Chapter 3
By Crystal
Author's Notes: This chapter takes place same day she told Alan of her Middle-Earth adventure. Oh, and no offence to Orlando Bloom lovers, I love him too... But you know, just for this story... I've got to say Legolas was better looking than Orlando Bloom. Sorry for the short delay by the way.
*We all know who this belongs to... ^^;;*
I spent my day reading 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks in silence and if I was not doing that, I was folding more flowers again. It was the ninth of February already and thankfully today, I did not have any classes. I would not be able to put up with it, just speaking with Alan about Middle-Earth...
Sighing, I put my book down, knowing no matter how much longer I spent on the book, none of the words would go into my head. My mind was too set on reading the journal. I grabbed it and opened it. The once again familiar paper touching my fingers calmed me immediately.
Reading the whole journal over, I felt a sense of peace surrounded me and finally, I felt asleep...
I woke up with a start. As I heard a loud sound from my television, I jumped up immediately and opened my door. I headed towards the living room, my ears picking up some unfamiliar music. "What in Middle-Earth happened in here?" I asked, rubbing my eyes. "Lower the volume!"
Alan immediately went to lower the volume and afterwards, he decided to talk. His face was sympathetic, "Well, see... Iris just came knocking at the door after her class. After hanging around for a while, she decided to watch 'Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'..." He gave a quick glance at Iris, "But I was wrong to ask her, of all people to adjust the volume while I was in the kitchen getting some coke for us to drink."
Iris put her hands to her waist, "What?"
I bit my lips as I felt Alan's eyes on me. "Why don't you go back to sleep?" He asked, "You look terrible."
I felt another memory come to my head as I felt Legolas' voice say that sentence, only directed at Aragorn. I felt a hand on my shoulder, "I'm fine." I replied.
"You know, Jess." Started Iris, "For two years, this movie was out. And for two years, you still haven't seen it. I am making you see it, no matter what."
"No." I replied again, "I'm... I can't see it."
"Why not?" She asked.
Alan came to my rescue, "Just leave her, she's tired."
Iris frowned, "She said she was fine." Then she held my hand and started dragging me to the couch and made me sit down. "You are watching the movie."
I watched the movie in peace at first and I felt Alan's concerned hands on my hands, squeezing reassuringly. The Hobbits did look like that in Middle-Earth, except their faces were different, although similar. Gandalf was pretty much the same...
It was then Irene and Bruce opened the door to my apartment and walked in without a care. I narrowed my eyes, "How did you get my keys?"
Irene shrugged, "Well, I told Iris I was going to visit yesterday, so she gave us the key before she went to school, but we both ended up being busy, so we showed up tonight instead."
"And how did you know I was going to be home?" I asked, raising my eyebrow.
Bruce grinned at me, "You're always home, Jess." His eyes twinkled mischievously, telling me there was something he knew and I didn't as his eyes went to the television. I didn't like that one bit. "I see you're watching 'Lord of the Rings'." He stated.
I snorted and turned my attention back to the television. Aragorn looked a lot better in real life, I had to admit... Arwen looked even more beautiful in real life and I had recognized Boromir at first glance. Gimli was easy to guess and Legolas...
I couldn't help but feel my eyes tear up as Legolas showed up. I felt Alan's eyes worriedly on me and I could feel Irene's uneasy glances at me. Suddenly, I stood up, "I'm going to bed." Only Iris seemed to argue with it, other than that, both Bruce and Irene left me and that, was somehow disturbing.
When I got to my bedroom, I instantly used my pillow to muffle my sobs. What seemed to be an eternity after, I felt someone's arms wrapped around me, "Shh... It'll be all right..." He said.
My sobs continued as I felt him pat my back reassuringly... I was truly lucky to have Alan as a friend.
* * * * *
It was yesterday that Alan held me until my eyes were too tired to shed tears and it was then that I fallen asleep. I was thankful of Alan, really. He even stayed at my house to sleep on the couch after Iris, Bruce and Irene left. I had woken up to find him sprawled on the loveseat dozing off. I found a blanket in my closet and covered him with it and left him sleep peacefully. He didn't have any classes today, but unfortunately, I had.
Classes had already ended today and once again, I went to train a little to get my mind off the Legolas I had seen yesterday... True, he wasn't ugly, but he wasn't as good looking as Legolas, but just thinking about him at the Council brought my own mind in turmoil...
"Yo Jess." Eddie said as he saw me.
I nodded at him as I approached, "Hey. Ready to spar again?" I asked, forcing a smile.
"You bet." He replied, "But first, this." He raised his right hand and for the first time, I saw a piece of rag wrapped around something. He threw it at me.
I caught it. It was light and I narrowed my eyes, "What's this?"
"I don't know. It was delivered to you this morning. He only told me to hand it to you," then with a twinkle in his eyes, he added, "It might be another one of your secret admirers."
I rolled my eyes, "Shut up, Eddie." I walked towards the training area with Eddie right beside me, and when I reached there, I dropped all my stuff on the floor, and slowly unwrapped the rag. "Do you have any idea what this is?" I asked again.
"No. It seems light though."
I nodded, "Yeah it does." As I opened it, a sharp gasp escaped from my lips...
Metal as light as a feather and easy to hold, I present you this sword. May you use it well...
Lady Galadriel...
"How can this be?" I whispered softly, picking it up as my hands gripped the familiar handle, I swished it around a few times, every memory of battles coming back to me. The sword shone, reflected by the lights at the ceiling. It was clean and shiny, definitely not the bloodied one I had left behind.
"Holy shit." I heard behind me. I turned around to see Eddie's face. He was awed.
I smiled softly as I looked at Eddie, "You are losing today. For sure." Memories rushed to my mind as my hand was wrapped around the handle, memories of all battles, of every Orc, Uruk-Hai, Warg I had killed.
"Yeah right, Jess."
I smirked, determination in my eyes, "Long has this sword been used by my hands." I traced the markings on the sword, "It has protected me from harm, pain... It has saved many lives and it has also killed many." I said quietly. "Manke naa lle? Amin merna lle sinome, Legolas. Diola lle." (Where are you? I wish you were here, Legolas. Thank you.)
Without any armor on whatsoever, I walked to the end of the training room. I sheathed my sword and I waited for Eddie to get ready. "You are serious for this spar with a sword you've never used?" Eddie asked, also getting in position.
I nodded, "I am ready to use this sword to spar you," then I smirked, "but believe me, I have used this sword more than I have used my other."
He frowned, confused, "You only got your first sword when I helped you buy one. And you have used that one for as long as I've known you. How is it that you have used this sword longer than the one you currently use."
"That, my dear, is for me to know and you to find out." I readied myself, "Ready Eddie?" He nodded.
I got ready to make the first move. I was absolutely sure I could take him out. With this sword... I closed my eyes for a few moments, getting my thoughts together, then banishing them away from my head at once and snapped my eyes open.
Adrenaline flowed through my body and I ran towards him, I swung my sword towards him, he blocked it. I flicked his sword up and as he swiped it to my midsection, I crouched down and evaded it. I could've ended it right now, but I wanted to test my skills more, I wanted to use the sword more...
Instead of bringing my sword up, I elbowed him in the stomach and got a small cough out of it. He swung his sword again and we locked swords, staring at each other's eyes. He grinned, "Are you toying with me, Jess?"
I shrugged, "Perhaps."
I hopped backwards, and the next second, our swords rang again, instead this time, I withdrew it quickly and swung to his midsection, he blocked it. "You're quick today."
"It's because of the sword." This time, he flicked my sword away and I frowned as I crouched on the floor, once again missing his sword. Rings continued to ring throughout the whole room. I had begun to sweat and I knew Eddie was doing the same as I was, if not, worst. He swung it hard again, missing my sword and I and I took this chance to finish it off. I moved forward and pressed my sword against his throat, "I win."
He growled in defeat. "Man, does your sword really change so much things?"
I looked at it, "Yeah... It gives me the strength I need," I said as I withdrew my sword and tried to calm down my breathing. I wiped the sweat on my forehead with my sleeve, "That was a good exercise."
He nodded, "It's been a while since--" I tuned out his voice as I felt someone's eye on me. And it wasn't the students that were staring at us with awe as we finished sparring. It was a gaze that was filled with pride and love, with a bit of grief mixing it in. And the only one eyes that could make me feel so loved.
I looked around desperately, hoping I would catch someone's perfect blue eyes and I felt Eddie's hand on my shoulder. I shrugged it off and dropped my sword as I ran out of the room, looking everywhere, turning my head in every direction, hoping I could catch just one single glimpse of him.
One glimpse.
One glimpse and I would've been happy the rest of my life. As I turned the corner, I hit into someone.
"Whoa, Jess. Slow down!" Alan.
"Alan! Move!" I moved furiously, "Let me go!"
He wrapped his arms around me, "What's wrong?! You're worrying me!"
I looked over his shoulder, hoping to see anyone with blond hair, but there was none that looked even slightly like Legolas. I looked down in defeat. "Alan..." I whispered brokenly, "It was him... I swear to Valar it was him." I paused, "And it wasn't here. I don't feel his eyes on me anymore... It's times like this that make me think if I'm even sane."
"What makes you think he was there?" He asked, concerned, yet something told me he was hiding something from me.
I ignored it, thinking it was of no importance. "The sword... The sword I used to battle Orcs, Uruk-Hais... The sword Lady Galadriel had given me. And he is the only one with that can make me feel so loved with just one single glance." I replied.
He smiled at me and brushed his lips against my forehead, "I'm sure you two will see each other again. Fate won't be so cruel, would it now?"
"Fate has been cruel to me once," I said bitterly, "I would not be surprised if it was cruel to me once again."
Suddenly, I heard a phone ring as Alan excused himself. He walked away for a moment and when he looked at me, his eyes were grim. "Iris..."
"What's wrong with Iris?" I asked, worry taking over me.
"She just phoned me. Said Zach broke up with her after class." He said, "Shit, if I knew this would happen, I would never have matched them up."
I pushed my bitterness away as I looked up at Alan and withdrew from his embrace, "Let us go see her... She needs help."
I felt Alan's hand on my shoulder again, "You need rest. You're tired physically and emotionally. Get your stuff and I'll drive you home, then I'll go see Iris. Is that okay?"
Shaking my hand, I spoke, "Iris is my friend. I won't abandon her when she needs me most. I'll go get my stuff, but you are driving me over to Iris, whether you like it or not." Without another word, I turned my back on Alan and walked back to where Eddie stood.
I packed my stuff hurriedly, "Jess, where are you going?"
"I need to go. Sorry, Eddie. I'll see you tomorrow or in a few days." I gave him another forced smile, "Thanks for the exercise. I needed it." Then I also turned my back on Eddie and returned back to Alan.
"Ready?" Alan asked, putting his hand out, silently asking if I needed help with the bag.
I shook my head, "I'll be fine. Can I please borrow your cell phone?"
He gave me his cell and we walked silently to his car. Once I got in his car, I dialed Iris' number. "Iris?" I asked hesitantly.
A sob.
"Are you all right? I was there when you phoned Alan."
"I... I'm all right."
I bit my lips as if I felt Iris' pain, "We're coming over right now. We'll be there in about ten minutes, can you hold on?"
"You guys don't have to come... I'll... I'll be fine. Really."
"You don't sound fine," I said, all the while frowning. I repeated, "We'll be here in ten minutes."
"Okay... See you... See you guys then."
I bit my lips as I heard the line disconnect and I felt immensely bad for Iris, "Alan?" I asked, "Is there any way you can drive faster? I'm worried for Iris."
He shook his head disbelievingly, "I cannot believe you, Jess."
I raised my eyebrow, "What?"
"I simply believe you. Your own mind is in turmoil, yet you help another." He said, looking forward as he paid attention to the road.
"I... I simply think that Iris needs help right now. Mine is not so important."
This time, it was his turn to raise his eyebrow, showing me he didn't believe it at all. "More important? Iris will get over it in a month's time, perhaps two months at the maximum. You? It's been almost a year. What comes out of your mouth is sometimes so funny. You put yourself too low, Jess." He sighed, "Perhaps, we have all underestimated you."
I frowned, "What do you mean, Alan?"
"We have underestimated you." He repeated, "I believe you are much stronger than you think, or anyone thinks. Emotionally and physically."
I let a soft smile dance at my lips after the initial shock of his words, "Perhaps it was fighting and beating Orcs up that made me stronger physically..." I paused, "But it was definitely the people in my life who made me so strong emotionally, although I think I'm still weak. Have I not cried in your presence several times within these few days?" I asked.
"And have you not cried in your own presence only for the past few months, hiding all your pain from us?" He asked, his intense eyes looking at me.
A small frown come to my face. Perhaps... Perhaps maybe... Maybe I was stronger than I thought I was. I could only smile softly in return as no words would be allowed to leave my mouth, for I too, was shocked.
* * * * *
lex – Thanks! Hope you like this one too!
Bianca – Yes, it must be nice for Alan to listen to her and actually believe her.
yuhi – Lol, yeah, good thing Alan believed. I know a BIT of Japanese, not lots. But, jya!
saturndragon – Yes, boring, I would think. Thank you!
Youko Demon – Thanks! I think you spelled that right, I would check it, cept I'm way too lazy.
DrowningSin32 – Thanks! Haha, I watched TTT a few days ago and I quoted the whole movie after watching it once! (It had to do with 'Elves Are Not Perfect' too, but eh.) My friends were... surprised ^^ Thanks again!
Nutty_Jedi – Thanks! I can't wait either! Two more chapters! And yes, I kinda pity Alan. Alan is not bad looking, cute... But Legolas IS much better *grins*
Helena – Thanks!
GirloftheBlueFiresofNever – Hey! Well, I'll try to update soon. Thanks!
Jorja – Ah, thanks a bunch!
Rori – Hey! The rose that Legolas gave her, she left it in Middle-Earth before the war (she left it on top of her journal, on top of her pillow) As for marriage, I still don't know... Well, I do.
Eevee Goddess Of Light – Yep! Peace between the two of them. Ohmigod! I watched TTT again, haha. It was GREAT!
Breej – Hey! Thanks a lot, I'll try to update as soon as possible.
TitanicHobbit – Yes, I didn't really want people hating Alan. At first I did, but now that I think about it... It's pretty sad for Alan to. Your girlfriend comes back from a coma and dumps you.
Donnamira – Hey! Yes she told Alan, but she won't tell Iris... yet. (You know how Iris is obsessed with Legolas). But she'll find out. As for 'Instinct of the Heart', I'm putting it on hold for now first because I want to figure out this story first. I hope you don't mind!
Luindae – Thanks! Yes, I'll make her swear again, but not so much that I have to raise the rating Iris is kinda... oblivious to everything around her.
Hellish Kitten – Thanks! Lol, Legolas IS cute ^^
Bluesky – Hey! Well, if you do publish them, do tell me. Anyhow, I'll see you when you get your internet connection back. I'll miss you!
Luckiest Starz – Hey! Thanks, I'm honored to be your second favorite ^^ Anyhow, two more chapters until Legolas. And yes, he'll be in the story... Of course!
Mellon – Thanks!
Rane – Thanks a lot!
AgentBloom – Thanks a lot. Well, Legolas comes in two chapters. So wait patiently! I'll update as soon as I can. 'My Heart Will Go On', I loved the song, until I got annoyed at it after hearing it a billion times when it came out, but I listen to it occasionally now. Thanks!
Vampiress-Alexiel – Thanks! Well, ff.net is an arse sometimes...
urien – Yes! She's another step closer to Legolas! She ALMOST saw him. And she's starting to believe everything was not a dream and reality. Next chapter, she will KNOW it was reality. So it's slowly, but clearly moving onwards. Hope you like this one!
Elerrina – Thanks!
little elfling – Thanks a lot!
tigressong – Legolas is definitely a stalker *grins* Thanks a bunch!
Jessie – Hey! I still remember you, no worries, hehe. Anyhow, welcome back! As how did the journal come back to her, Legolas couldn't really just crawl in... Let's just say he had some help *winks* I won't tell you anything else though!
MaverickGirl – Yes, it's nice to feel wanted sometimes. Thanks!
kristal – I'll post as soon as possible. The next chapter might take a while longer since I'm getting a new beta... So yeah.
Lady Fae – Lol, I'm sorry! I hope it's worth the wait though! And thanks!
The Noble Platypus – Hey! I can play 'My Heart Will Go On' on the piano too. And a few 'Lord of the Rings' song. Anyhow, as for Legolas being there when he could just meet Jessica. Ya know, makes it a bit more dramatic. Plus, I wanted Legolas to give Jessica some surprises. Hope your keyboard survives your pounding, but I DO apologize for making you frustrated! Sorry and thanks at the same time!
Mickey – Hey! Thanks a bunch!
leia – Thanks a lot! And yes, Alan accepts defeat. I mean, there's not much he can do. The poor girl LOVES Legolas!
Kristin Riddle – I will update soon!
Ka – I do feel bad for Alan too, but 'where there is love, there is pain'.
Lady Galadriel – Hey! Legolas is coming, he'll meet EVERYONE ^^ As for how he got to Earth, you'll have to see...
Aiya – I know, I'm glad Alan understood too. I was going to make him an ass, until I changed my mind. Anyhow, Legolas shows up in TWO chapters!
Lady-Star – Hey! I know, Jessica FINALLY told someone after ONE year!
elf-maiden25 – Thanks a lot!
Racer38 – Legolas shows up in two chapters. I hope you can wait that long.
Latin4ever93 – Thanks! I'll update!
Delphine Pryde – Thanks!
Ishiera – Thanks! Legolas will be here soon, and I know it's a bit boring... But I hope you'll wait patiently. I'm just dying as much as you are, wanting to write that part. Trust me.
Smiley Face – Lol, I just don't want to spoil it for ya.
angelica – Thanks! I understand that I'll lose some readers, but I don't want to rush the story, you know? It's kind of hard for Jess to catch him at the corner of her eyes though, after all, he IS an elf.
Gilimirin – Well, Jess will know in two to three chapters. So I hope you wait patiently...
ellie – Thanks! I see, well, it's great that you do well in school! I do all right, but I think I got smarter over the summer, lol. Fat chance though. Anyhow, luv and hugs. Lates!
Roseblade22 – Lol, anyhow, yes, Alan and Jesse made up... So that's good. Anyhow, hope you enjoy this chapter too! *huggles everyone again ^^*
tourignyne – Yep! And yes you'll find out later... Thanks!
littlesaiyangirl – Thanks a bunch!
Lady Arianna – Thanks! Well, I'm sorry I couldn't wait for your version of this chapter. I didn't want to wait too long. Maybe you have MSN or something I can contact you with? Anyhow, I'm really sorry once again and I hope you'll correct my next chapter!
Siren – They will reunite in two chapters. That is a promise, even if my chapters have to be twenty pages long (Somehow, I won't be surprise if they were...) Aww... Legolas doesn't love me? *sniffles* Lol, anyhow, see you two soon!
wingweaver – Thanks a lot!
Telboriel – Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed 'Elves Are Not Perfect'. Anyhow, I don't think you've deserted me, no worries. Computer problems always happen. Anyhow, thanks! And yes, I made Jessica extremely miserable so the readers would see the difference when she's away from Legolas and when she's reunited with him. The difference WILL be quite big.
freaky-girl04 – Thanks!
merrylyn – Yes! Legolas sent her a Valentine! And he still remembers about last year! And yes, talking to plants help sometimes. As for slow torture, definitely. Lol, Legolas is EVERYONE's true love Well, not really. And great to know Gimli loves this story ^^ Well, you have to admit that the chapter with Jessica and Alan's talk was SLIGHTLY annoying. Omg, Gimli singing?! *blinks*
SpiritWulf73 – Thanks! You have a six-year-old son? That's so cute *sighs* It's going to be a long while until I get a son or a daughter, I'm still a child. I'm honored that it's your son's summer bedtime story, really. You don't know how happy that makes me ^^
Anaka Greenleaf – Thanks. Well, I know some people wouldn't enjoy the Titanic song. I was annoyed at it for a while, I admit. But it was the only song with the lyrics that fit well for the chapter and the relationship between Jessica and Legolas, so I used it. Anyhow, thanks again!
Weeee – Thanks a lot!
LalaithoftheBruinen – Thanks! I'll update soon! Hugs and bunnies!
Fly Without Wings – Thanks!
Dark Elvish Queen – Thanks! Some of those feelings are my own. Yes, for most of you, I might be too young to actually feel that, but I have... *sighs* Not pleasant, I tell you. But anyhow, yes, it's surprising how much Elvish sites you can find online. I hope you check my story soon! Thanks!
Cerasi – Legolas will enter the story in two chapters. Lol, as for his hair short, I don't think so... You'll understand why later. And I think we can leave Legolas without a shirt *grins* Anyhow, I read your story. Liked it lots! I even left a review and I do hope you'll update soon! See you later!
Hanya the Bloody Angel – Hey! It's all right if you don't review chapter two. Anyhow, I'm glad you enjoyed the story! And yes, Alan is like Boromir, so that's good. And definitely, Iris is definitely disappointed... But she will be even more disappointed when she finds out about Legolas and Jessica... *grins*
Nevren – Thanks a lot! I'm sorry for making you cry, but I'm also proud in a way. It means I actually put enough emotions in there. But I hope to see you soon! Later!
Author's Notes: Let me state that I am just as shocked as Jessica is right now. I have just received 77 reviews from the last chapter. Holy... Trust me when I say I couldn't believe it. The next chapter is the LAST chapter that will not have Legolas... So... *grins* I hope you look forward to Chapter four AND five. See you all later!
One last question, in the book, it says Aragorn and Arwen marry on 'Mid-year's Day'. Is that on June 30th? (If it is, it's my birthday, bwahaha ^^)
-Crystal
Wednesday, September 03, 2003