Guess what did wake me up in the morning? A door slamming open.
"My lady! My lady! You are late. Everyone including Prince Legolas is outside waiting for you. Why did you not ask me to wake you up? Oh no, my lady! Wake up."
I sprang out of bed. "Oh shit, I had completely forgotten. Get me a new dress robe."
"It's already laid out for you in the washroom. Do you wish for me to come with you?"
"No, no it's alright. You stay here." I rushed out the door only crashing into... "Lord Elrond! I am so sorry. I didn't see you there." I looked past him and saw Legolas standing there shaking his head. What? I smiled, embarrassed. "I'll be ready soon." I turned and hurried down the hall to the bathroom.
Once I was in, I noticed that everything was already prepared for me. There was the tub of hot, warm water. I didn't have time to take a bath! I quickly splashed my face with water, changed into new, clean clothes, and was out the door in a minute. Legolas was standing right there. "Let's go!"
"It was about time."
I rolled my eyes. "Well, I had nothing to wake me up and it's not like I usually wake up at this time."
He just grabbed my hand and pulled me along. When we got outside, everyone was already every elf turned to stare at me. I quickly followed Legolas to the two remaining horses. He stuffed into my hand a soft package. I opened it to find two pieces of bread. Guess this was my breakfast. He helped me up and that moment I knew I belonged on solid ground, not on top of a wild animal. The horse suddenly kicked the ground and I grabbed onto the reins. I swear I was going to fall off any minute.
Legolas turned to look at me. "Are you alright?"
"Oh yes, perfectly fine. Don't worry about me. You go on ahead." Oh, how I wished I never opened my mouth!
He slightly nodded his head and went on ahead to lead the group. Shit, how did they make their horses move?
"Just kick it."
I looked down at the person who spoke. It was Niphredil. "I know." I turned away and kicked the side of the horse as if I knew how. The horse bolted forwards after the group. I leant forward at once; one hand clutching the mane and the other hugging the neck. She said that on purpose. I turned back to glance and saw her bent over with laughter. Humph! Thank god she wasn't coming along. I had better stop this horse before I fall right off it. I saw in the movies that they pulled on the reins. I guess I should do that. The thing was I pulled too hard. It caused the horse to stand up on its hind legs. Oh, and guess what?! I fell off!
"Ouch," I exclaimed as I slipped off the back of the horse and landed on my butt. Why was this happening to me?
'I suggest you to enjoy the moment. Take a picture, it'll last longer.'
She finally says something and that was to take a picture of my pitiful state. Thanks a lot. I got up and brushed off any dirt off my dress. Fortunately, the horse hadn't run away.
I walked over to the right side of him...or her. I placed my left foot into the stirrup and tried to get up. No, no, no this wasn't right. I got back down, turned around and tried again. This time, I did get up, but unlike a normal person facing forward, I was facing backwards. Somehow, the horse mistook my getting-off as a go-ahead-and-trot. This wasn't good. I twisted my body around to pull on the reins but I couldn't get to it. Oh well, I guess this wasn't that bad. I looked ahead of me and saw the road slowly stretch longer and longer. I took the bread Legolas gave me and ate it. Soon, I started to drift off to sleep.
It was until I felt a presence that I opened my eyes. Legolas glared back at me. Uh-oh. "Um, are we there yet?"
"We are about a league behind." His expression did not change.
"Then I suggest we catch up." I attempted to turn back around on the horse but failed. He reached out one arm and carried me onto his horse. He wrapped the reins around the saddle of my horse, padded its rump, and the horse dashed off.
"Do not ever do this again!" With that said, he brushed his horse's neck and we were off at full speed. I had to lean back onto Legolas' chest because the wind created by us was so strong. Now I really felt like I was going to fall. Scared. Really scared and at the some time I had a gut- wrenching feeling that Legolas was mad at me. I apologize that I was such a bad rider. It wasn't entirely my fault. This was making me feel worse. I wanted to throw up.
The sky was darkening as we saw little specks of riders far ahead of us. We hadn't been talking the entire journey. I would rather have him yell at me than this awkward silence. Legolas finally slowed down the horse's pace.
"I was riding at the head of the group. I thought perhaps I could ride with you. I go to the back of the group and what do I find? No one! No one named Jocelyn. I asked everyone if they had seen you and they said they did not notice you there long ago. You had me worried sick! I do not know what I would do without you!" He embraced me.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know... you cared that much." I could feel a huge lump in my throat. Somehow with his strength, he was able to lift me up and turn me around to face him.
"Jocelyn, I love you."
Now I felt tears welling up in my eyes. This was definitely not what I expected. Was I supposed to say that back? I really wanted to. To comfort him... and me, but would I truly meant it? Did I love him the way he loved me? It would be so unfair to him though. What was I supposed to say?
I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. I just leaned into kiss him. He didn't notice anything wrong and kissed me back. I laid forward on his chest, as he quickened our pace towards the riders who were already setting up their camp.
"You're tired for the day. I suggest after supper you retire right away to bed." Legolas said softly.
I nodded in agreement. Usually, I would be freaked out just to be on a horse. Now with my ear against his heart, the soft beating of it calmed me down. I closed my eyes and relaxed.
"Jocelyn," Legolas lightly tapped me on the shoulder.
"Oh, we're here?" I asked, looking at the tents surrounding a huge bonfire.
"Yes, we are." He got off the horse and offered me his hand.
I took it, swung my leg over and hopped off with Legolas' support. "Thank you." He led me over to a log by the fire and sat me down.
"Supper will be served soon once Aeire and the others return with their hunt." I nodded and looked into the fire. "Jocelyn?"
"Hmm?" I turned to face him. The light from the fire cast a dancing shadow across his face. It reminded me of the night he saved my life.
"I... need to tell you something." Legolas' expression was really serious.
"What?" This didn't look too good.
"I... How should I put this?" he looked down and took my hand into his. "I am part of the farewell feast."
"Well, I am too." I smiled as if it wasn't anything big.
"That is not what I meant." He was still not making eye contact with me. "What I meant was that the farewell feast is partially for me."
My eyes widened in shock. "You're leaving?!"
"I have to sooner or later. I don't belong in Rivendell." He finally was brave enough too look me in the eye.
"That's not what you tell me! I don't belong in Rivendell either, though you're forcing me to stay!" I was mad now.
"I am not forcing you to stay! And even then you have no home. You have to stay somewhere!" I could tell he was mad too.
"And not with you is that it?" I sprung to my feet.
"You are...you are so...immature." Legolas turned his head away from me.
"Me?! Immature?! You're the one being so unreasonable! I was perfectly fine until you brought up the subject!" I huffed.
"Well then I suppose you want me to lie to you now. You just want to wake up one day and realize that I am not there anymore. That sounds reasonable to me!" he retorted.
"Don't make yourself sound so important! I don't necessarily need you." I turned my back towards him.
"Fine then!" he shouted at me, then stalked off.
I walked off in the opposite direction into the forest. Great, a perfect garnish to a fine meal, just what I needed. I was a few feet into the forest and I sat down behind a tree so the people from the camp couldn't see me. Before I could stop myself, tears burst from my eyes. Why did I have to start this? If both of us were to leave, why couldn't we just live the last few days happily? Why this argument? I was immature...and stupid! It was always my mouth causing the trouble.
I sat there crying for a while. I didn't know how long it was until someone gave a shout.
"My lady, what are you doing down there?" Aeire asked.
"Oh, nothing." I got up and quickly wiped my face dry.
"Prince Legolas has been looking all over for you."
I couldn't believe what I heard. Then a few men on feet and horses came up to us. One of them was Legolas.
"Oh Lady Jocelyn, thank the Valar you are alright. You had the prince going there." One of the archers on horse spoke up.
Legolas glared at him and he silenced. When he looked at me a wave of relief, sympathy, and then pain washed over his eyes before they turned cold again. He must have seen my red, puffy eyes. Legolas bent down to whisper something in Aeire's ear. He nodded and Legolas and the other soldiers left.
Aeire turned to me. "Your dinner is waiting for you." I smiled and followed him out of the trees.
After some salted pork, Aeire led me to a tent and left. I lifted up the flap and walked in. the floor was carpeted with rugs. Heavy, thick blankets were made into two beds. One of them was occupied. I could make out Legolas' form. I quietly tiptoed to the other one and got in. out of the corner of my eye, I saw Legolas sit up, whisper good night and blow out the candle.
"My lady! My lady! You are late. Everyone including Prince Legolas is outside waiting for you. Why did you not ask me to wake you up? Oh no, my lady! Wake up."
I sprang out of bed. "Oh shit, I had completely forgotten. Get me a new dress robe."
"It's already laid out for you in the washroom. Do you wish for me to come with you?"
"No, no it's alright. You stay here." I rushed out the door only crashing into... "Lord Elrond! I am so sorry. I didn't see you there." I looked past him and saw Legolas standing there shaking his head. What? I smiled, embarrassed. "I'll be ready soon." I turned and hurried down the hall to the bathroom.
Once I was in, I noticed that everything was already prepared for me. There was the tub of hot, warm water. I didn't have time to take a bath! I quickly splashed my face with water, changed into new, clean clothes, and was out the door in a minute. Legolas was standing right there. "Let's go!"
"It was about time."
I rolled my eyes. "Well, I had nothing to wake me up and it's not like I usually wake up at this time."
He just grabbed my hand and pulled me along. When we got outside, everyone was already every elf turned to stare at me. I quickly followed Legolas to the two remaining horses. He stuffed into my hand a soft package. I opened it to find two pieces of bread. Guess this was my breakfast. He helped me up and that moment I knew I belonged on solid ground, not on top of a wild animal. The horse suddenly kicked the ground and I grabbed onto the reins. I swear I was going to fall off any minute.
Legolas turned to look at me. "Are you alright?"
"Oh yes, perfectly fine. Don't worry about me. You go on ahead." Oh, how I wished I never opened my mouth!
He slightly nodded his head and went on ahead to lead the group. Shit, how did they make their horses move?
"Just kick it."
I looked down at the person who spoke. It was Niphredil. "I know." I turned away and kicked the side of the horse as if I knew how. The horse bolted forwards after the group. I leant forward at once; one hand clutching the mane and the other hugging the neck. She said that on purpose. I turned back to glance and saw her bent over with laughter. Humph! Thank god she wasn't coming along. I had better stop this horse before I fall right off it. I saw in the movies that they pulled on the reins. I guess I should do that. The thing was I pulled too hard. It caused the horse to stand up on its hind legs. Oh, and guess what?! I fell off!
"Ouch," I exclaimed as I slipped off the back of the horse and landed on my butt. Why was this happening to me?
'I suggest you to enjoy the moment. Take a picture, it'll last longer.'
She finally says something and that was to take a picture of my pitiful state. Thanks a lot. I got up and brushed off any dirt off my dress. Fortunately, the horse hadn't run away.
I walked over to the right side of him...or her. I placed my left foot into the stirrup and tried to get up. No, no, no this wasn't right. I got back down, turned around and tried again. This time, I did get up, but unlike a normal person facing forward, I was facing backwards. Somehow, the horse mistook my getting-off as a go-ahead-and-trot. This wasn't good. I twisted my body around to pull on the reins but I couldn't get to it. Oh well, I guess this wasn't that bad. I looked ahead of me and saw the road slowly stretch longer and longer. I took the bread Legolas gave me and ate it. Soon, I started to drift off to sleep.
It was until I felt a presence that I opened my eyes. Legolas glared back at me. Uh-oh. "Um, are we there yet?"
"We are about a league behind." His expression did not change.
"Then I suggest we catch up." I attempted to turn back around on the horse but failed. He reached out one arm and carried me onto his horse. He wrapped the reins around the saddle of my horse, padded its rump, and the horse dashed off.
"Do not ever do this again!" With that said, he brushed his horse's neck and we were off at full speed. I had to lean back onto Legolas' chest because the wind created by us was so strong. Now I really felt like I was going to fall. Scared. Really scared and at the some time I had a gut- wrenching feeling that Legolas was mad at me. I apologize that I was such a bad rider. It wasn't entirely my fault. This was making me feel worse. I wanted to throw up.
The sky was darkening as we saw little specks of riders far ahead of us. We hadn't been talking the entire journey. I would rather have him yell at me than this awkward silence. Legolas finally slowed down the horse's pace.
"I was riding at the head of the group. I thought perhaps I could ride with you. I go to the back of the group and what do I find? No one! No one named Jocelyn. I asked everyone if they had seen you and they said they did not notice you there long ago. You had me worried sick! I do not know what I would do without you!" He embraced me.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know... you cared that much." I could feel a huge lump in my throat. Somehow with his strength, he was able to lift me up and turn me around to face him.
"Jocelyn, I love you."
Now I felt tears welling up in my eyes. This was definitely not what I expected. Was I supposed to say that back? I really wanted to. To comfort him... and me, but would I truly meant it? Did I love him the way he loved me? It would be so unfair to him though. What was I supposed to say?
I didn't say anything. I didn't know what to say. I just leaned into kiss him. He didn't notice anything wrong and kissed me back. I laid forward on his chest, as he quickened our pace towards the riders who were already setting up their camp.
"You're tired for the day. I suggest after supper you retire right away to bed." Legolas said softly.
I nodded in agreement. Usually, I would be freaked out just to be on a horse. Now with my ear against his heart, the soft beating of it calmed me down. I closed my eyes and relaxed.
"Jocelyn," Legolas lightly tapped me on the shoulder.
"Oh, we're here?" I asked, looking at the tents surrounding a huge bonfire.
"Yes, we are." He got off the horse and offered me his hand.
I took it, swung my leg over and hopped off with Legolas' support. "Thank you." He led me over to a log by the fire and sat me down.
"Supper will be served soon once Aeire and the others return with their hunt." I nodded and looked into the fire. "Jocelyn?"
"Hmm?" I turned to face him. The light from the fire cast a dancing shadow across his face. It reminded me of the night he saved my life.
"I... need to tell you something." Legolas' expression was really serious.
"What?" This didn't look too good.
"I... How should I put this?" he looked down and took my hand into his. "I am part of the farewell feast."
"Well, I am too." I smiled as if it wasn't anything big.
"That is not what I meant." He was still not making eye contact with me. "What I meant was that the farewell feast is partially for me."
My eyes widened in shock. "You're leaving?!"
"I have to sooner or later. I don't belong in Rivendell." He finally was brave enough too look me in the eye.
"That's not what you tell me! I don't belong in Rivendell either, though you're forcing me to stay!" I was mad now.
"I am not forcing you to stay! And even then you have no home. You have to stay somewhere!" I could tell he was mad too.
"And not with you is that it?" I sprung to my feet.
"You are...you are so...immature." Legolas turned his head away from me.
"Me?! Immature?! You're the one being so unreasonable! I was perfectly fine until you brought up the subject!" I huffed.
"Well then I suppose you want me to lie to you now. You just want to wake up one day and realize that I am not there anymore. That sounds reasonable to me!" he retorted.
"Don't make yourself sound so important! I don't necessarily need you." I turned my back towards him.
"Fine then!" he shouted at me, then stalked off.
I walked off in the opposite direction into the forest. Great, a perfect garnish to a fine meal, just what I needed. I was a few feet into the forest and I sat down behind a tree so the people from the camp couldn't see me. Before I could stop myself, tears burst from my eyes. Why did I have to start this? If both of us were to leave, why couldn't we just live the last few days happily? Why this argument? I was immature...and stupid! It was always my mouth causing the trouble.
I sat there crying for a while. I didn't know how long it was until someone gave a shout.
"My lady, what are you doing down there?" Aeire asked.
"Oh, nothing." I got up and quickly wiped my face dry.
"Prince Legolas has been looking all over for you."
I couldn't believe what I heard. Then a few men on feet and horses came up to us. One of them was Legolas.
"Oh Lady Jocelyn, thank the Valar you are alright. You had the prince going there." One of the archers on horse spoke up.
Legolas glared at him and he silenced. When he looked at me a wave of relief, sympathy, and then pain washed over his eyes before they turned cold again. He must have seen my red, puffy eyes. Legolas bent down to whisper something in Aeire's ear. He nodded and Legolas and the other soldiers left.
Aeire turned to me. "Your dinner is waiting for you." I smiled and followed him out of the trees.
After some salted pork, Aeire led me to a tent and left. I lifted up the flap and walked in. the floor was carpeted with rugs. Heavy, thick blankets were made into two beds. One of them was occupied. I could make out Legolas' form. I quietly tiptoed to the other one and got in. out of the corner of my eye, I saw Legolas sit up, whisper good night and blow out the candle.