A/n: Hey everyone! Sorry for the long wait in updating. I have started
school *groans* and haven't had much time. It's the first week and already
I am completely bombarded with homework. Argh! Neways, I finally updated!
Thanks to all of those who reviewed and I hope this chapter is okay!
R/N:
Lady Trickster: A Mary-sue is a lot of things and most everyone has their own definition. For me, it is a girl who is absolutely perfect in absolutely every way and she is either a) magically dropped from earth into LOTR b) An amazingly and astonishingly beautiful elf who joins the fellowship or c) a woman dropped from earth who is completely gorgeous and (amazingly enough) happens to be an elf. All three of these options end up falling madly, desperately in love with Legolas and he with them.and blah blah blah. Some Mary-sues aren't too bad (at least in my opinion) but ones like that are just plain annoying.
Noa: I am soo glad you liked the last chapter. I was very unsure about it. I love hearing from you, thanks for reviewing! You better tell me when your story is up! I bet it's going to be amazing. *grins* it sounds like you have put a lot of work into it! I cant wait to read it!
KnowInSight: Yay! Thanks for your review and I'm glad you liked it. I haven't really decided what I am gonna do with Dan and Scott. Oooh the possibilities. Lol! J/k! I dunno, I kind of play this story by day. Whatever comes to head is what I write. Hehe! Thanks for your reviews *hugz*
Oil Pastel, Hello Kitty, Sherbet Mayhem (whichever one you are inclined to be at the moment, lol!): Thanks so much for your review. Greece can get BORING? GREECE??!! Lol! I think If I went ANYWHERE in Europe, I would be totally mystified. Lol! I have wanted to go forever. *sighs* anyway, thanks a billion for your review!!
Alida Fruit: Thanks as always for your encouraging reviews. I really, really appreciate them and I'm glad to know you like this! Thanks ssooooo much for all your help and comments! *hugz*
Mojo: Lol! Thanks for your review, it got me smiling. Hehe! Luv ya hunni! Thanks!
--
When Aurora walked into the hall where Gandalf had released Théoden from Saruman's power, it was to see that the company, Éowyn, Théoden, Gandalf, and two small children were all there. Aragorn was leaning against a wooden pole and Legolas was standing silently by him. Scott and Dan sat on different tables and were not looking at each other. Both of them seemed very angry with one another and Aurora wondered again what had happened.
She took a seat at the table and Scott, with a glare in Dan's direction, leaned forward and filled her in on why everyone was here. "Those two children are from a village that was attacked by Orcs and Wildmen (or so they call them) with no warning. They barely made it here alive."
Aurora looked at the two children who were pale and were eating very fast and hungrily. She felt a pang of sadness for them. Damn Saruman. She had never met the guy but she hated him with all her heart. All he seemed to cause was pain and despair. Aurora chose not to ask Scott about the argument just yet. Now was not the time.
Gandalf was sitting on an ornate chair next to Théoden who sat in his throne. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash." He said, indicating to the two small children. "All the more potent for he is driven mad by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children."
Théoden looked at Gandalf's hand on his throne and sighed wearily. "You MUST fight." Gandalf said.
Aragorn spoke as well, "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their King."
Aurora frowned. Éomer. That must be the man they had met when searching for Merry and Pippin. Then it hit her. Éowyn had Éomer features! They had to be siblings. And it also fit well because Éomer had said that Théoden was his kin. Éowyn was the niece of Théoden, so Éomer was his nephew. Aurora sighed; it felt good to know how these people were related instead of it being a big question mark.
Théoden was shaking his head. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us. I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people." He said forcefully. "I will not risk open war."
Aurora stared at the man in dislike. How could he not want to fight? His kingdom was crumbling beneath his eyes and he didn't want to save it. Aurora wasn't even apart of this Kingdom and she was ready to give her life for it. It was in her blood and she hated Saruman bad enough that she wanted to take all the life and honor away from him and his ranks. Surely this man should feel even more strongly than Aurora did.
"Open war is upon you whether you like it or not," Aragorn said calmly.
Théoden turned to look at Aragorn, anger in his eyes. " When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan."
Aurora glared at Théoden. What was wrong with him? Aragorn was only trying to help. Gimli took a long gulp of his beer, which dribbled down his beard, and burped loudly, watching this exchange without moving his eyes. Aurora turned to glare at him in disgust. He shrugged and took a bite of bread.
Gandalf turned to look at the King and asked patiently, "Then what is the King's decision?"
Sighing, Théoden beckoned to Háma. "Tell the people that we are to evacuate the city on the morrow and will relocate in the refuge of Helm's Deep. They are to take only the things that they need and not burden themselves with all their possessions."
Háma nodded and left the hall, prepared to spread the word. Aurora wasn't sure if Théoden was accepting the inevitable or if he was leaving so as to avoid war. Either way, Aurora knew that a war would happen. This thought sent shivers up her spine.
"I must leave you for now." Gandalf told Théoden. He rose and asked the company, his friends, to join him.
They walked down the dusty streets, slipping between people who were scrambling frantically about, getting ready for the evacuation.
"Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their King?" Gimli asked grumpily.
"So they are running?" Scott asked.
Aragorn nodded but said, "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."
They entered the stables where their horses had been carefully cared for. Gandalf turned around and faced them all, sighing and shaking his head.
"There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre." He walked over to his beautiful horse and patted his head. "Théoden has a strong will but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan."
Gandalf turned and gave Aragorn a solemn gaze. "He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses HAVE to hold."
Aragorn nodded and replied, "They will hold."
Aurora was feeling a little uneasy. They were talking so grim and there was little hope in their voices. She didn't want a full out war. Sure, she had insulted Théoden because of his own fears only moments before, but the thought of war hadn't really sunk in there yet. Now, with Aragorn and Gandalf talking so grimly, it had. The thought scared her.
Gandalf mounted his horse and gazed down at them all, smiling wearily. "The Grey Pilgrim. . . that's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now I have no time. Good luck. My search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East."
Aurora didn't know where he was going but she memorized the date when he would return. Aragorn opened the gate and yelled, "Go!"
The company all dashed to the side as Gandalf's horse took off in a fury and galloped out of the city and across the plains of Rohan.
---
Aurora followed the others back into the hall where everyone was gathering things they would need. She followed Aragorn, not sure of where else to go or what else to do. They came into a large room where people milled around, looking for weapons to bring with them on their journey. The members of the company all spread out, going their separate ways.
Aurora bent down and picked up a knife that was on the floor. It had rubies inlaid in its silver haft and she pocketed it, thinking that it might come in use one day.
She moved around the room, looking at different things and watching the people closely. It was interesting to see how the people acted here. Everything was so different from her world and she was fascinated by all the dialects and conversations she overheard.
She looked over and saw Éowyn picking up a sword and running her hand along the length of it, pulling it close to her nose. Aurora decided that she liked Éowyn and she began walking over there so she could strike up a conversation. But she noticed that Aragorn also had his eyes on the woman and he was also making his way toward her. Frowning, Aurora ducked behind a chest, wanting to hear why Aragorn would be talking to this lady. She knew it was eavesdropping and she almost turned away but her curiosity got the better of her.
Éowyn began practicing with the sword, slashing it in even strokes through the air. She did a complicated move and spun around with her sword to where Aragorn was. He blocked her parry however, and Éowyn jumped back astonished.
"You have some skill with a blade." Aragorn said quietly. Éowyn went on to prove this point by disarming him in one easy stroke. Aurora was deeply impressed as she watched from her hiding place.
"Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain." Éowyn said, returning the sword to its sheaf.
"What do you fear my lady?" Aragorn asked, looking into her eyes.
Éowyn didn't answer at first but then she said, "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them, and all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire."
Aurora gaped at her. And that would mean what?
Aragorn however seem to have understood for he shook his head. "You are a daughter of King's. . . a shieldmaiden of Rohan." He said, sheathing his own sword. "I do not think that will be your fate." And with a bow, he turned around and left the room.
Éowyn watched him retreat with a look that Aurora recognized as lust.
Aurora moved away from her hiding place, not glad that she had heard the exchange. Aragorn already had Arwen and here he was flirting with this woman. It angered Aurora. Arwen wasn't here and he was having a go at another woman. Men were the same everywhere. Suddenly feeling weary, she decided to retreat up to her room. She was tired. She hadn't slept in what seemed like decades and much had happened in those "decades". When she closed the door, she laid on her bed, preparing for the next day when they would begin their journey to Helm's Deep and whatever that journey brought to them.
--
A/n: Yes, I know. In the movie they didn't stay overnight. But geesh! These people haven't slept properly in days, I think they deserve a little break, don't you? I can't remember if that was how it was in the books, but whatever. Thanks so much reading, please review!
R/N:
Lady Trickster: A Mary-sue is a lot of things and most everyone has their own definition. For me, it is a girl who is absolutely perfect in absolutely every way and she is either a) magically dropped from earth into LOTR b) An amazingly and astonishingly beautiful elf who joins the fellowship or c) a woman dropped from earth who is completely gorgeous and (amazingly enough) happens to be an elf. All three of these options end up falling madly, desperately in love with Legolas and he with them.and blah blah blah. Some Mary-sues aren't too bad (at least in my opinion) but ones like that are just plain annoying.
Noa: I am soo glad you liked the last chapter. I was very unsure about it. I love hearing from you, thanks for reviewing! You better tell me when your story is up! I bet it's going to be amazing. *grins* it sounds like you have put a lot of work into it! I cant wait to read it!
KnowInSight: Yay! Thanks for your review and I'm glad you liked it. I haven't really decided what I am gonna do with Dan and Scott. Oooh the possibilities. Lol! J/k! I dunno, I kind of play this story by day. Whatever comes to head is what I write. Hehe! Thanks for your reviews *hugz*
Oil Pastel, Hello Kitty, Sherbet Mayhem (whichever one you are inclined to be at the moment, lol!): Thanks so much for your review. Greece can get BORING? GREECE??!! Lol! I think If I went ANYWHERE in Europe, I would be totally mystified. Lol! I have wanted to go forever. *sighs* anyway, thanks a billion for your review!!
Alida Fruit: Thanks as always for your encouraging reviews. I really, really appreciate them and I'm glad to know you like this! Thanks ssooooo much for all your help and comments! *hugz*
Mojo: Lol! Thanks for your review, it got me smiling. Hehe! Luv ya hunni! Thanks!
--
When Aurora walked into the hall where Gandalf had released Théoden from Saruman's power, it was to see that the company, Éowyn, Théoden, Gandalf, and two small children were all there. Aragorn was leaning against a wooden pole and Legolas was standing silently by him. Scott and Dan sat on different tables and were not looking at each other. Both of them seemed very angry with one another and Aurora wondered again what had happened.
She took a seat at the table and Scott, with a glare in Dan's direction, leaned forward and filled her in on why everyone was here. "Those two children are from a village that was attacked by Orcs and Wildmen (or so they call them) with no warning. They barely made it here alive."
Aurora looked at the two children who were pale and were eating very fast and hungrily. She felt a pang of sadness for them. Damn Saruman. She had never met the guy but she hated him with all her heart. All he seemed to cause was pain and despair. Aurora chose not to ask Scott about the argument just yet. Now was not the time.
Gandalf was sitting on an ornate chair next to Théoden who sat in his throne. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash." He said, indicating to the two small children. "All the more potent for he is driven mad by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children."
Théoden looked at Gandalf's hand on his throne and sighed wearily. "You MUST fight." Gandalf said.
Aragorn spoke as well, "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their King."
Aurora frowned. Éomer. That must be the man they had met when searching for Merry and Pippin. Then it hit her. Éowyn had Éomer features! They had to be siblings. And it also fit well because Éomer had said that Théoden was his kin. Éowyn was the niece of Théoden, so Éomer was his nephew. Aurora sighed; it felt good to know how these people were related instead of it being a big question mark.
Théoden was shaking his head. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us. I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people." He said forcefully. "I will not risk open war."
Aurora stared at the man in dislike. How could he not want to fight? His kingdom was crumbling beneath his eyes and he didn't want to save it. Aurora wasn't even apart of this Kingdom and she was ready to give her life for it. It was in her blood and she hated Saruman bad enough that she wanted to take all the life and honor away from him and his ranks. Surely this man should feel even more strongly than Aurora did.
"Open war is upon you whether you like it or not," Aragorn said calmly.
Théoden turned to look at Aragorn, anger in his eyes. " When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan."
Aurora glared at Théoden. What was wrong with him? Aragorn was only trying to help. Gimli took a long gulp of his beer, which dribbled down his beard, and burped loudly, watching this exchange without moving his eyes. Aurora turned to glare at him in disgust. He shrugged and took a bite of bread.
Gandalf turned to look at the King and asked patiently, "Then what is the King's decision?"
Sighing, Théoden beckoned to Háma. "Tell the people that we are to evacuate the city on the morrow and will relocate in the refuge of Helm's Deep. They are to take only the things that they need and not burden themselves with all their possessions."
Háma nodded and left the hall, prepared to spread the word. Aurora wasn't sure if Théoden was accepting the inevitable or if he was leaving so as to avoid war. Either way, Aurora knew that a war would happen. This thought sent shivers up her spine.
"I must leave you for now." Gandalf told Théoden. He rose and asked the company, his friends, to join him.
They walked down the dusty streets, slipping between people who were scrambling frantically about, getting ready for the evacuation.
"Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their King?" Gimli asked grumpily.
"So they are running?" Scott asked.
Aragorn nodded but said, "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."
They entered the stables where their horses had been carefully cared for. Gandalf turned around and faced them all, sighing and shaking his head.
"There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre." He walked over to his beautiful horse and patted his head. "Théoden has a strong will but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan."
Gandalf turned and gave Aragorn a solemn gaze. "He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses HAVE to hold."
Aragorn nodded and replied, "They will hold."
Aurora was feeling a little uneasy. They were talking so grim and there was little hope in their voices. She didn't want a full out war. Sure, she had insulted Théoden because of his own fears only moments before, but the thought of war hadn't really sunk in there yet. Now, with Aragorn and Gandalf talking so grimly, it had. The thought scared her.
Gandalf mounted his horse and gazed down at them all, smiling wearily. "The Grey Pilgrim. . . that's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now I have no time. Good luck. My search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East."
Aurora didn't know where he was going but she memorized the date when he would return. Aragorn opened the gate and yelled, "Go!"
The company all dashed to the side as Gandalf's horse took off in a fury and galloped out of the city and across the plains of Rohan.
---
Aurora followed the others back into the hall where everyone was gathering things they would need. She followed Aragorn, not sure of where else to go or what else to do. They came into a large room where people milled around, looking for weapons to bring with them on their journey. The members of the company all spread out, going their separate ways.
Aurora bent down and picked up a knife that was on the floor. It had rubies inlaid in its silver haft and she pocketed it, thinking that it might come in use one day.
She moved around the room, looking at different things and watching the people closely. It was interesting to see how the people acted here. Everything was so different from her world and she was fascinated by all the dialects and conversations she overheard.
She looked over and saw Éowyn picking up a sword and running her hand along the length of it, pulling it close to her nose. Aurora decided that she liked Éowyn and she began walking over there so she could strike up a conversation. But she noticed that Aragorn also had his eyes on the woman and he was also making his way toward her. Frowning, Aurora ducked behind a chest, wanting to hear why Aragorn would be talking to this lady. She knew it was eavesdropping and she almost turned away but her curiosity got the better of her.
Éowyn began practicing with the sword, slashing it in even strokes through the air. She did a complicated move and spun around with her sword to where Aragorn was. He blocked her parry however, and Éowyn jumped back astonished.
"You have some skill with a blade." Aragorn said quietly. Éowyn went on to prove this point by disarming him in one easy stroke. Aurora was deeply impressed as she watched from her hiding place.
"Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain." Éowyn said, returning the sword to its sheaf.
"What do you fear my lady?" Aragorn asked, looking into her eyes.
Éowyn didn't answer at first but then she said, "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them, and all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire."
Aurora gaped at her. And that would mean what?
Aragorn however seem to have understood for he shook his head. "You are a daughter of King's. . . a shieldmaiden of Rohan." He said, sheathing his own sword. "I do not think that will be your fate." And with a bow, he turned around and left the room.
Éowyn watched him retreat with a look that Aurora recognized as lust.
Aurora moved away from her hiding place, not glad that she had heard the exchange. Aragorn already had Arwen and here he was flirting with this woman. It angered Aurora. Arwen wasn't here and he was having a go at another woman. Men were the same everywhere. Suddenly feeling weary, she decided to retreat up to her room. She was tired. She hadn't slept in what seemed like decades and much had happened in those "decades". When she closed the door, she laid on her bed, preparing for the next day when they would begin their journey to Helm's Deep and whatever that journey brought to them.
--
A/n: Yes, I know. In the movie they didn't stay overnight. But geesh! These people haven't slept properly in days, I think they deserve a little break, don't you? I can't remember if that was how it was in the books, but whatever. Thanks so much reading, please review!