Disclaimer: See Chapters 1-15. I'm sure you'll eventually catch on to the
idea.
My many, many, many, *loved*, *treasured*, and *supportive* reviewers:
THANKS!
Cynda-Chan: I think Legolas looking less than perfect would make anybody's day! Acorn XD? Maybe we should take a poll for the most popular middle name for Aragorn!
CoolGirlChic: Well, she *is* the Lady of the Wood, and I'm sure she came by her title as witch somehow. Read on!
Katie Tann: Howdy again! Nice dance. I agree. Let's start a Save Haldir foundation or something. As for the dream realm, she won't feel a thing. Oh no. And blunt objects are *always* fun. And I remain yours faithfully in craziness!
Pixiegal: That is my deepest hope, that Tolkien will not take me to task, should I ever meet him in Heaven. Your praise means quite a lot to me, for it reflects the fact that what I'm trying to get across is actually understood by my audience. Thank you!
Mizalaye: Ticking Aragorn off is a specialty. I love doing it. The Voice is always a wonderful thing to do, especially to alleviate tense situations.and when I run out of ideas. I hope I've explained what was happening with the wounds accurately in this chapter. Merry and Pippin are wonderful characters to work with in my opinion, and I hope to delve a little more into them later. As always, I've missed hearing from you, and it's good to be back into it!
Goddess Isis: Long chapters.I don't know if it's going to be a continuing thing. But as long as we're in the book, expect long ones, cause it takes *forever* to go through those pages! They're crammed with stuff! And here's more!
J. L. Leisel: I have written, though it was hardly quickly. Enjoy!
Fae: Samwise! Hey girlie! Yes, I forgot that you had left me a review, and I am *so so so* happy to reply to you! You know I love it when you squeal (but not when you glomp). (Repeatedly, that is.) It's been a long time, ne? Because we are back in school, and almost done with our second month. Lylas, Sam. Ride swiftly. (Avoid gopher holes!)
Contia Mirian: Thanks for your sincere vote of confidence, and I do primarily use this space for answering questions, unless it involves a long, complicated explanation, in which case I try to email the person. But I also like to specifically thank those who have given me constructive comments and suggestions that I find helpful. And I thank you for your faith in my writing abilities.
Saiyan-Girl-Cheetah: Growing up is for adults! And you were right about the bridge thing, but I've got my own take on that. Poor Legolas! Thank you, thank you so many many times for your email. I was so encouraged and uplifted by it. And now, please make sure you read the dedication. (
Elentari: LOL, thanks. I keep working, and getting threatened, and then whipped, and.this is the result.
Rabia: Yay! I'm making a note to go check out that site. I hope the filter allows it. I've missed hearing from you, and your parody was great! And thanks for the vote of confidence for keeping Aragorn in character. That means a lot!
Azaelia Sapphire: Aragorn's a sneaky little devil, isn't he? I think it sort of seemed like a Ranger-ish thing to do at the time. I'm pleased it went over so well!
Elf of Sirannon: LOL, precisely the mentality that Katie is forced to deal with. How aggravating! Well, it's still book-time this chapter, but in the future, who's to say? Isn't it sad the way that Mary Sues just don't *get it*? Anyway, I hope this chapter relieves some of that M.S. caused stress!
Star Queen: I will definitely be sure to stop by your diary soon, if the filter allows it. Sam and April deserve a lot of the credit for this chapter, along with another friend of mine, who is suddenly very interested in my writing time (and he makes sure I get enough of it too.) I'm so happy that I can say hi to you again! So, HI!
Laura: In my critical opinion, I don't think that there can be *enough* said about the beauty of the Golden Wood. But then, I knew if I went off on a really long tangent, I'd lose somebody. I tend to be very odd in my manner of description sometimes!
Europa: LOL, believe it or not, I did consider that, then I thought about it logically. When sleeping (even when drugged) you're not truly unconscious. Aragorn could've brought her around if he'd *really* wanted to, I'm sure. However, the poor guy knew what was good for him and didn't. She'd have been mildly upset, to say the least. Anyway, read on!
ElvenPickle: Another month, another update, or something like that . . .
Dee Sarrachi: I apologize, but from the Mary Sue perspective (as horrid as it is to admit that I can use it) Pippin is quite possibly the hobbit on which a M.S. would take the most pity. I concede that Frodo is another choice, but Pippin is younger and therefore likely *lighter* than he is. And I have nothing against well-written Mary Sues. I have enjoyed quite a few. But the galling number of bad ones demands some sort of response, and I am only too happy to give it! Thanks for your review!
Dazzle: Signed, stamped with April and Sam's approval and updated! Enjoy!
Lady Moon: My friend came up with something like, Aragorn Hosea Gonzalez or something. Then he decided to go Japanese and it wasn't even translatable after that. Hee hee.
Earendil: As always, thanks for your enthusiasm! I don't recall if I've ever thanked you for that before, but your reviews always make me smile! And I think I need to go deflate my head again.
Sabriel Elysium: Well, it's been almost a month and a week, but I *am* still writing, and it's no small feat, let me just say. I need to take more long weekends or something. Maybe I'll start Chapter 18 while I'm still in this vein of creativity. High praise indeed, for one who can't even finish her first novel. Well, if I ever do get something published, you'll be one of the first to know!
Miao-miao: Cough drop? He he. The next installment, as you have commanded.
KT Shy: You poor child. Bet that makes it a bit more personalized! I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you enjoy this chapter too.
Morruniel: Arguments with self are fun, yess preciousss . . . I do like writing them. Especially when Katie doesn't need another voice adding to the confusion! Darn skippy!
Narcissus: I'd take a bow, but my over-inflated head can't handle it. I'd fall and not be able to get up. Katie does have a thing for Legolas, a rather *big* thing, but she (and I) try to keep it under control as much as possible. No small task, let me tell you!
Shaggy: Thanks for the line, I appreciate it! And here's the more you're looking forward to!
Princess Joy: Yes, Your Highness! (
Philippa: Have I mentioned that I practically fell out of my chair laughing? I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I received your review. I understand you, perfectly. And I have updated. Though I'd pay to see you picket my university. That way I could thank you in person for your wonderful encouragement! And I'll take those Legolas pictures, really I will!
MentalMidget008: Amin mela lle, Belgarion. Without a doubt I think your comment was the one that surprised me the most of all, you sneak. I am sorry your other reviews didn't get posted, as I would very, very much like to have read them. But thanks just the same, and here's the rest of the chapter (what three paragraphs you didn't read of it, my sneak previewer). ~ Velvet
This chapter is dedicated to Saiyan-Girl-Cheetah. Thank you for your wonderful email that encourages me every time that I read it. It was such a blessing to me, and thank you for having faith.
Author's Note: The events in this chapter deviate quite a lot from Tolkien's book. However, seeing as how Meriweather's author pretty much started this whole fiasco, I reserve the right to believe that the characters in Middle-Earth would react this way accordingly. (And because some reviewers have started some interesting ideas!)
TRAPPED AS A MARY SUE
Chapter Seventeen
Aragorn smoked his pipe calmly in the early morning sunlight. His long legs hung free over the edge of the *flet* and his demeanor reflected an attitude of relaxation. That observation could not be further from the truth. His every sense was on alert, for he had sensed the disturbance in the forest. Haldir's brother, Rúmil had informed him just before dawn of the Orc approach, and he had not slept since. Beneath the boughs of Lórien he knew he and the company were safe, yet his Ranger instincts could not be suppressed.
The air was cold and golden around him, and mist arose from the forms of the still-slumbering beings that shared the platform with him. Legolas was not counted among them, for he had arisen even before Aragorn and was ostensibly off somewhere with his Elven brethren.
Boromir stirred suddenly, rubbing his eyes in the morning light that filtered through the leaves above them like spun shafts of gold. He shivered slightly in the frigid air as he donned his boots and overtunic. The man of Gondor cast a glance around at Gimli and Katie, his brow wrinkling at the latter. "How fare you?" he greeted Aragorn softly, surveying the forest from a position a safe distance from the edge of the *flet*.
Aragorn was not one for small talk, but he felt that he could oblige Boromir. "Well, and yourself?"
"I . . . did not sleep as soundly as I had hoped. My dreams ever plague me, and I fear that-" Boromir abruptly ceased, wary of Aragorn.
The Ranger read something further from the other man's eyes, but he did not press. "Orcs passed this way last night, but the habitants of Lórien will see them done away with. Perhaps they unsettled you."
Boromir glanced down, then away. "Perhaps," he agreed, but there was unease in his tone. Then, as if seeking some way to alter the conversation, he asked, "What of the child?" And he nodded in Katie's direction.
It somehow struck Aragorn as amusing to hear her referred to by that name, but lest he should forget, it was true. Katie seemed to him prideful, entirely too stubborn, mistrustful, and quiet, yet hardly a child, though she likely had not reached her twentieth year. Something about her spoke of age brought on by too much care and seriousness in one so young. What burden did she carry that would lead her not to trust them? True, she rarely spoke but once in awhile, and never directly to him, unless she sought some way in escaping him. Katie was conspicuously absent from the camaraderie of the Fellowship, only joining in if the remarks were made to her and she could not ignore them.
The Ranger shook his head in mystification as he came up with a response to Boromir's question. "The wound to her shoulder was inflicted with a tainted arrow. Had you not remembered it, I doubt I would ever have been able to treat it. It would have killed her, given enough time and inattention, for it was one of the fouler of Orc potions. But it will cause no more trouble, and we shall not be slowed in our course because of her any longer."
Boromir regarded him with an odd look. "Yet I remember you did see to her shoulder once, while we were still trapped within the foul depths of Moria. I accompanied you in aiding her . . ." He shivered. "But I was not myself and neither were you."
"My memory comes and fades. Vaguely do I recall what you mention, but my treatment of that wound before was horrendous. The evil must have something to do with it, for never would I allow myself to do such a shoddy job." Aragorn shook his head. It was likely for the better that he could not remember all that had happened. Katie apparently knew enough for both of them, judging by her avoidance of him.
Gimli was awake by then, neatening his wild hair and beard, grumbling to himself all the while. He let out a loud shout when Legolas dropped from a branch above him, so close that the Dwarf's beard stirred at his passing.
"The hobbit-folk are awake and demanding food as usual." The archer's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Haldir and his kin bid that we gather our belongings and eat quickly so that we may resume our path."
Aragorn emptied his pipe and nodded as he rose to his feet. He let down the woven ladder the five of them had ascended the eve before as Boromir and Gimli checked their weapons. "Gimli, wake Katie," he said. Better the Dwarf than I, Aragorn mused. He knew any disturbance of the girl on his part, especially after what he had done with the water skin yestereve, would not go over well.
Gimli's surprise upon the man's order was momentary. He nodded and strode to the shape that was Katie, poking her with the thick shaft of his double- edged axe. "Rise, you slothful girl!" he commanded as she began to stir.
"Mind her wounds, Master Dwarf," the Ranger said, wincing to think that his work would be undone, especially after his ingenious ploy.
An incoherent phrase arose from Katie, but Gimli was relentless in his assault. Finally she bolted straight up, and her hand shot out to catch a handful of Gimli's beard. A snarl was poised on her lips, and her expression gave the Dwarf pause. Then her eyes widened and she hastily relinquished Gimli's hair.
"I'm sorry," she stammered. "I thought you were someone else." She looked around her, face uncertain and wary, as if she was not sure her surroundings were real. Her gaze fell on Aragorn, and her hand drifted to her shoulder. She did not smile her thanks, but instead inclined her head to him. Aragorn returned the gesture, not entirely sure if Katie could be trusted not to retaliate in some way. He would most certainly be plotting against himself if he were her. The Ranger shook off his trepidation and looked to the others.
The Dwarf had brushed the incident with his beard off and had descended the ladder after Boromir. Aragorn remained on the *flet*, checking to be sure he had left nothing behind. He saw Katie reclasp Boromir's cloak about her shoulders before folding her blanket and putting it back where she had found it. She clawed her fingers through her brown hair before descending the ladder. Aragorn exchanged a glance with Legolas before following.
The hobbits were awaiting them, the packs heaped at their feet. Sam had breakfast started, and a small contingent of elves was watching them carefully. The Fellowship ate gladly before Haldir and his brother Rúmil gestured that they should be on their way. Aragorn set himself at the head of the group, so that he might converse with Haldir. Legolas joined him, after he had bade farewell to Nimrodel. The man had to admit to himself that he would miss the fair whisperings of the river, the beautiful music of its current that seemed to soothe his every fear and frustration.
They followed the Silverlode, and his Ranger senses noted the trampled underbrush and the undergrowth desecrated without care. The Orc tracks that became visible shortly afterward did not surprise him, and Aragorn, who had always appreciated the beauty of the land as one who roamed it, was angered by the carelessness of the foul creatures. Not even the Golden Wood was safe from the taint of evil. Was there no place that goodness was preserved? Could the darkness ever be cleansed from the face of Middle- earth? Could he be doing something different right now to further counter Sauron's forces?
The questions of my heritage are hard to answer, and I am the only one who can do so, Aragorn thought dryly. Why did these doubts yet plague him? He had chosen his path, now he must follow it.
Haldir interrupted his thoughts. He had led them deeper into the forest, away from the print of Orc feet. Aragorn could see an Elf on the opposite bank of the river, and at a whistle from Haldir, the Elf stepped out and received the coil of rope the captain of Lothlórien cast at him. Aragorn took the moment of distraction to check upon the pace of the others. Gimli remained close to the hobbits, casting distrustful glances at the elves that walked on either side of them. Katie came behind, then Boromir. Four elves ended the company and Aragorn entertained a brief thought that perhaps the elves were going to carry the hobbits and Dwarf over the river. Legolas was aware of the same thought, and voiced his concern.
"We have two more ropes. We will fasten them above the other, one shoulder- high, and another half-high, and holding these the strangers should be able to cross with care." Haldir demonstrated his words as two more ropes were secured to the opposite bank. He and Legolas were the first across, followed by the hobbits. Pippin, surprising Aragorn, was the quickest of all, his attention never wavering from the opposite shore. Frodo and Merry went cautiously, testing nearly every step to be sure that they would not plunge into the cold water. Sam's hands were white-knuckled as he made slow progress across, eyes wide.
Gimli, after much grumbling and muttering Aragorn was sure every Elf there overheard, slid his axe back into its loop. He shot wary glances at all the elves around him before gingerly grasping the middle rope with his gloved hands. Step by step he crossed, his iron eyes betraying neither fear nor apprehension. He clapped Sam on the shoulder as he set boot on solid ground once more. "Aye, that was an experience to remember, young hobbit!" he bellowed.
Aragorn raised his eyebrows in silent admiration. He never thought he'd see the day a Dwarf would cross an elven bridge. Haldir's companion bounded across after, and then the Ranger stepped aside for Katie. Her green eyes swept up to his face, hard with distrust, but she resolutely grabbed the ropes anyway. He noted the shaking of her hands, and the paleness of her face. He guessed that the girl was not one for heights. Knowing her luck, she shall be the one to fall in, Aragorn thought to himself. He admitted that he had no great faith in Katie, for she could not fight, nor scout, nor do anything that he deemed as useful. Yet Gandalf had declared her important, and the nagging, small voice that he did his best to ignore was a constant reminder that nearly everything important, even the quest, did rest upon her.
His thoughts were interrupted by a short shriek and a splash. The Ranger sighed and rubbed his eyes, afraid to look. There was no great commotion, so he assumed that she had landed near the bank and had gained it quickly. Thus he was not prepared to see the girl dangling from the bottom rope, waist and below submerged beneath the surface of the river. Aragorn mentally added ungraceful and clumsy to his list of details about Katie. Surely if a Dwarf could cross the bridge . . .!
At last, Haldir's companion ventured back onto the rope and assisted the girl ashore. Aragorn watched with wry amusement as he performed his own walk across the bridge as she attempted to wring the water out of her leggings and the bottom half of the cloak, all to no avail. The rest of the group crossed with no incident, much to Aragorn's relief, and they waved farewell to Rúmil, who remained behind to guard Nimrodel.
"Now, friends," said Haldir, "you have entered the Naith of Lórien, or the Gore, as you would say, for it is the land that lies like a spearhead between the arms of Silverlode and Anduin the Great. We allow no strangers to spy out the secrets of the Naith. Few indeed are permitted even to set foot there."
Aragorn nodded to Haldir, then cast another glance back at the Fellowship and Katie. A strange smile was lurking on the girl's face, and as Haldir spoke again, it broadened and she became hard-pressed to conceal a fit of laughter.
"As was agreed, I shall here blindfold the eyes of Gimli the Dwarf. The others may walk free for a while, until we come nearer to our dwellings, down in Egladil, in the Angle between the waters."
That was the first Aragorn had heard of blindfolding the Dwarf, though he could not say he was half-surprised. However, he did scowl at an innocent- looking Legolas, who avoided the Ranger's smoldering gaze with an infuriating air of elven superiority.
"The agreement was made without my consent," Gimli was protesting. "I will not walk blindfold, like a beggar or a prisoner. And I am no spy. My folk have never had dealings with any of the servants of the Enemy. Neither have we done harm to the Elves. I am no more likely to betray you than Legolas, or any other of my companions." The Dwarf's face was red and Aragorn could see his hand inching closer to his favorite axe.
"I do not doubt you," said Haldir, fingers straying toward his bow ever so slightly. "Yet this is our law. I am not the master of the law, and cannot set it aside. I have done much in letting you set foot over the Celebrant."
The hobbits were looking at each other in concern, and Frodo had fixed his gaze on Gimli, almost, Aragorn supposed, as if he were trying to tell the Dwarf not to resist them. Gimli, however, would have none of that. He assumed his 'final-say-on-the-matter' stance.
"I will go forward free," he stated firmly, "or I will go back and seek my own land, where I am known to be true of word, though I perish alone in the wilderness." His beard bristled fiercely to match his tone.
The impatience in Haldir's own voice suggested that the normally placid Elf was at the end of his tolerance. "You cannot go back," he said sternly. "Now you have come thus far, you must be brought before the Lord and the Lady. They shall judge you, to hold you or give you leave, as they will. You cannot cross the rivers again, and behind you there are now secret sentinels that you cannot pass. You would be slain before you saw them."
Aragorn was in motion the moment that Gimli's axe came free from its harness. He grabbed the shaft, staying the Dwarf's hot-tempered blow. Haldir and his lone companion had their bows out and notched.
"A plague on Dwarves and their stiff necks!" said Legolas, absolutely not helping things any. Aragorn recognized the need for executive action when he saw it, and took charge.
"Come!" he cried, still wrestling with an enraged Dwarf. "If I am to lead this Company, you must do as I bid. It is hard upon the Dwarf to be thus singled out. We will all be blindfold, even Legolas. That will be best, though it will make the journey slow and dull." Yet it will be what that Silvan Elf deserves, for not telling me of this agreement in the first place, he thought to himself with a small self-satisfied smirk.
Gimli eased his grip on his weapon and replaced it on his belt. He laughed aloud then and said, "A merry troop of fools we shall look! Will Haldir lead us all on a string, like many blind beggars with one dog? But I will be content, if only Legolas here shares my blindness." And Aragorn caught the impudent glance the Dwarf shot the Elf.
"I am an Elf and a kinsmen here!" Legolas said hotly.
Smothering his smile as much as he could, Aragorn repeated the Elf's earlier words, "Now let us cry: 'a plague on the stiff necks of Elves!'" He was favored with an elven glower. "But the Company shall all fare alike. Come, bind our eyes, Haldir!"
Various complaints arose as Aragorn's command was carried out. Haldir promised to lead them on a straight and smooth path so that they would not trip. The loss of sight did not affect the Ranger as it did the hobbits, for on a few of his more unsavory exploits Strider had been tied and blindfolded. This was no new experience.
Boromir grumbled something behind him as Haldir told of the perils Lothlórien faced, and Merry joined his conversation. Katie, as usual, bore whatever happened to her in tolerant silence. Aragorn turned his thoughts aside from his usual worries, however, once the Company began their journey into the Naith. He heard keenly every rustle of leaves, and, as he had when he was a child, imagined that it was the sunbeams playing the leaves like one enormous harp.
The sun rose to its peak and fell again on its path westward. A slight chill entered the air, and Aragorn knew that they must stop soon, if for no other reason then that the hobbits had not had a meal in a while. And stop they did, so suddenly that the person behind Aragorn nudged him.
"Sorry," Katie apologized.
They seated themselves upon the ground, and the Elves gave them some bread to eat and water from a skin.
"We shall rest here for the night," Haldir said. "No, do not remove your blindfolds. We will guard you from harm, so sleep without fear."
Aragorn had to assume that the Fellowship slept, but he was not certain, for he was taking full advantage of a night off watch. In the morning they went on again in the same fashion as before. There was little conversation that was noteworthy of repeating, and sometime around noon Aragorn was distracted by the all-but-imperceptible sound of elven steps around them. Had the Ranger not been raised among the fair elven folk, he doubted he could have detected anything at all.
Pippin and Merry exclaimed in surprise as the band of elves sang out a greeting. Aragorn himself was a bit startled at the number, but was eager to hear any news of the movement of evil. Also the tidings of Gollum, the nasty beast that he was. Aragorn rubbed his hand in the not-so-fond memory of where the misbegotten creature had bitten him so long ago on the path to Mirkwood.
Haldir reported, "They bring me a message from the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim. You are all to walk free, even the dwarf Gimli. It seems that the Lady knows who and what is each member of your Company. New messages have come from Rivendell perhaps."
Indeed, the Ranger mused. I wonder then what she makes of our only female companion. The thought was mildly entertaining, yet at the same time sobering. He wondered if perhaps the Lady would know of some way to counter the evil. He hoped she did, for without the wisdom of Elrond or Gandalf, the Company was unsure of what to do. And though Aragorn would never express his sentiment aloud, the sooner they were rid of Katie, the sooner the threat would be vanquished.
The cloth that bound his eyes was stripped away, and he looked around him with new appreciation of the beauty of the wood. A hill crowned by two ethereal circles of trees greeted his eyes, and Aragorn knew he was not the only one to catch his breath at the sight of them. Flowers spread like a starry blanket across the ground, and the moment was so perfect that the Ranger wished he had a way of capturing it forever.
"Behold! You are come to Cerin Amroth," said Haldir. "For this is the heart of the ancient realm as it was long ago, and here is the mound of Amroth, where in happier days his high house was built. Here ever bloom the winder flowers in the unfading grass: the yellow *elanor*, and the pale *niphredil*. Here we will stay awhile, and come to the city of the Galadhrim at dusk."
Aragorn knelt in the fragrant grass, catching hold of a star-like blossom. Ah, Arwen. Did you ever kneel here and think of me, as I am of you?
The members of the Company dispersed, some to take rest, some to explore with Haldir's guidance. Frodo and Sam went with the Elf to the circle of trees. Aragorn moved to follow, as if in a dream. He thoughtlessly plucked a single flower of *elanor*, and stood silently at the base of the outermost circle of trees. "*Arwen vanimelda, namari?!" he cried. The Ranger did not notice the return of Frodo until he became aware of the hobbit's gaze.
"Here is the heart of Elvendom on earth," he said, "and here my heart dwells ever, unless there be a light beyond the dark roads that we still must tread, you and I. Come with me!" And he guided the hobbit away, knowing in his heart of hearts, that he would never see that place again.
They treaded on into the evening, shadows creeping upon them in the woods, and the Elves lit silver lamps so that they would not stumble in the dusk. Then suddenly the trees halted on their course, and an open space carpeted with lush grass. Mallorn trees grew in the distance, and again their guide Haldir spoke.
"Welcome to Caras Galadhon!" he said. "Here is the city of the Galadhrim where dwell the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel the Lady of Lórien. But we cannot enter here, for the gates do not look northward. We must go round to the southern side, and the way is not short, for the city is great."
~*~
Katie loved Lothlórien. It was beautiful; actually, outright breathtaking. Gorgeous, thrilling; all those words couldn't say enough about the Golden Wood. But she felt like every part of her from the waist down was being slowly eaten away by microscopic insects. Not to mention that Aragorn's leather leggings, seasoned though they were, smelled *awful* when they got wet. All in all, the girl was pretty uncomfortable.
Walking was all fine and good, but her loaned pants, damp as they were, were riding up in a very inopportune place. And she wasn't about to try and do a thing about it. As a result, her current predicament resulted in a stilted gait. Not to mention that Katie was entirely bored with having nobody to talk to, and her mental companion hadn't been back in a little while. In fact, she had the sneaking suspicion that she was no longer speaking to her. Which wasn't much of a loss.
Oy, what I wouldn't give for Brian, or Sam, or April, or even my *brothers* to be here to talk to. Then again, on second thought, having her boyfriend or either of her closest friends here would be wishing a type of torture on them that nobody except Sauron deserved.
As night fell and the city of the Galadhrim grew closer, Katie had a sneaking suspicion that Galadriel was going to have a thing or two to say about the whole situation. She was surprised at Haldir's earlier words, that the Lady knew about each and every member of the company. She wondered just how much Galadriel understood about her. Or was she poking through Katie's meager store of brain cells right at that moment? All of a sudden Katie found the city to be very unsettling.
Then they were climbing up. Up and up. Were there even this many stairs in the Washington monument? Egads, the trees were tall! Winking silver lamps lit their path, but they seemed to glare at Katie, who felt like even more of an outcast than before. As the stoutest and grandest of all the trees loomed before them, the ladder to it guarded by three white-clad Elves, Katie knew precisely where she was, even when their tour-guide Elf announced it.
"Here dwell Celeborn and Galadriel," said Haldir. "It is their wish that you should ascend and speak with them." As he spoke, the guards signaled with a horn, and it was returned. "I will go first," said Haldir. "Let Frodo come next and with him Legolas. After them, Katie. The others may follow as they wish. It is a long climb for those that are not accustomed to such stairs, but you may rest upon the way."
The girl gave a start to realize that her presence had been specially requested. There is no way I'm getting out of this one. Perhaps if I fall and pretend to break an arm.? No, that wasn't any good, because not only would she likely *break* the arm anyway, it'd be Aragorn to set the darn thing, and she wasn't going anywhere near that. Besides, she still owed him for drugging her in the first place, canon be hanged! Surely Tolkien could forgive the future king of Gondor for having a small mishap involving a lake or perhaps a stairwell that wasn't *too* far off the ground.
However, that mental bunny trail was far off the matter at hand. With Haldir leading the way, Frodo following, Legolas after him, and finally Katie, the four began their ascent into the home of the Lord and Lady. Katie's heart seemed to climb higher in her throat with each step she took, and her stomach twisted tighter the higher she got. She was not too ashamed to admit she was acrophobic, and terribly so.
After gratefully setting foot on solid.platform again, and allowing her eyes to pop sufficiently at the sheer size of the glorious accommodations, Katie was uncomfortably aware that she was one of the centers of attention for all the gathered Elves present. She'd forgotten that the movie had deviated from the book on this point. She and the others were not to be granted a private audience with Celeborn and Galadriel. Instead, there were a whole bunch of the woodland dwellers seated there in a circle. Self- conscious didn't even begin to describe Katie's feelings.
Celeborn and Galadriel themselves sat in regal chairs on a raised dais, shaded by living boughs. The Lord greeted Frodo courteously, as he did each member of the Fellowship that came up after. His tone was warm with all, and his eyes held an eternal light that seemed to bestow kindness wherever he glanced.
"Welcome Katie. Your strength against this foe we all battle has not waned yet, and for that we can be thankful. Pray be seated."
Katie was struck dumb for a moment. She was already for the most part speechless anyway, but Celeborn's inclusion of her in the greetings to the Fellowship shocked her. She hardly had the intelligence to incline her head and bow ever so slightly at the waist before taking the seat indicated.
Eventually all were seated and Celeborn began with his knowledge of the quest, but Katie did not pay the slightest bit of attention. She was entirely too consumed with the way the Lord of Lothlórien had addressed her. As if she were no different. As if she belonged. Was that good or bad? Did that mean that she was being integrated into the story? Or was he merely being polite?
You know, there are times I wish you wouldn't get into such complicated discussions with yourself.
I was wondering when you'd pop up again. And why shouldn't I worry about these things? I'm the only one who can!
Are you so certain about that?
Eh?
You're among Elves know, specifically Galadriel. Even I don't know what she's capable of, and if you'd actually looked around the circle, you'd have seen Elrond sitting over there.
Katie shook off her temporary mental paralysis and peered around the circle, searching for familiar faces. B-b-but, he's not *supposed* to be here! And *Egads!* neither is Arwen! Or.or.say, who is that hunky piece of elf-flesh to Elrond's left? The blonde? It ain't one of his sons, that's for sure!
Ahem.if I may make an educated guess, I do believe that's Glorfindel.
*Ba*-by. Them fangirls in the real world don't know what they've missed. And they want *Legolas?* I'm sorry, instant convert right here!
Stop drooling.
After you.
Shut up.
Legolas' defined looks and gentle smiles did not even compare with the visual feast Katie was faced with. She tried not to ogle too much over Glorfindel's burnished gold locks, a deeper tone than the Mirkwood elf's, and the sharp green eyes that could take in everything at once and dismiss it just as quickly. Highly defined eyebrows knitted over a perfectly proportioned nose, and there was a certain.angularity about the elf lord's features that made Legolas look like he was still in his tweens.
Needless to say, Katie found if *very* difficult to concentrate on anything that was said within the first good portion of the gathering.
"I it was who first summoned the White Council. And if my designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey, and then mayhap things would have gone otherwise," Galadriel was saying when Katie chose to tune in again.
The White Council? Why not the Council of Galadriel?
{Because, young one, that will come later.}
*YIE!*
She swore that Galadriel blinked and winced slightly. Then again, it could be just that she was frowning at her. And then Katie was caught, pinioned by a gaze so chilling that it seemed to strip her down inside. She froze, and could *feel* Galadriel there, suggesting things to her . . . things that she wanted desperately. Things she had only dreamed about as a fangirl. Things . . . that were *wrong*.
No! I won't, you get *out*! I will never do that to them. Never!
This time, the Lady of the Wood said nothing to her mentally, but seemed to smile as if to herself, though her face never changed expression. Something told Katie that she'd be a killer poker player.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled," Galadriel then said, gracing them all with a smile that seemed to shine. "Tonight you shall sleep in peace."
Katie joined the others of the Fellowship in a collective sigh of weariness. She hadn't realized just how tiring locking brains with Galadriel could be. Celeborn dismissed them, granting them refuge in the city, promising that they would speak no more of the quest.
But what does that say about me? Katie thought somewhat dismally as the Company roused themselves and descended the ladder. She cast a furtive glance around; all the gathered Elves were also beginning to break up and talk amongst themselves, but clearly Frodo and his motley band of companions had first honors of leaving. Elrond and Arwen were lost in the crowd, to say nothing of their elusive companion, Glorfindel.
"Lady," a voice somewhere up and behind her left shoulder began.
Katie froze. Was the person talking to her?
"Lady?" And then someone's hand brushed her shoulder.
Katie leaped forward, spinning and tripping on the long hem of Boromir's cloak as she tried (with little success) to face the person behind her without losing her balance. There was a soggy-sounding whump as she landed, hair obscuring her eyes. As she brushed the rumpled strands aside, her one prayer was, Please, don't let it be . . .
And she looked up. Glorfindel.
Cruel fates, why must you torment me so?
[Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994. Pages 337-348.]
My many, many, many, *loved*, *treasured*, and *supportive* reviewers:
THANKS!
Cynda-Chan: I think Legolas looking less than perfect would make anybody's day! Acorn XD? Maybe we should take a poll for the most popular middle name for Aragorn!
CoolGirlChic: Well, she *is* the Lady of the Wood, and I'm sure she came by her title as witch somehow. Read on!
Katie Tann: Howdy again! Nice dance. I agree. Let's start a Save Haldir foundation or something. As for the dream realm, she won't feel a thing. Oh no. And blunt objects are *always* fun. And I remain yours faithfully in craziness!
Pixiegal: That is my deepest hope, that Tolkien will not take me to task, should I ever meet him in Heaven. Your praise means quite a lot to me, for it reflects the fact that what I'm trying to get across is actually understood by my audience. Thank you!
Mizalaye: Ticking Aragorn off is a specialty. I love doing it. The Voice is always a wonderful thing to do, especially to alleviate tense situations.and when I run out of ideas. I hope I've explained what was happening with the wounds accurately in this chapter. Merry and Pippin are wonderful characters to work with in my opinion, and I hope to delve a little more into them later. As always, I've missed hearing from you, and it's good to be back into it!
Goddess Isis: Long chapters.I don't know if it's going to be a continuing thing. But as long as we're in the book, expect long ones, cause it takes *forever* to go through those pages! They're crammed with stuff! And here's more!
J. L. Leisel: I have written, though it was hardly quickly. Enjoy!
Fae: Samwise! Hey girlie! Yes, I forgot that you had left me a review, and I am *so so so* happy to reply to you! You know I love it when you squeal (but not when you glomp). (Repeatedly, that is.) It's been a long time, ne? Because we are back in school, and almost done with our second month. Lylas, Sam. Ride swiftly. (Avoid gopher holes!)
Contia Mirian: Thanks for your sincere vote of confidence, and I do primarily use this space for answering questions, unless it involves a long, complicated explanation, in which case I try to email the person. But I also like to specifically thank those who have given me constructive comments and suggestions that I find helpful. And I thank you for your faith in my writing abilities.
Saiyan-Girl-Cheetah: Growing up is for adults! And you were right about the bridge thing, but I've got my own take on that. Poor Legolas! Thank you, thank you so many many times for your email. I was so encouraged and uplifted by it. And now, please make sure you read the dedication. (
Elentari: LOL, thanks. I keep working, and getting threatened, and then whipped, and.this is the result.
Rabia: Yay! I'm making a note to go check out that site. I hope the filter allows it. I've missed hearing from you, and your parody was great! And thanks for the vote of confidence for keeping Aragorn in character. That means a lot!
Azaelia Sapphire: Aragorn's a sneaky little devil, isn't he? I think it sort of seemed like a Ranger-ish thing to do at the time. I'm pleased it went over so well!
Elf of Sirannon: LOL, precisely the mentality that Katie is forced to deal with. How aggravating! Well, it's still book-time this chapter, but in the future, who's to say? Isn't it sad the way that Mary Sues just don't *get it*? Anyway, I hope this chapter relieves some of that M.S. caused stress!
Star Queen: I will definitely be sure to stop by your diary soon, if the filter allows it. Sam and April deserve a lot of the credit for this chapter, along with another friend of mine, who is suddenly very interested in my writing time (and he makes sure I get enough of it too.) I'm so happy that I can say hi to you again! So, HI!
Laura: In my critical opinion, I don't think that there can be *enough* said about the beauty of the Golden Wood. But then, I knew if I went off on a really long tangent, I'd lose somebody. I tend to be very odd in my manner of description sometimes!
Europa: LOL, believe it or not, I did consider that, then I thought about it logically. When sleeping (even when drugged) you're not truly unconscious. Aragorn could've brought her around if he'd *really* wanted to, I'm sure. However, the poor guy knew what was good for him and didn't. She'd have been mildly upset, to say the least. Anyway, read on!
ElvenPickle: Another month, another update, or something like that . . .
Dee Sarrachi: I apologize, but from the Mary Sue perspective (as horrid as it is to admit that I can use it) Pippin is quite possibly the hobbit on which a M.S. would take the most pity. I concede that Frodo is another choice, but Pippin is younger and therefore likely *lighter* than he is. And I have nothing against well-written Mary Sues. I have enjoyed quite a few. But the galling number of bad ones demands some sort of response, and I am only too happy to give it! Thanks for your review!
Dazzle: Signed, stamped with April and Sam's approval and updated! Enjoy!
Lady Moon: My friend came up with something like, Aragorn Hosea Gonzalez or something. Then he decided to go Japanese and it wasn't even translatable after that. Hee hee.
Earendil: As always, thanks for your enthusiasm! I don't recall if I've ever thanked you for that before, but your reviews always make me smile! And I think I need to go deflate my head again.
Sabriel Elysium: Well, it's been almost a month and a week, but I *am* still writing, and it's no small feat, let me just say. I need to take more long weekends or something. Maybe I'll start Chapter 18 while I'm still in this vein of creativity. High praise indeed, for one who can't even finish her first novel. Well, if I ever do get something published, you'll be one of the first to know!
Miao-miao: Cough drop? He he. The next installment, as you have commanded.
KT Shy: You poor child. Bet that makes it a bit more personalized! I'm glad you liked it, and I hope you enjoy this chapter too.
Morruniel: Arguments with self are fun, yess preciousss . . . I do like writing them. Especially when Katie doesn't need another voice adding to the confusion! Darn skippy!
Narcissus: I'd take a bow, but my over-inflated head can't handle it. I'd fall and not be able to get up. Katie does have a thing for Legolas, a rather *big* thing, but she (and I) try to keep it under control as much as possible. No small task, let me tell you!
Shaggy: Thanks for the line, I appreciate it! And here's the more you're looking forward to!
Princess Joy: Yes, Your Highness! (
Philippa: Have I mentioned that I practically fell out of my chair laughing? I almost fell out of my chair laughing when I received your review. I understand you, perfectly. And I have updated. Though I'd pay to see you picket my university. That way I could thank you in person for your wonderful encouragement! And I'll take those Legolas pictures, really I will!
MentalMidget008: Amin mela lle, Belgarion. Without a doubt I think your comment was the one that surprised me the most of all, you sneak. I am sorry your other reviews didn't get posted, as I would very, very much like to have read them. But thanks just the same, and here's the rest of the chapter (what three paragraphs you didn't read of it, my sneak previewer). ~ Velvet
This chapter is dedicated to Saiyan-Girl-Cheetah. Thank you for your wonderful email that encourages me every time that I read it. It was such a blessing to me, and thank you for having faith.
Author's Note: The events in this chapter deviate quite a lot from Tolkien's book. However, seeing as how Meriweather's author pretty much started this whole fiasco, I reserve the right to believe that the characters in Middle-Earth would react this way accordingly. (And because some reviewers have started some interesting ideas!)
TRAPPED AS A MARY SUE
Chapter Seventeen
Aragorn smoked his pipe calmly in the early morning sunlight. His long legs hung free over the edge of the *flet* and his demeanor reflected an attitude of relaxation. That observation could not be further from the truth. His every sense was on alert, for he had sensed the disturbance in the forest. Haldir's brother, Rúmil had informed him just before dawn of the Orc approach, and he had not slept since. Beneath the boughs of Lórien he knew he and the company were safe, yet his Ranger instincts could not be suppressed.
The air was cold and golden around him, and mist arose from the forms of the still-slumbering beings that shared the platform with him. Legolas was not counted among them, for he had arisen even before Aragorn and was ostensibly off somewhere with his Elven brethren.
Boromir stirred suddenly, rubbing his eyes in the morning light that filtered through the leaves above them like spun shafts of gold. He shivered slightly in the frigid air as he donned his boots and overtunic. The man of Gondor cast a glance around at Gimli and Katie, his brow wrinkling at the latter. "How fare you?" he greeted Aragorn softly, surveying the forest from a position a safe distance from the edge of the *flet*.
Aragorn was not one for small talk, but he felt that he could oblige Boromir. "Well, and yourself?"
"I . . . did not sleep as soundly as I had hoped. My dreams ever plague me, and I fear that-" Boromir abruptly ceased, wary of Aragorn.
The Ranger read something further from the other man's eyes, but he did not press. "Orcs passed this way last night, but the habitants of Lórien will see them done away with. Perhaps they unsettled you."
Boromir glanced down, then away. "Perhaps," he agreed, but there was unease in his tone. Then, as if seeking some way to alter the conversation, he asked, "What of the child?" And he nodded in Katie's direction.
It somehow struck Aragorn as amusing to hear her referred to by that name, but lest he should forget, it was true. Katie seemed to him prideful, entirely too stubborn, mistrustful, and quiet, yet hardly a child, though she likely had not reached her twentieth year. Something about her spoke of age brought on by too much care and seriousness in one so young. What burden did she carry that would lead her not to trust them? True, she rarely spoke but once in awhile, and never directly to him, unless she sought some way in escaping him. Katie was conspicuously absent from the camaraderie of the Fellowship, only joining in if the remarks were made to her and she could not ignore them.
The Ranger shook his head in mystification as he came up with a response to Boromir's question. "The wound to her shoulder was inflicted with a tainted arrow. Had you not remembered it, I doubt I would ever have been able to treat it. It would have killed her, given enough time and inattention, for it was one of the fouler of Orc potions. But it will cause no more trouble, and we shall not be slowed in our course because of her any longer."
Boromir regarded him with an odd look. "Yet I remember you did see to her shoulder once, while we were still trapped within the foul depths of Moria. I accompanied you in aiding her . . ." He shivered. "But I was not myself and neither were you."
"My memory comes and fades. Vaguely do I recall what you mention, but my treatment of that wound before was horrendous. The evil must have something to do with it, for never would I allow myself to do such a shoddy job." Aragorn shook his head. It was likely for the better that he could not remember all that had happened. Katie apparently knew enough for both of them, judging by her avoidance of him.
Gimli was awake by then, neatening his wild hair and beard, grumbling to himself all the while. He let out a loud shout when Legolas dropped from a branch above him, so close that the Dwarf's beard stirred at his passing.
"The hobbit-folk are awake and demanding food as usual." The archer's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Haldir and his kin bid that we gather our belongings and eat quickly so that we may resume our path."
Aragorn emptied his pipe and nodded as he rose to his feet. He let down the woven ladder the five of them had ascended the eve before as Boromir and Gimli checked their weapons. "Gimli, wake Katie," he said. Better the Dwarf than I, Aragorn mused. He knew any disturbance of the girl on his part, especially after what he had done with the water skin yestereve, would not go over well.
Gimli's surprise upon the man's order was momentary. He nodded and strode to the shape that was Katie, poking her with the thick shaft of his double- edged axe. "Rise, you slothful girl!" he commanded as she began to stir.
"Mind her wounds, Master Dwarf," the Ranger said, wincing to think that his work would be undone, especially after his ingenious ploy.
An incoherent phrase arose from Katie, but Gimli was relentless in his assault. Finally she bolted straight up, and her hand shot out to catch a handful of Gimli's beard. A snarl was poised on her lips, and her expression gave the Dwarf pause. Then her eyes widened and she hastily relinquished Gimli's hair.
"I'm sorry," she stammered. "I thought you were someone else." She looked around her, face uncertain and wary, as if she was not sure her surroundings were real. Her gaze fell on Aragorn, and her hand drifted to her shoulder. She did not smile her thanks, but instead inclined her head to him. Aragorn returned the gesture, not entirely sure if Katie could be trusted not to retaliate in some way. He would most certainly be plotting against himself if he were her. The Ranger shook off his trepidation and looked to the others.
The Dwarf had brushed the incident with his beard off and had descended the ladder after Boromir. Aragorn remained on the *flet*, checking to be sure he had left nothing behind. He saw Katie reclasp Boromir's cloak about her shoulders before folding her blanket and putting it back where she had found it. She clawed her fingers through her brown hair before descending the ladder. Aragorn exchanged a glance with Legolas before following.
The hobbits were awaiting them, the packs heaped at their feet. Sam had breakfast started, and a small contingent of elves was watching them carefully. The Fellowship ate gladly before Haldir and his brother Rúmil gestured that they should be on their way. Aragorn set himself at the head of the group, so that he might converse with Haldir. Legolas joined him, after he had bade farewell to Nimrodel. The man had to admit to himself that he would miss the fair whisperings of the river, the beautiful music of its current that seemed to soothe his every fear and frustration.
They followed the Silverlode, and his Ranger senses noted the trampled underbrush and the undergrowth desecrated without care. The Orc tracks that became visible shortly afterward did not surprise him, and Aragorn, who had always appreciated the beauty of the land as one who roamed it, was angered by the carelessness of the foul creatures. Not even the Golden Wood was safe from the taint of evil. Was there no place that goodness was preserved? Could the darkness ever be cleansed from the face of Middle- earth? Could he be doing something different right now to further counter Sauron's forces?
The questions of my heritage are hard to answer, and I am the only one who can do so, Aragorn thought dryly. Why did these doubts yet plague him? He had chosen his path, now he must follow it.
Haldir interrupted his thoughts. He had led them deeper into the forest, away from the print of Orc feet. Aragorn could see an Elf on the opposite bank of the river, and at a whistle from Haldir, the Elf stepped out and received the coil of rope the captain of Lothlórien cast at him. Aragorn took the moment of distraction to check upon the pace of the others. Gimli remained close to the hobbits, casting distrustful glances at the elves that walked on either side of them. Katie came behind, then Boromir. Four elves ended the company and Aragorn entertained a brief thought that perhaps the elves were going to carry the hobbits and Dwarf over the river. Legolas was aware of the same thought, and voiced his concern.
"We have two more ropes. We will fasten them above the other, one shoulder- high, and another half-high, and holding these the strangers should be able to cross with care." Haldir demonstrated his words as two more ropes were secured to the opposite bank. He and Legolas were the first across, followed by the hobbits. Pippin, surprising Aragorn, was the quickest of all, his attention never wavering from the opposite shore. Frodo and Merry went cautiously, testing nearly every step to be sure that they would not plunge into the cold water. Sam's hands were white-knuckled as he made slow progress across, eyes wide.
Gimli, after much grumbling and muttering Aragorn was sure every Elf there overheard, slid his axe back into its loop. He shot wary glances at all the elves around him before gingerly grasping the middle rope with his gloved hands. Step by step he crossed, his iron eyes betraying neither fear nor apprehension. He clapped Sam on the shoulder as he set boot on solid ground once more. "Aye, that was an experience to remember, young hobbit!" he bellowed.
Aragorn raised his eyebrows in silent admiration. He never thought he'd see the day a Dwarf would cross an elven bridge. Haldir's companion bounded across after, and then the Ranger stepped aside for Katie. Her green eyes swept up to his face, hard with distrust, but she resolutely grabbed the ropes anyway. He noted the shaking of her hands, and the paleness of her face. He guessed that the girl was not one for heights. Knowing her luck, she shall be the one to fall in, Aragorn thought to himself. He admitted that he had no great faith in Katie, for she could not fight, nor scout, nor do anything that he deemed as useful. Yet Gandalf had declared her important, and the nagging, small voice that he did his best to ignore was a constant reminder that nearly everything important, even the quest, did rest upon her.
His thoughts were interrupted by a short shriek and a splash. The Ranger sighed and rubbed his eyes, afraid to look. There was no great commotion, so he assumed that she had landed near the bank and had gained it quickly. Thus he was not prepared to see the girl dangling from the bottom rope, waist and below submerged beneath the surface of the river. Aragorn mentally added ungraceful and clumsy to his list of details about Katie. Surely if a Dwarf could cross the bridge . . .!
At last, Haldir's companion ventured back onto the rope and assisted the girl ashore. Aragorn watched with wry amusement as he performed his own walk across the bridge as she attempted to wring the water out of her leggings and the bottom half of the cloak, all to no avail. The rest of the group crossed with no incident, much to Aragorn's relief, and they waved farewell to Rúmil, who remained behind to guard Nimrodel.
"Now, friends," said Haldir, "you have entered the Naith of Lórien, or the Gore, as you would say, for it is the land that lies like a spearhead between the arms of Silverlode and Anduin the Great. We allow no strangers to spy out the secrets of the Naith. Few indeed are permitted even to set foot there."
Aragorn nodded to Haldir, then cast another glance back at the Fellowship and Katie. A strange smile was lurking on the girl's face, and as Haldir spoke again, it broadened and she became hard-pressed to conceal a fit of laughter.
"As was agreed, I shall here blindfold the eyes of Gimli the Dwarf. The others may walk free for a while, until we come nearer to our dwellings, down in Egladil, in the Angle between the waters."
That was the first Aragorn had heard of blindfolding the Dwarf, though he could not say he was half-surprised. However, he did scowl at an innocent- looking Legolas, who avoided the Ranger's smoldering gaze with an infuriating air of elven superiority.
"The agreement was made without my consent," Gimli was protesting. "I will not walk blindfold, like a beggar or a prisoner. And I am no spy. My folk have never had dealings with any of the servants of the Enemy. Neither have we done harm to the Elves. I am no more likely to betray you than Legolas, or any other of my companions." The Dwarf's face was red and Aragorn could see his hand inching closer to his favorite axe.
"I do not doubt you," said Haldir, fingers straying toward his bow ever so slightly. "Yet this is our law. I am not the master of the law, and cannot set it aside. I have done much in letting you set foot over the Celebrant."
The hobbits were looking at each other in concern, and Frodo had fixed his gaze on Gimli, almost, Aragorn supposed, as if he were trying to tell the Dwarf not to resist them. Gimli, however, would have none of that. He assumed his 'final-say-on-the-matter' stance.
"I will go forward free," he stated firmly, "or I will go back and seek my own land, where I am known to be true of word, though I perish alone in the wilderness." His beard bristled fiercely to match his tone.
The impatience in Haldir's own voice suggested that the normally placid Elf was at the end of his tolerance. "You cannot go back," he said sternly. "Now you have come thus far, you must be brought before the Lord and the Lady. They shall judge you, to hold you or give you leave, as they will. You cannot cross the rivers again, and behind you there are now secret sentinels that you cannot pass. You would be slain before you saw them."
Aragorn was in motion the moment that Gimli's axe came free from its harness. He grabbed the shaft, staying the Dwarf's hot-tempered blow. Haldir and his lone companion had their bows out and notched.
"A plague on Dwarves and their stiff necks!" said Legolas, absolutely not helping things any. Aragorn recognized the need for executive action when he saw it, and took charge.
"Come!" he cried, still wrestling with an enraged Dwarf. "If I am to lead this Company, you must do as I bid. It is hard upon the Dwarf to be thus singled out. We will all be blindfold, even Legolas. That will be best, though it will make the journey slow and dull." Yet it will be what that Silvan Elf deserves, for not telling me of this agreement in the first place, he thought to himself with a small self-satisfied smirk.
Gimli eased his grip on his weapon and replaced it on his belt. He laughed aloud then and said, "A merry troop of fools we shall look! Will Haldir lead us all on a string, like many blind beggars with one dog? But I will be content, if only Legolas here shares my blindness." And Aragorn caught the impudent glance the Dwarf shot the Elf.
"I am an Elf and a kinsmen here!" Legolas said hotly.
Smothering his smile as much as he could, Aragorn repeated the Elf's earlier words, "Now let us cry: 'a plague on the stiff necks of Elves!'" He was favored with an elven glower. "But the Company shall all fare alike. Come, bind our eyes, Haldir!"
Various complaints arose as Aragorn's command was carried out. Haldir promised to lead them on a straight and smooth path so that they would not trip. The loss of sight did not affect the Ranger as it did the hobbits, for on a few of his more unsavory exploits Strider had been tied and blindfolded. This was no new experience.
Boromir grumbled something behind him as Haldir told of the perils Lothlórien faced, and Merry joined his conversation. Katie, as usual, bore whatever happened to her in tolerant silence. Aragorn turned his thoughts aside from his usual worries, however, once the Company began their journey into the Naith. He heard keenly every rustle of leaves, and, as he had when he was a child, imagined that it was the sunbeams playing the leaves like one enormous harp.
The sun rose to its peak and fell again on its path westward. A slight chill entered the air, and Aragorn knew that they must stop soon, if for no other reason then that the hobbits had not had a meal in a while. And stop they did, so suddenly that the person behind Aragorn nudged him.
"Sorry," Katie apologized.
They seated themselves upon the ground, and the Elves gave them some bread to eat and water from a skin.
"We shall rest here for the night," Haldir said. "No, do not remove your blindfolds. We will guard you from harm, so sleep without fear."
Aragorn had to assume that the Fellowship slept, but he was not certain, for he was taking full advantage of a night off watch. In the morning they went on again in the same fashion as before. There was little conversation that was noteworthy of repeating, and sometime around noon Aragorn was distracted by the all-but-imperceptible sound of elven steps around them. Had the Ranger not been raised among the fair elven folk, he doubted he could have detected anything at all.
Pippin and Merry exclaimed in surprise as the band of elves sang out a greeting. Aragorn himself was a bit startled at the number, but was eager to hear any news of the movement of evil. Also the tidings of Gollum, the nasty beast that he was. Aragorn rubbed his hand in the not-so-fond memory of where the misbegotten creature had bitten him so long ago on the path to Mirkwood.
Haldir reported, "They bring me a message from the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim. You are all to walk free, even the dwarf Gimli. It seems that the Lady knows who and what is each member of your Company. New messages have come from Rivendell perhaps."
Indeed, the Ranger mused. I wonder then what she makes of our only female companion. The thought was mildly entertaining, yet at the same time sobering. He wondered if perhaps the Lady would know of some way to counter the evil. He hoped she did, for without the wisdom of Elrond or Gandalf, the Company was unsure of what to do. And though Aragorn would never express his sentiment aloud, the sooner they were rid of Katie, the sooner the threat would be vanquished.
The cloth that bound his eyes was stripped away, and he looked around him with new appreciation of the beauty of the wood. A hill crowned by two ethereal circles of trees greeted his eyes, and Aragorn knew he was not the only one to catch his breath at the sight of them. Flowers spread like a starry blanket across the ground, and the moment was so perfect that the Ranger wished he had a way of capturing it forever.
"Behold! You are come to Cerin Amroth," said Haldir. "For this is the heart of the ancient realm as it was long ago, and here is the mound of Amroth, where in happier days his high house was built. Here ever bloom the winder flowers in the unfading grass: the yellow *elanor*, and the pale *niphredil*. Here we will stay awhile, and come to the city of the Galadhrim at dusk."
Aragorn knelt in the fragrant grass, catching hold of a star-like blossom. Ah, Arwen. Did you ever kneel here and think of me, as I am of you?
The members of the Company dispersed, some to take rest, some to explore with Haldir's guidance. Frodo and Sam went with the Elf to the circle of trees. Aragorn moved to follow, as if in a dream. He thoughtlessly plucked a single flower of *elanor*, and stood silently at the base of the outermost circle of trees. "*Arwen vanimelda, namari?!" he cried. The Ranger did not notice the return of Frodo until he became aware of the hobbit's gaze.
"Here is the heart of Elvendom on earth," he said, "and here my heart dwells ever, unless there be a light beyond the dark roads that we still must tread, you and I. Come with me!" And he guided the hobbit away, knowing in his heart of hearts, that he would never see that place again.
They treaded on into the evening, shadows creeping upon them in the woods, and the Elves lit silver lamps so that they would not stumble in the dusk. Then suddenly the trees halted on their course, and an open space carpeted with lush grass. Mallorn trees grew in the distance, and again their guide Haldir spoke.
"Welcome to Caras Galadhon!" he said. "Here is the city of the Galadhrim where dwell the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel the Lady of Lórien. But we cannot enter here, for the gates do not look northward. We must go round to the southern side, and the way is not short, for the city is great."
~*~
Katie loved Lothlórien. It was beautiful; actually, outright breathtaking. Gorgeous, thrilling; all those words couldn't say enough about the Golden Wood. But she felt like every part of her from the waist down was being slowly eaten away by microscopic insects. Not to mention that Aragorn's leather leggings, seasoned though they were, smelled *awful* when they got wet. All in all, the girl was pretty uncomfortable.
Walking was all fine and good, but her loaned pants, damp as they were, were riding up in a very inopportune place. And she wasn't about to try and do a thing about it. As a result, her current predicament resulted in a stilted gait. Not to mention that Katie was entirely bored with having nobody to talk to, and her mental companion hadn't been back in a little while. In fact, she had the sneaking suspicion that she was no longer speaking to her. Which wasn't much of a loss.
Oy, what I wouldn't give for Brian, or Sam, or April, or even my *brothers* to be here to talk to. Then again, on second thought, having her boyfriend or either of her closest friends here would be wishing a type of torture on them that nobody except Sauron deserved.
As night fell and the city of the Galadhrim grew closer, Katie had a sneaking suspicion that Galadriel was going to have a thing or two to say about the whole situation. She was surprised at Haldir's earlier words, that the Lady knew about each and every member of the company. She wondered just how much Galadriel understood about her. Or was she poking through Katie's meager store of brain cells right at that moment? All of a sudden Katie found the city to be very unsettling.
Then they were climbing up. Up and up. Were there even this many stairs in the Washington monument? Egads, the trees were tall! Winking silver lamps lit their path, but they seemed to glare at Katie, who felt like even more of an outcast than before. As the stoutest and grandest of all the trees loomed before them, the ladder to it guarded by three white-clad Elves, Katie knew precisely where she was, even when their tour-guide Elf announced it.
"Here dwell Celeborn and Galadriel," said Haldir. "It is their wish that you should ascend and speak with them." As he spoke, the guards signaled with a horn, and it was returned. "I will go first," said Haldir. "Let Frodo come next and with him Legolas. After them, Katie. The others may follow as they wish. It is a long climb for those that are not accustomed to such stairs, but you may rest upon the way."
The girl gave a start to realize that her presence had been specially requested. There is no way I'm getting out of this one. Perhaps if I fall and pretend to break an arm.? No, that wasn't any good, because not only would she likely *break* the arm anyway, it'd be Aragorn to set the darn thing, and she wasn't going anywhere near that. Besides, she still owed him for drugging her in the first place, canon be hanged! Surely Tolkien could forgive the future king of Gondor for having a small mishap involving a lake or perhaps a stairwell that wasn't *too* far off the ground.
However, that mental bunny trail was far off the matter at hand. With Haldir leading the way, Frodo following, Legolas after him, and finally Katie, the four began their ascent into the home of the Lord and Lady. Katie's heart seemed to climb higher in her throat with each step she took, and her stomach twisted tighter the higher she got. She was not too ashamed to admit she was acrophobic, and terribly so.
After gratefully setting foot on solid.platform again, and allowing her eyes to pop sufficiently at the sheer size of the glorious accommodations, Katie was uncomfortably aware that she was one of the centers of attention for all the gathered Elves present. She'd forgotten that the movie had deviated from the book on this point. She and the others were not to be granted a private audience with Celeborn and Galadriel. Instead, there were a whole bunch of the woodland dwellers seated there in a circle. Self- conscious didn't even begin to describe Katie's feelings.
Celeborn and Galadriel themselves sat in regal chairs on a raised dais, shaded by living boughs. The Lord greeted Frodo courteously, as he did each member of the Fellowship that came up after. His tone was warm with all, and his eyes held an eternal light that seemed to bestow kindness wherever he glanced.
"Welcome Katie. Your strength against this foe we all battle has not waned yet, and for that we can be thankful. Pray be seated."
Katie was struck dumb for a moment. She was already for the most part speechless anyway, but Celeborn's inclusion of her in the greetings to the Fellowship shocked her. She hardly had the intelligence to incline her head and bow ever so slightly at the waist before taking the seat indicated.
Eventually all were seated and Celeborn began with his knowledge of the quest, but Katie did not pay the slightest bit of attention. She was entirely too consumed with the way the Lord of Lothlórien had addressed her. As if she were no different. As if she belonged. Was that good or bad? Did that mean that she was being integrated into the story? Or was he merely being polite?
You know, there are times I wish you wouldn't get into such complicated discussions with yourself.
I was wondering when you'd pop up again. And why shouldn't I worry about these things? I'm the only one who can!
Are you so certain about that?
Eh?
You're among Elves know, specifically Galadriel. Even I don't know what she's capable of, and if you'd actually looked around the circle, you'd have seen Elrond sitting over there.
Katie shook off her temporary mental paralysis and peered around the circle, searching for familiar faces. B-b-but, he's not *supposed* to be here! And *Egads!* neither is Arwen! Or.or.say, who is that hunky piece of elf-flesh to Elrond's left? The blonde? It ain't one of his sons, that's for sure!
Ahem.if I may make an educated guess, I do believe that's Glorfindel.
*Ba*-by. Them fangirls in the real world don't know what they've missed. And they want *Legolas?* I'm sorry, instant convert right here!
Stop drooling.
After you.
Shut up.
Legolas' defined looks and gentle smiles did not even compare with the visual feast Katie was faced with. She tried not to ogle too much over Glorfindel's burnished gold locks, a deeper tone than the Mirkwood elf's, and the sharp green eyes that could take in everything at once and dismiss it just as quickly. Highly defined eyebrows knitted over a perfectly proportioned nose, and there was a certain.angularity about the elf lord's features that made Legolas look like he was still in his tweens.
Needless to say, Katie found if *very* difficult to concentrate on anything that was said within the first good portion of the gathering.
"I it was who first summoned the White Council. And if my designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey, and then mayhap things would have gone otherwise," Galadriel was saying when Katie chose to tune in again.
The White Council? Why not the Council of Galadriel?
{Because, young one, that will come later.}
*YIE!*
She swore that Galadriel blinked and winced slightly. Then again, it could be just that she was frowning at her. And then Katie was caught, pinioned by a gaze so chilling that it seemed to strip her down inside. She froze, and could *feel* Galadriel there, suggesting things to her . . . things that she wanted desperately. Things she had only dreamed about as a fangirl. Things . . . that were *wrong*.
No! I won't, you get *out*! I will never do that to them. Never!
This time, the Lady of the Wood said nothing to her mentally, but seemed to smile as if to herself, though her face never changed expression. Something told Katie that she'd be a killer poker player.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled," Galadriel then said, gracing them all with a smile that seemed to shine. "Tonight you shall sleep in peace."
Katie joined the others of the Fellowship in a collective sigh of weariness. She hadn't realized just how tiring locking brains with Galadriel could be. Celeborn dismissed them, granting them refuge in the city, promising that they would speak no more of the quest.
But what does that say about me? Katie thought somewhat dismally as the Company roused themselves and descended the ladder. She cast a furtive glance around; all the gathered Elves were also beginning to break up and talk amongst themselves, but clearly Frodo and his motley band of companions had first honors of leaving. Elrond and Arwen were lost in the crowd, to say nothing of their elusive companion, Glorfindel.
"Lady," a voice somewhere up and behind her left shoulder began.
Katie froze. Was the person talking to her?
"Lady?" And then someone's hand brushed her shoulder.
Katie leaped forward, spinning and tripping on the long hem of Boromir's cloak as she tried (with little success) to face the person behind her without losing her balance. There was a soggy-sounding whump as she landed, hair obscuring her eyes. As she brushed the rumpled strands aside, her one prayer was, Please, don't let it be . . .
And she looked up. Glorfindel.
Cruel fates, why must you torment me so?
[Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994. Pages 337-348.]
