A War To Remember
Chapter 6
By: Hotaru170
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or Lord of the Rings, so please don't sue me. Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews!
RECAP: The fellowship stood in shock at the fate of their advisor and leader. They were soon brought back to reality when arrows from the goblins started whizzing by their heads. Boromir grabbed Frodo and started pulling him out of the cave. The exit was just within sight. Legolas and Hotaru continued to return fire and Aragorn lead the rest of the hobbits out of Moria.
The fate of the fellowship was now uncertain.
'Character thoughts' "Character speaking" *Speaking telepathically* ^"Speaking in Elvish"^
Once they remaining members of the fellowship were outside, the hobbits had collapsed in tears with Boromir close behind them. Aragorn was in shock, as was Gimli. Legolas just looked around in confusion and sadness, not sure where to go next. Frodo was walking around aimlessly in tears. Hotaru was slightly limping from the wound in her thigh. She sat down on a rock and rested her head in her hands. 'The Time Gates showed nothing of this. Did the gods think that I would change fate if I knew? Well, I would have. The fellowship cannot make this journey without Gandalf, but now it seems we have no choice. More innocents die before my eyes. Is there no end to it?' Hotaru sat there pondering her thoughts in sadness. She looked down at the wound and her leg and felt the one in her shoulder. Both of them were slightly bleeding but nothing to worry about. She sighed and stood up. She looked at Aragorn and said, "We must not linger here any longer. By nightfall, this hill will be covered with Orcs." Aragorn nodded numbly and said, "Legolas, get them up. We must be on our way." Boromir was shocked at Aragorn's actions and said, "Give them a moment for pity's sake." Aragorn shook his head and said, "We must keep moving. We will need to reach Lothlorien by tomorrow." Legolas, Boromir, and Hotaru helped the half-lings up.
The remaining members of the fellowship marched onward to meet the Lady of the Woods, Galadriel.
On their way to Lothlorien, Legolas came to walk beside Hotaru. She looked over at him and smiled sadly. He asked, "How are you wounds?" Hotaru wasn't surprised by this question and said, "Not as bad as they appear. I have suffered many much worse things than two shallow wounds. They will be healed soon." He nodded and remained silent. She looked at him through the corner of her eye. She sighed and said, "Thank you for asking though. It's nice to know that I am among friends once more." Legolas nodded and asked, "Do you not have friends where you live?" Hotaru looked down at this question. Legolas mentally slapped himself. She sighed and said, "My family and friends died many years ago in a great battle that has long since been forgotten. I was the only survivor and since then I have fought evil wherever it may arise." Legolas looked at her and said, "I am sorry that I brought up such painful memories, forgive me." She smiled and said, "There is nothing to forgive, Legolas. There will come a day that you will get to hear my whole story but it is not yet time." He nodded and walked back upfront by Aragorn.
Unbeknownst to Legolas, the rest of the fellowship had heard his conversation with Hotaru. Still wearied by their grief, they said nothing of it and continued on their way.
After a day of marching in the woods, the fellowship was coming closer to Lothlorien with every step. Hotaru knew that they were being watched since they had entered the woods. She said nothing of it because she knew who it was. It wasn't Gollum because he would not have traveled so close to Lorien. He would go around it. It was a company of elves sent out by Galadriel. She was listening to Gimli talk about how he could hear an elf a mile away. She snickered quietly and thought about how surprised he would be when he found out that the very elves he spoke of could hear every word he was saying.
Aragorn couldn't help but smile at Gimli's attempt to lighten the mood. As soon as he turned around to say something, the elves in hiding came out with their weapons drawn. The leader of the company, Haldir, came forward and said, "The dwarf was breathing so loud we could have shot him in the dark." Hotaru smiled at the look of shock on Gimli's face. Legolas had drawn his bow and arrows. Hotaru walked up to him and put her hand on his outstretched arm, this was a jester for him to lower his weapon. He looked at her and lowered his weapon. She smiled and said to Haldir in elvish, ^"It has been many long years since I last saw you, Haldir. I see that you have grown into a fine warrior. I know Galadriel and Celeborn are expecting us. Let us not keep them waiting." Haldir smiled and bowed slightly. He replied, "This way, my lady. It will please Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn to see you once more." Hotaru nodded and followed Haldir and his company with the rest of the fellowship behind her.
Aragorn and the others were in a slight state of disbelief. They didn't understand how Hotaru had all of these connections with some of the most powerful of people on Middle Earth. They also had no idea how she was on a first name basis with the Lord and Lady of the Woods. Instead of voicing their thoughts out loud, they just remained silent and made their way into Lothlorien.
Once the fellowship was inside of Lothlorien, the hobbits, Gimli, and Boromir were struck speechless by its beauty and aura. They were taken directly to the palace to meet with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
Hotaru looked at the hobbits that seemed a little overwhelmed by the palace and walked over to them. She said, "Don't be afraid my little friends, Galadriel and Celeborn are looking forward to meeting you all. They know many things about you already and they will help us any way they can." Frodo nodded and remained silent. The death of Gandalf still weighed heavily upon him. Sam and the others looked at him with sympathy. They to missed Gandalf and would mourn him for many days to come.
Hotaru had moved back to the front to walk beside Haldir. She was starting to feel the weariness and pain ease from her body. Lothlorien had a way of healing pain and grief that was a mystery to those who have not lived there before and known of it.
They arrived at the meeting room of the palace and waited for Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn to arrive.
Most of the fellowship was struck speechless when they saw the Lady and Lord of Lothlorien come down the stairs in front of them. They radiated power and mystery. They came to a halt in front of the fellowship and Lord Celeborn looked around. He asked, "Ten was your number when you set out from Rivendell and now only nine remain. Tell me, where is Gandalf the Grey?"
Most of the fellowship looked down at the questions except for Hotaru. She didn't falter under the gaze of Galadriel and Celeborn like most did. She had known them when they were really young. She was probably a thousand years older than both of them. Lady Galadriel looked in her eyes and said, "He has fallen into shadow." She looked at the rest of the group and said, "You are all wearied by grief and sadness. You are afraid that you will fail this quest." She looked at Sam and said, "And yet, hope remains while company is true." She smiled down at them and said, "Come and rest from your weariness and pain. Tonight you shall all sleep peacefully." She turned and motioned for Haldir to show them where to go. So the fellowship followed him, except for Hotaru, who remained behind.
Hotaru waited until they were out of the room and she turned to Galadriel. She smiled sadly and said, ^"I regret that our reunion is under such awful circumstances. I too am weary of this peril. I long to see the days of peace once more."^ Galadriel nodded and asked, ^"So why are you here, Hotaru? Does your duty not hold you to your post?"^ Hotaru shook her head and said, ^"My duty is to protect the people of Middle Earth and I could not abandon them at this dire hour. You know of what I am capable of but as of now the others are to remain unaware. Their need to know of my true self is not upon us yet but I fear it will be sooner than I thought. I now know that Frodo will have to make this quest on his own. And yet, as I look at closer, I know Sam will follow him no matter where he may go. They all have their roles to fulfill, just as I do."^ Celeborn sighed and said, ^"As Sauron's power increases, the time of the elves grows shorter and that of the three rings as well."^ Hotaru said, ^"Although it may seem that is the case, you should not believe I would ever allow my kin to be chased from the shores of Middle Earth. Whether it is by their willingness or by the threat of another force. I am not only here to protect man. I am here to protect all goodness on this earth. It is now time for the old alliances to be remade. The fate of Middle Earth is not certain any more. The time gates are clouded, as is my vision of the future. I believe we can make our own future because not everything is written in stone. Now I must bid you farewell. They others will more than likely ask a lot of questions if I do not return soon."^ Hotaru turned to leave but stopped and looked back. She said, ^"Remember my words. Do not abandon your homes without giving the fight a chance. If Sauron should win, I would have to do something that I have done only twice. I do not want it to come to that. It is only a last resort and one of which I fear."^ With her last words, she followed the same path that the others did.
Legolas sat on a bench in the gardens of the palace, thinking to himself. 'With each day that passes the future of the fellowship grows darker and unclear. We set out to do a task that was doomed from the beginning. And yet, Lady Galadriel was right, hope remains. We only have each other to depend on now. Our task is made harder by the loss of Gandalf. I wonder what will become of us.'
Hotaru had talked with Haldir on her way and he had taken her to a room where she could clean up. He had an attendant brings some fresh clothes while her other ones where being washed and repaired. She was taking a bath and thinking to herself. 'No matter what happens, I must not fail. Everything would be lost and I couldn't handle that again.' She finished bathing and got out to dry off. She had taken her hair out of its braid and let it fall loosely down her back. It reached her thighs when it wasn't braided. She looked at the clothes that were given to her and sighed when she realized that it was a dress. 'Just what I need another chance for that jerk Boromir to remind me of my place as a "she-elf". I swear if he says one word about it I will hurt him severely.' (AN: I know how poor Hota-chan feels. I hate dresses too. They are evil and so uncomfortable! Anyway, back to the story.lol.)
Legolas had returned from his ponderings in the garden and sat with Aragorn. Aragorn looked at him and said, "It seems that we all are here except for our lady friend. Perhaps she stayed to discuss things with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel." Legolas shrugged and said, "Or perhaps she had her wounds tended too. They looked quite painful." Aragorn looked at him in shock and asked in an incredulous voice, "She was injured? Why didn't she say anything?" Legolas shook his head and replied; "I don't know why she didn't say anything about it. I didn't realize it at first either. She took an arrow in the shoulder when we were fighting in King Balin's tomb. She also took one in the thigh when she pushed me out of the way." Aragorn recovered and said, "So, she saved your life." "I would have expected nothing less, had our positions been reversed." Hotaru said from behind them.
Aragorn and Legolas were startled by Hotaru's uncanny ability to sneak up on them. When they turned around they were struck speechless. Hotaru was dressed in a silver embroidered gown that trailed behind her majestically. Her hair seemed to have a life of its own and floated about her like a cloak. (AN: Corny I know but work with me here.) Hotaru laughing at the looks on their faces brought Aragorn and Legolas out of their stupor. They both blushed terribly when they realized that they had been staring. Aragorn stood up and said, "Forgive our ignorance and disrespect. We were just caught off guard a bit." She smiled at them and said, "Don't worry. Wearing a dress was worth the looks on your faces." Legolas and Aragorn laughed. She sat down across from them and said, "Even in darkness, there is light. Just as there is laughter in sadness. I am glad to see that those words remain true. Let us not forget what we are fighting for, or we will lose for certain."
They spent the rest of the evening talking, until the hobbits got tired and laid down for the night. Boromir had almost made a comment about Hotaru wearing a dress but was silenced when she gave him the same look that she had in Rivendell. The rest of the night passed uneventful except for the fact of Frodo and Galadriel's conversation. She had shown him the mirror of the elves and he had been frightened by what he saw.
When morning came, the fellowship was given boats to take them down the river. They were also given cloaks and food. A special item was given to Frodo by Galadriel to help him in a time of darkness and need. Hotaru had changed back into her newly repaired clothing and was happy to be out of the dress. With one last goodbye, the fellowship got in the boats provided and resumed their quest.
To Be Continued.
Hello everyone! Here is the next chapter already. I hope you all enjoy it. I worked hard so I could have this posted on my birthday and I made my deadline! Yippie! So now everyone knows that today, December 23rd is my birthday! Well I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and an awesome New Year! Thanks for reading and please don't forget to review. Bye!
Chapter 6
By: Hotaru170
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or Lord of the Rings, so please don't sue me. Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews!
RECAP: The fellowship stood in shock at the fate of their advisor and leader. They were soon brought back to reality when arrows from the goblins started whizzing by their heads. Boromir grabbed Frodo and started pulling him out of the cave. The exit was just within sight. Legolas and Hotaru continued to return fire and Aragorn lead the rest of the hobbits out of Moria.
The fate of the fellowship was now uncertain.
'Character thoughts' "Character speaking" *Speaking telepathically* ^"Speaking in Elvish"^
Once they remaining members of the fellowship were outside, the hobbits had collapsed in tears with Boromir close behind them. Aragorn was in shock, as was Gimli. Legolas just looked around in confusion and sadness, not sure where to go next. Frodo was walking around aimlessly in tears. Hotaru was slightly limping from the wound in her thigh. She sat down on a rock and rested her head in her hands. 'The Time Gates showed nothing of this. Did the gods think that I would change fate if I knew? Well, I would have. The fellowship cannot make this journey without Gandalf, but now it seems we have no choice. More innocents die before my eyes. Is there no end to it?' Hotaru sat there pondering her thoughts in sadness. She looked down at the wound and her leg and felt the one in her shoulder. Both of them were slightly bleeding but nothing to worry about. She sighed and stood up. She looked at Aragorn and said, "We must not linger here any longer. By nightfall, this hill will be covered with Orcs." Aragorn nodded numbly and said, "Legolas, get them up. We must be on our way." Boromir was shocked at Aragorn's actions and said, "Give them a moment for pity's sake." Aragorn shook his head and said, "We must keep moving. We will need to reach Lothlorien by tomorrow." Legolas, Boromir, and Hotaru helped the half-lings up.
The remaining members of the fellowship marched onward to meet the Lady of the Woods, Galadriel.
On their way to Lothlorien, Legolas came to walk beside Hotaru. She looked over at him and smiled sadly. He asked, "How are you wounds?" Hotaru wasn't surprised by this question and said, "Not as bad as they appear. I have suffered many much worse things than two shallow wounds. They will be healed soon." He nodded and remained silent. She looked at him through the corner of her eye. She sighed and said, "Thank you for asking though. It's nice to know that I am among friends once more." Legolas nodded and asked, "Do you not have friends where you live?" Hotaru looked down at this question. Legolas mentally slapped himself. She sighed and said, "My family and friends died many years ago in a great battle that has long since been forgotten. I was the only survivor and since then I have fought evil wherever it may arise." Legolas looked at her and said, "I am sorry that I brought up such painful memories, forgive me." She smiled and said, "There is nothing to forgive, Legolas. There will come a day that you will get to hear my whole story but it is not yet time." He nodded and walked back upfront by Aragorn.
Unbeknownst to Legolas, the rest of the fellowship had heard his conversation with Hotaru. Still wearied by their grief, they said nothing of it and continued on their way.
After a day of marching in the woods, the fellowship was coming closer to Lothlorien with every step. Hotaru knew that they were being watched since they had entered the woods. She said nothing of it because she knew who it was. It wasn't Gollum because he would not have traveled so close to Lorien. He would go around it. It was a company of elves sent out by Galadriel. She was listening to Gimli talk about how he could hear an elf a mile away. She snickered quietly and thought about how surprised he would be when he found out that the very elves he spoke of could hear every word he was saying.
Aragorn couldn't help but smile at Gimli's attempt to lighten the mood. As soon as he turned around to say something, the elves in hiding came out with their weapons drawn. The leader of the company, Haldir, came forward and said, "The dwarf was breathing so loud we could have shot him in the dark." Hotaru smiled at the look of shock on Gimli's face. Legolas had drawn his bow and arrows. Hotaru walked up to him and put her hand on his outstretched arm, this was a jester for him to lower his weapon. He looked at her and lowered his weapon. She smiled and said to Haldir in elvish, ^"It has been many long years since I last saw you, Haldir. I see that you have grown into a fine warrior. I know Galadriel and Celeborn are expecting us. Let us not keep them waiting." Haldir smiled and bowed slightly. He replied, "This way, my lady. It will please Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn to see you once more." Hotaru nodded and followed Haldir and his company with the rest of the fellowship behind her.
Aragorn and the others were in a slight state of disbelief. They didn't understand how Hotaru had all of these connections with some of the most powerful of people on Middle Earth. They also had no idea how she was on a first name basis with the Lord and Lady of the Woods. Instead of voicing their thoughts out loud, they just remained silent and made their way into Lothlorien.
Once the fellowship was inside of Lothlorien, the hobbits, Gimli, and Boromir were struck speechless by its beauty and aura. They were taken directly to the palace to meet with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
Hotaru looked at the hobbits that seemed a little overwhelmed by the palace and walked over to them. She said, "Don't be afraid my little friends, Galadriel and Celeborn are looking forward to meeting you all. They know many things about you already and they will help us any way they can." Frodo nodded and remained silent. The death of Gandalf still weighed heavily upon him. Sam and the others looked at him with sympathy. They to missed Gandalf and would mourn him for many days to come.
Hotaru had moved back to the front to walk beside Haldir. She was starting to feel the weariness and pain ease from her body. Lothlorien had a way of healing pain and grief that was a mystery to those who have not lived there before and known of it.
They arrived at the meeting room of the palace and waited for Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn to arrive.
Most of the fellowship was struck speechless when they saw the Lady and Lord of Lothlorien come down the stairs in front of them. They radiated power and mystery. They came to a halt in front of the fellowship and Lord Celeborn looked around. He asked, "Ten was your number when you set out from Rivendell and now only nine remain. Tell me, where is Gandalf the Grey?"
Most of the fellowship looked down at the questions except for Hotaru. She didn't falter under the gaze of Galadriel and Celeborn like most did. She had known them when they were really young. She was probably a thousand years older than both of them. Lady Galadriel looked in her eyes and said, "He has fallen into shadow." She looked at the rest of the group and said, "You are all wearied by grief and sadness. You are afraid that you will fail this quest." She looked at Sam and said, "And yet, hope remains while company is true." She smiled down at them and said, "Come and rest from your weariness and pain. Tonight you shall all sleep peacefully." She turned and motioned for Haldir to show them where to go. So the fellowship followed him, except for Hotaru, who remained behind.
Hotaru waited until they were out of the room and she turned to Galadriel. She smiled sadly and said, ^"I regret that our reunion is under such awful circumstances. I too am weary of this peril. I long to see the days of peace once more."^ Galadriel nodded and asked, ^"So why are you here, Hotaru? Does your duty not hold you to your post?"^ Hotaru shook her head and said, ^"My duty is to protect the people of Middle Earth and I could not abandon them at this dire hour. You know of what I am capable of but as of now the others are to remain unaware. Their need to know of my true self is not upon us yet but I fear it will be sooner than I thought. I now know that Frodo will have to make this quest on his own. And yet, as I look at closer, I know Sam will follow him no matter where he may go. They all have their roles to fulfill, just as I do."^ Celeborn sighed and said, ^"As Sauron's power increases, the time of the elves grows shorter and that of the three rings as well."^ Hotaru said, ^"Although it may seem that is the case, you should not believe I would ever allow my kin to be chased from the shores of Middle Earth. Whether it is by their willingness or by the threat of another force. I am not only here to protect man. I am here to protect all goodness on this earth. It is now time for the old alliances to be remade. The fate of Middle Earth is not certain any more. The time gates are clouded, as is my vision of the future. I believe we can make our own future because not everything is written in stone. Now I must bid you farewell. They others will more than likely ask a lot of questions if I do not return soon."^ Hotaru turned to leave but stopped and looked back. She said, ^"Remember my words. Do not abandon your homes without giving the fight a chance. If Sauron should win, I would have to do something that I have done only twice. I do not want it to come to that. It is only a last resort and one of which I fear."^ With her last words, she followed the same path that the others did.
Legolas sat on a bench in the gardens of the palace, thinking to himself. 'With each day that passes the future of the fellowship grows darker and unclear. We set out to do a task that was doomed from the beginning. And yet, Lady Galadriel was right, hope remains. We only have each other to depend on now. Our task is made harder by the loss of Gandalf. I wonder what will become of us.'
Hotaru had talked with Haldir on her way and he had taken her to a room where she could clean up. He had an attendant brings some fresh clothes while her other ones where being washed and repaired. She was taking a bath and thinking to herself. 'No matter what happens, I must not fail. Everything would be lost and I couldn't handle that again.' She finished bathing and got out to dry off. She had taken her hair out of its braid and let it fall loosely down her back. It reached her thighs when it wasn't braided. She looked at the clothes that were given to her and sighed when she realized that it was a dress. 'Just what I need another chance for that jerk Boromir to remind me of my place as a "she-elf". I swear if he says one word about it I will hurt him severely.' (AN: I know how poor Hota-chan feels. I hate dresses too. They are evil and so uncomfortable! Anyway, back to the story.lol.)
Legolas had returned from his ponderings in the garden and sat with Aragorn. Aragorn looked at him and said, "It seems that we all are here except for our lady friend. Perhaps she stayed to discuss things with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel." Legolas shrugged and said, "Or perhaps she had her wounds tended too. They looked quite painful." Aragorn looked at him in shock and asked in an incredulous voice, "She was injured? Why didn't she say anything?" Legolas shook his head and replied; "I don't know why she didn't say anything about it. I didn't realize it at first either. She took an arrow in the shoulder when we were fighting in King Balin's tomb. She also took one in the thigh when she pushed me out of the way." Aragorn recovered and said, "So, she saved your life." "I would have expected nothing less, had our positions been reversed." Hotaru said from behind them.
Aragorn and Legolas were startled by Hotaru's uncanny ability to sneak up on them. When they turned around they were struck speechless. Hotaru was dressed in a silver embroidered gown that trailed behind her majestically. Her hair seemed to have a life of its own and floated about her like a cloak. (AN: Corny I know but work with me here.) Hotaru laughing at the looks on their faces brought Aragorn and Legolas out of their stupor. They both blushed terribly when they realized that they had been staring. Aragorn stood up and said, "Forgive our ignorance and disrespect. We were just caught off guard a bit." She smiled at them and said, "Don't worry. Wearing a dress was worth the looks on your faces." Legolas and Aragorn laughed. She sat down across from them and said, "Even in darkness, there is light. Just as there is laughter in sadness. I am glad to see that those words remain true. Let us not forget what we are fighting for, or we will lose for certain."
They spent the rest of the evening talking, until the hobbits got tired and laid down for the night. Boromir had almost made a comment about Hotaru wearing a dress but was silenced when she gave him the same look that she had in Rivendell. The rest of the night passed uneventful except for the fact of Frodo and Galadriel's conversation. She had shown him the mirror of the elves and he had been frightened by what he saw.
When morning came, the fellowship was given boats to take them down the river. They were also given cloaks and food. A special item was given to Frodo by Galadriel to help him in a time of darkness and need. Hotaru had changed back into her newly repaired clothing and was happy to be out of the dress. With one last goodbye, the fellowship got in the boats provided and resumed their quest.
To Be Continued.
Hello everyone! Here is the next chapter already. I hope you all enjoy it. I worked hard so I could have this posted on my birthday and I made my deadline! Yippie! So now everyone knows that today, December 23rd is my birthday! Well I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and an awesome New Year! Thanks for reading and please don't forget to review. Bye!
