AUTHOR'S NOTE: Just cautioning... I'm not the best person at describing parts of dresses especially medeval dresses... so I did use the description of the dress within the story... Don't judge me D:   I do not know everything about dresses...  >~<  Only which is pretty and not pretty. Very simple minded. But nonetheless                  ENJOY! 

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~Chapter Ten~

The Palantir

After the Battle of Helm's Deep, the Rohirrim villagers were brought safely home by the Riders of Rohan. Gandalf lead Aragorn, Legolas, Medlinya, Gimli, King Theoden, Eomer, Gamling, and a two other guards north towards Fangorn Forest. The wizard guides the company quietly through the dark woodland. The ever-moving forest of Fangorn opens before them creating an avenue of trees, which allows them access along the old Isengard road. A thick, humid mist fills the forest. 

Ahead of the company, the forest separates ahead, revealing the ruins of Isengard. All about, the great stone wall is cracked and splintered into countless jagged shards. Far off, half veiled into swirling steam, the Tower of Orthanic stands unbroken by the storm. Pale waters lap about it's feet. 

Two small hobbits sat on the smashed wall, Merry and Pippin with Gwiliweth at their side. Spread before them is a feast of breads, meats, and wine. The two hobbits puff on long pipes as they lie back in the sun.

"I feel like I'm back at the Green Dragon, after a hard days work." Pippin stated with a easy smile.

"Only, you've never done a hard days work." Merry retorted. All three of them laugh among themselves. A neigh of one of the horses caused Merry to glance over to Gandalf and the rest. A huge smile broke out as the hobbit unsteadily stood to his feet. "Welcome, my Lords!" Merry announced. "... To Isengard" the drunk Merry added, pointing behind him to the tower. 

"You young rascals! A merry hunt you've led us on, and now we find you feasting and smoking!" Gimli complained from his spot behind Aragorn. Aragorn smirked as did the two Elves. 

"We are sitting on a field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts." Pippin declared with his mouth-ful. "The salted pork is particularly good."

Gimli's eyes widen in interest, "Salted pork?" 

Gandalf shook his head at the sight. "Hobbits." he whispered to himself. 

Medlinya softly chuckled from her seat behind Legolas on Arod. Legolas smiled, hearing the laughter from the she-elf so closely attached to him. 

"We're under orders from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard."

Gwiliweth stood up and flailed her arms around while holding a cup of wine, "I may have sipped too much wine." she admitted with a gleeful laugh. The red head stumbled down to the forest floor unsteadily with her signature smirk. Her silver caught sight of a familiar person sitting behind Legolas. Her smirk grew bigger, "Lady Medlinya, it is a joy to see you out from under the cloak." 

The two hobbits scurried over to Gwiliweth and followed the Elf's line of vision. Once their eyes spotted Medlinya, Merry and Pippin stared open-mouthed. The she-elf uncomfortably smiled at the hobbits and waved her hand briskly. The sapphire eyed she-elf was just not used to the stares by others. It felt unsettling awkward that those eyes were not Legolas' eyes. Under his gaze, she never experienced being so tense and anxious to run out of sight. 

Gwiliweth mounted Eruanna, who the company had brought along to Isengard especially for the red head. The googly-eyed Pippin was soon picked up by the collar of his tunic onto Eruanna in front of Gwiliweth as Merry was set in front of Aragorn. 

After making sure the three new additions were on horses, Gandalf leads the company through the wreckage and debris of Isengard float along the murky waters surrounding the tower. Treebeard, a Giant Ent, strides towards them, alarming all but Gandalf, "Huraroom ... Young Master Gandalf, I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master, but there's a wizard to be managed here... locked in his tower." 

"And there Saruman must remain, under your guard, Treebeard." Gandalf replied earnestly.

Gimli scoffed, "Let's just have his head and be done with it."

Gandalf stared up the long length of the dark tower, "No. He has no power anymore." the wizard stated quietly. 

The old Ent nods his head wisely, "The filth of Saruman is washing away... Trees will come back to live here, young trees... wild trees."

Pippin's eye got caught something lying in the water. The muddy water glows with a golden radiance. Aragorn and Gwiliweth turn as Pippin jump off Eruanna, "Pippin!" Aragorn called out. 

All eyes were on the hobbit as he reached into the cloudy water and pick up a dark, perfectly smooth sphere. The old Ent drew back in shock at the sight, "Well bless my bark!" his thunderous voice echoed.

"Peregrin Took! I'll take that, my lad!" Gandalf replied urgently.  Pippin motionlessly stared in wonder at the stone. "Quickly, now!" Gandalf urged. Medlinya gripped Legolas' shoulder gently, trying to control her fears of the future with that stone. Reluctantly, the hobbit hands the black sphere to Gandalf, who instantly smothers it in his cloak. Gazing down at Pippin, the wizard seemed troubled. 

Without a word more, Gandalf lead the company out of Isengard heading south. The silent group of riders gallop towards the Rohan city of Edoras. The stillness of the men around her troubled Medlinya terribly. That stone. The weird stone must hold a great deal of competence to controlling the weak winds such as Pippin. Never has she seen such a thing with her experienced sapphire eyes, except for the Ring. Though it was assembled to carry out such a deed.

'Gandalf?' The tone of her voice was unmistakably uneasy.

'What is troubling you, young one?' the wizard questioned.

'The stone... what powers does it possess?' 

Gandalf grew quiet at the inquiry of she-elf. 'It is one of many of it's kind. There had been seven. Seven seeing-stones. A Palantir, a tool that was utilized once by the Dunedain Men. It was used to communicate between kingdoms, through soundless visions and intended thoughts of the user. Even the most powerful minds can not manipulated fake images to another. The Palantir is a immensely complex object at one's disposal. Although over the ages, stones were stolen and some lost. Not all stones are accounted for. Saruman had spoken to the Dark Lord through this Palantir. The Stone of Orthanc, it is called.'

The she-elf slowly bobbed her head, soaking the information. 'Could the Dark Lord be trying to contact Pippin? His mind is weak.'

Gandalf pondered about Medlinya's question. Pippin is a very naive fool therefore it is all possible that her question could be spot on to the Sauron's plans to destroy all life. The Dark Lord placed the hobbit onto a platter to get the information he needed about his Ring. His eyes laid on the distant sight of the Rohan city of Edoras. The wizard kept silent, not wanting to say more and not able to converse back. 

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A roaring fire warmed the Golden Hall of Edoras, as a roasting lamb hung above the flames. Long tables overloaded with food. Wooden barrels filled to the rim stood off to the side from the tables. A banquet laid ready for the returning soldiers. Filling the tables, the soldiers sat, gazing toward the King standing from his throne. Eowyn brings a cup of wine to Theoden. 

The King raises his cup of beer high addressing the silent crowd, Aragorn leads the men to their feet mirroring Theoden with their cups held high. "Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead!"

"Hail!" the crowd echoed. All mugs lowered to their mouths taking in a sip to the honor of the fallen. 

The she-elf glanced around with a disgusted grimace as the Rohan people chug down beer. For nearly all her life she had not worn a dress. A beautiful dress. The velvet pale green gown gracefully molded her gentle feminine figure. The sleeves were semi-fitted as the upper half ending with a band of silver braiding with Celtic knots. The lower sleeve is a trumpet shape that is slit so it reveals the forearm and that was lined in silver dupion. The neckline is trimmed in silver braiding and it has a corset style closure back with lacing. To finish off the gown is a hip belt, knotted in a unique silver design. Her sapphire eyes scanned the room, looking for Legolas. A glimpse of distinct Elvish pale blue headed towards the barrels. Medlinya weaved herself through the sea of warriors to the wine barrels. 

Finally once the she-elf rounded the corner around a barrel, there was Legolas and Gimli at a table. Eomer and a group of Men watch their captain. "No pauses, no spills." the Rohan captain instructed. 

Legolas and Gimli were given handled mugs of ale. "And no regurgatation." the Dwarf added with a confident smirk. 

The Elf reached for the mug, staring at it. "So it's a drinking game?"

Gimli gazes up at Legolas, "Aye, Last one standing wins." The dwarf rumbled in laughter. 

The Rohirrim surrounding them glanced to each other, drinking as well. "What'll we drink to? Let's drink in victory! To victory!" The men shouted rallying up the drinking competition. 

Medlinya shook her head at the two, standing beside Eomer. Her sapphire eyes carefully watched her Elf take an innocent sip of the ale, tasting the ale. Legolas' expression contorted in slightly in disgust, yet preceded to sip more. 

"The ancient feud between Elves and Dwarves has gone to bloody wars to a drinking war." The she-elf sighed with a small smile. The Rohan captain glanced down to Medlinya watching the competition. Respectfully he bowed his head to the Elf maiden. 

Medlinya caught this in the corner of her sharp eye and bowed her head in return. Her sapphire orbs eyed Legolas with a soft smile playing on her pink lips. The drinking Elf linked eyes with his Faenod and smiled as he swallowed down another gulp of ale. 

This competition continues on between the Elf and the Dwarf. Medlinya watches as the mugs began to crowd the table before the two men. Legolas takes another mug calmly, not at all affected by the six mugs of ale he had drank. Gimli on the other hand, "Here, here. It's the dwarves that go swimming with little hairy women." the dwarf slurred as he takes another mug of ale.

Gimli was completely hammered and rushed through each mug to beat the Elf by amount of ale. This gulp of beer would be his fifteenth. Medlinya had been counting on both sides astonished by the mere amount of the Dwarf had drank of that vile drink. His beard coated with foam of the ale and his glazed eyes spotted his next mug with a tipsy grin. The scent of alcohol lingered in the air, causing Medlinya to srunch her nose.

Legolas finishes his sixth mug and sets it down on the table. The Elf peers down to his fingers, worriedly. "I feel something. A slight tingling in my fingers." the Elf uttered. His blue eyes flicker up, "I think it's affecting me." 

Gimli cackled a mighty laugh, "What did I say? He can't hold his liquor!" The dwarf let out a roar of laughter when Gimli went cross-eyed, slowly the Dwarf leaned back towards the floor. THUD. Medlinya's eyes inspected the drunk Dwarf laying on the wood floor, passed out in a alcohol induce coma. 

Her sapphire eyes peered over to the Elf just across from the table from his passed out competitor. Legolas' demeanor had changed from a wise competitor to a smug winner. The Elf gazed over to the Men and Medlinya, "Game over."

Medlinya shook her head at him with a radiant smile, "Lle caele beika sereg, Hallaer." His cerulean eyes joined with her gaze. A charming twinkle shimmered in his eyes, "Khila amin" the she-elf added with slight incline of her head to Legolas, before turning towards the doors outside of the Golden Hall. [You had too much ale, Tall one.] [Follow me.]

Legolas scampered after the she-elf. Stumbling slightly, he realized that Medlinya had already slipped out of the hall. Attempting to pull himself together, the Elf as well escaped outside. The cold outside air hit the Elf like a massive stone wall. In an instant Legolas sobered up as his eyes caught the sight of the she-elf standing at the edge of the porch of the Golden Hall overlooking Edoras below. With a smile the Elf strode over to her side quietly. 

The silence hung peacefully above the two Elves as they scoped the silent town below. Stars twinkled in the dark blanket above the world as the moon lit the city of Edoras with it's silver strands of light. Medlinya's eyes peered over to the Elf beside her, "Legolas?" she whispered.

His eyes slowly met hers questioningly. "Yes, Aier?" [Short one].

They stared at each other basked in the silence, "What happened back in Helm's Deep? That moment when we met eyes. We were incapable to gaze away, what was that?" the she-elf inquired.

Legolas smiled tenderly and bobbed his head knowingly, "That was a moment that only happens once for each Elf. A Faenod."

"Spirit bond?" Medlinya translated indescively. 

The Elf nodded, "Simply also called in Man terms, a soulmate." he answered faintly becoming unnaturally shy. Legolas shifted his eyes over to Edoras below. Her sapphire eyes widen at the word soulmate. Her rosy cheeks pulsed with heat, he noticed the red lingering on her cheeks in the corner of his eyes and smiled. "It is said that once two find each other, nothing in the world could ever compare to their Faenod. Our Elf instincts pick up on this, even before one looks into the eyes of the soulmate. Both feel as if they had known each other for so long as if they were friends of youth. Though when they lock eyes is when the Faenod bond takes place."

Medlinya stared at the blonde Elf beside her, "So you were afraid of being bonded as me being your Faenod?" she questioned.

His head snapped over to the she-elf's direction, startled at such a insight. "No of course not." He sighed softly, "I wished for a perfect moment to catch your gaze." Legolas gripped her small hand in his. "Medlinya, I could never be ashamed nor afraid for you to be my Faenod." His sincere blue eyes stared into hers as his fingertips softly graze her cheek, "You are the most beautiful, elegant woman that carries herself as if a respectable Lady of Court whom also has the fiercest heart and skills of a warrior who had been bred from birth. For that you are a treasure of rarity. I am honored for Eru to have fated me with such a breathtaking woman."

Medlinya gaped at the Elf, astounded at his words. A curve of her lips slowly formed a sweet smile. Hearts pounded against their chests as they stared at one another as if they were in a trance. Legolas took a small step closer to the she-elf, keeping his cerulean eyes on her sapphire orbs. Breathing became unsteady as the space between them gradually grew smaller and smaller. In prolonged seconds, their faces were inches apart. Her eyes came to see how spotless and clear his skin was, as if his skin was marble. No blemishes. No scars. Nothing. Staring into these pair of loving cerulean eyes she knew that she had found her home. A passionate smile swept across both faces of the Elves. Nose brushes against nose, warm breaths tickle their skin.

Leaning forward the Elves giving in to their longing, "Medlinya! There you are!" a sudden voice calls out. The two Elves jump back from the other startled. 

Gwiliweth comes striding out of the Golden Hall with a huge smile, not realizing what she had interrupted. "Gwil-Gwiliweth, why have you come to search for me?" Medlinya stuttered.

The red headed grinned, "Well, I have not spoken to you for a while and seeing you not at the celebration worried me." Gwiliweth sauntered over to the embarrassed Medlinya as she spots a calm Legolas close by, "Oh hi Legolas!" she greeted innocently. 

Legolas bowed his head at the red head, "Lady Gwiliweth." His eyes catch Medlinya's as he bows his head slowly to her, "Lady Medlinya." Their eyes linger at each other before the Elf returns back into the Golden Hall. The she-elf sighed heavily. She wanted to kiss him so badly. After saying such things to her with pure honesty residing in his eyes, her heart controlled the rest.

Gwiliweth smiled at the she-elf. "You were about to kiss, weren't you?" 

Medlinya's eyes snapped over to a smug looking Gwiliweth, "Yes in fact we were."

"Oh damn, that would have been a sight. If only I had entered much later." Gwiliweth sarcastically commented. Medlinya playfully glared at her friend. Gwiliweth had known what she had interrupted and was amused by it. "I saved you a more perfect moment to finally kiss that Elf. Yes I heard what he said, what a heart throb. It nearly killed me to step out here."

Medlinya rolled her eyes and glanced back over Edoras below. Gwiliweth stood at the sh-elf's side, crossing her arms at her chest. The she-elf thought over their journey without her spunky redhead and became curious, "Gwiliweth what happened after you surrendered yourself to the Uruk-hai?"

Gwiliweth's grin grew, "Well, let's start from the beginning shall we?"

(End of Chapter Ten)

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: ahhh! Legolas and Medlinya were so close!! Gwiliweth you big fat noodle!!! D: