Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR, or this little scene in this chapter and the next.

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As Saruman spoke the last words, Grima reappeared once more and stabbed him a couple of times in the back. Her eyes widened, and her grip tightened a little around Pippin's shoulder as she watched Legolas draw his bow and shoot an arrow at Grima. Then Saruman had nothing to keep him from toppling over the edge of that huge looming tower.

He fell, it seemed like for a long time, rolling over and over again as the wind blew him about. He landed on a spike from one of the mills, and Laura put her hand to her mouth as she grabbed the Hobbit sitting in front of her, trying not to cry out.

After that little traumatic scene, everyone continued on casually. Gandalf was having a conversation with Treebeard as Laura heard Aragorn.

"Pippin!" he said. She looked down. Pippin had jumped off Epona and was wading towards a round glowing object sitting at the bottom of all the water. He picked it up, looking curiously at it.

"Bless my bark," Treebeard breathed in a low, rolling voice.

"A Seeing Stone," Aragorn murmured.

Gandalf didn't waste any time riding right over to him. "Peregrin Took, I'll take that my lad. Quickly now," he said shortly. Obviously it was something that required delicate care, from the tone of Gandalf's voice. She saw the curiosity in Pippin's eye, though. It was the same look that had gotten them into trouble in Moria.

She helped Pippin back onto Epona with her. They returned to Edoras shortly. With two of her Hobbit friends back, Middle Earth was fun again. They told her all about their journey through Fangorn Forest with Treebeard, although she didn't find it half as fascinating as her adventure.

That night, there actually was a party. Merry and Pippin were the center of attention, as they drank and danced like back in the Shire. Laura was among the crowd of people, laughing and dancing. She was singing old tavern songs that the Hobbits had taught her as they danced atop the tables. She caught sight of Aragorn and Eowyn. This time she saw that look in both their eyes. This made her stand still.

Was Aragorn giving up on Arwen? Then she remembered that the Elves were sailing to Valinor. Why now, though? Couldn't they have picked a better time to sail away? Did Arwen go with them? Why, if Aragorn had her immortal necklace? Normally she wouldn't have cared, but Arwen was her sister. Eowyn most likely didn't know any of that, but he knew perfectly well. Anger rose up in her as she decided whether to say anything or not. She decided against it, and slipped out unseen among the people.

She stood outside. It was cold, and the night was very clear. She didn't shudder, but clenched her fists together. Aragorn…she could still feel Arwen's tears on her shoulder the day they'd left Rivendell. She promised that she would protect Aragorn. But what about Arwen? Was she even there still? Suddenly, she clutched her heart. Maybe Aragorn could never be with Arwen, and it had all been a dream. An opportunity was right in front of him. Just like the opportunity with Legolas had presented itself…

She sat down hard. She didn't know how long it was that she stayed outside. What was she still doing here? As tired as she was, she didn't like sitting around waiting while Frodo was suffering that creepy little Gollum's company. The Ring was overpowering him slowly and she knew it. She let out a growl, annoyed with her decision to let Frodo and Sam go on their own. "Maybe I should have gone with them," she wondered aloud.

"Regretting your decision now?" Legolas said. He was standing behind her, his hood up protecting him from the wind.

"No, I'm just weighing it."

"It would be best if you didn't concern yourself with such matters," he said, offering her his hand.

She took it. "I've gotta make a place for myself before I die, and I don't think it's here. I shouldn't have left them."

"Aragorn faces the very same doubts, but faith will win over regret." He then took a stance and looked out across Edoras. He knew she was never serious like this, and decided to leave her alone with her thoughts. Aragorn joined them shortly, and Legolas said something about an eye moving.