Author's Memo: I don't plan to talk for this long often, but I've been really bad with updates lately, so I thought I should try to explain myself.
Between last minutes theatre deals, finals for school and sports, I have been very busy and stressed lately.
Also, I am at a point in the story where I have yet to make some decisions. The plot, in my own opinion, gets much more complex from now on, and I'm having some trouble in balancing from what needs to be said, to what's interesting and on top of it all I'm trying to make it well written.
Additions are being added to the story, some things I'm taking out, and some things are undecided.
I'm still trying to think about the two other stories I'm going to try to start soon, and as you can tell it's all getting to be a lot.
But, at the same time, this is sort of like that home stretch and I'm very excited to write these chapters, because if I can do them right they will be pretty cool (I think).
It's summer, so I'll have more time to write, but it can be hard to actually sit down and concentrate.
I don't think it's fair to you, as readers, to keep saying I'm going to update soon and then fail to deliver, so I hope you all can understand I and I hope it doesn't discourage you from reading my story.
I WILL finish this story, but life is crazy, and I'm trying my best.
Thank you very much for reading; I really do appreciate all of you. Now, read on…
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings. You really should realize that by now.
Chapter 47 Recap:
"I just can't stay, not when it's like this. There has to be another way, something else I can do," she said softly, but her tone was very sad. "Goodbye Ryn."
"Good luck, Abigail, with whatever it is you need to do."
With that, Abigail went through the door without looking back. Ryn rushed to one of the front windows, and soon enough she saw a dark horse with an equally dark rider disappear through the gate.
"Forgive me, my lady. I hope I acted somewhat justly," Ryn prayed, and went back to her room.
Just one more thing, there is a small, but important author's note at the end of the chapter. Please read it!
Chapter 48:
Abigail rode quietly through the pale plains of Rohan. Veryohtar cast back confused glances at her now and then, no doubt wondering what the rush was.
She ignored him, though, and everything else as she urged him to gallop faster, trying her best to get away.
'I should have known it never would have worked,' she thought, flashes of the painful night still running through her head. It seemed like her confession had happened so long ago, when in reality in had only been a few hours.
Abigail finally noticed how Veryo was panting heavily, so she slowed down to a walk.
"Forgive me, my friend, my mind was somewhere else," she apologized, stroking his neck.
The horse snorted and just kept walking. She highly doubted anyone was going to follow her, and now she was a good distance away from Edoras, so she could afford a slower pace.
The newly risen sun cast warmth throughout the terrain, but Abigail had never felt colder on the inside.
"Aragorn," she whispered sadly. "Will I ever see him again?" she wondered. She looked behind her towards the direction of Edoras.
"Will he ever want to see me again?"
Abigail knew they weren't destined to be together, but a small part had hoped that maybe, maybe it was possible. It seemed that she had lost all her hope now.
She sighed dejectedly, and rode on. But soon she looked back again and paused.
'Is this really the right thing?' she asked herself. 'I made an oath, and running away was not part of the deal. But am I too much of a risk now? Maybe Aragorn was the only one who was mad; maybe the rest will forgive me.'
Abby shook her head. 'Who am I kidding? If I can't face Aragorn, I can't face any of them.'
"So…where to?" she spoke out loud.
It was tempting to go to Gondor and see if she could help with the upcoming fight. Two problems though: One, she wouldn't be allowed to fight as a woman there and two, the fellowship would be arriving there soon.
Rivendell? Again, tempting to see how thing were going, but she was in no mood to confront Arwen or Elrond.
Mordor? No way in hell was she going there on her own free will.
"I guess it's time I went home, then. Or at least the one place I can still call home," she said softly.
It would be painful going back to the golden woods. No honor or glory would be waiting for her. All that was there would be an empty house. But Arphenon's family would be happy to see her, and she wanted to comfort Rodwen through the loss of her husband. Or maybe even see Haldir's…grave.
'Perhaps it would be for the best to just go back to Lorien,' she decided.
She turned Veryohtar into a northwest path. No longer in a hurry, she kept him at a steady walk.
Something was making her anxious, though, like she had forgotten something.
I heard about your regrets
I heard that you were feeling sorry
I heard from someone that you wish you could
Set things right between us
Well, I guess I should have heard of that from you
"Oh no!" she gasped suddenly, causing Veryo to come to a surprised halt.
"I used my powers at the golden hall when I moved the Palantir! What it the Nazgûl can track me off that?" she slapped her head against her hand, frustrated. "Agh, this is exactly the kind of thing I was worried about. My powers could have put them in danger!"
She cast nervous glances backwards again. The chances might be slim, but the risk was still there.
"I guess I need to cause a new distraction then," she stated firmly.
She dismounted off Veryohtar.
She walked to the front of him and stroked his nose.
"This might look a little scary, but I'm not going to hurt you, alright?" she said lowly.
She then took a few steps back and faced some boulders lying in the ground.
Abigail took a deep breath, stretched out her arms, and focused on the massive rocks.
Slowly she lifted two of them in the air and idly began to twirl and toss them around.
'Here nazgûl, nazgûl, nazgûl,' she thought, cynical and sarcastic. 'Come follow the telekinetic powers.'
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Earlier That Day
Aragorn was in a slight daze as he walked back to the Golden Hall. He still did not understand what really happened between him and Abigail. He said some things that seemed wrong, but at the same time it was right. Anyway, right now it was more important to return to the main group at the hall.
He silently slid in to the back while the group was still deep in conversation.
"And just where did you wander off to?" Legolas appeared to the side of him.
"N-nowhere," Aragorn replied, a bit thrown off by the question. "I merely went out for a moment to get some fresh air. Did I miss anything?" he asked, changing the topic.
Legolas simply nodded to the front of the room, where it seemed a small debate was happening.
"If she has vital information that could help us win this war, I would rather she shared it. Is it not selfish to let us know she has the advantage, and then not use it?" King Théoden accused.
"I hardly doubt you have the right to call her selfish, horse lord. Abigail has done nothing but try to fight for good, and that included fighting to save your people," Gimli countered.
The dwarf believed since Abigail had done no wrong thus far, there was no fair reason to turn on her now.
"Please, Uncle, I think Lord Gimli has some sense. Abigail has shown much respect and kindness for Rohan," Éowyn said gently, lightly touching Théoden's arm.
"But I also believe that if the girl truly has such a raw power, we could use it for the greater good. Where is the harm in that?" Hamling defended his King's argument.
"The Ring has raw power too, but we have all seen what happens when power goes astray, whether by purpose or by accident," Legolas spoke up, startling Aragorn.
"Enough. Please let me speak," Gandalf said from his bench. He stood up slowly and spoke to the whole group.
"This is what I have to say in conclusion," he said decisively. "If Abigail deems her power too dangerous, then let us allow her to use it on her own will. If she is only trying to protect us, that we should not force her. We should also not force her to tell us about her knowledge. The future is a dangerous thing to tamper with, and she obviously has taken a great precaution with it so far. We should not ruin her plan. And, as far as being from another world, a hardly see the difference it makes. She has been here for so many years, she is practically a member of Middle Earth and she is still a member of this fellowship."
Gandalf took a short pause as he paced to the other side, leaning on his staff.
"She did not act wisely in keeping this secret from us, and there is a darker history here than any of you know, which worries me greatly. Though, I do not know if it my place to tell you now."
Aragorn furrowed his eyebrows at this news. What sort of 'dark history' could Gandalf be referring to?
"If it is fit for me to declare so, I believe there is a more pressing issue at hand," the wizard continued. "As I said earlier, Pippin has seen some of the enemy's plans. Sauron knows the Heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as he supposed. Gondor is in danger, and I intend to see to it immediately. Things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith. And I won't be going alone," he grinned roguishly and looked over at Pippin.
The poor hobbit gulped and tried to hide behind Merry.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Some hours later, when the meeting was fully adjourned, most of the members went back to their rooms as see if they could rest and make use of the little night they had left.
However, before he could leave, Aragorn was pulled aside by Gandalf.
"Your lack of presence was noticed, no matter how sneaky you think you are," Gandalf smirked.
"I did not think I would get past you," Aragorn half smiled.
"Do you wish to explain your troubles to an old man?"
Aragorn sighed. "I have many troubles, all which I could share with you."
"Pick one, to start with," Gandalf said simply, and took a seat at a table.
Aragorn remained standing. "You said Sauron knows the 'Heir of Elendil' has returned. But I am still uncertain if I accept that title."
"The title does not matter, Aragorn. The true fact is that you will be a leader of men in these final days. Whether you want the title or not, you are an inspiration and I believe you are most ready for this task."
"If what you say is true, should I not ride with you to Minas Tirith?"
"No," Gandalf said strongly, shaking his head. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river and look to the black ships. You need to be ready to warn them."
"Warn them about what?" Aragorn asked, exasperated.
Gandalf relaxed. "I can give you a small hint. If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war."
"That is the King's decision," Aragorn protested softly.
"Indeed," was all Gandalf said. "Now, let us move on to the popular subject of Abigail. You conveniently left in the same direction she did."
Aragorn crossed his arms and stared into empty space. "I felt the need to speak with her in private."
"Oh? And how did that go?" Gandalf asked, almost arrogantly.
"I…I said some terrible things Gandalf. I just felt such a sudden rage and I could not think before I spoke. I blamed her for Frodo, Boromir…I even had the audacity to blame her for Haldir," he said sadly, shame evident in his voice. With an overwhelmed sigh, he took a seat on a nearby chair.
"You make it sound like an accident," Gandalf commented.
Aragorn thought. "The anger was foreign Gandalf; a misplaced rage. I was shocked and confused maybe, but when I left to talk to her, the hatred that came into my tone was a mistake."
Aragorn looked up hopefully. "Please tell me there is an explanation, or at least some justice in what I said."
It was Gandalf's turn to ponder. "I have a theory, perhaps," he finally said. "You did at least come in contact with the Palantir, yes?"
"Yes," Aragorn nodded slowly.
"I think the stone actually did have some effect on you. It is possible that a small part of Sauron's evil was placed in you somewhere, and then released within that time. That could explain your sudden feeling of hatred."
"It sounds plausible," Aragorn agreed.
"Yes, but understand this Aragorn," Gandalf continued. "I do not believe that one touch the Palantir could force you to say something. You said things in a much harsher way then you intended, but the words were still your own." The wizard looked on him kindly. "It is understandable, though. I have no intention of praising her for some of her actions."
"I do not like fighting with Abigail, Gandalf. But there is truth in what you say. I am upset that she couldn't trust us. This is not a time in which we need more surprises. Though that does not mean we can't still trust her. I want her with us Gandalf," Aragorn finished passionately.
Gandalf pointedly raised an eyebrow at the sudden change.
'Something very strange is going on here,' he thought.
Suddenly, an out-of-breath Pippin burst through the door.
"Sh-she's gone!" he stammered.
"What?" Gandalf stood up quickly while Aragorn rushed to the hobbit.
"I went to her room to go talk to her, and she's not there. Many of her belongings are missing too," Pippin said.
Gandalf's eyes widened. "Pippin, go to the stables and see if her horse is still there. Quickly now!"
Pippin disappeared in an instant.
"You…you don't think she would really leave, do you?" Aragorn asked, deeply concerned. "Was I that terrible to her?" he muttered guiltily.
"Aragorn, I'm afraid this goes deeper than that," Gandalf said lowly.
Aragorn tilted his head, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Gandalf paused, unsure, but then went on. "I have come to believe that Abigail was taken from her own earth to Middle Earth by Saruman."
"Saruman!" Aragorn yelled. "How far must his treachery go?"
"Saruman is not my concern," Gandalf cut in. "With the recent events, I worry that Sauron knows who she is, and he might be looking for her."
Aragorn now looked angry in addition to being concerned.
"Abigail would be a fool to leave now," he whispered harshly.
"Gandalf, I can't find her black horse," Pippin said, coming back in.
Gandalf sighed, rubbing his temples. "There is nothing I can do now, this was her decision, though I find it a poor on at that. I must take Pippin to Gondor, and it is not safe for anyone to leave Edoras to try and bring her back.."
Aragorn turned around and punched a table.
"Abigail…why? You took an oath," he hissed to himself, and then stormed out of the room.
Gandalf observed this with a heavy heart, and then turned back to Pippin.
"Tell the others, if you can find them. But you and I will follow the plan. We leave within the hours, and with any luck maybe we'll run into Abigail on the way."
"I don't understand, Gandalf. Did we do something wrong?" Pippin asked innocently.
Gandalf looked forlorn. "No, dear boy, we did nothing wrong. I only hope she realizes that too."
Well don't you see, don't you see
That the charade is over
And all the "best deceptions" and the
"Clever cover story" awards go to you
So kiss me hard
'Cause this will be the last time that I let you
You will be back someday
And this awkward kiss that screams of other people's lips
Will be of service to keeping you away
To keeping you away
(A/N – Theme song for the chapter is 'The Best Deceptions' by Dashboard Confessional)
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"If that didn't divert their attention, I don't know what will," Abigail mumbled.
Her little power surge had ended a few hours ago and she was currently riding at a gallop again towards Lorien. Of course, she still had a long ways to go.
Her mind was at a blank, which she thought was better then trying to think about what she did and about what she was doing.
Suddenly, a large shadow was looming behind her. She looked around and saw nothing. But then there came a horrific screech from above.
"Damn it all," she cursed herself. "I definitely did not think this whole plan through."
Abigail urged Veryohtar to ride faster as she tried to find shelter. Sadly, they were still in the wide-open plains.
She quickly pulled Veryo to a stop, and sure enough a large, black, dragon-like creature flew past them.
She attempted to turn around, but the monster was too fast. In an instant it landed right in front of their path.
The wings went down, revealing a wraith rider.
"You are either very foolish, girl, or you have a death wish," he snarled.
"Perhaps both, but for a now I would like to avoid the latter," she replied sharply.
He gave a choked laughed. "You put on a brave face, but I can sense your fear. The time has come, my lady," he spat out the last two words. "It seems you finally ready to fulfill your duty."
Abigail quickly pulled out her dagger and tensed her muscles.
"There is no work to be done with you or your filthy master. I suggest you turn back, and deliver my answer of 'hell no'," she yelled.
"Idiotic mortal. You still think you have a choice?"
"There is always a choice. You can't force me to do anything."
The wraith's dragon replied with a blood-curling scream.
Abigail bent over in pain, clutching her ears.
'At least he's not the one who stabbed me, or this would be much harder,' Abigail thought, somewhat thankful.
"That is where you are gravely mistaken," he hissed. "You are his property. You know for what purpose you were brought here."
"I have turned away from others and I can turn away from this dark lord," Abigail replied bitterly. "You know where I stand, so are you going to leave or are you going to fight," she said, showing her daggers a bit more proudly.
"You cannot defeat me," he mocked while the dragon snapped its jaw.
"You're right, I'm not the one who can fight you," she said softly, reminded of Éowyn's destiny.
Abigail looked at the Nazgûl defiantly. "But I can still run."
She kicked Veryohtar and he swiftly strode into a full-speed run. She steered him towards the gap in-between the dragons' legs, and as she rode through she cut the legs with her daggers.
The creature screamed even louder. Abigail was so distracted by the throbbing pain in her head she failed to notice the swinging tail coming right at her.
In a single blow she was knocked off her horse.
Her vision blurred, but she managed to stay awake. Her daggers were still with her so she prepared a fighting stance.
The wraith simply gave a short, cruel, laugh and then steered his steed into the air.
Abigail was confused, until she realized he was preparing for a dive.
She whistled Veryo over, but the creature was closing fast. Before she could dodge it the dragon's massive claws picked her up off the ground.
She screamed in rage, and tried to stab the feet in hopes in would drop her.
But the talons suddenly dug into her sides and she was jerked upwards.
Now she could feel herself slipping into unconsciousness. In the last moments of awareness she could tell they had turned around and were on the path to Mordor.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Oh, a plot twist and a cliffy in one. Aren't you excited?
Readers: Not really. We're pissed because we haven't heard from you in two weeks. And then you torture us with the evilness of this chapter!
Izzy: Hmm, they do have a point.
MN9: Just whose side are you on?
Izzy: I don't know…Samantha-Girl Scout has cookies…and weapons…
MN9: I can't win sometimes. Anyway, special thanks to the following reviewers:
writin4fun15: Well, at least now you know where she is going, thought it's not really a good thing. Oh, double kudos and you're learning patience. Hurray! Thanks for reviewing!
Lady Galriee: Yeah, it was mainly Aragorn who hurt her, but even that was kind of an accident. She really wasn't thinking too clearly, as you can now see. Thanks for the compliments and for reviewing.
Narnian Sprite: Yes, the ever-lasting cliffies. As a reader a feel your pain, and as an author, I thank you for you sympathy on my slowness. Thanks again!
White Blossom of Gondor: Lol, according to your list she is 100 crazy. Ouch for throwing Arwen out a window, but yeah for supporting the Abigail/Aragorn pairing. Though there is still much drama on the way. Thanks!
Eagle's daughter: Welcome new reviewer! (I think you're new at least, sometimes I lose track) Yeah, didn't quite update soon, but better late than never, right? Lots of Gandalf talk in this chapter. He has to make up for being gone for that long. Anyway, thanks for commenting and please come again!
KeeperMusicNight: I liked that chapter a lot too, very happy to see you agree. Indeed, the angst and sadness will play a bigger role now. It's cool to see the leaving thing was so unexpected. I've said before, I love keeping you guys guessing, though I know sometimes you actually just get annoyed with it. Lol, thanks very much.
Knight Selene: Short and sweet reviews, I love 'em. I think your question was answered. Thanks!
Samantha-Girl Scout: Geez, I have enough emotionally pain and guilt for taking so long, now you want Izzy to cause me physical pain?
Izzy: Well, if it gets the job done…
MN9: Oh, go find some chocolate.
Izzy: Chocolate, where?
MN9: Anyway, thanks for the review!
CrystalMind: Wow, thanks for the great compliment. When I started this I never thought my story and 'incredible' would be in the same sentence. Thanks a lot and please keep reviewing!
Lady Aphadriel-order of the...: I'm glad I could help you out with the website thing! Yeah, mary-sues can be overdone sometimes, but they are (in general) some of the most fun stores to write because an author can really have her/his OWN character. Thanks!
sister kitty: Oh, evil cliffy queen has a nice ring to it. Just kidding, but seriously thanks for reviewing.
Jupuffskin: I think that still says a lot and it makes me very, very happy. Thank you!
ArwenEvenstar83: I think it was better to get all the info out in one blow. Plus, I had planned on the whole leaving thing, so I couldn't save a lot for later. The Aragorn/Abigail was a tad short when I look back at it, but I didn't really know what else to add. Perhaps that can be fixed later for future readers. And yeah, in a way it was kind of Sauron. Aragorn isn't that cruel. Thanks for another long review!
Okay, another memo type thing. I really need some reader's opinion now. For the next chapter I can't decide what characters I should bring in. So, I'm asking for a poll (and respond ASAP so I can't write faster). Here's the question: Would you rather see Elrond or would you rather see Elladan/Elrohir? I'm really having trouble with this one, so let me know if you have a strong preference.
Also, I'm giving you fair warning: I leave for France (yes, France) in less than a week. I will be gone for two weeks, and I can't even bring my laptop on the trip (it's through my school and the teachers said no), which means I can't even write chapters while I'm gone. Since I'm really not the busy this weeks, I plan to try my very best to post at least one more chapter before I leave (that's why there's the urgency to get the poll results).
Thanks, and until next time!
-MysticNight9