A/N: Well the 4th chapter is finally up and we're happy to see people still interested in the story! We are so glad that you guys enjoy it, please tell your friends! Lol. Anyhoozle, hopefully anything in this story isn't boring you with being too close to the movie. Don't worry, here's a little spoiler: once we get out of Moria, something happens that wasn't in the movie or the book, so please bear with us! The next chapter might take a little longer to post we won't have much free time to get on the computer and type, but we'll try. Please read and review! Thanks again! ^.~
Chapter 4: A Different Kind of Celebration
Reala was in her bedroom, and had finally decided to join the party. She knew she wouldn't be in Rivendell much longer, so she might as well make the best of her stay in the Elven sanctuary. She pulled off her now very worn out boots and stockings. Rivendell was so clean, she just decided to walk barefoot and feel the ground and smooth floors beneath her toes. She slipped on a dark red dress that she saved only for very special occasions. She quickly ran a comb through her long dark hair, then opened the door to the night air.
Flowing through her doorway were the strains of a melodious tune. She could hear people laughing in the distance and saw the comforting flicker of the small fires in the distance and the candles burning softly along the hallway. She looked up at the sky, now glittering with stars. Reala closed her eyes for a moment so she could feel the soft breeze through her hair. After opening her eyes again and taking in a huge breath of fresh air, she started off to the party.
On her way to the festive occasion Reala followed her senses: sight, sound, and of course, she couldn't help but follow her nose. The fragrances in the air delighted her and she smiled. She then came to where many of the Elves and guests were gathered. She went over to a table and filled a glass with fresh wine. It was delicious.
However, almost before she could finish her drink, Reala nearly choked on her wine with laughter after surveying the sights around her. She gulped her drink politely and giggled to herself as she looked around the courtyard. One thing very amusing to her was the sight of Boromir sulking, not doing anything at all. Another look around, she saw the other woman in the fellowship, Lindi, dancing with the Halfling Pippin, who seemed to be having a great time. Plus all of the Elves in Rivendell were dancing and to Reala, they all looked like idiots.
Reala took a seat on a bench near her to drink her wine, but soon felt someone sit down next to her. "Wonderful party, don't you think?" a soft voice asked her.
Reala turned to the person. "Good evening Legolas," she greeted him.
"So…" the Elf started with a sly tone in his voice. "I see Boromir is sitting all by himself."
"Yes, he is," Reala agreed, nodding slowly and looking strangely at Legolas.
"He looks very lonely."
"Yup," the human girl said. Then suddenly she got a grin on her face that spread from ear to ear. She turned to Legolas with unexpected flair and asked him happily, "why don't you go talk to him?"
The Elf deadpanned. "That's not exactly what I had in mind," he said.
Reala just shrugged. "Then I suppose he'll just have to stay lonely." She stood and smiled at Legolas. "Excuse me," she said as she walked across the large floor, not paying attention to anything but what was in front of her, when she felt something slam into her side and caused her to stumble a couple steps. There was a feminine gasp and Lindi began apologizing. Pippin stood at Lindi's side and looked very sympathetic as well.
"I'm not a good waltzer," Pippin admitted, tapping a fist against his hip. "I'm sorry."
"Yes, we're both sorry." Lindi smiled and Reala returned it.
"It's all right. My fault." Her scarlet dress whirled when she turned to leave. Pippin peered up at Lindi, and the human repressed a laugh when he boldly led her back to the dance floor. She stood back and allowed him to kiss her hand.
"So, Master Took," she began with a smile. "Shall we dance again?"
"Can you teach me how to waltz?" Pippin asked, forgetting his gentleman air. Lindi clapped her hands together happily.
"I'd be almost too happy to!" she said. "Now first you – " she paused to see Pippin was looking around in doubt. Then it hit her – Pippin did not want to learn to dance in front of everyone. Lindi looked around thoughtfully, then held an arm out and said, "why don't' we go to the outer court? We would have more room and we wouldn't run into Reala again."
"She's scary," Pippin admitted. "Gimli says – "
"Pippin, Reala has a lot on her mind and I'm sure she'll be a nicer person once we all get to know each other. Despite," she added a bit wryly (rare for her), "what Gimli says."
"Gimli doesn't think you can fight," the Hobbit blurted out as they walked to the outer courtyard under the night sky. It was darker outside, but light from the party danced around them and cast long swaying shadows. Instead of dancing they continued to speak. "If you need lessons I'm sure Boromir would be happy to help you as well as me an' Merry."
Lindi colored slightly and shook her head with a laugh. "That would be very sweet of him, but Gimli is a Dwarf, and no matter how I try to convince him that I can, indeed, fight, he won't listen. Dwarves are…" she drew in a breath and looked up to the dark sky. "…a very stubborn folk."
"You sound like an Elf!" Pippin exclaimed in his heavy accent, with a half smile on his face. Lindi returned it.
"I take that as a compliment, Pippin. Thank you." She swept a quick bow and smiled. "The Elves are wise and kind people."
"I know," replied Pippin. "You're much prettier than any Elf I've seen, and that's sayin' a lot since Elves are really pretty." He shoved his hands in his pockets casually, but then his eyes widened at what he had just said as if he had just realized he said it. "I mean – " he stammered. Lindi smiled.
"Thank you again, Pippin! That was very sweet of you to say that." The Hobbit refused to meet her eyes and the human saw his cheeks blazing with embarrassment. She took a step back. "Now how about that waltz?"
Pippin nodded. He seemed thankful that Lindi changed the subject and stepped back as well. Lindi held her hand out and smiled warmly at him.
"First we take our right leg and step in – good, then back in and step with the left leg. Good!" The dance lesson continued with much success. Pippin seemed to be a fast learner, and Lindi a good teacher. "Now we turn with our backs facing each other and move in a square – no, other way…"
She turned to face him once more and they moved in closer. With her right hand she took his left he set one of his small hands on her lower waist. She picked up the tress of her gown and the two fell into a graceful step. They moved around the court with ease (with the exception of a few stumbles Pippin made over his own feet), and didn't stop for a full half hour. They spun out, and once again Lindi had to literally bend backwards to twirl and duck, but she managed it and they finally separated. Lindi smoothed her wheat hair and gave a breathless laugh and leaned against the rail lining the court for support. Pippin had removed his blue coat.
"Well…" Lindi swallowed and tried to catch her breath. "you've certainly proved yourself a magnificent dancer, Master Peregrin!"
"Thank you!" He swept a bow and when he straightened, he threw a fist in the air. "This Took wants a mug of ale!" He began to depart, but Lindi called him back.
"Pippin…"
He turned. "Hmm?"
"It's customary to give a lady a kiss after dancing," she said sweetly, and Pippin turned bright pink. His jaw slacked and his eyes widened. Lindi shrugged her bare shoulders and averted her cool, pale eyes to the stars. "Of course if you do not want to…"
Pippin quickly stepped up to her and stood on his tiptoes while she leaned down and lightly placed a kiss on her soft, berry lips. Lindi returned it but tried not to show her surprise. She hadn't expected a kiss on the lips. When he pulled away, Lindi grinned at him. "You were a wonderful dancer partner, Pippin."
"Thank you, M'lady." He bowed and retreated quickly into the party. From her spot in the outer court, Lindi saw Pippin join the other four Shire folk at their table. She smiled to herself.
"Friendly little fellow," she said as she twirled in place. The breeze picked up the length of her dress and created a whirl of blue in the shadows.
--- --- ---
"Pip…" Merry said slowly as the Hobbit downed another pint of rich Dwarvish beer (courtesy of Gloin and his kin). Merry's cousin swayed and blinked glossy eyes. "Pip…take a breath!"
--- --- ---
"Lindi, I was looking for you."
Lindi spun around to see Glorfindel. The Elf, too young for his age, held an arm out. Lindi took it and allowed him to lead her through the crowded and dimly lit halls. Lindi smiled at him.
"Why?"
"No reason I can think of other than the fact that we have not spoken in days," he said, fair features graced in a smile. "I have missed you."
"I've missed you as well, Glorfindel," she replied softly, eyes following the ceiling a moment before turning to ask, "You have been off scouting lately…" her voice trailed off when she saw Boromir walking quickly through the halls to the outer court with something under his arm. Lindi felt an inexplicable need to pursue. She patted Glorfindel's arm. "Excuse me, we'll have to talk later."
"Very well, Lindi," he smiled and released her, but his eyes never left her as she quickly followed after Boromir. Five minutes and two skeptical looking Elves later she found him in a corner, kneeling next to Reala, who had her head turned away with a very sour expression.
"Is everything all right?" she inquired gently, and while Reala shook her head a small voice croaked in return. Boromir glanced up.
"Pippin is not feeling well," he said, and moved aside to reveal a hunched over Hobbit that was, well, throwing up whatever contents his stomach had once held. Boromir patted his back, and Lindi gave Reala a questioning glance. The other mortal girl answered promptly,
"Too much Dwarvish beer during a fencing lesson."
"Oh my…Pippin are you all right?" Lindi exclaimed, kneeling down next to Reala, who moved aside to make room. At the sound of the friendly and familiar voice, Pippin pulled himself upright and grinned at her, looking slightly green. Seeing it was Lindi he wiped his mouth on his sleeve and jumped to his feet. Boromir expression was that of a man that just saw a dead person rise from the grave at this quick and unexpected recovery, and Reala had to clamp a hand over her mouth to stop from laughing.
"How's about another dance Lindi.." he proposed drunkenly, swaying a bit.
"Umm…well, Pippin I really don't think that's a good idea – oh my!" she gasped in the middle of her sentence as Pippin toppled over backwards into Boromir, who caught him before he hit the ground. After being shaken several times by Boromir he was considered out cold. Reala began to laugh now that the Hobbit could not take offense to it, and Boromir joined in for the same reason, but catching each other's eyes they immediately stopped and looked away.
"Has anyone seen – oh, Pip…" Merry groaned, stepping up to his limp cousin. He nudged the Took with his foot. "Poor tomfool…I told him over and over that he should never drink more than a pint of a foreign ale. He's only 28 anyway, I'm 36, Lindi." The Brandybuck made a point of looking directly at Lindi during that last bit with a cheeky grin. He looked down when Pippin groaned and knelt beside him. "Feeling any better?" Pippin mumbled incoherently. "What's that?"
"Mushrooms…no Farmer Maggot, these are m-my mushrooms…good mushrooms…my mushrooms…"
Lindi laughed nervously and pushed some hair behind her ear, glancing up at the circle of concerned people around the Hobbit. "Well…we should get him to bed. I know a few herbs that can help with the headache and sickness."
"Good idea. I can help." Merry gave her another cheeky grin and together they lifted the mumbling Pippin. It was a bit difficult because every time they tried to lift him they were accused of stealing his mushrooms. They succeeded eventually, but Pippin became very irate and the mumbling became incoherent yelling. The inner court was silenced, and Aragorn laughed, Gandalf sighed, and the dancing and chatting returned.
--- --- ---
Lindi and Merry had valiantly brought the drunk Hobbit up the stairs and had left the scene dark and quiet, and Reala and Boromir were now standing alone. The silence was cold and very still despite the laughing and music that came from the inner court.
"That Pippin is a laugh." His attempt to break the awkward silence was all too obvious. Reala glanced at him briefly and gave him a very tight smile, clearing her throat and looking up to the sky, then to where the celebration took place, and then square in his eyes.
"Why even bother?"
"What are you talking about?" Boromir inquired gracelessly, his temper flaring when he saw the smug look on the face of the girl before him.
"Oh come off it, Boromir." She began to move toward one of the dark halls and, unlike the Elves, made some noise when she treaded over the marble. "You know what I'm talking about," she called over her shoulder and scrunched her nose momentarily in distaste.
He followed her. "I have no idea what you're talking about, you are making no sense!"
"Well now I have no doubt that you're a male."
Boromir stopped in his tracks and felt himself pale, then asked quite irritably, "You had your doubts before?" She paused as well, raking her gaze up and down his body and then arching a brow. Boromir angrily opened his mouth to retaliate to that little glance she had given him but stopped, blinked a few times and looked bewildered. He was frantically trying to figure out if it was a yes or a no. Reala's hard set face loosened and she amusedly looked on. Boromir caught this and brightened a bit.
"Ah ha, you've found something striking about me."
Reala made a face. "What?"
"Come, Reala, you cannot hate me that much."
"Don't flatter yourself."
"You are jealous."
"Of what?" she asked, taken aback. There was a moment of silence when Boromir gave her a significant look and grinned. "Oh no. No. I am not jealous of you, of all things, so take that and whatever possessed you to think it and get out of my presence!"
"Well it's clear you cannot stand to be near me and –"
Reala smiled darkly. "I'm thankful you finally noticed something other than yourself or the size of your sword," she said dryly, and met his eyes with a hard look. "There are other people in this world other than yourself, Boromir of Gondor, and despite what you may think, they can be just as good as you can."
Boromir blinked at her suggestion that he treated others unfairly and unjustly. "As I was saying," Boromir stated with an air of haughtiness to hide the fact that the girl had cut him deeply, "You seem angry and upset around me. Why?"
Reala was silent a moment as she turned her gaze to the darker side of the hall, and the light from the few stars in the cool sky that night outlined her features in a silver line.
"You know why. I don't want to talk about it."
Boromir, having not the slightest clue what she was talking about, felt it had something to do with a battle. But what battle? He had fought many and could not remember the face of every soldier he may have offended at one point in time! He proceeded to try and get her to speak to him, and Reala continued to attack his character.
--- --- ---
During the events of the past 45 minutes, Frodo and Sam had crept down the hall and hid behind a handcrafted and carved pillar. After Lindi and Merry had carted the drunken Pippin off to the kitchen for some mushrooms to quiet him, a slightly confused Frodo turned to Sam.
"What does their age have to do with anything? I'm older than both of them, but why is it important?"
"I think it has to do with their impressing Miss Lindi, Mr. Frodo. I'm older too, Mr. Frodo." he grinned. "Shall we follow them to the kitchen?"
"Yes, definitely. But let's first find another way around. Boromir and Reala are being very cross with one another."
Sam nodded and followed Frodo, the two hobbits sneaking out of the hallway.
--- --- ---
Boromir had gone a little past anger now, and was going dangerously near desperation. No matter how he tried he could not stop nor counter the volley of insults that came whip-like from Reala's lips. After a moment of the shrew snapping like a tortured cat, he tried a different approach and put his hands gently on her shoulders, interrupting her.
"I wish nothing of you except that of you holding your rather violent judgments until we finish this…" He waved a hand for emphasis and tried to find the right word, "This…'mission quest thing' as young Pippin calls it." He stared down at her rather calmly. He found taking a deep breath greatly reduced his often-surfacing rage.
Reala tilted her chin up. "I thought you didn't trust me."
"Why do you refuse to trust me?" Boromir inquired pointedly, and tried to forget that it was more a quest for revenge for an unknown hurt than a matter of distrust. Reala, however, did not answer. She only pulled away from him and smoothed her dress.
"Good night, Boromir."
As she began to retreat he called to her, "dance with me." Of course it had been a request stated very arrogantly, and Reala spun around to face him one last time. She hesitated, of course, having used most of her insults and rude comments prior to this. The pale half light glinted on her ashen face, and for the first time he noticed a very small scar under her eye and just above her cheekbone. Why he had not noticed before, he did not know, but it gave him what he needed to guess she was certainly a warrior, or wanted to be.
"I beg your pardon?" This was voiced as if he had just told her that her dress had fallen off. He held a hand out and thrust his other arm to the life of the party that lay somewhat behind them, as if the bright lights and endless splendor would leave her helpless and drag her in.
"Come. Dance with me."
She waited another moment, the smiled slightly. "I suppose news of a scout turning down Gondor's captain would reach Rohan deprive me of my position. It appears I have no choice," she said wryly, but she took his hand and allowed him to pull her to the floor.
--- --- ---
When the sun rose in the morning it spilled over Pippin's sleeping face and made him groan in agony. His head ached and the light stung his narrowly slit eyes, so he sat up and rubbed them. Usually his bed was feather soft, but with his alcohol prone body throbbing against the mattress the cushions felt like rocks. He nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a familiar giggle. Lindi was at his door, holding a flask.
"Morning," she chirped, and leaned over to hand it to him. He groggily accepted and drained it quickly. Lindi's expression changed suddenly and she gritted her teeth. "No, no! Not so fast – "
Pippin dropped the flask and the contents spilled over the front of his shirt, instantly bringing him back and making him squirm under his now wet blankets. Lindi pulled them off and he slowly climbed out of bed, leaning on the side to stare at her.
"What was that?" he asked, and Lindi shrugged.
"It's an Elvish drink…eh…supposed to reduce the effects of Dwarvish beer and fencing, you could say."
Pippin blushed and hid his face in his hands miserably. "Oh."
"It's not entirely your fault, Pip," she beckoned for him to follow her. "It has also has to do with Boromir's irresponsibility in letting a clearly drunk Hobbit fence." Pippin frowned and scrambled up to follow her, and promptly inquired,
"Will there be breakfast where we're going?"
"Well yes…but first we're going to see Lord Elrond and then we can eat," she replied, and turned briefly to smile. "He wishes to address us on the quest, I would assume. We have been here for quite some time already.."
"Are we going to leave soon?"
"I don't know, Pip, I really don't," she sighed softly as they moved down the long halls. Pippin enjoyed the feel of the smooth floors beneath his bare feet – it was nothing like home but it was better than weary traveling. After a minute or so they came across the Company, all seated at a long table with Lord Elrond at the head. He saw her approaching and smiled.
"Ah, the rest of them have decided to join us. Good morning! Come and sit."
"Good morning Lord Elrond," Lindi bowed politely and took her seat. The rest of the Fellowship gave her scattered smiles of welcome, but she could tell most of them had not yet quite woken up yet – mainly the Hobbits. Boromir and Reala were colder than ever to each other, and Aragorn seemed tired but ready.
"I have gathered the Company here to let you know that soon you will need to depart Imladris. It has been many months and the ring bearer is healed." He drew in a breath and folded his hands in front of his long robe in a most-lordly manner. "You must prepare yourselves."
"Good," Boromir said. "I am eager to depart and finish this quest."
"And I am eager to eat!" Pippin piped from beside Lindi, and all eyes at the table (save those of the Elves) rolled. Elrond backed away from the table.
"Yes. Breakfast is on its way…I hope you do not mind eating together this morning." He turned to Gandalf. "We must speak, Mithrandir. Excuse us," he said to his guests, and the two departed the scene. Maidens carried food to the table, and set a Hobbit-sized plate in front of Frodo. His eyes lit up at the tempting aromas of the Elven food.
Lindi laughed when Pippin descended on his food like a vulture. Boromir blinked.
"I'm surprised he can stomach it."
Reala scowled at him. "There is nothing wrong with Elven food."
"I meant no offense to the Elves and their food," Boromir growled from across the table to the dark haired girl. "I was referring to the beer he consumed last night."
"Oh," Lindi suppressed another laugh. "Yes, do slow down Pippin. There is no hurry." She lifted a forkful of what tasted like egg to her mouth and chewed (with her mouth closed – the hobbits (save Frodo) did not seemed to grasp the concept of table manners). She had been absently staring at Pippin, and had been lost in her thoughts when he noticed. He very rudely and Pippinly stuck his tongue out of his open mouth and displayed his entire breakfast in its second form.
Everyone at the table made little 'eeww', 'ohhh', and 'ahh' noises and then promptly looked away in disgust. Pippin laughed when Reala appeared to be reflecting the color green, and Lindi, eyes wide, lightly smacked the little bugger.
"Peregrin Took!" she scolded, trying to sound like Gandalf. The wizard, other than the fell creatures of the world, seemed to be the only thing Pippin feared. "Keep your food to yourself!"
He closed his mouth and cast his eyes guiltily to his plate. "Yes, Lindi."
"Good, now everyone please resume eating," she said, and everyone at the table hesitated for roughly five minutes before continuing to eat. Merry grinned madly and nudged his cousin in the ribs in a very playful Brandybuck manner.
"That was great, Pip!"
"Yes…it was.." Frodo mumbled, looking ill himself, but not from Pippin's little attempt at humor. He suddenly felt very funny. Strider paused in mid-chew, swallowed, and rested a hand on the ring bearer's little shoulder, then inquired,
"Are you well?"
"I am, Strider, thank you," he replied, and smiled as if to give the ranger proof. "This is good…what is it?" His question referred to the food.
Lindi only answered for him, "Just be glad Pippin has decided not to show us its second form again." She smiled tightly and frowned at Pippin again, but was met with a mischievous grin. Aragorn set his fork across his plate and slowly stood.
"When everyone is finished I would like to propose that we all meet in the outer yard for a small tournament of strength. It will help us all sharpen our skills and see our strengths and our weaknesses." He glanced around the table and received nods of approval.
"Good idea," Gimli agreed, eyeing Lindi. "I would like to see if all of us know how to pick up a weapon."
Lindi ignored this indirect insult and smiled. "A tournament sounds good." The hobbit next to her chimed in,
"Yes, and in it can be the ultimate match: Elves vs. Dwarves!"
Aragorn warned in a low, firm voice, "Pippin…"
"I do not doubt Master Gimli's abilities," Legolas said evenly. "They may be bullheaded but their abilities do not waver."
"Legolas, please," Lindi warned this time. "No rivalry at the breakfast table." She met Aragorn's eyes and the ranger smiled at her – it was nice to know there was more than one peacemaker at the table.
"She is right," Aragorn agreed. "Let us just think of it as training. Is everyone finished eating?" Surprisingly, everyone nodded including the Hobbits. "Good. Let us go outside." The Company took the time to thank the maidens, then proceeded to the outer court, including Gandalf. They were all taking their weapons from their belts and sheaths, preparing for a promising match. Lindi had planned on training that day, so she wore comfortable clothing and good flexible boots. Reala was wearing her usual battle attire, looking nothing like the girl she resembled the night before.
"So who is going to go first?" Gimli asked eagerly. He was itching to see what skills the Company would exert (particularly a certain blonde human). Lindi did not seem to notice, or care if that was the case, and continued to warm up.
"I will go first," Legolas offered. He had set aside his bow and arrow and picked up a sword, thinking of improving in an area he was not superior in. "Who will be my opposition?" Before Gimli could say anything, Aragorn walked to the center of the court where Legolas stood.
"I will," he stated quite bluntly, and grinned at the Elf. The two warriors shook hands then immediately got into fighting positions.
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More authors' notes!: Ok, Lindi here (yeah, I've noticed Reala doesn't like writing a/n's after the story) and I want to thank everyone who keeps reviewing our little story, we love you all so much! I also want to say thank you to Grimmy (Pippin), Ri (Frodo), and Imbrium (Merry) for being guest authors. For all you who don't see the notebook Reala and I write in (which has about 140 pages written so far), then you hopefully don't know where any author starts and begins. Anyhoozle, review, s'il vous plait! Nous aimons les revoyons (we love reviews)! THANKS SO MUCH! ^.~