DISCLAIMER: As always, I do not own Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth, or any of the characters pertaining to it... they are all property of the wonderful Professor J.R.R. Tolkien (whom I hold in the utmost respect) and Newline Cinemas, etc. I earn absolutely nothing from this... except maybe amusement.

The riding had become a rhythmic beat, steady and unchanging as the horses' hooves pawed against the earth. The three had veered to the northwest before midday after passing the ravaged city of Osgiliath, straying from their intended course along the Great River and heading toward the Stonewain Valley. They did not know however, that this was where they were headed, only that the Druadan Forest lay northwestwise and this was the direction they now traveled and Cair Andros was certainly no longer their destination, if it ever truly was.

Legolas appeared almost to be watching something far afore them, perhaps it was the edges of Greywood, or even Druadan itself. He seemed nearly anxious, but also curious, and his bright eyes danced in the sunlight. The Dwarf who rode behind him seemed at last to have become at least minimally confident in his riding skills, or keeping from falling off, as he saw it. He had quickly lessened the grip he held around Legolas' midriff when he had realized just how tight it had been, in almost an embarrassed state. The Elf had laughed at this, and Gimli had felt suddenly very self-conscious and began fidgeting somewhat. Legolas smiled warmly, aware of his friend's discomfort.

Aragorn rode slightly in front of them, going only at a fast walk, leading the way though he was sure he was not reining Brego in any particular way. Instead of the fast gallop they began at, they had slowed to a more leisurely pace for the horses' benefit, though both Arod and Brego had enjoyed the sprint while it had lasted. There was no rush to reach where they were going, only to distance themselves from the sight of those in Minas Tirith, and this they had already succeeded in doing.

It was late afternoon when the thick green of the forest first came into view, for Aragorn and Gimli, at least. Legolas had been studying the trees and land about them long before, and seemed to see something more, something that even as they neared, the other two could not. Legolas brought his horse closer to Aragorn's so they walked again side by side.

"There are faces amidst the trees. They are watching us," whispered the Elf. Aragorn gave a nod, and turned his eyes to the forest once more. There were not many, but faces, indeed, were mingled with the brown bark of the tree trunks. From what Legolas could discern from the camouflage, their hair was dark and they had no beards or hair of that sort. Moreover they were quite short in comparison to the race of men, only standing sometimes close to four feet, and were very broad of shoulder and had thick legs. In some ways, their stature reminded Legolas suddenly of the Dwarf who rode behind him.

Their faces were wide and eyes deep-set with somewhat flat noses and thick, black brows. But they seemed almost to stare endlessly and stood as still as though they were made of stone, taking in everything with piercing eyes. An interesting folk they were, though some of the Rohirrim had viewed them as Wild Men. Regardless, they were wise people in their own sense. In relation to the Folk of Haleth, they were regarded as a wholly different kind, and the Haleth were, in turn, regarded by other Atani, Edain allied with the Elves, as a people apart.

"Aye, they are."

"Who are?" Asked Gimli, feeling quite left out of the conversation and also growing tired of hearing naught but the hoof beats of horses.

"The Druedain, my friend, or Woses, as you may know them. Do you not remember? They aided Rohan, and Gondor much, in turn, when the Chieftain of their people, Ghân-Buri-Ghân told of those allied with Sauron guarding the Great West Road. He led Théoden through the Stonewain Valley so they could aid Gondor on the Pelennor fields unseen by Sauron's Army, for they were far outnumbered. It was a mighty deed."

"And one that you rewarded well, did you not? You declared the Druadan to be theirs, and that no man shall enter without their leave," said Legolas, apparently pondering the subject.

"That I have."

"We will not enter, then?" Asked Gimli, peering around Legolas to get a clearer view then the back of the Elf's jerkin provided.

"Nay, we shall not disturb them. We will go around, mayhap we should follow the Great West Road for ourselves?"

"I do not object... though I would that we could pass through the trees of Greywood and that we could meet these Druedain. I have heard some of them, and hear also that they know much of plants and growing things... so much, in fact, that they rival even the Elves. I would speak with them of such," said Legolas.

"I swear it, Elves truly think of naught but trees...and stars also," muttered the Dwarf, though far loud enough for all to hear, with a shake of his head. Both companions smiled, though Legolas shook his head as Gimli had.

"If you indeed wish it, you may ask this of them...though I do not know how they may answer. Éomer has said that they were not unfriendly, though they appeared wary. It seems also that they would rather be left alone by others, though you are no Man but an Elf, therefore I know not what they would think of such a request."

The horses came to a halt in front of the very entrance to the forest, waiting to know what they should do. Legolas seemed to think a short while over whether or not they should hazard a trip into the trees. He wanted to, it was true, for he had never been able to speak to these peoples and was curious of their ways. It was said that perhaps they were more culturally primitive, while they were still very wood-crafty and knew the ways of nature. They were also known to be skilled in stone carving. A smile spread across Legolas' fair lips.

"The Edain have ever been Elf-friends..." began Legolas, "and I am forsooth an Elf. If they permit it, then I would walk beneath the boughs of Druadan. But how do we gain their leave?" Asked the Elf, staring once more into the trees.

"I know not, but their language is altogether different from the common tongue, although there are some, such as the chieftain, who speak it, roughly albeit."

"Perchance we must simply ask," though Legolas aloud, "for I know they are nigh, and am sure our presence has not gone unknown."

Gimli grunted at this; he did not hate forests, but he could truthfully say he did not love them either. Furthermore he would much rather be surrounded by stone than green, and was showing little enthusiasm about entering this wood, though he favored it greatly to Fangorn. That had been an experience he did not wish to repeat. All around him the trees had seemed to speak amongst themselves, the very wood inside them creaked and groaned to form the words of their speech. All the more unnerving had been the fact that Legolas had listened so closely to this it seemed that he had understood their conversations, or at least the essence of them. Gimli had only hoped that Legolas would not whisper of his friend's unease nor that he had an axe secured firmly at his belt to the ever watching trees. Axes and trees do bode well, had thought the Dwarf, eyeing the whole of the wood suspiciously. But he felt less ashamed of his malaise for Fangorn upon seeing Legolas' reactions to the Glittering Caves. The Elf's already pale skin had flushed of any color; he had seemed almost claustrophobic of the stone that surrounded him on all sides.

"My friends of the Forest Druadan, I am King Elessar of Gondor, to my right are Legolas the Elf of the Woodland Realm and Gimli the Dwarf, son of Glóin, we wish for your permission to enter. We intend no harm, only to pass through the wondrous trees of your realm, and perhaps, would you allow it, to exchange friendly word and tidings." There was a very soft rustling heard throughout the brushes that bedded the roots and earthen floor. These people were quick and silent of foot, but Legolas, having keen Elven ears, heard them still. Whispers in a tongue very unlike Westron or Sindarin could scarcely be heard for they were uttered so mutely; the voices spoke in a guttural manner that sounded peculiar, yet somehow very interesting. After much silence, a host of three, matching Aragorn's own, revealed themselves from the foliage. Gimli stifled back a gasp. Not since Haldir and his Elves in the fair Lothlórien, and perhaps a scant few times caused by Legolas' occasional mischief, for he had a tendency to drop at will from trees and high places, had the Dwarf been so taken by surprise. He had neither seen nor heard their coming. Legolas could not help but smile upon hearing Gimli's short intake of breath.

The man standing frontmost the other two had bushy, dark eyebrows that shadowed his deep-set black eyes and stared back at the two horses and their three riders with much curiosity. Their garb was of primitive make, though it blended uncannily with the surroundings.He had seen such beasts before, and he had seen also Aragorn before. King Elessar was regarded with respect amongst these people, for he had given the forest to them and ridded them of unwanted company.

"Welcome, King of Gondor, I am Bahârrod, my men are Carbbidhe and Fearnngost who speak only their native speech" said the man, at length, his voice deep and his Westron somewhat unsteady from inexperience. Few here spoke the common tongue, for it was deemed for the most part unnecessary and those who did had little use of it and learned Westron only roughly. It was not oft, if ever, that they had dealings with folk other then their own. The man bowed in a dignified manner and Aragorn, as well as Legolas and Gimli, quickly dismounted and returned the respectful gesture, as did the men behind the one who had spoken. "We know of you, King Elessar, and it would be unkind of us to forbid your entrance. You have gifted us with right to this forest."

"The gift was well deserved, Bahârrod of Druadan."

"We thank you. But what manner of folk be these who travel with you? An Elf and Dwarf? It is a strange company you travel with..." Bahârrod's words came to a slow stop as he studied the two standing behind Aragorn with curious eyes. A look of confusion spread across his face even as he thought, and he turned back to Aragorn, beckoning for him to move closer so his words would be heard by only the King. "Be the Elf male or female?" He whispered, raising his thick brow and trying to sound as polite as possible through his confounding. Legolas heard full well what had been asked, and he felt his eyebrow twitch in slight irritation. Many Elves had androgynous faces, and Legolas was one among them, but a question of that manner had never arisen. The Elf sighed, unable to be angry at the man, for Bahârrod had asked innocently enough, and had likely never seen many other than his own people. To Legolas' misfortune, Gimli's hearing for once did not fail him and he caught wind of the question. Despite his attempt to hold back a fit of laughter, Gimli could not. Legolas pursed his lips together tightly and if it was possible for an Elf to blush, he did so now. The very tips of his ears became a light pinkish and he shot Gimli a glare that would have left even the Witch-king of Angmar shivering. The Dwarf would speak of this until the end of his days.

"He is male, I assure you," chuckled Aragorn to the obviously embarrassed Bahârrod. "Do not fret, Legolas has taken no offense, I am sure." The king of Gondor could not help but laugh at the glower across the Mirkwood Prince's face. "But come! Will you let us pass through your woods? We promise we mean no harm to anyone, be they person, plant or animal. Legolas and Gimli are my most trusted friends, fret not. Our business here is not diplomacy, but naught more than a reprieve from the stone of Minas Tirith, though I would speak with your Chieftain of tidings of late. Perhaps we can bring helpful news? Or you can, likewise. We shall leave as swiftly as we have come, but Legolas had wished to learn more of your great knowledge of plant life and the like, so we have come to ask for your leave to enter." Bahârrod though a moment before answering.

"It is not my place. I will lead you to the Chieftain. I am sure he would converse with King Elessar, though we seldom converse with strangers to these woods."

"Thank you, Bahârrod," answered Aragorn. And at that, Bahârrod turned back into the wood and beckoned for his men as well as Aragorn and his company to follow him through the thicket of Greywood. The former Ranger nodded, and led Brego into the trees, twigs snapping beneath the mighty horse's hooves. The three Druedain walked nigh soundlessly, their shorter legs seemed to know every knot in every root of the path they took. Legolas followed, with Gimli still bubbling with laughter at his side. When the Dwarf was sure at last the Bahârrod and his men were out of earshot, the jests began.

"Well, fancy that! An elf-maiden in my presence and I knew aught of it!"

"Gimli... you would do well to keep your mouth firmly shut, or pull your helmet over your face if you cannot resist talk." At this the Dwarf only chortled. "Need I remind you, Master Dwarf, that you clung to me like Thorin Oakenshield to his jewels and treasures beneath the Misty Mountains throughout our ride? What would your folk in the Glittering Caves say to that?"

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Well there's that! I really hope you liked it! I'll update as soon as I get back from camp in two weeks. I hope you'll stick with me until then!

I would also like to explain a bit more about the Druedain for they are truly very intriguing peoples and I will do my best to extend upon what I have already said with the best accuracy as I can, and to the best of my knowledge. Many of you probably already know this, but I'm merely including it, first of all, partially for my own sake, and secondly, for the sake of anyone who does not know. I know that up until recently, I was quite ignorant. Continue reading if you want to know more, while if you either already know or are uninterested, this is where my actual story stops until the next update. Enjoy.

The Druedain's nonphysical qualities seem to be very similar to the European idea of a 'noble savage,' for they are a somewhat mysterious people, regarded by some as 'Wild men' but, from what Tolkien has described, are completely good. In some ways, it could be said that they are actually superior to the other Edain, because they had a strange gift of foresight, and with this, left Numenor before the Downfall. Also, they were able to overcome the Orcs while their neighbors, the Haladin, were left somewhat helpless. The Rohirrim were also known to hunt down the Woses, for they considered them Wild Men. Ghân-Buri-Ghân turned down the rewards Thèoden offered for the promise that Rohan would no longer hunt them. And, though the Rohirrim are not evil, this is a further testament that none are perfect, nor 'all good.' Where there is great good, there may also be evil and where there is great evil there may also be good. In the Silmarillion, it says that the Edain went to Numenor, while some stayed behind. Numenor was a place created for them which was neither a part of Middle-earth nor a part of Valinor. Also, the Edain were rewarded by the Valar by having superiority to other humans of Middle-earth increased:

To the Fathers of Men of the three faithful houses rich reward was also given. Eonwe came among them and taught them; and they were given wisdom and power and life more enduring than any others of mortal race have possessed. A land was made for the Edain to dwell in, neither part of Middle-earth nor of Valinor, for it was sundered from either by a wide sea; yet it was nearer to Valinor...

That as the beginning of that people... called the Dunedain: the Numenoreans, Kings among Men... they grew wise and glorious, and in all things more like to the Firstborn than any other of the kindreds of Men; and they were tall, taller than the tallest of the sons of Middle-Earth. - The Silmarillion

Moreover, Numenoreans are also descendants of the Edain. In truth, the Druedain that dwell in Druadan did not go to Numenor and were among those who stayed behind. Now, I must also explain more fully the Edain. They were the humans who 'qualified' as it seems, to be 'Elf-friends,' and 'Edain' is the collective term for them. They were also the Elves' essential allies throughout the war against Morgoth. The three kindreds, as said in the Silmarillion, were Beor's people, Marach's people and the Haladin. But, it seems that there was also a fourth group and they were called the Druedain.

Thank you so much for the reviews, everybody! My chapters will be longer when I return.

Bookworm,. 303: I'm glad you're reading! And thanks a bunch for the review. Aye, it is the calm. Trouble should be headed their way, hence the name of the story. Lol. And I really hope your computer can be fixed soon! I wish I could help, but alas, I know very little about computers. I can't wait for you to update.

Gismo: You're reading too! Yay. I know I would tire of being king quite quickly. I'd much rather be outdoors. Thanks so much!

Luinthien: Thank you!! I'm trying hard to write in character and in the way that those of Middle-earth did indeed speak. Tolkien was/is quite simply a mastermind and his writing truly is a gift. Alas that we can never know all he intended for Middle-earth.

Deana: Thanks a bunch.

Orliey: Thank you!!! Lol. Monty Python is wonderful.

Sun Kissed Rose: Thank you!!

All your reviews are really encouraging, and thanks once more. Until I return, cuio vae!

-Jamie (Lintu...)