Estel POV

We ran, I don't know how long for, but we ran. We needed to catch up to the Merry and Pippin.

Legolas and I did most of the tracking making sure we were headed the right way.

We knew they were going to Isengard, but the path was unclear. Daeran stayed behind with Gimli for much of the time even though he could have outrun me.

I hadn't known Daeran for a long time, but I could see that he was a gentle and kind soul.

I knew now why Legolas was so smitten with him. What worried me though was what war would do to him.

He has already lost someone so important to him who knows what would happen if someone else died.

The tracks were getting fresher and I could tell we were getting close. At least a day ahead.

I communicated this to the rest of the group before eagerly before moving on. I knew I it was rough excsepcially for Gimli, but I had hope that the Hobbits were still alive.

"Come on Gimli do you hear that we are gaining on them" Daeran said a slight laugh in his voice.

Gimli just grunted something about distances and running. Not long we came to an outcrop of large rocks. We made our way to the top looking to find our quarry.

From what I could see there was no sign of them. I found it strange how they could keep up such a pace. I made my way down the rocks looking up towards where Legolas stood.

"Legolas What do your elf eyes see?" He paused for a moment looking ahead to something I couldn't see.

"They have turned Northeast. We were right, they are taking the Hobbits to Isengard" I nodded my head. "Come we must keep moving."

It wasn't long before night came and we were forced to slow our pace. Around the time the sun started to rise we were back full speed.

I crouched down to examine some prints when the sound of horses drew near. I looked towards the others as a group of horsemen drew near.

Thinking it was a good idea I called out to them. Suddenly the all turned drawing near and circling us.

Legolas had pulled Daeran close to him as we all huddled together when the men pointed their spears at us.

"What business does a man, two elves and a dwarf have here?" When no one answered right away he yelled at us to speak quickley.

Ove course Gimli had to say something making the man dismount his horse and threaten Gimli.

Thus causeing Legolas to draw his bow. Quickley I moved to lower Legolas's bow.

I introduced each member of the group showing we ment no harm. "We are friends of Rohan and your king" The man lowered his head a distraught look overcoming his face.

"Thoedrin no longer remembers friend from foe. Not even his own Kin." The man removed his helmet causing the men to lower their weapons.

"Saruman has poisened the mind of the king and claimed lordship of these lands." I was surprised at that.

For one we know that Saruman is dead so he probably got someone to do that for him. This would make traveling through Rohan difficult.

Daeran POV

"My company are those loyal to Rohan, and for that we are banished." The man said.

Banished I thought for being loyal to your land and your home. I don't know how I would feel if I was ever banished from Rivendell.

"The whistle wizard is cunning." The man said getting up to our faces. "He walks here and there they say." The man then seemed to label us as spies which angered me.

"We re not spies" I said before I even realized it. "We are looking for our friends who have been taken westward across the plain."

The man seemed to think for a second before answering. "The uruk-hai, we slaughtered them during the night."

"There were two Hobbits with them, did you happen to see them? They would have looked like children to your eyes."

I said hoping and praying they were ok. "We left none alive" The man said shaking his head.

I could feel my throat tightening up. No this couldn't be happening. First Gandalf, then we loose Sam and Frodo, Now Merry and Pippin dead. No.

I felt a hand rest on my lower back but I kept my attention on what the man was saying.

A loud whistle interrupted my thoughts as the man called over two horses. "Look for your friends" He said leaving us standing there.

We were to now go search the pile of the dead for our friends, but I wasn't sure if I could handle it. I walked to the side of the white horse getting in the saddle.

Legolas joined me wrapping an arm around my waist while the other took the reins. I leaned against him as we rode towards a burning pire of dead uruk-hai.

It was quite a sight to behold the burning bodies were piled on top the other. Some of the uruk-hai heads were spiked and sticking up from the ground.

I dismounted with the others and walked closer to the pile. Gimli immedently started using his axe to sort through everything.

It was then that I heard something in the nearby forest. Curious I made my way forward. Behind he I heard Estel scream, but it wasn't in pain, more anguish than anything, so I didn't go back.

I made my way foward hearing a shuffling nearbye. I could also hear whispering, it sounded familiar. "Is anyone there?"

I asked drawing my knife in case it was any uruk-hai. "Daeran?" I gasped in shock as two filthy but safe Hobbits came towards me.

"Merry, Pippin I exclaimed running towards them. As they ran towards me. We met as one hugging each other.

"You're ok, oh god you're ok. I thought you were dead. We thought..." "Who else is with you?" Pippin asked and it was then that I remembered the others.

Legolas must have heard me though because the others came running towards us. "Thank the Valor" Legolas exclaimed when he saw us.

Rolik came forward quickly examining them for injuries. "What happened?" Gimli asked when we had finally calmed down.

"The uruk-hai had stopped last night to take a break and while they were distracted we were able to slip away. Then these riders showed up and killed them" Pippin exclaimed.

As we started to head back to the horses I felt the stir of magic around us and I froze causing Legolas to bump into me.

Someone was coming near us, someone with magic and the only one like that around here would be the white wizard Saruman.

But Saruman is dead. I know that, so who is it? "What is it Rolik asked drawing his sword.

"The white wizard" I said drawing on my own magic. Merry and Pippin moved behind us was the person drew near. It was weird though the magic signature felt familiar to...

There was a bright light that suddenly illuminated around us. Gimli threw his axe and Legolas fired his bow, but the person easily deflected them.

Rolik's and my own knife turned red hot and we were forced to drop them. "Who are you?" I yelled into the light. I had to know who it was.

Suddenly the light dimmed and there standing before us was Gandalf. My knees went weak, but I remained standing. I wanted to run to him and hug him.

But I had to restrain myself it could be a trick. But no his magic was the same it was Gandalf, but how. "But you fell" Estel whispered walking closer.

"Yes, but I have been sent back until my task is done." "Gandalf I said walking closer to him" He looked puzzled. "Yes Gandalf, that is what they used to call me" I smiled at his words happy he remembered.

We walked through the forest back to where our horses were left. Gandalf had told us we were to ride to Edoras.

The only problem was was that we only had two horses. The moment we broke through the trees Gandalf gave a loud long whistle.

Not long after a horse was heard. Two beautiful white horses galloped towards us. "Those are the Maras, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." Legolas said softly beside me.

Legolas and I split up since each hobbit would need help on a horse. The two of us rode saddled horses while the others rode the other two.

I was sad that I couldn't be closer to him, but we had to keep Merry and Pippin from hurting themselves and both of them on one horse would be disastrous.