Disclaimer: Y'know what? See Chapter One! Argh! I'm so tired of writing
these things!
And to the rabid masses of reviewers:
Lindriel: Thank you! Such reassurance that Katie is sufficiently different always boosts my spirits. It helps me to know that I'm across that M.S. line.
Lady Q: I'm pleased you found it entertaining, and I hope you keep reading!
Lightning Rain: I know, can you tell that I've actually read those sorts of things? It pains me to admit it, but that's the brutal truth and how I get away with making fun of it so well.
Tattycat: Thanks, I try. I'm still trying to hang onto some shred of modesty with 247 reviews snapping at my heels!
Pixiegal: I loved your specific review, especially the comments about dialogue. It always makes me feel better when people tell me *exactly* what they liked and what they didn't. Thank you!
My Anonymous Reviewer: Yes, I've been thinking on that exact conundrum for quite awhile. I have a fair idea of how this paradox will be resolved, but the release of TTT has put me at an impasse. We'll see how it goes!
Goddess Isis: Well, wait for Lothlórien no longer! Okay, I'll be honest, this is only the first half, but this is going to be *long*. Read on!
Stage-Rose: Aw, thank you. I really am a serious writer, so this story is a change from a lot of my other work (posted and unposted). Thank you for your vote of confidence on the balance. And the Boromir award! I'm going to hang it on my wall! Have you read my fic called Penance yet? It's a short Boromir-focused piece, which I thought was due him.
Cynda-chan: Yay! Thanks for the compliment about the seriousness. I don't think it's so much will he accept her (too M.S. in my eyes) but will he simply trust her? Will any of them trust her and see her as different from Meriweather who abused them so? Different angle, ne?
J.L. Leisel: Well, I certainly hope this chapter is long enough! It was way too long for me!
Ghost Dancer: Well, no Galadriel yet in this half of the Lothlórien section, but next chapter, I promise! The question, however, is will it be Meriweather or Katie who gets to meet her? Mwahaha.
Miao-miao: Okay!
Innocent-Penguin: It gets harder and harder to keep my head small enough to fit through most standard doorways when I keep receiving such great reviews as yours! I know, Haldir was my second favorite elf! I was upset for days and I even went through the book twice to see if he really died. Grr! Anyway, keep reading!
Rabia: You mean you hadn't snapped before? LOL. I don't know, maybe Meriweather's author will revive her or something. Like they have a tendency to do. I've been kind of afraid to go back into the melee that is the LOTR section of FF.net because I know what lurks there. I don't know. I'm thinking of turning to a different angle...like a whole new fangirl to victimize. Wouldn't that be interesting? And anybody who wants to flame you can go through me first! (The puke-gobbling, festering worms that they are.)
Alaina: Yes, there are a few things that I don't agree with in the movies. I think (note the tentative use here) that the twins were sitting on either side of Elrond during the council, though they were never named. I'm pretty sure that they *have* to make an appearance in ROTK. And I would have given an arm and a leg to see Glorfindel. I mean, the guy didn't kill a Balrog only to be left out of the movie, c'mon! Anyway, I'm done with my rant. Go read!
Princess Joy: Yes, Your Highness. If I had a silver platter, I'd give this chapter to you on it! LOL.
Katie Tann: Yay! You rock, did you know that? I **love** your reviews! And I'm pleased that you liked The Haven. Though One Moment, Untainted I think will always be my favorite, because it started it all. Anyway, I haven't decided which option we'll go with yet. If I run out of ways to make fun of the Sue (which I haven't yet) then Katie may just slaughter Meriweather. But then that leaves the loose end of some evil authoress out there... Hmph. The possibilities are endless, aren't they? Mwaha.
Contia-Mirian: It was my pleasure, and I'm glad you liked 15.
Starbrat: Ooh, you're back! I missed you! (Yes, I did notice you were gone.) Glad I'm still up to par!
Azaelia Sapphire: Thanks for the vote of confidence. And to answer your question about Glorfindel: I hadn't quite worked out my own set of rules when dealing with book vs. movie characters in the beginning, when he would have been key to the plot. So for sake of simplicity I left him out back then, but I don't know how it might go later on. Yes, he's free, just like Elladan and Elrohir, but I didn't have a chance to fit him in. Maybe we'll be seeing him later!
Mage O'Dell: Pleasure to make your acquaintance (as well as Haldir's). I might have to go read that rant of yours (I like rants, I have them quite often.). Go forth and read!
Laura: So I had you squirming, huh? Good! At least I elicit some sort of response. Yeah, but then Katie'd have to contend with Meriweather, and I'm reasonably sure she doesn't want that. Yet she never knows when she'll go back...
SilentStep: Thank you. I truly enjoyed your review and the simple power you put in it. As for FF.net, I hope it gets cleared up soon, because I sure haven't gone anywhere!
CoolGirlChic: I'm glad you liked the change (so do I) after wading through so much junk. Keep reading and being refreshed!
Zurizip: Amen! Death to them all! A Swiss Army knife? How on earth did you manage to do that? On second thought, maybe I don't want to know. Anyway, read on!
Mizalaye: YAY! I missed your reviews! (Of course if I updated sooner than I'd see them more often, wouldn't I?) Thanks for the compliment about the contrast between Katie and Meriweather, I valued *that* immensely. Yeah, she can be a real moron sometimes, can't she? Look out for more stubbornness in the chapter!
Europa: Thanks! I'll try to keep the updates coming!
Trintula: LOL, thanks for whacking Meriweather. She deserves it, doesn't she? Stupid Sue. Kill them all, in my opinion. Thanks for the review!
Saiyan-Girl-Cheetah: Okay, okay, I'm updating! And it's longer! Way long, if I'm not mistaken. Ha ha. Likely boring, but it's long! Thanks for your encouragement!
Morruniel: Yay, I like applause, it makes me feel special! I'm glad that you liked the portrayal of Meriweather vs. Katie. It's something I've worked hard on, and it's paid off!
Katakanadian: I've made a note to myself to read your fanfiction, so don't let me forget. Oh, I know, horror indeed. I took it from the angle that Legolas and Aragorn likely had met before in Mirkwood (when Gollum was brought there as a prisoner) so they had a better understanding of one another. They wouldn't have to announce their intentions aloud, which likely would have caused Katie to have a heart attack. Which would have been bad. You know, you're the first person to compliment me on the citation. *Thank you*.
Note: This chapter may be longer than many of my others, due to the fact that working from the book takes a lot more time and pages. I'm not so sure any of you will be unhappy, but I have been told that Meriweather is much more entertaining than Katie. But I don't think we need the Mary Sue desecrating Lothlórien. I shiver thinking about it.
Okay, this particular dedication means a lot to me, because of who I'm choosing. None of my regular readers know who these two are, but I feel that you need to. College was a real struggle for me, writing-wise. It will likely be next semester also. I couldn't find the energy or motivation to write. Then I made the fortunate mistake of letting two LOTR buddies copy my entire back-up CD to their laptops. They discovered Trapped As A Mary Sue and read the entire thing without my knowledge (or consent). Soon I found that I couldn't even say hi to them without being interrogated as to why I wasn't writing something. It was their ruthless demand, support, pressure, and overall love that helped me to write anything for this story last semester. I am and forever will be indebted to them, as much as I am to those who have helped me to post and read rough drafts for me.
Sam and April, this chapter is for you, my partners and taskmasters in writing.
TRAPPED AS A MARY SUE
Chapter Sixteen
One more step. Just one more, Katie coached her leg. She didn't want to make the Fellowship stop; she would not let them stop for her. She brushed damp strands of hair out of her face, sweating in the bright daylight. Likely Boromir's cloak was causing her this added discomfort, but Katie did not need any more attention if the company was to reach Lothlorien with any haste.
At least, due to Meriweather's previous meddling, we will not stop for Frodo and Sam's injuries, she thought to herself. The hobbits were untouched, though both were to have sustained wounds in Moria.
No, but they may stop for you, should you collapse, her voice remarked dryly.
I don't intend to do any such thing.
Why don't you convince your leg of that? her counterpart said in a snide tone as the said limb crumpled beneath her. Katie went down with a muffled shout of surprise, rapidly clawing herself back to her feet with the help of a nearby shrub. She had fallen to the rear long ago, for her pace was slower, and in the preoccupied state of the members of the Fellowship, she had not been missed. Strangely that fact did not bother her, for now there had been no one to observe her ungraceful downfall.
"Katie?"
Well, almost no one. She raised her head to see the one person who would have heard her outcry: Legolas. "I'm coming," Katie said, keeping her voice as calm as the situation permitted.
"You are not well." The elf made it a statement, and the girl could not challenge him. "I shall fetch Aragorn."
"No!" Katie desperately pled. "No, do not get him, Legolas. We do not have time to spend on my weaknesses. Trust me," and she saw him blink at her words, "when I say that I shall be fine."
He regarded her with his keen gaze before replying, "I will trust your judgment. Come, the others are waiting."
Katie forced her feet to move faster, snugging Boromir's cloak closer about her shoulders as she trotted to rejoin the others, Legolas at her heels. She smiled wanly at them in reassurance, and their pace continued. She was relieved to see that Legolas said nothing to Strider, and that the Ranger did not give her a second glance.
You got lucky.
Darn skippy, Katie replied, settling back into the rhythm of walking. Before long another swift river ran down to join the Silverlode which the company followed, and together both plunged down a waterfall, into a small lush valley. The dell was riddled with pines and shrubs, and the babbling stream flowed right through the center of it, sparkling on the rounded stones as it trickled on its way.
The sun had already begun its descent from the horizon, but all knew that they were still too close to Moria for any lasting comfort, come nightfall. The decision to stop for a quick meal was grudgingly accepted, but no sooner had it been accomplished than all nine were on the move once more.
Keep going, you can make it . . . Katie repeated to herself, resisting the temptation of reciting the fateful line, "I think I can . . ."
Night's coming on, her voice announced, almost as if reporting the weather. But you'll make it farther than you're supposed to, because Frodo and Sam weren't injured.
That gave Katie pause. Even with the tending of my own wound, there will still be extra time?
She could almost feel her inner voice nodding, if that was possible. I'd say no more than an hour, but no less than a half of one. You need to do something, or the canon may permanently skew.
Katie grumbled, It's a good thing you remember so much of the details, for I most certainly don't.
The voice sounded smug. I can look into your subconscious any time I please. Let's just say that it's interesting.
She cringed at that. Oh dear. I can only imagine . . . Rapidly Katie tried to think of something that would make for a quick diversion, other than something that would get her beheaded, such as "Look out, there's a dragon behind you!". For some reason, she thought that might not go over too well. However, her shaky leg solved her immediate problem.
"Gah!" Katie bit down on the yell before it was even fully formed, but there was no hiding her slip, for she had been walking in the midst of the companions, not five steps away from Aragorn. She fell to one knee, causing Gimli to pull himself up short.
"What is wrong now?" the dwarf demanded a trifle irritably. "Can you not walk?"
"I am trying my best, Master Dwarf," Katie said tersely, pushing herself back up to her feet, but she immediately stumbled once more, this time falling to both knees. "But my body does not respond to my will." Indeed, she felt incredibly weakened. She trembled with fatigue, but burned with the heat of the cloak about her shoulders.
"Peace, Gimli. Let me tend to this." Aragorn's commanding tone caused Katie's heart to sink. As much as she respected the Dunadan, she could not shake the persistent memories of what Meriweather had said to him, or of what she had made him say to her. But in this way, the timing of the book was being put to rights. Small sacrifices had to be made.
Aragorn seated Katie on a fallen log and quickly unbound the wound. His brow wrinkled in confusion. "It still bleeds freely," he explained. "The poison may yet linger, though it should have been cleansed." The Ranger reached for his herbs once more and packed the incision with them before tightly rewrapping it. "There is little I can do here on the road, but it puzzles me that the poison is not vanquished." His intense gaze bored into Katie's eyes, and she blinked before looking away.
"I am sure that when we reach Lothlorien things can be remedied," was all the girl could think of to say.
"My eyes miss little, Katie. You tremble as with cold, but your skin is warm to the touch. Tell me, what other hurts have you taken besides that one?"
Katie dared not respond. Surely their pause would be too long if she revealed her shoulder, besides, the wound had already been tended. The mocking voice in her mind reminded her of just who had been in control of Aragorn when that had happened.
But Boromir came forward. "Her . . . shoulder." He looked as if he was thinking very hard, trying to recall something just beyond the reach of his memory. "Yes, I remember it, for both of us saw her safely away from the battle."
Aragorn's eyes became unfocused as he cast about in the depths of his mind for the incident of which Boromir spoke. Then unerringly he pushed the man of Gondor's cloak off of Katie's shoulders.
She flinched and pulled back, her hand flying instinctively to cover the injury. "It is nothing," Katie insisted, knowing she had told a lie and that the Ranger before her knew as much. When he did not immediately say anything, she pulled the covering back over it and rose quickly to her feet. "Come, we lose time."
Forcibly, Aragorn laid one hand on her good shoulder and pressed her back down. "You will not move," he growled, "until I have examined that wound."
Katie was not about to be cowed into silence by Strider. "Aragorn, we do not have time to waste on this. You said yourself that orcs will pursue us come nightfall. The sun is setting now, we must put all the distance between them and us that we can. I shall be fine." She emphasized each word of her final sentence, all the while praying that she would not faint on the road and earn herself the privilege of Aragorn's wrath *and* of Boromir carrying her to Lothlórien.
Aragorn eyed her and nodded curtly before rounding up the resting Fellowship and urging them on. He favored Katie with a surly glance that said she had not heard the end of the matter, but she was far too worried about other things to care.
Will that work? Are we back on schedule?
Her voice was silent for a moment, then said, I think so. Dusk falls on us, and mist rises from the ground. I think we're all right. A quarter of a league isn't going to throw Haldir off.
For three more hours the nine toiled on, with only one quick stop to pass around a waterskin and some bread. Night had long since come, but there was no moon. Stars sparkled in the heavens, but Katie found no comfort in their presence. They only served to remind her that she was still alone. Alone under a vast sky that made her feel empty. Wearily she trudged on at the heels of Merry and Pippin, not taking note of the conversation Gimli and Frodo were carrying on behind her.
A chill wind knifed through the air, but it was found most welcome as Legolas let out a joyous cry, "Lothlórien! Lothlórien! We have come to the eaves of the Golden Wood. Alas that it is winter!"
Winter or not, *wow*. Her voice could only murmur agreement as they took in the welcome sight of the tall trees, appearing gray in the dim light. Their leaves reflected a hint of gold, and Katie found that she needed to tell herself to breathe. And this is only at nighttime . . . think of it in daylight!
I can't. It will be too beautiful for me to even possibly try to imagine.
"Lothlórien!" said Aragorn. "Glad I am to hear again the wind in the trees! We are still little more than five leagues from the Gates, but we can go no further. Here let us hope that the virtue of the Elves will keep us tonight from the peril that comes behind."
"If Elves indeed still dwell here in the darkening world," Gimli muttered, resting one hand on the head of his axe.
Legolas made some kind of reply, but Katie ignored him as her attention was turned to Boromir, who had an expression of mistrust and stubbornness on his face. She could tell that he did not like the look of the wood, and his unease was readily apparent when all moved off through the trees and he resolutely did not move. He and Aragorn had a bit of a heated conversation, but Katie decided that if it came to blows that she did not want to be present.
They would never fistfight. Both have far too much honor to do that, especially in front of the hobbits.
I don't know . . . it seems to me that if they did so, Merry and Pippin would start taking odds and bets. An inappropriate giggle welled up at the mental picture.
At last Boromir was convinced, but not without one final mutter of, "It is perilous."
"It's a good thing he's wrong, because I intend to get a *good* night's sleep . . ." Katie froze at the looks Aragorn and Pippin were directing at her. Then she clapped a hand over her mouth.
Hey Sherlock, I'm in here, her voice called. Way to freak out the Fellowship.
Katie managed a slightly apologetic expression. "Forgive me. I was not speaking to any of you, merely to myself."
"You certainly use strange phrases when you talk to yourself," Pippin piped up. "But at least you do not carry on in another language like Legolas does."
Suddenly the elf appeared beside him, almost like a wraith from amid the mists. "I do not speak to myself, Pippin. I speak to the trees and the nature around us."
Merry chose to interrupt at that point. "Ah, but how are we to know that?" He grinned impishly as he navigated a shrub. "You're merely trying to hide the fact that you talk to yourself because you know that we do not know enough elvish to challenge you."
Legolas blinked and appeared to digest the hobbit's rather lengthy sentence before giving a short laugh. "It appears that whatever I say will remain a mystery, unless you ask that information of Aragorn."
"It bears no repeating," the Ranger called out from ahead as Katie laughed.
"Ah hah!" Pippin seized upon Aragorn's teasing tone immediately. "Likely because you talk to yourself about the pretty elf maidens in Lothlórien." He slyly cocked an eyebrow at Merry.
Legolas' mouth opened, but he shut it again just as quickly. Before he could think of a witty response, Merry mercilessly butted in, "Pip, we must have hit upon the truth, for look how he cannot think of anything to say. I wager he'll turn red in a moment!"
Aragorn tossed a chuckle over his shoulder as he led them deeper into the trees. "Elves do not turn red, Master Merry," he said.
"But Legolas is managing to do it quite handsomely," the hobbit responded, eyes bright with merriment.
"Oh stop, or all this laughter will cause me to stumble again," Katie begged, wiping tears from her eyes. Silently she thanked the hobbits for their welcome distraction. She could not believe that she had done that, speaking aloud to her voice.
Well, they did know you were strange, you're just reinforcing their belief.
Katie double checked to make sure that she had her mouth closed before fully forming her thought. If I do something like that again, not only will I be mortally embarrassed, but they'll take me for a lunatic.
You forgot about messing up the canon. I'd say that's rather important, wouldn't you?
Katie didn't deign to respond. Ahead, the sound of a stream called to the travelers, but they could hardly see it in the shadows. I know what this is . . . she grinned to herself and shot a glance at Legolas.
"Here is Nimrodel!" he said, confirming her suspicions. Legolas' eyes were alight and a smile crossed his features as he drew nearer.
Do you think he'll sing? her ever-present voice interrupted the rest of the elf's exclamation.
If he does, I'll wish I'd brought a video camera.
"Follow me!" Legolas beckoned to the rest of the Fellowship plus one. "The water is not deep. Let us wade across! On the further bank we can rest, and the sound of the falling water may bring us sleep and forgetfulness of grief."
Slowly they did as he bid them, struggling to keep their footing on the steep banks as they went single file. In front of Katie, Frodo paused to let the water run over his bare feet. It soaked the rags on her own feet through, but it felt like a welcome release as she waded in up to her calves. She had to force herself to keep moving, for it seemed to restore her failing strength. Of course, she was assisted when Gimli prodded her with the haft of his axe.
The company sat and rested then, and Legolas regaled all of them with tales of the wood, speaking with such vibrant words that Katie imagined she could see all that he described in her mind's eye. The hours crept by, and eventually the small gathering grew quiet, content to listen to the sweet sound of the river so nearby.
"Do you hear the voice of Nimrodel?" asked Legolas quietly. "I will sing you a song of the maiden Nimrodel-"
*Yes*! her voice exclaimed.
Quiet, will ya? I want to hear this and not your commentary.
Oh, I forgot you're one of *his* fangirls.
I have nothing to say to you, now hush up!
Legolas' soft voice rose to join the faint rustlings of the golden leaves above them. Katie pulled her knees to her chest, drawing her borrowed cloak all the way around her, eyes intent, ears straining to catch every note. She saw even Gimli still as the elf sang of the fair Nimrodel. She could almost see the she-elf standing at the banks of the river, long tresses flowing around her in an unheard wind, face shining as a star.
When the Mirkwood elf's voice faltered, her imagined maiden faded as quickly as she had appeared. "That is but a part," Legolas explained, sadness evident in his tone, "for I have forgotten much. It is long and sad, for it tells how sorrow came upon Lothlórien, Lórien of the Blossom, when the Dwarves awakened evil in the mountains."
Gimli bristled, and the hobbits tensed, as if expecting an altercation. "But the Dwarves did not make the evil," he said in response, drawing himself up straighter.
"I said not so; yet evil came," said Legolas sadly. Katie could see that he was not blaming the Dwarves, merely stating a fact. He went on to relate how the elves had begun to leave, of Nimrodel's own departure. He told of the Galadhrim and their homes within the trees.
"And even in these latter days dwelling in the trees might be thought safer than sitting on the ground," Gimli interrupted Katie's thoughts. She and a few others had to consciously shut their mouths after the Dwarf's startling statement. Gimli in a tree? The Dwarf shifted a little under their amazed gazes, but did not detract his statement. Instead he directed their attention pointedly down the path they had just trod.
"Your words bring good counsel, Gimli," Aragorn at last agreed. "We cannot build a house, but tonight we will do as the Galadhrim and seek refuge in the tree-tops, if we can. We have sat here beside the road already longer than was wise."
I am going to be one sore puppy if I'm forced to sleep on a tree limb. Do I look like a monkey to you? Katie demanded to herself. I'm afraid of heights as it is!
Well I wasn't going to say anything about you looking like a monkey, but since you brought it up--
Shut. Up. Katie was getting a headache, and she wanted no more than to go to bed. In a bed. Wishful thinking, she knew.
The group moved off the path, still quite close to Nimrodel and her falls. Large gray trees loomed out of the darkness, so big around that Katie wondered if they were massive stumps with leaves on top.
"I will climb up," Legolas volunteered. "I am at home among trees, by root or bough, though these trees are of a kind strange to me, save as a name in song. *Mellyrn* they are called, and are those that bear the yellow blossom, but I have never climbed in one. I will see now what is their shape and way of growth."
Ah, no you won't, her voice contradicted smugly.
". . . they will be marvelous trees indeed if they can offer any rest at night, except to birds, for I cannot sleep on a perch!" Pippin exclaimed, echoing the other hobbits' and Katie's thoughts exactly.
"Then dig a hole in the ground," Legolas replied with a wicked grin, "if that is more after the fashion of your kind. But you must dig swift and deep, if you wish to hide from Orcs."
Pippin and Merry exchanged worried glances with Sam and Frodo. They began muttering amongst themselves, trying to decide if they had enough strength between them to dig such a shelter. Katie smothered a fit of giggles, which would have been most inappropriate.
Oh, here it comes! Legolas is gonna get in trouble . . .
I thought I told you to shut up.
There was a heartbeat of silence. How was that?
I mean it, you're giving me a migraine! Quiet.
"*Daro!*" Katie looked up just in time to see Legolas fall from the branch he had been hanging on. A cautionary expression spread across his face as he pressed himself against the trunk of the tree.
"Stand still!" he hissed at them. "Do not move or speak!"
I don't think I could if I tried, Katie muttered to herself, throat constricted in fear. Her companion remained silent, giving no clues as to what this new threat was. Then the sound of soft laughter reached her ears, and she found she could breathe again. A beautiful voice asked a question that she could not understand, and Legolas replied in kind.
If speaking was ever an art form . . . Katie strained to catch every softly enunciated consonant. It wasn't quite a language, she realized, neither was it quite a song, but somewhere in between. It tickled her ears and calmed her thoughts just as she listened, though she could not understand.
The hobbits shifted uneasily. "Who are they, and what do they say?" asked Merry, eyes wide and curls wild.
"They're Elves," Sam told him. "Can't you hear their voices?" The stout hobbit's face was alight with wonder and he tilted his gaze upward, trying to catch a glimpse of the concealed beings. Katie vowed that she would always remember him like that.
Nearby, Boromir and Aragorn exchanged glances, and Gimli kept his hands away from his axe.
"Yes, they are Elves," Legolas confirmed, "and they say that you breathe so loud that they could shoot you in the dark."
Katie again choked down a laugh as she remembered the look on Gimli's face from the movie. Her muffled snort seemed to echo in the small clearing.
"But they say also that you need have no fear. They have been aware of us for a long while. They heard my voice across the Nimrodel, and knew that I was one of their Northern kindred, and therefore they did not hinder our crossing; and afterwards they heard my song. Now they bid me climb up with Frodo; for they seem to have had some tidings of him and of our journey. The others they ask to wait a little, and to keep watch at the foot of the tree, until they have decided what is to be done." Legolas beckoned to the hobbit, and Sam followed his master.
A silver ladder slithered down the tree trunk, and with the agility of a squirrel Legolas scaled it. Slowly Frodo and Sam followed, until they were lost to those below by the shadows of the massive boughs. A few moments of tense silence of passed. Gimli sniffed and rubbed his nose. Boromir checked his sword. Aragorn pulled his pipe from a concealed pocket and succeeded in lighting it. He seemed to be the only one of them at complete ease.
Merry and Pippin inevitably began to whisper with each other. At last Gimli spoke up, "Are you certain we are in no danger?" His gaze was fixed on the shadows around them.
"I am certain. As long as we are under these eaves, we are protected," Aragorn assured him, slowly puffing away in a manner so reminiscent of Gandalf that Katie could not help but blink sudden tears rapidly away. It wasn't fair that she could not offer them the tiniest thread of hope for him. What consequences would there be for her actions?
There was a quiet outburst from above that caused all below to glance up in concern. "I hope you are right," Boromir muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
"Elves certainly do talk for a long time," Pippin observed.
"That, young Peregrin, is because they take no unnecessary risks. Legolas is likely reporting who all his companions are-" Aragorn suddenly paused as the elf he spoke of descended the ladder as quickly as he had ascended it.
"What say they, Legolas?" the Ranger asked, tapping his pipe out against the palm of his hand before putting it away.
"I have told them of our group, and they say that we must not remain on the ground this night, for orcs have been roving close to their borders, along with wolves. We will continue our path tomorrow, at Haldir's suggestion," he looked to Aragorn, who nodded his acceptance before continuing, "and he bids send Merry and Pippin up to sleep on the *flet* above us with Frodo and Sam. There is another not far away for the remainder of us."
"Good," Aragorn said briskly. "Up you go then, young sirs. Leave what you will with us and we will conceal it in a drift of leaves until needed tomorrow."
The two hobbits quickly shed their packs and scavenged for their blankets, along with those of Frodo and Sam's before scaling the ladder. Once the rest of the Fellowship was sure that they would not tumble down again, they set about stacking their provisions and baggage, then dumping golden leaves over the top of it all. When they were done, it was near impossible to tell that it had not been there to begin with.
"Lead the way, Legolas," Strider then called. As the five of them made their way to the base of another nearby tree, Katie suddenly felt very alone and exposed. With the hobbits gone, it seemed that she was the youngest there, though she most likely had been to begin with. Though it was easy to forget with the antics of Merry and Pippin constantly making them seem younger than they actually were. Still, four seasoned warriors and one girl from a future that looked very unsure? Very odd.
She could not see why any girl from her time would even want to come to Middle-earth. Traipsing about with nine men in and out of danger was not something Katie enjoyed doing. She constantly felt as if she was in the way, or helpless. She could not defend herself in battle, she knew nothing of real value as far as tracking or camping was concerned.
I'm a dependent, Katie realized miserably. A leech. Why can't I be more helpful?
Nobody answered her. The shrill buzz that constantly seemed to be in the back of her mind, and that she had long ago learned to ignore seemed to grow louder. Meriweather was laughing at her.
Katie angrily tossed her head to prevent herself from tuning into the Sue. Pulling her thoughts back to the present, she found Aragorn waiting for her to climb the silver ladder to their own platform. She steeled herself as she grabbed the dangling rungs and began to climb. Her shoulder protested mightily at the movement she was forcing it to do, but Katie kept on. The cloak on her back seemed to drag her down, but she wouldn't give up, not without a decent try.
A countermotion to her own alerted her to the fact that Aragorn had begun to climb as well. Now there was definitely no failing. Katie made her hands keep reaching for the next rung and pulling. The tree seemed to be a thousand feet high and her arms began to shake from the strain as she kept going.
Her head nearly bumped into the underside of the *flet* before she realized that she had reached the top. A strong hand reached down to her and she had a brief notion of refusing it, before her shoulder cramped up and she had no choice. Katie found herself face to face with Gimli. Too tired to be surprised, she nodded her thanks before crawling clear of the hole as Aragorn appeared right behind her.
Katie lay still on the wooden platform, so grateful to be back on something solid that she had no wish to move. After a few minutes her heartbeat slowed and she pushed herself into a sitting position. It appeared that Gimli and Boromir were already settling in for the night, intent on getting as much rest as possible. Legolas stood on the edge of the platform, looking out over the darkened forest. Aragorn was casually rolling out some furs the elves had left for them.
Hesitantly the girl took a blanket for herself, then slowly unclasped Boromir's cloak from around her. The breeze that blew was not too cold, but she shivered nonetheless as it cooled her sweat. Katie found that she really, really wanted a bath. Meriweather's magical powers of cleanliness (i.e. she never ever got dirty or scratched) did nothing for Katie on her own, and she felt filthy. Maybe I'll get lucky and fall into a river, she thought sourly. Unbidden, her teeth began to chatter and she curled up under her cloak, trying to drive all thoughts of misery away with the promise of sleep.
Had she been looking in the right direction, she would have seen Aragorn quickly snatch a small waterskin away from Boromir with a warning glance. He whispered something to the man of Gondor, who nodded in sudden understanding. The Ranger rose to his feet and approached the huddled form that was Katie.
She looked up with bleary eyes as he offered the cool liquid to her. She was far too tired to question his actions, but she drank anyway. The water had a faint aftertaste, and Katie shuddered as she swallowed. "What was in that?"
Aragorn hesitated before answering, "A sleeping herb."
"What? Aragorn son of Arathorn, how *dare* you!" Katie suddenly found it very aggravating that the Ranger didn't have a middle name. Her head started to feel fuzzy and her eyes grew heavy. She was still trying to formulate a creative insult that the Dunadan would actually understand when awareness left her.
Aragorn smirked slightly to himself. His ploy had succeeded, and he chuckled softly to himself as he fetched his medicine satchel. That would certainly educate her in the ways of talking back to Strider, or any Ranger for that matter. Sobering, he set to work.
[Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. New York: Ballantine Books, 1954. Pages 375-386.]
And to the rabid masses of reviewers:
Lindriel: Thank you! Such reassurance that Katie is sufficiently different always boosts my spirits. It helps me to know that I'm across that M.S. line.
Lady Q: I'm pleased you found it entertaining, and I hope you keep reading!
Lightning Rain: I know, can you tell that I've actually read those sorts of things? It pains me to admit it, but that's the brutal truth and how I get away with making fun of it so well.
Tattycat: Thanks, I try. I'm still trying to hang onto some shred of modesty with 247 reviews snapping at my heels!
Pixiegal: I loved your specific review, especially the comments about dialogue. It always makes me feel better when people tell me *exactly* what they liked and what they didn't. Thank you!
My Anonymous Reviewer: Yes, I've been thinking on that exact conundrum for quite awhile. I have a fair idea of how this paradox will be resolved, but the release of TTT has put me at an impasse. We'll see how it goes!
Goddess Isis: Well, wait for Lothlórien no longer! Okay, I'll be honest, this is only the first half, but this is going to be *long*. Read on!
Stage-Rose: Aw, thank you. I really am a serious writer, so this story is a change from a lot of my other work (posted and unposted). Thank you for your vote of confidence on the balance. And the Boromir award! I'm going to hang it on my wall! Have you read my fic called Penance yet? It's a short Boromir-focused piece, which I thought was due him.
Cynda-chan: Yay! Thanks for the compliment about the seriousness. I don't think it's so much will he accept her (too M.S. in my eyes) but will he simply trust her? Will any of them trust her and see her as different from Meriweather who abused them so? Different angle, ne?
J.L. Leisel: Well, I certainly hope this chapter is long enough! It was way too long for me!
Ghost Dancer: Well, no Galadriel yet in this half of the Lothlórien section, but next chapter, I promise! The question, however, is will it be Meriweather or Katie who gets to meet her? Mwahaha.
Miao-miao: Okay!
Innocent-Penguin: It gets harder and harder to keep my head small enough to fit through most standard doorways when I keep receiving such great reviews as yours! I know, Haldir was my second favorite elf! I was upset for days and I even went through the book twice to see if he really died. Grr! Anyway, keep reading!
Rabia: You mean you hadn't snapped before? LOL. I don't know, maybe Meriweather's author will revive her or something. Like they have a tendency to do. I've been kind of afraid to go back into the melee that is the LOTR section of FF.net because I know what lurks there. I don't know. I'm thinking of turning to a different angle...like a whole new fangirl to victimize. Wouldn't that be interesting? And anybody who wants to flame you can go through me first! (The puke-gobbling, festering worms that they are.)
Alaina: Yes, there are a few things that I don't agree with in the movies. I think (note the tentative use here) that the twins were sitting on either side of Elrond during the council, though they were never named. I'm pretty sure that they *have* to make an appearance in ROTK. And I would have given an arm and a leg to see Glorfindel. I mean, the guy didn't kill a Balrog only to be left out of the movie, c'mon! Anyway, I'm done with my rant. Go read!
Princess Joy: Yes, Your Highness. If I had a silver platter, I'd give this chapter to you on it! LOL.
Katie Tann: Yay! You rock, did you know that? I **love** your reviews! And I'm pleased that you liked The Haven. Though One Moment, Untainted I think will always be my favorite, because it started it all. Anyway, I haven't decided which option we'll go with yet. If I run out of ways to make fun of the Sue (which I haven't yet) then Katie may just slaughter Meriweather. But then that leaves the loose end of some evil authoress out there... Hmph. The possibilities are endless, aren't they? Mwaha.
Contia-Mirian: It was my pleasure, and I'm glad you liked 15.
Starbrat: Ooh, you're back! I missed you! (Yes, I did notice you were gone.) Glad I'm still up to par!
Azaelia Sapphire: Thanks for the vote of confidence. And to answer your question about Glorfindel: I hadn't quite worked out my own set of rules when dealing with book vs. movie characters in the beginning, when he would have been key to the plot. So for sake of simplicity I left him out back then, but I don't know how it might go later on. Yes, he's free, just like Elladan and Elrohir, but I didn't have a chance to fit him in. Maybe we'll be seeing him later!
Mage O'Dell: Pleasure to make your acquaintance (as well as Haldir's). I might have to go read that rant of yours (I like rants, I have them quite often.). Go forth and read!
Laura: So I had you squirming, huh? Good! At least I elicit some sort of response. Yeah, but then Katie'd have to contend with Meriweather, and I'm reasonably sure she doesn't want that. Yet she never knows when she'll go back...
SilentStep: Thank you. I truly enjoyed your review and the simple power you put in it. As for FF.net, I hope it gets cleared up soon, because I sure haven't gone anywhere!
CoolGirlChic: I'm glad you liked the change (so do I) after wading through so much junk. Keep reading and being refreshed!
Zurizip: Amen! Death to them all! A Swiss Army knife? How on earth did you manage to do that? On second thought, maybe I don't want to know. Anyway, read on!
Mizalaye: YAY! I missed your reviews! (Of course if I updated sooner than I'd see them more often, wouldn't I?) Thanks for the compliment about the contrast between Katie and Meriweather, I valued *that* immensely. Yeah, she can be a real moron sometimes, can't she? Look out for more stubbornness in the chapter!
Europa: Thanks! I'll try to keep the updates coming!
Trintula: LOL, thanks for whacking Meriweather. She deserves it, doesn't she? Stupid Sue. Kill them all, in my opinion. Thanks for the review!
Saiyan-Girl-Cheetah: Okay, okay, I'm updating! And it's longer! Way long, if I'm not mistaken. Ha ha. Likely boring, but it's long! Thanks for your encouragement!
Morruniel: Yay, I like applause, it makes me feel special! I'm glad that you liked the portrayal of Meriweather vs. Katie. It's something I've worked hard on, and it's paid off!
Katakanadian: I've made a note to myself to read your fanfiction, so don't let me forget. Oh, I know, horror indeed. I took it from the angle that Legolas and Aragorn likely had met before in Mirkwood (when Gollum was brought there as a prisoner) so they had a better understanding of one another. They wouldn't have to announce their intentions aloud, which likely would have caused Katie to have a heart attack. Which would have been bad. You know, you're the first person to compliment me on the citation. *Thank you*.
Note: This chapter may be longer than many of my others, due to the fact that working from the book takes a lot more time and pages. I'm not so sure any of you will be unhappy, but I have been told that Meriweather is much more entertaining than Katie. But I don't think we need the Mary Sue desecrating Lothlórien. I shiver thinking about it.
Okay, this particular dedication means a lot to me, because of who I'm choosing. None of my regular readers know who these two are, but I feel that you need to. College was a real struggle for me, writing-wise. It will likely be next semester also. I couldn't find the energy or motivation to write. Then I made the fortunate mistake of letting two LOTR buddies copy my entire back-up CD to their laptops. They discovered Trapped As A Mary Sue and read the entire thing without my knowledge (or consent). Soon I found that I couldn't even say hi to them without being interrogated as to why I wasn't writing something. It was their ruthless demand, support, pressure, and overall love that helped me to write anything for this story last semester. I am and forever will be indebted to them, as much as I am to those who have helped me to post and read rough drafts for me.
Sam and April, this chapter is for you, my partners and taskmasters in writing.
TRAPPED AS A MARY SUE
Chapter Sixteen
One more step. Just one more, Katie coached her leg. She didn't want to make the Fellowship stop; she would not let them stop for her. She brushed damp strands of hair out of her face, sweating in the bright daylight. Likely Boromir's cloak was causing her this added discomfort, but Katie did not need any more attention if the company was to reach Lothlorien with any haste.
At least, due to Meriweather's previous meddling, we will not stop for Frodo and Sam's injuries, she thought to herself. The hobbits were untouched, though both were to have sustained wounds in Moria.
No, but they may stop for you, should you collapse, her voice remarked dryly.
I don't intend to do any such thing.
Why don't you convince your leg of that? her counterpart said in a snide tone as the said limb crumpled beneath her. Katie went down with a muffled shout of surprise, rapidly clawing herself back to her feet with the help of a nearby shrub. She had fallen to the rear long ago, for her pace was slower, and in the preoccupied state of the members of the Fellowship, she had not been missed. Strangely that fact did not bother her, for now there had been no one to observe her ungraceful downfall.
"Katie?"
Well, almost no one. She raised her head to see the one person who would have heard her outcry: Legolas. "I'm coming," Katie said, keeping her voice as calm as the situation permitted.
"You are not well." The elf made it a statement, and the girl could not challenge him. "I shall fetch Aragorn."
"No!" Katie desperately pled. "No, do not get him, Legolas. We do not have time to spend on my weaknesses. Trust me," and she saw him blink at her words, "when I say that I shall be fine."
He regarded her with his keen gaze before replying, "I will trust your judgment. Come, the others are waiting."
Katie forced her feet to move faster, snugging Boromir's cloak closer about her shoulders as she trotted to rejoin the others, Legolas at her heels. She smiled wanly at them in reassurance, and their pace continued. She was relieved to see that Legolas said nothing to Strider, and that the Ranger did not give her a second glance.
You got lucky.
Darn skippy, Katie replied, settling back into the rhythm of walking. Before long another swift river ran down to join the Silverlode which the company followed, and together both plunged down a waterfall, into a small lush valley. The dell was riddled with pines and shrubs, and the babbling stream flowed right through the center of it, sparkling on the rounded stones as it trickled on its way.
The sun had already begun its descent from the horizon, but all knew that they were still too close to Moria for any lasting comfort, come nightfall. The decision to stop for a quick meal was grudgingly accepted, but no sooner had it been accomplished than all nine were on the move once more.
Keep going, you can make it . . . Katie repeated to herself, resisting the temptation of reciting the fateful line, "I think I can . . ."
Night's coming on, her voice announced, almost as if reporting the weather. But you'll make it farther than you're supposed to, because Frodo and Sam weren't injured.
That gave Katie pause. Even with the tending of my own wound, there will still be extra time?
She could almost feel her inner voice nodding, if that was possible. I'd say no more than an hour, but no less than a half of one. You need to do something, or the canon may permanently skew.
Katie grumbled, It's a good thing you remember so much of the details, for I most certainly don't.
The voice sounded smug. I can look into your subconscious any time I please. Let's just say that it's interesting.
She cringed at that. Oh dear. I can only imagine . . . Rapidly Katie tried to think of something that would make for a quick diversion, other than something that would get her beheaded, such as "Look out, there's a dragon behind you!". For some reason, she thought that might not go over too well. However, her shaky leg solved her immediate problem.
"Gah!" Katie bit down on the yell before it was even fully formed, but there was no hiding her slip, for she had been walking in the midst of the companions, not five steps away from Aragorn. She fell to one knee, causing Gimli to pull himself up short.
"What is wrong now?" the dwarf demanded a trifle irritably. "Can you not walk?"
"I am trying my best, Master Dwarf," Katie said tersely, pushing herself back up to her feet, but she immediately stumbled once more, this time falling to both knees. "But my body does not respond to my will." Indeed, she felt incredibly weakened. She trembled with fatigue, but burned with the heat of the cloak about her shoulders.
"Peace, Gimli. Let me tend to this." Aragorn's commanding tone caused Katie's heart to sink. As much as she respected the Dunadan, she could not shake the persistent memories of what Meriweather had said to him, or of what she had made him say to her. But in this way, the timing of the book was being put to rights. Small sacrifices had to be made.
Aragorn seated Katie on a fallen log and quickly unbound the wound. His brow wrinkled in confusion. "It still bleeds freely," he explained. "The poison may yet linger, though it should have been cleansed." The Ranger reached for his herbs once more and packed the incision with them before tightly rewrapping it. "There is little I can do here on the road, but it puzzles me that the poison is not vanquished." His intense gaze bored into Katie's eyes, and she blinked before looking away.
"I am sure that when we reach Lothlorien things can be remedied," was all the girl could think of to say.
"My eyes miss little, Katie. You tremble as with cold, but your skin is warm to the touch. Tell me, what other hurts have you taken besides that one?"
Katie dared not respond. Surely their pause would be too long if she revealed her shoulder, besides, the wound had already been tended. The mocking voice in her mind reminded her of just who had been in control of Aragorn when that had happened.
But Boromir came forward. "Her . . . shoulder." He looked as if he was thinking very hard, trying to recall something just beyond the reach of his memory. "Yes, I remember it, for both of us saw her safely away from the battle."
Aragorn's eyes became unfocused as he cast about in the depths of his mind for the incident of which Boromir spoke. Then unerringly he pushed the man of Gondor's cloak off of Katie's shoulders.
She flinched and pulled back, her hand flying instinctively to cover the injury. "It is nothing," Katie insisted, knowing she had told a lie and that the Ranger before her knew as much. When he did not immediately say anything, she pulled the covering back over it and rose quickly to her feet. "Come, we lose time."
Forcibly, Aragorn laid one hand on her good shoulder and pressed her back down. "You will not move," he growled, "until I have examined that wound."
Katie was not about to be cowed into silence by Strider. "Aragorn, we do not have time to waste on this. You said yourself that orcs will pursue us come nightfall. The sun is setting now, we must put all the distance between them and us that we can. I shall be fine." She emphasized each word of her final sentence, all the while praying that she would not faint on the road and earn herself the privilege of Aragorn's wrath *and* of Boromir carrying her to Lothlórien.
Aragorn eyed her and nodded curtly before rounding up the resting Fellowship and urging them on. He favored Katie with a surly glance that said she had not heard the end of the matter, but she was far too worried about other things to care.
Will that work? Are we back on schedule?
Her voice was silent for a moment, then said, I think so. Dusk falls on us, and mist rises from the ground. I think we're all right. A quarter of a league isn't going to throw Haldir off.
For three more hours the nine toiled on, with only one quick stop to pass around a waterskin and some bread. Night had long since come, but there was no moon. Stars sparkled in the heavens, but Katie found no comfort in their presence. They only served to remind her that she was still alone. Alone under a vast sky that made her feel empty. Wearily she trudged on at the heels of Merry and Pippin, not taking note of the conversation Gimli and Frodo were carrying on behind her.
A chill wind knifed through the air, but it was found most welcome as Legolas let out a joyous cry, "Lothlórien! Lothlórien! We have come to the eaves of the Golden Wood. Alas that it is winter!"
Winter or not, *wow*. Her voice could only murmur agreement as they took in the welcome sight of the tall trees, appearing gray in the dim light. Their leaves reflected a hint of gold, and Katie found that she needed to tell herself to breathe. And this is only at nighttime . . . think of it in daylight!
I can't. It will be too beautiful for me to even possibly try to imagine.
"Lothlórien!" said Aragorn. "Glad I am to hear again the wind in the trees! We are still little more than five leagues from the Gates, but we can go no further. Here let us hope that the virtue of the Elves will keep us tonight from the peril that comes behind."
"If Elves indeed still dwell here in the darkening world," Gimli muttered, resting one hand on the head of his axe.
Legolas made some kind of reply, but Katie ignored him as her attention was turned to Boromir, who had an expression of mistrust and stubbornness on his face. She could tell that he did not like the look of the wood, and his unease was readily apparent when all moved off through the trees and he resolutely did not move. He and Aragorn had a bit of a heated conversation, but Katie decided that if it came to blows that she did not want to be present.
They would never fistfight. Both have far too much honor to do that, especially in front of the hobbits.
I don't know . . . it seems to me that if they did so, Merry and Pippin would start taking odds and bets. An inappropriate giggle welled up at the mental picture.
At last Boromir was convinced, but not without one final mutter of, "It is perilous."
"It's a good thing he's wrong, because I intend to get a *good* night's sleep . . ." Katie froze at the looks Aragorn and Pippin were directing at her. Then she clapped a hand over her mouth.
Hey Sherlock, I'm in here, her voice called. Way to freak out the Fellowship.
Katie managed a slightly apologetic expression. "Forgive me. I was not speaking to any of you, merely to myself."
"You certainly use strange phrases when you talk to yourself," Pippin piped up. "But at least you do not carry on in another language like Legolas does."
Suddenly the elf appeared beside him, almost like a wraith from amid the mists. "I do not speak to myself, Pippin. I speak to the trees and the nature around us."
Merry chose to interrupt at that point. "Ah, but how are we to know that?" He grinned impishly as he navigated a shrub. "You're merely trying to hide the fact that you talk to yourself because you know that we do not know enough elvish to challenge you."
Legolas blinked and appeared to digest the hobbit's rather lengthy sentence before giving a short laugh. "It appears that whatever I say will remain a mystery, unless you ask that information of Aragorn."
"It bears no repeating," the Ranger called out from ahead as Katie laughed.
"Ah hah!" Pippin seized upon Aragorn's teasing tone immediately. "Likely because you talk to yourself about the pretty elf maidens in Lothlórien." He slyly cocked an eyebrow at Merry.
Legolas' mouth opened, but he shut it again just as quickly. Before he could think of a witty response, Merry mercilessly butted in, "Pip, we must have hit upon the truth, for look how he cannot think of anything to say. I wager he'll turn red in a moment!"
Aragorn tossed a chuckle over his shoulder as he led them deeper into the trees. "Elves do not turn red, Master Merry," he said.
"But Legolas is managing to do it quite handsomely," the hobbit responded, eyes bright with merriment.
"Oh stop, or all this laughter will cause me to stumble again," Katie begged, wiping tears from her eyes. Silently she thanked the hobbits for their welcome distraction. She could not believe that she had done that, speaking aloud to her voice.
Well, they did know you were strange, you're just reinforcing their belief.
Katie double checked to make sure that she had her mouth closed before fully forming her thought. If I do something like that again, not only will I be mortally embarrassed, but they'll take me for a lunatic.
You forgot about messing up the canon. I'd say that's rather important, wouldn't you?
Katie didn't deign to respond. Ahead, the sound of a stream called to the travelers, but they could hardly see it in the shadows. I know what this is . . . she grinned to herself and shot a glance at Legolas.
"Here is Nimrodel!" he said, confirming her suspicions. Legolas' eyes were alight and a smile crossed his features as he drew nearer.
Do you think he'll sing? her ever-present voice interrupted the rest of the elf's exclamation.
If he does, I'll wish I'd brought a video camera.
"Follow me!" Legolas beckoned to the rest of the Fellowship plus one. "The water is not deep. Let us wade across! On the further bank we can rest, and the sound of the falling water may bring us sleep and forgetfulness of grief."
Slowly they did as he bid them, struggling to keep their footing on the steep banks as they went single file. In front of Katie, Frodo paused to let the water run over his bare feet. It soaked the rags on her own feet through, but it felt like a welcome release as she waded in up to her calves. She had to force herself to keep moving, for it seemed to restore her failing strength. Of course, she was assisted when Gimli prodded her with the haft of his axe.
The company sat and rested then, and Legolas regaled all of them with tales of the wood, speaking with such vibrant words that Katie imagined she could see all that he described in her mind's eye. The hours crept by, and eventually the small gathering grew quiet, content to listen to the sweet sound of the river so nearby.
"Do you hear the voice of Nimrodel?" asked Legolas quietly. "I will sing you a song of the maiden Nimrodel-"
*Yes*! her voice exclaimed.
Quiet, will ya? I want to hear this and not your commentary.
Oh, I forgot you're one of *his* fangirls.
I have nothing to say to you, now hush up!
Legolas' soft voice rose to join the faint rustlings of the golden leaves above them. Katie pulled her knees to her chest, drawing her borrowed cloak all the way around her, eyes intent, ears straining to catch every note. She saw even Gimli still as the elf sang of the fair Nimrodel. She could almost see the she-elf standing at the banks of the river, long tresses flowing around her in an unheard wind, face shining as a star.
When the Mirkwood elf's voice faltered, her imagined maiden faded as quickly as she had appeared. "That is but a part," Legolas explained, sadness evident in his tone, "for I have forgotten much. It is long and sad, for it tells how sorrow came upon Lothlórien, Lórien of the Blossom, when the Dwarves awakened evil in the mountains."
Gimli bristled, and the hobbits tensed, as if expecting an altercation. "But the Dwarves did not make the evil," he said in response, drawing himself up straighter.
"I said not so; yet evil came," said Legolas sadly. Katie could see that he was not blaming the Dwarves, merely stating a fact. He went on to relate how the elves had begun to leave, of Nimrodel's own departure. He told of the Galadhrim and their homes within the trees.
"And even in these latter days dwelling in the trees might be thought safer than sitting on the ground," Gimli interrupted Katie's thoughts. She and a few others had to consciously shut their mouths after the Dwarf's startling statement. Gimli in a tree? The Dwarf shifted a little under their amazed gazes, but did not detract his statement. Instead he directed their attention pointedly down the path they had just trod.
"Your words bring good counsel, Gimli," Aragorn at last agreed. "We cannot build a house, but tonight we will do as the Galadhrim and seek refuge in the tree-tops, if we can. We have sat here beside the road already longer than was wise."
I am going to be one sore puppy if I'm forced to sleep on a tree limb. Do I look like a monkey to you? Katie demanded to herself. I'm afraid of heights as it is!
Well I wasn't going to say anything about you looking like a monkey, but since you brought it up--
Shut. Up. Katie was getting a headache, and she wanted no more than to go to bed. In a bed. Wishful thinking, she knew.
The group moved off the path, still quite close to Nimrodel and her falls. Large gray trees loomed out of the darkness, so big around that Katie wondered if they were massive stumps with leaves on top.
"I will climb up," Legolas volunteered. "I am at home among trees, by root or bough, though these trees are of a kind strange to me, save as a name in song. *Mellyrn* they are called, and are those that bear the yellow blossom, but I have never climbed in one. I will see now what is their shape and way of growth."
Ah, no you won't, her voice contradicted smugly.
". . . they will be marvelous trees indeed if they can offer any rest at night, except to birds, for I cannot sleep on a perch!" Pippin exclaimed, echoing the other hobbits' and Katie's thoughts exactly.
"Then dig a hole in the ground," Legolas replied with a wicked grin, "if that is more after the fashion of your kind. But you must dig swift and deep, if you wish to hide from Orcs."
Pippin and Merry exchanged worried glances with Sam and Frodo. They began muttering amongst themselves, trying to decide if they had enough strength between them to dig such a shelter. Katie smothered a fit of giggles, which would have been most inappropriate.
Oh, here it comes! Legolas is gonna get in trouble . . .
I thought I told you to shut up.
There was a heartbeat of silence. How was that?
I mean it, you're giving me a migraine! Quiet.
"*Daro!*" Katie looked up just in time to see Legolas fall from the branch he had been hanging on. A cautionary expression spread across his face as he pressed himself against the trunk of the tree.
"Stand still!" he hissed at them. "Do not move or speak!"
I don't think I could if I tried, Katie muttered to herself, throat constricted in fear. Her companion remained silent, giving no clues as to what this new threat was. Then the sound of soft laughter reached her ears, and she found she could breathe again. A beautiful voice asked a question that she could not understand, and Legolas replied in kind.
If speaking was ever an art form . . . Katie strained to catch every softly enunciated consonant. It wasn't quite a language, she realized, neither was it quite a song, but somewhere in between. It tickled her ears and calmed her thoughts just as she listened, though she could not understand.
The hobbits shifted uneasily. "Who are they, and what do they say?" asked Merry, eyes wide and curls wild.
"They're Elves," Sam told him. "Can't you hear their voices?" The stout hobbit's face was alight with wonder and he tilted his gaze upward, trying to catch a glimpse of the concealed beings. Katie vowed that she would always remember him like that.
Nearby, Boromir and Aragorn exchanged glances, and Gimli kept his hands away from his axe.
"Yes, they are Elves," Legolas confirmed, "and they say that you breathe so loud that they could shoot you in the dark."
Katie again choked down a laugh as she remembered the look on Gimli's face from the movie. Her muffled snort seemed to echo in the small clearing.
"But they say also that you need have no fear. They have been aware of us for a long while. They heard my voice across the Nimrodel, and knew that I was one of their Northern kindred, and therefore they did not hinder our crossing; and afterwards they heard my song. Now they bid me climb up with Frodo; for they seem to have had some tidings of him and of our journey. The others they ask to wait a little, and to keep watch at the foot of the tree, until they have decided what is to be done." Legolas beckoned to the hobbit, and Sam followed his master.
A silver ladder slithered down the tree trunk, and with the agility of a squirrel Legolas scaled it. Slowly Frodo and Sam followed, until they were lost to those below by the shadows of the massive boughs. A few moments of tense silence of passed. Gimli sniffed and rubbed his nose. Boromir checked his sword. Aragorn pulled his pipe from a concealed pocket and succeeded in lighting it. He seemed to be the only one of them at complete ease.
Merry and Pippin inevitably began to whisper with each other. At last Gimli spoke up, "Are you certain we are in no danger?" His gaze was fixed on the shadows around them.
"I am certain. As long as we are under these eaves, we are protected," Aragorn assured him, slowly puffing away in a manner so reminiscent of Gandalf that Katie could not help but blink sudden tears rapidly away. It wasn't fair that she could not offer them the tiniest thread of hope for him. What consequences would there be for her actions?
There was a quiet outburst from above that caused all below to glance up in concern. "I hope you are right," Boromir muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
"Elves certainly do talk for a long time," Pippin observed.
"That, young Peregrin, is because they take no unnecessary risks. Legolas is likely reporting who all his companions are-" Aragorn suddenly paused as the elf he spoke of descended the ladder as quickly as he had ascended it.
"What say they, Legolas?" the Ranger asked, tapping his pipe out against the palm of his hand before putting it away.
"I have told them of our group, and they say that we must not remain on the ground this night, for orcs have been roving close to their borders, along with wolves. We will continue our path tomorrow, at Haldir's suggestion," he looked to Aragorn, who nodded his acceptance before continuing, "and he bids send Merry and Pippin up to sleep on the *flet* above us with Frodo and Sam. There is another not far away for the remainder of us."
"Good," Aragorn said briskly. "Up you go then, young sirs. Leave what you will with us and we will conceal it in a drift of leaves until needed tomorrow."
The two hobbits quickly shed their packs and scavenged for their blankets, along with those of Frodo and Sam's before scaling the ladder. Once the rest of the Fellowship was sure that they would not tumble down again, they set about stacking their provisions and baggage, then dumping golden leaves over the top of it all. When they were done, it was near impossible to tell that it had not been there to begin with.
"Lead the way, Legolas," Strider then called. As the five of them made their way to the base of another nearby tree, Katie suddenly felt very alone and exposed. With the hobbits gone, it seemed that she was the youngest there, though she most likely had been to begin with. Though it was easy to forget with the antics of Merry and Pippin constantly making them seem younger than they actually were. Still, four seasoned warriors and one girl from a future that looked very unsure? Very odd.
She could not see why any girl from her time would even want to come to Middle-earth. Traipsing about with nine men in and out of danger was not something Katie enjoyed doing. She constantly felt as if she was in the way, or helpless. She could not defend herself in battle, she knew nothing of real value as far as tracking or camping was concerned.
I'm a dependent, Katie realized miserably. A leech. Why can't I be more helpful?
Nobody answered her. The shrill buzz that constantly seemed to be in the back of her mind, and that she had long ago learned to ignore seemed to grow louder. Meriweather was laughing at her.
Katie angrily tossed her head to prevent herself from tuning into the Sue. Pulling her thoughts back to the present, she found Aragorn waiting for her to climb the silver ladder to their own platform. She steeled herself as she grabbed the dangling rungs and began to climb. Her shoulder protested mightily at the movement she was forcing it to do, but Katie kept on. The cloak on her back seemed to drag her down, but she wouldn't give up, not without a decent try.
A countermotion to her own alerted her to the fact that Aragorn had begun to climb as well. Now there was definitely no failing. Katie made her hands keep reaching for the next rung and pulling. The tree seemed to be a thousand feet high and her arms began to shake from the strain as she kept going.
Her head nearly bumped into the underside of the *flet* before she realized that she had reached the top. A strong hand reached down to her and she had a brief notion of refusing it, before her shoulder cramped up and she had no choice. Katie found herself face to face with Gimli. Too tired to be surprised, she nodded her thanks before crawling clear of the hole as Aragorn appeared right behind her.
Katie lay still on the wooden platform, so grateful to be back on something solid that she had no wish to move. After a few minutes her heartbeat slowed and she pushed herself into a sitting position. It appeared that Gimli and Boromir were already settling in for the night, intent on getting as much rest as possible. Legolas stood on the edge of the platform, looking out over the darkened forest. Aragorn was casually rolling out some furs the elves had left for them.
Hesitantly the girl took a blanket for herself, then slowly unclasped Boromir's cloak from around her. The breeze that blew was not too cold, but she shivered nonetheless as it cooled her sweat. Katie found that she really, really wanted a bath. Meriweather's magical powers of cleanliness (i.e. she never ever got dirty or scratched) did nothing for Katie on her own, and she felt filthy. Maybe I'll get lucky and fall into a river, she thought sourly. Unbidden, her teeth began to chatter and she curled up under her cloak, trying to drive all thoughts of misery away with the promise of sleep.
Had she been looking in the right direction, she would have seen Aragorn quickly snatch a small waterskin away from Boromir with a warning glance. He whispered something to the man of Gondor, who nodded in sudden understanding. The Ranger rose to his feet and approached the huddled form that was Katie.
She looked up with bleary eyes as he offered the cool liquid to her. She was far too tired to question his actions, but she drank anyway. The water had a faint aftertaste, and Katie shuddered as she swallowed. "What was in that?"
Aragorn hesitated before answering, "A sleeping herb."
"What? Aragorn son of Arathorn, how *dare* you!" Katie suddenly found it very aggravating that the Ranger didn't have a middle name. Her head started to feel fuzzy and her eyes grew heavy. She was still trying to formulate a creative insult that the Dunadan would actually understand when awareness left her.
Aragorn smirked slightly to himself. His ploy had succeeded, and he chuckled softly to himself as he fetched his medicine satchel. That would certainly educate her in the ways of talking back to Strider, or any Ranger for that matter. Sobering, he set to work.
[Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. New York: Ballantine Books, 1954. Pages 375-386.]
