A/N: Ah, I loooove this chapter. I had a dream a while back that helped me out with this chapter. I know it may seem a tad bit not Leggy but hey this is MY story and besides it gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. You'll find out in a moment. Eeeeheeheee....sorry I just LOVE this chapter! Haha okay read, read, read!! But I wanna thank everyone who has been so sweet to me and writing me good reviews. I love review good or bad but you all have been really sweet to me and I thank you! It's nice to know I have some people enjoying the story, hell you are the ones I write this sucker for, that and so I could get another hit of the adorable Legolas and Orlando Bloom. Hey I'm addicted what can I say? Unfortunately my obsession has gotten out of control so I am taking small doses of Orlando a day. It's horrible news I know. But damn it! He's just so hot! Haha okay sorry my personality that is in love with Orli briefly took over. Okay on with my story...
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Aside from her confession, Paddamill didn't speak to Legolas for the rest of the day. In a way she felt bad for making sure to avoid him. After she confessed her love for him the two had engaged in another kiss. Aragorn had walked up the steps to see if Legolas had woken up yet but he quickly stopped his task when he walked to the hall and spotted the two kissing. Before the two could say something in their own defense he had quickly turned the other way. Paddamill frowned then looked up to Legolas and ran off in embarrassment and in cowardice leaving him alone. A good thing to do at the time, Paddamill thought. Only know she realized how bad it felt and how bad it was.

The remaining fellowship had set off towards Minas Tirith a little after sun rise nearly a day after the incidents. Paddamill had said her sorrowful good bye's to her friend Éowyn and her brother Éomer. The two had cried slightly promising one another to meet again soon after the battle was over. King Théoden had taken Aragorn aside and gave him his own private wishes of a well journey that was free of weary or danger. Aragorn had clapped him on the shoulder, waved goodbye and rode off towards the West with the three of them trailing. They had been making their way to Minas Tirith for nearly a day and a half before they all had to stop in defeat from tire. Paddamill swallowed down the small piece of bread the villagers had made as a good bye and thank you gift. It was a shame that they all had to leave more than half of it behind due to their weight limits. They all knew that they needed to travel light so they could quickly make it to Merry and Pippin before anything happened. Gandalf had rode out days before and had proposed to meet the company there and update them on the war.

The low snaps and pops from the small fire rang in everyone's ears. Filling the silence they had been sharing for most of the day. Gimli had fallen asleep a little earlier while leaning against the trunk of a tree while gazing at the slowly dying fire. Aside from the solemn sound of the fire, Gimli's light snores added to the peace. Legolas had sat to the left of him with his legs bent propping his arms on top of his knees so he could sharpen his blade. Paddamill just sat nibbling on her bread as an occupation so nobody would talk to her. But it was obvious to Aragorn, who sat smoking his pipe, that she was in deep thought though her nibbling was small. Her eyes told him so. What she was thinking he did not know and in a way he feared she was thinking of how he reacted to the kissing he had witnessed. But something told him different. The fear in her face and eyes told him that something was wrong, something bad was going to happen and that only made him more curious to know. Legolas too felt the same way, whenever he knew Aragorn wasn't looking at him or her he stole a glance at the woman staring aimlessly into the dancing flames, that could also describe the way his heart fluttered at the sight of her kind face. He was trying to find the best thing to occupy his mind and at that moment sharpening his blade felt like the only way. Legolas thought it would've been better to sharpen the double-handed sword but, he knew if he were to sharpen it anymore there was a possibility of cutting through the scabbard, so he went to the next best thing.

Paddamill lazily looked up from the tired flames with heavy eyes. She bit the inside of her lip so she would not smile. She saw Legolas behind the flames a few feet away from the fire. They all shot up and licked his face like the hands of those who had survived the battle at Helm's Deep. Everything around him and everything behind him was gone, faded into the dark night. The only thing she could make out were the silhouettes of a tree and a rock a few inches off to the side. His face was lit softly, his back pushed against a tree as Gimli was. His legs were slightly bent with his boot's toe pointing towards her. He held his small dagger in his left hand with a sharpening tool in the other. She could see whenever he pushed the tool opposite of the blade his muscles flexed underneath his light gray shirt and the brown and green protective coat. The brooch on his cloak shimmered with brilliance as it reflected the flames causing Paddamill to briefly peer at it. Paddamill trailed up from the dark green cloak that was piled on top of his leather bag, then to the arrows that were snugly nested into the quiver. Its gold detailing coiled around the hard casing, there Paddamill moved her eyes slightly over to the left to see the 6 foot bow resting on the silhouetted rock. All of it looked neatly placed, very careful as to where to put them. She grinned once more knowing Legolas took extensive pride in the bow since they were a gift.

Slowly and more cautiously, Paddamill's eyes began to travel over to his leather boot on his left foot. Its squared toe reminded her of the way a gator's mouth curved. She saw it's black dirt covering the inside curve giving it a slightly darker touch. She paused briefly at the middle of his boot where it snugly fit his calve smoothing out the strong muscle underneath his flesh. For a moment, Paddamill felt she were being watched by him. With a quick jump of her heart she was afraid to make eye contact for his beauty would bewitch her and make her swoon. But at that one moment when she dared to glance at his tan skin that shined at bland orange from the fire, his well rounded cheeks, that defining jaw that met with his neck and traveled down to his collarbone that all blended with precision...all it did was make her warm and her heart melt. Everything about him was all just so magical! How could she refuse such a beautiful man? How could anyone? Arguing with her heart and head, Paddamill's face showed slight agitation and a soft frown of being perplexed by her own thoughts. It was just wrong to want someone, at least of Elven kind.

Many men refused to think about it, let alone allow such a thing to happen. But Aragorn did it...with Arwen? Lord Elrond's parents did! And the powerful love story of Beren and Lúthien that graced even the coldest hearts for the longing of truelove. But Paddamill knew not to do this to Legolas. She couldn't allow him to become mortal and die. He needed to go on adventures, allow his wonderful presence to walk the earth many times over! But there was no harm in loving him silently, loving him from afar? Oh, but how Paddamill wanted to be beside him. Touch the creamy skin, trace the smooth jaw, kiss the strong neck, and envelope herself with love and affection from the one she most desired; Fulfill the pain in her heart, stop or subside the turning in her stomach, and make the world go away to where it was just Legolas and her. But most of all Paddamill wanted to put away the dogmatic sense of morals and do what she knew would make her most happy.

"They are far, far away...I know in my heart that they have not rested this night" The words of Legolas crept into her ears, along with Aragorn's. Paddamill raised her eyebrows and raised her chin up to have her eyes meet with his. She allowed herself to swim in the pools of blue, but just for a moment. Then she looked away.

"As I fear. We mustn't linger any longer." Aragorn swallowed, moistening his dry throat. He looked to the left to see Gimli's eyes were closed and his mouth slightly drooping down to catch more air. His snores stopped and a gasp of surprise came out of his mouth when Aragorn patted him on the shoulder, waking him. He snorted once and blinked his eyes while searching the ground.

"Humph. Wha-what is it?" He managed to choke out with a hoarse and tired voice. He sat up and cleared his throat trying to sound more serious and more dangerous. "What's happening?" Although his harsh voice was back, his appearance was lacking that of a dangerous dwarf. Aragorn stood up and sighed gathering his things.

"We must start our traveling. It's not safe here." They all had agreed to stay and rest, but not sleep. For sleeping would mean losing a day of weary travel, hurting heads, and sore feet. But they were the ones wanting to do this task and there was no sense in whining about the downsides since good would become of it all. Or, so they hope. Aragorn sighed once more. He had all of his equipment on, along with his cloak and leather pouch. He looked down at the fire and kicked dirt over the last remaining flames. The smell of burnt wood and burnt leaves were appealing to Paddamill's nose. She closed the tired eyes for a second to take it all in. When she opened them it was darkness. For a moment she was about to panic, but the voices of Aragorn and Gimli soothed her worries.

"Why them Orcs don't have one sense of smell or sight! We should at least stop and rest!" Gimli already began to argue, but then again it was in his nature.

"No, Gimli. We must keep going. If we lose a day then it is untelling what could happen to Merry and Pippin, let alone us. Come on now, Gimli." Aragorn turned on his heel not looking back. "I'll be right back, business." Paddamill raised her eyebrows and bent down to dust off her cloak and pack after pulling her hair into a knot away from her face. She hit the cloak with all her might just in case there were any worms or creepy crawlers on or, even worse, in her clothing. If there was anything she disliked, besides the evil lurking around, it was things with more than four legs. Especially if they were smaller than a raccoon. She stood up putting her leather pack over her shoulder and around her back. She looked down at the small leather strap trying to find the notch to put the buckle through. She frowned and leaned her head as far down as possible. The low source of light, from the moon or anything, made it hard for her to find. For nearly thirty seconds she stood fiddling around trying to find the straps buckle hole. She was agitated since she was hungry and exhausted from the long hard travel, but she knew sleep would be impossible even for the most tired.

"Come on you." Paddamill whispered as low as possible. Damn those small buckles. She just wanted to throw her leather pack as far as she could. She knew it would relieve major stress but yet cause more since it had important things for their journey. Legolas walked over to her, pulling the strap of his own leather pack in place. Paddamill silently gasped when she felt him in front of her, not out of fear but out of surprise. He was so quiet. Even in the darkness, Paddamill could see his silhouette and feel his body heat. When the moon moved out from behind a cloud she could see him much better. Her heart began to pick up the pace when she felt his hand swipe against her breast. Although she had four things keeping him from touching it skin to skin, it was all the while.

"Oh-sorry." He said briefly glancing up at her out of his own embarrassment. Paddamill grinned and looked down at his hands fiddle with the strap and hook.

'It's okay." She said lowly. She turned her head to the left to see Gimli walking over to the horses a few feet away. He was in his own little world, concentrating on one thing at a time. In this particular case it was packing up the things he really needed and not leaving anything useful behind. Paddamill took in a deep breath and looked back down.

"Sorry, I can't find the hole." Paddamill frowned.

"Here," She started, brushing his hands away with her own. The moment her fingers glided across his smooth and helpful palm, Paddamill pulled the strap over her head thinking she had it on the wrong way. Legolas tended to help her. She took a hold of the bottom strap that went under her breast and across her waist, while Legolas took the strap that angled across and down her back from her left shoulder to the right side where it met with the strap that went across her. He even took the liberty to help her put it on the other way and find the hook. Why he helped, he did not know. Maybe it was how he was so helpful and kind or simply to get close enough to Paddamill to feel her breath against his skin. He cleared his thoughts and slipped the silver notch into the hole and stood up gliding his fingers under the strap to keep it straight and comfortable.

"That tight enough?" He asked walking in front of her and looking down at the strap across her stomach. Paddamill looked down at it and nodded then back up to his face.

"Hannon Le." 'Thank You.' Legolas looked up and grinned slightly. Although the lighting was limited they both could see their eyes were filled with love and yearning for one another. Little did Paddamill, nor Legolas, realize they were leaning in towards each other. When she paused in the middle of the movement she drew in a small breath awaiting for Legolas to kiss her. He saw her action and lifted his right hand and brushed the left side of her cheek.

"You had a mosquito on your cheek." Paddamill looked up from his chest and into his eyes. She closed her cracked mouth and straightened her back with discomfort in her insinuation. Legolas let his hand drop to his side.

Aragorn gave the two of them a glance before turning to fix the saddle on his horse. He loved Paddamill too, yet he knew where his true love laid. But he didn't want that. He wanted to love Paddamill as much as he did Arwen, maybe even more. How could he take her immortality away just because of some silly infatuation? He grinned slightly understanding how he wanted to be alone with Arwen the night before leaving. It would be hypocritical of him to not allow the two of them such a moment. Aragorn creased his forehead tired of arguing over things such as love. This, to be honest, was not the best time or place to think of family, love, or friends...but safety and their task.

Paddamill turned her back on Legolas as she picked up her sheathed dagger and placed it in on her leather strap. As Paddamill looked down at her right thigh where she placed the weapon, she felt Legolas step closer. She didn't know if it was because of his body heat or if it was because she knew he was behind her. Even though the night was warmer than usual she got chill when she felt Legolas' breath hit the left side of her neck. He was very close yet not touching her back. It was in that moment she felt the first case of paralysis. When she felt his chest against her back, her heart sped up irregularly, beating with all its might behind her shirt, vest, and cloak. She swallowed trying not to move as if she were avoiding an attack by a large beast.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Paddamill." Legolas spoke lowly in her left ear, slightly running his lips across the back of her neck, allowing her to sense his good will and kind nature. Although Gimli and Aragorn were merely a few feet away, it were as if they were the only ones in the woods.

"Gimli and I are going to go see if there is any sign of Uruk-Hai. You stay and guard the other horses." Aragorn caused their slightly odd behavior to change as if he were helping her.

"Be quick, we must head West as soon as possible." Legolas called out to him after clearing his throat. HE could see Paddamill's spine tense up as he spoke. Aragorn nodded grinning at their behavior. Aragorn turned his horse and nudged it towards a line of trees a mile or so away, Gimli trailing behind him. Once the horse's hooves were off in the distance, Paddamill's heart began to pick up the pace once more, and this time she had odd feeling all over her body. She became uncontrollably warm, her stomach hurt in fright and anticipation, and her legs were shaking. Legolas too felt the same way. He even knew how she felt. He could sense it and even hear her heart beating rapidly. He lifted his hands and cupped both of her elbows. Paddamill turned her head to the left slightly, keeping her eye on the shadow behind her.

"I..." Paddamill started feeling the rest of her sentence to be cut off due of fright. She sighed and licked her lips. "I know you weren't going to hurt me, Legolas." She sounded so sure. She didn't even know her own name at the moment so she wasn't even sure it was Legolas. She even froze when she felt him close to her, now how self defensive is that?

Legolas looked at the small blonde hairs on her neck. They stood on end as he breathed at a steady pace. Either there was a drift in the air or it was his breath that made her chill. He honestly didn't care because seeing the hairs on her neck stand on end made him want to kiss her and warm her skin. The thoughts he was having made him feel ashamed yet excited all at the same time. Paddamill licked her lips then swallowed in hopes of moistening her throat and lips. Legolas watched her neck pulse once as she swallowed. She jerked her head a smidge to the left as if she were shrugging off a bug.

"Why are you so close to me?" She had to ask. She had argued with herself ever since she replied and there was the small silence between them. They were alone and at least now they could talk about the incidents that had happened a day or so before. But that really had nothing to do with their kiss or the confession of how she felt about him. Oh, how her stomach hurt! Legolas went quiet for a moment, but only for a moment. He didn't want to leave her waiting anymore.

"Because..." He stated. Paddamill raised her eyebrows slightly as she looked up towards the sky feeling him inching closer to her every second.

"B-B-because why?" Lord she was stuttering. If only Legolas knew how he made her feel inside! With a grin on his face he leaned in closer, this time he made her whole body shiver when he ran his lips lightly on her neck, speaking as he moved towards the back of her ear.

"I wanted to kiss you." Legolas didn't even know what he was doing, it was like Paddamill had a power over him that nobody else could posses. It was probably her natural pheromones or something that made him more attracted to her. He couldn't explain the feeling that was in his stomach, in his heart, and dare he say it...below the waist. His heart jumped when he saw her, his stomach clamped together and he couldn't breathe whenever she spoke, and his knees got weak whenever she smiled. Whatever she was doing to cause all of this, he liked it. He slowly closed his eyes, actually allowing his lips to firmly touch her neck. Paddamill felt her head slightly roll back out of sheer amazement and peace. She bit her lower lip at how his lips had tickled her neck when he spoke, how his breath sent a chill up her spine, and now with his eyelashes running against her skin. Legolas felt Paddamill's, along with his own, body relax and lean in to Paddamill. His kissing her neck was now moving up and down instead of one certain spot. Legolas pushed his right foot forward feeling the back of her knee on his leg, then he moved the other. Now he was pushed against her with all he could. He bent down and kissed down her neck and towards her collarbone. "It is no problem for me to kiss you, I mean it is okay isn't it, Paddamill?" Legolas paused briefly so he could ask. Oh! Yeah, like she would really deny such a request. For as long as she lived, Paddamill thought, he could kiss her like this forever.

"No." Paddamill said in a low tone. Legolas stopped kissing and frowned.

"No?" His heart raced like a rabbit running from it's attacker. Had he just made a fool of himself? Already he wasn't thinking! Paddamill turned slowly and looked up at him with blushed cheeks and eyes that showed nothing but pure love.

"No...meaning it is not a problem." Legolas looked deeply into her eyes that sparkled with a touch of green, brown, and honey. He lifted his hands once more and this time put them around her waist. She didn't resist when he began to pull her towards him along with meeting her halfway. She titled her chin upward looking at him once again. His index and middle finger traced her jawline, tickling her face, he moved them to her cheek and there he made a small circle, taking all of her in. He let his hand fall back to her waist leaning in for a full throttle kiss this time. No gentle gestures or playful kisses. Paddamill leaned her head back and allowed his perfect lips to meet in a perfect spot on top of her own.

Slowly, he kissed them twice before opening his mouth, along with hers, with the tip of his tongue. Paddamill's eyes were gently closed and her arms were under his own holding him as close to her as she could. When she felt his tongue slide into her mouth with perfect ease, she then felt the true shock of love. He flicked his tongue on the side of her mouth just as one last playful tease, before he would envelope himself in the most seductive and intoxicating kiss. Paddamill let out a soft moan when she felt his grip tighten around her and slightly pull her up so he wouldn't miss one bit of exploring her mouth. She felt him draw in a breath before going in for the plunge.

Slowly, Paddamill thought, he would push his lips against hers and open their mouths with their pulsating and yearning tongues. Paddamill wouldn't resist, nor was she going to. She was going to enjoy this kiss as if it were the first one she ever got. She wanted to feel the slick, warm, muscle enter her mouth then she would quickly know to join in as well. She would touch the tip of his tongue against hers and before long she wouldn't even remember what she was doing before they engaged in such a passionate and loving manner.

Paddamill's mother and father always told her to stay fit and to not let her muscles go without work, since that was what created laziness. So, Paddamill thought this would be healthy exercise that was very interactive and no where near as boring. Legolas' kiss would be dominate yet gentle, it would be like he knew what she wanted, wanted to be treated with care and delicacy whenever she were to marry, yet be treated with dominance all at the same time, while they took care of one another. Legolas was no doubt the perfect person. It was a wonder not every man or woman in the world would want an elf. He was just that...perfect.

"Legolas..." Aragorn's words stopped Paddamill and Legolas before they even began to kiss. They both turned with shock at his voice. "We must go now." He looked at the two then turned his horse. Legolas looked over at Paddamill. How could Aragorn ruin the great moment that was about to happen. Paddamill took in a deep breath and walked by Legolas toward her horse. In a way Paddamill was glad that Aragorn interrupted. She might've ended up doing something she might've regretted later.