Fan Fiction ❯ Fairy Dust Dreams ❯ Reunited ( Chapter 7 )

I actually have like 3 more chapters ready to post *counting this one* and since I haven't yet finished this story I have taken my time in posting the next chapters… anyways, I shouldn't be posting this one right away, but I want to oblige those that have reviewed my work =)So anyways when I run out of already done chapters it will be quite awhile before I can post another… so be patient with me =)

 

Chapter Seven

Reunited

 

 

At last the war was over, and we were released from the caves. Once outside among the wreckage, I searched for Haldir. I thought it had been a bad idea for him to stay and fight, I mean the guy had been stabbed in the gut. Legolas stepped in front of my vision, and I looked up into his blue eyes, a question shining on mine.

“Where is Haldir?” I whispered, but I had a bad feeling I already knew.

“I'm sorry, Drea, he didn't make it.” Legolas said making known the fact I feared.

“I should have done something more…” I whispered without really realizing it, “I should have pushed that he come down into the caves with me.” I sank down to a stone ledge, “He was wounded… he should have come with me…” I noticed suddenly that Legolas was seated beside me but at the moment I didn't much care.

“You did what you could, Drea. You shouldn't dwell on what else you could have done… it will only make you feel guilty.”

“Legolas?” I asked quietly, “When elves die… do they still go to the land beyond the sea? To Valinor?”

Legolas was silent and I turned to look at him, “No one knows…” he whispered, “when an elf dies, here in Middle Earth, it is believed they go to the place of mortal men… not to Valinor… I will not know until I leave this place and am in Valinor… if he is there I will know it.”

I nodded; of course it would be this way. I had always wondered if the spirits of the elves that had died in Helms Deep would still go to Valinor… in this dream, of course, it wouldn't tell me something I didn't know, seeing as this was all coming from my head…

I stood up and Legolas followed suit, “Well then, I hope you see him there.” I whispered. I noticed Aragorn making his way over to us, and I groaned inwardly. I didn't feel like having this confrontation just yet. I turned to Legolas who was behind me, “Legolas, do you know if there is a fountain or anything around here that has water? I want to get this Uruk blood off me.”

Legolas's eyes were on Aragorn, and then finally they fell on me, understanding coming over his features. “There is a fountain down in the lower levels, near the stables…” he paused smiling slightly, “We will meet you down there, Gandalf wishes us to go to Isengard, to see to Merry and Pippin.”

I smiled my thanks and then headed down, just missing Aragorn who frowned in my direction.

 

I was rubbing Lightfoot's neck with my hand when Aragorn came around the corner and into the stables where I stood. He looked tiered, I noticed and I suddenly felt very guilty. He stood beside Lightfoot running a hand down her back; he didn't bring his eyes to me which only added to my uneasiness.

“Aragorn…” I said slowly, “I'm sorry, I should have listened to you…” I paused fixing my eyes on my feet, “What I did didn't do any good… I don't like you being angry with me.”

Aragorn finally moved and I brought my eyes back up to his face, “I am not angry with you…” he said, “Legolas told me what Haldir had said, how you had saved his life… that was a brave thing to do.” He turned his eyes back on the horse and smiled slowly, “Gather your things, we are going to leave right away.”

I nodded smiling myself as I bent to retrieve Lightfoot's saddle.

“Gandalf is back with us.” Aragorn continued, “He will now have to worry with you.”

I could tell he was joking, perhaps trying to ease the tension, and I smiled up at him as I heaved up the saddle and placed it awkwardly on Lightfoot, relief flooding over me as Aragon, with a parting smile, turned and left, perhaps going to get some of his things. I, in turn, turned quickly to one of the stable men. “Excuse me sir, could you help me with this saddle?”

 

 

We were on the road again, and I wondered how long it would take us to get there. I figured it wouldn't take to long seeing as we were riding hard and fast. I had been scared at first when suddenly Gandalf's horse, Shadowfax, started out at a run, Lightfoot and the others following suit, but I soon found it was easier going. As strange as that may sound, I felt like I was safe, that I wouldn't fall… like I was flying. It was amazing.

The flying part was soon over, though as we came upon the Fangorn woods. I remembered quite well that, the Fangorn woods had not been here before. That they hadn't been that close, but then the trees did move closer, during the war at Helm's Deep, so I figured that was all it was.

The ride through the woods was slower going, but we did keep a good pace. I really liked the Fangorn woods, and was glad to see more of it. Gimli grumbled constantly from the back of Legolas's horse, and I smiled over my shoulder at them. The dwarf didn't find my smile in the least bit amusing.

Then, when evening was almost upon us we were there, and I marveled at the destruction of Isengard. Two hobbits sat lazily a top a half washed away hill, smoking and eating some food; they laughed and seemed very continent with themselves.

Once the two spotted us the laughter was silenced and gleeful smiles took their places. Merry stood up removing his long pipe from his mouth and with an elegant bow, welcomed us to Isengard.

“You young rascals!” Gimli bellowed at them, “A merry hunt you've led us on.” He paused eyeing them over, “And now we find you feasting and… and smoking!”

Pippin's smile grew, “We are sitting on a field of victory.” He stated taking a long draw on his pipe and slowly puffing it out, “Enjoying a few well-earned comforts…” he paused again his eyes sparkling, “The salted pork is particularly good.”

“Salted pork?” Gimli asked quietly.

Gandalf shook his head, his own smile betraying him, “Hobbits.”

“We are under orders from Treebeard,” Merry said smiling, “who's taken over management of Isengard.”

Merry and Pippin's eyes suddenly fell on me, shock coming over their faces. I guess they didn't expect I would still be with them. I smiled up at them, giving them nods, and they turned their eyes on Aragorn.

Aragorn smiled, “I am sure you both remember Drea of Rohan.”

They nodded they did and then finally seeming to accept it, they smiled down at me.

“She spoke true, then.” Pippin said being Pippin.

I laughed a nerves laugh; I didn't like this conversation coming back to life, or shadows of doubt to steal across everyone's minds again. Aragorn broke through my nerves sweat by calling up to Pippin.

“Come along, Pippin,” he said smiling warmly, “you will ride with me.” Gandalf then in turn took Merry, and we were set to go meet Treebeard.

 

The sight was even more amazing as we continued on, the waters from the flood coming close to the horses' knees. Rubbish and every so often a melon or apple floated by, and I looked at everything with much interest. I was quite surprised my mind could come up with such amazing detail… it all was just amazingly real. Ents of every size and shape where all over the place and I couldn't help but feel elated to be seeing such strange creatures, I constantly had to make myself blink!

“Young Master Gandalf, I'm glad you've come.” A deep almost menacing voice spoke, and I turned my eyes to the Ent I knew to be Treebeard. He was just as amazing as I had imagined plus some. “Wood and water, stock and stone I can master,” he continued, “but there is a wizard to manage here… locked in his tower.”

“And there Saruman must remain,” Gandalf said, “under your guard, Treebeard.”

“Well, let's just have his head and be done with it.” Gimli said stubbornly.

“No.” Gandalf answered, “We need him alive. We need him to talk.”

As soon as those words came out of Gandalf's mouth the low menacing voice of Saruman was heard. I shuddered slightly at the sound, hopping he wouldn't notice me!

“You have fought many wars and slain many men, Theoden King…” Saruman said suddenly coming into view, “…and made peace afterwards.” He contiuded, “Can we not take counsel together as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace, you and I?”

All eyes were suddenly on Theoden, all but me wondering if Saruman's enchanting voice had won him over.

“We shall have peace.” Theoden said steadily, “…When you answer for the burning of the Westfold! And the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace! When the lives of the soldiers… whose bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg, are avenged! When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows… Then, we shall have peace.”

“Gibbets and crows?” Saruman said just as steadily and then turning his eyes on Gandalf he directed his attention to him, “What do you want, Gandalf Greyhame?” he paused, and I pictured a smile lightling his eyes, “Let me guess, the Key of Orthanc. Or perhaps the keys of barad-dur itself, along with the crowns of the seven kings and the rods of the Five Wizards!”

“Your treachery has already cost many lives.” Gandalf said slowly, “ Thousands more are now at risk! But you could save them, Saruman! You were deep in the enemy's counsel.”

“So you have come here for information?” more silence followed Saruman's words as I pictured once again an evil grin. “I have some for you,” he said slowly, and although it was really hard to see exactly what Saruman was doing from way up on his tower, I saw him pull out a large black ball, which I recognized right away!

“Something festers in the heart of Middle-earth. Something that you have failed to see.” Saruman said, “But the Great Eye has seen it, even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon,” he paused momentarily adding suspense to his words, “You're all going to die, but you know this, don't you, Gandalf? You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows, will never be crowned king. Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those closest to him… those he professes to love… Tell me, what words of comfort did you give the Half-ling… before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death.”

“I've heard enough!” Gimli bellowed, “Shoot him,” he then said to Legolas, “Stick an arrow in his gob.”

My eyes were on the elf as he was prepared to do just that.

“No.” Gandalf said, stopping him, and then turning his eyes on Saruman once again he urged Shadowfax closer to the tower, “Come down, Saruman… and your life will be spared.”

“Save your pity and your mercy,” Saruman called back down, “I have no use for it!” At that moment Saruman let loose a gigantic ball of fire, and I watched wide-eyed as it headed strait for Gandalf's head!

Gandalf, though, did not move and once the fire engulfed him, the horses' jerked and reeled. This caught me by surprise and I was sent flying off my crazed horse and into the water! Pippin was off Aragorn's horse in a second lifting me to my feet.

He smiled up at me slightly, and I looked down on him with water running down my face. I smiled my thanks and nodded my appreciation, no one else had even noticed that I had been thrown through the air, and I hopped it would stay that way!

I quickly grabbed a hold of Lightfoot's reins and looked at her angrily. I was soaked! And knew that everyone else would notice that! I climbed back up on the horse, cursing her under my breath and Pippin, with an odd look from Aragorn, was placed securely back in his place.

Eyes where still on Gandalf who had come out of the fire just fine, I noticed also that I had missed the bit about Saruman's staff being broken. I frowned also noticing that Grimer was already up there as well, and that Theoden was talking to him!

In fact he was just finishing, and I watched with squinting eyes as Saruman turned and told Grimer to get back down into the tower, that he would never be free. I watched as Grimer shook his head then in turn he got slapped hard across the face! Causing him to fall hard against his back! I felt a sad bit of pity for the guy!

“Saruman!” Gandalf called up to him, “You were deep in the enemy's counsel. Tell us what you know!”

“You withdraw your guard, and I will tell you where your doom will be decided!” Saruman answered. “I will not be held prisoner here!”

Just at that moment Grimer came back unto the scene and stabbed Saruman viciously in the back, I turned my eyes on Legolas, who already had an arrow pulled back and aimed! He let it fly and it hit Grimer strait on… and then Saruman fell!

I watched him fall through the air a sick feeling in my gut and once he hit the sharp spikes bellow him, I closed my eyes! The last thing I wanted to see was something sticking out of his chest!

Silence followed, but for only a moment.

“Send word to all our allies,” Gandalf said to Theoden, “and to every corner of Middle-earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us. We need to know where he will strike.”

Theoden nodded he understood.

“The filth of Saruman… is washing away…” Treebeard said slowly, and I noticed from the corner of my eye Pippin looking suddenly off to his right. Something had captured his attention, and without a word he slipped off Aragorn's horse.

“Pippin!” Aragorn exclaimed, and the hobbit quickly bent and retrieved Saruman's large dark ball.

“Bless my bark!” Treebeard breathed.

“Peregrin Took!” Gandalf said with quiet force, “I'll take that, my lad… Quickly now.”

Pippin looked the stone over silently, and then turning his eyes on Gandalf he hesitantly handed it to the wizard, who then in turn, wrapped it up quickly. Gandalf eyed Pippin his eyes searching and Pippin turned his eyes back down to the water.

My eyes kept reverting over to Saruman's body, which kept turning around and around on his big spiky machine thingy. I noticed also that Legolas was watching me and I turned my eyes on him.

He was frowning as he looked me up and down and I realized he must have noticed my soaked clothes.

I smiled slightly, “The horse got spooked,” I stated, “She threw me.” I was wringing out my cloak knowing it was really no use, and so deciding it would be better off than laying over me -exactly like a wet blanket- I unclasped the brooch and placed it, in a wet ball, in front of me.

Legolas laughed suddenly and my eyes turned back on him, “That will do no good!” he said with a smile, “you are still wet. You will freeze before we make it back to Edoras!”

By now the elf had gotten everyone's attention on me! Including Aragorn, who was looking at me like a displeased father!

I smiled nervously at him, “It was the fire… the fire, spooked the horse…” I finished with a mumble.

As it turned out though, someone had brought along an old blanket which worked nicely at keeping me warm on our return trip, and even though I had to fight the urge to strangle Lightfoot with her reins, the long ride was rather enjoyable.

 

The ride from Isengard to Edoras was longer than if we had returned to Helm's Deep, and we arrived just as the sun set and the first glimmer of stars appeared. Edoras lay untouched by all the evil that had stormed us at Helm's Deep, and I wondered suddenly why we had left it.

I shrugged, trying to remember what happened next, and then with a smile I remembered… it was party time.

 

 

Ok so I was wrong, first we would `hail' those that had died, and then we would party. I stood up along with all the others; listening to King Theoden talk about how brave those were that had died…

“Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country…” the king said lifting his goblet up to the crowed, “Hail the victorious dead!”

“Hail!” everyone around me yelled, and I quickly followed in, and then placing the mug up against my lips I took a big gulp. As soon as the liquid touched my mouth I nearly choked. Whatever was in my cup was not water, and it tasted horrible!

I stood there with a mouth full of disgusting drink, looking around at the people that were beginning to move back to their feasting. I figured my face had to be turning green; it was either swallow and hopefully not lose it, or lose it now. I swallowed, grimacing as it slid down my throat, and then placing the cup on the table beside me, I pushed it away. Suddenly Legolas was there, smiling down on my face and I stared up at him startled.

“That stuff is terrible isn't it?” he said and at my nod he laughed, “Someday when all this has passed you will have to come to Mirkwood, and I will show you how wine is suppose to taste.” He seated himself beside me, and I looked up into his blue eyes a smile lighting my face.

“I would like that, Legolas.” I said, “I have always wanted to see Mirkwood.”

He smiled back, “Mirkwood elves make the best wine, and they grow the best fruits… I believe you would like it there…” he stared out over the people and then with a smile he looked back at me, “It is much like the Fangorn forest, only not as quiet.”

I laughed, “Yes, then I am sure I would love it there…” my sentence cut short as I spotted Aragorn and Eowyn off a ways. She had already given him the cup and he was in the process of drinking it. I turned my eyes back on Legolas, who by now had seen what had caught my attention.

“He shouldn't lead her on…” I said with a frown, and Legolas looked at me in surprise.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Well, Aragorn doesn't have feelings for her, does he?” I waited for Legolas to shake his head and then continued, “I am sure he has to know what excepting that cup means… perhaps he doesn't wish to hurt her feelings… Or maybe he really does believe that he will never again see the one who gave him that jewel…” I realized I was rambling and turned my eyes back on Legolas. He was frowning down at me as he searched my eyes.

“You believe Lady Eowyn loves Aragorn?”

I frowned, “Well isn't it obvious? I mean she practically said she did at Helm's Deep.”

Legolas's clear blue eyes were back on the couple a worried frown creasing his brow. “Aragorn believes the one he loves, Lady Arwen of Rivendale, to be sailing away with what is left of her kin… He believes she is gone for Valinor.” Legolas was silent for a moment and then at last he turned back to me his smile returned, “Now is no time to worry with such little things as false love, come, Gimli wants to play some sort of game with me,” He laughed as he stood and I couldn't help laugh with him. “I believe,” he continued, “it is some sort of drinking game!”

 

 

I was angry, for as the night drew on and everything slowed down, I found myself staring at the same room I had slept in before… I didn't want to be away from the action I knew was going to happen tonight. I wanted to be outside with Legolas looking at the stars! But no, Eowyn had to have me away from the others!

I sighed as I paced the room; I was being maybe a little to harsh, after all it did make sense that I not sleep in the same crowed room with a bunch of men… I flopped down on the bed and sighed again. There had to be some way of being involved tonight without it looking bad…

I thought a moment and then with a start it came to me. Of course! I thought The stars!

 

I stood outside enjoying the wind and the feel of it lashing at my hair, I was glad I had gotten outside before Legolas and Aragorn had, this way it wouldn't look like I had followed them.

The wind was so strong that I didn't hear the door open, and was more than startled when suddenly a hand touched my shoulder. I turned around my heart jumping into my throat and found I was looking into Legolas's face. I smiled a surprised smile as I looked around him but he was the only one. I wondered what had happened to Aragorn, but smiled happily up at the elf all the same.

“Legolas, you startled me!” I said.

“Drea, why are you out so late?”

I frowned, “You know I could ask you the same question.” Finally he smiled and pulling up his Elvin hood, walked to the far edge. I followed.

“I came to look at the stars…” he said almost mystical like.

“Then so have I,” I answered.

I was getting more comfortably in this dream and once where I was spell-bound and enchanted by the mere presence of this man -or rather elf, I was now comfortable and at times quite annoyed. Of course, though, it was all a dream and I shuddered at waking from it, just to have it fade from my mind like dreams do.

Aragorn was there suddenly, hardly taking note of the fact that I was with Legolas, and smiling slightly at me, I smiled back.

“The stars are veiled, something stirs in the east. A sleepless malice…” Legolas paused looking past me; he eyed Aragorn, “The eye of the enemy is moving.”

Aragorn said nothing but turned his eyes toward the night sky, and so we stood there for a moment. The feeling of doom slowly building, in fact it was growing so large you could almost see it throbbing in the air.

The feeling was putting us all in a state of unease, and it was soon after this that Legolas turned wide eyes on Aragorn.

“He is here.” The elf whispered and with those words Aragorn turned suddenly to the large double doors, Legolas following. I certainly wasn't going to be left behind!

 

 

We arrived at the room where I knew the action was about to take place, and within seconds we were in the midst of it. I saw Pippin on his knees with the dark fiery glass ball in a death grip. Merry was screaming for help, and Gandalf woke up just as Aragorn grasped the ball away from Pippin. He fell to his knees and with Legolas's help, Aragorn dropped the ball and it rolled away. Gandalf quickly through a sheet over it and with narrowed eyes, he turned to Pippin.

“Fool of a Took!” he bellowed, and only silence answered.

Pippin was lying on his back staring blankly at the ceiling. Merry ran to his side in an instant screaming his name, and everyone was suddenly crowded around him.

“Move a side, all or you.” Gandalf said and with us moving away he grasped Pippin's hands in his and placed one against Pippin's head. Gandalf closed his eyes quickly and said something I couldn't understand softly. Within seconds Pippin's eyes opened and he looked wide-eyed around the room.

“Look at me.” Gandalf said and Pippin turned terror filled eyes on Gandalf.

“Gandalf?” he whispered, “Gandalf… forgive me.” With that said Pippin closed his eyes and Gandalf quickly placed a hand under the hobbit's chin.

“Look at me…”

The hobbit opened his eyes again slowly and blinked at him.

“What did you see?” Gandalf asked.

Pippin closed his eyes and swallowed hard, “A tree… there was a white tree… in a courtyard of stone.” He opened his eyes suddenly, “It was dead! The city was burning!”

“Minas Tirith?” Gandalf asked, “Is that what you saw?”

Pippin's eyes widened, “I saw… I saw him! I could hear his voice in my head!”

Gandalf's eyes widen as well, “And what did you tell him?” he paused eyeing him intently, “Speak!”

 

During this whole little question bit I noticed -quiet uncomfortably- that Aragorn's gaze wouldn't leave my face. I was wondering what was so interesting about it and why he wouldn't stop staring, and then I remembered that they still had not told me about Frodo and his quest.

With this remembered, I let my features fall into a frown of confusion as Gandalf asked Pippin about what he had told of Frodo and the Ring, and then turning my eyes up into Aragorn's eyes I looked at him questionably.

 

 

After that bit of excitement I was told to go on back to my room, and looking intently at Aragorn I crossed my arms and frowned. “Aragorn,” I said, “I'm confused. What was Gandalf talking about?”

Aragorn sighed and I noticed once again just how tiered he looked, “Not now, Drea, go on back to your room. I will explain everything to you tomorrow.”

And so with that I went back to my room.

 

Sadly enough, due to my late night exhilaration, I awoke rather late in the morning. I noticed that the sun's rays were pass my window and I looked around the room in a daze. My eyes widened when I realized my morning had to be crawling towards noon, and jumping quickly out of the bed, I washed and made myself look as presentable as possible. Man, I thought, I wish I had a comb… and a mirror. I knew quiet well that Eowyn had to have a comb, with her hair always clean and well kept. I frowned; she had to be holding out on me. Of course, I thought with distain, I am only a `peasant girl' and shouldn't even be staying in the king's home. I shrugged my shoulders, and smiled gleefully, I had Aragorn protecting me, along with Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas.

I ran a quick hand through my hair, and then stepped out of the room, looked around the hall and then headed for the main hall.

 

I entered the room where the king's throne sat and was surrounded by silence. Everyone that was there had expectant eyes on the king; I was glad the silence wasn't on my account and turned my eyes on him as well.

The king's eyes rested on me for only a moment and then turning his eyes back on Gandalf he frowned, “What do we owe Gondor?” he said selfishly, and I frowned.

“I will go.” Aragorn said suddenly.

“No!” Gandalf said shaking his head and Aragorn turned his attention on him.

“They must be warned.”

“They will be…” he paused his voice taking on a quiet tone, and I had to step closer to hear. “You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships…” he paused again his eyes then falling on an uncomfortable Pippin, “Understand this; things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith… and I won't be going alone.”

The king, after that, left the room -quiet angrily I thought- and Gandalf turned his eyes on me. He motioned me toward him and I stepped up to him silently, “Drea,” he said still softly, “I think this should be the end of your journey. Aragorn has told me that all of your family was killed, as we had feared. Stay here, in Edoras, where it is safe.”

I looked up at him with a frown, very glad at the moment that Eowyn was not in the room. “I don't wish to be left behind, Gandalf, and I mean to go.” I said crossing my arms once again.

Gandalf smiled, “Well, it is not up to me, it would be Aragorn who would take you.” With that said Gandalf turned to Pippin, leaving me to wonder what I should do. I noticed Legolas was watching me and I turned my eyes on him. He seemed to be able to read my thoughts and smiled reassuringly; I smiled back and then followed Gandalf, Aragorn, and the hobbits outside and to the stables.

During the short time I had spent with both Pippin and Merry, we had become friends and I was sad to see one of them leave. “Pippin,” I said catching up to him and once I had his attention I handed him a small pack I had put together the day before. “It's not much.” I said with a smile, “Only a couple of apples and some bread.” His eyes lit up at the prospect of food and I laughed lightly.

“Where did you find food?” he asked his eyes going over the cloth pack.

“I got it from the kitchen.” I said with a smile. Pippin nodded his thanks and then turned his eyes on Merry. Merry, I could tell, was slightly angry and turning his eyes on Pippin he blurted out what I had been waiting for him to say.

“Why do you always have to touch, Pip… Why?”

Pippin frowned at him, “I'm sorry…” he said as Merry turned to walk into the barn. Pippin looked at me briefly and then turned toward Merry, “I won't do it again!”

Merry turned around then and took a few steps back, “Don't you get it…” he paused a moment looking at me fleetingly, “The enemy thinks you have the ring… they're coming to get you, Pippin.” With that said Merry continued his walk into the barn, and Pippin strode after him calling his name. I followed not far behind.