Chapter 20

By Crystal

Author's Notes: There most likely will be a romance blooming between Boromir and Éowyn.  Anyhow, as usual, thank you for the reviews ^^ and if you want to be on the mailing list, please leave your email on your review.  I'll see you later and I hope you enjoy the chapter!  Oh, and I'm sorry for the slow update...  My parents' store got broken in...  So...  Yeah *sighs*  Damned humans.  By the way, what the hell?  They changed my name from 'Crystal' to 'Crystal14'...  Now I'm pissed, so from now on, I'll be Crystal Snowflakes once I can change my name, okay?  Okay ^^

*We all know who this belongs to... ^^;;*

Legolas was along the front, making sure no enemies would harm us.  I smiled as Gimli began telling us about the race of Dwarves.  "It's true you don't see many dwarf women.  And in fact, they are so alike in poise and appearance that they are often mistaken for dwarf men."

Aragorn smiled, "It's the beards."  Making Boromir, Éowyn and I erupt into laughter as Aragorn began chuckling himself.

As Éowyn and Aragorn launched into a conversation, I glanced ahead to look at Legolas' back, proud and tall.  I smiled, and then grinned at Boromir, who was paying attention looking at Éowyn's active talking.  "Anyhow people, I'm going to go check on Legolas.  See you later."  They gave me farewells and I smiled while walking away.  When I got near Boromir, I patted on his back and glanced at Éowyn.  "I wish you luck."

"Where is she?  The woman who gave you that jewel."  I heard Éowyn's voice carry through the wind as I mounted Arod and began walking towards the elf.  For moments, no voice was heard and I thought I was already too far away to hear, "My lord?"

Another slight pause, and I heard, barely audible Aragorn's reply, "She is sailing to the undying lands, with all that is left of her kin."  I felt my smile flatter immediately.  And that was when I really remembered that elves were immortal and a relationship would never work out between the two...

If that is so, then why did both Aragorn and I fall for an elf?  And why did the two elves fall for humans?  Surely, if you fall for someone, human, elf, hobbit or dwarf and if they too, fall for you...doesn't it mean that it was meant to be?

Sighing, I tried to forget the problem and continued towards Legolas.  Until...  I heard Aragorn yell, "A scout!  We're under attack!"  Immediately, I turned back towards Éowyn and the others, riding towards them.

I suddenly felt a sharp, yet familiar pain on my left forearm.  "Orcs...  There are definitely Orcs."  I hissed out, the pain getting stronger.

Boromir and Gimli shared a look and mounted their horses together as Théoden approached Éowyn.  "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep, and make haste."

"I can fight!"  Éowyn protested.

"Éowyn...  You must do this, for me."  Théoden insisted, his eyes glazed with concern for her, "Please."

I looked at Théoden, as I gritted my teeth, "My lord, let me try.  Go ahead and I shall catch up."  I told him.

He looked at me, thankful and turned towards the other warriors, "Follow me!"

I looked at Éowyn, "Éowyn...  Go."  She shook her head, "Go Éowyn...  Someone will want to see you safe.  And it is not only King Théoden that wants you safe."  She looked at me with confusion and I smiled, "Someone has taken quite a liking of you...  Leave and lead the people to Helm's Deep.  If you do that, then he will not have to watch over you...  That will make his work a lot easier.  Do this for me...  He is a dear friend of mine."

"Jessica..."

I looked at her one last time, "I must go.  Legolas needs the horse.  I trust you on whatever you will do.  I shall hope to see you again, Éowyn."  Forcing a smile, I turned around and got Arod to gallop quickly beside Gimli and Boromir.  On the way, I managed to ignore the pain that was growing on my arm.

I turned around to see Éowyn ordering the people while helping the weak and I smiled to Boromir.  "She will be safe.  No worries."

Boromir smiled back, "Good.  For a moment, I thought she would jump on the horse along with you and go into battle."

I grinned, "I would not be surprised if she did that, Boromir.  I would not be surprised..." I repeated.

Meanwhile, Gimli was giving orders to his horse, "Forward, charge forward."  I sighed, thankful he did not hear a single word between Boromir and I.  It was at that moment Gimli turned around to look at both Boromir and I, a twinkle in his eye.  "If I was not mistaken, and I hope I do not sound like I am prying...  Were you talking about Lady Éowyn?"

Instantly, Boromir gave me a murderous glare, but I was not the least worried about it.  I felt myself laugh silently, and he looked at me, if possible, even more murderously.  "No worries Boromir...  I've already told her that someone has taken a liking to her, although I did not tell who, I am sure she will find out soon enough."  Grinning, I looked on ahead, wondering how in the world I was about to talk about Boromir's love interest when we had a war ahead of us.

I rode forward and saw Legolas release an arrow, striking it straight into an Orc's head, making him topple off his Warg.  As I rode nearer, Legolas somehow swung himself on the horse right behind me.  "What are you doing here, Jessica?!"  He asked worriedly.

I gave him a cheerful grin, "Why, giving you back your horse, your highness."

"I thought you were leaving with the rest of the women and children to Helm's Deep."  I felt his arm around my waist protectively.

I turned around and gave him my display of rolling eyes, "And leave the fun to you men?"  I asked, then added, "and elf?"

As the Wargs and Orcs reached towards the other top of the hill, Legolas' arm tightened around my waist, "Be careful, melamin.  I cannot bare to see you hurt."

"Nothing can be changed now."  I replied, knowing full well he wanted me to run back towards Éowyn and the others, "The Wargs and Orcs are approaching.  I will fight them, with your consent or not."  I looked on my left where Aragorn sat and on my right where Boromir and Gimli sat.  "Good luck, everyone."  I said, smiling.

As if a bell rang, every single horse galloped down the hill to meet the Wargs.  I, myself, prepared to draw my sword from the sheath, looking around.  At last, Wargs approached us and I turned to look at Legolas.  "Use the horse.  And do not worry for me, for I know I will not die in this battlefield."  He looked at me as if was about to protest, "Use it.  It will only be a burden for me to use my sword on a horse."  Giving him one last smile, I went to kill my own Orcs.

Killing Wargs was so much harder than killing Orcs.  Orcs were slow in motion, but Wargs were fast, and they had frigging sharp teeth and a mouth that smelt like vomit...Maybe even worst.

I brought my sword down with all my strength, managing to cut through half the Warg's neck.  I ducked my head low immediately as the Orc's sword swung where my head was two seconds ago and I cursed myself, watching the Warg suffer.  Shit, I was hoping I could cut the whole head off the Warg so I wouldn't have to see it suffer.

The Warg's legs below him couldn't handle the body's weight and fell down, the Orc that was trying to decapitate my head along, but the Orc stood up a second later, facing me.  It breathed into my face and I frowned.  I had forgotten how lovely smelling the Orcs were.  Without a single second after that, I tried to swing my sword at him again, hoping it would decapitate him, but he blocked it.  Growling, I raised my sword and swung it again, only on the other side.  He was about to block it and achieve if...  If only I had swung it.  I stepped back on step and drove my sword right through his torso.

Then I moved on the next Orc, doing almost the same as I had done to the last one, until I felt the once again familiar feeling in me.  Adrenaline flowed through me again and I moved to my left, only to avoid both a sword coming from my front and back.  "What the fuck?"  I said, quite loudly, "Don't Orcs have any frigging pride?  Two on one!  And a woman at that!"  I said more quietly.

The Orc in front of me suddenly had his head fall off and I felt my eyes widen in surprise.  "Boromir!"  I laughed as I stabbed my sword back again, feeling it hit flesh and a high-pitched growl was heard.  I pulled out my sword, my eyes never leaving Boromir's.  "What a pleasure you come a visit me, my lord."  I said sarcastically and smiled again, "You seem to always save me."

He grinned as he sliced another Orc's head off as he sat proudly on his horse, "You saved me once.  I now return the favor."

I turned around suddenly, feeling a Warg's presence and when it opened his mouth, I stabbed right through it and a flashback reoccurred.  It made me think of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'.  I snorted.  In the middle of a battle and I was thinking of a kid's book that did not even exist in this world.  I turned around to look at Boromir, "You saved me twice.  So I owe you something."

He looked at me funny and gave me a single word, "Éowyn."

I grinned at him, "Ah...  Your wish is my command, my lord."  He stuck out his tongue at me and I saw him turn around.  "Gimli is in trouble.  Go see him."  I said, as I saw Gimli stuck underneath two Wargs.  "I doubt the Wargs are so heavy."  I sighed as I watched Gimli try to kick them off.  It was amusing to watch, no doubt.

Boromir rode off, but turned around, "They are heavier than you think!"  He shouted.

I frowned, "How heavy could it be?"  I sighed suddenly, wondering again how stupid I was.  I was in the middle of a battlefield, talking and joking around.

I turned around again to deflect a sword coming my way and flicked my wrist slightly and the sword slid off my sword and I raised mine to cut another Orc's head off.  As the Orc's body fell loudly on the floor, I saw a Warg jump towards me as if it was a dog that hadn't see its owner for ages.

The Warg jumped on me; making me fall back and I felt my head hit the ground.  Gritting my teeth again, I carried my sword like a spear and stabbed it right through his sides.  It growled and I pulled it out and stabbed it in its eye and possibly brain.  A second passed and it felt down right on my chest, taking my breath away.

I groaned, "What is with me and my head hitting stuff?  I must've lost a few billion brain cells since I've been in Middle-Earth."  I rested for a moment before I tried to kick the Warg off me and frowned disapprovingly.  It was nearly impossible.

I kicked and kicked again until I felt my legs go limp.  "Fucking Warg is cutting off my blood circulation."  I said to my self, gritting my teeth one again.  I sighed, knowing it won't ever work and rested myself and closed my eyes.

Finally after quite a long time, the sound of weapons ceased and I opened my eyes, only to meet an amused Boromir.  I frowned, "You're right, the Warg is damn heavy."  Then I smiled sweetly and in a disgustingly sweet voice asked, "Boromir dear, would you please help me up?"

He grinned, "Now who was it that said the Wargs couldn't be that heavy?"

"Boromir," I whined, "just help me up!  My legs are numb!"

He smiled, "Ah, all right then."  He pulled my sword out of the Warg's head and laid it down on the ground, then took the Warg by the two front legs and hauled it up.

I looked at him sweetly, "Help me up?  My legs are numb."  He rolled his eyes and took my sword, then pulled me up.  He wrapped his arm around my waist and I smirked, "I wonder what will happen if Éowyn was here and saw you with your arms around me."

"Éowyn?!"  His eyes widened and his arms around me quickly withdrew back.

Seeing my legs were still numb, I fell down on the ground, "Fucking hell, Boromir!  I was just kidding!"

He looked around and sighed in relief, then hauled me up again, putting his arms around me to support me, "You should not joke about that."

I rolled my eyes, "Who knew you were so damned serious about her?"  I said, wincing in pain.  Speaking of pain, my forearm didn't hurt anymore.

"You of all people should know I'm serious about her."  He replied, and then caught Legolas' eyes and he smiled.  "It seems like a certain elf was looking all over for you."

I raised my eyebrow and looked in his direction and smiled.  Legolas was near the cliff and his eyes filled with concern.  "Thank you."  I said to Boromir.

He smiled, "I care for Éowyn like Legolas cares for you."

"You're already that far into the relationship?  She doesn't even know you have taken liking to her."  I said.  My legs were starting to feel, but I did not withdraw from his arms, as I was afraid I would fall flat on my face again.

Legolas' gaze was no longer on me, but on something on the floor.  Gimli was also with him and I looked around to try to spot Aragorn.  Frowning when I didn't see him, I looked at Boromir worriedly, "Have you seen Aragorn?"

He looked around and shook his head, "No, but I am sure he will be here soon." 

I took that as a comfort.  We approached the two of them.  Boromir released me and handed me over to Legolas and I frowned.  It was as if I was a thing to trade.  I brushed that away though, for as Legolas wrapped his arms around me, it was not a usual hug either.  It was as if my presence here comforted him.  I looked at him with concern, "Legolas...  What is it?!"  I asked.

As he looked at me, I almost gasped.  Grief filled his eyes.  "Aragorn..."

I looked at him, unbelieving, "No...  Not Aragorn."

He opened his fist for me to see something.  The Evenstar.  "He would not lose that, even if it meant losing his life."

I felt Boromir stiffen behind me and Gimli stayed the same.  He must've known before we did.  I felt my legs losing its strength again and he hugged my body close.  I felt my eyes sting with new tears and I held on him as if he was my life.  I felt myself whimper as tears rolled silently down my cheek.  More and more tears followed down the trail.  Each rolling down as silently as the last.

You couldn't blame me for all the tears though.  After all, I had just lost one of my dearest brother...  The brother I never had.  I looked at Boromir, him own eyes filled with silent grief and glazed with tears, but he would not let him fall.

Even though they had not been too close, they had been close.  The Fellowship was a family.  We stayed together for we were bound together.  Not even death could separate the ten of us.  And now...  Only nine of us were left.  How many would be left by the end of this quest?  How many would have to die for the One Ring?  How many would risk their lives to save Middle-Earth?

I really don't know...  But I know one thing.  I would.

* * * * *

Kyma – Thanks!  Yeah, Boromir's nice...  Anyhow, doesn't matter, nobody really likes their haircut at first.  Do you like it now though?

Gilimirin – Thanks a lot!  As for her dying in Helm's Deep, like usual...  That's for me to know and you to find out *grins*  Lol, anyhow, I'll see you soon!  Later!

Light Dragon – Well, I didn't change the main plot from the book.  Thanks...  I wish myself good luck with my idiotic boyfriend too.  I'll see you later.  Thanks again!

Hana – Heyo!  Lol, Will Turner is HOT *grins*  More Boromir and Jessica dialogue.  I might add more Gimli the next chapter...  I think I will.  And Boromir and Éowyn's relationship will most likely advance in the next chapter.  See you later and thanks!

Siren – Lol, yep.  Pale asshole.  Jessica and Legolas interaction coming up.  There's not a lot of that in this chapter though.  *looks at Legolas*  Yes, Legolas.  Oh dear god.  I would have to agree.

elfluvr777 – Hey!  Well, that sucks, not being able to go on ff.net.  I would kill my mom if she didn't let me.  Writing's my life, lol.  Ah, I'm independent, but I love all the attention my boyfriend gives me too.  Except now we're gonna break up soon...  *sighs*  Ah well, he's not the only guy in the world.  Anyhow, I think Boromir and Éowyn would be cute too, teehee!  See you next chapter, and thanks!

merrylyn – Yay!  Edoras!  What do you mean by 'ROTF'?  I can't seem to figure it out, I'm an idiot, I know.  *covers ears when merrylyn squealed*  Owie...  Yes, sequel, lol.  Anyhow,t hanks for the review!

Sarah G – Thanks a lot!  I think they'd look nice together.  By the way, I hope you like this chapter too!

Mellon – Hey!  Thanks, thanks and thanks.  See you!

Youko Demon – Heyo!  Well, if you lacked a brain, I don't think those things would pop out of your head now, would it?  I'll read it as soon as I'm free, I promise.  I doubt you get worse, no worries.  And still boyfriend, but ex-boyfriend when I see him again...

Lady Fae – Thanks!  The mirror thing happened in chapter the chapter named 'For Better or For Worst'.  Anyhow, I hope you like this chapter.  As for the questions, you'll just have to see ^^

Smiley Face – Hey!  Well, Boromir will be with Éowyn *grins*  Thanks!

yuhi – Thanks a lot!

i tried to write – Hey!  Thanks.  Well, I don't know...  I'm just thinking along as I write, hehe.  Anyhow, thanks!

kaio – Thanks a lot!  Boromir is kinda...  childish here, haha.

DrowningSin32 – Hey!  Running out of words and compliments?  Haha, that's all right.  You're seeing the movie again?!  Aah...  I want to see it again.  'Sex on a Stick Pirate' movie, eh?  I'll see you later.

Aluinda – Hey!  Thanks, well, not everyone has special powers or anything in Middle-Earth except for Gandalf, Sauron and Saruman.  And other wizards ^^  Thanks again!

Tap-dancing Hobbit – Hey!  I guess I decided to change stuff in the story, not the plot itself, but just friendships ^^  Anyhow, Boromir's one of my favorites.  Thanks a lot, as usual!

evynshyen – Thanks!  I'll write more.

urien1 – Thanks!  Well, Wormtongue is really pale.  As for stopping when she meets Faramir, I don't know...  I'd like to think they both love each other.  But I'll see.  Thanks!

Amaya Nyte Rayne – Heyo!  Well, yeah, she marries Faramir, so I can't see why she can't marry Boromir.  Boromir's more handsome anyhow.  Thanks!

Eevee Goddess Of Light – Hey!  Oh god, your boyfriend was cheating on you?!  If my boyfriend was, I would've made him so embarrassed in front of his friends.  I'm evil, and damn proud of it.  But I'm just breaking up cause it's the best for the both of us...  So yeah.  Anyhow, *hugs* he's not the only guy in the world.  You'll find someone better later.

LOTR-Freak – Thanks!  Well, this story's going to end soon.  Maybe five chapters more?  And then the epilogue.  There should be about five.  I haven't planned how long I want the chapters to be yet.  But anyhow, there's a sequel afterwards, so I hope you'll look forward to that.  I'll see you soon!

krazy – Thanks!

Author's Notes: 'Seabiscuit' was really good ^^ You guys should see it.  Thanks for all the support and reviews and compliments and ideas and suggestions...  I'm rambling.  But anyhow, thank you everyone!  As usual, all of the above is welcomed and if you want to be on the mailing list, simply leave your email address in the review or email me and tell me so.  I will then add your email on the list.  Anyhow, I hope you all like this chapter!

By the way, as soon as I break up with my boyfriend, I'm swearing off guys for half a year.  During those six months, I'm going to be drooling over Orlando Bloom, so wish me good luck with that!  I'm sure it won't be too hard *winks* I'll also put all my free time in writing, so lucky for you guys...  That is, if you like my fics, lol.  Anyhow, I'll see you all later!  Thanks again!