AN: So I reread the last four chapters and to my horror I found that some of my original formats did not translate when I uploaded the documents here on ff, some of the time lapse and thoughts were not highlighted properly ( i am so sorry for that!), so I had to do a little proof reading starting with this chapter and moving on. So I am imploring the readers to please be kind and leave a comment or two. =)

p.s btw, this is filler chapter. even i find some things cringe-y but for the sake of "character development" i had no other choice. also, i would like to think that even the heroine in this ff is not perfect. she can be irritating sometimes. =)

disclaimer: i do not own anything nor am i affiliated with anything tolkien or any other references mentioned. references mentioned belong solely to the copyright owners.

Chapter 5

"Alexandria"

Alex stirred in her sleep. She was comfortable, way too comfortable to be bothered.

"You are should not have come here."

There is that voice again. Always reminding her that although all she had went through so far was in fact real and could definitely kill her, she was also not part of this world. Wherever this maybe.

"You are not safe here!"

All of the events of the last few days came rushing back, all the running, screaming, the death, the blackness and those monsters.

Alex gasped, awaken by the voice that seemed to cloud her mind and was adamant waking her.

She was in a room, and nicely decorated. Comfortably situated on a bed with the softest pillows and comforter. The sun was up but she did not feel hot. She could hear quiet chatter outside through her window and the sound of nearby water and birds, and a song.

Such a sad song, Alex thought.

Standing up, she realized she was in a nightgown. Looking around for her clothes, she found a pale peach dress on one of the chairs and finally some proper foot wear, slippers which were placed at the bottom of the chair. She found that her feet had not hurt anymore. Inspecting she found the wounds had already dried up, although the wounds are still a bit red around the edges.

Testing her footing, she stood up slowly putting her entire weight on her feet. There was a slight pain but bearable. Walking towards the vanity that sat at the other end of the room, she saw herself for the first time in weeks and exhaled in relief that there was at least no permanent damage. Although she looked pale, she expected to see some drastic change in her appearance, maybe expecting an injury but otherwise she looked just the same. A little sign of those bags under her eyes. How long was she out?

She looked at least to be well rested, with the lack of sleep and proper meal for the last few days she was sure she must have looked worse before she passed out.

She unbelievably looked clean. Odd, she thought. Where the hell am I?

She decided then that she needed answers, both her and Paul needed some form of explanation on what exactly is going on, and what exactly did they "dropped" into.

Swiftly turning around and stalking towards the doors, she pulled at the knob and yanked it open only to have the wind knocked out of her. There was a girl standing before her door, posed as if she was also just about to open it.

"Milady, you're awake." Shaking the startled look that graced her features not a moment ago.

"Who are you?" Alex bit out, a little too harshly for her taste.

"I am your hand maiden, tasked to look after you for the rest of your stay here."

"Where are they?" Alex asked, still a little too harsh but she couldn't care anymore. She wanted answers and she will damn well get them or wring it out of them. She is going the get the hell out of this place and forget everything that happened if it was the last thing she ever does.

"Who milady?"

"The people I came here with." Stalking past the girl who seemed the be getting on her nerves for slowing her down.

"They are down by the river milady. But you can not go out in those!" But it was too late. Alex was already down the hill and was making her way to the river still in her night gown.

It was few moments later when she reached her destination. She could see the group huddled close by the river, the sound of clashing swords could be heard.

It was in her utter shock when she rounded the tree to find Paul and Boromir in a sword fight, while the rest just sat and watch.

"Oh my god! What the hell are you doing?!" Running at full speed, standing between Paul and Boromir, both who stood in utter shock and completely confused at Alex.

"Lady Alexandria you're awake!" It was Sam who stood up, immediately running to Alex's side noting what she was wearing and a blush slowly crept up his cheeks.

"Alex! Finally!" Paul noted, looking her up and down checking her for any sign of her injuries or if she is really well,

"Yes I am awake. And you! How dare you try to kill Paul!" Raising her voice, directing her attention at Boromir who looked embarrassed at her accusation.

"Woah. Wait Alex, he wasn't trying to kill me. I ask him to teach me how to sword fight." Paul defended standing directly in front of his friend who was currently glaring daggers at poor Boromir.

"What? Why?" Alex stared at Paul, unbelieving.

"Jesus! Alex, with everything that we just went through, don't you think that we should at least learn to try to defend ourselves?" Paul asked, grabbing her on her shoulders

"No."

"No?"

"Because we are not staying at this god forsaken place forever! As soon as we find a way to get home, we're leaving. ASAP!" Now it was time for Paul to stare at her refusing to believe at what she just said. "And somebody better start talking about what the hell we just went through, who are they and why are they trying to kill us!" Shifting her attention to the group, her gaze lingering on the ranger and the elf.

"Alex, I think it is best if you try to calm down and sit." Aragorn said, gesturing to the log the few of the fellowship just sat at. "Or better yet, change into some proper attire." Gimli added, earning a glare from Aragorn.

"No, I will not sit down." Holding on to her head, feeling a headache coming. At the same Frodo bent down, clutching his own head. "Mr. Frodo?" Sam asked, feeling concern for his friend.

"Tell her, Aragorn." Frodo ordered, looking intently at Aragorn. If Alex and Paul are going to be stuck with them, better not leave them in the dark.

"I do not think that is a wise decision Frodo." Aragon countered,

"Excuse me? Please do not give me that bullshit again. I was almost eaten alive, shot at and dragged down through some god forsaken mine, and you here are going to tell me that I do not deserve just a tiniest bit of explanation?! I think you are way above your head Aragorn." Heaving a huge gulp of air, finishing her little rant "What have you gotten yourselves into?" Glaring at both the ranger and the elf.

Alex was on the verge of a panic attack and everyone knew it.

"Tell her, Aragorn. She deserve this much, both of them." It was Legolas who spoke up, earning a questioning glance from Aragorn.

"Alex, please sit down... Your knees might not keep you upright after the story." Aragorn added, seeing as Alex was about to start one her tirades.

It was some time after that Aragorn had finished his story, a few details were left to Alex's and Paul's imagination but he was sure that they understood it just the same. They were caught in a time that is perilous to all, a time when this place is about to witness one of the greatest battle between good and evil and they were smacked right in the middle of it. Forced to accompany a group who was tasked to destroy the one ring. Frodo had told them his story too, the story about the ring and about what was to happen if it ever falls into the wrong hands. Just thinking about it bought bile to Alex's throat, reminding her that she had not eaten in the past few days.

It was then that her thoughts strayed to Gandalf. Sadness over took her, her entire frame almost bending in on itself on what happened to the helpless old man who fell at the mine. Her entire being shook with delayed grief, her sobbing uncontrolled as she remembered the mirth behind his glassy brown eyes and his looming figure of guidance and strength that blanketed the group. oh, Gandalf. Looking up to find Frodo sitting beside her, his hand giving hers a firm hold as the fellowship gave the lady time to process her grief. "How did he die?" Her voicing cracking as she shifted in her seat to face the brown haired, blue eyed hobbit. "He sacrificed himself so that we can escape." Even Frodo had trouble getting his words out, the memory of Gandalf telling them to fly before he deliberately let go of the ledge he had been hanging onto.

"I think I'm going to be sick." Standing abruptly from were she was sitting on and immediately walking back to the room she came from. Needing to isolate herself from the rest of the group, needing to digest what she had just heard. This was not happening. Not to her. Not to them. Not to this magical place.

"Alex wait!" Paul started to stand, intent on following after his friend. Alex lived a very sheltered life, as sheltered as she could be. Born into a well off family, being the only child, Alex grew up having the attention of everyone, which does not always go her way.

But the elf was a lot faster than he was. Apparently.

Noticing the bewildered expression on the young man's face, Aragorn quickly stood in the defense of his friend. "Let him be Paul. Let the elf be the one to soothe the lady."

0-0-0

"Alex, please wait."

"Leave me alone. I need to be alone." Alex did not even looked back. She couldn't dare. It was him again. The one who always stares, the one who never failed to scold her with just one look. The one who at one point saved her life.

Why was he following her?

"I am sorry." Legolas finally said, stopping in his tracks as he watched her abruptly stop. Shoulders sagging in defeat. "I am deeply sorry. You should not have heard that."

"You'd lie to me?" Astonishment lacing her tone, "Why am I not surprised?" still facing her back to Legolas.

A stab of pain jolted him at Alex's accusation, "No, not lie. Never. But I still will not tell you, if only to keep the light in your eyes and banish the fear that is in it now."

Finally turning around to face him, Legolas had to hold his breathe when he saw her red rimmed eyes, wide with fear with tears streaming down her face. It was then he realized how small she was compared to what she was going to face head on.

"I'm scared Legolas. I'm not built for this. All the running and fighting." Gesturing around her to prove her point,

"I am right here, I will protect you meleth nin." Of course she was not built for this. She was not like any other woman he knew, his mind immediately wandering to a certain she-elf he once knew a long time ago. A certain captain of the guards, how different they both are.

"You don't even know me anymore." As fresh tears start to stream down her face, "I feel so small, insignificant and I'm scared. I don't know what's going to happen to me here."

Legolas watched her as she slowly came into terms of her current situation and the dangers that lie ahead of her,

"Can I.. Can I borrow your shoulder?" Legolas had to look up, look into her eyes to see that she was serious. "Of course, but what for-" when a soft body smacked right into his, her face buried into his shoulder as she cried all her fears out.

Legolas was unsure of what he should do. Elves were not used to this type of show of emotions. His arms awkwardly stretched out, not sure where to put them. When an overwhelming feeling to protect her, keep her cocooned by his side until this was all over. Slowly, trying to gauge the lady's reaction he placed his arms around her immediately expecting her to stiffen in fear but what he felt made his hard heart melt as she sagged in defeat against him all her tears flowing out as she cried herself both of her hands covering her face. Both did not say anything to the other, just two ex-friends needing the comfort of the other.

It was a few moments later when Alex broke the contact, immediately feeling the heat rush to her neck and face at the current position they were in.

"I'm sorry. I'm not quite sure about the proper etiquettes to this time, but thank you. I needed that." Wiping her face dry of all the tears.

"Tis alright. You can always 'borrow my shoulder' anytime you need to." Using her term, and this earned a small smile from her in return. They were standing close, seeing each other up close for the first time. Studying each others features. His eyes an icy silver blue staring down to her deep brown ones.

"Milady?" A small voice broke them from their trance, a young maid stood not far from where they were, studying them closely.

"Yes?" Immediately backing away from Legolas, facing the young girl who had curiosity written all over her face as she watched the exchange between a mortal woman and the Prince elf.

"We must get you ready. The Lady had requested a supper arranged for the fellowship at the great hall."

"Okay." Nodding in affirmation, and slowly walking towards the young girl. "And it's Alex, Legolas." Not meleth nin was what she was trying to say and Legolas caught the meaning behind it.

0-0-0

The long table was situated at the center of the great hall, fresh vegetables and produce adorned the table. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel were seated at the head, Aragorn and Legolas flanked on either side, followed by Boromir, the Hobbits, Gimli and Paul and Alex who were seated across from each other. Haldir seated on the end of the table.

"What is this?" Gimli asked, holding onto a bowl filled to the brim with what looked like salad.

"The finest from the these land Master Dwarf." Haldir answered, giving the dwarf a stern stare.

"Where is the meat? Salted Pork?" Gimli added, purposefully ignoring the Captain.

"It has been so long since the last when us elves had to entertain dwarves, yes it was many of them, but we do not forget their preference for supper." Lord Celeborn who answered, offering the dwarf a humorous glance at the same time as salted meat was placed on the table.

It was as if not only Gimli was partaking in the serving but also the men and the hobbits.

Alex stayed silent the entire meal, having lost her appetite after the umpteenth time that Haldir had tried to engage her in a conversation,

"Are you enjoying your meal milady?" Haldir asked, glancing at her plate of untouched food. After what the fellowship had shared with them, the challenges they had to face, and the state of Lady Alexandria when she arrived, Haldir thought she needed to eat more to regain her strength back.

"Yes. But I'm not hungry." was Alex's short reply, not even bothering to look up at the elf.

"You should eat, if you want to regain your strength milady." Haldir added,

Legolas could have fallen from his chair. The poor Captain was obviously enchanted by the Alex, blabbering to the point of looking ridiculous just to impress the mortal. Never in a million years had Legolas thought he'd see the day that Haldir would talk so much. But something was still bothering him, chancing a glance at Alex who still had not touched her food and obviously in no mood to engage in the small festivity.

Finally Alex had had enough formalities, slowly glancing up to catch Paul's questioning stare at her and the Captain Guard, "I need a drink." Shit, her eyes widening at the realization, she hadn't meant to blurt that out.

This earned a silent laugh from Paul who was trying to hide behind his cup.

"Perhaps some water milady-" Haldir tried to offer, "I need something stronger." Alex interrupted, not even bothering to let the elf finish his sentence. This earned the stare of the entire table, but the questioning stare from Legolas stood out the most.

A cup of the finest elvish wine was placed in front of her, and Alex had to close her eyes at the most exotic aroma that assaulted her nose, immediately finishing the entire cup in one whole gulp.

"Another one please." As soon as her cup was placed back, did another elf refilled it instantly, and still Alex drained it in a snap.

The entire table stood watch at the mortal woman who could obviously drink them all under the table. All completely oblivious to the dwarf's awe-filled stare and entertained grin. Never in his life had he met a lady who could down a mug in one swift move. After her second glass, Alex decided that she had enough of the formalities and requested to retire early to her quarters.

"I'll escort her." Legolas stood up, silencing everyone even Haldir who was already standing up. With Paul on the sidelines turning his head from Alex to Haldir and to Legolas, he was sure he'd get whiplash by the sudden turn of events.

"Alex, wait." His pace increasing he tried to catch up to her who has already crossed the yard just outside of the dining hall. Her skirt billowing around her, her hair free and flowing in waives dark enchanting waves behind her.

"Leave me alone." Her steps quickening to avoid the elf who was following her again.

"Alex-"

"No."

"Alexandria." Legolas' firm voice stopping her in her tracks.

"Stop following me." Spinning on her heel, her anger directed at the elf, "What do you want from me?" fear and panic rising in her voice, there was just so many things to do, so many things to think about and this guy is becoming quite a big distraction that Alex doesn't need.

"Please calm down. I know you are scared and confused -"

"Tell me something I don't know." Refusing the urge to roll her eyes at the elf.

"but running away will not solve your problem." Legolas continued ignoring Alex's snarky remark, completely captivated at the raven haired beauty with blazing green eyes staring him down, her hair a waterfall flowing down her shoulder. Her chest heaving with every angered breathe she took, her fist clenched at her sides as if prepared for a fight.

Realizing that the elf was correct, Alex let out a frustrated growl. Feeling utterly spent and defeated that she can't do anything about her current situation but suck it up. "I don't want to cry anymore." Furiously wiping away at her tears that had managed to escape. "I don't need you or any of the fellowship! I just want to go home." Spinning on her heels and scurrying up the steps to where her quarters are.

Legolas watched, pitying the young mortal woman who just had her second breakdown with in the last twenty four hours. Her entire predicament obviously putting its weight on her, defeat and fear and hopelessness clearly showing through. In that moment Legolas vowed to at least alleviate her fears, keep her safe from whatever it is they are about to face and help her find her way home.

Astonishingly, that last part caused a sudden ache in his heart and he fully understood why. If only he could keep his emotions in check whenever he's around her. He always seems to be in confusion as she was, only with different reasons.