Disclaimer: I own nothing except Maria.
Life Sucks
By: Honolulu
It was little more than a week since the feast. Legolas seemed a little strange towards Maria, no one knew why but it soon passed. The days seemed to past quickly now that they would be leaving. It was December 24.
Arwen, Aragorn, Maria, Legolas and Celeste were in the gardens spending their last day together before the departure tomorrow. They were speaking of anything and everything when Maria brought out several boxes. " What is in there?" Celeste asked.
" I don't know if you guys do this. Back in my world we celebrated a day called Christmas. It's a time when family and friends gather together and exchange gifts. Christmas is on the 25th but since the three of us will be leaving tomorrow I wish to give you all something now." Maria explained to them. She placed the boxes on the table and pushed them in the middle. " Inside these boxes is something for each of you. Open them." They all smiled at her.
Arwen and Celeste opened theirs first. They took out its contents and smiled, inside was a haku lei. Arwen's lei was made with sonia orchid while Celeste's was made with red and white carnations. Maria got out of her seat and took the leis out of their hands. " I didn't know what you guys would want that you didn't already have so I made a haku lei. It's to be worn on your head. Its just like a crown of flowers." She said. Maria placed the leis on their head for them and took a step back to look at her work.
" They're beautiful Maria." Arwen said with a smile.
" I love it. Thank you." Celeste said. Maria smiled and gave them each a hug then turned to Legolas and Aragorn.
" Well? Are you going to stare or are you going to open your gift?" She huffed. They both laughed and opened their present. Each was given a ti-leaf and double white dendrobium male leis. She walked to them and grabbed the leis. Instead of placing the leis on their heads, she placed them on their shoulders and kissed them on the cheek. " So what do you think?" She asked.
" In all my 2931 years I have never received such a nice gift from a friend. Thank you Maria." Legolas said.
" As Legolas said, throughout all my travels in middle-earth I have seen many things. I've seen flower crowns like those 'haku leis' but I never seen anything like this and I'm honored to receive this from you. Thank you." Aragorn said fingering his lei. By the time he was done Maria was red as a tomato.
She gave them a cheeky smile, " I'm glad that all of you liked it. I wasn't to sure if you would." They continued talking when a servant came down to them.
The servant bowed and started to speak. " I am sorry to interrupt your conversation but Lord Elrond is requesting Lord Aragorn, Lady Marianna and Prince Legolas presence. He wishes to speak about tomorrows departure."
" Thank you for telling us Feanaro." Aragorn said. Feanaro bowed once more and left. Aragorn and Legolas rised out of their seats turning to leave when they saw Maria not making any notion to move.
" Aren't you coming?" Legolas asked.
" No, if its anything truly important you guys can tell me when you get back but I want some time alone with my girls." She told them. They nodded and left. Maria turned to them and saw sadness etched on their face. " Hey, what's wrong?"
" You're leaving tomorrow. I wish you didn't have to." Celeste said.
" You know it was bound to happen, it's inevitable. If it wasn't because of this quest then it would've been some other reason. Besides, I'm not gone yet, let's enjoy this time together." She nudged Celeste in the shoulder, Celeste gave a small smile.
" Maria?" Arwen spoke softly.
" Yes?"
" I have a favor to ask of you."
" Sure, what is it?" Arwen looked her straight in the eye. Maria almost jumped from the intensity of her stare.
" Can you please watch out for Aragorn, Legolas and yourself?"
" Of course." Arwen grabbed Maria's hands.
" Promise me you will lookout for one another. I want all three of you to come back to us alive and well. Promise me, please." Arwen pleaded.
" I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die." She squeezed Arwen's hand to reassure her.
" Thank you." Maria nodded.
" Let's go back to my room. I have one more thing to give you two." They stood up and walked out of the gardens. Once in her room Maria walked to one of the drawers and pulled something out. She sat with them on her bed. She showed them two colorful bracelets. " These are friendship bracelets. We may not be with each other but we can at least remember our time together. I'm giving one to every friend I have here. It means that we'll be friends forever. I made one for myself as well," She showed them her wrist which laid a colorful band. " I have every color that I used on every bracelet I made. Its not as beautiful as jewelry but it has a deeper meaning."
" So which one do you want? The yellow or the lavender?" Arwen took the lavender while Celeste chose the yellow. They were soon joined by Legolas and Aragorn. Maria gave them both a bracelet as well. Legolas's was green, Aragorn's red. They talked as Maria packed her belongings. They soon walked out to the bench in the gardens. As Maria sat down, she started to giggle a little.
" What's so funny?" Celeste asked.
" This is where I met you all and we clicked as a group. Two months ago."
" Has it truly been two months?" Legolas commented.
" I know. It doesn't seem like two months. I feel as if I've known you all since forever yet its only been two months." They agreed with her. During the rest of the day the five of them roamed around Rivendell just enjoying each other's company. Now only three of them sat in the kitchens eating dinner because Aragorn wanted to spend some time alone with Arwen. Not soon afterwards did Maria said she was going to bed.
" Who knows when I'll get another night of full rest?" With that she walked off to her room. She now sat on her bed in her pj's looking around the room trying to memorize everything. She heard a knock at the door. " Come in." She looked at the door to see Legolas enter. " Hey."
" Hi. How come you're not asleep?" He asked.
" I tried but I can't." He sat down next to her.
" Can I ask you a question?"
" You already did but go ahead. Doesn't mean I'll answer."
" Are you scared?"
" You want a honest answer?" He nodded.
" Scared shitless." He chuckled at her answer. She laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist. He pulled her closer to him until she sat in his lap. She breathed in deeply taking in his scent.
" They should make a teddy bear with your scent Legolas. I'd buy one in an instant. I'd carry you everywhere and squeeze you when I need some comfort." She could feel his feel body shake as he laughed. He rubbed her back in soothing circles. " I'm scared of what's ahead. I don't fear death, I accept it but I just don't want to lose anyone." She confided in him. She closed her eyes as he soothed her with his words. They sat that way for awhile.
He soon pulled away. Maria wrapped her arms around herself when she lost his warmth. He cupped her face. " Ease your fears and try to get some sleep. You'll need your strength for tomorrow." He kissed her forehead. " Goodnight."
" 'Night!" She called out as he closed the doors. She got up and walked to her mirror. She looked at herself especially her hair. Maria fingered it noticing how long it was. It was almost down to her butt. " This could be a problem." She muttered. She grabbed one of her daggers and stared at her hair. " Here we go." She grabbed a handful of hair and in one swift move, locks of hair fell to the floor. A few more swipes later. Maria ran her fingers threw her now chin length hair. " That's better." She smiled then went to bed.
*******************************
December 25:
Maria rose with the sun and went to go prepare. She took a nice hot bath and dressed in some brown leggings, a white tunic and some boots she swiped. She strapped her daggers onto the side of her thighs, a sword around her waist. She looked at herself in the mirror, " I am Zena, warrior princess." She muttered then laughed. She put in her contacts and walked onto the balcony enjoying the view one last time. She walked back into her room and grabbed the picture of her family along with her bag. She stared at the picture, " Give me strength to do this." She whispered and kissed the picture placing it in her backpack.
She opened one of the doors. Maria turned to look at her room once more, smiled at the memories and walked out. She found Legolas, Arwen, Aragorn and Celeste in the gardens already eating breakfast and chattering away. " Why am I not surprised?" She muttered then went down to join them. Arwen looked up from her conversation with Aragorn and noticed her.
" Good morni- WHAT happened to your hair?!?" Arwen cried. The rest of them looked up and immediately noticed Maria's short hair.
" What does it look like? I cut it."
" B-b-but why?" Celeste stuttered. Maria rolled her eyes and sat down in one of the chairs.
" It was getting too long and I didn't want to have to deal with it on the quest. It would've gotten in my way. Why? Does it really look so bad?" They shook their heads.
" No but since we're so use to seeing you with long hair it would take some time to adjust to the new look." Arwen clarified. Maria nodded her head in understanding and started to eat breakfast. As they talked she noticed that everyone was wearing their bracelet, she smiled inwardly. They spent their last hours together until they noticed the sun was starting to set. They were to start at dusk, for Elrond counselled them to travel under the cover of the night as often as they could, until they were far from Rivendell.( pg. 292 FOTR)
Maria spoke softly with Celeste and Arwen in the Great Hall by the fire waiting for Gandalf to join them. When Gandalf walked out to them she turned to say her goodbye's before joining the rest of the fellowship. She smile softly. " So this is goodbye." Celeste said. Maria shook her head.
" I don't like saying goodbye, it sounds so permanent. How about we say ' Tenna' ento lye omenta.' [Until next we meet.]" She said. Arwen and Celeste's eyes widened.
" You learned elvish." Arwen said.
" No, I picked up a few words and phrases from you four when you would speak in elvish. I know a few other things but I can hardly pronounce them correctly so don't ask." She told them. Maria hugged Celeste tightly then moved to Arwen. " I'll watch over them." She whispered in Arwen's ear. She pulled back and wiped away a stray tear that escaped from her eye. She gave them a smile and walked to the fellowship. Maria stood behind the hobbits and between Legolas and Aragorn.
Maria listened closely to the last bits of Elrond's farewell speech. " Or break it," said Elrond, " Look not too far ahead! But go now with Good hearts! Farewell, and may the blessing of the Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces!" ( pg. 294 FOTR)
Many others of Elrond's household stood in the shadows and watched them go, bidding them farewell with soft voices. There was no laughter, and no song or music. At last they turned away and faded silently into the dusk. They crossed the bridge and wound slowly up the long steep paths that led out of the cloven vale of Rivendell; and they came at length to the high moor where the wind hissed through the heather. Then with one glance at the Last Homely House twinkling below them they strode away far into the night. ( pg.294 FOTR)
Gandalf walked first leading the others, then Aragorn who knew the land even in the dark. Frodo and Sam, who was holding the reins to Bill the pony, trailing behind the two, then came Boromir, Gimli, Merry, Pippin and last Maria, with Legolas as the rearguard. They walked over mountains and fields. They traveled long distances and had short breaks. After nine days of travel they finally reached Hollin and there they decided to rest and plan to discuss their next area of travel.
Maria sat down on one of the many boulders surrounding the area eating, while watching Boromir teach Merry and Pippin sword fighting. Aragorn sat down, smoking some weed with his pipe, watching them while giving them a few comments. " Move your feet!" He called out. Gimli spoke with Gandalf, complaining about how he believes they're taking the long way around.
" If anyone were to ask my opinion," Gimli spoke.
" Which we don't care to hear." Maria muttered. Legolas heard this and stifled a chuckle.
" which I note they have not," Gimli continued, " I would say we're taking the long way around! Gandalf, we could go through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome!" Taking a puff from his pipe Gandalf spoke.
" No, Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice." Frodo and Sam watched their fellow hobbit friends. They watched as Boromir accidentally hurt Pippin.
" Ow!" Pippin cried.
" Oh! Sorry!" Boromir said. Pippin gets up and tackles him, Merry joining him taking Boromir to the ground.
" Get him Merry! For the Shire!" Pippin shouted. Maria giggles at the sight. Legolas climbs the boulders near her.
" How are you fairing Maria? You've been quiet for these past few days." Legolas said. She looked up at him.
" I'm fine, tired due to all the walking but fine nonetheless. I miss Arwen and Celeste but that's to be expected. I know I've been quiet which usually I am not but since we're in this situation I haven't felt the need to speak. So I've been keeping myself occupied by singing songs in my head." She told him. Legolas extended a hand toward her.
" Come, walk with me." She took his hand and he pulled her up. They hopped to one boulder to another, just enjoying one's presence. Maria jumped on to another rock but lost her footing and started to head for the ground when Legolas caught her waist. He slowly pulled her up against his chest. She blushed a bit at the action.
" Thanks." She mumbled. Legolas was going to speak when he noticed something in the sky. Not hearing any response from him, Maria lifted her head from his chest to see what he was looking at. She was going to ask what they were looking at when Sam beat her to it.
" What's that?" Sam asked. Gimli looks at the sky.
" It's nothing, just a wisp of cloud." He said. The rest of them also turn to look at they sky or 'wisp of cloud' as Gimli said.
" It's moving fast. Against the wind." Boromir noticed. Legolas looked with his keen eyes.
" Crebain from Duneland!" He told them.
" HIDE!!!" Aragorn shouted. Sam put out the fire he was using for cooking the food while everyone else grabbed their possessions. Legolas took Maria's wrist, grabbed their belongings and hid under some bushes and rocks. Maria looked between the branches of the bushes to see birds fly through and circle the area. They stay hidden until the birds flew off away from them. Legolas crawled out his spot first helping Maria up as others followed.
" What the hell was that?" She asked shaking her clothes free of dirt and rocks.
" Spies of Saruman. The passage South is being watched. We must take the pass to Caradhras." Gandalf answered her grimly.
" I take it that's not a good thing." She grumbled.
************************
Maria now walked on a mountain covered by layers of snow. " This is not so bad. I haven't seen snow since I was four." She told Legolas who was walking on top of the snow next to her. She was speaking to Merry and Pippin when Frodo lost his footing and tumbled down the slope of snow. Aragorn stopped his descent. Aragorn pulls Frodo up and helps take some snow off of him. Frodo brushed himself off when he noticed he was no longer wearing the ring around his neck. He looks up to see Boromir pick up the necklace with the ring hanging from it.
Boromir stares intently at the ring while everyone stares at him. Aragorn moves his hands to the hilt of his sword. Maria sees this. " Boromir!" She calls out to him. He ignores her call.
" It is strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over such a small thing. Such a little thing." Boromir says entranced by the ring. With the necklace in his right hand his left hand moves to the ring.
" Boromir! Give the ring to Frodo!" Aragorn commands him. This seems to bring Boromir out of his trance. He walks toward them slowly and hands the ring back to Frodo which he snatches back quickly.
" As you wish. I care not." Boromir laughs, ruffles Frodo's hair and walks away. Aragorn removes his hand from his hilt. Maria raises an eyebrow at this exchange and feels the tension level rise. To break some of the tension, Maria bends down and picks up a handful of snow. She packs into a round ball.
" Hey Aragorn!" She calls. Aragorn turns at the sound of his name only to be hit with a snowball right in the face. He can hear laughter in the air as he removes the snow from his eyes. He looks up to see the hobbits laughing. Gimli smirking a little, Boromir smiling and Legolas laughing as well. Even Gandalf broke out in a smile. He looks down the line to see Maria holding her stomach and her face red from laughing.
" Oh…heheheh! You should've…hehe… s-seen…pfft!….your face!" Maria choked out between laughs. Aragorn smirked and reached down to pick up some snow. Maria immediately stops laughing as she feels the cold reach her chest. She looks down to see a big splotch of snow on her. She makes another snowball and tosses it at him. Anticipating this move, Aragorn moves out of the way only to have the ball hit Gandalf in the arm.
Maria's eyes widen. " Oops!" Gandalf turns and glares at her. Wanting to give the favor back, he tosses a snowball at her. Not wanting to be hit with it, Maria grabs Legolas by his tunic and places him in front of her letting him get hit. She giggled a little bit at Legolas reaction but stops as she feels ice slide down the back of her shirt. Jumping into the air, " Cold! COLD!" She cried as she tried to shake it off. The hobbits and Boromir soon joined in the fun. It was even more shocking when Gimli joined in.
After a couple minutes Gandalf told them that they should continue on. " You have nice aim Lassie." Gimli commented to her. Shocked with the compliment but happy nonetheless she replied by giving him a toothy smile. As they continued up the mountain the weather started to get worse. It was hard to see with all the snow coming down at them. They continued into the night until even Legolas was having trouble to see. They found a small cavern on the side of the mountain and went inside until the weather lightened a bit.
Gandalf lit a very small fire and passed around a leathern flask. " Just a mouthful each--- for all of us. It is very precious. It is miruvor, the cordial of Imladris. Elrond gave it to me at our parting. Pass it around." ( pg.304 FOTR) As it reached Maria, she quickly took a sip and felt renewed energy and warmth. Though even with a drink from the miruvor Maria could still feel the cold. The hobbits sat around the fire side by side. Maria pulled her cloak closer around herself and rubbed her arms.
" Cold?" Legolas asked. She turned and glared daggers at him.
" What do you think?" Legolas sighed and opened his arms. Maria ran into them. Legolas pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around her along with his arms. She gladly took all the heat his body gave off. " We have a love-hate relationship right now Legolas." She stated.
" How so?"
" I hate you for being elf right now because you're not really affected by this weather but I love you because you are an elf and you can spare your body heat by giving it to me." She explained. Legolas didn't know why but he could feel his heat beat faster when she said ' I love you.' Maria snuggled into him some more. He heard her breathe in deeply. She closed her eyes, feeling a bit sleepy.
" Stay awake Maria. We all need to stay awake. You don't want to fall asleep in the cold like this." Legolas whispered in her ear. She nodded and opened her eyes. They sat in a corner, Legolas's chin resting on her head. Maria looked around to see Gandalf, Aragorn and Boromir speaking to each other. The hobbits looked like they were falling asleep.
" Guys!" She called out. The hobbits looked at her. " You can't fall asleep. Come here." The hobbits sat down by her and Legolas.
" What should we do to stay awake?" Frodo asked. Maria thought about it.
Listen baby
Maria started to sing.
Ain't no mountain high
Ain't no valley low
Ain't no river wide enough, baby
If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry
Cause baby
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, baby
Remember the day I set you free
I told you You could always count on me
From that day on I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me Some way, some how
'Cause baby,
Maria signaled them to sing along with the chorus. The hobbits eagerly joined in.
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you
No wind, no rain
My love is alive Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I'll be there on the double
As fast as I can
Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you
Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
The hobbits quickly learned the full song and kept singing to themselves. Gandalf soon called for their attention saying that the weather wasn't as bad and that they could continue up the mountain. " Damn." Maria muttered under her breath. She got onto her feet and took off Legolas's cloak handing it back to him.
" Keep it. You'll make better use of it." He told her. She nodded and place it around her shoulders again. Having another sip of miruvor, they started to trek up the mountain. Gandalf was correct about the weather not being so bad but he would soon be eating those words. Once again did snow pound into them. The hobbits were having a hell of a time trying to get through. With his staff Gandalf tried to make a path for them.
Legolas walked ahead of them on the snow keeping an eye out for anything. Aragorn followed Gandalf with Frodo and Sam on his back. Then Boromir with Merry and Pippin, trailing behind was Gimli and last Maria. Maria pulled up the head of the cloak to cover her face from the stings of the wind. Legolas stopped walking and seemed to listen to some unknown voice.
" There is a foul voice on the air." He told them.
" It's Saruman!" Gandalf yelled. There was a loud crack, they all looked up to see boulders tumbling down. They hit the side of the mountain trying to avoid the rocks.
" He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf! We must turn back!" Aragorn shouted.
" NO!" Gandalf walked near the edge and pulled out his staff. " Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, nuitho i 'ruith! [Sleep Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold your wraith.]" Gandalf chanted.
" Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse! Nai yarvaxea rasselya taltuva notto-carinnar! [Wake up cruel Redhorn! May your blood-stained horn shall fall upon the enemy-heads!]" The foul voice chanted. A lightening bolt hit the mountain making rocks and layers of snow come down. Legolas jumped from where he was standing, grabbing Gandalf with him, and moved away from the edge.
The snow fell on top of them. Legolas was the first to come out of the snow bringing Gandalf with him. Boromir with the hobbits next, then Gimli and Aragorn with Frodo and Sam. " Where's Maria?!?" Legolas shouted. They looked behind Gimli and saw she had not come out from the layers of snow. Legolas walked behind Gimli and started to dig through it. A fist broke through surprising Legolas and almost clocking him in the jaw.
Another fist broke through. Legolas grabbed her wrists and pulled her up. Maria's head broke through the surface, she spit out snow from her mouth. Legolas noticed blood streaming from a cut on top of her left eyebrow. Droplets of blood hit the snow tainting it. Maria lifted a hand to wipe it away from her eye but Legolas stopped her. He ripped a piece of his tunic off, placed it on the cut and applied pressure.
" We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan! Or take the west road to my city!" Boromir demanded.
" The Gap of Rohan takes us to close too Isengard!" Aragorn countered.
" We cannot pass over the mountain! Let us go under it! Let us go through the Mines of Moria!" Gimli shouted.
" Let the ring-bearer decide…Frodo?" Gandalf said. Frodo looked at all his companions. Seeing how they were all cold, bleeding and having troubles. He looked at Gandalf, his decision made.
" We will go through the mines." He declared. Gandalf closed his eyes for a brief second then nodded.
" So be it." They turned around and started to walk back down the mountain. Maria struggled to get to her feet, as soon as she was on her two feet her knees buckled. Legolas caught her.
" I have you." Legolas said. He placed one arm under her knees, the other under her back and lifted her up. Maria leaned into his body.
" Legolas?" He looked at her.
" Yes?"
" I /REALLY/ hate the snow. And thank you." He gave her a small smile and followed the others.
To be continued…
Authors Note: Thank you to all who reviewed that last chapter. Notice how all my chapters seem to be getting longer? For those who don't know what a haku lei is. It is a lei that is made with flowers and placed on the head like a crown. Its Hawaiian. The male lei is just like a regular flower lei instead of making it into a whole circle lei, it's not connected at the ends and it hangs off the shoulders. If you still have no idea what a lei is I suggest you look it up on the internet. Please Review! Please! Thank you!
Life Sucks
By: Honolulu
It was little more than a week since the feast. Legolas seemed a little strange towards Maria, no one knew why but it soon passed. The days seemed to past quickly now that they would be leaving. It was December 24.
Arwen, Aragorn, Maria, Legolas and Celeste were in the gardens spending their last day together before the departure tomorrow. They were speaking of anything and everything when Maria brought out several boxes. " What is in there?" Celeste asked.
" I don't know if you guys do this. Back in my world we celebrated a day called Christmas. It's a time when family and friends gather together and exchange gifts. Christmas is on the 25th but since the three of us will be leaving tomorrow I wish to give you all something now." Maria explained to them. She placed the boxes on the table and pushed them in the middle. " Inside these boxes is something for each of you. Open them." They all smiled at her.
Arwen and Celeste opened theirs first. They took out its contents and smiled, inside was a haku lei. Arwen's lei was made with sonia orchid while Celeste's was made with red and white carnations. Maria got out of her seat and took the leis out of their hands. " I didn't know what you guys would want that you didn't already have so I made a haku lei. It's to be worn on your head. Its just like a crown of flowers." She said. Maria placed the leis on their head for them and took a step back to look at her work.
" They're beautiful Maria." Arwen said with a smile.
" I love it. Thank you." Celeste said. Maria smiled and gave them each a hug then turned to Legolas and Aragorn.
" Well? Are you going to stare or are you going to open your gift?" She huffed. They both laughed and opened their present. Each was given a ti-leaf and double white dendrobium male leis. She walked to them and grabbed the leis. Instead of placing the leis on their heads, she placed them on their shoulders and kissed them on the cheek. " So what do you think?" She asked.
" In all my 2931 years I have never received such a nice gift from a friend. Thank you Maria." Legolas said.
" As Legolas said, throughout all my travels in middle-earth I have seen many things. I've seen flower crowns like those 'haku leis' but I never seen anything like this and I'm honored to receive this from you. Thank you." Aragorn said fingering his lei. By the time he was done Maria was red as a tomato.
She gave them a cheeky smile, " I'm glad that all of you liked it. I wasn't to sure if you would." They continued talking when a servant came down to them.
The servant bowed and started to speak. " I am sorry to interrupt your conversation but Lord Elrond is requesting Lord Aragorn, Lady Marianna and Prince Legolas presence. He wishes to speak about tomorrows departure."
" Thank you for telling us Feanaro." Aragorn said. Feanaro bowed once more and left. Aragorn and Legolas rised out of their seats turning to leave when they saw Maria not making any notion to move.
" Aren't you coming?" Legolas asked.
" No, if its anything truly important you guys can tell me when you get back but I want some time alone with my girls." She told them. They nodded and left. Maria turned to them and saw sadness etched on their face. " Hey, what's wrong?"
" You're leaving tomorrow. I wish you didn't have to." Celeste said.
" You know it was bound to happen, it's inevitable. If it wasn't because of this quest then it would've been some other reason. Besides, I'm not gone yet, let's enjoy this time together." She nudged Celeste in the shoulder, Celeste gave a small smile.
" Maria?" Arwen spoke softly.
" Yes?"
" I have a favor to ask of you."
" Sure, what is it?" Arwen looked her straight in the eye. Maria almost jumped from the intensity of her stare.
" Can you please watch out for Aragorn, Legolas and yourself?"
" Of course." Arwen grabbed Maria's hands.
" Promise me you will lookout for one another. I want all three of you to come back to us alive and well. Promise me, please." Arwen pleaded.
" I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die." She squeezed Arwen's hand to reassure her.
" Thank you." Maria nodded.
" Let's go back to my room. I have one more thing to give you two." They stood up and walked out of the gardens. Once in her room Maria walked to one of the drawers and pulled something out. She sat with them on her bed. She showed them two colorful bracelets. " These are friendship bracelets. We may not be with each other but we can at least remember our time together. I'm giving one to every friend I have here. It means that we'll be friends forever. I made one for myself as well," She showed them her wrist which laid a colorful band. " I have every color that I used on every bracelet I made. Its not as beautiful as jewelry but it has a deeper meaning."
" So which one do you want? The yellow or the lavender?" Arwen took the lavender while Celeste chose the yellow. They were soon joined by Legolas and Aragorn. Maria gave them both a bracelet as well. Legolas's was green, Aragorn's red. They talked as Maria packed her belongings. They soon walked out to the bench in the gardens. As Maria sat down, she started to giggle a little.
" What's so funny?" Celeste asked.
" This is where I met you all and we clicked as a group. Two months ago."
" Has it truly been two months?" Legolas commented.
" I know. It doesn't seem like two months. I feel as if I've known you all since forever yet its only been two months." They agreed with her. During the rest of the day the five of them roamed around Rivendell just enjoying each other's company. Now only three of them sat in the kitchens eating dinner because Aragorn wanted to spend some time alone with Arwen. Not soon afterwards did Maria said she was going to bed.
" Who knows when I'll get another night of full rest?" With that she walked off to her room. She now sat on her bed in her pj's looking around the room trying to memorize everything. She heard a knock at the door. " Come in." She looked at the door to see Legolas enter. " Hey."
" Hi. How come you're not asleep?" He asked.
" I tried but I can't." He sat down next to her.
" Can I ask you a question?"
" You already did but go ahead. Doesn't mean I'll answer."
" Are you scared?"
" You want a honest answer?" He nodded.
" Scared shitless." He chuckled at her answer. She laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist. He pulled her closer to him until she sat in his lap. She breathed in deeply taking in his scent.
" They should make a teddy bear with your scent Legolas. I'd buy one in an instant. I'd carry you everywhere and squeeze you when I need some comfort." She could feel his feel body shake as he laughed. He rubbed her back in soothing circles. " I'm scared of what's ahead. I don't fear death, I accept it but I just don't want to lose anyone." She confided in him. She closed her eyes as he soothed her with his words. They sat that way for awhile.
He soon pulled away. Maria wrapped her arms around herself when she lost his warmth. He cupped her face. " Ease your fears and try to get some sleep. You'll need your strength for tomorrow." He kissed her forehead. " Goodnight."
" 'Night!" She called out as he closed the doors. She got up and walked to her mirror. She looked at herself especially her hair. Maria fingered it noticing how long it was. It was almost down to her butt. " This could be a problem." She muttered. She grabbed one of her daggers and stared at her hair. " Here we go." She grabbed a handful of hair and in one swift move, locks of hair fell to the floor. A few more swipes later. Maria ran her fingers threw her now chin length hair. " That's better." She smiled then went to bed.
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December 25:
Maria rose with the sun and went to go prepare. She took a nice hot bath and dressed in some brown leggings, a white tunic and some boots she swiped. She strapped her daggers onto the side of her thighs, a sword around her waist. She looked at herself in the mirror, " I am Zena, warrior princess." She muttered then laughed. She put in her contacts and walked onto the balcony enjoying the view one last time. She walked back into her room and grabbed the picture of her family along with her bag. She stared at the picture, " Give me strength to do this." She whispered and kissed the picture placing it in her backpack.
She opened one of the doors. Maria turned to look at her room once more, smiled at the memories and walked out. She found Legolas, Arwen, Aragorn and Celeste in the gardens already eating breakfast and chattering away. " Why am I not surprised?" She muttered then went down to join them. Arwen looked up from her conversation with Aragorn and noticed her.
" Good morni- WHAT happened to your hair?!?" Arwen cried. The rest of them looked up and immediately noticed Maria's short hair.
" What does it look like? I cut it."
" B-b-but why?" Celeste stuttered. Maria rolled her eyes and sat down in one of the chairs.
" It was getting too long and I didn't want to have to deal with it on the quest. It would've gotten in my way. Why? Does it really look so bad?" They shook their heads.
" No but since we're so use to seeing you with long hair it would take some time to adjust to the new look." Arwen clarified. Maria nodded her head in understanding and started to eat breakfast. As they talked she noticed that everyone was wearing their bracelet, she smiled inwardly. They spent their last hours together until they noticed the sun was starting to set. They were to start at dusk, for Elrond counselled them to travel under the cover of the night as often as they could, until they were far from Rivendell.( pg. 292 FOTR)
Maria spoke softly with Celeste and Arwen in the Great Hall by the fire waiting for Gandalf to join them. When Gandalf walked out to them she turned to say her goodbye's before joining the rest of the fellowship. She smile softly. " So this is goodbye." Celeste said. Maria shook her head.
" I don't like saying goodbye, it sounds so permanent. How about we say ' Tenna' ento lye omenta.' [Until next we meet.]" She said. Arwen and Celeste's eyes widened.
" You learned elvish." Arwen said.
" No, I picked up a few words and phrases from you four when you would speak in elvish. I know a few other things but I can hardly pronounce them correctly so don't ask." She told them. Maria hugged Celeste tightly then moved to Arwen. " I'll watch over them." She whispered in Arwen's ear. She pulled back and wiped away a stray tear that escaped from her eye. She gave them a smile and walked to the fellowship. Maria stood behind the hobbits and between Legolas and Aragorn.
Maria listened closely to the last bits of Elrond's farewell speech. " Or break it," said Elrond, " Look not too far ahead! But go now with Good hearts! Farewell, and may the blessing of the Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces!" ( pg. 294 FOTR)
Many others of Elrond's household stood in the shadows and watched them go, bidding them farewell with soft voices. There was no laughter, and no song or music. At last they turned away and faded silently into the dusk. They crossed the bridge and wound slowly up the long steep paths that led out of the cloven vale of Rivendell; and they came at length to the high moor where the wind hissed through the heather. Then with one glance at the Last Homely House twinkling below them they strode away far into the night. ( pg.294 FOTR)
Gandalf walked first leading the others, then Aragorn who knew the land even in the dark. Frodo and Sam, who was holding the reins to Bill the pony, trailing behind the two, then came Boromir, Gimli, Merry, Pippin and last Maria, with Legolas as the rearguard. They walked over mountains and fields. They traveled long distances and had short breaks. After nine days of travel they finally reached Hollin and there they decided to rest and plan to discuss their next area of travel.
Maria sat down on one of the many boulders surrounding the area eating, while watching Boromir teach Merry and Pippin sword fighting. Aragorn sat down, smoking some weed with his pipe, watching them while giving them a few comments. " Move your feet!" He called out. Gimli spoke with Gandalf, complaining about how he believes they're taking the long way around.
" If anyone were to ask my opinion," Gimli spoke.
" Which we don't care to hear." Maria muttered. Legolas heard this and stifled a chuckle.
" which I note they have not," Gimli continued, " I would say we're taking the long way around! Gandalf, we could go through the Mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome!" Taking a puff from his pipe Gandalf spoke.
" No, Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice." Frodo and Sam watched their fellow hobbit friends. They watched as Boromir accidentally hurt Pippin.
" Ow!" Pippin cried.
" Oh! Sorry!" Boromir said. Pippin gets up and tackles him, Merry joining him taking Boromir to the ground.
" Get him Merry! For the Shire!" Pippin shouted. Maria giggles at the sight. Legolas climbs the boulders near her.
" How are you fairing Maria? You've been quiet for these past few days." Legolas said. She looked up at him.
" I'm fine, tired due to all the walking but fine nonetheless. I miss Arwen and Celeste but that's to be expected. I know I've been quiet which usually I am not but since we're in this situation I haven't felt the need to speak. So I've been keeping myself occupied by singing songs in my head." She told him. Legolas extended a hand toward her.
" Come, walk with me." She took his hand and he pulled her up. They hopped to one boulder to another, just enjoying one's presence. Maria jumped on to another rock but lost her footing and started to head for the ground when Legolas caught her waist. He slowly pulled her up against his chest. She blushed a bit at the action.
" Thanks." She mumbled. Legolas was going to speak when he noticed something in the sky. Not hearing any response from him, Maria lifted her head from his chest to see what he was looking at. She was going to ask what they were looking at when Sam beat her to it.
" What's that?" Sam asked. Gimli looks at the sky.
" It's nothing, just a wisp of cloud." He said. The rest of them also turn to look at they sky or 'wisp of cloud' as Gimli said.
" It's moving fast. Against the wind." Boromir noticed. Legolas looked with his keen eyes.
" Crebain from Duneland!" He told them.
" HIDE!!!" Aragorn shouted. Sam put out the fire he was using for cooking the food while everyone else grabbed their possessions. Legolas took Maria's wrist, grabbed their belongings and hid under some bushes and rocks. Maria looked between the branches of the bushes to see birds fly through and circle the area. They stay hidden until the birds flew off away from them. Legolas crawled out his spot first helping Maria up as others followed.
" What the hell was that?" She asked shaking her clothes free of dirt and rocks.
" Spies of Saruman. The passage South is being watched. We must take the pass to Caradhras." Gandalf answered her grimly.
" I take it that's not a good thing." She grumbled.
************************
Maria now walked on a mountain covered by layers of snow. " This is not so bad. I haven't seen snow since I was four." She told Legolas who was walking on top of the snow next to her. She was speaking to Merry and Pippin when Frodo lost his footing and tumbled down the slope of snow. Aragorn stopped his descent. Aragorn pulls Frodo up and helps take some snow off of him. Frodo brushed himself off when he noticed he was no longer wearing the ring around his neck. He looks up to see Boromir pick up the necklace with the ring hanging from it.
Boromir stares intently at the ring while everyone stares at him. Aragorn moves his hands to the hilt of his sword. Maria sees this. " Boromir!" She calls out to him. He ignores her call.
" It is strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over such a small thing. Such a little thing." Boromir says entranced by the ring. With the necklace in his right hand his left hand moves to the ring.
" Boromir! Give the ring to Frodo!" Aragorn commands him. This seems to bring Boromir out of his trance. He walks toward them slowly and hands the ring back to Frodo which he snatches back quickly.
" As you wish. I care not." Boromir laughs, ruffles Frodo's hair and walks away. Aragorn removes his hand from his hilt. Maria raises an eyebrow at this exchange and feels the tension level rise. To break some of the tension, Maria bends down and picks up a handful of snow. She packs into a round ball.
" Hey Aragorn!" She calls. Aragorn turns at the sound of his name only to be hit with a snowball right in the face. He can hear laughter in the air as he removes the snow from his eyes. He looks up to see the hobbits laughing. Gimli smirking a little, Boromir smiling and Legolas laughing as well. Even Gandalf broke out in a smile. He looks down the line to see Maria holding her stomach and her face red from laughing.
" Oh…heheheh! You should've…hehe… s-seen…pfft!….your face!" Maria choked out between laughs. Aragorn smirked and reached down to pick up some snow. Maria immediately stops laughing as she feels the cold reach her chest. She looks down to see a big splotch of snow on her. She makes another snowball and tosses it at him. Anticipating this move, Aragorn moves out of the way only to have the ball hit Gandalf in the arm.
Maria's eyes widen. " Oops!" Gandalf turns and glares at her. Wanting to give the favor back, he tosses a snowball at her. Not wanting to be hit with it, Maria grabs Legolas by his tunic and places him in front of her letting him get hit. She giggled a little bit at Legolas reaction but stops as she feels ice slide down the back of her shirt. Jumping into the air, " Cold! COLD!" She cried as she tried to shake it off. The hobbits and Boromir soon joined in the fun. It was even more shocking when Gimli joined in.
After a couple minutes Gandalf told them that they should continue on. " You have nice aim Lassie." Gimli commented to her. Shocked with the compliment but happy nonetheless she replied by giving him a toothy smile. As they continued up the mountain the weather started to get worse. It was hard to see with all the snow coming down at them. They continued into the night until even Legolas was having trouble to see. They found a small cavern on the side of the mountain and went inside until the weather lightened a bit.
Gandalf lit a very small fire and passed around a leathern flask. " Just a mouthful each--- for all of us. It is very precious. It is miruvor, the cordial of Imladris. Elrond gave it to me at our parting. Pass it around." ( pg.304 FOTR) As it reached Maria, she quickly took a sip and felt renewed energy and warmth. Though even with a drink from the miruvor Maria could still feel the cold. The hobbits sat around the fire side by side. Maria pulled her cloak closer around herself and rubbed her arms.
" Cold?" Legolas asked. She turned and glared daggers at him.
" What do you think?" Legolas sighed and opened his arms. Maria ran into them. Legolas pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around her along with his arms. She gladly took all the heat his body gave off. " We have a love-hate relationship right now Legolas." She stated.
" How so?"
" I hate you for being elf right now because you're not really affected by this weather but I love you because you are an elf and you can spare your body heat by giving it to me." She explained. Legolas didn't know why but he could feel his heat beat faster when she said ' I love you.' Maria snuggled into him some more. He heard her breathe in deeply. She closed her eyes, feeling a bit sleepy.
" Stay awake Maria. We all need to stay awake. You don't want to fall asleep in the cold like this." Legolas whispered in her ear. She nodded and opened her eyes. They sat in a corner, Legolas's chin resting on her head. Maria looked around to see Gandalf, Aragorn and Boromir speaking to each other. The hobbits looked like they were falling asleep.
" Guys!" She called out. The hobbits looked at her. " You can't fall asleep. Come here." The hobbits sat down by her and Legolas.
" What should we do to stay awake?" Frodo asked. Maria thought about it.
Listen baby
Maria started to sing.
Ain't no mountain high
Ain't no valley low
Ain't no river wide enough, baby
If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry
Cause baby
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you, baby
Remember the day I set you free
I told you You could always count on me
From that day on I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me Some way, some how
'Cause baby,
Maria signaled them to sing along with the chorus. The hobbits eagerly joined in.
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you
No wind, no rain
My love is alive Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I'll be there on the double
As fast as I can
Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you
Don't you know that
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
The hobbits quickly learned the full song and kept singing to themselves. Gandalf soon called for their attention saying that the weather wasn't as bad and that they could continue up the mountain. " Damn." Maria muttered under her breath. She got onto her feet and took off Legolas's cloak handing it back to him.
" Keep it. You'll make better use of it." He told her. She nodded and place it around her shoulders again. Having another sip of miruvor, they started to trek up the mountain. Gandalf was correct about the weather not being so bad but he would soon be eating those words. Once again did snow pound into them. The hobbits were having a hell of a time trying to get through. With his staff Gandalf tried to make a path for them.
Legolas walked ahead of them on the snow keeping an eye out for anything. Aragorn followed Gandalf with Frodo and Sam on his back. Then Boromir with Merry and Pippin, trailing behind was Gimli and last Maria. Maria pulled up the head of the cloak to cover her face from the stings of the wind. Legolas stopped walking and seemed to listen to some unknown voice.
" There is a foul voice on the air." He told them.
" It's Saruman!" Gandalf yelled. There was a loud crack, they all looked up to see boulders tumbling down. They hit the side of the mountain trying to avoid the rocks.
" He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf! We must turn back!" Aragorn shouted.
" NO!" Gandalf walked near the edge and pulled out his staff. " Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, nuitho i 'ruith! [Sleep Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold your wraith.]" Gandalf chanted.
" Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse! Nai yarvaxea rasselya taltuva notto-carinnar! [Wake up cruel Redhorn! May your blood-stained horn shall fall upon the enemy-heads!]" The foul voice chanted. A lightening bolt hit the mountain making rocks and layers of snow come down. Legolas jumped from where he was standing, grabbing Gandalf with him, and moved away from the edge.
The snow fell on top of them. Legolas was the first to come out of the snow bringing Gandalf with him. Boromir with the hobbits next, then Gimli and Aragorn with Frodo and Sam. " Where's Maria?!?" Legolas shouted. They looked behind Gimli and saw she had not come out from the layers of snow. Legolas walked behind Gimli and started to dig through it. A fist broke through surprising Legolas and almost clocking him in the jaw.
Another fist broke through. Legolas grabbed her wrists and pulled her up. Maria's head broke through the surface, she spit out snow from her mouth. Legolas noticed blood streaming from a cut on top of her left eyebrow. Droplets of blood hit the snow tainting it. Maria lifted a hand to wipe it away from her eye but Legolas stopped her. He ripped a piece of his tunic off, placed it on the cut and applied pressure.
" We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan! Or take the west road to my city!" Boromir demanded.
" The Gap of Rohan takes us to close too Isengard!" Aragorn countered.
" We cannot pass over the mountain! Let us go under it! Let us go through the Mines of Moria!" Gimli shouted.
" Let the ring-bearer decide…Frodo?" Gandalf said. Frodo looked at all his companions. Seeing how they were all cold, bleeding and having troubles. He looked at Gandalf, his decision made.
" We will go through the mines." He declared. Gandalf closed his eyes for a brief second then nodded.
" So be it." They turned around and started to walk back down the mountain. Maria struggled to get to her feet, as soon as she was on her two feet her knees buckled. Legolas caught her.
" I have you." Legolas said. He placed one arm under her knees, the other under her back and lifted her up. Maria leaned into his body.
" Legolas?" He looked at her.
" Yes?"
" I /REALLY/ hate the snow. And thank you." He gave her a small smile and followed the others.
To be continued…
Authors Note: Thank you to all who reviewed that last chapter. Notice how all my chapters seem to be getting longer? For those who don't know what a haku lei is. It is a lei that is made with flowers and placed on the head like a crown. Its Hawaiian. The male lei is just like a regular flower lei instead of making it into a whole circle lei, it's not connected at the ends and it hangs off the shoulders. If you still have no idea what a lei is I suggest you look it up on the internet. Please Review! Please! Thank you!