Esmeralda, the Ear'Quessir.
Author's Note: Here you go, one last update before my break is finally over. Boo-hoo. Hey! I just noticed! This is the first chapter I've written in 2008! Woo-hoo! Sorry, I'm a sap for these kinda things. Anyway...here you go.
Review:
bubblymuggle4: Just for you mate, just for you. Thanks as always!
Readerfreak10: So I've been told. Thanks!
Hikitsulover-818: I've been looking for that book and I can't find it anywhere. I will continue to look though. Sounds interesting. Thanks.
Hallows07: I don't know if the real Theoden would have believed it, but I always thought of him as somewhat of an idiot for many reason, coughWormtonguecough, so that's how I chose to portray him. Anyway, thanks!
jennfire: Yeah, I know, I just haven't gotten around to fixing some of that yet, I will though, I promise. Anyway, thanks for the reviews!
Chapter 23: On second thought...
"You can stop smiling now Esme, it's getting rather annoying." grumbled Aragorn for the thousandth time that night. Ever since the moment in the hallway, I'd been walking around the party wearing the same goofy grin as Legolas, only, he somehow manages to make it less goofy looking.
"Fine, rain on my parade then." I jumped from my seat and stomped over to stand by Gimli and Eomer who were busy trying to get Legolas to participate in their little drinking game.
"No pauses, no spills." Eomer sat prattling off the rules of the game so many have played before. Honestly, it's not something new, it's a tradition everywhere.
"So it's a drinking game?" Legolas asked tilting his head to the side in the cutest way. I just wanted to kiss him right then and there, although I don't know how people would react to that.
"Duh, what else would it be?" I asked pulling up a chair beside them "I'm in." I winked at Legolas who was busy staring at me like I had ten heads.
"Are ye lass? So tell me elf, are you going to let your sweetheart beat you out?" Major blush. Gimli winked at me continuing to stare at Legolas hoping the elf would say he was in.
"I'm in." I slapped him on the back before grabbing the mug that was being pushed my way by Eomer.
"Wait, you're going to let a maiden join the drinking?" some random man in the background asked astounded.
"Pirate!" I said standing and pointing at myself. There was a collective 'Ah, of course." I nodded, and sat back down waiting to start.
"Last one standing wins." Gimli chugged his mug before me or Legolas had even reached for ours. I knocked mine against Legolas', successfully spilling some, before throwing it back. The prissy little elf sipped it, making funny faces at the bittersweet taste of the ale. I grabbed the bottom of his mug and pushed it up, effectively making him chug it.
"You cheat!" he spluttered through the ale dripping down his chin.
"Pirate." I smiled innocently. He rolled his eye before reaching for the next mug. And me being stupid didn't realize he would return the favor, as I went to drink he smacked the bottom of the tankard effectively knocking it out of my hand making me fall backwards over my chair trying to get out of the way of the liquid. I stared at him.
"Almost pirate." he smiled pointing at himself. I started laughing at the irony of that statement. Gimli continued to drink any and every thing that his hand came in contact with.
A few minutes later I was joined by Edward and Charlotte who began to down ale as fast as I was. Legolas still held his nose up before draining the drink.
"Here, here. Raugh! It's the Dwarves that go swimming with little, hairy women." Gimli stood, almost falling in the process, before belching directly in Legolas' face; I started laughing at the rater appalled expression placed on his face.
"Girly man!" shouted Charlotte upon seeing his expression, which turned murderous when he heard her comment. 'Eep!" She ran to hide behind none other than Edward.
"I feel something. A slight tingle in my fingers." Legolas looked at his fingers before giving me a confused look, I merely shrugged and downed another tankard, I'd yet to reach that stage. "I think it's affecting me. Is it not affecting you?"
"How many times am I going to have to say this tonight? Pirate! I've become rather tolerant to ale. Savvy?" I asked leaning in to peck the poor elf on the cheek.
"What did I say? He can't hold his liquor. "Gimli eye's crossed before the poor dwarf fell over side ways, passed out.
"You know, this calls for a song my friends!" Edward shouted wiggling his eyebrows at me, Charlotte, and Bart, who had appeared out of no where just then.
'AYE!" we all shouted before breaking into our favorite song.
'AND REALLY BAD EGGS!" Charlotte and I continued to spin in circles with our arms around each other's shoulders, repeating this one line, before she finally fell down pulling me with her. She landed on Edward who had already claimed a seat on the floor, I unfortunately face planted into the stony ground.
"Ow, that was rather painful." I muttered pushing myself up and shaking my head.
"Game over." Legolas shouted, smiling boldly at us all.
"Congrats, you've won, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!" I laughed and pointed in his face until I caught the rather lecherous look on his face. "Yeah. Right. Fresh air anyone?" With that I turned and sashayed across the floor managing to step on none of the men knocked out on the floor. I didn't hear Legolas come until I felt him standing beside me.
"So, is you're decision not changed then?"
"You know I have no importance to this mission, I'm more of a distraction really." I said, staring at the stars that had now become visible. "And don't say the reason you want me to stay is for you. I know, I would love to stay just for you and say that I was doing any good, but honestly, tell me what I've accomplished other than making people laugh, hmm?"
"Well laughter in these bleak times is a blessing in it's self." I eeped before falling on my butt because stupid Gandalf had to be all surprising and sneaky.
"Stupid wizard. Thought I told you not to that." I muttered accepting Legolas' help up. "Are you trying to tell me that you would miss me if I left?" I said putting on a puppy dog eyed look staring at Gandalf.
He snorted before turning to head back in, "Not in the least. Think about Esme."
"GAH! YOU'RE ALL TEAMING UP ON ME! FINE I'LL STAY YOU BLOODY WANKERS!" I shouted before smiling at Legolas who was covering his ears.
'I already have a headache forming and don't wish for it to get any bigger thank you." He said easing his hands off his ears.
"Poor bwaby." I cooed before wrapping my arms around his waist and standing on my tiptoes to kiss his temple. "I'll be quiet just for you."
"You would face such a feat, for little ol' me? I'm honored." he said laughing, I slapped his chest before turning back to the stars.
"You are quite old actually." I smirked looking up at him. He turned his face down towards me smiling.
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
The peaceful silence that had fallen over the two of us as we stood with our arms around each other was only interrupted when we heard Aragorn clear his throat before joining us.
"The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the East. A sleepless malice. The eye of the enemy is moving." Legolas kept his face pointed up to the sky ignoring the looks both me and Aragorn were giving him.
"What are you know? A cryptic ol' star gazer?" I asked prodding him in the chest.
"I noticed you threw old in there again." Legolas said glancing down at me for a split second.
'I could never lie." I sent Aragorn a glare when I heard a cough of disagreement. "Fine, not often."
"If you say so."
"Now loo- Legolas, mani naa ta?" (What is it?) I could feel his body go rigid, almost like some hound dog on the hunt. That actually made me snigger a little causing Aragorn to send a glare in my direction, I returned it gladly. If he'd heard the comparison he would have laughed just as well.
"He is here." He turned and fixed Aragorn with a pointed look, Aragorn in return started sprinting off. Legolas and I followed him to the sleeping chambers where we entered to see Pippin struggling to drop the ball we had seen earlier. I ran forward to help him only to have Legolas stick and arm out to stop me.
'What are you doing!? Look you great brute! He can't get rid of it!" I continued to struggle with him until I saw Aragorn dart forward and grab the thing from Pippin, who immediately fell over with relief, I suppose. I turned back to Aragorn to see him struggling with it as well, I ran over and grabbed his shoulders only to have him almost pass out and drop the ball. As it rolled away Gandalf came out of nowhere and threw some blanket on top of it. The whole room sat in a stunned silence looking around in what could be considered fear.
"Fool of a Took!" Leave it to Gandalf to be the one to crush the silence. He knocked Merry out of the way to lean over Pippin, who looked like he wanted the world to open and swallow him whole. I feel his plight. I ran over to merry and wrapped an arm around his shoulder as he watched Gandalf scare the living shit out of his own cousin.
"Look at me" Gandalf said grabbing Pippin's chin and making him look at him.
"I wouldn't want to look at him either." I whispered to Merry who tried to desperately hide his snicker. Legolas sent us a look meaning, shush. So I stuck my tongue out at him.
"Gandalf. Forgive me!" Pippin had his eyes pointed to the ground. There's nothing Gandalf can do to get him to look at him now. For Pippin's sake I hope there isn't.
"Look at me. What did you see?"
"Ah... a tree. There was a white tree, in a courtyard of stone. It was dead! The city was burning."
"Minas Tirith. Is that what you saw?" Gandalf asked trying to pry more and more out of Pippin.
"I saw... I saw him! I could hear his voice in my head!" Pippin burst out crying and Merry made a move to go comfort him but I grabbed his tunic so he couldn't move.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Do you want Gandalf in your face like that?" Merry adopted a face of realization over the confused and hurt one that had previously been occupying his face. 'Didn't think so."
"What did you tell him? Speak!" Gandalf said with a sense of great urgency. Why I couldn't tell you.
"He asked me my name. I didn't answer. He hurt me." Pippin sniffled a few times before glancing up at Gandalf again.
"What did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?" Gandalf was almost shaking the poor hobbit.
"Nothing." With that Gandalf stood and walked swiftly out of the room. where to know one knew. Me and Merry ran to Pippin who was now letting his tears fall freely.
"Shh Pip, it's alright now." I said sending a reassuring smile to Pippin. I have to admit, he always has been my favorite of the hobbits. I let Merry and Pippin to join Legolas and Aragorn, the latter looking more worn and tired then I had every seen him. "Sut naa lle?" (How are you?) He shrugged and turned to follow after Gandalf, I turned to Legolas who shrugged. I stared.
"What, everyone else was doing it." He replied.
"Oh, so if everyone was to jump off the top of some mountain, would you jump off as well?" I asked. He shook his head. I scoffed and followed after Aragorn. Stupid elves.
"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. 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 palantir 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 enough, perhaps 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 Rohan are lit, Rohan must be ready for war" Gandalf was sitting in front of Theoden, while the rest of us were just milling around. Me and Legolas were taking turns flicking things at Gimli to see if he would react because of his hang over, he hasn't blown up yet so I can't say if he has or not. Pippin is moping on some stool off to the side, where Merry stands faithfully beside him. How cute. Eomer is acting like he's paying attention while he is really looking at his fingers and wondering what color he should paint them as soon as this is over. Actually I don't know what exactly he is doing; I suppose he really is listening to all this hubba baloo about nothing.
'Tell me, why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?" Theoden snapped looking furious as if the very idea were preposterous. Eomer merely looked bored at the outburst.
"I will go." I fell out of my seat in surprise when Aragorn came out of nowhere and spoke right behind me.
"Where in Valor's name did you come from?" I said standing and rubbing my sore butt, Legolas snickered before I kicked him in the shin, which happily shut him up.
"No." Gandalf said giving him THE look.
"They must be warned." Aragorn said, ignoring said look. Bad idea, I say, I've learned from experience with that old man. It usually ends in being blinded by his ethereal light.
"They will be." Gandalf leaned over to whisper something in Aragorn's ear. Unfortunately they were too far away from me, and I couldn't hear what was being whispered, which I don't like.
"Secrets don't make friends." I said crossing my arms.
"Then it is a good thing that is not what I'm looking for." stated Gandalf ignoring me.
"Excuse me?" I started to go off on how rude that was when Legolas placed his hand over my mouth. I licked it, and amazingly he didn't move. Now I have no way of getting him to let go. "MRPHMAHFFHPPHFEFFEHPH!!" Everyone just stared at Legolas and I while I tired to get him to remove his hand, he just smiled like nothing was wrong.
"Understand this; Things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone." Gandalf stood and beckoned for Pippin to follow him.
"What's going on?" I jumped in surprise when Edward came out of nowhere.
"CAN PEOPLE STOP DOING THAT?" I shouted attracting the attention of everyone in the room. I smiled before waving for them to continue. "About time you three showed up, I was beginning to think you'd disappeared on me." I said seeing Charlotte and Bart walk out of their little hiding space.
"We just didn't think we should have interfered last night, so we waited until today." Charlotte replied, I cocked my head to the side. Charlotte got what I meant and slapped me on the shoulder. "No we weren't doing that, if you must know we were passed out on the floor in there most of last night and today. Better." I smirked and nodded before walking back over to Legolas who was giving me a questioning look.
"Hangovers."
"Ah."
I was playing cards with Charlotte when flickering outside the window caught my eye. I turned to look closer and saw that they were flames burning in the distance.
"Aragorn, the beacons, they've been lit!" I shouted causing him to drop his bowl and run to find the king. Unfortunately, the contents of his bowl, whatever it was, was now covering every inch of my body, including my face. "Ok then." Legolas laughed before helping my wipe some off of my face and grabbing my hand to drag me along behind him.
"The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid." Aragorn came skidding into the room where Theoden, Eomer, and Gamling were meeting. Everyone stopped and looked up at his entrance. Eowyn came in and stood beside Eomer, waiting for the reply.
"And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!" Theoden shouted before turning to give out orders. Aragorn smiled triumphantly, I rolled my eyes, and looked at Legolas who merely shook his head.
"Captain, that brings up the ever impending question. Are you going to stay and fight, or return to the ship?" Edward asked crossing his arms while leaning against the wall. Charlotte walked over and leaned ageist him while continuing to stare at me, waiting for my answer.
The something clicked; I knew how to do both. No it doesn't involve being in two places at one time literally, only figuratively. 'Legolas, could you excuse us for one minute?" I said slowly pushing him out of the throne room. He gave me a questioning look before finally agreeing and walking the rest of the way out. Good thing too, I almost ran out of energy there. The crew were wearing the same expression he was. I rolled my eyes before I draped myself across the closest chair.
"I have a proposition for you." All three took a step forward, ears literally perked with anticipation. "It's like this, we travel with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli so far as the Dunharrow encampment, and from there we return to the ship." They cheered and were prepared to dance when I interrupted. "But, we are only returning to the ship to make port at Minis Tirith's wharf, so that we may also participate in this battle for Middle Earth." I said ending with a smile. A stunned silence followed.
"So you mean to return to the Daerochon only to take the crew into harbor to fight for a war that isn't ours?" Edward questioned moving to place his hands on the arm rest of the chair I was currently occupying. "Does that sound fair to those who care not for the outcome of this war? We're pirates we live out to sea, not on land." I smiled sweetly up at him for a minute before replying, best to keep my temper under control if I want to get this anywhere.
"Do tell, master Edward, when we need supplies, gun powder, ammunition, swords even, or bombs, where we shall procure those items, if the ports are over run by Corsairs or uruk-hai? How many elves do you think they will serve elves, even pirate elves hmm? Tell me how do you plan to remain a pirate and gather your treasure if the only ships occupying the oceans are those of the Corsairs destroying the likes of us? I would greatly appreciate you're fantasy world you live in where this war matters not." I pushed him out of my way and made to walk out of the room only to be stopped by Charlotte.
"We understand your plight for your friends, but why should the crew have to sacrifice themselves for the race of Men. Their age is over."
"As is ours Charlotte. If they go, Pirates go with them. Do you not realize the relationship? Fine if you don't want to join, I suppose I can leave you stranded on some island so that when this war is lost the two of you can grow old together with the Corsairs. At least I will die knowing I'm fighting for something I love, not cowering behind others. I'm sure there are some of my crew that have not grown so bold as to refuse an order. Bart where is your standing?" He didn't move or reply, I nodded and jerked my arm out of Charlotte's hand and threw the doors open, almost smashing Legolas in the nose. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to hear your plan."
"What of it?" I snapped still angry with the last argument.
"Do you still plan on going through with it?"
"Yes I do, they can not stop doing what I feel is right."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Aren't they representing what most of your crew is going to feel when you present the idea to them yourselves?"
"I don't know but Legolas, I've got to try. There is no way that we have enough men to win this battle. I have to figure someway to help. And if the rest feel the way they feel, then so be it, I tried."
"Do you plan on telling Aragorn?"
"I suppose I'll have to won't I?"
"I wish you wouldn't risk it. Alone at least.'
"Are you hinting that you wish to join me?" I asked smiling.
"Maybe."
"I think you are." By that time we had reached the stables where Aragorn had completed his preparations. "I think I can allow that."
"Excellent."
"What's excellent?" Aragorn asked stepping out of his horse, Brego's, stall.
"I have formulated a plan that sir Legolas would like to be a part of." I said leaning against the cross ties.
"Oh? And what pray tell is this plan?" Aragorn looked nervously between Legolas and I, causing me to chuckle.
"Nothing dangerous, yet. This is the plan, we will travel to Dunharrow with you, and from there we shall travel up river to were my ship, the Daerochon, is in port. Upon which we shall board and try to convince my crew to travel to participate in the battle, destroying Corsair ships as we come along, and make port in Minis Tirith's wharf to help on land." Once the plan was laid out I smile brightly at Aragorn, whose mouth had fallen some what open.
"And you're planning on allowing her to do this?" Aragorn asked Legolas.
'Hey, he's not my father you know!" I stomped my foot to try and get their attention.
"Well, I was wondering if you would allow me to accompany her on this." Legolas said looking at Aragorn meaningfully. Aragorn looked between us for a few minutes before sighing and nodding his head.
"You know, I never really needed your permission did I?" I asked knowing the answer; he wasn't the boss of me. He shook his head, I felt like an idiot. 'Gah, I just did it for your benefit ok, only to make you feel like you were boss."
"What of the others, those that came to get you." Aragorn asked smiling his all knowing smile that drives me nuts. I just waved me hand.
"Who knows, they are no longer under my command. Or so they chose not to be. By the way, what horse do I use, seeing as I am in need of one, my first one seems to have gone missing, maybe she met her match in the shape of a cliff." Aragorn laughed before going to find a horse for me.
"Do you really not care where they go?" Legolas asked wrapping his arms around me from behind and placing his head on top of mine.
I tore my gaze off of the stack of hay and turned into Legolas and shrugged. "Who needs mates that won't follow you for something much bigger than themselves because they're afraid? Sure, I'll miss them, but life goes on." Legolas nodded, and we sat in silence for a good few seconds before a voice broke it for the second time.
"What if they felt sorry and wished to apologize for their stupidity or disloyalty, whatever you deem it."
"Especially those who had the nerve to come that close to your face and down right defy you?" The voice was quivering with fear, my evil side wanted to burst out laughing, but I some how managed to control it.
"I suppose I could forgive them, for a hefty price." I turned to smirk at Charlotte who was now standing in front of me shuffling her feet.
"Lye hiraetha, Nikerym" (We apologize, Captain.) she said, still not looking me in the eye. I glanced at Legolas who shrugged his shoulders smiling.
"I don't know if I'm going to be able to except that apology." I said acting as if I were still angry. Charlotte's head snapped up with a gasp as she locked her tear-filled eyes with mine. It was enough to make me start laughing, and flip off the cross ties I was sitting on. Brego started licking my face while I was there while the rest of the people laughed. "Thanks Brego, at least I know I'm loved."
"I suppose that means you forgive us then?" Charlotte asked timidly walking forward.
"I don't know, Brego, what say you?" He snorted in response, and nodded his head. "Uh huh, should they pay a price first?" Same answer. 'You know I'm beginning to like you, too bad Aragorn already has a claim on you. The horse has spoken, I forgive you, but you owe me." Charlotte launched herself on me, closely followed by Edward and Bart.
"So when do we leave?" Edward asked finally removing Charlotte from me so that I could breathe.
"As soon as I get a horse."
"ESME!" I jumped ten feet in the air, effectively falling off the cross ties again. Aragorn walked in pulling a white horse behind him. "You're chariot awaits, where is she?" I could all see them point the where I was sitting. Behind Brego's front legs. "Aha, I see."
"EWWwwwhooooo! What's this horse's name?" I ran over to the horse, which in turn didn't bite me. Score. I like him already.
"His name is whatever you decide it to be." Aragorn replied shaking his head.
"Hmm….how about Wheat Thins?" They all stared at me, including the horse. "Oh come on, how do you not get that reference?"
Author's Note: There you go, first update of 08. It rhymed, yay! Yeah, um anyway……reviews are loved! Happy New Year!