THE DAYSTAR
BY: GABRIELLA THE FAIR
Chapter 31
ORCS ARE REALLY BEAUTIFUL
"What was she like, how would you explain her?" With a faraway smile, he looked up to the sky and answered, "She was the Daystar, lighting up the day during our darkest hour, warming the earth with her love." "She is as clear as the moon, as fair as the sun, and as glorious as an army under one banner"
To most she was a loving friend, her fairness lighting up the world, no matter what the weather. To some a companion, and one a lover and dream. Yet, many feared her dignity in her footsteps, power in her stride, and authority in her eyes. This is her story.
Thanks for the border Elena! *gives her lots of candy*
ThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiD eRThEwHiTeRiDeR
"What do you wish to speak of?"
"Raquel, plainly, I wish to apologize for my harsh words." Aragorn spoke, "You have become and always have been such a dear friend, we do not need to fight now. It is the worst possible thing that we could do at this apparent moment. I am truly sorry."
Raquel nodded, "I will admit, I was acting childish. At least, not my usual self."
Aragorn shook his head at her, "But, you should show your feelings Raquel. Hiding them makes matters worse. Do not try to be a hero, even the most valiant of all Men may cry out."
"But I need to be strong, the weak will always die. Eat or be eaten, kill or be killed, I must be strong, not only for myself, but for.everyone." she looked away so Aragorn could not read her face, then he would know her true thoughts.
"You mean for Legolas."
"Leave him out of this! He does not need me, just as I do not need him."
"Why do you blind yourself?!" Aragorn cried out in frustration, "You do need him, just admit it! Hiding your feelings does nothing but confuse and frustrate yourself!"
"I mean what I say." Raquel said plainly, almost coolly, her eyes hinting nothing. She shrugged her shoulders.
"Raquel, listen to me." Aragorn clasped her hands in his, "You were put on this earth for a reason, to save it. You will fight, and you will win. You were made to be strong, but that does not mean you cannot love. Everybody needs somebody. You and Legolas will play a part in all of this."
Raquel said nothing, she only looked away. "I told you to leave him alone."
"Stop Raquel, do not be so stubborn. You are fighting yourself."
"Aragorn," Raquel spoke slowly, "you are telling me to let go of everything I have ever known! I cannot do that. It is not possible."
"If you can handle a sword as skilled as any man, you can change." Aragorn said strongly.
"That is not conceivable, I could never do any such thing."
"You can do anything. You, Raquel, have proven everything in this world wrong. You can fight and ride, heal and kill, you can do anything your heart desires. If you try, you can do it!"
"You sound like a Father."
"Only because I care for you."
"Show me the way then." Raquel said, cocking her head to the side.
"You know the way."
"You have changed." she smiled, amused at him.
"No, you have." Aragorn's solemn face opposed her merry one.
"What ever do you mean?" she said, sarcasm taking over her voice and face. She smiled widely at him.
"You were different, you are changed. Back when you were a child."
"I know not what you speak of, I am who I am." she said, anger slightly lit her voice. Her eyes blazed for a moment.
"No, you were not so cold, so ruthless. You loved, you cared. Raquel, you were different!"
"That is gone Aragorn, never again will I be so naïve." her face and tone matched his, "I was stripped of everything, my simplicity, my affection, my whole being."
"No, you locked it away, deep inside yourself. You can be that again!" Aragorn shook her hands hard.
"I do not want to change." Raquel said quietly. "How would I survive this world? What am I to do, drop my sword, this war?! I cannot do that! You are right, I was put on this ravaged world to do something, so I must do it. This is who I am."
"You would be so much happier." Aragorn said. He smiled at the thought that he had finally won her over.
She turned around swiftly, "How would you know? You have never felt what I have, seen what I have, heard what I have." she threw her hands in the air "You have never lived my life, I would like to see you do it. With that said, how can you fathom it?" She watched him, piercing his thoughts. He looked away.
"Legolas could." he said quietly.
"How many times must I tell you to leave him out of this!" She said angrily, "This is not about him!"
"That is it Raquel, it is all about him! You just don't get it! You do not want to admit it, you are too scared!" he yelled in frustration. "You are scared of loving someone, that maybe, it will be your weakness, your downfall! You are scared to love."
"You may be right, I may be scared to love, but I already do love. I love you, Master Pippin, Merry, Arwen, Katriel, Haldir, Celeborn, Galadriel, Gimli, and yes, I love Legolas, but I get it more than you do." She said calmly, her eyes still looking into him. He felt her searching him, looking into the depths of his heart. He shuddered and wished for her to stop. "I even loved Boromir when he disowned me, even then."
"Then why do you deny it?"
"I do not, you wish to rush me." She softened her glance and took a few steps toward him, "Let me do this Aragorn. I think I know what I am doing, rushing this will not help us." she reached out to him, "But, thank you for the care, I have much to think about."
"So do I." Aragorn said, embracing her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It is so very cold!"
The Dwarf shivered, his very bones chilled. It was morning and they had eaten a small breakfast, sparing as much food as possible. The had decided that morning to look for signs of the old man or the hobbits. The light of the new dawn would help in the search.
"O, how I wish to find at least one boot mark!" The Dwarf said.
"Aye, to that I can agree." Raquel said.
"But, it would be hard to leave a mark, for the grass here is long and springy." The other Elf said, running his hand over the top of the grass as he spoke.
"Well, this should not confuse a Ranger." Gimli said looking back at Aragorn. Aragorn sat, inspecting the ground.
"You are right Gimli, but I have some other matters to discuss." he moved to another spot bending low to the ground. "What of the horses? You said last night, Gimli, that they were probably scared away, but I do not think so. Did they sound like beasts in fear?"
"No," Legolas said, "They did not sound fearful. I am not exactly sure what they sounded like."
"What do you suppose Raquel? Could you hear Artemis?" asked Aragorn.
"Yes, I heard her clearly. I cannot be sure, but I think she sounded rapturous." Raquel said. Though she was quite sure about the horse, she sounded uncertain. (Rapturous, big word, if you don't know what it means, look it up!)
They nodded as she went on, "But if she was, what would cause this emotion?"
"That's what scares me." Gimli said.
"You hate not knowing what is going to happen, do you not?" Raquel said, slightly amused.
"Yes, I hate not knowing who that old man is and I hate not knowing what got into those beasts!" Gimli said, pacing back and forth.
Raquel just shook her head, looking over her shoulder. She felt that man still. She could only shudder and try to forget about it.
"Well, we may not know until they return, if they return." Aragorn stopped after he got a sharp look from Raquel.
"She will come back." she said, emphasizing 'will'.
"How can you be so sure?" Gimli asked, throwing his hands into the air, "This horse of yours is not tame!"
"I would not doubt her, just like I would not doubt you Gimli." Raquel said curtly.
There was a short moment of silence.
"Come, dawn is coming upon us." Aragorn said, his voice seeming to be very loud amidst the others, "The hobbits may have hidden in the forest. I have a feeling that the Riders of Rohan did their work a little too well!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Come quickly, look what I have found!"
"A mallorn-leaf!" Raquel said, taking the leaf absentmindedly. She looked at it long, remembering the trees of Lothlórien.
"And look, some cut cord!" Legolas picked up the ragged pieces that had once been a rope. "And here is the knife that must have cut them." He brushed away some leaves and dirt to reveal a knife.
"They are alive!" Raquel said her mirth shining through her dirty face.
"We do not know that for sure yet." Gimli said.
"I do not care! This is a clue, they must be alive!" she said with glee.
"This is obviously an Orc-blade, come here Raquel, you know more of these things than I do." Legolas motioned her over and handed her the weapon gingerly.
"Yes, it is. You can always tell an Orc-blade by its hilt. Look at the queer carvings!" She spun it in her hand, throwing it on the ground where it got stuck. It stuck out of the ground as Raquel bent over it, her abominate face showing all her detest.
"Good, leave it there." Gimli said, his face equal to hers, "It makes me sick to think a thing as foul as Orc touched that blade."
"Ah, but that is where you are wrong, my good Dwarf, Orcs are actually beautiful creatures, you have forgotten one thing." Raquel smiled at him.
"Raquel, are you ill?" Gimli asked, but Aragorn sensed her thoughts.
"I think what she is trying to say is that Orcs were sprung from Elves, so in essence, they are really beautiful creatures."
Gimli shuddered, "Pardon me for saying, but I still do not like the repulsive things."
"Whatever you say!" Raquel sang, taking the blade out of the ground and putting it in her quiver.
"Good idea, that may help us later." Aragorn said to Raquel. She nodded and smiled.
"Well, here yet is another riddle." Legolas muttered.
"Yes, one that I should like to solve." Gimli also muttered, deep in his own thoughts.
"I may have an answer to this, but let us go to Fangorn, we do not have the time to sit around and wonder!" Aragorn set off in the direction of the forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I do not like this." Gimli said, shrinking away behind the two Elves.
"It does not feel evil. Whatever the tales may say." Legolas said, walking up to the wood, touching it timidly.
"No, it is, amazing." Raquel let out a soft chuckle, "It reminds me of home." she turned to the Dwarf, "Are you scared of Lothlórien the Fair?"
"No, of course not, but this is different, Celeborn warned us to be wary of this wood!" Gimli said.
"I would usually agree with Celeborn," Raquel said, she shrugged, "but now, I feel as though I have been here before."
"This wood is angered, it has suffered much pain and sorrow, feel it Raquel!" Legolas beckoned her over. She touched the wood also, a sudden flow of emotions filled her, moving through her body. It shocked her, yet she did not want to remove her hand.
"Do you feel it?" Legolas asked, standing beside her.
"Yes." She said, almost in a trance. He laid a hand on her arm, waking her up abruptly.
"The air is stuffy." Gimli complained.
"It is old" the Elf said, "So old that I almost feel young again, as I have not felt since I journeyed with you children."
"Ahem!" Raquel cleared her throat, staring hard at Legolas. She crossed her arms, glaring at him, "Who are you calling young?"
"With the exception of Lady Raquel, of course." Legolas said, emphasizing her title. He mocked bowed. She rolled her eyes.
"Anyways!" Aragorn said, taking his turn to roll his eyes, "We need to set out."
"You two comfort me" Gimli said, "But, please, keep your bow bent and sword in hand! I would hate to meet an old man in these woods!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The marks are good, though they appear to be rather old."
"How old, about?" Aragorn stayed at his spot by the bank.
"Two days from my reckoning." Raquel said, reaching down and touching the mud gingerly.
"Two days?!" Gimli said, looking warily at the trees, "We do not have the provisions to pursue them in the forest. I do not like these woods! They do give me such a fright."
"I like them." Raquel said, looking up fondly at the trees, "They have so much life in them, old memories...They make me wish I could have lived here in days of old, but, that is none of my concern at this particular moment."
"Yes, back in the days of peace." Legolas said whimsically, looking up to the trees.
"Come, I see nothing else, so lets." he stopped as he saw the Elves, their eyes cast upwards. He raised his brows in slight mirth "Gimli, welcome to the world of Elves. Anything may amuse them."
"Thank you, but I wish not for a welcome, though I will kindly except an invitation out of this horrid wood!" he said, moving closer to the man.
"That I can give you, but not at this exact instant." he turned to Raquel, "Raquel, Legolas, come!"
They both looked at him, "Did you hear something, Legolas?" she asked in a witty voice.
"No, must have only been the trees talking." he said, looking past the Man and Dwarf.
Aragorn crossed his arms, "Please, we do not have time for games!", though he received a sharp look from Legolas.
"We" he said, emphasizing 'we' as he looked over to Raquel, "are just having a bit of fun."
"Yes, I love playing with your mind, Estel, it is so easy to manipulate!" Raquel said, walking past him.
Legolas looked over to Aragorn. Aragorn perceived his thoughts completely. Raquel is in a good mood, or at least as good as possible, so lets leave her that way. Let her have a little fun. She needs it, we all need it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Let's go up there, we might get a better view!"
Gimli pointed to a rock wall with steep steps that lead to a shelf. The sun gleamed through the leaves and fell, dancing, upon the Pursuers faces. They welcomed it gladly, moving out of the forest and toward the shelf.
"Good idea Gimli" Aragorn said, peering at the stone, "I need the fresh air."
They moved up, Gimli first followed by Legolas and Raquel. Aragorn came last, scanning the steps for anything unusual.
"The hobbits must have been up here, I am almost sure of it." Raquel smiled at this news, "But, there are some very strange marks."
Raquel's brows knitted together, "Show me."
"Here." Aragorn turned and pointed to a spot on the ground. "What do you think it is?"
As they talked, the Dwarf and other Elf dropped their packs, sitting down with a sigh.
"Tracking hobbits is a very tiring job." Gimli said wearily.
"Indeed." Legolas said, peering into the trees.
"What is it?" Gimli asked, looking suspiciously at the woods, "You look queer."
"In the trees, look, he is passing from tree to tree. Raquel!" he lowered his voice.
"Legolas, not right now." she said vaguely, still deep in conversion with Aragorn.
"Raquel!" this time, his voice was more urgent, jerking her out of her thoughts.
"What is wrong?!" she asked, a little perturbation overshadowing her voice.
"Lower your voice and look, there in the trees!" she leaned down next to him, looking in the direction he pointed in.
"What is it?!" Gimli asked, "I do not have elf eyes!"
"Look closely!" Raquel said.
Gimli strained to see, "I see now! It's the old man! I told you he would come back!" he jumped up. "Legolas, bend your bow! Raquel, grab your sword!"
"Wait! Drop your weapons!" Aragorn said
They all fell to silence as the old man came closer.
"It is Saruman!" Gimli said. "Hurry Legolas!"
Legolas took his bow, bending it slowly, as though some other will was against the action. Raquel reached over to him calmly, letting her hand fall over his.
"Relax Legolas, watch and wait." she said, looking at him intently. He dropped the bow, as though it's weight was unbearable.
"Wait, Gimli, be patient." Aragorn murmured.
Gimli muttered something inaudible, but did not say another word.
The old man quickened and came to the foot of the rock wall. He climbed up it steadily. They could not determine his face, for he was hooded, though he was clothed in grey rags. He wore a wide-brimmed hat. The others took their footing, watching him silently. He looked up and a shock went through her.
"I know this man." she said to Legolas.
"Is it him, the voice?" Legolas asked, turning to her slowly.
"I am not sure." she said.
He made it halfway up when he stopped, "I wish to speak with you, may I come up, or should you come down?" When no answer came he continued his climb.
"Now, shoot!" Gimli said, though, again, the bow fell from the Elf's grip.
"Did I not say I wished to speak? Put the bow away, Master Elf!" The man said, making it to the top. "And my dear Dwarf, pray take your hand away from your axe-haft!"
He sprang toward them, a glint of white showing under his garments.
"A Man, Dwarf, two Elves including a Lady! What a strange company. What are you doing in these parts?"
"What is your name, whom do you serve?" Aragorn asked quietly.
"My name?!" The old man scoffed, "You have heard it before, most likely." he turned, "Come let us talk."
He sat down on a pile of rocks. Aragorn drew his sword, Gimli his axe. Legolas picked up his bow. Raquel drew no sword, nor bent bow. The man threw back his grey rags to reveal his white garments beneath all the filthy grey.
"Saruman!" Gimli said, "Where have you hidden our friends?! Speak or I will make a dint in your hat that even a wizard will find hard to deal with!"
The old man was much to quick for him. He leaped up to a rock and seemed to grow. Legolas put an arrow to his bow.
"Wait. Legolas do not!" Raquel turned to him but was to slow. With a great shout he watched the arrow soar into the air. It vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Gandalf!" Raquel threw herself at his feet, "You are back!" she shook from the force of the tears.
"Gandalf?" the man asked, "Lady, who are you?" he looked down on her in confusion, yet he felt a bit of pity for her.
"It is me, Raquel. Do you really not remember? Are you fooling me?" she asked, lifting her head up to him.
"No, I know no one named Raquel."
"But you must."
"No, I do not, though you remind me of a person I knew back in the day. She was such a sweet child."
"Was her name Ithildin?" Raquel asked, her eyes growing anxious, "Sweet Ithildin. The secret daughter of Elrond and future ruler of the wood of Lothlórien. Is this she? She knows how to handle a sword and ride a horse. Could this be her?"
"I."
"What was her full name?"
"Gilwen.Menel." he concentrated on her.
"anna. Her full name is Gilwen Menelanna, but she had another name, do you remember that one?" Raquel looked at him with sanguine eyes. "You must remember! You cannot forget me." when her stared at her blankly, she looked away, starting in a low voice.
Little dreamer. Once so full of life. Forgotten maiden. Cold with strife. With sword and bow, no match there was. Ravaged yet still adored. Strong when you were weak. Until you were broken. You follow the night. Can't stand the light. When will you begin to live again? One day you'll fly away. Leave all this to yesterday. What more could my love do for you? When will woe be through with you? Why live life from dream to dream? And dread the day when dreaming ends. One day you'll fly away. Fly away.
He stared at her, "Raquel? It is you! Oh, dear Ithildin, you are alive!" he caught her in his arms. "Sweet, sweet child. My little dreamer. How could I forget?" he whispered.
"Gandalf." she said, her tears becoming little rivers.
"Gandalf. Yes, that was the old name. I was Gandalf." The others looked on, watching the two embrace each other.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn came to the him, "What blinded my sight?! You have come to us in the time of desperate need!" he embraced the man as Raquel sat beside Gandalf, looking as a child whose father had just returned from a long departure. Her eyes gleamed. Gandalf slipped on his grey rags.
"Gimli." he said, the Dwarf looked up at him.
"Gandalf! It is you, but you are all dressed in white!" he laughed.
Yes, I am white now. Indeed one may say I am Saruman." Gandalf said, "Or at least, as Saruman should have been. But, come, tell me of yourselves! I have forgotten much, and remembered much that I had forgotten. What has happened?"
(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)( *)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*) -Thanx for the border Rhea!
Hiyas! ^_^ Sorry for the delay! I've had a lot of stuff goin on, so I couldn't exactly write, but it's finished! (for better or for worse!) Hope you liked it. That little song Raquel sang was partly taken from the song One Day I'll Fly Away from Moulin Rouge. (very good movie, watch it if you haven't already!) Yes, Gandalf is back! Yay! next chappie should be about them doin stuff, im not exactly sure yet. Anywho, hope you enjoyed! I'll cya latta!
*~*~*Gabi*~*~*
PS- I'd like to give a shoutout to Teg and Dorene and congratulate them on the birth of Gracie Elizabeth and to Kelly on her engagement! Good luck guys!
Now, onto the reviews-
dani- strange and foreboding? I like that! hehe, nothin bad really happened, but I got u thinkin, which is good. Yes, Aragorn and Raquel did have an interesting talk, u tell me if u think its for the best. Well, anywho, thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Elena- thanx for the border! Tracks ok, but I luv v-ball, it's the best! anywho, yea, have fun with ur cat. O_o hope it doesn't scratch to deep. lol, ill cya latta! asta luego!
Yumeko- Thanks. This story is called a 3rd person limited. It's when the narrator of the story tells the story about everyone, but centers on the feelings and thoughts of the protagonist (which is Raquel). So, I really centered this story around everyone, but Raquel is really the main character. I'm glad u like it tho. Thanx for reviewn!
Isabella- I'm glad u like the daystar. hope u enjoyed this chappie. and yes, lego and raquel luv u *lego gives isabella a big kiss* hehe, that should knock u out for a bit, sweet dreams! lol, thanx for reviewn again, mucho gracias!
The Shawdow- I'm sorry you think that this is a mary-sue. It's kinda sad. Now, (in essence) almost all Legolas romances are labeled Mary-Sues! I mean, look, they didn't "fall I love" until Lothlórien,a nd even then, they haven't even kissed! From what I know, Mary-Sues are like the female character and Legolas falling in love at first sight and can't leave each other. If you want to read a real Mary-Sue, go to the Barrowdowns and read "The Tale of Aralaithiel - The Other Daughter of Elrond". That's a real Mary-Sue. And, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "Raquel"? but that's the Spanish translation of Rachel. Anywho, hope u at least read this and if not, have a great day anyways!
*~*~*GaBi*~*~*
"What was she like, how would you explain her?" With a faraway smile, he looked up to the sky and answered, "She was the Daystar, lighting up the day during our darkest hour, warming the earth with her love." "She is as clear as the moon, as fair as the sun, and as glorious as an army under one banner"
To most she was a loving friend, her fairness lighting up the world, no matter what the weather. To some a companion, and one a lover and dream. Yet, many feared her dignity in her footsteps, power in her stride, and authority in her eyes. This is her story.
Thanks for the border Elena! *gives her lots of candy*
ThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiDeRThEwHiTeRiD eRThEwHiTeRiDeR
"What do you wish to speak of?"
"Raquel, plainly, I wish to apologize for my harsh words." Aragorn spoke, "You have become and always have been such a dear friend, we do not need to fight now. It is the worst possible thing that we could do at this apparent moment. I am truly sorry."
Raquel nodded, "I will admit, I was acting childish. At least, not my usual self."
Aragorn shook his head at her, "But, you should show your feelings Raquel. Hiding them makes matters worse. Do not try to be a hero, even the most valiant of all Men may cry out."
"But I need to be strong, the weak will always die. Eat or be eaten, kill or be killed, I must be strong, not only for myself, but for.everyone." she looked away so Aragorn could not read her face, then he would know her true thoughts.
"You mean for Legolas."
"Leave him out of this! He does not need me, just as I do not need him."
"Why do you blind yourself?!" Aragorn cried out in frustration, "You do need him, just admit it! Hiding your feelings does nothing but confuse and frustrate yourself!"
"I mean what I say." Raquel said plainly, almost coolly, her eyes hinting nothing. She shrugged her shoulders.
"Raquel, listen to me." Aragorn clasped her hands in his, "You were put on this earth for a reason, to save it. You will fight, and you will win. You were made to be strong, but that does not mean you cannot love. Everybody needs somebody. You and Legolas will play a part in all of this."
Raquel said nothing, she only looked away. "I told you to leave him alone."
"Stop Raquel, do not be so stubborn. You are fighting yourself."
"Aragorn," Raquel spoke slowly, "you are telling me to let go of everything I have ever known! I cannot do that. It is not possible."
"If you can handle a sword as skilled as any man, you can change." Aragorn said strongly.
"That is not conceivable, I could never do any such thing."
"You can do anything. You, Raquel, have proven everything in this world wrong. You can fight and ride, heal and kill, you can do anything your heart desires. If you try, you can do it!"
"You sound like a Father."
"Only because I care for you."
"Show me the way then." Raquel said, cocking her head to the side.
"You know the way."
"You have changed." she smiled, amused at him.
"No, you have." Aragorn's solemn face opposed her merry one.
"What ever do you mean?" she said, sarcasm taking over her voice and face. She smiled widely at him.
"You were different, you are changed. Back when you were a child."
"I know not what you speak of, I am who I am." she said, anger slightly lit her voice. Her eyes blazed for a moment.
"No, you were not so cold, so ruthless. You loved, you cared. Raquel, you were different!"
"That is gone Aragorn, never again will I be so naïve." her face and tone matched his, "I was stripped of everything, my simplicity, my affection, my whole being."
"No, you locked it away, deep inside yourself. You can be that again!" Aragorn shook her hands hard.
"I do not want to change." Raquel said quietly. "How would I survive this world? What am I to do, drop my sword, this war?! I cannot do that! You are right, I was put on this ravaged world to do something, so I must do it. This is who I am."
"You would be so much happier." Aragorn said. He smiled at the thought that he had finally won her over.
She turned around swiftly, "How would you know? You have never felt what I have, seen what I have, heard what I have." she threw her hands in the air "You have never lived my life, I would like to see you do it. With that said, how can you fathom it?" She watched him, piercing his thoughts. He looked away.
"Legolas could." he said quietly.
"How many times must I tell you to leave him out of this!" She said angrily, "This is not about him!"
"That is it Raquel, it is all about him! You just don't get it! You do not want to admit it, you are too scared!" he yelled in frustration. "You are scared of loving someone, that maybe, it will be your weakness, your downfall! You are scared to love."
"You may be right, I may be scared to love, but I already do love. I love you, Master Pippin, Merry, Arwen, Katriel, Haldir, Celeborn, Galadriel, Gimli, and yes, I love Legolas, but I get it more than you do." She said calmly, her eyes still looking into him. He felt her searching him, looking into the depths of his heart. He shuddered and wished for her to stop. "I even loved Boromir when he disowned me, even then."
"Then why do you deny it?"
"I do not, you wish to rush me." She softened her glance and took a few steps toward him, "Let me do this Aragorn. I think I know what I am doing, rushing this will not help us." she reached out to him, "But, thank you for the care, I have much to think about."
"So do I." Aragorn said, embracing her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It is so very cold!"
The Dwarf shivered, his very bones chilled. It was morning and they had eaten a small breakfast, sparing as much food as possible. The had decided that morning to look for signs of the old man or the hobbits. The light of the new dawn would help in the search.
"O, how I wish to find at least one boot mark!" The Dwarf said.
"Aye, to that I can agree." Raquel said.
"But, it would be hard to leave a mark, for the grass here is long and springy." The other Elf said, running his hand over the top of the grass as he spoke.
"Well, this should not confuse a Ranger." Gimli said looking back at Aragorn. Aragorn sat, inspecting the ground.
"You are right Gimli, but I have some other matters to discuss." he moved to another spot bending low to the ground. "What of the horses? You said last night, Gimli, that they were probably scared away, but I do not think so. Did they sound like beasts in fear?"
"No," Legolas said, "They did not sound fearful. I am not exactly sure what they sounded like."
"What do you suppose Raquel? Could you hear Artemis?" asked Aragorn.
"Yes, I heard her clearly. I cannot be sure, but I think she sounded rapturous." Raquel said. Though she was quite sure about the horse, she sounded uncertain. (Rapturous, big word, if you don't know what it means, look it up!)
They nodded as she went on, "But if she was, what would cause this emotion?"
"That's what scares me." Gimli said.
"You hate not knowing what is going to happen, do you not?" Raquel said, slightly amused.
"Yes, I hate not knowing who that old man is and I hate not knowing what got into those beasts!" Gimli said, pacing back and forth.
Raquel just shook her head, looking over her shoulder. She felt that man still. She could only shudder and try to forget about it.
"Well, we may not know until they return, if they return." Aragorn stopped after he got a sharp look from Raquel.
"She will come back." she said, emphasizing 'will'.
"How can you be so sure?" Gimli asked, throwing his hands into the air, "This horse of yours is not tame!"
"I would not doubt her, just like I would not doubt you Gimli." Raquel said curtly.
There was a short moment of silence.
"Come, dawn is coming upon us." Aragorn said, his voice seeming to be very loud amidst the others, "The hobbits may have hidden in the forest. I have a feeling that the Riders of Rohan did their work a little too well!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Come quickly, look what I have found!"
"A mallorn-leaf!" Raquel said, taking the leaf absentmindedly. She looked at it long, remembering the trees of Lothlórien.
"And look, some cut cord!" Legolas picked up the ragged pieces that had once been a rope. "And here is the knife that must have cut them." He brushed away some leaves and dirt to reveal a knife.
"They are alive!" Raquel said her mirth shining through her dirty face.
"We do not know that for sure yet." Gimli said.
"I do not care! This is a clue, they must be alive!" she said with glee.
"This is obviously an Orc-blade, come here Raquel, you know more of these things than I do." Legolas motioned her over and handed her the weapon gingerly.
"Yes, it is. You can always tell an Orc-blade by its hilt. Look at the queer carvings!" She spun it in her hand, throwing it on the ground where it got stuck. It stuck out of the ground as Raquel bent over it, her abominate face showing all her detest.
"Good, leave it there." Gimli said, his face equal to hers, "It makes me sick to think a thing as foul as Orc touched that blade."
"Ah, but that is where you are wrong, my good Dwarf, Orcs are actually beautiful creatures, you have forgotten one thing." Raquel smiled at him.
"Raquel, are you ill?" Gimli asked, but Aragorn sensed her thoughts.
"I think what she is trying to say is that Orcs were sprung from Elves, so in essence, they are really beautiful creatures."
Gimli shuddered, "Pardon me for saying, but I still do not like the repulsive things."
"Whatever you say!" Raquel sang, taking the blade out of the ground and putting it in her quiver.
"Good idea, that may help us later." Aragorn said to Raquel. She nodded and smiled.
"Well, here yet is another riddle." Legolas muttered.
"Yes, one that I should like to solve." Gimli also muttered, deep in his own thoughts.
"I may have an answer to this, but let us go to Fangorn, we do not have the time to sit around and wonder!" Aragorn set off in the direction of the forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I do not like this." Gimli said, shrinking away behind the two Elves.
"It does not feel evil. Whatever the tales may say." Legolas said, walking up to the wood, touching it timidly.
"No, it is, amazing." Raquel let out a soft chuckle, "It reminds me of home." she turned to the Dwarf, "Are you scared of Lothlórien the Fair?"
"No, of course not, but this is different, Celeborn warned us to be wary of this wood!" Gimli said.
"I would usually agree with Celeborn," Raquel said, she shrugged, "but now, I feel as though I have been here before."
"This wood is angered, it has suffered much pain and sorrow, feel it Raquel!" Legolas beckoned her over. She touched the wood also, a sudden flow of emotions filled her, moving through her body. It shocked her, yet she did not want to remove her hand.
"Do you feel it?" Legolas asked, standing beside her.
"Yes." She said, almost in a trance. He laid a hand on her arm, waking her up abruptly.
"The air is stuffy." Gimli complained.
"It is old" the Elf said, "So old that I almost feel young again, as I have not felt since I journeyed with you children."
"Ahem!" Raquel cleared her throat, staring hard at Legolas. She crossed her arms, glaring at him, "Who are you calling young?"
"With the exception of Lady Raquel, of course." Legolas said, emphasizing her title. He mocked bowed. She rolled her eyes.
"Anyways!" Aragorn said, taking his turn to roll his eyes, "We need to set out."
"You two comfort me" Gimli said, "But, please, keep your bow bent and sword in hand! I would hate to meet an old man in these woods!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The marks are good, though they appear to be rather old."
"How old, about?" Aragorn stayed at his spot by the bank.
"Two days from my reckoning." Raquel said, reaching down and touching the mud gingerly.
"Two days?!" Gimli said, looking warily at the trees, "We do not have the provisions to pursue them in the forest. I do not like these woods! They do give me such a fright."
"I like them." Raquel said, looking up fondly at the trees, "They have so much life in them, old memories...They make me wish I could have lived here in days of old, but, that is none of my concern at this particular moment."
"Yes, back in the days of peace." Legolas said whimsically, looking up to the trees.
"Come, I see nothing else, so lets." he stopped as he saw the Elves, their eyes cast upwards. He raised his brows in slight mirth "Gimli, welcome to the world of Elves. Anything may amuse them."
"Thank you, but I wish not for a welcome, though I will kindly except an invitation out of this horrid wood!" he said, moving closer to the man.
"That I can give you, but not at this exact instant." he turned to Raquel, "Raquel, Legolas, come!"
They both looked at him, "Did you hear something, Legolas?" she asked in a witty voice.
"No, must have only been the trees talking." he said, looking past the Man and Dwarf.
Aragorn crossed his arms, "Please, we do not have time for games!", though he received a sharp look from Legolas.
"We" he said, emphasizing 'we' as he looked over to Raquel, "are just having a bit of fun."
"Yes, I love playing with your mind, Estel, it is so easy to manipulate!" Raquel said, walking past him.
Legolas looked over to Aragorn. Aragorn perceived his thoughts completely. Raquel is in a good mood, or at least as good as possible, so lets leave her that way. Let her have a little fun. She needs it, we all need it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Let's go up there, we might get a better view!"
Gimli pointed to a rock wall with steep steps that lead to a shelf. The sun gleamed through the leaves and fell, dancing, upon the Pursuers faces. They welcomed it gladly, moving out of the forest and toward the shelf.
"Good idea Gimli" Aragorn said, peering at the stone, "I need the fresh air."
They moved up, Gimli first followed by Legolas and Raquel. Aragorn came last, scanning the steps for anything unusual.
"The hobbits must have been up here, I am almost sure of it." Raquel smiled at this news, "But, there are some very strange marks."
Raquel's brows knitted together, "Show me."
"Here." Aragorn turned and pointed to a spot on the ground. "What do you think it is?"
As they talked, the Dwarf and other Elf dropped their packs, sitting down with a sigh.
"Tracking hobbits is a very tiring job." Gimli said wearily.
"Indeed." Legolas said, peering into the trees.
"What is it?" Gimli asked, looking suspiciously at the woods, "You look queer."
"In the trees, look, he is passing from tree to tree. Raquel!" he lowered his voice.
"Legolas, not right now." she said vaguely, still deep in conversion with Aragorn.
"Raquel!" this time, his voice was more urgent, jerking her out of her thoughts.
"What is wrong?!" she asked, a little perturbation overshadowing her voice.
"Lower your voice and look, there in the trees!" she leaned down next to him, looking in the direction he pointed in.
"What is it?!" Gimli asked, "I do not have elf eyes!"
"Look closely!" Raquel said.
Gimli strained to see, "I see now! It's the old man! I told you he would come back!" he jumped up. "Legolas, bend your bow! Raquel, grab your sword!"
"Wait! Drop your weapons!" Aragorn said
They all fell to silence as the old man came closer.
"It is Saruman!" Gimli said. "Hurry Legolas!"
Legolas took his bow, bending it slowly, as though some other will was against the action. Raquel reached over to him calmly, letting her hand fall over his.
"Relax Legolas, watch and wait." she said, looking at him intently. He dropped the bow, as though it's weight was unbearable.
"Wait, Gimli, be patient." Aragorn murmured.
Gimli muttered something inaudible, but did not say another word.
The old man quickened and came to the foot of the rock wall. He climbed up it steadily. They could not determine his face, for he was hooded, though he was clothed in grey rags. He wore a wide-brimmed hat. The others took their footing, watching him silently. He looked up and a shock went through her.
"I know this man." she said to Legolas.
"Is it him, the voice?" Legolas asked, turning to her slowly.
"I am not sure." she said.
He made it halfway up when he stopped, "I wish to speak with you, may I come up, or should you come down?" When no answer came he continued his climb.
"Now, shoot!" Gimli said, though, again, the bow fell from the Elf's grip.
"Did I not say I wished to speak? Put the bow away, Master Elf!" The man said, making it to the top. "And my dear Dwarf, pray take your hand away from your axe-haft!"
He sprang toward them, a glint of white showing under his garments.
"A Man, Dwarf, two Elves including a Lady! What a strange company. What are you doing in these parts?"
"What is your name, whom do you serve?" Aragorn asked quietly.
"My name?!" The old man scoffed, "You have heard it before, most likely." he turned, "Come let us talk."
He sat down on a pile of rocks. Aragorn drew his sword, Gimli his axe. Legolas picked up his bow. Raquel drew no sword, nor bent bow. The man threw back his grey rags to reveal his white garments beneath all the filthy grey.
"Saruman!" Gimli said, "Where have you hidden our friends?! Speak or I will make a dint in your hat that even a wizard will find hard to deal with!"
The old man was much to quick for him. He leaped up to a rock and seemed to grow. Legolas put an arrow to his bow.
"Wait. Legolas do not!" Raquel turned to him but was to slow. With a great shout he watched the arrow soar into the air. It vanished in a puff of smoke.
"Gandalf!" Raquel threw herself at his feet, "You are back!" she shook from the force of the tears.
"Gandalf?" the man asked, "Lady, who are you?" he looked down on her in confusion, yet he felt a bit of pity for her.
"It is me, Raquel. Do you really not remember? Are you fooling me?" she asked, lifting her head up to him.
"No, I know no one named Raquel."
"But you must."
"No, I do not, though you remind me of a person I knew back in the day. She was such a sweet child."
"Was her name Ithildin?" Raquel asked, her eyes growing anxious, "Sweet Ithildin. The secret daughter of Elrond and future ruler of the wood of Lothlórien. Is this she? She knows how to handle a sword and ride a horse. Could this be her?"
"I."
"What was her full name?"
"Gilwen.Menel." he concentrated on her.
"anna. Her full name is Gilwen Menelanna, but she had another name, do you remember that one?" Raquel looked at him with sanguine eyes. "You must remember! You cannot forget me." when her stared at her blankly, she looked away, starting in a low voice.
Little dreamer. Once so full of life. Forgotten maiden. Cold with strife. With sword and bow, no match there was. Ravaged yet still adored. Strong when you were weak. Until you were broken. You follow the night. Can't stand the light. When will you begin to live again? One day you'll fly away. Leave all this to yesterday. What more could my love do for you? When will woe be through with you? Why live life from dream to dream? And dread the day when dreaming ends. One day you'll fly away. Fly away.
He stared at her, "Raquel? It is you! Oh, dear Ithildin, you are alive!" he caught her in his arms. "Sweet, sweet child. My little dreamer. How could I forget?" he whispered.
"Gandalf." she said, her tears becoming little rivers.
"Gandalf. Yes, that was the old name. I was Gandalf." The others looked on, watching the two embrace each other.
"Gandalf!" Aragorn came to the him, "What blinded my sight?! You have come to us in the time of desperate need!" he embraced the man as Raquel sat beside Gandalf, looking as a child whose father had just returned from a long departure. Her eyes gleamed. Gandalf slipped on his grey rags.
"Gimli." he said, the Dwarf looked up at him.
"Gandalf! It is you, but you are all dressed in white!" he laughed.
Yes, I am white now. Indeed one may say I am Saruman." Gandalf said, "Or at least, as Saruman should have been. But, come, tell me of yourselves! I have forgotten much, and remembered much that I had forgotten. What has happened?"
(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)( *)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*) -Thanx for the border Rhea!
Hiyas! ^_^ Sorry for the delay! I've had a lot of stuff goin on, so I couldn't exactly write, but it's finished! (for better or for worse!) Hope you liked it. That little song Raquel sang was partly taken from the song One Day I'll Fly Away from Moulin Rouge. (very good movie, watch it if you haven't already!) Yes, Gandalf is back! Yay! next chappie should be about them doin stuff, im not exactly sure yet. Anywho, hope you enjoyed! I'll cya latta!
*~*~*Gabi*~*~*
PS- I'd like to give a shoutout to Teg and Dorene and congratulate them on the birth of Gracie Elizabeth and to Kelly on her engagement! Good luck guys!
Now, onto the reviews-
dani- strange and foreboding? I like that! hehe, nothin bad really happened, but I got u thinkin, which is good. Yes, Aragorn and Raquel did have an interesting talk, u tell me if u think its for the best. Well, anywho, thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Elena- thanx for the border! Tracks ok, but I luv v-ball, it's the best! anywho, yea, have fun with ur cat. O_o hope it doesn't scratch to deep. lol, ill cya latta! asta luego!
Yumeko- Thanks. This story is called a 3rd person limited. It's when the narrator of the story tells the story about everyone, but centers on the feelings and thoughts of the protagonist (which is Raquel). So, I really centered this story around everyone, but Raquel is really the main character. I'm glad u like it tho. Thanx for reviewn!
Isabella- I'm glad u like the daystar. hope u enjoyed this chappie. and yes, lego and raquel luv u *lego gives isabella a big kiss* hehe, that should knock u out for a bit, sweet dreams! lol, thanx for reviewn again, mucho gracias!
The Shawdow- I'm sorry you think that this is a mary-sue. It's kinda sad. Now, (in essence) almost all Legolas romances are labeled Mary-Sues! I mean, look, they didn't "fall I love" until Lothlórien,a nd even then, they haven't even kissed! From what I know, Mary-Sues are like the female character and Legolas falling in love at first sight and can't leave each other. If you want to read a real Mary-Sue, go to the Barrowdowns and read "The Tale of Aralaithiel - The Other Daughter of Elrond". That's a real Mary-Sue. And, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "Raquel"? but that's the Spanish translation of Rachel. Anywho, hope u at least read this and if not, have a great day anyways!
*~*~*GaBi*~*~*