(Yawn), church has made me very sleepy. There was this Chamber Orchestra here today to play with our choir. Mind you, it was nice music, but it took them TEN MINUTES to finish singing THREE WORDS.
Izzy: Well, I rather enjoyed it.
MN9: You were taking a nap against the pew.
Izzy: Like I said, enjoyed it.
MN9: (rolls her eyes)
Disclaimer: If I had a megaphone, I would shout in your ears, "I DO NOT OWN LORD OF THE RINGS!"
Chapter 35 Recap:
She knew the voice well, and she bit her lip anxiously. She turned around slowly to face the wide-eyed expression of Aragorn.
"Um…hi," she said, her gaze more concerned with the floor than him.
He said nothing, except run closer and give her a tight hug. This surprised all of them a little, but she liked it nonetheless.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly, not quite sure what she was sorry for, but it seemed needed. They both stepped back.
"Me too" he smiled. Though she would never really know how grateful he was to have her alive.
Chapter 36:
Legolas admire the reunion thoughtfully. Somehow, in the past, he had overlooked the close friendship these two had formed.
'Maybe a bit too close,' another thought came.
True, the elf valued Abigail as a companion, but he also had a friendship to the Lady Arwen and he knew elvish love was nothing to tamper with. He decided he should maybe talk to Aragorn about this later.
"I don't understand. How did you get here?" Aragorn asked her.
"Well, miracles of miracles, I found a horse," she chuckled.
Legolas raised an eyebrow, this part he had not heard. "Where on earth did you get a horse?" he questioned.
Abigail shrugged. "I really don't know. All of a sudden he just showed up in the plains."
"Maybe it was just a lost horse from one of the Rohan cities," Aragorn suggested.
"No, he does not look like a war horse. His body was mostly built for speed."
"Can I see him?" said Legolas. He was most curious now.
"Sure, a nice lad took him down to the stables for me. Though I'm not quite sure where they are," she confessed.
"Do not worry, we do," Aragorn assured. "Perhaps we will find Gimli on the way, for he was worried about you too."
The three walked out of the room and into the cobbled streets.
"Now, I assume you came here from Edoras?" Abigail ventured.
"Good guess, that is correct," Aragorn smiled.
'Though it's not really a guess,' Abigail thought to herself.
"And where is Gandalf now?" she asked, but again she already knew the answer. She just needed to keep up appearances.
"He left to find Lord Éomer, just before we left for Helms Deep. He sensed we would need some aid," Legolas explained.
"Indeed, for I take it Théoden will not call for anyway."
"He has faith that his own men are up to the task," Aragorn said, defending the king.
Abigail snorted slightly. "Faith? Some would call in cockiness. I do not doubt the bravery of his soldiers, but like I said earlier I doubt the numbers of them. Few could make it out of this."
Abigail paused for a second, and realized what she just said. Here she was, talking about her concerns, when she should be satisfied with knowing the outcome before hand. For a moment, she had sounded like a normal person who was worried with the unknown fate of the world.
The gesture was so small, but it made her think.
'I really am becoming part of the story.'
Legolas's voice brought her back to reality.
"Here we are," he said, turning around the corner and leading them to a wooden stable.
The smell of horsehair and hay quickly came to her senses.
"Now, where is this savior of your?" Aragorn spoke up.
She did have to look hard before the black head of Veryohtar poked out of a stall door.
"There's my boy," she said, stroking his ear tenderly. "Feeling better?"
The horse shook his mane in reply.
"I think that's a yes."
"I can barely believe it. Another of the Mearas," said Legolas softly, wonder shining in his blue eyes.
Abigail faintly remembered the term.
"Mearas? Like Shadowfax?" she asked.
Legolas nodded. "I suppose the herd was in the area and they quickly come to aid those who call for them."
"But I didn't really call for him. I was simply praying for a bit of guidance," Abigail said, recalling that day.
"Yes, but these intuitive horsing have quite the knack for sensing those in need. Somehow, you formed a bond with this horse and he knew he was needed."
Abigail thought about this as she continued to stroke the sleek black neck.
"By the way, 'this horses' name is Veryohtar," she informed them.
"Bold warrior. A fitting name I can see," Aragorn agreed. "May I," he asked, gesturing towards Veryo.
"Yes, of course," she said quickly.
Aragorn entered the paddock and got a close look at Veryohtar. He spoke soothing elvish words as his hands grazed over the horses back.
Abigail smiled, but covered it with her hand. It was amazing, Aragorn's connection with horses. It was one of the things she loved about him as a young teenage girl back on earth, even before she met him in person.
"I think you are right, about him not seeing many battles, but he his still very strong. If needed, he would ride into one," Aragorn said suddenly as he came out of the stall.
"Perhaps, but I would not ask it of him. For such a magnificent horse, I would not risk it," she told him, but she was looking at Veryohtar.
"I do not know if that will be your decision when the time comes," Legolas warned her.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Éowyn was helping some women husk corn when she looked up and say Legolas and Aragorn walking with a woman. She looked fairly young, not much older than herself, but it looked like she was dressed in clothes that were made for riding or even fighting.
Curiosity overcame her, because she had not seen this woman before. She left the task and followed them (though she stayed a good distance behind).
She was even more curious why this woman looked so close to Lord Aragorn. While Éowyn had hardly known the ranger for a week, she knew she had developed a strong…liking for him, if you will.
She fully caught up with them at the stables, and it sounded like they were finishing a conversation.
"I do not know if that will be your decision when the time comes," she heard Legolas say.
At this time, she decided it was silly to be hiding (they were her friends too), and came out in the open.
"My lords, what brings you to the stables this afternoon?" Éowyn asked.
Three heads turned quickly to look at her.
"I could ask the same of you, Lady Éowyn," Aragorn replied.
"Éowyn? I was wondering when I would get to meet you," Abigail said happily.
"You were?" three voices asked together.
Éowyn was another one of Abigail's favorite character from the book. As always, it was surreal to see her in real life, but exciting. She looked very similar to the depiction in the movie, with rippling blond hair, pale skin and pale eyes. But all of them looked similar to the movie actors thus far.
"Yes. I wasn't raised in a barn. I am aware who the lords and ladies of the courts are," she finally spoke up again, and she strode over towards Éowyn.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Abigail," she said, still smiling.
Éowyn lightly blushed out of embarrassment, realizing how very foolish her suspicions had been.
"Another fellowship member, pleased to meet you," she replied, curtsying with one knee.
"Oh, please, don't bow or anything. I'm not of any sort of royal blood."
"Yes, but you still deserve much respect," Éowyn said.
"As do you, shield maiden," Abigail said simply.
Éowyn grinned, quickly started to like this woman.
"I doubt shield maiden is the proper title. I have just been informed by my uncle that I am not allowed to fight tonight," the Rohan lady sighed.
"Tonight?" Aragorn asked confused.
Abigail slapped her head, realizing Aragorn had not been told anything yet.
But next she winced, also realizing she had forgotten about how she had been clubbed several times in the head by the uruks.
"What's wrong?" Aragorn asked, noticing her pain.
"Never mind it. I should have told you first thing. The army of Isengard is marching towards us. An army of 10,00 uruk-hai."
Aragorn looked shocked for a second, but then quickly regained his composure.
"I heard mutterings of an army coming when I passed by the king. But I did not know it was 10,000 strong or that they were coming tonight."
OoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Soon after that, Legolas left to find out where in the world Gimli was hiding and Éowyn had to go and start preparing the caves for the women and children.
Aragorn started to show Abigail around the city so she would know where things were for tonight.
Currently, they were on the highest bridge that looked over the entire refuge. Abigail also noticed it showed a spectacular view of Rohan.
"At any other time I think I would have drawn a picture. To remember what it looked like, for it won't be the same after the battle," she commented pleasantly as she peered over the edge.
"Do you know how lucky you are?" asked Aragorn suddenly.
She stepped away from the wall.
"There is no such thing as luck, only series of chances," she replied coolly.
"There were many moments when you could have died out there. Many moments when we thought you were dead," he lectured, his tone remaining serious. "Why did you separate yourself from the hobbits? No one has yet been able to explain your logic."
"I thought it was for the best," she said, continuing to stare out over the sea of grass.
"You thought it was for the best to abandon them and throw yourself back into a pack of fighting uruks?" He was bewildered.
"I was not abandoning Merry and Pippin, I would never do that to them. Trust me, it was the safest thing to do. I cannot tell you why."
He had a right to be confused, even angry. But she couldn't exactly say she left them to find Gandalf on their own.
"You can't or won't tell me?" he said stepping closer.
She spun around, finding herself mere inches away from Aragorn's face.
"Both," she said quietly, her voice failing as she was once again lost in hazel eyes.
"There you are, lassie. This is the second wild goose chase you've sent me on. We've been looking all over fer ya," a growly accent said.
Abigail put another smile on her face as she said, "Gimli! It's wonderful to see you."
She went over and gave her favorite dwarf a hug (who was standing with Legolas).
"Figures you would come in time for another battle, eh?" Gimli said.
"Well, you know me. I would hate to miss out," she laughed lightly. "How about you do me the honor of escorting me the mess hall. I'm starving."
"Thatta girl. On the way I can repeat the dwarf story I told lady Éowyn on our ride over here. It all started in the first age when…"
Gimli's voice disappeared as they walked farther away from the bridge.
Abigail looked back at Aragorn briefly before continuing on her way.
Legolas had stayed behind and now stood with Aragorn.
"The sun will be setting soon. I can already sense the approaching army," Legolas said thoughtfully.
"The weather is dimming as well," said Aragorn, noticing the gathering clouds.
"You were happier for a while today, knowing Abigail was here," Legolas said, trying to sound casual.
Aragorn noticed the abruptness of the comment, but did not care much.
"We were all worried about her. Her being alive also means that the fellowship isn't as broken as we thought," he replied.
"I am sorry, that came out a bit strange. I only meant to say that you have seemed stressed lately. You may be an older man, but before recently you did not look the part," Legolas said, transforming into a concerned friend.
Aragorn nodded his head slightly. "This may sound strange, but it feels like only now I understand our purpose even if the fellowship is apart. Being around the people who are actually affected by this evil," he said, gesturing to the streets below. "I know my place and it is to protect and serve," Aragorn finished.
"Spoken like a true king," Legolas smirked.
"Nay, I still do not accept that title. I will live and die as one of them, as a soldier who follows order."
"But I would rather you not accept the fate of death, mellon nin (my friend), not tonight," Legolas disagreed automatically.
"I am only human, Legolas," he said simply as the sun finally disappeared behind the grass.
"I am only human."
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Abigail had a lovely snack with Gimli after they had left Aragorn and Legolas. She was hungry enough to eat a whole boar, but they had to ration the food appropriately. So she only had a piece of bread, cheese and a slice of dried meat, but it taste like heaven.
Thankfully, Gimli kept the conversation light, doing most of the talking himself and causing Abigail to go into a few laughing fits.
After one particular good joke, Abigail excused herself from the small table they were sharing.
"I need to go find a few weapons of my own. Understandably, the uruks stripped me of my original ones," she explained.
"Of course, of course. I believe the weaponry is only a few doors down from the armory. Just follow the crowd," instructed Gimli.
She waved a quick goodbye and she was gone,
Moments later, who else but Aragorn and Legolas entered the hall.
"Where did Abigail go?" Legolas asked after scanning the chairs for their friend.
"The lass left not too long ago to find some weapons. She probably is looking for a bit of armor too," said Gimli, scratching his long beard.
"I had almost forgotten, I have her daggers," Aragorn said, searching his belt and his pockets.
Sure enough, he pulled out two elvish long daggers.
"You can give them to her shortly. First you should eat and keep up your strength," Gimli said, patting Aragorn on the back. "Same goes for you, master elf," he smirked.
Legolas look insulted for a split second, but then he smiled and grabbed a piece of yellow cheese.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Abigail looked up and down the walls of the rooms, hoping they would maybe have some sort of elvish weapons in stock.
However, she was slightly disappointed to see the majority was broad swords and spears. Then there were a few bent bows and even some crossbows.
She sighed, and eventually found a lighter sword and a bow that was still in pretty good shape.
She got a good grip on the sword and tried a few swings and thrusts. But on one move, pain engulfed her wrists and she dropped the sword suddenly.
"Great, another surprise injury from my captivity," she muttered, massaging the wrist.
"Lady Éowyn could probably use some help organizing the caves," Aragorn's voice said.
She looked up and saw him standing in the doorway with a slight frown on his face.
"Yes, but I still have things to do to prepare on my own, she can find some other aid," said Abigail casually, picking up the swords.
"I did not say you should do that task for a moment. I meant you should stay and help," he said gently.
Abigail studied him sharply. "What? You mean stay in the caves? Sit idly and try to sooth crying babes?" She shook her head passively. "That job is not for me, and it won't be for a long time."
"You are not in proper health. I noticed it when I first saw you today and I still see it now. You are wounded and tired from your journey, and I do not blame you," his voice stern about his opinions.
"I will never be in perfect health, Aragorn. We are traveling throughout the wilderness," she said, a hint of sarcasm in her tone. "Did you not realize I am a good fighter? There are sons and grandfathers who are about to go into battle. Are you going to deny one skilled warrior even if she is a woman?"
"Abigail, this has nothing to do with the fact that you are a woman-"
"But the fact will always remain and none of you will forget it. Any male soldier would grin and bear the pain. I shall do the same," she interrupted vehemently.
"I do not wish to send anybody to the grave tonight. Especially those I care about," he argued back.
These words took her by surprise, but she quickly shrugged it off.
'We're members, friend; he would care about me. He didn't mean anything special by it,' she thought. She took a deep breath.
"There are two choices as I see it, Aragorn. You can try to ban me, but I will still get out and you know it. Then I will fight among strangers and feel like a coward. Or you can let my stand beside you like an honored friend, and we will fight together like a fellowship is supposed to do," she told him, calm and defiant at the same time.
He said nothing for a moment, but to her surprise he did not look angry. "Haldir warned me you were as stubborn as a mule," he said, relaxing.
"Ha! Like he's one to talk," she snorted.
"Well, if you are indeed persistent about fighting. You might want these."
He handed her the sharp tools.
"My daggers!" she exclaimed. "You found them, and kept them in good condition too!"
She ran a finger lightly over the blades edge.
"Though a little blunt," she commented.
"There's a smithy around here somewhere. You can have them sharpened," he informed her.
She was slightly confused. They had just been arguing, but now he was practically encouraging her.
"We are all be upstairs when you are finished," he said, and then he left the room.
"Thank you," she called out.
Aragorn would have been more comfortable if Abigail had stayed safely indoors, but he still trusted that she could take care of herself.
'Still, perhaps I better keep an eye on her,' he thought, as he fiddled with his chain mail.
Soon after he left, Abigail went to go find the smithy as Aragorn instructed.
The smith himself was gone, but the sharpening wedge was still there. She (sort of) remembered how to use it, and she began to smooth out the daggers.
She sang softly to herself over the sound of the grinding.
Where are we?
What the hell is going on?
The dust has only just begun to form
Crop circles in the carpet
Sinking feeling
Spin me round again and rub my eyes
This can't be happening
When busy streets a mess with people
Would stop to hold their heads heavy
Hide and seek
Trains and sewing machines
All those years
They were here first
Oily marks appear on walls
Where pleasure moments hung before the takeover
The sweeping insensitivity
Of this still life
Hide and seek
She was so concentrated on her work, she did not hear the ringing of an elvish horn entering the deep.
(A/N-The song is Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap)
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Ha, ha the evil cliffies will start to return much more frequently. The battle of Helms Deep will begin next chapter, which will sadly not be posted until the weekend (most likely). But I gave you guys this chapter earlier so you can't hate me too much.
Anyway, many thanks to the following reviewers:
ArwenEvenstar83: I do think Aragorn and Arwen are a good match up, I have no disagreements about that. This is just my creative side wondering what could be different. I did kind of figure you were an Arwen fan, so if I get some approval from you that means something. Thanks! Oh, and I love chai tea latte's too. Lol.
writin4fun15: I have a very big basket of kudos from you now. They could last the rest of my life. Jk, thanks a lot for reviewing!
White Blossom of Gondor: Yeah, Arwen will be OC. But I'm trying really hard not to make her mean or anything like that. I agree, Éowyn is a really cool chick, but the entire book is great all characters included. Thanks!
Samantha-Girl Scout: I've always wondered what 'or else' really meant. Honestly, it be like 'or else I'll get you a cookie'. It doesn't have to be a bad thing. Agh, and why did you give Izzy a newspaper? The girl has a mean backhand (Izzy: You bet! Bwa haha!). Lol, thanks for reviewing.
KeeperMusicNight: Indeed, hello new person! Undoubtedly, if stories are a mary-sue (like mine), there will be OC's. So you are most likely going to either hate it or love it. I'm glad you've chosen the latter. I hope to hear from you again. Thanks!
Narnian Sprite: I know, aren't hugs the sweetest? Yeah, I decided I needed to start ending the Aragorn/Arwen ship because people were bugging me about it. And the only way they ever meet are through the dreams the Peter Jackson made up. Go P.J.! I'm happy to hear my version of the dreams works out okay (plot wise). Thanks!
Until next time, enjoy!
-MysticNight9