Not much to say. Just that I'm REALLY moody cos my great gran died Friday night. Sad family relatives all round.

Thanks for all my reviews, and replies are below as always. ^_^

~Lainfaer~

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TriGemini – Cool, new reviewer! Yay. Glad you're enjoying. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Crecy – Another new reviewer! Wow. Pleased you're liking it so far. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Mayrana – Glad you like Nat. I was hoping you all would. Mmm…Leggy sleeping. I take it that he would only be in leggings? Heehee….

Week and a half holiday? Lucky…

Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Elerrina – Good. Flames hurt. I don't like having singed eyebrows! I hope you got the pics of Orli I sent you! They were all the ones I could find! Troy looks like it's gonna be amazing. And Calcium Kid. It's meant to be out now, but there aren't any showings at my cinema! :'(

Leggy jealous…just a little bit I wanted to add in. He just doesn't want to loose Amy, that's all. He's being…protective, I think is the word!

Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

(I gotta go read your stories now!) *scoots off*

sunni07 – You love your trig teacher? Oooook…. *backs away slowly*

Nah, hopping hurts after a while! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Mrs. Greenleaf – Ok, I get the point! You think it was a good idea! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

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Chapter 14: We'll be ok.

"Oh you can search far and wide,
You can drink the whole town dry.
You'll never find a beer so brown
But you'll never find a beer so brown
As the one we're drinking in our town.
You can kick your fancy ales.
You can drink em by the flagon.
But the only brew for the brave and true . . .
Comes from the Green Dragon!"

The Hall erupted in cheers for the two Hobbits dancing on the table, mugs of beer in their hands. Amy and Natalie laughed, clapping their hands. Merry and Pippin bowed, then had their tankards refilled.

They had returned to Edoras, and were now having a celebration for the victorious dead. Everyone was in high spirits, and many of the men were already drunk, or getting very close to being so.

"I took my baby on a Saturday bang
Boy is that girl with you
Yes we're one and the same

Now I believe in miracles
And a miracle has happened tonight

But, if you're thinkin' about my baby
It don't matter if you're black or white

They print my message in the Saturday Sun
I had to tell them I ain't second to none

And I told about equality and it's true
Either you're wrong or you're right
But, if you're thinkin' about my baby
It don't matter if you're black or white

I am tired of this devil
I am tired of this stuff
I am tired of this business
Sew when the going gets rough
I ain't scared of your brother
I ain't scared of no sheets
I ain't scared of nobody
Girl when the goin' gets mean

Protection
For gangs, clubs, and nations
causing grief in human relations
It's a turf war on a global scale
I'd rather hear both sides of the tale
See, it's not about races
Just places
Faces
Where your blood comes from
Is were your space is
I've seen the bright get duller
I'm not going to spend my life being a colour

Don't tell me you agree with me
When I saw you kicking dirt in my eye

But, if you're thinkin' about my baby
It don't matter if you're black or white

I said if you're thinkin' of being my baby
It don't matter if you're black or white

I said if you're thinkin' of being my brother
It don't matter if you're black or white

Ooh, ooh
Yea, yea, yea now
Ooh, ooh
Yea, yea, yea now

It's black, it's white
It's tough for them to get by
It's black, it's white, whoo"

("Black or White" - Michael Jackson ™)

The hall erupted in cheers for the two girls standing on the table. They laughed and bowed.

"Another, another!" came the call.

They looked at each, and grinned. Then they launched into 'Hit That' by Offspring.

The girls were having a laugh, dancing with the Hobbits, and singing along to various songs. Aragorn and Gandalf watched from the side, talking in hushed tones about Frodo and the Ring. But Legolas was nowhere to be seen. He was outside, watching the stars.

Later that night, Amy was woken by a lot of yelling and screaming. She jumped up to see Pippin gripping what looked like a great ball of fire. Next to her, Natalie had also woken up.

The door burst open, and Legolas and Aragorn ran in. Aragorn grabbed the ball out of Pippins' hands, and it rolled across the floor. Legolas held him back from getting hold of it again. Natalie and Amy ran over to Pippin to see if he was all right.

Gandalf flung a cloth over the ball and it stopped rolling. He too, went to Pippins' side, knocking his concerned cousin and the girls out of the way.

The young Hobbit was terrified of what he had just seen, and it took him a while to tell Gandalf exactly what had happened. But eventually, they found out he had seen the Dark Lord himself, and even a clip of his future plans to destroy the City of Minas Tirith. They had been lucky, extremely lucky.

Next day, Gandalf rode with Pippin to Minas Tirith, to warn them of the impending danger. The others remained in Edoras, awaiting further instructions.

Amy used the extra time to her advantage, and managed to get Legolas and Natalie talking. She had been drilling Natalie on what to say, and what not to say, and by now, her friend was pretty fed up of it.  

"Amy, stop fussing! I will not make a prat of myself. He knows me already for goodness sake." 

"Yes, just be careful. Elves can be rather temperamental." 

"Alright, alright." 

They took a walk round the City together, and the two girls tried desperately to tell Legolas of things that existed in their world, but not Middle-Earth. They told him about cars, computers, planes, electricity, and sports. Football, rugby, the Olympics… everything they could remember, they told him.   

By the end of the day, his head was swimming with all these new names and inventions. They had literally taught him how to drive a car. 

"No more, I think my head is about to explode with all this new information," he told them in the evening whilst they ate in the main hall. 

They laughed. "Trust me, there is so much you don't know about," Amy assured him. 

"All the competitions we enter our horse into for example," Natalie told him. 

"I miss Spirit," Amy said sadly. 

"So do I," Natalie agreed. They were silent for a while, and Legolas began to feel more than a little uncomfortable. 

"Anyway Natalie," Amy said after a few minutes. "How exactly did you get here? You never told us." 

"Well, I came down to Dorset for your funeral…"

"MY WHAT!?"
"Your funeral. You were dead, remember. You died in the car crash. I had to organise everything, as I was literally your next of kin. Once that was over, I stayed in your house for a while. I couldn't bear to leave and go back to London. Plus, I had to look after Spirit. I was even considering selling him, as you were no longer there with me to care for him. I had hit rock bottom. My life felt empty without you. I needed you, but I knew I would never see you again. My other friends from London came down, but even though they tried their best, no one could replace you."

"Oh Nat," Amy whispered, taking her friends' hand.

"Anyway, I was out collecting flowers, to put on your grave. I never bought them; I picked them from the woods near your home. It was summer of course, so there were plenty to choose from. Daffodils, tulips, roses… Anyway, I saw these beautiful violet flowers, tiny little things they were. I remembered you quite liked the colour purple, so I picked them. But as soon as I took one, the world started to spin. I thought it was just the heat, you know, being the middle of summer. I sat down against a nearby tree for support, but still the world kept spinning. I shut my eye, and I was sure I felt the ground beneath me tip. When I opened them again, I was in a completely different place altogether. The trees were much, much taller, and had silver barks. The ground was coated in leaves, which were huge, and rather a strange shape."

"You were in Lothlórien," Amy guessed.

Natalie nodded. "Yes. I sat there for a few minutes, trying to get my head around things, then noticed I still had a purple flower in my hand. The others had all disappeared. Then, an Elf appeared out of nowhere. He helped me to my feet, and took me to see the Lady Galadriel. She explained everything to me. She had organised it so that somehow, I would pick this tiny flower, and it would transport me to Middle-Earth so I could be with you. She knew how much I was missing you, and how much you were missing me. She thought that, for you to get on best in Middle-Earth, you would need me here, or something to that extent anyway. I arrived just two days after you left, sailing down the River. Gandalf took me with him to Fangorn Forest, and from there, I went to Isengard with Merry and Pippin, to meet up with you again."

"Perhaps it was better that Gandalf didn't tell me," Amy pondered. "It was a much nicer surprise this way, plus I would never have been able to concentrate on anything else if I knew you were here."

"That is exactly what he said," Natalie informed her. "He knows you too well already Amy." They laughed.    

"So, was your arrival here organised too then Amy?" Legolas asked.

"I don't know," she replied thoughtfully. "It could've been. Lady Galadriel certainly didn't organise it. She would've told me, surely?"

"It wasn't her that brought you here. She told me so herself," Natalie informed her friend. "Something else brought you here, but she does not know what." 

"I guess we'll never know then."

"Doubt it."

****

"The Beacons! The Beacons of Minas Tirith are lit!"

The whole hall went silent, looking at Aragorn as he ran up towards the King.

"Gondor calls for aid," he finished breathlessly.

All eyes turned to Théoden. "And Rohan will answer! Summon the Rohirrim."

The City came alive with hustle and bustle. People were everywhere, preparing for the second battle they were caught in the middle of. The Men readied themselves to ride to the main camp where all the soldiers would come together. Messengers were sent out asking for more, and wives said farewell to their husbands.

"You two are to stay here, understand?" Legolas told Amy and Natalie firmly as he prepared Arod.

"No. We're riding with you to the main…base, whatever you want to call it. If Éowyn is going, then so are we," Amy replied just as firmly.

Legolas sighed. "Alright, but then you will stay there."

"Yes Sir!" they replied, saluting him.

He laughed. "Don't be cheeky. The idea is for you to remain safe, not to get yourselves killed." 

They grinned almost identical grins, and began to ready Redigar for the long ride.

Soon, they set off. All were armed, the Rohirrims' armour glinting in the sunlight. It took them a couple of days to get there, and as they drew nearer to the Mountain, more people began to greet the King, telling him how many men they had gathered together so far.

"6000 spears. Less than half of what I'd hoped for," Théoden sighed as he stood with Aragorn, looking out over the huge encampment.

"6000 will not be enough to break the ranks of Mordor," Aragorn agreed, following the Kings' gaze.

As Legolas and Gimli wandered around, Legolas noticed the horses were restless. He was told it was because of the Mountain. It was haunted, and an evil place.

Amy and Natalie were in their tent with Éowyn, talking about what they were going to do. "I am not going to let that Elf go off without me again," Amy said resolutely. "Helms Deep was bad enough, but at least he was only on the other side of the Keep. This time, he's going to be on the other side of the bloody border!"

"Calm down Amy, we'll work something out," Natalie assured her. 

"I am not leaving my uncle again, not so soon after he has recovered," Éowyn agreed.

"We can fight. Just because we are female, doesn't mean we are weaker than men," Amy stated.

"Exactly," Éowyn applauded.

"Wait guys, just… slow down. Are you suggesting that we go with the men when they ride to Minas Tirith?" Natalie asked.

"Yes," they replied in unison.

 "You're mad."

"And you are going to be mad with us, aren't you?" Amy pleaded to her friend. "Yes? Be all loony and loopy with us? We've had enough practise back home!" She grinned.

Natalie grinned back. "I'm not going to let you two gallop off into unseen dangers with only an average of two brain cells between the both of you. You'll need someone with a bit of sensibility about them."

Amy poked her tongue out, but hugged her friend all the same. "Thank you Nat. I knew we could make you see sense."

"Well I can tell I'm not going to make you two see it."

"Of course not. We've got our hearts set on this. Now, what are we going to wear, and how are we going to get hold of it?" Amy asked Éowyn.

"Well, we'll help Merry prepare for the battle. Whilst I sort him out in the armoury, you two sneak some clothing out for us. Average sized chain mail, helmets, and all that kind of stuff. I already have a sword, and Amy, you've got your knives and bow. Natalie, we'll get you a sword, or knives if you can't carry one of them. I've had practise, and they are rather heavy. Add a shield, and we're sorted."

"But my knives are Elven. The men are certain to notice that tiny little difference aren't they?" Amy asked.

"Once you're all dressed up in the armour, it'll be fine," Éowyn assured her.

"If you say so."

"Aye, I do. We'll be ok you two. Everything will go fine"

The next day, they helped Merry get fitted into armour. Whilst Éowyn helped him with that, Amy and Natalie, stuffed chain mail up their tunics and stole quietly out of the armoury. With that, went helmets, swords, shields, and all manner of things. They didn't know what they would need exactly, so took a bit of everything they could lay their hands on. That night, they went about fitting each other, and put the rest back. 

Then, they heard a rumour that Aragorn was taking the Path under the Mountain. Immediately, they went to try and stop him, but to no avail. Amy then suddenly realised that Legolas and Gimli would follow him. She ran off to find them.

"Don't even think about it," she said sternly when she saw Legolas readying Arod.

"Think about what?" he asked not turning to look at her.

"I know what you're planning," she said accusingly. "We've just seen Aragorn. Please Legolas, don't go now. Not on the eve of battle!"

"We have to. It's our only hope," he replied, finally turning round to face her.

"What is?"

"Aragorn will summon up the dead to help us in the fight."

"You really think they're going to help? Oh Legolas please, that is just so… unlikely!" She stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at him. "If you leave me now, and something happens…I'll never be able to forgive myself for letting you go." She turned on her heel and ran off into the darkness.

Legolas dropped Arods' reins and ran after her.

She ran on, past the tents and peoples' stares. She came to the edge of the camp, and looked down from the great height at which they were. Hundreds of small white tents were dotted out far beneath her, the small campfires flickering in the darkness. The ground was so far away…she started to feel dizzy…

Legolas came up behind her and pulled her away from the edge. She struggled to get out of his embrace but he held her tight. "Just let me go," she begged, tears streaming down her face.

"No," he whispered in her ear, holding her even tighter. "Please just let me explain."

She stopped struggling and went limp in his arms, exhaustion catching up with her. She hadn't slept well recently, and it was starting to creep up on her.

He turned her round and tilted her head up to look at him. "Nothing is going to happen to me," he assured her. "I survived Helms Deep, I can survive the Mountain."

"But you cannot kill the dead," she told him, the tears still falling. "If Aragorn fails, they will kill you, and I will never see you again. You won't stand a chance against them."

"Aragorn will not fail," he said determinedly. "He is the King Amy, and if they fight for us, he will set them free. Trust me. I promise I will come back to you." He wiped her eyes. "Now, this isn't like you. You've never broken down like this before. What's wrong?" He fingered the necklace around her neck, noting the sapphire was not as bright as usual. She took his hand in hers.

"I am just completely shattered. I'm tired of everything, of the fights, the danger, the worrying about losing you…its just got too much. And now this…crying was like my release."

"I understand. Now, go and get some sleep. We'll be ok, I promise. I will see you very, very soon. And if I hear that you tried to go to battle, you will be in serious trouble."

She just nodded. He lifted her up and took her back to her tent. As he laid her down on her bed, she smiled weakly up at him. "Amin mela lle Legolas."

"Amin mela lle Amy," he replied, kissing her passionately. She returned it, then had to let him go.

****

The next day, the girls were up earlier than anyone else, getting ready to leave. They tied their hair up under their helmets to prevent it trailing out and giving away their true identities. Amy refused to take off Legolas' necklace, and tucked it under the chain mail for safety. It was sparkling like normal now. Amy readied Redigar, and Éowyn fetched her and Natalie a horse each. The girls could not share a hose, as it would give them away.

"I will get Merry," Éowyn told them. "It is better of he does not know about you two straight away."

As the company started to ride out, the girls joined them, keeping their faces low. Éowyn rode on one side of Amy, Natalie the other. They had to keep her quiver and bow hidden. 

Éowyn grabbed Merry where Théoden had left him standing all forlorn, and they were on their way.

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Heehee, she's sneaking off! Naughty, naughty.

Hmm, I wonder what will happen next chapter…

Hint, hint, – There's a BIG battle involving the giant elephant things! Oliphaunts! ^_^

~Lainfaer~

This chapter is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy 'Dolly' Maud Cook, 1914 – 2004.

Rest in peace Gran.