Things Relented

"Peril comes when least expected," the wizard mused, stooping to gather up the covered stone. "Will you, Aragorn, take the Orthanc-stone and guard it? It is dangerous."

"Dangerous, but not to all," the Ranger agreed, straightening. "This is the palantír of Orthanc, set there by the Kings of Gondor. I will take it."

Studying him, Gandalf surprised the group by lifting the stone and presenting it with a bow. "Receive it, lord!" he said formally, "in earnest of other things that shall be given back."

Accepting it, Aragorn nodded and glanced back to the others. "At least we now know the link between Isengard and Mordor."

"Yes," Kagome stated, her face still pale from what she'd Seen, "but we've been lucky so far. Does Sauron know the stone was taken from the tower?"

Gandalf's eyes slid to Pippin, who was regaining his own color as Kagome let her healing light wash over him. "No. I gather he thought the hobbit was captive and driven to look in the glass by torment of Saruman."

Merry timidly piped up, "But, what is the stone? You call it a-a palantír?"

"Indeed," Aragorn answered. "It was used to see far off, and to converse in thought with one another in ancient times. But, many have been lost now. One cannot be certain who will be using them."

The wizard ran a hand down his face. "Yes, and there is nothing that Sauron cannot turn to evil uses. Alas for Saruman, the fool. Easy it is now to guess how quickly the roving eye of Saruman was trapped and held; and how ever since he has been persuaded from afar, and daunted when persuasion would not serve." Moving to gather his things, he continued. "The Nazgûl, you slew, Legolas, was undoubtedly a messenger sent to discover what Saruman had been doing. Sauron will now believe that Saruman is withholding the captive and refusing to use the stone. He will think Saruman has found away to destroy the Riders." Looking to them, he finished with, "That may very well work to our advantage. Secrecy is still on our side."

Swiftly, the group dressed and brought the situation to Théoden. The king listened, his face growing ashen at the threat that barely missed them.

"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes," Gandalf assured him. "A fool, but an honest fool he remains. As Kagome stated, we've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. He knows now that the heir of Elendil has come forth."

Kagome stroked Kirara's head as she watched the wizard lay out his plan. Swallowing, she added to his spiel.

"He will not risk the peoples of Middle-earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of Men."

Aragorn tensed at that. "Gondor must be warned. I will go."

"No!" Gandalf objected, his eyes cutting to the Dúnadan sharply. "No. Kagome has Seen your path, Aragorn. You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. I shall ride for Minas Tirith," tilting his head to the two hobbits huddled together, he sighed, "and I won't be going alone."

…

Kagome clasped Legolas' hand as they trailed behind the arguing hobbits. Her heart twisted for them and the loss of their innocence she was witnessing.

"Don't you understand?" Merry finally cried, whirling to face his friend. "The enemy thinks you have the Ring. He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here."

Closing her eyes, she turned away, letting her fiancé lead her from her friends' teary goodbye. "I hate this," she whispered to him.

Wrapping her in his True Self, he provided what comfort he could as Gandalf rode from Rohan, a terrified Pippin with him.

"The Shire has long been sheltered from the evil rising," he told her quietly. "Hobbits will prove their worth alongside Men now. War marches upon all corners of Endor and if Men do not turn the tide…" he trailed off as she nodded, understanding.

"I know." Sniffing, she wiped her eyes. "When I…the first time I came to Greenwood, I was so struck by the beauty of your people. I mean, I saw the history of Elves through Glorfindel's life, but Thranduil and his Elves were so vibrant in their adversity. It made me furious that you were having to fight. When our escort left, I told Glorfindel that. I said, 'you Elves, you woke up singing, right?'"

Brows furrowed, Legolas watched her intently. "What did he say?"

Choking a laugh, she shook her head and raised her gaze to his. "He told me that sometimes, protecting what you love is more important than doing what you love. He told me that the light that shines through the Dark is worth enduring the Dark to obtain. At the time, I felt very young and naïve, but it's been over a millennium since then and I still think that there are those who shouldn't have to fight!"

Looking out over the land of Rohan, Legolas mulled over her words. "It would be better had Darkness never come here, yes, Tirelen-Nín. However, now that it has, it is a danger that belongs to all Middle-earth. Who are we to decide who should fight and who should not? Just because the hobbits are innocent and sheltered, they should not be called to protect what they love? Who would you have oppose the Darkness?"

Turning from him, she shrugged and placed a hand on Kirara's back when the neko leapt onto her shoulder.

"I don't know. I'd stand against it alone if it would save those I love," she whispered.

Smiling, he pressed a kiss to her temple. "And we would do the same to save you. Should the entirety of our journey have been laid at their feet before they'd even started from the Shire, your hobbit friends would still have come, if only to aid you. They are fiercely loyal, very like someone else I know."

Chuckling through her emotion, she took his hand and dropped her head to his arm. "Frodo struggles ever on," she whispered. "The Ring grows heavier for him, but he doesn't give up. I wish I could have gone with him."

Blinking, Legolas arched a brow. "You've Seen something?"

Shaking her head, she shot him an impish look. "Nah, slapped some sacred sutras on him before he could book it away from Amon Hên. I didn't see Sam before I was neck deep in Orc guts or I would have done the same to him."

Laughing incredulously, he stared at her in shock. "Why haven't you said something of this sooner?"

Biting her lip, she shrugged again. "Um, there hasn't been time?" She squealed when he pinched her side and then took off, giggling while he followed close behind.

Merry stood beside Aragorn as Gandalf's figure disappeared from their sight. The Ranger offered words of comfort and for a while they merely stood, hoping for the safe return of all their friends. When delighted laughter alighted in their ears, they looked over the side of the tower and saw Kagome running from Legolas.

"Now, Calad-Nín," she panted, holding out her hands, "there really hasn't been an abundance of time lately."

The Elf frowned and lunged for her, his lips twitching as she danced nimbly out of his reach. "Tirelen-Nín," he returned in a too-sweet voice, "there has been time enough for that bit of news."

She'd just spun to dash away again, when she stumbled over loose gravel. In a heartbeat, the Elf had caught her, swinging her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Laughing gleefully, she half-heartedly demanded to be put down as they disappeared from view.

Merry felt his mood lightened despite the gloom of his best friend's departure. Glancing to an equally amused Aragorn, the hobbit found his voice once more.

"I've known Kagome since before I was in my tweens. This journey, though, has made me wonder how much I really know about her."

Chuckling, Aragorn inclined his head. "She is a puzzle even to the Firstborn, Merry. I shouldn't feel badly about not understanding her."

Raising his brows, the hobbit nodded. "Aye, but Legolas, he seems to understand her. Looking at them together is like…" trailing off, he tried to decide how to describe his feelings.

"It is likened to the tales of the Lady Melian and Lord Thingol," Aragorn told him.

At the hobbits confused look, he brought out his pipe. "Shall I tell you the story, or get Legolas to spin it for you? His father was a close friend to Thingol."

Motioning with his hand, Merry prompted him. "You go. I shan't like to interrupt him when he is so distracted."

Lips twitching, he conceded. "The Lady Melian was one of the Maier, and was said to be the wisest, most beautiful of all her people. When she sang, the Valar would halt their work and listen, so fair was her voice. When the Elves awoke on the shores of Cuiviénen, she left Valinor for Middle-earth to fill the silence with her singing and the singing of her birds. Later, in the forest of Nan Elmoth, she met Elu Thingol, an Elven lord, and fell in love with him. So deep was their love that he stayed with her for centuries after, unheeding of his people that searched for him."

Merry wrinkled his nose at that. "She ensnared him?"

Ranger shook his head. "Nay, at first sight, they were enthralled with each other. It is said that during those years in Nan Elmoth, the Lady Lúthien was born, and you know well her story now."

Remembering the tale Legolas had told in Moria, the hobbit nodded. "Yes, she married Beren, a mortal and was the fairest of all the Elves. But, what happened to Melian?"

A dark look took his friend's face a moment as he blew out smoke. "She and Thingol founded the great Elven city of Doriath, a realm of Elven bliss in Endor. Melian protected the city with a spell that drove back even Ungoliant when the Gloomweaver thought to lay siege. Alas, Thingol's fate became darkened by the curse of the Silmarili. When Lúthien and Beren returned with a Silmaril, he asked his Dwarven friends in Belegost to set the jewel in the Nauglamír. They did so, but then demanded the necklace itself as payment. When he refused, having already given payment for the craft, they slew him."

Inhaling sharply, Merry jerked his eyes to the Ranger. "They killed him? The Elven king?"

"Yes," Aragorn confirmed, a sadness in his gaze. "Their greed for the two treasures: the Nauglamír and the Silmaril, overtook all other thought. It was the first wound between the Elves and Dwarves and a grievous one it was; for afterwards, the other Dwarves were deceived and then laid waste to Doriath." He looked to his friend. "Melian had left Endor in her grief, never to return, and her protection had gone with her."

Spotting a blushing Kagome bashfully letting Legolas take her hand, the hobbit thought on the story and on his friends. "If-if one of them doesn't survive this…" he began.

The Man smiled bitterly. "Then neither of them will survive. Legolas would sail alone and Kagome would simply fade away." Slapping his shoulder, the Ranger motioned for him to leave the tower. "Fortunately, I believe the entirety of Mordor would be unsuccessful in tearing one from the other now. Even as Darkness presses against us from all sides, they are proof that Light will find a way. They've overcome odds even greater than Thingol and Melian to be together."

Heartened, Merry grinned and raced down the steps, not seeing Gimli as he passed. Aragorn, did, however, and paused as the Dwarf shifted, clenching his pipe.

"Gimli?"

The Dwarf sniffed and waved him off. "Tis nothing."

Reckoning on the direction of his thoughts, Aragorn narrowed his eyes. "You are not the same as those who deceived Elwë," he stated quietly.

Scowling, the Dwarf shot him a rude gesture. "Leave Dwarf business to the Dwarves, Master Aragorn," he grumbled. "But, as an aside, the Elf says that his lass has something of importance to impart."

Taking no offense, the Ranger followed his friend.

…..

"A man is here!" the captain of the Guard called to the king. "A rider of Gondor."

"Let him come!" Théoden granted, turning from his maps and his advisors.

Kagome looked on curiously as a man clad in much the way Boromir had been strode swiftly into the Hall. On the front of his helm was a small silver star and in his hand he bore a single arrow. The miko was on her feet in an instant when she saw it, moving to stand between Aragorn and Legolas. The arrow was black-feathered and barbed with steel and the point was painted a specific, telling red.

Sinking to one knee, the rider presented the arrow to Théoden. "Hail, Lord of the Rohirrim, friend of Gondor," he called as if his throat had the dust of the road in it. "I am Hirgon, errand-rider of Denethor, who brings you this token of war. Gondor is in great need. Lord Denethor asks for all your strength and all your speed, lest Gondor fall at last."

"The Red Arrow!" exclaimed Théoden, accepting it with trepidation, though his face was unsurprised as his hand trembled. "I have not seen the Red Arrow in the Mark in all my years." And, the years did seem to have settled like a great weight across his shoulders as he looked to the messenger. "What does the Lord Denethor reckon that all my strength and all my speed may be?"

Hirgon swallowed. "Only you can tell that, lord, but soon Minas Tirith will be surrounded and unless you have the strength to break a siege of many powers, the Lord Denethor bids me say that the strong arms of the Rohirrim would have more the advantage in his walls than without." Dropping his eyes, the rider seemed to be overcome with emotion. "Our case is desperate. My lord does not issue any command to you. He begs you only to remember old friendship and oaths long spoken, and for your own good to do all that you may. Make haste! It is before the walls of Minas Tirith that the doom of our time will be decided."

Clenching the Arrow, Théoden closed his eyes and turned away, as if gathering himself. "Say to Denethor that even if Rohan itself felt no peril, we would still come to his aid. However, we have suffered much in our battles with Saruman the traitor." Shaking his head, he stemmed that flow of thought. "We will come. When all is ordered, we will set out."

Dropping his eyes back to Hirgon, Théoden gave a faint smile. "Tell to Denethor that in this hour, the King of the Mark himself will come down to the land of Gondor. Go now and refresh yourself before you begin your journey home."

Bowing deeply in thanks, Hirgon swept from the Hall. Silence reigned as Théoden deliberately placed the Arrow on the table. Éomer glanced to Aragorn and moved to stand beside his uncle.

"Muster the Rohirrim. Send riders to direct all those summoned who have not yet arrived to Dunharrow. We ride for Gondor," clenching his jaw, he met his nephew's steely gaze, "and war."

Feeling the tension in the males to either of her side, Kagome slid her hands into theirs. Gimli jerked a nod and stood as well. The three friends looked to Aragorn, fierce determination and support the only thing he found in their stares.

His will fortified for the Path Kagome Saw, he nodded in reply, watching smirks settle on their faces.

"We are the jack-o-lanterns in July, setting fire to the skies," Kagome sang, "So light 'em up, up up-it's a rising tide!"

Taken aback by the ferocity of her strange words, the men paused and blinked at her. Frowning, she scrunched her nose.

"Wait, that's two different songs," shrugging, she beamed. "Whatever, it fits." Pink fire blazed in her hand when she wiggled her fingers at him.

Raising his eyes to Legolas, Aragorn snorted. "You are made of sterner mettle than I, my friend."

The Elf's face was amused as he watched his miko glare at the Ranger. "A different sort, rather, as my first thought was to learn the verses in their entirety."

Grinning, she tugged him away. "So there, Aragorn." Tipping her head to meet grey eyes, she studied her betrothed as they walked toward the doors. "You know, it completely turns me on that you don't think I'm an idiot."

Shock registered on the Firstborn's features, then melted into something Aragorn and Gimli didn't have to witness as the couple exited the Hall. Thankful for small mercies, they shared smiles and felt their hearts lighten at Kagome's deliberate distraction.

…..

Holding steady until Legolas finished her braid, Kagome stood with the Rohirrim as they readied for the march. When he released her, she flashed him a smile and pecked him on the jaw before mounting Kirara. The Elf's lips twitched as he touched her hand and then patted the nekomatta.

Rumbling her approval of his actions, Kirara butted her head against his hand. Kagome leaned down to shoo his hands away.

"Go on, or she'll have you doing that all day."

The neko tossed a glare at her mistress as the chuckling Elf complied and mounted Arod. Gimli heaved himself on behind and the three friends looked for the other two.

"Théoden gave Merry a hill-pony," Legolas told them, pointing out the hobbit warily trying to get the animal to walk.

Gimli grumbled at not having the same courtesy, but let his protests die as they approached him.

"That is a fine pony," Kagome stated, making her friend smile in relief. "And, what's this I hear about you being an esquire? Important friend we have now, gentlemen."

Puffing out his chest, Merry radiated accomplishment. "An esquire of Rohan," he said excitedly. "The king accepted my sword himself."

As he patted the hilt of said sword, Kagome's nose was filled with something foul. A sound the embodiment of despair and death screeched in her ears and her reiki surged into her eyes.

"Holdwine shall come unto thee, beneath Fell-beast and behind the knee. Refuse the Fear, tallest of the Shire, for your lady's fate stands without you most dire."

Shaking, she fell out of the vision and caught herself on Kirara. A steady hand griped her arm as Legolas leaned over from Arod.

"They have been stronger these past two instances," he murmured.

Breathing deeply, she gave a jerky nod. "Yeah. Too strong, nearly." Turning blue eyes to a worried Merry, the miko gave a comforting smile. "Don't let it bother you, Merry."

Biting his lip, he was the epitome of confusion. Kagome softened and patted his shoulder as Legolas released her and the company began moving.

"You protected Frodo during the long years after Bilbo left, Meriadoc Brandybuck. Though I was usually unseen, I watched over the Shire as well during that time. I know what you're capable of, even without the Sight." Her words were sincere, with nothing of any kind of doubt in them and Merry felt his courage bolstered.

"Follow your heart, in all things-regardless of any who would stay you," she entreated strongly.

Knowing she spoke of something in his future, he hesitantly agreed. "I just wish for once that the right path was the easiest one."

For some reason, that made her throw back her head and laugh.

…..

The army arrived at Dunharrow, but an unease soon set into the encampment beyond that usual for the eve of battle. Dismounting, the Company followed Aragorn while taking in the happenings around them.

"The horses are restless," Legolas stated, "and a disquiet has fallen on the men."

Éomer heard him and motioned toward a road through a crack in the mountain. "They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain."

Gimli stroked his beard and gazed at the path the Marshall had pointed out. "And where does that lead?"

Kagome's face was somber as she held Kirara. "It's the road to the Dimholt, the door under the mountain." A purposeful weight came to her eyes as she turned them on her friends. "Only one may rightfully venture there."

Features darkening, Éomer shook his head. "None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil."

Aragorn studied the crack, as if drawn by some unseen force. Legolas felt nothing from the path, yet he could see dread creeping into his friend. Disliking the feeling that had descended, Gimli slapped the Ranger on the back.

"Come on. Let's find some food."

Merry perked up at the mention of food.

…

A disturbance rumbled throughout the camp later that night. Drawing weapons, the Company strode toward the sound of hoof beats. Dark shapes emerged from the night, moonlight glinting occasionally off spear points. When they were near enough, Éomer called out to them.

"Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"

Stopping quickly, the riders paused until one could be seen dismounting. He held his hand up, showing his palm to them as a symbol of peace. Relaxing minutely, the group waited for him to speak.

"We've rode in haste from a great distance, seeking Rohan," the tall rider called back.

"You've found it," Éomer answered. "However, none rid here save by Théoden the King's leave. Who are you and what is your haste?"

"Halbarad Dúnadan," the man stated. "We seek one Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and we heard he was in Rohan."

Putting away his sword, Aragorn strode forward with eagerness. "And you have found him!" He said, embracing the newcomer. "Halbarad! This is a most unexpected joy!"

The two men grinned at each other, obviously long time friends. The guards relaxed, bowing to Éomer and taking their leave when he waved them on.

"Here are some of my own kin," Aragorn introduced as the riders dismounted and came forward. "But, what is that you bear?" he asked of Halbarad when he noticed the man bore a tall staff, close-furled in a black cloth bound with many thongs.

"That," a lilting voice answered as two other riders came into the light of the camp, "is a matter between us."

Finally spotting them, Kagome squealed and broke away from her friends to throw herself at the two. The two had dark hair and were clad alike in bright mail beneath cloaks of silver-grey. They looked so much alike, that it was difficult to tell them apart. Though, as the moonlight hit them, it became obvious to all that they were Elven and the way they held and greeted Kagome drew quite a few stares.

A sharp air snapped around the reunion, however, as the twins suddenly leveled steely eyes on Legolas.

"First, Elessar, we have other business to attend."

Glancing to the pale Elf arching a brow, Aragorn hid a smile. He'd been where Legolas was about to be and he didn't envy the Elf.

"Legolas, this is Elladan and Elrohir, Lord Elrond's eldest children," he introduced.

As comprehension dawned, the prince gave a short bow. Kagome twisted in her adopted brothers' arms and swatted at them.

"Oh, no…guys, really?" she whined.

Glancing to her, they shook their heads. Elladan waved her forward as Elrohir motioned for Legolas to follow them. Royally embarrassed, she crossed her arms and kicked Aragorn in the shins as she passed him.

"I stuck up for you, jerk."

Elrohir winked at Aragorn as the Ranger rubbed his leg after she'd gone. "Arwen sent words. I'll try to recall them when I am done tormenting the princeling."

Hope filled Aragorn's chest, even through the jest in his friend's words. Gimli and Merry came up beside him, watching the twins disappear into a tent with the couple.

AN: Sort of a filler chapter. But...we get Elrohir and Elladan! Bum bum buuuummm! Poor, poor Legolas. And, kudos to any of you who spot the slight HP reference. Oh, and Fall Out Boy. I don't know why Kagome made me put that part in there, actually. -shrugs-I ended up liking it, since 'Hakuna Matata' got nixed in the rewrite.

Next chapter may take a bit, so I wanted to get this one up for y'all (rough as it is) so that flames do not explode my inbox. I adore how passionate you readers are! All my love until chapter sixteen!