Chapter 3--Getting to know you--
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Levanna cleaned out her hair and most of her outer clothing there. She couldn't help but look to see if Frodo was watching her. But he seemed to not want to go that far.
She almost wished he did.
Feeling practically naked she set her clothes to dry out immediately. They were not finished by dinner so she moved them to allow the food to be cooked. She sat and watched the stars from the grass when someone came and sat next to her. She turned her head to see who it was. She was expecting Frodo, but was surprised to find Legolas there.
"Levanna, what do you think of Frodo?" He asked. His face showed a strong sense of seriousness so she did not take this as a joke.
"I think that he is very kind. He has a good heart and soul like you said. I feel bad that he is so lonely and that he has to have the weight of Middle Earth on his shoulders. I find him attractive indeed and I know you were going to ask because I know you legolas why is this so important?"
"Frodo had some dreams. Please do not let him know I told you. But for weeks before you came he would imagine you, Levanna. He fell in love with a mere image. He looked for you in villages. He was heartbroken when he couldn't find you. And now here you are and I have to wonder Levanna. Do YOU think that the two of you can stand a chance?"
"I certainly hope so. I wasn't looking for what I found Legolas. But I found Frodo Baggins. And I will forever be in your debt if this works out. And I hope so because you've helped me so much. I only fear what our people will say."
"What do you mean?" Legolas asked his look still stern and full of concern.
"If I married a hobbit our people would say I was too much like my mother. But the truth is I'm not at all like her. How would we live? How could we have children without being criticized? I would never want my children to suffer as I have."
"They wouldn't have to. Remember how I told you that Frodo made a large inheritance? Well part of that inheritance is Bag's End. The place is huge, Levanna. Big enough to steer clear of the Elves. To raise happy, healthy children. Sam, Frodo's servant is his gardener there. He's asked Frodo if his children could be of help in the garden. For them it would be 'lets help uncle Sam and have fun'. For Sam it would be' bless these young lives for helping me get a load of work done'."
Levanna bit her lip. "It could work out like that. But what if my father wanted to see the children?"
"Levanna, I'd hate to say this more than you, but I highly doubt that either of us are going to see your father alive again."
Levanna flinched. "I get your point. But I do not know why we are discussing a future that could possibly never happen." She stood and checked her clothes.
"Levanna love, I highly doubt that you won't fall in love with him. he already loves you and knows it. I think you should just get to know him and wait. You'll see. Bag's End awaits a lady. And you probably will be that lady."
With that, Legolas turned and returned to the group of men. Levanna watched as Frodo's eyes slowly went from laughter, to staring right into hers.
She knew that Legolas was right when she felt butterflies at that moment.
Frodo smiled and stood, walking up to her and removing his cloak when he saw her shiver.
"Here, you can use it while your clothes are drying." He gingerly wrapped it around her shoulders and she smiled, grasping it and inhaling it's scent.
"Thank you, you are most kind." She said softly.
He nervously cleared his throat, looking down at his feet as if chickening out of saying something.
"Is there something you wanted to say, Frodo."
He too quivered at the way she softly breathed out his name. He looked up and into her eyes. "Yes, actually. would you like to walk by the water?"
She smiled. "Yes, thank you." She nervously began to walk but felt that something was missing. "Wait let me just..." They froze and he looked confused. She brought her arm from his cloak and grabbed his hand. "There. Thats better." And the two continued to walk.
She felt nervous and embarrassed for grabbing his hand in the manner that she had, but his face showed pure enthrallment and so she calmed down a bit. "I'm sorry if I scared you by grabbing your hand Frodo."
He smiled at her. "You didn't. Well not much anyway. It's quite all right." He suddenly squeezed hers reassuringly and smiled at her. At this she felt herself go sideways so that his arm went around her shoulders and she could drape her arms around his waist. He tensed slightly but then held her close. She breathed in his scent, allowing the feeling of being held by him to wash over her. His hold was strong, yet gentle. He smelled of the water that was in the small lake, but the water didn't smell that bad. Slightly fishy, but not to the point of making her gag.
"Frodo? Is this real?" She suddenly asked him. She needed the reassurance of knowing that this wasn't a dream. She wanted to know that her feelings were real, and that he really did care about her. It didn't matter if Legolas said she had, the only thing that mattered was if he could say it himself.
"Is what real?" He asked back. His voice sounded confused and he suddenly tensed again.
"This feeling. I've never felt it, I think that I may be dreaming." She sighed into his chest and nuzzled as if trying to get an answer.
"I don't know how you feel, Levanna. But I know that I care about you a lot."
His voice was sincere which was a VERY good sign.
"I care about you too." She sighed again. He stopped walking and looked her straight in the eye.
"We'd best be heading back before we are lost." He could barely speak as he searched her eyes for any sign of agreement. He decided to let his instincts take over and he leaned forward, gently pressing his lips to hers. The kiss was short lived, but it's significance would never die. Her lips were just what he imagined them to be. His heart skipped a beat as she had tried to somewhat kiss him back. He thought it best not to go any further, and he took her hand once again. With that, they walked back to their camp.
-End chapter 3-
