Gandalf is taking care of business with Grima, and plenty of reunions are ahead. Read on to find out more!

Chapter 130

The guards threw Grima down the stairs, and he hit the stone hard as he rolled. He groaned, and pitifully crawled away as he begged for the King's forgiveness. Theoden had none to offer, and angrily shouted how Grima had subdued him and would have had him 'crawling on the floor like a beast'. There was a fire in his eyes, and he raised his sword to slay Grima. However, Aragorn stayed his hand and convinced him to spare the traitorous Rohir. The slimy man spit on Aragorn as he offered to pull him to his feet, and ran down the stairs toward the stables, before riding out of the gates of Edoras like Morgoth was behind him.

I felt a strange sense of foreboding, and wondered if Aragorn had done the right thing. I decided to share my thoughts with him, and murmured, "I fear he will go to Saruman and tell him all he knows."

"Hello to you as well, mellon nin," he countered, and I rolled my eyes at his cheeky reply. He was surprised when I hugged him, but returned it warmly. Despite our great age difference, I had viewed him like an older brother, especially after all we had gone through recently. "There is much to figure out after what just occurred, but we will speak more soon." He eyed me closely, and it felt like he was looking deep into my soul. "I sense there is much to catch up on."

I sighed and gave him a rueful grin, "I will hold you to that." Aragorn smiled and inclined his head before making his way over to Theoden, Theodred, and several others, including Legolas and Gimli. However, before he could do so, Elladan and Elrohir wrapped him up in a hug. Aragorn pretended to be annoyed, but his eyes sparkled with mirth and he could not keep the delighted grin off of his face. Elrohir ruffled his hair fondly, before shoving him towards Halbarad. The two comrades greeted each other gladly, although Halbarad looked discomfited by the bear hug he received. I knew how much Halbarad admired Aragorn, and wanted to treat him as his chieftain. Yet, even the difference in rank could not erase their long history as kin.

I decided to stay out of any proceedings with the royals, for I was no one of authority, and settled on the steps next to Candaith. I winced a little from the lingering pain in my ribs and neck, and dug some athelas salve out of my pack. "Will you help me put this on?" I asked.

"Of course, meleth," Candaith replied, and he slathered some over the exposed skin of my neck, and slipped his hand underneath my tunic to quickly apply it over my ribs. "Elladan and Elrohir should look you over later, and make sure you are healing well."

I raised an eyebrow, "Like you will let them do to you?

He waved a hand, "I'm fine, for my own aches and pains are nearly gone." He frowned as he looked down the steps and noted Culang and Saeradan lying in one of the carts. "They are the ones who need the most help." I knew they both were trying to recover from the sword wounds they received in the most recent battle, but they were strong and Elladan insisted they were well on the mend.

"Golodir certainly is resolved to ignore his concussion," I added with a grin, motioning over to the disgruntled ranger, who was arguing with an exasperated Corunir.

"You know how he is," Candaith said, "Always determined to pretend everything is fine, even when it isn't."

"Indeed I do," I murmured softly, remembering all of the hurts and struggles he had dealt with. "He is definitely one of the more stubborn people I have met in my life." Candaith chuckled, wincing as it strained his ribs.

I squeezed his hand in commiseration, before frowning as I had a sudden realization.

Where was the rest of the Fellowship?

I had seen Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, but the hobbits and Boromir were not with them. Perhaps they were injured? Or dead? The thought of such a thing made me shiver and my heart clenched in worry. I would have to ask the others what happened when we got a moment of privacy. If Frodo was here, it was unlikely the Fellowship would want it widely known that he was carrying the Ring, or what their true errand was.

Sure enough, once the King was done speaking with the accounted-for members of the Fellowship, they wandered over to where I was still sitting on the steps, lost in thought as Candaith reorganized our packs. "Need a hand?" I looked to see Aragorn holding out his arm, and I took it as he pulled me to my feet. He narrowed his eyes at me when I inadvertently winced, clearly noting my injuries but thankfully not commenting on them.

"I have quite a few questions for you, mellon nin," I said, lowering my voice. "Is there somewhere we can talk?"

Aragorn nodded, "Theodred offered up his study for our use, so we can gather there. I will show you the way." I said goodbye to Candaith and followed Aragorn inside Meduseld. I did not get much time to look around as we walked, but the hall had a sense of warmth and community. There were many carvings of horses decorating the wooden beams, and large tapestries lined the walls. The main hall had a large fire blazing in a massive hearth, and King Theoden was sitting on his throne, clearly catching up with Theodred and Eowyn. Another Rohir had joined them, and his striking resemblance to Eowyn inferred they were perhaps siblings.

When we entered the study, Gandalf was standing with Legolas and Gimli. My eyes grew misty again, to my chagrin, and it was warm and familiar as he enveloped me in a gentle hug. "You…I heard you had f-fallen in Moria," I stuttered, trying to steady my shaking voice. "Yet you are here and dressed like…"

"Like Saruman?" he interjected, pulling away a little to look into my eyes. He must have seen something there, for he squeezed my shoulder gently and softly said, "I am Saruman as he should have been. You have nothing to fear from me, penneth."

I gave him a tremulous smile, "You certainly are a much more welcome wizard than him."

"You have crossed paths then," he replied knowingly. "Yet here you stand, stronger than when we last met."

I huffed a humorless laugh, "I am not so sure about that, but I am trying to move forward." I briefly mentioned my short imprisonment without going into much detail, and he listened quietly before saying, "If you are feeling up to it, I would like to speak with you more of this."

"Of course, whatever I can do to help," I murmured, the thought of recalling the painful memories making me uneasy. Gandalf smiled at me again, and I felt a little warmth tingle up my arm where he squeezed my hand. It reminded me of how it felt when Elladan or Elrohir used their healing skills, and I appreciated any aid I could get. "Now, where are the rest of you?" I added, lowering my voice as Legolas closed the sturdy wooden door.

"They have gone on their own paths," Gandalf said gravely. I waited for more explanation, and surprisingly saw Legolas roll his eyes at the wizard's mysterious answer. After another moment of heavy silence, Gandalf indulged me with more details. "The ringbearer and Sam are on their way to Mordor."

"Just the two of them?" I asked, surprised and more than a little worried. "How will they defend themselves? There are surely many enemies on their journey."

"They will find their strength, and hobbits are able to travel almost unseen if they wish," Gandalf replied. I hoped he was right. "Merry and Pippin are safe in Fangorn Forest."

I raised my eyebrows in astonishment. "I do not think I have ever heard the words 'safe' and 'Fangorn' in the same sentence, except in regards to how unsafe it is." I noted some admonishment in my voice, and Gandalf frowned a little at my tone. "I am just worried for them; they are so small, and Fangorn very vast and full of unknown danger."

I did not think I could be any more surprised than I was until Legolas said, "Merry and Pippin have found shelter with the Ents." The Tree-herders were legendary, and it was not known whether or not they still existed in Middle Earth.

"How incredible," I breathed in wonderment. "I do hope I shall meet one someday." My father would tell my siblings and I stories of the mythical creatures when we were children, and I had dreams of leaving my home to go search for them as an elfling.

"Perhaps you will," Gandalf said, his eyes twinkling. "Merry and Pippin have their own part to play, and I trust them implicitly." He paused, before adding, "Well, Merry will keep Pippin in line." Memories of the youngest of the hobbits causing mischief in Imladris made me chuckle.

My laughter faded as I turned my thoughts to the last member of the Fellowship. "What of Boromir?" I murmured, and took in the grave expressions of the others in reaction to my words. "Where is he?"

Aragorn swallowed, clearly pushing down some emotion, before murmuring, "He was seriously wounded in battle against the Uruk-hai of Saruman. I…I do not know if he yet lives."

"How can you not know?" I stuttered in confusion and grief.

"Boromir was defending Merry and Pippin from the enemy on the hilltop of Amon Hen, near the Falls of Rauros," Legolas continued, eyeing Aragorn with worry. "He was shot with arrows by one of the Uruk-hai. Estel was able to defeat the creature, and tried to heal Boromir with what skill and resources he had. Then, out of the trees, several Galadrhim appeared at a run. They surely were fighting Uruks of their own, and after questioning them, it became clear that the Lady Galadriel had sent them behind us."

"Why would she do that?" I asked, mind whirling with the implications of this.

"She must have 'seen' something which troubled her," Gandalf interjected. "Perhaps she knew of the possibility of Boromir's death, and wished to prevent it. I was told of it when I arrived in Lothlorien, but was too far behind to be of aid."

"So she directed a small force of Elves to travel behind the Fellowship, in case of danger," I said slowly, trying to put the pieces together. "What happened next?"

"The Elves bore him back to Lothlorien," Aragorn murmured with a sigh. "He was in grave condition, and I do not know how he could have survived the journey. We must trust to hope."

I recalled the noble face of Boromir, and how uneasy he had been about the journey of the Fellowship. "He had meant to turn towards Minas Tirith, correct?"

Aragorn nodded, "I had considered going with him, but when the Fellowship broke on Amon Hen, I realized our new purpose was to find Merry and Pippin, who had been taken captive by a large pack of Uruk-hai. Saruman likely believed one of them had the Ring, and meant to take it for his own."

"He certainly believes a hobbit carries it, for he told me so himself not long ago," I said quietly, feeling the echoes of the pain which my encounters with the Wizard had brought me. Aragorn appraised me with concern, but there was no time to explain. "Luckily he does not seem to be aware of Frodo and Sam."

"That is good tidings," Gandalf mused. "Their coming is something the Enemy will not expect." He straightened up and changed the subject. "You have all traveled for many days, with little rest I do not doubt. There will be much to decide, but for now, I suggest you sleep. Tomorrow will be busy, and it does no good if you are asleep on your feet." The fond grumbling made me smile, despite all the heavy things we had discussed.

"Mellon nin, I do not wish to keep you from your rest, but I would speak with you for a short time," Legolas said, touching my shoulder gently.

I nodded, "Let us go outside, for the stars will begin to shine above us shortly."

"I know how much you love starlight," Legolas replied fondly. I just smiled and followed him as we made our way out the heavy wooden doors and walked around the western side of Meduseld. There was a stone walkway, and we settled down with our legs dangling above the grassy hills below.

"Now, what can I do for you, Captain?" I asked cheekily, "Or perhaps, my Prince?" chuckling as he scowled at the title.

He swatted at me lightly, "First you can call me Legolas, or I shall call you Lady Gwinthilnel, and I know how much you dislike it."

"Too true, mellon nin," I replied lightly. "Very well, Legolas. It is good to see you, alive and hale."

Legolas sighed. "I admit, although I am both of those things, this journey has tested me in many ways." He shrugged, "I was just a prince tasked with delivering bad news to Lord Elrond about Gollum, and now here I am, in Rohan of all places, having befriended a dwarf."

I laughed, "So Gimli finally wore you down? I thought you couldn't stand each other." I furrowed my brow as I reconsidered this. "The last time we met, I saw you and Gimli walking together through the trees in Lothlorien. I am glad you were able to set aside your differences and become friends. Although…"

"Although?" Legolas asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Your father will surely have something to say about this," I finished mischievously. Legolas rolled his eyes at my mirth, but I could tell this fact bothered him. "Do not worry; you have some time yet before you will see him again, I expect."

"I do not know our next steps," Legolas admitted. "There was talk of confronting Saruman with an army."

At this, my lightness of heart fled, and all I felt was alarm. "You cannot do that!"

Legolas furrowed his brow in concern, "What do you expect would happen?"

"You would be faced with an army many times the size I believe Theoden's to be," I insisted. "When I was there, the number of Uruks and orcs was uncountable, with more appearing every day. While the battle at the Fords of Isen was a defeat for Saruman, it was not enough to destroy all of his forces. I assure you, he will continue to strengthen them unless he is defeated utterly." How would such a thing be possible?

Taking my hand, Legolas did not seem to mind as I squeezed it tightly. "Gwin, they will not likely rush into battle without being more informed. Theoden has sent scouts to survey the area and gather intelligence."

"Then they should speak to me, or Candaith, or Lothrandir," I replied fervently. "We have been on the inside, and could help give them the knowledge they need." I sighed heavily, my shoulders drooping. "Yet part of me wishes to never speak of it again." There was a pause of heavy silence, but it was not awkward. I cast my gaze up to the stars, finding the familiar constellations comforting.

"No one would blame you if you wished to keep your memories to yourself," Legolas murmured.

"I think I would blame myself for not doing whatever I can to help, even if it is difficult." I chuckled ruefully, the sound hollow. "I certainly am not one to take the easiest way."

"That can wait until tomorrow," Legolas insisted. "Shall I tell you some light-hearted stories about the hobbits? It was not all battle and grim days."

"I would like that very much," I replied, forcing some lightness into my voice. We spent another hour or so on the wall, and I let myself relax and laugh as Legolas shared his memories. I knew how important it was to take any joy I could find, and even though I knew Legolas was technically my superior and surely had better things to be doing, he was my friend, and I needed the comfort of one tonight. Candaith would certainly fret and worry, as I could dimly sense through our bond, and I knew Legolas and his cheery demeanor could lighten my spirits in this moment.

I found myself nodding off slightly, and Legolas pulled me to my feet before escorting me to a room which unfortunately did not include my husband. "Since there are not enough rooms for you and Candaith to have your own, King Theoden insisted you not sleep with the Dunedain due to propriety," Legolas whispered with annoyance. I felt some myself, for had I not been spending countless nights on the road with them?

"They would never act dishonorably," I grumbled, offended on their behalf.

"Of course they would not, but Theoden is the King, and we must follow the rules in his hall," Legolas countered. "As silly as they might be."

"Very well," I huffed, before saying my farewells, "Rest easy, mellon nin. I will see you tomorrow, with the sun." Legolas smiled brightly and bowed with his hand over his heart, in the Elven fashion, and I slowly shut the door.

"Candaith, meleth nin," I 'said', "I must sleep with the women tonight."

I felt a flash of annoyance before hearing, "So I have heard. However, I have sent allies to kidnap you." Before I could ask what he meant, a warm hand slipped into each of mine, and I turned my face up to see the mischievous grins of Elladan and Elrohir. "Quickly now, muinthel," Elladan whispered in Sindarin, and we stole out a second door I had not noticed initially, tip-toeing carefully around the women sleeping on palettes.

Soon I found myself back outside, and smiled as we went down a hill and saw a few tents set up in the grass. While it was not particularly well-shielded from the wind, it was sturdily in place with metal stakes. I hugged the twins and whispered farewell before ducking inside, where I was quickly enveloped in Candaith's firm embrace. "Hello, meleth nin," he whispered lowly, and it sent a shiver down my spine.

"Suilad," I replied, just as softly. As busy as my thoughts were, Candaith's presence always managed to calm me. "That was quick thinking, spiriting me out of there."

Candaith chuckled, "Your brothers must have seen the look on my face when the housekeeper informed me of Theoden's decision to keep you separated from us. I got the impression she had a similar opinion of the Dunedain that the people of Bree hold."

"They would be right to, because you are all miscreants to the highest degree," I joked, and stifled my laughter with some difficulty as he tickled me lightly...which turned into a gasp as his hands moved to more sensitive places. It had been quite some time since we had been able to be intimate; not much privacy in a cell in Isengard. It didn't take long to have both of us divested of our clothing and locked in a passionate embrace. He moaned something unintelligible next to my ear as I stroked him, and I jolted as he ran his tongue along the curved shell and up to the pointed tip. I rolled on top of him and settled a steadying hand on his chest as I felt him slide into me, relishing in the fullness. He settled his hands on my hips, running his thumbs in slow circles as I rocked back and forth. The tent was very dark, but I could still see the desire shining in Candaith's blue eyes as he watched me move. Our breathing quickened, and Candaith pulled me down closer to him, flicking his tongue over my nipples as we picked up the pace. It felt like I couldn't tell where he ended and I began, so close we were to each other and how overcome with pleasure I was. Right before I came, I kissed him fiercely, his mouth stifling my moan as I shuddered with the intensity of it.

He chuckled breathlessly as I went limp on top of him, and pulled me close as he ran his fingers through my somewhat tangled hair. "It has been too long," he murmured, and I completely agreed. We stayed like that for some time, wrapped in Candaith's arms and listening to his steady breathing. Even if everything around us changed, I knew I could count on this…on having his love and being by my side, to whatever end. We had been separated by circumstances before, but being in Isengard only reaffirmed how important it was to stick together. We needed each other, especially during these dark and turbulent times. Eventually we settled into sleep and reverie, and I walked peaceful dream paths as I rested.

Tomorrow would bring more troubles and worries, but in this moment, I felt at peace.

Apologies for the wait, I've been busy with some family stuff and working on a story that has a deadline, so I haven't been able to put all my focus on this one. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and leave a review!