Disclaimer: AU Story. My third large LOTR fic. I can't stop! None of the
characters or settings are mine. They all belong to Tolkien. I wish I were
related to Tolkien, don't you? It would be so cool! Oh, and the plot here
is derived from my own imagination. Hope you enjoy.
I am falling into depression because AVALANCHE by shirebound has ended. *collapses and begins to sob uncontrollably*
Crazytook: Glad you like Sam- he's a lot of fun to write. He's just so loyal and loveable! Ah, yes, Gandalf will be making an appearance. But a lot later on. This is going to be a very long story and I have quite a bit of it worked out. Hope that you find ensuing chapters enjoyable too!
Lil*bee: I am so pleased that you like this story. Your reviews make me feel so special! I am honoured that I am the first on your favourites list- thank you so much and I cannot wait to see your own stories.
Shirebound: You finished Avalanche! Arg! It is no longer Shirebounday but Friday again. *grumble* I was once accused of being an evil twisty-turny thing and I reckon here that I'm living up to it. Thank you so much for Avalanche!
MagicalRachel: I sort of ran out of people who died and so Haldir slipped in. Not very heartfelt, unfortunately but it was more for the sake of the story. Sorry! I thought you'd like the Frodo and Sam bit. D'aw, green-brown and AMAZING BLUE eyes. Sam-fic? Sam-fic? Wherewherewhere? Hope to see it very soon!
The Lazy Fairy: Nope, not the end for a very long time. I never wrote about Tharanduil before. But he's generally a good thing. Glad you liked him. I know! School- ack- it drives me up the wall!
TrueFan: Yay! Freaky memories! I know- I am such a sadist. Poor hobbitses. As for your brothers, um, I'll have Morgan because I love the name! Oh I'm sure they're not all that bad. It's worse to be alone. "No loyal friend was ever there for me...Now we say goodbye. We say you didn't try..."
????: Cool name. Thank you so much for the ideas! Yes, I was planning on it but you've inspired me far more with Sam's family. I am so pleased that you're enjoying Memories of Home. This chapter is dedicated to you!
~ Chapter Eight ~
Brégo galloped across the landscape, kicking up turf at his hooves. He was following the river north, heading for Rauros. Aragorn was hunched over in the saddle, urging his steed forward into the shallows of the stream. They had been riding since late morning and now they heard the crash and roaring of the waterfall and saw the flash of rainbows amid the sunlight. Vapour drifted up from the horizon and, as they breached the hilltop, looked down onto the Falls of Rauros. It was like something out of a fairytale. The waterfall pouring in a silver and cerulean curtain that seemed to be formed out of light itself.
He nudged his heels back into Brégo and the horse trotted down the embankment to the shore. Aragorn slipped from his back and patted his side.
"Thank you, my friend. Loyal Brégo."
The horse snorted and dunked his nose into the water. The man walked upstream to admire Rauros. He was soaked within minutes but he did not care. This looked so unreal to him. Last time he had been here, it had been with heavy heart, knowing that Gandalf was gone and that a great decision was at hand. That was the last time he had seen...the Ringbearer before the war was over. Aragorn forced himself up the steep slope of the waterfall and into the undergrowth at the summit. He climbed a small hill at the centre of the trees and gazed down at the world set out before him. Emin Muil's (sp?) ruined shape stretched out on one side, the jagged rocks in an unrecognisable heap since Mordor's reign had ended. And on the other lay the beautiful Andùin, like a snake that coiled itself round the cliffs and bays of the land.
He climbed down to the wide river basin and for a moment contemplated crossing it, to see if he would find any trace of the battle. But he smiled at his foolishness. Eleven years worth of weathering and erosion would have cleared away any marks left on Amon Hen. Slowly, he made the arduous way back down to join his steed. He mounted Brégo once more and then trotted him round towards the western side and then they cantered away in search of more scattered memories.
--
Gimli yawned and stretched as he climbed up from the hollowed out bed. He clambered to his feet and looked blearily around. He was amazed to find twelve elves standing round him. He fell backwards in shock and the elves laughed quietly, helping him up.
"We are to be your servants during your stay," said one, "We are here to obey your every command."
"No! No! I do not need servants! You're very kind and thank you all but really, I need no special attendance."
"As you wish, sir," the elf replied, bowing low. His companions followed suit and backed away into the trees. Gimli felt a little awkward after that and was not sure when he was entirely alone. He departed back to the palace to find Legolas. Sure enough, the prince was waiting for him. He shook his head with a grin when he saw the dwarf.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Very, thank you, Legolas. But really, you did not need to send your kindred to do my bidding! Very thoughtful but-"
"Gimli, they were all too eager! You are the most amazing thing most of them have ever seen and after all I have spoken of you, I am sure they see you as one of the most precious things on this earth. But forgive me, they will not trouble you again."
The friends moved towards the great towering construction amongst the trees and climbed the steps to Legolas' chambers. They were bare apart from a bed and a huge stack of books piled in one corner.
"Sorry that there is nothing much to show you. But there is little I do. I am quite a dull person to tell you the truth," he apologised. Gimli raised an eyebrow at him.
"Legolas, I have seen you fire a bow in Moria, ride a boat down the Great River, run for days without rest and fight at an impenetrable fortress. You may be annoying, tireless, bitter and unbearably good at everything but you are certainly not dull. Why all these books?" he asked, picking one from the heap. It was very heavy and looked brand new. He turned it over in his hands to look at the cover. In silver cursive writing it said, 'There and Back Again'.
"I brought all of them back from Minas Tirith. Aragorn said that I was welcome to take as many as I wished. So, I did."
Gimli smirked at him and then opened the first page. Concerning Hobbits.
"They certainly concerned me!" he laughed, "And never ceased to amaze me!"
He hoisted himself up onto Legolas' bed and began to flip through the pages. His friend came to sit beside him. He was thinking hard. After some time, he said in contemplative voice,
"I wondered many times if I would ever see our company again. In so many years I have not seen Aragorn, you or the hobbits. Our Fellowship broke into many separate pieces after the quest. Scattered to the winds. I- I wonder...if perhaps it is time for us to come together again. To face each other again and tell each other of all that has happened."
"But it will never be quite the same," Gimli murmured, "Without Boromir, Gandalf and... Well, it wouldn't be the same, would it?"
"Maybe not," Legolas sighed, "Maybe not."
--
The afternoon was cool. Autumn breezes swept along the river. Aragorn lay asleep on the bank, face upturned to the sky. He was dreaming of the past...
The picture rippled before him and it became the Fields of Pelennor, streaked with blood and death. The smell of bitterness in the air. A dark victory. And then, at the mountains beyond, shone a bright light. Aragorn covered his eyes as the glare grew painfully strong. And then, amid its dazzling rays, he made out a figure, garbed in white and carrying a staff.
"Gandalf," he breathed, running towards him. The wizard towered above him, gazing down with calm, stony eyes.
"Do you know what you are searching for, King Elessar?" he boomed. The man faltered in his step.
"I thought I did. But now, I am not sure. I feel something growing."
"The Fellowship will be united again. Many are returning. But you must help them arrive. Do everything in your power to bring them back. If you are so unsure of your path, then turn to the one that you trusted long ago. And you will see them all again."
Aragorn bowed his head. And Gandalf began to fade out of existence. His old eyes sparkled and he dipped the staff down to touch the man lightly on his shoulder.
"A shadow has returned. But the light remains." --
Aragorn woke suddenly and found he had rolled down the bank into the shallows of the river. His skin was tingling with cold and he got his feet unsteadily. But he now knew that the journey would be continued. Life goes on, even after the climax. He sighed. He knew it in his heart. But he also knew that the company would be brought together again. At last. The Fellowship would be reunited. But how could he bring them back?
They were coming back.
I am falling into depression because AVALANCHE by shirebound has ended. *collapses and begins to sob uncontrollably*
Crazytook: Glad you like Sam- he's a lot of fun to write. He's just so loyal and loveable! Ah, yes, Gandalf will be making an appearance. But a lot later on. This is going to be a very long story and I have quite a bit of it worked out. Hope that you find ensuing chapters enjoyable too!
Lil*bee: I am so pleased that you like this story. Your reviews make me feel so special! I am honoured that I am the first on your favourites list- thank you so much and I cannot wait to see your own stories.
Shirebound: You finished Avalanche! Arg! It is no longer Shirebounday but Friday again. *grumble* I was once accused of being an evil twisty-turny thing and I reckon here that I'm living up to it. Thank you so much for Avalanche!
MagicalRachel: I sort of ran out of people who died and so Haldir slipped in. Not very heartfelt, unfortunately but it was more for the sake of the story. Sorry! I thought you'd like the Frodo and Sam bit. D'aw, green-brown and AMAZING BLUE eyes. Sam-fic? Sam-fic? Wherewherewhere? Hope to see it very soon!
The Lazy Fairy: Nope, not the end for a very long time. I never wrote about Tharanduil before. But he's generally a good thing. Glad you liked him. I know! School- ack- it drives me up the wall!
TrueFan: Yay! Freaky memories! I know- I am such a sadist. Poor hobbitses. As for your brothers, um, I'll have Morgan because I love the name! Oh I'm sure they're not all that bad. It's worse to be alone. "No loyal friend was ever there for me...Now we say goodbye. We say you didn't try..."
????: Cool name. Thank you so much for the ideas! Yes, I was planning on it but you've inspired me far more with Sam's family. I am so pleased that you're enjoying Memories of Home. This chapter is dedicated to you!
~ Chapter Eight ~
Brégo galloped across the landscape, kicking up turf at his hooves. He was following the river north, heading for Rauros. Aragorn was hunched over in the saddle, urging his steed forward into the shallows of the stream. They had been riding since late morning and now they heard the crash and roaring of the waterfall and saw the flash of rainbows amid the sunlight. Vapour drifted up from the horizon and, as they breached the hilltop, looked down onto the Falls of Rauros. It was like something out of a fairytale. The waterfall pouring in a silver and cerulean curtain that seemed to be formed out of light itself.
He nudged his heels back into Brégo and the horse trotted down the embankment to the shore. Aragorn slipped from his back and patted his side.
"Thank you, my friend. Loyal Brégo."
The horse snorted and dunked his nose into the water. The man walked upstream to admire Rauros. He was soaked within minutes but he did not care. This looked so unreal to him. Last time he had been here, it had been with heavy heart, knowing that Gandalf was gone and that a great decision was at hand. That was the last time he had seen...the Ringbearer before the war was over. Aragorn forced himself up the steep slope of the waterfall and into the undergrowth at the summit. He climbed a small hill at the centre of the trees and gazed down at the world set out before him. Emin Muil's (sp?) ruined shape stretched out on one side, the jagged rocks in an unrecognisable heap since Mordor's reign had ended. And on the other lay the beautiful Andùin, like a snake that coiled itself round the cliffs and bays of the land.
He climbed down to the wide river basin and for a moment contemplated crossing it, to see if he would find any trace of the battle. But he smiled at his foolishness. Eleven years worth of weathering and erosion would have cleared away any marks left on Amon Hen. Slowly, he made the arduous way back down to join his steed. He mounted Brégo once more and then trotted him round towards the western side and then they cantered away in search of more scattered memories.
--
Gimli yawned and stretched as he climbed up from the hollowed out bed. He clambered to his feet and looked blearily around. He was amazed to find twelve elves standing round him. He fell backwards in shock and the elves laughed quietly, helping him up.
"We are to be your servants during your stay," said one, "We are here to obey your every command."
"No! No! I do not need servants! You're very kind and thank you all but really, I need no special attendance."
"As you wish, sir," the elf replied, bowing low. His companions followed suit and backed away into the trees. Gimli felt a little awkward after that and was not sure when he was entirely alone. He departed back to the palace to find Legolas. Sure enough, the prince was waiting for him. He shook his head with a grin when he saw the dwarf.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Very, thank you, Legolas. But really, you did not need to send your kindred to do my bidding! Very thoughtful but-"
"Gimli, they were all too eager! You are the most amazing thing most of them have ever seen and after all I have spoken of you, I am sure they see you as one of the most precious things on this earth. But forgive me, they will not trouble you again."
The friends moved towards the great towering construction amongst the trees and climbed the steps to Legolas' chambers. They were bare apart from a bed and a huge stack of books piled in one corner.
"Sorry that there is nothing much to show you. But there is little I do. I am quite a dull person to tell you the truth," he apologised. Gimli raised an eyebrow at him.
"Legolas, I have seen you fire a bow in Moria, ride a boat down the Great River, run for days without rest and fight at an impenetrable fortress. You may be annoying, tireless, bitter and unbearably good at everything but you are certainly not dull. Why all these books?" he asked, picking one from the heap. It was very heavy and looked brand new. He turned it over in his hands to look at the cover. In silver cursive writing it said, 'There and Back Again'.
"I brought all of them back from Minas Tirith. Aragorn said that I was welcome to take as many as I wished. So, I did."
Gimli smirked at him and then opened the first page. Concerning Hobbits.
"They certainly concerned me!" he laughed, "And never ceased to amaze me!"
He hoisted himself up onto Legolas' bed and began to flip through the pages. His friend came to sit beside him. He was thinking hard. After some time, he said in contemplative voice,
"I wondered many times if I would ever see our company again. In so many years I have not seen Aragorn, you or the hobbits. Our Fellowship broke into many separate pieces after the quest. Scattered to the winds. I- I wonder...if perhaps it is time for us to come together again. To face each other again and tell each other of all that has happened."
"But it will never be quite the same," Gimli murmured, "Without Boromir, Gandalf and... Well, it wouldn't be the same, would it?"
"Maybe not," Legolas sighed, "Maybe not."
--
The afternoon was cool. Autumn breezes swept along the river. Aragorn lay asleep on the bank, face upturned to the sky. He was dreaming of the past...
The picture rippled before him and it became the Fields of Pelennor, streaked with blood and death. The smell of bitterness in the air. A dark victory. And then, at the mountains beyond, shone a bright light. Aragorn covered his eyes as the glare grew painfully strong. And then, amid its dazzling rays, he made out a figure, garbed in white and carrying a staff.
"Gandalf," he breathed, running towards him. The wizard towered above him, gazing down with calm, stony eyes.
"Do you know what you are searching for, King Elessar?" he boomed. The man faltered in his step.
"I thought I did. But now, I am not sure. I feel something growing."
"The Fellowship will be united again. Many are returning. But you must help them arrive. Do everything in your power to bring them back. If you are so unsure of your path, then turn to the one that you trusted long ago. And you will see them all again."
Aragorn bowed his head. And Gandalf began to fade out of existence. His old eyes sparkled and he dipped the staff down to touch the man lightly on his shoulder.
"A shadow has returned. But the light remains." --
Aragorn woke suddenly and found he had rolled down the bank into the shallows of the river. His skin was tingling with cold and he got his feet unsteadily. But he now knew that the journey would be continued. Life goes on, even after the climax. He sighed. He knew it in his heart. But he also knew that the company would be brought together again. At last. The Fellowship would be reunited. But how could he bring them back?
They were coming back.
