'I don't know where that dratted Nalmalu is,' he said, 'I suppose up with Dinius-though what they could be talking about it beyond me. All was said last night and-' Melodious chuckled, 'The Lord Dinius showed Nalmalu things have not changed since she was last here.'
'What did he do?' asked one of the guards. Flo listened harder.
'Let's just say that Nalmalu has bruises and a nasty wound on the hand to show for it,' replied Melodious-his lip curling.
Flo felt her stomach flip at those words, she suddenly felt sorry for Nalmalu. She couldn't imagine anybody hurting Nalmalu, not even Dinius. She had always thought that Nalmalu had always and would always stand up for herself, but it appeared she did not anymore.
The guards did not laugh, for they liked Nalmalu and did not want her killed, 'Is she alright then?' asked the other guard, 'Will she be in for the final test?'
'Oh yes of course! It'd take more than that to stop Nalmalu doing her work. She still has the Lord's favour.'
Flo lent back against the cage bars and closed her eyes. She didn't know what to think, she sighed and huddled in the corner. She still listened to Melodious talk.
'Nalmalu should be here any moment now, with word from Dinius,' he said. 'We had better get her cleaned up.'
Flo raised her head a little and saw one guard walk over to her. He unlocked the cage door and stooped down beside Flo. She didn't move and just stared at him. He cut the ropes from her ankles and wrists and then unlocked her shackles. Noticing she couldn't move, he picked her up and carried her and sat her on the table. She felt dizzy sat there unsupported. Looking up, she saw the two guards and Melodius coming towards her. She tried to lay down on the table, but she was lifted back into sitting position.
'Bring it some food before we start. It might recover a little strength.' said Melodius carelessly.
A guard gave Flo a chunk of bread and a cup of water. She held them in her hands, hardly aware they were there. Melodius took the bread from her and forced it into her mouth. Then he poured the water down her throat. It was cold and refreshing. She felt a little brighter after the water.
The other guard brought a bowl of water and a flannel over to her. He started washing all the dirt and blood from her skin. He did it surprisingly gently. He allowed her to lean on him while he washed her. For a fleeting second, she wondered if they were being this little bit kinder to her because they were releasing her. But no - Melodius sat her in a chair and the gaurds tied her on so she couldn't move. They also re-tied her wrists and ankles.
Flo sat back in the chair. Fear was ebbing up inside her and she was aware of Terwin's watchful eyes. She couldn't bring herself to turn to him. Meldoius lifted her head.
'You will soon know what is coming to you, litle one. It may be over before you know it - it may linger - I don't know. We just have to wait for your - er - friend - Nalmalu to arrive.' he sneered and pushed her head back down.
At that moment there was a knock on the door, Flo looked up. One of the guards opened the door and Nalmalu stepped inside. Flo looked at Nalmalu's hand and saw a gash across it and a bruise surrounding it. Flo gulped.
'The Lord Dinius wishes for both halfling's to be brought to the main hall immediately,' said Nalmalu, 'There he is to perform the test.'
Nalmalu turned to walk out, but Melodious put a hand on her shoulder and turned her around.
'Are you not to help us prepare the halfling's Nalmalu?' he said and he brought up her wounded hand, 'Or does this still hurt?' He twisted her hand and hit it across the wall. Flo saw Nalmalu's face contort with pain. But then, before Flo could blink, Nalmalu had Melodious pinned up again the wall. She hit him around the face, and the guards stood nervously to the side unsure what to do. She brought a knife from inside her cloak and tickled his throat with it.
'Do you want to die now?' she hissed, 'If so then you are going the right way about it. Do not taunt me for such a wound you would be proud to have.' She kicked him hard, 'You are not worth my time!' Nalmalu sheathed her knife and said, 'Take the chains off that other halfling and bind his hands and carry them both up to the hall,' and without a glance to Melodious, the guards or Flo, she left and the sound of her footsteps up the stairs could be hard for some time.
'Well she showed you, sir,' said one of the guards.
'Shut up and get to work!' Melodious snapped and left.
Flo was untied from the chair and grabbed roughly by one of the guards. Terwin was released from his cell and unchained and then had rope bound about his wrists. As she was slung over the guard's shoulder, Flo wondered why Terwin was being brought along, what use could he be? But her thought was swiftly diverted as her head hit the close wall and she began to ascend to the main hall level.
They came to a wide landing and the guard turned right into a large hall. In the centre burned an open fire, around which stood a group of people in a broad circle. In the middle of it stood three people: Dinius, Melodious and Nalmalu.
Terwin was placed in a gap in the circle and he stood with a guard on each side. Flo however was dumped next to Melodious, who looked at her and grinned slightly. Flo felt terrified. She looked at Dinius who winked at her. With a sudden burst, Flo turned to Nalmalu and grabbed hold of her robes.
'Please, Nalmalu. Please - don't let them do this. Come back to me! Please!' she shrieked.
Nalmalu looked at her. Flo couldn't tell what Nalmalu was thinking then, she could read nothing from her glance. Nalmalu looked away, twitched her robe out of Flo's grasp and whispered in Dinius' ear. He sneered slightly.
Dinius crouched down beside her and Flo looked up at him fearfully. 'You will pay for that later,' he hissed while the crowd stared and laughed at Flo.
Then Dinius stepped forward and began a lengthy speech, which sounded like babble to Flo's ears and was incomprehendible.
But then Flo realised it was about her, for she was lifted to her feet and pushed forward. She looked back and saw Melodious looking sharply at her and Nalmalu, Nalmalu staring off into the distance. Flo's face was forced round and she felt cruel fingers dig into her skin.
'Ready my dear?' Dinius sneered, 'I hope you were listeneing, then you know what you doom will be. But not yet, not yet, this is a mere test. Just to check you're as strong as you'll ever be.'
Flo swallowed but felt glad she didn't know what sort of torment he was about to put her through.
'Nalmalu give Melodious the Glint!' said Dinius, 'And hold the halfling still. Nalmalu handed the Glint to Melodious and came forward, bowed to DInius then set her hands upon Flo's shoulders. And though her grip was firm, Flo thought she felt Nalmalu's hands tremble slightly. Flo longed to take those hands and hold tight to Nalmalu, but she didn't know who Nalmalu was anymore.
Melodious came up so they stood in a triangle, Dinius, Melodious and Flo and Nalmalu. Melodious held the Glint forward in the palm of his hand, and then with a flash the Glint turned icy blue and flickered.
A pain emerged inside Flo. It was beneath her skin, in her eyes - all over her. It was growing stronger. As the blue light grew bright, the pain grew. Flo screamed and wiggled, but Nalmalu held her tightly. Nalmalu tried to prevent Flo from moving and looked at Terwin who was transfixed on Flo. Flo pulled Nalmalu to the ground and she screamed and writhed and kicked. 'Hold on, Flo.' whispered Nalmalu. 'Just hold on.' Nalmalu looked desperately at Terwin. He wasn't going to do it. He was staring straight at Flo. Nalmalu followed his gaze. She still wiggled and writhed in Nalmalu's arms and her face was twisted and torn. Her eyes closed and her mouth open in her scream.
Nalmalu looked at Dinius, trying her best to hold onto Flo. Dinius was grinning - the glint was turning red. Flo screamed louder and struggled harder till Nalmalu could hardly hold on. Her skin was growing warm under her fingers. Nalmalu looked at Terwin.
'Please,' she whispered. 'Before it's too late. Now!'
Terwin seemed to shake himself and tore his eyes from Flo. He turned to Dinius and ran to him and with all his strength ran at Dinius. Dinius staggered backwards, but lifted his arms. He hit Melodius's putstretched palm as he fell backwards into the fire. He screamed in pain as the fires consumed him. Then as if in slow motion, the Glint rose a little in the air, still glowing and fell into the fire.
A huge wind swept through the room. Everyone was blown over. Nalmalu leaned forwards over Flo. Then there was silence. Nalmalu sat up and looked at Flo. She was shaking, lying there - her head in Nalmalu's lap. It had worked. Terwin crawled over to them and stroked Flo's head. He looked at Nalmalu and they both smiled warmly at each other. Then Nalmalu felt a sword touch her back.
As soon as the Glint smashed upon the floor Flo returned to her normal self. She felt arms wrapped aroudn her and knew instantly it was Nalmalu and she held tight to those arms, not wanting to ever let go. She saw Terwin, who was crying, come towards her and stroke her hair-she felt like crying too.
Something in her mind told her it was over, but in her heart something was telling her not to trust it. But she smiled weakly and tried to sit up, finding a pain shoot through her as she moved. A shadow overcame them all and, looking up, Flo saw Melodius raise his sword. She flinched as he brought it down - but then realised he wasn't aiming at her. Nalmalu suddenly was gone and as Flo looked up, she saw the two siblings facing each other, eyes burning and their swords drawn. She feared the worst, but could not look away.
Terwin fastened his arms around her and held her tightly. She watched as they both fought as if in slow motion. The words they shouted at each other were blurred to Flo - although she sensed it was about her. It seemed to grow faster and fiercer. Then suddenly - it stopped. A silent murmer ran through the crowd and all eyes fell on Melodius and Nalmalu. Flo saw Melodius's eyes flash with triumph and he was grinning maddly. Nalmalu was knelt down, her hand clamped to her left shoulder.
Melodious loomed over her and Flo could now see the blood trailing over Nalmalu's hand and clothes. He raised his foot and kicked her in the face, she fell backwards and hit the floor with a thud. He lifted his sword for the final blow.
Flo held her breath, so did time itself. Flo could hear and feel each second as it passed as she watched Melodius swing his sword and bring it over his head. Nalmalu stared up at him - ready to recieve the blow. Flo wanted to hide her head in Terwin's arms but her body wasn't working. It was over - she would belong to Melodius now. But even as she watched, the final blow never happened.
Out of nowhere a man came running, there was shouting also behind him but Flo paid no heed to that, and he crashed in Melodious. It was Ghenbay. Flo felt joy such as she had never felt before. Melodious and Ghenbay fought and Ghenbay being the stronger of the two swiftly dealt a blow that went straight through Melodious' heart. Melodius looked surprised and alarmed more than anything - he stared at Ghenbay and swayed. He staggered and Ghenbay pulled out his sword - the blood shining on it and Melodius fell at his feet. Ghenbay kicked his body out of the way and quickly turned to Nalmalu, eyes still flashing with anger. For half a moment, Flo thought he would try to finsh Nalmalu off, but he knelt beside her and put his arms around her. The anger vanished and anguish covered his face. Nalmalu lat limp in his arms, not moving, but her eyes were open. They were saying something. Flo struggled against Terwin to try and get to them, she caught some of Nalmalu's words 'Leave me here! I want to die!'
Terwin let go of Flo and she scrambled over to Nalmalu as quickly as she could. Nalmalu looked at her and her eyes were full of regret. Terwin came just as Flo fell against him, but continued to stare at Nalmalu. Nalmalu's head swayed a little as Ghenbay tried to dress her wound-he whispered to her softly 'It's alright Nalmalu, everything's going to be alright-hang on, don't leave me here.'
Nalmalu's breath was coming in short, pained gasps. She tried to prevent Ghenbay from helping her but Ghenbay wouldn't let her. Nalmalu whispered something - then she said it louder. 'I deserve to die here - leave me - take the hobbits back safley.'
'No!' he said Ghenbay and his hands fumbled as he placed a dressing over the wound, 'I will not leave you here like this! Never!'
And he wept, and the sight of seeing a man bold and strong weep made Flo cry aswell-and she reached out a hand to Nalmalu and touched her arm.
Nalmalu turned and squeezed Flo's hand. 'I'm sorry,' she whispered. 'I had to - I'm sorry.' Flo, however much she hated seeing Nalmalu like this, she couldn't bring herself to answer this one. Nalmalu paled and closed her eyes but tried to force them open. Then her head fell back on Ghenbay's knee and she did not open her eyes again-but she was still breathing. ( Ghenbay pulled himself together and lifted Nalmalu up into his arms. He turned to Terwin and told him to follow him. Terwin lifted Flo in his arms and follwed him outside. Ghenbay placed Nalmalu on his horse. she swayed slightly, but he managed to balance her properly. Then he turned to Terwin - with Flo who was now sleeping in his arms - and quickly found a smaller horse. He sat Terwin on it and made sure they were both safe. And then they set off.
How long the journey back to Edoras lasted Flo never knew, nor how the remaining Rohirrim managed to disperse the rest of the Dalde. But she thought that it was a long journey, long and painful. She did not speak to Nalmalu. Indeed Nalmalu had taken such hurt that whenever they stopped to eat, she slept and drank only a little, and did not move when in the saddle with Ghenbay.
Flo's head filled with thoughts of the past when she slept and when she woke, her mind was a tangle of questions. She thought of how Nalmalu had beat her, how she had watched her suffer, how she had met that first morning in The Shire - she thought of everything since that day. Several questions ran through her head - but all attached with one single thought - 'why?'
Nalmalu didn't want to think. She slept mostly anyway, in Ghenbay's arms or when they stopped. But her dreams were feeled with ghastly images that made her cry and struggle against Ghenbay's arms. Some of which she had never known before, but others she knew all too well. Strangely enough hardly any of them were of Flo. The death of her parents replayed over and over in her mind. She saw her fathe r lying on the ground, his hand outstretched to her-his eyes still open, but he was dead. The Easterling's bustling behind him, cackling as they tried to hold her mother still.
What was going through Nalmalu's mind right now, Flo didn't know or care for that matter. She felt angry at Nalmalu, but then felt sympathy. An anger emerged and was directed at Terwin - he left her - perhaps if he had not left her - perhaps it would never have happened. Tears lined her eyes and she leaned back into Terwin for comfort.
Their arrival to Edoras was quiet and none stood to meet them as they rode to it's proud gates. Ghenbay thrust the doors open and lifted Nalmalu off his horse and carried her up to the Houses of Healing. Flo saw no more of her for four days.
Flo rested in a small room in the Houses of Healing. Soon her wounds healed, but her questions remained unanswered. Only one person could answer them - but the question she asked herself was - could she face that person?
For three days and four nights Nalmalu lay in the Houses of Healing, not moving, nor waking, but it seemed as in dead faint. Ghenbay sat beside her always, and only left when he was on duty. The King visited her once, but left soon with his eyes filled with grief. In the afternoon of the fourth day she awoke.
Flo was informed that she was awake and half of her wanted to see Nalmalu and see the friend she had once loved and looked up to - another part was angry and still afraid of her. But thwe questions still swam. They needed answering.
When Flo finally built up the courage to visit Nalmalu she found her still in bed, her arm in a sling, staring at the ceiling. She did not move as Flo set herself beside her. Flo looked down at her hands, still bearing scars and marks of the ropes and severe beatings and torment. She looked up at Nalmalu and almost jumped out of her skin to find Nalmalu's large brown eyes looking straight at her. They were full of a feeling Flo couldn't read - was it pitty, sympathy, happines? she didn't know. But she smiled her 'hello' and returned her attention to her hands, clasped on her knees.
Nalmalu turned her eyes away looked up, not saying a word. She knew what was coming, but she wasn't prepared to say anything first. The silence became tense and the atmosphere rather thick. Both Flo and Nalmalu felt what was circling in the air, but neither of them dared speak. In Nalmalu's case, she couldn't bring herself to say anything, in Flo's case, she didn't know where to start. She settled with 'hello' again.
'You've said that twice now,' Nalmalu replied with a small rather forced smile.
Flo smiled back and looked up, past Nalmalu's eyes. The silence fell again and then Flo said 'Nalmalu' at the same time Nalmalu said 'Flo.' they both looked at each other, waiting for the other one to finsh her sentence. Flo realised she'd have to go first. 'You'll forgive me I hope, but I have several questions I can't hold any longer.'
'I do not need to forgive you, you have done nothing that I need to forgive you of. Ask me the questions then, while I have strength to bear them.'
Flo looked down, her ears burning. She knew what she would say would hurt Nalmalu and she didn't want to do that - but somethjing inside was screaming at her to do it. 'Why?' she whispered.
Nalmalu closed her eyes as if sleep were about to overtake her. Then she said, 'You know why. I had too. There was nothing I could do.'
Flo stared at her. 'But - why so much? Only a little would suffice - but you..........' she trailed off and Nalmalu stared at her.
'If I had done less then I would have been found out, which I almost was for that foolish mistake i made with giving Terwin the knife.'
Flo continued to stare at Nalmalu and shook her head. 'I know - and I try and force myself to belive it - becuase I know deep down - but the things you did - the things you said.'
Nalmalu looked straight into Flo's eyes, and Flo saw that her eyes twitched slightly. Nalmalu swallowed, 'I-I-it is no use hiding the truth from you Flo, so here it is. It crossed my mind. The moment I stepped into those Halls everything came flooding back-everything. And-And when I saw Dinius standing there, so powerful and wonderful, my mind swayed slightly. I wanted to go back-I admit I did.'
Flo nodded, drying her eyes and looked down, unsure what to say. She trembled slightly and for ages sat there, shaking and tears falling uncontrollably down her face. She only looked up when Nalmalu touched her arm. She stared at her and Nalmalu smiled warmly. Flo waited for her to say something.
'But I did not. I could not. For you Flo, I did it for you.'
Flo looked at her and eventually smiled and nodded. 'Thank you.' she whispered. 'For everything.'
Nalmalu let go of her hand and looked away. 'I am sorry.' she said quietly, 'For everything.'
A sudden lighter atmosphere travelled around them and then they both smiled and laughed.
Flo hugged Nalmalu, who laughed but winced slightly, 'Ah! That wound!' she muttered, 'Well Flo, I think you should be going now, I for one wish to sleep and you shouled see the King about your leaving plans.'
A week later in the evening Nalmalu stood on the high steps outside Meduseld and watched the sun set, suddenly she felt a hands wrap around her.
'It is beautiful, is it not?' said the voice of Ghenbay.
'Yes it is...' Nalmalu replied.
'Where have you been all day?' asked Ghenbay, and he turned her around so they were face to face.
'I have been wandering the city.'
'Nalmalu, I beg that you stay longer than a few months in they city.'
'Why?' and Nalmalu hung her head, for suddenly she felt that she could not return to the wild because of them man standing in front of her.
'Marry me Nalmalu.' he said softly leaning forward so their forheads touched.
Nalmalu looked up suddenly, amazed and aghast.
'M-marry you?'
'Yes-marry me.'
'Ghenbay!'
And he held her close and she wept for the happieness that pierced her heart she had not felt before.
'Never again shall you leave my side Nalmalu!' he said as they pulled apart, 'Ever since I met you, fifteen years ago have I loved you. Though then I knew not the feeling that wracked my heart.'
Nalmalu and Flo stood just outside the gates of Edoras, Terwin sat ready on his pony nearby, and Nalmalu looked north for a while staring at the gleaming sunset. 'I guess this is goodbye then, Flo my dear,' she said softly.
Flo looked at her and nodded. 'I guess so.' she said quietly. 'Will I ever see you again?'
'Maybe, maybe. I do not know, it shall be a few years at least.' she patted her stomach, 'Who knows eh? Who knows?'
Flo looked up at Nalmalu, her eyes wide and watery. Before either of them could say or do anything, Flo had jumped into Nalmalu's arms and rested her head, lovingly on Nalmalu's shoulder. Tears ran down her face as Nalmalu held her. 'I will miss you,' she whispered, still holding on.
Nalmalu sobbed into Flo's shoulder not wanting to let go, but knowing she must. She lowered Flo to the ground, and crouched there placing her hands on Flo's shoulders, 'Do not think too much of me Flo,' she said stroking Flo's hair, 'I am not worth it.'
Flo smiled slightly. 'I will always think of you. You will always be with me - wherever I go. Thank you - for everything.' she whispered.
'And thankyou, dearest Flo, thankyou for everything. Maybe in a few years time I shall come to the Shire-and bring others with me.'
'I should like that. You would always be welcome.' Nalmalu stood up and helped Flo mount Chirrel and stood back with Ghenbay and nodded at Flo, indicating it was time for her and Terwin to leave.
'Goodbye and goodluck. Go west from here until you reach the Gap of Rohan, then go north to Rivendell. You know the way from there.'
'Yes - come, Flo.' said Terwin. 'We must make haste. Thank you, Nalamlu - and forgive me for not trusting you.'
'Nay, the mistrustfullness saved us all. May you go with mine and Ghenbay's blessings, and all others that come after us.'
Terwin bowed his thanks and set off. Flo hesitated, staring at Nalmalu who nodded one last time and Flo set off behind Terwin.
Nalmalu bowed her head and Ghenbay put his arm around her, 'Do not cry Nalmalu,' he said, 'You shall see her again.'
This fanfiction was written by Keely aka Shadow and Helen aka Baloo.
Please do not copy or duplicate any of this fanfiction. No copyright infringement is intended with this fanfiction.
