THE SPACE BETWEEN

Author's note : Guess what? I got Dave Matthews' new album, Busted Stuff! AWESOME! A most excellent record, I highly recommend it!

Guess what? I got Dave Matthews' new album! AWESOME! A most excellent record, I highly recommend it!

Ok I know that my last chapter predicted quite easily what's going to happen here. But you know what? I'm not trying to create an incredibly veiled story which has unexpected twists and turns all the time (it does... I think, but not everywhere, I'd go crazy if it did!) I think that the focus should be not how the reader discovers certain things, but how the characters deal with it. They have the excuse of not knowing everything, unlike us who read what just about everyone goes through. Keep in mind I hope that I do have a few surprises and that its not 100 predictable, some of it is meant to be obvious to the reader and not the characters in the story.

Oh by the way... things are getting more and more AU... Sorry! I'm trying to stay as true as possible, but its not easy with an added character... especially Willow, she's so darn stubborn!

A-mon Andne, if that is your way of saying you like what you read than COOL! Thank you so much! I'm glad to see you like my site! I really really appreciate it! Thank you again! Oh and please, go ahead read on! I hope you like it!

Hey TreeHugger! I'm glad you like my song quotes! I obsess over them almost as much as my story… Storywriting is not about the big picture its all about the tiny details ! And my quotes are one of them, they're fun and I think of them as a great way to represent the feeling of the chapter to come… At least I hope!

And you know I had to slip in a word or two about Legolas and Orcs! Especially blue eyed ones… :)

And yes! I loved their parting! It is the parting they should have had one thousand years ago, unstead of the brutal one they got… was it brutal? Well it sure wasn't nice… anyways I'll shut up now… Brethilis is getting to me (!)

And well the elusive question (dun dun dun!) Will Willow follow Legolas? Stayed tuned to find out! Same Elftime, same Elf station (ok that was pathetic! I knew watching that old Batman show was a bad influence for me!)

Chapter Seven

The Edges of Twilight

Through Rohan over fen and field where the long grass grows

The West Wind comes walking, and about the walls it goes.

'What news from the West, O wandering wind, do you bring to me tonight?

Have you seen Boromir the Tall by moon or starlight?'

'I saw him ride over seven streams, over waters wide and grey;

I saw him walk in empty lands, until he passed away

Into the Shadows of the North. I saw him then no more.

The North Wind may have heard the horn of the son of Denethor.'

O Boromir! From the high walls westward I looked afar,

But you came not from the empty lands where no men are.'

From mouths of the Sea the South Wind flies, from the sandhills and the stones;

The wailing of the gulls it bears, and at the gate it moans.

'What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring to me at eve?

Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve.'

'Ask not of me where he doth dwell- so many bones there lie

On the white shores and the dark shores under the stormy sky;

So many have passed down Anduin to find the flowing Sea.

Ask of the North Wind news of them the North Wind sends to me!'

'O Boromir! Beyond the gate the seaward road runs south,

But you came not with the wailing gulls from the grey sea's mouth.'

From the Gate of Kings the North Wind rides, and past the roaring falls;

And clear and cold about the tower its loud horn calls.

'What news from the North, O mighty wind do you bring to me today?

What news of Boromir the Bold? For he is long away.'

'Beneath Amon Hen I heard his cry. There many foes he fought.

His cloven shield, his broken sword, they to the water brought.

His head so proud, his face so faire, his limbs they laid to rest;

And Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, bore him upon its breast.'

'O Boromir! The Tower of Guard shall ever northward gaze

To Rauros, golden Rauros-falls, until the end of days.'

Of all the uneventful ten days the Fellowship flowed down the Anduin, this day was certainly a contrast to the others. It all started with an eery unpleasant feeling with lead to Frodo reflecting on his future course of action, to a vivid discussion amongst the others to the disappearance of Boromir. Then after that all had been a blur, strange looking Orcs had attacked them. Gimli and Legolas fought to fend them off, all the while Aragorn and Sam searched for Frodo. Merry and Pippin found their way to Boromir who had sounded his horn. All heard its clear loud calling, and all feared what was to come of it. Legolas and Gimli then discovered Aragorn leaning over Boromir's now deceased body. They had now finished their mourning and cast their fallen comrade in one of the Lórien boats.

Another has fallen. Boromir, brave thane of Gondor was gone. The words from Willow's dream flowed into Legolas' mind as he watched Aragorn release Boromir's funeral boat. "Pain and Death... One shall rise as another falls..." It was very true that Boromir was the one who has fallen and was the cause of pain and death. But who shall rise? From what he understood it was not Boromir who would arise again. That was certain, for how can one return from the dead? He understood that Glorfindel had managed the impossible feat, but he was an Elf, not a simple man.

Legolas was in dismay, all now seemed lost and hopeless. The Hobbit he sworn to protect was amiss as was his fiercely faithful companion, Sam. There was no doubt in Aragorn's mind as to where he was headed, but Legolas felt a great sense of failure seeping through him. All were in turmoil for the two other Hobbits had been taken captive by Saruman's Orcs. The three remaining members were left with two choices, neither very appealing, they could either search for Frodo and Sam to help them on their quest to destroy the one ring or they could chase after Merry and Pippin to avoid them pain, torment and death.

Feeling more like a worthless leader, than the brave Ranger that set out on this perilous quest, Aragorn concluded it would be best to attempt to save the young hobbits, for he knew that despite the danger Frodo was facing, he was in no immediate peril unlike his two friends.

Legolas watched as his friend, the Ranger, made the difficult decision to leave Frodo and Sam on their own. He knew how gruelling it was for Aragorn to leave them behind. It was obvious the man was fond of the two halflings, come to think of it so were Legolas and Gimli. It was with a heavy heart, the three hunters left Amon Hen and made their way towards Fangorn in the hopes to find their friends.

The Prince stared at Aragorn and felt such empathy towards him. He could see his friend was attempting to remain calm and brave all the while withholding his desire to weep. Leading the Fellowship was a task Legolas did not envy, despite the fact the Elf was much wiser and older in years. Yet the man was the right one appointed to this task by Gandalf just moments before his fall.

Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli seldom spoke on their race against fate itself, fighting a battle already lost. All throughout the three days where the three hunters ran in the hopes to gain the Orcs, Legolas observed his fellow companion, Aragorn. He had a vague estimation of what the man felt seeing the death of Boromir. True it was hard on all, but he believed it was hardest on Aragorn. The Prince could only imagine the remorse he must have been feeling, convincing himself he was a failure to the Fellowship and how he lead them to doom and defeat. Of course Aragorn did not speak one word of his feelings to anyone nor did Legolas approach him on the subject.

The Prince did not need confirmation from the man, that his assumptions were true, all he needed to do was look at him when he believed he could not be seen. Since he was the one who did not sleep for the past three days, the Elf could easily be alerted to Aragorn's inner torment for he recalled the past few days in his dreams.

For these reasons and others, Legolas protested half-heartedly when it was time to rest. He understood the urgency of the situation, two lives were facing certain death. He urged them on. "Come! Let us go on! The thought of those merry young folk driven like cattle burns my heart." He said many a time, hoping to encourage the other two to make haste.

Yet while the others rested Legolas had refused to allow himself to sleep, keeping his keen eyes and senses always alert in the hopes to gain some advantages on their enemy at hand.

There was no sign of life for the past days, safe for a few slain Orcs they found lying across the road and one sign that hope still existed. Pippin, or so it was believed, had left behind the brooch that clasped his elven cloak. It was cast aside visibly for a friend to find. This gave the three hunters renewed hope that they may very well see their friends again.

On the third night, something peculiar had occurred. Legolas, who had not slept for the past three days, was keeping watch as his comrades regained much needed strength. There was no fire lit so, it was difficult for him to peer into the deep starless night. Aragorn had mentioned earlier of an old man lurking about, but non had seen him since. Legolas listened to the nocturnal wind for any clue as to where they were to go next. Strangely the wind answered him, but it was not what he was expecting. He felt a presence coming near them. He had no indication as to which it was a friend or foe, all he knew was that they were not to be alone for very long.

It was not until the fourth day, where there was something out of the ordinary. Legolas had noticed a swarm of riders far away. The three felt as if they could not escape them, however, they kept hope these riders could help them in their mission to find the lost halflings.

They were met by Aragorn. The one hundred and five riders were from Rohan, a land neighbour to Gondor. Their leader, Éomer, spoke at length with Aragorn. In the end, the three hunters were lent two horses.

Now equipped with the speedy animals, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli could move faster over the plains of Rohan. In the late afternoon they found a trail of dead Orcs leading them to piles of helms and armoury and a pile of still burning Orc flesh.

That night, they drew lots as to who would take first watch. Legolas was silently relieved that Gimli was the one appointed to keep an eye out for trouble. It had been many a night he had not slept and he welcomed this rest with great anticipation. Aragorn had not yet laid to rest that Legolas was swept into the realm of elvish dreams. Unfortunately he was awakened by Gimli who gasped in amazement. He had seen the old man again. By the time Aragorn invited him to come by the fire Gimli had lit, the old man was gone, as were the horses.

When the three hunters arrived at the Orc remains they were told by the Riders of Rohan that all was dead. The Riders never suspected that three Orcs were not present during the carnage. The Orcs did not expect their camp to have been attacked. They felt very sure of themselves at the time. When they returned they were quite shocked. Not knowing what to do, they hid in the forest hoping to find some other fell creature that had not fallen to the Riders' swords. Now they were staring at the strange gathering before them, a man, an elf and a dwarf. They saw the Elf and stared at him with intense hatred hoping for the right moment to strike against him and his companions.

Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli did not expect the two Orcs that came out after them. As quickly as possible the three stood up and faced their assailants. They were promptly killed by Gimli and Legolas, but the Elf did not see the evil yellows eyes behind him advancing slowly, scimitar him in hand. Aragorn barely had the time to shout to Legolas to turn around that the Orc fell to the ground, stunned never knowing what had hit him.

Seeing what had happened Legolas turned briskly to stare at the fallen Orc behind him. "Where did he come from?" He asked to his comrade, who in return could not give him an answer. Aragorn approached the Orc. "What killed him? It wasn't you Gimli?"

"No, I did not see him" Replied the dwarf.

"Then who did?" asked Legolas.

"I know not, but. Alas! Look! He has been pierced in the throat with an arrow, from behind!" A closer look revealed the Orc was shot stealthily behind, he never saw his killer. Legolas squinted his eyes and noticed a figure hiding behind a tree. Convinced it was the old man, he called out to him. "You may come forth old man so that I may thank you for your assistance."

Aragorn and Gimli exchanged glances. The figure came out from behind the tree. His hood hid his face cleverly. He advanced slowly, bow still in hand. The darkness and the cloak hiding his identity. He came close to the light and stood facing the three hunters. Three faces lit up with shock as the stranger was unmasked. A slender hand reached the edged of the hood and pulled it down to reveal...

"Willow!" They shouted nearly in unison. Two of the voices were surprised, while the other was boiling with anger.

"Laiella Tatharwen! What in heck are you doing here?" Inquired Legolas furiously. "Why have you followed us? You have much explaining to do!" Scowled the Prince his face nearly red.

"What is this?" Exclaimed Gimli, while Aragorn's eyes seemed to want to pop out of his sockets. The both of them sat down by the fire, inviting the elves to join them. As Willow sat down she stared at her love intently. "You are most welcome for saving your life, my Prince." She said somewhat bitterly.

"Thank you." Muttered Legolas unhappily under his breath as he sat down crossing his arms grouchily.

Aragorn shook off his initial shock and smiled tentatively. "Willow, were you the old man we had seen earlier?"

Willow stiffened, surprised. "No, I have not seen any old man. What do you speak of?"

"Well, Gimli said to have seen an old man not far from here. It was not the first time we had spotted him. But now, let me ask you, how long have you been following us?" Asked Aragorn piercingly staring at the Elf with this deep grey eyes.

She cleared her throat before answering. "I left Lórien two days after your departure."

"How could you have done this? Did you leave behind the Lord and Lady's back? I am certain they would have never agreed to this! I should have known to speak to Celeborn before leaving!" Legolas raved shaking a finger at Willow.

She raised he palm at him. "Peace Legolas. I left at the counsel of the Lady herself. She understood my need to join as you did not, and she urged me to depart."

"But how could have the Lady supported such a ludicrous idea! I would have believed her much wiser!" Raved the angry Prince.

"Do not speak of the Lady in such a fashion! You know not what you say." It was Willow's turn to speak angrily towards Legolas

"I have travelled behind you. I believed that two days was enough time between us so you would not notice me. I arrived at Amon Hen not very long after you had left for you trail was newly-made"

"You followed us by boat all this time?" Exclaimed yet again Legolas.

"Legolas! Please do not interrupt me and allow me to finish!"

The Prince nodded unhappily.

"I quickly glanced around to try to ascertain what had transpired. I found the remaining boat and discovered the unusual Orcs that were killed. I followed your trail ever since. If I may ask, what of the others? What happened to them?"

Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli exchanged glances. Gimli coughed and glanced at Aragorn, who in turn glared at Legolas. The Elf sighed realising he was the one who was chosen to relate to Willow what occurred on that fateful day in Amon Hen. Tears welled in Willow's eyes as Legolas spoke. Once he was done, she closed her eyes as if to take it all in. After a moment she cleared her throat.

"If I would have known danger was upon you so soon I would have come faster." She spoke sadly.

"It matters not, you could have been killed as well, or taken." Replied Aragorn. "So you followed our trail until this night?"

"Yes, I knew not how far I was from you. I ran as fast as I could until I found your camp only a few moments ago. I suppose I arrived in time to slay the last Orc."

Legolas interrupted her again. "Now what are we to do?" He shouted to Aragorn and Gimli. "We cannot send her back tonight! I say as soon as dawn appears, Willow you must turn back and make for Lothlórien."

Before Willow could protest, Aragorn attempted to ease the situation. "Nin Mellon, she has said the Lady herself urged her to join us. If the wise Lady Galadriel of the Galadhrim urged Willow to come to us, there must be a reason."

The Ranger thought for a moment. "Search inside your heart Legolas, you know what she says is true."

Legolas huffed. "Well I do not agree to this! I do not believe it is the place of a Lady such as Willow to be in our company at this time!"

Willow pressed her hand against the Elf. "Melamin, Estel did not ask if you agreed or not, he told you to search your heart to seek the truth. You are angry because you know deep down inside, it is the truth. You need me."

The Elf smiled crookedly. "If it may be true, I still do not like it. What of you Master Dwarf, what say you of this?"

Gimli straightened himself. "Well, whatever the Lady of the Galadhrim says, I am happy to oblige."

Legolas waved his hands in despair. "From what I can see I am outnumbered. Fine, Willow stay here, kill yourself if you wish."

Willow smiled sweetly and embraced her Elf. "Legolas, give in. You should know resistance is futile!"

Aragorn laughed mildly at the resisting Elf. "You should listen to her Nin Mellon, she is right."

Legolas rolled his eyes is dismay. "So I see."

"It is late, let us return to sleep for we have a strenuous journey before us! Gimli, if you wish you no longer need to continue your watch. I shall take over. I have need more for thought than rest."

"Very well." The Dwarf laid down and fell asleep.

Legolas sighed as he looked at Willow. "Well Melamin, I supposed you can sleep here for the night, but remember! Tomorrow I am sending you straight back where you belong." He said as he laid down.

"Very well then 'O mighty Prince of Spiders'!" Said Willow unceremoniously as he snuggled against Legolas, who in turn huffed exasperated. The worst he could hear Aragorn chucking in the background. "Prince of Spiders? That's a new one, old friend." He laughed at the dismayed Elf.

"Good night, Gwaur dúnadan!" He shot unkindly then he closed his eyes and fell to sleep.

It was red dawn when the Three Hunters, including Willow awoke the next morning. Legolas was whispering with Aragorn, Willow could only guess at what the two were discussing. She stretched her ear in order to listen. Strangely enough, Legolas and Aragorn were speaking in such low voices not even the hypersensitive ears of an Elf could pick up on the words spoken, yet Willow had long discovered her hearing was sharper than most Elves. It was unfortunate no one had bothered to the man and the Elf.

"She cannot stay here, Estel. She must return to Lórien."

"I understand your concern Legolas, but we are too far from Lórien. It would hold us back too long in our journey. I have not the heart to send her back alone and there is no way one of us shall accompany her. It is useless to quarrel Nin Mellon, she has made thus this far. Perhaps Lady Willow could be of some use to us."

Legolas sighed discouraged. "You do not understand Estel. I do not wish to see her harmed. This quest is on the brink of disaster. No, it has been a disaster. The Fellowship failed, Gandalf fell as did Boromir, and they are much stronger than Willow. If such men have failed, what hope is there for a frail and innocent Elf maiden?"

Aragorn shook his head. "Have you no faith? We shall make for Rohan, then to Minas Tirith. Willow shall be safe there."

"How can you be certain of that?" Interrupted Legolas. "Minas Tirith could be overrun by the dark forces as we speak."

Aragorn thought for a moment then smiled. "Legolas, I have never known you to be so conscientious, never before have you felt troubled when affronting danger."

"Never before has my love been so close to peril before."

"I would not be so certain of that, Melamin!" Shot the maiden, thus blowing her cover.

The two friends faced her, surprised. "Have you been eavesdropping?" Asked Aragorn somewhat apprehensively.

Willow smiled sheepishly. "Well yes."

The Ranger waved in hands in the air. "It matters not! We have already wasted precious time. Let us explore these surroundings, perhaps we shall find any hint of what occurred to our small friends." He called out. Gimli stood up anxiously, he agreed with the man, much precious time they was squandered indeed.

Crawling and groping the group searched for news of Merry and Pippin, how they hoped and prayed nothing had befallen them. With a little luck, Aragorn found traces of the hobbits and was able to piece together the events of a few nights ago, where two frightened hobbits escaped from a hoard of Orcs. The Ranger discerned the hobbit trail led into Fangorn forest. He knew they must follow into the Forest if they wished to find their friends. Aragorn informed them of their next path. They trailed for some time on the borders of Fangorn, still hesitant to enter the dark uninviting forest.

The foursome entered the dark forest of Fangorn, Legolas trailing behind half-heartedly. "I do not agree to this he repeated several times." The other three took turns giving him dark glances. It was not until the sun began westering the company reached the other side of the forest.

"Where are we now?" Huffed Gimli, almost out of breath. Before them, they could see the Gap of Rohan and to the West they distinguished a dark and winding road.

"There lies the road to Isengard." Said Aragorn sombrely. He glared at the dark road ahead of him, but something else caught his attention. It was far off, in the East, coming from Emyn Muil. He turned to his companions to learn that Legolas and Willow already aware of it. Both Elves were peering deeply across the plain, farther than he or the Dwarf could see.

Aragorn stood behind Legolas, on the plains before them he could see a black swarm moving fast towards them. Gimli noticed the other's attention was elsewhere, like the Ranger, he approached the Elves carefully. "What is it?" He asked to the man glaring at the Elf who stood unmoving as if frozen in fear. The black swarm was coming closer and closer to the foursome. The Ranger felt it was something evil coming their way and they had not the chance to escape it. "It seems to be troops marching from Isengard." Answered Aragorn who was regarded by an inquisitive Gimli.

Legolas did not turn and spoke one frightful word that would chill them to their very soul. "Orcs."

Gwaur Dunadan Filthy /dirty man (of the west)

Oh and just for copyright purposes, the poems at the Beginning are from The Two Towers… it's the funeral chant for Boromir sung by Aragorn and Legolas!