Ty-Kwan-Do : Sorry if that came across as rather odd. I just wanted to be funny. I think too that Winkle and I have equal talent, just in different areas. Thanks for your encouragement! Now hand over that pizza!
Fk306 animeloverYes, I thought that was rather a funny word. Thanks for reading and here is another up date sooner then even you thought!
Elvin BlueEyesAs we creep closer to the end I hope you will continue to review. We value all feed back, good and bad. Keep reading!
chelseypudgeOh Pudge! My Pudge! I love thy pen name! And yes, you must look into the new story. We want as many of you reading it as this one. Especially since they were eventually tied together. Keep reading!
crazyroninchicWow! I checked out your profile the other day ad saw how many reviews you have for "never leave Fan fiction lying Around' (which I have not read yet) and I was blown away! And you bother with our story because…? Keep reading and remember, all good things must come to an end.
AraelMoonchild: Are you ever going to find out? Not in this chapter, maybe later though. Thanks again for the kudos on our writing. Keep reading!
Laer4572That's okay. We probably have millions of lurkers that we never hear from. But that's okay, because it isn't all about reviewing, But that doesn't mean that we don't love it when you do! Keep reading!
AnnamariahThanks for all your review darling! We always can count on you! Yes, the Mouth and Legolas and Gimli were great, they always make for the best art of the story. Keep reading!
Nolitari : Sorry for the mistakes, we try and catch them every time, but you know how it is. And as for the OC, no problem. You have a little cameo in this one two. Keep reading!
Chicky Poo That's quite all right, Winkle just wanted to make sure that you knew that it was Barbie. I am much more forgiving in matter like this. All though we were a bit confused when your review initially came in. But all's well that ends well. Keep reading!
Archimedes-FactotumTesting you? With cliffhangers you mean? I didn't think so but if you think otherwise that's fine. And if you have ever had a loaded closet pole hit your head you know what I mean. As for the character POV's sorry we have to have them. Because Emily's in Gondor and Barbara wasn't everywhere at once. I hate Mary Sues that manage to be at all the important parts of the story at the same time. Beside how can you know where everything happens if you don't know when the Ring is gone? Keep reading!
Erasuithiel : We will be slower to up date "The Man With Red Eyes" at least until this one is finished. I don't believe in making people wait but we wanted to let you all know about the story before we closed this one. Thanks for the cookies (Snodgrass munches happily.) Keep reading!
FallenTruthSugar is a good thing, but for God sake girl have some healthy stuff! And I can't help but wonder why all our readers eat loads of sugar while or right before they read our story? And what exactly is the anwersingness?
madam ichiban yuk yuk : Well that was quite…different or as Haldir would say, singular. And yes we have up dated soon! Keep reading!
MnM1803I hope you have caught up on your sleep by now? Yes? Good. Now I cannot tell you how much your review meant to us. When we find out that people join the story we fairly weep with joy! Keep reading and reviewing!
Zarz: No! No! absolutely not! We just thought it would funny to have him that way! No we don't think your that…um…you are nowhere near that gentlemen's level of intelligence. And Barbie may tell in the later chapters and then again Legolas or Gimli might spill the beans. Oh my gosh I just used another slang term! (Hides face in shame)
Princess SiaraYou have a cameo In this one, Not much but you are mentioned. And welcome back! I trust your journey wasn't too bad? I totally feel sorry for Emily, there's just nothing for her to do in Gondor! When you say truffle do you mean chocolates? If so, Yes! Keep reading!
Slayer3 : (Snodgrass hides under couch as Slayers woot and he he's sail passed his head.) Okay! Okay! Please stop! I wasn't trying to insight a fanatical cheering session! But thanks for the definition and for the review! Keep reading
Carlithirel AmaranthaWe were wondering where you were! And you have to check out our newest story "The Man With Red Eyes!" I thought you would like the hobbits, you love Sam don't you? Yes, you do! I can see it all over you face! Keep reading!
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Chapter Thirty Three
For This… The Good Die Young
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Barb's POV
There's always that one moment.
Not many people will admit to feeling this way, but I know that they do. Right before the battle. Right before your blade touches another, or when your bowstring is taunt, still holding your first arrow.
You suddenly become aware of everything. The entire world is sharply, vividly defined, as it is before a storm. And then you wonder why on earth you came
Right now my world consisted of the two, ugly yellow eyes of the orc facing me; only a few yards now separated the two armies.
The army of Sauron had silently flowed from the Black Gates, coiling around our force like a boa constrictor, until we were completely surrounded.
Although the battle had not yet begun, the music had. The eerie music of swords being withdrawn from their sheaths; the slight creaking as bows were drawn, aimed, the fluttering of the enormous silk banners.
My hand felt cramped and heavy on the hilt of my sword. I had unsheathed it, intending to go swinging into battle Aragorn-style. It had always seemed to work for him.
For an instant I felt a little afraid, and wished I had my bow. I reminded myself sternly that even our legendary bow-elf Legolas was going to have to use his daggers. Swords are easy, just remember which end is the sharp one.
"I guess this is it." I said, and felt a little silly. Of all the noble things one was supposed to say before a battle, this was not one of them, like "My only regret…" " Tell my family I love them… "Let's roll…"
Legolas nodded gravely
"Yes." he said quietly, and somehow his nod vindicated my statement
Gimli cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an elf." he said, in an embarrassed voice. Legolas smiled, in a way that was decidedly cheeky, as if he had just won a long, hard argument.
"What about side by side with a friend?"
Gimli smiled a small, crooked smile, as if to say "it took the all the forces of Sauron you princeling you…"
"Aye." he said gruffly "I could do that."
I swallowed hard, and tried not to cry. The emotion of this moment was all too great…I was probably the only living fan girl to witness this event…
I turned an about-face- and screamed
"Get back here!"
No horn had been sounded, no call given. Yet there they were, Merry and Pippin, charging forwards, straight for the grim forces of Sauron.
We had no choice but to follow, and we charged forward.
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Elladan and Elrohir's POV
We stand and fight, back to back.
Like always, of course.
The main force has been split, each group of Rohirrim, Gondorians,Swan Knights, surrounded by the overwhelming enemy.
But always, we remain together. Though separated from others, we still stand.
I fear not for long, Elrohir
No, but long enough
Yes
The orcs are becoming bolder. In fear of our blades, they hung back, unwilling to be the first to venture, and fall by them. Made confident by sheer numbers, they surge forward, weapons held high and glittering.
They always make the same mistakes.
One sword sweeps low, the other is raised high, brought down with vengeance. Vengeance for a mother, broken. Vengeance for long grief, and the bodies fall to the soaked earth like brittle leaves.
Not all the blood is orc.
Spurred on by the scent of elven blood, the orcs press closer, a crazed look in empty eyes. Only a sword length holds them away from us. As one falls, another crowds to take it's place, vicious, snarling. We laugh, call them to our blades, to death.
Our blood soon may mingle with theirs.
Then I offer it, gladly.
As I.
When orcs come nearer, when the orcs press us hard with their blades, we, brother and brother, are only closer.
Together now.
Until the End.
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Emily's POV
The walls of Gondor was lined with people. Every level of the city was packed with men, woman and children, all with their eyes turned toward Mordor. Where the wall was broken down from battle, people stood in large crowds and the hum of their conversation drifted up to us.
Along the wall with me stood Galen, Lily, Nolitari, Siara and every other maid or man servant in my household. A little below us, more toward the garden Eowyn and Faramir stood close together, his arms resting just a little around her waist. The wind had picked up and blow hot and humid from the deep south.
Sand and grit of all things was swirling around in the air and once in a while there was a cough, while everyone's eyes watered because of the dust. The stone was oddly cool under my hands and even though the sun shone dully it was hot. It beat down in a relentless white beam. But much to my shame, all I could think of was whether or not Gondorians had deodorant.
Mt. Doom began to belch out all kinds of nasty stuff in huge sooty black clouds. They seemed to roll out and away from Mordor and come and cover even the white sun. The shadows were heavy and choking but we stayed at the wall. Unconsciously we sought a hand to hold.
The Warden took my right hand and I took Siara's with my left. Nolitari was apparently related to Lily's fiancée and he was taking care of her. I felt, so safe with them. I knew that even if Frodo didn't destroy the Ring like I knew he would, I would still be able to count on the people of this city.
"I hope Barb's all right." I said.
The Warden smiled thinly, "From what I have seen of the young lady, I dare say she will be fine."
"Yes, she's always been that way…no fears." I smiled.
At that moment all stilled, the wind stopped, the earth quieted; and everyone seemed to take a deep collective breath waiting….waiting….waiting.
Then Mt. Doom exploded.
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Barb's POV.
I had never fought anyone bearing a pike before. Our force had broken through the first rank with surprising ease: sheer desperation can add strength.
The second rank were the pike carriers. For the uninitiated, a pike is a long, wooden staff with a blade almost like a spears' at the end. Except for the fact that one side of the blade forms a long, vicious hook, perfect for ripping and tearing.
I prefer my innards to remain intact, and I lunged forward, sword sweeping upwards to parry the orc's thrust. He was taller than I was, and our blades slammed together. What felt like an electric shock ran down my arms, ending right in my funny bones.
"Ah!"
My grip weakened slightly, and the orc now took advantage of his extra height and weight to bear down. His pike slid, inch by inch down my sword- and my innocent, unsuspecting stomach.
He grinned, laughing into my face, brutal, eager laughter. I smiled back- and whirled to the side, pulling my sword from under his pike. The orc stumbled forward, caught off balance. He didn't have a chance to regain before my sword found his side. It went deep, and I knew from the sick look in his eyes I wouldn't have to strike again.
I wrenched my sword out, trying to ignore the wet sound it made as it pulled free from the black flesh. Equipped with my dripping sword, I was trying to get my bearings when it happened.
At first I didn't realize what happened. I only knew of an terrible, white hot pain erupting in my right shoulder, and being knocked back with the force of the blow.
"Oh my-" I bit off the sentence, mouth opening and closing as I resisted the urge to scream. I was my knees, left hand reaching upwards to feel what It was. I didn't want to be a wimp, but a odd, low moan found it's way from my throat.
It was an arrow.
Long, black and ugly, the arrowhead was buried in my shoulder, along with at two inches of shaft. I didn't realize till later that it had actually pierced completely through my shoulder. The third rank was Sauron's archers, and one of their arrows had found it's mark…in me. For the first time, I watched my blood slowly soak into my chain mail, around the ugly arrow.
I'm never going to be able to fight with this thing in me
Then pull it out you nimrod you, be valiant, be smart, yank it out…
I couldn't pull it out. Instead, Gamling ended up breaking it off. The arrowhead jerked upwards as he did so, slicing agonizingly into the muscles and flesh. That time, I did scream, unable to keep myself from doing so as a grey-yellow cloud of pain shot through my arm and shoulder.
"Sorry my lady." Gamling gripped my other shoulder, so strongly the pressure helped to take my mind off the other wound.
"I'm…fine, Gamling. Thanks…" I gritted the words between my teeth.
"You shouldn't fight anymore…" Gamling trailed off helplessly. Our forces were completely surrounded and there was nowhere to take the wounded.
"I said I'm fine!"
I grabbed my sword in my left hand, and stood up, wobbling only slightly.
"Call me Maedhros." I said, and managed a weak smile "Elf-lord lefty, lived thousands of years ago. I was always one of his biggest fans."
Gamling opened his mouth-then shut it abruptly, whipping around and effectively decapitating the orc who had tried to sneak up behind him.
"Great!" he shouted over his shoulder "But I think you should try to stick close to me for awhile 'Maedhros'."
"No objections there." I held up my sword, nerved myself, and stepped back into the fray.
Fourth rank…axes.
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Frodo's POV
Thump, thump thump, thump, thump.
My heartbeat has never been so loud before. The sound roars in my ears accompanied by the whispering cadence that has been in my dreams for months.
Claim me, I will give you all power and glory. Claim and I will be yours, there will be no need to destroy me anymore.
I want to obey, I desperately want to obey it, but I cannot! I can't…
But can I ? The Ring lies cool and heavy in my hand and I have carried it this far. Surly I have proved that I can handle the burden. I bear the scars of the burden, and I have the wounds to show my loyalty.
"Frodo!"
What? What is that?
Don't listen! He'll try to get me away from you my master. No, please don't listen to him. Only I truly love you.
But Sam has always been my friend, he helped me get here. He wouldn't want to hurt me now. I know he'll join me, for you…my perfect Ring.
"I'm here, Sam..."
"Destroy It!"
What is it he's saying? Destroy the Ring? Of course. that's why we came. I remember now. Gandalf trusted me to destroy. Strider and Boromir…
No! You can't
I watch it glisten in the light of a thousand fires below and around me. I have come here to..to…why have I come?
"Throw it in the fire!"
To claim me as your own!
"What are you waiting for! Just let It go!"
"No" I pull it to me, my Ring, my Ring. All my own.
"The Ring is mine Sam."
I don't care that he cries, he will understand in time that I have every right to it. The Ring was meant for me, yes for me. I don't care that Gollum hurts him, I can always worry about that later, when I have full control. Yes, I will have it.
Wait! What is coming on? Why don't you help! I can't fight him off he's..argh! He has it! My hand, what's happened to my hand! No! He can't have it! I won't watch him triumph over me, I have suffered too much for this to happen now!
The Ring is mine!
I grab him, I hold on, but the ground drops away from under me and I fall.
Tricked you
No! I…the rock is hard and hot under my hand, the weight of the creature falls from me as I cling to the rock. Something drags me down but I cannot let it take me. I can't understand why I don't let go.
Then I realize, I have failed…utterly. The Ring wasn't mine at all. I won't be able to hang on much longer.
"Give me your hand!"
I know that voice! I know that voice…so familiar. Sam. He holds out his hand that is cracked and bleeding, he holds it to me.
"Take my hand!" he says again. I look down once more at the Ring, how is shines and gleams in the light. So tempting. I have to make Sam understand …
"No! Don't you let go!" he commands me. His words ring in my mind, "Don't let go."
"Reach!"
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Boromir's POV
The mountain erupted in flame, the heavy crown of the volcano crumbling under the force of the explosion. The air was thick with ashes, and rocks that whistled by, always just missing us. My men stumbled and fought on trying to maintain their balance.
A second shattering explosion cracked the earth around us and piecing wails filled my ears as cries of orcs sounded. They fled my blade as if I had become some great terror in one moment. Overhead the scream of eagles and Nazgul continued, but farther and farther away.
With a rocking snap the earthquake ceased. All was silence but for the moans of dying orcs. I keep my sword raised and back away from those I have killed. All around me lay the death and dying, but few of my own men have suffered that greatest grief.
A crack of lightning and the deep growl of thunder sound overhead as rain, clear and cleansing, pours from the black and deadly clouds. As the smoke clears with the downpour, I see my comrades.
"Boromir, look to the men!" Aragorn directs. He is bloodied, but alive. At his side the Mithrandir stands his white robes covered with black orc gore., tears stream down his face I go in search of my men when the mountain exploded, spending tons of rock and ash far into the sky. Fire belches out in huge clouds
"Beregond, have the men rally under the banner!" The solider jumps at the sound of my voice and spins to face me. His eyes are wide and his face pale as death.
"My lord…I."
"What is it? Are you injured?" I asked.
"No…the young commander from Rohan." he says. I see one of the Rohirrim supporting their captain, but I didn't hardly recognize the crushed and bleeding body before me. His helmet is gone and blood mats his hair where a long cut runs along his face, and my stomach churned at the sight of his own flail buried in his chest.
"Can't they take that thing out of him?" I asked, the sight was so ghastly. Beregond shook his head and whispered, "That's all what's holding him to life my Lord. He won't last much longer."
I kneel beside him and his wandering eyes find me and he blinks trying to focus. All else
"My l-lord. Is all well?" he gasps.
"Aye, we have the victory." he reaches out and I grab his hand in mine. He struggles a little to speak and finally, "I…I know that I'm dying." Pain wreaked his body as he labored to breathe. I took his bloodied hand in my own. He felt so light, as if the life that was leaving him was all the substance of his being and his body just a fragile shell.
"Hush now, don't try to speak it'll only make things worse for you." I said, tears were gathering in my eyes, I tried to blink them away. The crimson flow of blood kept spreading and soon he would be gone. I don't know how long I stayed with him…minutes, hours…it seemed like days.
"Hadrien, if you have any family, I'll see that their well taken care of. I promise you." But he shook his head and gripped my hand tightly.
"No…family…alone…just the Deep."
"Helm's Deep?" I inquired, he nodded his eyes suddenly filling with unshed tears.
"My…b.beautiful Deep…"
"I know…I know what you want…I am sure that Eomer will rebuild it. I know he will, and if he does not…well, then I'll rebuild it myself." I said. He smiled again, his radiant smile.
"Thank you for the chance to serve you." he manages. I feel my chest constrict with pain as he thanks me for his own death. So many have been lost.
"My lord…I have…she…Kessla."
The name rings a bell, but I can't visualize her, "What about her, Hadrien?"
"She didn't want me to come…she was so lovely." he gasps and tears slip freely from his eyes. "I…tell her…I loved…"
"Hadrien you must try to hold on." I said knowing that he is slipping away even more. "You can't die, not on the brink of victory."
"I am s-sorry…but you'll…remember me always…now." He drew a ragged breath, "And…it…it was worth it…for Gondor.."
He gave one last sigh and just as he did the wind stirred around us as if angels had come to wing him home. I slowly released my hold on him and laid down peacefully. Beregond covered his face with a cloak and all his men knelt to pay tribute.
I stood and walked away, the feeling of regret weighting heavily on my shoulders. I had seen many men die, young and old, but not like this. He was but a lad and yet he had given all his blood for the hope of freedom.
I yanked my quiver from my shoulders and threw it down in a heap. I would never become accustomed to the sight of death in a man's eyes. Aragorn lays a hand on my arm.
"It isn't your fault Boromir."
"I know but it never changes does it. The feeling of guilt. To be alive and see them laying there dead."
Aragorn was about to answer when a shout came from one of my uncle's Swan Knights. He stumbles toward us holding something close to his chest. Blood and dirt are smeared across his face but the fear is still there. " I found her! Hurry!"
I look at the bloodied body, limp and broken in his arms. "God no!"
It was Barbara.