୨⎯ Chapter 21⎯୧
"Stable Tales"

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

AS I approached Aragorn and Gandalf in the quiet corridor, concern for Legolas weighed heavily on my mind. "Aragorn," I began, my voice laced with worry, "was Legolas assigned the second watch tonight?"

Aragorn's affirmative nod confirmed my fears. "Yes, he was. Is something amiss?" he inquired.

"I'm afraid so," I replied, my voice tinged with concern. "Legolas is unwell. He's consumed too much ale and I fear he may have overexerted himself."

Aragorn nodded, understanding evident in his expression. "I'll attend to him immediately," he assured me.

Relieved by Aragorn's swift response, I turned my attention to Gandalf, feeling a surge of gratitude towards the wise wizard. "Gandalf, I must thank you for your vigilant care of us all," I said earnestly.

Gandalf smiled kindly. "It is my duty to ensure the well-being of all who accompany me on this perilous journey."

Our conversation then shifted to Aine and Khellan, and I couldn't suppress the guilt of involving them in this conflict. "I worry for Aine and Khellan," I confessed, concern evident in my voice. "They've endured so much already."

Gandalf's understanding gaze offered reassurance. "They possess great strength. They will find their path, just as you will. Do not burden yourself with excessive worry, child."

Feeling somewhat comforted, I bid Gandalf goodnight and made my way back to our resting area. As I approached, I saw Aragorn kneeling beside Legolas, his expression a mixture of concern and amusement.

"How is he?" I asked softly.

Aragorn glanced up at me. "He's exhausted, but rest should restore him. In the future, perhaps it would be wise to keep him away from the ale."

Relieved, I sat down beside them, gently brushing a lock of hair from Legolas's forehead. Aragorn assured me he would wake Legolas for his watch and have someone accompany him to his post.

After Aragorn departed, I lay down next to Legolas, listening to his soft snores. In a hushed voice, I confessed my growing feelings for him, reflecting on how he had managed to overcome my initial reservations.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

A piercing scream jolted me from my slumber. The scene before me unfolded with a sense of urgency and dread as Pippin writhed in pain, struggling against the burning Palantír.

Aragorn and Legolas rushed into the room as chaos ensued. Aragorn approached the Palantír, but upon touching it, he crumpled to his knees, overwhelmed by its power. Khellan and I hurried to assist him as Gandalf swiftly covered the orb with a cloth.

Gandalf, a mixture of frustration and concern in his tone, tended to the terrified Pippin. "Look at me," he commanded, his voice both firm and comforting.

Pippin, his eyes wide with fear, begged for forgiveness. Gandalf pressed him for information about his vision, and Pippin recounted seeing a dead white tree in a courtyard of stone, a burning city, and hearing Sauron's voice.

As Pippin revealed the details of his harrowing encounter, I exchanged worried glances with Khellan, the weight of his words sinking in.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Later, we gathered in the Golden Hall before Theoden. Aine stood beside me, her hand gripping my sleeve, worry etched on her face.

Gandalf unveiled the grim truth of Sauron's intentions. "We've been strangely fortunate," he explained. "Pippin saw in the Palantír a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith."

As Gandalf elaborated on Sauron's fear of united resistance, Théoden voiced skepticism about aiding Gondor. Aragorn stepped forward determinedly, but Gandalf intervened, emphasizing the urgency of warning Minas Tirith.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

While awaiting further instructions, our group gathered outside the stables. Gimli regaled us with a humorous tale about a dwarf named Bungo Baggins and his disastrous attempt at brewing ale. His storytelling brought moments of levity amidst the growing tension.

Soon, we received orders to ride to Riddermark with haste. As we prepared to depart, Gimli grumbled about wishing for a legion of dwarves, while Legolas offered a sobering perspective on the encroaching war.

Théoden's voice carried the weight of destiny as he spoke of the impending battle at Minas Tirith. Éomer rallied the Riders of Rohan with a resounding call to action.

As we mounted our horses, I shared a reassuring smile with Aine, who looked visibly shaken by the prospect of another battle. With a deep breath, I readied myself behind Legolas as we prepared to ride out towards Dunharrow, our fates intertwined with the destiny of Middle-Earth.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃