Hello all. Sorry this chapter was a little late in posting, but I have been very busy. I had to work Friday so… well, I simply did not have the time. I want to thank everyone for the feedback from the last chapter. I was so thrilled with the amount of attention. I have officially hit the 250 review mark!
With that being said I would like to welcome my newest reviewer, Lisette and say welcome back to one of my original reviewers, Saki. Also welcome back to evil spapple pie, because I missed you!
I would like to also thank Lisette for pointing out an editing error in the last chapter. I originally wrote, "with every dust comes the dawn"… but as she pointed out what I meant was "with every dusk comes the dawn". So thanks for pointing that out to me! ^_^
Okay. Due to really popular request I have started going back over previous chapters to try and fix up some of my editing mistakes. For the first 15 chapters or so of this I was on my own, and I admit I never really edit my own work (something I am starting to change). When I did I usually did it at three in the morning after finishing up chemistry assignments… so I will admit that that is not really editing. eLLe has kindly agreed to take the time to help me. We have both gone over the first and forth chapter, and they have been reposted. I have also gone through the first ten chapters and reposted what I changed. I ask all of you, my wonderful reviewers, to point out any editing mistakes if you see them, please, so that I can fix them as we go along. I am dyslexic so I have a real hard time noticing mistakes like "then" / "than", "guild" / "guide", "loss"/ "loose" / "lose" and things like that. Writing this has been a real learning experience for me because you guys keep pointing out areas where I am having problems… and I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate that, because if I know it is a problem, I can look for it. So please keep doing it. ^_^
This chapter was formed with a lot of help from eLLe. She helped me brain-storm for it when I was having difficulties writing. I want to add that it is a bit sad and there is a character death… so… just warning you. I also used plot bunnies that I got from two of my reviewers, Cheysuli and merrylyn, so thanks both of you for helping me! And also thanks to Elfling for offering me her muse ferrets – just the thought of muse ferrets helped me write.
Okay, I will stop talking now so you can do what you came here to do… read chapter 25!
Chapter 25 ~ Final Partings
"Brother..."
The statement hung heavily upon the air, making Gimli's breath hitch, as he rapidly tried to run through the possibilities in his head. Glancing around proved that they were surrounded, and outnumbered, and if it did come to a straight fight, then he knew he could not rely on Boromir's aid. This left the fellowship in something of a quandary, to say the least, for that left him, alone, as a warrior in the group, and even the dwarf had to admit that against such odds his chances of victory were... well... nonexistent.
"Boromir?" the figure in front of them said, his voice brimming with shocked euphoria. "Brother! We have been so worried!"
The two embraced, allowing the other's hood to fall back, and his face to be seen clearly. His resemblance to Boromir was quite astounding. He was obviously younger, for he lacked the strained lines of age that marred his brother, yet still carried an aura of command, as one who is accustomed to being obeyed does. He was obviously a man borne to privilege and, if by examining the respect his men's eyes held when they looked upon him, he carried the love of those who knew him. He was a man of power, and therefore a bigger threat than Gimli would have liked.
The man's head then turned to inspect the rest of his brother's travelling companions. "'Tis strange company you keep, Boromir. You must tell me what has befallen you since we last parted."
"Faramir," the brother now had a name, "I do have much to tell. For now, might I introduce to you my companions? This is Gimli, son of Gloin, and these smaller three here are halflings, from the Shire; Merry, Samwise and Frodo, respectively," he introduced, with a small gesture in each of their directions as he spoke.
"Come, you shall tell us all, but for now we must leave quickly, for the enemy is still abroad, and will have rallied by now. Their counterstrike will be swift, and we must depart before they come," Faramir spoke quickly. Smiling briefly at the rest of the fellowship, he addressed them, "Any friends of my brother, holds my friendship as well. You are welcomed to our company."
With that, the soldiers of Gondor melted back into the cover of the surrounding bushes and trees, and Gimli and the hobbits found themselves being herded along, quickly and efficiently, as the soldiers retreated. Gimli felt desperation welling within him, and acting upon the first impulse he jammed his feet down stubbornly, halting the company in one move. A soldier behind him knocked against him but, even having a human nearly trip over him, was not enough to make Gimli budge. He *had* to prevent this from happening.
"No," he stated firmly. "Not this way."
Boromir stopped, his brother beside him following the other's lead. "Gimli?" Boromir questioned. His brow furrowed as he tried to comprehend and, as he slowly did, anger replaced his confusion. "You do not trust me."
It was said as a statement, not a question. His tone was cold, resentful in its anger, and for a moment Gimli felt guilty for so judging him, but instinct refused to let the dwarf back down. He had been witness to the glances Boromir stole in the ring-bearers direction, to the humans attempts at persuading them into delaying the rings destruction, and finally, most condemningly of all, he could sense the heavy aura of the rings presence which clung to the man's skin. No, as much as Gimli would have it otherwise, he could not trust the human.
You can not really trust any of them, a voice within him warned. They all desire it, all want to claim it. Gimli knew he could not let that happen. He had sworn to see this done, and he could not let the weakness of a human stop him in this quest. The weakness of any of them. The hobbits, too, tire. You are the only real strength left here. It was a burden that was weighing more and more at Gimli, and although the direction of the dwarf's thoughts confused him, he could not deny that there was some truth behind them as well.
Staring at Boromir he asked, "Should I?"
Boromir tried vainly to cover the pained expression of betrayal the words caused him. He knew, in a way, he deserved this, for it would be folly to claim the ring had not effected him, did not call to him... but his motives in this choice were pure, or so he thought. Your people are here, your brother is here. Your chance at restoring hope to the weary has come. This dwarf tries to stop you. Tries to condemn your people to death.
These *were* his people, he could trust them, lead them, and now that the ring was here, where it was suppose to be, where he had wanted it to be... Hope. The word echoed mockingly in his head.
Hope.
Hope.
Hope.
Would you destroy it?
He could not help but wonder if Faramir would agree with his original inclinations. Would his brother advise him to claim the ring as his own, to save his people? Looking into the concerned gaze Faramir levelled him with made him think so. His brother would want him to be strong, as he had always wanted him to be strong.
"Are you afraid of me, dwarf?" he asked scathingly, trying to make some degree of sense of his own thoughts. They confused him, and all he longed to do was sit with Faramir and purge his sins. He did not doubt that in this he could trust his brother's opinion, for while Boromir was the warrior of the family, it was Faramir who could take a challenge and analyse every aspect of it. His brother would know what the correct action was.
"No, I fear for you," came the honest reply, although there appeared an almost unnatural gleam in the dwarf's eye as he spoke, his thoughts so clear that both dwarf and man heard the same words echoing in their heads.
Weakness makes you all become frail. Only the strong can claim me.
Boromir felt his eyes widen as realization hit him. "You want it for yourself! You would take it! You accuse me, but I see its power upon you," he stammered, shocked at seeing for the first time evidence that the ring effected not only himself, but others.
"Don't you dare suggest my dishonesty in this, human!" Gimli howled, enraged at the suggestion yet, at the same time, afraid that there might be truth behind the words.
"Dishonest!? You would suggest that of me, when it is you who has hidden your own desires behind a false face! I have never lied about my longing! Can you say the same, dwarf? What promises does it whisper to you?"
Gimli puffed up, his chest rising up in indignation. "The fellowship does not follow this path, Boromir," he stated firmly, refusing to allow the issue to become clouded in his anger. "It shall not so easily fall into your clutches. Not while I yet have breath within me."
"Brother, we should not linger here. The enemy is still near by," Faramir said, his own brow furrowed as he watched the tensions and scene unfold. Although the man did not understand everything completely, he was unnerved by what he could hear.
"Where would you have us go, Gimli? Follow Gollum? Walk boldly through the Black Gates? Would you have us wander aimlessly on the boarders of Mordor when we could rest in safety with my people?"
"Aragorn did not trust you, and I do not trust you either. I have seen the way you have looked at Frodo. Do you think we have all been blind to your attempts at getting us to change our course, so that we will go to your precious city? We are not fools. Do you think I will let you and your men lay hold of the ring?"
"You accuse me unjustly. I have never acted against Frodo. I have kept my sworn word!"
"Please, stop this..." Frodo tried, stepping forward slightly, but both the dwarf and man ignored the small hobbit, too distracted by their anger to take notice.
"Only because someone else has kept you under watch. Legolas warned both Aragorn and myself of your taint after Caradhras! We have known, and watched you. Your weakness has slowed the fellowship throughout the entire journey! Do you think I did not notice you on the banks of the Nen Hithoel? I saw the way you tried to follow Frodo that day. I saw the intent upon your face!"
Boromir paled. He stumbled back half a step, shock at this newest revelation, making his heart stop for the length of a breath. Of all the accusations Gimli could have made, he chose the right one, for Boromir knew what his intentions had been. He knew, and apparently, so did Gimli. The thought of his weakness being known so widely was sobering.
"How dare you assume what, or what not, my intentions were..." he stammered out, feeling the need to deny that which had been thrust upon him, even though he knew there was truth to be held there.
"You are a coward if you deny it!" Gimli bellowed
"STOP IT!" Sam shouted suddenly, making all present jump. "Can't you hear yourselves? Don't you know what it is you are saying? Don't let it take control of you like that, do you hear me? Don't." The hobbits cheeks were red with displeasure, his breath hitched as he spoke.
Beside him Frodo had tears upon his cheeks. The ring was taking hold. It was consuming the company, and Frodo could see it, could feel it. He could sense the gloating pride of the ring about his neck as it turned friend against friend, as it called out with all of its malevolence.
It was then answered. The company had tarried too long.
The enemy had found them.
The Haradrim entered in upon the startled company with a ferocity that could only be driven by the lustful drive and power of revenge. They had been humiliated in their defeat, and now came the chance to turn the tide, and they did. Their ruthlessness halved the number of Gondor soldiers standing within the first minute of the battle.
For Faramir there was an acute sense of panic, before he levelled himself. Shouting out orders of retreat to his men, he looked for his brother. A small sigh of relief came, unbidden, to his lips when he saw that Boromir still stood, though he fought as if his soul depended on it. He moved flawlessly, his face set in a pained, desperate expression.
It was at this moment that Faramir felt a warring premonition, and he knew suddenly that something horrible was about to happen, his chest tightening in apprehension. He could only watch as the scene unfolded, too far away to intervene, cursing the fates of destiny and his own powerlessness.
Frodo was surrounded, angered eyes drilling hatefully into his own. They advanced steadily, meeting his frantic attempts at driving them away with calm solid strokes. A blade swung, its target that of Frodo's neck, and it would have been a clean sweep, if Boromir had not stepped into its path, the blade cutting deep into his abdomen.
Time seemed to slow, and Faramir felt a scream emerge past his lips. This could simply not be happening, not after they had only just been reunited. He pushed forward with a new surge of strength, killing those who stood between he, and his kin. He was not the first to reach Boromir's side however. Gimli had thrown off the rest of the attackers and now kneeled in the dirt at Boromir's side, the dwarf's eyes wide with shock. Above the prone figure Frodo, too, still stood rooted to the spot, his head looking down at Boromir, and shaking as if trying to deny what he could see, tears still pouring from his eyes.
"Ah, lad, I am so sorry. I meant none of it," Gimli said. "Just hold on and we will get you safely from here."
Boromir choked slightly, blood dripping from his mouth to dribble down his chin, his eyes glazed. "No, Gimli. You were right. I wanted to take it. I would have tried to eventually. You stopped me that day, you and you alone. I am sorry. So sorry, Frodo. I did not see."
He coughed, his body heaving as Faramir collapsed beside his brother's fallen form, his eyes scanning the gapping slash mark across his stomach, too large to ever be closed again. The wound was fatal. He knew it, yet he reached forward none the less, trying to put pressure on the injury and stop the bleeding.
"Brother..." Boromir said sadly. "Leave it... It is over," such was the finality of his last words, and with this being said, he drew breath no more.
~*~
Merry sat near the entrance of the waterfall's hidden caves, enjoying the sensation of the cool water spraying his skin and clinging to his hair. It was funny to think that this place of beauty remained unspoiled, so close to the boarders of Mordor. The water sparkled, refracting the light of the sun so that a hundred rainbows danced across the rock face and hovered in the air.
He sighed unhappily.
Boromir was dead.
The scene kept playing out in Merry's mind, and he only felt his confusion grow as he replayed it. Why had he done nothing to stop it? Why had he not spoken? Both Frodo and Sam had made an attempt, but he, Merry, had simply watched.
You enjoyed it.
The raw tension and the anger had appealed to Merry. He had felt like he could relate to it, and it had pleased him to no end to see it in the others. When had his hatred grown so? He could not quite remember the last time he had smiled, or laughed in earnest. He could not recall the last time he had spoken to anyone except the voices inside his own head.
That voice.
At first he had thought it understood him, and his loss... but he had seen the glow in the eyes of Boromir and Gimli as they had fought, recognizing that power, that surge. Sam had been right, it was taking control, and he had not even been aware of it. He had played right into its plans, not even making his obedience and loyalty hard to earn. He had sold his soul, betrayed his friends, and the worst part of it all was that he had enjoyed doing so, and if faced with the same choices again, he knew he would repeat his actions.
It had to stop.
Gimli was sitting with Faramir, the two talking in hushed voices, not far from him, both their faces lined with tears. Merry knew that Gimli was telling the man everything of the ring and the quest. It was the least they could do to explain what had happened, but it would never be enough.
Merry rose stiffly, dusting off his clothing as he did. Reentering the cave he wandered the tunnels looking for Frodo. The time had come for the two of them to share words, and Merry knew he needed to speak quickly, before he had the time to convince himself otherwise, and before his thoughts were once again clouded by his weakness.
He found Frodo huddled against the side of cave, his knees drawn up, and his eyes still glistening with tears. He rocked his body back and forth, a motion that seemed more twitchy then soothing. The quest was undoing the hobbit, and for the first time in many days Merry felt sorry for his cousin. He pitied him.
"Frodo," he spoke softly, and he saw Sam lingering in the area, obviously guarding his friend, give him a warning look. "I need to speak to you."
Frodo sniffled loudly, trying to compose himself as he scrubbed tears from his eyes and face. "I would like to talk as well, for you and I have been so... distant, as of late," he said, his voice husky with emotion.
Merry felt guilt uncoil within him. Hearing the pain in Frodo's voice, seeing his turmoil... Merry shook his head. How could he have been so blind? He sank down, so that he was seated next to Frodo, with his legs crossed, his fingers knotting with each other as he stared at them. His mouth suddenly felt dry, tension creeping into him.
"Do you know what the ring promises me?" he finally asked.
Frodo looked startled at the question, his eyes widening and one hand reaching up to covering his mouth, or maybe it was his arm which reached up to cover the ring, Merry could not be sure. For a long moment he did not speak, but then, swallowing hard, he answered, "No."
"At first it was simply things. Things that I could ignore, for I could find such on my own, or already had it in an untainted form. Beauty, wealth, happiness, love. I had all of those things. But, after Pippin... after Pippin died, all of that changed," Merry could hear his voice breaking, swelling with emotion as he made his confessions. For a moment he did not think he could go on, but Frodo reached out at that moment, clasping Merry's knee gently with his hand, squeezing lightly to show his support. The silent gesture gave Merry strength and courage.
"The ring promised me vengeance. It was that simple. It told me I could see you suffer, make you pay for making us abandon Pippin. Can you believe that? It did not offer me that chance to save Pippin, or bring him back to safety, it promised me the chance to hurt you! What sort of person does that make me, Frodo? That I would want to cause you, my friend and cousin, pain?" By this point Merry himself was sobbing, and still Frodo looked on in compassion and understanding.
"It is evil," Merry continued after a moment. "It has made me think and do awful things. Or maybe it has just brought to the surface the true nature of my own character. In the swamp... in the swamp, when you fell... you had help," the confession was made softly. "I pushed you Frodo. Did you know that? I thought at the time you might have, but afterwards I was not sure."
Frodo did not seem to be surprised by the news. He nodded slowly before speaking. "It all happened so fast, and the voices were so loud. I thought I recalled hands, but... I could not be certain. I forgave you for it, at any rate, even when I suspected."
"How can you? You might have died?"
Frodo paused here, then, very softly, made his own confession. "The thought of death does not scare me to the extent it once did. I do not think I will live through this."
"Nothing will be the same, will it?" Merry asked unhappily. "We will never be able to forget this and go back to simply being hobbits again. Too much has happened."
"Yes, and still so much left to come."
The two sat there, with Sam hoovering nearby, for the span of many minutes, each collecting their thoughts, their expectations and understanding growing.
"I can go no further, Frodo," Merry voiced finally. "If I keep going I will do something to you. I cannot allow that to happen. It has got to stop."
"I know. I do not ask you to come further."
"I am so sorry, Frodo."
Frodo turned sharply at this. "Do not be Merry. You have come farther then you should have had too, and you have been a true friend to me, through it all. I would not have made it this far if you had not been there, with me. What of you Sam? Do you turn back?"
"I go, where you go Mr. Frodo. I made a promise, and I am gonna sees to it that I keep it," Sam declared.
"What do you think Gimli will do?" Frodo inquired softly.
"He is going to leave," Merry stated. "Remember what Galadriel said, all those days back. She said he would have to know when he could go no further, and I think both he and I have reached that point."
"I think it for the best," Frodo acknowledged. "Boromir's death was hard on him. You will look after him, won't you Merry?"
"Won't let him out of my sight. I think we will both go back to Gondor, with Faramir, to return Boromir's body to his people. See him home in a way. It is the least we can do."
Frodo nodded. "He was a good man, and despite his doubts, I do not think he would have tried to take it from me."
"We will never know now," Merry said, a part of him felt that that may be for the best. The hobbit was not as certain that the man could have resisted. "I will miss you Frodo, and you Sam."
"And we you." Frodo owned before the trio slipped into silence once again. "Do you think we will ever see the Shire again?"
"We may yet, Mr. Frodo. You never know," Sam said, trying to put a brave face on.
"I will find Pippin, or at least discover what has happened to him," Merry vowed suddenly. "I think once we are done in Gondor, Gimli will help me look."
"I am sure he will," Frodo said, smiling lightly at the determined expression upon Merry's face.
The two said no more. They simply embraced, accepting that the end was upon them, an end that had been coming for many days now, but which still seemed sudden none the less. Tears staining the cheeks of all three, they remained huddled in the dark cave, silent until darkness settled in, and sleep took them, whether they wished it too or not.
The fellowship had ended.
I hope I did not upset too many people with this last chapter. It had to happen guys. I have know that it would have to since I first started writing it.
Reviewer Notes: gosh – whenever I get the chance to talk I simply cannot stop, lol.
Gwyn ~ Bet you did not see that coming. Poor Boromir… he is doomed to be the tragic hero. Both eLLe and I agreed that some things simply could not be changed and poor Boromir's fate was one of those things. I loved your thoughts on dreams, and once reading that I felt much more confidence about the dream sequence in the last chapter. Thanks so much for your insights. LOL. Yeah – I know I sort of broke one of the main rules of LOTR fiction by giving Aragorn a bath, but I could put up with his smell no longer, it was slowing down my writing! ^_^ Yeah – it was kind of sad that Legolas actually broke down and lost control, but after being tortured I don't think I could blame him. I mean we are all human… or elf… or whatever, and we all have our breaking points. I am glad you liked the resulting character interaction! ^_~ Ah, Helm's Deep. I think all of my reviewers are speculating about how that battle will turn out, and I am enjoying making you all wait and building up the tension. Being evil is such fun! ^_^
SpaceVixenX ~ LOL. My poor reviewers. You are all so anxious about how the battle of Helm's Deep will unfold and I am having so much fun drawing it out. See, I am going to make you wait another chapter before you find out. Well, actually you will see next chapter… but you did not find out in this one. Sorry to keep you in a twitter state for another week! Loved the dance! ~_^
sirithiliel ~ Glad you could understand the dream! I sometimes find it hard to write about something when I have a really clear picture of it so that you will all see it the way I do… anyway, I think most writer's feel that way. Anyway, thanks for your review.
Angel of Death ~ I am glad you liked that part between Legolas and Aragorn and the sky. I was worried that people might think it too mushy… I, personally, am rather a sucker for gushy moments, which is why I had to include one! I admit that Legolas has the power to make me go all gooshy eyed too. *dreamy sigh* I hope I did justice to Faramir in this chapter, although he did not play that big a part (yet). As for my plans for Helm's Deep… I am not going to say a word and you are all simply going to have to wait and see in the next chapter. I know I am evil! ^_^ Yeah I lost two of my reviews permanently but it could have been worst… I could have been Elfling who lost them all. As for your story… I admit that when I first went to your bio page to try and read something you had written, I planned not to read that fic… because I originally thought that it would be a typical mary sue… but then I thought that your other story I read was good and well written, and I should not judge something before I read it…. So I did. The result was that I liked it, and I look forward to future updates. I am pleased that you, as a writer, have received so much feedback… the number of reviews that story has gotten is impressive to say the least! Anyway, enjoy your vacation and talk to you again once you get back!!
saki ~ Wow, I am very pleased you came back to give my fic a second chance. I really appreciate the feedback. I understand completely about not having the time to review all the stories you would like to review. So many wonderful stories out there, and so little time, *sigh*, there is only so much you can do. The weird dream was the first step in Legolas' healing process after the torture I put him through! *grin* Poor elf has been threatening to go on strike on me if I do not lighten up. ^_^ Glad you found humorous parts in my writing. I sort of have a weird sense of humor, so I am always pleased when other people comprehend it. As for Aragorn bathing… well I figured he had not had a bath since (as you mentioned) the counsel of Elrond so I thought by the time he reached Rohan it was that time of the year again, lol. If you want to read a funny account of how Aragorn became cleaned up for the counsel then I recommend a fic by a writer named JastaElf called "The Scruff Factor". It is wonderful.
Niori ~ I am glad you liked the moment between Aragorn and Legolas. I was worried (as I mentioned to another reviewer) that it might have been too mushy but both eLLe and I are suckers for that sort of thing so… that scene worked its way in. Glad you really like this! I will try to keep chapters coming as quickly as I can!
White Wolf ~ Glad I did the scene that was inspired by your wonderful fic justice. Do not doubt that people would be inspired by your fic, I mean it is too good not to… inspire that is. I am glad I did a good job at portraying Legolas and his fears. eLLe pointed out too me that so many people do not address the long healing process people undergo after experiencing something traumatic, and I did not want to be one of those people, so it was important to me that I do the last scene well. LOL. Any time you want to wash Aragorn, you go right ahead! I will even supply the soap. *giggles* ^_^
randomramblings ~ I love reviewing those people who have taken the time to review me. I know how much feedback can mean to writer's so it is my way of thanking people. It has also proved to be a great way of finding new stories. I enjoyed yours and hope you update soon. LOL. Okay… I completely understand your Legolas obsession. *sigh* I must admit that he is my favorite character too. I am glad I am doing his character justice and that you liked the last scene. Thanks for your review!
Lisette ~ Salut, mon ami! Thanks again for your review. I think it is the longest one I have received yet for the story. It was also the deciding factor for me to go back and try and redo some of my past chapters. I have been wanting to do it for a while, and simply been too lazy, but then I realized people were coming here to read this so it is the least I can do. I am glad that you find I have some great one-liners. That compliment made me turn right down pink with pleasure! And you think I am a wonderful story teller! Really, that much praise just went straight to my head. I am having problems fitting my ego through doorways now, lol. Yeah – I have not even thought ahead to Shelob yet. I am still debating about what Gimli will do, now that Merry is turning around, and also what Faramir will do. The possibilities, as you said, are overwhelming. Glad you approved of Merry's slight fall, though really at this point all the characters are being twisted by the ring… as was made clearer by this chapter. LOL. Poor reviewers. You are all trying to guess about what is going to happen at Helm's Deep. I am having such fun tormenting you about it too. *evil grin* Next chapter will reveal all (I think – I will only really know once I have written it). You are right about Gandalf. He could not die and even if he did the Valar would send him back. This has been the continued plot hole throughout my story. I had one review point this out to me in the first chapter, lol. The only way I can skirt around that fact is to say it is why I labeled this a major AU. The story is based on the idea of Gandalf's fall… so even though that should not be allowed to happen… I am making it, lol. Please forgive me Tolkien! ^_^ Anyway – that was not a tangent in your review, because you were right, and your insights were appreciated. Merci!
Elfling ~ Glad you approved of the Aragorn/Legolas interaction in the last one. I am happy with it as well. LOL. I knew you would understand my heart stopping fear at the thought of a story being deleted. I think it is the fear of all fiction writers who post at this sight. Thanks for offering me your plot ferrets. I think that is the most original muse I have heard of yet. Simply thinking of them got me writing. I will try to keep chapters coming for you!
evil sapple pie ~ Don't worry about not reviewing right away. I know how important it is to study hard for exams. Obviously your school marks come before leaving me reviews for my story! I really understand how disheartening it is to study hard for something and not do as well as you would have liked to do. I am in the sciences as well and all I can say is that any pass mark in physics is something to be proud of. I have taken it and know what a challenge it can be. Try not to let it get you down. Glad you found Gimli funny in that last chapter, lol. As to your writing, I think most people can say they have started but unfinished pieces lying around. I have a whole desk full of them, and I am yet to actually finish a story. You are still a good writer! I understand about not having time though. Life can be too demanding. I finally read Harry Potter. It took me a while to get my hands on the book but once I had it I read the whole thing in 24 hours and that was with a seven hour work shift in there. I loved it even though it was very black. I would love to see you write a 6th and/or 7th year fic. If you did I can guarantee you I would be on the edge of my seat reading it. Yes, write instead of math just like I wrote instead of doing chemistry at the end of my year. It is a wonderful escape. LOL. Glad you liked the Aragorn bath scene. I, too, have woken up in some pretty weird places… it happens… but I do like sleeping in chairs. I know I am weird but… I like doing it. I also like sleeping on floor… sleeping on a bare floor is wonderful and does wonders for my back. Anyway, glad you liked that scene between our ranger and elf in the last one and thanks for the long reviews. I was glowing like and elf reading them!
Artemisa ~ Thanks for leaving me another review for chapter 23. I smiled like an idiot when I saw you did that for me. It meant a lot to me at any rate. LOL. Glad you got a kick out of Legolas forcing Aragorn into a tub. *smirks* I think everyone had to admit it was time. I could not resist adding those little hints of Elladan and Elrohir in there for you. ^_^ Glad you liked Legolas cuddled up in the chair. I had fun picturing him in such a state so writing about it was a lot of fun. Hope I did not keep you writing too long!
merrylyn ~ ROFL. That was simply the most intriguing list of possible excuses I have every heard! I must have read that part over like ten times and laughed every single time. Actually I am starting to laugh again even thinking about it. Keep the plot bunnies coming! I don't mind if they multiply and over run me. I prefer to feel inspired then dried up! ^_^ Glad you liked the dream. I had fun writing it because it was creeping me out too. I also did parallels between what Legolas was dreaming and what Aragorn was doing to try and wake him… I was proud of it at any rate and I am happy you liked it! Would we not all love to get a chance to clean Legolas… *retracts tongue back into mouth* I think it is time I admitted I am obsessed with that elf. No one living should be allowed to be *that* good looking. Glad you liked the little but of Pippin/Legolas interaction. I realized I had not really done any and I had not had a good Pippin moment for a while so that scene just write itself, much to my delight! The Helm's Deep description was added by me after eLLe suggested I include something more. I sent her the chapter and her major suggestion was to add a clearer picture of Helm's Deep to build up tension, and I happy she suggested it because I liked the added bit too. I am pleased you still like this story. Whenever you say that I can't stop grinning and blushing. Wonder what you made of this one. Anyway, I look forward to your next review! ^_^ Oh, yeah and did you know you were my 250th review. That is a special number so thanks for pushing me onto it!