Disclaimer: Guess what? No, nothing to do with the hindquarters of poultry. But nice try. I have no claim on any of Tolkien's works, or plots and characters therein. Additionally, anything created by New Line Cinema is safe from my clutches as well. However, I do own Kate and Almira, plus a few other OC's. I have quite the cast forming. All B list though.
Author's Note: Okay, so a lot to cover. I am sure the few readers I have left are up in arms at my extended absence. However, I urge you to put down your pitchforks because we're online and thus you cannot really storm my residence in protest. Furthermore, I am going to make amends with this chapter and others, as well as an explanation. This year was my senior year of college and working on my thesis and my other classes kept me out of commission on Fanfiction. On top of that, first semester my family found out my mother had a tumor that was most likely cancerous and had to be removed. No worries, she is doing well and is cancer free. But I believe you can see I had quite a lot on my plate that affected my writing. Since I have graduated, I have more time to write and review. Hence the changes you will notice. Now before you freak out please heed this next statement: I have made only one major change which does not affect the plot. I have removed Legolas POV and re-written those parts from Kate's POV. Structurally and stylistically this strengthens this story and so I hope I have not disappointed too many of you. Otherwise, only minor details have changed. So that seems to be about all. Any questions, comments, concerns, please message me or leave a review (all constructive please). On to the long-awaited, probably forgotten story!
Chapter 32-Dark Road
We were not far beyond the mounds at the Fords of Isen when a Rider from the back of the line galloped up to the front.
"My lord," he said to the king, "there are horsemen behind us. As we crossed the fords I thought that I heard them. Now we are sure. They are overtaking us, riding hard." (1)
At once Théoden called us to a halt. Of course, everyone pulled out their weapons immediately. Except me, which earned me a hard stare from Legolas which I ignored. One, I was too tired to hold an object as heavy as my sword. Two, I knew what, well who, was coming and they were not a threat. Aragorn dismounted and stood at the king's side. Merry was standing beside them as well and I could see how nervous he was. Gritting my teeth, I dismounted and moved to his side. I squeezed his shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile when he looked up at me. Legolas had not been more than a breath behind me and stood protectively at my side, however he seemed more curious than concerned. The sound of hoofs could be heard and the glint of moonlight on spears gave an indication of the number of our pursuers.
They weren't too far off when Éomer cried in a loud voice, "Halt! Halt! Who rides in Rohan?" (1)
They brought their horses to a sudden halt and shortly a horseman dismounted and approached cautiously. Despite his gesture of peace, the atmosphere was still extremely tense. Understandably, everybody was extremely paranoid by now. I had even started sleeping with a weapon under my pillow and the rest within arm's reach. He stopped about ten paces from us. The stranger was cloaked, so about the only thing we could tell about him was that he was tall. Then he spoke.
"Rohan? Rohan did you say? That is a glad word. We seek that land in haste from long afar." (1)
"You have found it," said Éomer. "When you crossed the fords yonder you entered it. But it is the realm of Théoden the King. None ride here save by his leave. Who are you? And what is your haste?" (1)
"Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the North I am," cried the man and I saw Aragorn's face light up like a kid's on Christmas morning. "We seek one Aragorn son of Arathorn, and we heard that he was in Rohan." (1)
"And you have found him also!" cried Aragorn, who ran forward and embraced Halbarad in one of those manly man bear hugs, complete with back pats. "Halbarad!" he said. "Of all joys this is the least expected!" (1) Everyone seemed to relax a little and Merry sheathed his sword.
"All is well," said Aragorn, turning back. "Here are some of my own kin from the far land where I dwelt. But why they come, and how many they be, Halbarad shall tell us." (1)
"I have thirty with me," said Halbarad. "That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, desiring to go to the war. We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came." (1) Legolas turned to me excitedly when the twins were announced and I shared his smile.
"But I did not summon you," said Aragorn, "save only in wish. My thoughts have often turned to you, and seldom more than tonight; yet I have sent no word. But come! All such matters must wait. You find us riding in haste and danger. Ride with us now, if the king will give his leave." (1)
Théoden was smiling in what looked to be relief. In times like these, the more the merrier was our personal motto. "It is well!" he said. "If these kinsmen be in any way like yourself, my lord Aragorn, thirty such knights will be a strength that cannot be counted by heads." (1)
Those of us who dismounted, returned to our mounts and we set out again. Aragorn went to ride with the Dunedain, and Legolas and I kept our distance so he could reacquaint himself with his kin. We would speak to the twins once we halted to make camp. It was near dawn when we finally reached the Hornburg, where it was decided we could rest for a while and the important people could discuss our next steps. Legolas was at my side mere seconds after we had stopped.
"I don't think it's humanly, well elvenly possible to move that fast," I stated bemusedly as he helped me down off Braith.
"Maybe he's a demi-god," Almira mused.
"Do not say such things to him," Elladan said as he and Elrohir joined us. "He will become insufferable." Legolas rolled his eyes as they exchanged a quick hug for greeting. After Elrohir had done the same, they turned to me and hugged me gently.
"Are you well?" Elrohir asked after he had released me and they had greeted Almira. Both he and Elladan were staring at me with the discerning gaze of a healer, and I knew they already knew the answer to their question making it more of a courtesy.
"I received a knife wound in my thigh at this very spot and have had very little time since then to rest," I explained wearily. Legolas was once again standing at my side and I was leaning against him gratefully.
"I sutured it and have changed her dressings as often as I can, endeavoring to keep the wound as clean as possible. But my supply of herbs and medicants is extremely limited," Legolas continued.
The twins had been nodding thoughtfully since they recovered from their shock at the revelation of my injury. "We can make a poultice that should reduce any swelling, prevent infection and encourage the wound to close; as well as a particularly strong healing draught that will put you into a nice deep sleep," Elladan claimed. They set to work while Legolas and Almira set up our bedrolls and prepared a cold meal. I was forced to sit by and do nothing, which I did wonderfully. The twins returned a few moments after we finished eating, and looked at Legolas in amusement as he remained staunchly by my side.
"Would I be correct in assuming you will see to your lady?" Elrohir asked in a teasing tone.
Legolas blushed faintly and because of that glared ever so slightly at the twins. "Indeed," he said briefly, holding out a hand peremptorily for the poultice.
Elladan smiled at him mischievously. "We shall be timing you," he asserted as he placed the poultice in Legolas' hand. Elrohir simply winked as he handed me the healing draught and I grinned.
"Be gone you rogues," Legolas commanded and turned twinkling eyes on me. "They are incorrigible," he murmured lowly.
"We heard that," Elrohir and Elladan called as they went and joined Almira. I laughed, which felt good.
"I missed that sound," Legolas said as he set to changing my bandage, and I looked at him tenderly before taking the healing draught.
When he was done, he helped me stand. I moved close to him, pressing a soft kiss to his neck and he went utterly still. "I have missed a great many things," I stated lowly, believing I was leaning into him seductively, however he was really the only thing keeping me upright. I slid my hands up his chest and into his hair.
"I need to find out what our friends put in that healing draught," Legolas muttered, and I could hear the amusement limning his voice.
"It's fantastic," I slurred and sloppily kissed Legolas. He started smiling through the kiss, sliding one hand into my hair to steady me.
"I concur," Legolas murmured when we broke apart. I gave him a goofy smile then pressed my face into his shoulder. The last thing I remembered were my feet leaving the ground and a floating sensation.
I awoke to someone shaking me. Groggily I sat up and blinked in confusion. "Where am I? What's going on?"
Light laughter reached my ears. "We are at the Hornburg. It is almost time for the midday meal."
"Almira?" Her head swam into view and I blinked her into focus. "That was glorious. I feel so much better."
"Then up you get." She helped me up and I took a few experimental steps.
"What did they put in that drink?" I asked amazed. "I feel ten times better. It's surreal."
"I have no idea. However you can ask them when we get to the midday meal."
Taking the hint, I started for the hall. I still had a slight limp, prompting Almira to remain close to me, but the deep sleep the twins' draught had induced had renewed me and my mood was not so somber. Not like it would last since we would shortly be encountering Casper's evil twin, but I could appreciate the brief moment of peace.
We entered the hall and Legolas waved me over to where he was sitting with Gimli, the twins and the rest of the Dunedain. We weaved our way through the tables towards them.
"Where's Merry?" Almira asked.
"Moving on up in the world," I said and nodded towards Merry who was sitting with Théoden at the high table.
"We're going to lose him too, aren't we?" she asked sadly.
"For a time," I answered lowly as we drew near the table. "For a time."
Legolas scooted over slightly and I took a seat next to him. He slid a plate towards me and I gave his thigh a squeeze. He grinned. "You seem to be feeling better."
"Indeed," I do. I turned to Elladan and Elrohir. "And I have you to thank for it."
"Me too," Legolas said with a wink at me. I quirked a brow. "You were very affectionate," he explained. The rest of the table's occupants laughed as I blushed. Legolas leaned over and kissed one flaming cheek and I gave up laughing. How could I resist him? He was relieved I was feeling better, which meant he was smiling more, making him even more gorgeous and irresistible.
Lunch was the usual manly fare: meat and potatoes. I speared a potato and made a moan of pleasure with the first bite. "It's nice to see some thing's cross the boundaries of time and space."
"What do you mean, lass?" Gimli asked as the others cast curious glances my way.
I gestured to our plates. "Meat and potatoes, pretty standard fare for the race of man, even where I'm from."
"Not to mention the beer," Almira added, wiggling the glass in her hands, before taking a swig.
"Do not remind me," Legolas said and pushed his ale towards Gimli who grabbed it hastily.
"Does barbeque exist here?" I asked and at their perplexed expressions answered my own question, "I'll take that as a no. Let's put that on our list of things to invent along with the power bar."
"There was something else I really wanted...what was it...oh yeah! Ice cream," Almira said.
"Good call. It's going on the list."
"Pizza too."
"Word. You know, I cannot believe some of this stuff has not been invented, like potato chips."
"Potato chips?" Elrohir queried.
"Potato slices fried in oil until they are crispy, which amounts to pure deliciousness," I explained.
"American food sounds quite tasty," Elladan said.
"It is, though most of it is quite the gut bomb, meaning it does a number on your stomach so it upsets it generally," I automatically explained.
"Major bummer," Almira chimed.
"Totally," I said in a valley girl accent starting us both giggling.
"You are passing strange sometimes, love," Legolas observed with a bemused grin, leaning over to press a quick kiss to my cheek.
"By default, so are you since you like me," I stated matter-of-factly.
"Indeed, your family will be shocked. A human girlfriend and dwarven best friend? Your father might pass out from shock when you are reunited," Elladan quipped.
"Cut it out. I am nervous enough as it is without thinking his parents are going to think I am some sort of freak of nature," I said sternly while Legolas gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze, though I noticed he did not contradict my statement.
"Mirkwood is simply less...diverse than Imladris," Elrohir explained and Legolas nodded.
"They might be surprised but they will just have to become accustomed to the idea. I love you," he said simply with a shrug and I went all gooey on the inside, smiling stupidly. "Besides, you are not entirely human anyway. Should you stay you would be elven like me, eliminating the possibility of me fading after your human life ran its course. Though I would like you to know it matters not to me, I would remain by your side immortal or not."
I took his hand and just looked at him for a moment while he smiled softly. What could I say to that? Of course, I would probably think of a billion things later but I was practically brain dead now from shock.
"Anyone else feel like they are trespassing here?" Almira asked. A chorus of "me's" made us roll our eyes.
"Way to ruin the moment," I muttered lowly nudging her shoulder good-naturedly before once again turning my attention to my meal. But his reaffirmation of his feelings for me and the unbelievable assertion that my mortality did not matter made me realize my decision had gone beyond difficult to practically impossible. I shoved it to the back of my mind. I had to survive first before I could have the luxury of freaking out about my choice. We finished our meal, chatting amiably for the duration. We stood as Théoden left the hall and exited into the sunshine, however we proceeded no farther.
"We will await Aragorn," Elrohir said.
"So shall we," said Legolas and Gimli nodded.
"Us too," I said.
"But where did he go?" Almira whispered to me in English.
"Remember in the third movie when he looked in the palantir?" At her confused expression, I elaborated, "That thing that looked like a giant glowing marble that allowed him to communicate with Sauron."
"Right, right the palantir. So...?"
"He spent lunch looking at it."
"Ohhhhhh. Okay. Now what?"
"The Paths of the Dead."
"Great. Casper on 'roids. Just what this needed."
"Tell me about it. Spooky specters are one of my biggest, albeit irrational, fears."
At that moment, Aragorn entered the hallway. Halbarad was with him. He walked right by us without a word and we just sort of followed. He was different. It was hard to say how, except that he looked like a king. Aragorn had always had a commanding presence but now it was on overdrive. He was still extremely grim, and the dark cloud hanging over him seemed to have grown. Éomer joined us as we approached the king.
We hung back slightly as Aragorn spoke with Théoden, but elven hearing, you know. We heard every word. "I am trouble in mind, lord," he said, standing by the king's horse. "I have heard strange words, and I see new perils far off. I have labored long in thought, and now I fear that I must change my purpose. Tell me, Théoden, you ride now to Dunharrow, how long will it be ere you come there?" (1)
"It is now a full hour past noon," said Éomer. "Before the night of the third day from now we should come to the Hold. The moon will then be one night past his full, and the muster that the king commanded will be held the day after. More speed we cannot make, if the strength of Rohan is to be gathered." (1)
Aragorn was silent for a moment. "Three days," he murmured, "and the muster of Rohan will only be begun. But I see that it cannot now be hastened." He looked up, and it seemed that he had made some decision; his face was less troubled. "Then, by your leave, lord, I must take new counsel for myself and my kindred. We must ride our own road, and no longer in secret. For me the time of stealth has passed. I will ride east by the swiftest way, and I will take the Paths of the Dead." (1)
"The Paths of the Dead!" said Théoden, and trembled. "Why do you speak of them?" Éomer turned to looked at Aragorn as were most of the Rohirrim. Their faces were pale and clearly frightened. (1)
"Well that's intimidating," I murmured. "It must be bad if the Vikings are terrified." Almira grunted in agreement.
"If there be in truth such paths," said Théoden, "their gate is in Dunharrow; but no living man may pass it." (1)
"Alas! Aragorn my friend!" said Éomer. "I had hoped that we should ride to war together; but if you seek the Paths of the Dead, then our parting is come, and it is little likely that we shall ever meet again under the Sun." (1)
"That road I will take, nonetheless," said Aragorn. "But I say to you, Éomer, that in battle we may yet meet again, though all the hosts of Mordor should stand between." (1)
"You will do as you will, my lord Aragorn," said Théoden. "It is your doom, maybe, to tread strange paths that others dare not. This parting grieves me, and my strength is lessened by it; but now I must take the mountain-roads and delay no longer. Farewell!" (1)
"Farewell, lord!" said Aragorn. "Ride unto great renown! Farewell, Merry! I leave you in good hands, better than we hoped when we hunted the orcs to Fangorn. Legolas and Gimli will still hunt with me, I hope; but we shall not forget you." (1)
"Goodbye!" said Merry. (1)
Théoden lifted his hand and with just a word the Riders departed. I kept my eyes on Merry and tried to still my worried mind, though I knew it was impossible. I would be plagued by what-is until we were re-united.
"There go three that I love, and the smallest not the least," Aragorn said to Halbarad. "He knows not to what end he rides; yet if he knew, he still would go on." (1)
"A little people, but of great worth are the Shire-folk," said Halbarad. "Little do they know of our long labor for the safekeeping of their borders, and yet I grudge it not." (1)
"And now our fates are woven together," said Aragorn. "And yet, alas! here we must part. Well, I must eat a little, and then we also must hasten away. Come, Legolas and Gimli! I must speak with you as I eat." (1)
Legolas and Gimli followed Aragorn into the Burg. Elladan looked at Almira and I slightly confused. "You do not accompany them?"
I shook my head. "Not usually. It is Aragorn's way of not placing us in an awkward situation given our unique position, I think," I explained obliquely, not wanting to say too much about our foreknowledge in front of the Rangers just in case. "He always informs us of his plans and the assumption is if we disagree we simply do not follow him or try and voice our concerns carefully."
Elladan nodded once, while Halbarad looked rather curious. However, no more words were spoken. We moved to where the Rangers were on the green waiting. We mounted up and awaited Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. They did not keep us long. Aragorn came striding out of the hall, all grim determination, with Gimli and Legolas in tow. They mounted and Halbarad lifted his horn and sounded a blast that echoed throughout Helm's Deep. Immediately we leapt away and sped quickly out of Helm's Deep.
Quickly we passed over the plain and managed to reach Edoras the next day during the afternoon, resting only briefly before continuing on to Dunharrow. It was twilight when we reached the hall and Éowyn greeted us kindly. She ushered our company into the hall bid us eat supper with her. Aragorn sat on her right and passed most of the meal conversing with her. It was a bit painful for me to watch because Éowyn could not quite hide her regard. I noticed the twins casting rather suspicious and none-too-friendly glances their way, and I kicked Elrohir, who was sitting across from me, to get his attention.
"Ouch!" he cried. "Whatever did I do to deserve that?"
"Besides glaring at our hostess and Estel?"
"I was not glaring," he sniffed.
"We are merely curious about this woman who seems to occupy so much of Aragorn's attention," Elladan supplied.
I sighed then lowered my voice and spoke in Elvish. "Admittedly it's a bit suspicious, and your big brother overblown protection mode is cute, but Aragorn has always been true to your sister. And while, perhaps, he could be a bit cooler to the Lady Éowyn he cannot be a complete jerkface just to make his lack of feelings obvious. That's just rude. Furthermore, the Lady Éowyn is going to get her heart ripped out and stomped on so judging her is just unnecessary," I finished. The twins looked slightly abashed and I felt kind of bad, but I really felt for Éowyn. Rejection sucks, and having experienced it, despite the different circumstances, made me sympathetic. Legolas patted my knee and the rest of supper passed in relative silence.
At last, Éowyn said: "Lords, you are weary and shall now go to your beds with such ease as can be contrived in haste. But tomorrow fairer housing shall be found for you." (1)
Aragorn gently told her it would not be necessary, and thus entered into a discussion about the course we would be taking. To say Éowyn was less than thrilled with Aragorn's decision is a bit of an understatement. Once again, to have someone so stoic pale at the idea was not reassuring and I felt my stomach do a funny little flop.
As if she could read my mind, Almira said, "I wish we did not have to keep hearing people try and convince us not to continue on our current course. It's a bit demoralizing."
I snorted. "To say the least."
Legolas looked at us oddly. "Do you fear the dead?" Legolas asked.
"Of course," I scoffed incredulously. "A jaunt to a haunted cave is the stuff nightmares are made of in my world. Aside from all the creepy stories of spooky specters from my world, being faced with one's own possible mortality is terrifying. I grew up human, eternity was an unknown for us. Being trapped in one place for the entirety of your afterlife is an unsettling idea."
Legolas looked thoughtful while the Rangers around us seemed to understand and it was kind of nice having some solidarity and the familiarity of the species I sort of was. The amount of time the twins had spent amongst men and their possible mortality seemed to give them an edge Legolas did not have in understanding mortal death. Eventually, we left the dining hall and made our way to where we would be sleeping. Almira and I had our own booth. Legolas and Gimli were bunking with Aragorn, and the twins had their own booth as well. We entered our tent to find a fresh change of clothes on our bed, complete with leggings and tunic. It gave me pause as I considered Éowyn's supportive gesture and perhaps vicarious desire.
"Awesome," Almira said, hugging the clothes to her. We each had a pitcher of water and cloth. I quickly took a hobo bath and changed into the provided nightgown before falling onto my bed gratefully. Barely a moment later there was tentative "May I enter?"
I cast a quick glance at Almira and she nodded her affirmation. I answered 'yes' and was greeted with the sight of Legolas. "How are you feeling?" he asked coming to sit on the side of my bed.
"Oh you know, sore stiff, tired, scared out of my mind. The usual."
He grinned and showed me the contents of his hands. "Then you will appreciate another dose of the twins' healing draught. Drink it while I change your bandages. We have been pushing you too hard. I have worried." He handed me the glass, before running a hand over my hair and I extended my leg while downing my drink.
"I think I shall just get a breath of fresh air, take a quick walk. Good for the constitution you know," Almira stated before beating a hasty retreat to the door.
Legolas and I shared a laugh before he set to work. By the time he finished, the medicine had already made me drowsy. I laid down slowly on my good side while Legolas shifted slowly to sit closer to me, one arm resting on the other side of my body. He sang to me softly while stroking my hair and I drifted into a remarkably peaceful sleep considering what was coming.
We were woken before dawn, and I dressed as the sky lightened softly. I exited our booth with Almira, and made our way to our horses who were with Legolas. He helped me into the saddle and we sat quietly awaiting Aragorn. As Aragorn was about to leap into the saddle, Éowyn approached dressed as a Rider and bearing a cup. She drank a little, wishing us good speed before passing the cup to Aragorn who drank as well then said, "Farewell, Lady of Rohan! I drink to the fortunes of your House, and of you, and of all your people. Say to your brother: beyond the shadows we may meet again!" (1)
I thought that last bit was a little callous, since it basically reduced her to a messenger, especially since she seemed to be crying.
However, it was hard to tell she was such a stoic. She just said: "Aragorn, wilt thou go?" (1)
"I will," he said. (1)
"The wilt thou not let me ride with this company, as I have asked?" (1)
"I will not, lady," he said. "For that I could not grant without leave of the king and of your brother; and they will not return until tomorrow. But I count now every hour, indeed every minute. Farewell!"
Then she fell on her knees, saying: "I beg thee!" (1) I averted my eyes. It was painful to see someone so ridiculously proud and absurdly brave begging.
"Nay, lady," he said, and taking her by the hand he raised her. (1) Then he kissed her hand, and sprang into the saddle, and off we went. Having spent nearly every day with him for the past few months, it was easy to read the pain in his eyes and expression.
The sun had not fully risen as we approached the Haunted Mountain and I felt my anxiety level increasing exponentially with each mile we rode. As we passed the ancient stones and came to the Dimholt, our entire company was shrouded in dread. Even Legolas was affected by the gloom of the black trees where the hollow in the mountain and a single mighty stone announced we had found the entrance.
"My blood runs chill," said Gimli but the rest of us remained silent. (1) I wish he had not voiced such a thing, regardless of the fact I felt the same, saying it out loud made it real. And I was desperately hoping this was a bad dream.
Our horses would not pass the menacing stone until we dismounted and gently led them forward. Finally we had reached the Dark Door, on its lintel were carved faint signs and figures and fear flowed from it like a cold breeze.
The company halted, terror gripping our hearts and giving us pause; all except Legolas who merely looked stern and relentless. It must be nice to have no fear of the ghosts of Men. I steeled myself and took comfort from the fact that I would be protected by someone who was completely unafraid and therefore unlikely to panic, which meant he had the best chance of surviving.
"This is an evil door," said Halbarad, "and my death lies beyond it. I will dare to pass it nonetheless; but no horse will enter." (1)
"But we must go in, and therefore the horses must go too," said Aragorn. "For if we ever come through this darkness, many leagues lie beyond, and every hour that is lost there will bring the triumph of Sauron nearer. Follow me!"
Aragorn strode forth, and the Riders and their faithful horses followed. It was hard not to. His confidence was practically magnetic. However, as we drew near the door, Arod and Braith refused to enter. Their fear was palpable and I was close to turning tail and getting the hell out of there as I had always trusted an animal's instincts.
"Courage, love," Legolas said as sensed my wavering.
"Easy for you to say Captain Stalwart," I muttered but followed his lead. Covering Braith's eyes, I sang softly to her. With Almira at my shoulder and Legolas in front of me, I passed into the dank dark.
(1) Passage quoted from LOTR: The Return of the King, Book Five: Chapter 2- The Passing of the Grey Company
