Hi guys! enjoy the following chapter and again, please review. i hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, christmas, whatever you celebrate, break, etc. and had a happy new year, so please read on.
So like i honest to gorsh have an excuse for being late. A few people i deeply care about passed away this holiday, and i've just been you know dealing with that, but writing really makes me happy, so i want to get back to that. I would hate to turn to anything else to vent, like bad things or whatever. anyways, if anything sounds super depressing let me know or something cause i'm not sure i can't tell right now, i just wanted to put this chapter out there.
Chapter 9: Way Late
Less than a week later, Elrond announced to the company that they would travel when his scouts returned with news of the road ahead of them. It was easier for Lana to act surprised since she had known for a while most events that have happened off by heart, or damn near close to the truth. He had announced it would take them quite some time to return so it would be wise to relax and not make too much haste before they would be off.
Seeing this as a chance to cue real training, Lana did not see this as a chance to relax.
Lana had prepared for the first day of training a stone tablet with a mischievously procured piece of parchment from the elves and ink well and quill. They had asked for a secure place to train outside the eyes of the others and had managed a small clearing, surprisingly nice and flat for this mountainous area. It was large enough space, roughly the size of a decent school gymnasium by the girls' reckoning, but tree-version.
"Warm up jog first." Lana said, checking a box she had drawn from the top of a whole list.
Riley started, but then turned while she was running to look at her friend. "Are you coming?"
"No, I'm your trainer today."
"But, then how are you supposed to get fit?" She asked, already half way around the pitch-like area.
"I'll go tomorrow." Lana said, waving her off.
"Who let you decide who went first?" She asked indignantly.
"Your poor attitude did. Now come on don't waste your breath, you're gonna need it later for the hell I'm going to put you through."
"Sassy," Riley muttered and continued her jog.
"Two more push ups then we're onto your last set of sit ups which is coincidentally your last set of the day." Lana said brightly, and two more push ups, she checked off the second last box.
Riley was sweating profusely from almost everywhere. She was glad they were alone, because she had to take off the tunic she was wearing even though it was cool weather. She flipped onto her back and struggled through her last few exercises.
Finally, she fell back and shut her eyes. "Slave driver." She muttered.
"Hey, at least you'll be jacked and hot."
"Arwen's not jacked." She muttered again.
"She's an elf; they're perfect. Try beating her in a footrace, she'd slam you, and she'd be wearing a dress."
"Ya, but—" She just calmed herself and took a deep breath. "Thanks. I could be a shlub for the journey but thanks to you I guess I wont have to… Are you doing the same workout?"
"Of course."
"Well then we'll see how perky you are when it's you on the end of never ending 'keep it up, drive those knees high, and don't slack' comments."
"You said they were encouraging." Lana defended.
"Yeah, if you're a gym rat. Some of those things hurt my feelings."
"Enough, you need a cool down jog." She said.
Riley was too lethargic and sore to swipe at her, so she had to comply or face worse cramping later.
Later, they returned to their lodgings, and surprisingly ran into the four little hobbits.
"Oh, hello Lana." Merry said, bowing politely. "And you too, Riley. Can I ask what the devil you two have been up to today? We went looking for some tea time companions."
Riley was startled they included her, since she'd for the most part stood back, but was warmed a little by it.
"Goodness, Riley, what happened to you?" Pippin asked, finally taking in her appearance. Her hair was dishevelled beyond control, the only that would be able to right it was a good washing, and she was still sweating because she had to put on all the covering clothing again.
"Lana happened."
"We're taking some precautionary measures, a bit of training." Lana said, and with that Sam gave Riley a terrified look. "But don't worry, its all pretty mild. She's just lazy, is all."
Riley was too tired to argue, and just nodded along.
Lana dropped her off at her room, to make sure she didn't collapse mostly and followed her into her room.
"So has anyone caught your eye yet?" Lana gushed.
"I don't think now's the best time. I'm a mess and I don't think anyone would want to date someone who would rather sleep than move." Riley said, falling face-first onto her bed.
"C'mon, I'm sure we can get old Leggy to warm up to you." She said, patting her friend.
"Leggy?" Riley asked all muffled.
"Legolas. It's a funny fandom nick—" Lana looked at Riley who had lifted her head to give a incredulous look, "nevermind."
"Sometimes I think the less I know the better." A knock rang at the door. "What now? Don't people know I need my beauty sleep?" She said sarcastically.
"All the sleep you can get apparently. Here, let me get it, lazy ass." Lana said, laughing her way to the door. "Hello?" She asked as she opened it.
"Good morning, miss Lana. I have a message for Riley, she is to meet with Lord Elrond before the hour is through."
"How much time does that give me?" Riley shouted, though only Lana could recognize what was being said muffled.
"Like just fifteen minutes to look beautiful." Lana remarked.
"Who's at the door?" Riley called.
Well if you got off your ass…Lana thought. "It's Gilraen."
"Oh, hey!" She said, glad for a familiar face.
Gilraen bowed her head courteously; she was still assigned to take some care after the young human, though more liberties had been given to them, so she only had to check up on her, like making sure she had clothing and cleanliness at her disposal.
And she had been wondering why the girl insisted on such an aggressive greeting like 'Hey.' It always set Gilraen on edge when she said such odd things.
"Shall I draw a bath for you when you return?" She asked warmly.
"That is no question," Lana said for her friend.
"Yes, please." Riley emphasized. And again wished she could move to swipe at Lana.
Riley nervously walked out onto the balcony where Lord Elrond stood, facing outwards.
"You rang—called." She quickly corrected.
"Yes, how has your stay been these past few days?"
"G-Good." She looked at him nervously. Had he come to his senses like his son, to think that this was all too crazy for their world?
"I am glad you have chosen to become more of use for the journey," He said. But he chose not to mention again how he had said before that muscle and training would be of little use in some areas of the venture, and this point was emphasized especially since hobbits were going.
Riley nodded but was waiting for the real question.
"I notice," The elf Lord started, "that you did not fully answer my first question. I was told my son gave you an unwanted visit. He has been punished in my way, however if there is something you so choose to direct him to do within reason, it can be done."
She was taken aback, expecting something more. Riley cleared her throat. "Well a simple apology for starters. And…" She leaned up into his ear to continue, even though they were alone.
She did not think the man could smile, but the small of the corner of his mouth tugged up. He soon dismissed her to go back to her doings.
"That's all?" She wanted to confirm.
"Yes." He had already turned away, making her wish she saw his expression once more.
Riley exited the room and giggled, for once the whole time she was here. By some high and mighty haute elf law she thought Elrond would have never agreed to it, and it had just been spur of the moment. She had even been scared for a moment that it could be too mean, or she could likely get a fist in the face by Elrohir, but she shovelled that aside and trusted nothing bad could really happen to her, she was supposed to go with the ring.
She returned to her room and almost fell to the bed but Riley turned to the doorway she had just came through just in time to see Gilraen and her crossed arms. The elf cleared her throat sternly and beckoned her out of the room. "Right," the girl muttered.
She was taken down the hall to a large bathroom, with one large tub that sort of reminded her of a Jacuzzi but no cool jets.
"Would you like me to help you?" Gilraen asked, though Riley thought the elf might not want to.
"No it's ok, just, um, tell me where everything is."
After a brief explanation, Gilraen left respectfully and Riley practically collapsed, after having to appear well and able for the past twenty minutes. Her muscles were shaking and wobbly like jelly, but she managed to pry her sweaty clothing off and lower herself into the tub.
She noticed the water or bubbles were perfumed as she eased in. Even though the gesture was nice, she crunched her nose, wishing for a fresh smelling shampoo and body wash. Her chest panged, as it was another reminder she wasn't home, and wouldn't be for a long time. She relaxed nonetheless and let the heat of the water do its work.
Twenty minutes later, she felt that the water hadn't even cooled and also noticed the large brass tap on the other side of the tub. She hadn't noticed, or even bothered to care before but maybe they had some plumbing. The tub wasn't standalone, so she suspected maybe there was a fire underneath to heat the tub.
Over a few days ago, she had been given her first bath, and one that was semi-public, where there were a few other elves cleaning, but just the maids as she had stayed in their quarters for a while. It didn't have the grandiose of this room, whereon she was alone, and it was private.
The door opened and Riley looked up, scared and a little annoyed, she looked over her shoulder and it was only Gilraen who had walked through.
"Would you like help?"
"No, I'm fine, I'm going to stay in a little longer. Thanks." She said, consciously pulling bubbles toward herself, just in case. The elf left respectfully, and Riley relaxed a little longer, happy to revel in a little bit of luxury before she knew that the journey would arrive. I'll be lucky if I get a bath until that scene after Lothlorien.
Feeling that her fingers had effectively pruned, she drained the tub and wrapped herself in the cloth. It was sort of like a towel. She contemplated the scented oils on the small shelf, and gave in to that small voice telling her to woman up once in a while. It vaguely sounded like Lana.
Once fully dried, except for her hair, she wondered about getting back to her room. Her smelly clothes were still on the floor, but she couldn't just put them on. Casually, she wandered to the door, just to check to see if the coast was clear. She yelped and slammed the door.
Outside stood Elrohir, tall and facing outwards, waiting for the despicable girl to finish inside. He'd suddenly heard the door open, but shut just as quickly. He shook his head and waited a little longer.
She finally exited, but with indignation and smelly clothes on.
"I thought she said you'd be clean."
"I—" Riley took a deep breath, and began walking to her room. "You weren't supposed to be here now."
"Scared you, did I?" He asked.
Riley refused to turn around to answer him, and resolved to remain quiet for now. Though she reminded herself that should be cheery after all; he was there and would be there as long as she and Elrond saw fit.
Three gruelling weeks later, and she was back to thoughts she'd had at first. She'd originally attributed the lack of it to stress from being there, maybe she wasn't eating the same as she was before, or that she'd lost a bit of weight, but she wasn't sure now. She had counted the days, ten, where something should have happened.
She finished a workout circuit with relatively more ease, and without the need for Lara to constantly be at her side shouting. This whole expanse of time they hadn't let up on training physically and with weapons, much to the chagrin of Riley, though admittedly they had gotten exponentially better at the exercises.
She walked over to the stone bench that held a water jug and two cups.
Even though they had not been together before the crossing over in this world, she knew her friend was always two weeks sooner than her, it had just always happened like that.
"Have you had your period yet?" Riley asked casually.
"Thank god no." Lana said, finally looking up from her tablet.
"What are you drawing?" She asked.
"My badass outfit for the journey. I'm thinking iconic, yet sexual."
Riley leaned over her shoulder and nodded along. "I'm thinking you'll freeze your ass off in the mountains if you don't design something that covers your midriff."
"Fine. But I want to see yours so I can compare." The blonde pouted.
"I don't have one yet—nevermind. I was serious about my first question. I'm a week late, and I'm pretty regular."
Lana began her protest, and brought up her opinion, which so happened to be the same conclusions that Riley had thought of earlier too.
"True, but isn't it weird we both skipped?" Riley said.
"Well, did you sleep with anyone?" Lana asked. Her friend's cheeks heated up. "Cheer up, girl, I say good luck to anyone who wants to try with you."
"That's not what I meant either." Her heated cheeks turned hotter, except with frustration. "This is wrong though, I just have a bad feeling about this."
"Okay, I see what you mean. Like I've been saying all along though: you need to calm down. Give it a month, it could be nerves. But for now I think its great. Who wants that in the way, right?"
Riley looked into Lana's sincere eyes, and for the moment, she let it go albeit reluctantly.
"What are you two plotting this time?" the Lord Elrohir asked. He had just walked into their clearing. He had left earlier out of boredom, and obviously returned to resume his duty.
"Your demise, as always," Riley retorted lowly, but loud enough so that she knew he could hear.
He sniffed, and replaced his haughty demeanour around him. "I was told that you two have a fitting with the maids for travelling clothes and armour."
Elrohir and Riley watched as Lana did a little dance and spin out of happiness. "Woo, you better get your outfits planned, Riwey, before I plan them for you!" Lana went off, running towards the houses of Elrond, even before she knew where she was supposed to go.
Riley towelled off, and grinned.
"Riwey?" Elrohir sneered.
"You are not allowed to use that name." She warned. He didn't answer, and that frightened her a little. He tended to do that—stay silent—and that made her think that he was the plotter, not her.
Before she knew it she stood in front of a tall mirror, looking at the impressive outfit the elves had adorned her in. It had not yet been a week and intricate silver stitching was across the chest of her thick tunic. She knew they were quick workers, those ladies, but she suspected they had started earlier on when they knew of her departure, for they seemed relieved when she picked the blue colour as the fabric. Gilraen had even commissioned another sports bra for her, but it was leather. Riley smiled in appreciation for that, and assured them it would be packed, but secretly hoped that the constricting concoction would never be used, lest her beloved spandex bra break.
She was given leggings, lighter and another pair that was thick and warm, both dark, though one was dark brown, the other almost a gray.
She and Lana were asked to follow Elrohir to the smiths, who had just finished the detailing of their armour. It couldn't really be called the full shebang suit of armour that Riley pictured, but it was thick padding, that could be tied to their shins, shoulders and upper arms. Brown leather was used to tie them down and several more protective pieces were strapped down and settled in on them.
"Wait until the boys see us," Lana giggled.
Riley nodded, but was concerned. She knew that by 'boys' Lana meant Boromir, and it did not settle her stomach. Over the weeks, Lana had not relented her contact and friendship with Boromir, and he certainly had not discouraged it. Whether that man sought something more she did not know, she at least hoped that he would have the common decency to die before anything serious could happen between them. Riley was not so stupid to let them be together alone, in fact she tried her best to keep Lana occupied by her, and her ramblings and questions about Middle Earth, but they always seemed to unconsciously find a way to meet up unexpectedly. Of course, Riley couldn't tell anyone her concerns. They'd think she was a whack job, paranoid, or jealous. She could just picture it: being teased that the captain was not paying her any mind.
That was not true though. He had, but only to inquire more about them, their home life, and Lana mostly. Riley amazed herself at her ability to deflect invasive questions, and in turn ask questions about Boromir, to which he turned to his own stories of glory and battles. She had also gotten quite good at pretending to be interested in them. She was already an excellent listener, but after all the attention she had to pay to training and skill building, she had little room or patience for much else. And she was unassuming in nature, usually willing to give an ear to all.
At last, Elrohir gave orders for a pair of servants to prepare a small pack for them to be readied for the departure, which would only be a short while longer. Elrohir left to give them a bit of privacy, even though they were not getting fully undressed.
"Christmas, you say?" Riley whispered to Lana, referring to the date of departure.
"Yes, yes," She waved, still adjusting the straps, especially tightening the one around her waist.
"Remember you have to move when you're fighting." Riley mused, going back to a normal tone.
"I will be able to, remember we still have a few more weeks of training. And don't think I'm letting you eat carbs." It was an empty threat; they both knew they wouldn't get in the way of each other's eating habits when everything the elves served was meant to be extremely healthy.
"Fine, don't come crying to me when you collapse from having a hard time breathing."
"Oh shut it, I want to be in a good mood for tonight."
"What's tonight?" Riley asked.
Lana's eyes bugged accusingly and she shushed her, and told her to wait until they were free from the final fittings.
"It's Merry's birthday, silly." Lana said, removing her last piece of armour, and with that they left the blacksmith's.
She sighed. "Who's throwing it?"
"Well, it's unofficial, since no one's really supposed to know, but Pippin is. Elves have too many birthdays anyways, what use would they have for a whole party?"
"Makes sense…" Riley allowed.
"Anyways, we're invited, but please be cool, don't tell the elves."
"What about Legolas?"
"He's cool, he's not from here. Plus I don't think he drinks until the second movie."
"I highly doubt the elves will find anything wrong with this. It's just a party, right?"
"Well they might; we're depleting the wine stores from the sounds of it."
"All of it?" Riley feared.
"Well what I've been trying to say is that they won't be pleased but my point is they don't need all their alcohol, they're as square as they come."
"If you do anything stupid, I'll let them kick you off the fellowship."
"Don't tell me that, I'm more worried about Merry and Pip." Lana defended.
"I don't think you have to worry about anything, I probably won't go." Riley said flippantly.
All of a sudden, Lana seemed worried, "Well why not?"
Riley raised her eyebrows; it took ya this long to let me know about the damned thing. "Having Elrohir as your manservant sometimes has its downfalls."
Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, said elf appeared, but to the girl's relief, unaware of the conversation. "Not a manservant, thank you very much, Riwey."
Actually, Riley was glad to have decided to not go, for this elf she could not picture holding a glass of anything other than water. To her, he made her feel like a dirty ape by comparison to his cleanliness and hauteur qualities. And that was unintentionally. Every other way she felt inferior anyways. In response she felt the need to strangle him pulsate through her once in a while.
"Right, Jeeves." Lana teased, and went off in a hurry to complete her scheming with Pippin.
"What's a jeeves?" He asked, surprising Riley with a genuine curiosity.
She snorted and waved him off, letting him trail behind her while she went back to her business of relaxing.
please review! short, long, sensical, non-sensical, vertical, etc...
