Chapter 25
By Crystal
Author's Notes: Thank you Birdwell Island Tribune for the idea of the song '30 Minutes'. Haha, I fell in love with the song ^^
*We all know who this belongs to... ^^;;*
I felt Legolas' fingers slip between mine, but I gave it no thought as I rushed onwards to the gates. I had not notice it was dark already until I stepped out.
"Send for the King. Open the gates!" I heard a soldier shout and I felt my smile widen even more. Finally, the two of us stood at the top of the stairs looking down. As the gates opened, a huge amount of Elves marched in their rows, all together and my jaw would have dropped if not for all the people around me.
King Théoden walked down the stairs, even in awe himself as he looked around, "How is this possible?"
Haldir smiled, "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men." He paused, his eyes looking around, "Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance."
A grin formed on my face as I watched Aragorn and Legolas rush down the stairs, followed by Gimli and Boromir. I walked down the stairs softly, making myself look important even if I was not.
"Mae govannen, Haldir!" Aragorn welcomed Haldir as he embraced him. Haldir's eyes widened slightly and returned the embrace awkwardly. "You are most welcome." Aragorn said. I can picture his eyes shining with hope once more.
Legolas went and embraced Haldir as the whole army of Elves turned around and lowered their bows and shields. Not a word was shared between the two Elves... It seemed that eye contact itself was enough to understand each other.
Finally, Gimli muttered a greeting to Haldir, which Haldir replied just as civilly.
Boromir gave a welcoming nod to Haldir and he received one in return.
Finally, I reached the bottom step and looked at Haldir straight into his eyes. I smiled and spoke, "Welcome, Haldir of Lórien, the Captain of the Elves."
Then he did something extremely surprising that had shocked all Men, all Elves and one single Dwarf speechless. He wrapped his arms around me and swung in around and put me down after a few circles. I laughed, "Jessica, long time no see." He smiled.
"Oh Valar, I have missed you, Haldir." I grinned as I hugged him. "It seems like an eternity since I have seen you, yet it has been less than a month."
"I have missed you too, Jessica." He said loudly, and then lowered his voice, "So how is it coming along with the Prince of Mirkwood."
I felt my eyes widen and my cheeks heat up and it was at that moment I heard a familiar snicker, "Boromir!" I yelled again, growling. His snicker was soon joined in by Aragorn and Haldir's chuckling, Gimli's booming laughter and Legolas trying to act like he had not heard a word, but he was clearly amused.
As the laughter died down, Haldir became cold and composed once again as he looked at King Théoden, "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more."
* * * * *
Men were already at their positions, except Haldir and the rest of the Fellowship. I frowned as I caught a glint of something in Legolas' eyes I could not identify. He kept looking at me and every time I looked at him, he looked away.
"Gimli, do you know what is wrong with Legolas?" I asked, worried for him.
He looked uncomfortable, "There is nothing for you to worry about, lass." He said and I frowned at him, unconvinced.
A boy dressed in armor walked up to us suddenly, "King Théoden says the Orcs are an hour away from here. Everyone is in positions."
Aragorn nodded, "Thank you." After the boy left, he glanced at Boromir, Legolas and Gimli. They all looked uncomfortable. Haldir looked confused. Aragorn spoke, "Jessica."
"Yes?" I said, worried laced into my words. I knew something was up.
"Go get your armor and sword." Boromir said, looking at me.
I frowned and nodded while the five of them followed me. I felt more and more suspicious of them the farther we got away of the other soldiers and soon enough, we were out of eyesight and hearing range anyone, "What are you all up to?" I asked.
I felt Legolas' arm around my waist tightly and I looked up at him worriedly, "I am sorry, please forgive us for what we are about to do." Aragorn said with his head bowed down.
"What are all talking about? You're scaring me..." I said, gulping.
Aragorn and Boromir left and Gimli, muttering a 'sorry' under his breath, pulled the confused Haldir away. "Amin hiraetha..." (Forgive me...) Legolas muttered.
My eyes widened as I felt my feet leave the floor as he carried both my legs and I, I wrapped my arms around his neck in sudden fear, "What the heck are you doing, Legoals?! Put me down! This instant!"
"Amin hiraetha." He muttered again, "I cannot bare to see you hurt."
My eyes widened as reality came, "You are locking me in the caves with the women and children." I said disbelievingly.
"Uma." (Yes.)
"NO!" I yelled, "You cannot do that, Legolas!" I struggled as I tried to be free of his arms, "You do not understand, Legolas! You do not understand why I choose to fight, just leave me be!" I yelled again.
He looked at me, tiredly, "You are right I do not know why you want to fight." He stopped walking, "It is too dangerous for you. Aragorn, Gimli and Boromir all agreed on this. It is too much of a risk. You have only had five months of training and it is not enough. You are a woman, Orcs think you are a weakness and they will go after you. I have my own share of fighting to do and I cannot always take care and protect you, Jessica."
"Five months of training!" I glared at him, "It is more than most of those children standing at the walls. It is more than those farmers holding bows! I am a woman, but I am no weakness, Legolas. You of all people should know. I am not waiting for you to protect me, Legolas. Do you understand? I am not waiting for you to protect me nor do I want you to." I said, calming down. After all, he was doing this for my own good. "I am fighting, whether anyone likes it or not. I will find a way out of the caves if you lock me in, Legolas. I am taking a big risk to go fight, but I am willing to risk my life."
"I love you too much to let you go, Jessica."
I felt a tear fall down, "And I love you too much to leave you and worry you by going fighting, but you must understand... I must do this." I said quietly, "I must... If I do not, the guilt will forever be on my mind, do you understand? I do not want to feel guilt for the rest of my life."
"Ignore what you have seen in the mirror of Lady Galadriel then!" Legolas said harshly, "Have you not saved enough people? You have saved Boromir already... It is enough, Jessica."
"No it is not...
If I cannot save him, then the guilt will kill me slowly," I looked up
at Legolas, my eyes filled with sorrow and sadness that shone in his eyes. "I love you, Legolas. Please remember that. I only do this because if it needs to be
done, do you understand? If I had the
choice of not going, I would not go..."
"Then do not go, you have a choice," Legolas insisted.
"I know what is to happen. If I have never seen the mirror, I would be contented not to join in the battle. But I have seen it, and I have seen myself save him. To not save him would be a sin, Legolas... Please, understand this."
He shook his head, "Fate is cruel."
I looked at him, my gaze unwavering, "Fate is cruel." I agreed quietly, although I was determined to go fight. "But his fate is for me to save him tonight." I said bitterly.
"Your fate is to stay in the caves." He said, also determined.
"You still do not understand." I looked at my arms, which were wrapped around Legolas' neck, "If I do not do this, it will eat me. The guilt will eat me."
"Who is so important that his death will have you feel so guilty, Jessica?" He asked softly, his feet picking up pace again.
I hide my face at the crook of his neck, "You do not want to know, Legolas... Please," I begged, "Please put me down."
Finally, he reached the caves and knocked on the already closed doors, "Open up, it is Legolas." The guards opened the door, knowing who Legolas was. "Keep her here, do not let her leave the caves."
"Legolas..." I whimpered, "Don't..."
"Keep her safe." Legolas ordered and brushed his lips against mine, "Saes... Lle varna sii'." (Please... You are safe now.) He said caringly.
"I do not want to be safe... I want to be with you, Haldir, Boromir, Aragorn, Gimli... You do not understand." I said quietly.
Éowyn approached me, "What is it, Legolas, Jessica?" She asked.
I looked at her, "He will not allow me to fight."
"Jessica..." Éowyn said. "I..."
"Even Lady Éowyn agrees with your staying here, Jessica. Why can you not listen?"
Éowyn stepped into my defense, "I did not say anything of the sort, Legolas." She looked at him, eyes locking, "I think it would be her own choice. It is her life, let her be." I knew she did not mean what she has said, for she obviously agreed with Legolas, but knowing I have to save a friend...
"Lady Éowyn..." Legolas said pleadingly.
Éowyn looked at the both of us, "Forgive me, I should not have said my opinion. It is not my business and I have pried. Please forgive me." She said, and then one last glance at me, one that was filled with sadness, she turned around.
"Legolas..."
"No." He said, determined.
"You cannot do this to me!" I growled, "I am my own being, Legolas. You cannot control me."
"This is for your own good. To risk your life saving someone else's life is not worth it." He said quietly.
I bit my lips, I could both give up the argument now and live forever with Haldir's death making me guilty every step of the way in life, or I can just tell him who it is that dies. I stood there looking at him for a few short moments...
30 Minutes – T.A.T.U.
Out of sight, out of mind
Out of time to decide
Do we run? Should I hide
For the rest of my life
Can we fly? Do we stay?
We could lose we could fail
And the more minutes take
To make plans, or mistakes
30 minutes, the blink of the night
30 minutes to alter our lives
30 minutes to make up my mind
30 minutes to finally decide
30 minutes to whisper your name
30 minutes to shelter the blame
30 minutes of bliss, 30 lies
30 minutes to finally decide
Carousels in the sky
That we shape with our eyes
Under shade silhouettes casting
Shapes crying rain
Can we fly do I stay
We could lose, we could fail
Either way, options change
Chances fail, Trains derail.
30 minutes, the blink of the night
30 minutes to alter our lives
30 minutes to make up my mind
30 minutes to finally decide
30 minutes to whisper your name
30 minutes to show her the blame
30 minutes of bliss, 30 lies
30 minutes to finally decide
To decide, to decide to decide to decide...
I took a deep breath, "Legolas..." I looked at him as I whispered his name, my eyes shining with pain, "So you are telling me, it is not worth it to save someone else's life with the risk of you own...?" Then I paused, looking at him, at his intense blue eyes studying my face quietly, I let out a shaky breath, "Even if that person is Haldir of Lórien, the Captain of the Elves?"
* * * * *
Roseblade22 – Yep, I'm not killing Haldir ^^ *gives Legolas kisses* I MIGHT write a story about Jack... *blinks* But I don't know what to write about it, lol. Sowwie! Yes Will, I'll see Moulin Rouge in the near future when I come back from my trip, *hugs* I hope you enjoy this chapter... *Hugs everyone*
Kyma – Lol, well, fine... You like Frodo? *gives Kyma Frodo* Here ya go. Two more updates left! Lol, see you later!
TitanicHobbit – Thanks. Yes there's a sequel... *grins*
DrowningSin32 – Hey! I know, it gets sadder and sadder, I think this one's sad too... And the next one will be the saddest. Maa... You're watching Pirates again?! Argh I hate you, lol... I've seen it twice only! Anyhow, see you later!
Vampiress-Alexiel – Hey! Thanks a lot, I did horrible on my exam, I think. I was shaking like mad .
Birdwell Island Tribune – Hey, thanks a lot! Lol, you were looking for Jessica in the books?! Haha, it's an honor to hear that from you. Battle's going to start next chapter! Hope to see you soon! And yes, Gimli beats Legolas by one... But I might consider changing that *winks* With Haldir and Boromir joining... Possibly Aragorn and Jessica *smiles* By the way, thanks for the song!
MaverickGirl – Thanks a lot, I'll be sure to update soon!
Bluesky – Thanks! *hands you some napkins* Hope you like this chapter too. And yes, I update often, sometimes once every three to four days, sometimes once a day. Thanks again!
Siren - *blinks* Legolas, I feel for ya . And yes it should upset you... She's your only love! *whacks Legolas lightly* . Lol, Saruman's acting weirdly . Thanks for the review, Siren!
lex - Hey! They will end up alive and together in the end, the VERY end... I promise you.
Alina – Hey! Lol, yes Haldir lives. There's also the fact Aragorn fell down the cliff and she thinks her staying in Middle-Earth changed that. Then Boromir's alive. Anyhow, thanks!
Lady Fae – Hey! Thanks a lot!
ellie – Hey! I haven't seen you in a long while! So how was your holiday? Hope it was great, I'm off to Quebec tomorrow morning at 6, hehe. Anyhow, she's... Well, I won't say, but you'll find out the next chapter since it's the last chapter and then there's the epilogue, and finally the sequel! I've been great *hugs* See you later!
phoebemoon – It's getting sadder, yes. They will end up together, no worries *smiles reassuringly*
Lady Galadriel – Sorry it's STILL not the battle at Helm's Deep, but it will be next chapter. Thanks a lot!
Weeeee – Thanks!
The Hobbit Ivy – Hey! Well, you'll get it in the end, promise ^^ See you later!
Eevee Goddess Of Light – Yes, you have managed to confuse me . Anyhow, thanks a lot... And this is YET AGAIN another cliffhanger, lol. Sorry!
Mellon – Thanks a lot!
DevilWench – Thanks, *hugs* See you later!
Hanya the Bloody Angel – Hey! Ah, yes, that happens to me sometimes, it get confusing. I'm glad I made her confess to Éowyn, actually. I think deep inside, Éowyn's a big softie... I made Éowyn kind of like me actually. My friends thought I was cold and bitchy at first, but they say I'm a softie... It's kind of like an insult, but yeah, it's true. Thanks!
Aluinda – Hey! Lol, I would join you and kill that woman I paired Legolas with... Although there might be a love triangle, possibly square in the sequel. I'll have to see.
Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf – Hey! It's not the last chapter; I usually end my stories with an epilogue. Anyhow, thanks!
darkangelkiss – Yeah, it was evil when he died in the movie. LoL, Haldir is cute . Although he's not as cute as Legolas... But cute nonetheless. By the way, see you later and thanks!
littlesaiyangirl – Hey! Lol, no, those are the people Jessica is afraid will die, but they won't.
Gilimirin – Hey! Thanks!
kaio – Poor Leggy indeed.
yuhi – Yes, I read POTC fics if I find good ones.
Smiley Face – Thanks! Lol, it'll be a tear-jerker, but there's always the sequel, and yes, Jessica is in the sequel ^^
Youko Demon – Hey! I'd definitely choose Legolas, but yeah, Haldir's hot. Well, it's good that you're getting better. I like to sing sometimes too, although I like to sing privately, I'm the type to get embarrassed easily, plus I'm darn shy (in front of SOME people). Thanks for reviewing. :)
Falonficwriter – Thanks a lot! I don't know if the sequel will be awesome, but I hope you'll read it! See you later!
X-Gangsta's-Brat-X – Hey! Well, yes, it's ending, but keep in mind there's also a sequel! I'll be sure to check your one-shot out!
LalaithoftheBruinen – Thanks! Hugs and Legolas' *grins* or Haldirs .
Anaka Greenleaf – Hey! SWAT was pretty good, especially when my best guy friend (which I MIGHT have a crush on and that my boyfriend, soon to be ex-boyfriend hates, lol). And yes, Colin Farrell was hot, my friend was drooling over him right beside me . Actually, about your idea for my new story, I was about to do that, hehe. But yep, see you soon!
Author's Notes: Thank you for all the support and reviews, I got 35 reviews for the last chapter. My piano exam, I think I did horrible, but eh. I'm leaving tomorrow, so yep. The next chapter will be updated within a few days, and then the epilogue pretty soon since I have my epilogue done already. One last chapter left and I'll see you all!
By the way, last question for the sequel. Do you think I should make a love triangle (maybe square) for the sequel? I will not promise that I will listen to the votes, but I will try. See you all later!
Thursday, August 14, 2003
-Crystal