Disclaimer - I do not own LOTR
Practice earlier that day had gone splendidly. Lauren's skills were finally something to boast about, but now she sat outside the great hall, almost where Legolas stood the night before, though she didn't know that. As she sat and gazed out on the vast land, she pondered. Would Denethor be like the man from the books or from the movie? Both versions were a little off-kilter but at least the Denethor from the book wasn't nearly as crazed like the one from the movie was. His manner would be different now that Boromir was alive, regardless, or did he think his beloved son dead?
These questions and more ran through her mind. How much had she changed the course of what was to come? She didn't think she did much but even the tiniest pebble could cause a ripple. No matter how hard she tried, Lauren could not remember the exact details from the book. She could only recall bits and pieces and most of them were insignificant. It was driving her mad! Why couldn't she remember the book? It probably had something to do with her watching the movie too many times, but still. Lauren prided herself on being able to remember details from movies and books. Ironically enough, she could never remember the things that actually mattered but that's a topic for another time.
Lauren fisted her fingers through her hair and let out a strangled moan of frustration. If only she could know for certain what will happen. Then again, the free people of Middle Earth were most likely wondering the same thing, and they were worse off because at least Lauren knew that, in the end, Sauron would be thrown down. Did Aragorn and the others know this? She couldn't remember what she had and hadn't told them at this point. It would probably be wise not to tell them though, she rather them not get too cocky and secure with the fact that they will turn out victorious.
Gentle hands kneaded themselves into Lauren's shoulders, waking her out of her thoughts. She turned her head slightly and smiled when she saw pointy ears and light colored hair.
"What brings you out here, Legolas?"
The hands paused for a brief moment before they resumed their task of working out the knot in Lauren's shoulder.
"Supper is just about ready. The others fear that you have been brooding out here for too long and they are beginning to worry."
Lauren let out a soft chuckle. She had to travel to a distant land that wasn't even supposed to exist in order to find friends that actually gave 6 bits about her. It still took some getting used to.
"I can assure you that I'm not brooding, just… thinking. I tend to do that too much, more so now than before."
"What troubles you?"
Before she could even stop herself, Lauren could feel the floodgates holding in her worries and emotions beginning to break.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I know that none of you don't either but I did, at one point. I can't remember what happens. There are two different scenarios; did I ever tell you that? They both end the same but how it got to that point is different. For example, Glorfindel was the original one to come to Aragon and the hobbits' aid on their way to Rivendell. In the alternative scenario, Arwen comes. Little things, but they make all the difference. That and just me being here changes things, never mind the fact that Boromir and Haldir were supposed to have died. I'm worried that the people who are supposed to die will live and those that were supposed to live will die. This makin' much sense? I tend to not make much sense when I begin babbling. But on another note, where did you learn to give such good massages?"
It was Legolas's turn to laugh to now. Lauren could be… well Lauren. There was no real way describe her other than saying that she was like a breath of fresh air.
"You learn things when you've lived as long as I."
"Oh and how long has that been, pray tell?"
Legolas stopped giving Lauren the massage and helped her up. Lauren stood with a slight groan even though her shoulders were now loose and relaxed.
"Now, now, it's not polite to ask an elf his age. Come, supper is surely ready."
"Hit a sore spot now did I? Well, well…"
A light glare from her fellow schooled Lauren to keep her tongue civil while in the presence of others who don't know them and their quirks well enough.
"Alright, no need to get touchy."
"That look of yours still gives off the air trouble and I'm not touching you now, so how am I touchy?"
Lauren laughed as she nodded thanks to the guard who had opened the door for them as they approached the hall.
"How do I explain this? Adding the y to the end of it makes it an adjective, more or less, but it doesn't work on all words. Therefore, it could mean a person that touches people too much or a person whose mood is easily touched. I don't know if that makes sense, I'm not even quite sure what I said."
"No it does, in an odd sort of way. Enough of expressions though, let us eat before the food goes cold… or Gimli and Merry eat it all."
After eating, Lauren went back outside and climbed onto the roof. She drew some attention but those that saw and knew her only smiled and laughed silently. Once she found a comfortable spot, she sat cross-legged, cupped her hands in her lap, and began to meditate. In order to clear her mind and remember what transpired in the last book she needed to relax. A decent amount of time passed before a smile spread its way across her lips.
Wasting no time at all, Lauren ran down back into the hall and asked a servant for pen and paper, or whatever the equivalent was. As soon as they were placed down before her, she went to work writing down what came to mind. Heaven forbid that she forget, again.
Lauren worked well into the morning, half a cup of tea set before her as well as a small bowl of fruit. Currently she was munching on something that looked like a raspberry but it didn't quite taste the same as the ones from home. That was the scene the men walked into when they came into the hall to break their fast.
Boromir shook his head as he took a seat next to her and took a piece of fruit from the bowl.
"And what, might I ask, are you writing so feverishly?"
Lauren only murmured what she was writing before she shook her head in answer. Aragorn, too, took a piece of fruit and glanced at the cup of tea. A servant came in with more food and a fresh pot of tea and set it at the center of the table.
"Has she been here all night?"
The servant stopped and bowed her head.
"Yes, my lord. A few others and I have taken shifts to make sure that the Lady's needs are attended to. We took it upon ourselves; she mentioned that what she is writing could help my lords in their coming march."
The men nodded, curiosity now peeked.
"Dare we know how many cups of tea she has had?"
The servant looked up in thought before she smiled in answer.
"This will be her third pot, my lord."
Gimli blanched at the thought and quickly moved the tea out of the reach of their friend. The men ate their breakfast and began talking about matters that had to be done for the day when suddenly Lauren stopped writing. Legolas smiled as Lauren blinked a few times, seeming to come back from her autopilot state.
"Welcome back, you have been in a daze for a quite some time."
Lauren looked up at Legolas then threw her writing implement down and bolted out of the room muttering only one word; bathroom. The men of the fellowship laughed and confused those around them. Of course, they wouldn't know what a bathroom was but traveling with Lauren for so long the men of the fellowship learned what the word meant, it wasn't hard to figure out what it was either.
They waited for Lauren to come back before they asked to see what she was writing. The paper was tempting their patience for they had a feeling that Lauren was writing about what she knew was going to happen. Knowing the course of what will be is a powerful thing but Lauren did not divulge the information willingly. Only when she became stressed or worried did she release such information to them, knowing that Lauren put in all down in writing had them worried. They wondered what could possibly happen that would make Lauren so jitterish as to write down the information; they began to fear the worst.
"Sorry about that, my loves. Now, I know you all well enough to know that you didn't read what I was writing and you will all get to read it, in due time. This was more of a way to jog my memory of what should have happened. You all know that things have already been changed and thus the future is changed, although I don't think the final outcome will be different. Legolas and I have spoken of this and I will give to you a bit of information each night. This I promise you. For this morning, I will indulge you with what transpires over in the great city of stone. Gandalf and Pip will arrive safely and Pip will enter into your father's services as a Royal Guard."
Lauren's gaze fell upon Boromir as she spoke. Merry's heart began to worry for his usually absentminded friend, although he felt proud that his friend should be accepted into the Guard.
"Then the lights along the White Mountains will be lit, Gondor will call for aid. That is, if everything I know comes to pass, which I hope it does."
Breakfast came and went and soon the day came and went. Lauren spared with Aragorn for the better half of the day. Although many men found it odd, many watched as the strange, short, female wield two short swords against Aragon's long-sword and shield. Not a word was said between the pair and few onlookers spoke out to them. The air was thick with anticipation; a few men had even taken light bets on who would yield first. A few moments later, Aragorn succeeded in throwing a sword out of Lauren's hand.
As calm as a snake ready to strike, the two put their weapons to the sidelines and took up a fighting stance in the middle of the small training field. The men of Rohan were confused as to what was going on but Boromir and Gimli smiled as the fight continued. Aragorn won the first round with weapons and now they switched to hand-to-hand, something not often practiced in Middle Earth but done frequently enough. Lauren made them practice with her almost twice a day when they traveled with her. Even when they were traveling to the Keep she made them come off to the side where they wouldn't draw attention. It was her firm belief that, if something should happen and they were too lose their weapons, they should still know how to fight and defend themselves.
They slowly circled until Lauren's eyes darkened and she swept her leg out. Aragorn was no fool and a quick learner; he learned to dodge that attack after their first spar. He stepped out and forward, thrusting his arm forward toward Lauren. The spar lasted longer than the weapons fight and the men around them began to see the value of learning unarmed fighting. Lauren, although small, had the advantage. She was quick and agile, allowing her to maneuver around Aragorn, who was a fraction slower because of his size, and pin his arms behind his back.
"Draw."
Gimli called out with a smile. Boromir came out into the field and clapped Aragorn on his shoulder.
"Do not feel bad my friend, the only one to beat our little companion here is Legolas."
"That is only because he cheats, he has the grace of the elves."
Lauren muttered as she drank a flask of water that was handed to her. A lighthearted laugh came from a few men around them. Her jokes were something the men of Rohan were familiar with now.
"What is this about me only beating you because of my heritage?"
The redhead turned and laughed, automatically knowing whom it was.
"Elves are nimble and fast, sure-footed. I'm just a human who happens to skilled in running and dodging."
She glanced at Aragorn who was also drinking a flask that Gimli handed him, although she doubted it was water.
"Well, I can dodge most of the time. Nevertheless, you know what I mean, good sir! Dare you challenge me? I can take you in my sleep."
Legolas laughed and took the same stance that Aragorn took before. Lauren smiled and mirrored him.
"No holding back then?"
Lauren smiled a toothy grin that seemed to remind them all of a fox grinning at its cornered prey.
"No holding back."
They wasted no time exchanging blows and they all got to see how quick Lauren could really be. In a manner of minutes, Legolas managed to flip Lauren onto her back.
"I yield… again."
Legolas smiled and laughed as he helped Lauren up.
"You leave yourself open too much."
She laughed along with him.
"Speak for yourself, elf."
As they were cleaning up, she happened to overhear a few men who were doing a terrible job at whispering.
"How could they fight a woman? I know they are travel companions and they know each other well but it still isn't right. A man should never fight or let a woman on the field."
If it was, one thing Lauren couldn't stand it was close-mindedness. By the tone of the man's voice, he disapproved of Lauren being on the field more than he disapproved of men fighting women. Here Lauren thought the men of Rohan were more open to women baring arms because they had Éowyn, a shield-maiden; speaking of which Lauren was sorely disappointed that her fellow female-in-arms wasn't around. As the fellowship was passing the man who spoke louder than he thought she stopped so her shoulder was in line with his.
"Good sir, what would you do if the enemy happened to be a warrior clan of women or if the enemy employed women into his ranks? Would you throw down your weapon before them and submit, solely because they are women, and you will not fight them? Back where I come from, we have tales of a clan of women who grew up learning the art of war and permitted no free men onto their lands. Just remember who makes your food and readies your things for you. If it weren't for women you'd be left hungry and clothed in dirty rags."
Most the men around gave a quick laugh before going back to their work. As they entered the hall to freshen up before supper, Lauren let out a long sigh.
"Men."
Lauren returned to hall a while later after taking a short nap and a long bath. There were many people in the hall and she decided to sit next to Legolas when Aragorn came running in saying that Gondor was calling for aid. Gimli looked at Lauren and smiled as he puffed out a ring from his pipe.
"Did you think my information false, dwarf?"
"No, just happy to see that it's going as planned, woman."
They laughed as Théoden issued orders to his men to get ready for a march to Gondor.
Sooner than Lauren thought they were back on their horses marching out again, but this time for Aragon's city; Gondor. As they were riding, Lauren caught Aragorn's eye and motioned to meet with her off to the side.
"Aragorn, I think of you as a father, you know this. I don't want to see you hurt so please don't take this information to heart. According to what I know, your kinsman should arrive soon with Halbarad at the lead, along with Elrond's twin sons. It's confusing trying to piece things together considering there are two versions of what could happen.
Aragorn's demeanor changed and he seemed to brighten with the news. He clapped his hand on her knee as he spoke.
"Thank you Lauren, they have been on my mind as of late. It is good to know that they are coming, or would have been coming."
Lauren placed her hand over his and nodded.
The rest of day was spent riding until, as predicted, Aragon's kinsmen came. After greetings were done Lauren pulled Aragorn off to the side once again, she need to tell him a few more things before he departed to the Paths of the Dead.
"I want you to take this."
Out of her coat, she pulled the parchment she wrote all she knew of what was to happen.
"I've crossed out what has or should have happened, I divided some of the things based on the different versions. Don't give yourself a headache trying to dissect every bit of information. I know you're going to go to summon the Dead. Promise me you won't read this until you reach the Stone."
With a grave face, Aragorn took the parchment.
"Lauren, are you sure?"
"I need to make sure that you know what should happen and my plan, which I include in the end. Please don't let this infect your head or heart. You must act as if you know nothing, you may discuss it with Legolas and Gimli and one other if you wish but please, stay safe."
She gave him a tight hug before heading back to the camp where she sought out Éomer and listened to his many stories he had to tell.
The next afternoon Aragorn and company planned to leave for the Paths of the Dead. Legolas was hard pressed to leave Lauren behind and he had beseeched her to return with Éowyn to Edoras. Lauren had never seen him so worked up and took him off to the side so they may talk in private.
"You helped me to clear my mind, now let me help you clear yours. Something worries you? I have never seen you like this. What is wrong?"
Legolas paced for a few seconds before finally sitting against a large boulder and letting out a sigh.
"I worry about you. I know you want to go fight but please, return with Éowyn. My mind will be at rest if I know you are safe."
Lauren smiled softly as she knelt beside him, stroking his long hair.
"I will do as you ask. Where Éowyn goes, I shall go. You need not worry about me, silly elf."
They talked for a few more minutes and Legolas's worries seemed to slowly fade away.
"Lauren, what will you do after the war is won?"
She hadn't really thought about it. It seemed her soul purpose was to help the fellowship. Would her time here be done when the war is over? She hoped not, she felt at home here, odd as that may seem. She did have school that Aragorn wanted to open, that was something at least.
"I'm not sure to be honest with you. I want to stay here if I can. This has become my home now."
Legolas smiled. He was glad to hear that Lauren felt at home. In the beginning, she would have feelings of homesickness. It was in those moments that the fellowship was at a loss. The only thing they could do was to make her laugh and forget.
"Would you come with me when this is all done? To Mirkwood I mean. I know it isn't entirely safe yet but I know you would find beauty in the woods and the beasts that call it home. You can find the beauty in almost anything."
Her smile reached her eyes. There were unspoken words that Legolas didn't say; she could see it in his eyes.
"Are you sure it's wise, Legolas?"
He pulled her into a hug that wasn't really a hug and they stayed in each other's embrace for a few moments before breaking free. A light blush graced Lauren's cheeks.
"I will follow you wherever you go Legolas, you already know this."
The elf rose and helped the human up, their hands lingering in one another's for a bit longer than was deemed appropriate.
"You have no need to worry about the path you will take. The dead will follow with no qualm and they way before you should be clear. Having the dead on your side is a powerful thing."
As they returned to the camp they walked closer than when they had left. Many noticed and smiled, all thinking that it was about time. When Aragon, Legolas and Gimli left with the Dúnedain for the Paths of the Dead, Boromir came up to Lauren and offered her some bread, lightly buttered.
"Aragorn asked me to watch over you like a hawk you know."
Lauren smiled and nodded.
"I figured as much."
"He should know that I will always be indebted to you. I have no intention of making you return to Edoras and I don't think King Théoden does either. He could use every sword-arm available. Plus you make us all laugh."
"Thank you Boromir, although I don't know if the last part is a compliment or an insult. I must see to things and make sure they go accordingly."
Lauren quietly told her brotherly companion of what would happen on the field of Pelennor, she left out the part of the king dyeing though. She would wait until the last minute to tell him that. After discussing possible new outcomes, Éowyn came to them with some food. Since Lauren showed her some Earth skills, Éowyn's cooking has greatly improved. Boromir and Lauren took the bowls with thanks.
"Éowyn, sit and join us. There is something I must discuss with you."
Boromir could tell by Lauren's tone she was going to divulge some information and Boromir took his leave to go find Éomer to talk about battle strategies or politics. Lauren smiled at the retreating figure. How was it that these people could read her so easily? It was uncanny! She chuckled to herself as she took another spoonful of the porridge-like food.
"What did you want to speak about?"
"About the upcoming battle. I know what you plan to do, don't worry I'm not going to say anything. Just make sure you stay close to your Uncle during the fighting alright? Moreover, you plan to take Merry on Windfola, correct? Of course I am. Keep him safe alright?"
Éowyn paled slightly but when she saw Lauren's relaxed demeanor she also relaxed.
"Thank you, Lauren. I just don't want to feel useless and I want to be remembered."
Lauren had to stop herself from laughing. People of Middle-Earth had such strange viewpoints.
"I can't say that I understand your point of view completely but I understand wanting to be an equal. Where I come from women are equal to men, most of the time, but it is better than it was. We almost chose a female leader recently. I still think that a woman would be a better leader, but that's my own opinion. All men think about is fighting and how many women they can bed, but I'm stereotyping now. Men here are different though, it's still taking me some time to get used to it. They are actually civil."
Éowyn laughed, that she understood very well.
"In all seriousness though, Éowyn, you don't need to feel like you are caged. There are many forms of courage and valor. What about the person that is asking out their crush for the first time or is fighting a grave illness? That takes more courage than fighting an enemy, I'd say. Rejection is a stronger blow then a defeat on the field. My point is that you are a courageous woman. How many other shieldmaidens do you know? I gather not many. That makes you unique and all together amazing. Faramir will notice this too, you will see. I still say that you two are made for eachother."
Éowyn blushed at Lauren's praise and the mention of Faramir.
"What is this about my little brother?"
Lauren laughed at Boromir who was walking back to get seconds for himself and Éomer.
"I was just saying how our shieldmaiden here would be a smart match for Faramir, don't you think?"
Boromir never really thought about the shieldmaiden in all honesty, he didn't know her that well. If he looked at it though, he could see his brother liking Éowyn.
"Yes, I can see it; if you excuse me ladies."
He bowed his head as he continued on his way to the large pot of food.
The rest of the night was very much uneventful by Lauren's terms. Merry was having a grad ol' time though, he was telling stories of his home to Theoden and the captains and marshals. They all had smiles on their faces and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Lauren slept soundly that night, the sound of laughter comforting her as she dreamt.
Lauren woke with the sun and when she finished getting herself ready she helped cook the breakfast. Once everyone was up, they set out again. Soon enough they came upon Ghân-buri-Ghân. Boromir wouldn't let Lauren near the Wild headman but when they began talking about going through the wood path King Théoden was cautious.
"If I may, my Lord? You will have no problem passing through the old paths. We must make haste though; if Gondor is overrun then Lord Denethor will have heard no news of my Lord's coming."
Théoden didn't question Lauren's counsel, the fellowship trusted her with their lives and that was good enough for him now. There must be a reason that several high-ranking people turned to her for guidance, even though she still seemed too young by anyone's standards.
"Very well, we ride."
The Rohirrim marched through the woods and they came across no trouble, as was foretold. As they lined up for battle Boromir kept Lauren at her side and not two horses behind Lauren was Éowyn, but of course dressed as a man, and Merry. She glanced their way and nodded. Merry was smart enough to figure out that the rider he was with was of importance and he heart was lifted out of a darkness that he didn't know had taken root.
Thundering hooves pounded on the earth as the rode into battle. Sundance was scared at first, but when he realized that the foul things before him feared his strong, large hooves he acted like a warhorse of legend. He carried Lauren into the midst of the battle and guarded his rider against attackers from her blind side. They were a nasty pair, what with Lauren's sword and bow, and Sundance's hooves and teeth. Throughout all of it Boromir stayed as close as he could to Lauren and when the battle seem to be thinning out she could just make out Theoden call out to the leader of the Southrons. Dread filled Lauren's heart.
"King Théoden, no!"
Lauren tried to gain ground but with the coming of the Witch King the orcs had renewed vigor and she was held at bay. When she saw the black dart strike the king, white-hot anger took her and Lauren became a force to be reckoned with. She dismounted off Sundance and drew her kyoketsu-shoge. The orcs held the positions for a moment, wary of what she would do, before one brave orc ran at her. Lauren lashed out and the sharp blade cut through the orcs throat, a lucky shot but the enemy didn't need to know that. She smiled at them then, her face becoming feral and fey.
"Come if you dare, guttersnipe."
She screamed as she swung the blade in a high arc and brought it down upon the enemy, catching a few in one sweep. They continued like this for quite some time. Then Éomer and Lauren met on the field then none could stay their wraith. New enemies came but Lauren didn't waver. To her right she had Éomer and her left Boromir. As she gazed upon the new foul looking enemy, Sundance butted his head against Lauren's back. She softly pulled his muzzle over her shoulder and whispered words of thanks and encouragement before remounting.
Cries of fear and dread rang out anew as black sails came down the Anduin. Lauren wanted to laugh with joy and a few tears fell down her face.
"Joyous day."
Lauren cried out, her elation evident and many thought her mad.
"Check your eyes men for although those may be the black sails of the Corsairs they are no longer on those ships!"
And so the rest of the fellowship and Dúnedain met on the field. At first, the fellowship only saw Boromir and Éomer for they had ridden to meet them. When Legolas saw the flash of long red hair and Sundance he only shook his head. Aragorn had told him and Gimli what Lauren wrote and at first Legolas was mad that he was lied to but then worry trumped his anger. His worry faded when he remembered that Boromir was with Lauren and Legolas knew that Boromir would not let anything happen to his lo … their female companion.
"Welcome, my friends! It is good of you to join us!"
Aragorn smiled as he looked upon the woman he called his daughter.
"Good indeed. Were you successful?"
Lauren frowned and shook her head.
"I'm afraid not, the power of the Witch King was too great. I am sorry."
Many could guess what they were talking about but they didn't understand why they were talking about it such a fashion.
"You read all of it?"
"Yes, I have taken precautions and I hope they prove useful."
So they fought again to retake the fields of Gondor. Long and arduous was the day but in the end the free people proved victorious. When they regrouped, Lauren smiled to see Halbarad still sitting on his horse next to Aragorn. She gave a knowing nod to the heir of Isildur before guiding Sundance over to Legolas.
"You know, I didn't lie to you. I followed Éowyn. She also fought today, she brought down the Witch King but she is badly hurt from it, as is Merry who distracted the wraith so Éowyn could deal the deathblow. They will live though, as soon as Aragorn does his ranger-magic."
Legolas and Gimli laughed. Leave it to Lauren to crack an inside-joke on a battlefield.
"Ah, lassie, your humor has been sorely missed."
"I can imagine, my friend! You've had no one to keep you company but old men for the past few days, although you are no spring chicken yourself."
They laughed again as they headed toward the Gate.
*Author's Note*
Thank you all for reading and thank you SanoraL, Hope and love, charlie167, dinopoodle, aliben, PatonxJulia, and Gwilwillith for reviewing
Don't forget to leave a comment :3
Next up on SIME: So it looks like there is some progress on the LaurenXLegolas front but is it enough to keep their friends from intervening. What are Lauren's plans now? Surely she doesn't plan to ride out to the Black Gate? ... wait and see