Disclaimer: I only own the other Characters.
Summary: Two friends and myself end-up in Middle-Earth and meet the fellowship. Might have some romance.
Review ResponseKatie: Thanks. Your reviews are really encouraging.
Justme: Thanks to you as well. Could you possibly review Nathalia's stuff as well? Part of the deal of her letting me borrow this was me giving her comments but I don't know what to say
Malara: Trust me, Sally is freaking out, but she has a responsibility toward the other girls so she is trying to stay calm. Yes, it is unlike anyone from our time to speak like that, but she has had some experience with 'archaic' speaking and she is trying to think of how people in middle earth would act. While I agree that the Fellowship's best defense is secrecy, they are also not about to leave three defenseless girls to fend for themselves. Think on the characters and time setting. The reasoning was a 'damsel in distress' theory.
Important A/N – My twin came up with the idea and the basic plotline. This is a different version of her story, 'Children and Fellowships written under the pen name Nathalia Potter. All credit goes her.
Chapter Four.
The next morning, we woke to the sound of someone crying and another voice soothing them. I opened my eyes to see Katerina crying, curled up against Natasha, who was rocking her and murmuring something in a low voice.
"What's wrong child?" asked Eomer, coming over.
Natasha answered, "Katerina is upset because her mother isn't here, and she has never been away from her mother for so long before."
Eomer was about to say something when Carina rushed in, "Lord Eomer, Lord Boromir, and Prince Legolas you have to get out of this room fast." She gasped "Justin found out about us sharing rooms with three men that he hardly knows, and is…"
Justin bursting into the room with a furious expression on his face interrupted her.
"May I suggest that we make a fast retreat" said Legolas.
"You may. Run for it" said Eomer as he, Legolas, and Boromir raced out of the room with Justin hot on their trail.
Natasha rolled her eyes and followed. Since when did she run so fast?
To give my sister credit, she is very good at getting people to stop and listen. A few well-chosen and slightly snide remarks from her had Justin calmed down long enough for both of us to give him an earful on polite behavior and baseless accusations.
Sometimes I wonder what childcare has done to my sister. It was certainly a profession where she would shine, but I sometimes worried for my own skin when Natasha got angry with me. Teaching 2 – 6 year olds has given her infinite amounts of patience, the line of work gave her diplomacy and the ability to step back and look at a situation before commenting, and I suppose playing outside with a crowd of hyperactive children gave her the speed to catch up with our cousin.
In the Throne Room of Theoden
King Theoden and Gandalf were talking about what was to happen now that Sauron had discovered that the heir of Isildur was indeed, still alive, and would most likely do everything that he could to stop Aragorn from becoming king. When one of the royal guards entered the hall and said that an elf had just arrived with a letter for Legolas and had asked if they knew where he would be able to find the Prince.
Legolas viewed the letter as though it was a poison, and after mumbling "I hope this is good news." Opened the letter.
Dear Legolas. Said the letter.
While I am glad that you have found someone that you love, and, if I have correctly interpreted your letter, someone who I would be honored to call my daughter, I can only give you my blessing to marry her if you founded your own city, much as I despise acting like Lord Elrond Peredhil. You will, however, remain the Crown Prince.
Your Father.
Thranduil Oropherion, King of Greenwood.
After writing a letter to go back to his father, Legolas returned to the room that we had been sleeping in the night before he couldn't help smiling at the scene before him.
Carina was leaning against the wall watching the rest of us, Natasha and I were still telling off Justin, Boromir was talking to Sophie about something, Eomer was holding Katerina on his lap, (apparently Natasha had asked him to take care of Katerina while we were lecturing Justin.) and Katerina was curled up asleep with her head on Eomer's armor, Natasha and I stopped telling off Justin five seconds later.
"Why are you looking so unhappy, Legolas?" asked Boromir as he came over with Sophie, Natasha, and I. Legolas gave Boromir a I'll-explain-later look and showed us the letter while Natasha went over to where Eomer was sitting and took Katerina out of his arms, apologizing for leaving her there.
Then one of the servants came in and told us that breakfast was being served and that King Theoden wanted to speak to us about something afterwards.
As we left, I heard Eomer telling my sister that he didn't mind carrying Katerina around; regardless of the taunting he would receive. I had to agree, myself. That child was just plain adorable. A quick glance behind me showed a faint smile on Natasha's face as she suggested a month or so cleaning out stables for anyone who laughed too loudly.
Not for the first time, I wondered when my gentle twin had gotten such a sense for the limits of what one was capable of concerning power levels and revenge.
I sighed in exasperation. Gimli and Legolas were arguing again and I was at a loss to stop them.
Natasha was obviously getting sick of this, and finally spoke up. I winced at the slightly evil glint in her eyes. That did not bode well. "Are they always like this?"
She looked at me for an explanation. I closed my eyes briefly. "You should have heard them before Lothlorien. These two are always at each other's throats. I really can not think of anything with a larger difference than these two."
Natasha gave me a slight smirk. "I can. Males and Females. Dwarves might be able to climb trees and Elves can probably manage to dig a mine, but there are some things that Females can do that Males simply can not."
That stopped the argument. Gimli looked at Natasha. "Name three things that women can do that men can't."
Did he really have to get her started? Of course, she rose to the challenge. "One: Give birth. Two: Nurse an infant. Three: Endure ten minutes of girl talk."
Legolas looked indignant. "That's only two things. I am sure we could stand ten minutes of listening to girls talk."
Eowyn sat down next to Natasha, letting out a snicker. "No, you couldn't."
Eomer glared at his sister, nettled. "Try us."
The shieldmaiden raised an eyebrow. Natasha looked disbelieving. "Ha, ha. No."
Their pride stung, the males insisted. I silently prayed that Natasha didn't embarrass them too much. I had a potential investment to protect and I didn't want him running off in terror of my deranged sister.
My evil twin shrugged, "Don't say we didn't warn you."
She waited until the males had lifted their tankards to drink, and then turned to Eowyn. "Eomer has the nicest backside, don't you think?"
Those unlucky enough to be drinking at the time choked. Eomer only stared in shock. Eowyn continued the discussion. "I'm his sister. I'm really not the person to ask about that. There is the most incredible speculation amongst the maids and unmarried girls of Edoras about what he might be like in bed though."
The male percentage of the table was staring at them in undisguised horror as Natasha took up the conversation again. Eomer looked ready to disappear. "I might look into that. But I would think that their gossiping would turn to the fellowship now, and what elves look like without their tunics on."
I buried my face in my hands; Natasha really was a nightmare sometimes. Legolas's already fair complexion paled. Eowyn nodded. "I even think there might be some interest in whether or not dwarves are as strong as they look."
The males were starting to crumble. Natasha made a noise of agreement. "If you lean in that direction, you have to admit that the whole 'rugged, manly ranger' look does suit Aragorn."
This was obviously the final straw as our table companions beat a hurried exit, accompanied by peal upon peal of delighted laughter.
Theoden came over, presumably about whatever it was that the king had wanted to speak of earlier. "What was all that about? I do not recall having ever seen such a mix or horror and embarrassment on a person's face."
Eowyn shrugged, Natasha was obviously a bad influence on her. "They said that they would be able to endure ten minutes of Girl Talk. We did try to warn them, so it isn't our fault that they refused to listen to us."
Yes, my sister was a bad influence. Theoden decided to ignore that and asked me "Lady Natasha, would you please find Eomer and your other table companions and tell them to come back in here so that we can talk."
Natasha looked up, saw that King Theoden was addressing me and turned her attention back to Katerina. I smiled, wondering how many other people were going to be getting us mixed up today. "I will go at once my Lord, but just for future reference, I am Sally. Natasha is the one that always seems to have a child following her." Then I left with Sophie to try and find them.
After about ten minutes of searching, Sophie and I found them in Eomer's room talking about something, Legolas looked up at me from where he was writing something and asked, "Sally is your twin sister always like that?" I shrugged and smiled, "Not all the time. I have to admit that she chose a very interesting way to stop your arguments and make a point. It probably would have been worse if we had had any brothers to practice on."
Boromir stared at me, "What do you mean 'if you had any brothers', surely you would have at least one brother if your twin is able to embarrass men that way."
I shook my head. "Natasha and I do not have any brothers, we only have a very annoying younger sister, and we would have had a older brother except that our mother had a miscarriage about two years before she gave birth to Natasha and I, however, our parents are friends with a couple that have two sons aged twenty and sixteen, who are sort of like brothers to us." I told them. "Besides, why would we have to have brothers to talk like that? Maidens of our age do that all the time, although Natasha usually holds herself above that."
Aragorn gave us a faintly traumatized look. "I was devoutly hoping that the ladies' conversation earlier was the worst it could get. Is there any particular reason that your sister holds herself above gossip?"
I inclined my head in a 'no idea' gesture, giving Eomer a pointed look. "She works with children, so that lends a certain amount of maturity. Plus she has never really been in a romantic relationship with anyone before, so she had little to gossip about."
There was a short pause after that revelation, finally broken by Boromir asking the real purpose of our visit.
Sophie told them. "King Theoden wants all of you back in the hall so that we can talk. I don't know what about."
They nodded acknowledgment and followed us back to the Hall.
It turned out that Pippin had looked into the palantir and had seen that Sauron planed to attack Minas Tirith soon and that Gandalf was going to ride to the white city with pippin within the next fifteen minutes, and that he wanted Boromir, Sophie, Natasha, and I to ride with them.
Ten minutes later Sophie, Natasha, and I had packed our clothes and Sophie, Natasha, and I were saying farewell, my sister trying to get rid of the half-dozen children around her.
Gandalf and Pippin would be riding Shadowfax, and we were also borrowing three horses so when the horses were ready Boromir got onto one of the horses we were borrowing and helped Sophie up behind him. Natasha had flatly refused to leave Katerina behind and rode with her, stating that if the child stayed, so did she, and no, she would not be swayed on this. I rode alone as we set out for Minas Tirith.
About fifteen minutes later Legolas asked King Theoden if he could send a messenger to Minas Tirith with a letter.
Back inside Edoras
If it were not beneath their dignity as the Heir and as the White Lady of Rohan, One would be tempted to suggest that Eomer and Eowyn were sulking. If it did not hold amazing potential for danger to One's physical well being, One would also be tempted to say that both sulked for the same reason.
While there were none foolish enough to say it out loud, everyone knew that the reason was a tall, dark-haired young woman that tended to have half the children in Edoras following her around.
They were correct. Natasha Anne Rose had particularly intrigued the last descendents of the House of Eorl.
Eowyn, after spending much of her life in shadow and loneliness, was glad to have found a friend that was considered socially acceptable, but did not hold her in awe or distain for being a shield maiden, nor show any inclination to use Eowyn's friendship to raise her own status.
Eomer's interest, on the other hand, had gained Natasha any number of baleful glares from females and amused looks from the men.
Nephew of the King and now Heir of Rohan, Eomer had never shown any interest in members of the fairer sex. Now he spent a great deal of time in the company of his sister's new friend.
Aside from various maidens who had set their own sights on Eomer and those who were suspicious of newcomers, no one really complained, though. Natasha was considered appropriately demure and submissive, seemed to exert a calming influence on the sometimes impulsive Princess of Rohan, had a reasonable grasp of politics and a quiet strength, showed an ability to do several things at once and, best of all, appeared perfectly content to stay out of battles.
Then again, there is always one person who simply cannot keep their mouths shut. Such a one was Maya, a servant in the Hall. She sidled up to Eomer, "You know, I hear tell that if Gondor calls for aid, there is a chance that Rohan will answer. You may see her in Minas Tirith."
The siblings shot her decidedly unfriendly looks. Eomer was the one who spoke. "I have no idea what you're talking about, and I am sure you have other things to be doing."
At Minas Tirith
Gandalf, Pippin, Boromir, Sophie, Natasha, Katerina, and I entered Minas Tirith along with the soldiers from Osgilieth and the Rangers of Ithilien, after our horses were taken to the stables Boromir introduced us to his brother Faramir, Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien who told us that he had seen Sam, Frodo, and Robin in the woods of Ithilien just two days ago.
"So, my dear older brother has finally decided to get married, father will definitely be pleased to hear of this news, although I hope he doesn't start having preparations made for a wedding the moment that you tell him." Faramir said after Boromir told him what had occurred while we had been traveling.
Boromir nearly fell over from embarrassment. "We have been acquainted for little over a month, little brother. I am not getting married just yet."
Natasha looked up from where she was trying to persuade Katerina to let go of her leg and smirked at him. "Pity. I wanted to be a bridesmaid."
Boromir and Sophie both shot her withering looks. Natasha ignored them, lifting Katerina into her arms and following Faramir up to the Citadel.
Inside the citadel
Boromir, Faramir, Natasha, Sophie, Katerina, and I were waiting outside 'the hall of Kings' while Gandalf, and Pippin met with Denethor (the Steward of Gondor.) and judging from the raised voices coming from behind the closed door Gandalf and Denethor were apparently having a large argument.
Luckily, things cooled down when we entered. Perhaps it was the desire to make a good impression or perhaps it was because Boromir was with us. Either way, everyone stopped yelling. We spoke to Denethor who, after several less than complimentary words with Faramir, also asked if Boromir and Sophie were planning to make any permanent arrangements.
Natasha seemed to find this an endless source of amusement, regardless of the Death Glares that it earned her. I wondered what would happen if they started to return the clever remarks.
Boromir seemed to wonder this as well, and decided to find out. "I wonder if similar preparations are going on in Rohan. That would be interesting."
Natasha's face was perfectly calm. "I have no idea what you are talking about, and even if I did, it is none of your business."
Denethor looked interested. "What is going on in Rohan? And why do you find it so interesting?"
Sophie directed a triumphant look at my twin as Boromir answered. "The royal children of Rohan seemed to be spending a great deal of time with a certain dark haired someone. The rumors about the exact relationship were flying wild."
Natasha had the grace to blush and muttered something that sounded like 'at least Eomer can write something decent'. I decided not to investigate. Gandalf suggested that we take our conversation elsewhere, when we left the hall a messenger came over to us and handed me a letter before leaving us.
I opened the letter but I quickly closed it again when I saw my deranged twin sister trying to see what the letter said, "Well, what does the letter say, and who is it from?" Natasha asked as I handed the letter over to Sophie for her and Boromir to read while I fended off my crazy twin, Natasha was just starting to try and get past to see the letter when Sophie giggled about something in the letter, "What's so funny" I asked her, "Oh, you will never guess what is written here." Sophie answered.
As Boromir and Faramir led Sophie, Natasha, and I down the halls towards the guest chambers Sophie and I fell behind. I asked Sophie if she would let me read the letter now that Natasha couldn't see, Sophie handed me the letter and I started reading.
My Beloved Sally, said the letter,
You have been gone only a few days and already I miss you like the sun misses the flower in the depths of winter.
If Gondor calls for aid it is likely that Rohan will answer. At least, that is the impression given off by King Theoden being closeted away with his advisors and the constant work at the forge.
But I dwell on matters that have little to do with the purpose for which I began this letter. Actually there is no real point, except to say that I love and miss you, and that I pray that our paths cross again soon.
Legolas Thranduilion, Prince of Mirkwood.
Post Script – Eowyn and Eomer have caught me writing this, and ask that I extend their greetings and good wishes to your sister. They have exited the room, so I may now add that Eomer is becoming blind. The rest of Arda can see that he and your twin are smitten with each other, why can he not?
Post Post Script – Again, I love you and I miss you.
I smiled to myself, and then looked up to see the sons of the Steward wearing gleeful expressions and my twin looking singularly embarrassed, trying to make Katerina be quiet. I caught the last snatches of what the child was saying, something along the lines of: '…entwined with autumn leaves, crowning one who needs no symbol to show the majesty contained within . . . gentle as a spring breeze, yet strong as a winter gale'
Now Boromir and Faramir were laughing. Natasha did not seem to see the humor, judging by the icy note in her voice as she glared at them. "I think it is very nice, and obviously better than either of you could do!"
The two of them replied with something that I didn't hear. Natasha's eyes narrowed. "Katerina, could you wait outside for a moment?"
Katerina looked confused. "Why?"
Natasha's face was calm, though her voice held a noticeable chill as she addressed the two brothers. "Because I don't want your impressionable mind to watch me punch these two."
Katerina considered that, then nodded and left the room. I wondered when my twin had started to resemble a saber-toothed tiger.
Sophie and I give the sons of the Steward sympathetic looks before we also left. I had seen my sister in a bad mood and I did not want to be on the receiving end.
Back in Edoras
Carina was sitting on a chair in the room she had been given holding the large bag that she had been carrying when She had ended up here in middle-earth with her two cousins and that adorable child Katrina.
Carina was holding the bag because inside it was the formal dress that Sally had worn to her year 12 formal as well as the earrings she had also been wearing, (her Aunt Debbie had given it to her a few hours before she had been transported here with yet another of her cousins.) Carina was shaken out of her thoughts by a pair of voices coming from down the hallway, after putting the bag down and going to see what was going on, Carina saw Eomer and Legolas having a debate about something "what's going on here?" asked Carina, causing Eomer and Legolas to stop and look at her.
Eomer explained that Maya (one of the servants.) had started a rumor that he was smitten with her cousin Natasha, and now every single person in Edoras wanted to know whether or not the rumor was true, also that Eowyn had claimed that she liked the possibility of having Natasha as a sister-in-law (which had caused Eomer to try, and fail miserably, NOT turn red with embarrassment.)
Legolas had agreed with the shield maiden, telling him that, "You are smitten with Natasha, you just won't admit it"
He had then kept quiet as Eomer's hand strayed dangerously close to a dagger. He was quick-witted, not stupid.
Back in the city of Minas Tirith
I had just finished a letter that I had written for Legolas when Natasha came in, I quickly put the letter in a envelope and raced out of the guest chamber (having to run non-stop for almost four days certainly made me a faster runner then I had ever been before getting landed here in middle-earth.), made a short visit to the rooms owned by the sons of the Steward asking and asking them if they could help me to find a messenger and get the letter sent to Rohan, then quickly sent the letter off before Natasha caught up to me.
Author's Note.
Sorry for the long wait but I was incredibly busy from the 3rd of December until just a few days before Christmas eve, then I was at my holiday house from boxing day until new years eve.
I won't be able to start a new chapter until I get back from Tasmania (4th of January til the 14th) and the Internet is working again, so please be happy with this chapter for now.
Thanks, and review.
Otherwise I'll send onto you the biggest winter storm I can create, so review because if you don't then I am talking hail, I am talking sleet, I am talking snow, I am talking Frost, and a Icy storm that will freeze your behind off.
Snow Queen and Frost Queen. (A.K.A) The Queens of Winter.