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*
~Hey everybody! I got the next chapter out! *does a dance* I feel so happy about that. I would like to thank all of my reviewers for sticking with me when school became so hectic. I bow to your greatness. *smirks* Oh, if there are any Aragorn/Eowyn fans who read this, I'm sorry, but I refuse to elaborate on the relationship they have. I personally don't care for it, so don't look for much of it~
Chapter 19~ The Steward's Son
It was dawn and Mariah stood in the courtyard. She was wearing a white gown and her hair hung loosely down her back. As the wind would pick up and slow down, it would blow freely and made her feel relief from this war she had gotten involved in. She thought about how she had arrived in Middle Earth and how she had made friends so easily with wizards, elves, men, hobbits, and dwarves. It amazed her greatly, since she had not been surrounded by loved ones in many long years. It felt too good to be true.
Mariah gazed around at the guards patrolling the palace and they smiled at her. She then looked up at the Beacon of Minas Tirith. It was extremely high and was used for signaling for help from others...though she could only think of Rohan. What had she left in Rohan? The answer was simple. She had left good friends. Her thoughts then turned to Haldir. Why was he so persistent on her and Legolas talking? Legolas...just the thought of his name made her shudder. He was incredibly handsome and had always treated her with the greatest of respect. They had shared a kiss once before and she had backed away.
"Stupid...stupid girl," she mumbled as she looked up at the Beacon again. She had to blink and then look again. Mariah had thought she had seen someone climbing the side of the stone. When her gaze fell upon the wall again, she realized that she had been correct. There was SOMEONE climbing the stone to reach the beacon! Who would be so crazy?
Peregrin Took had been so crazy. At the request of Gandalf, he secretly climbed up to the Beacon of Minas Tirith. The wizard had said it would be "another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth." He was exceedingly nervous about climbing so high, but he had to do it.
After a long time of climbing, Pippin had finally reached his destination. He climbed up the large pile of wood and reached for the oil to help light it. There were two Gondorian soldiers sitting nearby, but they did not even notice the hobbit. Pippin dumped over the oil and then grabbed the small lantern, tossing it into the wood. A fire lit up nicely and the hobbit smiled. He then remembered he had to get down, or he would also be taking a huge role in the lighting. He carefully climbed off the wood and back down the side of the wall. The soldiers were amazed, for they had no clue as to how the beacon was lit.
Gandalf smiled as he saw a huge fire erupt from the tower. Once he saw that Pippin was on his way back down, he ran to a spot to see if the next beacon would light. "Amon Dîn," he said quietly. Sure enough, it did almost immediately. "The Beacon!" a soldier shouted, "The Beacon of Amon Dîn is lit!"
"Hope is kindled," the wizard whispered.
Meanwhile, Aragorn sat near a watch tower in Edoras. He quietly ate his bowl of stew and relaxed against a wall. "Well, it's been a few days...where's the call for help?" he asked himself as he took another sip of his stew. When he looked up, a fire was burning brightly atop a mountain. The ranger stood up and eyed it for a moment before dropping his food and running back up to the Great Hall. He climbed many steps and burst through the doors screaming, "The Beacons of Minas Tirith! The Beacons are lit!"
King Théoden and his advisors had been looking over some maps, but abruptly stopped when they saw Aragorn run in. "Gondor calls for aid!" the ranger said, out of breath.
"And Rohan will answer," the king said, "Muster the Rohirrim!" Éomer bowed his head and left to assemble the riders and Aragorn looked satisfied and went off to gather his own belongings. Legolas' eyes had widened slightly at the mention of Minas Tirith. Mariah was there...waiting for him. The elf smiled at the memory and picked up his belongings before walking out to prepare for battle.
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Gandalf and Pippin rode Shadowfax down the levels of Minas Tirith and out the gate. Mariah was sitting on a bench at the lowest level, ignoring everything around her. She suddenly heard a high-pitched screech come from beyond the gate. She jumped up and stared at the large doors, unaware of what was happening on the other side.
"It's the White Rider!" one of the soldiers yelled. Gandalf held his staff into the air as he rode toward the soldiers of Gondor who were fleeing Osgiliath. Nazgul on Fell Beasts were attacking them and taking down men. A bright white light shone from the wizard's staff as he raised it higher. The Nazgul flew away quickly and the men were free to run.
The gates of Minas Tirith opened and the men rode in, including Gandalf who rode over to the large statue of a king on his horse. A Captain of Gondor rode over to him. "Mithrandir! They broke our defenses, they've taken the bridge in the Westbank. Battalions of orcs are crossing the river."
"Just as the Lord Denethor predicted," a soldier interrupted, "Long has he foreseen this doom."
"Foreseen and done nothing!" Gandalf stated firmly as he turned Shadowfax around to face the Captain. The man's eyes widened when he noticed Pippin sitting in front of Gandalf. The wizard was about to speak when Mariah darted up to his side. "Gandalf, what happened?" she asked worriedly.
"The Nazgul attacked the men fleeing Osgiliath. The orcs took over the city," the wizard said, looking down at her. Mariah looked scared and then did a double take when she noticed the Captain looking down at her. "Hi," she said meekly. He nodded and then looked back at the hobbit. "Faramir, this is not the first Halfling to have crossed your path," Gandalf said.
"No," he responded. Pippin's eyes widened with joy. "You've seen Frodo and Sam!"
"Where? When?" Gandalf asked.
"In Ithilien, not two days ago." Mariah watched both Gandalf and Pippin sigh in happiness and relief. "Gandalf, they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale," Faramir said. The wizard's smile faded immediately. "And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol," Gandalf said as Faramir nodded.
"What does that mean? What's wrong?" Pippin asked.
"Faramir, tell me everything," the wizard said with worry filling his eyes. The Captain nodded and held out a hand for Mariah. She gracefully accepted it and was soon pulled up on the horse in front of Faramir. They all rode up to the palace and dismounted quickly. Gandalf had Mariah and Pippin go to their room while he spoke privately with Faramir.
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Mariah stood with her back to the wall while Pippin changed into his new clothing he received from the Steward. "You can look now," he said. Mariah turned around to see the hobbit struggling with the laces on the ties on the back of his uniform. "Here...let me help," Mariah said as she walked behind Pippin and tied it in a knot.
"Thank you, Miss Morgan," he said with a smile. She placed her hands on his shoulders and knelt down in front of him. He looked extremely nervous. "You're being sworn into the service today right?" He nodded. "You have nothing to worry about...I know you can do it."
"But what if I forget my pledge?"
"Pip, you know you can do this. Now get down there and do what you're meant to do. You've been practicing...and I know you can do it."
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Mariah stood in the courtyard, letting her hair blow freely in the cool breeze. She looked toward Mordor again and felt a shiver up her spine. The place was so evil...so dark. It reminded her of how evil her "friends" were. "My lady, are you alright?" a voice asked from behind her. Mariah turned around and faced the man who had spoken to her. "I didn't get to properly introduce myself. I am Faramir, Captain of Gondor and son of Denethor."
"Mariah Morgan," she replied, extending her hand to him. She had expected a simple handshake, but received a kiss on the hand. She smiled and bowed her head to him slightly. "You came here with Mithrandir and the Halfling?" he asked.
"Yes...and you live here, I'm guessing...since you ARE a Captain of Gondor."
"I am," he said quietly. Mariah grew quiet when he did and they stood in silence for quite a few moments. When Mariah looked up, she saw that he extended his arm to her. "Pippin will be pledging right about now, so why don't you join us. I also must inform my father about the city being overrun."
"Okay," Mariah replied with a smile as she intertwined her arm with his and he escorted her into the throne room. They both stood quietly as Pippin knelt down before Denethor, who sat on his throne. "Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor. In peace or war, in living or dying...f-from..." Pippin was having trouble remembering what to say and Denethor seemed quite amused and smiled at the hobbit. "From this hour henceforth, until my lord release me, or death take me."
"And I shall not forget it. Nor fail to reward that which is given," Denethor said as he stood up and walked over to Pippin, holding out his hand. Pippin tentatively kissed the man's ring. Denethor then lifted the hobbit's chin and walked over to a table where his servants were placing hid food. "Fealty with love, valor with honor...disloyalty with vengeance." Denethor took a look at Faramir and sat down. "I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defenses...defenses that your brother long held intact."
"What would you have me do?" Faramir asked.
"I will not yield the river in Pelennor un-fought. Osgiliath must be re- taken."
"My Lord, Osgiliath is overrun."
"Much must be risked in war," Denethor said as he picked at his food, "Is there a Captain here who still has the courage to do his lord's will?" Mariah looked at Faramir and released his arm. He looked upset about something. "You wish now that our places have been exchanged. That I had died and Boromir had lived."
"Yes...I wish that," the Steward said as he took a drink from his goblet. Faramir's eyes began to tear, but he held back. "Since you're robbed of Boromir, I will do what I can in his stead," he said as he bowed and began to walk out of the throne room, "If I should return, think better if me father."
"That will depend on the manner of your return," Denethor replied with the goblet at his lips. Faramir took his leave out to the courtyard slowly while Mariah turned and walked up to Denethor. He had already started eating and looked up at her. "Would you care to join me?" he asked. Mariah smacked the meat he held in his hand to the floor and slammed her hands on the table. "He's your son, yet you treat him like fucking shit!"
"Watch the way you speak to me-"
"Oh, cut the crap!"
"Mariah," Pippin said as he walked up to her and tugged at her sleeve, "Please don't."
"Fine...I won't, but I'm not letting him leave!" she shouted as she ran out into the courtyard and noticed Faramir making his way to the ramp that would lead down to the sixth level. "Faramir, WAIT!" she shouted as she ran up to him and grabbed his arm. When he looked down at Mariah, he saw how angry she was. "Excuse me, Lady Morgan, I must depart." When he tried to leave again, Mariah had grabbed his arm again. "Are you crazy, Faramir? You'll be killed."
"I must obey him and do what he wishes."
"He's not the king...he's a Steward of Gondor. You shouldn't have to throw your life away so rashly." Faramir looked into Mariah's eyes and smiled before kissing her hand. "I will return and make my father proud...even if it means returning in death."
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A/N: Finally...another chapter done. I like this chapter b/c of the relationship between Mariah and Faramir. I always thought he needed a friend...someone like a younger sister. I figured it'd be nice for him to have someone who looks at him like the older brother.
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*
~Hey everybody! I got the next chapter out! *does a dance* I feel so happy about that. I would like to thank all of my reviewers for sticking with me when school became so hectic. I bow to your greatness. *smirks* Oh, if there are any Aragorn/Eowyn fans who read this, I'm sorry, but I refuse to elaborate on the relationship they have. I personally don't care for it, so don't look for much of it~
Chapter 19~ The Steward's Son
It was dawn and Mariah stood in the courtyard. She was wearing a white gown and her hair hung loosely down her back. As the wind would pick up and slow down, it would blow freely and made her feel relief from this war she had gotten involved in. She thought about how she had arrived in Middle Earth and how she had made friends so easily with wizards, elves, men, hobbits, and dwarves. It amazed her greatly, since she had not been surrounded by loved ones in many long years. It felt too good to be true.
Mariah gazed around at the guards patrolling the palace and they smiled at her. She then looked up at the Beacon of Minas Tirith. It was extremely high and was used for signaling for help from others...though she could only think of Rohan. What had she left in Rohan? The answer was simple. She had left good friends. Her thoughts then turned to Haldir. Why was he so persistent on her and Legolas talking? Legolas...just the thought of his name made her shudder. He was incredibly handsome and had always treated her with the greatest of respect. They had shared a kiss once before and she had backed away.
"Stupid...stupid girl," she mumbled as she looked up at the Beacon again. She had to blink and then look again. Mariah had thought she had seen someone climbing the side of the stone. When her gaze fell upon the wall again, she realized that she had been correct. There was SOMEONE climbing the stone to reach the beacon! Who would be so crazy?
Peregrin Took had been so crazy. At the request of Gandalf, he secretly climbed up to the Beacon of Minas Tirith. The wizard had said it would be "another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth." He was exceedingly nervous about climbing so high, but he had to do it.
After a long time of climbing, Pippin had finally reached his destination. He climbed up the large pile of wood and reached for the oil to help light it. There were two Gondorian soldiers sitting nearby, but they did not even notice the hobbit. Pippin dumped over the oil and then grabbed the small lantern, tossing it into the wood. A fire lit up nicely and the hobbit smiled. He then remembered he had to get down, or he would also be taking a huge role in the lighting. He carefully climbed off the wood and back down the side of the wall. The soldiers were amazed, for they had no clue as to how the beacon was lit.
Gandalf smiled as he saw a huge fire erupt from the tower. Once he saw that Pippin was on his way back down, he ran to a spot to see if the next beacon would light. "Amon Dîn," he said quietly. Sure enough, it did almost immediately. "The Beacon!" a soldier shouted, "The Beacon of Amon Dîn is lit!"
"Hope is kindled," the wizard whispered.
Meanwhile, Aragorn sat near a watch tower in Edoras. He quietly ate his bowl of stew and relaxed against a wall. "Well, it's been a few days...where's the call for help?" he asked himself as he took another sip of his stew. When he looked up, a fire was burning brightly atop a mountain. The ranger stood up and eyed it for a moment before dropping his food and running back up to the Great Hall. He climbed many steps and burst through the doors screaming, "The Beacons of Minas Tirith! The Beacons are lit!"
King Théoden and his advisors had been looking over some maps, but abruptly stopped when they saw Aragorn run in. "Gondor calls for aid!" the ranger said, out of breath.
"And Rohan will answer," the king said, "Muster the Rohirrim!" Éomer bowed his head and left to assemble the riders and Aragorn looked satisfied and went off to gather his own belongings. Legolas' eyes had widened slightly at the mention of Minas Tirith. Mariah was there...waiting for him. The elf smiled at the memory and picked up his belongings before walking out to prepare for battle.
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Gandalf and Pippin rode Shadowfax down the levels of Minas Tirith and out the gate. Mariah was sitting on a bench at the lowest level, ignoring everything around her. She suddenly heard a high-pitched screech come from beyond the gate. She jumped up and stared at the large doors, unaware of what was happening on the other side.
"It's the White Rider!" one of the soldiers yelled. Gandalf held his staff into the air as he rode toward the soldiers of Gondor who were fleeing Osgiliath. Nazgul on Fell Beasts were attacking them and taking down men. A bright white light shone from the wizard's staff as he raised it higher. The Nazgul flew away quickly and the men were free to run.
The gates of Minas Tirith opened and the men rode in, including Gandalf who rode over to the large statue of a king on his horse. A Captain of Gondor rode over to him. "Mithrandir! They broke our defenses, they've taken the bridge in the Westbank. Battalions of orcs are crossing the river."
"Just as the Lord Denethor predicted," a soldier interrupted, "Long has he foreseen this doom."
"Foreseen and done nothing!" Gandalf stated firmly as he turned Shadowfax around to face the Captain. The man's eyes widened when he noticed Pippin sitting in front of Gandalf. The wizard was about to speak when Mariah darted up to his side. "Gandalf, what happened?" she asked worriedly.
"The Nazgul attacked the men fleeing Osgiliath. The orcs took over the city," the wizard said, looking down at her. Mariah looked scared and then did a double take when she noticed the Captain looking down at her. "Hi," she said meekly. He nodded and then looked back at the hobbit. "Faramir, this is not the first Halfling to have crossed your path," Gandalf said.
"No," he responded. Pippin's eyes widened with joy. "You've seen Frodo and Sam!"
"Where? When?" Gandalf asked.
"In Ithilien, not two days ago." Mariah watched both Gandalf and Pippin sigh in happiness and relief. "Gandalf, they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale," Faramir said. The wizard's smile faded immediately. "And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol," Gandalf said as Faramir nodded.
"What does that mean? What's wrong?" Pippin asked.
"Faramir, tell me everything," the wizard said with worry filling his eyes. The Captain nodded and held out a hand for Mariah. She gracefully accepted it and was soon pulled up on the horse in front of Faramir. They all rode up to the palace and dismounted quickly. Gandalf had Mariah and Pippin go to their room while he spoke privately with Faramir.
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Mariah stood with her back to the wall while Pippin changed into his new clothing he received from the Steward. "You can look now," he said. Mariah turned around to see the hobbit struggling with the laces on the ties on the back of his uniform. "Here...let me help," Mariah said as she walked behind Pippin and tied it in a knot.
"Thank you, Miss Morgan," he said with a smile. She placed her hands on his shoulders and knelt down in front of him. He looked extremely nervous. "You're being sworn into the service today right?" He nodded. "You have nothing to worry about...I know you can do it."
"But what if I forget my pledge?"
"Pip, you know you can do this. Now get down there and do what you're meant to do. You've been practicing...and I know you can do it."
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Mariah stood in the courtyard, letting her hair blow freely in the cool breeze. She looked toward Mordor again and felt a shiver up her spine. The place was so evil...so dark. It reminded her of how evil her "friends" were. "My lady, are you alright?" a voice asked from behind her. Mariah turned around and faced the man who had spoken to her. "I didn't get to properly introduce myself. I am Faramir, Captain of Gondor and son of Denethor."
"Mariah Morgan," she replied, extending her hand to him. She had expected a simple handshake, but received a kiss on the hand. She smiled and bowed her head to him slightly. "You came here with Mithrandir and the Halfling?" he asked.
"Yes...and you live here, I'm guessing...since you ARE a Captain of Gondor."
"I am," he said quietly. Mariah grew quiet when he did and they stood in silence for quite a few moments. When Mariah looked up, she saw that he extended his arm to her. "Pippin will be pledging right about now, so why don't you join us. I also must inform my father about the city being overrun."
"Okay," Mariah replied with a smile as she intertwined her arm with his and he escorted her into the throne room. They both stood quietly as Pippin knelt down before Denethor, who sat on his throne. "Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor. In peace or war, in living or dying...f-from..." Pippin was having trouble remembering what to say and Denethor seemed quite amused and smiled at the hobbit. "From this hour henceforth, until my lord release me, or death take me."
"And I shall not forget it. Nor fail to reward that which is given," Denethor said as he stood up and walked over to Pippin, holding out his hand. Pippin tentatively kissed the man's ring. Denethor then lifted the hobbit's chin and walked over to a table where his servants were placing hid food. "Fealty with love, valor with honor...disloyalty with vengeance." Denethor took a look at Faramir and sat down. "I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defenses...defenses that your brother long held intact."
"What would you have me do?" Faramir asked.
"I will not yield the river in Pelennor un-fought. Osgiliath must be re- taken."
"My Lord, Osgiliath is overrun."
"Much must be risked in war," Denethor said as he picked at his food, "Is there a Captain here who still has the courage to do his lord's will?" Mariah looked at Faramir and released his arm. He looked upset about something. "You wish now that our places have been exchanged. That I had died and Boromir had lived."
"Yes...I wish that," the Steward said as he took a drink from his goblet. Faramir's eyes began to tear, but he held back. "Since you're robbed of Boromir, I will do what I can in his stead," he said as he bowed and began to walk out of the throne room, "If I should return, think better if me father."
"That will depend on the manner of your return," Denethor replied with the goblet at his lips. Faramir took his leave out to the courtyard slowly while Mariah turned and walked up to Denethor. He had already started eating and looked up at her. "Would you care to join me?" he asked. Mariah smacked the meat he held in his hand to the floor and slammed her hands on the table. "He's your son, yet you treat him like fucking shit!"
"Watch the way you speak to me-"
"Oh, cut the crap!"
"Mariah," Pippin said as he walked up to her and tugged at her sleeve, "Please don't."
"Fine...I won't, but I'm not letting him leave!" she shouted as she ran out into the courtyard and noticed Faramir making his way to the ramp that would lead down to the sixth level. "Faramir, WAIT!" she shouted as she ran up to him and grabbed his arm. When he looked down at Mariah, he saw how angry she was. "Excuse me, Lady Morgan, I must depart." When he tried to leave again, Mariah had grabbed his arm again. "Are you crazy, Faramir? You'll be killed."
"I must obey him and do what he wishes."
"He's not the king...he's a Steward of Gondor. You shouldn't have to throw your life away so rashly." Faramir looked into Mariah's eyes and smiled before kissing her hand. "I will return and make my father proud...even if it means returning in death."
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A/N: Finally...another chapter done. I like this chapter b/c of the relationship between Mariah and Faramir. I always thought he needed a friend...someone like a younger sister. I figured it'd be nice for him to have someone who looks at him like the older brother.