Aftermath: Chapter 7
Here it is! The last chapter!
Yes, this is the last chapter. I want to thank everyone who supported it for it's duration. It really means alot to me. I wrote a few Andromeda fics, but none of them were as popular as this one. I didn't think I was that good! And I would like to take this time to reply to reviews of chapter six. It's only fitting, as it's the last chapter.
the evil witch queen--you wish. :p You'll have to read to find out.
Queen of Shadows--Don't worry, they'll get back safe. And yes, no one died. As of yet. ;)
anonymous (too lazy to sign in)--sometimes i'm too lazy to sign in, but i do anyway! And i'm glad you'll read my sequel.
Morloth--there's no one's ass to kick! :p just read, just read...*starts doing hyper dance too*
Marlade Greenleaf--wow, really? You're not just saying that?
pupulupk--that is probably the weirdest nickname I have ever heard. And thanks for reading!
LadyIsabelle--Grey Comapny.org It has nearly everything. It's very useful, trust me. :)
cysne--oh, so now you're quoting me? *fakes being scandalized* lol, just kidding. Yeah, Harathiel is a warrior. (Except I don't think she has a shield). Did I describe her weapons yet? I don't think I did. But I will in the sequel. I already thought out a little funny bit, that's definately gonna prove she's a warrior. A warrior princess. Without the battle cry. ;)
And no, they didn't end up in an alternate universe with Sauron's twin sister. Although that would be fun to read about. Sorry for losing you in the last chapter. I'll try to make this one less confusing.
And I was slightly surprised you gave a review for each of my chapters that way. I'm flattered. I really did enjoy your reviews, as I told you in my review for your fic. (And I hope you hurry to update it).
LanierShazar--yeah, I'm kinda sad about finishing it, too. But all things must come to an end (unfourtunately). Glad you liked it. :)
JDFielding--I'm glad you're looking forward to the sequel. I hope it'll be just as good as this one (or possibly better. Either way, i'm not complaining).
tbris--I think you must be the "worried-about-offending-people" type. That's alright. I'm a bit like that too. I guess it is confusing. But Saruman doesn't really have anything to do with this, if that helps. Besides, Sauron was destroyed but showed signs of coming back by wreaking havoc in Mirkwood. Then he was driven out, but he's back again.
Pure Luck--Sorry, but this is the last chapter. Hopefully you'll enjoy it, and the sequel.
Leg-less harry--Hmm...does your name have to do with LOTR, Harry Potter, or is it all just a coincidence? ;) I guess you're not leg-less, if you're dancing around the room. ;)
Author's Note: Well, I already started the sequel. It's gonna be called 'Dire Needs'. If anyone wants me to inform them when i start posting it, you can leave me their e-mails in your review. I know I can just check them in your profiles, but it's easier like this. It's set 15 years after this fic. There's a "fellowship reunion", which isn't entirely happy. That's all i'm saying. But I may also be working on another fic at the same time, but i'm not sure yet.
Another Author's Note: There's a quick mention of something from The Silmarillion, just to let you know. And any fan of LOTR should read it. It's like the Bible for Middle-earth.
For all other notes: See previous chapters.
Well, I won't keep you waiting. Here it is:
**********
Chapter 7: Surprising Location
Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli and Haldir left for the mountains half an hour later. Legolas and Haldir were holding their bows closely to them, their keen senses alert. Aragorn could see how tense the elves were. He walked up to them.
"Is there a reason you're so alert?" Aragorn asked them both.
"No," Legolas replied.
"Just in case anything happens. We want to be prepared for anything," Haldir added. Aragorn raised his eyebrows; he didn't believe them.
Legolas saw his friend's deisbelief. "You may not belive us, mellon nin, but it's true. Anything could happen. It is a rather long journey." [my friend]
"Yes, but you don't have to be paranoid, master elf," Gimli said.
Legolas glared at Gimli. "Whoever said I was paranoid, dwarf?"
Gimli shrugged. "I'm just saying...you both seem paranoid. And why wouldn't you be? I suppose it might come natural for elves. After all, your senses are above those of other species. You can detect things easily, and who knows if they might be good or evil?"
"Lle tela, naugrim?" Legolas asked, irritated. [Are you finished, dwarf?]
"I don't know what you said, so I won't reply," Gimli retorted.
Legolas was about to exclaim a rather long string of elvish curses, but Haldir stopped him.
"Did you notice something?" he asked.
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli looked around. "No," Aragorn and Gimli said together.
"The mountains," Legolas said dryly.
"They keeps getting bigger as we approach it, as if our journey is being cut in half."
"You're right," Aragorn said. The mountain was alot closer now. Aragorn could see where it started, and some of the terrain on the mountain. He also noticed it was getting dark.
"Merna lye estolada sinome?" Aragorn asked the two elves. [Shall we camp here?] Haldir and Legolas looked at him strangely. "It is getting dark," Aragorn explained.
Haldir looked up at the sky. "You're right. I suppose we should," he agreed. Gimli didn't understand the question Aragorn asked, but he only assumed what it was.
"But we don't have any firewood," he complained.
"We might not need it," Haldir replied. "There seems to be nothing that could hurt us. It is warm enough, and there's not much to see. We would sense if something goes amiss. I believe we'll be alright."
"Still, I would feel more comfortable if we could get a roaring fire going," Gimli said.
"As would I, master dwarf. Unfourtunately, there seems to be nothing to start a fire with. And starting a fire with the grass would just be idiodic," Haldir replied. "We have our cloaks. That should be enough," he stated firmly.
"Quel esta, Aragorn," Legolas muttered before they all found what *looked* like the most comfortable spot, and laid down. Gimli mumbled something about crabgrass, but soon they managed to fall asleep. [Rest well, Aragorn]
~~~~~~~
The first thing Aragorn felt when he woke up was wet. His face, hands and clothes were damp. 'Dew,' he thought. He looked at his surroundings. Gimli was still sleeping. Haldir and Legolas were starting to wake up. Aragorn saw a sone near him. He smiled wickedly, picked it up, and threw it and Gimli. It hit him on his head. (His helmet fell off during the night.)
Gimli yelled and stood up, surprising the two elves. "What the bloody blazes..." he mumbled while rubbing his head.
Aragorn burst out laughing. Gimli growled. This made Legolas and Haldir start laughing, too.
"What a way to wake up," Legolas commented, as they stood up and stretched.
"What a way indeed," Gimli muttered, making Legolas and Aragorn burst out laughing again.
Haldir frowned. "Lle tela?" he asked grumpily. [Are you finished?]
"No," Legolas replied.
"This isn't over, elf," Gimli replied, motioning towards Legolas.
"Why me? Aragorn is the one who threw the rock at you."
"But you are the one mocking me. I shall not let an elf mock me."
"I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time," Legolas muttered under his breath.
"What?" Gimli asked.
"What?" Legolas repeated, faking ignorance.
"Come now, stop it you two," Aragorn said.
"Yes, please lets," Haldir said.
"Haldir, lle tyava quel?" Legolas asked with concern. [Haldir, do you feel well?]
"I am all right, my friend. I merely have a small headache. Probably because of the way I was sleeping. We should continue now, it is almost late morning," he said, looking up at the sky.
"I suppose we should," Aragorn said, although he looked a bit worried.
~~~~~~~~~
Hours passed by. They were now in the shade of the mountains. Legolas could see an entrance.
"There seems to be a pass into the mountains," he said.
"Should we go in?" Haldir said, looking around.
"Aye, lets. Maybe it's a dwarf mine," Gimli said eagerly.
"Maybe it's the old fortress of Angband," Legolas muttered.
"Maybe it's Helm's Deep," Aragorn said hopefully.
"Maybe it's a secret passage into Mordor," Haldir suggested.
They all stopped a the entrance. It seemed dark, but there were some streams of light. The four of them, all having their own ideas of where the dark tunnel might lead, went in.
~~~~~~~
The first thing Legolas noticed was how the passage seemed to go upwards. "We seem to be going up," he called out to the others.
"Indeed we are," Haldir replied.
"Where do you think we are headed?" Aragorn asked.
"I don't know, but there seems to be light ahead," Gimli shouted.
And indeed there was. It seemed to be getting brighter as they went on.
After a few minutes of walking, the four beings found themselves at the bottom of a large pool of light emenating from above.
"There's a hole in the mountain," Haldir said in a somewhat amused voice.
They continued on for another hour. They could not recognize their surroundings, although they should have. Legolas felt it strangely familiar.
~~~~~~~
They continued up a stone passage. Gimli noticed the passage was made of carved stone blocks. "This looks man-made," Gimli said. Aragorn stopped and looked.
"It does, doesn't it?"
Ahead of them, Legolas let out a stout laugh. "Come quickly! You won't believe where we are!"
Aragorn, Gimli and Haldir ran in the direction of his voice. They kept passing room after room. Aragorn began to have a strange suspicion where they were . . .
They found Legolas in a large stone room. There was debris all over. Tapestries were hanging, ripped off their beams. The door was smashed in many pieces. There were dead orc and human bodies.
"Helms Deep! We're actually at Helm's Deep!" Gimli exclaimed.
"You were right, Aragorn," Legolas said.
Aragorn snorted. "I'm the king, i'm always right."
"Aragorn, lle naa haran e' nausalle," Legolas retorted. Everyone burst out laughing, while Aragorn pouted. [Aragron, you are king in your imagination]
*************
Epilogue
"Lord Aragorn, I can't thank you enough for helping my people back to safety," Theoden thanked once again.
"King Theoden, it was no trouble. Really."
Theoden smiled. "Aragorn, you will become a great king one day."
"Thank you, my lord." Aragorn bowed to Theoden, gave a smile to Eowyn, and left.
~~~~~~~
"Well Legolas, I suppose this is goodbye for now."
They were outside at the entrance of Helm's Deep. Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were departing for Isengard. The Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien elves were leaving to their respective homes. Legolas already said goodbye to Elladan and Elrohir, and now he was saying goodbye to Harathiel and Thranduil.
"Namaarie, Legolas," Harathiel said, and gave Legolas a tight hug while trying to keep her tears back. [Goodbye, Legolas]
"Tenna' ento lye omenta, Harathiel," Legolas replied as they drew away. He saw the sad look in her eyes. "Do not worry. I will be alright." [Until next we meet]
"I know . . ." she grumbled.
"Legolas," Thranduil went over and also drew his son into a tight hug, much to Legolas' surprise.
"I want you to be careful. And i'm very proud of you, my son."
Legolas smiled. "Iston, ada." [I know, father] He mounted his horse with his usual elven grace and went off with the others.
"A'a menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle," Thranduil muttered. [May thy paths be green ad the wind on thy back]
THE END
yay! it's done. I appreciate you takiong the time to read, and the time to review. Again, if you want me to notify you when I start my sequel, please leave me your e-mail.
Thank you to all the wonderful reviewers! I'll have my sequel up soon!
Namaarie!
Here it is! The last chapter!
Yes, this is the last chapter. I want to thank everyone who supported it for it's duration. It really means alot to me. I wrote a few Andromeda fics, but none of them were as popular as this one. I didn't think I was that good! And I would like to take this time to reply to reviews of chapter six. It's only fitting, as it's the last chapter.
the evil witch queen--you wish. :p You'll have to read to find out.
Queen of Shadows--Don't worry, they'll get back safe. And yes, no one died. As of yet. ;)
anonymous (too lazy to sign in)--sometimes i'm too lazy to sign in, but i do anyway! And i'm glad you'll read my sequel.
Morloth--there's no one's ass to kick! :p just read, just read...*starts doing hyper dance too*
Marlade Greenleaf--wow, really? You're not just saying that?
pupulupk--that is probably the weirdest nickname I have ever heard. And thanks for reading!
LadyIsabelle--Grey Comapny.org It has nearly everything. It's very useful, trust me. :)
cysne--oh, so now you're quoting me? *fakes being scandalized* lol, just kidding. Yeah, Harathiel is a warrior. (Except I don't think she has a shield). Did I describe her weapons yet? I don't think I did. But I will in the sequel. I already thought out a little funny bit, that's definately gonna prove she's a warrior. A warrior princess. Without the battle cry. ;)
And no, they didn't end up in an alternate universe with Sauron's twin sister. Although that would be fun to read about. Sorry for losing you in the last chapter. I'll try to make this one less confusing.
And I was slightly surprised you gave a review for each of my chapters that way. I'm flattered. I really did enjoy your reviews, as I told you in my review for your fic. (And I hope you hurry to update it).
LanierShazar--yeah, I'm kinda sad about finishing it, too. But all things must come to an end (unfourtunately). Glad you liked it. :)
JDFielding--I'm glad you're looking forward to the sequel. I hope it'll be just as good as this one (or possibly better. Either way, i'm not complaining).
tbris--I think you must be the "worried-about-offending-people" type. That's alright. I'm a bit like that too. I guess it is confusing. But Saruman doesn't really have anything to do with this, if that helps. Besides, Sauron was destroyed but showed signs of coming back by wreaking havoc in Mirkwood. Then he was driven out, but he's back again.
Pure Luck--Sorry, but this is the last chapter. Hopefully you'll enjoy it, and the sequel.
Leg-less harry--Hmm...does your name have to do with LOTR, Harry Potter, or is it all just a coincidence? ;) I guess you're not leg-less, if you're dancing around the room. ;)
Author's Note: Well, I already started the sequel. It's gonna be called 'Dire Needs'. If anyone wants me to inform them when i start posting it, you can leave me their e-mails in your review. I know I can just check them in your profiles, but it's easier like this. It's set 15 years after this fic. There's a "fellowship reunion", which isn't entirely happy. That's all i'm saying. But I may also be working on another fic at the same time, but i'm not sure yet.
Another Author's Note: There's a quick mention of something from The Silmarillion, just to let you know. And any fan of LOTR should read it. It's like the Bible for Middle-earth.
For all other notes: See previous chapters.
Well, I won't keep you waiting. Here it is:
**********
Chapter 7: Surprising Location
Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli and Haldir left for the mountains half an hour later. Legolas and Haldir were holding their bows closely to them, their keen senses alert. Aragorn could see how tense the elves were. He walked up to them.
"Is there a reason you're so alert?" Aragorn asked them both.
"No," Legolas replied.
"Just in case anything happens. We want to be prepared for anything," Haldir added. Aragorn raised his eyebrows; he didn't believe them.
Legolas saw his friend's deisbelief. "You may not belive us, mellon nin, but it's true. Anything could happen. It is a rather long journey." [my friend]
"Yes, but you don't have to be paranoid, master elf," Gimli said.
Legolas glared at Gimli. "Whoever said I was paranoid, dwarf?"
Gimli shrugged. "I'm just saying...you both seem paranoid. And why wouldn't you be? I suppose it might come natural for elves. After all, your senses are above those of other species. You can detect things easily, and who knows if they might be good or evil?"
"Lle tela, naugrim?" Legolas asked, irritated. [Are you finished, dwarf?]
"I don't know what you said, so I won't reply," Gimli retorted.
Legolas was about to exclaim a rather long string of elvish curses, but Haldir stopped him.
"Did you notice something?" he asked.
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli looked around. "No," Aragorn and Gimli said together.
"The mountains," Legolas said dryly.
"They keeps getting bigger as we approach it, as if our journey is being cut in half."
"You're right," Aragorn said. The mountain was alot closer now. Aragorn could see where it started, and some of the terrain on the mountain. He also noticed it was getting dark.
"Merna lye estolada sinome?" Aragorn asked the two elves. [Shall we camp here?] Haldir and Legolas looked at him strangely. "It is getting dark," Aragorn explained.
Haldir looked up at the sky. "You're right. I suppose we should," he agreed. Gimli didn't understand the question Aragorn asked, but he only assumed what it was.
"But we don't have any firewood," he complained.
"We might not need it," Haldir replied. "There seems to be nothing that could hurt us. It is warm enough, and there's not much to see. We would sense if something goes amiss. I believe we'll be alright."
"Still, I would feel more comfortable if we could get a roaring fire going," Gimli said.
"As would I, master dwarf. Unfourtunately, there seems to be nothing to start a fire with. And starting a fire with the grass would just be idiodic," Haldir replied. "We have our cloaks. That should be enough," he stated firmly.
"Quel esta, Aragorn," Legolas muttered before they all found what *looked* like the most comfortable spot, and laid down. Gimli mumbled something about crabgrass, but soon they managed to fall asleep. [Rest well, Aragorn]
~~~~~~~
The first thing Aragorn felt when he woke up was wet. His face, hands and clothes were damp. 'Dew,' he thought. He looked at his surroundings. Gimli was still sleeping. Haldir and Legolas were starting to wake up. Aragorn saw a sone near him. He smiled wickedly, picked it up, and threw it and Gimli. It hit him on his head. (His helmet fell off during the night.)
Gimli yelled and stood up, surprising the two elves. "What the bloody blazes..." he mumbled while rubbing his head.
Aragorn burst out laughing. Gimli growled. This made Legolas and Haldir start laughing, too.
"What a way to wake up," Legolas commented, as they stood up and stretched.
"What a way indeed," Gimli muttered, making Legolas and Aragorn burst out laughing again.
Haldir frowned. "Lle tela?" he asked grumpily. [Are you finished?]
"No," Legolas replied.
"This isn't over, elf," Gimli replied, motioning towards Legolas.
"Why me? Aragorn is the one who threw the rock at you."
"But you are the one mocking me. I shall not let an elf mock me."
"I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time," Legolas muttered under his breath.
"What?" Gimli asked.
"What?" Legolas repeated, faking ignorance.
"Come now, stop it you two," Aragorn said.
"Yes, please lets," Haldir said.
"Haldir, lle tyava quel?" Legolas asked with concern. [Haldir, do you feel well?]
"I am all right, my friend. I merely have a small headache. Probably because of the way I was sleeping. We should continue now, it is almost late morning," he said, looking up at the sky.
"I suppose we should," Aragorn said, although he looked a bit worried.
~~~~~~~~~
Hours passed by. They were now in the shade of the mountains. Legolas could see an entrance.
"There seems to be a pass into the mountains," he said.
"Should we go in?" Haldir said, looking around.
"Aye, lets. Maybe it's a dwarf mine," Gimli said eagerly.
"Maybe it's the old fortress of Angband," Legolas muttered.
"Maybe it's Helm's Deep," Aragorn said hopefully.
"Maybe it's a secret passage into Mordor," Haldir suggested.
They all stopped a the entrance. It seemed dark, but there were some streams of light. The four of them, all having their own ideas of where the dark tunnel might lead, went in.
~~~~~~~
The first thing Legolas noticed was how the passage seemed to go upwards. "We seem to be going up," he called out to the others.
"Indeed we are," Haldir replied.
"Where do you think we are headed?" Aragorn asked.
"I don't know, but there seems to be light ahead," Gimli shouted.
And indeed there was. It seemed to be getting brighter as they went on.
After a few minutes of walking, the four beings found themselves at the bottom of a large pool of light emenating from above.
"There's a hole in the mountain," Haldir said in a somewhat amused voice.
They continued on for another hour. They could not recognize their surroundings, although they should have. Legolas felt it strangely familiar.
~~~~~~~
They continued up a stone passage. Gimli noticed the passage was made of carved stone blocks. "This looks man-made," Gimli said. Aragorn stopped and looked.
"It does, doesn't it?"
Ahead of them, Legolas let out a stout laugh. "Come quickly! You won't believe where we are!"
Aragorn, Gimli and Haldir ran in the direction of his voice. They kept passing room after room. Aragorn began to have a strange suspicion where they were . . .
They found Legolas in a large stone room. There was debris all over. Tapestries were hanging, ripped off their beams. The door was smashed in many pieces. There were dead orc and human bodies.
"Helms Deep! We're actually at Helm's Deep!" Gimli exclaimed.
"You were right, Aragorn," Legolas said.
Aragorn snorted. "I'm the king, i'm always right."
"Aragorn, lle naa haran e' nausalle," Legolas retorted. Everyone burst out laughing, while Aragorn pouted. [Aragron, you are king in your imagination]
*************
Epilogue
"Lord Aragorn, I can't thank you enough for helping my people back to safety," Theoden thanked once again.
"King Theoden, it was no trouble. Really."
Theoden smiled. "Aragorn, you will become a great king one day."
"Thank you, my lord." Aragorn bowed to Theoden, gave a smile to Eowyn, and left.
~~~~~~~
"Well Legolas, I suppose this is goodbye for now."
They were outside at the entrance of Helm's Deep. Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were departing for Isengard. The Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien elves were leaving to their respective homes. Legolas already said goodbye to Elladan and Elrohir, and now he was saying goodbye to Harathiel and Thranduil.
"Namaarie, Legolas," Harathiel said, and gave Legolas a tight hug while trying to keep her tears back. [Goodbye, Legolas]
"Tenna' ento lye omenta, Harathiel," Legolas replied as they drew away. He saw the sad look in her eyes. "Do not worry. I will be alright." [Until next we meet]
"I know . . ." she grumbled.
"Legolas," Thranduil went over and also drew his son into a tight hug, much to Legolas' surprise.
"I want you to be careful. And i'm very proud of you, my son."
Legolas smiled. "Iston, ada." [I know, father] He mounted his horse with his usual elven grace and went off with the others.
"A'a menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle," Thranduil muttered. [May thy paths be green ad the wind on thy back]
THE END
yay! it's done. I appreciate you takiong the time to read, and the time to review. Again, if you want me to notify you when I start my sequel, please leave me your e-mail.
Thank you to all the wonderful reviewers! I'll have my sequel up soon!
Namaarie!
