Chapter 21
By Crystal Snowflakes
Author's Notes: Heya all! The reviews from last chapter shocked me, since I had gotten ten within a few hours... So that was surprising. Anyhow, thank you for all those lovely reviews and I hope you enjoy the chapter! Happy Readings!
*We all know who this belongs to... ^^;;*
I could not remember if Aragorn had fallen down the cliffs or not in the books. But this gut instinct had told me that it was never mentioned in the books. I was still holding onto him tightly for comfort, hoping he'd reassure me that Aragorn wasn't dead... But he did nothing but tighten his arms around my waist every once so often.
I heard a faint pair of footsteps walk our way and I buried my head into Legolas' chest. "Get the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will return. Leave the dead. Come." I heard Théoden's voice say. I felt Legolas' arm tighten around me and I knew he felt the same anger as I did, but as I looked up into his eyes, I saw cold indifference. I looked at the form of Gimli, his head looking down at the floor.
"We wish to stay here." Boromir spoke icily as he caught my gaze. "We will catch up soon enough."
Théoden looked at me, "Lady Jessica. Perhaps you should leave with us."
I shook my head, "No, my Lord. I wish to stay. These people here are family to me. I shall stay here until they leave."
"If that is your choice. I shall leave and wait for you at Helm's Deep." Théoden looked at the four of us, sadness in his eyes well concealed, yet a spark of it was still visible to most eyes. He nodded and walked off in silence, leaving us to grieve. I watched the King as he mounted his horse as ordered everyone. I watched them as they disappeared from my view and it was then I let out a shaky breath.
For moments, everything was silent. The wind blew softly as it caressed our cheeks, sympathizing us of the loss. Everything was silent except for the rare sound of my sobs as I tried to muffle them with Legolas' already wet chest. Yet he did not mind at all. I felt him kiss my forehead will concern.
Finally, Gimli walked towards the edge of the cliff and looked down. "Aragorn. You have been a great leader to the Fellowship. We shall never forget you and we will fight for you." He said, it was awfully quiet for a dwarf.
Next, Boromir walked ahead of us and placed his hand on Gimli's shoulder to comfort him. Boromir looked down the cliff like Gimli had done, "I would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my King. Rest now."
It was then I left Legolas' warm embrace and collapsed beside both Boromir and Gimli, "I'm so sorry..." I whispered. It was true that I was sorry. If I had never fallen into Middle-Earth, none of this would have happened. If I had never fallen into Middle-Earth, Aragorn would still be alive. I felt an arm around my waist, but I knew it was not Legolas'. If I had never fallen into Middle-Earth, Aragorn would still be alive... But Boromir would not be. "You were the greatest man I know and you still are. You are the brother I never had and I wish I had more time to get to know you. Farewell... I love you." I said quietly, my eyesight blurred again.
I got worried when I looked at Legolas and saw that he had not moved. His mind seemed to be preoccupied, as his blue eyes stayed on the ground, unmoving. "Legolas..." He didn't seem to have heard and I said in a louder voice, "Legolas..." He looked at me as pain filled his eyes. I felt the arm on my waist being lifted and I moved over to Legolas quietly and wrapped my arms around him.
I didn't know what I could do anymore. Legolas had just lost one of his closest friends. How was I to comfort him? How could a woman he has met for a few months to rid him of his grief? But then again, how could I feel so much grief when the man I have met for only a couple of months died? It did not make sense. My grandfather died, yes. I had cried, yes. Yet when I went to his funeral, none of this grief had felt so real, so painful.
For long moments we stood there and when we mounted our horses, I felt Legolas' arm around my waist yet again. Aragorn's horse was nowhere to be seen and the ride to Helm's Deep passed in silence. Minutes passed, perhaps even hours. I had lost count.
As we entered Helm's Deep, we were met with King Théoden and Éowyn. I dismounted my horses quietly and tiredly and was surprised when I was embraced tightly. "I heard what happened. I am sorry." Éowyn whispered in my ears.
Not more words were shared as we all looked at each other's eyes, understanding shining through, although along with pain and grief. Slowly, I turned back to Arod and untied my bag, which had been tied to it at Edoras, and I looked at Éowyn, knowing I was to share a room with her. "Come..." I didn't glance back at any of the Fellowship as I followed Éowyn.
I put my bag down in the room and looked at Éowyn, "Do you have an elastic I can borrow?"
She nodded and searched in her bag to find one and give it to me silently. I tied my hair up in a messy bun and sat down on the floor, my head looking down again while I wrapped my arms around my legs. She kneeled down beside me, "Jessica... Go find Legolas. Perhaps he can rid you of your pain." She said kindly, embracing me softly.
I shook my head, "He has enough to think about without my intruding on him." I said quietly.
"You will not be intruding on him, Jessica. If he really loves you, then he needs you as much as you need him." She said to me, "You are happy to find someone that loves you as he loves you. I can see it clearly in his eyes. The love for you in his eyes can be seen by anyone, even the blind."
At this, I lifted my head up to meet her gaze and smiled softly, yet sadly. "Then go comfort the one that loves you."
"I have no one that loves me." She replied.
"Have I not told you someone has taken a liking to you, Éowyn?" I asked, "He is in as much pain as I am. For Aragorn had saved him once."
"Aragorn saved him? You do not speak of Boromir, do you?" She asked, shocked.
I nodded, "I speak of Boromir, son of the steward of Gondor, also known as Denethor. He has taken a liking to you." I stated.
Surprise was shown in her eyes, "Boromir? I thought the one you talked of was Aragorn."
I looked at her, "Nay it was not. I am sorry if I have caused any confusion. Aragorn is already taken." I smiled at her again, "Go to him. He needs as more attention as I do, and right now, I rather think alone."
She nodded understandingly, yet hesitance was clear, "I will go find him."
I heard her footsteps walk away farther and farther away from me and I heard her turn around the corner, the sound of her feet disappearing. I sighed quietly. "Aragorn... I am so sorry..." I whispered again.
My mind drifted to us before the battle against Orcs and Wargs. I remembered how he spoke of Arwen, his voice bitter but filled with love. He had truly loved her, and now, she too would die. She was an elf. Elves could die of broken hearts and if she loved him, I do not doubt that for a single second, she would die from grief.
I shut my eyes tightly. The time to leave was becoming nearer for me. I could feel it. It was closer than I have never felt before and I felt a slight tint of fear in me, thinking about leaving Legolas. As I thought more and more about it, the tint of fear grew. If Arwen could die of a broken heart because she was an elf, couldn't Legolas?
I felt my heart squeeze painfully as I thought of Legolas dying of a broken heart...Because of me. Dying because stupid girl that had just happened to fall into their world and fuck up the entire future. How could it be? Would fate really be this cruel to him and us? Would fate be this cruel to Arwen and Aragorn?
Growling softly, I hit my fist on the hard floor, bringing me back to reality although I did not care for the pain. The pain in my heart was so much stronger than the pain in my hands that I could barely feel the one in my hand. Physical pain is nothing compared to emotional pain, I had learned during my stay in Middle-Earth.
Slowly, I stood up, hoping I could find Legolas. It was too late. I had fallen for Legolas already, and he loves me. I trust Éowyn on what she saw in Legolas' eyes, because I do not doubt for a second that he loves me.
I walked out the door quietly and looked for anyone familiar, until I was tired of looking and asked someone that randomly walked passed me, "My Lady?" I addressed politely, and continued when she turned towards me, "Do you, by any chance, know where the company of the elf, the dwarf and a man is?"
She looked at me strangely for a second before she blinked back into reality, "Aye." Then she turned around and pointed at the direction I was going in, "Straight in that direction and when you get to the end of the hall, turn left. They should be in one of those rooms."
I thanked her quietly and walked towards them, until I found an empty room... Only to be filled with a Boromir embracing an Éowyn. They had their eyes closed, although I could feel sadness radiating from Boromir. Éowyn cracked open her eyes, just in time to see me pass their door. Her eyes were filled with sympathy for Boromir. No matter how far Boromir and Aragorn's friendship was, the Fellowship was bound together for eternity. Aragorn was Boromir's King. He was the Fellowship's leader. We all felt the same pain when we learned of his falling... We were all tied to him in a way or another. I smiled softly at Éowyn and continued down the hall, my footsteps and turned left.
The second door on the left, I found Gimli. I stepped in, crouched down and patted Gimli on the shoulder. "I cannot believe he fell of a mountain to die." I heard him mumble.
I felt my shoulders sag at that comment. Even Gimli was devastated. Gimli the one with a heart of gold, yet never showed it to anyone. He was a wreck. I did not know what to say. To comfort him would be stupid, since I could not find words to comfort him, and I myself was not comforted either. To talk about Aragorn would be plain dumb, because I would end up crying. Finally, I heard him mumble something again. "What did you say again, Gimli?" I asked.
He looked at me, "I said, go find the elf." I frowned, "He is at the walls." I nodded, knowing where exactly it was.
How long it took for me to get from their room to the walls was a mystery to me. I kept thinking of how to approach Legolas. Perhaps call to him? Or just not go at all. Finally, I settled for standing beside Legolas to talk to him. When I arrived though, all thoughts of how to approach Legolas vanished.
Although grief still remained in his eyes, it was not as strong and I knew I was to be the one to comfort him. I embraced him from the front, once again burying my head in his chest. "Legolas..." I whispered, letting the wind carry off my voice. "What had happened was not your fault."
"I could have prevented him from falling." Legolas replied.
I frowned at his words. "You weren't even there!" I nearly shouted. But when I looked into his eyes, I saw something flicker, "You seem to... You seem to refuse to believe that he is dead." I said quietly. My words were actually making sense for the first time. He had not, indeed, spoken to the cliffs like Gimli, Boromir and I had done. He had stood there and rode back with us. I looked at him again, his silence deafening me, "Legolas, speak. You are worrying me." I said as I cupped his cheeks and made him look down at me.
I placed a soft kiss on his lips and felt his arms snake around me comfortably. "It is because I believe him not to be dead." He replied. "At first, I too thought he died, but my hearts says the opposite. For all my life, I have listened to what my heart told me to do. It has not failed me so far and I do not think it will fail me now."
"But how anyone can survive that fall..." I said quietly, willing to believe in Legolas, but not finding the will to do so.
"He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn." He replied stubbornly. I wanted to trust him, because it was a perfectly good reason. He was Aragorn. He was strong and stubborn to die. He bent down to kiss me again and pulled back, "I am sure he will come back to us soon." He looked at the field, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Let us take a walk." He said finally, looking down at me.
I nodded, not arguing with him, wanting to spend the most time I can with the elf I love. Once again, he wrapped his arm around my waist. For a long time we walked in silence, each thinking our own personal thoughts, the death of Aragorn no longer like a shadow.
An hour later, we walked back to Legolas' room only to be met with the figure of Gimli still sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. Surprisingly, Boromir and Éowyn were in the same position, only on the opposite wall. I felt my happiness flutter in my heart when I saw Éowyn's hand on Boromir's shoulder, comforting him. She cast a glance at me, her eyes filled with what seemed to be joy.
Gimli once again mumbled something incoherent and I frowned, "What was that, Gimli?" I asked, casting a look at the dwarf.
He looked at me, a neutral look on his face, although a spark of mischievousness shone. "Ah, nothing. It seems like everyone is finding love at a time like this."
This seemed to have put us all in a lighter mood, especially when Boromir started to blush again and Éowyn just seemed to be laughing silently in amusement. Soon, I heard Legolas' chuckle and Gimli's loud, booming laugh and I too, joined in the happiness.
Until it was abruptly stopped as a boy around the age of fourteen ran into the room. His face was red, filled with sweat as if he ran all the way down here from somewhere. He was taking big gasps of breath, filling his lungs with the beautiful air. I looked at him with amusement, knowing all too well how that would have felt. After all, I had ran, according to Gimli, 'three days of mad pursuit'.
But what the boy said had ceased my amusement, for I could have barely believed what he said. "King... Théoden... said... to... go... meet him..." He took another big gulp of air, "Your friend... he has... returned." He wheezed out the last word. Finally using the wall as support.
I glanced at Legolas as his eyes were on mine. Then together, at the same time, we uttered quietly the same word, surprising the other three in the room. "Aragorn."
* * * * *
lex – I would NEVER kill Aragorn . So no, he's not dead, lol. Thanks!
Anaka Greenleaf – Hey! Thanks. I'm deciding whether I should be the one to tell him we should break it off or let him do it. Anyhow, yes, lovely way to spend your single time drooling over Orlando Bloom, haha. Anyhow, I'm coloring my room green! Woohoo! Legolas green, haha. See you later!
MaverickGirl - Thanks!
Karone Evertree – Heyo! Did you mean action scenes as in fighting? Cause I don't think I've skipped one. But anyhow, thanks a lot! And no, of course Aragorn doesn't die! He's the future King! Lol, thanks!
TitanicHobbit – Thanks! It sucks to have your power knocked out, but I'm glad you finally finished this story. I won't stop, there's a sequel! As for Aragorn, Boromir and Éowyn triangle... I don't know, cause Aragorn is with Arwen . And I'm sick of Alan, he's going down! Lol. I love Pirates, it was GREAT! And no, I can't believe I didn't see the things after the credits. I'm so going to watch it again now, lol. By the way, tell me what's in there just in case I don't get to see it again.
DrowningSin32 – Lol, well, it was great the second time around cause I didn't have to pay as much attention to the storyline and I just stared at Orlando Bloom . Dirty things at the screen? *snickers* What did you yell? Lol. Anyhow, see you later! And you make Orli icons?! You put then on a website? Cause if you do, gimme some!
The Hobbit Ivy – Hey! Well, I used to hate Boromir the first time I watched FotR, but now I love him! I turn around every time he gets killed... It... looks so darned cruel. Well, I won't answer that question, since I'm still not sure what I want to do, although I have a good idea. But yes, all your reviews inspire me, so it's good. See you later! Hope you liked this chapter and thanks!
Siren – I won't write your name with the '6' . you and Pippin WAXED Elrond's eyebrow? *blinks**blinks* And yeah, I would agree it's Peter Jackson's fault, but it's kind of good, since lots of angst can be added here, haha. I love angst! And I won't kill Haldir . I love that elf! Of course, not as much as I love Legolas, haha.
Amaya Nyte Rayne – Boromir is definitely handsome, haha. Thanks a lot and I'm starting to like Boromir and Éowyn together too, haha. Funny how your own writing can change your point of views .
DevilWench – Thanks!
Aluinda – Thanks! Over do what? I'm afraid I'm slightly confused, but thanks anyways! I hope you like this chapter!
littlesaiyangirl – Thanks! Lol, yes, Orlando Bloom drooling is healthy for you ^^ Everyone should do that!
merrylyn – Thanks! And yes, it sucks to have my name changed. But now it's Crystal Snowflakes and if they change it again, I'll slaughter them . Ah, 'ROTF with laughter'. I figured it was something like that, but I use 'ROFL' Rolling on floor laughing . Anyhow, I liked the angst I put in this chapter, and I think you like angst too... And this chapter was partly, no, mostly inspired by your review about angst, so I'd like to thank you. And yes, Éowyn did suspect it was Aragorn she was talking about, but now everything's clear... And it seems like she might be feeling for Boromir now! Yay! No matter how ugly Wargs are, or how stinky they are, . they deserve a fast painless death . Lol, as for having Legolas behind me riding into battle... I'd die a thousand times over just to have that! *silly grins too* Lol, thanks again and again!
Eevee Goddess Of Light – Hey! Thanks a lot, there are definitely more guys in the world, although half of them are jackasses... . Thanks a lot again and I'll see you soon!
Elfgirl 712 – Thanks! And yes, it sucks when your boyfriend breaks up with you to hook up with your best friend. But to be serious, if your best friend does hook up with him, I think you should leave the both of them, because I would definitely bitch at the both of them, then leave them speechless and leave them for good . But it's your life, my two cents there . And yes, I have seen theorlandobloomfiles.com. As a matter of fact, it's one of my best site, haha. By the way, thanks a lot! Harry Potter? Haha, all right then. Yes, I bet Orlando Bloom can replace any guy in the world... *grins* Forget the others, they all suck!
Alina11 – Thanks! Well, you became 'Alina11' when ff.net decided to become jackasses and change everyone's name to original ones. Anyhow, thanks again!
Kyma – Thanks, as usual! It was amusing to write about the Harry Potter, cause I was just thinking about it when I wrote it . But yeah, she got crushed by the very heavy Warg, so she didn't get hurt, what a shame . lol. Anyhow, thanks! See you soon!
Youko Demon – Hey! You don't lack a brain, or else you wouldn't know how to read . Strange sense of humor, I'd have to agree. But hey, it's better than me, no humor at all .
Light Dragon – Thanks a lot! I wish myself luck too with six months free of guys. But it shouldn't be that hard... As long as a cute guy doesn't ask me out, that is. I'm so drooling over Orlando Bloom, haha.
RumorGoddess – Hey! Thanks a lot. Well, some 'dropped into Middle-Earth' do have developed plots, but you don't find them often. I'd have to agree with that. If you want a developed one, you might want to read 'Destiny's Ring' by Aelora. My all time favourite. It's sweet and sad at the same time. Anyhow, thanks again and I hope you liked this chapter as much as you did the others!
MorgauseNokami – Yes, I'd have to agree ff.net is being a major bitch. Anyhow, thank you for reviewing for... three times, haha. Thanks and I hoped you liked the chapter!
Hanya the Bloody Angel – Lol, I changed my name now, but yes, ff.net is being an ass. Mine's Crystal Snowflakes now and if anyone has my name, I'll kick them. Well, I don't know how Éowyn and Boromir's relationship will actually go, but I hope this chapter was... realistic and I hope their relationship wasn't rushed or forced. If it was, please tell me. But yes, it was amusing to write about Jessica crushed by a Warg and her swearing about it, haha. Anyhow, thanks a lot, a lot and a lot ^^ See you next chapter!
Lady Fae – Thanks! As for seeing Legolas with a broken heart... That'd be sad =(
haldir2 – Hey! You're on my mailing list now ^^
Mellon – Thanks a lot!
Forgottenranger – Thanks! Yes, you definitely are a fast reader, haha. Thanks a lot again! See you later!
Smiley Face – Heyo! I hope their relationship works out too!
sg1stargater – Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!
alatariel anwarunya – Hiya! Thanks a lot for all the compliments, they mean a lot to me. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter and I'll see you soon!
Lady Galardriel – Hey! Thanks a lot, and no, Aragorn is not dead. I will NOT allow that to happen, lol. Thanks again!
Elerrina – Hey! Thanks a lot, as for learning Elvish, just search for Elvish on googles.com. I think it'll work. I'm an Orlando Bloom fan too! Haha, anyhow, thanks again!
Author's Notes: Whoa with all the new reviewers and I got 33 reviews! Or it might be people that changed their name due to ff.net's annoying change. Support, reviews, compliments, ideas, suggestions all welcomed! If you want to be on the mailing list, just leave your email address in your review or email me and tell me so, so I'll add you on the list. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter because I enjoy writing angst. I love angst ^^ Hope you liked this and if you didn't, tell me why! See you all later!
By the way, I have a new story idea. I might write it right after this story, or I might wait until I'm done the sequel... Or I might write both at the same time. Would you guys be interested in reading a new story by me? If you want to know the summary I'd thought so far, just ask in your review and I'll post it in my next update. Thank you so much!
Oh yeah, I'm leaving for Quebec for a nine-day trip, but I'm living at my friends, so I have a computer, no worries. I'll try to write as many chapters as I can and upload it on ff.net so I can update every few days. If I can't make it, I hope you won't mind. I promise I'll post a chapter up on the fourteenth before I leave! Anyhow, see you all later!
-Crystal
Wednesday, August 06, 2003