Thanks to Michelle who beta'd this chapter for me. hugs
Chapter 23: Questions and Answers…
Kaitlyn walked unsteadily to stand in front of the gold-framed mirror. Twisting the soft fabric of her dress within her hands, she thought about her day. So much had happened in only a few hours time.
Kaitlyn had learned from Aragorn and Gandalf that King Theoden had been controlled by the evil Saruman, which is why he appeared so elderly when they had first arrived. Gandalf had freed him and now he moved and thought by his own free will.
The King had learned that his only son and heir to the throne of Rohan had been killed by orcs sent by Saruman just a few days earlier and that the King had been tricked into banishing Eomer, his Marshal of the Riddermark. Eomer along with two thousand Rohirrim still loyal to Rohan had ridden off, their destination other than north, unknown.
The King had left the Golden Hall abruptly with a fair-haired soldier named Gamling to prepare for the funeral of his son. He had left his guests in his niece, Eowyn's, care.
Eowyn had smiled gently and led the guests down one of the side halls that lead from the throne room. Gandalf did not accompany them and instead he walked out onto the porch that overlooked Rohan and Edoras. The wizard had seemed deep in thought and even melancholy when they had left him.
Eowyn apologized several times for sending their guests to a room that had not yet been prepared. She told them that they had not been expecting visitors, but that the linens on the bed would be changed by the time they returned from the funeral ceremony as well as dinner and a cot would be brought for those without a bed.
Aragorn had smiled warmly and told her that there was no need to worry. They had been sleeping on the hard ground in the wilderness for days and would make do with whatever they were given.
Eowyn lowered her head and nodded slowly. She told them that someone would bring hot water for baths and a clean change of clothes if they desired it.
Aragorn accepted this and gazed around the room. The room was decorated with tapestries and carvings. It had one small window that was situated on the wall between two small beds draped with cranberry cloth with gold trim. There was one small rectangular mirror, which hung over a dark colored bureau and there was a small metal tub in the far right corner of the room. There was also a fur rug made of deer laying on the floor in the middle of the room.
Eowyn had then turned to Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn had been surprised when Eowyn said to her, "We have no additional spare rooms, but there is space in mine for a cot.
Kaitlyn's eyes had widened at the thought of being separated from her companions. "I thank you for the offer, but I'd rather stay here."
If she were at home, staying with three men would have frightened Kaitlyn, not to mention it would have looked odd, but here it was all that she knew. These men were her friends and her family. Other then her brief abandonment during the Uruk attack at Amon Hen, she had never been separated from them.
Aragorn had put a hand on Kaitlyn's back and led her quietly into the hallway.
Eowyn and the others watched quietly from where they stood across the room.
Aragorn had taken Kaitlyn's hands into his own. "Long have you desired a hot bath, a change of clothes and a good meal. You shall have all this with the Lady Eowyn."
"I could have it here as well," Kaitlyn argued.
Aragorn grinned. "I doubt that you would feel comfortable bathing while Gimli, myself and Legolas were in the same room."
Kaitlyn had looked up at Legolas at Aragorn's words. The Elf had stood with his arms at his side and gazed around the room, unaware that the woman had looked him over. Kaitlyn had flushed hotly at the thought of Legolas watching her bathe and her heart pounded at the thought of watching him undress and bathe.
Aragorn had been right. She would never feel comfortable with them in the room. She had forced the thoughts from her mind and nodded slowly to the Ranger.
Aragorn had smiled and guided her back into the room and their companions and the Lady Eowyn looked up at them.
"It is settled. Kaitlyn will go with you, my lady. She accepts your generous hospitality."
The fair-haired woman had nodded, but her gaze lingered on Aragorn for a few moments. Then her eyes had fallen on Kaitlyn who she had looked at curiously. "This way. Please follow me," Eowyn had said and then she walked out into the hall.
Kaitlyn had clutched the straps of her green backpack and she pursed her lips and sighed. She gave her companions each a long look, except Legolas, who's stare had still been too intense for her, and she followed Eowyn away.
"You look lovely cleaned up. Your eyes shine like emeralds."
Kaitlyn jumped slightly, her current thoughts shattered by the sudden voice. She had nearly forgotten that Lady Eowyn was still in the room.
Kaitlyn smiled and turned to face the King's niece. "Thank you, my lady. You have been most kind to me," she said politely.
The warm bath had been heaven. She had been able to shave and wash and then lather herself in sweet smelling oils. Standing in front of the full-length gold-framed mirror, Kaitlyn felt like a woman again. The dress that Eowyn had lent her to wear for the funeral ceremony was a dark green and it brought out the color of her eyes. It was nothing terribly fancy, but green velvet like cloth with gold, green and blue trim around the arms and waist. The sleeves were bell sleeves and were long and awkward to move in, but Kaitlyn didn't mind. She felt like something from out of a fairytale. She had combed her dark hair out and let it dry wavy. Then she had put it half up and tied it in place with a ribbon that matched her dress.
"Your companions will not be able to keep their eyes from you," Eowyn teased gently and although there was a smile on her face, her eyes were slightly cold.
Kaitlyn didn't reply directly, the thought of the others seeing her like this made her anxious. "I don't know how to repay you for this kindness. The bath, the dress and shoes," she started.
Eowyn shook her head, and not a hair on her head moved out of place. It was pulled up with a crown of gold and blue jewels that matched the deep blue velvet dress that she wore. Eowyn looked like royalty and Kaitlyn had to remind herself that she was.
"'Tis nothing. You and your companions freed my Uncle from the icy grip of Saruman. This is the least I could do," Eowyn told her.
Kaitlyn smiled and then sighed. In just a moment they would be going to a funeral though neither of them wore the traditional black that people from her world would wear.
"I could not bring myself to wear black," Eowyn said brokenly as she stepped beside Kaitlyn to gaze at herself in the mirror. It was as if she had been reading Kaitlyn's thoughts.
"My cousin would not have wanted it," she continued softly. "He never liked black. He said it reminded him of the Nazgul or the orcs." Her blue eyes brimmed with fresh tears and Kaitlyn found herself extending a hand and squeezing one of Eowyn's.
While bathing, Kaitlyn had heard the woman crying. Though the Lady Eowyn was now composed for the most part, the loss of her cousin had hit her hard. Kaitlyn understood how she felt. Kaitlyn could not return home, which meant that her family was lost to her.
Eowyn smiled and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Let us go and see that my cousin's body is laid to rest."
The two women exited the room and walked down the side halls of Medeseld. The halls were empty except for a few soldiers who walked about.
Eowyn left Kaitlyn outside the door to her companions' room and went to find the King. Kaitlyn knocked on the wooden door gently and stood with her hands clasped together as she gazed at the tapestries and art that lined the halls.
The door creaked open and Aragorn exited first.
"Such a transformation," he told her.
Kaitlyn looked up to see that all three men had all freshened up, though they still wore the clothing they had come with.
Aragorn approached her first and took one of her hands, bringing it to his lips. "Like a caterpillar that has become a butterfly. The color suits you well, my lady," he finished.
She laughed at his teasing, blushed and playfully batted him away.
Gimli gave a deep bow. He wore his hair down and it cascaded in long waves down his back. He was not wearing his armor and although he was short, he appeared a force to be reckoned with. "A fairer maiden in Rohan could not be found," he told her.
His words made Kaitlyn flush deeply. "Gimli, please."
She fanned herself with one of her hands. She suddenly felt warm and clammy. It was almost as if it was prom night and she was with her family waiting for her date to arrive She was nervous, but there was nothing to be uneasy about. She had no part to play in this funeral but a guest and these were her friends and nothing more.
Silence fell and Aragorn turned to look at Legolas. The Elf had not said a word since they had left their room and had happened upon Kaitlyn. The Mirkwood Elf was standing as still as a statue and his eyes had not left her form.
"Lad?" Gimli asked.
Legolas blinked and tried to speak but found that this throat was dry. "You look….pretty," he managed very softly.
Kaitlyn felt herself start to sweat and she hated that she felt so nervous. This is Legolas…just Legolas. She tried to tell herself and it only made things worse. Legolas who is a prince, and an Elf and who's looking at me so intensely that I'm going to pass out.
There was no further time to await the Elf's full observations as two of the King's guards arrived dressed in full Rohirrim armor to lead them to the ceremony. Gandalf was already outside and waiting for them.
Kaitlyn forced herself to calm down and as they walked she welcomed the wind that drifted in from outside. She realized that she felt a stab of disappointment at Legolas' words. Pretty? That was what someone would tell a child. She had thought that perhaps she meant a little more to him, but perhaps she had been mistaken.
She buried her disappointment for the time being, but Legolas could detect it as he fell into step behind her and the others. The Elf was troubled by her feelings, but not nearly as troubled as what the sight of her had done to him. It had been so unexpected. He had experienced a loss of words as well as nervousness and he had not been able to tear his eyes from her. These feelings frightened and thrilled him at the same time.
The sun still shone brightly as they reached the outer porch. The people of Edoras stood in a crowd and they waited for their Prince's body to be brought down the stairs by the soldiers who held it at the top.
Kaitlyn moved to stand by Gimli so that she could get a good look at the prince. His skin was pale and stiff with death, but even death could not take away the handsome quality of his face. There was no doubt that he had been a fine man when he was alive. He appeared tall and well muscled. The air of royalty and of a soldier still surrounded him. He was dressed in his armor and his body lay on what reminded Kaitlyn of a stretcher.
The soldiers carried him slowly down the steps and the people of Rohan looked upon their dead prince and many of them wept.
Kaitlyn found that tears had begun to stream silently down her cheeks. The prince had been so young and it was obvious that his people loved him.
The funeral procession walked down the steps of the Golden Hall, through the main street of Edoras and down through the gates toward the east.
People dressed in black or dark colors lined from the Golden Hall to well beyond.
Past the gates there were large mounds, tombs covered with small white flowers that faced the east. Eowyn stood with tears in her eyes at the entrance to one of the grass and flower covered mounds. Each of the tombs had stone doors except this one, which had no door yet.
The soldiers carried the body of their prince closer and closer to his resting place and the King, his guests and many others followed.
The soldiers stopped when they reached the tomb. The wind whipped from the north and crying could be heard from all directions.
Grasping the thin sheer scarf that she was wearing around her, Eowyn began to sing.
Kaitlyn lifted her head to listen. She did not know the words nor did she understand them but some of the Rohan women began to sing or mouth the words as Eowyn sang them.
Eowyn's voice was powerful and full of anguish and King Theoden watched her as she sang and tears filled his eyes.
She continued to sing until the soldiers brought the prince's body into the tomb, laid him to rest and sealed the doors.
Many lingered, staring at the stone slab that served as a door to the tomb, but most began to make their way up the hill and back into the gates of the city.
There was to be a feast held in honor of the prince.
Aragorn stood by an intricately carved wooden post and sipped at his wine. Most of the men were telling stories of how they had fought with their prince at this battle or that. They laughed at the good times and fell silent at the bad.
After listening to them for a short while, Aragorn glanced around the room. Gandalf and the King were missing. Directly after the funeral ceremony they had gone off alone together. Both had been very silent. Gandalf had no doubt gone to offer council. Gimli was swapping stories about mithril and of the caverns his people had created with one of the soldiers. Kaitlyn was sitting alone at a table. She was glancing around the room, though her eyes never fell upon the left side.
Aragorn glanced to the left and realized why. Legolas was standing there, arms crossed with his eyes gazing in her direction. Several times ladies of Rohan would greet the Mirkwood prince. He always smiled warmly at them and then directed his eyes immediately to Kaitlyn.
It was obvious that the Elf and mortal woman had not reconciled over whatever had happened between them. Aragorn sighed and drank the last of his wine. He started to step forward in their direction when someone called to him.
"My lord?"
Aragorn turned and found that the King's niece was standing behind him. "My lady," he bid and he lowered his head in greeting.
"Was the food not to your liking? You have been standing with nothing but a cup of wine all evening," Eowyn commented as her eyes roamed over the Ranger's form. Aragorn was without his black over shirt and was dressed in a cranberry shirt with a black vest, black pants and dark colored boots. His hair was dry and silky and fell in long waves to his shoulders.
Aragorn's brows furrowed. Had she been watching him? "I have not sampled the food, but I am certain that it is the best in the land. I am not hungry at the moment and have chosen to eat later."
"Yes, it is still early. The sun has not yet set," she noted.
Aragorn nodded and feeling a little uneasy standing in her presence he started forward again.
"My lord Aragorn," Eowyn called again.
He turned. "Aye, my lady."
Eowyn looked down and then up quickly. "The woman that came with you, Kaitlyn."
Aragorn was silent for a moment. He had not expected the lady of Rohan to speak of their companion. "Aye, what of her? I hope that she has not caused any trouble."
"Oh, nay, my lord. She has been no trouble at all. I was only curious. Where does she hail from?"
Aragorn felt even more uneasy. He was not about to tell the Lady Eowyn that Kaitlyn was from another world or another time. "That is a question better directed at the Lady Kaitlyn," he replied smoothly.
Aragorn attempted to leave again, but Eowyn persisted. "I would ask her, my lord, but I do not wish to insult her. She has a strange accent. Never have I heard the likes of it before."
Aragorn breathed in slowly and exhaled sharply. "She is from very far away."
"Where? I have studied the lands of Middle Earth extensively."
Aragorn fell silent for a moment. This was the King's niece. Of course she would be well versed and educated.
"She is from New York," he told her remembering that Kaitlyn had said her town was Otter Lake and her territory was New York.
Eowyn frowned deeply, her brows furrowing and causing lines to appear on her pale forehead. "I have never heard of that place. Is it beyond Elvish land?"
"I have told you, it is very far away. Not even I know where it lies," Aragorn told her truthfully.
"How long have you known her?"
"Several months," Aragorn told her, casting his eyes upon Kaitlyn's form. "She is a good friend to us." The Ranger returned his gaze to Eowyn. "You have been very kind to her and we are grateful for that. She has not had the company of another woman for far too long."
Eowyn smiled in return. "She is a kind woman," she said in reply and she thought of how Kaitlyn had taken her hand when thoughts of her cousin had nearly caused her to break down.
Aragorn nodded.
Legolas was tired of maidens walking up to him. They asked him his name so many times that he lost count. They desired to know if he was Elvish and if all Elves were as beautiful as he. They asked offending questions about courting and matrimony.
He was friendly to them, but not overly friendly. He was in the midst of watching Kaitlyn and he had not the time for silly mortal maidens.
Kaitlyn still sat at a table by herself. There were people all around her, talking, smoking and drinking, though none sat beside her. He longed to go to her and keep her company, yet he could not.
He was angry with himself for being unable to confront her. He had killed great enemies without thought, yet a mortal woman was upset with him and he could not find the courage to approach her.
Making a decision, Legolas moved toward the table only to halt dead in his intended path when a soldier of Rohan approached Kaitlyn and began to speak to her. It was not the first time that someone had spoken to her during the course of the feast, but it was the first time a young man had given her attention.
"Forgiving your pardon, my lady, I do not believe I have seen you in Edoras before. Are you distant kin to the King come to visit him?"
Kaitlyn shook her head as she gazed into the face of one of the soldiers. She instantly recognized him as one of the guards from the door and the one that had smiled at her. He was tall with long, wavy dirty blond hair, a short blond beard and piercing blue eyes.
"I'm not related to the King. I am here to pay my respects with my companions. We are friends of the King," she explained.
The soldier nodded and smiled. "My name is Anargthed." He reached for Kaitlyn's hand and brought it to his lips. "Welcome to Rohan, my lady."
Kaitlyn blushed. "Th-thank you. I'm Kaitlyn."
Anargthed smiled. "I would desire to speak with you longer, Lady Kaitlyn, but I am leaving the feast to attend my duties. Perhaps another time. There is rumor that you are from a distant land and I would wish to hear of your home," he told her, his eyes sparkling.
Kaitlyn nodded. "Perhaps another time."
Anargthed smiled and bowed lightly before he strolled across the room.
Kaitlyn watched him go and when she turned back, Legolas was standing beside her.
"Is this seat taken?" he asked quickly and almost urgently.
Kaitlyn frowned at his tone. She knew that he had been standing nearby all night and not once had he approached to her disappointment. And now suddenly he was here and amazingly his arrival had occurred mere moments after Anargthed had departed.
"Yes," she told him firmly and Legolas felt his heart drop into his stomach. She was pushing him away!
She sighed and patted the bench beside her. She was too tired and troubled to continue the silly charade that she had been playing all day." It's taken by you," she said softly.
Legolas released the breath he did not realize that he was holding and it came out much louder then he would have wished. He watched her for a moment to be certain she had said what he thought she had said.
She nodded and patted the bench and he sat slowly without a word. They stayed in awkward silence until Legolas finally was able to speak.
He nodded toward her plate, which was nearly full. She had barely picked at the meat and vegetables. "I would have thought that you would have consumed more food than this. Especially because it is not lembas," he teased lightly.
Kaitlyn smiled at his attempt at humor but the smile faded. "I don't have much of an appetite," she told him truthfully.
"Are you ill?" Legolas asked in alarm.
She shook her head. "I had some to eat. I'm well." She brushed back a few strands of dark hair that were in her face and sighed. She turned to look at Legolas and his breath caught at the motion. It was the first time that she had truly looked at him since that night on the plains.
"I keep thinking about the King's son," she said softly.
"Man trasta le?" What troubles you?
"He was so young. He couldn't have been much older than me," she frowned.
Legolas started to reach across the table for her hand but stopped half way, afraid that he might frighten her. "War knows nothing of age, Rodwen."
She nodded slowly, the sound of his voice and of her nickname soothing her.
Legolas could see the tears in her eyes. He had left her sitting alone in thought for far too long. He stood slowly, and without a word he offered his arm to her.
She looked up at him in confusion.
"Pado a nin," he beckoned and she nodded, realizing that he was offering a chance to escape the halls and her depressing thoughts. Walk with me.
She placed her hand on his arm and with a slight smile he began to lead her away. They smiled goodnight to any who acknowledged them, though not many did.
Aragorn stopped speaking to Eowyn in mid sentence and watched curiously as Kaitlyn and Legolas went.
The lady of Rohan followed his gaze and then turned to regard the Ranger.
Aragorn continued speaking as if nothing had happened.
The Elf and mortal woman entered the hallway, which was already much less crowded than the Great Hall.
"So many horse motifs," Kaitlyn said, knowing full well that she was creating small talk.
"The people of Rohan thrive on their horses. They are known all over Middle Earth for breeding the best stock," Legolas told her.
They walked more, their direction and their destination unknown. Soon, they were in an empty hallway, though the sound of the feast could be heard in the distance.
Finally, the silence became too much for Legolas.
"Rodwen?"
"Hmmm?" she murmured, her eyes roaming the hall, the walls, the floors. Anywhere but the Elf beside her.
"We agreed to not hide things from each other and there is something that I must know," Legolas told her softly.
Kaitlyn kept her eyes on the stone tiling on the floor. "What's that?"
Legolas stopped walking and moved in front of her, his hands gently gripping her shoulders. "You spoke to a man in the hall. A soldier."
Kaitlyn licked her lips. "Yes, what of it?"
Legolas swallowed hard. "Did you find him…pleasing to gaze upon?" he asked softly.
Kaitlyn froze. She had felt fairly comfortable with Legolas as if nothing had happened between them, and now with that one question she felt terribly uneasy. "You…you want to know if I'm attracted to him?" she asked in disbelief.
Legolas nodded.
"Why do you want to know that? What does it matter? What…" She started speaking quickly and then her voice trailed off. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Why did Legolas keep asking her questions like this? She felt bewildered and then suddenly she felt angry.
"You were talking to plenty of maidens. What does one man matter?" she shot back, hardly able to believe that she had said that aloud.
"They were silly girls asking their silly questions," Legolas replied.
"Were you attracted to any of them?" Kaitlyn asked crossing her arms over her chest.
Legolas shook his head, his long blond hair sliding down his lean shoulders. "They meant nothing to me."
He moved forward and Kaitlyn took a step back. Legolas felt pain at the motion and Kaitlyn felt her anger begin to subside when she saw that she was hurting him.
"Only one woman caught my attention this night, and she sat alone with troubled thoughts for far too long," he whispered.
Kaitlyn lowered her head and then she raised it to peer into his eyes for a moment. "Why does it matter to you if I was attracted to him or not? He was just a man."
Legolas went still. "U-istan." I know not. "I only know that I desired the answer."
Kaitlyn sighed and forced herself to calm down. This was like last night when he had asked her about Derrick. Legolas was clearly confused not to mention slightly naive.
She took a deep breath and asked, "Legolas, you're my friend and I'm yours, right?"
"Aye."
"And do you trust me?"
Legolas pulled back as if the question had burned him. "Of course I trust you," he told her and Kaitlyn realized that the question had offended him.
"And I trust you," she told him firmly.
"Maer," he replied. Good
"Yes." She sighed not knowing how to continue. She looked into his eyes and the anguish within them caused her to reach forward to lightly touch his cheek. He closed his eyes at the caress.
"Then please don't trouble yourself with questions about loyalty."
Legolas opened his eyes and parted his lips to speak but Kaitlyn silenced him by placing a finger against his mouth.
"No other man is ever going to take your place." She peered deeply into his eyes as she spoke the words, "You're my best friend and that will never change."
She then lowered her eyes before she continued. "I acted really childish last night and today because I was confused."
Once again she looked into his eyes and found that he was staring at her intently. "I'm not going to let that happen again. It was wrong of me. I pushed you away because I was scared and confused and that hurt me more than it did any good."
Legolas removed her hand so that her fingers no longer covered his lips and placed it over his heart. Kaitlyn could feel that his heart was pounding rapidly beneath her palm.
"I caused you to feel confusion. I caused you to feel uncomfortable in my presence," Legolas said softly and there was great pain in his voice.
She shook her head and he persisted.
"Aye, I did. I bid you, please tell me what it was so that I may never repeat that action again." He put a hand over hers, the one that rested on his chest, and clutched it.
"I know not how it happened but you have come to mean much to me in such short time," he continued. "I know not how to explain how I feel other than pain when we are apart and joy when we are together. I would never intentionally harm you," he told her. His brows lowered and the anguish in his eyes and his gentle yet urgent tone made tears appear in Kaitlyn's eyes.
"I know that you wouldn't," she whispered so softly that Legolas' Elven ears had to strain to hear her words
Legolas wiped away the tears that began to stream down her cheeks with his thumb.
Kaitlyn eyes slipped closed at the touch and when they opened she didn't shy away. She smiled. "That's how friendship goes though, right? You miss the other person when they're away and you enjoy their company when you're together. Sometimes you hurt each other, but you have the power to heal each other too."
"Aye," Legolas said softly. His fingers brushed away the dark curly tendrils that hung in her face. When she did not move away from him, he felt joy fill his soul.
"Then let's allow the past to stay where it is. I was confused and uncomfortable but it wasn't because of anything that you did. It was because I jumped to conclusions about things and I shouldn't have. I promise to try not to do that again."
Kaitlyn realized that she had done exactly that. Legolas was not like men from home. It was now very clear that at this point in time he loved her as a dear friend and she knew that she felt the same way about him. If the future took them to another path she would deal with that road when they came to it. She vowed silently that she would not assume and push him away, for it only served to hurt them both.
"Goheno nin?" Forgive me?" she asked meekly.
"Of course."
She smiled and Legolas felt his heart begin to beat faster. He entwined his fingers with hers on the hand that he held against him. Lowering his other hand from her hair, he pulled her to him gently. She rested her head against his shoulder and he rested his chin upon her head.
The uneasiness was gone. The mist was swept away by a swift wind and they both felt contentment. They embraced each other for a short while, thankful that no one entered the hall to bother them.
Kaitlyn stifled a yawn.
"You are weary, " Legolas noted, reluctantly raising his chin from her head. He took one of her hands into his and held it by his side. "Tolo. I shall walk you to your room." Come
She gave no argument, realizing that it had been a long day. Even though the hour was still early, she was eager to sleep upon the cot and blankets that Eowyn had one of the maids prepare for her.
They walked in silence and remained as such until they reached the doorway to Eowyn's chambers.
"Losto mae, Rodwen," Legolas told her. Sleep well.
Kaitlyn smiled, her eyes taking in Legolas' fair form, her hand and fingers feeling the softness and warmth of his hand and her mind wondering how it could have ever ignored or been angry with such a being.
"You as well," she told him.
Legolas watched with regret as she started to move away from him. Her fingers slipped from his and loss filled him.
She slowly opened the door and stepped into the room.
The Elf watched her intensely as if burning the image of her into his mind.
She smiled at him, which made his heart race, and she began to close the door.
The door was nearly closed and an instant away from clicking shut when it suddenly stopped closing.
Legolas felt his breath catch in his throat when the door ceased to close.
Kaitlyn smiled at the Elf gently and just before she closed the door completely she said, "The answer to your question… is no."
To be continued…
Surprise! I didn't take weeks to get this chapter finished. How about that? Real life is still a bit busy, but I'm making due and am trying to get back into writing whenever I can. I really love getting away from the movie and books. It allows me to be a bit more creative. I hope that everyone enjoyed this chapter.
Many thanks to all my reviewers. Both new and old. You are all fabulous. I'm up to 300 reviews. I love you guys. Keep them coming. I really enjoy hearing the indepth input. Thanks again and until next chapter.
And 10 points to Phoenix23 who knew that I am a Due South fan. That's great that someone noticed that line!