WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

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[Legate of Amon Lanc]

"Alas!" said Saruman. "I know too well how deep my treachery reached. I pity it, and I can only hope that all I have caused can be healed yet."
"Truly we all hope for that," said Elrond. "But let us not be troubled by the past anymore! We have the advantage of the moment, when the Enemy is in doubt: he did not learn yet that Saruman has returned to our cause. And Saruman the Wise is here with us again, and who else could be of more help to us in this perilous time?"
"But what are we going to do?" Frodo asked.
"The Ring cannot stay here, that much is clear," Elrond replied. "Now at this last we must take a hard road, a road unforeseen. There lies our hope, if hope it be. To walk into peril - to Mordor. We must send the Ring to the Fire."

Silence fell on the room. At last Saruman spoke. "It is as Elrond said. The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And we need both strength and wisdom to carry us upon it, and more. This quest must be attempted by the strongest of all, for everything depends on it. Messengers will be sent out with the Ring, in small numbers, but the stronger must be their spirits and arms. We have been pondering this for a long time with the others of the White Council, and we made the choice at last."
"We agreed with Saruman that the Ring went on," said Elrond. "Bilbo's part in the tale was already finished, and also Frodo has already fulfiled his task and brought the Ring to Rivendell. Therefore, Saruman suggested another hobbit being called to complete the task."
"This person is going to represent all the halflings on the most important mission," said Saruman. "And so, I decided to turn to one I know about, and the one who is really a worthy representative of the Shire's folk. This time, the bearer cannot be chosen not just by mere coincidence, as it was in Bilbo's and Frodo's case, but after a deep thought and responsible choice. It was a good fortune, which brought the Ring to the two former bearers; but now, it is time to make choices of our own. And this is what we were appointed to."
"And whom did you choose?" Frodo asked.
"The name Baggins and its importance for the tale of the Ring is not going to be forgotten," said Saruman with a mild smile. "And so the third Halfling Ringbearer is going to be one who bears this name as well. I know the Sackville-Bagginses, and they are noble and strongwilled. The name of the Ringbearer we chose is Lobelia Sackville-Baggins."
Bilbo's face seemed to freeze in surprise and his eyes stared wide on Saruman.
"But -" he stammered. "But -"
"I understand your feelings, dear Bilbo," said Gandalf. "But, if the Wise have accepted Saruman back, why should you not accept Lobelia as the one carrying the Ring?"
Bilbo sighed. "You are right. It is just... strange that the events unfolded like this."
"You can be proud of yourself," Saruman said. "And, I believe it is time to invite the new Ringbearer among us." He nodded at Elladan who stood next to the door. The elf opened the door, and Saruman spoke up with a loud voice:
"Please, Lobelia, come in."

The venerable Sackville-Baggins entered, clothed in noble gown and with firm expression in her face. All eyes turned on her; some were looking at her with amazement. Bilbo sighed and turned away, shaking his head.
Saruman took a few steps towards the incomer and stood by her side.
"Mistress Lobelia Sackville-Baggins," he said, half towards the audience, half towards her. "Welcome here. You heard what has been said. Do you still hold to your word that you will be the Ring-bearer?"
"I do," said Lobelia, and the expression of her face was unmoved; only her eyes gleamed with what were maybe tears, maybe not.
"So it shall be," said Saruman. "I can foresee very little of the road; and how the task is to be achieved I do not know. But I have chosen you companions to go with you: I will accompany you to be of counsel and do whatever is in my powers to aid you as far as fate allows. The others of my Order shall go with you, too: Gandalf the Grey, as the Ring concerns him closely; and Radagast the Brown, for this task shall be the fulfilment of what was laid upon him a long time ago. For the rest, they shall represent the other Free Peoples of the World: Elves, Dwarves, Men; and Orcs, too: as even among them many now stand against the oppression of the Dark Lord. Galadriel and Gildor shall be for the Elves; and Dáin Ironfoot for the Dwarves: all of them represent the most powerful lords of their folk in Middle-Earth and if they would not help, then none could."
All eyes turned to the beautiful Elven lords sitting on the opposite side of the room, who seemed to give out a faint light. Then Elrond spoke up.
"Even though Saruman was unsure first when we were discussing it, I believe there lies still much hope with the Men of Westernesse, even though their numbers are few; and the tale of Isildur is a part of their own tale. Therefore, we agreed that Halbarad of the Dúnedain be chosen into the Fellowship as well. The spirit of Númenor lives still, and their strength may be useful on this journey."
"Indeed," said Saruman. "And for strength, there will be also strong arms of an Uruk by your side, Lobelia. Uglúk will go with you; and he is trustworthy, the most trustworthy of all my captains."
Some of those in the room looked at Uglúk with surprise, but the tall Orc did not move.
"And if you are still in lack of valiant men," Saruman continued, "Théodred the Second Marshall of the Mark and Éomer the Third Marshall of Mark will go with you. Their honourable titles speak for them, and now that their land is in peace again, they were allowed to give their hands to our cause. Théodred son of Théoden is one of the bravest men, and bestowing him with this honor is the smallest thing I can do to repay what evil I have caused to the King and his people."
"That makes nine, yet we agreed that there should be twelve companions for the Ringbearer, to make the number of fourteen as long as Saruman is present," said Elrond. "And it will take long to call anyone from distant lands to join us now. But I had forgotten Bombadil, if indeed this is still the same that walked the woods and hills long ago, and even then was older than the old. He is a strange creature, but maybe I should have summoned him to our Council."
"He would not have come," said Gandalf.
"Could we not still send messages to him and obtain his help?" asked Gildor. "It seems that he has a power even over the Ring."
"No, I should not put it so," said Gandalf. "Say rather that the Ring has no power over him, or so it seems."
"The more is Gildor's counsel worth considering," said Saruman, "and I would not be so hasty in dismissing it, even though Gandalf thinks otherwise. Bombadil's aid could mean a lot for our cause: I say we at least try to ask him. I shall see to it myself."
"Then there remain two more to be found," said Elrond. "These I will consider. Of my household I may find some that it seems good to me to send."
"If you permit me, father," Elladan said, standing up, "we don't want to be left behind. We want to go with the Fellowship."
Elrond turned at him, startled. Elrohir rose also and stood by his brother's side.
"That is right, father," he said. "If this is the task of the greatest importance, we should go and represent our house."
Elrond's face was grave now. "I cannot withhold you by force," he said. "But I beg you to reconsider. There are other tasks that need to be fulfilled, of less honour maybe, but also of great importance. You may accompany Aragorn to Minas Tirith if you have the desire for great deeds. But I have seen the horrors of Mordor and do not want to see you going that way."
"We chose already," said Elrohir.
"Let it be so then. You shall go," said Elrond, and he sighed. "Now the tale of Fourteen is filled. As soon as all are present, the Company must depart."

-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
A Little Green - Éomer
Gil-Galad - Gandalf
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nerwen - Elladan
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion



The first part of the Journey will start tomorrow at this time.

No one post here yet until then.

Turn yourselves into the invisible mode if you haven't done so already.

As soon as all roles are sent out, the Traitors may start to PM each other and the Seer may post me his first dream.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

In the small hours before the dawn, three shadowy figures stood in the darkness outside Elrond's house. There was silence all around, not even a leaf trembled in the still air. The whispering voices of the three shadows floated through the darkened valley, but there was no one to overhear them.

"I do not understand all this," said the first shadow. "Saruman has returned to our cause, but did he not show greater wisdom before? Why is he all of a sudden speaking of destroying?"
"You are right," the second shadow spoke. "What strength have we for the finding of the Fire in which the Ring was made? That is the path of despair. Of folly I would say, if the long wisdom of Elrond did not forbid me."
"And then," said the third shadow, "Why should we not think that the Great Ring has come into our hands to serve us in the very hour of need? Wielding it the Free Lords of the Free may surely defeat the Enemy. That is what he most fears, I deem. Many of the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth are valiant, and they will never submit; but they may be beaten down. Valour needs first strength, and then a weapon. Let the Ring be our weapon, if it has such power as they say. Let us take it and go forth to victory!"
"Alas," the first shadow spoke once again, "we cannot do that. Not when the fate of the Ring is in others' hands. Not when the Fellowship is bound to follow a different course. The others do not share our view of things."
"They are blind," said the second shadow.
"But we cannot oppose them. Not now," the third shadow said. "But what about outside, once we are on the road? The way to Mordor is a long one, and there is still time to turn back at any point. In Rivendell, we have no chance to oppose the Wise, but in small numbers, maybe we may convince the others of the Company, and make them understand."
"I doubt," the second shadow said, "that the others will join us easily. They follow the course set by the Council. They are foolishly following the path into darkness."
"Then we must achieve the supremacy by other means," said the third shadow.
"What do you mean?" the first shadow asked.
"There will be perils known and unknown arising as we go on," said the third shadow slowly. "And what do we know? It's not that hard to get lost along the way, or be beaten in a battle. We cannot avoid such things – and if we take care not to be harmed ourselves, but help the events a little bit so that our most zealous opponents don't get through, we may begin to take over the Company."
The first shadow nodded. "We may even pity the losses," it said. "But we are going to save the Middle-Earth, and what we aim for is far more important than a few individual lives."
"I don't like what you suggest at all," said the second shadow. "You – you realise...?"
"If the fools take the Ring to Mordor, there will be no escape," the first shadow interrupted. "You said there is no chance to find the Fire. The Enemy surely is not sleeping. And you heard what happens when he grasps the Ring: all is going to turn into darkness."
"Yes, this is the only choice we have," said the third shadow. "Maybe you don't realise, but we are the ones on whom the fate of the whole Middle-Earth depends. We must not fail. The Ring must be held back from Sauron's grasp. And this is the only way to do it."
"All right," said the second shadow.

Silence fell once again on the gardens of Rivendell. Above the treetops and above the mountains, milky gray light started to appear. The dawn was coming near.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

As even Tom Bombadil was already present, the Fellowship set out. They headed south, at the Ford of Bruinen they left the Road and went on by narrow paths among the folded lands. Their purpose was to hold this course west of the Mountains for many miles and days. The country was much rougher and more barren than in the green vale of the Great River in Wilderland on the other side of the range, and their going would be slow; but they hoped in this way to escape the notice of unfriendly eyes. The spies of Sauron had hitherto seldom been seen in this empty country, and the paths were little known except to the people of Rivendell. What more, their hope lay with passing through Hollin and Dunland unnoticed and reaching Isengard, where they would refresh and continue in their journey eastwards.

However, it was not their fate to take the easy path. They had been a fortnight on the way when the weather changed. The wind suddenly fell and then veered round to the south. The swift-flowing clouds lifted and melted away, and the sun came out, pale and bright. There came a cold clear dawn at the end of a long stumbling night-march. The travellers reached a low ridge crowned with ancient holly-trees whose grey-green trunks seemed to have been built out of the very stone of the hills. Their dark leaves shone and their berries glowed red in the light of the rising sun. And that was the time when Saruman called all the Companions to him, and many who looked at him wondered: as his face was now grim, grey-hued and weary. But before anyone could ask him, Saruman spoke.

"I have grave news for you," he said. "And I know it is not pleasant to hear that, but that is the truth. Last night, something happened that forced me to reconsider and change my plans. The power of the Enemy has moved. I have to leave you."
Screams of surprise were heard. But Saruman raised his hand to make silence.
"What more," he continued, "you need to change your path. Yes, it is like that: the Enemy has learned about my change of sides. Isengard is no longer safe. Sauron will strike soon, and he will strike hard. And bringing you to Isengard will be the most dangerous of all choices. You don't know what powers he is governing. But there is hope even in this turn of events: if you take a different road, and I keep the Enemy focused on Isengard, his Eye may be distracted and you will have safe passage – at least for some time."
Then his face turned stern again. "Unfortunately, this is not the only peril. I have seen other things."
"Seen?" several of the Companions shouted.
"Yes, seen," Saruman said. "And I am not going to withhold this from you. Some of you will understand, and I am not going to lose time with the others who won't. I have looked into the Palantír, and I learned that the Enemy knows. But I also saw something else." He looked at each of the Companions, as if he were piercing them with his gaze. "I know there are three of you who are traitors. You plan to betray the Fellowship. But I was given the chance to repent, and so I give it to you. Come forward now and confess. You will be sent back, but no harm will be done to you and you are free to go wherever you wish. I will lay a Command Word on you not to tell anything to the Enemy, but that will be all."

There was silence. After some time when no one has moved, Saruman slowly nodded. "So be it," he said. "I have no time to spend with you. It is no use arguing. I have, as I told you, some pressing business away south; and I may be already late. We may meet again before all is over, and then again of course we may not. That depends on your strength and courage and sense. But those three of you I have to warn. You may be hidden, but you are alone. The others remain faithful to their mission. If you do not leave your crooked paths, you will die surrounded by enemies. And there is more than you can see. While I will not be present, my legacy remains with you. I carried the Palantír with me all the way – but I don't have it anymore. I have entrusted it to one faithful among you, about whose intentions I am sure. And I know there are more among you devoted to the protection of this Fellowship. Whoever among you is faithful still, try to keep together. Find the traitors, and send them back. This is my last advice. I really must leave now."

With these words, Saruman passed by the silent company. But he could not resist to add several words. He turned for the last time.
"Head for the pass of Caradhras," he said. "There is the road the Enemy would not watch. Goodbye, be careful and – don't forget my thoughts are with you. The power of Orthanc cannot be lightly thrown aside, whatever threats may lie before you."

With these words, Saruman really turned away and disappeared between the rocky slopes of the hills of Hollin.

-----------------------------------------------
The Fellowship has entered Hollin.
-----------------------------------------------

The Fellowship:

Aganzir - Lobelia Sackville-Baggins
A Little Green - Éomer
Gil-Galad - Gandalf
Groin Redbeard - Dáin II. Ironfoot
Gwathagor - Halbarad
McCaber - Elrohir
Meneltarmacil - Uglúk
Nerwen - Elladan
Nogrod - Tom Bombadil
Rune son of Bjarne - Galadriel
Sally - Théodred
THE Ka - Radagast
Thinlómien - Gildor Inglorion

The first Journey begins. Everyone may post now. Traitors, stop PMing.

[Nogrod]

After Saruman vanished behind the hills Tom looked at the others. They seemed troubled and insecure - all thinking of possible schemes Saruman's speech had opened and thence looking at each other wearily. That was not to be if they had to travel that day as well.

So he took his staff and things and started singing loudly while he went on.

Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a dong dolly!
Ring a dong! Hop along! Fal lal the holly!
Grey's from the mount,
blossoms to count
shining red and found!
On your mount!
There's a day ahead
no time for bed.

The road goes ever on and on,
and c'est si bon, c'est si bon!

Hey! Come merry dol! Derry dol! And Merry-o
Show me the faces more like cheeri-o, cheerio!

Tom is going with the others!
Now, who actually bothers,
the fickle hearts of the young and restless,
like this wizard Saruman this one jestless?
Their mind goes with the wind:
like they feared they'd sinned...

Once this, once that
like a weary blind bat,
they search for the right
even if it's within their might
in the first place,
in their own grace...

Tom's going forwards, bright flowers bringing
Hey! Come merry dol! Can you hear me singing?

Tom walked away from the camp towards the mountains. He was not actually caring whether the others followed or not but he hoped the "eyelash-lifers" would follow his example.

[Groin Redbeard]

Saruman was gone. Dáin stood still for a long while clutching his red axe, still trying to shake the ever pressing thought of dought in his mind. He eyed his comrades.

"Well it won't do us any good to just sit here, unless we hold council," he said gruffly.

"What should we do now that Saruman has left us and traitors are in our midst?" he barred his teeth and gripped his axe even tighter at the thought.

EDIT: X'ed with Tom Bombadil

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad paused for a moment as he looked up towards the mountains in the distance, then concentrated on the trail at his feet as he began to trudge steadily along behind the jolly dancing figure ahead of him. Early starts make easy journeys, he thought to himself, and he prepared his mind for the long day's march he knew was ahead of the party.

He was not happy about Saruman's revelation that there were traitors in their midst. Steady minds are going to indispensable, he thought grimly. Especially with Saruman gone.

He looked over his shoulder to check on the progress of his companions, then back ahead where Bombadil was still dancing and singing nonsense.
Halbarad chuckled slightly. I can't understand a word that funny Bombadil-fellow is saying.

[Nogrod]

Tom heard the grim words of the dwarf while he was entering the holly-wood.

"We can walk as we talk!" he shouted back and went on bursting to a song once again.

"The traitors they
will slip away
their hearts and minds
as they're in binds
to their lies
like the flies
are to these lilies
and golden daffodillies!
Hey ho, don't you fear
for old Tom is near!"

EDIT: X'd with Halbarad

[Groin Redbeard]

Originally Posted by Nogrod

"We can walk as we talk!

The traitors they
will slip away
their hearts and minds
as they're in binds
to their lies
like the flies
are to these lilies
and golden daffodillies!
Hey ho, don't you fear
for old Tom is near!"

The dwarf sprinted forward with renewed energy at Bombadill's words, but the others seemed depressed for they had not uttered a sound, but Gandalf, the wizard and in Dain's mind the wisest of the company, would have his say before long; until then he kept his mind on walking.

[Meneltarmacil]

Traitors among us, eh? Aye, I've seen a few in my time as a Captain, and I'd rather not mention what I did to 'em in front of everyone else here. Let's just say they never got the chance to cross us again.

Mark my words, this is going to be bloody. I suggest we use every means necessaary to ensure survival here. Do not hesitate to go after those whom you find guilty.

I know that I'm probably more likely to be suspected than most here, being an Orc and all. But I am a loyal servant of Saruman and would never turn against the White Hand even if it meant my death.

And this horrible singing is getting on my nerves...

[Nogrod]

Tom heard the voices of others receding while he went and then slowly fade away...

Suddenly he managed to bring his mind back to the mission. Stopping with his yellow boots he tried to capture any notion of the others coming after him. There was nothing.

So he sang out aloud once again.

"Fear no alder grey! Heed no hoary holly!
Other than that would be utter folly!
Fear neither root nor bough! Tom goes before you.
Hey now! Merry dol! I'll be waiting for you!"

He stood and listened the voices coming forwards... and the orc complaining about his singing.

"Now this silence I do not like... those with evil intentions would gladly that we just walked in silence..." he muttered mostly to himself. "But also complaining about nothing looks dubious...".

Tom straightened his back after picking up a bunch of flowers. Ohh, Goldberry would love these!

"It was the orc, right? Well I must be wiser than that to suspect him for being hasty... those orcs with their life-span of what? Maybe I should just let him wail as much as he wants? At least toDay? I have a bad feeling about orcs being made guilty everytime they meet these other shortlived races... Now Gandalf and Radagast, where are you? With you I'd really like to talk a bit... well at least later."

Then he saw a bunch of a rare Marsh Labradors (ledum palustre) and went for them totally forgetting other things at hand...

"Oh, Goldberry, my deary,
with these flowers so cheery,
What happiness could you see?
What brightness could you feel?
Tom is back soon again
in our own cosy den!"

[Nerwen]

Elladan gave Uglúk a sidelong glance. Out of habit, he said nothing, but his mind was not the less busy for that.

Listen to this Orc, he thought, boasting and half-threatening us already– not to mention trying to pre-empt our suspicions with his "I know that I'm probably more likely to be suspected than most here".

So we should not hesitate to go after those we find guilty? An excellent suggestion.

Elladan's hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword. He never forgot his mother's torment...

EDIT: X'd with Tom Bombadil.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad didn't like orcs, for obvious reasons, but was beginning to agree with Ugluk about Bombadil's singing. What does it mean? he wondered. He seems so jolly on the outside, but I wish he'd speak plain and to the purpose, like an honest man and a soldier.

He chose not to say anything, as Halbarad was no complainer, but all the same he could not help but wonder if that whimsical exterior was simply an effective cover for something darker.......the apparently nonsensical rhymes and airs began to take on an eerie, dream-like, almost sinister quality in Halbarad's mind. He shook off the feeling.

Steady on, he thought. Steady on.

He called back to Elladan and Elrohir, whom he knew from previous journeys. "If you don't hurry, Bombadil's going to beat you two over the mountain!"

EDIT: Crossed with Nerwen/Elladan

[Groin Redbeard]

Uglúk's talk was not the type that Dáin wanted to here. Clearly the Urúk's thirst for action was greater than even his own. He observed Elladen tightly clamping the hilt of his sword, it looked like it might get bloody indeed.

"Curve your tongue Uglúk," Dáin barked. "Try to controll that brutal Orc nature of yours, you are among decent people now. You are loyal to Saruman I have no doubt, but why should we believe you to be innocent? Your thirst for blood is great perhaps too great!"

Dáin than laughed out loud, "Well, one good thing has come out of this: we can no longer hear Bombadil's singing! Come he is far ahead of us, let us hasten to him."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel who was not interily displeased with the turn of events turned to Halbarad and spoke "Worry not about Iarwain Ben-adar; he might wander hither and thither, but he will not go too far and never be lost"

Although Galadriel had great confidence in Tom Bombadil, she did find some of his muttering odd.

As she passed the orc she looked at him with some disgust, she could not belive that he had been allowed on this mission. "After all, he is a wicked creature and can we really trust Saruman to an extent where we allow him to let the enemies servants enter our ranks" She thought to her self.

[Nerwen]

Elladan came up to the Dwarf and the Ranger.

"Let us not be in too much of a hurry to run after Bombadil. The Ringbearer is lagging behind," he indicated Lobelia, who was struggling to keep up with the others, "and should not be left unguarded in this present company." Again he glanced at the Orc, and again his slender fingers caressed the hilt of his sword. "Still, I should like to hear your thoughts on this Bombadil creature, of whom I know little. It is said that the Ring has no power over him... but dare we take anything for granted? (Before you ask– I'm Elladan, not Elrohir.)"

[THE Ka]

Radagast had stood quietly near Gandalf and the others as Saruman gave his leave, and news from the East. In all his long years amoung the other Istari, especially that of Curunir, he hadn't seen his pride so washed away with worry.

'Tis a bad tiding to see a spirit such as his so blurred with worry and frustration, and so grey in the face. Seems more fitting for a servant of Mandos than the strongwilled Aule. I only hope that we may continue on to see the fruits of our long labor... and sometimes I wish I'd been a bear, not an old man. Well, maybe I should stop spending too much time around Curunir the mirthless and more time with Olorin. I never can doubt the hope he learned from Nianna. Always a beautiful gift.

He never was much for speaking, and didn't feel surprised that many in the company either ignored him or just didn't know much of him. Like Gandalf's beloved Hobbits, he just never got out that often. The duties, however invisible to the world of other beings, that he was given with the wild had always been his primary concern, even if others and some of the Valar themselves doubted Yavanna's reasoning to ever send him to Arda. Now though, with some influence of Gandalf, the pressing matter of the Enemy had encroached more to both the wild and his duties, and the time had come for him to be a little more open with other beings of Arda.

He respected Ugluk's membership in the company, because he respected the wisdom of Saruman, which wasn't always agreed by others in the company though Radagast understood silently why this was so. He was wary of the firery words Ugluk began with though, knowing that it would only stir up the temperment of others, and thus their judgement. Before he could council calmly on this, Tom Bombadil called out to him and Gandalf as he was singing on towards the mountains.

With a merry smile he soaked in Tom's tune, and batted away other's annoyance or just plain confusion over them.

" Do not trouble yourself too much over Tom's rhymes, they speak no malice or jest. You must remember that however confusing or silly he may seem, Iarwain walked under the first trees and sang to the infant streams and now mighty rivers we live with. He has wisdom in those unburdened songs. As but a humble servant to Yavanna, I can only marvel and respect him."

With a renewed gaze, he bounded calmly on to catch up with Bombadil to hear his request, even if he knew Gandalf would give scold him for 'not appearing properly burdened with years as you should' later on. He chuckled a little at this, and greeted a few of the sparse birds of Hollin who came to join him. Tom was singing off in the distance, and held in his hand a familiar sight to Radagast.

"Ah! Well, he may think them cheery, but a good find indeed. If ever one of us is taken by the bite of spiders..."

Though, such a thought made him reflect on the dangers ahead, as the ones he knew from Mirkwood as well.

... And I hope indeed that we may have strength enough between all of our company to prevent such a thing.

[Groin Redbeard]

Although Dain was not weary, he halted alongside Elladan and Halbarad and waited for Lobelia to catch up.

Originally Posted by Elladan

I should like to hear your thoughts on this Bombadil creature, of whom I know little. It is said that the Ring has no power over him... but dare we take anything for granted?

"You heard for yourself, Elladan, Frodo's account in Rivindell and now that I see him I believe the story all the more. He is indeed simple minded in my opinion and cares nothing for the Ring and for our quest." Dain stroked his beard thoughtfully when he said this.

"But wether his actions are sincere or not, I cannot say. Indeed we must watch everyone with equal amount of vigilance. Time is what we need, but time is luxary that we cannot afford. In one sense Uglúk was right: we must act swift, but not in the fashion that he was thinking of.

Dáin turned back to Lobelia. She had made progress, but was still a far way off.

"Come mistress hobbit we must hurry the others are waiting for you," and with that Dáin trudged back down the hill to hurry the hobbit along.

EDIT: X'd with Radagast

[Gwathagor]

Originally Posted by Nerwen

Elladan came up to the Dwarf and the Ranger.

"Let us not be in too much of a hurry to run after Bombadil. The Ringbearer is lagging behind," he indicated Lobelia, who was struggling to keep up with the others, "and should not be left unguarded in this present company." Again he glanced at the Orc, and again his slender fingers caressed the hilt of his sword. "Still, I should like to hear your thoughts on this Bombadil creature, of whom I know little. It is said that the Ring has no power over him... but dare we take anything for granted? (Before you ask– I'm Elladan, not Elrohir.)"

Halbarad watched as Groin jogged down the hill to help Lobelia, then turned to Elladan. He hesitated, then answered the elf's question.

"I can track a beast, hunt an orc, or start a fire in the snow, but I do not feel confident enough yet as a student of Illuvatar's Children to speak much on this. Nor would it be prudent to do so. My only concern is that Bombadil's manner of speaking (appearing to say little or nothing) is quite impenetrable, and could, potentially, be used effectively to hide a traitor. However, I refuse as of yet say anything against the fellow himself. Too little has transpired, and I daresay he is genuine enough."

There he stopped, and said no more. But he resolved to keep a watchful eye on ALL the members of the Fellowship.

[satansaloser2005]

Théodred finally joined the rest of the fellowship near the top of the mountain. This would have been much easier, he thought to himself with a perturbed look in his eye, if they had let us bring our horses. I am most displeased that I was instructed to leave Thunderbranch behind.

He glanced around at the rest of the fellowship, a group consisting of everything from an old (though proven wise) wizard Gandalf, a dwarf, a handful of elves (all whom, of course, thought themselves to be the best-suited, in more ways than one, for the mission ahead of them), an Orc (Théodred's fists clenched at the thought), and to Théodred's relief, his cousin Éomer and another man, who had introduced himself as Halbarad.

The most surprising of their company however, was the ringbearer herself; Lobelia Sackville-Baggins they called her. Upon their first meeting, Théodred thought he had been tricked, for no one stood before him; then he looked down and saw a halfling, a woman somewhere between the size of a small child and a large dog. Apparently, the woman belonged to the hobbit race, a people whom Théodred had always believed to be irresponsible, with a tendency to gorge themselves on fatty food and excessive amounts of wine. Théodred then understood why Saruman (he cringed at the mere thought of him) had disallowed the fellowship to use horses-it would be all too easy to crush the small female standing before him.

Still, it would be nice to be able to ride to our destination, as it would be both faster and more convenient. But I am not of a weak nature unlike, he paused and took a glance at those surrounding him, unlike some in my midst, but a man worthy of the task set before us. I fear the others will prove unhelpful during the journey, and if this happens my kinsman and I must be prepared to take over and complete our mission.

His thoughts were interrupted by a crazy little man, wandering about merrily and singing nonsense rhymes at the top of his lungs. Théodred had wondered why this man had accompanied them. Did this man have ulterior motives for coming with the fellowship, or was he just permitted to come for entertainment value. Wild though he may be, he seems harmless enough, as long as he maintains his distance. Théodred had the impression that Bombadil was safe, but that perhaps his hilarity was contagious; the last thing Théodred needed was a distraction during battle.

The company stopped for a brief moment, and Théodred decided to share his true thoughts about the state of their mission. "I see that our fellowship has made a hasty (and thus, I fear, poor) choice of ringbearer," Théodred began. "Such a responsibility as the ring should not be placed in the bumbling hands of a hobbit. Granted, she seems innocent enough now, but if our "lord" Saruman has put her in charge, I find it a grave miscalculation. Or perhaps this is his intent, to send us all on a journey to dispose of the ring only to leave our homelands without full protection." With this, he glared at Saruman and, unable to correctly read the responses to his statement, turned on his heel and marched on, determined to cover as ground as possible before nightfall.

He knew, as did the others, that the day would be plagued by accusations regarding the three traitors in the group, and that sundown would signal the end of the journey for one of the company. Théodred dismissed the thought and carried on.

[Meneltarmacil]

"Hmm, I see my dislike of Bombadil's music has got people talking a bit," Ugluk grunted. "Well, I'll admit his singing is pretty annoying, but I don't find it particularly suspicious as long as he balances it out with some sense."

"Unfortunately," the Orc growled, "he truly hasn't been saying much about these traitors, and seems to suggest that the tratiors want us silent. As you can see, lots of nonsense but little serious talk, and what serious talk there is doesn't look well."

"I also see that Radagast has yet to comment on the traitors among us."

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel walked up to Theodred after having heard what he had to say about the choise of ringbearer. "Do not let your doubts distract you from the task at hand, for focus is of the essens now. If we are not united behind the ringbearer now then our misson is sure to fail, a desition was made and Saruman was not the only to trust Lobelia with this task. Our task is in itself the most difficult there is and traitors in our company is not going to make it easier, so we cannot use energy on bickering"

She then turned away from Theodred and starting humming as she walked.

[Aganzir]

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins had never been this far from home before. She had never before been of any importance to anyone, either - except her husband, whom she couldn't love, and her son, who took so much after his father that she couldn't be proud of him. She was hated by her husband's relatives, the only reason she could see being her marriage to Otho. If they only had known how her life with him had been, she thought, they would have pitied her instead - though she rather had their hate than pity.

She touched the Ring that was hanging on a chain round her neck - Bilbo's Ring, the one he had stolen. She had never hated him; even if she sometimes had wished to do so, it was impossible to hate someone so immature, so childish. Let him have his hate and prejudice! Lobelia knew she was superior to him, the last piece of evidence she needed being Saruman choosing her to be the Ring-bearer. She had enjoyed to see Bilbo's dismay in the Council. He and Frodo had always been so proud of their friendship with Gandalf, and they deserved to see the chief of his order, greater in power and wisdom, come and choose Lobelia. Men were weak and easily corrupted, and she was a woman, and she was old and had seen the hardship of life. There was nothing the Ring could offer her. Now at last, at the age of one hundred years, she had got a chance to prove herself.

Lobelia blinked. She had been dwelling on memories too long - it often happened to her nowadays. She was lagging behind, and it was time to catch up with the others and talk.

"Elladan and Dáin are already corrupted by the Ring. Don't you see how eager they are not to let it out of their sight, wearing the mask of friendliness and helpfulness to hide their evil intents? I manage well even without your help, thank you! Besides, I would be surprised indeed to see a dwarf that has not been corrupted by a piece of gold.
Halbarad feels foul and doesn't even look fair (though what else should one expect from a Ranger?). Besides, he's all to quick to be in good terms with the former two. I suggest here are our traitors.

Master Théodred, if I am a poor choice for the Ring-bearer, who would be good, then? Yourself, possibly, I wonder? Sauron's spies would hear your neighing miles away.

This far, Tom Bombadil and Lady Galadriel might be the most likely to gain my trust, but I am not going to give it to anyone too lightly."

With that, she fell into silence and memories again.

edit: xed with Galadriel

[Thinlómien]

Gildor Inglorion had been walking at the rear and had not uttered a word before, being so deep in thought. But now he caught up with his companions and spoke up:

"Hail, my friends, and listen. Although it might not have seemed so, I have been lsitening to your conversation, and it troubles me. Few serious words have been uttered at all, mostly by Théodred son of Théoden from the green land of Calenardhon. I do not think we should make easy judgements, but for the time being he seems like a noble man to me.

Now, excuse me, I must have gotten a little strayed from my original path of thought." Gildor smiled, then his eyes grew more serious. "What I wanted to say was that the sunset is approaching - yet it is still far away, I know - and yet there has been little speech and even less serious talk. We will never catch the deadly traitors this way. I do understand that some of us have not been able to utter their thoughts yet, but I do not understand why those who have been awake in body and mind have talked so little. Many of us seem to be too fascinated by our quest to concentrate on finding the traitors."

"Iarwain Ben-Adar, honourable Eldest, I am aware that you have the habit of testing the waters with your yellow boots, but I find your comments on the Orch a little queer. The same goes for you, Lord Elladan." Gildor had smiled veneratingly to the old man and nodded politely to the young Elf-lord, but his grey eyes grew cold when he faced the Uruk. "Did I not have such respect for Lord Elrond, Mithrandir, Lady Galadriel and many others, I would indeed question Curunir's allegiance. For it seems wrong to me to take one of the very creations of the Enemy on a quest against his servant whose name is cursed. I would not be surprised to find this Uglúk treacherous, whatever he claims to be. Yet this far, I must admit, he gives me no reason - except his foul origin - to suspect him any more than any of you others."

Suddenly, Gildor laughed. "A poor example I am. I come here, complaining to you about talking too little of the grave matters and myself discuss secondary issues at length. But there indeed are little suspicious words uttered. All I can say before musing again on all that has been said is that there is an edge to both Lord Elladan and to King Dáin and it sets a faint shadow on my mind." He waved his hand as if to banish the evil shadow of gut-feeling. "But at any rate, I do not know. Suspicion is a dangerous weapon, especially in the hands of the wise."


edit: xed with Uglúk, Galadriel and Lobelia

[Nerwen]

"Indeed, Tom Bombadil has uttered many words but little sense." Elladan did not address Uglúk directly, but rather stared at an imaginary point above the Uruk's head. It was very hard for him to admit, even to himself, that he agreed with an Orc about anything. "Radagast too seems unnaturally cheerful... it is strange, in our present plight." To the company in general he added, "But why have so many not spoken yet– Gildor, Mithrandir, Éomer, my brother Elrohir, and of course the Ring-bearer herself? Will they not share their thoughts with us?"

EDIT: X'd with Lobelia and Gildor.

[Nerwen]

Elladan looked down at the Ring-bearer, taken aback to find such spite and fury in so small a being. The other hobbits he had met had been much more courteous.

"Are their women different?" he muttered to himself. "Or is this the kind of hobbit that Saruman the White chooses? If so, what does that say about him?"

What really perturbed him, however, were the comments that Gildor Inglorion had made. “Gildor,” he said, “you are my own kinsman (though I cannot at the moment recall exactly where you fit in the family tree). Surely you know the deep hatred I bear towards Orcs? Surely you realize how hard it is for me to let one of these foul creatures live? If you see my usual conduct as suspicious, then truly the Ring is clouding your mind."

EDIT: fixed bolding.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad watched while Lobelia and the mighty Elladan argued. It was an amusing sight to see the diminutive Ringbearer telling off the mighty elf-lord. All the same, he could not help but agree somewhat with Lobelia.

He spoke aloud, thought quietly: "Though Bombadil is an enigma, I, too, am glad that Lady Galadriel is with us, one of the wisest beings in Middle-earth. I believe we may rely on her for good counsel. However, I could wish that she would say more, and explain how she could be so confident about Bombadil's innocence."

Most of all, Gildor's words stood out in his mind. "I do not think we should make easy judgements," he had said.

Indeed, thought Halbarad. Our lives depend on it, not to mention the fate of Middle-earth.

With this sobering thought, he walked on ahead. It was too soon to form serious opinions of his fellows, he knew. That could wait till the end of the day. For now, he would listen.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Galadriel's humming stopped quite suddenly when she heard the words of Halbarad, she turned to him and spoke in a somewhat stern voice.

"I shall speek when I find it necisary and I shall say as much as I find fit, too many speek too much with out really saying anything"

Galadriel paused for a second before she again adressed Halbarad, this time in a more friendly tone.

"If I may advice you: It may help you on this quest if you listen to what exactly is said and not jump to hasty conclutions. On this quest it can be hard to tell when people are making acusations and showing belife in another member of this fellowship, or if they are just being them selves and showing their natural characteristics"

[Nogrod]

"Wop-bop-a-loo-mop alop-bom-bom!
Don't fear the shadows of Carn Dûm!
Jolly Tom, Hey! Jolly Tom is back again,
and hopefully not such a featherbrain
some of you seem to think.
Okay, shall we have a drink?"

Tom came back from his wanderings after hearing that the discussion had begun and he had somehow managed to force himself to change the beautiful lillies and daffodillies to the quest they had in hand.

"You should pay heed to the wisdom in lady Galadriel's words my young friends. It seems she's not called the wisest of the firstborn for nothing."

Bombadil sat down and took a long draught from his flask of wine and then looked around.

"Some of us are just themselves, clearly,
and some of us just have spoken early.

Quick to judge, quick to act
are souls whose life's but a fleeting fact.
So look closely the hasty accusations,
as they may reveal darker aspirations.

And hearties, trust may be a kiss of death
which guides evil that at night quietly cometh
So think what you say before you say,
for otherwise those you trust may not see another day."

The yellow-booted man took another draught and then wiped his beard with his hand... which he in turn wiped clean to his trousers.

"Now old Tom needs to think about things said and done. Do excuse me for a while. Old brains work slowly. Patience my hearties!"

Unlike people had expected Tom didn't end up his monologue bursting into a song but just got up and started walking with even pace.

[McCaber]

Elrohir walked up to match his brother. Even on the first day the group was already divided. This did not bode well.

"Ringbearer," he spoke, "this is not the Shire. Unless you realize what would happen to you alone out here, do not criticize my brother and the Dwarf for their protection."

He turned to the orc. "But I would not be surprised if our loyal friend here tried to do such a thing. Not at all."

[Thinlómien]

Gildor and Éomer opened their mouths at the same instant.
"Which one of us will continue?" Gildor asked courteously.
"You may, lord," Éomer replied, "it would take me a while to gather my thoughts."
"As you wish," the Elf replied, bowing lightly to the Man. Then he turned to the more vocal one of Elrond's twin sons.

"Good lord Elladan," he said, "Indeed we are kin, and none of our kin has ever loved the foul race of Orcs. And you and your brother have more reason to hate them than many of us others. Yet Curunir the Wise has appointed this Orc to join our company. I have my doubts of it, like you do. We may suspect this Orc because of his evil origin. But what troubled me in your behaviour was that you seemed to find something faulty in his conduct, which seems to have been fine - for an Orc - this far."

"Iarwain, you say

So look closely the hasty accusations,
as they may reveal darker aspirations.

and there is wisdom in these words. Yet hasty accusations may only be made in order to provoke a reaction. Although I did not like it in the past, and still have a complicated relationship to it, I hesitate to condemn it. Rather, I think, we should condemn those who are quick to agree with hasty accusations." Gildor cast a quick glance at Halbarad and Dáin, but decided not to say anything aloud.

"Our Ringbearer confuses me a little. I have heard tales of her normal behaviour from Bilbo Baggins. He told me that when Lobelia Sackville-Baggins has something to hide, she seems very innocent and when she doesn't, there is something suspicious about her. Now I do not know whether to trust his wisdom or my own intuiton of her seeming very genuine."

Gildor suppressed a sigh. "Now, I have finished. You may speak, young lord Éomer." He nodded to the Man, smiling.

[THE Ka]

Even though Radagast was trying to catch up with Bombadil, it wasn't proving any better that he seemed to be unaware of his presence.

Oh well, I guess being 'the Brown' in such a land as Hollin doesn't strike out as much. Though, all these lands west of the Mountains I am unaware of. Hmph, where's Gandalf when you need him?

He stopped and looked around, and tried not to show any sign of his age, which was creeping up on his knees. He didn't want to be a burden to the rest of the fellowship, but as he paused he noticed that events were unfolding most foul around him. When he heard Gildor, who he respected in his eyes even now, he spoke up gently:

" Though this is something that dear Gandalf is more of an office to say -

...but has grown unusually silent about.

"I must agree with Gildor's words. There is indeed no harm in being prepared and conscious of the traitors amoung us, but it clouds the mind and twists the heart if we do so rashly, and especially on first impressions. I also can agree with his thoughts on Ugluk, but this myself I will say to him:

I do not doubt your place in this fellowship as quickly as others might, given their reason, because I have respect in Saruman's wisdom and can only hope that he brought you with his best in mind. I must warn strongly though, that you would honor this when you speak of others, as Gandalf and I honor Saruman in our Order. For even if others stay their hands from attacking and so must you, words can pierce as dangerously when used without reason.
Especially now that our fellowship has grown ravaged as a Huorn, and honesty and hope are so far our only guides."

Radagast finished his words sternly, but with a honest calm as well. Granted he wasn't impressive an air as Olorin or Curunir when they spoke as such, but he didn't feel it right to let his Order become so silent on such a matter without some wise words.

He looked now to Lobelia with his usual kind expression, and followed Elrohir's words,

" Gandalf has told me very few of your people, and Saruman at that even fewer, but I do not doubt your strength amoung us. Though, lord Elrohir speaks justly about keeping together, especially with such a Mountain and its pass ahead. Without trust in the fellowship I can only hope the greatest we can pass under its anger."

Radagast looked up ahead where Bombadil was heading off without a gaze upward, and braced himself for what would be a difficult climb ahead.

Even Iarwain's eagerness for the road ahead gives me some trouble, unless he knows of some way to calm the wrath of Caradhras. I do not even know if Curunir can wholly control it, though may he give us aid when we reach it.

[Gwathagor]

Halbarad heard Gildor's criticism for what it was, and it stung him. He thought for a moment, then spoke up again, slowly.

"I will not say anything against Bombadil himself. However, we are naturally wary of that we do not understand, and I have great difficulty understanding Bombadil's chants and poems. But I stand corrected nonetheless: I would be wise to hold everybody in the same careful consideration."

"Perhaps I should be more suspicious of those who have said little to nothing at all. In truth, silence is a better cover than speaking, for the talker draws attention to himself, whereas the silent will be considered wise."

EDIT: Crossed with Radagast

He glanced around the group, catching the eyes of Elrohir and Gandalf.

[Nogrod]

Soon Tom bursted singing once again.

"Four suspicious behaviours have I noted
under which an evil intent could be coated.

There are those who speak and act differently
those minds I do not follow gently.
Like our ranger Halbarad here who suspects
those with lots of words with no serious contents
but himself doesn't give us a penny's worth,
not even the relaxation with the mirth.

And like this Uglúk chosen by Curunir
whose bloodthirst reminds one of the Bauglir.
He calls for sense balancing the nonsense
while all he himself produces is a fence.
And how in importance he lifts his own tail,
while his reasons against the wizard are just stale.

There are also those who like to use arguments of others,
bandwaggoning suitable ideas to gain more believers.
Like our high-lord Elladan of Rivendell
too happy to follow the footsteps to hell:
going after the Uruk's mind with old Tom being vicious
trying to make us blind with Radagast casted suspicious?

The fourth one is a harder one to explain
but hopefully from my words you might gain
an insight to a matter of the venerable Gildor the high
whose self-reflectiviness might darker secrets imply.
Going after the bandwaggons but notifying it
and reminding that suspicion is a dangerous gift."


After the recitation Tom felt suddenly tired and laid down unscrewing his flask.

"I'll just take a nap to refresh me old bones and brains but I'll catch you up before the sun sets. So don't you worry."

A faint "tralla-lally" came from his lips before he fell asleep.

EDIT: X'd with Gildor & Radagast & Halbarad
EDIT2: removed a doubling of "to follow" from Elladan rhyme...

[Aganzir]

Lobelia had been deep in thought for some time, but eventually her meditating was disturbed by voices.

"What is this, Halbarad? You are agreeing with me? About what, if I may ask? About you being a traitor, possibly? As for Galadriel finding Tom innocent, my guess is that they are fellow traitors and don't want to accuse each other.

Elrohir, do I look like one who needs protection? Maybe you are too used to seeing weak and frail Elven women who can't defend themselves, but not everybody is like them. I am more afraid for myself if I am in the wild with a greedy Dwarf and a haughty Elf than if I were alone.
But I know what you are doing! You are trying to make me trust them, make me believe that they wish me no ill, and when I am alone with them, they will attack me. Poor Elrond, both his sons being traitors!

Gildor Inglorion, I wonder indeed how Bilbo Baggins can even claim to know something like that about me. As far as I am concerned, he has always hated me, always suspected me anyway. Oh yes, I do know he still accuses me of stealing his spoons, which I didn't do - but who of you is going to believe that?
Of course it is your own business to decide whether you believe rumours or trust your own judgement, and I do not care what you do, although one decision may hurt me more than the other. But if I were you, I wouldn't trust Bilbo Baggins.

I do not know much about Gildor personally, but I believe Saruman the White has told me enough about him so that I can say there's nothing strange in his behaviour - at least yet."

edit: xed with Radagast, Halbarad & Tom

[Gwathagor]

"Trust, Radagast? Who would you trust among us? Too much trust is a dangerous thing, and scrutiny is safer."

EDIT: Crossed with Lobelia.

[McCaber]

"You speak truly, Halbarad, but I would rather that we try to keep close. I may have never seen a hobbit woman before, but it's a fair wager that she has never seen a pack of Wargs. So I am willing to not judge her too quickly. After all, I am not the orc here."

[THE Ka]

Originally Posted by Gwathagor

"Trust, Radagast? Who would you trust among us? Too much trust is a dangerous thing, and scrutiny is safer."

Radagast turned back calmly and gased on the other member from the north, with the respectable order of being a ranger. He gave a steady face and replied,

" Unlike Gandalf I did not have the liberty to study under many of the Valar, especially Nianna who weeps for all the world so that it may have hope and trust in life, but there are some lessons you can learn of the heart from the wild, which I do not doubt you are familiar with.
I do not order trust, I hope for it, as seeds hope they may grow, and birds hope they may live to greet them. The trust I speak of is one of the road ahead. The pass of Caradhras is not a path in the glen, so to speak, and if we suspect too blindly of one another The Cruel will suffer no pause in ripping us who are faithful, apart.

It is not whom I trust, but the trust you all will not forget yourselves and why you came, in this trial. "

He paused for a moment to hear the words of a few birds who called out over head, after which he sighed deeply and regained breath.

" If you wish me to act with more scrutiny, I will be honest. For scrutiny that you seek is one that only Saruman can do well. I will speak words of caution when there is good reason to fear someone. So far, it is only the collective rashness of earlier which I distrusted, but to that we are all guilty.
I believe Saruman said there were only three amoung us who have been blinded by the ring, for those three I am only watching with stern, not blindly everyone here.

I do have some concern over Ugluk, but only in the interest of Saruman, and that I will not have to explain to him why his servant only a few hours into the journey is only bits and pieces.... Saruman is cunning, and I will not doubt his servants are without this either, but Ugluk has only spoken so far as a few others of you have. When he gives me a reason of all proof for treachery, I will undoubtibly change my thoughts on him and any ultimate motive of Saruman to attract us to his call.

As for Iarwain, whom you all seem highly suspicious of, his last song has seemed the most frank. I'd rather discern my suspicions from that and any later songs, than his earlier reverence for nature.
Unless the very plants are after us too, which if anything, I can assure you all that is has not yet come to pass.
That is what I honesty, suspect, my thoughtful ranger.


Though, I have not studied the peoples of Arda as well as Gandalf, who has grown worryingly quiet amoung us. If anything, he will have far more wisdom than myself about this."

[A Little Green]

"I thank you, lord", said Éomer, bowing curtly to Gildor. Though he had said he'd gather his thoughts, he wasn't sure if they were gathered at all. These are strange days, he thought. Dreams and legends spring to life out of the grass. Indeed I wondered at the peculiar combination of the fellowship: along with me and my cousin Théodred there was to be sent a strange old woman who barely reaches my waist, hobbit they call her, a halfling come to life from the stories of old (though a little less spectacular than I'd have expected); a ranger from the north, who seemed to me a good solid man; a dwarven king, weird but honourable; elves, and many of them too: these twins seemed to be honourable folk, high in both wisdom and valour, that Gildor fellow looked trustworthy as well, but of the Lady of the Golden Wood I had heard much, and not much of it praise. Net-weaver and sorcerer she is told to be, and only a few escape her nets. Mayhaps she holds that hateful Saruman in her grasp? I wouldn't find it impossible, after all the devilry that wizard has done to our land... Also I wondered at the other wizard, that Radagast, he seemed more like a rather senile old fellow talking to birds than a wizard of power and highness; but old Gandalf at least can mayhaps be trusted, though I was uneasy with those he calls friends. But the strangest of all was this singing fellow with the yellow boots. What does he do here, I wonder? Sing ill-rhymed songs (really, I'd make loads better!) and dance and hop around like a maniac rabbit? And an orc? I respect Uglúk as a captain respects another, but I didn't relish the idea of being in a fellowship with an orc.

Travelling with the company had cleared Éomer's head somewhat, and changed his impressions on the peculiar cretures he was travelling with. He cleared his throat, as the others had started to look at him expectantly.

"I have to disagree with lord Bombadil with his words:

So look closely the hasty accusations,
as they may reveal darker aspirations.

I do not see it so; actually, lord, you seem to contradict yourself. First, you urge us to discuss with substance, and then say hasty accusations are not to be trusted? Hasty accusations, I fear, are all we have to go on with for now.

"The sincerity of the Lady of the Golden Wood I doubt. I do not like the way she flows around the place with only a few careful words into someone's ear as she passes. I do not trust her. A sorceress she is called, and mayhaps not in vain. No smoke without fire, they say in my land.

"Though I hold no love for the race of orcs, I do not suspect this Uglúk a traitor. He looks to me sincere in the way of his own fell people. On the other hand, lord Elladan seems overly eager to accuse him based on only his race. I do not think we can afford to hold our personal grudges here, for the benefit of all.

"And, on top of this tangle, I fear what this elf Gildor might be hiding behind his mask of fair courtesy."

Éomer sighed. He still grudged that they had to go on foot. Wish I had my Firefoot with me, he thought. But I'm not going to complain. One must adapt to the conditions. He missed horses and swordplay and deeds of honour, he missed leading his éored through the green plains of the Riddermark. He was annoyed with all these weird creatures he should travel with. They were a marvel and a wonder, but not as satisfying company as the honest, valiant men of his land. That thought in mind, Éomer joined his cousin Théodred.


EDIT: x-ed with Lobelia, Halbarad, Elrohir and Radagast

[Groin Redbeard]

Dáin walked had been walking in silence for a long while, ever since Lobelia refused his help. He had listened to the discusion, and in due time more of the companions began to express their suspicions.

"Well words of wisdom we hear at last from master Bombadil," Dáin said at length. "Although I do not find Gildor's words to be of an evil nature, I do wish that she would provide deeper incite than just a gut feeling of dread of the ranger Halbarad and I, but she does make sense to accuse people of hasty accusations."

"Mistress Lobelia seems to be quite content with reduculing others: describing me as a greedy dwarf and calling the sons of Elrond traitors. Shame on the hobbit! I do not always agree with their council, but you seem to be content with condemning the voice of anyone who speaks; througing confusion in our midst. A cool head is what we need in times like these at that is exactely what Elladin and Elohor have been!"

"I wish that Gandalf would speak, we need his say in the matter, but we have Galadriel and Radagast. Galadriel, my fair lady, you give advice only when spoken to and this is disturbing. Tell us more of your say on the matter, it seems that you hide more than you tell, but please hurry, the night grows ever nearer."

"I have said enough, my thoughts have been expressed, and I am finished for now," and with that Dáin fell back into silence.