Chapter 8
By Crystal
Author's Notes: I watched 'Chocolat' and Johnny Depp was sooo hot .;; Anyhow, yep. That's about it. and ff.net is screwed up again and pissing me off. So argh... See you all later and happy readings!
Thank you Lady Arianna for correcting my chapters!
*We all know that anything that has to do with 'Lord of the Rings' belong to J.R.R. Tolkien...*
I didn't go back to the cottage, nor did I go see Irene, Bruce, Alan or Legolas. How could I have lost my temper like that? At Iris of all people? She'd been through so much... How could I be so selfish? She loves Legolas. Perhaps she really never understood how I felt, but how could I have shouted at her? It was no excuse for me to lose my temper like that...
How? Why?
You're so stupid, Jessica Hanson. Think before you speak, dumb crap. You've hurt her. Damn you, you stupid idiot.
Damn you. Damn—
"Jessica?"
I tried to ignore the voice, walking farther and farther away and into the forest. I didn't get much farther.
"Jessica?" This time, it sounded so much closer. "Melamin, do not run away from me... I heard the conversation, although I did not mean to. Your shouting..."
I stopped my steps and whispered softly, "It's all right, Legolas. It is not your fault."
His hand was on my shoulder, "Forgive me for causing you unnecessary troubles."
Turning around, I looked at him, my eyes soft. "Do not blame yourself. It is not your fault, nor anyone's but mine. If I had told her sooner--"
"She would have thought you insane." He finished.
I shrugged, "Perhaps. But she would not have been as surprised..." I paused, "It's as if I had stolen you from her." I muttered. "She would feel this way. She liked you first and I never even liked you, then I just go and take you away from her."
"I was never hers, but yours. Lady Iris never knew I existed."
"And if it was she who was hit by a cement block and not I, she may have fallen into Middle-Earth and you would have fallen in love with her." I said bitterly.
His eyes took an intense hint and it reminded me of that night so long ago in Helm's Deep when he dragged me off into the caves. "No." He said harshly, but his eyes softened. "There is only one person that I will love. That one person is my soul mate. It was meant for you to come to our world... If not, Boromir and Haldir would be in the Halls of Mandos right now. I would have never fallen in love, even if Lady Iris came. I would have spent the rest of my life traveling or ruling over Eryn Lasgalen and soon enough, I would sail into Valinor alone. Of course, I would be the last of the Fellowship to leave Middle-Earth..."
I found myself speechless. Yes, I had thought about what his future was like without me ever going into Middle-Earth, but I had always thought he would return to his kingdom with someone awaiting him, not alone. But sooner or later, he would have found a lover, right? But for him to not find a lover, that had never occurred to me. I gulped, "Why are you so sure of not falling in love with Iris?"
"Simply because I have not felt what I feel for you for another lady, Jessica. Keep in mind that I am two thousand nine hundred and thirty-two years old. From the moment I saw you in Rivendell, I knew you to be special in a way. I have never thought about you being a lover to me, until I saw you humming that song while you had your back against a tree, patting Pippin on the head like a mother... I thought it folly to love when a war between Good and Evil was about to start. I pushed my feelings away; knowing you had enough burdens, knowing you were always thinking of a certain person in our Fellowship dying. I did not want to burden you, and neither did I think you would ever have returned my feelings."
A smile broke on his face; his eyes looked far away once again, "Never did I think you would be the one to tell me of your feelings at Lothlórien, I was shocked beyond words, Jessica. But when you looked down with your face flushed, I knew I had to tell you of my feelings. I was hesitant that it was love because I was still denying myself to love a mortal and because it was a foreign emotion to me. I love my family and friends, but never did I think I would fall in love, certainly not with a mortal." He cupped my face and brushed his lips against mine.
"What Lady Iris feels now is confusion. She is confused at everything, because she has always believed that I was nothing but a fictional character. She has always believed that you were never one to fall in love with fictional characters. She is confused about everything and she feels betrayed that you have not spoken to her about me... But she will be fine once she calms down and gives it thought."
I looked down at the grass beneath me, "I don't know..."
"Lle uuma estelio amin?" (Do you trust me?)
I looked into his eyes, "Uma..." (Yes...)
"Quel." (Good.)
"Amin caela ilyamenie estelio lle..." (I have always trusted you.) I said while smiling. "Ilyamenie..." (Always.) I gave him a peck on the lips and was about to pull back when he wrapped his arms around me, kissing me even more deeply.
I felt his lips quirk into a smile and for the life of me, I couldn't understand why. I pulled away, smiling softly, "What are you grinning at?"
"Kai..." (Nothing.) A grin, then once again, pressed his lips on mine.
I felt myself slip into that familiar feeling where nothing in the world mattered anymore... Except for the man, I beg your pardon... Except for the Elf that had his arms wrapped around me.
I was lost in the kiss, my eyes closed, clinging onto Legolas for dear life and he had his arms wrapped around my waist securely, as if protecting anything from harming me.
Finally, we pulled away slowly quietly and I looked at his eyes. I was slowly returning to reality as his blue eyes stared back at me lovingly. In the forest, the soft sunlight made his eyes look softer and even warmer if it was even possible. And it was then I heard the clapping.
My eyes widened and I saw Legolas grin and I smacked him on the arm lightly and scolded him, "lle uume nyare amin!" (You did not tell me!)
Legolas chuckled in amusement, "Nvare lle mani?" (Tell you what?)
"Legolas!" I shouted in frustration, "Amin delotha lle!" (I hate you!)
"Amin hiraetha..." He chuckled once again, "Amin mela lle." (Forgive me... I love you)
I sighed in frustration, "I can never stay angry with you long." I tried to think of a time I was mad at him for a long time, but I could not think of one, except that time at Helm's Deep...
Finally, I looked up at my smirking friends.
"I see we have interrupted... something." Alan said smugly.
"Dina." (Be silent.) I muttered, knowing only Legolas could hear it, and if the others heard it, so what? They wouldn't have understood it. I looked at all my friends. Not surprisingly, Irene and Bruce were there along with Carrie, Josh and Eddie. Then there was Iris.
She looked as if she was calm again, well, perhaps not calm, but she has lost some of her previous anger. Without a single word, we both came to the conclusion that we needed to talk. Alone.
I walked towards her slowly until Legolas spoke up.
"Amin feirhuva." (I will be waiting.) He called to me.
I turned around, "Amin sinta. Tira ten'rashwe en' i' usquenerea, melamin." (I know. Be careful of the smelly ones, my love.)
Legolas chuckled in response, "Amin uva, arwenamin." (I will, my lady.)
"Arwenamin?" I snorted in response. "Yeah right, Legolas."
He smirked, "Ah yes, what was it that the lady said? 'And drop the part about the 'lady crap'. I'm far from a lady.' Then you thought for a while, and said 'Er... I mean, that... Er... Don't call me 'lady' because I'm far from a lady. Ignore what I said before'." He said, while imitating my voice, which turned out worst than the voice of a Gimli singing. Okay, bad example. Nothing could be that bad. Kidding, kidding...
"Oh Valar." I slapped my hand to my forehead, "You still remember that?"
"Uma."
I sighed, "Ah damn it..." He raised an eyebrow, "Shit!" I swore again and this time, the eyebrows raised up another notch, "Ah fuck it." I said, finally frustrated.
Before Legolas could get another word out the beloved kissable lips of his, I walked right past him and dragged Iris by the hand without a single care in the world, all the while muttering about damned elves and their perfectly good memory.
Finally when I stopped my ranting, I looked at Iris. "Do you wish to talk to me about anything, Iris?"
She looked at me, "No." She said quite coldly, but her eyes softened for just a little while, "After all, were you not the one who dragged me out here."
"Yes, I was." I replied. "But, you're right. I do have something to say to you, although you might not even want to hear it... Amin hiraetha."
She frowned, "Come again?"
"Amin hiraetha... It means 'forgive me' in Elvish. I did not have a reason to yell at you the way I had, no matter what I was thinking about, no matter what you did or said."
She sighed, "It wasn't really your fault either, you know. You told me Legolas Greenleaf was someone you loved. I just never believed it. It was hard to believe you, someone so against falling in love with mystical and fictional characters... You fell in love with him. And surprisingly, he fell for you too. Ironic thing was..." She paused, "I don't think I have the right to be mad at you."
The information took a minute to sank in, but once it did, "What?! Why do you say that, Iris?"
She looked at me, "Tell me, Jess. Why do I have the right to be mad at you? Tell me why you think that..."
"Because you've loved Legolas or Orlando Bloom, whichever one you picked, longer than I have... And I just come in the picture and make him fall in love with me!"
She smiled softly and put her hand on my arm, "You're right about myself falling in love with Legolas or Orlando Bloom... But you know what I've finally thought about? I fell in love with the Legolas in the movie, or Orlando Bloom the actor. You fell in love with Legolas in real life... You were right, I don't understand you, neither do I think anyone in the world can understand you.
"It is hard..." She started. "It is hard to find so much love in one single relationship, Jess. And I think, you are the only one on Earth, perhaps including all Middle-Earth that has such a relationship. I see the love he has for you; I see the love you have for him. I am not blind. Nor am I such a selfish bitch as to break the two of you up because of my own petty reasons. Perhaps he is the only Elf on Earth, but he isn't the only male on Earth." She put on a thoughtful face, "At least I hope not."
"So..." I said a bit too hopeful, "You... You don't have anything against it?"
She smiled, "What have I got to be against about, Jess? I've seen you depressed for a whole year, and I must say, it was horrible to see the usual foul-mouthed, bad-mannered, lazy-assed friend to stop swearing, have proper manners and actually learn swordsmanship. It was so different when you came back, you know? You love the Elf." She stated, "And he loves you."
She faked a dreamily sigh, "An immortal Elf and his mortal Woman." She frowned, "This sounds awfully like Aragorn and Arwen again. But then again, one's in Middle-Earth and the other's on Earth."
I raised an eyebrow, "Aragorn and Arwen are my friends. They'll end up happy. Plus, they're married."
"They are?!"
I nodded, "Legolas told me today... They got married..." I smiled, "I cannot wait to see them again."
"Doesn't look like you will anytime soon." She said.
I sighed softly, "Iris?"
"Uh huh?" She asked.
"I..." I started. "Legolas and I... We're leaving for Middle-Earth."
"WHAT?! WHEN?! WHEN WAS THIS DECIDED?!" She yelled.
I winced, "He gave me the choice to stay with him, and if I were to stay... He would stay with me." I looked at her, "But... I could not make him stay here, Iris... I just... I cannot. It would kill him, do you understand? He will be the only elf on Earth and even if he told others in the world, they would not believe him... He will fade slowly... He cannot survive in this cruel world of ours. Do you understand, Iris? I do not wish to leave you all... But it leaves me no choice."
She looked into my eyes, studying me for a few moments, "You are not joking, are you, Jess?"
I shook my head, "I am not joking..." I was expecting a loud outburst, but was extremely surprised at her calm reply.
"I was expecting this... After you and I had the argument. I must admit, I am jealous of you, Jess. Of your love, of going to Middle-Earth."
"I know..."
"How will you tell your parents?" She finally asked.
Looking down at the grass, I did not have the answer, "I know naught... I have not decided yet."
"I... see..." Her eyes sparkled with tears.
"Please... Don't cry." I said quietly, "I don't want to make it any harder than it is... To leave my whole family... My friends, everything I have known in my lifetime... If you cry, then I will cry too..."
"You do not feel like this is your home anymore though, am I right?" She asked.
I nodded, "Home... Home is where Legolas is."
"How long do you have left?" She asked quietly.
"Until March fourth. The day I awoke." I replied.
"You can give up so many things for him... For me to do that, I think it will be impossible."
I smiled, "Love is selfless... But he has given me his heart. And he knows that if I wished, I could have taken it away from it, threw it on the ground and stomped on it a few times and he would be nothing more than a memory. He has taken a greater risk than I ever have..."
"I envy the love you have, Jessica Hanson."
"I know..."
She smiled suddenly, but it was sad, "Let us make this last month worthwhile."
I too, smiled, "Lets."
* * * * *
The Merry Murderess Kitta – Thanks a lot!
The Hobbit Ivy – Lol, well, as a matter of fact. I've got an ending already. It's more humor, I think. But no, I don't think she'll become an elf... I've thought of that, but it's too much of a Mary-Sue . Yeah, the next chapter Monday! Woohoo!
Kyma – Thanks. Lol, yeah, I did kinda... Make it exactly the opposite. Anyhow, have fun learning the drums! I did a bit of drums during Band in grade five, six and seven along with Clarinet. Anyhow, love you too! Lates.
The Noble Platypus – Of course, it's a normal reaction for Iris to have. But I can't make her mad long. I dunno, I was thinking of replace f*ck with something else, but I didn't think it'd be realistic enough. Anyhow, see you later!
Luindae – Of course, she's mortal and he's immortal. But they'll make the remaining time worthwhile. That, I promise. Of course, Jessica goes back to the swearing... What do I know how to do what thing?
dragonfly – Yeah, new chapter. Anyhow, she gets over it quite quickly, although she'll still be jealous at times. Well, I'll try to make her jealous at times anyways.
Lady-Star – Yeah, if only Legolas was real... I'd hog him to myself. Anyhow, I haven't seen 'Underworld' yet, but I'm really looking forward to with someone.
LalaithoftheBruinen – Hey! Yay! New chapter! Anyhow, he did hear her, lol. I say he would be disapproving, if only they weren't arguing so badly. Hugs and bunnies! Lates!
Lightning Rain – Hey! Well, Iris forgave her now, so it's all good ^^ As for how they'll get back to Middle-Earth, I've solved that already. But I don't think anyone would be so cruel to kill Jess' body. Thanks a bunch!
Delphine Pryde – Hey ^^ Thanks!
GirloftheBlueFiresofNever – Hey. I sent you an email, but you didn't reply, so I'll repeat the question again. Well, you said noticing parallels between Jessica and I. It might be intentional or it might be natural. Can you point some of the parallels? Anyhow, thanks!
Laisi Mairo – Thanks!
DevilWench – Thanks a lot! *Hugs* Lol, well, I'm afraid you can't run away
with it . Anyhow, see you
later!
Sparxlie Pixie – Thanks a lot!
little elfling – Thanks!
Rori – Haha, you're welcome. Updates will be updated as quick as I can... Refer to Author's Notes at the bottom... I'm having some troubles, as usual. (When will they stop finding me?!), but I'm sorry I didn't mention it before. Legolas was up at the tree later, since he was following her. Bleh, Legolas is engaged to ME .
Hanya the Bloody Angel – Heya! It's fine not reviewing, but anyhow, lol. Well, yeah, I was pretty annoyed at Iris last chapter too, but now that she understands... It's all right. She's not selfish, at least she tries to not show it, knowing that Legolas and Jessica love each other... But thanks!
Gilimirin – Hey! Thanks a lot!
TitanicHobbit – Thanks! Well, sometimes, you know. At first when you feel deceived or betrayed, you tend to yell at people, no matter what they say. Anyhow, see you later! *hugs* I hope you're well soon. Having friends move away sucks.
merrylyn – Hey! Lol, I'm excited to write about Legolas *grins* But yeah, we can't blame Iris, no matter how much of a bitch she seems like . Anyhow, Jessica and Iris both seem more calm in this chapter, so yep.
ElfPrincessKitty – I would do a catfight, if not for the fact that Jessica would never fight like a girl and that she could most likely beat Iris in any fight, any time. Anyhow, thanks!
Crystalline – Haha, yeah, it makes me happy just to write about it. Later and thanks!
Mellon – Thanks a lot! I LOVE writing cliffhangers, lol. Anyhow, see you later!
Fluff Writer – Hey! Well, I emailed you, don't know if you got it, but if you didn't, here it is. Can I please have the picture of Jessica when you're done? Just email it to me. Thank you!
Lady Fae – Thanks a bunch! Most people aren't understanding when they first get the news, but she is now, so that's okay.
Roseblade22 – Heya! Lol, yeah, I get lazy to sign in sometimes too. Anyhow, thanks a lot! *hugs everyone again, again, and again* By the way, you should see 'Chocolat'. Johnny Depp looks quite good in there *grins* Lol, and of course, swooning for Legolas is just normal ^^ Later!
tourignyne – Heya. Lol, I don't think I'll make Iris into such a bitch, because Eddie's still got to like her, right? Anyhow, see you later! And yes, you're on my mailing list.
MidnightStar82 – Hey. Lol, I usually update my stories, unless I really lose inspiration. Then there's quite a big chance that I won't ever write again. Thanks a bunch, see you later!
The Shinny Ruby in the Sky – Hey! Thanks a lot. I'll try to update the other story regularly.
Marie the Black Rose – Thanks a lot! See you later!
Luthien Kate Seregon – Thanks ^^ I'm glad you like it.
daydreamer22688 – Thanks a lot! I'll try to post it up as soon as possible.
Kellyn Smith – Thanks ^^
Plasmolysed Cell Membrane – Thanks ^^ Well, sorry and angry for Iris would work. Sorry because she feels so betrayed and angry because she's acting like a bitch? Anyhow, see you later!
yuhi – Thanks. Lol, Iris and Irene are different, although I should have thought about it before naming them such similar names. *whacks self on the head due to stupidity* Anyhow, I'll see you later!
Enchanted.Kaos-star[Dot]Net – Hey. Thanks a lot ^^ Yeah, it was sad at the end. I almost made myself cry when I wrote it. Anyhow, thanks a lot ^^ They'll end up together... I promise.
Soul – Thanks! Iris is obsessed with Legolas, but her obsession will slowly go down. Anyhow, thanks again! See you later.
Lady Fae – I haven't given up on life, but I've given up on hope. I do think I need one of those support groups, but I'll never talk to them, so it's kind of a waste of time. That's my problem, I hate talking to people and I like keeping it to myself, which is an absolute flaw in my personality. My family kinda goes on and off... *sighs* I don't even know what I should do. As for my friend, it still feels so surreal, as if it never happened. It's like I'm living a dream. They day flew by for me, cause I was so confused and I'm feeling so helpless... But you're right; she doesn't want me to be sad. But I can't help it, although I act happy around her. Life's a bitch. Pardon for the language.
Harmony99 – Thank you!
Oswari!!! – Thanks! And yes, we need Leggy fluff ^^
Tap-dancing Hobbit – Thanks. See you later!
tigressong – Well, not at war anymore. But yes, I do see both sides, which is why I don't want to make Iris look like the bad person, because I would probably have acted like her, hell, I've acted like her before, if I had known my friend was keeping something so important from me. Anyhow, I still personally think Orlando Bloom is hotter with blond hair .
Leo Cole – Thanks a lot! See you later ^^
Author's Notes: This is, once again, added after I've written the chapter. PLEASE READ. I will not be updating as much after this chapter. Once again, I apologize. Check my xanga page if you want to know more...
My friend's dying. She has a thirty percent survival chance and she has an approximate amount of thirty-one more days to live. I want to be there for her. So... I apologize. I will write, but please do not rush me. It seems like I always get these personal problems, don't I? I apologize once again.
I got 44 reviews on this chapter by the way.
PLEASE READ THIS AUTHOR'S NOTES
-Crystal
Monday, September 29, 2003