Hi trustful readers. I know, I know it's been a long time since I last updated and I apologize for that. I had a few problems with my broadband so I haven't been online that much. But here I am again with the next chapter. I hope you like, myself I think it's not that good as the other ones but I promise to do my best with the next chapter.

Bluekrystal1, You actually put me at a wonderful idea with Kurtis being added to the story, so if I were you I'd started reading and thnx for the review.

Mystique1515, Hey Legolas and Lara is a definite yes but Legolas might get a little competition! Thnx for the review.

Now on with the story

===

Lara's head rested against the window, she was looking outside but why she did that was something even she didn't know. The train was moving through the tunnel, unless for the flashing images of the tunnel there was nothing more to see. She sighed and moved away from the window, her view fell on her three companions sleeping. It was a funny sight and she laughed at them. Lara knew she had to get some rest as well but she refused to close her eyes. Every time she does Sauron's eye burns inside of her veins. She knew that was exactly what Sauron wanted, making her tired and weaker so it would only be a matter of time before the ring rips her apart. Bad news for Sauron, Lara just won't give up and surrender, she never knew how to give up, forgotten about it for years and actually had never thought of it in her years of tomb raiding.

But what was she going to do to stay awake? A good cup of coffee would do her good. She glanced at the three sleeping man shortly and then walked out of the cabin. When she entered the hallway she remembered she had to go left to get to the restaurant.  There weren't many people around, most were probably sleeping because it already was late in the evening. But just as these thought entered her mind a man shows up at the other side of the hall. The hall was small but he didn't bother to step aside when they crossed each other. He let his shoulder bump against her purposely. Lara shortly connected with the wall but ignored the man and continued walking. She didn't notice the man turning around, or at least that's what she made him believe. He removed a knife from his boot and softly followed her. Lara just continued walking. Then a man appeared in front of her and when she saw the object he was holding she put herself to a stop.

He held a knife and by the looks on his face the knife is meant to end up in her body. Lara just raised an eyebrow, she was not impressed by this man. The man laughed at her and then attacked her. Just when he was ready to strike one of the cabin doors flew open. The door missed Lara for only an inch but her attacker couldn't evade it and the door landed hard against his face. From the cabin another man appeared in front of her. Lara was given no time to find out whether he was on her side or on theirs. Someone had grabbed her from behind and pressed a knife against her throat. It probably was the man who had bumped into her seconds earlier and Lara broke free from him immediately. She let the back of her head connect hard with the man's nose.

The man screamed out in pain and was forced to let go of her. In a quick move she turned around and delivered a roundhouse kick at his face. The man span around and when he connected with the floor there was no movement left in him. Lara turned around to see the man who had helped her knocked out his opponent. She could finally get a good look at him. He wore a cowboy hat and a long coat that landed on his heels. His hair was brown,  half long and an unshaven beard covered his chin. Another one who hates to shave she thought.

"Quick get in." the man said while he gestured at the cabin he just came from.

"Just because you helped me doesn't mean that I trust you."

Footsteps sounded from behind them, more men were coming.

"You don't have to trust me honey, you can stay there to wait for the bad guys to arrive and get killed after all."

Again he moved his hand to the cabin waiting for Lara to react on it.

"Alright, but we must take these chumps with us."

"No they go in here."

The man opened another cabin and grabbed one of the man. Lara grabbed the other one and together they dragged the two thugs inside the cabin. Then the man closed the door.

"Now let's go inside before we get spotted."

This time Lara  didn't hesitate and entered the cabin. The man entered after her and immediately closed the door. Together they stayed silent and waited for the footsteps to leave. Once she was sure they were gone, Lara grabbed the man by his throat. She pushed him against the wall and saw he was surprised by her action, surprised but not worried, as the matter of fact he started laughing at her.

"Who are you?" Lara asked while she pressed her fingers deeper into his skin.

"My name is Van Helsing." He said in a combination of laughing and searching for breath.

Lara frowned and almost laughed at him "Van Helsing? And I'm the queen of England." She said. "Van Helsing only lives in rumors and legends from about two hundred years ago."

For a second her grip on his throat loosened, Van Helsing reacted on it immediately and pushed Lara away. Lara landed hard against the other side of the cabin and now Van Helsing got hold of her throat. He looked over her body and again showed a smile.

"Well you're looks are much better then those of the real queen."

Lara let her eyes fall on Van Helsing and showed him she does not appreciate this.

"Just call me Van Helsing honey, it doesn't matter whether it's my name or not."

He let go of her and immediately received Lara's fist on his left cheek.

"And you just call me Lara, my left fist doesn't react well on the word honey."

Van Helsing shrugged while he rubbed his cheek. "Great, now that we finally know each other, you might want to tell me what made you think to leave you're cabin, Sauron's spy's are all over the train."

"I think I can decide for myself where I'm going, I do not need someone like you to help me making these decisions. There are already three men keeping their eye on me."

Van Helsing shrugged "Really? Then why are they sleeping?"

Lara froze, how on earth could he know that, but then the cabin door opened. In a quick light reflex Van Helsing pulled out his gun and aimed it at the person who walked in. Lara already had recognized him, it was Legolas.

"It might seem like we are asleep, but you must not believe everything you see my friend."

Legolas moved his hand to the gun and pushed it down.

"It's about time you showed up Legolas."

Lara was confused, these two men know each other?

"Legolas why is this man thinking he can order me around like he is my husband or something?"

Legolas laughed at the tomb raider's words "Van Helsing has faced many dangers in his long life. I've asked him to help us during the journey to Africa, but don't worry he will only operate from the background, we only meet when it's necessary."

So he really is Van Helsing, Lara would have imagined him quite different, especially not that rude. However it's wonderful to see a legend like him still being alive, but she will not show him that credit and will only keeps it to herself, he doesn't deserve it…yet.

"I can life with that," she said "and I presume he was just leaving? Right Mr Van Helsing?" Lara aimed her eyes at Van Helsing, showing him a clue he could not ignore.

"Alright you win…Lara…" his eyes trailed of to Legolas "we meet at the next point, just as we agreed."

Legolas nodded and watched him leave, then he looked back at Lara and saw she had sit down. He did the same and took place next to Lara.

"I take it you don't like him very much?"

Legolas received a raised eyebrow

"Oh don't worry about that, it's just his personality, it conflicts with mine."

It doesn't take Lara much effort to cause Legolas to laugh. He has a beautiful smile that's hard to ignore.

"So how are you feeling Lara?"

"Except for the lack of sleep I'm more then fine."

Her eyes indeed looked tired. Legolas knew why she didn't want to sleep and couldn't blame her. He had seen Frodo suffer under the burden of the ring and he must say that Lara was holding on very good. He reached for his pocked and removed a small bottle with blue liquid inside of it.

"Here, drink this."

Lara accepted it and looked closely at the bottle. "What's in it?" she asked and smelled at it. The smell was strong and bitter, immediately she pulled her head away from the bottle. "It smells terrible."

Again Legolas laughed, probably because of the funny face Lara made when she smelled at the bottle. "It's for you're lack of sleep, it tastes quite bad but it really helps."

Well she could use some rest and if this is a way to make the sleep disappear she would take her chances. The bottle was placed on her lips and in a quick move she moved her head back and allowed the liquid to enter her throat. With a disgusted impression on her face she swallowed the last drip and Legolas laughed at her, again. It was almost getting annoying but on the other side it was funny and Lara thought he looked rather cute with a smile on his face.

"What is that makes you laugh all the time Legolas?"

Legolas moved his head closer to Lara "You." He said and pressed his lips on those of Lara. She accepted it and what followed was a passionate kiss. The lips of the elf almost took her breath away, so soft and warm. Every time she's with Legolas she feels comfortable but this really is overwhelming. He has the strangest effect on her and she didn't mind it at all. Lara wished she could be in this trance for ever. It made all her worries disappear, there was nothing but warmth inside her body, warmth given by Legolas as he pulls her closer to his body and put another burst of passion into the kiss.

After what seemed forever the warmth slowly disappeared when Legolas had stopped kissing and moved back slightly. Now it was only five centimeters that was between their faces, they both smiled.

"Thank you." Lara whispered and added a small kiss on his forehead to it.

"For what?" Legolas asked.

"For this moment."

She pressed her head against his chest and closed her eyes. Legolas had given some peace inside her which allowed her to get some sleep without being disturbed by Sauron.

===

"Lara, wake up we are in France."

Slowly she opened her eyes and smiled as she saw Legolas leaning over her. He smiled back and helped Lara on her feet. Her body was stiff from the uncomfortable position she had slept in, however it was soon gone when she stretched her muscles and bones a couple of times.

"Now that you're awake we can go and look for Gandalf and Aragon. so that we can go to Paris as quickly as possible."

Lara nodded and followed Legolas outside the cabin. Instead of going to the exit that was ten meters from their right, they turned left back to the cabin Gandalf and Aragon should be in. They hurried their way through the crowd and were surprised to see the cabin was empty.

"Bugger, where are they."

Legolas and Lara looked at each other in confusion. If Gandalf and Aragon weren't in here, they must be looking for Legolas and Lara .

"I think it's best to get out of the train, maybe they are outside."

Lara agreed with Legolas and followed him to the exit of the train. Outside the large crowd of people shrinking. They all had their bags and cases so there was no more purpose for them to hang around the train station. The couple looked around for their friends but they were nowhere to be seen. Lara felt something grabbing her shoulder, she turned around and looked in the eyes of Aragon.

"Where have you two been?"

"Hiding in another cabin." Lara answered. Aragon raised his eyebrow at those words, it was a questionable eyebrow.

"Not now Aragon, where is Gandalf?"

"Outside waiting for us, let's go."

Their footsteps echoed through the hallway. They were the last ones to exit the train station so every little sound that's produced echoes through the hall. Outside Gandalf was indeed waiting for them. He already had lit his pipe again. There were only few moments when he doesn't smoke.

"Ah there are our little love birds."

Legolas and Lara looked at the sorcerer, how could he know what happened in the train, or maybe it was the look on their faces that betrayed them. Gandalf only laughed at them.

"Come, we must go to Paris."

Legolas and Aragon followed Gandalf but Lara stayed where she was.

"How are we planning to go there? It's at least five hours driving."

The three men laughed at her. Aragon then pointed at a car standing a few meters away from them. He received a raised eyebrow from the tomb raider.

"Wonderful, I'll drive."

The three men immediately shake their heads and Aragon handed the keys to Legolas.

"I think we'll be much saver as Legolas drives." Aragon said.

Lara knew why they did this, they probably know about her driving skills and she has to admit that sometimes she goes to fast.

"Fine whatever, a bloody horde of orcs doesn't scare you and my driving skills do, men…"

She desperately threw her hands in the air and walked to the passenger side. The other men entered the car as well. Legolas started the car and drove in the direction of Paris.

===

Kurtis Trent was sitting behind a table looking at a half full glass of beer. He's been in this position for half an hour already. Kurtis was bored, after Eckhardt was killed nothing had happened. It had taken a lot of time before the wound had healed. He had expected to see Lara again but after she killed Eckhardt she just left, he still didn't know why she'd done this. Reality shot back when someone started talking to him.

"Monsieur Trent, the glass won't get empty if you keep staring at it."

Kurtis looked up and his eyes landed straight at those of the bartender. His mustache was so big that it was hard to see the broad smile on his face, a typical Frenchman Kurtis had thought.

"I'm not planning on drinking it garcon." Kurtis said as he handed the glass at the bartender so he could take it away. The glass almost fell on the floor when Kurtis lost his attention to some arguing men. These men had been here the last few days. Kurtis had noticed them asking questions at the people that was working here. Strange men, especially the tall Afro American.

"Hey garcon, what do these men want from you. They just keep asking questions."

Again the bartender tried to pull out a smile but that terrible mustache was absolutely pushing it aside.

"They keep asking questions about a woman. Monsieur we are looking for a woman, she has brown hair probably tied in a braid, 180 centimeters tall and very beautiful. And I keep telling these men there are women like her coming in this place every day. So ever since they keep showing up, I don't mind as long as they pay their drinks and keep peace." 

Kurtis narrowed his eyes "A French woman?" he asked.

"No they said she's English."

As some sort of idiot Kurtis jumped from his seat. In a hurry he looked for his wallet and paid for his drink. The staring eyes of the bartender burned in his back but he paid no further attention to the man. If this woman they were looking for was who he thought she was then Kurtis might be able to help her.

"It must be Lara, it must be." He said to himself while he jumped on his bike and drove away. But how was he going to find her. Paris is not what you call a small city.

"What trouble have you gotten you're self into this time Lara."

His thoughts trailed off to the day in the Louvre. There she was with the painting in her backpack. He had enjoyed the moment when he had the better of her.  She was so beautiful but the painting was more important and back then he couldn't trust her yet. Now it's different, she had killed Eckhardt enough reason to trust her he would say. He had to find her, though he did not know where to look. It will be his instincts that will help him.

Well hope you enjoyed this chapter, I'll promise to do my best and update as soon as possible. At the mean time please keep reviewing!!