Es: Thanks so much for the compliment about Shantel. That makes me feel so good to know that she's original. Thanks so much again!
MaverickGirl: I'm thinking Eowyn is some one Shantel can bond with. They got the whole, both female, both human thing in common. And Shantel's done what Eowyn dreams of doing. Being in the action not just standing back. But you already knew that :o) I thought amazing grace would fit what Shantel would be thinking about doing.
Aislin: you know I do it to irritate you right? Just kidding, lol! I think I got it right in this chapter. And I liked that idea on Shantel telling Legolas not to notice, she knows she can't sneak up on him. And I wasn't trying to give mental images of anything, lol! I love your reviews they get me laughing. And I'm not sure if the muse hanging with mine is yours, they won't tell me, dang it. But I'm trying to get yours back.
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf: How Shantel's necklace will help Saruman? Should I tell you, hmmm okay…. Just kidding this chapter should help you out though :o)
Mellon: Thanks very much, Here's another chapter!
~If people haven't noticed I'm going more by the movie using the book only for slight references. Anything in italics is info Scott would have read, but I think it should be in with out switching scenes and describing that he's reading, we all know that.
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Finishing the song, Shantel glanced at her friends and smiled sadly seeing tears streak down their faces and neither one bothering to wipe them away. Sighing, Shantel looked towards the window and felt a strange feeling come over her, much like the one that happened when the wargs attacked. Stumbling Shantel put one hand on her head and tried to make the feeling go away.
"Shantel are you all right?" Shantel turned her head but the voice seemed so distant. Inside her head, it felt like someone was looking through her head, through her memories. What's happening?
Saruman looked inside the seeing stones, Grima next to him still clutching the rag like a security blanket. Inside the seeing stone they saw the following scenes from Shantel's head. Shantel sneaking out of a window of her house when she was in high school. Shantel trying alcohol with friends then getting sick and swearing never to drink again. When she saw Scott for the first time.
"What is this information going to do for us?" Grima asked, sneering at the sight of Shantel being so happy in these memories.
"I expect to find the out come to this so called story." Saruman said not moving his gaze. "It will take some time but we will find what she knows about the one ring. Then I can turn it against them!"
Hands clamped around Shantel's shoulders hauling her up to her feet.
"Shantel look at me," Legolas slightly shook her. "Tell me what you see?"
"I see you but I also see memories," Shantel paused and laughed. "Sorry time when I dropped a watermelon at work, spattered all over the floor."
"Are you sure you lost your necklace?" Legolas asked getting Shantel's attention again. She looked at him curiously.
"Do you mean to tell me you think?" Gimli left his question unfinished.
"Yes Gimli," Legolas said. "I think that worm took it off of Shantel."
"But what would Saruman do with her necklace?" Gimli asked.
"Sometimes, I've heard that a high wizard can use personal things to gain information," Legolas said. "The closer you were to that object the deeper the information they could get."
"It stopped," Shantel breathed a sigh of relief her eyes which were slightly glazed returned to normal.
"But it can start again," Gimli said.
"Come find us if this happens again,' Legolas told her. "No matter what." Shantel nodded
"Next time this feeling comes over you I want you to chant this phrase, as soon as the feeling starts." Legolas said to Shantel. "Until you find us."
"Okay, what is it?"
"Valar, nîn beriatha," Legolas said.
"I'm asking the Valar for protection?" It seemed strange to Shantel that those words will change what's happening. Legolas nodded and urged her to say it.
"Valar, nîn beriatha," Shantel repeated, and seemed to lift up. She would definitely remember these words, even if it's just faith in them, hopefully they will work.
"Come now, Shantel, much preparation is to be done," Legolas said grimly. Nodding Shantel put a hand on Gimli's shoulder as she walked up to him which he patted back. They separated Legolas and Gimli going one way and Shantel going the other. She busied herself helping the people around her, making sure they were all right. Eowyn was looking for her and found Shantel helping and old man sit down.
"Shantel!" Shantel turned to see Eowyn run to her and embrace her. Shantel hugged her back tightly feeling again for a moment the pain of hearing of Aragorn's parting. With a sigh Shantel straightened up and looked at Eowyn in the face.
"Thanks for that," Shantel said softly.
"I am sorry," Eowyn said. "Do you want to rest?"
"No," Shantel shook her head. "It's easier if I keep busy. We have to make sure everyone is okay and prepare just in case. I wouldn't trust Saruman as far as I could throw him." Eowyn nodded.
"Are you sure you are all right?" Eowyn persisted. She knew something else was bothering her friend. Waiting a beat Shantel sighed and pulled Eowyn aside.
"Saruman is invading my mind," Shantel confess quietly. "He's going through my memories."
"How would that help him?" Eowyn asked.
"I'm not sure," Shantel said then remembered. "He thinks I know how this will all turn out. He picked the wrong girl." Eowyn gave her an understanding look and took her to where they would be sleeping that night.
"So that is how the hobbit Bilbo Baggins got a hold of the Ring," Saruman said still staring at the seeing stones. He found that if he concentrated he could get the memories more focused. Then the memories seemed to start to repeat. Saruman cursed and slammed his hand down next to the seeing stone making it jump. The cross was clutched tightly in his hands. Putting the necklace down the images faded as he let go.
"She knows nothing!" Saruman fumed, Grima was backing away. "The useless girl knows nothing!"
"Maybe if we only search a bit longer," Grima suggested then wished he hadn't said anything. If looks could kill, Grima would have been dead before Sauroman was ever thought of.
"We need to get inside Helms Deep," Saruman said. "Destroy them all."
"Helm's Deep has but one weakness. It's outer wall is solid rock for except for a small culvert in space which is little more than a drain," Grima said slowly walking back towards Saruman. Saruman nodded and smiled.
"I know just the thing." Turning he left the room, Grima followed. "It wasn't until later that evening that Saruman had what he wanted and was pouring small black powdery substance into a great ball.
"How? How can fire undo stone? What kind of device can break down a wall?" Grima leaned forward with a candle to get a better look until Saruman pushed him back."
"If the wall is breached, Helm's Deep will fall." Saruman said calmly.
"Even if it is breached, it would take a number beyond reckoning, thousands to storm the keep." Grima protested. Saruman started to walk towards the balcony.
"Tens of thousands." Saruman agreed.
"But, my lord, there is no such force." Grima replied as they stepped out and stopped. His field of vision was over run with Uruk-hai. As far as the eye could see, it was a scary sight. The looked like thousands of black ants, ready to storm what ever got in their path.
"A new power is rising. It's victory is at hand." Saruman yelled to the Uruk-hai. "This night the land will be stained with the blood of Rohan! March to Helm's Deep! Leave none alive! To war! There will be no dawn for Men.
"And women," Saruman finished quietly.
Close to the front gates, Shantel was sitting back resting for a few minutes. She wasn't really physically tired but more like emotional drain. So much has happened and the only thing Shantel could do was continue on. If she stopped to try and dwell in the past, it would consume her. She was thankful that the night before she only fell into a dreamless sleep. A flurry of activity started at the front gate, but Shantel only closed her eyes, thinking another village had joined them. Great more people to help, Shantel sighed then perked up hearing Gimli's voice.
"Where is he? Where is he? Get out of my way! I'm gonna kill him!" Shantel made her way over to where Gimli was throwing such a fuss. What in the world, then the world stopped spinning.
"You are the the luckiest, the cunningest, and most reckless man I ever knew! Bless you, laddie!" Shantel's hands flew to her mouth when she saw who Gimli had gone forward to hug.
"Aragorn!" Shantel yelled and ran over embracing him over Gimli. "Goodness what happened?"
"I'll explain later," Aragorn hugged Shantel back and stepped back looking at both of them. "Where is the king?" Gimli pointed and Aragorn walked off.
"Yeah, he comes back from the dead and wants to see the king, not us," Shantel playfully scoffed. Gimli shook his head smiling through tears, then Shantel remembered the necklace. Running after him, Shantel saw the look on Legolas face when he saw Aragorn. Shantel stopped for a moment and smiled at their short exchange. When he was about to step away Shantel stopped him.
"Aragorn, one moment," Shantel pulled Evenstar out of her pocket. "I believe this belongs to you." Aragorn took it and held it tightly.
"Hannon le," Aragorn replied, making Shantel smile. (Thank you) She never got a chance to talk to him about practicing but he seemed to know and would talk little words to her now and then. This was a time it came from the heart. Aragorn past the two and went to speak with the king, Théoden.
Shantel looked out from around Legolas and saw Eowyn standing there looking lost. Running over Shantel hugged the girl and then looked her in the face.
"Aragorn is alive, Eowyn" Shantel gasped out. "Did you not see him?"
"I saw," Eowyn's lips trembled. "I saw you give him back the necklace."
"Oh Eowyn," Shantel rubbed the girls shoulders. "Do you need me to get something for you?"
"Nay," Eowyn shook her head. "I'll be fine. Come and help me." Shantel nodded and followed Eowyn. Later that evening, Hama shouted that the woman were to be taken into caves and all men able to fight into battle.
"I wish I knew why Aragorn wanted to see the king so urgently," Shantel whispered, then saw Legolas. Going over she asked what was going on. He pulled her to the side and spoke quietly.
"Uruk-hai, tens of thousands are on their way here," Legolas said. Shantel's face fell and Legolas looked around discretely. "Most know there will be a war but Théoden does not want them to what they are yet up against."
"But so many," Shantel looked around at the people. "Tens of thousands? That's a bigger number than the people that are all here." Shantel could only think of one thing and that scared the mess out of her. "I'll just have to help you fight." Legolas stared at her unbelieving for a moment. Straightening her shoulders, Shantel tried not to let the trembling of her heart show.
"We need you down in the caves, Shantel." Both turned to Aragorn as he stepped up followed by Gimli.
"But these people are not suitable to fight," Shantel hissed quietly. "I've seen more action then some of them have had all their lives."
"But I would still rather you be safe underground…"
"So I'll have to wait at a dead end, so that if all fails we will live to see the remaining people tortured, women raped and children," Shantel stopped speaking as her throat closed on her. Looking down so they wouldn't see her tears, Shantel took a breath.
"She is right," Gimli said. Shantel looked up through her blinking eyes, clearing the tears and gave Gimli a smile.
"Thanks," She whispered. Aragorn was looking around understanding what Shantel was meaning.
"Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers," Aragorn sighed and headed towards where most of the people were gathering.
"Most have seen too many winters." Gimli said looking around as they reached the a big hall and sat down.
"Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." Legolas said then continued in elvish. "Boe a hyn: neled herain dan caer menig." (And they should be. 300 against 10 000.)
"You said what I was thinking," Shantel said to them.
"Si beriathar hýn ammaeg nâ ned Edoras." Aragorn argued. (They have a better chance defending themselves here than in Edoras.)
"Aragorn, nedin dagor hen ú-'erir otheri. Natha daged dhaer." Legolas raised his voice getting the attention of a few close by. Shantel's eyes widened never hearing the two sound so angry towards each other. (They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!)
"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn shouted back. Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared in stunned silence. Turning Aragorn stormed off leaving a stunned crowd looking after them. Legolas made a move to follow him but was stopped by Gimli.
"Let him go, lad. Let him be." Gimli said. Shantel let out a breath of air she didn't realize she was holding.
"Goodness," Shantel sighed and shook her head. Seeing that the people were all still staring at them Shantel stood up. "Well what are you all staring at? Continue getting ready, this isn't the time to dawdle."
"Nor is it proper for a female to be in charge," One of the guards men stepped up.
"Get off your high horse," Shantel stated back to his face. "This isn't the time to decide who's got the balls in their pants so that they can take charge. We need to take charge of ourselves to get ready otherwise we will all die!" The guards man stepped back surprised at this girls words.
"Yes, die, I said it," Shantel said loud enough for all to hear. "And that will be your fate if you let fear over come you and take charge. Be in charge of yourselves and you will fare far better then you otherwise might."
"What would you know about taking charge?" A man from the back challenged.
"I know because my first time I was ever confronted with anything close enough to a living nightmare, I confronted a Ring Wraith." A few gasped were heard, some of surprise some unbelieving. "And I had help, from Aragorn a born leader, but I fought back, other wise I wouldn't be here right now."
"She's right," An older man said. "Do let us scare the young men going into this battle, let's do what we can to ensure victory." A feeling of pride and sadness gripped Shantel. The man had an eye patch on and a cane, yet was still willing to fight. He saw Shantel looking at him and smiled.
"Do not worry about me," The man said. "I'll go when it is time for me to go."
"What's your name?" Shantel asked.
"Enor," The man said. "And I know that you are Lady Shantel." She smiled and nodded not bothering to correct him. "I can trust you to protect our women if all else fail?"
"Yes," Shantel said. "You have my word." Enor smiled and left to see about helping a few others get ready. Shantel left followed by Legolas and Gimli then stopped short. "He conned me," Shantel stated out loud. Legolas and Gimli laughed. "It isn't funny."
"Now you have to go to the caves," Legolas was trying not to laugh. Shantel stopped herself from scolding him seeing him laugh again.
"Oh shush you," Shantel pushed him with a smile then grew serious. "We have been friends for a while now." Legolas nodded. "And we have been through some crazy adventures, but.." Shantel stopped and bit her lip.
"Aragorn is our friend," Gimli stated.
"And it would be wrong of us to turn our friend down," Legolas sighed understanding.
"Besides what else can we do?" Shantel said softly. "If we run, I don't think I could live with myself. Then the Uruk-hai would come after us anyway." The set out searching then paused seeing how the day was fading into after noon.
"We should go to the armory," Legolas said. "Make sure we're all armed and ready." Shantel nodded and walked slowly behind them. The guards were ushering any remaining women into the caves and one approached Shantel.
"She'll be going in last with me," Eowyn stepped between them, startling Shantel.
"I didn't see you there," Shantel said as the guard walked away.
"I have been searching for you," Eowyn said. "We will take guard at the cave entrance, to make sure they do not get in."
"Sounds good to me," Shantel agreed. "I don't think I could last inside there."
"I wouldn't either and that is the most I can convince my uncle to let us do," Eowyn said.
"He cares for you," Shantel said. "Doesn't want to loose you and he just doesn't realize by pining you down the more you'll fight to break free." At Eowyn's surprised look Shantel shrugged. "My parents still try that with me."
"I'll be waiting, you might want to say your…" Eowyn stopped not wanting to say the word goodbyes.
"I'll be there," Shantel said and ran off after her friends. She found them inside looking through the materials. A chain shirt was hanging on a chest and Shantel picked it up.
"Maybe you should wear this Gimli," Shantel's grin fell when he reached for it and said.
"That might not be a bad idea," Gimli went off towards the back as Shantel stared in disbelief.
"But won't it be…"
"Too long?" Legolas finished and laughed quietly with Shantel as they heard Gimli grunting and quietly yelling as he tried to get the chain shirt on. Then Legolas held a hand to his lips and both were silent when they heard the door open and some one enter. Shantel stayed where she was as Legolas sneaked away to see who it was.
"We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray." Shantel heard Legolas say and smiled. Walking over she saw him speaking with Aragorn. "Forgive me. I was wrong to despair." Aragorn smiled at him and nodded as he saw Shantel.
"Ú-moe edhored, Legolas." Aragorn said then looked to Shantel. She smiled and went forward giving him another hug and pulled Aragorn close. (Translation: "There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.)
"I love you guys," Shantel said. After a pause they hugged her back then stood up hearing the sound of chain shirt hitting the floor. Looking up they saw Gimli standing there, the shirt dragging.
"If we had time, I'd get this adjusted. It's a little tight across the chest." Gimli wriggled a bit and they laughed softly. Then stopped hearing a horn outside. Legolas face lit up and Shantel tilted her head. They all rushed outside, Gimli followed after tossing off his chain shirt and heard the guard call for the king. Théoden walked up amazed, as Shantel recognized who had arrived. She was hoping in place as the gates opened and an army of elves marched in.
"How is this possible," Théoden muttered. Haldir stepped forward from the group and put a hand on his heart.
"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell." Haldir smiled as he saw each group member. "An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honour that allegiance."
"Mae govannen, Haldir!" Aragorn greeted putting his hand on his chest in a similar gesture that Haldir did. (Welcome Haldir)
"You are most welcome!" Then he surprised the elf by going forward and hugging him. Haldir stood there a moment before awkwardly patting him back. When Aragorn straightened, Shantel flung herself at Haldir hugging him tightly.
"Aragorn is coping me," Shantel said. "I've been hugging the guys nonstop now hug me back or you'll have to fight with me hanging off of you." Haldir laughed and returned Shantel's hug giving her a slight squeeze.
"We are proud to fight alongside men, once more." Haldir said looking from the guards to the king. Shantel was smiling big hugging her self when she saw the look on Théoden's face. He looked at her with a raised eye brow not too happy.
"I'm suppose to be down with Eowyn," Shantel pointed and started to side away. "Well I'll just be on my way out." Running off Shantel found Eowyn and told her of the news of the elves now joining them. The two girls hugged each other and sat waiting on pin needles. The battle would be here soon.
