Disclaimer and notes in the Prologue.
The end is coming.. Yes you heard me. How close? This fic was to end at the end of the Fellowship film. I MIGHT go a touch farther if my whim says to, but that would cause me to take even more creative liberties, which I'm not sure I want to do. We'll see.
On to the comments and acknowledgements!
KazraGirl: *gives a cookie* I've never put a person I didn't know in awe before.. I'm not sure if I should be glad or not. lol
Psycho Goddess: *hands a tissue* We'll see.. Hehe.
Shadow975: You know.. I'm seeing a trend with this "Save Boromir".. Hehe, I'm glad you're getting a kick out of this! I get a kick out of just writing it. It's crazy.. lol
Kayli: See? Is this fast enough? Lol And I'm trying to write more!!
Lady Eirtae: Another vote to save good old Boromir. You know, I'm starting to think not everyone hates him after all.. Lol
Pellagolloien: Cliffhangers, I kinda hate those myself.. But it doesn't stop me from writing them.. Lol, I'm evil.
GreyLadyBast: Hehe, it is a toughie.. As for more telling off of the Evil Ones.. *smiles*
Wingstar: Boromir, Boromir, well.. Everyone will just have to see. Lol.
Thanks again to everyone who has given me feedback and read the fic! And thanks to my fellow Palace junkies!! Uber hugs to all!!
------
Chapter 9 - A Decision Made
My mood hadn't changed much as we received our little farewell gifts of elven cloaks and clasps. I stuck to myself, ignored everyone as best as possible and was generally.. Not 'there'.
I could feel eyes on me. It was no doubt Boromir or the whoreish horrors. Still, I ignored it all.
"Do not allow yourself to fall into darkness."
Instantly, I stood up straighter and tried to hide my surprise from the Lady Galadriel. She had given some of the others their gifts and was staring at me.
What the hell?
She gave me a soft smile and took my hand. Placing an object in it, Galadriel said not a word until she closed my hand over it.
"Hope comes in many forms." She practically glowed with power. "Remember to take it with you."
My face filled with utter confusion, I still managed a somewhat respectful thank you as she moved on.
Not long after, we headed for the boats.
Did I mention I couldn't swim?
------
While I couldn't swim, I wasn't afraid of the water. There are worst ways to go, right?
I was rather relaxed actually. Mostly because I wasn't sharing a boat with Mary and Sue. Oh you should have seen that.
*Let's have a look back.. Kay?*
Everyone was packing away our provisions into the boats and I was toying with Galadriel's gift a bit. I wasn't too far from Merry and Pippin, mostly because I just had to watch a certain scene in person.
"Lembas." Legolas said to Merry and Pippin. He had a slightly pleased look on his face. "Elvish waybread." He took a bite of the bread he had been waving around. "One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man."
The handsome elf stepped away and Merry moved over next to Pippin.
"How many did you eat?" Merry asked.
"Four." Pippin said and was quickly followed by a rather rude sound.
I snickered but quickly stopped as Mary and Sue walked over to me.
Mary flipped those tresses over her shoulder. "You'll be riding with us."
"You'll enjoy the ride." Sue said with a cold smile. "I hear the river has a strong current."
I wasn't up for this. I shrugged. "Whatever."
"Not fighting back?" Mary taunted. "Poor little Lacey have a problem?"
"Nothing that can't be solved with me holding you under the water." I snapped. Her tone irritated me. It was a superior voice that implied she'd already won our little war.
Boromir interrupted our little version of a civil conversation. "Lacey. You will be riding with Legolas and Gimli."
I nearly swooned.
Mary turned a new shade of red.
Sue merely glowered at Boromir and I.
Yeah, if we got out of Amon Hen alive, I'd never hear the end of it.
*Moving on..*
So here I was in the same boat as an elf and a dwarf who were reminiscing about their gifts. My thoughts were on more important matters, such as my plans.
I still wasn't sure what I was going to do. How do you know when you're following your instincts.. and when you're playing God?
"I have taken my worst wound at this parting.." Gimli started. "Having looked my last upon that which is fairest." He let out a dreadful sigh. "Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."
"What was her gift?" Legolas asked.
"I asked her for one hair from her golden head." The dwarf paused. "She gave me three."
I smiled from my spot as I toyed with my own gift again.
We traveled in silence, and I realized the further we went, the closer to.. It, we got.
I bit my lip and tried to stay focused on anything but that.
I started humming again. At least it was a step up from the Sesame Street songs the other day.
My eyes were closed tightly and I suppose I dozed off, because the next thing I knew, Legolas was staring down at me from where we had docked to make camp for the night.
He held out his hand to me, and I glanced around and noticed everyone else was already on land. I was glad for the darkness, as it covered my slight blush of embarrassment.
I took it and he helped me out of the boat. Sadly, Legolas let go of my hand as soon as I was on the ground.
"Thanks." I muttered and wandered away. I needed some alone time again.
------
I didn't get much of it. An hour had barely passed before the award winning stalker team decided to pay me a visit.
The first thing I heard was a sword being pulled out of it's sheath. I continued to brush my hair. I'd have killed for my lavender shampoo now. "Hello, Amalthea. Is Nerissa with you?"
"Nerissa is busy with Legolas." Sue replied as I turned around. "You're by yourself now. Boromir is a bit too busy with Aragorn to help you."
I shrugged. I wasn't sure if I cared anymore. But far be it of me to let this bitch know that. "I don't need him."
Her perfect little eyebrow rose. "Oh really? Why's that?"
"Because if you kill me here, they'll know."
"They won't care."
"Maybe, but that means everyone will still need to take a few moments to mourn me. They aren't that indifferent to me." I ran a hand through my hair as I stood up. "That means taking attention away from you."
Sue frowned. She hadn't thought of that. Then she smiled. "Well then.. I guess it'll have to wait until Amon Hen. We can mourn you as we mourn for Boromir."
My eyes narrowed. "That's what you think."
"What, are you going to try and save him?" Sue snorted. "After all this bitching about us ruining this lame ass story, you're going to do the same thing?"
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh I don't?" She sheathed her sword and stormed over to me. "You're doing the exact same thing."
"Maybe, but at least my reasons are valid if I were!" I snapped. "You.. You and Nerissa, you two are just doing it for the eye candy!"
Sue smiled. "True, but you know full well you'd do the same thing if you could."
I shook my head vehemently. "Maybe in the beginning, but not now. Not after everything I've seen. I'm NOT like you and I thank whatever Powers That Be for that."
She shoved me, causing me to stumble back. "You really think you're better then us?"
"I know I am." I sneered. I was tired, cranky and I had been through enough of their shit to last me a lifetime. I punched her in the stomach and she went down faster then she probably did on the last person to flash her a quarter.
Sue started coughing as she tried to catch her breathe. I briefly struggled with the urge of kicking her while she was down. Instead, I walked away, leaving her on the ground and muttering about how painful my death was going to be.
Well fuck you too, bitch.
I had to admit though, she had strengthened my resolve on my chosen course of action. I tried to come up with a workable plan as I made my way back to camp and sat down in my chosen resting place.
"Are you all right?"
I was forced out of my thoughts as, of all people, Legolas sat down in front of me. I pushed my hair away from my face, wishing I'd taken the time to pull it back again, and forced a nod. "Right as rain."
He arched that brow again and I nearly swooned once more. "There is something else. It has been following you as if it were your shadow."
"Wha?" What the hell was he talking about?
Legolas eyed me carefully as he continued. "Do you often cry yourself to sleep?"
My jaw dropped. "You were watching me in Lothlorien." I accused. That was such an invasion.
He nodded. "I did not mean to, but I saw it. Why? I know it was not for Gandalf."
I turned my face up to the sky as I thought about how to answer. "It was nothing." I cast a quick look at him and he was waiting for me to continue, his face telling me he didn't believe me. "It's a long story. One I won't share. Not now."
"If you do not, your despair shall tear you apart."
"Look, I'm NOT in despair." I snapped at him. I calmed down at the look on his face. "I'm NOT. I'm better now. I've made a decision and that totally fixed everything."
Legolas nodded, as if accepting that, but he didn't leave. "If that is true, then why do you still look as if you have lost your only friend?"
"Because if I fail, I will." I murmured as I hung my head down. My hand flew to my mouth as I realized I'd said that aloud. I quickly turned my eyes to Legolas to see if he had caught that.
His eyes were filled with concern.
Damn elves and their hearing.
Legolas looked as if he were going to press the matter but I shook my head. "Just, don't okay? I'm not going to share, so just give it up." He didn't look as if he'd budge, so I gave him a pleading look. "Please."
The elf that I was completely head over heels for, finally nodded again and stood up. He gave me a morose look before leaving me alone.
My resolve was utterly shaken again. Why? I may have decided to save Boromir.. But that would mean I'd have to succeed before I could relax.
If I failed, not only would he die, but I'd probably die too.
Leaving Mary and Sue free to roam.
I threw myself onto my makeshift bed and buried my face in my arms as I forced myself to fall asleep while I fought tears again.
I wasn't about to cry, knowing Legolas was no doubt watching me again.
The end is coming.. Yes you heard me. How close? This fic was to end at the end of the Fellowship film. I MIGHT go a touch farther if my whim says to, but that would cause me to take even more creative liberties, which I'm not sure I want to do. We'll see.
On to the comments and acknowledgements!
KazraGirl: *gives a cookie* I've never put a person I didn't know in awe before.. I'm not sure if I should be glad or not. lol
Psycho Goddess: *hands a tissue* We'll see.. Hehe.
Shadow975: You know.. I'm seeing a trend with this "Save Boromir".. Hehe, I'm glad you're getting a kick out of this! I get a kick out of just writing it. It's crazy.. lol
Kayli: See? Is this fast enough? Lol And I'm trying to write more!!
Lady Eirtae: Another vote to save good old Boromir. You know, I'm starting to think not everyone hates him after all.. Lol
Pellagolloien: Cliffhangers, I kinda hate those myself.. But it doesn't stop me from writing them.. Lol, I'm evil.
GreyLadyBast: Hehe, it is a toughie.. As for more telling off of the Evil Ones.. *smiles*
Wingstar: Boromir, Boromir, well.. Everyone will just have to see. Lol.
Thanks again to everyone who has given me feedback and read the fic! And thanks to my fellow Palace junkies!! Uber hugs to all!!
------
Chapter 9 - A Decision Made
My mood hadn't changed much as we received our little farewell gifts of elven cloaks and clasps. I stuck to myself, ignored everyone as best as possible and was generally.. Not 'there'.
I could feel eyes on me. It was no doubt Boromir or the whoreish horrors. Still, I ignored it all.
"Do not allow yourself to fall into darkness."
Instantly, I stood up straighter and tried to hide my surprise from the Lady Galadriel. She had given some of the others their gifts and was staring at me.
What the hell?
She gave me a soft smile and took my hand. Placing an object in it, Galadriel said not a word until she closed my hand over it.
"Hope comes in many forms." She practically glowed with power. "Remember to take it with you."
My face filled with utter confusion, I still managed a somewhat respectful thank you as she moved on.
Not long after, we headed for the boats.
Did I mention I couldn't swim?
------
While I couldn't swim, I wasn't afraid of the water. There are worst ways to go, right?
I was rather relaxed actually. Mostly because I wasn't sharing a boat with Mary and Sue. Oh you should have seen that.
*Let's have a look back.. Kay?*
Everyone was packing away our provisions into the boats and I was toying with Galadriel's gift a bit. I wasn't too far from Merry and Pippin, mostly because I just had to watch a certain scene in person.
"Lembas." Legolas said to Merry and Pippin. He had a slightly pleased look on his face. "Elvish waybread." He took a bite of the bread he had been waving around. "One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man."
The handsome elf stepped away and Merry moved over next to Pippin.
"How many did you eat?" Merry asked.
"Four." Pippin said and was quickly followed by a rather rude sound.
I snickered but quickly stopped as Mary and Sue walked over to me.
Mary flipped those tresses over her shoulder. "You'll be riding with us."
"You'll enjoy the ride." Sue said with a cold smile. "I hear the river has a strong current."
I wasn't up for this. I shrugged. "Whatever."
"Not fighting back?" Mary taunted. "Poor little Lacey have a problem?"
"Nothing that can't be solved with me holding you under the water." I snapped. Her tone irritated me. It was a superior voice that implied she'd already won our little war.
Boromir interrupted our little version of a civil conversation. "Lacey. You will be riding with Legolas and Gimli."
I nearly swooned.
Mary turned a new shade of red.
Sue merely glowered at Boromir and I.
Yeah, if we got out of Amon Hen alive, I'd never hear the end of it.
*Moving on..*
So here I was in the same boat as an elf and a dwarf who were reminiscing about their gifts. My thoughts were on more important matters, such as my plans.
I still wasn't sure what I was going to do. How do you know when you're following your instincts.. and when you're playing God?
"I have taken my worst wound at this parting.." Gimli started. "Having looked my last upon that which is fairest." He let out a dreadful sigh. "Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."
"What was her gift?" Legolas asked.
"I asked her for one hair from her golden head." The dwarf paused. "She gave me three."
I smiled from my spot as I toyed with my own gift again.
We traveled in silence, and I realized the further we went, the closer to.. It, we got.
I bit my lip and tried to stay focused on anything but that.
I started humming again. At least it was a step up from the Sesame Street songs the other day.
My eyes were closed tightly and I suppose I dozed off, because the next thing I knew, Legolas was staring down at me from where we had docked to make camp for the night.
He held out his hand to me, and I glanced around and noticed everyone else was already on land. I was glad for the darkness, as it covered my slight blush of embarrassment.
I took it and he helped me out of the boat. Sadly, Legolas let go of my hand as soon as I was on the ground.
"Thanks." I muttered and wandered away. I needed some alone time again.
------
I didn't get much of it. An hour had barely passed before the award winning stalker team decided to pay me a visit.
The first thing I heard was a sword being pulled out of it's sheath. I continued to brush my hair. I'd have killed for my lavender shampoo now. "Hello, Amalthea. Is Nerissa with you?"
"Nerissa is busy with Legolas." Sue replied as I turned around. "You're by yourself now. Boromir is a bit too busy with Aragorn to help you."
I shrugged. I wasn't sure if I cared anymore. But far be it of me to let this bitch know that. "I don't need him."
Her perfect little eyebrow rose. "Oh really? Why's that?"
"Because if you kill me here, they'll know."
"They won't care."
"Maybe, but that means everyone will still need to take a few moments to mourn me. They aren't that indifferent to me." I ran a hand through my hair as I stood up. "That means taking attention away from you."
Sue frowned. She hadn't thought of that. Then she smiled. "Well then.. I guess it'll have to wait until Amon Hen. We can mourn you as we mourn for Boromir."
My eyes narrowed. "That's what you think."
"What, are you going to try and save him?" Sue snorted. "After all this bitching about us ruining this lame ass story, you're going to do the same thing?"
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh I don't?" She sheathed her sword and stormed over to me. "You're doing the exact same thing."
"Maybe, but at least my reasons are valid if I were!" I snapped. "You.. You and Nerissa, you two are just doing it for the eye candy!"
Sue smiled. "True, but you know full well you'd do the same thing if you could."
I shook my head vehemently. "Maybe in the beginning, but not now. Not after everything I've seen. I'm NOT like you and I thank whatever Powers That Be for that."
She shoved me, causing me to stumble back. "You really think you're better then us?"
"I know I am." I sneered. I was tired, cranky and I had been through enough of their shit to last me a lifetime. I punched her in the stomach and she went down faster then she probably did on the last person to flash her a quarter.
Sue started coughing as she tried to catch her breathe. I briefly struggled with the urge of kicking her while she was down. Instead, I walked away, leaving her on the ground and muttering about how painful my death was going to be.
Well fuck you too, bitch.
I had to admit though, she had strengthened my resolve on my chosen course of action. I tried to come up with a workable plan as I made my way back to camp and sat down in my chosen resting place.
"Are you all right?"
I was forced out of my thoughts as, of all people, Legolas sat down in front of me. I pushed my hair away from my face, wishing I'd taken the time to pull it back again, and forced a nod. "Right as rain."
He arched that brow again and I nearly swooned once more. "There is something else. It has been following you as if it were your shadow."
"Wha?" What the hell was he talking about?
Legolas eyed me carefully as he continued. "Do you often cry yourself to sleep?"
My jaw dropped. "You were watching me in Lothlorien." I accused. That was such an invasion.
He nodded. "I did not mean to, but I saw it. Why? I know it was not for Gandalf."
I turned my face up to the sky as I thought about how to answer. "It was nothing." I cast a quick look at him and he was waiting for me to continue, his face telling me he didn't believe me. "It's a long story. One I won't share. Not now."
"If you do not, your despair shall tear you apart."
"Look, I'm NOT in despair." I snapped at him. I calmed down at the look on his face. "I'm NOT. I'm better now. I've made a decision and that totally fixed everything."
Legolas nodded, as if accepting that, but he didn't leave. "If that is true, then why do you still look as if you have lost your only friend?"
"Because if I fail, I will." I murmured as I hung my head down. My hand flew to my mouth as I realized I'd said that aloud. I quickly turned my eyes to Legolas to see if he had caught that.
His eyes were filled with concern.
Damn elves and their hearing.
Legolas looked as if he were going to press the matter but I shook my head. "Just, don't okay? I'm not going to share, so just give it up." He didn't look as if he'd budge, so I gave him a pleading look. "Please."
The elf that I was completely head over heels for, finally nodded again and stood up. He gave me a morose look before leaving me alone.
My resolve was utterly shaken again. Why? I may have decided to save Boromir.. But that would mean I'd have to succeed before I could relax.
If I failed, not only would he die, but I'd probably die too.
Leaving Mary and Sue free to roam.
I threw myself onto my makeshift bed and buried my face in my arms as I forced myself to fall asleep while I fought tears again.
I wasn't about to cry, knowing Legolas was no doubt watching me again.