The Traveler: Chapter Thirteen

Legolas didn't remove his arm from around Ariana's waist and she was grateful for that. She wasn't sure if her legs would have supported her away from the Council.

The two moved silently down the hall, Legolas' hand setting on Ariana's hip, her head resting on his shoulder. Ariana felt her pains slowly melt from her body. A coolness spread throughout her and with it came a sleepiness she couldn't fight against.

When they finally arrived at the room, Legolas quietly opened the door and lead Ariana inside. He stepped in front of her and gently lifted her face until her eye met his.

"I must get back to the Council but I will be back. Will you be alright by yourself?" he asked her as he stroked her hair.

Ariana gave him a smile and nodded her head. "I'll be fine."

Legolas lowered his mouth to hers and wrapped his arms around her. Then he pulled away from her, gave a quick smile and left the room.

Ariana smiled and shut the door behind Legolas. He'd better hurry back, she thought as she turned to the bed.

Lying on the top of the blanket was a small brown package. Ariana gave it a curious glance, then remembered the last mystery package she'd received. The package was a little larger this time, once more it had no name of mark on it to indicate where it came from or who it was for.

Ariana sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up the package. Her curiosity got the better of her once more and she slowly pulled the paper off the package. Where am I going to get zapped to next? Oz?

When all the wrapping was lying on the bed, Ariana was left with a wooden box in her hands. Longer then it was wide, a soft rattle came from it as Ariana tipped it from side to side.

Ariana gave a shrug and opened the small box slowly. Neatly placed inside were a few black sticks of charcoal and a few pieces parchment. She stared at the box for a few minutes, then gently lifted a piece of the charcoal.

A small spread across her face as her gaze fell upon the open window across from her. Ariana pulled a piece of the parchment out of the bottom of the box and crept over to the window.

The sun was high in the afternoon sky, causing the trees to cast shadows across the forest floor of Rivendall. A cool breeze ruffled the leaves and grass, bringing the wonderful smell of the earth to Ariana's window.

Ariana tilted her head and looked at the scene outside her window. She finally settled on an enormous tree she thought to be an oak. Its branches stretched out above the shrubs and grasses under it, creating the perfect place for a summer-time picnic. Ariana made a light sketch on the parchment, then slowly began filling in the details of the tree.

A few silent hours passed as the image in front of Ariana became clearer and clearer. When the sound of the door opening and closing behind her occurred, she didn't even turn around. She kept working on her picture, slowly working on the trunk of the tree.

Suddenly, she felt a familiar hand cup her chin and gently turn her head away from her drawing. Her eyes settled on a pair of cool steel blue eyes and a small smile spread across her face. Legolas' warm lips gently pressed against hers.

Ariana's hand released the charcoal and she heard it break as it hit the floor, but she didn't care. Her hand brushed Legolas' cheek, leaving a soft black smear.

Ariana pulled back from the kiss and laughed softly. She smiled at him and gently wiped the smear off his face.

Legolas smiled at her and looked down at the drawing at his feet. He bent down and picked it up as Ariana rubbed her hands against her dress, trying to get the black off her fingertips.

Ariana felt a blush redden her cheeks as she watched Legolas study her art. When she was younger and art had been her passion, she rarely showed anyone her art. She'd been afraid someone would scream and try to burn her drawings. The fact that Legolas was taking so much time with her drawing made her a little nervous.

Finally, Legolas raised his eyes from and drawing and looked at Ariana. "This is beautiful, he said quietly.

Ariana laughed and took the drawing back from him and looked at it herself. The drawing was far from finished. She'd only begun adding texture to the lower section of the tree when Legolas had returned.

Ariana set the drawing to the side and looked back at Legolas. He stepped up to her and ran his fingers through her hair as he looked into her eyes. Ariana felt the familiar thump in her chest as Legolas eyes surrounded her.

Suddenly Ariana heard voices in her head. They were screaming. The sound of metal striking metal also filled her head. Ariana remembered her nightmare of the night before. Now, after the Council, Ariana realized what it meant. Sauron is going to regain his power.

Ariana pulled back from Legolas and took a step back. Legolas had a look of confusion on his beautiful face. Ariana opened her mouth as to say something, but no sound came out.

"Ariana, what is it? What is wrong?" Legolas asked as he watched her. His hand itched to touch her, but he left it at his side. There was a look of horror on her face and Legolas didn't know what to do.

Ariana took a deep breath and looked at the floor. Sauron was going to get hi power back and he will destroy all of Middle Earth and it's all because of me.

A sudden pain ripped though Ariana's head. She pressed her forehead with her hand and looked back at Legolas. A faint mark still remained on his light check. Almost like he's been marked. Oh Legolas…

Legolas watched as a tear formed in Ariana's eye. He quickly wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Ariana pressed her face against his shoulder and stood listening to his heartbeat. Whatever I do, I'll lose him, Ariana thought to herself. I can't have him.

Ariana pulled back and looked up at Legolas. Like every time she looked at him, she felt her heart do a small flip. She loved him, but now had to give him up.

It's not fair. I just met him. I travel back in time, meet my soul mate, then I have to lose him.

Legolas looked into Ariana's eyes, trying to understand what she wasn't telling him. He swept a strand of hair away from her face and kissed her softly. Ariana wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

The next thing Ariana knew was they were stretched out n her bed and Legolas' hands were resting on her hips.

Stop it, Ariana told herself. Stop thinking like that.

Legolas began untying the strings on the top of her dress.

Maybe things will work out…

He slide the dress down her shoulder, exposing her chest.

I'm already in wonderland…

Ariana's breath caught in her throat as Legolas gently kissed her breast.

Maybe everything will have a happy ending.

Ariana pulled off the rest of her dress and Legolas shed his clothing.

Just stop thinking….

****Notes****

::grins:: They're like rabbits. Anyways, moving on… "Why, tell me why, why, why, Georgia why?" Another John Mayer song. Maybe I should get a different CD… [I own nothing, except for Ariana. If you need farther instructions, please visit the first chapter.]