The Fair-Haired Ones

"Hello, Veronica," Malone said kindly.

"Malone," Veronica whispered again.

She looked from Malone to Legolas for an explanation.

"What is the meaning of this?" Veronica asked. "And do not lie to me, Legolas."

Legolas shook his head and placed his hands lightly on Veronica shoulders. His head bobbed upward as he seemed to search the heavens for help.

"I sent for him, Veronica," Legolas managed to say. "It was a request I made to the men that day in the forest."

Hurt and fury ran over Veronica milky eyes. She stepped backward from Legolas's grasp.

"I don't understand," Veronica replied. "Why? You ask me why I play games, but what game is this?"

Legolas choked on his words and could not answer her. She took two steps forward and pushed Legolas.

"Why, Legolas?" she asked. "Why?!"

Then, she slapped Legolas so hard, it left an imprint. Malone entered the gate and stood behind Veronica. As Veronica tried again to swing her arm toward Legolas, Malone caught her hand in mid air and held it firmly.

"Veronica, enough," Malone cut in.

"Only because I fear for your happiness. That is the reason," Legolas replied.

Veronica could not even abide to look at Legolas as she fell to her knees, crying. Malone held her gently in his arms and caressed her golden hair. He peered up at Legolas with a sympathetic expression across his face. Legolas nodded in acknowledgment and left.

"Veronica," Malone began. "I'm sorry how I acted before. I've come because the portal has re-opened."


The following day, Veronica had collected the little she owned and prepared for the journey home. Malone had been waiting at the entrance of Minas Tirith since dawn for Veronica. He really was a man of patience and reason. Veronica and Malone had been close friends for years, the best in fact. That was why it was hard for Veronica to stay angry with him.

Veronica stood in the courtyard and rose her arms high, as if greeting the morning sun. Her hair had grown darker and her eyes a dull color. Her smile had diminshed into nothing as she searched the perimeter with her eyes. Veronica wiped a falling tear from her eye as she bade farewell to the kingdom of Minas Tirith.

"Are you alright?" Malone asked Veronica.

She forced on a smile and nodded yes. Then, the sound of horses came from behind the two. They stopped and turned to meet a young stable boy with two horses. He grunted slightly and forced the reigns over to Malone and Veronica.

"For us? From who?" Malone wondered.

"Compliments of my master," the boy said. "These horses will take you to your destination in absolut-you-better-believe-it no time."


Riding by day and sleeping by night, Malone and Veronica reached the field near the Shire where Veronica's journey began in less than a week. Malone held out his hand to assist Veronica, but she declined it.

"No, thanks, Ned. I can handle it," Veronica smiled and dismounted the mare.

"What about the horses?" Malone asked.

Veronica slapped the two horses on their rumps and sent them off. "They will find their way home."

Malone shrugged and looked around for where the portal had been. He spotted it about 30 paces to the east and pointed toward it.

"There it is," Malone said. "It's time we went home, too."

Veronica hadn't been listening, though. "Veronica?"

Malone placed a hand on her shoulder and she came around.

"What did you say?" she asked.

Malone searched Veronica's eyes and Veronica knew what he searched for. Veronica grasped Malone and played with his fair hair. Something she had done one hundred times, but still it felt like the first.

"Are you sure?" he asked into her ear. "Is this truly what you need?"

"Malone," Veronica whispered as she held back her tears.

Malone wiped his rough fingers across Veronica's plush face. He leaned inward and kissed her forehead.

"I will always love you, Veronica, remember that," Malone mumbled through his teeth.

Veronica closed her eyes tightly and then opened them again. Malone released her from his solid grasp and lastly let go of her hand. He backed up to the swirling vortex that would be his ticket home. He never lost sight of Veronica--the beautiful jungle girl he loved that had now become a woman.

"I love you, Ned!" she shouted, raising her arms to wave good-bye to the one man who had become her best friend.

"I love you, Veronica!" Malone grinned and waved back, before plunging head-first into the portal. The portal stayed open for another minute before sealing itself once again.

Veronica's dim eyes brightened. "Until we meet again, Edward Malone."

Veronica folded her arms behind her back as she began the trek back to Minas Tirith. One chapter in Veronica's life had ended, but she knew that the rest was only the beginning.....


Legolas stood silently watching the small, yet beautiful waterfall that splashed clear water over rocks into the glimmering pool. His hands were clasped behind his back and his head was bowed forward. He did not raise his head when he heard Veronica come up behind him.

"I was hoping I'd find you here," Veronica spoke softly. "After all, it is a rather romantic spot."

"Yes, it is," Legolas agreed, his face now looking straight ahead.

"Legolas...look at me," Veronica said.

Legolas swallowed his pride and met eyes with Veronica. His presence was even more intoxicating to Veronica. His hair was perfectly braided and combed behind his ears. His blue eyes mirrored the purity of the waterfall and his finely-structured face held the same level of certainty as Veronica's did. She approached him casually and ran her feminine hand down his face. Legolas caught her hand with his own as she reached his chin, and kissed it.

"Veronica," he said and embraced her tightly. "How long do you think this will last?"

Veronica closed her eyes. "Let's just say forever."

Legolas smiled. "Forever it is, then."