Disclaimer: Again, I own none of the LOTR characters, but I own my own
characters and have permission to use the others from my friends. Ok, I
just have to know: Do you think my characters have enough traits and
special quirks to differentiate them from any other random person on the
street? Like, do they have enough details to make them unique? Sorry my
last chapter was a little short, but I was just lazy and that was a good
place to end it.
Rusty
Ps- Just for the record, I know Rina is based off my bestest buddy Nikhila, but she really isn't as mean and grumpy as Rina is. Rina just had to be like that to better suit the story. Not that it was extremely important, but I felt the need to tell you.
Pps-Ok, just a reminder, my elvish isn't the kind they use in LOTR. The place I found it said it was, but apparently they lied. So, don't get mad about it this time, K? Oh, and I actually translated it for you! Go me! I had enough people ask me to last time that I figured, ah what the heck?!
Ppps- If it takes me a while to update, just bear with me. I'm having computer issues. But I promise I won't leave you hanging!
Chapter Fourteen: The Late Arrivals
Rina and Ben reached Isengard just as the sun was beginning to set. The building had been rebuilt after its destruction during the War of the Ring. Gandalf now resided here as the head of the wizard clan. Ben and Rina were both pleased to see that it looked much the same as it had before. There was a great wall surrounding a tower and Fangorn Forest lay, replanted, at its borders.
The great gates opened as the two rode forth. Men came and took their horses, asking no questions as to their business in Isengard. Rina strode towards the tower in a brisk, impatient manor while Ben lagged behind- making sure to utter a 'thank you' to the men.
"Hurry up!" Rina scolded. "I want to be out of here before next Christmas!"
Ben scurried after her, afraid to speak a word. As a matter of fact, he had hardly spoken a word the whole journey here. And that was at least a week's time. He was too afraid of upsetting Rina further. And she made no attempt to converse with him in any way.
She seemed distant lately. After those words Aliana had said, it was no wonder. But it had been partially her fault in the first place. Ben couldn't understand why she was so upset over this. She and Alexus had always fought back home and now was no different. And hadn't it been he and Rina who had chosen to spy on her in the first place? That wasn't the best way of handling things, after all.
Lost in his thoughts, he hardly noticed the marble stairs they had to ascend to reach a set of doors that led them inside. There sheer beauty and size was enough to make even a dwarf stare in awe. He didn't realize that they were walking inside the home of Gandalf the White-his all time favorite character in the books and movies. He paid no heed to the few wizards and travelers walking down the halls or talking in clusters at the foot of a staircase-most having come to reference in the great library or seek advice from Gandalf. There may even have been a meeting of the Istari- the wizards-judging by the number of them in the building.
Rina really had no idea where she was going or what she was looking for as she raced up the many staircases and down the small hallways. Her only intent was to reach Gandalf, explain what had happened, find a solution, and leave this place forever. That hope alone drove her onward through the cold building, her muscles aching, her eyelids drooping from want of sleep, and her poor companion leaning against the wall for support.
Spending an hour wandering about Isengard is bound to get you noticed- especially if your face is unfamiliar to those around you. And that's just where it got these two weary wanderers. An extremely tall man with a thin face and pointed chin stopped them on their way down a particularly dark corridor.
"Just who do you think you are wandering around here at this time of day without any invitation at all?" he asked in a sharp tone.
"My name is Rina and this is my companion Ben. We seek the service and aid of Gandalf the White. Our predicament requires utmost haste."
The man looked them over with a disbelieving gaze, but nodded and complied with Rina's request. "I shall take you to him."
The man said not another word as he led Rina and Ben down a staircase, through a few winding hallways and to a large pair of metal doors. Here he knocked upon the doors and left, muttering to himself about how he was not paid enough for this job.
The doors flung open and Ben stared in amazement-finally having come out of his trance-like state. The room was very much like the room they had seen in the movies, save for the palantir that had undoubtedly been destroyed after the War.
"Do not be frightened, Rina. Come forward."
At these words, Rina's feet began to move, whether by her will or not, and Ben followed. Gandalf sat in a simple chair at the other end of the room clothed in white robes. His gaze followed them as they walked across the floor and closer to him.
Rina stopped a few feet in front of him and bowed her head. Ben stopped beside her, but bowed at his waist and showered Gandalf with words of praise.
"Foolish human! I am no greater than either of you, Ben! Stop your bowing before I have you removed from my sight!"
Ben appeared utterly embarrassed and humiliated. He lowered his head in shame and said no more for some time.
"How is it you know our names?" Rina asked.
"I know quite a bit about you, Rina," the wizard replied matter-o- factly. "You followed your friend Alexus-Aliana as you call her now-into this world through means of a diary. Along with Prince Legolas and Ivellios, the three of you traveled though Mirkwood and down the river Anduin to Lothlorien. And now word has reached my ears that you wish to return to your world."
Rina was speechless. How did he know all this? She hadn't told a soul- save Alexus. And she was certain that she hadn't told anyone. Perhaps he had seen it. But if the palantir had been destroyed then how else could he have seen?
"Do not fret about insignificant matters, my dear. It is not important how I know these things, but simply that I know. And I am sorry to say that I cannot help you-at least not in the way you might have hoped. I can only tell you how you can help yourself."
Rina seemed somewhat disappointed, but nodded her head. "How?"
"We shall save such matters for tomorrow. Right now you two need your rest. You are both weary from your long journey. After a proper night's sleep and some breakfast, we shall discuss the issue further."
Rina nodded slowly, knowing full well there was no arguing with Gandalf the White. The only person seeming to be stupid enough to attempt such things would be Peregrin Took himself and she was nowhere near that simple-minded.
Gandalf rose from his seat and, taking up his staff, began towards the door. Rina and Ben followed hurriedly. Though he was old and leaned on his staff for support, the wizard was strangely fast and the two had to walk at a quick pace just to stay a foot behind him.
The White wizard led them away from their previous location and down the many steps of the tower of Orthanc. He led them towards the edge of the area that was considered Isengard. He stopped in front of a small house and opened the door. There was a bunch off similar houses around this one.
"You two shall stay here. These are the houses used by the Istari when they come to Isengard. This particular one is usually used by Radagast the Brown, but he is not here at this moment. Please make yourselves comfortable. Food will be brought shortly."
With those final words, Gandalf turned and left. Ben was the first inside-making sure to take it all in and not to miss and inch. Rina followed more slowly and shut the door behind her. She curiously examined the room.
It was very small inside. The main room included a wooden table and chairs-nothing fancy-and three soft, cushy armchairs placed in front of the fireplace. A few pictures were hung on the wall, most depicting wars and battles. There were two doors behind the table.
"Where do you suppose those doors lead to?" Ben asked.
"Why don't you open them and find out?!" Rina shouted angrily.
"Somebody needs a nap..." Ben muttered, opening the left most door and stepping inside its unlit depths.
"What was that?!"
"Nothing! I just said I needed a nap!"
Ben quickly closed the door behind him before Rina could yell at him some more. He noticed a window against the outside wall and ventured to open the curtains that covered it. This gave the room a lot more light and he was able to examine it better.
It was a study. A large oak desk, littered with papers and books, stood in one corner of the room. In the other corner was a small bookshelf with a few small books and two scrolls. The floor was covered in a large fur rug.
Ben glanced at the papers on the desk. Most were maps and journal entries of Radagast. He must stay here a lot to leave all this stuff lying around. Ben walked over to the bookshelf and looked at the titles. A Record of Gondor, The Lineage of Wizards, Famous Elves of the Third Age, and many others.
I wonder if Legolas is in that book. He was pretty famous, being in the Fellowship and all. But what really caught his interest was the book about wizards. He pulled it from its place on the shelf and looked it over.
Its faded green cover was covered with dust and the words had almost faded away. The spine was broken and the pages stained and torn. This book must have been thoroughly used at some point.
As Ben sat down on the fur rug, Rina was busy exploring the next room. She opened the door and stepped inside wearily-as if afraid something might jump out and scare her. It too was dark with the curtains drawn.
But this room was different from the one Ben had just explored. It was about the same size, but there was nothing in the room save a bed and a nightstand with a small candle. The bed was very small with a warm blanket and a few lumpy pillows.
Rina decided that now was not the time to be polite and offer this room to Ben. She closed the bedroom door with a loud thud. Ben paid no heed and continued examining the book he had just discovered which turned out to be quite interesting.
The next morning Ben was awoken by a loud knock on the door. Rina chose to ignore it and pulled a pillow over her head. But Ben, hoping it might be Gandalf, decided to open the door and investigate.
He rubbed his eyes and yawned as he trudged over to the door. Before his hand had reached the doorknob, the door was flung open and an impatient Aliana entered the small room. Legolas followed her in a less urgent manor. Also to follow was Maleena.
"Uh...good morning..." Ben said groggily. "What in the world are you doing here?"
"Good morning," replied Aliana. "And what do you mean 'what am I doing here'? I have to get home too!"
"Oh right, I forgot about that..." Aliana eyed him skeptically. "Actually...I er-just didn't think you would be coming home with us..."
"What do you mean by that?!" Aliana cried, her temper flaring up again.
"Uh...er..." Ben began to stutter incoherently.
Legolas stepped in between the soon to be argument, placing a hand on Aliana's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. "Calm down, Aliana. It's alright. He was just a little confused after your argument with Rina. Now, why don't we all head out and talk to Gandalf?"
"What about Rina?" Maleena asked.
"Perhaps we should wait for her to wake up," Ben suggested. "She's been extremely grumpy lately. I'd hate to be in the room when she finds out we've gone off to see Gandalf without her."
"I'd hate to be in the room with her at all..." Aliana muttered to herself. Luckily Ben hadn't heard this or he might have screamed with frustration. Legolas threw her a disapproving look at those words. Maleena just stood there and looked around happily.
"Why don't we meet back here after lunch and go see him then," Legolas recommended. "That way we can all have some time to ourselves to cool off. I'm sure we're all pretty tired and stressed."
The others nodded in agreement. Ben walked off to find the kitchen. Maleena, seeing this as a good idea, followed him. Aliana slipped around to the back of the house before Legolas had even noticed she'd gone.
When he was sure no one else was around, she made her way to the river Isen. She sat down on the banks and watched its steadily moving rapids.
How was it possible that such a wonderful experience could go so horribly wrong? When I first arrived in Mirkwood I thought this would be the best thing that had ever happened to me. But I soon discovered it was much more than a joyride. First with Ivellios, then the orcs, then all this stuff with Legolas. Oh why couldn't I have just stayed home?
And what if Gandalf can't help me? What shall I do? Then I will have dragged two of my best friends along with me and there's no way of getting back. I can't even think of what Rina would say. But then again, it is entirely her fault. She didn't have to come after me in the first place.
But would it really be so bad to stay? I could go anywhere and do anything I pleased. It would be like a lifelong adventure. Or perhaps I wouldn't go adventuring anymore. Maybe I would settle down in Lothlorien. Or perhaps Mirkwood would be suitable. Who knows.
She was suddenly aware of someone standing beside her. She didn't need to look up nor did she ask his name, but she knew who it was. It was just like him to come looking for her. She knew she couldn't hide from him for long.
"Ilya tereva?" he asked softly. ((Is everything alright))
"Tanka," she replied dispassionately. ((Yes))
"Taare uya quende yeeta morna?" ((Then why do you look so sad?))
"Ta nulla." ((It's complicated))
He sat down on the bank beside her and laid his hand on top of hers. This was the first time she didn't seem at all bothered or angry by his touch. She didn't utter another word. In that instant she made a decision.
She knew what she was going to do and nothing else could change her mind. Ben and Rina had to make their own decision, but there choice would not affect hers in any way. Her mind was set and she was going to stick with it no matter what.
Legolas leaned back on the soft dirt of the banks and was slightly surprised when Aliana rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes. She was not normally this comfortable around him. Or, at least she didn't show it.
The sun rose higher in the sky. Aliana drifted off into a dreamless sleep and Legolas, not wanting to wake her, did not move. The birds chirped and the water splashed and bubbled. Only the noise of the wilderness could be heard, nothing more.
Legolas ran his hand along Aliana's smooth hair, recently brushed during her boredom on their journey. His gentle touch woke the sleeping elf. She stretched and yawned, taking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
"It's nearly noon. We should be getting back," Legolas stated.
Aliana sat up and rubbed her eyes. She splashed some water on her face from the river and stood up. Legolas and she walked along the river and then turned towards the house. The other three were waiting outside when they arrived.
"Took you long enough..." Rina mumbled.
Aliana was about to shout out a rude retort, but Legolas's hand on her arm stopped her. Maleena and Ben held their breath, afraid their might be another argument between the two of them. But Aliana took a deep breath and said nothing.
"Shall we get going?" Maleena asked cheerfully.
The others nodded. They made their way across the grounds and towards the Tower of Orthanc. Not a word was spoken, but their minds raced with questions. Everyone was anxious to hear what Gandalf had to say.
I can't wait to get home, Ben thought to himself. Although it will be very hard to leave. Especially after all that we've been through and the friends we've made. But I think I'd rather be home than here. I miss my family. I wonder if anyone will believe me-or if I should even tell them.
Rina was also thinking to herself. You're almost there, Nikhila. In a few more hours you'll be home. You can forget all this. It's been fun, but I couldn't live here. Maybe I could, but not if I had to deal with Alexus and her stupid lovelife. I mean, did she just totally forget about Adam Abeyta?!
It will be so much different without Aliana, Legolas thought as he sighed deeply. I don't know if I'll ever be the same. I don't think I can ever get over this. Will I ever be able to love again now that I've loved someone this strongly? I can't stand to be without her...
Maleena's thoughts were a little more confused than the rest. What on earth is going on? No one seems to want to explain anything to me. Why is it so important that these three reach Isengard? And what happened between Rina and Aliana to make them act this way? Surely they didn't just wake up and decide to detest each other so much. There is something strange going on here. Something far beyond my comprehension is at work.
Rusty
Ps- Just for the record, I know Rina is based off my bestest buddy Nikhila, but she really isn't as mean and grumpy as Rina is. Rina just had to be like that to better suit the story. Not that it was extremely important, but I felt the need to tell you.
Pps-Ok, just a reminder, my elvish isn't the kind they use in LOTR. The place I found it said it was, but apparently they lied. So, don't get mad about it this time, K? Oh, and I actually translated it for you! Go me! I had enough people ask me to last time that I figured, ah what the heck?!
Ppps- If it takes me a while to update, just bear with me. I'm having computer issues. But I promise I won't leave you hanging!
Chapter Fourteen: The Late Arrivals
Rina and Ben reached Isengard just as the sun was beginning to set. The building had been rebuilt after its destruction during the War of the Ring. Gandalf now resided here as the head of the wizard clan. Ben and Rina were both pleased to see that it looked much the same as it had before. There was a great wall surrounding a tower and Fangorn Forest lay, replanted, at its borders.
The great gates opened as the two rode forth. Men came and took their horses, asking no questions as to their business in Isengard. Rina strode towards the tower in a brisk, impatient manor while Ben lagged behind- making sure to utter a 'thank you' to the men.
"Hurry up!" Rina scolded. "I want to be out of here before next Christmas!"
Ben scurried after her, afraid to speak a word. As a matter of fact, he had hardly spoken a word the whole journey here. And that was at least a week's time. He was too afraid of upsetting Rina further. And she made no attempt to converse with him in any way.
She seemed distant lately. After those words Aliana had said, it was no wonder. But it had been partially her fault in the first place. Ben couldn't understand why she was so upset over this. She and Alexus had always fought back home and now was no different. And hadn't it been he and Rina who had chosen to spy on her in the first place? That wasn't the best way of handling things, after all.
Lost in his thoughts, he hardly noticed the marble stairs they had to ascend to reach a set of doors that led them inside. There sheer beauty and size was enough to make even a dwarf stare in awe. He didn't realize that they were walking inside the home of Gandalf the White-his all time favorite character in the books and movies. He paid no heed to the few wizards and travelers walking down the halls or talking in clusters at the foot of a staircase-most having come to reference in the great library or seek advice from Gandalf. There may even have been a meeting of the Istari- the wizards-judging by the number of them in the building.
Rina really had no idea where she was going or what she was looking for as she raced up the many staircases and down the small hallways. Her only intent was to reach Gandalf, explain what had happened, find a solution, and leave this place forever. That hope alone drove her onward through the cold building, her muscles aching, her eyelids drooping from want of sleep, and her poor companion leaning against the wall for support.
Spending an hour wandering about Isengard is bound to get you noticed- especially if your face is unfamiliar to those around you. And that's just where it got these two weary wanderers. An extremely tall man with a thin face and pointed chin stopped them on their way down a particularly dark corridor.
"Just who do you think you are wandering around here at this time of day without any invitation at all?" he asked in a sharp tone.
"My name is Rina and this is my companion Ben. We seek the service and aid of Gandalf the White. Our predicament requires utmost haste."
The man looked them over with a disbelieving gaze, but nodded and complied with Rina's request. "I shall take you to him."
The man said not another word as he led Rina and Ben down a staircase, through a few winding hallways and to a large pair of metal doors. Here he knocked upon the doors and left, muttering to himself about how he was not paid enough for this job.
The doors flung open and Ben stared in amazement-finally having come out of his trance-like state. The room was very much like the room they had seen in the movies, save for the palantir that had undoubtedly been destroyed after the War.
"Do not be frightened, Rina. Come forward."
At these words, Rina's feet began to move, whether by her will or not, and Ben followed. Gandalf sat in a simple chair at the other end of the room clothed in white robes. His gaze followed them as they walked across the floor and closer to him.
Rina stopped a few feet in front of him and bowed her head. Ben stopped beside her, but bowed at his waist and showered Gandalf with words of praise.
"Foolish human! I am no greater than either of you, Ben! Stop your bowing before I have you removed from my sight!"
Ben appeared utterly embarrassed and humiliated. He lowered his head in shame and said no more for some time.
"How is it you know our names?" Rina asked.
"I know quite a bit about you, Rina," the wizard replied matter-o- factly. "You followed your friend Alexus-Aliana as you call her now-into this world through means of a diary. Along with Prince Legolas and Ivellios, the three of you traveled though Mirkwood and down the river Anduin to Lothlorien. And now word has reached my ears that you wish to return to your world."
Rina was speechless. How did he know all this? She hadn't told a soul- save Alexus. And she was certain that she hadn't told anyone. Perhaps he had seen it. But if the palantir had been destroyed then how else could he have seen?
"Do not fret about insignificant matters, my dear. It is not important how I know these things, but simply that I know. And I am sorry to say that I cannot help you-at least not in the way you might have hoped. I can only tell you how you can help yourself."
Rina seemed somewhat disappointed, but nodded her head. "How?"
"We shall save such matters for tomorrow. Right now you two need your rest. You are both weary from your long journey. After a proper night's sleep and some breakfast, we shall discuss the issue further."
Rina nodded slowly, knowing full well there was no arguing with Gandalf the White. The only person seeming to be stupid enough to attempt such things would be Peregrin Took himself and she was nowhere near that simple-minded.
Gandalf rose from his seat and, taking up his staff, began towards the door. Rina and Ben followed hurriedly. Though he was old and leaned on his staff for support, the wizard was strangely fast and the two had to walk at a quick pace just to stay a foot behind him.
The White wizard led them away from their previous location and down the many steps of the tower of Orthanc. He led them towards the edge of the area that was considered Isengard. He stopped in front of a small house and opened the door. There was a bunch off similar houses around this one.
"You two shall stay here. These are the houses used by the Istari when they come to Isengard. This particular one is usually used by Radagast the Brown, but he is not here at this moment. Please make yourselves comfortable. Food will be brought shortly."
With those final words, Gandalf turned and left. Ben was the first inside-making sure to take it all in and not to miss and inch. Rina followed more slowly and shut the door behind her. She curiously examined the room.
It was very small inside. The main room included a wooden table and chairs-nothing fancy-and three soft, cushy armchairs placed in front of the fireplace. A few pictures were hung on the wall, most depicting wars and battles. There were two doors behind the table.
"Where do you suppose those doors lead to?" Ben asked.
"Why don't you open them and find out?!" Rina shouted angrily.
"Somebody needs a nap..." Ben muttered, opening the left most door and stepping inside its unlit depths.
"What was that?!"
"Nothing! I just said I needed a nap!"
Ben quickly closed the door behind him before Rina could yell at him some more. He noticed a window against the outside wall and ventured to open the curtains that covered it. This gave the room a lot more light and he was able to examine it better.
It was a study. A large oak desk, littered with papers and books, stood in one corner of the room. In the other corner was a small bookshelf with a few small books and two scrolls. The floor was covered in a large fur rug.
Ben glanced at the papers on the desk. Most were maps and journal entries of Radagast. He must stay here a lot to leave all this stuff lying around. Ben walked over to the bookshelf and looked at the titles. A Record of Gondor, The Lineage of Wizards, Famous Elves of the Third Age, and many others.
I wonder if Legolas is in that book. He was pretty famous, being in the Fellowship and all. But what really caught his interest was the book about wizards. He pulled it from its place on the shelf and looked it over.
Its faded green cover was covered with dust and the words had almost faded away. The spine was broken and the pages stained and torn. This book must have been thoroughly used at some point.
As Ben sat down on the fur rug, Rina was busy exploring the next room. She opened the door and stepped inside wearily-as if afraid something might jump out and scare her. It too was dark with the curtains drawn.
But this room was different from the one Ben had just explored. It was about the same size, but there was nothing in the room save a bed and a nightstand with a small candle. The bed was very small with a warm blanket and a few lumpy pillows.
Rina decided that now was not the time to be polite and offer this room to Ben. She closed the bedroom door with a loud thud. Ben paid no heed and continued examining the book he had just discovered which turned out to be quite interesting.
The next morning Ben was awoken by a loud knock on the door. Rina chose to ignore it and pulled a pillow over her head. But Ben, hoping it might be Gandalf, decided to open the door and investigate.
He rubbed his eyes and yawned as he trudged over to the door. Before his hand had reached the doorknob, the door was flung open and an impatient Aliana entered the small room. Legolas followed her in a less urgent manor. Also to follow was Maleena.
"Uh...good morning..." Ben said groggily. "What in the world are you doing here?"
"Good morning," replied Aliana. "And what do you mean 'what am I doing here'? I have to get home too!"
"Oh right, I forgot about that..." Aliana eyed him skeptically. "Actually...I er-just didn't think you would be coming home with us..."
"What do you mean by that?!" Aliana cried, her temper flaring up again.
"Uh...er..." Ben began to stutter incoherently.
Legolas stepped in between the soon to be argument, placing a hand on Aliana's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down. "Calm down, Aliana. It's alright. He was just a little confused after your argument with Rina. Now, why don't we all head out and talk to Gandalf?"
"What about Rina?" Maleena asked.
"Perhaps we should wait for her to wake up," Ben suggested. "She's been extremely grumpy lately. I'd hate to be in the room when she finds out we've gone off to see Gandalf without her."
"I'd hate to be in the room with her at all..." Aliana muttered to herself. Luckily Ben hadn't heard this or he might have screamed with frustration. Legolas threw her a disapproving look at those words. Maleena just stood there and looked around happily.
"Why don't we meet back here after lunch and go see him then," Legolas recommended. "That way we can all have some time to ourselves to cool off. I'm sure we're all pretty tired and stressed."
The others nodded in agreement. Ben walked off to find the kitchen. Maleena, seeing this as a good idea, followed him. Aliana slipped around to the back of the house before Legolas had even noticed she'd gone.
When he was sure no one else was around, she made her way to the river Isen. She sat down on the banks and watched its steadily moving rapids.
How was it possible that such a wonderful experience could go so horribly wrong? When I first arrived in Mirkwood I thought this would be the best thing that had ever happened to me. But I soon discovered it was much more than a joyride. First with Ivellios, then the orcs, then all this stuff with Legolas. Oh why couldn't I have just stayed home?
And what if Gandalf can't help me? What shall I do? Then I will have dragged two of my best friends along with me and there's no way of getting back. I can't even think of what Rina would say. But then again, it is entirely her fault. She didn't have to come after me in the first place.
But would it really be so bad to stay? I could go anywhere and do anything I pleased. It would be like a lifelong adventure. Or perhaps I wouldn't go adventuring anymore. Maybe I would settle down in Lothlorien. Or perhaps Mirkwood would be suitable. Who knows.
She was suddenly aware of someone standing beside her. She didn't need to look up nor did she ask his name, but she knew who it was. It was just like him to come looking for her. She knew she couldn't hide from him for long.
"Ilya tereva?" he asked softly. ((Is everything alright))
"Tanka," she replied dispassionately. ((Yes))
"Taare uya quende yeeta morna?" ((Then why do you look so sad?))
"Ta nulla." ((It's complicated))
He sat down on the bank beside her and laid his hand on top of hers. This was the first time she didn't seem at all bothered or angry by his touch. She didn't utter another word. In that instant she made a decision.
She knew what she was going to do and nothing else could change her mind. Ben and Rina had to make their own decision, but there choice would not affect hers in any way. Her mind was set and she was going to stick with it no matter what.
Legolas leaned back on the soft dirt of the banks and was slightly surprised when Aliana rested her head against his chest and closed her eyes. She was not normally this comfortable around him. Or, at least she didn't show it.
The sun rose higher in the sky. Aliana drifted off into a dreamless sleep and Legolas, not wanting to wake her, did not move. The birds chirped and the water splashed and bubbled. Only the noise of the wilderness could be heard, nothing more.
Legolas ran his hand along Aliana's smooth hair, recently brushed during her boredom on their journey. His gentle touch woke the sleeping elf. She stretched and yawned, taking in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
"It's nearly noon. We should be getting back," Legolas stated.
Aliana sat up and rubbed her eyes. She splashed some water on her face from the river and stood up. Legolas and she walked along the river and then turned towards the house. The other three were waiting outside when they arrived.
"Took you long enough..." Rina mumbled.
Aliana was about to shout out a rude retort, but Legolas's hand on her arm stopped her. Maleena and Ben held their breath, afraid their might be another argument between the two of them. But Aliana took a deep breath and said nothing.
"Shall we get going?" Maleena asked cheerfully.
The others nodded. They made their way across the grounds and towards the Tower of Orthanc. Not a word was spoken, but their minds raced with questions. Everyone was anxious to hear what Gandalf had to say.
I can't wait to get home, Ben thought to himself. Although it will be very hard to leave. Especially after all that we've been through and the friends we've made. But I think I'd rather be home than here. I miss my family. I wonder if anyone will believe me-or if I should even tell them.
Rina was also thinking to herself. You're almost there, Nikhila. In a few more hours you'll be home. You can forget all this. It's been fun, but I couldn't live here. Maybe I could, but not if I had to deal with Alexus and her stupid lovelife. I mean, did she just totally forget about Adam Abeyta?!
It will be so much different without Aliana, Legolas thought as he sighed deeply. I don't know if I'll ever be the same. I don't think I can ever get over this. Will I ever be able to love again now that I've loved someone this strongly? I can't stand to be without her...
Maleena's thoughts were a little more confused than the rest. What on earth is going on? No one seems to want to explain anything to me. Why is it so important that these three reach Isengard? And what happened between Rina and Aliana to make them act this way? Surely they didn't just wake up and decide to detest each other so much. There is something strange going on here. Something far beyond my comprehension is at work.