Chapter 4
Holly and Snow
As the land had become bare and naked I felt the growing pang for the comfort of Rivendell. The land was rough, no greenery and what bushes there were provided only thorns and tacks to our cloaks. Each day the land returned to my feet but I felt our pace lingering, holding onto the ground and in turn we were not actually going anywhere. I was growing frustrated as my calves began to ache and beg to stretch in cold water or simply to not be used for a time. I sped up to reach Gandalf who was at the head of our company.
" Gandalf?"
" Hmm?"
" You wouldn't happen to have a map with you? I'm just curious as to where we are exactly."
He took from his sleeve a yellowed folded page and handed it to me.
" It will be marshland and cliff faces until we reach Hollin. It not the easiest road but we must avoid spies and not many rouse to seek fortune in these lands, not even Saruman."
I let myself fall behind Gandalf so far as to end up at the end of our line of company. Legolas was at the rear keeping watch ahead and behind as I was engrossed in the map. I watched the black lines of mountains fold under the names of places around Mordor. I watched Mordor, expecting something to happen in that place as if even the map could know the evil growing there. But nothing came, the paper stayed pale yellow, it had not knowledge of what it carried. I looked to Rivendell its small house was hardly a description for the beauty there either but what could I expect. I was looking at a map not a photograph. While admiring the map I nearly fell flat on my face but I felt an arm grasp my shoulder to catch me from falling. I looked up to see Legolas smiling and I felt warm.
" Thanks." I said putting the map into my sleeve wrapping the paper around my forearm.
" What had you so captured about that map?" He asked.
" Just Rivendell, I miss it and this map reminds me its still there."
" Mmm Yes. Rivendell is beautiful though I think all of our company misses the comfort of such a place. Perhaps it is not Rivendell you specifically long for but the idea of it, a safe place."
" Probably. It's only natural after all. The wind has been relentless here and not so much as a tree to cower under makes the world feel all the bigger and more menacing. This place is rightfully frigid and offers little to our journey. " I said with slight resentment.
I looked ahead to the hobbits, they were cold no doubt, and even I felt the bitter chill. We had not had a warm meal since Rivendell and the cloud cover only helped to cloud our spirits as well.
" This land has long been forgotten by man and elves. It has been taken back by Manwe the king of the Valar, perhaps one day it will be restored and taken back but for now its wounds are being cooled and healed. You should not be so quick to judge such a place. It may offer us more then you know." Said Legolas turning away from me quickly and walking on ahead.
I felt irritated. Of course he wouldn't be annoyed by the wind or the cold or the walking but I certainly was. It was enough to dampen anyone's spirit. While I was an elf I quickly realized I was not like exactly Legolas. My feet were lighter but still heavier then his which I took to be my connection to the skins of animals. In order to shift I would need to be more bound to earth then other elves. But that wasn't quite what bothered me. I felt the cold perhaps less then the men and hobbits but I still felt it and that left me short-tempered. I did not like feeling cold and I longed for soup.
Silence knotted the fellowship for shouting over the wind did not come easy to anyone. Even Pippin and Merry who had been loud and rambunctious were quiet in their steps.
Finally after so much time spent wandering the wasteland of marsh and mountainside we reached a heavy forest of Holly trees with a wide overlook of all the mountains. The relief of still air brought a smile to everyone's face. Perhaps finally we would be able to make a stew. The thought made my mouth water. I did not realize I had been staring at Merry and Pippin when suddenly Gimli snapped me out of my trance.
" Whats the thought that crossed your mind Grace?" asked Gimli smiling.
" The thought of hot soup Master Dwarf and hot drink and hot feet." I said laughing.
" It seemed like you wanted to eat a hobbit from the look you were giving!" said Gimli laughing as Merry and Pippin looked over to me with their mouths wide open.
" What! Elves don't eat hobbits! What good would a hobbit be to anyone but maybe a bear or a troll." Said Pippin with defiance.
" Or Orc." Added Gimli.
"Rip your throats open in the night they will." He continued.
Merry and Pippin looked uneasy even Frodo and Sam who had not previously been listening were suddenly attuned.
" The dangers of Hollin are not to be jested about Gimli for while the weather will be milder then our journey has been thus far it will not be an easy road." Said Gandalf.
" Eregion, I have never had the chance to set my eyes on the great forests of old holly" Said Legolas looking in awe at the ancient wood.
" Neither I to look upon the Misty Mountains where under dwells the Black pit of Moria and the greatness of Dwarrowdelf." Said Gimli ignoring the passing scowl of Gandalf.
For the hobbits were thoroughly frightened despite the sunshine and I had one nerve left to wack Gimli upside the head with a holly branch.
" While evil has rested a hand here it takes much to erase the thoughts of elves from the land. This a good place to rest as any and I do believe we are all in need of a hot meal and warm fire."
" That sounds wonderful!" I said clapping my hand together but the sound echoed as if all the forest had emptied. I simply thought I was not used a silence without wind but even Aragorn seemed uneasy at the silence.
" I'll get some wood." I said with enthusiasm while practically skipping my way into the thorny trees. Suddenly I felt a hand grab onto mine. I turned around to see Legolas. His pale blue eyes shining looking far behind me and yet looking to me.
" You should not wander too far Grace."
"I wont or better yet why don't you join me?" I said chuckling letting go of his hand and letting my boots brush up against the underbrush. But Legolas caught my hand again and held it tight.
" Please do not go far. These woods are old and rocks lament the elves that once dwelled here."
I could see in his eyes hesitation.
" I will not go far Legolas do not worry." I said with a smile and he let go of my hand.
As I moved into the woods to gather wood I realized that there was not an animal in sight or in sound. The trees were all still and only my footsteps leaked into the echo of the forest. It was eerie silence; surely the wind hadn't killed my hearing. Was it truly this silent? I walked back to camp quickly but each rushed step I took throbbed against the thick air.
As the sun dipped down and Gimli sat down to prepare a fire I found a good bed of saw dust to sit in that was right beside it. My feet would be warm tonight and the silence all had but died as the bustling of the fellowship increased. Merry and Pippin practicing with Boromir as Aragorn watched on giving them pointers. Legolas looked on ahead. Frodo was discussing our way across the mountain with Gandalf and Sam looked to be preparing ingredients for stew. Sage wafted over my nose and my lips became wet.
I let out a loud sigh without even realizing it as I felt the fire come to life against my feet.
"Nothing like a warm fire to heat the heart isn't it Lass?"
I nodded stretching into the warmth.
" More like heat the feet." I answered.
I felt someone sit beside me.
" You look to be in a much better state then yesterday Grace" said Legolas.
" The wind was getting to me." I said . " Sorry I despaired. I know it is not easy for any of us." I looked over to the hobbits who were enjoying their time sparring with Boromir.
" It is all right. Patience is something I've had a long time to practice."
" Yes I'm sure even Prince's need to learn to wait." I said with a smile.
" Indeed mostly on elf maidens."
I smacked his arm playfully and he laughed.
" I doubt you would have to wait on her Laddie." Said Gimli smirking.
" What exactly are you implying Master Dwarf? That I am not a maiden?" I asked.
" Hardly! You are a bit more like dwarf women. Hardly distinguishable from dwarf men and just as hardy."
I grabbed a nearby holly branch and whacked him over the head with it.
" Gimli my friend if there is one thing I know it is you never tell a women she is anything but a lady." Said Aragorn laughing taking a seat near the fire.
Sam poured salt and lavender into the stew and the smell was beginning to feel overwhelming. I felt the hunger gnawing at me and once again I felt impatient and restless.
" Sam how far along is that stew?" I asked gently trying not to seem too eager.
" Nearly there my lady just a bit more time for the salted pork to become tender and it will be done."
The thought of salty pork and a sweet broth brought my insides to my throat. I reached for my water skin and drank the cool water.
Gandalf and Frodo also took a seat by the fire as Pippin and Merry put away their swords near Boromir. I watched Boromir put his hands on their shoulders ushering them toward the fire.
" Good! A clean hot fire and food, a meal fit for a traveling king!" Laughed Boromir.
" More like a traveling troop!" Said Merry.
"Its ready!" Said Sam excited. We passed around bowls and when one finally came to me I let the steam rise up into my face and breathed it deep. I let the smell linger in my nose. It was sweet with hints of spice. I brought the spoon to my lips and drank the broth.
" Sam I could kiss you this stew is so good." I said blissfully as I started to spoon mouthfuls of the stew.
Legolas looked at me with a funny smile.
" Are you making fun of me? " I asked taking a moment away from my dreamlike eating experience.
" No My lady only I have not see so much joy come from such a simple pleasure."
He turned back to his stew and ate steadily
I shrugged but smiled at the thought. Simple pleasures are the best kind I thought to myself.
That night it was my turn to take watch with Aragorn. I was looking forward to it. The thought of the dark night was rather welcoming since I had become warmer. As the hobbits spread out their bedrolls, Boromir was nearly asleep. Even Legolas and Gandalf were in the early stages of rest. Gimli too already fast asleep under the cover of darkness.
I walked out onto the face of a rock ledge where Aragorn was sitting. He was chewing on the raw wood of his pipe.
" Are you alright?" I ask
He turns to me and gestures that I sit down.
" I have journeyed through Hollin many a time. While there are so many large game in the area birds usually are fairly common. However I have not heard any bird of any time or seen sign that they have been in here recently. I have only seen hawks that unnerve me, three of them since we've made camp."
I looked out across the forest. We were high enough up that I could see the dark shadow of the mountains we would need to pass over and the extending forest below.
" What are you suggesting? " I ask with suspicion. I had noticed something was missing. There was not a sound in wood for miles. I could feel the distance, empty of everything.
" Listen." Whispered Aragorn.
I did. We sat in the heaviest silence. The labored breathing of Gimli echoed against the bark of trees and even the gently breathing of the hobbits felt like thunder against the ridge.
I slowly turned to Aragorn and in the dark his silhouette shown by the pale light of the moon.
"There is nothing out there. Not for miles at least. It is as if the mountain is listening for us."
Aragorn nodded and chewed on his pipe more. We sat in the eerie quiet the entire night and that morning breakfast was quick but wholesome by lunch we began to gather our supplies to head toward the mountain.
Merry and Pippin were practicing again with Boromir. They were improving with the advice of Aragorn close by. The dawn had brought little peace to my mind but Aragon seemed preoccupied with the hobbits. I was happy that he was distracted; he had been tense the entire night.
The sky was clear except for-
" Hey what do you suppose that is?" called out Sam packing up his pots and pans looking to the west.
" Nothing, tis just a wisp of cloud." grunted Gimli while relaxing against a large boulder.
" Its moving fast against the wind." Said Boromir. The two hobbits had stopped playing and instead we all watched the grey moving cloud.
Legolas jumped up on the highest part of the ridge.
"Crebain from Dunland!" Shouted Legolas
" Hide!"
Everyone darted under bushes and stones. Sam quickly put out the fire and fled under a rock as Legolas rolled under the same bush I was under. There was hardly room for the two of us as we watched unmoving while black crow like birds flew fast around us.
They flew away just as quickly at an unnatural speed.
We emerged from the bushes and I felt a steel heart in my throat. The birds squawking madly had been spies. I could tell from their voices that they were eager to bring news of our quest to unjust eyes.
" Hollin is being watched." I announced while climbing out from underneath the brush. I felt a slight drip on my hand to see that I must have stuck it hard into some thorns. It was covered. I grimaced. I would need to get them out.
" That means our passing south is also. We must take the mountain pass of Redhorn Gate . Tonight we will travel by darkness -"
I heard a loud groan from Pippin.
" and light no fires." continued Gandalf who gave Pippin a stern look.
I felt my heart drop. Ah well the heat was nice while it lasted I thought to myself.
" Grace, your hand." Said Legolas looking down at my fingers covered in thorns.
" I know I'll get them out in a minute."
I sat down on the rock and began to pull the large brown points out of my skin. But the thorns were like hooks under my skin and the bleeding worsened.
Legolas sat down next to me.
"Let me." He said while trying to take my hand.
" No I've got it –" I growled pulling one out. I was sweating and it was more painful then I had expected.
" Don't be stubborn. Let me see it." Said Legolas putting his hand on my thigh.
I felt 5 degrees warmer already and so I gave him my hand. His hands were so soft like warm clay against my hands. He looked it over and brought his water skin to rinse the thorns that were painted red.
He gripped one and I felt the pressure heave under my skin. I looked away and gritted my teeth. But I didn't feel any pain only I looked back to my hand to see the thorn was out.
" What did you do?" I asked.
" They have a hook at the end. You need to twist them to the right and left to loosen them a bit and lean the thorn forward. It will slip right out." Said Legolas smiling.
He started to pull out the other thorns. By the time we were done he had 12 of them set aside. My hand was throbbing regardless. He took out a small pouch and gently put a strange clay ointment all over my hand. He ripped off a shred of his tunic and wrapped it around my hand.
" How does that feel?" He asked.
I relaxed my hand gently and to my surprise it felt comfortably numb. Better then pain I thought to myself.
"Much better. Its completely numb thank you Legolas."
I hugged him. He smelled like moss with fallen autumn leaves and a salty ocean wind.
" Your welcome." He said warmly.
It had suddenly become very dark and I realized that everyone was pretty much ready to travel on.
" Come we must travel this way for it will take us at least three nights before we reach Caradhras."
Normally I would have groaned at the thought. But for some reason instead I was smiling. I looked at Legolas. He had begun walking forward and looked back to me. He was smiling too and I suddenly felt even better then I had before. I had far more energy.
However as the third night drew to a close I found that my spirit not only had been zapped of its energy but that I could no longer feel my legs or my hands. Boromir had convinced Gandalf for fear of death to light a fire. It had been a comforting idea but the fire did little to ease the nights passing and when the morning finally came I found my feet hurt more from being warmed. As we hiked up into the mountain our road became steep and deeply covered my snow. Aragorn and I hiked beside each other trying to make an easier path for the hobbits.
" This snow, do you think it will lighten up?" I asked panting.
"I have never seen this pass so deep as this. Usually it stays clear even in the winter months for it is so far south. Only in the high mountains does it usually snow this harshly."
" That is not a pleasant thought. Perhaps the mountain is against us? Can such a thing happen?"
" Aye. It can Lassie for Carahras has been long known among my people as Barazinbar. It is one of the mightiest peaks but long before Sauron was known it has been filled with malice." Said Gimli falling in step behind us.
" Indeed even the elves that passed through this region knew of its dangers." added Aragorn.
Suddenly I heard a yell behind me to see Frodo begin to roll back down the mountain but he was quickly caught by Sam. I saw Boromir pick up the one ring and I felt my hand at my sword.
Aragorn took a few steps forward and called out to him.
" Boromir ?"
All was quiet among the fellowship.
" It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing." Said Boromir.
His voice sounded translucent, as if it was not his own.
" Boromir, give the ring to Frodo." Said Aragorn sternly.
I looked over to him to see his had on his sword as well. I held onto the air in lungs in wait. The snow drifted over our path in silence.
" As you wish. I care not." Said Boromir lightly.
I turned to Aragorn as he simply watched as Boromir continue on walking up the mountain. I relaxed my hand off my sword and looked up to see Legolas ahead with his bow also in his hands. We trudged up the mountain at an uneasy rate. I felt a slight twinge at the thought of the ring. What if it had been lost in the snow? Who would have found it then?
By nightfall I felt my feet were at the end of a rope. I looked to Frodo to see he was quite nearly blue along with the rest of the hobbits and even Gimli. In the dark I couldn't help but hear the rough noises of the mountain. I could hardly see out past Gandalf's staff and the snow had all but swallowed the company whole. I heard the rubble of rocks tumbling off the side of the mountain. They seemed to come closer and closer to us.
"We must stop here for through this darkness we have not a chance in crossing the mountain." Said Boromir holding Pippin and Merry to his chest to warm them as best he could. I looked at them sadly.
" The wind is against us here but we must walk but a bit further. I know there is slightly better cover up ahead." Said Aragorn.
We trudged and as we did I felt my body get so weak I thought I may just like to fall asleep in the white snow forever.
No sooner had the thought crossed my mind then I was handed a flask from Legolas.
" Drink." He commanded.
But as my hand went to grasp the leathered flask I could not for my life grip it. I tried to bend my fingers to hold it steady but they could not stop their shaking.
" Damn it just pour it in my mouth." I grumbled.
Legolas pulled me closer to him through the snow so that I could be steady against him. I opened my mouth as he put the flask to my lips. I felt a heat rise to cheeks and then suddenly I was felt anew. My hands were hardly frozen and my feet warm. I was filled with joy.
We moved closer to the cliff face. I could see that it did offer more shelter then our previous location but not by much. Even while the snow swirled around us Boromir and Gimli began to make a fire. Finally after much effort Gandalf helped by sending out a flame. The fire burned bright despite the wind and snow and I found myself warmly packed between Pippin to my left and Legolas to my right. The Fellowship huddled together as best we could against the mountain face.
"What was that liquid in the flask?" I asked Legolas.
" It is Miruvor a cordial from Imladris given to Gandalf by Lord Elrond was it not?" said Legolas looking to Gandalf.
" Indeed. It has rejuvenating qualities so we shall use it sparingly for fear that we may need it at a more desperate time."
There was silence. We would not be sleep but simply resting our legs and faces from the unrelenting wind and snow would give us more energy.
"Miruvor is wonderful. I wonder what it's made out of?" I said more so to myself but Legolas responded.
" It comes from the honey of the undying flowers in the gardens of Yavanna. She is the Queen of the Earth and Giver of Fruits. One of the Valar." Said Legolas gently.
He looked to me and I felt a peacefulness settle inside of my aching limbs. He looks so pale against the snow, his blonde hair shifting against his green tunic. Truly he was handsome, grown from the forest he grounded me against the mountain even though we had climbed so high into the mountains.
" Do you think the mountain is working against us?" I whispered while leaning closer onto Legolas shoulder.
Legolas sighed.
" It was not us who roused the mountain from its earthly slumber. But other eyes far more watchful then us knew the mountain would see our passing as a means for malice. It is not the mountain alone. I believe there are more foul things are at work."
Legolas looked over to Gandalf who was looking into the black abyss of the mountain intently. Aragorn too was lost in the darkness of the cliff side.
I watched the darkness expecting to see something. But I only heard boulders tumble from above our heads and over the mountainside.
A/N Thank everyone for your reviews! My update took a little longer but here it is! In all its entire rough misused comma filled glory. I take full responsibility for my grammar mistakes and there will probably be quite a few since I rushed this one so that I could get it to you guys sooner! Please Enjoy! I will do my best to update as soon as I can I am leaving to go back to school in the far north but I will try my best !
To the Guest Reviewer: Thank you for your constructive criticism My grammar isn't the best and unfortunately I can't spend the time to edit a story I am writing for fun. I love the act of writing and very often get caught up in the strike of inspiration and so I use a lot of poetic license when writing fiction. You may say this is frowned upon which is completely fine. I however am not a Type A personality and I 'm little bit more free form in my writing. I find grammar of little importance. Perhaps if I enjoyed a good semi colon I would pay more attention but I'm not an editor and this is not a novel. I am also under the impression that fan fiction has always been free of rules societal or otherwise and that no one imposes upon you where you can or can't take the characters. Such is the beauty of freedom which is also what gives you the right to not like my story. You are entitled to say that I am shaming fictional characters, you can even hate my story completely. That's okay; it doesn't have to float your boat. To put it simply I am writing this story first and foremost in the most unserious way, purely for fun. Because I like to write and I'm sorry that you took it so seriously.