Special thanks to Michelle for betaing this chapter for me and for many of the ideas that were featured in this chapter. She's been an incredible help with stimulating my mind. Keep those fantastic ideas coming, Michelle!
Chapter 25: Confusion…
Kaitlyn found herself outside in the sun among the fresh air and the busy activity of the people of Edoras preparing to leave their home for the refuge of Helm's Deep.
Soldiers helped women carry food and provisions to small carts. Men, women and children called to each other and quickly left their homes, following the throngs of people already headed toward the gates.
Kaitlyn stood on her tiptoes and looked around for some sign of her companions. After leaving Legolas, she had met the Lady Eowyn in her room and they had a very quick breakfast of bread and cheese as they packed. Kaitlyn had little to pack and did her best to help the Lady without getting in the way.
Eowyn noted that Kaitlyn seemed in a fine mood this morning, watching as the woman hummed as she prepared her things.
There was no time for a bath this morning, much to Kaitlyn's dismay, so she washed her face and hands quickly in a basin. After washing, she changed out of her nightdress, which Eowyn had given to her, and dressed in the clothing that Aragorn had brought her in Lorthlorien. She also put on her torn and tattered sneakers and sighed. The time for dressing like a medieval princess was over.
Eowyn was intrigued by Kaitlyn's shoes and Kaitlyn told her they were called sneakers and that many people in her land wore them.
"I hear that you are from New York," Eowyn said as she folded some clothing. "Is this true?"
"You've heard of New York?" Kaitlyn asked in astonishment. The smile that had been on her face ever since she left Legolas broadened.
"Lord Aragorn told me that is where you hail from. Other than from his lips, I have never heard of the land. When we are not rushing about, you must tell me of it." Eowyn offered politely.
Kaitlyn nodded and smiled.
Eowyn noticed that Kaitlyn's sneakers were a bit torn and how filthy they were and offered her a pair of boots.
"They are old and a little worn, but they will hold up to the journey to Helm's Deep," Eowyn told her, holding up the dark leather boots she had taken from a chest in the room. They were simple in style with braided laces that wove in and out of small holes and tied at the top of the ankle high boots. "They are too small for me, but they may fit you. I also have a few outfits that may fit you. If you have room for them in your pack, you are welcome to take them. I would rather see them being used then collecting moths in my chest."
Kaitlyn was grateful that Eowyn was so willing to share, especially since she had only two outfits and a pair of sneakers. Clothes were not mass-produced here as they were in her world, and Kaitlyn was grateful for whatever she was given, used handouts or not.
While Kaitlyn had never been a fashion expert, working at the bank had made her conscious of her everyday appearance back home and she often wore expensive clothing.
Folding the old cotton like dresses into her bag, she realized just how much she and things had changed in only a few short months.
"Lady Kaitlyn."
Kaitlyn blinked and focused on the present. The sound of people and animals bustling about grew loud as thoughts of the morning faded away.
A soldier wearing full Rohirrim armor stood in front of her along with his sorrel horse. Kaitlyn had heard neither of them coming.
Instantly, she recognized the soldier.
"Anargthed," she smiled.
Anargthed grinned and bowed his head ever so slightly. "We meet again, my lady." He reached for her hand and placed a kiss upon it, which made Kaitlyn not only blush, but feel slightly uneasy.
Anargthed took a step closer. "It surprises me to see that you are alone once again, my lady.
Kaitlyn smiled warily and glanced around wondering where Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf were. "My companions will be along any minute," she told him.
Without her companions in sight, she felt a bit wary. While Anargthed seemed like a gentleman, she realized that she knew nothing about him, his ways, or the ways of his people.
"Have you ever been to Helm's Deep, Lady Kaitlyn?"
She shook her head, risking a quick glance at Anargthed, who was watching her with some interest, before looking around again. She saw no sign of her friends.
"It is a magnificent sight to behold," Anargthed began. "It is set into the mountains with tall, strong walls and spectacular caves that glitter in the light. Our people have used it as a safe haven in times of trouble. It has never let us down."
"That's fascinating," Kaitlyn told him, though her voice was devoid of any enthusiasm.
The fair-haired soldier laughed.
Kaitlyn turned to him and gave her his full attention.
"I can see that traveling to Helm's Deep is not what you had in mind when you came to Edoras."
"I don't know what I had in my mind when I came to Edoras," Kaitlyn told him honestly. "Maybe that we'd stay here for a while, but I guess that's not what will be happening."
Anargthed smiled warmly. "You are travel weary. It seems that you have not settled in one place for a long time."
Kaitlyn's brows lowered causing lines to appear on her forehead. Her heart beat a little faster at the way Anargthed could seem to pick up what was troubling her. "How…how did you know?"
Anargthed didn't reply to her question. He smiled and said, "The ride to Helm's Deep takes 2 days. An equally weary soldier would enjoy the talk and company of a lady from another land to make the time pass more quickly. What say you, Lady Kaitlyn? My horse Amron is swift and sure and would guide us safely. Will you ride with me to Helm's Deep?"
Kaitlyn blinked a few times, her lips parting in surprise at the unexpected question. This man knew nothing of her and she knew nothing of him. Why would he desire her company? Before she could answer, someone replied for her.
"While your offer is gracious, Soldier of Rohan, Lady Kaitlyn has committed to riding with myself and my companions."
Kaitlyn turned to find that Legolas was seated upon his grey stallion, Arod, just a few yards away. The Elf was alone. Gimli, Aragorn and Gandalf were not in sight.
An annoyed grin appeared on the soldier's face. "One of the Eldar," he noted, scrutinizing Legolas. "We heard that one of your kind was in Rohan."
Legolas said nothing but remained straight and tall in the saddle. His expression was blank, though Kaitlyn detected that he was unhappy. She remembered that Legolas had seen Anargthed walk away from her during the feast for the King's son and she wondered if Legolas sensed something about this man that she wasn't capable of.
Anargthed smiled and licked his lips. He stepped closer to Legolas, his sorrel horse waiting patiently where it stood. "I do not know much of the Eldar and their ways, but in Rohan we allow our women to speak for themselves."
Legolas's eyes slanted, his brows lowering at the insult.
The two males watched each other and the silence grew heavy and tense. Kaitlyn quickly stepped between the man and Elf before something happened.
"I will be traveling with my companions, Anargthed," Kaitlyn told him. She smiled genuinely. "But thank you for your offer."
Anargthed nodded and bowed his head in Kaitlyn's direction. "Another time, perhaps, Lady Kaitlyn."
Without a further word, he turned and mounted his horse. He gave the sorrel a tap with the heels of his boots and both disappeared into the crowd.
Kaitlyn turned to Legolas. The Elf was frowning openly, his eyes still gazing in the direction that the soldier had gone.
"What was that all about?" she asked, placing one hand on her hip.
"I do not trust that man," he said honestly, turning his gaze to Kaitlyn. The mortal woman could see that he was upset.
"I'm sorry that he insulted you," she apologized. "That wasn't right of him. He saw me all alone and offered me a ride. I guess he didn't like it a rival."
"And what would your answer have been if I had not come and answered for you?" Legolas demanded a little more harshly than he meant to.
Kaitlyn's brows furrowed. "What do you think it would have been?" she asked defensively. "I don't know him from a hole in the wall. Why would I have gone off with him when I could ride with people I know and trust?"
Legolas sighed. He did not want to quarrel with her, not after the pleasant morning they had. "Goheno nin, I did not mean to upset you." Forgive me.
Kaitlyn exhaled. "It…It's okay. You really don't like him, do you?"
"Nay."
"Why?
Legolas looked away in the direction that Anargthed had departed and then peered at Kaitlyn. "There is something about him that I do not trust. I cannot explain."
Kaitlyn decided to let the conversation drop. She had never heard so much disdain in Legolas' voice before. "Where are the others?"
"Aragorn is in the stables. He was speaking to Gimli last I knew. I would have been here sooner but we accompanied Gandalf to the stables. He rode off in search of the Marshal of the Mark."
Kaitlyn's eyes widened. "Gandalf's gone?"
Legolas nodded. "Aye, he left a short time ago." Legolas saw the expression of hurt that appeared on her face at the news. "There was no time to waste. He will see us in a few days."
She nodded numbly, the hurt stubbornly refusing to leave her. Gandalf had just re-entered her life and now he was gone again. She felt a hand on her shoulder and gazed up at Legolas.
The Elf smiled gently. "The Lady Eowyn has loaned Gimli a bay mare to ride on the journey to Helm's Deep. He is not happy about riding alone, but Gimli is proud and stubborn."
Kaitlyn laughed, picturing what the scene at the stable may have been like.
"Which leaves Arod and I to travel alone," Legolas told her. "We would very much enjoy company. Noro ah ammen, hiril nin?" Ride with us, my lady?
Kaitlyn's lips curled into a smile. "I would like that, Mallen Calad." Golden Light.
Legolas grinned at the use of his nickname. It had been far too long since he had heard it spoken from her lips.
He offered her his hand, which she took. Then he pulled her up gently to sit behind him, lifting her as if she weighed no more than a child.
She slowly slipped her arms around his slender waist so that she would not slide off. She immediately noticed how much thinner he was than Aragorn and he sat much lighter in the saddle than the Ranger did.
"Your pack feels heavier," he commented as she shifted to get comfortable behind him.
"Yes, Eowyn gave me some clothing and a new pair of boots," she told him and she stuck her foot out to the side so that he could see.
"Ah, fine boots," he smiled. "Though I shall miss those strange shoes that you wear."
"My sneakers?" she asked in disbelief.
He nodded.
"These are much better than my sneakers, which were falling a part. I wouldn't mind writing a letter of complaint to Nike, but I have a feeling they would tell me that sneakers weren't meant for cross country traveling." Kaitlyn laughed at Legolas' confused expression and dropped her leg back so that it was against Arod's flank.
Legolas just grinned at her. "Hold tightly. Arod is very swift."
Kaitlyn held onto Legolas even tighter. She certainly did not want to fall off and hurt or embarrass herself.
Legolas felt her arms and body move closer to his. It was certainly much more pleasant to have her arms around his waist instead of Gimli's. Not to mention the fact that she smelled much better than the Dwarf.
He glanced back at her to make certain that she was ready and signaled Arod forward with his voice.
They met Aragorn and Gimli at the gates. Soon the people of Rohan were following their King, his niece and a small group of strangers out of their fair city and into the world beyond.
Kaitlyn held onto Legolas tightly as they went. She could feel the muscles of his stomach moving beneath his tunic and her hands as his body shifted with Arod's movements. She had lay with Legolas on the ground out in the wild and had shared his bed with him the night before, but she had never stopped to realize certain things about him.
Things such as the warmth of his skin. She surmised that Elves had higher body temperatures than humans did because his skin was always warm to the touch. He was very thin, but not underweight and he was muscled but he was certainly no Arnold. Everything about him was just right.
"Except for one thing…He has never loved." She remembered. She continued to feel astonished at such a thought but she felt disappointment as well.
She felt eyes upon her and turned slightly to see that a few of the King's soldiers were staring at her as they rode behind. She blushed bright red at the grins on their faces. She could imagine what they were thinking with how she was holding onto Legolas so tightly, even though they were traveling at a walk. She was certain that the rumors were flying.
To one side she noticed Anargthed, who smiled at her warmly as she gazed upon him, but grimaced when she looked away.
The Elf was riding tall and proud with the mortal woman clinging tightly to him and it irked Anargthed to no end.
They rode and walked until the sun was less than an hour from setting. With so many traveling, and with the danger of the enemy finding them, they did not stop at any other point in the day.
Kaitlyn's bottom was sore, as were her thighs from straddling Arod all day. Her fingers were cramped from holding them in the same position around Legolas' waist for so long.
"You must walk so that you do not stiffen up." Legolas told her when he saw her sit. "Otherwise tomorrow you will not be able to move."
She sighed but nodded. "I'll take a small walk."
"I shall accompany you," he said and he grasped Arod's reins, intending to bring the stallion with them.
Kaitlyn shook her head. "No, it's all right. You tend to Arod and get something to eat."
Legolas frowned. "And what of you? You have been eating like a bird these last two days. Do not think that I have not noticed."
She smiled at his concern and touched his shoulder. "I promise that I'll eat when I return. Save a seat for me around the biggest fire that you can find."
He smiled slightly, nodded and watched her walk away. Her steps were slow and no doubt agonizing, but she managed. He sighed as he allowed her to drift off on her own even though his instincts told him he should not let her stray from his sight.
He was not able to think of the situation any longer as Aragorn approached him. The two began to speak and unsaddle their horses.
Kaitlyn put her hands on her hips and stretched as she walked. She was dying for a hot bath to ease her sore muscles, but she knew that thinking about one wasn't going to help her any. She would be certain to pull out some of the scented oils that Eowyn had given her so that while she could not bath she would still smell pleasant.
She didn't know how long she walked but it had to have been a while. The sun had set and the sky was growing dim. The stars were beginning to appear and it was growing cooler. She could see several small fires burning in the distance. She started back in the direction she had come from, her stomach grumbling that it wanted food and her body telling her that it was chilled and wished to be wrapped in her cloak.
She did not get far when someone approached her. "Legolas, is that you?" she asked. Already it was very dark and it was difficult to see.
"Do I look like an Elf to you, my lady?"
Kaitlyn stopped walking and laughed nervously. As the figure stepped closer she realized that it was definitely not Legolas. This man was shorter, broader and more heavily muscled. "Anargthed, I'm sorry that I didn't recognize you. It's getting dark and I can't see anything at a distance very well."
He laughed heartily. "'Tis all right, Lady Kaitlyn."
Anargthed stepped closer and Kaitlyn realized that he was not wearing his armor. He was dressed in a simple burgandy tunic and dark colored pants. His wavy blond hair was pulled back into a ponytail away from his face.
"I am surprised that the Elf allowed you to leave his sight," he commented.
She frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I did not mean offense, but it seems that you can do nothing without his permission."
Her frown deepened. "That's not true. I'm walking alone and he's not here with me."
"True enough, though last I saw him, he was standing beside Isildur's heir waiting impatiently for the man to stop speaking. No doubt to dismiss him so that he could find where you wandered off to."
"His impatience could mean something else," Kaitlyn told him.
"Whatever you say, my lady," Anargthed laughed.
Kaitlyn ground her teeth together. "I don't appreciate you mocking me or my friends," she spat angrily. "And what you said to Legolas this morning was uncalled for," she told him feeling very unnerved.
"The Elf would not allow you to answer for yourself. The pointy eared whelp needed to be put in his place."
Kaitlyn snorted and shook her head. She wasn't about to stand around and listen to this man insult one of her dearest friends. She started to move away from him. "I've had enough of this," she told him.
"Wait, my lady. I meant no offense. Please will you not stay?"
Kaitlyn turned. "No, I will not stay. I've heard enough of this," she replied firmly. "I'm not going to stand here and listen to you insult my friends. Maybe you should learn some manners."
"Friend?" Anargthed asked raising one brow. "I dare say that the Elf thinks that he is more than your friend. He acts as if you belong to him. As if you are a possession."
Kaitlyn's mouth parted in surprise at such an accusation.
"He made sure that you were tied to his waist today and that everyone could see you with him as he rode up front with Theoden King."
Kaitlyn's brows lowered and she gritted her teeth. "How dare you! You don't know him!" she exploded.
Anargthed laughed at her energetic outburst. Kaitlyn turned away again to leave.
A gloved hand wrapped around her wrist and yanked her back hard. "We were not finished talking. It is rude to walk away when you have not been dismissed." Anargthed practically growled. His teasing demeanor had disappeared.
"Let me go," she ordered. When he did not release her, she attempted to pull free of his grasp. He gripped her even tighter and she cried out. Her anger had fled to leave fear. This suddenly felt all too familiar.
"Anargthed, please let me go," she pleaded. Kaitlyn was suddenly aware that this man was nearly twice her size and carried not only a sword, but a dagger as well and she had left her weapons at the camp with her pack.
"We have not finished speaking, my lady," he told her as he pulled her toward him.
It was then that Kaitlyn caught the scent of ale on his breath. "You've been drinking…" she said aloud. "You…you're drunk! Let me go!" she cried and she tried to pull free of his grasp. She was so scared that she didn't think to try the trick she had done to one of Grima Wormtongue's men.
He laughed as she struggled and did not achieve escape, but the sound died immediately in his throat. The sharp point of an arrow appeared less than an inch from his forehead.
Drawing the arrow on a large bow was the Elf.
"The lady asked you to release her," Legolas said, his voice quiet and deadly.
In the faint light of the stars, Kaitlyn could see that Legolas was enraged. His brows were low over his eyes and his eyes were dark, not from the absence of light, but from anger.
"Once again you appear when you are unwanted. This is none of your concern, Elf!" Anargthed spat.
"Kaitlyn is my concern. Release her or die," Legolas threatened. His voice was like ice and Kaitlyn felt herself shiver from the sound of it.
Anargthed laughed nervously. "You would not kill a man for speaking to a lady."
"I would kill a man if I believed him to be harming one of my friends," Legolas replied.
"What is going on here?"
Legolas did not move at the sound of Aragorn's voice. He had heard the Ranger coming as well as Gimli and a group of Rohirrim. With how quickly he had left Aragorn's side, he knew he could count on Aragorn to realize that something was wrong and follow him.
"Do you need help, lad?" Gimli asked, his ax in hand.
Legolas did not answer.
"Anargthed, what is the meaning of this?" The voice belonged to King Theoden and he did not sound pleased.
At the sound of his King's voice, Anargthed released Kaitlyn's hand as calmly as he could. Kaitlyn pulled away, holding her wrist and moving to stand behind Legolas and beside Gimli and Aragorn.
King Theoden and a handful of soldiers walked forward, each of the soldiers was heavily armed with swords and daggers drawn.
"T'was a misunderstanding, my lord," Anargthed answered.
"Mistunderstanding indeed," Legolas said sharply.
"Anargthed, is this true?" Theoden asked.
"I…"
"Speak up!" Theoden yelled and Anargthed winced.
"We were speaking, my lord and she started to walk away-."
"-And that gave you the right to grab her arm?" Theoden demanded.
"My lord, it is difficult to speak when there is an arrow pointed in my face," Anargthed said, glaring at Legolas. The Elf had not moved and his arrow was aimed true.
"The arrow shall stay for now." King Theoden turned to Kaitlyn. "Lady Kaitlyn, what has taken place here? We heard several cries."
"I was walking alone, my lord, and Anargthed found me and walked with me. He started insulting my friends and when I turned to leave he grabbed my wrist and wouldn't let go. He's drunk. I could smell ale on his breath."
Theoden stepped closer to Anargthed. "Indeed," he frowned. "Someone must have smuggled a barrel of ale and the men have gotten into it. Even honest men sometimes do not know when they have had enough."
Theoden turned toward Legolas. "Master Elf, if you would be kind as to lower your weapon."
Legolas gave a hard stare at Anargthed before he lowered his bow and arrow. He replaced the arrow in his quiver.
"Lady Kaitlyn, you have my apology for the behavior of one of my soldiers. Anargthed will personally attend myself and my master of arms, Gamling, until I deem otherwise. He will not bother you again."
Kaitlyn nodded and bowed her head in silent thanks to Theoden, who gathered the few soldiers that had followed him, along with Anargthed, and departed.
"Are you all right, lass?" Gimli asked walking up to her.
"I'm okay. Just a little shaken up." In truth her heart was pounding so hard that she feared it might burst from her chest.
"You should not stray while we travel. If Legolas had not heard you who knows what would have taken place," Aragorn warned.
Kaitlyn frowned. She hated that it appeared to them that she could not take care of herself. Despite the training she had, she was no match for people who were brought up in this world. Their weapons were an extension of their hands and arms. They were tough and physically fit. She realized that if she did not toughen up, she would not survive. She wouldn't always have her friends to rely on.
She nodded slowly to Aragorn.
Aragorn pursed his lips and glanced at Legolas who was remaining quiet. The Elf was gazing intently at the mortal woman. He looked to Aragorn and something unspoken passed between them.
"Come, Gimli," Aragorn called.
"If she is sure that she is unharmed," Gimli said.
"I'm all right," Kaitlyn told him and she patted his shoulder.
The Dwarf covered her hand with his and nodded. Releasing her, he stepped away and followed Aragorn.
Legolas waited until the Ranger and Dwarf had gone before he spoke. "When I heard your cry…" his words faded. The worry that he had felt when he heard her cry out was slowly fading, but his concern heightened.
Tears clouded her eyes and she looked down at the ground. She kicked at a stone with her boot. "It seems that you're always saving me. When am I ever going to be able to take care of myself?"
Legolas placed his fingers on her chin and raised it so that he could look into her eyes. He could sense her remorse. "What use would I be to you if you could always fend for yourself?" His voice was soft and tender and held a hint of teasing.
She laughed and then to her horror she started to cry.
Legolas felt his heart tighten in his chest at the sound. He stepped forward and pulled her gently into his arms. "Avo nallo. Non sí." Do not cry. I am here. "You are safe," he whispered.
His words caused her to sob harder. Her fingers grasped at the soft fabric of his tunic and her tears made it damp.
Legolas silently cursed Anargthed.
After a few minutes, Kaitlyn's sobs faded and diminished all together. She pulled back, feeling embarrassed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to break down like that. The whole situation was too much like…"
"Istan." I know. Legolas knew that she was thinking of Derrick. The Elf gently took her wrist into his hand. "It is red, but it does not appear to be broken. Does it pain you?"
"Just a little. I might have a bruise in the morning, but I should be fine."
Legolas rubbed the red area gently with his fingers. He frowned when his eyes fell upon her palm and saw the scar from the time that Boromir had cut her in Lothlorien. He had forgotten how easily mortals could scar and it appeared that she carried yet another reminder that she and men did not mix well.
Without thinking, he pressed his lips to the scar and gave it a tender kiss. He had no idea what had caused him to do such a thing, but it felt right.
Kaitlyn watched Legolas intently and forced herself not to shudder at the feel of his lips on her skin.
"We should return before Aragorn and Gimli grow worried," he told her.
She nodded.
They sat by one of the fires for some time. Kaitlyn offered to help some of the women prepare dinner to make herself useful. While she knew she would not be of much use making the actual soup, she took to the task of peeling potatoes and carrots.
Legolas sat just a few yards from her, one knee drawn to his chest, his eyes not once leaving her form as the light of the flames danced upon him. Aragorn and Gimli were conversing nearby, but he paid them little attention.
The Elf loved to watch the different emotions affect Kaitlyn's features as she talked with other women and peeled the skin off the potatoes carefully with her dagger since knives for cooking were sparse. He loved to watch her smile or laugh, because it made him content.
Mortals were so expressive and so full of life for beings that did not walk the earth long. It was part of what drew Legolas to them.
He was concerned when Kaitlyn did not consume much of the soup that she worked so hard to prepare. While it was certainly not tasty, due to lack of the proper herbs, it was nourishment, which she needed.
Some time later, they left the fire and ventured off alone together to stand in the moonlight. Aragorn and Gimli, who were both smoking, watched them go.
"Ithil is bright this evening. Bright enough for me to see my sketchbook and draw," Kaitlyn noted aloud. The moon. She turned to gaze at Legolas who was standing beside her. "Would you allow me to sketch you?"
Legolas gazed down at her and smiled remembering the first time that he had seen her sketching. She had been so guarded back then and they did not share the friendship they shared now. "Much time has passed since I saw you sketch last."
"I haven't had the time with all the traveling. But tonight I do. Besides, drawing comforts me."
"I comfort you not?" he teased, raising one brow higher than the other.
She grinned. "Legolas Greenleaf, are you evading my question?"
He laughed heartily. The sound made her shiver.
He frowned. "You are cold." His hands immediately went to the clasp of his cloak.
She shook her head. "No, I have my cloak now. I'm fine."
"Yet I saw your body tremble."
"I'm fine. And you are still evading my question."
Legolas pursed his lips. She was evading his concern. It was something she did often and he did not approve. "You may sketch me if it comforts you. What must I do?"
"Can you lean against that rock and gaze up at the moon? There will be some contrast from the moonlight." She pointed to a boulder that was nestled in the tall grasses of the plains.
He smiled and did as she asked, leaning back upon the rock. "Like this?" he asked
She nodded. "Yes, but look up at the moon and not me. And bring your hair over your shoulder so that it's not in shadow."
Legolas pulled his hair forward so that it cascaded down the front of his tunic. It appeared silver in the light of the moon.
"Perfect," Kaitlyn smiled, trying to remember to breathe. She opened her bag and took out her sketchbook. Her fingers were shaking due to her nerves, and she dropped the pencil twice before she was able to calm down and draw. The motion and act made her forget what had taken place earlier that evening with Anargthed, but it made her thoughts of Legolas more prominent. There were many glances thrown his way that were not done for the sake of sketching.
Legolas was patient for a while, content to gaze at the moon and stars while the sound of Kaitlyn's pencil scratching across the paper and the sounds of the people of Edoras talking and laughing could be heard.
"May I see the sketch?" he asked after some time had passed.
"I'm not done yet," she told him as she shaded away furiously.
"I wish to see it," he told her.
"You have to wait until I'm finished."
"What if I desire not to wait?"
Kaitlyn smirked at him. "Too bad! Sheesh, and I thought Elves had such patience." she laughed and gazed back down at her book only to find that it was no longer in her lap.
"Legolas!" she cried. She looked up quickly, her eyes wide, to see that he was standing directly in front of her and that he was holding her sketchbook. What was worse was that he was grinning like the Cheshire cat!
"I wasn't finished!"
His grin only widened and became mischievous. He flipped through the pages of the book, attempting to find the page that she was working on. But she wasn't about to make it easy for him. She got to her feet and tried to grab the book. He was much quicker, not to mention taller, and when she could not snatch the book back she lunged at him.
He laughed, easily catching her in his arms and enjoying their play. He felt young and carefree like he had as an Elfling so long ago. Times like this made one forget that war loomed on the horizon.
Immediately, Kaitlyn reached for the book, but he had known what she planned to do and he held the book just out of her reach.
"You are impossible!" she laughed, pounding his chest lightly with one fist in mock anger.
His smile widened. "As are you."
She shook her head and chuckled, her dark hair falling into her face. She attempted to brush it back, but Legolas stopped her, catching her wrist lightly in his hand.
He placed the sketchbook down on the rock that he had been sitting on only a few moments earlier.
He released her wrist and smiled at her confused expression. He reached forward and gently brushed back the hair that was hanging in her face. Despite the task being completed, his fingers lingered.
"This is becoming a terrible habit of mine," he whispered. "One I find myself indulging in far too often."
"What is? Stealing my sketchbook? If I knew the Elvish word for thief, I'd declare you one," she teased.
He laughed softly.
Her heart thundered in her chest as he ran his long slender fingers through her hair. She braced her elbows and arms against his body for support.
"I enjoy touching your hair," he whispered softly.
He combed his fingers through the strands and was gentle if they caught in a tangle. Before long the tangles were gone, and his fingers moved without resistance.
"It is not so unlike the hair of the Elves," he told her, "Except that it is coarser and it grows much faster than Elvish hair." He smiled and tilted his head slightly, gazing into her green eyes. " Yet it intrigues me beyond reckoning. My fingers are drawn to it like a moth to flame."
Her eyes widened at this information and her heart raced faster.
They stared at each other, both aware that she was leaning against him, their bodies were pressed together and his hand was buried in her hair.
Neither remembered who moved first or if they moved at the same time, but some unseen force drew them closer.
Kaitlyn felt Legolas' breath on her face as he pulled her toward him. His breath was warm and tickled her skin. She swallowed, her eyes drawn to his lips as he gazed intently into her eyes.
His thumb brushed over her ear as it made its way deeper into her hair and her breathing quickened. She froze, unable to move. Her heart was pounding madly in her chest. She was afraid, confused and thrilled all at the same time.
His fingers continued their path through her hair, their movements becoming bolder as they occasionally stroked her cheek before delving once again into the deep brown locks.
The feel of his fingers in her hair was beyond pleasant, as was his warm lean body against hers. He smelled faintly of smoke from the campfire, of pine from the forest and of leather from his quiver, shoulder strap and belt. Kaitlyn unconsciously licked her lips.
The action caused Legolas' gaze to be drawn to her mouth and he found himself tilting his head to one side. A warmth flared within him as he focused on her lips, imagining what they might feel like yielding beneath his.
The hand that remained by his side moved upward to her shoulder and lightly traced down her arm before it fell to rest on her waist. She shivered due to the caress and Legolas parted his lips slightly in anticipation as he moved closer.
Legolas inhaled. He realized that their lips were a faint whisper away from touching. A haze clouded his thoughts and mind from nearly all else but the woman in front of him. Legolas knew that he was determined to make the move that would unite them even though he did not know what caused him to desire to.
"Legolas? Kaitlyn? Where 'ave ye two gone off ta?"
The sound of Gimli's voice nearby made them both jump apart. The Dwarf was so near that Legolas' hand was still in Kaitlyn's hair when Gimli appeared.
Legolas could scarcely believe that he had not heard Gimli approaching. What good was keen Elvish hearing if one did not use it?
"There ye two are!" Gimli called out, settling his hands on his hips. "Aragorn and I were a bit worried when you went for a walk and did not-" He did not finish his sentence.
First, there was an expression of surprise on Legolas' face, which quickly turned to annoyance. The Elf was clearly upset at being bothered. Gimli noticed that Kaitlyn and Legolas were close together and the Elf's hand was buried in her hair. Kaitlyn wore an expression of being startled and embarrassed.
Gimli realized instantly that he had interrupted something serious. "Eh, I…I will speak with ye later," the Dwarf stuttered. He smiled nervously and walked back a few steps before he beat a hasty retreat as fast as his short legs would carry him.
Legolas turned to Kaitlyn, who was looking afraid and terribly confused. She was biting her lower lip and her eyebrows were furrowed causing deep lines to appear on her forehead. Legolas could feel his heart pounding. He, too, was confused as well as disappointed.
"Legolas…" Kaitlyn murmured softly.
He drew a finger over her lips to silence her and she shuddered at the contact.
She shook her head at him and took a step back, needing to put some space between them. His hand fell away from her and there was a look of hurt on his face.
Kaitlyn could feel her heart pounding against her ribcage. "We almost…" her voice trailed off as her fingers touched her lips in disbelief.
He nodded slowly. The haze was gone from his mind now, and he was well aware of what had nearly taken place.
"Istan" I know. His voice was quiet, his tone unreadable.
Tears filled Kaitlyn's eyes. She couldn't tell how he was feeling. Was he upset or angry with her? Did he think that she was foolish for trying to kiss him? Why the hell had she leaned in to kiss him in the first place? She knew that anything other than friendship between her and Legolas would never work. He would never love her and yet she had been ready to kiss and embrace him as if things between them were completely possible.
She felt stupid, foolish and naïve.
"I'm so sorry. Please forgive me," she offered lamely.
Legolas felt his heart ache in his chest when he saw the tears in her eyes and heard her words. "Do not apologize to me." He told her softly. "It is I who should be asking for your forgiveness."
"You?" she asked in disbelief.
Legolas nodded slowly. He was sensing so many emotions from her. What was it that she was truly feeling? He hoped that she was not angry with him. He could not bear to have her push him away.
"My actions were ill after the trauma you faced this night," he explained.
She shook her head, her dark hair falling around her. "They weren't ill. You comforted me earlier. You let me sketch you. Well, at least for a little while anyway," she teased and it broke some of the tension between them.
He smiled faintly, remembering their horseplay due to his capture of the sketchbook. It had been a moment of amusement and enjoyment in a time riddled with fear, anger and war.
"I'm not angry or upset with you. I'm just…confused." She frowned, realizing that confusion overpowered everything else that she was feeling.
She tilted her head to one side and gazed into his blue eyes. She drew her arms around her. "I'm really confused.
He stepped toward her, feeling the need to be close to her and was pleased when she did not pull away. He leaned his forehead against hers and sighed deeply. "As am I," he whispered.
His heart was racing. His intuitions told him that it was best to let this lie for now even though his desire to receive answers burned like a thousand beacons within him. It was not the time to discover what was happening between them. War loomed on the horizon and showed no sign of releasing them. This would have to wait.
He stepped back and reached behind him for her sketchbook. He handed it to her and watched as she flipped through the pages. She stopped and turned the book around so that he could see.
He smiled at the image of him gazing up at the moon but frowned seeing that it was not completed. "Forgive me for not allowing you to finish."
She shrugged. "Don't worry about it." She closed the book and tucked it beneath her arm. She didn't need the drawing anyway. The image of him sitting on the rock with the moonlight upon him was burned into her memory.
They stood gazing at each other for a few moments in silence. Then he offered his hand to her.
She gazed at it a moment before she slid her hand into his.
He squeezed her hand once it was encased in his, rubbing his thumb across the back of it, and smiled at her. She smiled in return though it was faint and forced.
Slowly, without a word, he led her toward the sound of voices, horses and crackling fires.
To be continued….
I'd like to thank everyone for their continued reviews. Wow, over 350 reviews already. You are all fabulous. I love reading your opinions and comments. Please keep them coming.
10 points to whoever can guess which two photos on the MF photo manipulation page have to do with this chapter. The link can be found in my profile…. (My beta is excluded from this since she knows what at least one of them are!)