Disclaimer: I do not own any character that you recognize to be Tolkien's. 'Nuff said.
A/N: Heads up! I totally butchered this chapter, but it fits my purposes so whatever.
Many thanks to...
1 fan of pj . hp . lotrh . con . ra— (Thanks! And you are very welcome!)
LilactheDryad— (Being incredibly annoying? ;-D)
Eragon— (Yep, the parts about how Boromir has changed the story are probably the hardest to write. Makes my creative juices run out. Anywho, God bless you too! And thanks for the review! Ugh! I'm rhyming again aren't I?)
Imamc— (Righty-O!)
Izzy bug— (Those are always the most fun to write!)
The better twin— (Ha ha! Okay!)
Rosiethehobbit17— (Nah, it's all good! And thank you so much for the encouragement! I'm glad this is a good distraction from all of life's craziness!)
ColdOnePaul— (Your review came as a surprise, but I can say I laughed for a few minutes after reading it. Thank you so much! And as for saying something aloud at work... I would love to see the expressions on people's faces. I have gotten quite a few odd looks myself, and they are always hysterical! :)
The twins swiftly caught me up on all of the happenings in Rivendell.
"Your dog.', Elrohir muttered with a shake of his head. "Tried to follow you half-a-dozen times until Ada finally locked him in the stables. Duke has been keeping every elf in our realm awake at night; he will not stop howling!"
I giggled, imagining a sleep-deprived Elrond. It would suffice to say that the image was absolutely hilarious.
"So... why are you two here again?"
Aragorn gave a short bark of laughter.
"For one who knows the future Rielásse, you act as though you are ignorant."
I glared half-heartedly at him before descending into cackles myself.
"But seriously, dudes. Like what the heck?"
"We arrived with the Grey Company.', Elrohir offered helpfully, and I gave him a grateful look.
"Duh!', I grinned foolishly. "I should have known that!"
"Why didn't you?"
"Because there is two versions of this quest. In the books, the Grey Company arrives, but in the er... plays?... Ada comes to give Aragorn Andúril."
"Rielásse... I have had Andúril with me for the whole journey." Aragorn's forehead was crinkled with humor as he watched my face settle into disbelief.
"Nuh-uh! Are you freakin' kidding me?! I missed that?"
"Kidding?', Elladan asked curiously, almost looking scandalized.
"Gah!', I huffed, annoyed that I had to constantly explain my odd phrases.
"Jesting.', Gimli said by way of explanation, a grumpy expression written on the visible part of his face.
"Why are you here, Dwarf?', Elladan sniffed with disdain.
"Why you pompous, overbearing, spawn of—"
"Hey!" I stuck my fingers into my mouth and let out a piercing whistle. Gimli and Elladan were almost nose to nose... if Gimli had been taller that is. "Play nice, boys!"
"Boys!?', they howled in unison, glaring at one another as they realized that they had yelped the same thing.
"Yes, boys. If you are going to act like children I am going to treat you like children."
"Children?', Elladan hissed with mock anger. "You are younger than any of us! Even the hobbit is older than you!"
"Ooooo! Low blow, bro!"
"Bro?" Elrohir tried, the word rolling strangely off of his tongue.
"Short for brother."
"I like it.', he remarked with a small smirk.
"I do not.', Elladan grumbled petulantly.
"You pout like Legolas!', I sniggered behind my hand.
"I do not pout!', the Mirkwood prince protested as he strode into the small clearing we were gathered in, a mortified look passing over his face.
"Oh really?', I teased. "How about that time in Lóth—"
Legolas tackled me, clapping a hand over my mouth.
"Silence!', he warned bitingly.
I laughed and rolled out from underneath him, quickly jumping to my feet and brushing the dust off of my tunic.
"Edgy, are we? That was more impressive than any football tackle I've ever seen!"
He growled in response before he caught sight of something that made him school his expression into a blank look. I turned around to see my brothers smirking knowingly as they exchanged a look.
"What's your problem?"
"Oh, nothing.', Elrohir answered nonchalantly before breaking off into laughter.
"I fail to see anything amusing."
"It is only that—', Elladan stopped short as he gazed pointedly in-between me and Legolas.
"I don't get— heck no!', I yelped, waving my arms around absurdly. "Legolas and I are not romantically inclined in any way. At all.', I added for emphasis.
The twins shot me a look of disbelief.
"He is my brother.', I defended as I crossed my arms over my chest. "Whatever it is you are thinking, it is sooooo definitely not happening!"
"We are your brothers. Legolas is—"
"So help me Elladan, if you even think about finishing that statement I will..." I paused. "You know, I can't think of anything legal."
I gazed around at everyone's faces before realizing that some were missing.
"Has anyone seen Boromir and Merry?"
"Boromir is still rather nervous around elves...', Aragorn informed me. "And I believe Merry is speaking with Théoden. He offered his sword to the king's services."
"Ack! Boromir really needs to get over his phobia of elves. I do not know why he is so scared of us!"
"Perhaps he thinks all elves are like you?"
I pulled a face at Legolas.
Oh. My. Sweet. Eru.
I hate my brothers. I mean, I love them and all, but they are being a HUGE pain in the butt. They seem to find it fairly amusing to tease me about my 'infatuation' with Legolas. I am almost positive that if Aragorn hadn't stepped in as peacemaker there would have been another kinslaying.
"Let me at 'em!', I shouted, struggling in the ranger's grasp.
"Chill."
I gaped at his modern slang before struggling again.
"Rielásse.', he ground out through his clenched jaw. "Stop this nonsense. People are beginning to look at you askance."
"But he said—"
"I do not care what he said. You are acting like a child."
Elladan peered from behind Aragorn, a satisfied grin on his face. I scowled darkly at him, making his smile grow wider.
"Shut. Up.', I snarled.
"Riley!"
"Not you Aragorn! Him!"
"Me?', the culprit said innocently. "I said nothing!"
"Elladan, you are not exactly helping any." Aragorn rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"I believe that is his intent.', Legolas said sourly underneath his breath.
"I'm sorry.', Elladan surrendered with a look that seemed suspiciously unapologetic. "I am terribly sorry... Princess.', he tacked on slyly.
I gave another shout and leapt forward before I was hauled back, this time with both Elrohir and Aragorn holding me in place.
"Where are you going in such an all-fired hurry?', I asked as the hobbit scurried past me. The sun had long since set, and the second night of camping at Dunharrow began.
Merry gave a distant smile, not even stopping his excited pace. If I listened carefully I could even hear his little heart pumping erratically with barely contained excitement.
"The smithy."
"Oh. Well, I'm heading to bed. And away from annoying siblings."
He gave a faraway nod as he continued to his destination.
"Why should Merry be left behind? He has much cause to go to war as you. Why can he not fight for those he loves?" Éowyn's voice carried to my ears as I hurried towards the tent that we shared.
It would seem like more than one pair of siblings has gotten into a spat today.
Several minutes later I was already undressed and curled under several warm quilts when Éowyn all but stormed into the tent. The wind howled, making the canvas flaps billow. The hazy film of sleep cleared from my eyes as she made enough noise for an army of oliphaunts. Which, thinking of it now, probably wasn't the best comparison, seeing as how the battle of Pelennor fields was going to go down.
"Why must he take the Dimholt road?" Her hands were splayed defiantly on her hips as she stood in front of me. Éowyn looked ticked. And when Éowyn gets ticked... it's not good.
"He has to summon the zombies.', I mumbled as I rolled over onto my back to stare at the flimsy roof of our tent.
"He leaves on the eve of battle."
"He has to leave because— Wait. Is he leaving now?"
The shieldmaiden blew out a breath of pent up frustration, making the golden hair framing her face blow to the side.
"Yes. Did you not know?"
It took a few minutes to process what she had just said.
"Doughnut holes!" I shot out of bed and ran out of the tent, leaving a stunned Éowyn behind. I slunk in-between the many canvas structures, trying to find the ranger before he gave me the slip.
"That sneaky little—"
"What are you doing out in the cold, lass? You should be inside, where it is nice and warm, not out here in this accursed wind." The bulky hulk of a dwarf appeared from the shadows.
"I'm going with Aragorn.', I growled, expecting Gimli to try and stop me.
"In your sleeping clothes?', he laughed gruffly.
Crap, Crud, and Diggity-Darn.
"And where might the lad be going this time, hm?', Gimli finished talking, shifting from one foot to the other as he waited for a response.
"Aragorn is taking the door under the mountain. The Dimholt road."
"Did Éomer not say that road was evil? That none who ventured there ever returned?"
"Yes, he did. But Aragorn will go nonetheless."
Yikes. I am sounding *way* too elvish.
"Why am I not surprised?', he harrumphed grumpily. "Well, if you are going, then I am going."
"Deal."
"Going where?"
Gimli and I both jumped, and I let out a squeal of surprise.
"You two are acting strangely guilty."
"Guilty?" I cringed at the squeak in my voice as Legolas stepped around a corner, his eyes twinkling with the morbid amusement that was normally present in my brothers' eyes. "Noooo! Not us!"
He raised a dark eyebrow.
"I have come to notice that whenever you drag a word out for emphasis it usually means you are being untruthful, penneth.', the elf observed.
"Huh? Me? Nooooo..."
"You are doing it again.', Legolas chuckled.
"Lass, it might be best if you were quiet and let me do the talking. I'll get us out of this one.', Gimli whispered, pushing his way past me. He looked directly into Legolas' eyes and...
"Gimli!', I yowled. "You were supposed to 'get us out of this one', not sing like a canary!"
He grunted in response.
"I thought dwarfs were made of tough stuff! But no! You took one look at Blondie and you cracked!"
"Says the she-elf in her nightclothes!', he replied snippily.
"Nightclothes?"
Of course this would happen. They always show up at the most inopportune times.
"Um.. hi?', I awkwardly waved at Elladan and Elrohir.
"Do not 'hi' us. Do you know how scandalous it is for you to be out here dressed like that? What would ada say?"
"She wants to go with Aragorn.', Legolas offered. I have to give him credit for the fact that his rabbit trail did distract the twins, but as to the subject he had broached... yeah. He totally just threw me under the bus.
"No!', the twins shouted simultaneously.
"But why not?', I groused.
"Because you are leaving with Éowyn for Meduseld. This war is too dangerous for you."
Dangerous? And sending me with Éowyn *doesn't* sound like a one way ticket to Mando's halls? That girl is going to face a Nâzgul for Valar's sake!
"You can't!"
"We can and we will."
"NO! I am coming with you!"
"It is too dangerous."
"Heck, if I can handle the Mines of Moria I can handle the walking dead and Pirates of the Caribbean! But I am not—under any circumstances— going with Éowyn."
"Why do you argue?', Legolas questioned. "I was under the belief that you and Éowyn were friends."
"We are. But let me tell you that if you're trying to protect me, you cannot send me with Éowyn."
"Is something going to happen that we should be concerned about?"
"No. Well, maybe. But it all works out! I, however, should not be with Éowyn. It would change things."
"I see.', Elrohir mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Very well. But you must gather your things quickly." He perused my outfit. "And change into something more... suitable."
"What's going on?"
"I convinced my brothers to let me go with Aragorn.', I beamed down at Merry, who had recently arrived on the scene. You would think I had crashed a party or something with all the people that were randomly showing up.
"Oh. Does that mean I'll be here all alone?" The hobbit fidgeted with the newly sharpened sword that was strapped around his waist.
"Actually, Boromir is staying, too. He rides to war with Théoden to help defend his homeland. But honestly," I leaned forward to whisper in Merry's ear. "I think he just likes to look cool."
"Can I ask you something? Before you leave?" His wide and innocent brown eyes made my heart constrict, though I did not know why.
Honestly! Merry is like a hybrid of puppy dog eyes and fluffy teddy bears!
"Sure, Merry. Ask me anything."
"Where are Frodo and Sam?"
The silence that followed that statement was kinda scary. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for me to answer.
"I don't really know. But they're okay."
The elves, dwarf, and hobbit all seemed to relax; I hadn't even realized their tense statures until they loosened up.
"Now can I ask you something?"
He nodded.
"Is there anything Sam is afraid of? Like really, really, afraid of?"
Merry eyed me in confusion.
"No... not that I can think of... though I believe... Oh! Sam is terrified of spiders."
"Good lord.', I groaned.
"What?! What did I say?"
We're doomed.
"Where do you think you're off to?"
Gimli's timing was impeccable.
"Not this time. This time you must stay, Gimli. I do not wish for you to throw yourself in harm's way when there is no need to. My kin are traveling with me.', Aragorn rebuked with a stern glance at the dwarf. The ranger's head turned as Arod suddenly appeared beside him.
"Have you learned nothing about the stubbornness of dwarfs?', Legolas smirked.
"We're going with you, laddie.', Gimli said, voicing everyone's thoughts.
"Yeah!', I put in, leaning around Legolas to grin at Aragorn.
"Rielásse, I do not think—" He paused as he caught sight of the twins. "You agreed to this?"
"Have you ever tried dissuading her?', Elrohir inquired defensively.
"Actually, yes.', the ranger smiled. "She disobeyed and decided to fight at Helm's Deep."
The twins swiveled around.
"So what Haldir said was true. You did fight at Helm's Deep.', Elrohir's face was warred between frustration and pride.
"And danced on tables afterward.', Elladan added with a grin.
"Haldir is such a tattletale!', I huffed.
I blushed while they laughed, their comments garnering a few hearty chuckles from the group of rangers that were to travel with Strider.
"How did I get stuck with you?"
"Am I truly that terrible?"
I sniffed.
"I did apologize for earlier, Riley."
I glared at Elladan's back from where I sat in the saddle.
"You nullified the apology with the princess comment.', I argued.
"Did I now?', he chortled.
"Yes."
I dropped back into sullen silence until Legolas began to read the old runes on a stone arch.
"The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead, and the dead keep it. The way is shut."
"Well that's not creepy at allllll!', I half-wailed, half-jested.
The horses began stamping nervously as a blast of cool air came from the darkness beyond the arch.
"This is an evil door.', someone stated somberly. "And my death lies beyond it. Yet I will face even death itself in service of my kinsman, should he pass through. But no horse should enter."
"Who is that?', I asked in a low voice.
"Halbarad.', Elladan quietly replied as he dismounted and helped me do the same.
The horses were jittery near the door but after a few minutes of fickleness they finally decided to follow their riders into the darkness, as long as they were led, that is.
"I do not fear death.', Aragorn growled as he grasped his horse's reins with one hand and laid the other on the hilt of Andúril. Then he swaggered, yes swaggered, into the darkness, disappearing as a thick mist hid his broad form.
The large group of rangers quickly followed, leaving the twins, Legolas, Gimli, and I all standing before the gaping hole in the mountain.
"So...', I began. "Who wants to enter the creepy tomb first?"
I received a scathing glare from Gimli, who— it appeared— was already quite jumpy.
I sighed.
"If I die, tell my kids— er... children— that I love them."
"You do not have any children.', Legolas retorted, the corners of his lips twitching up slightly.
"Not yet!', Elladan teased in a sing-song voice, making both I and our blonde companion send him withering glares.
"You are in incorrigible.', I moaned as I threw a light punch into his shoulder. "I'm out of here."
I wish I could say I made a dramatic exit like Aragorn but I am ashamed to say that I tripped on a rock on my way through the door. I caught myself, but not before I heard the twins laugh. Soon I was listening with an odd sense of satisfaction as Gimli had the conversation of 'to go, or not to go'. He eventually decided in the favor of the former, muttering about how he would never hear the end of it from Legolas.
Feeling my way through the darkness, I suddenly screamed as something brushed against my hand. Even with my elven eyesight, I could not see two inches from my nose.
"Something is touching me!"
I screeched again as someone grasped my hand.
"It was only Elladan."
"If that was Elladan... who are you?', I muttered shakily.
A light flickered and the other twin's face appeared.
"You do not like the dark, do you?"
"Nope!"
He shook his head.
"Honestly, penneth! Remind me why I allowed you to come?"
"Because you love me and my hair looks nice?"
I swear I saw his eyes roll as he firmly grasped my hand in his own.
"Come. We must not become separated from the others. Because, believe it or not, I am not overly fond of the dark myself."
More lights began to flicker up ahead as the rangers began kindling their own torches. Mist swirled around our bodies, and it wasn't the kind that smelled like spring rain either. This smelled... fouler, obviously. I crinkled my nose as I began to see the green tinted fog take different shapes. My hold on Elrohir's hand tightened.
"Ouch!', he hissed.
"Sorry!', I yelped.
"It's all right. Perhaps you should just loosen your grip?"
I hurriedly did as I was told, though I did step closer to him as I did so.
"The very warmth of my blood seems stolen away.', Gimli whispered stiffly.
My thoughts exactly...
"Are you alright?"
I turned to look at Elrohir's worried face.
"Yeah, as well as I can be anyway. Why?"
"Your hands are cold."
Had I been watching closely I would have seen Legolas falter slightly.
"So?"
"It is not a trait of the Eldar to become cool to the touch. Perhaps I should take back to Rive—"
"I'm fine!"
"Do not listen to her. She did not sleep well last night, nor the night before. I do not believe she has rested well since..."
Legolas was cut off when the voice rolled through the caverns and the torches were blown out by a draft that literally came from nowhere.
"Who dares to enter my domain?"
Shivering, I let out a small 'eep!' when an arm wound around my waist and held me close.
"The ghosts of men cannot harm us, Rielásse. They hold no threat for our race."
Elrohir's voice made me relax against his warm front.
"They're still a butt-load of creepers.', I answered with a humorless smile.
"One who will have your allegiance! I summon you to fulfill your oath!', Aragorn called in answer to Creepy Voice (a.k.a King of the Dead), the demand in his voice evident.
Silence. Silence. And oh look! More silence. As if things weren't creepy enough. Now I expect something to grab my ankle.
The future king of Gondor hung his head in defeat before straightening his slumped shoulders and marching onward.
"Where are we going?"
"The dead have not answered.', Legolas sadly murmured.
"Oh. Is that all? Those decomposed dummies will come around."
We walked until the a slit of sky appeared above us, looking to be sandwiched in-between two very tall rock faces. When the sky came into view we remounted our horses, and I once again rode with Elladan.
"The stars are out.', I observed.
"Aye. But it is still two hours until sunset.', Elladan reminded me.
Gimli looked extremely confused as he gazed up.
"I get it!', I smiled. "It's like when you look up a chimney during the day! It is still daylight, but you can see the stars."
"Exactly.', my brother laughed.
Legolas turned his head to speak to Gimli when he paused, his eyes glittering at something behind us.
Elladan followed his line of vision and I tried to do the same, but he gently turned my head away.
"Do not look.', he whispered.
I nodded dumbly, waiting for someone to explain.
"The Dead are following. I see the shapes of men and of horses, and pale banners like shreds of cloud, and spears like winter thickets on a misty night. The Dead are following."
Legolas sounds like he is telling a ghost story. Perhaps he is... Stop thinking, Riley. You are making it worse.
"Yes.', Elladan said. "The Dead have been summoned."
"Not. Helping.', I mumbled as I shrunk against him. He gave a light laugh, tousling my hair.
"Do not fear, little one. They cannot harm you."
"How come that doesn't make me feel any better?"
The procession of horses, rangers, elves, and the odd dwarf out suddenly paused as Aragorn leapt of of his mount and stood beside... a tall globe buried halfway underground? I still don't know exactly what happened after that, but it sounded like Aragorn had blown a horn or something.
"Darn it. We reached the stone thingy haven't we?"
"I believe it is called the Stone of Erech. It is the place where—', Elrohir began to explain.
"Now is not the time for a history lesson!', I snapped, almost hugging Elladan, who gave me a bemused smile as the green floaty people... floated?... beside us to stand before Aragorn.
"Why have you come, Oathbreakers?"
"We come to fulfill our oath.', Creepy Voice answered.
Finally. Let's get out of here!