Latin4ever93: Don't know if you got the e-mail so I'll just keep sending it until you tell me not to.

Blahblah: Thanks I'm glad you liked that chapter! The story is close to ending and it isn't, I'm going to be putting in some more drama, I think that's what it'd be called, in. So there's still a little more to go.

Mellon: I'm still going. Even with the climax of the ring being destroyed, I still have to find out from my muse if Shantel gets home or not. My muses still won't tell me!

Aislin: *Laughs* I love your pet, mostly because he makes me laugh, lol! Am I missing a high king? If I am that's okay, you can keep him.
The song that I put in was from the cartoon version of Return of the King. I was watching that and figured, since it was something Shantel saw in childhood, even if she didn't remember it, that her subconscious might be spilling some stuff out to her. And the thing with Sauron, that was an image created by the ring. At the same time Gollum was reaching for it, and he just happened to be in the same spot. When Gollum took the ring the image went away. I hope that makes a little more sense now

Mrs.EkeenaGreenleaf: Please forgive me for not updating so soon. This chapter is shorter than previous ones, but I wanted to get it out.

MaverickGirl: Yuppers, they did it. Now I have to figure out how Shantel is suppose to, or if she is suppose to get home. Do you know any bribes for muses?

Trust No One: Thanks I'm glad that you liked how Shantel was there for the ring to be destroyed. That's one of the only parts I had planned from the beginning. Now as I write, I let my muse take over, only problem is my muse goes on short vacation spurts. Hope you like what's coming up.

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"Here Shantel," Legolas pointed to a chair. "Aragorn bade us to bring you here to eat and drink as much as you like." They were in a dinning area, and Shantel saw two that she had not seen for what seemed like years.

"Merry! Pippin!" Shantel went over and looked at the two hobbits. "I could have sworn you were shorter." They were at least three or more inches taller than she remembered.

"It was drinking from the Ent draughts," Gimli said. "I told them changes would come."

"And you were so right," Shantel nodded then sat down. "So while I eat I want you all to tell me what I missed."

Once Shantel was kidnapped by the wraith, a few small parties were sent out to look for her, but had to be recalled when things started to get darker and darker as the war drew nearer to a close. They sailed up to where Sauron kept his forces and for a moment it seemed that they were doomed. Just as all hope seemed lost, there was a cry 'the eagles are coming' and the eagles struck at the Nazgul who turned and fled into Mordor. In turn Gandalf rode one of the eagles into Mordor and returned later, with the hobbits and Shantel in tow.  The forces of Mordor fled and Aragorn was able to return back to where they currently were now. Resting the wounded and weary before returning home.

"Geez," Shantel said, putting her glass down. They tried to get her to tell of what happened in Mount Doom and Shantel shook her head, not telling a word. But her resistance was melting, and just about when she was ready to give in, Aragorn appeared and saved her from having to speak of it.

"Afternoon Shantel," Aragorn greeted.

"Afternoon?" Shantel didn't realize how late it had gotten until she looked around at the sky. "Oh, lost track of time." Aragorn laughed.

"It's all right, Frodo and Sam are awake and will be coming out soon," Aragorn walked over and sat down. "If you are not too tired, I would like you to sit with me when we welcome them."

"That would be great," Shantel stood up wincing a little when she put too much pressure on her leg.

"How is your leg?" Aragorn noticed.

"Been better," Shantel said and accepted Aragorn's offered arm for support. They reached and past a few openings until reaching the ships Shantel recognized as the ones they took from the black fleet. Men in armor were all around and many bowed as Aragorn walked by. A throne was set up in which Aragorn sat and Shantel was given a smaller chair next to him.

"So what plans do you now have, oh great king?" Shantel jested. Aragorn smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm not entirely sure," He whispered. "But I have been told I will have council to help me out."

"Good you need all the help you can get," Shantel replied making Aragorn laugh. Gimli and Legolas were conversing with Elladan and Elrohir when the unsheathing of swords was heard catching every ones attention. Led by Gandalf, Shantel smiled seeing her two friends looking better than she previously saw them, tears glistening on her cheeks as the men cried out:

"Long live the Halflings!
Praise them with great praise!"

Upon seeing Aragorn their faces lit up as they ran forward.

"Strider! Or am I still asleep?" Sam cried, Frodo followed close behind.

"It is I Sam," Aragorn welcomed them, then to their surprise bowed down on his knee's before them. Taking both hobbits by hand, he set them upon the throne and shouted: "Praise them with great praise!" Frodo's face flushed as he looked around, then did a double take when he saw Shantel.

"You are well!" Frodo cried and surprised Shantel by hugging her. "And you got cleaner clothes then we did!" They were still dressed in the outfits from Mount Doom.

"We were told that this would be more impressive," Frodo whispered and stood up. "You should be here with us!" When he tried to pull her up Shantel shook her head and pulled back.

"No Frodo, you and Sam have been through the most terrible ordeal," Shantel said. "You deserve this, please."

"All right, but I don't understand," Frodo said and was distracted by Sam who was pointing to a minstrel. The minstrel sang of Frodo of the nine fingers, and Sam wept. They listened to the tales until the sun was low and food was brought out. Even though she had eaten her fill from before, Shantel was happy to continue her eating from earlier. To her it was the best food since she could remember. No more of the gagging taste of oats, which some times had the taste of chewing on dirty hair. At this time Sam finally noticed Shantel and scolded himself for not seeing her earlier.

"Have you been there this whole time?" Sam questioned. "Or did you just appear?"

"I have been here," Shantel laughed.

"Then I must be still asleep," Sam said rubbing his eyes. She laughed at him.

"Oh Sam, eat up and we'll worry about sleeping and waking later," Frodo said. While everyone enjoyed the food and drink, Shantel was looking around at all the knights, soldiers and men who were there. Her eyes kept going back to one, who Shantel would have sworn he was staring at her, but then she would scold herself as she looked down. She was right next to Frodo and Sam he must be looking at them.

"Excuse me," Shantel looked up at the man who had been staring surprised she didn't notice him come near. He was a little older than her, with a wave of brown hair, tied back from his face by a piece of leather. Dark eyes framed his slender face along with traces of a mustache and with what some would recognize as a goatee.

"My name is Aidian, of the Dunedain," He put a hand over his heart as he bowed slightly. Aragorn still close by stood up and put a hand on Shantel's shoulder.

"This is Shantel," Aragorn introduced. Aidian, reached out taking Shantel's hand and kissing her wrist. A blush crept up on her cheeks as she looked down.

"Pleased, Milady," Aidian said. "I hope to see you again." Still looking down Shantel nodded and raised her eyes remembering that she didn't want to appear rude. Aidian released her hand and walked away, while Aragorn stood where he was for a moment. Aragorn left a moment later, and in what seemed like seconds, everyone was leaving to get rest before continuing to heal the wounded and rest the weary. Shantel was to sleep in a small tent next to the one of Frodo and Sam. Being a lady it would be improper for her to sleep in a tent with the men but Shantel just scoffed at that.

"I have spent the last few months, trudging through and cuddling up to you guys for warmth and now you go and get all proper on me?" Shantel made it sound light hearted for it only truly bothered her a little. In all honesty she was lonely. Before at nights when she couldn't sleep, Legolas was usually up and he would tell her of his home in Mirkwood. Or Gimli would talk of the Lonely Mountain, and then there were Sam's tales of the Shire. One thing that Shantel tried to recall, but couldn't was, where did she belong in all of this?

"Shantel?" Aragorn called from outside the tent. It was two days later, and thanks to Aragorn skills with healing, her leg was almost completely healed. There may be some light scars but Shantel didn't care, as long as she didn't have to limp every where. Elladan and Elrohir spent their time tending to the other wounded men, for as soon as they were healed they could set sail back to Pelennor Fields and Aragorn would be entering in as the new king.

"Shantel?" he called again. Shaking her head from her thoughts she called for him to enter. This time he brought a visitor, Shantel recognized him as Aidian. He bowed in the same fashion and followed Aragorn to the edge of the blankets where Shantel slept.

"Let's see how your leg is doing." Aragorn waited for Shantel to swing her leg out for him to inspect it. The now fading marks went high up her thigh, making it too difficult to treat with pants on. Aidian suddenly found the corner of the tent very interesting until Aragorn stood up brushing his hands off.

"I think you will need no further treatment from me," Aragorn said.

"So I'm gonna live?" Shantel smiled at Aragorn who laughed.

"Yes I suppose so," He looked at Aidian who was standing with his hands behind his back. "Aidian has requested that he keep you company, would that be all right with you?"

"Yeah, that's fine," Shantel said. Aragorn nodded and left while Aidian stood there for a moment.

"I'll step outside so you can dress," Aidian said, and Shantel smiled as he fumbled with the tent flap. He was nervous, how cute! Once out, Shantel dressed in a pair of loose breeches and a simple tunic. The dress, that she wore the one time was a altered long tunic, worked on by Elladan and Elrohir, for Shantel to have something more lady like to wear. But it proved to be too much with all the work that was to be done, in preparation and healing, that it was decided she could dress like everyone else. Her hair, now mid way down her back, had picked up even more of a golden sheen from all her time in the sun, and curled very slightly, mostly at the ends. Stepping outside, Aidian led her to where they could sit and Shantel could have some breakfast.

"I hear that you have traveled, from Rivendell," Aidian started. "What was it like there with the elves?"

"Pleasant," Shantel replied. "They were wary of me at first, they didn't know me, but now, at least with Elladan and Elrohir's family we gave become good friends. Silly as it may sound, I see us all as one big weird family." Aidian chuckled.

"I see Aragorn was right," Aidian said.

"About what?"

"To be wary of your manner of speech," Aidian said. "That it would be different than what I am use to."

"Oh, and what else did he tell you about me?" Shantel rested her head in her hands.

"That you come from a land far away, and were having trouble returning home. The place you come from is very different, and until you find a way to return home, you are to stay under Aragorn's care." Aidian finished. All general stuff that Shantel could have came up with her self.

"Is that all?" Shantel asked, a bit disappointed. Aidian nodded to which Shantel gave out an audible sigh.

"What is the matter, milady?" Aidian asked taking her hand.

"Nothing," Shantel sighed.

"Nay I do not believe you," Aidian softly said. "Please tell me what is on your mind."

"Well," Shantel paused. "I will only tell you if you swear not to tell another soul, no one else."

"All right, I swear."

"Ever since the battle at Pelennor Fields, I can not remember where I came from," Shantel said. "I remember things, but they are only flashes and it's all so different from here."

"Who do you not tell Aragorn," Aidian asked. "May chance he could help you."

"True, but I don't know," Shantel said. "It's kind of scary telling some one you don't remember your past. It makes me feel vulnerable, almost like feeling naked, pardon the pun."

"No worries," Aidian assured her. "But I would strongly encourage you to take Aragorn's council on this matter."

"I'll try," Shantel relented. "But you can't tell him, or anyone else, okay?"

"On my life, you have my silence," Aidian said raising one hand.

"Thank you," she smiled a little. Later in the day, Shantel saw Aragorn talking to Elladan and Elrohir. Walking up to them, they gave her a nod to acknowledge that she was there, and paused in their talk.

"I have something that I need to tell you guys," Shantel said and took a breath. They waited patiently and Shantel found herself speechless. In her practice she saw it going like this

: "Back in Pelennor Fields, I lost my memory of my past and home when I got hit over the head, and was scared to tell you guys until now." Then they would hug her and say an elvish verse and bingo her memory would be back. :

Instead it went more like this.

"Okay I uh, well you see, uh," Looking around as if some thing would help her speak, she found nothing.

"What is bothering you Shantel?" Elrohir asked. Snapping her head back to the guys, she took in a breath.

"Uh, well, I just thought of how I'll have to wear dresses now most likely and wanted you all to know that I won't like it but I'll do it for you." This all came out in a rush, and Shantel felt her cheeks burn. The three guys simply chuckled and Elladan put an arm on Shantel's shoulders.

"I think that is not too much to worry over at this time," he told her. "But if you start to raise a fuss, our brother will be sure to remind you of what you said."

"Dang then I should have kept quiet then," Shantel sighed. Mostly because she didn't say what she actually meant to say. Why was it so easy to tell Aidian but not her friends? Later when she saw Aidian she asked him that.

"Perchance you feel they may see you in a different light," Aidian said. "Where's I on the other hand, you do not have to worry about for we just recently met."

"True but," Shantel played with the end of her shirt. "Now I said I'll wear dresses because that was the first thing to come to mind and I can't stand dresses! I don't think girls where I come from had to wear them."

"But you look most fascinating in a dress," Aidian said.

"You trying to say you think I'm cute," Shantel asked slyly, laughing slightly as Aidian looked flustered and looked away.

"Perchance," Aidian's said looking at the ground then sneaked a peek at Shantel.

"Thank you," Shantel smiled at him, giving Aidian the courage to look straight at Shantel.  "So, ever had a time where you wanted to say something and the words just seem to go away?" Aidian laughed.

"Where did that come from?"

"Just curious," Shantel shrugged with a smile. The company stayed until the end of May, where the ships were set to sail back to Pelennor Fields. As everyone was gathering supplies, Shantel was following Legolas trying to get him to give her something to do. The others already told her that they had it handled which left Legolas.

"Please, can't I carry those blankets, or how about take down some of the tents?"

"No, Shantel, you…"

"Are a lady and are not suppose to do the work of men," Shantel grumbled.

"I was going to say you already destroyed your tent when you tried to take it down by yourself." Legolas put down the blankets he was holding.

"That wasn't my fault," Shantel protested. "The poles got under my feet!" Legolas laughed and Aidian walking by heard the conversation.

"So poles were attacking you?" Aidian asked.

"More so she was attacking the poles," Legolas said.

"Hey!" The guys laughed, and went different ways. Shantel looked from one to the other before deciding to follow Aidian and try him.

"Is there something I can do?" Shantel stumbled over some rocks by the shore, but straightened up quickly. "I can carry something."

"I think we have it handled," Aidian said.

"Oh, you men, and dwarves!" Shantel yelled Gimli's way. "Are all alike." Once the supplies were all packed, Shantel was on the same ship as Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas and the hobbits. She looked around for Aidian but didn't know where he went. One thing she noticed was that her friends were giving each other looks whenever they saw her with Aidian but when she asked, they would look away and not say anything. They arrived on the eve of May, and they set camp. Shantel sat on the boats and watched as they men set up the tents and take the supplies on shore.

*flash*

"Mom, give me the tent!" Shantel looked around startled. What was going on? She could see a few kids, wearing different clothes then the men she knew, and they were running around an adult. Their parent?

*Flash*

"Shantel are you all right?" Shantel looked up seeing no one, then looked down to where Pippin was looking at her in concern.

"Yeah," She rubbed the back of her head as if trying to make sense of what she saw. "Just day dreaming." As Pippin nodded, Shantel watched him walk off. Maybe it would be a good idea to talk to Aragorn and see his opinion on what was going on with her mind. Taking a breath, she got up and walked down to the fields and saw Aragorn conversing with Gandalf. Well here goes nothing, Shantel thought.

"Aragorn," Shantel took in a breath then let it out again. "I need to talk to you."

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Please don't mob me for leaving it where I did. I'm working on the next segment as soon as I get home from work tonight, I promise!