Hello Everyone! This chapter is in part co-written by eLLe. She did half of the last section of it – so thanks go out to her!
Here is the chapter you have all been asking for with lots of elf and ranger and hobbit in it! ^_^ I included two quotes in it that helped to inspire the chapter. They are marked with numbers in the text and at the bottom I have who said them.
My thanks and huge welcome are extended to my newest reviewers: 'Lady Lenna' and 'ShortRedHead28'!
Also my thanks are extended to 'evil spapple pie' and 'Lisette' for bringing editing and grammar mistakes to my attention. I appreciate it guys! Also I want to thank 'ShortRedHead28' for pointing out to me that I completely forgot about Aragorn's sword and have not mentioned what became of it. I added a little sentence in this chapter to solve that mystery and nice attention to detail! *grin*
Happy belated Canada Day (July 1st) and Independence Day (July 4th) to all!
Okay, I think that covers everything. On with the chapter!
Chapter #26 ~ Of Women, Hobbits and War
"Is it true?"
Legolas raised his head slightly so that he could see Éowyn's face. Her eyes were intense, shining with a measure of hope, as she awaited his response. Answering her would be a simple matter, but a warning within him told him he did not want to involve his person or his name within this argument between siblings.
Frowning slightly he returned his attention back to the arrow he was currently repairing, his knife moving in steady strokes down the shaft as he narrowed it. The Rohirrim, though they had decent enough aim, simply did not seem to know how to make arrows properly. Legolas had been disgusted when he had examined their stores, and he had been at work ever since, trying to perfect them so that, when fired, they would not go astray.
In short, Legolas had been quite happy to be forgotten. He had been using the quiet time to gather his thoughts and anchor himself. Yet Éowyn had tracked him down, and now stood in front of him awaiting an answer. He briefly wondered how she had gotten word of this, wondering if Aragorn had been foolish enough to let something slip.
"Well, at times, yes, our women are allowed to fight if they so choose to. It is always left to personal choice, though it is sometimes encouraged that they do not."
Éowyn beamed upon hearing this, her oval face breaking out into a joyous expression. She sat down hurriedly, her hands clasping each other in her lap as she continued to observe the elf. Legolas paused after a moment of this, sighing, he faced Éowyn again. Keeping his face as neutral as possible he inquired,
"You would know of something else?"
"So your females are looked upon as equals? As comrades in arms who stand just as capable of defending their homes and families as men?" The mirth behind her voice was shocking, and Legolas felt a certain degree of pity for this woman who was so desperate to prove herself.
"I, and all my kin, have always considered our female counterparts as equals to us in all things. Some, such as the Lady Galadriel, I acknowledge as my superior, although it has been many human lifetimes since she last held arms. When I went through my training, I went through it along side four different women, three of whom still guard the boarders of my homeland, one of whom has passed on to the Halls of Mandos for her service. Yes, in war, it is true that the elves do not distinguish between gender in the same fashions that men do."
Legolas paused here, continuing the ingrained movements of repairing and checking the arrows in front of him as he considered this in the context of the approaching battle. He was somewhat amazed by the longing Éowyn projected.
"Yet, you Lady, are not an elf. You are a human," he said at last, although he knew it would hurt her to hear it said.
"So do you say, my lord, that elves are more capable in the arts of war than humans? That your females would be more skilled than I when faced with the same odds?" there was a certain degree of danger in her voice as she spoke, although she kept her voice levelled. Legolas realized, somewhat unhappily, that he was walking a fine line, and that he might not want to discover first hand what the Lady in front of him was capable of.
He considered his response carefully, not wishing to worsen the situation any more. In his mind he did not see anything so wrong with permitting Éowyn to fight, if she wished to, but humans were strange creatures and their ways were alien to Legolas in many respects.
"It is my understanding that it is not common for human women to behave as warriors. I meant not to imply that one race was more suited to fighting then another, merely that the customs of my people do not justify or disprove the traditions of your own."
"It should disprove our traditions," she replied heatedly, "for ours are ancient in their origins. The times have changed, and with the encroaching darkness all who would remain free should be allowed to take up arms, should they choose that path. Yet, when the military approaches, the world locks up its spoons and packs off it womankind (1). We are no more then treasured possessions! Our worth valued and guarded. They will not see us for who we are, and what we can be," the bitterness in her voice shocked Legolas, and he felt his head lift to once again study her.
"They only wish to protect you, Lady. I do not think they mean to cage such wild spirits as your own. You do wrong to speak so ill of those who only mean the best," Legolas chided gently.
"Would you be less gracious were you informed that you must be cosseted and denied access to a sword when war approaches? How would you feel were you told you could not fight?"
Legolas sighed lightly, wishing for the tenth time that the Lady had not found him. Finishing his examination of the arrow he held, he placed it into the completed pile and took up another. He could hear the passion and truth of her words, yet knew not what she wanted from him on the subject. They could discuss, agree or argue about the unfairness of life for many years, and it would not change the current situation.
"I am a prince of my people, a warrior of many centuries. I was born for war and have been trained for it since before your great grand sires walked this earth. Should the battle with darkness rage, I will be on the front lines for the side of light, lady. Nothing could prevent me," he said simply, finding a degree of comfort from the familiar movements of his blade upon the wooden arrow. "You are a fighter, your spirit is strong. I do not envy you your position, lady and, if it gives you comfort, then know that I too would try to fight, as you do, were I not given immediate leave to do so. Yet, I am not you, and you are not an elf. I know not what you would have me say, for this is a conversation you should be raising with your king, and not I."
Éowyn paused here as if this was what she had been waiting for Legolas to say. She dampened her lips with her tongue and she swallowed quickly. Legolas sighed as he realized he had played into her hands somehow.
"I was hoping you would vouch for me," she said softly, yearning coating the words. "No, please, let me finish," she added quickly when she saw Legolas starting to shake his head. "My brother feels that we owe you much, and we do. Were you to ask him this, he would be very hard pressed to refuse you. I saw your face as you beheld the boys we will be sending out onto the front lines. Would you not have me take the place of one of those children? I will spar with you if you wish to test my own skill."
Her request obviously completed she waited with baited breath. Legolas finished the arrow he held before facing her once more. "You use my own desires towards protecting youth against me?" he said sharply. He had hoped that his voice would be more controlled before he spoke, but she had chosen his insecurities well, for it was still a matter that bothered him greatly.
"No," she said softly, reaching out and cupping his hands within her own, "I merely use an issue that troubles us both greatly. I would have my own life endangered before many of those who have been given my brother's leave to fight. Help me."
"I do not think my voice will have the sway you claim it will. Should you fall in this battle, as is very likely, I will have your death upon my head. You ask much of me."
"I do," she acknowledged, refusing to break his eye contact or flinch at his tone. She simply waited, her features strong, for his final decision.
Legolas shook his head. "Do you even realize what it is you ask of me? Have you truly seen the effects of battle, of taking life, even that of orcs?"
"I stand ready to defend my people from that which would see us destroyed. I will not flinch from that duty. I do not fear that fight," came her steady reply.
"You are so innocent," he said, partially in disbelief.
"Lord Aragorn said something similar of you earlier," came her clipped reply.
Legolas chuckled lightly. "Did he? Estel would have us all safe, could he command fate itself, as he would like. He sometimes forgets that we elves are stronger and older then we appear. Do not place to much on his words. Did he say else of me that I must now counter in your mind?"
Éowyn paused, unsure of how to reply. Finally choosing honesty would be best here, given what she was requesting of him, she spoke. "He said you were loyal, and he cherished his friendship with you. He seemed to fear that as he aged, you would regret that bond."
Legolas felt his eyes widen in surprise. "How could he think that?" he stammered before he had the time to fully to collect himself and hold the words back.
"I know not. I did not fully understand the implications myself."
Legolas frowned. Picking up another arrow he pondered Aragorn, before Éowyn discretely cleared her throat, to once again direct his attention back to her. "I would follow Aragorn's command across the whole of Middle-Earth itself. Where he stands in battle, I shall be beside him," Legolas said quietly.
"Then we are of the same mind, Legolas. For I too, would follow him," Éowyn said passionately, once agin leaning forward so that she sat nearer to elf. He felt suddenly honoured that she was confiding in him, choosing to share her allegiances and heart so openly before him. Their shared much in common.
He also realized before he spoke, that he would help her. He would do all in his power to allow her the chance of facing the battle openly, and not hiding in the shadows. She was a creature of strength and intelligence, and that would be needed on the night's battlefield.
He sighed, standing and brushing off the wood chips from him. Drawing a single knife, he raised a challenging eyebrow. "Alright, Lady. Give me a demonstration of your skill."
"You will face me, who is armed with sword, with but a single knife?" She was obviously trying to not sound offended, and was failing miserably.
Legolas merely offered her a mischievous grin in reply. She did not need a second invitation, and soon the dull clashing of metal upon metal could be heard, as the two sparred.
For Éowyn's part, she soon became enchanted with the feline grace that marked each of Legolas' movements. He was quick and fluid like water, and she suddenly wondered (despite the ridiculous nature of the notion) that even if her sword were to cut him, if it might not just pass right through. She quickly chided herself over the notion. She had seen the elf's blood once. He was as mortal as any of them when it came to the laws of steel.
Legolas himself felt rather surprised by the Lady. She had not boasted of her skill, and fought with all the passion of which she spoke. She had talent, and had been trained well, that much was clear. He felt his own confusion over why this was even an issue. She could hold her own, so why was she not being allowed to fight?
Suddenly she rounded, her blade moving from his to that of another component. Legolas felt somewhat startled by the sudden shift, blinking quickly, he saw her sword latched onto Aragorn's own dagger. The two stood still, each seizing the other up.
"You have some skill with the blade," Aragorn replied. To someone who did not know the ranger well his tone might have come off sounding nonchalant in nature, but Legolas did know Aragorn well, and he could hear a grudging sort of respect and surprise behind the words. He had obviously not thought the Lady would fight so well.
With a quick twist, a move that surprise both elf and man, she suddenly had her blade at Aragorn's throat. It hoovered there for the briefest of moments before Aragorn tilted his head slightly to show his acknowledgment of her victory. The briefest of smiles crossed her face before she made her features go flat once again. She sheathed the weapon quickly.
"Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them. I fear neither death, nor pain." She spoke the words with a conviction that appealed to Legolas. She might be young and foolish, but she had found her cause, and that was something the elf could respect.
"What do you fear, my lady?" Aragorn asked softly, their eyes locking even as he spoke. Legolas suddenly felt like an intruder, for the moment had a distinctly intimate feeling to it, as the two gazed at each other, and the lady confessed and laid bare a piece of herself to the man she vowed to follow.
"A cage," she replied shortly. "To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them and all chance of valour has gone beyond recall or desire."
"You are the daughter of kings, a shield maiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate," he paused here before continuing. "All men are born free, my lady. We shall keep that freedom, for our race has no other destiny."
"If men are born free, how is it that all women are born slaves? (2)" Éowyn pressed. "Let me stand and fight beside you, my lord. I would do so gladly, for you are a man I would follow."
Aragorn seemed to realize his danger too late, as Legolas had done before him. Already the rangers dark head was shaking slightly in refusal. "Lady in this you do entreat the wrong person. It is your brother's command who you must obey, not my own." Legolas almost felt sorry for Aragorn, for he himself knew how little that response was going to achieve. The lady was truly relentless, and an admirable foe.
"My lord, you accept the fealty of elves and hobbits. Would you not accept that of one of your own kind, even if that person was a woman?" she replied evenly, her tone still vibrating with her own certainty. Aragorn was definitely looking uneasy now, and the expression made Legolas chuckle. Immediately he was confronted by two very annoyed sets of eyes, which only served to make him laugh all the harder.
"Aragorn, I advise retreat now, for it is always expedient to know when you are out manned," Legolas managed to get out through peals of laughter. The sudden situation seemed to have taken on an hilarious element in the eyes of the elf, and his mirth could simply not be repressed.
"You find this funny?" Aragorn replied stiffly.
"Nay, for I was on the receiving end of the lady's plea but a moment before, but I do find you being confronted with her request amusing. I have seen you take on orcs with less hesitation and uncertainty. Your reluctance is something I shall enjoy telling your brothers of."
"You wouldn't dare!" Aragorn snapped, now looking decidedly nervous. Éowyn looked caught between being angered by being the subject of laughter and amusement at the pleading expression Aragorn now bestowed upon the elf.
She snorted unhappily before deciding to put an end to the situation and getting it once again back on track. "Lord Aragorn. Thank you for sparring with me, and your words. Now, if you would excuse us, the elf and I have business left unattended.
Legolas stopped laughing, his eyes once again assuming a cautious glint to them, as he eyed the lady suspiciously. Aragorn cast Legolas a decidedly smugly look before tipping his head in Éowyn's direction.
"Anything to please you, lady," he said graciously, as he quickly took the offered avenue of escape. He did not look back as he exited the room.
Legolas shook his head in fond exasperation, before once again facing the lady.
~*~
"My lord," Éomer said calmly, although his eyes held a hidden mirth that did not go undetected by Legolas. "No man here envies you the position my sister has thrust upon you, and certainly many a man has fallen victim to the charms and persuasions of my sister before you, but did I hear you correctly in that you are actually asking me to give my leave and allow her to fight?" The generals surrounding Éomer chuckled lightly at this, which only served to redden Éowyn face all the more, although it was no modest blush of shame that coloured her face, but a wraith that would have sent smarter men running.
Legolas swallowed thickly, wondering again how he had actually been argued into the current situation. Humans, he thought irritably, must they complicate everything so? It was a question that Legolas decided he would ponder upon further at a later date, for at the moment he still had to answer Éomer's question. Keeping his voice flat he answered, "Yes."
Something in his tone must have made Éomer realize that his sister had won over a powerful ally, for his smile faded to be replaced by a more concerned expression. "Surely you would not have her brave the horrors of war?" he asked aghast at the very though of his baby sister witnessing such brutality.
Legolas opened his mouth to speak but Éowyn beat him too it. She had obviously had enough of men thinking her some delicate flower, and given her tone Legolas could hardly understand how anyone who knew her could mistake her as such.
"Horrors! You would keep *me* sheltered from such things, but not the ten year old boys you now dub soldiers! Of all the stupid, arrogant, presumptuous... Brother," she broke off sharply, "How can you think so little of me and my abilities?"
Éomer was looking somewhat like a cornered badger would look like when confronted by some viperous snake. Legolas imagined he himself had probably not appeared all that different a short while ago, but shooed the thought away, for it was too damaging to his own pride to consider at any length. Needless to say he sympathized with Éomer's current situation.
"I... that is... I mean," he started off badly, and Legolas winced slightly as he allowed Éowyn to see him struggling. "I just want to protect you. You are all I have left." It was a valiant attempt at recovery, but Éowyn was the type of person who went for the throat of her victims and so no amount of attempted guilt Éomer could thrust upon her would slow her in battle.
"Protect me?" she asked scornfully. "With a army of children? You are desperate for soldiers yet will not accept my talent. Legolas here has sparred with me, and admits, although somewhat grudgingly," she added resentfully sending a glare in the elf's direction, "that I have skill. My blade could be a service to Rohan in this battle. You yourself know I can fight!"
Éomer turned his attention back to Legolas who sighed and tried to prepare himself for what was to come. I should not have gotten involved, he scolded himself once again, I should not have gotten involved. Chanting the thoughts in his head did little to relieve his apprehension however as Éomer spoke. "So be it. Her life will be on your head, master elf."
The day could not have been worst, as Éowyn smiled broadly, a look of triumph setting her features alight.
~*~
Pippin was sitting among a group of Rohirrim children, animatedly telling them a story of the Shire, and their little eyes that stared at him were alight with pleasure as they raptly listened to the tale as it unfolded. Pippin found himself smiling as he watched them. It had seemed like ages since he had last been surrounded by the beauty and innocence of childhood. As he got caught up in his story he found himself forgetting the misery and tension of his surroundings, and the apprehension of the approaching war.
In short the hobbit relished the change, and so it was he felt rather despondent when the children's mothers came to collect their little ones. As the last child was grudgingly lead away Pippin rose mournfully, automatically looking for something to preoccupy him now.
The mounting tensions in the fort left him feeling energized, and he feared remaining stationary for too long as a result. He had not seen Legolas or Aragorn in quite some time and he realized he should probably go to them and see if he could be of assistance.
A plan now in motion, Pippin started his search.
It did not take long to find Legolas. The elf seemed to be the centre of rumour and intrigue throughout the fort, and whenever he was present the sounds around him ceased, and people talked behind held up hands in hushed whispers. However, if this bothered Legolas at all he did not show it.
"What are you looking at?" Pippin asked as he finally came to stand beside his comrade, who was staring out over the fort wall. The hobbit craned his head upwards and stood on is tip-toes in an attempt to look out over the wall as well, but much to his annoyance found he was too short. "Ahem," he said loudly, clearing his throat very deliberately to attract the elf's attention.
Legolas looked down, a small smile playing across his face, before he leaned over and scooped up Pippin, to settle him gently in a sitting position upon the wall.
"Thank-you," Pippin said grinning. "This human settlement just does not seem to have been designed to accommodate someone of my stature," the hobbit complained with a small shrug, as he swung his legs over the wall so that he sat facing the direction in which Legolas watched.
The two sat in silence, except for the hushed whispers from behind them. All Pippin could see however was the flat dirt plains and the sparse grass, and he could not fathom what held the elf in such rapt attention. "So," he repeated rather loudly, "what is it you look at?"
"The same thing you are currently looking at, I imagine," the elf said, somehow managing to keep his voice straight as he spoke.
"Legolas, no elven answers to this," Pippin said, trying to sound stern and commanding. "What do you see?"
"If I cannot give you an elven reply, then pray tell, how I am suppose to respond being that I can be nothing else but an elf?" There was a definite bubble of mirth in the elf's tone as he replied.
Pippin frowned. "You know for someone your age you are remarkably childish," Pippin scolded, though not in any serious fashion. "You have been separated from your kind for too long. You should know by now that I can provide no sort of verbal warfare you elves seem to enjoy so immensely."
Legolas laughed slightly. "Do not underestimate yourself, Pippin..."
"Call me Pip," the hobbit cut in quickly. "It is what Merry, Frodo and Sam call me... and well... you know it will help me remember them, and better times."
"So be it, Pip," Legolas said lightly with a small shrug. "To answer your question, I do not see, I listen."
"Ah," Pippin said, now trying to hear what it was the elf heard. It took several fidgety minutes before Pippin could take it no more. "Okay, I give up. What is it that you hear then, and do not tell me it is the same thing I hear, because if that is the case the wind and the gossip of peasant people are just not interesting enough as to keep you this entertained."
"Were it only something so trivial that I can hear," Legolas said sadly. "No, Pip, it is the approach of the coming army that I listen too. The ground shakes with their coming, and the world weeps where it is fouled by their presence."
"Oh." Pippin was not quite sure how to reply to sure a statement, but as it slowly sunk in he felt the full gravity of the situation impress itself upon him again. "Will we win?"
"I would hope so, yet if we do not we will no longer be in a position to mourn it."
"That is rather morbid," Pippin commented dryly.
Legolas sighed. "Forgive me, I am of a rather strange mood. I wonder how my people fare?" he added wistfully.
"Yes," Pippin agreed. "I wonder where the rest of the fellowship is?"
Both of the questions were left unanswered as Aragorn approached the duo. He was dressed for war, his armour donned and shining. At his hip rested Andúril, newly restored to him by Eomer and freshly polished. It shone dully in the evening light, making Aragorn somehow look even more formidable.
"Are you sure you are prepared to fight?" Legolas asked him. "I mean, will you be well enough?"
Aragorn snorted. "Will you?" he replied humourlessly.
"We will find out," the archer replied with the smallest of shrugs as he turned his attention once again to the plains. "They come, Aragorn. We should alert Eomer and his men. Get everyone stationed, for within the hour we shall be able to spot them."
"Eomer knows, I believe. He is having all those who cannot fight placed in the caves below the keep. All are almost within already." The ranger paused here for a moment before looking at Pippin. "I would have you join those below, Pippin," he stated simply.
The hobbit sat up straighter looking at surprise at the ranger. "I will do no such thing! I have come and fought this far with you both and I shall stand beside you here as well!" Pippin exclaimed indignantly.
"You are no warrior," Aragorn pressed gently, obviously trying to make Pippin see reason. "You have never seen a battle of this scale before."
"I care not. I am not afraid and I will not hide," came the obstinate reply. "This is my choice, Aragorn."
The ranger sighed and for a moment he looked to Legolas for aid, but the elf merely tilted his head slightly, saying nothing as he watched the scene. "Pippin," Aragorn began on his final attempt but the hobbit cut him off.
"No. I will fight."
"So many people take up that responsibility, and so many will die as a result," Aragorn muttered unhappily, more to himself then his companions.
"Their lives are not on your head, Estel. You are not responsible for these people," Legolas gently reassured.
"I know this, but..."
"There is no but," Legolas interjected smoothly. "It is simply an unchangeable aspect of your existence, young one, and one I hope you will come to realize eventually. You carry too much upon you." The elf then smoothly stretched and looked at Pippin. "Come, Master Pip. If you insist upon fighting we must see you properly outfitted. Let us give Aragorn a moment to himself." He then reached over and lifted Pippin from the wall, setting him upon his feet once again.
The two left the ranger leaning against the wall, watching as the sun ominously merged into the horizon, which was lined with black clouds. The world darkened in preparation of what was to come.
~*~
Éowyn stood proud, dressed the in the armour of her people. Beside her, both Legolas and Pippin stood close by. Before them, in the darkness, stretched their enemy. The trampling of their feet as they approached made the earth vibrate, and Éowyn felt tiny in comparison to what they faced. She suddenly realized the full extent of all she had asked for.
This was war.
She looked to the elf, who seemed to be the only source of pure light this night, except for the torches which lit the keep, and they were scattered throughout the army. He looked upon the orcs, his face emotionless, but his brow furrowed slightly, and Éowyn realized he was just as scared as she suddenly was. He was immortal, yes, but he could die from blade and arrow just as she – a sobering thought on both accounts. He clasped his bow lightly in one hand, and the other fiddled with an arrow, waiting for the chance to fire it.
Aragorn passed by briefly, squeezing both the hobbit' and the elf's arms in affection before passing beyond them, and then going to stand with Éomer. "Your friends are with you," the elf had said quietly as the man had passed, and Éowyn found some comfort in their words. They stood together, all of them, and with this thought her determination hardened. The enemy would crumble before them, or she would die attempting to make it so.
The first few telling drops of rain hit them, like a foreshadow of the tide that was to come, and soon the rain pelted down, making Éowyn's flaxen hair plaster to her face. Lightning and thunder entered the scene, adding to the chaos, and illuminating the scared faces of the Rohhirim. This is what death feels like, thought Éowyn. The deep breath before the plunge. A shuddering breath of exhalation that she could not stop slid past her pale lips.
The orcs amassed before them in staggering numbers. Crooked rows of ranks upon ranks of these hideous black beasts, a great ocean of darkness, of evil, and of hate. Strange devices they bore, as well as crude swords, axes, and black bows. Their brusque grunts, snarls, and violent growls seemed to answer the rumbling roar of thunder. What deviltry had Saruman unleashed before them? What was the price they would have to pay for their lands? For their people? For their freedom?
They waited, their patience pressed until the first arrow was fired. As the earliest death came a unanimous cry exploded upon anticipating ears, and the black tide engulfed them...
Okay. Quote the two quotes I used were by:
(1) George Bernard Shaw: 1856-1950
(2) Mary Astell: 1668-1731
Also I would like to do a bit of advertising. I have two vignettes posted. One involves Elrohir and Elladan, and the other involves Legolas and Eowyn. I would appreciate reviews so if you guys have the time (and inclination) please go and check them out. ^_^
Reviewer Notes:
Gwyn ~ Yeah, I realized a little while ago that Gimli and Legolas would not be able to have their little competition either, and was rather depressed about it… but Tolkien wrote is so masterfully that I do not think I could add to the idea… and Pippin will be there so maybe the hobbit will liven things up. You were right, eLLe and I talked about it and we both realized that having Boromir alive would prevent too many things from occurring. He had to die. *sigh* And the story moves on. I know the death thing happened very quickly… I reread it a number of times thinking it went through to fast but when I tried to add to it it became to corny. I am not a huge fan of Boromir and I simply could not make his death sad so I felt I would leave it as is, lol. If you want a tear jerker I am working on a vignette that you might enjoy. I agree with you. I don't think Gimli is going to walk away as calmly as Merry did and that the hobbits might still find themselves being escorted by a dwarf. LOL. I don't intend on making this story slash or a romance on any level. I can't write like that and I do not intend to try, lol, so have no fear. Thanks for the long review!
merrylyn ~ LOL. I though muse ferrets was original. Thehehe… it gets me laughing even thinking about them. I want a pet ferret when I am older and living on my own. LOL… I take the Gimli warning to heart. I can only imagine the horror of it all… but it does make quite an interesting mental picture, you have to admit. *grin* The editing of my story is proving to be a big job. I have reposted some chapters three or four times because people keep finding mistakes, or I do. Once it is done though it will be rewarding… I simply have to keep telling myself that. I have jolted awake before too, especially when I wake from a really intense dream and it sometimes take me a while to orient myself so I was happy with the reaction in the dream from last chapter too. LOL. Yep, how am I suppose to look at any man in the same light when I have seen someone like Legolas on the big screen? None will ever be able to compete but I am slowly resigning myself to it. I am glad I pulled off the Boromir/Gimli/Ring battle well because I was worried that people might find it confusing. Glad it was not! LOL - *imagines Sam dying of high blood pressure* Watch out merrylyn, you might give me another plot bunny and I might make Sam croak on the slopes of Mount Doom, lol. I simply could not make Boromir's death sad. I mean of all the fellowship I feel I am the most like him… because I am human and would have lusted after the ring too, but he was also my least favorite character (go figure!). Anyway, he is dead and personally I will not miss him all the much… am I heartless or what? Glad you liked the waterfall bit… that is my poetry streak coming out. I love description and would write completely it but most people don't enjoy reading that sort of stuff and characterization is fun too. Yeah between you and Cheysuli (who accused Boromir of pushing into the swamp – an idea that I changed slightly) the last scene was pretty good (if I might say so myself). Of all the characters I have ignored Merry and Frodo the most in the story so I am glad I worked out a scene with them together and Merry is growing on me as well. ROFL – snarling plot bunnies… lol… you have no idea how much that image broke me up. ROFLMAO – beware the final showdown between the snarling plot bunnies and the muse ferrets. *cries with laughter – starts getting weird looks from parents – tries to stop* As always, loved the review! ^_~
Artemisa ~ Yeah… I am slowly perfecting the art of cliffhangers. If I was one of my readers I would be threatening me too. I simply enjoy being evil however and so will torture you all in anyway I can… which means evil cliffhangers from here to the end of the story unfortunately, Mwhahahah! Glad you liked the last one and I promise to reveal what will happen at Helm's Deep shortly.
MoroTheWolfGod ~ LOL. That last chapter could have been the end, but I am not *that* evil. No… it is simply an end to what was formed in Rivendell – the fellowship of the ring. The companions are all going in different directions now – so it was an end of sorts… but the big end only occurs when we find out what happens to the ring, right? I don't think I will ever do a sequel to this story… once it is done it will be done – but I do plan on writing other things and have already posted some. Don't worry yet though because we still have a ways to go before this is over.
Lisette ~ ROFLMAO! Okay, you have no idea how hard I laughed when I realized I had made a mistake – again! My parents were giving me the strangest looks and kept asking what I was laughing at – of course I can't tell them I write LOTR fanfiction – they think I am weird enough, lol – so they never found out. I know my mistakes aren't so bad – but I am a bit of a perfectionist and I don't want there to be mistakes. So if you don't mind pointing out mistakes you see in your review – I would be grateful. I am working on another vignette, and I am currently getting eLLe to look it over, but if you would not mind I would like to send it to you as well to have someone else tell me what they think of it before I post. I am worried it might be too corny… anyway – if you are interested I will send it along to you – I might send it even before you read this – in which case I hope you like it. ^_^ Glad you liked the fight scene between Boromir/Gimli/Ring. I was rather proud with how it turned out as well. I agree with you that it is unlikely that Gimli will give up the quest – but we will both have to wait and see how the next chapter turns out before we will know for certain. I never really have a clear picture of a chapter before I start writing it. Lots of Legolas in this one so I hope it satisfies your craving, lol. On a completely different note had you ever seen Amelie? It is a french film (that has really incorrect english subtitles, lol).
Niori ~ Wow! I made you cry again! That was something considering how quickly Boromir dropped out of the picture in the last one – although the scene between Merry and Frodo was rather moving. Yeah – I plan on writing a scene between Gimli and Faramir in the next chapter to follow up how those two took Boromir's death. Yes – this chapter had lots of Legolas in it. All my reviewers were asking for him so I undid my chains and let him run wild. Glad you still are enjoying this.
SpaceVixenX ~ You are right. Things are slowing returning to their normal coarse. Boromir was doomed from the beginning. Some things in fate are simply not meant to be changed. Yes, Helm' Deep. I kept promising to let you all know what was going to happen and then I stop right at the battle… hehehe… I love being evil and unfair… but mostly evil. So… is sleeping in a grave comfortable… I imagine it is a bit… unsettling, lol. And the worst part is I go back to Frodo and co. in the next chapter so you are not going to find out what happens for two more weeks – but then I promise answers will be given.
Roper ~ I am glad you like it. I get such a buzz off of praise. I just start glowing. It means so much to me when I know my reviews enjoy reading my work. That makes it all worth while.
Elfling ~ LOL – thanks for understanding about the wait. Sometimes chapters are a little slow in coming, lol. I like having the hobbits together too but they only have one chapter left together before Merry at least turns back. Summer hibernation… I wish I did not need to work and could simply bask in boredom too. I am glad that the next chapter of your story is in the process of being written because I want to know what it going to happen. merrylyn – one of my other reviews – was pondering about what would happen if snarling plot bunnies attacked your muse ferrets and which one would win, lol. We are both starting to place bets. ^_^
White Wolf ~ Yeah – it was sort of sad that Boromir died (again). Some things are simply fate though, and Boromir dying is one of those things. I have know from the beginning that he was a write off. I liked the Frodo and Merry scene too. I have not paid a lot of attention to either one of those characters so I was glad I got that scene in there. Lots of elf for you in this one!
Lady Lenna ~ Glad you liked it. I was impressed you read all of this. It is like 150 pages on my word processor… and that you still want more makes me really happy… I must be doing something right! ^_^ I try to update weekly… usually on either a Friday or a Sunday – because those are the days I do not work… but it does not always happen that way. Anyway – usually a chapter a week.
ShortRedHead28 ~ LOL – Oh! I have a bandwagon! *looks around happily at her reviewers* Wow – you are right. I am working up a small following. *giggles* The more reviews I get the more I like writing. I love getting encouragement and I can scarcely believe the feedback I have gotten over this story. I never imagined people would like it so much. One hour! Wow. This story is over 150 pages long now so that is amazing! You must be quite the speed-reader and you still managed to keep track of Aragorn's sword – I am impressed. Thanks for offering to correct my work! If you see mistakes point them out to me and I hope you continue to read and enjoy this! ^_^
evil spapple pie ~ You now claim the honor of being my longest review! Thanks for that – my mouth fell open when I saw the length of it. I understand well what it is like to have computer difficulties. I was on cable internet all year with my laptop and then when I brought it home and tried to make it go back to dial up it threw a fit. Needless to say – I curse technology when it doesn't work for me and love it when it does. Don't worry about your exams. I was never an exam performer either. I usually relied on a strong class mark to get me through with a decent grade. I always did badly on math exmas too. They often makes those so hard that everyone fails and then it is considered amazing if you get a 60% - or at least it is in the system I am in. Wow – 14 stories! Well if you ever need to discuss or talk them out with someone I love helping people or offering them ideas. I have people come to get help with poetry from me all the time. I enjoy discussing writing with people. Anyway – let me know when you start posting one of them because I am itching to read something by you. I did a lot of camping in Australia and there is nothing better then sleeping on the ground underneath a mozzie (mosquito) net and looking at the stars! Still – I agree that sleeping on concrete would not be fun. Yeah – Boromir's death did little to me as well – which is why it happened so quickly. I am honored that you think I have done a good job on my characterization. That means a lot to me because it is something that I have been working hard to achieve. I agree with you that a story is nothing without good characters – no matter how original the plot. Thanks for going back and looking over all those chapters for me. I have gone back fixed everything you pointed out. You are right – I love commas and sometimes go overboard with them. Glad you found chapter 22 funny – I have been trying to keep lighthearted bits in this all the way through – just because that keeps things interesting. Thanks for pointing out the Eowyn thing – I will go back and fix that soon. I looked it up at the encyclopedia of Arda but I guess they simply forgot it too. Anyway – I really do appreciate you rereading parts of this. It means a lot to me. ^_^
wellduh… ~ LOL. Yep. I killed him. Had to happen. His presence was preventing too much from happening… so it was rather easy to knock him off – not to sound callous. Yes. I think I took them from that… I do use a lot from the movies… just because I loved them so much. For me, the movies made Tolkien's world come to life. As for the effects of the ring on the other characters – yes. I had fun trying to demonstrate that it was effecting them all in the last scene. Merrylyn –one of my other reviews – asked me to show the effects and I had fun doing it! ^_^ Glad you still are enjoying the plot of this one.