**I don't own anything from Lord of the Rings, J. R.R. Tolkien, or any of
the poetry or poets referenced (such as John Keats, Shakespeare, Poe,
Donne) or the song "Judgement of the Moon and Stars (Ludwig's Tune)" by
Joni Mitchell-all I own is Dascha, Ivy, Geniveve, Christopher, Ireth and
Taralom**
A/N: This story is the second part of "The Evangeline Series," the first part being found in the story "A Sorta Fairytale." Please read it and review if you have not already done so. Happy reading!
PART TWO OF THE EVANGELINE SERIES:
Judgement of the Moon and Stars
By Leah Pensotti
Chapter One: Journey to Rohan
The wind shrieked in Geniveve's face as she and Dascha rode hard across the plains of Rohan. They had been riding for an entire day without more than two hours rest and night was closing in again. Geniveve wished not to stop until they came to Edoras. She feared that she would exhaust Taralom and Ireth terribly through the hills and ravines, but both horses had shown much stamina and endurance since leaving Lothlorien.
Dascha had spoken little after bearing witness to Boromir's lifeless form. Geniveve wondered exactly what she was feeling at the moment. What exactly did they share?
Her thoughts froze as she saw it in the distance; the city perched on a high hill with a great, golden building as its centerpiece. It was Meduseld, the Golden Hall; she then laughed remembering this, because Ivy always asserted that Geniveve never listened to her diatribes about paying attention to the names and places in Middle-Earth. At home in the world of the living, Geniveve used to dismiss it as useless knowledge that could never be used in daily situations. However, Ivy has proved her wrong and all of her haranguing has served to be quite useful.
Geniveve flooded with thoughts and memories of her brother and best friend. Was Christopher back at medical school? Were he and Ivy a couple? Was time even the same between these worlds? It had been three months since Christopher and Ivy returned home and Dascha and Geniveve were left with the realization of their deaths and facing all of eternity in a strange, new land. Perhaps at home years had passed or maybe only mere minutes?
Geniveve slowed Taralom down to a trot as Dascha signaled for Ireth to do the same. Dascha looked to her friend questioningly, "What is wrong, Gen?"
Geniveve slid her hand fee of the velveteen cloak given by Lady Galadriel and pointed to the horizon, "We're here, Dascha. That's Edoras. Soon we can rest."
Dascha followed Geniveve's finger and nudged Ireth to go, leaving Geniveve standing in her dust. Dascha called to her as she sped off, "Come, Gen! We're almost there!"
Geniveve patted Taralom on the neck, "Come on boy, only a bit more to go."
~~
As Geniveve and Dascha approached the outer gates of the capital, armored guards leered at them suspiciously. Geniveve pulled down her hood to reveal her face and her long, dark-gold hair. One guard stepped forward and shouted to them. Geniveve did not understand him and looked in Dascha's direction. Dascha shrugged her shoulders and whispered, "Don't look to me, Gen. I no know what he say; is definitely not Russian."
Geniveve gave her friend an exasperated look and then turned back to the guards and spoke gently, "I'm sorry sir, but we do not speak that tongue."
The guard responded quickly, "Why do two women come to the gates so strangely garbed?"
Geniveve answered proudly, "We have traveled far from the Golden Wood, from Lothlorien. We battled with Uruks near the Great River. We are looking for a company and seek the counsel of the King."
The guard laughed heartily, "Hah! The Golden Wood? I suppose you met the Sorceress Galadriel herself!"
Geniveve rolled her eyes as Dascha replied thickly, "We did."
The guard turned serious, "What are you're names?"
Geniveve thought for a moment and remembered the name Galadriel had given her, "I am Evangeline and this is my friend Telvilya."
The guard raised an eyebrow, "Such strange names."
He then turned from them and disappeared through the gates. Geniveve looked to Dascha who frowned back at her; "Shall I call you Evangeline as well?"
Geniveve sighed, "No. I am really not sure why I said that. I suppose it's because he thought ill of Galadriel and I thought about that last meeting and what she said to me. I think I am as confused as you are. As for your name, it just popped into my head."
Minutes passed and the guard had not reappeared. Dascha huffed impatiently and scowled, "What is taking so long?"
Geniveve shook her head, "I don't think they trust us. But what can we do about it? Should I flash him my Ruby Red Slippers and expect him to say, 'Why didn't you say so? That's a horse of a different color!'"
Dascha giggled lightly, "I miss movies."
Geniveve nodded in return, "So do I."
At that moment, the guard returned, "You may now enter. Follow me."
Geniveve rode Taralom through the open gates and Dascha followed. Halfway there, Geniveve dismounted and led her tired horse by the reins up to the Golden Hall. Geniveve and Dascha tied Ireth and Taralom to a wooden post, collected their packs and went up the stairs. Another set of guards stepped infront of them before they reached the doors.
One spoke clearly, "I am Hama, the Doorward to King Theoden. I must ask you to leave all weapons before you enter to see the Lord of the Mark."
Geniveve nodded, "We understand."
She unhooked her Elven blade from her waist and removed the dagger from her boot then handed them to Hama. Dascha begrudgingly relinquished her bow, quiver, and blade to Hama, who gaped at her in wonder. No matter how feminine Dascha had become, she was still very tall and very muscular-and at the moment, very ill tempered.
As the doors opened and they entered, Geniveve gasped at the beauty of the dark hall, which was dimly lit with blazing torches. It's carved walls as awe-inspiring as anything she had seen in Lothlorien. As they stepped further into the hall, Geniveve saw a great fire burning in the hearth and three shadowy figures sitting at the very end. As Geniveve and Dascha reached the foot of the stairs, their faces could be made out clearly.
King Theoden sat haunched over in his throne, bearded and aged. Behind him stood a young woman, stoic and clad in white and deep hunter green with bright gold hair longer than Geniveve's. Geniveve smiled gently, it was Eowyn, who was always her favorite character in the story. Soon her smile diminished as she looked to the floor to find a creepy man sitting at the King's feet. His pale gaze fell on her and she shivered in chill. Geniveve shuddered in remembrance, his name is Wormtongue
Wormtongue rose to his feet and crept closely to the girls. His dark, long and unwashed hair made his pale complexion even more startling to Geniveve. He walked a circle around them and spoke with calm suspicion, "What odd company. Two women in elvish garb, carrying elvish weapons and riding elvish horses. Why have you come to torment the King?"
Geniveve collected herself; "We are not here to torment the King. We only ask for his counsel. We left from Lothlorien eleven days ago. We are looking for a company of three. We were attacked by Uruks two days ago."
Wormtongue placed a cold finger to her chin, "So you are minions of the Sorceress. You have come here to be duplicitous to the King and the land of Rohan. You ask for help only to betray."
Geniveve turned away from his touch; "We will do no such thing. What we say is true."
Suddenly, the woman behind the throne called to him, "You speak of my uncle as if he is not able to speak for himself, Wormtongue."
Wormtongue's head snapped and his cold eyes landed on Eowyn. She stepped to the side of Theoden's throne and touched his hand, "My Lord, these two travelers need shelter and protection. They come to you for your counsel. They are but young women not much younger than I am. Please, do not turn them away."
Theoden looked slowly to Eowyn and then to Geniveve and Dascha and spoke roughly, "What are your names?"
Geniveve gave a little bow, "I am Evangeline and this is Telvilya, my lord."
The King nodded heavily, "Do you come here with sinister motives against the people of Rohan?"
Geniveve shook her head, "No, my lord."
Wormtongue laughed, "These are no ladies, they are spies working for usurpers. You cannot entertain the idea of housing them. They are dangerous."
Theoden met the eyes of his counsel and spoke rather sternly, "If they do anything duplicitous, Grima, then we shall apprehend them. As yet they are innocent, but we shall keep a close eye on them. Eowyn, sister-daughter, you will show them to their chamber."
Eowyn nodded, "Yes, my lord."
Geniveve bowed again, "Thank you, my lord. We will be forever indebted to your kindness."
Eowyn took her lightly by the arm, "Come Evangeline, I will show you and Telvilya to your quarters."
~~
Geniveve and Dascha followed Eowyn down the halls of Meduseld in silence. Eowyn stopped at a door and opened it. As they entered, Eowyn gestured to the two small beds, "Ladies, this is your room. I fear it is small and lacks the beauty of the things you have seen in the Golden Wood."
Geniveve placed her pack on the left bed, "No, Lady Eowyn, this room is wonderful. As for beauty, the Golden Hall is as beautiful as anything I have seen in the elf-dwellings of Lothlorien or Rivendell."
Eowyn raised an eyebrow, "The Lady Evangeline and the Lady Telvilya have seen very much! I would like to hear of your journeys and adventures."
Geniveve smiled, "Indeed, we have had a few."
Dascha sat on her bed wearily and sighed a sigh of relief. Eowyn sat next to her and looked interestedly at Geniveve, "Did you really fight Uruks by the Great River?"
Geniveve nodded and removed her cloak. She raised her right hand and revealed the sleeve of her dress that was stained to the forearm with black blood, "I am doubting that this stain will ever come out."
Eowyn laughed gently, "Nay, I should say not. How many did you kill?"
Geniveve smiled in lieu of Eowyn's curiosity, "Two, and not very skillfully. I just managed it to be perfectly honest."
Eowyn turned to Dascha, "And what of you Telvilya? How many did you slay?"
Dascha shrugged, "Ten. Four with arrows and six with blade."
Eowyn became intrigued with Dascha, "I daresay, you have the most interesting accent I have encountered. Where do you call home?"
Geniveve smiled brightly, "You could say that I am from far away and Telvilya is from far, far away."
Suddenly, her head snapped towards the door, "Oh, we forgot about the horses!"
Eowyn smiled, "No worries, Evangeline. I will help you lead them to the stables."
Geniveve stood and looked to Dascha, "Are you coming, Telvilya?"
Dascha shook her head and lied back on the bed, "No, I'll stay here."
Geniveve nodded, "I'll be back in a bit."
~~
Geniveve followed Eowyn down the stairs of the Golden Hall to where Taralom and Ireth were tied. Taralom whinnied at the sight of her and she rubbed his nose happily, "Hello, boy. We've come to take you to the stables."
Eowyn stroked Ireth's neck; "They are lovely creatures. What are their names?"
Geniveve smiled, "That is Ireth and this is my best friend Taralom. They were given to us by Lord Elrond in Rivendell for our journey."
Eowyn took Ireth by the reins and led him toward the stables. Geniveve followed with Taralom in tow. She fell in step with Eowyn and spoke seriously, "Thank you, Lady Eowyn, for your help. I was afraid that we would be turned away."
Eowyn smiled weakly, "Wormtongue is a snake and I loathe him. He poisons the King's mind. However, it is plain to see you have come to do us no harm. Unless, I am fooled by your magic."
Geniveve giggled softly as they placed the horses in neighboring stalls. Eowyn patted both horses on the nose, "Rest well fellows, tonight you will eat well in the realm of the Horse Lords."
~~
A/N-Next up: Geniveve and Dascha run into trouble with Wormtongue, make friends with Eomer while imprisoned and catch-up with Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas! Plus the return of Gandalf!
Please Read and Review!
A/N: This story is the second part of "The Evangeline Series," the first part being found in the story "A Sorta Fairytale." Please read it and review if you have not already done so. Happy reading!
PART TWO OF THE EVANGELINE SERIES:
Judgement of the Moon and Stars
By Leah Pensotti
Chapter One: Journey to Rohan
The wind shrieked in Geniveve's face as she and Dascha rode hard across the plains of Rohan. They had been riding for an entire day without more than two hours rest and night was closing in again. Geniveve wished not to stop until they came to Edoras. She feared that she would exhaust Taralom and Ireth terribly through the hills and ravines, but both horses had shown much stamina and endurance since leaving Lothlorien.
Dascha had spoken little after bearing witness to Boromir's lifeless form. Geniveve wondered exactly what she was feeling at the moment. What exactly did they share?
Her thoughts froze as she saw it in the distance; the city perched on a high hill with a great, golden building as its centerpiece. It was Meduseld, the Golden Hall; she then laughed remembering this, because Ivy always asserted that Geniveve never listened to her diatribes about paying attention to the names and places in Middle-Earth. At home in the world of the living, Geniveve used to dismiss it as useless knowledge that could never be used in daily situations. However, Ivy has proved her wrong and all of her haranguing has served to be quite useful.
Geniveve flooded with thoughts and memories of her brother and best friend. Was Christopher back at medical school? Were he and Ivy a couple? Was time even the same between these worlds? It had been three months since Christopher and Ivy returned home and Dascha and Geniveve were left with the realization of their deaths and facing all of eternity in a strange, new land. Perhaps at home years had passed or maybe only mere minutes?
Geniveve slowed Taralom down to a trot as Dascha signaled for Ireth to do the same. Dascha looked to her friend questioningly, "What is wrong, Gen?"
Geniveve slid her hand fee of the velveteen cloak given by Lady Galadriel and pointed to the horizon, "We're here, Dascha. That's Edoras. Soon we can rest."
Dascha followed Geniveve's finger and nudged Ireth to go, leaving Geniveve standing in her dust. Dascha called to her as she sped off, "Come, Gen! We're almost there!"
Geniveve patted Taralom on the neck, "Come on boy, only a bit more to go."
~~
As Geniveve and Dascha approached the outer gates of the capital, armored guards leered at them suspiciously. Geniveve pulled down her hood to reveal her face and her long, dark-gold hair. One guard stepped forward and shouted to them. Geniveve did not understand him and looked in Dascha's direction. Dascha shrugged her shoulders and whispered, "Don't look to me, Gen. I no know what he say; is definitely not Russian."
Geniveve gave her friend an exasperated look and then turned back to the guards and spoke gently, "I'm sorry sir, but we do not speak that tongue."
The guard responded quickly, "Why do two women come to the gates so strangely garbed?"
Geniveve answered proudly, "We have traveled far from the Golden Wood, from Lothlorien. We battled with Uruks near the Great River. We are looking for a company and seek the counsel of the King."
The guard laughed heartily, "Hah! The Golden Wood? I suppose you met the Sorceress Galadriel herself!"
Geniveve rolled her eyes as Dascha replied thickly, "We did."
The guard turned serious, "What are you're names?"
Geniveve thought for a moment and remembered the name Galadriel had given her, "I am Evangeline and this is my friend Telvilya."
The guard raised an eyebrow, "Such strange names."
He then turned from them and disappeared through the gates. Geniveve looked to Dascha who frowned back at her; "Shall I call you Evangeline as well?"
Geniveve sighed, "No. I am really not sure why I said that. I suppose it's because he thought ill of Galadriel and I thought about that last meeting and what she said to me. I think I am as confused as you are. As for your name, it just popped into my head."
Minutes passed and the guard had not reappeared. Dascha huffed impatiently and scowled, "What is taking so long?"
Geniveve shook her head, "I don't think they trust us. But what can we do about it? Should I flash him my Ruby Red Slippers and expect him to say, 'Why didn't you say so? That's a horse of a different color!'"
Dascha giggled lightly, "I miss movies."
Geniveve nodded in return, "So do I."
At that moment, the guard returned, "You may now enter. Follow me."
Geniveve rode Taralom through the open gates and Dascha followed. Halfway there, Geniveve dismounted and led her tired horse by the reins up to the Golden Hall. Geniveve and Dascha tied Ireth and Taralom to a wooden post, collected their packs and went up the stairs. Another set of guards stepped infront of them before they reached the doors.
One spoke clearly, "I am Hama, the Doorward to King Theoden. I must ask you to leave all weapons before you enter to see the Lord of the Mark."
Geniveve nodded, "We understand."
She unhooked her Elven blade from her waist and removed the dagger from her boot then handed them to Hama. Dascha begrudgingly relinquished her bow, quiver, and blade to Hama, who gaped at her in wonder. No matter how feminine Dascha had become, she was still very tall and very muscular-and at the moment, very ill tempered.
As the doors opened and they entered, Geniveve gasped at the beauty of the dark hall, which was dimly lit with blazing torches. It's carved walls as awe-inspiring as anything she had seen in Lothlorien. As they stepped further into the hall, Geniveve saw a great fire burning in the hearth and three shadowy figures sitting at the very end. As Geniveve and Dascha reached the foot of the stairs, their faces could be made out clearly.
King Theoden sat haunched over in his throne, bearded and aged. Behind him stood a young woman, stoic and clad in white and deep hunter green with bright gold hair longer than Geniveve's. Geniveve smiled gently, it was Eowyn, who was always her favorite character in the story. Soon her smile diminished as she looked to the floor to find a creepy man sitting at the King's feet. His pale gaze fell on her and she shivered in chill. Geniveve shuddered in remembrance, his name is Wormtongue
Wormtongue rose to his feet and crept closely to the girls. His dark, long and unwashed hair made his pale complexion even more startling to Geniveve. He walked a circle around them and spoke with calm suspicion, "What odd company. Two women in elvish garb, carrying elvish weapons and riding elvish horses. Why have you come to torment the King?"
Geniveve collected herself; "We are not here to torment the King. We only ask for his counsel. We left from Lothlorien eleven days ago. We are looking for a company of three. We were attacked by Uruks two days ago."
Wormtongue placed a cold finger to her chin, "So you are minions of the Sorceress. You have come here to be duplicitous to the King and the land of Rohan. You ask for help only to betray."
Geniveve turned away from his touch; "We will do no such thing. What we say is true."
Suddenly, the woman behind the throne called to him, "You speak of my uncle as if he is not able to speak for himself, Wormtongue."
Wormtongue's head snapped and his cold eyes landed on Eowyn. She stepped to the side of Theoden's throne and touched his hand, "My Lord, these two travelers need shelter and protection. They come to you for your counsel. They are but young women not much younger than I am. Please, do not turn them away."
Theoden looked slowly to Eowyn and then to Geniveve and Dascha and spoke roughly, "What are your names?"
Geniveve gave a little bow, "I am Evangeline and this is Telvilya, my lord."
The King nodded heavily, "Do you come here with sinister motives against the people of Rohan?"
Geniveve shook her head, "No, my lord."
Wormtongue laughed, "These are no ladies, they are spies working for usurpers. You cannot entertain the idea of housing them. They are dangerous."
Theoden met the eyes of his counsel and spoke rather sternly, "If they do anything duplicitous, Grima, then we shall apprehend them. As yet they are innocent, but we shall keep a close eye on them. Eowyn, sister-daughter, you will show them to their chamber."
Eowyn nodded, "Yes, my lord."
Geniveve bowed again, "Thank you, my lord. We will be forever indebted to your kindness."
Eowyn took her lightly by the arm, "Come Evangeline, I will show you and Telvilya to your quarters."
~~
Geniveve and Dascha followed Eowyn down the halls of Meduseld in silence. Eowyn stopped at a door and opened it. As they entered, Eowyn gestured to the two small beds, "Ladies, this is your room. I fear it is small and lacks the beauty of the things you have seen in the Golden Wood."
Geniveve placed her pack on the left bed, "No, Lady Eowyn, this room is wonderful. As for beauty, the Golden Hall is as beautiful as anything I have seen in the elf-dwellings of Lothlorien or Rivendell."
Eowyn raised an eyebrow, "The Lady Evangeline and the Lady Telvilya have seen very much! I would like to hear of your journeys and adventures."
Geniveve smiled, "Indeed, we have had a few."
Dascha sat on her bed wearily and sighed a sigh of relief. Eowyn sat next to her and looked interestedly at Geniveve, "Did you really fight Uruks by the Great River?"
Geniveve nodded and removed her cloak. She raised her right hand and revealed the sleeve of her dress that was stained to the forearm with black blood, "I am doubting that this stain will ever come out."
Eowyn laughed gently, "Nay, I should say not. How many did you kill?"
Geniveve smiled in lieu of Eowyn's curiosity, "Two, and not very skillfully. I just managed it to be perfectly honest."
Eowyn turned to Dascha, "And what of you Telvilya? How many did you slay?"
Dascha shrugged, "Ten. Four with arrows and six with blade."
Eowyn became intrigued with Dascha, "I daresay, you have the most interesting accent I have encountered. Where do you call home?"
Geniveve smiled brightly, "You could say that I am from far away and Telvilya is from far, far away."
Suddenly, her head snapped towards the door, "Oh, we forgot about the horses!"
Eowyn smiled, "No worries, Evangeline. I will help you lead them to the stables."
Geniveve stood and looked to Dascha, "Are you coming, Telvilya?"
Dascha shook her head and lied back on the bed, "No, I'll stay here."
Geniveve nodded, "I'll be back in a bit."
~~
Geniveve followed Eowyn down the stairs of the Golden Hall to where Taralom and Ireth were tied. Taralom whinnied at the sight of her and she rubbed his nose happily, "Hello, boy. We've come to take you to the stables."
Eowyn stroked Ireth's neck; "They are lovely creatures. What are their names?"
Geniveve smiled, "That is Ireth and this is my best friend Taralom. They were given to us by Lord Elrond in Rivendell for our journey."
Eowyn took Ireth by the reins and led him toward the stables. Geniveve followed with Taralom in tow. She fell in step with Eowyn and spoke seriously, "Thank you, Lady Eowyn, for your help. I was afraid that we would be turned away."
Eowyn smiled weakly, "Wormtongue is a snake and I loathe him. He poisons the King's mind. However, it is plain to see you have come to do us no harm. Unless, I am fooled by your magic."
Geniveve giggled softly as they placed the horses in neighboring stalls. Eowyn patted both horses on the nose, "Rest well fellows, tonight you will eat well in the realm of the Horse Lords."
~~
A/N-Next up: Geniveve and Dascha run into trouble with Wormtongue, make friends with Eomer while imprisoned and catch-up with Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas! Plus the return of Gandalf!
Please Read and Review!