WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[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."

[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.)"

[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."

[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

[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.

[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.