Chapter Twenty-Five

'Gandalf?' Legolas asked when he returned to speak with his old friend. 'I-I don't understand…why has the meld not yet happened? The woman is no longer in the picture, they are alone now and still nothing has happened.'

'I do not know Legolas,' Gandalf answered. 'Everything including the speed at which you have accomplished your tasks is extraordinary. Perhaps Ilúvatar wants to give them time to learn more about each other…for Teresa to learn more about herself. You must be patient. You have done everything Ilúvatar has wanted. Now it is time to wait. You do not have anything else you have to do, you can leave them to their own devices for now.' Legolas nodded and told Gandalf that he would return soon. He then went back to Orlando and Teresa.

'Hello, Princess,' Legolas greeted her when she was alone. 'I have come from talking to Gandalf. He tells me that he does not know for sure why the meld has not completed yet. There is nothing further I can do. I will leave you two to get to know each other…especially you to learn of yourself. Fear not, my love…you will see me again.' With that, Legolas returned to Gandalf.

Over the next few weeks, Orlando and Teresa were inseparable. They went to photo shoots, Orlando's film sessions, shopping, movies; you name it. All the while they learned about each other, but mostly Teresa learned more about herself, her likes and dislikes. She learned she loved to write, and wrote many stories. Within her arose the dream to become a published author.

One night, they sat up talking on the sofa and Teresa fell asleep on Orlando's shoulder. He sighed happily and combed his fingers through her long hair that lay like dripping honey over her shoulders as he looked down at her. "It's time for bed," he whispered and kissed the top of her head. He shifted so that he now held her securely in his arms and carried her to the bedroom that was now hers. He laid her gently in the bed and she mumbled sleepily.

"Stay," she whispered quietly when he turned to leave and held out her hand to him.

"Are you sure?" he asked and saw her nod. He turned and shut off the light then sat on the bed. He sighed as he removed his shoes and swung his legs into bed as she turned her back to him. He gathered her into his arms and realized that she was already asleep. Thoughts of the past few months flew through his mind. Suddenly, the culmination of emotions was clear as crystal to him. "I love you, Teresa," He whispered and closed his eyes.

That night, Ilúvatar opened her memories of Adrian, James and her family. She slept restlessly as visions of all of them flashed in her mind's eye. She saw Adrian for the first time, met his family, saw events of her past in her own family, and her son James being born. Her last vision was of the car accident and she cried out in anguish. Her restlessness had woken Orlando and he cuddled her closely in his arms as he rocked with her back and forth. "Shh," he whispered and kissed her head softly. "It was a dream… It was a dream. You're safe."

Slowly Teresa shook her head and he peered down at her curiously. "I remember," she said in a trembling whisper. He saw tears glistening in her eyes and on her face then by the light from the street and held her tightly to him as he continued to rock. "I remember everything. Oh my God… James!" Orlando felt so helpless. He knew there was no real way he could comfort her now, and he hated it.

'It is done,' Gandalf said to Legolas quietly, and Legolas looked at the wizard curiously. 'Ilúvatar has raised the veil on her memory.'

'You are sure?' Legolas asked uncertainly.

Gandalf nodded slowly. 'Yes,' he said quietly. 'I've felt it. We are closer in our goal my friend. Let us hope that the Lady does not morn too long. You must go to them for a while now my friend, Orlando is at a loss on how to help her. He must not allow her to shut him out or all will be lost to us.' Legolas nodded and left his friend.

Orlando sat in the dark as he rocked Teresa in his arms. 'Aaye Mellon,' Legolas whispered, and Orlando jumped in surprise. It had been a long time since he had heard the Elf's musical voice. 'Where have you been?' Orlando thought.

'Away,' Legolas said. 'To give you time two time to get to know each other. How is she my friend?' Legolas asked with concern.

'Not too good I think,' Orlando thought. 'And I do not know how to help her. She said she remembers everything now.'

He received no response from Legolas for long moments and had thought he was gone again when the Elf spoke suddenly.'I know my friend,' Legolas said sadly. 'I have been where you are now when Elrond blocked her memory of the events to happen on the quest. Do you care for her?'

Orlando nodded. 'Yes,' he thought. 'I love her.'

Once more the Elf was quiet for a few moments and Orlando had the impression that the Elf was digesting everything that was said. 'Whatever you do,' Legolas said. 'Do not let her shut you out of her life. If she does, everything we are trying to accomplish will be lost. You might have to make her acknowledge that you are going to be around. You must keep her active and try to get her to talk about what she has lost. Show her that you will be there for her,'

Orlando nodded. 'I will my friend,' he thought.'I promise.' He stayed awake that night, and did all he could to comfort her until she fell into a peaceful sleep, then he too drifted off.