A/N: Hey everyone, sorry about the long wait. I had to redo chapter one, because I didn't think it was good enough, and I was creating a new cover for the story that will grab people's attention more easily, since the old one was also starting to look childish. And if you haven't reviewed chapter one yet, you might want to check it out again, because hopefully it's better this time.

Chapter 11: A Bad Start

"Wha - How?" It was all Kelsie could manage to say.

One moment, the elf had been paralyzed, as cold as death, lying in a hospital bed. Now, he was standing right in front of her, in his usual green outfit, although he lacked his weapons. Kelsie's eyes almost watered at the sight of him - not because he was wearing neon colors, which he wasn't, but for the joy of seeing him well again.

Legolas sighed. "You sound as though you are disappointed to see me well."

Kelsie did not know how to answer. To be honest, her joy at seeing him well again was beyond the extent of words. If only he could understand how happy she was, then everything would be alright. Unable to find the correct words to express her joy, she just decided to go with something simpler.

"Of course I am happy to see you well! I've been trying so hard to find a cure for you, and you think I'm disappointed?" she retorted, trying to act frustrated. Fortunately, and unfortunately, it worked well.

Legolas let out a light-hearted laugh. "I was just joking, Kelsie. I understand that you don't have the accurate words to express your joy."

Being a master of frustration, Kelsie just had enough time to force out another question. "How do you know?"

"I can usually tell what others are thinking, through the way they act. And I think I've been around them long enough," he answered casually.

Kelsie almost said 'mind-stalker' out loud, but luckily caught herself in time. Again, she had forgotten the strange abilities of elves, especially this one. And besides, 'mind-stalker' would probably earn her a slap on the wrist, if she was lucky. She decided to change the subject of the conversation.

"So how exactly did you get unfrozen?" she asked. She heard a few whispers behind Legolas as she said this. It seemed that her question had roused everyone's attention at once.

Legolas hesitated, looking a bit confused, before answering. "It was like a thick layer of cold, cutting me off from everything else. I could not move at all, and I wasn't able to fight physically. However, as an elf, I was able to fight back the cold, using my inner elven light." He added a shrug between the words. "It was a little tough at first, but it got easier with more light on my side."

Kelsie's mind slipped back to the book. She remembered reading about elves being able to fight the cold, unlike others, so it didn't come as a big surprise. And thinking of the book made something light up in her. Although she was sympathetic about the struggle of Legolas against the cold, she had to finish this reunion somehow.

She did not want to ruin a happy reunion, but this was urgent. The sooner they knew about the book, the better, because the shadow wasn't going to stop to let them read. It was only going to continue freezing people until they were all gone.

"Ah, I see. I kind of know about that already," she said.

"Really?" Gimli piped up. "How did you know? You never got frozen."

Here comes the moment I save the day. "I have something I must show you," Kelsie strode over to her bed, and in a swift motion, swiped out the book from underneath. She then placed it on a small wooden table and opened it to the page.

Legolas dismissed the guards that had escorted him in a quick command, then walked over to the table, closing the door behind him. Gimli followed after him, knowing immediately that he was also going to be part of this.

"So what is this about?" inquired the dwarf.

"It's a book I found while you all were busy. I was trying to find a cure for Legolas, but it was different than I expected," she explained, turning the book towards them.

They huddled around the book as Legolas and Gimli started to read through. Their eyes widened as they got to the part about the black stone, mithril, and dragonfire. Kelsie understood their shock - all three of the ingredients would take a lot of lives to find.

Legolas looked up from the book, his face etched with concern. "So the only way to save the world from the shadow is to find mithril, dragonfire, and the Black Stone."

Kelsie suppressed the urge to roll her eyes, even if it was for no reason. "Precisely what the book says."

A loud thump of a fist against a palm sounded to her left. "Well then, count me in," said Gimli. "We dwarves have the best experience in mithril and dragonfire. You are sure to need our help."

"How obvious," said Kelsie. It was only after the words had escaped her mouth that she realized how sarcastic it had sounded. Perhaps it was because she had used sarcasm so much that every word was starting to sound mocking and rude. And she hadn't meant it to sound mean.

Trying to appear calm in front of the cross dwarf, she rephrased her sentence. "Oh, of course we'll need you! Your knowledge with mithril and dragonfire will definitely come in handy."

As soon as she said that, a wide grin spread across Gimli's face. "You hear that, Legolas? Now do you admit it?"

Legolas shot a scowl at Kelsie. "How brave of you to suggest the impossible."

Seeing this coming, Kelsie hastily cut in before any of them could resume their little argument. "But the problem is, how are we, alone, supposed to find all these ingredients and bring them back?"

She picked up the book and flipped it a few pages forward. "Judging by the risk of the journey, we will need more than just a few weapons and maps," she said, pointing to a particularly intense warning paragraph.

"Which is why we must tell others of our quest and see if they are willing to help us," answered Legolas.

"You mean like Aragorn?" asked Gimli. "As an old friend of ours, he might be willing to help us."

"That is, if he were able to take a break from his duties as king," said Legolas. "But, again, that's not unlikely, since this quest is meant for the good of his own people, and that's what a king is supposed to do."

They both looked to Kelsie, just to see if she had anything to say. Being more of a mysterious figure, rather than a spotlight-stealer, she found this slightly awkward.

"Erm, maybe we could ask a few troops from King Eomer, since it is more convenient than traveling all the way to Gondor," she managed to force out of her throat. It was just an idea, but the two warriors happened to take this into mind.

"That is true," admitted Gimli. "But only if he is willing to lend us some men. Which he'd better be," he added, under his breath.

"That's not exactly what I'm afraid of. I'm sure your friend Aragorn would do anything to help you," reassured Kelsie.

In reality, she was worried about everything. And she should be. Anything could go wrong on the quest, even from the start. Maybe, due to Grimmund's complaining, King Eomer could change his mind about believing them. Maybe there won't be enough troops to accompany them on their journey. Maybe they wouldn't even be able to discover the first ingredient. Then maybe they would fail and all of Middle Earth would fall victim to the shadow. Worry was like a constant, but annoying, companion that followed her every move. And especially at this point, it was tugging at her sleeve so much that she could not ignore it.

"Seeing as this is an urgent matter, we should tell the king as soon as possible," said Legolas.

Kelsie and Gimli both nodded in agreement. "Right. We need to alert everyone of the shadowy threat that's hanging over our heads," said Kelsie, swiping out her weapons and latching them on. She almost grinned, despite the danger the world was in - it felt nice to have her weapons back and ready.

"Not literally," she added as Gimli stole a glance at the ceiling.

"I have agreed to support this quest. And you have my word."

Kelsie nearly jumped with joy. Phase one of the plan had actually proved to be successful. Now that she had the king of Rohan on their side, they would gain a much bigger chance of success. All they had to do now was to get ready for an adventure. Or at least that's what she thought. But despite the danger that lay ahead, she was too overcomed with gratefulness to care.

"You will set out tomorrow as soon as the sun rises. I have chosen the men that will accompany you on your journey," he continued. "They will aid you on this quest, represent our country, and ensure the safety of any alliances you come across."

Kelsie, Legolas, and Gimli listened as he called out the names of about 10 men that happened to also be part of the guard. None of them made any comments or objections. They couldn't, anyway, seeing as the king was present, and besides, they couldn't judge them at first sight.

The elfling shuffled impatiently while King Eomer continued his speech, mostly centered on praising the chosen warriors. She knew that she was supposed to stand straight and listen respectfully, but there was seriously no time to waste. She had only managed to restrain herself from shouting out loud.

"And I hope you all have a safe and successful journey," he concluded his speech.

Kelsie nodded in thanks along with the others, then turned to leave. She could barely contain her excitement at the thought of adventure. She remembered the doubt she received when she first read the book. All of it was washed away, followed by shining determination. But soon, a sudden voice caused her to turn around.

"I have another announcement to make, which I apologize for not remembering earlier."

They all whipped around in surprise. Out of the corner of her eye, Kelsie saw Gimli mutter something to Legolas, who in return, sent him a piercing glare. She knew what they were all thinking - what is this about?

"Grimmund, please step forward."

What!? No! Kelsie nearly choked from stifling a gasp. She remembered the deadly glare he had given her earlier. Besides making a bad impression, she could tell that he was an enemy, not a friend. Her thoughts echoed in her mind, trapped by the thick walls of her skull, the only reason why nobody else could hear them. No! Not Grimmund! If he comes on this quest, then I'm doomed!

"Grimmund, you have shown bravery and loyalty as a guard. You shall help lead this quest alongside Legolas, Gimli,...and Kelsie," he hesitated a little before saying Kelsie's name, as if he was unsure whether she was a leader or not. This annoyed Kelsie much, but she said nothing. After all, it was nothing compared to the horror she felt.

So, I guess I'll fighting alongside the one who hates me. Simple enough. It was already hard enough to remain calm. She just hoped Grimmund wouldn't humiliate her in front of everybody, including the king, like he did last time.

"Your Majesty, I am honored to be given such a great opportunity, and I thank you with all my heart. However, I have something I would like to suggest in private, if it's fine with you."

Kelsie and the others watched curiously as Grimmund whispered something to Eomer. For a second, she thought she saw him lock eyes with her. Although she wasn't entirely sure, this only made her more suspicious.

After Grimmund had stopped whispering (or at least it seemed like it), King Eomer took a moment to consider his words. His expression was unreadable as he slowly raised his head and sought out one person from the audience.

"Kelsie the elfling."

Kelsie's head snapped up once her name was spoken. At the same time, she let out a loud gasp, which, unfortunately, she wasn't able to stifle. Am I in trouble? Is this what Grimmund's been up to all along?

"Grimmund has been telling me some rather...interesting things about you. I think this might be for your own good," he said, stating every one of his words carefully. "May I talk to you in private?"

Kelsie watched in dismay as he stepped down from his throne and beckoned her forward. She could barely feel her feet or legs - they seemed to be moving on their own. Step after step, they lead her forward. Not to her doom, not yet, but definitely to something bad. In her mind, it just had to be bad - after all, it was suggested by Grimmund. And with him, there were no friendly compliments.

After she passed the pillar that led her to another room, she nervously raised her head and braced herself for whatever was coming.