By the Light of the Moon
Disclaimer~ I do not own any of Tolkien's creations. I only own SOME of the storyline and the characters I made up. This takes place during TTT and ROTK. Legolas is a sexy elf.I'd love to own him! *smiles*
~THE POLES ARE NOW CLOSED...MY DECISION HAS BEEN MADE~
Chapter 16~ The Palantir
Gandalf watched Mariah take her leave silently and walk down the hall. He could sense that something was wrong in her mind and that it was preventing her from having a good time. He nodded to Aragorn and then followed her quietly. When he reached the hallway, she had vanished into the night. The wizard raised his hand into the air and closed his eyes. Something was drawing him up the stairs to his right.
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Mariah sat in the room she was sharing with the rest of the company. She was lying on her small bed in the far corner of the room with the covers pulled up to her chin. Her eyes were closed and she was trying to relax, for everything was now truly getting to her soul. She was making friends, possibly having a love affair with an elf prince, and fighting in battles. They didn't even seem to mind the fact that she was cursed. She sighed contently but jumped and sat up when the door opened.
It was Gandalf. He quietly entered and walked over to his bed that was by the door, putting down his sword and staff. He then turned around and noticed that Mariah was sitting in her bed, staring at him. "Miss Morgan, why did you leave the party? You should be down there drinking with the hobbits and such."
"Why aren't you down there then?" she asked.
"I had to rest. The day tired me." Mariah looked away and then laid her head back down on her pillow, staring at the ceiling. She heard the ruffling of fabric over by the wizard's bed and then noticed him walk over to her bedside, holding a grey cloak. "This is for you, Mariah," he said, placing it in her lap. She quickly picked it up and looked it over. It was a soft fabric and a Lothlorien leaf brooch was pinned where the hood was. "Why do you give me this?" she asked.
"To thank you for your help in battle. It's of great importance that you stay safe as well. This cloak will help shield you from unfriendly eyes." Mariah glanced at Gandalf and smiled before looking back at the cloak. "Thank you, Gandalf. This means a lot to me," Mariah whispered as she stood up and briefly embraced him. She then tied the cloak on over her dress and walked out of the room.
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Night came rather quickly. Legolas stood outside the hall, staring at the sky. Mariah calmly strolled outside and took in a deep breath of cool air. For once, the clouds were actually covering the moon. She wore her cloak with the hood up and felt fairly warmer. She glanced to her left and saw someone tall in the same type of cloak staring out at the night sky. Mariah walked up next to the person and took her hood down. "Legolas, what are you doing out here by yourself?" she asked worriedly.
"I just needed some time alone," Legolas responded, keeping his eyes away from her. Mariah hung her head low and then looked at the elf. He wasn't blinking or twitching in any possible way. "Well, I guess I'll leave then," Mariah whispered as she turned away. However, when she went to take a step, Legolas' arm stopped her dead in her tracks. She looked up at him and saw a smile on his face. "Does this mean you want me to stay?" The elf nodded. Mariah turned back around and faced the sky. "So, what do you want?" Legolas asked.
"I just happened to come outside and see you here, so I decided to come over. I hope that's okay with you?"
"It's just fine. In fact, I need to speak with you, anyway."
"About what?" Mariah asked curiously. Legolas turned to her and released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He stared deeply into Mariah's green eyes and slightly smiled. This woman was doing something to his heart that he hadn't ever really felt before. "Well?" she asked.
"I was talking to Haldir...and he asked me how I felt about you," Legolas said nervously as he placed his hands on Mariah's shoulders.
"That's funny...he spoke to me about you." Legolas' posture stiffened and his hands began trembling. Mariah glanced at his hands and then looked up into his eyes. She could see how nervous he was, and it was making her tense. "Are you feeling alright, Legolas?"
"I don't know what I'm feeling anymore. Ever since I met you, it seems that I'm lost all feeling." Mariah stared at him intensely and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, his hands still on her shoulders. "You're making me uneasy, Legolas. Is there something you want to tell me?"
"I...I...I want to say something, but it's not the right time. You should go and rest. You still need your sleep."
"Sleep can wait. What is it you want to say?" Legolas smiled and kissed Mariah on the forehead. "Go and rest...for me." She nodded and placed her hood on her head as she walked back inside. Legolas' gaze stayed on her until she was out of sight and then went back to the sky.
As Mariah walked in, she had brushed past Aragorn, but had been silent and continued walking to their room. He walked outside and stood next to Legolas. He was about to say something, but Legolas began speaking, "The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the east...a sleepless malice. The eye of the enemy is moving."
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Meanwhile, everyone was sleeping in the bedroom. Mariah hadn't returned yet and Pippin was tossing and turning in his small bed. He turned from left to right every few seconds and couldn't seem to get comfortable. He had finally had it.
The hobbit rose to his feet and briskly, but quietly, made his way toward Gandalf. "What you doing?" Merry asked as he lifted his head off his pillow. He had been sleeping on the floor. Pippin gave him a warning look and then turned to see Gandalf with his eyes open! The hobbit jumped and then waved his hand in front of the wizard's face to see that he was sound asleep. "Pippin?" Merry asked in a whisper. He didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the Palantir, which lay wrapped in a grey cloth and was lying next to Gandalf.
Pippin quickly picked up a large jug and placed it next to Gandalf as he swiped the Palantir away. Merry continued to question him about what he was doing. "I just want to look at it...just one more time," Pippin said as he unwrapped it to see its dark color and small glow in the center.
Just then, Mariah quietly opened the door and shut it behind her. She then noticed Pippin running his fingers over the Palantir. "What are you doing?" she exclaimed quietly. The hobbit didn't answer. He kept running his fingers over the black surface of the orb. His hands suddenly stopped and his expression changed. He looked as if he was being harmed. Someone was speaking to him through the Palantir and it was glowing.
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Legolas stood with Aragorn outside. It was all quiet until Legolas heard something evil dwelling from inside. "He is here!" the elf stated.
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Pippin was panicking and stood up screaming with the Palantir in his hands. "Pippin!" Merry yelled. Mariah's eyes widened in terror. Pippin suddenly fell to the ground, arching his back like he was being possessed by a demon of some sort. Mariah knew she had to do something. Merry screamed, "Help, Gandalf!" as Mariah grabbed the Palantir from Pippin. Gandalf jumped up immediately as Legolas and Aragorn busted down the door. Mariah felt a stinging sensation coarse through her body and screamed as she collapsed into someone's arms. Aragorn had taken it from her and then dropped it himself, hardly affected.
Merry moved out of the way as the orb rolled across the floor and Gandalf threw a blanket over it. "Fool of a Took!" he shouted as he looked over at Pippin. The hobbit lay on the floor, looking dead. The wizard ran to his side and rubbed the hobbit's small and innocent hands. He then placed a hand on Pippin's forehead and whispered something quietly. Pippin awoke with a start and screamed. "Look at me," Gandalf whispered.
"G-Gandalf...forgive me," the hobbit said, letting his eyes close for but a moment.
"Look at me," the wizard ordered, "What did you see?"
"A...A tree. There was a white tree in a courtyard of stone. It was dead. The city was burning."
"Minas Tirith...is that what you saw?" Gandalf continued to hold Pippin's cheek, trying to calm him. "I saw...I saw him," the hobbit said. Everyone's eyes widened at that comment. "I could hear his voice in my head."
"And what did you tell him? Speak!" the wizard ordered.
"He asked me my name...I didn't answer. He heard me."
"What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?" Pippin looked terrified and shook his head subtly. Gandalf was relieved for a minute until he heard a woman groaning. He turned around and saw Mariah laying comfortably in Legolas' arms. She had touched it too and it was taking its turn on her. "Mariah?" Legolas asked.
"Y-Yes," she replied weakly as she rested her head on his shoulder. Gandalf ran over to her and placed a hand on her forehead. "Are you okay?" the wizard asked. She nodded and closed her eyes. "Did you see him?"
"Who?" Mariah asked.
"Sauron...a great eye surrounded in fire," Legolas whispered.
"No...I saw nothing. It just hurt." Legolas stroked the side of her face and held her firmly against his body. Before anyone knew it, she had fallen asleep.
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Early the next morning, Théoden, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Mariah, and the two hobbits were in the Great Hall. Merry and Pippin sat in a chair off to the side while the others spoke. "There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool, but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring," Gandalf stated clearly. Gimli let out a sigh of relief. Mariah stood between him and Legolas, her body shaking in terror from what was happening. "Pippin's strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron means to strike the city of Minas Tirith."
"Where would that be?" Mariah asked.
"On his borders. It's in the realm of Gondor...the City of Kings." She nodded her head and then glanced over at the hobbits, who were whispering something to each other. "Pip, why are you so quiet?" Merry whispered.
"Merry, I didn't mention something to Gandalf."
"What?" Merry shouted. Everyone's attention turned to the hobbits. "What is it, Merry?" Gandalf asked.
"It seems Pippin didn't tell you something," the hobbit replied, pushing his friend toward the wizard.
"And what did you neglect to tell me?" Gandalf asked, crossing his arms.
"I...I...I..."
"Out with it!" Mariah yelled.
"Okay, I told Sauron about Mariah." Everyone gasped. Gandalf walked over to Pippin and gripped his shoulders. "You did what?"
"It was an accident," Pippin replied.
"What did you say?"
"I said something about a pretty girl who held a dark secret."
"And where did you hear about MY secret?" Mariah asked, "I didn't say it to you."
"I overheard you talking with Haldir...but I didn't hear what your secret was."
"Fool of a Took!" the wizard shouted, "Now he knows about another possible threat. His defeat at Helms Deep showed our enemy one thing...he knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as week as he supposed. There is courage still. Enough to challenge him...Sauron fears this. He will not risk the people of Middle Earth uniting under one banner. He will raise Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne. Now, he knows of a strange woman."
"What does this mean?" Mariah asked.
"If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war," Gandalf continued, ignoring the girl.
"Tell me," King Théoden interrupted, "Why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?" Aragorn gave him a questioning look and then looked at Gandalf. "I will go," the ranger said.
"No," the wizard responded.
"They must be warned."
"They will be," Gandalf said, "I ride for Minas Tirith...and I won't be going alone." He looked at Pippin and then nodded at Mariah. She was now standing closer to Legolas and had her arm intertwined with his. "What?" Mariah asked as Gandalf carefully eyed her.
"Miss Morgan...your life is now in danger. You must ride to Minas Tirith with Pippin and me."
Disclaimer~ I do not own any of Tolkien's creations. I only own SOME of the storyline and the characters I made up. This takes place during TTT and ROTK. Legolas is a sexy elf.I'd love to own him! *smiles*
~THE POLES ARE NOW CLOSED...MY DECISION HAS BEEN MADE~
Chapter 16~ The Palantir
Gandalf watched Mariah take her leave silently and walk down the hall. He could sense that something was wrong in her mind and that it was preventing her from having a good time. He nodded to Aragorn and then followed her quietly. When he reached the hallway, she had vanished into the night. The wizard raised his hand into the air and closed his eyes. Something was drawing him up the stairs to his right.
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Mariah sat in the room she was sharing with the rest of the company. She was lying on her small bed in the far corner of the room with the covers pulled up to her chin. Her eyes were closed and she was trying to relax, for everything was now truly getting to her soul. She was making friends, possibly having a love affair with an elf prince, and fighting in battles. They didn't even seem to mind the fact that she was cursed. She sighed contently but jumped and sat up when the door opened.
It was Gandalf. He quietly entered and walked over to his bed that was by the door, putting down his sword and staff. He then turned around and noticed that Mariah was sitting in her bed, staring at him. "Miss Morgan, why did you leave the party? You should be down there drinking with the hobbits and such."
"Why aren't you down there then?" she asked.
"I had to rest. The day tired me." Mariah looked away and then laid her head back down on her pillow, staring at the ceiling. She heard the ruffling of fabric over by the wizard's bed and then noticed him walk over to her bedside, holding a grey cloak. "This is for you, Mariah," he said, placing it in her lap. She quickly picked it up and looked it over. It was a soft fabric and a Lothlorien leaf brooch was pinned where the hood was. "Why do you give me this?" she asked.
"To thank you for your help in battle. It's of great importance that you stay safe as well. This cloak will help shield you from unfriendly eyes." Mariah glanced at Gandalf and smiled before looking back at the cloak. "Thank you, Gandalf. This means a lot to me," Mariah whispered as she stood up and briefly embraced him. She then tied the cloak on over her dress and walked out of the room.
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Night came rather quickly. Legolas stood outside the hall, staring at the sky. Mariah calmly strolled outside and took in a deep breath of cool air. For once, the clouds were actually covering the moon. She wore her cloak with the hood up and felt fairly warmer. She glanced to her left and saw someone tall in the same type of cloak staring out at the night sky. Mariah walked up next to the person and took her hood down. "Legolas, what are you doing out here by yourself?" she asked worriedly.
"I just needed some time alone," Legolas responded, keeping his eyes away from her. Mariah hung her head low and then looked at the elf. He wasn't blinking or twitching in any possible way. "Well, I guess I'll leave then," Mariah whispered as she turned away. However, when she went to take a step, Legolas' arm stopped her dead in her tracks. She looked up at him and saw a smile on his face. "Does this mean you want me to stay?" The elf nodded. Mariah turned back around and faced the sky. "So, what do you want?" Legolas asked.
"I just happened to come outside and see you here, so I decided to come over. I hope that's okay with you?"
"It's just fine. In fact, I need to speak with you, anyway."
"About what?" Mariah asked curiously. Legolas turned to her and released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. He stared deeply into Mariah's green eyes and slightly smiled. This woman was doing something to his heart that he hadn't ever really felt before. "Well?" she asked.
"I was talking to Haldir...and he asked me how I felt about you," Legolas said nervously as he placed his hands on Mariah's shoulders.
"That's funny...he spoke to me about you." Legolas' posture stiffened and his hands began trembling. Mariah glanced at his hands and then looked up into his eyes. She could see how nervous he was, and it was making her tense. "Are you feeling alright, Legolas?"
"I don't know what I'm feeling anymore. Ever since I met you, it seems that I'm lost all feeling." Mariah stared at him intensely and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, his hands still on her shoulders. "You're making me uneasy, Legolas. Is there something you want to tell me?"
"I...I...I want to say something, but it's not the right time. You should go and rest. You still need your sleep."
"Sleep can wait. What is it you want to say?" Legolas smiled and kissed Mariah on the forehead. "Go and rest...for me." She nodded and placed her hood on her head as she walked back inside. Legolas' gaze stayed on her until she was out of sight and then went back to the sky.
As Mariah walked in, she had brushed past Aragorn, but had been silent and continued walking to their room. He walked outside and stood next to Legolas. He was about to say something, but Legolas began speaking, "The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the east...a sleepless malice. The eye of the enemy is moving."
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Meanwhile, everyone was sleeping in the bedroom. Mariah hadn't returned yet and Pippin was tossing and turning in his small bed. He turned from left to right every few seconds and couldn't seem to get comfortable. He had finally had it.
The hobbit rose to his feet and briskly, but quietly, made his way toward Gandalf. "What you doing?" Merry asked as he lifted his head off his pillow. He had been sleeping on the floor. Pippin gave him a warning look and then turned to see Gandalf with his eyes open! The hobbit jumped and then waved his hand in front of the wizard's face to see that he was sound asleep. "Pippin?" Merry asked in a whisper. He didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on the Palantir, which lay wrapped in a grey cloth and was lying next to Gandalf.
Pippin quickly picked up a large jug and placed it next to Gandalf as he swiped the Palantir away. Merry continued to question him about what he was doing. "I just want to look at it...just one more time," Pippin said as he unwrapped it to see its dark color and small glow in the center.
Just then, Mariah quietly opened the door and shut it behind her. She then noticed Pippin running his fingers over the Palantir. "What are you doing?" she exclaimed quietly. The hobbit didn't answer. He kept running his fingers over the black surface of the orb. His hands suddenly stopped and his expression changed. He looked as if he was being harmed. Someone was speaking to him through the Palantir and it was glowing.
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Legolas stood with Aragorn outside. It was all quiet until Legolas heard something evil dwelling from inside. "He is here!" the elf stated.
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Pippin was panicking and stood up screaming with the Palantir in his hands. "Pippin!" Merry yelled. Mariah's eyes widened in terror. Pippin suddenly fell to the ground, arching his back like he was being possessed by a demon of some sort. Mariah knew she had to do something. Merry screamed, "Help, Gandalf!" as Mariah grabbed the Palantir from Pippin. Gandalf jumped up immediately as Legolas and Aragorn busted down the door. Mariah felt a stinging sensation coarse through her body and screamed as she collapsed into someone's arms. Aragorn had taken it from her and then dropped it himself, hardly affected.
Merry moved out of the way as the orb rolled across the floor and Gandalf threw a blanket over it. "Fool of a Took!" he shouted as he looked over at Pippin. The hobbit lay on the floor, looking dead. The wizard ran to his side and rubbed the hobbit's small and innocent hands. He then placed a hand on Pippin's forehead and whispered something quietly. Pippin awoke with a start and screamed. "Look at me," Gandalf whispered.
"G-Gandalf...forgive me," the hobbit said, letting his eyes close for but a moment.
"Look at me," the wizard ordered, "What did you see?"
"A...A tree. There was a white tree in a courtyard of stone. It was dead. The city was burning."
"Minas Tirith...is that what you saw?" Gandalf continued to hold Pippin's cheek, trying to calm him. "I saw...I saw him," the hobbit said. Everyone's eyes widened at that comment. "I could hear his voice in my head."
"And what did you tell him? Speak!" the wizard ordered.
"He asked me my name...I didn't answer. He heard me."
"What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?" Pippin looked terrified and shook his head subtly. Gandalf was relieved for a minute until he heard a woman groaning. He turned around and saw Mariah laying comfortably in Legolas' arms. She had touched it too and it was taking its turn on her. "Mariah?" Legolas asked.
"Y-Yes," she replied weakly as she rested her head on his shoulder. Gandalf ran over to her and placed a hand on her forehead. "Are you okay?" the wizard asked. She nodded and closed her eyes. "Did you see him?"
"Who?" Mariah asked.
"Sauron...a great eye surrounded in fire," Legolas whispered.
"No...I saw nothing. It just hurt." Legolas stroked the side of her face and held her firmly against his body. Before anyone knew it, she had fallen asleep.
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Early the next morning, Théoden, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Mariah, and the two hobbits were in the Great Hall. Merry and Pippin sat in a chair off to the side while the others spoke. "There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool, but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring," Gandalf stated clearly. Gimli let out a sigh of relief. Mariah stood between him and Legolas, her body shaking in terror from what was happening. "Pippin's strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the Palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron means to strike the city of Minas Tirith."
"Where would that be?" Mariah asked.
"On his borders. It's in the realm of Gondor...the City of Kings." She nodded her head and then glanced over at the hobbits, who were whispering something to each other. "Pip, why are you so quiet?" Merry whispered.
"Merry, I didn't mention something to Gandalf."
"What?" Merry shouted. Everyone's attention turned to the hobbits. "What is it, Merry?" Gandalf asked.
"It seems Pippin didn't tell you something," the hobbit replied, pushing his friend toward the wizard.
"And what did you neglect to tell me?" Gandalf asked, crossing his arms.
"I...I...I..."
"Out with it!" Mariah yelled.
"Okay, I told Sauron about Mariah." Everyone gasped. Gandalf walked over to Pippin and gripped his shoulders. "You did what?"
"It was an accident," Pippin replied.
"What did you say?"
"I said something about a pretty girl who held a dark secret."
"And where did you hear about MY secret?" Mariah asked, "I didn't say it to you."
"I overheard you talking with Haldir...but I didn't hear what your secret was."
"Fool of a Took!" the wizard shouted, "Now he knows about another possible threat. His defeat at Helms Deep showed our enemy one thing...he knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as week as he supposed. There is courage still. Enough to challenge him...Sauron fears this. He will not risk the people of Middle Earth uniting under one banner. He will raise Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne. Now, he knows of a strange woman."
"What does this mean?" Mariah asked.
"If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war," Gandalf continued, ignoring the girl.
"Tell me," King Théoden interrupted, "Why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?" Aragorn gave him a questioning look and then looked at Gandalf. "I will go," the ranger said.
"No," the wizard responded.
"They must be warned."
"They will be," Gandalf said, "I ride for Minas Tirith...and I won't be going alone." He looked at Pippin and then nodded at Mariah. She was now standing closer to Legolas and had her arm intertwined with his. "What?" Mariah asked as Gandalf carefully eyed her.
"Miss Morgan...your life is now in danger. You must ride to Minas Tirith with Pippin and me."