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A Rohan Tapestry  by shirebound

A ROHAN TAPESTRY

Chapter Six: Journeys of the Heart

“So we always do,” he said, as they sat down: “we look towards Númenor that was, and beyond to Elvenhome that is, and to that which is beyond Elvenhome and will ever be.” Faramir, ‘The Window on the West’, The Two Towers


It was a four-day, gentle ride from Edoras to the cleft in the mountains known as Helm’s Deep, four days in which the Company found themselves adjusting to new roles being assumed by the hobbits in their midst.

It began with Pippin, the first night out.  As everyone assembled on the grass to share the evening meal, Frodo and Merry could tell that there was something bothering their young cousin.  Finally Pippin simply stood up, faced west, bowed his head, and remained silent for a moment.  Those nearby quieted, staring at the Halfling.  But within moments, Pippin sat down and was his old cheerful self, teasing Aragorn about turning back into a scruffy, unshaven Ranger on this journey.   

Encouraged by the warm regard of Gandalf and Aragorn, he had matured greatly; and yet was still a hobbit tween, eyes sparkling with mischief and a joy in life.  He was one of the few who could make Lord Elrond smile and even laugh on occasion.

The next evening, Pippin again rose to his feet before eating, but this time, Aragorn, the northern Dúnedain, Frodo, Merry, Sam, and most of the young Gondorian soldiers joined him.

“A new age begins, Pippin,” Aragorn told him quietly, “but I promise you we will not let those traditions fade which still bring the people comfort, and link us to our past.  You are not the only one who appreciates the customs that Faramir preserved; thank you for this reminder, my young and treasured knight.”

Pippin beamed with joy, bowing low before the King.  Faramir and his men had said goodbye to them at Edoras, leaving no one in the travelling company to lead the Standing Silence of the southern Rangers.  Pippin had grown used to seeing it, and as a Knight of the City, a great love for Gondor and its customs had grown in his heart.

Merry rode each day on Stybba with a lighter heart, alongside the other hobbits -- sharing old songs and learning new ones with the Men who rode nearby.  He was proud to wear the bold green and white livery of Rohan, and spent much time with the few Rohirrim who remained with the Company as escort.  As Frodo had done on the long ride from Minas Tirith to Edoras, Merry now strove to learn as much from them as possible, in the short time left, of their customs, language, landmarks, and history.

Frodo and Merry usually walked together for an hour or so when the Company made camp each evening.  They talked about a great many things each had kept hidden from the other, of fears and sadness, and perceived failures, and both found great comfort and new strength on their walks.

Frodo had fallen into a new role as well, or rather, an old and much-missed role: that of older cousin.  It had been many years since Frodo had anyone to care for or look after; indeed, during the past few years he had given thought to little save a growing restlessness, and then the dangers and trials of the Quest.  But the ‘brother’ Merry had idolized as a child and respected as an adult now once more walked beside him, sharing wisdom and strength, love and gentle words.

As for Sam, he rode in great contentment.  With Frodo finally seeming so well in body, mind, and spirit, for the first time he allowed himself to think of other things... home and hearth, and what the future might bring.  It was still difficult accepting the small bows and deferential nods with which he was greeted by many; however, with that one exception, he was enjoying the ‘adventure’ in which he had found himself for nearly the first time since leaving the Shire.

He had even worked up the courage to approach Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, to ask about the trees and flowers of Lórien that he had so admired.  They were gracious to him, revealing much to the small gardener that few knew or had ever thought to ask.  The Lady was especially pleased that Sam had kept, through all the hard journey and trials, the small grey box she had given him -- and bade him still to leave it unopened until he returned to the Shire, and felt with his heart “what needed to be done.”

*~*~*~*~*

On the last evening before reaching Helm’s Deep, Gimli and Legolas walked with the hobbits beneath the stars.  They could hear the rushing water of the nearby river, and the gentle rustling of grasses in the wind.

“Have you ever seen a dragon, Gimli?” Merry asked.  “Éomer said my horn was found in the hoard of one of them.”

“I have not,” Gimli said.  “The tales I have heard are from my father and cousins, and surely Bilbo spoke of Smaug the Great.”

“He did,” Frodo agreed.  “That’s a good question, though, Merry.  At the Council, Gandalf said that there were no dragons left powerful enough to melt the One Ring, if ever there had been.  That does sound as if there may still be some left, scattered and hidden.  I hope they remain thus.”

“Speaking of that horn, Merry, may I see it?”  Gimli asked.  Merry unhooked the heirloom from his belt and handed it to the Dwarf, who ran his practiced fingers over it, inside and out.

“It is sound, and worthy of honor,” Gimli pronounced.  “Dwarves crafted this long ago.  I am greatly pleased that you hobbits will return home with such fine examples of our craft – this horn, Frodo’s mithril mail, and that belt Sam tries to conceal.”

Sam blushed.  Along with Sting, Frodo had given him Bilbo’s belt of pearls and crystals from which it hung.  Frodo kept Sam’s old sword packed among his gear, but did not wear it – the only member of the Company, save the Lady Galadriel, to ride unarmed.

“Sting was well-named by Bilbo,” Legolas smiled.  “This ancient blade was destined to be wielded by three courageous hobbits, against fell spiders in both northern Mirkwood and the foul tunnels of Cirith Ungol.  And speaking of foul tunnels...” He frowned at Gimli.

“My dear elf,” Gimli chuckled, “once you have seen the caverns which lie in splendor behind Helm’s Deep, you will apologize for your narrow views.”  He beamed at the hobbits.   “I promise you a sight you will not soon forget.”

The hobbits smiled back, but Legolas looked unconvinced.

** TBC **





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