Ok…here we go! Back by popular demand. This chapter is dedicated to NaruVamp for the input and suggestion. I give you the revised edition of chapter 7, now with two more pages of Legoawsomeness!(yes…I made that word up just now:p) and a totally new shocker! I know…double the pleasure, double the fun!
Chapter 7
Ariana opened her eyes. Her vision was badly blurred and despite her best efforts, she could not bring herself to focus. Her nose was filled with the foul aroma of sulfur and burning earth. It invaded her senses almost to the point of nausea. It was then that she realized she was lying on a stone floor. Her fingers slowly traced the gritted grooves between the large pieces of polished glass-like stones she quickly realized to be obsidian. Ariana' mind went reeling as she sat upright, surveying her surroundings. She was in a dimly lit room, a few black candles and the reddish glow from a stone archway kept the space from complete darkness. The room reminded her almost of a medieval dungeon.
She struggled through the haze of sudden consciousness, trying to remember where she was. What had been her last memories before she had been overwhelmed by sleep? There had been a battle…the battle of Helms Deep, she recalled faintly…and…and they had won…and then…pain…a pain she had never before experienced. She sat up slowly, only to feel cold iron fetters clasped around her ankles and wrists. She stood and realized at that moment that she was chained to the spot. As she glanced around in search of some escape a faint glimmer caught her attention. Atop a stone pedestal across from her sat two large, glimmering jewels. Each sat suspended in mid-air by what Ariana assumed was a massive amount of power. She recognized them for what they were at once…two of the three Sillmarils. She struggled against the chains that held her in place, attempting to break free. She tried to spread her wings only to find that they too had been bound.
"How entertaining your effort is to watch," came a calm, cold voice from across the room. Ariana' eyes locked with her captors' and a low growl escaped her now clenched teeth. "That seems a rather rude welcome for your future king," he said with a smirk. Ariana spat at her captors feet.
"You will never be king…I will not allow it," she yelled.
"You know…I don't think you are in the position to threaten anyone, least of all me". Ariana glanced in the direction of the Sillmarils. Aden followed her glance and a cruel smile found his lips once more. "I see you have stumbled upon my little collection…just one more Sillmaril and I shall rule all of Middle Earth…and you…you shall be the…cherry…on top of my collection Ariana…but first I wish to sample my prize". Aden walked casually over to her before reaching out to caress her cheek. Ariana snapped at him, almost daring him to touch her. Aden smiled maliciously and reached around, grabbing her by her hair, pulling her face to his. "Good…it's no fun if you don't fight back," he said evilly before forcing his mouth onto hers.
Ariana bit his bottom lip, tasting the warm blood as it dripped from his mouth, but this only elicited a low groan from his lips as he let his hands move to her thigh, roaming beneath her skirt. She struggled to move her body out of his reach, but for all of her effort, she only managed to make him break the kiss. Aden waved his hand and Ariana felt two things happen at once. First, the iron restrains fell from her ankles and wrists, and second, she was now being restrained by what could only have been described as an iron leash.
Ariana tried to pull away but Aden yanked on the iron chain and she stumbled forward into him. Aden caught her and thrust her, face first, up against the wall. "Weather you agree to it or not, you will submit to me Arianna. Now…you have no choice," he said through raged breathing. Ariana continued struggling as Aden's hands continued to travel over her body. He ripped at her skirt until it was no longer a barrier between his hands and the bare skin of her thighs. She bucked her hips in an effort to remove his hands but it only excited him more. She felt so weak, she wasn't sure if her powers would work or not, but she vowed that she would not be taken against her will again…she was no God damned damsel in distress. She let the heat begin to rise from within her. Within moments she was so hot that Aden jumped back from her, his hands burning.
Ariana slid down the wall, grabbing up her skirt and tying it back around her waist. Aden looked as though he were about to round on her again, when a low horn blew in the distance. He looked away from Ariana , off into the distance, towards Minas Tirith. Aden waved his hand and the chain that was attached to the restraint on her neck locked into the ground, Again gluing her to the spot.
"Don't worry my love…I shall return to finish what I started soon…there is just the small matter of destroying a city to attend to," he said with a smirk. He crossed the room and with a flourish of his cape, he was gone. Ariana pounded the floor with her fist, cracking the obsidian under her hand. Tears gushed from her eyes, and for that moment she could have been a scared little child.
She looked toward the balcony, out over the scorched landscape of Mordor, to the west, where light still glimmered past the jagged mountains and sobbed. She had failed all those who had counted on her to lead them out of this darkness. How ironic, she thought; that her life would end in darkness, when it had been her charge to bring light. She curled up in the far corner of the room and placed her head on her knees.
"Legolas…Legolas I'm sorry…please…if you can still hear me…I love you," she spoke through sobs. Her eyes grew heavy, the room began to blur, and then, thankfully, everything went black.
The night was waning over Edoras as Gimli made his way out into the rush of cool night air. There, at the far end of the golden hall's stone terrace stood Aragorn, arms crossed, head raised toward the veiled sky.
"Are ya sure we should have let the elf go alone?," Gimli asked gruffly. "I mean…well…not that I'm worried about the lad or anything, but well…it's Mordor," He continued sheepishly, not wishing to show his true concern for the elf. Aragorn sighed deeply, watching his breath, a gentle wisp of white steam, deliquescing on the night air.
"He did what he must…and so shall we. It would be an elf that made it through the black gates undetected…and in any case, we are needed here-". Aragorn's words trailed off in the on slot of screams that came from the golden hall. Aragorn and Gimli rushed back into the chamber. Gandalf was awake and still trying to make sense of the commotion. Pippin was writhing on the floor, screeching in inexplicable agony, the lost seeing stone of Isengaurd clutched tightly in his hands. Aragorn rushed to Pippin's side and freed the palantír from Pippin's grasp. The instant Aragorn's hands touched the stone his eyes rolled up into his head and he fell to the floor, his grip on the stone relinquished, the palantír rolled across the floor. Gandalf grabbed a cloak and threw it over the seeing stone. Merry had rushed to Pippin's side and was yelling his name frantically.
"Fool of a Took!," yelled Gandalf gruffly. He pushed Merry away and bent over a now frozen and shocked Pippin. Gandalf chanted something under his breath, while touching the hobbit's forehead. Pippin immediate woke from his nightmarish stupor panting and looking utterly horrified.
"Look at me," Gandalf commanded.
Pippin, who had now started to cry, turned his face to Gandalf, eyes closed, and muttered softly "Forgive me Gandalf,"
"Look at me. What did you see?," Gandalf pressed. Pippin turned his face away from Gandalf's but Gandalf turned Pippin's face back to face his.
"A tree. A white tree. In a courtyard of stone. It was dead!," Pippin cried hoarsely. "The city was burning,". he continued weakly. "Minas Tirith. Is that what you saw?," asked Gandalf urgently. "I saw...I saw him! I can hear his voice in my head," yelled Pippin in horror. "What did you tell him? Speak!," Gandalf commanded more forcefully. "He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me," he cried in gasps. "What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?," asked Gandalf gravely. "There was no lie in Pippin's eyes," Gandalf explained to the group, now standing tensely in the golden hall. "A fool, but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the palantír a glimpse of the Enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing. He knows the Heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as he supposed. There is courage still…strength, perhaps enough to challenge him. Sauron fears this. He will not risk the peoples of Middle-earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of Men. If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war,".
"Tell me; why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?" asked king Théoden tersely.
"I will go," said Aragorn boldly. "No," said Gandalf. "They must be warned!" "They will be!," Gandalf said, leaning in to speak privately with Aragorn. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river, look to the black ships." he said quietly before turning to face the others." Understand this, things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone." he said, his gaze moving in Pippin's direction.
Legolas moved silently along the jagged cliffs and peaks that rimmed Mordor East of the black gate. At first Legolas had not known of a surreptitious route into Mordor that would have him go undetected through the waste land between the bordering mountains and the tower of Barad-dur; yet it came to pass that as he had crossed the Argonath the Sillmaril began to glow with an almost inner light. As this happened Ariana' voice filled his mind. She was sobbing and her voice seemed all but defeated, but through the sobs he could hear her words. "Legolas…Legolas, I'm sorry…if you can still hear me…I love you,". In that moment Legolas' heart both ached and soared.
Her pain was his pain, yet the knowledge that she lived and that she not only needed him but loved him still, gave him resolve to rescue her, even if it cost him his life. It was then that the stone in the ring that graced his finger began to act almost as a compass, guiding him to a secluded part of the mountains due east of the black gates. Now he was perched noiselessly atop one of many jagged cliffs, looking down into the vast wastes of Mordor. In the distance stood the Tower of Barad-dur, The fiery eye of Sauron suspended between the tower's two spires. "I'm coming Ariana" he said softly to himself. The earth shook below him, yet he stood, immovable in he face of destruction.
Pippin stood in his room. The armor of the Guards of the Citadel lay upon his bed. Gandalf stood by the balcony door, gazing into the distance.
"So I imagine this is just a ceremonial position. I mean, they don't actually expect me to do any fighting, do they?," asked the hobbit as he examined the armor and sword. "You're in the service of the steward now. You're going to have to do as you're told, Peregrin Took, Guard of the Citadel," said Gandalf in an uncharacteristically sarcastic manner. Pippin sighed before walking over to join Gandalf at the balcony. "It's so quiet," he said as he looked out into the gloomy night, illuminated only by the sporadic flashes of reddish light that issued from mount doom. "It's the deep breath before the plunge," said Gandalf warily. "I don't want to be in a battle, but waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse," said Pippin, unnerved by the thought of waiting to be attacked. "Is there any hope, Gandalf, for Frodo and Sam?," the hobbit asked. "There never was much hope...just a fool's hope," said Gandalf with a small wry smile which quickly vanished. "Our Enemy is ready, his full strength gathered. Not only Orcs, but Men as well. Legions of Haradrim from the south. Mercenaries from the coast. All will answer Mordor's call. This will be the end of Gondor as we know it. Here the hammer-stroke will fall the hardest. If the river is taken, if the garrison at Osgiliath falls, the last defense of this city will be gone," said Gandalf dejectedly. "But we have the White Wizard, that's got to count for something. Gandalf?," Pippin asked hopefully.
Gandalf turned his gaze to the ominous peaks in the distance that stood black as pitch but visible in the reddened glow of the distance volcano. "Sauron has yet to release his deadliest servant. The one who will lead Mordor's armies in war. The one they say no living Man can kill. The Witch-king of Angmar. You've met him before. He stabbed Frodo on Weathertop. He is the lord of the Nazgûl, the greatest of the Nine. Minas Morgul is his lair,".
As if in response to Gandalf's evaluation of Sauron's might, the ground beneath them began to shake. The tremor was followed by two second of what seemed to be a collapsing silence; at once followed by a bright green pillar of light that seemed to emanate from Minas Morgul.
"We come to it at last. The great battle of our time. The board is set. The pieces are moving," said Gandalf with resigned finality. Peregrin Took, my lad, there is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth. You must not fail me," Said Gandalf looking towards the watchtower of Amon Din. Pippin, following Gandalf's gaze, was met with a moment of clarity and understanding. He turned from Gandalf and hurried towards the beacon tower. Pippin climbed to the top of the beacon, and with some effort, dumped the viscous oil on the wood before setting the beacon aflame. He stood there for moment a self-congratulatory look on his face at the wonderful job he had done, yet quickly realized that it wasn't particularly clever to stay on a lit pile of wood, and began climbing back down the tower. The soldiers guarding the beacon realized it was lit almost immediately, but by this time it was to late to do anything about it. Even then the beacons between Gondor and Rohan were being lit, one by one. "Hope is kindled," said Gandalf with a slow smile. Many miles away, Aragorn sat smoking a pipe in the outer barracks of Edoras. By chance he happened to look towards the distant mountains and saw the flickering of a flame amongst the mountain peaks. The beacon had been lit. He ran as swiftly as his legs could carry him through the city, up the palace stairs and threw open the doors of the golden hall. "The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!," he said breathlessly, looking to King Théoden. Théoden looked up from the map he had been studying as Éowyn ran into the hall, standing next to Éomer. Everyone was silent, watching and waiting for Théoden's reaction. Théoden paused for only a moment before proclaiming "And Rohan will answer!".
Éowyn and Éomer let out the breaths they had been holding in anticipation and looked at each other with grim satisfaction; relief clearly written on their faces. "Muster the Rohirrim!" Théoden commanded. "Assemble the Men at Dunharrow, as many Men as can be found. You have two days. On the third, we ride for Gondor…and war.
Legolas waited for nightfall before he began his decent into Mordor. Stealthily, he navigated the jagged outcroppings of rock, careful not to draw unwanted attention. He had descended the cliffs in a part of the range which was not found on any map, for no one had traveled so far to the east, so close to the domain of Sauron, and lived to tell about it. A much smaller range linked the mountains surrounding Mordor to the base of Barad-Dur. This was Legolas' route, though he worried he would not be in time to prevent Aden's plans from coming to fruition. He looked out at the seemingly endless expanse of range that now stood between him and Arianna.
His heart was heavy with despair. Even an elf could not navigate this terrain and still make good time. It had already taken three days to travel this far undetected. If he was to reach Ariana in time to help the peoples of Gondor he would need help...he would need…to fly. The ring on his slender finger glowed faintly. He lifted the ring to his lips and closed his eyes tightly. "If it is in your power, grant me swift passage to rescue her," he whispered to the ring. Immediately the glow in the ring subsided. Legolas was worried for a moment that it was not possible for his request to be answered…then a pain, the likes of which Legolas hand never before experienced shot through his spine. He dropped to the ground, writhing in silent agony for a long minute, felling the muscles in his back twist and contort into a strange new form. When at last the pain had subsided Legolas stood shakily.
With much effort he worked the new muscles in his back and unfurled a pair of dark brown wings. His wings seemed much larger Than Ariana's…more masculine in some imperceptible way. Legolas stretched his massive wings and took flight, it was the most exhilarating feeling he had ever known, second only to a not so distant night in Rohan when his love had returned his affections. Thoughts of Ariana seemed to lend more strength to his wings and with a downward glide, he swept toward Barad-Dur, flying on the wings of a dark angel.
Ariana sat curled up tightly in the corner of the darkened room. She felt her strength waning as the hours crept past. She had no idea of the day or time. All recollection of a time and place outside of this hell had been all but forgotten. She knew not of the fate of her friends, or of the ring of power, nor had she seen anyone since Aden had left her here in this prison, save an orc, who now and again came bearing food, which she declined in her last desperate attempt to defy the master of this lightless abyss. Her hair was matted and crusted with dirt and filth. Dirt smudged her face and her white gown had been reduced to worn, yellowing taters. She felt a sense of venerability that she had never felt in her life. She was racked with guilt that she had failed in her quest and paralyzed with fear that at any moment she would hear a sudden uproar of triumph from the massive hoard of orcs below, by which point she wouldn't care if Aden returned to finish what he had begun. At that moment she heard soft foot falls in the corridor outside the room. She curled as deep into the corner as she could, put her head in her lap and waited. Tears streamed down her face as she heard the door creak open.
The footfalls entered, then stopped in the middle of the room. She didn't hear him approach, but when a hand touched the back of her shoulder she jerked away and lifted a hand to strike the monster who had done this to her. Instead a gentle hand caught her wrist before putting her hand to his face. Ariana raised her head to meet his gaze and her heart skipped so many beats she thought she might flat line where she sat. In place of the cold amber eyes of the man she had been expecting, where the azure blue eyes and soft features of Legolas.
Ariana couldn't contain herself; she threw her arms around him and began to sob uncontrollably. His arms encircled her and held her close to him. They embraced each other for a long moment before Legolas pulled back from Ariana. He released her from her chains and unbound her wings. Once freed, he pulled back from her once more, holding her tear-stained face between his hands. He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips; as if she might shatter with even the slightest show of force. He kissed her cheeks and forehead in much the same manner before burying his face in her neck. "Aden…did he try to hurt you again?" he asked tensely. Ariana choked back a small sob and quietly nodded her head. Legolas had to fight to keep his hatred for Aden from pouring out of him…not when they were in such a perilous position. This was not the place to release his loathing for the man; not with Ariana so weak and defenseless. Ariana was his sole concern at the moment…he would have to bide his time until he came face to face with his love's tormentor… then, he told himself, his twin blades would make short and messy work of the monster. Legolas put one arm around Ariana' waist and put her arm over his shoulder. She acquiesced and Legolas helped her gingerly to her feet.
Once Ariana was standing Legolas examined the state she was in. her skirt had been torn to shreds and had been tied back together in haste. Yellowish bruises marred her left cheek, neck, arms and thighs. She looked thin, beleaguered, and there was a fear in her eyes unlike anything he had ever seen. His hatred for Aden had grown to dominate every other emotion he had ever felt, save his love for the girl he now held in his arms. Ariana leaned into him, placing her free hand on his chest. She inhaled his sent and her body began to relax a bit. Legolas placed his hand over hers and leaned down to kiss the top of her head. That was when Ariana saw it. Upon his finger was a golden ring, inset with a white jewel that seemed to be glowing faintly.
"The Sillmaril…," Arianna said with weak sigh. "I thought I had lost it…or that Aden had taken it,"
"It fell from your head when you were taken. When I took it from the ground it transformed into a ring…it helped me find you…it gave me these," Legolas trailed off, motioning to his back. It was then that Ariana noticed Legolas' dark brown wings, made almost invisible by the dim light. Her eyes widened to dinner plates as she stroked them and startled when they twitched beneath her fingers. Legolas took her free hand and removing the ring from his finger he placed it on one of hers. The moment the ring was in place a brilliant flash of white filled the room. Legolas backed away from Ariana, blinded by the radiant glow. After a moment the glow subsided enough for him to make out Ariana's form. The ring dissolved in a shower of sparkles.
The stone had blossomed into a glittering, multi faceted starburst flower, now set into Arianna's brow. Her bruises had disappeared and her clothing had been restored. In place of her soot-stained corset was a white sleeveless tunic, cinched in place by a silver bodice. Equally shimmering leggings ended beneath white, leathery boots, laced to the knee with silver thread. Her long hair was pulled back into a thick braid that rested at her lower back. The glow of the jewel faded and Arianna's eyes rolled up into her head as she collapsed onto the floor, Legolas' catching her mid fall and lowering her into his lap. He cradled her in his arms tenderly, his free hand lifting a few loose strands of hair from her face. Arianna's eyes fluttered, then slowly opened. She lifted her hand tentatively to touch her forehead. "Huh…well that's going to be a conversation starter," she said with a small smile. Legolas shook his head in frustration.
"The dart that pierced you at Helm's Deep was tipped with poison. I need to get you to back to Edoras to heal you properly," he said seriously. Arianna looked at him questioningly.
"Edoras? Legolas, we have to get to Minas Tirith. Aden and Sauron are preparing to attack . The people of Gondor need us-". Ariana paused, her eyes glazing over in deep concentration. "Actually, we can't leave. This story isn't going to end the way it's supposed to…Aden knows the hobbit's movements as well as I and he would have set a trap for them to prevent the ring of power from being destroyed,"
"Only Sauron can wield the ring. Why would he wish it to survive if he truly plans to destroy Sauron himself? What use does he have for it?". Ariana's brow creased in frustration. There had to be something she was missing. She thought through every encounter she and Aden had had since she had come to this world. Her dreams of destruction, of him searching for something...a means to an end. She knew the legend of the three stones; one cast into the bowels of the earth, one cast into the sea, and one taken to the stars. Ariana had assumed that the Sillmaril Galadriel had given her was the one that the Valar had made a star, since the other two were lost. It occurred to her that just because the other two were lost didn't mean she and Aden couldn't reclaim them…after all, they were the ones with almost unlimited power. How hard would it be for him to search an ocean or chasm…and if it was this easy to reunite the Sillmarils…then…?. Her eyes grew wide and she gasped loudly, causing Legolas to jump in surprise. " What is it?"
"I know why Aden wants the ring,"
"Tell me,"
"He wants to free Morgoth from the veil between this world and mine…he wants to take Morgoth's power and use it to cross back over into our world,". Legolas backed up in shock.
"That's impossible…the only way he could free Morgoth is by uniting all three Silmarils…and you posses the only jewel that wasn't lost,"
"He's been looking for the others…and he has found them," Ariana motioned to the pedestal at the other end of the room. Legolas followed her motion and froze. "I've seen in my dreams what he had planned for Middle Earth…they neglected to show me his master scheme. The Valar gave me this Sillmaril to protect it from Aden," She said, touching the jeweled flower at her temple once more. "That's why Aden wanted me so badly. He wishes to use me to help him find the last Sillmaril. He doesn't know I have it because the Sillmarils lie outside the boundaries of second sight. We can't see objects made by the Valar. If…when I refuse to help him locate it he plans to ask for a trade…the ring of power and my friends' lives for the final Sillmaril,".
"But why would he think he could command Morgoth? It makes no sense,"
"He's overestimating his power. He thinks he can destroy Morgoth and take Morgoth's power for his own. If he succeeds he will destroy this world and mine. If he fails Morgoth will be free and will once again posses the Sillmarils…I've got to stop him,". Legolas grimaced and bore her up to face him.
"Ariana, you can't possibly expect me to let you fight him alone. Not in this condition. Not ever. I wont lose you again. I can't lose you again," he said gruffly. Ariana kissed him softly on the lips, then pulled back.
"Legolas, if we don't fight this world will end," she said calmly. Legolas lowered his head.
"If I lose you again…my world will end," he whispered. Ariana threw her arms around him and held him close.
"You can't lose me…I'm yours until the ending of the world…which may be in the next 24 hours if I do nothing,". Legolas was silent for along moment, embracing her before getting to his feet.
"Do I have a choice?," he asked.
"None whatsoever," Ariana replied with a wry smile. Legolas helped her to her feet and looked around the room.
"I'm pretty sure Aden's minions will notice a winged elf carrying a girl out of this place," said Legolas with a halfhearted smirk.
"Not if we are invisible," said Ariana, letting out a small sigh. "I think I have enough energy for that. "Take my hand,". Legolas did as commanded and a moment later the darkened room was deserted.
"Tell the Men to break cover. We ride for Minas Tirith," yelled Faramir. The battle had begun in the still of the night and now hordes of orcs were streaming through Osgiliath, the Nazgûl and fellbeasts circling the city from above.
"Fall back! Fall back to Minas Tirith!," Cried Faramir in retreat. Faramir and the soldiers mounted their horses and began to flee from the city in haste. The maddened sound of frantic hooves shook the ground as the men of Gondor continued their headlong flight from Osgiliath. Dark shadows swept the ground as above them, the Nazgûl darted in and out, pick off horses and riders alike as the men made there escape. In the far distance, the gates of Minas Tirith opened releasing a white horse and rider; galloping swiftly towards the fleeing riders. "It's the White Rider!," called one of the soldiers Gandalf and Pippin, mounted upon Shadowfax, rode towards the retreating army. As they neared the Men of Gondor, Gandalf raised his staff; and pure, white light issued forth, driving the Nazgûl back. Gandalf turned and fell in at the head of the company as they withdrew into Minas Tirith. "Mithrandir! They broke through our defenses. They've taken the bridge and the west bank. Battalions of Orcs are crossing the river," said Faramir breathlessly. "It is as the Lord Denethor predicted! Long has he foreseen this doom!," shouted one of the Gondorian soldiers. "Foreseen and done nothing!" snapped Gandalf. As he turned around atop Shadowfax, he revealed Pippin who was sitting in front of him. Faramir stared at Pippin, who upon noticing Faramirs' gaze, lowered his face. Gandalf noticed the exchange and looked from pippin to Faramir. "Faramir? This is not the first Halfling to have crossed your path?,". It was more of a statement than a question."No," replied Faramir. At this Pippin looked up, his face brightening.
"You've seen Frodo and Sam!," the hobbit exclaimed. Faramir nodded at Pippin.
"Where? When?" asked Gandalf.
"In Ithilien, not two days ago,". Pippin and Gandalf traded looks of relief, though the feeling was short lived. "Gandalf, they've taken the road to the Morgul Vale," Faramir continued. The smile on Gandalf's face faded as the Capitan's words pierced his thoughts. He looked at the Capitan, eyes filling with worry. "And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol?," Gandalf questioned. Faramir nodded silently.
"What does that mean? What's wrong?," asked Pippin, thoroughly confused about the change in the two men's faces.
Gandalf's brow furrowed in understanding and concern "Faramir, tell me everything,". _
WoopWoop! It took three full days and a lot of rewriting…but it is finish…sort of…my rewrite of Wings Of an Angel! Expect a new chapter up next Sunday or Monday!