A Stranger In The Woods
Chapter 26: Private Goodbyes
Two days later at breakfast, Aragorn announced the news everyone had been dreading- they were leaving Caras Galadhon.
"Pack you things and say your goodbyes. We will meet back here in one hour," the ranger stated, dismissing them.
Katie walked back to her room heavy-heartedly. She knew she would miss Lothlórien- the beautiful trees and people. And Haldir. He had come to her room yesterday to apologize for his behavior, and Katie readily forgave him. She knew how short his time on Middle Earth was.
"Now it's time to move on," she muttered to herself as she reached her room. 'I'm even going to miss my room,' she realized. Even though it was three or four stories off the ground. It was funny how fast one could get use to things like that. Now they were to leave, but deep inside Katie knew it must be done. The group had to continue on their journey. She just wasn't looking forward to the next step- the breaking of the Fellowship.
Just then, Haldir entered her room, carrying a package in his arms.
"I am traveling with your group to help load the boats, but I wanted to see you first," he declared. Then he handed her the gift he carried.
"It is from the Lady Galadriel," he explained as she opened it.
Inside the package was a pair of green tights and a slightly darker shirt. Katie held the clothes up to show Haldir- fascinated by the beautiful garments.
"Try them on," Haldir urged.
She hurried to the bathroom and changed clothes, amazed at how well the new ones fit. Like they were made just for her. She walked out to show Haldir, and was surprised to find Legolas there, as well. He looked up as she walked out, his eyes widening slightly as he took in her new outfit.
""Much better than your previous traveling clothes," Haldir said with a smile.
Katie punched him lightly on the shoulder. "There was nothing wrong with my other clothes," she said defensively.
"They were a little big…" Legolas said softly, a faint laugh evident in his voice.
Katie turned around and smacked him, too.
Legolas just smiled his million-dollar smile at her, saying nothing.
"They are a bit nicer," Katie admitted as she looked in the mirror at herself. Then, the reason Legolas was there hit her.
"It's time to go," she stated. Legolas nodded.
"I came to get you," he explained. He looked from her to Haldir, then back again. "I will give you two a minute to say your goodbyes privately."
He quickly walked out the door, shutting it hard behind him. Katie turned to Haldir, noting the amused smirk on his face.
"Don't even say it," she warned.
Haldir just threw his arms around her tightly. "I'll miss you," he said seriously.
Katie hugged him back. "I guess I'll miss you too," she growled playfully.
He pulled back and kissed her cheek softly. "Good luck with your prince," he whispered.
Katie scowled. "He's not my prince," she reminded him.
"Not yet," Haldir grinned, "but soon."
Katie just shook her head and grabbed her bag. "I guess it's time to go," she muttered reluctantly.
She looked around the room one last time. "I am going to miss this place," she whispered truthfully.
Haldir just shot her a kind smile and led her to the door. "I'll see you at the boat," he said as they walked out the door.
Legolas walked up to them and took her arm. "We'll see you there," he bid Haldir as he walked away.
Legolas led her down the hall in silence, thinking about the previous meeting between Pernia, Haldir, Katie, and himself. He wanted to tell Katie he felt nothing for Pernia but was afraid of her response.
'How does she feel about Haldir?' he wondered as they climbed down some stairs.
He was still trying to think of something to say when Pernia appeared.
He fought the urge to roll his eyes. It was obvious that the lady elf had sought him out.
"Hello," she purred, batting her eyes at Legolas. "Are you leaving now?" she asked innocently, ignoring Katie.
"Yes," he answered in a hard voice. "We must continue on."
"Oh! Do be careful," Pernia said dramatically and grabbed his arm.
Katie pulled away and looked at him with a smirk.
"I'll leave you two to say your goodbyes privately," she stated and walked away.
"When will you return to Lothlórien, Prince?" she heard Pernia ask as she left.
Katie wanted to scream in frustration - instead she quickly walked to where the group waited. They sat there talking until Legolas appeared several minutes later. After he endured a few teasing comments from Gimli they started walking towards the river.
They walked for what seemed like hours until finally the river came into view. The water banked three long canoes and a few of the elves – including Haldir – were already loading them.
Aragorn turned to the group. "Merry and Pippin - you will ride with Boromir in one boat," he stated. "I will travel with Frodo and Sam," he turned to Katie. "You will ride with Legolas and Gimli," he added.
'In case I was too dumb to figure it out on my own,' Katie thought with a smile.
"Everyone needs to put their belongings into their own boats," he commanded. "You will be in charge of your own possessions so do not lose them," he added and then walked away to help the elves.
Everyone followed the ranger and began to load the boats.
Katie threw her backpack into her assigned canoe with a heavy sigh. She wasn't looking forward to hearing Gimli's teasing comments. 'Especially since Legolas will be riding with us,' she thought with a frown.
Just then, Legolas walked up and bent over to place some bags into their canoe. He looked over at her as he stood back up.
"What's the matter?" he asked with a little grin. "Afraid of water as well?" He chuckled as she scowled at him.
"Oh shove it up your ass!" she growled before she walked away.
She smiled as she walked over to get more bags, knowing that she had shocked him. 'Maybe that'll teach him not to be a smart ass,' she thought with a grin.
'But who taught him how?' a tiny voice in her head asked.
Katie ignored it and kept working.
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A/N: Alright, that's officially the end of the chapter. Look for another one coming soon.
Katie-sue