Ha! I've been up for over 24 hours. We had a crazy cast party last night, and hardly anyone slept.
Izzy: That's because you kept going outside and bringing back snow to dump on their heads.
MN9: I only did that once. And some found it rather refreshing.
Izzy: Not the guy who actually was sleeping.
MN9: Party pooper…
Disclaimer: IDONOTOWNLORDOFTHERINGS! IDONOTOWNLORDOFTHERINGS! IDONOTOWNLORDOFTHERINGS!
Chapter 27 Recap:
"Well what are we standing around for?" asked Gimli.
Abigail smiled," Right this way to your seats, gentlemen."
(Short and sweet this time. Something new: these mean a scene change or something like that.)
Chapter 28:
Abigail led them to the other side of the field, where large arrays of tables were set up. They were to sit at a table just below the Lord and Lady of the wood.
Haldir, tonight, had the honor of sitting at the table with Celeborn and Galadriel, along with a few other nobles and military men.
Abigail spotted Arphenon's family at a lower table to the right of them.
The group had actually arrived a bit late, so they had to sit down quickly and prepared to eat. Sam sat at one end, followed by Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Abigail, Boromir, Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas.
Moment later, waiters brought out several kinds of green and fruit salads.
Abigail noticed the slightly crestfallen look on some of the hobbits faces, and said,
"Don't worry lads, this is only the first course."
They immediately brightened up, and ate their salads eagerly without a word.
"So, when did you have a change of wardrobe?" Boromir asked, smiling.
She groaned. "I knew I would not get off that easily."
He said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
"My best friend and her mother decided I needed a makeover tonight, and it involved several hours of arguing, pins and hairbrushes. Need I say more?"
He chuckled," No, I believe that paints a pretty good picture."
"Well, I see you finally took a bath," she retorted.
"You're just jealous that you can't be as naturally handsome as I. Especially with all these elvish women."
"Why, yes, Lord Boromir, I was so hoping to have elvish women would throw themselves at me tonight."
"Please do try to contain yourself Lady Abigail," he said back.
She raised her glass, "Nicely done, my lord," and they both just laughed.
Authion watched her laugh with the man, the Gondorian one by the looks of it. He also couldn't help but notice how the other man, Aragorn he believed, was casting side-longed glances at her, but she didn't seem to notice.
'All the better for me,' he thought.
"You have that conniving look in your eyes, brother," Rodwen whispered, interrupting his solitude. "What are you planning?"
"I never plan anything evil, sister."
"No, but you often plan something rash that turns out messy."
He scoffed. "You can't plan something rash, that's redundant."
"I wouldn't put it past you," she mumbled.
"Don't be so negative, nothing is wrong," he insisted. He took one last look at Abigail, and then focused back to his food.
Lord Celeborn stood and cleared his throat, signaling he wished to speak.
Many 'shhhs' could be heard throughout the crowd.
"This night, we say farewell to our humble guests. If you do not know them already, never fear, for I do not doubt they will be written about in history books to come. They are the Fellowship of the Ring, and they have been our honored company for the past week, yet they will uphold that honor even when the leave, because they seek to fight for the justice and freedom that it is left in this world."
He paused, letting his word sink in for effect.
"It would take to long to explain the great task before them, so for now I only ask you to make sure they enjoy their last night in our lovely woods and to raise your glasses to the lords of-"
"A-hem!" Abigail's voice rang out from below.
Celeborn looked slightly annoyed at being interrupted, but smile gently all the same.
"Excuse me. Raise you glasses to the lords and lady of the fellowship."
"To the fellowship," the voices rang out and drank."
But he was not done yet.
"I also wish to take this moment, to honor one who could not be with us tonight. Please raise your glasses once more to a brave and true friend of the elves. To Gandalf the Grey!" he cried out.
"Gandalf the Grey," they loud chorus responded.
Abigail raised he glass and took a small sip of wine.
'Here's to you, you old fool,' she thought fondly.
"Eat and drink to you heart content, and now the floor is open for dancing. Thank you." Lord Celeborn finished.
A hearty cheer roared throughout the forest, as the strings began to play a light waltz.
Abigail had barely set her fork down, when a figure suddenly appeared beside her.
"Might I still you for the first dance?" he asked politely.
"Bless Varda, Authion, where did you come from? Elves are too light on their feet for their own good, I swear," she rambled.
"It works quite well for us, it's just not to your liking," he said.
"Shouldn't everything be made to my liking though?" she said sarcastically.
"Of course, of course, how could I forget?" he chuckled.
Abigail turned back to the table.
"Oops, how rude of me. Everyone, this is my good friend Authion. Authion this is-"
"Don't, worry. I'm fairly positive I can guess who is who from past descriptions," he assured.
Authion helped her up from her seat.
"If anyone is having trouble finding a partner, let me know! I have very good connections with some blondes!" she called over her shoulder, smiling.
"Boromir, I think you let the lassie have to much to drink," said Gimli.
"No, she's just having fun and being herself. Which is something we had yet to really see," commented Aragorn.
The others were surprised at his insight, but agreed. One by one they each left the table to go find somewhere or someone to mingle with.
"How does it feel to be a guest of honor?" Authion asked as they were dancing.
She shrugged, "Not that much different. Probably because I've been to so many other of these events, they all just blend together sometimes."
"But there is new seating arrangement this time."
"True," she said simply. "But I've known them for a while now, they are my friends just like you."
'Does she have to put so much emphasis on friends?' Authion thought now. He realized the moment he saw her come out in that dress that his was it. He was lucky to have seen her now, but next she was going to Mordor. This could be his last chance to say anything.
'But not now…later,' he thought, and changed the subject to simple things like the food, weather, etc.
(A/N-Can you guess where this is going?)
Abigail had so far danced with a wide variety of people, including Legolas, Boromir, Haldir and even one dance with Gimli (though her foot was in some pain after that dance).
She has danced a far amount with Authion, more on his insistence than hers, but it was her last night so she figured he was just trying to see her a lot before she was gone.
Many of the young, female elves thought the hobbits were just adorable and had been fawning over them all night.
Legolas had acquired quite a fan club as well, which was no surprise considering her was handsome, kind and not to mention a prince.
Boromir and Aragorn had taken more to talking then dancing, but she thought she had seen them on the floor a few times.
Even Gimli found a big group of elves to discuss with and both times she overheard them they were either talking about war or ale; right up Gimli's alley.
Anyway, she had been dancing with Haldir when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"May I cut in for a moment?" a deep, polite voice said.
She didn't recognize the elf for a moment. He had gotten taller it seemed, and his hair was more brown.
"Hanwu," Haldir greeted. "Made in out of the shop, I see."
Hanwu nodded. "If you please, captain, I was wondering if I could have a moment with the lady."
Haldir looked at Abigail.
"Sure," she nodded slowly.
Hanwu took her hand, and ending up dancing quite gracefully with her.
"You've…changed," she commented.
"From the idiotic brat you once knew?"
"Too put it bluntly…yes."
He smiled weakly. "I know I'm viewed as the stupid one compared to my twin, but I'm smart enough to realize that during this war, there is no time for prejudices. I followed my brother blindly before, I hope you can forgive me for it."
There was no lie in his voice, and his eyes looked most sincere.
"Of course I can forgive you Hanwu. You've definitely changed for the better and I admire that."
He looked very relived. "Thank you, your understanding will be a great benefit to the team."
There was a pause in conversation.
"What did Haldir say about a shop?" she asked.
"It turned out I wasn't the fighting type. My brother joined the guard, while I took to making weapons for them. I'm apprentice to the master craftsmen," he stated proudly.
"That's wonderful, congratulations!" she said truthfully.
The song came to a slow end.
"One more thing," he spoke, just as he was about to leave. "Carnil won't talk about the incident or your secret."
"Wh-how?"
He smiled mischievously, just like he used to. "When your are in a work room surrounded by 2 dozen swords that only you have access to, you can be rather persuasive."
"Thank you. Thank you so much," she said. It was her turn to be relieved.
He nodded. "Good luck with you quest," and then he just walked through the trees and left.
A hand came on Abigail's shoulder again.
"Haldir, did you know-" she turned around to fully face her new dance partner.
"Aragorn! I'm sorry I assumed you were someone else."
"Disappointed?" he asked casually.
"No, of course not!" she said quickly.
He raised an eyebrow, his (gorgeous) hazel eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Oh, wait, what I mean is…I-um," she trailed off, cheeks glowing red. The band started a new song with a faster beat.
"Would you care/like to dance?" the two spoke at the same time.
Abigail smiled," I would love to," she curtsied formally and Aragorn returned with a bow.
He wrapped one arm gently around her waist, sending a wavering, tingling sensation through her spine.
She placed a soft hand on his shoulder, and his skin seemed to warm where she touched.
'What is this? Why is it always him?' she asked herself.
'How does she make me feel this way? It's only Abigail, only another member of the fellowship' he wondered.
Neither spoke, either because they couldn't think of a topic or because it would be breaking the moment.
Abigail felt so light, twirling and gliding across the forest floor.
'She belongs here,' he finally told himself. 'I don't care what Haldir says, I have to try.'
"Abigail," he started slowly, "Are you sure you want to continue?"
"What, the dance?"
"No, the fellowship?"
Immediately her feet moved slower. This was the thing she feared would be happening tonight.
'Damn, I should have listened to Haldir,' he scolded himself.
"Please, I mean no insult-"
"I bit late for that," she said, I bit more harshly than she meant to.
"You are strong and brave, there is no denying that whatsoever. But you have so much you can live for, here. You need not concern yourself with the pain and sadness and war and fighting," he tried to explain.
"I will feel that pain no matter where I go. No one can escape Sauron. Not even those in the Havens. I refuse to sit in some chair waiting for death when I have the chance and I have made the choice to battle and make a difference. The only way to live is to fight," she argued.
"There are other ways-"
"Not for me Aragorn, not for me," she stopped dancing, her voice in a dangerous whisper.
'If only he knew how different I was. And how I can really help,' she thought.
"To win or fail in this war is the only cause I see. I will die trying if needed, and that is all I am good for."
She tried to walk away, but he grabbed her hand.
"That is not true," he said sternly. He let go of her hand, and sighed. "I only ask because I care."
"With different people and other places, I could have cared too. But not now," was her only explanation.
As if on cue, the music stopped.
"This is me and my choice Aragorn. Accept it or hate me," she said, walking away towards the table.
"You leave me with one choice, then, for I could never hate you."
He meant to say it to himself, but Abigail just barely heard him and smiled just a little.
Haldir came over to her.
"What was that all about?"
"Nothing, just a concern. Can we go home, I'm kind of tired," she said.
"Of course. The night is almost over, anyway."
Before they could leave, though, Galadriel decided to speak.
"As night draws to an end, it is tradition that a member of the honored party performs for us, perhaps a lullaby to send us into sweet dreams?" the golden lady spoke loudly.
'Great, another bloody tradition,' Abby thought.
Scattered throughout the area, the fellowship managed to give each other nervous glances. Who wanted to sing in front of the entire noble city?
"I nominate lady Abigail grace us with one of her songs," Rodwen shouted out.
Abigail wanted to kill her.
"Umm, my voice is a bit sore from this night events, I am not confident it will be to your liking," she said, trying desperately to get out of it.
"Oh no you don't!" Rodwen said, marching up to here. "I gave you years of lessons and it's about time I show off my teaching talent."
"Rodwen, you have got to be-"
"I second the nomination!" another shouted. She thought it might be Arphenon.
Soon all the elves seemed to be in agreement that Abigail should sing. Most were curious, because they had never heard the mortal girl sing before.
Authion and Rodwen dragged her to the stage in the gazebo, where the band had been playing.
"Do you want accompaniment, my lady?" the harpist asked.
"N-no thank you, I don't think you know this one."
She looked over the massive crowd, and for a moment she thought she would faint.
She found Haldir, though, and remembered how comfortable she was singing when he was there. She could tell he wanted her to sing very much.
'Okay, it's visual time. Pretend it's only your friends. No dilemma, just sing.'
She took a deep breath, and started to sing the first pure note.
Lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby
Back to the years of loo-li lai-lay
And I'll sing you to sleep and I'll sing you tomorrow
Bless you with love for the road that you go
May you sail far to the far fields of fortune
With diamonds and pearls at your head and your feet
And may you need never to banish misfortune
May you find kindness in all that you meet
May there always be angels to watch over you
To guide you each step of the way
To guard you and keep you safe from all harm
Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay
May you bring love and may you bring happiness
Be loved in return to the end of your days
Now fall off to sleep, I'm not meaning to keep you
I'll just sit for a while and sing loo-li, lai-lay
May there always be angels to watch over you
To guide you each step of the way
To guard you and keep you safe from all harm
Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay
(A/N-One of the most relaxing and beautiful songs ever. "Sleepsong" by Secret Garden)
She came back to reality when she stopped. Singing really got her lost in her own little world. Nothing was more important than herself, the notes and the words.
Everyone had this peaceful and amazed look on their faces, which didn't give Abigail much comfort. Did this mean they hated it?
She didn't know what to do. She could either stand there like an idiot, hoping they would move first or she could do something.
In the end, all she did was give a small bow. Then, in the midst of the everlasting silence, someone started clapping. It spread like fire through the crowd, and to her astonishment they all started cheering for her.
She just stood there and kept smiling and blushing like mad.
Rodwen appeared next to her.
"Was that so bad?" she asked innocently.
"Maybe not. But if their weren't so many people I would probably still kill you," Abigail replied with clenched teeth.
"Well, there are a lot of people, and they are happy for you. So enjoy it kid."
"However, as punishment, I choose you to be my bodyguard through this mob," Abigail said.
Rodwen turned a bit white. "Abby, that's just cruel."
"Now you know what NOT to do when someone has stage fright!" Abby yelled over the noise as they started to walk through.
"Fine, lesson learned!" Rodwen said in response.
The crowd thinned fairly quickly, for it was late at night. Many came to compliment her, but she tried to direct them away as quickly as possible. Attention wasn't something she was used to either, at least not like this.
Not much later, all that was left was the fellowship and Haldir.
"That was wonderful, Abigail. I'm so proud on how hard you worked on your voice," he gave her a tight hug.
Aragorn was still surprised and the tenderness and love the lone elf captain had for this girl.
"I believe proper introduction are needed," Abigail stated. "This is my guardian, Haldir, more officially know as Captain Haldir of the Lorien Guard."
"Where was all this kindness when we first arrived?" asked Sam.
"I hope you can forgive me, Master Gamgee, I was only following orders."
"Ah, no harm no wound," Merry said.
"That's right," added Pippin. "A friend of Abigail's is a friend of ours."
"I had no idea of what a powerful voice you had inside, Abigail," Legolas said.
"I usually would not sing in front of people, but peer pressure got to me tonight," she smiled. "If you'll excuse me, I fell like a little walk before I go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"It already is morning," Boromir pointed out.
"Well, I will see you in the later morning then," she said, and then she vanished from the path. Unknown to her, she was being followed.
"That's quite a girl you've raised their, Captain," said Gimli.
"I hardly did I thing, and now I wish I could offer her more," he said sadly. "You are her guardians now. I know she will need the trust and help of all of you to get through this. But don't doubt her. Remember she only speaks from her heart, even if you cannot understand it."
Abigail was walking silently with her thoughts when I twig snapped. She turned around, surprised that she had not noticed she was not alone earlier.
"You have such a beautiful voice, but it all pales in comparison to your beautiful face."
"Authion, if you keep sneaking up on me like that I'll be a beautiful corpse, dead from fright," she scolded lightly.
He moved towards her quietly and stroked her face, as he had done before.
She didn't move, only because she was confused.
"Must you leave?"
"Yes," she answered strictly. "I will not have this conversation again." She took a step back.
"Ah yes, you had the same argument with lord Aragorn. Almost like a lovers spat."
"Aragorn is a good man and a caring friend, Authion. I don't see where you are going with this."
"And what can you say about me, Abby?" he asked earnestly, trying hard to make eye contact with her. And as soon as she saw his eyes, he knew what he was trying to get.
"The honest answer is not the one you are looking for," she said quietly, looking at the ground.
"What is that suppose to mean? Quit toying with my heart!" he demanded.
"I am doing no such thing! Don't confuse me like this!" she said, equally demanding but her voice remained low.
"Well, here's some closure. I love you, Abigail! I love everything about you. I want you to stay with me. Leave the fellowship, live with me!" he yelled.
She has not expected this outburst, not from him and certainly not now.
"Authion, this is not like you at all. When I left, we were the great friends we always been-"
"I changed, you changed, it's all changing don't you see," he told her. "You've become the constant that I need in my life. I could not bear it if you left and never came back."
He was almost on his knees now. She came forward and grabbed him gently on the head, making eye contact one again.
"You are not going to lose me," she said calmly. "But you also cannot have me. I am not in love with you, Authion."
"But I grew up with you. You know I can provide a good home and family. Please believe me when I say I love you."
"You love me when I'm young a free. But what happens when I am wrinkled and gray, and you still look like you are in your prime? Can you love me then?"
"Of course, it doesn't matter to me."
She shook her head, "You say that now, but I won't let myself believe that. I would be ashamed that I could not even do the simplest pleasures with you. I cannot ride a horse and cook when I am 80. I will not live like that."
It might have sounded harsh, or even racist, but it was how she felt. She could not offer life-long happiness to an elf, because from the moment a mortal is born their life begins to fade. Few elves truly understood what it is to be human in that aspect.
She wished she could love Authion, she really did.. Right now it seemed it would make life so much easier, but it wasn't fair to him to say anything else besides no.
"Immortality is a great gift, don't toss it around so idly. To have the chance to see the world grow and evolve."
"Or just watch it fall apart," he said bitterly.
They were now just standing side by side.
"Why?" was the only question he had left
"I don't know why Authion, it's just not you," she said exhausted. Deep down she had a suspicion why, but she couldnt' bring herself to try and explain. "There is a much more deserving woman out there who can make your dreams come true and share all the ages with you."
"I still want it to be with you," he insisted.
"I'm not even sure if I'm real, Authion. Don't love a thought," she said, it an eerily sad whisper. "I'm sorry this has to be our goodbye."
The next time he looked up, she was gone. Only then did he allow the single tear to roll down his cheek, but he quickly brushed it away.
"I tried to warn you brother."
He scoffed. Even now he can imagine how his sister was going to scold him.
Abigail ran fast and blindly. She could have been going right through trees, but she didn't care. Every part of her soul, mind and heart was aching.
She charged angrily up to the mirror and began to yell at it.
"Why can't you answer my questions? Show me what I can be or at least who I was! Why am I cursed to lie and hurt everyone? What do you want from me?"
She felt stupid, screaming at the water. For now, thought, it was an outlet for her rage. She felt the mirror was the only thing holding her back from her life, because it was the only thing that could prove that she had a life. Then she didn't just appear out of nowhere, that her whole life wasn't just visions and dreams.
Tears ran wildly and freely down her cheeks. The salt ran into her mouth, and droplet's fell into the wet screen of the bowl.
"Show me…please," she begged.
As her tears dripped into the mirror, it began to glow and morph. She slowly realized that her life was about to flash before her eyes, and she wasn't even dying.
Bwa ha ha ha! This is probably one of the most evil cliffhangers I will ever leave you with. But I feel it must be done.
Izzy: Still, I strongly suggest you go hide yourself somewhere until you update.
(Angry chants and the glow of mob torches start to come around the corner)
MN9: Smart girl, knew there was a reason I hired you. Can you wrap in up while I pull a Houdini?
Izzy: I suppose….
MN9: Thanks
Mob: Get the witch!
MN9: Witch?
Mob: Sorry, wrong angry threat (reads script). Ah yes, here we are. GET THE AUTHOR!
MN9: uh-oh
Izzy: Thanks to super-fast reviewers:
ArwenEvenstar83: Yeah, those two outfits did sort of come from the movie. But except for the sheer and purple part I think Abby's outfit if fairly different. I also think the outfits are gorgeous. I think Eowyn had some of the best dresses; I want to steal her wardrobe. Thanks!
Samantha-Girl Scout: Good news, I did update pretty fast. Bad news for me, you're probably going to unleash your mob now.
LadyEruaphadriel-orderofthe...: It's too bad that Boromir had to die ever, even in the original. But I think it's for the best to keep that part. I'm glad you can forgive me for it.
KillerRubberDuckiesR-J: I know I was setting myself up when I said 'nonsense'. But it worked, I have new reviewers. Thanks!
grumpy861: Again, I knew some people would take the nonsense thing to heart. I'm very thankful to have a new reviewer and I hope to keep it up. Thanks!
hermonine: Yay, I'm glad you like it. Thank you and please keep messaging!
Narnian Sprite: Yay, I did! But now you all want to kill me!
Izzy: If Mystic were here, I'm sure she would say "Super Cool! 100 freakin' reviews!" or something along those lines. So keep up the good work! She also wants to remind you to be thankful that she wrote such a long chapter in one day, even if it did have an awful cliffy. Though I doubt that will make you forgive her any faster.
Never fear, details of what Abigail sees are in the next chapter and she will try to post it ASAP.
Until later!
-Izzy/MN9 if she wasn't hiding for her life in an unknown location.
Izzy: cough broom closest cough
MN9: Izzy, nooo!
Mob: Charge!