Disclaimer #2: I also don't own any of the music that I have previously used in this fic. The lyrics and sound and music are all owned by their respected companies. I have not used this music for profit in any way, shape, or form. I have only used it to bring a tie to the story in an odd and unusual way. The music lyrics I use are for story use.
ElvenPrincess2005
Chapter 19
Updated: 5/19/05
Thanks to:
wolflover7: Haldir left with the other Elves of Lórien at the end of Helm's Deep. The return to Edoras was quick. Why the Elves left will be explained in the last chapter. I'm glad you like it so much. I found the Elvish online, but was told, very politely, I might add, by someone that the Elvish I had was wrong. During my edits of the story, it'll be fixed.
Skye: The whole leech thing will definitely be explained during the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it so much.
FallenTruth: As I said in the last two review responses, it'll all be explained in the last chapter, the whole Mirror scene included. And I'm glad that someone takes the time to read what I write when the author's notes and review responses. I wasn't sure if anyone actually read them.
Vengeance A.M: Again, last chapter. Yes, sorry to say that Gimli is hard headed, much like Katherine in some ways. I supposed that's another reason, they never truly sat down and chatted like she's done so many times with Boromir.
Bee: Here's some of the rest. I'm glad you think it is good.
Nightlight Ninja: No, this chapter will not be the last one. There's one more after this, and after outlining it so much, I'm almost thinking that it will be a two-parter. There's so much to cover and clear up and finish, that I really don't think that it'll fit all into one chapter. I'm glad you liked it too. It just seemed to fit there, ya know what I mean? Oh, BTW, I like your screen name.
lady lorethei: Yes, I totally agree that Gimli's insane, that Legolas is a brick wall, and that Katherine is stressed (in that position, who wouldn't be?) and I'm glad you like it even though it has that. mischief maker: You didn't miss anything. Read this chapter and you'll find out about them. Well, Denethor anyway. Faramir isn't mentioned much in this chapter. You didn't miss anything. I'm glad you like it so much and I hope this update makes you happy.
Erasuithiel: Yes, this is a sue. And I'm sure that you do consider me an evil person. And I thank you for that title, it comes in handy when I scare little kids. However, if you're reading this, let me explain. Katherine is a sue in many ways. She has my name and certain...quirks that I currently are housing in my body at this time. She however, isn't me. However, I will not apologize for you not liking this fic, that's your purgative.
showmethehobbit: Here's the next chapter. I'm just happy that the only thing I have to worry about in college is homework and research papers.
sarah: That will be explained in the last chapter. I'm glad you loved it so much.
TriGemini: I do believe that you hold the record for the longest review in history. Granted that some of it is quotes from my story, but man! I'm glad no one is yelling, I'd probably yell back. I'm glad that the chapter was good. Boromir and Katherine are kindred spirits, if you will. They do have a few things in common, one of them being Natalie. They are close, considering they really didn't start off well.
Many people do liek the attitude that Katie holds. Some don't though. Humor is the most important thing in any situation, regardless of the situation at hand. Katherine is quite sane, I assure you, she's just second guessing herself. That's never good. Boromir feels so strongly about Natalie, that he would be ready to die for her; I'm sure that much is clear. But with the war still raging, it's normal to be concerned for the ones you love and hold dear to your heart. That's what Boromir is really feeling.
And there are people like that; so loyal that they would die for the people they love. I'll admit, I'm one of them, but the people I would die for are few and far between; it's the same with Katherine.
Katie isn't only physically tiring, but emotionally and spiritually drained to the point of her giving up hope. That happens in war; it's quite normal to feel like that. And you're right, she won't feel better until the war is over. And I'm sure by this time, everyone in Middle Earth, both sides, want this war to end. Gandalf is powerful, that doesn't mean he looks ahead to what might happen. As as far as Aragorn being the only one holding onto faith, I not only think it goes with the territory, but it also goes withe the name given to him in Imladris: Estel.
Katherine's humor is more than sarcasm then acutal humor. That's kinda taken from me and from my best guy friend, who shall remain nameless (mainly because he doesn't know).
Katherine, in all aspects, was and still is the perfect candidate for the message. Everyone knew that, Katie included. Sometimes, one doesn't want to admit what might be right in front of their face. And naturally, Aragorn is a much better choice, but if push came to shove, you and I both know that Katherine would have sent the message. And yes, Katie would probably say something that would screw everything up; almost be ironic, wouldn't it?
I wouldn't call your review a rant. It's refreshing. You have a lot to say and you have no problem saying it. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.
And now my favorite reviewer returns (note the sarcasm people! Please!):
Marpessa: You know, as much as I acutally do not like what you have to say, I'm quite...what's the word I'm looking for...amused by it! Out of 329 reviews to date (8/15/05), I've only had seven, yes SEVEN, flames. Now I'm not usually picky, but when someone called me a child and then continues to insult me by calling me an eight year old, I tend to get...flustered. I wasn't going to pick on the numbers. And actually, considering, I pretty much guessed at the number of 99.5, I came very very very very close. After sitting down and doing the math (can you believe it? I can do percents, thank you. I'm didn't take Trig for nothing), it actually came to an astounding 98.1. 1.9 equals 6.945, which is as close as I could get it, if you carry the decimal point over one place, which is all you need with decimals. I believe my point is made.
I do however find it interesting that every flamer I've ever had, has always been anonomyous, don't you? I suppose that tells me something, doesn't that tell you anything at all?
Important Author's Note!
Please pay attention to this: Obviously the Itinerary that I set up was not stuck to. That is somewhat my fault and somewhat not my fault. Unfortunately, I cannot help the stuff that's been going on in my life. Needless to say, that this summer has been busy and very difficult. Things beyond my control started happening and I couldn't stop them.
My dad had a major operation in the middle of July because of a cancerous tumor that we've only known about since the middle of June. Things have been tough around my house.
I also have had a serious bout of writers block. Go figure. It happens to be every six months and it just happened to be during my summer vacation; the one time I could actually have time to sit down and write, or type as the case may be.
Be that as it may, I'm trying everything I can to finish my story in time before college starts (August 17). As much as I would like that to happen, I seriously doubt it will. Unfortunately for you, my loyal readers, that means that I shall be able to put one update before my classes actually start. For those of you who are in college or are even taking difficult high school classes, you'll understand my reason behind it.
If I do not finish it before college starts, the final update, or updates if the case turns out to be will be during my winter vacation, which starts December 12. That is my final word on the subject and if I do happen to catch a break where I can write any, I will. If I happen to finish the last chapter, I will update it as soon as I catch the chance to do so. Until then, my friends, I'm afraid you're on your own. Thank for being so patient. I appreciate it very much.
Stupid orcs, stupid ring, stupid large glowing eye. I mean really, how were we supposed to fight that? Plain and simple, we couldn't. If Frodo didn't hurry up and destroy the ring, we wouldn't make it. My arm wound from Pelennor had already re-opened and I found myself supporting two extra wounds on my shoulder and abdomen. I couldn't move and kill quickly enough. Éomer was right; we weren't strong enough. I had agreed with him when he first mentioned it. Our numbers couldn't match Sauron's by a slightest of a fraction.
I was sick and tired of having my back rammed into sharp rocks. And that's what was exactly happening too. Thinking back on it, maybe I should have rested when Legolas had told me to.
We were outnumbered, we knew that going in, but when I killed one, it seemed like ten more popped up in it's previous location. The more I fought, the weaker I became. I was losing focus, drive, and strength. Not too many were doing any better than I was either.
I swung my sword and watched as the head of the Orc bounced on his shoulder and fell to the ground. The body followed soon after. "Twenty-three!" I heard Gimli shout.
I turned to the dwarf and smiled at him. "You mean to tell me that you're counting the ones you killed again?" I asked, shouting over the shouting and screaming.
"I'll not have any Elf out do me!" he said.
"Well, if your ego needs more polishing, then you've killed more than me," I tried.
He chuckled at me. "Good! I'm more concerned about that Elf Prince though. He's through his quiver," Gimli said, a dark look covering his face.
I smiled at him and patted him on the head. "If you two don't quit this, it's going to get you both killed," I told him.
"You were doing it as well at Helm's Deep," Gimli shot back.
I nodded. "Yeah, I did," I said. But that was at a time when I knew for a fact that we were going to win the fight. I don't know if we're going to win this time. I silently added.
I reentered the fray, immediately stabbing my sword through the gut of an Orc. I swung it, cutting it's body and entered it into another Orc right next to it.
The fighting seemed to go on and for the longest time, I thought that Frodo hadn't made it. I thought that we had lost. For the most part, I could almost understand that. I had saved many people, killed a few that I wasn't supposed to have killed. In retrospect, I changed everything about this war. The outcome would shock me as well as everyone else in Middle Earth.
The whole day had been bothering me. Since before the siege of the ships that took us to Osgiliath and Pelennor, doubt was on my mind. I mean, no one could really blame me.
A small tremor shook me out of the fighting and thinking stupor that I was currently in. It bothered the Orcs as well. The Eye at the top of its tower began twitching involuntarily and it screeched as if it were in pain; large amounts of pain.
Good. I thought. It…he…whatever, deserves everything it's getting. In the back of my mind, it registered that Frodo had succeeded, but at the same time, at what cost? If Frodo or Sam had not survived, then the future would be changed as well.
The ground began to shake violently and cracks appeared in the earth around us. Many of the Orcs had been swallowed by the crevice and the good guys (what was left of us anyway) all got together in a large circle. The fractures went around us and after observing them for a few moments, it seemed as though the fractures were after the Orcs in particular.
Mother Earth deciding to do some spring-cleaning? To be frank, it couldn't have come at a better time. I breathed in and out for several minutes before assessing our situation. Here's where we stood:
The number that survived had at least one injury. I noticed some had more. We were all piled close together so no one fell into the deep, dark, deep, dank, deep, threatening, did I mention deep, hole. The horses had all left; they were the only ones with the sense to get the hell out of dodge when the fighting starting. Stupid horses. I cringed and realized that I was very wrong. They weren't the stupid ones. They were the brilliant ones for leaving. The stupid ones were all standing in a small circle. We had no idea how to get to the other side, save for jumping and I doubted a highly trained Elf, a.k.a. Legolas, could make it.
There was a small screeched and I noticed Gandalf looking up at the sky. I followed his gaze and saw the eagles flying around. Now things were finally looking up. At least we could make it over safely.
Since the "death" of Sauron, the sun started shining. Funny how I thought it was brighter than normal. I suppose traveling and roaming in the days previous to this, made me think that it was normal. It wasn't a drastic change in the sunlight; just enough where you wouldn't think on it too much. The past two days however, the sun didn't shine at all. It was dark, cloudy, dank (I'm starting to repeat myself, it seems).
I sat on the ground and took a breather while the eagles rescued the rest of our group. "Miss Katherine?" Pippin asked.
"Yes?"
"Do you think…you think Frodo and Sam made it out of there, alright?" Pippin asked.
I smiled at him. "I'm sure of it, Pip. Don't worry your little blond head about it. They'll be fine," I said.
He nodded, but I don't think he quite believed me. "Don't worry. Sauron's gone. That means that Frodo and Sam succeeded in destroying the One Ring of Power. They won; we won," I told him, trying to reinforce my earlier statement.
He let out a small smile and nodded for a second time. Little by little the eagles took us to the other side of the crevice. I went with Pippin; trying to keep his spirits high about the ordeal. Gandalf left with a couple of eagles, my guess was to find Frodo and Sam.
I sat on a large boulder to rest and check out the wounds that I had received. Besides the normal aches and pains of being pushed into the rock walls, I had a gash on my forehead, right above my right eyebrow, two cuts on my upper right arm, one slash that crossed my shoulder blade, and a rather large, ugly cut across my abdomen. I had lost a lot of blood from the wounds I had sustained; not too bad considering the events of the day. My clothes were full of bloodstains, both mine and that of my victims. My hair, which had been placed in a neat bun before the battle began was matted and also covered with blood.
As I glanced around, there were few people that had fewer injuries than I did. Almost every one of the riders had been injured in some way or another. Even Pippin and Merry had bloody scratches on their body. Not even fighters like Aragorn got out unscathed.
The total causalities were unknown. The crevice took our people when it opened up to swallow the Orcs. I don't believe that the total number of people killed throughout the last few months would ever be truly known.
In the distance I heard the eagles screech. "The eagles are returning," Pippin stated.
I nodded and looked. My eyesight, which had always been excellent, was hazy at the moment. The fatigue and the blood loss I had experienced were now taking its toll on my body. As the eagles flew by us, I saw two bodies in their talons. "Frodo and Sam are going to be alright," I told Pippin.
"Well, that's good news. I'd hate to go home and have to tell the Shire that Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee weren't coming back. They'd kick me right out of Bag End," Pippin said.
"They'd do that anyway, Pippin, even if you didn't tell them. All the trouble that you get into," Merry stated.
I smiled. "That I get into. Excuse me Merry, but weren't you the one who told me to spy with you at the Council of Elrond?" Pippin asked.
"That was only because I didn't want to be caught alone," Merry corrected.
Once our forces were gathered and rested (as much as we could be), we began the long journey back to Minas Tirith. Unfortunately without our horses, it too much longer than expected. We camped in the ruins of Osgiliath that night.
Without any medicine, our injuries could not be taken care of. The river was polluted with the bodies of the soldier from Gondor and of the Orcs. Orc blood could be seen on top of the water; it wasn't safe to drink and we didn't have any food.
The people that were injured the least stayed up and to watch over the campsite. We couldn't afford an ambush with the remaining Orcs in the surrounding area. As it turned out, there were still a few alive. Their numbers weren't enough to amount to anything. We were attacked during the night as everyone suspected. Though I'm sure that the few fires that Aragorn and Boromir started were actually meant to draw them closer to us so we wouldn't encounter them later.
Boromir was looking a little worse for the wear. He looked as if he had more injuries than I did and looked like he was in a bit of pain. "It's over," I whispered during our watch.
He nodded briefly, too briefly. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"I was informed about my father," he said.
I physically grimaced. "I'm sorry," was the only thing I could properly say.
He shook his head. "It's not your fault. You weren't there," he said.
No, but I knew that it would happen. I thought. Not that saying that sentence would make him feel any better.
"Katherine, did you know?" he asked.
"About?"
"Everything?"
"Yes and no," I answered.
He gave me a strange look. "It's hard to explain. In the version that I knew, yes, I knew what was to happen. I knew what was going to occur at the Council Meeting, Moria, and Amen Hen. After Amen Hen, things began to change. In the version I knew, there were nine walkers, one for each of the nine Wraiths. When Elrond asked me to accompany The Fellowship, I couldn't stand by. I knew what was to happen. That's why I went. I went because I knew too much. I suppose in the beginning it was to try to help my conscience. If I went and I still couldn't change the things that I wanted to change, then at least I tried; I didn't just stand by and watch it happen,"
"Why only up to Amen Hen?" he asked.
"Because you, Boromir, were never meant to go any further than that place. You were supposed to have died at the hands of the Uruk-Hai. After that, it was mostly anyone's guess,"
"You saved me because you knew I was suppose to die. Because you couldn't deal with that on your mind," he said.
I nodded. "In the beginning. The more time I spent with The Fellowship, the more you guys became my friends. You became family to me in an odd way. By the time Amen Hen came, I saved you because you were my friend, my family," I explained. "Because I saved you, things changed,"
"You killed," he whispered.
My head shot up. "I've seen it before. Being in charge of an army, you see a lot of things among your men. The way you held your sword in battle, no matter whom you were fighting, it was different. You didn't carry that air of confidence that you usually held. In general, it affects everyone the same way; shock, anger, self-pity, fear that it could happen again. It's not an easy thing to get over. It never is and it never will be. This will be something that will be there with you for as long as you'll live, Katherine,"
"Even though he came back to life," I snapped sourly. "Even though the one thing that I killed him for happened anyway,"
"Nothing ever works out the way you wish it to," Boromir stated. "You look severely injured,"
I shook my head. "It's nothing to worry about. Just a few scratches here and there. I'm fine. The only thing that's affecting me now is the blood loss. Once I get some sleep, I'll be back up and running," I told him. "I'm more concerned with others who are worse injured. I don't know how much longer they can take without proper medical treatment. And even then, getting back to Minas Tirith, is going to be difficult with the injures that many of us have,"
"Yes, it will," he agreed. "It will take us longer because there are so many of us who are injured,"
"If we had horses, it would take us less time. The little buggers skipped town the moment the first Orc was killed," I muttered.
"I don't think it would be wise to use them anyway. Getting on them would cause too much trouble and once on them, the movement would possible injure them further," Boromir stated.
I nodded in agreement. We were silent for the rest of the shift, but he had been acting strangely for the past few weeks. Well, since we left Lothlórien anyway and he left Natalie. Granted he loved her; I wasn't one to deny them that. Hell, she deserved it; they both did as far as that went. I just didn't…didn't know what he was planning on doing.
The rest of the night went without attacks of any kind. By daybreak, most of the men were already awake and up, ready to go home. I couldn't blame them; I wanted to rest as well. I glanced at the White City and wondered how Frodo and Sam were doing. "Katherine!" Aragorn shouted.
I turned on my heel and looked at him. "What are you thinking about that you didn't hear me call you three different times?" he asked, a smile playing on his face.
"Just can't wait to get to Minas Tirith, that's all," I said.
He nodded. "I need you to go on ahead. You're one of the few who aren't that badly injured,"
"How do you know I'm not?" I asked. "I could be hiding it very well,"
I heard a snort behind me. "Most men are cringing in pain; you're a woman. You can't be hiding it that well," a man stated.
I turned to him. "I'm not only a woman, I'm a She-Elf, thank you very much. I'm also part of the Fellowship, and to top it all off, I'm a warrior. You're injured, possibly delusional, so I won't hold that comment against you too much," I said, an almost sickening smile plastered on my face.
Aragorn hid a smirk. "And a fine warrior she is, Ranor. You would do well not to cross her unless you wish to be injured more. She is one of the finest and strongest warriors I have seen. She deserves respect and that is what she is to receive," Boromir stated.
"Of…of course, Captain," Ranor stuttered.
"Why, prey tell, are you trying to get on my good side Boromir?" I asked.
"You have one?" he teased.
I lightly smacked his arm. "Katherine, go to the city and get to the Healing House. Tell them to be expecting a numerous amount of people," Aragorn said urgently.
"Alright already. I'm going; I'm going, sheesh. I can't catch one lousy break. I help save the world and this is the thanks I get," I complained.
I took off running for the city as fast as I could without opening any of the wounds. When I reached the city, the main gates were still open. Stone and rock were lying on the ground. Fires were still burning in the streets. I got to the Healing House, told them what Aragorn had told me and got my wounds treated while I was there.
It turns out that I needed stitches in the wound on my abdomen and my shoulder blade. The ones they put in my stomach didn't really hurt that much, the area was still numb. The moment they put the needle and thread through my shoulder blade, I tensed and bit the inside of my cheek to stop from shouting obscenities. Ointment was placed on all the wounds and they were all wrapped neatly with clean white cloth, expect for my head.
I pulled myself to my temporary quarters and threw myself onto the bed. My stomach hit the mattress, but for some reason, I just didn't care. I was out before I had counted to ten in my head.
Author's Note: Here is chapter 19. I hope you all have enjoyed it. As I said earlier, the next update will not be until December. I apologize for the long delay, but it cannot be helped. There is also the possibility that the next chapter might be too long for me to be put into 1 and it might turn into two chapters long, though I'm sure that most of you would be happy to see that happy. I have to go, until next time, bye!