Gosh I am on Fire! Welcome to Chapter number nine! Thank you to all my reviewers of chapter 8 and sorry if this took a little longer to come out. It took a little bit more planning the usual to set up how I want this chapter to play out but now here we have it!

Bunkerbird25 chapter 8 - Gaaaah, it's only getting better, im excited to see where it goes from here !

So am I! I really feel as though I'm gaining momentum now that I've got the first few chapters out of the way. As soon as I got past book one I really started to feel it, you know?

Kathrinha chapter 8 - I've been a silent reader so far. But now I have to say it: Nicely done! And I like the small moments when Legolas, who is more often than not known to keep his emotions in check, turns out to be somewhat jealous, protective or even slightly possessive

So nice to have your review! And thanks for the compliment. Often when I picture the Prince of Mirkwood he comes across as the slightly possessive type, though I try to steer away from being to ooc. Hope I'm doing well in that department, tell me if I'm not though. Your review actually sparked a small idea for a bit of Legolas POV in this chapter!

mweas99 chapter 8 - Such a good chapter!

Thank you! Even though it was the shortest I've done so far….

PrettyRecklessLaura chapter 8 - Can't wait for more! Do I hear wedding bells?

It might be a bit too early for that, but we're getting closer! And thank you for reviewing since the very beginning. Your reviews have always meant a lot. Reminded me that people actually like my story. (I said that in the last chapter but I felt I should say it again)

For those who haven't guessed I am going to combine both movie and book plots as best I can, though it will lean heavily toward the movie aspect of things. Now. On with the story!

Jackie Dornessiti picked an elven brooch so similar to her own off the ground and smiled. Despite the fact that Boromir was dead, Sam and Frodo were somewhere on their way to Mordor, Aragorn Legolas and Gimli were at least several days behind her and Merry and Pippin were in the hands of the vicious Uruk-Hai she smiled. Oh you smart little hobbits… Not only did the fallen breastpin prove that her little friends were alive but that she was on the right track. Not that the trampled ground beneath her feet wasn't an indicator of that.

The entire attack had happened so fast. One minute they were tying their boats ashore, the next they were fending off orcs. And then there was the kiss. The completely mind blowing, incredible, confusing kiss. Did it mean he remembered her? Were the memories that she now knew Saruman removed all those years ago returning? Could they return after being repressed for so long? As far as she knew the wizard never truly removed the memories -no, that was not possible unless one was Sauron himself- just isolated them. Removed them from the Mirkwood Prince's stream of conscious thought. And if he didn't remember her -and wasn't in the process of doing so- why did he kiss her? Was he falling for her all over again? Was there some part of his subconscious mind that still knew her? And could she handle being in any sort of relationship -especially if it meant more- if he didn't remember her?

She shook her head. She was thinking way too much about it when she should be focusing on rescuing the hobbits, they were in the hands of the Uruk-Hai for the valars sake! Get it together. She could work on her problematic love life with the Prince once this whole quest-with-the-ring-defeat-evil-save-the-world-beat-the-brains-out-of-Sauron-and-Saruman thing she had was over with. Then she could figure out if the prince just wanted a fling or remembered her or actually liked her but didn't remember her or was just being a dick. Either way she remembered him. And she doubted she would ever forget.

She glanced up from where she crouched. "Tha yol comuroz Yoth othok my friends. (Dwarvish: I am coming for you my friends.)" The sound of her voice was still a shock. It having been taken by Sauron after he gave her the choice to become his wife or the painful death or the painful death of everyone she ever cared about -and he would still make her his wife, by force. (She chose option number two, the evil being had not known that she was on the very quest sent to destroy his precious ring, the source of his power) and being gone for over a month, the sound of it was still a surprise.

She sheathed the arrow she had pulled from her quiver and stood, leaving the brooch on the ground for the company of three that followed and stared toward the Fangorn, the forest that had been her home for so long after the wretched battle of the five armies. If the orcs thought they could hide from her there they had another thing coming. And if they thought they could sacrilege her home once more, hurt her friends, and get away unharmed, then they were in for a very rude -and violent- awakening. "Nar when Tha Nadra othok da Orkos var pay (Dwarvish: And when I find you, the orcs will pay)."

Legolas watched his friend Aragorn as he lay with his eyes closed to the ground, listening for the sound of heavy Uruk-Hai footsteps. "Their pace has quickened." The Ranger concluded as he looked up. "They must have caught our scent. Hurry!" He ran off.

"Come on Gimli!" Legolas looked back at the dwarf, before turning and following Aragorn.

The Dwarf of Erebor paused his steps and hiffed. "Three days and nights of pursuit. No food. No rest. And no sign of our quarry but what bare rocks can tell." Legolas grinned from where he ran ahead of Gimli as the dwarf began to run once more.

As the three hunters ran across the rocks and plains with Aragorn in the lead, followed by himself and Gimli his thoughts strayed unconditionally toward Jackie. He had kissed her before everything had gone to hell. Pushed her against a tree and kissed her hard. He told her that he would come back to him. And had every intention of following said statement through. He would see her again. And when he did he would not only kiss her senseless but ask her about all the strange comments and roundabout responses he had received. Their meeting -she said he had reminded her of someone she had known. A reasonable excuse so why didn't he believe her-, the fact she had been a mirkwood guard for years and he had never know, the conversation he had overheard in Haldir's house -then again in that instance she had been frightfully drunk and most likely conjuring up scenarios in her mind. He would get to the bottom of it. From time to time he would look back at Gimli, ensuring the dwarf was keeping up.

He had to admit, however, that the fierce feeling of possessive jealousy that comes across him at times when she is around scared him- if only a little. Elves were famously aloof and untouched by common feelings. As a prince he had mastered the art of keeping his emotions in check, brought it down to an art form truly. And yet this she-elf made him lose his grip on the emotions he had spent all 2,931 of his years perfecting. Had made him want to punch the marchwarden, and knock Boromir out cold.

When Aragorn stopped to bend and pick something off the ground -an elven brooch all the fellowship had received from Lorien when they had received their gifts and cloak- he could have sworn the dwarf let out a sigh of relief. "Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall" Aragorn said softly

He stopped and looked at Aragorn. "They may yet be alive." He consoled, the statement for himself as much as it was for his friend.

"Less than a day ahead of us. Come!" The ranger ran off again.

Gimli stumbled from behind some rocks and rolled to the ground. Legolas sighed. "Come, Gimli! We are gaining on them!"

The dwarf panted "I am wasted on cross-country! We dwarves are natural sprinters! Very dangerous over short distances!"

Legolas merely raised his eyebrows.

When they crested over a rolling hill and paused to look down as they gazed across the plains below it was Aragorn who spoke first. "Rohan. Home of the horse-lords. There is something strange at work here. Some evil gives speed to these creatures, sets its will against us."

Legolas ran ahead and looked out to the horizon. In the distance he could make out the party of orcs, making for the Fangorn forest, and beyond that Isengard. The stronghold of the wizards, or, more accurately, Saruman.

"My Lord." He said bowing to his father. "You wished to see me."

"Yes. It is of a matter of most importance." Was the brisk reply "I trust you know and recognize Saruman the White?"

"Yes my Lord." He murmured while eyeing the wizard. Saruman was very different than Gandalf, for one his robes that looked like white at first but if you paid attention to, was a mix of colours moving together in a never ending dance. The man also had a look of haughtiness that the other wizard did not. Where Saruman looked cold and even hostile, Gadalf looked like someone you would want to sit down and have a drink with, someone you could easily relate to and become friends with. He wondered why his father chose Saruman, not the other lovable wizard for whatever the problem was.

As if reading his thoughts his father began to speak again. "The problem my son, is you."

Legolas was taken aback for a second but made sure to keep any emotion off his face. "Father?"

"All your grieving is ruining the air of this kingdom, Legolas. Had it been for a noble lady from here or Lothlórien it may have been acceptable for this amount of time so long as you made sure to bring yourself back together but for a common guard elf? My son, that is unacceptable."

What? What was that? A dream fragment? He had never met the wizard Saruman in his life. And what? Had he been pinning for a lowly guard elf? Something Jackie had said nagged at him.

"Legolas, what do your Elf eyes see?" Aragorn called, pulling him from his thoughts.

"The Uruks turn northeast. They're taking the hobbits to Isengard-" His eyes caught a movement. Swift and precise, almost impossible to track with a cloak of elven make wrapped around her shoulders, silver hair tied back in a plait.

"Saruman." Aragorn said.

"-Dornessiti tracks them, nigh on a day or more ahead of us!" he finished. Happy to d

Aragorn whipped his head up, a grin spreading across his face. Gimli huffed a laugh, "O'course she is."

"Let us join our friend." Aragorn smiled grimly.

Jackie stared at the smoking heap of Orc remains, sitting just before the entrance to the Fangorn forest. She had hid behind a large stone when the riders of Rohan had passed, returning from the forest, and observed in sick fear when she saw the thick black smoke rise from the retreating horsemens previous destination. No, no, no, no. She rooted through the pile, searching in vain for tiny, child-like bodies in the masses of the deformed orc corpses. The pungent smell of burning orc-flesh stung her nose, reminding her all too vividly of the day she lost her biological family. Picking up an orc helmet she tossed it aside, yelling in frustration, She watched as it bounced on the hardened earth a few paces before coming to a rolling halt in a footprint.

She stared a little harder at the indent in the earth, moving over to it and removing the helmet. It was smaller and lighter than an orcs, and obviously not cloven in armored shoes. They were alive. She laughed. "Never again shall I doubt the cleverness of hobbits!"

She surveyed the trees once more, and glanced back in the direction she had come. Legolas had seen her, she had made sure of it. There was no way they did not know where to follow and be lost -lest the riders of Rohan halt them. They would be fine. She moved deeper into the forest she once called home. The wide expanse of lush green forest was relaxing and beautiful, despite what was happening outside of it's leafy reach. The world around her had been transformed from one of bustling people in large cities with the thick smog of evil hanging over them all to one of beauty. The thick trunks of strong trees rich walnut browns and chocolate shades. The leaves shone like emeralds, the golden sunlight casting the dew and frost covered world as a canvas to be filled with hues of greens. From the soft greys of sage to the lush greens and pine of the tall reaching trees. Droplets of water and dew clinging to everything around her shining like the most precious gemstones. Everything was silent save for the sound of nature. The outside world had not touched this place, though along the forest's outskirts it's effects could be seen. She had the feeling that no matter what happened in the realm outside of these trees this oasis of calm would remain undisturbed and peaceful. A sanctuary for those in need of escape. Unless of course Sauron got his way. And Saruman continued to shop the trees down.

"Perhaps I owe some old friends a visit."

Dawn had risen and the three hunters were still running, chasing the Uruk-Hai, motivated by the sight of their companion. Legolas paused to look up. "A red sun rises. Blood has been this night."

As he spoke the sound of horses reached their ears. Aragorn and the rest of the small company hid behind a boulder formation. A large group of horse-men appeared, galloping quickly over the terrain with their bright banners flying in the wind. Aragorn came out of hiding as they passed, so Legolas and Gimli followed suit. "Riders of Rohan, what news from the Mark?"

A signal went out from the horse-man at the lead, the riders made a quick turn and headed towards them, surrounding the three in ever-tightening circles. As they stopped, they pointed their long spears menacingly at them. Legolas resisted the urge to raise his eyebrows, knowing that he -in the very least- was in no danger, and with Aragorn and Gimli by his side could fell these riders with no fear.

"What business does an Elf, a man and a Dwarf have in the Riddermark? Speak quickly!" The leader called.

"Give me your name, Horsemaster, and I shall give you mine." For not the first time on their journey Legolas was inclined to agree with the dwarf.

The leader handed his staff to another ride and dismounted his horse with the expert grace of one who had years of riding behind them. Aragorn but a hand on Gimli's shoulder. "I would cut off your head, Dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground." The leader responded. Legolas grinned. The man was swiftly gaining respect. His growing respect for the man did not stop him, however, from -in one lightning fast, fluid move- drawing an arrow from his quiver and pointing it at the horseman, marveling at the strength and flexibility of the gifted bow.

"You would die before your stroke fell." He added for extra measure.

The saddled riders pointed their spears closer to the travellers. After a few tense moments passed Aragorn pushed Legolas arm down, lowering the bow. "I am Aragorn, son of Arathron. This is Gimli, son of Gloin." Aragorn nodded in the direction of the dwarf. "And Legolas of the Woodland realm." What am I? A Bastard? "We are friends of Rohan and of Theoden, your king."

"Theoden no longer recognizes friend from foe." The leader removed his helmet. "Not even his own kin." The spears were withdrawn. "Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claimed lordship over these lands. My company are those loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there, they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets."

"We are not spies." Aragorn said firmly. "We track a party of Uruk-hai westward across the plain. They've taken two of our friends captive."

"The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night."

"But there were two hobbits. Did you see two hobbits with them?" Gimli asked worriedly. Legolas stared at the leader. The hobbits-

"They would be small, only children to your eyes." Aragorn said, worry taking a tone in his voice.

"We left none alive. We piled the caracasses and burned them." He pointed to a black smog in the distance, rising from a burning pile in the distance.

"Dead?" Gimli asked? His voice breaking.

The leader nodded his head. "I am sorry." Legolas put his hand on Gimli's shoulder in grief. The hobbits, the innocent, pure hobbits, dead? No. "Hasufel! Arod!" The leader called, two horses moved up. "May these horses bear you better than their former masters. Farwell." The leader put his helmet on once more and got back on his horse. "Look for your friends. But do not trust to hop, it has forsaken these lands." He turned to the riders. "We ride north!"

The party of three watched as the riders rode off into the distance. Isn't he in good spirits. They then rode off towards the burning orc carcasses, the acrid smell wafting into their noses as they rode closer. When they arrived and had dismounted Legolas surveyed the pile with expert eyes, noting how Gimli began to sift through the smoldering remains and pull a charred belt and dagger from a sheath in peripheral vision.

"It's one of their wee belts." The dwarf said, teary eyed.

Legolas closed his eyes and bowed his head. "Hiro hyn hîdh ab 'wanath. (Elvish: May they find peace in death)"

Aragorn kicked a fallen helmet and yelled, whether it be from pain or grief he did not know. That had to hurt. The lone ranger fell to his knees. "AAAARRGGHH!"

"We failed them." Gimli spoke glumly, echoing what they were all thinking.

Legolas watched Aragorn intently as the ranger looked to the side, towards the tracks that were significantly smaller and lighter than the ones around them. "A hobbit lay here, and the other." Aragorn murmured. "They crawled." He began to move, following the scuffed up tracks, Legolas and Gimli following behind. "Their hands were bound." They moved a little further. "Their bonds were cut." Aragorn held up a broken length of rope. "They ran over her. They were followed." He moved forward again. "The tracks lead them away from the battle…" The ranger trailed off only to break into run, stopping at the very edge of Fangorn forest. The three looked into the dark foliage and dense trees of the dark forest.

"Fangorn." Gimli muttered. "What madness drove them in there?"

"Dornessiti said she lived here for years, if she is tracking them surely they have nothing to fear." Aragorn said, but he did not sound as sure as Legolas believed he wished.

Jackie sniffed at the black goo on one of the leaves, scrunching her nose at the bile like scent, and ever so grateful for her elven sceneses. Orc Blood. Had she used the technique that all dwarves knew and taught she would most likely be inclined to cut her own tongue off at the moment. They were close. The hobbits. She moved deeper into her home. When she saw the giant indent of what could only be the step of an Ent she smiled, and laughed. "My tow quests might not be so different after all!" So long as the hobbits made sure to tell the ent they were not orcs then they would be fine. She frowned. Would they be able to? Treebeard had never seen a hobbit before, and would most likely not be able to differentiate the two.

"Treebeard!" She called. "Treebeard! Oh come on you big oaf where are you- TREEBEARD!" Growling she made her way for the ents home. "I swear if you hurt my friends…"

She trailed off at the flashing figure of a man in white robes. Saruman? She ignored and continued traveling until she reached the ents home. Entering she barely made it three feet when she heard Treebeards voice. "Hoh hum, hoh hum. Dornessiti, is that you?"

She smiled. "Yes, old friend, it is me."

Treebeard moved up to her and peered down at her. "It is good to have you back? Did the grey wizard hear our plea?"

"Yes, but that is not the reason I have returned, mellon (Elvish: Friend)."

"Hmmmm?"

"I am part of a quest of grave importance, I regret I do not have the time to tell you in the detail you are so accustomed to. But even said quest is not the true reason I am here. Have you happened upon two hobbits? About the size of a human child?"

"Aye."

"Are they safe?"

"They are sleeping now."

She let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank the valar, may I see them?"

Treebeard led her to the tree the hobbits lay sleeping against. She smiled softly. "Good." Her mind returned to the white robed figure. Her smile faded. "Keep them safe for me, mellon. There are matters that I must investigate."

Treebeard nodded.

As she turned she asked; "Oh, and my extra quivers? Do you, perhaps, know where they are?"

"Saruman!" She cried, an arrow trained on the wizards back, three quivers slung across her own. She had followed and tracked the figure relentlessly for a full day before she found him. And now she could wait no more. "Halt, lest I shoot you where you stand."

"Who, me?" The old man asked in a strange voice. "Hmm, that won't do. Perhaps it's best you know who you're taking to, little one?"

"Don't you dare-"

Her fingers slipped from the arrow when the figure turned. She gasped, a tear rolling down her eye, and launched herself at the white robbed man, arrow forgotten on the forest floor.

Legolas had seen the glob or black on the leaf and opted to stay silent as Gimli fingered it and brang a digit to his mouth. The dwarf spat it out a moment later, a look of disgust on his face. "Ptui. Orc blood."

"These are strange tracks." Aragron said, pointing to a large dent in the forest's floor. They continued moving steadily deeper into the ancient forest. To Legolas it was nostalgic. What Mirkwood could have been if it was still Greenwood. Ancient, powerful, foreboding to those who wished it harm, and welcoming with open arms to those who came in peace.

"The air is so close in here." The dwarf mumbled. He supposed to Gimli it must be its own form of hell.

"This forest is old." He said calmly. "Very old. Full of memory…" And just to scare the dwarf, though he wasn't far from the truth; "and anger."

Groans reverberated through the forest as Gimli drew his axe. He grinned before coaxing his expression neutral once more. "The trees are speaking to each other."

"Gimli!" Aragorn hissed.

"Huh?"

The ranger gestured with his hand. "Lower your axe."

The dwarf lowered his axe slowly. "Oh."

Legolas cut in. "Aragorn, nad no ennas! (Elvish: Something is out there!)"

"Man cenich? (Elvish: What do you see?)"

Legolas narrowed his eyes. "The White Wizard approaches."

"Do not let him speak. He will put a spell on us."

"There is someone with him- in the treetops." Jackie?

Aragorn wrapped his hand around the hilt of his sword. Gimli tightened his hold on both his axes while Legolas himself notched an arrow in the Bow of the Galadhrim. If Saruman had cast a spell on her- "We must be quick." Aragron whispered softly.

With a yell, the three swung around to attack. Gimli's axe and Legolas's arrow were both deflected as if they were mere children playing adult games. Aragorn dropped his sword with a pained gasp as if it was as hot as the day it was forged. All three shielded their eyes with their hands from the blinding white light emanating from the white wizard. "You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits."

"Where are they?" Aragorn growled.

"They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone that did not expect. Does that comfort you?"

"Who are you? Show yourself!" Aragorn yelled. The blinding light dimmed, revealing- Gandalf. Cloaked in white. Legolas knew he was astounded as he and the dwarf bowed. A show of respect among elves, and he The Prince of Mirkwood rarely bowed to any. "It cannot be you fell." Aragorn spluttered.

"Through fire and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought with the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead and everyday was as long as a life-age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again." The WHite Wizard -Gandalf- paused. "I've been sent back until my task is done."

"Gandalf!" Aragorn cried.

"Gandalf?" The Wizard looked puzzled. "Yes… That's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name." The old man smiled, all the old warmth shinning through.

"Gandalf!" Gimli repeated.

A twinkle appeared in the old man's eyes. "I am Gandalf the White." Aragorn grinned. "And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide."

"Gandalf," Legolas began, "Dornessiti-"

"Ahhh, yes. Her."

A figure dropped from the thick tree branches above them and landed on Gimli's shoulders, sending the both tumbling to the ground. Her hair shone like starlight as she moved gracefully upwards, leaving Gimli thrashing on the forest floor, axes waving around wildly. When her piercing grey eyes met his and she grinned, white teeth flashing, he couldn't help grinning back -if only for a moment. Her black body suit was as… tempting as ever, grey elven cloak thrown over her shoulders giving her the look of a huntress tracking her prey. Most especially with the two extra quivers -all stuffed to the max- and scads of new daggers.

"Did you miss me?"

They had been walking out of the mystical Fangorn forest for hours now. She could hear Gimli grumbling behind her as she led the way, the back of their miss-matched caravan closed by Aragorn, who led the horses given to them from the riders of Rohan. The shock on all their faces when they discovered she could speak for the first time in over a month was incredible. Gimli -who had managed to get up- had fallen flat on his ass, Aragorn's eyes had widened comically but smiled brightly and Legolas had just smiled, as if he knew it would come back eventually and never had a worry. Gandalf followed behind her -now wearing a grey cloak over his stunningly white robes, much like those of his evil ex-companion.

"One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed." The wizard said.

She simply nodded, taking in her home and wondering how badly Saruman had affected it since her departure. She fell back to Gimli, knowing Gandalf was more than capable of leading them all through the dense trees. "I heard you had a fine taste of Orc blood this morning." She teased.

"Shut up." Gimli mumbled.

"Oh come now, no need to be embarrassed."

"Leave me alone if this is all you'll talk about."

She pouted. "But-"

"ARAGORN!" Gimli yelled stressfully, the ranger came forward, eyebrows raised. She conceded falling backwards.

As she passed Gimli knocked one of her quivers to the ground. She glared at him but he just kept moving, whistling a dwarvish drinking tune. Gandalf paused, looking back at her. She just shook her head and nodded forward. She knew Fangorn well and could catch up to them all easily. Bending down to pick up the scattered arrows she grumbled curses she knew would have scent even the most hardened dwarf warriors running.

"Quit a fowl mouth, Dornessiti." She whipped her head up. Legolas was staring down at her, chin resting on the top of his bow, gifted by Galadriel herself. His golden blond hair fell perfectly around his shoulders, piercing blue eyes searching her grey orbs. She couldn't read what he was thinking. Then again elves were- well elves. Aloof, untouched and impossible to read. Especially the prince. "May I ask why you are cussing bad enough to put a sailor to shame?"

"My arrows." Was all she said, putting her head down again , methodically picking up her arrows, thankful for the millionth time that her family line had the good sense to make her arrows of fine, light metal in favor of easily breakable wood.

The prince bent down to help her, picking up an arrow in his fingertips and rolling it back and forth along them. He eyed the detail along the shaft closely. An intricate design of weaving lines, near the arrowhead an expertly placed latch of what appeared to be the starting of a net in place. He ran a finger along the end, the fletching was still stiff as if newly made. "These are fine arrows."

"My kin thanks you for your compliment."

He raised his eyebrows at her dismissal, lips twitching upwards. "Your kin?"

No hiding this time. "The dwarves of Erebor."

"Hmm. So I was correct in assuming you were not merely delusional with cold when we passed through the mountains." He hummed.

"You do not seem nearly as shocked as I expected you to be." She said, picking the last of the arrows off the ground and reaching for the one still twirling in his hand.

He brought his hand out of reach, holding the arrow above her head. "I have come to expect surprises when it comes to you, Dornessiti."

She stood, reaching for the desired arrow again. He stood with her. "So I am becoming predictable?" She glared at him as he brang the arrow ever higher, twirling it swiftly in his grasp.

"Oh not at all. I've simply come to expect the unexpected."

"It's the same thing." She growled jumping for her arrow. "Oh for the valars sake- give me the blasted thing back!" She pushed her hands on his shoulder, either to bring him down or boost herself up she didn't know. Either way it failed, he remained as immovable as a rock. He smirked, wrapping his arm around her waist, leaving her feet dangling a few inches from the ground.

"Manners, Dornessiti, manners are key."

She stopped struggling. "Please, give me my arrow." As she twisted upward, reaching for it he brang his down, placing it expertly in the quiver and readjusted his grip on her. One arm went under her bum, the other across the small of her back.

Legolas watched the light tinge of pink seep into her cheeks with no small amount of satisfaction. He hummed contendly when she tried to shift against him. "Did tye trulime osán- ni would let tye get au-? (Elvish: Did you truly think I would let you get away?)"

He brushed his nose along the exposed column of her neck. "Legolas-" She began.

He cut her off efficiently when his lips descended on her neck, kissing her there with a fierce passion. He smirked at the small hum she made, arching the smallest bit into him. It was as if his entire body was on fire. Nothing he had ever done- no one he had ever tangled with, had felt like this. Like he didn't just want her but needed her. When he worked his way up her neck to the spot just beneath her ear -delicate, sensitive, elven ear- and purred. "Lá, Jackie (Elvish: Yes, Jackie)"

She shivered under his touch. He brang his face away from her neck to watch her as she tried to form words. All elves, from Mirkwood, Rivendell or Lorien had extremely sensitive ears. "Emme maure ana atsa up ana i others. (Elvish: We need to catch up to the others.)

He smiled letting her down gently and kissing her softly before whispering in her lips; "Tulime- i pata. (Elvish: Lead the way)"

Outside of the forest the sun was shining bright golden rays down on the world from high in its perch in the sky. The soft, consistent, light was welcome after the diluted streams that had reached them through the emerald canopy of leaves within the forest. Gandalf whistled sharply. An answering neigh reached Jackie's ears and before long a whit horse appeared from the plain, acknowledging the call of the self proclaimed White Wizard. The milk white horse was much like the one she had ridden to Rivendell back when the quest had started. Like the ones she had summoned on the edges of Mirkwood to flee the orcs, Legolas and Kili in tow. Granted she had been nigh on unconsciousness then and Legolas had need to carry her from the scene. This horse was close in kin to the Mountain Horses. Mearas.

"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." Legolas said -awe evident in voice.

The horse came around to a stop before Gandalf, it's fine mane flowing in the wind, tail swishing gayly in the wind. "Shadowfax." Was all the Wizard said. Gimli bowed in the background. "He's the lord of all horses and he's been my friend through many dangers." She followed Gimli's lead, bowing to the mighty stallion.

Gandalf mounted his snowy white steed with surprising dexterity for a man of- of old age and looked to them expectantly. Gimli mounted the back of one with Aragorn -Hasufel, a dark grey stallion with a thick mane of the same colour- leaving her to ride with Legolas on what she assumed to be Arod -a percheron-cross stallion. She mounted nimbly behind the prince, her blush softly returning as he grazed her leg. Get it together. You are a warrior, nut some weak-willed fawning ninny. As the four of them galloped toward Rohan she could have sworn she heard Galadriel's laughing voice echoing in her ear.

Fëa Nauta.

Boom. CHAPTER 9!

I just want to say- to all my readers I would like you to tell me if you think the following:

If Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn or any of the characters that aren't mine become to ooc

If I accidentally (making a character like this would never be my intention) turn Jackie into a Mary Sue character

If Jackie becomes a whinny, snobby, child-like bitch

If I start to butcher my own story

Of course doing any of these things would never, ever, ever be my intention, and some of them may never happen. It's just in case they ever do it would be much appreciated.

Thanks again to all of you who reviewed! It means a lot. See you in the next chapter (whenever that may be).