Okay, Return of the King was SOOOOOOOOO COOL!! Omigod!! All right, now
that I am over that, this chapter isn't as long as the other ones that I
have been putting out lately. And it hasn't taken me a month to update!!
So what if it's close to a month......it's still not a month. LoL.
Thanks to all of my reviewers. You guys are sooo awesome!! I love reading my reviews! Oh, and a couple special little things:
GWFreak315: OMIGOD!! Thank you soooo much for telling me that! I looked everywhere to find out what they were called and the only thing I could find was a little article in a magazine talking about the movie 'DareDevil' and that the girl used 'sias', so I used that. But it is hella awesome that I finally found someone who knows!!! ^____^ You're awesome!!!! And you are right, zai are a really cool weapon. The first time I saw them, I fell in love. Wish I knew how to use them.
Gilluin: What will happen? Well, if I told you, then that would ruin it, now wouldn't it? LoL. You just have to keep in mind that Kenzie is really suppose to protect the Ring and Frodo; the Fellowship is a side Innocent until the end of the first book. So, the real question would be, what will happen when Kenzie has to follow Frodo and not stay with the others? Hee, hee. I'm evil. ^__^
And lastly, kittykatt: there is a reference to a tree being blown up in here, that's for you. ^__^ As for more exploding power, that Kenzie will demonstrate later when there are evil things about.
Thanks again to all my reviewers!!!! You are hella cool ^__^
So, I put a little section into this chapter that I hadn't originally had in. Call it an 'extended' version of the chapter. Therefore, I had to go change the title of the chapter and all to reflect this change in the chapter.
What does this new section mean? I'm glad you asked. We know what Kenzie thinks of our beloved elven prince, but what does Leaf think of the girl? Read on and find out my friends!! Oh, and Kenzie's on top of Legolas again..........can't blame her. I would be on top of him any chance that I got!!
Merry Christmas!!!!
____________________________________________________________________________ __
~*Chapter 9: Farewell to Rivendell and...Leaf smitten with a girl?*~
Merry and Pippin hurried down the path in front of Legolas and Kenzie, possibly playing some sort of game. The young witch and elf trailed behind, avoiding the chance of being drug into the game. Kenzie tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The silence that had came over her and Legolas was unnerving. She thought she might have to blow up a tree just to start a discussion!
"You fight well, Ai'er," Legolas stated finally.
Kenzie smiled, "Thank you."
She then frowned a little.
"What does that mean?" she asked.
Legolas looked at her, puzzled.
"It means that you are a very good fight.....," he started.
Kenzie shook her head, "No. You called me something in elvish. What does it mean?"
Legolas smiled, "Oh, Ai'er?"
"Yeah."
The elf sighed, "It means 'little one'."
Kenzie grimaced, "So, you think of me as a child?" she asked.
Well, there went all hopes of romance down the drain.
But Legolas smiled, "No, I don't."
"Then why did you call me 'little one'?" she inquired.
He shrugged, "I don't know. It just seemed to fit some how."
Legolas then looked over at her, "You are shorter than me."
Kenzie crinkled her eyebrows, "That isn't a good excuse."
"Why?" he asked, grinning a little.
"If you were going on the fact that I am shorter than you, you would have called me 'short one'. But you called me 'little one'," she explained.
Kenzie spotted the hobbits and gestured out to them.
"Now, they are ai'ers," she stated.
Legolas grimaced slightly at her pronunciation.
"'I air'," he pronounced correctly.
Kenzie looked at him, an eyebrow cocked, "That's what I said. 'I hair'."
The elf laughed a little and stopped, turning her towards him.
"'I.....air'," he said slowly.
"'I...hair'," she mimicked quickly and still fairly wrong.
Legolas grinned and shook his head. He then placed his hands on her cheeks, near her jaw line.
"Relax your mouth and jaw. Do not be so harsh," he instructed softly.
Kenzie felt her breathing quicken again at his touch, but gave no sign and nodded.
"Ai'er," Legolas pronounced again.
"Ai'er," Kenzie followed slowly and softly, feeling the word roll off her tongue.
She then smiled brightly, excited that she finally did it right.
Mental note number 7: Elvish is hella fun and cool, especially if your teacher is a really hot elf who likes to be touchy feely.
Legolas smiled as well and nodded with approval. He found, however, that he did not wish to let go of her.
Her skin was soft and cool to the touch. His fingertips brushed back stray strands of hair and his thumbs grazed her cheeks.
"Lle naa vanima, Kenzie," he stated, without really realizing it, but meaning every word. ¤You are beautiful, Kenzie.¤
Kenzie didn't understand what he had said, but she still felt a shiver travel down her spine. God, did this elf ever have a way to get to her.
She looked up and locked gazes with him, searching his blue orbs for a meaning to the elvish words he had spoken. There was a tinge in the air; an electricity that sparked around two people right before they kiss.
But the sparks didn't fly and the intense charge faded as Pippin raced back up to Kenzie and grabbed her hand.
"C'mon, Lady Kenzie. They're serving food!" he cried, pulling her out of Legolas' gaze and grasp.
She turned back to him as Pippin drug her down the path, her eyes reflecting the same thought that wondered in his mind.
What had just happened?
Better yet, what would have happened if the little hobbit hadn't come along when he did?
~*~*~*~
Legolas had watched her walk into her room, her vanilla perfume still lingering in the air, before he really began to think about what was going on.
He was beginning to realize the hold that Kenzie had on him. A hold that she didn't know about and probably couldn't fathom.
Legolas had encountered too many women to keep count of. He was a Prince and heir to a crown; it was expected of him to find a wife, soon preferably, seeing as his mother and father would leave for the Grey Havens before he and many other younger elves would.
The elf had decided in the beginning that he would keep an open mind. He thought that if he did that, then he had a better chance of finding someone.
Well, it had quickly become evident to Legolas that that idea would not work. All of the maidens were the same. Yes, there were different names and faces, but they were all alike in personality. Soon, the faces became blurred to him, the sweet voices running together into a same, dull song. Legolas was waiting for that spark, but it never came. He began to believe that he would never find her; the one. At least not in Mirkwood.
Legolas longed for the passion that lurked in a woman's eyes, the desire to beat him, the courage and ability to fight for what she wanted and held valuable. The women of Mirkwood didn't have that.
No, that wasn't true.
The maidens of Mirkwood didn't have that.
His mother did, but she was a part of a fading breed.
In Kenzie, Legolas began to uncover what he wanted. Her curiosity was immeasurable, much like his own, and she could not sit still. She was stubborn, but loyal. Kind, yet dangerous. Skilled, but in need of teaching. A smile that lit a room and a glare that turned blood cold. Graceful and quick, cleaver and funny, and she could fight.
Legolas smiled, remembering their spar earlier. When her heart was in it, Kenzie could fight. And the elven prince had a feeling that her heart was always in it.
Suddenly, and completely out of nowhere, Legolas thought about what he had said to her. He had told her that she was beautiful, and even though he spoke the words in elvish, he still felt her body tremble, as if she understood him.
And beautiful she was. Her sun streaked, golden blonde curls seemed to always frame her face the right way. And even from a distance, they looked as soft as silk.
Her eyes were as bright as the sky during the day, yet held a tinge of dark blue, like the night. When did a human witch become so enticing?
Legolas asked himself this as he stared at the ceiling. He folded his arms behind his head and let his legs dangle off the edge of the bed.
He sighed and then laughed to himself.
Oh what Elladan and Elrohir would say if they saw him like this.
Elrohir would laugh, "Leaf, smitten with a girl? That's the funniest thing I have ever heard!"
Both then would proceed to laugh greatly at Legolas' expense.
Elladan would then ask what she looked like, and upon hearing Legolas' thought would do everything in his power to discourage the Mirkwood Prince so he would have a chance.
Legolas shook his head and then his grin slowly disappeared.
How he wished his friends were there now. After the teasing he knew for a fact that they would approve, even if she was human, and demand that he make a move on her immediately.
The elf sighed. And in there lied his problem.
Kenzie was intriguing, yes, but was that where his feelings stopped?
Yes, he was beginning to care for her deeply, but was he falling in love with her?
Suddenly a voice in his head whispered, "Patience, Greenleaf. Only time will tell." Legolas smiled. The voice, in one aspect, sounded like Elladan and Elrohir, but in the other aspect, sounded surprisingly like their father, Elrond.
~*~*~*~
Kenzie was sitting on her bed, legs crossed, thinking, when Katlin and Kennedy knocked.
The two older sisters stuck their heads into the room and smiled tentively.
Kenzie smiled back softly, knowing that they were coming to apologize.
"We've come to say that we're sorry.......," Katlin started.
"Again," Kennedy threw in.
"And that you were right....."
"Again."
"And that we promise to be completely supportive from here on out," Katlin finished and Kennedy nodded in agreement.
Kenzie cocked an eyebrow, "Did you rehearse this?"
"No....," Katlin started and lowered her eyes.
"Yes," Kennedy said and Katlin pushed her slightly.
"Maybe," they both said, looking at Kenzie.
The youngest O'Neil smiled, "All right, you're forgiven."
Katlin and Kennedy smiled and then made their way toward her, tackling her on the bed with a sisterly hug. They were all laughing hysterically when Kenzie, feeling her sides beginning to hurt, pushed her two sisters off of her.
"Get off me, I can't breathe!!" she cried through her exasperated laughter.
The three O'Neil witches sat up in a small triangle on Kenzie's bed, facing each other.
"So, what's up?" Katlin asked, tentatively.
"What do you mean, 'What's up?' Nothing's up," Kenzie replied.
Kennedy glared at her, "You were never good at lying."
Kenzie's eyes dropped to her hands. Both Katlin and Kennedy looked at each other and then to their younger sister.
"Kenzie....," Katlin said, trying to coax more information out of her.
"You guys were right," Kenzie said softly.
"About.....?" Kennedy pushed.
"About me.....and Legolas," Kenzie whispered.
Kennedy poked Katlin, "See! I told you I was right."
"You guys!" Kenzie cried, standing from the bed and making her way toward the balcony. The doors were closed due to the strong, cold wind. Kenzie watched it play with the leaves on the ground and sighed heavily.
Kennedy and Katlin stood as well, making their way toward their sister, each standing by one of her sides. They each wrapped their arms around her in a comforting gesture.
"Maybe you guys are right about this journey too," Kenzie whispered.
"Kenzie...,"Katlin started.
"No, really. What if I'm not strong enough? What if when the time comes, I can't do this or I do the wrong thing?" Kenzie interrupted, her voice slightly choked with emotion.
"Sweetheart, we believe in you," Kennedy replied.
"Yeah. The Elders chose you for this. And that must mean that you're the best Charmed One for the job," Katlin added.
Kenzie smiled faintly, "Thank guys."
She pulled both of them closer to her in a hug.
"You're welcome. Now," Kennedy started, pulling away, "tell us about this little fight that Pippin was bragging about."
~*~*~*~
The days in Rivendell flew by quickly. October passed without thought and November soon faded into a cold December.
Kennedy and Katlin had left about a week after the council and promised to return as soon as they could. They were going to spend the time gathering spells, things that they thought Kenzie would need, and clearing Kenzie's schedule so that she would not be missed.
With her sisters gone, Kenzie thought that she would be bored out of her mind. But with two crazy hobbits, a Ranger curious about her world, an elven maiden who had become a best friend, and a cute elvish warrior prince from Mirkwood about, her time spent in Rivendell was far from boring. In fact, the young witch spent most of her time sparing with Legolas. The elf was hella fast and she found that the more they fought together, the faster she got as well. He was making her faster and better. And Kenzie wasn't sure if he was doing it on purpose, or just passing the time. The day of December 23 was no different from any other day. Or at least that's what Legolas had said when he woke her up at 10:00 in the morning.
"But Legolas, we leave in two days and I need to call my sisters so they can get back here and bring my junk with them. And there is all that other stuff that I have to do before we leave," Kenzie yawned, pulling her cover back over her head.
Legolas crossed his arms and looked down at her, "I don't understand. You have never slept this late before, Ai'er."
"And when we leave I probably will never get to again, so just leave me in peace you infuriating elf!" The witch replied, her voice muffled by the pillows.
The elven prince shook his head and pulled her covers back again, "If you do not get up I will pour water over you."
Not doubting the fact that the evil, infuriating, spoiled elf would do so, Kenzie sat up and ran her fingers through her wild curls. She stretched and yawned as Legolas sat on the bed in front of her.
"I will never understand why humans always want to sleep so much. Especially the younger ones. All they wish to do is sleep and waste away the day."
"Hey, it is a proven fact that people between the ages of 13 and 25 need about 9 to 10 hours of sleep to function properly. So, back off," Kenzie replied.
"You have functioned properly with just six before, Ai'er," Legolas stated, smirking.
Kenzie cocked an eyebrow and laughed slightly, "That was sooo a double meaning sentence."
She then stood and headed toward the closet to dress.
"A 'double meaning' sentence?" he questioned, not understanding what she meant.
Her laugh ran out from behind the closet door, "Never mind, Legolas. Never mind."
The elven prince shook his head as he stood, walking around the room as he waited.
"So, why the need to wake me up, huh?" she asked.
"Is it wrong to want to spend time with you, Ai'er?" he asked absent mindedly as he gazed at something on a shelf.
"Liar, you just want me to fight, like you always do," Kenzie stated, coming out of the room. The clothes she adorned were much like Legolas'.
When they started sparing, Legolas insisted that she not wear anymore dresses. Not knowing what in the world to do, Kenzie went to Arwen. When the elf maiden produced an outfit complete with tights, the young witch shook her head and laughed in refusal.
But, eventually, Kenzie had come accustomed to the tights. They really weren't that bad and they were much, much easier to fight in. And they actually kept her warm when she was cold. Funny how those damn elven clothes work.
Kenzie walked over to the vanity, studying herself in the mirror. She frowned slightly. Even though she approved the elven clothes, it seemed that the elven clothes didn't approve her. The dark green tights hinted to her every curve and possibly every imperfection of her legs, which she used to like at one point. And don't get her started on the tunics. Now, these weren't the Greek toga tunics, mind you. These were just extended shirts, if you will. Kenzie wore a light green tunic which sported long sleeves and wasn't heavy at all. Over that, she wore a another tunic made of a wool like material and colored dark green. It's main purpose was to keep her warm, even though the sleeves stopped just above her elbows. As she wrapped her belt, complete with elvish knives, around her waist, Kenzie could already feel herself blow up like a balloon.
Maybe she was paranoid or psychotic, but Kenzie could swear that the outfit made every point of stating to anyone who would listen that she was a human wearing elven clothes and that that was wrong..
She sighed and quickly braided her hair before walking over to the bed to put on her boots.
"Why do you do that?" Legolas asked.
"Do what?" Kenzie asked back, pulling one knee-high brown boot on.
"Every time you come from the closet in those clothes, you frown, as if you are upset," he answered, sitting on the bed beside her.
"It's nothing. Just a girl thing I guess," she said, slipping the other boot on.
"Obviously it is something, Ai'er. Otherwise, you would not let it bother you so," Legolas continued.
Kenzie sighed, "I just...."
She looked up into the mirror, looking herself over again.
"I feel utterly out of place in these clothes, that's all," she stated.
Legolas chuckled softly, "Is the elven clothing not to your liking?" he asked.
"No, it seems like I'm not to the elven clothing's liking," Kenzie replied, standing and walking away from him.
She really didn't want to do this; get into a 'I have no self-esteem because these clothes just sucked it out of me and now you feel obligated to lie and give me some great comment about how I look' conversation. She hated those and avoided them at all costs.
Too bad she dove head first into this one.
"You do not like you appearance?" Legolas asked, standing.
Kenzie tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear and turned quickly, heading toward the door.
"Let's just get this over with," she started as she passed him.
Not wishing to make her feel more uncomfortable, Legolas sighed and followed.
~*~*~*~
Kenzie pulled her knives out of Legolas' lock. Her face was scrunched up in frustration and fatigue.
Legolas smiled, "Break?" he asked.
The young witch barely nodded before she allowed herself to fall onto the forest floor, breathing deeply.
The elf leaned over, casting a shadow over her face.
"Oh, oh, oh don't move," Kenzie said as Legolas blocked the sun from her face.
"What if I move to the left?" Legolas asked, a teasing smile on his face as he leaned to his left.
"Legolas....," Kenzie whined as she placed her hands over her face.
He laughed, "How long are you going to lie on the ground and complain, Ai'er?"
She glared up at him, "Do I have to get up and kick your butt again?"
He shrugged, "There is only one way to find out."
Legolas reached down, offering his hand to her. She took it and used his weight to pull herself up.
Once she was on her feet, Kenzie took hold of his wrist with her left hand and went to flip him over onto his back.
But the elf was too fast. Before she got a good grip on his wrist, he spun around; holding her arm tightly.
Kenzie lashed out with her free hand, but Legolas leaned back and missed the blow while taking hold of her hand. She pulled her left arm free and lifted is swiftly, about to hit him.
But she missed.
Again.
Legolas caught hold of her arm again and proceeded to flip her over as she had tried on him. Kenzie, however, had different plans.
Using his momentum, she pulled a cartwheel while he held onto her and lashed out a kick once she landed on her feet. The elf pulled back to avoid her foot and opened up space between them. Kenzie smirked as they circled each other.
"Are you sure you want to be humiliated again?" she asked.
"Only if you are ready for the same," he replied, a slight grin across his features.
Kenzie smiled and then stepped forward, aiming a kick to his side, which he deflected easily. She then spun and tried her other leg, but failed again. She then went to punch him, but her grabbed her arm. She tried kicking him again, but he released her arm, spun away and grabbed her leg, his hands way up on her thigh.
Kenzie glared at him.
Legolas frowned slightly at her, however, "You are slow, Ai'er. Stop holding back."
Kenzie then smirked.
The both flipped backwards; Kenzie to get out of his grasp and Legolas to avoid a kick.
Both landed on their feet and stared at one another.
Kenzie attacked first, throwing out blows without much success. She was moving faster, trying to hit the elf here and there, but not getting closer.
Finally Legolas grabbed her right arm as she went to hit him and twisted it around behind her. She reached back with her left arm to hit him, but he also took hold of that arm and locked it in front of her.
"Stop trying to hit me," he stated.
Kenzie took a deep breath, "Okay."
And with that she slammed her foot down on his.
The elf cried out in pain and loosened his grip on her. Kenzie took her chance and used her right elbow to push him back.
Legolas landed on the forest floor with a thud. He grimaced in defeat as he looked up at the sky. Then he heard Kenzie snicker and disappear with a swish!
Apparently, they were not finished. Legolas sighed and kicked up onto his feet. He gazed around and could not see her near. He stepped forward tentatively, listening for her footsteps. Nothing. He continued forward cautiously, his ears picking through the sounds of the forest and his eyes scouting for a glimpse of her.
Kenzie peeked out from the tree that was hiding her. She bit her lower lip as she watched him move into the trees silently.
He was a few feet off to her right. If she jolted now, she might get a half way decent head start. With a smirk, she decided to chance it and took off through the trees.
Legolas turned his head sharply when she took off running. He barely caught sight of some loose hair before she ducked behind a tree. The elven prince smiled and took off after her.
The trees were blurred as Kenzie raced through them. She could barely hear Legolas over her own running, but she knew he was behind her. The young witch turned, and sure enough she saw the elf gaining ground quickly.
Kenzie let out a cry of laughter as she pushed herself to run faster.
They weaved through the trees as if the plants were not there, putting distance between themselves and the halls of Rivendell.
She was just in front of him. He knew it would take no effort to catch her, even through she was fairly fast herself.
Finally, she was close enough to reach out and grab. And he did just that.
Kenzie felt Legolas encompass his arms around her waist and push her towards the ground. She cried out, half in surprise and half in amusement as they both tumbled. She tucked her head down, close to his chest as they rolled to a stop.
Once her head stopped spinning, Kenzie sat up, laughed and looked down at Legolas.
"I'm dizzy now," she giggled, pushing loose hair out of her face.
Legolas laughed and folded his arms behind his head, "That was quite interesting."
"Yeah, but the best part was that I kicked your butt again," Kenzie replied, sticking her tongue out at him.
"I think that you were imagining things, Ai'er. Didn't I catch you just now?" he asked.
"Yeah, but who's on top, huh? And I pushed your elven butt to the ground before I took off," she retaliated.
Legolas shrugged, "Still, you are too slow."
Kenzie scoffed, "Why you...," she started as she pushed his shoulder.
He laughed and grabbed both of her wrists to prevent her from hitting him again.
Kenzie laughed slightly as well, trying to pull her arms free from his grasp.
Suddenly, a loud grumble came from her stomach and they both stopped their struggled to gaze at her tummy.
Kenzie moved her gaze to Legolas, "I'm hungry."
"Now, what gave you that idea?" Legolas asked, smiling brightly.
"Shut up, you," she stated, pointing a finger at him.
She stood up and Legolas followed, brushing off the leaves from his tunic.
"It's about time we started back anyway," he started, gazing up at the sky, "we've been here all morning."
Kenzie smirked, "Worried about your reputation?" she asked as they started back to the House of Elrond.
"No, I just don't want to tire you too much this early in the morning," he replied with the same smirk.
"All right. That's it!" she cried.
Legolas jogged away from her, laughing as he eluded her grasp all the way to the dinning hall.
~*~*~*~
"Legolas was a little disappointed when I said that I was going to spent this afternoon with you," Kenzie said.
Arwen smiled warmly as they walked down the hall toward her room, "I imagine. He's quite fond of you."
"Yeah, like a babysitter is with a child," the young witch replied.
"Do you honestly believe that?" Arwen asked.
Kenzie shrugged, "I'm not sure what to think of Legolas yet. He's.....confusing."
"How?"
"Well, I can't read him, you know?"
Arwen turned her head and looked at her in confusion.
Kenzie sighed, "You know how you just know what someone else is feeling just by the look on their face, or the way they act?"
"Yes. I always know what Aragorn is feeling just by the way he is acting," Arwen replied.
"I can't do that with Legolas. Sometimes, I think I know what he is thinking, but then he completely surprises me. He's just..........confusing," the young witch stated.
"Hmmm," Arwen said, more to herself as they reached her room.
The elven maiden opened the door and motioned for Kenzie to enter.
"I hate to see you leave, mellon," Arwen said as she shut the door.
Kenzie turned back to the elf and smiled warmly, "I'll miss you a lot, Arwen. Being the only female a part of this whole journey will be hard. I just wish you could come."
Arwen lowered her head and walked to the woman. She took Kenzie's hands in hers and looked up at her.
"My place is here. No matter what happens and no matter what anyone says......you were meant to be a part of this Kenzie. You were meant to protect them all. And I can think of no other better for the task," she told her.
Kenzie smiled and hugged her tightly, "Thank you."
Arwen smiled as well and then pulled away. She took the young witch's hands again and smiled more brightly.
"I have a gift for you," she stated, pulling Kenzie over to her bed.
When they reached the side of the large bed, Kenzie's eyes widened in surprise. She looked up to Arwen and shook her head.
"You can't give me these. I mean," she started, looking down at the bed spread again.
On it laid an outfit; it's tights and top tunic a beautiful deep blue. Both tunics were long sleeved; the top heavy and the inner light as with the rest of her out fits, but the inner tunic was a light sky blue with slightly longer sleeves. (A/N: This outfit is suppose to exactly like the one Arwen wore when she took Frodo on the Flight to Ford, only it's blue, ^__^)
Next to the outfit was a leather belt, holding in it a pair of seemingly worn, yet gorgeous elvish knives. And next to that, a beautiful elvish sword laid. Kenzie picked it up in wonder, studying the carvings on the curved blade and marveling at the lightness of the sword.
"I find that my gifts are being refused as of late. Do I chose inappropriate items?" Arwen asked, secretly smiling.
"No!" Kenzie objected immediately, lowering the sword back to the bed and turning toward the elven maiden.
"It's just....," she started.
"Just what?" Arwen asked.
"I couldn't accept these from you. I'm sure my sisters will bring me weapons. I don't think that I could take your sword and knives," Kenzie replied.
"Well, then it is good that these are yours," the young elf stated.
Kenzie looked back down at the weapons and gently ran her fingertips across them.
"I am giving these to you, Kenzie. They will see a greater use from you than from me," Arwen started.
Kenzie looked back to her.
"And I am sure that you will use them well," Arwen finished with a smile.
The young witch enveloped the elf in another hug.
"I will never forget this, Arwen," she breathed.
"Neither will I, Kenzie."
~*~*~*~
The morning sun was shining bright, welcoming a new and wondrous day it would seem. But as Kenzie looked around the courtyard of Rivendell, she felt as if she was standing in a graveyard instead. The gloom that was permanent on Arwen's face hinted to the unbelievable conversation that she and Aragorn had had before the morning ceremony. The young witch lowered her head, knowing that Aragorn did not want to give the Evenstar back, but was trying his hardest to do so. And poor Arwen. It seemed as if the elf maiden believed that all had lost hope and only she was carrying on with the belief that good would triumph over all.
Kenzie's eyes darted over to Aragorn. The Ranger was also saddened with his head lowered as he refused to meet anyone's knowing eyes.
She sighed and then looked to her sisters and Brian. They smiled warmly at her, hiding the fact that they were sad and worried about her leaving. She smiled back, feeling their doubts, but reassuring herself that there was nothing to worry about.. She would be fine; she always was. Finally, all the elves that were going to gather to see the Fellowship off had arrived. Kenzie wasn't for sure how the whole leaving cermony was going to go, but was glad that Legolas pushed her forward toward Arwen, hinting that she could say her farewells now.
The elven prince approached Arwen first. Both elves smiled slightly at each other as they touched their hearts and then cupped one another's faces.
"Namaarie, Arwen Undómiel," Legolas said softly.
"Tenna' ento lye omenta, Legolas Greenleaf," Arwen replied. ¤Until next we meet¤
With that, their hands fell. Legolas nodded to the Lady again and then turned away.
Kenzie smiled at Arwen as she walked up.
"Kenzie, my friend," the elf maiden said as she enveloped the witch in a hug.
"Don't fear, Arwen," Kenzie started, "His heart is yours. He's just being stubborn."
Arwen laughed slightly, but Kenzie could tell that she was choking back tears, "Aragorn is very stubborn indeed, mellonamin."
The young witch pulled away, tears on the brims of her eyes, "Thank you for everything, Arwen."
The elf nodded, "You are very welcome."
"I'll watch him and keep him in line, okay?" Kenzie asked, trying to lighten the mood a little. Arwen smiled, "I know you will. Be careful and always watch your back."
Kenzie nodded and with that, walked away from Arwen Undómiel for what she hoped would not be the last time.
"A year is a hell of a long time," Kennedy stated as she wrapped her arms tightly around her younger sister.
Kenzie laughed, "Think of it as the vacation that you never had."
Kennedy pulled away and laughed as well, even with tears in her eyes, "Yeah right. Staying in a house with just Katlin is my idea of a vacation."
The two then became silent.
"Don't get yourself killed," Kennedy started, looking at her sister.
Kenzie looked up and met her gaze.
"I don't want to loose a sister," Kennedy finished.
"I'll be fine. I know the future, remember?" Kenzie asked, giving her a last quick hug.
She pulled away and then moved on to a somber Katlin.
"I said I wasn't going to say anything else negative about this," Katlin started.
Kenzie smirked, "I can tell you're thinking it though."
Katlin sighed and then smiled slightly. The two sisters hugged.
"We are going to check in with you whether you like it or not," Katlin stated, her voice choked.
"I would expect no less," Kenzie replied, "Besides, if you didn't I would be a little scared."
Katlin laughed and pulled away, "Please don't do anything stupid."
"Now Katlin, what would make you say a think like that?" Kenzie asked, pushing back her tears.
Mental note number 8: Trying not to cry while everyone else around you is on the verge of tears is hella hard!
Katlin sighed, "Trust this elf you got protecting you, okay?"
Kenzie suddenly turned serious, listening to her sister actually approving of Legolas.
"If he says duck, get down and if he says run, you do it," Katlin finished, looking at her sternly.
The youngest O'Neil bit her lower lip and nodded, gave her older sister another hug, and then moved down the line.
Well, that was interesting; Katlin actually agreeing to the Legolas thing.
Huh.
Who knew?
Soon, the young witch found Brian standing in front of her, a concerned look haunting his face. Kenzie smiled slightly, glad that he was there to see her off as well. Brian was not only a guide for Kenzie, but also a brother. He always knew the right things to say to push her to her limit or to make her feel better. She could see why Katlin loved him so much.
The look that he held now reeked of brotherliness and Kenzie knew that the speech she was going to get would reflect the same feeling.
Brian sighed, "Be careful," he stated.
Kenzie smirked slightly, "Aren't I always?" she asked, a hint of mischievousness in her eyes.
Normally, Brian would have smiled as well, but this time the bright gleam did not come to his face.
"Kenzie, you have to be extra careful on this journey," he started. His whole demeanor suddenly scared her. He was about to tell her something and it wasn't going to be good.
Brian sighed, "You realize that your house is a spiritual nexus?" She racked her brain, remembering Grams definition of a 'spiritual nexus'.
"A place equidistance from all of the spiritual elements; water, earth, fire, wood, and metal," Grams voice echoed.
Now she remembered.
Kenzie cocked an eyebrow, "Brian, what in the world does our house have to....," she started.
"Just listen. You were the only one of the sisters born in the house. That makes you more vulnerable," he interrupted.
She stared at him, not sure that she was understanding what he was saying.
"You know as well as anyone else that the spiritual elements can be swayed to evil as easily as they can to good. You are more open to being swayed than either of your sisters because you were born in the house. The evil in this world will use that to its advantage. You have to be on guard at all times. The Ring can consume you faster than any of the others," Brian stated, looking her straight in the eyes.
"You mean, I can be evil?" Kenzie asked, fear lurking in her voice.
He licked his lips, "You can be pulled that way, but the decision to be evil is completely up to you."
She pulled her eyes away from his. Great, this didn't help her any. Not only did she have to protect the Ring from a demon from her world, the evils of Middle Earth, and even certain members of the Fellowship, she now had to protect it from herself.
That was jussssssssssssst peachy..............
"Kenzie," Brian stated, pulling her out of her thoughts.
She looked up to him and he smiled slightly.
"I have faith in you. You won't be swayed," he told her, grabbing her in a hug.
"You're evil, but not that evil," he finished, pulling away.
Kenzie laughed and shook her head, "Thanks, Brian."
"Kenzie," Legolas' voice called from slightly behind her.
The young witch took a deep breath and stood in front of all three of them.
"Blessed Be," she stated.
"Blessed Be," they returned in unison and then offered one more reassuring smile.
Kenzie smiled back and then turned to the Fellowship.
"What does that mean?" Pippin asked once she reached the company.
Kenzie smiled down at him, "It's a witch's way of saying good luck."
"That's a funny way of saying good luck," the hobbit continued.
Kenzie laughed, "Well, it maybe funny to you, but it's a tradition to us."
"What other traditions do you have?" Merry asked, looking up at her.
"Perhaps I'll share them with you another time," Kenzie replied, noticing Lord Elrond step forward from the other elves.
"The Ring bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will," he stated, looking at each member of the Fellowship in turn.
"Farewell," Elrond continued, "Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you."
Kenzie bowed her head in respect to the Lord of Rivendell as Aragorn and Legolas did the traditional elvish goodbye; holding a hand to their heart and then sweeping it outward.
The young witch took a deep breath and looked one last time to her sisters and Whitelighter.
"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer," Gandalf stated, the Fellowship moving aside to let Frodo lead the way out of Rivendell.
The hobbit looked around nervously as he slowly passed and then moved on toward the gate. Kenzie looked to Arwen then and smiled before Legolas gently placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her forward.
The young witch sighed as she walked out of Rivendell.
"Don't worry, Ai'er," Legolas whispered to her, "We shall see them again soon."
At this, Kenzie actually smiled, "You have no idea."
____________________________________________________________________________ __
Mojo Jojo voice: "Review now please!"
~*Chapter 10: Chattin' with the Son of Gondor and freakin' out the elf*~
Yay! I'm excited!
So what if it's close to a month......it's still not a month. LoL.
Thanks to all of my reviewers. You guys are sooo awesome!! I love reading my reviews! Oh, and a couple special little things:
GWFreak315: OMIGOD!! Thank you soooo much for telling me that! I looked everywhere to find out what they were called and the only thing I could find was a little article in a magazine talking about the movie 'DareDevil' and that the girl used 'sias', so I used that. But it is hella awesome that I finally found someone who knows!!! ^____^ You're awesome!!!! And you are right, zai are a really cool weapon. The first time I saw them, I fell in love. Wish I knew how to use them.
Gilluin: What will happen? Well, if I told you, then that would ruin it, now wouldn't it? LoL. You just have to keep in mind that Kenzie is really suppose to protect the Ring and Frodo; the Fellowship is a side Innocent until the end of the first book. So, the real question would be, what will happen when Kenzie has to follow Frodo and not stay with the others? Hee, hee. I'm evil. ^__^
And lastly, kittykatt: there is a reference to a tree being blown up in here, that's for you. ^__^ As for more exploding power, that Kenzie will demonstrate later when there are evil things about.
Thanks again to all my reviewers!!!! You are hella cool ^__^
So, I put a little section into this chapter that I hadn't originally had in. Call it an 'extended' version of the chapter. Therefore, I had to go change the title of the chapter and all to reflect this change in the chapter.
What does this new section mean? I'm glad you asked. We know what Kenzie thinks of our beloved elven prince, but what does Leaf think of the girl? Read on and find out my friends!! Oh, and Kenzie's on top of Legolas again..........can't blame her. I would be on top of him any chance that I got!!
Merry Christmas!!!!
____________________________________________________________________________ __
~*Chapter 9: Farewell to Rivendell and...Leaf smitten with a girl?*~
Merry and Pippin hurried down the path in front of Legolas and Kenzie, possibly playing some sort of game. The young witch and elf trailed behind, avoiding the chance of being drug into the game. Kenzie tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The silence that had came over her and Legolas was unnerving. She thought she might have to blow up a tree just to start a discussion!
"You fight well, Ai'er," Legolas stated finally.
Kenzie smiled, "Thank you."
She then frowned a little.
"What does that mean?" she asked.
Legolas looked at her, puzzled.
"It means that you are a very good fight.....," he started.
Kenzie shook her head, "No. You called me something in elvish. What does it mean?"
Legolas smiled, "Oh, Ai'er?"
"Yeah."
The elf sighed, "It means 'little one'."
Kenzie grimaced, "So, you think of me as a child?" she asked.
Well, there went all hopes of romance down the drain.
But Legolas smiled, "No, I don't."
"Then why did you call me 'little one'?" she inquired.
He shrugged, "I don't know. It just seemed to fit some how."
Legolas then looked over at her, "You are shorter than me."
Kenzie crinkled her eyebrows, "That isn't a good excuse."
"Why?" he asked, grinning a little.
"If you were going on the fact that I am shorter than you, you would have called me 'short one'. But you called me 'little one'," she explained.
Kenzie spotted the hobbits and gestured out to them.
"Now, they are ai'ers," she stated.
Legolas grimaced slightly at her pronunciation.
"'I air'," he pronounced correctly.
Kenzie looked at him, an eyebrow cocked, "That's what I said. 'I hair'."
The elf laughed a little and stopped, turning her towards him.
"'I.....air'," he said slowly.
"'I...hair'," she mimicked quickly and still fairly wrong.
Legolas grinned and shook his head. He then placed his hands on her cheeks, near her jaw line.
"Relax your mouth and jaw. Do not be so harsh," he instructed softly.
Kenzie felt her breathing quicken again at his touch, but gave no sign and nodded.
"Ai'er," Legolas pronounced again.
"Ai'er," Kenzie followed slowly and softly, feeling the word roll off her tongue.
She then smiled brightly, excited that she finally did it right.
Mental note number 7: Elvish is hella fun and cool, especially if your teacher is a really hot elf who likes to be touchy feely.
Legolas smiled as well and nodded with approval. He found, however, that he did not wish to let go of her.
Her skin was soft and cool to the touch. His fingertips brushed back stray strands of hair and his thumbs grazed her cheeks.
"Lle naa vanima, Kenzie," he stated, without really realizing it, but meaning every word. ¤You are beautiful, Kenzie.¤
Kenzie didn't understand what he had said, but she still felt a shiver travel down her spine. God, did this elf ever have a way to get to her.
She looked up and locked gazes with him, searching his blue orbs for a meaning to the elvish words he had spoken. There was a tinge in the air; an electricity that sparked around two people right before they kiss.
But the sparks didn't fly and the intense charge faded as Pippin raced back up to Kenzie and grabbed her hand.
"C'mon, Lady Kenzie. They're serving food!" he cried, pulling her out of Legolas' gaze and grasp.
She turned back to him as Pippin drug her down the path, her eyes reflecting the same thought that wondered in his mind.
What had just happened?
Better yet, what would have happened if the little hobbit hadn't come along when he did?
~*~*~*~
Legolas had watched her walk into her room, her vanilla perfume still lingering in the air, before he really began to think about what was going on.
He was beginning to realize the hold that Kenzie had on him. A hold that she didn't know about and probably couldn't fathom.
Legolas had encountered too many women to keep count of. He was a Prince and heir to a crown; it was expected of him to find a wife, soon preferably, seeing as his mother and father would leave for the Grey Havens before he and many other younger elves would.
The elf had decided in the beginning that he would keep an open mind. He thought that if he did that, then he had a better chance of finding someone.
Well, it had quickly become evident to Legolas that that idea would not work. All of the maidens were the same. Yes, there were different names and faces, but they were all alike in personality. Soon, the faces became blurred to him, the sweet voices running together into a same, dull song. Legolas was waiting for that spark, but it never came. He began to believe that he would never find her; the one. At least not in Mirkwood.
Legolas longed for the passion that lurked in a woman's eyes, the desire to beat him, the courage and ability to fight for what she wanted and held valuable. The women of Mirkwood didn't have that.
No, that wasn't true.
The maidens of Mirkwood didn't have that.
His mother did, but she was a part of a fading breed.
In Kenzie, Legolas began to uncover what he wanted. Her curiosity was immeasurable, much like his own, and she could not sit still. She was stubborn, but loyal. Kind, yet dangerous. Skilled, but in need of teaching. A smile that lit a room and a glare that turned blood cold. Graceful and quick, cleaver and funny, and she could fight.
Legolas smiled, remembering their spar earlier. When her heart was in it, Kenzie could fight. And the elven prince had a feeling that her heart was always in it.
Suddenly, and completely out of nowhere, Legolas thought about what he had said to her. He had told her that she was beautiful, and even though he spoke the words in elvish, he still felt her body tremble, as if she understood him.
And beautiful she was. Her sun streaked, golden blonde curls seemed to always frame her face the right way. And even from a distance, they looked as soft as silk.
Her eyes were as bright as the sky during the day, yet held a tinge of dark blue, like the night. When did a human witch become so enticing?
Legolas asked himself this as he stared at the ceiling. He folded his arms behind his head and let his legs dangle off the edge of the bed.
He sighed and then laughed to himself.
Oh what Elladan and Elrohir would say if they saw him like this.
Elrohir would laugh, "Leaf, smitten with a girl? That's the funniest thing I have ever heard!"
Both then would proceed to laugh greatly at Legolas' expense.
Elladan would then ask what she looked like, and upon hearing Legolas' thought would do everything in his power to discourage the Mirkwood Prince so he would have a chance.
Legolas shook his head and then his grin slowly disappeared.
How he wished his friends were there now. After the teasing he knew for a fact that they would approve, even if she was human, and demand that he make a move on her immediately.
The elf sighed. And in there lied his problem.
Kenzie was intriguing, yes, but was that where his feelings stopped?
Yes, he was beginning to care for her deeply, but was he falling in love with her?
Suddenly a voice in his head whispered, "Patience, Greenleaf. Only time will tell." Legolas smiled. The voice, in one aspect, sounded like Elladan and Elrohir, but in the other aspect, sounded surprisingly like their father, Elrond.
~*~*~*~
Kenzie was sitting on her bed, legs crossed, thinking, when Katlin and Kennedy knocked.
The two older sisters stuck their heads into the room and smiled tentively.
Kenzie smiled back softly, knowing that they were coming to apologize.
"We've come to say that we're sorry.......," Katlin started.
"Again," Kennedy threw in.
"And that you were right....."
"Again."
"And that we promise to be completely supportive from here on out," Katlin finished and Kennedy nodded in agreement.
Kenzie cocked an eyebrow, "Did you rehearse this?"
"No....," Katlin started and lowered her eyes.
"Yes," Kennedy said and Katlin pushed her slightly.
"Maybe," they both said, looking at Kenzie.
The youngest O'Neil smiled, "All right, you're forgiven."
Katlin and Kennedy smiled and then made their way toward her, tackling her on the bed with a sisterly hug. They were all laughing hysterically when Kenzie, feeling her sides beginning to hurt, pushed her two sisters off of her.
"Get off me, I can't breathe!!" she cried through her exasperated laughter.
The three O'Neil witches sat up in a small triangle on Kenzie's bed, facing each other.
"So, what's up?" Katlin asked, tentatively.
"What do you mean, 'What's up?' Nothing's up," Kenzie replied.
Kennedy glared at her, "You were never good at lying."
Kenzie's eyes dropped to her hands. Both Katlin and Kennedy looked at each other and then to their younger sister.
"Kenzie....," Katlin said, trying to coax more information out of her.
"You guys were right," Kenzie said softly.
"About.....?" Kennedy pushed.
"About me.....and Legolas," Kenzie whispered.
Kennedy poked Katlin, "See! I told you I was right."
"You guys!" Kenzie cried, standing from the bed and making her way toward the balcony. The doors were closed due to the strong, cold wind. Kenzie watched it play with the leaves on the ground and sighed heavily.
Kennedy and Katlin stood as well, making their way toward their sister, each standing by one of her sides. They each wrapped their arms around her in a comforting gesture.
"Maybe you guys are right about this journey too," Kenzie whispered.
"Kenzie...,"Katlin started.
"No, really. What if I'm not strong enough? What if when the time comes, I can't do this or I do the wrong thing?" Kenzie interrupted, her voice slightly choked with emotion.
"Sweetheart, we believe in you," Kennedy replied.
"Yeah. The Elders chose you for this. And that must mean that you're the best Charmed One for the job," Katlin added.
Kenzie smiled faintly, "Thank guys."
She pulled both of them closer to her in a hug.
"You're welcome. Now," Kennedy started, pulling away, "tell us about this little fight that Pippin was bragging about."
~*~*~*~
The days in Rivendell flew by quickly. October passed without thought and November soon faded into a cold December.
Kennedy and Katlin had left about a week after the council and promised to return as soon as they could. They were going to spend the time gathering spells, things that they thought Kenzie would need, and clearing Kenzie's schedule so that she would not be missed.
With her sisters gone, Kenzie thought that she would be bored out of her mind. But with two crazy hobbits, a Ranger curious about her world, an elven maiden who had become a best friend, and a cute elvish warrior prince from Mirkwood about, her time spent in Rivendell was far from boring. In fact, the young witch spent most of her time sparing with Legolas. The elf was hella fast and she found that the more they fought together, the faster she got as well. He was making her faster and better. And Kenzie wasn't sure if he was doing it on purpose, or just passing the time. The day of December 23 was no different from any other day. Or at least that's what Legolas had said when he woke her up at 10:00 in the morning.
"But Legolas, we leave in two days and I need to call my sisters so they can get back here and bring my junk with them. And there is all that other stuff that I have to do before we leave," Kenzie yawned, pulling her cover back over her head.
Legolas crossed his arms and looked down at her, "I don't understand. You have never slept this late before, Ai'er."
"And when we leave I probably will never get to again, so just leave me in peace you infuriating elf!" The witch replied, her voice muffled by the pillows.
The elven prince shook his head and pulled her covers back again, "If you do not get up I will pour water over you."
Not doubting the fact that the evil, infuriating, spoiled elf would do so, Kenzie sat up and ran her fingers through her wild curls. She stretched and yawned as Legolas sat on the bed in front of her.
"I will never understand why humans always want to sleep so much. Especially the younger ones. All they wish to do is sleep and waste away the day."
"Hey, it is a proven fact that people between the ages of 13 and 25 need about 9 to 10 hours of sleep to function properly. So, back off," Kenzie replied.
"You have functioned properly with just six before, Ai'er," Legolas stated, smirking.
Kenzie cocked an eyebrow and laughed slightly, "That was sooo a double meaning sentence."
She then stood and headed toward the closet to dress.
"A 'double meaning' sentence?" he questioned, not understanding what she meant.
Her laugh ran out from behind the closet door, "Never mind, Legolas. Never mind."
The elven prince shook his head as he stood, walking around the room as he waited.
"So, why the need to wake me up, huh?" she asked.
"Is it wrong to want to spend time with you, Ai'er?" he asked absent mindedly as he gazed at something on a shelf.
"Liar, you just want me to fight, like you always do," Kenzie stated, coming out of the room. The clothes she adorned were much like Legolas'.
When they started sparing, Legolas insisted that she not wear anymore dresses. Not knowing what in the world to do, Kenzie went to Arwen. When the elf maiden produced an outfit complete with tights, the young witch shook her head and laughed in refusal.
But, eventually, Kenzie had come accustomed to the tights. They really weren't that bad and they were much, much easier to fight in. And they actually kept her warm when she was cold. Funny how those damn elven clothes work.
Kenzie walked over to the vanity, studying herself in the mirror. She frowned slightly. Even though she approved the elven clothes, it seemed that the elven clothes didn't approve her. The dark green tights hinted to her every curve and possibly every imperfection of her legs, which she used to like at one point. And don't get her started on the tunics. Now, these weren't the Greek toga tunics, mind you. These were just extended shirts, if you will. Kenzie wore a light green tunic which sported long sleeves and wasn't heavy at all. Over that, she wore a another tunic made of a wool like material and colored dark green. It's main purpose was to keep her warm, even though the sleeves stopped just above her elbows. As she wrapped her belt, complete with elvish knives, around her waist, Kenzie could already feel herself blow up like a balloon.
Maybe she was paranoid or psychotic, but Kenzie could swear that the outfit made every point of stating to anyone who would listen that she was a human wearing elven clothes and that that was wrong..
She sighed and quickly braided her hair before walking over to the bed to put on her boots.
"Why do you do that?" Legolas asked.
"Do what?" Kenzie asked back, pulling one knee-high brown boot on.
"Every time you come from the closet in those clothes, you frown, as if you are upset," he answered, sitting on the bed beside her.
"It's nothing. Just a girl thing I guess," she said, slipping the other boot on.
"Obviously it is something, Ai'er. Otherwise, you would not let it bother you so," Legolas continued.
Kenzie sighed, "I just...."
She looked up into the mirror, looking herself over again.
"I feel utterly out of place in these clothes, that's all," she stated.
Legolas chuckled softly, "Is the elven clothing not to your liking?" he asked.
"No, it seems like I'm not to the elven clothing's liking," Kenzie replied, standing and walking away from him.
She really didn't want to do this; get into a 'I have no self-esteem because these clothes just sucked it out of me and now you feel obligated to lie and give me some great comment about how I look' conversation. She hated those and avoided them at all costs.
Too bad she dove head first into this one.
"You do not like you appearance?" Legolas asked, standing.
Kenzie tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear and turned quickly, heading toward the door.
"Let's just get this over with," she started as she passed him.
Not wishing to make her feel more uncomfortable, Legolas sighed and followed.
~*~*~*~
Kenzie pulled her knives out of Legolas' lock. Her face was scrunched up in frustration and fatigue.
Legolas smiled, "Break?" he asked.
The young witch barely nodded before she allowed herself to fall onto the forest floor, breathing deeply.
The elf leaned over, casting a shadow over her face.
"Oh, oh, oh don't move," Kenzie said as Legolas blocked the sun from her face.
"What if I move to the left?" Legolas asked, a teasing smile on his face as he leaned to his left.
"Legolas....," Kenzie whined as she placed her hands over her face.
He laughed, "How long are you going to lie on the ground and complain, Ai'er?"
She glared up at him, "Do I have to get up and kick your butt again?"
He shrugged, "There is only one way to find out."
Legolas reached down, offering his hand to her. She took it and used his weight to pull herself up.
Once she was on her feet, Kenzie took hold of his wrist with her left hand and went to flip him over onto his back.
But the elf was too fast. Before she got a good grip on his wrist, he spun around; holding her arm tightly.
Kenzie lashed out with her free hand, but Legolas leaned back and missed the blow while taking hold of her hand. She pulled her left arm free and lifted is swiftly, about to hit him.
But she missed.
Again.
Legolas caught hold of her arm again and proceeded to flip her over as she had tried on him. Kenzie, however, had different plans.
Using his momentum, she pulled a cartwheel while he held onto her and lashed out a kick once she landed on her feet. The elf pulled back to avoid her foot and opened up space between them. Kenzie smirked as they circled each other.
"Are you sure you want to be humiliated again?" she asked.
"Only if you are ready for the same," he replied, a slight grin across his features.
Kenzie smiled and then stepped forward, aiming a kick to his side, which he deflected easily. She then spun and tried her other leg, but failed again. She then went to punch him, but her grabbed her arm. She tried kicking him again, but he released her arm, spun away and grabbed her leg, his hands way up on her thigh.
Kenzie glared at him.
Legolas frowned slightly at her, however, "You are slow, Ai'er. Stop holding back."
Kenzie then smirked.
The both flipped backwards; Kenzie to get out of his grasp and Legolas to avoid a kick.
Both landed on their feet and stared at one another.
Kenzie attacked first, throwing out blows without much success. She was moving faster, trying to hit the elf here and there, but not getting closer.
Finally Legolas grabbed her right arm as she went to hit him and twisted it around behind her. She reached back with her left arm to hit him, but he also took hold of that arm and locked it in front of her.
"Stop trying to hit me," he stated.
Kenzie took a deep breath, "Okay."
And with that she slammed her foot down on his.
The elf cried out in pain and loosened his grip on her. Kenzie took her chance and used her right elbow to push him back.
Legolas landed on the forest floor with a thud. He grimaced in defeat as he looked up at the sky. Then he heard Kenzie snicker and disappear with a swish!
Apparently, they were not finished. Legolas sighed and kicked up onto his feet. He gazed around and could not see her near. He stepped forward tentatively, listening for her footsteps. Nothing. He continued forward cautiously, his ears picking through the sounds of the forest and his eyes scouting for a glimpse of her.
Kenzie peeked out from the tree that was hiding her. She bit her lower lip as she watched him move into the trees silently.
He was a few feet off to her right. If she jolted now, she might get a half way decent head start. With a smirk, she decided to chance it and took off through the trees.
Legolas turned his head sharply when she took off running. He barely caught sight of some loose hair before she ducked behind a tree. The elven prince smiled and took off after her.
The trees were blurred as Kenzie raced through them. She could barely hear Legolas over her own running, but she knew he was behind her. The young witch turned, and sure enough she saw the elf gaining ground quickly.
Kenzie let out a cry of laughter as she pushed herself to run faster.
They weaved through the trees as if the plants were not there, putting distance between themselves and the halls of Rivendell.
She was just in front of him. He knew it would take no effort to catch her, even through she was fairly fast herself.
Finally, she was close enough to reach out and grab. And he did just that.
Kenzie felt Legolas encompass his arms around her waist and push her towards the ground. She cried out, half in surprise and half in amusement as they both tumbled. She tucked her head down, close to his chest as they rolled to a stop.
Once her head stopped spinning, Kenzie sat up, laughed and looked down at Legolas.
"I'm dizzy now," she giggled, pushing loose hair out of her face.
Legolas laughed and folded his arms behind his head, "That was quite interesting."
"Yeah, but the best part was that I kicked your butt again," Kenzie replied, sticking her tongue out at him.
"I think that you were imagining things, Ai'er. Didn't I catch you just now?" he asked.
"Yeah, but who's on top, huh? And I pushed your elven butt to the ground before I took off," she retaliated.
Legolas shrugged, "Still, you are too slow."
Kenzie scoffed, "Why you...," she started as she pushed his shoulder.
He laughed and grabbed both of her wrists to prevent her from hitting him again.
Kenzie laughed slightly as well, trying to pull her arms free from his grasp.
Suddenly, a loud grumble came from her stomach and they both stopped their struggled to gaze at her tummy.
Kenzie moved her gaze to Legolas, "I'm hungry."
"Now, what gave you that idea?" Legolas asked, smiling brightly.
"Shut up, you," she stated, pointing a finger at him.
She stood up and Legolas followed, brushing off the leaves from his tunic.
"It's about time we started back anyway," he started, gazing up at the sky, "we've been here all morning."
Kenzie smirked, "Worried about your reputation?" she asked as they started back to the House of Elrond.
"No, I just don't want to tire you too much this early in the morning," he replied with the same smirk.
"All right. That's it!" she cried.
Legolas jogged away from her, laughing as he eluded her grasp all the way to the dinning hall.
~*~*~*~
"Legolas was a little disappointed when I said that I was going to spent this afternoon with you," Kenzie said.
Arwen smiled warmly as they walked down the hall toward her room, "I imagine. He's quite fond of you."
"Yeah, like a babysitter is with a child," the young witch replied.
"Do you honestly believe that?" Arwen asked.
Kenzie shrugged, "I'm not sure what to think of Legolas yet. He's.....confusing."
"How?"
"Well, I can't read him, you know?"
Arwen turned her head and looked at her in confusion.
Kenzie sighed, "You know how you just know what someone else is feeling just by the look on their face, or the way they act?"
"Yes. I always know what Aragorn is feeling just by the way he is acting," Arwen replied.
"I can't do that with Legolas. Sometimes, I think I know what he is thinking, but then he completely surprises me. He's just..........confusing," the young witch stated.
"Hmmm," Arwen said, more to herself as they reached her room.
The elven maiden opened the door and motioned for Kenzie to enter.
"I hate to see you leave, mellon," Arwen said as she shut the door.
Kenzie turned back to the elf and smiled warmly, "I'll miss you a lot, Arwen. Being the only female a part of this whole journey will be hard. I just wish you could come."
Arwen lowered her head and walked to the woman. She took Kenzie's hands in hers and looked up at her.
"My place is here. No matter what happens and no matter what anyone says......you were meant to be a part of this Kenzie. You were meant to protect them all. And I can think of no other better for the task," she told her.
Kenzie smiled and hugged her tightly, "Thank you."
Arwen smiled as well and then pulled away. She took the young witch's hands again and smiled more brightly.
"I have a gift for you," she stated, pulling Kenzie over to her bed.
When they reached the side of the large bed, Kenzie's eyes widened in surprise. She looked up to Arwen and shook her head.
"You can't give me these. I mean," she started, looking down at the bed spread again.
On it laid an outfit; it's tights and top tunic a beautiful deep blue. Both tunics were long sleeved; the top heavy and the inner light as with the rest of her out fits, but the inner tunic was a light sky blue with slightly longer sleeves. (A/N: This outfit is suppose to exactly like the one Arwen wore when she took Frodo on the Flight to Ford, only it's blue, ^__^)
Next to the outfit was a leather belt, holding in it a pair of seemingly worn, yet gorgeous elvish knives. And next to that, a beautiful elvish sword laid. Kenzie picked it up in wonder, studying the carvings on the curved blade and marveling at the lightness of the sword.
"I find that my gifts are being refused as of late. Do I chose inappropriate items?" Arwen asked, secretly smiling.
"No!" Kenzie objected immediately, lowering the sword back to the bed and turning toward the elven maiden.
"It's just....," she started.
"Just what?" Arwen asked.
"I couldn't accept these from you. I'm sure my sisters will bring me weapons. I don't think that I could take your sword and knives," Kenzie replied.
"Well, then it is good that these are yours," the young elf stated.
Kenzie looked back down at the weapons and gently ran her fingertips across them.
"I am giving these to you, Kenzie. They will see a greater use from you than from me," Arwen started.
Kenzie looked back to her.
"And I am sure that you will use them well," Arwen finished with a smile.
The young witch enveloped the elf in another hug.
"I will never forget this, Arwen," she breathed.
"Neither will I, Kenzie."
~*~*~*~
The morning sun was shining bright, welcoming a new and wondrous day it would seem. But as Kenzie looked around the courtyard of Rivendell, she felt as if she was standing in a graveyard instead. The gloom that was permanent on Arwen's face hinted to the unbelievable conversation that she and Aragorn had had before the morning ceremony. The young witch lowered her head, knowing that Aragorn did not want to give the Evenstar back, but was trying his hardest to do so. And poor Arwen. It seemed as if the elf maiden believed that all had lost hope and only she was carrying on with the belief that good would triumph over all.
Kenzie's eyes darted over to Aragorn. The Ranger was also saddened with his head lowered as he refused to meet anyone's knowing eyes.
She sighed and then looked to her sisters and Brian. They smiled warmly at her, hiding the fact that they were sad and worried about her leaving. She smiled back, feeling their doubts, but reassuring herself that there was nothing to worry about.. She would be fine; she always was. Finally, all the elves that were going to gather to see the Fellowship off had arrived. Kenzie wasn't for sure how the whole leaving cermony was going to go, but was glad that Legolas pushed her forward toward Arwen, hinting that she could say her farewells now.
The elven prince approached Arwen first. Both elves smiled slightly at each other as they touched their hearts and then cupped one another's faces.
"Namaarie, Arwen Undómiel," Legolas said softly.
"Tenna' ento lye omenta, Legolas Greenleaf," Arwen replied. ¤Until next we meet¤
With that, their hands fell. Legolas nodded to the Lady again and then turned away.
Kenzie smiled at Arwen as she walked up.
"Kenzie, my friend," the elf maiden said as she enveloped the witch in a hug.
"Don't fear, Arwen," Kenzie started, "His heart is yours. He's just being stubborn."
Arwen laughed slightly, but Kenzie could tell that she was choking back tears, "Aragorn is very stubborn indeed, mellonamin."
The young witch pulled away, tears on the brims of her eyes, "Thank you for everything, Arwen."
The elf nodded, "You are very welcome."
"I'll watch him and keep him in line, okay?" Kenzie asked, trying to lighten the mood a little. Arwen smiled, "I know you will. Be careful and always watch your back."
Kenzie nodded and with that, walked away from Arwen Undómiel for what she hoped would not be the last time.
"A year is a hell of a long time," Kennedy stated as she wrapped her arms tightly around her younger sister.
Kenzie laughed, "Think of it as the vacation that you never had."
Kennedy pulled away and laughed as well, even with tears in her eyes, "Yeah right. Staying in a house with just Katlin is my idea of a vacation."
The two then became silent.
"Don't get yourself killed," Kennedy started, looking at her sister.
Kenzie looked up and met her gaze.
"I don't want to loose a sister," Kennedy finished.
"I'll be fine. I know the future, remember?" Kenzie asked, giving her a last quick hug.
She pulled away and then moved on to a somber Katlin.
"I said I wasn't going to say anything else negative about this," Katlin started.
Kenzie smirked, "I can tell you're thinking it though."
Katlin sighed and then smiled slightly. The two sisters hugged.
"We are going to check in with you whether you like it or not," Katlin stated, her voice choked.
"I would expect no less," Kenzie replied, "Besides, if you didn't I would be a little scared."
Katlin laughed and pulled away, "Please don't do anything stupid."
"Now Katlin, what would make you say a think like that?" Kenzie asked, pushing back her tears.
Mental note number 8: Trying not to cry while everyone else around you is on the verge of tears is hella hard!
Katlin sighed, "Trust this elf you got protecting you, okay?"
Kenzie suddenly turned serious, listening to her sister actually approving of Legolas.
"If he says duck, get down and if he says run, you do it," Katlin finished, looking at her sternly.
The youngest O'Neil bit her lower lip and nodded, gave her older sister another hug, and then moved down the line.
Well, that was interesting; Katlin actually agreeing to the Legolas thing.
Huh.
Who knew?
Soon, the young witch found Brian standing in front of her, a concerned look haunting his face. Kenzie smiled slightly, glad that he was there to see her off as well. Brian was not only a guide for Kenzie, but also a brother. He always knew the right things to say to push her to her limit or to make her feel better. She could see why Katlin loved him so much.
The look that he held now reeked of brotherliness and Kenzie knew that the speech she was going to get would reflect the same feeling.
Brian sighed, "Be careful," he stated.
Kenzie smirked slightly, "Aren't I always?" she asked, a hint of mischievousness in her eyes.
Normally, Brian would have smiled as well, but this time the bright gleam did not come to his face.
"Kenzie, you have to be extra careful on this journey," he started. His whole demeanor suddenly scared her. He was about to tell her something and it wasn't going to be good.
Brian sighed, "You realize that your house is a spiritual nexus?" She racked her brain, remembering Grams definition of a 'spiritual nexus'.
"A place equidistance from all of the spiritual elements; water, earth, fire, wood, and metal," Grams voice echoed.
Now she remembered.
Kenzie cocked an eyebrow, "Brian, what in the world does our house have to....," she started.
"Just listen. You were the only one of the sisters born in the house. That makes you more vulnerable," he interrupted.
She stared at him, not sure that she was understanding what he was saying.
"You know as well as anyone else that the spiritual elements can be swayed to evil as easily as they can to good. You are more open to being swayed than either of your sisters because you were born in the house. The evil in this world will use that to its advantage. You have to be on guard at all times. The Ring can consume you faster than any of the others," Brian stated, looking her straight in the eyes.
"You mean, I can be evil?" Kenzie asked, fear lurking in her voice.
He licked his lips, "You can be pulled that way, but the decision to be evil is completely up to you."
She pulled her eyes away from his. Great, this didn't help her any. Not only did she have to protect the Ring from a demon from her world, the evils of Middle Earth, and even certain members of the Fellowship, she now had to protect it from herself.
That was jussssssssssssst peachy..............
"Kenzie," Brian stated, pulling her out of her thoughts.
She looked up to him and he smiled slightly.
"I have faith in you. You won't be swayed," he told her, grabbing her in a hug.
"You're evil, but not that evil," he finished, pulling away.
Kenzie laughed and shook her head, "Thanks, Brian."
"Kenzie," Legolas' voice called from slightly behind her.
The young witch took a deep breath and stood in front of all three of them.
"Blessed Be," she stated.
"Blessed Be," they returned in unison and then offered one more reassuring smile.
Kenzie smiled back and then turned to the Fellowship.
"What does that mean?" Pippin asked once she reached the company.
Kenzie smiled down at him, "It's a witch's way of saying good luck."
"That's a funny way of saying good luck," the hobbit continued.
Kenzie laughed, "Well, it maybe funny to you, but it's a tradition to us."
"What other traditions do you have?" Merry asked, looking up at her.
"Perhaps I'll share them with you another time," Kenzie replied, noticing Lord Elrond step forward from the other elves.
"The Ring bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will," he stated, looking at each member of the Fellowship in turn.
"Farewell," Elrond continued, "Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you."
Kenzie bowed her head in respect to the Lord of Rivendell as Aragorn and Legolas did the traditional elvish goodbye; holding a hand to their heart and then sweeping it outward.
The young witch took a deep breath and looked one last time to her sisters and Whitelighter.
"The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer," Gandalf stated, the Fellowship moving aside to let Frodo lead the way out of Rivendell.
The hobbit looked around nervously as he slowly passed and then moved on toward the gate. Kenzie looked to Arwen then and smiled before Legolas gently placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her forward.
The young witch sighed as she walked out of Rivendell.
"Don't worry, Ai'er," Legolas whispered to her, "We shall see them again soon."
At this, Kenzie actually smiled, "You have no idea."
____________________________________________________________________________ __
Mojo Jojo voice: "Review now please!"
~*Chapter 10: Chattin' with the Son of Gondor and freakin' out the elf*~
Yay! I'm excited!