Author's Notes: Ack, sorry for the delay!
Reviews: Thanks to everyone!
Adrelliehs: There WILL be romance, but it won't come in until after RotK has ended and no, it will not be with Boromir. I was thinking of Eomer or Glorfindel. I wanted to make it Elrond but he's already married. Stupid Celebrian. Hahahaha. I'm really at a loss of who to pair though.
Disclaimer: I do not own LotR/SM
***
**
*
Chapter Four: Guiding the Fellowship (tTT)
Boromir's eyes widened. Who was this woman?
"I am Neo-Queen Serenity and I have brought you to my palace in your time of passing." She said softly.
"So then I am dead." Boromir said sadly.
"Yes."
"Why have you brought me here instead of allowing me to pass to the Halls of Mandos?" He asked.
"I thought you might like to see the ending of your tale." She said.
Boromir looked bewildered.
"Surely you would like to know the fate of the One Ring?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I...I..." He stuttered.
"Boromir, you gave your life to save two others. You absolutely deserve to see the outcome of this tale." She said.
"I deserve nothing." Boromir said as he bowed his head in shame. "I tried to take the ring from Frodo."
"But you resisted for far longer than any other man would have. And your intentions were good and noble. To protect that which you love; tis certainly a justifiable reason."
"But..." Boromir said.
Usagi interrupted him with a finger to his lips and a giggle that sounded of clear, crystal bells.
"But nothing, Lord Boromir. I have never known you to be humble. Surely you are not about to start now?" She asked as she turned around and walked away. "Now let's get you some proper attire, shall we?"
Boromir started to walk after her when a thought occurred to me.
"What do you mean I'm never humble?"
*
Frodo stopped suddenly in his trek through Emyn Muil and clutched his heart as he started to pant. Sam looked back at him in concern.
"Mr. Frodo?" He asked.
He walked closer to him, trying to lend him strength.
"It's the ring, isn't it?" He asked.
"It's getting heavier." Frodo said as Sam put down his pack and started to set up camp for the night.
"What food have we got left?" Frodo asked.
"Well, let me see. Oh yes, lovely. Lembas bread. And look! More lembas bread. I don't usually hold with foreign food, but this Elvish stuff, it's not bad." He said.
"Nothing ever dampens your spirits, does it Sam?" Frodo asked with a smile.
"Those rain clouds might." Sam said a bit seriously.
*
"So you are telling me that you have watched me my entire life?" Boromir asked the Lady of Light with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't want to brag, but I know almost everything about you." Usagi said as she popped another grape into her mouth.
She wasn't sure where the food came from, but it was there so she and Boromir had decided to eat it; not for the nourishment, of course, since he was dead and she...well...obviously didn't need food, but for the delightful tastes and atmosphere it added to their conversation.
"What did I do to Faramir when I was ten?" Boromir asked.
"You told him Denethor's favorite food was made out of mud and the next time it rained outside, Faramir collected some and gave it to your father to eat." Usagi said solemnly.
Suddenly, the two burst out laughing. They were holding onto each other for support as they shook with great gasps. They had met each other only a short while ago but with Usagi's knowledge of Boromir's entire life, they had become fast friends.
"And then Denethor put it into his mouth and spit it out a second later all over Faramir's face!" Usagi managed to get out through her laughter.
"He had to work in the stables for two weeks afterward!" Boromir roared.
Finally, when the laughter had subsided, Usagi got up from her place among the many cushions and offered a hand to Boromir.
"What say we go and see what your friends are up to now that you are clothed and well-fed?" She asked, eyes twinkling.
*
"Their pace has quickened. They must have caught our scent. Hurry!" Aragorn cried as he lifted his head from the ground.
"Come on Gimli!" Legolas said to the last of the trio.
"Three days and nights pursuit...no food... no rest... and no sign of our quarry but what bare rock can tell." Gimli grumbled as he trailed after Aragorn and Legolas.
The three chased after the Orcs when a glint of sunlight caught Aragorn's eye. He bent down to examine the metal and found it to be Merry's broach, a gift from Lady Galadriel.
"Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall." He said.
"They may yet be alive." Legolas said with growing hope.
"Less than a day ahead of us, come!" Aragorn cried out.
"Come Gimli, we are gaining on them!" Legolas shouted.
"I'm wasted on cross-country. We dwarves are natural sprinters. Very dangerous we are over short distances." Gimli said as he ran after the elf and human.
*
Usagi and Boromir were rolling on the floor, laughing when they heard Gimli's comment.
"Really, will the dwarf never admit he has short legs?" Boromir laughed.
"Well, never in front of the elf, but you really shouldn't be talking, Boromir." Usagi pointed out.
Boromir laughed again.
"I seem to be at ease with you, lady. Even in times such as these, your light brings hope and eases my heart." Boromir said affectionately.
"And I am just grateful to have company again after Gandalf left." She said.
"Then Gandalf really did fall. Hope still lingered in my heart for he is very exceptional." Boromir said.
"Oh, he's still alive. I just brought him here to heal." She said.
"Gandalf is alive?" Boromir said incredulously.
*
"Orc blood!" Gimli cried out as he spotted a red substance in Fangorn Forest.
"These are strange tracks." Aragorn said to himself.
"The air is so close here." Gimli said.
"This forest is old. Very old. Full of memories... and anger. The trees are speaking to each other." Legolas said as he looked around.
"Gimli!" Aragorn sharply said.
"Huh?" Gimli asked.
"Lower your axe." He said.
"Oh." Gimli said sheepishly as he brought down his axe.
"Aragorn, nad nĂ¢ ennas (Something is out there)!" Legolas whispered to his comrades as he felt another presence in the woods.
"Man cenich (What do you see)?" Aragorn whispered back.
"The White Wizard approaches." Legolas replied.
"Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us. We must be quick." Aragorn said.
Suddenly, all three turned around. Gimli threw his axe while Legolas shot an arrow, both of which were deflected. Aragorn's sword became too hot to hold and he dropped it.
"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits." The wizard said, a bright light preventing the remaining fellowship from seeing his face.
"Where are they?" Aragorn demanded.
"They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?" The wizard asked.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Aragorn demanded.
Suddenly, the light dimmed.
"It cannot be! You fell!" Aragorn said.
*
"Yes, he survived the fall into the deep of Moria. He found his way to the Tower of Durin and there, he defeated the Balrog. However, he was terribly wounded and his spirit was weak. I was able to take hold of his spirit and bring him here, to heal. However, I did not have the strength to send him back to Arda, only to Valinor because the moon is connected to the Land of the West. It was your passing that created a path between Valinor and Arda. I was able to send Gandalf back to Arda by way of Valinor." Usagi said.
Boromir's eyes widened in wonder.
*
"Through fire and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time.
"I was brought to a magnificent palace on the moon by the Queen of the Stars. She was beautiful. She healed my wounds and gave me strength. With the passing of a warrior, she found a way to send me back to Arda, through way of Valinor. Stars wheeled overhead and everyday was as long as a life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done." The white wizard said.
"Gandalf." Aragorn breathed.
"Gandalf? Oh yes. That was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name." He said.
"Gandalf!" Gimli said affectionately.
"I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide." He declared.
*
"So what will happen now?" Boromir asked.
"The future is just as uncertain as the past and present." She said. "No one knows everything that happened in the past; it is from the minds of many that we derive history. No one knows everything that happens in the present for only Eru can be everywhere at once. No one knows what will happen in the future for two paths can always be taken."
"What of the haflings? The little ones?" Boromir asked.
Usagi gave him a smile of assurance as she took his hands and placed it on the crystal, his eyes instantly dimming.
"We'll just have to see, now won't we?" She said as she placed her own hands on the crystal and her eyes lost focus.
*
"I do not ask you to come with me, Sam." Frodo said quietly as he faced the Black Gates of Mordor.
"I know, Mr. Frodo. I doubt even these Elvish cloaks will hide us in there." Sam said, coming to stand beside him.
"Now!" Frodo yelled as he and Sam jumped forward at the same time to dash towards the closing gate. Unfortunately, they were both pulled back mid- leap and landed on their rears.
"No! No! No master! They catch you!" Gollum shrieked as loud as he dared. "They catch you. Don't take it to Him. He wants the precious. Always he's looking for it. And the precious is wanting to go back to him, but we mustn't let him have it."
Frodo tries to break free of Gollum, but his fingers keep a firm grip. Despairingly, Frodo looked toward the Black Gate that was almost closed.
"No! There's another way. More secret. A dark way." Gollum said, still struggling with holding Frodo back.
"Why haven't you spoken of this before?" Sam demanded.
"Because Master did not ask!" Gollum cried.
"He's up to something." Sam said suspiciously.
With a loud clang, the Gate closed and Frodo heaved a sigh.
"Are you saying there's another way into Mordor?" Frodo asked, still looking back at the closed gate.
"Yes. There's a path, and some stairs, and then a tunnel." Gollum said excitedly.
"He has led us this far, Sam." Frodo said.
"Mr. Frodo, no!" Sam cried.
"He's been true to his word." Frodo defended.
"No!" Sam said.
"Lead the way, Smeagol." Frodo said warily with a last backward glance towards the Black Gate.
"Good Smeagol always helps." Gollum cried while taking off.
*
Usagi took her hands from the Crystal Tower and laid them in her lap as she waited for Boromir to do the same. Finally, he withdrew his hands and looked at her warily.
"I do not trust this creature." Boromir said.
"Neither do I, but one who is wiser than we who sit here, has said that the Gollum will play a part in this tale. Whether it be for good or ill, we have yet to learn, but we must watch and hope for the best." Usagi said with a sigh.
*
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." Gandalf said harshly as he drew his staff.
"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" Grima yelled to Hama as he fell back.
"Theoden, Son of Thengel. Too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf said as he approached the deteriorating figure of the Rohan-King.
"I would stay still if I were you." Gimli said to Grima, pressing his axe to the advisor's throat when he tried to reach for Gandalf.
"Hearken to me! I release you from the spell." Gandalf said, concentrating all his will onto the broken man before him.
"Hahaha! You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey. Haha!" Cackled the voice of Saruman from King Theoden's body.
Suddenly, Gandalf pointed his staff towards the man before him and a light shined bright from atop the white staff.
"AH!" Cried the voice of Saruman.
"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf declared, advancing upon Theoden-King.
Eowyn rushed into the room at the sound of her Uncle's cry. Seeing him in distress, she went to stop Gandalf when Aragorn caught her wrist and held her back.
"Wait." He whispered.
"If I go, Theoden dies." Saruman bluffed.
"You did not kill me. You will not kill him." Gandalf stated.
"Rohan is mine!" Saruman said.
"Begone!" Gandalf cried.
Suddenly, Saruman's spell was broken and he was thrown away from his Palantir in his tower. Slowly, Theoden's wizened face began to liven and fill. His hair took color and his beard became full and rich. Eowyn ran to him and took his hand.
"I know your face." Theoden said, taking her chin and studying her. "Eowyn...Eowyn."
His attention was averted to the court and his eyes landed on the man who had released him.
"Gandalf?" He asked.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf said with a smile.
*
"So. Rohan has been restored." Boromir said as he took his hands from the crystal and was met with the Moon Queen's penetrating gaze.
"There is hope yet, Boromir." She said as a small smile formed on her face.
Reviews: Thanks to everyone!
Adrelliehs: There WILL be romance, but it won't come in until after RotK has ended and no, it will not be with Boromir. I was thinking of Eomer or Glorfindel. I wanted to make it Elrond but he's already married. Stupid Celebrian. Hahahaha. I'm really at a loss of who to pair though.
Disclaimer: I do not own LotR/SM
***
**
*
Chapter Four: Guiding the Fellowship (tTT)
Boromir's eyes widened. Who was this woman?
"I am Neo-Queen Serenity and I have brought you to my palace in your time of passing." She said softly.
"So then I am dead." Boromir said sadly.
"Yes."
"Why have you brought me here instead of allowing me to pass to the Halls of Mandos?" He asked.
"I thought you might like to see the ending of your tale." She said.
Boromir looked bewildered.
"Surely you would like to know the fate of the One Ring?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I...I..." He stuttered.
"Boromir, you gave your life to save two others. You absolutely deserve to see the outcome of this tale." She said.
"I deserve nothing." Boromir said as he bowed his head in shame. "I tried to take the ring from Frodo."
"But you resisted for far longer than any other man would have. And your intentions were good and noble. To protect that which you love; tis certainly a justifiable reason."
"But..." Boromir said.
Usagi interrupted him with a finger to his lips and a giggle that sounded of clear, crystal bells.
"But nothing, Lord Boromir. I have never known you to be humble. Surely you are not about to start now?" She asked as she turned around and walked away. "Now let's get you some proper attire, shall we?"
Boromir started to walk after her when a thought occurred to me.
"What do you mean I'm never humble?"
*
Frodo stopped suddenly in his trek through Emyn Muil and clutched his heart as he started to pant. Sam looked back at him in concern.
"Mr. Frodo?" He asked.
He walked closer to him, trying to lend him strength.
"It's the ring, isn't it?" He asked.
"It's getting heavier." Frodo said as Sam put down his pack and started to set up camp for the night.
"What food have we got left?" Frodo asked.
"Well, let me see. Oh yes, lovely. Lembas bread. And look! More lembas bread. I don't usually hold with foreign food, but this Elvish stuff, it's not bad." He said.
"Nothing ever dampens your spirits, does it Sam?" Frodo asked with a smile.
"Those rain clouds might." Sam said a bit seriously.
*
"So you are telling me that you have watched me my entire life?" Boromir asked the Lady of Light with a raised eyebrow.
"I don't want to brag, but I know almost everything about you." Usagi said as she popped another grape into her mouth.
She wasn't sure where the food came from, but it was there so she and Boromir had decided to eat it; not for the nourishment, of course, since he was dead and she...well...obviously didn't need food, but for the delightful tastes and atmosphere it added to their conversation.
"What did I do to Faramir when I was ten?" Boromir asked.
"You told him Denethor's favorite food was made out of mud and the next time it rained outside, Faramir collected some and gave it to your father to eat." Usagi said solemnly.
Suddenly, the two burst out laughing. They were holding onto each other for support as they shook with great gasps. They had met each other only a short while ago but with Usagi's knowledge of Boromir's entire life, they had become fast friends.
"And then Denethor put it into his mouth and spit it out a second later all over Faramir's face!" Usagi managed to get out through her laughter.
"He had to work in the stables for two weeks afterward!" Boromir roared.
Finally, when the laughter had subsided, Usagi got up from her place among the many cushions and offered a hand to Boromir.
"What say we go and see what your friends are up to now that you are clothed and well-fed?" She asked, eyes twinkling.
*
"Their pace has quickened. They must have caught our scent. Hurry!" Aragorn cried as he lifted his head from the ground.
"Come on Gimli!" Legolas said to the last of the trio.
"Three days and nights pursuit...no food... no rest... and no sign of our quarry but what bare rock can tell." Gimli grumbled as he trailed after Aragorn and Legolas.
The three chased after the Orcs when a glint of sunlight caught Aragorn's eye. He bent down to examine the metal and found it to be Merry's broach, a gift from Lady Galadriel.
"Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall." He said.
"They may yet be alive." Legolas said with growing hope.
"Less than a day ahead of us, come!" Aragorn cried out.
"Come Gimli, we are gaining on them!" Legolas shouted.
"I'm wasted on cross-country. We dwarves are natural sprinters. Very dangerous we are over short distances." Gimli said as he ran after the elf and human.
*
Usagi and Boromir were rolling on the floor, laughing when they heard Gimli's comment.
"Really, will the dwarf never admit he has short legs?" Boromir laughed.
"Well, never in front of the elf, but you really shouldn't be talking, Boromir." Usagi pointed out.
Boromir laughed again.
"I seem to be at ease with you, lady. Even in times such as these, your light brings hope and eases my heart." Boromir said affectionately.
"And I am just grateful to have company again after Gandalf left." She said.
"Then Gandalf really did fall. Hope still lingered in my heart for he is very exceptional." Boromir said.
"Oh, he's still alive. I just brought him here to heal." She said.
"Gandalf is alive?" Boromir said incredulously.
*
"Orc blood!" Gimli cried out as he spotted a red substance in Fangorn Forest.
"These are strange tracks." Aragorn said to himself.
"The air is so close here." Gimli said.
"This forest is old. Very old. Full of memories... and anger. The trees are speaking to each other." Legolas said as he looked around.
"Gimli!" Aragorn sharply said.
"Huh?" Gimli asked.
"Lower your axe." He said.
"Oh." Gimli said sheepishly as he brought down his axe.
"Aragorn, nad nĂ¢ ennas (Something is out there)!" Legolas whispered to his comrades as he felt another presence in the woods.
"Man cenich (What do you see)?" Aragorn whispered back.
"The White Wizard approaches." Legolas replied.
"Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us. We must be quick." Aragorn said.
Suddenly, all three turned around. Gimli threw his axe while Legolas shot an arrow, both of which were deflected. Aragorn's sword became too hot to hold and he dropped it.
"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits." The wizard said, a bright light preventing the remaining fellowship from seeing his face.
"Where are they?" Aragorn demanded.
"They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?" The wizard asked.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Aragorn demanded.
Suddenly, the light dimmed.
"It cannot be! You fell!" Aragorn said.
*
"Yes, he survived the fall into the deep of Moria. He found his way to the Tower of Durin and there, he defeated the Balrog. However, he was terribly wounded and his spirit was weak. I was able to take hold of his spirit and bring him here, to heal. However, I did not have the strength to send him back to Arda, only to Valinor because the moon is connected to the Land of the West. It was your passing that created a path between Valinor and Arda. I was able to send Gandalf back to Arda by way of Valinor." Usagi said.
Boromir's eyes widened in wonder.
*
"Through fire and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time.
"I was brought to a magnificent palace on the moon by the Queen of the Stars. She was beautiful. She healed my wounds and gave me strength. With the passing of a warrior, she found a way to send me back to Arda, through way of Valinor. Stars wheeled overhead and everyday was as long as a life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done." The white wizard said.
"Gandalf." Aragorn breathed.
"Gandalf? Oh yes. That was what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name." He said.
"Gandalf!" Gimli said affectionately.
"I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide." He declared.
*
"So what will happen now?" Boromir asked.
"The future is just as uncertain as the past and present." She said. "No one knows everything that happened in the past; it is from the minds of many that we derive history. No one knows everything that happens in the present for only Eru can be everywhere at once. No one knows what will happen in the future for two paths can always be taken."
"What of the haflings? The little ones?" Boromir asked.
Usagi gave him a smile of assurance as she took his hands and placed it on the crystal, his eyes instantly dimming.
"We'll just have to see, now won't we?" She said as she placed her own hands on the crystal and her eyes lost focus.
*
"I do not ask you to come with me, Sam." Frodo said quietly as he faced the Black Gates of Mordor.
"I know, Mr. Frodo. I doubt even these Elvish cloaks will hide us in there." Sam said, coming to stand beside him.
"Now!" Frodo yelled as he and Sam jumped forward at the same time to dash towards the closing gate. Unfortunately, they were both pulled back mid- leap and landed on their rears.
"No! No! No master! They catch you!" Gollum shrieked as loud as he dared. "They catch you. Don't take it to Him. He wants the precious. Always he's looking for it. And the precious is wanting to go back to him, but we mustn't let him have it."
Frodo tries to break free of Gollum, but his fingers keep a firm grip. Despairingly, Frodo looked toward the Black Gate that was almost closed.
"No! There's another way. More secret. A dark way." Gollum said, still struggling with holding Frodo back.
"Why haven't you spoken of this before?" Sam demanded.
"Because Master did not ask!" Gollum cried.
"He's up to something." Sam said suspiciously.
With a loud clang, the Gate closed and Frodo heaved a sigh.
"Are you saying there's another way into Mordor?" Frodo asked, still looking back at the closed gate.
"Yes. There's a path, and some stairs, and then a tunnel." Gollum said excitedly.
"He has led us this far, Sam." Frodo said.
"Mr. Frodo, no!" Sam cried.
"He's been true to his word." Frodo defended.
"No!" Sam said.
"Lead the way, Smeagol." Frodo said warily with a last backward glance towards the Black Gate.
"Good Smeagol always helps." Gollum cried while taking off.
*
Usagi took her hands from the Crystal Tower and laid them in her lap as she waited for Boromir to do the same. Finally, he withdrew his hands and looked at her warily.
"I do not trust this creature." Boromir said.
"Neither do I, but one who is wiser than we who sit here, has said that the Gollum will play a part in this tale. Whether it be for good or ill, we have yet to learn, but we must watch and hope for the best." Usagi said with a sigh.
*
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." Gandalf said harshly as he drew his staff.
"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" Grima yelled to Hama as he fell back.
"Theoden, Son of Thengel. Too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf said as he approached the deteriorating figure of the Rohan-King.
"I would stay still if I were you." Gimli said to Grima, pressing his axe to the advisor's throat when he tried to reach for Gandalf.
"Hearken to me! I release you from the spell." Gandalf said, concentrating all his will onto the broken man before him.
"Hahaha! You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey. Haha!" Cackled the voice of Saruman from King Theoden's body.
Suddenly, Gandalf pointed his staff towards the man before him and a light shined bright from atop the white staff.
"AH!" Cried the voice of Saruman.
"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf declared, advancing upon Theoden-King.
Eowyn rushed into the room at the sound of her Uncle's cry. Seeing him in distress, she went to stop Gandalf when Aragorn caught her wrist and held her back.
"Wait." He whispered.
"If I go, Theoden dies." Saruman bluffed.
"You did not kill me. You will not kill him." Gandalf stated.
"Rohan is mine!" Saruman said.
"Begone!" Gandalf cried.
Suddenly, Saruman's spell was broken and he was thrown away from his Palantir in his tower. Slowly, Theoden's wizened face began to liven and fill. His hair took color and his beard became full and rich. Eowyn ran to him and took his hand.
"I know your face." Theoden said, taking her chin and studying her. "Eowyn...Eowyn."
His attention was averted to the court and his eyes landed on the man who had released him.
"Gandalf?" He asked.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf said with a smile.
*
"So. Rohan has been restored." Boromir said as he took his hands from the crystal and was met with the Moon Queen's penetrating gaze.
"There is hope yet, Boromir." She said as a small smile formed on her face.
