They entered the forrest cautiously, for all four of them had heard the tales of this forrest. They continued to track the footsteps of the two hobbits, and the single orc, but they had not been going for long when the tracks changed. "these are strange tracks," Aragorn whispered, and the others halted.
"The air is so close in here," Gimli said, and Tauriel turned to look at him. It was clear the dwarf was uncomfortable. She herself had spent her whole life around, under or in trees, and even though she was wary, she was not fearful of these ones.
Legolas too, wasn't fearful but he could feel something was different with the trees here than the ones back home. "These trees are old," he said, looking around. "Very old, full of memory." he said, as he listened to the trees begin to shift and move, but something was off.
Tauriel sensed it too. "And anger," she added, catching Legolas' eye. The tree's voices increased as more joined in.
"The trees are speaking to each other," Legolas said, and he heard the sound of a weapon being drawn. They all spun around to face Gimli, Aragorn whispering urgently, "Gimli, lower your axe!"
The dwarf glanced down at his axe, and quickly realised Aragorn had a point, he lowered the axe, and the whisperings of the trees faded.
They continued moving on but had not gone far when Legolas' eyes caught sight of movement in the trees ahead of them. "Aragorn, something's out there," he called taking a couple of steps forward.
Tauriel came to stand beside him, but she could see nothing but trees ahead of them. If she hadn't known Legolas for as long as she did, she may have doubted him, but she knew his eyesight was the best an elf could have and she trusted him.
Aragorn too, came to stand on the other side of Legolas, "What do you see," he asked quietly. If it was an enemy, they didn't want to alert them to their presence here.
Legolas did not take his eyes off the forest, and Tauriel turned her head back to stare into the trees also. This time, she saw it too.
"The white wizard approaches," Legolas whispered back, glancing at Aragorn.
"Do not let him speak, he will put a spell on us," Aragorn said, half drawing his sword. Gimli's hands tightened on his axe, Legolas fitted an arrow to his bow and Tauriel drew both her daggers. "We must be quick." Aragorn said, and the four of them tensed.
A quick nod from Aragorn was all they needed to see. They turned, to see the figure in white standing on the small hill ahead of them. Gimli's axe was the first to be destroyed, the figure shattered it as it flew at him. Legolas' arrow was next, a staff deflecting the arrow. Suddenly, Tauriel felt a red hot pain in her hands and on instinct she dropped her daggers, hearing a soft clang as Aragorn's sword also hit the forest floor.
The four of them shielded their eyes as the figure came forward, and the light surrounding him intensified. The wizard started to speak, but it was no spell that came from his mouth. "You are tracking the footsepts of two young hobbits," he said
"Where are they?" Aragorn demanded.
"They passed this way, the day before yesterday." the wizard replied. "They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"
"Who are you? Show yourself," Aragorn shouted, and the light faded, and everyone stood, stunned as the figure was revealed. For it was not Saruman that stepped forward, but Gandalf.
"It cannot be," Aragorn gasped.
Tauriel and Legolas immeadiatly knelt, this was a white wizard, highly honoured among the elves.
Gimli also knelt, but Aragorn moved forward slightly, still in disbelief. "You fell?" he questioned.
"Through fire, and water," Gandalf said. "On the lowest dungeon, on the highest peak I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time. Stars weiled overhead, and everyday was as long as a lifeage on the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done."
Aragorn took a step forward, so he was standing directly before the wizard. "Gandalf," he whispered.
Gandalf looked at him a strange expression on his face, "Gandalf? yes, that was what they used to call me, Gandalf the Grey, that was my name." he said.
Gimli stood up, "Gandalf," he repeated.
Gandalf looked at him, smiling, "I am Gandalf the white,"
Legolas and Tauriel also stood, smiling as well. Gandalf continued, "And I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide."
They began to make their way back through the trees towards the edge of the forest. Tauriel and Legolas were once again walking together, as there was no longer any need to follow tracks and keep watch. They were both relieved the two young hobbits were alright after all, though a little dissapointed they could not meet them in person.
Gandalf led the group, talking as they moved along. "One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan, we must ride to Edoras with all speed."
They emerged from Fangorn, greeting the horses which had waited patiently for their return. Gandalf strode forward, letting out a loud whistle. The rest of them looked at the wizard, wondering what he was doing, before they all heard a neigh from a white horse, galloping towards them.
"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell," Tauriel said, she had heard tales of the horse lords and had met one in her time in Mirkwood.
"Shadowfax," Gandalf replied. "He's the Lord of all horses, and has been my friend through many dangers."
Gandalf stepped forward, stroking the horses neck with obvious affection. They mounted the horses, Gimli riding with Aragorn once again and Tauriel with Legolas. They rode over the plains once more, setting a straight course for Edoras.
Their first glimpse of the city was when the came up over the final grass covered hill. The kingdom spread over the large hill, smaller buildings at the bottom and as they looked up, a large hall at the very top. "Edoras, and the Golden Hall of Meduseld" Gandalf announced. "There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong." he paused. "Be careful what you say." he continued, "do not look for welcome here."
Gandalf urged Shadowfax forward and they followed, riding towards the gate of Edoras.
Ok, so its been a really long time, I know! But at least I'm on holidays now so I'm planning to update more often. I know this chapter wasn't much - there wasn't too much room for me to be able to alter anything. But once they're in Edoras they won't be travelling and I'll be able to play around a little more with our two favourite elves. I plan to have the next chapter out in a couple of days. As usual, comment/review/leave suggestions :) and again - sorry that this was such a short chapter with not much happening.