Chapter Five
Oh, my soul! I am so sorry for the delay! I thought that I was going to get, like, two chapters written over spring break, and I didn't! But, I just finished this one....but the problem is that my Internet is not working....so that is why there is no update yet. But now there is! I am so sorry for the delay guys! I promise to try to get the next chapter up ASAP!!! Here you guys are, reviewing me and giving me encouragement, and I don't update!! Please don't stop reviewing because of that! I need those reviews!! lol. Anway, enjoy this chapter!
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Chapter Five.
Kimberly woke when a knock came at her door. Groaning, she cracked her eyes open, squinting against the sunlight that was beginning to pour through her half closed drapes. She ran a hand over her forehead and looked at the door. "Come in," she called. The door opened and a smiling Belelmithial waltzed in, closing the door behind her.
"Good morning, milady," she said cheerily, walking to the window and pulling open the drapes. Kimberly groaned again, shielding her eyes from the sunlight. "Well, I would assume that you are not a morning person," the elf said, looking at the ruffle-haired brunette.
Kimberly smirked. "Nope, never was," she said.
The elf smiled. "Quite unusual for an elf." She stood there a moment, hands on her hips. "Well, come, come, child. You must get up. Have you forgotten that you depart from Rivendell this morning?"
Kimberly uncovered her eyes and looked over at her. "No, I haven't," she said. The truth was that the journey to Rivendell had been all she could think about. She had been up half the night fretting about the reactions of her family. Were they going to be happy to see her, or sad? Angry, uncomfortable? Thought Legolas had assured her that she would be welcomed with open arms, she couldn't help but worry. *Legolas.* At the thought of the Elf prince, a smile came to Kimberly's face. He had told her that she was all he wanted...he had held her in his arms and promised that very thing....Belelmithial saw her smile and a small one graced her face as well. "Ah, I know a love-struck smile when I see one," she said. "I saw that very same smile on the prince's face last night."
Kimberly looked over at her as she sat up. "You don't know what you're talking about." Belelmithial's smile grew.
"Oh, don't I? Kimberly, Prince Legolas has captured your heart, just as you have captured his....you've certainly changed his old ways." Kimberly frowned as she remembered Janelle and the devestating news the elf maiden had told her.
"I think the War changed that."
Belelmithial shook her head as she came to the bed. "The War may have had something to do with it, but you surely were the biggest aspect of it, milady. Why, I've never seen the prince look at other elf maidens the way he does you. Actually, he doesn't even glance at them anymore, which is truly saying something." She smiled brightly. "I can see quite a few good things in store for you two." Kimberly sat on the bed a moment, staring at the floor and absorbing what the elf had just said. "Well, come on now. You should hurry and bathe and dress. Gandalf will most likely want to leave in a few hours." She walked into the adjoining bathroom to fill the tub and Kimberly pulled herself out of bed, shivering slightley as her bare feet touched the cold floor. She walked into the bathroom, stretching as she did so, and smiled when the elf turned to her. "There you are, milady. A nice, hot bath. I'll straigthen up out here. Just come on out when you're ready." Kimberly nodded and closed the door after the elf had left.
Undressing, Kimberly stepped to the tub, skimming her fingers along the water's edge. As she sank into the hot liquid, she rested her head against the lip of the tub. Closing her eyes, she thought about what Belelmithial had said. *I can see quite a few good things in store for you two.* Kimberly didn't deny that Legolas stirred feelings inside of her...feelings that made her feel lightheaded and made her heart race...Was this love?
Kimberly opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling. She remembered asking Rachel once what love felt like. Her blonde friend had smiled brightly at her and laughed. "Not really sure how to describe it, Kim....it's like spinning into infinity. When just the thought of that person steals your breath away and stops your heart....where you can only think of him....you can't imagine life without him....."
Kimberly had to admit, Legolas certainly took her breath away and made her heart almost stop. She never felt completely steady and on her feet when she was around him. He plagued her thoughts most of the time....and it was hard for her to imagine living now, without him....Was she in love? Groaning in frustration, Kimberly dunked her head under the water, wetting her hair. She surfaced a moment later, running her hands across her face. She thought about her friend back in Ohio....about Rachel, Kristi.....Justin, Karissa. She wondered if any of them missed her or even noticed she was gone...Would they think Roger had finally killed her or would they think she had run away....*Who knows.....maybe they don't even notice I'm gone.* Sighing, Kimberly washed her hair and got out of the tub. As she dried her hair and wrapped the fluffly towel around herself, Kimberly decided to let go of her past...and look towards her future.
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Thranduil walked up to Legolas as his son was saddling his horse. The king smiled and clapped his son on the back. "It grieves me to see you go so soon, my son," he said. Legolas turned to him.
"It grieves me to go. But I must."
Thranduil nodded and smiled. "Aye, you must...Elrond has never really given up hope that his daughter would be found. After almost 18 years, however, it is very hard to imagine ever finding her. Now that his youngest has been found, it would be wrong to wait any longer to reunite their family.....yes, it is important that Kimberly returns to Rivendell."
Legolas nodded and opened his mouth to reply, but the sight of Gandalf and Kimberly coming towards them caught his attention. *By the Valar, she is beautiful,* Legolas thought to himself. Kimberly was smiling up at Gandalf, wringing her hands in front of her. Her hair was partially tied back and it flowed over her shoulders like a dark waterfall. She wore a black riding dress (A.N.: Think Arwen in the beginning of the Fellowship of the Ring) and black riding boots.
Thranduil noticed his son's fascination with the approaching young elf and looked at him. "What precious cargo you will be traveling with, Legolas," he said softly. His son looked at him, and Thranduil recognized the look on his face. He, himself, had worn that same expression since the day he had met Legolas' mother. It was a look of pure love. He clasped his son's shoulder. "Take good care of her, my boy."
Legolas gripped his father's shoulder in return and nodded. "I shall, Ada." The king smiled and turned to the two new arrivals, reaching out and gently embracing Kimberly as she stopped before him. "Thanks for all your hospitality, King Thranduil," Kimberly said as they separated. Thranduil smiled. "No thanks are necessary, my dear. You are always welcome in Mirkwood. Be safe on your journey."
Kimberly smiled and looked over at Legolas. "I'm in good hands." Legolas grinned at her in return and Gandalf sent a secretive wink to Thranduil over their heads.
"Come now, we must be off," the wizard said, climbing onto the horse's back. Thranduil leaned forward and pressed an affectionate kiss to Kimberly's forehead.
"Namarie," he said. The brunette smiled. *No idea what he just said, but I'm gonna go with 'good-bye'.* Legolas hopped onto his own horse and held out an arm to her. She looked up at him. "How come I don't get a horse?"
Legolas smiled down at her. "Do you know how to ride?" The brunette looked at him and shook her head. The elf smiled. "Then you ride with me." Kimberly smiled and took his outstretched hand, allowing him to pull her up in front of him. His arms encircled her waist as he grasped the reins and he leaned down towards her ear. "Any complaints?," he asked. She grinned. *None that I can see.* With one last farwell to Thranduil, they rode off, finally beginning their journey to Rivendell.
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They had been riding for hours and Kimberly leaned her head back against Legolas' chest, closing her eyes as the movement of the horse lulled her into a silent sleep.
(A.N.: Here is the part that made me want to change the rating for PG-13 to R.....Just a small warning)
Dream sequence.
*The black haired girl was thrown to the ground by her attacker, her arm twisting beneath her as she landed. She groaned as she was turned over onto her back, then gasped when her shirt was ripped open. The stench of alcohol overwhelmed her as the man hovered over her. He chuckled evily and roughly trailed his lips across hers. She tried to reach up and push him off, but she was frozen in place, unable to do anything but sob as the man roughly pulled off her jeans. She cried as he roughly grabbed her breast and trailed kisses down her stomach. He growled slightly, ripping of her bra, his teeth clenching her nipple, biting down. He reached down and ripped off her underwear while pulling his own jeans and underwear off. He ran his hand over her nether region, grinning in satisfaction.
"Hold still!," he yelled, smacking the girl's face and held her down as she began to struggle. She cried, tears rolling down her face. "That's it, cry....just spurs me on....I'll show you something to cry about." He laughed, his hands tightly holding her hips. Suddenly, he parted her thighs and brutally plunged into her.
Kimberly screamed while Roger smiled victoriously.* End of dream sequence
Kimberly jerked awake, gasping as she searched her surroundings. She was still on horseback, Legolas' strong arms around her waist while he held the reins. Gandalf rode ahead of them.
Legolas looked down at her as she came awake. "Are you alright?," she asked as he saw her panicked expression. Kimberly glanced up at him, then sighed and looked away, rubbing her hands over her eyes. "Kimberly?," he tried again.
The brunette laughed softly and shook her head. "Nothing, Legolas. Just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about." Legolas frowned at her.
"You're certain?" She nodded.
"Yes...just shook me up a little." Legolas sighed and leaned his head on her shoulder. "The dream must have been terrifying to 'shake you up'," he said. "Will you tell me what you dreamed? What happened?"
She shrugged and glanced over at him. "It's more like what DIDN'T happen." Legolas frowned. "I just dreamed about...what would have happened if my mom hadn't have interferred with Roger." Legolas nodded, understanding.
"But she did interfere, Kimberly," he said softly. She nodded and trailed her finger over one of his hands. She closed her eyes as Legolas nuzzled her neck, gently kissing it. Ahead of them, Gandalf slowed his horse and looked back at them. "The hour grows late," he says. "We should make camp and rest for the night." The wizard dismounted and led his horse towards a small clearing in the woods. Legolas jumped off the horse and gripped Kimberly by the waist as he pulled her down. She rested her hand on his broad shoulders and he smiled at her. "This is the second time I've pulled you off a horse with me."
Kimberly laughed and shook her head. "You find the wierdest things amusing, Legolas." He laughed and took his horses reins, leading it to where Gandalf was. "Gandalf, how long until we get to Rivendell?," Kimberly asked.
The wizard looked over at her, setting down his staff. "If we leave first thing tomorrow morning, we should reach Rivendell by mid-afternoon." Kimberly nodded and sat down on a log while Legolas set to start a fire.
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Kimberly stood with her arms crossed, staring up at the starlit sky. Gandalf had retired two hours ago, and Legolas was tending to the horses, so Kimberly took the advantage to wander off a ways and think. She stayed close enough to camp to see the fire, heeding her companion's warnings of the dangers that lurked in the woods. Now, she watched the twinkling black sky, old fears and anxieties returning to her. Would they like her, would their reactions be positive, would it be incredibly awkward and uncomfortable? *I can only pray that it won't,* she thought, sighing.
Strong arms encircled her waist from behind and warm lips grazed her neck. She smiled and cupped her hands over Legolas', glancing back at him. "What has you so distracted?," he asked. "What is going through that head of yours?" She shrugged turning around in his arms to face him.
"Nothing important," she said. Legolas leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. Her hands encircled his neck, pulling him closer. He murmered her name and trailed kisses down her neck. Kimberly sighed, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. Legolas' lips found hers again and his hands traveled upwards, one resting just below her breastbone, the other moving to the back ties of her riding dress. Flashbacks of Roger returned and Kimberly snapped open her eyes, reluctantly pulling away. Legolas looked down at her, confused.
"I'm so sorry, Legolas, but I can't," she said brokenly. "It's just....it's too soon after--" Legolas put a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"It's alright. I understand." He leaned down and kissed her gently. She looked up at him when he pulled away.
"It's not that I don't want to, believe me," she said.
Legolas smiled. "It's alright," he said. Kimberly shook her head.
"No, it's not. It's really not alright. I want to, I really do....But everytime I think about it, I keep thinking about Roger and what he almost did...and...." She trailed off, lowering her head and avoiding his gaze.
Legolas tipped up her chin. "And what, Kimberly?"
She blinked back tears and sighed. "I don't want you to have to touch something so dirty." He stared at her, taken aback.
"Dirty? Kimberly....you are all but dirty," he said, caressin her cheek. "What that bastard did to you was unexcusable....but his actions don't make you any less perfect than you are."
"But--"
"No, I will hear no more. You are clean and pure, Kimberly. And there is no rush." He smiled. "You are worth waiting for."
Kimberly smiled softly. "Really?" Legolas nodded and kissed her again.
"Come, we must get some sleep. We rise early tomorrow if we are to reach Rivendell." Kimberly nodded, and with her hand in his, walked back to the camp.
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The next day, Kimberly once again sat in front of Legolas on the horse, her hands clasped over his. Legolas' mouth was near her ear, his voice quietly singing a song in Elvish. Kimberly had no idea what he was saying, but she just loved the sound of his voice so close to her ear. She smiled softly, remembering what he had told her the previous night. *He thinks I'm perfect and that I'm worth waiting for,* she thought. She looked down and ran a finger over one of his arm bands. How much violence these must have seen....
She looked up when she realized that Legolas had stopped singing and was now looking at her. She smiled at him. "What?"
He grinned. "Simply admiring your beauty." Kimberly's smile grew and she lightly brushed her lips across his. They both looked forward when Gandalf addressed them.
"Rivendell lies on the horizen," he said, pointing ahead of them. "You are nearly home, my dear." Kimberly stared up ahead, amazed at the sight she saw. A large city stood before them, sunlight beaming off it. The top of a large palace of some sort could be seen above the trees. As they drew closer, Kimberly felt her hearbeat quicken. Legolas must have sensed it, for he whispered hin her ear, "Everything will be alright." She nodded and clasped his hand.
It was all too soon before they reached the gates that entered into the city. They rode the horses quietly through the city. Elves wandered the streets, some of them smiling and laughing, others walking and conversing. They smiled and bowed their heads as Gandalf passed and the wizard nodded at them in return. Kimberly's breath came out in pants as they neared the steps that led into the palace. Legolas hopped off the horse, pulling her down as well. A stableboy came towards them, smiling and speaking in Elvish to Gandalf and Legolas. Kimberly felt his curious eyes upon her and she wondered if he knew why they were there and who she was. The stableboy nodded to them and led the horses away.
Kimberly took Legolas' extended arm as they walked towards the steps. She stared up at the towering building, fear growing inside of her. She gulped and looked over at the old wizard. "Gandalf, I don't think I'm ready for this."
The wizard looked at her. "Oh, come now. Of course you are ready. You're simply nervous. And there is no reason to be."
Kimberly nodded and took a deep breath as they ascended the stairs and entered the building. She gasped softly. The inside was even more amazing than the outside. The walls were painted with all sorts of different images, some portraying elven maidens, some elven warriors. Beautiful statues were everywhere throughout the hallway. Legolas smiled at her. "Would you also get lost in a place like this?," he asked. Kimberly laughed and nodded. "More than likely, yeah."
Legolas laughed and squeezed her hand. They followed Gandalf through the hallway, their footsteps echoing in the deserted hall. *Where is everybody?,* she wondered.
Gandalf stopped suddenly when he heard laughter and he turned to them. "Your family awaits in the courtyard, Kimberly," he said, smiling and squeezing her shoulder for encouragement. "They have waited many years for this reunion. Are you ready?" Kimberly took a deep breath and nodded. Gandalf smiled, and with a quick glance at Legolas, led them out into the courtyard. Kimberly looked around. Flowers grew all over the place. Flowing fountains were scattered throughout the large area, and tables were as well. She almost tripped over her own feet when she spotted one of the tables filled with six people. Four men and two women sat amoung one table, smiling and conversing quietley together, but they all stopped as they looked up. Kimberly stared at them. Save for one of the men, all the others resembled her in so many ways. All bored raven dark hair and jade eyes, fair skin and slender figures. These Elves were her family.
The eldest looking man sat at the head of the table, and now he smiled and rose when he saw Gandalf. This was her father, Lord Elrond. She stared at his face. She had his eyes, that was no lie. His long, black hair was tied partially back and he wore some kind of flowing gold robe. Some kind of crown adorned his forehead and his eyes shown warmly as he greeted them. "Gandalf, Legolas, what a pleasure it is to see you once more. I had not expected the reunion of the Fellowship to be for a few months, but, as always, you are welcome." He had not yet noticed Kimberly, for she had hid herself behind Gandalf, not ready to reveal herself just yet. It also gave her a chance to study her family. The two younger looking male elves were twins; her twin brothers, Elrohir and Elladen. They were the spitting image of Elrond. They wore their hair much like Legolas', two braids on the side. They wore green tunics and dark pants. They smiled warmly at the new arrivals. The eldest woman there, Kimberly concluded, was her mother, Celbrian. Kimberly saw where she had inherited her slender figure and height from. The she-elf had long, flowing black hair and jade eyes, though not as bright as Kimberly's. She wore a dark blue gown and a crown also adorned her forehead. Her smile was soft and welcoming.
The youngest woman there was, Kimberly concluded, her older sister Arwen. No one had lied when they had said that Kimberly resembled the beautiful elf. It was like looking in a mirror. Although, while Kimberly was small, Arwen had grown into a woman's body. Her black hair flowed over her slender shoulders and her jade eyes shined. Her green dress fit her curves perfectly and she held hands with the man next to her, who Kimberly thought was her brother-in-law, Aragorn of Gondor. The man had black hair that came to his shoulder. His blue eyes shined at the sight of his two old friends and his smile was one of pure joy at seeing them again. Kimberly was speechless. *This is my family.....* She looked up as Gandalf spoke.
"I'm afraid that Legolas and I have come on a different sort of reunion." Elrond frowned, unsure of what the wizard said. "A reunion that has been put off for far too long."
At the table, Arwen frowned. "What reunion do you speak of, Gandalf?," she asked. The wizard simply smiled and slowly stepped aside, finally revealing Kimberly to her family. The courtyard fell silent as they stared in wonder and bewilderment at the young elf who stood before them. Kimberly wrung her hands behind her back, scared stiff to say anything.
"By the Valar," one of the twins murmered, staring in shock at the younger version of Arwen. Arwen echoed his reaction in her head. *Nebride....oh, by the sea and stars, let it be true,* she thought as the tears began to well in her eyes. Celbrian rose, one hand clutching her chest, the other clutching the back of her chair to balance her. "It can't be," she whispered as the tears began to fall, but she knew it was true. All she had to do was glance at the girl to know that she was her daughter.
Kimberly watched their reactions, seeing the tears welling in their eyes and feeling them welling in her own. She looked up as Elrond walked towards her slowly, tears glistening in his eyes. "Nebride," he whispered. Gandalf nodded. "It is indeed, Lord Elrond." From the table, Arwen stiffled a sob while her mother openly cried. Elrohir and Elladen felt the tears begin to fall and Aragorn smiled.
Elrond approached Kimberly. "Is it true?," he asked. She looked up at him and nodded. "Yes, it is," she said softly. The elf stared down into her eyes, as if searching for the true answer. Suddenly, he reached out and gathered her into his arms, crushing her to him as he felt the tears course down his face. Kimberly sobbed as she wrapped her arms around her father. Opening her eyes, she saw her mother crying joyfully, a hand covering her mouth. The others at the table rose, their faces streaked with tears, and they all approached her. Elrond pulled back and stroked her cheek. "Welcome back, my daughter," he said. Kimberly smiled and hugged him again, before doing the same with her mother.
For the first time in her life, Kimberly felt at home and loved.
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Ta-da!! Another chapter is finished!!! Once again, I am so sorry for the delay.....I hope no one minded me changing the rating. I just wrote that and thought "That can't be PG-13." So, I had to .....anway, read and review and I will have the next chapter up as soon as I can. Love y'all!!!
Oh, my soul! I am so sorry for the delay! I thought that I was going to get, like, two chapters written over spring break, and I didn't! But, I just finished this one....but the problem is that my Internet is not working....so that is why there is no update yet. But now there is! I am so sorry for the delay guys! I promise to try to get the next chapter up ASAP!!! Here you guys are, reviewing me and giving me encouragement, and I don't update!! Please don't stop reviewing because of that! I need those reviews!! lol. Anway, enjoy this chapter!
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Chapter Five.
Kimberly woke when a knock came at her door. Groaning, she cracked her eyes open, squinting against the sunlight that was beginning to pour through her half closed drapes. She ran a hand over her forehead and looked at the door. "Come in," she called. The door opened and a smiling Belelmithial waltzed in, closing the door behind her.
"Good morning, milady," she said cheerily, walking to the window and pulling open the drapes. Kimberly groaned again, shielding her eyes from the sunlight. "Well, I would assume that you are not a morning person," the elf said, looking at the ruffle-haired brunette.
Kimberly smirked. "Nope, never was," she said.
The elf smiled. "Quite unusual for an elf." She stood there a moment, hands on her hips. "Well, come, come, child. You must get up. Have you forgotten that you depart from Rivendell this morning?"
Kimberly uncovered her eyes and looked over at her. "No, I haven't," she said. The truth was that the journey to Rivendell had been all she could think about. She had been up half the night fretting about the reactions of her family. Were they going to be happy to see her, or sad? Angry, uncomfortable? Thought Legolas had assured her that she would be welcomed with open arms, she couldn't help but worry. *Legolas.* At the thought of the Elf prince, a smile came to Kimberly's face. He had told her that she was all he wanted...he had held her in his arms and promised that very thing....Belelmithial saw her smile and a small one graced her face as well. "Ah, I know a love-struck smile when I see one," she said. "I saw that very same smile on the prince's face last night."
Kimberly looked over at her as she sat up. "You don't know what you're talking about." Belelmithial's smile grew.
"Oh, don't I? Kimberly, Prince Legolas has captured your heart, just as you have captured his....you've certainly changed his old ways." Kimberly frowned as she remembered Janelle and the devestating news the elf maiden had told her.
"I think the War changed that."
Belelmithial shook her head as she came to the bed. "The War may have had something to do with it, but you surely were the biggest aspect of it, milady. Why, I've never seen the prince look at other elf maidens the way he does you. Actually, he doesn't even glance at them anymore, which is truly saying something." She smiled brightly. "I can see quite a few good things in store for you two." Kimberly sat on the bed a moment, staring at the floor and absorbing what the elf had just said. "Well, come on now. You should hurry and bathe and dress. Gandalf will most likely want to leave in a few hours." She walked into the adjoining bathroom to fill the tub and Kimberly pulled herself out of bed, shivering slightley as her bare feet touched the cold floor. She walked into the bathroom, stretching as she did so, and smiled when the elf turned to her. "There you are, milady. A nice, hot bath. I'll straigthen up out here. Just come on out when you're ready." Kimberly nodded and closed the door after the elf had left.
Undressing, Kimberly stepped to the tub, skimming her fingers along the water's edge. As she sank into the hot liquid, she rested her head against the lip of the tub. Closing her eyes, she thought about what Belelmithial had said. *I can see quite a few good things in store for you two.* Kimberly didn't deny that Legolas stirred feelings inside of her...feelings that made her feel lightheaded and made her heart race...Was this love?
Kimberly opened her eyes and looked at the ceiling. She remembered asking Rachel once what love felt like. Her blonde friend had smiled brightly at her and laughed. "Not really sure how to describe it, Kim....it's like spinning into infinity. When just the thought of that person steals your breath away and stops your heart....where you can only think of him....you can't imagine life without him....."
Kimberly had to admit, Legolas certainly took her breath away and made her heart almost stop. She never felt completely steady and on her feet when she was around him. He plagued her thoughts most of the time....and it was hard for her to imagine living now, without him....Was she in love? Groaning in frustration, Kimberly dunked her head under the water, wetting her hair. She surfaced a moment later, running her hands across her face. She thought about her friend back in Ohio....about Rachel, Kristi.....Justin, Karissa. She wondered if any of them missed her or even noticed she was gone...Would they think Roger had finally killed her or would they think she had run away....*Who knows.....maybe they don't even notice I'm gone.* Sighing, Kimberly washed her hair and got out of the tub. As she dried her hair and wrapped the fluffly towel around herself, Kimberly decided to let go of her past...and look towards her future.
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Thranduil walked up to Legolas as his son was saddling his horse. The king smiled and clapped his son on the back. "It grieves me to see you go so soon, my son," he said. Legolas turned to him.
"It grieves me to go. But I must."
Thranduil nodded and smiled. "Aye, you must...Elrond has never really given up hope that his daughter would be found. After almost 18 years, however, it is very hard to imagine ever finding her. Now that his youngest has been found, it would be wrong to wait any longer to reunite their family.....yes, it is important that Kimberly returns to Rivendell."
Legolas nodded and opened his mouth to reply, but the sight of Gandalf and Kimberly coming towards them caught his attention. *By the Valar, she is beautiful,* Legolas thought to himself. Kimberly was smiling up at Gandalf, wringing her hands in front of her. Her hair was partially tied back and it flowed over her shoulders like a dark waterfall. She wore a black riding dress (A.N.: Think Arwen in the beginning of the Fellowship of the Ring) and black riding boots.
Thranduil noticed his son's fascination with the approaching young elf and looked at him. "What precious cargo you will be traveling with, Legolas," he said softly. His son looked at him, and Thranduil recognized the look on his face. He, himself, had worn that same expression since the day he had met Legolas' mother. It was a look of pure love. He clasped his son's shoulder. "Take good care of her, my boy."
Legolas gripped his father's shoulder in return and nodded. "I shall, Ada." The king smiled and turned to the two new arrivals, reaching out and gently embracing Kimberly as she stopped before him. "Thanks for all your hospitality, King Thranduil," Kimberly said as they separated. Thranduil smiled. "No thanks are necessary, my dear. You are always welcome in Mirkwood. Be safe on your journey."
Kimberly smiled and looked over at Legolas. "I'm in good hands." Legolas grinned at her in return and Gandalf sent a secretive wink to Thranduil over their heads.
"Come now, we must be off," the wizard said, climbing onto the horse's back. Thranduil leaned forward and pressed an affectionate kiss to Kimberly's forehead.
"Namarie," he said. The brunette smiled. *No idea what he just said, but I'm gonna go with 'good-bye'.* Legolas hopped onto his own horse and held out an arm to her. She looked up at him. "How come I don't get a horse?"
Legolas smiled down at her. "Do you know how to ride?" The brunette looked at him and shook her head. The elf smiled. "Then you ride with me." Kimberly smiled and took his outstretched hand, allowing him to pull her up in front of him. His arms encircled her waist as he grasped the reins and he leaned down towards her ear. "Any complaints?," he asked. She grinned. *None that I can see.* With one last farwell to Thranduil, they rode off, finally beginning their journey to Rivendell.
*********
They had been riding for hours and Kimberly leaned her head back against Legolas' chest, closing her eyes as the movement of the horse lulled her into a silent sleep.
(A.N.: Here is the part that made me want to change the rating for PG-13 to R.....Just a small warning)
Dream sequence.
*The black haired girl was thrown to the ground by her attacker, her arm twisting beneath her as she landed. She groaned as she was turned over onto her back, then gasped when her shirt was ripped open. The stench of alcohol overwhelmed her as the man hovered over her. He chuckled evily and roughly trailed his lips across hers. She tried to reach up and push him off, but she was frozen in place, unable to do anything but sob as the man roughly pulled off her jeans. She cried as he roughly grabbed her breast and trailed kisses down her stomach. He growled slightly, ripping of her bra, his teeth clenching her nipple, biting down. He reached down and ripped off her underwear while pulling his own jeans and underwear off. He ran his hand over her nether region, grinning in satisfaction.
"Hold still!," he yelled, smacking the girl's face and held her down as she began to struggle. She cried, tears rolling down her face. "That's it, cry....just spurs me on....I'll show you something to cry about." He laughed, his hands tightly holding her hips. Suddenly, he parted her thighs and brutally plunged into her.
Kimberly screamed while Roger smiled victoriously.* End of dream sequence
Kimberly jerked awake, gasping as she searched her surroundings. She was still on horseback, Legolas' strong arms around her waist while he held the reins. Gandalf rode ahead of them.
Legolas looked down at her as she came awake. "Are you alright?," she asked as he saw her panicked expression. Kimberly glanced up at him, then sighed and looked away, rubbing her hands over her eyes. "Kimberly?," he tried again.
The brunette laughed softly and shook her head. "Nothing, Legolas. Just a bad dream. Nothing to worry about." Legolas frowned at her.
"You're certain?" She nodded.
"Yes...just shook me up a little." Legolas sighed and leaned his head on her shoulder. "The dream must have been terrifying to 'shake you up'," he said. "Will you tell me what you dreamed? What happened?"
She shrugged and glanced over at him. "It's more like what DIDN'T happen." Legolas frowned. "I just dreamed about...what would have happened if my mom hadn't have interferred with Roger." Legolas nodded, understanding.
"But she did interfere, Kimberly," he said softly. She nodded and trailed her finger over one of his hands. She closed her eyes as Legolas nuzzled her neck, gently kissing it. Ahead of them, Gandalf slowed his horse and looked back at them. "The hour grows late," he says. "We should make camp and rest for the night." The wizard dismounted and led his horse towards a small clearing in the woods. Legolas jumped off the horse and gripped Kimberly by the waist as he pulled her down. She rested her hand on his broad shoulders and he smiled at her. "This is the second time I've pulled you off a horse with me."
Kimberly laughed and shook her head. "You find the wierdest things amusing, Legolas." He laughed and took his horses reins, leading it to where Gandalf was. "Gandalf, how long until we get to Rivendell?," Kimberly asked.
The wizard looked over at her, setting down his staff. "If we leave first thing tomorrow morning, we should reach Rivendell by mid-afternoon." Kimberly nodded and sat down on a log while Legolas set to start a fire.
*********
Kimberly stood with her arms crossed, staring up at the starlit sky. Gandalf had retired two hours ago, and Legolas was tending to the horses, so Kimberly took the advantage to wander off a ways and think. She stayed close enough to camp to see the fire, heeding her companion's warnings of the dangers that lurked in the woods. Now, she watched the twinkling black sky, old fears and anxieties returning to her. Would they like her, would their reactions be positive, would it be incredibly awkward and uncomfortable? *I can only pray that it won't,* she thought, sighing.
Strong arms encircled her waist from behind and warm lips grazed her neck. She smiled and cupped her hands over Legolas', glancing back at him. "What has you so distracted?," he asked. "What is going through that head of yours?" She shrugged turning around in his arms to face him.
"Nothing important," she said. Legolas leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. Her hands encircled his neck, pulling him closer. He murmered her name and trailed kisses down her neck. Kimberly sighed, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. Legolas' lips found hers again and his hands traveled upwards, one resting just below her breastbone, the other moving to the back ties of her riding dress. Flashbacks of Roger returned and Kimberly snapped open her eyes, reluctantly pulling away. Legolas looked down at her, confused.
"I'm so sorry, Legolas, but I can't," she said brokenly. "It's just....it's too soon after--" Legolas put a finger to her lips, silencing her.
"It's alright. I understand." He leaned down and kissed her gently. She looked up at him when he pulled away.
"It's not that I don't want to, believe me," she said.
Legolas smiled. "It's alright," he said. Kimberly shook her head.
"No, it's not. It's really not alright. I want to, I really do....But everytime I think about it, I keep thinking about Roger and what he almost did...and...." She trailed off, lowering her head and avoiding his gaze.
Legolas tipped up her chin. "And what, Kimberly?"
She blinked back tears and sighed. "I don't want you to have to touch something so dirty." He stared at her, taken aback.
"Dirty? Kimberly....you are all but dirty," he said, caressin her cheek. "What that bastard did to you was unexcusable....but his actions don't make you any less perfect than you are."
"But--"
"No, I will hear no more. You are clean and pure, Kimberly. And there is no rush." He smiled. "You are worth waiting for."
Kimberly smiled softly. "Really?" Legolas nodded and kissed her again.
"Come, we must get some sleep. We rise early tomorrow if we are to reach Rivendell." Kimberly nodded, and with her hand in his, walked back to the camp.
*********
The next day, Kimberly once again sat in front of Legolas on the horse, her hands clasped over his. Legolas' mouth was near her ear, his voice quietly singing a song in Elvish. Kimberly had no idea what he was saying, but she just loved the sound of his voice so close to her ear. She smiled softly, remembering what he had told her the previous night. *He thinks I'm perfect and that I'm worth waiting for,* she thought. She looked down and ran a finger over one of his arm bands. How much violence these must have seen....
She looked up when she realized that Legolas had stopped singing and was now looking at her. She smiled at him. "What?"
He grinned. "Simply admiring your beauty." Kimberly's smile grew and she lightly brushed her lips across his. They both looked forward when Gandalf addressed them.
"Rivendell lies on the horizen," he said, pointing ahead of them. "You are nearly home, my dear." Kimberly stared up ahead, amazed at the sight she saw. A large city stood before them, sunlight beaming off it. The top of a large palace of some sort could be seen above the trees. As they drew closer, Kimberly felt her hearbeat quicken. Legolas must have sensed it, for he whispered hin her ear, "Everything will be alright." She nodded and clasped his hand.
It was all too soon before they reached the gates that entered into the city. They rode the horses quietly through the city. Elves wandered the streets, some of them smiling and laughing, others walking and conversing. They smiled and bowed their heads as Gandalf passed and the wizard nodded at them in return. Kimberly's breath came out in pants as they neared the steps that led into the palace. Legolas hopped off the horse, pulling her down as well. A stableboy came towards them, smiling and speaking in Elvish to Gandalf and Legolas. Kimberly felt his curious eyes upon her and she wondered if he knew why they were there and who she was. The stableboy nodded to them and led the horses away.
Kimberly took Legolas' extended arm as they walked towards the steps. She stared up at the towering building, fear growing inside of her. She gulped and looked over at the old wizard. "Gandalf, I don't think I'm ready for this."
The wizard looked at her. "Oh, come now. Of course you are ready. You're simply nervous. And there is no reason to be."
Kimberly nodded and took a deep breath as they ascended the stairs and entered the building. She gasped softly. The inside was even more amazing than the outside. The walls were painted with all sorts of different images, some portraying elven maidens, some elven warriors. Beautiful statues were everywhere throughout the hallway. Legolas smiled at her. "Would you also get lost in a place like this?," he asked. Kimberly laughed and nodded. "More than likely, yeah."
Legolas laughed and squeezed her hand. They followed Gandalf through the hallway, their footsteps echoing in the deserted hall. *Where is everybody?,* she wondered.
Gandalf stopped suddenly when he heard laughter and he turned to them. "Your family awaits in the courtyard, Kimberly," he said, smiling and squeezing her shoulder for encouragement. "They have waited many years for this reunion. Are you ready?" Kimberly took a deep breath and nodded. Gandalf smiled, and with a quick glance at Legolas, led them out into the courtyard. Kimberly looked around. Flowers grew all over the place. Flowing fountains were scattered throughout the large area, and tables were as well. She almost tripped over her own feet when she spotted one of the tables filled with six people. Four men and two women sat amoung one table, smiling and conversing quietley together, but they all stopped as they looked up. Kimberly stared at them. Save for one of the men, all the others resembled her in so many ways. All bored raven dark hair and jade eyes, fair skin and slender figures. These Elves were her family.
The eldest looking man sat at the head of the table, and now he smiled and rose when he saw Gandalf. This was her father, Lord Elrond. She stared at his face. She had his eyes, that was no lie. His long, black hair was tied partially back and he wore some kind of flowing gold robe. Some kind of crown adorned his forehead and his eyes shown warmly as he greeted them. "Gandalf, Legolas, what a pleasure it is to see you once more. I had not expected the reunion of the Fellowship to be for a few months, but, as always, you are welcome." He had not yet noticed Kimberly, for she had hid herself behind Gandalf, not ready to reveal herself just yet. It also gave her a chance to study her family. The two younger looking male elves were twins; her twin brothers, Elrohir and Elladen. They were the spitting image of Elrond. They wore their hair much like Legolas', two braids on the side. They wore green tunics and dark pants. They smiled warmly at the new arrivals. The eldest woman there, Kimberly concluded, was her mother, Celbrian. Kimberly saw where she had inherited her slender figure and height from. The she-elf had long, flowing black hair and jade eyes, though not as bright as Kimberly's. She wore a dark blue gown and a crown also adorned her forehead. Her smile was soft and welcoming.
The youngest woman there was, Kimberly concluded, her older sister Arwen. No one had lied when they had said that Kimberly resembled the beautiful elf. It was like looking in a mirror. Although, while Kimberly was small, Arwen had grown into a woman's body. Her black hair flowed over her slender shoulders and her jade eyes shined. Her green dress fit her curves perfectly and she held hands with the man next to her, who Kimberly thought was her brother-in-law, Aragorn of Gondor. The man had black hair that came to his shoulder. His blue eyes shined at the sight of his two old friends and his smile was one of pure joy at seeing them again. Kimberly was speechless. *This is my family.....* She looked up as Gandalf spoke.
"I'm afraid that Legolas and I have come on a different sort of reunion." Elrond frowned, unsure of what the wizard said. "A reunion that has been put off for far too long."
At the table, Arwen frowned. "What reunion do you speak of, Gandalf?," she asked. The wizard simply smiled and slowly stepped aside, finally revealing Kimberly to her family. The courtyard fell silent as they stared in wonder and bewilderment at the young elf who stood before them. Kimberly wrung her hands behind her back, scared stiff to say anything.
"By the Valar," one of the twins murmered, staring in shock at the younger version of Arwen. Arwen echoed his reaction in her head. *Nebride....oh, by the sea and stars, let it be true,* she thought as the tears began to well in her eyes. Celbrian rose, one hand clutching her chest, the other clutching the back of her chair to balance her. "It can't be," she whispered as the tears began to fall, but she knew it was true. All she had to do was glance at the girl to know that she was her daughter.
Kimberly watched their reactions, seeing the tears welling in their eyes and feeling them welling in her own. She looked up as Elrond walked towards her slowly, tears glistening in his eyes. "Nebride," he whispered. Gandalf nodded. "It is indeed, Lord Elrond." From the table, Arwen stiffled a sob while her mother openly cried. Elrohir and Elladen felt the tears begin to fall and Aragorn smiled.
Elrond approached Kimberly. "Is it true?," he asked. She looked up at him and nodded. "Yes, it is," she said softly. The elf stared down into her eyes, as if searching for the true answer. Suddenly, he reached out and gathered her into his arms, crushing her to him as he felt the tears course down his face. Kimberly sobbed as she wrapped her arms around her father. Opening her eyes, she saw her mother crying joyfully, a hand covering her mouth. The others at the table rose, their faces streaked with tears, and they all approached her. Elrond pulled back and stroked her cheek. "Welcome back, my daughter," he said. Kimberly smiled and hugged him again, before doing the same with her mother.
For the first time in her life, Kimberly felt at home and loved.
*********************************************************************************************
Ta-da!! Another chapter is finished!!! Once again, I am so sorry for the delay.....I hope no one minded me changing the rating. I just wrote that and thought "That can't be PG-13." So, I had to .....anway, read and review and I will have the next chapter up as soon as I can. Love y'all!!!