The Fair-Haired Ones

"What are you saying, Veronica?" Malone asked.

She paused and replied, "I don't know exactly what I'm saying. I think I'm trying to say that I think I love you."

Malone stood and paced as if angry. Veronica watched his reaction with question.

"Now? You telling me you love me at a time like this?" Malone said. His face relaxed and he laughed. "And I am so glad!"

Malone pulled Veronica up and swung her around once before bringing her to his body. Veronica ran her fingers through his hair and tugged on it hard.

"Don't you scare me like that again," she said through her teeth.

"Yes, maim," Malone replied and kissed her tenderly.

Veronica spaced herself from Malone and smiled wickedly.

"What?" Malone laughed out.

Veronica took two steps toward Malone and embraced him lightly. Then, she noticed he stood on the bacnk of the pool of water, and pushed him in. Malone resurfaced and spit out most of the water he had gulped down on the way in. Veronica knelt next to the bank and offered her hand to Malone.

"Come on," she said.

Malone grasped Veronica's hand tightly and pulled her in with him. She resurfaced and splashed water at Malone. He played along before grabbing ahold of Veronica and hugging her tightly.

"I'm just so happy you are all right," he whispered in her ear. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you again."

Veronica laid her head on Malone's shoulder and tried to smile.


Veronica and Malone spent the night in the forest, talking all night over a campfire. When dawn approached, they dispersed into the wild of Middle-Earth. The weather was again fair, with only a couple clouds in sight. The days that used to be dark had shed their light. Veronica held Malone's hand as she walked backwards.

"I want you to come to the Shire with me and meet Sam and Rosie Gamgee. They are so wonderful," Veronica said.

"Of what you told me of them, I'd love to," Malone replied. "But, Veronica, shouldn't we be looking for the portal back to the Lost World soon?"

Veronica continued on forward and looked toward the ground.

"Yes, but we don't know if or when the portal will return. Plus, the spot where it was is near the Shire," Veronica smiled.

"Then, shall we go?" Malone asked.

Veronica gazed down the road that led to Minas Tirith, but then nodded. The two turned to go down the path that went to the Shire when Veronica stopped abruptly.

"What is it, Veronica?" Malone asked.

"I forgot my backpack at Minas Tirith. I have to retrieve it," she answered. "You take that road to the Shire. I'll meet you there."

"I'll go with you," Malone said.

"Middle-Earth is safe; I'll be fine," Veronica replied. "Trust me."

Malone sighed and smiled. "I do. Be careful."

Veronica kissed Malone and waited for him to disappear over the hill. Veronica started to run down the road as if the whip of a horse master was slashing at her heels. She was only on the outskirts of Minas Tirith and would make it there before sundown. Veronica couldn't stand lying to Malone, but if he knew the real reason she returned to Minas Tirith, it would kill him.

As the sun passed beneath the horizen and the moon came out to cast its colors of white, yellow, and blue, Veronica entered the door the the castle. Veronica passed through the many rooms of the ancient castle before entering the side room where she had conversed with the King and Queen before. The Queen was reading quietly in the corner of the room when she noticed Veronica.

"Veronica," she began in her flowing speech. "Have you come back for your supplies?"

"Yes...and no, My Lady," Veronica answered.

Arwen set her book aside and invited Veronica to sit beside her.

"What is it that you seek then?" Arwen wondered.

"I was wondering if Legolas would be here?" Veronica asked timidly.

"No, I'm sorry he's not," the Queen replied.

Veronica cast her eyes toward the ground. "Oh, I see."

"You two have become closer than friends," Arwen's piercing eyes smiled kindly.

Veronica nodded slightly. "I just wanted to see him one last time to thank him for everything."

"You have found the one you searched for?" Arwen inquired.

"Yes, and now we will begin the journey home," Veronica answered.

Arwen placed a gentle hand on Veronica's.

"You are not happy?" she asked.

"I am," Veronica replied quickly, "But, why should he have to pay for my happiness?"

Arwen sighed and hugged her friend.

"Legolas acts on how he sees it fit. So, I do not know whether or not some of his actions result in sadness," Arwen replied humbly.

A tear ran down Veronica's fragile face.

"Legolas is in love with you, Veronica," she replied. "And he would die for your happiness."

Veronica began to cry as she knew the truth in the Queen's words. Veronica knew Legolas loved her, but the worst yet remained: she was in love with him, too.

"Tell me where Legolas has gone," Veronica said, wiped away her fallen tears.

"Listen carefully, my dear. He has taken the broken path behind the castle to his home of Mirkwood. He cannot be more than a day ahead. Take one of my horses from the stables and ride fast and hard," the Queen instructed.

Veronica's face lit up as she hugged the Queen again.

"Good luck, Veronica," she said and Veronica left.

Arwen made her way to the window. Soon she was accompanied by Aragorn, who had heard their whole conversation from the other room. He held his elven wife by the waist and kissed her gently on the cheek.

"Do they remind you of someone else?" Aragorn asked.

Arwen's nose twitched as she giggled and embraced her husband.

"Do you think she will find him?" Arwen asked as she laid her head on Aragorn's arm.

"There is no doubt in my mind that she will," Aragorn answered as they watched Veronica leave on a black stallion.