disclaimer: i do not own anything!

Chapter 9

The morning was cold, morning dew hung from the leaves, the air crisp yet cold sending a slight chill and bite as the fellowship prepares their things for their early departure, a journey that was still to be completed.

Alex woke up early and had requested a warm bath, probably the last bath she'll have for the next few weeks to come. Her maid, though unnecessary, had offered to help her.

Dressing in the elven trousers, that translate to leggings in her world, Alex also carefully stored in her bag: two spare of those trousers and couple of clean elven tunics. Discarding the already ruined silk gown and coat she travelled with when she first arrived.

For the past two weeks, Alex had tried to distract herself, forcing her mind to keep from recalling and rewinding the conversation she had with the elf.

He had not shown up for dinner that night after their conversation. And the next night. And the next night. He was clearly avoiding her and it was always with the same excuse, audience with Lord Celeborn, with Lady Galadriel and a meeting with the Marchwarden. And during the day, when the membership would practice and spar, he was always off to the side, quiet and distant. He never offered a single critic or praise, unless his input was asked by either Boromir or Aragorn, and only then his responses where always short and brief and after, he would disappear doing god knows what.

Alex could not decide for herself, if she was to feel relieved that she would not see him or concerned that he was avoiding her to the point of starving himself or having his meals away from the group. Aragorn did not seem to be bothered though, but there were times she'd caught him staring at her contemplatively when she thought she wasn't looking.

Her attention was brought back to the present by a soft knock on her door. She would miss this, having a room by herself for it might be a while before she would have a space all by herself again, as long as she is traveling with the group.

Padding softly towards the door, she found Merry and Pippin standing outside her door.

"We are getting ready to leave Miss Alex." Both looking excited and terrified all at once at the prospect of leaving their safe haven for the dangers outside.

"Right. Let me just get my stuff and I'll walk with you guys." Alex turned to look one last time in the mirror and studied her appearance again. She was wearing the same clothes she wore during her sparring class with Boromir, the same day she had that talk with Legolas. Her outfit had earned her with quite a few stares from the elves and the membership of the fellowship, but quickly brushing what people thought aside. If she was to start running and hiking after the fellowship then she needed masculine clothes, not frilly gowns!

Grabbing her only bag, she hurried after the hobbits to where everyone was standing by the river access out of Lothlorien.

Paul greeted her, automatically pulling along where the rest of the fellowship was gathered. "You won't believe what we're riding!" An excited Paul is a best way to start an adventure.

"A boat, Paul. It was already discussed last night." Alex stared at Paul with a bewildered look on her face, remembering the serious supper she had with the group regarding their route and next plan of action.

"No. Canoes!" Paul exclaimed, his voice rising an octave relaying his excitement over their mode of transportation.

"What?" Glancing around her to the dock, she saw four green canoes being dragged in, and a few supplies and belongings being loaded onto it. Slim, narrow canoes floating aimlessly by the dock as they were tied by the elves. Alex stared on, petrified at noting the sizes of the contraptions.

She was under the impression last night that they were traveling by boat, and by boat she thought huge unsinkable modes of transportation that can hold ten people, not canoes intended for a weekend excursion.

"You'll ride with me right?" Snapping her head to look at Paul, a swell of panic slowly creeping into her at the thought of falling off the thing.

"Paul." A hand clapped on his shoulder, Paul turned to Aragorn standing behind him, "May I have a word with you?"

"Y..yeah sure." Nodding and separating himself from Alex, as he quickly followed Aragorn off to the side to have a private chat.

Alex looked at both her friends who seemed to be in a quiet discussion, with Aragorn briefly gesturing to where the hobbits and Gimli are standing and to the boats tied off at the other side. She watched Paul nod his head in understanding at something Aragorn said, before they both separated. Paul was headed towards his way back to Alex before they all were interrupted by the arrival of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn who had requested that the members of the fellowship line up and receive a proper farewell from the Lorien elves.

Unsure of what to do and where to go, for they certainly were not part of the 'fellowship', Alex and Paul chose to stand behind Aragorn, who looked to have taken up the position as the alpha of the group.

One by one, all of them received cloaks from the Lord that were fastened on by the elves. Alex and Paul jumped at the sudden intrusion of personal space, but was very grateful for the gift, offering a mutter of thanks to the elves only smiled at them.

"Never before had we clad strangers in the garb of our own kind. May this cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."

Moving to stand back, both friends continued to watch on as the fellowship was gifted with weapons that they will need for their journey.

"My gift to you, Legolas, is the bow of the Galadrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." Wonder and gratitude graced the elf-prince's face as he studied and tested the bow. Lady Galadriel moved on to the next member as Alex was nudged quietly by Paul.

Giving her friend a glare, Paul answered with the same glare, and mouthed 'Stop staring!' To which Alex had to school her features into a calm demeanor before the elf noticed her.

"These are the daggers of Noldorin. They have already seen service in war." Noticing the intimidated expression on Pippin's face, Alex felt sad that these happy-going beings were being subjected to the horrors of their journey ahead. Her thoughts were soon cut off when the Lady Galadriel continued to speak to Pippin, "Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage." Turning to the next hobbit in line, Alex turned her attention to Sam.

"And for you, Samwise Gamgee, elven rope made of heath line."

Both Alex and the Lady had smiled at the hobbit's innocent question about possibly having a dagger instead. Oh Sam! Alex had to suppress her laugh. Her mirth was suddenly interrupted at the question the Lady asked of Gimli.

"And would a dwarf ask of the elves?"

This time, Alex's heart swelled at Gimli's answer. The Master dwarf may look rough and intimidating but Alex could now see that that was all just his exterior. Gimli was a softy at heart and would be a loyal friend to anyone.

"Nothing." Keeping his head bowed, before finally looking up at the Lady of Lothlorien he had the audacity to call a witch before. It seemed that was already so long ago. "Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadriel one last time, for she more fairer than all the jewels beneath the earth."

Embarrassed by his declaration, Gimli turned to leave but at the last minute decided against it. Alex would have eavesdropped more if not for Aragorn pulling her attention to talk about seating arrangements on the boat. There were ten of them, and they notably have to divide the weight properly within the four boats but to make sure that no member remained unprotected as well. Alex's brow furrowed at what Aragorn was trying to say, unfortunately both their attention was diverted when all of a sudden the Lady Galadriel stood in front of them, her smile kind and all knowing.

"I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you both already bear." Alex brow furrowed again, as she tried to decipher what the Lady was trying to say, she tried to strain her ear to listen to what the Lady was saying to Aragorn but her thoughts were pulled away when voice so familiar spoke in her head,

"My child, My sweet child, if I had only known. They have kept you well hidden, even from me." Alex's question filled gaze shifted to the Lady but she was in a deep conversation with Aragorn, how does she do that?

"You have always had a choice. And you will face that choice again. All will be revealed in time. Follow your heart for it will not lead you astray."

Alex was not even aware that she was looking down, when she felt fingers under chin tip her head up and she was found face to face with the Lady looking intently at her, "She has kept you from the dark so that you will never feel different. She loves you more than life itself, as we all do." Bending down to place a kiss on her forehead, Alex felt light and carefree, like all her worries where somehow lifted from her despite having more questions than ever before.

Before turning around and walking towards where Frodo was standing, Alex continued to stare at the Lady that was until she was nudged on the shoulder by Aragorn, something she used to do to him when she was younger, "Are you alright?"

"Huh? Um, yeah. I'm fine." Shaking her head to put aside all the thoughts running to her mind once again, "What did she tell you? I heard Arwen's name but that's about it."

A blush crept over Aragorn's face and Alex watched the silent ranger suddenly become self conscious. Glancing at the necklace on his neck, Alex recognized it right away as soon understanding crossed her features. "Oh my! You're in love with Arwen?" Alex whispered into Aragorn as they both turned to walk towards the side of the river where the boats are.

Aragorn smiled at the the antics of his friend. When suddenly he was nudged by the shoulder by her, turning to the woman beside him, "Dating an older woman, that's hot." Alex snickered at Aragorn's amused but bewildered face at her comment. The jab completely going over his head.

Alex continued to walk to the boats as Aragorn was stopped halfway by Lord Celeborn. She found sitting by one of the boats were Merry and Pippin who looked quite happy munching on some lembas bread.

"Where'd you get that?" Gesturing to the almost finished elven bread on both the hobbits.

The hobbits swallowed the last of the bread and pointed to where packed supplies were placed together with their belongings. Alex was about to make a comment about lembas bread when Legolas beat her to eat, "Lembas!" Pulling one out and taking a bite of it, "one small bite is enough to fill a stomach of a grown man." Nodding to both Hobbits before he turned back to transferring the bags onto the boats leaving the three to look at each other.

"How many did you eat?" Alex asked to both hobbits who looked on in horror at the information, "Four." Pippin answered, while Merry held up two fingers of his own. Alex suppressed a laugh at their innocence and antics. Glancing around her, she found that the boats were almost claimed by the members, on one boat sat Sam with Frodo waiting for his turn to board. On the second boat was Gimli, who is also waiting for his companion, on the third was Merry and Pippin, and finally she spotted the last one that was left unattended which she immediately went to. Sitting on one end of the boat to wait for Paul, she watched as the remaining members of the group pushed the boat into the open water before jumping into it.

Aragorn was on the boat with Frodo, Boromir was with the other two hobbits, when her eyes widened when she saw Paul on the boat with Gimli. Opening her mouth to call her friend she was surprised to find the boat she was on, tip a little before it swayed as the weight of her companion sat in front of her. Of course it would be him!

The coldest glare she could muster was directed at the elf seated in front of her, "You planned this didn't you?"

"Don't flatter yourself." Was his nonchalant reply as he reached for the paddle and started to paddle with the rest of the fellowship, "Gimli can't reach to paddle, but he can fight so it was best to put him on a boat with Paul." The look Legolas gave her was condescending at its best, as if silently challenging her if she would want an explanation as to their seating arrangements.

That would explain why Aragorn wanted to speak with Paul earlier. The four hobbits were divided by Aragorn and Boromir and she got the elf. Just perfect. "Stop looking at me."

"Well, you are facing the wrong the direction." Nodding his head to prove his point, Alex turned to see she was indeed facing the wrong direction of where they are going.

"I don't like it when people look at me alright? It makes me feel like a freak." She muttered, if she is to get stuck on a boat with him, she might as well be cordial. Studying her current position to find a way to turn around in her seat causing the boat to sway a little, she was immediately called out by Legolas, "Do not even think about it. If you stand and move, you'll the tip the boat and we'll capsize."

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

Legolas only gave her a dimpled smile to answer her question. Would he tell her how much he was actually enjoying this? Laughter danced in his eyes at the thought of her right where he wanted her. It would be two days before they reached Rauros, plenty of time to get reacquainted again, and he was actually keeping his promise to look after her, not that she will ever have to know.

"Has she said anything yet?" Paul's amused voiced was heard beside their boat, two hours into their journey, Gimli looked to be day dreaming in front of him.

"Not a word."

"Shut up."

Both answered at the same time, and both receiving snickers from the occupants of the other two boats. Alex continued on with her silent treatment of the elf, but he would only look at her and smile. Alex then would avert her eyes and try to look at anywhere else than him, but it was proving to be quite a challenge when they were sitting face to face. God! He really is gorgeous.

Aragorn's boat passed by them, and Alex saw the ranger smile in her direction. "We mortals never stood a chance." Alex's eyes widened at her friend's remark, remembering her earlier jab at his love life.

"I hate you." Aragorn chuckled at Alex's declaration, it has been a long time since he was able to laugh carefree, even if it was just for a moment. Shaking his head, he maneuvered his boat so that they would be leading the group.

"Are you alright Gimli?" Paul asked, noting that the dwarf has not said a word since they left Lorien hours ago.

"I'm alright lad. Just thinking about the Lady." Gimli muttered, the wistful look on his face still ever present.

"What did she give you?"

"I asked for one hair from her golden head," Gimli's eyes looking forward but was not really seeing anything, "She gave me three."

Legolas smiled at the dwarf's expression, his own gift from the Lady still fresh from his mind as he tried to process that he was not just gifted any bow, but the bow of the Galadrim.

The party of ten continued on their journey, not another word was exchanged between them. The sun already high in the sky when Alex chanced to glance at Legolas to find him rummaging on his pack for something. Looking around her, she spotted Sam doing the same as well as the rest of the members. Her gaze returned back to Legolas to find him already chewing on something, while also at the same time was able to manage rowing their boat in the process.

"Do you want some?" His innocent face directed at her, while he reached out to offer her half a lembas bread.

Alex's gaze turned wary towards the elf, averting her gaze and gazing towards the vast river surrounding them. "It is just food." Legolas continued, his hand still outstretched in her direction.

With a sigh of resignation, but still refusing to look at him, Alex gently took the bread from him and muttered a silent, "Thanks." in his direction.

"You need to calm down Alex. I am not going to hurt you."

A mix between a scoff and un-lady like snort escaped from Alex. Averting her eyes to hide the laugh at his statement.

But Legolas' sharp eyes caught every single reaction she had of his statement, "What happened, love?" His questioning gaze raking over her silent form, "I left you with my father to check on the north boarder and when I came back you were gone." His tone soft and pleading. There has to be some logical reason for all her anger.

"Oh I'm sorry. I was not the 'naive witless chit willing to bend to your merest bidding' you were expecting to be married too." Unable to help herself Alex muttered, unable to roll her eyes.

It was as if Legolas was slapped in the face with that single statement, his eyes suddenly turned hard, "Who told you that?" His anger slowly rising, but it was not directed at her, "What else did they say?" He stopped rowing now, both paddle resting on the side of the boat. Of course the court had something to do with it.

"Why does it matter?"

Legolas was abruptly silenced by her question. Why did it matter who said anyway?

"That was more than two thousand years ago." The implication clear, I am not the same elf I once was.

"Obviously." Sarcasm dripping in her tone.

"What do you want me to say, Alex? What do I have to do for you to believe me?"

Slumping her shoulders and sighing, Alex had no choice but to face him, "You are fifteen years too late." Sadness crept into her voice, her eyes casting downwards.

"Give me a chance."

"How is this even going to work—"

"I will make you a deal." Legolas' tone left no room for debate, "I want us to try..try to 'make this work'." Using Alex's own expression to plead his deal.

Alex tried to open her mouth, but the elf plowed on, "—If by the end of your stay here in Middle Earth, you still do not want to be bonded to me then I will let you go."

Alex studied the elf's serious expression, looking into his eyes to find no hint of ridicule or lie in them, "And how will you accomplish that? You just said no elf-lord will heed our plea.—"

"Your plea, Alex. This is your plea. One that I will be willing to support if I had no other choice." Picking up the paddles again and continuing to row, looking ahead of him to the three boats already a few meters away. "Is it really so bad to be married to me?" That last question interrupting the silence that surrounded the pair. A humorless laugh escaped him at the thought. The young him would have thought his dalliances and parade of paramours would keep him satisfied, but here he was now trying his best to keep the one woman he wanted by his side.

0-0-0

"Do not worry lad, they are fine." Gimli stated after noting that Paul would not stop looking behind him at Alex and Legolas' boat who seemed to had stopped and was now being left behind by the group.

"What do you suppose they are talking about?" It was Merry who asked, also having observed the boat that was left behind, but was still in view of everyone.

Aragorn tried to kept quiet to himself, his concentration solely on rowing the boat but he could not escape the perceptive eyes of Frodo. "You know something do you?"

Snapping his gaze to the hobbit sitting in front of him, Aragorn shrugged his shoulders. "It is a long story. There is a lot of history there and I am not even sure I know the whole thing." Flickering his gaze to Paul for some assistance.

"Don't look at me." Raising both his hands in surrender, "I only know one side of the story. I don't want to be judging any one especially an elf who can decapitate me in a second with his eyes closed." Returning his attention to rowing and keeping their boat close to the group.

"She's hurting." Sam noted, whose attention was now also aimed at the lone boat.

"They both are. He just hides his very well." Frodo noted, this time his gaze flickered to Aragorn to find him also glancing at the pair and then returning forward. "She said she knew both of you when she was still young. But their's is something special, is it?"

"I say we continue with what we are suppose to be here for. The quicker we reach Rauros, the better." Boromir commented, his boat had now lead the group refusing to stop paddling.

Just as the same time Boromir made that comment, Legolas started paddling back to were the group was. As the boat gained speed to catch up to the group, Alex schooled her features to one of nonchalance. Her earlier talked with the elf now placed in the back of her mind. Noticing the contemplative expression on their faces, Alex asked, "What's wrong?" Looking from Paul to the four hobbits.

"Just thinking about the journey ahead Miss Alex." Merry answered, his gaze shifting forward but his attention was still with his companions on the other boats.

"The Lady Galadriel said I will find my courage." A loud sigh escaped Pippin's lips, "but I don't know how or when I'll find it or if ever."

"Oh. Well.." Alex did not know how to answer their concerns.

"It feels like we are going into something and I do not know how I can face those monsters again, like the one we encountered in Moria." This time it was Sam who commented, his expression also turned solemn, "I mean, I am only a cook milady." Tapping the pans strapped onto his pack.

Wanting to ease the troubles of the hobbits, Alex had to wrack her brain for something to soothe their fears, "Well, why don't you think of instead, a girl worth fighting for?" Alex's expression turned horrified at what just came out of her mouth, turning to Paul, she saw her friend, gave her a what-the-fuck look.

"Mulan? You're giving them advice based on a disney movie?"

"You started with 'Frozen'. Don't get testy with me." Alex muttered,

"I never thought of that." Pippin answered, holding his dagger out and studying it, "but I do not have a girl to fight for." His question was answered with a shake of head from Merry.

"For a long time we've been marching off to battle," Alex was sure she'd get whiplash at how sudden she had to turn her head at Paul who suddenly sang the disney song, her laughter at hearing her friend sing a kid's song was hard to miss. "In our thundering herd we feel a lot like cattle."

Gimli's laugh broke out at the last part, "That's it lad!"

"Like the pounding beat, our aching feet aren't easy to ignore…" Paul turned to Alex waving his hand for her to continue, Alex shook her head in horror shaking her head refusing to sing the song.

"Come on Miss Alex, do sing for us." Both Merry and Pippin where pleading for her,

"It does have a very catchy tune, right Mr. Frodo?" Sam commented, noting that Frodo nodded and smiled at their way, one of the very smiles that Frodo will ever get while in this journey.

Feeling cornered by the hobbits and by Paul, Alex braced herself, "Hey, think of instead, a girl worth fighting for." A blush slowly crept to hr cheeks, she had never sang in front of people before, her usual jovial singing was only reserved when she and Paul would decide to stay at home and get wasted.

She was greeted with silence however, as all eyes turned to look at her, except for Paul who continued to paddle, "What?" Alex felt horrified that they might not have appreciated her singing, when all of a sudden the hobbits suddenly cheered,

"Aye! The lady can sing!" Gimli proudly exclaimed, the excitement of the hobbits infectious.

"Oh, I… I don't.. I mean, I'm not a good singer.."

"You have to sing more milady!"

"That's what I said, a girl worth fighting for…"breaking the tension for his friend, Paul sent Alex a wink , "I want her paler than the moon with eyes that shine like stars," a chorus of laughter and smiles where exchanged between the hobbits and Paul, "My girl will marvel at my strength, adore my battle scars." Paul finished, gruffing his voice and flexing his arm as he acted out the song.

Alex laughed at her friend's antics, deciding to join in at the fun, "I couldn't care less what she'll wear or what she looks like, it all depends on what she cooks like," looking to Sam who blushed at the attention, Frodo silently laughing beside him, "Beef, pork, chicken, mmm.." Sam smiled bashfully, his cheeks still tinged pink.

"Who is she Sam? Is it someone we know?" Pippin asked, noting his friend's suddenly shy demeanor,

"Oh, you know her alright. And you will know her once this is all over." Frodo answered, giving Sam a pat on the back.

"Bet the local girls thought you were quite the charmer, and I'll bet the ladies love a man in armor" Paul continued, seeming to direct the conversation into a more lighter tone, "You can guess what we have missed the most since we went off to war, what do we want?"

"A girl worth fighting for!" Both Merry and Pippin finished off, earning them a laugh from the rest fo the group. Alex clapped for the pair, proud that the hobbits had quickly picked up the tune of the song.

"A girl who'll think I have no faults, and I'm a major find.." Paul continued, his tone turning on the child-like tune, his face turning to look at Alex signaling that its her turn, the eye of the hobbits all turned to her to follow the song, smiles on their faces.

"Uh, how bout' a girl whose got a brain, who always speaks her mind?" Alex continued, her mood lightening and decided to participate in on the charade,

"Nah!" Paul interjected, earning them a chuckle from Boromir, who turned and gave the pair an amused smile. "My Manly ways, and turn of phrase are sure to thrill her!"

"He thinks he's such a ladies killer." Alex added her face holding the expression of someone who just shared a secret, looking at the Merry and Pippin who both laughed at her antics.

"I've a girl back home who's unlike any other," Paul continued, his playful glare directed at the Alex and the two hobbits, who earned him more laughs,

"Yet the only girl who'll love him is his mother." Alex continued on, the banter escaping her lips. The line immediately making Gimli guffaw this time not only with the hobbits, but even Aragorn cracked a smile. Alex could not have avoided the splash of water that hit her, looking to find Paul holding his paddle defensively and hitting the water one more time to splash her another one.

"Oh my god! I can't believe you did that!" Alex exclaimed, looking at her now partially soaked cloak and trousers. Unbeknownst to her, Legolas was smiling at her too. Also taking his paddle, he moved to splash water on Paul in retaliation, unexpectedly splashing both Paul and Gimli. Both whom froze at the contact.

"I'll get you ya pointy eared elf!" Gimli's gruff voice broke out, his hands waving on the air.

Legolas and Alex both laughed at the same time, their chuckle mingling and looking into each other, both of whom continued to smile after their laughter died down.

"But when we'll come home from victory, they'll line up at the door! What do we want?" Paul moved to finish the song, happy that if just for a few moments all of their minds had been distracted.

"A girl worth fighting for!" Both Merry and Pippin finished off again, both also smiling and looking at Sam and Frodo who were also silently laughing.

"Wish that I had?" Noting Sam's blush, Alex directed her question to the silent but resilient hobbit.

"A girl worth fighting for.." Sam muttered, looking shyly at the lady but grateful nonetheless at the attention. Frodo smiled at his friend and then glanced at Alex who gave her a slight nod of thanks.

The peculiar pair from another world ended the song, and both were immediately applauded by the hobbits, lead by Merry and Pippin. "This 'Moo-lan' song is truly magnificent!" Pippin commented, looking to Merry, Sam and Frodo. "The boys back home will surely have a marvelous time singing this!"

"But 'Mulan' is the name of the girl." Answered Alex,

"A girl?" Merry asked, his tone one of pure curiosity.

"Her story is one of the many legends from our world." Looking between her and Paul, "the song was just one of the many songs sang in the retelling of her story when it was translated for children."

"Oh now you have share us the story." Pippin requested, his eyes now wide and expecting.

"Please Miss Alex." Merry added, "We want to know more stories from your world."

"Um.. I don't know.." Glancing at Paul for some affirmation, "What do you think?" Smiling at her friend who faked thinking about it.

"That depends…how much do you really want to know?" Paul asked this time garnering the attention of the rest of the companions, smirk playing on his thin, pink lips.

"There's more?" Frodo asked, his penchant for adventures and mystery resurfacing bringing him back to a time when he would imagine he was one of the adventures with his uncle. That time felt so long ago. Two realizations came to him at once; one, too much time has already passed and that he is in more peril now beyond his wildest imagination. Second, he has not thought of the ring for a moment, his two new friends successfully distracting them from the dangers in hand. Frodo looked around, observing Sam, Merry and Pippin engrossed when Alex and Paul had decided to share with a few stories from their world, even Aragorn and Boromir who'd like to pretend they were in concentration about reaching their destination could not hide their curiosity on the stories.

Stories about a beauty and a beast, a girl who leaved in the sea and was looking for love and adventure, a princess who fell in love with a frog, of a sleeping beauty who was only woken by love's first kiss, and a lion destined to be a king, and a princess with seven dwarfs for friends. Singing a few songs from the children's story lines, not even expecting Gimli to be at the edge of his seat listening too attentively to the regaling of love, friendship and adventure.

Frodo looked down quietly, silently sending Gandalf a message of thanks for bringing Paul and Alex with them.