Chapter 22

By Crystal

Author's Notes: As usual, I thank all of you for the support and it's the chapter with the most reviews so far!  Woohoo!  Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last.  Happy Readings!  And this is the summary of my new story, tell me what you think about it.  Thanks!  It's called 'Instinct of the Heart'.  If I think of a better title, I'll change it.  And if you have any ideas or suggestions for a new title, I'm open to all of that!  Thanks!

A girl lacking self-esteem and socializing skills falls into Middle-Earth, more clearly, Mirkwood.  Refusing to stay without work, she makes a deal with King Thranduil and ends up being the Prince's fiancée's servant.  Merenwen Inglorion is a gorgeous elf, one that is beautiful, kind and witty.  How will a mere human, a lowly human compare herself to such beauty?  And what will happen when she falls for Merenwen's fiancé, Prince Legolas of the Northern Mirkwood?

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

I glanced at Legolas as his eyes were on mine.  Then together, at the same time, we uttered quietly the same word, surprising the other three in the room.  "Aragorn."

That seemed to have stopped us from standing there like a statue because Gimli suddenly stood up and raced out the room, leaving the four of us dumbfounded.  My eyes widened for a second before I realized what was happening, "Gimli!  Wait up!"

I heard Boromir and Éowyn's footsteps behind me and I knew Legolas was right beside me, just as excited as I was.  I ran up as fast as I could, all the way listening to Gimli's booming loud voice shouting out his thoughts and as we reached the gate of the fortress, I heard Gimli growl, "Where is he?  Where is he?!  Get out of my way!  I'm going to kill him!  You are the luckiest, the cunningest, and most reckless man I ever knew!"  As I saw him embrace Aragorn and back away after a short moment, "Bless you, laddie!"

Knowing Gimli was out of harm's way, I ran towards Aragorn and gave him the biggest hug ever, "You big, fat, ugly git!  You scared me so much you little piece of crap!"

I heard him wheeze out a few words, "You...  Are...  Killing me!"

I pulled away and stuck my tongue out, "Serves you right, Aragorn.  You just had to fall off the cliff and make everyone worry!"  I almost yelled, "You made me cry!"  I faked a sniff, then frowned.  "Aragorn..." He raised his eyebrow.  "You stink."

He chuckled, "Why thank you, Lady Jessica."  Then he looked at Gimli, "Gimli, where is the King?"

Feeling a presence behind me, I immediately went on the side and met with Legolas' bright smile.  "Lle abdollen."  (You're late.)  Then eyed him up and down and grinned, "You look terrible."

Aragorn laughed and put his hand on Legolas' shoulder, "I am aware of that, after all, your Lady has just reminded me that."

Legolas raised his eyebrow and eyed me.  I huffed, "Oh, so I am his Lady now."

"You did not seem like you minded at all whenever he embraced you and kissed you."  I heard a voice say, making chuckles all around me.

I turned around and growled, "Boromir!"  I whined, "stop it with the Legolas kissing jokes."

"Ah, so it is not the first time, is it?"  Gimli asked, amusement shining in his eyes.

Éowyn smiled as she heard my annoyed growling, "As a matter of fact, no.  It has not been the first time," I said, glaring at Boromir, although all of it was an act.  I was not angry at all.  Embarrassed would have been a better word to describe what I felt right now.  "He has been bugging me about it ever since at Edoras after he asked me about..." An idea suddenly came into my mind and I felt my lips twitch upwards.

Boromir's eyes narrowed, "I swear I am hearing the wheels in that woman's head turn."

I smirked smugly, "Oh, no worries there Boromir.  You are hearing the wheels turning."  My smirk got even wider, if possible, when I saw a hint of fear in them.  Then in a low voice, I added, "be afraid...  Be very afraid."

At that moment, I heard Legolas chuckle and I turned around to see him talking with Aragorn, giving him back the Evenstar.  I smiled at the sight, but I felt sadness flow through my veins, I tasted bitterness on my lips.  I looked at the elf longingly, knowing I could never have him.  I didn't have time.  I sighed softly and turned around without a single word.  I walked away from the gate.  The trick on Boromir was long forgotten as soon as I laid my eyes on the Evenstar...

I heard them call my name, although I pretended I didn't hear them at all and walked slowly up the stairs towards the walls where Legolas and I had once stood an hour or so earlier.  I looked at the plains, soon to be stepped on by the foul smelling Orcs...  Soon to be stained with crimson liquid, soon to be crushed by heavy corpses.

The smell of metal would be hanging in the air, the smell of sweat and fear...The smell of war, the smell of death.  The place where I was standing was soon to be littered by thousand of bodies, all bloodied and bruised; their clothes tattered and stained, their eyes lifeless and their mouths hanging open.  Their bodies would be twisted in weird angles, ones that would be painful to even think about.

The sky would be dark, the sky would cry...  Within hours, the peaceful plains would all change into something so different and disgusting.  Within hours...  Everything would be changed.  From the fate of the humans to the fate of the Fellowship, everything would change within this night.

Why was fate so cruel?  Why would the innocent have to suffer?  Why did that son of a bitch Sauron want the fucking ring?  Just for the fucking power, he would see this beautiful world destroyed.  He would see it destroyed without a single care in the world.  How could something this...  beautiful and enchanting be destroyed shamelessly?  Why would anyone in their right minds want to destroy this?

Simple, Sauron's head was fucked.

I snorted.  True.  But...  I looked around at the men secured the gates with bars.  I watched as the women were pushed inside, knowing they were going to be trapped in caves, forbidden to help the men.  I watched as Boromir talked with Éowyn, knowing sooner or later, she too, would be pushed into the caves.  I watched as Aragorn talked with Théoden with Legolas behind him, listening to the conversation with attention.  Gimli stood beside Legolas as he listened to Théoden too.  Suddenly, I saw Legolas' eyes flicker over and his eyes narrow slightly.  It was then I noticed tears on my cheeks.

I turned around, ignoring the look of concern on his face.  I watched as the wind made the grass dance softly and I watched as the sun made the world shine with beauty.  Smiling sadly, I whispered, "Namaarie, Ened-Arda..."  (Farewell, Middle-Earth...)

Knowing Éowyn would not return to the room anytime soon, I locked the door and took out a few parchments, a bottle of ink and a quill.  I did not know what to think anymore...  The things in Lady Galadriel's Mirror, or the things I want.  No matter what, I would leave something...  Something to make them know it wasn't their fault if I died.  I bit my lips as I saw my hand shaking as I tried to write.

I tried to remember everyone I have ever met in the world and I smiled softly.

* * * * *

Boromir,

You are the first I have met in Middle-Earth and I thank you for saving me.  I thank you, because if you had not saved me, I would not have been here right now, teasing with you, joking around, having the time of my life.  If you had not saved me, I would not have found someone that loved me like Legolas did.  I thought that to be impossible once, but I knew it was not.

I guess this shall be a farewell.  That is, if I do not return.  Perhaps by the time you pick this up, I am already bloodied, tattered, bruised...Nothing but a bloodied corpse.  Perhaps I will not die, and if I do not, then you shall never find this, nor will anyone else.  I write this to you, because I want to tell you, dead or alive, I shall never forget the friendship we shared.  From the snow mountain, to the caves...  From Lothlórien to Edoras, I shall never forget you.

Enjoy what you have and I wish you the best of luck with Éowyn.  I am sure she will make a fine wife, what do you say?  Take care of her though, because if I find out you haven't been taking care of her, I will come back from the dead and haunt you forever.  She is my dear friend, so you better watch out.  Anyhow, see you then.  By the way, you are like a brother to me...  I hope you will think of me as a sister.  Last thing, I hope you take care of Legolas for me...  Thank you.

Love,

Jessica Hanson.

* * * * *

I sniffed, wiping a tear with the back of my hands and growled.  First letter and I was already like this.  I had a few dozen more letters to go!

* * * * *

Frodo, Pippin, Merry, and Sam,

I have never gotten to know the four of you well, although I wish I had now.  I regret not getting to know the four of you as well as the others did and I wish you forgive me.  Know that you always will have a place in my heart as my four younger brothers, although the four of you are all older than me.

Frodo, you are one of the bravest people I know.  Good luck on the quest.

Jessica.

* * * * *

Gandalf,

To be truthful, I am slightly annoyed that you have not told me when you left, but I guess you either have your reasons or not enough time.  But anyhow, I wish you good luck, whatever.  I have followed my heart and it brings me here so far.  I guess this is where it all ends, isn't it?

If this is my fate, I will not lie and say I am happy with it, but I will tell you I am satisfied.  Finding the love of my life, I must admit I never thought of it to be an elf, least of all Legolas.  Well, see you.  I might see you again, I might not.  I hope you remember me and don't forget me, although if you do, I shall not be surprised.  After all, I am quite a trouble-maker.

Jessica.

* * * * *

Gimli,

Ai' atar (Little Father)...  If you do not know what it means, ask Legolas.  I am sure he will tell you what it means, and I have to tell you, it is what you are to me.  You have been kind and understanding.  You have cheered me up and made me laugh when I was down, you have done everything a good friend could do.

The only regret I have is not staying with you long enough and not being able to visit your cousin.  Maybe we will meet again, maybe not.  Although I want to tell you, whatever happens, you will always be my Ai' atar.  No one will take that little spot in my heart saved especially for you.

I wish you good luck with Lady Galadriel, although she is married and is an elf.

My last wish is for you to take care of Legolas for me.  I know a friendship has been bonded between the two of you, no matter how rare it is for an elf and a dwarf.  Do me this favor and I will die a happy girl.  Thank you.

With love,

Jessica.

* * * * *

Aragorn,

What I said when you fell off the cliff still stands, although you probably did not hear a word of it.  You were the greatest man I know and you still are.  You are the brother I never had and I wish I had more time to get to know you, even now.

You and Arwen are a great match and I believe she will not sail into the undying lands and leave you here alone to fight.  She will come back to you sooner or later, whether you believe me or not.  You two are a match and I wish you the best luck.  It is a shame I never had that chance with Legolas...  Do not think you are not worthy of her...  Love knows no races.  If you love her, then do not hesitate.  Some people are not as lucky as you are...  You have a chance, Aragorn.  Take it.

I wish you two the best luck together as a married couple.

One last wish for me is for you to take care of Legolas.  What will happen after my death, I do not know.  Whether he will grieve for me or not, I wish for you to look after him.  If he does grieve for me, tell him not to.  It was my choice to join the Fellowship; it is my fate to depart from it.  Please, take care of him for me.  For that, I will be forever grateful. 

Farewell, Lord Aragorn.

Jessica.

* * * * *

Éowyn,

Although I have not known you for long, I have bonded a friendship with you quickly and I cherish that friendship greatly.  I wish you good luck with Boromir and I hope I had not meddled in your affairs.

I hope you like him as much as he likes you, perhaps loves you...  But I can tell you this.  He adores you.

It was unfortunate of us to meet under these circumstances and I wish we were to meet under different ones, but it was not to be.  It was also unfortunate that we had not gotten to know each other too well...  But I guess that has to stay.  The last thing I want to say, which was also the first thing I said in this letter, I thank you for the friendship you have allowed me to have with you.  Thank you and farewell.

Your friend,

Jessica.

* * * * *

Haldir,

This will be a short letter, although I hope you do not mind.

I knew this was to happen the second I looked into Lady Galadriel's Mirror.  Do not blame yourself for anything.  Fate is cruel, I know.  But fate has nothing to do with you.  You were not the one who made it, nor were you the one to make this happen.  Take care of Legolas for me, although I am sure you will not be the only one doing so, since I have asked almost everyone I know to do that.  I wish you luck in life and I shall see you.

Aa' lasser en lle coia orn n'omenta gurtha. (May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown).

See you,

Jessica.

* * * * *

Legolas,

Melamin...  Do not grieve for me...  I love you, really.  I want to tell you how much I have enjoyed my five months with you and the rest of the Fellowship.  I wish I had more time with you, I wish I had known you better, I wish I had spent more of my time embracing and kissing you, although it was not meant to be.

Do not be sad about my death...  Promise me to protect the rest of the Fellowship and destroy the Ring.  Promise me you will move on, find your own she-elf or mortal and marry, have the world's most beautiful children...

I do not know what to say, to be truthful.  I have thought about so much, but now that I am writing to you, I do not know what to say anymore.  There is just so much pain...  But love comes with a price.  Where there is love, there is pain.  I thought that sentence to be stupid at first, when I first knew you.  But when that incident with Merry and Pippin happened, I finally knew what it was to be in pain.  There is pain in every relationship.  Arwen and Aragorn's.  Although I have not known Arwen well, I know the pain they feel.  Perhaps it's worst than the one I am feeling...

Fate is cruel...  Fate is horrifyingly cruel.

Do not blame Haldir for what is about to happen.  I have seen it in the Mirror of Lady Galadriel and if I do not do this, some things will happen sooner or later.  I choose this path.  I choose to follow the Fellowship into danger, I choose to save Boromir and I choose to risk my life.  I choose to risk my life to join the war, and no one can stop me.

There is a saying in my world...  'True love is like a ghost; everyone talks of it, few have seen it.'  I believe I have seen that love shining in your eyes and I have felt the love radiating from your actions.  For that, I am truly thankful...  I have been one of the rare ones to see true love.  Thank you for all the things you have given me...  And I am sorry.  Sorry I had to enter your heart and leave it so suddenly, so sorry I have to cause you pain.

Know that whatever happens, I will be watching over you...

Love will always find a way if it was meant to be.  I love you so much it hurts, but it is well worth it.

Tarenamin, cormamin niuve tenna'...  ta elea lle au'...  Amin mela lle, Legolas...  Ten'oio.  (My Prince, my heart shall weep...  until it sees thee again...  I love you, Legolas...  Forever.)

Tenna' lye omenta au', melamin...  (Until we meet again, my love...)

Namaarie, mela en' coiamin.  (Farewell, love of my life.)

Jessica.

Thank you for everything.

* * * * *

I felt the familiar feel of tears rolling down my cheek and instead of wiping them away; I let them drip on my letter.  It smudged the ink, but I knew it was still readable.  Sighing shakily, I folded the letters nicely and put them right under where my pillow was.

Sitting down on the floor, I took the rose out and fingered it gently until I knew how every single silky petal felt like and I smiled softly.  Fate was cruel, so what?  I was going to live the rest of my time with happiness.  I reread the note he gave me and giggled softly at the 'ever charming Prince Legolas'.  Smiling now, I laid the rose my pillow softly, also my journal.  I had nothing to hide from him, nor did I want to hide anything more.  To love someone is to trust them with everything you had.

I fixed my hair again and walked towards the door and turned around when I was about to turn the doorknob.  I smiled as I glanced around the room, satisfied about the appearance.

I opened the door, only to be met with Legolas' chest.

* * * * *

FRIENDOFLEGOLAS – Thanks for all the reviews!  I appreciate it so much!  Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed it and I'll see you soon!

Mellon – Heyo!  Of course I didn't kill of Aragorn!  Lol.  Anyhow, I'll see you soon!  Later!

MaverickGirl – Hey, thanks!  It's kinda nice how the Fellowship is like a whole family thing.  I've always seen them this way.  Anyhow, hope you enjoyed this chapter too!

Kyma – lol, you wonder too, eh?  I still don't know if I'm killing her off, although I have a really good ending...  I think.  Might get slaughtered though *winks* Anyways, Faramir's alone!  Whaaa!  You want him?  I'll sell him to you for...  I dunno.  Lol.  Anyhow, see you later!

Siren – Heyo!  I know, ff.net put a '14' at the end of my name.  Poor Elrond has no eyebrows...  *sniggers*  *coughs* I mean...  Poor Lord Elrond.  Anyhow, see you later!

The Hobbit Ivy – Hey!  Thanks a lot, I love angst, lol.

Hanya the Bloody Angel – Yep, I figured you were Hana.  Anyhow, ff.net was being an annoying $#@&.  Gimli IS pretty infatuated with Galadriel, so he's okay, haha.  But then again, Aragorn doesn't have Arwen right now.  There's the lovely reunion with angst on the side, well, more like the reunion on the side .;;  But I love angst!  And yes, the story is ending in 1-3 chapters, then the epilogue.  Then there's a sequel!  And the summary is at the top of the chapter, if you want to know.  Hope you enjoyed this!

DrowningSin32 – Hey!  Thanks a lot.  Smexxy, sexiful?!  Lol, great descriptions.  If I weren't so shy, I would've shouted that out too *blushes* lol.  Anyhow, I hope you like this lots, and I'll check out that site of yours soon, as soon as I'm done this.

Birdwell Island Tribune – Hey!  Yes, I think I have to recheck the chapters over, but I've been a lazy arse, like usual.  Anyhow, I'm glad you like this story!  I hope you like this chapter as much as you liked the previous ones...  And Orlando Bloom is younger than you?!  Eh, he's way too old for me, lol.  But anyhow, yes, as Vash would say, "Lovu anda Peace!" (he has weird English accents, as a Japanese.)

DevilWench – Hey!  Thanks!

Youko Demon – Lol, I don't use my brain much either.  Anyhow, yes, I get random songs stuck in my head sometimes.  Lol...  *catches Youko Demon fainting and sends him off with Legolas or Haldir*  Whichever one you prefer, really.

merrylyn – Yep, your angst review inspired the last chapter.  Anyhow, I love angst, lol.  Angst in here too, although it might not be as much as the last chapter.  More romance coming up the next chapter, I would hope.  Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as the last one, and yes, Haldir is yummy, lol.  Not as yummy is Legolas though ..  I'll see you soon...  And yes, I didn't like how Peter Jackson killed him off, but ah well, more angst for me.  See you later!  And yes, I will enjoy my vacation, although I will have time to write them since my friend MIGHT have work.  See you!

lex – Of course he lives!  Anyhow, thanks a lot!  Hope you like this chapter!

Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf – Hey!  It definitely isn't an original idea.  But I thank you for all the compliments!  Thanks!

MorgauseNokami – Thanks!

Lady Galadriel – Thanks thanks!  And yes, I do have to get someone for Gimli, but then again, he thinks Galadriel is the fairest, does he not?  *grins*

Smiley Face – Yep, yep, Aragorn's back.  Thanks!

Karone Evertree – Heyo!  *hugs and hands Karone Evertree some tissue*  Sowwie I made you cry, but I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

Tap-dancing Hobbit – Thanks!  Well, the summary for the other story is at the top.  I loved the angst and rushed?  *blinks*  Well, if you know why, please tell me so I don't rush my stuff to much, thanks a lot!  And yes, I will have fun!

gangsta's brat – Hey!  Thanks!  Anyways, see you!

LalaithoftheBruinen – Thanks!  Hugs and Bunnies?  Hugs and Elves!

Anaka Greenleaf – Hey!  Thanks a lot!  The summary of the other story is at the top, so I hope you enjoy that.  And if you need help on anything, just email me!  I'll be glad to help!

Lady-Star – Hey! Thanks a lot, of course I won't kill Aragorn.  It'll definitely screw up everything if I did.  But anyhow, I would choose Will Turner cause he's hotter...  And for the second answer, Legolas Greenleaf because he is an elf...  Plus, Orlando Bloom looks hotter with a blond wig, lol .  See you later!

alatariel anwarunya – Hi!  Well, not all authors answer back, but I like to do that, just to get to know my reviews and see what they like.  Welcome to ff.net where the site always crashes and screws up, lol.  But anyhow, thanks for reading!  And definitely a Bloom fan, lol.

elfluvr777 – Hey!  Thanks a bunch!

Eevee Goddess Of Light – Thanks a lot.  Well, lol, it's usually the same thing you say in reviews.  I do that all the time, it gets boring typing the same thing over and over again, but then, if you don't do that, the author doesn't know you enjoy the work, so you end up saying the same thing to the author every time they post a new chapter...  I feel for ya, lol.  Anyhow, thanks!

Author's Notes: Most reviews I've gotten for one chapter!  40 reviews!  By the way, supports, reviews, compliments, ideas, suggestions (even for the summary of my new story [summary at the top of page]) are welcomed!  If you want to be on the mailing list, just ask me to add you on and I will!  Anyhow, see you all later and I'm sorry for some of the short replies to review, but it's currenly 1:40 in the morning and I have to go to work tomorrow morning so I'm trying to finish this as soon as possible.  I will recheck the stuff tomorrow when I get back home.

Once again, suggestions or ideas welcomed for my new story, 'Instinct of the Heart'.  See you all next chapter!

-Crystal Snowflakes

Friday, August 08, 2003