A/N: okay guys, NO REVIEWERS LAST CHAPTER!D: why? i need some more reviewers! if this story is going to fast, or slow, lemme know! there are some more sparks in relationships this chapter, and we all know its Merry/Genevieve now! yay! PLEASE REVIEW THIS CHAPTER! for my loyal and faithful readers who will occasionally review, i thank you, your the reason i continue to write! actually, i will always write no matter what. and you guys gotta be patient for chapters, im so freaking busy it isnt even funny. i have a play to go to tomorrow, a choir competition this weekend, and then a cheer recital sunday, so no update this weekend! ill update sometime during the week next week! promise! now, REVIEW!:D
DC: I only own the girls.
Chapter 9
I was sitting alone at the table, when Gen and Merry came up to me, a little drunk...
"Wanna come outside? There's some ale and Laura, Laura and ale mixed is very funny." Gen said with a little slur.
"And interesting!" Merry added as they both began to laugh. With one last look over to the dance floor, the sight of Diamond not really enjoying her time dancing with Frodo made me boil.
I turned back to them, "I'd much rather join you two." I said with a smile.
Gen grabbed me and I was whisked outside. There were some elves, younger elves, and Sam and Pippin were out there as well. Laura was so drunk! She was up on the table dancing around like an idiot! She had some ale in her hands, and from time to time it slipped out the mug. I sat with Sam and Pippin went to grab me some ale.
"Oh Karolyn! So nice to see you! Care for a dance?" Laura asked, stumbling on the table.
"Not until I've had my ale!" I shouted at her. A few elves laughed, and Pippin gave me the ale. The ale bubbled on my tongue, the whole world felt so new again! I forgot about Frodo and Diamond, and only worried about right then and now. I gulped down my drink and stood up on the table. Laura and I began to spin around, arms linked. We stopped and I began to stomp my feet to a beat, Laura was confused but began to clap with it. I smiled and everyone was confused.
If it hadn't been for Cotton-Eye Joe
I'ld been married long time ago
Where did you come from where did you go
Where did you come from Cotton-Eye Joe
If it hadn't been...
If it hadn't been...
If it hadn't been...
I began to dance around in a circle, and Gen stood up and did the same thing, the elves were laughing and Sam, Pippin, and Merry were smiling and clapping. Laura was hooting and I began to sing again.
He came to town like a midwinter storm
He rode through the fields so hansome and strong
His eyes was his tools and his smile was his gun
But all he had come for was having some fun
If it hadn't been...
If it hadn't been...
He brought disaster wherever he went
The hearts of the girls was to hell broken sent
They all ran away so nobody would know
and left only men cause of Cotton-Eye Joe
If it hadn't been...
If it had't been...
If it hadn't been...
If it hadn't been...
If it hadn't been...
I held out the last note and ended with the stomp of my foot. Everyone cheered and Sam handed me another drink. All together, I think I drank a total of twelve ales that night... The whole rest of the night I don't even remember!
I could see the sunlight from under my eyelids. It hurt, and I opened my eyes. Now it REALLY hurt. I groaned and rubbed my forehead. I got up from my bed, a little to fast because I was instantly overtaken by dizziness. Waiting a minute, I regained balance and got myself a dress from the dresser. I fixed my hair, and looked in the mirror. I looked fine, but felt like a train had hit me. Stupid hangover... I walked outside of my room, it was warm. The sun was shining brightly, and it seemed only to be eleven o' clock in the morning. I found Diamond, Gen, and the boys. But no Frodo!
"Where's Frodo?" I asked walking to them.
"Good morning to you to!" Pippin replied with a short chuckle.
"He's been called to a secret meetin' o' some sort." Sam said, his head was down and he was messing with his fingers.
"Well, where's Laura?" I asked.
"She was allowed to go to the council." Genevieve said with a hint of madness.
"Hangover got your tongue?" Merry asked me
grinning. Sam, Pippin, Merry, and Gen all began to laugh.
"Yes actually. What's so funny?" I asked crossing my arms.
"Oh nothing, you almost kissed Sam last night, and another elf lad! Then, you went and threw up in a corner!" Merry exclaimed, Sam's cheeks went red and I gasped in embarrassment.
"Sam, I assure you if I tried to kiss you, it was because I was drunk and didn't know what I was doing, I promise!" I said trying not to laugh. Sam's only reply was laughter and we all began to laugh hysterically. Diamond was totally silent, with barely even a smile on her lips. Now it got quiet, and awkward.
"So. Does anyone know what this secret council, meeting thing is about?" I asked.
"Hear the word secret in there?" Diamond asked suddenly.
"Sorry I asked." I replied quickly.
"None of us know, but I want to find out." Sam said, and with that he got up and ran away.
"I think I'll follow him to!" Pippin said, Merry
followed him as they ran away.
"Whose with em'? I am!" I said following Sam. Diamond and Gen stood up and followed us to. Sam was crouched behind a bush, so I crouched next to him.
"Okay, this is just like at Bag End. Gandalf is going to catch us!" I whispered.
"Hush! I want to hear!" he whispered back. I scanned the huge circle of people outside the bushes. I found Laura, she was in a casual, long blue dress. She sat quietly and listened, her eyes darted towards a man once in awhile. He had light red hair, and small brown eyes. Not very attractive to me. Then, I found Frodo. He was sitting next to Gandalf, and he looked very tired and worried. He avoided as many stares at him as possible.
Elrond stood up, "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old, you have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fail. Each race is bound to this fate. This one doom! Bring forth the ring, Frodo."
Frodo stood up and slowly walked to the center little table thing and placed the ring on it. He looked a little relieved as he walked back to the table.
"So it is true." the light red head mumbled.
"The doom of man." A dwarf said with dismay.
"It is a gift." the red head stood up, "A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, held the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy! Let us use it against him!" he declared with a smile.
"You cannot wield it! None of us can! The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master!" Aragorn said frowning at him.
"And what would a ranger know of this matter?" he snapped at him.
"This is no mere Ranger! He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." a tall, beach blonde, pale elf said. His eyes glanced over to Laura for a few seconds.
"Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" the red head who I had heard as Boromir marveled.
"And heir to the throne of Gondor!" the eld added.
I think Aragorn told the elf to sit down in elvish, and his name was Legolas. The elf listened, bit hesitated a little to sit down.
"Gondor has no king. Gondor needs to king." Boromir muttered harshly.
"Aragorn is right. We cannot use it." Gandalf said suddenly.
"You have only one choice. The ring must be destroyed." Elrond reminded them.
A dwarf now stood up, "Then what are we waiting for?" he ran forward and struck his axe down on the ring. He flew back as the axe shattered. Sam and I jumped, this ring was amazingly powerful, "physically" and most of all mentally.
"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there, can it be unmade." It was silent for a moment before Elrond continued. "It must be taken deep into Mordor, and cast back into the firey chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." This shut everyone up.
Boromir sighed and mumbled in a despairing tone, "One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep. And the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this, it is folly."
"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed!" Legolas said jumping up.
"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it!" Gimli exclaimed.
"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir demanded standing up.
"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli declared rudely and proudly.
"Geez!" I said from behind the bushes. Everyone was in an uproar, shouting and fighting. Laura had even stood up to! Looking over at Frodo, I saw him stand up.
"I will take it!" he shouted. Sam and I groaned and shook our heads.
"I will take it! I will take the Ring to Mordor." he repeated, "Though, I do not know the way." he said with his head down.
Gandalf strode to his side, "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."
Now Aragorn stood up. "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword." he kneeled and placed both hands on his shoulders.
"And you have my bow." Legolas proudly announced.
"And my axe!" Gimli declared.
"Frodo, your an interesting little hobbit. I am gonna go, maybe I'll find a way home for my friends on this journey. I have been taught how to shoot an arrow, I can protect you." Laura said smiling at him. I sighed.
"You carry the fate of us all, little on. If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done." he said joining the group.
"HEY!" Sam shouted, I tried to stop him as he ran out. "Mr. Frodo's not going anywhere without me!"
Elrond chuckled, "No, indeed. It is hardly possible to separate you even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not."
"OI! We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Merry and Pippin ran out with Gen and Diamond following.
"Anyway, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission... Quest, thing!" Pippin added with hesitance.
"Well that rules you out, Pip." Merry mumbled as every laughed in agreement.
"Eleven companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!" Elrond announced.
I was to involved now, I had to go. Running out from the bushes, everyone stopped to stare at me.
"Your coming with us." Laura said motioning me over.
"Please." Frodo added.
"We might go home." Diamond reminded
me.
I froze, a choice between life or death right in front of me. "I can't NOT go, I'm to involved. And I love my friends to much." I added running to the girls in a bear hug.
"TWELVE, companions. This, is the fellowship of the ring." Elrond said with pride.
"Great! Where are we going?" everyone turned to Pippin as he looked totally confused.
"Very intelligent Pippin." I said as everyone laughed, Boromir muttered something like, "Idiot."
I was walking back to my room with Diamond, we had to begin packing for the journey.
"I'm sorry." she said quietly.
"For?..." I wait for a reply.
"For being such a bitch." she replied.
"Apology accepted, I guess. What about Pippin?" I asked.
"I don't like him." she snapped back.
"Well, if you don't like him or Frodo, who the hell do you like?" I asked, again.
"No one." she said sadly.
"Right..." I said rolling my eyes.
"Friends?" she asked stopping in her tracks.
"No, never again!" I shouted, containing a laugh.
"What?" she exclaimed, tears in her eyes.
"Diamond Zander, why would you ask such a stupid question? Of course we are friends! We will never not be!" I exclaimed. She let out a happy sob and pulled me into a bear hug.
"Just one question though." I asked her.
"What?"
"Why did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Pretend to like Frodo."
"I don't know." was all she said.
I only got two hours of sleep that night. Honestly, it's troublesome to think about thus journey! It kept me up all night. Someone was shaking me awake, and calling my name.
"Miss Hadley."
"Go away."
"Miss Hadley!"
"Rawr."
"GET UP!" they finally shouted. I awoke with a startle and fell off the bed, it was Sam.
"Okay I'm up!" I yelled yawning.
"Were leaving in half of an hour!" he reminded me bustling out of my room.
I got dressed, and packed my things. I slung my pack over me and stood infront of the mirror. Here I was, about to embark on a crazy journey I might not live through. Would I ever see Rivendell again? Elves? The Shire? I wiped some falling tears when I heard someone behind me.
"Do not worry." they said. "Having second thoughts?" they asked.
I turned around with a startle, "Oh, it's just you Aragorn." I said relieved.
"Sauron feeds on your fear. It will not make him stronger, but it will give him more confidence he will win what he wants." Aragorn told me putting his hands on my shoulders.
"I know." I said, he patted my head and we headed to the gates. Everyone was waiting (mostly on me) and elves were there to send us off. Frodo saw me and smiled, eyes dazzling and dancing. I nearly melted... We were given cloaks from the elves, they were warn with beautiful green leaf brooch's.
"Do not lose hope." Arwen said to Laura, they shared one last, long hug before we departed. Now, we were off. Sam travelled in the back with Bill, then us girls, the Merry and Pippin, Boromir, Aragorn and Legolas, and Gimli and Gandalf. Frodo, who knew where he was half the time? Only getting two hours of sleep the night before didn't help at all. Getting used to the routine (let alone me having had no sleep) was extremely hard to get used to, like being jet lagged. We woke up at five (sometime really early), ate, walked, walked, walked, sprinted, walked, walked, walked, walked, sprinted, ate, slept. And then the same thing for the next four days. By the fifth day none of us even cared anymore and had gotten used to it. Gimli was always suggesting to go to this place called Moria, where his cousin lived. He said he would give us shelter and a feast! Sounded pretty good to me, but Gandalf wouldn't do it.
"If anyone were to ask for my opinion, which I note, they're not, I would say we're taking the long way around. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome." Gimli suggested hopefully.
"No Gimli. I would not go travel the road through Moria, unless I had no other choice." he replied shaking his head.
I was sitting with Laura, Frodo, and Sam around the fire. After hearing Gimli and Gandalf's conversation, I fell asleep, falling into Sam's lap. We were like brother and sister now, so he didn't mind. We talked a lot more now and he was always such a good listener. I could hear everything inside my dream, Pippin, Merry, and Boromir practice sword fighting. Gen and Diamond were giggling and laughing with Aragorn, Legolas was silent, and Gimli and Gandalf were muttering amongst themselves. About fifteen minutes later, Sam stirred and woke me up.
"What's that?" he said pointing off into the distance. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, off in the sky was a black cloud.
"Nothing! Just a whisp of cloud." Gimli snorted.
"Seems to be moving fast for a cloud." Boromir said as the clashing of their swords stopped.
Legolas jumped and spun around in a panic, eyes wide open, "Crebain! From Dunland!" he shouted.
Everyone soon began to pack everything up in a hurry, Aragorn put out the fire. Us hobbits didn't know what these were and ran around in a panic.
"Hide!" Gandalf shouted over the chaos.
Frodo grabbed my wrist and pulled me under a rock, Sam followed us. We all huddled in a group, as far away from the opening as possible. It all became silent as everyone hid in their hiding spots. Frodo's breath on my neck sent shivers down my spine, it was fast and cool. It comforted me. We all held our breath as the sound of birds flying over us filled the air. They were gone in a few seconds, without seeing us, I THINK. We all scrambled out from hiding, panting and shaking.
"What were those?" Gen shrieked.
"Spies of Saruman, the passage south is being watched. We must take the pass of Caradhras!" he exclaimed as he scrambled out. I sighed, more traveling?
Laura gathered her things and stood with her friends.
"I'm gonna walk up ahead." she told them as she hurried off to the front. She found Boromir and smiled to herself. She tightened her bow strap, fixed her hair, and took a deep breath. She marched up to him and smiled.
"I don't believe we have formally met yet! I'm-"
"Laura." he said for her with a grin.
"Y-y-yes, I am. How did you know?" she asked blushing.
"Legolas told me your name." he replied.
"Ah, that's cool." she said, staring at him.
"Gandalf tells me your not from this world." he said suddenly, Laura frowned.
"Yes, I am not." she said.
"What were you before you were such a beautiful elf?" he asked. Laura jumped and turned to him with a small smile. Did he seriously just call her beautiful?
"Sorry! I don't know why I said that so suddenly, I just-"
"It's fine. Totally, completely, utterly, fine." she said in a corny, dreamily way.
Boromir blushed and chuckled, he held out his hand, "I am Boromir, Son of Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor." he introduced himself, she took his hand and he pecked hers. Her hands were smooth to the touch, and warm. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. But, she was after all, an elf. And if she fell in love with him and him with her, she would have to give up her immortality to be with him forever. How could he do that to her? He shook off the thought and looked forward.
"I was a human, a fourteen year old teenage girl, back home." she said sadly.
"Do you miss it?" he asked.
Laura didn't respond right away, did she REALLY miss it? Being an elf was way better than a teenage girl that wasn't even a size B in bras, but she missed her school and family...
"A little." was all she could say.
"I see." Boromir muttered.
"I should get back to my friends." Laura said pointing to them.
"Alright, see you when Gandalf let's us rest again, which I doubt will be until after nightfall." he said as they laughed. She waved goodbye and headed back towards the group. She was so wrapped up in Boromir, she barely even felt Legolas tapping her arm.
"Oh, hi! Legolas, right?" she asked as he smiled at her.
"Yes. And you are Laura Schlosser." he immediately said.
"How did you know my last name?" she asked wide eyed.
"Elves have their ways." he said with a chuckle.
"I guess I should know that by now." she said feeling like an idiot somewhat.
"Don't worry, it's all new to you. Senses will find their way to you sooner or later." he said reassuringly. There was a pause. "How good are you with an arrow and bow?" he asked.
"Well, pretty good. But-"
"Show me then!" he exclaimed.
Laura froze, show him? "Show, you?"
"Yes. Shoot that apple on the tree there!" he said pointing to a tree about twenty feet away.
Laura sighed and attempted to smile, "Alright." she said. They stopped and turned to face the tree. Raising her bow, she whipped an arrow from her quiver, and notched it onto the string. Within five seconds she pulled back and let go, one eye on her target. The arrow whizzed through air fast and smooth, it hit the apple, but not the middle of it.
"Crap, not in the bullseye." she said madly.
"I thought that was rather good for a new elf." he encouraged her with a smile.
"Thanks." she said blushing.
"Try one more time." he said pointing to another apple. She eyed it, and nodded her head. She pulled an arrow from her quiver and notched it.
She pulled back on the string, when Legolas stopped her, "Stop! Relax this shoulder a little, that's it. Chest up, arch your arm." he said. He came up behind her and held her arm up, and pulled it back. They met each others eyes, briefly before turning away blushing.
"Now, shoot." he instructed as he backed away. She released the arrow, and it rang through the air. It made contact with the apple, right in the middle! The apple fell to the ground.
"BULLSEYE BABY!" Laura said, throwing her arms up in victory.
"Excellent. You have rather good aim, and strength. I'm sure it will be needed on this dangerous journey." he said with a smile.
"Thanks Legolas!" she shouted, and ran away to tell her friends her accomplishment, before he could take her hand and kiss it.
Okay, so I'm pretty sure Gandalf isn't the only one who wants to kill us on journeys, it was just like traveling to Weathertop with Aragorn. We wouldn't stop for an entire day. We soon found ourselves climbing up snow covered mountains. It was freezing, and poor old Bill looked exhausted. Aragorn now walked behind us, for safety precautions. A lot of times, hobbits usually, we would lose our balance and fall down backwards down the mountain. Bow you see why Aragorn was in the back. It was freezing, and us girls huddled together in a circle next to Bill. Suddenly, we heard Frodo let out a yelp, and we saw him tumble down backwards. I tried to move forward, but I was so cold I barely even moved. He fell past us and the fellowship stopped to watch as he tumbled. Thank god for Aragorn! He caught him just in time. Frodo stood up and began to fumble around his neck, the ring was missing. He went into panic mode before turning around to see Boromir picking it up. Now, everyone froze. Boromir held it close to his face to examine it. He looked, hypnotized. But that's what the ring always did, hypnotize and posses.
"Boromir," Aragorn began holding his hand out.
Boromir ignored him and deeply stared at the ring, "It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing. Such a little thing..." he said distantly.
"Boromir, give the ring to Frodo." Aragorn instructed firmly.
Now, Boromir snapped back to reality, "As you wish, I care not!" he ruffled Frodo's hair and walked away, as if nothing happened! The nerve of him...
"Right." I mumbled as he passed by. Looking back, I saw Aragorn release the hold he had on his sword. We began to move again, and suddenly, there was a voice. I couldn't tell what it said, but it was definitely evil. Then, I blacked out. I saw a blacksmith hammering on a sword, he was making one. It sent sparks and glitters with every hit, and blazed a bright fire like orange. Then, I saw the ring, dangling above fire. I estimate the time I saw those things was around ten seconds before I snapped back to life. I could see the mountain again. Gen was staring at me with concern.
"What the hell were you doing?" she whispered.
"Oh nothing, just tired. Um, did you hear that voice?" I asked.
"A little, I thought that was you though!" she said again. I shrugged my shoulders and Sam came to take Bill.
We traveled further, now we were walking along the side, near the top, of the mountain. The snow was waist high for us hobbits, and knee deep for everyone else. Now, I realized Laura and Legolas were walking ONTOP of the snow! Barely leaving even an imprint of their shoes in the snow. All of the hobbits were huddled together, Gen was holding Merry close and Diamond close to Sam (really? why not Pippin?), and I slowly felt someone wrap their arms around me, it was Frodo. I shivered and cuddled against his chest, letting his warmth fill me. Pippin snuggled in behind Merry. Suddenly, we all heard a voice again, except now it was BOOMING. We all jumped and Frodo tightened his grip on me.
"Its, so, c-c-cold. I swear m-my hair is f-f-f-frozen together-r-r." I said into his cheeks.
"I know, we will find shelter soon." he said rubbing my arms so they could get warm.
"There is a fell voice in the air..." Legolas said suddenly, and he was right.
"Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, nuitho I ruith!" Gandalf shouted back into the roaring wind.
"It's Sarumon!" he shouted as he turned to us. Now, the ground shook and we looked up. Snow came falling from the mountain as lightning struck it and the voice boomed back. I screamed and Frodo and I held tight to each other. The snow fell on us like bricks hitting a wall. I couldn't breathe and couldn't feel Frodo anymore. I tried to find some air to suck in, but snow was everywhere. Slowly, my kicking slowed down and my struggling stopped, I blacked out, again, and didn't wake up.
Legolas and Aragorn made their way out of the snow, then slowly one by one everyone else, gasping and panting. Frodo gasped for air (everyone was) and began to panic.
"I can't find Karolyn!" he shrieked digging in the snow. Laura gasped and ran to help him, they finally found her, unconscious but alive. Laura scooped her up in her arms and Frodo let out a sigh of relief.
"The little ones won't survive! We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!" Boromir yelled over the wind
"The Gap of Rohan takes us to close to Isengard!" Aragorn yelled back.
"We cannot pass through the mountain! Let us go under it, let us go through the Mines of Moria!" Gimli suggested. The hobbits all let out hopeless, confused, depressed moans.
Gandalf looked at everyone, thinking. "Let the Ring Bearer decide!"
Frodo now felt pressure, he looked to Karolyn, lying helpless in Laura's arms. "She needs shelter and food, and especially warmth." he thought to himself.
With one last thought, he decided, "We will go through the mines!"
Gandalf nodded hesitantly. "So be it."
off to Moria! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW FOR ME PLEASE!
-Mrs. Frodo Baggins
Kendall
Mirabella Millstone of Bywater