Waaazuuup!!! I'm back! Here is the sixth chapter to my ficcy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings nor Legolas (even though I wish I did!) All I own is, me, Natalie!
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I woke up in the morning. I turned around to face Legolas. His eyes were open, but sort of glazed over, as if he was zoned out. I waved my hand in front of them. He didn't respond. I whispered softly, "Wake up." He blinked.
"Yay! You're awake!" I said.
"Did you have any bad dreams about the eye?" Legolas asked.
"No," I said.
Legolas stared at me. I took my index finger and poked his ear.
"Hey!" he said.
"Hehe!"
"Is it me, or do all Humans find Elf ears interesting? You Humans can never keep your eyes or hands off of them!" he joked.
"Fine then!" I said, "I won't poke your ears with my hands anymore!" Instead, I kissed them.
This made his ears turn bright pink, which made me start to giggle insanely. He was blushing.
"You said I couldn't use my hands!" I said.
"So I did," he smiled.
"Do not take me for a stupid Human!"
"Are you going to be like this the whole time while we're in the Fellowship?" he asked.
"Hmm...yeah! But I'm just playing with you...you know that I love you."
We went down to have breakfast. We met Galadriel at her table.
"So, when are we leaving Lothlórien?" I asked.
"Tomorrow," she said.
"Oh, okay. Hey, I was wondering, can I have one of those nice cloaks, too?"
"Of course," she replied.
I think I know why you brought me here now, I said telepathically.
Galadriel looked up. You do? Well, then why did I bring you here?
You were worried about Legolas being lonely. Aragorn said he used to be silent and he never talked, and since he's met me, he's become less quiet. And I know I still have to figure out how Tolkien knew all this stuff about Middle-Earth. I also knew that something was strange after you told me that I needed to help find the Hobbits because you knew that the Fellowship didn't need me for that. I telepathically said.
You are one clever human. I knew you would figure it out. Galadriel said in my head.
After breakfast, Legolas and I decided to practice archery again. It gave us a reason to be alone. We were practicing for a while, when Aragorn came walking towards us.
"Natalie," he said.
"What do you want? The Elf-boy and I were just practicing archery.
"Elf-boy?" Aragorn asked.
"You heard me. He's got pointy ears, so that makes him Elf-boy. Isn't that right, Elfy?"
"Uh...right!" Legolas said.
"Elfy?"
"Yeah!" I said.
"Leggy's just showing me how to use a bow right now."
Aragorn looked confused now. I started to ignore him and I took out a brush and began to brush Legolas's hair.
"Can I braid you hair Leggy?" I asked.
"Huh?"
"Nevermind." I started to braid his hair so that Aragorn would get bored and leave. He watched me braid Legolas's hair the entire time.
"What did you do to Legolas?" Aragorn finally said.
"I braided his hair! I told you that I was going to torture him so that no one's suspicious!" I said.
Aragorn left, muttering something about psycho women going with the Fellowship, and instead of helping, she's doing the members' hair.
"Sorry about that Legolas!" I said as we walked back to my room.
"Elfy? Leggy?" he laughed.
"Yeah! I was practicing torturing you, 'cause that's what I'm going to do while we're with the Fellowship, like I said last night!"
Legolas laughed. I showed him to the mirror in my room. He stared at his hair.
"What the...?"
"I knew you'd like it!" I laughed.
"No wonder he left...what did you do to Legolas indeed!"
"Hehe!" I hugged Legolas.
"Look, there's you cloak," Legolas said.
I looked at the bed. My grey cloak was there.
"Well, I'm going to get dressed then...I'm actually in my nightgown still."
Legolas left the room, so I took off my nightgown and I put on my clothes. I put my cloak on over them. I looked like a member of the Fellowship.
I opened the door and let Legolas back in.
"Can you please take my hair out of these braids now?" Legolas pleaded.
"Oh, fine then! You looked so pretty!" I muttered as I started to undo the braids.
We headed back to the Fellowship's camp, so we could help the others pack up. Aragorn was ignoring us, and I didn't think he told the others because they didn't say anything to Legolas or me.
"Hey, Elfy-one, can I braid Frodo's hair? I think it's long enough to!" I said.
"Uh...whatever," Legolas said.
Frodo just stared at me, as if he was thinking, "Is she sane?" I started to braid his hair into a bunch of little braids. When I was done, I took out a mirror and gave it to him.
"What the...?!"
"I knew you'd like it!" I grinned insanely at Legolas.
"What did you do to Frodo?" Aragorn asked me.
"I braided his hair!" I said. "You know what? I think Sam likes it, too."
"Does he now?"
"Oh yes, haven't you noticed that Sam follows Frodo everywhere and does everything that Frodo asks. If Frodo told him to jump off a cliff, I bet he would!"
"I would not!" Sam said. "Although I must say, I do like Frodo's hair that way!"
"Although I must say, I do like Frodo's hair that way because I love him and want to marry him!" I mocked.
"I did not say that!" Sam said.
"I must agree with the girl, you do follow Frodo a bit too much," Boromir said.
"Hey Boromir, can you teach me how to swordfight?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Good, teach me today since we're leaving tomorrow!" I said. I looked around for a sword. My eyes locked on the one laying on the floor near Aragorn's feet. I grabbed it and followed Boromir's instructions. He showed me the rest of the day. By the end of the day, my arms hurt because the sword was so heavy. Everyone told me that I had done a great job, even though I thought that I hadn't done as good with a sword as I had done with a bow.
"You are full of surprises, Natalie. You are a really good warrior, for a...uh...beginner," Aragorn said.
"You meant to say I did well good for a girl," I frowned as I handed him back his sword..
"I don't approve of shield-maidens." Aragorn began to sharpen his sword.
"Just because she's female doesn't mean that she's weak and she can't fight," Legolas said in my defense.
"Yeah, anyways, isn't Arwen a bit of a shield-maiden?" I questioned him.
Aragorn just ignored me and went back to sharpening his sword. An Elf maiden came and told me a message from Galadriel telling me that I was to dress up for the dinner since it was the last night the Fellowship was staying there. She'd had a dress made for me and that there was a large basin of warm water to wash up in, so I went back into my room. I put on the dress. I knew it looked good on me, but I was horrified by the fact that I had to wear a dress. I hadn't worn one since the prom. It looked like something a princess would wear. It had long sleeves, and it went all the way past my ankles. It was a golden-yellow color which made the blonde streaks in my brown hair stand out. The arms were an ivory lace material and the front from the waist down of it also had the ivory lace. I thought it looked sort of funny that I was wearing a pair of Vans with blue flame shoelaces with a fancy dress. If only Jessica could see this...I remember the time when we were both going to wear our tennis shoes with our dresses to the 8th grade graduation dance, I laughed silently to myself. I went back to the others.
"I can eat the ass-end of a rhino right about now!" I said.
Everyone stared at me. Obviously they didn't know what I meant.
"What did she say?" Pippin said.
"I dunno," said Merry.
"I'm hungry," I said.
"Oh! Me too!" said Pippin.
"You always are! You're a Hobbit for crying out loud! Elf-boy, you hungry?" I asked.
"Not really-"
"Of course you are! Let's go get some lembas!" I grabbed Legolas's hand and dragged him all the way to the dinning area. The Hobbits followed me. We ate the lembas and talked. I found out that Hobbits are close related to Humans as well as Elves. They were just a bit shorter. We talked about what we would do after destroying the Ring. After dinner, Legolas and I went on our usual path.
"I don't think it is necessary to 'torture' me," Legolas said.
"Aw! Evil one!"
"Me? Evil? Right."
"I didn't know that Elves knew sarcasm," I said.
"We know the same things that you Humans do."
"Legolas, what are you going to do after this war is over and the Ring is destroyed?"
"I am going to be with you and go wherever you go," he said.
"But what if I decide to go to Mordor?"
"I would go to the top of Mount Doom for you."
"Is Rivendell nice?"
"Yes."
"I want to go to Rivendell. Or maybe Mirkwood. Although, I must say, I really like it here."
"What about your world? You have friends and family there," Legolas said.
"Same with you. I mean, you're the heir to Mirkwood's throne if Thrandiul ever leaves."
"True, but my people are starting to leave these shores. They are all going to the Grey Havens. I'm sure that the Elves of Mirkwood would follow my father to there."
I thought for a minute. If Legolas ever came back with me to my world, I would have to help him with lots of major issues. My world was way more complicated than his. There would be no way he'd be able to live there. And then it hit me. I would have to leave everything I'd even known, and stay here in Middle-Earth.
"What are you thinking about?" Legolas asked me.
"Nothing," I lied.
"You're not a very good liar. I can see that you're thinking about something."
"Fine then. I was thinking about how you said that you'd come to my world, but I just noticed that it's impossible for you to live there. It's way to complicated. I'd rather just stay here in Middle-Earth. I'm going to miss all my friends. Especially Jessica, Yike, and Nina."
"Who's Yike and Nina?"
"Yike's one of my guy friends. He's really smart. He's from China, it's another country. And Nina, well, she's my cat."
"You have a cat?"
"Yes. She's my pet."
"Cats are used only for mice here."
"I know, but they make great pets. I love my cat. Jessica's taking care of her for me right now."
"I see."
"I think I should call up Jessica. I promised her I'd call her today." I took out my cell phone and dialed Jessica's number.
"Hello?"
"Jess? It's me, Nat."
"Hey! Are you guys out of Lothlórien yet?"
"No, we're leaving tomorrow."
"Oh."
"Jessica...I wanted you to know that you can have everything."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"I said you can have all of my stuff. I don't think I'll be needing any of it here in Middle-Earth."
"What about your cat?"
"Keep her for me. Please don't give her away. I might come back for her."
"Okay. I promise I won't give her away."
"Did you tell Yike?"
"I'm waiting for him to come as we speak."
"Okay. Well, I better get off the phone then. It still has a full charge! This is crazy!"
"Bye!"
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Jessica hung up her phone and sipped at her coke. She was in Mac Donald's, waiting for Yike to go on break. A few minutes later, Yike came out from behind the counter with her chicken nuggets and fries. He handed the tray to her and sat down across from her in the booth.
"Want a mint?" Yike took out his tin of mints.
Jessica shook her head and said, "No."
"So, what did you want to talk with me about?" Yike asked. He was tall and Chinese. He did not have an annoying Chinese accent, but he did speak the Mandarin dialect, which had been the first language he had learned. He originally came from China to California where Natalie and Jessica lived. They had met him in the 7th grade, and had been friends since. He had always been a genius, but neither Natalie nor Jessica had any idea why he worked at Mac Donald's. He was going to Stanford to become a doctor, but why did he work Mac Donald's?
"Natalie's gone."
"What do you mean?" Yike asked suspiciously.
"Okay, I know this might sound insane, but she's in Lothlórien, with the Fellowship of the Ring, and they're going to leave tomorrow."
Yike put his hand to Jessica's forhead. "No, you're not sick...this can only mean one thing...are you on drugs or something?"
"YIKE! I am not on drugs! It's true!"
"Okaaay then, I think you should see a psychiatrist."
"Yike, seriously, she's really in Middle-Earth. And you'll never believe who she's met..."
Yike took a sip out of Jessica's soda.
"Hey! That's mine! You punk!" Jessica yelled.
"Let me guess, she met Legolas, and she's fallen completely in love with him," Yike asked.
"Well, yeah, how'd you know?"
"I know all, but I do not tell all," Yike said.
"I do not want to know what that means."
"Well, Jess, I have come up with one conclusion, you have issues, and I think that the mental institution could help you solve those," Yike said, and with that, he got up and walked back behind the counter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
"Bye!" I said. I hung up.
"It's a beautiful night, tonight," Legolas said, staring up at the sky. I knew he was just trying to start a conversation because it was impossible to see the sky since there were too many branches in the way.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"The color of your dress really brings out your eye color."
"Thanks," I said.
"Your eyes are as gold as the One Ring."
"Is that a compliment?" I asked.
"Yes, my lady."
"You can just call me Natalie or Nat, you don't have to call me 'my lady'," I said.
"Yes, Natalie."
"Legolas...are you scared about going to war?" I questioned him.
"Why would you ask that?" Legolas said as he put his arm around my waist.
"I was just curious."
"Well...Elves aren't scared of death if that's what you're asking."
"But that's because they don't understand it. They only die if they're slain or of a broken heart," I pointed out.
"True, but we are at war, are we not?"
"Well, yeah. We're at war with Mordor and Isenguard."
"Let's just put it this way: some of us Elves and Humans are going to have to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of Middle-Earth. I think it's better to die what we're fighting for: freedom. But why do you ask me of this? Is it because you think I am going to fall during battle?"
"No...Legolas doesn't-" I stopped talking. I'd almost given the future away to Legolas. I'd sworn Galadriel that I wouldn't tell a single soul about the outcome of Middle-Earth's fate.
"Doesn't what?"
"I can't say anymore. I've said too much," I said.
"I will not push this conversation any further than you wish."
"Thanks," I said.
"It is getting late."
"I know. This is so sad. It's our last night at Lothlórien."
"I know."
"Three days ago, I wouldn't have ever of guessed that I would be here talking with you. This is just amazing. I keep on pinching myself and asking if this is real."
Legolas pulled me closer and kissed me. His soft lips pressed against mine. I ran my fingers through his long hair and kissed him back.
"Was that real enough for you?" he asked me.
"Actually..." I began, but I was cut short because Legolas kissed me again. This time it was a deep kiss.
"Okay, I'll admit it. This is definitely real. You are definitely real. I didn't know that Elves knew how to French-kiss though," I joked.
Legolas gave me a confused look. I told him what a French-kiss was and then he laughed.
"Elves aren't really good kissers..."
"We aren't are we?"
"Nope. Especially if that was your best."
"Well, this Elf is going to prove you wrong," Legolas said. He pulled me closer and we shared the best kiss we'd both probably had ever had. When we both finally pulled back, we were both breathless. I breathed in the scent of the golden trees. It was fresher than any of the air in my world.
"This is the most romantic place I have ever been."
"You must not have been to many romantic places then," Legolas laughed.
"Hey! It's true! This is by far more beautiful than anywhere in my world. And you are by far more beautiful than anyone in my world. That's why this is so romantic. It's just you and me here in the middle of the biggest forest I have ever seen. These trees are giants!"
"Now that you put it like that, I can see why you like it here so much."
I felt like singing for some strange reason, even though I totally can't sing. I decided to sing Enya's "May It Be" because it was one of the only songs I knew that had Sindarin spoken in it.
"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now."
"You speak Sindarin?" Legolas asked me when I finished singing.
"No. I only know those words that I just said," I said. "Te amo, Legolas, con todo mi corazón. And that means, 'I love you, Legolas, with all my heart.'"
"Well, I liked your song."
"It's not really my song. It's a song that's about the Quest."
"To destroy the Ring?"
"Yeah."
"That's interesting. Can you say something else in Spanish?"
"Okay...uh...nos estamos yendo Lothlórien mañana. Y te amo por siempre."
"What does that mean?"
"We are leaving Lothlórien tomorrow. And I will love you always. Legolas: ¿Usted me ama, sí o no?"
"What?"
"I asked: Do you love me, yes or no?"
"Sí," Legolas said.
"Yay! You got it right!" I said.
"It's getting really late."
"I wish this night would never end, from now on, it's going to be fighting and walking for miles upon miles," I said.
"I know," Legolas frowned. Obviously he didn't want to think about the fighting. Me, I was more worried about the walking. I got up and took Legolas's hand. We walked back to my room. It seemed like a million years to me because we were both totally silent. I glanced at my cell phone. It read 12:45. Dang, I need to stop staying up this late, I thought to myself. I almost walked into the door because I was so tired. Fortunately, Legolas saw this and tugged at my hand, waking me back into reality. I was too tired to change into my pajamas. I just yawned and flopped onto my bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
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Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings nor Legolas (even though I wish I did!) All I own is, me, Natalie!
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I woke up in the morning. I turned around to face Legolas. His eyes were open, but sort of glazed over, as if he was zoned out. I waved my hand in front of them. He didn't respond. I whispered softly, "Wake up." He blinked.
"Yay! You're awake!" I said.
"Did you have any bad dreams about the eye?" Legolas asked.
"No," I said.
Legolas stared at me. I took my index finger and poked his ear.
"Hey!" he said.
"Hehe!"
"Is it me, or do all Humans find Elf ears interesting? You Humans can never keep your eyes or hands off of them!" he joked.
"Fine then!" I said, "I won't poke your ears with my hands anymore!" Instead, I kissed them.
This made his ears turn bright pink, which made me start to giggle insanely. He was blushing.
"You said I couldn't use my hands!" I said.
"So I did," he smiled.
"Do not take me for a stupid Human!"
"Are you going to be like this the whole time while we're in the Fellowship?" he asked.
"Hmm...yeah! But I'm just playing with you...you know that I love you."
We went down to have breakfast. We met Galadriel at her table.
"So, when are we leaving Lothlórien?" I asked.
"Tomorrow," she said.
"Oh, okay. Hey, I was wondering, can I have one of those nice cloaks, too?"
"Of course," she replied.
I think I know why you brought me here now, I said telepathically.
Galadriel looked up. You do? Well, then why did I bring you here?
You were worried about Legolas being lonely. Aragorn said he used to be silent and he never talked, and since he's met me, he's become less quiet. And I know I still have to figure out how Tolkien knew all this stuff about Middle-Earth. I also knew that something was strange after you told me that I needed to help find the Hobbits because you knew that the Fellowship didn't need me for that. I telepathically said.
You are one clever human. I knew you would figure it out. Galadriel said in my head.
After breakfast, Legolas and I decided to practice archery again. It gave us a reason to be alone. We were practicing for a while, when Aragorn came walking towards us.
"Natalie," he said.
"What do you want? The Elf-boy and I were just practicing archery.
"Elf-boy?" Aragorn asked.
"You heard me. He's got pointy ears, so that makes him Elf-boy. Isn't that right, Elfy?"
"Uh...right!" Legolas said.
"Elfy?"
"Yeah!" I said.
"Leggy's just showing me how to use a bow right now."
Aragorn looked confused now. I started to ignore him and I took out a brush and began to brush Legolas's hair.
"Can I braid you hair Leggy?" I asked.
"Huh?"
"Nevermind." I started to braid his hair so that Aragorn would get bored and leave. He watched me braid Legolas's hair the entire time.
"What did you do to Legolas?" Aragorn finally said.
"I braided his hair! I told you that I was going to torture him so that no one's suspicious!" I said.
Aragorn left, muttering something about psycho women going with the Fellowship, and instead of helping, she's doing the members' hair.
"Sorry about that Legolas!" I said as we walked back to my room.
"Elfy? Leggy?" he laughed.
"Yeah! I was practicing torturing you, 'cause that's what I'm going to do while we're with the Fellowship, like I said last night!"
Legolas laughed. I showed him to the mirror in my room. He stared at his hair.
"What the...?"
"I knew you'd like it!" I laughed.
"No wonder he left...what did you do to Legolas indeed!"
"Hehe!" I hugged Legolas.
"Look, there's you cloak," Legolas said.
I looked at the bed. My grey cloak was there.
"Well, I'm going to get dressed then...I'm actually in my nightgown still."
Legolas left the room, so I took off my nightgown and I put on my clothes. I put my cloak on over them. I looked like a member of the Fellowship.
I opened the door and let Legolas back in.
"Can you please take my hair out of these braids now?" Legolas pleaded.
"Oh, fine then! You looked so pretty!" I muttered as I started to undo the braids.
We headed back to the Fellowship's camp, so we could help the others pack up. Aragorn was ignoring us, and I didn't think he told the others because they didn't say anything to Legolas or me.
"Hey, Elfy-one, can I braid Frodo's hair? I think it's long enough to!" I said.
"Uh...whatever," Legolas said.
Frodo just stared at me, as if he was thinking, "Is she sane?" I started to braid his hair into a bunch of little braids. When I was done, I took out a mirror and gave it to him.
"What the...?!"
"I knew you'd like it!" I grinned insanely at Legolas.
"What did you do to Frodo?" Aragorn asked me.
"I braided his hair!" I said. "You know what? I think Sam likes it, too."
"Does he now?"
"Oh yes, haven't you noticed that Sam follows Frodo everywhere and does everything that Frodo asks. If Frodo told him to jump off a cliff, I bet he would!"
"I would not!" Sam said. "Although I must say, I do like Frodo's hair that way!"
"Although I must say, I do like Frodo's hair that way because I love him and want to marry him!" I mocked.
"I did not say that!" Sam said.
"I must agree with the girl, you do follow Frodo a bit too much," Boromir said.
"Hey Boromir, can you teach me how to swordfight?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Good, teach me today since we're leaving tomorrow!" I said. I looked around for a sword. My eyes locked on the one laying on the floor near Aragorn's feet. I grabbed it and followed Boromir's instructions. He showed me the rest of the day. By the end of the day, my arms hurt because the sword was so heavy. Everyone told me that I had done a great job, even though I thought that I hadn't done as good with a sword as I had done with a bow.
"You are full of surprises, Natalie. You are a really good warrior, for a...uh...beginner," Aragorn said.
"You meant to say I did well good for a girl," I frowned as I handed him back his sword..
"I don't approve of shield-maidens." Aragorn began to sharpen his sword.
"Just because she's female doesn't mean that she's weak and she can't fight," Legolas said in my defense.
"Yeah, anyways, isn't Arwen a bit of a shield-maiden?" I questioned him.
Aragorn just ignored me and went back to sharpening his sword. An Elf maiden came and told me a message from Galadriel telling me that I was to dress up for the dinner since it was the last night the Fellowship was staying there. She'd had a dress made for me and that there was a large basin of warm water to wash up in, so I went back into my room. I put on the dress. I knew it looked good on me, but I was horrified by the fact that I had to wear a dress. I hadn't worn one since the prom. It looked like something a princess would wear. It had long sleeves, and it went all the way past my ankles. It was a golden-yellow color which made the blonde streaks in my brown hair stand out. The arms were an ivory lace material and the front from the waist down of it also had the ivory lace. I thought it looked sort of funny that I was wearing a pair of Vans with blue flame shoelaces with a fancy dress. If only Jessica could see this...I remember the time when we were both going to wear our tennis shoes with our dresses to the 8th grade graduation dance, I laughed silently to myself. I went back to the others.
"I can eat the ass-end of a rhino right about now!" I said.
Everyone stared at me. Obviously they didn't know what I meant.
"What did she say?" Pippin said.
"I dunno," said Merry.
"I'm hungry," I said.
"Oh! Me too!" said Pippin.
"You always are! You're a Hobbit for crying out loud! Elf-boy, you hungry?" I asked.
"Not really-"
"Of course you are! Let's go get some lembas!" I grabbed Legolas's hand and dragged him all the way to the dinning area. The Hobbits followed me. We ate the lembas and talked. I found out that Hobbits are close related to Humans as well as Elves. They were just a bit shorter. We talked about what we would do after destroying the Ring. After dinner, Legolas and I went on our usual path.
"I don't think it is necessary to 'torture' me," Legolas said.
"Aw! Evil one!"
"Me? Evil? Right."
"I didn't know that Elves knew sarcasm," I said.
"We know the same things that you Humans do."
"Legolas, what are you going to do after this war is over and the Ring is destroyed?"
"I am going to be with you and go wherever you go," he said.
"But what if I decide to go to Mordor?"
"I would go to the top of Mount Doom for you."
"Is Rivendell nice?"
"Yes."
"I want to go to Rivendell. Or maybe Mirkwood. Although, I must say, I really like it here."
"What about your world? You have friends and family there," Legolas said.
"Same with you. I mean, you're the heir to Mirkwood's throne if Thrandiul ever leaves."
"True, but my people are starting to leave these shores. They are all going to the Grey Havens. I'm sure that the Elves of Mirkwood would follow my father to there."
I thought for a minute. If Legolas ever came back with me to my world, I would have to help him with lots of major issues. My world was way more complicated than his. There would be no way he'd be able to live there. And then it hit me. I would have to leave everything I'd even known, and stay here in Middle-Earth.
"What are you thinking about?" Legolas asked me.
"Nothing," I lied.
"You're not a very good liar. I can see that you're thinking about something."
"Fine then. I was thinking about how you said that you'd come to my world, but I just noticed that it's impossible for you to live there. It's way to complicated. I'd rather just stay here in Middle-Earth. I'm going to miss all my friends. Especially Jessica, Yike, and Nina."
"Who's Yike and Nina?"
"Yike's one of my guy friends. He's really smart. He's from China, it's another country. And Nina, well, she's my cat."
"You have a cat?"
"Yes. She's my pet."
"Cats are used only for mice here."
"I know, but they make great pets. I love my cat. Jessica's taking care of her for me right now."
"I see."
"I think I should call up Jessica. I promised her I'd call her today." I took out my cell phone and dialed Jessica's number.
"Hello?"
"Jess? It's me, Nat."
"Hey! Are you guys out of Lothlórien yet?"
"No, we're leaving tomorrow."
"Oh."
"Jessica...I wanted you to know that you can have everything."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"I said you can have all of my stuff. I don't think I'll be needing any of it here in Middle-Earth."
"What about your cat?"
"Keep her for me. Please don't give her away. I might come back for her."
"Okay. I promise I won't give her away."
"Did you tell Yike?"
"I'm waiting for him to come as we speak."
"Okay. Well, I better get off the phone then. It still has a full charge! This is crazy!"
"Bye!"
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Jessica hung up her phone and sipped at her coke. She was in Mac Donald's, waiting for Yike to go on break. A few minutes later, Yike came out from behind the counter with her chicken nuggets and fries. He handed the tray to her and sat down across from her in the booth.
"Want a mint?" Yike took out his tin of mints.
Jessica shook her head and said, "No."
"So, what did you want to talk with me about?" Yike asked. He was tall and Chinese. He did not have an annoying Chinese accent, but he did speak the Mandarin dialect, which had been the first language he had learned. He originally came from China to California where Natalie and Jessica lived. They had met him in the 7th grade, and had been friends since. He had always been a genius, but neither Natalie nor Jessica had any idea why he worked at Mac Donald's. He was going to Stanford to become a doctor, but why did he work Mac Donald's?
"Natalie's gone."
"What do you mean?" Yike asked suspiciously.
"Okay, I know this might sound insane, but she's in Lothlórien, with the Fellowship of the Ring, and they're going to leave tomorrow."
Yike put his hand to Jessica's forhead. "No, you're not sick...this can only mean one thing...are you on drugs or something?"
"YIKE! I am not on drugs! It's true!"
"Okaaay then, I think you should see a psychiatrist."
"Yike, seriously, she's really in Middle-Earth. And you'll never believe who she's met..."
Yike took a sip out of Jessica's soda.
"Hey! That's mine! You punk!" Jessica yelled.
"Let me guess, she met Legolas, and she's fallen completely in love with him," Yike asked.
"Well, yeah, how'd you know?"
"I know all, but I do not tell all," Yike said.
"I do not want to know what that means."
"Well, Jess, I have come up with one conclusion, you have issues, and I think that the mental institution could help you solve those," Yike said, and with that, he got up and walked back behind the counter. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
"Bye!" I said. I hung up.
"It's a beautiful night, tonight," Legolas said, staring up at the sky. I knew he was just trying to start a conversation because it was impossible to see the sky since there were too many branches in the way.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"The color of your dress really brings out your eye color."
"Thanks," I said.
"Your eyes are as gold as the One Ring."
"Is that a compliment?" I asked.
"Yes, my lady."
"You can just call me Natalie or Nat, you don't have to call me 'my lady'," I said.
"Yes, Natalie."
"Legolas...are you scared about going to war?" I questioned him.
"Why would you ask that?" Legolas said as he put his arm around my waist.
"I was just curious."
"Well...Elves aren't scared of death if that's what you're asking."
"But that's because they don't understand it. They only die if they're slain or of a broken heart," I pointed out.
"True, but we are at war, are we not?"
"Well, yeah. We're at war with Mordor and Isenguard."
"Let's just put it this way: some of us Elves and Humans are going to have to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of Middle-Earth. I think it's better to die what we're fighting for: freedom. But why do you ask me of this? Is it because you think I am going to fall during battle?"
"No...Legolas doesn't-" I stopped talking. I'd almost given the future away to Legolas. I'd sworn Galadriel that I wouldn't tell a single soul about the outcome of Middle-Earth's fate.
"Doesn't what?"
"I can't say anymore. I've said too much," I said.
"I will not push this conversation any further than you wish."
"Thanks," I said.
"It is getting late."
"I know. This is so sad. It's our last night at Lothlórien."
"I know."
"Three days ago, I wouldn't have ever of guessed that I would be here talking with you. This is just amazing. I keep on pinching myself and asking if this is real."
Legolas pulled me closer and kissed me. His soft lips pressed against mine. I ran my fingers through his long hair and kissed him back.
"Was that real enough for you?" he asked me.
"Actually..." I began, but I was cut short because Legolas kissed me again. This time it was a deep kiss.
"Okay, I'll admit it. This is definitely real. You are definitely real. I didn't know that Elves knew how to French-kiss though," I joked.
Legolas gave me a confused look. I told him what a French-kiss was and then he laughed.
"Elves aren't really good kissers..."
"We aren't are we?"
"Nope. Especially if that was your best."
"Well, this Elf is going to prove you wrong," Legolas said. He pulled me closer and we shared the best kiss we'd both probably had ever had. When we both finally pulled back, we were both breathless. I breathed in the scent of the golden trees. It was fresher than any of the air in my world.
"This is the most romantic place I have ever been."
"You must not have been to many romantic places then," Legolas laughed.
"Hey! It's true! This is by far more beautiful than anywhere in my world. And you are by far more beautiful than anyone in my world. That's why this is so romantic. It's just you and me here in the middle of the biggest forest I have ever seen. These trees are giants!"
"Now that you put it like that, I can see why you like it here so much."
I felt like singing for some strange reason, even though I totally can't sing. I decided to sing Enya's "May It Be" because it was one of the only songs I knew that had Sindarin spoken in it.
"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be shadows call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now."
"You speak Sindarin?" Legolas asked me when I finished singing.
"No. I only know those words that I just said," I said. "Te amo, Legolas, con todo mi corazón. And that means, 'I love you, Legolas, with all my heart.'"
"Well, I liked your song."
"It's not really my song. It's a song that's about the Quest."
"To destroy the Ring?"
"Yeah."
"That's interesting. Can you say something else in Spanish?"
"Okay...uh...nos estamos yendo Lothlórien mañana. Y te amo por siempre."
"What does that mean?"
"We are leaving Lothlórien tomorrow. And I will love you always. Legolas: ¿Usted me ama, sí o no?"
"What?"
"I asked: Do you love me, yes or no?"
"Sí," Legolas said.
"Yay! You got it right!" I said.
"It's getting really late."
"I wish this night would never end, from now on, it's going to be fighting and walking for miles upon miles," I said.
"I know," Legolas frowned. Obviously he didn't want to think about the fighting. Me, I was more worried about the walking. I got up and took Legolas's hand. We walked back to my room. It seemed like a million years to me because we were both totally silent. I glanced at my cell phone. It read 12:45. Dang, I need to stop staying up this late, I thought to myself. I almost walked into the door because I was so tired. Fortunately, Legolas saw this and tugged at my hand, waking me back into reality. I was too tired to change into my pajamas. I just yawned and flopped onto my bed, falling asleep almost instantly.
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