Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)
Title: Meet the Cast (#1570)
Author: SuzanneNicole
Chapters: 15
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Archive: Tolkien
Category: Alternate Universe (AU)
Description: Two girls from our time are transported to ME before the Council of Elrond. Craziness can only ensue. Yes, it's a MS. Deal with it. Based on movie-verse.
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Also posted on FF.Net, but the two of us who wrote it decided it'd be neat to let another group read it as well.
Published: 01 Feb 2005
Updated: 16 Mar 2005
Warnings: If you don't like MarySues then don't read
Type: Humour
Characters: The Fellowship; Laura; Suzanne
Chapter 1 - Introducing Suzie and Laura
Summary: Two girls from our time are transported to Middle Earth right before the Council of Elrond.
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The two friends left church, each clutching a Legolas poster their friend bought them in London. The parents of the brunette advanced upon the duo, mother raising her eyebrow in inquiry as to what the tubular object in her daughter's hand was. The girls exchanged a look and spontaneously burst out laughing.
"Mom, don't freak out. Cleve gave both of us a poster. I promise I didn't ask for it, and I didn't buy it!" Laura tried to explain the situation to her two parents.
Her father mocked her, saying in a girly voice, "Oh Orlando! He's so dreamy!"
Laura retaliated, "That is so wrong, on so many levels."
Her mother instructed her, "Get in the car."
Suzanne and Laura embraced in a friendly hug before the taller girl got into the car with her parents. Suzanne's older sister pulled up beside the obnoxious red dodge caravan and Suzie jumped in the car.
"I'll talk to you online!"
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The drive home from church was 30 minutes long. Laura's parents incessantly asked questions regarding that night. Some creep had come up to the brunette at dinner after church and asked her to be his girlfriend without even knowing her. Suzanne and Stephany came to the rescue, leaving Anna defenseless against the guy. Anna had always been one to speak her mind, however, and rid herself of the problem within 5 minutes. Laura's parents had seen the entire incident and wanted to know every detail.
"So, who was he? Why was he talking to you girls? Do you like him?" her dad asked.
"Just another annoying guy. Who knows? And No." Laura replied, rolling her eyes in response to the onslaught.
As soon as the car pulled into the driveway, Laura jumped out and ran into the house. The annoying poodle began coughing again, excited to see the family of three return. Laura quickly rushed past the dog, grabbing the cordless phone and sitting down before the computer. She dialed the number of Lindsey, her best friend, and waited until someone finally picked up the phone.
"Hello, is Lindsey there?"
"Sure. Hold on just a minute. Lindsey!"
"Got it! Hello?"
"Hey! What's up?"
"Nothing much, what's up with you?"
"Just got home from church. I got this awesome Legolas poster!"
"Oh my gosh, Laura! You are so obsessed."
"What? Cleve gave it to me?"
"Wait, I thought Cleve liked Suzanne."
"He does, but we are friends." (A/N: inflection on the are there, I don't understand how to italicize)
"Oh, okay."
"So, what's the deal with you and Kevin?"
"Umm, well, he asked me out."
"And you said?"
"No."
Laura rolled her eyes, clearly not pleased with the answer.
"You've been in love with him for like, a year! And now, when he asks you on a date, you turn him down?"
"I just don't like him anymore."
Suzanne's screen name popped up on the screen.
"All right. It's you're life. I've got to go. I'll talk to you later. Bye!"
She hit the off button and quickly typed in a salutation to Suzanne. The two continued to chat for the next two hours, looking at pictures online, taking quizzes, and doing anything to pass the time. Both had on The Fellowship of the Ring extended version and were quoting along with the movie.
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At 12:00, a strange pop-up appeared on the computer screen. It was to meet the cast of The Lord of the Rings! Laura quickly sent the URL to Suzanne and they both clicked on it. The computers shut off immediately, both girls sitting in front of them in wonder of what happened. Lightning rumbled outside and suddenly the girls were falling into darkness.
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A/N: yeah, yeah.it's probably cliché. But, writing's better than playing spider solitaire. Please review.
Chapter 2 - Spiders, and Elf Kings, and Guards, Oh My!
Disclaimer: heh, I forgot to put this on the other one. J.R.R. Tolkein owns Lord of the Rings. If I did, I would be an old, dead guy. I promise to return everyone when I’m finished...except Legolas.
{ Expresses thoughts }
[ Translated Elvish ]
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Black eventually faded into green foliage as the girls collided with the ground to the tune of a thud. Suzanne managed to land on her knees, whereas Laura attempted to land on her feet and twisted her ankle in the process. She gave a short cry of pain before silencing herself as she gazed at the surrounding area. This was most certainly not her backyard. The forest was dark and menacing, night cloaking the sky.
“Well, this is wonderful,” Suzanne chimed, resting back on her ankles before standing up to survey the area.
“If I get back home, I’m never entering another contest again,” Laura groaned through clenched teeth. The sprain was fairly bad, but she attempted to stand on it anyway. Bad idea. She simply collapsed on the ground again, eyes taking in the sights that they could. “You see anything?”
“Just trees. You know, if I were any crazier, I would say that this is exactly like one of those fan fiction stories where girls get transported to a different world and meet exciting characters from movies.”
Laura laughed slightly at her friend’s antics. There was no way anything like that was possible, because they lived in reality. There was some explanation for this. A tornado could have hit and tossed them both from their homes.
That are 15 miles apart.
Maybe her own theory was more insane than her friend’s, but there was no way that she could believe that they were in a different world. Her eyes turned toward her Suzanne again, eyebrows contorting in curiosity as to what she was staring at with terror on her face. Her childish side pleaded with her not to look. If she didn’t see whatever it was, it couldn’t hurt her. Yeah, right. Laura turned her head to the side, eyes settling upon a huge black statue in front of her.
Wait. The statue was moving. The two girls screamed in horror, a mammoth swarthy spider approaching them. Laura struggled to get to her feet, the adrenaline enabling her to at least stand up. As soon as its prey moved, the spider struck. Laura dropped to the ground again, swinging her injured leg towards the spider’s appendage in hopes to somehow disable it. The spider screamed, only angered by the girl’s attempt to fight back.
Suzanne picked up a rock and threw it at the spider, momentarily distracting it from Laura. This, of course, threw its attention on her. Suzanne attempted to climb up a tree, yet soon realized that such an action would prove futile. Laura stood once again and grabbed a branch, striking the chassis of the arachnid. The spider once again came after her, fangs unsheathed and waiting to feed. { God, please don’t let me die }. Laura silently prayed, whimpering in fear as she kicked at the abdomen of the beast now towering over her.
A shout broke the tension, arrows flying towards predator and sticking within its flesh. The spider screamed once more before an arrow pierced its heart. It collapsed on the girl, causing her to faint because of the stress and weight.
An elf carefully approached the two and the dead animal, acute eyesight ensuring that the two were safe. He spies the girl with brown hair beneath the spider, kneeling down beside her before attempting to pry her from beneath the creature. Pulling her forward would cause the fangs to puncture her, almost ensuring her death. Suzanne stood nearby, weeping softly. The elf looked over to her. “Pedil i lam edhellen?” he asked softly. [ Do you speak Elvish? ]
Recognition flashed within the girl’s eyes, yet she knew that she did not know enough of his language to effectively communicate. Westron was most like English, so perhaps he knew the common tongue. She shook her head and said, “Pedin i lam Westron”, attempting to dissect the phrase.
The elf tried again, speaking in the common tongue. “Can you understand me?”
The blonde nodded her head before looking back to her injured friend. “Can you help her?”
The elf smiled slightly. “I will need your help. Try to lift up the spider’s head while I pull her free.”
Suzanne looked reluctant to touch the beast, yet tentatively placed her hands on its skull and pulled upward. The elf pried her from beneath the arachnid and set her gently on the terrain once more. He checked for breathing and a pulse, finding both. The young woman must have simply passed out. He picked her up in his arms and looked to her smaller, blonde friend. “I must take her to my home for her to be treated. It is not wise for two young women to be traveling alone in Mirkwood Forest, at any rate. Please follow me.”
Suzanne had been so worried concerning her friend that she had not realized what elf it was before her. Legolas Greenleaf stood before her very eyes! She could not tell him that she knew of him however, but she would introduce herself instead. “My name is Suzanne, and my friend’s name is Laura.”
The golden-haired elf smiled and said, “I am Legolas, prince of Mirkwood.”
The girl feigned surprise as the trio approached a group of horses. Figwit stood near the equine, peering curiously at his friend and his two female companions. “Caredel man?” he asked, slight concern in his voice. [ What are you doing? ]
“The spiders attacked them, and this one needs medical attention.” He gestured to the girl in his arms.
“You know the laws of your father.”
Suzanne watched the two speak, curious as to what Figwit meant. She kept silent, however, glancing momentarily at her unconscious friend.
Legolas looked at the shorter woman, speaking gently. “You will ride with Figwit.”
Suzanne held no reservations, simply stepping towards the horse Figwit stood nearest. The brown-haired elf lifted the maiden up upon the horse and then vaulted himself upon the flaxen equine’s back. Legolas set Laura atop his white horse before mounting and positioning himself behind her. The four began to make their way to Thranduil’s halls, the Elves wondering what Legolas’ father’s reaction would be.
Laura woke up momentarily, muscles tensing as she attempted to find out where she was again. Hoof beats showed that she was on a horse, but someone was also very close behind her. She turned around to see Legolas Greenleaf seated behind her. His arms were held securely around her waist, ensuring that she did not fall off. “Personal bubble,” she muttered, before returning to her fitful sleep.
The elf looked down at the startled dame, admiring her features as she once again drifted off to sleep. The human woman was really quite beautiful, even according to the standard of Elves.
The horses’ hooves came in contact with cobblestone, allowing the four to enter the kingdom of Mirkwood. Legolas dismounted and once again took Laura in his arms while Figwit followed suit, helping Suzanne down from his horse. All of them walked into the hall, Suzanne gazing around the beautiful architecture.
Legolas was immediately admitted to his father, bringing the two before him to plead their case. Thranduil was none too happy that two humans had slipped past his borders un-noticed, and was intent on removing them from Mirkwood immediately. Legolas continued to argue, feeling responsible for the women.
“No!” Thranduil cried. “Guards, take these women and deposit them outside our boundaries.”
Legolas began to protest as the Elven guards took Laura from his grasp
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A/N: ooh, what will happen? Please review. Kinda short, next one will be longer
Chapter 3 - Despair and Rescue
Disclaimer: No, we don’t own Lord of the Rings. Tolkein does. We’re just borrowing. Suing us wouldn’t get you anywhere, anyway. We’re broke.
{ Expresses thoughts }
[ Translated Elvish ]
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Hope seemed to disappear as the girl noted the distress in Legolas’ eyes. Suzanne, who was standing between Figwit and Legolas during the intense conversation the father and son were having, could sense the tenseness of it all. She grasped her friend’s hand, troubled by this new situation. { To have come so far it now seems all to end. If they take us from here we stand no chance in this world. } She continued to grasp Laura's limp hand, seemingly for hope. Suzanne attempted to hide her flinch as Thranduil exclaimed that the guards were to remove them from the woodland realm.
The Elven prince was beginning to despair as he saw how Thranduil was bent on removing the human girls from Mirkwood. He felt the guards begin to tear the chestnut-haired girl from his grasp. Struggling against their pull, he fails as she is taken away to a distance. Two guards came up behind the shorter girl and took a wrist in each hand. { I can't let this happen! }
"Wait!" she exclaimed as a last resort. Struggling fiercely against the strong elvish guards she finally manages to free herself momentarily. "Please, my lord, do not sentence us to be removed from your kingdom! We do not quite understand how we are here, much less how to survi-," but she was cut off as the guards again gained control of her. This time they held her securely, clenching her wrists and her waist.
Laura’s hazel eyes fluttered open momentarily, awakened by the harsh yelling and jostling. She feels herself being traded from the arms of the Prince to that which was somewhat rougher. Hearing Thranduil yelling the voice registers within her head but not as his, as her mothers.
"What now? Five more minutes, mom. Please?" she mutters and rolls her eyes. Seeing her friend regain consciousness, the blond-haired girl whispers.
"Hold on, Laura!" She sees her eyes rolling back into her head yet again, knowing that she was lost for another time.
Legolas, seeing both girls flinch, again begins to plea with his father.
[“Father, you must not banish them from this province! The taller one, she is still in need of healing! I found them on the outskirts being overwhelmed by one of those beasts, spiders. She was crushed and I fear the other one may be harmed as well. Please, to send them away is to condemn them to death!”] He finishes, allowing his words to hang ominously within the air. Thranduil sighs quietly, wondering why his son was so bent on keeping these mortals.
[“My son, I cannot expect you to understand as of yet the extent of all this. They must not stay. We know not who they are and weather they are friend or foe. Again I say it! Guards, take them to the boarders!”] Legolas’ gaze quickly became a glare.
[“Then let us heal them and then determine that. You would condemn someone who is possibly an ally to death? They are little more than children!”]
Upon his command the girls are led out of the throne room and out into the commons. Half-walking and half being carried, the smaller girl looks up at one of the guards leading her. Sighing she struggles to regain any memory of the acute amount of the Elven tongue that she knew. She smiles as she recalls one phrase that might be helpful.
"Lle wethrine amin." [ You deceived me. ]
Not knowing if this would register to the guard, or even make sense as she pronounced it, she awaits for an answer. The guard looked down momentarily, seemingly surprised that the mortal knew any Elvish at all, but he just shook his head and continued to lead her.
Finally, after what seemed like miles, they finally stopped to rest. Releasing their hold on her, the guards stood in a circle around their 'prisoners'. As soon as Suzanne was free she rushed to her friend who they had placed against the trunk of a large tree. Cradling her head gently in her arms she begins to weep silently, knowing that now that they were to be abandoned on the borders there was no hope left to ever revive her friend. In her depression, randomly a song from one of the trilogy comes to mind. Slowly and quietly she begins to sing. Not knowing why or how she was remembering the words she recognizes the lyrics from something the elves would sing in "The Fellowship". Gradually she got louder and noticed she was gaining strange glances from the guards.
“Snow-white! Snow-white! O Lady clear!
O Queen beyond the Western Seas!
O light to us that wander here
Amid the world of woven trees!
Gilthoniel! O Elbreath!
Clear are thy eyes and bright thy breath!
Snow-white! Snow-white! We sing to thee
In a far land beyond the sea.
O stars that in the Sunless year
With shining hand by her were sown,
In windy fields now bright and clear
We see your silver blossom blown!
O Elbreth! Gilthoniel!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beyond the trees,
Thy starlight on the Western Seas.”
She stopped as the identifiable sound of hooves approaching could be heard. A bright light suddenly blinded her as a figure come into view. The light faded and the undeniable figure of Gandalf had appeared.
The Istari glanced from the group of Elves to their prisoners, expecting to see some orcs or other malicious creature. Instead, there were two young women. One was unconscious and obviously injured, as the other tried to comfort her. He noted their attire. They were strangely clad in blue pants and t-shirts, certainly not the usual dress for ladies. The wizard was wary, having felt a huge explosion of power the day before.
Gandalf dismounted from Shadowfax and walked over to one of the Elves.
[“Where are you taking them?”]
The elf looked at the wizard suspiciously, but answered his inquiry.
[“We are taking them to the edge of the forest, and then returning to the kingdom.”]
Gandalf’s blue eyes traveled to the two again, wondering why Thranduil would sentence them to certain death. Their appearance might have some connection with the powerful force he felt earlier, making them prey to others who would be sensitive to such things. Sauron and Saruman might decide that they would want the women in attempt to gain that power.
[“Take them back.”]
The elf looked at him incredulously, not believing that this stranger expected him to follow his orders.
[“Take them back.”] The voice was harsher, causing the elves to flinch in slight fear. The group stood up, taking their prisoners in tow once more.
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The group reached Mirkwood’s halls once more, Gandalf leading the procession. Legolas sat beside his father’s throne, sulking at his failure to protect the two girls. His eyes traveled to the gray wizard before him.
“Mirthrandir!” His gaze traveled to the two women once again, pleased to see that they were not harmed.
“Maer erin, Legolas.” [Good morning, Legolas.] The Istari noticed the golden-haired elf’s improved demeanor, but said nothing about it. His attention turned to Thranduil. “Hail Thranduil, king of Mirkwood.”
Thranduil eyed the wizard suspiciously, noticing that the two were once again back in his kingdom.
“Hello Mirthrandir. You had no need to return those two to me, they are banished from my realm.”
“Why would you sentence two young girls to death?”
“They either slipped past our defenses or simply appeared. Those two mortals are a threat that I will not permit to stay in Mirkwood!” Gandalf tossed an amused look back towards Suzanne and Laura, before looking once more at Thranduil.
“Two young children are a threat? Thranduil, that does not speak very highly of your kingdom.” Thranduil looked enraged.
“You have no right to insult either my land or me! I hold no obligation to hear your argument. Take them from my presence.” Gandalf spoke in a lower tone, angered by the Elf’s insolence.
“They will stay here, under the charge of Legolas. He will then accompany me to Rivendell in five days.”
Thranduil appeared slightly frightened, tossing an angry glare toward both his son and the two human women before lowering his head in consent. Legolas quickly stood from his seat and walked to where the two were. The guard handed Laura back to him. He looked to Suzanne. “Follow me.” The blonde followed the Elven prince to the medical area, where healers looked at both Laura and her.
Gandalf looked at Thranduil once more, disgusted, before removing himself from the halls to think on the girls’ purpose here.
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A/N: Alright. This is when I (the real life Suzanne) began helping with the story. Be nice, it was my first ever FF chapter to write. I edited it some, it looks better now. Please review!
Chapter 4 - Questions and Answers and Food!
Disclaimer: No, we don't own Lord of the Rings. Mr. Tolkein does. We promise to put them back when we're done, maybe.
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Hazel eyes opened slowly, gazing around the strange room that the girl was now in. She was on a comfortable bed with soft sheets and a canopy. This was definitely not her room. Laura sat up quickly, rubbing her head while looking for something she could identify. Her eyes locked on the shorter, blonde girl and a gentle smile tugged at her lips.
"Oh my gosh! Suzanne! I'm so sorry I didn't get back to you online earlier. My computer crashed. I just had the best dream! We were in Mirkwood, and a spider attacked us. I got knocked unconscious, but Legolas came and rescued us! And then Thranduil banished us, but Gandalf brought us back. Isn't that amazing? I need to post that on the Orlando Bloom files!"
Her friend looked at her, slightly grimacing.
"Uh, Laura, that was real."
Shock covered the brunette's face.
"So we're in Mirkwood right now? With the elves? And Legolas?"
Suzanne looked over to her friend with a sarcastic glint in her eye. "Well, so it would seem. Unless we're both having the same virtual reality dream or this is some kind of joke, I would say we are".
Laura leaned back on her pillow, eyes closed. She opened them again, in hopes that when she did, she would be back home. Or not. A soft sigh escaped her lips. They had no idea how they got here, so there was almost no chance of getting home. They supposed that they wouldn't miss the world as it were, just their family. Both sat deep in thought as two figures entered the room.
"Lady Suzanne, Lady Laura. Are you alright?"
Legolas looked at the two, ensuring that both human women were fairing well.
Suzanne looked up at both Gandalf and Legolas, feeling slightly uncomfortable being called "lady".
"I am well, Legolas. But would you please stop calling me "lady"? My name is Suzanne."
"Same goes for me."
This served to get them a queer look from Legolas, never before had he met a lady who did not want to be called such, but then again they were quite different from any he had seen before. He glanced silently at Gandalf seeing he was also slightly confused, but trying to hide it.
Laura sat up in bed, quickly running her fingers through her hair to at least make herself presentable. Her eyes looked over the figure of the Elven prince. { My God, he's hot. } She smiled slightly at the two men who now turned their attention to her.
The wizard stooped down slightly, coming to eye level with the two.
"Where did you come from?"
"Earth. Not Middle Earth, just Earth. It's 2003 in our time."
The Istari looked troubled, knowing nothing of this place called Earth. And it was certainly not 2003 in Middle Earth.
"Do you know how you came here?"
Laura spoke up, attempting to explain a complex technological advancement to the two. It wasn't easy.
"We both accessed this entry to enable us to meet the cast of a movie."
She saw the confused looks on the faces of Gandalf and Legolas.
"A movie is a play, basically. And we liked this play, so we both tried to enter. A lightning storm hit shortly after and we found ourselves in Mirkwood. Can you help us get home?"
The wizard contemplated the information a moment before answering.
"I don't know. I don't understand how you got here any more than you do, so I cannot tell how to get you home. You will come with Legolas and me to Rivendell. I will discuss this with Elrond."
Under normal circumstances, Laura would have immediately protested against the command and Suzanne would have put up a fight if wasn't for the thought of 'him'. Both girls were frightened, however, and trusted Gandalf and Legolas to bring them to no harm.
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A/N: Please, please, please review! I had to edit this, i posted chapter five on accident... hehe...
Chapter 5 - Have a NIce Trip
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, no we don't own Lord of the Rings. However much we wish we did, we don't. You can have Gimli back whenever, but the others we might keep for a while.
(( the actual chapter five... my bad! ))
{ Expressed Thoughts }
[ Translated Elvish ]
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The two girls looked at each other and shrugged. What could they do? They could not defy Gandalf and refuse to go. Then they would be outcast and left to fend for themselves in this world. Looking back at him they nodded their consent. He smiled and nodded, pleased for the moment. He was still very concerned that he did not know how or from where they came into Middle Earth. He looked at Legolas.
"You will stay with them, and stay close. I will not have any harm coming to them. I fear if they were to be captured by the enemy much harm would come of it. Do not let them out of your site. I must go to my own quarters and mull over this for a time."
He said a quick good by to the three and departed. Needless to say, neither Laura nor Suzanne objected to being left alone with the Elf Prince. Suzanne sat down on the bed beside her friend and Legolas pulled up a chair in front of them. They had little time until they departed for Rivendell and they hoped to spend it talking. The girls had many questions for him and were hoping to find answers. Suzanne quickly jumped in with the first question.
"So, my lord Legolas, may I ask why your father was against us staying here?"
She had decided to call him 'my Lord' because he was, in fact, a prince and it would do them no good to upset him. Yet he soon corrected her.
"Please, call me Legolas. I do not rightly know why he was against you being here. He has become very wary of everyone and thing as of late. Rumors have been growing in the East and are bringing us dark tidings. That is why I have been summoned to Rivendell, and now it seems I shall have more pleasurable company than Gandalf along the way."
At this the blond looked down and blushed and she could see slight red in the cheeks of her companion. The shorter had never been much to take compliments. She sighed, regained her composure, and again managed to look up again. This time Laura took her turn at asking a question. She smiled as she thought of it. Looking at her friend then back at the elf she asked.
"Legolas, if there is any spare time before or after we depart would you be able to teach Suzanne and me some archery? I realize it would take more time than before we leave to be any good at it, but I’ve always wanted to learn how to use a bow and arrow."
Suzanne glanced, smiling at her companion. She could think of many reasons why she would wish this, but the main one that stuck in her head that it would get her closer to the Prince. She smiled as well, knowing that if in Rivendell she met the one who she hoped to that he would also be able to teach archery to them. After only moments Legolas answered.
"If we are given time then I would willingly teach you the art of our land."
They continued talking for several hours until they were summoned for dinner with Gandalf. It was an amazing meal that seemed never to end, yet eventually it did. Standing, Gandalf bid them to return to their room.
"Tomorrow we set off with the first light of day. Legolas, you will stay with or very near to them tonight."
The girls looked at each other and giggled happily. Gandalf cast them a curious glance but paid no heed. Turning, he left. Legolas soon stood as well and lead the girls back to their rooms. He stood out in the hall as a watch while the girls bathed and re-dressed in their clothes. Many times he apologized for having no attire suitable for them. They then jumped into the feather bed and began to whisper to each other. Soon they quieted and heard Legolas singing faintly outside. It seemed to flow over them and wrap them in its beauty. They lied back down on their pillows and fell asleep.
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They both awoke at the same time, being slightly shaken by the handsome elf. {Now that's something I could get used to waking up to!} They smiled and pulled back the covers. Looking out the small window they saw that the sun was only beginning to break the horizon. Yawning they followed Legolas down the stairs and outside into the warm morning. He brought something out of a pack and handed each of them half. Looking at it in disbelief they found that it was indeed lembas, elvish way bread. They smiled and consumed it quickly as they walked. Finally they came upon Gandalf and four horses. The elf walked in front of them, introducing the horses they were to ride. A tall, white stallion was Laura's mount, and an equally tall blood bay mare was Suzanne's.
"This is Kaima and Indo Cormamin. They will be your mounts on this trip. You said last night that you both could ride, so we would not impugn your honor and make you ride double."
They nodded and smiled at each other, but they were both thinking the same thing. {Dang it! I could have ridden all the way to Rivendell with him!} Stepping forward they took the reins and with little help jumped into the saddle. As they waited for Gandalf and Legolas they chatted quietly. Finally they were ready to be off on their first journey in Middle Earth.
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Eight days the girls traveled with their companions onward to Rivendell. Some days were easy, and some were harder. Passing over the Misty Mountains was the most challenging part of their journey. Finally they entered the land of Imiladris, as it was known to the elves. The girls looked around in wonder as they had never seen the realm Rivendell face-to-face.
"We're in Rivendell!" exclaims Suzanne.
Laura glares at her softly and again whispers,
"Thank you, Captain Obvious.”
Gandalf looked at the brunette.
“She is a captain in the military?”
The girls laughed at the misunderstanding.
“Oh! No, no, no. It was a joke.”
Gandalf just nodded, riding ahead of them while muttering something about the strange humor of human women.
The shorter girl smiles sheepishly as they are led deeper into the realm. Gazing around in wonder, they dismount. Around them others were arriving and also getting off their mounts. {Just like in the movie!} Legolas came before them and, leaving their mounts with other elves, took them to their room. He opened the door and allowed them to enter.
"Here is where you will be staying. Search in the closets and feel free to wear whatever you can find that fits."
With that he said good-bye and departed, saying he had business with Gandalf and Elrond. Left to their own they looked around momentarily at each other and then simultaneously ran to the wardrobes. Flinging open the doors they saw a wide assortment of dresses and long gowns. They each choose one and laughed as they put it on. They were only slightly long on Laura, because she was so tall, yet it hung dangerously low on Suzanne. The brunette chose a flowing, light blue dress while the blond chose a dark crimson. Both were laced along the bottom with bell sleeves. Talking to each other joyously the shorter one said,
"It is a little long."
"Suzanne, if I have to tell you one more time to stop pointing out the obvious, I don't know what I'll do!"
"Sorry, sorry. Watch this!"
And with that she began to twirl around swiftly while holding up her dress. With the light from the open window behind her it looked almost ghostly. Suddenly her foot became entangled in the cloth. Tripping she stumbled backwards and onto the small porch. Regaining her balance she sighed and reached for the support of the railing. Yet, at that moment, her arm missed the rail and she tumbled over the side. She began to fall the three stories to the ground. Seeing it all, Laura screamed and rushed to look over the side of the balcony. She gasped as a person walking below miraculously caught her.
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Bracing her self for another bone-crushing impact, she surprisingly felt herself being cradled by soft, muscular arms. Wincing with slight pain in her sight she slightly opened her eyes to see her rescuer. She gasped softly as she looked into the eyes of someone with a dark, rugged face and weather beaten features. Stunned with disbelief and slight shock, she fainted. Her friend watched from above as a tall, ominous figure carried her away.
A/N: Ohh! Cliff hanger! Hehe, keep them coming back for more. Hope you like it! Flames will be used to make our houses warmer.
Chapter 6 - Scimitars, Swords, and Archery
Disclaimer: No, we don't own Lord of the Rings. We own ourselves and our copies of FotR and TTT but that's all.
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Laura stood there for a moment, leaning on the balcony and watching the diminishing view of her friend being carried away by a dark stranger. It took a moment for her to comprehend everything that just happened before she fled from their room and ran in the direction she saw Legolas turn. She had no way to determine where Elrond and his company would be meeting, but she had to try to reach them. The girl stopped before an elf.
"Do you know where Lord Elrond is?"
The elf only looked at her strangely. Laura attempted to think of every Sindarian phrase she knew.
"Manke naa i'omentien? Elrond?" [Where is the meeting? Elrond?]
She assumed that the names were the same in both Elvish and English, so that should clarify which meeting she meant. The blonde elf looked at her hesitantly, unsure if he should disclose his lord's location. The lady looked desperate, however, and so he consented.
"Khila amin." [Follow me.]
The human woman nodded and trailed the elf, looking about her in order to familiarize herself with the scenery. She was brought to a room, as the elf tapped lightly on the door. Gandalf opened it, seemingly displeased that the meeting was being disrupted. His eyes opened a bit wider at the sight of Laura. Gandalf opened the door wider, allowing the human girl inside. Laura looked at him, frightened for her friend's fate. At the sight of the others, she subtly pulled up the neckline of her dress as she spoke.
"Suzanne, she tripped off the balcony!"
They all looked at her in shock, knowing that it would be difficult for someone to survive falling such a distance.
"No, no. Someone caught her. But he carried her off! I don't know who he is; all I know is that he has Suzanne."
Elrond muttered under his breath, not pleased with this turn of events. It would be difficult for the enemy to infiltrate Imiladris, but not impossible. He looked to Legolas and Gandalf.
"Find her."
Legolas reached the door before stepping back to allow two others to enter. Aragorn walked in, followed by Suzanne. Laura breathed a sigh of relief as her eyes glanced on her friend. Suzanne smiled at her friend.
"You know, this dress really is too long."
Laura rolled her eyes at her friend, giving her a look that could kill before taking her arm and walking toward the door.
"We'll be leaving you alone now."
Elrond looked at the departing two before speaking.
"No, we intended to send someone for you soon anyway."
The two stopped and turned toward the group again. Elrond gestured for them to take a seat at the table. Gandalf, Legolas, and Aragorn also sat down.
"We have decided that you will attend the council we have set two days from now. Your fate, as well as the fate of the Ring will be decided. Do you know anything of the One Ring or Frodo Baggins of the Shire?"
Laura and Suzanne looked at each other momentarily, trying to decide whether they should tell them that they knew of the fate of Middle Earth. Or rather, it was only one fate of Middle Earth. Their presence could disturb everything, causing things to happen differently than in the books and movie. Any knowledge of what the girls knew, however, would be helpful. Laura looked at the four before speaking.
"You might assume that we are from the future of this land. We know everything that will happen involving the Ring and Frodo."
They all looked at her, waiting for her to continue. The men assumed that since she knew this information, she would share it with them.
"I fear that if I tell you what happens, it will change the course of what would have taken place."
Gandalf seemed content with this answer, instructing Aragorn and Legolas before Elrond could request any more information from the two.
"Legolas, Aragorn, you will teach these two how to defend themselves. They will attend the council in two days. Both of them are under your charge until then."
The elf and the man nodded to the Istari before gesturing to the two women that they were to follow them.
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Aragorn needed to ensure Frodo was well before he left for the day, so the other three accompanied them. Legolas and Aragorn decided to instruct Suzanne in how to use a sword, while Legolas was to instruct Laura in the use of scimitars*. They would then meet again at mid-day and teach the two girls archery.
Aragorn and Suzanne went into a less-used garden, bringing with them two of Aragorn's swords. He showed her how to properly hold the hilt and how to begin standing. It was quite easy for her to pick up. In fact, she and Laura already knew most of the basics from the sword fighting lessons their friend Kati had given them. It would be best if she had it mastered though, so she continued the instruction. He began to give her the counts, teaching her how to be on both offense and defense. Suzanne was able to parry his blows rather easily, although she knew that he was holding back in order to refrain from harming her.
Legolas took Laura with him to a nearby stream, carrying with him four blades and a sword. Scimitars were composed of two shorter swords that were used in unison and were a particular favorite of the brunette. The elf handed the girl a pair and took a pair for him. He demonstrated the beginning fighting stance before slowly moving the blades to collide with Laura's own scimitars. The effect was about the same as sword fighting; it simply involved the use of both hands. Once she had mastered the basics, he picked up a sword and began to teach her moves to parry against such a weapon.
Both couples met at the archery range at about noon. Aragorn looked at the mid-day sun before suggesting a meal before they began. They ate a loaf of elvish bread and a slab of what the girls suspected was venison before once again returning to instruction.
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First the two men attempted to show the girls how to hold a bow. Suzanne gripped the middle of the wooden part with her right hand before pulling on the string with her left. Laura either had a harder time understanding this or was purposely attempting to mess up. Legolas sighed slightly, stepping behind the girl and pressing his body up against hers. Suzanne cast her a look that said "I know what you're doing, and I can't believe it's working." The elf placed his hands on hers and guided them to the proper placement on the bow.
Once she seemed to grasp the formation, he released his hold for a minute to remove an arrow from his quiver before stepping back to where he was and stringing it on the bow by guiding her hands. Laura could feel his breath on her neck and suppressed a shudder, pulling the string tight once the arrow was loaded. Legolas spoke softly, telling her what to do in order to shoot the weapon.
"Keep both eyes open. Look at the target and try to align the angle of the tip of the arrow with the its center. Once you have it lined up, release the string."
Laura did this, missing the target by a foot. Legolas handed her another arrow.
"Try again."
She strung up the arrow once more, still with some assistance. Her grip on the bow tightened as she followed the line of the tip of the arrow with her eyes. The woman adjusted the angle of the bow slightly before releasing the string once more. The arrow hit the target this time. It was not in the center, yet perfection could not be attained in one day. Legolas continued to help her, pointing out things she could change to improve her aim.
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Suzanne was enjoying the lesson just as much as her friend. Aragorn stepped behind her to instruct her how to position the arrow. She smiled as it was her turn to 'not quite get it'. He was already behind her so he came closer and placed his hands upon hers. Aiming and pulling back she released the arrow which miraculously hit its target. Her teacher congratulated her on her small success.
"At camp, during the summer, I took a small course in archery."
"Camp? As in Battle Camp?"
The girl smiled slightly at another misunderstanding.
"No, it was a summer camp. Umm...a place where I go and fellowship with friends and do other activities."
He only nodded, though she could tell he did not fully understand. He again stepped close to her to where his body almost seemed at one with hers. How much she wanted to trust him, to be able to tell him how she felt, but there was always that fear of being hurt. A shadow crossed over her face and she paused in her actions. To her dismay this did not go unnoticed by Aragorn.
"My Lady, what is wrong?"
She attempted to cover it up with a smile.
"It is nothing, my Lord. And, please, call me Suzanne."
He nodded his consent while continuing to assist her. After at least an hour her arms began to grow weary. Her teacher, catching on to this, suggested they stop for now. She agreed and placed the bow on the ground carefully. She sat down by a tree where she was joined by him. They watched Legolas and Laura finish up their lesson as well. She drifted, almost unwillingly, into her thoughts again. Her friend came up and touched her shoulder, frightening her out of her daze. A tear had formed in her eye, but she quickly wiped it away.
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The lesson was finished for the day. Aragorn and Legolas led the two friends back to their room. Adjacent rooms had been prepared for both of them so that the two men could continue to protect their charges. The four departed, the two girls thanking Aragorn and Legolas for the lessons.
"'Quel du." [Good night.]
Suzanne and Laura went into their room, while the two men went to their separate rooms. The two girls found softer gowns lain out for them, which they assumed were their nightclothes. The two stayed up to talk for a while, Suzanne slightly reprimanding Laura for her actions earlier, although she couldn't blame her.
"I saw what you were up to! You are so lucky!"
"So, you had Aragorn teaching you. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy that. I saw that look in your eye."
"Yeah, I'm just afraid of getting hurt again."
Laura looked strictly at her friend momentarily.
"Don't you dare go and get depressed on me."
"Alright, I won't."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Alright, well, I'm tired. Good night. See ya in the morning!"
"Good night."
Laura turned, put out the candle, and quickly fell asleep on her pillow. Suzanne stayed awake a while longer, considering what had happened to them before drifting into sleep.
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Laura's A/N: I think that those two blades Legolas uses in FotR and TTT are scimitars at any rate. If not, please let me know. I know what I'm thinking of exists; I just can't find the right name!
Suzanne's A/N: Don't hate us for fulfilling our dreams here, lol. I know I sound depressed ( *cough* i am *cough* ) bear with me.
Both: Please review! Thanks to all of you wonderful people who did review! Cookies for all!
Chapter 7 - Depression and Nightmares
Disclaimer: Nope, we don't own Lord of the Rings. Don't sue us. We'll put everyone back when we're done, maybe.
{ thoughts}
[ elvish ]
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Suzanne woke up, looking outside the window to ascertain the time of day. It was still dark outside, so she couldn't have been asleep for long. She got up, feet softly stepping across the floor of the bedchamber before sitting before the window.
She adjusted the gown so it lay comfortably around her. She looked out the window to gaze at the luminescent moon. Sighing softly to herself she finally gave in to the pressure of her past that she had been avoiding all day. Placing her head in her hands she attempted to stifle her tears. { I can't do it, not again. If I allow myself to get hurt again then I may never be able to go back. I trust Aragorn, I do, but I also trusted Chris and Cleve and Kyle. Look where it got me. They didn't hurt me, I allowed myself to get hurt. I got my hopes up too high and then they came crashing down again. It happened before and it can happen again. Do I really want to put myself in another situation like that? I should be overjoyed at the prospect of getting close to one of the hottest men here, but for some reason I'm still afraid. Afraid of the unknown. }
With a tear-stained face she looked over at Laura, tossing and turning fitfully in her sleep. She hadn't slept well the past few nights, although she couldn't be blamed. The girls were in a strange land with people they did not know. Their families and friends had been left behind. Laura's thrashing became more violent, Suzanne contemplating whether she should go and wake her up. A shrill scream released from the tall brunette's lips, answering the question too late for the other girl to do much more. She heard noise coming from both of the adjacent rooms, knowing that there would be no stopping the two from coming.
Aragorn and Legolas met in the hallway, glancing at each other before prying open the door to the two girls' room. Suzanne was standing by her sleeping friend, shaking her lightly.
The nightmare held Laura captive, not releasing her from its spell. She could hear Suzanne's words, but could not wake up. Aragorn and Legolas rushed to the side of the bed, the brunette placing his hands on the sleeping woman's forehead and neck to ensure that she was alive. She was drenched in sweat, mostly from fear. Legolas shook her lightly.
"Wake up, little one."
Laura's eyes abruptly opened, removing herself from her dream. Her breathing was panicked. She stared at the two before her, attempting to recall who they were. Both were shirtless, exposing their muscular upper bodies in their normal sleep attire. Memories came flooding back to her, reminding her that she was in Middle Earth and under the charge of Legolas and Aragorn. Those were the two men standing before her now. Laura took the opportunity to briefly stare at their torsos, shocked by their appearance. She pulled the sheets closer to her body to cover the low neckline of her gown, her breathing slowly returning to normal.
"What was your dream?"
Legolas looked concerned, not knowing what would have frightened the maiden enough to cause her to scream.
"It was about when we first came here. To Mirkwood, when the spider was attacking."
Laura realized that she probably sounded childish, but at the moment she was still trying to convince herself that she was safe. The spider had been huge, and the woman had been sure that she was dead. Legolas sat down on the bed beside her.
"Uuma dela. Don't worry."
He looked to Aragorn.
"I will stay here with her. Go to sleep, mellon. They will be fine."
When the two had come in Suzanne had shifted from her friend's head to a darker corner of the room. She couldn't help but look at their muscular bodies. Aragorn looked around the room one more time and noted the small girl in the dark. He stepped over, sensing her despair.
"Lady Suzanne, what is the matter?"
She looked up, startled yet again, at his handsome face and features. She nodded, not only in a greeting, but confirming a decision in her mind. She smiled at him.
"It is nothing, my Lord. I was only thinking."
"A shadow of doubt has been around you all day."
"I was just nervous about being here, at last"
"At last?"
"Yes, at last."
Almost unknowingly, but not unwillingly, she threw her arms around Aragorn's neck. Seemingly startled at first he soon put his own arms around the girl's body. They stayed like that for several moments, each basking in the others presence. Finally the girl shifted her weight and withdrew from him.
"I am sorry, I shouldn't have done that."
He lifted her face so she again looked into his eyes.
"Lle naa vanima"
She did not quite understand the phrase but guessed it’s meaning and blushed as she moved back to the window, only slightly away from where she was standing. He came over and stroked her cheek and gave her a soft good bye before leaving the room and returning to his chamber. Laura looked slightly guilty, depriving Legolas of his needed rest.
"I apologize. You may go. I will be fine."
She wasn't quite sure that she would be; yet she did not want to annoy him by causing him to stay up for her. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes and did not believe her words.
"Go to sleep."
He murmured a few words in Elvish to comfort her, watching her eyes close and her breathing deepen. Legolas began to braid her hair in order to pass the time, glancing over at her friend by the window.
"It would be wise for you to try to sleep too."
Depressing thoughts led to exhaustion, so she didn't have the willpower to argue. Suzanne lay back on the bed again, turning away from Legolas and Laura to stare into space before drifting into a dreamless sleep. The elf had very little room on the bed, so he shifted the tall brunette over slightly to allow him more space. Laura began to stir again. He wrapped his arms around her waist in order to comfort her, singing softly in Elvish. His mind suddenly realized the position that they were in, yet he was reluctant to move again. Legolas rested his head on the human woman's, drifting into a light sleep once he was sure that his charge was all right.
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A/N: Please review. Flame if you'd like. I realize this one's kinda...sappy or something, but, it was a stupid plot bunny that threatened me if I didn't add it.
R&R! Thanks to all of our wonderful reviewers! We luv ya bunches!
Chapter 8 - Lessons in Elvish and Some More Falling
Disclaimer: We do not own The Lord of the Rings. If anything, it owns us.
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The morning sun glanced through a large window, the first rays hitting a covered face. Momentarily she grimaced at the sudden light and attempted to ignore it. {Dang it, just like at home.} She failed at this and slightly opened her eyes. Hazel pupils readjusted to the amount of light as she gazed around the room. Her feet slipped from the warm wrappings of the covers to the soft floor. She stood up and glanced around the room again. This time her gaze fell upon her close friend and the elf. It seemed that he had positioned himself with his arms around her waist and with her head on his chest. She knew Laura would awaken surprised but happy.
Sleepily, she staggered to the wardrobe and opened it in an attempt to find something comfortable to walk in. Not succeeding in this, she found a black dress with red embroidery along the sleeves and upper part. Taking it out with a corset, she stepped behind a dressing veil. Stripping from the satin gown, she grimaced as she attempted to tighten the corset. {Dang things.} Hastily she redressed in the black and red outfit. Silently, with a footfall almost as light as an elf’s, she made her way to a desk. On it she found light paper and a quill pen. {Great, time to work on my calligraphy, or whatever.} Struggling to make it legible, she began to write.
'Will be in closest garden to room. -suzie.'
She looked at it and shrugged; it was the best she could do. She set it where she had lain during the night. Swiftly, she walked to the door and opened it, stepping out into the hall. It shut again with a click, and she began to walk down the hall and down the stairs. She greeted the morning air willingly, happy to be alone.
Feeling slightly lost in the vastness of the elf city, she made for the nearest patch of green she could find. {Hey, where there's green there's got to be grass. Hopefully.} Reaching the brink of the cobblestone, her eyes scanned a vast and beautiful garden. She sighed, content that this would be enjoyable. She stepped onto the lush greenery and found a stone bench settled between two large trees. Slowly, she lowered herself upon it and sat with her back propped up by the tree. She closed her eyes and rested in the increasing warmth of the orchard.
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Laura, always the heavy sleeper, awoke with a start. Trying to maintain a deep breathing pattern, she stared at the elf in front, or rather on top, of her. Her mind had once again forgotten that she was in Middle Earth. {Okay, there’s a person holding me. A strange man, at that. Oh, if my mom sees me, I am so dead.} Equilibrium returned and she recalled where she was. {How many times do I get to wake up to Legolas Greenleaf? I might as well enjoy it while I can.} Her fingers flew to wipe a few stray strands of hair from her face. She found the braids and fingered them lightly. A smile crossed her face; she could grow to like living here. The elf prince began to stir, and she resumed her sleeping position in hopes of keeping him with her for a while longer.
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She didn't know how long she had been sitting in the garden when she heard the sounds of someone approaching. She was not sure how protected the borders of Rivendell were and was immediately paranoid of an enemy. Deciding the best course would be to remain unseen, she got up, turned, and began to climb the tree by which she had been resting. She heard a slight rip as she begun, chiding herself for trying to do this in a dress. Finally reaching one of the middle branches she sighed and watched the ground. She saw nothing but soon heard a rustle on a branch near her. Startled she gasped and whirled around, almost falling out of the tree. {Grace is one thing I seem to lack.} She steadied herself and sighed in relief as she saw the green-clad form of Aragorn before her.
''Did you think you could sneak out without my noticing? You're footfall is not as soft as the elves and I sleep lightly."
"I had hoped, but I am not disappointed at your arrival."
At this he looked inquisitively but she could not meet his eyes. It was always like that with a guy she liked; she could never look at them straight in the eyes. An awkward silence then followed, each of them looking somewhere else but at the other. Finally Aragorn cleared his throat and Suzanne began to speak.
“Well, here we are up in a tree in a beautiful garden of Rivendell. You lived here most of your life, right?”
“That is correct. You seem to know a lot about me and about what the quest will turn out to be, and yet I know little about you.”
She took in a deep breath and began to tell a small part of her tale.
“Well, my name is Suzanne Flowers, and I’m twenty years old. How I got here, I don’t know. I love to ride horses and just walk through the forest. I grew up in a small home in a town that is called Tyrone. Laura, my companion, and I have been friends since we were young. Now that I am here, and have left that behind, perhaps it will turn out to be a better life.”
“Do you not wish to go back at all?”
“I admit that I will miss my family and other friends.”
“Your last name, ‘Flowers’ is there some purpose for that?”
She blushed slightly and shook her head; her last name was always causing her trouble.
“I don’t believe there is a meaning for it, my Lord. It is just a name that causes people to wonder, I guess.”
“But enough of sitting high in this tree. You said you liked to ride, would you enjoy a ride through Rivendell?”
She nodded with delight about getting to ride in the Elven city. The chance to ride did not come often at her home. The ranger swiftly climbed down the tree and the girl followed suite will less ease, the dress being the main reason for this. Aragorn reached the ground and looked up to see how the girl was fairing. At that moment she was stepping down to one of the last branches when her foot again became entangled in her dress. {Dang piece of cloth!} As she put her foot on the branch it slipped and she began to fall, again.
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Legolas stirred softly before waking. His blue eyes opened to gaze upon the woman resting in his arms. Her head had turned to rest on his bare chest in the middle of the night, long tendrils of chestnut hair flowing across his skin. He lifted a hand a gently stroked her cheek to rouse her from her slumber.
“Brennilen.” [My lady.]
Laura’s eyes opened again, hazel globes fixing her vision on the man, or rather elf, before her. Now she felt uncomfortable. The two just lay there for a moment before the woman began to pull away. Legolas was strangely reluctant to release her, yet his arms left their former place around her waist. Laura began to speak.
“Maer erin.”
The elf looked strangely at her, slightly confused that she would know his language.
“Maer erin.”
The girl’s feet hit the floor, carrying her over to the wardrobe. She was once again slightly embarrassed by the properties of her nightgown. Her hands roamed over the dresses, selecting a dark blue gown. A corset was hidden beneath the gown, Laura assuming that it was a necessary undergarment and not exactly thrilled with the prospect of placing it within the view of the elf.
The human woman turned and looked at Legolas for a moment, folding the two pieces of cloth on her arm. Her eyes then caught a glimpse of a dressing veil, and she quickly stepped behind it. She removed her current clothing and fit the corset around her torso. {How the heck am I supposed to put this on by myself?} The restrictive cloth would not be as tight, yet she reached behind her and pulled the strings as best she could before tying them. She then slipped the azure gown on and fastened it. The neckline was low, as had been a pattern in Elven fashion. Laura tugged on it a bit before stepping from behind the concealing material.
“What was it that you said to me this morning?”
The syllables had been strange because the human woman was not fluent in Elvish.
“I said ‘Brennilen.’ It translates to mean, ‘My lady.’”
“Oh.”
A few moments passed by, awkward silence filling the bedchamber once again.
“Uh, Legolas?”
“Yes, my lady?”
“Well, I was wondering, could you teach me some Elvish? I’ve always wanted to learn how to actually speak it.”
“As aun nin gelir.”
This only drew an inquisitive look from the human. Legolas smiled slightly and translated.
“It would be my pleasure. What do you already know?”
He took her hand gently to lead her out of the room, deciding it would be a better situation to teach if they were outside.
“Well, I know “good day” and other variations of that phrase. I also know “I love you”, “I hate you”, “Do you speak Elvish?”, and a few other words and fragments.”
“Alright. What do want to learn?”
By then they had reached a garden different than that which Suzanne and Aragorn met in. The golden-haired elf released the woman’s hand, still continuing to walk by her side. Laura thought about this question for a moment, attempting to determine what she did wish to learn.
“Uh, ‘how are you?’”
“Manen el?”
She repeated this phrase a few times before continuing. The two covered phrases such as ‘Enneth lín man?’ [What is your name?], ‘Man?’ [What?], ‘Man lû?’ [When?], ‘An man nauth?’ [Why?], ‘Bado uin mén!’ [Look out!], ‘Bedin an hausten.’ [I’m going to bed], ‘Len hannon ’ [Thank you.], and others. This time also resulted in a tour of Rivendell.
“Legolas, if it is not too bold to ask, how old are you?”
“No, it is not too bold. I am 2,931 years old. And how old are you, Arwenamin?”
“Heru en amin, please do not call me ‘my lady’. My name is Laura, and, in answer to your question, I am 20 years old.”
“Aníral.” [If you wish.]
It was only mid-day, although the two had been walking for 2 hours at least. Legolas took the girl with him to get some lembas, the duo eating that for their lunch.
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The fact that she was falling barely had time to register in her mind before she felt herself again in Aragorn’s arms.
“I’ve got to stop doing that.”
She muttered slightly, looking up apologetically at her rescuer.
“Nurnon. I’m sorry, for some reason that keeps on happening.” [I’m sorry.]
“It’s quite alight.”
He said this with a smile and again set her on her feet. She brushed herself off and followed him to the stables. Going in, she quickly found her horse’s tack near the stall. She went in and tacked up the mare. Surprisingly, she found this very easy. Most horses would become skittish or anxious as they were being made ready, yet Indo Cormamin did not. She stepped out of the enclosure and found that Aragorn had mounted a bay stallion and was already waiting for her at the doorway. Gracefully she swung up into the saddle sideways, though it did feel awkward.
“I am sorry if I seem a little off in my riding today. I am not used to riding side-saddle or in a dress either.”
“Ladies do not ride side-saddle where you come from?”
“No, my Lord. We do not ride in dresses either. We all ride alike dressed in jeans, normally.”
“So I see.”
At this he spurred his horse, and Suzanne followed suite. They set off into the heart of Rivendell. Hazel eyes looked around in wonder. She had never seen such beauty locked into one place. The Dûnedain glanced over at her and smiled, seeing her amazement. She began to talk, mainly to herself, in a whisper.
“It’s so beautiful.”
“Yes, Rivendell is a most beautiful and amazing place.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“That is why I am slow to leave it, but I must.”
“Yes, I know.”
“How much do you know?”
“I know what was, what is, and what is going to be.”
This got her a strange glance from him but she said nothing else. After a short pause he again began to speak.
“Come, I will take you to the Bruinen River. We may eat a small lunch there.”
“Then let us be off.”
They encouraged their horses to a faster pace and made for the river. Finally, her eyes spotted the stony shore. They halted their horses and dismounted, allowing them to run on free rein. Finding a spot on a large, flat rock, they spread the small lunch. Aragorn again looked at the human blonde.
“Do you wish to return to your world?”
“I must admit that I would not mind living here for the rest of my life. The world I came from is a mixed and confusing place. It is full of evils, like this middle earth, but more treacherous and powerful. One is easily hurt there. Not only physically, but emotionally as well. I know.”
She paused, taking a breath, and then finished quietly.
“That’s why I’m happy to be here, and perhaps I can forget what I left behind.”
“I can begin to understand that. If there is so much evil in your world, why does no one try to stop it?”
“They try, but the evil there is different than here.”
She quickly changed the subject.
“The sun grows lower in the sky. The day is getting older. We should return to the city.”
He nodded, and they returned to their horses and mounted. Slowly, they began their ride back to the main part of Rivendell. Suzanne wanted to do something. She knew she should because it seemed to be the right moment for words. Yet, every time she opened her mouth to speak, nothing would come forth. As she struggled for words, they came to a garden.
“Aragorn, may we rest one last time before we go on? I don’t want to part with the woods just yet.”
“We may.”
She threw the reins over a branch and stood off a ways, facing the sun. She looked at it for a moment, forming a bright silhouette on the horizon. The rays were caught in the darkness of her dress and absorbed by her light hair. The ranger stood there for a moment, looking at the slim figure that had seemingly grown. The figure he had seen was burdened under a weight that should not have been placed upon her. Yet now, it seemed the weight had been lifted and the beauty that lay beneath, hidden by despair, finally became visible. He heard her talking quietly to herself.
“I shall bear the weight of another world no longer. The troubles that I carried there I will not carry again. Here a new life may be born.”
As she ceased talking he came up behind her and put his arm around her waist. He did not know why and neither did she, but they both allowed it to happen.
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A/N: Please, please, please R&R! Good reviews are appreciated, and constructive criticism is treasured.
Chapter 9 - A Lesson in Personal Bubbles
Disclaimer: We own our Legolas posters. That’s it.
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Laura and Legolas continued their lesson after the mid-day meal, exploring the gardens and discussing whatever came to mind. Both felt that they could talk openly with the other. Laura explained her discomfort with a certain male who had taken too much of an interest with her.
“His name is Jared, and he, well, fell in love with me after only a few hours of knowing me. He kept trying to call me on the phone.”
This got her a curious look from the elf.
“Oh! Uh, we have this device that we can use to talk to people over long distances.”
He nodded, slightly grasping the concept.
“Well, he’s had this obsession with me for about a year now. I like him as a friend, but I don’t share the same feeling that he has for me. He’s gotten more persistent in trying to contact me recently. I guess that’s one of the reasons that I’m glad about being here as opposed to my world.”
Legolas told her about his home in Mirkwood and the pressures of being a prince. The two suddenly came upon Aragorn and Suzanne, the man with his arm around the human woman’s waist.
Laura looked at Legolas, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
“My Lord, Legolas. What have we here?”
Legolas looked back, smirking slightly.
“Why, Lady Laura, is it not Lord Aragorn and Lady Suzanne? It seems Estel has been shirking his duties in taking care of his charge.”
“Or following them too well.”
Suzanne closed her eyes, her mouth clenched in a mixture of embarrassment and irritation. {Laura will pay. Dearly.} She turned around, twisting herself out of Aragorn’s embrace, and stared at the brunette. She smiled sweetly, trying futilely to hide her mortification. Luckily for Laura, Suzanne was able to control the malice inside of her. {Ignorant Laura, however, is not thinking about what she is saying}
The brunette glanced at the elf momentarily before laughing quietly at her friend. It was obvious she was trying to control her anger. Laura dreaded to think of what Suzanne would think of as revenge, however.
Aragorn, attempting to change the attention of the group, addressed the three.
“It is getting late. We should return.”
Laura and Suzanne quickly walked to the horses. Legolas smiled knowingly at his friend, winking before following the two women. Both men realized that there were only two horses.
“[Aragorn, Lady Suzanne will ride with you on Indo Cormamin. Lady Laura and I shall ride on Ohtar.]”
Suzanne paused and turned from where she was standing. She was almost positive that she had heard her name spoken. Her name was easy to hear as it had the ‘double s’ sound to it. Ever since she was small(-er), she had listened for her name in any sentence. Suzanne was paranoid, and everyone who was around her would discover that fact in one way or another.
As she reached Indo Cormamin, Aragorn placed his hands on her waist and picked her up to settle her on the mare. He then mounted behind her and took the reins in his hands. Legolas followed a similar suit, both the brunette woman and blonde elf seated atop Ohtar.
The four reached the core of Imiladris soon after. Legolas dismounted before offering his hand to help Laura off the bay stallion. Aragorn got off Indo Cormamin, Suzanne then losing her balance. Laura laughed slightly at her friend’s plight. {Surprise, surprise.} Aragorn caught her before she hit the ground and settled her lightly on her feet once more. The group then ate dinner and parted for the night. Suzanne began to walk off, muttering.
Aragorn departed to talk with Arwen while Legolas escorted the girls to their room.
“Ir abarad. Maer aduial, Brennilenae.” [Until tomorrow, good night, my ladies.]
Laura’s gaze turned harsh, the elf smiling sheepishly.
“Nurnon. Maer aduial, Laura and Suzanne.” [I’m sorry. Good night.]
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As soon as the door shut, Suzanne turned and glared at her friend.
“What did you think you were doing?”
Laura smirked deviously at her friend, her voice holding a slightly triumphant tone.
“I knew you had feelings for him!”
Suzanne growled under her breath and lunged at her friend. Tackling her on the bed, she began to mercilessly tickle her. Laura began screaming and laughing at the same time. (Don’t ask how.) She started to counter- attack, Suzanne laughing hysterically. Legolas ran into the room again, wondering what had happened in the five minutes he had been gone. Laura grinned evilly and looked at her friend.
“Why, Suzanne, do you believe that Elves are ticklish?”
“I do not know, my dear friend. Let us find out.”
The two ran forward and wrestled Legolas to the ground. Suzanne held one arm as she tickled one of his sides. Laura did the same. This continued for a few moments, Legolas finally getting one arm free from Suzanne and lurching forward towards Laura.
Laura immediately tried to back up, but only succeeded in landing on her back so that she was lying on the floor. Legolas began to tickle her stomach, causing her to try to kick him away slightly. She began to laugh hysterically while Suzanne sat and watched her friend with no intent of helping her. Not that Laura would want to be helped out of that situation, anyway.
Aragorn took long strides down the hallway leading to his temporary bedchamber, his spirit slightly somber because of the fate Arwen was leaning toward deciding. He loved her, yet he would prefer for her to live forever with her Elven kin. As he walked down the hall, he heard shrieks coming from Laura and Suzanne’s bedchamber. He mentally prepared himself for whatever was happening and drew his sword. Aragorn burst through the door of the room, stopping immediately to take in the sight before him.
Legolas was leaning over Laura, tickling her as she was laughing and screaming. Aragorn arched an eyebrow and looked at Suzanne questioningly. She just laughed, thinking that this would be the perfect time to take revenge. But she couldn’t, as she was incapable of making herself stop laughing. The brunette man walked closer to the two, who were seemingly oblivious of his presence.
He cleared his throat, eliciting a shriek of surprise from Laura. Legolas quickly leaped to his feet, almost colliding with his friend as he looked around the room. Laura’s breathing was slightly labored from all the laughing. She sat up, folding one leg under the other one that was raised so that she could rest her head on her knee. Suzanne looked at her friend for a moment, conveying with her eyes and motions of her head that they should get Aragorn. Laura motioned that Suzanne should attack first, attempting to distract the brunette man.
“Thank you, my lord. It was becoming quite difficult to breathe.”
Suzanne began to move toward her friend before darting quickly in the direction of Aragorn and attacking his sides. Laura swiftly swung her leg out, knocking him to the ground by colliding with the back of his knees. Aragorn quickly got the upper hand on the small blonde and soon commenced with tickling her. Legolas’ clear laughter sprang from his lips as he sat down beside his charge.
Laura looked over at him and smiled before turning her attention to Aragorn and Suzanne once more. Legolas took this opportunity to assail again, quickly grabbing Laura’s wrists with one hand while his other hand roamed her stomach in search of a sensitive place. Laura squealed again, taken by surprise.
As Legolas was occupied with Laura, Aragorn had succeeded in putting an arm around the blonde’s small waist and clamping her arms to her side. With his other hand he was assaulting her feet. The laughter of the four reverberated within the room. It was all Suzanne could do to keep herself from biting her captor. (She seemed to enjoy that, although Laura constantly reminded her that it wasn’t appropriate to bite people.) Soon she turned her head to face him and plead to be released from his vise-like grip. As her face revolved she muffled another yelp, finding herself face- to-face, or rather nose-to-nose, with Isildur’s heir. She almost wished she could stay there, but looking over she saw Laura in an even more strenuous situation.
“Umm, excuse me.”
She managed to mutter this loud enough for him to hear and twisted out of his siege. The small girl sat upright and cross-legged, wondering if she should intervene.
After a minute the tall brunette and even taller blonde stopped again, Legolas still hovering over her while grasping her arms. One knee of his was placed on either side of her legs. Laura looked away from him, suddenly realizing the prospect of the position they were in.
“Awkward position. Personal bubble. Please move.”
She laughed slightly after saying that, Legolas quickly releasing her and standing. He extended his hand to help her up and she gratefully took it. When they stood, they realized that Aragorn and Suzanne were staring at them. Laura avoided eye contact with both of them, awkward silence filling the room for a moment. Aragorn then spoke up.
“Legolas and I should leave now. Good night, Laura and Suzanne. We will see you at the breaking of dawn.”
The two left, closing the doors to the bedchamber behind them. Laura soon started giggling again.
“Yeah, see me up at the breaking of dawn. I’m thinking not.”
Suzanne just smiled at her friend before resorting to taunting once more.
“What was it exactly that you and Legolas were doing over there?”
Suzanne smirked, as Laura stood speechless, trying to think of something to say but failing miserably. The two proceeded to get ready for bed and soon drifted into a peaceful slumber.
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A/N: The Council of Elrond is coming up next. Please R&R. Give us any suggestions you have! Ask questions! Comment! Flame us if you’d like, we’ll just burn down the school with them.
Chapter 10 - The Council of Elrond
A/N: sorry for not updating in a while, here’s the next chapter.
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Sunlight streamed into the Elven bedchamber, awakening the blonde woman from her peaceful slumber. Laura simply groaned and pulled the covers over her head to block the intrusive light. Suzanne laughed at her friend’s antics, slipping from the bed to the floor. She grabbed a satin blue dress from the skillfully crafted armoire before attempting to dress behind the veil. The corset, however, was different than the one before and she couldn’t lace it on her own.
“LAURA!”
“Go away.”
“Wake up!”
“Sleep. Leave me alone.”
Suzanne walked over to her friend and pulled the covers away from her. Laura growled at her friend and put the pillow over her head. Suzanne tore the pillow away and grabbed Laura’s arm, trying to pull her off the bed.
“Get. Up.”
“Why???”
“Legolas is in the room.”
“Really? Where?”
Laura perked up pretty quickly, looking around the room. She realized that he was not currently in their bedchamber.
“You lie!”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just help me lace this thing up.”
“Fine. If that’s what you wanted, why didn’t you just ask?”
“I did. You didn’t get up.”
“Really? I don’t remember things going that way. You tried to kill me, but, never asked.” Laura put emphasis on the last word.
“Your memory’s slipping.”
Laura laughed slightly while rolling her eyes. She helped Suzanne lace up the corset before selecting a red dress and another corset. Laura stepped behind the dressing veil and began to change. Suzanne helped her with lacing the corset and then sat on the bed again. Legolas and Aragorn entered the room at that moment, not bothering to knock.
Suzanne said quietly to her friend, “Laura, Legolas is here.”
Laura loudly replied, “Suzanne, I’m not stupid. You already tried that once today.”
“Laura, seriously. He’s here.”
“STOP LIEING TO ME!”
Laura looked over the edge of the veil to prove her point, making eye contact with a certain blonde elf. She quickly disappeared behind the veil again, her face beginning to match the color of her dress.
Suzanne said resignedly, “Told ya so.”
Legolas flopped down in a chair, leaving Aragorn only the bed on which to sit. The brunette human sat down beside Suzanne, leaving her in uncomfortable silence. Laura slowly emerged from the dressing veil’s protection, avoiding eye contact with the two men. Suzanne laughed silently to herself. Laura broke the awkward silence.
“So, what are we up to today?”
Aragorn looked at her strangely, not understanding.
“Today. What are we going to do?”
The man showed recognition and began to answer. “Elrond has assembled a group of various races to meet together and discuss the Ring.”
Laura whispered to herself, “The Council of Elrond.”
Legolas addressed the two women, “Lord Elrond requests that you attend.”
Suzanne and Laura looked at each other. Their very presence could affect the outcome of the council. They weren’t supposed to be there. Then again, they weren’t supposed to be in Middle Earth either. The two nodded their consent, the men and woman rising to exit.
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Laura and Suzanne sat by each other. Aragorn was seated by Suzanne and Legolas was adjacent to Laura.
Elrond stood and began to address the group. “Strangers of distant lands, friends of old, you’ve been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fail. Each race is bound to this fate. This one doom. Bring forth the ring, Frodo.”
Suzanne began to mouth the words along with Elrond. Laura indiscreetly elbowed her in the arm to shut her up. Suzanne, in turn, dug her nails into Laura’s skin to seek revenge before settling into silently reviewing each of the lines in her head.
Frodo rose and placed the ring on a pedestal in the middle of the arena, everyone surrounding the two gasping as they saw it, save for their two companions, the Elven lord, and Gandalf.
Boromir spoke up. “So it is true?”
Someone in the crowd whispered, although the girls could not discern who it was. “The doom of man.”
Boromir rose and began to approach the ring, stretching his hand to grasp it and take it as his own. Gandalf saw this and immediately began reciting the speech of the Black Tongue. The ground trembled and the sky became darker.
At Gandalf’s haunting words, the two drew closer to the formerly mentioned men seated beside them. Legolas put a comforting hand on Laura’s arm while Aragorn gently rubbed Suzanne’s shoulder to calm her down.
Boromir sat down before beginning to rave. “It is a gift. A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring? Long has my father, the steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him.”
The girls rolled their eyes during Boromir’s monologue. Suzanne could feel Aragorn shift uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes boring into Boromir’s figure. It was evident that the ranger was not happy. At the end of the man’s speech, Aragorn spoke.
“You cannot wield it. None of us can. The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master.”
Boromir turned and looked accusingly at the future king of Gondor.
“An what would a Ranger know of this matter?”
Aragorn looked at a loss for words before Legolas stood and came to his rescue.
“This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance.”
Boromir regarded Aragorn with an air of disgust.
“Aragorn. This is Isildur's heir?”
Legolas continued. “And heir to the throne of Gondor.”
The tension suddenly became very evident, and Estel sought to cease its pressure.
“Havka dof Legolas.” [Sit down, Legolas.]
Fire brewed in the elf’s eyes, but he sat down once again, his hands gripping the armrest of the chair to ebb his fury. Laura glanced at him quickly, but he caught her gaze as she tried to turn away. She smiled, trying to make him feel better and mouthed, “It’ll be okay.” The elf nodded, a bit of harshness in his face dissipating.
The council continued as it had in the movie, the girls snickering silently in regard to Gimli’s inevitable failure. The races began to argue, Suzanne and Laura zoning out of what was going on around them. Frodo’s face looked plagued and tormented, earning sympathy from both women.
He immediately stood and walked to the bickering crowd, proclaiming his desire to take the Ring to Mordor. Each of the 9 individuals pledged their allegiance to Frodo, assembling before the Elven Lord.
The nine stood before Lord Elrond, his piercing brown eyes passing judgment on each man before him. His gaze traveled to the two young women, strides carrying him before them.
“I wish for you to accompany them. Your knowledge may be useful.”
Laura looked over at Suzanne before facing the Elven lord once more. “I fear that any knowledge they attain from us may change the future of Middle Earth that we know.”
Elrond’s face remained stoic. “It is my will that you accompany them. Travel at least to Lothlorien, where you will meet the Lady Galadriel.”
Laura turned to her friend once more, addressing Lord Elrond. “Will you give us an hour to talk about it?”
The brunette nodded and walked back to the ensemble of nine. “These two may accompany you on your travels. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring.”
Pippin spoke up, “Great! Where are we going?”
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“Aw, come on Laura! It’ll be fun!”
“Yeah, it’ll be fun. Until some stray arrow hits us and we DIE!”
“You don’t know that. Maybe, if we die here, we just go back to our world.”
“And what if we don’t?”
“Umm..It’ll be more time for you to spend with Legolas!”
“Excuse me for caring more about my life than some hot elf who I just met a few weeks ago!”
“Please?”
“Our presence could change their future.”
“What if we were meant to be here? Let’s at least go to Lorien, like Ronny said!”
Laura looked strangely at her friend, raising an eyebrow. “Ronny?”
“Elrond!”
“Riiight then. Fine, we’ll go as far as Lothlorien, but I’m not promising anything more.” Laura walked off to go tell Lord Elrond.
Suzanne waited for a moment, muttering under her breath, “She sounds like my mother.” She quickly followed her friend.
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A/N: Well, that’s it for now. PLEASE review..reviews keep us inspired and HAPPY! We’ll give u Legolas and Aragorn posters..
Chapter 11 - Three Dangerous Letters
Disclaimer: If we owned LotR we’d be old, dead people… which we’re not!
This chapter was written under the influence of Hilary Duff music. We are not to be held accountable for any content of this segment. lol.
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Lord Elrond looked pleased at the girls’ decision, although the brunette’s uncertainty was etched all across her face. He attempted to reassure her.
“Although the hobbits are untrained, the rest of the Fellowship is quite well-versed in battle.”
Laura mumbled softly, more to herself than the elf. “I would still prefer to be able to protect myself.”
The keen elf’s hearing picked up each word. “You will each be provided with the weapons you were trained in. Aragorn and Legolas will continue to instruct you in their use before you leave and possibly during your journey if there is time.”
This information appeared to comfort the girl a little more, and she stepped back to be adjacent to her friend once more. Suzanne looked up.
“When will we be leaving?”
The elf thought for a moment. “Today is October 25th, about 2 months. You both will need to make a list of supplies that you will need. Exclude food, as we will ensure you have plenty of that.”
The two nodded, bowing slightly before the Elven lord before walking back to their room.
The girls made similar lists, naming things like shoes, stockings, soap, pen, ink, and a blank book. If they were going to stay in Middle Earth, there was no way they weren’t going to record what happened.
Suzanne and Laura spent much of their time training with Aragorn and Legolas, although there were weeks where the two would hear nothing from the men. When they inquired about it, the only response they received was that it was of “no importance”.
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The two girls decided to follow the two men one day, knowing that they would not be coming to training because of their absence the day before. They woke up before dawn, dressed in black and covered in cameo make-up. They kept humming the mission impossible theme song and hid in a corner of the hall where they would not be sighted by a passerby. Aragorn and Legolas emerged from their rooms and began to journey down the hall, allowing the girls a tidbit of their conversation.
“When will they just give up?”
“They believe that they will slow us down.”
“So give them horses!”
“And what happens when we lose the horses? They will be too used to riding to have the strength to walk.”
“They are not weak.”
“We’ll need to prove that to the rest of the Fellowship then.”
It didn’t take long for the women to discover that they were talking about them, and this made them even more interested. They trailed about 10 feet behind, their steps masked by stockings. The group of 4 reached a building where the rest of the Fellowship was already gathered. Aragorn and Legolas went inside, shutting the door behind them. Suzanne and Laura leaned against the door, straining to hear what was going on inside.
Lord Elrond was the first to speak. “Boromir and Gimli, I understand your concern, but each of these meetings takes more time from your preparation to leave!”
Boromir replied, “What is the use of us preparing to leave if we are going to be taking what will slow us down to the speed of a snail! They do not know how to battle and are of no use to the mission! Why bring them?”
Legolas spoke calmly, though fire could be detected in his voice, “They are learning how to defend themselves and attack. Their stamina is greater than the hobbits and they know more about this quest than any of us.”
Gimli raged, “You only wish to bring them along because you have your eye on the dark-haired one! I, for one, will not stand idly by as you sign our death warrants by taking the women with us!”
He threw open the doors, hitting the two eavesdroppers and stopping as he heard a loud “oof!”. Boromir immediately grabbed Laura as Gimli grabbed Suzanne.
Boromir said triumphantly, “Look here! Even now they listen to a meeting they had not been summoned to! Do not let these weak women come with us. Leave them here in Rivendell where they will be safe until our quest is finished.”
Laura struggled to free herself from his grasp. “Let go!”
“Be still.”
Laura’s voice dropped, adopting a serious, menacing tone. “You did not just tell me what to do.”
“I did, child! Hold your tongue!”
Laura rolled her eyes and dropped to the ground, swinging out her left leg to knock the warrior off his feet. “I’ve got 3 letters for you. It’s past the IRS and more dangerous than STD. P. M. S. Don’t mess with me!”
Legolas took her arm gently and placed his hand on her waist to guide her over next to him and away from the fuming Gondorian.
Suzanne twisted her arm and wrenched free from the dwarf, losing her balance and running into Aragorn. The ranger grabbed her arms and up righted her before pulling her to his side.
Elrond studied the two girls a moment before breaking the stunned silence. “Well, I believe they have proven that they can hold their own in a tight situation. They will be going with us, and I expect no more interruptions from Boromir and Gimli.”
The man of Gondor got up and stalked out the door, trailed by the dwarf.
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That whole PMS thing was from some monologue in drama. Yeah, so, please review and tell us what u think.
Chapter 12 - Down by the Banks of the Bruinen
A/N: yeah, that last chapter was short, so, you get another one! Mwahahaha
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Aragorn and Legolas escorted the two women back to their room, the two girls again trailing behind the men.
Suzanne whispered to Laura, “Ya think they’re mad at us?”
Laura answered, “I don’t know. Probably. We did sneak into some meeting that we weren’t supposed to be at.”
Suzanne replied, “Yeah, but, it was about us. So, it wouldn’t be fair if we weren’t there.”
Laura rolled her eyes. “Since when is life ever fair?”
Suzanne nodded her head. “True, true. Hey, where did you learn that whole kicky-spinning-knocking Boromir over thingy?”
Laura shrugged. “I actually have no clue. I just felt like doing it, and, it worked.”
“Fair enough.”
Legolas and Isildur’s heir were having their own conversation at the time, discussing what happened recently in Elrond’s company. The group eventually reached the two girls’ room, Laura and Legolas sitting on the bed while Aragorn and Suzanne sat by the window.
There was awkward silence for a moment, Laura finally sighed and leaned back to lay down. Suzanne rested her head against the windowpane, avoiding eye contact with Aragorn.
Legolas broke the silence. “What was this...P...M...A, was it?”
Laura laughed, a blush creeping into her cheeks. “Umm, it’s PMS, and, it’s an...acronym! It’s our world’s way of saying a bad mood. Yeah, that’s it.” The last part was muttered under her breath.
Suzanne quirked an eyebrow at her friend but nodded in agreement to save them both from embarrassment.
Aragorn stood. “We should probably continue your training. Legolas and I will retrieve our weapons and then come by here to take both of you to a more hospitable area.”
The two men left the room. Hysterical laughter filled the room as soon as the door closed. Suzanne looked at her friend, believing she had finally gone over the edge.
“What, pray tell, is so funny?”
Laura gasped for air, fits of laughter interrupting her speech. “PMA! Pre- Menstrual ATTACK!”
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When the two men entered the room, Laura was rubbing the back of her head and Suzanne was grinning triumphantly.
“That hurt, ya know.”
“You need better reflexes.”
Suzanne’s head turned, looking at the elf and the man. She softly punched Laura’s shoulder to get her attention, but Laura became quite upset. She turned around and elbowed her hard in the stomach. Suzanne rolled off the bed and onto the floor, groaning. Laura gave a sheepish smile.
“Guess I don’t know my own strength...”
Suzanne didn’t move.
Laura got off the bed and knelt down by Suzanne, seeing she was trying to stifle her giggling. Laura poked Suzanne.
“Ma’am, are you okay? Are you okay?”
She turned Suzanne over on her back.
“My name is Laura. I’m trained in First Aid. I am here to help you. May I help you?”
No response.
“Are you UNCONCIOUS?”
No response. Laura checked her breathing and heart rate.
“Oh no! No heart beat! I guess I’ll hafta perform CPR!”
Suzanne bolted to standing up. Laura smirked.
“Pity, I was just about to teach Aragorn rescue breathing. Unless, of course, you’re going to have a relapse.”
Aragorn and Legolas looked at the two like they had lost their minds (which was incredibly possible). Suzanne was about to agree, but looked over at the blonde and brunette and decided against it.
“Yeah, anyway. I seem to be recovering quickly, so lets see if I can go get injured some more! Yay weapon training!”
Laura shook her head while laughing and followed the two men out the door.
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After hours (or so it seemed) of practicing with scimitars, swords, bows and arrows, and otherwise sharp (and shiny) objects, Suzanne and Aragorn took a break by the Bruinen River. Laura and Legolas were practicing archery from horseback nearby.
Suzanne hopped from one rock to the other, speaking with Estel about how beautiful the river was. Her foot slipped on the wet stone, and she fell into the crystal waters. Aragorn yelled and quickly dove into the water after her. Laura and Legolas quickly turned their attention to the splashing water. Laura pulled the reins, dragging her horse to a halt. She quickly dismounted from Ohtar and ran to the edge of the river.
Suzanne was splashing wildly, Laura laughing at her friend from the bank. She knew fully well that her friend could swim if she wanted to, but as long as Aragorn was around to save her, she didn’t want to be able to swim. Laura decided to play along, wanting to go for a swim anyway. She sat on the side of the river, slipping into the water and screaming. Legolas’ attention averted from Suzanne to Laura, now immersed in the water. He soon joined the other 3 in the river.
Aragorn reached Suzanne, grabbing her by the arm and lifting her so that she was cradled in his arms. He swam to the edge of the shore and gently set her down on the ground.
“My lady, are you harmed?”
Suzanne opened her eyes, shook her head, and stood up slowly. She then grinned and quickly pushed Aragorn back into the water.
“I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME ‘MY LADY”!” She was desperately trying to not laugh as she yelled. After that, she jumped into the water with a fit of giggles.
Legolas reached Laura, who was still underwater. He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her above the surface. She quickly shrieked and pushed down on his shoulders with her hands, putting her weight on her arms. He collapsed beneath the water, Laura laughing triumphantly. She quickly screamed again as he pulled her leg and brought her under again.
After minutes of pushing each other around in the water, Suzanne finally convinces Isildur’s Heir to allow her to get out of the water. Following not too far behind they swim toward the bank. Finding a foothold on the smooth rocks was no easy task, and Suzanne, being challenged with balance, slipped on the river floor. Once again, Aragorn, her rescuer, caught her with little effort. Turning her head, she began to apologize for her lack of grace.
“You know, I should probably work on that, it can’t be...” Her words trailed off as she found that her face had come within close proximity with Estel’s. She began to stare deeply into his brown eyes, captivated by what lay within them. True, it was a cheesy, fairytale moment but she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Laura, being the wonderful person that she was, decided to add to this moment with fireworks and romantic music as she was leaving the water. Or not, seeing as Middle Earth had neither corny romantic music nor explosive decorations (well, at least not unless Gandalf was around). She went underwater and pushed the hair out of her face, coming up to see the “cheesy, fairytale moment”. She quickly put her hands over her heart and “aww”-ed loudly.
Suzanne’s cheeks turned crimson as she turned her face to glare at her “friend”. Laura, however, was no longer paying attention, as she was being “attacked” by a certain Elven prince. He quickly came up behind her and pulled her back to have her fall in the water. Laura turned in midair to grab a hold of him to prevent herself from falling over, causing herself to fall sideways. Legolas lost his balance in the process and fell on top of her, bracing either arm on each side of her to avoid crushing her. She glanced down at his lips, before looking to his eyes again. Her eyes traveled between the two for a few seconds. He lowered his head to hers, inches away from her before a voice interrupted him.
“Umm...Laura?”
“Not now.”
“No, seriously, you’re going to want to stop for now.”
“Go away.”
At that moment a deep voice froze the elf and human.
“What kind of training is this, exactly?”
Four pairs of eyes shifted to see Lord Elrond standing on the bank, looking quite curiously at the two. Legolas hurriedly stood up, Laura quickly following.
Suzanne finally decided to break the extremely awkward silence. “Good afternoon, M’Lord.” This only provided a slight distraction
Laura quickly spoke up. “We were, um, practicing hand-to-hand combat, and, I lost my balance and accidentally knocked M’Lord Legolas down as well.”
Lord Elrond’s big, fuzzy eyebrows were raised. It was all Suzanne could to from laughing out loud, and Laura would be doing the same if she wasn’t so terrified.
“And I’m sure he was just telling your lips a secret about how not to fall?”
A long pause followed, leaving Laura to try and find something else to look at, like the interesting rocks. Lord Elrond finally spoke again.
“Legolas, I wish to talk to you. Now. Alone.”
Legolas nodded and quickly followed after the Elf lord.
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Suzie:Bwahahahahaha!
Laura: Poor leggy! Wait, why am I saying poor Leggy? POOR ME!!!
Suzie: Why poor you?
Laura: I was SOOO CLOSE!!!
Suzie: Um, not really...see, we planned this from the beginning, remember?
Laura breaks down into uncontrollable sobbing
Suzie: Yeah, ummm, right. Well, read and review! And, I’ll try and calm down Laura here before the next chapter.
Chapter 13 - Reconciliation
Disclaimer: yeah, we own nothing. ‘cept our Lord of the Rings trilogy and paraphernalia. (Suzanne likes big words.) Sue us if ya want, it’s not like you’re gonna get any money from us anyway.
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Elrond and Legolas walked into the forest, the latter trailing behind the former with his head lowered. Elrond turned around and looked at the younger elf, his big, bushy eyebrows rising again.
“Do explain what that was about.”
“The women decided they wanted to take a break and swim for a few moments. We were planning on resuming their training just as you returned.”
“That is not what I was asking about.”
Legolas sighed in resignation. “I do not know what happened or what came over either of us. Nothing happened, nor will happen again.”
Elrond nodded. “It would not be wise for you to be romantically involved with her. They may well disappear as quickly as they appeared, and your emotions could get in the way once the quest begins.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Return to your teaching.”
Legolas returned to the group of three, each peering curiously at him. Laura broke the silence.
“What did he say?”
“Nothing of consequence. We should return to Rivendell.”
Suzanne and Laura exchanged silent glances, knowing that something had been mentioned that the elf was not telling. Neither asked, however, and Suzanne and Aragorn began to walk back to Rivendell. Laura whistled for Ohtar, and the bay stallion cantered over to the woman. She took the reins of the horse before following after the two. Legolas took the reins of his horse, bringing the animal up to walk side-by-side with the other. Awkward silence followed, neither knowing what to say after what had just almost happened.
Laura cleared her throat, breaking the silence. “Um, so, about what happened back there...”
Legolas spoke quickly.
“I apologize, my lady. I got carried away in the moment. I assure you: it will not happen again.”
He swiftly proceeded to move up and walk in front of Laura. She growled softly, tears threatening to spill. The phrase was whispered, yet the elf’s keen hearing was able to pick it up.
“I told you not to call me ‘my lady’.”
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A week remained before the Fellowship would leave for the quest and training continued. Suzanne and Aragorn watched in dismay as Laura and Legolas regarded each other with an uninterested detachment. Inside, Laura was screaming in protest, but she refused to let herself be hurt again. Her friend wanted to be sympathetic, as she understood what she was feeling, but she felt powerless to help.
Each time the two girls were alone in their rooms Suzanne would watch Laura, feeling completely helpless to make her feel any better. She waited for her friend to talk, knowing that she would when she felt like it.
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Suzanne and Aragorn continued training with swords, the woman learning how to defend and attack. Some discussion would come up regarding the elf and brunette, yet both thought nothing could be done except just to wait and see what would happen.
Legolas and Laura continued with archery, advancing to moving targets. Laura secretly hoped Legolas would volunteer for the position as a moving target, yet, she doubted that would happen. Both went into the woods, Legolas pointing out a squirrel sitting on a tree branch. She lined up her bow and arrow, concentrating on the animal. Her form was a bit off, so Legolas slid behind her to correct it. This only caused her to be more distracted. She swiftly shot off the arrow, completely missing the squirrel. Laura twisted out from in front of him, facing his now confused countenance. She breathed a deep sigh, throwing the weapons to the ground.
“We need to talk.”
The elf nodded in agreement. Laura took a deep breath, reviewing what she had been considering saying for the past week.
“What happened to us? I mean, I thought we were becoming pretty good friends. Possibly even more than friends, and after what happened, or almost happened, at the river...things have just been strange. I want things back the way they were.”
She turned away from him, hands gripping her arms which were crossed across her abdomen. Her throat began to choke up, making it even harder to keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks.
“My la—Laura”
Her heart leapt within her chest, hearing him call her “my Laura”. Of course, that had not been the intention, and he was simply calling her “Laura” instead of “my lady”. She listened to his words, fixating on her gaze on a leaf on the ground as though it were the most interesting thing in the world.
“I too miss our companionship, but, Lord Elrond--, he has requested that we not become ‘involved’ so as to not endanger the quest.”
So that was what Elrond talked to him about. A surge of anger swelled up within her, the girl tiring of people (or elves, in this case) always becoming involved when things were so close to working between herself and someone she was interested in.
“So be it. I can live without your affection, however hard it may be. I cannot, however, live without your friendship.”
She realized she was probably being a bit overdramatic, but that was the beauty of being a drama queen. It would be difficult to be around him and control the feelings that fought to surface every time she thought of him, yet she needed to hold on to the fragile friendship they had formed. Legolas’ hand gently gripped her arm, turning her to face him.
“Friends?”
She nodded, two tears escaping from her hazel eyes to cascade down her pale face. Legolas’ expression softened, the elf leaning forward. His lips came in contact with her cheek, kissing away the salty drop before repeating the action on the other. He wrapped his arms around her in a ‘friendly’ hug, silently breaking the contract of simple friendship between them.
Chapter 14 - Flowers and Fluffy Moments
Disclaimer: Nope, we don’t own Lord of the Rings. Nor do we own any of the actors.
Laura: But if Orlando Bloom wants to own me, he can!!! ;)
Yeah, sorry we haven’t updated in a while...uhh, we really don’t have any excuses. Heh heh...
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The day before they left finally came, leaving the girls in a hurried bustle to get everything together in a small sack they could carry if it became required. The girls’ would be taking both Ohtar and Indo Cormamin along to serve as packhorses and mounts. A meeting would be held later in the night for all 11 members of the Fellowship, yet the girls had the entire day to themselves. At around 10 the finally went to the kitchen, getting some bread to eat for breakfast. The Elven bread tasted much better than lembas, which would be a good amount of their diet for the journey.
The girls wandered around Rivendell, taking in the beautiful scenery for perhaps the last time. They passed by a terrace, spotting Elrond and Aragorn speaking in hushed tones. Laura and Suzanne pressed their ears to the side of the structure, trying to decipher what they were saying.
“She stays because of you!” Elrond said, a little louder than he had intended.
The two needed to hear no more, they knew the discussion that was going on. Elrond wanted Aragorn to have Arwen go to Valinor. Both knew that it would do no good at any rate. Suzanne sighed, slightly overcome by the helplessness of the situation. Aragorn and Arwen loved each other. Arwen would refuse to go to Valinor and she and Aragorn would marry after he returned from the War of the Ring. Yet as each day passed, Suzanne felt herself drawn closer to the man who would one day rule Gondor.
Laura noticed Suzanne’s distress, yet she knew that little could be done to remedy whatever sadness plagued her friend’s mind. It had always been that way, and Suzanne would eventually find happiness. She hoped.
“Mellynnen!” {My friends}
A male voice broke the silence, Legolas approaching the two with a smile on his face. Suzanne nodded to the elf, outstretching her hand to him. He took it in his own and pressed it to his lips in a typical greeting.
“Brennilen.” {My lady}
“Brannonnen.” {My lord}
Legolas’ attention averted to Laura. She reached out her hand to him, he gently taking it and kissing her hand. Even though this greeting had happened countless times, she never became accustomed to such chivalry.
“Pen velui.” {Lovely one}
Legolas had begun calling her that, although the girl had no idea what it meant. She heard the term used with no one else but her.
“Caunen.” {My prince}
She quickly took her hand from his, stepping closer to him and placing her arms around his neck in a quick hug. Aragorn and Legolas had become used to such a greeting, one she reserved for closer friends. Laura stepped back before Elrond became suspicious of anything, offering a gracious smile before speaking.
“Are you ready to begin the journey?”
“I believe so, Pen dithen {little one}. And you?”
“Yeah, I’m ready. I’m not looking forward to leaving everything here in Imiladris, though.”
“I understand, Pen velui. Perhaps you would join me on a ride to admire the beauty of Rivendell once more before we leave?”
“As gellen” {It would be my pleasure.}
Laura looked to Suzanne, checking if it was okay with her. Suzanne nodded and walked towards Aragorn, who was now sitting on a bench contemplating the recent conversation with Lord Elrond.
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Ohtar was unavailable to ride because he needed to rest for the journey ahead, so the groomsmen gave Laura a black mare that resembled an Arabian in the way her body was shaped and her face was dished. Laura was told that her name was Loraica, which roughly translates into “evil dream” or “Nightmare”. Legolas was given a black beast named “Melkor” after the rebellious Valar. Both horses were head-strong and a handful, but Laura preferred her riding to be a challenge. She was wearing the clothes that she was in when she first came to Middle Earth, so the girl was able to swing upon the mare’s back with little difficulty. Legolas quickly mounted Melkor and the two made their way into one of Rivendell’s largest gardens.
The two talked about little, instead soaking in the beauty of the flowers. The flora’s perfume mingled with the air, allowing the elf and woman to relax. Legolas gently pulled his right arm towards his body, directing the stallion beneath him off the path. He motioned for Laura to follow him. Laura was comfortable around horses but did not necessarily trust Loraica off the beaten path. Legolas saw her concern.
“Garo estel ned nin” {Trust in me.}
The woman’s expression softened a bit, her hands directing the black mare to follow Legolas’ mount. The two reached a stream, horses’ dark limbs splashing the water around as they crossed the miniature river. Not far away stood a veranda with a bench, underneath towering flowering trees the likes of which Laura had never seen before. The flowers repeatedly altered colors every few moments, cascading from red to blue, violet, pink, and yellow, back to red again. She gasped as she saw the changing colors.
“Bain...” {Beautiful}
“Ai. El bain.” {Yes. You are beautiful.}
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Suzanne looked to Aragorn, eyes questioning.
“May I sit by you, my lord?”
Aragorn nodded, sliding slightly to the edge of the bench to allow more room for the young woman.
She looked at him a moment longer.
“What bothers you?”
Aragorn muttered “melethen” {my love} under his breath before giving an answer.
“Arwen intends on waiting in Imiladris for my return after the War of the Ring. If she stays in Middle Earth, she will lose her immortality and one day die, alone and separated from her people. I fear, however, even I am too late to save her from staying here. Tell me, in your world, did Arwen die? How may I save her?”
Suzanne smiled sadly.
“Brannonnen, I cannot tell you the course of this world.”
Aragorn nodded.
“Of course. Forgive me for asking.”
Suzanne smiled, quoting from the movie.
“There is nothing to forgive.”
She smiled and he gently smiled back.
“I suppose it would be selfish for me to ask her to sacrifice her life for my happiness.”
“Sometimes we must sacrifice what we desire most to accomplish what must be done.”
“Well spoken, Brennilen. It is a wonder that someone of your age would be so wise.”
Suzanne softly snorted impudently at his condescending words, yet soon calmed herself with the thought that they were not intended that way.
“Sorrow serves for a great nurturer of wisdom.”
“Indeed” was the soft reply. Aragorn reached over and grasped her hand in a comforting gesture, allowing both to contemplate how the course of their lives would change by the departure made tomorrow.
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Laura: bwahahahahaha! It is finished! Well, at least this chapter is. They’ll either leave in the next chapter or the chapter after that. This’ll probably end up being three separate stories for each of the books/movies.
Chapter 15 - Fights and Flights
Disclaimer: Nope…we don’t own The Lord of the Rings
Suzanne: Fine! Keep depressing me with the fact that I have no money!! sobs
Laura: Don’t mind her…
Both: SCHOOL = SATAN!!!
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The mortal pair continued to sit silently on the stone bench. There were few sounds that surrounded them, yet they would have gone unnoticed anyway, as both were lost in their own worlds. Aragorn thought greatly of the journey ahead and how he could convince Arwen to leave. It was true, he loved her and would risk his life for her, but he would rather her live without him than die with him.
Suzanne’s thoughts rested on a different subject. The fact that Aragorn’s hand still rested upon hers did not help matters much. She had finally been able to convince herself that the act was of friendship, not admiration. She knew that, in the end, Arwen would not leave and that she would marry the king. This put a heavy damper on her thoughts, as she had been drawn to Aragorn. Though heartache had become a familiar part of life, it still burned harshly within.
As they were so engrossed in their feelings, neither saw the shadows move and the keen eyes focusing on them. A sharp, yet muffled gasp was made as the tall figure slowly backed away. It was careful not to step on the leaves that thickly coated the ground. Few tears fell to the ground when the distance increased between it and the pair, beats of its feet shifting into a run.
“El bain.”
Laura blushed at the words, fixating her gaze on a twig lying on the ground. She dismounted from the back of Loraica, allowing the black mare to wander within the clearing. Legolas did the same with Melkor. He gestured for her to follow him to the gazebo, guiding her to sit on a bench facing the opening of the clearing. Laura looked at him questioningly, but he raised his index finger, gesturing for her to be quiet and wait. The noonday sun gradually moved to hang directly overhead, triggering a burst of color and light. The flowers were reacting with the sun, displaying prisms and releasing a delicious aroma. The woman gasped again, overwhelmed by the calming majesty of it all.
She turned her head to find Legolas staring at her. She smiled at him briefly before returning her attention to the surreal beauty of the scene around her. Laura doubted she would ever again see something as gorgeous. The sun slowly descended, causing the lights to sparkle and then diminish. The woman sat in awe for a second, words not being able to describe what had just taken place.
“What are they?”
“They began as regular flowers, but the elves enchanted them. They continue this ritual at dawn, mid-day, and sunset. I believe it is most beautiful at dusk, however.”
“I can’t imagine anything being more beautiful than this.”
“I can.”
He certainly was NOT talking about flowers. Laura blushed again, the crimson color accentuated in the afternoon sun. She glanced up at him, letting herself get lost within his deep blue eyes. She was no longer in Middle Earth, but rather in the Caribbean, being lulled by the calm waves of the crystal clear water. His descending mouth brought her back to reality, her stomach jumping into her throat. She closed her eyes, moving her face forward slightly.
A shaking in the brush brought both out of their daze, heads snapping up to look for the source of the rustle. Unfortunately, Laura’s head came up a little too fast, nailing Legolas in the nose. She covered her mouth with her hand, an apologetic look on her face.
“Oh my gosh! I’m so sorry! Are you okay? I swear I didn’t mean to-“
She reached up to touch his nose, but he moved her hand away.
“It will be fine in a moment, but I really don’t suggest touching it now. Unless, of course, you propose to, what was it? Oh, ‘kiss it and make it better’?”
Laura laughed, swatting him playfully on the arm. The two quickly got the idea that they were not alone, however. A figure dressed in royal blue atop a white horse was in the middle of the clearing, tears streaming down the woman’s face. Laura looked closer, surprised at what she saw.
“Brennilen Arwen!” My lady Arwen!
Arwen’s gaze traveled to the two, her telling eyes conveying she knew what had been happening. That, however, would not cause the elf to burst into tears. Laura and Legolas both had a questioning look on their faces, expecting an answer or explanation. Arwen’s face contorted, shouting out in anger.
“Keep her away from him! Keep that wretched creature away from him, or you shall both regret ever coming to this world!”
With that she spurred her horse to rush onward, leaving a surprised elf and woman in her wake.
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Swiftly she walked through the winding halls that she would soon leave behind. It was around one of the multiple corners that she came close to colliding with a feminine figure, clad in dark blue with a face as pale as the moons and tainted with reddened eyes, which only came from crying. The others face twisted in rage as her own portrayed confusion. Finally the words burst forth to accuse her.
"You would take from me that which I value more than my own life?"
"My Lady.."
"Speak not courtly to me, merely answer the question I have presented. How is it you would steal something most precious to me?"
"I know not of what you speak!"
"Oh, but you do. I speak of our Lord Aragorn. The one who I bound myself to and would die for his love, which I thought I had secured. But no! You, who would come from an unknown land, would try to take him from me. I shall not have it!"
"I would not steal your love, for I know how it feels to have ones heart shattered."
"Do you now? Truly you would not want to face one who has had their own torn apart then. Stay away from him! Stay away from the one who holds my heart!"
"You have nothing to fear, I cannot tear apart that which is true even if I so desired."
"Do not desire to do so, you have no idea how much pain it would inflict upon me."
With this, and emotions still blazing with hatred, love, and pain the Lady Arwen turned curtly and left in the opposite direction. Only then did the blond haired girl utter stiff words spoken through parted lips as tears stained her face.
"Oh, but I do know the pain that comes with heartbreak....only too well do I know."
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Though spoken softly the words were picked up by the acute sense of hearing that had been obtained by the elves.
The two women met in their bedroom that night for perhaps their last night in Imiladris. Laura had an unnatural happiness glowing about her while Suzanne seemed extremely downtrodden. Laura continued to glance questioningly at her friend, yet she had no idea what could be the matter. Suzie seemed to have no interest in sharing her problem. Most of the night continued in silence, the two women concluding their packing.
Morning came all too quickly, tearing Laura from her precious slumber. Her “friend” attempted to shake her awake, quickly receiving a vicious kick from her subject. Laura groaned and rolled over, pulling the covers over her head. Suzanne attempted to remove them. They were already running late, and Laura wasn’t even awake yet. Suzanne paused for a moment, thinking about her options. All of a sudden she screamed and jumped on top of Laura, relentlessly tickling her until they both fell from the bed, bringing all sheets and pillows along with them.
Although they should have been accustomed to the girls’ screaming by now, Aragorn and Legolas dashed into the room. They were met by a giggling pile of covers. The laughing suddenly became silent, a faint “one, two three” being heard. Laura and Suzanne lunged at the unsuspecting “warriors,” knocking them to the ground.
“Good morning!” Laura cried in a singsong voice. She immediately remembered that she just woke up, however, and more than likely resembled and orc. She quickly ran to the other side of the room, grabbing an outfit that she had instructed the tailors to sew. Denim and cotton would not hold well against the elements, yet the fabric of the elves was quite durable. Laura and Suzanne had not been too interested in the fashion selections, however, as they had refused to wear dresses while on the trip.
“Rise and shine, porcupine!” Suzanne chimed, realizing she definitely wasn’t thinking clearly, seeing as the sun had barely risen. Watching Laura run to change, she jumped up, tripping on someone’s ankle on the way, and ran to change as well.
Laura soon emerged, clad in black pants that resembled her denim flares. The Elven tailors had gawked at her request for the clothing, wondering why a lady would want such apparel. Laura had been adamant that she could not, and WOULD not live without her flares. A dark green shirt with a moderately low neckline and black shoes completed the outfit, mixing the colors of Middle Earth with the fashion that she would never relinquish.
Suzanne stepped out soon after, wearing the identical form of her friend’s outfit.
Aragorn and Legolas looked questioningly at them. Aragorn finally spoke.
“Shouldn’t you two get dressed for the journey?”
Laura smiled and responded, “We are. What did you expect us to wear? Dresses?” At the last question she laughed, imagining Suzanne and herself trudging through the Dead Marshes wearing one of their beautiful dresses.
Aragorn still looked confused, “Well, I, uh, I didn’t exactly know. But, uh, I simply didn’t expect...that.”
The clothing was rather form fitting in the men’s opinion. Not that they necessarily minded, but if they were to encounter other men, protecting them could be difficult. Women in their time generally wore clothing that did not cling to their skin. Barbaric men lurked about who were unafraid to take advantage of “helpless” women. Neither decided to mention this however, the very prospect that they considered the women’s appearance unnerving.
“Pshaw! You actually expected me to wear a dress for THAT long? No way, Jose!” (A/N: PSHAW IS A REAL WORD!!!)
The men looked absolutely stunned at the words that Suzanne was using. What in Eru’s name did the word “pshaw” mean? And who was Jose? Laura quickly reassured the two, however.
“We did pack a dress, just in case we needed it.”
They looked slightly consoled by this statement, so Suzanne decided not to mention the fact that just because they brought them didn’t mean that they were going to wear them. Aragorn motioned with his hand for the two to follow him.
The two women grabbed their bags and headed for the door, linking arms with each other and chanting “Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY!”
Aragorn and Legolas simply looked at each other. This was going to be a long trip.
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When they arrived outside, Boromir was once again complaining about their presence. He thought that if they were able to have horses on the way, he should too! The rest of the fellowship held that three horses were enough to worry about. ( A/N: Indo Cormamin, Ohtar, and BILL THE PONY!!!)
Laura smiled deviously and whispered something to Suzanne. Suzanne immediately went to the stables, coming back with a saddled horse. Laura and Suzanne walked over to Boromir, appearing penitent. Laura spoke.
“We wanted to apologize for how we’ve acted to you. So we brought you this horse. It isn’t fair that we should ride while everyone else walks.”
Suzanne smiled, “I’ll take him over by the other horses.”
While she led the horse to the other three, Laura continued to “apologize” for their many faults.
“And I should never have defended myself against you. You’re always right. And if you ever needed to attack me, I’m sure it was for a good reason...”
She continued to look over to Suzanne as she continued her “heartfelt” monologue. She eventually curtseyed to him and then walked over to Suzanne.
Elrond continued the familiar story, charging the fellowship to follow only as long as they thought best. The somber line approached the gates of Rivendell, Laura and Suzanne mounting their horses. They stayed at the back of the parade with Legolas and Aragorn. Elrond motioned that he wished to speak with the four of them privately before their departure.
As the elf approached the quartet, a loud “thump” was heard. They all turned to see the Steward of Gondor’s son flat on his back with a saddle on his stomach. He was muttering words that Laura and Suzanne did not know, but could guess the gist of. He glared in their direction.
“This is your fault!”
Laura and Suzanne looked at each other before turning their innocent gazes to Boromir. They spoke in unison, emphasizing the word.
“Us?”
Laura grinned.
“Boromir, maybe you should learn some more about horses if you’re gonna be riding one all the way to Mordor.”
Boromir stalked off, following the fellowship and leaving the distraught horse.
The two women erupted in a fit of giggles. Elrond, Legolas, and Aragorn looked at them accusingly. Suzanne shrugged.
“It’s not my fault I don’t know how to operate Middle Earth girths...”
The men simply shook their heads as Elrond began to speak.
“Estel, Legolas, you two will be responsible for protecting them. There must be a reason for their appearance. Galadriel, the Lady of Light, should offer some insight. Travel as far as Lorien, although the women may need to remain there. Our world becomes more treacherous with each passing day. Your friendships should keep them alive.”
The word friendship was emphasized, stressing the point that the extent of their relationship would be as close companions. Not romance interests. He then turned to the women.
“You will be afraid and in danger. But do not give into despair. There is hope. Your destinies will come in time.”
His eyes lingered on Suzanne as he spoke the word despair, knowing her cries at night. His guards had reported their activities and had frequently mentioned the blonde’s depression. A long journey would not mix well with chronic unhappiness. With that he nodded to the four, permitting them exit.
Aragorn and Legolas crossed one hand over their chest and then extended it, in the tradition of the elves. Laura and Suzanne bowed their heads, still atop Indo Cormamin and Ohtar. They began the slow trudge to the gates of Rivendell, stopping briefly outside the city limits.
There was no going back.
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A/N: 2:00 AM caffeine Herd Your Horses = this. Don’t ask, because we probably won’t answer. Suzanne’s still pouting that she doesn’t have a reason to be depressed. And Laura, well, we just won’t go there. R&R, but please no flames. Love ya all!
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