Chapter 11

Legolas stood there looking out in the direction she walked and he wanted nothing more than to know what was going through her mind. They could all clearly see this entire situation with Gimli was troubling her. The hobbits were whispering amongst themselves. He didn't bother to pay attention to their chatter, not sure if he would really want to anyway. He could feel Aragorn's eyes on him and when Samantha finally went behind enough greenery he turned and looked at him.

Aragorn's eyes were telling, "She's a bit unstable, wouldn't you say?" He spoke in elvish, drawing a few curious stares from the hobbits but they went about their own conversation.

"She is not unstable, she has far too much on her mind for someone so young." He felt a little heat rise in his chest at Aragorn's words. It surprised him a little that he was agitated by it.

Aragorn stopped sharpening his blade and gave him his full attention. "You look at her like she is a woman, though your actions say she is a child. While her ability in combat is not much better than the hobbits I do expect her to have some composure. She put herself into this mess and she should be able to get herself out of it."

Legolas felt his jaw clench. He knew Aragorn was right, but when he thought back to when he found her in that clearing he knew she wasn't a normal woman. Perhaps in her homeland this was how people are. Much more open to sharing their emotions and even letting emotion drown out reason. He could only speculate of course, but it was clear to him that she needs help to navigate her emotions. He had already made a promise to himself that he would, now seemed like a good time.

"While it is hard for me to disagree with you, I still plan to help her as much as I can. I hope you respect that." Aragorn only nodded as he turned and started to walk in the direction Samantha had went. Hopefully she would be okay with talking. Perhaps he could ask her more about her homeland. He only knew what was mentioned in stories she told to the hobbits and ramblings to Boromir. Every time she told a story, he could see the longing in her sky blue eyes. It was easy for him to tell that she loved her home and wanted nothing more than to go back. Though she had never spoken of returning.

He walked slowly through the lush greenery, not wanting to startle her. He would never admit to anyone that he was only walking slowly so he could think of what to say. Helping others with their troubles was not a strong suite of his. Growing up he had few memories of his mother. She was loving and nurturing toward him of course. After she died though, he grew up on his own. His father became withdrawn and hardly had the time of day for Legolas. He would be lying if he said he wasn't upset by this, but it had just become another part of his life. His father was better now, but the past can never change.

Legolas came to a stream and looked down the banks, quickly spotting her. He walked closer and knelt beside her. She was huddled against the tree, arms and legs curled inward toward her chest. He could make out the tear streaks on her face. Legolas wanted to wake her but decided against it. It wasn't the best place for her to rest, but she was resting nonetheless.

He sat down and stared at her. He had not had such freedom to gaze upon her in the sunlight in so long. Their travels had certainly changed her in a few ways. In Rivendel she was full of attitude and was very confident in herself. The recent days brought with them troubles she had never seen before and she acted like she had been beaten down again and again. Quieter and more reserved. Physically he could see she had slimmed down. Her once chubby cheeks were gone and her high cheekbones were more prominent. While he quite liked the cute look she had, he admitted to himself that she looked more mature without the chubbiness to her cheeks. Her skin had more freckles form their time in the sun and he found himself quite liking the texture it gave her.

Legolas didn't know how long he watched her for. He did think a few times that he was perhaps being... creepy, but there was no one around after all. She was sleeping peacefully and he didn't make a move toward her until she started twitching. He watched her movements closely and her eyes moved frantically behind their lids. It seemed to be a normal dream at first, but he watched her become more and more distressed and he moved closer to her.

"Samantha," he said softly, but it didn't wake her. He reached out a hand to touch her shoulder and shook her lightly. Her eyes snapped open and she gasped, breathing heavily and looking frantically around her.

Legolas shushed her and placed his hand against the side of her face, "Only a nightmare, you are safe."

She nodded, "I- I saw the Balrog, but only Gandalf didn't fall." She paused and he wondered for a moment why that would be a nightmare. But she continued, "It killed him. It came across the bridge and we were all-" he shushed her again and stroked her hair as he had seen Boromir do for her before.

"The Balrog is no more." he reassured her.

Samantha nodded and wiped her eyes clear of tears. "I know. It's hard not to think about it though."

Legolas sat next to her, "Trauma can be a difficult thing to overcome."

She laughed, wiping more tears, "You're telling me."

He looked at her curiously, "What do you mean?" Was there more than what she had recently endured?

Samantha sighed and looked at him, "If I tell you, you can't tell anyone else, alright?"

He gave her a sincere look and nodded, "You have my word."

Letting out a long sigh she began, "Back in my homeland, I left behind my family. My older brother, Nate. We weren't on good terms. I had gotten really upset over our living arrangements at the time and we had a huge argument. I knew I wasn't a saint in the situation and I ended up ruining our relationship. He never really talked to me after that and I haven't talked to him since. And now I never will." Her heart wanted to cry, but there were no more tears left.

Legolas looked at her in sympathy, "Why do you say you never will? You can always travel back to your home, we just need to find it."

She shook her head, "It's out of reach now. I can never go back." She looked at Legolas and saw his confused expression. "Gandalf believed there was no way for me to get back home. This is my home now, the fellowship. You guys are all I have left."

He nodded in understanding. No wonder she was always forlorn when talking about her mother. She was taken away from it all. For what purpose he did not know, but he sympathized with having a world you once knew be ripped away from you. "When I was very young, I had a very good life. One I took for granted at the time. My mother and father watched over me and I will never forget my mother's face or her laugh. When my mother was killed, everything changed." He paused and looked into Samantha's eyes that were filled with sympathy. "My world was changed forever. My father has never been the same since. He was cold and detached. I know he only carried on for my sake, but he was never there for me. I learned to grow and adapt on my own." He grabbed her hand, "I understand how it feels to lose everything. I am sorry you suffered such a fate."

Samantha returned the grip and the two held hands. There was a comforting silence as the two took comfort in the other's presence. "Legolas?" She finally asked.

"Yes?"

"When you say your father only carried on for your sake, what do you mean?"

"Elves love more deeply than any race in middle earth. We are gifted Immortality and meant to have one love for our entire lives. There are only two ways an elf can die, great injury, and great sorrow. Losing ones partner can often lead to such a fate."

Samantha gasped, her grip on his hand tightened. "You can die from that?"

He nodded, his thumb caressing the top of her hand as he watched the water in the stream. "My father was strong. He didn't want to leave me alone in the world so he refused to let the grief consume him."

Samantha was floored by this new information. Immortality was a foreign concept to her and the thought of dying from grief wasn't knew to her. She had heard of it happening with older couples before. But immortals who never got sick? It seemed so sad for that to be a reality. "Does that make you afraid to love someone?"

Legolas was surprised by the question. He looked at her and saw genuine concern, and something he wasn't expecting. Pity. He wasn't used to another person looking at him with pity and had it been anyone else he might have taken offence. "No. I suspect I will enjoy the time I have with them. No matter how long that time is."

She nodded, "I can admire that. I don't know if I would be so certain."

"Why is that?" He asked her.

"Knowing that my death would lead to the death of the person I love most. That sounds terrifying. I would want my partner to continue living, for the both of us. Live the life I couldn't, ya know?"

Legolas nodded. It sounded so human, what she was saying. "It is an honorable thing to do."

Samantha nodded and changed the subject, "So, I know you don't get along with Gimli that much, but do you think he will ever forgive me?"

Legolas sighed, "Dwarves are stubborn creatures. Though I do think he will come around. You only need to find the right time to approach him."

"But what if he won't let me?"

"You make him listen. Prove your stubbornness is greater than his. Either he will accept it or not."

She nodded yet again and the two again sat in a comfortable silence. Samantha let her head rest on his shoulder instead of the tree and he continued to caress her hand in his. The sun began to set and he could feel Samantha fall asleep beside him. He quite enjoyed this time with her. It helped to relax his mind and he hoped that perhaps he had done the same for her.

Eventually the sun began to set and he gently hoisted her into his arms and carried her back to their camp. When they returned Legolas saw that Pippin had already laid out a small area for her to sleep. He had assumed she would want to rest when she returned. Legolas thanked the hobbit and did his best to make her comfortable.

"You guys were gone for a while, what kept you so busy?" Pippin asked curiously.

Legolas looked down at Samantha and placed one of the blankets over her, "We spoke of many things. She has a lot weighing on her mind."

Pippin decided to leave it at that. He didn't see a need to push it further even though he was curious. Maybe he would ask Samantha later.

The Fellowship continued getting ready for bed. At some point all their ears perked up as they heard angelic singing all around them. Legolas looked up, his heart heavy as the song stirred his emotions. "A lament for Gandalf."

Merry and the other hobbits looked up and listened to the foreign words, "What do they say about him?" Merry asked.

"I have not the heart to tell you." Legolas began, "For me the grief is still too near."

"Bet they don't mention his fireworks." Sam said, fluffing his bedding. "There should be a verse about them." With a sudden wave of inspiration he stood and began confidently, "The greatest rockets ever seen. They burst in stars of blue and green. For after thunder, silver showers. Came falling like a rain of flowers- Oh that doesn't do them justice at all." He sat back down, slightly embarrassed.

Aragorn listened to the hobbits talk quietly among themselves. They spoke in hushed tones to not wake either Gimli or Samantha. He listened for a small time before taking notice of Boromir. He had been absent most all day and was now sitting just outside of their camp. He stood and walked toward the warrior. "Take some rest, these boarders are well protected." He didn't know how long they would be in Lothlorien, but it was important that they all rest while they can.

"I will find no rest here." Boromir told him flatly.

Aragorn looked at him in silence. Willing him to continue.

"I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, even now there is hope left." He looked down to the ground, giving in to the feeling he had felt building within him for so long now, hopelessness. "But, I do not see it. It has been long since we had any hope."

Aragorn took in the troubled man before him. Boromir was a strong man. To see him so broken down was something he had not expected. He moved to sit next to him, a sign that he was there and willing to listen to his troubles.

"My father, is a noble man." Boromir said with certainty, his voice swelling with emotion. "But, his rule is failing, and now our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I would do it! I would see the glory of Gondor restored." He paused and looked out into the distance. His eyes shining with longing, "Have you ever seen it Aragorn? The white tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. It's banner caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home, by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?" He turned to Aragorn now, looking at him instead of just glancing.

Aragorn nodded, "I have seen the white city, long ago."

"One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call, 'The lords of Gondor have returned.'"

Aragorn gave the man a small smile, though he was unsure. He did not know if he could handle the task given to him. While the elves raised him and he knew he had wisdom, he wasn't sure he would make the right decisions. How could he be a king and lead a country if he could not trust his own judgment? While Aragorn had not said much, Boromir agreed he would try to rest. One by one the fellowship fell asleep and all was peaceful.

Samantha slept a dreamless sleep, until something pulled her hair and she jolted awake. Frodo apologized, whispering so he wouldn't wake the others. "I'm so sorry!" He had just been through a very eye opening experience with Galadriel and only wanted to sleep. In his haste he accidentally stepped too close to her head and onto her hair.

She woke with a start and once she realized it was just Frodo she waved him off. It was fine, she didn't have a bald spot. Frodo continued to his bed and Samantha was left looking around. She was surprised it was so late. Last she remembered her and Legolas were by the stream... A small wave of embarrassment swept over her, realizing that she must have fallen asleep on him. She stood up, not feeling particularly tired anymore and deciding to go on a midnight stroll.

She thought about what her and Legolas had spoken of the night before and she didn't know how to feel. He had opened up to her in a way she didn't expect, and so had she to him. One thing was clear, she had to stop this crush she had building for Legolas. 'He's way out of my league.' It wasn't just that though, if by some miracle Legolas liked her, she didn't want him dying so young because she had a limited life span. It was unfair to him. 'We are just friends, nothing more.' She told herself.

As she walked further from the camp she enjoyed looking at the beauty of Lothlorien. It's blue hue was even more charming at night. 'Could you not sleep?' Her head turned from side to side, that voice again! Maybe she was going crazy? Seemingly out of nowhere a woman dressed in white was before her, giving her a gentle smile. "Greetings, Samantha."

Samantha felt her mouth flop for a few seconds, transfixed by her beauty. Dare she think it? She put Legolas to shame, and Legolas was fine. "Um, hello?" She said uncertainly. She had never met this elf before and the sudden appearance was strange. "Did you... talk, in my head?" Her words came out jumbled and she could have slapped herself for sounding so stupid.

Galadriel smiled, such an interesting girl. 'I am capable of many things.' She watched as the girl's eyes widened and Galadriel chuckled. "Walk with me."

Samantha couldn't find a reason to refuse, and felt it was more a veiled command than a request. After a few moments of silent walking Samantha spoke, "So, who are you? If I may ask..." She didn't want to be rude. Samantha could tell she was important just from the aura she generated.

"I am Galadriel, Lady of Light." She said simply, but then she said something that made Samantha turn her head in shock, "I know much about your predicament, I saw your arrival."

"How did you know?" Her mouth hung open and she nearly stopped walking.

"I know many things. Like who hunts you, and the weight you bare on your mind."

"Who hunts me?" She repeated, a twinge of fear touching her voice. She knew that the enemy of middle earth brought her here to use her knowledge against them, but she thought they were no where near that danger.

Galadriel looked at her with a twinkle of sympathy in her eye, "Perhaps, I can help you as I helped Frodo, to make his decision."

Samantha wondered what decision that was and figured that was what Frodo had been doing before he woke her up. Galadriel led her to a pedestal, it kind of reminded her of a fancy birdbath. Galadriel stepped toward it and her hand caressed the edge, "The mirror is of my own creation, it shows many things."

For a moment Samantha felt bad she called it a birdbath. She stepped forward with uncertainty, not sure what would happen when she looked in. She wouldn't see her death, would she? Samantha gave Galadriel one last look before turning her eyes onto the calm water in the mirror. Nothing happened at first, but slowly the water began to ripple before her eyes, yet there was no wind.

She began to see images, she first saw Boromir fighting strong against their enemy but the image shifted to a fallen Boromir dying in Aragorn's arms. Next came a tower, screams of terror and agony echoed in her ears and she saw a man dressed in white smile evilly as he stepped out onto a balcony, screaming victory would be theirs onto a crowd of orcs and beasts. Several images of death and destruction, she saw her friends being captured and killed and Samantha tried to pull away from the mirror not wanting to see anymore, but again the image changed. This time she saw not an image of death, it was an image of a woman and a child playing under a tree. Samantha froze, looking at who could only be her future self and the child as they laughed. She looked... happy.

A force seemed to push her away from the mirror and Samantha sat on the ground, panting. Her eyes locked with Galadriel's knowing gaze and there was a tense silence. "Was... that the future?"

"Possible future's." Galadriel corrected. "None of which are certain. The decisions you make now are very important."

While Samantha was sickened by seeing all the terrible scenes of death and destruction her mind latched onto that last image. Was the child hers? Would she have a baby here in this world?

As if sensing her thoughts Galadriel knelt down to the woman, "It is never too late to start again. While love and grief are both mingled in this time of war, you can fight for that future, it is yours to make."

Samantha's eyes widened, thinking of Gandalf and the words he said to her in Rivendel. Galadriel mirrored his words and she knew she was right. Thinking of the last few days she had been weak. She always relied on the others to get her out of trouble. She needed to improve so she wasn't a burden, so she too could fight for this world and for herself. Galadriel had shown her that she did have a future if she played her cards right, and that was exactly what she planned to do.

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Posted: 8-31-2020
Edited: 1-6-2021