So happy to be home. I missed my brother. :(
And my daddy. And everyone else who didn't go on the trip. And you guys!
Anyhoo, I just put out a new story. Lord of the Zombies! Don't worry, it won't interfere with this one. But if you like zombies, you'll like this. :) The Fellowship falls into our world during a zombie apocalypse, where they run into four survivors; a guy named Lee, a rather eccentric woman named Kat, and two sisters, college grad. June and eleven-year-old Lily! I've got big plans for this one. It's stuck in my head as this beautiful movie, and I hope that I can do it justice.
In any case, you're here for this story. :) Helms Deep is movie-verse, mostly because I already kicked Eomer out of the country. So...
Review, please!
I don't own Lord of the Rings.
(Sophie)
"Is this everything we've got?" Kristy looked at the sad pile of rations us women had set out, while the men got ready for battle.
Eowyn frowned, her eyes filled with worry. "I am afraid so. This is all that we can spare the men, for now. The rest is in the caves for the women and children. It is all that we can do, with such short notice. Let us hope that fate smiles upon us, and we will have no need for food rations. If all goes well, we shall be back at Edoras within the week."
Yeah, and that's wishful thinking. If I had it my way, we wouldn't even be in this mess.
"I can't help but wonder what would have happen if we stayed..." I sighed. "We leave Edoras for safety, and the orcs conveniently head for Helms Deep. If you ask me, we would have been better off staying home." Far more comfortable, too.
I'm not really looking forward to spending my time here in a cave. Of course, it'll be a far better place than the battle outside. This place, although beautiful, is cold and dark. The sky's grey and gloomy, and these walls are far from welcoming. Mighty and strong they may be, they just don't compare to the warm colors and roaring fires of Edoras.
Eowyn shivered and rubbed her hands together. "Now that this is finished, I am going to help the elderly into the caves. Do not stray out here for too long, my friends. The women and children will soon be called in."
"Already? We've still got a good while until sundown!" I'm not ready!
"Can't be too careful, I suppose." Kristy shrugged. "I'm gonna go find James. Want to come?"
No. "I think that I'll go find Boromir or something. Maybe explore a bit."
Kristy shrugged as she stood to leave. "Suit yourself. Just don't get lost."
Oh, I don't intend to. Really, I just want to enjoy the fresh air for a little while longer. I took a look at the caves, and it almost reminds me of Moria... Bad memories. Not only that, but I also want to see my friends for a little while longer, particularly Boromir. After everything that's happened... It is clear, now, that I can't afford to take anyone for granted. If I knew then what I know now, I would have wrapped Collin in the biggest bear hug and never let go.
Man, if only he were here... That boy sure did know how to make me smile.
The little angel on my shoulder was replaced by a mini-Collin. Instead of giving me advice, he just kicked at my ear, begging me to smile.
Heh... Just the thought of that is enough to make me laugh.
"James!"
My old friend was sitting down on a barrel, sharpening his sword. Upon hearing his name, his head shot up, and he gave me a small smile. "Hey, Soph. What's up?"
"Your sister's looking for you. I think that you might want to get ready for a hug. She's worried sick about you, y'know."
James frowned, then, nodding. "I guess I'd better go find her, then." He sighed, sheathing his sword and running a hand through his long, dark hair. "I suppose you're searching for Boromir?"
I gave the man a smile. "You know me too well."
He pointed me in the right direction before heading off to find his twin.
With a sigh I made my way through the chaos. Soldiers were running to and fro, gathering supplies and preparing the walls for a night battle. Torches were set up, weapons were sharpened, and arrows were dished out. The only problem was our numbers... There were hardly any men compared to the force that we'd be fighting.
Even with all of the hectic activity, I still managed to find Boromir. He was sitting with Gimli, fiddling with his hands as the dwarf rambled on about mighty dwarves and battles of old. Just like the good old days of the fellowship.
"And that is how I got this axe!" Gimli tapped his beloved axe lovingly.
Boromir nodded, a small smile on his lips. "That was quite the story, Gimli..." He looked up, and, seeing me, smiled a bit brighter. "Err... Gimli, would you mind?"
The dwarf fell out of his heroic daze and huffed. "I was here first!"
Boromir gave the dwarf a, 'you'd best be out of here by the time I count to three' look, and the dwarf mumbled until he was out of sight. Good old Gimli. Stubborn as a child going after the cookie jar.
"Sophie, may I speak with you privately, for a moment?"
"You bet! I've got a lot of hugging to do before I let you go off to battle." And I mean TONS of hugging. Back home, I'd have to fight the urge to hug someone every time I left the room. Now, I'm lucky to get a hug every few days.
Boromir shook his head and laughed. "If that pleases you, milady, then by all means- hug away. But please, allow me to speak, first."
He led me down some corridors, just trying to get away from everything. It was obvious that he had no idea where he was going, because he made sure to study his surroundings at every turn. I hope that he's got a good memory, or we're going to be lost.
In the end, we settled for a small, open room, relatively empty, asides from the occasional passing soldier or woman.
Boromir sighed, running a hand through his hair, looking far more tired that usual. "Sophie, you know that our current situation is looking more grim by the hour, do you not?" Silently, I nodded. "These past few months have been a struggle for all of us... Losing Gandalf in Moria was a stun for all of us, even though he came back. Then, Collin... No one is safe. I have been thinking of this ever since Amon Hen..." He stopped as a soldier passed by, hauling several dull swords along. "Sophie, I know that Collin is very close to your heart. He held a spot in your life that no one can fill, not even me. I know how important he was to you, and I should have tried to keep him safe... Yet, in the end, it was he who died for me."
I fought to keep the image of my bloodied and dying friend out of my head. "He really liked you, Boromir. Don't take responsibility for his death... He was a grown man, and a good fighter. No one could have thought..."
Boromir shook his head. "It is my fault, Sophie. Were it not for me, Frodo would have stayed, and Collin might have lived... I owe him my life. He gave me one dying wish, Sophie... He wanted me to marry you, and to take good care of you."
My heart skipped a beat. Why would that be his dying wish? What was going through his head?
"Do not think that Collin is the only reason why I want to marry you..." Boromir continued. "We talked about this in Lothlorien. Then, I wanted to wait until we returned to Minas Tirith to become betrothed, so my father and brother could meet you. Now, I am not sure if returning to Minas Tirith will be possible. Sophie... I am in love with you. Never before have I felt this way for another woman..."
"Have you felt this way about a man?" I blurted out, hardly thinking about what I was saying. After the words left my mouth, I silently kicked myself in the butt. Great, Sophie. Ruin such a powerful and important moment with idiotic questions.
Boromir stared at me for a moment, his eyes wide, before finally bursting into laughter. "No, Sophie! You see, this is why I love you... You never cease to amaze me. Sophie..." This is when things got heavy. He got down on one knee and pulled out a stunning ring with deep blue jewels. My eyes prickled with tears as he continued. "This was once my mother's. It belongs to you, now, if you'll have it. I do not want anyone else. Will you marry me, Sophia Marseden?"
Now I understand why women cry when they get proposed to. A mix of intense emotions and flashes of happy memories overcame me as I studied the man in front of me. The man I loved. Suddenly, the conversation that Kristy and I had came to mind. What would have been different, had we never fallen into this place? We've been here for far too long for us to really worry about how we got here and why. This is home, now.
But what would have been different? Had we stayed, would I have fallen in love? Only one face came to mind. Collin.
It would have been him, you know. Had I never met Boromir, had we only stayed home... It would have come, in time. I just know it. We changed, though, upon coming here. Times were different... Things just didn't click, for me. While he was off training, I was off with Boromir.
I was an idiot. It was all there, how could I have been so ignorant? 'It would take a fool to love me,' I said, to which Collin replied, 'I'm a fool.' He told me he loved me every hour of every day, almost, yet I took it in a different way. He was so obvious! And I just ignored it.
I didn't deserve him.
But that doesn't matter, I suppose. His memory will live on through me, or I'll die trying to make it so. There's a fire burning in my heart, now, and it'll never go out.
"Yes." I replied to Boromir's hanging question, tears in my eyes.
He let out a sigh and jumped up to squeeze me in a warm embrace. Tears fell from my face now, and I felt happier than I had since... Collin. His camera!
"Where's the camera?" I laughed out through happy tears. "How could I miss this?"
Just then, James and Kristy came out from the shadows, the camera in his hands. Kristy had tears in her eyes and the brightest smile on her face, while James looked happy for the first time in ages. Looks like love heals all.
"I've got you covered." James tapped the camera, handing it to me with a wink. Kristy ran forward and tackled me in a warm hug, but the two quickly made their exit.
"Were they behind this?" I asked, slapping Boromir playfully on the shoulder.
He laughed and nodded. "How else did I know how to kneel?"
Good point.
(Kristy)
Wow... Sophie... Getting married.
Funny... It feels like it was only yesterday when she was doodling in math class and getting her temps. Now, she's engaged! It kind of makes me feel old. We're not supposed to get married! We were supposed to be young forever. It's frightening to think about... Time just doesn't stop. You keep on growing and growing until you just... Die.
At least I can say that I've got friends in high places, now. If I really wanted to, I could just go live in Minas Tirith and never get married. Sophie would love for me to become a creepy cat lady.
I suppose it all depends on whether or not we survive, after tonight. Who knows? Boromir could die, and Sophie could be left heartbroken. Heck, we all could die.
"What's it like, James?"
My brother turned his head and raised his brow. "What's what like?"
"You know..." I shrugged. "Marriage."
"Oh!" James ran a hand through his hair. "Well... I can't really explain it. It's one of the greatest feelings in the world. To have the one you love as your own, and to have children that look and act just like you... That last part is horrifying, actually. Still, it's amazing... You should try it, some day."
"What? Making babies?"
My brother's eyes widened, and I saw a glimpse of high-school James, once more. "I'll kill him."
I laughed. Typical brother. "I know what you meant, James. Unfortunately, I never had a Boromir."
"No... But you did have a Legolas." James gave me a little wink.
Did my brother just suggest that I should hook up with his best friend? The same best friend that he chased around for hours, just because he kissed me on the forehead? Is this real life? Maybe I'm in a coma...
Noticing my shocked expression, James chuckled and pulled out a pipe. "Oh, Kristy. Sweet, sweet Kristy. So innocent."
"You're making no sense." I scrunched my nose as the smell of James's smoke reached my nose. "Go smoke your weed somewhere else."
"Kristy, look..." James placed a hand on my shoulder as he let smoke out of his nose. When did her learn how to french inhale? Merry and Pippin... I shake my head at those two. "I want you to be happy." He sighed. "I know that I gave off the impression that I didn't like the thought of you and Legolas... But... In all reality, I'm thrilled. You know why?"
"Because you're glad to see me happy?" The little girl inside of me brightened.
"No." And the little girl died... "Because it means that I'm right! Ever since I've known him, he's given me crap about women. He was always such a prick, saying that he didn't need a lady to make him happy- especially not a human lady. Now, he's fallen in love with a human lady! My sister!" He leaned over and gave me an enthusiastic hug. "I always knew that you were pretty for something..."
With eyebrows raised, I carefully peeled my brother off of me. "He doesn't love me, but I'm glad to see you get some satisfaction out of the situation."
"Oh, he loves you." James laughed. "You just wait."
Even though I wanted to punch him in the face, I smiled at my twin. "It's good to see you smile, again."
He puffed on his pipe some more, pausing before answering. "Yeah, well. Don't get used to it. The excited buzz will wear off, soon enough."
Well, that just killed my good mood. "You shouldn't plan to be sad, James."
"I'm just being realistic." He shrugged. "Besides, I'm probably going to die tonight, anyways."
"James!"
He held his hands up in defense. "Again! I'm just being realistic!"
Yeah, well. Screw you. "We need to have hope, James." I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. "I love you, you know. I really, really love you."
He returned the hug, a small smile on his lips. "You tell me to have hope, yet you're saying goodbye?"
"I'm not saying goodbye, I just want you to know." I took a step back and took a good look at my brother.
Boy, was he different. He's a man, now.
"I love you too, sis." He pulled me back in for a short hug. "You'd better go, though. Remember me as I am now- smiling, and smoking a pipe. Just remember to add in a mug of ale..."
Oh, goodness.
Suddenly, my the silly brother-sister moment turned to dust as my eyes caught sight of something that gave me the chills. It was a group of young boys, standing in a circle, wearing oversized chainmail and carrying big, heavy swords. Helmets hung over their baby faces, and they took turns sparring with one of the soldiers. James followed my gaze, only he smiled at the sight.
"Ah, lucky kids. I wish that I would've learned how to fight as a youngster."
I completely disagreed. "I wish that they didn't have to fight at all..."
A passing soldier let out a sigh. "Aye, they're far too young for this."
"Really?" James's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "When'd you learn how to fight?"
"Oh, I was even younger than them." He shrugged. "Still, I didn't enter battle until I was grown. Seeing these young men now makes me glad that I've yet to have a son."
Wait a minute... "What do you mean?"
The soldier gave me a surprised look. "You do not know? All able males are required to fight, including the young boys and old men."
James and I must've given that man a look terrifying enough to scare a lion, because he quickly took his leave. We looked at each other, our eyes full of a very angry fire. Immediately, we set off to find some source of authority, the American in us just dying to complain. We found our objective in the form of Aragorn.
"What the hell's up with these kids?" James asked, rather loudly, I might add.
Our friend studied him curiously, his eyes scanning the crowd of children behind him. "I am afraid that I do not fully understand your question."
To save Aragorn from a firm yelling at, I stepped in. "Did you know that they're making little boys fight?"
Aragorn nodded sadly. "The elders, as well. While I do not agree with it, in the end it is not my decision."
"Well who's decision is it, then?" James yelled, throwing his hands up into the air.
"That decision lies with Theoden, and I do not suggest questioning it." Aragorn gave James a warning glare. "It is not our place to discuss it."
James bit his lip and kicked at a rock. "This is madness!"
"All women and children into the caves!" One of Theoden's guards called out in a booming voice. My friends looked at me with wide eyes. I looked to the sun to catch the time.
It was almost sundown... Crap.
"Go, Kristy." James pulled me into a quick hug before sending me a small smile. "We'll be okay."
"You'd better." I sighed, looking at James and Aragorn one last time. "Be careful, guys. I love you!" That was all I could say before I was herded away to the caves.
.
.
"Everyone, into the caves!" Theoden shouted out once more as the last of the women and children shuffled into the dark safety area. Eowyn stood stone-faced, furious that she could not participate in the battle. While I admired her bravery, a small part of me thought she was crazy. There's no way I'd willingly fight in battle.
Sophie stood at my side in the dark and cold caverns, her eyebrows crossed in worry. Boromir had only just left her here at the door, leaving her with a kiss to the temple and a word of love. She twirled the ring on her finger nervously. I can already see the habbit beginning.
"They'll be alright, Sophie." I gave her shoulder a squeeze.
She let out a sigh, her hands shaking. "There's no hope for this... Not if they're making little kids and old men fight."
I crinkled my nose in disgust. "I lost so much respect for Theoden..."
Surprisingly, Sophie elbowed me for that. "Hey, give the guy a break. He's been out of his mind for years, and the second he regains his senses, his country falls into a hell hole. He's doing his best, you just have to understand that things are different in this world. You were lucky to land in the Shire- I've been living through this for years."
I frowned, confused. Sophie's practically a citizen of Rohan. She loves this country with all of her heart. But how could anyone be okay with this?
Sophie sighed, shaking her head. "Sorry, Kris. I'm just a bit stressed, right now."
"It's okay... We're all a bit crazy, at the moment."
She smiled. "Yeah... Tell me about it."
Torches were lit, and the doors were closed. The waiting had begun. Mothers wept with worry for their underaged sons, and old women sat still and silent as they thought of their long-time beloveds out there, preparing for battle. It was enough to break my heart.
After what felt like ages, the subtlest shake began in the earth. The armies were drawing near. It was time.
Sophie stood, suddenly, and quietly began to sneak away.
"Where are you going?" I grabbed her arm, and she turned around to give me the potty dance. That was enough for me. "You couldn't have gone before we entered the caves?" She shook her head, biting her lips. Sigh... "Go on."
She took off, and I shook my head. Silly woman.
I sat for quite some time, staring at the marvelous cave around me. I heard Gimli singing it praise earlier, today. You know a place is cool when it's dwarf- approved, particularly by Gimli. Soon enough, though, my curiosity became heightened. Where was Sophie? I looked down to my side, where my friend once sat.
Collin's camera was gone. Where could she be?
(Sophie)
I fought to keep my breathing down as I snuck through the empty halls of Helms Deep. It wasn't hard escaping from the caves, thanks to my beauty and charm.
Okay, in all reality, the kids guarding the doors were easy to convince. Yeah, that's right. Two fourteen year old boys were in charge of guarding us women and children. If Eowyn really wanted to, she could break out of that joint and join the battle, herself.
Honestly, Theoden. You shouldn't underestimate the hard-headedness of that girl. She's gonna get herself killed, one day.
Anyways, I'm on a mission that involves more than just peeing. Man, Kristy is so gullible. That, or I'm a great actress. I like the last one.
With Collin's camera in hand, I was set out to film the arrival of the orcs. Of course, I don't want to fight, or even film the battle. I just think that this is an epic opportunity that Collin would never have passed up. Thousands of orcs arriving at night... That's going to look far cooler than hundreds of cell phone lights swaying at a concert. It's going to be a heck of a lot more terrifying, too.
Collin wouldn't want me to do this. He'd probably throw me over his back and carry me all the way back to the caves. I don't care. I'm probably going to die, anyways.
I snuck through the halls, running up random flights of stairs, trying to make my way up to a high level for a good view. My heart was racing, and adrenaline was pumping through my veins. Kristy's going to kill me when I get back!
Eowyn may applaud me, though.
After what felt like years of fruitless searching, I finally opened a heavy door, and found myself outside. My particular wall was empty, and I couldn't see over the main gates, so I took a deep breath and ran forward. To my surprise, elves lined the walls. Looks like there's hope, after all.
No one noticed me as I slipped up the stairs, as they were far too occupied with fear. I reached the top of the steps and was fortunate enough to find a clearing on the wall.
Well, fortunate for the filming. Bad for my heart.
Torches scattered my view like stars in the night sky. The thundering march of the orcs matched almost perfectly with the real-life thunder in the air. The moon and stars were covered by thick, dark rain clouds. The only natural light came from distant flashes of lightning that lit up the arriving army of orcs.
With shaking hands, I clicked the recording button and held the camera up to view the magnificently horrifying sight ahead.
"Sophie?" The familiar voice of Legolas made its way to my ears, and I panicked. I'd had just enough time to see Gimli and Legolas staring at me out of the corner of my eye before taking off down the stairs.
(Kristy)
"Have you seen Sophie?" I asked another group of women, and they shook their heads.
Dang it.
"Have you seen Sophie?" I asked a passing child, and she stared at me curiously.
Shoot.
"Have you seen Sophie?" I asked Eowyn, and she shook her head.
"No, I thought that she was with you?"
"She was!" I sighed, exhausted. "She left to go pee, and she never came back. I've looked everywhere for her!"
Eowyn's eyes darkened. "Do you think...?"
My heart stopped.
Without another word, Eowyn and I ran for the door, fearing the worst. What's Sophie thinking? She can't fight!
The second that Eowyn opened the door, Sophie ran right past us, breathing heavily and shouting back at us: "Don't let him kill me!"
We turned to whoever 'he' was, almost expecting to see an orc. Instead, we saw a very frustrated Legolas jogging towards us, his eyes burning a hole in Sophie's back. His mouth was tight in a frown, and Eowyn quickly left to go find Sophie's hiding place.
"What happened?" I asked, not used to seeing Legolas so angsty.
"Sophie was out on the walls." He replied simply.
I'm going to kill her. "What was she thinking?"
"She wanted to film the orcs arriving, I suppose. At least, that is what she shouted back to me, at one point. How did she get out of here?" He turned to the young boys guarding the doors, and his look softened. "It is no matter... She is safe. I must get back."
He turned to leave, but I took his hand. "Wait!"
I don't exactly know why I stopped him, but I don't regret it. He turned back to me, and, upon seeing his big, beautiful eyes, I took a lesson from Boromir and went for it.
Pulling him in, I quickly planted one on his lips, taking him by surprise. At first, his eyes were wide in shock. If anything, that must have been the last thing he expected me to do. I'm sure that elves don't just run about kissing each other, either.
But Boromir was right. No one's safe. I need to let my feelings known before the opportunity leaves me.
After a moment, Legolas kissed me back, closing his eyes and cupping my face in his hands. The butterflies in my stomach went mad, and my mind was clogged with sparkly glitter dust. When we pulled away, he rested his forehead on mine, his eyes remaining closed.
But we couldn't remain that way forever. He had to leave. Too soon, he moved away and placed one last kiss on my brow, leaving me without a word- just a loving smile.
I took a deep breath, almost forgetting to breath.
So this is love.
The next chapter is extremely important. Be there!