Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters except for Julia.
Author's note: This will probably be the last update for at least two weeks. I'm going out of town and won't have computer access very often if at all. I will however take lots of pens and paper so I'll still be writing and I hope to have an update ready for you as soon as I get back. So, I seriously hope you guys enjoyed these two updates and that you'll give me tons of feedback so that when I get back I'll be more willing to post the next installments lol.
Chapter 11
The night had been kind of Julia, her dreams hadn't given her another moments grief. There had been a brief time as she first crawled under the soft, warm covers, that she felt a twinge of fear. But, that fear was not for herself. It was for Legolas and that task of his and the fellowship that was at hand.
Her thoughts had never even swerved in the direction of thinking that he might not make it back. He was heading into a war that was steadily taking over the entire world and their allies were very few while their enemy was overwhelmingly large.
There was nothing to calm her mind at these thoughts, especially after hearing Haldir's words and watching the roughness with wish he had shoved Legolas against the wall, the pure violence in his eyes had unnerved her. She had never seen Haldir act in such a manner and she couldn't imagine what reason he would have to behave that way. Even if he was worried about her well-being. She suspected there was something greater behind his actions.
Of course she partially understood his feelings about her. He felt she wasn't able to make her own decisions. That she wasn't able to act like an adult because she was so young. But, Haldir had failed to take into account the fact that she had not been raised as an elf completely. The majority of her life she had been raised in a completely different world where children were forced to grow up quickly and age was not a true sign of maturity.
He had never been to Regular Earth and had never seen or experienced the way things had been there. Never seen the ugliness that filled it. The starving children, the homeless men and women begging on the street, or the demolished paths of debris left from war. It was war most of all had forced Julia to see the reality in life. It forced her to see that while life itself is a precious gift and while it can be filled immense beauty, it can also be filled with great ugliness and death.
Regular Earth was a world based on technology. Where computers ran everything and the physical labor of man was quickly growing obsolete. The weapons were by far superior to the ones she had grown accustomed to in Middle Earth. Machine guns and hand grenades, missiles and minefields, ugly tools used to create even more ugliness.
As Julia still lounged in her comfortable bed, she glanced around the room and noticed the pure simplicity of it. There were no televisions, no radios, no computers, and nothing else that was a part of the technology. No, here she was surrounded by comfort and beauty. Here things were simple and almost primitive, yet here she felt more whole and peaceful than she had ever felt in Regular Earth.
She understood exactly what this world she now resided in stood for. There was ugliness here as well that was brought with war, but there was also great strength and purity. She saw the bad as well as the good and she loved as well as hated things that happened around her. But, the most important thing to her was that she understood.
She was not a naïve child without a sense of right and wrong. True she had not experienced everything she could possibly experience in her short twenty-one years of living, but she had seen more than most humans her age. She had seen the aftermath of a vicious battle and looked into the eyes of innocent victims of war once while she was on her first worlds tour and that tour had taken her briefly through a small town in Morocco. The sights had been devastating to her and she had walked away completely changed, yet right back into her life of pampering and sheltered living.
Julia sat up in bed and gracefully walked over to the balcony, a gentle sigh was released from her lips as she thought about the life she had lived before returning to Middle Earth. It surprised her to realize that since her arrival she hadn't even thought about everything she had left behind. She had been happy--incredibly happy making music and sharing that music with the entire world. Though with the happiness there was also great sadness and an undisclosed thought buried deep within that left her feeling incomplete.
Yes, she was definitely where she belonged, but that didn't mean she didn't miss everything she'd made and been involved with back on Middle Earth. She missed the friends and connections that she had made and she knew that most likely they would never again meet face to face.
She casually rubbed her face and brushed her fingers through her hair. The light was beginning to break through the trees and it was getting late, she realized. Her walk down memory lane would have to wait until after she'd said goodbye to the fellowship and to the person she had developed a strong connection with since their arrival.
But she couldn't focus on missing Legolas. She was already late and she knew that if she didn't hurry up and get herself to them, they would have to leave without saying goodbye. So, she quickly ran to her armoire and began the beginning stages of getting dressed.
Legolas gazed into the trees and scanned the different stairs and passageways, searching for a certain someone. She was late and he was beginning to think she wasn't going to make it before they left.
"She'll make it." Aragorn said as he stepped next to his friend and placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"She doesn't have much time." Legolas replied, sparing Aragorn a quick glance, but then resuming his task of watching for Julia. He could sense the ranger's eyes on him and knew what he was thinking. "Why don' t you just say what's on your mind."
Aragorn was unsure as to whether or not it was his place to speak, but knowing the road that laid before them, the responsibility fell on him to make sure his companions had their minds set in the right direction.
"I've seen with my own eyes the connection that has been made between you and young Julia. Your eyes light up when she is around and even when she is not and you are merely thinking of her." He had Legolas' full attention now and the elf was looking him dead in the eye. "Do not think that I am going to diminish your feelings by saying that you cannot handle your own thoughts, but I do need to ask you one question."
"What?"
"Can you leave here today knowing what our task involves and swear that you will give your undivided attention to that task until it is finished? Love often overwhelms the mind and is the greatest of distractions. As I myself should know. But if you tell me you can do this I will not say another word on the matter."
Legolas sighed and crossed his arms across his chest he understood Aragorn's position. "I will not lie and say that I will not think of her at any free moment on our journey. She means a great deal to me and I can't even fathom not allowing her a place in my mind as well as my heart. But, I can't promise you this, Aragorn. I will not fail you or this fellowship. When my skills are needed I will be there and you will have my full attention."
"Fair enough…good morning, Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn." Aragorn said with a bow of his head, seeing them approach with several elves in tow carrying numerous objects.
"We come bearing gifts for your journey." Galdriel said as the fellowship formed a line and each member was given a dark gray cloak that was immediately placed upon their shoulders and a golden pin in the shape of leaves was placed at their neck.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our people." Celeborn said, giving them each a warm smile. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."
Galadriel stepped forward and one of the other elves stepped in beside her carrying an arm full of parcels. She carefully stepped in front of Legolas, her eyes watching him carefully. "Legolas, my gift for you is a bow of the Galadhirim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin."
Legolas took the bow delicately in his hands and pulled back it's string as if testing it's worth. "I have never seen it's equal." His words were soft and he looked in awe at the elaborate shapes that covered it.
"For it has none, save for one. This bow has a twin and it's owner is yet to be discovered. But only those who are most worthy can wield them. Use yours wisely."
"I shall. Thank you, milady."
Galadriel gently embraced him and whispered softly in his ear, "She is here."
As Galadriel moved away, Legolas' eyes immediately began their search and they found their mark. There Julia stood, her eyes gleamed in the morning's sun as she walked gracefully towards him. Her hair was down and it swayed flowingly with each stepped, begging for him to touch it.
"Good morning." She said softly as she glanced down at his newly acquired bow and her eyes widened. "She gave you Galadhirim bow. I had wondered if maybe she wouldn't." Her fingers delicately traced the intricate designs and she smiled. "It's beautiful isn't it?"
"It is. I am honored that your grandmother would deem me worthy of such a gift as this."
"She obviously sees something special in you, as do I."
Though her words touched him he turned her attention upon the rest of the fellowship. "She must see something equally special in them." He said, speaking mostly of the young hobbits.
They watched as Galadriel presented to each of the hobbits their own personal gifts. To Merry and Pippin, two fine elven crafted daggers that had already seen numerous battles. To Sam, she gave the finest elvish rope in the land. And to Frodo, to Frodo she presented the most unique of the gifts.
"That's the star of Elendilil." Julia whispered as she watched the wonder upon the little ones faces. "That is an exceptional gift." She frowned, "He must have the darkest of roads ahead of him." Legolas didn't reply to that, he knew that she was right and that Frodo had the most difficult time ahead of him than any of the other fellowship members.
After Frodo it was to be Aragorn and Boromir's turn, but Julia didn't not see what was given to them. She was already being led down to the riverside where the boats lay waiting.
The elves had really spared no expense to make sure the fellowship was well equipt. Delicately engraved elven boots sat waiting on the shoreline and special elvish bread was currently being loaded.
"Lembas," Legolas stated, "Just one bit is enough to fill a grown man." He took a bite of it himself and smiled at the sweet taste.
As he stepped away Julia listened in fascination to the conversation going on between the two halflings.
"How many did you eat Pip?" Merry asked.
"Four." Was the reply given as Pippin let out a large belch, sending Julia into a fit of giggles. But, neither Merry nor Pippin noticed as they both reached for another piece of bread.
She was still chuckling as she walked over to Legolas and Gimli's boat and watched as her elf helped the nervous, though he would have argued about that fact, dwarf into the boat. Gimlia was just taking his seat when she stepped closer to the side of the boat, Legolas still standing and staring up at her.
It was the finality of the moment that had Julia's eyes tearing up. She had hoped to remain strong until his departure, but that hope was quickly turning out to be folly. But she could see in his eyes that seeing her begin to weaken was hurting him, so mustering up as much courage as she could she swallowed and willed the tears away.
"You will take heed and watch after yourself, of course?" She asked softly.
Legolas glanced down at Gimli and the dwarf gave him a nod of understanding before he gracefully stepped back onto land and embraced Julia in his arms. "Do not worry for me. I will not be alone in this."
She laid her head against his shoulder and tried her best to memorize the feeling of his arms around her. It was unknown to her when they would again see one another and have the luxury to embrace.
"Do not ask me not to worry. It's impossible for me not to. But," She said softly before reaching down the front of her dress and pulling out a small locket on a mithril chain and lifting it away from her head. "if you truly want my mind eased, you'll take this with you."
Legolas felt the weight of the chain as Julia placed it in his hand and closed his fingers easily over it. At his curious look she decided it was best to explain the locket's sentiment.
"It belonged to my mother. It's the only thing I have left of her and it means the world to me." She could tell his immediate reaction was to make her keep it, but that just made her smile and continue on with her words. "It's important to me that you take it with you, Legolas. Because it means so much to me and because I know you want to see me happy, I can trust that you will come back and return this to me when the war is over."
He didn't need to hear another word from her as he quickly slipped the chain around his neck and tucked it beneath his tunic. The immediate brightening of her face drew at his heartstrings.
His hand absently touched a stray strand of her hair before cupping her cheek softly. "I will return, Julia." Glancing over her shoulder he saw Aragorn motion him that it was time to leave. He swallowed slowly before turning to look her in the eyes. "I must go."
Julia nodded her head jerkily and placed a quick kiss against the palm of his hand. "Namaarie, melamin. (Farewell my love)." She said faintly before turning quickly and walking away from him to stand next to her grandparents.
Legolas turned as well, getting into the boat and taking his seat as well as his oar behind Gimli. His hand still tingled from her touch as the oar first grazed the water and they began to glide away.
They hadn't made it very far when Sam made a startled cry and his shoulders slumped as if in defeat.
"Sam, what's wrong?" Frodo asked carefully placing his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Lady Julia was supposed to sing us a farewell." He sighed dramatically and shook his head. "I sure wanted to here her sing again."
As if those words had been heard, a feminine voice filled the air and penetrated the hearts of every member of the fellowship. The voice was filled with sorrow and yet it's tone gave great power to those starting out on this journey and allowed them to feel a sense of hope.
"That's Lady Julia." Sam whispered before closing his eyes to listen to her words.
May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home
Mornië utúlië (Darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië (Darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
May it be the shadow's call
Will fly away
May it be your journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun
Mornië utúlië (Darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornië alantië (Darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now
A promise lives within you now
As the last few words drifted the entire fellowship let out a collective sigh. What fear they had in leaving Lothlorien was momentarily forgotten and they were comfortable enough to just enjoy the feeling of gliding through the water.
Sam was content for her had been given his farewell from Julia. It was his favorite gift to be received on his visit. Now all he had in his mind was her angelic face and that calmed him. A simple smile seemed to be plastered on his face and he felt an instant of peace.
Legolas however, while feeling incredible warmth at hearing her voice, was not as enthusiastic as his companions. For with the comfort he also felt discomfort over the fact that he would not be hearing her voice for a long time to come. After just finding her, that was not a reassuring thought. But, it was one that he was willing to deal with. One that he had to deal with.
"You're a lucky elf, lad." Gimli spoke gruffly, he was doubly happy. After receiving the most precious of gifts from Lady Galadriel and then hearing the Angelic singing from her almost equally beautiful granddaughter, he was in dwarf heaven.
"Aye, I know." Legolas said giving his friend, though it still staggered him to understand how they'd formed a bond, a quick smile.
"She has the grace and heart of her grandmother. There are none who can compare to the beauty that I have witnessed in these lands. Never again will I call something beautiful unless it can compare with that which is most fair." Gimli's eyes softened as he spoke and he was caught up in a moment of tenderness that he didn't often experience.
"I think we were all lucky to have been able to spend even a moment in such a wondrous place. There's nowhere else in Middle Earth that can compare. It is with great sorrow that I leave its boundaries to carry on upon a quest that has no definite outcome."
"You've got that right, lad. It'll be a long time coming before we can rest without worries. The road ahead of us is rocky and the difficulty we are facing is unfathomable. Do you think the fellowship will hold?"
There was question in Legolas' mind for he had already seen a brief glimpse of the power that dwelled inside the ring. Both from seeing Julia's reaction and seeing some of the attitudes within the fellowship itself. The question—as lady Galadriel had earlier spoken—stood on the edge of a knife and could go either way.
"I do not know, Gimli. But I pray the Valor will be with us on this journey. We're going to need all the assistance we can get if we're going to win this war."
Gimli nodded his head grimly. "Aye, lad. You're right."
The continued on in silence, their ease was dissipating and the further they drew from Lothlorien, the more weighted their hearts became. Everything went downhill from here and they were preparing themselves for the hardest experience of their lives. They were preparing themselves for war.
I know "May it be' has already been used in numerous fan fiction stories, but I could find no other song that fit this chapter. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the update and I REALLY hope you guys tell me what you think. It's been way too long and I apologize for not getting these two chapters out sooner. Anyway, I'll be back in two weeks!