This chapter will be through Lara's perspective, but not through her point of view. I am taking this to a different level and hopefully the chapters will be more descriptive. Not quite sure if I'll continue this way, but tell me what you think. By the way, this chapter is one most of you have been waiting patiently for. You will see what I mean towards the end of the chapter, so hang on. The path still lies open for Lara, after all.
She found the snow and the air pleasing as the chill wind crept under her skin and cooled the burns from her wounds, from her heart and especially from her worries that were lodged in the back of her mind. Clearing all further acknowledgement of further worries, she lay back in the snow, letting it melt across her cuts, clearing out the dried blood and mixing with the fresh blood. She cared now because she could smell the fresh air and feel the sky against her body. It was a welcoming feeling, despite the sudden wave of homesickness.
She must stop that now. She must continue catching up with the others.
Taking in a deep breath, she kicked herself up on her weary legs and as she walked down the snowy cliff she realised she would never catch them in time. Where were they going exactly? She felt a sudden pang of guilt once again and tried to push it aside as the sky started to dim, the usual blue quickly changing into a bright orange, white clouds randomly passing by and getting thrown apart by the wind. She smiled softly, drawing her arms around herself and walking on pass the East gate of Moria, and on towards Lothlorien.
Though she did not know quite where to go, the rough footsteps grind into the ground help guide her way and she found this soothing because the large Hobbit feet were walking in a straight line. Stooping down, she let her fingers go into the soft ground of the earth and scoop up the soil there. This was strange.
Her eyes wandered up at the Woods in front of her, the trees running down a line and as far as the eye can see. She smiled softly, wanting nothing more than to camp up in a tall tree, away from harm and away from running. Too much of that yet, and letting out a sigh of relief, she stood back up and followed the soft steps of the fellowship.
As she came upon the green grass of the Woods, distant Orc cries were heard from behind her and she turned to see night creep along the skyline, the gate of Moria far behind. She could barely make out the distant figures of Orcs hopping around the gate, and she ran the rest of the way inside the Woods, running faster when the cries began to be clearer.
She couldn't quite understand why the Orcs would continue chasing her. Were they not prone to the trees? Shuddering at the thought of getting caught by one when least expecting it, she braced herself for the deep, dark Woods she headed through. The trees were tall, taller than the ones in Mirkwood and much taller than the skyscrapers in her world. Looking up just made her uneasy and, observing what tree she should rest in for the night, she decided not to climb.
It wasn't that she couldn't. She could very well climb, but she wasn't about to fall asleep hundreds of feet in the air and toss around- which she usually did in her sleep- just to end up falling down those hundreds of feet and killing herself. Landing on such rough ground wasn't on the her top to do lists, so, gathering up her courage, she decided to continue walking until the way was too much for her to continue on. What could possibly go wrong?
Just as she jumped over a fallen log, a snap of a twig made her head snap to the side.
Someone was following her. Or at least it felt that way. Narrowing her eyes, she made sure her bag was strapped securely around her shoulders before adjusting her eyes to the blinding darkness. The only light that provided her was the moonlight and even that barely seeped through the many fallen leaves on the primitive looking trees. She sighed.
The leaves on the ground blew violently from the furious blow of the wind and she lost her balance and collapsed against an oak tree. Crashing into the tree made her cry out. The ugly gash on her arm was bleeding again from the fall and she slid down against the bark, letting her legs come out in front of her. She was beyond tired to continue walking. Let whoever is out there come, she cared not. Sighing nervously, she stared absently at the trees around her, a twig occasionally snapping and rustling under the breeze. How long was she going to last under the stars that she could barely see? She hated this place, more than anything, and snuggled up against the root of the tree and let sleep overcome her worries. She was just too tired to dream.
She was restless throughout the whole night. Her arms kept banging into the ground underneath her, though she remained sleeping she still was trying to fight off something. But she dreamt of nothing that night, and she continued to sleep, the cold wind bringing winter upon her poor body. Then a soft whisper along the wind woke her from her dark sleep and uncontrollable thrusting.
Lara Croft, you must wake now.
She rubbed her eyes groggily and leaned against the tree.
You cannot linger any more. You must wake and join your mission!
"No." She cried, letting her head droop to her shoulder. "I can barely stand. Leave me alone!"
If I do that, he will get you.
She opened her eyes softly and stared down at the leaves that had obviously been blown in a very neat pile. Sighing, she turned back to the trees around her and shook her head. She mustn't answer this voice. It will bring her as much pain as the last one had. With her two hands, patched with dry blood, she climbed to her knees and slowly stood.
Do not ignore my voice, Lara. You know of who I speak of.
"Leave me alone!" She cried again, trying to keep warm by the touch of her own arms around her body. "No one will get me and you do not bring me what I need. I've already parted with my fellowship and I do not know where I am. And to make things worse, they think I am dead so they won't stay where they are for long. This mission is doomed."
Do not doubt yourself Lara... He has no doubt in you, he knows you are strong.
"I miss him dreadfully." She admitted then laughed at the thought of speaking to herself. "I must really be going crazy."
You are not. He has dreams of you Lara, dreams that you are with him and he was able to tell you of exactly how he felt. You must realise that this is not the end. You are not lost because I am here to guide you.
"You're talking in riddles, Lady." She sighed, rubbing her head. "Just tell me where I am and if the fellowship is close by."
He comes. She could feel the voice smiling and as the wind swept her up, she tumbled sideways but was quickly caught by two strong arms. Struggling from the closeness, she pushed whoever it was off and whirled around to come face to face to the least likely person ever. He stared back at her, disbelief and shock evident on his face. He shook his head and took a step forwards but stopped, taking a step back. She let out a cry of surprise and wrapped her arms around his waist, throwing her face against his chest and taking in the scent of woods that always seemed to stick on him.
He hesitated but placed his hand on her back and started caressing the roughness there, knowing in his heart that she was in pain and the feel of her in his arms was a most awaited dream than that of returning to his beloved home. This was his home and he wrapped his arms around her tighter, burying his face in her neck and lifting her from the ground.
"I sensed you," He whispered, not wanting to ruin the moment of serenity. "The wind whistled to me, the breeze guided me to you. I was not sure of where I was going but I knew this to be true. The Lady had brought me to you. I grieved your lost since the mines Lara. I could not come to agree with your death and when I saw just now.. I- I-"
"Shh." She demanded, pulling away from him and pouting. "I did die for a moment. I almost gave up, Legolas."
He shook his head furiously, not wanting to hear this from such a strong person, especially. Gathering her back in his arms, he lifted her from the ground and when she wrapped her legs around his waist he gazed off ahead thoughtfully. He could hear them, patrolling the area in search of her. No. He grit his teeth in anger and pushed her closer to his body, surprised at how light she suddenly felt, and started walking off. He wouldn't let them take her again.
"You are safe. You are going to be all right." He told her, curiously touching her bare neck. He would ask her of her hair the next morning because of the long walk back to their shelter. He smiled as she sighed against his neck and tried to ignore the pang of longing of touching her aside. She was hurt and, knowing that she would most likely regret showing weakness by the morning, he quickly whispered soothing words into her ears, hoping that she would understand little of the Elvish he was speaking off. "Esta sinome, melamin. Uuma dela lle. (Rest well, my love. Don't you worry.)"
"I won't." She whispered back, barely able to get the words past her lips.
He smiled. "'Quel, melamin. (Good.)"
Groaning slightly at the pain welling at her legs, her eyes shot open and for a moment she could not adjust to the very bright light shining in front of her. It was day, she noticed. And the night brought hell to her for the past five days. Shuddering uncomfortably, she turned her head slightly to the side and smiled as Pippin, Sam, Merry and Frodo sat around a circle chatting to one another. A sight that she found all too familiar and it eased her of her pains.
"You are awake!" Pippin cried, noticing her stirring when he felt someone watching him. He hurried over to her, balancing the large plate in his hand and laying it on her lap. "Some bacon, bread and eggs for the Lady of our hearts."
She laughed and took the plate from her lap. It smelled wonderful and if it wasn't for the nauseous feeling in the pit of her stomach, she would of gobbled down the food eagerly. But, denying it until later, she leaned against the large pillow placed underneath her. What had happened when she was left with Legolas? Why had she been careless and fallen asleep again? She yawned at the thought of sleep and the other Hobbits joined her in small talk and food.
"Why won't you eat?" Sam asked a bit disappointedly.
"Why don't you eat?" Merry said desperately, holding up her plate.
"Maybe she does not like your cooking, Sam." Pippin laughed, getting a pillow thrown at his head. "Hey!"
"I am tired, that's all." She played with the food on her lap and curiously looked over at Frodo. He was watching her intently, his eyes grim and a darker shade of blue. She cast her gaze downwards, wanting nothing more but to look away from the look of pain in the Hobbit's eyes. It reminded her of, well, herself. "And and bit dizzy."
"I'd imagine you would be, since the mines and all." Merry whispered.
"Shut up." Sam snapped at Merry, turning back to Lara and smiling. "I'm sure Frodo will eat your plate, won't you Mr. Frodo?"
"I told you I wasn't hungry." Was the reply Frodo gave. He stared at Lara angrily for a moment, then stood and walked off, Sam hesitating to go after him but Lara scoffed him and he sat back down with a heavy sigh.
"Lara!" She started at the voice and smiled broadly as Legolas, accompanied by Gimli, noticed her from being perched on a log root. He ran half way and stooped down to get a better look at the woman before him. Seeing that she was all well, he gathered her in his arms and held her closely to him. He took an intake of her scent. "Lle maa quel. (You look good.)" She half laughed into his hair and pulled away.
"All I heard was the word good." She smiled softly and turned to Gimli. "I'm glad to see you, Gimli."
He huffed and leaned back against his heel. "I am, well- I'm glad you are all right. You are strong, lassie."
"I'm not so sure about that." She teased and went to grab a lock of her hair- being a nervous habit of hers- but stopped when noticing the empty space between her shoulders and her waist. She turned to Legolas for an explanation, but he simply shrugged and stifled a laugh. "My hair!- Oh, that bloody Orc! I remember now!"
Legolas stopped his shakes of laughter and widened his eyes. Orc? What Orc? Grabbing her hand, he gave it a light squeezed and asked her of what had happened when falling down the mine. She looked at the staring faces uneasily, but nodded and explained what had happened, everything that should could remember at least. When she finished the staring faces tensed and no one said a word. She was glad for the hand that was squeezing hers in comfort and she finally found some there, turning to him and giving him a small smile. His lips looked teasing then and her smiled widened, fighting the urge to reach in and touch his smooth, baby like cheek.
She glowed under the sunlight, and now with her hair cut she seemed almost attempting to him. It took all his power not to reach in and touch her sweet lips, her jaw and run sweet kisses all over her neck. She was lovely then, more than she usually was, and now that she lay in front of him he was the happiest Elf ever. That was until he came.
"Did you explain to her where Gandalf is?" Boromir emerged from the tent across from them, wearing his trousers and a very loose shirt. Lara narrowed her eyes suspiciously, prying her gaze off of him and turning back to the weary faces.
"What about Gandalf?" She asked softly. When no one replied, she stared at Boromir angrily. "Tell me what's wrong, before I get angry-"
"Melamin, come walk with me." Legolas ordered softly, standing and reaching out a hand for her to take. She took it with a sigh and felt her legs stored to their normal strength and smiled gratefully. They were no longer weary. She wore her normal clothing, both pants and shirt drenched in dried blood and her arms bandaged from her wounds. She sighed once again, leaning against Legolas as he escorted her away from their sheltered camp site and through the Woods, where she paid no attention to the Elf besides her, only to the question lingering in her mind.
"Where is Gandalf, Legolas?" She asked again.
"Lle naa vanima." He whispered, stopping with her in the middle of the Woods, far from the campsite. "You look wonderful and I can not believe I haven't noticed this before."
She shook her head. "Something happened to Gandalf, I could see it in your eyes." When he blinked, he looked away from her, unable to keep a steady gaze with the woman he was holding so close to him at the moment. She nodded, understanding this. She leaned into him, letting her eyes wander around the woods before them. The same trees as she remembered entering to, though they were far separated and allowed more light to come through. "But I wonder what?"
He shook his head against her own and pulled her closer to him. "He- He is no longer with us, melamin. He had fallen into darkness, just as you, but he no longer survives for the demon fell with him."
She cringed at the thought of poor Gandalf falling with the demon- Her eyes widened at remembering that hot night by the hall of the Orcs, witnessing the fire demon fall from the sky, stone bricks falling with him and cascading down the darkness pit of the mines. But, why hadn't she seen Gandalf? Surely she heard him shouting, but why not see him yet see the demon? She couldn't quite place that and the realisation at hand stirred within her and she shook violently. Gandalf was dead. No longer would he lead the fellowship towards their doomed fate.
She shuddered.
"What is it?" He asked gently, bringing her face in his hands. "Why do you stir so?"
She looked up at him, doubt in her eyes. "I'm not sure I want the fellowship to continue with me on this."
"What?" He stared at her dumbfounded. Why Elbereth would she say such a thing? He would most definitely go straight to Mordor with her, and he was planning on telling her that but she waved her hand in the air the way she usually did when trying to make a point. He frowned.
"Gandalf died, Legolas." She stated the obvious, fidgeting with the short tangles of her hair. "And I just think it would be best if everyone just staid here in.. Well.. wherever we are and let Frodo and me go. Hell, I'll be willing to take the Ring from Frodo and take it myself. He doesn't have to go anywhere, I see the pain in his eyes."
"What about the pain in your eyes, melamin?" He snapped, touching a strand of her hair. "You worry about others when you should be worrying about yourself."
She laughed. "Honestly Legolas, I've made it this far on my own, haven't I?" She sighed and gave a look at the trees before continuing, "All I am saying is.. to stop everyone from dying. And.. I don't want you to die, that's all."
He smiled down at her and brought her chin up in his hand and observed the golden shimmer in her both brown and green eyes. The sunlight flashed down upon them, casting a brown and sometimes green glow that he admired so very much. It was one thing about her that he loved, and he stared at her for a moment when realising what he had been calling her. Melamin. He hadn't even realised, and should it matter? No, of course not. Turning back to her, he let go of her face and smiled.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked accusingly.
"About kissing you without getting my head chopped off." She laughed when hearing his teasing.
"There is only one way to find out." She raised her eyebrows and took a step back, though he only seized her by the arms and pulled her back with him, wrapping his fingers with her hair and locking his lips along hers in a impatient yet longing kiss. She sighed against him, allowing his tongue run along the outline of her swollen lips. So, I'm not going to take his head off, she thought. Who cares! She leaped up and wrapped her legs around his waist tightly, not noticing that he was leading her somewhere, all the while kissing and napping at both their clothes in attempt to remove them.
"Hold tight, melamin." He whispered softly, climbing a spiralling stairwell that led to tree root after tree root, and when they both were high enough he walked onto the carpeted floored room, laying her gently down on the blankets spread down along the inner circle of the place. She groaned impatiently when he removed himself from her lips. He quieted her down and hovered over her body in a erotic, longing position. "Let me touch you the way I feel inside." He slowly removed his clothing, Lara watching him all the while trying to contain herself from the wild, animal like passion burning her every limb. But she waited.
She complied to his wishes and even surprising herself with the patient touches his long, nimble fingered stroked along her body. He eased off her clothing, piece by piece, slowly getting to know the finely shaped body underneath and taking lessons on which spots made her squirm with tickles or moan with pleasure. He smiled knowingly when his hands gripped her thighs, caressing them tenderly with his thumbs. She buckled underneath him and shook with pleasure when his fingers slipped through the fine shaped legs and inside the very barrier that had been touched many times before, but with Legolas this was different. She was more willing, more excited. This was one she would most definitely remember.
He watched her face change emotions when giving her this pleasure. He loved the way she felt underneath him, the way she listened to his commands and the way she groaned his name. Having enough with this teasing, he brought her upon his lap and positioned herself upon his tightening erection, but he couldn't pay attention to that just yet. He was yet to finish his little game. When her hands gripped his shoulders he brought himself back from his trance and grinned wickedly, fingering the warmth of her womanhood.
While doing this Lara had arched her head back and he took the opportunity to capture the bare skin there. Running his tongue to her throat his swollen lips nipped at the flesh while his tongue ran along the scar she bared there. Lowering himself when she moaned, he captured her right breast in his mouth and admired the nipple there with his tongue flicking side to side. She took an intake of breath and tightened her thighs against his hand, thrusting forwards.
He removed his lips and placed them on the left breast, suckling the hard nipple there.
"Damn, Legolas!" She hissed, running her fingers through his hair. "Make me... make me forget why I'm here."
"I shan't do a thing, unless you mean it." He whispered removing himself from her chest while stroking her short, loose hair. "Tell me you mean it." He held her face in his steady hands and brought her closer to him, admiring the way she smelt and the way she looked under his power. "Tell me." He waited for her to reply and smiled when she smiled.
"Do I look like one to joke about something so serious?" She murmured. "Legolas- Of course I mean it."
That was all he needed to hear and he laid his lips upon hers and laid her body down on the floor. She heard him growl throatily and they thrashed each other back and forth, Legolas whispering compliments to her as he tried to tame to almost animal like woman underneath him, but he obliged and returned to favours she was giving him, hoping that this woman he had given himself to would understand how he felt of her through their love making, though he doubted she or he at that matter, would have another opportunity like this. For until this is over, at least.
Sad news guys. I'm going away to Georgia until the 26nd of June, so no more updating until then. I won't even get to start chapter seventeen. *Sigh* I'll see you then, so hang on. The next chapter will be more descriptive, so don't worry.