Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings and I did not write this for profit.
Chapter 15
ElvenPrincess2005
Thanks to:
lady lorethei: I have updated as soon as I could. Mostly likely Sam will say something. I'm thinking about putting up a chapter regarding those three with the entire Boromir episode. It'll probably be after this chapter, but when I'm not too sure. Faramir didn't/won't find his brother's body, just the cleaved horn. As far as Faramir letting Frodo and Sam go, he almost has to. I mean Frodo is carrying the fate of Middle Earth under his shirt. Thank you for your kind comment; it does me a lot to me.
kalika55: Thank you. Indeed Katherine has changed a great deal. Yeah, I know the clichéd "good guys always win" theme. Although, I do have several ideas popping in and out of my head, thanks to my wonderful muse. I'm not sure what idea to go with. Who knows? Maybe the bad guys will win. You never know.
Ladyof Rivendell: Thank you and I don't, they just get on my nerves.
Elven Script: I'm glad you like it. Here's the update.
Soccer-Bitch: Thank you. By the way, I love the penname!
Chrystyna: Thanks. Here's the next chapter.
Dragon101:Thank you. I try to update as quickly as I can, but it is difficult. I hope it has a happy ending too!
lgstarbaby07: Really? One of your favs? Wow! I'm always writing, don't worry. I don't plan on stopping. In fact, I have another story playing around in my head and I've written (well, typed. You know what I mean!) the first chapter or so down. It helps get me out of the rough spots in this fic.
KapOfDaPipers:Yeah, I know. It's an interesting twist and it does change many things in the original story line itself. Who knows how it'll affect this fic.
Mystic Lady Fae: I'm glad you love it.
Nelo: That's what I thought. No work, so quicker updates. Ha! Two days after I get out of school, my house sells. No joke! We had about a week to find a house in the area we were going to move to. I had to pack along with the Advance English 12 class I was taking during the summer to get credit for it early. I've all moved, but school down here starts August 30th.
Ecellegreenleaf: Thank you.
Larien-darlene: I know, this one was a longer wait for an update.
Maren L P: I'm glad you like it.
dark-phoenix-angel3590: That's okay. It's understandable. I'm glad you love it. I'm sorry that you had to be that patient with me updating though.
Noin Marquise: Thanks.
Sandrilene fa Toren: Thank you. I plan on it.
kaya-butter: I suppose it was the shock of the entire event. People handle grief in different ways. I know a person who laughed at a funeral, because it was the only way they could cope. I guess she just immersed herself in the world around her.
TriGemini: Thank you. I try to be original in everything I do. I don't like "going with the norm", if you understand what I mean. It's a new beginning for her. It's a way for her to start over with a clean slate. And it is interferring with her new life, which is why she's having a tough time adapting to the new world around her. You'll have to keep an eye for to see if Haldir lives or dies. It'll be in the next chapter though, that much I can tell you. It is hard to keep to the original plot because I've kept Boromir (and possibly Haldir) alive, but it's a challenge for me, and I love challenges!!! Did you like it intense? She's is going to have to live with the guilt of killing, and if she doesn't get over it, she'll die because of it. They will be shocked with they find out she killed him. But most won't find out until the very end. I'm glad you like it. I plan on keeping up the good work and here's more for you.
DeppAndBloomRocMySox: Thank you. Melamin means "My love".
sapphiregurl11: Yes, she did. Thanks.
Jack Sparrow's Only Love: Thank you.
ElvenEssence: In the short term effects, it's a good thing. No exploding will at Helm's Deep. In the long term effects, it is probably a bad thing. But things work out for the best.
In the Depp End: I know. It's wonderful isn't it?
silvervail: Here's the next update.
Shanelover1: Yeah, she killed him. Shocker ain't it? Thanks.
Jack-Sparrow-Lover: Thanks. Bye Bye 'ol Wormy. I said bye bye. Thank you.
Crecy: I have that base covered, don't worry about it.
Chibi Chingo: You may not have itended it to be a flame, but that's how it came across to me. I understand your concerns; however, you could have put it in a nicer format, in nicer words, you get my meaning. I never said that you called me lazy. Please, don't try to put words in my mouth. I do choose to be defensive about my work, because it is my work, my pride and joy, my precious( sorry bad pun.......very bad pun). Like any respected author (whether a fic author like myself or of a world-famous author like J.K. Rowling) we are defensive and protective of our work. I never said that you said that "the skies will open up and swallow you for your 'trespasses'." I know there is a reason as to why Boromir has to die. Trust me when I say, that it won't be one of those stories. There's a reason behind my madness (or sanity in my opinion). I appreciate that you think it has been pretty good. If there are a lot more things that you could point out, please do so. Leave it in a review or email it to me at I appreciate what people have to say, negative or positive, I just can't guarentee that my responce will be positive. I know my spelling isn't perfect, and I don't try to be "meticulous" when it comes to searching for faults, but I was taught that if you're going to use those big words you A.) know the meaning and B.) know how to spell it. And to be honest, I'm glad that you maintain what you said. You have a right to do that. No one is telling you that you can't. But you also need to listen to the other sides as to why they do things.
I kept mostly to myself that evening. I couldn't face anyone. I know that I would break down if I did. I put on a brave face, but inside I was crumbling. I was being shattered. I went to Théodred's funeral. I cried, but not for the reason one would think. As I watched him being taken into the burial and as I listened to Éowyn sing, my heart broke. I wondered what they did for my parent's funeral. I wondered if they were cremated or buried. I wondered if they placed me as a missing person or if they pronounced me dead.
I also wondered if anyone was going to have a funeral for Wormtongue.
Tears spilled from my eyes. I didn't bother wiping them away. I didn't bother drying my eye. I let them fall. It had been too long since I had cried.
After the funeral I headed back to the Hall. I went to my room that Éowyn had shown me earlier. I fell on my bed and continued to cry. I cried all through the night. Anyone who knocked on my door, I told to go away. I didn't eat anything even when Théoden said I should. I wasn't in the mood to eat. I couldn't eat.
I didn't sleep either. There was a knock on the door at dawn. "Come in" I said.
It was Éowyn. "Breakfast is being held in the hall," she said.
"I'm not hungry," I stated.
"An Elf you may be, but you still need to eat. Besides your friends are worried about you"
"I just have much on my mind," I said.
"Well then, food won't hurt anything"
I sighed. I would need to face them sooner or later. I stood up and followed her down to the Golden Hall. "And where have you been all night, lassie?" Gimli asked.
"I was tired. I needed sleep," I simply said.
"Will you eat something now?" Boromir asked.
I shrugged and then sat down at a table. I grabbed a piece of bread and munched on it. "What troubles your mind, young one" Aragorn asked.
"Too much" I muttered.
"We leave within the hour," Éowyn interrupted.
"Great! I'm going to pack," I said, grabbing two apples.
I stood up and left the hall. I grabbed a few things off of my pack from Gendol and put the apples in. I put his saddle and halter on. Within a few minutes we had left Edoras.
To say that it was a long trip was well a very big understatement. By mid-morning I had given up the horse and took to my own two feet. My butt was literally numb. I couldn't feel anything. We stopped for lunch and I sat down on the ground. I made myself eat the two apples I had brought and tried to keep them in my stomach. "Lady Katherine?" I looked up to see one of the guards. "Théoden King wishes to speak with you," he said, walking off.
Okay. Where am I supposed to find him? I stood up and walked around for a few minutes before finding the king. "Sit" He ordered.
I sat. "The guilt is eating away at you," He stated.
"What gave you that idea?" I snorted.
He glared at me. "I know it is hard to kill something with a living soul, but you must understand something Katherine, these times are deadly. You had a reason for killing him, and I'm sure that your reason is justified. But understand one thing: If you do not put this behind you, it will kill you. It will distract you in the future. It will make you hesitate on the battleground. That is something that you cannot do. In short, hesitation means death. You are too young to die. Get this sadness, this guilt that is eating away at you out of your mind; otherwise, it will drive you insane" Théoden said.
"You really made me fell a hell of a lot better you know that?" I asked, the sarcasm dripping off of my words.
"Jest if you must, but heed my words" He said. "You're dismissed," he said.
I stood up to leave. "Oh and Katherine?" I stopped. "This conversation never happened," He said.
"Gotcha" I agreed.
I really didn't want to have the conversation to begin with. I went back to my secluded area. Away from my friends, but unfortunately not away from my troubles. I pulled out my sword and looked at it in the sunlight. The metal might have shone and the filigree work possibly shimmered, but all I saw was the blood. "Melamin?" (My love)
Legolas stood in front of me. "Katherine, you look ill. Are you feeling alright?" He asked.
"I've been better. Physically I'm fine, mentally and emotionally I'm shattered," I whimpered.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because of something that I have done. Something that no matter what, I can never take back" I whispered.
"What happened Katherine? What can you not take back?" He asked.
"An innocent life" I said.
"Katherine, you're not making any sense? What are you talking about?" Legolas asked.
"I killed someone, Legolas. I murdered an innocent person. His blood is on my hands," I told him.
"What happened?" He asked.
"I didn't have a choice. I had to do it. If I didn't, more people would have died. More innocent lives would have been destroyed. Not just the people killed, but their families and friends as well. I killed an innocent to protect hundreds more," I told him.
"Who did you kill?" He asked gently.
"Grime Wormtongue" I stated.
"The human that was thrown out of Edoras?" He asked.
"Yes. I left before he did and I got ahead of him. I cut his head off of his shoulders. Oh, God, Legolas, what have I done?" I asked, sobbing.
He pulled me to him, holding me, trying to calm me. "I know it hurts. I know. Everything will be okay," he said.
"My heart and soul just feels like it's dying," I told him.
"Because you killed someone with a heart and soul. Oh, melamin (my love), you shouldn't be here. You should have to go through this," He whispered.
"It hurts. It hurts so much" I said.
"Shhh, I know. Just let it out. Let it all out"
"No matter what, I'll always be haunted. He won't leave me; he won't go away"
Legolas rocked me back and forth. I got the feeling that somehow he knew what I was going through, like he had been through a similar situation himself when he was younger. I hated this feeling. It hurt so much; I couldn't stand it. It was a few hours before everyone moved to get ready to leave for Helm's Deep. "Come Katherine, we must be ready to depart. We must get to Helm's Deep" Legolas said.
He was right. I stood up, my eyes red and puffy and my face stained. I took in a deep breath and picked up my bag and sword. I wasn't looking forward to this part of the trip. Fighting Orcs and Uruk-Hai was different than fighting Wargs. They were the same size, if not larger than a horse. Ummm…nope, not looking forward to this battle. If I even wanted to go and fight at all. Yes, Legolas knew, but that did little to ease my mind. Théoden was right, hesitation meant death out here and I wasn't too sure that I wouldn't hesitate in battle. But on the same token, these were the big bad guys. The people we were fighting against to save Middle Earth. I think that situation is different. Grima, although human, working for Saruman, who in turn, worked for Sauron. So he was evil. Why couldn't my mind make the connection?
We started back to walking and it was a few hours before anything came up. Aragorn had to fall. He had to see the ten thousand Uruk-Hai that were coming for us. Théoden, while trusted me, I doubt he would have believed me when I told him what and how many were coming to fight us.
I was debating whether or not to fight or flee with the woman and children. Yes, I knew what would have happened if I left, but that was before I changed everything. I saved Boromir, killed Wormtongue; I just made a difference in this war. I didn't know how this battle would end. Would Gimli or Boromir die, or worse if something would have happened to Legolas? I had to fight to protect my friends and family. I just had to. There was no two ways about it.
When Aragorn came running down the hill, shouting about Wargs, I drew my sword. I got onto a horse with Boromir, not knowing how to ride one into battle. The brown stallion charged up the hill. My keen eyes caught the tens of hundreds of Wargs and Orcs running up to meet us. "You can still catch up with the woman and children, little one" Boromir said.
"As much as I am thinking about that option right about now, I have to do this," I said, my resolve getting stronger.
Apparently that was all he needed and we headed for the battleground. The Wargs were vicious, tearing and killing anything in its path, horse and human alike. We charged down the hill, swords raised, ready to use. I stuck my sword in a Warg's back, making it howl in pain. He turned and looked at me, before Boromir cut it's head off.
He turned the horse to another Warg getting ready to devour a soldier. With one quick swipe, its head fell to the ground five feet to the right. Suddenly, I went falling off the horse. I hit the ground hard, knocking all of the air out of my lungs. I heard a small growl coming from the side, but I was too confused at the moment to even make sense of it. I rolled back onto my feet and found a Warg to my right side. It took a step toward me and I took a step back. He released a deeper growl and startled howling. He crouched down low to the ground and suddenly took a flying leap to me. I moved out of the way and swung my sword around in the air, striking him in the side, opening him up. Blood and intestines spilled out onto the ground and some blood splattered on me.
I turned to the rest of the battlefield, looking for anyone I could identify. Boromir was nowhere to be seen, which bothered me seeing as he was on the same horse I was on. I took off running, hacking and slicing any Warg or Orc that got in my way. The battle raged on for over an hour, casualties reaching in the hundreds in both parties. Bloody body and body parts were strewn across the plain, staining the tan-colored grass and the rock that lay, accenting the terrain.
I had met up with my company near the cliffs. I had seen Legolas throw a dead Orc on the ground. He seemed disgusted with something and my mind drifted to Aragorn. I had to play innocent, for my sake anyway. I couldn't have gone this long only to have my cover blown so close to the end. "What's going on?" I asked.
"Lassie, he…he fell off into the water" Gimli said.
I hesitated. My eyes widened. "What?" I asked, tears forming in my eyes.
"Aragorn fell into the water. He couldn't escape the grip of the Warg fast enough" Boromir explained.
I saw Théoden come walking up the small incline. "Come, we must reach Helm's Deep" the Rohirrim King said.
"We've just lost one of our own! You expect us to forget about him?" I asked, my voice deathly low and dangerous.
He didn't falter nor did he back down. He looked me directly in the eye and answered me. "There will be a time to mourn for the lost when this war is over" the King said.
"Yes, but will there be enough people around to mourn for all those we lost?" I asked, not really wanting to be that depressing.
"We have to hope for that Katherine," he said, turning on his heel and walking away.
I glowered at the retreating form. "How can he be so cold?" I asked, not expecting an answer.
"Sometimes one must push their emotions away to survive through dangerous times. Théoden has much to grieve over as well little one. He's lost his son and might very well lose his people. He's afraid, as many are at this point. No one knows what the Valar holds for us," Boromir said.
Oh what a way to lay on the guilt, Boromir. You're just making me feel so much better about the entire situation! I mentally scolded my friend. Boromir started to walk away, Gimli was on his heels. When they were out of hearing range, Legolas spoke. "I do not believe that Aragorn is dead. He didn't survive this entire journey to fall now. Not in this way"
"It's called survivors' guilt, Legolas. You're upset because you survive and your friend didn't. It's a common thing when people lose the one that they know and care about" I tried to explain.
"No!" he said harshly. "He isn't dead, melamin (my love). I can feel it. I know he isn't dead. I feel it in my very being"
I hung my head and sighed heavily. "Legolas, what would you say if I told you that what you felt right now held some stability. What if I told you that he wasn't dead?" I asked.
"I would ask you when you became a seer?" He asked.
I licked my lips before continuing. "He isn't dead Legolas. He's very much alive. He…may have fallen off of the cliff, but that didn't kill him. He…will return to us before the end of the day" I said.
"Would you answer my question then melamin?" He asked.
I sighed. "I'm not a seer. I'm not a clairvoyant like you wish to believe. I've known the future now since the beginning of the quest. I've known since I entered Rivendell and found out about the council," I whispered.
"Then you know the outcome of the war? What will happen to Sam and Frodo?" He asked.
I nodded, not really trusting my voice at the moment. "We have much to discuss then. It will be talked about later though. I do not hate you Katherine. I could never to that. In fact, I admire you for it. You've going all this way to protect people you didn't even know, to save those you haven't even met. And you've kept all of this to yourself because you didn't know how it would affect future events. I'm proud of you for keeping it up as long as you have" He said, kissing my brow.
I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tighter. I hung onto him; he was my lifeline at the current moment. I was tired and worn down. I don't even know how I was standing. He gently pulled away. "Come, we must catch up with the others" He said.
He placed a hand on the small of my back, as if to lead me. On the way back, my mind went reeling into several different thoughts: many it seemed, at the same time. It would only be a matter of hours before Aragorn came back with the information of ten thousand Uruk-Hai coming to attack. Only a matter of hours after that before the Uruk-Hai actually attacked. I don't remember getting to Helm's Deep; I don't remember the ride to the fortress.
Éowyn seemed to take Aragorn's fall incredibly hard. She took it personally too. I sighed. I didn't know her personally, but she was a strong woman. She would make it in the end, I knew that. Her current infatuation, and that's what it was, with Aragorn would pass. She would come to realize that sooner than she expected.
I went to clean up and get something for my rumbling stomach before turning to the temporary throne room, as I called it. Legolas, Boromir, and Gimli were already there, both deep in thought. "What's going on?" I asked.
"For right now we're getting everyone inside of the wall" Gimli answered gruffly.
"What if we're attacked?" I asked.
"Our scouts have no seen anything," Théoden stated, his chest puffing out slightly.
"Just because your scouts see nothing, does necessarily mean that there is no one coming!" I hissed out.
"What are you inferring?" Boromir asked.
I took in a deep breath and sighed. "There are ten thousand Uruk-Hai headed for Helm's Deep. They are ready to fight and die, if need be. They know that we're basically defenseless," I said.
"We are not defenseless!" Théoden roared. "Once my people are inside the Wall, we will be safe"
"Against whom? Saruman or Sauron? You make me laugh, Théoden. Too much in fact. You believe that you are safe behind your Wall of stone, then you're stupid and naïve. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but they are coming and there's nothing you can do about it," I said.
A soldier came into the room. "Lord Aragorn is coming," he said.
I shot a look at Legolas and smiled slightly. I turned and sat my butt on the table, getting comfortable. Boromir followed the soldier and Legolas and Gimli weren't far behind him. A few minutes later Aragorn came into the room, Man, Elf and Dwarf in tow. "My Lord, there is an important matter that I need to speak to you about" Aragorn said.
Théoden nodded, giving Aragorn the go-ahead. "Thousands of Uruk-Hai care coming. They are coming to attack Helm's Deep" Aragorn said.
"A great host, you say?" Théoden asked.
His voice was strong, too strong. He was being stupid again. I sighed. "All Isengard is emptied" Aragorn told them.
"How many?" Théoden asked, bracingly.
The soon-to-be-King hesitated a moment before answering. "Ten thousand strong at least"
"Ten thousand?!" Théoden was shocked beyond belief.
"That's almost impossible!" Boromir shouted.
"How much you wanna bet?" I asked, staring at him, smiling.
He had known Isengard had an army, but ten thousand was numbers that I don't think really registered with the Rohanian King. Personally, I didn't think he could count that high. "It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of men. They will be here by nightfall," Estel informed.
"I told you ten thousand. Next time, you might want to consider listening to the poor little Elf girl. Apparently she knows what she's talking about" I said, rubbing my fingernails on my shirt, and blowing on them as if to clean them.
"Let them come!" the King said, powerfully.
"You're still thinking with your head up your ass aren't you? You heard Aragorn; they are coming to destroy you and your people. And you're welcoming them with open arms. Ten thousand, Théoden, ten thousand. Can you count that high? Jesus, you're acting as if it's just a small number of raiders. It's not. It's an army. An army that if you don't act quickly, will kill you without hesitation" I shouted as he walked away.
It wasn't long before the word of the Uruks had reached the other soldiers. Almost immediately they set to work, reinforcing the doors, and gates, getting weapons and preparing themselves. Théoden told Gamling that he wanted every person, excuse me, man, who was able to be ready for war. After Gamling went off, the King stood there and talked to the three males of the Fellowship. I felt like the proverbial "fifth wheel."
While talking, the King explained what he was going to cover and then he went on about no army every breaching the Deeping Wall or the Hornburg. I was too busy, snorting and scoffing at his statements to even relatively care at the moment.
"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs. These are Uruk-hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad" Gimli enlighten.
"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep" Théoden said.
Gimli seems miffed, and he wasn't the only one. I opened my mouth to say something oh-so-lovely (cough sarcasm cough). Legolas clapped a hand on Gimli's shoulder as he shot me a look that clearly said, "Shut up". My mouth shut, but I mumbled under my breath. We followed Aragorn and Théoden back in.
"They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn, we've seen it before. Crops can be resown; homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them" Théoden seemed to ramble. I just shut him out after too long. It hurt my head to listen to so much B.S.
"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child!" Aragorn shouted.
He was angry as well. Well, angry probably wasn't the correct word. Irate possibly, uptight probably.
Théoden got close to Aragorn and spoke so low that I had to strain my hearing. "What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance"
"Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid" Aragorn almost shouted.
"And who will come? Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead," The King said bitterly.
"Gondor will answer" Aragorn said passionately.
"I agree. Gondor will answer" Boromir said, agreeing with Aragorn.
No they won't. Even if you call on them. Denethor is too far-gone to even realize what is going on around him. It won't be too long from now before he goes completely insane. I thought. "Gondor? Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Gon… - No, my lords Aragorn and Boromir, we are alone" Théoden's bitterness came off of him in waves.
He walked away and shouted out orders. He said something and Gamling stood there arguing with him for a few moments before backing down and leaving." The women and children are to be sent into the caves," Théoden said, staring at me.
I raised my eyebrows at his little statement. I knew what he was inferring; I was already two steps ahead of him as well. I smiled at him and he scowled. "I fail to see what is humorous" He said, his tone low and serious.
"I didn't say anything was funny. However, if you think that I'm going to be placed with the women and children in this battle, then you my friend are foolish. I refuse to enter the caves, and seeing as how you're not my king, you can't tell me what to do. Regardless of your decision, I will not go along with it," I told him, leaning against a stone wall.
He spluttered, obviously upset about my retort. "Let me ask you something since you so tongue-tied. I told you about the Uruks before Aragorn came back. Doesn't that mean anything to you? Don't you wonder up in that little brain of yours how I knew that little bit of information? Have you been wondering that? Well, in case you have, I'm going to set something straight right here and now. I don't plan on leaving my friends to fight out and quite possibly die. I don't want that. I want to fight and I plan on fighting. You would have to kill me yourself to stop me" I told him.
Théoden opened his mouth to say something but Boromir cut him off. "Katherine is one of the most skilled women I've ever seen. She can take care of herself in battle; I have seen it with my own eyes. The rest of the Fellowship has as well. Do not belittle her skills when in a fair battle, she could probably out do you"
I turned to the young man. I didn't expect that from him. Boromir and I weren't the closest of people in the Fellowship, but I suppose saving his life, change his outlook on me. I remember right from the get-go, he was dead set against me coming with them. To be honest, sometimes I wish I hadn't gone, but do you do what you have to do in life, I suppose.
"Very well" the King said, walking away without any further argument.
Author's Note: I'm back! Yes, I know it took so long. I'm sorry. But between finals, and moving to another state, and registering for a new school with an extremely hard schedule, and a very tremendous and extensive writers' block, these past three months have been.....interesting. I do start school back on Auguest 30th. I also do plan on having another update before then. As you have guessed it, it's going to be the Battle of Helm's Deep. It should be interesting. Anyway, thank you to all of you who have waited patiently for my update. I do really apologize for making you wait this long. I didn't really have any other choice in the matter. We are in the final stretches of this story and I hope for it to be finished by the end of the year. Why so long? Well, the new schedule for school is:
Algebra 3
Biology 2 - Zoology
Introduction to Business Applications 1
Aerobics
Law Education
Government and Economics
Creative Writing (Which should be a snap for me)
and
Drama 1
That my loyal readers and reviewers is why. After this next chapter before the end of August, I'm looking at three maybe four chapters, depending. It's a good chance that the next update after the August one will be in mid to end of October. After that, the next update should be around Thanksgiving. I have two weeks for Christmas, and I will finish it up there with whatever I have to do. That's the itinerary for "A Silver Lining". I hope to hear from you soon.