Chapter 24
By Crystal
Author's Notes: Thank you for everything!
*We all know who this belongs to... ^^;;*
I continued helping around in the armor room until I heard a familiar voice looking around, and it was then I know how close I was to my traveling companions. "Farmers, stable boys. These are no soldiers." Aragorn muttered.
Boromir grumbled, "Most have seen too many winters."
Then Legolas added, "Or too few. Look
at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." I tried to concentrate on my task without
listening to them, for they did not know how much strength I'm using by trying
to mask my face... They did not know
the stress I was going through, knowing the outcome of the war. I gritted my teeth as Legolas spoke in
Elvish and everyone around me became silent.
It made it even harder for me to block his voice...
And they should be. Three hundred against ten thousand.
I shut my eyes closed tightly as I heard Aragorn's voice...
They have a better chance defending themselves here than in Edoras.
They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die! Legolas said harshly.
I gritted my teeth. How could I listen to this bullshit? Listening to Legolas talk about everyone dying was like erasing all those reassuring things he had told me just moments ago. Listening to this argument was making me doubt myself even more... How would the war end? Would we die? He is right, three hundred not trained enough soldiers against ten thousand Orcs was indeed not a fair fight...
Suddenly and unknowingly, even to myself, I slammed my fist sideways on the pillar right next to me. Everyone turned to look at me, although not much sound was made and I stood up and with as much dignity I could muster, I left the armor room, ignoring the yells of my name by my friends...
They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!
When I was no longer in anyone's eyesight, I broke off into a run, just to run back to my room and I slammed the door shut as I slid back down, my back against the door. I wrapped my arms around my legs and curled myself into a ball while rocking back and forth; trying to reassure myself that everything would be fine... But Legolas' sentence came back all the time, haunting me. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!
I refused to let any tears come down though, even if my eyes were filled with them, none rolled down as I blinked away some quickly or widened my eyes and tried to dry them while looking up. Suddenly, I heard the door creak and a whisper, "Jessica... It's Éowyn. Please let me in..."
Quietly and slowly, I moved my back away from the door, only to lean against the wall. She came in and looked at me, sympathizing. "Jessica... You look pale and tired."
"That is because I am tired." I said, after a moment of silence. "I am tired of all of this. I am tired of how quickly Legolas would give up when just earlier, he had told me he would come back to me alive and well."
She sat down beside me and looked at me, "What are you afraid of?" She finally asked.
"Everything." I admitted. "Aragorn dying, Gimli dying, Boromir dying..." then I added, "Legolas dying..."
"They are trained warriors, perhaps the best of the best here." She paused for a second, "And you had just told me earlier that you can see into the future, and you know we are to win this war."
I sighed, "Every war comes with a price, whether you win or lose. I can see into the future, yes... But it does not mean that everything will stay that way. The moment I have joined the Fellowship, everything has changed. The Fellowship should not have had ten walkers, but nine. Legolas should not have fallen in love. Boromir should not be alive now. Aragorn should not have fallen off the cliff. By my joining the Fellowship, I have risked everyone's life." Then I added again, "Perhaps the entire Middle-Earth."
Éowyn frowned, "I am afraid I do not understand what you are talking about."
I looked at her straight in the eye, "I am not from this world, Éowyn." Shock shone in her eyes clearly, "I joined the Fellowship, hoping to save people... I saved Boromir, but I have risked both Legolas and Aragorn's life."
"Aragorn's life, I understand, but what of Legolas?" She asked quietly.
"Legolas..." I sighed, "I have risked his life by getting him to love me." Confusion was on her face as I said that, "Legolas is an elf. Elves..." I paused, "They can die of broken hearts if the one they love dies."
I heard a sharp gasp from Éowyn, "Are you telling me... Are you telling me that the one Legolas loves... That she will die?"
"She a mortal, Éowyn. He is an immortal. Sooner or later, whether naturally or not, she will die." I bit my lips, "But I have a feeling it is sooner... And that certain sooner will most likely be tonight."
"Tonight?" She asked disbelievingly. "I cannot simply believe... I cannot believe you... How long have you known this for?"
I
answered truthfully, "Since I have looked into the Mirror of Lady Galadriel,
Lady of the Woods... But I did not
understand so well until a while ago."
"Boromir was to die, yet he did not.
Perhaps that mirror lies... "
I shook my head, "In the mirror, Boromir did not die..." I sighed, "I was dying... I am dying tonight, Éowyn." I said quietly, finally accepting what was to happen to me. It was not 'maybe I will die', 'maybe I can change the future'. But it was 'I am dying'. There was nothing anyone in Middle-Earth could do to change that. "Perhaps it was meant to be..." I said quietly.
Éowyn almost glared at me, "You are to tell me, that such a strong love between you and the elf was not meant to be? If Boromir and I had that kind of love, I would die happily a thousand times. The love between two of you, not even death can stop that."
I laughed, without humor, trying to lighten up the mood, "Ah, so you are in love with Boromir?" Éowyn now glared at me and I once again sighed and whispered, "I am dying, Éowyn. Death is going to separate the two of us. Nothing can stop that..."
"Legolas will follow you, anywhere... Even in death. Like you said to me, he is an elf. An elf that loves you very much, one that has enough love for you to last a millennium. He truly loves you." Éowyn said.
"I know..." I bit my lips as I felt more tears yet this time, I let them out because I knew that everything Éowyn said was true. I was afraid, because Legolas would indeed follow me to death. He loves me so much it's somehow frightening. I never knew someone could love like this, and Éowyn has reminded that Legolas did.
Finally, I felt Éowyn's arms around me and I felt her embrace me tightly, "You are the best friend I've had."
I let more tears roll down my cheeks, "And you too, are mine... I will always remember you, remember the times you've been here for me." I heard myself whimper, "I'm afraid of losing you, afraid of losing anyone and I'm afraid of death."
"Then do not go..." Éowyn said softly.
"I..." I paused. Of course, I never did have to go, so why did I have to give my life over to those ugly Orcs? Why? Because... "I have to go." I answered finally, "Someone... He's waiting for me to save him."
"Why are you saving him? And not your own?!" Éowyn's anger went up.
I bit my lips yet again, "Because he is my friend. And I will, without a single second's hesitation, die for a friend."
When she drew back, I could see trails of tears staining her pale beautiful cheeks, "You are dying for a friend... You are giving your life for a friend, giving up your love... I... I would never be able to do that." She said quietly.
I smiled softly, yet with sorrow, "I do not know how I find the strength to even think of doing that... But deep in my heart, I know it's right." A silent moment of understanding passed between us and this time, I wrapped my arms around her, "Thank you for being there." I whispered quietly into her ear, thankful that Valar had given me a friend like her... One that was strong, wise, supportive, understanding... I did not know what I had done in my life to deserve such a good life, on Earth and in Middle-Earth.
That was how Legolas found the both of us. Our arms were wrapped around each other comforting the other with our presence, sobbing together. Once again, concern was on Legolas' face as he glanced at both of us. Éowyn wiped away her tears as she was pulled up by Legolas' arm and I had my waist once against wrapped around by his other arm. "Are the two of you all right?"
I forced a smile, "Of course, Éowyn and I were just getting a little emotional about the whole war." I sniffled quietly.
Éowyn looked at me, her eyes bloodshot as she too, forced a smile. "I guess..." She paused as her eyes filled with tears again, "I guess this is farewell."
I nodded, "I guess this is it." I drew her into another embrace again "Thank you, for everything." When we separated, sadness shone in her eyes, although her lips had a melancholy smile.
"Farewell, my friend." She whispered quietly, then without another word, rushed out of the room.
I blinked back tears as they threatened to fall down once again. Sighing, I tried to ignore Legolas' presence, still annoyed at what he had said in the armor room.
"Jessica..." He said, worry obvious in his voice.
"Legolas..." I replied, "How can you..." Then I sighed, "You're right. Three hundred untrained men against ten thousand Orcs is folly. We cannot possibly..."
Legolas tightened his arms around me, "There is always hope."
I glared at him, "Hope?" I laughed bitterly, "There is no hope. Like you said, we cannot win this fight. We are all going to die, and I have to agree with you. This is folly."
He gritted his teeth, "Jessica."
"This is stupid. There's no chance that we're ever going to win. Half of the people are either too old, too young, or untrained in the skills of battle. They are possibly even worst than I am, Legolas. How do you expect that we win this war? There is no hope. The ones who are untrained are being sent to their deaths, and you know this as well as I do." I said brokenly.
He did not reply me.
I continued, "The strong lives and the weak dies. That's reality... There are so many weak people fighting, Legolas. How can you bare to know that those people you see in the armor room, half of them, they are going to die tonight? How can you bare to know that, for I myself, I can't stand the thought of that."
"I wish I could do something, but there is nothing we can do, Jessica. King Théoden is too stubborn." Legolas replied.
I growled softly, "And he is using the lives of others to pay for his stubbornness." I asked another question after silence came, "How is Aragorn?"
He kissed my forehead and placed his forehead against mine, "I have talked to him before I came to you. Gimli, Boromir and he are all in the armor room."
"I see." I replied shortly.
Legolas' arms were even tighter around my waist, if that was indeed a possible task, "I do not wish to see you hurt, Jessica." I looked at him, his glowing blue eyes that I have grown to love, "I wish you to stay in the caves with the women and children."
"I do not wish to have this war, Legolas. I wish for everyone to evacuate Helm's Deep as fast as possible and run away from those ten thousand Orcs. But that is not possible..." I sighed, "Not everything people wish for will become reality. Most of those I have wished for have not become reality..."
"What have you wished for?" He asked me, his sudden question catching me off guard.
I wish I loved Alan forever. I wish I never fell in Middle-Earth. I wish I were back on Earth. I wish nobody dies. I wish I would be able to save Boromir. I wish Gandalf did not fall into the darkness. I wish Merry and Pippin are all right. I wish I loved Legolas forever. I wish I will never have to leave Legolas.
Blinking away my thoughts, I looked at him, "I have wished for many things, some of those who had become reality, some of those who have not and never will. And now, I wish... I wish that nobody would die... I wish we will win this war."
"We will." He said.
I looked at him, "You did not sound so sure in the armor room."
"I was wrong to despair." He said, looking at me.
I bit my lips; "You have done nothing wrong... But the words you have said have worried me and make me doubt the outcome of this war..."
"And for that, I apologize."
"There is nothing to apologize for, melamin." I said, brushing my fingers against his cheek. "Let us wish for the best." I brushed my lips against his, "Amin mela lle..." (I love you...)
Legolas grinned, "Amin sinta." (I know.) He said as he tried to lighten the mood and I smiled softly at him. Suddenly, a horn was heard from all the way in our room and Legolas looked at where it came from and frowned as some hope filled his eyes.
I looked at him with confusion, "What is it?"
"A horn." I looked at him, my instant reaction was 'no shit', but I did not voice that out loud. "That is no Orc horn..." He said quietly, and then added, "Elves."
Haldir...
* * * * *
Smiley Face – Perhaps, perhaps not. I still don't know I want it to end, to be truthful. So I'll have to see next chapter... . Thanks!
Youko Demon – Haha, I still prefer Legolas . How did you lose your voice? Just sick? Anyhow, I wish you get well soon and thanks!
MorgauseNokami – Lol, sorry for being evil .! Thanks!
DrowningSin32 – Thanks! You're seeing another movie? Holy cow, how many movies do you see per week? But then again, I shouldn't be talking cause I just watched S.W.A.T. It was pretty good.
Siren - *blinks* You will not freak out, right? Now I'm afraid to kill her off cause I'm going to seriously get slaughtered by everyone of my readers . Except possibly Legolas ^^ But anyhow, thanks!
And I can't believe you destroyed the furniture you freaked out . Poor Legolas... And I hope you won't freak out...
saturndragon – Aw, are you all right? *Hugs* Sorry for making you cry!
Honolulu – The next chapter will be out soon, hopefully.
MaverickGirl – Thanks! The battle will be up soon.
Lady Galadriel – Thanks!
Well, she might die, she might not.
The next chapter is about Haldir and Jessica saying farewell to people,
and I might add the whole battle of Helm's Deep. I shall see. Anyhow,
thanks again!
kyma – I'll promise you no more than three updates left. You'll know the WHOLE ending in around a
week, I promise. By the way, I'm only
interested in the 10 jars from Middle-Earth, haha. Anyhow, thanks!
Melia – Thanks!
phoebemoon – Sad two scenes? What do you mean? Thanks a lot!
TitanicHobbit – Thanks! You won't die with her . There's a sequel! Remember?! Lol. I hope you'll read the sequel, anyhow, yeah, I saw that the possessed monkey. I guess I might not be the best writer, since I might do one of those things you've just said .
I can't believe they end, that's how I feel. And yes, he should do 'The Hobbit', although I didn't know he was doing 'King Kong'. I don't live TOO far away from L.A., but my mother would never let me go just cause of a play. Sucks. I'm probably a human, although I might sound elvish. I'm pretty short, 5'3", dark hair, dark eyes... But I AM very pale. That might be the only thing that I resemble elves. And there's the fact that my years have a little pointy thing at the top... But eh. Really little, actually. You can't even see it unless you paid real close attention to it.
Birdwell Island Tribune – Thanks a lot! And I downloaded the song; I'm listening to it right now as I write this... I need to get the mood of the song so I can write something matching the song, hopefully. Thank again so much you don't know how much that has helped me!
StriderGirl, the BlackDragon – Thanks! I'll update as soon as possible! *drags you up and puts you on your feet*
Hanya the Bloody Angel - *blinks* I thought it was a bad chapter until everyone started arguing with me. Haha, yeah, that kid was... *grins* *hands you a napkin* Sorry for making you teary =( But anyhow, see you later! And thanks!
Eevee Goddess Of Light - *blinks* Thanks for the review...? *smiles*
Latin4ever93 – Heyo! Thanks a lot, I'll update soon.
Racer38 – Thanks! I'll update soon.
The Hobbit Ivy – Thanks! Well, I'm STILL not sure if she's going to die or not... I'm saying she doesn't 'die'... Look at the quotation marks. *sighs* How should I say this... I don't know how. I guess you'll have to see the next two chapters. I promise you this though, Legolas and Jessica WILL end up together at the end.
littlesaiyangirl – Thanks! *hugs*
elfluvr777 – Yeah, I can't believe it's over soon either. By the way, thanks for all the support!
Aluinda – Yes, there's a sequel *grins* As for Jessica dying, maybe yes, maybe no. And yes, she's definitely alive in the sequel... *blinks* I'm not going to put Legolas and another woman together! If I do that, I'll get someone to murder that damned woman . Thanks!
Gilimirin – Thanks! I'll update soon.
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf – Hey! Thanks a bunch, as usual. *grins* I'll see you this chapter if you're reviewing! Later!
DevilWench – Hey! Thanks a lot!
blu-eyed-belle – Thanks. I'll see you soon!
Elfgirl 712 – Yeah, I guess I should have putten a conversation with Éowyn, but there's one this chapter, so I hope you like that. Thanks!
yuhi – Thanks! Yep, see you soon ^^
MirkwoodBeauty – Legolas giving up his immortality would be kind of nice, actually. But I don't think elves could do that... I'll see though. Thanks a lot!
Roseblade22 – Hey! *scolds Legolas* Be glad she's taking you on a vacation! Don't expect to get your own tote bag! It sound disastrous . I'm not going to kill Haldir, lol. *huggles everyone back* I still haven't seen Moulin Rouge yet, although I really should. And I'm sure I don't want to hear it, seriously, lol.
Yes, I'll drool over Orlando Bloom, hehe. But it's true, it's so much better drooling over movie stars so that way you don't' have to worry about everything. I promise to update soon, so don't send Jack after me . Anyhow, thanks a lot and I'll see you later!
Vampiress-Alexiel – Thanks!
Stary Night – Hey. I will continue this with a sequel... And I can always write an alternative ending, but I don't like those much. I shall see.
Elf_Maiden25 – Yes, five months of training isn't enough. And the Orcs WILL go after her because she's a woman. Anyhow, you'll see the ending, I don't want to ruin for some *grins*
Mirkwood Dementor – Thanks a lot!
Alina – Thanks. Angsty, yes. Well, don't be surprise if Legolas DOES pack her in the caves... *winks*
Author's Notes: Thanks for all the reviews, support... and tears. I got 45 reviews for this chapter, my highest. I have my piano exam tomorrow, and then I'm leaving the day after. So if I have time, then I'll update, if not, I'm afraid I'll have to update in Quebec. I have time to write, so don't worry about that. One to two more chapters, left, depending on what I write, and then the epilogue! Anyhow, I shall see you all later!
So I guess Éowyn, as well as Jessica, thinks she's going to die. We'll see where this takes us, won't we now? Anyhow, see you all! Now I'm thinking of writing another sequel after THIS sequel, but I'm not sure. I'll see.
-Crystal
Wednesday, August 13, 2003