Pre-Chapter Author's Note:
Okay reviewers, if you really want me to reply to you and answer your questions. Don't post a GUEST REVIEW! I can't actually PM you and I really don't want to actually post my response in story for posterity XD.
In response to one review regarding how Saber recognized how Frodo in Chapter 1 had a ring of invisibility… well one, the Naz'gul was stabbing thin air. Two, Saber's got an invisible sword, she has experience with invisible items. Three, if she has the above and if she noticed Frodo popping into existence somehow, the only difference being in that his ring isn't on, then she can conclude quickly that the ring makes one invisible.
And on that bombshell, we shall proceed onwards.
Chapter 7: The Gifts of Lothlorien
Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Saber had never seen two fairer people in her life. Neither had she met two more cryptic.
The Fellowship had been greeted by the two upon entering Lothlorien proper, a beautiful combination of architecture interwoven with ancient trees. All of which was lit by white fairy-lights. While Legolas told the tale of Gandalf's fall, Galadriel's eyes seemed to examine Saber from head to toe. For some reason, Galadriel did not comment on Saber's invisible sword, or the dress she wore. Instead, she only continued to smile, and after her husband finished, she spoke.
"The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all...Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil." Opening her arms in a welcoming gesture, Galadriel declared "Tonight you will sleep in peace."
However, while everybody heard Galadriel's welcome, Saber heard something different in her mind. Something that nearly shocked her to drawing her sword.
"And if you wish to seek my counsel, Your Majesty, do not hesitate to visit me in my glade," said Galadriel's voice in Saber's head.
Saber rose from her bedroll unable to sleep. She was too sad. Gandalf's death weighed on her heavier than her armor and yet, it kept her up all night. So she walked, through the peaceful, moonlit trees. She knew where she had to go.
On her way to her destination, she passed Aragorn as she walked. He nodded to her briefly.
"Arturia, you should get some rest,"
"I must speak to someone first. Besides, it is difficult to go to sleep," said Saber.
"I know." Aragorn paused, his gaze averted. "I have been considering your arguments. And you are right. I have neglected my duties as heir to the throne, and I must confess something to you."
Saber nodded, wondering what Aragorn wanted to tell her.
"You have heard of how Isildur fell prey to the One Ring?"
"Yes? What of it?"
"I am afraid his greed will become my own." Saber's eyes widened as Aragorn met her gaze. "That is why I do not wish to return to Gondor and become king. It would only bring ruin."
Saber considered this silently. The curse of one's lineage, the mistake of the ancestor, which was now bringing ruin onto the rest of the free lands... Aragorn's fear was not something to be trifled with. She had thought the ranger cowardly for not taking on his duties, but how could one blame him for being afraid because of his predecessor's mistakes?
She sighed. "It is a valid fear, and I am sorry for my words then. I spoke in anger." Saber scuffed a tree root with her boot, debating whether she should share more with Aragorn. But then again, he needed to know this.
Making her decision Saber spoke as if reciting an old poem. "The late king of my realm had a choice once upon a time. For, as last heir of the previous king, he had to make a choice. A sword had been placed in a stone, and if he had drawn it, and he knew he could, he would become king. But the wizard who placed the stone warned him that if he pulled the sword from the stone, he would no longer be human. The child knew that, for he knew that if he became king he would have to kill everyone to save everyone." Aragorn blinked as Saber continued. "But on that day he resolved himself not to fear anymore, and pulled the sword." Saber smiled, remembering the cheers of her people. "And doing so, he saved his land."
"So a true king must be brave, and make the necessary choices to save his land?" asked Aragorn.
Saber nodded. "Correct, but a king must also sacrifice everything he is in order to protect his land. Those choices will not be easy, and cannot be made lightly." Saber took a deep breath. "Think carefully about whether you wish to be a king, and what kind of king you wish to be, Aragorn son of Arathorn." Her fist clenching tightly she couldn't help but avert her eyes. "For depending on your choice, you may live to grieve and regret your rule."
Aragorn's expression was contemplative as he nodded in affirmation. "Thank you, Arturia, I will consider my choices carefully." The ranger turned to go, but before he left he glanced back at Saber. "I must disagree on one thing though Arturia. I do think a king must be willing to sacrifice everything, but he would not need to."
Saber frowned. "Why not?"
"Because if the king tries to do that, his people will also be willing to shoulder that sacrifice for him,"said Aragorn.
Saber frowned, and opened her mouth to retort, but the ranger had already wandered off.
"King Arturia Pendragon, daughter of Uther Pendragon, The Once and Forever King of Camelot and Britain," said Galadriel, as Saber walked into a clearing, a steaming pool of water on a pedestal in the centre.
Saber was not surprised. It seemed the most powerful people in this world all knew whom she was. "I have come to seek your counsel, Lady Galadriel, for I have felt you probe my mind and know you wish to speak to me."
"Then by all means, state your question," said Galadriel, approaching Saber, her graceful figure shining in the moonlight.
Saber glared at Galadriel. "For what purpose was I brought to this land? I do not think it was an accident that I arrived here," said Saber, an accusing tone in her voice.
"I agree with your conclusion, but I do not know how and why you arrived. The mind of Eru Iluvutar, God of all Creation cannot be understood by everyone, but I have no doubt that your presence is a result of his intervention. Not after all the good you have wrought with your actions." Saber's brow furrowed, though Galadriel appeared to smile brighter. "You doubt what I say?"
"I question whether I could have done any better," said Saber, but her tongue tripped over her hasty words.
The elf shook her fair head, a somewhat disapproving look in her eyes. "Indeed you do, Arturia, but you also regret your own actions, like you regret your kingship." Saber flinched. "Yet you now question your own guilt."
Saber shook her head looking defiantly up at Galadriel. "I question nothing and I regret everything! If I did I would have betrayed my knights, my people, my kingdom! They did not deserve my kingship, especially not its end." Saber's gauntlet formed a fist. "And what has my presence done for my companions? I allowed them to enter Moria, and I left Gandalf to face the Balrog. I did save the others on several occasions, but others could have easily taken my place."
"Perhaps, but it was not they who saved your companions, it was you. Besides Arturia… Did you not save Frodo from the Naz'gul and make sure he did not suffer more from the Morgul Blade? Did you not console Gimli with your actions while in the Mines of Moria? Even now, do you not advise Aragorn of the duties of a king? And as for Boromir, you give him courage, courage that deflects him from his want of the One Ring."
Somehow, the last point made Saber feel… slightly fuzzy inside, but also worry her. "So he still desires it?"
"As does Aragorn and all who travel with you, albeit in very different ways. The One Ring is a treacherous tempter." Galadriel walked over slowly to the pool of water and dipped her hand in it to stir the contents.
"While I cannot offer you answers to your questions, Arturia, I can convey you a warning, a prophecy…" Saber looked into the mirror-like surface and watched the ripples spread, especially the silvery words that formed within.
As the One Ring calls for its master, the children of Iluvatar call for aid.
The Father hears his peoples cry, and so the King of Knights is sent forth,
But balance must be maintained, for as Two Nazgul have fallen, more must rise,
The White Hand will chain a Berserker, and his master will summon three servants,
Yet even as the Dark One's ranks fill with powers not of this world, others will rise to face them.
The Fallen Knight serves the Horse, and in the White Hand's Servant therein lies a chance,
For Rage and Hatred to be reconciled, and Love to reign over the sword.
Prophecies. Saber really hated them. They only made sense at the time of the event, but thankfully, this prophecy had several rather useful parts that were quite specific.
What she did understand though, was of great concern to Saber. Servants, of the Holy Grail, were being summoned to Middle Earth. In what form she had no idea, but they were coming. It also appeared she had an ally as well, but Saber didn't know what to make out of the lines referring to "the Berserker," especially the last line.
For Rage and Hatred to be reconciled, and Love to reign over the sword… What does that line possibly mean? It spoke of the White Hand's servant, a reference to Saruman, but how would she be able to reconcile a Berserker's rage and hatred?
Deciding not to lose any more sleep over it, Saber bowed. "Thank you, Lady Galadriel." She paused and then added, "I am sorry for my earlier rudeness."
"Not at all, Arturia. Now go, get some rest." As Saber bowed again and left the glade, Galadriel seemed to suddenly look into the distance. "For I am about to undergo a test."
As she walked toward her sleeping roll, pondering Galadriel's words, Saber noticed Boromir lying against a tree his eyes wide open.
"Boromir. You cannot sleep too?" asked Saber.
Boromir coughed, as he shifted in his seat against the tree. "I will. I'm just… thinking."
"About what?" asked Saber, deciding she might as well ask her friend about what was bothering him. She took a seat next to Boromir and leaned against the tree as well, not noticing that he smiled as she did so.
"Gondor and Minas Tirith, the great white city. My home," said Boromir. He gulped as he noticed Saber's downcast eyes. "I'm sorry for being insensitive, I forgot your kingdom fell."
"Don't worry, it is natural to miss your home," said Saber.
"You can share if you want." Saber frowned as Boromir spluttered. "Share your memories about Camelot, and Britain. If it helps."
"Camelot… was a grand place. Not as beautiful as Rivendell are awe-inspiring as Moria, but it was magnificent in its own right. Perched on a hill by a flowing river, its towers always flew pennants of many colors. I would never get tired of watching them flap in the breeze." Saber smiled as she remembered the best days of her reign. "A magnificent cathedral stood in the city, and beside it, m—" Saber coughed, catching herself. "The castle of the king. It was whitewashed with red clay roofs and high walls."
Boromir was beginning to imagine it in his mind and he nodded. Seeing it, Saber allowed herself to grin back. "But what was most special about Camelot was it's Great Hall, which held a table." Saber's eyes glistened. "A round table. Where the king and his loyal knights would sit together, side by side, equals. The table was enchanted, so that each knight had his own place, and the table would always make new places for new knights. There… the knights made merry, and courted their ladies."
"What about you?" Boromir asked. Arturia had an oddly wistful look on her face. It wasn't one simply remembering a nostalgic event, but one who was also wishing she had done something different.
"I joined them of course. Not the courting, but the feasting and the dancing," lied Saber. In truth, she, the king, had watched over her knights. Admiring their bonds, but never really joining them, acting like a king would do
"Oh… it's just, you spoke of yourself as if you were observing your comrades, not actually participating with them," said Boromir a note of concern in his voice.
"I was not the most sociable of the knights," admitted Saber. That was a bit of an understatement, but Boromir seemed to accept her explanation.
For a long time, the pair simply leaned back against the tree, watching the stars.
"Arturia," whispered Boromir, not sure if the lady knight was awake.
"Yes?" asked Saber.
Boromir hesitated. "You would have done anything to save your kingdom, right?"
Saber nodded remembering the wish she had wanted the Grail to grant her. "Yes, short of giving up my own honour, but yes."
"But should the kingdom's safety be placed over one's honour?" asked Boromir in a quiet, hesitant voice.
Saber turned to Boromir a stern expression on her features. "If you are speaking of taking the Ring to Gondor, Boromir, then you know my answer."
Boromir gritted his teeth. "I know. I know… but I am afraid that Gondor will fall. I want to use the Ring against its master, though I know it is not possible. I am afraid that we will fail, afraid for Frodo's health." Boromir clasped his fingers tightly. "He suffers greatly, you know?"
"I know, but he seems to be holding on surprisingly well," remarked Saber. She had noticed Frodo's face paling as of late and that he ate less than usual, but he would still chat with Sam and the other Hobbits.
"Well he is young and healthy. Think of what would have happened if that Morgul blade he was stabbed with weeks ago did lasting damage," said Boromir.
Saber blinked. According to what Aragorn had told her, a Morgul blade damages the soul of a person, which the Ring constantly tries to tempt and draws upon. Had the Morgul blade left a lasting mark on Frodo…
"He maybe would have died on the way to Mordor. If not, the damage on his soul from the Ring he is carrying..." rasped Saber, as Galadriel's words echoed through her mind.
Boromir nodded. "You've probably saved his life for the future, Arturia. If this quest succeeds, he will have a shorter, but worthwhile life nonetheless." Boromir turned to Arturia. "So don't punish yourself for what you were not able to do, I… I think you've done plenty, Arturia."
Saber turned to meet Boromir's bright blue eyes, and found herself smiling. "Thank you, Boromir. I will keep that in mind." Turning back to gaze on the stars, Saber let herself fall asleep in the roots of the tree. Boromir watched over her, until she was in the land of dreams, and then got up. He tip-toed to Arturia's bedroll, brought the blanket over and covered her with it.
"Sleep well… my—" Boromir paused to gently brush a lock of Arturia's blond hair out of her face, his eyes widening as he appeared to realize something.
"My Love."
The River Anduin, long and flowing quickly, it carried the four boats The Fellowship were in down at a steady pace. Saber was seated with Pippin, and as she rowed down the river, she could not help but recall the gifts they were given.
First of all, Lembas bread. They were not as great tasting as Rivendell's food. However, Saber had never had something where a single piece was able to fill her stomach. She did find Legolas staring at her weirdly after she scarfed an entire down and was soon embarrassed to find out that one nibble was supposed to be enough to fill a grown man's stomach. She was also stunned to overhear Pippen tell Merry he had eaten four.
Each of the Fellowship were also given Elven cloaks and leaf-shaped brooches to attach them, along with individual gifts. Legolas, a wonderfully crafted bow. Merry and Pippin, sharp elven daggers. Gimli, three hairs from her head, which touched the dwarf greatly. Aragorn, nothing but what seemed like a prophecy.
To Boromir, she whispered something into his ear and passed him something small and shiny. Saber thought she saw Boromir blush, but she had thought nothing of it.
Saber's cloak though was slightly different. For one, it was blue, and second of all, it was trimmed with ermine fur. It was a cloak befitting of a king, and Galadriel had been quick to explain.
"Your cloak, Arturia, is the Kings Shroud. It is a cloak with an incredibly tough weave and is enchanted to never burn. It will also mend itself if it is ripped, for you are not destined to hide, but to stand in the face of darkness. No one can remove this cloak from your person, unless you will it to, and hence it will be your shroud, should you fall." Galadriel's solemn features gave way to a small smile. "But I doubt it will come to that, Arturia."
"I hope you are right, Lady Galadriel," whispered Saber to the midday sun.
Isengard…
"Mordred."
"What do you want this time, wizard?" spat Mordred, her fists clenching as she braced herself for the coming punishment. The Knight of Treachery was dressed in silver armor that Saruman had ordered forged according to Mordred's instructions. Saruman though, had other ways to punish his resistant servant.
He did not disappoint and Mordred reeled as the wizard flicked his hand, and the Uruk'Hai, the result of an orc bred with a goblin, stepped up and struck her across the face. Mordred managed to stay upright, though she snarled at the orc. Called Lurtz, he and his brethren were stronger than any ordinary orc and unlike ordinary orcs who were weakened by the sun, Uruk'hai could travel in the day and suffer no reduction in strength, or brutality.
"I was actually going to grant you want you want, Mordred. A chance to kill your father."
Her green eyes widening, Mordred listened carefully as Saruman issued his orders. "You are to lead a band of Uruk'hai to intercept your father and her compatriots along the Anduin River. You are then to take the halflings with them and bring them to me, alive, and unspoiled." He directed his final comment to the Uruk'Hai, who nodded, reluctantly.
"While you retrieve the halflings, you can try to kill your father. I suggest taking advantage of her companions. She has grown to care for them…"
Snarling, Mordred nodded grudgingly, but her lips were grinning in anticipation. "She will die, Saruman."
Author's Note: MUAHAHAHAHA PROPHECY AND SARUMAN! MORDRED IS ALSO COMING FOR YOU SABER OR ARTURIA IDK! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Gonna guess what I'm going to do next? Nooope I'm not saying anything.
Saber Lion: Gao Gao Gao?
Author: Ship Boromir and Saber? Well of course. Saber is also going to… Oh I know what your plan is Lion, you want me to translate an answer. Sorry, but no spoilers Lion.
Saber Lion: *grumpily Gao.
Omake: Carnival Phantasm LoTR Edition Opening Performance: Act I "Casting Part 1"
Aragorn: Given Gandalf's absence, I'll be taking charge of the Author's plan to have the entire Arturia and the Lord of the Rings cast in performing Suupaa (star) Afekushon also known as Super (star) Affection, which is the opening to Typemoon's Carnival Phantasm anime shorts series. Watch it, it's hilarious.
Boromir: You say that so casually, Aragorn. And where did the star come from. Nevermind, how did you pronounce the (star) wait, how am I pronouncing the (star)?
Aragorn: It's not like I wanted Gandalf to go! As I've told everybody, I don't really want to be king!
Legolas: But you've always harbored a desire to direct and control freak a performance, Aragorn. That gives you motive.
Gimli: I've never picked you for a conspiracy theorist, elf.
Legolas: It's not like I've had anything to do over the past age! We elves need something to occupy our time.
Aragorn: Enough! Anyhow, the script supposed to go like this. The lead female for the first crossover group appears doing the flicking of the finger followed by tap to the shoulder and… you've got the script, you know the dance moves. So for the LoTR cast, the female would be…
Aragorn's voice trails off. Everybody sits in silence...
Legolas: Aragorn, we've got no females from Middle Earth! In fact our universe has got so little female screen time, it makes Saber look smoking hot.
Saber + Boromir: What are you insinuating elf? I/Arturia am/is in possession of a smoking"hot" body. They glance at each other and turn away, slightly red in the face.
Aragorn snorts: Puhleeze. We got hot females and they got screentime.
Pippin and Merry twinspeaking: You and which model?
Arwen, in a very right elven robe, rides onto stage on a white horse, Legolas and Gimli nosebleeds. Merry and Pippin hold up 9/10 cards.
Arwen: Am I late oh snootums.
Aragorn: No you aren't hot pointy ears. the two rub noses and come in way too close.
Frodo: MY EYES MY EYES!
Sam: Well… that's an eye opener, but that's only one female. The script says that we have to have a second female dancing next to the first…
Galadriel: I believe I can help you with that
Everybody: GALADRIEL?
Aragorn glances up and down Galadriel, frowning disapprovingly: I'm sorry Galadriel, but the script says "love interests" and while there's no way we can duplicate that point, we at least have to choose unmarried, virgin, more or less innocent and pure females for that role.
The entire rehearsal space plunges into darkness. Galadriel holds up the Phial of Earendil, her visage turning dark green, robes tattering and turning dark, while bright light explodes from behind her.
Frodo: MY EYES MY EYES!
Galadriel: You have no power here, servant of the Author's Whims! You are nameless! Faceless! Formless! Go and let me perform for the role I was meant to have!
Saber screams: We were deceived we were deceived!
Aragorn nodding fervently: Yes milady! We'll cast you as the second female of the LoTR universe!