Chapter 12

The fellowship lay in their beds as Samantha sat awake. She was completely immune to the snoring of Gimli and the hobbits after so many nights of traveling with them. Even with the noise, it might as well just be her and her thoughts. She had much to think about. Galadriel had shown her many things she did not wish to see. What choices could she make to avoid those fates and the fates of her friends? Already, she felt that her presence had changed the course of the future in a way none of the others could comprehend.

She let out a long sigh as she looked up at the beauty of Lothlorien. 'I wish you were here Gandalf.' If he were, perhaps he could help her sort out what she had seen in the mirror. Everyone dying one by one, as if the enemy knew where they were going to be...

A sharp intake of breath could be heard as her heart fell like a rock to her stomach. 'I get taken...' She realized then that the scream she heard in the vision was her own. She had been captured and most likely tortured. Her mind broken and her memories of the war's events free knowledge to the enemy. Her wide eyes looked out over her sleeping companions. They would all die, because of her.

As she looked over the fellowship she caught the tired face of Boromir as he sat up from his restless sleep. He gave her an odd look, unsettled by her panicked expression so early in the morning. He looked down at himself, "I do not have a spider on me, do I?"

Samantha shook her head and looked out in front of her in a daze.

Boromir thought the reaction odd but shrugged it off as he stood. It was good to see her again. He had not seen her since the elves had taken her away to be healed, he was indeed grateful to them. If only this entire place didn't make him feel so uneasy. He grabbed two apples and strode over to her, sitting beside her. "What has you so troubled so early in the morning?" He said handing her an apple as he took a bite out of his own.

She didn't take the apple, she hardly heard him speak. It was a moment before she spoke, "I need to train. Today." It was hardly above a whisper but she knew he heard her.

The fighter gave her an incredulous look. She was just recovering from a near death experience and she wanted to train? "You are still injured and weak, you must heal before you can train."

She turned toward him, her eyes more serious than he had ever seen them. "I have to." Samantha looked into his eyes and could see Boromir's fate the mirror showed her. Her heart clenched at the thought as she remembered the many arrows in his chest as Aragorn gave him comfort in his last moments. She did not want that to become a reality for her friend.

The look in her eyes made Boromir halt as an unsettling feeling settled within him. "Did she show you something?" She remained silent and looked away. Her actions were enough for him to know. "What did she show you?" He pressed.

Samantha shook her head, "Things I don't want to happen. So, I need to train. I need to be able to defend myself, so this doesn't happen again." She said resting a hand on her bandaged neck. "I can't constantly continue to depend on you guys when you're fighting for your own lives too."

Boromir nodded, understanding her thoughts and concerns. He would give her a sword immediately and start a lesson had it not been for her injuries. He couldn't help but think what it was that she saw. "She too showed me a vision." He put the apple in her lap and rested a hand on her shoulder. He gave it a gentle squeeze remembering his own unpleasant experience with the Lady of Light. "We will change fate. But we will not train until you are ready." He did not want to risk her injuring herself because she could not properly hold a sword.

Samantha nodded, picking up the apple and this time, actually finished it. The two sat in silence as the other members of the fellowship slowly began to wake up. She looked over at Legolas, his back was against a tree with a pillow cushioning him. His head tilted up as he slept. When she first learned that elves slept it was a surprise to her. Legolas explained to her that elves did not need as much sleep as humans. Several hours is plenty for a few days, and they can go far longer if need be and not suffer the same effects as humans. She found it fascinating.

Legolas opened his eyes and imminently caught Samantha looking at him very intently before quickly looking away. A strange feeling settled in his stomach and he was thankful he had not been caught watching her the other day. He got up and noticed her and Boromir sat comfortably next to each other, chatting amongst themselves. Perhaps Boromir was done with his raving?

He turned and spotted two elves walk toward them, Haldir and one of the healers. The healer gave a curt bow before the prince, "I have come looking for the girl. Her bandages need changing."

He nodded in greeting. It had been some time since her bandages had been changed. "Samantha," he called out to her gaining her attention, "he is here to tend to your wounds." The healer gave the girl a gentle smile and motioned her along.

Samantha nodded and got up to follow the elf. He suddenly turned toward the prince and company, "It will not be long, just fresh wrapping and some medicinal herbs." He had been told the company were extremely worried about the girl, so he thought best to explain. As the healer and Samantha walked, Legolas could hear her awkwardly ask the elf how his day was going. A small smile graced his lips watching her go before he quickly turned to Haldir.

"It would seem she is doing well." Haldir stated.

Aragorn approached them, his hair more disheveled than usual thanks to his restless sleep. "Haldir, what brings you here. Surely the healer did not need an escort." Boromir stood as well, approaching the trio.

Haldir began, "You had mentioned leaving as soon as the girl is able?"

"Yes, as soon as Samantha is able." Legolas stated, putting a hint of emphasis on her name.

Haldir gave him a glance, amusement twinkled in his eyes. Aragorn was the next to speak, "Yes, that was our plan. We need to keep moving. Is there something wrong?"

"It would seem your venture through the mountain has made your location known. They know you are here and in response our scouts are running across more and more orcs." He gave pause as he watched their faces, the information settling in before he said what they all knew, "It is not safe for you to leave as you came. At least not now."

"I see." Aragorn looked into the trees thinking of their options. They had to keep moving, getting the ring to Mordor was their first priority, but it seemed they had no choice. Leaving now would put Frodo right into the enemies hands. "Perhaps they will give up and move on."

"Perhaps, but it could take weeks." Haldir informed him. It was possible that the orcs would move on, assuming the fellowship was gone. "More time for you to rest your body and mind."

Haldir meant rest for the entire company, but Boromir gave him a strange look. His paranoia causing him to think he was singled out. He tried to bury the feeling, "This will give Samantha and the hobbits more opportunity to train."

Legolas gave Boromir a stern look, "You know as well as I do that she is too weak to train in her state."

The fighter nodded and lowered his voice. While the hobbits were minding their own business, and Gimli still slept he felt the need to keep private what he was about to say. "The elf woman, Galadriel, she showed her something." Aragorn and Legolas looked at him in surprise, while Haldir was inwardly annoyed at the disrespect toward Lady Galadriel. "First thing she said to me, 'I have to train.' This vision certainly weighs heavily on her, and she is determined to avoid it. Honing her combat skills is her top priority it would seem." There was silence as his companions thought over what he said, so he continued, "As much as I would love to leave this place, this is a good opportunity to better their skills. So when a battle occurs they won't need to rely on us as much." He felt a sense of pride for Samantha. Her determination was admirable. She was so passionate and it moved him in a way he had not experienced in a long time.

Legolas sighed, "I suppose you are right. It would be best."

Aragorn looked down in thought and the three looked at him expectantly. When he looked to meet their gaze they were shocked at his words, "I do not believe it is a good idea for her to continue traveling with us."

"What are you talking about?" Boromir asked him incredulously. "Wasn't it Lord Elrond and Gandalf that decided it best for her to join? There must be a reason."

Legolas found himself agreeing with Boromir, "What he says is true, there is a reason for her arrival."

"And what is that reason?" Aragorn asked the two of them. "I see a scared girl, dragged into this not of her own free will. And look at what has happened to her. At least the hobbits chose to venture with us. Have you two forgotten the panic on her face at the council?"

Legolas and Boromir shared a glance. They knew he was right, she had indeed traveled with them for a reason they did not know. Boromir had even objected to her presence that day but Gandalf had insisted. Now she had become part of their group, and seeing her willingness and eagerness to improve had Boromir willing to bring her along. He had faith that she could become a warrior with time. After everything, she had the right to join them.

The elf looked at his friend and felt torn. He indeed wanted her to continue with them but saw the effects it had on her. Perhaps, it would be better for her to stay and have someone escort her somewhere else once it was safe.

"I am sorry, but she cannot stay here." Haldir began as if sensing Legolas' thoughts. He continued, "It is against our customs to house outsiders for so long. And I can make no promises we would be able to escort her to a human settlement. And what of when she arrives? There is no way of knowing if she would be accepted." He gave pause, "Besides, I can say with confidence that she would not want to be parted from you." It was obvious to him through her actions last night that she looked at them like family.

Aragorn gave a nod. "I understand. Perhaps we might find a suitable place for her to settle as we travel."

There were a few more exchanges between Aragorn and Haldir before Haldir left to go about his daily duties. As Aragorn walked away Legolas followed him, "I do not think it wise to leave her somewhere." Legolas spoke to his friend.

"I know it might be painful to leave her behind, but I think it would be best." He gave the elf a knowing look.

Legolas thought of Aragorn's words and the Hobbits teasing and snapped, "She is only a very dear friend, nothing more."

"Denial does not suit you my friend." He spoke quietly before quickly continuing, "But, I digress, she has no need to be here."

The elf shot his friend a heated glance before speaking. "You do not know that. I believe Gandalf brought her with us for a reason. I found her in the forest, alone and dressed strangely. She didn't look like any human I had ever seen. This has to mean something."

Aragorn sighed, "Perhaps it does. If Gandalf had told us his reason for bringing her along then maybe we could avoid this conversation."

Legolas nodded, his heart heavy at the thought of Gandalf. "At least let it be her decision. We owe her that much. As you said, it wasn't her decision in the beginning, but we can give her that decision now. To continue, or stay somewhere suitable when the opportunity arises."

Aragorn nodded, his friend was right. He had disagreed with Samantha's inclusion on their mission since the beginning though he kept his thoughts to himself deciding to trust Gandalf and his wisdom. But, now, Gandalf was gone and he was left with the burden of guiding them. He wanted to do right by her and was uncertain of how he could do such a thing. He could not fathom what importance Samantha brought that they needed for their success.

Boromir looked at the two before him intently. There was indeed information he was not aware of when it came to Samantha. While he was unable to catch some of their conversation he nodded at Legolas' last statement, "I agree with the elf. I will continue to train her as soon as she is able. I think it best for now to leave this conversation be. Since there is nothing we can do either way."

There was silence between the three men for several long moments. Legolas turned to the group of hobbits who were busy amongst themselves. He watched them and after a few moments he saw Samantha approach the hobbits as they struck up a conversation. Would she wish to stay with them given the opportunity to stay somewhere safe? Who would know how long it would be before that opportunity came, or if it would even arise. Their path led them away from any suitable civilization he would want to leave her with. His eyes lingered on her intently until she turned toward him and their eyes met. He watched as her face lit up a little and she gave a small wave with her hand. His lips curled up in response before turning back to Aragorn. She was a precious friend.

Samantha put her hand down and turned back to Merry and Pippin. Pippin looked between her and the elf and elbowed Merry gently to get his attention. After his brief annoyance he noticed what Pippin was trying to show him. They were both surprised and delighted to see the elf smile toward her as she waved. When she turned back to them and noticed the two of them watching her closely she paused for several long moments, "Um... what?"

Pippin and Merry looked at one another before looking to her again. Merry whispered to her, fearful the hearing of the elves could pick up on what he was about to say. He surely didn't want Legolas so hear. "We think Legolas fancies you."

His words caught her off guard as she felt her cheeks burn. "He doesn't! We're just friends!"

Pippin motioned for her to lower her voice and whispered, "He's friends with Aragorn too, but never acts or looks at him the way he does you."

Samantha's head was spinning, she refused to believe it. "You two are looking too far into this! Has it occurred to you that I'm human, and he's an elf. There would be no way it could happen!"

"That does put a kink in things..." Merry mused. "It doesn't change his behavior though."

"Indeed it doesn't!" Pippin chirped. "So, tell us, what were the two of you doing out for so long yesterday?"

Samantha felt her blush worsen ever so slightly as she remembered their conversation. It was precisely because of that conversation that she new Legolas could never return her blossoming feelings. She had already decided to crush the feelings she had growing for him, knowing they would only end in heart break. "We talked." She gave them an intent look, "He told me how elves can die when their partner passes away. Why would he risk that to love someone who isn't even going to live a century. It's a death sentence."

The two hobbits looked at her as she looked sadly to the ground. They said no more on the subject after hearing this new information. Perhaps they had looked into things a bit too far. The journey and its struggles making them imagine something that was not there.

The next few days passed quietly and peacefully, for the most part.

Boromir instructed the hobbits in swordplay with occasional help from Aragorn. While Merry and Pippin jumped at the opportunity, Frodo and Sam were less inclined. They did indeed participate, but never for very long. Frodo would feel the pain in his shoulder after a short time and would leave. Sam often followed to make sure Frodo was taken care of. He made a promise to Gandalf and he was going to keep it.

Samantha tried desperately to corner Gimli though every time she thought she had him he was gone. At night she would lay awake, listening to the snoring of her companions as she looked at her pack. The book was still there, and she wanted desperately to give it to him, so he knew not all was lost from his Kin. As well as trying to track Gimli's movements, she had Legolas trailing her almost everywhere. He would accompany her for walks as she worked her legs to gain back her strength. When she would be resting, she could feel him watching her. His actions made her think of Merry and Pippin and their assumption about his feelings. Perhaps she was just being paranoid and awkward, but she found herself acting strange around the elf. They spoke as normal, but she found herself almost pushing him away. Finding a reason to speak with Boromir or the hobbits, even striking up a conversation with Aragorn that quickly went nowhere. She felt guilty, but it was a nagging feeling in the back of her head that told her to be distant. Perhaps then if he did fancy her as Merry and Pippin put it, he would distance himself. Though logically, she told herself she was just being paranoid.

Legolas had indeed noticed her change in behavior and thought it strange. The usually warm and friendly reception he got from her had turned strained and forced. He was confused and hurt by her actions. At first when she would hurry away from him to speak with someone else he assumed it was something important, but it became so frequent he could not make sense of it. After several days of being given the cold shoulder from her, he finally cornered her when his confusion morphed into irritation.

The two of them were walking through the wood and when they came to the end of their usual path she made an excuse to hurry back to camp. Before she could leave he reached out and gripped her wrist. He could still remember the shocked look on her face and the red tint to her cheeks. "Samantha." He said firmly. "Have I done something to upset you?"

Her eyes widened and she looked downward to her feet, "No, you haven't done anything wrong." Her voice was heavy with guilt.

His hand moved from her wrist to her shoulder, "Then why do you flee from my presence?"

Legolas watched her face flush and she crossed her arms, a hand resting on her neck as she looked away from him. "It's just a silly thing Merry and Pippin told me. I'm working myself up over nothing." She waved her hand dismissively.

"What could they have said to make you act in such a way?" Legolas thought of everything the two hobbits had said to tease them and he had an idea.

"You'll just think its silly!" She insisted, "It's really not important!"

Their eyes locked and he told her simply, "If it is troubling you like this then I do believe it is important."

Samantha continued to hold the gaze for several moments before looking away, the color in her cheeks deepening. "Well... Um... They told me that they think you... 'fancy' me." She looked upon Legolas and his stoic expression and laughed, "Yeah, outlandish right? They're just looking into things too far, right?" He continued to just stare at her and she fidgeted. The silence gnawed at her and she continued speaking, "I mean, you're an elf! There's no way you could settle for me. You'll find a beautiful elf woman and live long and happy with her for ages! They just misinterpret you being nice as something different. Happens a lot at home. Guys would be nice to girls and everyone would assume-"

Legolas placed a hand on the side of her head and the action instantly silenced her. His eyes looked deeply into hers as his thumb brushed her cheek gently, "Do not let their words trouble you. Merry and Pippin are imaginative. You are dear to me, that much is true. Though you are right, they read too far into such matters. If you allow, I will continue to stay by your side as I have these last weeks."

He was not prepared to see the veiled hurt in her eyes but it was gone as quickly as it came. She smiled to him and nodded, "Of course! I'm just being paranoid is all!" She stepped away from him and began walking toward their camp, "It is about time to get back though. Happy we could talk, Legolas."

The elf was left there looking after her. That was not how he expected things to play out, though had he been expecting a specific outcome? He could never predict accurately what would happen when he was with her. He was not oblivious to the other's observations, but he may have been oblivious to his own emotions. Perhaps his feelings were indeed deeper than he would like to admit. Seeing her act so flustered over the hobbits words and how uncomfortable it made her caused the wheels in his mind to turn. Thinking back to their conversation on the riverbank he knew why she had been avoiding him. 'She does not want me to become attached.' That is why he had told her the hobbits had imagined it. If she felt that there was no risk of that fate happening, then maybe she would be at peace.

He understood her reaction now, though it did not explain the hurt that flashed in her blue eyes. There was only one explanation and it caused his heart to flutter in a manner he was not expecting. 'Perhaps, she fancies me as well.' It would explain her behavior, and if that were the case then he understood her reaction. He told her that elves can die when their lover passes on, and he knew that was something she saw as tragic. She didn't want him to risk that fate because of her.

Legolas stood there long after she had disappeared out of sight, staring in the direction she had left.

A/N - I'm a sucker for heavy romance and drama plots, can you tell? lol. I wanted to get the rest of the Lothlorien events out of the way in this chapter but I realized the chapter would be SUPER long. We will be leaving Lorien soon, don't you worry.

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Posted: 9-9-2020
Edited: 1-15-21