A/N: Hallo... here's chapter 13!

A Sunset Love

Chapter 13: Taking the heat

After a few hours, Legolas returned from his 'arrow-hunt'. He found that many of the arrows were still usable and was able to have a full quiver again. And, he found many of Mithdelothwen's arrows to bring back to her. Aragorn had declared that they would rest for the night, as they all deserved some rest to journey far in the morning. There was a small fire going, to a rabbit Aragorn had hunted, and they ate in silence, as no one was really up for much conversation. Then, Boromir walked over to Mithdelothwen.

"I didn't properly thank you before... but thank you for saving my life, even though the after effects on you were treacherous. I am forever in your debt." Boromir said, going down on one knee before her.

"No need Boromir. I could let someone as kind as you die before my eyes when I could help you." Was Mithdelothwen's reply. Boromir smiled, and uttered another 'thank you' before going back to his spot.

"Hmm... about that. Why is it that you suddenly got Boromir's wounds?" Gimli asked.

"It's just something that happens with Healer Elves. When we heal someone, we temporarily take on their wounds, before our body heals them." She explained.

"Does this mean you can never die, even in battle?" Aragorn asked, intrigued. Mithdelothwen shook her head.

"No. If we heal someone who was mortally wounded, like a stabbed heart for instance, there is no chance of survival, even for us. By healing such a wound, we would be switching our lives with that person." Mithdelothwen clarified. She wasn't used to explaining her abilities, since most of her life she'd lived among her own kind. She felt like everyone was constantly watching her, to see what 'neat' trick she could do next.

She suddenly felt fatigued by all of the day's events. Standing, she bade everyone good night. Retreating to the edge of the forest not too far away, she lay herself down, covering herself with the Lothlorien cloak.

Legolas watched her retreating form until Aragorn kept calling his name.

"Legolas, if you're tired, perhaps you should sleep as well." Aragorn hinted. Boromir and Gimli laughed. Legolas felt his cheeks redden slightly.

"Is anyone going to take watch tonight?" He asked instead, trying to change the subject. They all looked at each other. Boromir shook his head slightly, as did Aragorn. So, Gimli and Legolas were to take shifts. After it was decided that Legolas take first shift, Gimli went back onto the subject of Legolas' love life.

"So, how does it feel having an elf that can fight?" Gimli teased. Legolas thought about that. It didn't really bother him at all. In fact, he admired that quality in Mithdelothwen's character. Besides, she could come with him on journeys, and he wouldn't have to worry as much about her safety.

"I am not bothered." Legolas answered. "That was a rather interesting stunt she pulled today." he added, and Aragorn laughed.

"Which one? The tree swinging, or seducing the orc?" The men laughed, knowing that they were indeed, 'interesting' stunts.

"I thought that the Orc one was very brave. He could've shot her. Thank the gods for his stupidity." Gimli answered.

"The tree swinging move was rather interesting. I did not expect it, and she killed them all." Aragorn mused, then shook his head. "Well, I am going to go to sleep as well." And everyone went to sleep, except for Legolas who was on first watch. He put out the fire, and then sa in a nearby tree, always looking around and letting his superior elf sense try to detect enemies. Surprisingly, there was nothing. So, Legolas let his eyes wander to Mithdelothwen as she slept.

The moon was out, and cast a silvery glow upon her. Her flawless pale skin seemed to glow, as most elves did, and her dark hair looked like it had captured silver starlight in it. She looked so innocent curled up asleep, like a child. Legolas sighed slightly, wondering how such a beautiful maiden came to be. He'd seen many beautiful elves in his lifetime, but she was by far, the fairest of them all. (save for Galadriel.) How he loved Mithdelothwen's eyes... so unique and fitting for her ethereal appearance and personality.

A snap of a twig made Legolas look immediately in the direction. He couldn't sense any evil, and a great silence passed until he saw a little chipmunk scamper off. He sighed with relief, glad that it wasn't another group of orcs. He looked to his sleeping companions, seeing how weary they already were. How long were they to last?

For the next few hours, Legolas listened and looked intently, without detecting anything and decided to sleep. Gracefully climbing down from the tree, he silently walked up to Gimli and tapped him lightly on the forehead. Gimli, startled, immediately grabbed his axe.

"Calm down, my friend. It is just me, Legolas. It is your turn." Legolas whispered, and Gimli nodded, fully awake. Legolas walked over to where Mithdelothwen lay, and carefully lay himself down beside her, careful not to touch her, should she accidentally slice him in two by reflex. But, she turned, half asleep, and whispered,

"Legolas is that you?" opening her eyes slightly, drawing her cloak closer to her.

"Yes my love, it's me. Rest." Legolas answered, drawing her into his arms of comfort as they slept.

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(note: from here on, pretty much everything starts changing!!)

In the early morning light, Mithdelothwen was roused from her sleep. She felt refreshed and much better since the day before. She sat up, forgetting about Legolas' arms anchored around her. He immediately sat up awake, his hair sticking up at odd angles when he realized they were not in any danger. He then shook his hair, while rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Mithdelothwen stretched and yawned.

Standing up, Mithdelothwen brushed herself off, and stretched some more before walking over to the shore to splash some water on her face. The water was ice-cold and made her totally awake. She saw Legolas beside her, doing the same thing.

"How are you feeling?" Legolas asked, hoping she was up for some heavy-duty traveling.

"I'm feeling alright... you?" She inquired. Truth be told, Mithdelothwen wasn't feeling all that great, but she was convinced she was well enough for travel.

"I'm feeling rather refreshed... I wonder how the rest of them are doing?" Legolas said, cocking his head towards the other three members of their company who slowly stood up, bumping into each other as they tried to wake up. Mithdelothwen smiled and giggled to herself, as both she and Legolas undid their hair, brushing it out, and then re-doing some of the braids. They then joined everyone else, who was eating a light breakfast. Then, they packed up their belongings, and scattered the firewood around.

"where are we going?" Mithdelothwen asked, as they started off.

"Minas Tirith. I can almost guarantee that the enemies from Mordor and Isengard are going to strike there first." Aragorn answered. "It is a twelve day journey, so I hope that you are all well rested. We need all the speed we can manage." Aragorn was in the lead, followed by Boromir, Mithdelothwen, Gimli and then Legolas.

As the group gazed out towards the horizon, they saw the sky darkening and a part of the sky that was already pitch black. The shadow was spreading quickly. And so, the fellowship journeyed for many hours without rest, until the humans had to stop. Mithdelothwen stared up at the sky worriedly, as she sat on a rock munching a small piece of Lembas. Aragorn had suggested that now would be a good time to start using it. Legolas was watching her worried face- the exact opposite of what it had been earlier that morning. Gently stroking her cheek with his hand, he asked what was troubling her mind.

"The shadow is spreading quickly. We must hurry, we can't afford to stop every few hours." Mithdelothwen sighed. Legolas wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Don't worry. The Lembas will help... we won't fail, Mithdelothwen." Legolas comforted. Mithdelothwen gave a small smile in return, then stood up when Aragorn said it was time to journey again.

By now, it was mid- afternoon, and the sun was high, beating down on their backs. Mithdelothwen, who had the darkest hair except for Aragorn, was starting to feel her head heat up. To keep herself focused, she imagined herself in LoriĆ” during the winter time. icicles would hang from the tree tops, and snow would create a white blanket over the ground. She imagined herself breathing in icy cold air, instead of the humid, hot air. It was working, until it seemed that it was getting warmer. She felt faint, and she knew it wasn't from the sun.

Gimli noticed the she-elf in front of him was swaying slightly, and having a hard time walking in a straight line. He looked to Legolas, and pointed to Mithdelothwen. The slight breeze blew her hair around, revealing her slightly pink face. Legolas became worried.

"Mithdelothwen, are you alright?" Legolas asked, and Aragorn and Boromir turned, only to see Mithdelothwen collapse to the ground.

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A/N: Hmm.. I guess she didn't wear enough sunscreen! lol... please R&R!!! 08.20.02