*** Hey guys I'm glad you like that last chapter. I totally forgot Rumil and Orophin can't understand Common so from now on their conversations are marked differently. Oh by the way as you noticed the title change. I was somewhat tired of Shealyn as the title. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Erenriel the Elven Canuck: Hey thanks for the review. I had to put some humor into the story. Things happen don't worry. Hope you like!
Aislin: Thanks for the review and the constructive criticism. I really appreciate your honesty. As for all the mistakes you already emailed me and I'm happy that you found it better. I hope you like!
QTpie-pippinsgurl: Thanks for the review. I was goin' crazy without the site. Well I hope your withdrawal was taken care of. Here's the next chapter!
Saera: Thanks for the review. Yes it was long *chuckles*
Lady Death: Thank you for the review. I love you to. Was this soon enough!
Dara Maeko: Thank you for the review. I love the Aragorn/Shealyn relationship as well. You bounce too much. *giggles*
Cassie-bear01: Thank you for the review. I hope you enjoy!
kurleyhawk2: Thank you for the review. I hope you like the chapter!
anime princess: Thank you for the review. I knew Frodo and Sam were together, but I felt like Shealyn needed to see Sam who was resting while Frodo was with the healers. Thank you for pointing that out though. J
Tara6: Hey I know how things get away from us. I'm glad you liked. Hope you enjoy this chapter! ***
The next morning I woke to the soft breeze coming through the window above my head. I tried to rise but pain raced through me as I lay myself back down. Once again dull pain raced through my already aching muscles as I propped myself gingerly up on my elbows and looked around the room to find it empty.
"Oh why can't you just go away headache." I cursed under my breath.
Slowly I pulled myself into s sitting position pausing to ward off the wave of dizziness that washed over me. ~Maybe this wasn't such a good idea~ I thought?
Grabbing onto the headboard I pulled myself to my feet clutching tightly as my legs wobbled beneath me. Making my way over the chair I grabbed my boots and pulled them on with great difficulty.
"Oh boy." I whispered as I swayed dangerously.
Holding the back of the chair I closed my eyes praying the room would stop moving so violently. I stayed where I was for several minutes until I felt whole again. When it finally stopped I picked up my long over tunic before stumbling to the door.
"I hope no one catches me." I whispered opening the door carefully peering into the corridor.
Opening the door further I took a few tentative steps out finding the hall empty. ~Where is everyone~ I thought slowly making my way along the wall stopping every few steps to listen for footsteps.
What are you doing out of bed Someone asked behind me.
The voice caused me to freeze and my eyes widened as I turned around to face Rumil. His face was set in a stern frown something very similar to Haldir's expression. His arms were crossed over his chest as he looked down at me for an answer.
"I uh………" I stammered. I couldn't stay in that bed no longer Rumil……… I whispered in Sindarin.
You should not be out of bed Shealyn. You are much too weak Rumil responded easily picking me up hauling me over his shoulder and carrying back the way I'd come.
Rumil put me down right now. I ordered using my best Haldir voice.
No Shealyn Rumil said as he entered my room gently placing me on my temporary bed.
Sighing in defeat I allowed the blonde elf to remove my boots and pull the sheets around me. He then moved to the head of the bed and propped pillows behind me. I have not met anyone as stubborn as you Rumil commented as he helped me get comfortable.
I'm not that stubborn I said with a small giggle. Haldir is worse
Rumil smiled ruffling my hair. You are almost fluent in Sindarin. I am impressed.
I learn quickly I said with a smile but it vanished quickly.
What is wrong? Rumil leaning forward in the chair that he sat in.
I closed my eyes and sighed. I had to learn quickly I replied quietly. If I didn't learn things quickly I would be dead
Was this due to your capture? Rumil quietly asked taking hold of my hand.
I nodded sadly looking up to the ceiling fighting back tears. Without a word Rumil pulled me into a hug gently rubbing my back as I buried my face in the folds of the elf's tunic.
Are you alright now? He asked after a few minutes.
Yes Rumil I am alright now I whispered finally composing myself.
Are you hungry? He asked as he rose from his chair and headed to the door.
I nodded silently looking at the Lorien elf with wonder. Then I will return shortly He said leaving the room and closing the door behind him.
Leaning back against the pillows I sighed closing my eyes against the throbbing headache. My fingers slowly made my way up to my temples and rubbed them hoping it would help.
"Are you alright Shealyn?" A concerned voice asked from the door.
Opening my eyes I turned my head to the door to find Aragorn, Legolas, and the twins standing there. "Hey guys." I whispered ignoring Aragorn's question.
The three elves and man came into the room and sat down close to the bed. Aragorn sat down on the bed taking my hand in his and smiled. "Shealyn why do you make us worry so?" He questioned while the other three nodded their agreement.
I shrugged smiling slightly." I don't know why." I said struggling to sit up straighter.
Aragorn leaned forward helping me sit up while Legolas took the pillows and rearranged them behind me. "Thank you." I whispered.
The two smiled as they sat back down. Not a minute passed when a look of disappointment flickered across Aragorn's face.
"Why Shealyn?" he asked quietly. "Why did you lie Shealyn to me……… to us about the hunt?" He corrected himself. "And then run off when I forbid you to go?" I didn't miss the hurt in his voice.
"I felt that I needed to go." I said barely above a whisper.
I looked to Elladan and smiled. "When you studied me the day I left I thought for sure you were goin' to catch me." I admitted.
A small smile appeared on the elf's face, but vanished as quickly as it had come. "I should have checked." He said. "I had a strong feeling that you were the 'boy' that I saw that day, but ignored it."
"You should have seen Aragorn after we found you missing." Elrohir stated sitting on the edge of the bed.
My eyes grew wide when I noticed a blush creep across the ranger's cheeks as he looked down at his feet. (A/N: So not king like *giggles*) I pulled the sheets off my body and scrambled into his lap hugging him as tightly as I could. "That alone makes me feel wanted." I stated matter-of-factly.
The 'men' chuckled clapping me on the shoulder lightly as Aragorn helped me back under the covers.
"I don't know what I'd do without you guys." I said a moment later.
The four calmed themselves while a serious look presented itself on each face. "You are right Shealyn." Legolas said "but you are forgetting something."
My brow knit in confusion. "What is that Legolas?" I asked.
"You have become our sanity." The elf answered.
As I thought about it a yawn escaped my lips which neither the elves nor the ranger missed. "Shealyn you are still in need of rest." Elrohir stated firmly as he and the others rose bidding her good day before leaving the room.
~I really scared them this time~ I thought after they left.
My head resting on the pillows I opened my memory and sifted through the events of my life realizing I was lucky to have had certain people in my life. My family, Walker and the gang, The X-Men and now the remainder of the Fellowship plus their friends.
***Flashback***
Books and notebooks were strewn all over my half of the desk as I struggled to keep focused on Romeo and Juliet, but seriously that was a joke. In frustration I slammed the thick text book and stood up and stretched. "I'll never get this." I sighed falling backwards onto my bed lacing my fingers behind my head.
"Shealyn what are you doin'?" Jubilee asked coming into the room a moment later.
"Studying." I sighed propping myself up to watch the older girl walk across the room to the desk.
"Yeah sure." Jubilee said picking up the text looking at me with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't get it." I told her as I stood and moved back to the desk.
Jubilee laughed clapping me on the shoulder and sitting me down pulling the text onto her lap. "I'll help you." She said leafing through the pages until she found the right page. "Alright………"
For the rest of the evening Jubilee helped me understand the passage.
~For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through it all~
The words flowed through my mind as I listened to Jubilee recite the play using different voices for different characters
~You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me~ (A/N: Because you loved me belongs to Celine Dion and company)
***End Flashback***
The song warmed my heart as I lay there remembering old times. ~The power of a song~ I thought as I rolled over and fell asleep
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Several days passed before Aragorn deemed me well enough to leave the bed and then I was still escorted everywhere.
"Aragorn why can't I go anywhere alone?" I asked becoming clearly frustrated with my friend as we walked down the corridor.
Aragorn didn't answer and it dawned on me just then. ~They don't trust me to be alone do they~ I asked myself anger welling up inside.
"We don't want to see you get hurt little one." Aragorn spoke softly.
How many times had I heard that in the past? I was angry but I knew they were only looking out for me.
"Too late for that." I murmured slipping my hand into his. "I'm sorry."
"There is nothing to be sorry about Shealyn. Truth be told I acted the same way when I was younger." He stated gently squeezing my hand.
"Really now go on tell me." I demanded curious of what the man walking beside me got into as a kid.
"Maybe another time." He replied. "We are leaving for Gondor in the morning there are many preparations to get through."
"Can I do anything to help?" I asked eagerly.
"No Shealyn you are still on the mend. Prepare your belongings." He answered patting my shoulder before he walked away.
I was fuming now as I watched the ranger walk away. "He makes me so mad." I murmured turning and walking to my borrowed room.
Wearily I leaned against the inside of my door rubbing my hands together in preparation of the next big move.
When I turned towards the bed I noticed a package lying on the bed. Cocking my head in confusion I approached the bed hesitantly picking it up searching for any tag or writing and the only thing I came up with was something written in the top right hand corner
Shealyn was written in elvish runes.
Gently I pulled the corner of the package and pushed aside the cloth that covered the object. My eyes grew wide as I recognized the book that I held in my hands. It was the journal that Lord Elrond had given to me while I was recovering after the Council.
I opened the journal leafing through the pages until I found the last entry the night before we left Rivendell. ~I left this there. How did it get here~ I thought?
***Flashback***
I quietly knocked on the study door and opened it when I heard 'Come in'.
"You wanted to see me Lord Elrond?" I questioned as I stepped into the room.
"Ah yes Shealyn come in." Elrond beckoned motioning to a nearby chair. "I wished to give you this." He said handing me a small parcel.
"What is it?" I asked tuning the box around inspecting the wrapping.
Gingerly I unwrapped the package revealing a leather bound journal with an ink well and quill pen. I stared at the gift completely awed.
"I can't………" I began to say only to have Elrond hold up his hand.
"I believe this journal will be good for you." He said standing up behind his desk.
"Thank you sir." I whispered. "I'll see you at dinner." I added backing towards the door.
Elrond smiled and nodded as I opened the door and quickly left thanking him once more.
*** End of Flashback ***
Shrugging I turned to a new page and then found ink and a quill pen and sat down and began to write.
April 13, 3019 of the Third Age
It has been awhile since I have written in something. We traveled many weeks where we came upon a place called Hollin. The ground was littered with rock and stone. I remember it clearly now. Boromir insisted on teaching Merry and Pippin swordplay. Gandalf and Gimli argued over which path we should take while Legolas patrolled the area nearby. Sam made Frodo eat somethin' as they watched the three spar close to Gandalf. Aragorn and I sat close to the spar giving instructions every so often. Then the birds came or as Legolas called then Crebain from Dublin. After they left Gandalf thought it wise to go over Caradhras.
We tried to cross the mountain, but Saruman had other plans. He practically brought down the mountain on us. When I was buried under the snow I got hit on the head by a piece of the mountain delaying our journeying by a day. Frodo then decided we needed to go through the mines of Moria.
It took us a couple of days to get down the mountain and then to find the door. Gandalf forgot how to open the doors so we sat there to wait a few hours until Frodo figured out that there was a riddle, the password Mellon.
When the doors opened we entered only to find the remains of Gimli's kin. We fled quickly but Pippin and Merry had disturbed the Watcher that lay hidden in the lake outside the walls. It attacked grabbing Frodo and myself intending to eat us. Aragorn, Boromir, and Legolas came to our rescue. We ran back into the mines moments before the Watcher caved the door leaving us but one choice. We had to go through the mines. Days passed before we found the tomb of Gimli's cousin Balin. Gandalf read to us from a journal and Pippin accidentally knocked over a skeleton, bucket, and chain down into the well. The orcs heard it and attacked us bringing their cave troll with them.
The fight was intense and Frodo was almost stabbed through by a spear. I was stabbed in the stomach by an orc. We ran out of the room and down the long dark corridor only to be surrounded by orcs. They were ready to close in on us when we heard an earth shaking growl. The orcs scattered leaving us to run to the bridge of the Khazad-dun. We barely made it across when Gandalf stopped facing the Balrog sending him into darkness but not before taking the wizard with it.
The others in the Fellowship were devastated. Aragorn thought it wise to leave immediately, but my wound stopped us for a moment. We reached Lothlorien where I was on the verge of dying, but as you can tell I am alive. Lady Galadriel helped me contact the X-Men.
We stayed in Lothlorien with the permission of the Lady for a month. I was healed and the Fellowship rested. On parting the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel presented us with gifts. Mine was a necklace with a lightning pendant.
Following the Anduin we traveled eleven days until we reached Amon Hen. I can still remember that day quite clearly. It was days before my twelfth birthday. Boromir I had noticed was acting strangely and when Frodo disappeared he did as well. Everyone else went on a search for them but the Uruk-hai attacked. When I heard Boromir's horn I swear my heart skipped a beat as I fought my way to him. But I was too late Aragorn was finishing off the archer and Boromir lay against a tree, three arrows sticking out of him. He called to me and there he died with Aragorn and I by his side.
Grieving we prepared his body and sent it over the falls in honor. The orcs had taken Merry and Pippin towards Isengard. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and I ran for three days until we came upon Éomer and his men on the plains of Rohan. He had told us that they destroyed the orcs leaving none alive. We were presented with two horses and we mounted galloping towards the orcs.
After searching the area Aragorn miraculously found signs of the hobbits and we followed them into Fangorn forest. In the end we didn't find the two but found Gandalf which was quite surprising.
Gandalf explained what had happened then preceded to take us to Edoras to see King Théoden. Though when we arrived I sensed evil there. As we entered the throne room we met Grima Wormtongue. The greasy man was in the league with Saruman and was poisoning the king's mind. Gandalf cast the evil out of the king and Wormtongue was cast out of the city.
Plans were made quickly and the next day we headed out to Helms Deep with everyone. Along the way the company was attacked by warg riders. Théoden sent his niece, Éowyn on ahead with the people. The battle was quick, but somewhere during the scuffle we lost Aragorn over the cliff. We feared him dead, but I had passed out from a head wound right afterwards. I woke at Helms Deep and mourned the loss plus getting into a fight with Éomer. Later we had a surprise. Aragorn arrived, tired, wet, but very much alive
I paused in my writing tears welling up in my eyes as I remembered that day when Aragorn was thought dead. Looking down at the journal thoughts raced through my mind as I began to write once more.
That night we fought the enemy on the walls of Helm Deep. I jumped off the wall and blasted the orcs with my lightning bolts. The elves of Lothlorien had joined the battle and we were victorious. The use of my power wasted my energy so I was left at the Deep with the elves while Aragorn and the others left with Gandalf to visit Saruman at Isengard.
After their return to Helms Deep we headed out on our way to Gondor. Along the way the Lothlorien elves departed to return home and the rangers arrived along with the twin sons of Elrond.
We split once more with Théoden this time and the rangers headed through the Path of the Dead. Once out of the path we boarded three black ships that took us to Gondor. We aided those already present and became victorious once again. Later I found out that we had lost Théoden. Merry and Éowyn went up against the witch-king and won though both were wounded.
Aragorn, the twins, and any present healer spent many hours taking care of the wounded. Couple of days later I went to visit Faramir, brother of Boromir. I relived our journey to him and had to leave before I broke down. Aragorn found me later and held me as I sobbed.
A couple of days later we left for Mordor. Everyone fought bravely and we won, Frodo destroyed the ring. The war now over we headed to Ithilien to heal the wounded. Frodo and Sam came down from Mount Doom where Aragorn healed then and we were reunited. The leaders then decided that a party should be sent out to finish off the last orcs that had fled the battle. I joined this party even though Aragorn forbid it.
As we fought I was forced to use my power to protect the men. I used to much and I was weakened severely. I woke up couple of days ago and scolded by Aragorn. We are leaving soon to get back to Gondor so I will close the passage here.
Shealyn
Closing the journal I sighed looking up at the ceiling ~That should sum up the journey~ I thought.
Placing the journal on the chair I dove under the covers. Closing my eyes I smiled. We had succeeded. With that thought I fell into a peaceful sleep.
************************************************************************
The next morning I woke before dawn and got up to prepare for departure. I stood stretching my aching muscles pulling a dark pair of leggings and a white shirt out of the dresser. Dressing carefully I then found a pair of socks and pulled them. I grabbed my boots from the corner and pulled them on accidentally falling backwards onto the bed.
Giggling at my momentary clumsiness I spotted the leather bound journal on the chair and carefully picked it up.
Moments later I was startled by a soft knock on the door, but I recovered quickly. "Come in." I called placing the journal on the bed to stand a greet the person.
"Are you ready Shealyn?" Legolas asked coming into the room.
"Yup!" I responded placing the journal into my bag before shouldering it.
Legolas held out his hand and I took it allowing him to lead me down the corridor, out the door, and mounting my very own horse.
I smiled at Aragorn who mounted Hasufel beside me calling over his shoulder to those who followed that we were leaving.
************************************************************************
Time slowly passed us by with Legolas and Gimli entertaining me with stories of their homes. I was unusually quiet during these times and of course Legolas questioned me on it.
"Are you alright Shealyn?" Legolas asked quietly. "You have not been yourself since we left Ithilien."
I looked over at the elf forcing a smile on my face. "I am fine Legolas." I whispered staring straight ahead.
"Shealyn I know you lie." Legolas replied never taking his eyes off of me.
Not knowing what else to do I dropped my head closing my eyes. "I'm scared Legolas." I finally whispered.
"Why would you be scared?" He inquired with a raised eyebrow concern written on his faced.
"The war is over Legolas." I stated. "I know I am to live with Aragorn and I want to, but I'm scared that the others in Gondor won't accept me."
Legolas laughed ruffling my hair. "Is that what made you so unnaturally quiet these past days?" he asked.
Smiling I nodded my head wondering why I thought that no one would like me.
"That must have been a stupid worry huh?" I said a blush creeping across my cheeks.
"No Shealyn." Legolas responded after a moment. "If I was in your position I would be worrying about the same thing."
"Thanks Legolas." I murmured.
"You are welcome."
My eyes wandered over the terrain catching the beauty of it all until I was brought out of my thoughts as I heard people cheer. We had arrived and those in the city were congratulating us on the victory.
The White city was beyond beauty as we made our way through the streets. Leaning back in the saddle I glanced up at the enormous palace. "Shealyn!"
I lowered my head finding that the others had dismounted and Aragorn was waiting patiently by my side. Smiling I held out my arms and Aragorn pulled me off my mount.
Silently I took Aragorn's hand allowing him to lead me inside.
*** I know that was a lousy chapter, but I was drawing a blank. Sorry for the delay I was at freshman camp the past three days. A lot will be goin' on in the next coupla weeks so I'm not sure when the next update will be. R&R! ***