Thanks so much you guys! You each get a cookie and piece of pie! I love all the review; they make me so happy and want to write more. Keep reading and reviewing, and I'll keep writing.
Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or any of the characters, only Laura. I wonder how much it is to own Legolas? counts money, then looks up Oh yeah, here's the next chapter.
Chapter 7: Truth
The remaining weeks in Rivendell literally flew by. Laura was wondering if any of the Fellowship should know about her and where she was from, in case of emergency. Gandalf and Elrond already knew, but still, it might be safer if some others knew as well. She, therefore, decided to tell Aragorn and Legolas. She didn't want to upset the hobbits, Gimli would not think much of it, and she couldn't bear to tell Boromir because of his death. Anyway, she could trust Aragorn and Legolas. She decided to tell them the day before they all set out on the Quest.
When that day rolled around, Laura was determined on telling Aragorn and Legolas after breakfast. Everyone ate relatively quietly at breakfast that day, even the hobbits. Everyone held a heavy heart with leaving the next day, therefore, no one said much, except at the end of the meal, when Elrond rose and reminded them all that there would be a farewell feast at dinner, to wish the Fellowship a safe journey. As soon as he said this, he dismissed them all to do as they bid. Laura made sure to catch Aragorn and Legolas before they left and told them to meet her in her chamber as soon as possible. They agreed and she left for her chamber to await them.
When they arrived, she let them in and bade them sit. They complied and sat on the foot of her bed, confused as to what the trouble was.
"What is it you wish to tell us, Laura?" Aragorn asked, utterly perplexed. Legolas, too, was confused, but his features did not show it. Laura began pacing before them in her nervousness with their eyes following her figure. She sighed and finally began,
"I have not told many about where I am from and my past. There is a reason for that." She paused and Aragorn cut it,
"What does this…," Laura raised her hand to silence him and she continued.
"I am not of this world." She stopped pacing and turned to look at them, afraid of what she should see. They still look confused, so she said,
"I am from a different world entirely where the story of the Ring is known. It is all written down in books. We know all about you meeting Frodo and the other hobbits in Bree," she said looking to Aragorn, "Frodo getting stabbed on Weathertop, and Arwen taking him to Rivendell. I know why Gandalf was late arriving here; Saruman had captured him and he escaped with the help of Gwahir, the Windlord."
Aragorn was bewildered. No one knew why Gandalf had gone missing except for a select few, including himself. She also knew of what happened to him and the hobbits previous to her arriving in Rivendell; he hadn't told her all those things, had the others? He was about the question her when Laura added,
"If you want proof, look at what I was wearing when I met you." She pulled out the T-shirt and jeans she had been wearing when she arrived in Middle-Earth from the armoire. "Does anyone here wear anything like this?"
Aragorn shook his head. This was much to take in. Could it be true? She did not seem the type to lie about such things. Legolas had remained quiet through all of this and found it very interesting. Laura continued,
"I also know of what it to happen on the Quest; I know everything. That is why I joined the Fellowship, to make sure everything happens as it should, as I know it is to happen." She began crying because of the stress she was in; this was difficult to say to them. Both Aragorn and Legolas stood from the bed. Aragorn moved to comfort her, sensing she was under strain.
"I do not doubt this is true, but why tell us?" he asked. He did actually believe her, although it did seem far-fetched. She was a good girl, and would not lie about such a serious matter, he knew that.
"Gandalf and Elrond already know. I thought it would be better if other members of the Fellowship knew in case of need. Please, do not tell anyone else of this, I would not want to lose their trust or worry them," Laura said sobbing.
"Of course," Aragorn replied, pulling her into his embrace.
"We would never do anything that would cause you harm," Legolas added.
"Thank you," Laura said with a small smile through her sobs, as she looked at the two.
"You are welcome, mellon nín," Aragorn said as he kissed Laura's brow and stepped back, smiling. Laura's smile widened and she hugged them both. Aragorn laughed and returned the hug. Legolas hugged her saying, (my friend)
"Have no fear, mellon nín. We will not deceive you," as he, too, kissed her brow. Laura smiled at him and stepped back. She thanked them both again and allowed them to leave.
"We shall see you at dinner," Aragorn said, smiling, before he closed the door behind Legolas and himself. Laura, glad that that was done, smiled and sighed silently to herself.
The rest of the day was uneventful. Laura believed she could trust Aragorn and Legolas with her secret; they were good people. She also felt safer that some others knew her secret who would be journeying with her, since they would soon leave Elrond, and Gandalf, unfortunately, would fall in Moria and be gone for a while.
When it was an hour until dinner, Laura washed up and changed into an emerald green gown. It matched perfectly with her eyes and was also decently cut. It was fairly similar to the gown she wore to the Ball, yet it was simpler. She went to look at herself in the polished-silver mirror and found she looked stunning, almost better than the night of the Ball. She always believed in dressing simply and thought she looked better that way, anyway. As she looked in the mirror, a soft knock came out her door. She furrowed her brow in confusion because she wasn't expecting anyone, but shrugged it off and moved to open the door.
"Why, hello Boromir," Laura said, smiling, as she opened the door to see who the visitor was. She smiled, but was inwardly surprised at this. Boromir didn't often come by to see her; usually it was Legolas or a maid, preferably Urithrawiel. I wonder what he wants? she thought as she looked up at him.
"Good evening, Laura," Boromir said smiling widely at the maiden before him. "I was wondering if you would care for me to escort you to dinner?"
"Um…sure, Boromir," she replied hesitantly. "Please, come in," she added, opening the door wider to let him in. "I have not completely finished getting ready; it will only be a moment."
"Thank you," he responded as he stepped into her room. Laura smiled and nodded in return, before walking into the bathroom to put some make-up on. There was just some simple blush, yet, it was make-up.
"Are you ready for leaving tomorrow?" Boromir asked as he looked about Laura chamber, waiting for her to finish. Her chamber was not much different from his. He had the same bed, armoire, and a balcony, as well. The only difference was the arrangement of the furniture, and that a woman resided in this room, when he, a man, resided in his own. He supposed Elrond kept it that way for a reason.
"Yes," Laura replied from the bathroom. "I have been trained well thanks to Legolas, Aragorn, and yourself."
"Yes, of course." A few more moments passed until Laura emerged.
"Well, I'm ready," Laura said as she stepped out of the bathroom, smiling. Boromir turned and gasped silently when he saw her figure. All he could do was stare and all he could say was, "You look wonderful."; he was so bewildered at her beauty.
"Shall we go?" Laura questioned, standing in front of a dumbfounded Boromir.
"What? I mean, oh yes," he said coming out of his trance and offering his arm, absolutely beaming.
They left Laura's chamber and walked to the Dining Hall. When they stepped into the room, all eyes were on them, or should I say, all eyes were on Laura. Everyone had been standing around talking until the Hall doors opened, revealing the beautiful maiden. Laura smiled politely at everyone as she walked, and Boromir looked as if he were the happiest man alive with his arm linked to her.
They first approached Aragorn and Legolas, who had been talking. They both were dressed nicely and looked to be having a good time. Laura unhooked her arm from Boromir and Aragorn smiled, than laughed, causing Laura to raise an eyebrow in questioning.
"If I were not so in love with Arwen, I would definitely be in love with you," he replied as he laughed. At this Arwen came up behind him, smiling, and whacked him on the head. "You know I am only jesting," he admitted as he laughed harder. Legolas, Boromir, and Laura all laughed at this, than Legolas turned his gaze to Laura. Their eyes locked and Legolas kindly said,
"Le bain. 'Law lîn síla sui Ithil." Laura blushed at this, yet still smiled. (You are beautiful. Your radiance shines like the moon.)
"Thank you, Legolas," she replied, slightly embarrassed. Legolas smiled and laughed, but Boromir was just glaring daggers at the Elf. Legolas then bowed low and politely asked,
"May I take you to your seat?" Laura smiled and replied,
"Yes, of course, Legolas."
Legolas offered his arm, as he always did, and brought her to the table where they would be sitting. Boromir watched this with jealous eyes and a sneer on his face. Aragorn chuckled at what Legolas had said, but soon noticed Boromir's behavior and turned to him, immediately becoming serious.
"I know you like her, Boromir, but do not hurt her or pressure her. If you do, there will be dire consequences; she is like a sister to me and I care for her. This is a fair warning," he said threateningly, his grey eyes piercing Boromir's brown ones.
"You cannot tell me what I can and can't do, ranger," Boromir sneered.
"I gave you a warning, Boromir. Do not tempt me further," Aragorn responded menacingly.
"Fine," Boromir snarled, as he left him to go take his seat, still watching Laura and Legolas. Aragorn sighed and shook his head as he stared at the stubborn Gondorian's retreating back.
Legolas sat Laura and himself across from where Aragorn would sit. Eventually, everyone came to the table and the meal soon began. But, before the meal, Elrond stood and made a small speech.
"The Fellowship sets out to Mount Doom tomorrow. This is a feast of farewell and best wishes." He rose his glace and everyone followed suit. "To the Fellowship and a hopeful victory."
"Victory," everyone chanted and rose their glasses to their lips. They, then, all sat and enjoyed the meal set before them. Legolas did not ask Laura anything concerning her past or her knowledge of the future, instead, he told her of life in Mirkwood and what was happening in Middle-Earth besides the War of the Ring. She found it all very interesting and listened intently.
Laura sat beside both Legolas and Boromir during the meal and talked to them both and Aragorn when she could, but, whenever she was engaged in a conversation with Legolas, Boromir would try to draw her attention away from him by touching her or interrupting them. Aragorn was noticing this throughout the meal and would give Boromir warning glances from time to time in an attempt to stop him. Boromir eventually took the hints and stopped, because if looks could kill, Boromir would be dead and buried.
When the meal had finished, Laura excused herself saying she was tired and that they had a lot of work to do tomorrow. Boromir as about to ask her if she would like him to accompany her to her room when Legolas stood and said,
"Shall I accompany you to your room?"
"Yes, Legolas, I would like that," she replied, smiling.
They bade everyone good night and soon left the Dining Hall to Laura's chamber where Legolas wished her good night and said he would see her in the morning, bright and early. She smiled and nodded, than went into her room to get ready for bed.
Boromir watched them leave, disgruntled and angered that the Elf had beat him to Laura…again! Aragorn, who had sat across from him, was furious at Boromir for behaving so shameful. He leaned across the table and said to him,
"I have warned you. If you do not be careful…." he trailed off, than asked, "Are you going to be able to journey with her? You are not to show much emotion when concentrating on killing orcs in battle."
"What of Legolas? He shows affection for her," Boromir protested, aggravated.
"He is and Elf; he can keep his emotions hidden," Aragorn stated simply. "But, I will watch him as well. No one is in need of a distraction from the Quest," he added, seriously.
The next morning, everyone was awoken early and told to pack. Laura borrowed more clothes from Arwen for the journey and Elrond gave her a blade, Nardring; she also had the bow, quiver, and knives given to her by Legolas. She seemed prepared, but did she feel it?
"The Fellowship sets out on a quest. For you, no oath or bond is laid to go further than you will. May the blessings of Elves, and men, and all free folk…go with you," Elrond stated solemnly to the Fellowship as they stood, assembled at the entrance of Rivendell, prepared to depart.
When this was said, both Aragorn and Legolas placed their hands over their hearts and moved them away in a sign of farewell. Laura simply nodded to Elrond and all the Elves assembled there, than turned to leave. She heard Frodo whisper uncertainly,
"Mordor, Gandalf, is it right or left?"
"Left," Gandalf answered in the same whispered tone.
Laura thought of all that was to come on the Quest, and fear struck her heart. I'm not ready she thought. Why did I volunteer to go on this quest? Why? She thought of Caradhras, the Balrog in Moria, Boromir falling in Amon Hen; she didn't feel ready.
Legolas could sense her uneasiness from ahead, where he was walking between Gandalf and Gimli, therefore dropped back to her position, between Sam and Boromir. He looked at her worriedly, but did not get a response, therefore he asked concerned,
"Are you alright, mellon nín?" (my friend)
"I'm just wondering if I am ready and if I should have joined the Fellowship," she answered truthfully, her voice full of doubt. "Now it seems to have been pointless; there is no need for me." She looked to Legolas and their eyes locked. He looked at her, shocked that she actually had said that.
"You are ready. Do not think otherwise. You were meant to be here," he said, his voice full of confidence and determination. As he said that, he took Laura's hand and squeezed it encouragingly.
"Thank you, Legolas," Laura said with a small smile. He smiled back and nodded, than let go of her hand and walked back to where he had been walking before. Laura decided to take Legolas' words to heart and try to not doubt herself. Elrond said himself that she had an important place in the fate of Middle-Earth. She had to believe in herself.
And so, with those words and thoughts, the Fellowship began on its long and dangerous Quest…its Quest to the ends of the Earth…its Quest to Mount Doom.
I actually got another chapter out before my vacation! I just got back from Easter with family and am leaving Thursday for my vacation, so don't expect any updates for at least…9 days. I'm sorry, but I will be back. Hope you guys had a great Easter! Read and Review! Thanks.
