Disclaimer: Do we have to go over this again? Anything you recognize from Lord of the Rings, I do not own.
Summary: See previous chapters.
This chapter is dedicated to hotdogfish for the correct identification of the yet-to-be-named cloaked figure and to Laer4572 for letting me use her as a character.
Chapter Seven
3rd Person Point of View
"So, these Mary-Sue things have the power to make people fall madly in love with them, can appear in just about any form, always seem to be the very essence of perfection, and managed to send most of the Fellowship into hiding." Princess Theodwyn desperately hoped that someone would contradict her statement. They didn't.
Her mother smiled bitterly, "Not the most flattering way to put it, but yes, that is the basic outline."
Princess Theodwyn and Prince Isinil of Ithilien, Prince Eldarion, Princess Celebrian and Princess Gilraen of Gondor, Prince Elfwine, Prince Theodred, Princess Saranna and Princess Alyssia of the Riddermark were gathered in one of King Elessar's council chambers along with Eowyn and Faramir of Ithilien, the Steward, King and Queen of Gondor and the rest of the Fellowship of the Ring.
Theodwyn dropped her head on the table, narrowly missing the teapot. Saranna prudently moved it out of the way as her cousin bolted upright at the sound of a messenger bird. Said bird dropped a letter on Boromir's lap, then flew over to Eowyn. Boromir opened the message and quickly skimmed the contents, passing it to Faramir and commenting, "Good and bad news. The good news is: Natasha's back and the Mary-Sues have been driven out of Edoras. The bad news is that she is frantic about what had happened to the children and somehow her siblings and an ex-suitor got dragged along."
A faintly worried look crossed Eowyn's face. "Gandalf is still in fair health, I hope. Natasha and Eomer would not be pleased with that. Let me see that letter." She took the parchment from her husband's hands and read it out loud.
" 'Dear Father, Boromir and Faramir (and Eowyn, if she isn't busy dicing these Mary-Sue things),
I have been returned but somehow the spell got messed up and the children did not remain with me. Gandalf assures me that they did land in Middle Earth, however, and I want to know where.
Eomer has explained about what had happened so I understand that you are probably being mobbed by these things and jumping at small noises. That said, I don't care if it is only looking out the window, I want you to see if you can find their current location, as there are several people ready to harm Gandalf over these events, and frankly, if I don't get a clear location of their whereabouts, I am not particularly inclined to stop them.
On the good side, however, the Mary-Sues are out of Edoras for now and from reports, are headed toward where Isenguard once was. I wonder if any of them can turn into Entwives. If they can, I wouldn't worry about them going anywhere for a while, as the Ents seem to look upon decades as mere hours, not to mention how then Ents would not let them out of their sight.
My love to everyone else,
I remain your loving sister,
Natasha.'"
She folded the letter, looking around the room. "Well, that is interesting news. I'm glad Natasha is back." Her eyes narrowed in speculation, "Maybe we should suggest that some of the Mary-Sues turn into Entwives. It would be amusing."
Saranna, Alyssia, Elfwine and Theodred had all brightened at the news. "Mother is all right?" They sighed in relief; they would not have to be alone in the fight. They would still fight; because their mother would never do their tasks for them, but if they needed help she would assist.At least they would not be alone.
Meanwhile, in Edoras…
The Queen of Rohan sat in her study and lightly rubbed her temple. Natasha had left the private audience chambers when her husband was facing off with her siblings and ex-boyfriend in another argument. She was flattered by the display, but really, enough was enough. She loved them all, but would it really kill them to at least try to get along?
She had originally made a few attempts to break them up, but finally decided to leave them be and go deal with the paperwork that had built up. She had authorized her lady-in-waiting to act as her deputy when necessary, but there were several things that required her personal attention. Both Queen and lady-in waiting were interrupted by a knock at the door. Natasha indicated for Yalewen to answer it, reading a document concerning the progress of one of the charities that she officially sponsored.
It turned out to be one of the guards. "Your Highness, there is a woman by the name of Laer here to see you. Shall I take her to one of the audience chambers?"
She shook her head. "No. Send her in here. We should be fine."
The guard saluted and left. Moments later, a young woman entered. She had dark hair and blue eyes and slightly resembled Queen Arwen. Natasha quickly sorted through her memories. Ah! Laer had the look of the halfelven.
Yalewen leaned down to whisper in her Queen's ear. "Your Highness, she is one of the Mary-Sues that tried to overrun Edoras during your absence! Shall I call the guard back?"
Natasha responded with a small gesture that meant 'Not yet.' and turned her attention back to the young woman. "You wished to speak to me?"
The girl appeared nervous. "Yes. Um…TherestoftheMary-Suesarecomingtotrytogetridofyou."
The Queen blinked. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that again, slowly this time."
The girl calmed down and did so. "The rest of the Mary-Sues are not pleased at your return and have made no secret of the fact." She paused, "It was quite entertaining to watch, actually. Anyway, they are planning to come here and find some way to get rid of you, permanently." Laer hesitated, then went on. "I will be blunt. I need your protection. I refused to be a part of hurting you or King Eomer and that put me in the bad books. That I have warned you means that they will probably kill me for my betrayal. Even if they don't, Saruman…"
Natasha cut her off with an uplifted hand. "Saruman? He is mixed up in this?"
Laer nodded. "He was the one who brought us here."
Natasha abruptly rose. "Come with me. I think Eomer should hear this." She placed a gentle hand of Laer's arm. "Unless you posed a threat, I would not have turned you away. You are under my protection."
The three women left the study, making for an out-of-the-way guest room.
As they neared the room, sounds of a heated argument could be heard.
Opening the door, one could see Eomer of Rohan facing a man, a boy and two women, and all five engaged in what was obviously not far from turning into an out-and-out brawl.
Laer gave Natasha a nervous look. "I don't think any of us saw this side of Eomer when we were here. I don't think that a union between him and any of my fellow Sues would end very well."
The Queen smiled as she watched Gandalf try to break them up, not taking her eyes from the scene. "He is a great king, but can be somewhat stubborn and hot-tempered. He has strengths and flaws just like anyone else, even if he does not show them often." She looked at the younger of her companions, "That is one of the main problems any of you would have. Eomer is far more complex than many think. Most of the Mary-Sues are too independent or too docile. Eomer needs a mix of both; someone strong enough to fight at his side and be able to command when necessary but quiet enough to not protest when it is necessary that she fade into the background. A partner, someone who can stand at his side, not seek to dominate or submit to him all the time." She gave a faintly wicked smirk. "Of course, when we're alone…" She grew serious again. "Also, falling instantly in love is not his style. We were friends first, long before we even considered romance. If you wanted Eomer you should take him as he is, not cast a spell and expect an engagement ring."
She turned back to the room, clearing her throat loudly. They didn't hear her. Natasha rolled her eyes and walked up to them. "By the way, I forgot to tell you all that I am eloping with Sauron."
The argument stopped. Natasha continued. "Thank you, I was beginning to think nothing would get your attention. Now, we have a young lady here who needs to tell us something important."
Laer recounted her earlier conversation with Natasha, watching as Eomer's face grew grave.
Eomer nodded as she finished. "It does make sense. Saruman was involved the first time, so it is conceivable that he is responsible the second time around, also."
This prompted a raised eyebrow from Natasha. "First time? When did that happen? I would have thought there would at least be a record of it."
Eomer shook his head. "No. The first time, his plans went wrong. He had meant to draw one into this world to distract the fellowship, but it seems he miscalculated and brought you and Bella and the other two instead." He paused, "Gandalf has always been quite gleeful about that, by the way. Something about a curse being turned into a blessing."
Ryan broke in. "So he was responsible for Natasha returning to our world? That means she should come with us when we go back."
Natasha was obviously losing patience. "She is still in the room. She can hear you. She can make her own decisions and she thinks it is really none of your business. Furthermore, she is getting sick of your constant bickering and the next time this happens she is going to make sure that the one responsible for starting it will be removed to a distant location. We have other things to worry about that are more urgent than your continuous bickering."
Laer spoke up again. "I don't know if it would interest you, but it seems that Saruman wasn't working alone. He had a woman helping him. Lothi, Lothiel… I don't remember the name."
Yalewen gave her a sharp look. "Lothiriel?" Laer nodded.
Natasha let out a vivid curse, muttering to herself, "Faramir, you have an amazing gift for understatement." She raised her voice. "Alright, I'm calling a Council. Eomer, come help. Yalewen, take Laer and get her settled, then both of you come to my study; there are issues that need addressing. Gandalf, find some way to occupy these four and keep them out of my hair."
She swept out of the room, followed by the other occupants as they followed her orders.
It was a week later that Arwen, Aragorn, Eowyn, Faramir, Boromir, Denethor, Gimli, Legolas, the Hobbits and the children arrived at Edoras.
They were immediately escorted to a private chamber as a guard left to find the King and Queen of the Riddermark. The aforementioned rulers entered shortly after, followed by Laer and Yalewen, all looking as calm as could be expected, under the circumstances.
Naturally, this broke as soon as Natasha and Eomer saw their children.
Natasha instantly rushed forward, closely followed by her husband. Elfwine, Theodred, Saranna and Alyssia bolted toward their parents and the six met in the middle of the room, holding on to each other like a drowning person would cling to a piece of driftwood.
None of them were sure how long they stayed like that, but the embrace was broken when Natasha was plucked away from the group and pulled into her oldest brother's arms. Next came her sister-in-law, her other older brother, her father, Queen Arwen and the rest of the Fellowship.
Finally, they all sat down to begin the council.
"So most of the Mary-Sues that were assigned to Eomer are now out for Natasha's blood, another Mary-Sue has switched sides and is working with us, Saruman is behind this and he is being helped by our own cousin? I'm sorry, but you must admit that this sounds a bit off."
Laer sighed with exasperation. Boromir did have a point, but then again, what events in this whole mess were ever rational to begin with.
"Look, I know all this sounds very far fetched, but I am speaking the truth. I'll admit that I did want Eomer at first, but I think it is wrong to make someone become smitten with you when they are obviously in love with, not to mention married to, someone else." She frowned slightly, "Also, when Queen Natasha returned, I saw them together and it was impossible to picture him with anyone else."
Eowyn gave Laer a slight smile. "That can't have gone down well. But it matches my thinking exactly."
Laer hesitantly returned the smile, knowing that she was still on shaky ground with most of the people in the room. "It didn't. It was kind of amusing, but most of them stormed out soon after that."
Boromir spoke up again. "Which begs the question of how you got here before them."
Laer pulled a face and handed over a sheaf of papers. Boromir looked at them, then back at Laer, his face blank. Natasha took it from him, biting her lip with a choking noise and beckoning to Eowyn and Queen Arwen. Eowyn looked over her sister-in-law's shoulder and snickered as she read out loud.
" 'Guide to being a Mary-Sue:
Item 4: To entrance your target, stick out your lower lip in a pouting expression and look up at them coyly through your eyelashes.' "
Arwen continued " 'Item 26: If you are a 'docile' Mary-Sue, it is not permissible to scream any louder than a treble C when being captured and carried off by a being of evil.
Item 27: If you are an 'independent' Mary-Sue, the slaying of an evil being must be accomplished by up to six arrows; by one spear-throw; or between five and fifty moves with a blade of your choice.'
They actually have a guide for this?"
Laer nodded. " 'Item 64: Each Mary-Sue will be given a special power. You may choose your own or ask the Master for one.' I chose instantaneous travel by wishing to be at a specific location."
Faramir joined the conversation. "Then why did you ask for my sister's protection? If you can travel from place to place in a few seconds, why would you need it?"
Natasha rolled her eyes. "Politics. No matter what Laer chose, she stood a very high chance of getting killed. Once word gets out that the Mary-Sues have been driven out of Rohan, how long do you think it will be before the rest of Middle Earth is up in arms and killing every Mary-Sue that they come across. If she did not ask for protection, what is to stop people from killing her on sight? On the other hand, by warning me, she would be considered a traitor. How long do you think Saruman or the rest of the Mary-Sues will let her live after that?"
Now it was Gimli who asked the question. "What I do not understand is what Lothiriel has to do with this. Why would she try to kill her own cousin?"
The women in the room exchanged glances. Arwen answered. "Jealousy. There is a famous quote; 'Mordor hath no fury like a woman scorned.' Faramir said that Lothiriel had always wanted Eomer for herself. To her thinking. Natasha came out of nowhere to steal him away. That would have made her furious."
Eowyn agreed. "Also, at the ball to celebrate Aragorn's coronation, Faramir said that Lothiriel could be stubborn when she got an idea in her head and was very good at holding grudges. It is slightly plausible that she would jump at the chance to get Natasha out of the way, and Saruman would need to offer her something that no one else was capable of in exchange for her help."
Eomer cut in. "Now that we have possible motives sorted out, what are we going to do about it? For the most part, armies consist of men, who will not be a very good force against creatures that can make them fall in love in an instant. Most of the women will be to busy keeping their husband's close to fight the Mary-Sues and few of those that will not have the necessary training to match them in physical combat."
Theodred spoke up. "Then we do not have much of a choice. It will be the children who fight them."
Seeing the adults open their mouths to protest, Theodwyn cut them off. "Besides, I doubt that we are in whatever record that they gained their knowledge of you from. Also, I doubt that many of them will know how to deal with children, not to mention that their supposed 'nobility and goodness' will prevent them from chopping us to bits on sight. We are the ones with the best chance of success."
Natasha sighed. "As much as I hate to admit it, they do have a point." She rose to her feet, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "Even if it is the only way, you will not be alone. If we cannot be with you spiritually, our love and hopes will go with you."
The occupants of the chamber looked at each other, then sat in silence. A confrontation was inevitable, but it would not be trained adults who would fight.
TBC
A/N – Chapter Seven is up. Sorry about the long wait; sequels are so much harder to write than the first story. Review and tell me what you think. I really want to know.
Review Responses
Babby Beans – Actually, according to Tolkien, Eomer married the Princess of Dol Amroth, Lothiriel. As to the rest of your review, read the prequel 'Children and Fellowships'. That should clear things up.
Laurelin Ancalimon – On your review for Ch. 6: yes and no. In 'Children and Fellowships' Faramir says that she is very good at holding grudges. She still wants Eomer, but she is also obsessed with getting rid of Natasha.
On Chapter 4: When Natasha told Eomer about Ryan for the first time, she said that they had been very close friends before they dated. Even if he didn't love her, this would have been enough to make him visit her on occasion. Yes, the kids landed in Gondor and the adults wound up in Edoras. I'll try to clarify that. Bella was more accustomed to Middle-Earth, but she had never felt like she really belonged there. Thank you for pointing these things out and I will fix them as soon as possible.
Hotdogfish - bows dramatically YES! Congratulations, this chapter has been dedicated to you.
Everyone else who reviewed – Thanks to all of you, it means so much. Keep it up.