Chapter 17.

Hello. I really, REALLY appreciate all of these reviews you guys give me. :) They make my day and make me ridiculously happy. So thank you, all of you readers and reviewers. You have no idea how much it means to me. :)

Did you know... Eowyn was meant to be Aragorn's lady? And I'm pretty sure she was supposed to die.

That would've made Faramir pairings a lot simpler. But I like Eowyn. Hurray for life!

Okay, so a recent review from littlemsstrawberry really got me thinking... I like Eomer... A lot. He's a hunk, without a doubt. BUT! I don't know if he'd be right for her. I will be honest, though. When these little people first popped into my dreams, there was only one person who was iffy as far as their future. And that was Kristy. It's not that I didn't have a future for her in my dreams, the problem is that I had two separate dreams for her. In the first, she was with one person, and then in the second, she was oober cute with Eomer. AH! So, for this I will let you guys decide. Legolas or Eomer? And if you guys don't put your input for this decision in, don't get mad at me when you see who she's with. Because this is your chance, people! :)

ALSO! I really... REALLY want someone to draw my characters for me... Really badly. Help? :)

I don't own Lord of the Rings.

(Sophie)

"Sophie, wake up!"

I swatted at the voice that was trying to wake me from my dreams.

But it was stubborn. "Sophie, I'm being fo'rizzle! Get up!"

"Get away from me!" I rolled over and tried to stay asleep.

That's when another voice, a more terrifying voice, cut in. "Sophie, if you don't wake up in three seconds, I'm going to destroy you."

Angrily, I pulled the blankets over my head. "No!"

"One..."

"No!"

The voice was more threatening this time. "Two..."

"Leave me alone, lady!"

Ice cold water poured onto me, soaking my clothes and freezing me to my bones. I shot up, stunned, and came face-to-face with an angry-looking Eowyn.

My eyes widened. Boy, was she mad.

"Eowyn?" I slowly began to back away from her. She was standing in the cart, next to a giggling Collin. Gandalf was watching us in the background, looking rather smug.

Thanks, Gandalf. Now you've went and gotten me killed.

"You were gone for five years..." Eowyn began to move closer to me, and I soon found myself backed up against the wall of the wagon.

"Now, Eowyn..." I prepared myself for defense, but Eowyn did the least expected thing at that very moment.

She gave me the biggest bear hug I'd ever received. Well, other than Collin's bear hugs. That man has a bear hug to rival an actual bear. Tears were forming in her eyes, and a relieved smile covered her face.

"I am so happy that you are back..." She whispered, happiness evident in her voice. "You have no idea how lonely it has been without you." Finally, she pulled away, but did not let go of me. "These years have treated you well. You look just as you did, before. Except for you, Collin." Eowyn then threw her arms around an unsuspecting, but always prepared for a hug, Collin. "You've been training, I can tell."'

Collin smiled proudly and tapped the hilt of his elvish sword. "Well, what can I say? The elves know what they're doing."

Eowyn gave us both a big, wide smile. "Well, I'm happy that you two have finally returned. How long will you be staying?"

Gandalf, who had been standing back, watching the reunion, took the opportunity to cut into our conversation. "We are leaving first thing in the morning."

Collin, unfazed by the unhappily short time we had with our friends, nodded with a smile. "Yepp! We're rather important people, now. On a rather tight schedule, unfortunately."

Huh. I guess we are kind of important, huh? I don't know how we managed that one. Back home, Collin and I were just the loser kids that had to walk everywhere because we didn't know how to drive. We were also those people who spent too much time quoting movies, cartoons, and viral videos to care much for anything else. Now, we were super cool medieval peeps, traveling with our hardcore wizard pal and our gangster friend, Striduhh, all throughout Middle-earth in our low rider wagon. Trying to find the one bling to rule them all.

Yeah. That was one of Collin's silly stories that he told on our way to Rohan. It tickled my soul, and I laughed my gut silly, but Gandalf simply grumbled and silenced us with his angry stare.

Not one for humor, that one.

Anyways.

Eowyn wasn't too pumped about our short stay.

"Only one night?" She cried. "Where could you be going so hastily? Is it really necessary for you to go with Gandalf? Can you not stay here?"

Yeah! Good question!

"Unfortunately, these two have a friend waiting for them back in Bree." Gandalf gave Eowyn a sympathetic smile. "One of their friends from the other world. We found her upon our leave, all those years ago."

Eowyn lightened up a bit at the good news. "Well, I'm happy for you." She then slapped me lightly on the shoulder. Well, to Eowyn, it might have been a weak slap, but to me, it hurt more than getting a rubber band shot at you. "I expect you back within several months, though. Or this time you'll wake up to worse things than a bucket of cold water."

I don't doubt it. That woman has a twisted mind.

"Now," Eowyn continued, while she began to pull me closer to Meduseld. "You two must come inside and spend some time with Theodred and Eomer. They have been missing you greatly, Collin."

That was all of the convincing Collin needed. Without another word, he booked it into the golden hall.

.

.

"Collin!" Theodred and Eomer all but tackled our dear friend when he entered Theodred's study. Eowyn and I had been forced to chase Collin all around Meduseld in search of our old friends. Fortunately, we had avoided Grima, and I intended to keep it that way. This visit isn't going to be ruined by a man who doesn't know about dental hygiene.

"Ahem!" I cleared my throat, trying to gain my friends' attentions. Theodred and Eomer had yet to see me, because Collin's tall form was hiding me.

Theodred and Eomer finally caught sight of me, and I was rewarded by being twirled around by good old Theodred.

I had forgotten how much I missed my old friends. They were still just as I remembered them. Theodred was his regular handsome self (still out of my age range...), with his charming personality and sarcastic jokes. I love that man to death (in a brotherly way). Because, as I already said, he's kind of a bit too old for me. If he was about ten years younger, maybe... But probably not.

The prince had always been ridiculously kind to me back when Edoras was my home. He took me in like a sister, and kept Eowyn and I completely safe from Grima, even though he had plenty of other duties to attend to. Every time Eowyn was off doing other things, and Collin was out sparring with Eomer, Theodred would make sure to keep me company. He was funny, kind, and absolutely adored by his people. He was going to be a great king one day, and I can't wait for that day to come.

Eomer was equally as wonderful in his own ways. He was more like a college student who liked to party, but had a firm set of morals that he would not forget. He liked to have fun, and was always joking around, but something kept him from reaching his full potential.

King Theoden's current condition was a great stress to both Theodred and Eomer, especially with a snake like Wormtongue slithering around. We might as well crown him the king, since he's the one making orders around here. Theodred had his own authority over the advisor, of course, but when Grima spoke to Theoden, it was like the old king could not resist. Not even Theodred had authority over the senile old king.

Although Theodred had his own hate for Wormtongue, Eomer's hate was far more. I've seen plenty of hate before, but Eomer's hate had grown into an unquenchable fire that will continue raging until either he or Wormtongue is cold in the grave. There will be no rest for the man until that snake is gone. His resentment for the advisor is the root of all of his flaws. It has lead him to mistrust and pre-judge people. It puts a major damper on his mood, too. The slightest mention of Grima makes Eomer turn sour.

In case I lost you there, let me sum that up for you.

Eomer's got beef with Grima.

But other than that, he's a lovely man.

Collin and I sat with our three friends long into the night, catching up and joking about old times. It was like nothing had changed between us. We jumped right back into our old friendships willingly, and life finally felt... normal.

My time with the elves was tiring. For five years I had been an imperfect scratch in elven society. There was no success to be found in trying to fit in. Aragorn could fit in because he grew up with them, but I grew up in an entirely different environment. Being back in a world of humans with my best friends, free to be as imperfect as I please.

"Woah..." Our royal friends gaped at the screen of Collin's camera as we showed them some footage from our five-year absence. Right now, they were looking at our footage of the Shire, admiring its beauty and glory. Soon, we got to Bilbo's party, and Kristy came into view.

"Who's she?" Theodred pointed out our pretty friend. Here we go again. I know, we're original, huh? A pretty girl captures the heart of a prince. Classy.

"That there's Kristy!" Collin paused the shot, where Kristy was dancing with a rather intoxicated Pippin. "She's a pretty one, huh?"

Theodred smiled and studied the picture more closely. "She is..."

Collin got a mischevous glint in his eyes. Ohh no.

He turned off the view mode and readied his camera. "Okay, Theodred, we're gonna do something fun."

"Collin, I know what you're doing, and I highly disapprove." He shouldn't try to hook Kristy up with a forty yearl old man, prince or not. Plus... I'd be kind of jealous... In a childish way. Just like when you see a hot guy in a movie, and your best friend declared him hers before you do.

My heart's still a little mystified with my Gondorian Romeo.

Collin completely ignored my protests. Naturally. "Alright, Theodred. We're gonna make a video for Kristy." He clicked on the recording. "Okay, say hi to Kristy, Theodred!"

Theodred is almost as easy going as Collin. The prince smiled and waved at the camera. "Hello, Kristy!"

Meanwhile, I was banging my head on the table, much to the entertainment of Eowyn.

This is going to be lots of fun. Lots.

(Kristy)

"You guys are ridiculous."

Honestly. Merry and Pippin were STILL stealing from Farmer Maggot. I'm surprised that he hasn't sliced them up with his farm equipment, yet.

But they were too excited to see me to feel insulted.

"Kristy!" They gave me the most uncomfortable hug I've ever received. Note to self: do not hug short people with cabbages. But hey, I missed these guys. I can look past the vegetables smashed between us.

Unfortunately, our reunion was cut short my Mr. Maggot himself.

"Run!"

We booked it out of there as fast as the hobbits' little legs could carry them. Fortunately, we've all had plenty of experience with running from angry farmers.

Yeah. Merry and Pippin steal enough food to feed a third world country.

I made it to the steep hill on Maggot's property line, first. "Slow down, guys!"

But it was too late. The poor hobbits collided with one another and went tumbling down the hill.

"Idiots. I am surrounded by idiots." Idiots that I love with all my heart. With a smile, I carefully made my way down the hill, and began to help my friends untangle themselves. "Everyone okay?"

I got groans and mumbles for replies. Good!

But Frodo was a little... Distant. He was staring off down the road.

"Get off the road..." His voice came as barely a whisper, and the others were too absorbed with a cluster of mushrooms they'd found next to where they'd fallen to hear. "Get off the road!" Frodo shouted now, as he took off running into the woods.

Well. Frodo's the level-headed one of the group. If he says run, you'd better run.

We all hid under a conveniently placed tree root. Funny how well things work out in this world, huh?

My heart froze. The creepiest feeling crawled up my spine as the sounds of an approaching horse grew near. Merry squeezed my hand, and Pippin was shivering beside me. I don't know what was creeping around above us, but I didn't like it. The air suddenly felt much colder, and everyone was afraid, although we weren't quite sure of what we were afraid of.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Someone threw something off to the side, and whatever was stalking us took of in that direction. Merry pulled on my hand.

"Come on, Kristy!"

I can't tell you how long we run, but it felt like years. I didn't know that I could run so much without my heart exploding. We ran until sundown, until we got to Buckleberry Ferry. A hooded horseman ran out of the trees and chased us down the pier.

Now, here's where you were going to make fun of me. We were rurnning for the ferry, and it came to the point whee we had to jump. Well, I've never been very coordinated...

So I fell right into the water.

Yepp. I was drenched right to the bone. The water was freezing, and the ferry had already begun to take off. Frodo jumped over my head and landed with a thump on the wooden raft that kept getting further and further away from me.

"Swim, Kristy! Swim!" The others called out to me, their hands outstretched in my direction.

With exhausted limbs, I pushed myself through the chilly waters towards my friends. It was either that, or I could go back to the pier, where creepy horse guy was waiting for me. When I got within an arm's length of the raft, Merry and Frodo grabbed my hands and hauled me onto the raft. Completely drenched and shivering, I curled up on the hard wooden surface and tried to contain the last bit of warmth within me.

"Are you alright?" Merry was at my side in an instant. His crush was still intact, and he was being the chivalrous young hobbit as always.

"Turn away, guys." There was only one way to keep myself from getting hypothermia. I had to get these soaked clothes off of me.

Survival skills can be a real pain, sometimes.

But the hobbits did what I asked, and I quickly stripped down to my undergarments. "Merry! Hand me your cloak."

Big mistake. The poor guy turned around and came face to face with my indecent self. Now, most guys back home would have no problem with this, but Merry was an innocent fellow. His eyes opened wide and he quickly slammed his face into the raft to protect my dignity.

"Merry!" Sam was smart enough to know what was going on, and he gave our friend a firm whack on the top of his head.

Merry removed his cloak and handed it to me, careful to avoid looking at me. Sam did the same, and so I was soon nice and cozy, wrapped in the thick cloaks of the Shire.

Well. This is gonna be an awkward boat ride.

.

(James)

"I don't want you to go, Ada!" Faelwen pouted, with tears in her eyes, and stomped her foot in the doorway.

Ahh... I hate you, Legolas.

"Hey, don't pout. You'll ruin your pretty face." I smiled at my stubborn daughter. She's adorable.

Unfortunately, the threat of a ruined face and a lost daddy frightened my little girl even more, and she instantly burst into a wave of tears. "But I don't want you to go!"

Maerwen shot me that, 'look what you did,' look to Legolas. She wasn't overly fond with the thought of me going to Rivendell, either. But she's a strong woman. She'll be alright for the time being.

I bent down and took Faelwen's tiny hands in my own. "Hey, don't worry, sweetie. I'll be back." But the tears kept coming. "Faelwen, don't be so sad. You've gotta be strong. Just like Princess Sophie, remember?"

My daughter's tears subsided, and she sniffled as she wiped the remaining dampness from her eyes. She smiled and nodded. "Princess Sophie was a brave girl..."

"Yeah." I smiled and brushed Faelwen's hair from her eyes. "She had to escape the evil King, didn't she?"

Faelwen's smile brightened. "She fell in love with Sir Collin!"

Sophie would kill me for the story I'd put together about her and Collin. It was based off of her life, though! Sophie did have to escape the evil king. Being her drunk father. Collin found her all bruised and bloodied one night when he walked over to her house. He got her out of there and called the police, who came and arrested her father. No one knew that she was abused, and no one would even guess it nowadays. She's so strong and brave, she knows that there's more to life than the past. Without Collin, though, it's quite possible that she could have died.

"She did fall in love with Sir Collin... And one day, you'll fall in love with a knight of your own, but not for at least another thousand years, you got it?"

Faelwen pouted. "Yes, Ada..."

I smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be back in no time." I then kissed Maerwen and wrapped her in a tight embrace.

"You'd better come back, James, or I will hunt you down and kill you."

That's my wife!

I turned back to Legolas, who was waiting with the horses.

"I hope you're happy." I glared at the prince, who smiled in return.

Rivendell had better be worth it.

(Sophie)

I miss Edoras.

I really miss Edoras.

I miss Theodred.

I miss Eowyn.

I miss Eomer.

Heck, I almost miss Grima.

Okay, that's pushing it.

We were finally at Isengard, and so far, I wasn't impressed.

Ohh, wow, a big, dreary tower in the middle of a forest.

Not very original. Not original at all.

"You two stay here." Gandalf hopped out of the wagon and handed Collin the reins.

"But I want to meet the wizard man!" I protested.

"No." Gandalf was even more stern than usual. He turned to Collin. "If anything seems wrong or unusual to you, I want you to ride North. Don't come back for me, just keep riding to Rivendell." Without another word, he turned and walked towards the giant tower.

"Huh." I watched the wizard as his form disappeared between the giant doors. "That was weird."

Collin nodded in agreement. "Really weird."

Gandalf was gone for quite a while, and Collin and I were writing stories on a piece of parchment. I'd write a few lines, hide all but the last few words, and let him continue writing. We'd follow this pattern for quite some time, until we finally covered the entire piece of paper.

We were nearly in tears laughing at the nonsense at it all. You put our minds together, and you get complete and utter nonsense.

Collin was better at containing his laughter, so he read the last bits of the story. "Milady...' The mysterious night tapped the fair maiden on the shoulder. She turned around and shouted, 'I am not your lady!'..." And then real shouting interrupted our story. It was distant, but there was definately someone flipping out somewhere.

"Sophie?" Collin looked at our surroundings. "Would distant shouting count as unusual?" His eyes stopped at the door of the tower. "Would ugly swamp people count as unusual?"

I raised an eyebrow at my friend. "Swamp people?" When I followed his gaze, I knew what he was talking about.

Some of the most hideous creatures I've ever seen were coming at us, long, jagged swords drawn. Orcs.

"Sophie..." Collin slowly moved his hands to grab the reins to the horse. "Get in the wagon..."

With wide eyes, I slowly lowered myself into the wagon. I could hardly take my eyes off of the terrifying creatures.

The wagon jerked as Collin kicked the horse into gear. With the wagon weighing it down, the horse could hardly get any speed. The orcs were gaining on us. There was so many of them... It wasn't just a few orcs. We were completely outnumbered, and I didn't even know how to fight. If we didn't get this show on the road soon, we'd be as good as dead.

Suddenly, our wagon got caught in the mud, and we came to our halt. The orcs kept coming, growing closer and closer.

This would be the end.

"Collin!" I called out, looking up to my friend with wide, terrified eyes.

He looked back to the horde of orcs heading our way. Thankfully, they lacked arrows, or we'd all be dead.

A flash of an idea brightened his eyes, and he shook his head.

"I'm not going to let you die, Sophie."

I knew that he wouldn't.

Collin will never let me down.