The Rose of the Fellowship
Song: My Last Breath
Artist: Evanescence
AN: SO SORRY that it took so long! My laptop needed a new Motherboard and they needed to order the part at service! It took SO long! I worked extra hard on these, so I hope you enjoy!
Firestorm Nauralagos: Thanks for pointing out the problem with Mary-sueness and her ride. I've gone and edited, so she will hopefully seem less Mary-sue. Here's a cookie to thank you for the help! -(::)
Disclaimer: Any and all things mentioned in this story that are copyrighted do not belong to me. I am just using them for enjoyment and inspiration with this story, and no profit is being made with these copyrighted things.
Chapter Eight: My Last Breath
We were deep in the forest, and came to a clearing. Gimli found blood on one of the plants. He tasted it, since it was too dark here to tell what sort of color it was, and spit it out immediately.
"Orc blood!" he grumbled. Aragorn kneeled and inspected the ground.
"These are strange tracks." he muttered, having found what I knew to be TreeBeard's footprints. We all joined him in the middle of the clearing, not knowing where we needed to go next.
"The air is so close in here!" Gimli gasped, not used to being in forests, especially one such as Fangorn.
"This forest is old, very old." Legolas told us "Full of memory….and anger." Suddenly, a groaning sound came from all around us, and Gimli jumped in panic.
"The trees are speaking to each other!" I whispered, still in awe that I was able to hear such a thing. Aragorn turned to Gimli.
"Gimli, lower your axe." Aragorn told the dwarf. Gimli did as he was told.
"They have feelings, my friend." Legolas told Gimli "The elves began it, waking up the trees, teaching them to speak." I looked around at the trees, once again in awe of the magic of elves.
"Talking trees." Gimli grumbled "What do trees have to talk about, hmm? Except the consistency of squirrel droppings?" I couldn't help but chuckle at that.
"Aragorn, something is out there!" Legolas called out suddenly in elvish, rushing towards one edge of the clearing. Aragorn and I followed him.
"What do you see?" Aragorn asked, also in elvish.
"The white wizard approaches." Legolas replied in the Common tongue. I could see that Aragorn was frightened. I would have been as well, if I thought we were about to face Saruman.
"Do not let him speak," Aragorn ordered "he will put a spell on us." Everyone else prepared their weapons. "We must be quick." he said. I had a hand on my samshir, and we all turned to the bright light that had been approaching us. Legolas shot at him and Gimli threw his ax. Both were blocked, and Aragorn was forced to drop his sword from the spell that had caused it to heat up extremely.
"You are tracking the footsteps of two young Hobbits." The white figure stated. Aragorn shielded his eyes and took a few steps towards the figure.
"Where are they?" Aragorn demanded.
"They passed this way, the day before yesterday." The white figure replied "They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?" This caused confusion for Aragorn.
"Who are you?" Aragorn demanded again "Show yourself!" He shouted when the figure remained silent. The man stepped forward and revealed his identity.
"Gandalf." I whispered happily, thrilled to see the old man again. I knelt down on one knee next to Legolas.
"It cannot be." Aragorn muttered in disbelief.
"Forgive me," Legolas apologized, kneeling as well "I mistook you for Saruman."
"I am Saruman," Gandalf replied "Or rather, Saruman as he should have been."
"You fell!" Aragorn said, still not quite able to believe that Gandalf was there. Legolas, Gimli and I got to our feet and joined Aragorn.
"Through fire, and water," Gandalf replied. "From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountain side. Darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time. The stars wheeled overhead, and every day was as long as a life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again." I smiled at the determination that the old man showed "I've been sent back until my task is done."
"Gandalf…" Aragorn whispered, taking a step closer to the wizard.
"Gandalf?" He questioned "Yes... that was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Gray." The wizard smiled "That was my name."
"Gandalf…" Gimli muttered happily. Gandalf smiled at us all.
"I am Gandalf the White." he said "And I come back to you now - at the turn of the tide." we then began to make our way back the way we had come, and Gandalf informed us of the next phase of our journey. We were to travel to Edoras, for that was where Sauron would strike first. We broke the tree-line, and Gandalf started whistling. When he was finished, we heard the whinny of a horse, and saw a pure white stallion gallop towards us.
"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." Legolas said, and the horse approached us.
"Shadowfax." Gandalf said with a smile "He is the lord of all horses, and has been my friend through many dangers."
"And what about the black one?" Gimli asked. We all turned towards the sound of another horse approaching, and noticed that the black mare was very tall…..and had wings?
"That is no normal horse." Aragorn muttered as she got closer.
"That is one of the Pegasi." Gandalf told us, confusion evident in his tone "But I thought that they had died when the northern kingdom was destroyed." The Pegasus trotted up to me and nudged my shoulder.
"You're beautiful, aren't you?" I asked her softly, switching to elvish. She tossed her head and snorted, and I couldn't help but smile as I scratched her head. She was gorgeous, and HUGE. She was at LEAST 16 hands tall.
"She must wish to aid you, Lady Ranger." Gandalf said, and I turned to him in surprise "None ride a Pegasus unless the Pegasus allows it." I turned back to the Pegasus in front of me.
"Hannon le, mellon nin." I whispered*, finding that she liked it when I spoke elvish. "Do you have a name, beautiful?" when I asked that, she snorted and flashed her wings. I could see purple and blue in the sheen of the feathers. Her wings were like the wings of a raven. Raven's wings…..I smiled at Gandalf.
"Her name is Ravenwing." I told them. The others smiled at me, and we all mounted our respective horses. Aragorn had to help me, since I was not used to riding bareback.
"Gandalf, what happened to the other Pegasi?" I asked as we got underway.
"When the Northern Kingdom was destroyed," Gandalf replied "many of them were destroyed, or their wings were lost."
"What happened to the one's that lost their wings?" I questioned.
"They are now known as Mearas, my dear," Gandalf replied, giving me a quick smile "Why do you think Ravenwing came when I called for Shadowfax?" I nodded in agreement, since that made the most sense. We rode parallel to Fangorn forest until nightfall, and then we set up camp. Aragorn stoked the fire as night settled in, and walked up next to Gandalf, who was observing the ever-thundering clouds that were above Mordor. I went and stood on Aragorn's other side as Gandalf started to speak.
"The veiling shadow that glowers in the East takes shape." Gandalf said "Sauron will suffer no rival. From the summit of Barad-dur his eye watches ceaselessly. But he is not so mighty yet that he is above fear. Doubt ever gnaws at him. The rumor has reached him." Aragorn and Gandalf made eye contact.
"The heir of Numenor still lives." Gandalf told him "Sauron fears you, Aragorn. He fears what you may become." It didn't take having the Heart of Lothlorien to know that this frightened Aragorn. I put an arm around his shoulders and squeezed it. He gave me a small smile "And so he will strike hard and fast at the world of Men. He will use his puppet Saruman to destroy Rohan. War is coming." the three of us turned and looked out over the plains before us.
"Rohan must defend itself, and therein lies our first challenge, for Rohan is weak and ready to fall." Gandalf muttered bitterly "The King's mind is enslaved; it's an old device of Saruman's. His hold over King Théoden is now very strong. Sauron and Saruman are tightening the noose." I cast a glare towards the clouds of Mordor as Gandalf said that.
"But, for all their cunning, we have one advantage." Gandalf said, turning to Aragorn and I "The Ring remains hidden. And that we should seek to destroy it has not yet entered their darkest dreams. And so the weapon of the Enemy is moving towards Mordor in the hands of a Hobbit. Each day brings it closer to the fires of Mount Doom." Gandalf sighed "We must trust now in Frodo. Everything depends now upon speed and upon the secrecy of his quest." Gandalf turned to Aragorn, and the wizard could see the small glimmer of regret in his eyes.
"Do not regret your decision to leave him." Gandalf told Aragorn "Frodo must finish this task alone."
"He's not alone." Aragorn replied. Gandalf gave him a confused look.
"Sam went with him." I told him, speaking for the first time that night. Gandalf smiled.
"Did he? Did he indeed?" Gandalf smiled "Good. Yes, very good." I squeezed Aragorn's shoulders, then we all bedded down and went to sleep. The next morning, we set off on our way to Edoras. We rode over the rolling hills, and came to a stop when we were within sight of the hilltop capital.
"Edoras, and the Golden hall of Meduseld," Gandalf said "There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown." I shivered as I recalled the image of the state Théoden was reduced to while under Saruman's control.
"Be careful what you say," Gandalf warned us "do not look for welcome here." We then began our approach. We came to the gates of the city, and I saw the flag that had fallen from Meduseld. I urged Ravenwing forward, and we climbed the hills to the Golden Hall. As we climbed, I observed the citizens of the city. I had never seen a more somber crowd.
"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli muttered. I nodded in agreement.
We dismounted our horses as we came to the steps of Meduseld. We were met by Hama and other members of the Rohirrim stationed here in Edoras. We stopped, and I could see some of the men give me weird looks. I chalked it up to the fact that I was dressed like a man and carrying weapons.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame." Hama told us. His face said that he didn't like this anymore than we did "by order of Grima Wormtongue." Gandalf nodded, and we handed over our weapons.
"I DO expect these back, by the way." I told the Rohirrim who took my swords and bow. Gandalf looked to Hama when we were done.
"Your staff." Hama said. Gandalf gave Hama a look.
"You would not part an old man from his walking stick?" Gandalf asked. Hama gave a look that said he would not. He waved us in, and Gandalf winked at Aragorn before taking Legolas' arm. We followed Hama, and he led us inside. Hama bowed to Théoden, and moved so that we could approach. I saw Grima whisper to Théoden. I couldn't help the growl that came to my throat. I really didn't like that man.
"Easy, lass." Gimli warned me, having heard me growl.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden, King." Gandalf said, gaining everyone's attention.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Théoden asked, obviously under Saruman's control.
"A just question, my liege." Grima said to Théoden "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear." Grima approached us "'Lathspell' I name him. Ill news is an ill guest." Gandalf glared at him.
"Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth." the wizard growled "I did not pass through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." Gandalf brandished his staff in front of Grima's face.
"His staff." Grima gasped, then turned to his cronies "I told you to take the wizards staff!" Grima's men rushed at us, but Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and I were quick to fight back.
"Théoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows," Gandalf declared, walking through the fights "Hearken to me! I release you from the spell." Gandalf tried to do so, but Saruman just laughed through Théoden.
"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey!" Théoden grinned maliciously. Gandalf removed his cloak to reveal his new power to Saruman, and Théoden recoiled in fear.
"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf declared, and began to do so. Saruman/Théoden was thrown back against the throne by the power, but managed to pull himself back forward.
"If I go, Théoden dies!" Saruman/Théoden growled. Gandalf forced him back once again.
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him!" Gandalf replied. Saruman/Théoden forced himself forward yet again.
"Rohan is mine!" He growled. Gandalf forced him back yet again.
"Begone!" Gandalf yelled. Saruman/Théoden tried one last time to win, but Gandalf gave a final push of magic, and Saruman was banished. Eowyn, who had entered during this whole thing, rushed up to catch Théoden before he fell. I couldn't help the smile that came to my face as I watched Théoden return to his normal self. He looked around in confusion, then his eyes found Eowyn.
"I know your face," Théoden said quietly, a small smile coming to his face. "Eowyn." I could see Eowyn smile through her tears. Théoden turned to the rest of us.
"Gandalf?" Théoden questioned, seeing the wizard for the first time since waking up. Gandalf smiled at the King.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf said, and Eowyn helped Théoden stand from his throne.
"Dark have been my dreams of late." Théoden said. He then looked down at his hands, and tried to move his fingers. They were stiff and weak.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better," Gandalf told him "If they grasped your sword." Hama then came forward with the kings sword, and held it so that Théoden could draw it. The king did, then gazed at his sword before his eyes went straight to Grima, filled with an all-too-understandable anger. Hama and Gamling rushed over, grabbed Grima, and dragged him out of Meduseld. Théoden followed them, and we all followed him, worried about what he would do.
"It was probably not the best idea to give him his sword." I muttered to Aragorn. We got outside as soon as Hama and Gamling threw Grima down the steps. Théoden stalked after him, legs stiff from lack of use.
"I've only ever served you, my lord!" Grima cried, crawling away from the enraged man.
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Théoden shouted, still approaching Grima.
"Send me not from you sight!" the treasonous advisor begged. This was the last straw for Théoden. He raised his sword with a cry, and went to attack Grima. Aragorn and I rushed over to stop him.
"No, my lord!" I shouted, Aragorn and I grabbing his arms. For someone who hadn't used his arms in a while, Théoden was still REALLY strong!
"No, my lord." Aragorn repeated, more quietly. Théoden turned to him "Enough blood has been spilt on his account." Aragorn said, he and I releasing Théoden's arms. Aragorn, in an effort to make peace, reached over to help Grima stand. Grima spit on Aragorn's hand, and rushed away.
"You can't help everyone." I told Aragorn.
"Hail, Théoden king!" one of the men called out, and everyone who was gathered took a knee. Aragorn and I did so as well, and I could see Théoden searching for a familiar face. I felt my heart hurt at the pain I knew he would soon endure.
"Where is Théodred?" Théoden questioned. "Where is my son?"
End Chapter Eight
*Thank you, my friend.
AN: I know what ya'll are thinking. A Pegasus? Really? Think about it! There are dwarves, elves and hobbits in the realm of Middle Earth! It makes sense that there would be more fantastical creatures in the world. As always, rate and review please! Bol'shoe spasibo i Bog blagoslovit!