Busy weekend, sorry i didn't post. I'm making up for it now :) Oh and i just loved the reviews i recieved! If you have anything to say about my characters, say it in the review and i'll awnser it next week. XOXO, xDare2Writex

Chapter Twenty-three
Time to Say Goodbye

A short time later, (about roughly two months) whizzed by. One day, Aragorn walks into our cabin and says,

"Pardon me Ladies, but I came to inform you of our departure from Lothlorien tomorrow morning." It felt like a ton of bricks hit me. So soon? It felt like it was yesterday when we arrived. It was summery, safe and relatively sheltered. Now we had to continue into the unknown. But the question in everyone's mind was; do they want to?

"Ok. Well, see you at breakfast!" I said cheerily. But really, my insides hurt. He nodded and walked out.

All these easy months of hiding had made us so weak again. I probably, no I knew I had gained weight. We all did. Delilah especially, and it still pleases me to yell 'fat ass' in a crowded place when she's there. One time, it was even better when she socked Haldiar in the jaw for the comment, because I was hiding behind a tree behind him.

I dressed carefully, relishing the softness of the silk in this gown; it would be back to scratchy travel clothes again! Quickly we all dressed and met up with the guys. The food was especially good today; a light leek kind of broth with citrus fruits and Lembas bread on the side. As I shoved an entire piece in my mouth, I observed.

In the corner of the table, Gimli talked with Mark. The two got along especially well, like old men resuming a chess match, and it doesn't surprise me. Each brags about treasures they own, like Gimli's beard length and Mark's dwarven ring. Inspecting it, Gimli takes it in his expert hands.

"My now, I haven't seen craftsmanship like this in over 400 years. This is dwarven, and ancient. Beyond my time." He remarks, black eyes bulging. Mark puffs out his chest, proud to be the owner.

"Is it valuable?" he asks.

"Valuable? Valuable? My boy this here ring is priceless! It's made of golden methril and black diamond!"

I sneakily look over at Nick, who un-sneakily looks at me, winks, and goes back to the conversation with Aragorn about further plans. Merry and Pip sit on either sides of Lauren, constantly vying for her affections. She loves all the attention, as she never gets enough at home. (Lauren's a middle child and always takes care of everyone.) They goad her to say whom she likes best, and she points to both, crisscrossing her arms. I smile at her antics. The other Lothloriens are especially talkative today, excited by our departure no doubt. Of course, many broken hearts will cry when Legolas leaves. I remember back to one night, there was a party thrown for an Elf named Kalin's promotion to Second Captain of the Guard.

***

At the far end of a long feast-loaded table, my company sat merry-making mostly. My friends all sat down together chatting about what they would do when they get home. I listened to them, but was more interested in what the real elves were doing. It was one of those rare occasions Legolas seemed relaxed and at ease with the best of them. They told moving stories of past days, and sang tragically beautiful songs. All of it filled me with wonder, and I listened eagerly. Even Aragorn sang with them, though he couldn't carry the tune at all.

Deciding now was a good time to read further, I pulled The Realm book out and resumed from my tasseled bookmark.

"…All creatures, including Fay and Elves have numerous past lives, sometimes as different species and in different situations or social standing…"

"...In the beginning of the First Age when the Fay banded together and left for their new home, they left the Elves in good terms, and the two sister cities enjoyed frequent contact and visitations…"

"…that could not last however, as the rivalry between the Elf Queen Galadriel and the Fay Queen Gwendriel came into existence, and strict laws of restriction were put in place and held today. Lady Galadriel even persuaded Mirkwood and Rivendell to follow similar policies…"

"…these laws include restricted visitation, (which has become as of late nonexistent,) prohibition of intermarrying between the two species, and forbidding of courting the royal families with any beforesaid members of either party…"

Later, as I was sitting next to Legolas, I couldn't help but stare at his profile. Legolas' lithe muscles, high cheekbones, and noble bearing were more than enough of a distraction… Gasp! That one stubborn little hair always falls out of the braid and ruins it! I unconsciously brushed it back, my hand caressing the side of his face.

"Honestly Legolas, who told you your hair is perfect? They lied." I said laughing. I remember how weird I instantly felt. How he looked at me then…how he was looking at me now!

***

I shook my head startled. "May I sit here?" He said, nodding at the chair to my right. I nodded yes, but suddenly was interested in what Colyne was eating. Berries. Cherries. Grapes. Oh my! Behind her, a very questionable Boromir was intensely watching her eat.

"Creeper." I said shivering.

"What is a creeper?" Legolas asked me politely.

"Um, it's um, a New York-ian term for a shady person."

"He certainly is a creeper." I didn't respond, as I didn't know who he was talking about. He seemed to be looking toward Nick and Mark though.

"Hmm. I have knowledge of many maps, Vanessa, from numerous tutors. I have never once seen nor heard of a New York anywhere on Middle Earth." I stopped breathing. Oh no! The jig was up! What do I do? Kill him, because he knows too much? Confess I'm an illegal alien with no right to be here? Lie and make up a place called Fairytopia? I doubt it.

Slowly, I withdraw the purple book I have from my leather shoulder pack. And began flipping through the well-worn pages. Next to me was a sharp intake of breathe.

"Where did you get that?"

"Elrond."

"Lord Elrond gave you an ancient book to bring to Mount Doom?" The prince didn't know whether to look amused or annoyed.

"Yes." I say sweetly (as if I don't know how bad that sounded.)

"Tell me Vanessa, are you saying this in jest, or do you truly take me for an unlearned person? You're lying." His eyes narrow and it truly wounds me. He's quiet.

Finally, I find the pages with the maps. It's all there; everything I need to explain to him.

"These maps show The Realm of the Fay in the woods right beyond Lothlorien. The passage says it's invisible and only a fay can open the entryway. That's why no elves have ever found it. Although I think Galadriel knows how to get in. Her sister was their last queen." Legolas' eyes widen, as that information had been painfully concealed for thousands of years. Not anymore.

"If we went through here, we could cut off several weeks off traveling." I whisper to him, as he realizes what this means. A faster alternative route, one Aragorn doesn't know about.

I study the pages. Whoever drew this was artistically skillful. As the book is written by an unnamed author besides the initials R.B., I have no way of knowing who drew the elemental signs on all four corners of the map. A leaf symbol was drawn on the right uppermost corner, and an orb of light in the bottommost right corner. On the left upper corner a teardrop symbol, and below it fire symbol. The middle too, was drawn. The upper with a purple fog ball, and below it, a wind symbol.

The key was helpful understanding which element was what, but even more with the terrains. It seems every element fay lived within the regions best suited for them. Of course, they could cross over to visit neighboring lands. Still many regions were divided and feuds, (but never wars) were started within The Realm. In the very heart of the pages, was a castle title that translated would mean "The Source" in glittery purple ink.

"This should not be seen by others." Legolas whispers quietly so low, I strain to hear it myself. "Most elves think your kind is gone. The book will make some suspicious."

I grind my teeth in annoyance, and the ground shakes slightly. Over the past few months, I'd been reading all I could learn in this book, and many powers emerged. I can do many things; making plants grow, ground movements, rock throwing, tree communicating. I feel kinship to woodland animals; I can't talk to them yet. Still, I'm working on it. It's like Giselle from Enchanted! Note: to try to make them clean my room at home.

"Well, maybe I should reveal what I am tonight." I growl.

"It would be wiser if you did not." He advised. Why is he always right? I hate how I can never win an argument against him!

Lily and Haldiar already know what I am, a precaution from Galadriel no doubt. Lily and Haldiar. My brain echoed the words uncomfortably remembering something foggy, like a dream that you can't recall. Did Legolas have a past-past life? Could I ask him? Not right now.

"May I see this?" Legolas asks, thumbing quickly through the pages, eyes retaining every word. He stops at page 13, and I know what he's reading.

"…oblivious to the going-ons of the other clans, Fay choose to live together in one city. Sometimes, however, they long for male companionship, and ensnare unlucky elves and men in their fairy rings. Through illusions and feminine persuasion, they are forced to dance until they die or agree to go into the Realm…"

"…in personality, Fay are proud, vain, cunning and stubborn…"

"…since there has never been a breach from the outside world, the art of defense and weapons is non-existent."

Every page told more about our history, our language, culture. He started reading pages I thought dangerous; how to kill us, how to capture us for study, protection against us. I grew panicked, tapping my foot.

"Can I just um, thank you." I snatched it away and threw it back into my bag, breathing heavily. Quickly, I walk over to the table they are serving drinks. Unfortunately, he's following me.

"It's not all true you know." He says behind my back.

"What isn't?" I'm angry I'm asking. I have goosebumps, and the air is suddenly as cold as river water. Shakily I grab a cup, and knock over another! The drink server groans and shakes his head at me, and its like a cat that got bored with a pitiful mouse who won't even put up a fight. Before I can apologize, he walks away.

I press cloths to the spillage, cursing how clumsy I am. Another hand takes mine to stop the shivering.

"When the author wrote all Fay are malicious, he obviously never met someone like you." Inwardly, my stomach is flip-flopping; and I hope he can't hear it, because I think even China heard it.

"Thank you, but you certainly don't know that much about me. I could be working for Sauramon you know." I joke. His eyes shine playfully.

"Well, I suppose that means I'll be forced to silence you." He cups my neck as if he will choke me; but his grip was so gentle. I run behind a skinny tree. He followed behind me, saying how he could reach the tree before I even got halfway there.

"Yeah right. Not before I kick your royal ass-" I say.

"What the hell is going on Vanessa? Are you alright?!" It's Nick, and I can tell he is angry.

"Uh, nothing Nick. Come on let's go." I grab his hand and walk away. "Did he hurt you?" "No."

"Well can you explain to me what all that was about then? You were flirting with him!"

I'm shocked. It was soo not flirting. Not my kind anyway.

"No, I wasn't. I swear we were just talking." He glares at me.

"Yeah. I thought we were… together."

"We are!" I say, panic cracking my voice.

"Oh, are we when I'm not around and Legolas is?" There was no reasoning with him this time. I had to do something to prove to him, and fast. Quickly, I throw my arms around him and kiss him. He jerks away, surprised, but then he kisses back. It doesn't feel right or romantic, I know I'm forcing him into this kiss, but when we pulled away I whispered,

"I like you and only you." He seemed convinced.

"Oh. Hot. Damn." Yells one of my friends.

We both turn to face the crowd, who is staring at us both like we did something extremely naughty in front of them. Lauren's clapping, and Colyne looks confused at what just happened. Gimli is laughing with Boromir about something, and Mark glares like he wants to punch a hole in a wall. Delilah, I'm thrilled to say looks like she just ate some large pile of crap.

Aragorn is smiling at us, but it seems fake; maybe because Legolas is saying something to him. I wish I had the nerves to listen to what they were saying, but somehow I'd rather not know. Haldiar and Lily both stare at me, blankly as if they don't know what this means. All the she-elfs from the hot springs are pointing, giggling, and whispering. So what else is new? Please, they are nothing compared to a classroom full of people. I clear my throat, and sit down. That's when I feel them. My wings. While I was kissing Nick, they seemed to unfurl. Now everyone knew what I was. Indeed, many were beginning to look offended and hostile. Oh, I am in deep shi-

"What's wrong V?" Nick says, watching me bash my head against the table several times.

"What's wrong is that Fay are not allowed in our Domain." A sharp-as-crystal voice says. Lady Galadriel, it seems, has been made known of our little display.

"Tomorrow at dawn you," she commands pointing at me, "shall leave this place immediately…or die here." Some elves cheered. I cowered behind Nick. She glances at Aragorn.

"We understand. Of course, most gracious Lady." He bows low. The company stands up, nodding and bowing ready to retire to the cabins. She is trying to talk in my head, but I've learned from my book many effective methods to counter-act this.

Still, as I walk out to the path and feel the weight of everyone's stare, its hers that is the coldest and heaviest of all. Wings still unfurled and tears in my eyes I break into a run; trying to outrun her voice in my head saying "I know what you told him… They will all betray you…You won't make it out alive… weak creature..."

"Vanessa!" Aragorn calls behind me. I don't care, I run faster.

My ears ring and one voice stands out. Nick's. "Leave her alone. She's upset!"

Panting, cramping, and a grand stitch in my side, I keel over next to my cabin's ladder. Some of the guys come over, but I run up the ladder forgetting I have a long skirt. I slip and let out a strangled, frustrated scream. It echoes eerily. Hauling myself up, I run to the bed's safety, don't undress, and burrow under the covers hoping tomorrow and tomorrow's execution of me never comes. Oh joy.