~ Here's another update, I have been writing as often as I can for everyone. Thanks for the reviews Aislin and MaverickGirl and thanks to Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf. I'll get the 'tome' fixed :o)
"We will be leaving here in two days," Aragorn said to the group. Everyone was getting ready to sleep but Aragorn wanted to talk with them first.
"It would be a good idea for us all to stay together for the next two nights we're here," Aragorn added looking directly at Boromir. He only turned his head pretending to find something of interest on a tree root. A lot has happened in those few days in Lothlorien for Shantel. She found out the only way she could think of getting home was to destroy Middle Earth, which was a hard blow. Haldir turned out to be a gentleman, you just had to prod it out of him, and the elves were very helpful in helping getting everything ready for their journey. Probably to make sure we set off soon, Shantel smiled at the thought.
Frodo had been becoming more and more withdrawn, talking only with Sam most the time and Boromir would be found sitting at constantly the same tree. He'd cheer up when Shantel came around, or she'd do something silly like the snoopy dance again just to get him laughing. The last time she found him moping, she pulled him to his feet, and made Boromir do the snoopy dance. It was too funny.
"We're do we go from here?" Shantel asked.
"We will take course on the river," Aragorn said. Hopefully loose the scent of any orcs that might have followed us." Shantel frowned at the word orc and suppressed a shudder. Thoughts of orcs, led to the bridge where Gandalf took his fall. Even though there was nothing she could change it still bothered her. Everyone settle in their blankets and turned to sleep as Shantel stood up.
"Where are you going?" Pippin asked.
"A walk," Shantel replied and slipped out before anyone could question her. Walking down to the mirror Shantel has been looking into it every night, hoping that she might see Scott again. The only thing she would see though was her reflection. That night Shantel looked into the mirror expecting the same thing, but there was no water in there this time. Confused, Shantel looked over to where the pitcher was and stopped. Haldir was sitting there holding the pitcher.
"Why do you wander here every night, looking in the mirror?" He asked softly.
"Hoping to see Scott again," Shantel said.
"Too see in another world or time," Haldir said. "Was only possible with the power of the Lady of the Light being at the mirror's side."
"I know," Shantel sat down. "I just can't help but hope, you know."
"That's all that's left in this world," Haldir put the pitcher down. "Hope and despair."
"There you go being Mr. Cheerful again," Shantel said sarcastically.
"Do you always joke about everything?"
"Do you always ask questions on everything?" Shantel shot
back. At Haldir's surprised look Shantel walked over
to him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap."
"It is all right," Haldir gave Shantel a smile. "Feel free to vent out your
frustrations on me, for I know that is all they are." Shantel smiled back and
bumped his arm with hers, a friendly gesture.
"I can't," Shantel said. "You're making it too hard to stay mad at you."
"Would it help if I scowled and mad a mean face," Haldir crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue. Shantel looked at him for a moment then laughed.
"If I only had a camera," Shantel gasped. Relaxing Haldir smiled at Shantel.
"You will be missed," Haldir spoke quietly.
"What you're going to miss me snapping at you and being rude," Shantel said.
"No," Haldir shook his head. "I'll miss the way you talk, it keeps changing depending on your mood. For a moment you can be nice and polite, then change to being angry and using many words I am not familiar with.
"It's a refreshing change from the constant same scenery that I endure over and over," Haldir finished.
"Yes, because your life is so dreadfully boring and it will get even more so after I leave," Shantel stopped what she was saying as a yawn interrupted her.
"You should get some rest," Haldir took Shantel's arm intent on leading her back to the fellowship.
"No I'm not tir…" Shantel yawned again mid-sentence. "Dang it," She whispered. Haldir laughed and gently pulled her along. "Oh yeah, well what if I just planted my feet and then became dead weight?" Shantel started to dig her feet in.
"Is that a challenge?" Haldir lifted one eyebrow at her.
"Oh yeah, come on bring it on elfie," Shantel was leaning back as Haldir was now holding her up with her arm. He shrugged and let go letting Shantel fall down on her rear.
"Ow!" Shantel yelled but then was being lifted by Haldir. "That's cheating," Shantel hissed, but was smiling.
"Where did you get elfie from?" Haldir asked. Shantel shrugged.
"Don't know, made it up." Haldir chuckled and Shantel found herself falling asleep as he carried her. Half asleep she found herself thinking of Scott, how Haldir reminded her of Scott and how she missed being held by him, how he would breathe in her hair when he would hold her close. Then she would lift one hand and gently caress his cheek as she lay against his chest. And as he whispered sweetly to her, she would then lift her head and then…
"Shantel?" That wasn't Scott's voice. Opening her eyes, Shantel saw that she was mere inches away from Haldir, like she was going to kiss him. Her breath caught and Shantel wasn't able to say anything for a moment. Her cheeks burned, and Shantel's feet were now touching the ground.
"You were dreaming," Haldir said not moving away from her. Brushing hair away from her face, Shantel wondered if that's something every guy does to a girl, maybe it's only the decent ones.
"…naught by this." Shantel missed part of what Haldir said. He seemed to understand this and smiled.
"I missed that," Shantel whispered.
"I said, I know you meant naught by this," Haldir said again. "Go inside, so to sleep." Shantel nodded and turned suddenly slipping inside the make shift tent and under her blankets. She waited listening for the sounds that would announce that Haldir was walking away then scolded herself. Duh, he's an elf, he doesn't make much noise. And Shantel surrendered to a dreamless sleep.
I hate light, stupid, mean, light that won't let me sleep. Shantel groaned and threw an arm over her face trying to make the light go away. Okay that made the light go away, but now the pressure of her arm over her face was giving Shantel a headache. Giving up, Shantel pushed herself up and rubbed her eyes. Everyone else had already gotten up for the day. This was no surprise to Shantel, when out in the wilderness, they normally had to wake her up. Blinking here eyes, Shantel slipped out and almost fell over Merry.
"Oh, good, your up," Merry got up from where he was sitting. "Change of plans, we leave tomorrow morning.
"Why the change?" Shantel asked. Merry shrugged.
"Not sure, but Aragorn and Legolas have gone to re-supply our rations," Merry said. "Told Pip and I that if we were to pack rations, no one would be able to carry them. Shantel laughed.
"He was right," Shantel patted Merry's head and walked to get breakfast. He smiled for a minute then stood up straight.
"Shantel!" Giggling, Shantel waved to Merry and ran of to get cleaned up. The day passed too quickly for Shantel. The group got all their weapons in place, repaired, restrung, supplies ready, and were putting their clothing away, when Haldir stepped in with Rumil and Orophin.
"Hey guys," Shantel smiled. They smiled back and held out their arms. Aragorn walked over.
"We thought you could use some more sturdier but lighter clothing for your travels," Haldir said. They passed out breeches of brown and shirts of beige. Tunics were handed to each, some more different then others. Legolas wore one of light green which matched the one given to him. The one's given to Aragorn and Boromir resembled dark brown vest, four similar one's were given to the hobbits. A sturdy one of dark brown leather was given to Gimli, longer than a vest, but shorter than a tunic. When the elves walked over to Shantel she couldn't help but eagerly look at what they brought for her.
"So eager to get your stuff and go?" Haldir kidded.
"No," Shantel shook her head. "Eager for presents." This gave everyone a laugh. Haldir unfolded the last tunic he held. It was long, the material light and flowing. At a glance it could be mistaken for as a dress, until you looked more closely. The material was made of four panels instead of one for just the front and back. At the top it looked much like a dress top until you reached the hips. From there the panels were separate, presumably to make walking easier, and less cumbersome. It was colored a pale green.
"That is lovely," Shantel said lightly touching the outfit.
"You can take it," Haldir said. "It's yours." Shantel gave him a hug then took the material. "In the morning," Haldir looked around. "I will escort you to the Great River." Bidding everyone goodnight, they left them to sleep. Dawn came too early for Shantel as well as the hobbits, who slowly pulled on their packs and followed Haldir to the Great River. There they aligned everyone in a line, and elves stepped forward wrapping cloaks around each individual and fastened them with a green leaf pin laden with silver.
"Are these magic?" Pippin asked turning the fabric, watching it change color with the light.
"These are fair garments, made by the Lady herself and her maidens," Haldir answered, as he fastened Frodo's pin. "You are in high favor of the Lady. Never before have we garbed strangers in the garb of our own people."
"May they shield you from unfriendly eyes," Haldir paused as he surveyed the group, looking at Boromir. Aragorn nodded and all worked to load the boats provided. Three boats with three to each. Pippin, Merry and Shantel were sitting in one, talking when Legolas picked up a parcel from the elves pulling out a small square size loaf of bread, it looked.
"Lembas," Legolas gasped. Shantel looked up at him with a raised eyebrow as he took a bite. "One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man." Shantel looked to Merry and Pippin who wore polite smiles and nodded. Legolas gave a nod of his head before putting the parcel down and stepping away.
"How many did you eat?" Merry whispered to Pippin. Shantel turned curious herself.
"Four," Pippin replied, then looked to where Legolas had gone. Trying not to laugh, Shantel covered her mouth and headed over to the boat she would be in, with Legolas and Gimli. Lord Celeborn stepped forward to say a few words before the group was to leave.
"Every League you travel south the danger will increase," Lord Celeborn said. "Mordor orcs now hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Now will you find safety on the western bank." Lord Celeborn bid for Aragorn to talk with him while the final preparations were made to leave.
"A moment, for I bear gifts for all of you," Lady Galadriel stepped forward. A sheath for the sword Aragorn possessed was given him, told that the blade drawn from there, would not break or stain even in defeat. Legolas was given a bow of Galadhrim, strung with the hair of an elf. To the hobbits, the Lady gave them the following. A small box with the letter G was given to Sam. Earth from the Lady's orchards for his garden. Small silver belts, with the clasp embroided were given to Merry and Pippin. Boromir received a belt of gold, similar to the small silver one of Merry and Pippin.
"And what would a dwarf ask of the elves?" Lady Galadriel paused before Gimli. Shantel standing next to him watched him for his reply.
"Nothing," Gimli said. "But to look upon the Lady one last time. She is more fair then all the jewels beneath the earth." Lady Galadriel smiled at Gimli as he blushed and looked away.
"Hear that!" The Lady bid to those around. "Never say again that dwarves are ungracious." Shantel stifled a giggle as Gimli's cheeks turned an even darker shade of red. "Surely there is something I can give you, Gimli son of Gloin. Name it, I bid you."
"Well," Gimli paused not sure how to word it. "A strand of your hair, so that I may treasure it in your memory. And hence upon my return at home, it will be set in imperishable crystal to be a heirloom of my house, and a pledge of good will between the mountains and the wood." The Lady snipped three of her long golden hair's and had them placed in a pouch, given to Gimli. He took it and blushed again under the smile of the Lady. She turned to Shantel, and only there did her smile fade a little.
"I cannot give you what it is that you most desire," Lady Galadriel said. "But I can offer you this." Lady Galadriel beckoned to an elf behind her who stepped forward with a belt. It looked as it was made of silver rope, with jewels of blue and white. "This is a belt that I wore in my maiden days, and I give to you. It is merely a gift, nothing more."
"This is too much," Shantel was surprised and was ready to give it back until she looked up. "But I accept, graciously," Shantel said. Lady Galadriel smiled at her and turned to Frodo.
"I give you the light of Earendil," The Lady took out a vial and handed it to Frodo. "Our beloved star. May it be a light for you in the dark places, when all other lights go out." In the boats, Aragorn sat with Frodo and Sam, while Boromir was with Merry and Pippin. Gimli sat in front of Shantel, while Legolas paddled from behind her. All were sitting thinking about the words of the Lady and the gifts she bestowed upon them. It was a little while down the river before anyone spoke.
"I have taken the worst wound at this parting," Gimli said. "Having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me." Legolas looked at Shantel who was looking at Gimli with her hands on her hips.
"What was her gift?" Legolas asked, he didn't see what it was. Gimli smiled and touched the pouch she had given him.
"I asked for one golden hair from her head," Gimli smiled slightly. "She gave me three." Shantel sat there thinking of what she could do to Gimli then shrugged and settled for lightly punching him in the shoulder.
"Ah! Shantel," Gimli sputtered realizing what he said in front of her.
"It's okay Gimli," Shantel laughed. "I agree that there is none more fair, but I'd like to think I got some good looks." Gimli ducked his head and nodded. From there talking ceased and Shantel leaned forward trailing her hand in the water. Being bored her eyes started to droop. When her head almost fell over, towards the middle of the boat, Shantel jerked upright and looked around. Legolas chuckled and Shantel glanced at him.
"Sorry, didn't mean to rock the boat," Shantel whispered, then perked up thinking of a song she heard with those word in it. She hummed it for a few minutes until she realized that it may not be appropriate. She left out a huff of air trying to think of a different song, then perked up.
"Yo, ho! Yo, ho!
A pirates life for me! " Shantel stopped singing when she saw everyone staring at her, even the guys two boats ahead had turned their heads to look.
"Heh, sorry," Shantel ducked her head. "Different song?"
"No singing," Aragorn said from ahead. Shantel slumped down and put her head in her hands. To Shantel what seemed like forever, it started to get dark and pulled to shore. Skipping out of the boat, Shantel almost spilled herself in the lake she jumped on shore and hugged the ground.
"Nice earth, good ground," Shantel said.
"I think she's loosing it," Sam whispered to Aragorn. Aragorn simply shook his head and gave out commands to get camp ready. Shantel got up and brushed the dirt off of herself and followed Pippin and Merry out to get wood for a fire on the command of Aragorn.
"How much longer do you think we'll be in those boats?" Shantel asked as she picked up a few pieces of wood.
"I don't know," Merry said. "Aragorn seems to know where we are going." Making their way back to camp, Shantel looked back and forth between Aragorn and Boromir. The men were staring daggers at each other. Before she could turn to Aragorn he turned and stalked away while Boromir turned his attention back on the river.
"What are you looking at?" Shantel asked.
"Gollum has been following us," Boromir stated. Shantel looked out to see if she could see him. "Don't bother looking, he is well hidden."
"Did you and Aragorn have a fight?" Shantel asked when she couldn't find anything.
"He doesn't trust in the strength of his own people," Boromir sighed. "Living in the shadows all his life, he is afraid."
"Can you blame him?" Shantel asked. "Why would he be so quick to trust what he was been hiding from most of his life?"
"But the elves…"
"He grew up with the elves," Shantel whispered. "Like you grew up with your people." Boromir sighed then shook his head.
"I'm going to bed," Boromir got up and walked away leaving her sitting on the ground.
"Well that went well," Shantel shrugged then sighed. Seeing Aragorn in the shadows she got up to see if she would make a strike two or maybe help improve his out look.
"Can I talk with you for a moment?" Shantel asked. Aragorn simply looked at her not nodding yes or no. "I'll take that as a yes." But now she didn't know how to start the conversation.
"You want to talk about the disagreement I had with Boromir." This was a statement from Aragorn not a question. "You shouldn't worry about it, it is none of your concern."
"I think it is if I'm going to have to travel with you two," Shantel replied. "I don't want you guy glaring daggers at each other when we need to be more concerned with protecting Frodo." Aragorn broke his glare and sat down.
"You are right Shantel, I just do not trust going through Minas Tirith," Aragorn said. "Gondor has no strength that can help us."
"Maybe not but that is Boromir's home," Shantel said. "And you might have insulted him hard tonight. He is our friend and is only trying to help.
"But I'm going to bed so just think about it, okay?" Shantel asked. Aragorn nodded and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Thanks," Aragorn said. Smiling back Shantel slipped into some blankets and fell asleep. In the morning Aragorn tried to apologize to Boromir but he was shrugged off. Seems that Boromir was insulted more than Aragorn knew. Boromir wouldn't even do more than say hello to Shantel when she tried to talk to him. Back on the river they rounded the corner and saw two huge statues.
"Whoa," Shantel gasped.
"That is the Argonath," Legolas said behind her. "Aragorn's kin."
"Dang that is impressive," Shantel said twisting her head to get a better look as they drew near. Boromir seemed to lighten up a bit and even chuckled at Shantel's next outburst.
"Look I'm as big as its toenail," Shantel pointed reaching out as they past by. The river spread out and picked up a little speed, giving the rowers a little rest. Just before the waterfalls that could now be heard, they drew the boats up to the shore.
"Not so eager to jump out again," Legolas asked as Shantel lightly stepped out.
"No I think I'll have a bath later," Shantel joked back. Camp was set up quickly, and some lunch was made up.
"Frodo eat something," Sam was asking him. Shantel saw Frodo shaking his head no.
"Frodo," Shantel started but was interrupted.
"We cross the lake at night fall," Aragorn said. "Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north."
"Oh yes?" responded Gimli. "Just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil. An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks, and then…"
"That is not comforting to hear," Shantel tried to block of the rest of the horrors Gimli was pointing out. Legolas stepped out of the tree's shortly after stepping right behind Shantel.
"Aragorn," Legolas called making Shantel jump and almost drop her plate.
"You scared the heck out of me," Shantel scolded. Legolas gave her an apologetic smile and walked over to Aragorn. As they talked one question from Merry seemed to carry startling everyone.
"Where's Frodo?"
