Disclaimer: *checks credit card bill* Nope, I sure didn't buy 'em! So
that must mean they're not mine!
And now the best section of all: Thank yous! What, do you mean to say the story is the best section? Too bad, I enjoy thanking each and every one of my reviewers!
Violet Dawson: You are worth it! I always check for reviews from you when I'm online.
Mnemosyne23: Hi! Thanks for your encouraging review, and I'll try to throw in a bit more *real* Boromir just for you!
Elenya: I'm glad you liked it, and I hope this chapter meets your expectations!
Star Queen: I've been trying to figure out if those were the twins too, but the author would simply dismiss them as random elves. Personally, I can't wait to see Eomer on the big screen either, and I do pity him immensely. I'd at least give him a can of pepper spray to keep all the fangirls away!
Star: LOL, you flatter me with your shameless plug! I've visited your story and I had a wonderful time simply laughing my head off. (I added you to the favorites list, but I think I already mentioned that.)
SilentStep: Your name reminds me of a Sivaoan one, for some strange reason . . . and if extra exclamation points are a sign of a diseased mind, then I think I'm brain-dead! (!!!) I'll try to keep the chapters coming!
Celtic Dreamer: Wow! I am so honored to be on your favorites list! Thank you thank you! I shall churn out the next chapter at the best possible speed!
ShellMel: I'm pleased you liked the bit with Merry. He and Pippin are my favorite hobbits, for some reason. Thanks for your review!
Melilot Millstone: No, you can't have a hobbit, I *need* them in order to finish the story! But after that I don't see why not . . . LOL.
Cat-Chan: I'm thrilled that you like singing so much, LOL. I hope you like this next installment too!
Beladona: Funny the strange things my delusional mind comes up with, isn't it?
Mizalaye: I jumped with joy when I saw your beautiful long review! About Merry being free during the council: regardless or not whether they're free, all the *true* characters can still hear what's going on, much like Katie can hear what the Fellowship says to Meriweather whenever she's forced to do something. You'll recall that Aragorn was rather -ahem- *adverse* to her presence, shall we say, when the real Katie came to Middle- earth. That would be because he remembered every soppy poem etc. that he said to her. Quite embarrassing! LOL, hope this note helps!
Golden Dragon and Co.: I got a kick out of both reviews, and I'm happy that you like my rather odd brand of humor. I appreciate all the moral support! (One more week and I'll be done with the darn course!) In the meantime, Happy Birthday and here's something for you to enjoy!
Jester: I had fun writing the last chapter, because I actually didn't have to make up any of the LOTR character's stupidity! (To me, it's difficult to purposely screw someone like Aragorn or Gandalf up.) And thanks for your review on "The Haven!" BTW, what does "WAI" mean? LOL, yeah, I'm dumb, I'll admit it!
Rabia: Scaring the locals again? You're welcome for the anonymous review disablement (yeah, that sounded odd) and thanks for your praise on my short story!
GreyLadyBast: No, you needed to say that to me, because it helped me realize that just because I had a lightning bolt (or frying pan) to the head for an idea, it doesn't give me the right to expect nor demand reviews. Thanks for bringing me back to earth, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter!
I had a tough time deciding who to dedicate this chapter to, but then realized I can simply dedicate the next one to the other candidate! (I'm so brilliant I amaze myself.) I am pleased to announce that the dedication of this chapter goes to Star Queen! I appreciate your candor and encouraging comments, and it's high time I rewarded you accordingly!
And a side note for those of you who read and enjoyed "One Moment, Untainted": I have written the sequel, "The Haven." It's quite a bit longer, but those who have reviewed say it's better than the first, though I'm not convinced. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know (if I haven't all ready, I tend to forget if I've said stuff before) and now onto the *real* story!
TRAPPED AS A MARY SUE
Chapter Nine
The best term she could describe herself with was paralyzed. She would admit that it was most likely due to the fact that she had suffered exposure to extreme cold and her hands and feet were completely numb. But inwardly her mind still reeled with the new reality she found herself faced with.
If Katie wasn't stranded on top of a mountain that boasted an avalanche for any wrong movement or loud noise, she'd have done a little dance, cheered really loud, and probably have made a complete fool of herself.
As it was, she stood a distance apart from everyone else, hands under her arms, trying to keep warm. One downside to not having Meriweather was her likely all-weather-resistant clothes, which would probably have kept her nice and warm. And the boots. Katie would pay a lot of money to have a pair of boots. Rags were nice if there was absolutely nothing else (which there wasn't) but then again, fashion wasn't exactly the first thing on her mind.
What *was* on her mind, as crowded in there as it was with Meriweather and her other personality, was how she was going to rectify the entire Mary Sue dilemma. And keep herself from freezing to death or getting killed by orcs in the process. It was a whole lot harder than it sounded.
A shout came from somewhere around the bend of the mountain path, and Katie turned to see Boromir and Aragorn returning. With little time wasted, each gathered up a hobbit and bore them off through the snow, down the lane they had plowed with their sheer physical might.
I shudder to think of what Aragorn might do to Meriweather now that he's free, Katie thought to herself.
Beat her to a bloody pulp, it's the least she deserves.
Yeah, but I'd be paying for it for a *long* time afterward.
Ouch, true.
Don't you know I'm always right?
Except, as Kel would say, when referring to Legolas as the hottest member of the Fellowship.
And as I would reply to Kel, *is so*!
Why are we having this discussion?
I don't know, *you* started it!
Did not.
Did so.
And on and on it went, until Katie realized with a sudden spike of fear that she was all alone. Panicking, she charged down the snowy rut that the Fellowship had worn down the mountain, nearly slamming into Aragorn's back before she realized it was him, though he was carrying Frodo and there was no way she could have missed *him*.
She felt badly out of place, not much better than a Mary Sue. At least, however, she was going to get out of this, unlike Meriweather, who probably intended to rule from Minas Tirith for the rest of her days. Katie's eyes narrowed in to dangerous green slits as she thought of it.
No matter what happens, she goes *down.*
You had doubts that she wouldn't?
Well, I've never exactly *killed* anybody before . . .
I don't think that illegitimate pile of festering flesh is considered a person.
True, and nice one.
If ever her other half could sound modest . . . Thank you, I learned it from the best insulter there is.
Why I'm flattered! But still, she's got weapons, and I don't. *And* she knows how to use them, thanks to her magical Sue powers of learning anything she wants in less than a millisecond. I don't have that option.
Would you relax? We'll find some way to figure this out logically.
There you go with the logic thing again.
Live long and prosper.
Cute.
As the Fellowship plus one pressed on down the mountain, Katie alternately focused on not falling on her bum and trying to figure out if she could get one of the Fellowship to teach her a bit of self-defense for when she got back in-between. Meriweather had been as surprised as she, but Katie had waited so long to take her anger out on *something* that she'd recovered quickest and gotten the upper hand. Doubtless the Sue would be better prepared the next time around, and she *did* have a sword . . .
Erk. What an unpleasant thought.
The company passed out of the worst of the drift, and not a moment too soon. Katie had to haul butt in order to get out of the way of yet another avalanche, which sealed the path behind her. They cowered against the face of the mountain, shielding exposed eyes from the chips of ice and snow that flew everywhere.
Gimli cried something faintly ahead of her, yelling it seemed at the mountain, which seemed hell-bent on destroying them. As if Caradhras had heard him, the snow fitfully ceased to fall, and the sky began to lighten.
There was not much talking as they continued their downward trudge, but the snow grew less deep, and Katie was grateful as she stumbled on weary legs from high-stepping through all the previous drifts. At last they reached a flat shelf that showed recent use. Wearily sinking down against a boulder, Katie took a few deep breaths, ignoring the rapidly developing stitch in her side.
"I don't know how you people manage this all day," she muttered under her breath as the Fellowship fanned out to look back over the land, presumably for their next course of action.
"The birds again!" Aragorn's voice startled her, and Katie jerked unconsciously; she'd been attempting to snatch a little cat-nap. Forcing her tired body up, she peered west to see the crebain circling like an evil omen.
Dimly, she was aware that Gandalf was speaking, ordering them to continue down the mountain. A cold wind knifed through her, making her shiver and forget all thoughts of Meriweather for the time being. She had to concentrate on staying awake and coherent. Something in the back of her mind tickled her memory, but she did not know what it was.
Hesitantly a hand touched her shoulder, and Katie let out a startled exclamation and leaped sideways, away from whoever it was. She turned to see Boromir, looking no less nervous than she.
"Are you well, Katie?" His hazel eyes were concerned, yet at the same time wary.
"I . . . yes. Don't pay me any attention," she simply replied, unwilling to say too much to him.
"It is difficult to obey such a statement when all our hope rests with you," he said directly, searching her face. "Would you care to walk in front of me?"
She was about to refuse, thinking it to be an innuendo of sorts. Then she realized that he was offering out of a sense of duty and protection. She had no weapons to speak of, and if they were laid siege to by any predator, Katie would have no means of defense. She would need to depend upon others to keep her safe, until such time as she figured a way out of this mess.
"Thanks."
Onward they continued, and by nightfall had reached the base of the mountain. Shades of inky violet streaked the sky around the black bulk of peaks silhouetted against it. A cold wind numbed Katie even further, though she had barely any feeling left within her limbs at all. She almost did not notice when they stopped to rest, but was forced to halt when the person in front of her did.
Sinking wearily to the ground, too exhausted to move another inch, she felt a bottle being pressed to her lips. Whatever it was, the liquid was warm and returned the feeling to her arms and legs, pushing back the grey fog of sleepiness that was rapidly overcoming her.
The Fellowship was discussing their next course of events, but Katie paid them little attention, knowing what would be decided in the end. Her subconscious was trying to tell her something, but she couldn't recall what it was.
I know something important is going to happen . . . at least I think so.
Well, do you think or do you know?
What's happening now is from the book, not the movie. And I've only read the books once, and even then I started with the Two Towers. A lovely mess I've made of this.
Mmhmm. No doubt about that.
Some help *you* are.
Shh! Do you hear that?
Hear what? It's only the wind.
I don't think so.
Aragorn was on his feet, bending into the wind. "It is howling with wolf- voices. The Wargs have come west of the Mountains!"
See?
I've got a bad feeling about this.
You and me both.
[Well, that's it for now, because I *still* don't have that stupid term paper done. It's more done than it was before, though . . . anyway, see if Katie gets eaten by wargs in the next chapter!]
And now the best section of all: Thank yous! What, do you mean to say the story is the best section? Too bad, I enjoy thanking each and every one of my reviewers!
Violet Dawson: You are worth it! I always check for reviews from you when I'm online.
Mnemosyne23: Hi! Thanks for your encouraging review, and I'll try to throw in a bit more *real* Boromir just for you!
Elenya: I'm glad you liked it, and I hope this chapter meets your expectations!
Star Queen: I've been trying to figure out if those were the twins too, but the author would simply dismiss them as random elves. Personally, I can't wait to see Eomer on the big screen either, and I do pity him immensely. I'd at least give him a can of pepper spray to keep all the fangirls away!
Star: LOL, you flatter me with your shameless plug! I've visited your story and I had a wonderful time simply laughing my head off. (I added you to the favorites list, but I think I already mentioned that.)
SilentStep: Your name reminds me of a Sivaoan one, for some strange reason . . . and if extra exclamation points are a sign of a diseased mind, then I think I'm brain-dead! (!!!) I'll try to keep the chapters coming!
Celtic Dreamer: Wow! I am so honored to be on your favorites list! Thank you thank you! I shall churn out the next chapter at the best possible speed!
ShellMel: I'm pleased you liked the bit with Merry. He and Pippin are my favorite hobbits, for some reason. Thanks for your review!
Melilot Millstone: No, you can't have a hobbit, I *need* them in order to finish the story! But after that I don't see why not . . . LOL.
Cat-Chan: I'm thrilled that you like singing so much, LOL. I hope you like this next installment too!
Beladona: Funny the strange things my delusional mind comes up with, isn't it?
Mizalaye: I jumped with joy when I saw your beautiful long review! About Merry being free during the council: regardless or not whether they're free, all the *true* characters can still hear what's going on, much like Katie can hear what the Fellowship says to Meriweather whenever she's forced to do something. You'll recall that Aragorn was rather -ahem- *adverse* to her presence, shall we say, when the real Katie came to Middle- earth. That would be because he remembered every soppy poem etc. that he said to her. Quite embarrassing! LOL, hope this note helps!
Golden Dragon and Co.: I got a kick out of both reviews, and I'm happy that you like my rather odd brand of humor. I appreciate all the moral support! (One more week and I'll be done with the darn course!) In the meantime, Happy Birthday and here's something for you to enjoy!
Jester: I had fun writing the last chapter, because I actually didn't have to make up any of the LOTR character's stupidity! (To me, it's difficult to purposely screw someone like Aragorn or Gandalf up.) And thanks for your review on "The Haven!" BTW, what does "WAI" mean? LOL, yeah, I'm dumb, I'll admit it!
Rabia: Scaring the locals again? You're welcome for the anonymous review disablement (yeah, that sounded odd) and thanks for your praise on my short story!
GreyLadyBast: No, you needed to say that to me, because it helped me realize that just because I had a lightning bolt (or frying pan) to the head for an idea, it doesn't give me the right to expect nor demand reviews. Thanks for bringing me back to earth, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter!
I had a tough time deciding who to dedicate this chapter to, but then realized I can simply dedicate the next one to the other candidate! (I'm so brilliant I amaze myself.) I am pleased to announce that the dedication of this chapter goes to Star Queen! I appreciate your candor and encouraging comments, and it's high time I rewarded you accordingly!
And a side note for those of you who read and enjoyed "One Moment, Untainted": I have written the sequel, "The Haven." It's quite a bit longer, but those who have reviewed say it's better than the first, though I'm not convinced. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know (if I haven't all ready, I tend to forget if I've said stuff before) and now onto the *real* story!
TRAPPED AS A MARY SUE
Chapter Nine
The best term she could describe herself with was paralyzed. She would admit that it was most likely due to the fact that she had suffered exposure to extreme cold and her hands and feet were completely numb. But inwardly her mind still reeled with the new reality she found herself faced with.
If Katie wasn't stranded on top of a mountain that boasted an avalanche for any wrong movement or loud noise, she'd have done a little dance, cheered really loud, and probably have made a complete fool of herself.
As it was, she stood a distance apart from everyone else, hands under her arms, trying to keep warm. One downside to not having Meriweather was her likely all-weather-resistant clothes, which would probably have kept her nice and warm. And the boots. Katie would pay a lot of money to have a pair of boots. Rags were nice if there was absolutely nothing else (which there wasn't) but then again, fashion wasn't exactly the first thing on her mind.
What *was* on her mind, as crowded in there as it was with Meriweather and her other personality, was how she was going to rectify the entire Mary Sue dilemma. And keep herself from freezing to death or getting killed by orcs in the process. It was a whole lot harder than it sounded.
A shout came from somewhere around the bend of the mountain path, and Katie turned to see Boromir and Aragorn returning. With little time wasted, each gathered up a hobbit and bore them off through the snow, down the lane they had plowed with their sheer physical might.
I shudder to think of what Aragorn might do to Meriweather now that he's free, Katie thought to herself.
Beat her to a bloody pulp, it's the least she deserves.
Yeah, but I'd be paying for it for a *long* time afterward.
Ouch, true.
Don't you know I'm always right?
Except, as Kel would say, when referring to Legolas as the hottest member of the Fellowship.
And as I would reply to Kel, *is so*!
Why are we having this discussion?
I don't know, *you* started it!
Did not.
Did so.
And on and on it went, until Katie realized with a sudden spike of fear that she was all alone. Panicking, she charged down the snowy rut that the Fellowship had worn down the mountain, nearly slamming into Aragorn's back before she realized it was him, though he was carrying Frodo and there was no way she could have missed *him*.
She felt badly out of place, not much better than a Mary Sue. At least, however, she was going to get out of this, unlike Meriweather, who probably intended to rule from Minas Tirith for the rest of her days. Katie's eyes narrowed in to dangerous green slits as she thought of it.
No matter what happens, she goes *down.*
You had doubts that she wouldn't?
Well, I've never exactly *killed* anybody before . . .
I don't think that illegitimate pile of festering flesh is considered a person.
True, and nice one.
If ever her other half could sound modest . . . Thank you, I learned it from the best insulter there is.
Why I'm flattered! But still, she's got weapons, and I don't. *And* she knows how to use them, thanks to her magical Sue powers of learning anything she wants in less than a millisecond. I don't have that option.
Would you relax? We'll find some way to figure this out logically.
There you go with the logic thing again.
Live long and prosper.
Cute.
As the Fellowship plus one pressed on down the mountain, Katie alternately focused on not falling on her bum and trying to figure out if she could get one of the Fellowship to teach her a bit of self-defense for when she got back in-between. Meriweather had been as surprised as she, but Katie had waited so long to take her anger out on *something* that she'd recovered quickest and gotten the upper hand. Doubtless the Sue would be better prepared the next time around, and she *did* have a sword . . .
Erk. What an unpleasant thought.
The company passed out of the worst of the drift, and not a moment too soon. Katie had to haul butt in order to get out of the way of yet another avalanche, which sealed the path behind her. They cowered against the face of the mountain, shielding exposed eyes from the chips of ice and snow that flew everywhere.
Gimli cried something faintly ahead of her, yelling it seemed at the mountain, which seemed hell-bent on destroying them. As if Caradhras had heard him, the snow fitfully ceased to fall, and the sky began to lighten.
There was not much talking as they continued their downward trudge, but the snow grew less deep, and Katie was grateful as she stumbled on weary legs from high-stepping through all the previous drifts. At last they reached a flat shelf that showed recent use. Wearily sinking down against a boulder, Katie took a few deep breaths, ignoring the rapidly developing stitch in her side.
"I don't know how you people manage this all day," she muttered under her breath as the Fellowship fanned out to look back over the land, presumably for their next course of action.
"The birds again!" Aragorn's voice startled her, and Katie jerked unconsciously; she'd been attempting to snatch a little cat-nap. Forcing her tired body up, she peered west to see the crebain circling like an evil omen.
Dimly, she was aware that Gandalf was speaking, ordering them to continue down the mountain. A cold wind knifed through her, making her shiver and forget all thoughts of Meriweather for the time being. She had to concentrate on staying awake and coherent. Something in the back of her mind tickled her memory, but she did not know what it was.
Hesitantly a hand touched her shoulder, and Katie let out a startled exclamation and leaped sideways, away from whoever it was. She turned to see Boromir, looking no less nervous than she.
"Are you well, Katie?" His hazel eyes were concerned, yet at the same time wary.
"I . . . yes. Don't pay me any attention," she simply replied, unwilling to say too much to him.
"It is difficult to obey such a statement when all our hope rests with you," he said directly, searching her face. "Would you care to walk in front of me?"
She was about to refuse, thinking it to be an innuendo of sorts. Then she realized that he was offering out of a sense of duty and protection. She had no weapons to speak of, and if they were laid siege to by any predator, Katie would have no means of defense. She would need to depend upon others to keep her safe, until such time as she figured a way out of this mess.
"Thanks."
Onward they continued, and by nightfall had reached the base of the mountain. Shades of inky violet streaked the sky around the black bulk of peaks silhouetted against it. A cold wind numbed Katie even further, though she had barely any feeling left within her limbs at all. She almost did not notice when they stopped to rest, but was forced to halt when the person in front of her did.
Sinking wearily to the ground, too exhausted to move another inch, she felt a bottle being pressed to her lips. Whatever it was, the liquid was warm and returned the feeling to her arms and legs, pushing back the grey fog of sleepiness that was rapidly overcoming her.
The Fellowship was discussing their next course of events, but Katie paid them little attention, knowing what would be decided in the end. Her subconscious was trying to tell her something, but she couldn't recall what it was.
I know something important is going to happen . . . at least I think so.
Well, do you think or do you know?
What's happening now is from the book, not the movie. And I've only read the books once, and even then I started with the Two Towers. A lovely mess I've made of this.
Mmhmm. No doubt about that.
Some help *you* are.
Shh! Do you hear that?
Hear what? It's only the wind.
I don't think so.
Aragorn was on his feet, bending into the wind. "It is howling with wolf- voices. The Wargs have come west of the Mountains!"
See?
I've got a bad feeling about this.
You and me both.
[Well, that's it for now, because I *still* don't have that stupid term paper done. It's more done than it was before, though . . . anyway, see if Katie gets eaten by wargs in the next chapter!]
