Hello to you out there in TV…er…internet land! I know I said the last chapter was, well, the last chapter, but since lots of peeps were whining about how abruptly it ended, I thought I would continue. So yeah, this picks up a few days after chap 3 left off, the Fellowship is still somewhere between Rivendell and Caradhas. I have no sense of direction for Middle Earth, so yeah, don't blow a gasket if it's not all correct and everything 'kay. Also…no wait…yeah…no…that's it.

Chapter 3

Gandalf the Grey stopped atop a hill and looked back at the Fellowship spread out behind him. HE smiled as he thought about how, though he be a wise and powerful Istari, he was constantly astonished at the unquenchable spirits of the inhabitants of Middle Earth. The pluck and resilience of the Hobbits would never cease to amaze Mithrandir nor would the strange friendship between the elf and dwarf of the company. Yet while he stood upon that insignificant mound in a land of no seeming importance, Gandalf the Grey's thoughts were on neither Hobbit nor Dwarf but of Man and Elf; more specifically, the friendship between Legolas and Aragorn that seemed to blossom literally overnight.

'I knew it!' thought the old wizard triumphantly. 'I knew my kind young friend would finally rid himself of the bitter, vengeful elf who had possessed his heart and mind of late.' So immersed in his thoughts was he that Gandalf was oblivious to the passing of the entire Fellowship before his very eyes. He was finally roused by the musical laughter that only an elf could emit.

"Gandalf, what so occupies your mind dear friend? Thoughts of a lovely maiden perhaps?" joked the Elven Prince.

"No, " chuckled Mithrandir fondly. "No, young one. I was simply thinking about what a glorious day it is…and how very glad I am that you have finally laid the past to rest."

Legolas smiled and replied, "I realize 'twas folly to hold the entire race of men responsible for the death of my love. Their murderers were not men like Aragorn or Boromir." Legolas turned to go but stopped after taking a few steps. Without looking back he firmly declared to Gandalf, "But make no mistake. If ever I cross paths with those who did so brutally attack my family, they will never live to see another day. I swear it."

Watching the young elf walk back to his companions Gandalf whispered, "And I will help you young friend. I swear it."

"Come on, Gandalf! We can't wait forever. Stop daydreaming1"

"Hobbits! No respect whatsoever…"muttered the Istari as he took a purposefully slow stroll to his impatient companions.

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Several nights later, after days of ceaseless trekking through rough terrain, little rest and even less nourishment, the majority of the nine were ready to accept any place to camp for a day or two.

"Aragorn we cannot go on like this," declared Boromir. "Think of the little ones." Indeed, the Hobbits, all leaning against one another in a bunch, looked so pathetic Aragorn nearly gave in to Boromir's concept of simply dropping where they were, in a very large clearing.

Turning to Gandlaf, the ranger inquired, "What do you say Gandalf?"

"Though I too am weary, my head tells me we should seek safer ground. Perhaps if we see an Inn, a cave…"

"A forest?" piped up Pippin.

"Yes, yes, I should say a forest would do nicely. Unfortunately, there do not appear to be any forests to be had at the moment."

"How 'bout that one?" asked the "fool of a Took" as he pointed behind Gandalf. As the words escaped his lips Peregrin took became an instant hero and the others laughed and joked as they turned toward the seeming haven. However, one fair face did not reflect his comrade's joy.

"Aragorn, I must speak to you," urged Legolas as the pair fell behind the rest.

"You must truly be weary if a Hobbit noted the forest before you, Legolas," joked Aragorn lightly.

"I saw the forest over 2 hours ago."

Confused, Aragorn turned to his elvish friend. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I had hoped no one else would notice. Aragorn , we cannot enter that wood. Something is not right with it."

Gimli, who had been walking nearby, asked loudly, "What do ou mean not right? Why shouldn't we enter?" As dwarves are not known for their delicate and soft voices even when whispering, the entire Fellowship was soon waiting to hear Legolas' answer.

"These woods are strange, dark…foreboding," began the Elf. "Usually the mere sight of a tree fills my heart with gleeful anticipation. Yet I feel no such comfort in the shadow of these woods."

"You are not suggesting that we pass up the opportunity to rest because it does not feel right to you, are you?" asked Boromir sarcastically. "I feel no qualms about this forest."

"Nor do I!" exclaimed the weary Dwarf.

"Dwarves may be the masters of stone and mines, but when 'tis a matter of green, growing thing, a wood-elf is supreme. There will undoubtedly be a village only a short distance ahead, can we not venture only a few miles more?"

"A few miles?!" cried Boromir. "You forget that you are the only creature here blessed with elvish stamina and tolerance." As he could physically feel the tension rising in the air, Aragorn decided it was time to intervene before this argument erupted in blows.

"Please, we are all incredibly tired and arguing will get us nowhere."

"There is nothing to argue. As for myself, I am going into the forest. If anyone wishes to join me, they may do so," announced the son of Denethor. Casting sheepish looks at Legols, the four Hobbits ran after Boromir, shouting for him to wait for them.

Gimli stood before Legolas and, with compassion unforeseen in his rough dwarvish exterior, said, "Lad, I truly feel no danger, nor do any others. Even elves grow tired…perhaps you are simply imagining what you feel. Come, once you enter the forest you will feel refreshed and laugh at this whole scene."

As Gimli and Gandalf followed the shadows of their companions into the dark of the forest, Legolas and Aragorn stood alone in the edge of the clearing.

"Will you go into the wood Legolas?" asked the Man. Seeing that his new-found friend was yet troubled, Aragorn continued. "Isn't it possible that these feelings were simply illusions? Perhaps Gimli was right, you and I both know how your kind loves to dream."

"I pray you are correct Aragorn."

"I am, now lets go. You have no idea how weary I feel at the moment."

Though Legolas told himself that his feelings of danger surrounding the woods were ridiculous and unfounded, he could not help but notice that as he and the heir of Isildur crossed into the shadows of the dark forest the air grew thick and moist, the darkness was more intense than any he had ever seen, the very soil beneath his feet shrank away from his elvish light and beauty. Though his companions told him to stay, his heart and mind told him to run, run before it was too late. How tragic that he did not listen.

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Soooo….whatta ya think? Stinky, or good? I kinda have the whole line already played out in my head, but any suggestions will be appreciated. Please review b/c I like to know what ppl think…it gives me a warm feeling in my tummy!