OH MY GOODNESS!
Umm. . .I have so many reviews, it's just easier to thank all of you like this:
Daisy Princess: All of your help was greatly appreciated love! You're the second person to suggest Boromir should live, and likely no one will find out for a few chapters what I plan on doing with him. And EVERYONE seems to want to see my elves hook up in some form. Thanks for your suggestions and glad I could help you in return.
TitanicHobbit: You think Boromir should die, and someone unexpected should die too. Nice suggestions, and I'm considering this closely. Stick around and see how I go about this.
Emily: Another one who thinks Boromir should live! And suggests a romance between Caitlin and Legolas! But I think you're the only one who suggested a love triangle involving Elli and the hobbits! I'm glad you like the names Elli and Elanor, I love 'em too. And yes, I do plan on spanning all the books! Hopefully you people plan on sticking around for a LONG time!
FantasyGirl6: I definitely agree with what you said about the Boromir/Faramir/Denethor complex. That's why I asked my reviewers for help; the thought kept killing me! I've examined this closely, and things are starting to look promising for how I can go about this. I've gotten some things worked out, and a decision almost made. And a possible romance involving Boromir and Caitlin if he lives. . . hmm, that seems interesting! And Merry and Elli are hitting if off you say? Hehe. . .and yes, you will find out all about Elli's name games. Answers either will be provided in this chapter actually!
Alina11: Boromir lives is what you want. And there's no mention of Haldir at Helm's Deep in the books, so he'll be ok. And I really would like to stick to the story, but it must be altered. Caitlin and Elli have and will continue to make damage to the story, so I can't really stick to too closely to Tolkien's finished version. I hope that doesn't upset you.
Dimostiel: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, you were the only one to actually mention the mirror scenes and Merry's visit to Elli! I'm thinking Final Destination also, but nothings definite yet. And Gandalf is such a problem, but him saving Elli or Caitlin if they get in trouble seems useful, thanks for that idea! And trust me, if I do ANYTHING between Caitlin and Legolas, it will not be a Mary Sue Legomance! I got some sort of plans for the two of them though, but I ain't sharing the details! And Elli and one of the hobbits hitting it off seems likely too.
KnowInsight: Yes indeedy you gave me an idea! And boy has it grown. I agree with what you said about Gandalf, and don't worry, I'm adding romance. You want a living Boromir, just like everyone else! Well. . .we'll just have to see what I decide for him, won't we ;). Thanks for your lovely idea that has definitely grown!
Thanks again to all who reviewed, your suggestions and opinions were wonderful! Keep reading my story and I hope you all enjoy wherever I decide to go with this! Also, this chapter is definitely one of the longest I've written, and it's not just because of my thanks to the reviewers! Hope you like it though! You people usually do though. Also, I've written a basic outline for myself, so now I know what will happen! I'm pretty sure you'll all love it!
ELLI'S POV
"Caitlin, what is with you?" I asked. We were in her chamber for once. The Fellowship would be leaving the confines of Lothlorien tomorrow. Evening was upon is now, and Caitlin's room was lit by some elven lamps. She looked withdrawn, and I couldn't pinpoint exactly why. She'd been like this ever since her own encounter with Galadriel's mirror.
"Caitlin Bing! Snap out of it! Come on, tell me what Galadriel showed you," I urged, somewhat annoyed by now. I'd been at this all day it seemed.
She sat up from where she lay on the bed. Her head still hung low and her hair hung over her face. I'd noticed that her once dark brown hair was becoming more auburn red. "Ya know, each day you look more and more elven to me."
"How?" she asked me quietly.
"Well, you're hair color for one thing. It ain't dark brown any more! And you seem taller, and it's not because I'm hobbit sized. You're hearing because of the ears shouldn't count, but it makes your features more. . .wait a minute? Did you just speak?"
She nodded, but did nothing else.
"Caitlin sweetie. I know something's bothering you. Can you please tell me? Possibly before we leave here? Is it about me? Is it about home? Is it about Legolas?"
"Shut-up!" she suddenly screamed. She was angry now, her face etched with it. "Why does everyone think that it's always about Legolas! Nothing has to do with him! No one knows! If it weren't for that creepy white lady I'd be fine! But no! she has to go play mind games on me and uncover things even I didn't wanna realize!"
I was frozen to the edge of her bed. Caitlin had jumped up in her fury and stood tall with clenched fists in the middle of the room. Her back was too me but I could hear her heavy breathing.
It took me a moment to say anything. I hadn't a clue what to say anyway. Caitlin calmed down after a few moments, but she still looked tense. She kept her back to me.
"You like Legolas," was all I said. It wasn't a question.
Her shoulders went slack suddenly and in the blink of an eye she'd hurled herself on the bed and started crying. She buried her face in a pillow, but it didn't hide her sobbing. I climbed over to her and wrapped my little arms around her shoulders. She cried like that for some time, unable to calm herself down for a moment even to speak.
"Elli, how did this happen?" she finally sniffled, picking herself off the bed and sitting up. She sat down and clutched the pillow to her chest. "I don't wanna be another Legolas lover like back home!" she whimpered. I sat down and faced her, watching as the tears fell. "What do I do Elli? How did I become in love with the blasted elf? I didn't want this to happen!"
"Caitlin, it's not that bad. It could be worse."
"How?"
"We could be home and that obsessive kid in your history class could be stalking your every move."
She shuddered. "He was creepy!" She laughed for a bit, and then we stayed silent, taking in our own thoughts. "That's the first time we've actually mentioned something from home," Caitlin said, breaking the silence.
"I know. I miss it sometimes, but I'm happy to be here. I kinda don't wanna go home."
"Well I do," Caitlin snapped.
"Why do you wanna go home?" I asked, somewhat shocked at her reaction.
"To get away from Legolas."
I let out an exaggerated sigh. "Caitlin, you know what I think you should do, something that'll make you feel better?"
"Get over him?" she asked sounding sarcastically hopeful.
"Get out of denial. Tell him."
"NO! Elli, no way! I can't tell that blonde haired elven creep that I've developed lovey dovey feelings for him and his wonder bow!"
"What? Speak English you hussy!"
"Don't you call me a hussy!"
"Then don't mention wonder bows."
"Is there a hell here?" she randomly asked.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Go there."
"Caitlin! Ya know, if you don't tell him, I will! You gotta face facts. You've become in love with Legolas and you can't hide it anymore. I mean look at you. You've gone so low that you've locked yourself in your bedchamber during half of our trip in Lothlorien! He's not a serial killer, there's no reason to fear him. And if you tell him maybe you'll feel better."
"We'll see." She said no more, and both of us left it at that. I returned my gaze to the window, admiring the elven refuge one last time before we left. Caitlin didn't say anything, and I wondered if she was thinking about Legolas. I wasn't quite sure how she felt, but I knew she was taking it rather hard. She'd fallen in love with him. So what? I just hoped she wouldn't do anything stupid now.
"Elli?" Caitlin asked, removing me from my thoughts. I kept my eyes on the scenery. "Why don't you wanna be called Elanor anymore?"
I snapped my head around to look at her. My eyes were big, filled with shock. No one spoke of my name anymore, and it still felt weird to hear it. I looked back out the window.
"My dad gave me the name."
"Oh," Caitlin said. She was quiet a moment, then asked, "Didn't he die?"
"Yes. In a car accident. I was only seven at the time."
"You loved your dad more than your mom, right?"
"Yeah. My mom and I didn't get along, even when I was little. My dad and I," I stopped for a moment, smiling a sad smile as the memories came back to me. "My dad and I were close. My dad loved the Lord of the Rings, and when he married my mom, he asked if they could name their first daughter Elanor, like Rosie and Sam did in the book. My mom's name was Rose, and he thought it would be neat if my name was Elanor."
"You're dad's name was Philip though, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, but he didn't care. Only he would call me Elanor. My mom hated the name. So she called me Elli." I started crying softly at this point, and Caitlin pulled me into her lap and held me as I continued with my story. "When my dad died, my mom slipped one day, and called me Elanor. I told her to never call me that again, no one but my dad could ever call me that, and he was gone now. And so she never called me Elanor again. No one ever did again, because she made sure everyone never knew about my real name, so as to hide the pain for both of us."
Caitlin was running her hand through my curly hair, my tears still falling as I remembered my father.
"Is that why you got mad at Galadriel for knowing that?" she asked.
"Yeah. I think even I forgot my real name!"
Caitlin smiled softly and pulled me away so she could look at me. "Dry your tears. It's late and we both should be getting some sleep if we're going to be leaving tomorrow."
"Ok. And I keep having a late night visitor coming to my room, so I better be in my room when he shows up."
"He? Visitor? Who's been coming to your room little lady?"
I laughed. "Don't worry, he's harmless.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," I called softly, hearing the quiet knock on my door. It creaked open a little and a furry hobbit head poked its way through.
"Care to see me lass? It is our last night you know, and I was hoping that you wouldn't be mindin' my company."
"Not at all Merry, come on in." He shut the door behind him and then climbed up onto the bed. He frequently visited me, and the last few days he'd shown up late at night. We usually just chatted until most of the elven lamps around the gardens went out and then we said our good nights and he left. Simply harmless, as I told Caitlin.
"Are you excited about the Fellowship leaving tomorrow?" I asked once we was up on the bed and comfortable.
"Indeed, although I'll miss the tranquility of such a place as this. You forget how fast the days fly past when you're here, but I guess that's the way of the elves, now isn't it?"
"I guess. Seems logical enough."
"What about you?" Merry asked me. "Are ye excited about leaving the Wood?"
"I suppose I am, although I'm still worried about what's going to happen as we go further and further into the tale."
"Have things changed greatly so far? How bad can it possible get?"
"I think it can get much worse. I mean, there were no orcs with those wargs that one night, so I shouldn't have been kidnapped, Frodo was supposed to get stabbed, but I took the blade for him."
"And us hobbits were worried that both you and your friend were enemies. But when you jumped in front of Frodo and did that, boy! Ye sure changed our minds! We kinda thought ye was mad, but you seem fine now, if not a little tied in a knot."
I laughed at the idea of the hobbits thinking I was crazy. Maybe I am, what do I know?
Merry and I talked into the night, and I finally shooed him off to his own chamber for some sleep. He didn't go to willingly, so I hopped of the bed and nearly pushed him out the door.
"Ye trying to get rid of me now lass?" Merry laughed quietly.
"It's late, and we are both gonna fall asleep on the river ride if we don't go to sleep now. And besides, a lot of the elven lamps have gone out, more than when you usually leave. You're late tonight Merry!"
"I'll be wandering the darkness tonight, and my room is too far. Can't I sleep in ye bed with you tonight? It's an elven bed, so it'll be big enough for us both. I'll just take the foot of the bed."
I thought about this a moment, thinking that by the time he found his room he'd be called to wake up and get ready to leave. It wasn't fair, and so I relented.
"Fine, but only the foot of the bed. No funny business!"
"Aye, dear lady, I wouldn't dream of it." I smiled and then both of us climbed up onto the bed. I crawled under the covers and then watched as he did the same across from me. The bed really was big enough for two hobbits or more, but I wasn't gonna try and find out tonight.
"Good night Merry," I said, smiling at him as he lay down.
"Go night Elli, you kind hobbit-lass."
~*~*~*~*~*~
I awoke the next morning to find Pippin leaning over me. "Rise an' shine, breakfast is here."
I blinked. "What are you doing in my room?"
"Looking for Merry, why else? We let you sleep abit longer, on account of it's our last day here and all. And oh, Caitlin is here, too. We're all out on the balcony enjoying breakfast."
I watched as he jumped off the bed and walked out into the sunlit porch nestled into the branches of the trees. I slowly followed, reluctant to pull myself out from under the soft bed sheets and the comfortable feather bed. I wouldn't have one for a very long time again after this.
Pippin was right about all of them on the balcony. Caitlin was busy eating some sort of yellow fruit, which she was thoroughly enjoying.. Merry was grabbing some food to fill his plate, as if it didn't have enough food on it already. "It's food fit for any hobbit," Pippin said to me. I could only nod.
I joined the two hobbit-lads and Caitlin, and we chowed down to enjoy our last elven meal in the safety of the woods. None of us knew when we'd get another bit of food quiet like this, so we savored it and spent a good part of the early dawn eating away.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I cried when we said farewell to Lothlorien.
I couldn't help it! It was the last safe place I was sure of seeing. I didn't know where any of us would end up after this. We might all drown going down the river Anduin! Geez, did I cried. Not hysterically, mind you. Just tears that trickled quietly down my cheeks and kept me sniffling for a while.
Galadriel gave us all cloaks. I felt like royalty in my gray elven clock with the Lorien leaf to secure it. Caitlin had been given a short sword, and also a small pendant that resembled a star. I had been given a small box, inside of which was a scroll with a bottle of gold ink and a mallorn branch pen. I didn't open the scroll right away, even though Galadriel drove me crazy by saying something was already written on it. I decided against opening it then; I'd have better time later.
The rest of the Fellowship received similar gifts, except that Sam had received stands of silver that he could weave into a rope. He had been learning from the skill of the elves ever since I told him to go see the Lady. He seemed mighty glad of my suggestion.
"Are you ready to leave?" Caitlin asked me, fingering her Lorien leaf. We were standing on the bank, right after the gift giving. Caitlin cast her eyes down at the four elven boats. "How are all ten of us going to fit in these?"
"Beats me," I replied. "Aragorn, Boromir and Legolas will be paddling three of them, but I don't know who will have the fourth. Probably whoever else they decide."
"Hobbits hate water, I remember that much. And besides, they're too little to be able to paddle such huge things. Poor fellows," mused Caitlin.
"That leaves me, you, and Gimli."
"Let's pray we have our own boat then, shall we? That would mean I get to steer!" She scampered off to go ask Aragorn if she could paddle the fourth boat at that very moment. I watched as she disappeared behind a large white tree. The hobbits were on the shore, skeptical of the floating devices they were to ride in for the next few days. They eyed them curiously and fearfully, staying as close as possible to the provisions laid out on the bank of the river. I was a hobbit too, but I at least knew how to swim.
Departing in early morning, I wrapped the gray cloak more around my little body. It was definitely chilly right now, still in the end of winter and all. Caitlin had gotten permission to steer her own boat, and me and the provisions were the only passengers. Lucky us.
I remember waving good-bye to the elves as we sailed down Anduin and headed south. I was filled with fear, consumed completely with it and extremely scared. I didn't know how this journey was going to end. I was frightened by that thought. And leaving Lothlorien was the last thing I wanted. It was safe in there, very protected.
As we lost sight of Caras Galadhon and the silver elven lamps, I turned back to the intricate box that sat in my lap, the pretty scroll and the writing material that lay inside it. Carefully lifting the lid as the boat gently rocked on the waving water, I unrolled the scroll and read the gold ink that Lady Galadriel had written.
"Beware what seems right and what may seem real. Beware what is dark and what gives yourself fear. Trust those with pure hearts Elanor O'Neill, and things shall go well. Good luck."
Wow, this woman was creepy.
A/N: I am so sorry for the delay AND that this is far longer than other chapters AND that this kind of became rushed towards the end. But it's been posted now, and I hope you all like it! It took me quiet a while to get this all figured out! Enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated!
Umm. . .I have so many reviews, it's just easier to thank all of you like this:
Daisy Princess: All of your help was greatly appreciated love! You're the second person to suggest Boromir should live, and likely no one will find out for a few chapters what I plan on doing with him. And EVERYONE seems to want to see my elves hook up in some form. Thanks for your suggestions and glad I could help you in return.
TitanicHobbit: You think Boromir should die, and someone unexpected should die too. Nice suggestions, and I'm considering this closely. Stick around and see how I go about this.
Emily: Another one who thinks Boromir should live! And suggests a romance between Caitlin and Legolas! But I think you're the only one who suggested a love triangle involving Elli and the hobbits! I'm glad you like the names Elli and Elanor, I love 'em too. And yes, I do plan on spanning all the books! Hopefully you people plan on sticking around for a LONG time!
FantasyGirl6: I definitely agree with what you said about the Boromir/Faramir/Denethor complex. That's why I asked my reviewers for help; the thought kept killing me! I've examined this closely, and things are starting to look promising for how I can go about this. I've gotten some things worked out, and a decision almost made. And a possible romance involving Boromir and Caitlin if he lives. . . hmm, that seems interesting! And Merry and Elli are hitting if off you say? Hehe. . .and yes, you will find out all about Elli's name games. Answers either will be provided in this chapter actually!
Alina11: Boromir lives is what you want. And there's no mention of Haldir at Helm's Deep in the books, so he'll be ok. And I really would like to stick to the story, but it must be altered. Caitlin and Elli have and will continue to make damage to the story, so I can't really stick to too closely to Tolkien's finished version. I hope that doesn't upset you.
Dimostiel: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, you were the only one to actually mention the mirror scenes and Merry's visit to Elli! I'm thinking Final Destination also, but nothings definite yet. And Gandalf is such a problem, but him saving Elli or Caitlin if they get in trouble seems useful, thanks for that idea! And trust me, if I do ANYTHING between Caitlin and Legolas, it will not be a Mary Sue Legomance! I got some sort of plans for the two of them though, but I ain't sharing the details! And Elli and one of the hobbits hitting it off seems likely too.
KnowInsight: Yes indeedy you gave me an idea! And boy has it grown. I agree with what you said about Gandalf, and don't worry, I'm adding romance. You want a living Boromir, just like everyone else! Well. . .we'll just have to see what I decide for him, won't we ;). Thanks for your lovely idea that has definitely grown!
Thanks again to all who reviewed, your suggestions and opinions were wonderful! Keep reading my story and I hope you all enjoy wherever I decide to go with this! Also, this chapter is definitely one of the longest I've written, and it's not just because of my thanks to the reviewers! Hope you like it though! You people usually do though. Also, I've written a basic outline for myself, so now I know what will happen! I'm pretty sure you'll all love it!
ELLI'S POV
"Caitlin, what is with you?" I asked. We were in her chamber for once. The Fellowship would be leaving the confines of Lothlorien tomorrow. Evening was upon is now, and Caitlin's room was lit by some elven lamps. She looked withdrawn, and I couldn't pinpoint exactly why. She'd been like this ever since her own encounter with Galadriel's mirror.
"Caitlin Bing! Snap out of it! Come on, tell me what Galadriel showed you," I urged, somewhat annoyed by now. I'd been at this all day it seemed.
She sat up from where she lay on the bed. Her head still hung low and her hair hung over her face. I'd noticed that her once dark brown hair was becoming more auburn red. "Ya know, each day you look more and more elven to me."
"How?" she asked me quietly.
"Well, you're hair color for one thing. It ain't dark brown any more! And you seem taller, and it's not because I'm hobbit sized. You're hearing because of the ears shouldn't count, but it makes your features more. . .wait a minute? Did you just speak?"
She nodded, but did nothing else.
"Caitlin sweetie. I know something's bothering you. Can you please tell me? Possibly before we leave here? Is it about me? Is it about home? Is it about Legolas?"
"Shut-up!" she suddenly screamed. She was angry now, her face etched with it. "Why does everyone think that it's always about Legolas! Nothing has to do with him! No one knows! If it weren't for that creepy white lady I'd be fine! But no! she has to go play mind games on me and uncover things even I didn't wanna realize!"
I was frozen to the edge of her bed. Caitlin had jumped up in her fury and stood tall with clenched fists in the middle of the room. Her back was too me but I could hear her heavy breathing.
It took me a moment to say anything. I hadn't a clue what to say anyway. Caitlin calmed down after a few moments, but she still looked tense. She kept her back to me.
"You like Legolas," was all I said. It wasn't a question.
Her shoulders went slack suddenly and in the blink of an eye she'd hurled herself on the bed and started crying. She buried her face in a pillow, but it didn't hide her sobbing. I climbed over to her and wrapped my little arms around her shoulders. She cried like that for some time, unable to calm herself down for a moment even to speak.
"Elli, how did this happen?" she finally sniffled, picking herself off the bed and sitting up. She sat down and clutched the pillow to her chest. "I don't wanna be another Legolas lover like back home!" she whimpered. I sat down and faced her, watching as the tears fell. "What do I do Elli? How did I become in love with the blasted elf? I didn't want this to happen!"
"Caitlin, it's not that bad. It could be worse."
"How?"
"We could be home and that obsessive kid in your history class could be stalking your every move."
She shuddered. "He was creepy!" She laughed for a bit, and then we stayed silent, taking in our own thoughts. "That's the first time we've actually mentioned something from home," Caitlin said, breaking the silence.
"I know. I miss it sometimes, but I'm happy to be here. I kinda don't wanna go home."
"Well I do," Caitlin snapped.
"Why do you wanna go home?" I asked, somewhat shocked at her reaction.
"To get away from Legolas."
I let out an exaggerated sigh. "Caitlin, you know what I think you should do, something that'll make you feel better?"
"Get over him?" she asked sounding sarcastically hopeful.
"Get out of denial. Tell him."
"NO! Elli, no way! I can't tell that blonde haired elven creep that I've developed lovey dovey feelings for him and his wonder bow!"
"What? Speak English you hussy!"
"Don't you call me a hussy!"
"Then don't mention wonder bows."
"Is there a hell here?" she randomly asked.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Go there."
"Caitlin! Ya know, if you don't tell him, I will! You gotta face facts. You've become in love with Legolas and you can't hide it anymore. I mean look at you. You've gone so low that you've locked yourself in your bedchamber during half of our trip in Lothlorien! He's not a serial killer, there's no reason to fear him. And if you tell him maybe you'll feel better."
"We'll see." She said no more, and both of us left it at that. I returned my gaze to the window, admiring the elven refuge one last time before we left. Caitlin didn't say anything, and I wondered if she was thinking about Legolas. I wasn't quite sure how she felt, but I knew she was taking it rather hard. She'd fallen in love with him. So what? I just hoped she wouldn't do anything stupid now.
"Elli?" Caitlin asked, removing me from my thoughts. I kept my eyes on the scenery. "Why don't you wanna be called Elanor anymore?"
I snapped my head around to look at her. My eyes were big, filled with shock. No one spoke of my name anymore, and it still felt weird to hear it. I looked back out the window.
"My dad gave me the name."
"Oh," Caitlin said. She was quiet a moment, then asked, "Didn't he die?"
"Yes. In a car accident. I was only seven at the time."
"You loved your dad more than your mom, right?"
"Yeah. My mom and I didn't get along, even when I was little. My dad and I," I stopped for a moment, smiling a sad smile as the memories came back to me. "My dad and I were close. My dad loved the Lord of the Rings, and when he married my mom, he asked if they could name their first daughter Elanor, like Rosie and Sam did in the book. My mom's name was Rose, and he thought it would be neat if my name was Elanor."
"You're dad's name was Philip though, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, but he didn't care. Only he would call me Elanor. My mom hated the name. So she called me Elli." I started crying softly at this point, and Caitlin pulled me into her lap and held me as I continued with my story. "When my dad died, my mom slipped one day, and called me Elanor. I told her to never call me that again, no one but my dad could ever call me that, and he was gone now. And so she never called me Elanor again. No one ever did again, because she made sure everyone never knew about my real name, so as to hide the pain for both of us."
Caitlin was running her hand through my curly hair, my tears still falling as I remembered my father.
"Is that why you got mad at Galadriel for knowing that?" she asked.
"Yeah. I think even I forgot my real name!"
Caitlin smiled softly and pulled me away so she could look at me. "Dry your tears. It's late and we both should be getting some sleep if we're going to be leaving tomorrow."
"Ok. And I keep having a late night visitor coming to my room, so I better be in my room when he shows up."
"He? Visitor? Who's been coming to your room little lady?"
I laughed. "Don't worry, he's harmless.
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Come in," I called softly, hearing the quiet knock on my door. It creaked open a little and a furry hobbit head poked its way through.
"Care to see me lass? It is our last night you know, and I was hoping that you wouldn't be mindin' my company."
"Not at all Merry, come on in." He shut the door behind him and then climbed up onto the bed. He frequently visited me, and the last few days he'd shown up late at night. We usually just chatted until most of the elven lamps around the gardens went out and then we said our good nights and he left. Simply harmless, as I told Caitlin.
"Are you excited about the Fellowship leaving tomorrow?" I asked once we was up on the bed and comfortable.
"Indeed, although I'll miss the tranquility of such a place as this. You forget how fast the days fly past when you're here, but I guess that's the way of the elves, now isn't it?"
"I guess. Seems logical enough."
"What about you?" Merry asked me. "Are ye excited about leaving the Wood?"
"I suppose I am, although I'm still worried about what's going to happen as we go further and further into the tale."
"Have things changed greatly so far? How bad can it possible get?"
"I think it can get much worse. I mean, there were no orcs with those wargs that one night, so I shouldn't have been kidnapped, Frodo was supposed to get stabbed, but I took the blade for him."
"And us hobbits were worried that both you and your friend were enemies. But when you jumped in front of Frodo and did that, boy! Ye sure changed our minds! We kinda thought ye was mad, but you seem fine now, if not a little tied in a knot."
I laughed at the idea of the hobbits thinking I was crazy. Maybe I am, what do I know?
Merry and I talked into the night, and I finally shooed him off to his own chamber for some sleep. He didn't go to willingly, so I hopped of the bed and nearly pushed him out the door.
"Ye trying to get rid of me now lass?" Merry laughed quietly.
"It's late, and we are both gonna fall asleep on the river ride if we don't go to sleep now. And besides, a lot of the elven lamps have gone out, more than when you usually leave. You're late tonight Merry!"
"I'll be wandering the darkness tonight, and my room is too far. Can't I sleep in ye bed with you tonight? It's an elven bed, so it'll be big enough for us both. I'll just take the foot of the bed."
I thought about this a moment, thinking that by the time he found his room he'd be called to wake up and get ready to leave. It wasn't fair, and so I relented.
"Fine, but only the foot of the bed. No funny business!"
"Aye, dear lady, I wouldn't dream of it." I smiled and then both of us climbed up onto the bed. I crawled under the covers and then watched as he did the same across from me. The bed really was big enough for two hobbits or more, but I wasn't gonna try and find out tonight.
"Good night Merry," I said, smiling at him as he lay down.
"Go night Elli, you kind hobbit-lass."
~*~*~*~*~*~
I awoke the next morning to find Pippin leaning over me. "Rise an' shine, breakfast is here."
I blinked. "What are you doing in my room?"
"Looking for Merry, why else? We let you sleep abit longer, on account of it's our last day here and all. And oh, Caitlin is here, too. We're all out on the balcony enjoying breakfast."
I watched as he jumped off the bed and walked out into the sunlit porch nestled into the branches of the trees. I slowly followed, reluctant to pull myself out from under the soft bed sheets and the comfortable feather bed. I wouldn't have one for a very long time again after this.
Pippin was right about all of them on the balcony. Caitlin was busy eating some sort of yellow fruit, which she was thoroughly enjoying.. Merry was grabbing some food to fill his plate, as if it didn't have enough food on it already. "It's food fit for any hobbit," Pippin said to me. I could only nod.
I joined the two hobbit-lads and Caitlin, and we chowed down to enjoy our last elven meal in the safety of the woods. None of us knew when we'd get another bit of food quiet like this, so we savored it and spent a good part of the early dawn eating away.
~*~*~*~*~*~
I cried when we said farewell to Lothlorien.
I couldn't help it! It was the last safe place I was sure of seeing. I didn't know where any of us would end up after this. We might all drown going down the river Anduin! Geez, did I cried. Not hysterically, mind you. Just tears that trickled quietly down my cheeks and kept me sniffling for a while.
Galadriel gave us all cloaks. I felt like royalty in my gray elven clock with the Lorien leaf to secure it. Caitlin had been given a short sword, and also a small pendant that resembled a star. I had been given a small box, inside of which was a scroll with a bottle of gold ink and a mallorn branch pen. I didn't open the scroll right away, even though Galadriel drove me crazy by saying something was already written on it. I decided against opening it then; I'd have better time later.
The rest of the Fellowship received similar gifts, except that Sam had received stands of silver that he could weave into a rope. He had been learning from the skill of the elves ever since I told him to go see the Lady. He seemed mighty glad of my suggestion.
"Are you ready to leave?" Caitlin asked me, fingering her Lorien leaf. We were standing on the bank, right after the gift giving. Caitlin cast her eyes down at the four elven boats. "How are all ten of us going to fit in these?"
"Beats me," I replied. "Aragorn, Boromir and Legolas will be paddling three of them, but I don't know who will have the fourth. Probably whoever else they decide."
"Hobbits hate water, I remember that much. And besides, they're too little to be able to paddle such huge things. Poor fellows," mused Caitlin.
"That leaves me, you, and Gimli."
"Let's pray we have our own boat then, shall we? That would mean I get to steer!" She scampered off to go ask Aragorn if she could paddle the fourth boat at that very moment. I watched as she disappeared behind a large white tree. The hobbits were on the shore, skeptical of the floating devices they were to ride in for the next few days. They eyed them curiously and fearfully, staying as close as possible to the provisions laid out on the bank of the river. I was a hobbit too, but I at least knew how to swim.
Departing in early morning, I wrapped the gray cloak more around my little body. It was definitely chilly right now, still in the end of winter and all. Caitlin had gotten permission to steer her own boat, and me and the provisions were the only passengers. Lucky us.
I remember waving good-bye to the elves as we sailed down Anduin and headed south. I was filled with fear, consumed completely with it and extremely scared. I didn't know how this journey was going to end. I was frightened by that thought. And leaving Lothlorien was the last thing I wanted. It was safe in there, very protected.
As we lost sight of Caras Galadhon and the silver elven lamps, I turned back to the intricate box that sat in my lap, the pretty scroll and the writing material that lay inside it. Carefully lifting the lid as the boat gently rocked on the waving water, I unrolled the scroll and read the gold ink that Lady Galadriel had written.
"Beware what seems right and what may seem real. Beware what is dark and what gives yourself fear. Trust those with pure hearts Elanor O'Neill, and things shall go well. Good luck."
Wow, this woman was creepy.
A/N: I am so sorry for the delay AND that this is far longer than other chapters AND that this kind of became rushed towards the end. But it's been posted now, and I hope you all like it! It took me quiet a while to get this all figured out! Enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated!