WWXLV: The Fellowship of Saruman

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[Gwathagor]

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

EDIT: Crossed with Lobelia.

[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.

[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...

[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

[Nogrod]

"Old minds
create limping rhymes,
my dear Eomer of Rohan...
That's sad but true,
so bad and nothing new",

Tom hummed more to himself than to others who had already passed a long way before him. But somehow he had heard the few words made while he slept.

"Now this sure is the quietest company I've had since the early days... and we'd need to talk if the traitors are to be found."

He rised up and straightened his colourful clothes before picking his stuff.

"But we should not talk just anything." He murmured while he gathered the last objects he possessed. "Digging ourselves into the creatures we are and only coming up with ideas that we should do in everyday life or which are expected from us just aren't good enough at this moment. If you men or elves doubt the Uruk please give a reason to it, if you Uruk want someone's blood give us a reason for it... gnarl-gnarl-gnarl... Uh-oh... you will get older and grumpier one day too and then you will see that stereotypes do not help you in trouble and that maintaining a jolly face is a burden indeed..."

Tom looked unexpectedly energetic with his concerns at the moment - or was it just that he was missing his wine-skin still?

"Ahh... there you are... Now where was I? Nothing seems to be wrong after all! A good skin of wine, beautiful hollies around and a whole forest of flowers around! Hey dol! Merry dol! Ring a dong dillo!"

Suddenly he froze as a thought entered his mind concerning the fellowship.

"If someone needs to be sent back from this company let it be one who has not bothered to open his mind as yet. And with opening one's mind I mean actually saying something out of what one could conveniently hide behind - the mask of everyday expectations - or just stayed away from discussions."

Slowly he shook his head as he felt he had somehow been very much un-Tom-Bombadillish. You're getting old Tom, really old. Maybe you should just turn back home to Goldberry. This adventure is not doing good for you...

Happily he realised just then that there was a bunch of really beautiful harebells only a few yards away from him towards the way the other companions had walked... and then another bunch a bit more forwards... and another after that...

"Hey dol! Merry dol! Hey-ho-hey! Ring-a-ding-a-delly!
Here go the harebells, ding-dong along, to my Goldberry!"

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

It appeared to Galadriel that the quest was about to take an ugly turn and soon she would have to make some desitions that would be necisary to make, but very risky.

She spoke out loud "Soon decistions will have to be made and soon we shall receive answers, be they good or bad"

She looked at her companions before continuing "Now the song The Eldest sang just before was as honey to my ear and I could not have sung it better my self"

Galadriel the directed her attention towards to Eomer "It would not be the first time that the assistans of Lothlorien have gone unoticed by the people of Rohan, but I shall not hold this against you. Your words seem to have no malice behind them and I can understand that you wish for me to talk more, but I only talk when I have things worth saying"

Galadriel looked to Gandalf for she must desired to hear his view on things, but not sound came from his lips.
"I am most grieved by the absense of Gandalf's advice as I have great belife in his wisdom, absent could be a sign of treachery, but I do not belive that is the case with him."

All fell into silence minutes pasted before the silence was broken, again it was Galadriel who spoke. Her face showed clear signs of remorse, she was not happy about what she had to do.
"I will have to make my desition now as delaying this matter could cloud my mind, Halbarad has seemingly tried to stir up trouble by bringing up the question of who should be ringbearer. This even though it was already decided well in advance."

++Halbarad

Crossposted with Dain and everybody since

[Aganzir]

Lobelia looked sulky. She wasn't in a talkative mood today, and she had a feeling she was once again disdained - people didn't trust her being a capable Ring-bearer. What angered her was that Bilbo had already managed to mislead some of her companions. How long will he continue spoiling my life?

She smiled at Radagast. "I am glad to see that not everyone's eyes are veiled by prejudice. But your own thoughts are hidden from me, and when you speak I can only hear birds singing and bees humming."

Originally Posted by Halbarad

"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."

Lobelia turned to point at Halbarad with her umbrella. "Yes, indeed! When someone points out the flaw in your logic, this is what you do! Everybody knows it is somewhat acceptable to accuse those who are silent, but I have never before seen this blunt a change! You are trying to hide by suspecting the silent, aren't you? Guess what I say to that? Traitor!"

She paused and drew breath. It was long since she had had a chance to shout at someone properly. Had she done it after Lotho had grown up? Yes - several times, actually, now that she came to think of it. Lotho had always been a nasty child, and despite being full grown now, still was. It took Lobelia time and effort to try to get him behave himself, but she had never really succeeded. He is too much like his father.

"I do not trust Master Éomer. I cannot put my finger on it, but I disagree with him on some things, which, to me, look like he has said them only to keep the discussion in the nonsense area. Things like a traitor might say. But I am not going to express too much concern about him yet, because I do not know if I find him suspicious only because of our differences in thinking.

Dáin, if a cool head is all that you need, you are a lucky fellow! But yes, I can admit being content with condemning speakers and throwing confusion. It may be that the traitors are more confused than the rest."

edit: xed with two Halbarads, Gandalf, Elrohir and two Dáins
edit2: bolding