By the Light of the Moon
Disclaimer~ I do not own any of Tolkien's creations. I only own SOME of the storyline and the characters I made up. This takes place during TTT and ROTK. Legolas is a sexy elf.I'd love to own him! *smiles*
~Sorry about the wait everybody. If you check my profile, you'll see that school is killing me. I'm updating as fast as I can, so just bear with me~
Chapter 17~ Leaving for Minas Tirith
"What?" Mariah asked, her eyes widening.
"You must come with me to Minas Tirith," Gandalf said firmly.
"Hell no...there is no way I'm going there if it's right on the enemy's doorstep. Do you think I'm stupid or something?"
"You will come with me!"
"And who says I must listen to you? I'm staying with Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli!" The wizard straightened up and crossed his arms. "Fine, make your choice, but I leave within the hour," he said as he took his leave. Mariah hurriedly darted out of the hall and up the stairs.
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Gandalf stood in the stables with Shadowfax. He was petting the horse and speaking quietly to himself. "She has to come with me."
"I know," a voice said from behind him. It was Legolas. "How are we going to get her to come with me? She refuses to listen, Legolas."
"Does she really have to go? Shouldn't it be her choice?" The wizard placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "I know how you feel about her. You love her, and I'm happy for you...but you have to do what's best for her. I have faith in you. Please go and talk to her." The elf reluctantly nodded his head and left the stables.
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Mariah sat on her bed with her head facing the ground. She had her hands folded in her lap and would smooth out her dress to keep herself occupied. There was suddenly a knock on her door. "GO AWAY GANDALF!" she shouted.
"It's me...Legolas," the voice responded. Mariah quickly ran to the door and opened it to see her elf companion standing there. "I'm so sorry...please come in," she said quietly. Legolas strolled in slowly and turned around to watch her close the door behind them. When Mariah turned and met his gaze, she found herself in his arms immediately. Her head rested on his shoulder and she was crying. "What's wrong?" he asked her.
"I...I don't want to go. I want to stay with you...and Aragorn, and Gimli."
"I know," he whispered as he rubbed her back soothingly. She leaned into his touch and smiled against his chest. Legolas looked down at her and saw her very content where she was...in his arms. "Mariah..."
"Yes," she asked as she looked up at him. This was the hardest thing he had to ever do. This woman wanted to be with him, but she would be in danger if she stayed, and he knew that. "I don't want you to leave me either...but you...you must go with Gandalf."
"What?" she asked, her eyes widening.
"He's right about your life. You are in serious danger now that Sauron knows of you. We have to keep you safe."
"But...what about you? I don't want you to be alone."
"I won't be. I'll have my companions. You'll be fine too...you'll be with a wizard." Mariah walked away and sat down on her bed again. Her gaze stayed on the floor until she saw a pair of boots standing there. She looked up and saw Legolas staring down at her. She didn't break his gaze as he sat down next to her and pushed some hair out of her face. "You'll be safe with Gandalf at Minas Tirith. I just know it."
"But, I want to stay. You haven't left my side since I arrived here. It'll be too hard to be separated from such a close friend." Legolas felt as if he had been struck by an arrow through his heart. "A close friend"...those words coming out of her mouth, directed at him, haunted his thoughts. He knew how much he loved her, but it didn't seem that she cared in the same way that he did. "Legolas?"
Her voice brought him back to reality. He looked at her and placed a hand on her shoulder before staring gently into her eyes. "Mariah, I don't want you to leave, but I want you to be safe. We will be taking a dangerous road. Go with Gandalf...for me." He knew he had to and those words... "For me"...she always did what he wanted when he spoke those words to her gently. "Please don't force me to go," she whispered softly.
"If I have to, I will."
"Legolas, you told me yourself that you don't want me to leave." The elf grew silent and looked down. "You're right, Mariah."
"I'm what?"
"I said that you're right," Legolas replied as he looked up at her face, "You're absolutely correct." Mariah immediately smiled. She believed she had finally won the fight. She stood up and crossed her arms with a smirk on her face. "But I'd hate to lose you."
"What do you mean, Legolas?" she asked curiously. He stood up and got extremely close to her, causing her to take a few steps back to maintain a safe distance. "What I mean is...I would hate for you to get killed when we start our journey."
"But I can't die unless I come in contact with silver."
"So if Gimli cut your head off, you wouldn't die?" Mariah went deathly quiet. She raised a finger and pointed it in the elf's face. "Well, yeah I'd die, but Gimli wouldn't do that." Legolas looked at the finger in his face and grabbed it. When Mariah tried to pull it away, she couldn't slip out of his tight grasp. "Let go!" she yelled.
"Then keep your fingers out of my face," the elf said as he released her finger and crossed his arms, "My point is that you can die."
"But...but...but I don't want t-to die," Mariah stammered. Legolas took a step toward her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well, unfortunately that's the chance you take travelling with me." He smiled and then began to walk toward the door. Mariah quickly thought about her choices: she could stay and possibly get hurt...or go and be safe. "LEGOLAS wait!" she shouted.
"Yes," he responded as he turned around and walked back to her.
"I'll go with Gandalf." Legolas smiled again and kissed her forehead. "That's a good girl," he whispered, "Now, let me help you pack some stuff." Mariah went over to her bed and pulled out a small pack Eowyn had leant her. The shield maiden of Rohan had also left her three more dresses in it for future use. She pulled out a light blue riding dress (A/N: Similar to Arwen's in "FOTR") and laid it down on the bed before stuffing her Elven clothes in the bag. She then pulled out her weapons from under her mattress and tucked the daggers inside. "Legolas, could you turn around?"
"Of course, my lady," he replied as he faced the opposite wall. Mariah quickly disrobed and then threw the dress on. She laced up the front of the dress, but she couldn't seem to grip the back laces. Before she knew it, she felt smooth hands tying the laces gently, but very tight. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw Legolas concentrating on the strings. When he finally finished, he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her around. A smile crossed his lips as he saw her blush slightly. "T- Thank you..." She said softly.
"It was no trouble, Mariah. I'm just here to help." She carefully moved out of his grasp and went back over to her bed. She tied the upper layer of her hair back and brushed the rest down before hooking her new cape around her neck. She then threw her bow and quiver over her shoulder and tied her sword to her waist. "There...all packed and ready to go," she said as she picked up her pack and looked at Legolas.
The wonderful grin that was on his face was still there, but appeared false. Mariah walked up to him and placed a hand on his chest. "I hope to see you before I depart."
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The time to leave had finally arrived. Gandalf walked quickly down the steps and to the stables with Pippin and Merry following. "Of all the inquisitive hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst! Hurry, hurry," the wizard ordered.
"Why did you look? Why do you always have to look?" Merry asked his friend as they made their way toward the stables.
"I don't know. I can't help it...I won't do it again," Pippin said as he stopped dead and smiled.
"Don't you understand?" Merry asked firmly as he walked back over to Pippin, "The enemy thinks you have the Ring. He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here...and Miss Morgan too, thanks to your mouth."
"And you, you're coming with me? Merry?"
"Come one," Merry ordered as he walked into the stables with Pippin following. As they made it to Shadowfax, Gandalf was standing there. He motioned for the hobbits to hurry, and they obeyed. The wizard lifted Pippin up onto the horse as Mariah came walking into the stables. He saw her and smiled as she walked over to them. "I decided to join you," she said quietly.
"Well, I'm glad you did. You'll be safer at Minas Tirith than here." Gandalf extended his hand to her to help her up until he saw someone running into the stables. Mariah turned to see who it was and her mouth dropped. Legolas was standing there motionless with a sad look in his eyes. "Can we help you, Legolas?" Gandalf asked. The elf didn't answer. "Legolas, what are you doing here?" Mariah asked.
"I had to see you before you left," he replied as he walked up to her and embraced her in a warm hug. Mariah stiffened and then hugged him back. "I'm going to miss you, Legolas," she said as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'll miss you too, but we'll see each other again," Legolas replied as he released her and smiled. Tears were forming in both of their eyes as they stared at each other. Legolas quickly kissed the corner of her mouth and backed up. Gandalf immediately forced Mariah to get up on Shadowfax behind Pippin. She gripped her belongings securely and looked down at Legolas. He had walked close to Shadowfax and was holding Mariah's hand. "How far is Minas Tirith?" Pippin asked Gandalf.
"Three days ride, as the Nazgul flies. And you'd best hope we don't have one of those on our tail."
"Nazgul?" Mariah asked. Gandalf shook his head and climbed up behind her. It was shocking that all three of them could fit perfectly on the horse. Merry handed Pippin some pouch that turned out to be the "last of the Longbottom Leaf"...whatever that was. Mariah looked down at Legolas and smiled slightly as tears began to role down her cheeks. "We'll see each other soon," Pippin said to Merry.
"I don't know," Merry said as he backed away from Shadowfax, "I don't know what's going to happen."
"Merry?" Pippin asked.
"Run, Shadowfax," Gandalf said, "Show us the meaning of haste."
"Merry!" the hobbit yelled as the horse took off. Mariah called out Legolas' name and let go of his hand at the same moment. Shadowfax darted out of the stables and down the hill faster than ever imagined. Legolas and Merry immediately ran up to a watch tower and watched them ride toward Gondor.
Mariah turned her head and looked over Gandalf's shoulder as they rode across some streams and land. Her gaze was fixed upon Edoras until it faded out of sight. Tears were streaming down her face as she placed the hood of her cape on her head and then looked ahead. "You'll see him again, Miss Morgan. I can promise that. Now, you need to rest, so lean back against me and sleep," Gandalf said. Mariah complied and soon fell into a deep sleep.
Disclaimer~ I do not own any of Tolkien's creations. I only own SOME of the storyline and the characters I made up. This takes place during TTT and ROTK. Legolas is a sexy elf.I'd love to own him! *smiles*
~Sorry about the wait everybody. If you check my profile, you'll see that school is killing me. I'm updating as fast as I can, so just bear with me~
Chapter 17~ Leaving for Minas Tirith
"What?" Mariah asked, her eyes widening.
"You must come with me to Minas Tirith," Gandalf said firmly.
"Hell no...there is no way I'm going there if it's right on the enemy's doorstep. Do you think I'm stupid or something?"
"You will come with me!"
"And who says I must listen to you? I'm staying with Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli!" The wizard straightened up and crossed his arms. "Fine, make your choice, but I leave within the hour," he said as he took his leave. Mariah hurriedly darted out of the hall and up the stairs.
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Gandalf stood in the stables with Shadowfax. He was petting the horse and speaking quietly to himself. "She has to come with me."
"I know," a voice said from behind him. It was Legolas. "How are we going to get her to come with me? She refuses to listen, Legolas."
"Does she really have to go? Shouldn't it be her choice?" The wizard placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "I know how you feel about her. You love her, and I'm happy for you...but you have to do what's best for her. I have faith in you. Please go and talk to her." The elf reluctantly nodded his head and left the stables.
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Mariah sat on her bed with her head facing the ground. She had her hands folded in her lap and would smooth out her dress to keep herself occupied. There was suddenly a knock on her door. "GO AWAY GANDALF!" she shouted.
"It's me...Legolas," the voice responded. Mariah quickly ran to the door and opened it to see her elf companion standing there. "I'm so sorry...please come in," she said quietly. Legolas strolled in slowly and turned around to watch her close the door behind them. When Mariah turned and met his gaze, she found herself in his arms immediately. Her head rested on his shoulder and she was crying. "What's wrong?" he asked her.
"I...I don't want to go. I want to stay with you...and Aragorn, and Gimli."
"I know," he whispered as he rubbed her back soothingly. She leaned into his touch and smiled against his chest. Legolas looked down at her and saw her very content where she was...in his arms. "Mariah..."
"Yes," she asked as she looked up at him. This was the hardest thing he had to ever do. This woman wanted to be with him, but she would be in danger if she stayed, and he knew that. "I don't want you to leave me either...but you...you must go with Gandalf."
"What?" she asked, her eyes widening.
"He's right about your life. You are in serious danger now that Sauron knows of you. We have to keep you safe."
"But...what about you? I don't want you to be alone."
"I won't be. I'll have my companions. You'll be fine too...you'll be with a wizard." Mariah walked away and sat down on her bed again. Her gaze stayed on the floor until she saw a pair of boots standing there. She looked up and saw Legolas staring down at her. She didn't break his gaze as he sat down next to her and pushed some hair out of her face. "You'll be safe with Gandalf at Minas Tirith. I just know it."
"But, I want to stay. You haven't left my side since I arrived here. It'll be too hard to be separated from such a close friend." Legolas felt as if he had been struck by an arrow through his heart. "A close friend"...those words coming out of her mouth, directed at him, haunted his thoughts. He knew how much he loved her, but it didn't seem that she cared in the same way that he did. "Legolas?"
Her voice brought him back to reality. He looked at her and placed a hand on her shoulder before staring gently into her eyes. "Mariah, I don't want you to leave, but I want you to be safe. We will be taking a dangerous road. Go with Gandalf...for me." He knew he had to and those words... "For me"...she always did what he wanted when he spoke those words to her gently. "Please don't force me to go," she whispered softly.
"If I have to, I will."
"Legolas, you told me yourself that you don't want me to leave." The elf grew silent and looked down. "You're right, Mariah."
"I'm what?"
"I said that you're right," Legolas replied as he looked up at her face, "You're absolutely correct." Mariah immediately smiled. She believed she had finally won the fight. She stood up and crossed her arms with a smirk on her face. "But I'd hate to lose you."
"What do you mean, Legolas?" she asked curiously. He stood up and got extremely close to her, causing her to take a few steps back to maintain a safe distance. "What I mean is...I would hate for you to get killed when we start our journey."
"But I can't die unless I come in contact with silver."
"So if Gimli cut your head off, you wouldn't die?" Mariah went deathly quiet. She raised a finger and pointed it in the elf's face. "Well, yeah I'd die, but Gimli wouldn't do that." Legolas looked at the finger in his face and grabbed it. When Mariah tried to pull it away, she couldn't slip out of his tight grasp. "Let go!" she yelled.
"Then keep your fingers out of my face," the elf said as he released her finger and crossed his arms, "My point is that you can die."
"But...but...but I don't want t-to die," Mariah stammered. Legolas took a step toward her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well, unfortunately that's the chance you take travelling with me." He smiled and then began to walk toward the door. Mariah quickly thought about her choices: she could stay and possibly get hurt...or go and be safe. "LEGOLAS wait!" she shouted.
"Yes," he responded as he turned around and walked back to her.
"I'll go with Gandalf." Legolas smiled again and kissed her forehead. "That's a good girl," he whispered, "Now, let me help you pack some stuff." Mariah went over to her bed and pulled out a small pack Eowyn had leant her. The shield maiden of Rohan had also left her three more dresses in it for future use. She pulled out a light blue riding dress (A/N: Similar to Arwen's in "FOTR") and laid it down on the bed before stuffing her Elven clothes in the bag. She then pulled out her weapons from under her mattress and tucked the daggers inside. "Legolas, could you turn around?"
"Of course, my lady," he replied as he faced the opposite wall. Mariah quickly disrobed and then threw the dress on. She laced up the front of the dress, but she couldn't seem to grip the back laces. Before she knew it, she felt smooth hands tying the laces gently, but very tight. When she looked over her shoulder, she saw Legolas concentrating on the strings. When he finally finished, he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her around. A smile crossed his lips as he saw her blush slightly. "T- Thank you..." She said softly.
"It was no trouble, Mariah. I'm just here to help." She carefully moved out of his grasp and went back over to her bed. She tied the upper layer of her hair back and brushed the rest down before hooking her new cape around her neck. She then threw her bow and quiver over her shoulder and tied her sword to her waist. "There...all packed and ready to go," she said as she picked up her pack and looked at Legolas.
The wonderful grin that was on his face was still there, but appeared false. Mariah walked up to him and placed a hand on his chest. "I hope to see you before I depart."
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The time to leave had finally arrived. Gandalf walked quickly down the steps and to the stables with Pippin and Merry following. "Of all the inquisitive hobbits, Peregrin Took, you are the worst! Hurry, hurry," the wizard ordered.
"Why did you look? Why do you always have to look?" Merry asked his friend as they made their way toward the stables.
"I don't know. I can't help it...I won't do it again," Pippin said as he stopped dead and smiled.
"Don't you understand?" Merry asked firmly as he walked back over to Pippin, "The enemy thinks you have the Ring. He's going to be looking for you, Pip. They have to get you out of here...and Miss Morgan too, thanks to your mouth."
"And you, you're coming with me? Merry?"
"Come one," Merry ordered as he walked into the stables with Pippin following. As they made it to Shadowfax, Gandalf was standing there. He motioned for the hobbits to hurry, and they obeyed. The wizard lifted Pippin up onto the horse as Mariah came walking into the stables. He saw her and smiled as she walked over to them. "I decided to join you," she said quietly.
"Well, I'm glad you did. You'll be safer at Minas Tirith than here." Gandalf extended his hand to her to help her up until he saw someone running into the stables. Mariah turned to see who it was and her mouth dropped. Legolas was standing there motionless with a sad look in his eyes. "Can we help you, Legolas?" Gandalf asked. The elf didn't answer. "Legolas, what are you doing here?" Mariah asked.
"I had to see you before you left," he replied as he walked up to her and embraced her in a warm hug. Mariah stiffened and then hugged him back. "I'm going to miss you, Legolas," she said as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'll miss you too, but we'll see each other again," Legolas replied as he released her and smiled. Tears were forming in both of their eyes as they stared at each other. Legolas quickly kissed the corner of her mouth and backed up. Gandalf immediately forced Mariah to get up on Shadowfax behind Pippin. She gripped her belongings securely and looked down at Legolas. He had walked close to Shadowfax and was holding Mariah's hand. "How far is Minas Tirith?" Pippin asked Gandalf.
"Three days ride, as the Nazgul flies. And you'd best hope we don't have one of those on our tail."
"Nazgul?" Mariah asked. Gandalf shook his head and climbed up behind her. It was shocking that all three of them could fit perfectly on the horse. Merry handed Pippin some pouch that turned out to be the "last of the Longbottom Leaf"...whatever that was. Mariah looked down at Legolas and smiled slightly as tears began to role down her cheeks. "We'll see each other soon," Pippin said to Merry.
"I don't know," Merry said as he backed away from Shadowfax, "I don't know what's going to happen."
"Merry?" Pippin asked.
"Run, Shadowfax," Gandalf said, "Show us the meaning of haste."
"Merry!" the hobbit yelled as the horse took off. Mariah called out Legolas' name and let go of his hand at the same moment. Shadowfax darted out of the stables and down the hill faster than ever imagined. Legolas and Merry immediately ran up to a watch tower and watched them ride toward Gondor.
Mariah turned her head and looked over Gandalf's shoulder as they rode across some streams and land. Her gaze was fixed upon Edoras until it faded out of sight. Tears were streaming down her face as she placed the hood of her cape on her head and then looked ahead. "You'll see him again, Miss Morgan. I can promise that. Now, you need to rest, so lean back against me and sleep," Gandalf said. Mariah complied and soon fell into a deep sleep.