Chapter 13

Samantha collapsed onto her bed, exhausted. They were now about two weeks into their stay in Lothlorien and she was a week into her lessons. Boromir pushed her hard and while she appreciated it, she was left utterly spent after every session. She never thought that just a few weeks without training would leave her feeling so weak! Merry and Pippin were in a similar state, lounging and enjoying food to take their minds off their aching muscles.

Boromir had thought it too soon to start, but after the healers gave the go ahead, and her insistent pleading he began. It took her a bit to get the feel for the sword in her hands again. The lessons on the road slowly came back to her and while she was still a novice Boromir was happy with her improvement. He was also grateful to have something to take his mind off The Lady of Light. The feeling of unease he felt was now to a minimum. There was something about Lothlorien that made his mind at ease the longer they were there. Though, he was still bothered whenever he pictured the burning white tree and her voice in his mind.

Since starting her sword training again, Legolas thought it a good idea to pick up her archery as well...

~0~

Legolas stared at Samantha as she panted, resting against a tree as her first lesson with Boromir was now complete. Her face was flush as she rested her head back and focused on breathing normally. Legolas walked up to her and offered her a cup with some water. As if sensing his footsteps she opened her eyes to meet his and she took the cup, thanking him. She drank the water greedily, her throat as dry as the desert. "Do not rush yourself." Legolas cautioned as he took a seat near her.

She gave a small laugh, her breathing more normal but still heavy. "Yeah, guess you're right. But water hits just the right spot after that!" She waved her arm toward the clearing Boromir had just spent the last several hours drilling her.

The elf chuckled, "Yes, I imagine it would. I also suppose it might be time to pick up archery as well."

She brought the cup to her lips and took one more drink as she nodded. "I guess that would be a good idea..." Her mind wandered to how her lessons with him had gone in the past. Just the two of them, calm and relaxed with the occasional joke or banter. She missed that. But, now, her feelings toward him were all confused. When she confessed Merry and Pippin's thoughts he had assured her they were reading too much into it. That he didn't like her in that way. While she was relieved in a way the hurt was a surprise. She had been rejected before, but this wasn't even a rejection. There was a small piece of her that had been hoping against hope that perhaps he did have feelings for her. With no effort at all, he had taken that and crushed it. Now, she only had to move past it and forget about it. Though having him around her made it difficult.

They had not been alone together since that encounter. Of course, they had talked and been around one another, but always with another member of the fellowship since then. Knowing they would be alone for her lessons made her feel uneasy in a way that made her feel guilty. Legolas had done nothing wrong. He had done nothing to warrant her behavior and she often chastised herself about this. 'We are friends, that won't change.' She told herself.

Legolas watched her expression and saw her apprehensiveness. "Haldir will join us as well. He said it would be a great chance to escape his duties for a moment." He knew Samantha was still avoiding him and while it frustrated him it also made his heart clench watching her push him away. They still spoke, but she no longer sought out his company like she once did. No longer came up to him for no reason but to talk. He willed himself not to be bothered, but it had him troubled. She needed to continue her bow training, there was no lie there, though he hoped that maybe she would become comfortable around him again with time.

Samantha met his gaze in surprise, "Really? I would think helping coach me wouldn't be worth his time." Haldir had given her the impression he held himself above everyone else. Almost pompous in a way. Though, perhaps he was better than she first thought.

"He thinks that about many things, yes. Though I asked him as a personal favor, he also knows the best spots for this training."

"Oh, well, okay." She said simply. "When do we start then? ...please, just don't say right now."

Legolas laughed a little and stood, "We will begin in the early morning, just after sunrise. I will fetch you." She nodded and leaned her head back again, mumbling to herself how she had to go to bed earlier.

He felt his heart lighten at her willingness. Legolas sincerely hoped that he would get her to start talking to him again as she once did. He missed her presence as it once was. He feared they were drifting apart and he didn't want to distance himself from her. He thought to himself, 'I will not lose her as a friend.'

~0~

Samantha now lay down, her face firmly planted in her pillow. Muscles aching though she was thankful she no longer wheezed and panted like she did the first couple of days. Aragorn had joined them and he had her practice a few other forms and maneuvers that were known to the Rangers. This meant more muscles were aching and some that she hadn't felt ache before. She let her mind wander as she listened to the four hobbits talk amongst themselves about various things.

After a time, she sat up, aching but feeling better after resting. "Welcome back to the land of the living!" Sam greeted.

She laughed, "Thanks, good to be back." She reached back and pulled the ribbon out of her hair and let if fall around her shoulders. Her hair had grown since coming to Middle Earth and when her training began again it was far too bothersome to let fly free. Ponytail holders were not a thing in middle earth, so she had to settle with a ribbon one of the elves had given her.

As she ran her fingers through her hair and shook her head to loosen her hair the hobbits watched the fiery waves. "I think it's gotten more red." said Pippin.

Samantha gave him a strange look, "Well, it's always been red. I swear, the way some people look at my hair makes me think they have never seen red hair before!"

"It's the shade of red that you possess," Frodo explained. "Most people do not have such a rich and vibrant shade."

"I hear some dwarves can have hair like fire." Sam stated.

Merry nodded, "Gimli doesn't really come close though. His is far too dark."

At mention of the dwarf Samantha looked around to see if she could spot him. Yet again, he was no where to be seen. Her heart sank once again and the hobbits continued on their chat about hair color among different species of Middle Earth. Pippin noticed Samantha withdraw from the conversation and pieced together why. "I know where he goes to be alone." Pippin told her.

She raised a brow, "You do?"

The hobbit nodded, "Yes, same spot every time. I've even seen Legolas there with him once or twice, very odd if you ask me."

The wheels in Samantha's head began to turn and she gave Pippin a serious look, "You and Merry have done a lot of exploring, right?"

"Well, yes, if not I wouldn't know where Gimli goes off to." He said factually.

She nodded again leaned down to whisper in his ear. He smiled and nodded, "Oh of course! I can show you where that is! But, we have to get some for us too." He pointed a finger at her in a playful manner and she nodded in agreement.

As the woman and hobbit left the camp Aragorn watched them go, wondering what it could be that the two were going to do. "Boromir," he called out to the man who was sharpening his blade. Boromir stopped and looked up to him, "How does she fare?"

"Her skills are certainly improving, though she is still a novice. She indeed shows great potential, with more time she could become a skilled fighter." He thought of the girl fondly and a smile broke across his face. His heart grew light. He spoke, affection lacing his words, "She is remarkable for the short amount of time she has been given."

Aragorn's eyes never left where Samantha and Pippin wandered off too, "We leave in a week. I want her to be as prepared as we can make her for the perils ahead. I sense our journey will hold much danger, rivaling Moria."

A new voice entered, "A week, have the orcs finally moved on?" Legolas walked up to them and raised a delicate eyebrow at Aragorn.

Aragorn shook his head, "No, but hopefully they will. We have tarried too long here already."

"How do you suppose we leave then?" Boromir questioned. It had already been established that leaving as they came would be suicide.

Aragorn cast a glance outward, toward the river that flowed out of sight, "By water."

"Yes, they would not expect that." Legolas mused. "They would be patrolling the roads, not many travel by river."

"And what if we are ambushed?" Boromir stated, "On a boat there is no way to fight back if you cannot see your enemy."

Legolas was bothered by this, "My eyes will spot any foe before they can make a move to attack. And Aragorn, myself and Samantha are equipped to fight at a distance."

Aragorn turned to the elf then, "How does her archery hold up now?" He had not seen or participated in that area of Samantha's combat training.

"Her skills are indeed improving, as she is a natural with the bow. Haldir has also been giving her advice on her stance and we have begun work on moving targets." He thought of her training and it was indeed going well. She had a determination about her that was inspiring to say the least. She would fight through the pain when the bowstring would make her fingers raw from use, and she always took criticism. Legolas could see she was determined to not be that same scared girl she was in Moria.

Aragorn nodded, "Good, it is a skill she will need on this journey." The trio agreed and after a few more exchanges of words they separated.

Elsewhere, Samantha and Pippin stood outside a rather elegant door. "Is this it?" Samantha asked him.

"Of course! I've been here many times!" Pippin chirped.

Samantha did not doubt that. Swiping food to bring to camp no less. She pushed open the door and they were indeed in a rather large kitchen. It was like no kitchen she had ever seen before, but it had to be very fancy by middle earth standards. An elf stopped and looked up from his work on what looked like a pastry dish and smiled to her and Pippin. "Young Master Pippin, come again I see? Where is your friend Merry?"

"Hello, Renion!" Pippin chirped in response, "My friend Samantha had a request, I'm sure you could help her."

"Oh?" Renion said, he patted his hands on his apron and walked up to them. He gave Samantha a small bow, "And how can I be of service?" His dark eyes looked gently into hers and she found herself becoming sheepish. The beauty of elves was something she didn't think she would ever become accustomed to.

"Well," She began regaining her composure, "it's an odd request, I was wondering if you had any drink we could have. Of the alcoholic variety."

Renion threw his head back in a bark of laughter, "No one has asked me that in such a way before. Yes, I perhaps have something for you." He walked over to a cabinet and opened it, and Samantha and Pippin could feel their eyes widen in surprise. The entire cabinet was filled head to toe with bottles of wine, each in an intricately decorated bottle. "I have plenty of wine, now do you prefer a more dry, or sweet flavor?"

"Dry."

"Sweet."

Samantha and Pippin looked at one another. Pippin gave her a nudge, "Of course you would like sweet."

Renion chuckled as he rummaged through the cabinet and gave each of them a bottle. "Nothing wrong with a sweet tooth, I happen to love this wine." He said pointing to the bottle Samantha held. "Now," he went to reach under a cabinet and pulled out eight metal mugs, four in each hand, "I trust you will not go drinking it all at once. This wine is very strong. So share with your friends!"

Samantha smiled in thanks, "Of course, that's the plan!"

Pippin nodded, "We have had a very long week indeed, time to relax and have a little fun!"

Renion laughed, "Oh, yes, I am sure you will have a great time. Just try to keep your wits about you!" He eyed the two of them sternly.

They thanked the dark haired elf once again and walked back to camp, "See? Told you we could get some. Wonder how strong it really is." Pippin looked at the bottle in his arms, almost drooling. It had been a long time since he had a good drink.

Samantha shrugged and laughed, "I admit, I was expecting it to be a lot harder." She eyed the bottle as well, "I'm sure it isn't too much stronger than regular wine. When I drank at Rivendel I didn't feel a thing really." Maybe Renion was just talking it up?

When they returned to camp, the other hobbits were pleased to see the gift Pippin brought them. Almost immediately the hobbits began to drink and they savored every sip. It was indeed one of the most delicious drinks they had ever had. Samantha opened her own bottle and filled two cups. She swung her bag over her back and ushered Pippin to lead her to Gimli as they planned. He downed the rest of his drink and lead her to Gimli's spot in the forest. It was a good distance from the camp and she noticed by the time they approached Pippin swayed slightly in his steps. They came the river, a large rock protruded out over the river and created a ledge. Upon it was Gimli who seemed to not take notice of them.

Pippin gave Samantha a slap on the back and wished her luck. She found it odd how his words were just ever so slightly slurred, the wine couldn't be that strong. She chalked it up so his small stature and brushed it off.

Samantha walked up to Gimli who sat on the edge of the rock, feet dangling over the edge as he had a pipe in his mouth. She placed her pack down and took a seat a few feet from him before handing him one of the cups of wine. "Been a while since you've had a drink, right?"

Gimli cast a glance at her and the wine. He slowly took the cup, grunting a thanks. There was an awkward silence for several minutes and Samantha decided to take a drink from her own cup. The taste was phenomenal, nothing compared to the mass produced wine in her local Walmart. Her eyes rolled at the taste and she had to resist a moan. She forgot how good alcohol could taste.

The dwarf drank a bit of his share and continued to stay silent. Samantha sighed and set her cup aside before reaching into her pack and bringing out the book. "Gimli, I want you to have this." She placed it on the stone ground.

Gimli turned and saw the book. He gasped at the sight and he reached out to touch the pages. "You thought to take this?"

She nodded, "I thought that you could have it. Even though a few pages are of their final moments, there has to be information that is useful. I thought, maybe it would put your mind at ease." She looked down, her voice heavy with guilt and shame, "I am so sorry, Gimli. I shouldn't have said what I said. You were only doing what you could to help. I can't blame you for that." She felt a few tears sting her eyes but she held them back.

Gimli felt his heart soften upon looking at the young woman before him. He had known her regret for some time now, but his stubbornness was strong. He thought of Legolas. The elf had sat with him several times at this spot and spoke of their cultures. The two had grown a new understanding for one another and dare he say it, the elf had begun to grow on him. At one point Legolas had spoken of Samantha to him and how she wished to make things right with the dwarf. How she had spoken in grief and had not thought before she let her words flow. He knew his anger was misguided.

"It is not you I have issue with." He told her honestly, "I took out my own anger upon you, and for that I must apologize."

Samantha smiled at him and he could see the relief wash over her face, "I really am sorry, Gimli."

He nodded, "Yes, Legolas was very insistent that you were."

Samantha gave him an odd look, "Legolas spoke about me?"

"Yes," Gimli nodded and downed the rest of his wine. "I dare say your mood has troubled him greatly."

She found it a little sweet that Legolas would try to talk sense into Gimli for her. But, she was happy she had worked up the courage to do it. The wine was to grab the dwarf's attention, though it seemed she maybe hadn't needed it after all.

Gimli looked at the book and flipped it open, "Ori... " His voice grew softer as his rough hands stroked the pages, "Ori wrote this. I'd known him since I was a lad. He had accompanied Balin to Moria to document their journey. I never imagined they would fail as they did."

Samantha sat silently, "That's why you were so happy to go. You thought that had won."

He nodded, "Yes. Moria had been lost to my Kin for many years. Balin led an army to reclaim the mountain and we thought there was no way he could fail. Though, we did not know a Balrog had been awakened beneath the mountain." He grasped her shoulder firmly, "Thanks to you, their journey will be known."

Samantha smiled, "I am happy I could help. You will have to tell me about what it says, I can't read any of it..."

Gimli laughed, "I suppose not! You only know the common tongue."

Samantha smiled, "Yeah, seems to get me along just fine though." She stood, drinking the rest of her wine, "Well, I suppose we better head off to camp. I'm curious how Pippin and the others are holding up." The hobbit seemed to be a little off last she saw him and she wondered how the wine would affect them.

The two walked back to camp and it didn't take long for both of them to start to feel the effects. They relaxed more and began to joke with one another, the alcohol lessening the strain between them. Gimli spoke about his home and how much different it was from elves, how elves were always so formal it drove him nuts. Samantha laughed and began to playfully mock the behavior she had seen from the elves she had met.

As the two entered camp the others turned to look at them. "Ya know, I was always fascinated by elves when I was little, and I was so short. My brother called me a 'red-headed-dwelf.'" She laughed at the memory and Gimli laughed along with her.

"What an outlandish thing to call a young lass!"

Legolas, Boromir and Aragorn looked at the two strangely. "They must have drank some as well." Aragorn sighed. At least they were talking again. It was about time they put the childish behavior behind them.

The four hobbits noticed the two and waved enthusiastically. "You made up?" Pippin shouted in excitement and Frodo, Merry and Sam cheered and clapped in a congratulatory manner before returning to their game. Samantha laughed at their actions and nodded. Her head was feeling light and she couldn't remember the last time she had gotten drunk. She had almost forgotten what it felt like!

Gimli and Samantha found that the hobbits had finished the one bottle, so they both poured themselves a cup from what was remaining in the second. Gimli downed his quickly and went to go investigate the game the hobbits were partaking in. Samantha had a mind to join as well and she placed the cup to her lips to down her drink like Gimli. Half way through the cup she felt a hand on her shoulder and she turned to see Legolas. She gave him a large smile, the sight making his own lips curl to see her looking at him in such a way. "Hello, Leggy!" She chirped cheerfully.

Legolas chuckled a little at the odd name before gently taking the cup from her, making her pout and give him a glare. "I do believe you have had enough." He told her simply.

She crossed her arms. "I am not new to alcohol!" she insisted. "I'm not even that drunk! I had one glass!" The three men all gave her strange looks. Her words were already beginning to slur while her eyes were glazed and her cheeks were beginning to flush. "I was fine at River- Riv-Rivendel!" Boromir laughed and she spun on him, "English is hard okay?!"

Aragorn chimed in, "Lord Elrond did not serve elvish wine. He accommodated for his guests and had regular wine. The alcohol content in that bottle is far more than what was at that party."

Samantha's eyes shined with determination, "I can handle it! Gimme!" She reached toward Legolas and he had to hold the cup above his head to keep it out of her reach. He laughed at her childish behavior. With her height she just reached his chin so he was easily able to keep the cup away. Legolas was not expecting for her to try and climb him though. She grabbed onto him and reached up, trying to pull herself up further by his shoulders. Her face was very close to his and he couldn't help but notice how the length of her body pressed against him. He felt his heart quicken and reminded himself that she was drunk and she would never behave in such a way when sober.

Boromir came up behind her and grabbed her by the waste, making her squeal. This was the first time he had seen her intoxicated and he didn't much like the way she was rubbing herself against the elf for more alcohol. He let out a laugh at her reaction and teased, "Perhaps I should finish it off?"

Her head whipped around, "No way! You get pervy when you drink!" She turned and winked, shooting finger guns at him in an almost mocking manner, "Mister-smooth." She teased and began laughing as she reminisced about their first encounter. Boromir's felt heat rise in his face and neck at the vague memories of that night. He did his best to defend himself but she continued to tease him.

Legolas watched as the two bickered. Boromir defending himself and his actions while Samantha laughed harder and harder, exclaiming that her stomach hurt and she couldn't breathe. The elf, still holding a little resentment toward Boromir, began to sip at the remaining wine. Aragorn took notice and grinned at the petty behavior. Legolas continued until he tipped his head back, finishing it off.

Just then Samantha took notice and stared at him. There was a long silence as she just looked at the elf, the audacity of this bitch! Finally, she spoke, and her words left the three men silent in shock.

"How fucking dare you."

They had never heard a foul word leave her mouth. The surprise was written all over their faces. Samantha glared daggers at the elf and moved to snatch the empty cup from his hands before she began toward the hobbits and Gimli grumbling to herself. She suddenly turned and pointed at Legolas, "You're on my shit list! Don't think you and your perfect face are getting out of this!"

Legolas didn't know how to react. He didn't know what to do, he had never seen a woman act in such a way while intoxicated. Boromir saw the look in the elf's eyes and gripped his shoulder firmly, "Women, a confounding breed if there ever was one."

As Boromir also moved toward the drunken group to watch the antics Legolas turned toward Aragorn and gave him a vaguely bewildered look. Aragorn smirked, "You did drink her wine."

"Lesson learned." Legolas sighed.

The next several hours passed with much activity. Samantha introduced them to the game Truth or Dare and the hobbits soon fell in love with it. The game started out simple enough and very innocent, simple secrets and dares were explored. As they went further into the game the questions and dares became much more personal and extreme.

"Sam, truth or dare?" Merry asked.

"Truth."

"Alright, anything between you and Rosie?" He moved his eyebrows suggestively.

Sam felt his face go red, "N-No! That's not to say I wouldn't like it... I- I just never got the chance!" He defended.

Samantha flung an arm around his shoulder, "Love is a hard thing, isn't it?" She sighed, thinking of her own adventures in love. Her face turned sour as she thought of Legolas and how she knew it was never gonna happen. She ignored the awful feeling in her heart and continued, "We Sams are just doomed for heart break. That's why we stick together!" She gave the hobbit a hug and he laughed.

Focusing back in on the game Sam felt a mischievous grin creep onto his face. "Samantha, truth or dare?"

"Dare!" She was up for the challenge! She could do anything!

"I dare you to..." He whispered into her ear to keep it silent from Boromir, "Find Legolas and grab his ears."

Samantha shot back and gave him a bewildered look. "Wha...?" She asked dumbly.

Legolas had left the camp a bit ago and Gimli mentioned he might be down the river on one of his nature walks, so finding him shouldn't be too hard of a task. She couldn't figure out though why he would want her to do such a thing, her determination was replaced with complete and utter confusion.

Boromir sat wondering what it was that the hobbit had asked her to do and he grinned. Perhaps it would be as entertaining as Pippin daring Gimli to shave his beard. Gimli lost the game and let out a long string of curses in his native tongue before going to bed. The sun had already began to set and he was thinking of going to bed soon himself.

Sam shrugged, "I am curious." The two locked eyes and after no movement from Samantha he continued, "Well, if you are too afraid to, I guess you lose."

The determination was back and she stood, "I'll do it!" She pointed to the air with a hand on her hip. She swiftly turned and ran toward where she knew Legolas to be and they watched as she nearly fell and stumbled over her own two feet. Boromir was impressed that she could still run in her state.

Samantha did her best to not fall and break her neck as she ran. The world spun around her and a headache was setting in but she was determined to finish the dare. She got to the river and sure enough Legolas was there, he turned to look at her. A delicate brow raised in confusion. He often came to the river to enjoy nature. It refreshed him in a way he couldn't describe. The walks he would take with Samantha when she was recovering did the same, though she had not been with him on a walk since that time. So seeing her now, and still drunk, was a surprise.

She waved and walked up to him, not saying a word. Just looked into his eyes and he wasn't sure how to respond to her behavior. His concern only grew along with the silence. Finally when he was about to ask if she was alright, she moved. Her hands moved and gripped his ears, startling and shocking him.

Legolas took a step back and covered his ears with his hands. He couldn't help the flush of color from appearing on his face this time. He looked at her incredulously, "Samantha, why? W-What?" She nodded as if satisfied and turned to walk away but he grabbed hold of her wrist. "Samantha, what are you doing? What was that for?" He could tell she had reached a peak of sorts with the alcohol. Her eyes were very glossy and her behavior and actions were sluggish and forced.

She shrugged, "Sam dared me to." Seeing the look of disapproval on his features made her question her actions. A ball of regret grew in the pit of her stomach. "Is that, bad? It's just your ears..."

Legolas heaved a heavy sigh, pushing his embarrassment aside. Of course she wouldn't know. He paused, wondering how to say it, "An elf's ears are sensitive. Allowing someone to touch another there is a very... intimate action for my people."

Samantha processed the information before she realized what she had done. Her eyes grew wide, "Oh, I-I'm sorry! I didn't know!"

He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed, "It is alright, just do not make a habit of it."

There was a strong silence between them as Samantha didn't know what to say. She knew there were things she wanted to tell him but was it worth telling him now? Her mind worked itself and Legolas found it entertaining how he could see her mind try to process her thoughts.

"So, I'm sorry for acting weird around you lately." She said. He wasn't expecting her to say that. "I know I shouldn't, my feelings aren't your fault."

"You are right, they are not." He said simply. "Sometimes emotions are impossible to describe and understand, so do not worry."

She opened her mouth to say more but was halted. "Samantha?" Boromir called as he entered onto the scene. "There you are, I was worried you would injure yourself running off like that."

Samantha smiled at him, "I'm fine. Sleep does sound good though..."

Legolas could see her exhaustion plainly in her eyes. Perhaps it would be best for her to go to bed. "Perhaps Boromir can take you back and you can rest."

Samantha nodded numbly and turned to Legolas, "I really am sorry."

Legolas smiled warmly and placed his hand on the side of her head, "I forgive you, Little One." Samantha moved to hug the elf and after a moment of surprise he returned the gesture and gave Boromir an apologetic nod. He wished the man had not stumbled upon them. He would have loved to hear more of what she had to say.

Boromir didn't react at the scene, his face stoic. Samantha let go of Legolas and they wished each other goodnight. As Boromir walked her back to camp he was lost in his own thoughts. Was there more between them than he first thought?

Favorite, Follow, Review!

Posted: 9-18-2020
Edited: 1-15-21