Knowing that Joari was safe with the others around (A/N: i.e. she wouldn't get lost going to the library), Legolas decided to go ahead and check on something. He'd already guessed at the fellowship would most likely form the 'escorts' that would go with Joari, but earlier, when she'd talked about Araya, the word "married" clicked something in his mind.
What about Aragorn?
Would he be going to? Legolas shook his head, but he couldn't get rid of the notion. There was only one-way to check: Go ahead and see.
He pushed opened the twin doors of the library. "Aragorn?" "Quel undome mellonamin, Where are the others?"
So he was coming.
Legolas' smile barely concealed what he was thinking.
Let's just say it was non-too-pleasant.
***~~~~~***
Aragorn calmly waited as Legolas approached him. He knew very well what the blonde prince was going to say. "Why are you coming?" he hissed, whilst smiling at Elrond. "I can't really explain now Legolas. Besides, Arwen's coming along too." "Lady Arwen!?" Legolas stood up and caught Elrond's attention. "Excuse us my Lord, but I would like to have a word with Aragorn." He glared daggers at his rugged friend, leaving the ranger no choice but to follow the incensed elf.
"Are you a fool Estel? You are to be married with lady Arwen, so why put yourself in unnecessary danger?" Aragorn had already prepared his answer. "Are you doubting my ability to protect Arwen and Lady Joari because I'm to be married? Have I lived through the dangers of the quest only to come back and find myself restricted?" he had a half-smile upon his face, but Legolas only shook his head. "It's not that Aragorn. It's that you're taking the chance, no matter how slim, of endangering you and your bride." Aragorn shook his head, his smile fading. "Arwen, and undoubtly Lady Joari, is able to take care of herself, should it come to that. But!" he held up his hand as Legolas moved to protest, " Think of the benefits. We would be able to spend more time together, and Gondor would be able to welcome her king as he prepares for the rest of the guests to come. And- " Legolas was softening, he could feel it. They hadn't gone through hell and back for nothing. He grinned, "I get to watch over you and Joari and make sure nothing happens too!" Aragorn laughed, and as he did, he could have sworn that there was the faintest hint of a blush on the prince's cheeks. Legolas still didn't want Aragorn to come along, but there was nothing he could do. Clearly, he was set on going. There was nothing for it but to laugh along.
A dark head popped through the door, "HELLO!? Is Legolas here by any chance???"
Aragorn turned to the prince. "Looks like the Lady has arrived. Let's go back."
***~~~~~***
"Why did you go off?" Joari was coldly addressed the elf prince. Although she inside she was weeping with relief, she wasn't about to let the prince off so easily. "Do you know how freaked I was???" Damnit, why should I care? She tossed her hands up in the air before Legolas could say anything. "Forget it. I'm just PMS right now. And don't ask what that means!" She stalked away to Elrond, but one thought was ringing in her head.
Do I love Legolas?
Across the room, Gandalf choked, and eyes twinkling, turned towards the girl. As she regarded his thoughtful expression, she started when Elrond announced, "Since we have all gathered, let us commence eating." She aimed her thought at the wizard, What the hell! Do I have to censor my thoughts now for you Gandalf? She made her way to Arwen, and contented herself to sit between her and Frodo.
Now Frodo. There's a character she couldn't make out. Sure, he was the heart of all of this, but where did he stand? Damn, I'm confusing myself. She proceeded to concentrate hard on eating the cutlet of meat in front of her. "This is tasty," she remarked to Arwen. "Indeed. There won't be such fare till we reach Gondor." "That's true… Wait, did you just say 'we'!? Are you coming along too?" Arwen graciously smiled, "Yes, I will be coming along with you. We can keep each other company throughout the journey. It can get a little lonely if you were only in the company of men." I don't do 'lonely' Joari shook her head, "No, really you shouldn't. In fact, neither you nor Aragorn should be coming along."
She reached over and tapped on Aragorn, "Hey Aragorn. Why are you and Arwen coming along? What if she gets hurt?" Aragorn smiled at Joari, and suddenly, she felt very much like a child that an adult was being forced to indulge. "Arwen will not get hurt Joari." "But still- " Before she could get further, a voice rang out, "Why Joari, are you afraid you can't protect her?"
"What!?" she glared at Trester, who was standing cockily at the door. "Why are you late, Trester?" "Don't change the subject Joari. Besides, you didn't mention the time I was to meet you." He turned to Elrond and bowed, "Your majesty." Elrond nodded back, "Welcome, Trester. What brings you here?" the elf smile easily, "To offer my services in escorting the lady to the city of Gondor, Heruamin." If there were any reasons to refuse him, Elrond could think of none. "Your offer is accepted Trester. Do join us." "Thank you my lord. If I may, I would wish to sit next to the lady in question,"
Elrond was too startled at the request to say anything. Taking his silence for consent, Trester went to Joari. Frodo courteously made a space for him, and a plate of food was set out in front of him. "Hmph. I can protect anyone I want to." She grumbled at him. He smiled back, "I see. I guess we're all coming along to put that ability to test then." she rolled her eyes, "honestly. you should behave more like an elf you know." "You won't believe how many times i've been told to do that." "Oh i believe all right."
The evening rolled on, with talks about charting the course, and planning the provisions. She paid close attention to what was being said, but soon, found herself day-dreaming about her life on Earth. Strange. Why the hell would i day-dream about EARTH when i'm here?" but a little voice whispered deep in her mind: Because you know you're never going back.
***~~~~~***
Time: 2 am
"Goddamnit. I hate waking up so early. My internal clock is so screwed now." she cursed silently under her breath. She quickly went to her backpack and emptied it quietly. She checked through, making sure that nothing was left out. "Alright. Everything should be in order." She's packed her most of the cosmetics with the main bulk of luggage that would arrive later, so all that was left was her Discman, and the dagger and suit she had borrowed from Legolas. She removed her original clothes from the pack and proceeded to change. "Goodbye sissy-assed dresses!" she drawled, putting on the choker and wristbands to complete the look. The stage has been set. Now, for food.
She crept off and bed, and opened the door. Luckily, the moonlight flooded the corridor, making it more or less lit. She walked stealthily to the kitchen. From the talk last night, she knew that was were the food supplies for the journey would be kept. I wonder what Lembus is? Hope it's nice to eat though... she thought, entering the kitchen. As she opened the bag, she felt something. Quickly, she spied a hand coming toward her from the corner of her eye. She used her left hand to block it, and was about to strike with her right hand when another right hand clasped over her mouth. Damnit! i was careless! She struggled as the person pinned her to his body, and dragged her backwards till settling her on a bench. She wasn't an idiot. She knew who her attacker was. She slackened, "mmay ai mmun mouut!" (A/N: okay, I won't shout!) When the hand was removed, she just lay back and breathed in deeply.
"Alright Legolas' besides for the pleasure of suffocating me, why are you here?" "I am sorry if I startled you, but shouldn't I be the one asking the latter question? Afterall, it was the voice of someone saying, what was it? Yes, "sissy-assed dresses" that led me to you. Now I wonder how can that be?" Why do i have a feeling I've just pissed him off? "I was hungry. So I came down to the kitchen." "Lame, Joari, lame." Out of the shadow, Trester appeared. "You too? Oh shit." How on earth am I going to get out of this "I know why you're really here, Joari. You were being a little too interested in what was being said last night, and I'd noticed that one of the maps was missing when we left. I'm sure that the prince must have figured it out too, my dear lady. You are attempting to run off to Gondor all by yourself aren't you?" Looks like I need a plan B. Now.
"What about if you too came along with me? Then no one would worry right?" She saw, without looking, Legolas hesitate. "I mean," she was thinking on her feet now, "I would simply hate it if Aragorn and Arwen were to caught up in something so dangerous." she said, gently, her voice dripping with persuasion. Trester almost smiled. He knew who those words were directed to. Man, I'd hate to be in that position. There's no refusing her, he thought, it's as good as done that we'll be doing what she proposes.
The next morning, 3 horses were discovered missing from the stable.
***~~~~~***
So how? Haha, review… the impromptu holidays are almost over, yet I only felt like writing towards the end. Dunno why. Must be all the homework. Homework is a good stimulator!!! R&R!!!! choaz till next time…
