Chapter 15
By Crystal
Author's Notes: I have not updated this story since April 4th, 2003 and I'm really sorry for the delay. First because my computer screwed up and when I got it fixed, I was too lazy to write it. It was until I saw 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' that I was inspired again. (Got to thank Orlando Bloom ^^) Anyways, for those of you who are wondering, it was a great movie... Fun to watch, but I hated the ending... (Cause Orlando kisses that woman!!!! =|) Anyhow... Hope you enjoy this chapter and once again, I apologize.
*We all know who this belongs to ^^;;*
"We have drunk the cup of parting," she said, "and the shadows fall between us. But before you go, I have brought in my ship gifts which the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim now offer you in memory of Lothlórien." Then she called to each in turn. (Quoted from I p.492)
"Here is the gift of Celeborn and Galadriel to the leader of your Company," Galadriel said to Aragorn as she handed him a sheath that was to fit Andúril.
She called the Fellowship one by one. Boromir received a belt of gold; Merry and Pippin received small silver belts. Legolas was given a bow such as the Galadhrim used along with a quiver of arrows. For Sam was a box made of plain gray wood with a single silver rune upon the lid. Gimli had indeed received three long golden hairs from the head of Lady Galadriel. For Frodo, she gave him a small crystal phial that would shine still brighter when night is about him. Frodo was speechless.
It was then, that Lady Galadriel looked upon me. "And last but not least... Jessica." She held up a sword in both hands, "Metal as light as a feather and easy to hold, I present you this sword. May you use it well." She smiled as she spoke. I received the gift, as speechless as all the others and bowed.
The boat began to move and I watched Haldir and Lady Galadriel turn into small specks, when at last; the River swept around a bend, and all the light of Lórien was hidden. The second I could no longer see the lights, I felt as if I would never see such a beautiful place again. I turned around to and leaned back on Legolas' chest, all the while closing my eyes.
Boromir's death draws near, I knew. And even though it was so near, I still could not figure out what to do. There was no more than fifteen days until Boromir would die, unless I did something...
Days passed with myself still thoughtful. I would row the boat at times when I had nothing better to do all the while thinking, and when I was not doing that, I would sit in the boat doing nothing while thinking. I thought a lot during the past few days, yet nothing that would clear this problem has ever popped in my head.
During nighttime, if I were not to sleep, then I would lie awake at night alone, sometimes with Legolas, sometimes with the Hobbits thinking. I would sometimes hum and perhaps sometimes even hold a conversation in whispers.
As I sit in a circle now with the Hobbits, building a fire in the middle to cook food, I still think. I ate a piece of sausage every few minutes and chewed it very slowly and in silence. It was then I felt a gentle hand on my back. I turned around just to meet the face of Legolas. Sighing quietly, I leaned into his chest in comfort.
"Legolas..." I said, looking at the fire burn the wood, "Amin gorga..." (I am afraid...) Then I flickered my eyes over to Boromir for a slight second.
"N'gorga, amin sinome." (Don't be afraid, I am here.) He said comfortingly.
"I really do not know what do to anymore, Legolas... I have thought and thought about it for the past few days ever since we've left Lothlórien, but I still don't know what my heart wants. I don't know what my heart wants. My head tells me it's wrong to save him... What should I do?" I whispered so quietly I knew all the others had trouble hearing...Except the elf behind me.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, "Do not think no longer. What your heart needs to tell you, it will eventually tell you. There is no point in pushing it, nor is there a point thinking about it. What you mind tells you won't help. Even Lady Galadriel has told you to listen to you heart. I agree with her. Do not think about it anymore." He cupped my chin softly and made me look up to his perfect clear blue eyes. "You need rest. I can see it in your eyes."
Nodding quietly, I leaned again into his comfort and within a few short moments, I fell asleep, but not before mumbling, "Quel kaima, Legolas." (Sleep well, Legolas.)
"Quel kaima, Jessica."
* * * * *
When I woke up the next morning, Legolas was nowhere near me anymore. The sun wasn't up just yet, but I could see the pinkish sky beyond the mountains. We were to travel during the day now. The air was fresh and cold and it made me think of that morning when I walked to school... Just before I got transported to Middle-Earth.
Thinking back now, I guess it was kind of freaky how I suddenly just got here, in Middle-Earth. I won't say I regret it, since here, I have found my one true love... At least I hope to be one true love. But again with the 'What about Alan?'. What if somehow, I end up in Earth again? What will I do? Cry over Legolas, which I know for a fact I won't do since I'm sure I'd never cry just because I could never see a guy again. Continue my relationship with Alan even if I miss Legolas? Will I even miss Legolas? For all I know, I might be in a dream. I coma in Earth and this might all be a dream.
But then again... Why would I have a dream about Middle-Earth? I certainly was not as crazy as Lord of the Rings as Iris was... So why did I dream about Middle-Earth? I mean, I've met Legolas, the rest of the Fellowship of the Ring, people in Rivendell... This just can't be a dream. It has to be real.
Having finally settled my inner conflict, I stood up quietly and started packing Sam's cooking pack and I took all the dirty dishes towards the river to wash. On the way, I met Aragorn and I waved a good morning, then I met Boromir later. Legolas was nowhere to be seen, but anyhow, I approached the river and started washing the dishes...
It was then I heard a sound and looked to my left. Nothing out of the ordinary was seen and I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. Gollum. I was sure. I finished washing the dishes all the while paying attention to my surroundings.
When I walked back, I once again met Aragorn. "Aragorn..." He looked at me, "It's Gollum, isn't it? He's been following us."
Aragorn smiled, "Yes, he's followed us all the way through Moria. I see you have been attention of our surroundings."
"Not really." I replied, "I was just washing the dishes when I remembered Gollum was supposedly following us. And the sound helped with the memory." I said humbly.
He smiled again, "either way, you have noticed about our little footpad."
As we started the journey again, there really wasn't anything interesting about it. We rowed the boat, and if I wasn't doing that, I was looking at sceneries again and then, even humming Enya's 'May It Be'.
On the tenth day of our tiring journey, it was finally over.
Aragorn led [us] to the right arm of the River. Here upon is western side under the shadow of Tol Bradir a green lawn ran down to the water from the feet of Amon Hen. Behind it rose the first gentle slopes of the hill clan with tress, and trees marches away westward along the curving shores of the lake. A little spring fell tumbling down and fed the grass. (Quoted from I p. 519)
We were to rest here for the night. Legolas volunteered the first half of the night. Aragorn was to do the second half. How Aragorn managed to stay so awake during our journeys with those few hours of sleep is beyond me.
I stayed with Legolas for an hour during his watch, just in silence as I was in his arms. Finally, he made me go sleep, which I didn't really want to, but knew I needed the sleep. I walked back to where everyone slept and laid down, pushing all thoughts from my head and closed my eyes.
I did not sleep peacefully, for the wound in my left forearm kept sending me pain signals, making me wince. But once I got used to it, it did not bother me as much, although I could still feel the slight pain.
When I awoke in the morning again, a warm cloak was draped over my whole body and I knew immediately it was Legolas' cloak. I smiled fondly at the cloak and folded it. Then, I packed all my stuff and walked over to Aragorn, where he called the whole Company together.
"The day has come at last," [Aragorn] said: "the day of choice which we have long delayed. What shall now become of our Company that has traveled so far in fellowship? Shall we turn west with Boromir and go to the wars of Gondor; or turn east to the Fear and Shadow; or shall we break our fellowship and go this way and that as each may choose? Whatever we do must be done soon. We cannot long halt here. The enemy is on the eastern shore, we know; but I fear that the Orcs may already be on this side of the water." (Quoted from I pg. 520)
A silence followed and it was then that Aragorn said that the burden is for Frodo. "In this matter I cannot advise you. I am not Gandalf, and though I have tried to bear his part, I do not know what design or hope he had for this hour, if indeed he had any. Most likely it seems that if he were here now the choice would still wait on you. Such is your fate." (Quoted from I pg. 520)
Frodo decided to have think in silence while Aragorn gave him simply an hour. I pat Frodo's head softly as he walked passed me. Everyone left soon after to pack their own stuff and I walked over to Legolas. "Legolas... Thank you for the cloak." I said thankfully while I handed him his cloak.
"You're welcome." He smiled.
I smiled back to him. "Anyways, you should pack up. I've done my packing up already." I held up my bag. He nodded and kissed me softly on the forehead for a farewell. I looked after his back, smiling with joy.
Everything happens for a reason... Remember that, and follow your heart.
I felt my smile drop and my eyes widen. Gandalf's wise words... I snapped my head over to where Boromir was a few moments ago. He was no longer there. I cursed myself mentally in the head. How could I have not seen that coming? How could I have been so careless?
Carefully, I followed the barely visible footsteps from Boromir until I heard his voice... "Even though you have been given the permission to walk off alone and think, I think none of us should wander alone. So much depends on you, you must be careful..." Then his voice turned almost alien, "Frodo? I know why you seek solitude. You suffer, I see it day by day. Be sure you do not suffer needlessly. There are other ways, Frodo, other paths we might take."
I hid behind the tree, listening to the conversation. I knew the time was getting nearer and nearer... And yet, I still did not know what to do.
"I know what you should say, and it would sound like wisdom, but for the warning in my heart..."
"Warning? Against what? They are all afraid, but to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have... Don't you see? It's madness." I watched as Boromir reached over Frodo to grab the necklace where the ring lay.
Frodo looked afraid and recoiled, "There is no other way."
"Why do you recoil? I am no thief." Boromir replied.
"You are not yourself!" Frodo replied, backing away.
Boromir still advanced on him, "I ask only for the strength to defend my people! If you would be lend me the ring." He said, and then ran after Frodo.
It was then I decided to interrupt the lovely conversation going on between them. Notice the sarcasm please. As Boromir passed by my tree, I jumped on him, making him fall down hard on the floor. I glanced at Frodo briefly, "Run Frodo. I'll take care of him." He looked at me, as if thinking it was a good idea to leave me alone with a strong man. I glared now, "GO FRODO!" He ran away, looking back once in a while.
Boromir was spitting out words, "What chance do you think you have? They will find you! They will take the ring and you will beg for death before the end! It is not yours save by a happenstance. It could have been mine. It should have been mine! Give it to me!" I growled as I tried to pin Boromir down, but clearly, I was no match for a warrior.
I heard Boromir growl as he used his strength and turned right over, pinning me down to the floor. My eyes widened as I finally remembered what positions we were in and I started to kick him, but no use. "Boromir! Get the hell away from me!" I yelled, struggling.
He stared at me for a few seconds before he finally recovered, "Jessica! What are you doing, getting pinned by me?"
I pushed him away and stood up, determined to go after Frodo until I felt pain on my left forearm again. Horrible pain that shot up my arm and I dropped on one knee. "Shit..."
"Jessica! What is wrong?" Boromir asked with concern. I shook my head a few times, telling him it was nothing, but I could not find the voice to do so. "Jess..." His voice was cut short as the pain became unbearable, "Jessica... Orcs."
I looked right up, somehow terrified, yet not. Standing up, my arm still stinging, I drew my sword. So the wound on my arm...
As long as you react to the pain, you will not be caught by surprise.
So this was what Lady Galadriel mean. I looked up at Boromir, his eyes filled with determination and I thought about everything over. Suddenly, my head became clear... As the first Orc approached me, I thought of nothing but to cut their frigging heads off. I knew what to do... I knew what my heart was telling me to do all along...
numbskul411 – Thanks! Shrieked with joy? Whoa... Anyhow, hope you enjoy this chapter and REALLY sorry for the LONG delay!
Meethrill – Lol... *hugs back* Thanks a lot for all that. I'll read it as soon as I'm done with this chapter... Haven't been checking the reviews for this story in a while =\
Youko Demon – KFC? Is it fun? Anyhow, all siblings are inconsiderate. No biggie. As for SARS, that was pretty long time ago now... I haven't seen 'Ned Kelly', but I might rent it one day... Orlando Bloom? *drools* Anyways, thanks!
Stary Night – Thanks for the correction, I'm terribly grateful. And also thanks for the review!
Telboriel – Jessica and Haldir are definitely friends, you didn't think I'd really make Haldir a bum, did you? I happen to quite like Haldir now... Pretty sexy, actually, yah. But not as sexy as Legolas ^^ As for the wound, if you read this chapter, you should know. If you don't know, it'll be revealed in the next chapter. Sorry for the long wait!
KindCalypso – Haha, thanks!
Niffers – If you leave a review, even if it's one word... As long as it's not a flame, it'll make my day. Namaarie!
Joanne – Thanks. A lot.
MaverickGirl – Thanks again ^^
merrylyn – Goodbyes are sad? I have to agree with that. Lol, I know almost everyone would love to be so close to Legolas. I certainly want to be that close to him. I am IN LOVE WITH HIM! Lol... just don't let my boyfriend hear this... He'll get jealous *winks*
gAmBiT – hey! Thanks for the review. Anyways, long story? I just write a chapter everyday (around four pages long) if I feel up to it and inspired. If not, then I wait until I am, like now. I've waited three months for this chapter, so I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for the review once again!
edgy wedgy - *stares at review, shocked speechless* *coughs* Yeah... Anyways, lol. Thanks for the review... And I guess it is getting long. But long stories are fun to read.
O.B.I.M – Thanks a lot! I will write more.
K-chan – Thanks!
Cyberwing – I will soon.
Kayo – It's all right, you don't always have to review. As long as I get one review from you knowing that you enjoyed my story, I'm happy. And yeah, I should have, but I guess it's too late now *pouts* Anyhow, if you look at the timeline in the end of book three, they did spend a lot of time there. Anyhow, thanks!
My Arwen – Thanks... Lol, yeah I get it ^^
darkangelkiss – Thanks. If I draw them, then I'll link them here and tell you ^^
Siren - *sweatdrops* Legolas 2-timing? I think not. More like 10000-timing... *huggles Legolas* lol.
Molldoll74 – Fantastic? Thanks! I love Legolas romances too, great to hear it's a nicely written one ^^
Eevee Goddess Of Light – Lol, thanks all of you... Hope you enjoy this chapter too.
Elriowiel – Thanks a lot. I'll be sure to tell you.
Jessie – Thanks! I'll email you.
Nutty_Jedi – haha, thanks gambit! Anyhow, lol... Thanks for all the compliments, I'll remember them. I love Legolas too *grins*
Meldavane – lol, Kodak Moment! Lol, librarians suck =\
elfluvr777 – I'll update soon! Promise!
haldir – Thanks! I'm sorry I'm taking so long... Really sorry!
Takatome Ichido – I think he's twenty-seven hundred. Can't be sure though. Anyhow, *big cheesy grin* Thanks for the review! Ja!
Icea – Thanks!
Daria – Thanks!
Through Darkness – Thanks! Legolas IS sweet ^^ Later!
Smiley Face – Thanks! Sweet, I think so ^^
Catt – Thanks, and I'll update soon.
Author's Notes: I'm SO sorry I haven't updated in SUCH a LONG time... *apologizes a billion times* But it was because I wasn't inspired, but now that I am due to 'Pirates of the Caribbean' thanks to Orlando Bloom, I'm ready to finish this story. *claps* I'm also sorry this chapter has so much stuff from the book and the movie, I just didn't want to change some stuff... Finally, this is all. I want to thank all reviewers for all the support I've had. I want to thank you all... Any suggestions and comments or ideas welcomed. Just leave them in your review and I'll take them into consideration ^^ Last but not least, I hope you enjoyed this chapter... And once again, I apologize for the really slow update. But I promise it will get fast from now on. Thank you so much!
-Crystal
One last question. Should Boromir die or not?