Silver Swan: Glad that you are liking it. Hope you catch up soon and get my thanks :o)
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf: You know I'm not exactly positive either, so maybe I'll fit something in to describe it, if I find a place. As for Wormtongue, well if he values his life he'll stay away from Shantel, or she'll beat the –ouch- out of him.
MaverickGirl: I ask the same question myself when reading. Hope this answers some questions.
Cassie-bear01: Thank you I'm so glad that you like it. I'm not sure what's going to happen to Shantel, my muses still haven't told me. They like to keep me in suspense as well.
Dark Fire: I got your review for the last chapter, I got everyone's reviews, but I didn't know that they wouldn't show up on FF.net so I deleted them from my mail box, and then they were gone. I am still not happy about that. But I am happy to know I got the reviews, I just wish I saved them in the e-mail so I could have replied to them all. This chapter is longer though I have a feeling you'll be asking me to post the next chapter again quick
Mellon: Thanks. Here's more! And it's longer!
Blahblah: Well the reviews for the next chapter came up so I think the others are lost ::sobs:: It's okay I'll live, I have my future reviews to look forward to. Oh I checked out your story, I'll be looking in for when you update.
Aislin: I liked the interaction, uh argument would be more proper, between Shantel and Théoden too. I just see those guys not use to seeing women so liberated and having a big issue with it. But they picked the wrong girl to argue it with! Oh and I meant elve, not elf. Just the way she's saying it, but thanks. I do appreciate all the things you point out, that way I can fix them and keep a better eye out when I type more. And I couldn't resist, who wouldn't want to snuggle with Legolas ::sigh:: Take your time with the chapters. When you try to rush, you won't be happy with the results. So till you do update, I'll keep checking.
A/N ~ I have reached over 100 reviews. ::Whoops, hollers and dances around the room. This is a big thanks to everyone who has reviewed!
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Recognizing the two, Aragorn put a hand on Shantel's shoulders, having her hold on a second when she saw Merry step forwards towards Théoden.
"Welcome my lords to Isengard," He welcomed. "We are doorwardens. Meriadoc, son of Saradoc, is my name and my companion," He nudged the other with his foot. "Is Peregrin, son of Paladin, of the house of Took. Far in the North is our home. The Lord Saruman is within." Shantel looked up towards the tower letting Merry continue with out interrupting.
"Treebeard has instructed me to Welcome the Lord of Rohan with kind words," Merry said. "I have done my best."
"And what about your companions. What about Legolas, Shantel and I?" Gimli cried startling Shantel. Of course he can call to them, Shantel rolled her eyes with a smile. "A fine hunt you have led us, and here we find you, smoking! Where did you get the weed, you villains? I am so torn between rage and joy, that if I do not burst, it will be a marvel!"
"You speak for me Gimli," laughed Legolas. Shantel watched amused at the exchange but also fighting with the impulse to jump off the horse and hug the two hobbits silly. They learned that Treebeard was still about and wanted to meet with Gandalf and Théoden. Shantel was grateful that she wouldn't have to go with them. As nice as Théoden was to the hobbits she knew it was because they were male and a curiosity to him. When Théoden questioned the hobbits on the weed, Shantel had to bit her lip to keep from laughing, for Merry started on a tale that would have taken hours if Gandalf didn't interrupt.
"You do not know your danger," was part of what Gandalf said. "These hobbits will sit on the edge of ruin, and discuss the pleasure of the table, or the doings of their fathers and their whole family to the ninth degree if you encourage them." Once Gandalf left with Théoden, the riders left with them leaving Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Shantel. As soon as Shantel jumped off the horse she ran forward and hugged the two hobbits at once.
"They all got it back at Helms Deep and now you do too!" Shantel said squeezing them.
"Uh, Shantel?" Pippin squeeked.
"Air would be a comfort," Merry finished. Shantel stood up letting them go.
"Sorry," I'm just so glad that you were all right."
"The same here," Pippin nodded. "Would you all like some food?" Shantel smiled thinking that Pippin would be the first to recommend that. Her stomach growled in reply and they were led to a room with a long wooden table. The two hobbits ran back and forth, getting food and drink, beer for Gimli and Aragorn, Shantel and Legolas drank the wine. It seemed that Saruman kept his men servants well fed and provided for. The food was delicious, being the best food they have eaten in a few days, and it was nice for Shantel to side on something besides a horse.
Gimli questioned about the weed, the two hobbits had, which they revealed was found, possibly as part of Saruman's stash. Gimli lost his pipe in Moria, but Pippin happened to have brought an extra unused one with him.
'I'm going outside to see what the wind and sky are doing?" Legolas stood up. Everyone followed, and seated themselves where they found Merry and Pippin. As Aragorn rounded his cloak about his shoulders, Pippin pointed and shouted. "Look! Strider the Ranger has come back!"
"He's been with us all the time," Shantel laughed as Aragorn said this. Silence fell, and Shantel lay back, looking up to the tower where Saruman was and wanting to go get her necklace, but not wanting to leave her friends. She was smarter than to try and go in there alone. Questions were started on what had happened to the two hobbits and Shantel listened with half an ear as they retold their tale.
"It's the fifth of March," those words got Shantel's attention as she sat up. She disappeared from her world in October, and it now being March, counting on her hand Shantel held up five fingers of one hand and looked at them in amazement.
"What's the matter Shantel?" Merry asked. Shantel looked at him then saw everyone looking at her.
"I just realized that I have been gone for five months," Shantel said. "But at times it seems so much longer. Aragorn the day I guess I found you guys, or you found me, it was mid-October, right?" Aragorn nodded.
"According to the Shire calendar," Aragorn confirmed. At Shantel's confused look he continued. "In the Shire, they only have 30 days in each month."
"Oh," Shantel said then shook her head. "Sorry, it is just hard for me to keep track of the time sometimes with out a calendar or a watch."
"We can help you anytime you are curious," Gimli offered. Shantel gave him a grateful smile.
"Thanks, but hey this isn't about me!" Shantel said looking around. "Go on Pippin I believe you were talking when I interrupted." As Pippin continued, Merry took over when he had enough and Shantel looked over towards the tower again. Shaking her head Shantel listened again as the two hobbits took turns describing being found by Treebeard and how the Ents all worked together relentlessly to undo the evil that Saruman had done to Isengard. When they described the Huorns, very fast and able to surround you with out notice, it made Shantel think of a favorite musical of hers that she watched as a child, Babes in Toyland. There were singing tree's that surrounded the children who got lost in the woods.
"Dawn was nearing and Treebeard hid in the shadows as a white rider came near," Pippin continued. "Gandalf had arrived and instead of: Hello Pippin it was, Get up, you tom-fool of a Took!" They had gotten news that the Ents were going to flood Isengard, hence the water, and Gandalf knew that as well. After the floods a rider appeared in Isengard and it was no other than Grima.
"That no good account worm has my necklace!" Shantel burst. "And I want it back!"
"In good time Shantel," Legolas said. "He can not harm you or look through your mind with it no more." As the hobbits tale came to an end, Shantel learned that the year was 1419. So now I have a year to go with the date, Shantel thought, and jumped when the hobbits grabbed her arms to pull her up.
"Come on Shantel," Pippin said. "We are going into Isengard to see what the others are up to. This is only the edge." Climbing to her feet Shantel felt a little happier being back with the hobbits, and walked holding onto their hands. Even though they were older, it was like holding the hand of a younger sibling, but then there are times that conversations with them drove that thought straight out of her head. But now, it was still a comfort. They walked carefully, not wanting to fall into any of the nasty pits that were about, and halted when they saw Gandalf returning with Théoden and his men.
"I have learned some interesting news from Treebeard," Gandalf said riding up to them. He explained that he was going to approach Saruman before they leave, and said they could come, but to be wary. Well there goes walking up to Saruman and spitting in his face, Shantel sighed quietly. The last words Gandalf said touched Shantel deep down in the bottom of her stomach.
"Saruman has powers that you do not guess, beware his voice." Okay all that food that seemed so good to Shantel and she relentlessly stuffed herself with, didn't seem like such a good idea anymore.
"He can cast spells from a distance," Shantel muttered as they walked. "He's still a powerful wizard, man this isn't cool!"
"Actually the air is quite cool," Aragorn said next to Shantel. She chuckled and playfully hit him.
"That's not what I meant and you know it!" Shantel scolded.
"True enough," Aragorn acknowledge. "But let me share a secret with you after one question. You are afraid, are you not?"
"Yeah scared that I'm going to get turned into a horned toad, or blown to smithereens, or…" but Aragorn interrupted.
"You have a great imagination, but do you not see, that your fear is all imaginary?" Aragorn said.
"What?" Shantel was confused. This is the second time he's done this to her today.
"You fear what you think will happen," Aragorn said. "It is not something that has already happened before, it's what your mind conjures up as negative possibilities and therefore, you fear it."
"So you're saying that I'm really just scared of my own imagination?" Shantel asked.
"We survived Helms Deep," Aragorn smiled. "And I'm sure you remember some one having great negative thoughts about that." Shantel remembered. She realized that she wasn't alone here, and getting her necklace back may not be as hard as she is thinking it will be.
"Maybe I'll stop focusing on my negative thoughts, and look ahead to a more positive out come," Shantel decided.
"That's my Shantel," Aragorn patted her shoulder, and Shantel took a breath, straightened herself up and smiled. No matter what the out come would be, she would not give Saruman the satisfaction of going in there trembling and afraid. At the door, Théoden and Gandalf dismounted. As Gandalf banged calling for Saruman, a voice answered that Théoden knew all too well. Grima was sent by the voice of Gandalf to fetch Saruman who then appeared. Looking at him, Shantel saw that he seemed to change colors if she moved her head this way, or that. But when he spoke, his voice was musical, and her heart changed from wanting to spit on him, to wanting to follow him, to the promise he spoke of, of peace and ending the war.
"The words of this wizard stands on their heads," Gimli broke in, breaking Shantel from the trance.
"He's like an evil lawyer," Shantel called realizing Gimli spoke truth. "Making all the promises in the world, but only to get what he wants. You speak of peace, yet you wanted to kill, King Théoden and his people, then…"
"Peace!" Saruman called out, but not before a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes. "I have not yet spoken to you Gimli son of Gloin, or Shantel, from another world."
"That you brought here!" Shantel was getting angry at him. His false promises struck a cord in her, like old cheating boyfriends, and she would go to hell before believing them again. No change that, she was facing the worst hell she ever knew, worse then Helms Deep. As she fumed, Saruman turned his words back to Théoden, pleading to join and work together. Théoden's men were all hanging onto Saruman's every word and Shantel shook her head, now a little more clearer to the spell thanks to Gimli. It was still hard to resist, but her anger helped her stay in check.
"I say Théoden King," Saruman continued. "Shall we have peace and friendship, you and I? It is ours to command."
"We will have peace," Théoden spoke after a pause. Shantel looked at the king in disbelief as the riders cried for joy until Théoden held up his hand. "We will have peace when you and all your dark works have perished!" As Théoden continued in a clear voice, Shantel smiled, and silently applauded the king when she was bursting to jump and whoop for joy. Turning to look back up at Saruman, she shrunk down at his change. He hissed at them talking down Théoden's people as if they were no better than rats in garbage.
"And you!" Shantel saw his attention turn to her. "You are nothing but a silly girl, who has come in return for a material possession." Shantel felt her face flush red and glared at him. Then he turned his attention to Gandalf offering him to join in his council to make the choices and be better then everyone else was. But the offering sounded great to everyone, Gimli included this time. The speech was for Gandalf alone though, and they felt like spies, or children listening in. All thought that Gandalf was going to leave, then gasped when he laughed at Saruman, breaking the spell.
"Right in his face," Shantel said, then shook her head to clear it. When Gandalf asked Saruman to come down, the wizard sneered in Gandalf's face and rejected the offer. For Gandalf said he could go free, as long as he surrendered his staff and the Key of Orthanc, to be returned later. In a fury Saruman rejected the offer and stood ready to leave.
"Shantel," He called and she looked at him wary. "Would you like your necklace back?" Everyone was looking at her, and she wasn't sure what to say. Deciding honesty was the best policy, she nodded and held her breath as Saruman laughed. "Then here, have it." He tossed what Shantel could only assume was the cross on the chain, for it was shiny and small. She smiled as she reached her hands up in the air to catch it. Saruman watched then whipped his staff forth and yelled some words foreign to Shantel's ears, but she had a good idea of what it meant, after seeing a flash, the shiny object that was her necklace, landed in the ground by her feet. All that was left, was one of the legs of the cross and not even an inch of the delicate silver chain.
Picking it up, Shantel missed the rest of the exchange that took place between Saruman and Gandalf. The world suddenly seemed to go silent, and still, as she picked up what remained of the necklace. When a small globe of Crystal rolled by, sounds seemed to resume and Shantel looked up to find Saruman gone, and the stair for him to exit on cracked.
"Guess he didn't want to come down," Shantel said.
"No, and it is time for us to leave," Aragorn put a hand on Shantel's shoulder. Turning, Gandalf was a head, speaking with Merry and Pippin, but Shantel couldn't concentrate in their conversation. She was concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. That loosing the necklace was not the end of the word, though to her it felt more like severing the ties with her own world. A shrill shriek from the tower made Shantel jump and turn a frightened eye upwards. But Aragorn had a firm grip on her shoulders and hastened their speed away, Legolas and Gimli close behind.
At the ruined gates did everyone meet with the much talked about Treebeard, and for a moment Shantel forgot about the necklace, dropping the ruins to the ground. She gaze up like Legolas and Gimli in wonder. Would it be wrong to ask for a ride in his branches? Shantel wondered but kept silent.
During the talk exchange, Legolas and Gimli were given leave to return and explore Fangorn, and Pippin and Merry were reminded to send any Entwives, females, if they saw any and to return and visit. On a farewell note, they departed the company of Treebeard and went to leave.
"Come Merry you will ride with me," Gandalf said and helped Merry up behind him. Pippin looked to Aragorn and Shantel realized he wouldn't ride with anyone else, and Legolas was sharing a horse with Gimli.
"Pippin ride with Aragorn," Shantel said, which Pippin gave her a grateful smile for. Well that took care of them, now what about me. Shantel wondered as she looked. The men didn't look too eager to share a horse with her and no way did she want to ask. Théoden rode up and offered a hand to Shantel, which she looked at like it was a snake poised to strike.
"If you would like to ride I must say to climb quick," Théoden said, and Shantel jumped looking at his face. "Come now, we cannot leave you behind."
"Because I'm a woman?" Shantel winced inside. Great now he'll probably throw you in the mud. To her shock Théoden let out a chuckle.
"You remind me much of Eowyn," Théoden actually smiled at her. "Come now, you both are stubborn and if you do not take my hand, I'll have Eomer toss you on a horse again like before." That got Shantel moving. Grabbing his hand, Shantel was hoisted up in front of Théoden, who then started to follow Gandalf as they walked.
"So tell me about yourself," Théoden said. "I do not know why you travel with this group yet I am curious."
"They are trying to help me get home," Shantel said. "But the further we go, it seems the more unlikely I'll be able to return."
"I remember Grima, and Saruman referring to you as Shantel, from another world," Théoden said. "What did they mean?"
"Where I come from, many things are different," Shantel said.
"Like the womans, rights?" Théoden asked and Shantel would swear she heard a chuckle.
"Yes," Shantel smiled a little. "I'm not sure if where I come from is a future world, or a different dimension, a world touching yours. But Saruman used Sauron's power some how and brought me here."
"I see," Théoden said. "And if you can not return home, what will you do then?"
"Stay with Aragorn."
"Not with your friend the elf?" Théoden questioned. "Or the dwarf?"
"No," Shantel smiled a sad smile. "Legolas has a whole world, like Gimli that I am unfamiliar with. True I am learning some elvish words but, I would be more familiar with Aragorn, wherever he may go."
"Even in my Kingdom? For then you would no longer be able to say that I am not your King," Théoden was jesting with Shantel and she picked up on it. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all.
"No offense, but that's something I would have to get use to," Shantel said softly. "But I would try my best." As dark grew near, Théoden spoke with Shantel about Edoras, and their culture. Kind of like a farming community, Shantel simply put in her head. Gandalf halted everyone to rest. Théoden dismounted first and helped Shantel down following.
"Thank you my lord," Shantel smiled at him, and he nodded back with a smile. Going over to the hobbits and the rest, they ate a small meal, and then lay out their cloaks to rest.
"What I wouldn't give for an electric blanket," Shantel said quietly then added, "With a plug to plug it into.
"Are you guys asleep yet?" Shantel asked the closes one who happened to be Gimli.
"I can not sleep with your constant whisperings in my ear," Gimli grumbled and Shantel had to smile at his grumpiness.
"But Gimli, what if that dark thing comes back tonight?" Shantel suddenly thought of.
"It shall not return," Aragorn chimed in.
"What was it?" Gimli asked.
"A rumor," Legolas said. "Most likely workings of Sauron, heading towards him, I would assume. But no more talk of that tonight, or we shall call it back." Shantel made a face of horror and pulled her cloak over her head. Feeling a hand rub her back, in a comforting manner, she peeked out and saw that it was Gimli.
"How are you supposed to sleep if you're comforting me?" Shantel couldn't resist.
"That's the thanks I get," Gimli gruffed. Shantel sat up and gave him a hug.
"Thanks Gimli, night," Gimli patted her arms and settled down himself to sleep. Laying down Shantel started to fall asleep and fell into a dream.
"You don't want me anymore."
"Scott what are you talking about," Shantel touched his shoulder but he edged away.
"You rather be in middle earth, with all your fairy tale friends," Scott said turning away, hands crossed.
"They're not fairy tales to me," Shantel argued. "They are as real to me as you are."
"Figures, I thought you would do anything to get home to me?" Scott turned.
"Scott, I can't destroy their world, which could highly be our past," Shantel wrung her hands. She didn't like this argument, there didn't seem to be any middle ground.
"Then maybe you should just stay there," Scott said. "Forget about everyone, who loves and misses you."
"I miss everyone too," Shantel argued. "Scott I love you and…" But Scott turned at that moment and let out a shriek that made Shantel's blood run cold. Shutting her eyes and opening them again, she was confronted, not with Scott's face but with the night sky. Sitting up she looked around and saw everyone gathering around something. Standing, Shantel clutched her cloak tight and walked over. Gandalf was talking with Pippin who seemed terrified out of his wits and wished to be anywhere but there.
"I looked in the ball," Shantel heard Pippin said. He continued with how he was confronted with Sauron who laughed and hurt him.
"Forgive me Gandalf," Pippin begged.
"You are forgiven," Gandalf said, picking Pippin up. "Come you are safe." Putting Pippin back to bed, then men have settled back to bed, while Shantel followed him over. As Gandalf walked back towards the others, Pippin still trembled.
"Come here," Shantel offered, and the hobbit crawled over putting his head in her lap. Caressing his hair, she heard his breathing even, and then into sleep. Looking up, Shantel saw Merry looking at her.
"We missed you greatly," Merry said. "And were worried about you at Helms Deep."
"It was slightly scary but also a little dull for me," Shantel admitted. "I was waiting at a main entrance of the caves with Eowyn, Théoden's niece. The most action we got was when we tried to take a short cut to the caves, and an orc and uruk tried to grab us. Got my arm but then I got him right in the head."
"Sounds like you have learned a lot while we were apart," Merry said. "I shall be glad once this is over, and I can go home again."
"Some day if it's possible, I'd love to see your home," Shantel said. She was still caressing Pippin's hair.
"You would be most welcome," Merry said. He opened his mouth to say something else when a shadow passed over them, making them jump and the riders cower. Shantel looked up and saw a large winged creature through the gloom of night.
"A dragon?" Shantel said, feeling cold and a little confused.
"Nazgul!" Gandalf cried and Shantel jumped. "The messenger of Mordor…" Panic drowned out the rest of what he said. Getting up she caught the words. "Wait not for the slow, ride! Ride! Ride!"
