The Coming of Time
Nicky stayed with Lexi rubbing her back until she fell asleep. He then quietly tiptoed out of the apartment. He drove over to Becky's house at top speed. Nicky knocked quickly on the door and Becky ran to the door and answered it.
"Hi Nicky, what's up?" she asked smiling brightly.
"My sister. Where is she?" he ragged.
"I don't know. She wasn't here with us. She said she was going out. But where did Lexi go?" Becky asked. Nicky stepped inside and Becky shut the door. The rest of the female elves came into the room to listen.
"She went to Orli's house. I though she went there to say sorry about yelling at him. In the end she ran home crying" Nicky explained.
"Why's she crying?" Connie asked.
"Orli" started Nicky. "He met Liz at a restaurant by accident. They ended up eating together and then he kissed her. It just makes my blood boil that she didn't pull away and Orli didn't stop himself. He basically killed Lexi's spirits," he said.
"Oh my god, and to think just last night he French kissed her. That jerk!" cried Rachael.
"What are we going to do? Lexi's got work to do with Orli about the war" said Laura.
"He'll be fine, he can work on other things with Liz. I'll help Lexi. I can't stand Liz right now, she's making me sick" Nicky volunteered.
"Okay" said Jingning.
"Look, someone's going to need to talk some sense into Orli. I've got to go back to Lexi's. She still has work to do" Nicky said and left.
"Oh boy" sighed Paula.
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Lexi and Nicky worked together for the next 3 days. Lexi really liked Nicky, but she missed Orli. There was just something about him that Lexi liked. But right now she was too mad at Orli to care much.
Nicky kept Lexi as happy as he could but it was tough. He realized that she had rebuilt her whole world on the relationship she had with everyone. But when her two main support blocks deceived her she started to fall. Nicky tried hard to rebuild the gaps but they were too big.
Right now they were working in silence. They were leaving in 8 days and Lexi was counting numbers as Nicky quietly packed his stuff.
"Forty-eight thousand, forty-nine thousand, fifty thousand!" squealed Liz. Nicky ran over and saw she was right. They had 50,000 people coming! Lexi jumped dup and hugged him. Nicky took in the smell of her hair; it was a very fruity smell.
"Oh my gosh, we did it! We got 50,000 people!" she cried and danced around the room. "We've got 50,000; we've got 50,000; we've got 50,000; we've got." Lexi stopped short. In the doorway was Orli. His presence almost scared her.
"Hi Orli, can I help you?" Nicky said with a stiff tone.
"Not anymore. I just wanted the numbers for the war. But Lexi's song cleared it up" Orli said with a faint smile.
"How's Liz?" Lexi asked.
"I don't know, she's your friend. I've only seen her once since Saturday" he said.
"Oh well." Lexi drifted off. He nodded and left. Lexi frowned and a tear slipped down her pale face. Nicky moved towards her and hugged her. Then he pulled her away and looked at her.
"I can handle it from here" he said. Lexi squeezed his hand and smiled.
"Thanks" she whispered and left.
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Lexi worked in silence as she packed. They were leaving in 7 days and Lexi was nervous. She was finally returning home. Then a pang of guilt shot through her. That was why she had yelled at Orli in the first place.
Lexi sighed and threw a picture into the box. She looked back at the picture and took it out. The gold frame gave off a sparkle. It was a picture of Orli and herself at a football game. Orli had his arms around her and Lexi was leaning into him laughing. They were so happy then. Now they weren't even talking to each other. Lexi placed it back in the box with care.
She then heard a knock at the door and wiped away a tear. She looked in the eyehole to see Orli holding a huge box of papers. She sighed and opened the door.
"Hey" she said.
"Hi, can I come in for a minute?" he asked. Lexi took a shaky breath and held the door open more. Orli stepped inside and Lexi shut the door. You could feel the tension in the room and cut it with a knife.
"So, how are you?' he asked casually.
"Okay I guess, you?" she replied.
"Okay." The silence was killing Lexi.
"So why did you come by?" she asked.
"Um, well, I have something I though you might like" he said. Lexi shifted uncomfortable with the whole situation. He handed her the box of papers and Lexi looked at him.
"What are they for?" she asked.
"The war. There are some numbers you need to look over and."
"Orli look, I guess you don't get it. You hurt be badly. And right now I just can't work with you. Nick's helping me, you just work with Liz" Lexi said.
"I just can't alright. If you want I'll just pass the stuff to Nick then to you. I'm sorry I tried to help" he said and left.
Lexi sighed and looked through the numbers. "Jeez, I wonder how long it took him to do this" she said out loud. Then she stopped dead on a paper. It had more people for the war, 50,000 more. Lexi gasped. He had found 50,000 more in three days. Lexi then broke down crying.
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Zach opened the door to Lexi's apartment and went inside. Lexi sat at the table staring at a piece of paper.
"Hey" he said in a soft voice and looked at the paper. "Jeez, 50,000 people!" he said suddenly.
"I know, Orli got them, it's amazing. Our odds are much better now. 100,000 against 500,000. If every person kills 5 beasts then we'd win I think" she said. Zach smiled.
"Come one, I want to take you somewhere," he said. Lexi smiled and followed him out the door.
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"So where are you taking me?" she asked. Zach smiled.
"An amusement park" he said and Lexi laughed.
"You're not serious are you?" she asked.
"Why shouldn't I be? I wanted to go and have some good clean fun," he said. Lexi smiled and they pulled into the parking lot.
Lexi dragged Zach on tons of loopy roller coasters and Zach pulled Lexi on the really fast scary ones that dropped 200 feet. They screamed and laughed as they went on one after another.
"Oh my gosh look, funnel cake!" yelled Lexi and Zach ambled after her.
"No Lexi, we already had popcorn, hotdogs, and cotton candy. I can't take anything else, I'll blow up!" complained Zach.
"Oh well, I need some entertainment, so bring on the funnel cake!" she said and forced him over to the stand.
"Oh man, this is good!" Zach said with his mouth full. Lexi laughed and her phone rang.
"Oh no!" she said. She grabbed her cell phone and held it in her palm away from the powder on her fingers.
"Hello? Hi Laura. No I'm at an amusement park with Zach. No, I was just bummed out so he brought me here to have a little fun. Okay, well.I'll see you tomorrow, okay bye" she said and hung up.
"Right" Zach said. Lexi smiled.
"So, did my plan work? Are you in better sprits?" he asked. Lexi smiled again.
"Yes, thanks" she said. Lexi looked into his brown eyes, they were so dark. Zach found Lexi's blue eyes; they were like crystal clear pools. Then he leaned down to kiss her. He was 2 inches away.
"Zach!" he jumped.
"Orli's not here is he?" he said looking around in a frantic way.
"Look Zach, you're cool and all but I just can't. I love Orli, even if he broke my heart. I'm just not over him yet," she said. Zach nodded.
"I'm sorry, I should have known. I don't want to make the same mistake Orli did," he said. Lexi smiled. "Oh my gosh, we've got to go on that one!" she said and pulled Zach away to another rolled coaster.
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"Wow, that was so much fun. Did you see the look on that man's face when we went on the purple roller coaster for the 10th time?" reminisced Lexi. Zach laughed with Lexi as they went up to her apartment. She opened the door and nodded to Zach.
"Look, I've got to finish packing but." she leaned in closer. "Do you promise not to tell anyone about what happened after the funnel cake?" she whispered. Zach nodded and Lexi hugged him. "Thanks!" she whispered in his ear and closed the door.
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"Alright guys, I know almost everyone is mad at me because I kissed Liz. I regret it to the ends of the earth but that's not important now. We are scheduled to leave for Middle-Earth in 6 days. But that's going to have to change. I found a letter in the mail addressed to Lexi, but from Sauron. I'm sorry Lexi, I read your mail" Orli started. The 15 elves, Candice and Connie sat in a circle in Orli's apartment.
"He basically found out that we know about the war in 16 days. So, I'm positive he'll set out sooner. I suggest that we leave on the 3rd day. So that gives us today and tomorrow. All the numbers are ready. Lexi got them together. We have 100,000 people coming so, we're ready" Orli explained. Lexi sat on the couch rubbing her temples. She couldn't believe how careless they had been. They had never really thought about the security element.
"Alright Laura and Kyle, Charlotte and Tyler, your in charge of making sure those 100,000 people know our change of plans. Orli you can tell them about the rest of the things we need to take care of. I'm going out" Lexi said got up and left. She went down to her apartment, grabbed her bow and sword and headed to the empty lot.
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Lexi turned in all directions shooting arrows at the trees. She was absolutely furious. She had everything worked out and now Sauron know about it all. She turned quickly and shot at a flash of blond.
Legolas quickly unsheathed his sword and deflected it. Lexwen turned to see Legolas holding his sword looking at her calmly.
"Good job Legolas. Had you missed it would have hit you" Lexi said in a flat unfazed voice.
"Well I'm not all archery," Legolas said.
Lexwen put down her bow and unsheathed her sword too. She moved towards him keeping eye contact wit him. Legolas keep his eyes on hers at all times. She darted her sword at him, as did Legolas. They dodged and stabbed at each other for 10 minutes. Each were fairly skilled sword fighters. Then Lexwen knocked Legolas's sword out of his hands and he threw up his hands. Lexi held out her hand.
"Good game Legolas. I'll see you later" she said and shook his hand. Then she picked up her bow and walked back to her car. Legolas shook his head.
"I'm really in it now."
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Lexi stared blankly out her apartment window. The sky was gray and rain pounded the sides. She then turned back to her torn up apartment. Boxes were scattered throughout the place. Everything was in disarray. Lexi had the rest of the night and the next day to pack.
Lexi knelt down by her stuff and returned to packing. After a while of working in silence save the rain Lexi heard the door open and someone creep inside. When the person reached the room Lexi quickly stood up and unsheathed her sword from her belt. Liz jumped back and held up her hands.
"I surrender, I'm not armed," she said. Lexi nodded and sheathed her sword in her belt with a clang. Lexi then turned back to her packing. Beside her Liz started packing another box. Again Lexi worked with only the sound of the rain against the window.
"Liz, why are you here?" Lexi finally asked.
"Look, I just wanted to say that."
"Liz, I don't' want to hear it! I know exactly what happened. I wasn't enough for Orli. He wanted more. So you basically went on a date and then you kissed. I get it" seethed Lexi.
"No, you really don't understand. I'm so sorry Lexi; I really should have come to my senses. But you've got to understand, this is Legolas we're talking about. I don't know about you but I think he's really cute, smart, nice and protective. I've had a small crush on him for 4 years now. Then he opened his arms and kissed me. How could I pass that up? I was just so curious about what is was like that I pushed that guilty feeling of you away and kissed him. I'm so sorry I just had to know" Liz explained. Lexi silenced in silence as she wrapped up pictures.
"I understand but I just can't forgive either of you right now. You knew exactly how I felt about him, what he did for me. It just blows my mind why you didn't pull away. I just." Lexi sighed lost. When didn't Liz or Orli pull away? Liz nodded.
"Okay well, I just came to plead my case. But you're right, I knew exactly how you felt about him and that he helped you tons. I just don't know how to explain. I'm sorry" Liz said. Then she got up and left.
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Lexi got up and groaned. Everything that had happened recently was making her head spin. The past 40 days had been killing her. She needed to get away, to where she didn't care. She went over to her dresser and clipped on her silver heart bracelet Orli have her. The heart about her neck lay peacefully. Lexi smiled through her tears and got up to change.
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"Lawen" whispered Kyomir. Lawen was wearing a one sleeved mint green mostly form fitting dress. Her hair was done up in a simple twist held together by a silver butterfly. A few stray hairs flew down her face. Lawen smiled.
Kyomir grasped her hand and they walked away. Kyomir brought Lawen to the same peaceful garden where Lexi saw Jingning fain. He led her to a bench next to the triple fountain. Lawen sat down with Kyomir following. Lawen leaned her head on his shoulder.
(Elvish)"Kyomir, what are we going to do? We're leaving for Middle-Earth tomorrow. We have to go to war in 10 days at the most and Lexwen is still wounded because of what Legolas did" Lawen lamented.
"Lawen, do no trouble yourself with Lexwen and Legolas. They will somehow work it out. There's nothing to worry about. I don't know if you noticed but all of us are very skilled at either the bow and arrow or sword. And about Middle-Earth, we're going home. This is exactly what Lexwen wanted, to go home. To be where she really belonged, not West-Earth" Kyomir soothed.
Lawen nodded and snuggled up to him. "You look beautiful today. That dress looks stunning on you," he said. Lawen blushed.
"Thank you Kyomir" was all she would say. "Have you ever wondered what it's like to live life to the fullest? Have you experience a moment in time where ever feeling possible is in place?" Lawen asked suddenly. Kyomir sat in through.
"That. is a good question. I don't really know but I have a feeling it will come someday very soon" he answered. Lawen smiled and lifted her head to look at him.
"Lawen, you mean the world to me and I love you to the ends of the earth" Kyomir said. Lawen smiled. Everything was silent except for the chirping of birds. "I've loved you for longer than you know, I'm talking 2, 3 years. I've just never gotten the chance to tell you. I love you," he said.
"I love you too Kyomir" Lawen said. Then Kyomir got on one knee in front of her and flipped open a small velvet blue box. Inside glimmered a silver band with a diamond in the middle and two red rubies on either side. "Will you marry me?"
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(English) Lexi sniffled quietly once. Lexi was wearing all black, she didn't know why but she felt she had some reason to mourn.
She was wearing a thin, formfitting dress that trailed out at the waist. The sleeves were tight until they got to the elbow then they flared out and hung down. She wore her long blond hair down with a small jeweled headdress. Over the stunning black dress she work a black cloak with the hood up over her head.
She walked through a dead quiet forest where the trees seemed to be withering and the grassed burned.
She was so nervous about everything that was to happen tomorrow. They were bringing 100,000 people to Middle-Earth to fight. They had installed many beds on the ships for them because there was nowhere else for them. But she was going home. That's what she had wanted, to be home. Now she was sorry she yelled at Orli because of that. He was right she had just too many things in full force swing and too many things to worry about to keep up with it, so she broke down.
Lexi walked in silence through the dead forest thinking. Lexi's dress and cloak trailed behind her, lengthening her footsteps. She ached to be with Orli again, but he hurt her and she just couldn't be. Lexi knew in the end it would be all right but the problem was when would the end come?
Lexi then heard quick footsteps behind her. She didn't have her sword with her so her she just turned slowly. She saw Nick quickly heading towards her.
"Lexi?" he panted when he caught up with her. She lifted up her hood to let down a mass of blond hair and bright blue sad eyes. "What are you doing here?" he asked as they walked side by side.
"I don't know, I'm just thinking," she said.
"Did somebody die?" he asked. Lexi's dress was absolutely stunning but it wasn't like her to wear black.
"No, not really. I'm just nervous," she said.
"Oh." Nick turned to face her. He looked into her eyes and leaned in. Lexi put up her hand.
"Nick no," she said. He jumped back startled by what just happened. "Look Nick, I know you like me. I just don't like you like that. You're a good friend, and I'm sorry but right now you'll never me anything more" Lexi said. Nick nodded.
"I'm sorry, I totally understand and I'll work on it. I promise it won't happen again," he said. Lexi nodded.
"What did you come here for? I hope it wasn't to see if you could kiss me."
"No, I just wanted to say we're having lunch together at 1. I have to go call Kyle. But I don't know if you really want to come."
"I'll think about it" she said and put her hood back up. Nick took this as a sign of dismissal and left.
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Lawen gaped at Kyomir as he stood on one knee. She was totally stunned. Lawen then looked at the sparkling ring in the box. She looked back at Kyomir.
"Yes" she said finally finding her voice. Kyomir gently slipped the ring on Lawen's left hand. Then they both stood up. Kyomir pulled her close to him. He leaned in and kissed her. Behind them the fountain burst into life and spat out water.
"I love you Lawen Goldenleaf of Rivendell," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you Kyomir," she said. He smiled and pulled away. "When do you think we should tell the others?" Lawen asked.
"I don't know, whenever Lexwen's not in a huff," he said. Lawen laughed.
"Poor Lexwen's got it bad. I mean she's really down. I say we tell them during one of the days we're at meetings. It shouldn't be too stressful then," Lawen suggested as they walked through the gardens hand in hand.
"Good plan, let's just hope Legolas shapes up soon enough" Kyomir said. Lawen laughed and put her arm around Kyomir.
"Mellon Nin" she said and they kept walking.
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(English) Orli walked through what the town called the "dead forest" for nothing seemed to live there but they didn't have the heart to cut it down. He climbed at tall hill and watched as a graceful person dressed all in black walked through the forest.
He then watched as the fair figure turned around to see a blond man come up behind her. She lowered her hood and Orli watched as Lexi and Nick talked. Then he saw Nick lean in to kiss her but Lexi stopped him. Nick shook his head and kept talking. The name Orli carried across the grounds and Orli took a deep breath. After another minute they said goodbye and Lexi put on her hood. Lexi and Nick went their separate ways.
For a second Orli wanted to run down the hill to her and make up with her. But then he quickly shook the thought away. As Lexi walked quietly through the wood she seemed almost peaceful. Orli knew she was really sad but in all black in the woods she seemed to just fit in.
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Lexi walked in silent through. He head was still spinning. Lexi looked up at the sun and reckoned it was roughly half past one. She decided to go to lunch anyway. She had a few things she wanted to tell the elves.
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Orli drove in silence to the empty lot. The elves were having lunch there. He wondered if Lexi would go. By the looks of where she was going id didn't look like it but he could be wrong. Even if she wasn't he still had to say some things to the elves. He turned into the paring lot and headed up.
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Lexi suddenly turned right and kept a straight course. She decided she needed some exercise and kept walking instead.
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The fourteen elves sat around on the ground talking and laughing. It was their last day there and they wanted to make the most of it.
"Um, excuse me guys" called Orli they got up. Everyone slowed down their talking and turned to Orli.
"Hi, look, I just wanted to explain something to you guys. The day I kissed Liz was one of the worse days of my life." Liz looked at him with anticipating eyes. She wanted to know why he had done it.
"The morning started out fine. But then at lunchtime I got hungry and decided to go to my favorite restaurant, the Rainforest Café. When I got inside I saw Liz and asked her if I could join her. It just didn't seem like much fun eating alone." The others listened attentively waiting for the important part. "We ate together and talked. It was just like going out to lunch with a friend. I mean Max could have been sitting in Liz's place and nothing different would have happened. Then we finished and went outside and all of a sudden I got this stupid and random emotion. It might have been cause that beer went to my head or that I was thinking of Lexi but I turned to Liz and kissed her. Liz didn't move after a second but then she kissed me back and I lost it. I really don't know why I kissed her. When I came to my sense I pulled away frightened of what I had just done. Liz tried to speak but I shook my head and ran away." Silence pressed Orli from all sides. "If that feeling wasn't bad enough when I told Lexi it was worse.
"In the beginning I wasn't going to tell but I just wouldn't dare keep that from her. So I stopped her from kissing me and told her. As soon as the pieces fell together I could literally feel her heart break. Hurt was etched all over her face. Anger soon took Lexi over and she yelled at me. After she ran out crying.
"I was furious, mad, sad, confused, angry and heart broken. I don't' know what I was. I was torn badly and I didn't' know what to do. I had no solution. So I just had to sit back and watch her fall and I couldn't catch her" Orli finished. Everyone was dead silent. Then Liz stood up and spoke.
"The worse part is I didn't prevent any of it. I didn't stop Orli. I just let my greedy hungry to know what it was like take over and hurt Lexi. I was just as torn about what to do. Then again I think Orli had it worse. In a way he knew he hurt her," said Liz. The 12 elves stared at the 2 of them. Then Becky spoke.
"Orli, Liz, I had no clue. I mean I was so worried about Lexi I never thought about what the effect had on you guys." Then she stood up and hugged each of them in turn. "I'm sorry," she whispered. In turn the girls hugged them and the guys patted them on the back. It seemed like they had finally come to an understanding.
Liz smiled and a tear rolled down her check as she looked at her friends. She had pleaded her freedom. She was now all forgiven. Nick then came over and pulled Liz into a bear hug. She squealed in surprise and another tear rolled down her cheek. He best friend and brother wasn't mad anymore either.
After a few minutes of forgiving and forgetting everyone sat down and turned back to lunch. They seemed to talk more freely and laugh with more joy. Everything would have been perfect except for the fact that Lexi was still heart broken. Every one of them couldn't help but wish that they would get back together.
They talked lightly again for another 15 minutes. At 1:45 the voices seemed to die down as they heard a crunching noise coming from the east part of the woods. They quietly stood up and let their elf awareness take over. Their keen hearing and sensed the person coming closer. They unsheathed their swords and stood ready. Soon a black figure came into view. It was slowly and quietly.
"Nazgul" whispered Rachael. They tightened their grip on their swords and stood ready. Then a graceful hand appeared from the folds of the cloak and began to pull down its hood. They soon realized Nazgul don't lower their hoods and lowered their own swords.
Lexi threw back her hood and her blond hair tumbled down. A drop of the sun hit her jeweled headdress and a sparkle shot off it. The elves stood stunned that it was Lexi.
"How did you get here? The parking lot is to the west?" finally asked Tyler.
"I walked. If you walk far enough east in the dead forest if slims into here" Lexi said. They smiled and let her in. Nick looked at Lexi and she gave him a reproachful eye. Orli saw her give it to Nick and hope shot through him.
"Well Lexi do you want a little lunch?" asked Laura smiling brightly.
"Well you are happy about something. But anyway no thanks. I just came here to tell you all something." She said. Laura twisted the ring on her finger and went over to Kyle.
"Okay, I'm going to make this quick. I realize you were talking happily until I got closer so I don't want to dampen your spirits too much but it's about the war" she started. "Tomorrow we have to be extremely careful. Make sure to have at least a knife with you and stay alert at all times. Don't let anything by. Second don't wear West-Earth clothes there. In Middle-Earth they will stand out too much. The last thing we want when we get there is for everyone to notice us. Wear elvish clothes and turn on all your elf instincts. We need to get to Rivendell as quickly as possible. We need to meet with Elrond, Aragorn and Brandal. It is imperative that we make good time," Lexi said. She looked at each of them. When she reached Orli he felt her heart ache. He knew she was still hurt.
"Well, you heard her, lets keep al of that in mind tomorrow. Now let's catch up!" said Yuri. Lexi walked over to some of the girls.
"Hey Lexi, why are you wearing all black?" Jingning asked.
"I just felt like it. My reasons aren't clear," she said. Jingning nodded and they continued talking.
Orli watched Lexi as she listened to Laura. He could tell she wasn't as happy as when they were together. Pain shot through him as he thought of what he did. Lexi looked so beautiful in her black dress, he just couldn't keep his eyes off her.
Liz watched as Lexi spoke. She couldn't believe how much she had ruined their friendship. She had taken Orli away from her.
Slowly the group blended together and all the guys and girls talked to one another.
"Well, I've got to be going. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early at the dock" Lexi said to Rachael. She began to hug everyone in turn. Everyone held their breath when she got to Orli.
"See you around" she said to him and headed towards the trees. She pulled her hood back on and slowly disappeared. When Orli would no longer see her he dropped his head. Paula came up to him and hugged him.
"I'm sorry" she whispered and pulled away. He nodded and looked back at the forest.
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Lexi walked silently through the woods again. Her mourning grew. Her last day here was coming to a close and nothing had been resolved between her and Liz or Orli. She was going to war in 10 days. Little did she know that after the war, more was too come.
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Sun light streamed into the room and Lexi opened her crystal clear eyes. She slowly got up stretching and yawning. Lexi ambled into the kitchen. On the table was a big bouquet of many colored flowers in different types of flowers like daffodils, roses, marigolds, baby's breath, and many more. The smell of the flowers made the room smell fresh and heavenly. Tucked neatly inside was a white card that said "Sorry" in flowy script. Lexi flipped open the card as she one-handed made her coffee. Dear Lexi,
I am sorry about everything that has happened recently. I should have listened to that guilty factor and pulled away. I just need you to know that I'm sorry. But you need to talk to Orli, he is miserable. He really regrets betraying your trust. Just talk to him and become friends again. You're really lucky to have Orli care so much about you don't let it go to waste.
Sorry,
Liz
Lexi closed the card and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry Liz" Lexi whispered. She placed the card on the table and walked to the door. Wearing just some blue and green plaid pajamas pants and a forest green tang top with fuzzy rainbow colored slippers she walked out the door and went to Liz's.
Lexi knocked rapidly on the door and Liz answered it fully dressed.
"Hey Lexi" she said.
"Hey Liz" she whispered and Liz ushered her inside. "I got your flowers, they're beautiful. I needed a splash of color in my life" Lexi started. "I read the letter and I'm so sorry about being so rude and reluctant, I was just hurt," Lexi said. Liz stared at her in silence for a few seconds then spoke.
"It's alright, I understand. Can we forgive and forget?" Liz asked and Lexi smiled, a tear streaking her face. Liz hugged Lexi in a friend hug. "Friends?" she asked giving her a thumb up. Lexi put a thumb up and they knocked them together in a handshake. "You might want to go and get ready to leave and make sure all your stuff is packed and get changed," suggested Liz. Lexi smiled and left, their friendship on the mend.
Down the hall to her left another door opened, Orli's door. She hesitated for a second and then walked over to the emerging Orli. He watched as she walked over to him in pajamas and her hair in a long braid down her back, tears streaked her face.
"Hello Orli" Lexi said casually.
"Hello Lexi" he said. She blushed realizing how late it must be since he too was dressed and she was just in her thin pajamas. Orli laughed as she blushed. "What's wrong?" he asked brushing away a tear from her face.
"I'm just happy. Liz forgave me for being a jerk and now our friendship is on the men" Lexi said slowing down as she realized what she said. Orli and herself were just staring to get on speaking terms. Quickly she looked away. "I've got to go and get changed. I'll see you at the dock" Lexi said. Orli watched Lexi until she retreated holey into her apartment, fluffy slippers and all.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey man, what's up?" Kyle asked Zach.
"Nothing really. Guess we're the first one here" Zach replied. Then a rustle in the bushes behind them made them turn. Lexi appeared in front of them in fair elf clothing. She wore a velvety green dress that billowed out at the waste and sleeves. Across the front of the dress appeared to lace up with fine gold ribbon but a piece of cloth lay underneath it. And around her waste lay a lose, low belt. Her hair was half done up in braids in entwined into each other. Her face was smooth and pale, her cheeks a light pink.
Zach and Kyle looked at each other. "Hello" she said in a soft voice. There was a small change in her. She seemed surer of her role in time. "Are you ready to leave?" Lexi asked. Zach and Kyle mumbled something she didn't catch. "Alright well just a tip, when you first heard me in the bushes, she should have armed yourself even if it was just me, what if it wasn't? Just a thought, anyway I'm going to go and see who's on the boat," Lexi said and she walked off.
Over the next 3 hours the humans came. Laura and Kyle, Rachael and Paula were placed in charge of directing them to the boasts. As the humans came they discovered the volume of how many people they were bringing. And that was only one fifth of what they knew off. With that in mind they started to lose hope. After all that hard work, it still wasn't enough. Soon everyone was accounted for and Lexi got off the boat and beckoned the other 17 elves and the 2 humans. They filed onto the biggest ship but had the least number of passengers, their ship. After Zach hurried onto the boat Lexi nodded to the Captain up top and took off. Lexi then disappeared into her quarters that she grudgingly shared with Orli.
The day wore on slowly and didn't help their need for haste. Lexi went up to the captain and asked him for the time. "We have roughly 4 hours left of the trip," he said and Lexi left. She had a bad feeling that something was going to happen.
She hurried away from the Captain, warning rapidly growing in her mind. All her elf warnings were in full swing and a small burn on her hand told her that Orli was in trouble. The shape of a circular foggy green jewel with a silver band appeared and her necklace lit up. Lexi hurried down the stairs towards the main deck. She heard the twang of a bow and the shrill cry of an orc. Lexi's mind was reeling and she unsheathed her sword as a band of orcs ran up the stairs towards her. She fought and killed many trying to get to Orli.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lizwen woke with a burn on her hand. She looked at it to see the sign of both Legolas and Lexwen. Then she heard the clang of metal and the twang of a bow. Lizwen jumped out of bed and woke the others.
"Orcs! On the main deck with Legolas and Lexwen!" Lizwen yelled in elvish. The others sprang out of bed and grabbed their weapons. Lizwen burst open the door to the deck with the other elves behind her to see a sea of orcs taking on Legolas and Lexwen, they fighting furiously. Then they burst into action, orcs were flying everywhere and getting slow down.
Lexwen looked over a Legolas to see him battling on the edge of the ship with 3 orcs. "Lizwen, bring them down, kill them!" Lexwen said in elvish. (Elvish)
Lizwen turned and shot two of the 3 orcs but had to stop because of more orcs on here. Lexwen watched as everything else blurred out.
Legolas battled with him. Lexwen ran towards him, she had to help him. Then suddenly the orc pushed Legolas over the edge of the ship. Shock twinkled in his eyes. His body fell into a graceful arch and he fell towards the raging black sea. Lexwen ran over to the orc and with one swift hit she slice off his head. Then she looked into the water looking for Legolas. After a minute she saw nothing of him. Then she slipped off her belt and drove into the water.
The freezing black water met her face. She opened her eyes and looked down to see Legolas slowly dropping towards the bottom. She came up for air then swam down to him and grabbed his hand. She pulled him towards the surface. Then she took another breath and went down to him. Legolas felt warm air being forced into his burning lungs.
Lexwen swam up again for air then force it into him. Legolas felt the swarming dark close in around him. He knew he was leaving fast. Lexwen came down again and force him to the surface. Still Legolas did not gasp for breath. Lexi took a deep breath and forced the air into him again. The chocking black was grasping breath and sucking out all the air Lexwen gave him. Desperately he tried to even get one breath but couldn't.
"Oh come on Legolas! Breathe, breathe for me! Please you can't leave, not now. We need you!" Lexwen cried and forced more air into him. Then she climbed on board and pulled him up after her. She laid him on the deck and brushed away his wet hair. Again she struggled to give him air, her own lungs beginning to burn.
Legolas felt a gust of warm air and gladly took it. Then he slowly breathe out. With a very short breath he took in more air. His body groaned in protest, they didn't have enough air. Lexwen forced more air in, crying for him.
Lizwen looked away from the battle to see Lexwen sitting next to Legolas crying. Then she saw her force air into him. Her beautiful blond hair was soaking wet and her dress was weighting her down. The picture was beautiful, so peaceful and sad amidst the raging battle.
"What grace has given me, let him pass, bring him back " Lexwen whispered. Suddenly Legolas took a small breath and exhaled. Lexwen smiled through the tears. Slowly his breathing become more regular.
Then he began to shiver violently. Lexwen called to Nekolas and told him to carry him to his room. He picked up Legolas and lowered him onto his bed. Lexwen pulled out her blankets and wrapped them around Legolas. He took deep breaths all the while shivering.
Lexwen turned and left. She walked out into the battle now carrying her bow, her sword somewhere on deck. Then she began shooting orc after orc. Soon the number thinned out and the rest jumped over board into the crushing black.
Lexwen walked over to the grimy and bloody elves, they were all wearing grim expressions.
"Someone has given them the slip," Rawen said. Lexwen beckoned for them to meet in her and Legolas's cabin, the biggest. They stood in a circle.
"Someone is trying to stop us at all costs. We've got to push one" Pawen said.
"How did this all start?" Maxomir asked.
"I was talking to the Captain. Then after he finished I got a horrible feeling and hurried towards the main deck. Then I felt a burn n my arm and saw Legolas fighting a sea of orcs. Then you guys came and it broke off from there," Lexwen explained. The elves nodded,
"We must make all haste in getting to Rivendell. We must try to get there by tonight" Nekolas said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Samwise Dogwood backed away from the dock. His black hair flying everywhere in the wind. He was tending to the reins of 15 horses. He was ordered to bring them the elves horses and wait. In the light he could see a massive fleet of a thousand ships appearing. They overwhelmed Samwise; he had never seen so many ships. He could see they all had white sails billowing in the wind. Soon the biggest ship in front bumped against the dock and a board for walking off dropped down.
Then a line of 17 elves and humans came down. His master Lexwen was in the lead. She wore a light pink simple dress that had tang top sleeves and billowed out at the waste, over it was a sheer gold robe. The mix of the two colors dulled the pink. Behind her walked Legolas in fine physical shape. Lexwen walked up to Samwise.
"Hello, I'm glad to see that you've brought the horses. Now I must make for Rivendell with as much speed as possible. You've brought our fastest horses right?" Lexwen asked. Samwise nodded and handed her the reins to her white horse Snowdance. Each was given their fastest horse. Connie and Candice mounted the horses they brought. Lexwen sprang up upon Snowdance.
"Wish us luck and speed Samwise. And keep your eyes peeled" Lexwen said. Then she spoke gently to her horse. "Run with the most speed you've ever had to nin mellon Snowdance" she whispered. Then she gave him a slight nudge and he shot away. The others followed with all speed. They crossed plains and forests of blank areas. Never once did they take a break. They needed speed nothing more.
Snowdance charged forward running like it was the end of the world. Lexwen's robes billowed out behind her flying in the wind. She looked at the sun and saw it setting. "Faster, all the speed of the world" she whispered to Snowdance and he ran away until he became a white blur.
Time seemed to speed past and still they charged on. In a dimamond formation they ran, far into the sun. Secrecy was no longer a problem. The fastest way was through the open. If any evil felled them they would outrun them anyway.
They rode the fastest steeds in all of Middle-Earth. Nothing could compete with their stamina and speed. For 3 hours now they rode nonstop and even the riders began to tire, the world flashing by. Everything was a speeding blur. Lexwen's hair flew out behind her flapping in the wind. The horses panted, eyes bulging and sweat pouring down them like rain. Soon they reached the ford and splashed across it. They then sped up again and galloped to the entrance of Rivendell.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"My Lord Elrond, we have guests. I have received word that there is a fast moving party moving towards Rivendell like the speed of light" said one of Elrond's guards Elarbrad.
"Who was leading them?" Elrond asked frowning.
"They are moving too fast to make them out. They ride horses extremely fast, only blurs of color. The leader rides a powerful white horse. She has long blond hair and wear a rich heavy pink and sheer gold robes," Elarbrad reported.
"How many are there?" Elrond asked.
"17. But we have yet more strange news. There are rumors of a great fleet of ships heading towards Middle-Earth. At least 1,000 grand ships with white sails" Elarbrad said.
"A 1,000! Who would even know how many they each hold?" exclaimed Elrond.
"Thank you Elarbrad, that will be all. Come back it you have anymore news" Elrond said and Elarbrad dismissed himself. Elrond sat deep in though. What were they to do? A band of 17 riding horses so fast they were barely visible. What was he to do? He sat thinking for some time.
Then his thoughts were disrupted by the sound of many hooves and then Elarbrad rushed in again. "My Lord, I'm so sorry to interrupt you, but the 17 are nearly Rivendell. Lord Aragorn of Gondor has arrived. He says Lexwen Goldenleaf's servant Samwise Dogwood sent him. I do not know what is going on but they're here" Elarbrad rushed and ran out. Elrond jumped from his seat.
"Lord Aragorn, what a pleasure to have you in my fair city again" Elrond said greeting him.
"The pleasure is all mine but why am I needed here?" Aragorn asked.
"I have not clue! I just received word from Elarbrad that a force of 17 rode towards my city with the speed of light. I have been informed by Samwise, Lexwen's servant, was sent to fetch you?" Elrond asked.
"Yes, he came 3 days ago saying I was needed in Rivendell and I left that day. Now I am here," Aragorn explained. Elrond nodded.
"Queer is the events going on. What I wonder is why Samwise called you. He was sent to watch Lexwen's land until she returned, if ever, and now all of a sudden this happens" Elrond said.
"Well shall we go find out who the 17 are?" Aragorn asked. Elrond nodded and they headed to the gates.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Guard Elarbrad, I need you to house these horses. They have just been on one of the fastest and longest journeys ever. They need to be cooled down, feed, watered and given shelter," Lexwen ordered.
"How far have they been?" he asked. They have rode here from the sea in 5 hours. Do with that what you will" Lexwen said and hurried away. They walked to the second set of gates and stopped. On the other side stood King Elessar and Elrond.
"Good, Lord Aragorn, you have made it. Lord Elrond I need to counsel you and immediately. Has king Eomer arrived yet?" Lexwen asked the appalled men. Just then a horse rode up to Lexwen and dismounted. "King Eomer, perfect timing. That is all of them, yes, Legolas has Mirkwood. Okay, my lord's I must counsel with you on grievous news" Lexwen said. Elrond, Aragorn, and Eomer just nodded.
"Lord Elrond me and my 16 companions ask for you hospitality. We have been traveling nonstop for 5 hours from the sea" Lexwen asked.
"Lexwen Goldenleaf, what are you doing here? Danger has not passed but I feel it coming ever closer" Elrond demanded.
"We come with answers to all your questions but now we need rest. Besides riding nonstop we have just come out of battle" Lexwen said. Elrond nodded to Elarbrad to have him house the elves.
"Elrond, I need your help. The traitor Legolas here is ill. He fell into the cursed ocean. He fought for life and missed death by almost nothing. Yet I don't know how to help him. He says he's cold. What can you do?" Lexwen asked.
"Ah, Legolas come here" Elrond called. Legolas turned around and walked to him shivering every once and a while. "First, why are you a traitor?" Elrond asked.
"Oh sir, that is nothing. He's paid for it and will not get the chance to get back my trust until he earns it" Lexwen said looking straight at Legolas. He bowed his head.
"Alright, as far as being cold. You fell into the Black Waters. I will have one of the cooks prepare a drink for you and maybe that will warm you up." Elrond said. "How was it you got through? The Black Water is a dangerous ocean and you can only escape with the help from the cities of old" Elrond said. He shrugged his and Lexwen and Legolas dismissed themselves.
"Are you okay Legolas?" Lexwen asked. He nodded.
"Thank you for helping me. I never want to relive dying ever again," he said.
"Is it scary?" she asked.
"Yeah, you can't breathe and you're surrounded by suffocating black. To breathe has never felt so good" he said.
"I'm sorry about the thing with Liz also. I don't now what came over me" he said. He looked at her desperately wanted to help her. So much weight seemed to rest on her shoulders. He wanted to hug her and make it better but he couldn't, it wasn't his place anymore. He had hurt her. He caused the problem but still she saved him from dying. He owed her everything.
"Okay, I just can't trust as easily this time" she said and turned into her room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexwen tossed and turned in her sleep. Finally she got out of bed and put on her robes. They were a slight green over her long blue slip. She walked through the peaceful gardens of Elrond. Everything was motionless and silent. She wished her life were peaceful. There would be no war; no need to move away and there would be Legolas. She just couldn't forgive him just yet. That would be another weapon for the enemy.
Then she reached the garden of peace. Everything was right, and nothing stirred. The walls were made of long towering vines. Nestled in them were same red roses. Beautiful and red but dark and poisonous like the red apple with poison in it that Snow White ate and fell to her doom with, beautiful but terrible. There was a path made of perfect circular stones leading to a stone bench with detailed legs. On the bench sat the only stirring figure in the center of the enchanting world.
Lexwen recognized his blond hair and blue shirt he wore in Lothlorien. She came up behind him quietly. She debated with herself for minute and then she put her hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see her. He just looked at her and she sat down next to him. He rubbed her back in slow even circles. Then he put his arm around her shoulders. She laid her head on his shoulder and they sat in peace on the bench. The outside world was not pressing them and they just sat together as friends. That's all they needed at the time, a good friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexwen woke up and looked at the top of her bed. She had felt real peace last night in the garden with Legolas. And now she had to tell the great lords and elves that war was coming with countless numbers of beats. Then she stretched and got ready for the day. She put on a long sky blue dress that was made of a strong heavy material. Then over it she put another sheer robe on this time cream. She pulled her half her hair into a braid and headed downstairs for breakfast.
On her way down she met Zachalf. "Hello Zachalf, ready for today?" she asked.
"Yes, I just can't believe we're going to war" he said looking slightly nervous. Lexwen smiled.
"It'll be fine. I promise we'll make it through" she said. Zachalf just nodded and they silently headed to breakfast.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(Common tongue)"I'm sorry if this council seemed like an inconvenience but it's more important than anything that you could possibly know. WE are here to talk about but the beginning of the last chapter of Sauron. We all though of course, he's gone with the ring, but you're wrong. Something else keeps him alive, but I've yet to figure it out" Lexwen began.
"Where does the story start?" Elrond asked who was sitting in the chairs listening and not at the end counseling everyone else.
"It began when you asked Jiwen and Yurwen to come back to Middle-Earth. I had been feeling so low, I wanted Middle-Earth. You can asked any of the elves," Lexwen said smiling. "Jiwen hosted a meeting and they told me they were coming back on your and Galadriel's command to check on Middle-Earth for us" Lexwen said.
"Then once we got there Yurwen and I were totally happy about it. I ran to one of the fields of Mirkwood where the big hill is that oversees most of Middle-Earth. Then behind me I heard the rumbling of feet. Stationed just outside Mordor I saw a gigantic army of beast, 500,000 of them." Jiwen said taking over. King Eomer gasped. "A particularly mean looking one yelled that they were setting out in 40 days to destroy the four main cities Edoras of Rohan, Gondor, Rivendell and the realm of the elves in Mirkwood. I freaked out and ran to Yurwen. I quickly explained it then headed back to tell Lexwen in West-Earth."
"But why didn't you come tell one of us? Galadriel, Aragorn? We all know how to prepare for war," Eomer said.
"War with 500,000 orcs and something else. That's probably not even all of them! This is the war of Middle-Earth. Nothing like it" Lawen said standing up. "You may think you do but you still didn't have enough help! You would not have survived" she raged.
"Lawen sit down," Lexwen said falling into her own tongue. Lawen bowed her head and sat down.
"Please continue" Elrond said in the common tongue.
"I was just walking in the gardens of the town when I heard Jiwen calling me. I though I was hearing things but she got closer. We ran towards each other's voices until we ran into each other. She grew pale and mumbled something about 500,000 half and half, 40 days and the 4 cities. Then she fainted or went into shock or something. I called Nekolas and we brought her to the hospital. For some reason we hadn't seen Yuri so we had to figure out for ourselves what it mean. Then we figured out that 500,000 half and half beasts were going to attack the 4 cities in 40 days. From there we went around looking for people to help because there just aren't enough here. So the days wound down. Legolas and me were appointed to be the leaders and we waited for Jiwen to wake. Finally she woke and we gathered 100,000 humans to help" Lexwen summarized.
"Then that's the 1,000 ships!" said pretty woman with red hair and emerald green eyes. "A 1,000 ships come to dock. The 4 will be put to a stop. They key will keep him here. The mountain as his alley" she recited. Lexwen turned to look at her.
"I beg your pardon. I'm Faith Fraridal's daughter. It is a riddle from the city amongst the Carn Dum. We have had a growing threat in our minds. Is what you speak of in this riddle?" Faith asked smiling? Lexwen found she loathed that smile; it seemed to drip with poison.
"Well we brought 1,000 ships. I assume the 4 cities have to stop everything for this war. But what the key is I don't know. It's keeping Sauron around. What mountain his alley I don't know either. We'll have to talk again after the war is we live through it" Lexwen said.
"But you brought 100,000 humans. There are 500,000 of them. That's not a horrible number," King Eomer said. "We went 300 against 10,000 so." he drifted off.
"That 500,000 are not all of them. I'm willing to bet there's at least a million. Our odds are horrible" Charwen said. King Eomer nodded.
"So we have tomorrow to ourselves. Then the 3 days after that we station the humans. The 3 days after that we give them amour" Lexwen ordered.
"We have gotten through it all, war has started" Elrond said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Do any of you have something you want to share? We're going to be going our separate ways here. We'll meet again tomorrow" Zachalf said in elvish.
"Okay here it goes. um. wow this is hard" Kyomir stuttered bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"Me and Kyomir are. engaged!" Lawen said.
"Congratulations! I knew something was up" Legolas said.
"Let me see the ring!" Rawen ordered. Lawen held out her hand and the elves crowded around.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Lawen, I'm so happy for you! You and Kyomir are meant to be" Lexwen said as they walked to their bedrooms.
"Thank you" Lawen said then she moved in. "So how's Legolas? I woke up in the middle of the night and went to see Kyomir. Both you and Legolas weren't there" she said.
"Oh, we were in the gardens of peace. I think we can now be friends at least. He's a great guy," Lexwen said smiling.
"Is he healed from the Black Waters? I asked Zachalf and he said they were terrible. They're freezing cold and black. They make it almost impossible to swim, let alone come up for air. He says most who fall in die. Only people from the Cities of Old live," Lawen said.
Lexwen shrugged. "He seems to be getting better but something is still haunting him. Maybe something happened and just freaked him out. He'll be fine" Lexwen said. Lawen nodded and they headed their separate ways to bed.
Lexwen walked into her room and closed the door. She slipped off her robe. Then she untied her blue dress and placed it on a chair. Then she put on her silver pajamas and a sheer light pink robe. She walked to the double doors and pushed them open.
Lexwen walked onto the balcony and let the wind catch her robes and hair. She slowly pulled down her braid and shook it out.
From below Legolas watched as she walked out and undid her hair. She looked so peaceful again that night. Lexwen was totally oblivious that he was watching her. Then she backed away but left the doors open. Quietly she tiptoed into her bed and fell into a blissful sleep, the breeze soothing her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Katowyn ran her horse for as long as she could. Her father had left 5 days ago ordering that she and her mother and brother gather worriers. He knew he'd need them soon.
She rode a fair bay horse named Symbidian. Her long blond hair was tied up so she could keep it out of her face. She had mesmerizing steely-gray eyes and made everyone stare. She wore an elegant lavender dress with long sleeves and willowed out at the waste.
She had been riding from Gondor for 3 days. Rivendell finally came into sight. She rode forward urging Symbidian to go forward across the ford. Katowyn rode up to the city gates and dismounted.
"Who goes there?" asked a guard.
"I am Katowyn daughter of Aragorn. I have need to speak to him," she said. The guard starred at her for a minute then let her pass. She led Symbidian through the next set of gates. He just opened the doors and she turned to him. "Please make sure that Symbidian is houses and feed. He has traveled far," she said.
"How far? I have 17 horses that traveled here from the sea near Gondor in 5 hours" said Elarbrad.
"I've been riding here from Minas Trith for 3 days. He needs rest" Katowyn said. Elarbrad nodded and took Symbidian.
Katowyn ran towards the center of Rivendell looking for King Elessar. She ran towards the gardens to King Elessar walking with Elrond and talking to a fair blond elf a soft yellow dress. It sat off her shoulders and she wore her hair curled and half up with a gold headdress. Her long sleeves attached at the wrists and there was a slit in them.
"Father, Father, King Elessar!" Katowyn called. Elrond, Aragorn and the elf turned around.
"Katowyn! What are you doing here?" Aragorn exclaimed.
"I'm sorry to disrupt your discussion but I have bad news. You told me to stay home with mother and my brother and gather some people to assist us in the war you feel is coming. We can't get enough help. Rohan says their King is here and the neighboring lands need to protect their own lands" rushed Katowyn.
"Katowyn, no one can help us. War is coming in 8 days to the 4 cities" Aragorn said standing in front of her.
"4 but, how do we defend them all? How many are coming to destroy?" she stuttered.
"500,000 known beasts are coming to Gondor, Rohan, Rivendell and Mirkwood. A good friend of these lands has come with 100,000 humans from West-Earth." Katowyn turned to the blond elf.
"I am Lexwen Goldenleaf, Princess of Lothlorien," said the elf.
"I'm Katowyn daughter of Aragorn," she said weakly. She had met many strong elves that helped but they were men. Lexwen was a strong tall woman and was in charge of the light side of the whole war.
Lexwen nodded to her and Katowyn smiled shyly. Lexwen then turned back to the two men and began speaking to them in Elvish. Although Katowyn was half elvish and had the pointy ears and light feet she still didn't know how to speak fluent elvish and was mortal. Katowyn took this as a sign of dismissal and left.
"So what does the battle mean? Does he know we're coming?" Lexwen asked.
"I can only tell you so much Lady Lexwen. I don't think he suspects that we know but feared that you were bringing a force to go against him. Where the other boats ambushed?" Elrond asked.
"No, just our flagship. I think they knew we were the leaders," Lexwen said.
"Queer have been the on goings in Mordor. My people have been nervous about the strength of Gondor. I haven't served as their King during a war as in preparing for it" Aragorn said. Elrond nodded, they still had work to do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Katowyn wandered pointlessly through the gardens thinking. Then she stopped at the bridge where her mother, Arwen had given her father her gift of life. She walked onto the bridge thinking of faraway places. Lost in her thoughts she didn't see an elf with blond hair and pools of blue eyes walk on the bridge towards her. He sat down next to her and just stared at her. Finally he fell out of his daze and spoke.
"Hello, I'm Nekolas Evilslayer of Mirkwood" he said in sweet elvish. Katowyn turned to him startled. She hadn't heard what he said. Nekolas started at her thinking maybe she was deaf. How could an elf not know elvish, he though looking at her pointy ears.
"I'm sorry I don't speak elvish," she said in the common tongue. Nekolas shook his head.
"How could an elf such as yourself not speak elvish?" he asked.
"I'm only half elf. My father is a man of Gondor and my mother is an elf of Rivendell" Katowyn said.
"Well I'm Nekolas Evilslayer of Mirkwood" Nekolas said again this time in the common tongue too.
"I'm Katowyn daughter of Aragorn of Gondor," she said. He nodded understanding now.
"Well what brings a fair shield maiden of Gondor to Rivendell?" Nekolas asked staring into her steely-gray eyes.
"I need to speak to King Elessar but soon found it was unimportant compared to the great war coming. I heard about the 15 elves that came back with 100,000 humans. I just met Lexwen Goldenleaf. She's a strong elf, very graceful but powerful at the same time. I'd love to hear about the stories of the West and the times of Old. I heard they were all old and noble" Katowyn gushed.
"Oh really, who told you that?" Nekolas asked with a smile.
"A brown haired elf named Kyomir Sunstar" Katowyn said as Nekolas laughed. His eyes twinkling. Katowyn watched as he laughed, it being clear and pure. His blond hair, blue eyes and smile swept her away the minute she laid eyes on him.
"Well, I'll have to talk to Kyomir about that. And we'll have to do something about this elvish problem. We can't have a half elf running around not knowing elvish" Nekolas said hoping he'd even make it through the war to see her again.
Katowyn looked at his eyes full of memory and feeling. Katowyn wondered if he was one of the great fifteen elves.
Nicky stayed with Lexi rubbing her back until she fell asleep. He then quietly tiptoed out of the apartment. He drove over to Becky's house at top speed. Nicky knocked quickly on the door and Becky ran to the door and answered it.
"Hi Nicky, what's up?" she asked smiling brightly.
"My sister. Where is she?" he ragged.
"I don't know. She wasn't here with us. She said she was going out. But where did Lexi go?" Becky asked. Nicky stepped inside and Becky shut the door. The rest of the female elves came into the room to listen.
"She went to Orli's house. I though she went there to say sorry about yelling at him. In the end she ran home crying" Nicky explained.
"Why's she crying?" Connie asked.
"Orli" started Nicky. "He met Liz at a restaurant by accident. They ended up eating together and then he kissed her. It just makes my blood boil that she didn't pull away and Orli didn't stop himself. He basically killed Lexi's spirits," he said.
"Oh my god, and to think just last night he French kissed her. That jerk!" cried Rachael.
"What are we going to do? Lexi's got work to do with Orli about the war" said Laura.
"He'll be fine, he can work on other things with Liz. I'll help Lexi. I can't stand Liz right now, she's making me sick" Nicky volunteered.
"Okay" said Jingning.
"Look, someone's going to need to talk some sense into Orli. I've got to go back to Lexi's. She still has work to do" Nicky said and left.
"Oh boy" sighed Paula.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi and Nicky worked together for the next 3 days. Lexi really liked Nicky, but she missed Orli. There was just something about him that Lexi liked. But right now she was too mad at Orli to care much.
Nicky kept Lexi as happy as he could but it was tough. He realized that she had rebuilt her whole world on the relationship she had with everyone. But when her two main support blocks deceived her she started to fall. Nicky tried hard to rebuild the gaps but they were too big.
Right now they were working in silence. They were leaving in 8 days and Lexi was counting numbers as Nicky quietly packed his stuff.
"Forty-eight thousand, forty-nine thousand, fifty thousand!" squealed Liz. Nicky ran over and saw she was right. They had 50,000 people coming! Lexi jumped dup and hugged him. Nicky took in the smell of her hair; it was a very fruity smell.
"Oh my gosh, we did it! We got 50,000 people!" she cried and danced around the room. "We've got 50,000; we've got 50,000; we've got 50,000; we've got." Lexi stopped short. In the doorway was Orli. His presence almost scared her.
"Hi Orli, can I help you?" Nicky said with a stiff tone.
"Not anymore. I just wanted the numbers for the war. But Lexi's song cleared it up" Orli said with a faint smile.
"How's Liz?" Lexi asked.
"I don't know, she's your friend. I've only seen her once since Saturday" he said.
"Oh well." Lexi drifted off. He nodded and left. Lexi frowned and a tear slipped down her pale face. Nicky moved towards her and hugged her. Then he pulled her away and looked at her.
"I can handle it from here" he said. Lexi squeezed his hand and smiled.
"Thanks" she whispered and left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi worked in silence as she packed. They were leaving in 7 days and Lexi was nervous. She was finally returning home. Then a pang of guilt shot through her. That was why she had yelled at Orli in the first place.
Lexi sighed and threw a picture into the box. She looked back at the picture and took it out. The gold frame gave off a sparkle. It was a picture of Orli and herself at a football game. Orli had his arms around her and Lexi was leaning into him laughing. They were so happy then. Now they weren't even talking to each other. Lexi placed it back in the box with care.
She then heard a knock at the door and wiped away a tear. She looked in the eyehole to see Orli holding a huge box of papers. She sighed and opened the door.
"Hey" she said.
"Hi, can I come in for a minute?" he asked. Lexi took a shaky breath and held the door open more. Orli stepped inside and Lexi shut the door. You could feel the tension in the room and cut it with a knife.
"So, how are you?' he asked casually.
"Okay I guess, you?" she replied.
"Okay." The silence was killing Lexi.
"So why did you come by?" she asked.
"Um, well, I have something I though you might like" he said. Lexi shifted uncomfortable with the whole situation. He handed her the box of papers and Lexi looked at him.
"What are they for?" she asked.
"The war. There are some numbers you need to look over and."
"Orli look, I guess you don't get it. You hurt be badly. And right now I just can't work with you. Nick's helping me, you just work with Liz" Lexi said.
"I just can't alright. If you want I'll just pass the stuff to Nick then to you. I'm sorry I tried to help" he said and left.
Lexi sighed and looked through the numbers. "Jeez, I wonder how long it took him to do this" she said out loud. Then she stopped dead on a paper. It had more people for the war, 50,000 more. Lexi gasped. He had found 50,000 more in three days. Lexi then broke down crying.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Zach opened the door to Lexi's apartment and went inside. Lexi sat at the table staring at a piece of paper.
"Hey" he said in a soft voice and looked at the paper. "Jeez, 50,000 people!" he said suddenly.
"I know, Orli got them, it's amazing. Our odds are much better now. 100,000 against 500,000. If every person kills 5 beasts then we'd win I think" she said. Zach smiled.
"Come one, I want to take you somewhere," he said. Lexi smiled and followed him out the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So where are you taking me?" she asked. Zach smiled.
"An amusement park" he said and Lexi laughed.
"You're not serious are you?" she asked.
"Why shouldn't I be? I wanted to go and have some good clean fun," he said. Lexi smiled and they pulled into the parking lot.
Lexi dragged Zach on tons of loopy roller coasters and Zach pulled Lexi on the really fast scary ones that dropped 200 feet. They screamed and laughed as they went on one after another.
"Oh my gosh look, funnel cake!" yelled Lexi and Zach ambled after her.
"No Lexi, we already had popcorn, hotdogs, and cotton candy. I can't take anything else, I'll blow up!" complained Zach.
"Oh well, I need some entertainment, so bring on the funnel cake!" she said and forced him over to the stand.
"Oh man, this is good!" Zach said with his mouth full. Lexi laughed and her phone rang.
"Oh no!" she said. She grabbed her cell phone and held it in her palm away from the powder on her fingers.
"Hello? Hi Laura. No I'm at an amusement park with Zach. No, I was just bummed out so he brought me here to have a little fun. Okay, well.I'll see you tomorrow, okay bye" she said and hung up.
"Right" Zach said. Lexi smiled.
"So, did my plan work? Are you in better sprits?" he asked. Lexi smiled again.
"Yes, thanks" she said. Lexi looked into his brown eyes, they were so dark. Zach found Lexi's blue eyes; they were like crystal clear pools. Then he leaned down to kiss her. He was 2 inches away.
"Zach!" he jumped.
"Orli's not here is he?" he said looking around in a frantic way.
"Look Zach, you're cool and all but I just can't. I love Orli, even if he broke my heart. I'm just not over him yet," she said. Zach nodded.
"I'm sorry, I should have known. I don't want to make the same mistake Orli did," he said. Lexi smiled. "Oh my gosh, we've got to go on that one!" she said and pulled Zach away to another rolled coaster.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Wow, that was so much fun. Did you see the look on that man's face when we went on the purple roller coaster for the 10th time?" reminisced Lexi. Zach laughed with Lexi as they went up to her apartment. She opened the door and nodded to Zach.
"Look, I've got to finish packing but." she leaned in closer. "Do you promise not to tell anyone about what happened after the funnel cake?" she whispered. Zach nodded and Lexi hugged him. "Thanks!" she whispered in his ear and closed the door.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Alright guys, I know almost everyone is mad at me because I kissed Liz. I regret it to the ends of the earth but that's not important now. We are scheduled to leave for Middle-Earth in 6 days. But that's going to have to change. I found a letter in the mail addressed to Lexi, but from Sauron. I'm sorry Lexi, I read your mail" Orli started. The 15 elves, Candice and Connie sat in a circle in Orli's apartment.
"He basically found out that we know about the war in 16 days. So, I'm positive he'll set out sooner. I suggest that we leave on the 3rd day. So that gives us today and tomorrow. All the numbers are ready. Lexi got them together. We have 100,000 people coming so, we're ready" Orli explained. Lexi sat on the couch rubbing her temples. She couldn't believe how careless they had been. They had never really thought about the security element.
"Alright Laura and Kyle, Charlotte and Tyler, your in charge of making sure those 100,000 people know our change of plans. Orli you can tell them about the rest of the things we need to take care of. I'm going out" Lexi said got up and left. She went down to her apartment, grabbed her bow and sword and headed to the empty lot.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi turned in all directions shooting arrows at the trees. She was absolutely furious. She had everything worked out and now Sauron know about it all. She turned quickly and shot at a flash of blond.
Legolas quickly unsheathed his sword and deflected it. Lexwen turned to see Legolas holding his sword looking at her calmly.
"Good job Legolas. Had you missed it would have hit you" Lexi said in a flat unfazed voice.
"Well I'm not all archery," Legolas said.
Lexwen put down her bow and unsheathed her sword too. She moved towards him keeping eye contact wit him. Legolas keep his eyes on hers at all times. She darted her sword at him, as did Legolas. They dodged and stabbed at each other for 10 minutes. Each were fairly skilled sword fighters. Then Lexwen knocked Legolas's sword out of his hands and he threw up his hands. Lexi held out her hand.
"Good game Legolas. I'll see you later" she said and shook his hand. Then she picked up her bow and walked back to her car. Legolas shook his head.
"I'm really in it now."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi stared blankly out her apartment window. The sky was gray and rain pounded the sides. She then turned back to her torn up apartment. Boxes were scattered throughout the place. Everything was in disarray. Lexi had the rest of the night and the next day to pack.
Lexi knelt down by her stuff and returned to packing. After a while of working in silence save the rain Lexi heard the door open and someone creep inside. When the person reached the room Lexi quickly stood up and unsheathed her sword from her belt. Liz jumped back and held up her hands.
"I surrender, I'm not armed," she said. Lexi nodded and sheathed her sword in her belt with a clang. Lexi then turned back to her packing. Beside her Liz started packing another box. Again Lexi worked with only the sound of the rain against the window.
"Liz, why are you here?" Lexi finally asked.
"Look, I just wanted to say that."
"Liz, I don't' want to hear it! I know exactly what happened. I wasn't enough for Orli. He wanted more. So you basically went on a date and then you kissed. I get it" seethed Lexi.
"No, you really don't understand. I'm so sorry Lexi; I really should have come to my senses. But you've got to understand, this is Legolas we're talking about. I don't know about you but I think he's really cute, smart, nice and protective. I've had a small crush on him for 4 years now. Then he opened his arms and kissed me. How could I pass that up? I was just so curious about what is was like that I pushed that guilty feeling of you away and kissed him. I'm so sorry I just had to know" Liz explained. Lexi silenced in silence as she wrapped up pictures.
"I understand but I just can't forgive either of you right now. You knew exactly how I felt about him, what he did for me. It just blows my mind why you didn't pull away. I just." Lexi sighed lost. When didn't Liz or Orli pull away? Liz nodded.
"Okay well, I just came to plead my case. But you're right, I knew exactly how you felt about him and that he helped you tons. I just don't know how to explain. I'm sorry" Liz said. Then she got up and left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi got up and groaned. Everything that had happened recently was making her head spin. The past 40 days had been killing her. She needed to get away, to where she didn't care. She went over to her dresser and clipped on her silver heart bracelet Orli have her. The heart about her neck lay peacefully. Lexi smiled through her tears and got up to change.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Lawen" whispered Kyomir. Lawen was wearing a one sleeved mint green mostly form fitting dress. Her hair was done up in a simple twist held together by a silver butterfly. A few stray hairs flew down her face. Lawen smiled.
Kyomir grasped her hand and they walked away. Kyomir brought Lawen to the same peaceful garden where Lexi saw Jingning fain. He led her to a bench next to the triple fountain. Lawen sat down with Kyomir following. Lawen leaned her head on his shoulder.
(Elvish)"Kyomir, what are we going to do? We're leaving for Middle-Earth tomorrow. We have to go to war in 10 days at the most and Lexwen is still wounded because of what Legolas did" Lawen lamented.
"Lawen, do no trouble yourself with Lexwen and Legolas. They will somehow work it out. There's nothing to worry about. I don't know if you noticed but all of us are very skilled at either the bow and arrow or sword. And about Middle-Earth, we're going home. This is exactly what Lexwen wanted, to go home. To be where she really belonged, not West-Earth" Kyomir soothed.
Lawen nodded and snuggled up to him. "You look beautiful today. That dress looks stunning on you," he said. Lawen blushed.
"Thank you Kyomir" was all she would say. "Have you ever wondered what it's like to live life to the fullest? Have you experience a moment in time where ever feeling possible is in place?" Lawen asked suddenly. Kyomir sat in through.
"That. is a good question. I don't really know but I have a feeling it will come someday very soon" he answered. Lawen smiled and lifted her head to look at him.
"Lawen, you mean the world to me and I love you to the ends of the earth" Kyomir said. Lawen smiled. Everything was silent except for the chirping of birds. "I've loved you for longer than you know, I'm talking 2, 3 years. I've just never gotten the chance to tell you. I love you," he said.
"I love you too Kyomir" Lawen said. Then Kyomir got on one knee in front of her and flipped open a small velvet blue box. Inside glimmered a silver band with a diamond in the middle and two red rubies on either side. "Will you marry me?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(English) Lexi sniffled quietly once. Lexi was wearing all black, she didn't know why but she felt she had some reason to mourn.
She was wearing a thin, formfitting dress that trailed out at the waist. The sleeves were tight until they got to the elbow then they flared out and hung down. She wore her long blond hair down with a small jeweled headdress. Over the stunning black dress she work a black cloak with the hood up over her head.
She walked through a dead quiet forest where the trees seemed to be withering and the grassed burned.
She was so nervous about everything that was to happen tomorrow. They were bringing 100,000 people to Middle-Earth to fight. They had installed many beds on the ships for them because there was nowhere else for them. But she was going home. That's what she had wanted, to be home. Now she was sorry she yelled at Orli because of that. He was right she had just too many things in full force swing and too many things to worry about to keep up with it, so she broke down.
Lexi walked in silence through the dead forest thinking. Lexi's dress and cloak trailed behind her, lengthening her footsteps. She ached to be with Orli again, but he hurt her and she just couldn't be. Lexi knew in the end it would be all right but the problem was when would the end come?
Lexi then heard quick footsteps behind her. She didn't have her sword with her so her she just turned slowly. She saw Nick quickly heading towards her.
"Lexi?" he panted when he caught up with her. She lifted up her hood to let down a mass of blond hair and bright blue sad eyes. "What are you doing here?" he asked as they walked side by side.
"I don't know, I'm just thinking," she said.
"Did somebody die?" he asked. Lexi's dress was absolutely stunning but it wasn't like her to wear black.
"No, not really. I'm just nervous," she said.
"Oh." Nick turned to face her. He looked into her eyes and leaned in. Lexi put up her hand.
"Nick no," she said. He jumped back startled by what just happened. "Look Nick, I know you like me. I just don't like you like that. You're a good friend, and I'm sorry but right now you'll never me anything more" Lexi said. Nick nodded.
"I'm sorry, I totally understand and I'll work on it. I promise it won't happen again," he said. Lexi nodded.
"What did you come here for? I hope it wasn't to see if you could kiss me."
"No, I just wanted to say we're having lunch together at 1. I have to go call Kyle. But I don't know if you really want to come."
"I'll think about it" she said and put her hood back up. Nick took this as a sign of dismissal and left.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lawen gaped at Kyomir as he stood on one knee. She was totally stunned. Lawen then looked at the sparkling ring in the box. She looked back at Kyomir.
"Yes" she said finally finding her voice. Kyomir gently slipped the ring on Lawen's left hand. Then they both stood up. Kyomir pulled her close to him. He leaned in and kissed her. Behind them the fountain burst into life and spat out water.
"I love you Lawen Goldenleaf of Rivendell," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you Kyomir," she said. He smiled and pulled away. "When do you think we should tell the others?" Lawen asked.
"I don't know, whenever Lexwen's not in a huff," he said. Lawen laughed.
"Poor Lexwen's got it bad. I mean she's really down. I say we tell them during one of the days we're at meetings. It shouldn't be too stressful then," Lawen suggested as they walked through the gardens hand in hand.
"Good plan, let's just hope Legolas shapes up soon enough" Kyomir said. Lawen laughed and put her arm around Kyomir.
"Mellon Nin" she said and they kept walking.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(English) Orli walked through what the town called the "dead forest" for nothing seemed to live there but they didn't have the heart to cut it down. He climbed at tall hill and watched as a graceful person dressed all in black walked through the forest.
He then watched as the fair figure turned around to see a blond man come up behind her. She lowered her hood and Orli watched as Lexi and Nick talked. Then he saw Nick lean in to kiss her but Lexi stopped him. Nick shook his head and kept talking. The name Orli carried across the grounds and Orli took a deep breath. After another minute they said goodbye and Lexi put on her hood. Lexi and Nick went their separate ways.
For a second Orli wanted to run down the hill to her and make up with her. But then he quickly shook the thought away. As Lexi walked quietly through the wood she seemed almost peaceful. Orli knew she was really sad but in all black in the woods she seemed to just fit in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi walked in silent through. He head was still spinning. Lexi looked up at the sun and reckoned it was roughly half past one. She decided to go to lunch anyway. She had a few things she wanted to tell the elves.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Orli drove in silence to the empty lot. The elves were having lunch there. He wondered if Lexi would go. By the looks of where she was going id didn't look like it but he could be wrong. Even if she wasn't he still had to say some things to the elves. He turned into the paring lot and headed up.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi suddenly turned right and kept a straight course. She decided she needed some exercise and kept walking instead.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The fourteen elves sat around on the ground talking and laughing. It was their last day there and they wanted to make the most of it.
"Um, excuse me guys" called Orli they got up. Everyone slowed down their talking and turned to Orli.
"Hi, look, I just wanted to explain something to you guys. The day I kissed Liz was one of the worse days of my life." Liz looked at him with anticipating eyes. She wanted to know why he had done it.
"The morning started out fine. But then at lunchtime I got hungry and decided to go to my favorite restaurant, the Rainforest Café. When I got inside I saw Liz and asked her if I could join her. It just didn't seem like much fun eating alone." The others listened attentively waiting for the important part. "We ate together and talked. It was just like going out to lunch with a friend. I mean Max could have been sitting in Liz's place and nothing different would have happened. Then we finished and went outside and all of a sudden I got this stupid and random emotion. It might have been cause that beer went to my head or that I was thinking of Lexi but I turned to Liz and kissed her. Liz didn't move after a second but then she kissed me back and I lost it. I really don't know why I kissed her. When I came to my sense I pulled away frightened of what I had just done. Liz tried to speak but I shook my head and ran away." Silence pressed Orli from all sides. "If that feeling wasn't bad enough when I told Lexi it was worse.
"In the beginning I wasn't going to tell but I just wouldn't dare keep that from her. So I stopped her from kissing me and told her. As soon as the pieces fell together I could literally feel her heart break. Hurt was etched all over her face. Anger soon took Lexi over and she yelled at me. After she ran out crying.
"I was furious, mad, sad, confused, angry and heart broken. I don't' know what I was. I was torn badly and I didn't' know what to do. I had no solution. So I just had to sit back and watch her fall and I couldn't catch her" Orli finished. Everyone was dead silent. Then Liz stood up and spoke.
"The worse part is I didn't prevent any of it. I didn't stop Orli. I just let my greedy hungry to know what it was like take over and hurt Lexi. I was just as torn about what to do. Then again I think Orli had it worse. In a way he knew he hurt her," said Liz. The 12 elves stared at the 2 of them. Then Becky spoke.
"Orli, Liz, I had no clue. I mean I was so worried about Lexi I never thought about what the effect had on you guys." Then she stood up and hugged each of them in turn. "I'm sorry," she whispered. In turn the girls hugged them and the guys patted them on the back. It seemed like they had finally come to an understanding.
Liz smiled and a tear rolled down her check as she looked at her friends. She had pleaded her freedom. She was now all forgiven. Nick then came over and pulled Liz into a bear hug. She squealed in surprise and another tear rolled down her cheek. He best friend and brother wasn't mad anymore either.
After a few minutes of forgiving and forgetting everyone sat down and turned back to lunch. They seemed to talk more freely and laugh with more joy. Everything would have been perfect except for the fact that Lexi was still heart broken. Every one of them couldn't help but wish that they would get back together.
They talked lightly again for another 15 minutes. At 1:45 the voices seemed to die down as they heard a crunching noise coming from the east part of the woods. They quietly stood up and let their elf awareness take over. Their keen hearing and sensed the person coming closer. They unsheathed their swords and stood ready. Soon a black figure came into view. It was slowly and quietly.
"Nazgul" whispered Rachael. They tightened their grip on their swords and stood ready. Then a graceful hand appeared from the folds of the cloak and began to pull down its hood. They soon realized Nazgul don't lower their hoods and lowered their own swords.
Lexi threw back her hood and her blond hair tumbled down. A drop of the sun hit her jeweled headdress and a sparkle shot off it. The elves stood stunned that it was Lexi.
"How did you get here? The parking lot is to the west?" finally asked Tyler.
"I walked. If you walk far enough east in the dead forest if slims into here" Lexi said. They smiled and let her in. Nick looked at Lexi and she gave him a reproachful eye. Orli saw her give it to Nick and hope shot through him.
"Well Lexi do you want a little lunch?" asked Laura smiling brightly.
"Well you are happy about something. But anyway no thanks. I just came here to tell you all something." She said. Laura twisted the ring on her finger and went over to Kyle.
"Okay, I'm going to make this quick. I realize you were talking happily until I got closer so I don't want to dampen your spirits too much but it's about the war" she started. "Tomorrow we have to be extremely careful. Make sure to have at least a knife with you and stay alert at all times. Don't let anything by. Second don't wear West-Earth clothes there. In Middle-Earth they will stand out too much. The last thing we want when we get there is for everyone to notice us. Wear elvish clothes and turn on all your elf instincts. We need to get to Rivendell as quickly as possible. We need to meet with Elrond, Aragorn and Brandal. It is imperative that we make good time," Lexi said. She looked at each of them. When she reached Orli he felt her heart ache. He knew she was still hurt.
"Well, you heard her, lets keep al of that in mind tomorrow. Now let's catch up!" said Yuri. Lexi walked over to some of the girls.
"Hey Lexi, why are you wearing all black?" Jingning asked.
"I just felt like it. My reasons aren't clear," she said. Jingning nodded and they continued talking.
Orli watched Lexi as she listened to Laura. He could tell she wasn't as happy as when they were together. Pain shot through him as he thought of what he did. Lexi looked so beautiful in her black dress, he just couldn't keep his eyes off her.
Liz watched as Lexi spoke. She couldn't believe how much she had ruined their friendship. She had taken Orli away from her.
Slowly the group blended together and all the guys and girls talked to one another.
"Well, I've got to be going. I'll see you tomorrow bright and early at the dock" Lexi said to Rachael. She began to hug everyone in turn. Everyone held their breath when she got to Orli.
"See you around" she said to him and headed towards the trees. She pulled her hood back on and slowly disappeared. When Orli would no longer see her he dropped his head. Paula came up to him and hugged him.
"I'm sorry" she whispered and pulled away. He nodded and looked back at the forest.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexi walked silently through the woods again. Her mourning grew. Her last day here was coming to a close and nothing had been resolved between her and Liz or Orli. She was going to war in 10 days. Little did she know that after the war, more was too come.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sun light streamed into the room and Lexi opened her crystal clear eyes. She slowly got up stretching and yawning. Lexi ambled into the kitchen. On the table was a big bouquet of many colored flowers in different types of flowers like daffodils, roses, marigolds, baby's breath, and many more. The smell of the flowers made the room smell fresh and heavenly. Tucked neatly inside was a white card that said "Sorry" in flowy script. Lexi flipped open the card as she one-handed made her coffee. Dear Lexi,
I am sorry about everything that has happened recently. I should have listened to that guilty factor and pulled away. I just need you to know that I'm sorry. But you need to talk to Orli, he is miserable. He really regrets betraying your trust. Just talk to him and become friends again. You're really lucky to have Orli care so much about you don't let it go to waste.
Sorry,
Liz
Lexi closed the card and closed her eyes. "I'm sorry Liz" Lexi whispered. She placed the card on the table and walked to the door. Wearing just some blue and green plaid pajamas pants and a forest green tang top with fuzzy rainbow colored slippers she walked out the door and went to Liz's.
Lexi knocked rapidly on the door and Liz answered it fully dressed.
"Hey Lexi" she said.
"Hey Liz" she whispered and Liz ushered her inside. "I got your flowers, they're beautiful. I needed a splash of color in my life" Lexi started. "I read the letter and I'm so sorry about being so rude and reluctant, I was just hurt," Lexi said. Liz stared at her in silence for a few seconds then spoke.
"It's alright, I understand. Can we forgive and forget?" Liz asked and Lexi smiled, a tear streaking her face. Liz hugged Lexi in a friend hug. "Friends?" she asked giving her a thumb up. Lexi put a thumb up and they knocked them together in a handshake. "You might want to go and get ready to leave and make sure all your stuff is packed and get changed," suggested Liz. Lexi smiled and left, their friendship on the mend.
Down the hall to her left another door opened, Orli's door. She hesitated for a second and then walked over to the emerging Orli. He watched as she walked over to him in pajamas and her hair in a long braid down her back, tears streaked her face.
"Hello Orli" Lexi said casually.
"Hello Lexi" he said. She blushed realizing how late it must be since he too was dressed and she was just in her thin pajamas. Orli laughed as she blushed. "What's wrong?" he asked brushing away a tear from her face.
"I'm just happy. Liz forgave me for being a jerk and now our friendship is on the men" Lexi said slowing down as she realized what she said. Orli and herself were just staring to get on speaking terms. Quickly she looked away. "I've got to go and get changed. I'll see you at the dock" Lexi said. Orli watched Lexi until she retreated holey into her apartment, fluffy slippers and all.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hey man, what's up?" Kyle asked Zach.
"Nothing really. Guess we're the first one here" Zach replied. Then a rustle in the bushes behind them made them turn. Lexi appeared in front of them in fair elf clothing. She wore a velvety green dress that billowed out at the waste and sleeves. Across the front of the dress appeared to lace up with fine gold ribbon but a piece of cloth lay underneath it. And around her waste lay a lose, low belt. Her hair was half done up in braids in entwined into each other. Her face was smooth and pale, her cheeks a light pink.
Zach and Kyle looked at each other. "Hello" she said in a soft voice. There was a small change in her. She seemed surer of her role in time. "Are you ready to leave?" Lexi asked. Zach and Kyle mumbled something she didn't catch. "Alright well just a tip, when you first heard me in the bushes, she should have armed yourself even if it was just me, what if it wasn't? Just a thought, anyway I'm going to go and see who's on the boat," Lexi said and she walked off.
Over the next 3 hours the humans came. Laura and Kyle, Rachael and Paula were placed in charge of directing them to the boasts. As the humans came they discovered the volume of how many people they were bringing. And that was only one fifth of what they knew off. With that in mind they started to lose hope. After all that hard work, it still wasn't enough. Soon everyone was accounted for and Lexi got off the boat and beckoned the other 17 elves and the 2 humans. They filed onto the biggest ship but had the least number of passengers, their ship. After Zach hurried onto the boat Lexi nodded to the Captain up top and took off. Lexi then disappeared into her quarters that she grudgingly shared with Orli.
The day wore on slowly and didn't help their need for haste. Lexi went up to the captain and asked him for the time. "We have roughly 4 hours left of the trip," he said and Lexi left. She had a bad feeling that something was going to happen.
She hurried away from the Captain, warning rapidly growing in her mind. All her elf warnings were in full swing and a small burn on her hand told her that Orli was in trouble. The shape of a circular foggy green jewel with a silver band appeared and her necklace lit up. Lexi hurried down the stairs towards the main deck. She heard the twang of a bow and the shrill cry of an orc. Lexi's mind was reeling and she unsheathed her sword as a band of orcs ran up the stairs towards her. She fought and killed many trying to get to Orli.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lizwen woke with a burn on her hand. She looked at it to see the sign of both Legolas and Lexwen. Then she heard the clang of metal and the twang of a bow. Lizwen jumped out of bed and woke the others.
"Orcs! On the main deck with Legolas and Lexwen!" Lizwen yelled in elvish. The others sprang out of bed and grabbed their weapons. Lizwen burst open the door to the deck with the other elves behind her to see a sea of orcs taking on Legolas and Lexwen, they fighting furiously. Then they burst into action, orcs were flying everywhere and getting slow down.
Lexwen looked over a Legolas to see him battling on the edge of the ship with 3 orcs. "Lizwen, bring them down, kill them!" Lexwen said in elvish. (Elvish)
Lizwen turned and shot two of the 3 orcs but had to stop because of more orcs on here. Lexwen watched as everything else blurred out.
Legolas battled with him. Lexwen ran towards him, she had to help him. Then suddenly the orc pushed Legolas over the edge of the ship. Shock twinkled in his eyes. His body fell into a graceful arch and he fell towards the raging black sea. Lexwen ran over to the orc and with one swift hit she slice off his head. Then she looked into the water looking for Legolas. After a minute she saw nothing of him. Then she slipped off her belt and drove into the water.
The freezing black water met her face. She opened her eyes and looked down to see Legolas slowly dropping towards the bottom. She came up for air then swam down to him and grabbed his hand. She pulled him towards the surface. Then she took another breath and went down to him. Legolas felt warm air being forced into his burning lungs.
Lexwen swam up again for air then force it into him. Legolas felt the swarming dark close in around him. He knew he was leaving fast. Lexwen came down again and force him to the surface. Still Legolas did not gasp for breath. Lexi took a deep breath and forced the air into him again. The chocking black was grasping breath and sucking out all the air Lexwen gave him. Desperately he tried to even get one breath but couldn't.
"Oh come on Legolas! Breathe, breathe for me! Please you can't leave, not now. We need you!" Lexwen cried and forced more air into him. Then she climbed on board and pulled him up after her. She laid him on the deck and brushed away his wet hair. Again she struggled to give him air, her own lungs beginning to burn.
Legolas felt a gust of warm air and gladly took it. Then he slowly breathe out. With a very short breath he took in more air. His body groaned in protest, they didn't have enough air. Lexwen forced more air in, crying for him.
Lizwen looked away from the battle to see Lexwen sitting next to Legolas crying. Then she saw her force air into him. Her beautiful blond hair was soaking wet and her dress was weighting her down. The picture was beautiful, so peaceful and sad amidst the raging battle.
"What grace has given me, let him pass, bring him back " Lexwen whispered. Suddenly Legolas took a small breath and exhaled. Lexwen smiled through the tears. Slowly his breathing become more regular.
Then he began to shiver violently. Lexwen called to Nekolas and told him to carry him to his room. He picked up Legolas and lowered him onto his bed. Lexwen pulled out her blankets and wrapped them around Legolas. He took deep breaths all the while shivering.
Lexwen turned and left. She walked out into the battle now carrying her bow, her sword somewhere on deck. Then she began shooting orc after orc. Soon the number thinned out and the rest jumped over board into the crushing black.
Lexwen walked over to the grimy and bloody elves, they were all wearing grim expressions.
"Someone has given them the slip," Rawen said. Lexwen beckoned for them to meet in her and Legolas's cabin, the biggest. They stood in a circle.
"Someone is trying to stop us at all costs. We've got to push one" Pawen said.
"How did this all start?" Maxomir asked.
"I was talking to the Captain. Then after he finished I got a horrible feeling and hurried towards the main deck. Then I felt a burn n my arm and saw Legolas fighting a sea of orcs. Then you guys came and it broke off from there," Lexwen explained. The elves nodded,
"We must make all haste in getting to Rivendell. We must try to get there by tonight" Nekolas said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Samwise Dogwood backed away from the dock. His black hair flying everywhere in the wind. He was tending to the reins of 15 horses. He was ordered to bring them the elves horses and wait. In the light he could see a massive fleet of a thousand ships appearing. They overwhelmed Samwise; he had never seen so many ships. He could see they all had white sails billowing in the wind. Soon the biggest ship in front bumped against the dock and a board for walking off dropped down.
Then a line of 17 elves and humans came down. His master Lexwen was in the lead. She wore a light pink simple dress that had tang top sleeves and billowed out at the waste, over it was a sheer gold robe. The mix of the two colors dulled the pink. Behind her walked Legolas in fine physical shape. Lexwen walked up to Samwise.
"Hello, I'm glad to see that you've brought the horses. Now I must make for Rivendell with as much speed as possible. You've brought our fastest horses right?" Lexwen asked. Samwise nodded and handed her the reins to her white horse Snowdance. Each was given their fastest horse. Connie and Candice mounted the horses they brought. Lexwen sprang up upon Snowdance.
"Wish us luck and speed Samwise. And keep your eyes peeled" Lexwen said. Then she spoke gently to her horse. "Run with the most speed you've ever had to nin mellon Snowdance" she whispered. Then she gave him a slight nudge and he shot away. The others followed with all speed. They crossed plains and forests of blank areas. Never once did they take a break. They needed speed nothing more.
Snowdance charged forward running like it was the end of the world. Lexwen's robes billowed out behind her flying in the wind. She looked at the sun and saw it setting. "Faster, all the speed of the world" she whispered to Snowdance and he ran away until he became a white blur.
Time seemed to speed past and still they charged on. In a dimamond formation they ran, far into the sun. Secrecy was no longer a problem. The fastest way was through the open. If any evil felled them they would outrun them anyway.
They rode the fastest steeds in all of Middle-Earth. Nothing could compete with their stamina and speed. For 3 hours now they rode nonstop and even the riders began to tire, the world flashing by. Everything was a speeding blur. Lexwen's hair flew out behind her flapping in the wind. The horses panted, eyes bulging and sweat pouring down them like rain. Soon they reached the ford and splashed across it. They then sped up again and galloped to the entrance of Rivendell.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"My Lord Elrond, we have guests. I have received word that there is a fast moving party moving towards Rivendell like the speed of light" said one of Elrond's guards Elarbrad.
"Who was leading them?" Elrond asked frowning.
"They are moving too fast to make them out. They ride horses extremely fast, only blurs of color. The leader rides a powerful white horse. She has long blond hair and wear a rich heavy pink and sheer gold robes," Elarbrad reported.
"How many are there?" Elrond asked.
"17. But we have yet more strange news. There are rumors of a great fleet of ships heading towards Middle-Earth. At least 1,000 grand ships with white sails" Elarbrad said.
"A 1,000! Who would even know how many they each hold?" exclaimed Elrond.
"Thank you Elarbrad, that will be all. Come back it you have anymore news" Elrond said and Elarbrad dismissed himself. Elrond sat deep in though. What were they to do? A band of 17 riding horses so fast they were barely visible. What was he to do? He sat thinking for some time.
Then his thoughts were disrupted by the sound of many hooves and then Elarbrad rushed in again. "My Lord, I'm so sorry to interrupt you, but the 17 are nearly Rivendell. Lord Aragorn of Gondor has arrived. He says Lexwen Goldenleaf's servant Samwise Dogwood sent him. I do not know what is going on but they're here" Elarbrad rushed and ran out. Elrond jumped from his seat.
"Lord Aragorn, what a pleasure to have you in my fair city again" Elrond said greeting him.
"The pleasure is all mine but why am I needed here?" Aragorn asked.
"I have not clue! I just received word from Elarbrad that a force of 17 rode towards my city with the speed of light. I have been informed by Samwise, Lexwen's servant, was sent to fetch you?" Elrond asked.
"Yes, he came 3 days ago saying I was needed in Rivendell and I left that day. Now I am here," Aragorn explained. Elrond nodded.
"Queer is the events going on. What I wonder is why Samwise called you. He was sent to watch Lexwen's land until she returned, if ever, and now all of a sudden this happens" Elrond said.
"Well shall we go find out who the 17 are?" Aragorn asked. Elrond nodded and they headed to the gates.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Guard Elarbrad, I need you to house these horses. They have just been on one of the fastest and longest journeys ever. They need to be cooled down, feed, watered and given shelter," Lexwen ordered.
"How far have they been?" he asked. They have rode here from the sea in 5 hours. Do with that what you will" Lexwen said and hurried away. They walked to the second set of gates and stopped. On the other side stood King Elessar and Elrond.
"Good, Lord Aragorn, you have made it. Lord Elrond I need to counsel you and immediately. Has king Eomer arrived yet?" Lexwen asked the appalled men. Just then a horse rode up to Lexwen and dismounted. "King Eomer, perfect timing. That is all of them, yes, Legolas has Mirkwood. Okay, my lord's I must counsel with you on grievous news" Lexwen said. Elrond, Aragorn, and Eomer just nodded.
"Lord Elrond me and my 16 companions ask for you hospitality. We have been traveling nonstop for 5 hours from the sea" Lexwen asked.
"Lexwen Goldenleaf, what are you doing here? Danger has not passed but I feel it coming ever closer" Elrond demanded.
"We come with answers to all your questions but now we need rest. Besides riding nonstop we have just come out of battle" Lexwen said. Elrond nodded to Elarbrad to have him house the elves.
"Elrond, I need your help. The traitor Legolas here is ill. He fell into the cursed ocean. He fought for life and missed death by almost nothing. Yet I don't know how to help him. He says he's cold. What can you do?" Lexwen asked.
"Ah, Legolas come here" Elrond called. Legolas turned around and walked to him shivering every once and a while. "First, why are you a traitor?" Elrond asked.
"Oh sir, that is nothing. He's paid for it and will not get the chance to get back my trust until he earns it" Lexwen said looking straight at Legolas. He bowed his head.
"Alright, as far as being cold. You fell into the Black Waters. I will have one of the cooks prepare a drink for you and maybe that will warm you up." Elrond said. "How was it you got through? The Black Water is a dangerous ocean and you can only escape with the help from the cities of old" Elrond said. He shrugged his and Lexwen and Legolas dismissed themselves.
"Are you okay Legolas?" Lexwen asked. He nodded.
"Thank you for helping me. I never want to relive dying ever again," he said.
"Is it scary?" she asked.
"Yeah, you can't breathe and you're surrounded by suffocating black. To breathe has never felt so good" he said.
"I'm sorry about the thing with Liz also. I don't now what came over me" he said. He looked at her desperately wanted to help her. So much weight seemed to rest on her shoulders. He wanted to hug her and make it better but he couldn't, it wasn't his place anymore. He had hurt her. He caused the problem but still she saved him from dying. He owed her everything.
"Okay, I just can't trust as easily this time" she said and turned into her room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexwen tossed and turned in her sleep. Finally she got out of bed and put on her robes. They were a slight green over her long blue slip. She walked through the peaceful gardens of Elrond. Everything was motionless and silent. She wished her life were peaceful. There would be no war; no need to move away and there would be Legolas. She just couldn't forgive him just yet. That would be another weapon for the enemy.
Then she reached the garden of peace. Everything was right, and nothing stirred. The walls were made of long towering vines. Nestled in them were same red roses. Beautiful and red but dark and poisonous like the red apple with poison in it that Snow White ate and fell to her doom with, beautiful but terrible. There was a path made of perfect circular stones leading to a stone bench with detailed legs. On the bench sat the only stirring figure in the center of the enchanting world.
Lexwen recognized his blond hair and blue shirt he wore in Lothlorien. She came up behind him quietly. She debated with herself for minute and then she put her hand on his shoulder. He turned around to see her. He just looked at her and she sat down next to him. He rubbed her back in slow even circles. Then he put his arm around her shoulders. She laid her head on his shoulder and they sat in peace on the bench. The outside world was not pressing them and they just sat together as friends. That's all they needed at the time, a good friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lexwen woke up and looked at the top of her bed. She had felt real peace last night in the garden with Legolas. And now she had to tell the great lords and elves that war was coming with countless numbers of beats. Then she stretched and got ready for the day. She put on a long sky blue dress that was made of a strong heavy material. Then over it she put another sheer robe on this time cream. She pulled her half her hair into a braid and headed downstairs for breakfast.
On her way down she met Zachalf. "Hello Zachalf, ready for today?" she asked.
"Yes, I just can't believe we're going to war" he said looking slightly nervous. Lexwen smiled.
"It'll be fine. I promise we'll make it through" she said. Zachalf just nodded and they silently headed to breakfast.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
(Common tongue)"I'm sorry if this council seemed like an inconvenience but it's more important than anything that you could possibly know. WE are here to talk about but the beginning of the last chapter of Sauron. We all though of course, he's gone with the ring, but you're wrong. Something else keeps him alive, but I've yet to figure it out" Lexwen began.
"Where does the story start?" Elrond asked who was sitting in the chairs listening and not at the end counseling everyone else.
"It began when you asked Jiwen and Yurwen to come back to Middle-Earth. I had been feeling so low, I wanted Middle-Earth. You can asked any of the elves," Lexwen said smiling. "Jiwen hosted a meeting and they told me they were coming back on your and Galadriel's command to check on Middle-Earth for us" Lexwen said.
"Then once we got there Yurwen and I were totally happy about it. I ran to one of the fields of Mirkwood where the big hill is that oversees most of Middle-Earth. Then behind me I heard the rumbling of feet. Stationed just outside Mordor I saw a gigantic army of beast, 500,000 of them." Jiwen said taking over. King Eomer gasped. "A particularly mean looking one yelled that they were setting out in 40 days to destroy the four main cities Edoras of Rohan, Gondor, Rivendell and the realm of the elves in Mirkwood. I freaked out and ran to Yurwen. I quickly explained it then headed back to tell Lexwen in West-Earth."
"But why didn't you come tell one of us? Galadriel, Aragorn? We all know how to prepare for war," Eomer said.
"War with 500,000 orcs and something else. That's probably not even all of them! This is the war of Middle-Earth. Nothing like it" Lawen said standing up. "You may think you do but you still didn't have enough help! You would not have survived" she raged.
"Lawen sit down," Lexwen said falling into her own tongue. Lawen bowed her head and sat down.
"Please continue" Elrond said in the common tongue.
"I was just walking in the gardens of the town when I heard Jiwen calling me. I though I was hearing things but she got closer. We ran towards each other's voices until we ran into each other. She grew pale and mumbled something about 500,000 half and half, 40 days and the 4 cities. Then she fainted or went into shock or something. I called Nekolas and we brought her to the hospital. For some reason we hadn't seen Yuri so we had to figure out for ourselves what it mean. Then we figured out that 500,000 half and half beasts were going to attack the 4 cities in 40 days. From there we went around looking for people to help because there just aren't enough here. So the days wound down. Legolas and me were appointed to be the leaders and we waited for Jiwen to wake. Finally she woke and we gathered 100,000 humans to help" Lexwen summarized.
"Then that's the 1,000 ships!" said pretty woman with red hair and emerald green eyes. "A 1,000 ships come to dock. The 4 will be put to a stop. They key will keep him here. The mountain as his alley" she recited. Lexwen turned to look at her.
"I beg your pardon. I'm Faith Fraridal's daughter. It is a riddle from the city amongst the Carn Dum. We have had a growing threat in our minds. Is what you speak of in this riddle?" Faith asked smiling? Lexwen found she loathed that smile; it seemed to drip with poison.
"Well we brought 1,000 ships. I assume the 4 cities have to stop everything for this war. But what the key is I don't know. It's keeping Sauron around. What mountain his alley I don't know either. We'll have to talk again after the war is we live through it" Lexwen said.
"But you brought 100,000 humans. There are 500,000 of them. That's not a horrible number," King Eomer said. "We went 300 against 10,000 so." he drifted off.
"That 500,000 are not all of them. I'm willing to bet there's at least a million. Our odds are horrible" Charwen said. King Eomer nodded.
"So we have tomorrow to ourselves. Then the 3 days after that we station the humans. The 3 days after that we give them amour" Lexwen ordered.
"We have gotten through it all, war has started" Elrond said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Do any of you have something you want to share? We're going to be going our separate ways here. We'll meet again tomorrow" Zachalf said in elvish.
"Okay here it goes. um. wow this is hard" Kyomir stuttered bouncing on the balls of his feet.
"Me and Kyomir are. engaged!" Lawen said.
"Congratulations! I knew something was up" Legolas said.
"Let me see the ring!" Rawen ordered. Lawen held out her hand and the elves crowded around.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Lawen, I'm so happy for you! You and Kyomir are meant to be" Lexwen said as they walked to their bedrooms.
"Thank you" Lawen said then she moved in. "So how's Legolas? I woke up in the middle of the night and went to see Kyomir. Both you and Legolas weren't there" she said.
"Oh, we were in the gardens of peace. I think we can now be friends at least. He's a great guy," Lexwen said smiling.
"Is he healed from the Black Waters? I asked Zachalf and he said they were terrible. They're freezing cold and black. They make it almost impossible to swim, let alone come up for air. He says most who fall in die. Only people from the Cities of Old live," Lawen said.
Lexwen shrugged. "He seems to be getting better but something is still haunting him. Maybe something happened and just freaked him out. He'll be fine" Lexwen said. Lawen nodded and they headed their separate ways to bed.
Lexwen walked into her room and closed the door. She slipped off her robe. Then she untied her blue dress and placed it on a chair. Then she put on her silver pajamas and a sheer light pink robe. She walked to the double doors and pushed them open.
Lexwen walked onto the balcony and let the wind catch her robes and hair. She slowly pulled down her braid and shook it out.
From below Legolas watched as she walked out and undid her hair. She looked so peaceful again that night. Lexwen was totally oblivious that he was watching her. Then she backed away but left the doors open. Quietly she tiptoed into her bed and fell into a blissful sleep, the breeze soothing her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Katowyn ran her horse for as long as she could. Her father had left 5 days ago ordering that she and her mother and brother gather worriers. He knew he'd need them soon.
She rode a fair bay horse named Symbidian. Her long blond hair was tied up so she could keep it out of her face. She had mesmerizing steely-gray eyes and made everyone stare. She wore an elegant lavender dress with long sleeves and willowed out at the waste.
She had been riding from Gondor for 3 days. Rivendell finally came into sight. She rode forward urging Symbidian to go forward across the ford. Katowyn rode up to the city gates and dismounted.
"Who goes there?" asked a guard.
"I am Katowyn daughter of Aragorn. I have need to speak to him," she said. The guard starred at her for a minute then let her pass. She led Symbidian through the next set of gates. He just opened the doors and she turned to him. "Please make sure that Symbidian is houses and feed. He has traveled far," she said.
"How far? I have 17 horses that traveled here from the sea near Gondor in 5 hours" said Elarbrad.
"I've been riding here from Minas Trith for 3 days. He needs rest" Katowyn said. Elarbrad nodded and took Symbidian.
Katowyn ran towards the center of Rivendell looking for King Elessar. She ran towards the gardens to King Elessar walking with Elrond and talking to a fair blond elf a soft yellow dress. It sat off her shoulders and she wore her hair curled and half up with a gold headdress. Her long sleeves attached at the wrists and there was a slit in them.
"Father, Father, King Elessar!" Katowyn called. Elrond, Aragorn and the elf turned around.
"Katowyn! What are you doing here?" Aragorn exclaimed.
"I'm sorry to disrupt your discussion but I have bad news. You told me to stay home with mother and my brother and gather some people to assist us in the war you feel is coming. We can't get enough help. Rohan says their King is here and the neighboring lands need to protect their own lands" rushed Katowyn.
"Katowyn, no one can help us. War is coming in 8 days to the 4 cities" Aragorn said standing in front of her.
"4 but, how do we defend them all? How many are coming to destroy?" she stuttered.
"500,000 known beasts are coming to Gondor, Rohan, Rivendell and Mirkwood. A good friend of these lands has come with 100,000 humans from West-Earth." Katowyn turned to the blond elf.
"I am Lexwen Goldenleaf, Princess of Lothlorien," said the elf.
"I'm Katowyn daughter of Aragorn," she said weakly. She had met many strong elves that helped but they were men. Lexwen was a strong tall woman and was in charge of the light side of the whole war.
Lexwen nodded to her and Katowyn smiled shyly. Lexwen then turned back to the two men and began speaking to them in Elvish. Although Katowyn was half elvish and had the pointy ears and light feet she still didn't know how to speak fluent elvish and was mortal. Katowyn took this as a sign of dismissal and left.
"So what does the battle mean? Does he know we're coming?" Lexwen asked.
"I can only tell you so much Lady Lexwen. I don't think he suspects that we know but feared that you were bringing a force to go against him. Where the other boats ambushed?" Elrond asked.
"No, just our flagship. I think they knew we were the leaders," Lexwen said.
"Queer have been the on goings in Mordor. My people have been nervous about the strength of Gondor. I haven't served as their King during a war as in preparing for it" Aragorn said. Elrond nodded, they still had work to do.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Katowyn wandered pointlessly through the gardens thinking. Then she stopped at the bridge where her mother, Arwen had given her father her gift of life. She walked onto the bridge thinking of faraway places. Lost in her thoughts she didn't see an elf with blond hair and pools of blue eyes walk on the bridge towards her. He sat down next to her and just stared at her. Finally he fell out of his daze and spoke.
"Hello, I'm Nekolas Evilslayer of Mirkwood" he said in sweet elvish. Katowyn turned to him startled. She hadn't heard what he said. Nekolas started at her thinking maybe she was deaf. How could an elf not know elvish, he though looking at her pointy ears.
"I'm sorry I don't speak elvish," she said in the common tongue. Nekolas shook his head.
"How could an elf such as yourself not speak elvish?" he asked.
"I'm only half elf. My father is a man of Gondor and my mother is an elf of Rivendell" Katowyn said.
"Well I'm Nekolas Evilslayer of Mirkwood" Nekolas said again this time in the common tongue too.
"I'm Katowyn daughter of Aragorn of Gondor," she said. He nodded understanding now.
"Well what brings a fair shield maiden of Gondor to Rivendell?" Nekolas asked staring into her steely-gray eyes.
"I need to speak to King Elessar but soon found it was unimportant compared to the great war coming. I heard about the 15 elves that came back with 100,000 humans. I just met Lexwen Goldenleaf. She's a strong elf, very graceful but powerful at the same time. I'd love to hear about the stories of the West and the times of Old. I heard they were all old and noble" Katowyn gushed.
"Oh really, who told you that?" Nekolas asked with a smile.
"A brown haired elf named Kyomir Sunstar" Katowyn said as Nekolas laughed. His eyes twinkling. Katowyn watched as he laughed, it being clear and pure. His blond hair, blue eyes and smile swept her away the minute she laid eyes on him.
"Well, I'll have to talk to Kyomir about that. And we'll have to do something about this elvish problem. We can't have a half elf running around not knowing elvish" Nekolas said hoping he'd even make it through the war to see her again.
Katowyn looked at his eyes full of memory and feeling. Katowyn wondered if he was one of the great fifteen elves.