Chapter 4

Two months went by quickly as everyone prepared for the trip. The Cullen's had learned sword fighting very fast and were well equipped to fight if needed. Bella could tell they were excited about embarking on something they had only read about in books or seen in movies, something they consider fantasy. Emmett was almost giddy.

Bella and Legolas had formed a sold close friendship and were often seen talking or sparing together.

Bella was also close with the hobbits and Aragorn. Boromir talked to her but not as much and Gimli decided for an elf she was alright. The Cullen's had gained a friendly relationship with most of the fellowship as well but everyone was still skittish around them. Bella had slowly started talking to them again when everyone was together in a group or when they were training. Their friendship was not what it was in Forks but it was slowly getting there.

Edward still had deep love for Bella but he saw how happy she was when the Prince elf was around and he knew they were perfect for each other. He decided he would have to live with just being her friend and maybe there was still someone out there for him.

The Cullen's had decided that so far they really liked this new simpler world. Alice and Rosalie loved the elf fashion and the whole family like that they didn't have to hide who they were here. They were ready for this trip. Bella was worried that some of the Cullen's wouldn't like the fact that the next time they would be able to really shower or have private times with their mates would be so far away that it would start to get to them but so far they seemed ready face whatever was thrown at them.

The night before everyone was set to leave Lord Elrond threw a party for the fellowship. Even had animal blood brought in for the Cullen's.

"Tonight we celebrate the brave 17 individuals that will be embarking on the journey to destroy the one rings tomorrow. Please enjoy this last night of relaxation and may the Valar be with you." Lord Elrond said. Everyone cheered and drank to his toast before the eating and dancing started.

Bella was talking with Arwen, Alice, Rose and Esme off to the side when Legolas approached. He bowed to the ladies who bowed back.

"Lady Bella. May I have the honor in this dance." he ask. Bella blushed a little while the other girls urged her to accepted.

"I'd be honored." she replied before taking his hand and letting him lead her to the dance floor. Back in Forks she hated dancing, because she didn't know how. But being turned into an elf gave her grace like you wouldn't believe and now she could easily glide across the dance floor with the best of them.

She caught Edward watching from across the room and he looked almost happy for her, but slightly sad. Legolas spun her around the dance floor most of the night. They laughed and smiled at each other, just having a good time. She also danced with her father, brothers and Aragorn. All in all she had a great night. Legolas walked her to her room when the party was over and she went to rest with a large smile on her face.

The next morning was crazy. Bella packed her bag, changed into leggings and a turnic along with boots, braided her hair into one long braid, and strapped her bow and arrows and twin knives onto her back before joining her family for breakfast and tearful goodbyes.

"Stay safe my daughter. And come back to me." Elrond told her.

"I will Ada. I promise." she told him.

Will miss you little sister." the twins said at the same time. She laughed and hugged them tight.

"Keep yourself safe and keep an eye on Aragorn for me." Arwen said. She nodded and with a few more last minute hugs she made her way outside.

Everyone was there and ready all except Frodo and Gandalf. Sam was holding the rains for Bill the horse that was packed with all there things.

"So where just waiting on Frodo and Gandalf." Bella ask as she joined the group.

"Yes, they are coming now." Aragorn said nodding to the stairs. Everyone turned and watched as they came outside with Elrond who was seeing them off.

"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him no oath nor bond is laid, to go further than you will," Elrond said

"Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all free folk go with you." Elrond said giving his farewell and goodbyes. Aragorn, Legolas and Bella all bowed. Elrond kissed and hugged Bella one more time before they started their trip.

"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer." Gandalf said from the front of the line. Frodo walked forward.

"Mordor, is it left of right." Frodo ask the Wizard.

"Left." he said before they all started to leave the city of Rivendell and head left. Gandalf and Frodo in the front, Aragorn and Boromir behind them, the other hobbits next along with the horse. The Cullen's all walked together at the same pace as everyone else and Bella and Legolas pulled up the rear.

By the end of the first day they had covered as much ground as they could only being able to walk as fast as the little hobbits could. They found a spot to camp for the night.

"Nothing to big Sam" Aragorn said. "We do not need the firelight to bring unfriendly eyes." Sam sighed and nodded and began to cook food for everyone except the Vampires to eat. Bella, Legolas and the Vampires used there extra senses to keep watch to make sure they were not in danger. They had agreed that the Vampires would keep watch at all times since they didn't need to sleep and the others that did need rest would alternate to help with the watches. Tonight Bella and Legolas would also help with the watch, elves didn't need as much rest as the others did.

After they ate the food Sam cooked everyone sat around the fire making small talk or just resting.

"This is defiantly some of the most beautiful country we have ever seen." Carlisle said. They had been amazed at everything they saw today while traveling and couldn't wait to see more.

"what was it like where you came from." Pippin ask them.

"Nothing like this. There is still some beauty left but people have built so much and cut down so many trees that it's almost destroyed the world." Alice told them.

"That's so sad." Sam said and everyone nodded.

"Well I think it's time we got some rest." Aragorn told them. The ones that were sleeping went to their bed rolls and the others keeping watched took up post surrounding the others.

Bella was perched on a rock and was staring off into the night, scanning the trees for any danger. Every now and then she would test out her powers over earth again, making the breeze blow or causing rocks to float into the air. She was really good at controlling it now.

"You're getting really good." She heard Edward say from behind her. She turned her head a little to look at him.

"Thanks. Yeah I can control it now. It was weird at first but now I kind of like it. It could be really useful if we run into trouble." she said motioning for him to sit. She had slowly started allowing the Cullen's near her for brief talks.

"How have you been with everything since you came here." he ask her. She sighed and looked out into the night.

"It been great. I mean I found my family and became what I was meant to be. In our old world I never felt like I belong there, like something was missing. Now, I'm and immortal elf witch with senses like a Vampire and a family that I love more than anything. Even with the war going on I still couldn't be any happier." she explained. She could see Legolas watching them from where he was sitting not far away.

"I'm glad you're happy Bella. I always thought when we were in Forks that even though you said you were happy there was something missing. And I am sorry about how much I hurt you. I know I can never take that back and even though I know I can never have your love again I will always be here for you. I will always love you." he told her. Bella could see Legolas stiffen slightly but he stayed where he was.

"Edward, you have already apologize for that. I know I'm not as close to your family as I once was but I'm sure with time that will change. I will always care for you as well, you were my first real relationship, but it just wasn't meant to be. I think that we were meant to meet so that we would know what real love felt like when it came along and so we could be here to save Middle Earth. I think that we will both find our happiness in someone else and be able to remain friends." Bella replied back. He nodded in understanding and agreement.

"You're probably right. I just can't help but wonder what would have happened if I hadn't have been so stupid and left. Would we still be in Forks happy?" he ask.

"I think that even if you hadn't have left we would still be here. I was meant to come back at this time that had nothing to do with you. And even if you hadn't left me I think we would have eventually realized we were better as friends." Bella said.

"You're so different here than you were before. But it's a good thing. Thanks for talking to me again." Edward said standing to go back to his post. She nodded her head and told him he was welcome. She looked over at caught Legolas' eye and gave him a small smile which he returned.

The rest of the night went by without talking or danger and soon they were waking everyone up to start there next day of travel.

"So what is our course exactly." Bella ask Gandalf during breakfast.

"We shall continue along the Misty Mountains, and with luck, the Gap of Rohan should be open." he replied. She nodded and strapped her knives to her back and waited for everyone to get ready.

"You know I still can't get over the fact that you can fight and with weapons at that." Emmett said from behind her. She looked at him and smirked.

"Are you afraid that I can kick your ass now Em." she ask him. She saw Rose give her a wink as his other family members laughed at his expression.

"In your dreams baby girl." Emmett said then walked off with Rose to help the Hobbits.

After that they were off again making their way towards the south passageway, hopping they passed by each day un noticed.

2 weeks into their travel they stopped to rest midday below the snow covered mountains of Caradhras and spread out on the rocks.

Merry and Pippin were working with Boromir on their sword work while Aragorn gave pointers.

"Move your feet." he yelled towards them. Frodo and Sam were watching as well and eating while the Cullen's alternated from watching to listening to Gandalf and Gimli. Bella and Legolas were standing on a rock together looking out towards the sky.

"If anyone was to ask for my opinion, which I note they're not, I'd say we were taking the long way round. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome," Gimli said. Bella heard Legolas snort and she elbowed him in the ribs to be nice. He just rolled his eyes smiling at her.

"No Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice," Gandalf said.

"Why, What's wrong with Moria." Jasper ask him.

"Moria are the mines of the Dwarves. There are far scarier creatures under the ground than just Orks." Gandalf and they nodded.

Bella and Legolas caught site of something in the distance.

"Legolas do you see that." Bella ask. This drew everyone's attention.

"Aye, I see it." he said frowning his brow to see what it was.

"What is that?" Sam asked .

"It's just a wisp of cloud," Gimli said.

"No I don't think so." Carlisle said as the Cullen's stood on the rock near the elves to look with their sight as well.

"It's like a black mass moving quickly." Alice said.

"It's moving fast and against the wind," Boromir said as he stood from where Merry and Pippin had knocked him to the ground.

Legolas gasp before yelling. "Crebain from Dunland!" Bella too gasp. She had read about all the creatures in Middle earth. The Cullen's didn't know what they were but knew it was not good.

"HIDE." Aragorn yelled. Everyone moved fast. Putting out the fire and grabbing there stuff. The birds were close and everyone but Bella was hiding. She was grabbing the last bag that was forgot. She felt someone grab her and drag her under a large bush.

She felt an arm wrapped around her waist and looked up to see that Legolas had grabbed her and was holding her protectively against his body, laying slightly on top of her. She found she liked the way he held her. He looked down at her before they both looked upwards as the birds flew around in circles trying to find them. After a while they flew on.

Bella and Legolas stay under the bush for a moment.

"Are you alright." Legolas ask pushing hair out of her face. She nodded.

"Yeah. Thanks. I think it's safe now." she said as she saw everyone else getting up. He nodded and moved out from under the bush and held out a hand to help her, which she took. Everyone looked around to make sure everyone was ok while they dusted off their clothes.

"What the hell was that." Rosalie ask fixing her hair.

"Spies of Saruman. The passage south is being watched. We will have to take the Path of Caradhras." Gandalf said pointing to the snow covered mountain. Everyone stared at it in horror.

"Well, that looks like fun." Bella said sarcastically. Legolas chuckled at her. He found her very amusing. The Cullen's smiled at what she said. They remembered her hating the cold and wet back in Forks.

Everyone packed quickly and started making the climb up the mountain.