Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Love's Redemption	By : mthorsta Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 7104 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
A.N.: Keep your eyes open for the next chapter sometime at the end of this week!
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Thanks!
ELoI

Chapter 19 � And Then There Were Three
   Through the rain and the mud and the grey mists of twilight Mordren ran. He ran until his lungs burned and his muscles ached from the effort but he kept on. Not one minute longer could he stand to look upon the broken, desolate remains and the dead that surrounded him there. He did not stop until he was clear of the village. Doubled over, gasping in heaving breaths, he rested until his breathing returned to normal. Only then did he dare turn around and give the village one last look, then let his gaze wander in the direction of the grave of Firindor.

   �Goodbye, my friend. May the Valar guide you to a place where you can find peace. I promise I will do as you asked.� He whispered.
   He tried to leave the memories of the village behind, tried to erase from his mind what he had done as he turned his back to the sight and walked on but they haunted his steps. Outwardly, he appeared only as a man wearied by hunger, days of endless pursuit, and nights of broken sleep. Inwardly, however, was a man tormented by a grievous act of desperation. With trepidation, he slowly climbed the steep ridge to the grove where the rest of the scouting party waited. What would he say to them? What would come out when the moment was upon him and all eyes were fixed on him expectantly? His calloused skin from years of hard living and battle now felt as thin as parchment paper and nearly as transparent. He killed a man�no, a boy with his bare hands. Would they see the sin that lay just beneath the surface? It was the humane thing to do! This he believed, or at least thought. Why then, did it feel like he had yet to be convinced?
   It was nearly dark when Mordren stumbled into the encampment. He could barely make out the huddled figures pressed up against the tree trunks trying to take advantage of any measure of shelter from the steady drizzle the boughs could provide. The hood of his cloak and the mists of rain shadowed Mordren�s face for which he was grateful. They would not see his expression clearly should it happen to belie his words when he spoke of what transpired. He could feel the weight of their stares bearing down on him, waiting for him to report.

   �How does the boy fare?�

   Legolas was the first to speak up although the outcome was on everyone�s mind for one motive or another.

   Mordren cleared his throat, hoping it would rid his voice of any strain. �Better than I had hoped. It turns out he has kin in the next village and knows the trail well. He has been making the journey there and back with the aid of a walking staff for quite some time. I suspect he will be fine.�
   There was something in his voice. Legolas could not pin it down. The pitch perhaps? It was a little too high. His delivery seemed forced. It gave Legolas an uneasy feeling. If it was a lie, what could he do? Call him out in front of the group? He had no proof. It would only appear as an attempt to undermine his leadership. Perhaps when the time was right, he would confront Mordren in private.
   They had left the village right before the rain began and it had not occurred to them to secure a pot or vessel to collect it in. The leaves that had not turned but were still green and pliable they plucked from the trees and used them to catch the water dripping from low branches. A few sips were all that resulted, just barely enough to wet their mouths and parched throats, but it would have to suffice. Mordren had no mind to attend to their needs in his grief-driven haste and had come empty handed as well; now he drank in this same manner before sitting down to take his rest.
   It was decided that everyone would share the responsibility of keeping watch for all were equally as tired, though it was doubtful that anyone would get sleep on a night like tonight. The ground was cold and wet and the bitter wind, icy and prickling on their skin, howled and battered the trees relentlessly. Their cloaks were soaked clean through and offered no warmth. Even Legolas, who had more vigor by nature than the men, was beginning to wither from the effects of little sleep and even less nourishment. Although he was unaffected by the cold, his saturated garments were heavy and clung to his skin most uncomfortably.
~~~~~
   Jordan paced back and forth in front of the doorway to the balcony wringing her hands. Streaks of lightning lit up the darkness and the ferocious winds drove the rain in sheets skittering across the stone tiles. She cringed when the baritone thunder rumbled in the firmament. Occasionally, she would stop and stare out into the blackness. Legolas was somewhere out there. Had he found shelter or was he caught in this terrible storm? Before tonight, she had sensed he was fine, but now she knew in her heart something was wrong; something bad had happened.
   Since Legolas� departure, she had always felt a connection with him when she sought him out in her mind; a subtle awareness or perhaps intuition. She didn�t know how or why or if she only imaging these feelings she felt for her own peace of mind. More than likely they shared no actual connection; how could they? But it felt real to her, she wanted it to be real. She did not want to have false hope.
   Imagined or not, she was worried and her growing impatience was quickly turning into desperation. She wanted him to come back, now! She wanted to hear a knock at the door or see him come barging through; something, anything! She concentrated on the door as if she could will it to happen.

   �Come on, come on�any minute now�knock on the door damn it!�

   Nothing.

   She growled in frustration and flopped down in the chair covering her face with her hands.

   �Oh Legolas, hurry up! I need to know you�re alright.�
~~~~~
   The long night was finally through. The storm had passed and the sky shone a bright blue in the early morning light. No one spoke as they gathered their damp belongings and prepared to move out.
   Dark had been Mordren�s thoughts that night. His mental status was beginning to suffer as a result of hunger and dehydration. Fear and guilt gnawed at him, not only about the boy, but he held himself personally responsible for Firindor�s death. And Mariwen�he would have to tell the young bride that her husband was dead. It would not be the first time he had to tell a woman that she was now a widow. He was not an evil man, but years of warfare had calloused his heart. He made decisions without thought, without remorse because it was what was required of him as a soldier and a leader. How many men had died in battle under his lead? Good men who were cut down before their time. How many of those deaths were a result of poor judgment? He could not say.
   He was the captain of the Gondorian army and he was being commanded to lead a small group of men, and one elf, to gather information; a fact that could have been perceived as an insult to his rank. He approached the mission with haughtiness, having little regard for its difficulty or importance. After all, this was not battle! He could have done more to ensure they were better prepared and equipped for what lay ahead. His pride was the reason for the grim situation they were in. Self-doubt crept into the corners of his mind leaving his confidence in his abilities shaken. He had failed them; or so his mind told him. He was not fit to be their leader, nor the leader of the Gondorian army � a fact that he would remedy when they returned to Minas Tirith. He would resign his rank and go into exile, carrying his shame with him.
   Yet the ragged band of scouts still looked to him expectantly for their orders and he stared at the ground, paralyzed in making a decision fearing he would bring more devastation upon them.

   �Mordren? What say you? What is our plan?� Eomer asked.

   He finally looked up and said, �As you know, the success of our mission now stands in jeopardy and our options are few. Since the immediate course of action affects us all, I would hear your opinions.�

   �We should head back to Minas Tirith in all haste; take the Great West Road to the next village.� Legolas said. �From there, we can rest and regroup.�

   �The nearest village is two days from here. It would be a risk but it is our best chance. Good, good.� Mordren said.

   �No. We should not deviate from our mission. We must pick up the Orc-trail from the last village. We have already lost precious time. And while you would have us stand here and debate, the distance grows between us!� Faramir said sourly.

   �Your sense of duty is commendable but what would you have us subsist on, Faramir? Rain water and field rats?� Mordren argued.

   �The Woses.� Eomer said.

   �What?� The others said in unison.

   �The Woses; the wild men of the Dr�adan forest. It is a half day�s journey at most to the northeastern border. They have helped us in the past. Perhaps they would be willing to do so again.� Eomer explained.

   �The wild men? They are savages! There are just as likely to eat us as they are to help us!� Faramir sneered.

   �I admit, they are rather�ah�primitive, but their aid was essential to the Rohirrim during the war. Had it not been for their revealing of an alternate route through the Stonewain Valley, it would have resulted in a costly delay. You know this.�

   �Yes, but you had an army of horsemen. We are but four people.�

   �Primitive or not, I think Eomer has come up with a wise plan. There may be hope for us yet.� Mordren said. �Is this agreeable to all?�

   �Aye.�

   �Aye.�

   �No.�

   All eyes turned to Faramir.

   �Faramir, do not be a fool! Survival has become our first and foremost objective now. What use are we when we have not the strength to stand? Although not in the manner we expected, we have achieved our goal. All that was asked of us was to track the Orcs, not engage them in battle. No, we did not set our eyes on them but we have seen enough. Obviously they are great enough in number to slaughter an entire village. It is up to Aragorn now how he wishes to proceed.� Eomer said.

   �Eomer is right, Faramir. It is time to go home.� Legolas said gently.

   Faramir stood huffing for a bit while everyone scrutinized him, waiting impatiently for a reply. He knew he was outnumbered and finally relented.

   �Fine.� He said through clenched teeth.
   Mordren and Eomer set off in the direction of the Dr�adan Forest leaving Faramir standing there. Legolas stayed behind with Faramir until the two men were out of hearing range.

   �I know what it is you seek - to exact revenge for Turgon�s death, but it will not set things right. What�s done is done. You have to let this go or it will consume you.� He said, patting Faramir�s shoulder, then walked on to join the others.
~~~~~
   By late afternoon, they saw the border of the Dr�adan forest rising up abruptly from the plains. The journey had left them all weakened in both body and mind, but they trudged on; the sight of the forest providing much needed encouragement.
   It was forbidden to enter the Dr�adan forest freely; a rule imposed when Aragorn became king for the protection of the people that lived therein � the Dr�edain or the wild men as they were more commonly known. So they stood at its edge hoping to get the attention of any border guards, if indeed they had some.

   �Hello?� Mordren shouted into the woods. �We seek entrance to these woods. We require only food and shelter for the night. We mean you no harm.�

   To that, they received no response. All was silent and still in the forest.

   �How does one get leave to enter if there is no one to ask?� Eomer said in frustration.

   �Perhaps we should go further in, calling as we go.� Faramir said.

   �Alright. But do not draw your weapons. We do not want to be perceived as a threat.�
   They proceeded into the forest cautiously, picking their way through the dense underbrush.

   �Hello?� Mordren called again.

   Suddenly, Mordren felt a sharp sting at his neck.

   �Ah!� He cried out. Instantly, his hand flew up to slap away whatever had stung him.

   Mordren felt a stick protruding from the flesh of his neck. He plucked it out angrily and held it up to his face to see. It was a poisoned dart. The world seemed to slow around him. He could see his companions shouting at him but the sound was lost before it reached his ears. His lips felt hot and thick and he pawed at them feebly with hands that were as heavy as lead.

   �Mordren!� Legolas yelled.

   With a few nimble leaps, Legolas was at the man�s side, catching him by his tunic at the shoulders just before his legs buckled beneath him. �Mordren! What has happened? Answer me!�

   He stared at Legolas unblinking through glassy, despondent eyes and went limp in Legolas� grasp, sliding to the ground. He had called the wrath of the wild men upon them and now his sword would be of no use to defend against it.
   With lightning speed, they drew their weapons, poised to strike down an enemy they could not see.

   �Mord��

   Before Legolas could get his name out, he too felt the sting of a dart. He staggered away from Mordren�s slumped form and dropped his bow, clawing at his neck to remove the dart. His fingers felt stiff and clumsy and his limbs were no longer his own to command.

   �I warned you all, but you would not listen to me!� Faramir shouted.

   Eomer and Faramir spun around wildly, waving their swords at their invisible assailants until at last, they too had succumbed to the poison darts.
   As weakened as they were, the poison did not take long to affect them and now, the entire scouting party lay on the ground struggling to hold on to consciousness.

   �Faramir!� Eomer croaked, trying in vain to will his arm to reach out to him.

   The last thing any of them saw was several short, stout men clad in grass about their waists and animal pelts draped around their shoulders hovering over them, blotting out the sun.
   More wild men scurried from the trees carrying two great poles and rope. They tied their captive�s wrists and ankles together around the poles, two to each pole, chanting while they worked. Then, hoisting the poles on to their shoulders, they carried them off into the forest like prized game.
~~~~~
   Legolas awoke with a sharp inhale realizing he lay on the hard ground. His head throbbed and his mouth was dry. How he came to be here still eluded his memory. His vision was blurred, but he saw green all around him and felt the coolness of shade and understood he was surrounded by trees. He tried to sit up but quickly discovered he could not move his arms. He felt the prickling of coarse rope around his wrists and realized they were bound behind his back. He looked around, straining to focus his eyes and saw his companions near to him, waking to find themselves in a similar situation. He struggled to his knees and started to crawl over to Eomer but was yanked back sharply and forced to stay put. Several short men closed in and yanked the others to their knees, lining them up a row next to Legolas. As their wits slowly came back to them, the realized they were deep within the Dr�adan Forest, in the presence of the wild men.
   A man leaned over them with his chest thrust forward proudly and his fists at his hips. He was dressed in the same manner as the others with dark hair hung in thick ropes except he wore a crown of woven grass.

   �Forest belong to Dr�edain! To come in forest against rule. King of stone-houses make it so!� He said angrily, waving his finger at the group. �Since men leave forest alone, Dr�edain do well! Hunted we are no more. We live in peace. Now men come again and Orc-folk come again. This is trouble we do not want part of.� The wild man said roughly in the common speech.

   Mordren spoke for the group. �Forgive us. We are aware of the law, however no one answered our calls on the border, so we entered on our own accord. We meant no offence.�

   �They do not answer because they do not know tongues of men! Now, what is men�s business in forest?�

   �We are tracking a party of Orcs across the plains. My men are weary and weak. We already lost one man at a village not too far from here. Our food has since run out and our need is dire. We have come to speak with the one they call Gh�n-buri-Gh�n. I am told he has helped our kind in the past.�

   �Unless you have way to speak to spirits, Son of stone-houses, you cannot. Gh�n-buri-Gh�n dead. I am Anoki-Gh�n, son of Gh�n-buri-Gh�n�

   �We ask only for food, water, and shelter for the night, nothing more. Then we will be on our way. Will you help us Anoki-Gh�n?�

   �Oosa!� He boomed.

   A woman scurried forward and touched her brow to the ground before him.

   �No-bo eska han! Tur�!� He said forcefully and clapped his hands twice.

   The woman hurried off through the trees and returned shortly with a large earthen vessel of water. She came to Mordren, knelt before him, and held the vessel up to his lips. Mordren drank awkwardly, not having the use of his hands, dribbling the water down his chin until she pulled it away and moved on to Faramir.
   When they had all had their fill, Oosa stepped to the side.

   �Good?� Anoki-Gh�n asked.

   �Yes, good. Thank you, Anoki-Gh�n. You are most gracious.� Mordren said with a respectful nod of his head.

   �Tonight is start of Dr�edain sacred feast. Your presence here is, how I say? Awkward. Outsiders not participate.�

   �Again, please accept our humblest apologies. We would not have come if there were any other��

   Anoki-Gh�n interrupted him. �However�there may be other way. Now, wild men great warriors. They spill their blood, kill Orc-folk. Share in feast you may, but you must spill blood too. Your blood will mingle with our blood and warriors we be together!�

   �I do not like the sound of that. What do you think he means?� Faramir whispered nervously into Mordren�s ear.

   �I do not know, but I think if they intended to kill us, they would have done so already.� He whispered back.

   �Do you accept?� Anoki-Gh�n asked.

   They looked to each other questioningly. What choice did they have?

   �We accept.� Mordren said.
   One of the Dr�edain men came forth wielding a long knife and stooped behind them. They held their breath collectively; his intentions unknown to them. To their relief, the man only cut the rope binding their wrists. They stood up one by one on shaky legs, each rubbing their wrists where the rope had chaffed them.

   �Oosa!� Anoki-Gh�n boomed again. She scurried back over and bowed before him. Anoki-Gh�n spoke to her in their native tongue, then turned to the scouting party and said, �This is Oosa. Follow her. She will help prepare you for ceremony and feast.�
~~~~~
   The dirt trail she led them down was worn smooth from years of use. The underbrush was quite tall and dense forming natural walls that flanked the narrow trail and with so many turns and twists in its course, it made it nearly impossible to see what lay ahead. Trails converged and diverged in all directions. It would be easy to become lost. Just around a sharp bend, the narrow path they walked now joined another and became a bit wider. The dense brush opened up to a clearing and there in the middle of the forest sat a large cluster of thatched roof huts. Wood smoke rose and drifted lazily above the roof tops and the smell of food cooking permeated the air.

   �This must be the main village.� Faramir said.

   Oosa turned around quickly looking perturbed. She pressed a finger to her lips.

   �No speak!� She barked.
   The village was lively with activity, and the trails were highly trafficked. As they zigzagged between the huts, they often had to turn sideways to let people pass by them. The wild men and women dashed back and forth carrying pots, cooking utensils, platters of food, even musical instruments; all most likely in preparation for the feast. The members of the scouting party received quite a few odd looks from the people they passed. Some of the Dr�edain actually stopped what they were doing and outright stared. The members of the scouting party simply smiled and nodded their heads in return trying to appear friendly, but it was quite unnerving.
   Finally out of the village and back into the dense brush, the trail climbed up a low ridge, then descended down into a gulley where a small river ran clean and cool through the forest. The river was quite rocky and where it made a bend, it formed a natural bathing pool. To further separate it from the rest of the river, the Dr�edain piled stones up in the water as a dike.

   She pointed to the stream. �Din.�

   They looked at her with confusion, so she squatted down, splashed her hand in the water and rubbed her arms. �Din! Tur�!� She said again impatiently, waving them towards the water. �Uktsu-boes te gana!�

   �I think she means for us to bathe.� Legolas said.

   They were reluctant to remove their garments in front of her but she stood waiting rather impatient-like, with her hands on her hips. Once they began to disrobe, she appeared satisfied and dashed back down the trail. As they all eased into the deep clear blue pool, they were surprised to discover it was warm; a natural hot springs in the river, and it felt heavenly to their weary bones. It was large enough to accommodate the four of them comfortably and just deep enough that if they stood on the bottom, the water came up to their chests.

   Eomer leaned back and wet his hair. �I suppose it would be too much to ask for some soap.�

   Oosa soon returned accompanied by two other women. She carried a basket which she set down along the river bank, then she and the two women gathered up the scouting party�s garments and weapons in their arms and disappeared into the trees again.

   �They are taking our clothes. Hey you! Come back here! Oosa!� Mordren shouted.

   It was too late. The women were long gone.

   �What shall we do now? Do they expect us to attend the feast in naught but our skin?� Legolas asked.

   �Let us hope not.� Eomer said.

   Faramir swam over to the bank and peered into the basket.

   �Ask and you shall receive.� He said tossing a bar of soap to Eomer and another to Legolas.
   They wasted no time washing the grime and dust off their bodies from the long journey, then washed their hair as well.

   �Ah! I feel like a new man!� Eomer said.

   �Not I. I am starving. When do you suppose the feast will start?� Faramir said.

   Legolas hoisted himself out of the water and peered into the basket.

   �There are towels in here.�

   He took one, shook it out, and wrapped it around his body. One by one the men got out, grabbed a towel and now they stood on the banks shivering, wondering what to do.

   �Here comes Oosa now.�
   This time, Oosa was accompanied by three young women. Each of them carried a stack of folded garments. They bowed low, offering the clothing up with outstretched arms, then stepped back a few feet. It was not the scouting party�s own clothing but the native clothing of the wild men.

   �It appears that in order to partake of their feast, we must dress as one of them.� Legolas said.

   �By the Valar, I am not wearing this!� Eomer said.

   �I do not think you have much of a choice.� Legolas said.

   With much grumbling, they donned the woven grass garments and fur pelts, arranging and fastening them as best they could in the same fashion the Dr�edain men did. Oosa and the other women came forward again and made a few adjustments here and there to their new attire.

   �Ah! Chaka hamat,!� She said happily to the other women who nodded, appearing to agree with her.

   Then they took long, colorful strands of braided cord and knelt down at the men and elf�s feet wrapping one around each of their ankles, then another around each of their upper arms. The Dr�edain women were taller than dwarves but not quite so tall as men, so Oosa motioned for them to bend down and a necklace of braided grass and wooden beads was fastened around each of their necks.
   Now barefoot and costumed in native garb, they were led back through the village to a large hut where Anoki-Gh�n awaited them. He looked them up and down and nodded his approval. He lit a small torch off the one of the taller torches staked on either side of the entrance to his hut and said, �Good. Come! We go to gathering stones!�
   The light in the forest was fading as the dense canopy of branches blocked out the last rays of the sun. They followed Anoki-Gh�n and Oosa on a winding path that led away from the main village. Up ahead, they began to see a faint orange glow illuminating the trunks of the trees. The path they were on took them in the direction of the glow and as they got closer, they could hear the crackle of wood burning and smell the smoke. They entered a clearing where a large fire burned in the center surrounded by a circle of river rock. Around this, there was a second circle of large, smooth white stones that stood about the height of a man�s thigh, set a few feet apart from one another. Already many wild men had gathered in the clearing and were putting more wood on the fire and the flames now towered over their heads. The light set the surrounding trees aglow; a canvas on which the eerie silhouettes of giant men were cast. Poised on one side of the outer stone circle was a low rectangular-shaped dais and upon it sat a high-backed chair that faced the fire. It was made from branches held together by twisted vines; a throne perhaps?
   Anoki-Gh�n seated himself in the chair. The members of the scouting party were then told to kneel in a row before the stone dais. More wild men and women poured into the clearing from all directions chattering loudly and were now gathered around looking on at this surely odd spectacle. Anoki-Gh�n held up one hand and everyone fell silent. He held the silence for several minutes, then he spoke one word into the darkness: �Numa.�
   From the shadows beyond the clearing, came a strange woman. She wore a headdress made from a skinned fox; its head, still intact, rested on top of her head and its paws dangled down and hung over her shoulders. Around her neck, she wore a necklace of wooden beads and boar tusks. She carried in her hands a small wooden bowl, strips of cloth, and a large knife. The four watched the Fox-Woman apprehensively; unsure of what would befall them. Suddenly, the slow beating of drums could be heard in the darkness beyond the fire�s light and all of the wild men and women began to hum in unison a single low note, which only served to heighten the scouting party�s anxiety. The Fox-Woman knelt before Mordren who was first in line. She motioned for him to hold out his arm, speaking to him in her native tongue. She grasped his wrist and turned his arm palm up, drawing the knife across his upper forearm just below the crook of his elbow. He hissed as the knife pierced his flesh. She held the wooden bowl under the wound and turned his arm to catch the dripping blood. The wound was not terribly deep and the blood it shed just barely covered the bottom of the small wooden bowl. Afterwards, a length of cloth was wrapped around his arm and tied off. Then, she moved on to Legolas who was next in line and repeated the process.
   When the ritual had been performed on every member of the scouting party, the Fox-Woman bowed before Anoki-Gh�n, offering up the bowl and the knife, then stepped back into the shadows. The drums and the humming ended with a loud boom that reverberated around the clearing, then all was silent again. Anoki-Gh�n cut his own arm, adding his blood to the mixture. He held the bowl above his head and spoke words in his own tongue and the Dr�edain cheered. The Fox-Woman came forth again holding a small, leafy branch, bowing before the dais, and took the bowl from Anoki-Gh�n hands. The drums began again banging a low, steady beat. She stood before the fire, dipped the branch into the blood, and proceeded to sprinkle it on the fire uttering a monotone incantation. The scouting party turned around to face the fire, sitting cross-legged on the ground, and watched in morbid fascination.
   (To hear Dr�edain chant, visit elvenladyofithilien dot com)
   The rhythm of the drums increased in tempo and the Fox-Woman began undulating her body to the beat, sprinkling the blood until it was spent. Wild men jumped up on the stones of the outer circle; one man to each stone. They sat on their heels and swayed back and forth waving their arms above their heads. Other instruments joined in but the musicians who played them could not be seen; the sound came from just beyond the reaches of the firelight. She began to sing and the wild men on the rocks joined in and followed her lead. On the high notes, they would raise their hands and faces to the sky and on the low notes they bowed down towards the ground. Soon, all the Dr�edain joined in. Then with a whoosh, the song was finished.
   With hardly a second in between, the drums started again, this time at a frenzied pace and all the Dr�edain jumped and spun and danced around the fire. A procession began to file into the clearing carrying litter after litter piled high with food; whole pit-roasted boars, deer, grouse, coneys, fish, pots of stew, bread, and platters of fruits and vegetables. Those who did not help carry the litters, carried torches, baskets, or casks of mead. The procession kept moving to the far side of the clearing away from the fire. What was once hidden in the darkness, was now illuminated by torchlight; a low stone platform with a towering polished-stone obelisk rising up in the center. Carved symbols ran vertically down each side, their meaning lost on the scouting party. One by one, the litters and baskets were unloaded on to the platform and tall torches were placed at each corner.

   �Now we know what happened to all the game.� Eomer whispered to his companions.

   After all of the litters had been unburdened and set aside, Anoki-Gh�n stood and held up his hand. As all the Dr�edain were standing, Mordren, Legolas, Eomer, and Faramir stood up as well. All eyes were on him now, and he addressed his people in his native language. When he was finished, the crowd cheered and filed over to the food, and a large line began to form. Anoki-Gh�n stepped down from the dais and walked up to the scouting party.

   �Come, honored guests. Join us.� He said clapping them on the back and urging them over the food table.
   Legolas and the men picked a quiet, far off spot near the tree line and were finally able to sit down and enjoy a hearty meal at last. For the next hour or so, the crowd gorged themselves on the feast, returning for seconds and even thirds. Soon, the drumming and the dancing resumed creating such a clamor that it could be heard for miles around.
   It was like nothing they had ever seen before. The masses of people gathered in tightly all around the fire. They jumped and spun to the frantic pace of the drums, weaving and wheeling around the stone fire pit, chanting loudly all the while. The roaring flames licked higher and higher sending sparks towards the sky. It was organized chaos. The Dr�edain�s energy was infectious and the scouting party, now being completely immersed in the Dr�edain culture, found themselves letting go of their own identities just a bit and getting lost in the experience. They joined in and danced around the fire as one of them. Even Mordren was able to put his angst-ridden thoughts to rest for a while and halfway enjoy himself.
   The celebration went on well into the night, however, the exertion was beginning to take its toll. The meal was a good start, but they had not fully recovered from their journey yet, and their stamina was no match for the Dr�edain�s. They retreated, panting and out of breath, to the food table for a second helping to try and recover some of their strength. Only Legolas seemed to be unaffected physically; the last time the men saw him anyway - he had disappeared some time ago and had not returned. They finally found him sitting on the ground in the shadows on the outskirts of the outer stone circle with a half-empty plate on his lap.

   �So, this is where you went off to.� Faramir said to him. �I thought Elves had far more endurance than Men and yet while we are all dancing, here you are resting! I would think you would have outlasted us all! Are Elves not known for their fondness of festivals and merrymaking?� He teased.

   Legolas stared at his plate pushing the bones around with his knife and did not look up.

   �Aye, we are,� he said, with a heavy sigh and a slight edge of sadness to his voice, �but cause to celebrate lessens year by year as more Elves sail on to Valinor.�

   The men flopped down on the ground next to him, groaning and sighing.

   �Anyway,� Legolas continued, �I did not come here because I required rest. I simply desired some solitude. It was bordering on madness near the fire. I could not even hear my own thoughts.�

   �Who wants to think? I for one have welcomed the reprieve from my thoughts, if only for a moment.� Mordren said darkly.
   In truth, being the only Elf in and amongst Men and the Dr�edain left Legolas suddenly feeling a bit out of place. He longed to be with his own kind again. He missed his home in the Elf Colony. He missed the tranquility it afforded and the satisfaction of rebuilding and rejuvenating the lands there around, but these thoughts only led to thoughts of Jordan. He had promised her that one day he would take her to the Elf Colony. He knew if she saw it, she would fall in love with it instantly. Now, it might not come to be. He had wandered away from the crowd so that he might try to reach out to her in his thoughts, however, when he did so, he felt anxious and restless. He did not know what to make of it. Was it instinct telling him she was no longer here in Middle-earth or was it only the fear of it? It was disconcerting to be so uncertain of himself. No matter how hard he thought of her, those feeling were all that surfaced. There were other nights, out on the plains, that he thought he had made some sort of emotional connection with her, like the night he heard her singing. But it was the last time he had felt her presence. Perhaps what he had sensed was only the shadow of her fe�; a remnant that remained from memories. He was anxious to return to the city to find out; but at the same time dreaded the answer. If in fact she was gone, he could at least begin to put it behind him and move on, but right now, he was trapped in this perpetual state of unknowing.
   �Now that I sit here, I think I grow weary of the noise and the festivities. Perhaps we should think about finding a quiet place to bed down for the night.� Eomer said.

   �I will go see what Anoki-Gh�n can offer us in the way of accommodations.� Mordren said.
~~~~~
   Mordren found Anoki-Gh�n sitting by the fire, singing and furiously slapping his thigh to the beat of the drums with one hand and waving his mug in the air with the other. Mordren tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention because to simply speak his name would have been useless amidst the ruckus.

   �Anoki-Gh�n, on behalf of the group, I would like to thank you for your generosity in sharing this feast with us.� Mordren shouted.

   �You are welcome Son of stone-houses!� He said as he touched his brow with his fingers and bowed. Then he turned his mug upside down and a few drops trickled out. �Cup is empty. Come!� He said, slapping him on the shoulder. �Let us have another mug of mead!�

   �Oh no, Anoki-Gh�n, I could not possibly!� He put his hands over his stomach. �Too full! No more. Thank you though. However, there is something I would like to speak to you about.� He shouted into Anoki-Gh�n�s ear. He led Mordren away from the fire so that they could hear each other better.

   �My men are weary and would like to retire for the evening. Is there a place where we can set up camp?�

   �Yes, yes. Anoki-Gh�n understand. I will send Oosa to you. She will show the way.�

   �Thank you. Oh, Anoki-Gh�n, one more thing?�

   �Yes?�

   �Oosa said something when she led us to the bathing pool I did not understand; well, I did not understand any of it, but she said to us, �Uktsu-boes te gana.�� He said, trying to pronounce the foreign words the best he could.

   Anoki-Gh�n looked at Mordren blankly for a second, then burst into bellowing laughter, repeatedly slapping his leg.

   �Well, what does it mean? What did she say?�

   Anoki-Gh�n could barely get the words out. �She say� you all smell like boar.� Then he roared in laughter again.

   Mordren cringed in mortification. �Uh huh. That is what I thought.� He said and walked away, still hearing Anoki-Gh�n�s laughter in the distance.
~~~~~
   Oosa found the group sitting on the outskirts of the stone circle and beckoned then to follow her. She led them down the trail away from the clearing back to the village. In stark contrast to this afternoon, the village was quiet and in the darkness, countless pinpoints of light flickered like stars in the night sky from the torches that burned outside of every hut. She stopped at a darkened hut, lit the tall torches outside of it, then lifted the flap and slipped inside. She lit a candle on a small wooden table and came back outside again. She bowed quickly, motioned for them to enter, and left in the direction they had come. The circular hut was spacious but with a low ceiling and as they were taller than the Dr�edain, they had to stoop. Lining the walls were four small cots. A pile of blankets and pillows lay on one and stacks of clothing lay on another. They were relieved to discover it was their clothing which had been washed and neatly folded; another kind and unexpected gesture from the Dr�edain. As well, they found their weapons leaning against the wall between two of the cots. In silence, they quickly changed back into their old clothes. Eomer passed out the blankets and pillows and they each picked a cot, laid down, and fell into a deep sleep.
~~~~~
   In the early morning, the scouting party awoke to shouting and a great clamor outside their hut. They jumped up and hurried outside to see what was going on. The Dr�edain were scrambling everywhere; the women fleeing, the men rushing to the center of the village. It was utter chaos. Mordren stopped one of the villagers, grabbing him by the arm as he ran past.

   �What is going on?�

   Frantically, he began to speak in his native tongue, making wild hand gestures. They understood none of it but the last word: Orcs. They dashed back inside the hut, grabbed their weapons and ran towards the center of the village. For good or for ill, they no longer had to seek out the enemy. The enemy, it seemed, had come to them.
   They found Anoki-Gh�n and a host of Dr�edain warriors armed with bows gathered in the middle of the village.

   �Anoki-Gh�n! What is happening?� Legolas asked.

   �Many Orc-folk have crossed border and come this way. They come soon, over that ridge.� He said pointing into the distance.

   �I thought your borders were protected!� Eomer said.

   �They were. Poison dart have little effect on Orc-folk. Most of Dr�edain guards killed but some got away to warn us. They know paths and run fast.�

   �How much time do we have?� Mordren interjected suddenly.

   �If Orc-folk cut across forest, underbrush will slow their progress. Ten minutes, I say.�

   �The village is empty, right? The women and children are safe?�

   �Yes, yes.�

   �Good. Have your men follow me.�

   The village sat in a slight depression and was flanked on two sides by low ridges; one to the north, the direction in which the Orcs would arrive, and one to the east just before the river. Mordren led them to the top of the eastern ridge above the river. From there, they had a good vantage of the village below and the northern ridge in the distance. Mordren quickly assessed the ridge.

   �Anoki-Gh�n, call over ten of your best archers. Hurry.�

   While Anoki-Gh�n spoke to his men, Mordren called Legolas to him.

   �Legolas, I am giving you ten Dr�edain archers. Take them and position yourselves behind the trees on the ridge line and take aim down at the village.� He said, then pointed out the trees. When I give you the word, signal your archers to fire on the Orcs in the village.�

   Anoki-Gh�n returned with his ten archers and Mordren explained to him what he had just told Legolas.

   �Tell the archers to watch for Legolas� signal and tell the rest of your men to go down towards the river and lay low. Go!�

   The entire army of Dr�edain warriors hid in the brush, laying on their bellies on the river side of the ridge. Mordren, Eomer, Faramir, and Anoki-Gh�n kept watch on the crest, spying through the foliage.
   The Orcs would pour into the village and find it empty. It was hoped that in their confusion, they would divide their forces and search the village. At this moment, the Dr�edain would strike from above, sending a volley of arrows raining down on the unsuspecting Orcs. This strategy would not alleviate the necessity to engage the Orcs on the ground but it was Mordren�s hope that, from the ridge, they could pick off as many of them as possible beforehand, giving the Dr�edain an advantage.
   Just as Anoki-Gh�n said, the Orcs came marching over the northern ridge, cutting down every living thing in their path. They stormed through the village, smashing through huts and kicking over fire pits but not a living soul did they find. It did not all go according to plan. The Orcs did not separate as much as Mordren hoped. He gave the order for Legolas and the Dr�edain archers to fire and they let loose a barrage of arrows with deadly accuracy. The Orcs regrouped and began to fire back in their direction sooner than expected, taking out two of the Dr�edain archers. Anoki-Gh�n signaled his men and they sprang up over the ridge. Forming a human wall, they rushed the village through a hail of screaming arrows. Their animalistic battle cry echoed through the forest and would have intimidated the bravest man, but the Orcs stood their ground and the two parties clashed together with a sickening crunch and the clanging of metal on metal.
   The battle waged on for hours. Heavy injuries were sustained on both sides. Every member of the scouting party had been wounded in some way, but not so terribly as of yet to be anything more than a nuisance. An Orc�s arrow barely missed Legolas, whizzing by his face and cutting him on the cheek. Another�s sword caught his upper arm, slicing through his tunic, and left a good-sized cut in its wake. The sleeve of his tunic was now soaked in blood. Faramir had also received a nasty gash to his side from an Orc blade. Eomer had taken a blow to the head from the hilt of a sword. Mordren, however, had fared a bit poorer. He had blocked the swing of a club with his arm and the bones shattered, rendering it useless, but still he fought on. He had just cut down another Orc and quickly glanced around, ready for the next onslaught. He saw an Orc with his bow trained on Legolas as his back was turned, dispatching another attacker. He looked to Legolas, then at the Orc about to shoot.

   �Legolas!� He screamed.

   From where Mordren stood, Legolas was only about ten feet away. He ran as fast as he could and shoved Legolas out of the way as the Orc shot and the arrow pierced through Mordren�s neck. From the ground, Legolas threw one of his knives at the Orc who fired the arrow hitting him in the center of his chest. He scrambled to his knees and stumbled over to Mordren who had collapsed onto the ground. He was still alive but would only be for mere minutes. Legolas put his hand on Mordren�s head.

   �Thank you, my friend. Be at peace.� He said and ran back into the fray.
   As Mordren lay dying, he thought the brief, last thoughts of his life. No one would ever know what he did that evening in the burned-out remains of that village, no one would ever know Rory�s fate. In the days that ensued, he never found a way to forgive himself. But on this day, he willingly sacrificed himself so that Legolas may live. A life for a life. He knew it was his penance to pay, his atonement, and in death, he finally was able to make his peace. So passed Mordren, son of Malchian, captain of the Gondorian army.
   Although the Dr�edain were greatly outnumbered, they had one advantage the Orcs did not � this was their home and they would protect it at any cost. They fought fiercely and bravely and in the end forty-three Dr�edain men and one Gondorian captain were lost but all of the Orcs who invaded the village that day would not be returning home.
~~~~~
   Legolas, Faramir, and Eomer spent the next five days helping the Dr�edain dispose of the Orc carcasses, bury their dead, and repair some of the damage done to the village. It was debated whether or not to bury Mordren with the men he so bravely fought side-by-side with or carry his body to Minas Tirith. No matter what deeds he had done in life, known or unknown, he was the hailed captain of the Gondorian army and his rank entitled him to a stately burial, but in the end it was decided for practicality�s sake he would be laid to rest in the Dr�adan Forest. Simply, too much time had passed since his death.
   The rebuilding of the village would continue on for many months; much had been destroyed, but the Dr�edain could manage now. The wounds the scouting party suffered in battle were beginning to heal. The time had come for them to return to Minas Tirith.
Elvish translations:
Fe�, (pl) Fe�r: Soul or spirit
Dr�edain translations and pronunciations:
No-bo eska han! Tur�: Go-you bring water! Hurry!

        No | bow | ess-kuh | hahn | Tyoor-ay

Din: Wash!

        (Rhymes with pin)

Uktsu-boes te gana: Smell-you (pl) like boar.

        Yooked-sue | bows | tuh | gah-nuh

Chaka hamat: Much better.

        Cha-kuh | Ha-maht (rhymes with caught)

Numa: Begin.

        Noo-ma
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Love's Redemption