Hello to all!!! I am terribly sorry that I have not posted in sooooo long, *I was delayed* Gandalf LOL! Hehehe. Well I was actually in Mexico, Mazatlan to be exact. It was incredibly fun and there were so many guys…………. I mean things to do! It's spring break in Mexico so there were swarms of people, kind of depressing really! Well anyways enough of my boring talk here is chapter 13. This chapter goes mostly by the book as I couldn't remember exactly how it happened in the movie. I only watched it once, (I prefer the books way more!) sshhh.

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~*Chapter 13*~

Finally Legolas and Aragorn's song to Boromir came to an end. They stood silent for many long moments simply letting the mist filled breeze sweep around them, cooling their skin.

Legolas then was the first to stir. He hurriedly walked to the waters edge and began to prepare the small boat. " The hobbits Sam and Frodo have reached the Eastern border. Come we may still be able to catch them," he said as he looked to Aragorn.

He watched the motionless man for some time before he spoke, "you mean not to follow them" he said as more of a statement than a question. Leuthil stood behind Aragorn next to Gimli.

"And now may I make a right choice and change the fate of this unhappy day." Aragorn stared into oblivion silently as he thought for a moment, "I will follow the orcs" he finally spoke breaking the silence, "I would have guided Frodo to Mordor and gone with him to the end; but if I seek him now in the wilderness I must abandon the captives to torment and death. My heart speaks clearly at last: the fate of the Bearer is in my hands no longer. The company has played its part. Yet we that remain cannot forsake our companions while we have strength left. Come! We will go now. Leave all that can be spared behind! We will press on by day and dark! We will make such a chase as shall be accounted a marvel among the Three Kindreds: Elves, Dwarves, and men. Forth the four hunters."

All those who stood there took his word to heart. They packed the very little they had been instructed to pack by Aragorn. Then very quickly they were off. They would run the whole way. There was an unbreakable silence between Leuthil and Legolas, they had not had the chance to speak things over, and they both got the feeling they would not get to do so until some time later.

They ran beside each other at first. None spoke to the other as their feet fell gently on the plain floor, all except for Gimli's. Leuthil noticed how serious Legolas was now, compared to the outspoken elf she had met in Lothlorien. She did not mind it at all, perhaps she even liked it better. Just looking at the look in his eyes reassured her once more she had made the right decision.

The sun and moons light passed over them as they ran. The red light of dusk came slowly and finally they sat for a short time to rest. Legolas took advantage of this time to finally talk to Leuthil.

Legolas took first watch and waited for them all to be peacefully resting. He then walked to Leuthil who rested a few paces away from where he was standing and knelt down beside her. "Leuthil" he whispered in her ear. She automatically awoke.

"Yes?" she asked as she looked into his eyes.

"Come I wish to speak with you" he said somewhat sternly.

"Very well" Leuthil said as she got up from the hard ground.

They walked only a few feet away from where Aragorn and Gimli were resting. Legolas and Leuthil stood only a few inches apart, facing each other.

"What do you wish to speak of Legolas?" Leuthil asked.

"Why did you follow me? Do you know how dangerous that was?" he asked, almost sounding paternal.

Leuthil looked down at the untidy ground, it was so bare and rough out here compared to the beautiful land of Lothlorien she thought. " If you cannot see why I came then you are truly blind " she told him.

"Why is it so hard for you to admit you love me?" he asked somewhat seriously and somewhat jokingly as a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"It is not hard for me, but why did you not tell me that day? I was in doubt." She finally said as she kept her gaze on him.

"I was also in doubt, I did not know if you truly loved me." He said looking away as if her stare was so intense for him.

She reached her hand up to his face. Gently she touched his perfectly smooth skin there and moved his head so that he was staring into her eyes. "I love you Legolas", she told him, "I hope you are not in doubt now?"

"Of course I am not" then before any of them could say any more Legolas put his hand around her waist and pulled her body tightly to his as he lowered his lips to hers. He could see her cheeks becoming red, as he got closer, even if he had done this suddenly, with the swiftness only elves had.

She did not pull back from him nor push him away, but instead let his lips reach hers. His lips were so soft to the touch. It was at first a sweet kiss, but to the surprise of Legolas, Leuthil deepened it and he let her tongue explore his mouth as he explored hers, which he thought tasted of honey mixed with herbs of some kind. They were deeply mystified none took any note of anything that was going on about them. Then to them it seemed a cruel voice broke their kiss.

"Legolas Leuthil come we must get going." It was Aragorn and he was standing up trying to wake Gimli also. Legolas wondered how long they had been kissing, if Aragorn had gotten up and already fixed their camp so they could get going.

Legolas was the first to move, as he took a small book out of the small bag he was carrying with him. It was Leuthil's book of poems. As he handed it to her he said, "You said you had come for your book and here it is, now in your possession once more." He handed it to her and she smiled, "I added a poem for you at the end, do not read it now, for there is no time. Read it when you wish" he said as he lifted his hand and caressed the soft skin of her face. At the same time putting strands of hair behind her ears.

They then set off and Legolas went ahead of them to see if he could make out anything. Aragorn, Leuthil, and Gimli were left behind. Gimli was much farther behind so Aragorn and Leuthil ran next to each other. "So tell me are you happy now that you have found your love, even if it was somewhat perilous?" Aragorn finally broke the silence.

"Yes, I suppose so. You must know what it feels like, you love Arwen and she loves you just as much."

"That is true. Has she told you the story of when we first met?" he said with a dreamy look in his eyes while at the same time there was pride, courage, and worry. Leuthil was surprised he was willing to share such a story.

"Yes, she has told me… many times as a matter of fact." Leuthil said sounding somewhat annoyed at having heard the same story so many times. Aragorn chuckled at her last remark.

From behind them came a grunt, it was Gimli, "calm down elves!" Aragorn and Leuthil turned back to look at their dwarf friend.

"Come Gimli we must catch up to Legolas, I can see him waiting for us some distance away" Aragorn then turned again and continued running next to Leuthil.

"Well, it was as it I had strayed into a dream that day." Aragorn said, continuing their previous conversation. "There really is not much more to say, simply that it was love like I had never known it nor shall I ever again."

Leuthil stayed silent. They finally reached Legolas once again. "Have you seen anything?" Leuthil asked him before Aragorn had the chance, for he was laying on the ground with his ear to the ground.

"There is much movement", Aragorn said.

"Will we rest now? Even Legolas on a hill top could not see them till the sun is up" Gimli said out of breath having finally caught up.

"No, the scent will grow cold" Aragorn said looking pensive.

"I am afraid they have passed beyond my sight from hill or plain, under moon or sun. I have only seen their tracks, but now they are becoming clever in hiding them. Only a ranger will be able to detect them properly now, for it is a dark night."

"Come then, let us continue. I wish still to see tracks of two hobbits." Aragorn said. They moved on more slowly now as Legolas and Aragorn searched for any trace that the hobbits were alive while keeping to the trail of the orcs.

There was now much land and time between them and the forest of Lothlorien. Leuthil could feel a yearning in her heart to see her friends again, even Orophin. She felt bad about leaving without having spoken to him again. She thought of this and many other things as she ran beside Legolas. Her heart felt as if it were floating above her, blissful, since the kiss Legolas had given her. She did not want it to end, but alas, all good things must come to an end.

She felt there was still much hope in her and in her companions to find the captured hobbits. She knew it was not in the heart of any of them to leave the hobbits to suffer a horrific death. Simply the thought of such a thing drove them on.

Finally Gimli spoke once more, "come we must rest."

"Now I do most grudge a time of rest or any halt in our chase. The orcs have run before us, as if the very whips of Sauron were behind them. I fear they have already reached the forest and the dark hills, and even now are passing into the shadows of the trees." Legolas said as he looked far out into the plains, as if looking at something the others could not see.

Leuthil noticed something strange in Legolas. They stopped to rest for a while. Aragorn, Gimli, and Leuthil slept and when they awoke once more they saw Legolas up already. It seemed he did not need rest nor did he need it.

"Awake! It is red dawn, strange things await us by the eaves of the forest." He called to them.

They all sprang up at once and Leuthil turned to Legolas, "what is the matter?" she asked him, as she put her hand on his shoulder sympathetically.

"It is this place, it does not seem right. There is something strange at work in this land. I distrust the silence. I distrust even the pale moon, and the stars are faint. I see Aragorn is Weary, weary as no ranger should be with a clear trail to follow. There is some will that lends speed to our unseen foes and holds us back. I see it is a weariness in the heart rather than in the limb."

"Yes Legolas you are correct. I have felt it since we came down from the Emyn Muil" Aragorn told him, having heard what he had said.

Leuthil turned to Aragorn, for she had also felt something but had paid no attention to it. "Yes, I felt it also, but I did not know it was taking such a toll on our companions."

They had now set off once more on their continuing journey. They went on for many long hours, the long journey was taking a toll on the dwarf as Aragorn walked behind him stooping low for any signs of the hobbits footprints or anything unusual.

Legolas and Leuthil still continued on without looking tired, as their feet barely seemed to touch the ground. Legolas led them to the top a small hill, which could be seen clearly. He stood atop it shielding his eyes from the blinding sun, Leuthil did the same, and Aragorn lay on the ground with his ear pressed down.

"There are riders", Aragorn said.

"Yes, you are correct Aragorn. Yellow is their hair and they are proud as their horses. I can see spears but that is all." Leuthil said, surprised at having been able to see, it must have been at least 5 leagues.

"There are one hundred and five, and their leader is very tall. A black smoke rises behind them", Legolas added.

"We cannot escape them in this plain land, shall we wait for them or continue?" Gimli asked.

"We shall wait, perhaps they have knew of the orcs and out companions. They are Riders of Rohan. They must surely have new of any orcs passing through this land" Aragorn finally answered.

They came down from the hill and sat on the soft grass with their elven cloaks about them as a chill wind passed. Gimli was uneasy and continued questioning Aragorn about these riders.

Finally the sound of the thunder of horse hoofs could be heard. Leuthil looked upon them with, she observed them closely and saw truly how proud they seemed. They were swift and their horses truly beautiful to look upon. The armor of both men and horse matched. They all had shields, which were painted with the mark, Leuthil guessed, of their land. Their spears were long and the tips gleamed in the morning sun. Their swords, which hung on a belt at their sides, were long and they wore shirts of mail, burgundy colored, that hung to their knees.

They came close enough to see them and yet by the expressions on their faces it appeared as if there was nothing in their way. Just before they passed them Aragorn stood up and shouted, "What news from the North, Riders of Rohan?"

They immediately, with great speed and order, encircled the four companions. Aragorn was the only one whom stood, as Leuthil, Legolas, and Gimli did not know what was to happen. The circle of riders halted and many spears were instantly pointed at them.

The leader of the group advanced on Aragorn. Tall he was and very proud. Fell and fair to look upon was his face, stern and cold his expression, yet still seeming handsome and understanding. Leuthil saw he had long pail, blonde hair, which could be seen beneath his helmet. Many of the other riders had the same hairstyle as their leaders. I was extremely pail for it did not shimmer in the sun as Legolas's did.

Aragorn stood still; he did not stir at all. "Who are you, and what are you doing in this land?" he spoke with assertiveness that many feared to oppose. He spoke in the same way Boromir did, the same accent. He used the common speech of the West.

I am called Strider," Aragorn answered, "I come out of the North. I am hunting Orcs."

The leader leapt down from his great horse, at the same time tossing the long spear he held to a rider beside him. The rider also dismounted and stood proudly behind the leader.

He walked toward Aragorn and unsheathed his long sword. "At first it seemed to me you were orcs, but now I see you are not. Strider is no name for man. How did you escape our site? Your raiment is strange also, are you elvish folk?" he asked as he stood directly in front of Aragorn but a few paces away.

"No, only two of us here are. Legolas of the woodland realm of Mirkwood, and Leuthil of Lothlorien, we have passed through that wood which is Lothlorien and the gifts and favor of the lady are with us." The rider continued to stare at Aragorn but now with complete wonder twinkling in his eyes.

"Strange these days are then. The old tales are true then of the Lady of the Golden wood, few escape her nets they say. A sorceress or witch is told that she is", he turned to look at Legolas, Gimli, and Leuthil with suspicion in his eyes, "Why do you not speak silent ones?" he told them.

Gimli rose quickly and stood as proudly as he could, "Give me your name, horse-master, and I will give you mine, and perhaps more."

The tall rider stared down at Gimli, "The stranger should declare himself first. Yet I am named Eomer son of Eomund, and am called the Third Marshall of the Riddermark."

"Then Eomer son of Eomund, let Gimli the dwarf Gloin's son warn you against foolish words. You speak evil of that which is fair beyond the reach of your thought, and only little wit can excuse." Gimli answered. Leuthil looked at the dwarf with wonder in her eyes, for the dwarf although short looked prouder and she wanted to laugh or smile as anger grew in Eomer's face. But soon she saw it was not a laughing matter as Eomer raised his sword.

"I would cut off your head, beard and all, Master Dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground" Eomer said, his voice dripping with antagonism.

Legolas sprang up and Leuthil did the same by his side. He notched an arrow to his bow and pointed it in Eomer's direction, while at the same time Leuthil drew her sword, skillfully twisted it in a full circle around her arm, and finally pointed it in Eomer's direction also. At once many riders advanced and the 4 companions could feel the steel tip of their spears on their necks. It appeared as if Legolas did not notice it for he spoke menacing words to Eomer, "He stand not alone, you would die before your stroke fell."

Everyone advanced on each other and the small spot in the plains was tense, suddenly Aragorn leapt between them, "your pardon Eomer, when you know more you will understand why you have angered my companions. We intend no evil to Rohan. Will you hear our story before you stroke?"

Eomer agrees though somewhat doubtful. They all introduced themselves. "Elendil! I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and am called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dunadan, the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor. Here is the sword that was Broken and is forged again." he said proudly and as he did so he seemed taller, more kingly than any of his companions had yet seen him. Eomer stepped back in awe.

Before anything they asked of the hobbits. Eomer, though, said he had not seen them, and thought that they must be a strange folk.

Eomer's men left him with the four companions and Aragorn told the tale of their journey. Leuthil listened intently for it was the first time she would hear clearly what had happened to Gandalf. When Aragorn finished Eomer could only say, "these are indeed strange days, dreams and legends spring to life out of the grass."


Eomer asked of Boromir and sadness was shown on the faces of the dwarf and human. The elves did not show expressions easily. "It is now the fourth day since he was slain", Aragorn told him, "and since the evening of that day we have journeyed from the shadow of Tol Brandir."

Eomer's eyes once again filled with wonder, "on foot?"

"Yes, even as you see us now", Aragorn answered once more.

"Strider is too poor a name, Wingfoot I name you. This deed of the four friends should be sung in many a hall, and even with a female in your presence." Leuthil eyes opened in shock and she was about to open her mouth and say something, which would most likely sound rude, but she felt Legolas hand on her shoulder holding her back, and she thought twice about it. "Forty leagues and five you have measured ere the fourth day is ended", Eomer continued not caring about Leuthil's reaction to his comment, "Hardy is the race of Elendil!"

"Then you will lend me aid?" Aragorn asked.

"But now, lord, what would you have me do?! I must return in haste to Theoden."

Then you do not pay tribute to Sauron?" Gimli said as he observed this Eomer.

"We do not and we never have", Eomer said turning to the dwarf with a look of distaste. "He once wished to purchase horses from us at a great price, but of course we refused him, for he puts beasts to evil use. Then he sent an attack of orcs and they made off with what they could. Do I hope in vain that you have been sent to me for help in doubt and need?"

"I will come when I may", Aragorn told him. Eomer then praised him and told him of how much of a great help he would lend the House of Eorl, Aragorn felt resentment at not being able to help them just yet. "I thank you for your fair words, and my heart desires to come with you; but I cannot desert my friends while hope remains."

"Then at least I shall try to help you. Here you may take two of the spare horses." They brought to Aragorn a gray horse, "Hasufel is his name, may he bear you well and to better fortune than Garulf, his late master."

To Legolas they brought a smaller horse than that which they had brought Aragorn, yet still he was a great beast, Arod was his name. Legolas asked them to remove the saddle and rein. He then leapt lightly on top of the horse.

"Will the lady need a steed or will she ride with one of you?" Eomer asked Legolas.

"Why do you not ask her yourself?" Aragorn told him.

Eomer then turned reluctantly to Leuthil, "Do you wish for a horse of your own, or shall you ride with Aragorn or Legolas? The dwarf I have heard wishes to ride with one of them."

"No, I wish to ride my own horse if you have one more to spare." She said staring at him intensely.

He seemed to shrink under her extreme gaze, but he did not lose eye contact, "yes we have another" he answered her.

They brought to Leuthil a dappled gray horse, smaller than that of Legolas'. They told her his name was Andlad and as Legolas had done she asked them to remove the saddle and reins. She leapt skillfully onto its back and the men who stood there were astonished at how stealthily and skillfully she had mounted the horse. The horse moved whichever way she instructed it to at the softest whisper. It took an immediate liking to her, as was the way of the elves.

Eomer spoke to them once more before they left, "This only I ask, when your quest is achieved, or is proved vain, return with the horses over the Entwade to Meduseld, the high house in Edoras where Theoden now sits. Thus you shall prove to him that I have not misjudged. In this I place myself, and maybe my very life, in the keeping of your good faith. Do not fail."

"I will not" Aragorn told him and then pulled the reins of the horse to one side and galloped into the plains, closely followed by Legolas and Gimli, who sat behind Legolas looking very unsteady, and Leuthil.

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There is chapter 13, hope you enjoyed it!

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