Chapter One:
To Begin Again
 
 
 

Summery: Ever wonder what happened to Radagast the Brown after Gandalf left?
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation of any kind with J.R.R. Tolkien or his family. I do not own any characters from The Lord of the Rings. However, Gelmir is mine, I made him. Enjoy!
 
 
 
 

  'Stay a moment!' said Gandalf. 'We shall need your help, and the help of all things that will give it. Send out messages to all the beasts and birds that are your friends. Tell them to bring news of anything that bears on this matter to Saruman and Gandalf. Let messages be sent to Orthanc.'
  'I will do that,' answered Radagast and rode off.  He rode faster then he had ever ridden in his life, like the very fires of Mordor were chasing him. Into the forest of Mirkwood he rode until his horse could not go any further past the fallen limbs and large trees. Gandalf had given him strict orders and he meant to follow them. For a moment he stopped and took off his tall brown hat. Radagast sat on a log in silence for what seemed like an hour or more.
  'Calm down, Ares, I know what I am doing,' said Radagast to his light brown horse. Just after that had been said a small blue and silver bird landed on the log beside Radagast. Softly, the Wizard scooped up the bird and petted its smooth feathers. He leaned in and whispered: 'Send word to all the good creatures of Mirkwood and beyond to bring news to Gandalf the Grey and Saruman the White at Orthanc.'
  The bird flitted its wings and took flight right out of the hands of Radagast the Brown. It slowly and gracefully headed to the blue sky above the tops of the trees. Radagast sat watching it fly until it was just a spec in the distance. Ares nudged at him softly, Radagast running a hand absently along the mane. He fed to the horse a carrot that he had picked up while in the land near the Shire where he had found Gandalf. Radagast hoped there was not any trouble brewing in Isengard. Gandalf had seemed very preoccupied, which was unusual for Radagast to see of the wizard.
  Unlike Saruman and Gandalf, Radagast was in appearance younger -though old he was still- and was not very crippled in shape. Instead his full height was seen and not bent over a staff like his dear friend Gandalf. The cold of the woods did not reach him through his three layers of clothing. The first was a robe of dark brown that nearly bordered upon black, and was so in the night. About his waist was tied a single length of silver rope which kept his robe for the most part closed. Underneath the robe sometimes could be seen the second layer which was a lighter brown robe that buttoned from the middle up to the neck. The final layer was a simple grey long-sleeved shirt that went to the waist and a pair of pants that were of the same light brown color as the second buttoned robe. His heavy brown boots were oftenly covered by his long robes except when he walked and they would kick out from hiding under the sway of the robes.
  Radagast stood from the log and took Ares by the reins. They had not even walked half a mile when a shadow came over him from above the tall trees of Mirkwood. Radagast looked up to see a large bird swooping over him. The keen brown eyes of Radagast at once knew it to be Gwaihir, the Windlord. The Eagle swooped once more and landed just outside of the forest. Radagast stood for a moment unmoving. Ares neighed in encouragement, almost knowing Radagast should go to the eagle.
  'Alright, I'm going,' said Radagast. He petted his horse softly on the mane. Beginning to walk again past limbs laying dead on the ground and stumps of fallen trees Radagast made his way to the border of Mirkwood. Standing just beyond the trees was the great Eagle waiting for the hue master.
  'I have heard that you have spoken to Gandalf. Tell me, what did he say to you? I have not spoken to him for so long a time,' said Gwaihir. Within the shade of the trees Radagast still stood, not wanting to have the bright sun blinding his sensitive eyes as he looked up to the great Eagle.
  'He has asked of me to have all my friends who are able to find any news of strange happenings and send them to Isengard. To tell the news directly to either Gandalf or Saruman,' answered Radagast. Gwaihir seemed almost startled by this request for he had seen many occurrences that seemed out of place. In fact, he had been flying near Mirkwood in hopes of finding either Gandalf or Radagast to tell such news to, and be given news that would make what was happening more clear.
  'Then it is indeed luck that I have found you. There have been many strange things that I have seen about as of late,' replied Gwaihir. The large eagle looked around in search of any who should not hear what he had to say.
  'What then have you seen, Gwaihir?' asked Radagast.
  'Wolves. They are hunting vehemently for something. Also, I have heard from the elves of these woods that a creature untrustworthy and foul has escaped from them,' said Gwaihir. Here he leaned down closer to Radagast, into the shade of the trees. 'I have seen the Nine Nazgul. They have left Mordor in search of something. What it is they look for, I dare not comprehend. I do have a notion of what it is.'
  'And what perhaps would that be?' asked Radagast taking a step closer to the eagle.
  'The One Ring. That is the only reason I could clearly see for the Nine to leave after long ages,' whispered Gwaihir. Radagast stood in shock for a moment. Many times had he heard the story of the Ring and its creation. For a moment he wondered if Gandalf had found the Ring or knew who possessed it. The wide brown eyes of Radagast looked toward the way of Isengard, though he could not see it over so great a distance.
  'Then you must hurry. Fly to Isengard as though flames chase you. Go to Gandalf and tell him of what you have told me, of the Nine in particular. Do not be hasty in details with him, for if it concerns him he will need to hear all that you have to say. Now stay with me now longer. Fly! Fly fast to Orthanc!' said Radagast forcefully.
  Gwaihir took off as Radagast still spoke his final sentence. He was out of sight within moments, flying directly to Isengard. For a moment Radagast looked after him, not knowing what else to do. With no words he wondered to himself if he should follow after Gandalf, but instead decided that it may be more helpful to send word to other creatures. More over, to collect information for his own personal comfort. With the wind picking up slightly and ruffling his robes, Radagast turned back into the forest of Mirkwood. Every creature that he knew to be trustworthy he asked of what they knew in the way of strange occurrences.
  Most of the creatures asked knew nothing of an escaped creature or the Nazgul, but the birds he spoke with had seen wolves nearby the woods. Radagast most wanted to speak with the Mirkwood elves of the creature that had gotten out of their keeping. It was a surprise to hear of the elves allowing an escape. Elves were, for the most part, well in the way of keeping an eye on creatures. Having both great eyesight and keen hearing, elves were natural at knowing the movements of every being within their immediate perimeter. To hear that something could find a way out of the watchful elves was something unheard of.
  As many wonderings of the elves came and went into the thoughts of Radagast there was a sudden movement from beside a stream that ran near the border of the forest. Radagast's attention came alive by the motion. Sitting beside the stream drinking from it was a squatting figure. When it stood Radagast could see that it was tall and slender. The figure had long blond hair that ended between the shoulder blades of the being. It was an Elf that Radagast saw beside the stream. A male elf it seemed to be, clad in varying shades of green.
  'Have you found what you were searching for, Wizard?' the Elf asked turning to face Radagast. It was indeed male, long bangs pulled back away from his face and braided; the braid laying over his the rest of his free flowing hair. His face was oval and fair like many elves, his eyes were a shining blue that reflected the light of the sun that crept past the boughs.
  'I search for knowledge,' said Radagast.
  'Many do. Is there certain knowledge that you wish to look for that others may not?' asked the Elf.
  'Let me first ask your name, if you mind not.'
  'If you do not mind my asking yours in return.'
  'I do not. In fact, I will give you mine first if it calms you. I am known as Radagast the Brown, knower of lore and herbs, friend to many of the birds and other beasts that dwell here and elsewhere on Middle Earth,' said Radagast ceremoniously. 'And you?'
  'I am Gelmir Singollo, star light in the Common Tongue. Here in Mirkwood I have dwelt for a thousand years, but it was in Imladris where originally I came. 'Twas where I was born and grew for some time until roads led to other more strange destinations. Now that I have answered your first question will you not continue to the next?' said the Elf.
  'I shall, Gelmir. I have heard of many strange beings about. Wolves near these very woods, the Nazgul heading out from Mordor, and a creature that had been a prisoner of the elves of this forest that some way escaped from their watchfulness. Do you know of any more of these things?' said Radagast. Gelmir looked at the Wizard in surprise.
  'You seem to be already very much informed. Though much more there may be for me to tell you. That is, if you will trust me enough to sit and have a listen. As you see, I am unarmed and am not hostile,' said Gelmir. He turned about so that the Wizard could clearly see he had no weapon, though Radagast had already seen he did not upon his first sight of the Elf.
  'It would be indeed helpful to learn more since you are willing to tell. Is it fair to say then that you trust me? For if you do then our trust is mutual, for I see no cause not to trust what you have to say,' said Radagast.
  'Mutual indeed! For many times have I seen you walk in these woods, Radagast the Brown. You did not see me, I would guess. Many times have I watched you speak to the creatures of these woods and to your horse, Ares. Afraid I always was to disturb you, for it took me long to see that you had a kind heart. If you had come more oft I would have figured it sooner and we would long ago have found knowledge in each others company,' replied Gelmir.
  'Then let us now mend that injustice. Though it sounds that I know much, in fact I know very little. I know not even the name of the creature that was watched by the Mirkwood elves. Did you see it or do you know any of it?" asked Radagast. Gelmir walked to a tree stump and gestured for Radagast to sit, to which the old wizard obliged. On the ground beside the stump Gelmir sat and stared up at Radagast from the leave covered ground.
  'I was not a look out for the creature, though I was there when it was brought to us by the Rangers. They said that its name was Gollum, an uncouth creature of ill fame. He escaped during an attack by the orcs of the mountains. That was last night and the only new news that I heard ere I set out this very morning was that the creature was headed to the Black Land to the south. None dare to follow him even for the sake of their agreement with the Rangers to watch the creature,' answered Gelmir.
  Radagast turned away from looking down at the elf and chose to stare at the trees in the distance. Gelmir did not want to disturb the quiet contemplation of the Wizard but was far too curious to have insights from him. Standing up and dusting himself off, Gelmir placed himself squarely before Radagast.
  'Radagast?' said Gelmir. The Wizard trailed his eyes up to see a look of wonder on the face of his new companion. 'What do you think?'
  'I think that there may be more going on here then meets the eye. Perhaps Gwaihir was correct in his thinking. For the sake of Middle Earth, I hope that he is not,' answered Radagast, bringing his gaze past Gelmir to the grey woods. This only gave to the Elf a more frantic want of knowing just what was going on. He knelt before the Wizard to be at eye level with him.
  'What did Gwaihir say, Wizard?' asked Gelmir, curiosity mixed in his deep voice. Radagast looked into the deep blue eyes of the Elf and smiled at the youth.
  'Oh, to be young and full of questions again,' Radagast said in a remising tone before answering Gelmir, 'He told me that he suspected a very important jewelry had been found that long has been hidden.'
  'What jewel?' whispered Gelmir, eyes sparkling with wonder. Radagast again smiled, but did not answer. Instead he stood and walked to the nearby stream, leaving the Elf behind. Before he had even could get close the the water, Radagast was bombarded by a berate of questions that rapidly left the mouth of Gelmir.
  'Calm down, Gelmir. One question at a time, but some should not yet be answered,' said Radagast, putting out a hand in a vain attempt to stop the frantic questioning.
  'Why can't you tell me everything? I thought that we were starting to be friends,' said Gelmir, face bright with hope. For the life of him, Radagast had never encountered such youthful exuberance. For an old wizard it was a breath of fresh air.
  'We are becoming friends, Gelmir, but some things should not be told quite yet. At least not until I have found out more. I do not wish to start a fuss over nothing. Do not take it personally, Elf, for it is not meant to be,' replied Radagast, placing a hand on Gelmir's shoulder in a desperate attempt to try to calm him.
  'Then let us go where there is more knowledge. Let us talk to Thranduil, the Lord and King of Mirkwood. Perhaps he should know more then we together know. That is, if you do not mind me tagging along beside you,' suggested Gelmir.
  'No, I do not mind at all. For it will be a comfort to have someone to speak with then Ares, especially someone who will answer back,' replied Radagast. So set forth the two companions into the heart of Mirkwood to find Thranduil, King of the Elves of Northern Mirkwood, who perhaps held more answers to the questions Radagast dare not ask out loud just yet.
  It was along a path that was cleared among the leaves that the first clue emerged for the pair. It was a single dead fish, though the stream the two had met at was long behind and Gelmir could hear no source of water nearby. The fish was only half eaten as if left behind by something that was in a sudden hurry. Neither of the two travelers were willing to actually pick up or touch the fish, Gelmir choosing to lean as close as possible to it without actually touching it.
  This does not seem like any creature I have seen, but you are much more learned in creatures beyond these woods then I. Perhaps it was a wolf,' said Gelmir, standing back up. Radagast did not lean down to the raw fish to get a closer look at its spilling insides.
  'It is not a creature of these woods, nor a wolf. I have seen no teeth marks like these. Perhaps it is from our mysterious Gollum, whom was frightened by a sudden noise and ran away before finishing,' replied Radagast. There was a noise from the tree tops then that the Wizard paid no mind to, instead focusing on the dead fish. However, Gelmir was on a higher alert. His keen eyes looked up into the boughs, but saw nothing but the leaves swaying in the trees.
  'You said it could not be wolves. What about orcs?' asked Gelmir, looking back down to Radagast. When Radagast looked back to his traveling companion he saw that the Elf had a sudden alertness in his eyes. It came to them at that moment that they were both unarmed save for the brown staff of Radagast, but there was little power the Wizard had.
  The pair stood back to back and moved in a circle to look at their surroundings. There seemed to be no movement, but the trees corrupted their line of sight. It seemed that there was a sudden unnatural feeling that settled around them like a black mist. Hastily, the two looked around for some sort of weapon, any that could be used in their defense. A noise again came to the left side of the path. A shadow was hidden in gloom standing beside a tree. Radagast wholeheartedly doubted this figure would be as pleasant as when he first saw the figure of Gelmir.
  A silhouette of a long sword was brought out from the sheath of the dark creature. It stepped into the light to show its blood bathed face in the retreating sunlight. A horrible growl escaped from the orc as it stepped forward to the unarmed men. They appeared to the orc as an easy target; an unarmed elf and an old man. There was also a fine horse to be ridden to Moria or the Lonely Mountain and later feasted upon when all other food grew scarce. It was when the orc saw the staff that realization that this old man was an Istari. Even the uneducated orcs knew of the wizards that dwelled in Middle Earth.
  'Stay back, foul creature. Make me not turn you into a twisted crow to fly for eternity unable to find peace,' threatened Radagast, holding up his staff when he noticed the back track of the orc upon seeing the staff. There was the little matter that Radagast had not used his magic for good or evil since he had come to the west, but he would not mention that to his enemy, ofcourse.
  The orc did not heed this advice and came charging forward, though at Gelmir and not Radagast. The two separated as the orc charged to them, sword just missing Gelmir. Radagast sent a hard hit with his staff onto the back of the orc before it could recover to go after Gelmir again. Though it seemed that the Elf was less then helpless. With the greatest of ease, Gelmir kicked the sword out of the hands of the orc and caught it as it flew back down to the ground, blade down. Gelmir caught the sword right at its hilt, barely missing the blade. Quick as lightning, the blade was thrust into the hard flesh of the orc. The creature released a scream that roused the birds from the trees, sending them flying off. Gelmir withdrew the sword and let the orc fall lifelessly to his feet, a pool of blood spreading to Gelmir's feet.
  'Perhaps we should no longer travel on this path. There may be more down the way,' said Radagast. With that said, he looked about for any more foes that may have been traveling with their dead attacker. Gelmir heaved the orc to his back and carefully took the sheath from a black belt. As Radagast began to walk off into the trees, Gelmir placed the sheath on his dark green belt, but did not put away his sword. The darkness crept closer to them and Gelmir hurried to catch up with the Wizard. Night began to swell on the lands as in the distance a wolf howled a lonely song.
 
 
 

To Be Continued...
 
 
 

A/N: Thanks for reading. R&R, if you don't mind to tell me what you think. BTW, I only got the rough translation for Gelmir's name. If it's wrong I most humbly apologize. Thanks again for reading!