AN: Sorry, I realise this is a long chapter- I do realise this. Also, whoever's laughing at my choice in music, shush. I thought it wouldn't stand out as much in Middle Earth.
Does anyone think this story needs cover art? Any suggestions/designs would be appreciated, if you could PM them to me (I think you can do that...)
Anyway, thank you to everyone that has Favourited or Reviewed this story; You all get a virtual All Access Pass to Middle Earth... Or a cookie (they're chocolate chip =D)
More training... Yay
That night, the elves sang for Gandalf. Their voices were just as beautiful as their faces, perfect harmonies rising and falling as they sang for the lost wizard and Rosalie could barely keep the tears from falling. Even though she did not understand the words, the meaning was crystal clear to all who could hear the music. Rosalie was sat down in the middle of their campsite in Caras Galadhon, the other members of the Fellowship milling about. She had closed her eyes, swaying slightly with the music and from somewhere to the left of her, she could hear Sam whisper hoarsely, "What're they sayin?" There was a little bit of rustling as someone rooted around their packs and Rosalie felt herself frown a little. "A lament for Gandalf," Legolas' voice answered quietly and there was a pause as they all listened to the singing grew. "What do they say about him?" Merry asked and Rosalie tensed slightly. "I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near." Legolas answered again but this time with a little steel hidden in his words. Rosalie huffed and opened her eyes, getting up and walking away from the group. Behind her, three pairs of eyes followed her and Merry leaned over to Pippin, "What's eating her?"
Rosalie sat down again, trying to concentrate on the music and she could still hear voices. She ground her teeth together, waiting to for the chance to snap at them. "Take some rest, these borders are well protected." The girl jumped, and turned slightly, opening her eyes, thinking the ranger was talking to her. Then she heard Boromir sigh, "I will find on rest here... I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father, the Steward of Gondor. She said to me, even now, there is hope left... But I cannot see it. It has been long since we have had any hope." Rosalie craned her neck, spotting the two men, sat side by side, Aragorn chewing on his pipe.
"My father is a noble man, though his rule is failing. And now, our people who's faith..." His voice shook slightly and the man looked down at his hands. "He looks to me to make things right and tonight, I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored." Boromir ended firmly and for a while, there was silence. "Have you ever seen it Aragorn? The white tower glimmering like a spike of pure mithril? Its banner caught high in the morning breeze? Have you ever been called home, with a calling of silver trumpets?" Aragorn took the pipe out of his mouth. "I have seen your city long ago," Rosalie thought she could hear a hint of longing in his voice. "One day, our paths will lead us there, and the tower guard shall bring up the call, the Lords of Gondor have returned!" The men fell into comfortable silence and Rosalie grinned at them, even though she knew they couldn't see it.
Rosalie awoke to roaring laughter and winced, stretching her arms above her head. She blinked, raising a hand to hold the sunlight filtering through the leaves onto her face. She heard a few Hobbit giggles and then someone else shush them. The girl blinked a few more times, the world coming into focus. The Hobbits were all up, Frodo munching on a sausage, staring blankly at the ground while Merry and Pippin were giggling at her. Legolas was nowhere to be seen but Boromir and Aragorn were both there, the latter still smoking his pipe as always. Rosalie glared at it and waggled her finger in front of the ranger. "You know that is really bad for your health, right?" She asked and he silently raised an eyebrow. "But, then again, so is annoying a man that can kill you with the pipe in several different ways," She flopped back on the ground and one of the Hobbits snickered, Aragorn just smiling pleasantly.
Light caught the edge of the blade, casting a dangerous reflection as the rays scattered. Rosalie swung it down and then spun, jumping when the ring of clashing metal sounded out. Aragorn took a step back, hand still on his weapon, dark eyes wary yet smiling. Rosalie took a step back, moving her hands up the sword handle, holding it like a batter would. "Are you going to test me?" She asked innocently and the smile in his eyes grew brighter and in a heartbeat, he charged her.
Aragorn was different from Annúnor; while they were both fast and agile but when Rosalie faltered, Aragorn slowed down, showing her the move again as well as a few techniques to block it. The sun continued to climb and Rosalie's arms began to feel like lead. Eventually, Aragorn took a step backwards, sheathing his sword and the girl dropped to the ground like a stone, panting. The ranger smiled sympathetically, "You're getting better," he said quietly and Rosalie snorted. "You seem to be the only one in our merry band," She said, thinking back to how Gimli, Boromir and Legolas had acted in Moria. Aragorn was quiet for a moment. "We share certain views of women," he started and she tensed up, thinking she knew where this was going, "How we should protect them from harm. However, I am willing to say that harm may have a harder time affecting you, especially if you keep practicing." Rosalie looked up and smiled at him, pulling herself off the ground. She dusted flecks of dirt of her trousers and walked past him. "See you, Aragorn!" She called back and saw him chuckle before turning back around.
She almost walked straight into him but managed to stop herself. Cold blue eyes smirked down at her and she had to fight the urge to slap him. "What do you want?" She asked tersely, surprising herself but not letting the elf know that. He raised an eyebrow. "What gives you the idea that you can help me?" He asked voice as smooth as glass. Rosalie sighed and motioned with her head. "Aragorn's over there Haldir," She said and stalked past him, not turning around when he snorted, not giving him that satisfaction.
Just like in Rivendell, Rosalie could feel the eyes of elves everywhere staring at her head. She sighed and generally did nothing, even when talking to a few of them, pretending not to notice as their eyes slid to her hair. She just kept wandering, trying to find her way back to the small campsite the Fellowship had claimed. For hours, she had been drifting through Caras Galadhon, a silent witness to its magnificence and beauty. In every corner of the tree-top city, there was that subtle glow; the one that encompassed everything in its subtle radiance that blessed Lothlórien with its nickname "The Forest of Light".
Warm steam wafted down another little path and Rosalie paused for a few seconds. She could see the tall form of Haldir strolling down the path, heading for the pools in the city. A few seconds later, a dark thought crossed her mind. She realised what could happen if caught, but she couldn't help herself. She watched him turn around the corner, and followed, trying to make her feet falls as quiet as possible. Please, don't let him hear. Please don't let him hear me. She chanted in her head, and someone above her was smiling on her. Not once did the warrior elf turn around and Rosalie thanked her lucky stars. She watched him disappear into a clump of sparse bushes just in front of a small pool, steam rising from the surface. Rosalie closed her eyes, listening to the faint sounds of lapping water as Haldir got into the pool and the girl opened her eyes, focusing on a small, neatly-folded pile of clothes. She smirked in spite of herself, grabbing them and inching away from the pool, allowing the elf to relax before the impending heart attack.
Aragorn was staring at the girl over the fire, eyes narrowed at her. She had been smiling to herself ever since she had come back from her walk. The Hobbits and Gimli were trading stories over the flames and from time to time, Rosalie would giggle half-heartedly, her mind obviously somewhere else. Legolas melted from the tree line across the campsite, and sat down beside him, opposite Rosalie, a grin playing at his lips. "There are some strange rumours circling the city tonight," the elf said when everyone fell silent, staring at the smiling girl. "Apparently, a certain marchwarden lost his clothes after visiting the baths." Both Boromir and Sam made choking noises while Merry, Pippin and Gimli roared with laughter. Aragorn smiled around his pipe and Rosalie's innocent grin turned into a full-blown smirk as she looked up at Legolas. "Well... That is certainly unfortunate for him." Rosalie said, fighting to keep a straight face.
Merry turned to her, wide-eyed. "Did you do that?" He asked in a hushed sort of whisper. Rosalie smirked and leaned over to him, the hobbit mimicking her actions. "How could I, a clumsy human, sneak up on one of the greatest elven warriors of Lothlórien?" She whispered back and the campfire erupted into laughter.
The next day, Rosalie watched alongside Pippin and Merry the Marchwarden walk stiffly past them and she snickered under her breath while the Hobbits sniggered openly. Aragorn shot them a disapproving look, and motioned with a finger for Rosalie to join the ranger and Legolas. She jumped down from the low branch they were sitting on, staggering slightly on impact. It was her turn to be the object of Merry and Pippin's jokes but she kept her head high, face slightly flushed, and walked over to the man.
"I want to try something," was the first thing the ranger said when she was close enough to hear him. Rosalie looked at him suspiciously but the man kept up that blank face he always had. "You're going to fight Legolas," he stated simply and the girl turned to stare at him. "Ye what?" She asked and for a quick second, Aragorn cracked a grin.
"You'll be fine, he won't bite." This was as close to teasing as the man got but it didn't help her nerves. "Unless you threaten to take his clothes like you did with Haldir." Rosalie flushed but moved to stand opposite Legolas. He smiled faintly, like he was nervous, but then focused himself. It was like he had shut down; the smile and kind eyes melted away and hardened until she saw a warrior in front of her, one that didn't look like the type to be merciful. Rosalie unconsciously gripped her sword tighter, sweat building up on her palms.
In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of her, silver knives lunging towards her abdomen. She swallowed the yelp of surprise and jumped backwards. He lunged again but this time; Rosalie managed to dodge it and moved sideways. "You're meant to try and hit him as well!" Aragorn called from the spot where they had first started. "Yeah, I kinda figured those were the rules." She yelled sarcastically and tried to dodge another slash aimed at her. "How the hell am I meant to hit him?" She yelled again, trying to dodge another attack, tripping over feet and stumbling backwards. A blur of silver streaked towards her head and Rosalie squeaked, eyes shutting instinctively.
Nothing happened.
Hesitantly, Rosalie opened her eyes, staring down the knife pointed straight at her nose. She gulped and tore her eyes away from the blade and to the person, or elf, wielding it. His blue eyes weren't as cold as they were during their battle and now held a hint of a smile. "Dead," he whispered quietly and Rosalie shivered and looked away. Aragorn walked over to them, just as Legolas took a step back, sheathing the twin knives. The ranger held out a hand for Rosalie and pulled her off the ground. "That was good," he said, and repeated himself when the girl snorted. "Are you kidding? I had my ass handed to me." Both men stiffened and Aragorn frowned while Legolas looked away. "He didn't touch your 'ass' as you say..." Aragorn replied, confused and Rosalie blushed, realising how it sounded to them. "Oh, no... It's an expression, y'know... Errr, a phrase... It's just, you know what? Can we move on?" Legolas nodded almost fervently, as did Aragorn.
"Anyway, next time you fight Legolas-" he paused when Rosalie cut in. "Again?" She asked, her voice rising several octaves and Legolas almost looked like he was pouting. "Am I that bad to fight?" He teased her and Aragorn huffed, shaking his head. "Next time," he raised his voice, stopping their little squabble. "Yes Rosalie, next time, I want you to imagine Legolas' going slow. In your mind, he is going much slower than you. Just try to picture that." He implored and he began to walk back with Legolas.
"Friend, what are you planning?" Legolas hissed and his friend smiled. "I am thinking back to that moment in Elrond's study. I want to see just how powerful this gift is. Don't worry, I'm sure she won't hurt you," Aragorn murmured back to him and they said no more.
Rosalie frowned at the pair of men, whispering conspiratorially in Elvish. She shook her head, deciding she didn't want to know and moved back into the fighting stance Annúnor had taught her those few months ago.
Like before, the elf was upon her before she could blink, and she threw herself to the left, earning a small scratch along her arm. She hissed slightly and Legolas paused briefly, some emotion flickering across his face but then he went back into his warrior persona. "Slow him down!" Aragorn shouted. Rosalie took a breath, focusing on what the man had said. In her mind's eye, she watched him run at her, moving from a blur into a solid object. It was like the moment in movies when in the midst of the crucial action scene, it would slow down and you could see every movement the characters make. Rosalie watched as Legolas raised his arm and it was as if she could see his thoughts, as she knew he was going to aim for her chest. She raised her arm and metal clashed for the first time that morning in the clearing.
They both froze, movements stopped, like two statues entwined. Legolas stared at the girl, awestruck and she looked back, mimicking his expression. Behind them there was a shriek and the pair jumped apart, looking back at the noise. Aragorn was frowning at the Hobbits, Pippin lying on his back on the grassy floor, Merry still sat on the branch, swaying dangerously as he howled with laughter. The ranger gave up, shaking his head at them and walked towards Rosalie and Legolas. He clapped his hands. "See what you can do if you put your mind to it?" He teased in an almost patronising way and Rosalie smiled, looking down.
"What do you think she's doing Pip?" Merry whispered, both Hobbits staring wide-eyed at the girl. Night had fallen, the stars awakening and almost none of the Fellowship were insight. Frodo had disappeared into the city, leaving Sam behind until the red headed Hobbit had gone a walk with some of the men. Rosalie had opted to stay behind and thinking she would be alone, had dug up her iPod, from the bottom of her pack. Pippin shook his head, eyes not leaving the girl in the middle of the clearing.
Rosalie was stood in the middle of the clearing, bobbing her head slightly as she hummed along to the music wafting into her ears. She was truly alone for the first time in a while, the rest of the Fellowship scattered throughout the trees of the forest. Gradually, her humming got louder and her head and hips began to sway more and more, building a rhythm that matched the beat of the song. Then her voice joined the mix, getting louder as no one was there to stop her.
"Where'd you guys ge-" Merry thrust a hand over Sam's mouth, eyes shooting to Rosalie. She hadn't noticed but the Hobbits both glowered at Sam. "Keep quiet! She'll get us if she finds out we're here!" he hissed at Sam, and he nodded, staring confusedly at the girl, who was close to jumping around, singing about something done on a previous night, where apparently she had broken some laws. While the three Hobbits were watching from the ground, the rest of the Fellowship, minus Frodo, watched from a bridge above.
"What is she doing?" Gimli asked, astounded at what the girl was doing. "Is she drunk?" None of them had ever heard of the songs she was singing, nor one with a dance like she as doing. She was quite good at singing, the kind that wasn't truly special but good enough to listen to easily. Aragorn shook his head, smiling slightly. "I've given up asking questions like that, finding it easier just to accept her quirks." Boromir chuckled a little, "Those are quite a few quirks."
The song had finished, a new one starting and Rosalie grinned despite herself. She sang alongside Christina Aguilera and in her head, she was on a stage. She knew it was a stupid dream, far too cliché for her taste but she could imagine it. She would be a great singer, millions packed into tiny venues, watching hoping to see her, for her to lock eyes with them and they could gush afterwards how they had a deep, meaningful connection with her. She knew it was stupid, but she kept replaying the idea. She was almost finished, listening to the singer holding onto that final note in a way Rosalie never could.
The gentle tones of Fireflies by Owl City began to play and she opened her mouth, looking to the stars and she saw the little group, huddled in the middle of the bridge. She let out a small scream, her hand flashing to her mouth in an instant and four guilty faces looked down at her. "What do you think you're doing?" Rosalie half-screeched and despite the distance, she could see Gimli gritting his teeth. "Could ask ye the same question." The dwarf retorted sharply and the girl flushed an ugly red that no one needed elven eyesight to see. "Were you never taught that it's rude to sneak up on someone? I would've thought at least you would've known that." The last part was directed at Legolas and he spluttered, not quite knowing how to react while Boromir chuckled at the elf's uncomfortableness. "We weren't "sneaking up on you", as ye say, you're stood there, in the middle of a field, anyone could sneak up like those three!" Gimli quipped, pointing towards the bushes. Slowly, three Hobbits raised themselves from the floor, all blushing and looking just as uncomfortable as Legolas. The girl was still spluttering and gesturing wildly between the two groups before letting out a scream, stomping away from both of them, muttering darkly under her breath. Behind her, she heard the dwarf guffaw before someone stopped him, but just shook her head, not wanting to see any of them for the rest of the night.