Got a longer chapter this time, to make up for the long wait. Life has been busy! I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 126I found myself rising early, and carefully extricated myself from the arms of a sleeping Candaith. He barely stirred, and I left him to get the rest he clearly needed. Ducking into the pre-dawn darkness, I noted Elladan sitting on a log nearby. "Were you waiting for me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He smiled, "Of course, muinthel." He motioned the space next to him, and I settled onto it as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Sleep well?"
I nodded, "It was nice to rest somewhere more comfortable than a dusty cell floor," I murmured, somewhat tonelessly.
Elladan sighed and gave me a little squeeze, and I waited patiently as I noticed him gathering his thoughts. Eventually, he said, "I was furious when I found out what you planned to do. That you would let Saruman take you prisoner, in the slim hope you could rescue the Brenin's daughter…my first instinct was to rage at you."
I stiffened, feeling guilt start to bubble up in my heart. However, before I could stammer something, Elladan continued, "Elrohir helped me remember that it was not your fault, that you did not wish to do something so dangerous, if it could have been avoided."
"I wanted to prevent you and the rest of our group from getting hurt or killed trying to stop Saruman's lackeys from taking me," I insisted. "If you had tried to fight back, who knows who would still be alive?"
"I know," Elladan whispered. "My head knew that, but my heart just wanted to protect my sister, no matter the cost." I settled my head on his shoulder, trying not to let my emotions over the familial moment get the best of me.
We sat thus for a time, and I could tell Elladan had more to say, but was holding back. "Muindor, you know you can always speak your mind with me," I gently prodded.
"I…," he began, swallowing thickly. "What happened in there?" he asked hesitantly. Despite my valiant effort, I stiffened and felt a rush of anxiety race through me. "See? That is why I did not wish to ask-"
"N-no, no, it is all right," I stuttered. "As you have said to me before, it is better to share my thoughts rather than keep them bottled up inside." My shoulders slumped, and I dimly noticed Elrohir settle down on my other side. "It is not easy to speak about."
"You have gone through a trauma," Elrohir murmured, taking my hand. "There is no rush; we just want to help."
I gave both of them a rueful smile. "I am not sure how I got stuck with the two of you for brothers, but I am glad of it." I was rewarded with two identical grins, and it made my heart lighter, even as I struggled to figure out what to do. Speaking about my time in the prison would be hard enough, but telling them about my encounters with Saruman? The thought of it seemed impossible. I was ashamed of the things I had let slip, and although I knew I did the best I could, I was afraid Saruman had learned something which could work against us. Frodo and the Fellowship had to succeed.
Slowly, I began to recount everything, starting from when we left Tur Morva. Both Ellyn had taken one of my hands, and the healing warmth they provided occasionally helped me focus and stay calm. I knew it would be a draining experience, and decided not to go into too many details. Perhaps I would gain more courage with time, and when things were safer in the world.
If such a day ever came, that is.
I could tell the twins had questions about my meetings with Saruman, and I told them as much as I could remember. "Honestly, the events seem fuzzy, almost blurred at the edges of my memory," I tried to explain, my brow furrowed. "I was so focused on keeping quiet that the words he used have started to slip away from me."
"It could be due to his ability to use his voice as a weapon," Elladan mused. "From what I have gathered from Ada, he is very skilled at influencing the actions of others with his words."
I nodded, "It certainly impacted my thoughts at times." I flushed in shame as I remembered how he almost had me wrapped around his finger during our first encounter. "I nearly let slip what our mission was…he made it seem like he wanted to help, even though I knew it must be untrue."
"I think Mithrandir would be proud of your resilience," Elrohir chimed in, and I felt a jolt of pain at the memory of his passing. I knew how terrible and powerful they were, having my own experience in fighting one. How did the one Gandalf faced compare to Thaurlach? It had taken thirteen of us, including one of the High Elves of the 1st age, to kill it, and it had been a close thing. Glorfindel had told me a little of his own battle, during the fall of Gondolin, and even the vague outline of it sounded like a horrific struggle.
"Gwin?" The concerned voice of Elladan broke into my troubled thoughts. "I am sorry if my words upset you?"
My lips turned up in an attempt to reassure him with a smile, "You did not upset me, I was just thinking about Gandalf." I straightened up a bit as I noted Elrohir giving me a searching look. "What is it?"
There was a somewhat lengthy pause, and I had the urge to squirm under his gaze. Finally, he said, "You mentioned how a Dark Numenorian helped you escape."
"Yes," I replied cautiously.
"I sense there is more you are not saying about this man," Elrohir prodded. "Something which causes you distress."
"It is nothing for you to worry over," I insisted, speaking a little too rapidly. "He is long gone and I do not expect to see him again." The twins looked tense, and I could see a fire flickering in their eyes. I knew they suspected foul play, but likely thought me an innocent party. "Please, can we not speak of him anymore? I would like to try and put my time in Isengard behind me."
"You feel we would judge you for your actions," Elrohir added, now looking grieved. Perhaps he discerned more than I thought.
"I…oh I don't know," I mumbled, eyes to the ground. "It would be no more than I judge myself."
"If you do not wish to speak of it, we will let it go," Elladan murmured, running a hand through my hair and working out the tangles with his fingers. "But just know that we will love you always, no matter what you do."
"I know," I whispered. By this point, the sun was just beginning its ascent over the horizon, and I said my goodbyes before wandering back into the tent. I jumped a little when I was greeted with Candaith's blue eyes trained on me, full of concern. "I was worried when I woke and found you gone, and I could feel your distress."
I sighed and let him pull me down beside him, curling up in his arms and feeling comforted by the steady sound of his heartbeat. "I told Elladan and Elrohir about what I experienced in Isengard." I had expected Candaith to stiffen at the reminder of it, but he calmly rubbed my back in small circles. "Not every detail, but enough."
"I am sure that was difficult for you," he whispered, kissing my forehead.
"It was," I replied sadly.
"Well, I am proud of you, meleth nin." I felt a sinking feeling at his words, wondering if he would still say that if he knew how I had acted with Galthrod. As much as I valued honesty, this was something I would keep to myself. A small voice inside was telling me I was a coward, but I shoved it aside for now.
Instead, I redirected his focus, and we spent some time together without the need for words. If Candaith suspected I was holding something back, he made no mention of it.
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The morning was spent deciding how to get the Dunlendings back to their homes safely. Unfortunately, they were not all from the same village, with only Mair coming from Tur Morva. There were a handful from as far afield as the Dunbog, and I was very worried how they would go such a far distance without succumbing to the many dangers on the road. However, Dunlendings are both strong and stubborn, and would not be dissuaded.
The plan was to stay together as long as possible, making sure every able-bodied adult had a decent weapon, and plenty of food and water. It took quite a bit of convincing, and the twins let a little of their power slip, which seemed to frighten Grimbold enough to do what we asked. It was a bit underhanded, but if it led to the Dunlendings getting the provisions they needed, I didn't mind too much.
Halbarad had offered Mair an escort of a few rangers, but she insisted on going alone. "You have your own quest to complete, and though I do not know its purpose, I can tell it is important," she said stubbornly. "I can handle myself."
"I promised your father I would return with you safely," I insisted. "I would not be keeping my end of the bargain-"
"You have done more than enough in that regard," she said with a smile. "If my father does not agree, I will make him see the truth." I could well believe it by the conviction shining in her eyes.
"Could you tell the other Dunedain still in Theodred's camp to head here as speedily as they may?" Halbarad asked, noting how Mair looked uncomfortable. "Theodred will treat you with kindness."
"I…yes, I will tell them," Mair replied uneasily. "I hope you are right about Theodred; he is of the Rohirrim."
"He is an honorable man, and we told him of your resistance against Saruman. He will not view you as an enemy," Halbarad insisted. "Besides, the other Dunedain will vouch for you." Luckily, this seemed to calm the Dunlending woman a small amount.
Suddenly, Golodir strode forward, and I felt a flicker of worry. He held a true hatred for Lheu Brenin, and I feared he would take it out on Mair.
Luckily, I was mistaken.
"I may not trust your father," he grumbled to the young woman. "But I know he loves you. If you do not return to him, safe and whole, all of this would have been for nothing."
Mair smiled joylessly, "I may be safe, but I do not know if I will be whole again." I frowned at this, but could understand the sentiment. "Yet, I will not let Saruman steal our lands, and his killing and destruction will not go unanswered." There was a fire in her eyes that reminded me of Nona, on her quest for vengeance. However, I felt Mair was less impulsive, and more wise.
The stern, proud expression of her face wavered and smoothed into something softer as she caught sight of something over my shoulder. Or rather, someone. I turned to see Radanir giving her a wide grin, and noted her fighting the blush which spread across her pretty cheeks. My eyes found Halbarad's, who I knew had not really approved of the match, but they were now full of amusement. I was glad of it; both Radanir and Mair deserved every happiness, and I hoped they would get the chance to be together someday. Leaving them to speak in private, I followed Halbarad across the camp to our little gathering place. We were packing up our things and determining our next steps.
We had to move South, of course, crossing the Fords of Isen and carefully skirting Isengard. "We should make our way to Edoras. If Aragorn is in Rohan, as Lord Elrond suspects, he would likely make for the large city," Halbarad said.
I furrowed my brow, not sure I agreed. If he was still with the other members of the Fellowship, they likely would not want to draw attention to themselves and their secret mission. Perhaps they would quietly sneak through, moving South towards Minas Tirith? Boromir had mentioned that the large city would be his final destination, and going there was one possible option they had been considering. I cast my mind back to a conversation I had with the son of the Steward, before they left.
December 9th, 3018, Imladris Guesthouse
"So that is how I lost my horse, and ended up limping into Rivendell with naught but my weapons, shield, the Horn of Gondor, and the clothes on my back!" Boromir finished, a rueful grin on his bearded face.
"You are lucky the guards found you, or you might be wandering still," I said, raising an eyebrow.
He chuckled, "Or returning home in disgrace, to the amusement of my brother Faramir." There was a fondness in the way he spoke his brother's name that made me feel the now familiar ache of the passing of my own brothers. Yet, it was not all painful, as I was also reminded of the love I felt for them.
"Well, I for one am happy you arrived safely, for I am glad to have met you," I replied with a smile. "You will be a good addition to the group."
"So would you, for I hear you are a warrior of some renown," he said with a sly grin.
"Ah, well, I have enough battles of my own to fight," I mumbled, my face flushing. I had never told anyone this, but Elrond had approached me and asked if I would like to be a part of the Fellowship, as a representative of the Elves.
I had swiftly turned him down, not believing for one moment I was the right one for the job. Instead, I recommended Legolas. He, being the Prince of Mirkwood and the best archer I had ever seen, would be a much better fit. Elrond reluctantly accepted my decision, and now Legolas would go on a journey that I sometimes worried was a suicide mission.
"Very well, very well," Boromir said, waving his hand dismissively. His smile faded into something more serious, and he put his chin in his hand in thought. "The route is still being discussed." He eyed me a little closer, and I wondered what he was thinking. I did not have to wait long, before he continued, "You are well-traveled, or so I hear?"
I nodded, "Well enough, I suppose, although I have not ventured further South than Southern Mirkwood."
"I see," Boromir said slowly. "The question is which path to take." He seemed to want my opinion, so I decided to share my thoughts.
"Well, secrecy is paramount," I began. "Staying out of the public eye and keeping to less-known paths would be best."
"But does that not open us up to added danger?" Boromir countered. "Paths little-trodden are often not safe."
"Perhaps. In a less secret journey, I would agree with you. However, you will have a weapon of great power in your midst. You want to lessen the chances of the enemy getting their hands on it, so staying away from others seems wiser than going to populated areas," I continued.
There was a pause where we were both in thought. Then Boromir said, "I plan on journeying to Minas Tirith, and Aragorn has considered coming with me."
I raised an eyebrow. Did this mean the rest of the Fellowship would join them? "You would bring the Ring to such a public place?"
He bristled a little, and I wondered at it. "There is much strength there, and we could strike out at Mordor with the support of an army at our backs."
"While an army is usually a good thing to have, if you are trying to sneak into Mordor, the less of an escort, the better," I argued, eyeing him closely. He seemed bothered by my answer, and I knew he would be disappointed when Gandalf and Aragorn inevitably decided secrecy all the way to Mordor would be the plan. Before he could reply, I put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a comforting squeeze. "Whatever happens, the main thing to remember is to trust in each other. It will be what leads you to success."
His shoulders slumped as he sighed, but he gave me a small smile anyway. "I hope you are right, my friend."
Bringing myself back to the present, I tried to shake off the peculiar feeling of unease and focused on what Halbarad was saying. "If we do not find him there, we will continue south towards Minas Tirith, where hopefully word of his whereabouts can be found."
"Did he say what he needed us for?" Calenglad asked. "We all answered the summons, as is our duty, but little was given in the way of details."
At this, Halbarad looked uncharacteristically uncertain. "As you know, he plans to offer the Oathbreakers the chance to fulfill their oath by fighting for him against the Enemy." The memory of how we had failed to convince the Oathbreakers in Enedwaith swept through me, and it felt icy cold.
"Fight what, exactly?" Calenglad countered. "There are more than just orcs wishing us to fail. The Corsairs of Umbar sail the seas of the Bay of Belfalas, burning and pillaging as they go. The forces of Dol Amroth and the surrounding fiefdoms fight against them, but from what I understand, the numbers of the enemy have swelled over the past few years. Haradrim have sided with Sauron, as have the Easterlings. There are many foes to face, and while any aid is welcome, deciding how to implement these Oathbreakers will be a challenge."
"It will also determine our final destination," Golodir added, looking grim. The term 'final destination' made a shiver run down my spine. Did he mean that we would likely not survive the incoming onslaught? Would it be our end?
"Aragorn is well-traveled and knows much of what we will face," Halbarad said firmly. "I trust him to make the best decision he can. The Dwimorberg is to be where the Oathbreakers are confronted, and if we hear no word of our Chieftain, that will be where we go."
"None may enter the lands of Rohan without the permission of Theoden King," a haughty voice interrupted, and we all turned to see a rather thin, reedy-looking man addressing us. However, he seemed a little diminished when he noted our gazes on him, and I realized the large number of Dunedain and a few Elves would be rather intimidating.
"How would we obtain such a thing, without entering Rohan?" Halbarad countered, looking unimpressed. "Besides, are we not already within Rohan, being in the Gap?"
"Ah…well, I suppose so…but it is only right for a messenger to be sent to Edoras, who would speak on your behalf and enter a request," he stammered, trying and failing to gain his composure. I surreptitiously noted the expressions on the faces of my companions, and resisted the urge to laugh at seeing the infamous 'grim ranger' look plastered across them.
"That would take far too much time," Halbarad replied with a frown. "We are on a mission of haste, and cannot afford further delay."
Things seemed at a standstill, so I decided to see if I could help. Catching Halbarad's eye first, I looked at him questioningly. Understanding my meaning, he paused before nodding reluctantly. I knew he would rather I not get involved, but sometimes my 'feminine wiles' worked to my advantage, and I briefly reflected on how well it worked on Barliman Butterbur in Bree. I
My hair was down, and it hid my pointed ears well, so I gave Candaith a wink, lowered the hood of my cloak, and bestowed the unwelcome visitor with my best smile. Sure enough, the Rohir's eyes went wide, and his jaw slackened. "My lord, what is your name?" I said softly, putting some gentleness in my tone.
"E-Eothred, my lady," he breathed, unwilling or unable to look away from me.
I had no magical skill of my own, but it was said that Elves had a natural charm about them, which instilled awe in the race of Men. I was unsure how true this really was, but I would try and use it to my advantage. "What a strong name, Eothred," I replied, the smile still in place. "I am sure you are much valued by the King, and he trusts in your decisions implicitly." Whether or not this was true, I did not know, but I was trusting my instincts.
"I…I believe so, my lady," he stuttered.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, I squeezed it lightly as I came a little closer. "We mean no harm, and wish to aid Rohan in her fight against the Enemy, however we may. King Theoden, I am sure, could always use more allies, and we will do what we can to defeat all who threaten your homeland."
"You…you would?" he replied dreamily.
"Of course, Eothred," I assured him airily. "If you let us ride to your King's side, we can help him and your people. Surely you wish to do the same?"
"Always," he said, conviction in his voice as he stared into my eyes. It was difficult not to look away from the strangeness I found there, but I determinedly kept eye contact.
"Will you allow us to speedily go to Edoras? Will you prove your loyalty to your King and give him the help he needs?" I pleaded, a little tired of the whole conversation. I was telling the truth; we would go to Edoras, and see if we could help the King in some way, as long as it was not a long delay. I had heard tell that the King was unwell from Acca; perhaps Elladan and Elrohir could heal him somehow.
"Yes, anything for you-I mean, for the King," he replied, blushing.
My fake smile widened, "Thank you, Eothred. Your kindness and loyalty will not be forgotten, and will be told to the King when we see him." I could feel Candaith's amusement through our bond, and sighed internally. He would surely tease me for it, as he had in the past. Ah well, it was a small price to pay for something we needed.
Eothred gave me a small bow, "You are welcome, my lady. Anything I can do to help, I will do." With that, he reluctantly turned away from me, but looked back frequently as he made his way over to Grimbold.
After he had left, Candaith wrapped an arm around my waist, chuckling. "What a charmer you are, meleth nin!" The twins were nearby, grinning widely at my little show.
"I would not go that far," I grumbled, but I was pleased at my success, despite my embarrassment. "Got lucky this time, for none of you have ever been charmed by me."
Calenglad laughed, "Certainly not! I disliked you when we first met, and although I consider you a good friend, I have never been starry-eyed in your presence."
"I cannot say the same, mellon nin," Candaith said with a fond smile in my direction. "Although our introduction was also not friendly." Whenever I considered how far we had come from our suspicion-filled first meeting, I was flabbergasted.
"Although I know you did not enjoy it, I am glad you succeeded," Halbarad interjected, his lips quirked upwards. "Once the Dunlendings set out, we will continue on. The rest of the Dunedain will catch up." He went to say something else, but was interrupted by a shout from a rider outside the gates, who was racing as fast as he could from the direction of the Fords.
Well, there you have it! Gwin shares some of her experiences with the twins, and uses her 'feminine wiles' to convince the Rohir Eothred to let them go on to Edoras unhindered. Sorry (not sorry) about the cliff-hanger! Thanks for reading, and leave a review!