Intoxicated Chapter 13
Melody wandered along the path aimlessly. She felt like her brain just ran a marathon with how much information had been compressed into it. It was surreal, and not in a good way. What had been uncovered was terribly upsetting and terrifying all at once. To cope with such news seemed daunting and impossible. She had just been told she could never return to Earth and that she acquired some sort of magical power flowing through her veins. One side of her wanted to whisk it away as insanity, but the better part knew this to be her new reality. It was all true, and she was to deal with the consequences. Then, there was the revelation pertaining to her grandmother. With a shiver, she recalled the day those papers were discovered were among the last that she had spent with Elaine. Not even two weeks later her house had caught fire and she was, devastatingly, found amid the charred remains. There was no salvageable body to bury and at the time despair and grief shrouded any ambitions to investigate why that had happened. Did the papers have something to do with her death?
With a shaky breath, Melody knew her efforts to decipher a new riddle at this hour were fruitless, so much had already been revealed. Honestly, all she wanted was to find her room and succumb to an eternal slumber so as to not falter on her seemingly narrow journey ahead. However, she could not.
Shuffling along the downtrodden grass, she desperately tried to find some sort of way to lessen the depressing ideations. Galadriel had told the woman that perseverance would help her succeed. She almost snorted at the thought but attempted it nonetheless.
Gazing at the woodland, she became lost in a picture of what her life could look like here in this strange world now that she was bound to it. Once all was said and done with the quest, well, if she survived past that point, she could find a place to settle and get a job. Maybe as a seamstress or a chef? Melody winced at the latter, all she could boil up was a mediocre pot of ramen. Better to try her hand at weaving before imbuing the poor peoples of Middle Earth with her atrocious cooking skills. Then what? Well, she could surely invent a few things and speed up the process of industrialization a bit while keeping the beloved nature of Arda intact. Yes, that would be very useful. But what comes after that? Was there anything else to look forward to?
Melody altogether stopped walking and faced the sky which had darkened even more so. Stardust littered the obsidian plane and formed an array of intricate patterns; sweeping and flitting across the night in scant blots of light. The moon gleamed against all and cast its brightness in various areas of the wood, random and arbitrary. But she found the top half of her gown to be dipped in the eve's glow. Faint shimmers of silver shone and she rested a hand against her heart absentmindedly. Her thoughts turned.
Could she find someone here? Would there ever be a possibility for her to share a life with another? Love was not exactly the predominant focus of her existence even on Earth, but she always had hope that someday that person would step in and whisk her off her feet. She knew it was silly, especially now that she was in Middle Earth to think that anyone would come to love her. If there ever was an after in this quest, she would be nobody. Just a strange woman with a strange accent and strangely enough knows nothing of customs, chores, and whatever else she was supposed to understand since birth.
No, she decided defeatedly, there would be no one for her on Middle Earth. Perhaps it was better this way, she wouldn't have to deal with heartbreak or courting rituals which were certainly enforced during this time and differed vastly from how dating was handled on Earth. Nor would she have to explain her arrival here or the ever-unfathomable past life. Yes, to be alone was better.
Continuing along toward where the feast was held, she listened closely to the dying hymns. They were much fainter than earlier but still potent, the emotion laced within their chords eased her heart and unfastened its' anxious tangles. Letting her mind go blank, she closed her eyes and simply let herself breathe and feel the melancholic songs. It reflected something within the woman, grief, and despair presumably, but more than that she suppressed tears for her old life. She would never have the chance to see the places Tristan animatedly spoke of. Nor would she hear her own name being called from the stage encouraging her to cross and accept a small paper signifying her next stage of life. There would be no family gatherings or late nights locking up Elaine's library. And even if she didn't wish it at the time, she would never see the day when Philadelphia resided in her rearview mirror.
Melody didn't know when she began to cry, but the wet sensation against the soft wind elicited a shiver. Her eyes snapped open and she realized the singing had completely faded. In a moment of utter sorrow, she placed both hands on her face and let herself be free of everything that haunted her. She ignored every thought naming this action childish and petty. The woman knew now more than ever that this was her time to sob over all that had happened. So, she wept for many long minutes which felt like hours to her.
She understood that this wound to her heart would never fully heal, but after a while, she finally gathered herself and wiped away the stray tears. Finding resilience from within, she clasped to a single thought that had been pressed to the forefront of her mind. I will not let them down. Melody knew she wasn't only thinking of the fellowship with that sentence so steadily engraved into her brain. And in order to do so, there was one more thing she had to say to nobody in particular.
"Goodbye," Was all she whispered into the thickening night, shakily, but certain. For she knew that it was crucial to release her past before her future could be born. After all, the Lady's wise words should be heeded. Melody clenched her eyes shut, fighting back even more tears that brimmed aggressively against her lids.
But then, she heard something in the distance. The elves rejuvenated their songs except this time, they were merrier. Something entwined with the lyrics and tone was uplifting and possibly hopeful. It began to soothe the woman, whose surprise had now bested the threatening sobs. She ventured closer to the source which took her further down the road that led to their former place of dining. It was getting louder, and with each step, the enticing harmony continued to mollify her heart. Lost in the music, she had not noticed the crunching of leaves behind her. That was, until the louder snap of a twig gathered her attention in an instant.
Whirling around at once, she found herself face-to-face with Legolas. Her heart pounded relentlessly and her expression was one of alarm. She prayed that he had not just witnessed all that had happened since she left the clearing with Galadriel.
"Forgive me, I did not intend to startle you," He sounded sincere, just like before she had left his side at dinner which seemed to be ages ago after all she had endured. She eyed his expression with intrigue, how different it was from when they had first met. Solemnity caressed his face and the calloused warrior of the fellowship was no longer apparent.
"Are you well?" He asked concernedly, stepping a few paces closer. Melody shook herself immediately and realized she had been gaping.
"Yes—well, actually, I don't know," She trailed, uncertain. After the scene in the forest, she really didn't know how to feel at the moment. Averting her gaze to the ground, she avoided his worried stare and halfheartedly masked the coloring of her cheeks.
"I take it the Lady's words were troubling," He supplied, Melody did not meet his eyes.
"Yes…they were," She half-mumbled, and with a start, she looked up, "But you knew they would be."
He was silent for a moment and Melody took in the fullness of his aura. The same glow that traced the woodland seemed to bounce from his frame as well, it was unnerving and alienlike. But with that light, it brought a softness to her soul as strange as it sounds, much akin to the songs she had been lost in.
"Indeed I assumed as much, I am sorry I could not warn you before," The faint accusation had done nothing to dull the genuine expression.
"I understand now why you have been so distant with me," She pressed on, half-hoping to get some sort of reaction from him rather than his pitying gaze. It was too much and even though one part of her relished in his gracious manner, the other wanted to see if it was only a façade.
To Melody's slight dismay, he did not falter, "I will admit my actions were out of disbelief rather than scorn. Again, I apologize if they were perceived as the latter."
For some reason, the woman relaxed a bit, "It's all right. I can piece together why you felt that way about me," She paused before continuing and wove her fingers together, "I look just like her."
Legolas visibly tensed. His shoulders straightened, but his eyes remained fixated on the woman as she regarded his now hardened features.
"Don't worry though. The Lady didn't tell me what happened." She staggered through her words, fumbling to regain his amicable presence. Regretting ever wanting to see him riled up, she glanced at her fingers for solace.
"That is very unlike her to do so," He steely remarked, but then his tone softened almost imperceptively, "However, I must give her my thanks. I would prefer my business to be shared only at my will."
That makes two of us, Melody stifled the thought and made to reply quickly, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to bring it up."
There was a stiff quietness between the two and for a while, Melody felt unbearably awkward. After all, he had greeted her with kindness and the first thing she brought up was his past. Of course, he was going to be upset with her! She mentally chastised herself and surveyed his demeanor. He had turned his head away and looked to be eyeing the forest. His shoulder had unwound a bit and he appeared to be a little more tranquil than seconds before. Finally, she heard a sigh pass from his lips.
"I will tell you what happened with Vanya," He began, Melody could all but feel reluctance dripping from his voice, "I just need time. The grief is still too near to my heart, and with the passing of Mithrandir, I fear voicing the tale would be too much to bear."
Surprise painted the woman. She had not expected him to be so forgiving toward her boldness. Nodding at once, she acquiesced to his terms and they fell yet again into a tumultuous silence. She could give him time, after all, there was still much more to unpack that didn't have anything to do with Vanya.
"Here, let us sit," Legolas instructed and Melody faced him warily as he motioned for them to rest upon a flattened rock at the base of a tree. Gathering her skirts, she made sure to try and at least show some gracefulness as she lowered herself down on the hard seat. The rock wasn't very large, but just enough to allow a few inches of space between their legs. She had to admit, this was much more comfortable than standing, but the tension was still so thick in her mind.
"What else did she reveal?" He asked facing her and upon noticing her nervousness spoke lighter, "You needn't tell me if you wish to keep it for yourself."
Melody hesitantly looked away from him. She didn't want to relive the conversation again, but she knew that Legolas was only trying to help. She also understood that it had taken a great effort on his end to reach out and attempt to kindle something resembling trust. No matter how painful it would be to open up in front of him, she could at least try. Hopefully without tears.
Still staring ahead, she started with the most prominent revelation on her mind, "She told me…" The words were slow and foreign on her tongue and she fought the urge to dismantle her composure, "I can never go home."
The few syllables left her lips in an edgy, breathy tone, almost hitched. Melody swallowed hard against the emotions brewing inside and maintained her visage on what lay in front of her feet. After a second or two, she presumed Legolas was just as shocked as she was and had no words of comfort to offer her. It would be the normal reaction, after all.
But she stilled when a hand was brought to her shoulder and he faced her earnestly, "I am saddened to hear such tidings for your sake. Truly."
She gained the courage to gaze at him and found no lie within his eyes. A slight frown tugged at his lips and it seemed like he saw right through her veil of strength. No doubt, the red-rimmed eyelids and tear-stained cheeks spoke for themselves, but it was as if he saw deeper than that. Like he understood some of the things that had happened without her revealing it. Melody began to feel odd so she looked away and changed the topic. As she did so, his hand also returned to his side, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.
"Aragorn plans to leave me behind," She said with a bit more confidence, thinking that this was surely a better subject to tackle than the former two.
Legolas shifted and watched the distance ahead, "Indeed, he does. That was what we spoke of during dinner."
Melody could tell that this was also not a jovial matter by the faint bitterness conveyed through his response. She also noted, surprisingly, that he seemed a little perturbed by the outcome. Was he actually in favor of her going with the fellowship?
Turning her head, she examined his stature. Slightly flexed and a set jaw were key indicators of his irritation. She baited him.
"Is there any way to convince him otherwise?" It sounded weak and she wanted to slap herself for not sounding as sure and certain as she had hoped. He released what could have been a sarcastic laugh, but she was not sure until his words confirmed it.
With remnants of annoyance and a small smile turning the edges of his mouth, he met her inquisitive eyes, "A fine question indeed, Melody. For that is what I was aiming to accomplish during the entirety of our meal."
Her lips parted and a crease of confusion formed above her brow, "Why would you argue on my behalf? You know just as well as he does that I add nothing but dead weight to the company."
Instantly, he challenged her humorously, "You speak of continuing with our fellowship but doubt your merits simultaneously. Tell me, Melody, what sense is there in that?"
She paused, completely unsure how to answer his question. This was exactly what Galadriel had said not to do. She was already blowing her chances away in front of Legolas, how could she ever attempt to cajole Aragorn into letting her go when she spoke so blatantly of her weaknesses?
Legolas' voice dropped lower and interrupted the string of self-critical thoughts, "You know just as well as I that your talents will soon brandish. Aragorn will have to trust this, but so do you."
She was rendered mute beneath his intense stare. All of her being felt vulnerable and raw, so exposed that she absentmindedly touched the sleeve of her gown to make sure it was still on. There was so much hope and truth in his eyes, she could not help the bout of emotion that sprung forth from the sight of him. But even more so, it was fear that surfaced. What did he see in her? Was this what caused the dramatic shift inside of him? She wrung her hands together out of habit, slightly unnerved by his manner.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" She asked almost exasperatedly, "I mean, I appreciate it, but after all the skepticism I didn't expect you to be the first one defending my place in the company."
He didn't take his eyes off of her and replied again so honestly, "I do not deny my doubt. However, after our conversation outside of Moria, I began to view things in a new light. You puzzled me by carrying the same wit and appearance as a being for whom I hold much anger toward." His speech brought anxiety into the woman and when his gaze fell on the last sentence it did not go unnoticed. Her heart compressed involuntarily, thinking that maybe he didn't have as much trust for her as she had just seen. That, possibly, she had simply conjured in her sleep-deprived mind the words of encouragement he had just bestowed upon her. But he had said he was viewing things in a new light…
Startled, she realized he had taken her hand and unbound them from their knot of apprehension. She went completely still.
"But you are not her, Melody. Your heart beats a different rhythm."
A long and quite peaceful silence enveloped the two as Melody searched him yet again for any traces of disbelief. And again, she found none lingering in the elf who sat next to her. She wanted to look away from him, no, she needed to, but she found herself incapable of the action. Lost in the strengthening gaze, she wondered what she could possibly say after the admission of fault and request for trust.
Feebly, at last, she responded, "Thank you for realizing that."
He smiled back, but it did not reach his eyes, "There is no need to thank me, for it was my own errors that discomforted you."
Again it was quiet but something anew was written on his features this time. It was not the same solemn and sincere regard he carried for her during the entirety of their conversation. No, it was curious and inquisitive. His azure eyes darkened against the moon's faint gleam, and she plastered this particular look into her memory. The sharp lines of his profile were lit with caution but spoke a different tale, one of concern and one of what might be connection. Melody suddenly realized he still held her hand in his and the proximity of their bodies was closer than they had ever been before. Why were her cheeks so warm? Her stomach churned.
"Are you hungry?" He asked, not at all straying his glance.
"Starving," She immediately replied, but then retrieved her hand and quickly constructed a proper response, "I-uh-I don't think I ate enough at dinner." Her face flushed as she recognized that her stomach had actually growled in front of him. It was utterly embarrassing, but she could not deny the truth behind her words. She had only consumed a small roll and a few fruits at supper. Besides that, she couldn't remember the last time she had indulged in a proper meal.
Legolas rose to his feet and held an outstretched hand for her to take, "Worry not, I will lead you to the pantry. It is not far from here." He easily pulled her up from the rock, and she smoothed out the small wrinkles that had already formed on the gown from her previous position. Frazzled, Melody followed the elf as he stepped ahead of her.
They walked alongside each other in a more tranquil silence. It appeared they were both taking in the stillness and allure of the forest. Leaves loosened from the commanding trees above see-sawed daintily across the air, catching flight with the soft wind until resting comfortably upon the floor. Melody once again gazed wildly at the expanse, so profoundly adrift with the magic that splayed out so openly before their eyes.
"I don't think I will ever get used to this place," She breathed contently, "It's more beautiful than anything I've ever seen."
"Aye, it is," The elf hummed in agreement, "I meant to travel again to this wood a few centuries ago but duty bid me otherwise."
She caught onto his disdain and asked him curiously, "Do you not like being a Prince?"
He chuckled a bit, but shook his head, "Nay, I only dislike the reasons behind my confinement. My kingdom had been overrun by the creatures of the Dark Lord are required reinforcements at the time," His voice had become darker, "I could not carelessly abandon my people for a journey to the Golden Wood."
Melody faced forward at the troubling response, still keeping in step with the taller elf, "What is your home like if you don't mind me asking?"
She hoped that this would lighten the mood and to her appeasement, it did. Legolas described Mirkwood in great detail, the billowing pines, clear streams, and deciduous earth all combined to form an illustrious picture in the woman's mind. It seemed wilder and more rugged than the lilting grace of Lothlorien. However, the mirth that exuded from Legolas' features did little to hide his appreciation of his home. When he spoke of the castle, she could barely stifle a gasp. How could such a large building be constructed by the manipulation of trees? He had laughed lightly at her reaction and then depicted the throne room where his father laid claim over the realm. Under oak and beech, he had said. When he told her of the spiders that had infested the land, the woman grimaced and it appeared that he was also not fond of the intrusive creatures. But more than that, Melody relished in the sound of his voice so effortlessly construing a near-perfect image of his kingdom. Even if it had its imperfections, she could see its virtue and that the elf beside her missed the realm dearly.
"But I would not dare compare it to the beauty of Lothlorien. My homeland falls utterly short of the ancient elegance surrounding us now," He confessed, eyeing the woodland with faint amusement.
"Still, Mirkwood sounds wonderful. Except for the spiders," She said scrunching her nose slightly at the end.
A huff of laughter escaped the elf, "Yes, those pesky creatures are quite troublesome." He turned to her, "But what of your home? Unless my ears deceive me, I believe it to be far more intriguing than what little you have shared."
Letting her feet shuffle a bit, she wondered where she could start, "Well, it's very different from Middle Earth. We have lots of machines that do simple tasks for us and there is no magic that I have been exposed to at least. Life is very easygoing with these luxuries at our fingertips."
"Surely that is not all that makes up your world? There must be more to it," He stated inquiringly.
She sighed, "No, but I'll admit describing it in further detail might make it seem unbelievable. This place is at least thousands of years away from developing the technologies that my world relied so heavily on."
Legolas nodded and fell silent next to her, apparently understanding that this subject was sensitive for Melody. The woman felt the same sensation from earlier telling her to open up to him more, especially after he had shared so much about his home.
"My best friend, Tristan," She finally said after a few moments, "He would have loved seeing you all. As I told Gandalf, Middle Earth was only a story in my world and Tristan was a huge fan. You guys were his heroes." Saying his name caused her heart to lurch and luckily Legolas did not look at her, but he was interested nonetheless.
"And you did not partake in his enjoyment of the tales?" The elf inquired with what could be a little humor.
She allowed a chuckle to escape, "No. Not to offend anyone here, but I never found myself drawn to it. But seeing Tristan happy always made my heart feel a bit lighter, so I endured his raving."
Melody did not expect Legolas to face her with such a condoling expression, his eyes examined her own and her throat felt tight.
"He was dear to you, I see," He finally said, still calculating her features.
Swallowing thickly against the raw emotions pertaining to her friend, she replied shakily, "Yes, he was basically my rock after…" She wanted to tell him more, but she was not ready. So much had already been revealed on her part and she knew without a doubt that there would be a day when she could speak freely to Legolas as well as the others. But for now, she simply could not without invoking a wrathful storm of feelings.
He sensed her reluctance, "Melody, you needn't tell me. I would not bring more weariness upon you by voicing such matters."
With a tight smile, she nodded and witnessed the fraction of a smile placed upon the elf's face, "Thank you."
Soon after, the pair approached a short, shack-like building. The same motif of bark twirled along its edges, spiraling beautifully to form the silhouette of a door. Muted browns splashed against the verdant splotches provided by limp leaves.
"Ah, we are here," Legolas said whilst coming to a stop in front of the door, "Our hosts have graciously stocked the pantry with whatever you may desire. Take what you wish."
He clasped the handle and pulled forward gently to reveal the inside of the room. An array of fruits were positioned to the right, all plump with freshness and vibrant to the eye. To her left, Melody saw several loaves of bread nestled within their coverings, filling her nostrils with a pleasing aroma. There was also a long table presumably used for the preparation of these foods and along the sides were about four wooden stools. Lying on the table were a few clear canisters containing various preserves as well as butter to be utilized in combination with the bread. She felt the pit of her stomach reverberate at the sight, pleading that Legolas did not hear its' cries for sustenance. Stepping forward, she grabbed a spare plate and placed a thick slice of bread on it accompanied by some berries. Then moving toward the canisters, she spread a generous layer of butter upon the portion of grain.
Legolas rested on one of the stools and munched on a green apple while Melody retrieved her snack. She lowered herself to sit and followed that action by biting into the slightly cool piece of toast, the savory flavor bursting deliciously into her mouth immediately assuaging the hunger within her body. She relished in the delicacy and continued to plow through her meal and did not notice the bemused look Legolas directed at her.
"I have never seen someone so taken with butter over bread," He chided her, taking another mouthful of his fruit.
She laughed a little and swallowed before replying, "I think this is the best bread I have had in my entire life."
Still entranced with the toast, she didn't see Legolas pick up one of the canisters beside him and come closer to her. She jumped slightly when she heard the sharp popping noise of the container, but furrowed her brows when she saw him dip a spoon into it.
"Here, I am sure this will further your experience if you will allow me," He said as he aimed the substance at the half-eaten buttered bread on her plate. She eyed the amber liquid suspiciously but took a bite nonetheless and was instantly shocked at the addition of exquisite flavor.
"What is that? It's delicious!" She exclaimed, partaking in more of the scrumptious snack.
"Honey," He replied with a smile at the woman's enjoyment, "In Mirkwood, this used to be the exact meal of which I would break my fast as a child."
"So you had a sweet tooth as a kid?" She asked, viewing the last morsel of bread with a little disappointment.
"My father was forced to hide the honey in our kitchens, so perhaps you could call it as such," He divulged, shaking his head at the memory. Melody giggled at the image of a young Legolas desperately searching for honey.
With her meal finished, she put the plate beside the others that were used during dinner and followed Legolas back outside. Suddenly, more songs filtered through their ears and Melody glanced in the direction of the soothing noise. The aura of the forest was ripe with a combination of longing and release skipping through the notes of the tunes.
She turned toward the elf curiously, "What is going on over there?"
"They gather to celebrate the lives of those who have fallen or sailed," His manner was grave, yet peaceful as he faced her, "It is tradition to do so with the passing of each year before it blends into the next."
Melody strained her ears to listen for more emotions lilting through the hymns, feeling crestfallen at his words, she frowned, "They sound very sad."
To this, he nodded, "Aye, it would seem so. However, they also sing of grander lands and eternal peace."
Something was sparked in Melody's memory, and she hesitated before speaking, "The Lady told me about the West. She said that all the elves will eventually leave and go there."
He straightened a little, "It is true. Many of my kin have already deserted Arda for Valinor with the time of the elves at its end."
Melody could perceive his discomfort on the subject, but could not stifle her abundant interest, "Will you go when the quest is over?" The sentence tumbled from her mouth before she could stop it, and the boldness of such a personal question reddened her cheeks. He had turned his away from her, so she could not see his reaction which made her even angrier with herself.
"No, that is unless my heart heeds the call of the sea," He almost whispered into the air, the quiet seriousness summoning shivers down her back.
"Oh," Was all she could reply with and wordlessness blanketed the pair as they continued watching the elves celebrating and mourning their loved ones.
"But for now, I find my peace among the trees," He finally said a little louder and then gazed at the woman, "Worry not, I will remain solely to trouble you."
She felt something twist in her stomach at his statement and knew now that this didn't have anything to do with being hungry, "I'll hold you to that." Her response was half-joking, but it appeared his former jest was too by the glint of solemnity in his expression.
It was another moment of contemplation and as Melody returned her attention to the elves around them, she could not help the guilt that flowed in. Legolas was much kinder than she previously thought, very chivalrous and this evening had brought much more to light about his character. She could not believe that the stony-faced elf she was first acquainted with had transformed into the being beside her. Nor could she apprehend the defensive way in which she had countered his actions. Perhaps she would be able to make up for them? It was, after all, the least she could do. He seemed like someone she could trust and she hoped that this would go both ways.
Sneaking a glance at his profile, she surveyed the sharp contrast of moonlight and his chiseled features. They could be so deadly and cold at times, but right now she was deceived by his emanating geniality. Thinking of how much tranquility he brought her at this moment quirked the corners of her mouth upward, but at the same time that peace could rapidly transform into an icy glare if she faltered. Melody shivered but thought better of her previous thought. Companionship was all about trust, right?
"Shall I escort you back to your room?" Legolas' voice startled her from the confines of her mind and she realized she had just yawned. Fatigue washed over her whole being at once and she could feel deep exhaustion in her brain and body.
"Yeah, I think that'd be a good idea. It's been a long day," She replied, stifling another yawn.
"Undoubtedly. And I fear you have also not received enough rest for your arm to heal fully," He agreed while looking at her bandaged forearm. Melody had truly forgotten that she had only just awoken hours prior to this whole event. Thankfully, her wound was not causing any major pain, but at the mention of the injury, its' soreness fell upon her.
Legolas guided her toward the small tent where she had stayed the past few nights and to her appeasement, this was a far shorter trip than the previous one. Nothing was said, but that was mostly due to the overwhelming tiredness that engulfed the woman. She scrubbed at her stinging eyes and repressed many more yawns as they walked. Finally, they arrived and she faced him with both sincerity and weariness.
"Thank you for everything, Legolas," She said timidly. Her fingers wove together at her waist while pronouncing the words, she could not abate the sensation of remorse for her lack of manners during their journey to Lothlorien. However, her thankfulness resonated and Legolas reached for the hand of her uninjured arm and grasped it softly.
"T'was a pleasure speaking with you this night, Melody," He responded with a faint smile, "Rest well."
With a small dip of his head, he released her hand and retreated into the night. She watched until a faint outline of silver was all she could see and then parted the linens of her tent. Sinking unceremoniously into her bed, Melody's tired eyes stared at the ceiling above for many long minutes and replayed everything that had come to pass. When she could not deter sleep any longer, she finally fell into a dreamless sleep.
A/N: Hello everyone! Here's a much quicker update than I anticipated, but I hope you enjoyed it! There was a lot of self-discovery and angst in this chapter (maybe too much), but we finally got to see more interaction between Legolas and Melody. I hope it wasn't too much, right now she is just really overwhelmed by the situation and it seems he is trying to be a good companion. In the next chapter we will see her embark on the mission to convince Aragorn to let her go with the Fellowship as well as a few other things;)
Thank you to everyone who favorited, followed, and reviewed! It really does make my day to see that people are eager to read this story, so buckle up for the ride because it will get a lot more interesting from here on out!