Sorry about the previous problems. Stupid fanfiction didn't upload the
chapter right *glares* I dunno what happened. The story was all there, then
I got a couple reviews saying it wasn't and so I went to check and all it
had was my R/N's and nothing else. So, I had to upload it again. Sorry to
those who reviewed and for the inconvenience. Stupid ff.net *scowls*
A/N: Wow. Here I am. Updating again. I'm sorry it has taken so long for it. School ended a month ago, then I went on vacation, then I just got so sidetracked with other things that I have had little time to write. Sorry everyone! The chapter's will now be uploaded weekly I'm thinking cuz I have a lot more time!
Oh by the way, there was a slight rating change from PG to PG 13 because of words in this chapter. As a warning, it could go up in further chapters, I haven't decided yet. Thanks!
R/N:
Noa: Hey! Thank you soo much for your review! I really appreciate it! I'm glad you like my story.I hope to see one from you soon! Thanks again! *Hugz*
Discordia: Thank you for your review. Yes, your advice with spellcheck has helped a great deal! Thank you very much. I don't hit ignore so much now, so I am getting most of the errors corrected. Thanks! I totally agree with you on how my words seem abrupt. It doesn't seem like it flows well, does it? I have tried to add variety, but I am not sure how to do it *sigh* I will try to add more into this one. Please let me know what you think! Thanks again!!
Mojo: Hey! Thank you so much for always reviewing! No, I haven't been getting flamers. I just read my writing and I'm never really satisfied with it. I guess I do criticize this story a lot, don't I? Oops. I don't really realize it. Hehe. Anyways.this story should have more of Aurora and Scott, I'm trying to work it in a little slow. But it'll be coming! Er..maybe *evil laugh* thank you for liking my story! Hehe, u rock girl!
They walked for what seemed like ages. Through meadow's filled with wild flowers, through small valley's with equally small streams. The sun beat down upon their backs and no one said much of anything. Aurora didn't even complain anymore. She was used to the walking now, it didn't bother her like it used to. She was used to the small amounts of food and the relentless Aragorn who never seemed to give up or slow down.
It had been two days since the disastrous episode on the bridge of Khazad Dum. Sighing, Aurora stepped over a rock, tripping over it, but catching herself before she fell. The death of Gandalf still haunted her dreams at night and she was suffering from lack of sleep. She would wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. After a few moments, she would fall back asleep, only to be awoken minutes later.
"We are near the forest now," Aragorn suddenly said. "When we come to the tree's, try to be very quiet. Elves have excellent ears."
Aurora nodded her understanding and continued walking. That was when it happened. She didn't know how it happened, just that it did. Her pants, which had once fit so tightly, slipped right off; exposing herself to everyone there. She screamed and yanked them back up, but they fell back off again to roars of laughter from the fellowship. It was the first time any of them had laughed since the demise of Gandalf.
Blushing furiously, she held them around her waist, trying to see what the problem was. The fellowship were now on the ground guffawing loudly, many of them gasping for breathe. Aurora turned around and glared at them all.
"Oh shut up," she snarled, "You all act like you have never seen a woman before." She said this in a calm voice that did not betray her pink cheeks. She held her pants up trying to find out what was wrong with them. They were still buckled around her waist, but for some reason they didn't fit.
"Maybe all the fighting has loosened them up a bit," she said, still looking for problems with her pants.
"Well, the lady in Rivendell gave us extra pants," Scott whispered between cries of laughter.
"I know, but the other pair she gave me were for women. They didn't fit me when I tried them on the first time. Remember? I-I had to wear the men's," she muttered, turning a brilliant shade of crimson.
"Well then, I guess you'll have to walk around naked, won't you?" Scott choked out.
Aurora glared at him then turned around into a patch of tree's a little behind them. She let the pants fall and took the backpack off her back. Muttering to herself, she pulled out the leggings that she had received what seemed like so long ago at Rivendell. Carefully she pulled them on and to her utter bewilderment, they fit perfectly about her waist. The last time she had tried them on, she couldn't even get them past her thigh's.
She realized with a shock that she had lost a lot of weight. All the walking, running, and fighting had taken it's toll on her body. Her thigh's were now small, as was her waist which had always been a bit large. Her arm's were toned from carrying things, and from fighting with the sword. She craned her neck, looking over her back and noticed her rear was a lot different from when she remembered it. She also noticed, for the first time, that her shirt was big and baggy. That's why no one, including her, had noticed her weight loss. Her big clothes had been hiding it. She pulled off the shirt and searched her bag for a smaller one. Finding one near the bottom, she pulled it out and eased it over her head. The difference in her body was more pronounced now then ever. The new clothes now clung to her thin body, enhancing her features a little too much for her liking. The shirt was a forest green, and rather low cut. It exposed the top part of her chest and pushed her breast's up. Her stomach was now flat and the cloth stretched across it. The pants, also green though a little darker, were also very tight. Sighing, she tried to adjust her breast's, so that they wouldn't stick out so much, but it was to no avail. She felt her chin, where it had once been slightly doubled, now it revealed a long neck that she never knew she had there before.
She would have killed to have a body like this a few months ago, but now it was a pain in the ass more then anything. The clothes weren't as comfortable as her big baggy ones, but she knew she could probably work them in. A new realization struck her too, she now looked more the part of a Mary-Sue and that did not comfort her in the least. She had always hated those stories with the perfect, flawless, beautiful women in them. But, she assured herself, she was no where near perfect and flawless, and just because she lost a little weight didn't mean she would be any more beautiful.
Slowly, she put the old leggings and shirt back in the pack, which she swung over her back as she began walking back to the meadow where cries of laughter could sill be heard. Muttering to herself about wearing slutty clothes with a group full of guys, she walked into the clearing where the fellowship sat upon the floor, still laughing merrily.
The laughing, however, stopped abruptly when Aurora walked back into the clearing. Scott's mouth dropped open in surprise and the rest of the group seemed momentarily dumbstruck. Aurora shifted uncomfortably on her feet, looking down.
"Er, well, it. . . er. . . looks like I lost a little weight, eh?" She muttered, chuckling feebly whilst glaring down at her feet.
"You-You. . .look. . .wow. . ." Scott mumbled, staring at Aurora with wide eyes.
"Yah well, whatever. Let's go shall we?" She stared pointedly at Aragorn, who shook his head and stood up.
"Yes, ok, let's go." Still looking a little surprised, the fellowship stood up and began walking toward the forest up ahead. They kept throwing furtive glances back at Aurora, who took up the rear, not wanting to be stared at.
She was embarrassed, though rather pleased, with their reaction. She had never been looked at in a way that people appeared to like what they saw. She had never had a boyfriend, never so much as kissed a boy. She was the quiet one. Always reading a book, always being alone. Her brother, Dan, had always been the loud one. He was the one who had all the girlfriends and all the friends. Aurora had always been known as 'Dan's little sister." She was never the type to be in the center of attention. She was the girl in the corner of the classroom, getting top grades, often being noted as weird or a freak. She had always been shy about her appearance and, therefore, had never enjoyed being near people. Dan and Scott were always so popular; they always had girl's chasing after them. Aurora smiled to herself, for the first time in her life, she felt that, if she were at home, she would have at least one guy look at her in a sexual manner. But, she reminded herself, I'm not home. The guys here were hot, no doubt about that. But Aragorn and Boromir were by far too old, the hobbit's were by far too short, she didn't have a chance in hell with Legolas, and then there was Scott. Aurora felt twist in her stomach that she thought had nothing to do with her excitement about losing weight..
Her musings were interrupted when she realized how quiet everyone was. Shaking herself back to reality, she gazed around the forest they had wondered in. Huge tree's enclosed the company on all sides. The sun, which had been shining so brilliantly outside, seemed to be hiding somewhere above the thick branches. It was dark in here and there was an eerie silence. There was no sound at all except the muffled breathing of her companions.
"Relax," Gimli was saying, "I have excellent hearing. Nothing will get by m- " He stopped short because arrows were suddenly pointing at them from every direction. Aurora's heart raced from the shock of it. She stifled a scream and moved her hands up to show whoever it was that she wasn't going to hurt them.
"A dwarf breathes so loudly, we could hear him a mile away." A tall, handsome, blonde-haired elf whispered, stepping forward.
Gimli growled but did nothing more, and for that Aurora was thankful. The last thing she needed was a group full of pissed off elves. Aragorn, however, stepped forward. He said something in Elvish, apparently to someone name Haldir. At least, that's what the name sounded like. The elf who had spoken to Gimli, gazed at Aragorn then said in English, "We will take you to the Lady of the Wood."
Scott cleared is throat looking in askance at Aurora who shrugged.
"We'll just leave," muttered Gimli.
Haldir turned around, grinning slightly. "Oh, you can't leave now." He then turned back to Aragorn and they began a heated debate. Finally, after a few minutes, Aragorn turned around again.
"These forest's are the realm of the Elves. They wish no other eyes to see it, except of course Legolas, the rest of us must be blind-folded." He said exasperatedly, as though he did not seem too keen on this idea.
There was an uproar at this. Aurora shouting that she wasn't about to be led into unknown territory by someone she had never met before and actually trust him. Her ranting was nothing compared to Gimli's, however, he was furious, crying that he would rather leave then be led by elves into the darkness. After much arguing, and even a little violence, they all calmed down and agreed to it, although grudgingly.
Haldir stepped forward and pulled a cloth over her eyes. Her arm was then rested on someone's shoulder, Boromir or Aragorn, by the feel of it. Scott's hand was on her shoulder and he gave it a reassuring squeeze. He had not objected to being blindfolded at all. Aurora realized with a jolt that Scott had actually been pretty patient lately, which was not like Scott at all.
They began walking slowly upon a path that they couldn't see. It was incredibly frustrating to hear the noises of the forest, to smell the beautiful smell, but to not be able to see any of it. She stumbled quite often, tripping over roots and rocks or sudden changes in the elevation of the trail. One time she even fell, much to her horror. She jumped back up as quickly as she could but she knew she was blushing furiously again. Her knee ached a little after this and she felt a dab of blood slide down her leg. What was worse, Scott's hand had somehow moved from her shoulder to her waist. She felt terribly uncomfortable and the same twisting feeling was back in her stomach. Normally she wouldn't have cared, but now, suddenly, she did. Her heart thumped painfully against her chest as she tried to calm herself. She must be sick, she shouldn't feel all excited and nervous around Scott. This was the guy who dropped her birthday cake all over her head when she was a child, this is the Scott who scared away the only guy she had ever liked by mooning him. Trying to take her mind off his warm hands upon her waist (which occasionally slipped when they hit a bump and moved a little lower to her rear. Somehow, she had a feeling Scott wasn't trying to stop this from happening) she focused only upon moving one foot in front of the other.
Just when she was about to ask how much further they would have to go, the blindfold's were removed and she was gazing up at the most beautiful city she had ever seen. It glowed with an ethereal light and rose high into the tree's. It was enchanting and somehow looked like it couldn't be real. She wanted to touch the glittering walls and listen to the beautiful singing that seemed to fill every space within the city. Gazing in openmouthed astonishment, the company was led into a palace of some sort with winding glass stair's that rose around a glowing tower. When they reached the top they stood in a line and faced a man and a woman, who were standing back in shadow.
As one, the two people stepped forward. Aurora could not stifle a gasp. The woman was the most beautiful person she had ever seen. She had long flowing, blonde hair and the most bluest and piercing gaze she had ever seen. In fact, the woman's eyes seemed to be staring into Aurora's soul, reading what was written upon it. The gaze made her feel uncomfortable and she was relieved when the woman looked away.
"Tell me, what has happened to Gandalf?" She whispered in a voice so quiet, but nevertheless carried to each one of them as if she had shouted it.
Without awaiting an answer she whispered again, "He has fallen into shadow." None of them could say anything, the just stared down at their feet, not daring to look her in the eye.
"The quest now stands upon the edge of a knife. . ." her words faded away as Aurora tried to listen to every syllable she spoke. She was concentrating too hard, and so she hardly heard what the elf was saying. She shook her head slightly, trying to shake it off.
"You will stay here for the night and rest." The lady said, in her beautiful voice.
The fellowship was led back down the stairs and into a pavilion where feathery beds were strewn across one room. All of them were exhausted, and most fell asleep as soon as they were alone. Aurora, however, sat down with her legs pulled up to her chest, just outside the pavilion. She listened to the singing that filled the night sky. It was so beautiful and so. . . she couldn't even find words to describe it. She jumped a little when Legolas came outside and sat next to her. She was more surprised then anything else. Legolas had managed to elude her since almost the beginning and had avoided sitting anywhere near her. She felt a little uncomfortable but didn't say anything.
"They sing for Gandalf," he whispered. She could feel his breathe on her neck and she shivered a little, definitely not because she was cold.
"What are they saying?"
"I have not the heart to tell you," he whispered again. She could feel his eyes upon her but she didn't turn to look at him. She shifted a little upon the ground but said nothing. They were quiet for awhile before Aurora worked up her courage and turned to face him. She jerked her head back when she realized just how close they were.
Clearing her throat she asked, "Why have you avoided me?"
Legolas sighed and gazed up at the stars, "I am not familiar with women. Mortal women at that. Scott said. . . some. . . things, that made me a little resistant to speak with you." He grinned a little a that and turned to look at Aurora who felt like her heart was melting. Look at those eyes, she thought. Quickly, she turned to look at the stars again.
"Oh," she said lamely. Stupid, stupid, stupid she thought, mentally kicking herself. Another thought came to her, something she had been wondering since they had left Moria.
"Legolas, I was wondering. Maybe tomorrow, while we are still here and not moving so much, could you help me learn to use a bow and arrow? I mean, swords are good, but I kind of want to learn how to defend myself at a long distance too."
Legolas frowned slightly but then shrugged. "Sure, I guess I could help you."
"Thanks," Aurora replied. "Scott and my brother took archery lessons a few years ago. I wanted to go with them, but they wouldn't let me." Aurora scowled at this memory but continued, "So Scott knows how to use one and all but I don't"
"Yes, I will help you." Legolas said again.
Aurora, feeling that she had better not stay this close to Legolas for too long, stood up brushing the dirt off her rear end.
"Well, goodnight." She said, and turned to go back into the pavilion. She couldn't help but smile as she laid down in the first bed she had seen in months. The smile still remained, even after she realized that what had happened outside a second ago was very Mary-Sue-ish.
A/N: Well, there's another chapter. Please, please, please, please review! Thanks!
A/N: Wow. Here I am. Updating again. I'm sorry it has taken so long for it. School ended a month ago, then I went on vacation, then I just got so sidetracked with other things that I have had little time to write. Sorry everyone! The chapter's will now be uploaded weekly I'm thinking cuz I have a lot more time!
Oh by the way, there was a slight rating change from PG to PG 13 because of words in this chapter. As a warning, it could go up in further chapters, I haven't decided yet. Thanks!
R/N:
Noa: Hey! Thank you soo much for your review! I really appreciate it! I'm glad you like my story.I hope to see one from you soon! Thanks again! *Hugz*
Discordia: Thank you for your review. Yes, your advice with spellcheck has helped a great deal! Thank you very much. I don't hit ignore so much now, so I am getting most of the errors corrected. Thanks! I totally agree with you on how my words seem abrupt. It doesn't seem like it flows well, does it? I have tried to add variety, but I am not sure how to do it *sigh* I will try to add more into this one. Please let me know what you think! Thanks again!!
Mojo: Hey! Thank you so much for always reviewing! No, I haven't been getting flamers. I just read my writing and I'm never really satisfied with it. I guess I do criticize this story a lot, don't I? Oops. I don't really realize it. Hehe. Anyways.this story should have more of Aurora and Scott, I'm trying to work it in a little slow. But it'll be coming! Er..maybe *evil laugh* thank you for liking my story! Hehe, u rock girl!
They walked for what seemed like ages. Through meadow's filled with wild flowers, through small valley's with equally small streams. The sun beat down upon their backs and no one said much of anything. Aurora didn't even complain anymore. She was used to the walking now, it didn't bother her like it used to. She was used to the small amounts of food and the relentless Aragorn who never seemed to give up or slow down.
It had been two days since the disastrous episode on the bridge of Khazad Dum. Sighing, Aurora stepped over a rock, tripping over it, but catching herself before she fell. The death of Gandalf still haunted her dreams at night and she was suffering from lack of sleep. She would wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. After a few moments, she would fall back asleep, only to be awoken minutes later.
"We are near the forest now," Aragorn suddenly said. "When we come to the tree's, try to be very quiet. Elves have excellent ears."
Aurora nodded her understanding and continued walking. That was when it happened. She didn't know how it happened, just that it did. Her pants, which had once fit so tightly, slipped right off; exposing herself to everyone there. She screamed and yanked them back up, but they fell back off again to roars of laughter from the fellowship. It was the first time any of them had laughed since the demise of Gandalf.
Blushing furiously, she held them around her waist, trying to see what the problem was. The fellowship were now on the ground guffawing loudly, many of them gasping for breathe. Aurora turned around and glared at them all.
"Oh shut up," she snarled, "You all act like you have never seen a woman before." She said this in a calm voice that did not betray her pink cheeks. She held her pants up trying to find out what was wrong with them. They were still buckled around her waist, but for some reason they didn't fit.
"Maybe all the fighting has loosened them up a bit," she said, still looking for problems with her pants.
"Well, the lady in Rivendell gave us extra pants," Scott whispered between cries of laughter.
"I know, but the other pair she gave me were for women. They didn't fit me when I tried them on the first time. Remember? I-I had to wear the men's," she muttered, turning a brilliant shade of crimson.
"Well then, I guess you'll have to walk around naked, won't you?" Scott choked out.
Aurora glared at him then turned around into a patch of tree's a little behind them. She let the pants fall and took the backpack off her back. Muttering to herself, she pulled out the leggings that she had received what seemed like so long ago at Rivendell. Carefully she pulled them on and to her utter bewilderment, they fit perfectly about her waist. The last time she had tried them on, she couldn't even get them past her thigh's.
She realized with a shock that she had lost a lot of weight. All the walking, running, and fighting had taken it's toll on her body. Her thigh's were now small, as was her waist which had always been a bit large. Her arm's were toned from carrying things, and from fighting with the sword. She craned her neck, looking over her back and noticed her rear was a lot different from when she remembered it. She also noticed, for the first time, that her shirt was big and baggy. That's why no one, including her, had noticed her weight loss. Her big clothes had been hiding it. She pulled off the shirt and searched her bag for a smaller one. Finding one near the bottom, she pulled it out and eased it over her head. The difference in her body was more pronounced now then ever. The new clothes now clung to her thin body, enhancing her features a little too much for her liking. The shirt was a forest green, and rather low cut. It exposed the top part of her chest and pushed her breast's up. Her stomach was now flat and the cloth stretched across it. The pants, also green though a little darker, were also very tight. Sighing, she tried to adjust her breast's, so that they wouldn't stick out so much, but it was to no avail. She felt her chin, where it had once been slightly doubled, now it revealed a long neck that she never knew she had there before.
She would have killed to have a body like this a few months ago, but now it was a pain in the ass more then anything. The clothes weren't as comfortable as her big baggy ones, but she knew she could probably work them in. A new realization struck her too, she now looked more the part of a Mary-Sue and that did not comfort her in the least. She had always hated those stories with the perfect, flawless, beautiful women in them. But, she assured herself, she was no where near perfect and flawless, and just because she lost a little weight didn't mean she would be any more beautiful.
Slowly, she put the old leggings and shirt back in the pack, which she swung over her back as she began walking back to the meadow where cries of laughter could sill be heard. Muttering to herself about wearing slutty clothes with a group full of guys, she walked into the clearing where the fellowship sat upon the floor, still laughing merrily.
The laughing, however, stopped abruptly when Aurora walked back into the clearing. Scott's mouth dropped open in surprise and the rest of the group seemed momentarily dumbstruck. Aurora shifted uncomfortably on her feet, looking down.
"Er, well, it. . . er. . . looks like I lost a little weight, eh?" She muttered, chuckling feebly whilst glaring down at her feet.
"You-You. . .look. . .wow. . ." Scott mumbled, staring at Aurora with wide eyes.
"Yah well, whatever. Let's go shall we?" She stared pointedly at Aragorn, who shook his head and stood up.
"Yes, ok, let's go." Still looking a little surprised, the fellowship stood up and began walking toward the forest up ahead. They kept throwing furtive glances back at Aurora, who took up the rear, not wanting to be stared at.
She was embarrassed, though rather pleased, with their reaction. She had never been looked at in a way that people appeared to like what they saw. She had never had a boyfriend, never so much as kissed a boy. She was the quiet one. Always reading a book, always being alone. Her brother, Dan, had always been the loud one. He was the one who had all the girlfriends and all the friends. Aurora had always been known as 'Dan's little sister." She was never the type to be in the center of attention. She was the girl in the corner of the classroom, getting top grades, often being noted as weird or a freak. She had always been shy about her appearance and, therefore, had never enjoyed being near people. Dan and Scott were always so popular; they always had girl's chasing after them. Aurora smiled to herself, for the first time in her life, she felt that, if she were at home, she would have at least one guy look at her in a sexual manner. But, she reminded herself, I'm not home. The guys here were hot, no doubt about that. But Aragorn and Boromir were by far too old, the hobbit's were by far too short, she didn't have a chance in hell with Legolas, and then there was Scott. Aurora felt twist in her stomach that she thought had nothing to do with her excitement about losing weight..
Her musings were interrupted when she realized how quiet everyone was. Shaking herself back to reality, she gazed around the forest they had wondered in. Huge tree's enclosed the company on all sides. The sun, which had been shining so brilliantly outside, seemed to be hiding somewhere above the thick branches. It was dark in here and there was an eerie silence. There was no sound at all except the muffled breathing of her companions.
"Relax," Gimli was saying, "I have excellent hearing. Nothing will get by m- " He stopped short because arrows were suddenly pointing at them from every direction. Aurora's heart raced from the shock of it. She stifled a scream and moved her hands up to show whoever it was that she wasn't going to hurt them.
"A dwarf breathes so loudly, we could hear him a mile away." A tall, handsome, blonde-haired elf whispered, stepping forward.
Gimli growled but did nothing more, and for that Aurora was thankful. The last thing she needed was a group full of pissed off elves. Aragorn, however, stepped forward. He said something in Elvish, apparently to someone name Haldir. At least, that's what the name sounded like. The elf who had spoken to Gimli, gazed at Aragorn then said in English, "We will take you to the Lady of the Wood."
Scott cleared is throat looking in askance at Aurora who shrugged.
"We'll just leave," muttered Gimli.
Haldir turned around, grinning slightly. "Oh, you can't leave now." He then turned back to Aragorn and they began a heated debate. Finally, after a few minutes, Aragorn turned around again.
"These forest's are the realm of the Elves. They wish no other eyes to see it, except of course Legolas, the rest of us must be blind-folded." He said exasperatedly, as though he did not seem too keen on this idea.
There was an uproar at this. Aurora shouting that she wasn't about to be led into unknown territory by someone she had never met before and actually trust him. Her ranting was nothing compared to Gimli's, however, he was furious, crying that he would rather leave then be led by elves into the darkness. After much arguing, and even a little violence, they all calmed down and agreed to it, although grudgingly.
Haldir stepped forward and pulled a cloth over her eyes. Her arm was then rested on someone's shoulder, Boromir or Aragorn, by the feel of it. Scott's hand was on her shoulder and he gave it a reassuring squeeze. He had not objected to being blindfolded at all. Aurora realized with a jolt that Scott had actually been pretty patient lately, which was not like Scott at all.
They began walking slowly upon a path that they couldn't see. It was incredibly frustrating to hear the noises of the forest, to smell the beautiful smell, but to not be able to see any of it. She stumbled quite often, tripping over roots and rocks or sudden changes in the elevation of the trail. One time she even fell, much to her horror. She jumped back up as quickly as she could but she knew she was blushing furiously again. Her knee ached a little after this and she felt a dab of blood slide down her leg. What was worse, Scott's hand had somehow moved from her shoulder to her waist. She felt terribly uncomfortable and the same twisting feeling was back in her stomach. Normally she wouldn't have cared, but now, suddenly, she did. Her heart thumped painfully against her chest as she tried to calm herself. She must be sick, she shouldn't feel all excited and nervous around Scott. This was the guy who dropped her birthday cake all over her head when she was a child, this is the Scott who scared away the only guy she had ever liked by mooning him. Trying to take her mind off his warm hands upon her waist (which occasionally slipped when they hit a bump and moved a little lower to her rear. Somehow, she had a feeling Scott wasn't trying to stop this from happening) she focused only upon moving one foot in front of the other.
Just when she was about to ask how much further they would have to go, the blindfold's were removed and she was gazing up at the most beautiful city she had ever seen. It glowed with an ethereal light and rose high into the tree's. It was enchanting and somehow looked like it couldn't be real. She wanted to touch the glittering walls and listen to the beautiful singing that seemed to fill every space within the city. Gazing in openmouthed astonishment, the company was led into a palace of some sort with winding glass stair's that rose around a glowing tower. When they reached the top they stood in a line and faced a man and a woman, who were standing back in shadow.
As one, the two people stepped forward. Aurora could not stifle a gasp. The woman was the most beautiful person she had ever seen. She had long flowing, blonde hair and the most bluest and piercing gaze she had ever seen. In fact, the woman's eyes seemed to be staring into Aurora's soul, reading what was written upon it. The gaze made her feel uncomfortable and she was relieved when the woman looked away.
"Tell me, what has happened to Gandalf?" She whispered in a voice so quiet, but nevertheless carried to each one of them as if she had shouted it.
Without awaiting an answer she whispered again, "He has fallen into shadow." None of them could say anything, the just stared down at their feet, not daring to look her in the eye.
"The quest now stands upon the edge of a knife. . ." her words faded away as Aurora tried to listen to every syllable she spoke. She was concentrating too hard, and so she hardly heard what the elf was saying. She shook her head slightly, trying to shake it off.
"You will stay here for the night and rest." The lady said, in her beautiful voice.
The fellowship was led back down the stairs and into a pavilion where feathery beds were strewn across one room. All of them were exhausted, and most fell asleep as soon as they were alone. Aurora, however, sat down with her legs pulled up to her chest, just outside the pavilion. She listened to the singing that filled the night sky. It was so beautiful and so. . . she couldn't even find words to describe it. She jumped a little when Legolas came outside and sat next to her. She was more surprised then anything else. Legolas had managed to elude her since almost the beginning and had avoided sitting anywhere near her. She felt a little uncomfortable but didn't say anything.
"They sing for Gandalf," he whispered. She could feel his breathe on her neck and she shivered a little, definitely not because she was cold.
"What are they saying?"
"I have not the heart to tell you," he whispered again. She could feel his eyes upon her but she didn't turn to look at him. She shifted a little upon the ground but said nothing. They were quiet for awhile before Aurora worked up her courage and turned to face him. She jerked her head back when she realized just how close they were.
Clearing her throat she asked, "Why have you avoided me?"
Legolas sighed and gazed up at the stars, "I am not familiar with women. Mortal women at that. Scott said. . . some. . . things, that made me a little resistant to speak with you." He grinned a little a that and turned to look at Aurora who felt like her heart was melting. Look at those eyes, she thought. Quickly, she turned to look at the stars again.
"Oh," she said lamely. Stupid, stupid, stupid she thought, mentally kicking herself. Another thought came to her, something she had been wondering since they had left Moria.
"Legolas, I was wondering. Maybe tomorrow, while we are still here and not moving so much, could you help me learn to use a bow and arrow? I mean, swords are good, but I kind of want to learn how to defend myself at a long distance too."
Legolas frowned slightly but then shrugged. "Sure, I guess I could help you."
"Thanks," Aurora replied. "Scott and my brother took archery lessons a few years ago. I wanted to go with them, but they wouldn't let me." Aurora scowled at this memory but continued, "So Scott knows how to use one and all but I don't"
"Yes, I will help you." Legolas said again.
Aurora, feeling that she had better not stay this close to Legolas for too long, stood up brushing the dirt off her rear end.
"Well, goodnight." She said, and turned to go back into the pavilion. She couldn't help but smile as she laid down in the first bed she had seen in months. The smile still remained, even after she realized that what had happened outside a second ago was very Mary-Sue-ish.
A/N: Well, there's another chapter. Please, please, please, please review! Thanks!