Chapter 2: The council of Bag End
Everyone sat down round Tristan's largest dinner table with a hobbit-sized supper in front of them. There was a few minutes of silence during which Tristan took in the occupants of his dining room. There was the burly Dwarf, Bob, his twisting, braided, red bread reached down to his stomach which jutted out in front of him, giving him the appearance of a man who stuffed several chickens down his tunic in his haste to get away during a robbery. He was armed with two mighty chipped axes which were stored on his back in two large leather sheaths. There was also the Elf, Chliohne, he was graceful and light compared to the large, sloppy dwarf. He was clad in a brilliant green garment which covered his whole body apart from the face and seemed to be made of special leaves which, Tristan guessed, grew back if the garment was damaged. He had piercing aquamarine eyes which seemed to see through you, to your very heart and soul. Tristan realised he'd never be able to hold Chliohne's gaze and moved onto the curling locks of bright blonde hair that peeked out from under the garment's hood, seeming to Tristan to want to break free from it's restraint. Chliohne was armed with a beautiful bow, about as tall as Tristan himself, with many carvings etched into it's length and arrows had glistening, multicoloured flights. Then, there was Edrol, the Blue Wizard. Tristan couldn't tell much about him but that was clothed in a old grey cloak and pointed hat that were worn with travel and age. At his side was his staff, five twisting wooden shafts formed a cup at the top, inside which was a sparkling, sky-blue diamond with many runes upon it. Then lastly there was himself, a boring old Hobbit wearing his casual reading clothes, and feeling in over his depth.
"Now Tristan, do you remember what i asked you earlier?" inquired Edrol, picking up a steaming battered fish.
"Something about Moria sir," Tristan managed to squeak out. Chliohne patted his back to make sure he wasn't choking causing the poor Hobbit's eyes to become roughly the size of the saucers he used for afternoon tea.
"No, we were talking about that but I asked you if you remembered anything about the Mouth of Sauron from Frodo's tales?" Edrol corrected.
"Yes sir. The Mouth always terrified me when Uncle Merry would tell me about lord Aragorn's encounter..." Tristan answered, his voice trembling slightly.
"Yes well after Sauron was defeated it seems he slipped away and took control of the orcs in Moria," Edrol explained,"He is now preparing to move on Middle Earth." Tristan gasped in shock and nearly fell out of his chair. "Yes," Edrol continued gravely,"It is shocking that he is ready to move so fast, but that is what my spies have reported."
Tristan composed himself, swallowing his fear as best he could,"Excuse me Edrol, but where will he attack first?"
Bob jumped in, "Rohan."
"Humph, that is possible, but I don't believe he will, not so shortly after Sauron and Saruman together failed to conquer the east. Rather I believe his forces will strike west, towards the softer lands of The Shire," Edrol remarked, glaring in Bob's direction.
Bob inquires, "Will you excuse me Tristan?" and made his way to the door.
Everyone's eyes followed him leaving the room, trying to figure out why he was leaving so abruptly. "Was it something we said?" Tristan murmured softly, a puzzled expression creasing his small forehead.
"No, my dear Hobbit you're fine. I just need some air" He lied.
"Hmmm, well, sit down again Master Dwarf," said Edrol scanning the Dwarf's face for any clues as to his thoughts. Bob tried to keep his face calm, polite, and emotionless and he hid his emotions well but Edrol, being a wizard of keen eyes, saw through the charade. "Humph!" Edrol grunted," Well, we must decide what we are to do about this."
"About what sir?" Tristan inquired.
"This threat upon Middle-Earth of course!" Edrol exclaimed, looking at Tristan like he was an utter fool.
"Sorry sir," Tristan said, looking to down to the floor.
"We should take a small force to Moria, to snuff out this threat before it is too great to handle. We would need help though," Chliohne suggested, leaning in to the table.
"A Good idea," Bob agreed,"But who would aid us?"
"The Big Folk?" Tristan suggested quietly.
"Well, There are still Elves at Rivendell but they would probably not do more than shelter us and Gondor, Rohan, Lorien and Erebor are too far," Edrol mused,"Perhaps we should..."
Edrol was cut off by neighing outside. Everyone jumped to their feet, a chair clattering to the floor. Tristan signalled everyone to be quiet and, being the smallest, sneaked over to the window, through which shadows were cast onto the floor, dancing over the room when he extinguished the lantern. He slipped his head into the small space in the window ledge not covered by the thick felt curtains. He couldn't see much in the dark except two ponies and some cloaked figures. Words came faintly to Tristan's ear, "Well, shall we get warm?" and a reply, "Yes my friend, the journey has been long." Recognising the voices, Tristan signalled for the company to hide themselves and, straightening up and putting on a welcoming face, strode to the door. He swang it open with a grin, coming face to face with Merry and Pippin, who had been reaching for the door knocker at the time. "It's nice to see you again. Although you traveling so late baffles me." Tristan said, grabbing them into a hug.
"We have returned from Gondor and the Mark. We thought you might like to hear about it my dear Tristan!" Explained Merry, stepping into the porch and removing his cloak.
"Yes, indeed I do," Tristan replied.
Well, we'll need supper young Hobbit," Merry declared,"Supper or no tale!"
"I'll go fetch my roast from the oven" Tristan replied happily.
"Right, we'll wait at the table for you!" Merry called, as he went through the dining room archway.
"Great!" Tristan hollered back "Is the table set?" He asked, grabbing a roast Turkey.
"Well... It looks like someone's already eating here Tristan. Do you have someone round?" Pippin replied.
"Indeed he does!" came a booming voice from behind him. Nearly falling over a chair in his haste to turn around, Pippin saw a huge shadowy man looming over him with a kindly yet with a threatening face. "How do you do Peregrin? Edrol, one of the blue wizards," Edrol introduced himself, then gesturing to Bob and Chliohne. "How do you do sir? This is my cousin Meriadoc Brandybuck." Pippin stammered, not sure if to be afriad or happy to meet this man. Chliohne stepped into the light, reaching to shake Merry's hand,"I'm Chliohne, Legolas's son and this is my friend Bob."
Merry stepped forward and shook hands with Chliohne. "Your father is a great Elf. I'm pleased to meet you. Hello Bob"
"Humph, i suppose you want to know why we're here? Well the Mouth of Sauron has taken over Moria and we're going to stop him, ok?" Bob blurted, not enjoying the gretings and small talk. "Sir, we're just here for a meal," Merry said defensively.
"And you ain't surprised there's an elf, a dwarf and a wizard already here?" Bob said sarcastically.
"Um, no sir. Not particularly. You see, Pip and I are use to many very unusual sights." Merry confessed.
"Yes, but in The Shire?"
"Yes sir. Frodo often had over many of our old friends and their relations." Pippin answered.
"Hmm, well.. Shall we get on with the council Peregrin?" Edrol inquired, trying to avoid Bob starting an argument of some sort. Pippin flinched. Gandalf was pretty much the only person to call him by his full name. Now having this "wizard" calling him that twice after knowing him for less than 10 minutes... "Yes," he replied.
"I'm sorry, it's a habit among wizards," Edrol explained softly, having noticed Pippin's discomfort. "The council will reconvene now!" He then announced, sitting back down at the head of the long, simple wood table.
"It's okay sir, I'm fine." Pippin replied attempting to smile weakly.
"Good," Edrol replied in a calming voice as smooth as a still lake.
"Well I suggest we send messages to Gondor or Rohan. They could make trouble in the west, turn the Mouth's attention there while we sneak in to Moria from the east," Bob interrupted harshly, impatient as always.
"Bob," Chliohne siad, "maybe we should slow down and think this through."
"Urgh... You will find no other solution, but I shall endure this for you, my friend," Bob relented with a sigh. He sat down at the table, his chair squeaking in protest. "Thank you my friend," Chliohne said with a nod to the Dwarf. Turning to Edrol, he began, "you were saying the Mouth could start by attacking the Shire?"
Edrol waited till everyone was ready and calm and then spoke in a grave voice, "As I was saying before Pippin and Merry arrived, we should perhaps message the likes of Rohan or Gondor to meet us in Rivendell, where we could meet the Mouth of Sauron's army in battle. But by then he would have amassed a great force which, if our friends from the east did not reach us in time, would wipe us out and leave The Shire open to invasion. Or, as others have said we could sneak into Moria itself. This is hindered by the fact we'd need help, but from where?"
There was a moment of silence before Tristan spoke up, "In Frodo's tales, Gandalf sent message by butterfly to the eagles. Couldn't we send messages to the east by bird?" "Well young hobbit," Edrol began slowly, "That's a wonderful idea that could work." Finished the wizard with a smile on his rough face. "Thank you Sir!" Tristan exclaimed, happy that he'd contributed something good for once.
"No! Thank you for thinking of it my wise young hobbit!" Edrol smiled.
"Well, who would we ask for aid? Aragorn perhaps?" Chliohne inquired.
"If you think he'd help. Pippin?" Edrol prompted.
"I think he'd help," Pippin replied, thrilled at getting to speak at last, it had felt like age since he'd last spoken. "Merry?" he asked, "What about Rohan?"
"I think it would be harder for Rohan to help, being used to cavalry fighting. Cavalry would be no use in Moria." Merry stated sadly, with a serious tone. He grabbed a turkey thigh and began to eat. "The hobbit is right, Moria is no place for cavalry," Bob agreed. Merry finished his turkey leg and gave a satisfied burp. "How much longer would it take for dwarves from Erebor to get here though? If it wasn't to much longer we should go to them, they will be better fighters in Moria. I mean, dwarves did build it after all" Merry asked, licking his lips.
"Great idea Merry!" Pippin said excitedly.
"Bob?" Edrol urged. Bob grumbled.
"It is a good idea but I didn't really leave on speaking terms..." Bob revealed, scratching his head nervously.
"What happened?" Tristan asked.
"I kind of... Erm..." Bob hesitated, squirming slightly in his seat.
"Will you kindly entertain the Hobbits dear Chliohne? Bob needs a bit of fresh air and I do believe I'll accompany him," Edrol asked, seeing bob's extreme discomfort. He got up, grabbed bob's shaking arm and marched him towards the front door.
Upon reaching the great outdoors, Edrol asked Bob again, "What did you do?" with a firm yet friendly tone.
"I was looking for a gem in the mines, to give to my wife and I found one, but... When I pulled it out of the rock floor, I awakened something..." Bob looked at the ground, shuffling his feet in a mixture of shame and fear.
"You didn't awaken something."
"Well, I released something at least." Bob said, looking surprised that Edrol would know anything about it.
"And what was that?" Edrol pressed.
"I blacked out... But I was told they thought it was a Balrog" Bob said, gaining his composure.
"A Balrog." Edrol repeated slowly, seemingly unfazed.
"Well, don't you remember Moria, Edrol!" Bob exploded, annoyed by how calm Edrol was being while being told, what was in Bob's opinion, life-ruining news.
"I do indeed," Edrol confirmed.
"How are you being so calm, you confounded wizard!" Bob yelled, patience near snapping point.
"Because I'm a wizard you silly Dwarf. I'm naturally concerned but I'm not going to waste my time stressing over it. I suggest you pipe down, calm down, and not frighten the others. Especially Tristan. Merry and Pippin have been on adventures and being the son of Legolas, I'm not worried about Chliohne's bravery. Now, if you're quite calmed down, we may go back inside," Edrol explained as calmingly as he could, hoping the dwarf would calm down. "This will be something to factor in to our plans" Edrol realised, hoping they could still enlist the dwarfs of Erebor's help in.
Bob grunted and reluctantly gave in. The pair walked back in to the house and sat down at the table, which was beginning to run out of dishes to satisfy the hungry party. "Are you hungry Edrol?" Inquired Merry as they came in.
"Not particularly, master hobbit," Edrol replied kindly.
"Okay." Merry said, picking up a biscuit.
"So, is it agreed that we should send birds to Erebor and Minas Tirith asking for aid. Then we would head to Rivendell to train and arm ourselves properly. All in favour say aye!" Edrol said, in a commanding and awe-inspiring voice that seemed to fill up the entire dining room.
"AYE!" Merry, Pippin, Chliohne, Edrol, and Tristan said at once.
"All against say Nay!" Edrol continued.
"Nay."
"Of all the stubborn Dwaves! Why not Bob?" asked the wizard rather impatiently.
"I don't believe we can send birds to Erebor! Asking them to send troops while they are in a crisis themselves! We'd appear totally insensitive." Bob cried, his voice cracking from the amount of times he'd gotten stressed in the last hour. Huffily, he grabbed a salted fish and began to eat.
Chliohne gently suggested, "Why don't you three hobbits go check the ale..."
"Bob, any message would be carefully worded, to prevent things like that," He continued when they had left, trying to defuse the situation.
"But what if we messed up? They would have to know I was part of it and then I would be even worse off than I am now!" Bob complained.
"We won't mess up," Chliohne said reassuringly, slapping Bob on the back as he left the room.
"I bet we will." Bob grumbled pessimistically.
"Well, we shall go ahead with this plan anyway. Your vote is far outnumbered Bob," Edrol said sternly, and then, his face brightening,"I'll go check the hobbits.. I always did like a good ale." He walked off, muttering something about the year 1076.
"Ah lighten up a bit Bob! It'll be okay! Edrol is right, we can do this!" Chliohne popped round the corner, trying to be more optimistic than usual for the sake of the dwarf. The dwarf sighed sullenly and turned to go after Edrol. He had a bad feeling about this...