Life Sucks
By: Honolulu
Maria rode swiftly, the wind whipping her hair around, giving her slight twinges of pain when her hair would hit her face. She tried pulling her hood up but the wind would always rip it off her head. She swore that her butt would be covered with bruises from the hard riding on the bareback horse.
Her only grip was that on the horse's mane. She held the horse's mane not with a death grip but with enough strength to keep her stable and upright. For many hours she continued on, only stopping when it had become too much for her to handle or her steed needed rest. Not too far from Maria were her companions that she sought out. They too rode barely stopping as the night fell on them. Gimli, who rode with Gandalf, nodded off and nearly tumbled off. Soon their destination was in front of them, Théoden's Hall.
Maria was starting to feel frustrated, tired, and very hungry. She had been riding for two days and hadn't eaten since. As her horse drank from a small river, she spoke to him. "SO....um...do you know where we are headed?" The horse nodded. "And you can't tell me where it is because I don't understand horse." He nodded again. "You're very smart." The horse nodded and neighed as if he was laughing.
She yawned into her palm as she tried to hop back onto the horse. Her body weary from the traveling showed, her tries were unsuccessful. Growling in anger, she laid down on the ground. "Damn it! Can't I sleep for just an hour?!?" The horse shook his head. "Too much to ask?" He nodded. "Argh!" Maria shouted. Slowly getting to her feet, she moved back a couple feet away from the horse.
She jumped up and down, and then did a few jumping jacks to get the blood flowing through her body also to wake herself up. Parting her feet, she took off running to gain some momentum. Reaching the horse, she touched his back and leapt up, landing hard. "Ah!...my crotch....whimper..." The horse stood still as Maria whimpered in pain. Adjusting herself, she talked.
"Do you mind if I call you Charlie? I can't just keep calling you it, him, he, horse." At first came no answer but then Charlie nodded. "Okay then...Charlie, do you mind if I sleep on your back? I mean, we can keep going to...wherever we're going but I need some sleep." Charlie nodded. "Thank god for that small blessing. Just let me get situated and we can leave." Pulling her hair together, she tucked it into her shirt and placed the hood over her head. Maria placed her hands around Charlie's neck and clasped them tight. Laying her head down, she told him to lead the way.Charlie started off, neither in a gallop nor in a trot. Just moving in a comfortable speed, they headed off.
"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Medusel. There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is very strong now." Gandalf informed them as they entered the gates. Looking around, the people stopped and stared at them. The whole area very quiet and still.
"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli said, even his voice seemed much larger with the silence. With the help from Gandalf, they all dismounted their horses and climbed the stairs in front of them. The guard at the door approached them.
"I cannot allow you before King Theoden so heavily armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By the order of Grima Wormtongue." Hama, the doorward, said. Looking at his companions, Gandalf nodded. Keeping the eyes on the guards, they disarmed themselves. Legolas smirked at the guard's reactions when they saw how many weapons they had on their selves.
Gandalf moved forward to enter when Hama stopped him. "Your staff."
"Eh? Oh. No, you would not part a old man with his walking stick?" Looking at him with conflict, Hama allowed them entrance. Playing the part of an old man, he took Legolas' arm and entered. Inside, a very pale man with clammy skin, Grima, is seated beside Theoden.
"My lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming." Grima told the King.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King." Gandalf announced.
"He is not welcomed." He whispered in Theoden's ear.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Theoden seemed to have trouble speaking.
"A just question my liege." Grima stood up and walked in front of them.
"Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name you,
Ill news is an ill guest."
"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 spat at him and rose his staff
At the sight of the staff, Grima scrambled back. "His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" At his words, the guards surrounding the hall moved to attack Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. The guards standing by Hama moved forward but he stopped them and shook his head. As they fought, Gandalf walked to Theoden.
"Théoden, Son of Théngel. Too long have you sat in the shadows."
Tackling Grima down to the stone floor, Gimli placed his foot on his chest. "I would stay still if I were you."
"Hearken to me. I will release you from the spell." Raising his hand, he concentrated.
"Hahahhhahah! You have no power here Gandalf the Grey." Opening his eyes, Gandalf took a step back and threw off his cloak to reveal white robes. Theoden seemed startled at the sight and tried to sink back into his seat.
"I will draw you Saruman as poison is drawn from a wound." Raising his staff once more he pointed at Theoden's chest.
"Ahhh!" cried the King as he squirmed. A woman, clothed in a white dress, moved to Theoden's aid but was stopped by Aragorn.
"Wait." Aragorn told her.
"If I go...Theoden dies." The words came from Theoden's mouth but voiced by Saruman.
"You did not kill me. You will not kill him."
"Rohan is mine!"
"Be gone!" Theoden tried to jump at him but was slammed back into his seat by Gandalf's staff. Out in the distance, Saruman was knocked backwards in his tower. Breaking from Aragorn's hold, the woman in white ran to Theoden. She cried as his features started to turn to normal.
"I know your face. Eowyn...Eowyn." Said Theoden. She smiled as he touched her face. "Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air again, my friend."
"Dark have been my dreams of late."
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better--- if they grasped your sword." Hama passed the sword to Gandalf who then handed it to Theoden. The King took the sword by the handle and pulled it out, moving his gaze, his eyes landed on Grima.
Eowyn watched as her uncle threw down the filth, Grima, down the stairs. She was ready to turn her eyes away as her uncle was ready to slain Grima but he was stopped by a man. She watched as the man talked her uncle out of the killing. Eowyn realized it was the same man that had stopped her earlier. She ran her eyes over his figure not stopping at a particular spot. She came to the conclusion that she appreciated and respected him and his company.
"Where is Theodred? Where is my son?"
"Long has it been since I last spoke to you Gandalf. Tell me how much has changed since my mind was not my own." Said Theoden.
"As you seem to already know, the ring was recovered after all these years. We held council and decided the best course of action. We were surprised when received no man from Rohan but continued on. I will not tell you where the fate of the ring is now for there are spies everywhere but I will tell you what was decided. A fellowship was made, a fellowship of ten to set out and destroy the ring."
"As you see, there are only four of us. Our group was overtaken and we split, some of our friends didn't survive. As the ring heads for its fate, we are here to help you Theoden. The Istari Saruman was the one who bewitched your mind; he has betrayed us and allies himself with Sauron. He works in Isengard and his forces of the creatures, orc and uruk-hai, grow stronger. Now that he knows that he has no more power after you, he will come after Rohan." Gandalf informed him.
Eowyn, who tended to the children her Uncle brought in, listened to the whole conversation. "Uncle, they had no warning and they were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through westfold, burning everything as they go."
"Where's Mama?" asked the young the girl.
"Hush."
"This is but a taste of what will happen. Go out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your people. You must fight." Gandalf insisted.
"You have 2000 men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. They will fight for you." Aragorn said.
"They will be 300 leagues away by now. Eomer cannot help us. I know what it is you want from me but I will not risk my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not."
Moving from his seat, Theoden walked up to Aragorn. "Last time I looked, Theoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan." Moving back to his throne, he sat down and scrubbed his face with his hands. "You said that there was ten and now there is only four. Who has died on this journey?"
Maria awoke to voices.
"Who....can....sleep...why" Came one voice.
"Release...arrive...steed....Theoden...man" Came another. Unclasping her hands, she rose from her position. She groaned as she realized how stiff her body had become. Stretching her back, she heard a crack and winced. Maria looked from underneath the hood to see three guards. They noticed her presence and moved closer to her. Each of them placed a hand on the hilt of their swords.
"Who are you?" Asked one.
"I'm Mar...Mark. Who the hell are you?" She asked, in no mood to be polite.
"I am Hama, the doorwood of Theoden. What is your business in Edoras?"
As Hama spoke to her, Maria racked her brain to figure out why the place sounded so familiar. 'Legolas spoke to me about this place but what is it that he said. He said it was ruled by a man named...what is his name!? Theo something, Theo....' "Den!"
"Excuse me?" Hama asked.
"Sorry, didn't realize that I spoke that last part aloud. Never mind. Your King is Theoden...right?"
"Yes, why do you ask?" He asked warily.
"I need to seek council with him. It's urgent that I speak with him."
"I'm sorry but now is not the time."
"Please..." She pleaded.
"I'm sorry." Maria sighed in annoyance.
"Then will you at least provide me with shelter?"
"I'm sorry but..."
"Please." She cut him off. "I have been riding two, nearly three days non-stop. I'm exhausted and so is my horse. I'll take anything." Hama spoke with his fellow guards while Maria tried to get off Charlie.
"You may stay in the stables with your horse. That is all I can give you."
"That's fine, thank you."
"Follow me." As Maria dismounted Charlie, she groaned at the soreness of her legs. Hama turned to look at her.
"Are you alright?" She waved him off as she swore to herself. Slightly moaning, she walked behind him, Charlie trailing her.
During her time with Hama, Maria never lowered her hood until he left her with some bread and cheese. Running her fingers through her hair, she yawned. 'What should I do?' "How am I gonna speak with Theoden? Charge in like John Wayne?" Charlie neighed. "Yeah right. I'll be killed." She stood up and walked by the water bin.
Staring at her reflection, she scoffed. "Look what a mess I am." Leaning her head back, she ran her hand down her throat. Despite the blood, her throat was unmarred. Raising the hem of her top, nothing but dried blood on her abdomen. "Why now of all times? Why go to such lengths?" Splashing at the water, she sat down in the hay. Pulling her knees to her chest, she closed her eyes and just cried.
Seeming to sense his mistress' distress, Charlie nipped at her shoulder. Lifting her head, she gave a choked laugh at his actions. "Thanks." Rubbing his nose, she rose and wiped her face, composing herself. Grabbing her hair, she stuffed it back down her shirt and pulled her hood up. Making sure that her features were well hidden, she moved towards the stable doors.
"Stay here Charlie, get as much rest as you can." Saying that, she walked out. Maria walked towards the hall; she stopped and watched Hama with his men. Gathering herself, she walked up to them; she reached for the door when the guards stopped her.
"I'm sorry, but you may not enter."
"I need to speak with King Theoden. It's very important." She told them.
"I'm sorry." She took a step forward but was blocked by spears.
"Turn back." Hama told her. She nodded and turned around.
"I'd like to apologize ahead of time." She said.
"For what?"
"John Wayne style it is." She muttered to herself. Turning back around, "For this." Pulling back her right arm, she hit Hama on his jaw. He fell back against the doors, bursting them open. The two guards moved forward, kicking up her leg, she knocked one in the stomach. Maria dodged a blow to her face and punched the last guard in the shoulder, making him collapse against Hama. Running in, she quickly looked around and saw, what she was guessing, Theoden sitting on his throne.
"SEIZE HIM!" Turning around, in the entrance stood Hama and many more guards. Running towards the nearest table, she tried to get them as far as possible.
"I just want to talk to Theoden!" She yelled, running around trying to avoid capture, she grabbed random items to create an obstacle. Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn joined in the chase. She jumped on top of one of the tables and moved to run off in the opposite direction when something caught her eye, particularly a person. The distraction was just what they needed. One of the chasers grabbed her ankle and pulled her feet from under her. She shrieked as she went down.
Maria grunted as she let her arms take the brunt of the fall, her jaw still smacked the wood. Several hands nabbed her and snatched her off the table. She hissed as they tossed her down to her knees and binded her hands. "Fool! Why do you enter King Theoden's hall without permission?"
"I needed to speak with him. It was crucial and I could not wait." She said while deepening her voice.
"So you would risk death just to be heard?"
"I'm here aren't I?" Theoden watched as captive was interrogated.
"What is your name?" Silence. "What is your name?" The guard brought up his hand to hit Maria when Theoden intercepted. He approached her.
"Will you remove your hood?" Theoden asked.
"I would if I could but I can't since I'm all...tied up at the moment."
"Remove his hood." Hama faced her and forcibly removed it.
"Ow! You didn't have to yank it off. I think you pulled some hair." Maria shook her hair free but kept her head down, her attention focused on Theoden.
"Speak. Why are you here?"
"I'm searching for three of my comrades. One is an elf; another is a dwarf and a man. I lost contact with them days ago and I have to find them. It is very important that I do so."
"Why?"
"I cannot say. I don't know whether you are friend or foe." She watched as he conversed with someone she couldn't see. Maria became extremely confused when he ordered the guards to untie her and when he smiled at her.
"You need to look no further."
"I don't?" Theoden moved out of her line of sight as Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn greeted her eyes. Her eyes watered as she looked at them.
Legolas watched from the shadows as Theoden spoke with the captive. He could not see the man's face but listened to his answers. He couldn't help but notice the man's speech pattern. He headed for Gimli and Aragorn who stood behind Theoden.
"I'm searching for three of my comrades. One is an elf; another is a dwarf and a man. I lost contact with them days ago and I have to find them. It is very important that I do so." Legolas raised an eyebrow and looked at his friends. He spoke in low tones with Aragorn when Theoden spoke to them.
"Do you know this man?" He asked them.
"No. The remaining fellowship wouldn't have been able to reach here from where we departed. And the only person who could have is dead." Aragorn spoke.
"What do you wish of him?"
"Untie him and let us look upon him. Draw your weapons in case he is foe." Legolas and Gimli followed his instructions and prepared their weapons. As Theoden moved, Legolas focused on his target. Aiming his arrow on the man's heart when he heard the clatter of Gimli's axe hitting the ground. He looked at him and then looked at Aragorn. Both had the same dumbfounded looks on their face, both focused on the captive.
He looked back at the man and realized why Gimli dropped his beloved axe. He slowly lowered his bow as he stared at her in disbelief. He moved to take a step towards her but stopped. "It's not possible. You're dead." He shook his head. "No! You're dead! I saw your body."
"You saw...oh. I know what this looks like. It's really me though."
"No! You're not her! You don't look like her! She's dead!" He denied.
"I know I've changed..."
"You can't change because you are dead!" He cut her off.
"Legolas! It's really me. Celeste introduced us. I accidentally spitted my water on you when I found out your true age. You were the first to know that I was going to join the fellowship. Both you and Aragorn helped trained me. I turned your hair blue. I made those friendship bracelets that you're wearing. You made me promise to tell you when I was hurt in any way." She babbled to him. "Please believe me." She cried.
Legolas could feel the walls that he erected around his heart come crumbling down at her words. He truly wanted to believe her but she looked...different. Maria took small steps, as she faced him, she extended her hand to him. He looked at her eyes and realized that it truly was her. He moved to place his hand in hers' when he caught sight of the blood on her hands, neck and torso.
In his minds' eye, he flashed back to when he saw her body. She was cold... "So cold." Hanging his arm back to his side, he took one more look at her and walked away. Maria watched him leave; she closed her eyes and clutched her hand into a fist. She opened her eyes when she felt a tug on her cloths. She looked down to see Gimli.
"Give him time lass." She gave him a teary smile and bent down.
"It's been awhile." She said and then gave him a tight hug. He gave her a pat on the back before letting go. She stood up and saw Aragorn. He simply opened his arms as she threw herself into them. He just held her for the time being. Maria looked over his shoulder to see what she didn't expect. "Gandalf?" She moved out of Aragorn's' embrace to look him. "How?"
"Let's just say that death just doesn't agree with us." He said while giving her an impish grin. She gave a snort of laughter in response. They hugged each other in remembrance.
"It's good to see you."
"You as well child."
"Would anyone mind telling me what is going on?" Theoden asked. Eowyn, who watched the scene unfold, agreed whole-heartedly.
"Theoden, my friend, meet Marianna. One of the members of the fellowship." Gandalf said.
"You have some explaining to do."
"And now here I am." Maria explained to them. She looked at everyone's reactions. Aragorn, Gandalf, and Gimli looked like they understood while everyone else just looked at her as if she grown another head. "You don't believe me do you?"
"Pardon me Marianna but that is quite a far-fetched story." Said Theoden. "You don't expect me to believe all of this, do you?"
"It's Maria and yes I do."
"Gandalf, surely you do not believe this?"
"Had I not seen her body only days ago....I would still believe her." He answered. Aragorn watched on in amusement between the three when he saw Maria yawn.
"Perhaps we should continue this tomorrow. Maria is weary and I believe she would like a bath and new clothing." He said.
"That would be great." She said. Theoden nodded in agreement.
"Eowyn, would you show Maria to a room and fetch her new cloths?"
"Of course. Follow me." Maria gave the three one more hug before she left. They walked in silence as Eowyn led her to a bathe room. "You may wash here, I will return soon." She nodded in response and watched as she left. Once alone, she removed her shoes and clothes. She yelped at the heat of the water then slowly inched her body in. She sighed in satisfaction as the warmth worked out the kinks in her body.
As she rested for the moment, her mind went back to when Legolas rejected her hand and refused to believe her. The brush-off felt like a slap to the face. Groaning at the thought, she nabbed what appeared to be shampoo. She worked it into a lather and ducked her head in the water to rinse. Taking the bar of soap, she scrubbed hard into her skin. Maria watched as the water turn into a bright shade red. As she finished cleaning her legs, Eowyn walked in.
"Are you finished?" She asked. Maria nodded. "Good, I brought fresh clothing and I hope they fit. Come out." She held out a white bathrobe. Maria didn't move. "Don't be shy. Come out."
"Shy is not what I'm afraid of."
"What?"
"Nothing." She muttered. She stood up and tried to snatch the robe out of her hands but it was too late. Eowyn caught site of the scars.
"None of your business. Can I have the robe?" She nodded dumbly and gave it to her. Her eyes never straying from the disfigured skin, Maria tightened the robe around her waist as she stepped out. "You brought clothes?"
"Huh? Oh! Yes." Handing her the nightgown she asked, "How did you receive those? In battle?"
"Only one."
"And the others?"
"Are you going to help me or not?" She said, trying to change the subject.
"Yes." Dropping the topic for now, Eowyn helped her dress. Once changed, she showed her the room she would be sleeping in. "If there is anything you need, I am only four doors down. Goodnight."
"Night." When the door shut, Maria laid down on the bed. Sighing to herself, she blew out the candles that lighted the room and went to sleep.
Maria woke to movement in the room. She opened her eyes assuming it was Eowyn but it was him. "Legolas?" He stood stiffly by her window, looking out but seeing nothing. Sitting up, she called out to him once more. Never turning to look at her, he spoke.
"I brought your belongings. I thought you might want them." Silence filled the room. Pushing the blankets away, she walked up to him. He gave a soft gasp at her touch.
"Legolas," She turned him around to face her. His eyes were bloodshot, tears streaming down his cheeks. Using both hands, she wiped them away. Pulling her hands back, he snatched one and placed it back on his face. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch.
"The last time I saw you, touched you...you were so still, cold to the touch. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It looked like you but it wasn't. I thought, 'That's not her! It can't be! My love is alive and well. She's so energetic and happy' When I saw the bracelet and dagger, I knew otherwise. I knew you wouldn't give it to anyone because it was precious to you. I have never cried so hard in my life. I tried to harden my heart but then I saw you...rosy cheeked and bright. I tried to believe that it was some conjured image my mind created but when I saw your eyes, I knew in my heart it was you." He opened his eyes and peered into her eyes. "But my mind still refuses to accept it."
With his own hands, he cupped her face. "Help me understand." Lowering his head down to hers', he kissed her. Slowly, she kissed him back. The kiss was unhurried and gentle, emotions flowing to one another. She wrapped her hands behind his neck, her body leaning into his. As they pulled back for air, he gathered her to his chest, hugging her. Maria pulled back a bit and took a good look at him. Despite his flawless face, his eyes told another story.
Pulling away from him, she led him to the bed. She sat him down at the edge and placed herself between his legs. "Close your eyes" He did what he was told. She leaned over him and ran the tips of her fingers down his face. First, she touched his forehead, going south, she ran her thumbs across his eyebrow, down his temple, across and under his eyes, cheekbones, jaw, and chin. She brushed her finger against his lips and down the bridge of his nose. She gave a light kiss on each eye, then softly kissed him.
He opened his eyes and looked at her. She smiled at him and reached for the hem of his tunic. She ran her hand across his stomach then pulled the tunic up. Raising his arms for her, she removed it. She pushed him back and removed his boots. Legolas laid against her pillows. Maria crawled to his side and gave him another kiss. He cupped her face and tried to deepen it when she pulled his hands away. "Not now. You need sleep. We will speak in the morning. Now rest."
Giving him one last kiss, she covered them. She shifted herself and closed her eyes. She opened them when she felt him move. Legolas placed himself on her chest, close to her heart, arms around her waist. She smiled and rested her chin on top of his head. Closing her eyes, she stoked his hair and fell asleep.
To be continued....
Authors Note: Sorry for the wait! Hope you liked the chapter, explanation will be in the next one. Review!