Chapter Three- Fifteen We were one day outside of Moria when we saw it- a lump on the ground. It looked at first to be just a log, or a large stone, or something, but on closer inspection, it turned out to be a someone. A very alive, pointy-eared someone. Legolas volunteered to go scout, and see if they were good or evil, dead or alive. ~*~ Narquendiel woke to see a face above hers, blurry. She squinted and it came into focus. "Legolas?" she asked groggily. His eyes widened as he realized just who she was. "Narquendiel! I thought I'd never see you again!" he exclaimed. She reached up and rubbed her eyes before sitting up. She looked at him. She loved the sight of that handsome elf face, the one she thought she'd never see again. And now her ex-lover was sitting in front of her, staring her straight in the face. They looked into each other's eyes; each amazed and stunned to see the other, and stayed like that for a second. ~*~ Nikki looked to where Legolas and this elf, Narquendiel she had been called, were sitting. After a slow moment, Legolas stood up and looked down, his hands on his knees, apparently inquiring about whether or not the other elf was hurt. She shook her head, and he extended a hand, helping her up. He brought her over to where the rest of the fellowship stood, excitedly introducing them. "Everyone, this is Narquendiel. Narquendiel, this is-" he paused briefly, and began to introduce the elf to everyone. ~*~ We had reached the Moria Lake. Frodo shivered, and I reached over and patted him on the back, giving him a smile. "Don't worry," I said. "We'll all be fine." Narquendiel looked up at the elaborate gate as Gandalf reached up and began to make the gate visible. Frodo chuckled, remembering the first time they had been here, I guessed. "Mellon," Narquendiel said, causing the gates to creak open. We all turned to stare at her, besides Legolas, Gandalf, and Aragorn, who knew her better than the rest of us. Gandalf placed a crystal he had procured from his robes on the top of his staff, causing the threshold of Moria to light up. He stepped inside, and the rest of us followed him. Frodo, Sam, and Pippin, walking right next to each other, shuddered in unison. I laughed quietly as they looked around. I saw Ivy and Andrea whispering in the back, nod their heads, and grin, creeping silently up to where Frodo, Pippin, and Sam stood. "Oh no," I groaned silently. Ivy and Andrea were now directly behind Pippin. I looked around and saw Aragorn, Legolas, Gandalf, Rachel, and Narquendiel watching their antics with amusement. They looked at each other, then at Pippin, then back at each other. They nodded, and then pounced. "HOLY SHIT!" Pippin yelled, jumping higher than I thought it possible for a hobbit to jump. Frodo and Sam spun around, drawing their swords. When everyone had seen what had happened, there was a good deal of laughter- we had been so serious for so long, it was good to have something to add some good spirit to the fellowship. ~*~ After the laughter had died down, we preceded, less grave than before. After about a day of journeying, we came to a hard choice; go to Khazad-Dum and wait for the demon, or attack its stronghold? Eventually, we decided to sleep on it. Legolas and Narquendiel were set as first watch, and my daughter and I set as second watch. Figuring I'd better attempt to get some sleep while I could, I plopped my pack down to put my head on and tried to make myself as comfortable as possible. Oh, how I wished I had a waterbed. With that thought in my head, of just being home with nothing to worry about, I was able to reach the brink before quiet discussion woke me. I recognized Legolas' voice and decided to eavesdr- er, rather, listen. "So why did we separate, anyway?" a voice I recognized as Narquendiel's asked. "I had to go to Rivendell for the council, you wanted to stay with your sister, remember?" Legolas replied. "Oh, yes. now I remember. So, what have you been doing these past years? Found anyone new?" "Well, yes, as a matter of fact." "Oh," Narquendiel seemed hurt at the mention of Legolas "finding someone new". I wondered if that meant they had been together. "I'm sorry, Narquendiel, but it just wasn't working out. we both had to go our separate ways, and." "Yes, Legolas," she responded, sounding as though she was on the verge of tears. "You do understand, though? I never wanted to hurt you." "Yes, I understand. I understand perfectly." There was silence, and I bit my lip, thinking about what I had just witnessed. If they had been romantically involved, that could mean hell for Nikki and Legolas' relationship. but should I tell Nikki or wait for Legolas to do so? Would Legolas do so? I didn't know. I rolled over to attempt to sleep while I could, but it was to no avail, as Narquendiel came over to get me for watch. I nodded groggily, and went to where I would take watch with Nikki. She was already there, looking to where Legolas was sleeping, the look on her face almost wistful. I sat down next to her. As she paid no notice, I leaned forward. Still no response came from her, so I waved my hand in front of her face. "Hellloooooo?" I asked. She started. "What?"

"Are you alive in there?"

"No," she said, grinning sarcastically. I smiled. She was reminding me of myself more and more every day.

She sighed and leaned back against a rock, apparently deep in thought.

I frowned. "What's bothering you?" I asked, as I recognized her expression as that of someone who was having problems. She looked at me, realizing she couldn't shrug my question off, that she had to answer.

"Well, it's nothing really. just that Legolas and Narquendiel seem really close. almost too close for my comfort."

With this statement out in the open, I felt I had to tell her of what I had overheard.

"In the past, Narquendiel and Legolas were. um, how do I say this. romantically involved." I said, putting an arm around her. She frowned.

" But. you think.hmm." she said, appearing to be tongue-tied.

"Listen, I don't think there's anything to be worried about. From what I've seen so far, I believe Legolas will always be faithful to you. You guys are a perfect couple."

"You really think so?"

"Mmm-Hmm." I murmured, drifting into thought, recalling memories of a happier time.

~*~The Next Morning~*~

Gandalf, having appeared to have gotten no sleep, told us what he'd decided.

"We go to Khazad-Dum to wait for the demon."

Aragorn gaped at him. "Gandalf, you mean to go back there?!?" he asked in awe.

"No, I mean I'm going to have YOU go there and I'll take a coffee break," he said, creatively using what he'd picked up in my world. I flashed him the thumbs-up and he showed a rare smile, but inwardly I was not thrilled by his decision, however much wisdom he'd put into the decision-making process.

Though none of us were particularly thrilled, we walked on, thinking that if we could make it there in time, we'd have plenty of time to think up a plan. Hopefully.

We mind-communicated as we walked, thinking over our plans. Figuring we had but two weeks' supplies left, we knew we could not wait for long. If all else failed, we'd be able to send a few people to Lothlorien for extra supplies and perhaps reinforcements, if they were needed.

Less than a half-day's journey from the halls of Dwarrowdelf, we set up camp for what we assumed to be night. Legolas sighed from his place by the small fire we'd dared to light, and an echoing sigh came from Frodo's direction. I looked over at his shadowed form sitting next to me and put an arm around his shoulders.

"Hey Leah," came Rachel's voice, "Why don't you tell us one of your oh-so- interesting stories?"

Frodo cocked his head to one side. "Stories?" he asked curiously.

"I mean of your journeys," Rachel clarified.

I shuddered. "Not now, Rae," I said. "This isn't exactly the ideal setting for a story like that, you know?"

"Oh," she nodded and fell silent for a moment.

"Hmm..well, I'm in the mood for a good story myself, but not a scary one." Andrea said. "What about one of the funny stories? You know the ones Mr. Otto used to tell in Humanities when he would get on those tangents, you know how he gets, he would just talk, on and on, I fell asleep in that class a lot.you know how he is with talking, I'd just-"

"WE KNOW." I said firmly. "I have an exam paper with your puddle of drool stained on it."

"I don't drool!" Andrea said.

I rolled my eyes. "So, a story. a story." I bit my lip and cast my mind around, trying to find in the depths of my memories a story that would entertain all. I finally found one.

"Long ago, there were these HUGE clams.so big they could eat you.in fact, you know those big sticks the guards on ships had in the early days? They tell you those were to test the depths, or as a steering thingy, or whatever else, but they were really for defense against the clams.one would come on deck, and the night guard would need something to protect himself. Then the invention of Indoor Plumbing-they say it was because of the long, cold trips to the outhouse, but really it was because of the Giant Clams.you'd see Timothy go out to Ye Olde Port-a-potty, and SNAP! There would be one less Timothy and one very happy clam. Hence the invention of the term 'Happy as a clam.' "

I paused, catching my breath. I looked around and it seemed as if they all understood. Everyone, Even Gandalf and Aragorn, were grinning, and Ivy, Andrea, Nikki (my friend), and Rachel were in hysterics. I allowed myself a smile before continuing on.

"Then, you know how in the olden days they'd have sticks with points forming a wall around a town or settlement? Well, those were for the protection from the clams. Of course, the settlers had to keep the clams' numbers down, so they would go clam hunting every once in a while, and they'd have these big sticks to poke the clams with. They called them Clampoons. Then-also, they'd sing clam shanties, even in as many as 12-part harmony, and then, when one part dropped out, you'd know where the clam was."

Legolas chuckled, and Frodo grinned even broader, if that was possible. I sat back. I had done it- made everyone forget about the danger and darkness at hand, and made them laugh even.

"Tell us another one!" Sam said enthusiastically. I thought for a second, casting my mind around.

"tell them bits of your comedy fan fictions, Leah," said Rachel.

"I don't know.they might be offended." I said.

"Good point."

"And I don't remember much."

"Well, there are always the songs."

"Oh yeah! Middle Earth's Top Forty!"

She grinned at me and we both began to sing.

"I come home in the sindarin light my mother says when you gonna live your life right. Oh mother dear we're not the fortunate ones, and elves they want to have fun."

By the end of the song, the fellowship ranged from puzzled to humored. The silence left us all empty, each person thinking his or her own thoughts.

"That was interesting," Pippin said, finally breaking the silence. I looked at him.

"Well," Gandalf said, "We'd probably better get some rest. We'll reach Khazad-Dum tomorrow if we make good speed, and we want to be awake and alert."

At this, everybody moved to get comfortable for the night.