The Fair-Haired Ones

Veronica jumped away and landed square on her behind. She went for her dagger but stopped when her eyes met a beautiful sight. The stranger bent beside Veronica and extended his hand to her.

"Let me help you," he said.

"I can't I've gone and hurt myself," she explained.

The stranger with pointed ears and hair of gold knelt by Veronica and placed his hands around her ankle. After a moment or two, the stranger released her ankle and once again extended her his hand.

"Go on, take my hand and stand up," he instructed.

Raising an eyebrow, Veronica obeyed his command and stood. She winced as if her ankle would cause her pain, but it didn't. In fact, it felt as if she had never slipped and hurt herself at all. Veronica turned to him in wonder. His long hair blew gently in the cool breeze and his crystal blue eyes seemed to smile.

"I am Legolas Greenleaf, a prince of the elven forest of Mirkwood," he stated. "It's a pleasure."

"Veronica," she replied.

"It is becoming late and you must need to return," Legolas said poignantly. "May I escort you back?"

Veronica came to attention. "Oh, Sam! I completely forgot."

"Then, would that be a 'yes'?" Legolas asked smiling.

"Yes, of course," Veronica replied.

As they ventured back through the forest path, Veronica became intrigued.

"So, your people are elves, right?" Veronica piped up.

"I see you're catching on in this place," Legolas joked.

"It has been a very confusing two days, but yes, I am catching on," Veronica replied modestly.

Veronica and Legolas came to where Sam was and shook their heads. He was still sound asleep under the tree. His pony, Bill, was nibbling on some tasty treats nearby.

"He's still right where you left him, I see," Legolas said.

Legolas gently kicked the end of Sam's hairy hobbit feet and he proped up quickly.

"I wasn't asleep, honest," he declared, half-asleep.

Legolas and Veronica laughed as Sam came to reality.

"Ah, Mr. Legolas, haven't seen you in ages," Sam said shaking his hand. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, there was a lady in need of assistence," Legolas proudly said. "I might ask you the same thing. So far from home, are we?"

Veronica broke in. "Sam is taking me to see the king in Minas Tirith. I go to seek his consultation. Perhaps he may know how I can get home. I so long to go home."

"Well, then, I will not delay you any longer, my friends," Legolas answered. "Until we meet again, Veronica."

Legolas bent inward and kissed Veronica's hand before taking his leave.

Veronica and Sam packed up their food and resumed their journey. Veronica was in a daze for the man-elf she had met had placed quite a spell upon her. She lowered her eyes and shook her head no. Then, she took the book from her pack and began reading again.

"...Summoned to counsel of Elrond along with Gandalf and I were: Men of Gondor, the dwarves, Aragorn the ranger, and the elves. It was here the fate of the One Ring was to be decided...It was apparent that the ring had to go to the fires of Mount Doom, and no other could carry this burden. I volunteered to take the Ring to Mordor myself. I was joined by Gandalf the wizard, Boromir of Gondor, Gimli the dwarf, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, and Legolas the elf. Hence, we became the Fellowship of the Ring..."

Veronica gasped. Legolas was part of this adventure.

"...It was at this time I realized what Aragorn left behind when he promised to me his sword. He was madly in love with Elrond's daughter, the Lady Arwen. Never knowing that sort of love, I couldn't have known the jewel he left behind in the mists of war...

...We set out for Mount Doom as I felt the weight of the Ring becoming heavier... Despite my kin and Gandalf, the rest of our Fellowship couldn't seem to get along all too well. Though Gimli was stubborn and Boromir wished to follow his own path, the rest of us, including Aragorn and Legolas tried to ignore them... It would be a long journey to Mount Doom... a long journey indeed..."