AN: Thanks to SO SO Something, sieni1, creativeBUBBLE, Alessandra Cordeiro for your kind reviews. And thanks to everyone else who read the story so far. This is another chapter for you. Hope you like it. Please read and review. The story continues...

Chapter 29: Pieces Of Heart

Frodo was watching an army of Easterlings marching towards Mordor from his hiding spot. Sam and Smeagol got to him and started watching as well.

"Who are they?" Sam wondered.

"Wicked men; servants of Sauron. They are called to Mordor. The Dark One is gathering all armies to him. It won't be long now. It will soon be ready" said Smeagol with suspense.

"Ready to do what?" asked Sam. He spoke quite rudely to Gollum but for good reasons. Frodo has gotten softer on him.

"To make His war. The last war that will cover all the world in shadow" said Smeagol fearfully. Images of Katherine getting swallowed by the darkness flashed through Frodo's mind. It sent a shiver through his spine.

"We've got to keep moving. C'mon Sam."

Frodo started getting up but Sam stopped him. Large beasts appeared with the army. "Mister Frodo! Look! It's an Oliphant! No one at home will believe this."

Suddenly a calling sound is heard and Smeagol backed away. It confused the hobbits. "Sméagol?" Frodo frown at him with confusion. Before he could get an answer he saw the Easterlings are attacked from the bushes. Hooded figures were shooting arrows at the army. A man shot an Easterling off of an Oliphant. The body fell near the hobbits and discovered them. Frodo and Sam realized they got to move quickly.

"We've lingered here for too long. Come on Sam!" Just as they were about to depart, the hobbits got caught by humans.

"Ah! Wait! We're innocent travelers!" Sam exclaimed before anyone could shoot them. A man removed his hood and revealed his face to the hobbits. He was none other than Faramir. However the hobbits didn't know that. He was a stranger for them. And they were stranger for Faramir. A threat as well.

"There are no travelers in this land, only servants of the Dark Tower."

"We are bound to an errand of secrecy. Those that claim to oppose the enemy would do well not to hinder us." Frodo spoke with strong tone of voice. Struggling against the man who held him.

"The enemy?" Faramir turned over the dead Southern as he continued speaking. "His sense of duty was no less than yours, I deem. You wonder what his name is, where he came from, and if he was really evil at heart. What lies or threats led him on this long march from home. If he would not rather have stayed there in peace."

Faramir sighed out heavily. "War will make corpses of us all. Bind their hands." The young captain of Gondor ordered his men. Frodo and Sam were captured but Gollum had ran away. Faramir started walking back to their camp along with his men. He will interrogate the halflings once he gets to safety. They couldn't go much further when a horse approached them and it was none other than Boromir who was riding the horse. Boromir spotted his brother immediately.

"Faramir my little brother!" Boromir grinning happily. Faramir was surprised to see his brother there. He certainly did not expect to see him. He wasn't even aware of his return to Gondor. Faramir ran to him. Boromir dismounted his horse and both brothers hugged each other happily. Despite their father's favoritism the brothers were close to each other and not sworn enemies.

"What a pleasant surprise brother! When did you return from Rivendell?" Faramir asked as he pulled away from Boromir but stood at an arm's distance.

"Yesterday, I heard you came here hunting so I came looking for you." Suddenly Boromir's eyes fell on two halflings with their hands tied up and a cover on their faces. Boromir's breath got stuck in his throat. They couldn't be-

"No!" Boromir rushed to the hobbits. Puzzling Faramir with his action.

"Untie them quickly." Boromir ordered the men. They obeyed without any hesitation.

"Brother you know them?" Faramir asked with confusion in his voice.

"Sam? Frodo?" The hobbits looked at Boromir as he looked back at them with confusion and shock. "What are you doing here?"

"He captured us." Sam pointed at Faramir.

"What are you doing here?" Frodo asked with disbelieve in his voice. "You were suppose to be with others."

"It's a long story Frodo. You two cannot be here."

"We don't want to be here either" said Sam angrily. He was mad at the men for capturing them.

"Brother what is going on?" Faramir asked who was still clueless about what was going on.

"I'll explain everything to you later brother. We must let them go" said Boromir. He turned back to the hobbits. "GO!"

"We can't. Our guide Smeagol, he ran away when they attacked us" said Frodo. Boromir frowned at him with confusion.

"Who's Smeagol?"

"He's talking about Gollum" explained Sam. Boromir already knew about Gollum guiding Sam and Frodo to Mordor from Merry and Pippin so he was not surprised.

"Well then we must find him. Search for a strange looking creature." Boromir ordered the men. They quickly scattered and started looking around.

"Boromir, where are the others?" Frodo asked with concern in his voice. Mostly he wanted to know how Katherine is. Is she alright? And where is she?

"The fellowship has broken off. I was with Merry and Pippin last before coming back to Gondor" said Boromir.

"Where are they now?" asked Sam about those two hobbits.

"With Gandalf" replied Boromir. Frodo's eyes widened hearing that. So did Sam's.

"Did you say Gandalf?" asked Frodo with disbelieve in his voice. Boromir realized that they didn't know about Gandalf's return.

"Yes, Gandalf has returned. As a white wizard. He's more powerful now." Boromir informed them happily. Frodo and Sam smiled hearing that. They felt very happy after a long time.

"Katherine was saying the truth after all" said Sam more to himself.

"Of course she was. I didn't doubt her a bit" said Frodo happily. He looked back at Boromir.

"Boromir, Gandalf isn't mad at Katherine, is he? You did explain to him why Katherine let him fall and that she knew he is going to come back." Frodo spoke worriedly this time. Boromir sighed out heavily at the mention of Katherine's name. It didn't go unnoticed by Frodo.

"What is it Boromir? Katherine is alright, isn't she?" Boromir felt terrible saying this but he had to-

"Katherine, she was taken by Saruman." Frodo was stunned to hear that. He couldn't believe Boromir just said that. No it couldn't be the truth. Sam was shocked too.

"What are you saying Boromir?" Sam asked with disbelieve in his voice. Boromir told them what happened. How Katherine handed herself over to the Uruks to save his life and others. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas chased after the pack while he, Merry and Pippin went to Fangorn's forest as instructed by Katherine. There they found Gandalf. Boromir didn't know if Aragorn succeeded in rescuing Katherine or the Uruks succeeded in taking her to Isengard. Gandalf said he would save Katherine from Saruman. He promised Boromir. Faramir listened to the story very carefully and he was very astonished. He never heard of a girl being so brave. A human one at that. Who is this girl Katherine? Faramir wondered to himself. And his brother certainly seemed to care about her very much. Along with the hobbits standing before him.

"If Saruman has her, he will kill her" said Sam fearfully.

"No, I don't think so. He'll torture her for information" said Boromir sighing out heavily.

"And how long, do you think Katherine will survive against Saruman?" Frodo almost yelled out. Finally overcoming his shocked state but freaking out for Katherine nonetheless. His worry and anxiousness were overwhelming Frodo. "What has Gandalf planned to do to rescue Katherine?" Sam was shocked to hear the tone of Frodo's voice. He never heard him speak like that before. He sounded so rough and angry. Fearful as well. Sam understood why though. It was Katherine who was in danger after all. And everyone knew how much Frodo loves Katherine.

"I don't know Frodo. But he said he's going to go to Rohan and help king Theoden who Saruman has poisoned with his witchcraft. Perhaps he is planning on taking the king's help in order to rescue Katherine." Boromir explained to Frodo.

"Alright. We will go to Rohan then" said Frodo with determined tone of voice. Sam was shocked to hear that.

"Mr. Frodo no. We must continue our journey towards mount Doom. The sooner it's destroyed the better. Now more than ever. Maybe that's the only way to save Katherine from Saruman." Sam tried to knock some sense into Frodo but the other hobbit glared at Sam heatedly. Sam was taken aback by that. It even shocked Boromir.

"You think Saruman is going to wait around to kill Katherine and give us enough time to destroy the ring so that we could rescue her. He's going to kill her Sam. I am going to Rohan. I need to see for myself what Gandalf is doing to rescue Katherine. I need to be there."

"But Mr. Frodo the ring-?" Frodo cut off Sam.

"I will not go to Mordor until Katherine is rescued and safe." Sam looked at Boromir. He looked just as shocked as Sam witnessing Frodo's behavior. It was as if Frodo wasn't being himself. However Boromir realized it was futile to reason with the hobbit. He was too determined to go to Rohan. And nothing's going to stop him.

"Fine, if that is what you want Frodo" said Boromir.

"Will you take us there?" Frodo asked with firm tone of voice. Boromir stared at him. His eyes fell on Frodo's chest where the ring is underneath his tunic. Boromir remembered the ring corrupting him. Making him try to kill Katherine. There's no guarantee the ring won't corrupt Boromir once again. That he wouldn't try to harm Frodo. Boromir gulped down his nervousness. No he can't take that risk but someone would need to guide Frodo to Rohan. Then he glanced at his brother Faramir. An idea clicked into his mind. Boromir knew his brother. Faramir has a strong will. He will be better at resisting the ring's power. Boromir believed it in his heart.

"No not me but my brother Faramir will take you there" said Boromir. Faramir was shocked to hear that. And Sam and Frodo got shocked too.

"He's your brother?" Sam asked finally. He heard them addressing each other as brother before but couldn't inquire about it.

"Yes" replied Boromir. "He's my younger brother Faramir."

"Brother may I speak with you." Faramir and Boromir walked a little distance away from the hobbits.

"Brother why are you sending me with them?"

"Because I trust you Faramir. Even more than I trust myself in this matter" said Boromir.

"But I am needed here. Sauron could attack us any time" warned Faramir.

"That's why I will remain here. You need to go with them brother. You must keep them safe. Please do this for me. And if you need anything when you reach your destination send out words" said Boromir counting on his brother. Faramir nodded his head. Giving in the request. Right then two soldiers came back with the Gollum.

"They hurt us. They hurt us. Master. They hurt us. Bad humans hurt us."

"Is he coming along?" Faramir asked not too happily.

"He'll go wherever the ring goes" said Boromir. He hoped Frodo isn't making a grave mistake by going to Rohan and not proceeding towards Mordor. The longer the ring will love the more dangerous and powerful it will become. But seeing Frodo's determination, Boromir could do nothing else but hope for the best.

Path Towards Helm's Depp

The villagers were heading towards Helm's Depp. Katherine and Eowyn were walking beside Legolas' horse. Gimli was sitting on it alone that time. Legolas has gone ahead to scan their surroundings for danger. He is doing that once every hour. Katherine was walking with Eowyn because she couldn't sit on the horse any longer and needed to stretch her legs. Besides, it was nice having a conversation with Eowyn and Gimli.

"It's true you don't see many dwarf women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, they are often mistaken for dwarf men." Èowyn glanced back at Aragorn.

"It's the beards." He mouthed to her.

"What about their clothes? Dwarf women must wear different clothes from dwarf men" said Katherine.

"They do but still there are more similarities than differences. And this in turn has given rise to the belief that there are no dwarf women. And the dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground!" Both Eowyn and Katherine laughed hearing that. Gimli laughed with them.

"Which is of course ridiculous. Whoa!" Suddenly the horse ran off and Gimli fell off.

"It's all right! It's all right. Nobody panic. That was deliberate. It was deliberate." Gimli tried to get up on his own but Katherine and Eowyn rushed to him and helped him stand up.

"Are you hurt?" Katherine asked with concern. Gimli scoffed.

"It will take more than that to hurt a dwarf." He said proudly. Katherine shook her head at that. Gimli would never admit getting injured. Right then Katherine noticed Eowyn looking back at Aragorn who was riding with the king. She was smiling and there was a light blush on her cheeks. Katherine felt bad for Eowyn knowing Aragorn will never return her feelings. But she will find someone else. Someone who will be in love with her. Aragorn is already taken. He and Arwen are meant to be. Is her and Legolas meant to be? Katherine sighed out heavily thinking that. He's been acting strange lately. And the worse thing is Katherine didn't know why. As if on cue, Legolas appeared there.

"Two beautiful ladies taking care of you Gimli, you couldn't have a luckier day" commented Legolas with a mischievous smirk on his lips.

"Feeling jealous?" Gimli asked back.

"Not at all" said Legolas mirthfully. Katherine raised her eye brows at Legolas in a manner that said 'Whatever you are thinking about doing, don't do it. Specially teasing Gimli.'

"Are we safe for now?" Eowyn asked Legolas.

"Yes my lady. But we should take a break. There's a good spot ahead of us. We can camp there" said Legolas. Eowyn nodded her head. Soon they arrived at that camping spot. The villagers are going to eat and take rest for a while before start moving again. Katherine decided to stick around Eowyn for a change. She spends a lot of time with male company. Eowyn was a nice change.

"I am going to make some stew. Would you help me?" Eowyn asked nicely.

"Sure" said Katherine. She wasn't an expert but she was a decent cook. Definitely not as good as Sam though. Eowyn and Katherine started preparing for making the stew. Katherine realized the princess of Rohan was actually quite clueless about how to proceed with cooking. Of course being a princess it was no surprise that Eowyn didn't go down to the kitchen very often. So Katherine did most of the work and Eowyn was actually grateful for it. In the end Katherine tasted the stew.

"Well it's edible" said Katherine. Eowyn tasted it and nodded her head in approval.

"It's actually good."

"What are you cooking lassie?" Right then Gimli appeared there. Katherine and Eowyn looked at each other and laughed.

"Someone smelled food huh?" said Katherine.

"Well I am indeed starving" said Gimli. Eowyn filled a bowl with stew and handed it over to Gimli.

"Here you go Gimli." The dwarf didn't bother letting it cool down first or use a spoon. He drank the entire bowl.

"Delicious. Can I have more?" Eowyn laughed while Katherine shook her head. She spotted Legolas where the horses are. He's tending to them.

"Eowyn pass me a bowl and a spoon please?" Katherine poured some stew into the bowl and headed towards Legolas.

"Legolas!" Katherine called his name to gain his attention. Even though he should've sensed her coming. Legolas turned to look at her. He frowned a bit in confusion.

"What's this?"

"This is stew. Eowyn and I made it. Thought you might be hungry. Don't worry it's not that horrible" said Katherine with assured tone of voice.

"I didn't know you can cook" said Legolas taking the bowl from Katherine.

"Of course I can. When I am in the mood." Katherine muttered the last part to herself but Legolas heard it anyway. He tried the stew a little and was surprised to find it rather good. He didn't expect that.

"Are there any other secret talent you have that I don't know about Miss Katherine?" Legolas asked with mirthful tone of voice. Katherine smirked at that.

"There are a few" admitted Katherine. "And if you're lucky enough you may find them out" said Katherine with a bit flirting tone of voice. She even blushed a little. Obviously she was talking about her skill in bed. However Legolas frowned at her with confusion.

"Why do I need to be lucky to find them out? You could just tell me about it" said Legolas like a child with no knowledge about sex. Katherine felt like slapping her own forehead. She lowered her head and sighed out heavily in hopelessness. Legolas and his naivety. It never creases to surprise Katherine and sometimes disappoint her.

"Never mind. Listen there's something I want you to know. When the wargs are going to attack, Aragorn is suppose to fall off a cliff" said Katherine. Legolas' eyes widened hearing that.

"And I should let that happen, is that what you're going to say?" Katherine scowled at Legolas for assuming wrong before letting her finish.

"No, I was going to say, don't let it happen. I have already warned Aragorn about it but you need to watch his back." Legolas nodded his head.

"Of course I will." Legolas then paused for a moment before speaking up again. "Why did you tell me this though? You don't wish to be a hero again or you're actually listening to Gandalf and staying out of trouble which by the way is even more shocking. Are you sure you fair well?" Katherine gave Legolas a deadly look.

"Ha ha very funny" said Katherine sarcastically while rolling her eyes. "I am telling you this because tomorrow morning, women and children are going to go separate way as planned and Aragorn will obviously make sure I go with them. I won't be with you when the wargs attack so-" Katherine trailed off.

"You are agreeing to go very easily. I heard lady Eowyn wished to fight but king Theoden ordered her to leave with the women and children" said Legolas. Katherine inhaled a deep breath.

"I know about Eowyn. And I know that I am a very skilled warrior and undoubtedly will be a great asset in the army but I know you will do fine without me so I am gonna let you handle the wargs" said Katherine enthusiastically. Legolas stared at Katherine for a moment before burst out laughing. Katherine started laughing with him. She decided that she loves Legolas' laugh very much. The sound is musical to her ears. She could listen to it all day. Katherine suddenly spotted Eowyn speaking with Aragorn. She sighed out a little and shook her head. Legolas noticed that.

"What is it?" He asked, his laughter has died down already. Katherine motioned towards the princess of Rohan and Aragorn. Legolas looked at them too.

"Lady Eowyn seems quite taken with Aragorn." So Legolas noticed that too. He's only oblivion when Katherine hints at something. Katherine thought sadly.

"She's falling for him" stated Katherine knowing it to be happening.

"And you don't seem to like that" said Legolas observing Katherine's facial expression.

"Of course I don't. Aragorn is with Arwen. They are going to be together. Eowyn is only gonna get her heartbroken. Aragorn should tell her that he's already taken before it's too late." Legolas listened to Katherine carefully.

"Are you sure Aragorn and Arwen will be together? Because she's suppose to take the boat to undying land."

"No she won't" said Katherine confidently. "And even if Arwen leaves which will not happen, Aragorn has already given his heart to her. Eowyn will just be a rebound girl. And she deserves better."

"What is a rebound girl?" asked Legolas clueless. Katherine couldn't help but scowl at Legolas with annoyance this time.

"Have you really lived for thousands of years?" asked Katherine with incredulous tone of voice. Legolas realized it was meant to offend him. He narrowed his eyes at Katherine.

"Fine don't tell me" saying that Legolas was about to turn away from Katherine. She sighed out heavily.

"It means going from one romantic relation to another right away. If a boy breaks up with a girl he loves and quickly gets into relationship with another it only means he's trying to move on from the previous girl and he may or may not be in love with the current girl. In most cases there aren't any love with the rebound girl or boy. But it might eventually happen however there's no guarantee. I can see why you don't know anything about rebound lover. You elf kind only fall in love once, don't you? Or that's what I know."

"That is indeed correct" confirmed Legolas. Katherine smiled at him.

"And I am very happy that you found yours" said Katherine and she was about to embrace Legolas but he moved back. Katherine looked at him with confusion. Legolas nervously smiled at her.

"There are too many people around. You don't want them to start a gossip, do you?" Katherine only nodded her head. She wasn't sure why Legolas cared about any gossip though. If she remembered correctly he kissed her right in front of Gimli once. And Legolas said so himself that an elf never shies away from expressing his feelings. Something felt wrong to Katherine. Something changed.

"I am gonna go and see what Gimli is doing" said Katherine just making up an excuse. Legolas vehemently nodded his head. As if he was glad that Katherine decided to leave that moment. It confused Katherine even more. What is going on with Legolas? What's wrong with him?

At night the travelers halted again. Katherine never stopped feeling restless. She was confused about Legolas' behavior. She saw Aragorn smoking pipe and thinking to himself. Katherine approached him. It snapped Aragorn out of his thoughts about Arwen. He looked up at Katherine with a questioning gaze.

"Thinking about Arwen?" Katherine said as she sat down beside him. Aragorn didn't response to that. Instead he said.

"Katherine, you should be sleeping right now" said Aragorn like a concerned brother.

"I couldn't" said Katherine sighed out heavily.

"Is something bothering you?" inquired Aragorn. Katherine slowly nodded her head.

"Since I came back Legolas has been acting different." To Katherine's surprise Aragorn didn't look surprised to hear that. Instead there was a knowing look on his face. Did he know anything Katherine didn't?

"I have noticed" confirmed Aragorn.

"What do you think happened to him? He doesn't look mad at me but still he's keeping a distance between us" said Katherine sighing out heavily.

"I don't know what he is thinking. You should talk to him" suggested Aragorn.

"I don't even know what to ask" said Katherine feeling troubled already. "Everything is so confusing."

"And it will get more confusing if you two don't talk about it" stated Aragorn straight away. Katherine breathed in deeply and nodded her head.

"You are right. I am gonna talk to him." Katherine was about to get up but she stopped and looked at Aragorn.

"Sorry for ruining the surprise but you should know that Arwen won't take the boat. She will remain here for you." Aragorn was shocked to hear that to say the least. It took him a moment to register that information in his brain.

"Why did you tell me this?" asked Aragorn finally overcoming his shock.

"Because I hate to see you miserable all the time" stated Katherine without any hesitation. Aragorn sighed out heavily.

"I didn't want her to make such a huge sacrifice for me." Katherine put a hand on his shoulder to comfort the ranger.

"She isn't making any sacrifice and she certainly isn't doing this only for you. Being with you makes her happy as well. Arwen could remain behind because life without you is meaningless to her. So don't carry any burden Aragorn." Silence fell over them but a comfortable one. Aragorn actually felt better after what Katherine said. Sometimes you need to hear a third person's opinion to see things differently. Argon spoke up and broke the silence.

"I didn't know you could be so wise Katherine" said Aragorn laughing a little. Katherine shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.

"What can I say, I am just full of surprises."

"You are indeed" agreed Aragorn. Katherine sighed out heavily.

"I am gonna go find Legolas and talk to him" said Katherine getting up from her spot. She started walking but Aragorn called her back.

"Katherine!" she turned around to look at the ranger.

"What?"

"I hope you and Legolas work things out. I want both of you to be happy together" said Aragorn really wishing for that. Little did he know what is in store for the couple?

Katherine looked around the camp but couldn't spot Legolas anywhere. Usually it is easy to spot him. No one is as fair and beautiful as him around the camp. Katherine spotted Eowyn and Gimli together, talking and laughing but no sign of Legolas. Where the hell was he? Katherine wondered in her mind. Was he hiding from her? The question sounded ridiculous in her mind. Why would he do that? But what if he is? Asked a little voice at the back of Katherine's mind. Katherine kept looking around. The camp wasn't very big. But still it was crowded enough.

"If you're looking for the elf, he's behind that hill" said Gamling behind Katherine's back and almost scaring her to death. She had almost yelped out loud.

"How do you know?" Katherine asked once she could calm down her beating heart.

"I have seen him going there earlier" said Gamling. He's one of king Theoden's personal guards.

"Okay thanks!"

"What is he doing there?" Katherine muttered to herself and headed that way. It wasn't short distance but Katherine had to speak with Legolas and ask him what is going on with him. Hopefully Katherine will receive some answers and not just denial or pathetic excuses. Surely Katherine found Legolas on the other side of the mound. He was standing alone. As if he wished to remain in isolation. Legolas was staring up at the moon and star filled sky. He sensed someone approaching him and also knew who it was. Legolas silently sighed out heavily. The person he was trying to avoid came looking for him. What excuse he's going to make now to stop Katherine if she tries to do anything with him? The only reason Legolas couldn't tell her off because he didn't want to break her heart. But he couldn't exactly give in either if he doesn't love her anymore.

"Legolas, I know you sensed me coming" said Katherine as she realized Legolas deliberately ignoring her presence. Her voice sounded strong. It surprised Legolas. Something told him, Katherine wasn't here for a romantic moment with him.

"What are you doing here Katherine. You should rest now. You have a long journey tomorrow" said Legolas keeping his voice calm and indifferent.

"Yes, I am aware of tomorrow's adventure but we need to talk." Katherine spoke more firmly this time. Legolas turned to look at her.

"About what?" Legolas asked and wondered.

"About the fact that you're behaving differently with me and don't try to deny it" said Katherine leaving no room for argument about that matter. "What is it? Are you still mad at me for leaving with the Uruks? I don't know how many times I need to apologize for that." Katherine spoke impatiently because truth to be told she was out of patience and nervous and confused and downright freaking out inwardly because she has no bloody clue what happened to Legolas.

"I am not mad at you Katherine" said Legolas with stronger tone of voice than he intended. "I just-" Legolas stopped himself but Katherine wanted to know.

"You just what?"

"Tell me the truth Legolas. Please."

"I just don't think that I am in love with you anymore." There Legolas said it. Finally. And he knew to expect something horrible after this. Katherine could only gap at Legolas for a while. She couldn't believe her own ears. Did Legolas just say that he doesn't love her anymore? Did he really say that?

"What?" Katherine gasped out with shock and disbelieve. Legolas sighed out heavily.

"I know this sounds confusing but it's true. I am not in love with you anymore Katherine." Legolas spoke more clearly this time. Katherine felt baffled at first. And then his words started sinking in her mind. Katherine felt a tightening in her chest.

"Why?" Katherine asked. She could barely speak. The question came out as a whisper. Legolas sighed out heavily again. He knew he was hurting Katherine and it made him feel terrible.

"I don't know Katherine. I honestly don't. I was madly in love with you but then the Uruks took you away and suddenly I started feeling different about you. I know that I still care about you and love you but only as a friend. I can't think of you as my lover anymore. I am sorry Katherine." Legolas apologized most humbly. He really did feel sorry. Katherine didn't know what to think or feel anymore. She inhaled a deep breath and gulped down the lump in her throat. Tears threatened to fill her eyes but she held them back with strong will. How is it possible? How could Legolas suddenly fall out of love with her? It's so unheard of. Couples can eventually drift apart but not suddenly like this. Katherine tried to remain calm.

"So you don't love me anymore?" Katherine asked. She needed to hear it again. At least once more. For confirmation.

"I apologize from the bottom of my heart Katherine. I didn't wish to hurt you like this. Please believe me." Legolas spoke softly and sorrowfully.

"Is that the reason you kept yourself at a distance from me since I came back?" asked Katherine suddenly her voice sounded strong again. She would remain strong for a moment before relapsing again.

"Yes" admitted Legolas sighing out heavily. Katherine nodded her head to that. Legolas couldn't tell what she was thinking and he wished he knew. Legolas prayed that he isn't breaking Katherine beyond repair. It'd be horrible.

"Have you ever really loved me?" Legolas was taken aback by this question. "Or your falling in love with me wasn't real?" Legolas opened his mouth to say that it was real but he stopped himself. If he was really in love with Katherine then why that love disappeared so suddenly? True love doesn't vanish like that. So Legolas gave the most safest answer.

"I don't know." However it was another blow for Katherine. She sighed out heavily. Not breaking down right then and there was proving to be very difficult at that time.

"Well thanks for your honesty" saying that Katherine turned around to leave but Legolas had to stop her.

"Katherine please stop. I know that I am hurting you and I am really sorry for that. But you must believe me that I didn't mean for this to happen. I really do care about you and I'll do anything to protect you and keep you safe. I don't want to loose our friendship." Legolas spoke with pleading tone of voice. He meant what he just said. He didn't want to loose Katherine completely. Her friendship means a lot to Legolas. Katherine inhaled a deep breath. She didn't turn to look back at Legolas. She couldn't. But Katherine spoke up with low tone of voice-

"You already have" saying that she ran away. It pained Legolas to no limit. Perhaps if Katherine wasn't so hurt and angry as well, she wouldn't have said that to Legolas. But Katherine felt broken from inside at that moment. For the first time in her life she fell in love with someone only to have that person tell her that suddenly he wasn't in love with her anymore and he wasn't even sure if he was ever really in love with her.

"Katherine you fool!" she chided herself. Katherine should have known better. She should have known that she isn't meant for falling in love with a prince charming and have her feelings returned. She is the evil, selfish, manipulative bitch from another world. How could she even dream of having a love story? It was her fault. All her fault not to realize that sooner and giving her heart away to someone. And as expected he stomped on it and kicked it away. But the real question was how is she going to deal with the heartbreak now? She's Katherine after all. Mopping is the last thing she's gonna do.