watching the retreating form of Gandalf before shaking her head sadly and turning to prepare to leave as well. Once done I led Braith over to where Gimli stood silent and grim by Legolas' side to await Merry and Aragorn.

"So six of the Company still remain," said Aragorn. "We will ride on together. But we shall not go alone, as I thought. The king is now determined to set out at once. Since the coming of the winged shadow, he desires to return to the hills under cover of night." (3)

"And then whither?" Legolas asked. (3).

"I cannot say yet," Aragorn answered. "As for the king, he will go to the muster that he commanded at Edoras, four nights from now. And there, I think, he will hear tidings of war, and the Riders of Rohan will go down to Minas Tirith. But for myself, and any that will go with me…" (3)

"I for one!" Legolas cried. "And Gimli with him!" said the Dwarf a moment later. (3)

"And I," said I and Almira softly almost in unison.

"Well, for myself," said Aragorn, "it is dark before me. I must go down also to Minas Tirith, but I do not yet see the road. An hour long prepared approaches." (3)

"Don't leave me behind!" said Merry. "I have not been of much use yet; but I don't want to be laid aside, like baggage to be called for when all is over. I don't think the Riders will want to be bothered with me now. Though, of course, the king did say that I was to sit by him when he came to his house and tell him all about the Shire." (3)

"Yes," said Aragorn, "and your road lies with him, I think, Merry. But do not look for mirth at the ending. It will be long, I fear, ere Théoden sits at ease again in Meduseld. Many hopes will wither in this bitter spring." (3)

Presently it was time to depart, twenty-four horses in all. Legolas helped me mount Braith. He paused a moment by my side and he seemed more concerned than before, which actually made me nervous. Did I look as terrible as I felt, or worse? "Are you hail enough to ride?" he asked.

I heaved a deep sigh, girding myself for the journey ahead. "I will make it," I said and saying it I tried to force myself to believe it because I needed to. Legolas grasped my hand and I held it for just a moment before gesturing for him to mount Arod. The time had come; our desperate escape into the night had begun.

Citations:

LOTR: The Two Towers, Book Three: Chapter 10- The Voice of Saruman

LOTR: The Two Towers, Book Three: Chapter 11- The Palantír

LOTR: The Two Towers, Book Four: Chapter 2- The Passing of the Grey Company