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An Unexpected Adventure [IN HIATUS]  by KathyG

ANNOUNCEMENT: As of 4/28, we are once more on hiatus, because KathyG's mother has had a relapse of her cancer and is now receiving daily visits.  There is no knowing how long it will be, but daily hospice is not a good sign.  And when the inevitable happens, she will also need some space to grieve.  I will keep working on, on the side, so that we shouldn't get too far behind once we can begin posting again, but of course will not post on my own.  Please, if you feel so moved, keep KG and her family and her mother in your thoughts and prayers.

KG'd mother passed on at 12:09 on Monday, May 9th.  Please, if you feel so moved, keep KG, her family, in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for your patience and forbearance in the past, and I hope you can continue to enjoy AUA when we are able to resume posting.  DF (Dreamflower)


Summary: In the spring of 2012, four American children find themselves thrust into an unfamiliar world and part of an unexpected adventure.  This story is AU, and blends Lord of the Rings book-verse and movie-verse.  This story also contains a lot of spiritual and religious content as a part of the AU elements.

Disclaimer: The world of Middle-earth and all its peoples belong to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien; the three films of The Lord of the Ringsbelongs to New Line Cinema and to Peter Jackson.  This story is not for profit, but is a gift for the enjoyment of those who read it.

Citations: In most chapters, there will be some quotations directly from both the books and/or the movies.  Quotations from Tolkien's books are in italics, and quotations from the movies are underlined.  Occasional quotations from other sources as well as silent dialogue, words spoken in emphasis, and passages from the Bible will also be in italics, and those citations will be footnoted at the end of each chapter in which they occur. We will also footnote research sources and credit the ideas of other people.

Thanks: We would also like to acknowledge the invaluable help of our beta, Linda Hoyland, another well-known and prolific LotR fanwriter, whose many wonderful stories also grace this site.

Chapter 97: The Next Right Thing

Steve sat up in bed, stretched, and took a deep breath.  Gail was apparently already up and gone from the room.  There would be another court that morning, and Steve, Joey, and Boromir were going to be the first item of business.  He thought back to his conversation with Boromir the day before…

He had found Boromir's quarters with no trouble.  Steve realised that after a few weeks, he had become familiar with the Citadel to a certain extent.  He knew which corridor it was in, and the double doors at the end with two guards standing by them was a clear sign of where the Captain-General lived.  He told the guards, “Lord Boromir sent for me."  

Both nodded, and one of them went in to let them know he'd arrived.  The guard came out, with an older man, a few years older than Steve, with a receding hairline, to usher Steve in.  The face was familiar, but Steve could not recall his name.

"Thank you, Master…?" Steve said.  “Uh, sorry, I can’t remember your name.”

"Labadal, Master McCloud.  I bear no official title—though I am chamberlain to the Heir."

Steve nodded.  "Oh, well, pleased to meet you again, Labadal."

Labadal led him into the main room.  A massive bed was in the centre of the room, and it was surrounded by curtains.  To the left of the doors was a large fireplace. Two comfortable-looking chairs and a settee were arranged there around a low round table.  There was an ornate-looking device of brass with a tap placed upon the table, emitting the welcome scent of coffee.  Cups and saucers and so forth were also arranged there.

Labadal had indicated that Steve should make himself comfortable in one of the chairs.  Steve sat down, and the chamberlain went to a door just the other side of the fireplace, tapped upon it, and then entered.  There was a low murmur of voices, and then Boromir emerged, followed by Labadal.

"Good day, Master McCloud!" he said with a smile.  He came and sat in the other chair.  "My Uncle Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth, keeps us well supplied with coffee. I know from Faramir that you and your lady wife do not drink wine or other spirits, so I thought this might be more acceptable."

"Yes, thank you," he said.  At this, Labadal bent down and poured him a cup from the tap in what Steve guessed was an old-fashioned coffee maker.  There was no sign of sugar or cream, but Steve did occasionally drink it black, so he took a sip.  It was just right—hot, but not scalding, and not too bitter, though it was strong.

Lord Boromir also took a sip from the cup his servant provided.  "Ah!  It does wake one up in the morn!"  He paused for a moment.  "I suppose you know why you are here?"

"Joey told me that we would have a time in court tomorrow morning, to make changes in the oath that Joey took when he became your page." 

"Not so much will Joey's oath change.  But my own oath was to be as a father to him until you were reunited with him.  Never would I usurp the place of a father with his son, especially a son as young as Joey.  But I thought it would reassure him in our time of great peril to know that an adult had some authority to protect him, and to guide and even discipline him, if needed.  He and Jennifer were alone here once Kevin had departed, after all.  Jennifer, I was able to put under the authority of those in the Houses of Healing, and she was willing to take on the duties of an apprentice there.  When I had to leave for battle, Joey, too, was placed under authority there, as I deemed it the safest place for him, though no place was completely safe while the siege endured.  Now that you are here, Joey’s oath will remain the same, but it is right for me to alter my own oath."

"What will we have to do tomorrow morning?" Steve asked, nodding.

"You both will be called up before the King, as will I.  Then Joey will kneel before me, as we renew our oaths.  I will make a point that you are once again present to take over as his father with my leave, as I acknowledge that I am restoring the rights of a father to you.  I will raise him up and place his hand in yours.  Then in whatever words seem apt to you, acknowledge that he is now once more in your authority."

Steve was surprised.  "You mean I don't have to memorise an oath made for the purpose?"

"Nay.  You do not; so rarely does such a moment come that no formal oath has been recorded.  I asked Faramir to check the archives, and no such thing was recorded there."

Steve nodded again.  He'd have to think of something.  "I can't thank you enough for what all of you—you, your friends, and your father and brother—have done to keep my kids safe in this strange place.  And also for all you have taught my son about things.  He seems so much more responsible and polite than he was before we were separated, I have to confess."

Boromir blushed.  "I thank you for your kind words.  It was clear from the beginning that your children lived in a more peaceful and sheltered place.  They did seem much younger and less experienced than children of a similar age here among the lands we travelled, and especially here in Gondor."

They spoke a little while of some of the things Steve had done in Gondor, while they finished their coffee.  Then Boromir excused himself as he had some duties of his own to deal with, and Steve wanted to go back and talk to Gail…

And now, this morning, it was time to get up and get ready for that court.  He thought over what he planned to say when Joey was officially "returned" to him.  He had prayed long and hard over that, and he hoped he would say it right when the time came.

-oo000oo-

Bathing in the Citadel was an event.  The women's bathing pool was immense, truly a pool, and bathing was a communal thing.  Gail had not been used to that since she had gotten out of school, and even then, she had always showered and changed as fast as possible after P.E., to preserve her modesty.  But she had found that if they went early in the morning, there were usually no other women there, so it was just her, Mairen, and Kaylee and Megan.  She and Mairen both wore light linen shifts, which helped at least give an illusion of modesty, but so far there had been no reason to worry about the little ones' modesty, as they were too young to care about it.

At any rate, Gail had to admit that the pool was luxurious.  The water was at the perfect temperature, and she actually could swim in it, which made for nice relaxing exercise as well.  There were large towels, though they were not made of thick terry cloth like the ones back home, but of soft linen, and were clean and smelled of lavender.  Mairen had finished bathing first and had already dressed.  Gail shooed the children out, and Mairen took care of getting Megan dressed.  Kaylee insisted on dressing herself, so Gail went ahead and got dressed.  Since they were to attend court this morning, she was wearing the dress from the night of the feast, only with a different undergown.  Kaylee was all finished putting on her own dress, one of the pretty white ones the Lady Galadriel had given the little girls in Lothlórien.  Kaylee had apparently grown enough since then that Mairen had let the hem down a little the evening before.  Thankfully, Megan had not grown quite that much.

Soon all of them were dressed and ready, and they returned to their rooms.  Steve was getting dressed in their room.  Mairen had taken a seat in one of the chairs in the main room, and she was helping Megan spin with the drop-spindle Galadriel had given her big sister; Kaylee had said that Megan could play with it.  And Kaylee had decided to mend Halbarad's pouch.  He had shown her the rip in it where the orc arrow had pierced the fabric, but had hit the stone instead of him.  So, she had insisted on getting it back so she could fix it—but she had told him to keep the stone.

Since everyone else was busy, Gail went to the little writing desk in the corner by one of the windows and took out the journal she had begun during their journey on the river.  Her entries had been sporadic, as on some days, the family was just too busy for her to find any time for it, so she began by describing her impressions of the members of the Fellowship that she had not met before.

She had described the King, Lord Boromir, the Elf Legolas, and the Dwarf Gimli, and was working on the hobbits when Steve came out.

Gail glanced up.  "You look very nice," she said, but stood up and adjusted his collar, just the same.  Back home, he would have worn a suit and a tie, and I would have probably adjusted his tie, she thought, though she was beginning to get used to these robes on him.  "Do you remember what you are going to say?"

"Just as we discussed yesterday after I came back from seeing Lord Boromir.  I hope it sounds all right to the people."

"You'll do fine," Gail said.  She tiptoed up and gave him a light kiss.  He returned it a bit more firmly, and she blushed.

"It's almost time for us all to go down to the throne room," he said.  "I expect we will meet Jennifer, Kevin, and Joey when we get down there."

“No doubt.”  Gail nodded in agreement.  “Why don’t we go ahead and pray first, before we leave?”

“Good idea.”  Steve took her hand, and they bowed their heads and held hands.  “Most gracious Heavenly Father,” he prayed, “we ask that the rest of this day go well.  And we ask Your blessing on the court that King Elessar is about to hold, that all goes smoothly and well.  In Jesus’s name, amen.”

“Amen,” Gail echoed, and they rose to their feet and left the room.

-oo000oo-

Jennifer woke with the sun in her eyes.  She had skipped breakfast in order to get some extra sleep.  Now she regretted it, because it hadn't mattered when she was asleep, but now her stomach was growling, and she'd have no time to get breakfast.  But she really did want to be in court this morning.  Firiel was still sound asleep, but she did not see Lailith or Rial. She spotted a lump in Melwen's bed that must be her.  Jennifer was glad she had worked the night before; otherwise, she would be missing the court and having to work this morning.  She rose and poured some fresh water in the washbowl, and then she washed up before she dressed in the same blue gown that she had worn on Coronation Day.  She was glad she'd had a chance to launder it by hand and hang it to dry.  Fortunately, Rial had shown her how to hang it so it would not have many wrinkles.  Linen wrinkled so easily.

She was almost dressed when Lailith popped her head in.  "Oh, I am so glad you have awakened, Jennifer!   I had a small errand to run for the healers, so I stopped by the mess and got some bread and cheese for you.  I knew you would have little time to prepare for court, this morn."  She held out a folded napkin to Jennifer, who took it.

"You're a lifesaver, Lailith!”  Jennifer took the napkin from her.  "Really, thank you so much."

"You must not swoon of hunger before the King!  It would be very embarrassing!"  Lailith flashed her dimples in a brief grin, and Jennifer laughed.  "I must hurry back with these herbs.  You must tell me everything later!”  And with that, Lailith was gone.

Jennifer unfolded the napkin to reveal a thick slice of fresh bread, still slightly warm, topped by a chunk of creamy white cheese.  She folded the bread and cheese in half, and then she started eating it as if it was a sandwich.  It was delicious, and her stomach was very grateful.  Even though she was already biting into it, she mentally prayed, By Your hand, we are fed.  Thank You, Lord, for this our bread.

She wished she had some milk to wash it down, but she settled for a dipper of water from the well just outside the dormitory.  After she had finished, she used the napkin to wipe her face and headed for the Citadel.  She hoped her parents would be easy to find.

-oo000oo-

In the mess, Joey, Sador, and Bergil lingered over their breakfast.  None of them had any duties that day until the evening, when all of them would have tasks to deal with.  Joey would be attending Boromir, and Sador and Bergil were to run messages for the healers who worked through the night. 

Then they heard the bells announcing that it was time to gather for court.  "Ooh!" said Bergil.  "You are being called up—you should get up there before things get too crowded, Joey!"

Joey nodded, but still hesitated.  "Yeah, you’re right.  But, um…before I go?  Sador?"

"Yes, Joey?" the younger boy asked.

"Well, I heard about how you saved my little sister.  Kaylee said you got hurt, trying to keep her from getting run over by that cart!"

Sador blushed.  "It was nothing."

"I don't agree.  It’s not nothing to me," said Joey.  "I kind of like my little sisters, even if they are pests."

Bergil piped up.  "Why did you not say anything?"

"I do not know," Sador said.  "I just did not think about it."

"Well," Joey replied, "I've thought about it since Kaylee told me about it.  And um…I want to give you something.  It's from my home, and I used to play with it a lot."  He reached into the pouch at his belt and pulled it out.  "There's a story back home about a huge monster called Godzilla, and the stories are lots of fun and exciting.  It’s a make-believe story; it’s not real.  Some kids like to play games about it, and stuff.  So, they have masks, and—well, I thought you might like to have this one."  He held it up.  "Here."  He passed it over.

Sador took it and looked at it.  "It looks very real," he said.  "You said it is called 'Godzilla'?"

"Yeah, he's like a giant lizard.  And he usually helps to defeat other giant monsters, but when they fight, they, like, stomp down buildings and stuff.  Kev says that even when Godzilla helps out, he does as much damage as good."

The boys laughed at this.  But Bergil glanced at the window.  "Joey, you need to go now!  Look at the crowds all heading towards the Citadel already."

"Oh!"  Joey jumped up and started to run.  "See you later!" he yelled, as he dashed out the door.

Fortunately, Joey was wearing his livery.  People who saw him in the garb of the Tower made way for him to pass, and he soon arrived at the door to the Throne Room.

He spotted Kevin and Jennifer, who were also just arriving, and the three of them made their way to where their parents, with Kaylee and Megan, were standing.  Gail had Megan by the hand, and Kaylee was holding her little sister by the other hand.  The three newcomers greeted the rest of the family, and went to stand next to their father, with Joey standing nearest to him.  He bent forward to catch Kaylee's eye, and said quietly, "Sador liked the mask.  Thanks for the idea."  Kaylee grinned and nodded, but didn't speak.  It was almost time for everything to start.

Everything had gone silent, and then there was the blast of a horn, and a stentorian voice called out the soon-to-be familiar words: "Hear, now!  Hear, now!  Pay heed!  This is the Court of Lord Elessar Telcontar, High King of the Reunited Kingdoms of Gondor and of Arnor, Defender of the West.”

The herald continued, "We call into the presence of the King: Lord Boromir son of Denethor, the Captain-General of Gondor.  Master Steven McCloud, son of Robert of Or Egon, and the Page of Lord Boromir, Joseph McCloud, son of Steven.”  

Nervously, Steve and Joey approached the throne, where Boromir stood next to the King.  Aragorn gave a gracious nod for them to proceed.

Boromir looked at Joey and said, "Your father has been reunited with you, and as is right and proper, I return you to his custody.  But you have been to me a faithful and dutiful page, and you have served me well.  Do you wish to renew your oath to me?"

Joey nodded, and then knelt in front of Boromir, trying to be sure he recalled the slightly different words he would use this time.  He drew a deep breath before he spoke: "I, Joseph son of Steven, do renew my fealty and service unto Lord Boromir of Gondor, to obey him and honour him as my liege, to do all duties given unto me to the best of my ability, and in all matters conduct my behaviour in a manner which will reflect his honour.  This will I do, in all things, until my Lord release me, death take me, I return to the land of my birth, or the world end."

"And I, Boromir son of Denethor, though I return you to the hand of your father, do hear and shall not forget, nor fail to reward, your oath which is freely given:

“Fealty with love,

Valour with honour,

and oath-breaking with justice.

“Rise now, Joseph son of Steven, and continue in my service.”

Then Boromir turned to Steve. "Master Steven, I thank you for the service of your son.  He has been of great help to me, in spite of his tender years.  You have taught him well, and now he is under your hand once more."

Steve nodded and spoke from the heart the words he and Gail had talked about.  "Lord Boromir, our son was in a strange place filled with unknown dangers.  We cannot thank you enough for taking him under your wing during the darkness of war.  You also have taught him well.  Our Holy Book says: ‘The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.’“* He looked down at Joey and smiled.  "Under your guidance, my son has developed wisdom, and his mother and I could not be prouder of him.”

The small ceremony complete, Aragorn politely dismissed Steve and Joey, and with a smile at Joey before they returned to the rest of the family, he said, "I rejoice that you have been reunited with your father and mother, Joey, and the rest of your family."

Joey smiled back.  “Thank you.”

Boromir had not been dismissed, so he had remained in his place before the King as they left to go back to their place.

As Steve and Joey walked back to their spot next to the rest of the family, Joey's face beamed with both pride and embarrassment.  Soon he stood once more between his father and Jennifer.  She smiled down at him and put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it, but now all eyes were once more upon the King as the Herald called out again. 

This time, he summoned Lord Denethor son of Ecthelion, Steward of Gondor, and Lord Faramir son of Denethor, Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien.

The three men all stood ranged in front of the King, Denethor leaving his black chair empty.  Aragorn stood behind them, and then spoke: "For generations, the House of Hurin has served Gondor well and faithfully as the Stewards of the Realm of Gondor.  And only two days ago, I confirmed my faith in that house and its line by renewing the office of Steward.  However, Lord Denethor has come to me with a request, and one so honourable that I cannot deny him.  I will let him explain this request to the people."  He stood slightly back and nodded to Denethor.  "Lord Denethor."

Denethor faced the crowd.  "People of Minas Tirith, as most of you already know, during the siege of Minas Tirith, during the Battle of Pelennor, there was a fire in the Houses of Healing.  There my son Faramir lay wounded by an enemy arrow and suffering from the Black Breath of the Nazgûl.  As any father would, I went to his side to save him, and with the valiant assistance of Sir Peregrin of the Shire, we were able to bring Lord Faramir out of the danger of the fire.  Thankfully, my son has made a full recovery, but alas, I have not.  My lungs have been permanently damaged by the smoke and fire, and my health has been permanently damaged.  The best Healers of the Houses of Healing have told me that I no longer have the strength to carry on the many duties of a Steward."

He paused for breath.  The King made a gesture to Pippin, who was standing behind the throne to do the bidding of the King.  Pippin turned and poured a goblet of water from a small ewer on a table that was next to the throne, and took it to the Steward, who gratefully took a sip.  Denethor swallowed and took a breath, before continuing.

"For that reason, I have requested to be released from my duties as the Steward of Gondor, that I may retire to Dol Amroth and the home of my brother-in-law, the Prince of Dol Amroth, where the fresh sea air may help me regain some of my former vigour."

"And I, as King, have granted his request.  Let it be known to all the people, that Lord Denethor, son of Ecthelion, has served all his days in the service of Gondor, not sparing himself the toil or danger of his post, and is ending this time of his own free will.  He deserves all praise!" 

And all the people there assembled cried out, "Huzzah!" in joy and honour to the one who had ruled them all their days. 

And when the cheers died down, the King continued, “But there is the matter of the role of Steward, as I wish that office to be held still within the House of Hurin.  Lord Boromir, if you would come forward?"

Once more, Boromir stood forward.  "I am the eldest son of Denethor, son of Ecthelion, and in the normal course of events, I would now take up the role of Steward.  But I am also the Captain-General of the Armies of Gondor, a role I cannot fulfil as Steward.  While the West has won the War against Sauron, there are many enemies still near our borders, and I feel that my skills and talents are better suited to that role, especially as the Steward is forbidden to leave Gondor in a time of war, if the King shall also be abroad."  He paused as he waited for the whispering and talking of the people to die down.  "Therefore, having counselled with the King and with my father, it has been decided that the role of the Steward shall pass on to the hands of my brother, Lord Faramir."

And now Faramir stepped forward.  "Never have I expected this office would fall to me while my father and brother yet live, but never could I have imagined such circumstances would come to pass.  Therefore, with much humility, I accept the will of my King, my father, and my brother, and will take up the office of Steward."  Faramir turned and knelt before the King.

And King Elessar Telcontar arose from his throne.  "Will you swear to uphold the office of the Steward of Gondor with all diligence and honour?"

"I will, sire."

"Then in acknowledgement of the will of your father, Steward before you, and of your brother, the elder son of the line of Hurin, I accept your service as my Steward, to stand by my side and execute my will, and to abide here to hold the realm when I must leave the Kingdom.  And in token of this, and of your excellent service as the Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien, I also grant to you, as well, the Princedom of Ithilien as yours to hold.  For there is much that needs healing in that land.  And therefore, when your duties do not require your presence here in the city of Minas Tirith, you may dwell in Emyn Arnen in honour and peace as the Prince of Ithilien, and care for the healing of those such lands in the East that once were a part of Gondor.  For, said he, “'Minas Ithil in Morgul Vale shall be utterly destroyed, and though it may in time to come be made clean, no man may dwell there for many long years.”

And King Elessar reached his hand down to raise up his new Steward.  "Rise, Lord Faramir, son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, and Prince of Ithilien, and let this be known to all the people!"

And once more, there was cheering from all those who heard, for Faramir was beloved by all the people for his honour and courtesy, and the love that he had for all the people of Gondor.

Joey was clapping and cheering with all the rest.  The whole ending there was a surprise to him—he’d had no idea that Denethor would give up being Steward, even though he knew the older man was still coughing a lot and was tired ever since the fire.

Then the herald called out, "Are there any others who have business with the High King of Gondor and Arnor?"

And a stentorian voice from the back of the throne room called out, "Éomer King, of Rohan, would approach the throne."

The Herald looked up, and the King gave a nod.  Then he rose to his feet and strode down to the foot of the stairs to the lower dais.  And Eomer of Rohan strode up the aisle, accompanied by Éowyn. 

And last of all Aragorn greeted Éomer of Rohan, and they embraced, and Aragorn said: “Between us there can be no word of giving or taking, nor of reward; for we are brethren.  In happy hour did Eorl ride from the North, and never has any league of peoples been more blessed, so that neither has ever failed the other, nor shall fail.  Now, as you know, we have laid Théoden the Renowned in a tomb in the Hallows, and there he shall lie for ever among the Kings of Gondor, if you will.  Or if you desire it, we will come to Rohan and bring him back to rest with his own people.

And Éomer answered: “Since the day when you rose before me out of the green grass of the downs I have loved you, and that love shall not fail.  But now I must depart for a while to my own realm, where there is much to heal and set in order.  But as for the Fallen, when all is made ready we will return for him; but here let him sleep a while.

And Éowyn said to Faramir: “Now I must go back to my own land and look on it once again, and help my brother in his labour; but when one whom I long loved as father is laid at last to rest, I will return.”

And Elessar nodded.  "Sorry shall we be to miss your company, but alas for your sad duty.  And I and some of my people will also accompany you to Meduseld, that we may honour Théoden son of Thengel, who ended his days in glory and in his fulfilment of the Oath of Eorl."

-oo000oo-

*A/N: Steve is quoting Proverbs 23:24.





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