Estelwen (Alastegiel) POV

I immediately freeze in place, I can see the smoke in the distance. They can't, they just can't be... I think to myself not being able to even think of that word. But Gimli says it,

“Dead?"

The Horse-master nods his head, “I am sorry." He then whistles, “Hasufel. Arod. May these horses near you to better fortune than their former masters. Farewell."

He puts back on his helmet and mounts his horse. “Look for your friends. But do not trust to hope. It has forsaken these lands. We ride north!" They all take off.

Legolas and Gimli ride on Arod, and Aragorn and I ride on Hasufel. We head towards the smoke that is rising in the distance.

We dismount our horses when we reach the pile of Uruks. Gimli uses his axe to search through the pile. He picks up something, and turns to us, “It's one out their wee belts."

Legolas says a prayer for them, “Hiro hyn hîdh ab 'wanath. (May they find peace after death)"

Aragorn is so angry, he kick a helmet that is on the ground. Then he yells dropping to his knees.

“We failed them." After Gimli says this, I can't help but cry. They were so young, they did not deserve this.

Aragorn seems to notice something. He brushes his hand on the ground. “A Hobbit lay here. And the other. They crawled." He says getting up and going the way Merry and Pippin went. “Their hands were bound. Their bonds were cut. They ran over here.  They were followed. Tracks lead away from the battle into Fangorn Forrest." We all stop in front of Fangorn.

“Fangorn? What madness drove them in there?" Gimli asks.

We enter Fangorn and star to follow their tracks. Gimli finds some blood on some leaves. He puts his finger in it and licks it. He spits it out and says, “Orc blood."

We continue to follow their tracks. Until Aragorn finds some knew tracks, “These are strange tracks."

“The air is so close in here." Gimli says.

“This forest is old. Very old. Full of memory and anger." Legolas tells us.

The trees make a groaning noise. Gimli gets startled and lifts up his axe. “The trees are speaking to each other." Legolas in forms us.

“Gimli!" Aragorn says to him, “Lower your axe." Gimli does as he's told.

Legolas turns to Gimli and says, “They have feelings, my friend. The elves began it. Waking up the trees, teaching them to speak."

“Talking trees." Gimli says. “What do trees have to talk about? Except the consistency of squirrel droppings."

I look over to Legolas, he seem concerned. I am wondering why, but then I realize what is wrong. “Aragorn, nad no ennas! (Something's out there)" Legolas warns.

“Man cenich? (What do you see)" Aragorn asks Legolas.

“The White Wizard approaches." Legolas answers.

Aragorn informs us what to do, “Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us. We must be quick."

Aragorn gets out his sword, Gimli lifts his axe, and Legolas gets an arrow ready. I do not get any of my weapons out. This person's presence seems familiar.

All I see is a bright light. I close my eyes as I hear the sound of weapons breaking. I open my eyes, but the light is so bright the only I can do is squint.

“You are tracking the footsteps of two young Hobbits." The White Wizard states.

“Where are they?" Aragorn asks.

“They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?" I can't help but think that his voice sounds familiar.

“Who are you? Show yourself!" Aragorn demands. The light dims and I can now see why he seemed familiar. I think to myself, But it cannot be...

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I will post another chapter soon!

                                          ~Ellethwen <3