Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings. That honour belongs to Tolkien.

Summary: The Fellowship has faced dangers beyond reckoning. Now they are up against something decidedly unexpected. And infinitely more terrifying


Chapter Eleven

I wandered back to the room that I shared with Eowyn, cursing Gandalf to hell and back. I was so busy thinking up variations on several things that I had already said that I failed to notice Eomer until I ran into him.

Theoden's heir caught and steadied me as I apologized, not meeting his eyes. I find it strange that I can tell my sisters exactly what I think of them, but whenever I am near a boy that I like, I can barely speak without blushing. Why is that, I wonder?

I looked up again and Eomer caught my eyes. He frowned slightly. "You are upset, Natasha. What is wrong?"

I sighed. "I do not wish to explain this several times over." I beckoned him to follow me. "Help me find Bella and Eowyn and I'll tell all of you at the same time."

We started to walk in the direction of the room that Eowyn, Bella and I shared. Eomer seemed to think of something, then flashed me a sudden grin, "How did you fare from the effects of last night? We both know how myself and your other companions turned out, but what of you and my annoying sister?"

I returned the smile. "Alcohol and I do not mix very well. My head felt like Oliphants had been having a dance party inside. A hot bath or shower works wonders, though." I shrugged. "Well, it works for me, anyway."

Eomer looked at me. "You are something of a rarity in this land, Natasha. I do not think I have ever met anyone like you before."

I raised an eyebrow. "I'll let my vanity win and take that as a compliment. Thank you, Eomer."

We continued to talk about random things as we walked through the halls to Eowyn's room. I do not remember ever feeling this comfortable around a boy, even ones who I had been friends with since child hood.

I liked this, and found myself wondering if I would ever feel like this with any other man.

But I was scared also; the last time I had allowed myself to feel like this, it had ended in heartbreak. Did I want to take the risk of it happening again? Did I even have enough of a chance that it would be worth taking that risk? Was I strong enough to pursue a potential love interest and take care of Bella and myself at the same time?

I didn't know, but lost the chance to ponder when we reached Eowyn's door. Going inside, I saw a very strained looking Eowyn telling my sisters that she did not know where I was and to 'go annoy someone else.'

I knocked on the door and Eomer and I entered.

Patience has never been a strong trait in either of my sisters. Tact also has a tendency to be somewhat elusive. I did not expect a particularly civil greeting. I was right, and predictably, the first words out of Alice's mouth were, "Where were you? We were trying to find you and you've been playing with a boy instead of finding a way to get home?"

I ignored the tone. "I'm not even going to dignify that with a response. Now shut up."

I looked around the room, then turned to look at Eowyn. "Do you know where Bella is? I have some news that concerns her."

Eowyn indicated outside. "Some of the maids wanted to get her measurements for new clothing. Speaking of which…" She went over to her desk and picked up a pile of material, handing it to me. It was some new clothing. I was relieved, Eowyn's dresses were nice, but they were not entirely practical. I thanked her and sat down on the floor, relaxing against the bed.

I took a breath and began my explanation. "I was talking to Gandalf earlier. I wanted to see if there was any way for us too get home…"


"…So the long and short of it is: All four of us stay for an indefinite amount of time, or you two leave while Bella and I stay until Sauron is defeated. Simple as that."

The rest of the room stared at me with a mix of facial expressions, the primary ones shock and disbelief. Eomer had just opened his mouth to say something when there was a knock on the door. Eowyn opened the door to admit a little blonde streak. Bella bounced (yes, I know that it is a strange description, but there really is no other word) into the room, showing off her new Rohirrim clothing.

She spun around, then took one look at our faces and bolted into my arms. I felt the muffled equivalent of "What is going on?" vibrating against my shoulder where Bella had hidden her face.

The rest of the room's occupants looked confused. The silence was broken when Sarah asked, "What did she say?" I smiled and repeated Bella's words, then looked up at them. "Could you leave us alone for a few minutes, please? Bella and I need to discuss something."

Eomer and Eowyn nodded and left, pulling my sisters with them. Once we were alone, Bella pulled away slightly and repeated her earlier question. I quickly explained the situation to her. "What do you thing we should do, Bella? It concerns you as well."

My little charge tilted her head slightly. "You'll be there to look after me, won't you, Natasha?"

I nodded, surprised at the level of maturity being displayed by a four-year-old. "I promised I would, didn't I. I'll always be here for you."
Bella smiled at me, "Then we can send you sisters back. As long as you're here everything will be fine." I smiled back; I wished I had her optimism.

I tickled her side, earning a squirm and a giggle. "Shall we find the others and tell them what we have decided?" I heard a noise outside the door and lowered my voice to a whisper, "I think that they might be listening at the door, shall we surprise them?"

Bella nodded enthusiastically. We crept to the door to see if anyone was eavesdropping.

They were, and I freely admit that Alice and Sarah looked slightly foolish bent double, with one ear pressed to the door. I stifled a laugh as I looked at them. "We are going to speak to Gandalf. You four can wait here until we get back."


One hour, three wrong turns and a conversation with Gandalf later, Bella and I returned to Eowyn's room, and a very amusing scene.

Eowyn was leaning against the wall, arms folded as she looked at the others. Sarah and Alice were fighting again; I wasn't even going to try to guess the subject. Eomer was getting told off by a maid, something about being in a woman's room unsupervised, much to his sister's amusement.

I cleared my throat, gaining everyone's attention. The maid curtsied and left, shutting the door behind her. Eomer looked visibly relived. Eowyn pushed herself off the wall and moved toward us. My sisters stopped their argument and exploded into a barrage of questions. I held up a hand, gesturing for silence. Everyone fell quiet as I gave a brief summary of my conversation with the Wizard. "The portal was opened and a spell performed. Alice and Sarah leave tomorrow morning." Sarah opened her mouth. I cut her off. "And before you say anything, this is not open for argument."

Alice burst out anyway. "What about Bella? You would condemn her to a possible death because you want to stay?" I scowled at her, but was prevented from saying anything by Bella running over and kicking Alice's shin. My sister grabbed at the endangered area as I quickly went over and lifted Bella into my arms, ignoring her glare as Bella scowled. "Natasha said she would look after me! You are not welcomed here!"

I put a hand over her mouth and moved away. It grew dark and the bell sounded for the evening meal. I turned back to my sisters. "It is dinner time. You may come if you promise to be civil, or you may stay and I will bring some food to you later."

They opted to join us. Eomer offered me his arm. I put Bella down and accepted it, smiling. Eowyn took Bella's hand as Sarah and Alice brought up the rear. This might actually turn out to be a pleasant evening.


Dinner was a pleasant enough meal, with Alice and Sarah seating themselves in an out-of-the-way corner as I enjoyed a conversation with Eowyn, Boromir, Gimli and Eomer.

It was later at night, however, that things took an unpleasant turn for the worse.

Eowyn, Bella and I were woken by a scream. Throwing on a robe and tossing another one at me, Eowyn lead the way down to where the commotion was, winding up in the room where the Hobbits were staying, and now Gandalf with them.

It seemed that the three of us were not the only ones awoken by the noise. The rest of the fellowship was there also, along with Eomer and King Theoden.

Listening to what Gandalf was saying, we gathered that Pippin's curiosity had led him to look at the palantir that had been recovered from Isengard. In it, Sauron had looked into his mind, forcing him to answer questions. Luckily, the young Took had said nothing of vital importance, and had found out that Sauron planned to attack Minas Tirith very soon.

I saw Boromir pale at these words, then relax slightly as Gandalf stated that he and Pippin would ride for Gondor at all speed. He tensed up again when the Istar stated that he, Bella and I would be going with him. Eomer looked ready to protest, but held his silence as Eowyn and I hurried back to her room to gather necessities and change into something more appropriate.

Palantir or no palantir, I absolutely refuse to go galloping all over Middle Earth in my nightgown. The horses still needed to be readied for a journey so we could afford ten minutes for us to change our sleeping clothes for travelling ones.


When Bella and I arrived at the stables, some of the hands had just finished saddling Shadowfax and Boromir was standing by another horse, looking uneasy. I lifted Bella onto the third saddled horse and looked at him. "Is it the journey you fear, son of Gondor, or the destination?"

He glanced in my direction. "You are far too perceptive, Lady. But you are correct. How will I find the courage to face my people?"

I mounted behind Bella and turned my upper body to face him as he swung up onto his own horse. "There is a quote I once heard that seems rather fitting right now. 'Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the knowledge that something else is more important than fear'. Do not despair, Boromir. You will find your courage."

Boromir looked about to reply when Gandalf, Merry and Pippin showed up. Gandalf and Pippin mounted Shadowfax, and we set out on the three-day journey to the capital of Gondor.


We reached the White City just in time to see the rangers of Ithilien fleeing from several of the Nazgul, who were riding what looked to be a cross between a snake and a bat, only several hundred times larger.

Just our luck, Boromir recognized his younger brother at the head of the party and charged off in that direction. I covered Bella's ears as Gandalf let out a stream of very colourful language and followed him, his staff glowing with a brilliant light that somehow drove the Nazgul away and gave the warriors time to reach the city. Bella and I quickly followed after Boromir. I certainly had no wish to be left outside with the minions of the Dark Lord.

As the Gates of Minas Tirith closed behind us, I watched the reunion Boromir and Faramir, joined shortly by Gandalf. The wizard disappeared again after a quick conversation with Faramir as the brothers continued to greet each other and give an update on what had been going on during the separation. I had a feeling that this was going to wind up in a tavern, so I dismounted and lifted Bella down from our horse.

I had just given the reigns to a stable hand when I heard Boromir call me over.

Faramir grinned as we approached. "So, my brother has finally taken it into his head to marry. Father will be pleased." I was not sure who looked more horrified at such a statement, Boromir or me. Faramir's smile only widened at the looks on our faces and Boromir's spluttered denial of any such thing. He finally burst out laughing. "I will take that as a 'no' then. Such a pity. The steward was looking forward to having grandchildren."

Boromir actually turned green at that announcement, prompting me to laugh. Boromir gave us both a withering look. "Father will have to wait until you are married then, little brother. I am not the marrying type and am fully determined to leave the line of succession up to you."

Faramir raised an eyebrow. Boromir had turned to speak to a messenger, so I explained. "Your brothers initial introduction to children seems to have given him an aversion to the idea, my lord."

Faramir snickered. "Boromir, Captain of Gondor, scared of something? There are claims that such a thing is impossible. But I forget my manners, Lady. We have yet to be introduced. I am Faramir, Second son of Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor."

I inclined my head. "I am Natasha, Eldest child of Gregor and Deborah." I indicated Bella, who was holding onto my leg. "This is my cousin, Bella. I care for her in the absence of her parents."

Just then, Boromir returned. "Come, Father wants a word with us." He turned to me. "Natasha, you and Bella should come also."

I nodded and lifted Bella into my arms, following them to the highest level of the city, where I would meet Denethor, the Steward of Gondor.


A/N – Another chapter up! This one is dedicated to whoever can find the quote from the Princess Diaries.
Review and tell me what you think!
Nathalia.