I'm sorry for another stupid delay. I feel horribly guilty, but my life was very 'ugh' the past couple weeks. I won't explain much further than that.
I decided to make a new chapter, instead of just adding on to chapter 50. I think it's a bit easier this way.
I was also in such a rush last time I didn't get to thank reviewers, but today I will be starting my personal thank yous again and hopefully I get all questions and comments from the past few chapters answered.
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Lord of the Rings.
Chapter 50 Recap:
Aragorn stared again at the Dimholt. The green smoke was gone, and now he was filled with wonder. He took a step forward-
"Aragorn!" He was interrupted. He looked quickly and saw Gimli standing in front of him.
"Let's find some food," the dwarf grumbled.
Aragorn, deciding he could think more on it later, followed.
Recap #2:
She had always wondered if she was capable of telepathy as well. This was going to be her last chance to try.
There was only one person she wanted to contact, and she hoped her would listen.
Attempting to stay as calm as possible, Abigail breathed in and out slowly and focused all her thoughts on one name.
"Aragorn."
Chapter 51:
Aragorn walked by the Dimholt pass many times that evening, and each time he paused to look at it a little longer.
He felt something drawing him in there, but he debated whether it was intuition, curiosity or insanity that was calling him.
Soon enough, maybe too soon, it was late night and Aragorn went to his tent for some sleep, under the cold shadow of the mountain.
Dream Verse
As if rolled in by a mist, Aragorn suddenly appeared on the stone bridge in Rivendell's Garden of Twilight.
"This is a familiar scene," he whispered to himself.
"It always was a fitting place to say goodbye," an airy voice said. "Do you not agree?"
Arwen came onto the bridge in front of him, dressed in a dark gold gown with a silver robe.
"Another dream?" Aragorn asked her.
Arwen lightly shook her head. "No…a final farewell," she replied softly.
"Farewell?" Aragorn echoed, stunned. "You pick now of all times to come and say goodbye?"
"I was tired of prolonging the unavoidable," she sighed. " Is this not what you wanted when you left me before?"
"Well, yes, but-"
"Is this still what you want?" she interrupted.
Aragorn was frozen to the spot. "I-I don't know, Arwen. Things have become complicated, my thoughts are different."
He ran a tense hand through his messy hair.
She smiled sadly, in spite of herself. "Your thoughts on us are the same, it is only your thoughts for another that have changed."
"Must you always be so cryptic," he said, exasperated. "Stop telling and asking me about how I feel. There are two of us here with an opinion."
She outstretched a gentle hand. "Come, walk with me. Please."
Aragorn went to her side without hesitation, and they walked around the lush forest of herbs and flowers. It was daytime here, and the sun sparkled brilliantly through the spaces.
"Arwen, please, tell me why you brought me here," Aragorn pleaded.
"I have already told you, Aragorn, I am here to say goodbye."
The words were still shocking to hear for Aragorn, and hard to say for Arwen. Nonetheless, there was little regret in her voice.
"If…if that is your choice I am in no position to object," Aragorn decided slowly. "But I must know why? What happened?"
To himself, he thought, 'Why does this news not cause as much pain as I expected? Is she not my love?'
The pair stopped at a beautifully carved bench and sat down.
Arwen seemed to be lost in thought for a moment before she spoke.
"Aragorn, if I went to the Gray Havens, what would you think?"
He paused, considering the weight of his answer. "I believe it would be your chance for another life, a better life. One full of love and light, protected from war, grief…despair."
"It sounds almost perfect," she commented dreamily. "But," she turned more somber, "it would be a life away from you."
Aragorn stroked her cheek simply. "I am your first love, sweet Arwen." He dropped his hand gently. "But I would not be your last."
"And I would not be yours," she held his hand in her lap. "No matter what fears you have told me, I have seen life in your future. This is why I come to you now. There is hope in your future, even if I am not in it."
"Just because that is a possibility it does not mean you have to go," he argued softly.
She smiled at him. "I know. But this is for the better. You tried to tell me before, and now I see the truth in it. You are mortal, and I am elf-kind. It was our dream, and now this is our bittersweet ending."
She released his hand and stood up, walking over to a small overlook of the stream below.
"Besides," she continued, "A dream that comes true, isn't really a dream anymore, is it? We will end it now, with the wonderful memories that we have, but we can't pursue this any further."
"You sound like Elrond," Aragorn told her lightly.
"I am more like my father than even I give myself credit for," she said, giving one small laugh.
Aragorn finally stood up, and stood a small ways away from her.
"If my future is not with you, then who is it with?" he mused out loud.
"That is your decision," she said simply.
"I am not certain of anything right now, Arwen. My heart and mind are telling me so many different things. Whom should I turn to?"
"If you cannot turn to others, than you leave yourself no choice but to look within yourself. Now is the time to accept you past and look towards the king inside you," Arwen said, with much determination.
Aragorn gave her a sideways glance. "You always had so much faith in my bloodline."
"Because I know it will allow you to accomplish great things," she answered wisely. But she grinned suddenly. "However, as a parting gift, I send my own kin with a mighty gift which hopefully will give you an advantage in this last stand."
"What sort of gift?" he asked, full of curiosity.
"It is a surprise," she laughed slightly.
Aragorn ended up smiling as well. But he felt a small tug at the back of his heart, and he stiffened slightly.
Arwen noticed this. "Our time has ended," she nodded slowly. "Thank you for letting me say goodbye, Aragorn," she said, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I still don't quite understand what changed…" he started, but she cut him off.
"There is no need to explain. I feel ready to leave now. You have given me so much, Aragorn, but deep in my heart, I know this is the way it is suppose to be."
She was crying freely now, but she still wasn't sorry.
Aragorn embraced her tightly, one last time.
"I will never forget you Arwen," he said softly, stroking her hair.
They broke apart and she hastily wiped her tears with her sleeves.
Aragorn was about to leave, but then he stopped suddenly. Slowly, he raised his hands and took of the Evenstar.
He carefully placed it around Arwen's neck.
"Give this to the honorable man who gets the gift of your love," he instructed.
She nodded, and he gently kissed her on the forehead.
"Namárië," Aragorn whispered. "And thank you."
And as he walked away his body slowly faded into thin air.
"Good luck, Estel," she said tearfully.
Arwen slowly made her way through the gardens, silently observing every beauty.
'This was good,' she thought contently, drying the last of her tears. 'I will board the grey ships, and sail freely with a happy heart, knowing things are as they should be.'
She took of the gray cloak, idly tossing it to the ground. Despite the cold breeze, Arwen felt delightfully warm.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Hold on to me love
You know I can't stay long
All I wanted to say was I love you and I'm not afraid
Can you hear me?
Can you feel me in your arms?
Aragorn had expected to wake up in his tent, but instead, next time he opened his eyes he was in an empty place with dim shadows being the only proof that there was some sort of light.
Suddenly, he heard his name being called, the low sound being carried by the wind.
Then, the location started to become clear. Aragorn cautiously looked around and finally realized he was in a dark, dead forest. Almost the opposite of the cheery garden he had just been in.
The mournful voice continued to call his name, until he answered.
"Who's there?" he shouted. His voice resonated off the hollow trees.
"Aragorn, you came," a steady voice replied.
He turned around rapidly and was surprised to see a woman slouched uncomfortably on one of the dead stumps.
He took a closer look at this woman, and then gasped.
"Abigail?" he asked, amazed.
"I'm as close to Abigail as you're going to get," she said sadly. "I'm making a mental projection of myself so you actually have a thing to talk to."
"You couldn't have pictured a more hospitable location for us to talk in?" he asked, only half joking.
She gave a strangled laugh. "This place reflects my current state of mind, and if you haven't noticed, it's not good."
Abigail had managed to picture herself in her clothes (thank Valar), but they were in a horrible state, very thin and tattered. Her hair was a raggedy and her face was a dirty mess.
"And…where are you in reality?" Aragorn asked, fearing the answer.
"I'll give you three guesses, but you'll only need one." Abigail managed some sarcasm. She shakily stood up off the ground to face him fully.
Aragorn sighed. "You're in Mordor, aren't you?"
"Yes," she said, staring at her feet.
"Abigail, that night in the Golden Hall, Gandalf told me something. That you're being in Middle Earth has something to do with Saruman, maybe even Sauron."
She paled at these words.
'I should have realized Gandalf would have figured it out by himself,' she chided herself.
"Did you know that you were a target?" Aragorn continued, his voice wavering, most likely with anger.
"Yes," she whispered. That was the only word she could say.
Aragorn couldn't believe what he was hearing. "And you still had the audacity to pack up and leave in the middle of the night? Without any warning to any of us?" he shouted.
"Look, lots of things went wrong that night! I was rash and idiotic and…well…it seems now I've paid the price," she finished quietly.
"Can you at least comprehend the danger you're in right now?" he said bitterly.
"Oh believe me I do," she muttered pacing. "I am in the worst of all possible bad situations."
She looked up. "And before you say it, I realize I have no one to blame but myself. I'm sorry," she huffed.
Aragorn calmed down a little and started over. He stepped towards her so he was by her side.
"Abigail, if you really are in Mordor, why are you talking to me? Would Gandalf not be the most help to you right now?"
"I know Gandalf is busy in Minas Tirith-"
"How do you know that?" he asked, surprised.
"It's in that blasted book, which I'm starting to wish I'd never heard of," she said irritably.
'That's not true,' she thought. 'It could be partially thanks to that book that I was able to come to Middle Earth and meet Aragorn,' she sighed inwardly. 'I should stop thinking like that. Thanks to our last conversation, it's safe to say I'll never be with him.'
"Abigail, you were saying?" Aragorn interrupted her thoughts.
She breathed in sharply. "Oh, right. The point is that Gandalf is very hard to reach. And at this time I'm beyond any help. I only come to you now with a warning," she explained.
"What manner of warning?" he eyed her suspiciously.
There was a moment of silence, as Abby tried to decide how she should explain this.
"The next time you see me, I won't be myself," she said slowly. "I-I've tried to stay strong but my time is running out. Next time we meet will be on the battlefield."
She stopped walking and looked around fearfully.
"What is it?" he asked, on alert as well.
"They're coming for me…in the real world," she said, trembling. "I don't' have much time."
She grabbed his arm and looked him in the eyes.
"I know I was wrong to keep those secrets, and some of my actions were misguided, but I need you to trust me now. No matter what I say or look like next time we meet, I'm still there."
"What are you talking about? I don't understand." Aragorn was becoming nervous with the increasing panic in Abigail's voice.
"Just, remember the Abigail from the fellowship. How I was in Rivendell or Lorien. That's who I am."
Aragorn didn't know what to say. Abigail hardly made any sense and she was talking so fast.
Abigail eyes suddenly went wide. "They're here for me."
"Whose they-" he started to ask, still very confused, but Abigail cut him off with a hug.
"I deserved all those thing you said to me at Edoras," she whispered, her voice failing as she still clung on to him tightly. "I understand if you break your promise and hate me."
Aragorn was stunned. "Abigail," he said softly, instinctively pulling her even closer.
"I would rather die than hurt the fellowship or you," she said. Those were her final words.
End of BOTH Dream Verses
Aragorn woke with a frightful start and immediately pulled out his knife at the intruder.
As soon as he saw it was just a soldier he quickly lowered his weapon.
"My lord? Kind Théoden requests your presence at his tent." The man then bowed and left.
Aragorn let out the breath he had accidentally been holding in. He regained his composure and then stood up to put a vest over his night tunic.
As he was dressing he casually brushed his arm over his chest and realized something was missing. The Evanstar was truly gone.
"Those were no ordinary dreams," he said to himself. "Arwen will soon be gone…and Abigail is in Mordor."
For a second he thought he could still feel Abigail's embrace.
'I am even more lost now,' he sighed.
Aragorn would have liked to consult with Gandalf, or maybe Legolas right now, but he couldn't ignore Théoden's request.
He finished buttoning the vest, and in a daze Aragorn left his tent.
Holding my last breath
Safe inside myself
Are all my thoughts of you
Sweet raptured light it ends here tonight
(A/N – Song bits are from My Last Breath by Evanescence)
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The camp was fairly quiet as Aragorn walked towards Théoden's tent. It was a cloudy night, so only the torches stalked throughout the site offered some light.
Soon enough, Aragorn found the Kings tent and walked in; only to find Théoden facing two darkly cloaked figures. Figuring he was the intruder, Aragorn started to walk out again, but Théoden stopped him.
"No, Aragorn, you will stay. This is where I take my leave," Théoden explained.
Aragorn looked puzzled, but let the king do as he wished.
When they were alone the mysterious men spoke.
"We come on behalf," one started.
"Of those we love," the other finished.
Simultaneously, they removed their hoods.
Aragorn dropped his jaw in surprise. "Elrohir? Elladan?"
"Hello, little Estel," Elladan smiled.
"Long time, no see," Elrohir agreed, patting Aragorn on the back.
At first glance, the elvish twins looked practically identical…but after living with them Aragorn had come to learn their differences (inside and outside). Both had their father's straight, dark brown hair but Elrohir's eyes were a lighter shade of blue than Elladan's. Also, Elladan was slightly taller. In addition, Elladan tended to be the more serious of the two (and his expression often showed it), while Elrohir loved to make people laugh, but both brothers were very spirited at heart (unlike their strict father).
"I was quite looking forward to surprising you. Did we succeed?" Elrohir grinned.
Aragorn nodded. "Indeed, you did. Though your appearance is most welcome by me. It has been a long time since I last saw you."
"Yes, we were truly disappointed to miss the fellowship meeting. Elrohir and I were doing a small scout toward the mountain territory, looking for stray goblins," Elladan said. "I don't think Father's retelling is actually as interesting as the real thing." He shook his head slightly. "It's hard to imagine that the one ring was in the hands of a hobbit all this time."
"It was shocking for me at first, as well, but now I can't think of a more trustworthy creature to hold it," Aragorn said seriously.
The twins nodded their understanding.
"Now, I highly doubt that the sons of Elrond were just strolling through Rohan. What business do you have with me?" Aragorn asked.
"We come all this way and all you can think about is business," Elrohir said feigning hurt. "But I suppose you're right."
Elladan rolled his eyes slightly at his brother. "To start with, we bring a message from our father, Lord Elrond. He says he has seen the future…and the end has come."
Aragorn looked surprised at first, but then he narrowed his eyes with determination.
"It will not be our end, only Sauron's," he stated confidently.
Elladan shook his head lightly as he continued the message. "You ride to war, but not to victory. Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith, this you know. But in secret he sends another force which will attack from the river."
Aragorn raised his head when he heard river. 'Gandalf's message…' he thought.
"From the river comes a fleet of Corsair ships from the south. They'll be in the City in two days," Elladan said urgently. "You are outnumbered, Aragorn, you need more men."
"You think I can not see this for myself? If we had the weeks to wait for men, we would. But we don't have the time are there are no men left," Aragorn explained vehemently.
Elrohir stepped forward. "There are those who dwell in the mountains," he said slowly, his mouth quirking.
An ominous breeze shook the tent.
Aragorn furrowed his brows. "Murders…traitors! You would call upon them to fight?" he asked, outraged. "They believe in nothing, they answer to no one!"
Elrohir grinned excitedly, as if he had been wanting for this moment.
"They will answer to the King of Gondor!"
Elrohir swept his had behind his cloak and swiftly pulled out a long, graceful sheath with the delicate hilt of a sword sticking out. The elf took a knee and held it out to Aragorn.
"Andúril, Flame of the West, forged by the shards of Narsil," he explained proudly.
Aragorn was in awe. With steady hand he carefully took the sword from Elrohir. Aragorn could barely comprehend the moment.
Suddenly, in a quick move, Aragorn drew the sword straight in the air, eyeing the blade up to the very tip.
"Sauron will not have forgotten the Sword of Elendil," he whispered, amazed. "The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith."
Elladan stepped forward again and looked Aragorn in the eyes.
"The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth," he emphasized. Aragorn continued to admire Andúril. "How…who would think to reforge the sword?" he asked them.
Elrohir smiled. "That would be the genius that is our dear sister."
Aragorn glanced up. "Arwen…" he trailed off, remembering what she had said.
"As a parting gift, I send my own kin with a mighty gift which hopefully will give you an advantage in this last stand."
"Arwen," Aragorn spoke again, louder. "What is going to happen to her?"
The twins eyed each other warily.
Aragorn managed a soft chuckle. "You can be at ease. Arwen and I have made our own peace…and our own goodbye."
The two elves visibly relaxed.
"Father has already arranged a ship for her…one of the last ships, another one won't come for a while," Elrohir sighed, sadly. "She will probably be gone before we come back."
"Where are you going?" Aragorn asked as he sheathed the sword with the same amount of carefulness.
"That is what we were discussing with Kind Théoden before you came in," Elladan said. "We will stay with him, and fight alongside the Rohirrim."
"There are still two elves in Middle Earth who are here to fight, just like the good, old days," Elrohir grinned mischievously as he lightly fingered his daggers.
"I fear you are too anxious, Elrohir," Elladan shook his head, but then turned towards Aragorn. "I wish we had more time to discuss, but as you said we can no longer wait. You must put aside the ranger and become who you were born to be."
Elladan placed his hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Take the Dimholt road and get your men."
Aragorn nodded, decided, as he strapped the sword to his belt.
"Ónen i-Estel Edain," Elrohir quoted, gently grabbing Aragorns other shoulder. (I give hope to Men.)
"Ú-chebin estel anim," Aragorn replied. (I keep none for myself)
The three shared a short goodbye, before Aragorn nodded and left the tent.
Elrohir stared at the spot where the ranger had just stood.
"Is he ready for this, brother?" he asked, honestly.
Elladan was about to exit the tent, but he looked back at his twin. "He was prepared for this from the first moment we met him…maybe even before." Elladan then stepped outside.
Elrohir nodded in agreement, and then followed his brother out.
'Nai Anar caluva tielyanna,' he thought. 'May the sun shine on your path…even if you are surrounded by darkness.'
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Pippin wandered the levels of Minas Tirith, hoping to find a moment of peace before the approaching battle. At the same time he was also half-heartedly searching for Gandalf, but the wizard always seems to come to him, somehow.
Pippin had hurriedly walked past several building, but after passing a certain one he backed up. Maybe it was the smell of it. He peered inside.
'Just as I thought, a stable,' he said to himself. He was about to walk out again, when something caught his eye.
He walked in a bit further.
"Peregrin Took," Gandalf came in suddenly. "In this bustling city full of Men I don't know how you expect me to always find a small hobbit such as yourself."
"Gandalf," Pippin said, not really listening. "Is it just me…or is this horse familiar?"
"Pippin, we don't have time to talk about…" he trailed off, getting a good look at the horse himself.
It was a strikingly black male horse, save for the equally striking white star on his forehead.
"It's her horse," Pippin whispered. "Abigail's horse! Verya…Ver-yu-ter, or something like that!" he exclaimed (struggling with the elvish name).
"You there!" Gandalf called to a stable boy. "Where did you get this horse? Quickly, please."
The stable boy glanced up. "Oh, him? He's just a stray we found outside the plains, walking around the forest. Took a while to calm him down, let me tell you. He was very insistent on not coming with us."
Gandalf sighed, disappointed. "Just a stray then…no rider."
The boy shrugged. "No rider…but now that you mention it, he was packed up for a long journey, still even had a bridle on him. And if you ask me, the horse seemed like he was looking for someone…if you can believe that sort of thing." Then the boy turned back to the saddle he was mending.
"This is Abigail's horse," Pippin insisted. "But where's Abby?" he pouted.
"I do not know Pippin," Gandalf cast a forlorn look. "But I fear we will find out soon."
OoOoOoOoOo
I know I'm late, but at least I wrote a nice long chapter for you. And now, I have many, many reviews to catch up on.
Thanks to Reviews on Chapter 48:
Samantha-Girl Scout: You really should stop encouraging Izzy. Thanks for the review!
KeeperMusicNight: Yes, Abigail's only human and she made a stupid mistake. It's kind of a farfetched mistake, but it was for the sake of the story. And yes, ain't foreshadowing the best? Thanks!
ArwenEvenstar83: Yeah, the song had worked out better in my head. I think I fixed that, and if not I'm going to. 'Dark History' would be referring to the whole part about how Saruman was her 'bringer'. No worries, I love sarcasm too. Oh, and remember her powers don't work on the Nazgûl because of the whole living dead situation. Thanks!
Valinor's Twilight: Thanks for happy thoughts, and not I'm not from Michigan. Good guess, though!
CrystalMind: Yeah, there's a no preference option, but as you can see I decided the twins would be a nice touch. Thanks for reviews and wishing my muse good health (she needs it!).
Nightskylover: If you're disappointed, don't worry, because we will see Elrond again before the end of the story. Thank you!
Dragonfly Dancer: Hello and welcome reviewer! I'm glad you 'love' my story! I have a brilliant imagination? (blush) Thanks a lot!
Narnian Sprite: Ugh, writing by hand seems so old-fashioned (lol). And the evil cliffies keep on coming. Thanks!
Calculator15: Wow, thanks for the great compliments, you flatter me so! Glad you kept reading and reviewing!
Daughter of Zion: I hope your trip was fun! It seems the Mordor twist caught a few of you by surprise, which is fun for me! Thanks!
writin4fun15: Sorry, an Author can't reveal her master plan! Thanks for the good luck and the kudos!
Lady Aphadriel-order of the...: Yeah, if stress were in a physical form, I would very much like to kill it. Thank you!
Okay, now thanks for Reviews for Chapter 49:
Samantha-Girl Scout: I must hypnotize Izzy to STOP listening to you…it causes me pain. (Izzy: You better believe it. Yahoo!). Thanks!
Lady Aphadriel-order of the...: Lol, your twin wish was added. Yeah, I think a lot of people don't add the rangers, which I think is fine. It was brilliant when J.R.R. Tolkien wrote it, but if I tried I think it would just make a mess, too confusing. Anyway, thank you!
ArwenEvenstar83: When Eowyn said Abby shouldn't stop, she was just saying don't give up (the general assumption is that since Abigail left, she gave up). I guess it was kind of a weird way to word it. Don't worry the Nazgûl will die…eventually. Ha, thanks for reviews!
Estel Ashlee Snape: Welcome to the review corner! I hate it when computers don't work, I lose a bit of faith each time. Lol, thanks and review again, please!
writin4fun15: Not much needed to be said except many thanks for the kudos!
Valinor's Twilight: Short, sweet and to the point. Thank you!
Narnian Sprite: You know, if we add up all the times I've been called evil, I'm probably rivaling Sauron in evilness right now. Lol, thanks a lot!
Childofthekng: Hello reviewer! Yeah, the problems for Abigail have only begun (cue evil music). Ooh, you even stuck come elvish in the review, nice! Thanks!
And finally, thank you to the Reviewers on Chapter 50:
Lady Galriee: Sorry you had to wait so long, but thanks for reviewing!
ArwenEvenstar83: Well, in the moving I thought it was more of a smile, but a freaky/evil smile at that. And she couldn't call Gandalf for the reason you answered, he's too preoccupied with the battle at Gondor. And Galadriel is half a country away, so she's not much help either (in the short run). Anyway, thank you!"
three moons: Welcome to the review corner! Hey, no shame if you actually end up being mad at a cliffy. I know I get pissed enough at cliffy's that I want to throw my computer out the window…but usually I show marvelous self-restraint (lol). Thanks, and I hope you review again!
Lady Aphadriel-order of the...: Yeah, I was trying to work hard, but it just didn't come out for a while. Oh, and I see you know a bit of French yourself. Anyway, thank you!
Valinor's Twilight: As always, thanks for the review! Even two words are fantastic, as long as I know you're reading!
writin4fun15: Yeah, it wasn't the best place to stop, but I was out of creativity and out of time. Thanks for the suitcase…of kudos!
Narnian Sprite: Sometimes, it is a love/hate relationship. But notice love is still there! Just kidding, thank you!
Estel Ashlee Snape: Well, her theory worked, but I can't promise the 2nd thing…bwahaha (that's an evil laugh, in case you couldn't tell). Thanks!
Chapter 52 is a difficult chapter. I think either I'll do a good job, or a really crappy job with it. I'm not positive when it'll come out, but since I am finally done with camps I will shoot for posting in the next week.
Until next time, thanks for your patience!
-MysticNight9