A/N: Okay, I promise this won't be as long winded as my last Author's Note. I just talk a lot so it carries over into my writing.
Okay, this is where I thank all of my reviewers....
Range: I'm glad that you think that my story is interesting and I try to give my made up character, Emily, as much depth as possible. I'm just still working on Tolkien's characters...
Asrielle: Yup, your right. The feast is going to be great. Read down and...ta da! The feast! Thank you for the song idea, I will definitely try and use it!
WeaselyTwinsLover1112: Hmm, you know, maybe I should put a warning on this story or something. I can't have you suffocating! I would never be able to live with myself. But I am ecstatic that you are laughing to damn hard at my story, I feel honored. No joke!
kurleyhawk2: Well, all I can say is that I am updating as fast as possible. I'm only human after all! But I will try and work in the song, but like I have said to others, I can't promise you anything. Thank you for reading!
LeopardDance: I think by now you have already gotten my email, so there is not a lot left to say other than I still owe you for all the compliments you have been giving me! Thanks bunches!
Fraz: I absolutely love your mini essay! You have my permission to write me one every time you review! I admit that I am not a big Buffy fan, but I will still look into that song that you recommended. I also recognize your advice about Emily singing at a feast or something, and yes, that is definitely major Mary-Sue territory, but as I am seeing that most people don't consider this story to be one, I think I will take my chances. Thank you for your concern nonetheless!
Mendy: I know, as I have been rereading my story, I have too noticed that Aragorn seems a bit slow. Oh well, I will have to fix that somewhere along the lines, but thank you for pointing it out for me!
bulldogchik05: Well you aren't the first person to tell me that a relative or friend is questioning your sanity over this story. Don't feel bad, I get it all the time! But thank you for taking the risk and reading, I appreciate it!
Cassie-bear01: I'm glad you are still loving it, I try!
moon scar: Thank you for the compliment.
Well, I didn't necessarily lie, per se, but it is a long Author's Note! I would still like feedback on my illustration idea. Please give me some!
Thanks for dealing with my ramblings, now the story!
*~*~*
I still couldn't believe it. Everyone was eating like it was no big deal. But then again, I tend to make a mole hill into a mountain, one of my hidden talents...
I reached over my plate and grabbed a particularly juicy apple that was sitting there. I was going to sit here and stuff myself so full that the Elves would have to roll me back to my room. Not only have I never seen that much food, but over the past while I had had next to nothing to eat. I was Porky Pig's namesake!
As I reached for the apple, I gave Gimli a perfect view of my bandaged hand. I looked and then he did a double take. It was hilarious.
"Do you see something that interests you? I just couldn't help but noticed how quickly your neck is able to do a ninety degree angle."
"What did you do to your hand?" he asked gruffly.
"Nothing."
"You must have done something, for there is a bandage around it. The Elves do not readily waste their supplies unless one is in dire need of it. Now, what did you do to your hand to warrant such a bandage."
He got everyone's attention at the table with his little speech, now they were all looking at me expectantly.
"Iwantedtaseethesharpsideofmasword. Happy?"
I turned back to my plate and started to chow down again.
"I could not understand a word that you were saying and I highly doubt that anyone else could either."
"Well, now you know what it feels like to talk to, now don't you?"
"I will not sit here and be insulted by some woman!"
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean! Just because I am a woman I can't insult you when you desperately need it? You goddamn sexist chauvinist pig!"
Gimli's face immediately went a beautiful cherry red and he started to growl deep in his throat.
"What? Speak up. I can't understand a word that you are saying!"
With a roar like a mad bull, Gimli lunged at my throat. But, luckily, Aragorn saw this coming and grabbed Gimli in a choke hold and deftly switched seats with him. That way Gimli would have to climb over Aragorn to get to me. I wasn't complaining, I mean that man desperately needed some anger management therapy.
"Well, I'm happy to see that you have taken my side on this matter. It's about time."
Aragorn looked at me; his eyes were burning with supressed rage.
"Oh shit, not you too."
"You forget your manners, Lady. Please show respect in the presence of our gracious hosts." He then turned away from me and tried to glue together Gimli's shattered ego.
I started singing under my breath, just enough to let Gimli and Aragorn hear,
"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,
All the king's horses and all the king's men,
Couldn't put Humpty together again."
Suddenly the entire room started to chuckle and titter. What the hell? Did I miss something. Well, I'll be damned...
Obviously Elvish hearing is as good as I was told. They all heard everything I just muttered. I looked around me and smiled slightly. Galadriel and her husband (or at least I assumed he was) were chuckling softly, the hobbits were falling over themselves they were laughing so hard, Boromir and Legolas were guffawing together, and even Aragorn and Gimli were laughing. Damn, I'm good.
I stood up and gave a mock bow, "Thank you, thank you, you are all too kind." I took my seat and finished with the food on my plate. Just as I swallowed the last bit, four Elves entered the room through a side hall. I also noticed that all of them were holding some sort of a musical instrument. Dinner and a show!
The instruments caught my attention and I studied them as much as I could. Two of the Elves had lyre-like looking instruments and the third had a sort of tambourine, while the fourth had a bongo type contraption, peculiar....
They situated themselves in a half moon and started to play an incredibly mournful tune. I leaned over to Aragorn and asked, "What are they playing?"
Without taking his eyes off of the quartet, he answered, "It is a lament for Gandalf."
"Oh." There wasn't much more to say to that. I bowed my head and just let the music wash over me; it really was astounding. When it finally ended, I noticed I wasn't the only one whipping away tears.
Slowly, couples got out of their chairs and started to gather at the center of the room. The males, I noticed took it upon themselves to push the tables away to the walls, leaving a large dance floor. All I can say is that I hope I don't have to dance...
The 'band' then struck up a semi-lively song and the couples were off. I mean even if they were Elves and their music taste wasn't quite as lively as I prefer, damn, could they dance! Soon, all that one could see were spinning blurs, it was amazing!
Finally the number ended and the couples stopped the insane spinning. They weren't even breathing hard! If I would have done that, I would have been in need of a new heart! Coronary arrest baby! Insanity, pure insanity.
I felt someone bump the back of my chair and I looked over my shoulder. I saw Legolas in deep conversation with the Lord and Lady. Hmm, I wonder what that is about? He then straightened up and headed back to his seat, but not before he gave me a mischievous smirk.
Oh shit!
I started to push my chair back from the table and stand up, I mean maybe no one would notice me until I was gone. No such luck. Just as I was standing, the Lord too stood and made an announcement.
"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood Forest has just informed me that one of him companions would like to perform a song for us." He then turned to me, "Lady Emily, would you do us the honors of hearing your voice?"
Oh double shit!
"Well, I would love to, but I don't think anyone would like my voice or songs, you see they are rather...different...then what you are used to. Trust me."
Then Gimli, the goddamned dwarf, spoke up, "She is too modest for her own good. Her voice rivals the beauty of the Lady herself. I have had the pleasure of hearing it."
The rest of my 'buddies' agreed wholeheartedly. Damn them.
"Will you Lady Emily?" Galadriel's voice peirced into my mind.
'I doubt the dwarf is lying and it has been long since we have heard new music. Do not fear, child.'
Well who could worry with reason like that?
"I seriously need to get a 'No Trespassing' sign," I muttered.
I then turned to face the Lord, "I would be honored, Sir, Your Highness, Your Lordy-ness. Um, yeah, I would be honored."
As I was walking by the now grinning Fellowship, I ran my pointer finger across my throat and glared at them. This just got them to smile wider.
I got to the front of the head table and started at the crowd in front of me. Shit, I did not want to do this, but wait! I didn't have to!
I turned to the Lord and Lady again and stated rather smugly, "It is my deepest regrets to say that I will be unable to sing for you. I have no accompaniment, I don't think I would be able to hold a not very well with out it. It truly is a shame."
I then grinned at the Fellowship. I won!
"That is hardly a problem," stated Galadriel. "Rendies!"
One of the lyre players stepped up in front of me and stood staring.
"Rendies is our best musician, simply hum your song and he will be able to accompany you effortlessly."
Now the Fellowship looked just a bit smug. Damn them all!
"Let's see, what should I sing?" I muttered to myself. I couldn't get out of this one, might as well make the best of it.
'Would you care to sing something in honor of Gandalf, dear child?'
I heard/saw Galadriel. She was good!
I nodded and started to hum a bit of a song that I thought would be fitting. Immediately Rendies got the drift of it and started to play with me perfectly.
I waited for the right time in the music and began to sing,
"Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.
Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way
Through night and day,
'Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven.
Time can bring you down,
Time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart,
Have you begging please, begging please.
Beyond the door,
There's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more
Tears in heaven.
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven."
I finished the song and looked out at everyone that was listening. I could polite applause, I mean I wasn't expecting a standing ovation, but it still made me angry that they were all so aloof when I had to swallow my pride and sing for them. Oh well, everybody's a critic.
I returned to my seat and right away the hobbits started to congratulate me.
"That was beautiful!"
"Even better than your other ones!"
Galadriel turned to me, "You know more songs?"
Pippin answered for me, "Oi, Lady, she knows buckets full!"
The little fuzzy-footed fiend just got me in deeper! Goddamn it!
"Would you bestow upon us another one?"
Hmm, should I really give them one? Make their hair stand on end? What the hell! This was going to be fun!
I walked over to the musician with the tambourine thing, "Would you mind if I borrowed this?"
He shook his head.
"Thanks buddy."
I walked back to Rendies and started to hum a rather fast song. He struggled for the first few notes, but then again he got it down pat.
Get ready for the show kiddies! I then flew into a rather spirited rendition of 'Gonna Getcha Good' by Shania Twain.
Yeah, I certainly got a few more stares after that one.
*~*~*
I flopped down on my bed, completely exhausted. It was rather late in the night and I was of very short temper right about then. All eight of the guys had finally cornered me about what happened to my hand and they wouldn't let me leave until I told them. It wasn't pretty.
The only good thing that came of the whole thing was that Aragorn and Boromir said that they wanted to teach me how to defend myself with the sword. I guess it's not that bad then. But, I don't think Gimli is going to let me forget that anytime soon.
Just then Maydenia walked into my room to help me get ready for the night. I noticed that she was humming 'Gonna Getcha Good.'
Ah, my work here is done...
A/N: I know, it is a little like a Mary-Sue this time, but like I said, it had to happen sometime. I also know there was little or no point to this chapter, but it had to get out, I promise that the next chapter will move things along. Soon Emily is going to be leaving again....
~A~
Okay, this is where I thank all of my reviewers....
Range: I'm glad that you think that my story is interesting and I try to give my made up character, Emily, as much depth as possible. I'm just still working on Tolkien's characters...
Asrielle: Yup, your right. The feast is going to be great. Read down and...ta da! The feast! Thank you for the song idea, I will definitely try and use it!
WeaselyTwinsLover1112: Hmm, you know, maybe I should put a warning on this story or something. I can't have you suffocating! I would never be able to live with myself. But I am ecstatic that you are laughing to damn hard at my story, I feel honored. No joke!
kurleyhawk2: Well, all I can say is that I am updating as fast as possible. I'm only human after all! But I will try and work in the song, but like I have said to others, I can't promise you anything. Thank you for reading!
LeopardDance: I think by now you have already gotten my email, so there is not a lot left to say other than I still owe you for all the compliments you have been giving me! Thanks bunches!
Fraz: I absolutely love your mini essay! You have my permission to write me one every time you review! I admit that I am not a big Buffy fan, but I will still look into that song that you recommended. I also recognize your advice about Emily singing at a feast or something, and yes, that is definitely major Mary-Sue territory, but as I am seeing that most people don't consider this story to be one, I think I will take my chances. Thank you for your concern nonetheless!
Mendy: I know, as I have been rereading my story, I have too noticed that Aragorn seems a bit slow. Oh well, I will have to fix that somewhere along the lines, but thank you for pointing it out for me!
bulldogchik05: Well you aren't the first person to tell me that a relative or friend is questioning your sanity over this story. Don't feel bad, I get it all the time! But thank you for taking the risk and reading, I appreciate it!
Cassie-bear01: I'm glad you are still loving it, I try!
moon scar: Thank you for the compliment.
Well, I didn't necessarily lie, per se, but it is a long Author's Note! I would still like feedback on my illustration idea. Please give me some!
Thanks for dealing with my ramblings, now the story!
*~*~*
I still couldn't believe it. Everyone was eating like it was no big deal. But then again, I tend to make a mole hill into a mountain, one of my hidden talents...
I reached over my plate and grabbed a particularly juicy apple that was sitting there. I was going to sit here and stuff myself so full that the Elves would have to roll me back to my room. Not only have I never seen that much food, but over the past while I had had next to nothing to eat. I was Porky Pig's namesake!
As I reached for the apple, I gave Gimli a perfect view of my bandaged hand. I looked and then he did a double take. It was hilarious.
"Do you see something that interests you? I just couldn't help but noticed how quickly your neck is able to do a ninety degree angle."
"What did you do to your hand?" he asked gruffly.
"Nothing."
"You must have done something, for there is a bandage around it. The Elves do not readily waste their supplies unless one is in dire need of it. Now, what did you do to your hand to warrant such a bandage."
He got everyone's attention at the table with his little speech, now they were all looking at me expectantly.
"Iwantedtaseethesharpsideofmasword. Happy?"
I turned back to my plate and started to chow down again.
"I could not understand a word that you were saying and I highly doubt that anyone else could either."
"Well, now you know what it feels like to talk to, now don't you?"
"I will not sit here and be insulted by some woman!"
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean! Just because I am a woman I can't insult you when you desperately need it? You goddamn sexist chauvinist pig!"
Gimli's face immediately went a beautiful cherry red and he started to growl deep in his throat.
"What? Speak up. I can't understand a word that you are saying!"
With a roar like a mad bull, Gimli lunged at my throat. But, luckily, Aragorn saw this coming and grabbed Gimli in a choke hold and deftly switched seats with him. That way Gimli would have to climb over Aragorn to get to me. I wasn't complaining, I mean that man desperately needed some anger management therapy.
"Well, I'm happy to see that you have taken my side on this matter. It's about time."
Aragorn looked at me; his eyes were burning with supressed rage.
"Oh shit, not you too."
"You forget your manners, Lady. Please show respect in the presence of our gracious hosts." He then turned away from me and tried to glue together Gimli's shattered ego.
I started singing under my breath, just enough to let Gimli and Aragorn hear,
"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,
All the king's horses and all the king's men,
Couldn't put Humpty together again."
Suddenly the entire room started to chuckle and titter. What the hell? Did I miss something. Well, I'll be damned...
Obviously Elvish hearing is as good as I was told. They all heard everything I just muttered. I looked around me and smiled slightly. Galadriel and her husband (or at least I assumed he was) were chuckling softly, the hobbits were falling over themselves they were laughing so hard, Boromir and Legolas were guffawing together, and even Aragorn and Gimli were laughing. Damn, I'm good.
I stood up and gave a mock bow, "Thank you, thank you, you are all too kind." I took my seat and finished with the food on my plate. Just as I swallowed the last bit, four Elves entered the room through a side hall. I also noticed that all of them were holding some sort of a musical instrument. Dinner and a show!
The instruments caught my attention and I studied them as much as I could. Two of the Elves had lyre-like looking instruments and the third had a sort of tambourine, while the fourth had a bongo type contraption, peculiar....
They situated themselves in a half moon and started to play an incredibly mournful tune. I leaned over to Aragorn and asked, "What are they playing?"
Without taking his eyes off of the quartet, he answered, "It is a lament for Gandalf."
"Oh." There wasn't much more to say to that. I bowed my head and just let the music wash over me; it really was astounding. When it finally ended, I noticed I wasn't the only one whipping away tears.
Slowly, couples got out of their chairs and started to gather at the center of the room. The males, I noticed took it upon themselves to push the tables away to the walls, leaving a large dance floor. All I can say is that I hope I don't have to dance...
The 'band' then struck up a semi-lively song and the couples were off. I mean even if they were Elves and their music taste wasn't quite as lively as I prefer, damn, could they dance! Soon, all that one could see were spinning blurs, it was amazing!
Finally the number ended and the couples stopped the insane spinning. They weren't even breathing hard! If I would have done that, I would have been in need of a new heart! Coronary arrest baby! Insanity, pure insanity.
I felt someone bump the back of my chair and I looked over my shoulder. I saw Legolas in deep conversation with the Lord and Lady. Hmm, I wonder what that is about? He then straightened up and headed back to his seat, but not before he gave me a mischievous smirk.
Oh shit!
I started to push my chair back from the table and stand up, I mean maybe no one would notice me until I was gone. No such luck. Just as I was standing, the Lord too stood and made an announcement.
"Prince Legolas of Mirkwood Forest has just informed me that one of him companions would like to perform a song for us." He then turned to me, "Lady Emily, would you do us the honors of hearing your voice?"
Oh double shit!
"Well, I would love to, but I don't think anyone would like my voice or songs, you see they are rather...different...then what you are used to. Trust me."
Then Gimli, the goddamned dwarf, spoke up, "She is too modest for her own good. Her voice rivals the beauty of the Lady herself. I have had the pleasure of hearing it."
The rest of my 'buddies' agreed wholeheartedly. Damn them.
"Will you Lady Emily?" Galadriel's voice peirced into my mind.
'I doubt the dwarf is lying and it has been long since we have heard new music. Do not fear, child.'
Well who could worry with reason like that?
"I seriously need to get a 'No Trespassing' sign," I muttered.
I then turned to face the Lord, "I would be honored, Sir, Your Highness, Your Lordy-ness. Um, yeah, I would be honored."
As I was walking by the now grinning Fellowship, I ran my pointer finger across my throat and glared at them. This just got them to smile wider.
I got to the front of the head table and started at the crowd in front of me. Shit, I did not want to do this, but wait! I didn't have to!
I turned to the Lord and Lady again and stated rather smugly, "It is my deepest regrets to say that I will be unable to sing for you. I have no accompaniment, I don't think I would be able to hold a not very well with out it. It truly is a shame."
I then grinned at the Fellowship. I won!
"That is hardly a problem," stated Galadriel. "Rendies!"
One of the lyre players stepped up in front of me and stood staring.
"Rendies is our best musician, simply hum your song and he will be able to accompany you effortlessly."
Now the Fellowship looked just a bit smug. Damn them all!
"Let's see, what should I sing?" I muttered to myself. I couldn't get out of this one, might as well make the best of it.
'Would you care to sing something in honor of Gandalf, dear child?'
I heard/saw Galadriel. She was good!
I nodded and started to hum a bit of a song that I thought would be fitting. Immediately Rendies got the drift of it and started to play with me perfectly.
I waited for the right time in the music and began to sing,
"Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.
Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way
Through night and day,
'Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven.
Time can bring you down,
Time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart,
Have you begging please, begging please.
Beyond the door,
There's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more
Tears in heaven.
Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven."
I finished the song and looked out at everyone that was listening. I could polite applause, I mean I wasn't expecting a standing ovation, but it still made me angry that they were all so aloof when I had to swallow my pride and sing for them. Oh well, everybody's a critic.
I returned to my seat and right away the hobbits started to congratulate me.
"That was beautiful!"
"Even better than your other ones!"
Galadriel turned to me, "You know more songs?"
Pippin answered for me, "Oi, Lady, she knows buckets full!"
The little fuzzy-footed fiend just got me in deeper! Goddamn it!
"Would you bestow upon us another one?"
Hmm, should I really give them one? Make their hair stand on end? What the hell! This was going to be fun!
I walked over to the musician with the tambourine thing, "Would you mind if I borrowed this?"
He shook his head.
"Thanks buddy."
I walked back to Rendies and started to hum a rather fast song. He struggled for the first few notes, but then again he got it down pat.
Get ready for the show kiddies! I then flew into a rather spirited rendition of 'Gonna Getcha Good' by Shania Twain.
Yeah, I certainly got a few more stares after that one.
*~*~*
I flopped down on my bed, completely exhausted. It was rather late in the night and I was of very short temper right about then. All eight of the guys had finally cornered me about what happened to my hand and they wouldn't let me leave until I told them. It wasn't pretty.
The only good thing that came of the whole thing was that Aragorn and Boromir said that they wanted to teach me how to defend myself with the sword. I guess it's not that bad then. But, I don't think Gimli is going to let me forget that anytime soon.
Just then Maydenia walked into my room to help me get ready for the night. I noticed that she was humming 'Gonna Getcha Good.'
Ah, my work here is done...
A/N: I know, it is a little like a Mary-Sue this time, but like I said, it had to happen sometime. I also know there was little or no point to this chapter, but it had to get out, I promise that the next chapter will move things along. Soon Emily is going to be leaving again....
~A~