Authors' note: Hey guys thanks for all the reviews. I want to sincerely apologise about the delay but there is a good reason. I was just considering where I want Indil to go and what her role will be in the future. All I will say at the moment is that while she will be with the Fellowship for a time she does have her own journey to fulfill. So that is just a taster of what I have been debating. Thanks to JamieT19: your story is brilliant, thanks for taking the time to review, Bookworm2011: a loyal reviewer! thank you and DivineSubjugation: thanks for your lovely comments.
So without further ado, let the story continue!!
Closing the door quietly behind her Indil turned to follow the Fellowship to the Great Hall. Keeping her eyes trained on the backs of the hobbits ahead she noticed how the sun, shining sporadically through the openings onto the courtyard, lifted the rich colours of their garments to more vibrant shades and then back to their original intense colour. The Hobbits' carried on oblivious to the symphony of colour playing behind them. Occasionally servants, on their rounds, passed in and out of doorways smiling at the Fellowship as they moved. Otherwise they remained largely undisturbed as they walked, surrounded by the quiet calm of Rivendell.
"When you said you had a relatively peaceful journey here, what did you mean?" questioned Boromir, breaking Indil from her reverie.
Her mind flashed back to that moment on the plains of Enedwaith. She had not been expecting any trouble. . . maybe an encounter with some Dunlendings but they were easily scared.
"I was simply telling you all that I did not meet with much trouble on my journey." Replied Indil.
"You do not deny then that the journey was not without any dangers?"
Smiling secretively Indil glanced at the Gondorian.
"Lord Boromir, you are more like your father than you suppose. Yes I did have a little difficulty nevertheless it was nothing I could not handle."
Well, she had managed to eventually to see them off even if it had taken longer than she would have liked.
"Does this little difficulty include these Uruk-hai you mentioned earlier?" queried Boromir, determined to be told the full truth.
The set of his face and the glint in his eye broached no more riddles or elusions. Sighing Indil gathered her thoughts, trying to make order of the chaotic details that had come rushing back concerning that particular evening.
"I was returning from my visit to Rohan. The few days I spent there were consumed with asking the villagers for their help and questioning them about these war bands, they were happy to oblige once they were sure of me. My choice in clothing does not encourage a friendly welcome to be sure and these people have had to face the most horrific attacks imaginable Boromir. At any rate I had finished visiting the villages in the area and had collected what evidence they offered so I decided to continue on to Rivendell as had been planned previously with Gandalf."
Taking a breath Indil allowed the memories to wash over her. . . every smell and feeling. Her breath . . . the thundering noise behind her growing steadily louder . . . the movement of Tintreach across the rough ground . . .
"I was able to pass through the Gap of Rohan during the night and as far from Isengard as possible. Holding to the course of the River Isen as it passes through the land, I crossed it and made my way north across the Enedwaith plains. I was cautious though perhaps less so than on my initial journey to Rohan. Dunlendings do not pose a serious threat to me. . . a flash of fire or light and they run so I had no reason to be unduly anxious. It was during the second day of travel from Rohan that they appeared. On the horizon I noticed large black figures coming from the east. By this time I had reached the River Greyflood and there was only a couple of leagues to travel until crossing the northern branch of that river would be possible. Even so I moved my horse closer to the bank of the river, I thought that if these creatures were orcs I would be too far away to be seen and fortunately the wind was carrying my scent away so there was little chance of detection. Still as I continued on this group of creatures maintained their course in my direction albeit from a distance."
Immersed in the story Indil did not realise they had reached the Great Hall until Boromir held the door open for her. Seated beside him she continued.
"I was now less comfortable. I understood that these things were not the nine since they were not using horses, they could not be orcs given that they were travelling in broad daylight though that was at first what they had appeared to be. I could not fathom what these creatures could be. It was strange that the Uruk-hai did not leap immediately into my mind but I was so consumed with escape that I did not realise that fact until later on. All the while I urged my tiring mount, Tintreach, on for I dared not stop. The sun was low and I knew that if I wished to leave these things behind I had to reach the ford and quickly."
Taking a deep breath Indil tried to dispel the fluttering in the pit of her stomach as the moments of the chase became clearer and clearer. Ignoring the fruit and bread in front of her she resumed her story.
"I was only perhaps a league away, even less . . . but they were very close . . . and getting closer."
Boromir stared at Indil openly, it was if she had forgotten he was present. She did not acknowledge any of the activities around her, gazing unfocusedly into the distance.
"I remember thinking that Tintreach was tired out . . . I looked over my shoulder. At first my hair was in my way but when it cleared . . . They were huge. Bigger than any orc I had ever seen or battled, in a group of about twenty maybe twenty-five. The noise was deafening . . . then it came to me . . . Uruk-hai"
Gesturing with her hands as she spoke Indil waved them dismissively. Touching a hidden ear briefly she tilted her head to the side.
"When they knew I had seen them they . . . they were happy Boromir. Laughing as if they could not wait to have their fun with me. Grinning with their black gums and fangs . . . roaring as well . . . Tintreachs' hooves were silenced by those roars. And the armour . . . intimidating when handled in a peasants' cottage but even worse when rattling on what were frenzied animals."
By now everyone was listening, Indil did not seem to realise that her audience had grown. The Hobbits' eyes were wide with fear while Aragorn studied Indil intensely, a chunk of bread forgotten in his hand.
"Tintreach would not last," Indil shook her head slowly "I had only one option. Running was not the answer. Thankfully Tintreach managed to get to the ford, so at least I had the added help of the river. Barely though, I had just dismounted when they came over the hill above the far bank of the river. I remember for the first time, in a long time . . . feeling fear. I knew it was only myself and a half dead horse facing these beasts with a miserable river the only thing separating us."
As she spoke Indil smiled briefly at the thought, her face slipped back to its former serious melancholy set quickly. Boromir could not take his eyes from her face . . . the way she spoke, the look in her eyes. . .
"They charged regardless of each other, the only thing they were intent on was me. I was able to dispatch the first few from the opposite bank but there were too many for me to deal with using magic alone. The river surged a bit faster with a few select words and picked up two or three of the lighter ones. By the time they had reached my side half had been dealt with. They were bigger up close . . . broader. There were still too many . . . all were bigger than myself . . ."
Even Gimli put aside his cup of ale in favour of the tale, as did Legolas who sat on his left. There was a tangible silence as they waited for the Istar to continue. Lost in her own memories Indil did not notice the seconds slip by.
"To be honest my sword skills are a little rusty, so trying to deal with all ten or nine of the beasts was not something I wished to initiate. I knew I had to distract them so that I could deal with a few at a time. So as they were scrambling up the hill toward me I drew my sword, using some power I was able to create some fire to split the group . . . not too challenging but enough to keep six occupied while I dealt with three . . . I cannot truly remember how long it lasted. . ."
Aragorn stared in astonishment, to try and match three of these creatures by herself . . . this woman must have some talent with a blade. Legolas was thinking the very same thing . . . she seemed so slight and fragile. Then again the force with which he had been thrown back in his chair was not one he was likely to forget.
"It was nightfall before it was finally over . . . I was so tired. The draining of power and stamina was extremely demanding. Not to mention I had not come out unscathed. . . I was not untouchable."
"The reason why we did not see you until your second day here?"
Indil smiled at the question, yes Boromir was definitely his fathers' son.
"Honestly? Then it was my third day."
Boromir gaped at the answer. Three days? How badly had Indil been injured? Indil recognised the look of accusation in Boromirs' eyes. The rest of the table seemed equally surprised.
"I did not think my story would attract this many listeners."
Indil had to smile at the embarrassment evident on the faces of the Fellowship.
"Yes, it was not until my third day that I was allowed to present myself. Minor injuries but numerous. My recovery would not have been so long normally but the fact that I was drained physically as well as magically did not help."
She sighed, the journey to Rivendell had been one of those rare times in which she did not pause to enjoy the beauty around her nor the thrill of the open plain. The tiredness was constant . . . I still think I passed out for some time . . .
"It is not often that I speak compliments of others lass, be aware of that. You must be a little more that just passable with a blade to fend off three Uruk-hai!" voiced Gimli, in the gruff manner that is associated with dwarves.
"I thank you, Master Gimli. I am slower than what I once was but hopefully that shall return with practice and time." Replied Indil, smilingly.
"Indeed Master Dwarf you should see Indil when she wields an axe. A sight to behold, especially when she is irritated."
Gandalf entered the room fully from behind the table. He had heard the whole tale from Indil herself when she had arrived . . . slumped half dead over that loyal mounts' back. He had never know Indil to be wary of any creature but this new breed frightened her. Hearing her now recount the tale with a little of her old confidence back was encouraging . . . but she was still not fully recovered.
"I do believe that was because a certain bothersome wizard decided to meddle in some of my affairs? . . . namely my supply box without my permission. How was I supposed to know it was you hunched over in the pitch black of night?" stated Indil, her tone insincere.
"You attacked Gandalf? In the middle of the night?" gasped Frodo.
"Of course. Would you not do the very same thing if you awoke to rustling noises and a dark figure in the corner? It is all right . . . he is still standing here with us today. Most of him intact . . ."
"That faded away and I will thank you not to bring up the subject again." Huffed Gandalf.
"If I am not mistaken it was you who brought the whole incident up?" replied Indil.
"Tell us about Gandalfs' injury!" piped Pippin.
"So it was my dear so it was. Well that was my fault entirely." Answered Gandalf, ignoring the Hobbit at the opposite end of the table.
"Do not worry I had forgotten all about it."
"Wait a moment, Indil what did you do to Gandalf?" questioned Merry, joining in his cousins' bouncing in his seat.
"Then I trust all is forgiven?" continued Gandalf as if nothing were amiss.
"Certainly, all was forgiven many years ago."
"Why will you not answer us?" chorused the Hobbit cousins.
Boromir could not be sure but he thought he saw Indil hide a grin momentarily.
"So you will not mention that unfortunate event?" probed Gandalf hopefully.
"Of course not, Gandalf. What is there without trust?"
"You cannot mention an incident like that and then refuse to tell us the full story!!" howled Pippin.
"That is not fair!" cried Merry in agreement.
By this time the whole table was laughing at the antics of the wizard and Indil. Forgotten was the tale of her escape and momentarily the gloom surrounding the Fellowship was lifted.
"Would you care to join me for a walk in the gardens?" inquired Gandalf, his eyes twinkling with delight at the frustration evident on the young hobbits' faces.
"That would be lovely." Agreed Indil, rising from her seat to join him.
Before she could move Boromir tugged on her sleeve gently. Bending down so that she could only hear he whispered.
"What exactly did you do?"
Indil straightened up with a smile on her face. It seems it was not only the hobbits' who had a curious nature.
"You will find out later." She replied grinning secretively.
"What!!" yowled Pippin.
Leaping from his seat he made to follow Indil but by the time he had disentangled himself from his napkin and the tablecloth she had disappeared. In her wake Indil left the Fellowship full of questions but in good spirits. Well for the most part . . . Pippin was not the only one who found himself frustrated at the antics of Indil. He was more concerned however with her interaction with the Gondorian lord rather than a wizard.