Chapter 13

By Crystal

Author's Notes: I just wanted to wish you all good health and wash your hands every time you touch something.  I just got news that a hundred more people in Ontario have been infected by sars.  Be careful, kay?  As if the war doesn't have me stressed out already *groans*  Anyways love ya all and be careful!

*We all know who this belongs to ^^;;*

I tried to breathe as quietly as possible as I advanced slowly on him, my steps barely making a single sound on the floor, my eyes focused on him and on my feet and making the least bit of sound possible.  I began to grin as he didn't turn around, and just when I was about to say, 'boo!', he beat me to it.

"Almost.  But you are still too noisy."

I groaned, "Legolas!"  I whined, "I have been practicing for what...?  Two weeks?"

Legolas nodded, smiling, "Exactly two weeks that you have tried to sneak up on me and that you have been practicing archery with me and swordsmanship with both Boromir and Aragorn."

I mumbled under my breath, "And I absolutely suck at archery."

Legolas patted on the ground beside him lazily and I sat down beside him.  "It is not surprising, for I myself have practiced archery for years and years before I could get it on my target every time.  It takes practice, Jessica."

I sighed, "Perhaps, but it seems that holding the sword is easier.  I beat Aragorn once...  But then again, that was only because I tripped and fell on him."  A grin came to my face as I remembered that day.

It was sunny that day, and it was Aragorn's idea to train my swordsmanship once again.  So I got ready, determination in my eyes as the rest of the Fellowship watched at the side.  As I rushed towards him, I suddenly felt something at my foot and suddenly fell, face down...  And on top of Aragorn.  His eyes widened slightly at the unexpected move and I feel on top of him, sitting on his stomach while he laid on the floor, face up.  I started laughing along with the rest of the Fellowship and we all had a good laugh, until Aragorn started grumbling about my weight, and I whacked his head once.

Legolas laughed quietly, "That was quite a sight, you sitting on top of Aragorn laughing while he whined about your weight."

I slapped Legolas on the arm playfully, "Never, ever while to a girl about their weight."

"I'll keep that in mind."  He grinned.

I leaned my back against the wall, "Legolas...  What is the date?  I was wondering when we are leaving Lothlórien?"

"It is February the 14th.  As for out date to leave Lothlórien, I have not the slightly clue...  But do you really want to leave and have the weight of his death on your shoulders, Jessica?  Or have your heart decided what you should do?"

I shook my head, "I have not the slightest idea, Legolas...  But I believed in Gandalf, and I will continue to believe in him.  He told me that my heart would tell me, and I believe him."

"I believe in Gandalf too..."  he kissed my forehead lightly as I smiled.

My eyes widened, "Wait, what is the date again?"

"February 14th."  He replied.

I squealed, "Ohhh...!  It is Valentine's Day!"

He looked absolutely confused, "Wha-at?"

"Va-len-tine's Day!  Do you guys not have it here in Middle-Earth?"

He shook his head, "I am afraid not.  Please explain."

I pouted by shook it off, "Well, on Earth, Valentine's Day is an annual celebration.  A couple, like boyfriends and girlfriends, and as elves would say, the couples that are bound would celebrate the day together, skipping school, meaning not going to school and watching movies...  I'll explain movies to you later.  Anyways, the boys always end up getting the girls flowers...  And it is romantic."  I said, grinning.

Legolas shrugged, "I guess it is a shame that Middle-Earth does not celebrate this.  It would be nice, perhaps."  It almost sounded so indifferent I wanted to kick him in the rear.  Perhaps elves, like all guys, do not see the hints that girls drop.  Idiots.

Silence followed and after a few minutes, I sighed, "Anyways, I should get going now.  I shall go find Aragorn and attempt to sneak up on him.  But I will most likely be heard again.  Good day to you, Legolas.  And I shall see you later."  I said, standing up and when I was far enough from him, I turned around and waved.  I saw him smile a mischievous smile and I shrugged it off, thinking that I most likely saw wrong, since he had kept his face straight for the few minutes of silence between us.

Slowing down once again, I stepped on the floor with my heel, making the least sound possible instead of tip toeing, and to my surprise, it worked much more efficiently.  Smirking, I walked towards the unsuspecting Aragorn and then suddenly jumped on him, wrapping my arms around his neck, "Boo!"

He chuckled, "Much better, Jessica.  You almost got me, but that last step before you jumped gave you away easily."

"Darn."  I said, sighing.  "Sooo...  Want to spar?  I am bored to death."

I saw Aragorn life up his eyebrow in a perfect arc, "What about our dear handsome prince, Prince Legolas of Mirkwood?"

I huffed and started explaining, "See?  There is this celebration in my world that the couples have fun together on a day and the boy gives the girl a flower.  I even hinted at Legolas..."  I sighed, picking up a random sword on the floor that nobody was using, "But nooo...  Legolas did not get the hint, but instead, made the whole situation so awkward I had to leave.  So here I am."

Aragorn smirked, "So I'm second priority, after Legolas?"

"Of course!  He is my...  I mean...  Never mind, Aragorn."  I said, holding up the sword.

Aragorn gave me a knowing smile while I shrugged away, "Be careful and do not trip on the floor again, Jessica.  I might not be able to catch you this time as I have caught you last time."

I growled in my throat, "Shut up, Aragorn.  I want to have a physical spar, not verbal spar..."  I checked the footwork Aragorn and Boromir taught me, then checked the position of my sword.  When I was all ready, I narrowed my eyes...  And charged.

I heard my sword go in contact with his, and I could feel the vibrations go to my hands as our swords met.  "Darn it..."  I growled.  I pulled away suddenly, and swung my sword again, almost touching his flesh when another clash rang.

"Are you trying to kill me, Jessica?"  Aragorn said, smiling.

I smiled, then pulled away, "Nope."  I answered truthfully, "I knew you would have blocked it, and if you could not have blocked it, I would have stopped, but I would have been terribly disappointed at you."  I grinned.

Aragorn nodded, thoughtful, "That was nice, a faster reaction than you had when I first taught you."

I rolled my eyes, "Well, what do you expect, Aragorn?  I have been training with you for two weeks straight!  If I did not improve, I would have called myself an idiot."

I heard a throat clearing, "You are correct that you would have a faster reaction after training for two weeks.  But that was exceptionally well...  A lot of soldiers do not advance to this speed this fast."

"Well, you have to keep in mind that I am not wearing any armours, as for soldiers, I can bet everything I have right now that they were wearing pounds and pounds of armour while they are training.  Of course that is hard!"  I said, "I would not even be able to move a muscle if I were to train in armour."

Aragorn and Boromir looked thoughtful, then they glanced at each other, then nodded at the same time, "Yes..."  Aragorn said, "I think Boromir and I have decided something."

I lifted up my eyebrow, "Yes, Aragorn?  Yes, Boromir?  What would you two like to do?"  I asked suspiciously.

"I think it would be safer for you to train in armour from now on.  If we were to go to somewhere important, then at least you would have armour on you and you would not be killed so easily.  Orcs look for weak people.  I am not saying that you are weak, but orcs' minds are not as big as ours.  They thing that all women are weak."  Aragorn replied smoothly.

I nodded my head, "I guess you are right, Aragorn...  But that does not change the fact that I absolutely despise wearing heavy and uncomfortable stuff on myself."  Then I grumbled to myself, "There is a reason why I wear loose guy sweaters and jeans, turtlenecks sometimes."

"What did you say, Jessica?"  Boromir asked, turning around.

I shook my head, then waved my hand, "Nothing, Boromir.  Absolutely nothing."

* * * * *

Dinner passed quickly and nothing happened.  I took time getting to know Haldir even better as I listened to Legolas, Aragorn, Haldir, Boromir and Gimli talk together beside us.  Although Legolas would probably not admit to it, he and Gimli were both forming a strange, but certainly, a friendship between each other.

I could still remember what happens at Helm's Deep.  I am halfway through the chapter, but if my memories serve me right, then I know that Legolas and Gimli were counting how many orcs they killed.  I wonder if I will ever see them count like that?  I feel that time is growing short for me... 

I sighed as I walked back to where my bag was kept and took out my journal from my bag, then started writing.

February 14, 3019

I am doing pretty good.  I have made friends with Haldir, as you have already been told and I see a friendship forming between the Prince of Mirkwood and Gimli, son of Glóin.  A dwarf.  It is fascinating to actually see the whole story develop and the characters developing too...  It is a shame that I have not been such a nutcase as Iris was, or I would have been able to see what was the difference.  I just remember the story vaguely, but I guess it would have to do.  Anyways, it is Valentine's Day today, and Legolas has not done a single thing for it.  Yes, you might think that Middle-Earth does not have Valentine's Day and indeed, it does not, but I have explained to Legolas what it was...  And he did nothing but kept silence.  Ah well, perhaps elves do not get hints.  Even he does not get hints, I am happy with my life now, even though once we leave Lothlórien, my feet will get blisters once again, and it won't be pretty.

I shall go now, in case Aragorn or Boromir comes and wakes me up early in the morning to train again.  God forbid.  Good day to you and I shall see you soon!

-Jessica

I stuffed my journal back in my bag, then headed towards my bed...  Only to find a single red rose and a small piece of paper tied to it.  I smiled and headed towards it, taking up the rose and the piece of paper softly, and read the paper.

Jessica,

I hope you enjoy the rose and keep it.  It is a rare rose of Lady Galadriel that lives on for eternity, until the love between us dies.  I would hope that would be never.  Happy Valentine's Day, melamin.

-Your ever charming Prince Legolas

I giggled quietly and laid down on the bed, kissing the rose a good night kiss and whispered, "Good night, Legolas..."

* * * * *

Once again, I guessed right, although I did not guess that Haldir would be the one to wake me.  I blinked my eyes a few times, getting use to the light that came to my eyes, "What is it, Haldir?"  I asked, curious.

"Lady Galadriel wants to speak with you all.  Go get ready, I will be waiting for you outside."  I nodded my head.

Getting up from my comfortable sleep, yet lack of sleep, I wore my green dress once again and quickly brushed my hair, letting it fall down on my back, being too lazy to tie it up in a ponytail for now.  I would have to also cut it, I reminded myself.  Having long hair in battle might be fatal.

I saw Haldir and waved at him, then he came over and lead me to where Lady Galadriel should be.  I saw the rest of the Fellowship waiting there, and staring at me and I blushed at the thought that I was the last one to arrive once again.  But they will have to put up with it.  I am a girl, sue me.  I was not trying to be sexist, but it was true that some girls take more time getting ready, even though I was not one of them, it was not my fault I had woken up so late...  If someone bothered to wake me up earlier...  I sighed inwardly and walked towards the group.

Lady Galadriel smiled at me, "Good morning, Jessica.  How are you feeling?"

"I am doing fine, you?"  I asked back politely, while I took a glance at Legolas and he smiled at me, lovingly.  God I love that elf.  I turned my vision back to Lady Galadriel.

She nodded, and I take it that she was doing well.  Then I looked at Lord Celeborn when he started speaking, "Now is the time,"  he said.

I felt my eyes widened slightly...  It is time to leave...

* * * * *

Author's Notes:  Oooh...  They're going to be action soon!  Anyways, hope all of you enjoy my chapter and if you want to be on the mailing list, then leave your email in your review and I will add you on ^^  Lates!

Youko Demon – I doubt you're too stupid to go to school...  I know some people that can certainly be worst than you.  Well, my brother makes me feel stupid and this one guy that's my 'brother'.  Kinda like Aragorn and Boromir for Jessica.  But yeah, he corrects me on lots of stuff and argh...  lol.  Anyways, hope you enjoy!

The Balrog of Altena - *grins*  Well, I'm jealous of Jessica too!  And I'm the one creating her!  Talk about unfairness, lol ^^

Norie Ape – Heyo!  Well, I update at least once per week, seeing that I ditched all my anime and my Harry Potter fics for this one.  But I will continue on the others, just in case you read my other stories.  Anyways, see ya!

Lady Evenstar- Heyo!  I won't stop anytime soon, I have so many ideas it's scary =\

Icea – Thanks!  Well, as for Boromir dying or not, you'll find out soon, I promise.

ellie – You're talking about Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, right?  Well, I like Tigger too...  I like Pooh and Eore (how do you spell his name again?)  Anyways...  They're all cute.  And I LOVE that baby kangaroo...  Anyways, hope everything goes well!  My family's the usual, I guess =\  See ya!  *huggles*

Meldavane – I will put up the link *grins*  It's great to hear that your friend's such a good drawer, my friend draws anime style and she is damn good too!  I can't draw as well, but I can always try.  I don't know when I'll have time to draw a Legolas with Jessica...  Oh, and if your friend draws that pic of Legolas and your character together, do you mind if you scan it and give me a link?  I wanna see it ^^  Anyways, see you later!  My number one fan, eh?  Whee!  Kodak Moment! ^^

Cassie-bear01 – Thanks a lot ^^  Anyways, hope you enjoy this one too!

princess of mirkwood – Die of anticipation?!  *sweatdrops*  Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter and I'll update soon ^^

Goddess of Light – Heyo!  Well, I have individual replies every time ^^  I guess it's a way to get to know the readers more and it's kinda fun too.  Is Amber actually one of your friend or is she one of your imaginary friends?  Don't worry, I have one too!  *grins*  His name's Legolas, LoL!  Anyways, yeah, I'll write soon!  See ya!

Tap-dancing Hobbit – Heyo ^^  LoL, I usually update stories...  Unless I lose interest or unless I just don't feel like updating and have a writer's block, which is really often, but I don't think I'll have one for this fic yet.  Possibly for the sequel though.  Anyways, thanks!

mellon – Thanks a lot ^^  Yay!  Cookie!  *squeals*

MaverickGirl – Thanks a lot!

Niffers – LoL!  I'll write more, I'll write more...  *grumbles*  slave drivers *grumbles*  Anyways, see ya!

Lainy – Yep.  I watched the first movie like, during the summer, so I only had to wait for four months to see Legolas again, but back then, I wasn't that crazy about Legolas.  It was after the second moving that I went nutters over him, lol.  Your friend sounds like Iris *grins*  Anyways, *huggles Legolas, Haldir, Lainy AND Ang*  See ya!

O.B.I.M – Thanks a bunch!  See ya later!

Kate – Thanks!

Feathers of the wind – Woohoo!  Thanks a lot ^^  Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Kayo – LoL, yeah, it is kinda used, the ten member fellowship.  But anyways...  Jessica, I don't know why I used that name, to be truthful, but it just popped in my head.  My friend Jessica does not ever act like that, so lol.  Anyways, Jessica's kinda after me, except she's not so much like me now.  But she'll be exactly how I am in the sequel.  I hope you'll read that one too once I'm done writing this ^^  Anyways, see ya!  *huggles*  Well, I'll hug for you, although I'm not a guy and I'm not an elf, but hopefully, it'll be enough for you ^^

sexyelvenfreak – Yeah, life sucks, what can I do about it...  Nothing =\  Anyways, see you soon and I'm not exactly feeling better, since the sars...  Ugh.  But anyways, hope you're all fine ^^

KindCalypso – Thanks a lot ^^  *grins*

Numbskul411 – Thanks a lot ^^  Well, yeah, I am very busy.  I've got six tutor and on my way to get seven.  Anyways, see you later!

lost innocence – I like your name, and thanks ^^

kyma_lijah_obsessed – Thanks a lot ^^  Well, I hope you get enough sleep ^^  Anyways, thanks a bunch and I hope to see you soon!

Alaka – Thanks a bunch ^^