Chapter 19
By Crystal
Author's Notes: All of you have surprised me with all the support you've shown me for the last chapter. I believe it's the most I've gotten for one update. Anyhow, I've finished the epilogue. It needs a lot of change though. I've also started the first chapter to the sequel... But I'm having second thoughts for how to start it, so I might start the whole thing over. Either way, I hate myself for writing the epilogue before I'm finished the story, but I couldn't help myself, haha. As usual, I hope you enjoy this chapter and if you want to be on the mailing list, just leave your email in your review or you can email me and it will be done. Happy readings!
*We all know who this belongs to... ^^;;*
We rode on through sunset, at slow dusk, and gathering night. When we dismounted the horses, all of us were tired and sore, even Legolas. Gandalf stood, leaning on his staff, gazing into the darkness while Aragorn laid down on the grass and rested. Boromir and Gimli prepared to sleep and I too, like Aragorn, laid down on the grass. The wind blew softly and I watched as the grass danced around us until at last, I fell into a peaceful sleep.
That peaceful sleep did not last long, however. Soon enough, Gandalf woke us up and we rode through the night. The only person that seemed to have enough sleep was Legolas, but even he seemed tired. When we arrived near Edoras, we rested again, finally having the sleep we deserved.
The sun shone bright the next morning as we mounted our horses again, heading off towards Edoras. When we approached it, Gandalf spoke to us, "Edoras... And the golden hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong." He paused, then looked around, "Be careful what you say, do not look for welcome here!"
As we rode inside, I looked at the dull faces of the people around and Gimli grunted, "You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." I had to agree with him, for their faces were filled with frowns. Not one single smile was in the crowd as they watched us enter.
We approached where King Théoden was and as we did, a guard came forward. "I am the Doorward of Théoden," he introduced himself. "Háma is my name. Here I must bid you lay aside your weapons before you enter."
Without hesitance, I felt Legolas move next to me and step forward. He gave Háma his silver-hafted knife, his quiver, and his bow. "Keep these well," he said, "for they come from the Golden Wood and the Lady of Lothlórien gave them to me."
Awe came into Háma's eyes as he laid the weapons by the wall, "No man will touch then, I promise you." He said.
Boromir looked at Háma suspiciously at first, then laid his weapons next to Legolas'. "Keep it safe and let no hand touch it." Háma nodded.
Aragorn then put down Andúril. "Here I set it," he said, "But I command you not to touch it, nor to permit any other to lay hand on it. In this elvish sheath dwells the Blade that was Broken and has been made again. Telchar first wrought it in the deeps of time. Death shall come to any man that draws Elendil's sword save Elendil's heir."
"Well," Gimli said, "If it has Andúril to keep it company, my axe may stay here, too, without shame."
I too, put gave my sword to Háma as he set it quietly on the floor. I smiled at him, "Thank you."
At last, Gandalf put his knife down and tried to walk there, but Háma stopped him. "Your staff," he stated, looking at Gandalf. "Forgive me, but that too must be left at the doors."
"Surely you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" Boromir said, his intense gaze on Háma.
"The staff in the hands of a wizard may be more than a prop for age," said Háma. He looked hard at the ash-staff on which Gandalf leaned. "I believe you are friends and folk worthy of honor, who have no evil purpose. You may go in."
A gilded chair was in the middle of the dais and what, or should I say who greeted my eyesight shocked me slightly. An old man sat there, and he looked like he was about to pass away any time soon. I frowned in dislike immediately when I caught sight of Wormtongue. As far as I was concerned, Iris, Irene and Carrie all called him a pale asshole. Wormtongue whispered something in the King's ear.
"The welcome of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, King Théoden." Gandalf stated.
Wormtongue once again whispered something into the King's ear. And King Théoden spoke. "Why should I welcome you? Gandalf...stormcrow?" I stood behind Gandalf as Legolas stood to my right and Aragorn to my left. Boromir was behind Aragorn and Gimli was behind Legolas.
I winced slightly as Legolas backhanded a soldier and he felt on the floor with a loud thump. I saw Aragorn punch the daylights out of another shoulder. Boromir elbowed another one with such force I swear I could've heard a crack and Gimli crouched low as a soldier ran towards him. The soldier tripped and fell flat on his face. As all the battle was going on, Gandalf walked towards King Théoden with calmness in his eyes and I followed, all the while my gaze on either the King or Legolas.
It was then Wormtongue also known as the pale asshole stood up, "A just question, my liege. Late, is the hour in which this conjuror chooses to appear. Ill news is an ill guest."
Gandalf looked at him sharply, "Be silent. Keep your foul tongue behind your teeth." Gandalf raised his staff and it was then Gimli jogged towards Wormtongue.
"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" He cried out... That is, until Gimli held him down strongly.
"Théoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf stated.
I heard Gimli almost growled, "I would stay still if I were you."
"I release you from the spell." Gandalf pointed his staff towards Théoden and started muttering some nonsense as I watched him...
And it was then I was almost shocked speechless, Théoden spoke, but his voice did not match his face. He laughed with evilness I could feel shivers up my spine, "You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey."
"I will draw you Saruman as poison is drawn from a wound." I saw a lady, who I assumed to be Lady Éowyn as she tried to walk swiftly to Théoden, only to be intercepted by Aragorn.
"If I go, Théoden dies." Saruman stated.
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him." Gandalf replied.
"Rohan is mine." Saruman growled.
Gandalf muttered more words, then "Be gone."
I have heard of Théoden's face turning back to normal, but never in my wildest dreams would I think of seeing a person's face change so much within a few moments. I felt my legs melt and if not for Legolas wrapping his arm around my waist, I would have fallen hard on my knees.
Théoden looked over to Éowyn. His eyes widened as he saw Éowyn. "I know your face. Éowyn." Then he looked right in front of him, "Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf said to him.
"Dark have been my dreams of late." Théoden said.
Gandalf smiled and handed him a sword that came from a guard near Gandalf, "Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword."
A few moments later, I watched as Wormtongue groveled at Théoden's feet and I looked away in disgust. Clearly, Wormtongue knew what he had done wrong and that he would never be able to repent for what he did in the past. Even if I was not an elf, I could feel evil coming from him and I knew Legolas did too.
Finally, they threw them out the hall and I watched as he tumbled down the stairs in pain until I made myself look away, into the chest of Legolas as his arm was still wrapped around my waist. I did not mind, for I felt contented and safe.
When I heard the sound of rolling down the stairs stop, I looked at Wormtongue, who slowly stayed on his knees and looked up to Théoden. "I've only ever served you, my Lord." For a second, I almost felt sorry for him, until the murderous glint in his eyes was shown to me.
"Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Bellowed Théoden. His once calm composure disappearing and his eyes burned like fire with anger.
"Send me not from your sight!" Wormtongue said again, pleading. Théoden walked down the stairs slowly as he raised his sword, about to cut his head off when both Aragorn and Boromir went after him.
Aragorn arrived first and stood in front of him, "No, my Lord! No, my Lord! Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account." He calmed down immediately when Wormtongue disappeared from his sight. I for one did not remember what had happened afterwards for everything was a blur to me and I only remembered following Lady Éowyn to tend two kids. Éothain and Freida.
I watched and helped Lady Éowyn as much as I could and once the children were sent away, she looked at me. "Tell me of your name, my Lady, for we have no been introduced properly."
I smiled, liking the maiden in front of me already, "Jessica Hanson." I said. It was then we became friends. Although I knew we were not going to be friends for long. I felt time growing shorter and shorter as every second passed. I tried to not take the time I had with Legolas granted, because deep inside of me, I knew my ending already. I had already seen it in Galadriel's mirror.
We talked about random stuff with each other, from our childhoods to hobbies. I, of course, did not tell her I was from another world, but I did tell her my true childhood, although I would have to change it around a bit.
Éowyn, being the bright woman, although it was no too hard to notice, knew Legolas and I had a relationship going on. She seemed to be displeased about elves, but after long moments of myself convincing her they were indeed perfectly beautiful and respectful creatures, she believed me.
It was then I heard a knock on the door, "Come in," Éowyn said. We both looked at the door open slowly and barely with any sound until we were met with the face of Legolas.
He bowed his head, "Lady Éowyn. Jessica." He greeted, "Pack your stuff and take provisions. King Théoden has ordered the whole city to be emptied. We are traveling towards Helm's Deep."
I stood up and walked towards Éowyn. "I shall see you later, Éowyn." I smiled and with one last nod, I headed off towards Legolas. I took my bag with my sword, knowing I would definitely need it at Helm's Deep. Legolas and I took separate roads later, for he had to talk to both Gimli and Boromir and I walked into the hall to hear the last part of Aragorn and Éowyn's conversation. "What do you fear, my Lady?" Aragorn asked, curious clear in his eyes.
Éowyn looked at Aragorn calmly, "A cage to stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valor has gone beyond recall of desire." She replied, also calmly.
Aragorn smiled, "You're a daughter of Kings, a shield maiden of Rohan. I do not think that would be your fate."
Smiling, I turned around and walked back to where I came from, to be face to face with Boromir. "Hey." I greeted, "Are you done packing yet?"
He looked at me, "Aye. There is not much to pack anyhow. My equipments and some food to keep my stomach from growling in hunger, but otherwise, that is about it."
I grinned, "You should be glad you do not have the stomachs of hobbits."
He grinned back, "I would have to agree." His grin fell though, "I miss those little ones. If it had not been me... Perhaps Frodo and Sam would still be here and Pippin and Merry would still be safe with us."
"As Aragorn had said, Frodo's fate no longer rests in our hands. I am sure Frodo and Sam leaving was to be. Pippin and Merry's leave was to be too."
"And my death was to be." He added sadly.
I put my hand on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly, "Nay, it was not to be, for if it was, then I would not have been able to save you. And if it was not to be, I will not have saved you and I am sure that you would not be here right now. Somewhere in the near future, I am sure you will play an important role."
He gave me a smile, "Thank you, Jessica."
"You're welcome." Silence passed as we continued our way in silence, until he spoke up.
"What do you think of Lady Éowyn, Jessica?"
I smiled right then and there and said teasingly, "Oh? So someone has taking a liking to my friend." I saw him turn a few shades redder and I laughed with silent laughter, "Oh Boromir! I was teasing you."
He almost glared at me and growled.
"As for what I think of Lady Éowyn..." I started, he listened attentively, "I think she is a nice lady and she will be a nice wife to anyone." I winked at him and he glared at me again, "But I will have to warn you. If you were to marry her... Then you would want to let her be free. She is a woman like me. One that does not like to be caged and taken care of." I smiled.
Boromir snorted, "Oh really, Jessica? You seem to happen to like the attention our Prince gives you. All the lovely hugs and kisses." He teased back mercilessly.
I growled and whacked him on the head with my palm, "Shut up, you fool."
He sniggered, "No smart retort then, Jessica?"
Growling, I whacked him on the head once again, "damn you, Boromir! I'm your lifesaver! Is that how you treat the person that saved your life?"
"Ouch!" He said, rubbing his head as he wrinkled his nose.
I smirked smugly at him for a few moments, "Serves you right, you arse." And then in silent, we watched each other until we could not longer hold our laughter... And we laughed our heads of, nearly rolling on the floor and I pressed on my stomach hard, hoping it would ease the ache in my stomach.
* * * * *
Karone Evertree – Thanks! Yes, this is definitely changing. Notice Boromir asking about Éowyn... *winks* Anyhow, not more than six, I think. Six chapters at most, hopefully. Maybe more actually, cause I don't know how many chapters the actions will take. I think it'll depend on my mood when I write it.
Kyma – Thanks! Holy crap, six times .;; How's England? I've never been there before, but I really want to go. I'm making it too dramatic sometimes, I think . Anyhow, thanks again!
Mellon – Thanks a lot!
SpiritWulf73 – POTC hasn't come out in Ontario yet? Or maybe it's cause you're in a small town, cause my friend in Toronto has seen it already. I hope you see it soon though, it's really good! Thanks a lot!
FreakishlyDisturbed13 – Hey! Thanks a lot!
Roseblade22 – Hey! Lol, I know, it's kind of cute if you think about it *smiles* ...Jack goes through your clothing drawers?! *scolds Jack* Never, EVER go through a girl's clothing drawer... You would be surprise at what you find, lol. But *huggles Jack* I forgive you *grins* *huggles Will* Aww, he's so cute *smiles* *gives Legolas, Will, Haldir lots and lots and lots and lots of kisses* And you're right, I don't want to know what Jack is doing . Anyhow, I hope all five of you enjoy this chapter *grins* So I'll wait patiently for your review, hugs and kisses *huggles all five of you* Thanks!
elfluvr777 – Highlight? Thanks ^^ But yeah, not many people on my favorite list is updating either. I hope your friend Nessa likes this chapter. How come she can't go on ff.net anymore? Parents?
DrowningSin32 – Hey! Thanks a lot... And you're spending a day up north? Fun. And WHAT? She hasn't seen the LOTR movies?! Yell at her for me! Lol. Anyhow, thanks! Ja!
Siren - *blinks* Legolas... I think three minutes was a bit long . Anyhow, thanks! Oh, and I'm reading your 'May It Be' right now. I'm on chapter 3, teehee! I'll review it after I'm done. Anyhow, see you later and thanks!
MaverickGirl – Thanks a lot. Of course she's gonna get some emotions out with Legolas... Who else? Gimli? *snorts* Not that Gimli's bad... but lol, you know ^^
yuhi – Thanks a lot!
gangsta's brat – Thanks! See you later!
Youko Demon - *blinks* That was weird... How you manage to come with that is beyond me, but how you could actually imagine Legolas saying that... *bows down to Master* *grins* Sorry, I never get these weird stuff popping out of my head and I respect those who does, rofl. Anyhow, thanks!
lex – Thanks a lot!
Smiley Face – Thanks a lot! I will write more soon!
SandraSmit19 – Hey! Thanks a lot ^^
Joanne Greenleaf – Thanks a bunch! Well, I'm definitely going to finish it, so no worries.
Kristin Riddle – Thanks a lot!
littlesaiyangirl – Lol, I think almost every girl that's sane would wish to be Jessica. *smiles* Anyhow, hope you like this chapter too!
The Updated Elf – Thanks! I will update soon!
Morgause Nokami – Thanks! *steals Legolas back* But sorry! I need him for the story... And for myself *smiles* *sees Legolas sweatdrop*
donnamira – Thanks!
merrylyn – Yummy romance, lol. And yes, I'm DONE the epilogue! Woohoo! But I'm not too happy with it, so I might change things a bit around . Savor every chapter, but there's the sequel that's coming out, so don't forget about that! And no, I have not been hyper . I'm weird, I admit. Thanks for all the other compliments and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the last!
Vampiress-Alexiel – Thanks! I will write soon!
Tap-dancing Hobbit – Thanks a lot! Lol, as usual, I'm really thankful of your review ^^
Angel of darkness – Thanks!
Gilimirin – Haha, thanks ^^
Threthiel M. Belowen - *grins* Thanks. I hope Boromir's in character though, although there wasn't much character to follow on since not a lot were mentioned about him in the books... Shame, he was a nice character.
Lady Fae – Thanks!
Anaka Greenleaf – Thanks! Haha, yeah, I get annoyed whenever fanfiction.net is down. Never really been grounded from my comp. Well, I have, but I play on it anyways .;; My parents have work, lol. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter as well as you've enjoyed the last three! Thanks!
Aluinda – Thanks! Well, it's slightly a Mary-Sue, according to some. But anyhow, thanks again!
Knight – Thanks!
Hana – lol, good girl? *smiles happily and dances* Thanks! Haha. Well, I've shown Boromir more at the end right here and I'll hopefully show more of Gimli in the later chapters.
Amaya Nyte Rayne – Thanks! Yes, the book and the movie is different... Anyhow, Pippin and Merry are at Isengard right now, so yep. Thanks again!
Yami Dragoness – Thanks a lot! Haha ^^
Author's Notes: A possible romance between Boromir and Éowyn *grins* Anyhow, I got 35 reviews! Woohoo! Thanks for all the support you've all shown me and thank you for all the old and new readers! Suggestions, comments or ideas are as usual, welcomed. If you want to be on the mailing list, just leave your email in the review or you can email me and I will do so. Anyhow, new question for my story...
Should there be a romance between Boromir and Éowyn? Yes or no? I hope you all reply me, I wanted a change from the book, but I don't know if you would appreciate it. So reply me as soon as possible, thanks!
Lates all! *hugs and kisses!*
-Crystal
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
By the way, I might break up with my boyfriend tomorrow, so wish me good luck .!