Chapter 17

The four men continued in silence as they made their way to the scene of the previous nights battle. Their encounter with the men of the Rohirim left them both relieved but immensely concerned. None of the men had noticed the hobbits during the battle, and Baldred's story did little to quell their fears for Samantha. According to him, she had been injured and ran into Fangorn Forest alone.

Legolas had wanted to curse at the news. He knew more than his companions what the forest could do to you. It wasn't only the creatures in the forest that needed to be feared, but the forest itself. There were beings far older than himself lurking in the deepest depths of the forest and he prayed she did not fun into any of them.

There was one positive note after everything and that was the horses that had been given to them. It made their travel easier and quicker on the four of them. Gimli was especially relieved. While he did not fancy being on the back of the horse for long hours as it hurt his backside, he preferred it to running nonstop. Aragorn rode his own horse as well as Boromir, Legolas and Gimli shared the third.

Few words were exchanged throughout the journey. Each of them too lost in their own thoughts to speak, though their thoughts nearly mirrored one another. They all knew what the others were thinking, so there was no need to talk. None of them wanted to be forced to think of their friends fates more than they had to.

When the four of them finally arrived to the scene, they were horrified at the sight. Just as the Rohirim had said they left none alive. Charred bodies still smoldered and it didn't take long for them to begin searching the remains, fearing the worst. Gimli used his ax to sift through the remains, praying he would not find evidence of the two hobbits buried there. His three companions stood idly by and waited. They gave small glances toward the forest on occasion, knowing Samantha was there somewhere. How they would find her, they did not know.

A gasp caught their attention and they all looked to see Gimli turn around, unshed tears in his eyes. He held up portion of a belt that was distinctly elven in nature. "It's one of their wee belts."

Though the temperature was fair, the three men listening felt a chill like no other. Legolas reined in his anger and instead closed his eyes to say a prayer. His hands balling into fists so tight he could feel his nails digging into his skin nearly drawing blood. Boromir only looked at the dwarf in disbelief, unable to fully wrap his brain around the discovery implied. He shook his head, unwilling to accept the news. Aragorn on the other hand, could not keep his anger at bay. With a roar of anguish he kicked one of the helmets clear to the distance before falling to his knees.

Gimli said what they all thought, "We failed them."

The forlorn feeling hung in the air around them as they each mourned the loss of the two young hobbits. That was, until Aragorn took notice of something. He moved forward, inspecting a section of the ground and spoke to his companions, "A hobbit lay here." He looked at another portion of dirt, "and the other." His eyes searched and he found where Samantha must have lain with them. "Samantha was here," he said pointing to a section.

Aragorn studied the ground intently, taking in every detail of how the ground lay. It told him a story and he hoped to find their fates at the end of this tale. "They crawled." He stated, walking forward. He noted how Samantha's movements were sloppy and he had to wonder just how injured she had been. "Their hands were bound." Aragorn moved around, finding a few pieces of cut rope, "Their bonds were cut."

That gave hope to the group as they followed Aragorn's circles through the battlefield until they all stood before the forest. It was evident, the hobbits had made it away into Fangorn. "They are alive." Boromir stated in some relief.

Gimli was not so relieved, "Fangorn. What madness drove them there?"

Legolas had asked himself the same question when Baldred told his tale. He turned to Aragorn, "Do you see Samantha's tracks?"

Aragorn nodded to his friend, "Yes, hers head off in the other direction." He walked down the tree line to where Samantha's trail came to an end. The ranger left out the detail of her hobbled movements. He himself worried about what injuries she had sustained, he would not risk telling Legolas and Boromir for fear of their reactions. He had to keep them calm for now. "There was a skirmish here." He said pointing out the section of ground. "It would seem Baldred was telling the truth. Her tracks also lead into Fangorn."

"That leaves us with a dilemma. Who do we follow?" Gimli asked to no one in particular.

There was a pause amongst them. "Samantha would have wanted to reunite with Merry and Pippin. Whoever we follow, we will find the others." Legolas only hoped that he was right and it was not wishful thinking.

Boromir found himself agreeing with the elf. He nodded, "It does sound like something she would do."

Aragorn nodded and walked into Fangorn forest, "So be it."

The group progressed through the Forest at a steady pace. Never stopping for a moment as they progressed. None of them were very sure how long they had traveled through the forest. Time seemed to loose all meaning under the dense canopy above them. Finally, it seemed they were beginning to get somewhere. Gimli reached out to a leaf that had an unnatural substance splattered across it. With a small amount on his glove he brought it to his lips to inspect it before spiting the vile liquid from his lips, "Orc blood!"

Boromir gave him a perplexed gaze. Why Gimli had put an unknown liquid into his mouth was beyond him.

Aragorn continued on through the forest, coming to a very peculiar set of new tracks. He had never seen anything like them before.

While Aragorn looked around Legolas listened as he inspected the forest around them. "This forest is old. Very old. Full of memory... and anger." The trees around them groaned.

"Just the wind." Boromir insisted. They were met with even more commotion from the trees. As if the denial of their existence was enough to anger them.

Legolas looked around, mesmerized by the phenomena happening right in front of him. In all his years he had never heard it for himself, "The trees are speaking to each other." He was more in tune with nature than his companions and he could feel the great anger that seemed to emanate around them. It caused him great worry for Samantha. If the trees speaking to each other was true, then he feared what other myths could be true as well.

Aragorn turned toward Gimli and saw he was standing ready to fight, ax in his hands. "Gimli!" He gained his attention, "Lower your ax."

The dwarf stopped and looked at his ax in sudden realization. "Oh!" He held up his hands, lowering the ax.

Legolas looked at him, "They have feelings, my friend. The elves began it: waking the trees, teaching them to speak."

"Talking trees. What do trees have to talk about other than the consistency of squirrel droppings."

Boromir would have laughed had they been in a different situation. He was out of his element. Talking trees was a preposterous notion to him but he supposed there were crazier things in the world.

A sickening chill ran down Legolas' spin. "Aragorn," Legolas said urgently, moving closer to him. "Something's out there."

The ranger looked at his friend who was staring out into the forest intently at something he himself could not see. Aragorn tried to follow his line of sight, "What do you see?"

The remaining two members of their group approached, irritated that the two insisted on speaking in elvish at a time like this.

Legolas listened, the unintelligible language of the trees suddenly making sense for one string of words that he found himself not wanting to say. He relayed the message, "The White Wizard approaches."

Silence fell over them all as they slowly reached for their weapons, the reality of their situation sinking in for each of them. Aragorn stood straighter, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade. He was right on top of them. "Don't let him speak. He will put a spell on us." He shared glances with each of them as they readied themselves. "We must be quick."

In a moment they all turned and convened on the same area as it was consumed in a blinding light. Gimli threw an ax into the light, seeing it shatter effortlessly. Legolas let his arrow fly only for it to be knocked out of the air. Aragorn and Boromir moved to rush forward but both stopped, unable to hold the hilt of their weapons as their hands nearly blistered from the heat.

"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits." The voice said, its owner shrouded in the blinding light.

Aragorn, like the others, shielded his eyes from the light. He demanded, "Where are they?"

"They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"

He had enough of this game, "Who are you? Show yourself!"

Out of the light, a familiar face stepped forward and they were all taken aback. There stood Gandalf, alive and breathing. Boromir, like the others, was overcome in shock, "By Gods..." He gasped out.

"It cannot be." Aragorn said in disbelief.

Legolas found himself staring before shame consumed him, "Forgive me." He knelt on his knee to the Wizard he called friend, "I mistook you for Saruman." He should have been able to tell it wasn't Saruman, though he never would have guessed to see Gandalf here, let alone alive!

"I am Saruman." Gandalf said, surprising them. "Or, Saruman as he should have been."

Aragorn still could not believe his eyes, "You fell."

Gandalf met his eyes and seemed to take a moment to recall the memory, as if it happened many years ago. "Through fire... and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last I threw down my enemy and smite his ruin upon the mountainside." He paused, closing his eyes at reliving the memory, "Darkness took me and I strayed out of thought and time. 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." He met Aragorn's gaze, "I've been sent back, until my task is done."

"Gandalf." Aragorn spoke, stepping closer to the man as the bright light faded.

The wizard's brow furrowed in some confusion, "Gandalf?" Slowly, it was coming back to him and he nodded in remembrance. "Yes. That's what they used to call me, Gandalf the Grey. That was my name." He gave the four of them a smile, "I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide." There was a small sense of hope that filled them all at having Gandalf back with them. It was certainly an unexpected development. "But, first, there is something to be done." He turned his back on the four of them and walked away, having them follow.

It wasn't long before their eyes were drawn to the bright white cloak sprawled on the ground. Though, they were more interested in what was under it. Eyes once again widened in shock, "Samantha!"

They all rushed forward, circling the woman they had not seen for many days. From her neck down was covered by Gandalf's cloak, allowing them to only see her face. She had bruising on her jaw that looked like it was just beginning to heal. It was obvious she had been struck. Despite this, her face looked peaceful as she slept. They could all tell her breathing wasn't normal, it was labored and short. Gandalf looked down at the woman sadly as he leaned on his staff. "I found her only last night, she had found herself in a bit of trouble. She is in a deep sleep as to help her recover, I have done all I can. She needs a healer's touch." He gave Aragorn a pointed look. Aragorn nodded, nervous to see what kind of damage had been done. He was about to move the cloak covering her before Gandalf spoke again, "I suggest you prepare yourselves." He gave Legolas and Boromir knowing glances before his eyes returned to Samantha's face.

Aragorn nodded and kneeled beside her, reaching out he gingerly lifted the cloak so only he could see beneath it. With a sharp intake of breath he lowered the cloak back down, closing his eyes as he took a few calming breaths. "You three, turn away."

Gimli, Legolas and Boromir all looked at him in some shock.

Legolas got down next to Samantha across from Aragorn. When he had laid eyes on her for the first time in many days his heart sang in relief. She was alive. Bruising aside. She looked thinner, surely she had not eaten properly since before she had been captured. When he saw the bruising he did his best to suppress his anger. Those who did this were dead. No matter how much he wished to bring pain to those who injured her, he could not. His hand reached out and cupped her face, wanting to solidify in his brain that she really was here before him. He kept his eyes on her face, "How bad?"

Boromir knelt beside Aragorn, a large smile plastered to his face as he looked down upon her. Yes, she was bruised, but she was alive. They had found her and because of that he could not be happier. He turned toward Aragorn, "You do not expect us to turn away when we have just ran ourselves ragged to find her."

Aragorn's tone left no room for argument, "You will turn. She herself would not want you to see. Likely she will be upset that I have seen but that cannot be helped."

"Let the man do his work." Gimli said from where he stood at Samantha's feet.

Legolas and Boromir both gave the woman reluctant glances before standing and moving away. They kept their backs turned as requested and it only made them question more as to how bad her injuries were beneath that cloak.

Seeing they were turned, Aragorn removed the cloak and looked at the young woman sadly. 'Just what have you been through?' He asked himself. He took out the meager medical supplies that he had and began to work while inspecting her injuries. Gandalf watched, having already seen her state of undress. After a moment he closed his eyes, thinking of what was to come.

The ranger began by removing the rest of her shirt. The fabric had been torn badly down the middle, exposing her chest and midsection. There was heavy bruising around one side of her ribs and he knew instantly that she must have broken one or two. Her hobbled tracks now made sense. The fact that she was able to travel so far into the forest was a testament to either how much adrenaline she had in her system, or how well she managed pain. She would be in some pain from this for at least a few weeks. Higher up he inspected a deep gash along the side of her breast. It was deep and he could tell it had bled quite a bit before it had slowed. Now it was dark and irritated from not being properly tended to. While Aragorn worked on cleaning and sewing her wound he took notice of the feint bruising around the breast, as if it had been grabbed harshly.

His hands faltered at the possible inclination and his face paled. Aragorn's eyes flickered to Legolas who stood rather impatiently with his back turned. It was a good thing he and Boromir were turned the other way. He did not know what they would do if they knew she had been touched in such a way. He hoped the images in his head were not reality.

Aragorn finished wrapping her wounds, applying salves to help the wounds heal quickly. Applying some to help with the pain. He thought about wrapping her ribs but thought against it. He did not want to risk her getting pneumonia, she was already having trouble breathing from the pain. Instead he let the ribs be, only applying a medicinal salve he hoped would help to dull the area.

As he was finishing up, Gandalf came and knelt beside her, grasping her hand and closing his eyes. He said a few words none of them understood and placed her hand down gently next to her. He smiled up at the ranger, "She will be awake shortly, then we must be going."

Aragorn nodded. He needed to get her covered up then. He realized they did not have anything to dress her in now that her shirt was so badly torn and ripped. Instead he took cloth wrappings and wrapped them firmly around her chest. It was not ideal, but better than nothing. Next, he sat her up and leaned her against a tree, taking the opportunity to cover her with the elven robe she had been gifted in Lothlorien.

That is when he heard her groan and her head moved to the side as she stirred from her slumber.

The three with their backs turned stiffened at the noise. Aragorn made sure she was covered before giving the three of them the go ahead to turn. Almost immediately Legolas was by her side and Boromir knelt in front of her, both watching her intently.

All eyes were on her as her eyes slowly opened.

Samantha struggled to open her eyes. The light was far too bright and the dull ache all over made her want to curl back up and sleep. Her eyes were blurry from the light and she blinked several more times before things began to clear. There were people before her on all sides and there was a sharp intake of breath as everything came rushing back to her. Her heart pounded in her chest and she fought for breath as she began to panic. Bottom lip trembling, her body began to tremble and her eyes closed, unwilling to face anymore pain these figures might put her through.

"Samantha," her trembling calmed when a gentle hand rested on her shoulder. "You are safe now." The hand moved to the side of her head, a thumb caressing her cheek. She knew that voice. Samantha opened her eyes to see who it was and she couldn't believe her eyes.

"Legolas!" She cried with a sob, clinging to him desperately.

The elf wrapped his arms around her protectively and let her cry. A hand moved to stroke her hair and he lowered his head to whisper comforting words to her, slipping into the elvish tongue. Aragorn could hear his words and his eyes softened for his friend. He could see Samantha stiffen in pain from her cries but he did nothing to stop her as this might have been the deepest breaths she had taken in who knows how long.

Legolas clung to her, unwilling to let her go. It was apparent just how tortured she had been and how seeing them again was a relief. He could feel his heart clench in his chest at the sounds of her cries. Small, barely audible please escaping her lips, begging this not to be a dream, for him to not leave her. He would not, he could not. He did take notice of her state of undress under the cloak and he had to wonder just what had happened. Her shirt was discarded on the ground nearby. Legolas had the decency to blush at the realization that he had a nearly topless woman clinging to his chest.

The fighter watched the two with conflicted feelings. To see her moving and breathing was a joy and he felt his heart want to celebrate in joy. Though, to see her cling so desperately to the elf, and how he returned her embrace, it made a sour taste linger in his mouth. When her cries finally began to quiet down he cleared his throat, "Any love for the rest of us?"

Samantha stopped and opened her eyes, forcing herself out of Legolas's grasp and wide eyes stared at the man. Boromir could feel his heart quicken in pace at the sight of her. Her eyes impossibly blue as she couldn't believe what she was seeing. After several long moments she finally spoke, "I... I'm dead. You're..."

Boromir felt a warm smile cross his lips and he bowed his head, "I am alive, because of you." His hand went to a salute over his chest, "I take a new vow. To repay the gift of life you have bestowed upon m-"

He didn't get any further before he was tackled in a hug. His hands went up as he too realized she had no shirt under her cloak. His face reddened at the feel of her chest against him as she had wrapped her arms around his neck. Slowly, he returned her embrace and shushed the blubbering of words that escaped her lips. She spewed apology after apology, begging for his forgiveness though there was no need.

The reunion continued on like this for several long minutes, Gandalf getting a similar treatment. Samantha more than overwhelmed by the change in circumstance. Though just a week ago she had been with them all, it felt like an eternity ago. She had asked them of Merry and Pippin and Gandalf had been quick to tell her that they were far safer than any of them. His words helped her to calm down. When she had finally settled down she wiped her eyes roughly, forcing herself to stop. It was then that she noticed everyone's averted eyes. "Is something wrong?" She asked innocently, her voice sounding strained from her crying.

"Look down." Aragorn stated.

With a yelp Samantha closed the cloak around herself, feeling her face burn intensely. "Why did no one tell me? What happened to my shirt?" She couldn't believe she had clung to them in such a state. It was beyond embarrassing!

"Your tunic was too badly damaged for you to continue wearing. It was torn down the middle almost completely." Aragorn told her truthfully.

She looked at him in shock. Her face clearly showing that she was reliving a moment she did not want to remember. Legolas could tell her hand had moved to her chest under the cloak, caressing the wound there as she winced. "R-right. Of course it was."

The elf laid a hand on her back, "You need not say anything now."

Gimli walked forward, "The elf if right lass, you need not tell us until you are ready." The dwarf found himself blinking away tears. This was much too emotional for them all.

"Samantha will have plenty of time to reacquaint herself, but now we must make haste." Gandalf stood tall and motioned for the group to follow him.

Samantha did her best to try and stand and found the task painful. She was pulled up by Boromir who steadied her on her feet. "Will you be able to keep pace?" He asked her, brows furrowed in concern.

Before she had time to respond Legolas had swiftly covered her and hoisted her into his arms. "No need, she will need to rest as much as she is able."

There was tension between the elf and man but Samantha didn't notice. She was too taken aback by the pounding in her heart and the fluttering in her stomach. Her cheeks took on a rosy tint as she rested her head against his chest and did her best to inhale his woodsy scent.

Boromir gave a light scoff as he turned and walked after Gandalf and the others. Fine, he would leave it be. Though, his heart told him to take her from him, he could not deny how she seemed to relax in the prince's grasp. Boromir could feel his heart clench, though he did his best to ignore the feeling and march onward.

"Thank you." The soft voice of Samantha spoke up from her place against him.

His gaze softened and his heart swelled at the sight of her. He pressed his lips to the top of her head, "Think nothing of it, my little one."

Samantha could feel her face burn at the gesture and thought. She had heard him use those words before, she would have to figure out what they meant. Sighing, she felt the exhaustion sweep over her and she allowed herself to drift off to sleep in his arms. She was just thankful to be back with them were she belonged.

Finally back together again! Thank you for all the love and support! Over 200 Follows is AMAZING. Thank you to each and every one of you!

Don't forget to Favorite, Follow and Review!

Posted - 6/11/2020