CHAPTER 6

CHOICES

Elizabeth's POV

I was up on the balcony talking to Aragorn when I caught sight of a flame glimmering in the distance on a peak, high above Edoras. I narrowed my eyes and looked at it intently.

"Is that what I think it is?" I asked Aragorn, who was staring intently across the mountains.

"Yes." He ran toward the Golden Hall, me sprinting behind. He burst in through the door. "The beacons of Minas Tirith, the beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!" Theoden looked up startled. I looked at Theoden as did is niece and nephew, Eowyn and Eomer. There was an awkward silence. Theoden slowly raised his head and looked at Aragorn.

"Then Rohan will answer, muster the Rohirrim!" I smiled. It was all I could do to not burst with excitement and run up and hug him. I was gonna see Sam and Boromir! I left the hall and reported to my room, ready to pack my stuff. I jammed provisions and some of my things into the saddle-bag and then went to the drawer I kept my armor in. I took off my dress and put on my chain mail shirt and black leather tunic. I put on my black riding pants as well, and pulled on my stockings and then my riding boots. After, I put on my black leather gloves and then my vambraces. I strapped my bow and quiver on my back, and put my sword in its sash at my side. In the other saddlebag I put the rest of my armor (helmet, breastplate, shoulder guards) and my throwing knives, as well as some extra arrows and another sword. I opened my door, picked up the saddlebags and headed to the stables. I was very tired by the time I got to the bottom of the stairs, "Man, when are they gonna invent elevators?" I said to myself. I walked to the stables, set down the saddlebags by Rayma's gate and opened the door to her stall. I stroked her on the nose. "Hey sweetie, how are you?" she neighed and tossed her head. I smiled. "I'm happy to see you too." I went to the tack room and began to put on her things; her nose-piece and saddle. I reached down to grab the first bag and was surprised to find a hand land on top of mine. I looked up; Legolas's face was above me, smiling slightly. "I figured you could use a hand."

"Oh, uhh, sure, of course." I smiled back at him. We picked up the first saddle bag and put it in the straps on one side of the horse. We secure it and did the next one. I finished tightening the straps and turned to see if Legolas had finished but I was surprised to find us face to face, just inches from each other's faces. "Oh, uhh…" My voice was caught off as Legolas put his lips against mine. I closed my eyes. He kissed me for long time and then drew away. I opened my eyes startled; at once I started to mount Rayma. "Umm, I'm gonna go find Merry, see if he wants to ride with me." I said as I secured myself on top of her, "I'll, uhh, see you around." I patted Rayma's neck and clicked my tongue, and rode out of the stables. Legolas barely had time to release his grip on the strap before Rayma took off.

What just happened? I thought, why did I feel guilty after I kissed Legolas? Did that mean….yes…I've fallen for Boromir, that's why I feel guilty. But did I have to make it known like that? "You really screwed up this time Lizzie."I muttered.

A voice cut into my thoughts, "There you are Elizabeth." I stopped Rayma and looked down at my side, Merry was standing there.

"I was wondering where you were." He said.

"I was looking for you." I answered. I got down from Rayma and lifted Merry onto her back. I got back on, and with Merry's arms tight around my waist, I joined the assembled Rohirrim next to Aragorn. Eomer barked orders and before I knew it, we were off.

Samantha's POV

I ran out of Denethor's hall and sighed deeply, boy was I glad to get out of there. I hadn't even taken my oath yet and the steward was already working my butt off. "I need to go for a ride." I headed off toward the stables and ran into Boromir.

"My father working you hard is he?"

"No duh." I replied, "You wanna go riding?"

"I suppose." He answered, "Bu we should get a weapon or two first."

I nodded and we headed to our room. Mordor was two dangerous now to go anywhere outside the Minas Tirith gates unarmed. I got my axe from under my bed and put it in my belt. Boromir grabbed his sword. We headed to the stables and mounted the steeds. We rode through the streets heading out of the city to Pelennor Fields. A group of riders were riding toward the gate, being assaulted upon by the Nazgul!

"This looks like fun." I said. But before we could get down to the riders, Gandalf appeared on Shadowfax.

"The White Rider!" someone called. We followed him. Gandalf raised his staff to the sky and a shaft of bright white light tore a hole in the dark cloud above. The light streamed onto the fields and the Nazgul flew off.

"Open the gates!" said someone, "Pull!" The huge gates opened allowing us all to pass through.

"Boromir!" came a voice from behind. Boromir, Gandalf, and I turned our horses to face a dashing young man. Faramir! "Boromir!" Faramir exclaimed, as if he couldn't believe it.

"My little brother." Said Boromir, smiling. The brothers pulled each other in a long hug. Faramir sighed, "Millie was right."

"They broke through our defences. They have taken the bridge and the West Bank. Battalions of Ores are crossing the River." He said to Gandalf and Boromir.

"It is as the Lord Denethor predicted – long has he foreseen this doom! "said the guard who had ordered the gate to open.

"Foreseen and done nothing!" Gandalf said sourly.

"Wait-wait wait a minute, did you say Millie?" I asked Faramir, almost exploding with joy.

Faramir looked at me, "Yes, you know her?"

"She's my best friend." I said, lowering my voice, "She left our group, the fellowship of twelve, and I haven't seen her since."

"She mentioned you." He said, "Samantha is it?"

"Yes." I answered, "That's me."

"I saw her, I spoke to her. She's the one that reassured me that Boromir wasn't dead. She was right. She was with two Halflings."

"Frodo and Sam!" Pippin exclaimed.

"When did you see them?"

"In Ithilien, not two days ago, Gandalf - they are taking the road to the Morgul Vale."

". . . And then the Pass of Cirith Ungol." Gandalf said with realization.

Shelob…. I thought, Oh no. "Millie!" I exclaimed. I fell sideways off my horse and fainted.

Boromir caught Samantha, "Faramir, tell us everything." He said.