A/N: I've been waiting to put this chapter out for y'all, it's got some interesting developments I hope you guys will find exciting and interesting! I'm proud of this chapter and the next one in particular are my favourites that I've written so far. Sorry to keep you guys waiting.
Thanks to all the peeps out there supporting my story. Your faves and follows are appreciated: Sandraxx, BlooRose and 1996.
Thatonesuperwholockedgirl: Uh creative license? xD Good use of a Crowley gif though.
eragon95159: yeah I've seen that too, but I'm going to stick to what they've done in the film and have him die just after Lothlorien. As for Faramir and Frodo, she won't be involved in their story.
Merlinsbeardron: Your name made me cackle xD Thanks!
Guest: I appreciate that! I'm enjoying doing the character developments and relationship building myself!
Bitch123: Lol you're back. Thanks for that!
-Angels and Douchebags
They were leaving Lothlorien. It had been seven days since they arrived and Thariya found herself wanting to stay. She packed the extra tunics and clothes that were made for her and walked with the Fellowship to the river.
Haldir suggested they take the River Anduin, the woodland paths were being watched by orcs and new creatures that had been created by Saruman. Thariya was relieved for one, that they would not take the paths through Lothlorien. Perhaps her vision of Boromir would not come to pass.
The Marchwarden led the Fellowship with their belongings on their back to where the boats were waiting by the docks. Thariya watched as a large delegation of the elves were there for their departure. Including the Lord and Lady.
Thariya's pack was now considerably heavier, with all the new clothing she had acquired including cloaks and tunics. She rifled through as the Fellowship's belongings were loaded onto three boats they intended to row.
Legolas appeared to be carrying a stack of packages wrapped in leaves.
What is that? She gave a questioning look to the wrapped goods.
"It is delicious." Pippin licked his fingers.
"Lembas. Elvish waybread. One bite is enough to fill the stomach of a full grown man." Legolas said proudly.
I think Pippin ate more than a bite. She spoke to Legolas as they eyed the hobbit with amusement.
"How much did you eat?" Merry asked him quietly.
"Four." Pippin replied contently.
"Still have the Marchwarden's cloak?" She recognised the same question from the same person who had consistently asked for the last two days, and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
If you must know I am giving it back. Thariya gave the elf a pointed look.
"Oh leave her alone Legolas, it is just a cloak." Gimli grumbled in amusement at his discomfort.
I would prefer to keep it. It is very comfortable and warm. She wrote in her book.
"Well the Marchwarden is a big strong elf." Pippin commented. Legolas shot the young hobbit a tired glare.
Legolas simply had enough of seeing the cloak constantly draped around her shoulders, it was obviously too big for her and she would injure herself, constantly tripping over the excess fabric.
No, my friends. Legolas is under the strange notion that Haldir has feelings for me. Thariya wrote.
Pippin choked on the bread he was eating as Merry looked in confusion before reading her message. Gimli began chortling loudly, attracting the attention of the other elves whilst Legolas was ready to shoot arrows into his friends.
"You and the Marchwarden?!" Pippin exclaimed loudly.
"I simply mean why else would he give up his border cloak to her? Does no one else find it strange?" Legolas reasoned.
"Well," Merry begun as Thariya looked at him in disbelief.
"Pointy ears has a point, he does not seem the caring type." Gimli said.
Please tell me you have not joined this madness too Gimli.
Gimli jumped back in surprise causing him to fall backwards onto the dock. Thariya's eyes widened.
"Did, did you just speak to me lass?" He got up from the ground moving closer to her.
I did! She squealed causing Gimli to once.
Sorry. She apologised.
"You can speak to him too? Try me!" Pippin asked.
It would seem so. Pippin's mouth widened into a grin.
"She spoke to me too!" Pippin said to Merry.
"I know I just heard her." Merry's mouth was agape, trying to comprehend the shock.
"That is impressive Thariya, it seems your powers have expanded in our time here." Legolas smiled enthusiastically.
"Try holding a conversation with all of us at the same time." Legolas suggested with encouraging looks from the other three.
Hello everyone. She said suddenly shy with everyone listening. The companions clapped and cheered in happiness as Thariya had the widest grin on her face.
But how is this possible? She asked them all.
"I suspect it is to do with the magic surrounding the city. The Lady Galadriel has similar abilities and we have all healed in our time here, in turn maybe you have grown stronger." Legolas suggested a plausible reason.
"This will make communicating a lot easier!" Merry joked as the Fellowship dissolved in laughter.
"And I don't think anyone else can hear you either." Pippin looked around at the elves who busied themselves.
"Isn't it draining ya lass? All the energy?" Gimli asked.
It's like I'm using no energy at all. It's coming naturally. She said, a happy glow washed over her.
"Maybe you can go tell Haldir, I'm sure he'll be happy with your progress." Pippin teased.
Thariya shook her head furiously at the ridiculous assumption, openly rolling her eyes.
Haldir was much too serious for Thariya, besides she had not even known him long enough to call him a friend. If they were staying in Lothlorien longer, perhaps.
"Well. Good morning Marchwarden." Merry said loudly.
The five companions turned around to see Haldir looking confused.
"Good morning, young hobbit." He said taken aback.
"Thariya wishes to speak with you." Legolas stated. He made motions for Thariya to speak as she glared at him.
"What is it?"
Here. She handed him the dark blue material which was neatly folded and washed. Speaking to her friends and Haldir so they could all hear her.
I am returning your cloak to you. She presented the bundle to him once more.
"You have no more need for it?" Haldir asked.
Lady Galadriel has gifted us cloaks of your realm. She explained.
"Keep it." Haldir said decidedly after a minute as Thariya heard sniggering behind her.
Why? Are you sure? She asked quickly.
"It was a gift, and I have many more. I would not want your death to jeopardize the quest remember." Haldir remarked mischievously, a faint smile on his face before he walked off.
See, it is not his only cloak. He has many more. Thariya said triumphantly.
"Did he just smile?" Merry asked with surprise.
...
They rowed away from the Lothlorien shores into the Silverlode river until they reached the vast mouth of the Anduin. But for such a big river, it was eerily quiet.
They sailed off in three boats. Aragorn and Boromir each with two hobbits. Leaving Gimli and Thariya in the canoe with Legolas to row. Thariya was glad she wasn't required to row, she was not made for the physical exertion it required, but Legolas appeared to have no problem.
In fact his mood had remarkably improved since Thariya had packed Haldir's cloak away and replaced it with the one Galadriel had gifted them. She could not handle the incessant questions and lingering stares of disdain from Legolas.
He had acted very strangely. It was though as if it bothered him that Haldir would want to court her, not that it was true. But it made Thariya think if Legolas felt that way. Her eyes widened in horrific realisation. Surely Legolas did not want to court her?! But it would not be so bad, she was already close with him. No that was silly. She sighed, she had just let her thoughts get away from her.
Thariya watched the river banks on both sides. The oars hitting the calm water was relaxing. They were quietly wading through the river, with the hope of going unnoticed by the Isengard orcs. It was a four day row down the river before they would reach the last woodland of Lothlorien and that was two days ago.
That is where she feared. If those were the woods that Boromir would try to take the ring.
"Are you alright lass?" The question from Gimli drove her out of her thoughts.
Yes fine. She replied.
"You've gone white as a sheet." He commented.
Just thinking about the gifts the Lady gave us. She changed the subject.
"Yes I quite enjoy the new bow." Legolas looked ahead along the river with a faint smile.
"I think I got the best gift from her." Gimli said with a faraway look.
I still cannot believe she gave you three golden hairs. Thariya chuckled in both of their minds.
"I think you recieved the most interesting gift." Legolas gestured to her staff.
It will definitely help until I find my anchor. She said admittedly.
She eyed the beautiful silver staff fashioned from the bark of a mallorn tree. Galadriel had said the woods were impregnated with starlight magic, similar to her own and of the wizards.
The Lady said it would aid her to act as a conductor of her abilities, allowing her to see energy more clearly and to focus her attack and defence. But it would only work if she believed it would.
...
"And to you Thariya, I give you this." Galadriel said handing her the staff. Thariya eyed the staff with curiousity and apprehension.
What is it? She twisted the beautiful engraved staff in her hand and felt a rush of warm welcoming energy.
"It is a staff, embued with Elvish magic to allow you to focus your powers. Control." Galadriel smiled at her.
Thariya looked in wonderment at the staff as Galadriel moved on to Frodo.
"Farewell Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all others go out." Galadriel gave the vial of luminous liquid to Frodo.
...
Thariya snapped out of the memory.
I must admit I have no idea how to use this. She picked it up.
"We will be stopping soon." Aragorn called out from the boat ahead.
Will we not be intending to row all the way? She asked him in his mind.
"Nightfall is approaching, I think a rest will do us all some good." Boromir commented from behind.
"Oh good I'm hungry." Sam grumbled.
Thariya watched as the sun hung low in the sky, it's rays shimmering out across the surface of the water. The three canoes rowed to the river edge which had a dense covering of trees.
They tied the boats off and the Fellowship set out their packs along the rocky surface.
"We'll get a fire going. Come Merry, Pippin let's collect the wood." Boromir encouraged the hobbits to follow him. Thariya watched him but could sense no malice as he led the hobbits out of the camp.
"Legolas and I will go hunting for dinner." Aragorn said to the four companions.
I will come with you. She spoke to the the man and elf who readied their weapons.
"It is okay. We will manage." Legolas smiled reassuringly before they left the camp.
Thariya set out her bedroll near Legolas and Aragorn as was their usual arrangement. She looked around, seeing Frodo and Sam, the latter was preparing his pots and pans for the arrival of food, whilst Frodo was walking along the shoreline.
Ah Gimli. She smiled at the dwarf who placed himself next to the Nauth Herdir.
"Lass." He nodded her way, placing his axe in front of him.
It is getting cold. She shivered wrapping the grey cloak firmly around her.
"Indeed. Why don't ya use Haldir's cloak?" Gimli asked her with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Don't start. She grinned knowingly.
"Just to bother the Princeling." He suggested.
Why would it bother him? Thariya asked the nagging question that had been niggling in the corner of her mind.
Gimli gave her an incredulous look before he shook his head.
"I swear the pair of you.." Gimli muttered frustrated.
"I think it's quite obvious." He said.
What is? Thariya asked.
Gimli smacked her on the back of head. She immediately shot him an angry look and rubbed her head in pain.
"That Legolas likes ya."
...
That's preposterous. Thariya shook her head in denial.
We are very good friends nothing more. She agreed.
"Lass all evidence points to the contrary. You spend an undeniable amount of time together, more than anyone else in the Fellowship." Gimli reasoned.
"I've seen the way he looks at ya. Did you not notice how he overreacted about you and the Marchwarden?" Gimli asked.
Thariya was silent. It was true, she found his behaviour strange. She did imagine their courtship. And there was that moment, between them in the tree. When he was about to..
"What else do you know?" Gimli eyed her suspiciously.
Well there was a moment in Lothlorien, when he tried to- well when he tried to. Thariya stuttered unable to get the words out but Gimli understood.
"You see, he likes you plain and simple." Gimli said.
But he can't! Thariya reasoned in shock.
"Ya can't help yet feelings." Gimli shrugged.
Then what do I do? She asked hopelessly.
Thariya had enough to worry about with Boromir, her visions and the Quest. She still had to figure out how to control her powers and abilities, improve her weapons training. Apart from all that she was not sure she even liked Legolas in that way. Frankly she hadn't thought about him like that, or the fact she may or may not have feelings for Elladan.
"Well do you like him back?" Gimli asked.
Well he's my good friend. But I haven't thought about that. Gimli there's no time for this kind of thing! She shot up.
"Of course there's always time." Gimli exclaimed.
"Time for what?"
Both companions turned around to find Legolas standing there with a pair of rabbits in his hands.
Time for dinner of course. She shot him a reassuring smile as he looked at her strangely.
"The lass was just confiding in me about her worries with the staff." Gimli said confidently.
Thank you. She spoke to him silently.
"Oh do not worry Thariya, we will find a way to deal with that together." Legolas squeezed her hand before walking back to Aragorn.
Does not prove anything. She glared at Gimli's grin and stalked off with the staff, towards the riverbank.
She needed quiet and focus.
Thariya.
...
She turned around finding herself in a place she had not visited in a long while.
"Lorien." She stated avoiding looking into the golden eyes of the Valar.
"You reached out to me." He stated.
"I did?" She asked remembering their last angry conversation.
"Perhaps subconsciously." Lorien mused.
"I want to apologise for my last outburst. I know you could not interfere, I should have been in control of my emotions." Thariya bit her lip shyly.
"There is nothing to be sorry for child." She looked up at Lorien and saw the smile on his face.
"I should have prepared you better for what you should encounter on your travels. It is I who should be sorry, I hope you find my gift useful." Lorien smiled slyly at her.
"Thank you, but what gift?"
"You should find now that you can communicate with everyone." Lorien gave her a triumphant grin.
"That was you!" She gasped in shock.
"Yes." His musical voice echoed in the gardens.
"I am so grateful. Thank you." Thariya said with humility.
"Now what were you worried about?" Lorien asked.
"I am struggling with controlling my powers, as you have seen." She begun.
"The staff Lady Galadriel has fashioned should help you." Lorien said.
"Yes but I also need to find an anchor. I tried using Aldburg but it did not end well." She chuckled darkly remembering when she threw Aragorn against the tree.
"Have you tried using your elf-friend Legolas?" Lorien suggested.
"No." Thariya's eyebrows knitted together in confusion as Lorien gave her a knowing look.
"You too?" She groaned.
"I can't tell you but I know what is inside his mind. I can tell you this, you have a strange close connection with the elf regardless of your feelings. He is your anchor." Lorien said.
...
Thariya found herself back on the riverbank where darkness was upon then. She groaned in confusion, her mind kept running back to what Lorien and Gimli had said. Legolas liked her. This was going to make their friendship much more complicated.
No she had to focus on the staff. That was more important. She held the staff out in front towards the river. Closing her eyes she allowed the energy to radiate from her hand and focused it on the rock in the centre of the water. Water began flowing away from that point, she had created a wall of energy.
She practised this a few times on different rocks, the water and unsuspecting trees.
Next she tried attacking. Aiming the staff towards one of the pine trees, she sent a line of concentrated energy towards the tree as it was cut off at a halfway point and landed with a crash in the water.
She felt rising alarm and panic from the camp as they began scrambling for their weapons.
Do not be alarmed friends. I am just practising. She sent them a message as they instantly calmed.
She smiled in contentment as she held it there for as long as she could before releasing the energy. She panted deeply out of breath. The chatter of the Fellowship just off to one side. She looked at her companions sitting around the fire and smiled fondly at them.
She placed a hand on the staff and pressed it firmly into the riverbed. She concentrated her mind on reaching them. The staff allowed her to see clearly what each companion was feeling, the energy radiating off them and their thoughts.
The staff gave her control. She stopped and held it firmly in her hand, she would learn how to wield it in time.
Thariya. She looked over to see Legolas waving to her.
Dinner is ready. His voice said cheerfully.
Okay. She said walking over.
Are you alright? You seem distracted. His eyes questioned as she reluctantly sat in the empty space beside him.
She could feel his body heat so close to her. She watched Legolas as he listened to Gimli's tales, the way hi eyes lit up and the way his lips occasionally turned upwards. What on earth promoted his feelings, towards her? Was she overly friendly?
Come to think of it he did touch her a lot. In fact his favourite was resting his fingers on her forearm or elbows. But he squeezed her hand, maybe he did like her.
Thariya did not know how to feel about it at all.
"You appear to be very quiet today." Pippin said suddenly.
Well it's not like I could talk freely. She held a conversation with all of them.
"Well you can now." Boromir offered her a small smile which she returned shockingly.
"Is something on your mind?" Aragorn asked concerned.
No. She said quickly.
"I don't believe you." Legolas nudged her playfully.
I am just thinking about how I will be able to control my powers. Thariya said, well it wasn't a complete lie.
She avoided Gimli's gaze whom knew was looking at her right now.
"You will. With time and practise." Aragorn reassured.
"You can do so much already." Frodo spoke up for the first time. Thariya gave him a thankful smile.
"I am sure you will grow to become a great Nauth Herdir." Merry said reassuringly.
I could not have asked for better companions. She smiled at each of them as they ate dinner.
...
She lay on her bed roll with one arm under her neck looking up at the stars. The night was so dark, but the moonlight and the light from the stars illuminated the water in harmony. The dying embers of the fire crackled beside her.
She knew one would still be awake. She had to find the courage to confront him.
Legolas. Are you awake? That was a stupid question, she shook her head. Of course he was.
There was a rustle and light footsteps before she heard Legolas lie on his own bed roll an arms length away from her.
Yes. He replied.
The stars are beautiful tonight. He said.
I used to watch them as a child. After working with Rohir, I used to sneak out to the highest hill in Aldburg. I was afraid of my own shadow in the dark. But all I had to do was lie down and look up. Endless possibility. She said wistfully.
You are still a child to me. Only twenty four. Legolas quipped. Thariya gave him a sharp look at the reminder of her age.
Ancient elf. She hugged as Legolas chuckled.
I am not a child. She protested but he seemed to pay no attention to her comment.
I used to do the same. Legolas said with a smile in his voice. Thariya turned on her side and propped her head up with one hand looking at him.
His blonde hair was splayed around him. Both of his hands supported his head as he scanned the inifinte blackness with wonder in his icy blue eyes.
When I was a young elf, I snuck out past the palace guards. I had to wait until father was asleep. Legolas chuckled as Thariya smiled, drawing her attention back to the sky.
I climbed the highest trees. I fell off one once, breaking my ankle. I climbed and climbed until I reached the canopy and breathed in the deep air. I turned my attention to the heavens, watching the stars. Legolas finished.
"We are kindred spirits you and I." Legolas said quietly turning to her.
His hand lay a couple of inches from hers, fingers twitching. The pleasant feeling gone from Thariya, replaced with nerves as she watched thier hands.
Mellon I need to speak to you about something. Thariya retracted her hand and drew it into herself.
"What is it?" Legolas whispered his smile dropped seeing the seriousness in her face.
I need to know if you like me. She said holding her breath.
Of course I do. We are friends. Legolas said confused.
No. Not as friends. Back at Lothlorien, when we climbed that tree. For a moment I thought you were going to, well kiss me. Thariya said watching for his reaction.
To her surprise Legolas began chuckling quietly under his breath.
What's so funny? Thariya glared at the elf.
He wasn't taking it as seriously as she thought he would. But she was enamoured by the sound of his laugh, she had never heard him make the sound before. It was quite frankly endearing.
Are you quite finished? She asked the elf half annoyed half amused.
"I am sorry." Legolas took breaths in-between.
What made you think I had feelings for you? Legolas asked her.
It was in Lothlorien and how you are always close to me! Thariya defended, but in truth it was Gimli who had made her realise.
Well that is because I thought we are good friends. Legolas reasoned.
We are. Thariya confirmed.
So just to check you do not like me? She checked.
"No I do not." Legolas said with a slight smile.
Oh good. Thariya smiled in relief.
Goodnight. She said before turning around to sleep.
Legolas' smile faltered and was replaced by a sombre look.
No of course he did not like her.
A/N: Legolas boy you ain't fooling nobody xD Got some more relationships built in with Thariya which I hope you like. But I'm gonna miss Haldir a lot! What did you guys think of the gift?