Morning light trickled through the low hanging branches of the trees its soft hues of yellow and gold brought illumination to the small patch of grass beneath me. It was like I was seeing and feeling everything for the first time, I could almost taste the energy the blades of grass absorbed and feel heat warm my body. I could hear the pulse of life around me humming in a steady heartbeat but with this newfound awareness of life also came its partner: death. It was all around, just like life, from the turning leave to the predators catching their prey big or small. The shadows called to me more than ever, wishing me to bask in their endless darkness and feel their ever shifting struggle with the light. The light, in turn, beckoned me to stay and feel the rhythm that was life; it was a beautifully balanced cycle and I felt overcome with wonder.
I was awaiting my new pack to open their eyes. All had passed through the bonding and I was proud to have such resolute companions beside me, I could feel energy channeling through them, each as unique as the leaves on a tree. Just like those leaves they were now bound together, working towards the same goal, protecting one another, fueling our life force with hope and together we would continue to grow. Gandalf was the first to wake, however that was expected since he did not participate in the bonding, he fumbled around for a bit before he found his balance.
"I see your age is finally catching up to you," I teased him good naturedly. However we were both startled at the sound of my voice, it was so full of raw power that I saw his knees tremble slightly. Curse the stars, I'll have to watch my tone from now on, or else risk petrifying someone to death. "Sorry, Gandalf," I lowered my voice to barely a whisper, "I'm still adjusting to everything that has changed within me." I sheepishly looked at him.
"Tis quite all right old friend, we knew things were assured to change, besides I was just taken aback; won't happen again I dare say." He threw a crooked smile my way, and then turned to look at the rest of our group resting on the ground. "How did they fair?"
"All passed through," I nodded at him. "Each in their own way, they will still be drained when they awake, I brought them nourishment." I looked behind me towards the rather large pile of fruits, vegetables and meats; although the elves do not eat from an animal some of us cannot live without it. "I'm sure this smell will start to pull them from weariness."
I glanced back at Gandalf only to find him moving past me towards a nearby fruit. "What do you feel?" He asked once the fruit had been peeled and cut apart, "You are bonded to two royalties Firron, that blood can be a blessing and curse you know. No Firron in the history that I know have bonded with one, let alone two princes, you must be careful what power they bring you for the enemy will want to use that for his advantage." Looking at me he took a bite of the yellow fruit, "This is perfectly ripe I daresay," Juice dripping into his grey beard, "one of your newfound talents?"
I chuckled, "I can smell when they are at just the right time. Just like I can feel the death of the rodent trapped in the foxes talons just over the knoll, it's astounding Gandalf the things I now know." I had turned my body so my side was facing my pack and my head was resting on my front paws pointed at Gandalf. We continued to explore the new features of the bonding well into the morning before our second companion awoke.
Legolas, stirred slightly before standing to stretch in one fluid motion. His eyes darted around checking for danger before settling on Gandalf and me, then much faster than expected he strolled towards us.
"Seems you are not the only one who has changed," Gandalf gave a knowing smile at Legolas. "Your natural abilities have been strengthened as well." Legolas did not falter in his stride but his head cocked to the side slightly.
"It is strange," Legolas started, "I feel weak yet stronger than ever and my hearing has be enhanced somewhat."
"Indeed Legolas your movements seem faster as well more fluid too." Gandalf added. Legolas nodded at Gandalf and proceeded to sit by the pile of food, helping himself to what was there. His eyes briefly lock with mine and I feel from him a small notion of acknowledgment, his eyes widen feeling my brush of thought on his mind, my instincts kick in and I address his concern.
"It's the bond Legolas," I state in his mind. "We will feel each other's spirits, all of our packs, but do not fear; we cannot invade your thoughts for they are yours alone." At this he nodded his head asking, "Can I speak to you as well in that manner?"
"It's a strange feeling is it not?" Gandalf spoke before my answer; Legolas looked at Gandalf as he bit into one of the red beats currently abiding in his hand. "To speck with a Firron in the mind is a rare occurrence, but yes you can speak in her mind equally." I lightly growled at him for interrupting me; however what I thought light was like the roar of a prairie cat. This startled awake two more of our group.
"Ar... where's the trouble...I'm up!" Gimli sat up abruptly pulling an axe from its resting place besides him. Aragon also flew awake of the sound readying his sword to attack. He looked around finding the three of use sitting by the food and Gimli slowly dropping his axe as he stared at the food.
"Is that meat I see there besides the elf?" Gimli stepped forward towards the meat but the animosity towards Legolas flew out across the bond like lighting in the night. Stinging each of us in sharp rebuke, Gimli stumbled back losing his breath knocking into the now standing Aragon.
"What in orcs breath was that?" Aragon wheezed out after steading himself and the dwarf and placing a hand upon his chest. Legolas had flinched slightly at the pain and Gimli was staring wide eyed at me from his place next to Aragon.
"Lass," Gimli addressed me, "was that my doing?"
I nodded my head, "Yes, your feelings can be shared now, the emotions are harder to control for we have a mask on the outside but there is only sincerity through the bond."
"Be careful to guard yourself master dwarf; hate will only bring pain never healing." Gimli accepted my thought with a huff and quietly grabbed one of the smaller legs to eat off of.
"We should practice with weapons once everyone is awake," Aragon stated as he pick up his own share of food. "I feel strength in my limbs that I have not felt before; I would like to see how much we have changed because of the bond."
"We should also practice speaking with the mind," I spoke, then together in my packs minds, "It will be a handy tool should we ever need to be silent in voice."
"Indeed," replied Gandalf seeking the same thought path I used, "It will become easier once you find discover how it's done, at times you might not even realized you are doing so."
"How far away can we communicate from?" Frodo's question made us all turn to the circle where he, Sam, Merry and Boromir were assisting each other in standing. Gandalf chuckled as he stated, "seems you are a natural Frodo in mind-speak."
"Perhaps a league or two Frodo, to be straightforward I've never had a pack bond to trial before."
"Why do I hear your voices inside my head?" Boromir asked. "Is it from this bond?"
"Of course it is Boromir! Didn't ya listen last night?" Merry was quick to respond, "Oo let me have a go!" Presently Merry shut tight his eyes. After a short while he sneaked a peak at us, "Anything?" he asked shyly. Aragon laughed along with Boromir and Gandalf,
"Not yet Merry, but I'm sure we'll hear ya soon enough." Boromir tousled the brown locks on Merry's head. Merry looked down for a minute before tilting his head back and joining in with the laughter of the others, even Legolas and Gimli cracked a smile or two.
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Firron (LOTR Fanfiction)
Fanfiction"You feel it don't you; the shadow growing from the east." Gandalf solemnly looks at me. "The One Ring has been found Firron; It would be wise to seek the safety that comes from friends and allies for I fear Sauron has returned to the land and is pl...
