Chapter 36.

Okay, so the poll's only going to be up for a few more days! Only about sixteen people have voted, and at the moment Eomer's leading by two or three? I'm to lazy to look. Still, it's been a steady battle between both Eomer and Legolas, so who knows how it'll end up. Still, if you don't vote, don't complain about how it may end up! I really am trying to make you all content, so have mercy on me. XD

Oh, and I'm debating on getting a beta reader... More like a beta opinionater... I'm just tired of deciding on everything myself! There are concepts of this story that I need to talk through with other people, just to clear them up. So, if anyone's interested in giving me a non-biased opinion, that'd be great!

Oh, and if any of you have any writing challenges... I'm interested. :)

I don't own Lord of the Rings. Official disclaimer is on my profile.

(Sophie)

Sigh...

Camp was relatively silent as my companions and I sat around the fire, while the sunlight sank behind the trees. Basically everyone was smoking, asides from Collin, Legolas, and I. Even James had out a pipe, and was puffing to his heart's delight. We'd been in Lothlorien for an entire week, and while it was beautiful and exciting at first, the fun soon wore off. We'd tired ourselves out with exploring, and the elves hardly trusted us to just roam about for too long. So, our happy group did what all bored people do.

We got high.

Of course, I'm not exactly sure what 'pipe-weed' consists of. It's just a guess. Besides, Collin, the elf, and I were completely clean.

"So..." I began, slowly. It was awkward breaking the silence, because everyone automatically looked up to me. "What exactly are we supposed to do, while we're here?"

Aragorn shrugged, and continued smoking from his little travel-sized pipe. "Do whatever pleases you. Of course, I would not suggest setting fire to the trees."

Well, no dip. The elves would have my head.

"I just don't see the point in sitting around here, if we're all just going to be bored." I sighed, crossing my arms. "I'd much rather get on the road."

Aragorn removed his pipe from his lips and eyed me. "I am not so eager to put ourselves in danger. I should think that you would appreciate the rest, as well, after Moria." Everyone in the company looked down to the ground with the sad reminder of Gandalf. "We shall remain here no longer than a month. I suggest that you find something to entertain yourself, Sophie. The rest of us seem quite content."

Great... What the heck am I supposed to do around here? Climb a tree?

So, the silence resumed.

Collin shifted uncomfortably by my side. He'd been acting strange all week. I guess that he's just eager to get out of here.

He let out a short sigh before declaring, "I'm bored." He then stood and crossed the camp to sit by the hobbits, who were quickly diminishing their pipe-weed supply.

"Hey, can I have some of that?" Collin asked, gesturing towards the smoking product.

Merry smiled. "Of course!" He pulled out his spare pipe (wouldn't want to go without pipe-weed, eh?), and handed it to Collin.

My jaw dropped. "Collin, you know that smoking's bad for you!"

He gave the small a pipe a short look before shrugging. "Oh, well." He brought the pipe to his lips and almost automatically began to choke.

I rolled my eyes. Amateur.

"Hey, why haven't you warned me about the dangers of smoking?" James asked, taking a break from his smoke.

"Because, I don't care if you die."

I swear, if we were in our world, a large chorus of men would be singing, 'Ohhhhhhh!'

James frowned and resumed puffing on his pipe, only with a far more angry attitude.

Gimli chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, you young ones amuse me. It must be a rather exciting world you live in; I can't recall a moment where one of you three haven't been bored. Of course, most of the time, it's our dear Sophie that's complaining. Collin's far too excitable to be bored, and I think that James has adapted quite well to this world, already. After all, he's already gone and settled down. Ah, well. I suppose I'll never understand the three of yeh. If you're asking for my opinion, though, I'd say that the longer we stay the better."

...

All activity halted as we all turned to stare at Gimli, wide-eyed. Did he just suggest an extended stay in a land full of elves? What kind of dwarf is this?

"Of all people, Mister Gimli, I would think that you'd be the one most ready to leave." Sam laughed in disbelief.

The dwarf grunted and shifted nervously. "Well, er... I'm in no hurry to die." He mumbled.

Everyone slowly went back to their previous activities, not quite sure what to think of our dwarf friend.

"So, uh, milady..." Pippin acknowledged me, just as a cocky jock from my world would acknowledge a woman. "Would you care for a smoke?"

I laughed at the suave young hobbit, half tempted to say yes, just to see him smile. What would you strive for? Healthy lungs, or a happy hobbit?

Sigh... I guess it'd be best to say no...

Ahh, what the heck. You only live once, right?

"Light me up!" I shrugged, and the hobbit's face brightened.

He crawled over to me and pulled out a fresh pipe. After quickly lighting it, he handed it to me, a wide smile on his face.

"This is the best pipe-weed in all the Shire!" He gushed. "Fit for a lovely lady, such as yourself."

Oh, goodness. I've never smoked before in my life. I have no idea how to go about this.

Well, might as well just go for it, eh? Wait! Not a good idea. Collin about hacked his brains out. Hmm... Perhaps very carefully...

I lightly puffed on the pipe, careful not to inhale too much.

"No choking..." I laughed. "That's a good sign, right?"

"The best!" Merry cheered from the other side of the fire.

Oh, it's good to see these hobbits so cheerful again. Even Frodo had a little grin on his face. Those four haven't been the same since Gandalf... Well... You know... He was like their guardian- their role-model.

He was a role-model for all of us... Our guide... At least he's away from all of this chaos, now.

Not wanting this happy moment to end, I continued to smoke, and decided to start a conversation.

"So, my good hobbits. Why don't you tell me about the Shire? I was only fortunate enough to be there for a day... I never truly got to experience it."

A warm smile crossed the faces of every hobbit around. There's no better way to appease a hobbit than to ask them about their home. That is, unless you've got some food around. That's always an effective alternative.

"Oh, of course, Miss Sophie!" Sam laughed in anticipation. "What would you like to hear about?"

After thinking it over for a few short moments, I decided. "Start at the beginning." I suggested. "I want to hear your stories." Then, I looked to Merry and Pippin- the dynamic duo. "How did you two meet?"

The two gave each other excited looks, and I automatically regretted asking.

(Kristy)

Eomer watched me carefully as I stared at the large beast in front of me.

Come on, Kristy. This should be easy.

"I do not understand." Eomer sighed after quite some time. "You did this last week with no trouble at all."

Sigh. "I know, I know..."

He eyed me, expecting more of an answer. "So?"

"So, I'm not mad, now!" Frustration can make people do crazy things.

Eomer took a deep breath and leaned back against the wall.

"Great, now you're frustrated!" I tugged at my hair nervously and turned for the door. "Maybe we can just do this later..."

Before I got far, Eomer grabbed my hand and pulled me back in. "Oh, no you don't." He sighed. "I vowed to teach you how to ride a horse, and I intend on going through with it. Now. Get on Gus Gus..." He flinched at the name.

Hey, he made the mistake in letting me rename it. It's a heck of a lot better than the old name, I can tell you that! Talk about hard to pronounce. He almost didn't let me name it Gus Gus, at first. Of course, he gave up after a while. We all know he's still going to refer to the horse by whatever name it previously had. At least, when I'm not around.

I rolled my eyes and approached the horse slowly. Just as I began reaching towards the saddle, I quickly pulled back.

"You're not frustrated with me, are you?" I asked, trying to stall.

Eomer saw right through me. "No, I'm not frustrated."

"Are you sure? Because I won't get on this horse if you're mad at me."

"I'm not mad!" He tried to fight of his laughter.

My eyes narrowed at the man. "I don't believe you."

"Oh, for pity's sake!" Eomer grabbed me by the waste and lifted me onto the saddle himself, before climbing on behind me. "Look, now, we're on the horse. Was that so hard?"

"Not really. I didn't really do anything."

Eomer groaned in frustration, and I smiled. "Still think I'm fun?"

"I'm debating it..." He chuckled, even though I was clearly getting under his skin. Hey, I never said that I was easy to work with. As a matter of fact, you should have seen me back home. I tried to work as a waitress, once. I panicked under the pressure, and nearly dumped a soda on some perv's head.

At least I treated the situation better than Sophie. She really did pour her soda on his head. After that, she booked it out of the restaurant before anyone could get a look at her. Then again, she wasn't the one who worked there...

"Now, push the horse into motion." Eomer instructed, putting the reins in my hands.

"Uhh... I'm not sure that I should do that... Remember the last time?" The poor horse took off and nearly got me killed. Yeah, that was an adventure.

"Don't worry! I'm right behind you. I won't let you fall." Eomer began to place a hesitant arm around my waist. "Is this alright?" He asked, not wanting to invade my personal privacy.

Man, if touching my belly's such a sin, here, these people would die to see how many sixth graders act, these days... Well... In MY days...

"It's fine, Eomer." I fought the urge to laugh. These people make me happy, you know. I haven't been creeped on in years. Heck, if someone were to creep on me now, I don't know what I'd do.

Eomer's arm wrapped around me, but he was hardly holding me at all. It was more like one of those security guard holds, when they just want to keep you from trying to see your favorite actor up close.

Alright, so... I should probably just tap the horse, this time. I don't want a repeat of last week, do I?

So, I barely touched it with the heel of my foot. It's a trained horse, right? It should know that I want it to move.

Yet it stayed, and Eomer laughed teasingly at me.

"Just a little harder this time, Kristy."

But I'm afraid! Aghh!

"Just show me, Eomer, dang it! I'm not ready for this!"

My new-found friend laughed and shook his head. "I suppose I'll have to take initiative, if I ever want to leave the stables." So, he kicked the horse into motion and took hold of the reins. "You're worse than a child..."

"Hey, childhood was the best time of my life! I've got no problem with being called a child."

He laughed, and we were silent the rest of the way to the gate. The horse carried us out of the city, and into the open fields that spanned for as far as the eye could see. Which, of course, was just to the mountains. Still, it reminded me of the old western movies my dad would always watch. Only far prettier.

I love riding a horse, like this. Just sitting atop it, not having to do a thing... It's always better when someone else is in control. That way, I never have to risk screwing up.

Of course, this is why I nearly peed myself when Eomer began to slide of the horse.

"Hey, what are you doing?" I elbowed him in the gut in an attempt to make him stay, but it only seemed to make him move faster.

"I'm teaching you how to ride a horse." He stated simply as he landed on the ground. He looked up to me with a cheeky smile. "The best way to learn is through experience."

"Uhh, that only applies to math and baking. Neither of those can kill me! This thing will kill me!"

"Oh, no! Gus Gus?" Eomer gave the horse a pat on the side. "Gus Gus would never kill you." He still said the name with a bit of sarcasm. I don't think he takes me seriously with the whole name thing...

"I don't know, Eomer..." I looked at the large beast beneath me. "He has a hungry look in his eyes..."

Eomer sighed and moved away from the horse. "You're beginning to sound like Sophie."

(Sophie)

"... And that's why Frodo's never gotten married!" Pippin finished, after the longest romantic comedy I've ever heard.

Well, I thought it was funny. The hobbits found it quite hilarious, as well. The others were fast asleep on the ground. Everyone except for Legolas... For whatever reason, he found hobbits just as fascinating as I did.

"Y'know, it all makes sense to me now!" I laughed. "I mean, I always thought that he was too charming to be a after that story?"

Frodo rolled his eyes as he laughed at himself. "Oh, well. You must know that Pippin exaggerated the subject, of course. I just haven't found the right one yet... I'm not sure that I ever will..." He sighed at the last part, and his smile quickly went dim.

Great. Way to ruin the moment, Frodo.

"Hey, marriage is for squares, anyways." It's a good thing Boromir didn't hear that one.

"I disagree." Legolas interjected. "I believe that marriage is a beautiful thing."

So do I. Still, you've gotta make Frodo feel better about himself, somehow. "I'm just proud that you understood my lingo!"

The elf chuckled. "Of course I understand. I've heard far more confusing things from James. Even now, he snickers at some of the things I say. I believe that his maturity level is far lower than we expected..."

Psh. You're telling me. "Did he really land an elf chick? I mean... Don't you guys have standards? I mean, no offense to James, or anything..." I looked to his sleeping body, making sure that he couldn't hear me smack-talking him.

"Ah, well, even elves can surprise you, at times. I can assure you, though, that it took a lot of convincing for Maerwen to accept. It is not easy to give up an eternity... One must be sure."

Ah... Right... "So... Can I ask you something? There's a question that I've been wanting to ask for a while... I just didn't feel like it was appropriate until now."

Legolas eyed me curiously, like I could kill him at any moment. "What makes this moment more appropriate than any other?"

"Uhh, because?" I rolled my eyes, like it's the most obvious thing in the world. Because, it is. "We're bonding."

"... Bonding?" Legolas tested the world like it was a dangerous weapon. "Are you sure?"

"Oh, yeah. We're definitely bonding. Right, guys?" I turned now to the hobbits, who had resumed smoking. They tipped their pipes to me and smiled.

"Right you are, milady!"

A small smile crept up on Legolas's lips. "Alright, then. Proceed."

Okay, well... How should I put this? "Well... You guys live forever... And, you must have some human friends, along the way. Take Aragorn, for example... I guess what I'm trying to ask is... Does it get lonely? How does it feel to watch those you love die?" I may be pushing my boundaries, here, but hey. I'm curious.

I knew that I struck a nerve when it took him a few minutes to answer. He took in a deep breath and looked to the ground. The hobbits and I watched him intently, waiting for a reply.

"Maybe I shouldn't have asked..."

"No, no, it is alright." Legolas gave me a small smile. "I must understand that this concept is still quite new to you. I often do not understand death, until I must witness it for myself. I am not quite sure how to explain it... The only deaths that I have truly witnessed come from violence. I have yet to lose a close friend to death of old age... I suppose that I have learned to not ponder over such things. It is not something that I look forward to... Perhaps I shall be able to give you a better explanation once I have experienced it."

Ha... Yeah... "If I live long enough, that'd be great..."

"Oh, it should not be a challenge. James will most likely be killed by a giant spider, with his luck. I would give him another ten years, perhaps."

"Heck, I'll just be happy if we live through the next month..." If Gandalf can be killed, then why can't we?

Legolas, understanding my thoughts, put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Gandalf's death was a great misfortune... He would have survived, had we not run into the balrog. The chances of such a foe as that is slim to none."

Basically, Gandalf's death was a freak accident... Great. I'm prone to freak accidents.

Pippin sniffed back a tear, and the other hobbits began to rub their eyes. Night time was falling, and I had successfully turned a happy moment into a sad one. Score one for Sophie.

"Perhaps we should retire..." Legolas sighed, and moved for his tent. "It is late."

"Should we wake the others up?" Frodo asked, gesturing towards our snoozing companions.

"No. Let this be a lesson for them. When they wake up with aching backs in the morning, they'll regret having fallen asleep during our story time." Score two for Sophie!

Merry snickered. "Oh, that is cruel, milady."

Yeah, well. Life's cruel.

(Kristy)

Gus Gus is my new best friend.

It's official. I love this horse.

It's big, brown, soft, and just freaking adorable.

You see. Two hours of riding a horse in circles does a lot to make me feel attached to an animal.

"Have you had enough excitement for the day?" Eomer asked from his seat on the ground. He'd let go of the rope, and was now picking at grass while watching me bemusedly.

"Am I boring you?" I'd hardly remembered that he was there. Riding a horse can get sort of exciting, once you get the hang of it... It's like riding a bike. Only, you don't have too feed your bike, and your bike definitely doesn't pee and poop everywhere.

"On the contrary, I quite enjoy watching this... Now, if only we could get you to move farther from the circle... I believe that you've worn the grass down beyond repair."

Sigh... I guess he's right. "It's probably time we start heading back, huh?"

Eomer smiled. "I believe so." He mounted the horse behind me and held on to my waist. "I'll let you take it from here..."

Okay! "Giddy up!" I kicked the horse into motion.

It was a failure.

Gus Gus took off running, causing Eomer to grab the reins and tighten his hold around my waist.

"Woah, woah!" He slowed the horse down to a far more reasonable pace. "Maybe you are not doing as well as we thought..."

"Hey, I never claimed to be an expert!" Even though I liked to think that I was...

Eomer rode us all the way back to the stables. The sun was beginning to set, and the air was far chillier here in Rohan than in Rivendell. It's about time I get some clothes more suited for colder weather...

"D'you think they've eaten without us?" I asked as Eomer dismounted, my stomach reminding me of my small lunch with a loud growl.

"Either way, I am sure that there is food to be had." He shrugged, and reached up to help me down.

And that's when it happened...

My foot got stuck in the stirrup. Yeah. Us blondes are known for our clumsiness...

Eomer quickly caught me, and I fell right into his chest.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine!" I looked up at his face, which was surprisingly close. I say surprisingly, because I had no idea that I was so tall. That, and it's not every day you're up close and personal with people, here. It was the closest thing to a hug I've had in a long time. After a short awkward pause, I pushed away and coughed nervously.

"Who do we have here?" A pitchy, slimy voice sounded from the doorway. I know, I never thought that you could use 'slimy' to describe anything, but I could hardly think of a better word for it. When I turned to see the speaker, my heart sank.

Wormtongue.

"I have not seen you before..." He slowly moved forward, and I unconsciously moved closer to Eomer for protection.

"She is a friend of Sophie and Collin." Eomer moved forward as a barrier between Grima and I. "She is from up north."

"Ahh..." Grima's eyes grew a sudden hatred at the mention of my two friend. "Yes, I see. What is your name?"

I looked to Eomer for guidance, and he gave me a nod. "My name is Kristina, milord."

"Kristina... Well, Kristina, we would be honored to have a lovely maiden such as yourself at dinner, tonight. Is that not right, Eomer?"

"A-actually... I was just heading home. Thank you for the generous gesture, milord, but I must be going..." I took matters into my own hands and headed for the door.

"I will walk you home." Eomer followed me, sending Grima a warning glance before leaving the stables.

We walked to the inn, not looking back. A part of me felt sure that Wormtongue would have followed, but I didn't even want to look suspicious. I'm not like Coll and Soph. They may be stubborn and frustrating enough to deal with this man, but I most certainly am not.

Eomer stopped me at the inn door, a look of worry on his face.

"Perhaps it would be better if you were to lay low for a few days. We do not want to raise his interests any more than they already are."

"Is there no protection from it?" I asked. "Is there no one to stand up to him?"

Eomer shook his head. "None, save for Theodred and I. Even then, we have our limits. It is best to avoid what conflict we can."

"I understand..." Even though that answer did not sit well with me. Whenever things get good, they just go bad, again.

Eomer tilted my chin up so that I could see his comforting smile. "You are safe, Kristy. Trust me on that."

As much as I'd like to believe it, I don't think that I can...

Okay, this chapter wasn't very eventful. It's just for character development, really. That, and I don't want to skip a whole month's time. I'm still getting future chapters planned. Besides, it's another early update! Just be happy. XD

fillyfreak188 - thank you so much! Your review made me so happy! I understand how you feel about Boromir. Every time he doesn't end up with someone, I want to cry.

kapibarasan - Thank you! I really try to make my characters realistic. I'm a naturally funny person, so sometimes I accidentally get carried away with humor, even though I initially wrote this story to be serious. :P And I'm really torn about the Kristy/Legolas/Eomer thing. Legolas is my first instinct, but Eomer is so tempting! I agree with you, though. It would be good for her to be with her brother, and with a man who'll love her forever.

Eva Sirico - I love rambling, please continue! XD I made the mistake of making Collin so awesome, huh? I've never seen anyone so set on an OC/OC pairing, yet most of my readers love the idea of Collin and Sophie? Haha, he's just like my best guy friend, though, so I really can't blame you guys. XD Don't worry! I've got a plan!

Thanks to everyone else! I would reply to you all, but I'm far behind in homework and it's getting late! Plus, I've got to practice my dance choreography for this thing... Even though I can't dance... Which is why I must practice... Anyways...

Please review! Tickle my soul!