xSnifflesx This is it!!! What you are about to read is the last chapter of "Protecting the Fellowship". It's kind of sad, but oh well. I still have other things to do. :D :D :D.
I want to thank everyone that has read this story, gave great reviews, and waited the long months for those chapters that we all feared would never come. You guys are great and get major props from me, if that counts for anything. Okay, well, that's about it. I'll be hoping for a lot of reviews. I want to get over 200, so help me out, please!!!! LoL.
Thanks again, reviewers, for all the encouragement!! You guys rock!
Chapter 17: Now that the world isn't ending....
Steel clashed together and arrows flew quickly from Legolas' bow as he and Gimli followed Aragorn through the ruins of Amon Hen. The elf's mind lingered on Kenzie as he fought his way down the path, but he pushed away his haunting thoughts of her and continued forward. Even though they were pushing quickly down the hill, things were becoming worse for him and the others. Legolas was running out of arrows and he couldn't stop long enough to gather more from the already fallen Urks. Gimli was falling behind the elf and Ranger, fighting off the creatures just as well, but slowly. And Aragorn, in his fear for the other hobbits and Boromir, raced through the leaves recklessly, striking at the Urk Hais swiftly and quickly as he went. Nevertheless, they all continued on ferociously, determined to make it to the others.
Legolas pulled an arrow and quickly took aim as he raced down the slope. Just as the arrow slipped from his fingers, his feet slid on the many leaves and his arrow struck the approaching Urk in the shoulder. Cursing under his breath, the elf tossed his bow over his shoulder then suddenly and swiftly drew his knives. The creature continued to lumber towards him quickly, raising his crud weapon to strike the elf. Legolas, however, was far quicker than the Urk and he ducked out of the danger, raising up and stabbing the creature in the chest. He then turned away and continued down the path, using his blades and saving his arrows for when they were needed the most.
The ruins of the old kingdom dotted the landscape and popped up in the three's path, providing cover for the Urks to hide and await the three as they followed. One such standing ruin came upon Aragorn quickly as he followed the Urk-Hais. A creature jumped out in front of him suddenly, catching the Ranger off guard. Aragorn swiftly plunged his sword into the Urk's chest, pulled it out, and caught the blade of another as a large pack of the creatures descended upon the group. Legolas briefly fought them with his blades, turning and slashing quickly as he could. Finally, the elf grew tired of his blades, sheathing them and once again taking to his bow.
Using what little arrows he had left, Legolas began to pick off the remaining creatures that were attacking the three companions. A strangled cry then drew the elf's attention to Aragorn. The Ranger was trying desperately to fight off an Urk-Hai that had him roughly by the neck. Legolas quickly drew an arrow, carefully took aim, and released the weapon. It struck true, lodging itself in the center of the creature's back with a loud, echoing thud!
The Urk gasped and fell backwards, releasing Aragorn from its hold and crashing to the ground. The Ranger staggered somewhat and rubbed his throat, nodding a thank you to the elf. A deafening silence engulfed the area around them as Gimli caught up to the two, trying to catch his breath. Suddenly, a loud strange horn echoed from a distance and both Legolas and Aragorn whipped their gazes back down the path.
"The Horn of Gondor," Legolas stated, and then turned back to Aragorn, his face etched with worry.
"Boromir," the Ranger breathed, brushing past the elf and continuing the trek towards the others.
Without another thought, Legolas and Gimli followed, drawing their weapons again. Boromir's horn grew louder, beckoning the trio to come to his aid. Legolas swiftly passed Aragorn and began to slash at any Urk that stood in his way. The Ranger took advantage of the cleared path and went on further, hoping to get to Boromir first. But this plan did not work for long; the companions were just simply out numbered.
'Oh, Kenzie. I wish you were here,' Legolas thought as he pulled his knives from another dead Urk-Hai.
He turned to continue on and help the others, but stopped abruptly, his eyes widening and his breath quickening at seeing the sight in front of him. As Gimli and Aragorn battled on, they were unaware of the Urk that stood at the back of the battle, surveying the scene with his arms crossed and a cruel smile upon his dark lips. His gaze was fixed upon Aragorn and he continued to watch as the Ranger struggled with several other Urk Hais. The creature suddenly raised his grisly hand in front of him, a large ball of fire appearing in his palm. He then drew the hand back, his smile brightening as he prepared to hurl the fiery ball.
Something then clicked in Legolas' mind. The elf could sense the strong presence of evil and magic that this creature possessed. But Urk Hais did not have the ability to use magic, so how could this one show so much power?
'He is not an Urk Hai,' Legolas thought, his bright eyes widening, 'He is the Changer.'
Without another thought, the elf sprung forward and raced towards Aragorn, calling out to the Ranger as he pushed his legs to move faster. The Changer released the fire from his grasp and hurled it towards Aragorn's turned back, a look of satisfaction covering his face.
"Aragorn!" Legolas yelled out again in a warning as he willed himself to run faster towards his friend.
The elf reached Aragorn just as the Ranger was turning from his fight and placed himself in front of the man, throwing his arms up to brace himself for the pain that he knew would come. Yet, strangely, nothing happened and everything suddenly became oddly quiet.
Legolas slowly lowered his arms and came face to face with the deadly ball of fire that, moments ago, was destined to crash into him. It was completely frozen in mid air just inches from his face. Aragorn placed a hand on the elf's shoulder and stepped up beside him, his gaze fixed off to the left. Legolas' eyes followed the Ranger's and his bright orbs widened even more when he saw what Aragorn was staring at.
Kenzie slowly descended the hill towards them, a look of determination written across her face. Legolas suddenly felt an intense wave of relief wash over him; she had come back.
"Duck," she commanded, not raising her voice as she drew closer to the group. The elf and Ranger did not think twice and duck down out of the path of the fire ball.
Kenzie jerked her wrists, releasing the fire from its frozen state and sending it crashing into the Urks behind the companions. The Changer was staring at the young witch ruthlessly and he growled in anger as she walked up beside Aragorn and Legolas.
"Go Aragorn," she stated simply, keeping her gazed fixed upon the demon who glared viciously at her.
The Ranger took a step back hesitantly, "You will be all right?" he questioned, his eyes remaining on the Changer as well.
"Yes. Now go, Boromir needs you," she answered calmly.
Aragorn nodded his head and then turned, racing back down the hill on his previous path. Gimli looked from the witch to the path the Ranger had just taken. He sighed and then nodded his head.
"Good luck, lass," he stated and then followed Aragorn's lead.
Legolas, however, did not move from his stance. He refused to leave Kenzie to face the evil monster all on her own; he would help her in whatever way he could.
"Legolas," the young witch started, her gaze still locked on the Changer.
"I am not going to leave you here...," the elf argued.
"This is not your fight."
"But..."
"Go!" she cried, turning to look at him with pleading eyes, "Aragorn needs you more than I do."
Legolas stared back at her, his eyes betraying the battle that was going on inside of him. He then took a deep breath, gazed quickly from the demon to Kenzie, and then turned, fleeing down the path behind Aragorn and Gimli. As he ran, he closed his eyes and prayed that he was not making the wrong decision.
xxxxxxx
Kenzie watched him reluctantly turn and race down the hill, leaves flying up behind him in his wake. She took a small breath, hoping that Galadriel's prediction of Legolas' death would not fulfill itself.
"How touching," a strangled, gurgling voice croaked from behind her, "You have found a playmate in this alternate world."
The young witch slowly turned her gaze back to the Changer, setting her face to show nothing but her determination to destroy him in the spot where he stood. She could not let him know that she was afraid; he would use it to his advantage and the fight would be over before it ever began.
"Well, Charmed One, this is it. Are you sure that you are ready to face me?" he questioned, cocking his head to the side as he looked at her.
Kenzie licked her lips, "Are you ready?"
He laughed wickedly, "Such courage."
Kenzie was tried of the game; she threw out her hand and flicked her wrist, but the demon smiled and shimmered out, barely missing her power. The young witch turned quickly, her eyes scanning the forest around her for a sign of where he could have gone to. The demon then appeared behind her, throwing his around her throat and squeezing with all his might. Kenzie gasped and quickly drew one of her knives from her waist, plunging the blade deep into the demon's side.
The Changer let loose a loud, rumbling howl of pain, much like an Urk, and threw the witch to the ground. He gripped onto his now bleeding side, gasping in the searing pain.
He then began to chuckle as Kenzie rolled to a stop in the leaves, "That was very clever, witch," he gurgled, "But how can you stand against magic?"
The demon quickly conjured a fireball and hurled it at the young witch. Kenzie swiftly rolled over onto her back and kicked up onto her feet, jerking her hands. The fireball stopped its path and she simply flicked her wrists, destroying the fire with her own.
The Changer smiled and began to clap loudly, shaking his head in what seemed to be admiration, "Well done, Charmed One. Well done; I applaud you on your improvement," he stated.
"Yeah, well, applaud this," she replied, aiming at the demon and flicking her wrists violently.
Flames exploded from the Changer's arm, the force pushing him back viciously to the ground. Kenzie took advantage of the disoriented demon and walked towards him with a deep breath.
"Evil hiding in plain sight, I use this spell with all my might," she started, steadying her voice and holding her nerve.
He rolled over, beginning to laugh again as he pushed himself up onto his feet, "A spell," he stated as he rolled the shoulder of the arm Kenzie had aimed at, "how typical. You cannot destroy me with your powers, so you will try a spell."
The young witch's eyes widened; she was surprised that her power was not strong enough to destroy his arm, "Stop your changing form and shape; this vanquish now seals your fate."
"It's not working," the demon taunted, shaking his head in an attempt to discourage her.
"Evil hiding in plain sight, I use this spell with all my might. Stop your changing form and shape; this vanquish now seals your fate," Kenzie continued, setting her face and chanting louder.
Suddenly the demon stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening considerably in what seemed to be a mix of surprise and confusion. This only strengthened the young witch's will and determination.
She took a deep breath, "Evil hiding in plain sight, I use this spell with all my might. Stop your changing form and shape; this vanquish now seals your fate."
The Changer gripped at his side and bent over slightly, the air around him and Kenzie becoming deadly silent. The young witch continued down her path, holding her head up with a sense of accomplishment as the demon crumpled. But just before he hit the forest floor, he stopped and slowly began to stand again.
Kenzie stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes widening in fear. This couldn't be happening; this demon didn't need a Power of Three spell. Her mind quickly ran over possible plans; how was she going to get out, what was she going to do.....was she screwed?
The sinister laugh that gurgled from the Changer's throat sounded through out the forest again as he started towards the young witch, "Wasn't exactly what you expected, was it?"
Kenzie carefully took a step back, her breathing becoming heavier as he neared her. 'What am I going to do? WHAT AM I GOING TO DO!?' she screamed to herself, racking her mind for every possible way out.
"What will the little witch do now?" he asked, still making his way towards her.
Her eyes scanned the trees and ground, looking for something, anything, that could help her. Finally, her eyes settled on a brown lump several feet behind the demon. Her gaze stayed fixed upon the lump that was her back pack as her mind began to formulate a plan; a very risky plan.
She took a deep breath, "Oh, I hope that this works," she breathed.
"Brian!" she cried out at the top of her lungs, praying that her Whitelighter would pull through and show up immediately.
The demon shook his head and conjured a fireball into his palm, "I'm afraid that no one can help you now."
Just then, the familiar and, at the moment, comforting sound of whirling bells and the bright swirling, pale, blue and white lights appeared beside the witch. "Hey Kenzie, wh...," Brian started, but Kenzie wouldn't let him finish.
She gripped onto the front of his shirt, "Orb! Orb me out now!"
Brian's eyes followed hers and widened at the sight of the demon unleashing the fireball at the both of them. Without another thought, both he and Kenzie disappeared from the scene in the same lights that the Whitelighter had appeared in. The fireball flew through the empty space where Kenzie and Brian had once stood and the Changer growled furiously, disturbing the new silence that had settled over the forest.
Then, at that moment, Brian and Kenzie reappeared behind the demon and right next to Kenzie's bag. The young witch quickly snatched up the bag and plunged her hand inside as the demon turned.
"I have played with you long enough, Charmed One!" he cried, forming another fireball.
"Yeah, well, the sentiment is shared," Kenzie replied, pulling a bottle filled with potion from her pack.
Just before the Changer released his fireball, she tossed the bottle towards him. It exploded directly in his palm in the middle of the conjured fire. The concoction that the Sisters had made coupled with the power of the demon's fireball created a great explosion. Brian and Kenzie were thrown back to the ground by the blast and as they fell, a loud cry from the Changer echoed in their ears.
Once the blast had ended, Kenzie shook her head of the ringing and turned back to look at where the demon still stood. That wasn't exactly what the young witch had hoped for, but what she had got would suffice for her troubles. The Changer clutched at his arm that was now bleeding profusely where his hand had been.
He gritted his teeth and brought his gaze up to the witch. His breathing was heavy from his obvious pain and his eyes narrowed in a new found hatred for her.
"This is not over yet," he growled and then shimmered out of the scene.
Kenzie let out a heavy breath and fell back onto the forest floor. Her head turned towards Brian and she pushed him, "Are you all right?"
The Whitelighter rolled over onto his back as well and nodded, "Yeah. Are you?"
Kenzie nodded too, "Considering everything that just went down, yes."
"Did you plan it that way?" he asked.
She took a deep breath through her nose, trying to calm herself, "In a round about way."
Brian laughed, "Well, that's good enough," he then stood and held out his hand, "So, what's next?"
Her tired mind suddenly went off in alarms and her eyes widened, "I have to get to Legolas."
"What?" the Whitelighter asked, confusion written on his face as the young witch took his offered hand and pulled herself to her feet.
"I have to go find Legolas. Thank you for helping; tell my sisters that we have a serious situation and I'll call for them later," she replied, hurriedly grabbing her bag and tossing it onto her shoulders.
"But wait, shouldn't you go talk to them now?" he asked as she started to walk away from him.
"No, this is more important. Just tell them that once I get to Edoras, I'll call for them to talk about the demon," Kenzie continued.
"How long will that be?!" Brian called.
"I don't know! Just tell them to be prepared to make up a Power of Three spell!" she called back, dashing down the path and out of sight.
The Whitelighter shook his head, completely confused and orbed back to the Manor. He hoped that Kennedy and Katlin would understand what was going on.
xxxxxxx
Another Urk Hai fell dead to the ground with a loud thump as Legolas turned and quickly sliced across the chest and throat of the next creature. Thankfully, the numbers of Sauron's force were lessening and the elf had quickly convinced Aragorn to continue on towards Boromir, Merry, and Pippin. The Ranger had swiftly disappeared and left Legolas and Gimli to dispose of the few Urks that were left.
As he and Gimli continued to fight, Legolas suddenly found it strange that the number of Urks were starting to thin so drastically. He couldn't help but worry about this; there had to be a reason why they would all suddenly disappear from a fight that quickly.
Legolas plunged his knife into the gut of the Urk he was fighting and then turned quickly, slicing off another's arm before stabbing him in the stomach as well. He pulled both blades back quickly as the creatures fell back to the ground with the other dead Urks. With one swift motion, the elf then sheathed the knives at his sides and turned back towards Gimli.
The dwarf cried out as his raised his ax wearily, swinging at the last Urk with all his might. Even in his weariness, he struck accurately and lobbed the creature's head off. A peaceful silence snaked around them after the Urk's lifeless body fell, interrupted only by Gimli's heavy breathing.
"Are you all right?" Legolas asked.
The dwarf took a very deep breath and then nodded his head, heaving his ax up onto his shoulder, "Yes, I should be."
"Good; we must get to the others. I fear the worst for Boromir," the elf replied, looking towards the direction that Aragorn had disappeared in.
The dwarf came up to his side and heaved in a great, deep breath, "Then what exactly is it that we're waiting on?" he asked, looking up at the elf.
Legolas shook his head with a ghost of a smile on his lips and tore down the hill. They ran forever it seemed before the faint sounds of a battle reached his elven ears. He ran faster, forgetting that Gimli was trailing behind, but suddenly began to slow down as he noticed that the number of dead Urk Hais began to grow in number. Crinkling his brow in confusion, he pressed on through the bodies, hoping to come upon Aragorn soon.
It was then that he came upon the scene; Aragorn bent over a figure as an uneasy stillness filled the area around them. Legolas looked around frantically for Merry, Pippin, and Boromir, but couldn't see them anywhere. Slowly Aragorn began to rise from his position and Legolas stopped, his eyes catching Boromir's lifeless figure lying amongst the leaves. He looked on sadly, the fact that another member of their company had fallen. This is what Kenzie had known about, the thought resounded throughout his mind. It made so much sense now.
Gimli finally came up behind the elf as Aragorn stepped back. The dwarf gasped sadly and bowed his head, turning his eyes from the scene. Aragorn took a deep breath and looked out into the woods, "They will look for his coming from the White Tower, but he will not return," he spoke gently, but loud enough for the others to hear.
Legolas lowered his head as well, another wave of sadness washing over him. It seemed that the whole company was lost now. Gandalf had fallen, Frodo had disappeared along with Sam, Merry and Pippin were no where to be seen, and now Boromir would join the wizard in the world of the dead. Everything that the companions had worked so hard for seemed to fall in all around them; had they truly failed in their quest? Would he have to bring news of failure to his father once again?
"Legolas!" a faint voice cried and the elf quickly turned from the scene.
"Kenzie?!" he called back, his heart leaping at her voice and his mind praying that he wasn't imagining things.
There was no response, but he picked up on the sound of her fast, heavy footsteps as they grew louder by the second. Finally, she appeared through the trees and Legolas could see her bright smile as she quickened her pace towards him. When she reached him, the young witch threw her arms around him and pulled him close to her.
"You're all right," she breathed.
"Of course I am all right, Ai'er," he replied, not being able to hide his happiness as all other thoughts cleared his mind, "Why wouldn't I be?"
She pulled away and he was surprised to find tears in her eyes, "I was just afraid that you...." she trailed off, looking away.
"What?" he asked, knowing right away that she was hiding something from him.
Kenzie didn't answer. She gently took his hands in hers, intertwining their fingers, and smiled softly up at him. Whatever it was that had been toiling through her mind was gone now and the elf squeezed her hands gently. Her gaze stayed fixed upon his face for a second before it shifted behind him suddenly. Legolas turned and he frowned slightly, reading the sorrow in Aragorn's eyes as the Ranger approached them.
"Boromir?" Kenzie asked softly.
Aragorn's lips tightened before he spoke, "He has passed," he stated solemnly, "The remaining Urks have taken Merry and Pippin and I can only assume they are traveling towards the Rohan Plains."
The young witch nodded her head, "Then everything is right," she whispered.
"Everything is right?" Gimli repeated, his voice soft and confused, "Is this what our future was meant to be?"
Kenzie slowly released Legolas' hands and moved past him and Aragorn, making her way towards Boromir's fallen body. She knelt beside him and gently brushed back a stray piece of hair from his closed eyes.
"Yes," she answered the dwarf, "but it's not done yet. There are other things that must be done."
The young witch then stood and walked back to the three remaining members of the Fellowship, "First would be giving Boromir a funeral. He deserves that much."
Aragorn nodded firmly in agreement, "Yes, he does." Gimli and Legolas nodded as well as the four gazed sorrowfully at their fallen companion.
"Then let's get to it," Kenzie stated softly.
xxxxxxx
Kenzie gritted her teeth and readjusted her hold on the handle she held. The four of them had constructed a type of sled to easily carry Boromir's body back to the shore. Together, Aragorn and Legolas formed the idea to place the fallen Lord in one of the Lorien boats and send him towards the Falls of Rauros. So they quickly constructed the wooden sled and gently placed his body on the structure, starting their trek back towards the camp as they paired off in turns to pull the body.
Legolas glances forward, making sure Aragorn and Gimli were ahead and then looked over at the young witch, "Why did you come back?"
She looked over at him briefly before turning her eyes to the ground. She had promised to tell him everything and the look in his eyes convinces her even more that he deserved to know.
She took a deep breath, "Frodo's not my Innocent," she stated simply.
"What?" he asked, his face and voice clouded with confusion.
"My sisters and I jumped to conclusions," Kenzie replied, shaking her head, "All of the evidence and answered were right in front of our faces and we looked right over it."
"The demon is after Aragorn, isn't he?" the elf asked, looking over at her for confirmation of his thought.
The young witch met his gaze and nodded her head slowly.
"But why? I thought he was called to capture the One Ring?" Legolas questioned.
Kenzie scoffed as she shook her head, the first conversation she had with the demon replayed in her ears, "He never said he was after the Ring, just 'the One'."
"But is that not the Ring?" he asked, obviously confused.
"Yes and no," she started, "The Ring is the One, but not the only one."
The elf sighed, turning his gaze back forwards. He still did not understand and Kenzie knew that he wouldn't; she was being a little too vague. Taking a deep breath and deciding to take a risk, she stopped and lowered her end of the sled. Legolas looked over at her, his eyes creased and even more confusion clouding his fair features as he lowered his side of the sled as well.
Kenzie stood straight and then jerked her hands, Aragorn and Gimli wrenching to a stand still in front of them. She slowly walked around to the elf, her head bent low and her thoughts swarming. She stopped just in front of him as she wondered if she was about to do the right thing. As she stood there, wringing her hands silently, Legolas felt an overwhelming need to gather her in his arms. He then swiftly crossed the two steps and gently pulled her hands into his own.
"Kenzie," he whispered, running his thumbs over the tops of her hands, "You don't....."
She lifted her head and shook it confidently, "No, I've already make up my mind." She then took a deep breath and met his eyes, "Aragorn is just as important in this war as the Ring. Sauron cannot be defeated by just tossing the Ring back into Mount Doom; all of men have to unite against him under one banner."
The seriousness of her tone caused Legolas to shudder, the soft whisper of her voice in the silence shaking him, "Under the white banner of Gondor?" he asked.
Kenzie nodded, her own hold on his hands tightening, "Only Aragorn will be able to do this. He is the only hope that the race of men has to make it through this war; Sauron and Saruman know this. With Islidur's last heir gone, there would be nothing to stop Sauron as he spread over the land. Middle Earth would fall to him quickly and surely."
"Then, before this is over, Aragorn must go to the White City and reclaim the throne?" he asked, her clues filling in the gaps.
"Yes," she breathed simply.
"But when? How? What will become of Frodo?" he asked quickly, his mind tumbling with possibilities.
Kenzie shook her head defiantly, "I can't tell you anymore," she answered, pulling away from him and turning her back.
Legolas stared at her as she sighed, obviously glad that she had gotten that off her chest. He wondered if he should voice the new question that had drifted in his mind. But it didn't seem life a fair question to her; it didn't feel right to ask it of her.
He looked down at his now empty hands and drew in a breath, "Did you only come back for Aragorn?"
She shuddered, knowing some how that that question would come, but clinging to hope that it wouldn't. A small tear glistened in the corner of her eyes and she swiped it away before turning back to face him.
"It's complicated, Legolas," she started.
"I want to know, Kenzie," he replied, his eyes pleading for an answer.
Kenzie sighed and stared at him before licking her lips, "The first night we stayed in Lorien, I looked in Galadriel's mirror," she paused, gathering her thoughts.
"At first, I saw Boromir's death, and I knew that would happen, so I wasn't entirely sure why I saw it. I think it might have had something to do with my guilt of knowing that it would occur. But what I saw next...." she trailed off, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.
"You and I were arguing; I know now that it was about my leaving to find Frodo. I was torn between you and my Innocent and I couldn't leave you just like that, not with all of the Urks crowding you. So I stayed," Kenzie stopped again, looking down and twiddling with her hands.
She heard Legolas quietly come towards her as she bit back tears and continued, "We were fighting off the Urks, but they just kept coming. They surrounded me and I was so tired," she swallowed her emotion, "I tired to break through them, but I couldn't. I looked up to call out to you and you..."
She stopped and put her hand to her mouth in an effort to keep herself from finishing. As if knowing what it was that she wouldn't say, the elf wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. He placed a gently kiss a top her head, hoping to hive the courage she needed to continue.
"When I looked up, you had been shot...." she had started to sob now and Legolas ran a soothing hand over her curls, trying to chase away the images just with his presence.
"If I stayed with you, you were going to die......That's why I was so glad that you were all right," she finished, snuggling her cheek into his chest, never wanting to relive that moment or leave his arms.
"But you came back and I am still alive; maybe Galadriel's mirror had been wrong," he stated softly, resting his chin gently on her head.
Kenzie pursed her lips, thinking back to what the Lady of Light had told her. "No," she started slowly, pulling back to look up at his face, "Galadriel had told me that if I stayed for the wrong reasons, then you would fall."
"Why else would you stay, if not to help?" he asked.
The young witch licked her lips and looked down, remembering what she had told the Lady. She took a deep breath, "In the mirror I stayed because of my feelings for you, not for my Innocent. She was trying to tell me that I must follow my destiny, not my feelings."
Legolas didn't say anything after that and she knew that he was thinking about what she said, especially the part about her feelings for him. It seemed like centuries before he said something, but she knew it had only been a few seconds.
"What feelings do you have?" the elf inquired softly.
'What? Was that kiss not obvious?' a voice screamed in her head.
"I...." she started, staring at the simple clasp on the belt that held his quiver to his back. It suddenly became a very interesting object that was successfully drawing her attention away form his question. But was it so hard to say what she felt for him? She had told Galadriel, why not tell him?
She placed her fingers onto the clasp, feeling the cool metal under her fingertips. Kenzie watched her hand rise and fall with his chest as she tried to draw in her courage.
Suddenly, Legolas curved his fingers under her chin, lifting her face to look up at him. His eyes were soft and reflected something she couldn't place. Once he held her gaze, he lowered his hand to the one she rested on his chest. He closed his hand around hers and still held it in its place.
"Kenzie, whatever it is that you feel for me, just know that I lo...." he started.
"Is there something wrong?" Aragorn's voice interrupted.
Both elf and witch turned, gazing at the Ranger and dwarf in surprise. Kenzie opened her mouth to say something, but Legolas beat her to it. He clasped his other hand over the one he already held and smiled slightly.
"Kenzie just hurt her hand on the sled," he stated.
Aragorn looked at both of them in turn, "Do you need to switch?" he asked slowly, as if he didn't believe the story.
"No, I'm fine, thank you," Kenzie replied, playing along with the story that Legolas had compiled quickly and smoothly.
Aragorn's eyes lingered on her and Legolas for another second before he turned and continued forward. Kenzie quickly let out the breath she was holding and looked down at her hand covered by Legolas'. She took a deep breath and looked back up at him. He smiled softly at her and leaned forward, gently brushing his lips against her cheek.
"We must continue on," he stated, looking at her directly in the eyes.
Kenzie nodded mutely and they both turned back to the sled, a silence falling between them the rest of the way.
xxxxxxx
"On the count of three," Aragorn stated, readjusting his hold on Boromir's shoulders. Legolas nodded and placed his hands underneath the Lord's boots. "One, two, three," the Ranger counted, then lifted the body.
Legolas did the same and Kenzie watched as they placed Boromir inside the boat as gently as the could. Once they had positioned his body, the young witch stepped forward, the Lord's sword and horn in hand. She carefully placed the sword in his hands, which were crossed atop his chest, and his broken horn by his side. A tear ran down her cheek as she backed away; she couldn't stand there anymore, looking at his pale, lifeless face. She allowed Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas to finish the preparations while she walked a short distance away.
Kenzie stopped and backed up to the tree line, not quite standing out on the shore of the Great River. She watched the strong current move the water swiftly towards the Falls that roared nearby. She then pulled her eyes down to her hands. Her thoughts tumbled freely in her mind as she slowly walked towards the water. A gentle breeze suddenly kicked up, pulling her hair back behind her shoulders. She smiled, enjoying the soft caress of the air on her face as she closed her eyes and tried to focus only on comforting thoughts. Images and memories of her mother appeared and Kenzie's smile softened, emotions starting to rise within her.
"I wish you were here, Mom," she whispered, opening her eyes to gaze out at the water.
Her eyes then suddenly widened and she gasped at what stood in front of her. A woman had appeared, a soft, loving smile adoring her face. She wore a simple cream colored gown that was sleeveless and slim, ending at about her ankles and moving slightly in the breeze. Her hair was a dark blonde that laid in soft ringlets just above her shoulders, framing her face. She had a kind look to her; her inviting smile sparked slight wrinkles around her eyes, indication that she was fairly older than Kenzie. Her eyes were especially catching though; they glittered a dark midnight blue that mirrored the young witch's.
"M...mom?" Kenzie stammered, her eyes glistening with tears, "What are you doing here?"
Katherine O'Neil stepped closer to her daughter, opening her arms, "Oh, the Elders, by your grandmother's persistent request, suggested that I come to see you."
The young witch welcomed the gesture and fell into her mother's embrace, burying her face into her shoulder. Cool, silent tears fell as she breathed in the scent of lavender from her mom's gown. It felt unbelievably good to be comforted by her mother for the first time in years and she found herself wishing her mom would never leave.
Katherine slowly pulled away and brushed the hair from Kenzie's tear stained face, "Why are you crying, honey?"
Kenzie swiped at her face as well, "I'm so scared Mom. I've already seen two people I care about fall, knowing that there was nothing I could do. What will happen when we really go into battle and more people will die?"
Her mother frowned somewhat and cupped her daughter's cheek, "Oh sweetheart. You've made it this far; I know with all my heart that you are strong enough to face the evils of the world."
Kenzie lowered her eyes from her mom's, biting her lower lip and sniffling. How was it that everyone had confidence in her except her? She heard her mother sigh as she lifted her youngest daughter's face.
"You will make it through this, I promise you," she vowed.
The younger witch nodded and turned her eyes again from her mother's knowing gaze. She really didn't want her mother to know about the whole situation with Legolas or that it was weighing heavily on her mind, but she had a feeling that there was no keeping it secret. And she had been right.
Her mother's bright smile doused Kenzie's hopes of hiding her feelings, "Ah yes, there is the matter of Legolas, isn't there?"
Kenzie licked her lips and sighed heavily. Yep, she was going to have to talk about this with her mother. Katherine bent down somewhat to catch her daughter's gaze.
"Do you love him?" she asked simply.
"Yes," Kenzie breathed, looking up, "I do."
Her mother leaned forward and smiled brightly, "Good, because he loves you as well."
The young witch's eyes furrowed, "How can you...." she started.
"You can't fear love, Kenzie," Katherine interrupted, "If you do, you'll never find it."
Kenzie scrunched her eyebrows more, "Is that suppose to tell me I'm missing something?"
Her mother laughed, "In a round about way, yes."
Her daughter sighed in frustration. Okay, why was she confused?
Katherine shook her head, "I'm trying to tell you that you can't be this way," she started, taking Kenzie's hands in her and lowering her voice, "You have to open your heart and trust him, this elven protector of yours."
Kenzie laughed slightly with her mother at this comment. It sounded funny to call him that, even though he had sworn to such in Rivendell.
Her mother sighed, looking up to the sky. She squeezed the young witch's hand lovingly, "I must go."
Kenzie frowned, "So soon?"
"I'm afraid so," she replied, enveloping her youngest daughter in one last hug, "Everything will work out in the end, sweetie. Just remember what I've said."
Kenzie nodded into her shoulder, "I will Mom. Thank you."
Katherine pulled away and smiled softly, touching her cheek, "Blessed Be."
"Blessed Be," the young witch repeated softly, watching her mother disappeared in swirling golden lights. She sniffled once more and wiped away the last of her tears with the back of her hand, drawing in a heavy sigh. Her mind concentrated on her mother's advice, turning it over again and again. After a moment, she grasped that amidst all of the words Katherine O'Neil spoke, she had bluntly told her daughter to express her love for the elven prince. This was something Kenzie realized that she had been wanting to do all along.
"Kenzie?" a soft, gentle voice asked, making its way towards her.
The young witch turned her gaze to the right, seeing Legolas walk up the shore towards her. She did nothing but stare at the elf as he made his way towards her. When he stopped, she felt her front give and another lone tear trickle down her cheek. She slowly turned her whole body towards him and fell against his chest, snaking her arms around his neck.
Legolas said nothing and only returned the gesture, slowly wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her close. Kenzie buried her face into his chest, breathing deep the scent of forest from his tunic. The elf rested his cheek on her hair and took a deep breath as well. A small moment passed where nothing was said between the two and Kenzie savored the peace.
"What's wrong?" Legolas asked finally, his words rumbling in his chest as he spoke.
The young witch pulled away and took a deep breath, "I was just thinking about some things."
Her gaze then fleeted from Legolas to Aragorn and Gimli who still worked on Boromir's boat behind the couple. "About a lot of things," she continued softly.
The elf followed her gaze before turning back, looking directly in her eyes, "We will go on, Kenzie. We must for Frodo's sake."
"Frodo," she whispered, her eyes sliding over to the eastern shore, "He holds the fate of your world in his hands."
Legolas gently pulled her hands down from his neck and covered them with his own, "I trust him," he replied.
Kenzie's eyes looked back up into his and she smiled softly, "So do I; just as I trust you," she reached up and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind his pointed ear, "my elven protector."
He smiled as well, lightly taking her hand and kissing the inside of her palm, "And I always will be."
It was in that moment that she began to believe her mom's claim. Legolas meant everything he said, she could feel it. Suddenly she found herself no longer afraid of telling him about the strong feelings that coursed through her.
"Legolas," she began softly, gently running her thumb across his cheek.
"Yes, Ai'er?" he asked, his voice level and calm as his eyes danced with questions.
"You wanted to know how I feel?" she asked.
"You don't...." he started, but she quickly placed a finger to his lips, interrupting his reply.
She tiptoed slightly, replacing her finger with her lips, giving him a soft, short kiss, "I love you," she breathed.
This is it, she though, pulling away to see his reaction, It's all or nothing.
Her heart leapt as he smiled and pulled her back to him, "And I love you," he replied, returning her kiss with one just as soft and sweet.
Kenzie couldn't help but smile happily against his lips.. He loved her.....huh. Who would've thought of that? She felt.....she didn't know how she felt! So many things took flight in her when she heard those three words. It wasn't like a guy had never said that to her, it was just that when Legolas said it.....it was different. It was real.
Gravel crunched loudly behind them, causing her to sadly pull away from him. Her gaze fixed behind Legolas and she felt her happiness ebb away. Aragorn and Gimli were pushing the funeral boat carrying Boromir into the rushing water. Aragorn turned it and guided it a ways before allowing the current to take it towards its destination. As the Ranger walked back up onto shore, Legolas slipped his hand into Kenzie's and led her towards the others.
Gimli slowly walked along the shore, following the boat as it continued its trek towards the Falls. Legolas stopped a few feet away from Aragorn, but Kenzie continued towards the Ranger, her hand slowly sliding from the elf's. She came to a halt at Aragorn's side, taking a deep breath as her eyes stayed locked on the boat.
"He was a brave man," the young witch stated as the boat tumbled over and out of the sight of the company.
"That he was," Aragorn whispered, tightening the Lord's gauntlets to his wrists as he looked out into the distance.
Kenzie lowered her head, "I would have followed him to the White City," she whispered truthfully.
Aragorn slipped his arm around her shoulders in a comforting gesture, "So would have I," he agreed.
They were all silent for sometime before Legolas suddenly began to push another boat out into the water, "Hurry! Frodo and Sam have reached the eastern shore!" he cried out.
He stopped and turned back when neither Kenzie nor Aragorn moved from their stances. Aragorn lowered his arm and looked down to the ground. The young witch watched as his face clouded with grief and pain. She feared he would break down with sorrow, but his features cleared and he sighed. The Ranger then looked up and gazed across the shore, causing Kenzie to follow his gaze. Her eyes caught sight of the hobbits' boat resting peacefully on the other side.
"God speed Frodo and Sam," she whispered.
Legolas stepped back towards her and Aragorn, "You mean not to follow," he stated softly.
Aragorn looked at his friend, "Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands."
Gimli walked up then and leaned on his ax, "Then it has all been in vain. The Fellowship has failed," he said sorrowfully.
Kenzie walked over to stand beside Legolas, gently grabbing his hand as he looked to the ground defeated. Aragorn drew closer to the three, clasping Gimli and Legolas' shoulders, "Not if we hold true to each other."
The dwarf's face slowly broke into a faint smile as he placed his hand on Aragorn's as well, causing Kenzie to smirk. "We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death," the Ranger continued on, looking at each of them in turn, "Not while we have strength left."
He then turned away, grabbing his elvish knife from its resting spot on a nearby rock, "Leave all that can be spared behind. We travel light." He then sheathed the blade with a small smirk, "Let's hunt some orc."
With that, he took off back into the forest, dodging through the trees and over the lifeless Urks. Kenzie's face then broke out into a larger smirk as she looked between the dwarf and elf. "Are you coming?" she asked, squeezing Legolas' hand before chasing after the Ranger.
Gimli turned his gaze over to the elf and laughed slightly as he spoke, "You better follow you lass, Master elf."
Legolas turned towards the dwarf and glared slightly. This caused Gimli to laugh harder as he heaved his ax up and also followed Aragorn away from the shore. Legolas stood still for a split second longer, his eyes following the rest as they raced away and a small smile creeping onto his lips.
He then quickly sprinted after them, catching up and passing them easily.
THE END
"All great stories come to an end.....but this one isn't over yet."
The Road Goes Ever On : Being the Second part of the 'Charmed' Lord of the Rings Trilogy
The journey continues........................................................