Love Conquers All Chapter 6: Going to Imladris, a lord of the rings fanfic

Lots of reviews. Excellent……

Yes, thank you very much to all who reviewed. I lurve you all! *throws cookies to all readers and reviewers* ^_^

This chapter is rather long. 5 and a half pages actually! Woops….

The song unfortunately isn't mine, but I love it anyway. I'm sure many, if not all of you will recognise it. I needed a slow-ish song, and I thought it was ideal. Please tell me what you thought in a review. ^_^

~Lainfaer~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

sunni07 – Good, I'm so glad it did fit! I thought it might have been a bit OTT, but you guys out there seemed to like it. Phew…

Yes, it probably will be a Legomance. Sorry if you don't want it like that. ^_^ Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

elrohir lover – More details? Ok. I'll try. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Jupiter's Light – The unicorn was ok? Yay! Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

Elerrina – Well, strange is kinda my middle name! (As my mate says, but anyway…)

I hope I updated quickly enough. Thanks for reviewing. ^_^

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Chapter 6: Going to Imladris.

Once they were back in the warmth of the hall, and the music and laughter of the Elves surrounded them, they felt much more at ease. Legolas took Amy's hand, and led her onto the dancefloor.

The music was slow, as was the dancing. Amy's head rested against Legolas' chest, and her arms were round his neck. She could feel his hands resting lightly upon her waist, and she smiled as they slowly spun on the spot. When she did get home, this would be one of her most treasured memories. Then she remembered something.

"Who was that girl earlier?" she asked.

"What girl?"

"The one you were dancing with before we met outside."

"The one with golden hair down to her waist and blue eyes?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, that's Dúlin. She's my older sister."

Amy mentally kicked herself. "She looks nice," she told him.

"She's great," he replied.

"I didn't see her at the feast though."

"No, she was busy apparently." The music sped up, and they parted a little. Legolas spun Amy under his arm, and pulled her in close again. "She believes that Lanthir is our mother."

"Good." They parted again, and then went back together. "This is a bit fast isn't it?" she asked as the music got even faster.

"I Lilta-o i Wilwarin."

"Il la whata?"

"The Dance of the Butterfly." He spun her round even faster in his arms, the stopped suddenly as the music came to an abrupt halt. She gazed up at him, and he down at her. In that fleeting moment, he felt something pass through him for her, a feeling of tenderness.

But as soon as it came, it faded. He sighed.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Nothing melonin," he assured her. The music started again, but it was back to being soft and slow. They went back to their original position, and Amy felt more at home in his arms than anywhere else on Earth.

The dance ended far too soon for her. She bowed to him, and he graciously brushed his lips over her hand. But his eyes never left hers. She felt her face burn under his intense gaze.

He led her off to the side as another piece started up. They had a drink, and just stood, talking about the upcoming journey. Over the past couple of days, Legolas had taught Amy how to ride a horse. She knew much of it already, but now, she found she was more confident and able to ride faster than before.

"The journey will take us a couple of weeks, he informed her. "As soon as we arrive, I am taking you to Lord Elronds' study."

"Ok. What do I say to him?"

"Just tell him your story, and see what he makes of it."

"What do you think he'll tell me?"

"I don't know. He's got a huge library, so he'll probably go and have a look in there for answers. After that, it'll be his own judgement."

"Lanthir said I had a task to do, and that's why I'm here," she told him in a whisper.

"That's probably true," he mused. "But what your job could be, I haven't got a clue."

The night continued with more dancing. Amy did not know how long they stayed in that hall, but it felt like an eternity. She had never felt more at home anywhere else. After meeting Lanthir, she felt much more at ease, and danced with many other Elves.

"You are taking her with you my Lord?" Silivren asked Legolas, sidling up beside him. They were watching Amy dance with Cabor.

"Aye," Legolas replied, smiling when he saw Amy laugh at a difficult move. "Lord Elrond will know what to do."

"Take care of her my Lord. I'm becoming rather attached to her."

"Don't get too attached," Legolas warned, looking at him. "She will leave us one day."

"I know, and that's what saddens me." He sighed. "Shame she's human."

Legolas nodded. "I completely agree with you on that my friend."

They smiled as Amy looked over at them. She grinned back, then was pulled back into the dance.

****

"Ugh, it's too early," Amy complained as Legolas pulled open her curtains. She shielded her eyes against the bright sunlight that poured in. She burrowed deeper into her duvet.

"Come on, we've got to get moving. You've had a lie-in as it is." He started fetching her clothes she would ride in. She would be wearing what any male Elf wore - tunic and leggings. Her long hair would be braided back, and she would hang her knives at her waist. She did not yet feel confident enough to use a bow and arrow.

"Get up, else I'll pull you out of bed," he threatened.

"You wouldn't dare," she growled back.

"Try me."

Legolas ripped the duvet off, and she squealed, desperately trying to cover herself.

"Don't worry Amy, you're fully clothed," he told her, lifting her out and dumping her on the floor.

She looked down at herself. Sure enough, she was decent.

"Here, put these on. And don't forget to braid your hair." He chucked her the tunic and leggings, and she plodded through to the bathroom to get changed and wake herself up.

He sighed as he picked up her bag and checked to make sure she had everything. He did not know when he would return home, and he felt sad at this. He would miss it terribly.

Ten minutes later, he looked round as she re-entered, rubbing her eyes blearily.

"Come on," he said in a softer tone, holding out his hand. "Let's go."

She took his hand, and he led her down to the stables where their horses were waiting.

She mounted a mare she had been riding the most, and Legolas handed her a bow and quiver. "Just in case," he told her when he saw the look of apprehension on her face. She nodded and strapped it to her back.

She hung a knife at her waist, and waited patiently whilst Legolas said good-bye to his father. As Legolas mounted his own horse, Thranduil smiled at Amy. She smiled back, and inclined her head to him.

"Namárie. Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle." (Farewell. May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back.)

"Namárie Adar." Legolas bowed his head to his father, then turned, and galloped out of the courtyard. Amy followed as quickly as she could.

Three other Elves were accompanying them; Cabor, and two others that Amy did not know. She stayed up the front with Legolas, and all five were silent.

Legolas was scanning their surroundings, taking in everything around them. The two Amy did not recognise were right at the back, keeping an eye out there. Cabor remained in the middle.

They rode in silence for a few hours. Amy occupied her mind by looking at the trees and shrubs around them. Mirkwood was a very beautiful place in the sunlight, and the path they were taking was no exception. The trees were tall, and grew denser as they travelled further away from the palace. It also grew darker, but there was a certain peaceful aura about the forest. Sunlight peered through cracks in the branches and made small spots on the leaf-strewn floor. Bird song was seldom heard, but when it was, it was always a happy tune, light and cheery.

They camped that night under the trees, a small way off of the path. The floor was cold and hard, and Amy felt rather uncomfortable. No matter where she lay, she always had something digging in her back, neck, or various other body parts. She had at least two blankets covering her, yet she was still cold. The small fire they had made was burning low, and she was as near to it as she dared to go. But it gave out little warmth. She was using her bag as a pillow, but it felt like her hairbrush was poking out, right into the back of her head. She turned the bag over, then realised she could break the mirror that way. She sighed, and flipped it back to its original position.

Legolas smiled to himself as he saw the girl trying desperately to get comfortable. She clearly had not slept outside a lot. He walked softly over to her, and crouched down.

"No matter what position I lay in, there is always something digging into me," she complained, scowling at him.

"That's what sleeping outside brings," he answered, smiling.

"It's not funny! I've only ever slept outside once, and that at least was on grass."

"When have you camped out?"

"When Nat and I ran away from the orphanage." Her voice went quiet, and she looked at the ground.

Legolas realised he had trodden on dangerous ground. "And how did you cope then?" he asked softly, choosing his words carefully.

"We shared each others body warmth. We had one blanket between us, and used our bags as pillows. The grass was soft…because it was wet. It was absolutely freezing, and I never want to go through that again. Thank God we didn't stay out there the whole night."

"Why didn't you?"

"They found us."

"Oh, I see."

"We didn't want to go back, but we had to get in a nice soft bed. But we didn't. They locked us in separate cupboards. Didn't even let us get changed into warm, dry clothes. I was in a closet with brooms, and Nat was in a similar tiny cramped space. They said it was our punishment for running away – that we had been very bad girls and needed to be disciplined. It was horrible." She shivered, with both cold and the memory.

Legolas just stared at her. How could humans be so cruel to their youngest? He sub-consciously placed his hand on her shoulder. "How long were you in there?"

"I lost count when it got to roughly ten hours. I eventually fell asleep, without any food or water. By the time they dragged us out, we were totally exhausted and felt really ill. They chucked us in a tub of cold water, scrubbed our bodies, without using soap, and ducked us under to wash our hair. They dressed us in our skimpy nighties, and sent us to bed with just one piece of bread and a cup of stale water. We weren't allowed to leave our dorms for three days, not even for school."

"That is awful!" he exclaimed. "How could they treat you that way? How could you let them treat you like that?"

"We had no choice," she told him, looking up into his face. "They were in complete control of us, and we were weak and small. It was like a prison." A tear trickled out her eye, and she quickly brushed it away.

He took off his quiver and placed it on the ground, his bow beside it. He lay down beside her, and took her into his arms. She snuggled up to him, seeking the warmth that seemed to radiate off his body. His arms encircled her like a comfort blanket, and she welcomed his kind offering. Her head nestled under his chin, and she eventually drifted off to sleep.

He held her like that till morning.

****

It took them just under two weeks of hard riding to reach Rivendell. Once there, Legolas took Amy straight to Lord Elrond. Over the time they had spent travelling, she had gradually told him more of her childhood, and he had listened, enthralled at some of the things she mentioned.

As they hurried up the stairs to the main door, Amy saw a strange man watching her. He was dressed in rough travelling clothes, and was eyeing her suspiciously. She stared at him for a moment, then Legolas' voice jolted her back to reality.

"Come on Amy!"

She nodded, but looked back at the place she had seen the man.

He had disappeared.

She continued to follow Legolas up the steps, finally reaching the door. He led her down a labyrinth of corridors, and every now and then, they would pass an Elf, and they would bow their head to the Prince. He would smile in return, but carry on.

She picked up her pace to catch up with him. "Not so fast Legolas," she begged. "I am, but a mere mortal, remember!"

He laughed. "We're almost there. I have to go this speed, because if I go too slow, I forget the route."

She looked at him with a puzzled expression. "What?"

"Whenever I come here, it's nearly always with an urgent message from my father to Lord Elrond. I am always in a hurry, and I have memorised the correct path by going fast. I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous, but its true."

They came to a large wooden door, and he knocked.

"Enter."

Legolas walked in and Amy followed. Legolas bowed, so she did the same. As she looked up, she saw a dark-haired Elf with stern eyes sitting behind a desk covered in papers.

"Ah Legolas, welcome back," he started, getting to his feet.

"Thank you my Lord."

"But I see you are not alone."

Legolas grinned. "No my Lord. This is Amy, a mortal who arrived in Mirkwood when I also got back. Tell your story Amy."

Elrond motioned for them both to sit down, and he too, sank back into his chair.

"First of all, welcome to Imladris Amy," he said politely.

She smiled nervously. "Thank you my Lord. It is an honour to be here." She then launched into her tale of how she had been in her Earth one minute, driving along a motorway, had a huge tanker hit her car, and then how she had awoken in Mirkwood. She had to explain everything about cars and tankers and all the strange things from her world.

As she talked, Legolas watched Elrond carefully, trying to read his thoughtful expression. But the Lord of Imladris was giving nothing away.

When she had finished, Elrond sat for a moment, contemplating her story. One finger tapped thoughtfully against his chin, the other hand rested upon the desk.

"This is indeed a strange tale," he eventually said. "I have never heard of one coming to Middle-Earth from another world. There have been rumours and tales of someone coming from a distant world in our times of need to help us, but I never thought it would happen."

"So, Amy is here for a reason?" Legolas asked.

"Of course she is here for a reason, we just have to try and figure out what reason."

"The thing is my Lord," Amy began. "Is that I know all about this world, and everyone in it…more or less. To me, Middle-Earth, and the Fellowship is a story, a book written by a man many years ago. All about the Ring and…"

"Do not say any more!" Elrond warned, getting to his feet. "If you know the story, and the fate that binds the Fellowship of the Ring together, you must not say anything about it."

"Well, I don't know all the intricate details, but all I know, is that there was a book called 'The Lord of the Rings', written years and years ago. I did start to read it, but it wasn't my type of story, so I didn't even get to the Council bit. I've seen the films though."

"Films?" the two Elves asked in unison.

"Never mind."

"Anyway," Legolas continued, looking sceptically at Amy, even though he knew her weird ways and names by now, "what are we going to do about it all? What task do you reckon Amy has to do my Lord, if that is indeed the case?"

"Well, if she knows the story of your Fellowship, however vaguely, she is a potential danger to the quest."

"What?" Amy asked rather surprised at this comment. "Why am I a danger?"

"You could change things. You change the course of the whole future just by being here."

"Oh."

"Well, what do we do?" Legolas asked, frowning.

"I will talk with Gandalf on this. Then I will come back to you. I expect to see you both at the feast and dance tonight as well."

"Feast and dance?" Amy asked as they walked back down the corridor, now at a much slower pace.

"Yes, but it will be slightly different from the one in Mirkwood. Their hall here isn't as large, and the music is somewhat… softer, and subtler. You'll see when we get there. Lets just find you a spare room first."

Over the course of the day, Amy met Arwen, and was rather enamoured to be with her. The Elf-Princess took her on a tour of the House whilst Legolas saw to some other business.

"But surely, if you fall in love with a mortal, you must give up your immortality?" Amy asked as they walked over a bridge.

"Aye, I do," Arwen replied sadly, smiling gently at the human. "But I love Aragorn so much, I cannot bear to live without him."

"Is he here now?"

"Yes. He is probably with Legolas. Those two are hardly ever found apart when they are in the same City." They laughed. "When Aragorn was younger, I lived in Lothlórien, and so was not part of his upbringing. Legolas however, was, and they have been the best of friends Aragorns' whole life. He often visits Mirkwood, and Legolas is always coming here. They go on all sorts of misadventures, travelling here, there, and everywhere. And when they get back, one of them is always hurt some way or another."

Amy laughed. "They sound as if they are really close."

"They are. Aragorn always looked up to Legolas, and Legolas treated him as a younger brother, until he was old enough to be regarded as an adult of course."

That night, Arwen helped her to choose a dress, and braided her hair differently. Amy always wore Legolas' necklace, but he had still not told her where he had got it. This puzzled her, as it was such a beautiful piece of jewellery. Surely he did not give necklaces to every woman that walked through his doors, especially human ones.

"Right," Arwen said when they were both ready. "I take it you have attended one of these before?"

"Only in Mirkwood," Amy answered.

"Ok, well our feasts and dances are slightly different to Mirkwood ones."

"As Legolas has been telling me."

Arwen grinned. "Aye, well, a lot of people here sing on their own."

Amy gulped. "You mean…solo?"

"Yes, solo. Now, as you are a guest, you will probably have to sing one yourself."

"But I can't sing!"

"Oh everyone can sing Amy. If you just put your mind to it, you'll be fine. Sing a song now, for practise."

"But all the songs from my world are so unlike yours here. I doubt anyone will like them."

"Just sing a gentle one about love, or something soppy like that, and they'll love it. Come on, sing me a song."

"Ok, um…" Amy thought for a moment, contemplating what would be a decent song to sing for the Princess of Rivendell.

"Young girl, don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall
Young girl, it's all right
Your tears will dry, you'll soon be free to fly

When you're safe inside your room you tend to dream
Of a place where nothing's harder than it seems
No one ever wants or bothers to explain
Of the heartache life can bring and what it means

When there's no one else
Look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend
Just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength
That will guide your way
If you will learn to begin
To trust the voice within

Young girl, don't hide
You'll never change if you just run away
Young girl, just hold tight
And soon you're gonna see your brighter day

Now in a world where innocence is quickly claimed
It's so hard to stand your ground when you're so afraid
No one reaches out a hand for you to hold
When you're lost outside look inside to your soul

Yeah...
Life is a journey
It can take you anywhere you choose to go
As long as you're learning
You'll find all you'll ever need to know

You'll make it
You'll make it
Just don't go forsaking yourself
No one can stop you
You know that I'm talking to you

Young girl don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall."

("The Voice Within" - Christina Aguilera ™)

She finished, and waited for Arwens' response.

"That was beautiful," Arwen breathed. "You truly do have a fantastic voice."

"Really?" Amy asked rather sheepishly.

"Yes. You should sing more often."

"I get stage fright. Just talking to a large crowd is an impossible task for me."

"No, it's easy. Honestly, tonight will be fine. Come on, they'll be wondering where we are." She took her hand, and they went down to the main hall together.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

So, how was that? Long, I know, but ok? I hope so. Please tell me in a review. ^_^

~Lainfaer~

*NEWS-FLASH!!!!*

*Go read Sunni07's stories. They are good, and I have promised to send her a few readers. Please go along, and chapter 5 will be up much quicker if you do. Thank you!!! ^_^ *