Chapter 26

By Crystal

Author's Notes: Well, this is the last chapter!  Hope you all enjoy!  There's only the epilogue left...  And the sequel!  Woohoo!  By the way, I am BEYOND pissed because Air Canada cancelled my flight due to the blackout.  I am sooo pissed.  Woke up at five in the morning (I had three hours of sleep) to go to the airport, got my Boarding Passes and THEN they delete the flight...  I had to wait on the phone for a whole hour at the airport to reschedule my flight to Sunday night at 11:30.  So I am very pissed.

Also, I just drew a picture of Legolas and Jessica together yesterday afternoon when I was just having nothing to due cause my frigging plane was cancelled.  I even managed to Photoshop the picture, although it's my first time, so please don't blame me if it's ugly!  Here's the link to it and I might add a background to it if I feel like it.  By the way, I know Legolas' pretty...  Bad looking in there, but what can I say?  I ALWAYS draw girls better than guys.  Face wise anyways.  See you all!  Here's the link: (clear off the spaces when you type it in)

www. angelfire . com/ anime4 / clear_crystalglobe / LegolasJessica

Warning: Violence

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

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?"

Shock was clear in his eyes, "Haldir?"

I nodded slowly, "Haldir."

I felt the gaze everyone had on us as the elf in front of me was shocked into silence, then he looked at me, determination filled his eyes as I felt my gut warn me that something was not going the way I want it to, "I will save him, then.  You are to stay here in the caves."

I gritted my teeth, "Legolas Greenleaf, you are, no way in hell, going to lock me in the caves with the women and children.  You have no say over me, I am my own person and I will do as I wish and not as you say."

His determined gaze looked at me coolly, "When I ask of you to stay, you will do so.  I will order the men here to lock the door and threaten you with their weapons if needed."  He turned around.

"I will find a way out, Greenleaf."  I said, glaring at him, "You have no fucking control over me."  It hurt me to say that, and as Legolas turned around and looked at him, no emotions showed on his face, but I knew he was feeling pain from what I just said, I stood my ground though, "I will find a way out."  I said, reassuring myself.  "So unless you want me to go to battle without any weapon, let me out...  If I find a way out without any weapons, I cannot save him, nor will I be able to protect myself.  Your choice."  I said coldly.

Indifference shone in his eyes, "My choice, is for you to stay here with the women and children and not risk your life."  He then turned around.

I felt a tear roll down, "You'll regret that decision, Legolas Greenleaf."  I said quietly, knowing full well his Elven hearing would hear it.  "Trust me...  You'll regret it."  He walked away and until his back disappeared from my sight without turning around a single time.

I bit my lips, trying not to cry and I felt a hand on my shoulder, "He did not mean to be so cruel, Jessica.  He wishes for your safety."  Éowyn said quietly.

I turned around and looked at her, "And I cannot wish for Haldir's safety, Éowyn?"  I asked her, "It is so unfair..."

"I know it is...  Life is unfair though," Éowyn said, patting on my shoulder as she looked at the two guards who had just finished locking the doors, I looked at her, her face was composed and free from emotions, "Unlock the doors."  She ordered.

And for the first time in my life, I saw what Éowyn really was...  She was a woman with power and strength and at the same time with beauty shining through.  It was not a wonder why Boromir, son of Denethor had fallen for her.

"Lady Éowyn..." One of the guards protested.

"We cannot unlock it...  The elf..." He said fearfully, looking at the door as if his eyes burned through it and on the other side was Legolas.

Éowyn glared at them, "Have you not heard what I have just said?  I have told you to unlock the doors."  She ordered again, "What Prince Legolas says to you will be answered by me.  Do you understand?"  She asked.

The two guards looked at each other, as if trying to figure out which one was more fearful, Lady Éowyn, the Shield Maiden or Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm.  Finally, the two sighed in defeat and opened the doors.

I looked gratefully at Éowyn.  "Diola lle, mellonamin...  Namaarie."  I whispered quietly.

"What does that mean?"  She asked as she tried to blink the tears away.

"'Thank you, my friend...  Farewell.' in Elvish.  I am forever in your dept, although I am afraid I will not be able to pay that dept."  I said quietly, "Thank you for your friendship, Éowyn."  Forcing a smile, I embraced her, "Thank you for everything.  You have been the greatest friend one could ever have."

We embraced for a short time, then she drew away, "You are welcome, Jessica Hanson of the other Realm."  She said quietly, "It was a pleasure being your friend, and you too, have been the greatest friend one could ever have.  'Tis a shame this friendship was so short-lived.  I wish I had more time getting to know you."  She too, forced a smile, "Get going, Jessica.  You are going to be late, I think I hear Orcs marching closer."

I nodded and turned around, running to where my room was, casting one last look back to meet with the sorrowful eyes of Éowyn, the doors to the caves closing slowly.  "Thank you, Éowyn..." I whispered again, "Thank you for everything."  I closed my eyes, sighing as pain slowly crawled into my heart.  "I'm sorry for the pain I have caused you, and everyone that I will cause tonight."

I ran to where my room was and took my sword and hurriedly ran out again without taking a second glance at the rose and journal on my pillow.  As I got out, I caught sight of Haldir alone with the archers as he stared at the plains.  I saw nothing, but I knew that Orcs were near, very near.  Slowly, I walked towards him and tapped on his shoulder.

He turned around slowly, "Jessica."  Surprise filled his eyes, "Why are you...  I thought Legolas..."

"So did he."  I said, "We did not leave on good terms," I told him.

He patted my head, "He was doing it for your own good, Jessica.  He loves you, can you not see it?  He loves you too much to even bear the thought of you getting hurt...  Perhaps you should talk to him.  This is a war, anyone will die.  How will you feel if you and him departed each other without knowing how each other felt?"  He said wisely.  "Let me show you to him."  He said, taking me by the arm.

"What about the archers?"  I asked.

"They can take care of themselves.  They are trained warriors."  He replied, guiding me through a whole bunch of people.  As we approached Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli and Boromir at the front, I had to bite my lips yet again.  It was a thing I did when I was nervous or simply did not know what the heck to do.  "Legolas."  He said, "Look what I have found here."  Haldir said.

Legolas turned around along with the other three, his eyes darkened immediately as his gaze fell on me, "Haldir, you did not--"

"No he did not save me, Legolas."  I said icily, "I told you I would get out.  Do not try to lock me back in there, for the only thing that will keep me there is possibly you holding me down, but if you do..." I glanced at Haldir, making sure he understood what I meant.

He narrowed his eyes, "The battlefields is not for a lady like you, Jessica."  He said harshly.

It was my turn to narrow my eyes, "From the first time I have met you, Legolas." I pronounced every word clearly, "I have denied to being a lady."  Surprisingly, Boromir had not say one of those Legolas jokes that would get me to blush furiously, but he kept quiet, knowing this was between the Prince of Mirkwood and I.

He seemed to not have anything to counter that and he turned around to look at the Plains as I too, did.  Everything was eerily quiet as the war started.  I felt fear as I watched them approach, as I heard their foul cries fill the air.  Rumbles were heard as their feet hit the ground and I watched, awed at the numbers of Orcs.  My ignored the small pain on my left forearm that was so familiar now.

We all watched in silence as the sudden lightning crackled from above us and I backed away slightly into Legolas and I felt his arm snake around my waist unconsciously and I leaned back on him.  Suddenly, rain dripped from the dark sky until it began to pour down hard on us.  I clutched Legolas onto dear life and I kissed his throat shyly, "Amin hiraetha..."  (Forgive me...)  "Forgive me for my foolishness."  I said quietly, "But this must be done, do you understand?"  I asked him.  "Like I have said, with your consent or not, although I rather it be with..."

He looked down at me and brushed his lips against mine and I calmed down immediately as I felt the familiar softness of his lips on mine, "There is nothing to forgive, Jessica.  I was as foolish as you were."

"A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas."  (Show them no mercy, for you shall receive none!"  Aragorn's clear voice lingered in the air.

Gimli started jumping up, "What is happening out there?"  He asked, curious.

Legolas looked at him in amusement, "Shall I describe it to you, or shall I find you a box?"  He asked.  I heard Gimli laugh and Boromir chuckle along with Haldir and I smiled.

I gazed out in the fields, the silence deafening and concentrated on Legolas' arms around me; I looked at him, "Amin mela lle."  I whispered silently.

He kissed me on my forehead, "Amin mela lle..." He replied back, and then all of a sudden, the Orcs pounded their spears and gave roars.  A sudden lightning happened again and I gasped.

"These are no Orcs."  I stated, "They are Uruks..."

"Indeed."  Boromir answered from beside me.

Everyone around me readied their weapons and stood in wait, until one arrow was sent loose and struck the Uruk, where, I did not know, but it killed him for certain.  Everything was unusually silent as the Uruk died and fell on the ground.  "Dartho!" (Hold!)  Aragorn yelled.  But the Uruks were already maddened and they charged right at us.

I felt Legolas' kiss brush my lips one last time and he unwrapped his arms around me and readied his bow.  I felt cold all of a sudden when his arms was no longer around me, but I overlooked that fact as I put my right hand on the hilt of my sword, ready to draw the sword at any second.

"Faeg I-varv dîn na lanc a nu ranc!"  (Their armor is weak at the neck and under the arms!)  Legolas yelled in Elvish to everyone elf around him.

Aragorn raised his arms, "Leithio I philinn!"  (Fire!)

The sky was filled with arrows as some hit their targets and some did not.  Some Uruks fell down to their deaths and some marched past their fallen comrades, some stepping on them, crushing their skulls, most of them not caring about the dead.

The smell of sweat has already lingered in the air, mixed with fear as the Uruks marched even closer.  Bodies already littered across the plains, the sky was already crying...

"Anybody hit anything?"  Gimli asked.

I heard a faint cry of 'Fire' and another volley of arrows were shot towards the Uruks.  "Tangado a chadad!"  (Keep firing!) Aragorn ordered.

Many Uruks fell down, dead, but the ones who weren't dead answered with their own arrows.  I bit my lips hard when I saw the first elf struck by an arrow and fall to his death from the wall.  Suddenly, ladders were put up against the walls.

"Pendraid!"  (Ladders!)  Aragorn warned.

Gimli smiled, "Good!"  He rubbed his hands as Boromir looked at him, amusement clear on his face.  Suddenly, one Uruk-Hai climbed up from the ladder and Gimli rushed to swing his axe.  The Uruk-Hai fell dead.

"Nice."  Boromir whistled, and he too, went to join in the so-called 'fun'.

I, too, drew my sword from the sheath and started slaying away.  "So it begins..." I said quietly, glancing at everyone.  The Uruks were much stronger than Orcs and I had trouble, although not enough to kill me.  I kept close to Haldir as he moved onwards, slaying every Uruks that moved in his way.

It was after what seemed an eternity, but in reality was only a few minutes, that I understood Legolas.  I wasn't experienced enough, that was for sure.  My arms were already tiring at the slashing, hacking, stabbing, cutting through the Uruk's thick skin.

The other disadvantage for me was that I was a woman.  More Uruks seemed to have me as their target as they saw me as a weakness.  I winced as I felt cold steel my shoulder and I turned around to cut his arm off halfway, and decapitate him.

Legolas seemed to have his own trouble keeping himself safe and fighting all the while.  Aragorn vanished somewhere.  Boromir was near Gimli as they hacked away, their swords and axes whistling.  I began to worry about the distance that Haldir put himself from the others.  The only thing I could do now was to follow him, so I did.

I heard him mutter the number of Uruks he had killed, "Fifteen...  Sixteen..."

"Already?"  I said, frustrated, "I'm still on seven."

Haldir smiled as he sliced another Uruk's head off, "Then I am afraid you are falling behind, Lady."

I snorted, "I will catch up to you."

I fought onwards.  Blocking a sword coming my way, my eyes widened as I caught sight of Uruks trying to break down the gates and I yelled on top of my lungs, "THE GATES, ARAGORN!"  I once again flicked my wrist upwards to cause the sword to fall off and I used the time to slice his head off.  The familiar liquid on my hands were enough to make me feel sick and I moved on towards the next victim.

"Jessica!  Behind you!"  I heard Haldir's voice and without a single though, as if it was a normal reaction to me, I ducked and stabbed my sword backwards, instantly receiving a foul cry of pain from the Uruk.  I pulled my sword out with force seeing it was stuck to the armor somehow.

I jumped up and brought my sword down, slashing and Uruk right down the middle of his face.  He did not even get to cry out when I killed him.  Good, painless death.  Another, I slashed at the stomach and left it to die slow and painfully because another Uruk had gone right after me, trying to cut my head off.  There was yet another that I stabbed right through the head, but receiving injury.

I crouched down as I felt pain on my right side and I pressed my hand there and looked at it, all the while hoping it would not be what I dread to see.  My hand was crimson, sticky and watery.  I grimaced at wound and I pressed my hand against it.  Grabbing my sword, I ignored the pain, following Haldir all the time.

Suddenly, a sound, one that sounded like an explosion rung.  "A bomb."  I said quietly and looked behind me, where dust was in the air and I felt my eyes widened.  "Legolas..." I whispered quietly, then shook my head.  "Legolas will not die, he lives in the story, remember?  The only walker that dies is Boromir.  Boromir is alive and well."  I reassured myself and continued killing.

Finally, after two more kills, I looked down at my wound.  My shirt was soaked crimson and the pain was unbearable.  I fell down on my knees, closing my eyes softly and I heard one single pair footsteps approach me.  The footsteps were too heavy to be Elf, Men or Dwarf.  Without looking, I stood up and stabbed my sword forward and opened my eyes.  The Uruk's eyes widened with shock.  "Screw you, just because I am a woman does not mean I am weak."  I twisted my sword and pulled it out, for the first time, taking pleasure in killing.  I saw him die with my very own eyes and afterwards, I dropped my sword, "What have I done...?"  I asked silently.

I stood up quietly, deciding to think about this later.  I ignored all that happened to the gates and the bomb as I followed Haldir still, killing Uruks on the way.  It was a miracle that Haldir had not yet seen the wound on my right side.

How long I have been able to ignore the pain, I did not know, but I knew my time was becoming closer.  I wished to see Legolas, and I got my wish granted as I heard Aragorn yell, "Am Marad!"  (To the Keep!)  "Nan barad!  Haldir!  Nan barad!"  (Pull back to the Keep Haldir!)

Haldir stood up and nodeed to him and I watched Haldir's back, my left hand grabbing my wound.  Thankfully, Haldir's body hid my wound and Legolas looked at me, smiling.  I winced as I felt pain and I saw Legolas frown immediately.  I saw Gimli being dragged by Boromir and I forced a smile one last time, knowing it was the last time I saw them.

Legolas seemed to know that something was going wrong, as he seemed to run close to me, slaying everything in his way.  A gut feeling told me something was going to happen and I managed to push Haldir away, half expecting something to hit me, but the arrow missed me and hit the ground.

For a moment, I felt happiness flow through me.  Perhaps, I needn't have to die...  Perhaps I did not have to die saving Haldir.

Haldir glanced at me, "Thank you," I nodded, then his eyes widened at the sight of my wound, "Jessica..."
"I will be fine," I reassured him.  He frowned worriedly, and tried to get me out of the battlefield, leading towards Legolas...

Until I felt another gut feeling and I pushed Haldir away as sharp pain on my back immediately and heard myself gasp.  Haldir turned around immediately and slashed the Uruk-Hai.  I felt myself fall towards the ground, my back in pain...  I knew the cut was deep.  I never did hit the ground, for Haldir caught me in his arms.  "Jessica..." He said, looking at the wound on my right side and knowing a deeper one was on my back.

I put my finger to his lips, "Hush...  Haldir...  Look under my pillow..." I said as he nodded.

"Tell Legolas..." I gasped with pain, "Tell Legolas...  Tell him that...  That I love him...  I love him so much and...  And I'm sorry for everything.  Sorry I made him fall in love with me...  Tell me...  Tell him not to grieve for me...  Tell him to find someone he loves and loves him back...  Tell him...  Where there is love, there is pain and that if we were meant to be together, love will find a way...  And that I will be watching over him..." I felt a sob escape my throat, "I love him so much..."

Sorrow filled Haldir's eyes, "Jessica...  Do not speak, you will be fine."  He glanced around, "LEGOLAS!  ARAGORN!  GIMLI!  BOROMIR!"  He yelled, losing his calm composed face.

I tried to smile but it ended up being a grimace, "It is not your fault, Haldir.  I knew what was coming..." I gasped again while breathing heavily and touched his face with my fingers, "Tell everyone I love them...  Tell him I will forever love him..." I felt fear as my sight darkened rapidly, "Remember the pillows..." I said softly, wincing in pain. 

I looked sideways, where I saw Legolas and I felt the hand that was clutching to Haldir's tunic release it and reach for Legolas weakly, "Legolas..." My voice cracked, "Amin mela lle...  ten'oio..." I whispered to him, knowing the voice would not be lost to him, no matter how many swords were whistling.

His eyes were filled with fear, fear of losing me.  I felt a tear roll down the corner of my eyes as I gazed at him, "I love you so much..." I whispered again, feeling Haldir's arms around me tighten.  Behind him stood Boromir and Aragorn, slashing away furiously, trying to get to me as soon as possible.  Boromir glanced at me once in a while; his eyes too, were filled with fear.  I could not tell what Aragorn's eyes were filled with but I saw Gimli a bit farther off.  He was swinging his axe like there was no tomorrow and I felt my lips smile, "I love you all..."

"Jessica..." I heard Haldir whisper fearfully.

I swallowed a lump in my throat, "Do not grieve for me, Haldir...  I have lived a wonderful life, thanks to the Fellowship, you and everyone I have met in Middle-Earth."  I said quietly, my sight darkened yet again and the only think I could see was the glow radiating from Legolas' eyes, "I have lived a wonderful life, one that I thought not possible.  I have learned a lot from everyone..." I smiled at this because of how true it was.

Haldir was silent.

"Men...  Men were destined to die.  The second we were born, death borders upon our birth.  Our birth is nothing but our death begun...  My dying was to happen sooner or later..." I kept my eyes on Legolas.  I bit my lips, "But that does not make my any less afraid, Haldir."  I admitted.

He wrapped his arms around me, "Legolas is coming, please...  Wait for him."  He said, his warmth radiating from his body.

"I can't..." I said quietly, feeling suddenly so much older and weaker, "I'm fading...  And I can't stop it.  The only thing I can see are Legolas' eyes..." I said, my voice getting quieter.  I felt my eyes droop, "Tell him...  I... love..." ...him.

Darkness.

* * * * *

lex – Heyo!  Thanks!

Latin4ever93 – I didn't kill Haldir ^^ Thanks!

Water Fire Girl – Hey!  Well, here you go!  Thanks!

Hanya the Bloody Angel – Lol, I didn't want to hurt poor Lego .  That would certainly be funny...  I could always do that after my sequel, but I don't know...  I'll have to see!  Thanks a lot!

TitanicHobbit – Hey!  As a matter of fact, I AM thinking of a triangle with Alan, but also with Iris .  (Remember, Iris is OBSESSED with Legolas).  Not sure though, another cliffhanger, so I'll leave you here angry at me, lol.  Later and thanks!

Eevee Goddess Of Light – Hey!  Thanks Peggi, for saving me .;;  Eevee's scarwey!

DevilWench – Thanks!

Mellon – Thanks a lot!  Well, some Uruk arse kicking here, lol.

Racer38 – Thanks!

Hmm, you seemed to have reviewed twice.  But anyhow, yes it's going to be a tear-jerker, at least I hope it is .  GET TISSUES PEOPLE!

The Hobbit Ivy – Lol, you'll get it next chapter, I hope.  Lol, Legolas is very...  Determined .

Elfgirl 712 – Hey!  Thanks.  Haha, I'm glad I made the conversation between the two girls.  See you later!

yuhi – I love POTC too ^^  Remind you when what's up?

littlesaiyangirl – Lol, I'm so sorry!  But here you go!  Thanks!

Nutty_Jedi – Yep, I've added you to my new story and my sequel's mailing list.  Anyhow, thanks!

Luindae – She does fight ^^ And she does save Haldir...  .  With a price though.  Anyhow, I'll see you soon!

Honolulu – Thanks!

Falonfiwriter – Hey!  Well, the sequel's title is 'Until We Meet Again' and the new story's going to be 'Instinct of the Heart' (that one's already up).  I wasn't sure which one you were asking about.  Anyhow, poor Legolas...  See you soon and thanks!

Smiley Face – Yes, a sequel.  A tear-jerker, yes.  Anyhow, see you soon!

MaverickGirl – Hey!  Thanks!

Vampiress-Alexiel – Hey.  Yep, I fell in love with that song ^^

Kyma – Lol, *pats poor Frodo's head* Try not to strangle him, all right?  Anyhow, thanks!

Roseblade22 – Yepperz, she's out saving Haldir ^^ I wouldn't let Haldir die *huggles Haldir*  *raises eyebrow at Jack* No I will not write a story about you falling in Middle-Eart and being the Ringbearer AND having an affair with Arwen, Éowyn AND people Sauron.  *hits Jack on the head*  Thanks a lot!  *hugs everyone*

Lady Fae – Hey!  I will try to do it, of course.  As for hating some characters, it's kind of hard, but I'll try to not make you hate them.

Siren – Oh lord...  Legolas, drag your new chair away and hide from the wrath of Siren .  And yes, Jessica is IN the sequel, so...  *blinks*

Birdwell Island Tribune – Hey!  Lol, Leggy is bossy, eh?  Anyhow, Legolas, unfortunately, doesn't save Haldir, but Jessica does .  And yes, I like that song.  And also yes, there is a sequel, lol.  You aren't dim witted .  Anyhow, thanks!

Alina – Yeah, love triangle.  Well, you'll have to find out who's in the love triangle ^^  Thanks!

the counter – What do you mean?

Knight – Thanks!

Lady Galadriel – That woulda been funny, true.

HellishKitten – Bad person?!  *sniffles*  I'll update soon *pouts* See you later and thanks .

Aranel – Lol, I couldn't believe Peter Jackson killed him off...  Pirate was GOOD...  Anyhow, see you later!
Emser – Thanks!  There's a sequel, and Jessica is in the sequel...  That's all I can say .

DrowningSin32 – Hey!  Damn you for watching it again, lol.  I woulda drooled over the floor too *sighs* Anyhow, see you next chapter, or epilogue!  Bye and thanks!

Bluesky – Ironic how your siblings are watching it.  Anyhow, thanks!  I guess it just didn't make sense if Legolas would LET her go fight against Orcs...  All male species seem to belittle the females in Lord of the Rings (No I'm not complaining), so why should Boromir, Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas be different?  One of my reviewers Birdwell Island Tribune gave me the song.

Kitta-Boo – It's all right if you give me reviews, I certainly don't mind *winks* And I'm definitely proud being on your Favourite's List and Favourite Author's List ^^ I'm also sorry for making you cry .;;  But I'll see you next chapter, or epilogue ^^

donnamira – Thanks!  Yes, I think I'm making a triangle ^^

ellie – Hey!  Well, it's true love triangles always get hurt...  But I'm thinking on it, still.  Anyhow, thanks!  Hugs and elves ^^  *hugs*

Mrs. Ekeena Greenleaf – Of course she'll find someway to escape.  Anyhow, thanks!

legolas_luvd_by_me – Lol, I've updated, I hope it's good enough for you!  And I'll see you next chapter, hopefully.

Author's Notes: Oh lord, now I'm going to get slaughtered by my readers...  KEEP IN MIND THERE'S A SEQUEL!  I'm done the prologue of it!!!  .  I got 44 reviews for my last chapter.  The second most and dang proud of it!  Anyhow, that was the last chapter, I'm getting the Epilogue loaded soon...  I hoped you enjoyed my story from the very beginning and once again, I'm thankful for all the support you've all shown me.  It's a shame the story's ending, but on the bright side, a sequel!  Whee!  Anyhow, I'll see you all soon!

By the way, if I've missed reply to ANY reviews, please tell me.

-Crystal

Saturday, August 16, 2003