**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 Two: These Dreams
Geniveve blinked in the pale white light. Even though it wasn't bright, it still stung like sun on new fallen snow. She focused in and found herself in her own room; her room at home. She felt someone's arms around her and pulled away quickly.
Ivy's face was tear-stained and her dark hair seemed much longer than Geniveve remembered it. Geniveve fingered her friend's shoulder-length hair. Ivy smiled warmly at her and Geniveve gaped in return.
"Ivy? This can't be real. You can't be real!"
Geniveve felt tears burning down her face. This was a dream, it had to be. Ivy took hold of her wrists and studied her palms. At the sight of the scars, she drew her breath sharply inwards, "Evie, why? You must stay strong. You'll have much to do."
Geniveve was rendered speechless. She fought to find words; "There is so much to say. There is so much I have to know."
Ivy shook her head; "We don't have that much time, Evie. Christopher is fine. He misses you terribly. I'm fine. You're parents are heartbroken, but they have made it so far. You need to beware. Heartbreak is coming and it is dangerous for all those involved. The war is about to begin. If you fight you will change."
Geniveve furrowed her brows, "Ivy, I died. I've been to the brink of madness and I am just finding my way back. What else will happen?"
Ivy smiled sadly; "There's only one thing I can tell you. Give in. You'll know the answer when the time comes. Goodbye, Evie."
Geniveve shook her head and whimpered in futility, "No. No wait! Ivy!"
~~
Geniveve's heart pounded erratically. Give in? To what? She shot up from bed to see Dascha still sleeping. She pushed Dascha frantically, "Wake up!"
Dascha rolled over and her filailing arms knocked Geniveve to the ground. She stayed there for awhile before pushing herself upwards. She shook Dascha violently this time until Dascha's eyes finally flashed open.
"Gen? What's wrong?"
Geniveve caught her breath and told Dascha about her dream, "Ivy. I talked to Ivy. She told me everyone is fine at home. She also said that if I fight in the war I'd change. She also advised me to 'give in'."
Dascha shook her head; "It was a dream, no?"
Geniveve sat on her bed, "I'm not so sure. It was so real that it has to mean something."
~~
The next morning, Geniveve rose all too early. The sun barely peeked over the hills, as sleepy and ill rested as Geniveve felt. Dinner the night before had been uncomfortable, to say the least; despite Eowyn's attempts.
The King did not speak, unless Wormtongue whispered into his ear. It seemed to Geniveve that the King had aged even more since she and Dascha had arrived. The evening fell to pieces when the topic of discussion turned to Eomer. Wormtongue dismissed him as insubordinate and disobedient to King Theoden. Eomer had left the night before Geniveve's and Dascha's arrival to track orcs. The same orcs who had Merry and Pippin. The same monsters that Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas hunted. Eomer left with the Riders of Rohan against the wishes of the King.
Geniveve saw the strange silver fire borne in Eowyn's eyes as Wormtongue discredited her brother to complete strangers and as her uncle said nothing. Wormtongue laid his icy and frighteningly pale gaze on Eowyn. Geniveve shuddered to think about Eowyn's days at Meduseld. How did she stand it without taking a blade to his most deserving throat?
The term slimy failed to adequately describe Wormtongue. Geniveve could not even look in his general direction. He scared her more than the thought of a whole band of stinking Uruks.
Geniveve stretched and tiptoed around to her bag. She gathered her hairbrush and her blue-black dress that was draped on the changing screen. She was determined to find a place to take a proper bath. As she silently made her way out of the room in her silver robe and bare feet, Geniveve felt a tap on the shoulder. She spun around to see Eowyn behind her, wearing a simple white and burgundy gown. Geniveve gave her a tired smile, "Good morning, Eowyn."
Eowyn smiled, "Same to you Evangeline. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Geniveve nodded, "I was wondering if there is a bath I could use? It has been some time since I was able to have a proper one."
Eowyn nodded, "Follow me. I'll stand guard beside the door to make sure no unwanted visitors appear."
Geniveve experienced cold chills when Eowyn spoke. She knew whom she meant- Wormtongue.
~~
After Geniveve bathed, she dressed and ran her brush through her long, damp hair. She folded her robe and walked out into the hallway to meet Eowyn. Geniveve smiled, "Thanks. I feel much better."
Eowyn nodded, "I'm sure you do after all of that travel. You have yet to tell me of this company that you and Telvilya are looking for."
Geniveve shrugged and began to walk back down the hall, "Friends we met in Rivendell and then again in Lorien."
Eowyn looked interested, "Where are they travelling?"
Geniveve hesitated and then lied, "We're not sure, but we're hoping that they come to Edoras."
Geniveve stopped and spoke to Eowyn in a hushed voice, "How do you endure Wormtongue?"
Eowyn darkened and remained quiet. Geniveve felt a pang of guilt and murmured, "I'm sorry, lady. That is none of my concern."
Eowyn sighed, "Actually, Evangeline, I am glad to have others concern. It is nice to know that others have the realization that others feel the poison seeping into my city."
~~
Geniveve and Dascha spent most of the day in idle chatter with Eowyn about horses, Lothlorien and Eomer. But as night fell on Edoras, Geniveve and Dascha remained in their room during the evening meal. Geniveve could not stomach a continuation of the evening before. Dascha relaxed on her small bed, her hands behind her head and her eyes fixed on the ceiling. Geniveve rested on her stomach with her hands beneath her chin.
She fought back the haunting memories of Ivy and Christopher and the weight of Legolas's final plea. They seemed so toxic to each other, yet something would not let them part completely. Dascha sighed heavily and Geniveve raised an eyebrow, "Everything okay Dascha?"
Dascha did not look at her; "I'm bored. I'm tired and I'm-"
Geniveve finished her sentence, "Sad. Dascha, maybe we should talk about Boromir."
Dascha shook her head, "No we shouldn't."
Geniveve sat up, "But the both of you were close. You guys well, you know- "
Dascha looked to her friend in anger, "I told you, Gen. It was no like that. Nothing happened. We were friends. That's it."
Geniveve retorted, "But-"
"No buts. I cared for him. I miss him, but nothing happened. We we're no like you and the Elf."
Geniveve clenched her fists, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Dascha rolled over and away from her friend, "Nothing. Let's stop, Gen."
~~
Geniveve didn't sleep well that night; too many things troubled her. She stayed in bed drifting in and out of sleep until dawn's orange-yellow light filled the room. She washed her face in the basin and she donned the blue- black dress once again. Something about the light colors of the other elvish dresses felt wholly wrong to wear in Rohan.
She tied back the front of her hair and let the rest fall loose. She looked to Dascha and saw that she was still asleep. Geniveve sneaked out of their room, outside the doors of Meduseld and to the stables to visit Ireth and Taralom.
Geniveve was welcomed with jubilant whinnies from both horses. She smiled broadly and extended both of her arms to pat them on the noses, "Hey fellas. I'm sure you're enjoying your stay here."
She grabbed a brush and began with Ireth. Geniveve hummed quietly as thoughts of the Fellowship splintered throughout Middle-Earth consumed her. She sent silent prayers for Merry, Pippin, Frodo and her brave Sam. They would all return changed; far from those first idyllic days of friendship in Rivendell. Before Geniveve knew the truth, before she lost her best friend and her brother, before her flirtation with madness, and before the confusion of feelings with an irritating Elf.
Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas should be making their way to Edoras. Aragorn and Legolas would be furious with her, of course. They would call her foolish and insolent, but she ultimately didn't care. If she abided them, she would fall once again to the will of her demons. She could not allow that to happen. She was not a withering, fragile flower and she refused to be seen as one.
Geniveve moved on to brush Taralom, when she felt the feel of eyes on her. She looked around carefully and not seeing anything, continued brushing. Suddenly, she felt a cold finger at her neck. She gasped and dropped the brush in a startled jump. She spun on her heel to meet the stare of Wormtongue.
Geniveve backed away cautiously and the creepy man took a step forward, "The Lady Evangeline has risen early."
Geniveve nodded but could not speak. Wormtongue gave her an odd smile, revealing yellowed teeth. She straightened a bit. She refused to cower when she realized that if he were stupid enough to hurt her, he would pay dearly.
"Have you come to intimidate me Wormtongue? Because it will not work."
Wormtongue looked taken aback, "Indeed, such a traitorous figure as yourself surely has much up their sleeves. Every moment you stay here you threaten the people of this country."
Geniveve fumed, "I think it is quite the opposite. You are the venomous one. The Lady Eowyn and her brother Eomer have realized it already and it will only be a matter of time until King Theoden realizes the same."
Wormtongue laughed, "Indeed! If and when Eomer returns, he will be punished for his disobedience to the King. Perhaps you and the Lady Telvilya will join him."
Geniveve growled spitefully, "Be glad Hama has my blade. Otherwise, I would skewer you with it."
He laughed once again, "Now you threaten me? Tread carefully, Evangeline."
Wormtongue left the stables and Geniveve picked up her brush and finished Taralom, still fuming from the encounter.
~~
A/N: Sorry it has taken so long to update. I have had computer problems along with an ever-changing work schedule! Please R & R! Next up: Dascha and Geniveve get imprisoned, Eomer returns and Gimli, Aragorn, Legolas and Gandalf finally make it to Edoras!
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 Two: These Dreams
Geniveve blinked in the pale white light. Even though it wasn't bright, it still stung like sun on new fallen snow. She focused in and found herself in her own room; her room at home. She felt someone's arms around her and pulled away quickly.
Ivy's face was tear-stained and her dark hair seemed much longer than Geniveve remembered it. Geniveve fingered her friend's shoulder-length hair. Ivy smiled warmly at her and Geniveve gaped in return.
"Ivy? This can't be real. You can't be real!"
Geniveve felt tears burning down her face. This was a dream, it had to be. Ivy took hold of her wrists and studied her palms. At the sight of the scars, she drew her breath sharply inwards, "Evie, why? You must stay strong. You'll have much to do."
Geniveve was rendered speechless. She fought to find words; "There is so much to say. There is so much I have to know."
Ivy shook her head; "We don't have that much time, Evie. Christopher is fine. He misses you terribly. I'm fine. You're parents are heartbroken, but they have made it so far. You need to beware. Heartbreak is coming and it is dangerous for all those involved. The war is about to begin. If you fight you will change."
Geniveve furrowed her brows, "Ivy, I died. I've been to the brink of madness and I am just finding my way back. What else will happen?"
Ivy smiled sadly; "There's only one thing I can tell you. Give in. You'll know the answer when the time comes. Goodbye, Evie."
Geniveve shook her head and whimpered in futility, "No. No wait! Ivy!"
~~
Geniveve's heart pounded erratically. Give in? To what? She shot up from bed to see Dascha still sleeping. She pushed Dascha frantically, "Wake up!"
Dascha rolled over and her filailing arms knocked Geniveve to the ground. She stayed there for awhile before pushing herself upwards. She shook Dascha violently this time until Dascha's eyes finally flashed open.
"Gen? What's wrong?"
Geniveve caught her breath and told Dascha about her dream, "Ivy. I talked to Ivy. She told me everyone is fine at home. She also said that if I fight in the war I'd change. She also advised me to 'give in'."
Dascha shook her head; "It was a dream, no?"
Geniveve sat on her bed, "I'm not so sure. It was so real that it has to mean something."
~~
The next morning, Geniveve rose all too early. The sun barely peeked over the hills, as sleepy and ill rested as Geniveve felt. Dinner the night before had been uncomfortable, to say the least; despite Eowyn's attempts.
The King did not speak, unless Wormtongue whispered into his ear. It seemed to Geniveve that the King had aged even more since she and Dascha had arrived. The evening fell to pieces when the topic of discussion turned to Eomer. Wormtongue dismissed him as insubordinate and disobedient to King Theoden. Eomer had left the night before Geniveve's and Dascha's arrival to track orcs. The same orcs who had Merry and Pippin. The same monsters that Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas hunted. Eomer left with the Riders of Rohan against the wishes of the King.
Geniveve saw the strange silver fire borne in Eowyn's eyes as Wormtongue discredited her brother to complete strangers and as her uncle said nothing. Wormtongue laid his icy and frighteningly pale gaze on Eowyn. Geniveve shuddered to think about Eowyn's days at Meduseld. How did she stand it without taking a blade to his most deserving throat?
The term slimy failed to adequately describe Wormtongue. Geniveve could not even look in his general direction. He scared her more than the thought of a whole band of stinking Uruks.
Geniveve stretched and tiptoed around to her bag. She gathered her hairbrush and her blue-black dress that was draped on the changing screen. She was determined to find a place to take a proper bath. As she silently made her way out of the room in her silver robe and bare feet, Geniveve felt a tap on the shoulder. She spun around to see Eowyn behind her, wearing a simple white and burgundy gown. Geniveve gave her a tired smile, "Good morning, Eowyn."
Eowyn smiled, "Same to you Evangeline. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Geniveve nodded, "I was wondering if there is a bath I could use? It has been some time since I was able to have a proper one."
Eowyn nodded, "Follow me. I'll stand guard beside the door to make sure no unwanted visitors appear."
Geniveve experienced cold chills when Eowyn spoke. She knew whom she meant- Wormtongue.
~~
After Geniveve bathed, she dressed and ran her brush through her long, damp hair. She folded her robe and walked out into the hallway to meet Eowyn. Geniveve smiled, "Thanks. I feel much better."
Eowyn nodded, "I'm sure you do after all of that travel. You have yet to tell me of this company that you and Telvilya are looking for."
Geniveve shrugged and began to walk back down the hall, "Friends we met in Rivendell and then again in Lorien."
Eowyn looked interested, "Where are they travelling?"
Geniveve hesitated and then lied, "We're not sure, but we're hoping that they come to Edoras."
Geniveve stopped and spoke to Eowyn in a hushed voice, "How do you endure Wormtongue?"
Eowyn darkened and remained quiet. Geniveve felt a pang of guilt and murmured, "I'm sorry, lady. That is none of my concern."
Eowyn sighed, "Actually, Evangeline, I am glad to have others concern. It is nice to know that others have the realization that others feel the poison seeping into my city."
~~
Geniveve and Dascha spent most of the day in idle chatter with Eowyn about horses, Lothlorien and Eomer. But as night fell on Edoras, Geniveve and Dascha remained in their room during the evening meal. Geniveve could not stomach a continuation of the evening before. Dascha relaxed on her small bed, her hands behind her head and her eyes fixed on the ceiling. Geniveve rested on her stomach with her hands beneath her chin.
She fought back the haunting memories of Ivy and Christopher and the weight of Legolas's final plea. They seemed so toxic to each other, yet something would not let them part completely. Dascha sighed heavily and Geniveve raised an eyebrow, "Everything okay Dascha?"
Dascha did not look at her; "I'm bored. I'm tired and I'm-"
Geniveve finished her sentence, "Sad. Dascha, maybe we should talk about Boromir."
Dascha shook her head, "No we shouldn't."
Geniveve sat up, "But the both of you were close. You guys well, you know- "
Dascha looked to her friend in anger, "I told you, Gen. It was no like that. Nothing happened. We were friends. That's it."
Geniveve retorted, "But-"
"No buts. I cared for him. I miss him, but nothing happened. We we're no like you and the Elf."
Geniveve clenched her fists, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Dascha rolled over and away from her friend, "Nothing. Let's stop, Gen."
~~
Geniveve didn't sleep well that night; too many things troubled her. She stayed in bed drifting in and out of sleep until dawn's orange-yellow light filled the room. She washed her face in the basin and she donned the blue- black dress once again. Something about the light colors of the other elvish dresses felt wholly wrong to wear in Rohan.
She tied back the front of her hair and let the rest fall loose. She looked to Dascha and saw that she was still asleep. Geniveve sneaked out of their room, outside the doors of Meduseld and to the stables to visit Ireth and Taralom.
Geniveve was welcomed with jubilant whinnies from both horses. She smiled broadly and extended both of her arms to pat them on the noses, "Hey fellas. I'm sure you're enjoying your stay here."
She grabbed a brush and began with Ireth. Geniveve hummed quietly as thoughts of the Fellowship splintered throughout Middle-Earth consumed her. She sent silent prayers for Merry, Pippin, Frodo and her brave Sam. They would all return changed; far from those first idyllic days of friendship in Rivendell. Before Geniveve knew the truth, before she lost her best friend and her brother, before her flirtation with madness, and before the confusion of feelings with an irritating Elf.
Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas should be making their way to Edoras. Aragorn and Legolas would be furious with her, of course. They would call her foolish and insolent, but she ultimately didn't care. If she abided them, she would fall once again to the will of her demons. She could not allow that to happen. She was not a withering, fragile flower and she refused to be seen as one.
Geniveve moved on to brush Taralom, when she felt the feel of eyes on her. She looked around carefully and not seeing anything, continued brushing. Suddenly, she felt a cold finger at her neck. She gasped and dropped the brush in a startled jump. She spun on her heel to meet the stare of Wormtongue.
Geniveve backed away cautiously and the creepy man took a step forward, "The Lady Evangeline has risen early."
Geniveve nodded but could not speak. Wormtongue gave her an odd smile, revealing yellowed teeth. She straightened a bit. She refused to cower when she realized that if he were stupid enough to hurt her, he would pay dearly.
"Have you come to intimidate me Wormtongue? Because it will not work."
Wormtongue looked taken aback, "Indeed, such a traitorous figure as yourself surely has much up their sleeves. Every moment you stay here you threaten the people of this country."
Geniveve fumed, "I think it is quite the opposite. You are the venomous one. The Lady Eowyn and her brother Eomer have realized it already and it will only be a matter of time until King Theoden realizes the same."
Wormtongue laughed, "Indeed! If and when Eomer returns, he will be punished for his disobedience to the King. Perhaps you and the Lady Telvilya will join him."
Geniveve growled spitefully, "Be glad Hama has my blade. Otherwise, I would skewer you with it."
He laughed once again, "Now you threaten me? Tread carefully, Evangeline."
Wormtongue left the stables and Geniveve picked up her brush and finished Taralom, still fuming from the encounter.
~~
A/N: Sorry it has taken so long to update. I have had computer problems along with an ever-changing work schedule! Please R & R! Next up: Dascha and Geniveve get imprisoned, Eomer returns and Gimli, Aragorn, Legolas and Gandalf finally make it to Edoras!