Chapter 18

By Crystal

Author's Notes: I CANNOT believe I have already started writing the epilogue =\ Holy macaroni.  But of course, I'm not done the story; I just know what the outcome is.  But anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter.  And once again if you want to be on the mailing list, just leave your email in your review and that shall be done.  Thank you!  I'll try to make my chapters as long as possible.  What do you say to around three thousand to three thousand five hundred words?

*We know who this belongs to... ^^*

It was in the afternoon that we reached the edge of the forest.  I was already awake by then, and not to mention quite comfortable leaning on Legolas.  It was then we found the pile of carcasses, more like ashes now.  A huge pile of helms and mail, cloven shields, and broken swords, bows and darts and other gear of war were right beside.

As we reached the pile of hot steaming ashes, I dismounted my horse slowly and very ungracefully while Legolas did it swiftly and gracefully.  Then I stood back quietly while watching and listening to them.

An hour passed and they had found no traces of Pippin or Merry.  It was then I started getting worried and started to search for the hobbits with them.  Hours passed, evening soon came upon the five of us.  "We failed them..." Gimli said quietly, yet all of us heard.  I saw Boromir pat on his back reassuringly.

Aragorn had decided that we were to stay until morning to leave, so we traveled farther away from the carcasses and made camp under a spreading tree.  Each of us took a bite of lambas to fill us up and we had only brought one blanket.

I ended up volunteering to be first watch, Legolas second, Boromir third, Aragorn fourth and Gimli last.  As I sat down with my back against a tree trunk, I began worrying.  If I had not forgotten about what Iris said about the movie...  She said that Aragorn would find traces of Merry and Pippin quite fast.  But it could just be the screwed up timeline, right?  After all, it was a movie.  But what of the book?  I can't seem to remember when... 

I guess the only thing I can hope for was to find them tomorrow morning when the sun rises.  Sighing, I began toying with my long hair that I had not washed since...  Forever.  Growling silently, I reminded myself to get some elastic for my hair once I get to Edoras.  I was also in need of a bath.  Badly.  I bet I stunk.  As my eyes searched everywhere for any Orcs or Uruks in sight, I caught sight of three of my companions, sleeping and tired.

I felt a small smile crawl to my lips.  They looked so peaceful while sleeping.  It was as if all their troubles had vanished once they were resting.  Once again, I sighed, wondering where Legolas would be.  Probably up in a tree somewhere, humming, sleeping...  thinking maybe.

"Sut naa lle umien?"  (How are you doing?)  I heard and almost jumped at the voice.

Quickly, I turned my head upwards to see Legolas crouched up on the tree, staring down at me with those blue glowing eyes.  Sighing, I said, "Next time, Legolas...  Please to not scare me like that.  To answer your question..." I paused.  "I'm doing as fine as one can do on a quest to save the world."

"Tell me about your thoughts."  He said, looking at me intensely, as if studying me.  Then he jumped off the branch only to land right next to me.

I looked away uncomfortably, "What are you talking about, Legolas?"

"Your thoughts are troubling you, melamin."  He stated, "I can see it in your eyes."

"I don't know what you're talking about..." I replied, still trying to look away from his eyes, knowing sooner or later, he would have me speak all my troubles out.  He was an elf, the love of my life, Legolas...  And he was perfect.  So why couldn't I just tell him my troubles?  It's because you fear that he will blame Pippin and Merry's kidnap on you, stupid.

Suddenly, I felt his soft hands turn my head around to see him, "Uuma risa a'amin.  Kwentra amin..."  (Do not lie to me.  Tell me...) He said, his voice soft and comforting, understanding and caring.  "I want to know what troubles you."

I gave in; there was no way I could lie to him without him knowing.  And more importantly, I did not feel like lying to him.  What he was doing was for my own good...  Taking a deep breath, I spoke, "It's Pippin and Merry."

His eyes darkened and he looked away, "like Gimli said, we failed them."

"No."  I whispered. 

His head turned towards mine.  "Mani ume lle quena?"  (What did you say?) He asked, as if he didn't believe me.

"I...  I do not know.  But what Iris, my friend said to me, she told me that a short while after Aragorn, Gimli and you find the pile of burning carcasses, you find traces of Pippin and Merry.  Yet what I remember, I think it was a long time after you find the burning carcasses that Aragorn finds traces to the hobbits."  I paused, "Legolas..." and I looked away from him, feeling his hand on my forearm, "I'm not sure though...  But I think I might've changed what was suppose to happen by saving Boromir."

Silence was everywhere as I watched the trees, keeping my eyes averted from his.  I felt my eyesight blur slightly, my eyes sting as I felt tears fill the bottom half of my eyes.  It was then his hand left my forearm, and it was then my first tear...  For a guy.  I smiled sadly as I remembered how I promised I won't ever cry for a guy.

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.

Look what you're doing right now, Jessica Hanson.  You're crying over Legolas because he's walking away from you, because he's mad at you.  You're always going to see him again.  Just because he's mad at you, you cry.  What will happen when you get sent back to Earth?  Bawl over him for your whole life?

I pressed my hands over my mouth, trying to muffle my sobs as I picture Legolas walking away from me, going into a tree and glaring at me from where he was.  That was when I felt a pair of arms around me and I felt myself being turned around and pulled into a familiar chest.  "Avo nallo, melamin."  (Do not cry, my love)

For how long I sat there wrapped securely in his arms, I did not know.  I felt safe and protected from the world, I felt as if nothing better would ever happen.  As I tried to calm down my sobs hoping it wouldn't awake the others, I felt his lips brush softly on my forehead.  "Aren't you...  mad...  at...  me?"  I asked, choking on every word.

"Nay."  He said quietly, and then caringly added, "I was just shocked.  I didn't know how to take what you just said."

"I will understand you if you do not wish to talk to me.  I will understand."  I added quietly, hoping he knew what my heart was saying.  I looked into his eyes truthfully, admitting that I would understand, but wanting him to know that I wanted him by my side.

His hands cupped my face gently, "I know you understand," He said quietly, "but I don't want to leave you.  Ever."  He brushed his lips on mine softly and I felt a tiny shock, as if it was the first time he had ever kissed me.  "I don't want to leave you, and I don't want you to leave me either."  Gently with his fingers, he brushed the tears away from my cheek, "Avo nallo...  Tears were not meant to show on your beautiful face."

I forced a smile as I watched his glowing blue eyes on my face and I placed my hand on his cheek, "How could someone...  How could someone as perfect as you, like someone some imperfect, like I am?"

He kissed my lips, "I am not perfect."  A smile was playing on his lips.

I couldn't help myself and I returned the smile.  His eyes was filled with pure love for me, and for the first time in the world, I felt contented at exactly where I was, I felt contented about everything in my life, "Thank you..." I said quietly, "Thank you for everything you have given me.  Thank you for the love you've shown me."  Smiling, I reached up and kissed Legolas.  I felt his arms tighten around me and I felt him deepen the kiss.

After like what seemed like an eternity, yet also a mere minute, we broke apart, each consuming huge amounts of air.  I smiled up at him, "diola lle." (Thank you.)  I repeated. 

He smiled, then brushed his lips against mine once again, "Lle anta esta."  (You need rest.)

"Nay, I do not."  I insisted when I cuddled up to him.

He chuckled, "No matter what you say, you need rest."

I smiled, "Fine, I do need rest.  Therefore, I shall sleep with you."  I heard him chuckled quietly again, but because he did not protest, I closed my eyes.  Instead of falling asleep, I felt thoughts twirl around my head.  His lips were on my forehead once again and I smiled and snuggled up even closer to him.  "I love you..." I said.

"Amin mela lle ner..." (I love you more...)  He replied.

Smiling, I had one thought on my head.

I don't know if elves are indeed perfect.  But I can tell you this.  Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of the Elves of Northern Mirkwood is definitely perfect.  Perfect in every aspect.  I am truly lucky to have him love me.  I have been given the greatest gift of all.  Thank you, Valar, for everything you have given me.

As soon as sleep was surrounding me, I felt Legolas stand up and I too stood up.  For some reason, Boromir and Gimli all sprang up at once and stared at the old man.  Gandalf...  You're back.  I heard my mind speak.  I've missed you...  So many things have happened while you were gone.

Aragorn stood up and spoke to the old man, "Well, father, what can we do for you?  Come and be warm, if you are cold!" As soon as Aragorn walked towards him, he disappeared.

"The horses are gone!"  I heard Legolas said, loud enough for all four of us to hear.

The horses seemed to have disappeared into thin air, the cold wind blew at us and I can barely hold the urge to stop myself from smiling.  Everything was happening like it should.  Gandalf has shown up and 'stole' the horses.  The only thing was finding traces of Pippin and Merry, but that might come later, for I cannot remember.

I felt Legolas' hand on my shoulder and I looked up at his eyes, his eyes had a hint of understanding in them.  I smiled at him, and then winked.  Silence settled uncomfortably for another few moments before Aragorn spoke up.

"Well, they are gone," he said at last.  "We cannot find them or catch them; so that if they do not return of their own will, we must do without.  We started on our feet, and we have those still."
"Feet!" said Gimli.  "But we cannot eat them as well as walk on them."  He threw some fuel on the fire and slumped down beside it.

"Only a few hours ago you were unwilling to sit on a horse of Rohan," laughed Legolas.  We all laughed at that and the happy atmosphere was back.

Everyone settled back down in their own place before I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at the two men and dwarf.  "Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli?"  I asked sweetly.  They turned around, eyes wide, "And what, may I ask, were the three of you doing up awake so aware of your surroundings?  Were you not suppose to rest and let me take first watch?"

Boromir gulped, "Well seeing you were..." Aragorn elbowed him in the stomach lightly.  "I mean, we were just worried about you, that's all."  Aragorn seemed to agree with that statement and left him in peace.

"Oh?"  I said calmly, raising my eyebrow, "So you did not trust me for a watch."  I looked at Aragorn, "And you obviously did not trust me either."

Aragorn stuttered, "No!  I was...  thinking!"  I raised my eyebrow, and then looked at Gimli.

Gimli looked blank and uttered something inaudible under his breath, and said loudly, "I'm going to bed!  Wake me up when it's my watch."  Boromir and Aragorn seemed to think that was a good idea and immediately closed their eyes and slept.  Or at least they pretended to.

I looked back at Legolas who was grinning from ear to ear, "And what, may I ask, were you doing awake?"

He smiled, "Kissing you."  Laughing quietly, I sat down and pulled him down along with me.  "So..." His gaze was on where the horses were.

I grinned, "Oh yeah.  That was definitely him."  I said to Legolas quietly and once again, winked.

* * * * *

I shivered as I sat by the fire and tried to warm myself.  The morning was very cold; every breath we took burned our lungs.  I sat as I watched the three of them argue about the evil phantom of Saruman while I leaned my head on Legolas' shoulder, our hands linked together.

The sky brightened up little by little as the sun rose and its beautiful sunlight blinded me every second I wanted to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sun.  I sighed quietly in peace, then stood up and started packing up.

"We should look for the two hobbits now.  Let us search everywhere.  If we find nothing between here and the eaves of the wood, then we will make a last search upon the battlefield and among the ashes.  But there is little hope there: the horsemen of Rohan did their work too well.

For a long time we searched, all five of us desperately, hoping to find any traces of the hobbits.  We were searching the battlefield and it was then Aragorn spoke up, "Here at last we find news!"  He crouched down, "A hobbit lay here...  And the other."  He lay down on the floor, "They crawled...  their hands were bound.  Their bonds were cut!"  He said a bit farther ahead and stood up, "They ran over here...  they were followed.  The tracks lead away from the battle, and into Fangorn forest.

I felt my lips twitch up to form a smile.  So Pippin and Merry weren't dead yet.  And if they weren't dead yet...  it means they will not be.  We entered the eerily quiet forest.  Gimli saw some blood on the leaf and tasted it, "Orc blood!"  I wrinkled my nose, disgusted at the fact that he had just tasted blood.  Not to mention Orc blood.  Nastiness.

"There are strange tracks."  Aragorn muttered.

I walked beside Boromir as Legolas stood ahead of me and Boromir patted my head softly.  "Do not be afraid."

I frowned at him, "Who said I was?"

Boromir smiled amusedly, "Your hands."

I looked down at my hands, who were now currently playing with my shirt due to fright.  I growled, "Oh shut up."

"The air is so close in here."  Gimli said, holding up his axe, prepared for anything that was about to happen to the Fellowship.

Legolas looked around, as if listening to the trees.  I have no doubt he was, actually.  "This forest is old, very old.  Full or memory.  And anger.  The trees are speaking to each other."  He said, touching on tree.

Boromir walked a little ahead of me towards Gimli and pressed his axe down, "Lower your axe.  The trees."  He said.

"Something is out there."  Legolas narrowed his eyes.

"What do you see?"  Aragorn asked.

I saw Legolas' mouth twitch, trying to hold in his smile, "The white wizard approaches."

"Do not let him speak, he will put a spell on us.  We must be quick."  Aragorn said.  I drew my sword along with Boromir and Aragorn, Legolas got his bow ready and Gimli holding up his axe.  We readied to attack and when we did, our weapons disappeared from our hands and landed at Gandalf's feet.

"You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits."  He stated.

Aragorn grew interested, "Where are they?"

"They passed this way, the day before yesterday.  They met someone they did not expect...  Does that comfort you?"  He asked.

"Who are you?  Show yourself!"  Aragorn said.  Gandalf stepped into the light, "It cannot be...  you fell..."

"Through fire, and water.  On the lowest dungeon on the highest peak I fought the Balrog.  Until at last I threw down my enemy and smelt his ruin on the mountainside.  Darkness took me, and I strayed out of thought and time.  Stars wield over and every day was as long as a life age on the earth.  But it was not the end, I felt life in me again.  I've been sent back until my task is done.

"Gandalf..." Muttered Boromir.

"Gandalf?  Yes...  that was what they used to call me.  Gandalf the Grey.  That was my name."

"Gandalf."  Gimli stated.

Gandalf looked up at us, "I am Gandalf the White, and I come back to you now at the turn of the tide.  One stage of your journey is over, another begins.  War has come to Rohan, we must ride to Edoras with all speed."  Then we started walking out the forest and Gandalf called his horse.

As we got out the forest, we were met with four horses, one I have no yet seen, but was the most beautiful of all.  Legolas looked at the horse in awe, "That is one of the Meras, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell."

Gandalf walked proudly towards the horse, "Shadowfax, who's the lord of all horses, and has been my friend through many dangers."

I got Legolas to help me mount the horse and he then mounted and I turned my head around to smile at him.  "I told you."

He too smiled, "And you were quite right."

Then, we began our journey to Edoras...

* * * * *

Kyma – SIX times now?  Holy crap.  I'm envious.  Thanks a lot, as usual ^^

Hana – Lol, I loved that quote too.  I quoted that the second time I watched the movie and my brother's girlfriend looked at me as if I was crazy.  Johnny Depp is EXTREMELY cool in Pirates of the Caribbean, lol.  Yeah, Éomer should have recognized it, but god knows what was wrong with my head when I wrote that chapter.  And I took up your suggestion; I haven't quoted the book except for a few short lines.  Hope you're happy with that!  Thanks!

kaio – Thanks a lot!  Well, I wonder sometimes too...  *grins*

merrylyn – I hate running.  I absolutely...  despise... running.  I have asthma too.  Lol, if Legolas was running, I'd try as hard to run as I can.  But yeah, Gimli looked pretty tired in the movie, lol.  Well, I wouldn't want to accidentally twist my ankle, cause that really hurts, lol.  Yeah, agreed.  If I had one kiss on the forehead from Legolas, for the first time in my life, I might actually go hyper.  (I've never been hyper in my life.  Weird eh?)  Drool in her sleep? *blinks*  That's gotta be so embarrassing for her, lol.  Anyhow, I hope the romance is enough for you...  There won't be that much romance in this story...  I'm pretty sure there's a lot more romance in the sequel, but anyhow, I hope that's enough for you!  *hugz*  and the popcorn getting soggy is just...  Nasty =\ lol.  But I won't blame you, I was drool all 146 minutes, lol...

Eevee Goddess Of Light – Thanks!  Well, I don't really mind as long as you review so I know you're reading ^^ Anyhow, thanks a lot!  See you later!

Morgause Nokami – Lol.  Thanks a bunch!  Ja!

Mellon – Thanks a lot!

Stary Night – I think that chapter might've taken me the longest.  I'm not sure though, but anyhow, this chapter doesn't have as much quotes from the book.  And yes, it's lambas instead of lamba.  Typo .  Anyhow, thanks a lot!

Youko Demon – lol, all right.  Thanks a lot! :)

julz – Thanks!  And yes, it is nearing the end, probably no more than seven chapters...  But it might be more and less, depending on my mood how to write.  Sometimes the scenes are short, sometimes I make them long, so I really have no idea.  Then there's the epilogue and the sequel ^^ There's definitely a sequel, or I'll kill myself, and no joke, lol.

Karone Evertree – Lol, I can't wait until the movie comes out on DVD either.  I'm going to watch and drool over Legolas again, haha.  Anyhow, thanks!

DrowningSin32 – Thanks a lot!  I want to see POTC again.  Lol, legomance are sooo good ^^ Anyhow, see you this chapter when you read it!  Ja!

AgentBloom – Thanks a lot!  It will be 2-3 days... unless I have urgent business.

Siren – lol, that was kinda mean of Éomer, I'd have to agree.  That was certainly... interesting how you flame torched those Riders or Rohan...  *Sweatdrops*

Eryn – Thanks a lot!  You're on the list now, so I'll send you an email!

Tap-dancing Hobbit – Heyo!  I don't really know why I did put all those quotes, but I think it was cause I didn't want myself to write the wrong stuff, I happen to do that sometimes.  There's romance here now, so it's not at all lost!  So I hope you liked the chapter!  And this one!  Thanks!

SistineChap – Thanks a bunch!

Gilimirin – I hate running, lol.  But thanks a lot!  I don't know what I'm going to him either...  Anyhow, thanks again!

The Hobbit Ivy – Thanks a lot!  As for where I find all the elvish, just go to google.com and type 'Elvish'.  There should be a few dozens of sites...  Maybe more than that.  Thanks for all the compliments; they have officially made my day.  As in 'molded' Boromir's personality, I'm proud I kept Boromir alive, since a lot of the people are happy I did.  Hopefully, I will get more of his personality since this story is like based around Legolas and Jessica, but I will try...  Won't promise though...  *sighs* It's so hard portraying Boromir and Gimli sometimes though.  Thanks again!  Yeah, I have to check my chapters, but I'm too lazy sometimes .

littlesaiyangirl – Heyo!  Thanks, and yeah, I have an extremely foul mouth when I am pissed.  Anyhow, hope you like this again!

Light Dragon – Thanks again.  I have given hints as to what will happen, but they might change, I don't know...  Hope you like this chapter!

lex – Thanks!  Anyhow, yes, things can turn out differently, but I don't know if I'm going to do that.  The only thing I've changed is Boromir's death.  But I hope you like this chapter!

yuhi – Thanks!  I've read your fic and left a review!  Anyhow, see you soon!

~k~ - Hey!  Thanks, boring in the beginning, I'd have to admit.  But I hope you like this better!

Lady-Star – Hey!  Lol, everyone has a lazy ass sometimes.  My ass got so lazy I stopped writing this for a few months!  Anyhow, hope you like this.  And thanks!  And Jessica is also a lazy ass, lol.

Roseblade22 – Oh my god!  I remember you!  Lol, how can I not?  Haha, you're the one who made Legolas and Haldir give me kisses.  *kisses Legolas and Haldir too*  *winks back at Jack*  Lol, Will's so cute.  And...  Jack, I won't watch Sex in the City with you *sweatdrops* Thanks a lot, by the way, I absolutely LOVED Pirates of the Caribbean cause Jack was so entertaining and cool, and Will was... *ahem* very hot.  And aww, Legolas is being such a sweetie.  *hugs Legolas*

And nope, I didn't kill Boromir!  Lol, I guess I would jump into Legolas' arms too, haha.  *blows a kiss to Legolas* Jack?  Yes, I'm proud of myself for seeing the movie, I might even see it once again.  And yes, that part was extremely funny *laughs*  *sends Haldir kisses too* Lol, Will's so shy, eh?

Lol, darnit that Jessica knows about Gandalf coming back.  But I hope this is good enough for you!  Aww...  *hugs Will* *and Legolas...* *and Haldir...* *And Jack...* lol.  Anyhow, thanks a bunch for all the kisses, lol.  And thanks for the review!  *waves to all five of you*

Amaya Nyte Rayne – Whoa, 18 chapter?  *blinks*  That's quite a lot.  But anyhow, I hope you like this chapter!  See you soon!

Alina – Thanks!  I'm glad I didn't kill of Boromir either.  Aww, that sucks.  But you HAVE to see POTC because it's the BEST movie...  Well, not BEST.  But it's best cause Orlando Bloom's in there.  Anyhow, I won't kill Haldir off.  That's for sure.  Thanks!

Smiley Face – Thanks!  Anyhow, I hope you like this chapter!

Yami Dragoness – Thanks a lot!  Hope you like this chapter!

Author's Notes: So the Fellowship has finally met Gandalf again!  I got another 31 reviews and dang proud of it!  Thanks for all the support you've shown me.  Thank you for the old readers for coming back and being such patient readers!  Suggestions, comments or ideas are once again welcomed.  If you wish to be on my mailing list, email me or leave your email in your review and I shall do that as soon as possible!

Later all!  Love you all too! *hugs and kisses*

-Crystal

Saturday, July 26, 2003