Meet the Cast

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.