MaverickGirl: I like that song too, thought it would fit Eowyn well.
Mellon: Thank you!
Aislin: I thought so on the grammer thing but then decided to leave it. I'll fix it eventually. Poor Shantel forgetting about what Scott looks like, I'm so mean to my characters, LOL! I couldn't resist having the elves remember the homies thing, I thought that would be good :o) I hope you can get some inspiration, writers block is no fun at all.
Dark Fire: Thank you for the compliment! I like certain songs of everything. Hope you like the new chapter.
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf: Glad to have cleared that up, I'll try to make any other dreams more clear.
Blahblah: Ack! You nearly gave me a heart attack. I was in the middle of the fifth Harry Potter book when you left your review and you scared me. But I finished it now and it was so sad. Hope you like this update!
Elen: thanks thanks thanks and thanks again. Was that enough thanks? Let me see…oh need one more, super thanks!
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Aragorn had a torch in the front, while Elladan took one up in the rear. Shantel had paused and let Elladan walk by, wanting to wait for Gimli, and took his hand as they walked. By his hurrying she could tell he wanted to catch back up to the light, and Shantel shared his feelings, and fought with picking him up and running up to Elladan. Whispered seemed to fill the caves nothing that they said could understand but it was whispering none the less. There was something behind her, and Shantel thought of the army of zombies. At least they are on our side I hope, Shantel thought, as they caught up to everyone. The cavern opened up, and something glittered on the ground. Curious, Shantel took a step forward, but Gimli's hand held her back. Aragorn, having no one hold him, stepped forward to inspect the item.
"What is it?" Shantel whispered.
"Bones," Gimli answered. Watching Aragorn paused for a moment, then stood up mumbling something quietly. Feeling a little restless, Shantel wanted to turn and see what was behind them, and she glanced, but it was too dark to see nothing but a few shapes, which could have been rocks.
"For that is not my errand!" Aragorn cried, making Shantel jump and almost scream.
"A little warning next time, please," Shantel said a hand over her heart. Aragorn gave her an apologetic smile before continuing.
"Keep your hoards and you secrets in the Accursed Years," Aragorn spoke to the darkness. "Speed is only what we ask. Let us pass and then come! I summon you to the Stone of Erech!" Every thing went silent, and Shantel looked around a bit frightened. Which was scarier the silence or the whispers, she wasn't sure. A wind of chilling cold came out of no where blowing the torches out and leaving the group in darkness. Shantel squeezed Gimli's hand then was frozen in terror to find that he was gone.
"This is scarier," Shantel muttered. "Too dark, imagination going on overload." And there she trembled to afraid to move to afraid to call out. Steps sounded announcing that everyone was leaving and that boosted Shantel to move. Stumbling, Shantel moved, hoping she was going the right way, and would have to pause a few times to make sure she was still going the right way. Shantel lost count of how many times she fell, the raw feeling of her hands, told her though that she would be in a world of hurt once she emerged from the cave.
"If I ever emerge," Shantel whispered, then tripped again. Something sharp hit her left cheek and she got up, palming the wound with her hand as she got up and stepped forward again. Feeling like this darkness was never going to end. As the feeling of hope was about to leave, Shantel paused hearing a noise. Water! Trickling, dripping water! Walking a little more urgently, Shantel was pleased to find with the sound of water light grew as well, and willingly followed the others through a door of high arches. The source of light came from stars, but Shantel heard Gimli and found him beside her again.
"It should be two hours till dusk," Gimli said. Shantel looked back up with wide eyes but no sign of the sun was at all seen. Here the cliff were sheer and all took back to horse riding. Through all the tripping and falling she was pleased that Dolche didn't fall behind. Gimli climbed up with Legolas, and Elladan rode with them in the rear. She slowed down as they were riding to let them catch up to her.
"I wanted to wait, but didn't dare turn around," Shantel said once they were beside her. "I already know who follows behind us."
"You are starting to use less slang then when I last saw you in my fathers home," Elladan said.
"You've been hanging for how many days and are now noticing?" Shantel switched back to the slang purposely and watch Elladan laugh and shake his head. "No, I still talk with some slang, it's just starting to get a little annoying actually."
"I think we have become rather use to it," Legolas said, Gimli nodded in agreement. "It will be strange not to hear Shantel's slang, once she returns home."
"If I return home," Shantel said. "Which I have no idea how I am to accomplish that." With a sigh Shantel let her mind drift, Dolche knew to follow the others. So Shantel sat looking towards the sky, thinking of things that may never come to pass for her.
Even though Scott's face was only a memory, even though she could no longer see it, she still loved him. Her heart ached for him, one thing she would do if she returned home, was put a picture on her that she could carry every where. Then her thoughts fell to marriage. Would she marry here, even though her heart belonged to Scott alone? Would she ever love some one, even a portion of how she loved Scott. It seemed impossible, and Shantel dreaded the thought of living out her life alone. Sure elves were immortal and dwarves lived a ling time, but she couldn't ask them to stay with her. That wouldn't be fair, to have her tagging along with them.
Aragorn was on his way to becoming a King, and Shantel knew that when he got the chance, he would marry Arwen, and for that she was grateful they could have some possibility of happiness when this is through.
"Ride on! Ride!" Aragorn called from the front. They had come out of the ravine into open paths, and the riders were speeding up now, taking Shantel's mind away from her thoughts and concentrated all she could on staying on Dolche. They passed through a town, where people fled in terror, and she could hear people screaming, "The king of the Dead." Tuning them out, Shantel put all her concentration on staying with the group.
Passed the city, or town, what ever you want to call it, they came to the Stone of Erech, finally stopping. Shantel patted Dolche's neck, whispering many thanks to her, as a horn was drawn out and blown. Echo's seemed to reply, some near and other far off, as if in caves.
"Oathbreakers, why have you come?" Shantel turned her head to see Aragorn dismounted and addressing not them, but the ghostly presence surrounding them.
"To fulfill our oath and have peace," a voice answered sounding far away. Shantel looked around for the voice but could not fins it's source. A few of the others did the some, but most held their eyes steadfast on Aragorn. In reply Aragorn spoke of how by then helping us in this war, he would see the oath fulfilled and they would be at peace. Then he bade the rest to get some sleep then they would ride again in the morning. Settling by Legolas and Gimli, Shantel found it hard to sleep with out having a hand or a foot in contact with them, comforted by their presence. In the morning when Aragorn roused them, Shantel sleepily climbed onto Dolche.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this riding thing," Shantel said.
"You many be but in sleep, you kick some thing fierce," Gimli stated from behind Legolas.
"I kicked you!" Shantel gasped.
"Yes, right on the shins!" Shantel covered her mouth, trying to hide a smile, but Gimli caught on seeing right through her.
"Don't try that with me missy!" Gimli puffed and was lifted up behind Legolas. "I can see straight through your armor there." Shantel gasped and covered her chest with her arms.
"Not like that!" Gimli blushed a red as deep as his beard, while Legolas and Shantel laughed. From then on they traveled through for four days until all drew to a halt. The darkness from Mordor could now be seen, then hoof beats were heard. Shantel looked around and realized it was the army of the dead that was riding by them, to attack Mordor.
"Halt!" Aragorn cried, and the riders stopped. "Fall back, there is use for you later." As we started to ride on, the army of the dead waited until we had passed before they started to follow again. They weren't rotting, of grotesque. Instead they looked like men depraved of much needed sunlight all their life, with hallow eyes, and sunken skin. But they were sure in their step, as if they did live.
Setting out at dawn, it was a sunless day, but on they rode, Shantel started to grow weary but didn't dare complain. In fact she was actually a bit bored, and was hoping for some action, a small fight, even a quarrel between Legolas and Gimli would have been welcome. Like the others, most conversations seemed to have taken on a halt, waiting for an unseen sign to start again. The names of the places blurred by Shantel, Ciril, Ringlo, then arriving at Linhir.
"It is the army of the dead!" Came the cry as many ran in fear. Shantel sighed and shook her head.
"Come on it's only an army of zombies," She cried. "What are ya, prejudice?"
"I am not," Came a reply from Shantel's right. Looking over quickly, she saw a man with his arms crossed.
"Who are you," Shantel asked.
"I am Lord Angbor," he introduced. "Where is the leader of this company."
"Hey Aragorn," Shantel shouted. "Got some one who wants to talk with you!" Angbor looked a little surprised at how Shantel spoke to Aragorn, but relaxed when he saw Aragorn ride forward with a smile. They took some distance to speak for a moment, while Shantel looked to Legolas and Gimli.
"So how you doin'?" Shantel said smiling at the two. Use to her weird comments by now, Legolas mearly raised his eyebrow while Gimli was looking else where.
"Gimli you're not paying attention to me!" Shantel poked him, causing him to jump and almost fall off the horse. "Wait do that again that was funny!" Shantel laughed with Legolas.
"Pick on the dwarf, why don't you pick on the elf?" Gimli asked rubbing his arm.
"Because you're more fun," Shantel said. "Watch." She poked Legolas in the arm, over and over until he finally grabbed her hand and then started to tickle her.
"No fun am I?" he asked as Shantel squirmed trying not to fall off Dolche but get away at the same time.
"Now that's more like it." Gimli stated. They all stopped when Aragorn called everyone to move forward again.
"I'll get you for that, Leggie," Shantel muttered.
"I heard that!" Legolas yelled to her.
"You were suppose to!" Shantel said back. "Silly elf," She whispered and laughed as she heard Legolas behind her gasping. They rested for a short time and were en-route again before nightfall, going into the plains of Lebennin. Shantel could hear Legolas sing softly under his voice and she slowed Dolche down to ride by him. He smiled, knowing why she stayed near. For friendship, trust, and to listen. Then they heard a sound come the next day, perking Shantel and Legolas up.
"Seagulls!" Shantel cried. "Are we close to the ocean?"
"I am not certain but the Lady told me to beware their song," Legolas said fascinated by their call. Turns out they were by the Great River. A fleet of fifty ships lay there, with men who laughed at everyone. A few who saw Shantel made crude gestures then laughed with their friends.
"Now come!" Aragorn shouted. "By the Black Stone I call you!" And the army, or as Shantel was informed more properly known as the Shadow Host, swept past to the ships. The men drew their swords, and Shantel watched as most of the men, jumped away from the ships and ran, while others drowned in the water. Looking away, she took a breath then was surprised when Dolche lurched forward. Legolas has grabbed the reins to prevent Shantel from being carried away by the fleeing enemy, and onwards to the boats. Once there, Shantel dismounted and found that there were slaves on board, most cowering in fear.
"Shh, it's okay," Shantel said kneeling by one. She held a hand out and helped the slave to his feet, though he refused to meet her face. "Come now I can't be that ugly." Shantel jested.
"No my lady," The former slave gasped. "You are the most beautiful sight to behold since my capture."
"Thanks," Shantel smiled. "Though I, what Aragorn?"
"They hold you in high respects," Aragorn whispered, while other slaves were being freed. "They see you as the Lady of our company, and will not be persuaded otherwise."
"But wouldn't Arwen be your Lady?" Shantel was confused.
"Mine yes," Aragorn smiled. "But you are still a Lady in their eyes, and I was thinking to ask, if you do not find a way home, I would welcome you to come…"
"Aragorn, what shall we do from here?" Some one called.
"I'll talk with you later," Aragorn patted Shantel's shoulder and went back to working with the people. Once a ship was set off, Shantel watched it and learned from the men around that it was headed for Dunedain.
"Come Shantel we shall ride here with Aragorn," Gimli called headed to the biggest ship of the fleet.
"What were these guys called?" Shantel asked.
"The black fleet, but not anymore," Gimli said.
"Oh," Shantel nodded and went to stand by Aragorn who was looking to the shore. The Shadow Host was still there, it was dark but the red gleam of their eyes was still visible.
"Your oath is fulfilled!" Aragorn shouted making Shantel jump again. "Go now and be at rest!" As the leader of the Shadow Host bowed he then turned and they seemed to vanish into the wind, like a dream.
"Aragorn," Shantel was beckoning him to come closer. He leaned down and she grabbed a fistful of his shirt. "Warn me before you do that! How many times do I have to say that?" Aragorn only laughed and hugged her, surprising Shantel and silencing her.
"Come we must free the prisoners," Aragorn said.
"But what were you saying earlier?" Shantel asked as they walked away.
"I'll tell you later," Aragorn assured. "I want you to rest, like Gimli and Legolas while I forsee the work to be done."
"But I can forsee." Shantel yawned at that moment. "Too," She fought to get that last word out.
"By sleeping you can," Aragorn said. Finding a blanket set up for her, she was already asleep once she lay down, when Legolas and Gimli came soon after. Shantel didn't know that people from the village came to help, or that Aragorn was pushing hard to leave. He worried that he would be too late.
Instead she dreamed, that she was back in Rivendell and in the company of Arwen. Shantel felt happy being there, not the I'm going to run over and squeeze you to pieces happy, just peaceful.
"I know you have been through a lot," Arwen said. "I can see it in your eyes."
"It was always said that the eyes are a mirror into the soul," Shantel said.
"Do you still wish to return home?"
"Yes," Shantel said. "Though it will grieve me to leave my dear friends behind, I want to go home, be with Scott. Listen to me sounding all proper." Arwen smiled at this but Shantel's grin fell.
"But I can no longer see him," Shantel said. "I remember him, but when I try to picture him, I can't."
"As long as he is in your heart," Arwen said. "He will never be truly forgotten."
The next thing that Shantel knew was in the morning they set sail towards Minas Tirith, Aragorn still leading the way. In the night, red clouds could be seen.
"Minas Tirith is burning," Aragorn said sadly.
"Don't give up hope," Shantel said hearing him say that. "We will win this war, believe in that." A fresh breath of air was brought from the sea, which was seen as a good omen, and Shantel took in huge lungfuls, coughing once.
"Breath Shantel," Gimli thumped her back almost knocking her over.
"That's what I was doing," Shantel wheezed. As land came into view, as expected a fight was happening. Shantel was ready, she refused to stay on the ship like baggage, besides she'd been craving action.
When the sound of "Land ho!" was called, Shantel rushed to see the shore, but was met with a sight she expected.
"You sure you do not want to stay?" Aragorn tried on last time.
"No way!" Shantel said. "I'm going in and aiming to take a few heads off with me." Aragorn nodded and as soon as they reached land, he ran forth with the men into battle. Shantel followed, not as quickly but the enemy never saw what hit them. She lost sight of everyone as the clang of swords was heard, and shouts were sounded all around. Her height was an advantage, and was able to surprise most of the enemy but all too quickly, Shantel felt she was starting to tire. Okay maybe this wasn't the greatest of idea's that she has had. There's a tree, if she could just duck behind it and catch her breath, she would be okay. Ducking around the enemy, Shantel made it to the tree and leaned against the bark, closing her eyes and lowering her sword. This was a mistake. Hearing a satisfied grunt, Shantel opened her eyes in time to see the enemy, another orc, give a sickening smile as he clubbed her over the head. There was no time to scream.
Aragorn thrusted his sword through the last remaining orc that didn't fled and wearily pushed the foul creature back. Looking around, he saw Eomer and other's breathing hard. A shout was heard, and Aragorn turned instinctively and ran towards it, Eomer following behind. Reaching a tree, Aragorn found Halbarad, slaying a stray orc. Then his eyes drifted to the ground. Shantel lay in blood, weather it was hers or the orcs, he couldn't be sure, but he stilled for a minute. Eomer dropped to his knee's and listened at her chest.
"She breathes," Eomer stated, and Aragorn let out a breath of relief. "But she was hit hard on the head, she needs healing."
"Then let us go," Aragorn said, picking her up. "Halbarad, go and have the rest follow us to the city, there we will meet and regroup." Walking towards the city, they paused nearing the gate.
"Take her inside," Aragorn handed Shantel over to Eomer. "Tell them she is Shantel, my kin, my sister, and that they should tend to her."
"I will do so my lord," Eomer said.
Ever knew of the feeling, of a sledgehammer being pounded on a stone? And how each time it hit, you'd jump and almost feel like it's pounding on your head? That's what Shantel's head felt like as she slowly woke. There was talking around her, voices she recognized, but couldn't name them. She tried to open her eyes, she tried to call out, but her voice stuck in her throat, and her eyes were two logs. Shantel couldn't move. It hurt, every breath, it hurt. I should just relax and slip back into the darkness, that would be more comfortable, yes that's it. Shantel's breathing evened and she would almost swear that she was smiling.
"Shantel! Can you hear me!" A pressure was on her hands, and that didn't hurt. Maybe it wasn't so bad in the light. She opened her mouth to speak, but all Shantel could manage was a straggled gasp.
"Here drink this." Feeling a cup at her lips, Shantel drank. It was watered down wine but that was fine. It felt good on her throat.
"Thank you," She whispered.
"Can you open your eyes for me?" Shantel tried and her eyelids fluttered. It took a few tries, to get her eyes open then to clear the vision before she could look around. Next to her was a dark haired man, very young, with long smooth dark hair. No, wait, make that an elf! Elrohir!
"Oh you're alright," Shantel struggled to get up but Elrohir pushed her back down.
"Rest Shantel," Elrohir said. "I shall inform the others that you are well. Then who knows after this war you may be able to return home." Shantel smiled and watched him leave. Then a thought hit her, where was her home? As everyone stopped by saying hello, she smiled, and carried on, to what she thought was normal, but didn't tell them that she couldn't remember anything about her home, or where she came from.
It was two days before any one let her get up out of bed. The first thing she did when up, was check up on Merry and then Eowyn. Seeing as to how both were fine, Shantel relaxed a little but was saddened to know that Theoden died.
"He wasn't all that bad," Shantel said to herself. She was outside, under a tree. Night had fallen but she found this time peaceful, soothing. There was a chill in the air, but Shantel was finding that she didn't mind. She remembered before not liking the cold, but this wasn't bad, it was only chilly.
A cry pierced the night and Shantel looked up calmly in the air. It was the Nazgul, a ring wraith, but Shantel didn't have the ring so she wasn't worried. Through the days she still couldn't remember anything about her distant past, not even her parents names. The only thing she could figure was that she had some kind of amnesia and was reluctant to tell the others. Who knew how they would react. Figuring it was best to get inside, Shantel got up and stretched before making her slow trek back to the tent of healing. A prickling feeling on the back of her neck, Shantel stopped taking a breath. Shantel steeled herself. It is not as bad as I imagine, there's no huge monster behind me. Turning slowly, Shantel's eyes widened and her voice caught in her throat.
Shaking now, Shantel looked to see what was behind her was in fact a huge monster. A dragon! Taking in a deep gulp, she slowly stepped back but the creature stepped forward, turning slightly. Taking another step back, Shantel hopped that the creature would go. The creature was sideways now, but Shantel didn't dare run. She couldn't even call out to anyone. When the wraith reached a hand down towards Shantel that broke the spell and she screamed at the top of her lungs. This spun the creature to move faster and grabbed Shantel's arm, before she had the sense to try and move farther away. The wraith turned Shantel so that her arms were pinned and that she couldn't move.
"Shantel!" Legolas came running out with Gimli, arrows ready ax in hand.
"She is ours," The wraith cackled and the dragon took flight. Shantel watched her friends who got smaller and smaller then disappear. She welcomed the oncoming blackness and slumped in the wraiths arms.
"What happened?" Aragorn came running out after the creature was gone with Shantel.
"They took her," Legolas said looking at the sky. "And if I dared a shot I could have hurt or killed Shantel."
