Authors Notes: People, I MUST remind you to GO BACK and reread the last chapter, because I replaced that chapter it wont register as a new one, but it is a WHOLE NEW CHAPTER, so I demand that you GO BACK AND CHECK THAT YOU HAVE READ IT! Also, because I deleted a few chapters, and so all the chapters are messed up, just ignore most of the chapter titles, i'm doing them right from now on. Anyway, please read and review!
Chapter 22
" Sienatin?" Kat said, looking the figure over with a critical eye. " This is all your fault" Kat accused, turning away from Sienatin. " If you hadn't told that tart Adrianna to go after Legolas, I would be happy now, I would be sleeping now, I WOULDN'T BE SCREAMING AT A MYSTICAL BEING NOW!" Kat took a few deep breaths to center herself. When she looked back at the red haired beauty, wide green eyes stared back her.
" You know Adrianna? Where is she? Is she all right? You must take me to her!" Sienatin looked frantic with worry. " You mentioned she was with Legolas, has she tried anything around him?" So many questions were being thrown at Kat, so she raised her arms to silence Sienatin.
" Ok, first off. I know Adrianna, she is with my friends, she is fine, and l would prefer never seeing her again. Yes she has tried stuff around Legolas, unfortunately all of her advances towards him have worked beautifully." Kat spat out the last word, looking spiteful and angry.
" Child, you do not understand. I must speak with Adrianna, take me to her." Sienatin was already walking, assuming Kat would follow, she did.
" Why should I take you to her? Want to give her some last minute boyfriend stealing tips?" Kat was acting like a jealous girl in junior high with a bone to pick.
" Listen." Sienatin seemed frustrated, and so she stopped at really looked at Kat. " I'm assuming that you do not want the Elven Prince harmed?"
" Of course not! He may be the lowest creature to ever-" Kat stopped herself when she saw the agitated look on Sienatin's face. " No, I do not want Legolas to be harmed."
" Well then we need to stop Adrianna; for that is her one goal in life. When I met Adrianna, she held such malice for her old companion, it was impossible to completely stamp out the flame of hatred. I taught her a few magic tricks, things that were mostly only for show, and temporary. She seemed to be better, so I consoled her for many years, and convinced her that it was not Legolas' fault. I thought I had at least. A months ago she escaped me somehow. I was accustomed to her leaving for a few weeks, to just wander, but I became concerned after the third week. I had always suspected that she still had never forgiven Legolas, and you say that she is with him now. If I know Adrianna, and I do, she will be maneuvering her way to his side, and making him trust her. When she is finally alone with him, she will hurt him irreparably for ruining her life. Sienatin looked as a myriad of emotions crossed Kat's face.
Oh god was all Kat could say before running through the forest towards the cave.
~*~*~Jem~*~*~
Jem was entertaining herself with a game she had made up, it involved a pebble, and lines she drew into the dirt. She liked to call the game I'm So Bored I'm Playing With A Pebble and Dirt'. So far, she was winning.
Jem! Kat's voice rang through the clearing. Where is Legolas? Kat was breathing heavily, and leaning over, she must have ran a long time.
No worries Jem said lightly. Everyone has gone off to Isenguard. They left us a horse, and thank god your here cause I certainly can't ride it! Jem was already walking towards the large beast, ignoring the horrified expression on Kat's face.
You let them just leave with that murderer! Kat was feeling lightheaded.
Kat, it's been about a thousand years, lets be logical. Gandalf wouldn't let Legolas stay behind, so I decided to wait for you. Why did you just disappear like that? Wait, before you answer that one, who is she? Jem was looking at Sienatin skeptically.
This is Sienatin. She is the one who found Adrianna remember? I sort of, stumbled onto her in the forest. We need to catch up to them, how long ago did they leave? Kat was very worried.
Ummm, around two hours? I think. Why are you so worried? Can you just chill a minute and explain what's going on? Jem sat down, and made it apparent that she was not getting up until she got answers.
All right. According to Sienatin, Adrianna intends to ruin Legolas' life once she gains his trust, symbolic of how he ruined her life when she trusted him. Now do you understand why i'm a little perturbed?! Kat had had a trying day, and she just felt like yelling.
Well, lets get onto the horse then. Jem stepped aside for Kat, she was in a foul mood, and Jem intended to let her vent out her anger elsewhere.
~*~*~Five hours and many miles later~*~*~
Jem was cross-eyed. They had been riding full speed for five hours! The horse came to an abrupt halt, and Jem raised her head from its position in her hands.
Wow Jem stared at the remains of what had once been Isenguard. I think its safe to say we beat em here The only think visible to Kat and Jem were two Hobbits passed out on a stone wall by the entrance.
Should we wake them? Kat whispered to Jem, Jem just shrugged. The choice was taken out of their hands when one of the Hobbits stirred.
Pip! Merry elbowed his friend in the arm when he saw the two girls staring. Oh, wake up! He boxed Pippin's ears, and stood up to greet the girls. Hello dear ladies! We welcome you to Isenguard. What is your business here? Pippin was just beginning to wake up.
We are waiting for some friends to arrive, could we please stay here while we wait? Kat had on her Innocent as an Infant' face.
I don't know, we have to talk to Treebeard. What are your names? Merry was trying to act like a gentleman, while Pippin was struggling to stay conscious.
Oh, how rude of us, my name is Kat, and my friend here is Jem Kat smiled warmly at the two hobbits.
Pippin smiled back, and wondered what to do. He decided taking them to Treebeard would be the wisest thing to do.
Please come with us girls Pippin said, shoving Merry in front of him toward the entrance. The girls dismounted and hastily followed the hobbits through the crumbling archway. After walking through clouded murky water for a minute or so, Kat and Jem came face to root with Treebeard. Both girls were noticeably, well, horrified by the hulking figure before them. Jem actually rubbed her eyes, to assure herself that the massive tree in front of her was real. Kat's mouth seemed to be moving, but no words were coming out.
Hello young ones Treebeard addressed the girls What have you brought me young master Meriadoc? Treebeard looked down at the hobbit.
These girls want to wait for some friends here, Merry wanted to know what to do Pippin said, crossing his arms and smiling at his friend. Merry did not look amused.
Well, what are your names? Treebeard asked in a stagnant tone.
Kat's mouth still didn't seem to be working, so Jem took over. I'm Jem, and this is Kat, we are friends of the fellowship Jem said hoping fellowship part would get a positive response.
Ahhhhh, you are the girls Gandalf sent for Treebeard began walking away, as if everything had been explained, and he was no longer needed.
Wait! Treebeard, what do we do? Merry was walking after the ent.
Find them a place to rest, they have probably journeyed a long way. They are to be trusted Treebeard had answered the question in Merry's eyes.
Right then! Pippin said, facing the girls happily. Lets find you a place to stay! May I ask how you know our friends?
We dropped in on them unexpectedly Kat said dryly, riding for so long had made her... not a happy camper. Once again, Jem decided to explain.
We met them in Fangorn forest. We have certain abilities that they were impressed by, and so they took us into the fellowship. Aragorn and Legolas were very welcoming, although Gimli took a bit more, uh, convincing, he finally came to liking us. Jem was smiling, but was lying through her teeth. During their conversation, Merry had been leading them to a large stairwell, that seemed to go underground.
You'll find bedding and other commodities down there, we wont disturb you Merry was about to walk off when Kat grabbed his arm.
Hold on, will you come and get us when they arrive please? It's very important I speak with Legolas as soon as possible Kat looked sincerely worried, so Merry merely nodded his head. Thank you Kat began walking down the dark stairway, Jem in toe.
Kat and Jem were walking down the spiraling stairs, and much to their displeasure they couldn't see a thing. Kat was grasping the wall to get some bearing of where she was, but the stairs seemed never ending.
Kat? You're still here right? Jem asked, fear evident in her voice, the girls couldn't even see each other, when they were only a foot apart.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-ah-ah-ah-ah Kat made the noise, and succeeded in startling Jem. Jem swung wildly in the darkness, hoping to somehow smack Kat anywhere, when a soft thud was heard, she knew she had hit her mark.
Ow! What was that for? Kat didn't know why, but for some reason whispering seemed appropriate.
Because if you make those old horror movie sound affects, you're just asking for trouble! You know I don't like dark places, remember that time I ran away from that haunted house just before you and Brynn stepped inside? It's not a good idea to startle me, I have a mild case of asthma, and my family is prone to heart attacks! I could die! Kat was having trouble not laughing at Jem.
You could not die! Kat said, laughing at her.
I could! I swear Kat, if Freddy Kruger comes out, it's all your fault! He'll go for you first too! Jem was being a scardy cat, and Kat was laughing hysterically at this point.
Jem, the first time we went into that haunted house it was a blast. We came out, told you what you had missed out on by running away, then we went AGAIN, just for you. You stepped one foot inside, then ran straight back out again, don't tell me i'm going to have a repeat of that situation here. If you leave me down here, i'll never forgive you, you hear me? Never! Kat was groping around for Jem's arm, just to be sure she hadn't already left her.
Fine Came a sulky reply. But I could have died...
JEM! FOR GOODNESS SAKES! YOU DON'T HAVE ASTHMA, AND YOU CANNOT DIE OF A HEART ATTACK AT FOURTEEN! YOU WOULD NOT HAVE DIED, YOU WERE BEING A CHICKEN! Kat was seething now, three hours of riding, Adrianna being bitchy, and Legolas professing his love for her, had finally made her loose it. You are driving me insane! I actually see flames of hatred! Jem could imagine Kat's eye twitching, and her face turning red, for once she was glad she couldn't see her.
Wait, I see them too Jem said, true to her words, there were torches ahead, they had finally reached the bottom! Jem and Kat entered a huge room, filled with blankets, pillows, food, wine, it must have been the storage area of Isenguard.
Why did Sienatin insist on staying in the forest? Jem asked, while grabbing a few quilts.
I dunno, something about being more comfortable around nature, being in her element or something like that Kat was making a mountain of pillows and blankets to sleep on, a bed fit for a queen, or maybe a really spoiled princess.
Jem settled down into her own plethora of quilts and pillows. This isn't so bad She observed, snuggling down into them.
Not at all, I intend to get some beauty sleep Kat said, rolling onto her side.
Good, cause lord knows you need some Jem winced, and awaited retaliation. A pillow was swiftly thrown onto Jem's head, and she made no move to remove it. Thank you, i'm quite comfortable Though Jem's voice was muffled by the pillow, Kat heard her clearly enough. Jem closed her eyes preparing for sleep Goodnight.
Nighty night, don't let Freddy Kruger bite... Kat fell asleep smiling, while Jem's eyes opened wide as saucers.
~*~*~The Rest of the Gang~*~*~
The rest of the group was going at normal pace, and although they had a head start, because Kat and Jem had galloped at top speed the entire way, the rest of the group still had a few hours to go.
Well, It certainly is... quiet. Gimli said from behind Legolas. Adrianna had attempted to get on with Legolas, but Legolas had quickly explained that Gimli couldn't ride, and she sullenly took her own horse. Legolas had to remember that he owed Gimli for playing along, the truth was, Adrianna was getting a little clingy.
Yes, it does seem a bit more, silent than usual. Theoden said, peering at the riders entirely for the first time. Are we missing people? Theoden had not really been concerned with small talk on the way here, but he had noticed that the group had seemed a bit smaller. The addition of Adrianna had thrown him off.
Yes, Jem is back at the cave, and Kat is missing. Gandalf talked to the King in a frank, disapproving tone.
Missing? How can she be missing? Theoden was quite confused, he didn't understand how someone like Kat could just disappear.
We were playing a game, and when we returned to the cave we noticed that Kat was not with us. We assumed she was out for a walk, and went to sleep. In the morning, she was still absent, we left Jem behind with a horse so they could catch up upon Kat's return. Aragorn explained, though he faltered when he mentioned that they had left Jem behind'.
I see, no wonder it isn't as loud Theoden chuckled as he imagined the girls creating some argument over the simplest of things every few minutes.
Yes Legolas sounded joking, but if you saw him as Aragorn did, you could tell he was not with the group. Legolas was worried, and staring off into space, his mind was completely elsewhere.
The rest of the ride to Isenguard was rather uneventful. No one really talked much, despite Adrianna's attempts to pull Legolas into conversation, he was being rather distant.
We are coming close to Isenguard, be prepared for anything Gandalf warned. A minute later, they approached the cracked arch of Isenguard.
"Welcome, my lords, to Isengard!" Merry said with a lavish bow.
"You, young rascals! A merry hunt you've lead us on, and now we find you feasting and...and smoking!" Gimli looked outraged.
"We are sitting on the field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts." Pippin said haughtily. Merry blew out a cloud of smoke in agreement. The salted pork is particularly good Pippin added.
Salted pork eh? Gimli was smiling once more.
Hobbits... Gandalf muttered.
Who might these gentlemen be? Merry asked, looking at Theoden and Gamling, the smile not leaving his face.
This is King Theoden Aragorn nodded his head in the King's direction.
My Lord Merry bowed his head respectfully, while Pippin gaped at Adrianna.
Who is this fair maiden? Pippin inquired, trying to keep from drooling.
This is my friend Adrianna Legolas introduced her to the shire-folk.
This plain unfair! Pippin cried, sitting on the ground. Why do the tall men get all the girls, I mean, what is that? Three today?! Pippin put his head in his hand, like a bored student would in class.
What do you mean? Gandalf asked, his interest renewed in the conversation.
He is talking about the two young ladies who came by looking for you earlier. Merry clarified, Pippin seemed too depressed to talk. Jewel and Kitty?
Jem and Kat? Gimli asked, stifling the bubbling laughter building up inside him.
Yea, those are the ones, they're down in the armory, napping I suppose... Merry had just remembered his promise to Kat, and mentally smacked his head. I'm supposed to wake Kat the minute you arrive, so excuse me one moment. Merry was about to hop off the boulder he was perched on, when Legolas stopped him.
Wait Legolas stopped Merry mid-leap. I will go, I need to speak with her anyway, and i'm sure Aragorn would want to see Jem. Aragorn nodded resolutely, and both left for the entrance to the stairwell. Adrianna began following, and when Legolas looked at her questioningly, she simply quirked her head innocently.
I just want to make sure that Kat is all right, the poor dear was in Fangorn for who knows how long! Adrianna looked sincere, so Legolas bade her to follow.
Walking down the long spiral stairway, Adrianna clutched Legolas tightly, in . Eventually they reached the underground atrium filled with food and blanketing. Two piles of blankets and pillows were on opposite sides of the room. Legolas looked carefully and saw a tan hand poking out from underneath a mound of blankets, and he pushed Aragorn in the direction of that hill. He went towards the other pile, because Kat was much paler than Jem. Legolas pulled a few blankets away from the top of the pile, and soon a slumbering Kat could be seen. Legolas gently shook her awake. This was a big mistake.
Authors Notes: What was the big mistake? I'll never tell! Well, yes, I guess I will, considering the next chapter will be posted at SOME point, but for now, my lips are sealed! Maybe this time i'll post faster if you REVIEW!
~*~*~Thank You~*~*~
Sorceress-of-Sangolia: I'm glad you feel so strongly about the characters! I'm a little scared, because i'm about to go to sleep, and this chapter didn't explain much, so i'm having Legolas watch over me, you know, just in case you choose to murder me in my sleep...
Daredevil: I know they are, but gawd are you unobservant, I can't believe you had to reread the entire story to understand it! I hope it didn't scare you to much though, I wouldn't want you to die!
Luna: Thanks! At least YOU understand, I love writing cliffhangers, it makes people CARE what happens next, I have only written about two chapters of this story that weren't cliffies!
MaverickGirl: I adore your reviews the most, because you were my only long term reviewer!
ElvenStar5: I have started reading your fic, and its great! I was talking to Daredevil about it, really, stop being to self-conscious!
Cherry: I love e-mailing people when I update, i'd be happy to add you to the list! ^_^
Jenna Diamond: Consider it done.
Sabi2: I think you might be my fav reviewer, because your reviews are always long, always nice, and you are the only reviewer of mine who reviews my stories on BOTH sites! You're one in a million!
Rori: Ohhh, scorching will be a definite possibility...
GothicAngel17: Well, i'm honored to be your fist properly followed LOTR fic! I'm sure if I put Adrianna in a room with my reviewers, she wouldn't come out in one piece.
~~Anna~~: You check daily? Awww, i'm sorry it took so long then! Three consecutive reviews, and you can join the loyal reviewer club! Yay! You're only two reviews in a row away! * starts to throw confetti*
Kage Miko: Thanks, the mary-sue bug catches on, quickly, so be careful!
angelkat44: You read 22 chapters in one night! You must be very patient, only one other reviewer has done that, and she's crazy! Well, i'll update sooner, I swear!
purple: Thank you! Your flame has been completely ignored!
Michelle: Nope, no sense of a flame here! Thank you for the constructive criticism, you are the only person to do that without flaming so far, and I really appreciate it. There will be a campfire scene coming up that will explain everything you have qualms with, save for the whole Mirkwood instead of Fangorn thing, tons of people have pointed that out, and that was a dumb mistake of mine early on, I intend to fix it when i'm done with the story.
bookworm: Thank you so much! That is so sweet of you!
Lady Taliana: Don't worry, I don't mind late reviews, as long as I get ANY reviews i'm happy! Merry Christmas to you too!
Calirie Halanwe: Thank you, you're such a sweetie pie!
hmoabrbeint: I'll try to be more prompt with my chapter updates!
