Terribly sorry about the long wait. School sincerely stinks sometimes. For example, we had a test and two quizzes in French within three days, and I have test in my other classes too.
Izzy: Oh, suck it up you big baby.
MN9: Well I suppose you're having an easy ride in Kindergarten.
Izzy: Hey, I am not in-
MN9: Then stop acting like it.
Izzy: (pouts and continues to eat the fortune cookies that Samantha-Girl Scout gave her)
Disclaimer: Altogether now: MYSTICNIGHT9 DOES NOT OWN LORD OF THE RINGS!
Chapter 36 Recap:
She was so concentrated on her work, she did not hear the ringing of an elvish horn entering the deep.
Chapter 37:
Aragorn had just made it up that stairs and on to the stone deck when he heard a sharp call of a horn.
To his pleasure, though, it was not an orc horn.
Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, Legolas appeared at his side.
"Is it possible? Would they come?" his friends asked, amazed.
"There is only one way to find out," Aragorn replied as he ran in the direction of the front gate.
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Abigail continued to hum to herself as she finished up sharpening her daggers.
"Well, at least you're doing something proactive. I was worried you were just trying to ignore me," a chuckling voice said behind her.
She immediately stopped what she was doing and set the blades down.
She almost didn't want to confirm what she thought, but at the same time she was excited.
She tilted her head to look at the newcomer, and she smiled crookedly.
"Haldir. Y-you came," Abigail said softly.
"Please, contain your joy," he replied sarcastically.
"No, I'm sorry. It is good to see you," she got up from he small stool and gave the captain a tight hug.
"It is wonderful to see you…father," she repeated somewhat hesitantly.
But he smiled at the term. "I hope you can call me that freely. I do rather like it," he assured her.
"Why did you come? I mean, Valar knows we could use the help, but it is…unexpected one could say." She led him over to a table where they could sit.
"Mainly I was just given the order by the lord and lady. But more importantly, it's a small attempt to rekindle the old alliances. You know, between elves and men," he explained simply.
"I understand that. It's just…you're not suppose to be here," she whispered, as if she was afraid to be overheard, despite the fact they were the only one's in the room.
He looked confused for a second, but the nodded his head.
"Oh I see. You're talking about your story or whatever you want to call it," he scratched his chin in thought. "You said it was expected for things to change with you being here. You can't control the outcomes all the time, or the means it takes to get there."
"Well that's all fine and dandy, but the truth is…I don't know exactly what is going to happen. I know it's bad, but it's been so long…" she trailed off.
Her mind was pacing back and forth from what she knew from the book and what she knew from the movie.
All this time she assumed because the book was the accurate version it would reflect what happened in Middle Earth now.
'He could be right,' she thought. 'Maybe because of my knowledge of the different story I did change the fate and somehow allow him to be here. But that would make it seem like I forced the elves to come to Helms Deep, which is not what I want," she shook her head. 'He's supposed to be safe at Lorien. They all are. I don't want to be responsible for the hundreds of death elves.'
Haldir noticed the puzzled and concerned look on her face as she was thinking. An idea suddenly occurred to him.
"Abigail is…is the thing you're worried about…does it have to do with me?" he asked slowly.
"I-I think so…it's just, ARGH!" she cried in frustration, racking her brain. "The one time it would be helpful to know something, and my mind is at a blank!"
"I don't want you to tell me anything specific, or even anything vague. It's not worth it," Haldir instructed.
She nodded dumbly.
"But you need not always compare lives. Rather accept the life you are living. Focus on the present, my dear. Even seers and prophets cannot rely on the past and the future."
He reached out his hand and lifted up her chin.
"I'm glad I am here to help you. I do not regret the choice, and you shouldn't regret it for me."
"Damn you elves and your perfect logic," she said lightly, still a bit sad.
"Where would you be without it?" he mocked in good humor.
She wondered when he had become so optimistic. Usually she was the happy one, but she supposed this war had changed her a lot already.
'I can't give up. Maybe I can still do something,' she thought to herself hopefully.
The pair stood up in unison.
"Perhaps we should look for at least sort of armor for you. Not the best idea to fight orcs in only your velvet," he commented, eyeing her attire.
"Yeah…I haven't really cleaned up since my last run-in with the uruks," she fiddled nervously.
"Your WHAT?" asked Haldir, quite louder now.
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As expected, they weren't able to find any chain mail that fit Abigail's size and stature. In the end, they settled on some thin metal armbands and a thick leather vest. It could help provide a little protection.
She changed clothes as well. She was now wearing a long, dark silver tunic similar to the Lorien elves. But on her it looked more like a short dress that stopped around the knees. Then she wore dark green leggings, boots and her brown belt, which was finally fitted with her trusty daggers. She decided not to carry around the sword after receiving her daggers, but she kept the bow and a sack of arrows on her back.
It was late at night, and the ominous rain clouds had covered most of the stars. It also appeared to be a new moon, making it even darker out.
"What an eerily fitting atmosphere," Abigail told Haldir when they made it outside.
He nodded in solemn agreement and then turned his gaze far to the right. In the distance they could see the Lorien soldiers lined up by the wall.
"I see Arphenon was able to organize them. Good," he said to himself.
Abigail's head perked up slightly.
"Arphenon? He's here?"
"Naturally. All able fighters of the guard or the army were ordered to come," he shrugged. "It's very heart-warming in a sense to see all those who still honor the old ways. Finwé and Authion are here too," he added at the end.
"Oh…Authion," she said softly, looking in the opposite directions of the soldiers.
"Hmm, I can assume neither of you really talked after that night did you?"
"No, we did not talk," she said calmly, grinding her teeth a little while thinking of the awkward memory.
Suddenly, a swift breeze rolled through the refuge, followed by cold silence.
"They are close," Haldir spoke quickly.
"Yes, I can feel it too," she said, taking a moment to tie back her hair into yet another braid.
"I must go stand in the front-"
"Yes, I know," she waved her hand, cutting him off. "I'll be nearby, but I'll be standing next to Legolas and Gimli."
"Very well," he nodded.
The look of sorrow and concentration returned to her face. Was this really it?
"It's always easier to give up hope then to keep it, but I encourage you to do the latter," Haldir said, choosing his words wisely. "No one is ready to imagine what could happen tonight, this includes you, but I am willing to believe that we will win and that I will be fine."
He gave her a half-smile.
"What's that charming thing you like to say? You can't get rid of me that easily?" he asked.
She mustered up a small smile of her own.
"I guess not," she replied.
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Abigail swayed back and forth nervously next to Legolas. All things consider, she had some fairly good reasons to be on the edge.
The looming dread and worry about the safety of Haldir was still residing in the pit of her stomach, the first major battle of her life was about to occur and currently she was standing next to the bridge that was suppose to EXPLODE at some point in time (despite certain memory problems, she remembered that detail quite clearly).
She continued to glance over the bridge in question which had the Lorien army, and Aragorn (which she could see easily for some odd reason), standing on top of it.
"I wonder how necessary it is for the bridge to be destroyed?" she pondered.
"If you're so worried, Abigail lass, why don't you just go there?" Gimli's voice gently broke through her thoughts.
"Huh?" she said lamely.
"Staring at him every five seconds isn't going to bring him over. It is fine if you move," Legolas nodded.
"Oh, you mean Haldir," she said, blushing slightly. At first she was worried they had caught her staring at Aragorn or something.
In the darkness, they had not seen her flushed face, and they continued.
"It is fitting for… for father and daughter to fight side by side, no?" Legolas encouraged her.
"Yes, but-I don't need to-are you sure you don't mind?" she stammered.
"No offense taken if that's what you're worried about," said Gimli. "Now go before I prod you with my axe," he said lightly.
She smiled, liking the idea of staying close to Haldir.
"Thank you, I'll see you at the finish line," she said, moving away.
"What finish line?" Legolas asked Gimli, confused by the phrase.
"I'm sure it's something good," Gimli shrugged. "Now how about you and I, sir elf, have a little wager?"
Legolas gave him a pointed look, but was grinning at the inside. Dwarves were really not so bad once you got to know them.
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"You have no objections with Abigail fighting?" Haldir asked Aragorn out of simple curiosity.
"I was cautious, since she only arrived today, but I know she is capable of fighting. I do not have the authority do stop her," Aragorn explained.
"Yes, but she had the utmost respect for you. Usually she trusts your decisions," the elf informed.
"Has she said this to you herself?" Aragorn asked, not being able to stop his own curiosity.
Haldir nodded.
Aragorn thought about this for a second.
"I'm glad she trusts me," he said quietly.
Haldir smirked from the corner of his mouth.
Indeed, the way Abigail praised Aragorn at their last visit, he had his suspicions of some hidden emotions or motives. But only now did he begin to wonder if it was mutual.
He turned his head, and was surprised to see Abigail coming towards them.
"Change of plans," was all she said before squeezing her self next to Haldir. The elf soldier next to her looked puzzled, but said nothing.
"Abigail," Haldir said, half warning and half questioning.
"This is where I want to be," she cut in quickly, poised like a true warrior.
There was no time for objections, because the torches from the uruk-hai army were coming forward from the hill.
She could hear the loud stomps and the deep breaths. There was even a distinct stench that suddenly filled the air.
She shivered unintentionally, then tried to convince her self it was only from the cold.
But her little conscience told her otherwise. It told her she was scared and unsure. The sight of 10,000 orc was quite overwhelming. She was momentarily frozen. She needed to try to keep an eye on Haldir, keep the bridge as safe as possible, and not get herself killed in the process.
A warm hand was placed on her shoulder for a moment.
"Stay strong," Aragorn whispered in her ear, before moving on so he could yell out instructions.
That one simple movement, and instantly she felt a bit calmer.
'How does he do that?'
Haldir, ever watchful, did notice the gesture.
'Yes there is something,' he thought. He looked down at his gleaming, adoptive daughter. 'I only pray they don't get hurt. Valar protect her.'
"The bracelet is humming," Abigail commented as she brushed her hand over the silver piece on her wrist.
"Ah yes, that's another one if its charms. To put it plainly, it will give a warning as well as try to soothe you when you are feeling overly stressed, angered or fearful. For you, this will be particularly nice because it can also help warn you when you are about to lost control with your…um, powers," he said under his breath, trying not to be overheard.
"And here I thought it was just a flashlight," she said sarcastically, remembering the other magical effect it could produce.
(A/N-Remember what the bracelet did in Lorien. With the magic words and the light?)
"Glad to know you can keep a sharp tongue in battle," Haldir retorted, also sarcastic.
More silence as the army came closer.
"Just in case Haldir, please just know that I love you, and I'll always be thankful for what you've done for me," Abigail said, truly honest and serious.
Haldir felt a lump growing in his throat. He did even want to consider the possibility of separation.
"I love you too. You have been one of the best sources happiness in my life," taking on last minute to kiss her head. "But this is not goodbye," he added sternly.
She merely nodded.
The uruks screamed a battle cry and pounded their weapons thunderously on the ground.
All those with bows knocked them with an arrow and prepared to fire.
"So it begins," Abigail whispered, pulling the string back.
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Important Memo: This Saturday (March 4th I believe) I will be leaving for spring break. I know it's earlier than most, but our school is just weird. Anyway, the point is I will be unable to use the internet therefore I cannot post anything for about two weeks (if I'm lucky, I'll post one more chapter on Friday). What I will do is leave one or two previews of upcoming stories that I'm going to write, and you can use this break to reflect. I'll try to write chapters over the vacation so I can post some right when I get back. Sorry about this (and about leaving you with a bit of a cliffy) but it can't be helped.
Thanks to Reviewers:
ArwenEvenstar83: If you changed your name to 'anail" that be pretty hilarious, but maybe not the smartest. Not a bad idea to hang on to your name, though, 'cause it's cool. And yes, chai tea latte's have saved my life. Thanks for reviewing!
KeeperMusicNight: I promise, actions scenes are just around the corner. I originally thought the battle would start in this chapter, but it just didn't work out that way. Yeah, it's a bit early for a kiss (but don't give up yet). Thanks!
LadyEruaphadriel-orderofthe...: I hate cliffies too, from a readers standpoint. But when you're an author…you can't live with 'em and you can't live without 'em. Many thanks!
Samantha-Girl Scout: Metal newspaper, eh? I'll have to keep that in mind. Lol, thanks for nice reviews!
writin4fun15: Well, I guess this answers your Haldir question. Good to know I'm keeping you on your toes, thank you!
Narnian Sprite: I love the friendship between Aragorn and Legolas. It's like the shining example of how men and elves should act. Thanks!
KillerRubberDuckiesR-J: Um…I can't make any promises…hehe…( but thanks for reviewing!).
Nightskylover: Did I say Abigail was going to die? Well, I hate to give spoilers (this includes your question about Haldir), but she's pretty safe…for now (you never know what my evil mind might think of). Thanks!
White Blossom of Gondor: Geez, you guys have been buggin' me about this Haldir issue. You all just need to wait and see. But thank you for posting your thoughts!
Yeah, so make sure you read the memo, and be on the look out for the next chapter/the previews.
Until later!
-MysticNight9