Disclaimer. We own nothing, except for a couple bloody noses and a black---actually now it's green--eye. That little battle didn't turn out so well, especially for poor Snodgrass.
Snodgrass. "That's not true! I beat you fair and square!"
Winkle. " Are you trying to make me laugh?"
Snodgrass. " No, if I was I would just tickle you. Maybe I will!" (lunges forward.)
Winkle. "NOOOOOO!
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AnnaMariah: Don't get ahead of us we haven't even thought it out that far! But thank you for all the compliments! Goodness knows we need them. I mean we need to know what works and what doesn't. And the song and Gollum was so much fun to write! I have always wanted to write some Gollum dialogue Keep reading!
Zarz: Wow! Cool name, this coming from someone named (and this is top secret) "Calvin B. Snodgrass." About the song mistake I know Winkle's such an idiot sometimes! He did that as he was writing that scene and I told him not to write it that way but did he take my good advise? Nooooo. I love the Boromir/Emily storyline as well.
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Chapter the Eleventh.
More Messing About In Boats and Bored In Lorien.
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Barbie's POV.
Wow. I know people talk about after-effects of just too much to drink, but I had never heard anyone applying that to boats. When I woke up the next morning, I sat up, and then instantly regretted the action as all my muscles began to shriek in concert.
"Yargh!" I said unimpressively, and gingerly stretched, inserting a few more "arghs" and "ahhs!" here and there. After alarming most of the birds, insects and everything else living in that forest, with my odd actions, I stomped into the main camp, my hair tightly braided away from my face that Emily always made me look like a Chinese nun with a bad hair day, but I didn't want my hair falling into my face.
"Good morning!" Pippin said cheerfully, looking up from his breakfast. You may have picked up a few clues from this narrative, and discovered that I am just not a morning person. I didn't say anything, but sat down stiffly by the fire. I think Aragorn noticed that I was moving a little a rather peculiar way, and just barely touched my arm with his hand before I jerked away.
"Just--don't--touch--me--please. I just woke up, alright?" I said, through clenched teeth. Aragorn shrugged, and moved away.
"What do you suppose is wrong with her?" I heard him ask later, while we were getting ready to "Sail away."
"I don't think anything's wrong with her. My father is the exact same way if you wake him too early," said Legolas. Hmm. Sounds like Thranduil and I have something in common. Common sanity, that is.
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Emily's POV
I was not bored in Lorien, I was having the time of my life! I was being given the grand tour of the entire thing by an annoyed looking Haldir. Yes, I was spending a whole day with him, but it was sort of….shall we say anticlimactic?
You'd think that having your favorite elf to you all day would be great but well Haldir was not the driven intense Marchwarden we have all come to know and love the PJ's movie. In fact he was very calm and polite, he just had a bizarrely intense gaze. It's funny to think that he goes around through life glaring at everything like he hates it and the truth is he simply looks at everything in that way.
"And these aqueducts bring the water of the Nimrodel up to the level of the talans." he said and pointed to the high arched structures.
"Wow! I thought the Romans came up with aqueducts! But now I find out you guys were way ahead of us. Next I'll find out it was elves who built Stonehenge."
"If I may ask what is Stonehenge?" he said in a slightly bored tone. I don't think he really wanted to hear about it and I said so.
He shrugged and said " I was just being polite."
"I know, but it's not exactly very honest is it? Besides I am sure you have much more interesting things to tell me about. Like how did you get to be the Marchwarden anyway. I am sure it's not easy to guard all of Lothlorien is it?"
Score one! He began talking endlessly and I was thrilled to hear that his father (contrary to popular belief) was not dead, nor had his father been the former Marchwarden. I also discovered that as Marchwarden you were not allowed to marry. If you fell in love you simply gave up the position, and married. In endless bliss I have no doubt.
I think that it's the same all the world around that men, or male elves, like to talk about what they do for a job. Although I suppose being a Marchwarden is more of a calling than any thing else.
"Come, you need to rest. The Lord and Lady would not be pleased if you fatigued yourself too greatly after your resent illness." Haldir said and pointed to a grassy spot.
It was really pretty all grass and tiny yellow flowers. I wasn't feeling fatigued but I probably would so I sat in delicate and gentle fashion( I was finally getting the walk down too. If Orlando Bloom could do it I could too.)
He stretched out on the ground and promptly fell into silence, he was so quiet that after a few minutes I began to wonder if he was even awake at all. I tried to look without seeming obvious, but you know how that is, you never really see anything at all. So I finally thought "If he's asleep he won't hear me singing." So I began to very softly warble out a song while picking bits of grass out on the ground.
"Moon River wider than a mile (peek), I'm crossing you in style someday." (peek again, yes, he was asleep).
"Oh dream maker, you heart breaker( Peek., yes, definitely asleep, his eyes were half shut and totally unfocused) Wherever your going, I'm going your way."
I wasn't getting any response so I built a daisy chain still singing the sappy song under my breath. Suddenly the devil whispered " He's asleep tease him!" Soooo I leaned over and (still singing) began tickling his face with a blade of grass. He would swipe at it and go back to sleep. Tee hee hee hee!
After doing this for a few minutes and he simply slept on and so I went back to my daisy chain…..my daisy chain!
Leaning over again I gently laid the flowery cornet on his white blond head and settled the wreath a lower on his brow. Than I propped chin on my hands and just watched him sleeping. It was a little weird to watch him sleeping with his eyes open but he was really sweet. Everyone looks sweet when they're sleeping but he did especially with that silly chain on his head.
Watching someone else sleep (no matter how sweet) is kind of boring and so I fell sleep too, minus the flower chain.
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Barbie's POV.
Sometimes, a calm and peaceful afternoon can be twenty times as treacherous as a "dark and stormy night." On a dark and stormy night, you expect things to happen, like a shot ringing out, the maid screaming and pirate ships that inexplicably appear on the horizon.
(Note. That was the beginning of a story by Snoopy by the way.) But on the peaceful afternoon, you are lulled into a sense of false security.
We had been sailing all morning, and half the afternoon, and nothing was happening. That worried me. Everything seemed….too calm. Too serene. I think some of the others felt the same way and the word "orcs" was heard. I tried frantically to think. When would "everything" happen? I had no idea, and no way to tell. Yet I had the distinct impression something was going to happen that day. And I didn't think it was going to be a---shall we say---happy experience.
Currently though we were rather occupied, because the river was starting to become shallower, and shallower, a dangerous thing. I was keeping a lookout for rocks and things like that, so I was too busy to worry about it for sometime. But finally it began to deepen again, the current swifter than before. I was going to settle down for another long afternoon of messing about in boats when----we saw them!
It was the statues of the Numenorean Kings. They stood, tall and imposing on either side of the river, twin hands held toward us, a relic of former glory. Their faces were stern and decisive, but not cruel. Their eyes seemed to gaze far into the past, at sights and scenes no others remembered, somewhat as Celeborn's and Galadriel's did. But while the lord and lady might tell others of such things, the stories of these ancient kings were held forever captive.
For once I was absolutely speechless. I have seen the most impressive examples of architecture our world can offer; the St. Louis Arch, the now fallen Twin Towers, our beautiful statue of Liberty. But none of these things inspired quite the same feelings of awe and respect that rose in my heart then---and none caused the silent tears that were now coursing down my face as we slipped by, or inspired the same sense of---of---loss.
Then we were past them, and sentimental sap that I was, I was crying like a fool over something that had nothing to do with me. I had thought it had nothing to do with me---I was just too confused, and I was missing my sister like----oh cry! Oh sob of homesickness and desire for normality! Or at least the knowledge of what normality was anymore. And you thought it was bad in Moria……Legolas was patting my shoulder, and if it wasn't for the narrowness of the canoe I would have cried on his tunic, but I couldn't, so I had to settle for wiping my face on a slightly dirty, tobacco smelling handkerchief Gimli gave me.
God bless that dear dwarf, tobacco and all.
Eventually though I calmed down, though I still clutched the rather soggy handkerchief in one hand, just in case. What a fool I was sometimes, thinking I was independent. I learned then that we all depend on someone, to greater or lesser degree, even if you aren't aware of it until it's too late. Well, some of us just have to learn it by hard experience. Sigh.
It was around that indefinite time of day, right when the afternoon sun begins to slant, and hint at the coming night when we came to the waterfall. Well, we didn't actually come right to it, because if we had we all would be dead, and I would not be recounting this tale. But we came pretty close to it before Aragorn decided we should stop, Honestly, that guy seemed to get the biggest kick out of living on the edge.
This time when I got out of the boat I didn't collapse, so I supposed that I must be getting what they call "sea legs." Or would you call that river legs? Doesn't really matter I suppose. Besides, I had to talk to Boromir. Not about anything in particular, just something to keep him there. In case it was---the day. So while we were unloading I attached myself to him like a helpful leech.
"Here, give me that---yes that too, I'm not a wimp--thanks---catch Sam!" I chattered mindlessly the whole time, and jerked like a manikin while I tossed our various packs and bundles to shore. I must have over-done it, because he finally turned to me in exasperation.
"What exactly is wrong with you? I meant to ask your sister, but I never got around to it. And what exactly are you trying to do?" I quailed under his questioning gaze, and then I was sure he knew something.
"N-n-nothing," I stuttered, suddenly losing my voice.
"I'm not a fool Barbara. I've watched you change colors at least six times in the last three minutes. You aren't exactly the subtlest person I've met," he said, and then a new thought seemed to strike him, and he looked at me differently. More---coldly. " Are you as suspicious of me as all the rest of them are? Those---never mind."
He finished this sentence in a lower, bitter tone, and despite my fright, I couldn't help feeling sorry for him.
"No--No it's nothing like that," I said fervently " I've always respected you very much, even if you think I'm an idiot I still know a good guy when I see one. Which reminds me of this story I have to tell you."
He looked at me for a few moments, then shook his head, and sat down on the bank. "Go on then. Tell me the story."
So, relived, but still quite edgy I began to invent a tale on the spot. I think it involved some ancient curse and two guys fishing on an enchanted lake, but now I can't be sure. I was so nervous at the time. One of the guys was saying something intelligent like "Well, if that's the way you want it, then that's the way it's going to be," when I glanced over at the others.
The others---except Merry and Pippin--- were all gone---including Frodo.
And the fictitious guy was saying "Finally! He's safe!"
Then Boromir was on his feet, pulling me along with him, grabbing so tightly on my shoulders a startled tear slid down my cheek. Then he just looked at me, disappointment and anger burning in his eyes, as if a friend, maybe not your best friend, but someone you thought was on your side had just stabbed you in the back. Then something went sailing by our heads, and he threw me to the ground.
"Keep down!" he shouted unnecessarily considering I was flat on the ground already, but then he was running through the trees, sword unsheathed and glittering as the Uruk Hai came into view. I crawled over to Merry and Pippin, who were drawing their own little swords, and I strung my bow.
"Alright dudes, you just stay right behind me, and don't do anything stupid. Understand?" I hissed sharply. Nothing was going to touch them, so help me.
"You can't do it by yourself!" Merry said stubbornly, and looked to Pippin, who nodded back. Just then a volley of arrows sailed by, one imbedding itself into the sand between Merry and I.
"You can't fight arrows you idiots! Let me do this!"
As if to emphasize my point more fully, another volley came by, one whistling straight through Pippins hair, although he was left only startled. I could hear the others, calling out to each other, and sighting along my arrow, thinking of everything Haldir had taught me, and I was sure I could hear him saying it again, even to his accent "Take a deep breath, let it out slowly then---I released it, and it landed with a solid thump in the neck of the Uruk Hai I had aimed for.
"Yes!" I said to myself, and quickly strung my bow again. Everything was happening so fast. I could see Boromir, and Aragorn battling side by side like brothers, and I could hear Gimli uttering strange Dwarvish war cries as he fought. I could not see Legolas, but I could see his arrows, sweeping through the ranks of Uruks like a far reaching scythe.
Where was Frodo? Had he put on the ring? Then I saw something dark green flutter through the undergrowth, and knew he was fleeing towards the boats, not in cowardice of course, and I silently said goodbye. Then I turned my attention back to the fight at hand.
One, two, dodge behind some trees, three, four, they were coming on us too quickly, so I tried something new. Two arrows at once, something I had tried only once before, with so-so success. But they sailed straight through the air, and I thought briefly "Just like always," though that made no sense.
But I had no time to ponder this, when suddenly I was grabbed from behind in a pair of disgusting, smelly arms as were Merry and Pippin. We all struggled wildly, and I tried to kick my captor, but failed as we were all carried away---by the Uruk Hai. They had crept up from behind and now---we were captives.
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Emily's POV
…….spices……..mallorn leaves…..slightly silky material on my cheek and the gentle "thump, thump, thump" of a beating heart.………being carried……..
Being carried! Well we all know I don't like that. but this time I reacted in the best way. I slowly opened my eyes and was confronted by the sight of!……Lord Celeborn!
Aha! I had you fooled! You all thought it was going to be Haldir! Teeheehee! I am evil!
Yes, Lord Celeborn was carrying me and sensing I was awake he said "There have been developments and my wife wishes to meet with you."
I can't tell you want was going through my mind at that minute. Pictures of Boromir's death flashed before my eyes and my breath caught in my throat.
"Emily? Are you well?" he asked.
"Is it…is it bad news? Did someone die?" I asked hurriedly as we reached the glade.
" I cannot tell you my dear, you must look into the mirror." he said. Setting me down I went to the still form of the Lady who stood frozen her face devoid of expression. That couldn't be a good sign. She held an empty pitcher in her hands and a tendril of smoke was blown away from the mirror. She had just seen something too and now it was my turn.
"My Lady?"
She turned her ageless eyes to me and I saw a single crystal tear fall to her dress where it glowed like a jewel. I fasten my eyes on it afraid to look up.
It had happened and I wasn't there. He was dead, and I wasn't there.
The ring on my finger was suddenly a heavy, heavy weight. I pulled it off and looked at it.
The mini tree gleaming up at me and the diamonds winking in the fading light of day. I could see my own face in the mirror-like black enamel. On my head perched a daisy chain of intricate design.
The Marchwarden had his revenge again, but the laughter that bubbled up in my throat came out as a sob. Two warm arms were around me in minute and like child I cried on Galadriel's shoulder .
"Dear child." That was all she said but it was enough to unlock the flood gates of bound up emotion in my heart.
"Hush, hush. My dear you could not do anything to help her." That stopped me with a hiccup. "Her? You mean she's dead too?"
"No Miluiel, none of them are dead, but your sister is in grave danger. She was taken with the two younger hobbits. They are being.."
" …taken to Isenguard I know, but you mean Boromir's not dead?"
She studied my face a moment her eyes searching mine. "Did you think he would? You thought he would take the ring did you not?"
"Yes. That's what happened in our world."
"I see. But you now know that he did not fail so and nor is he dead. Rather he defended the Fellowship bravely. They were parted, but not from any internal trouble."
"The Fellowship was separated in the forest and when the orcs attacked they were helpless. Although they fought hard they were taken, I can have hope for the hobbits because it is known that one of them is carrying the ring. But your sister is not a hobbit and I fear for her."
"I shouldn't have let her go, I should've made her stay here with me."
"Come child, look into the mirror and see what it will tell you."
Filling the pitcher again she filled the mirror and stepped away, but I took her hand in mine. "Please stay with me, I am afraid of what I may see. I could use your support in case it's really bad."
She smiled widely this time and stood regal and compassionate at my side as the water steamed?( there's got to be a better way to describe that.) into the silver mirror.
The water swirled and stirred and a picture a scene appeared. It was the coronation and Aragorn was just receiving the crown on his head. He was proud and handsome in it, but he eyes were empty of light. Aragorn became King and ruled for a long time, however he was alone.
The scene changed once more and I saw Imladris and the broken figure of a woman, her walk slow and painful. She was crippled badly and she used a staff in one hand, but the other was resting in that of a tall blond elf. It was Legolas and there was something about the way his eyes looked that told me he knew the woman wouldn't live long. The woman was Barbara.
I saw what was exactly like the movie "Return of the King" only the end was Frodo dying, and Arwen leaving for Valinor.
The scene changed and I saw a desolate throne and an old grey haired man sitting in the Stewards chair, his head resting in his hands. He looked to the empty throne and tears welled up in his eyes as he mourned the leaderless people. He turned and I saw it was Boromir! A woman joined the picture and knelt taking his hand and comforting him, and it was me!
I stepped away from the mirror and felt the gentle pressure of the Lady's hand on mine. "What does it mean?
"It is difficult to interpret the visions one beholds in the mirror my child." she said pulling away.
"Look that's just a dodge and you know it. Now what on earth did that mean? Is it what will happen? And if is what can I do to keep Arwen here? Does that mean that I and Barbie are going to be here for the rest of our lives?"
Listening to my rushed questions she set the pitcher down and smoothed out her long gown before answering.
"It is what may be, but what you may do to stop it I cannot tell because I do not know. It is one ending to the quest and only the actions of the people involved can decide what course the future takes. I cannot direct you to the correct path, you must follow your heart."
"The Heart is deceitful and desperately wicked." I quoted ( yes we went to Sunday school.) The Lady blinked at this and for just a second I thought she was speechless.
"I did not look for such wisdom in one of your years."
"Yeah well, the words aren't mine originally. I just borrowed them, but what can I do? If only I could use a sword!"
"No!" she said sharply. " It is not given to you to wield the sword or to fight the evil in this world with a blade. Rather you must use your mind and heart, yes you must trust your heart, to lead you in the right way. Your influence is greater then you suppose, it is your gift to make people care for you and desire to shield you. This you must use carefully and with wisdom."
"But the things that are happening are beyond all of us!"
"Than look to a higher power, you know of whom I speak."
I nodded and lifting my chin I said "Do I stick around here or what?"
She smiled and said "No you are to leave tomorrow for the country of Edoras. You should rest now, I will send all the things you will need to the talan. But first do you know how to ride?"
"Ride? As in a horse?"
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Boromir's POV.
They had taken the little ones--- and Lady Emily's sister. I cannot fathom why Barbara did such a thing. For she knew, and for all her words she was just as uncertain of my loyalty as everyone around me was.
Except for Emily. I know she, at least, put some faith in the oaths I swore. This trust put a more deadly edge to my sword than anything else ever could have, and I fought like I never had before.
We were almost completely surrounded, practically fighting back to back, when something strange happened, that we did not understand at first. The Uruk Hai began to flee, as if abandoning their quest. But I knew as did the others that this could not be so, for it would be better to end ones own life than return to such a master as Sauron empty handed.
"Where is---Valar I think they have Merry and Pippin," I gasped, and ran to the shore, and halted at some odd marks in the sandy soil in the edge of the forest. Aragorn brushed past me, and knelt, examining them. Finally he looked up.
"The orcs have them-and Barbara. They managed to sneak up from behind while the others distracted her," he said, and his fist clenched in frustration.
"Aragorn, Frodo and Sam have left in one of the boats." Legolas stepped forward, conflict evident in his face. He wanted to go after the Ringbearer, but now that Barbara and the others were captured…
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands," Aragorn said, looking over the river.
"The it has all been in vain. The Fellowship has failed," Gimli said, shoulders slumping in defeat, but Aragorn shook his head.
"Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon them to torment and death. Not while we have strength left. Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light. Let's hunt some orc!"
We all looked at each other, then Gimli grinned widely.
"Yes!"
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