The Sun Sets in the West

by Modern Artifact

Of Rhun, the West knows little. Except there, Sauron rebuilt his power and waited. This pieces together the story of Rhun during the end of the Third Age into the Fourth via the Westward journey of an Easterling-Elf who served the Dark Lord. It is a story of cultural difference, of uncertain redemption, but ultimately of love. (Easterlings, Variags, Rhun).

12. The Palantir, Power, and Position

Chapter 12 - The Palantir, Power, and Position

It was then that a young hobbit invited the eye of Sauron to their communal sleeping quarters in Edoras. Pippin had grown unnaturally curious of the Palantir taken from Sarumon and lifted it from Gandalf while he was sleeping. Legolas was alerted immediately of the shift in Sauron's gaze, and he raced inside the quarters alongside Aragorn to find the young hobbit caught to the glowing orb.

Meanwhile, Vezely was amidst returning to the veranda when Sauron's presence overwhelmed her at the top of the steps, filtering her thoughts with cold murmurs and past truths. She had not felt his presence since her captivity, being hidden from his eye for so long. She moved quickly to the door, opening it to reveal a struggle had taken place and the glowing orb rolling towards her, having just been dispatched from Aragorn's hands.

She stared down at it, drawn into its gaze and Sauron's eye readjusted to hers as she went to her knees in front of it, her arms outstretched, her palms mere inches from its touch, as if she was welcoming it and the conversation it evoked. It seemed to speak to her and she reciprocated its tongue, speaking to it fluently in the Black Speech of Mordor, "…You own me not." In one swift motion, she threw the scarf from around her neck over it, covering it from view.

Her eyes then scanned the room suspiciously, finding Aragorn and Legolas looking upon her surprised; all others remained confounded by the previous occurrence. Suddenly Gandalf stood in front of her with his staff pointed at her face, "Speak, and prove you are yourself," his stern voice heightened.

She had not yet regained full presence of mind and felt slightly numb from the experience. "Dark thoughts entered my mind, foul requests that will forever go unanswered. But I remain myself," she rejoined slowly, noting Sauron's desire to turn her from her path of redemption. She remained on her knees, the look of distress marked her face as she and others turned their attention to Pippin who remained unconscious.

Gandalf awoke the hobbit and queried him on what he saw; trying to break him from the fear that overtook him and find out what information Sauron gave and received.

During this time, Vezely went to locate her rucksack and found her tin of spice tea; feeling a need for it at this hour. She then went over to Pippin, who was huddled in a blanket next to his friend Merry, who looked stern, but concerned for his friend who seemed to always get himself into messes. Pippin looked ashamed that he brought the eye upon them.

"Come, I find tea a most settling ailment at an unpleasant hour such as this," Vez requested kindly to him, hoping to lead him into the Great Hall to boil a kettle of water on the fire. "There is enough for several cups," she then added to everyone else before leaving.

"It wouldn't happen to be Easterling spice tea, now would it?" Gandalf inquired interested, for he did so enjoy it and had not tasted a cup for ages.

"It would," Vez replied back pleasantly.

"Oh, well then, I will also join, though I do prefer mine strong with milk and honey," he added agreeably while following her, as if the bad tidings were not an issue.

Merry helped her clear some of the plates from the table, which had yet to be cleaned from last evening's gathering. She had used the final remnants of her tea leaves, though it did not concern her when closing the empty tin's lid. She was grateful to share the last of it amongst them. After it brewed, she would bring the kettle over and quietly fill the tea cups and they would all enjoy the scent of the rare spices fill the air around them.

Handing the first cup to Pippin, she told him, "This will warm you up, for I know the cold that lingers." He graciously accepted it with a brief smile, feeling slightly calmed by her acknowledgment of what he was feeling.

Gimli, who remained hung over from the previous night's drinking game, also stumbled in to get a cup, looking a bit wrung out and forgetful of the past evening. He seated himself at the table near Pippin. Legolas, who casually stood aside the table in his usual manner, asked with the slightest hint of boasting, "Did you sleep well my friend?"

"Aye. But before I admit defeat, I'll remind ya still didn't outscore me at Helm's Deep," he replied firmly, remembering he had lost to the drinking game.

"I do not begrudge you one. And as you said, there are plenty more to go," he replied kindly.

Vezely thought warmly of their friendship, for she could tell it had difficult beginnings. She thought the same of the rest of the fellowship, for their friendships were true. To find herself amongst them at such an hour did much to comfort her resolve.

"This may actually help your head," she considered while pouring Gimli a cup. After which she placed down the kettle and unconsciously rubbed the wrist of the hand that held it, for her old wounds were giving her pain.

"Thank you lass, but you look to need it just as much," Gimli answered back concerned, grateful for the aroma and warmth of the cup in his hands, but noticing her tension as did others.

Legolas finally spoke of his growing concern, having watched her since the incident. His words made her turn her eyes to him, "You conversed with him."

"In the Black Speech of Mordor," Gandalf addressed the group, while not pleasing to hear such tongue he appeared unconcerned of the incident which he recounted, "Sauron requested Vez to bring down the heir of Isildur."

Vezely suddenly removed her eyes away from Legolas's, feeling slightly ashamed that such a request had been made. She then spoke to the group, hoping something was learned from it, "Sauron is afraid. He fears Aragorn." Her eyes now turning on the man, who had been quietly considering the prior incident with the Palantir and what he saw, if only momentarily.

"And such fear will progress this war," Gandalf confirmed, his cup in mid-air before his mouth, "The heir of Isildur is announced. He believes men will unite under a common banner and will move quickly."

Theodon entered the Great Hall to be addressed on the incident, where Gandalf assured him that the enemy had not gained any additional information of their ring bearer from Pippin, but they gained valuable knowledge of where he would strike next - Minas Tirith, the seat of Gondor.

Theodon was hesitant of riding to Gondor's aid immediately, dissatisfied that they didn't aid Rohan at Helm's Deep; he was determined to wait until he heard the request from Gondor itself. Despite the desire of Aragorn to go and warn his kin, Gandalf set off with Pippin to Minas Tirith to hopefully persuade the Steward to light the beacons. It was a three days journey, so they would wait and hope that once summoned, Theodon would agree to answer the call of war.

Following the meeting, and Gandalf and Pippin's swift departure, Vezely approached Aragorn outside the Golden Hall as he was returning with Merry who ran to see off his friend. She was worried that knowledge of Sauron's request would make him think ill of her.

"Aragorn," she approached him humbly, then walking beside him she spoke concerned, "I hope to mend what minimal trust I had with you before this morning."

Stopping, he placed his palm up to still her speech, saying sincerely, "It has not been broken."

She smiled warmly at this and offered him her hand, which he took by the forearm and shook it in solidarity. "Gratitude. You are more than worthy of the title that beckons you," she told him graciously in appreciation. Despite this reassurance, however, feelings of uneasiness lingered in her.

Legolas carefully watched the young Elf as she perched herself on the veranda, and as she slumped down on the corner ledge to sit cross-legged facing the expanding vistas of Rohan. Her body shuttered slightly and she desired the sun's rays to warm her, but the cold winds did not help her cause.

Aragorn also watched, and shared his concern with his companion who went to grab his Elven cloak from inside. Legolas attended her side and placed it around her, her eyes watching him curiously as he adjusted it, for she was not comfortable being tended to. She smiled kindly at him, a smile he returned. "Gratitude," she spoke meekly, not begrudging him this time for taking care of her.

"You should rest," he told her softly, "The evening has been eventful and there is no fault in allowing the morning to pass unattended." Legolas then motioned to leave, believing she desired solitude, but her hand grabbed his before he did so.

Vezely's hand did not release his grasp, telling him, "You are too polite to ask what you desire to know."

He looked upon her, slightly surprised by her touch, "I would not want it to appear that I doubt you."

"And I would not begrudge you if you did. Please stay by my side for a little longer," she requested him, and he then took a seat beside her, knowing not what she would say or prompting her to say anything.

After a moment, she began to explain what she believed needed to be explained, also working through her own thoughts which were unsettled. "Sauron will forever have a hold on me. He now plays on my desires, offering me command of the Easterling armies and dominion over the lands they're set to conquer."

The pause in her speech left Legolas confused, prompting him to ask skeptically, "These are not still your desires?"

She looked at him wearily, "On the way back from Isengard, I said as my past is laid bare, do not assume my strength always came from honorable intent or that I am innocent of deeds that I only later came to question. It was not very long ago that these desires left me. Even my captivity did not sway me from what I thought was my destiny."

He allowed her to continue unimpeded.

"Upon my release from Dol Guldur, I forced myself into exile into the desserts of Rhun, leaving the care of the Blue Wizards momentarily, despite their concern for my mental stability. The warmth of the desert sun was inviting for I had only known the cold of my cell and soaked in the rays as if I could not be quenched of thirst. It is a landscape most would fear, but the open space and heat ended up being a welcomed respite. As my memories returned, I should have been filled with remorse for the deeds I've done, for the lives I took, it should have given me reason to fight for redemption. But instead, I was angry, for having been deceived, for my life's work being taken over by my second in command, for being imprisoned. And while I should be angry at Sauron for killing my blood parents and having me raised as his own vengeful plot, I cared not for this. I held nothing for my kin in the West, only a weak obligation for having aided in my release.

Joining the resistance was simply a gateway for my revenge and a place to practice my trade, even if I saw it as chipping rocks from a neverending quarry. I knew they had no chance against Sauron and the armies I helped build...The day the resistance fell was the day I set out to go West of Rhovanion, to find Gandalf and continue to fight for no higher purpose.

You desired to figure me out," she then looked at him, finding concern in his eyes for these revelations were unpleasant, "This was me before coming West. It was easier not to feel remorse, to not care about belonging, or about others. I may have even taken Sauron up on his offer. But I know now why the Blue Wizards insisted on me learning Elvish, to at least make me minimally acknowledge my roots," her eyes searched his before saying, "For they were preparing me to go West where I would meet you and you would answer questions I always had but knew not the answers. You assured me that I belong somewhere and should allow myself a higher reason to fight. Perhaps I started to believe it. And here I am, not as set in my prior path."

Legolas had not expected these words of his guidance to leave her mouth, and they stalled him in responding, "I only prompted you to realize that which was already inside you. This new path is one you should not fear," he spoke humbly, and did not hide the face that he was touched by her words.

"My only fear is it makes me weak." She looked back on the expanses of land before before adding, "I dedicated my life to perfecting Easterling warfare, devising machines of destruction, and breeding into men the desire to fight to the death. These armies now march on your kingdom, and I am powerless to stop them."

"You should not place these burdens only on your shoulders, nor are you alone in this fight...There is still hope," he told her with conviction, turning her attention back to him.

She searched his eyes, "I know not the nature of the quest you and your companions were on, or in whose hands that task now lies. I can only find minimal comfort in the faith you and your companions place in those hands," she continued with affirmation, "But I have survived with less."

They then listened to the winds rush through the valley below, rustling the grasses and drying the morning dew. Vezely felt warmed by the cloak that now graced her shoulders and encircled her - fine Elven clothe that perhaps held some form of Elvish magic, for her wrists and ankles no longer ached.

After a few moments of silence, Legolas asked calmly, "Why have you shared this with me?"

She knew it was odd of her to suddenly open up, but after their prior argument and all the night's issues, she felt a need to express where she found herself mentally now, "I felt I may have deceived you, for I have not changed much since I was under Sauron."

"I should not have said that before," he apologized concerned.

She shook her head, "You are perceptive, just as Elves are said to be."

"I think you have changed. You are not the same woman I met centuries ago. There remains no evil intent in your eyes," he told her encouragingly.

She smiled slightly, also recalling, "I remember your eyes upon me and I did not forget them through the years. I never expected to meet them again on the edge of Fangorn."

"But they are not the same eyes that look upon you now, for I hold no contempt in my heart for you," he added sincerely.

She smiled warmly, "I said I did not want your forgiveness."

"You cannot always have what you want," he smirked, hoping to liven the mood.

She laughed slightly before saying diplomatically, "Understood." She was smiling inside, for she felt uplifted by hopefully mending her friendship with him and Legolas did the same, for he was grateful for her openness. He no longer needed to unravel her, nor was he concerned with her deviating from this path she had set foot on.

The sun's rays would warm them until it was time for Vez to hold mid-morning council with King Theodon.

"I should go and change," she realized while standing, "I cannot discuss war in such an outfit."

"It does not suit you," he confessed politely after also standing, knowing the dress was not the proper attire for someone as herself.

"You are smart to say so," she smirked, removing the Elven cloak from her shoulders and folding it carefully. She handed it to him with both hands, "Thank you for sitting with me this morning."

As he took it from her, his hand accidentally brushed against hers and they both noted the feelings it caused, "I am grateful to have been invited to."

Vezely would change back into her own attire, now washed and mended thanks to the kindness of Eowyn. Somehow her garments reflected her current position in life: lacking distinctness, as she held no rank or title in the West nor had she for the resistance where the Blue Wizards desired her to learn the humility of following orders. They did not match in color or cultural origin, for while her burgundy pants were Easterling, her navy jacket was purchased in a small town on the borders of Khand, reflecting her detachment from any particular homeland. She looked like a wanderer and was. For only her skin marked her as belonging to the culture of the Balchoth - her tattoos reflected important moments in her life as well as battle chants written in ancient Rhunic script. The Balchoth marked their bodies as the Haradrim did, unlike other Easterling clans. It reflected their brutal, visceral nature, where scars were also signs of prestige. Yet even these tattoos remained covered. She had grown accustomed over the past half-century to being anonymous under nondescript clothing and headgear, covering her origins and her past along with it. Coming West to meet Gandalf obliterated this anonymity, making her again confront who she was and who she was becoming currently.

This morning she would be taking on an important task, and one she would have had in her past, that of discussing war. For hundreds of years she was a general, leading campaigns to build Sauron's armies, bringing the East under his control, fighting resurgences and quelling rebellions under his banner. War was her subject of study, her trade, and once, her only purpose. The great battle for Middle Earth would begin, and while she never expected to be on the defense, the tactical implications of it intrigued her senses. But while she was prepared to tell Theodon of the forces amassed in the East, discussing strategy and tactics with him was not her place. Unless she was asked, she would not offer advice on how to fight this war. Perhaps the Blue Wizards were able to humble her to a small degree.

Vezely met Aragorn at the hall's entrance, he confided that Theodon had not been made aware of the previous night's issue in the stables with Eomer's men. For this, Vez was relieved, for she desired to keep her relationship with the king stable.

The Golden Hall was relatively quiet, though minor provisions were being taken for when they might be called for aid; Thoedon still had no intention of leaving Edoras until the Beacons of Minas Tirith were lit. On a table stationed near the throne, maps and quills were laid out, most providing schematics to Rohan's expansive kingdom. Theodon was preparing to send riders throughout his realm to call able bodied men to report under his banner. Near him stood two elderly gentlemen, Rohan's advisers since the days of his father's rule. Gamling and his nephew Eomer were also nearby, all wearing their swords, and appearing stern as Vezely approached the table. She nodded politely to the king and others.

Keeping a cool demeanor, her eyes glanced through the maps on the table, finding one outlining the expanses surrounding the White City. She brought it to the top of the pile, leaving her finger tips loosely on top of it. She looked at each of the men before beginning, sensing their anticipation. They had never been addressed by a woman about war matters before; she knew this and tried not to let it influence her tone. She began sincerely, "I can tell you what was known before the resistance fell; the information our spies obtained from behind enemy lines. It does not preclude the possibility of plans being changed, but the magnitude of conducting such alterations considering the forces amassed would be a considerable feat."

"We will accept what information you can provide," Theodon stated politely.

She nodded and straightened her posture, "Sauron will send a significant fraction of his legion to Minas Tirith. The siege will most likely begin with the orc armies of Minas Morgul," she pointed to its location on the map. "They are expendable, able to wait out the beginning days of the siege, while chipping away at the city's outer defenses. I do not foresee your Rohirrim having trouble breaking their lines," she praised slightly.

Theodon nodded at this positive acknowledgement, "And Easterlings?" Theodon queried, wondering if Rohan's past enemies would be met again on these fields.

"The majority of the Easterling armies are set to march on Mirkwood and further North," her eyes shifted momentarily to Legolas, "It is the Haradrim who will go South to Gondor."

"Southrons," Eomer remarked, knowing of these men. They were the ancient enemies of Gondor.

Vez nodded, "And they will have Mûmakil."

Aragorn mentioned to Merry quietly, "Oliphaunts." None had seen such beasts West before, though rumors of their size and strength had reached them.

"Our horses can out pace them my lord," the one elderly adviser told Theodon confidently.

"Perhaps, if they are running in the opposite direction," Vezely replied slightly amused at the thought. "The Black Serpent Suladan is a smart general," knowing of the man who led the Harad, "He does not rely on the beast's size alone to do the job as his predecessors once did. Their ankles and tusks will be reinforced with wooden spikes and chains. They are trained well to sweep horses off the ground and trample them with their feet. You may yet dodge their attempts, but over a dozen archers will be perched high in towers on their backs to rain arrows down on you."

"We can bring them down, we have our own archers," the other adviser added reassuringly.

"They are large targets, no doubt, but they are not easily brought down. Arrows shot from below do not penetrate their thick hides," Vezely replied.

"What strategy do you suggest?" Theodon queried.

Vezely was glad to be asked, though she could offer little, "Hold your line and break theirs, aim for their heads, especially their eyes, knock down their drivers, but there is little other advice I can give."

"Orcs, Mûmakil, what else?" Theodon inquired slightly overwhelmed by this information.

"There is one other force that if I were Sauron I would send into this battle," she considered while rounding the table while her eyes perused the map of Pelennor Fields in front of her, suddenly feeling as the general she once was, "This is only intuition, but he has infantry and the Harad's Mûmakil, so he will want balance with horsemen. With the majority of the Easterling forces North, the Variags of Khand, who have maintained their independence despite Easterling consolidation, might yet meet us on the field."

"The Variags?" Eomer questioned with eyes narrowing, not knowing much about them.

"Chariot riders, berserkers, axe-wielders," she listed before looking briefly at Gimli who might appreciate meeting fellow axe-men on the battlefield, "They were once allies of the Wainriders, and for a brief time enemies of the Balchoth. They are not to be underestimated nor is their leader, who is rumored to be one of the undead."

"Undead?" Theodon spoke concerned.

"Sauron's privileged men, given unnaturally long stretches of life to perfect their trade. I don't usually take stock in rumors, preferring to see evidence with my own eyes or hearing the words of those I trust. But the resistance could never infiltrate the Variags' forces to ground them in truth. If this is so, he or she," Vez added 'she' simply to prove a point, "Will be hard to kill, as will the Nazgul, if they decide to join us."

After a moment of thought, Theodon responded, "Chariots," hoping to focus on the province of men, "Good to know, there are strategies for this."

Vez nodded, "Indeed," for she knew many.

Looking over the map in front of him, Theodon continued to take in this content before graciously replying. "All this information is valuable, if we are called to aid Gondor, we will be better prepared for what might meet us. For that, Rohan is grateful."

Vezely bowed her head to him and then acknowledged the other men at the council with a nod, Eomer included. She felt grateful to carry on the resistance's work in some small way.

"And we may again seek your advice," Theodon added after a moment, considering her understanding of warfare should not be devalued or dismissed, though such a request made Eomer and his older advisers shift slightly.

"I would be honored to provide it," Vezely replied slightly surprised, for she could not deny the pleasure holding such council had provided her.

After the meeting, Vezely left the Great Hall to stand on the veranda, facing East, thinking of the lands far away that she knew well.

Meanwhile, Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli convened to discuss the meeting.

"Didn't spare 'em any details, did she?" Gimli gruffly remarked at the magnitude of information relayed.

"One thing is for certain, if Rohan does not ride to aid, Gondor is lost," Aragorn noted concerned.

Legolas shared his concern, "And time is of the essence." The waiting would be difficult for all of them.

Merry made his way to the outside veranda, finding Vez standing there, facing away from him with her arms crossed. She sensed his presence, and spoke to him before he got to her side, "Your friend is lucky Merry, for war will meet him while we must wait with uncertainty."

"If you call that luck," he replied sarcastically.

She smiled at him before asking, "How are your sword skills?"

He had not anticipated being asked about being battle ready, "Practiced," he told her uncertain, knowing they were not warrior-level.

She spoke encouragingly, "Don't underestimate what you can do. You have a distinct advantage of swiftness due to your size, making you twice the harder target to hit."

"For Mûmakil, perhaps," he replied seemingly unconvinced, but inside he felt slightly proud having an acknowledged strength, even if it was not yet fully realized.

"I had forgotten such beasts are only legend here. They are incredible creatures, bred evil by men, though they need not be so," she started to think of their alternative nature, if tamed not for war purposes.

"Are they really as big as they say?" He asked curious.

She looked behind her at the Golden Hall, sizing it up, "This hall may house the height of one."

Merry looked at it wide-eyed, "Indeed they are then," his mind verifying the tales.

"The jungles of the Far Harad are not pleasant by any means, especially when you consider that Mûmakil are not even predators. I am just grateful the Haradrim have not tamed other beasts from it," she told him truthfully.

"It is a far cry from the Shire where we may have pigs the size of wagons, but nothing quite the size of a hobbit hole," he added slightly amused.

Vez smiled, "The Shire? This is where you hail from?"

"Aye, it's not much against the expanses of Rohan or the woods of Lothlorien, but it's home," he declared proudly.

"Sometimes traveling from ones home makes you more appreciative of it, or at least I have been told," she considered.

He couldn't disagree with such an assertion. He then asked, "Do you have a home you consider as such?"

"Not really," she replied truthfully, "I have been nomadic for most of my life, but the East in general is my home, despite being born in the West."

"Have you found yourself more appreciative of the East then?" he queried her further.

It was a question she had to consider, "Maybe, for I have grown more concerned for its future. For if the powers of Mordor are defeated, the East will be in disarray. Peace will need to be reestablished under a different banner." Not wanting to dwell on these thoughts, she asked him, "Tell me of this Shire, where you and Pippin are from, for I wish to know of a place that grows persons of such high spirits."

Merry was appreciative to answer such a request, and grateful not to spend the afternoon alone. He was not sure of his position in what remained of the fellowship now with Pip away, if he would be passed over while all the others left for battle. He felt useless, even if his friends would never say so.

Later that day Vez would find herself back in the Golden Hall to enjoy a modest meal of stew with Merry, spending the meal discussing food and food oddities.

"...I do not understand how hobbits can eat so much and yet be so small," Vez told him in jest.

"And equally undefined is how Elves eat so little and grow so tall and strong," Merry joked undeterred, "Of course, for someone who eats bugs..."

"I never subsisted on bugs!" Vez decried his accusation. "I only mentioned that some taste like chicken."

Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli were soon to join them, after having spent the afternoon discussing the information Vezely relayed to Theodon that morning. They had not expected to find the two of them laughing hysterically.

"Well this is a mighty festive crew," Gimli remarked as they approached, amused at their jolliness.

Their laughter slowly ceased, but their smiles remained. Vez attempted to regain her usual serious composure and found her eyes suddenly locking with Legolas's, whose smile was elicited by viewing the life that was previously radiating from her; a side of her he had not seen, for her cheeks were flushed and she looked generally happy. He noted that it pleased him to see her so.

"Vez here was just telling me that in certain parts of the East, bugs make up the diet," Merry explained, "Can you imagine? And I thought ol' Gaffer's stew was the worst cuisine in Middle Earth."

"It is not common of course, but when the land is barren of all else," she verified, a small smile still on her face.

"That does not sound appetizing," Gimli scoffed sitting across from them, "Nor does this," he added, looking disappointed at the plain stew on the table.

"It too tastes like chicken," Merry blurted, still amused at the previous remark.

Vez started laughing again, shaking her head at the hobbit beside her who amused her so.

"Hmm," Gimli cocked his eyebrow suspiciously, wondering if they had been smoking and drinking.

While eliciting more pleasant exchange on food, it also led to the opportunity for the trio to question Vez further on some finer details she may have elided over, one of which was the Variags and their leader. While she could offer them more information on their tribe, she could not on their leader, nor would she reveal her own suspicion of him being her former second in command. Perhaps she was again presenting herself as detached from the subject; a position noted by Legolas later that evening.