~
Chapter 24
~
Ah, boats. The black pirate ships. The pirates really didn't want to part with them.
I hate sea travel. All that water.
I huddle further back against the mast as we pull up to the shore. I can hear the lead orc talking.
"Late as usual! Pirate scum. There's enough work here that needs doing. Come on, you sea-rats! Get off your ships!"
Now THAT was an interesting look to see on an orc.
Gimli looked them over, then turned to Legolas. "There's enough for both of us. May the best Dwarf win!"
I grin. We charge, the army of the dead moving in behind us. The first couple of waves of orcs are obliterated by the Dead. What isn't, we take care of. It's a relatively simple way of doing battle. Quick and messy.
Aragorn stays close to the King of the Dead. I get swept off to one side, Legolas and Gimli charge straight down the middle. I can hear both of them counting. I glance up from decapitating an orc to see Legolas swing up on the Oliphaunt. As it falls, I hear Gimli yell "That still only counts as one!"
I can't help but laugh.
~
It gets better fairly quickly. I don't think it's going to last much longer.
At least, I hope not. My shoulders are killing me.
An orc charges. I ram the blade up to the hilt in his gut and twist upwards, under the ribs. Easiest way to get to the heart, you know.
I wrench the blade free and open up another one.
A horn sounds from the direction of Minas Tirith. A very familiar horn.
I start to laugh. Here he comes to save the day!
A horde of Gondorians on horseback charge out, almost running me down.
"Hold your blade!" one of them hollers. "That is no orc."
I shake my head. Good eye, jackass.
I duck away. "Have fun, gentlemen!" And I run for where I last saw Legolas and Gimli.
~
I am remarkably unscathed. Only a couple nicks. I don't see Legolas or Gimli. I CAN see Aragorn, but that's only because the Dead are...kinda hard to miss.
"By the White Tree," says a Gondorian behind me. "What are THOSE?"
I swing around to try and block the sword thrust coming in from behind him. "Watch your back, beautiful. I'm not good enough watch yours and mine!"
He gives me a shaky nod. "Can you tell me what they are, Lady?"
I nod shortly. An orc snarls at me, and I bare my teeth back, putting out his eye with one of my knives. "The Oathbreakers."
He stops and stares at me. Luckily, someone shoots the orc who's about to brain him. Remind me to thank Haldir. "But the Oathbreakers would only answer to the King!"
"Really?" I ask, ducking a sword. "What a remarkable thing. Will you keep an eye out, please? Watch what the bloody hell you're doing!"
He straightens immediately and begins to fight harder. That's one thing I've noticed about the Men of Rohan and Gondor. They like order. It gives them a peculiar sense of purpose.
Hey, at least this one didn't drop his sword when he realized I wasn't shaped like the rest of the soldiers on the field. That's really starting to bug me.
~
It's over almost as quickly as it began. My Gondorian companion and I had fought our way through, and suddenly there were no more orcs. It was unusual, to say the least.
I push my hair out of my eyes, grimacing as they come away covered in blood.
"Well, that was interesting," he mutters, leaning on his sword.
I look at him more closely. He's actually not bad looking. He'd be better if he were clean, of course, but that usually improves the appearance. He's handsome even with it.
"Kayli!"
Of course, then we have absolutely gorgeous. I will never laugh at the hopelessly romantic unrequited love interests ever again, I swear to God. I'm so pathetic at this point I have no stones to throw whatsoever.
Gimli pats me on the arm. "Ye injured, lass?"
I shake my head. "Naw. I'm indestructible, haven't you heard?"
Legolas makes a rude noise. I turn to look at him. "No offense, honeychild, but you look like crap."
He makes a face at me. "You're ever so kind."
I turn back to my Gondorian friend. "I never did catch your name."
He grins at me. Legolas gives him a narrow-eyed look, like smiling is a capital offense. "My name is Brioc, noble lady. Can I have the honor of your own?"
"Kayli," I answer, and hold out a hand, just out of habit. He takes it and kisses it. I roll my eyes. "Oooh, a gentleman."
He laughs. "I don't know what else to do! I've never met a woman warrior before."
I shrug. "It works." I turn back to Legolas and Gimli. "Gimli, son of Gloin, Legolas of the Woodland Realm, meet Brioc of Gondor. He and I shared some orcs. Where's Aragorn?"
Gimli waves a hand in the general direction of some creepy green light. "Over there, with the King of the Dead."
"Legolas!"
Ah, Boromir has arrived. He guides his horse up next to us and leaps down. He's grinning like a maniac. "How's it going?"
"Swell," I reply. "How are you?"
He frowns at me. "Are you injured?"
"WHY does everybody keep asking me that? If I'm not blood, no bones are broken, and no limbs are missing, I'll live."
Brioc gives me a wide-eyed look. "Oh, she IS charming. Wherever did you find her?"
Boromir grins at him. "The Elves found her. You know how strange Elves can be."
The soldier gives Legolas a nervous look, but the Elf just rolls his eyes. "Ignore him, Brioc. He thinks he's amusing."
"Where's Aragorn?"
Legolas, Gimli and I all point. "Over there."
Brioc shakes his head. "Captain Boromir, if you will excuse me, I should go and help collect the wounded."
I giggle. "Captain."
Boromir gives me an offended look. "I will have you know, dear sister, that I am the Captain of Gondor's armies."
Brioc laughs. "Forgive us, my Lady! We didn't know any better."
Boromir claps him on the shoulder. "Go, scoundrel. You will make our allies think we don't know what we're doing."
"Don't worry," Legolas says dryly. "No fear of that."
"We already know you don't know what you're doing," Gimli adds.
I shake my head. "I'm going to go with our friend here and see what I can do to help."
He bows. "I would be honored, noble Lady."
I frown at him. "Stop that. Use my name." I turn back to the others. "Stay out of trouble."
"Yes, Mother," Boromir says.
Legolas gives him a LOOK. "Did you perhaps get hit on the head?"
I shake my head and leave.
~
"They seem remarkably at ease with one another," Brioc says a few minutes later.
"Which ones? We're all pretty at ease."
"The Elf and Dwarf. I had heard tales that their peoples do not get along."
I laugh. "Oh, honeychild, you should've seen them when we first started out. They couldn't stand the sight of each other. It was hilarious."
We stop and get orders and supplies from one of the healers and set out further into the field, stopping to kill any orcs who happen to still be alive.
"Even Boromir seems to be at ease, which is odd," he continues. "When we had our occasional Elven visitor, Boromir would avoid them most ardently. Whenever he came near one, his –"
"Shoulder would twitch," I finish, and laugh. "You should have seen him in Rivendell. Absolutely surrounded by Elves, and his shoulder twitching when ever an Elf came within five feet of him."
"Over here! I need help over here!"
Oh, God. It's Pippin. I run.
He's leaning over Merry, smoothing his hair and covering him with his cloak. Pippin looks up at me and sniffles. "He's hurt, Kayli. And Lady Eowyn – she's hurt, too."
I swear. "All right, we need litters or something."
Brioc nods and runs off. I check on Eowyn, which, since I don't have any medical training, amounts to making sure she's still breathing. Then I sit down by Pippin, wrap an arm around him, take Merry's hand, and wait.
TBC...
Girl Tree – Why, thank you. I'm rather proud of that little bit of dialogue.
Red Queen Kai – It's Kay-lee. Thanks!
Unauthorized Cuddler – Alas, if only I had the time. But ten hours shifts don't leave much time for writing.
Twilight-la-fae – Don't worry, Leilanni will be back...and she will be after...duh duh DUH! Thanks!
Princess Danielly – Thanks so much! You rock!
Sylvia Viridian – Hmm, yes, sense jealous I do. Just a little bit. I'm still not sure if it'll work out, though, so don't hold your breath. There IS a certain blond stumbling block in the way. Thanks hugely, you kick incredible amounts of ass.
Snowfire the Kitsune – Don't worry, Leilanni'll be around. I don't think Arwen has much to worry about, 'cause Evil L wasn't after Aragorn. Kayli might be in trouble, though, along with our favoritest Elf. Thanks for the mischief, it'll come in handy!
Jack Sparrow's Only Love – Thanks!
Arsine selene – Thanks again!
The Whisperer – Yes, he bopped. BOPPED! It was so disturbing. You really need to see the movies. Don't go in expecting them to be exactly like the books, because that ruins them. Ah, but Kayli isn't an Elf. Like I keep saying, I don't know what's gonna happen there. And the Gimli accent is the result of too much Forgotten Realms. Thank you so much!
Becca – I knew you'd missed the twins! And yes. Definitely yes. Thanks!
Ainu lote – uh...Thanks? Chocolate...any kind of chocolate...
Anime no Megami – At least he realizes! Thanks again!
xoSilverAndCold – You're supposed to like Elladan, he's the loveable prankster! Thanks so much!
LegosGrl – Don't worry, she'll be around. Thanks!
GreyLadyBast – *falls down and worships* Forgive me, but we all have flaws. One not-so-teeny mischaracterization is mine. The way I understood the sheildmaidens of Rohan is that they did not travel with the armies but were a sort of last-ditch home defense. Excuses, excuses. I had to try, and I'll just quit while I'm relatively ahead. And the term Bitchzilla was originally coined by my crewmate Benji in regards to one of our not-so- nifty shift managers. As for Leilanni...well, like I said, she'll be around, and she has a few things to say to both Kayli and our favorite Elf. Other than that, my lips are sealed. Thank you so much!
Fvor – Yeah, no shit she's a Mary Sue, genius. I just love how when you jackasses feel the need to flame, you never leave an email address or a profile where people can get a hold of you. One flaming asshole out of a hundred and forty odd reviews really doesn't make me question my ability.
ADC – Oh, my God, he does. How strange. Thanks!
Catherine Maria – Yes! By the Two Towers extended edition! Eomer rides by, says 'stay away from the trees!' and then the trees who marched from Fangorn ripped apart the remaining orcs. As for Eowyn, don't worry about her. I'm not messing with canon 'ships, so she'll end up with Faramir. As for Legolas and Kayli...well, you'll see.
Elrohir lover – Leilanni'll be here, don't worry. Thanks!
Chapter 24
~
Ah, boats. The black pirate ships. The pirates really didn't want to part with them.
I hate sea travel. All that water.
I huddle further back against the mast as we pull up to the shore. I can hear the lead orc talking.
"Late as usual! Pirate scum. There's enough work here that needs doing. Come on, you sea-rats! Get off your ships!"
Now THAT was an interesting look to see on an orc.
Gimli looked them over, then turned to Legolas. "There's enough for both of us. May the best Dwarf win!"
I grin. We charge, the army of the dead moving in behind us. The first couple of waves of orcs are obliterated by the Dead. What isn't, we take care of. It's a relatively simple way of doing battle. Quick and messy.
Aragorn stays close to the King of the Dead. I get swept off to one side, Legolas and Gimli charge straight down the middle. I can hear both of them counting. I glance up from decapitating an orc to see Legolas swing up on the Oliphaunt. As it falls, I hear Gimli yell "That still only counts as one!"
I can't help but laugh.
~
It gets better fairly quickly. I don't think it's going to last much longer.
At least, I hope not. My shoulders are killing me.
An orc charges. I ram the blade up to the hilt in his gut and twist upwards, under the ribs. Easiest way to get to the heart, you know.
I wrench the blade free and open up another one.
A horn sounds from the direction of Minas Tirith. A very familiar horn.
I start to laugh. Here he comes to save the day!
A horde of Gondorians on horseback charge out, almost running me down.
"Hold your blade!" one of them hollers. "That is no orc."
I shake my head. Good eye, jackass.
I duck away. "Have fun, gentlemen!" And I run for where I last saw Legolas and Gimli.
~
I am remarkably unscathed. Only a couple nicks. I don't see Legolas or Gimli. I CAN see Aragorn, but that's only because the Dead are...kinda hard to miss.
"By the White Tree," says a Gondorian behind me. "What are THOSE?"
I swing around to try and block the sword thrust coming in from behind him. "Watch your back, beautiful. I'm not good enough watch yours and mine!"
He gives me a shaky nod. "Can you tell me what they are, Lady?"
I nod shortly. An orc snarls at me, and I bare my teeth back, putting out his eye with one of my knives. "The Oathbreakers."
He stops and stares at me. Luckily, someone shoots the orc who's about to brain him. Remind me to thank Haldir. "But the Oathbreakers would only answer to the King!"
"Really?" I ask, ducking a sword. "What a remarkable thing. Will you keep an eye out, please? Watch what the bloody hell you're doing!"
He straightens immediately and begins to fight harder. That's one thing I've noticed about the Men of Rohan and Gondor. They like order. It gives them a peculiar sense of purpose.
Hey, at least this one didn't drop his sword when he realized I wasn't shaped like the rest of the soldiers on the field. That's really starting to bug me.
~
It's over almost as quickly as it began. My Gondorian companion and I had fought our way through, and suddenly there were no more orcs. It was unusual, to say the least.
I push my hair out of my eyes, grimacing as they come away covered in blood.
"Well, that was interesting," he mutters, leaning on his sword.
I look at him more closely. He's actually not bad looking. He'd be better if he were clean, of course, but that usually improves the appearance. He's handsome even with it.
"Kayli!"
Of course, then we have absolutely gorgeous. I will never laugh at the hopelessly romantic unrequited love interests ever again, I swear to God. I'm so pathetic at this point I have no stones to throw whatsoever.
Gimli pats me on the arm. "Ye injured, lass?"
I shake my head. "Naw. I'm indestructible, haven't you heard?"
Legolas makes a rude noise. I turn to look at him. "No offense, honeychild, but you look like crap."
He makes a face at me. "You're ever so kind."
I turn back to my Gondorian friend. "I never did catch your name."
He grins at me. Legolas gives him a narrow-eyed look, like smiling is a capital offense. "My name is Brioc, noble lady. Can I have the honor of your own?"
"Kayli," I answer, and hold out a hand, just out of habit. He takes it and kisses it. I roll my eyes. "Oooh, a gentleman."
He laughs. "I don't know what else to do! I've never met a woman warrior before."
I shrug. "It works." I turn back to Legolas and Gimli. "Gimli, son of Gloin, Legolas of the Woodland Realm, meet Brioc of Gondor. He and I shared some orcs. Where's Aragorn?"
Gimli waves a hand in the general direction of some creepy green light. "Over there, with the King of the Dead."
"Legolas!"
Ah, Boromir has arrived. He guides his horse up next to us and leaps down. He's grinning like a maniac. "How's it going?"
"Swell," I reply. "How are you?"
He frowns at me. "Are you injured?"
"WHY does everybody keep asking me that? If I'm not blood, no bones are broken, and no limbs are missing, I'll live."
Brioc gives me a wide-eyed look. "Oh, she IS charming. Wherever did you find her?"
Boromir grins at him. "The Elves found her. You know how strange Elves can be."
The soldier gives Legolas a nervous look, but the Elf just rolls his eyes. "Ignore him, Brioc. He thinks he's amusing."
"Where's Aragorn?"
Legolas, Gimli and I all point. "Over there."
Brioc shakes his head. "Captain Boromir, if you will excuse me, I should go and help collect the wounded."
I giggle. "Captain."
Boromir gives me an offended look. "I will have you know, dear sister, that I am the Captain of Gondor's armies."
Brioc laughs. "Forgive us, my Lady! We didn't know any better."
Boromir claps him on the shoulder. "Go, scoundrel. You will make our allies think we don't know what we're doing."
"Don't worry," Legolas says dryly. "No fear of that."
"We already know you don't know what you're doing," Gimli adds.
I shake my head. "I'm going to go with our friend here and see what I can do to help."
He bows. "I would be honored, noble Lady."
I frown at him. "Stop that. Use my name." I turn back to the others. "Stay out of trouble."
"Yes, Mother," Boromir says.
Legolas gives him a LOOK. "Did you perhaps get hit on the head?"
I shake my head and leave.
~
"They seem remarkably at ease with one another," Brioc says a few minutes later.
"Which ones? We're all pretty at ease."
"The Elf and Dwarf. I had heard tales that their peoples do not get along."
I laugh. "Oh, honeychild, you should've seen them when we first started out. They couldn't stand the sight of each other. It was hilarious."
We stop and get orders and supplies from one of the healers and set out further into the field, stopping to kill any orcs who happen to still be alive.
"Even Boromir seems to be at ease, which is odd," he continues. "When we had our occasional Elven visitor, Boromir would avoid them most ardently. Whenever he came near one, his –"
"Shoulder would twitch," I finish, and laugh. "You should have seen him in Rivendell. Absolutely surrounded by Elves, and his shoulder twitching when ever an Elf came within five feet of him."
"Over here! I need help over here!"
Oh, God. It's Pippin. I run.
He's leaning over Merry, smoothing his hair and covering him with his cloak. Pippin looks up at me and sniffles. "He's hurt, Kayli. And Lady Eowyn – she's hurt, too."
I swear. "All right, we need litters or something."
Brioc nods and runs off. I check on Eowyn, which, since I don't have any medical training, amounts to making sure she's still breathing. Then I sit down by Pippin, wrap an arm around him, take Merry's hand, and wait.
TBC...
Girl Tree – Why, thank you. I'm rather proud of that little bit of dialogue.
Red Queen Kai – It's Kay-lee. Thanks!
Unauthorized Cuddler – Alas, if only I had the time. But ten hours shifts don't leave much time for writing.
Twilight-la-fae – Don't worry, Leilanni will be back...and she will be after...duh duh DUH! Thanks!
Princess Danielly – Thanks so much! You rock!
Sylvia Viridian – Hmm, yes, sense jealous I do. Just a little bit. I'm still not sure if it'll work out, though, so don't hold your breath. There IS a certain blond stumbling block in the way. Thanks hugely, you kick incredible amounts of ass.
Snowfire the Kitsune – Don't worry, Leilanni'll be around. I don't think Arwen has much to worry about, 'cause Evil L wasn't after Aragorn. Kayli might be in trouble, though, along with our favoritest Elf. Thanks for the mischief, it'll come in handy!
Jack Sparrow's Only Love – Thanks!
Arsine selene – Thanks again!
The Whisperer – Yes, he bopped. BOPPED! It was so disturbing. You really need to see the movies. Don't go in expecting them to be exactly like the books, because that ruins them. Ah, but Kayli isn't an Elf. Like I keep saying, I don't know what's gonna happen there. And the Gimli accent is the result of too much Forgotten Realms. Thank you so much!
Becca – I knew you'd missed the twins! And yes. Definitely yes. Thanks!
Ainu lote – uh...Thanks? Chocolate...any kind of chocolate...
Anime no Megami – At least he realizes! Thanks again!
xoSilverAndCold – You're supposed to like Elladan, he's the loveable prankster! Thanks so much!
LegosGrl – Don't worry, she'll be around. Thanks!
GreyLadyBast – *falls down and worships* Forgive me, but we all have flaws. One not-so-teeny mischaracterization is mine. The way I understood the sheildmaidens of Rohan is that they did not travel with the armies but were a sort of last-ditch home defense. Excuses, excuses. I had to try, and I'll just quit while I'm relatively ahead. And the term Bitchzilla was originally coined by my crewmate Benji in regards to one of our not-so- nifty shift managers. As for Leilanni...well, like I said, she'll be around, and she has a few things to say to both Kayli and our favorite Elf. Other than that, my lips are sealed. Thank you so much!
Fvor – Yeah, no shit she's a Mary Sue, genius. I just love how when you jackasses feel the need to flame, you never leave an email address or a profile where people can get a hold of you. One flaming asshole out of a hundred and forty odd reviews really doesn't make me question my ability.
ADC – Oh, my God, he does. How strange. Thanks!
Catherine Maria – Yes! By the Two Towers extended edition! Eomer rides by, says 'stay away from the trees!' and then the trees who marched from Fangorn ripped apart the remaining orcs. As for Eowyn, don't worry about her. I'm not messing with canon 'ships, so she'll end up with Faramir. As for Legolas and Kayli...well, you'll see.
Elrohir lover – Leilanni'll be here, don't worry. Thanks!