Reviewer Responses

Pop-Tarts- JACKIE: Thank you for the reveiw, I am sooooo sorry it took so long for me to update chapter 9. But what can you expect when going to university full time, and work part time.

Beautiful Enigma- JACKIE: Thank you for the wonderful review. And thanks for the advice as well. Please keep reading and reviewing.

IWishSan- JACKIE: I am in complete agreement with you about the whole being pissed at Jamie and Jackie thing that Frodo, Aragorn, Gimli, and Boromir had. Of course we had to keep as close to the original time line as possible, otherwise Middle Earth is doomed. Enjoy chapter 9.

Author's Note: (Jackie) I am sooo sorry it has taken us sooo long to update. Unfortunately, I had a lot of stuff going on between school, work, and home. I hope this new chapter is worth your while.

Chapter 9:
Leaving Lorien, Amon Hen and Meet the Riders

(Jackie's POV)

It had been a month since we arrived in Lothlórien, and I was still missing Jamie. The morning after we arrived, the two of us remembered that there was no one to bug our dear father into re-forging Narsil into Andúril. Jamie had volunteered to ride back, with escorts of course, to Rivendell so she could get him to reforged the sword and to bring it to him as soon as possible. But I doubt she, and father will make it before Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn and I take the Paths of the Dead.

Jamie and I were talking about what her plan was when Legolas and Aragorn walked over. I still can't help but laugh my but off when I remember what happened next.

(FLASHBACK)

"Legolas, did you need something love?" I asked curiously.

He shook his head. "Actually, I was hoping that you would come take a walk through the woods lovely one," he smiled.

I nodded and grinned inwardly at the glint I caught in his eye. This was perfect, now Aragorn and Jamie could get over whatever they were fighting about, get back together, and Jamie would go get his sword.

Legolas held his arm out to me, which I took eagerly, and the two of us hid far enough away where our elvish hearing could hear what Aragorn and Jamie were saying.

"Nienna…" Aragorn began. "I don't blame you for being mad at me, if our roles were reversed, I would feel the same way."

Jamie snorted. "You think that I am just mad at you," she asked incredulously, "Aragorn, when you didn't defend me to Boromir, and gave me that scathing look after Gandalf fell…it hurt. You knew that Alatáriël and I knew the future. You, Gandalf, Legolas, and Frodo all knew that neither Alatáriël nor I would jeopardize the chance that Middle Earth has at surviving. And that means making sure the future path stays on track. The only ones who did not begrudge Alatáriël or me are Legolas, Gandalf, and the other hobbits. Gimli is still angry with us, and Boromir, I won't even count him cause he's just a jerk…"

Aragorn sighed as Jamie trailed off. I have to admit, I was shocked at how adult she was being with this. In the past, she would have just slapped him a few times and then left. Which means that dad has been rubbing off on her.

I shuddered at the thought. I'd miss the fun loving, joking and sometimes irresponsible Jamie. I hadn't realized that I actually shuddered physically until Legolas asked, "Are you all right sweet?"

I nodded and replied, "I just thought that my father was rubbing off on Nienna too much. She's actually becoming more responsible."

Legolas chuckled. "She is, but is that such a bad thing?"

"No," I answered, "It's just strange. I'm used to being the more responsible and serious one."

Legolas was about to say something when we heard a loud, "YOU WANT ME TO WHAT!"

I sighed. Great, now they were going to start fighting…again. Through our telepathic link I heard Aragorn trying to convince her to go back to Rivendell and sail for the Undying Lands, then it hit me. The sword! We forgot about Andúril. I quickly reminded her about the sword and told her that she didn't have to sail, but she did need to go back and make sure that dad reforged the sword.

Legolas and I left them to work out their problems. However, most of them only stemmed from Jamie's fear of commitment.

(END FLASHBACK)

That was four weeks ago. Two weeks ago, Jamie started back to Rivendell, and if everything went according to plan, Jamie would have arrived there a few days ago. I hope that she'll be able to get father to re-forge Narsil.

The sound of Grandmother's voice brought me out of my thoughts. I turned my head slightly and saw her standing in front of my husband. I grinned knowing what was coming…at least for him, as we all stood here at the shores of the Anduin River, waiting to say good bye to my grand-parents and the entire population of Lothlórien as we set off towards the south and closer to Sauron.

"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin," Grandmother told him as she handed over the brand spanking new bow. And what a bow too. This bow was one that would help anyone better their aim and never let you down. It was perfectly balanced and carved as well.

The look of shock and admiration on my hubby's face as he took the bow and quiver was priceless. This was definitely one gift he was going to cherish and use over and over again. "Love, you can close your mouth and thank Grandmother now," I teased him, causing Grandmother to smile slightly.

Legolas just rolled his eyes at me and said, "Thank you my lady. I shall treasure the gift."

Grandmother placed a hand on his bowed shoulder and said, "No need for thanks. You are family," she then turned and moved over to me. "Alatáriël, one of my beloved granddaughters, to you I give my bow and quiver to use in this battle. Long have they been in our family. I believe it is time for them to be used against the dark once more. Use them well, as I know you will."

She motioned for the elf carrying the weapons to come forward. I was stunned, why in the Valar's name was she giving me these heirlooms? I was about to speak when I heard grandmother's voice in my head say, -Fear not Alatáriël, Nienna has already received her gift. When she left, she received my sword. So just as you have your mother's sword and my bow and quiver, she has my sword and your grandfather's bow and quiver.-

I nodded and gratefully and humbly took the bow and quiver full of arrows from the other elf. Grandmother then pulled me into her embrace and placed a grandmotherly kiss to my forehead.

As she released me, she placed a clear vial, filled with herbs, in my hand, and whispered, "This herb, taken as a tea daily will help prevent pregnancy. Use it wisely."

To shocked to say anything I just nodded and placed the vial inside my pack. Silently I watched as Grandmother gave the rest of the gifts to the other members of the fellowship. Merry and Pippin both received daggers; Sam received a rope and a box that was filled with the fertile earth from her personal garden. Gimli had received three strands of Grandmother's long golden hair. Well, as he asked for the strand of Grandmother's hair, I couldn't help but remember his reaction to Nienna's little prank.

(FLASHBACK)

I had just woken up and was about to go to Legolas' and mine talan for a bath, and to change my clothes when I heard a scream. Dropping my bedroll, I grabbed my sword and headed off towards the sound of the scream. When I reached the location, I halted in my tracks and nearly fell over.

There in front of me, with a blue hair and beard, was Gimli.

I couldn't help it as I doubled over in laughter. So, this is what Jamie meant when she said she was going to get him back for calling Grandmother a witch; I should've known. Jams must've been taking lessons from our dear, dear sweet brothers.

Soon the entire Fellowship, Grandmother, Grandfather, Haldir and his brothers were all surrounding the glade. I noticed the look of amusement on our grandparents faces, as well as on the faces of Jamie, Legolas, Haldir and his brothers, and even Aragorn was smirking. The hobbits were flat out laughing their butts off at the prank as well.

Gimli shot glares in our direction and growled, "All right which one of ya did it?"

Aragorn, Legolas and I all pointed to Jamie who just grinned unrepentantly and replied, "Payback for yesterday's remark Gimli." Taking pity on him for a moment, she told him, "It'll wash out after a few baths Gimli."

"It better," he replied, an as he was about to stomp off, Jamie placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I promise I won't prank you again, as long as you don't insult my family…truce?" she asked.

Gimli nodded and took off to wash his hair, grumbling the whole way about female elves and their penchant for pranks.

(END FLASHBACK)

Grandmother then moved onto Aragorn, and well… that was difficult.

Grandmother moved onto Aragorn and said, "I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you already bear," she pointed to the necklace that Aragorn was wearing, "For her love, I fear the grace of Nienna, daughter of Elrond and Celebrían will diminish."

Aragorn sighed, "I would have her leave these shores, and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor."

God, Aragorn, you really can be a stubborn git can't you. I shook my head in disbelief. Sometimes I just don't know about him.

Grandmother continued, "That choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn." Aragorn looked at her uncertainly, but she ignored the look, "To rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into with all that is left of your kin. Farewell! There is much you have yet to do. We shall not meet again, Elessar."

Aragorn nodded in understanding. Finally. Hopefully, Grandmother will get through his stubborn head. And if not, then I sure as all hell will try pounding it into him.

Grandmother then moved on, satisfied that what she had said to Aragorn might be seeping through, and spoke to Frodo.

"Farewell, Frodo Baggins," she told him, "I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out." She pressed a kiss to his forehead and then stood straight and tall, her stature and grace exuding a Queenly grace.

As we loaded the canoes, and got inside, Grandmother moved onto her and Grandfather's boat and called out, "Namárië."

It was then that Aragorn, Legolas, Boromir and I all launched the canoes and got inside to start the canoe ride down the river to Parth Galen…and how the hell have I remembered the names of those place after fifty years? Oh well, now comes the fun part…the fight for the hobbits and Boromir.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Valar, these last few days have been truly boring. It has been canoeing all day, camping out at night, day in-day out for the last eight days.

As we left Lórien, I had telepathically contacted Jamie and we had quite the interesting discussion.

(FLASHBACK)

I was just sitting down in the canoe when suddenly I heard a yell within my mind. It sounded suspiciously like Jamie. -Jams?- I thought to her tentatively. We knew we could talk to each other across a large distance, but we had never tried it on as vast a distance as we are at now.

-Jackie?- she replied curiously.

-I grinned. –What's got you so happy sis?-

-Dad just finished reforging Narsil into Andúril. Why?- she asked.

I sighed. Dad was coming through in spades. -Good, cause we are approaching the part where Boromir gets killed.- I informed her. –So you need to get you but to either Edoras, or Dunharrow as soon as possible, cause the battle for Helm's Deep is gonna happen in about eleven days!-

-Are you serious!- Jamie asked incredulously.

-Yeah, didn't you ever read any of the appendices in the book? Helm's Deep is on March 3rd, today is Feb. 16th so we have less than three weeks before the real battle for Middle Earth begins.- I warned her.

I could hear her sigh. –I know, I know. Look, Elladan, Elrohir and I are about to head out and meet up with the last of the Rangers before we swing south to meet up with you guys on your way to Dunharrow.-

-All right, give our brothers and father my love ok, and don't worry about Éowyn,- I smirked mentally, -I'll make sure that she doesn't try and pull anything on Aragorn.-

I heard her growl and laughed out-loud, drawing the attention of the Fellowship. They all threw me curious looks. –Now look what you made me do- I mock scolded her. I then threw the guys a sheepish glance before saying, "I was talking with Nienna telepathically."

Now the only guys who know about mine and Nienna's special talent, were Aragorn and Legolas. So the looks of shock on the faces of the rest were absolutely priceless. Boromir and Gimli had their mouth hanging open, and the hobbits looked up at me in awe.

Before I could retort with a comment on how their faces would freeze that way, Aragorn spoke.

"What did Nienna have to say?" he asked curiously.

I grinned. –Can I tell him?-

-Not yet, not until they know you're going to Edoras.-

I shrugged my shoulders. "Sorry Aragorn, I can't tell you…yet. Nienna has sworn me to secrecy."

(END FLASHBACK)

The only thing that stopped the rest of the traveling from being totally snooze worthy, was when I had talked with Jamie and the fact that a couple nights ago, Orcs and Uruk-Hai on the other shore where firing arrows at us before we found a safe place to camp for the night. Legolas and I both got something, I can't be quite sure what they were, but then again why should I even care. After all, they were agents of pure and unfiltered evil.

It was around noon when we finally reached the Argonath.

I noticed Aragorn's demeanor change slightly and I thought I saw a flicker of a smile on his brooding face. Did I just say brooding? Valar, I am glad I don't have to worry about Jamie's Buffy obsession anymore. Cause if she heard me she'd mostly likely agree and compare Aragorn to Angel.

As we got closer to the canyon, Aragorn tapped Frodo's shoulder and started talking to him.

"Frodo, the Argonath! Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old, my kin," Aragorn told him proudly. 'It's about time he started feeling some pride in his family and who he is,' I thought with a small smile.

I settled back in the canoe that Legolas, Gimli, and I were sharing and watched as the rest of the Fellowship looked up in awe at the towering splendor of the Argonath. This was basically two majestic statues, carved right out of the rock, proudly standing on each side of the Anduin. Their left arms held aloft, their palms facing outwards in gesture of warning to anyone who dared the mighty Anduin.

As we sailed on, I began to sing to take up the empty space. As I tried thinking of a song to sing, the first one that popped into my head seemed perfect, to help Aragorn, Frodo and maybe, just maybe Boromir. So I began to sing,

"God, I feel like hell tonight
Tears of rage I cannot fight
I'd be the last to help you understand
Are you strong enough to be my man?

Nothing's true and nothing's right
So let me be alone tonight
Cause you can't change the way I am
Are you strong enough to be my man?

Lie to me
I promise I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave

I have a face I cannot show
I make the rules up as I go
It's try and love me if you can
Are you strong enough to be my man?

When I've shown you that I just don't care
When I'm throwing punches in the air
When I'm broken down and I can't stand
Will you be strong enough to be my man?

Lie to me
I promise I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave.1"

No one said a word as I finished the song. I didn't really mind as I knew that the ring was beginning to weigh heavily on the minds of everyone, and if not the ring, then thoughts of what we were meant to do after our next stop were permeating everyone's thoughts.

The rest of the trip was quiet until we reached Parth Galen. I couldn't help but feel a little sad at the thought that another one of our number was about to die. I got out of the boat and along with Sam, began to setup for cooking our meal.

As Sam and I cooked I watched as Boromir, Legolas, and Aragorn pulled our boats onto the beach. As they walked onto the graveled beach of Parth Galen, and helped make camp, I couldn't help but look around at everyone. Boromir looked more troubled than he had been before and I knew he was fighting the call of the ring and that with in the hour he would attempt to take it from Frodo by force.

'Poor Frodo', I thought as I caught sight of the hobbit and noticed him fighting his own inner conflict. I was about to speak to him and ease his mind when Aragorn spoke up.

"We cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north," he announced.

Gimli looked a little perturbed by this. "Oh, yes!" he began, "It's just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil? An impassable labyrinth of razor sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better!" At that, Pippin looked up, alarmed at the description of Emyn Muil. "Festering, stinking marshlands far as the eye can see!"

Aragorn rolled his eyes slightly and replied, "That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength master dwarf."

"Recover my...! Phrrrrr..." Gimli said indignantly. "No dwarf need recover strength!" he said looking at Pippin, "Pay no heed to that, young hobbit."

However, Aragorn ignored him. I had felt and known of the slight menacing presence that I knew Legolas had only just felt, and watched and listened as Aragorn gave Frodo an hour to decide what our next move is going to be. I continued helping cook our meal when I noticed Legolas walking over to Aragorn.

It was then I thanked the Valar for my better than average hearing and listened in as Legolas quietly told Aragorn, "We should leave now."

Aragorn shook his head. "No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for cover of darkness."

"It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat has been growing in my mind. Something draws near...I can feel it!" he protested.

Looking over at Sam I said, "Keep, I'll be right back Sam." Sam nodded and I walked over to where Legolas and Aragorn were.

"Aragorn, Legolas," I said, catching their attention as I drew closer, "You are both right. But the greater threat is here on this side of the river," I paused and looked around. 'Fuck! Boromir took off after Frodo.'

Merry, returning with some wood for the campfire noticed this as well and asked, "Where's Frodo?"

Sam, who was half-dozing, and half keeping an eye o the food and fire roused with a start. Aragorn looked over the camp and his face grew grave as gaze stopped on Boromir's shield, lying with the baggage. He then looked up and over at me and the look on his face said, 'What do you know?'

I was about to speak when Boromir came crashing back through the woods. All of our gazes fell on him. Before Aragorn could even speak, I asked angrily, "What in the flames of Udûn were you thinking Boromir! Oh…wait that's right, you weren't!" At least he had the decency to look sheepish. Calming down I continued, "How long has it been since you last saw Frodo?"'

"Not more than a half an hour to three quarters of an hour, at most…"

I cut him off looking at the others, "We need to find Frodo, and fast. Before the Uruks get here." I could tell they wanted to ask what the Uruks were but they ignored it…for now.

Before the others were ready, Merry and Pippin had their weapons and took off looking for Frodo in the woods. Aragorn looked at Boromir and said, "Go protect the little ones."

Boromir nodded and after grabbing his shield, followed the two youngest hobbits. I looked over at Sam who was about to take off and pulled him aside, "Frodo is going to come back here and take one of the boats. You need to go with him and keep him on the straight and narrow Sam," he looked at me like I was crazy and I smiled, "Sam, you are the part of Frodo that's still a large part of the Shire, and you're his best friend. He'll need your help before this is over. So stay here and be safe."

"I will," he replied, "Stay safe as well La…Alatáriël."

I smiled. "We will meet again Sam. I promise you that. Namárië, my friend. Namárië."

I left Sam standing by the shore and joined Legolas and Gimli in looking for Frodo. As we searched the woods Legolas finally voiced his questions and asked, "What is going on my love?"

I sighed and replied, "Boromir tried to take the ring from Frodo and now Frodo is pretty upset and trying to think of what he needs to do to complete the task he has been assigned, love."

Suddenly we heard the sound of Uruks crashing through the woods. "This is not my fucking day," I muttered as I started firing off arrows at the stupid idiots that came into sight.

Legolas was doing the same and felled one after another. Gimli wasn't doing to bad either hacking away with his axes. Not ten minutes after we were attacked, the group we had run into was dead. Not ones to waste our arrows, Legolas and I collected the arrows from the bodies of our dead foes.

The three of us then heard the sound of Boromir's horn. 'Oh SHIT!' I thought as we ran towards the Seat of Seeing, where I knew we would find Aragorn.

And sure enough, as we arrived, we found Aragorn sword fighting with the Uruks that were chasing after the Ring. Legolas quickly fired off three shots taking down three Uruks, while I used my sword and fought of one persistent and amorous Uruk.

"You're a pre'y one aren' you?" the Uruk leered as he hacked away at me.

I raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so you piece of shite," I spit in his face, "I already have a lover…and… it… ain't… you," this last was said as I plunged my sword into the stupid idiots stomach. I withdrew my sword and hacked it's head off to make sure it was dead.

I turned around to talk to the others about Boromir, when the horn sounded again.

"Dammnit!" I yelled. I began running in the direction of the sound of the horn, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli behind me.

Aragorn and I were the first to enter the glade and discovered the Uruk-Hai I knew to be Lurtz, thanks to the books, preparing to fire another arrow into Boromir.

While Aragorn was working on Lurtz, I rushed over to Boromir and helped him to the ground. 'Shit!' I thought as I held the dying Boromir.

Sighing, I quietly muttered, "Why didn't you listen to me huh?"

Boromir looked up at me, "I am sorry I have failed everyone," he gasped as he fought to get breath. "They…they took…the Halflings."

Aragorn finally joined me and knelt down beside us. "No, Boromir, you fought bravely! You have kept your honor," he assured him as he reached out to pull the arrows from his body.

Boromir shook his head. "Leave it! It is over. The world of men will fall, and all will come to darkness... and my city to ruin."

"I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the white city fall, nor our people fail!" Aragorn promised his fellow Gondorian.

"Our people? Our people," Boromir smiled grimly as he reached for his sword. I watched as Aragorn placed the hilt in his hand, and Boromir clasped it to his chest. "I would have followed you my brother, my captain, my king!"

As Boromir died, I felt tears fall down my face in grief for my fallen friend and comrade. I watched as Aragorn touched his hand to Boromir's forehead, then to his lips in respect, as he said, "Be at peace, son of Gondor."

Legolas and Gimli finally arrived at the scene. I looked at them and shook my head. Legolas looked sadly at Aragorn and Boromir; Gimli bowed his head and turned away. Great, now it's up to me to give them the freaking pep talk. I know I only knew him for a few months, but he was still a friend and comrade…after Jamie and I had knocked some sense into him.

I gently laid his head on the ground and rose from my knees. I looked at each of them and said, "All right guys, it's up to us now," Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn all looked at me funny and I rolled my eyes, "Look, let's take care of Boromir and I will explain all right."

They all nodded their agreement and half an hour later we watched as the canoe with Boromir's body sailed over the falls of Rauros. After I talked some sense into them, the four of us were off, on foot, searching for Merry and Pippin. It didn't help that we were about three hours behind them.

We ran for two days before we found the brooch that Pippin had torn off his cloak. I knew it was going to be another week before we saw the hobbits, but I didn't tell the guys that. Once we determined that they were heading towards Isengard, I knew it wouldn't be long before we met up with Éomer.

On the third night, the four of us set up camp. As normal, I sat on Legolas' left and leaned against him while we waited for the food to finish cooking. I was nearly asleep when Aragorn spoke.

"Alatáriël?" I cleared my vision and looked over at my future brother in law. "Can you tell me if the hobbits are still alive?"

Valar, the guy sounded so worried and guilty. I knew I couldn't tell him the full on truth, but I could definitely ease his conscience a little bit. "They all still live," I told the three of them with a sad smile, "that's all I can and will tell you without damaging the timeline."

Reluctantly, they let the matter be. The rest of the evening went by fairly fast and soon I found myself in elven reverie, the elvish form of sleep.

The next morning I was brought out of my reverie by Legolas placing a loving kiss on my lips. When he broke the kiss, I cleared my vision and smiled softly.

"I never tire of waking up that way lover," I told him with a wink as we rose from the ground.

As Legolas was making breakfast, I finished packing our bedroll and looked around to see Aragorn and Gimli still asleep. I grinned wickedly, walked over, and yanked the bedrolls from the two.

Aragorn was the first to react and was up in a defensive stance nearly immediately. I started laughing and ignored the glare that he shot me. Gimli got up soon after and shared the glaring. To happy with MY little prank, I ignored them and continued laughing.

Once I calmed down, I looked over at my disgruntled future brother-in-law and our friend, "I'm sorry guys, but it was too good an opportunity to miss," I apologized. "You'll have plenty of time to prank me back…after the war. But for now we need to find Merry and Pippin."

Grudgingly accepting my truce, they packed as well and soon the four of us started on our cross-country run as well. We had been running for a couple of hours, and it was now nearly nine in the morning and we had come to the edge of a bluff.

Legolas took point and looked out scanning the horizon and I soon joined them.

I knew what to expect, so the sight of over 100 riders was not worrying me, after all they were the Rohirrim.

-Jamie! Get up!- I said telepathically.

-WHAT?- she replied grumpily.

Rolling my eyes I retorted –Éomer is here.-

-Are you fucking serious!-

-As a heart attack dearest sister. So pay attention, I may need help.-

We quickly moved behind some large boulders. Suddenly I felt Legolas' hand pull the hood of my cloak up, covering my face. I looked up at him questioningly and he just replied, "The riders don't know you and I would feel better if your identity were kept secret."

'Awww…that's just too sweet. But the boy needs to learn that I can take care of myself. I mean just knowing that I am an elf is enough for some men to stop trying to pursue me, and if that doesn't work, then knowing I am a Princess and married should be enough. Oh well,' I shrugged my shoulders and let my husband be his overprotective self.

Soon enough the whinnying of horses came, signaling the Rohirrim were approaching. Then, as expected, Aragorn stepped out and said, "Riders of Rohan! What news from the Mark?"

Their leader, who I knew was Éomer, son of Éomund, and Third Marshall of the Riddermark, gave the order, and the Rohirrim wheeled around and formed up, surrounding the four of us in a tight circle with spears aimed at us.

Éomer looked both curious and wary as he asked, "What business do you have in the Riddermark? Speak quickly!"

Aragorn was the one who spoke up and began, "We are hunting Orc through the wild."

Éomer gave Aragorn a piercing look. "You do not know much about Orc if you go hunting them in this fashion."

Aragorn nodded, acknowledging the point and answered, "It was not by our choice, the Orc took two of our friends captives."

I noticed that Éomer was having a hard time containing his questions and almost went, 'Ah ha' when he asked, "Are you elvish folk, that you have sprung so out of the grass?"

Aragorn shook his head. "No, only two of our number are elvish. We have traveled a long way even as you see us. The gifts and favor of the Lady of the Golden Wood go with us."

At that last comment, Éomer raised an eyebrow. -Ah fuck- I thought to Jams. –Jams, your fiancée is going to get us into trouble. You know the rumors that the humans in Gondor and Rohan have about Grandmother.-

-Yeah, yeah, I know. And you have my permission to smack him upside the head, once the Riders are gone.- she returned.

"…few slipped past her nets they say. Maybe you are sorcerers and net weavers yourselves," Éomer said suspiciously. "Who are you then? What are your right names?"

"Give me your name, horse master, and I shall give ya' mine," Gimli said angrily. –Woohoo! Go Gimli!- I heard Jams chant. I rolled my eyes. –Now's not the time Jams- I sent her. "I'll teach you about pretty speech, for you know naught that which is fairer beyond your imagination."

Éomer handed his spear to his Lieutenant, and dismounted. The better to try and kick Gimli's ass I guess. "I would cut off your head, dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground," Éomer told him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Legolas draw, nock, and aim an arrow at Éomer. 'Dumb move, love,' I grumbled mentally as the Riders reacted by drawing closer with their spears. "Then you would die before your stroke fell," Legolas told the dumb man.

As the entire group of Rohirrim pointed their spears and arrows at us, I pushed Legolas' bow down and sent him a glare as Aragorn spoke.

"I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn. This is Gimli, son of Glóin, Legolas of the Woodland Realm of Mirkwood, and the fourth of our number is not a man as you thought," I rolled my eyes and turned, my back to Legolas, to face the Rohirrim as I pulled my hood down, "this is Legolas' lady wife, Alatáriël Halfelven, daughter of Lord Elrond of Rivendell."

I pushed down my hood and Éomer stared at me in shock. "You bring a female with you?" he asked incredulously.

"First of all, Éomer, Third Marshall of the Riddermark, you insult my grandmother, the Lady of Dwimordene, then you insult me by assuming I cannot fight!" I raised an eyebrow. "You have a lot to learn boy. I joined my husband, brother-in-law and Gimli here of my own free will and have been helping them track our friends," I said nonchalantly.

Ignoring the shocked gasps, I continued, "Besides, I have been using weapons and fighting for longer than you've been alive…boy. Valar, I am one hundred times older than you…"

I felt Legolas squeeze my shoulder and I threw him a 'don't even try it' glare, I turned back to Éomer and continued, "Look, Éomer, we're not here to cause trouble for you or your Uncle, Théoden King…" I would have continued but Aragorn and Legolas both sent me looks that stopped my little speech, letting Aragorn continue, ignoring the confused and shocked look Éomer wore.

"As my sister-in-law has so kindly stated," he threw me a glare, "We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, your king."

Éomer removed his helmet and looked at us sadly, "Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe. Not even his own kin. Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over these lands. My company are those loyal to Rohan, and for that we are banished. The white wizard is cunning. He walks here and there, they say, as an old man hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets."

"We are no spies," Aragorn asserted. "We track a pack of Uruk-Hai westward across the plain. They've taken two of our friends captive."

Éomer suddenly looked a little guilty. "The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night," he answered.

"But there were two hobbits. Did you see two hobbits with them?" Gimli said, asking the question we were all dying to ask.

Aragorn placed a hand on Gimli's shoulder and continued, "They would be small, only children to your eyes."

Éomer shook his head. "We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them," he said pointing behind him to the smoke rising on the fields.

"Dead?" Gimli asked incredulously.

"I am sorry," he whistled then called out, "Hasufel, Arod, Goldenwing."

I watched as three of the most gorgeous horses I had ever seen came walking up. Hasufel and Arod were both as I expected. Hasufel was a beautiful Appaloosa, and Arod was a gorgeous dappled grey. However, it was Goldenwing that caught my eye. She was a gorgeous black Arabian.

Three horses walked over to Éomer. "May these horses bear you to better fortune than their former masters. Farewell," he said. Éomer glanced at me, "My lady, my apologies."

I nodded and Éomer then mounted his horse, "Look for your friends, but do not trust to hope. It has forsaken these lands. We ride north!"

The four of us watched as the Rohirrim galloped away to the north. Aragorn sighed and said, "Let us mount up and see if we can find any signs of our friends."

Nodding in agreement, Legolas mounted Arod and pulled Gimli up behind him as I mounted Goldenwing and Aragorn mounted Hasufel. A moment later, the four of us set off and began the long ride to the edge of Fangorn Forest, where Gandalf, in his new incarnation as Gandalf the White, was waiting for us.

As we rode, I remembered what Jamie had ordered me to do and rode up alongside Aragorn. "Hey Aragorn," he turned to me with a curious look. "You know you nearly got us killed by mentioning Grandmother and Lórien, right?" He nodded slightly. I grinned wickedly. "You know how Nienna and I have that telepathic link, right?"

"Y-y-y-yes," he answered warily.

"Good," I said happily, "This is from Nienna, for nearly getting us killed," I told him as I smacked him upside the head. I grinned slightly seeing Aragorn's shocked expression. It was priceless. "Maybe that will teach you to be careful about what you say."

I then rode up a head slightly, singing to myself. I could have sworn I heard Legolas and Gimli chuckling slightly. Grinning, I continued singing.

"Yeah, it's 2 AM and she calls me cause I'm still awake
Can you help me unravel my latest mistake?
I don't love him, winter just wasn't my season.
Yeah we walk through the doors so accusing their eyes
Like they have any right at all to criticize
Hypocrites, you're all here for the very same reason.

Cause you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table,
No one can find the rewind button, girl
So cradle your head in your hands.
And breathe, just breathe, whoa breathe, just breathe

May he turned 21 on the base of Fort Bliss
'Just a day,' he said down to the flask in his fist
Ain't been sober since maybe October of last year
Here in town you can tell he's been down for while
But my God it's so beautiful when the boy smiles
Wanna hold him maybe I'll just sing about it

Cause you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table,
No one can find the rewind button, boys
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe, just breathe, whoa breath just breathe

There's a light at each end of this tunnel
You shout cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out
And these mistakes you've made
You'll just make them again if you'll only try turnin' around

2 AM and I'm still awake writing this song
If I get it all down on paper it's no longer inside of me
Threatening the life it belongs to.
And I feel like I'm naked in front of the crowd
Cause these words are my diary screamin' out aloud
And I know that you'll use them however you want to.

But you can't jump the track
We're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass glued to the table,
No one can find the rewind button now
Sing it if you understand, yeah breathe

Just breathe, oh oh breathe, just breathe, oh breathe,
just breathe, oh breathe, just breathe.2"

It was not long before we reached the pile of carcasses that were still smoking from when the Rohirrim lit them on fire. Now we were finally getting to the home stretch I thought. Only another month before this would all be over.

Jackie: Whew! There you have it 14 and half pages. I think that's a record for us.

Jamie: (looks on in shock) I think you maybe right. But I can do better.

Jackie: (rolls eyes) Really? I dare you to try.

1 Sheryl Crow. Strong Enough.

2 Anna Nalick. Breathe (2 AM). Wreck Of The Day. CD (2005).