Izzy: Hello! It's Izzy, again. I'll be around now and then to some nice comic relief and to give you all a break from mean Mystic.
MN9: Hey! First of all, I am so not mean-
Readers: Tell us that when you don't update in a week, you have horrible typo's and you leave us with awful cliffies!
MN9: Whatever. And second of all, Izzy's also here so I can tell dumb blonde jokes.
Izzy: Which is really quite unfair because I'm not dumb at all, and I'm more of a golden brown then blonde.
MN9: What's 2 plus 2?
Izzy: That's easy it's…erm…22?
MN9: (sigh) Let's just start this chapter before she hurts herself.
Izzy: No wait, it's 4! 4!
MN9: Too late.
Izzy: Nooooo!
Disclaimer: Since I had such a complicated introduction, I'll keep this part simple. I don't own Lord of the Rings.
Chapter 23 Recap:
"The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark," a voice said behind her.
Abigail felt tears wanting to brim her eyes, but she held them back. She had missed his voice so much, she thought.
'Haldir.'
Chapter 24:
She didn't move, even though she would love to face him. She stayed focused on the elf in front of her. He was young and must have been new to the guard. He was smirking at her, though, and that made her remember his face.
"You better hope my finger doesn't slip and let go of the bow, my lady," he said smugly.
"And you should hope my dagger doesn't suddenly pop out of my belt, sir Carnil." Her tone managed to stay calm, but she spoke his name angrily.
(A/n- Carnil is the twin brother of Hanwu, they are the mean elves from chapter 11)
Only Aragorn and Legolas understood elvish, but even then they were still confused. But Aragorn knew it wasn't the best time to be giving threats, so he put a steady hand on Abigail's shoulder.
"Peace," he whispered.
She took a deep breath and relaxed, but didn't take her eyes off Carnil.
Haldir made a motion for the fellowship to follow him. As he walked by Abigail managed to catch his eye for a second, but they soon focused back to the task on hand.
"Move," Carnil said, and gave her a nasty shove in the back. She was getting ready to hit him, when someone grabbed Carnil roughly by the arm.
"That was uncalled for. Go stand in the front where I can watch you," the man ordered.
Abigail saw it was Arphenon. She offered him a small smile, and she could have sworn he winked at her.
No conversation was allowed as they walked through the woods. But Abigail soon realized Haldir was leading them to the southeast borders, away from the city. It was as she feared, they were not welcome. About 10 to 15 minutes later, they stopped in a small clearing. Abby knew it was meant to be a resting spot for watches, but she doubted they were here to rest.
"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion," Haldir spoke to Legolas.
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." He replied.
"Don't thank me yet," said Haldir seriously.
(Translations: Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil. Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lorien)
The captain took a step towards Aragorn.
"A Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen."
(And Aragorn of the Dunedain, you are known to us)
"Haldir," Aragorn responded.
"Lady Abigail. You have returned to the woods in one piece."
Obviously they were keeping it formal.
"Yes, sir Haldir, it is nice to be in familiar territory again," she bowed her head a little.
Aragorn was a bit surprised at this interaction. They acted as if they weren't close at all.
Aragorn looked to Legolas.
He shook his head and mouthed, "Later."
Haldir stopped at Frodo.
"And you, you bring great evil with you."
Frodo stared at the forest floor.
"You can go no further," he announced to the entire fellowship.
They all looked dismayed, Boromir gave her a pointed look. She nodded, and approached Haldir who was on the other side now, against a tree.
"Captain Haldir?" she asked.
"I have been given strict orders from Lord Celeborn, no one is to be let in," he said.
She was slightly hurt at his tone.
'So he really is sticking to the rules this time. I can't blame him, though, so I'll just go along,' she thought.
"So are you saying we've come all this way and we can't even get one good's night rest?"
For a moment, a truly sorry look was in his face, but he kept up appearances like a true captain.
"We don't know where you've been or who could be following you. Do you want to jeopardize the entire city?"
They began to argue with hushed voices.
The fellowship wasn't allowed to leave the area, but they could relax. Most sat down and tended to themselves or their gear.
"So who wants to tell me why she can't enter her own home?" Gimli asked. The dwarf was sitting with Aragorn and Legolas.
"It's part of a decree, made a long time ago," Legolas explained. "During wars, one of the largest problems were spies. Elves liked to provide hospitality to those in need and sometimes it gave spies the opportunity to slip in and out of elven cities. For one small city of elves in the west, it caused their downfall. It was then they realized they needed to be stricter on whom they allowed to stay and where they could stay. Travelers, wanderers and even some of their own people were questions and searched constantly. Now, the rule is only enforced during in a time of war."
"So even if they know Abigail, she's a suspect?" Aragorn said.
"She's been gone for a while, and then she comes backs she brings whole
group of strangers. I doubt Haldir likes to do this, but if he's been ordered he has no choice. He is an example to his people," Legolas continued. "Lord Elrond didn't want the ring in his city, so why would Lord Celeborn or Lady Galadriel?"
"Still, I don't understand why they can't be civil to her," Gimli said.
"It is another small part of the custom. In a case like this, when you travel with a foreign group or fellowship, you are to be treated as they are treated. Since we are not wanted, she is not wanted."
"Not exactly fair to the poor lass, is it?" said Gimli.
They just nodded, and let their eyes wander back the arguing pair.
Back With Abby
"Abigail, you know as well as I what danger that ring brings. You have witnessed it first hand."
"Captain, I assure you I wish no harm to Lorien, but we are tired, hungry and hurt. We have suffered enough, I beg you to at least let us stop in the city for a moment. Then we will leave."
Haldir looked as if he was giving in.
"If I had it my way, you would stay, believe me," he said.
Her face softened. "I understand your dilemma, but I'm begging you we need your help. Let us heal before we lose someone else." She said that last part in a whisper.
Haldir gave her a quizzical look and scanned the crowd.
"Gandalf?"
She hung her head.
"It might be safe to say the situation is…different from what we expected. I'm afraid the best I can do is present you to the Lord and Lady. They can pass judgement."
She smiled. "That is all we need. I would not be surprised if Lady Galadriel is already expecting us."
"Doesn't she always know something we don't," he complained silently.
He nodded to his group of elves, and they walked back towards the fellowship.
"You will follow me," he ordered, back in his 'captain mode'.
Haldir led them on a series of paths out of the forest and to the hill that overlooked the city.
"Caras Galadhon," Abigail said happily. "It looks magnificent when the sun is setting.
Indeed, a lovely pink and orange haze was covering the city.
"Yes, Caras Galadhon, the heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, lady of light," Haldir said proudly. "Come, we must be inside the city before nightfall."
Next they went on a straight path that led to the center of the city. A few crowds gathered on the sides to watch the newcomers file in.
"I see we're taking the grand entrance," said Boromir.
"Only the best for me," Abigail said.
"You must be joking."
They went up a staircase that was winding around a white tree.
At the top, there was a gazebo type sanctuary. Just ahead was a shorter stack of steps, the ones that led to the grand court.
Shortly after they stopped, a brilliant light came from above, as Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel descended, hand in hand.
Legolas and Aragorn both bowed their heads respectively (partly to shield their eyes as well), and the others followed suit.
Abigail went into a full-out curtsey. This was not her first meeting with the lady, of course, but the feeling of great honor and respect never left.
It was lord Celeborn who spoke first this time.
"The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone."
Haldir looked worried, but Abigail gave him a reassuring look. She would take any blame there was going to be given.
Celeborn went on.
"Nine that are here yet ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar."
Galadriel looked at Aragorn, and retrieved the answer from inside.
"Gandalf the Grey did not cross into these borders. He has fallen into Shadow."
Celeborn looked at his wife, amazed and disturbed by this news.
"He was not only taken by shadow, but flame as well," answered Legolas slowly. "A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into Moria."
"No deeds of Gandalf were needless. We have not yet realized his full purpose," the lady said.
Abigail was both comforted and confused by her words.
"And what becomes of the Fellowship now? Without Gandalf, hope is lost," Celeborn said and frowned.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all."
Galadriel turned her mouth into a trace of a smile.
"Yet hope remains while the company is true."
Her gaze lingered on Sam.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil."
She kept talking, but Abigail stopped listening. She heard what she needed; they were given permission to stay. She couldn't wait to see Authion and Rodwen. Someone else joined her thoughts.
"You have realized the dark side of your powers. But Gandalf's disappearance was not of your fault. Your Gondorian companion is right, be joyful with who you still have."
'Thank you,' she thought, and she could only hope Galadriel heard it. Yet she wondered why the lady chose the word "disappearance" and not "death".
The rest of the company was filing out, but Abigail lingered. Boromir noticed she wasn't following.
"I will find you all later," was all she said.
He shrugged and walked out.
When it was safe, she ran with all her might to her favorite elf captain. She didn't care if the Lord and Lady were still here; she gave him a tight hug anyway.
Haldir returned the hug, and kissed her gently on the head.
"That's it, you are never leaving here!" he said.
She laughed. She even missed how he mock scolded her.
"Whatever you say, Haldir."
She gave him another hug.
"Oh, and you didn't miss me at all?" a 'hurt' Arphenon said.
"It's always a vacation to get away from you!" she joked.
Arphenon ruffled her hair.
"Hey!"
"What? It already looked terrible."
She groaned. "Authion's a bad influence on you."
"Speaking of which, everyone's at the house waiting for you," Haldir said. "I bet you would rather have a shower and take a nap in your own bed, though."
"Don't I have to stay with the Fellowship?"
"Nonsense. You have the blessing of the royals. That means that decree has been terminated for you," said Arphenon.
"And do you really think I'm going to let you sleep on the floor, unsupervised, with all those men?" Haldir asked.
"I suppose not. Let's go home."
She smiled. "It feels nice say that."
They smiled back.
"Even if it's only temporary," she said somewhat sadly to herself.
She brushed it off. She was determined to be excited and happy. It was time for a reunion of friends.
The next few chapters will have a lot of talk, since the Abby has a lot of catching up to do and the time in Lorien is suppose to be kind of relaxing for the fellowship's sake.
In other news, I have lots of reviews and new reviewers!
Many, many thanks to:
Narnian Sprite: I love to write the nice side of Boromir, because in the movie we only see a few good things about him, like saving Merry and Pippin. And then he dies! So unfair. Anyway, thank you!
ArwenEvenstar83: It's a safe bet to say I'd be afraid of an orc. But I would force myself to kill it just to be rid of the smell!. Lol, thanks for the happy words!
Samantha-Girl Scout: I think there's about two ways you can look at mobs. You can be flattered that there is such a big group that cares about your story, or be terrified about the fact they want to hurt you.
asotin.gurl34: Hello new reviewer! I'm glad you like my story and I hope to hear from you again. Thank you!
The Demon Goddess of Death: Another new reader! Haha, I guess the actor who plays Haldir does kind of have a big nose. Interesting fact. Please review again, thanks!
Daughter of Arabia: Happy to hear you enjoying my work! I hope to read your thoughts again. Thanks!
Oh, and I reminder for everyone, check out my profile if you want to see where I'm at with writing and so forth. I try to let you guys know when to expect another chapter.
I posted this chapter a lot sooner then I expected.
And the decree things completely made up. I needed some reason on why they wouldn't let Abby in right away.
Until later!
Izzy: Don't I get to say goodbye? Goodbye people!
MN9: Maybe it was a mistake to bring Izzy here.
Izzy: No, no don't worry I'll be good (places halo on head). See?
MN9: (chokes on own spit from laughing so hard)
Izzy: Grr…
-MysticNight9