AMAZING LOVE

Thanks for the reviews! Here's the second chapter. Oh, and just so you know, there's this history thing behind Aragorn and Elizabeth...Legolas-Squigglies, thanks for the review. I honestly didn't know how to correctly spell Strider, so thanks for the correction. Well, here's the second chapter. Hope y'all like it!!

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CHAPTER TWO

The snow was cold.

Elizabeth walked, bundled in a warm cloak, a pair of wool leggings on underneath her dress. It wasn't half as bad as she'd expected. She had grown accustomed to cold weather, but she looked ahead of her, at three of the hobbits. They walked slowly, shivering in the cold. *They can't make this journey through the snow,* she thought. She looked behind her when she heard Frodo yelp, and saw him rolling down the hill.

"Frodo!," Aragorn yelled. He ran up the hill and caught the hobbit. Frodo jumped up and grasped his neck, panicking when he didn't find the ring. He watched as Boromir leaned down and retrieved the chain and ring from the snow. "Boromir...," Aragorn warned. The bearded man simply looked at the ring. "It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing...Such a little thing...," he trailed off, entranced by the ring. "Boromir! Give the ring to Frodo," Aragorn said, his hand resting upon his sword. Boromir smiled and walked towards them. "As you wish," he said, holding out the chain. Frodo grabbed it. "I care not." His smile wavored a moment before he chuckled and ruffled Frodo's hair. Aragorn relaxed as he walked away and took his hand off his sword.

Frodo looked up at him before walking on.

The trip up the mountain was accompanied by a harsh snow storm. They all walked, their heads bowed to protect their eyes. Legolas walked ahead of them all, his elven grace allowing him to walk on top of the snow, his body unaffected by the drop in temperature. He squinted into the sky, his Elven eyesight and hearing alert. "There is a fell voice on the air!," he yelled over the wind. Gandalf looked at him. "It's Saruman!" Suddenly, rocks began to plummet towards them and everyone pushed themselves up against the side of the mountain. The rocks crashed down upon the edge of the mountain.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain!," Aragorn yelled, clutching Sam and Frodo to him. "Gandalf, we must turn back!" Gandalf looked at him and shook his head. "No!" He went to the edge of the mountain and began to chant in Elvish, attempting to overpower Saruman's own chants. It was to no avail. Lightning struck the tip of the mountain, causing an avalanche of snow to fall. Legolas darted out and grabbed Gandalf, pulling him away from the edge. Elizabeth gasped as the snow came down, burrying them all.

There was no movement for a few minutes, then, suddenly, Legolas' white head popped out of the snow and he searched for the others. Gandalf and Boromir appeared, the man pulling up Merri and Pippin. Gimli wiggled his way out, followed by Aragorn, Sam and Frodo. "Elizabeth?," Aragorn called. They all looked around but didn't see the brunette's head. "Where is she?," Sam asked. Legolas turned his head quickly, then rushed over to a spot. He grabbed the white hand that had just appeared and pulled the brunette out of the snow. Elizabeth gasped for breath as she surfaced. She brushed the snow off of her face and looked up at the elf. "Thank you," she said, her chest constricting. Legolas nodded. "You're welcome." She looked away quickly, once again struggling with the strange feeling she had felt earlier.

"We must get off the mountain!," Boromir yelled. "Make for the Gap of Rohan! Or take the West Road to my city!" Aragorn shook his head. "The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!" Gimli looked at the wizard. "If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the mines of Moria." Gandalf stared at the dwarf, a feeling of dread rising up at the thought of the passage. "Let the ringbearer decide," he said, looking to Frodo.

The young hobbit stared at him, unsure of what to answer. "We cannot stay here!," Boromir yelled. "It will be the death of the hobbits!" Elizabeth looked over. All four hobbits stood nearly frozen, shivering in the cold. *It will be their death,* she thought. She looked to Frodo. "Frodo?," Gandalf asked. Frodo looked to his kin, then back at the wizard.

"We will go through the mines."

Gandalf looked at him. "So be it."

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"This is ridiculous," Gimli muttered.

They all sat outside the entrance of the mines of Moria. They had been there for some time, while Gandalf tried to find the right words to open the door. Elizabeth looked over at him from where she sat under the tree. The dwarf sat against a rock, smoking his pipe. "The wizard can't even find a way in...as if an Elf wasn't bad enough, now there's a wizard who doesn't know what to do." Elizabeth shook her head. *Wretched dwarf,* she thought.

"Saurar," (foul one) Legolas said behind her. She laughed softly. The elf looked at her. "You know Elvish?," he asked. Elizabeth shrugged. "Only some. I picked up most of it from Aragorn." Legolas walked towards her. "How much do you know?" She smiled. "Enough to know an insult when I hear one." Legolas returned her smile and Elizabeth felt her heart race. *What is going on?,* she thought as Legolas took a seat next to her.

"Lle rangwa amin?," he asked. She nodded. "Yes, I understand you." He smiled. "Manke naa lle tuulo?" (Where are you from?). Elizabeth smiled. "Mankoi lle irma sint?" (Why do you want to know?) He smiled. "Amin caelo n'noa." (I have no idea.). Elizabeth laughed. "Tanya nae eina." (That was funny.). Legolas laughed as well. "That was the first Elvish conversation I've ever had with someone other than Aragorn. Thank you," she said. Legolas looked into her eyes. "Seasamin," (my pleasure) he said. They stared at each other a moment, then Elizabeth felt as if he was moving in closer.

The sound of the stone doors opening jerked them apart. They looked back and saw Gandalf congratulate Frodo. Legolas stood and helped Elizabeth to her feet. She stared up at him. *Did I imagine him trying to kiss me?* She picked up her sword and followed the others inside.

Gimli was going on about dwarf hospitality when she entered. "They call it a mine. A mine," he said to Legolas, his bearded face bright. Boromir stopped. "This is no mine," he said. "It's a tomb." Gandalf shined light around the mine from his staff. Pippin jumped back and when he saw a skeleton before him. Gimli looked around. "No...no...." He ran to one of the skeletons. "Nooo!!!" Legolas bent down to one of the skeletons and pulled out an arrow of its skull, examining it. "Goblins," he said in disgust, tossing down the arrow and pulling out one of his own.

Elizabeth, take the hobbits out!," Aragorn yelled, drawing his sword. The young brunette nodded and ushered them out. "Come on," she said, drawing her own sword as she walked out. The five of them stood there, looking inside. Suddenly, Frodo and Elizabeth were pulled to the ground. Sam, Merri, and Pippin turned to see the two being pulled towards the water. "Strider!," Sam yelled. Aragorn turned. "Elizabeth! Frodo!," he yelled upon seeing them.

Elizabeth and Frodo struggled to free their feet, which were being held by some kind of tentecles. Elizabeth brought her sword down, slicing in half the tentecle that held her. She freed her foot, then sliced the one that held Frodo. The two raced to their feet, then fell back when a large sea creature came up out of the water. More tentecles grabbed the two of them and they were lifted into the air.

Elizabeth struggled and lost her sword in the process. "ARAGORN!," she screamed. Aragorn and Boromir raced into the lake, slicing off the tentecles that tried to stop them. The creature lifted Elizabeth and Frodo higher and opened its mouth, revealing several large, sharp teeth. Frodo screamed while Elizabeth's eyes widened. Aragorn ran over, swinging his sword. The tentecle that held Elizabeth was cut in half, and the young woman plummeted down. Boromir caught her and put her on her feet. Aragorn sliced apart the one that held Frodo and the hobbit fell into the ranger's arms. Elizabeth grabbed her sword as they ran towards the mine.

"Get in the mine!," she yelled. The hobbits ran into the mine, hiding behind Gandalf. "Legolas!," Boromir yelled. The elf pulled back his bow and shot an arrow at the creature. It screeched as Aragorn carried Frodo into the mine, followed by Boromir and Elizabeth. Legolas shot another arrow before running into the mine. The creature pulled itself onto the shore, shoving its tentecles inside the mine. They crashed against the mine walls, caving them in. Gandalf quickly made the light from his staff grow brighter. "We have but one choice. We must face the long, dark tunnel," he said. "Keep up your guard. There are far worse things than orcs."

Legolas looked over at Elizabeth, who was wringing out her wet hair. He smiled softly. *Is it right to feel this way about a human?,* he thought. Oh, well. He didn't care. He just wanted to be near her. He walked next to her, while Aragorn was on her other side. "How on earth you always get yourself into such messes, Elizabeth, I don't think I'll ever figure out," Aragorn said, sheathing his sword and looking at her playfully. Her brown eyes glared up at him. "Aragorn," she said, sheathing her own sword. "Auta miqula orqu." Aragorn smiled and shook his head, walking ahead of them. Legolas looked over at her. "Did you just tell him to go kiss an orc?," he asked. Elizabeth smiled. "Yes." The elf laughed and she soon joined in as they walked.

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They climbed a very narrow staircase, gripping whatever they could to keep from falling. Elizabeth followed behind Merri and Pippin, making sure they didn't lose their footing. Bits of rock and dust fell onto her face and she halted a moment, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her dress. She pushed Merri up to the top of the staircase, then began to pull herself up. Aragorn reached down and pulled her the rest of the way.



She straightened and dusted off her dress. They stood before two doorways and she watched as Gandalf faltered. "I have no memory of this place," he said softly. Elizabeth stared at him. *Perfect*, she thought. She watched as the wizard sat down in front of the doorways and the others sat down as well. Elizabeth sighed and walked over to where Frodo sat and sunk down beside him. She leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes. As she waited, thoughts traveled through her mind.

She thought about the journey ahead, the obstacles they were to face. She thought of Aragorn and how long it had been since she's seen the man she considered a brother. He appeared different somehow. More serious, if that was possible. Then her thoughts shifted to Legolas. She opened her eyes and looked at the elf. He stood a few feet away from her, his arms across his chest, his eyes on something only he could see. She smiled softly.

Elizabeth couldn't explain what she felt when she was around the elf. It was somewhat a mixture of fear and excitement. Legolas had this effect on her...She felt nervous around him, but at the same time, felt like she could tell him anything. *Not that I would,* she thought. *Not with my past.* Her thoughts were interrupted when Frodo turned to her. "What's that melody you're humming, Miss Elizabeth?," he asked. She looked at him. Without her even knowing it, she had been hummin an old song she knew. She smiled. "It's just a song a friend of mine sings," she said. "She writes songs and then sings them." Frodo looked at her. "Would you sing it for us?" Elizabeth laughed. "It did sound quite lovely," Boromir commented from where he sat. She looked over at him. He was looking at her over his shoulder, while Aragorn smiled at her. "A song could lift our spirits, Miss Elizabeth," Sam said as Merri and Pippin nodded. She smiled. "It may, but my voice may not. I'm afraid I'm not much of a songstress compared to Bethany." "The bit of hummin we heard was lovely. I'm sure your voice is just the same." Elizabeth looked over at Legolas. He was looking at her softly. "Will you sing it for us?," Frodo asked again. She sighed, knowing this was a battle she wouldn't win.

// I don't know what it takes to gain your trust

But aren't the scars on my hands enough.

With every part of your disguise

I still see the fear in your eyes

You've trusted in your own lies

And I wanna hold you

When you're trembling

And I wanna carry you

When you're falling

Trust in me

And lean not on your own understanding

Have your hope in only me

Trust in me

What you cannot see

Trust in me

Your convincing smile hides your tears

Oh but how I wish this all wasn't a lie

With a simple hindrance you give up on trying

I know you're scared, but not alone

And I wanna hold you

When you're trembling

And I wanna carry you

When you're falling

Trust in me

And lean not on your own understanding

Have your hope in only me

Trust in me

What you cannot see

Trust in me //

As Elizabeth finished the song, she suddenly felt a little homesick. "It's a lovely song," Aragorn said. "It has been since the first day I heard it two years ago." Elizabeth looked at him and nodded. She glanced over at Legolas to see a small smile playing across the elf's face. She returned it. Everyone settled back into silence then, and Frodo rose to his feet and walked over to Gandalf. "Gandalf?," he asked. "I've wondered something since Rivendell." The wizard looked over at up. "And what would that be, Frodo Baggins?"

"How do Aragorn and Elizabeth know each other so well? They seem so close, almost like siblings...but they aren't." Gandalf shook his head. "No, they aren't, though they might as well be. Elizabeth and Aragorn have a past together, Frodo. I'm not sure I even know all of it. All I can say is that they owe their lives to each other. I'm afraid you'll have to ask one of them for the rest." Frodo nodded, then jumped when Gandalf made a sound of delight. "It's this way."

Everyone looked at him. "He's remembered!," Merri exclaimed. Gandalf shook his head. "No, but it doesn't smell so foul down here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose."

Elizabeth made to rise, then stopped when Legolas held out a hand to her. She took it and climbed to her feet. They followed the others as Legolas turned to her. "Who is the friend that wrote that song?" Elizabeth smiled. "She's a friend back in Teribathia," she said. "Her name is Bethany. We were always close...then I went off to become a champion. We lost touch after that. But I still remember every song she ever wrote. They give me a way to hold onto her." She stopped talking. *Why did I tell him about Bethany?*

She looked ahead of her at Gandalf. "Behold: the great realm and dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf," he said. Elizabeth's eyes widened at the sight before her. Tall pillars stood in rows, reaching high towards the ceiling. "Now there's an eye opener, ain't no mistake," Sam said. They all marveled at the sight. Suddenly, Gimli took off running towards a room and the others followed. They watched as the dwarf fell to his knees in front of a tomb.

Gandalf walked over to it and read the inscription. "Here lies Balin, Son of Hunding, Lord of Moria. So he is dead then." He walked over to another skeleton and picked up the book that it held on it's lap. Elizabeth listened as Gandalf read the words, something about "them" coming and trying to break down the door. She jumped when the echoing sound of something falling came up. They all turned to see a frightened Pippin looking down into a well, where a skeleton of a dwarf had just fallen. No one made a sound as they waited for something to happen. They all sighed in relief when nothing did.

Gandalf slammed the book shut and glared at the hobbit. "Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" Pippin looked away, ashamed. Suddenly they heard a sound. Then again. And again. Drums, Elizabeth thought. "Orcs," Legolas said. They all drew their weapons as Boromir rushed to the door. An arrow slammed into it from the outside, inches away from his face. He hurried and shut the door. "They have a cave troll," he said in mock cheerfullness. He and Aragorn barricaded the door as Elizabeth ushered the hobbits to the back of the room. "Stay here behind Gandalf," she ordered. They nodded and she turned back to the door. They all stood there as the orcs tried to break down the door any way they could. They used axes and as soon as they chopped a hole in the door, Legolas released an arrow, striking an orc. The ax fell. Suddenly the door caved in and orcs swarmed inside.

The battle began.

Elizabeth used every move she had been taught, swinging her sword, slicing down orcs as she went. Aragorn drew his sword and sliced off the head of an orc before moving onto another. Boromir and Gimli were doing much the same, while Legolas released arrows, one after another. Elizabeth stabbed an orc before looking up. The doorway of the tomb caved in as the cave troll came crashing in. That's why she didn't see the orc behind her until it screeched. She spun around and raised her sword, but she wasn't quick enough. The orc swung his sword, slashing Elizabeth across the stomach. She grunted in pain and swung her own sword, slicing off the orc's head. She brought a hand to her belly and brought it back bloody.

"Aragorn!" She looked up at Frodo's yell. The cave troll was coming towards the hobbit and she watched as Aragorn rushed towards them. The troll threw him to the side like a ragdoll. Elizabeth ignored the pain she felt and rushed towards them. She stopped when the troll picked up a spear and stabbed Frodo with it. "No!," she yelled. The others stopped and looked over. Frodo groaned and fell face first onto the ground. Elizabeth stood frozen. Frodo. With cries of anger, Merri and Pippin jumped onto the back of the cave troll and started to stab it with their swords. The troll screeched and grabbed them both. It threw Pippin to the side and the hobbit scrashed to the ground with a yell. Legolas walked towards them, an arrow poised to strike. The troll raised its head and screeched. The elf released the arrow and it struck the troll on the neck. It wavored a bit before it groaned and crashed to the ground, throwing Merri in the process.

Elizabeth dropped her sword and rushed over to Frodo. Aragorn, now awake, crawled towards him. "Oh, no," he whispered, pulling the hobbit towards him. Elizabeth felt the tears welling up in her eyes as she watched. Aragorn turned Frodo over and the hobbit groaned and coughed. Elizabeth smiled. "Frodo." Everyone looked at him, shocked. "But how?," Aragorn asked. "That spear could have severed a wild boar." Gandalf smiled as he came towards them. "I believe there's more to this hobbit than meets the eye." Frodo stared at them, then pulled down his shirt, revealing a shiny white vest. "Mithrail," Gimli whispered. "You certainly are full of surprises, Master hobbit." Gandalf nodded. "Come, we must be off. Hurry." They all rose and grabbed their weapons.



Elizabeth winced as she retrieved her sword. Legolas looked over at her, concern etching his face when he saw her bloodstained dress. "You're injured," he said. Aragorn looked at her. "Elizabeth?" The brunette shook her head. "It's only a scratch," she said. "It's not very bad. Let's worry about it when we're all safe." They both reluctantly agreed and they all raced out of the tomb. They raced down a hall, well aware that there were orcs right behind them. Elizabeth held her stomach as she ran, trying to ignore the pain. She didn't technically lie when she said her wound wasn't bad. It wasn't very deep, but, then again, it wasn't just a scratch either. Why do I always have to be so stubborn?, she wondered. Suddenly, they all came to a halt.

They were surrounded.

Orcs were on every side of them. They held swords, bows, and spears and they stared at the Fellowship. A loud sound made them start and Boromir watched as the orcs scattered. "What new devilry is this?," the man asked. "It is the Balroth," Gandalf said. "This evil is greater than any of us. RUN!" They all took off after Gandalf. They came to a crossing that would lead them to the bridge the wizard had talked about and Boromir ran toward it. He didn't see the large gap that was separating them from the other half. He yelped as he almost fell, but Legolas grabbed him, pulling the man back. "Now what?," Elizabeth asked. She watched as the elf easily leapt over the distance. He turned back to them. "Gandalf," he said, motioning with his arm. The wizard jumped and was caught by Legolas. "Elizabeth," Aragorn said. The brunette's eyes widened as she looked at the gap. "Is this a bad time to mention that I hate heights?," she asked. "I'll catch you. Don't worry," Legolas said.

Elizabeth swallowed hard. Here goes nothing. She closed her eyes and jumped. She expected to feel nothing but empty air as she fell, but instead she felt strong arms around her waist. She opened her eyes to see Legolas' smiling face. "I told you," he said. Elizabeth smiled at him, her heart racing. He set her on her feet and reached out to grab Boromir, who held Merri and Pippin. Samwise came next, then Gimli, who refused to be tossed. "Nobody tosses a dwarf," he said, then jumped. He barely made it and before he could fall, Legolas reached out and grabbed ahold of his beard. "Not the beard!," Gimli yelled. Elizabeth watched as part of the path collapsed, leaving Aragorn and Frodo stranded on the other side.

It began to wobble and Aragorn held onto Frodo. "Lean forward," he said. As they did, the path began to topple forward. AS it came close enough, Aragorn and Frodo jumped, safely landing with the rest. They took off again, racing towards the bridge that would take them out of Moira. Gandalf rushed them on before following. He stopped in the middle of the bridge and turned around, glaring at the hellish beast that was coming towards them. It appeared to be made completely of fire.

"You cannot pass!," Gandalf yelled. The others turned at his outburst. "Gandalf!," Frodo yelled. The beast walked onto the bridge and withdrew a large whip made of fire. "I am the servant of the Secret Fire, weilder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire shall not avail you, Flame of Udun!" The beast came forward and Gandalf raised his staff. "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" He slammed the staff down and the bridge beneath the beasts feet crumbled, plunging him into the dark abyss. Gandalf sighed and turned, but before he could walk on, the whip was smacked up and it grabbed ahold of Gandalf's foot. The wizard stumbled and grabbed onto the bridge, his body tangling over the abyss. Frodo ran forward, but was stopped by Boromir. "Gandalf!!"

The wizard looked up at them and Elizabeth saw defeat in his eyes. "Fly, you fools," he said, and then he let go. Frodo screamed. "NO!!" Boromir picked him up and ran towards the exit, yelling for Aragorn. The ranger turned and grabbed Elizabeth's arm. The brunette stood, staring at the place where the wizard had just been. "Elizabeth," Aragorn said. She looked at him, shaking her head. "Gandalf.." Aragorn grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "He's gone! Come, we must not linger here!" He pulled her towards the exit and they could hear Frodo wailing.

When they reached the mountains and the sunlight hit her face, Elizabeth broke down. She fell to her knees, the tears rolling down her face. The hobbits all did the same, Merri and Pippin comforting each other. Elizabeth reached out and pulled Sam into her arms, cradling the young hobbit's head. She felt her own heart breaking, and not only for herself. "Legolas, get them up," Aragorn said. Elizabeth looked at him. "Give them a moment, for pity's sake," Boromir said. Aragorn looked at him. "By nightfall these hills will be crawling with orcs. We must make it to the woods of Lothlorien. Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up." Elizabeth felt Legolas' hand on her shoulder and she rose with Sam. "On your feet, Sam," she said, wiping the tears from her eyes. She looked over when Aragorn yelled Frodo's name. The hobbit was feet away, his eyes red. She could see the pain in his face. How much more can these hobbits take?, She thought. She asked herself the same thing as they ran towards the woods.

Gimli was talking about the elf-witch, who cast spells upon the ones who entered the forest, and they were never heard from again. "This is one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily," he said. "I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a hawk." He stopped when he came face-to-face with an arrow. Elizabeth looked around them. They were surrounded by elves with arrows. She watched as one came forward. "The dwarf breathed so loud we could have shot him in the dark," he said. She watched as Aragorn addressed him as Haldir of Lothlorien.

Elizabeth grabbed her stomach as a jolt of pain shot through her. I should have treated it, she thought. It's getting infected. The pain grew until she could focus on nothing else. She was vagually aware of anything as they were led away, into the woods. They were led to the city of Lothlorien and they stood before a large staircase. Aragorn was arguing with Haldir, speaking in Elvish. "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves," Gimli said. "Speak words we can also understand." Haldir looked at him. "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days," the elf said. Gimli sneered at him. "And you know what this dwarf says to that?" He spoke something in Dwarvish, and one could only assume it was a very rude comment. Aragorn glared at him. "That was not so courteous."

Elizabeth could barely make out their words. The pain was only getting worse. "Miss Elizabeth? Are you alright?," Frodo asked softly. The brunette didn't hear him as she groaned and doubled over, clutching her stomach. "Legolas! Aragorn! She hurt," he yelled, grabbing her arm. Legolas ran over to her, catching her before she fell. "Elizabeth!," Aragorn yelled, leaving his conversation with Haldir unfinished as he ran over to her. Legolas crouched on the ground, Elizabeth still in his arms. "Elizabeth? Elizabeth, can you hear me?," he asked, brushing hair off her face. Elizabeth looked up at him as her vision dimmed. "Elizabeth!"

Legolas shouting her name echoed through her mind as the darkness took her.

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Ok, this was chapter two! I hope you liked it. Decided to leave it at a cliff hanger. Review and let me know what you thought!!