(A/N) I'd like to thank every one who reviewed and I have one word to say.....ouch. What can one girl do against such reckless hatred? Thanks for telling me what a mary sue is. It is also in my understanding that people don't like them. Then why don't they just stop reading at the first sign of an MS instead of reading something that they hate all the way to the end and then flaming the author? Anthy's worst fear, if you think that's how the story ends, you're wrong. Yes, I know that the council is longer than how I had it but using the movie versions makes things run a lot faster. For anyone who noticed that I wrecked the nine symbolism, I realized that too. I almost considered not writing the story because of that, but then I thought, I DON 'T CARE! French pony, maybe Vanessa would be better off in Rivendell, but what's better for her is not why I wrote this story. I'm not tryin to criticize you, the advice was very good but I've already got the story mapped out. Vanessa, I am not trying to model my character after you, Vanessa is just a name that I've always liked. Also, when Vanessa takes the name Luthien, she is not trying to compare herself to the elf ,she just likes the idea that a man and a she-elf can stand up and take back one of the three silmarili from the dark lord Morgoth. Plus, my Vanessa is extremely self-conscious and considers herself to be ugly and clumsy. Farquarson, there is a reason why she was invited to the council and why she entered Middle-Earth in the first place. She's not just some random fangirl. All of it will be explained later in the story if you care to read that far. Also, everyone seems to have a problem with Legolas liking her. I don't know if you have noticed but VANESSA IS NOT IN LOVE WITH LEGOLAS. Besides, did it ever occur to you that Legolas is attracted to more than just her looks? Not everyone is so shallow as to base love on beauty alone. Plus, I like romance and this is the only way that I could think to put it in here. Elf girl, I actually have no idea what Luinethoniel means. A friend of mine told me about a website where you could find an Elvish name for yourself. When I went to the sight and typed in my name, that is the name that the sight gave me and I really liked it so I decided to name one of my characters Luinethoniel. There is one more thing, Anthy's worst fear, if you don't like the story as much as your comments reflect why did you even bother to look at the second chapter? Oh well, who cares. Here goes nothing.

For the Love of an Elf

Chapter 3: On the Way to Khazad-Dum

The fellowship lingered in Rivendell for two months after the council. In that time Legolas continued to help Vanessa improve her aim with the bow. They had decided to drop working with the sword all together. The practice sessions were the only time that Legolas ever saw her because at all other times she did her best to avoid him. All the while, Aragorn grew to distrust her even more.

One day while the two were practicing in the forest, Vanessa slipped and the arrow strayed into the trees. That was when Legolas heard the scream.

"Oh no! I must have hit someone", Vanessa shouted in a panicked voice.

Without another word, they raced off into the trees, searching for the arrow's victim. Finally the two broke out of the forest and found two people standing there. "Oh shit", Vanessa whispered under her breath when she saw who she had hit. Lady Arwen was kneeling on the ground, bent double with pain. Legolas nearly cried out in horror as he noted the arrow sticking out from her shoulder. Next to her was a very concerned Aragorn. When he saw Vanessa standing there his face grew livid and he immediately leapt up and drew his sword against her using his other hand to grasp her throat.

"You did this", he hissed in her face, tightening his grip.

"It was an accident", she tried to choke out the words but Aragorn's grip was getting tighter.

"Aragorn let her go! It was an accident! I know, I was with her when she shot the bow." Legolas tried to pry Aragorn's fingers from Vanessa's throat but his grip was already too tight.

By now, Vanessa's vision was starting to grow dark and she could barely hear what Aragorn hissed at her next. "I don't believe you. Every word that has ever come out of your mouth is a lie. You may have everyone else fooled about your intentions but know this. You do not fool me, not for an instant. I would like nothing more than to kill you, scum of Sauron". Vanessa didn't hear the end of his little speech because she had already passed out from lack of oxygen, but Aragorn only continued to squeeze tighter. He probably would have choked Vanessa to death if Gandalf hadn't chosen that moment to appear almost out of nowhere.

"Aragorn, what is going on here? What is this madness?"

At the sound of Gandalf's voice, Aragorn sheathed his sword and contemptuously flung Vanessa's limp body aside.

"SHE TRIED TO KILL ARWEN!!" Aragorn yelled in fury.

"No! It was accident. Luthien slipped." Legolas jumped to her defense.

"Aragorn, calm down. It was probably an accident as Legolas says." Gandalf said, placing his hands on Aragorn's shoulders in attempt to calm the seething ranger.

"It was!" Legolas said as he checked for Vanessa's vital signs.

"I believe I shall live Aragorn. It just needs to be bandaged." Arwen told him, her voice riddled with pain as she clutched the shoulder of her blood stained robes.

"Yes, that is the important thing right now. We must see to your wound." Aragorn said as he gently lifted Arwen from the ground. As he walked off in the direction of the house of Elrond he flung another death glare at the unconscious Vanessa.

"Why does he hate her so much?" Legolas wondered out loud as he set about the task of reviving Vanessa.

"He has his reasons. But I suppose he is taking it a bit too far. I will talk with him later."

"Mithrandir?"

"Yes"

"Why do you trust her? Everyone else is suspicious of her and thinks that she is up to no good. Why?"

"Do not worry. All shall be revealed in due course. But for now, know this. Luthien is completely trust worthy. In the meantime, help her, teach her, stand with her against the suspicion and prejudice she will more than likely face on this journey. Save her." With that, Gandalf walked away.

"What did he mean by that?" Then Legolas noticed that Vanessa still had not revived. So he decided that it would be best to take her back to her room and rest. As he lifted Vanessa for the second time in his life he once again felt her mortality. It just didn't make any sense. She was so like an Elf and yet she was mortal. She wasn't Half elven either because of her ears. If the question of who she was wasn't pressing enough then it was the question of what she was. Oh well, he could figure it out later. For now he simply wanted to enjoy holding her in his arms again, the feeling of her head leaning against his shoulder. What was it about her that attracted him so? He didn't believe that it was her beauty. For she was quite plain by elvish standards. Whatever it was, Legolas did not care. He laid his cheek against hers, took her limp hand in his, feeling her warmth. He leaned his lips closer to hers... closer... closer.

Just then, the elf came back to himself and realized that what he was doing was wrong. She was asleep, unconscious none the less. It was then that Legolas once again noticed the Flower pendant around her neck. The chain and the petals of the flower were wrought of gold. In the center of the bloom was a tiny red jewel that he hadn't noticed before. What sort of value did it hold for her?

Quietly, he opened the door to her room. As he started to lay her down she jumped awake and the shocked Legolas dropped her.

"OW", Vanessa yelped as she landed with a thump on the bed. She reached up to her neck and screamed, "IT WAS AN ACCIDENT".

"Luthien, calm down it's over. You are okay."

"What about Arwen? Is she all right?"

"I believe so, but you should probably lie down for the rest of the evening. You've been through quite a strain, what with the strangling that Aragorn gave you back there. I'll bring you something to eat later on."

"You don't have to do this for me", Vanessa said, angrily turning her face away from him.

"But I want to, Luthien."

"NO!! JUST GO AWAY AND LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"

"A-a-all right my Lady. If that is what you wish." Legolas whispered as he backed out of the room.

" Shit. Now she hates me." He thought bitterly as he strolled through the gardens. Luthien's attitude had greatly upset him. What had he done to deserve her hatred? All Legolas had ever done was care about her. Normally if he had a problem like this, he could talk to Aragorn about it. "Now he probably hates me too."

After Legolas had left, Vanessa picked up a pillow and promptly began to scream into it. Here she was, a thousand miles and a thousand years from home. Almost everyone hated her and was suspicious of her. She had lied to them all. Everything she had ever learned about archery and Sindarin had slipped from her mind. She had just shot Elrond's daughter. Everything that was familiar was gone. And to top it all off, she was being stalked by an obsessed Elf prince who worshipped the ground on which she walked. Legolas wasn't half bad to look out but he was still freaking her out. She was stuck with no way out. Why did Legolas like her so much anyway? It wasn't like she was a raving beauty or anything. The prince of Mirkwood was in love with a scrawny, nerdy, nobody from a group of social outcasts. It was laughable, or it would be if he knew who she really was. Vanessa and her friends had always been ridiculed for their obsessive worship of Lord of the Rings and Vanessa was used to being an outsider. So the treatment that she was receiving from the inhabitants of Middle-Earth was nothing new to her. But that didn't make it hurt any less. What was worse was that Vanessa had always considered herself to be awkward and a freak next to everyone else, even her own friends. Yep, she had some major self-esteem issues. Then Legolas comes along and makes her feel worse about herself by telling her that she's lovely. He was probably just making fun of her, but then, why would he make fun of someone that he barely knew? There was no doubt about it. Vanessa hated that Elf's guts. He really had some nerve. "Maybe I should just quit on the fellowship. But no, probably not. There is nothing for me in Rivendell. Besides, I've offered my services to them whether they like it or not".

* *
*

"It is not as bad as it could have been. There is nothing to worry about. Arwen just needs rest. This sort of thing happens all the time Aragorn. I know you want to be with her but I'm going to have to ask you to leave now." Elrond told Aragorn as the Elf Lord shooed him out of the door to Arwen's room.

Elrond and Gandalf were now alone in Arwen's room. As Gandalf told him about the incident in the forest Elrond watched over his sleeping daughter.

"And you are certain that it was an accident, Gandalf?"

"Quite certain, my friend."

"Are you also certain that we can trust her? I'm beginning to have my doubts. Are you sure that she is the right person? One stone does not prove anything."

"Oh, but it does Elrond. If Luthien did not have the strength to wield it then it would not have been on her in the first place. I should think that you of all the Wise would recognize the stone and it's chosen carrier."

"But she is so different. Long years have passed since that day."

"Only time will tell us if our suspicions are true."

Meanwhile, Aragorn stood outside of the door, waiting for Gandalf. When he finally appeared, Aragorn started to vent his rage.

"How can you still trust her after what's happened? Arwen could be dead right now and you don't seem to give a damn about it."

"But Arwen is not dead Aragorn. It was simply an accident."

"No, I don't think so. It's too much of a coincidence for my liking. Luthien's practicing in the woods and she just HAPPENS to hit Arwen. Who is she Gandalf? What power does she have over you and Elrond?"

"She has no power over us."

"Then how is it that she is admitted to the most secret of councils without a second thought? How does she know so much about all of us and our quest? She is obviously a spy of Sauron."

"For now you should not worry about her identity. Believe me when I say that you can trust Luthien. She will come through for us. You will soon know her for who she really is."

"I am sorry Gandalf but I don't think that I can bring myself to trust her. She almost killed Arwen and she has bewitched Legolas. I need proof that I can trust her."

"This proof that you seek will not be so easy to find. For now you should befriend Luthien and make amends to Legolas. Surely this is not worth destroying your friendship over."

"I'm just worried about him."

"I believe that your friend can look after himself if any trouble should arise."

"You know what I mean", Aragorn said in an irritated voice.

But Gandalf didn't answer, for he was already gone. "Maybe he's right. If Legolas likes her so darn much, Luthien can't be all bad. But I will still keep an eye on her, just in case". Aragorn reasoned.

* *
*

So it was that the fellowship of the ring departed from Rivendell on the eve of December 25, heading south from Rivendell. Gandalf fervently hoped that their passage south would not be hindered by spies of the enemy. For many days they trudged over the rugged terrain, making for the mountain of Carahdras. The plan was to scale the mountain and to come down upon Dimrill Dale. Now the company was many leagues away from Rivendell. It was here, Beneath the shadows of Carahdras, that they took their final rest before attempting to climb the mountain.

"Legolas", Aragorn called to the elf as he wondered away from the group. "I'm sorry for my behavior concerning Luthien. It is not my place to tell you whom you can and cannot love. Maybe I was too quick to judge her. But I still think that you should take this slowly. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"It is well, mellon nin. I forgive you. But I don't think that I can go any slower as I do not seem to be getting anywhere in this matter."

"So I have noticed." Aragorn said, cracking a mischievous grin. Luthien had been pointedly ignoring Legolas for the whole journey.

"Perhaps you should apologize to her."

"For what? I've done nothing to her." Legolas asked him, clearly exasperated.

"I don't know, but I do not think that you will ever get anywhere with her if you don't figure out what the problem is. And might I ask you, what is it that draws you to her? I do not wish to insult you by saying so, but she isn't particularly stunning."

"I don't know. There's just something about her. I'm not sure what though."

"Well, I suggest that you get over there and find out why she doesn't want the most wanted Elf in Mirkwood." Aragorn said as he left to speak with Gandalf.

"I'll do that", he called back as he crept towards Vanessa.

During all the commotion of setting up a small camp, Vanessa had separated herself from the rest of the group and went to the edge of the plateau on which they rested. She knew that it would only make the others suspicious but she didn't care anymore. Vanessa just wanted some time alone to think and admire the scenery. She lay down on the grassy slope in order to rest her aching feet. It was getting harder to hide how tired she was from her companions. When Vanessa had signed up for this venture she had completely forgotten about the long miles there were between Rivendell and the cracks of doom. She wasn't exactly in perfect shape either. Vanessa closed her eyes and let the breeze blow upon her face. It was so beautiful up here. Then she began to sing quietly. Vanessa found that whenever she was troubled singing to herself had helped.

There's a green hill far away

In a land I know so well
And the sun did shine so bright
In the fields where once we did lay

As we walked that winding road
I remember oh so well
The times we spent together
In the fields where once we did lay

How we laughed and carved our names
And declared our love forever
On that old oak tree we found
In the fields where once we did lay

There's a green hill far away
In a land I know so well
And the sun did shine so bright
In the fields where once we did lay
In the fields where once we did lay

"You have a beautiful voice".

"WOAH GOD", Vanessa said jumping up. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY SNEAKING UP ON ME LIKE THAT?"

"I just want to talk you."

"All right, fine. What about?"

"Why have you been ignoring me ever since that day in the forest?"

"If you really must know, you are freaking me out."

"Huh?"

"Why are you always following me."

"Well right now I do not have any choice but to follow you. But if you mean before now.....uh......um. If I hadn't followed you that day you might have died."

"Still."

"Okay fine, blame the elf. I only stopped Aragorn from killing you."

"Actually from what I hear, it was Gandalf who did that."

"SAME DIFFERENCE! Why don't you want to talk about it?"

"Why do you want to talk about?" Vanessa shot back at the stunned elf.

"WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM LUTHIEN?"

"BASICALLY I'M TRYING TO GET YOU OUT OF MY FACE!"

"What's that?" Sam asked, breaking into their argument.

"Nothing it's just a wisp of cloud", Gimli replied nonchalantly.

"It's moving fast and against the wind", Boromir noted with concern.

Legolas turned his gaze to the cloud in question and he felt fear rising in him. "Crebain from Dunland!"

"HIDE!" Aragorn shouted, his voice rising in panic.

Without a second thought, Legolas shoved Vanessa under a nearby bush and flung himself on top of her to hide her from view. Everyone sought a hiding place and they watched the passage of the flock. After awhile Vanessa finally managed to turn her face up to Legolas, every feature etched with rage.

"Spies of Saruman. The passage south is being watched. We must hurry and begin the trek over the mountain tonight." Gandalf said as he climbed from his hiding place. Slowly everyone emerged from their hiding spots. Then Frodo noticed something. "Where are Luthien and Legolas?"

The two were still under the bush. Legolas had once again become ensnared in the eyes of Vanessa. Only this time her expression was one of utter fury. But he didn't care. Legolas was finding it hard to control himself, being this close to her was maddening. The feeling of her sweet breath on his face was driving him insane. When he had shoved her under the bush, her blouse had slid up, revealing a part of her stomach. When he had ducked down his hand had fallen there. He could feel an electric current rushing up his arm as his hand made contact with her bare skin. His face was just a mere inch from hers.

"GET OFF ME!!!" Vanessa shrieked as she shoved him away and jumped up from under the bush. She began to grumble about killer birds and bushes as she stormed off in the direction of the mountain.

"Well, I guess we should just follow her lead", Boromir said as he began to break camp.

"Did I miss something?" Aragorn said in a bemused voice.

* * *

"Man, these people are insane .How do they stand this cold. " Vanessa thought as she dug through the snow. "Oh well, it's my own fault", she said quietly. She wrapped her cloak more tightly around her. The snow was already to deep for the hobbits so Boromir and Aragorn were carrying them. Gimli was struggling at the back of the group. Gandalf was in front of Vanessa digging his way through the snow. Legolas was in the lead, walking on top of the snow on his elvish feet. Just then he turned around and saw Vanessa shivering. Luthien, are you certain that you do not want to use my cloak?" the temperature extremeties didn't affect Legolas so he carried his cloak in his pack. He had been offering it to her continuously since the snow had started to fall and she had always refused. But now, Vanessa didn't turn him down. She was too cold to care anymore. It was then that they noticed that the four hobbits were sleeping. As Aragorn shook them awake, Boromir said to Gandalf, "This march is going to be the death of the halflings. We must get off the mountain." That was when the mountain fell on top of them. The fellowship was buried under an avalanche of rocks and snow. That moment was when Vanessa really thought of giving up, on everything. Here she was, buried under an avalanche and she was freezing to death. What did it matter, she would be dead soon anyway. Then, as if he were pulling her out of the depths of despair, Legolas was there, digging her free from her tomb of ice. Finally, he pulled her up to join the others and Legolas wrapped his arms around her to warm her. At the moment nothing felt better than being in his arms. "Wait a minute, what am I thinking". She panicked and pulled herself free. "You took long enough", she said grumpily, wanting to cry at the sight of the hurt look on his face.

"We cannot go on like this Gandalf." Aragorn argued.

"If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the mines of Moria." Gimli suggested as he shook snow from his beard.

"Let the ring bearer decide." Gandalf laid the choice on Frodo.

Everyone turned to Frodo, awaiting his decision. "We will go through the mines." He said finally.

* *
*

"The walls of Moria", Gimli whispered in awe as the fellowship came into the valley. In it's center there was a giant pool, and only Vanessa knew of the horror that lay in it.

As they approached the gateway, Gandalf spoke again. "It reads, 'The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter''.

Just as Gandalf began to mutter an incantation, Vanessa stepped forward and said the word "mellon". With that the doors creaked open and they all stared at her in disbelief. "It's very simple." She told them. "It said speak friend and enter, actually it should say 'say friend and enter."

"Ah, now I understand." Gimli said with wonder. Then, as they stepped inside, he spoke again. "This my friends is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A mine!"

"This is no mine", Boromir said as he began to notice the dwarf skeletons that littered the floor. "It's a tomb."

"Well we can't go back". Vanessa told them calmly. She indicated the entrance and they all noted with horror, the great tentacles rising up from the water and smashing the gate to pieces, trapping them inside.

"We now have but one choice. We must face the long dark of Moria. Quietly now. It's a four day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed." Gandalf said as he lit his staff.

(A/N) There's chapter three. I know that Aragorn and Legolas have been uncharacteristically angry up until this point but it gets better. I've also been using a lot of movie dialogue. Well that is the property of New Line Cinema and all them. Nor do I own the lyrics or music to the song "In the Fields where once We did Lay". Please review.