Five teenagers are transported into middle earth in the middle of one of their science classes. Now they have to climb one of the most dangerous mountains if they are ever to find their way back home. Friendships are tested. The girls are challenged. Love is found?

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34,

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Wilson I am a weird one. Or so they say. I have a slight *twitch* obsession with LOTR and all the people in it *bows to people specialer than her*. I have never been out of Oz in all of my entire life but would one day like to visit sunny California

Murry Murry is cool. She likes LOTR and HP + Mr Frodo Baggins but I think she's getting over him. She is interested in Journalism and animals and got to fly in the Channel 9 Helicopter a couple of times

Helani Helani smells, really bad, and although I constantly remind her of it she makes no effort to do anything about it. Helani is a wonderful artist and wants to do animation when she grows up

Titty Titty did not get the name how u think she did. She is very very short and gets teased a lot at school about it (mostly by me). But she is a very nice person and helped us invent "The titty delay". The 30 seconds after a joke it takes her to actually get it

Ej Ej has nothing to do with OJ. Ej got top in maths in our grade at the end of 2003. She had the most neatest hand writing ever and everyone comments about it. Ej is very very huggable

Chapter 1

"I have a headache," Katharine complained as she trudged into the science classroom
"Awwww, poor Kath" Elaine comforted as she hugged her friend
"It's science anyway" Mariel stated "Who's gonna care if you just fall asleep?"

The group laughed as they took their seats at the back of the classroom. Helani and Thilini in the front desk and the others behind. Helani and Thilini swivelled round on their stools so they were facing their friends.
"Guess what?" Helani asked
"What?" Katharine groaned, her head resting on her book
"It's only ten days," Helani continued
"Ten days till what?" Thilini looked puzzled
"Ten days till Lord of the Rings comes out on video and dvd"
Elaine and Thilini groaned but Katharine and Mariel perked their heads up.

"Are you gonna buy it?" Mariel asked Katharine
"I don't think so. I think I'll wait till November" Katharine replied
"What's happening in November?" Mariel asked
"I know that one" Elaine spoke up "It's being released again with more special features. You only mentioned it twenty times last week"
"Yeah" chimed in Thilini "We already know almost everything there is to know about it, thanks to you guys. It's all you every talk about"
"Thilini Perera!" a sharp voice was heard from the front of the classroom "If you don't pay attention you could mix the wrong soluble in your solution.
"Sorry Mrs. Smith" Thilini sighed turning back to the front. Her friends giggled.
"Now go and get your apparatus girls," the teacher said to the classroom.

Mariel and Helani went to one side of the room to get their beaker and Bunsen burner and Elaine and Thilini went to the other to get the chemicals. Katharine just rested her head on the desk again and thought about Lord of the Rings.

"Which one do we put in Ej?" Mariel asked Elaine.
"What do you mean?" Elaine looked over to Mariel who was comparing two different chemicals.
"Well, I wasn't listening when Mrs. Smith told us which one to mix in first" Mariel admitted "and I don't know which one to put in"
Elaine looked at the two bottles on the desk. One was a clear liquid and the other one was a deep red powder. She turned around to the other three girls who were writing the experiment in their books.
"Hey Tit" she asked Thilini "do you know what we're meant to put in next?"
Thilini looked up from her book and shrugged "I wasn't paying any more attention than you were"
Elaine turned her questioning to Helani
"Hel, which one do we put in?"
"I'm not sure"

All the other groups had their solutions bubbling away nicely already; the girls were very far behind.
"Should we ask Mrs. Smith?" Elaine asked her friends
"No" Thilini said, "Then she'll know we weren't listening and we'll be in even more trouble than we normally are. Just put in one of them and see what happens"
The five girls crowded around their apparatus.
"Which one do I put in?" Mariel asked
"Um... lets go for the powder" Helani decided.
The other girls agreed and Mariel hovered a teaspoon of red powder over the beaker.
"Ready?" she checked
"Go for it!" the group encouraged.

Slowly Mariel tipped over the teaspoon and let the powder fall down. First the solution turned red, then orange, then blue, then red again. The girls were almost hypnotized looking at the colours changing. They didn't notice when the beaker began to bubble and smoke started coming out of it. The girls took one sniff of the smoke and then fainted, just as the school fire alarm started to go off.

Chapter 2

Kath rubbed her eyes and looked around. An old, long bearded man was standing above her, watching her every movements. To her left a smaller and stockier man with plaits held an axe just above her eye, on her right was a large bow and arrow fixed on her opposite eye. Kath shrank back down and rubbed her eyes again. "What a dream!" She thought to herself "I wish!"

Meanwhile, beside her, Elaine popped her head up, looking dazed, and turned towards Kath. "What happened?" She asked, but Thilini, Mariel and Helani woke up and all looked at her bewildered. They all looked at each other one by one silently and then Mariel spoke the first word.

"Well the last I can remember was seeing that cool liquid in our tube and then suddenly being engulfed by the smoke. I wanted to run out of the room but I had lost all the strength in my legs." She continued still unaware of her surroundings. There was silence for a moment and suddenly she saw an axe about to tilt above her head and she closed her eyes, unable to say a word or move an inch. It was as if she was suddenly under a spell. She scrunched her eyes even tighter and was about to take her last breath when a voice, clear and loud spoke out and allowed her movement.

"Halt!" said the voice, "they are but young, you too were foolish in your days of youth, Gimli. King Ellesar (Aragorn), take them away, they are not prisoners but they must reveal all that they know. The war is over but we must still be wary, all evil has not been surpassed." As he finished, the axe was lowered and a man came out from behind the holder. So stunning in glory was he, that no eye could have turned away at his sight. He bent over the 5 girls and without a word they stood up and followed him out into a beautiful marble room.

They sat down on individual chairs as the man paced around the room and began the questioning.
"How did you arrive here?"
There was silence. Kath, seeing that no one else was going to speak, took her chance.
"I can’t believe it! Neither can any of my friends, see, we come from a place in a totally different dimension and it is only in my wildest dreams that I have dreamed of being here, we didn’t even know this place existed, it’s meant to be a fantasy..."
"How do you know of this world, if you come from such a place, if what you say is true?" Interrupted the Dunedain.
"The story of middle earth and of the war of the ring is really well known from where we came. JRR Tolkien wrote a book on your journey..." continued Kath.

"The mention of that name is good to my ears. Tolkien was a friend who travelled far away to write of our journey. Since you come from his land and know of our journey we cannot refuse our promise,"
"What promise?" Asked Elaine, suspiciously.
"Whoever comes from the land of our friend will be accepted as a friend, but you must be aware that you cannot stay altogether in Imladris (middle earth)-"

"What is everybody doing here in Rivendell? Is Frodo here? Wouldn't we be allowed to stay for a few days? Hey can we get back?" asked Mariel.
"You ask many questions, too many, but I have questions of my own, what are your names? And explain your story. Then I will answer all your questions." Answered King Ellassar.
"Well I'm Kath, here is Tit, and Ej and on my right are Hel and Murry". Aragorn looked at her strangely. "Oh, I’m sorry, I mean Thilini and Elaine and Helani and Mariel. We were in class at school and we must have mixed the liquids in our experiment up all wrong I guess. We don’t really know how we were sent here... but we would all love to stay," She giggled afterwards.

Aragon silenced her with his calm and serious stare
Aragon continued speaking, "Very well, now your answers. Firstly, this is our annual meeting where my friends from the fellowship and I all come together and meet, sometimes one will go home with someone else on a stay but this time nothing had yet been arranged, secondly, yes Frodo is here, with Master Meriadoc (Merry) and Peregrin (Pippin) and mayor Samwise (Sam). Yes, we are all here, and to finish your questions, you will know where you will be going very soon, Gandalf the wise will sort you all out,"

Aragorn left the room and called upon Gandalf. Helani, Thilini, Kath, Elaine and Mariel waited eagerly to know their fate.
"I suppose this is what you have been dreaming of for ages," Said Elaine to Kath.

"Oh yes!" Replied Kath, smiling
"Have you thought about how we'll get back and what's happening back home?" Ej asked. She always thought about those things.
"Nope, don't spoil it!" Kath exclaimed.
"I'm scared, I know this is really cool and all that but what if we can’t get back? What about all our parents? They’ll be worried, I can imagine it now..."

"Oh Hels, don’t worry everything will be fine-" Thilini was cut short.
The door opened once again and Gandalf appeared. He stopped in front of them and spoke clearly.
"You must wait till tomorrow to know our counsel, 5 beds will be arranged for tonight but you may only remain in this room until further counsel. Goodnight!" He turned and left the room. Well, at least they could stay one night!

All 5 woke up very early next morning to find that the counsel had already taken place. They waited on an empty stomach until at last the door opened and Gandalf greeted them.
"Visitors, good morning! You must be hungry, but I am sure you are willing to know what will happen to you. We have decided..."

Chapter 3

We have decided," continued Gandalf, "That you may stay." The girls looked at each other, they knew all too well not to get excited too quickly.
"However, the counsel has agreed to a set of rules that you must abide by"
"Oh funky" whispered Thilini to Elaine. Gandalf stared.
"I have not once in all my long life heard of that peculiar word."
"What word?" Helani asked.
"Funky" four girls giggled, Thilini burst out laughing then quickly stopped. Funky sounded weird coming from Gandalf, the great wizard.
"Oh, well it means cool." Mariel explained.
"Really how very interesting" There was a smile playing on his lips. These girls weren't all that bad. Why they are merely teenagers and so alike to those that live here.

"So, what are the rules?" Kath asked.
"Yes please tell us," Elaine added.
"Well it seems that when you did your experiment, like you said, have mixed the incorrect solutions together. So you will be staying here for a while. But do not worry for I know for sure that time in your world would not have passed even if you stay with us for ten years. Therefore your mother's and father's need not to worry about you five.

Next I shall tell you of the arrangements I have made with the counsel on your behalf,"
The girls listened intently.
"Firstly, I assume that if you came to our land by mixing a certain solution then you shall return in the same way. That is how it normally has worked for us in various cases. Then you can return to your land whenever you like and come whenever you like. We will be very happy to have your company as you all are very polite and well mannered."

He smiled at them. They smiled at him. Each girl laughed inside.

"Secondly, no one but the council will and should know about these arrangements and this meeting. I must stress this point as if everyone knew about you then, why it would be horrendous, as one would imagine. So we will need to prepare disguises for you. This will mean that each time you visit this land that you shall turn into your chosen disguise for the period of time that you are here. This is a sure plan to keep you hidden." He looked at each of them in turn, "Finally, you will stay here with me when you are here." Gandalf concluded.
The girls let our sighs of relief and happiness.

"What are our disguises?" Elaine asked.
"Ah, yes. They are quite simple. Each of you will choose either elf or hobbit or man to be-"
"But I want to be a leprechaun" Thilini interrupted.
"I am sure that that can be arranged, but I do not know if the purpose of not attracting attention has been fulfilled."
"Oh Funky"
"When do we get to change?" Helani asked.
"As soon as possible. But first I must ask if you remember the solution."
The girls all looked at Ej.
"What?" she asked.
"Come on Ej I know you were listening to the name, you always listen." Kath said.
"Oh fine. It was sulfuric acid." Admitted Elaine.
"Good that should not be a problem just a small one, that I will tell you about later." Gandalf said," Now we shall begin you disguises. Who chooses to be an elf?"
"Me!" said Helani, Kath and Elaine all at once.
"And I suppose that miss Mariel would like to be a Hobbit?"
"Yes please"

"Now then we shall proceed, please drink this potion." He produced five bottles from his pouch, three blue, one red and one green. Each girl took one and drank it all. They were all engulfed in purple smoke. A minute later the smoke diapered and instead of five human girls there stood three elegant, beautiful and tall elves, one pretty hobbit with brown eyes and a very cute leprechaun with short spiky hair.
"Funky"
"Yes quite, but here is the problem: Sulfuric acid can only be found in a certain plant. This plant is at the tip of Mountain Caules. When this plant is boiled it produces the acid." He paused and let this sink in, " It is possible to go there and recover that flower but it will take many months to do so. There for I am sending you on a quest. Along with Legolas, Phallic, and Karta, the elves and the two hobbits Frodo and Nadia. They shall accompany you on this journey."

Chapter 4

A sudden babble broke out after this announcement.
"Frodo? Are you serious? We get to meet him?" asked Mariel, dumbstruck.

"Legolas? He's coming with us too?" asked Kath.
"You know, from where we come from, sulfuric acid is always available in the science labs," commented Thilini.
"How about Orcs? Are there going to be any there? I know the war's finished, but, there are still some around aren't there?" asked Helani in a timid voice.

"At the tip of Mountain Caules? Why are things always on the tip of a mountain? It's not logical. It makes it even more dangerous to get to them," started Elaine, but broke off in the midst of Gandalf's gentle chuckling.
"You're a quick one, Miss Elaine."
Everyone became silent, perhaps desiring Gandalf to compliment them on their quick thinking as well.

"And to answer your question, Miss Helani, yes there are some Orcs still living around here, but that is the reason why so many are accompanying you. I assure you that you will be quite safe."
Gandalf peered down at them and smiled.
"I daresay you must all be extremely hungry after retiring to bed without any food, last night. Come, we shall talk of this affair over breakfast."
The group followed Gandalf as he led them down a candle-lit corridor.

"The sun has not risen as yet," explained Gandalf. "It really is a spectacular sight. It is what Rivendell is particularly famous for."
The group looked at each other, not really knowing what to say, but all thinking the same thing. 'Oh my god! This is really happening!'
So they followed Gandalf with stomachs rumbling in unison. They were taken up and down staircases and in and out of rooms. Just as Mariel was wondering if Gandalf was playing a huge practical joke on them, he opened a grand door and the group found themselves being led down a sweeping staircase. The view was breath taking. The sun was shining weakly behind some large mountains, spreading warm pink and orange streaks across the sky. The flowers and trees nearby were glistening with dew and the feeble sun was making the marble that surrounded them shimmer.

A dwarf suddenly entered from another door and marched up to the group. Helani, Thilini, Elaine, Kath and Mariel watched curiously as he tugged on Gandalf's billowing robes. Then fought back gales of laughter as the great wizard crouched down and still remained a couple of heads taller than the dwarf, who was standing on his toes. They looked on as the dwarf whispered something feverishly into Gandalf's ear. Then, quite as suddenly as he appeared, the dwarf vanished through the door he entered.
Gandalf turned to face the group.

"It seems breakfast is all ready for you."
The girls followed Gandalf through yet another door, next to the one the dwarf had appeared from.
The door opened up to what must have been a dining room. It was simply stunning. Hanging above, was a huge ice chandelier. There were windows around the whole room, which basked them with views. Then, in the centre of the room there was a magnificent table. The table's legs were groaning under the feast that was lain before them. There were all sorts of breads, and while they couldn't see any spreads or a toaster, there were huge piles of something that smelt and looked suspiciously like chicken, platters of different fruits, some they had seen before like apples and pears and also some exotic, unknown fruits, a couple of whole roasted birds and jugs of drinks.

"Err... so where's breakfast?" asked Kath, breaking the silence.
"Oh, this is breakfast," replied Gandalf.
"Crap. Do we have to eat all of that?" asked Thilini, flabbergasted.
"Crap? What is crap?" asked Gandalf.
"Err... never mind," replied Thilini, amidst the roar of laughter caused by the others.
Gandalf surveyed Thilini, before continuing, "I think we should wait for the others. They are very keen to meet you."

The girls looked themselves over for any dirt or messiness.
Gandalf watched with a bemused expression on his face.

"I do believe they will find you just as interesting as you will find them. I don't think they have ever met a female human before."
They settled down in several chairs and watched the sun rise and bathe the room in sunshine.
Elaine was in deep conversation with Helani and Gandalf about the Middle Age and what a great story the Lord of The Rings turned out to be, while Kath pointed out things to Thilini.

"Those are the Misty Mountains," said Kath, indicating the mountain range with her hand.
"And I think that's Glorfindel over there by the river, but I can't tell. They all look alike don't they?" continued Kath, while Thilini looked on, fascinated.
Just as Mariel was considering to just taste the yellow, plump fruit that looked vaguely like a very large raspberry, which was lying in front of her, the door sprang open.

Chapter 5

Mariel, literally jumped at the sound, and quickly shoved the large looking raspberry into her mouth. The other girls stared at Mariel with such amusement, since now she had a large object, suddenly protruding out of her mouth.
"Well Legolas, I told you not to go to the elf clubbing last night! You look absolutely terrible, and now we are late for the most important meal of the day- breakfast!" shouted Karta.
"Now, now Karta, no need to be angry, I’m not that late after all, hmm… just 30 minutes, but hey whose counting? Anyway, no one interesting ever appears at breakfa-"
Legolas stopped and gapped in awe.

"Hey! Watch where you’re going! I could have… WOW! Gandalf was right! There really are homosapiens in our breakfast room!" shouted Phallic, as he dropped his book- ‘Universal Earth’ by J.R Tolkien and jumped for joy.
"Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!!!" he shouted once again.
"Wow, they’re so much hotter in the flesh!" gaped Thilini.
"Well my friends, what is for breakfast? Why are all of you standing there like pieces of lump toast. Get a move on now" Frodo said, as he walked into the breakfast room.
"bu...buuuu… butt… Frodo…we can’t, i..ittt… seems we have coooo… company" stammered Legolas.

"Legolas, what are you on about? You know that we never have company at this time in the morning. What did you take last night? Elferoin?" laughed Frodo merrily.
"But dude, Legolas ain’t lying, we do have company" said Nadia. "Hey dude" said Nadia as he turned to Phallic "is my hair alright?"
"Mariel! Now is your chance, go talk to the man of your dreams" giggled Elaine.
"brrr, I carn’t I harve gris grassbarry" said Mariel, her mouth still full with the raspberry.
"Kath, we have to do something! They’re just standing there gaping at us. I feel so awkward… will you come with me and introduce ourselves?" whispered Elaine to Kath.
"Of course I will. Come on!" Kath said, as she grabbed onto Elaine and ushered her over to where the men were standing.
"Hey wait, don’t forget us!" called out Thilini and Helani.

"Herrry… meee tooo! Don’t forget me!" cried out Mariel. Her face was slightly pink from furiously chewing the raspberry.
"Oh Dude, here they come" whispered Nadia to Phallic.
"Wow, we are finally going to meet these so called homosapiens. I think I’m going to faint" said Phallic. His legs were already shaking with nerves.
"Now is not the time Phallic. We must keep quiet! Gandalf firmly told us that these girls are not to be addressed with that name. They are one of us now, for the time being, and we must not let anyone in on their secret, especially those awful Orcs" Karta told Nadia firmly.
"But, but…"

"No buts Phallic. You may ask them questions later. Not now" Karta’s gaze was so frightening that Phallic hovered behind Legolas in fright.
"Umm.. hello, my name is Kath, this is Elaine, Thilini and Mariel…ahhh…oh and Helani, I almost forgot" Kath said. Her hands were sweating at the fact that finally she was going to speak to the people that were once only possible in her dreams.
"Well hello… what beautiful elves, hobbits, and leprechauns you turned out to be…"
"Wait you know?" questioned Thilini.
"Yes we do know" stepped in Frodo "and it is an honour that you have come to join us in having breakfast, and who is this lovely hobbit I see?" asked Frodo, his lips twitching into a smile.
"I’m Mariel" answered Mariel, at the same time going red in the face.
"So are you really from Earth?" asked Phallic, full of excitement.
"Phallic I warned you…"
"No, no please its ok. Yes we are from Earth, but of course we are in disguise" answered Elaine.

"Hey dude, we haven’t even introduced ourselves. I’m Nadia, the dude on my left is Karta, this dude on my right is Phallic, blondi there is Legolas, and shortie here is Frodo" smiled Nadia.
"Hey I am not short! Stop harassing me on my height" replied Frodo.
"You sound like someone I know" Elaine smiled looking at Thilini.
"Hey!"
They all laughed. The ice had finally been broken, and new friendships were beginning to be formed, just as Legolas was about to say something, Gandalf mysteriously appeared.

"Well I see all of you have gotten to know each other. Now I trust that you 5, fine men will not go telling ANYONE of our arrangements with these young girls" Gandalf said, as all of them nodded "and I want you to look after them, no playing around ok, that means you too Legolas"
"Yes Gandalf" Legolas replied sullenly.
Katharine looked at Legolas, one eyebrow raised, wondering what Gandalf could possibly mean.

"Well I guess that has been taken care of. Please, please have a sit, and enjoy your first, but certainly not the last breakfast in Rivendell" concluded Gandalf. His infectious smile appeared on his face once again. As suddenly as he appeared he disappeared once again leaving the group of ten standing in the middle of the room. They walked to the large table and just as they were about to sit down, a mysterious purple cloud surrounded them.
"What in the world…" Phallic cried

Chapter 6

The purple smoke started filling the room very quickly, making Katharine start coughing, the others quickly followed her as the amount of oxygen in the room got smaller and smaller.

Mariel, Frodo, Elaine and Karta quickly dropped to the floor, not because they fainted but because they knew that naturally hot air rises, and the purple cloud was definitely getting very hot. Nadia, Thilini, Phallic and Helani tried a different approach and quickly ran towards the window, immediately opening it and gasping for breath. Katharine couldn't move because her asthma mixed with the lack of oxygen was making her cough so hard and Legolas, who would never leave a person in danger was standing at her side. Suddenly, in the doorway appeared a tall figure.

"The enchantress Maureena" Legolas breathed. Katharine looked up between coughs, the enchantress was tall and beautiful, and she had long brown hair, past her waist and was wearing the most beautiful deep purple dress. Her face was beautiful although there was something not right about her. Helani spotted it first
"Her eyes" she called across the room. The rest of the group looked at the enchantress's eyes, they were not blue or green but black. They made her look evil.

The enchantress stepped forward and looked the three groups of creatures in the room. With one wave of her hand the smoke vanished. She then raised her right hand and pointed at the group at the window, Nadia, Phallic, Helani and Thilini, she chanted in a language none of them had heard before
"One to water" she spoke softly.
She looked at the group on the floor at her left side; she raised her left hand and again chanted, this time saying "One to fire"

The enchantress then looked at the pair of elves in front of her, her eye twinkled seductively. Legolas was at once under her spell. She raised her hand above his head and Katharine looked on as his body started to shake violently. Katharine looked around to her friends for help but couldn't see them in the room anymore, she looked back at Legolas, his face was going pale and he looked like he was going to pass out any moment, she had to do something. Without thinking she quickly pushed Legolas to the floor but got caught under the enchantress's spell while doing it. Legolas hit the ground dazed, he looked up and saw a woman and a girl, the girl was shaking, she looked as if she was in trouble. He looked at the woman; she seemed to be using some sort of magic to make the girl shudder like she was. Legolas stood to his feet facing the woman

"Stop it" he cried, his gaze was instantly met by two black eyes that made his body tremble.
"Very well" echoed the woman's voice around the room. She removed her hand and instantly the girl fell to the ground. Legolas only just caught her before she hit her head. When Legolas looked up again the black-eyed woman was gone leaving him and the unconscious girl alone in the room.

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

Nadia, Phallic, Helani and Thilini ~ "One to water"

Helani woke up first; she remembered dreaming about being in middle earth with her friends and being chanted at by and enchantress. What a dream she had had. Helani stood up and looked around at her surroundings.
"Oh my god!" she squealed, looking down at the tiny boat she was standing in. Thilini woke up to her squeal and rubbed her eyes, she stood up also and Phallic soon followed suit. Nadia was the only one still sitting. With two elves and one leprechaun standing in the small dingy (boat) it started to rock. The elves tried to keep their balance but Thilini couldn't and the boat began to tilt. Phallic fell into the water first, then Thilini out the other side and Helani out the back. Nadia cracked up laughing at them

"Careful, you might lose your balance" he called, sarcasm filling his voice.
Only after Helani and Phallic had climbed back into the boat, soaked through, they noticed Thilini was nowhere in sight. Helani began to worry about her friend.
"Tit... Tit?" she called out. The others began to get worried too.
"We suddenly appear in the middle of the ocean in a tiny boat and it takes us only minutes to lose someone" Nadia exclaimed finding it quite funny
"Where are you Tit?" Helani called out in despair to her lost friend

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

Mariel, Frodo, Elaine, Karta ~ "One to fire"

Frodo felt immensely hot, he tried to turn over but couldn't so he opened his eyes. There was someone lying on top of him. It was Mariel, the beautiful hobbit he met at breakfast, she must be unconscious, he thought to himself, gently trying to wake her up. He moved her over and sat up before looking at what he was lying on; it looked like an old bridge, a very old bridge at that because it was only made from ropes and wood and half the planks were missing, he was amazed that they hadn't fallen through already. He looked down below him and found another thing that might explain the hotness he was feeling, the bridge was hanging over a volcano. He saw Mariel stirring from her sleep and only then noticed two elves lying to his left, one, Elaine, was already sitting up and looking around also, and by the look on her face she had just noticed the lava below them.

Chapter 7

Nadia, Phallic, Helani and Thilini ~ "One to water"

Helani and Phallic sat soaked on the side of the dingy, calling out for Thilini. Meanwhile Nadia stood up and looked around. Being the only hobbit left him feeling a bit uneasy. He had liked it when Thilini was there, after all, she was smaller than him, being a leprechaun. Nadia waited until Helani and Phallic had finished calling without any response, before he began a beautiful tune that Bilbo had once taught him as he sat listening eagerly to his adventures. He had heard that this tune was made to call back the horses of the hobbits when they had been at war many, many years ago, so he sang it softly.
Over bush and tree,
Over lake and sea,
The half lings call to the friends in the west,
"O Leprechaun, o Leprechaun,"
Come with the wind and bare with you,
The light from the dawn.

He sang with a slight change. Helani and Phallic stood amazed at the wonderful tune that the hobbit was singing. They could not believe that this hobbit could produce such a beautiful tune. And he sang it again until the water began to shimmer and all their eyes were fixed on a brilliant white light coming from the water. Nadia dived from the boat and vanished into the light. He emerged from the water and tugging at his feet was the little leprechaun that had suddenly reappeared. They climbed into the boat as Helani hugged her friend tightly and covered her wet body with her shawl.

"Thilini, we thought you'd disappeared! What happened?" She asked anxiously.
"When we all fell into the water a beautiful creature, like what we call a mermaid back home, pulled me under the water. There were about 5 of them there and I could still breathe! They told me off my power to disappear and reappear in the presence of water and they gave me a small vial of water so that I may do so wherever I want to. They said that there had once been a leprechaun that had saved the mermaid princess and they had made a promise in order to thank her, that all leprechaun’s would be friends too them. It was funky!"

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~
~Kath and Legolas~
Legolas opened his eyes, it seemed as though he had been sleeping for ages! He sat up and looked around. He saw Katherine beside the window, standing up, so he went to see her.

"Where am I? What has happened" He asked wearily.
"I dunno, but I can't remember anything," Replied Kath, her arms and legs aching like she had never felt before. "I can't walk," She said, flopping to the ground. Legolas, seeming to regain his weariness walked to the window and looked out. They were still in Rivendell, but no one seemed to be anywhere.

The two sat on opposite sides of the room quietly, trying to rest themselves. They had waited for hours not knowing what to do and still nothing seemed to be happening. They could not go anywhere because Kath could not walk. Kath had been struck the hardest, as she could no longer walk or remember anything at all. Legolas
was recovering slowly but he was in a much better state.

Suddenly a loud noise filled their ears and they could no longer hear anything at all. They covered their ears but still the noise pierced the air with a horrible shrill and suddenly there before them stood Thilini. She rushed towards Kath and crouched to see her face.

"Who are you?" Asked Kath cowering in the corner. "Get away from me!" She cried struggling to move.

"Kath, it's me, Thilini," Said the little leprechaun standing back. She stood up again and then walked towards Legolas, who had taken out his bow and arrow and had aimed it at the leprechaun.

"Oh, it's you," He said, his memory suddenly coming back. " What has happened?"

"There's no time for talking, your friend Phallic and Helani, the elf princess are with Nadia. Now I have understood where we were sent! We were sent in the ocean, I have told them to head North. Do you have a map?" She asked quickly.

"You are in luck. Gandalf gave me one for our journey," He said handing Thilini the map.

"Good," replied Thilini. "They will be heading up the Loudmouth river which will take them to the front of Rivendell,"

"There is no front," Interrupted Legolas.

"Oh you know what I mean! But anyway it may take them a couple of days. We should make plans while we wait. The most important thing is to find what had happened to everybody else here in Rivendell and where our friends had been sent. We must go outside, help me too carry Kath," She said walking towards Kath.
Legolas bent down gracefully and lifted the young elf.

"I have the strength to lift her alone, it is important that you find us some food first," He said carrying the elf in his two arms.

Chapter 8

"Wait I have to get back and tell Helani and the others that you are ok."
"Who are they?"
"Don’t you remember? Try to get your memory back, come on."
"I vaguely have an image in my mind…Wait! It has become clearer. Yes, I remember now, what about them?"
"Well Helani, Nadia and Phallic and I all landed on a boat in the middle of nowhere out at sea. I found out that I can disappear whenever I want to. So we decided that I should try and find the others. And I found you guys. I still don’t know where the others are. I hope there safe."

"Well in that case, don’t worry about finding the food. You go back and tell the Helani, Nadia and Phallic that we are safe. I will look after Katharine."
"But are you sure?"

"Yes. Go, we will be fine. She won’t hurt me and I won’t hurt her- Oww! She just pulled my hair! How could she pull my hair? She’s meant to be unconscious! She can’t pull my hair! It’s my hair! You don’t just go and pull my hair! It just-"
"You won’t let anything happen to Kath will you?" Thilini interrupted.
"No, even despite what she just did," said Legolas calming down, "now go before they worry about you."


~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

Mariel, Frodo, Elaine, Karta ~ "One to fire"

The four stood looking down at the lava below them.
"Oh my god"
"It’s alright Mariel we’ll get out." Elaine comforted her friend. The lava bubbled and spat at them. The glare of it hurt their eyes and they had to turn away. It was hot and already the four of them could feel it.
"It seems as though the bridge just goes on and on", said Karta looking both ways into the distance.

"The volcano seems like a gigantic one, it stretches like there is no end, but no such thing exists. The bridge is also very long." Frodo paused," I think that we must be in one of The Enchantresses spells it must be broken if we want to get out of here alive."
Elaine leaned over the edge of the bridge and stared at the lava. Oh how had she gotten herself into this mess? She thought it was fun, they all did, but it gets to a point when you want to go back home just to make sure everything is okay. But they had to find the flower to go back. It seemed that they might not even get to do that.

She turned around and went back to the others. Mariel was sitting down and Frodo stood over her. Karta leaned against the rope along the bridge.
"Are you okay?" Karta asked.
"Yes I’m fine" Elaine replied." But what are we going to do? We can’t stay here forever."
Mariel gazed down the bridge.
"Thilini!?" she cried. The other three turned around too.
"Where did you come from?" Elaine asked and her and Mariel went to hug their friend.
"Okay, here’s the story: You’re the last group I’ve visited, you four are separated from all of us. Kath and Legolas are by themselves, they hadn’t moved. I have just come from them and Kath is unconscious and she’s lost her memory-"

"Is she okay?" Mariel asked.
"Oh believe me, she’s fine." She told them the little incident that had happened earlier. The group laughed. The first laugh in a long time. "so anyway, I’m with Helani, Phallic and Nadia, we landed and are still on a boat in an endless sea."
"So how come you’re here?" Karta asked.
"I’m a leprechaun, I found out that I can disappear and reappear somewhere else. So they others sent me to find you guys, I can keep us all together."

"It’s lucky that you chose to be a leprechaun Thilini" Elaine said." Now I think that you should get back to the others in your group tell them how we are and tell them we miss them. I hope we’ll be okay and I hope everyone else is too."
"Don’t worry Ej, everything will work out fine" Mariel said as she put an arm around her.

Chapter 9

Elaine smiled feebly at Mariel.
"I don’t know. It’s just really scary. This is actually happening, you know? We only read books and watch movies about this happening to other people..."
Mariel and Thilini looked apprehensively at each other. Elaine was shaking and on the verge of tears.
There was a silence.
Frodo looked down nervously at the volcano, which was blowing up gales of hot air. It brought back so many memories.

Karta’s brilliant blue eyes followed Frodo’s gaze, then glanced back up at Frodo, and noticed his face had twisted itself into a pained mask.
Karta reached over and squeezed Elaine’s arm.
"I know it’s terrifying, we’re all scared, but you must remain calm. There are many who have survived such dangers," Karta glanced over at Frodo’s direction, then continued, "We have to keep a leveled head and not panic. Nothing will hurt you, I promise."
Karta said gently, breaking the silence.
Mariel and Thilini looked gratefully at Karta.

"Well, I better go back and tell the others that you are all safe," said Thilini, "Can you think of a way out of this?"
"Don’t worry. There has got to be a way," said Frodo, fiercely, looking around for a sign of escape.
"This bridge," he said, clutching the rope, as if just noticing it. "It must lead somewhere."
The bridge stretched for so far beyond them at either side that it led off to darkness.
Mariel took a good look around her. The group had already taken most of their clothes off because of the furnace below them. The ridge of the volcano was high, higher than they were. The sky looked black and the one thing that stood out was the fire beneath them. The lava was dancing beneath them, blowing up ash and heat.

She absentmindedly watched Karta’s long, blonde hair billowing out behind him like a fan.
Mariel secretly thought that there was no way out, but she didn’t want to voice her opinion because Elaine looked terrified and she didn’t want her friend to become more panicked.
She watched as Thilini disappeared and wondered if they would ever see her again.

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~
The boat rocked gently, in a rhythmic beat. The three sat there, staring out to the horizon.
Helani sighed. Phallic stretched out a hand and let it rest on her shoulder.
"Adventure is something you will always find in Imladris," he told her, smiling.
Helani looked at Phallic. His big, brown eyes searched her own. A small smile played on Helani’s lips.

"It’s just all going too fast. It’s all like some weird dream or something. Yesterday, I was at school on Earth, living an uneventful life. Now I’m stuck out in the middle of nowhere on a boat with people who I thought were characters." Helani, suddenly broke out into hysterical laughter.
Phallic raised his eyebrows at Nadia. He didn’t know any human related diseases and was trying to telepathically ask his friend for help.
Nadia, however, was staring at Helani as if she was going to suddenly jump up and start hitting him with her shoe.
Suddenly Nadia’s brown eyes altered its gaze to the spot where Thilini was materializing.

"What happened?" cried Phallic and Nadia at the same time.
But Thilini stared at Helani, who’s eyes were slightly unfocused and still laughing.
"What did you do to her?" asked Thilini, frowning.
"We didn’t do anything," said Nadia, indignantly, his short, brown hair ruffled.
Phallic looked at Thilini, bewildered.

"I have no idea. She sort of just started laughing. Like, all of a sudden. I think she’s in shock, or something."
Thilini studied Helani. She went over and put her arm around her friend’s shoulder. Helani’s giggles subsided as she rested her head on Thilini’s shoulder.
Phallic and Nadia sat opposite them and waited with baited breath for Thilini to share her findings.

"Okay," said Thilini, out of breath, "Kath and Legolas are fine. They’re still in Rivendall, but their memory has gone. Mariel, Frodo, Ej and Karta are sort of stuck on a bridge over a volcano... they’re all okay too, but it was really hot there and...," her voice faded out. She didn’t feel like telling them the odds of their fate.
To avoid the other’s eyes, Thilini bent over the side of the dinghy and refilled the small vile with water.
Phallic looked everywhere but at the girls.

"Well," he said, breaking the silence, "We’ve got water and I can make a spear from this wood," touching the side of the boat.
"We should start heading north, I mean we don’t even know where we are...," added Nadia.
"Oh, that reminds me, Legolas gave me a map," Said Thilini, spreading the map out in front of them.
"This is good," said Phallic, examining the map.
Helani pulled herself up. She was staring at Thilini strangely.
Thilini looked at her.

"What’s up Hels?"
"You can appear and disappear, right?"
Helani waited until Thilini nodded her head.
"You know how Leo can orb as well?"
Thilini stared at her friend. Phallic and Nadia were also staring at her, curiously.
"Who’s Leo?" asked Nadia.
"Someone from Charmed... a television program... something we watch on tv...never mind," said Thilini, as Nadia’s face changed from puzzled to utterly confused.
"Helani," said Thilini, turning back to her friend, "what does that have to do with anything?"

"Well... you know how, like when he touches someone else, they both can appear and disappear...together..."
Realization dawned on Thilini, a smile spread across her face.
"Hels, you’re a genius."

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~
Legolas entered a small room. There was only a small bed and table. He walked up to the bed and placed Katherine gently onto the mattress. He then walked to the window and looked outside. Still no movement.
"What happened? Legolas?" came a small voice.
Legolas spun around to see the beautiful elf sitting up on the bed.
He made his way towards her.

"Hey, I see you remember me," he said, with a smile.
"What happened?" repeated Kath.
Legolas sat at the edge of the bed. He recounted the last few hours the best he could.
"I still don’t know the whole story. You should rest. I will find us some food." Legolas sighed. It was like being in war again.

But before he could say more, Kath started, "Do you know anyone called Gandalf? It’s just that the name is going round in my head and I certainly don’t know any Gandalfs, but I suppose-"
Legolas’s eyes suddenly widened.
"Gandalf! Of course!"
Kath looked at Legolas in surprise.
"We will call Gandalf. He is the great wizard. He’ll know what’s going on," explained Legolas.
Legolas took out a small flute.
"Gandalf gave this to us after the war as a summoning whistle," he told Kath, reading her curious expression.
Legolas held the flute to his lips and blew a peaceful tune.

He lowered the flute and peered around the room anxiously.

Chapter 10

(One to the water)
"Ok Helani, are you ready… to rumba" asked Thilini, her hand stretched out towards her.
"Ha ha ha" Helani said, as she rolled her eyes.
"Hey, can’t a leprachaun have some fun" asked Thilini innocently.
"Are you guys sure about this, what do u call it, umm… orbing thing?" asked Phallic, worry present in his sky blue eyes.

"Dude, no need to worry, Thilini here will look after her. After all she has done it at least 3 times already" Nadia told him. Thilini looked at him gratefully.
"It’s ok Phallic, I’ll be fine" Helani said as she comforted Phallic on the shoulder "I’ll be back before you know it"

"Ok, but I’m still not 100% sure about this" replied Phallic, his forehead creasing into a frown.
"Hey dude, didn’t you say you had that map thing?" asked Nadia.
"Yep that’s right. I was thinking you guys could start paddling North, with the aid of the map. If this orbing plan works, we’ll orb back here, and take you guys along with us to Rivendell" said Thilini. She was real glad that the mermaids had given her the power to appear and disappear.

"Umm… well I don’t think Nadia and I can paddle far, but I guess it’s a start…" replied Phallic. He couldn’t get rid of the bad feeling that was rising from the pit of his stomach.
"Ok that’s that then. Ok Helani take my hand" said Thilini.
"Wait, shouldn’t you refill your bottle again. Maybe this time you should fill it up to the top, just in case" called out Helani.

"Great thinking Helani, here give me your bottle, I’ll do it for you" said Nadia, smiling. He liked it when he could do something helpful, especially for a pretty leprachuan. It wasn’t everyday that you met a spiky haired one in Rivendell.
"Thanks Nadia. Ok guys we are off now. Please don’t worry about us. We’ll be just fine" said Thilini.
"I’m sorry but I still have a bad feeling about this" replied Phallic.
"Ignore him. You two just go. But return as soon as you can ok" said Nadia, with an encouraging smile.

"Don’t worry Phallic we’ll be just fine. Ok tit lets go!" and with that, Thilini and Helani took each others hand. Within a blink of an eye, they were gone.
"Dude, why did you have to be so negative!" asked Nadia with a frown.
"Don’t blame me, I think it was a very bad idea for them both to go, I have a feeling something bad is about to happen, and we both won’t be there to help them. They are both vulnerable Nadia, don’t you get it!" shouted Phallic.

"Your just paranoid dude. Come on help me row"
Nadia turned his back to him, and studied the map. Phallic though, looked towards the horizon.
"Please" he thought, "please look after them both" and with that, he turned and walked towards Nadia to examine the map.

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~
(One to the fire)
"I am soooo hot!" cried out Elaine all of a sudden. No matter what she did, she couldn’t stop the beads of sweat pelting down her forehead.
"Your not the only one" commented Mariel.
"When is Thilini coming back?" said Frodo. He couldn’t stand the heat much longer. "I’m dying here"
Suddenly they heard little sniffs, which then grew louder into great big sobs. Karta turned around. It was Elaine. Her head was between her knees, and her hands around her neck.

"Hey, hey, don’t cry" he said, putting his arms around her shoulders.
"I’m sorry but I can’t keep it in" wept Elaine. Her purple eyes, were glistening from the tears that were streaming down.
"Don’t worry Elaine. Everything is going to be just fine" said Frodo and he plonked himself next to her.

"Yeah that’s right. Thilini is going to come back soon, with a plan to get us out of here. All we have to do is have faith in her" replied Mariel soothingly. She gave Elaine a tight squeeze.
"I know that we should be optimistic. But please, look at us. Look where we are. I mean what are the chances of us surviving this heat wave" cried Elaine. Frodo looked down to where the flames were dancing beneath them. He then glanced at Mariel worriedly, who then glanced at Karta.
"There, there, its ok" comforted Karta. Elaine was now sobbing furiously on his shoulders.
Mariel began recklessly searching her mind, trying to find something that would ease Elaine’s worries. Suddenly an idea appeared right in front of her.

"Come on you guys, hold each other’s hands. Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens…" Mariel began to sing, her voice was so beautiful that it echoed in the distance.
"Hey I know that song, we use to sing it when we were little hobbits”" replied Frodo, his eyes dancing.
Mariel motioned for all of them to sing with her.
"Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, bright paper packages tied up with strings. These are a few of my favourite things" All of them sang, even Elaine who had forgotten all her worries. A smile was even beginning to form on her lips.
All their voices echoed in the distance. They all had smiles on their faces, and with every new verse, they sang louder.

"Hey look!"
Karta was the first to see the change in their surroundings. No longer was the bridge leading to darkness. Instead all of them could see an end. On the other side of the bridge, was a magnificent forest. With green, fresh leaves, and bright, beautiful flowers. The air was no longer hot and wet. It grew cooler.
"Come on, quick!" cried Frodo.
They all rushed towards the end of the bridge.
"Is this a mirage?" asked Mariel. Karta touched the leaves.
"Nope I don’t think so" he replied laughing.

"Wow I can’t believe it, we sang our way out of our misery" yelpt Frodo in joy.
"Come on lets explore. There must have been a logical explanation as to how this could have happen"
And with that, they all set off into the mystical forest, leaving behind the hell that had consumed them for the past few hours.


Chapter 11

Gandalf swept up the spiral staircase towards the dining room. He had heard someone call his whistle, beckoning him towards its sound. He flung open the door, almost knocking out Legolas who was pacing in front of it.
"Gandalf" Legolas exclaimed, approaching the figure.
Gandalf looked to Legolas and then to the cowering figure of Katharine in the corner.
"What happened?"
Legolas quickly explained the happenings of the past few hours (again). When he had finished Gandalf spoke

"I think I know of a way for your friend to get her memory back more quickly. You'll have to give me some time to mix the ingredients but it should be ready in an hour or so. In the meanwhile, rest up, your friends should be along shortly, well the ones walking from the river. If you see the Leprechaun tell her the others should start heading towards Mount Caules and you can meet them later"
"You are wise Gandalf" Legolas replied
"Here, give her this now. It might help a bit" Gandalf produced a small vile of clear liquid from his coat and handed it to Legolas. Gandalf then vanished from the
room.

Legolas then came and sat next to Katharine. He handed her the vile, she looked it over. Not showing any indication that she was going to drink it at all.
"I'm sure it won't taste that bad" he comforted
Kath smiled at Legolas wondering how she met such a sweet elf in the first place. She took the vile and drank it in one gulp. Her body started shaking and Legolas held her close. She started to remember some things. Only the things that happened since science class but she remembered them all so vividly. She stopped shaking and looked at Legolas

"Did I pull your hair?"
Legolas laughed and brushed his hair back
"Actually you did. You were unconsious"
"I'm so sorry. I didn't know I did"
"Don't worry. I'm fine. Come on, if you're strong enough we can try and train you in fighting, you might need to be able to on our journey"
"Kool!"

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

Helani felt light. Like she was flying stories high in the air. She felt her feet touching the ground so she opened her eyes. She was standing with Thilini on the edge of a cliff. They were in the wrong spot, they were meant to be in Rivendell, but they weren't. Helani felt her hand being squeexed. It was Thilini.
"Oh my god! Where are we" Thilini screamed. Helani took a step forward and looked over the edge. A sheer cliff unfolded before her eyes.
"By golly. I think we're at the tip of mount caules" Thilini put in.

"How the hell do you know that?" Helani questioned, beginning to get very anxious.
"There's a sign over there" Thilini raised her hand and pointed. The pair carefully made their way over to the sign, removing a bunch of flowers in front of it.
"Ouch" Helani leaned over and inspected her bleeding finger. "I pricked it on the bush" Helani sucked on her finger trying to stop the bleeding in vain.
"This is it" Thilini screamed
"Look, I'm not gonna die just from a little cut"

"No! I'm not worried about you! This is the plant we were trying to find so we could go home" Thilini turned to her friend but Helani had stopped listening and was going pale
"I think its thorns might be poisonous" she said before blacking out

Chapter 12

Nadia and Phallic had been paddling up stream for several days in complete silence. They had had little food and had slept poorly in the small dingy. They were hoping that Helani and Thilini were alright and had arrived at Rivendell to help sort things out but right now they were looking forward to a clean warm bed and most importantly some food. The day before yesterday they had passed through the heads into Middle Earth so now they would have approximately a day or 2 to go until they reached Rivendell depending on the winds and their energy.

Night had passed and they watched the coming of the sun ahead as they paddled on, without sleep or food. Suddenly Nadia stood up and covered his eyes from the sun...Yes, he was sure he could see the cliffs of Rivendell ahead. He bent over and hugged Phallic as a smile crept on their faces. They each took an oar and paddled madly up the stream, the sight of the land approaching slowly.

In about a quarter of an hour they had reached the ford. They rowed their dingy to the side and jumped out hastily, making for the entrance. Gandalf, who had been stationed at the shores for the last night greeted them merrily and led them to chamber in which Kath and Legolas had been waiting. They were all overjoyed to see each other apart from Phallic whose mind was not at rest.
"Where is the leprechaun and the young elf?" He questioned anxiously.
"Why, they haven’t come here," Replied Gandalf nonchalantly.
"They were headed to Rivendell, they left us 3 days ago, joined by the Leprechaun’s gift."
Gandalf listened attentively and remained silent for some minutes.
"We must not occupy our thoughts with this, now. Let us prepare some food and have a warm sleep before we make arrangements for tomorrow. Legolas, I suppose you and Kath have eaten, it is important that you sleep well, we must leave early tomorrow. Make a bed for the elf so that she may recover over the night but you, you are free to join us in our meal tonight".
Legolas stood up, reached over and carried Kath out to one of the rooms with a bed. He lay her down and placed the blankets over her. He sat on the bed and waited till she had fallen asleep. He stood up and before walking out, he bent over and placed a kiss on her forehead.

~*~Scene Shift~*~

Frodo, Karta, Elaine and Mariel walked through the forest curiously, the smell of the wonderful flowers filling their thoughts and minds. They walked in a straight line and after some time sat down for some food and rest. Mariel started the lookout as the others slept close together. She looked around and listened to the birds flying above. "The birds could not fly through the trees, they must be above the forest canopy, maybe I could see where we are if I climbed up high enough!" She thought to herself and as if her curiosity had taken over she walked towards what seemed to be the tallest tree and cautiously climbed up, helped by the strong branches coming out. She had reached the top when a noise called out from beneath her. "Quick I must get down!" She thought. "but, I’ve come all the way up here, and I’m there now, I’ll have a quick look". She peeped over the last branch and looked out over the forest canopy. The forest stretched out far into the distance but she could still see the glimmering red from the volcano to her left. To the right there seemed no end to the forest, she tried to look out as far as possible but there was no chance of exit so she slowly started to climb down. As she approached the last branch she grabbed the branch but it cracked and left her hurtling to the ground. She was just about to fall flat on the ground when she felt something catch her at the last minute. It was Karta, whose face was red with fury. He stood her up angrily and began shouting at her.
"Shouting won’t change anything," Said Elaine defensively, coming out, around the tree.
"When your meant to do the lookout you don’t just go and leave us free to all the enemies!" Shouted Karta to Mariel who was now cowering under the tree near Elaine.
Frodo walked over to Karta and took him aside to speak to him.
"They do not know the danger we are in or could even start to think of the different types of enemies we have, do not shout at the hobbit. She was only tying to see out," Said Frodo gently as Karta walked away angrily.
"Fine, then why don’t you just go ask them to lead us into the enemies arms and then we will be fine!" He shouted over his shoulder.

The group had set out again but Mariel kept her distance from them all. They had walked for nearly a day and a half before they sat down again to have some sleep. Karta sat by himself and would not let himself fall asleep under the guard of anybody else.

Chapter 13

Frodo thought that Karta had changed since this morning, something was up, and he knew it. There was something weird going on with him. He used to trust people and have faith in their own decisions, now he was just being self-centred. And they used to be good friends, Karta had told Frodo how he fancied Elaine but he now showed no signs of interest in her at all. It was as though someone else had taken over his mind. He should have a chat with Karta, yes and find out what was wrong.

Frodo got up from where he was standing and went over to Karta.
"Hello Karta, so how are things with Elaine and yourself" Frodo asked as he sat down on the bank next to an alert Karta.
"What? What do you mean? I never liked her. What are you talking about?" confused and caught off guard Karta turned to face Frodo. His bright blue eyes pierced into Frodo’s own. His eyes had changed to, no longer happy but angry and almost evil.

"What do I mean? Why Karta I know for a fact that you liked her very much," He paused, and continued after second thoughts, " you’ve been acting weirdly lately Karta, are you all right? You weren’t very...nice to Mariel the other day and you’ve been edgy since. You don’t seem yourself. It’s like someone totally different."
"Well I’m fine. So you can go now."

"Frodo! Help I’m here help me don’t go. Please don’t leave me here alone with her"

"Alright then Karta if that is you wish" Frodo reluctantly gathered himself off the ground.

"No don’t go stay! Stay! Please Frodo hear me please. Listen Frodo listen hard. Help me!"

"Oh shut up!" Karta shouted all of a sudden.
Frodo turned around."Pardon? Karta? What did I say wrong?"
"No you, you stupid idiot, him" Karta snapped back.

"Yes Frodo, come back… that’s it, yes good, sit down here, yes good, please stay here, don’t go."

"Um Karta, there is no one but us here."
"Yes so what are you hinting?"
"We are all alone Karta there is no one else around"
"Frodo do you like me?" Karta’s eyes were filled with evil laughter.
"As what?.."
"As in do you like me?"

"WHAT?!?!? Why are you asking me that?!?!?!" Frodo jumped up off the ground and took a step back.
"Well them why the hell are you going on about how we are all alone and stuff?"
"Because you were talking about a "him"! That’s why!"
"Well that’s none of your business is it?" Snapped Karta again.
"Fine. I’m going, I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately. I don’t know why I put up with it." Frodo marched away.

"No Frodo don’t go..."

"No, shut up will you Karta!"

"NO! How dare you treat my friends that way! You are evil Maureena. Your cruel humour and evil intentions, Why can’t you just leave us alone? You truly are evil."

"Oh how touching, your too kind Karta too kind. Though I must admit. Taking over you body was hard. You put up quite a fight. But I always win Karta, you should know I always get what I want. And I want the Five Girls Karta, yes that’s right I want them."

"Why? Leave them alone! Don’t you dare touch them! I’ll kill you Maureena, I swear I will! Don’t you go near them!"

"Your cries are pathetic."


~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

"Helani? Helani? Wake up! Please." Thilini gently shook her friend shoulder. Helani slowly opened one eye then the other, why where they’re so many people looking at her! Where was she? She struggled to sit up. Kath, Legolas, Phallic, Nadia, Thilini and Gandalf peered at her anxiously.

"See Phallic, I told you she would be fine. You need not to worry so much" Nadia said triumphantly. Phallic set out a sigh of relief.
"It worked Helani! It worked! The only thing I could do was to try and orb again so I did, and it worked! I got us here! And of course Gandalf had a cure for the poisoning."
Helani’s head was throbbing. But she had to say what she wanted to say even if it hurt. "We’ve got the flower then? Can we go back home?"
Thilini looked down, "I was... so stupid..."

"Oh no you weren’t Thilini, I would have done the same. Don’t kill yourself for it." Nadia put in.
"What happened?" Helani asked.
"Thilini was so worried about you that she forgot the flower, now she is blaming herself for it." Legolas said.
"Oh Thilini, you know I would never blame you for any thing. I would have done the same as well." Helani hugged Thilini.

"We all would have done the same." Kath said. And joined in the hug.
"You three are such good friends." Phallic said.
"You (sniff) are so (sniff) right dude (sniff)." Nadia wiped a tear away.
"Yeah but we have to find the rest of our friends and yours as well." Legolas said. "Gandalf tell us what to do."

Helani pulled a face at Kath.
"Wow..." said Thilini, gently. "You’ve been poisoned, I’ve orbed and Kath got kissed by Legolas. All our dreams have come true... except for maybe yours, Helz."
Helani shook her head, smiling at Thilini’s stupidity.
"I still can’t believe it. It’s like we’re the famous five, or something. We’re in an adventure", said Thilini saying what the others were thinking.

"Except, we don’t know the ending. Anything we do now, can lead us down a different journey," said Helani.
"But that was how life was like on Earth as well."
"Tit, this is a bit different. I’ve spent fourteen, nearly fifteen years on Earth, and the biggest adventure I’ve had was going to Sri Lanka. We’ve been here for, what, four days? And we are now going on a trip to some mountain, and god knows where it is," said Helani.
There was a silence.

"But think of it like this, there’s Frodo, Legolas and Gandalf who all have survived worse, coming with us. Legolas told me all about the war of the ring and everything. We’ll be fine, he'll protect us" said Kath, attempting to bring hope into the conversation.
"I suppose....." said Thilini, slowly.
"But how do you know they’ve survived worse? Anything can happen on this journey." Said Helani.
There was another silence.
Thilini turned to Helani.
"So, how did it feel like? I mean, getting poisoned?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
Kath and Helani laughed at Thilini’s feeble attempt.

"I can’t really remember. It sort of hurt really, really suddenly. And I mean it stung. It felt like someone had poked a red hot barb wire into my finger."
"Owww!" added Kath, clutching her own finger.
"Oh, you poor thing," commented Thilini,
"Yeah, then everything went black, and then I woke up here."
Kath and Thilini looked sympathetically at Helani.
Helani’s gaze drifted out the window again. She absentmindedly pushed the white balls under her lettuce leaf on her plate.

"I wonder how EJ and Murry are doing."


~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

Mariel stared at the tree in front of her.
I shouldn’t have climbed that tree, she thought.
She suddenly heard voices coming from Elaine’s direction. She recognized Elaine’s and Karta’s voices.
There’s no way I’m going back there.

Mariel stood up as quietly as she could. She moved slowly away from the voices. She had gone a couple of steps, when the ground suddenly gave way beneath her.
With a cry, she felt herself fall a couple of metres.
She landed with a dull thud. There was an excruciating pain in her left leg. She looked at it. It was poking out at a strange angle. There was a swelling and a huge bruise beginning to appear on her shin.
It looked like she had broken her leg. Mariel looked up.
The top seemed very far up. Light filtered through the small hole she fell through. There was no way she was going to get out.

She felt a sudden rush of nausea. Mariel groaned softly as she fell into a deep unconscious sleep.

Chapter 14

Phallic turned to Gandalf. Before Gandalf could reply, he asked, "Who exactly is Maureena?"
Gandalf glancing out the window.
"Do you know her, Gandalf?" asked Helani.
"We’ve met before," replied Gandalf, his gaze still outside.
Legolas became aware of a tension in the room.

"Well, what should we do?" repeated Legolas, changing the subject.
Gandalf turned to face the others. He looked at their young faces and sighed.
"This should not have been laid upon you."
"Maybe not, but it was. Don’t you see Gandalf, for even you once said that one must not ponder about the past and the path we took, but the future and the path we are going to take", said Legolas, gently squeezing the old wizard’s shoulder.
Gandalf smiled at Legolas.

"I keep forgetting how quickly you have grown, my boy."
Phallic cleared his throat.
"Errr... so what do we do?"
"You must go on a journey. A long, journey that will take you to the tip of Mount Caules."
"What about the others? Frodo, Mariel, Elaine and Karta?"
"I’ll find them. I also have to find out where everyone from Rivendell is..."


~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

"Hey... I need some time alone, okay?" said Mariel.
Elaine glanced at her friend’s face.
"Sure. Errr..."
"I’ll go. I’ll be over by that tree," said Mariel, indicating with her hand, gesturing at a tree which was partially hidden by some shrubs. Elaine didn’t like the idea of being totally separated, but she understood Mariel’s need to be by herself.
Elaine watched Mariel make her way to the tree and sit herself down. Her gaze shifted to her surroundings. It wasn’t as scary as the volcano, but it was still pretty spooky. The trees were dark and gloomy. It was like evil still remained.

"Beautiful, aren’t they?" said a loud voice behind her.
Elaine jumped. She spun around to see Karta wearing a lopsided grin on his face.
"Karta! You scared me half to death!"
Karta moved towards Elaine. He still had a strange grin on his face.
"It’s a special talent of mine."
Elaine started feeling uneasy. There was something different about Karta. It wasn’t quite right.
Karta moved to a tree and placed his hand on it.
Elaine turned to go to Mariel, when Karta spoke.

"They are saying something."
"Huh?"
"The trees," Karta turned around. His face looked possessed. His eyes were large and dark and he had a crazy grin on his face.
"What? Karta, you’re scaring me."
"A small whisper of the unknown...", continued Karta, in a low voice.
Elaine was now edging back, away from Karta.
Then all of a sudden, there was a cry coming from Mariel’s direction. Elaine turned to run to Mariel, when suddenly, Karta stood rigidly. Elaine watched, glued to the spot, as the only movement he made was clenching and unclenching his hands.

"Elaine....tell...Frodo.....Maureena.....over....body....", Karta was talking in a high voice.
"Tell..... Frodo..."
Elaine watched horrified as Karta tried to sit down, but was having difficulty. It was as if half of him wanted to sit, but the other half didn’t.
"What the hell is going on?" Frodo was beside Elaine, looking at Karta.
"Where’s Mariel?" he asked.
"Frodo, he wanted me to tell you... oh what was it?..... something about Maureena and body."
Frodo felt ice drop to his stomach as realization dawned upon him. He looked at Karta, then said sharply, "Go and get Mariel. Now."
~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

Gandalf leaned over the balcony at the deserted Rivendell. He watched as the sun slowly sank behind the Misty Mountains.
He recognized the footsteps that were steadily approaching him from behind.

"Hello Legolas," he said, turning around.
Legolas stopped a few metres away and looked at Gandalf, fondly, then looked up at the sky, a distant look crossing his face.
"Remember the days when we thought war was over. We thought we would never be afraid again?"

"The future never listens to our thoughts, my boy. You should know that."
Legolas moved towards the balcony and stood next to Gandalf, his gaze focused on the sun.
"You knew her?"
Gandalf sighed.
"I did..... Well, at least I thought I did."
Gandalf closed his eyes as if reminiscing.

"It’s been 49 years, Legolas," he said quietly and softly.
Legolas fixed his gaze on Gandalf.
It was a long time before Gandalf continued.
"I once loved her. We were going to get married."
The silence that followed was longer, even the birds stopped singing. It was as if the world was holding its breath.

"Gandalf!" said Legolas, softly, expressing his total surprise through his tone. "I never knew..."
Gandalf sighed deeply, as he felt the overwhelming emotions that he had once locked up in a little corner in his heart.
"Not many do."
The silence was too much for Gandalf. He mumbled something about having a look around town for anyone.
Legolas watched as Gandalf slowly made his way down the steps into Rivendell, not knowing what to do.
He sighed as he watched a bird chirp merrily on a nearby branch. How can they get out of this?
~
Kath and Thilini sat on Helani’s bed, all looking out the window.
"I should’ve brought some paints. It’s really beautiful." Said Helani. She pushed a couple of large white balls around her plate with her fork. They tasted suspiciously like brussel sprouts.
"I don’t know what I would’ve brought..." said Thilini.
The three girls laughed.

"You should eat that Helz. Legolas said they’re good for you," said Kath, suddenly, noticing Helani pushing the white balls around her plate.

Chapter 15

Gandalf briskly walked down the corridor. Oh Maureena. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t erase the name out of his head, or his heart. 49 years, 49 long years. No Gandalf don’t think about it any more! But how could he not. She was the only person in the world, who had truly loved him for who he was. Gandalf clutched at the necklace around his neck. He quickly glanced at it. No one ever saw it, or knew about it. It was a secret shared between him and his beloved Maureena. Attached to the silver- chained necklace was a vile, containing Maureena’s blood.

Maureena too had a silver- chained necklace, and in her vile was Gandalf’s blood. Oh how he remembered that day so clearly. He and Maureena had agreed that they needed something to show how close and how strong their bond was. They were both walking through Rivendall Park, hand in hand, discussing how life would be so wonderful if they could do this everyday. Suddenly Maureena mentioned the word ‘blood’ and ‘viles’. Gandalf personally didn’t like the idea of giving his blood to someone else, but since he loved Maureena so much, and didn’t want to hurt her in anyway, he reluctantly agreed to do so.

He glanced again at his necklace. Instead of it being bright red, it was purple telling him that Maureena was up to no good. Why Maureena, why? Why did you have to turn evil? For 49 years, he pondered, tried to search for the answer to his question, but he found nothing. One day, they were both in love, happy and carefree. Next she was full of evil, had left Gandalf and broke his heart.
As Gandalf was walking along, immersed in his thoughts, he didn’t see Aragon approaching him.

"Gandalf, Gandalf"
He looked up startled. "Oh Aragorn, it is you"
"It most certainly is. What is wrong my friend?" Aragorn asked.
"Oh nothing to worry about. But I need to talk to you. You do remember those 5 girls who came to our land don’t you?"
"Yes of course, how could I not"
"Well I’m afraid Aragorn, I have bad news. A few days ago, The enchantress Maureena struck, and she sent Mariel, Elaine, Frodo, and Karta to the fire, Helani, Thilini, Phallic and Nadia to the water, and messed up Katharine and Legolas’ memory"

"Oh dear, I had absolutely no idea. If I had known, I would have sent the army over there to stop her" Aragorn replied. He couldn’t believe it. A mortal enemy had struck and he had no idea of it.
"Aragon my friend, no one knew of her coming. She is one powerful woman. The situation is okay though, Helani, Thilini, Phallic, Nadia, Katharine and Legolas are all back in Rivendall. My concerns lie with the other 4- Mariel, Elaine, Karta and Frodo. I have a feeling Maureena is with them, and she is up to no good"
"Not to worry Gandalf, I’ll have my men searching the towns and valleys. You look a mess Gandalf, you have been working to hard, please go and get some rest. You need it" Aragon said "I’ll take it from here now, you need not worry"

Gandalf smiled. He always admired Aragon’s practicability and optimism.
"I think your right. Thank you" and with that Gandalf left Aragon. He clutched at his necklace with all his might.
Maureena, my dear I am going to find you, even if it is the last thing I do.

~!~SCENE SHIFT~!~

"Mariel! Mariel where are you!" screamed Elaine. They had been screaming Mariel’s name for the last 15 minutes.
"Oh Frodo, where could she be" Elaine asked, her head creasing into a worrying frown.
"Don’t worry Elaine, we will find her. Look I have to deal with Karta first, before he does anything drastic. You keep looking for Mariel. I’ll be back as soon as I can" Frodo replied. He gave Elaine a squeeze on the shoulder. "You’ll be fine. I won’t be gone long" and with that, they both went their separate ways.
Frodo had to find Karta fast. How stupid he was not to have noticed the signs earlier. Karta definitely was not acting like himself. The evil Maureena, how cruel could a person get. It didn’t take him long to find Karta though. He was drapped over a big boulder.
"Karta!" Frodo quickly ran to him. "Karta, wake up, come on wake up"
Before he knew it, Karta’s eyes shot up. They were not his usually colour blue, instead they were pitch black.
"Oh my… Karta…"
Two hands grabbed Frodo’s neck, choking him.
"Frodo dear, you are going to die!" Karta gave out a death defying laugh. "But wait, before I kill you. I shall give you a kiss… hehehehe…"
"Oh no you don’t!" Elaine came hurtling towards Karta, before karate- chopping him in the stomach.
"Huh Maureena! You deserved that" Elaine grabbed Karta by the ears and quickly whispered "sorry Karta" in his ear before kneeing him in the groin.
Karta clutched his groin, and moaned in pain.
"Get out Maureena. Leave Karta alone" screamed Elaine.
Frodo quickly got up and punched Karta on the cheek. Before they knew it, a thick cloud of smoke emerged from Karta’s mouth.
"I will get you for this…" and soon the cloud floated away into the sky.
"Oh Karta, I am soooo sorry!" Elaine ran towards him, giving him a hug.
"I’m sorry too Karta" said Frodo.
"Nah nah it’s ok. You guys don’t need to apologise. It was the best thing you guys could have done to get that witch out of my head"
"Well now that you’re ok, we have to find Mariel. I have a feeling she is in big trouble" said Frodo.
"What, what happened to Mariel?" asked Karta full of concern.
"We don’t know… ouch" Elaine suddenly clutched her heart.
"Elaine are you ok" asked Frodo. He and Karta grabbed her hands to prevent her from falling down.
"Ow ow ow… I think Mariel is in great pain… OUCH!" Elaine screamed.
"Oh Frodo what do we do?" asked Karta. It seemed as though Elaine was in a huge amount of pain.
"Guys… I… think… shes… over… there" Elaine pointed over to the big tree with the purple flowers. Every word was a struggle to get out.
"OK Karta you better stay here, I’ll go over there and check it out" and with that, Frodo ran as fast as he could to the big tree, praying that Mariel was all right. He couldn’t bear the thought of her dying yet.

Chapter 16

Frodo ran to the hole in the ground. He looked down into the darkness and could just make out a figure lying on the ground.
"Mariel" he called "Is that you Mariel?"
Hearing no reply he figured she was unconcious. He looked around quickly. Karta stumbled over to him, half carrying Elaine in his arms because she still felt the pain. Frodo looked at his friends, then down into the deep hole in despair. Karta was more resourceful, he looked up into the tree they were standing under and noticed a creeper vine hanging down. Quickly springing into action he scaled the tree like elves are famous for and untwined the vine from around the tree.
Karta tied one end of the vine to an outstretched treebranch and yelled down "Frodo catch" and throwing the vine down.
Frodo caught the vine and tied it to his waist but Elaine stopped him.
"What do you think you're doing?" she asked
"I'm going to get Mariel"
"It's not that simple, first things first she's MY friend and I insist on going down to get her, and second thing, im lighter and it will be easier for you and Karta to pull us back up"
Karta had climbed back down the tree just in time to hear her reasoning
"She's right you know" he chimed in
Frodo sighed and undid the vine from around his waist, handing it to Elaine.

~!~*~!~SCENE SHIRT~!~*~!~

Baroden of Gondor lead the search for the missing children. On his black stallion he galloped over hills and up streams searching for them. On the second day of searching he stopped his troops and spoke to them.
"I know this task seems pitiful. I know most of you would rather be fighting against Mordor to protect your land and I have pride in you all for that. But King Elessar appointed this task to us, and it is our sworn duty to our city to do it,"
Nevcamiel rolled her eyes. She had heard it all before. Baroden was famous for delivering long, boring speeches about nothing in particular, well, nothing she bothered to listen to. Sitting on her white mare she daydreamed about going back to Rivendell. She hadn't seen her love for over a year and she missed him with all her heart. Since joining the army of Gondor, the she-elf hadn't much time to visit her homeland of Mirkwood or even Rivendell, where her beloved was at the moment. Nevcamiel looked around, sitting next to her on his brown mare was Fiddertle, Nevcamiel's best friend. Fiddertle had joined the army to get away from his annoying older brother, Nadia.
"Hey Fiddey" Nev whispered
Fiddertle yawned to express his total disregard for whatever Baroden was saying.
Nev laughed back causing a few heads to turn in their direction.
"Do you miss Legolas?" Fiddertle asked
"Does Fawn have four legs?" Nev retorted referring to her horse.
Fid nodded and smiled.
Baroden turned his horse around and yet again and began to lead his troops through a nearby clearing when they heard shouts.

Elaine had finished looking over her friend, she had only blacked out but it looked like she had a broken leg. She fastened Mariel to the vine after waking her up. Mariel, with all the energy she could manage grabbed onto the vine and held herself upright. Elaine gave the boys at the top a thumbs up and they started pulling.
Mariel reached the top of the hole, only just before she collapsed again onto the hard ground. Frodo grabed her and held her close. He looked at her leg, it looked very broken and Lord Elrond really should see it soon, but Frodo had no idea how long it took to get or even which direction it was in. What they needed right now was Aragorn's army to come marching into the clearing on horseback and for them to wisp them away to safety.
Well, waddaya know? Elaine had just been lifted out of the giant hole when they heard the sound of horse hooves, not having nearly enough time to hide themselves properly, the three of them, excluding Mariel who was having a peaceful sleep (full of dragons and dungeons) stood together to fight side by side. But it wasn't an enemy attacking them, it was exactly what Frodo had wished for. Aragorn's army marched right into the clearing and stood before the group.

~!~@~#~$~%~^~&~*~SCENE SHIRT~!~@~#~$~%~^~&~*~

Katharine walked down a shady path towards the sound of a rushing waterfall. She just had to get away. It had been a very hectic time since the group was zapped into Middle Earth but that wasn't the problem. Everyone had seemed to have forgotten the fact that she didn't remember anything before this, try as she might, she just couldn't. Kath sat down on a small patch of grass, thinking about what the earth she came from was like.
"I wish I could remember" she murmered aloud
"Don't fret milady" came a voice from behind her "your memory loss wasn't perminant. You will remember things in due course"
Kath turned around to see Legolas standing gracefully about a foot away from her. He quietly closed the distance and sat down next to her.
"I've been trying to remember" Kath admitted "I think about everything they've told me and try to understand but I don't"
Legolas put his arm around her as she continued
"I don't know these people. I don't know them at all" she sobbed "and I want to know them so badly"
Legolas kissed her softly on the forehead as she cried into his shirt.
Being so swept up in the moment neither of them noticed a figure slowly approaching them from the west.
"I wonder if your troubles can be cured by a simple sip" Gandalf interrupted
Katharine and Legolas looked up, Kath's face stained with tears.
"I have the potion ready for you Katharine. Drink it and your memory should come back"
Katharine's face brightened but dulled again at these words
"But as I do not know the exact spell Maureena put on you, this potion is not guarenteed to work"
Legolas looked down at the she-elf by his side, she nodded in agreement.
"Follow me to my den, Katharine. Legolas, you cannot come with us"
Legolas took Katharine's hand and kissed it. Katharine giggled as he left to room.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~SLIGHT SCENE SHIRT~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

In Gandalf's den he produces a small vile of liquid. The jar was the exact shape of a perfect tear. Katharine thought it was ironic. All Gandalf did was hand over the vile, Katharine had to do the rest. She took the vile and opened it, smelling the beautiful aroma.
"mmmm" Katharine sighed "Smells like chocolate"
Gandalf chuckled. "I happen to be the only person in Middle Earth that has actually tasted chocolate. Tolkien brought some when he came. It tasted quite nice"
Now it was Kath's turn to laugh, Gandalf may be old and wise but he did have a childish side to him.
"Here goes" Katharine downed the potion in one large gulp wincing at the taste when she had finally swallowed it all
"Ewwwwwwwwwwww" She groaned "It tasted like beetroot"
Gandalf looked puzzled. She assumed he had never eaten beetroot
"Never mind"
Gandalf told Katharine she could leave and that her memory would come back gradually.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~SAME PLACE DIFFERENT PEOPLE~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Helani and Thilini were sitting in the dining room with Phallic and Nadia when the news came.Their friends had been found in a dark wood which was two days journey away. The messenger only said that they were alive but one of them was seriously injured. The messenger claimed that was all he knew. Lord Elrond entered the Dining Room minutes later (Lord Elrond with the candlestick in the Dining Room. Why did the candlestick kill? Because Revolvers dont exhist in middle earth [he he he]). He sat down next to the four companions and spoke to them like a father
"Your friends will be here soon, and until then you have nothing pressing to do. So, I have decided that the girls must learn the art of weaponry.
Helani and Thilini looked shocked. They had no intentions of hurting anyone, Orc or Goblin alike.
"We don't need to fight. It's really not nessicary" Helani tried to make excuses
"I think you'll find that it is" Elrond reasoned "When a pack of two hundred Orcs are slowly closing in on you, do you want to fight and stay alive? Or crawl into a little hole and slowly be cut into tiny pieces" Elrond knew his words were harsh but they only way for them

~`~`~`~`~`~SpAcE jUmP fRoM dInInG tO hAlL~`~`~`~`~`~

Katharine was walking down a long staircase when her memory came back. Her mind was flooded with images of her past; her days at school, christmasses, and everything else. It took her a few minutes to lose the confusion they brought, and then she began bounding down the stairs two at a time. She had to thank Legolas for looking after her.

~`~`~`~`~`~KCAB PMUJ ECAPS~`~`~`~`~`~

Legolas quietly made his way to the dining room towards his friends, old and new. Half-way across the room he heard footsteps enter from another doorway. Kath saw Legolas in the dining hall and ran towards him, not noticing all her friends sitting at the table
"Guess what!" she almost screamed
Legolas looked at the elated girl in front of him. She could barely keep still.
"What?" he asked, a smile playing on his lips
"In history class I was talking to tit and I got detention"
Legolas had no idea what the girl was talking about and she could tell by the puzzles expression on her face.
"I can remember" she squeeled
Legolas picked her up in his arms and spun her round
"That's great!"
The pair hugged.
"Oh, one more thing" Katharine said "Thank you"
"What for? I didnt to anyhing" Legolas thought back over the past few days. He had done nothing good to be thanked for that he knew of.
"For looking after me" Kath looked down at her feet in embarasment
Legolas just laughed. "Don't worry about it" he reassured her
Katharine let out a breath. She was glad he was so understanding. They stood together, Legolas still with his arms around her in a hug, and Kath with her hands fiddling with her dress, until they heard the sound of a plate crashing to the floor near them. They turned around.

"Opps" thilini apologised "Sorry to spoil the moment"
Legolas and Kath let go of each other in embarasment, both blushing.
An eerie silence hovered around the group.
"You know how you always wanted to learn to sword fight Kath?" Helani asked, breaking the silence
"Yeah"
"Well Gandalf just said that we have to learn to use a weapon each"
"That is so kool! When do we start?"

Chapter 17

Everybody had been happy at Rivendell for some time, they were no longer worrying about their friends but were excited at their return. They knew Elrond would hold a large feast for everybody, when the rest of the company had returned. Even Gandalf seemed to be able to relax and join in the fun. Helani, Kath, Thilini, Nadia, Phallic, Legolas and Gandalf often spent their day's games together walking in the forests of Rivendell. Kath had made an amazing full recovery concerning her memory, Helani had been healed from her poisoning and everybody had forgotten about Maureena. King Ellassar was eagerly anticipating the return of his army and recently he had received a message from his messenger saying that all was well in Gondor and Rohan and that there had been no sighting of Maureena from the outposts.

It was the afternoon of the 14th day that the five girls had been in Middle Earth, that Elaine, Mariel, Frodo and Karta finally arrived with the army of Gondor. Elrond had sent some men to guard the gate and a horn had blasted at their sighting. The army had passed swiftly into the city and after briefly stopping off to drop off the group of travelers, the leaders had had a conference with the leading elves and wizard.

Kath, Thilini and Helani had waited a long time before they were admitted to see both Elaine and Mariel. The doctors said that Mariel had severely broken her leg and would require crutches for the next month or so. On the other hand, Elaine had been allowed frequent visitors since all she needed was some rest from the psychological and physical fear that she had encompassed in her brief journey. She had told her friends all the details of their journey and they 'oohed' and 'aahed' in wonder, throughout her long talk. The 3 lively companions also frequently visited their new-found friends Frodo and Karta, who had been especially nice to them since their return.

When Mariel was finally emitted from the hospital Elrond arranged for a great feast to take place. All the travellers were to be invited. This meant that the fellowship, the army of Gondor and the newest travellers were all invited. The feast took place on the 4th night of their return.

Elaine, Kath, Helani, Thilini and Mariel were all seated around the edge of the table, beside the fellowship and Elrond and Gandalf. After a quick toast and a comment from Elrond, the feast began. There was plenty of food for everybody and Elaine could not believe the hours it must have taken for the cooks to prepare the gigantic meal.

"Kath? can you get me some of that?" Mariel asked Kath every now and then, trying to annoy her and using her broken leg as an excuse. Katherine turned away, ignoring her, and began a conversation with Helani. Meanwhile Thilini was trying to make Elaine laugh in a contest to see how long she could be serious for. It was over in a second when Thilini announced she had found a pea under her bottom on the chair.

"Elves, hobbits and men," Started Elrond, calling attention.
"We must discuss the journey to Mount Caules. We have tried once and we must try once again but this time we will be prepared for the longest journey and the fiercest battle. As you may know we have started training our newest members, in battle but first we must decide who is to become the new company. Those who wish to accept this journey must put their case forward," He announced in a deep, loud voice.

"I have gone not once but twice on a journey and I am willing to accept this journey once more," Said Frodo, standing up from his chair.
"And I will join him, in comradeship," Declared Legolas joining him at the head of the table.
"I have business to attend in Moria, you must understand Elrond..." Started Gimli.
"Thank you Gimli, I understand, but I call upon only those who are free in their time," Interrupted Elrond, politely.
"Then we must all go," Said Kath, indicating her friends whilst trying to stand up.
"Are you willing to undertake this journey?" Asked Gandalf uncertain.
"Yes, we are" they replied all in unison.
"We have our company then," declared Elrond, "But I must appoint some of my own to join you," he continued. "I appoint Fiddertle and Nadia Iggins, joint guards of the post and Karta and Phallic of the elves. But there is one more matter to attend to; the company must be split in two. The first company, which shall now be called Squad1 shall leave at dawn tomorrow, this company shall head straight for Mount Caules. These members have been prepared for battle and will lead the way at all times. Here are the members of Squad1:
Karta, I appoint you the task of leader to:
Nadia, Fiddertle, Thilini and Elaine.
Squad2 shall leave at sunset tomorrow and will follow at a days pace apart from the Squad1.
Legolas, you have been appointed to lead Kath, Frodo, Phallic and Helani. The reason for this separation is that we must not risk delaying everybody in a battle. Squad2 must be as prepared for battle, since the attack from behind is most probable from the Orc race since you will be passing through their lands". Elrond finished his speech amid a cheer for the company.
"Hey, and me!" Shouted Mariel trying to make her voice heard. She limped to Elrond and protested about the decision.
"I thought I counted for something!" She said angrily.
"You must understand, you have been requested to stay and rest for at least a month," Said Gandalf trying to calm her as Elrond left the table unaware. Helani now stood beside her.
"We are not going, if she isn't," protested Helani. "We are in this together.
"But she cannot walk, she has not been trained in weaponry, she will only be a delay to the company," debated Gandalf.
"Then we won't go," Continued Helani.
"All right, all right, she may go but she must learn straight away the art of the sword. Seeing as she will be light, being a hobbit, I will permit it but under no circumstances should Elrond hear about this, you shall be in Squad2, I shall prepare a sword for you tomorrow" He continued softly.
"You have all our trust," Replied Mariel thankfully.

The group left the hall and walked outside for some fresh air. Thilini ran into her room and collected her sword. The others had all been taught at the bow and arrow but both the leprechaun and the hobbit could not because of their size.

The rest of the night passed quickly, Mariel tried as hard as she could and spent several hours perfecting her defence technique over the attack. By midnight, Gandalf arrived with her sword. All 5 had arranged their backpacks and were ready to leave. They met the rest of the company at the gate alongside a whole group of people who had come to see their friends and family off. Even Sam, Merry and Pippin had managed to make it to see their friend off once more. Mariel tried to stay as concealed as possible from Elrond who was making sure everything was ready. By dawn the first Squad had left with their extra bits of 'energy bites' and matches, torches and ropes. At midday Squad2 packed for the last time and said their farewells. A voice called out, as if in a hurry, from the crowd, "Legolas!" At this, everybody turned around and watched as a beautiful young elf came and placed a kiss on Legolas' cheek.
"Who's that?" Kath asked Karta, curiously.
"Oh, that's his girlfriend," Replied Karta.
"His girlfriend?" Repeated Kath, loudly.
"Yes, why? Didn't he tell you?"
"No," Said Kath angrily. She marched away and went to talk to Mariel who was having an animated conversation with Sam, Merry and Pippin.
"Murry," said Kath tapping her on the shoulder.
"Yep?"
"Can I talk to you for a second?"
"Yeah, What's up?"
"Did you see that?"
"What?"
"That 'she' elf kissing Legolas,"
"Yeah, well he has the right to kiss his mother,"
"It was his girlfriend!" Said Kath.
"His girlfriend?" Asked Mariel laughing at the thought of it.
"Bite me!" Said Kath angrily whilst Mariel kept laughing and tapping her on the shoulder.
"Piss off!" Sneered Kath walking away, her anger rising. "Maybe you shouldn't have come with us, after all!" She said behind her back.

As the company grouped together ready to go, Mariel walked beside Kath to speak to her.
"Kath, I'm sorry about before," She started, "I thought you were joking. I can't believe he's actually got a girlfriend, I mean, I know how you feel," She said watching Legolas.
"Thanks," Kath replied politely. “I’m sorry about what I said, too”.

Chapter 18

That's better, she thought to herself. To be back to her normal self after being that wisp of smoke. She'll get them back for it. Then the name Maureena will be something to be terrified of once more. She needed those five girls, she had to get them, and she needed them. She sighed; it will be so hard though, with Gandalf there. Gandalf, what ever happened between them? They had such a thing going for them. She touched the vile around her neck with his blood in it. She knew she could never hurt him, even if they were against each other. 49 years, so long ago since they had ended. She wondered if they could get back together. She wondered if he thought about her as much as she thought about him. She sighed. Oh well. Those girls, there was something about them that triggered her memory back to the friends she had in her high school years. It was all such a blur. She knew she had many friends but she couldn't remember them. That's why she needed the five girls. They had to do with something in her life but she just couldn't remember at all. What was so unusual about them? Why could she not get them out of her head? She would go find her old school photos; yes that's what she'd do.


No, year 5, no, year 6, no, Kindy? How'd that get there? Year 7, no, year 8, no, year 9! Yes that was it. She looked carefully at the school photo before her, running her long black nail polished finger over each face. Which reminded her, she needed to do that nail over. It was coming off. She started at the bottom and worked her way up.

There! On the bottom row the last girl, and next to me on the second row, and the fourth row! There was two there, with two other girls in-between. Yes! There! The last one on the second row from the top, 6th girl.

Thilini Perera, Helani Sarath- Kumara, Katharine Wilson, Elaine Jayadiwangsa and Mariel Lombard.
Her old friends, the five girls. Yes that was them she was sure of it. She remembered them clearly now. The girls were her old friends! But how, they would have to be her age wouldn't they?

~~~~Scene Shift- Squad 1~~~~

"I can't go on like this Tit."
"Oh come on Ej." Thilini encouraged her friend.
"We've been walking for three hours now, altogether 5 hours, when do we get a break?" Elaine asked.
Karta turned around and smiled at her. We'll take a break at the next clearing it will be about 10 mins though."
"Oh I didn't mean it like that I-" Elaine blushed.
"I know." Karta grinned and turned around and kept on walking.
"I totally stuffed up." Elaine sighed.
"No you didn't Ej. I reckon he likes you."Thilini put in a bit of obvious information.
"Still do you think I should go and apologize?"
"If you really want to Ej."
"Okay, here I go." Elaine quickened her pace to catch up to Karta.
Thilini continued walking by herself for a while before Nadia and Fiddertle accompanied her.
"Hi" Thilini said.
"Hi" Nadia and Fiddertle replied.
"So who's older out of you guys?" asked Thilini trying to make conversation.
"He is"Said Fiddertle, just as Nadia said, "I am"
"By how many years?"
"Three." Nadia said, "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
"Yep I have a brother. He's kind of weird but I love him all the same."
"Clearing up ahead!" Karta called out.
"So how'd things go with Karta?" Thilini asked Elaine when they had sat down on a boulder.
"Great! He understood that I was only joking."
"See I told you so."
"Hey you know Mariel and everyone would probably rest here too."
"Yeah," Thilini sighed. "I don't like being separated from them... You know if we left a note, maybe they would find it!"
"But what if they don't pick it up?" Elaine asked doubtfully.
"Come on Ej. Helani's an environmental freak, she'll pick up"
"What if they think that we're in trouble?" Elaine wondered.
"They won't Ej stop worrying."
Elaine sighed and reached into her backpack and pulled out a notebook. She ripped a piece of paper out and paused it over the page.
"What should we write?" Elaine asked.


~~~~Scene Shift- Squad 2~~~~
2 hours latter

"Mariel? What wrong with Kath?" Helani asked quietly. They had been following Squad two leaving a great distance between the Squads for about 1 hour now. They had slowly begun to climb uphill.
Mariel glanced at Kath who was staring at the ground and walking about 10 meters behind them. In front of them were Phallic, Frodo and Legolas.
"Well you know when we were leaving, how a she-elf came and kissed Legolas?" Mariel whispered.
"Yeah"
"It wasn't his mum."
"Oh."
"It was his girlfriend."
"Oh."
"Yeah, and she never knew he had one, I mean did you? How could he have done that? Getting all so close to her and then letting her know that he was already taken." Mariel glanced back at Kath, "I mean that wasn't very nice at all."
"I know, poor Kath." Helani sighed.
"Okay everyone there is a clearing here, we shall take a break because we won't get many after this." Legolas called out.

Kath sighed and walked over to a boulder where she was soon accompanied buy Mariel and Helani.
"Is Kath okay? You feel like eating anything?" Helani asked Kath offering her some food.
"No, I'm fine thanks." Mariel and Helani glanced at each other.
"Hey what's this?" Helani bent down and picked up a piece of paper on the ground. "You shouldn't leave rubbish on the ground you know. Is there a bin around somewhere?"
Mariel rolled her eyes.
"Hey hold on a moment there is something written on it." Helani continued.
"What does it say?" Kath leaned over Mariel to see what it said. "It's in Ej's handwriting, what if they're I trouble?"

Hey guys, it's us,
Don't worry we're not in trouble Mariel.
We're just saying Hi.
Hope you guy's are fine and I guess we'll see you when ever we see you.
Love from Thilini and Elaine.

They all looked at each other with relief. They all worried about the others more than they let on. Helani picked up the note to put in a bin when she found one.
"I don't think they have bins around here." Kath said with hardly any emotion. Helani and Mariel saw that her eyes were tear stained. Kath let out a sniff and fought back tears.
"Kath are you sure your okay?" Helani asked.
"Yeah I'm fine."
"It's okay Kath, we're here." Mariel told her.
Kath let her hair fall all around her and cried her heart out. Her two friends sat on either side of her and comforted her.

"Hey, What's up with the girls over there?" Frodo asked Phallic and Legolas. They all looked to where Frodo pointed.
"I wouldn't know-" Legolas was interrupted.
"She saw Nevcamiel kiss you Legolas." Phallic said.
"She saw Nev kiss me?" Legolas asked. Frodo looked at Phallic. Phallic nodded. "Shit."

Chapter 19

Legolas looked over at Kath and his heart went out to her. She looked so upset, so heartbroken and it was all his fault. All of a sudden, he hated himself. He hated his ways and the games he played.
"Hey, look man, it wasn't your fault...I mean... well...," started Phallic, but he was stopped when he saw Legolas's face.
"Just leave me alone, okay?" he said, quietly. And before anyone could say anything, he spun on his heels and strode quickly into the trees, weaving in and out between them. He really didn't want anyone following him. Then, all of a sudden, he broke out into a run and sprinted as fast as he could, through the dense forest. He ran from the hurt he caused and the person he was. Then, just as suddenly as he started running, he stopped, and leaning on a tree to catch his breath.
'You can't run from it, you know,' said a small voice inside his head. 'Because you'll soon find that there's nowhere else to run and what's going to happen when you stop? It'll hit you harder than before.'
'So what? I just realized who I've become and I don't like it,' said a more stronger voice.
Legolas slid to the ground.
'It's who you are, Legolas. You run because that's what you do. Remember the night your mother died? The night Wendinos and Rose-Maria died? You ran. You ran because you were afraid and scared. You ran then, just like you ran now. That day you lost your family. Today you'll lose Kath.'
'SHUT UP!' screamed Legolas. He suddenly stood up and started hitting and kicking the bushes in front of him, disturbing the silence around him.

~*~Scene Shift(Squad One)~*~

"You know, this place is really beautiful," said Thilini, puffing slightly and looking up.
"Yeah, it is," said Elaine, coming up behind her and following her friend's gaze.
The trees were massive, shooting up so high that it was hard to see where they ended. Some sunlight had managed to filter past the heads of the trees, lighting the forest with rays and creating the air to shimmer, making it seem like the forest was full of life and magic.
"I could live here......I'm serious!" said Thilini, seeing Nadia's face.
"Hey," he said, holding up his hands, "I wasn't questioning you. I'd live here too."
"Great!" said Thilini, laughing. "You could live with me!"
"I'd love to," he said, seriously.
Thilini was taken aback. She let Nadia walk past her and catch up with Phallic.
"I think he likes you, Tit," said Elaine, catching up to Thilini and smiling knowingly.
Thilini raised her eyebrows at her, and was quiet, then grinned.
"Well, I seriously would live here."
Elaine gave her a look that quite simply said, 'You're avoiding the subject'.
Thilini read her friend's face and shrugged. The walked for a few minutes in silence.
"Well?" asked Elaine, abruptly.
"Well what?" asked Thilini, stepping carefully over a log, hidden in the leaves and plants that scattered the forest floor.
"Do you like him?" asked Elaine, in a quiet voice, as she leaned towards Thilini.
In response, Thilini sighed and looked down.
"I don't know," she said softly. "I think I do but..."
Elaine looked at her, waiting. "What?" she asked gently.
Thilini turned to look at her friend.
"Him..." she said quietly, pointing at Fiddertle, who was walking a couple of metres behind them.

~*~Scene shift(Squad 2)~*~

"Well," said Phallic, looking at Frodo. "We can't move on. Legolas could be anywhere."
"Yeah. I suppose you're right. We have no choice but to camp here, though we will be behind the plan. I mean, Gandalf said he would be waiting for us in Periwinkia."
"Frodo, we have no choice. We can't leave Legolas here. He can survive by himself, but we can't leave him here."
Frodo looked mystified. "Why? Surely he can find his way. He's come across worse," said Frodo, looking around at the peaceful trees and tranquillity the forest offered.
Phallic shook his head. He looked sadly down at Frodo.
"No Frodo," he said quietly. He breathed deeply before continuing.
"When he was little, he would sometimes sleep in a cabin, in these woods," Phallic gestured with his hand at the trees. "His father had made that cabin and the whole family would spend nights here. One night, when Legolas was 11 years old some orcs visited." Phallic shuddered. "He was the only one who managed to escape. Well, him and his father, who wasn't there that night. He ran for his life. His mother, brother and sister were all horribly killed."
There was a long silence, broken by Frodo softly whistling in air.
Phallic sat himself down on an old log and buried his head in his head.
"He was 11 years old, Frodo. Imagine... being just 11 and having to hear your parent's last scream. No 11 year old should be put through that..." Phallic faded off, then started almost at once.
"Legolas's lived his life in guilt and responsibility. He thinks he should have gone back and helped them. He doesn't listen to the fact that he was a little boy. A little boy who was terrified...... Now you know Frodo, why we can't leave him."
Frodo nodded. "Yeah..." he said softly, looking at the girls. "But, what about the girls?"
Phallic glanced at the girls, who huddled around Kath, comforting and soothing her. He smiled as he watched them.
"They have a strong love for each other. Something that we miss here in Middle Earth."
"What do you mean?" asked Frodo, sitting down next to Phallic and following his gaze.
"I can sense it. It radiates off them. Human children are powerful things. They have strength that no ring, no spell, no bow and arrow can ever give us."
Frodo smiled at his companion.
"Well," he said, standing up, brushing the dirt off his clothes. "I better go and tell them."
Phallic caught Frodo's jacket as he swept past him.
"Don't tell them about Legolas's past, ok? He'll tell them in his own time."
Frodo nodded. He started making his way towards the huddled girls. He stood a few metres away and looked at them, talking softly to one another.
"Uhh......" he said, uncomfortably aware that he interrupted something important.
Mariel stood up. "What is it?" she asked, looking concerned.
Frodo pulled Mariel to a side and explained what had happened, leaving out Legolas's past.
"Is he going to be ok?" asked Mariel.
"Oh, yeah. I suppose he just needs some time alone."
Mariel nodded.
"So we're staying here?"
"Yes...well, for the time being." Replied Frodo. He looked over Mariel's shoulder, towards Kath and Helani. "Is Kath going to be ok?"
Mariel looked over her shoulder as well and sighed. "Oh, Frodo, I hope so. She really is hurt. Legolas shouldn't have done that." Frodo saw anger flicker in her eyes.
"Hey," he said softly, placing a hand on her arm. "I'm sure he had a reason..."
"To hurt Kath? I don't think so."
"There are a lot of shadows in Legolas's life. I know Kath's not one of them."
And it was when Mariel came back to tell the others what was happening, did she think about what Frodo had said about Legolas.

~*~Scene Shift (Squad 1)~*~

The group had been making their way through the forest for a couple of hours, when they came to a cave.
"Well, I suppose we can spend the night here. There's a river nearby, with fresh water," said Karta, "and the grounds here are warm and sheltered. Okay, Elaine and Thilini, you'll be sleeping here, and we'll sleep closer to the entrance."
"Right-io, sir," muttered Thilini as she made her way into the cave. Elaine followed her in.
"Wow. It's cool in here."
"It's actually quite warm," said a voice from behind them.
"No, Fiddertle. I mean, like it's...umm... mad...no, not crazy... like... sort of interesting... its... like.. different... Tit, help me here."
"It's impressive," said Thilini, staring at the ground.
"That's it! It's impressive," said Elaine, turning to Fiddertle.
He nodded and smiled in response.
"Fiddertle!" came Karta's voice from outside.
"He's cute." Commented Elaine, looking at his retreating back.
"Yeah," said Thilini, still gazing at the ground.
"Hey, what's wrong?" asked Elaine, flopping herself down next to Thilini.
"I'm starting to miss everyone. You know...my parents, Chin, everyone at school; Shaz, Paula, Kate, Maureen, Mel, Kath, Morris, Megan, Rosanna, Annick, Sarah, Maya. I mean, this is a lot of fun... but... you know, I just want to go back and see if everything's okay. If everything's fine."
Elaine put her arm around Thilini.
"I know what you mean. But right now, you've got to be strong and brave."
"Yeah, which is quite easy for you to do," said a voice from behind. Nadia peered gently down at Thilini.
Thilini managed a weak smile.
"Well... I'm going for a walk," said Elaine, beaming mischievously, looking at Thilini who raised her eyebrow and shook her head, smiling.
"I'll be back in a few minutes. If I'm not, look for me," said Elaine, with a laugh.
Nadia grinned at her in reply and watched her walk away.
"So, can I come in?" he asked, fixing his gaze on Thilini.
Thilini smiled and nodded. "Sure."

~
Elaine slowly made her way to the stream. She decided it would give Nadia and Thilini a few minutes alone, without fully killing her legs.
She saw a tree blossoming beautiful orange flowers and couldn't resist the urge of picking one and putting it behind her ear where it brought out her gorgeous brown hair. She took a few steps when-
"We're here and now, but will we ever be again
'Cause I have found
All that shimmers in this world is sure to fade
Away... again..."
Karta's voice. Singing. Elaine leant on a tree, listening, before she stepped out.
Karta was sitting on a rock, facing the other way, his feet dipped in the river.
"Karta?" asked Elaine, timidly.
Karta spun around. It was then that Ej noticed that Karta wasn't wearing any top. Both elves stared at each other, in a race to turn the reddest.
"I'm sorry...I-I didn't know... that...well, that any-" stammered Elaine, looking at her feet.
Karta looked at his feet as well, then grinned sheepishly.
"It's okay," he said, reaching over and pulling his shirt on.
Elaine nervously made her way over to a rock next to the one Karta was sitting on.
"So...," she started, just as Karta said, "Hey..."
The both looked at each other and laughed.
"What were you going to say?" asked Karta, gently.
"Oh... well, I wanted to ask you what the plan was. Like, I mean, what's going to happen next? Where are we going?", she asked. "I mean, its not that I don't like the journey we're taking... I'm just not, you know, used to it...... I'm blabbering ain't I?" asked Elaine, with a laugh.
Karta smiled at her and shook his head slowly, "No." He reached over and fixed the flower Elaine had placed behind her ear.
"Humans are very powerful. Especially human kids. You're not after money or power, the two things that can corrupt the mind," he said softly, stroking her hair.
Elaine laughed. "Trust me, we're not as powerful as you may think."
"No, you are."
With that, Karta leant in slowly and kissed Elaine, gently on the mouth.

~*~Scene Shift~*~

Legolas took a deep breath. The bush in front of him looked deformed and mutilated, after he had taken all his anger and pain out on it.
He sat down on the ground and absentmindedly carved a 'K' in the ground with a stick. Just then, he felt his stick strike something, buried in the ground. He started digging, half hoping to keep his mind occupied and off Katharine. Slowly, the object started to protrude out of the ground. It finally came loose and slipped through Legolas's fingers. It was a silver necklace, with beautifully carved hearts and gens decorated it. There was a pendant hanging on it and when Legolas saw what it was, he dropped it in shock.
It was a small, beautiful sunstone, carved in a heart shape. He knew whom it belonged to, because every time he thought about her, it was wrapped around her neck. It was his mother's.
He picked it up once again and let its smooth body run across his fingers, and for the first time in 10 years, he started crying.

Chapter 20

As Nev was strolling along the Rivendell corridors, she couldn't help but smile. She was finally home! No more daydreaming about Mirkwood or her beloved's Rivendell. She was finally here and no one could stop her from being happy.
"Nev? Nevcamiel, is that you?"
Nev didn't have to turn around to know who it was.
"Of course it is Lexi"
"NEV!! OMG! Its been ages since I've seen you! How are you?" replied Lexi ecstatically. Lexi was Nev's other best friend. The three of them- that is Lexi, Fiddey and Nev had never been apart, that was until last year when both Nev and Fiddey joined Gondor's elite army.
"Hehe… I'm feeling great Lexi" Nev heartily replied. "How have things been here?"
"Nev, you know how things aren't the same here without you and Fiddey. Well at least I'll have one of you here for the time being"
"Yes, Fiddey has gone with the others on that trip to Mount Caules. Do you know what all that is about Lexi?"
"Oh my, do I ever! You are looking at the news central of this town!" replied Lexi. Lexi loved a good gossip. She was always the one to go to, if you wanted to catch up on the town's goings, and that was what Nev needed; to see if Rivendell had changed in her absence.
"Well what are you waiting for, tell me girl!" and with that they both went into the scenic room.
"… ok so one day those 5 girls just, poofed! Appeared in Rivendell. And all of them have kinda paired up with someone" Lexi said. She had already told Nev of the boring things that had happened in the past year. Now she was getting to the juicy bits.
"Ha typical. Of course the guys would go for em, I mean they are new flesh in this town" snorted Nev. "So tell me whos with who"
"Ok there is this puny leprechaun… don't know her name but she getting it on with Nadia"
"You mean Fiddey's bro"
"Yeh who else. Ok then there's this hobbit, Maria or something anyway it looks as though she's interested in our Frodo."
"That great! Its time Frodo had someone in his life. Even if it is a human" Nev said.
"Then theres Hileni whos apparently getting close to Phallic, Pj whos snuggling up to Karta, and Legolas is getting jiggy with… ooo whats her name, Kath… opps!" Lexi just realised the bomb that she had dropped on her best friend.
"Legolas and WHO?" Nev icily asked
"umm… look Nev forget I said that, anyway they aren't tight, but the chemistry between them.. woah.. but… but," stammered Lexi.
"No one! No one! Touches my Leggi!" and with that Nev stormed off. Anyone who saw her could see that she was red in the face, and smoke was coming out of her ears. Perfect she thought just as I was looking forward to spending time with Legolas, some human comes jumping into the scene. Nev went to her room, packed some spare clothes. She then went to the stables and prepared Fawn.
"Sorry Fawn. But we have to go on the journey. I'm not letting that Kath get her claws into my Leggi"
It was approaching dusk at Rivendell. The sun was setting, forming beautiful shades of orange in the sky. Nev and Fawn, together rode away into the Rivendell woods.

~!Scene Shift~!

"Well I guess we better collect some wood or something, since we are camping out here for tonight" Helani decided, after Mariel had told her what had happened with Legolas.
"Yeh good thinking. Why don't you two go and collect some wood while I'll go and tell the others of our plans, and after that I'll go to the spring and get some water" Mariel replied.
"No its ok, I'll go and get the wood by myself" said Kath, wiping the tears on her jumper.
"Kath its ok I'll come with you…"
"No Helani, I'll do it. Its ok, I'm fine" Kath said firmly.
Mariel and Helani looked at each other worriedly.
"Please I want to do something useful and forget about.. about.. you know wat"
"Uh.. ok, I guess I'm with you then Mariel" Helani said.
They all set off in different directions. Kath was glad that she was finally alone. Although she was grateful that she had Mariel and Helani to comfort her, she needed her space and this was the perfect excuse. She struggled to keep the tears from pouring as questions came flying to her brain.
Why? Why didn't he tell me that he was taken? I guess he didn't like me enough since he led me on for so long. Why was that elf so beautiful? I'll never be as beautiful as her. I don't know why Legolas took notice of ugly old me. She looked up at the sky. It was blazing orange. Kath presumed it was sunset. Quickly she began collecting the pieces of wood that they would later need for the campfire. She remembered from her Berry camp that they needed different kinds of sticks- some for kindling and bigger ones to keep the fire going. As she leaned to grab a piece of bark, she saw footprints in the ground. The print looked exactly like Legolas' leather shoes that he used for hunting.
Should I follow them? Kath's brain was telling her no, that she would get hurt again if she did. But her heart was singing yes, to go and follow the footprints for the man she adored so much could be hurt. Immediately she dropped all her sticks and followed, for her heart urged her to. She had been walking for about 15 minutes, when she heard sobs. Gentle, worn out sobs, like a wounded baby animal, wanting its mother. Slowly she followed the sounds, until finally she saw whom they were coming from. It was Legolas, sitting amongst the leaf litter. It looked as though he was clutching hard onto something. His body looked lifeless. Kath couldn't stand to see Legolas like this, no matter how much he had hurt her.
"Legolas…" Kath said as she stepped out from behind the tree.
"Kath… what… what are you doing here?"
"Oh Legolas come here" and with that they hugged each other with all the strength that they had left.
"Kath I'm sorry…" but he was silenced immediately
"Shh… tell me later" was all Kath said. Her left hand was around his back, her right stroking his hair, as he cried in her arms. They both clutched to each other for what seemed like ages. It was just the both of them, in a world of their own.

~!Scence shift~!

The world around her was a blur. All she felt was Karta's soft lips on her own. His kisses were gentle, almost soothing to her own. All her worries went away, all that remained was what was happening to her at that moment- being kissed for the very first time. It was not long before their lips parted, and Elaine opened her eyes to be greeted by his twinkling brown ones. His hands were still stroking her hair, it seemed as though it had never left that place. They both smiled at each other. Elaine soon felt awkward by the silence that was between them. She felt her cheeks growing hot, and she immediately look towards the ground. Karta's hand stopped her. Gently he lifted her chin. Out of reflex, her eyes closed, soon she would be in heaven again. But before they knew it, they heard Fiddey's voice calling out to them.
"Karta! Elaine! Quick come here"
They both noted the urgency in his voice.
"I think they are in trouble" Elaine quietly said.
Karta nodded in agreement. He grabbed her hands and they both ran back to camp, their hearts beating like a rabbit, fear overtaking their bodies.
"What is it Fiddey? Whats wrong?"
"Orcs. Coming from up north. They'll be here in 10 minutes"
Elaine gasped in fear.
"Tit, and Nadia, they're both still in the cave!"

Chapter 21

"We've got to pack up our stuff and go. Now!" panicked Fiddertle
Elaine and Karta followed him back into the cave still holding hands.

Thilini sat against the wall of the cave with Nadia beside her.
"You girls are very special you know that" Nadia sighed
Thilini giggled a bit "I don't see why. We're pretty normal"
"Not in Middle Earth"
"True. Very true. but still..."
"I've been watching you and Elaine since we left Rivendell and you and the rest of the girls before that. You completely understand each other. It's like you know what everyone else is thinking"
"Well, we've known each other for a couple of years and we're good friends"
"Most friendships take more than a couple of years to develop. It's like you've known each other all your lives. *pause* Do you believe in past lives?"
"I don't know, maybe"
"Well it seems like you've known each other in all your past lives before, and this is just another one"
"Do you really think that?"
"Yes"
Thilini smiled, a true smile. Nadia smiled back.
"I wish I had friends as close as you guys"
Thilini put her hand on Nadia's. "You'll find them"
Nadia thought to himself. This girl is like nobody I've ever met before. She's nice, she's funny and definantly beautiful. I am so glad I found her.

Thilini and Nadia had been talking for ages when they heard rushed footsteps approaching. They looked up and saw the other three run up to them
"Orcs" Fiddertle puffed "we've got about 5 minutes to get out of here"
Immediately everyone began scrambling around packing up their stuff. While Fiddertle stood at the cave entrance looking out for the Orcs.
"I can see them" Fiddertle called back into the cave
"How far?" Nadia yelled
Fiddertle retreated into the cave "Not long. I don't think we have time to get away. We'll have to stay here and hopefully they'll run straight past us"
Elaine and Thilini quietly finished packing the bags in case they had to run away quickly. Nadia, Karta and Fiddertle drew their weapons, ready to fight.
Thilini drew her short sword, ready to help but Karta just gave her a weird look.
"What?" Thilini asked
"You're holding it in the wrong hand" he explained
"Oh" Thilini sighed and changed her grip.
Nadia walked over to the girls.
"Maybe you should orb out of here for a while"
"What?" Elaine and Thilini coughed at the same time
"Well. It might be dangerous and we don't want you to get hurt, and lets face it, you don't even know how to hold your sword Thilini, let alone fight with it"
Thilini looked hurt
"I didn't know men in middle earth were so sexist" she complained
"That's not fair Nadia" Elaine spoke "Just because we're girls doesn't mean we don't know anything"
"Yes, but I don't want you to get hurt" he tried to reason with them
"Forget it. We're not going anywhere whether you like it or not" Thilini spat

Fiddertle had watched the whole argument from his spot further forward. Frankly, he was glad they were staying. And he did agree with Thilini, his brother was quite sexist. Probably in the genes.

~~~~~~SCENE SHIRT~~~~~~

Helani collapsed onto the ground
"I am so tired"
Mariel fell to the ground beside her
"I completely agree. What's taking Kath so long with the firewood. We need it"
"I don't know, but I wish she'd come back soon I'm starving and we can't cook dinner without a fire"
Phallic walked over to the girls with a cup of water in his hands. "Here" he said, offering it to Helani"
"Thanks" she mumbled, letting the water refresh her dried up mouth.
Mariel took the cup next, drinking more of the water but leaving some for the guys.
"Frodo's getting dinner organised but we need some firewood" Phallic explained
"We sent Kath off to get some" Mariel explained
"But she hasn't come back yet" Helani finished
Mariel handed the cup back to Phallic as he stood up.
In the distace Helani could hear some horse hooves and so could Phallic. Mariel heard nothing because she didn't have as good hearing as the elves.
Phallic took out his bow and aimed it at the approaching figure. Helani followed suit and so did Mariel with her sword.

When the rider stopped they dismounted and still Mariel and Helani didn't know who it was. Phallic, on the other hand had lowered his bow and arrow and got ready to greet the woman.
"Nevcamiel. What brings you to this part of the woods so late?"
"You do actually" Nev dismounted her horse and hugged Phallic "I came to help you on your quest"
Helani finally recognised the figure as Legolas' girlfriend. Oh boy! This was getting complicated.

~~~~~~SCENE SHIFT~~~~~~

Kath releases Legolas, by now his tears had ceased and his heavy heart had been slightly lifted.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" Kath asked
Legolas sighed and leaned back against the tree next to Katharine. "When I was 11 my house was attacked by Orcs. They came in the middle of the night. I don't know what they were looking for but... they killed my mother and brother and sister. My dad wasn't there though. He was away on business. I was in the other room. I could hear my mum screaming. I was so scared. I saw the door was open so I ran for it. I ran into the woods and I've never been back into the house since"
Kath was silent. She had never heard such a sad story before expecially a true one.
"Oh Legolas" she sighed
Legolas sniffled and looked off into the distance. He pointed. "That was my house"
Katharine looked to where he was pointing. She could barely see the outline of the house behind all the shrubs surrounding it.
"Come with me" she said taking Legolas' hand and pulling him to his feet. She walked towards the house but before they were at the door Legolas stopped.
"I can't go in there"
"Why not?"
"I don't think I could bare the guilt"
"You have no reason to be guilty, You were just a kid. Nothing was expected of you"
"but I should've stayed to defend my family"
"You would've been killed too"
Legolas looked at the grass "Maybe it would've been better that way"
Katharine was speechless. She had no idea he was thinking like that.
"Legolas"
"What have I done since then? I've done nothing worthwhile. Maybe I should've been killed with them"
Kath thought for a moment "You helped Frodo destroy the ring"
"If I wasn't there they would've just found someone else"
"Well... If you were dead we wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be talking to you right now and I don't think I could bare thinking about that. See, you've already changed my life forever"
Legolas looked at the girl standing in front of him. He had led her on although he had a girlfriend and it seemed like she still liked him even after she found out.
"So" Kath was getting a bit uncomfortable, she did mean what she said but was a bit scared of what she was implying. "Are you going to come in?"
"I think I'll wait outside" Legolas excused himself
Katharine nodded and stepped up to the door. She pushed it open slowly and looked inside. It was dark and stuffy. She hadn't realised it but the sun was almost completely down and it was getting very late. Kath passed through the doorway and down a corridoor. She turned left and entered what seemed like a bedroom. She looked onto the bed and what she saw made her scream.
Legolas heard the scream from outside. In fact they even heard the scream back in camp. Without thinking of it Legolas rushed into the house and searched for the source of the noise. He saw Kath and immediately drew his bow on what seemed to be a person on the bed.
"Who are you?" he asked but received no reply
Kath moved to the windows and opened the curtains, basking the room in moonlight.
Kath gasped. It was the first time she saw a dead person. Legolas looked at the remains, the skin had been eaten away and all that was left were the bones. It was his mother, there was no mistaking it. He knew her so well.
"Are you okay?" he asked Kath
She was breathing deeply but still replied "I'm okay. Just got a shock"
Legolas took her hand and led her back to camp picking up some firewood as they went.

>>>>>>SCENE SHIFT<<<<<<

Karta stood in front of Elaine, he'd kill himself if anything happened to her. Fiddertle was to his left, worried for both the girls's safety. And Nadia stood next to Thilini. She'd never been in battle before so he figured she'd need a lot of help from him.
Only Fiddertle could see out the cave entrance, the others were at the wrong angle.
Suddenly, the cave echoed with the sound of metal mixed with footsteps. Thilini opened her mouth in awe. It was like nothing she'd every heard before. Everyone was still, the noises seemed to be getting further away but also louder. They had no idea what was happening. After 10 agonizing minutes the footsteps were definantly getting weaker, you could hear individual footsteps instead off just a jumble. Thilini was watching the concentration on Fiddertle's face. It was amazing. But all of a sudden his face changed from concentration to almost fear.
"They've seen us" he whispered
Elaine looked at Karta and he looked back at her. Both their faces saying things that they would never say themselves. Everyone drew their weapons as 50 Orcs entered the cave.
Fiddertle was first to strike, the others soon followed. Elaine used her sword to defend herself, staying near Karta so they could protect each other. Orcs fell, many of them missing limbs. Thilini stayed near the wall of the cave, behind everyone else. She was only tiny and had hardly a hope. An Orc advanced on her. Slashing his weapon through the air. Thilini tried to use her short sword to puncture his skin but she couldn't. Within seconds he was upon her, about to strike, but before he could he fall to the ground. Fiddertle had struck.
"You okay?" he asked over the clashing of swords
"I can't do this" she mumbled
"I'll help you" Fiddertle moved close to Thilini, making sure Orcs couldn't wound her.
The deadly seige was over. The cave was littered with dead bodies. Elaine sank to a bare spot of ground
"I've never killed anything before" she said "It felt weird"
Karta sat next to her, cleaning his dagger with a old cloth "Our worlds are very different, there is much more fighting in ours. You'll get used to it"
Fiddertle had gone outside as soon as the fighting had stopped to report "We're quite lucky, there were hundreds of Orcs passing, only the ones at the back actually saw us"
And on that note, everyone retired to get ready for bed, the past few minutes still fresh in their minds
Thilini found Fiddertle down at the creek, washing his sword.
"Thanks" she said.
Fiddertle looked up "What for?" he asked
"For not letting that Orc kill me. I know he would've"
"First rule of fighting" continued Fiddertle "Never turn your back on another soldier"
Thilini nodded, that makes sense.
"Can I ask you something" Fiddertle said just as Thilini was about to turn around
"Sure"
"Do you like my brother?"
Thilini turned crimson. "Well... he's quite nice and... oh I don't know. He's nice and all but he doesn't seem to think women should be fighting in battles"
"He's a bit old fashioned. I think he gets it from his dad" Thilini looked confused at this "We have different dads but the same mom"
"Then why the same last name?" she asked
"Keeping up appearences. You see nobody knows we have different fathers except us and our mom"
"Oh"
"Yeah Oh. Here, I'll clean that for you" said Fiddertle, taking Thilini's short sword and placing it in the water
"Thanks"

>>>>>>SCENE SHIRT<<<<<<

Legolas and Katharine were still holding hands when they got back to camp. But something was a bit strange. There was a horse in camp that wasn't there before. Legolas and Kath ducked their heads and crept up to the horse hoping it had any indication of who the owner was. As soon as Legolas was close enough he sighed. It was Fawn. Nevcamiel's horse.
"Who's is it?" Kath asked, unsure
"It's..." Legolas started but soon got interrupted
"Mine" came a voice from the other side of camp. It was Nev
"Hi. I'm Nevcamiel. Legolas' girlfriend" she introduced
"Hi. I'm Kath"
So this was the infamous Kath, Nev thought. I'll have no problems getting her away, she's not even pretty.
"What took you so long?" Mariel asked when they were all seated around a burning fire, courtesy of the wood that had been found and Frodo lighting it.
"I got a bit... lost" Kath made up. She didn't know if Legolas would like her telling about how they found his mother's bones so she kept it quiet. It wasn't her secret to tell.
After dinner the group was still sitting around the fire. Mariel was doing her best to explain what a Microwave was but was failing miserably.
"So you put the food in and close the door..."
"Lets play a game" Helani interrupted
"I love games, what game?" Phallic asked
"Truth. It's like truth or dare but without the dares"
It took about 10 minutes to explain the rules to the Middle Earthiens but then they were ready to play.
"Frodo" said Helani "you can ask someone first"
"Okay" Frodo thought for a minute and then said "Phallic. Truthfully, what do you think of Helani?"
Helani immediately blushed and waited for the answer.
"I think Helani is beautiful" he replied
Mariel and Kath looked at each other for a second before bursting out in laughter. Helani gave them death stares When their giggles had died down it was Phallic's turn to ask someone a question.
"Nev"
"Yes"
"Why did you really follow us into the woods"
"Well, my friend Lexi said someone was trying to steal my Leggi" she explained while looking straight at Kath
Kath's jaw dropped but she couldn't say anything because she was speechless.
Nev looked around the circle, who could she ask a question. Her eyes stopped on the guy sitting right next to her.
"Legolas. Who do you like more, Kath or me?"

>>>>>>SCENE SHIRT<<<<<<

Elaine woke in the middle of the night. It was warm. She rolled over and tried to sleep again but it was no use. Instead she decided to get up and go for a walk. Quietly slipping out from under her blanket she didn't notice the pair of eyes watching her. Elaine walked out of the cave, the night sky was littered with little stars. They were amazing. She walked down towards the stream and sat on a rock. This is exactly where she was with Karta before. She smiled at the memory.
Suddenly, Elaine heard a twig snap. She stood up and turned towards the noise. "Oh no" she thought. I forgot to bring a weapon with me. She stepped back towards the stream hoping it was just a animal of some sort. It wasn't but it was okay. It was Karta.
"Sorry if I scared you" he apologised
Elaine let out the breath she didn't know she was holding "It's okay"
Karta walked over to where Elaine was sitting on the rock, on the way, picking an Orange flower. He handed the flower to her as he sat down on a different rock.
"Thank you" Elaine nodded
"Couldn't you sleep either?" she asked
"No. Too much on my mind"
"Like what?" she asked
"Like You" Karta kissed Elaine lightly on the cheek. Elaine blushed furiously but smiled all the same.
"I was thinking about you too"

Chapter 22

All 7 members of 'Squad 2' slept poorly that night. The events of that night had been enough for everybody except for maybe Mariel and Helani who were careful to stay out of everything for a while. Helani felt a bit guilty because she had asked to play 'truth', and this had caused a major rift between the other 3. Kath, Nev and Legolas had all gone to bed on bad terms and Frodo and Phallic had been out keeping guard and searching the nearby area for footprints. When they returned the area was silent. Phallic quietly tried to lie down beside a tree but tripped over its roots and woke the whole tribe. It was obvious nobody in the tribe had been sleeping because they all looked up at the slightest movement. Whilst all the other members were sleeping in a sort of cave Nev slept out in the rain stubborn as a mule pretending she liked the rain.

Mariel felt kind of sorry for her. After all Legolas had always been her friend and he had taken the opportunity while she was out fighting in Gondor. But Mariel was in no position to tell Kath. She felt sorry for Kath too. Legolas had betrayed them both. If she had not known better she would easily have called him something terrible.

Helani on the other hand was protecting Kath. She tried not to join in on the conversation but when she saw that Kath was losing the argument she had to join in. That was Helani for you. But she had only good intentions.

*****Scene Shift*****

Elaine and Karta returned to the campsite an hour later after having gone on a walk around the area. They were already starting to feel the pressure of the journey but despite their lack of sleep they both felt more comfortable being with each other.
"She's like nobody else I've ever met" Karta thought to himself. I'm not going to let anything come between us"
When they returned they found Nadia kneeling on the ground beside something lying flat on the ground. They came closer and saw that it was Thilini lying on the floor. Her eyes were shut.
"What happened?" Asked Elaine running towards Nadia.
"We're not sure," Replied Nadia calmly.
"Where's Fiddy?" She continued. Nadia pointed to a shadow beside the cave and Karta walked over. Fiddy was kneeling looking towards the sun, his eyes were all red.
"Tell me what happened," Said Elaine calmly.
"Well she was looking all pale so we told her to lie in front of the fire, we thought she was cold. Then she complained that everything was dizzy and then she fell down unconscious," He replied as Elaine gave a sigh of relief. Karta, Nadia and Fiddertle turned towards Elaine in surprise. Elaine smiled.
"It's alright," She said, "These are the signs of fainting," She continued.
"Fainting?" Repeated Karta.
"Yeah, she must be very tired, exhausted, and probably even hot. This is common back where we come from," She explained.
"These earthians are beginning to annoy me!" Teased Karta. "First one falls out of a tree and lands on top of me and now we're all here worrying about this one because she is tired!"
Elaine managed a short laugh. Suddenly Karta crouched to the ground and listened to the ground.
"Elaine, it is very important that we leave straight away," Said Karta becoming serious again.
"I have heard the sounds of Orcs' feet, it is not safe for us here,"
"But what are we going to do with Thilini?" Asked Fiddy.
"I can carry her," Replied Karta. I'm stronger than all of you. From what Elaine tells us, she will wake up soon, but she will be tired. We must continue at a steady pace and we shall stop at night. Take your backpacks and come quick," He said turning around.

***Scene Shift***

As the sun rose, Helani woke up and sat up beside the burning fire. Mariel had been up for some time. She had prepared some food with a recipe that Ej had taught her when they had been stuck together with Karta and Frodo.
"Where have Frodo and Phallic gone?" Asked Helani, yawning.
"They're already out getting food," Replied Mariel stirring the mixture. "It is so weird being here don't you think. I mean we've been here nearly 3 weeks and still there's no way of getting home, but I kind of like it here,"
"I know, it so weird! But I don't think Kath is so happy about being here for the moment. It's so sad, she's always been the obsessive Lord of the Rings fan and then when she gets the opportunity everything goes wrong. I think what we need is some time alone just the 5 of us camping together and then see how everything is when we come back."
"I wonder how Tit and Ej are"
"There's no way of knowing until we get to that place. So far we haven't met any orcs, is that good or bad?"
"Frodo told me we're about a week off from getting there,"
"Really?"
"Hey, what do you think of Phallic, it's so weird how we have all made pairs. Ej and Karta look very happy, I think Tit's a bit confused about Nadia and Fiddy and then there's Kath and leggy, well, there was and then you and Phallic and...yeah,"
"Well, it's weird but some of the friendships are just that, I don't know if they're anything more than that. I mean look at Kath."
"Yeah, I suppose. What would you call the friendship between Phallic and you?"
"oh he's just someone I wouldn't mind being friends with. What about Frodo?" Asked Helani.
"I like him, it's weird talking about a boy like that! Back at school that would sound really absurd! I miss my family but do you think they would even know what's happening to us?"
"No way, we could spend a year here and it wouldn't even be a second back home,"
"Hey Kath is awake," Said Mariel seeing Kath walking towards them. "Hey kath, how are you?"
"Fine,"
"Where's Nev"
"She's gone,"
"What do you mean she's gone?"
"This morning I overheard Legolas and her have a big fight, she said she was going back home,"
"Really?"
"She meant it, I saw her leave,"
"How was Legolas?"
"I know he must be really sad, please be nice to him for a while,"
"Haven't we always?" Asked Mariel looking offended.
"You know what I mean,"

***Scene Shift***

Everything seemed like a blur. Slowly she could see and hear properly. She was lying in Karta's arms and they were walking up a hill. Beside her was Elaine, and Nadia and Fiddertle could be heard having a conversation behind.
"Really, you mean he actually killed the nazgul?"
"Yeah stupid, that's why he's so well known, our Frodo is like a king in Gondor, they treat him really well, he has feasts with King Aragorn, none of us would ever even dream of that!"
Thilini shut her eyes again and fell asleep. The next time she awoke she was lying beside a large boulder in the shade. Elaine was having a conversation with Fiddy, Karta and Nadia. It seems that Fiddy was explaining some of his battle stories in Gondor. Thilini sat up and looked out down below on the plains. It was amazing how far they had travelled. She picked a stick up and started scratching the side. Suddenly an idea struck her and she began writing a message.
"Nobody except for Mariel and Helani would be able to read it" She thought. She ripped a piece of extra fabric she had found in her bag and tied it to the branch. Then she stood up and stuck the stick into the ground in full view.

***Scene Shift***

Helani, Mariel and Kath finally stumbled upon Thilini's message about 6 hours later. They were so excited, they read the message out loud in front of the three guys.

"Hi,
It's Tit,
Hope you actually get to read this, this 'journey' is soooo long! Ej's fine, she's sitting with the others listening to their stories. I just woke up, I had fainted and Karta had to carry me about 5 kilometres! I just thought of a great idea. You know how I can orb and stuff, well why don't I get Ej and I to orb to where you are and then go back? It'd be really cool, I'll ask Karta as soon as we've finished supper. I can't write any more so hope all is fine,
luv Titty"

Kath, Mariel and Helani looked at each other and then back at the message.
"There's one problem," Said Mariel rereading the stick.
"What?"
"Well, the first time Tit tried to orb she got lost with Helani, I don't know if it is such a good idea,"
"Well, there's nothing we can do to change it.

It was around noon the following morning that Phallic woke up suddenly and called all the others together.
"We have slept too long," He began. "I am afraid we are going to have some company very soon and there's nothing we can do but prepare ourselves. It seems as though there are around 50 orcs coming our direction and no doubt they would have seen our fire. All I can say is pack your bags and get ready to fight. We cannot lose any time. Legolas and I will be at the front, Frodo will be behind with the rest of you. Now prepare yourselves!" He finished off. Mariel, Helani and Kath looked at each other nervously. They had no idea that these same orcs had just been defeated by Squad 1 and now they were back hungrier than ever.
"Do we hide?" Asked Mariel calmly.
"We shall all be hidden and at the sound of my whistle you shall come out, does anyone prefer not to fight?"
No one made a noise.
"Mariel, will your leg be all right?" Asked Frodo looking at Mariel. Mariel had been off the crutches for some time but still she was not as active as usual.
"I'm fine,"
"Okay, get ready!" Called out Phallic.

Helani could just see Phallic and Legolas prepare themselves for attack. She was hiding behind a rock with Kath. Mariel and Frodo were on the other side watching the east.

The battle began just minutes later. The orcs came up in lines of ten in a row and the rest of the squad looked on as Phallic and Legolas hewed down the enemy. At the call of the whistle the rest of the squad came up behind and joined the effort. Kath stood on a rock looking down on the battle scene and positioned her bow in the direction of a cluster of orcs. She pulled the string and amazingly she saw an orc fall down motionless. She and Helani reset their bows and at the count of 3 fired once more. They targeted the orcs that were coming too close to Phallic and Legolas on the front row. Legolas and Phallic used their bows as well but being on the frontline, their arrows had a very short distance to go and were therefore much more effective.

On the other side, Frodo and Mariel took out their swords and crept quietly to the back line of orcs. Frodo swung his sword around as 3 orcs fell down. Mariel looked on, afraid and then began her own attack. Instead, she threw her sword forward and aimed it at the orcs. She then ran forward and collected her bloody sword. A horrifying scene lay before them but they would have to live through that to ever see the light again.

As the line of orcs began to diminish and the area filtered with a horrible smell of death the squad continued their attack. They were still relatively unscathed but if it had been any other enemy their effort would have been endless. These orcs were unplanned, obviously tired and not too smart.

As Frodo ran towards a new line of orcs, another line of orcs formed behind him and he found himself trapped in a circle. All the elves were up the top battling the front line but somehow the back orcs had managed to form their own attack. Frodo spun around swinging his sword and although he managed to defeat some orcs the circle kept growing. Mariel was still quite a bit away but as she looked to find Frodo she was horrified by the scene. She raced up to Kath who was safe and asked her to follow her. Helani remained in her spot continuing her effort. Kath and Mariel raced down the hill towards where Frodo was still trying to defend himself.
"Kath can you stay here, can you try to aim from here?" Asked Mariel nervously.
"Yep, go!" She yelled.
Mariel left Kath on the ridge and raced down to help Frodo. She watched as Kath began the attack. One, two, three orcs were down on the back line of the circle. Another two went down as Mariel raced down the hill. As she came up the back she threw her sword down and picked up a stick from the ground. She ran forwards with the stick horizontally and she thrust the stick into the back line of orcs.

Meanwhile Helani was still busy resetting her bow and firing at the count of three. She continued without stop until the orcs became fewer and fewer and eventually the few remaining ran off cowardly into the distance. Phallic and Legolas hastily rejoined Helani and set off in the direction of the second battle down the hill.

When they arrived at the second battle scene, the number of orcs was still high. Phallic and Helani set up below the battle and began their second attack. Legolas joined Kath from above and the orcs began to diminish. As they tried to run away they were found stuck between from above and from below. They were all still relatively unscathed since their weapon served from a distance. Frodo was still encircled and struggling for his life. Suddenly he fell down and the orcs threw themselves on top of him. As they continued to throw their axes in his direction the back line stopped and slowly like a domino effect the whole group of orcs stopped. They were trapped. All around them, the elves had made a circle with their bows aimed at their faces. Mariel had joined the elves with her spear. The orcs gave out a long screech and then began to close in together. They formed a tight circle facing the elves.
"What do we do?" Legolas asked Phallic. "Do we shoot?"
"No!" replied Phallic strongly. "They have been warned not to approach our camp again, they will be useful in warning their family and friends, release them!" He called out. The elves lowered their bows and the orcs ran like cowards down the hill. As the last orc was on his way Phallic took one last aim and shot at the leader. The orcs, scared as anything dragged their dead leader away as quick as they could ever have done.

"Frodo!" Yelled Legolas as he hurried towards his friend. Frodo lay still on the ground. As Legolas knelt down he noticed a sparkle of silver underneath Frodo's cloak. He lifted the cloak and saw something that relieved his heavy heart.
"Frodo, you've done it again!" He laughed out loud and hugged his friend still lying unconscious on the grass.
"He's wearing old Bilbo's gift! He will be injured but nothing fatal, we can not leave until he is better,"
"But what if it takes him a week or more?" Asked Kath.
"We shall stay!"
Mariel knelt down beside Legolas and took a glimpse of this fascinating coat. Helani put her hand on Mariel's shoulder as the other crowded around.

Chapter 23

"I can't believe it, that rotten bastard. How dare he go after that stupid she-elf. I can't believe it." Nev tore towards Rivendell. She had been ridding for days now, so many that she had lost count.
"Of course it wasn't like it was all her fault, it was Legolas's fault too. How dare he just throw himself at her! After all that they had gone through. How dare he even yell at me!"
As Nev rode into Rivendell she was met by Gandalf. She slowed down her horse because it would be impolite to stop, even though to anyone else she would have just rode right through.
"How are they?" Gandalf asked.
"Fine."
"You seem a bit uptight."
"Well I'm not, okay?"
"Hummm…well I trust that you came back to get more supplies. "
"No, not exactly" Nev mumbled, she couldn't tell Gandalf; it was none of his business.
"I'm very sorry Nevcamiel but you must go back."

~Scene Shift~

Thilini wondered if her friends had received the note she had left them, because she was sure that they would be disappointed. Karta had refused to let them orb to her friends. For their own safety of course. He had been thinking of the same thing that had occurred to Helani. Elaine and Thilini were a bit disappointed but they understood the danger involved in Thilini's unpredictable orbing.
She picked up her pace and went to catch up to Elaine and the others.

By: Helani (Helz)


~Scene Shift~

Frodo slowly opened his eyes. Someone was mopping his forehead. It felt nice. The fight! He sat up suddenly, then moaned and clutched his stomach.
"Frodo, lie down. It's okay. Everything's fine."
Frodo looked up ands saw Mariel. Over her shoulder, he could see it was nearly dark. The sun's remaining rays coloured the sky orange and pink.
"What about the fight? What happened?" he asked.
"Its okay," she replied, smiling. "We won."
Frodo returned her smile and allowed himself to be pushed back into lying down.
*
Phallic was cleaning his sword on his tunic when he heard the gentle patter of someone running towards him. He turned around just when Kath greeted him.
He began to smile, then stopped.
"What's wrong?" he asked noticing the scared look on Kath's face.
"Phallic, It's Helani…. I don't know what-"
But Phallic was already ahead of her, running back to the camp.
He found her lying on the ground, under a tree, shaking wildly.
"Helani, what is it? What's wrong?" he asked urgently.
"I think it's the wound she got from the fight, " puffed Kath, behind him.
"What? She was injured?" he asked at once.
"On her arm."
Phallic grabbed Helani's arm and saw the deep gash on her upper arm. Dark green lines outlined it. It looked a lot like-
"Poison. The orcs must have been fighting with poison on their blades." Said Phallic, softly. He heard Kath gasp.
"Ohmigod. Ohmigod. What do we do? What do we do?" asked Kath in a terrified voice.
Phallic turned around.
"Its okay Kath, its not that bad… yet." He said, slowly. He looked at her, straight in the eyes, calming her down with his gaze. "I need you to find Legolas. Can you do that Kath?"
Kath nodded her eyes wide with fright.
"But I NEED you here by nightfall, okay? It doesn't matter if you haven't found him yet. Go."
Kath looked down at Helani, then turned on her heels and ran into the woods.
*
Legolas had tried to avoid that part of the woods ever since he was little. But before he could stop himself, his feet had led him to the cabin.
For the first time, he looked at it carefully. It was old and unattended with cobwebs, vines hanging off the walls, with a run down, sad atmosphere around it. Much as he hated it, he felt a longing for it.
Why am I here? I don't want to be here.
'You know why you're here.' The annoying voice inside his head was back. 'Your terrified of this place.'
Legolas closed his eyes. The sounds of the forest faded out and an echo of his mother voice sounded around him.

'My little Leggie. There's something I want you to always remember. No matter what happens, always face your fears. Don't be scared to ever do anything, because I'll always protect you. Always. And you will touch the stars. I promise.'

"She died protecting you. Her death will not be vain," he said to himself. Legolas took a deep breath and entered the cabin.
*
She heard a twig snap. Kath turned sharply to her left, her sword out.
Why are you so jumpy? She asked herself, tucking her sword back into her belt.
She glanced up at the sky. It was nearly dark.
She had been looking for Legolas for almost an hour.
There was only one place she hadn't checked, but Kath couldn't see any reason why he would be there.
But she decided to check anyway.

~Scene Shift~

"You know what day it is?" asked Elaine, suddenly. Elaine had been keeping track of days ever since the group had woken up in Middle Earth.
"Not really.." answered Thilini, sitting herself down on a log.
"It's Paula's birthday." Replied Elaine, joining her.
"Really? But time has stopped on Earth" said Thilini, looking puzzled.
"Oh yeah…. I forgot about that. Well, if time hadn't stopped, it would be Paula's birthday."
Thilini smiled at Elaine.
Karta dropped his bag on the ground near them.
"We'll take a small break here. Girls to the left and guys to the right."
After a few minutes, the group was walking again, swiftly picking their way through the forest, with Karta in the lead. Suddenly, Thilini bumped into Elaine, who had stopped in her tracks and was gasping in fright.
There, coiled in front of her was a giant snake, slowly raising its flat head in level with Elaine's.
"Don't move," whispered Fiddertle from behind. Karta moved slowly towards the snake from ahead, bow and arrow raised.
Thilini felt someone slowly pulling her back. She didn't want to leave Elaine, but the pair of hands were strong and they were guiding her away from the snake.
Thilini saw the snake move closer to Elaine, who was rooted on the spot out of horror, in the middle of the clearing, looking small and alone.
Elaine was trying not to blink. The only thing keeping her from screaming was sheer terror which had clamped her mouth shut. She felt numb and clammy and her heart was beating painfully fast against her ribcage. Then suddenly, the snake launched itself at her.
With an ear-piercing scream, Elaine closed her eyes and felt herself fall.
When she opened her eyes again, she saw the ugly great snake lying lifelessly on the ground near her and an arrow sticking out of the back of its head.
Quick as a flash, Karta ran to her and pulled her away from the snake.
"Ohmigod!! Oh, what happened? Ohmigod! Ohmigod! Oh, god!!! That was the most scariest thing. What happened? Is it dead?" asked Elaine, shaking.
"It's okay. You're okay now. It's okay" murmured Karta, in his soothing voice, holding Elaine in his arms who felted drained of energy.
"Ej! Oh, my god! That was the most scariest thing in my life (I’m terrified of snakes, Murry). Are you okay? Did it hurt you?" asked Thilini's shaking voice, rushing towards him.
Elaine took a deep breath. "Yeah. I'm fine." She said, feeling relatively calm. "Just a big shaky."
"Right, well, we'll rest here for awhile," said Nadia.
Karta guided Elaine to another clearing, where he sat her down. Thilini went to comfort her.
"We'll have lunch here," said Fidderlte, dropping his bag on the ground.
"We could catch some rabbits and find some vegetables, " said Karta.
"Yeah. Good idea," said Karta. "You two go and get the food. I'll look after Elaine and Thilini."

~Scene Shift~

Kath made her way to the lonely cabin. It was strangely silent, which made her feel edgy. She looked up at the cabin. It looked positively sad, with the painting peeling off and the windows smashed. She touched the wall, then suddenly draw it back, surprised. It was extremely hot, even in the cool afternoon.
Then it came to her. The house was in pain. Kath looked around. Legolas was nowhere to be seen. Kath was starting to get uneasy. She glanced up at the sky. It was pretty dark. She should be getting back. Back to Helani.
She walked around the corner and was met by an arrow.
"Kath?" said Legolas, lowering his weapon. "You scared me."
Kath breathed a sigh of relief. "I scared you? You scared me! What were you doing?" she asked, noticing the beads of sweat on his face and dirt attached to his clothes.
"I buried my mother," he said, walking over to a patch of freshly moved soil. He picked up the necklace that was laid across the grave and handed it to Kath.
"She would have loved you. You have some things in common."
"Legolas, I can't take this. You should keep it. Then she'll always be with you and protect you."
Legolas looked at Kath, feeling suddenly drawn to her. She had told him exactly what his mother had promised.
"You have a lot of things in common," he said, pocketing the necklace.
"So, what brings you out here?" he asked.
The question jolted Helani back into Katherine's mind.
"Ohmigod. I completely forgot. Helani's in trouble back at the camp site. We have to hurry!!"

~Scene Shift~

The succulent smell of a roast bird soon filled the air around them. Fiddertle had not been able to catch rabbits, but managed to shoot down a bird and Karta had found potatoes, mushrooms and a bunch of rosemary plants.
So they had a filling lunch, which brought back Elaine's energy.
"Well, we should keep walking, there's going to be a storm soon," commented Karta after lunch, looking up at the clear, blue sky.
So, a few minutes later, the group was making their way through the jungle once more.
Light was beginning to fade fast in the sky. It was slowly growing darker. The distant rumble of thunder could be heard.
"Karta, shouldn't we stop and find somewhere sheltered to sleep?" asked Thilini, looking up at the sky which was a twisted shade of grey and black.
"Yes. We should," replied Karta, quickening his pace.
"Karta, what's that over there?" asked Elaine, pointing.
Karta and Nadia climbed a small hill to have a better look. When they came back down, they were wearing looks of relief.
"It's a town. About a mile away," informed Karta. Nadia looked up at the sky. "We should be able to make it before the rain."
"A town? What town do you think it is?" asked Fiddertle, frowning.
"It's Hayweer."

~Scene Shift~

"Why should I go back?" Nevcamiel asked Gandalf, reining Fawn around.
"Well, the supplies must be taken to them," Gandalf replied, surveying her with a curious expression.
Nevcamiel looked up at Rivendell and something on her face must have showed Gandalf she had been hurt because he gently said, "Falling in love is a mistake anyone can make."
Nevcamiel looked sharply at Gandalf. It wasn't the first time where she had felt he could read minds. It wasn't what she was hoping to hear, but she felt a great deal calmer than before.
Gandalf patted Fawn's nose.
"You are a strong fighter, Nevcamiel. You are needed."
Nevcamiel looked down at Fawn and leaned in and stroked him.
She sighed and looked at Gandalf. Then she nodded.
"The supplies are back at the stable. You must excuse me for not accompanying you. There are some matters at hand I must attend to."
Nevcamiel gave him a short bow. When she lifted her head, Gandalf was smiling.
"I have faith in you."
She returned his smile then rode on to the stables.
Gandalf watched her go as she kicked up a trail of dust behind her, then he turned sharply on his heels and walked on with a quickened pace.
He reached his den in a matter of minutes. There was a figure lurking outside the door. Gandalf invited him in.
"So, what news?" he asked, putting a kettle on to boil.
"There are plans, sir," replied the stranger in a husky, wrung voice.
"What sort of plans?" asked Gandalf, sharply, turning to face him so suddenly that loose papers fluttered to the ground.
Gandalf ignored them as he gazed intently at the visitor.
"Maureena makes plans."
Gandalf felt ice cubes drop to his stomach.
"What is she planning? Where is she?" he asked, more urgently.
"She is residing in a town… quite far from here," replied the stranger in his rasping voice.
"Which one?" asked Gandalf, moving closer to his visitor.
"Hayweer."

Chapter 24

The smell of incense had a calming influence on her. Not only did it calm her from life's daily troubles, but it also gave Maureena a sense of nostalgia.
"Mmm, Rosethorn, Gandalf's favourite" she whispered.
Maureena would often burn incense daily in her little hut, which was situated 20 kilometres from the town centre. She had been residing there for nearly a week now, ever since she had a premonition that her 'friends' would be dropping by. She knew what she had to do, but of course there was only one thing stopping her. The word would forever be etched in her memory. Gandalf. Maureena without thinking picked up a bottle of nail polish. 'Blood Red'. It was her favourite colour. She was a powerful enchantress, but Maureena like any other human being too had her needs, desires, so she always made sure that she had a bottle of 'Blood Red' nail polish, in order to paint her long, delicate nails. It was odd how painting her nails calmed her down and it was during this time, that she would often think about her true love. She was onto her last nail, her left pinky, when suddenly a loud knock sounded on the door. Maureena was not expecting anyone today, and the knock stunned her, and as a result she knocked her precious bottle of nail polish onto her carved wooden dinner table.
"Oh my! Who in the world could that be" Maureen quickly got up. Using her powers she magically cleaned up the table. After clicking her fingers three times, Maureena soon transformed into a lovely, you could almost say, sweet woman. Maureena knew that her main priority was to keep up appearances. You never knew who was lurking around, ready to pounce on her. After she was absolutely certain that everything was ready, she slowly approached the door. Maureena expected to be greeted by a small young child, from town asking for his usually cup of sugar, but instead the sight she was met with, sent electrical waves through her whole body. Right in front of her was a tall, dark, handsome man. A rugged, black coat covered his face and body, but Maureena knew who was under it. Once the coat was taken off, she would see a man with dark, messy hair, and sparkling emerald green eyes. His nose would be perfect, almost childlike in a way, and his lips would be as red as a rose. Maureena placed one hand on her heart the other was placed on the wall, in order to support her trembling body. She definitely knew who this stranger was, no doubt about it.
"Gandalf, is that you?" she asked, her eyes searching.
There was no answer, instead he reached into his shirt and pulled out a necklace. It was the exact same one that Maureena had around her own neck. She gasped in horror, and clutched her own vile, which now was bright blue.
"May I have the honour of coming in?" the man replied, his voice strong and certain.
Quick, short breaths came out of Maureena's mouth. She stepped back away from the door, and managed a weak nod at the stranger.

Once inside, and with the front door safely closed, the mysteriously stranger revealed himself. The sight was what Maureena had expected. Oh she had remembered it all those years ago. She dropped into the nearest chair.
"Lovely house I must say. Good choice, but I saw a better looking house across the hill, which I think it would have suited you much better. The view was absolutely splendid! A whole field of dandelions! You would have loved it" the stranger said.
"Ho… how… how… did you find me?" Maureena asked, her hands still clutched onto the vile.
The man gave a short laugh. It wasn't a merry laugh, more like a sad, serious one.
"How could you even ask that question. You out of all people should know that I am indeed your better half. The vile is proof of that"
"Gandalf… oh Gandalf…" but before Maureena could utter another word, she dropped to the floor.
Hmm… this was easier than I had thought

~!Scene Shift!~

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, where on earth is Kath and Legolas. Where are they!!!" cried Mariel. She was in a state of hysteria. Helani had been poisoned once before, and she had just made it. What if she wasn't so lucky this time?
"Mariel, it's going to be ok" a soothing voice said. It was as though Phallic had read her mind.
"Oh Phallic what if she doesn't. What if, what if she…"Mariel couldn't finish her sentence. She fell to the ground, hot tears coming to her eyes.
But no sooner had those tears started to fall when noises, which sounded like two pairs of feet could soon be heard. It was Kath and Legolas.
"Oh Kath, I'm so glad you're here. You too Legolas. You have to do something for Helani, she looks…" and with that she burst out crying again.
"There there Murry, it's going to be ok. Legolas has with him special potions, which will cure Helani of all the poisons in her body. Don't worry everything is going to be ok. We just have to be strong for her ok. Nothing is going to happen to her if I have anything to do with it!" Kath replied, her voice calming yet certain at the same time.
"Ok whats happened?" asked Legolas, as he placed his bow and bag pack down. He was slightly out of breath from running full speed, from the house in the woods.
"Helani was injured during the battle. See here this deep gash. Looks as though poison has seeped into it from one of the orc's swords" replied Phallic as quickly as possible.
"Ok, Phallic I want you to gently lift Helani and place her against that tree over there"
Helani's eyes were turning green, her body was lifeless, it was as though she were dead.
"Quickly Phallic!"
As soon as Helani was lying against the tree, with both Kath and Mariel at her side, Legolas poured the potion into the gash on Helani's arm. As soon as the liquid made contact, the gash slowly closed up, and the green outlines immediately disappeared.
"Ok we must get Helani as warm as possible" Legolas said, as he wrapped her wound. "Oh we also need some fungal mushrooms from the woods. It is said to help get rid any of the poison still lurking around in her body"
"Oh I'll get that for you" piped up Kath.
"Do you know which one it is Kath?" asked Phallic
"Yeh I do. Legolas showed me it when we were walking around in Rivendell" replied Kath. Oh how she wished to be back there, to be able to turn back time.
"Yes I remember that" Legolas said, his eyes looking straight into Kath's.
Kath tried to avoid those sky blue eyes, but she failed miserably.
"Ok gotta go I'll be back as soon as I can. You can grab my woollen jumper from my bag if you need extra stuff to keep her warm"
And with that she ran into the woods, her mind still thinking about the piercing, misty-eyed, almost loving look that Legolas gave her a couple of minutes ago.

~*~sCenE sHirt~*~

Karta sat down next to Elaine, handing her a pint. "Here, have a drink"
Elaine eyed the cup suspiciously, it was dirty, much the same as the pub they were all sitting in. She wasn't really into the alcohol thing at home, sure she had some wine on the odd occasion but she was much too young to be drinking anything seriously. She pushed the cup away from her with the back of her hand "Thanks, but I'm fine"
Karta sighed and put his arm around her. "Don't worry about your friends, they're in good hands"
Elaine smiled and looked over at Thilini, she was being taught how to play darts by Fiddertle and Nadia. Nadia kept glancing at Thilini, when he knew she wasn't looking. Elaine noticed though, from her seat closer to the door, she noticed that Nadia was loosing darts and she knew it was because he wasn't concentrating, he was paying way too much attention to her friend. Fiddertle on the other hand, was laughing and joking with them both, he seemed to keep them all talking to each other, Elaine and Karta had both noticed that during the course of their journey, he tended to keep the group together and in good spirits.
Karta gently kissed Elaine on the cheek "The others should be here in a few days and then we can all continue the journey together. Lets hope nothing bad happenes until then"
Little did they know that bad things had already been planned by the Enchantress.

~*~sCenE sHirt~*~

Maureen awoke from her sleep only to feel dazed and confused, she was lying on her bed, but it wasn't morning, it was late afternoon. She tried to jog her memory of the events leading up to her obvious fainting, though, she couldn't remember a thing. Standing up she noticed her bedroom door was open a slight crack. Maureena carefully approached the door and swiftly swung it open. Her house had been ransacked. Her possessions were strewn about the floor, her drawers overturned and on the couch, her cupboards open and their contents all over the counter. Who had done this? She thought to herself. She didn't remember anyone knocking at her door earlier, and no one else had a key. Sifting through her once organised possessions she made sure everything was there. She counted and recounted everything important, nothing was taken, or was something missing? She couldn't put her finger on what had been taken but she had the sinking sensation that it was important, a key to her plan. She sat down on the only spot of bare floor in the room and sighed only a minor setback.

~*~sCenE sHirt~*~

Phallic knelt beside his new friend. Helani was lifeless. Legolas stood at the fire, brewing the mushrooms in a pot with some ivy leaves and some water.
"What's that for?" Mariel asked him
Legolas stirred the potion in a clockwise direction, not looking up "This is for when she wakes up. It should help to reverse the spell on Helani's body"
Mariel looked at Legolas with wide eyes "Spell? What spell? I thought she was poisoned"
Legolas looked Mariel directly in the eyes "It isn't just poison. Poison wouldn't make her eyes turn that colour. The blades had been cursed. Maureena will be coming soon"
Frodo had walked over just hearing the last part of the conversation "Maureena's coming here? How does she know where we are?"
Legolas sat down next thinking "Maureen will be drawn to Helani's life force. She'll come to take it"
Phallic gasped at the news. He's heard of this curse before, but never of it actually being performed, it was such an old spell that no one thought it was even possible to perform.
Katharine climbed down from the tree she was sitting in. She'd heard every word but it was too much to understand.
"What can we do?" she said quietly. Legolas looked into her eyes, she was really scared, he could tell. These girls were special, they were close, and he knew it would devastate all of them if Helani died. He broke eye contact and looked at the ground.
"We can only protect her when Maureena comes"
Katharine nodded and walked over to where her bow was lying on the ground. She picked it up, dusted it off and put it on her back. Mariel soon followed with her sword and Legolas smiled at the pair of them, their determination.

~*~L8eR~*~

Helani was still out cold, her lips were pale and her forehead was burning. Phallic checked her every few seconds for any sign of her coming out of the sort of coma she was in, there were never any. The group sat solemnly around the fire, barely talking, when they did speak is was about the weather or hoping the other group were okay, they all felt very uncomfortable. Katharine couldn't stand it, the tension was unbearable. She stood up and walked into the forest, without saying a word to any of the others, in fact, everybody was so caught up in the apparent danger Helani was in, nobody noticed.

~*~sLiGhT sCenE sHirt~*~

Nevcamiel rode at full speed, her hair was tightly wrapped in a bun so that it would not interfere with her view while riding. She softly tugged on fawn's reigns to make the horse turn to the right, if her calculations were correct she should be approaching Hayweer in an hour. Galdalf had told her that both groups should be there by now, and she knew they would be needing some supplies for the rest of their journey. Nev patted the bag behind her, it was more than her poor horse normally carried but Fawn could take it, she was a strong girl. Nev looked at the sun, it was getting dark, she could either rest here for the night or keep riding.
Whipping her head around suddenly she saw something moving in the forest. Slowing down Fawn to a silent canter she dismounted and took out her bow and arrow. It was a figure she could see, a girl leaning against a tree, she was alone. Peering closer Nev recognised the figure, it was Katharine.
Striding over to where Kath was leaning she put her hands on her hips and coughed to catch her attention. Kath looked up from where she had been daydreaming and was surprised
"Oh, hello Nev" she smiled, although she didn't really like her she was making an effort to be nice "what are you doing here?"
Nev ignored the question and instead glared at Katharine "Shouldn't you be comfortable with my boyfriend about now?"
Kath rolled her eyes "Oh come on, give it a break"
"I know your type. You act all innocent but you really just use them and lose them"
"Nev, for gods sake I don't even like him in that way" Kath was almost screaming now "He's a nice guy but I know you two are involved and I'm not gonna come between that"
Nev crossed her arms "I think I might stay with you. Just to make sure you don't move in on my honey"
Kath rolled her eyes again and walked off, back towards the group. Nev collected Fawn and followed a few clicks behind.

Chapter 25

By the second day at Hayweer, the two squads had been rejoined. Apparently Karta explained that it was now safe to journey as one group since they had passed through the lands of the Orcs. There had been much celebration when the two groups had met up. Kath and Nev had rejoined their squad despite the coldess that existed between them. Legolas had been so surprised to see Nev, they had not said a word to each other at all. Legolas seemed to be getting very quiet these days. It seemed as though something was preoccupying his mind. The real shock, however, had come when Thilini and Elaine saw Helani in the state that she was. All the colour had drained out of their faces. They had stood motionless for so long by Helani's side. Kath and Mariel had both been pleased to find their friends back safely but they were so sad that Helani was not awake to be reunited with her friends.
The reunion had happened in the pub where the first squad had stayed. Three rooms had been taken for the whole company. It had been decided that the 5 girls should have one of the rooms, as it was a very emotional time for them. Legolas, Phallic and Karta took the second room and the last was taken up by Nev, Fiddertle, Frodo and Nadia.

With the arrival of Nev and her supplies it was decided that the medicine could finally be started to bring back Helani to her old self. Phallic who had been trained in Elvish medecine, took up the job on the second night. On the second night of their reunion, Phallic began the preparation. Everyone had been so tired that it had been decided to take a break for two days in Hayweer. The company would leave as soon as Helani had been cured.

As Phallic worked in the pub's kitchen on the first floor, the 4 girls chatted non-stop of their experiences. They wanted to discover the town a bit together, to spend some time together and after approval from the others (aslong as they stayed together at all times and were very careful) they got ready to leave.
"Someone should stay with Helani" Said Elaine as she sat down beside her friend. Elaine, Kath, Thilini and Mariel looked at each other.
"I will" They all said in unison. They all laughed.
"I'm a bit tired, and anyway I want to try to finish this book that I took along. I might also be the first one to talk to Helani!" Said Mariel cheekily.
"I don't mind staying back, you know" Replied Kath.
"No, no it's fine, I promise," Persuaded Mariel.
"Okay, thanks" Said Thilini, hugging her friend. Mariel laughed as she stood beside the leprechaun.
"You used to be short, now your tiny!" She kidded aimiably. Thilini grinned and poked Mariel, as was her usual habit.
Thilini, Elaine and Kath walked noisily outside as Mariel shut the door behind them. She took up her book and sat down watching over Helani.

Not long after, Phallic came into the room with a great big smile on his face. In his hand was a small vile and he held it up proudly as Mariel greeted him.
"It's ready for it's service," Said Phallic proudly with a grin on his face.
"How long will it take to come into effect?" Asked Mariel nervously.
"Oh, it'll go very quickly, but she will have to be kept warm and relaxed. You'll have to take care of her and it's good that the others aren't here right now, they might cause too much of a fuss with her. So let's try it, shall we?" Asked Phallic sitting beside Helani on her bed. Phallic held Helani's head up as Mariel helped him force the drink to be swallowed.
"Rightio, I'll be off. I'll come back in 15 minutes, take good care of her," Said Phallic standing up and turning towards the door.
"Thank you very much for all that you've done," said Mariel as the door closed behind Phallic. Mariel waited nervously for 5 minutes. The minutes seemed to be taking ages. She decided to wait outside in the hope that something might distract her.
After another 5 minutes, she came back inside to find Helani sitting up and looking out of the window.
"Helani!" Called out Mariel as she came to Helani's side. Helani's reactions were a bit delayed. After a few seconds she turned around to see Mariel and smiled happily.

~*~*~Scene Shift~*~*~

Thilini, Kath and Elaine hurried outside to breathe some fresh air. It was lovely to be outside without the constant thought of the walk ahead. As they walked along, Thilini pointed to a small hut that had a relatively out of proportion sign saying "Eat all you want for an arrow". The three girls looked at each other and nodded in agreement as if they all understood each other. As they walked inside, Elaine and Kath walked over to where a big group of people were gathered. They tried jumping so that they could see what was happening and then realised that Thilini had not joined them. Elaine turned around anxiously and looked over at the tiny figure in the doorway.
"What's the matter?" She called out.
"I feel small!" Replied Thilini irritably. Elaine walked over to her friend.
"You chose to be a laprechaun!" She whispered as not to let anyone overhear.
"Shut up!" Said Thilini half-heartedly.
"You want to get on my shoulders?" Asked Kath walking towards the pair. Thilini looked to the floor shyly.
"Okay, get on," Said Kath crouching down. Thilini jumped up and sat on Kath's shoulders.
"Better?" Asked Kath.
"Yeah," Said Thilini as Kath walked over to the crowd. Elaine walked behind laughing.
"What's happening?" Asked Kath, now unable to see.
"There's a competition…1..2..3...5...7 people with bows and arrows all aiming at something" Thilini tried to stand up to get a better view. She stood up and bent forward slightly.
"I can see it now!" She said happily. "…It's an orc's head! YUK!" She said as she leaned forward again and then closed her eyes.
"I'd love to be able to get some free food" Said Elaine looking around at the plates full of fresh food. She turned back towards where the winner was being rewarded with a handsome lot of food. Elaine turned around jealously.
"Pity we can't shoot properly!" She said and turned around. As she was about to give up, she saw a waiter come out of the kitchen. Elaine hurried up to the door and glanced around before slipping into the kitchen.

Kath and Thilini walked side by side, an odd couple in a bar full of men. They walked towards a table and sat down waiting, thinking that Elaine had just gone to the toilet. They chatted as they waited. Finally, Elaine came out. She hurried towards her two friends and spoke quickly.
"Quick, we've got to go!" She whispered and looked back towards the kitchen. She seemed very imaptient.
"What's in your pockets?" Asked Kath curiously as they walked outside. Elaine did not answer but walked across the road towards a large forest. As Thilini and Kath followed she finally stopped and sat down in a clearing, checking that she was well out of view of the bar. As they sat down, Elaine took out a heap of food from her pockets and lay them down on the ground. Thilini and Kath laughed.
"Come on, eat up," Said Elaine.
~*~*~*~
As the three girls left the forest, they turned back onto the main street and walked along down the street. The delicious cooking they had had and the warmth coming out from the many bars along the street seemed to have renewed their strengths.

~*~*~Scene Shift~*~*~

Mariel seemed breathless. She had just explained the whole story of the previous few days in a very short time. Helani was happy. She was now up to date on what was happening.
"This journey seems to go on and on," complained Mariel to Helani as they sat tiredly on Helani's bed.
"I know, I wish we could have stayed longer in Rivendell, it's so nice there"
"I always wished I could have been magically sent to Middle Earth and now that I am, I feel guilty because I'm getting tired of it,"
"It'll be different when we get back to Rivendell,"
"I'd like to spend a few days in Hobbiton if I could after some time in Rivendell," Continued Mariel.
"If we ever get back!" Added Helani. "Yeah, that'd be really good,"

~*~*~Slight Scene and Time Shift~*~*~

Phallic beamed a radiant smile. Helani should be much better now. He walked into the corridor and into Helani's room. But as he entered, what he saw made him stop dead in his tracks. A great figure stood over Helani's bed as Helani cowered under the shadow. The figure dressed in black was holding up a staff and held it in Helani's direction. It seemed to be murmuring under it's breath. Phallic raced towards the figure and tright to fight the creature. As he caught it unaware, the creature was pulled back onto it's back. The creature's scarf had fallen off revealing it's face. It was a woman, one of the race of wizards. She was dressed all in black with black lipstick. Around her neck was a small vile. As Phallic tried to restrain her, Helani took her from behind and pulled at her staff but the 'she' wizard was holding on tight. She had the staff tightly in her hand and suddenly pushed it forward. Phallic seemed to be pushed right back. He was hurtled back towards the wall and crashed into the window. In an instance he was out of sight, the window shattered. Helani was on the floor as the wizard grabbed her staff and disappeared.

A second later, Legolas ran anxiously to the door. As he was about to turn into the room where he had heard the sound, he saw Mariel walking back to the room from the other side of the corridor.
"What was that noise?" Called out Legolas.
"What noise?" Asked Mariel.
"Come!" He yelled turning into the room followed by Mariel who had just returned from the bathroom. As Legolas entered the room, he found Helani sprawled on the floor. He ran to her side and checked that she was alright before he ran towards the shattered window. What he saw gave him shivers down his spine. Suddenly Legolas began shouting to himself.
"I knew it! I could see that she would come!!!!!!!" He shouted.
"What happened?" Asked Mariel, nervously. She ran to Helani's side and helped her up. Without any explanation Legolas seemed to have understood what had happened.

She walked towards the window and was about to look for herself but was stopped by Legolas, who held her back. Frodo came in, just at that moment. In a flash, Legolas had explained as much as he knew in the Elvish tongue so as not to frighten Mariel. Frodo walked towards Mariel and told her to follow him. Meanwhile, Legolas ran outside and jumped down the stairs three at a time. He stormed downstairs running into each room whilst yelling, "She’s in here, she’s in here! I know it! She’s got to be here!" By this time, all of the other guests were outside of their rooms asking what the problem was. Outside, a crowd had gathered around the motionless body.

~*~*~ Some time later ~*~*~

Thilini, Elaine, Kath, Mariel and Helani, who had been given the medicine but was still under heavy, sleepy drugs were sitting around tightly in circle. They did not speak but stared motionless into the fire that was burning in the fireplace. They had been told of what had happened by Frodo and Karta. The two paced around silently, uttering the occasional sentence in Elvish. Fiddertle, Nadia, Legolas and Nev had been outside for the past three hours. It was known what they were doing but nobody spoke of the event.
Mariel sunk her head on her knees. "It’s all my fault!" She murmured to herself, crying. "I should have been there!" Karta was the only one to answer her cries.
"No, if you had been there, it would only have been worse," He spoke soothingly.
Elaine, spoke calmly. "Can anything be done for him?" She dared to ask.
"No, elves are only skilled in treating poison or wounds not broken bones, we cannot bring back the dead" He spoke as softly. "He has left us for a future unknown to us, to join the heavens".

Chapter 26

She sat gazing at he fire, stroking her long, red fingernails on the black chair she was sitting on. She had not won but she had not failed either. One was dead it was only a matter of time before she killed them all. Maureena smiled to herself, an evil grin, pleased with her work, her disguise. She would have them all them, the five of them. She sighed, pity that one had to die though, he should have known she would never hurt one of the girls too much. He needn’t have died. All she wanted was her heart…
Maureena’s smile faded as she remembered the day before. She knew she had to find out who did it. No one got away with ransacking her house. No one dared to do that to Maureena. Her anger was fired by the annoying nagging in the back of her head, telling her that she still did not know what was missing. It must have been important otherwise it wouldn’t matter her so much.
She suddenly got up and walked over to a set of drawers and in the fire light searched frantically for it. Painstakingly she pushed things out of the way, slammed objects down and randomly threw things into the air.
"Where is it?" she said panic evident in her voice.

~Scene shirt~
It was early morning and despite the recent horrifying events that had taken place the evening before, the two squads had to prepare for the rest of the journey. Karta had decided last night that the sooner this expedition was over the better. It had already claimed a life. With a killer on the prowl they had to get a move on. Phallic’s death had cast a shadow over the group that seemed to thicken at the short burial ceremony that had taken place at dawn. Phallic had been the only one to see the murderer therefore no one knew what he or she wanted or who they were.
Everyone had his or her own way of coping with it. Helani went off into her own little world, quietly doing things but not talking unless absolutely necessary, Mariel busied herself with as many things as she could handle. Kath went off on her own and no one could find her for a while, this gave Legolas a heart attack, as he couldn’t find her anywhere. Thilini looked to Elaine for comfort, which she received plenty of. Elaine was dedicated to helping everyone; she preferred to keep her emotions to herself. As for the others, they like most of the male race pretended that the death had brought no tear to their eyes; they pretended that no sorrow was felt but it was clearly evident that both these reactions had taken place.
Just before noon the two squads, now together, set off after taking an early lunch. Each carrying very large backpacks, which seemed to grow heavier with each step. The weather seemed to mimic their mood, they sky was filled with heavy clouds threatening to open up. Karta looked at the sky as he trudged on, turning around he found out he was the only one for about twenty meters. He waited patiently as the rest of the group caught up before he began his lecture.
"I think we should quicken our step, it looks as though it’s going to pour soon, we should find shelter." Karta said once everyone had caught up.
This, as predicted by Karta, bought on groans and sighs especially from Nadia. But the group was in luck they had been walking less than ten minutes, forever in Nadia’s opinion, when a group of caves loomed ahead.

"Ah…" said Nev," the caves of Kelroid"
"The caves of Kelroid" Thilini repeated, "cool."
"Is it safe?" Helani inquired.
"Yes quite, they have been empty for sometime." Legolas replied.
"Okay people, lets set up camp." Karta started to unpack his bag and take them over to one large cave.
The caves where amazing it reminded Mariel of the Jenolan caves back home. She remembered vaguely something about stalic tights and stalic mights, from her school trip there. These caves where much larger though, and seemed to go deeper. Karta now joined by the others, was unpacking from the main entrance like thing. Then all around it were various rooms of different sizes. But the caves didn’t end there some rooms went off to other rooms etc. Various rooms leading from the main cave had to be accessed via stair like stones. It was in every way ‘cool’ as Thilini had said.

Elaine got busy making a fire in the centre of the cave-with the help of Frodo, while the others arranged their sleeping ‘bags’ around it in a circle. With everyone facing each other it turned out to be a very big circle indeed. It felt very cosy inside while the clouds had finally given up and poured it’s heart out.

"Lets play a game shall we?" Nev said, Kath thought she detected iciness in her voice.

"How about truth or Dare?" Nev continued. Yep it was iciness Kath declared to herself. She glanced at Legolas who glanced at Nev who in turn glanced at Kath.

"Yeah! Lets play!" Thilini said, obviously not understanding the uncomfortable situation. And since no one replied she turned to Fiddertle who sat on her left and asked:
"Truth or Dare?"
"Umm… Truth I guess." Looking at the others for an answer, he never received.
"Okay… Oh I know… did you and your brother ever fight?"
"Thilini! That’s not even a proper question!" Mariel interrupted.
"You think of one then! I dunno I had to say something." Thilini yelled at Mariel in a friendly sort of way.
"Fine-"
"Oh! Wait I know!"
"What Thilini?" Elaine asked enthusiastically.
"Sorry, I forgot."
"Okay then I have one-"Mariel began.
"I remember!"
"What?" Helani asked.
"I forgot…" Thilini said in a small voice.
"If no one comes up with anything pretty soon I’ll go mad." Kath said.
"Too late" Nev whispered quietly to herself.
"Here’s my idea" Mariel started for the third time, she turned to Fiddertle," If you were the last man on earth who would you pick to be the last woma-"
"Wait u guys! I just got it; if you were the last man on earth who would you pick to be the last woman?" Thilini said as her brain clicked.
"Thilini!!!"
"Huh?"

Chapter 27

"You’re so stupid, you know that?" teased Mariel, poking the fire with a stick.
"That’s my job, Ariel," grinned Thilini, winking at her friend.
"So, who’s turn was it?" asked Elaine, sitting up in her sleeping bag.
"I actually have to ask a question," said Mariel, watching her stick burn.
"Yeah? What?"
"Whats the difference between static mights and static tights?"
"HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" boomed Thilini’s laugh. "You call them static mights and static tights?"
"Its actually stalactites and stalagmites, Mariel," said Karta, helpfully.
"Well, whatever they’re called. What’s the difference? And don’t tell me one’s got a ‘m’ in it and the other one doesn’t."
"Well, Ariel, one’s got a ‘g’ in it and the other one doesn’t," said Thilini, then burst out laughing.
"Shut up Thilini," said Mariel, rolling her eyes at her.
"Stalactites grow downward and stalagmites grow upward, right?" said Legolas.
"Yeah, I think so," said Elaine.
"Actually, don’t stalactites grow upward and stalagmites grow downward?" asked Helani.
"Yeah, That’s what I thought," said Nadia.
"Well, you both have a fifty-fifty chance of being right, think of it like that," said Kath.
"Let’s get back to Truth or Dare. Mariel, remember to ask Mrs Smith," said Elaine.
"Or Mrs Poganoski," added Thilini.
"Why Mrs Poganoski?" asked Helani.
"Who’s Mrs Pogaenaski?" asked Frodo.
"Why Mrs Smith?" replied Thilini, ignoring Frodo.
"Titty, she’s our Science teacher."
"Yeah, so? Mrs Poganoski’s my food tech teacher."
"Oh," said Frodo.
Helani shook her head at Thilini. "Hopeless."
"So, who wants to ask a question?" asked Elaine, trying to start the game.
"Mariel asked one," said Kath.
"Yeah. She asked me," piped Fiddertle. "What was it again?"
"If you were the last man on earth, who would you pick to be the last woman?"
"Errr…"
"You can’t say your mother," said Karta.
"Or anyone in your family that’s female," added Elaine.
"Errrr… can I say an animal?"
"No."
"Ummm…. This is hard. Hmmm… Probably Nev." He said finally. "I mean, coz she’s my best friend," he added quickly, looking at Legolas.
Legolas looked down at the fire.
There was an uncomfortable silence. The sound of rain hitting the ground outside echoed around the cave.
"Errr…. So…" started Elaine.
"How about you Legolas? Who would you choose if you were the last man on Earth?" asked Nevcamiel, looking straight at him, the flame flickering in her eyes.
"We’ve already been through this Nev," said Legolas, in exasperation.
"No we haven’t, Legolas. You never told me," replied Nev, icily.
"What do you want me to say?" asked Legolas, his voice rising.
"I want you to give me an answer," retorted Nev, her voice just as loud. "I wasn’t with you for just a year. One single year, Legolas. What is that, compared to nearly 10 years I had to wait for you to come back home, remaining by your side the whole time?"
"We didn’t-" started Kath.
But Nevcamiel interrupted her. "Am I talking to you? It was fine until you came. "
"Nev-"
"I’m sorry," said Kath, honesty written all over her face. "I never knew-"
"Of course you didn’t," snorted Nevcamiel.
The others watched on, uneasy, looking between Legolas, Nevcamiel and Kath.
"God, Orcs are better compared to you lot," she continued, looking around the fire. "I mean, if you hadn’t arrived, Phallic wouldn’t be dead."
There was a stunned silence inside the cave.
"You’re blaming us?" whispered Kath. "If we knew what laid in front of us, we wouldn’t have come to this Hell hole."
She got up suddenly and half walked, half ran out of the room.
"Kath," yelled Legolas, getting up and making after her.
"You choose her," said Nevcamiel, in a quiet, sad voice.
"What? I-" started Legolas, turning around to face her, but he was cut off by Nev.
"It’s over Legolas," she said, tears streaming down her face
"Nev-" began Legolas, making his way towards Nevcamiel, but she got up, turned on her heels and walked out into the rain. After taking about 6 steps, she stopped and turned around.
"I’m sorry I was hostile towards you," she said, looking at the four girls. "And I know Phallic’s death wasn’t your fault at all. I’m really sorry for accusing you. Fiddey, I’ll see you later. Take care of the girls. Stay safe, you lot. I know what your capable of."
The boys smiled weakly at her.
She took some more steps, and turned around again.
"Bye Leggi," she said in a soft, breaking voice, hardly audible.
For the final time, she turned on her heels and walked out of view. A couple of seconds later, the sound of a horse galloping was heard, getting softer and softer until it was heard no more.
There was an uncomfortable silence in the cave. The others looked around at each other uneasily, avoiding Legolas’s eyes. He sighed. Then turned around suddenly and ran after Kath.
"Err… So…" began Mariel, looking at the fire, trying to think of something to say,
But the awkward feeling remained unbroken.
"Woah," whispered Helani finally.
"Yeah, I know," added Elaine, heavily.
The pitter-patter of rain sounded louder than before.
"The rain’s getting heavier," commented Frodo, attempting to start a conversation.
"Yeah. Have you heard of marshmallows?" asked Thilini, joining the attempt to start a conversation.
Helani and Mariel just stared at her, with the message ‘your stupid’ written on both their faces.
"Marshmallows? Where did marshmallows come from?" asked Elaine, torn between amusement and exasperation.
Suddenly, Thilini started howling with laughter.
"What?" asked Elaine, pushing Thilini.
"Just-…. Funny," gasped Thilini, clutching her side. "Your question-". She straightened up and pronounced ‘Where did marshmallows come from?", in an accurate imitation of Elaine. Then she started laughing again.
"Shut up! I didn’t say it like that!" hooted Elaine, indignantly, pushing Thilini, who rebounded back to her original position.
"Errr… I don’t get it," said Mariel.
"What’s a marshmallow?" asked Fiddertle.
"Yeah," pipped in Karta.
"No one knows where marshmallows came from!!" replied Thilini, still laughing like a maniac.
And because her laugh was so weird, Elaine, Mariel and Helani started laughing. Soon after, the others joined in, finally breaking the ice. No one really knew what they were laughing at, but it felt good to laugh so they didn’t stop until some exceptionally hysterical ones, such as Thilini, were close to wetting their pants.
"So what are-" began Frodo, but was interrupted by Elaine.
"Don’t ask. Otherwise you might set her off again," pointing at Thilini, who was sighing deeply.
"Right."
"I’ll tell you later," whispered Mariel who was sitting next to Frodo. There was a silence again, but it wasn’t awkward. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts.
"I miss Phallic," said Helani suddenly, in a quiet voice.
"We all do, Helz," said Frodo, as Elaine put a comforting arm around Helani.
"He was a good soldier," added Fiddertle.
"He used to always say, ‘Don’t worry’," said Helani, tears welling up in her eyes.
"And he would have that if he was here now," replied Karta, looking straight at Helani.
"It’s just, that… well… it is true. If we didn’t arrive he wouldn’t be dead. It’s true," repeated Helani.
"That’s not true. Don’t ever think that," replied Nadia, firmly.
"But Nev said-"
"She was angry. She says a lot of things she doesn’t mean when she’s angry," said Fidderlte, knowingly.
"You usually say what you think when you’re angry," responded Elaine.
"Come on, now," said Frodo, raising his voice. "If Phallic was here, would he had wanted you to blame yourselves?"
"Thanks to us, we’ll never know," replied Thilini, in a small voice.
"Seriously. If we didn’t come here, none of this would have happened. We wouldn’t be on this dangerous journey and Phallic would be alive," finished Mariel, quietly.
There was a silence. No one knew how to respond.
"Does that mean Bilbo was to be blamed for finding that ring?" asked Frodo, finally.
"No…" replied the girls slowly.
"Everything happened for a reason. Phallic died because he was supposed to die. One should not dwell on the path we took, but the path we are going to take," said Karta, softly.
"That sounds familiar," commented Mariel.
Karta nodded. "It’s a famous quote."
"I miss him too, Helani. We all do. But one must not forget to live, in spite of his death," said Frodo.
"And you should never, ever blame yourself for it," added Fiddertle.
Everyone lapsed into silence after that, savouring the warmth of the fire and lost in their thoughts again.
"So, how far we?" asked Elaine, after some time, stroking the fire with Mariel’s stick.
"Quite far," said Karta, thoughtfully.
"How many days?" asked Helani
"Quite a few," replied Karta.
"ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE US A REAL ANSWER?" bellowed Thilini.
The guys laughed.
"I seriously don’t know."
Fiddertle, who had got up and walked to the entrance of the cave, came back.
"It’s going to rain for the next two days. Seems like we’re stuck here."
"Is that my stick?" asked Mariel, suddenly, looking suspiciously at Elaine..
Elaine rolled her eyes at Mariel.
"Let’s play another game," suggested Nadia.
"Yeah? What?" asked Thilini, enthusiastically.
"Jungo. "
"What’s that?" asked the girls in unison.
The boys looked at one another and grinned wickedly.
"Well… it’s an Elvish game. Here’s how you play…"
*
The sound of the rain faded as Kath ambled further and deeper into the caves. A faint glow on the walls guided Kath around cliffs and deep gullies.
She felt hurt, betrayed and guilty, for Nevcamiel had stuck home when she said Phallic wouldn’t be dead if they had arrived, for it was what she had been thinking as well.
She saw a small rock shaped like a stool. It was made from marble or something similar. She sat herself down, looking around at the cave.
The view was peaceful and calming. There were stalactites and stalagmites growing in random places around the formations and walls of the place. There were openings leading to different places draped in darkness. There were different shades of colours decorating the layers on the rocks. And everything seemed to glisten, in the faint glow of light that guided her there. It was an untouched form of natural beauty which was hard to find on Earth.
Our Earth, she reminded herself.
Then, she heard gentle footsteps echoing around the cave. She felt her belt for her sword, but it wasn’t there. She was starting to panic now. Without a weapon, she was defenceless. She looked around the room, trying to find somewhere to hide, but she didn’t have to.
"Kath?" came Legolas’s voice, breaking the silence.
Kath sighed a breath of relief, as he made his way towards her.
"You okay?" he asked, forehead creased.
The reasons why she left came flooding back.
"I’m fine," she replied, coolly.
It was Legolas’s time to sigh. "I’m really sorry Kath. I didn’t want any of this to happen."
"You mean Nev finding out or Phallic dying?" she asked, looking at Legolas.
"I meant hurting you," he replied, quietly.
Some of her anger ebbed away as she looked at Legolas’s sincere face.
"I should have told you. I shouldn’t have dragged you into it. Hell, you don’t even deserve me. You deserve someone a lot better," he said, looking down.
Kath smiled weakly.
"I don’t want anyone better," she said.
Legolas returned her smile. They sat together on the rock for awhile, in silence.
"But that doesn’t change the fact that Phallic died," Kath said, some time later.
"No, it doesn’t. But it wasn’t your fault. Death is no one’s fault,"
"What if you kill them?"
"That’s not death. That’s murder," replied Legolas, in his quiet voice.
"Then I murdered him."
"Listen to me, Kath. I lived my whole life thinking that my mother, sister and brother’s death was my fault-"
"It wasn’t, Legolas," interrupted Kath. "You were just a kid. If you had fought the Orcs, you would have been killed and think about how many people you’ve saved. They wouldn’t be alive if you had died."
"Exactly Kath. Listen to yourself. In our last battle, you could have killed an Orc that could’ve killed one of us."
"But that doesn’t push my guilt away.""No. That guilt will be with you. Maybe for the rest of your life, if you don’t understand that it wasn’t your fault. And feeling guilty isn’t going to bring him back to life either."
"So what must I do?"
"Tell yourself the truth," Legolas replied, standing up and holding out a hand to Kath.
"You have to feel it in your heart, Kath."
They walked to the centre of the cave.
"So which way did we come from again?" asked Legolas.
"Errrr… I was sort of hoping you’d remember," replied Kath.
Legolas looked around.
"This one," he said, leading Kath into a tunnel.

Chapter 28

"Ok here’s what you have to do. First things first, Frodo, did you happen to bring the mat?" asked Karta.
Frodo immediately stood up, took three giant steps to where his backpack was, and looked inside.
"Yep got it"
"Great! Nadia, you got the ticker?"
"All set" Nadia replied as he took out a medium- sized, square- shaped piece of bark, which had a black arrow, made out of a leaf, pinned to it. Mariel noticed that all around the edges of the bark were names and colours- blureena, glacier, orangina.
"Hey Murry, doesn’t that look familiar to you?" inquired Helani
"Yes it does… but I just can’t figure out what" replied Mariel, both her hands stuck on her head, as she tried to figure out where she had seen this object before.
"So Karta, how do you play?" asked Elaine
"Yeh how do you play" Thilini asked, as she bounced up and down on the ground.
"As you can see, Frodo is placing this mat on the ground. On it are lots of coloured circles. What you have to do is, on person has to sit out of each game, in order to turn the arrow and dictate which colour a person must go on. Now it is up to the person, in charge of the ticker, what body part is to go on which colour. Bluree…"
"Oh my goodness… this is soooo like Twister!" shouted Thilini
"Err Tit… it is twister! Your so silly!" replied Helani, as she gave Thilini a tight squeeze.
"Twister?" asked Fiddertle, a look of puzzlement showing on his face.
"Well back home, there is this game called Twister, and its exactly like this game, Jungo right" explained Elaine.
"Yep its called Jungo alrite" said Nadia
"And yeh, the only difference is that, well first of all the colours are named differently at home. You see, blureena is blue, orangina is orange and…"
"And glacier is white" piped in Thilini.
"Wow, so you girls know how to play?" asked Frodo, a smile forming on his lips.
"Yep we sure do! And I must add, all of us a pros at it! Remember at camp berry, how we played twister?" asked Helani
"Oh yes! How could I forget. That was the bestest camp ever!" replied Mariel "Oh remember the flying fox! How cool was that! I sooo want to go back again!"
"Yeh me too! So many memories…" Elaine said, a dreamy look, overcoming her face.
"Ahem.. well then, since you guys ‘claim’ to be absolutely fantastic at this game, we’ll have a competition" proposed Karta.
"A competition?" inquired Thilini
"Yep that’s right, a competition. Girls against guys. I’m sure both Jungo and Twister have similar rules am I correct?" said Karta
"Well lets see… if you lift any other body part on a particular colour, whilst moving to another, your out straight away" said Mariel
"Yep that’s rite"
"And if you fall down, no second chances"
"Yep"
"And if you make some body else fall down, they are out too"
"Yep. Ok seems like most of the rules are the same. If we do come to some disagreements during the game, our ticker judge can decide for us" replied Karta.
"Umm sorry to interrupt Karta, but if one of us becomes the ticker judge, wouldn’t it sorta be biased to the other team. If you know what I mean" asked Helani "I mean it wouldn’t be fair"
"Yes I do know what you mean Helani, and I have a way to ensure that no team will be disadvantaged" as Karta said this, he reached into his backpack and took out a bag full of yellow powder.
"Flooy! Man Karta you’re a genius!" hooted Nadia as he gave Karta a high five slap.
"Flooy? What on earth is Flooy? Is it like some magical powder thing that makes the ticker judge turn into some sort of animal? A frog? A cow? Oh how bout a pig? That would be fun! Ow! Ariel what did you do that for" asked Thilini, as she quickly nursed her arm, where Mariel had slapped her.
"I needed to bring you back to reality" was all Mariel said
"How rude!"
Mariel quickly gave the arm, which she slapped, a rub, which seemed to satisfy Thilini, and brought a smile back to her face.
"So whats flooy?" asked Helani
"Well it works like this" Fiddertle started "the person who becomes the ticker judge, gets sprinked with flooy. The purpose of flooy is to erase all biasness in the person. In other words, they do not personally know who is participating in the game, therefore erasing any chance of biasness."
"So your basically saying the ticker judge won’t know who we are?" inquired Elaine, horrified at the thought that her friends wouldn’t know who they were anymore.
"Well yes, but don’t worry, they’ll still sorta know where they are and all we have to do to get them out of the ‘flooy stage’, is to say ‘kapooka’, and everything will return back to normal." Replied Frodo. "Don’t worry Elaine. We play this game all the time! And look at us.. we’re all right"
"cough cough! Yeh I’m sure your all right" replied Thilini
"Ok so is everybody clear on all the rules?" asked Karta
Everyone gave an eager nod.
"Ok let the games begin. Who wants to be ticker judge first?"
"I will" piped up Fiddertle.
"Right you ready?"
"yep"
Karta reached his fingers into the bag, and picked up a small amount of flooy, via his fingertips. Slowly he placed it on Fiddertle’s head.
"Wow this is so exciting" exclaimed Mariel
"I know! Bet ya were are gonna crush em" replied Thilini
"yeh we sure will" said Helani
"Before we start, I propose a bet" Elaine said as she stepped forward, her face glowing, due to the fire that was slowly burning away, in the middle of the cave.
"A bet eh? What do you think boys?" asked Karta.
All the guys nodded, wicked grins playing up their mouths."I think that’s a very good idea. So what do you propose girls?"

Chapter 29

The girls thought for a minute, not knowing what they had the authority to ask for and not knowing what the others were thinking about. There was total silence until Mariel spoke
"How about…" she stopped and thought for another minute "never mind"
Helani laughed "You could let us braid your hair"
At this suggestion all the girls cracked up and the boys looked a little confused
"They’ll look stupid" Ej said "Braids only look good on girls, and besides, good luck braiding Frodo’s hobbit hair"
Helani nodded "You’re probably right"
"What about… the loosing group has to run around in circles acting like dying chickens?" Thilini chimed in for the first time.
"That’s stupid" Helani said, but was quickly silenced when Mariel hit her over the head with a nearby piece of wood. Helani was quick to retaliate and punched Murry in the stomach. The pair gave each other death stares but decided to call it even.

~*~SCENE SHIRT~*~

Legolas and Katharine walked through the cave, feeling their way along the dark passageways
"Are we lost?" Katharine asked, confusion covering her features
Legolas looked in her general direction and said "No, just not found"
Kath rolled her eyes in the darkness. Walking a few more metres into the darkness she gave up and stopped
"This isn’t working, Leg. We need some sort of light"
Legolas thought for a minute and remembered he had his magic lighter Gandalf had given him. Gandalf had been given the magic lighter from Tolkien the first time he entered this magic world. Legolas took the lighter out of his pocket and Kath stared at him in amazement.
"That’s a cigarette lighter" she observed
Legolas looked at her strangely and nodded "It is a lighter, yes"
"Where’d you get it?" Kath asked taking the white lighter from his hand and quickly striking it up.
"Gandalf" Legolas replied.
Kath nodded, figuring Gandalf could get anything and not really caring how the item was acquired.
The light blazed around the pair of lost elves as they wandered through the dark tunnels hopelessly.

~*~SCENE SHIFT~*~

"What about… the losers have to carry the heavy packs tomorrow" Frodo chimed in.
"No!" the group yelled in unison. It was the fourth time Frodo had suggested this idea. The group was still debating what to bet their game on
"Okay! Let’s just not have a bet. Let’s just see who wins. I really wanna play" Mariel suggested.
"You guys do realise that I have a slight disadvantage in this game" Thilini said, looking UP at her friends.
"You can deal with it" Helani laughed, poking her tongue out.
The group were in the middle of their fourth game when someone realised something.
"Uh, where are Legolas and Kath" Frodo asked
Everyone looked around for their friends. They should have been back by now
"They’re probably making out somewhere" Mariel blurted out before she could stop herself. Everyone looked at her and laughed.
"They’ll be back, come on, we have to finish the game" Nadia laughed.

~*~SCENE KATH~*~

Kath yawned. It was dark, she was tired and really wanted to be sleeping right now, but in her haste she’d picked a random path and now she and Legolas were lost. She stopped walking; Legolas looked at her with sympathetic eyes.
"I know you’re tired, Kath. But we’ve got to keep going"
Kath yawned again, this time covering her mouth with her hand. She handed the lit sticks to Legolas and leant against the cave wall.
"We have no idea where…" she started, but was silenced by a drumming sound in the darkness "can you hear that" she whispered.
Legolas put his ear to the rock wall and listened. He could hear a crunching round. Almost like the rocks had started to move. Legolas and Kath both leaned into their opposite walls to try and hear the noise better, and maybe decipher what it was.
Suddenly, Kath felt the rocks moving. She tried to take a step back from the wall but seemed to be trapped against it. Her face was pulled towards the cold rock and she screamed. Legolas’ head snapped in Kath’s direction, she was trapped against the wall, fighting to break away. Legolas tried to run and help her but found he was trapped as well.
Legolas looked at her the rocks around her seemed to be moving, almost like they were alive. They seemed to be pulling Kath deeper and deeper into the walls. Legolas struggled as hard as he could but the rocks he assumed were holding him would not let him go. All he could see of her now was her head and arms; he could see tears in her eyes, waiting to fall. Legolas managed to reach out one arm half way across the tunnel, Kath struggled to do the same, they hands touching for a brief moment before Kath disappeared completely into the solid rock. As soon as she was gone Legolas was let go of. He ran to the wall where Kath disappeared and pounded hard on it, not stopping until his fists were dripping with blood.

~*~SCENE MURRY~*~

Frodo dropped to the ground. He was exhausted. They’d almost finished their twelfth game of Jungo.
"I give up," he conceded. "Can we stop now?"
Ej laughed from her position on the board, they were the last two people left playing and now, it seemed, Ej had won. The pair shook hands and collapsed onto to floor with the others. Mariel yawned.
"What time is it?" she asked anyone who would listen
Helani looked at her watch, but then realised she didn’t have a watch. "Oh, I forgot".
Frodo looked for signs of natural light around the cave but found none. "There is no way of telling the time of day so deep into these caves, we will now know how long we've been travelling even when we exit these mountains"
Thilini sat up "So Kath and Legolas could have been missing for a week already"
Frodo nodded, "but I very much doubt that, it would most likely be only a day at the maximum"
"What if they're lost?" Helani asked, starting to look slightly worried
"She could be right, Frodo. We should begin a search" Karta suggested
"Yes" Frodo agreed "You three" he said pointing at Karta, Thilini and Helani "may follow the tunnels and see if you can find them. But make sure you leave some sort of trail so you don't get lost yourselves. The rest of us will wait here in case they come back"
Everyone nodded. Helani, Thilini and Karta began their search down the dark tunnels.

~*~SCENE HELANI~*~

"It's dark" Thilini whispered, stating the obvious
"Thilini!" Helani laughed, "We're in a tunnel, deep in the mountains. Of course it's going to be dark"
Karta stifled a giggle, brought on by their constant bickering. The girls heard though and gave him evil looks, which he missed because of the darkness of the cave. The group only had two torches, Karta carried one and Helani the other. Thilini wasn't allowed to carry one anymore because of her height, she kept accidentally lighting Helani's dress, accidentally (*wink*). The group seemingly had been travelling for hours; Thilini had been whinging for the past half an hour (I know they don't know the time but I’m estimating here) for a break in the monotonous walking. Her wish was granted when Karta said they could relax for a few minutes. Thilini dropped the whole foot to the floor in less than a second, lying down against the wall. Helani and Karta sat down next to each other on the opposite wall of the cave.
"So you like our Ej huh" Helani began.
Karta looked nervous, were they going to yell at him, tell him never to see her again, promise to break his legs if he hurt her, or maybe even tie him up in the cave so he could never see Elaine again, he wouldn't be able to cope with that.
"Yes, I do" he replied after minutes of thinking
Tit and Helz eyed him suspiciously; he took a while to answer
"Are you gonna look after her?" Thilini asked
"Oh course" he replied solemnly
"What happens when we have to leave Middle Earth?" Helani asked
Karta looked at the ground, this was something he wanted to avoid thinking about "I don't know" he replied finally "I don't want her to leave"
Helani and Thilini looked at each other, slightly worried, 'she wouldn't stay would she?' they thought at the same time.
Karta took a deep breath, not noticing the girls’ expressions and stood up.
"Come on girls. Time to go" he said, reaching out his hand to Helani to lift her off the ground. Helani reached up and grabbed Karta's hand and he tried to pull her up. But she was stuck. Karta looked puzzled, it was as if Helani was stuck to the wall, preoccupied by this neither of the pair noticed Thilini sinking slowly into the floor. Helani looked over at her friend and screamed, all was left was her left hand, it was as if she had just disappeared. Karta quickly reached down to the lonely hand and tried to pull Thilini out of the rock, but it was no use, she was stuck, her hand was slowly sinking until nothing was left. Karta looked back at Helani and panicked, the same thing would surely happen to her unless he could get her out of the rock instantly. Helani's face was distorted with confusion, her legs, arms and face were sticking out of the rock but she couldn't see her stomach anymore. She locked eyes with Karta, each face perfectly mirroring the panic in the other. Karta grabbed one of Helani's hands, determined to either get her out of the rock or go in with her, he would not abandon the girls he had sworn to protect. Helani's face soon disappeared and only her right leg and hand were left. Karta heard shouting coming from down the passage they were about to follow, he heard footsteps, he crossed his fingers and hoped it was Legolas and Katharine, but he could only hear one set of feet, he was now worried. If it was not them it could only be the enemy and to fight them he would have to lose Helani. Seconds passed before Legolas could be seen down the tunnel. He was shouting something; Karta focused his elf-ears on listening.
"Keep the girls away from the walls" he was shouting, but stopped, as soon as he saw Karta holding a single hand poking out from the cave wall. Legolas ran and stood next to the wall, by the darkness and size of the fingers he knew it was Helani. More of her hand was disappearing into the wall, Karta could tell his hand was slipping; the sweat on his fingers was not working to his advantage. He clutched at the last two fingers but Legolas pulled him back
"It's no use" Legolas sighed. "We have to go warn the others"
Karta dropped his face into his hands, he had failed his quest. Legolas put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "We will find them again" he whispered. Karta nodded and the pair ran off in search of the camp site hoping it wasn't too late.

~*~SCENE THILINI~*~

Frodo was sitting on the ground with Mariel by his side; she was snoring softly on his shoulder. Ej was stoking the fire in the middle of the cave; Nadia was curled up in a blanket sleeping like Mariel. Fiddertle had the job of trying to find something in their packs that was somewhat edible for dinner, or lunch, or breakfast. Ej looked at the spot where her watch would normally be.
"I hope they come back soon. It's nice to know that everyone's together and safe" she said
Fiddertle stifled a laugh. Ej looked at him questioningly "What?" she asked.
"Nothing" Fiddertle laughed again, this time not bothering to hide it.
"Fiddertle, what?" Ej asked, a little louder this time
Fiddertle looked into the pack he was currently sorting through, pretending to be very busy. Ej looked around the cave at the others; Frodo was looking at her intently but quickly turned when their gaze met. Ej sat back and folded her arms into a pout.
"You guys are so mean" she grumbled
Frodo interrupted "hey, don't take this out on me, I’m just sitting here, minding my own business, just think of me as a pillow, I know she does" he joked, indicating the sleeping beauty beside him. This did not, however, deter Elaine. She walked over to Fiddertle and sat beside him "What are you finding so funny about me wondering where my friends are?" she probed.
Fiddertle looked up from the pack; "it's not just your friends that are missing" he smiled
Ej began to correct him and say that everyone missing was her friend when she realised what he meant. "shut-up" she groaned, picking up the nearest thing and whacking Fiddertle about the head with it. It happened to be a spare coat so Fiddertle wasn't too highly damaged.
"I'm not just worried about Karta" she reasoned "I'm worried about everyone else too!!!!!!!!"
Fiddertle just laughed, grabbing an almost empty pack and throwing it at her for payback. The fight soon changed into an all our war, with Frodo joining Ej's team, and Nadia and Mariel waking up and joining random sides. Mariel ducked as the coat which struck the first blow of the match sailed over her head. She grabbed a nearby object and threw it back at a random person. Mariel went to pick up a nearby pack but missed her step and tripped, landing in a heap on the ground. Her left ankle hurt like hell. She grabbed it, trying to have a look and not cry out in pain at the same time. Pulling back her leggings Mariel could see a deep cut running over her ankle. She looked behind her and found what was responsible; a sharp rock was sticking out from the ground. Mariel could see blood on its sharpest point, her blood. Mariel wiped the blood away with her hand and went to stand up, only to find her ankle was basically useless and there was no way she’d be able to walk for a while. Listening to her friends Mariel noticed a soft voice echoing through the caves. Mariel yelled for the group to be quiet, they did so, the voice became slowly louder.
Elaine, using her elf ears could hear the voice much more clearly than the others.
"It says" she deciphered "keep the girls away from the walls"
Fiddertle looked worried, he grabbed Ej and pulled her towards and centre of the cave. Frodo did the same with Mariel, he had to drag her because of her ankle but she soon sat in the middle of the cave.
"It must be Karta" Nadia stated, looking in the direction of the voice.
"There are two sets of feet" Ej offered
"Something must have happened to Helani or Thilini" Nadia said, panic lining his voice.
Everyone was looking down the tunnel, towards the voice, until they heard Mariel shriek.
Mariel looked down at her hurt leg, it was missing. She seemed to be sinking into the cave floor. Legolas and Karta quickly joined the group around Mariel. They were holding her up by any way possible, trying to stop her from sinking. Mariel screamed from the pain, her ankle was already bleeding, and now she was being pulled in two directions. Mariel kept sinking lower and lower. Legolas and Karta explained what had happened to the other girls in rushed voices while trying fruitlessly to save Mariel. Elaine was stunned, from what Karta and Legolas had said all the other girls had been taken; now Mariel, so Elaine figured, she would be next.
"Why are they only taking us girls?" Elaine asked the group after Mariel had completely sunk into the rock.
Karta stood next to her and put his arm around her waist "They’re not taking you" he whispered in her ear.
Legolas had a much more helpful answer "They’re the rock people; they steal girls and use them as sacrifices. Their own tunnels are completely unreachable from the outside. They’ve been banished from most of Middle Earth; there must be millions of them here though. They all group together".
Elaine looked scared. "Okay, is there any way to kill them?"
Legolas frowned "They are made of rock, it is almost impossible to destroy, it’s so strong"
Ej screamed, she couldn’t move her foot. Fiddertle (being closest to the ground) quickly attacked her shoe, releasing her foot and Ej as well. Elaine was panicking, jumping from one foot to the other, touching the ground for as little time as possible. Karta would have laughed, if not for the complete seriousness of the situation. Legolas quickly found a solution to this, and picked up Elaine in his arms, so that nothing of her body was touching the rock.
"We’ve got to find a way out of this cave" Frodo suggested
The boys nodded. Karta, Nadia, Fiddertle and Frodo grabbed the bags and started packing them as quick as they could
"What about the others?" Ej asked, a worried look crossing her face, not for the first time today/tonight/whatever.
"We’ll find them" Karta reassured her, while packing a saucepan into his pack "But we’ve got to keep you safe first"
As soon as the bags were all packed the group went to begin their journey to safety. Legolas went to take a step but found he could not move. Nor could any of the other men, all their legs had sunk into the cave floor. Legolas refused to let go of Elaine, he did not want her to get taken too.
"You said they only take girls" Elaine asked
Legolas nodded
"Then why are you all stuck?" she continued.
None of the men had an answer for her so they stayed quiet. After minutes of nothing happening Elaine finally gave in, she hopped down from Legolas, amidst his protesting and stood in an open area of the campsite.
"Any hints on how to kill these guys?" she asked as she was slowly dragged down.
"Their only threats are goblins" Legolas supplied
"How come?" Ej asked, but was dragged completely under before she could hear the answer. The last thing she heard was Karta screaming her name.
As soon as Elaine was taken by the rock people Legolas, Karta, Nadia, Frodo and Fiddertle were released from the rock. They grabbed their packs and raced along the dark passageways to try and find any way to the girls.

K. Note: I am so going to make sure Ej has only one shoe for the rest of the story.

~*~SCENE ELAINE~*~

Elaine tried to feel the close rocks around her, but kept scratching herself on them. Her hands were soon dripping with blood, her body was protected by her clothes, but her one exposed foot (because Fiddertle ‘stole’ her shoe) was getting scratched all over. After what seemed like hours of moving through a body-sized gap in solid rock Elaine was starting to get worried. What if I keep going on forever? What if I end up in the rock people’s tunnels and the others have been killed? What if I never get back to our earth? What if I never finish high school? What if I have to stay here until I starve to death? She’d been listing "what if’s" for ages when she felt a cool breeze on her right hand. Ej tilted her head as far as she could without hitting it on something and saw that she was about to fall into a real tunnel. Crashing to the ground Ej noticed the blood overing her hands and foot, she could barely walk. The pain was unbearable. After adjusting to the sudden lightness of the cave after days of darkness Ej started to assess her surroundings. She looked around and noticed she was in a tiny cage, with bars made out of stone.
"Helani!" she screamed, seeing her friend in another adjoining cage.
Helani rushed over to their mutual cage wall. "We’ve been waiting for you Ej" Helani smiled
Ej looked confused, "what do you mean?"
Helani pointed to the other girls, all in separate small cages. Mariel was lying on the ground next to her joining wall with Helani, clutching her ankle. Thilini looked so small, standing against the bars of her huge stone prison, talking to a girl in the next cell. Katharine was sitting in the furthest cage away, leaning against the corner. Ej squinted her eyes further and looked around some more, all around them there were huge stone cages; Ej guessed at least 30 other girls were in the same situation as her group was, trapped. Looking more closely at her friends she noticed signs that they were not altogether in the best of health. Mariel’s ankle looked severely swollen, not to mention she had a huge scratch on her left cheek. Helani’s shirt had torn across her stomach and Ej could see some dried blood. Thilini looked mainly alright, probably because of her smaller size. Katharine was cradling her right arm, blood covering it and still dripping.
"It’s not as bad as it looks" Kath explained, noticing Ej looking at her sympathetically. "It’s pretty much stopped"
Ej threw her another sympathetic look, wishing they were out of this mess already.

Thilini had been deep in conversation with a girl in the cage next to her but looked up when Kath had spoken.
"Hey Ej" Thilini waved from her cage
"Titty, are you okay?" Ej asked, noticing for the first time the blood on her friends hands
"Oh, I'm fine" Thilini smiled "Wish we weren't trapped in here though. This is Yanamè"
The girl in the cage next to Thilini cautiously waved. She was a man, well, a woman, but of the race of men. She had long blonde hair that looked like it hadn't been brushed or washed in weeks. Her eyes were green, the color of lettuce. Her figure was small, you could see the outlines of her bones through her skin. She looked like she hadn't eaten in weeks. Ej noticed she was trying to cover up her right shoulder. It had three deep cuts across it.
'That must be the blood on Tit's hands' Ej thought to herself
"Nice to meet you", Ej called back to her friends new friend, before settling down on the floor of her cage. There was nothing they could do now.

~*~PERSPECTIVE SHIFT. TO THILINI~*~

Thilini saw Ej sit down in her cage, trying to wipe the blood off her hands. Thilini looked around once more, the people in this place were all prisoners. Half of them would slowly bleeding to death if they didn't get medical treatment soon. Every single person imprisoned was a woman, there were hobbits, elves, and half a dozen different species that Thilini didn't even recognise. She was just thinking about a deep green girl in the corner and what her name could be when Yanamè said something.
"Your friends" she started "they seem nice"
Thilini looked at her and nodded "The nicest people I know, that's why they're my friends"
"My friends are no longer with us" Yanamè wiped her salty eye "I've been in this cage for almost a year"
Thilini's mouth dropped "Do they feed us ever?"
Yanamè looked at the ground, and slowly her gaze drifted to a pile of bones in the cage on her other side "I had to eat something" she tried to justify her actions
Thilini's small mouth dropped even lower "You ate someone?" and before she could close her mouth again she started to cough and threw up the last meal she'd had and may ever have onto the cage floor.
Yanamè tried to change the subject, "I have never seen a real Leprechaun before. Only in stories told by the Prince of my city"
Thilini looked at the ground "Well... uh... I... um..." she tried to make up some sort of lie but it was not her best charcter trait.
"Can you hear that?" Helani asked her friends suddenly. Thilini looked around, small pebbles were falling from the ceiling, the ground had started to shake, drums were beating, war cries could be heard.
"This can't be good" Katharine joked, the others threw her a dirty look, telling her to shut up or be serious.
The rock walls had started to move, their cage bars were melting back into the main walls.
Helani quickly jumped up and ran to Mariel "Can you walk?" she asked
Mariel slowly stood on her right foot waiting until she'd got her balance before trying to step onto her injured one. She was limping slightly but could move on her own. Ej pointed off into the distance, a small trickle of light could be seen coming in through what could only be an exit.
"Lets go!" Katharine yelled over the sudden loudness of the cave.
The group of 5 girls and their new found friend Yanamè slowly and carefully made ther way towards the light, but were stopped when they saw hundreds of goblins charge into the caves from the only known exit.
Helani screamed but was quickly silenced when Mariel put her hand over her mouth "Shhhhhh!" she whispered
The group followed Yanamè as she took them into a small alcove.
"Goblins are the only thing the rock people fear" Ej explained
"Probably because they mine" Yanamè suggested
"Well what about dwarves then? Don't they mine too?" Helani asked
"Dwarves can easily be killed. You just crush the few females and their race stops growing. But goblins are mutated. And there are so many of them, they move as fast as arrows. Whereas the rock people move slow. The goblins have the advantage" Yanamè explained
The group waited for what seemed like hours until they felt they should make their move. Mariel, limping slightly was put in the middle, so they didn't lose her and Thilini at the front because of her size.
"Tit" Kath said before they began "If you run too slow i'm gonna sling you over my shoulder and carry you like a shopping bag okay?" (that is like my favourite line in my entire bit so far... hehehe)
Thilini smiled slightly "Deal"

~*~I LOVE LEGOLAS~*~

The boys had been running through the cave for hours, still with no sign from their missing counterparts. Suddenly, they heard drumming. Like millions of war drums were beating below them. Then they heard the screaming. Voices of girls could be heard screaming in terror, scratching noises of them trying to climb back through the rock to escape the wrath of the goblins. Legolas halted the group and put his ear against the rock "I can't hear our girls" he breathed "but it's very hard to tell. Karta?"
Karta was listening too, "nothing" he sighed "they could be already dead"
The group looked at him in horror. Frodo was first to snap out of it "We've got to get to the other side of the mountain"
Karta nodded and the group began their run again.
As they began running the tunnel started shaking, the ground beneath them didn't feel stable, rocks were falling from the ceiling. Fiddertle could see in front of him was a patch of light. They had almost reached the other side. Dodging rubble and pointy rocks the group emerged into the sunlight, panting. They stopped at a clearing close to the exit. Wondering how they could save the girls.

~*~FRODO IS MY KING~*~

Elaine felt her belt, If they were going to make a run for it through hundreds of goblins she wanted to make sure she was armed. Lucky for the group they all still had their weapons. Yanamè was unarmed but Helani leant her a small dagger. The problem with the group was that half of them were nursing injuries. Kath's arm was still bleeding, Yanamè's shoulder hurt everytime she tried to swing at the enemy, Ej's hands were covered in dry blood and scratches and it was hard to her to fire her bow. But they had to. It was a matter of life and death. Creeping out from their small alcove the group could see that most of the goblins had proceeded past them, down the tunnels, trying to find the rock people. There were only about six dozen goblins left at the entrance. The group had stepped out amidst a battle, the other girls who had been caged also were fighting, throwing rocks, killing and then stealing weapons. The ground was littered with bodies.
"As soon as you have a break to get to the entrance go for it. No waiting for anyone" Kath spoke
Everyone looked worried at this suggestion, they did not want to leave their friends behind and they did not want to be left behind themselves. But nobody protested.
The close group soon had to scatter when they were converged apon by the enemy. Elaine was the first to strike. Her bow sent an arrow soaring through the air slicing into a goblin, it fell to the ground. She kept shooting, killing one after the other, slowly edging towards the exit. Her hands stinging all the while. Thilini, being so small could almost go unnoticed in a battle of this feirocity. Using size to her advantage she struck her blades into the legs and feet of nearby goblins. She could easily duck under most of their swings at her. Kath was using her knives to slash random enemy. Turning this way and that she struck again and again, in her haste she almost went to stab Helani but realised just before.
"Sorry" she said to her friend, her blade inches from Helani's body.
Helani just turned and kept fighting. She was the first to reach the light of the exit. Scrambling up the hill she escaped out of the tunnels.
Yanamè was fighting side by side with Mariel, keeping the little hobbit safe. She wasn't too bad at it either. They reached the exit together, Mariel leaning on Yanamè as they climbed out. The others were still fighting. The number of goblins had greatly decresed but there were still enough to keep the remaining fighters busy. Slashing with her daggers Kath called out to her friends "Can you hear that?"
She was referring to the sound of hundreds of pairs of feet running, the sound was getting louder and louder
"They're coming back?" Helani screamed.
Bunching together Helani, Kath and Ej ran towards the light, dodging the left over goblins and running out of the cave. Reaching the light they took a few seconds to assess their surroundings. Just as they were about to run from the clearing the exit they had just used started to shake. It collapsed. The group shielded their eyes and faces until the dust had settled. The rock people had trapped the goblins inside their cave. Probably to be crushed to death.
Ej quickly did a head count, Mariel and Yanamè were resting against the cave wall, Thilini was standing, Kath was holding her arm which was dripping with blood again and Helani was looking at Ej strangely.
"What?" Ej asked her inquisitive friend
"What happened to your other shoe?" Helani answered
Ej looked down at her bare right foot and laughed, Fiddertle has it.
The group gave her a strange look but suddenly started laughing. They hadn't laughed in days. Soon their laughter turned hysterical. They were rolling around on the floor. This is what they were like when the boys found them.

The boys rushed into the clearing after they heard footsteps and familure voices. Legolas’ mouth dropped at the scene in front of him. Kath was lying on her back, her mouth open with laughter, her face bright red. Helani was curled up in a ball, tears in her eyes. Thilini was first to see the boys. She stood up and smiled
"Good morning. Do you happen to have Ej’s missing shoe?"
There was a pause in the laughing for a moment but only a moment. Soon Ej, Katharine, Helani, Mariel and Thilini were laughing again, even more. Yanamè was giggling softly, not knowing the real joke.

Later that night, after introductions and explanations the group settled around their camp fire. Kath was washing her bloody arm with water and some rags. Helani had just finished explaining to everyone how she’d been dragged into the rock when Thilini’s stomach grumbled. Everyone looked at her.
"Pardon me for being rude. It was not me it was my food. It got so lonely down below. It just came up to say hello" she recited
Helani laughed "Tit, you say that when you burp"
Thilini blushed, "it doesn’t matter" she mumbled under her breath.
"We should have some dinner though" Ej suggested
"I can cook" Yanamè supplied. "I can make a great stew from Pine leaves"
The group seemed keen on the idea. Thilini wasn’t so convinced. She hadn’t told anyone about Yanamè eating one of her friends in the cave. She didn’t know how to begin. Thilini wasn’t so sure about letting a cannibal make them food. But she didn’t voice her fears and instead went with the group consensus.

~*~HOURS PASS~*~

"I’m from the city Marion" Yanamè said, answering Ej’s previous question. "It’s about two days walk in that direction" she continued, pointing through some trees.
"We’re walking that way" Frodo explained "You can walk with us if you like"
"I would like that very much" Yanamè smiled. These people were very nice.

~*~HOURS PASS~*~

Ej stoked the camp fire, Yanamè and the boys had gone to bed, the girls were left to reminisce on the events of the past few days.
"Hey ej…" Kath began
Ej looked at her.
"Did you ever get your shoe back?" she laughed
Ej smiled, "No actually. Fiddertle left it in the cave"
Helani snorted out the water she was drinking. "Ej the uni-shoe"
The girls started laughing again. Something they fondly missed from back home.
"You know" Mariel began "When we get back we’re gonna be months older. And nobody else will have aged at all"
Helani nodded "And if we’re here for years" she gulped "We’ll be years older, but born only like 15 years ago"
"That’s so weird" Thilini said "We could end up older than our parents"
Kath shivered "I have no intention of ever being older than my dad. He’s 55 already"
The others laughed.
"Let’s hope we aren’t still here in a year" Mariel laughed
The others chimed in with "yeah" and "definitely".
Thilini and Helani noticed that Ej just nodded, not smiling. They looked at each other, wondering if the entire group would come out of this together.
Kath grabbed a spare coat and threw it over her "night" she whispered to the others. Slowly, one by one, the others went to bed, until only Elaine was left stoking the fire.

~*~SCENE MAUREENA~*~

Maureena knew what was missing; the old photograph of her at school. Her year 9 grade photo. The one with all the girls in it. Taking out a knife from the kitchen drawer she started cutting up some Rosemary. She tried to remember anything of her life after year 9. She didn’t remember anything, sharing stories. But Maureena remembered nothing after that year, not even the second half of it.. Her mind was blurry. It seemed so long ago. She remembered random days of the year, sitting with her friends, eating with them
"I woke up one day" she said aloud, to herself "I was lying in the middle of a forest. A man in a cart found me and took me to his home. His wife was there. Her favourite food was Lembas bread. They looked after me for years. They were kindly people. But I ran away. I woke up one morning and heard them arguing in the kitchen. About me. The man wanted me to leave, he thought I’d been enjoying their hospitality for too long. But the woman wanted me to stay. She thought I needed to stay. But I ran away. I walked for days, without food, until I met a wizard. He took me under his wing and taught me the ways of magic. I showed great potential. He was scared of my power. He threw me out of his home. He told me that magic was more powerful than I would ever be. On my way out I took his staff and became Maureena the Sorceress. From then on I travelled the road. From town to town, not fitting in anywhere. I travelled for years."

Chapter 30

The following morning, the dark, water-filled clouds had gone and had now been replaced by a beautiful, warm sunshine. The moon was still out, fading as it hid behind the morning sun. Helani woke up with a start as a voice called out above her.
"Wake up, sleepy head" Called Kath, towering over her as she folded her blanket and forced it into her bag. "We’re waiting for you to have brekkie"
"Is everybody up?" Asked Helani, yawning tiredly with that crisp morning sound.
"Yep, we all got up about half an hour ago, we didn’t want to wake you up," explained Kath as Mariel made her way over from the fireplace.
"Morning,"
"Hi" Replied Helani sitting up and pulling away her blanket.
"Oww!" She cried as she stuck her hand under her back.
"Oh! That’s what was so uncomfortable" She said pulling out a large stone from beneath her.
"We don’t have much for breakfast, just some lembas, but Karta says that should be enough to raise our energy. He said we will walk slowly today as we are all nursing wounds," said Mariel hopping slightly on her left foot.
"Hey, would Ej fit into one of my shoes?" Asked Mariel, randomly.
"Why?...I think your foot’s too big" replied Kath innocently.
"Well, I was thinking I don’t really need shoes as a hobbit, but Ej must be hurting her feet walking on her bare feet," The others laughed at the thought.
"Hey, that’s not nice," argued Mariel as the other continued laughing.
"Shh, here she comes, we’ll talk about it later" Helani and Kath were quiet.

The fire rustled in the wind as Legolas brought over some more wood. Everybody was quiet over breakfast, taking their own time to wake up.
"Can I make a suggestion?" Asked Helani as Legolas sat back down, watching all the time over his shoulder in case someone or something should suddenly appear.
"I would like to make a toast...no, what’s it called...whatever...I would like to say a word about Phallic if it’s all right with everyone. I think we should properly acknowledge his death, now that we have...well anyway," Helani looked towards the open hills.
"Phallic we all miss you very much. I only met you about a month ago but you were so kind and caring. You became a friend that I could trust, you made us all laugh and you were always so thoughtful of us. Everybody will be proud of you. I know here in middle earth, it is different, as war is not as infrequent as it is where we come from, and you probably all have learnt to cope with death. But Phallic, we will remember you as the brave and caring person you were". There was complete silence in the group as everybody took in Helani’s words.
"I would like to add to that, as a representative for all the others here," began Frodo. "...That we all agree with this and hope that you will rest peacefully. You will always be remembered. Thankyou Phallic for all your help in getting where we did," Added Frodo standing up over the fire. As he finished, the others rose quietly and made their own thankyou's to Phallic. There was a moment of silence before the activity begun again with Karta and Legolas announcing that the group should set off as soon as they were ready. The fire was extinguished and the group set off at a gentle pace, Mariel limping along behind and the others all walking slowly.
Yaname looked uncomfortable walking at the back of the group. She felt awkward interrupting on the group at this important time. She had not know Phallic and had been quiet as the others had all spoken so nicely of him. She felt it time to say goodbye. From here she could leave for her own destination of Marion after so long away. Her family thought that she was dead. What would they believe when they saw her walk back to their house?
As the line of walkers slowed down at the foot of a hill, Yaname took her chance to say goodbye. There was a short farewell with some words of good luck and some supplies given to her, before she set off into the distance, her figure slowly becoming smaller as she marched on towards the East.

The rest of the company had been very quiet during their walk. They had walked a fair distance before the sun shone right above them. The bare open hills and caves were slowly disappearing and being replaced with more and more trees. Not soon after, they found themselves in a large forest, which became darker as they went further into the dense forest. At midday, the company stopped for a short break and just as they were setting off again, an event happened that changed everybody’s sad spirits. Everybody stood up again after their short break and began forming their marching line again. Legolas and Karta had stopped in their tracks just as soon as the line had formed.
"Shhh" They called quietly as a silence reigned over the forest. The two elves kneeled to the floor and pressed their ears down to the ground.
"Enemy on the way!" They called out as everybody waited, anxiously.
"Hide behind the trees, quickly!" Yelled Legolas, pacing towards the girls and leading them to a large thick tree.
"Get up the tree" He called and lifted the small leprechaun onto a branch so that she could clamber up one of the branches. Mariel looked up at him and jumped up trying to hold onto the same branch.
"I used to be able to touch that height" She complained hopelessly. Kath giggled.
"Hey shorty, you want a hand?" She said extending her hand towards the hobbit.
In less than a minute the 5 girls found themselves hiding in the cover of the leaves, anticipating their next move. The men had climbed up easily into another tree and stood quietly watching over the forest path. As silence fell, horse hooves sounded through out the forest. There were at least 10 pairs of hooves, maybe even 11 or 12. Kath counted the footsteps. The group held on tightly to the branches. Suddenly a figure appeared on a horse, beneath the tree. It seemed to be following something on the soil. It stopped in its tracks and the figure dismounted the horse. The figure was tall and had long black hair dangling on its shoulders. The girls were silent, they could hear each other’s breathing as they crouched, frozen with fear on the branches of the tree.
The figure seemed to be observing a particular spot in the soil. Elaine looked on through the branches towards the resting horses. There was no one else except for this one figure. All the other horses were attached by a single rope, each one standing to attention behind another, but there was no other rider. Elaine looked back towards the figure. It reminded her of the black riders that Frodo and Sam had hidden from in The Lord of the Rings or, in reality here in middle earth. She could hear her heart beat pounding on her chest. She hoped the others could not hear her heart beat. Thilini felt safer, she was much smaller and better concealed. Her feet were itching however, she needed to move positions...it was hurting her. She moved her foot slightly but just as she did so a twig snapped and fell to the forest floor. Her heart froze. What would the others think? Had they even heard? She deserved to be found first. She would die if the others were hurt because of her. She looked towards the figure whose head was staring in her direction. She could see its eyes gazing into her eyes as if fixed onto a spot it could not properly see, and yet the figure made no sudden move to grab her. It stood upright and slowly reached for the horse’s reins. Suddenly the figure spoke out.
"Legolas, Frodo, friends of King Ellessar" it spoke out in the common language. Maybe this person was not looking to kill them. Thilini’s heart pounded at an incredible speed.
"I have been sent as a messenger, I know you are here". Its eyes remained fixed on Thilini’s eyes, she could not tear her eyes away, two large, wide eyes not moving, just holding its stare. The others had still not moved, maybe there was still a threat. This could be a disguise, a way of getting them out of the safety of the trees. Suddenly an arrow shot out of the sky. At first, Thilini thought it had come from the figure but it could not have, it must have come from one of the elves. The arrow, however, had not intended to injure the figure, only to acknowledge its presence. The figure stood back, maybe afraid. It kneeled on the floor and raised its hands up to the sky. The next tree began to sway. Legolas and Karta were slowly revealing their hiding spot. They climbed down the tree, slowly watching the figure who remained as still as it had been, kneeling on the ground. Arrows were pointed at the figure and yet it made no move to defend itself. Helani thought it reminded her of those car chases back in America that were shown on TV, where a criminal knew they were trapped and had to get out of the car, kneeling on the ground with their hands in the air. Her thought was interrupted.
"If you are telling the truth, give us the password," Spoke out Legolas. His voice was so clear and beautiful. The figure spoke a single word in response.
"Gandalf" Legolas and Karta dropped their arrows and put themselves at ease. They whistled once and called for the others to come down. They did so and slowly the company formed around the figure, its horses still waiting patiently.
"King Ellessar has sent me to deliver these horses and ponies to your company. He wishes you good luck in your voyage and thanks you for your help with the orcs. He hopes no one is too badly hurt. There are 6 horses and 4 ponies to be left in your care. Gandalf has sent message to tell you that these horses will guide you to your destination. They are masters of the King of Gondor". The figure was now standing up. He spoke clearly without stumbling. Legolas extended his hand and thanked the messenger.
"Thank your king and tell him those orcs were much easier than the ones we met during our stay in Gondor!"
The messenger laughed.
"The king regards you with much admiration. Especially the young hobbit, sir"
Frodo advanced as the messenger bowed very low, his head almost reaching his knees.
"You will thank him for me," Spoke out Frodo.
"I will do as you say, I am in your service, you are a king in our city," he said with pride filling his face.
"I accepted willingly to this task when the king told me I would be seeing you. I am honoured to meet you, I must leave now, if you need help please send one of these horses back to us" He bowed and hopped back onto the horse. He took one look back at the company and set off at a quick gallop. The girls sighed with relief. Thilini was the most relieved. She rubbed her eyes, she had been so still, now she tried to put herself back at ease.
"We have a hero, I see" Said Thilini, jokingly to Frodo.
"You must really be a hero to those people!"
"This has come as a real treat, we will be able to move much quicker with these horses" Spoke out Karta in a serious tone, ignoring Thilini’s words.
"But first we must allocate each person with a horse or pony. You will be responsible for your horse...or pony" Continued Karta.
"So the elves have horses and the hobbits have ponies?" Asked Frodo.
"I should think so, unless you want to try your luck with a horse Frodo" kidded Legolas.
"What about me?" Asked Thilini curiously.
"You are too small, you will share a pony with one of our more experienced riders. Fiddertle, will you take Thilini?" Fiddertle nodded.
"Everybody can choose their own partner" The company walked around the horses and ponies and gradually each person picked their animal partner. Mariel patted her pony, fondly.
"Can we name them?" She asked looking at the beautiful creature.
"Yeah, go on," Replied Legolas suspiciously.
"Mine’s Bumba," Thilini announced defiantly.
"Bumba?" Asked Fiddertle as Helani laughed. "You mean I have to call this creature Bumba?"
"Yes!" Responded Thilini.
"I should have guessed!" Laughed Helani.
"So what happens to the last horse?" Asked Kath standing by her beautiful white mare.
"Thilini can take care of him, he will carry our supplies".
Explained Legolas handing over the rope of the last remaining horse.
"Well then this one is Bumba" announced Thilini as Fiddertle gave a sigh of relief. Fiddertle attached the ropes of his riding pony and the supply horse, Bumba.
Mariel leaned against her dark black pony. His eye was surrounded by a white patch, the only relief to the full black pony.
"Can I call mine Thunder?" She asked Karta.
"Why Thunder?" He responded as he tightened the supplies around Bumba.
"Well, he’s all black and it suits him," she replied as she hopped onto the pony.
"Do as you please," laughed Karta, "This is Oakenere, master of the Oakenere forest" he declared proudly.
"Does everyone know how to ride their animal?" Asked Legolas tightening the horses’ and ponies’ saddles.
"I only have to hold on to Fiddy, don’t I?" Asked Thilini, being pushed onto the pony.
"Yep, what about the other 4 girls, are you all right?"
"Yeah," they replied in unison.
Everybody looked at each other as they sat, waiting on their horses.
"Well let’s get going" Said Karta as he led the line of horses and ponies. Legolas followed straight behind followed by Fiddertle and Thilini, who seemed to be having a rough time at the back of the pony. Thilini looked on lovingly at Bumba who trotted beside her, the supplies carefully attached to his back. The 6 other horses and ponies followed obediently in line.

The company travelled much faster now that they no longer needed to walk. It was much easier than on foot as most of the travellers were still nursing wounds. By dusk, the company had reached the end of the Oakenere Forest, the trees became thinner and the air was warmer than it had been inside the forest. Just outside the forest they could see the top of the mountains ahead of them. This made their hearts lighter as they could spot the tip of the infamous Mount Caules behind some rather large snowy-topped mountains. There was still a fair way to go but at least now they could see the distance they had to travel. Before they arrived at the foot of the mountains, there was still a large river that needed crossing and a long, flat plain that seemed to stretch on forever. The company settled down a fair way from the forest edge. They were happy to be on clear land for a while. Now they would be able to watch for any approaching army or uninvited creature. They set up a fire next to a patch of grass for the horses and ponies and sat down around the fire, warming their bodies. Legolas and Karta let the animals roam free for the night, they knew that if these horses had come from the king then they would be highly trained to stay with their riders. Only some had been named that day, the others were still ‘my horse’ or ‘my pony’ depending on their riders.

The night was cool and the owls overhead kept the company up early that night. It was usual that every night, they sat up talking for a while before everybody drifted off to sleep. There was usually so much to talk about that there were no uncomfortable silences. Elaine was usually the most curious to know about the world here in middle earth but also about how they, the five girls, would be getting back to their families and what it would be like.
"What will happen when we get the leaves from Mount Caules?" She asked, as she tried to warm herself by the fire.
"Well I suppose Gandalf has told you that as long as we bring back enough leaves you will be able to return to your land and then come back whenever you like," Explained Karta.
"You will be very welcome to stay with us of course, it will be better in the future I predict. The orcs are decreasing in number, they are retiring in the north away from our villages," added Legolas.
"You know on the map of Middle Earth, where exactly are we?" Asked Mariel trying to picture the map in her mind.
Frodo took up a stick and began drawing a rough version of the map the five girls could all remember from their books.
"This here, is Rivendell," he explained pointing at a small point on his drawing.
"We are much more to the North, more to the North than you will remember on your maps" He continued, drawing lines to show how far they had walked.
"So where were we when Maureena had sent us into the sea?" Asked Helani now joining in the conversation.
"If you remember well, you were in the south, at the entrance of the river. That would have been on your maps, but the volcano that the rest of us were sent to, except for Legolas and Katharine of course, does not appear on our map. It does not exist. It is an image in our minds. You remember when we sang that song it led us to see the end of the bridge. That was a passage in our minds that led us to the Forest of Wonders, which is in the east," Frodo extended his drawing to show where they had been.
"The army of Gondor found us in this forest, the Forest of Wonders," The five girls looked on understandingly.
"This map that Frodo has drawn is an extended map of middle earth, it leads past our own territory, that is why we must be careful. We have journeyed into unknown territory," Added Karta. Katharine leant back on her log.
"Karta?" She asked. "Where were you when Legolas and Frodo left for Mordor?" She asked trying to understand something.
"I was with my mother in Mirkwood, she was ill and I had been sent back by Gandalf to look after her. I would have liked to help but Gandalf persuaded me to stay home," Karta lowered his head, as if saddened by his memory.
"I rejoined the army sent by Elrond to fight later on after my mother had passed away. My brother and I fought together," he finished off.
"Anyway, as we were saying," He tried to change the subject. "This is where we are now and this is where we are headed," He pointed to a place a fair distance away up in the North.
"It’s time we go to sleep" Said Legolas standing up and making his way to his blanket.
"We need to be up early tomorrow, the winds tell me we are in for a rough ride tomorrow so sleep as much as you can. By tomorrow night we need to have reached the foot of the hills. From there we will travel up the mountains. We will be passing through snow so try to stay warm," Added Karta as he joined Legolas.

Chapter 31

Helani moved her blanket closer to the fire.
"Helz, can you bring ours over as well?" asked Thilini, plaiting Mariel’s hair.
Rolling her eyes and grumbling to herself, Helani brought both Thilini and Mariel’s blankets from a pile of blankets next to the bags.
"Helz..?" asked Elaine coyly, smiling shyly.
Helani groaned even louder, as she walked back to the supplies.
"Does anyone else want their blankets? Coz you know… I’m not coming back here."
"No. It’s alright." Replied Frodo, throwing some more wood into the fire.
Helani came back, her arms full of blankets.
Elaine shivered. "Thanks Helz. Ohhh.. its freezing," she said, wrapping her blanket around her.
As if possessed by the same thought, the group all inched closer to the fire, as a cold wind swept through the plains.
"Hey, I’ve been thinking..." started Thilini, her head hardly visible from under her blanket.
"Woah. You think?" retorted Kath, sarcastically.
"Shuddup Wilson," replied Thilini, with as much dignity as a tousled haired, short leprechaun could muster. "As I was saying, how are we going travel through the snow? With our horses and all?"
"Oh, its possible. Legolas and Karta know their way," came Nadia’s voice from under the heap of piled blankets.
Helani gasped. "Ohmigod. There was someone under there. I thought I felt it move."
"Hmmm... I could do with some marshmallows," said Katharine, gazing fondly at the fire crackling in front of her.
"Look whose brought up marshmallows now," accused Thilini.
"What’s this marshmallow?" asked Frodo, sitting up to have a better view of the girls.
"Ohhh.. when caramel forms around it and its all soft in the middle..." added Helani, a bliss expression crossing her face.
"Stop it! You’re making me hungry," yelled Elaine good-naturedly.
Frodo and Fiddertle looked at the girls, a confused look pasted on both faces.
"Its nice with ice-cream," added Mariel, smiling at the thought.
"Can someone please explain to us what a marshmallow is?!" cried Frodo, loosing his patience.
There was a silence. No one seemed to be able to explain it or want to.
"Well..." attempted Mariel. "It’s like this soft.. sweet thing... like nougat... or fairy floss."
"Oh and he’s definitely heard of them," replied Kath, smiling sarcastically.
"Well then you explain," said Mariel defiantly.
"Its like a sweet cloud, but more chewier and creamier."
"A sweet CLOUD?"
"Use your imagination."
A puzzled look crossed Fiddertle’s face as he tried to imagine eating a cloud. Frodo just sat there staring at the girls, a glint of suspicion twinkling in his eye.
"Its squishy. You can squish it,"
"Soft—"
"Sort of juicy,"
"Yeh. But there’s no juice,"
"Just tastes juicy for some reason."
"Yeh, it does, eh?"
"It’s more solid than a cloud," added Helani, helpfully.
"Yeh, coz if you’re thinking of a cloud, that’s not marshmallows, that’s more like fairy floss," pipped in Thilini.
"Mmmmm... fairy floss," commented Katharine, licking her lips.
The group went silent, some lost in thoughts concerning marshmallows and fairy floss. Some just lost.
Fiddertle was the first to speak. "We should really get some sleep. Legolas and Karta are already asleep," he said, twisting around to glance at his friends. "We’ve got quite a way to go. Are you girls all right? Have enough blankets?"
"It does get colder," added Frodo, moving to the pile of blankets Nadia was buried under.
"Hey!"
"You don’t need all of them," replied Frodo calmly.
"No, it’s alright. We’ll be fine," said Mariel, snuggling underneath her blanket.
Nadia looked over at them guiltily. "Nah, take some," he said, throwing a couple onto the curled lump of Helani. "I was just kidding," he added, sheepishly.
After the blankets had been fairly distributed among the group, one by one, they slowly drifted off to sleep, until Fiddertle was left, staring at the stars.
*
He didn’t notice it at first. The smoke was rising gently, almost sleepily. He watched it make patterns in the wind, busying himself with transforming them into things. Then he smelt it.
Fiddertle bolted upright and stared hard at the smoke. It was coming from the fire, but there was something different about the smoke. It was darker. Almost eerie.
He stood up, the cold wind hitting his body hard and took two steps then yelped.
Most of the group woke up at once, standing up clumsily, to see Fiddertle jumping furiously on a burning blanket, the fire dancing at his feet. A moment later, Legolas, Karta and Nadia were at his side, helping stamp out the fire.
Frodo herded the girls over to the other side. Thilini and Helani were still asleep and nobody felt the need to wake them up and panic them. They were well out of harms way anyway.
But the boys weren’t having much luck with the blanket. It was an Elvish blanket and thickly twined and sewn.
"We could put the whole thing into our other fire!" yelled Karta, over the noise.
"No! We need as many blankets as we have!" shouted Legolas, trying to stamp hard on the burning blanket. But as he was an elf, his weight didn’t come as an advantage.
"There’s not much of it left!" yelled Fiddertle. "We’ve got to make sure it doesn’t spread to the plains, otherwise the whole thing will burn!"
Nadia, Frodo and the three girls helped move the rest of the supplies away from the burning blanket. Mariel went to help, but was ushered back by Frodo. "It’s alright. They’ve got it under hand."
Mariel raised her eyebrows.
The boys, behind Frodo, were jumping up and down, trying to stamp out what seemed like a determined flame. They were having no luck whatsoever.
"Frodo, the more people we have, the more likely it’ll go out," said Kath, coming up from behind Mariel.
"Let’s go," said Elaine, making her way over to the burning blanket.
With the addition of four more people, the fire was soon reduced. With the help of a well-timed gust of wind, the fire went out completely.
The group looked at each other, smiling at their team effort. Legolas picked the remains of the blanket. There was only half remaining, with a big hole in the middle.
"Told you it wasn’t worth saving," commented Karta.
"It’ll make a good poncho," suggested Nadia.
"A bit off-coloured, though," added Kath.
There was a silence as the group continued to stare at the blanket.
A small voice from within the blanket that hid Helani broke the peace. "What the hell’s going on?"
*
"So who’s blanket was it?" asked Thilini, as the story was narrated to her.
"Yeh? Whose was it?"
Fiddertle shrugged. "Probably a spare."
"Oh well. We might as well use it as a poncho. Except its in the size for a hobbit. Sorry Titty. Bit too big for you."
"Meh," replied Thilini, shrugging. She was in a bad mood because no one had woken her up to participate in their latest adventure.
Legolas, Kath, Elaine and Karta, who had all been packing the horses returned to the group.
"We better start moving. We want to get to the bottom of the mountain by nightfall," said Karta, stuffing a blanket into his backpack.
Helani stood up, picking up the lunch parcels she, Mariel and Thilini had packed.
"Where’s Bumba? Geez. Can’t tell these horses apart."
"Bumba. Come here sweetie," called Thilini. "Oh. By the way, I’ve decided to rename him ‘Rage’."
Karta lifted his eyebrows at her.
Fiddertle sighed. "Yes, well. As long as this one doesn’t get a name that sounds anything like Bumba."
"How bout Tiamone?"
"Titty!"
*
"I feel like a book," commented Mariel, bouncing slightly as she rode her horse.
"A book? Now?" asked Legolas, swivelling around to look at her.
"Well yeah. Haven’t read one in ages," she commented, gazing at the sweeping plains surrounding them.
Helani followed her gaze and allowed her eyes to sweep over the empty, calm land.
"Yeah. Me too," said Kath, suddenly, looking thoughtful.
"We can play ‘I Spy’," suggested Elaine, stroking her horse’s mane.
"A spy?" questioned Frodo, his brows knotted as they did when he was confused.
"I spy," replied Mariel, from the back.
"You spy?"
The girls started laughing.
Frodo looked around, confused, but smiling good-naturedly, being unaware that he made a joke.
"How’s that work?" asked Nadia.
"It’s a game," replied Elaine, patiently.
"We’re just a bit limited, that’s all," interrupted Thilini, from her position behind Fiddertle.
"No, wait Titty, there was that tree we passed," added Helani, with a sarcastic smile.
"Oh, yes. The tree," replied Thilini.
"Yes. Well. Back to me and my book," said Mariel, laughing.
"I can tell you a story if you like," suggested Frodo.
"Oh, that’ll be good," replied Mariel, bringing her horse up to Frodo’s pace.
"Shout, Frodo, I want to hear as well," said Helani, from the back.
"Well... there was that one time, I accompanied Merry and Pippin into Farmer Maggot’s land-"
"Farmer Maggot? I’ve heard that name," interrupted Elaine.
"Yeah. He was in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ story," said Kath, swiftly.
"Oh yeah."
"Is he a hobbit?" asked Legolas, suddenly.
"Yes, he is,"
"Oh, really?" asked Helani. "I though he was a man. Well, in the film, he’s a man."
"You don’t see him," said Thilini.
"You see his stick," said Mariel, knowingly.
"There was a movie about it?" asked Fiddertle.
"Oh yeah," exclaimed Kath and Mariel together.
"It’s brilliant," added Elaine.
"Yes... well... back to my story," continued Frodo, in a loud voice. "We snuck in from the back, because there’s a hollow part in the fence you can slip through. Anyway, Merry had watched the place for about 2 hours before, but he had gotten bored and started picking mushrooms. So when we snuck in, we never knew Farmer Maggot had gotten a dog."
Fiddertle, Legolas and Karta, who had remained silent for awhile started laughing, guessing the rest of the story.
Frodo took their laughter as an acknowledgement and rolled up his sleeve.
"I still have the scar-"
"Hang on, you haven’t finished your story yet," interrupted Kath.
Frodo looked blankly at them.
"Oh, right. Sorry," he said, looking embarrassed.
"Right. So... Errr... Where was I?"
The girls shared a secret smile. For a hobbit who had experienced so much, Frodo was pretty lost and well, thick.
"The bit about not knowing about Farmer Whatsit’s dog," said Thilini, helpfully.
"Oh, that’s right. So, we climbed through that hole and into Farmer Maggot’s field. Now, Pippin and Merry, who had been in there many times before, knew exactly where the mushrooms were. And nice mushrooms they were. Made lovely soup. Possibly worth the trouble. Anyway, there we were, picking these mushrooms with Pippin keeping a lookout. Then suddenly, Pippin started yelling and carrying on. We were quite terrified because it was all of a sudden. But he came running, yelling, ‘He’s got a bloody dog!’ And behind him came this enormous German Shepard. It was nearly as big as us. We turned around and well ran like the wind,"
"Quite an adventure," commented Helani.
"Oh no. There’s more,"
"Oh! I’m sorry," replied Helani, holding a hand to her mouth, trying not to smile.
"Anyway, we had to cut across his watermelon patch, because there was a high wall on the other side. So there we were, picking our way through the crop, trying not to step on any watermelon. It was pretty hard. I nearly fell over about twenty times. Anyway, luck was on our side. We reached the fence and started climbing over it. By this time, the dratted dog had caused such a racquet, Farmer Maggot was on his way over. So we had to move really, really fast. And you see, it’s not easy for a hobbit to move so fast, so my leg got lodged in the fence. We were out of sight, because we were climbing under a vine that was growing on the fence, but it was terribly uncomfortable. So I had to wait until both Farmer Maggot and his dog cleared off before I could move, because they were both standing there waiting for a sign of movement. I thought they’d leave in a couple of minutes, but they didn’t! They stayed there till nightfall. And I can tell you now, it was extremely uncomfortable staying up there. I actually started to think the pair of them were better than being up there. But at long last, Farmer Maggot went back home, taking his dog with him. I climbed over the fence and started making my way home. Merry and Pippin had run off for they thought I had as well, so I was by myself. And then, out of nowhere, his dog leapt up. It was quite alarming. It literally appeared out of the darkness and I wasn’t expecting it. I nearly wet myself. Well, it chased me all the way back into Hobbiton, taking a chuck out of me along the way. It was quite terrifying," he finished, pulling back his sleeve and revealing a huge gash of a scar on his lower forearm.
"Sounded like fun," commented Legolas from up the front, turning around and smiling at the hobbit.
"Well, I’ll tell you it wasn’t,"
"I went into Farmer Maggot’s land once," said Fiddertle, "You were there too," he said, spinning around to face Nadia.
"Oh, I remember, we went in to get some carrots and some potatoes for father."
"Mind you, he didn’t have a dog then."
"No. Nothing happened."
"We found some mushrooms though."
"You’ll always find mushrooms near Farmer Maggot’s," commented Frodo.
Everyone was quiet for awhile. It was then they felt the unnaturalness of the stillness of the land around them. Karta suddenly rode quickly out to Legolas.
Katharine, who was closest to them, heard Karta whisper to Legolas in Elvish.
There was a strain of urgency in his voice that made Kath uneasy.
She turned slightly to face Elaine.
Elaine looked worriedly at her.
"Hatway upay?" she asked in pig Latin.
"Iay ontday nowkay. Artakay eemssay orriedway,"
"Aureenamay?"
"Iay ontday nowkay,"
The other girls were listening closely.
"Helani, mokkadtha kewuway?" asked Thilini, who, being further behind had not heard anything, and was asking Helani in Singhalese.
"Mun dun-nah. Mokadthou vella, Kath hithenava Maureena thamayi ekka pittipassen innea,"
Frodo, Fiddertle and Nadia were listening closely to their conversation.
"That’s a nice language," commented Nadia. "You all understand it?"
"No, Ej and I were speaking in pig Latin. Titty and Helz were speaking in Singhalese,"
"I know Rohirrium," commented Frodo, proudly. "And a bit of Elvish,"
"That’s nice, Frodo," said Helani, smiling.
"Can you teach us?" asked Fidderlte.
"Not Singhalese. It’s a pretty extensive language and really hard to pronounce," said Helani.
"Well, we can teach you some sentences and you can remember them, if you want,"
"Really? What’s your language called again?"
"Singhala,"
"Sing-hela"
"Sing-her-le,"
"Sing-HER-LE,"
"Yep."
"Well done Frodo, you can say the name of the language," laughed Nadia.
"Oh, be quiet. How do I say my name?"
"Like, say, ‘my name is…?’"
"Yes,"
"Magge nahmeh Frrodo,"
"Mehgi narhmeh Frodo,"
"MA-gge nahmeh Frrodo,"
"MA-gge narhmeh Frodo,"
"Better," said Helani, with a grin.
"Margge narhmeh Frodo,"
"Now he’s not going to shut up," said Fiddertle.
"Margge narhmeh Frodo! Wow. It’s got a nice sound to it,"
"Do you want to learn how to say it in Pig Latin as well"
"Ohhh, I dunno. His brain might explode from the pressure," teased Nadia.
Frodo laughed. "How would I say it Mariel?"
"Ymay amenay isay Rodofay,"
"There’s a lot of ‘ay’s," commented Frodo.
Elaine and Kath exchanged secret smiles.
"So, what was it again?"

Chapter 32

*grumble grumble*
"Thilini!"
"What?? I can’t help it if me tummy wants some food"
"Hmm… if I do say myself, I do feel a twinge of hunger in the depths of my stomach" said Kath
"Can we please stop for lunch now" all the girls pleaded.
Karta and Legolas exchanged glances.
"Its your call" said Karta.
Legolas looked towards the sky. Using his right hand to shade the brightness of the blazing sun, he concluded that the group could afford to have a break. If they ate quickly, he estimated that they could reach the bottom of Mount Caules by nightfall.
"Ok lets do it"
Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. They had been travelling on horseback for three hours straight, and most of the girls’ bottoms were stiff and painful.
"Ah... my bum feels so good! I swear we should have pillows or something. I don’t know how you guys travel for days on end on horseback" said Elaine.
"Pillows? What are pillows?" asked Nadia
Mariel chuckled. "Well Nadia just think of those clouds again, but this time you but them underneath your bottom" she replied.
"Marshmellows under your bum" asked Frodo, his face filled with puzzlement.
All the other girls laughed hysterically.
"So whats for lunch? I’m starving!" shouted Kath
"Yeh me too! Hope its something good. I swear I could eat a pig" said Helani.
"Let me check our supplies" said Fiddertle, as he rummaged through all their belongings. "Well we’ve got to eat fast so I think bread with some slabs of meat would do"
"Yummo, that sounds good to me" replied Thilini as she slapped her hands together and licked her lips.
Whilst the group was eating, Elaine noticed that Karta wasn’t with them. He instead was sitting away from the others on a big, solid rock. His head was buried in his hands.
"Well what will it be Elaine?" asked Fiddertle, who decided to take on the role as head chef for today’s meal.
"I’ll have 2 portions please" she replied
"Oh feeling a bit ravenous today are we"
Elaine laughed "No one’s for Karta" she replied.
Fiddertle exchanged a wink as he handed the sandwiches over.
"Hey you. Got you something" Elaine said as she handed over the food to Karta.
"Thanks" Karta gave her a big smile.
"Are you okay" asked Elaine. Karta noticed her eyes were filled with such concern. His heart skipped a beat.
"I’m ok" he replied giving her a some what of a strained smile.
Elaine knew he didn’t feel like talking, so she didn’t pursue the matter. Both ate their sandwiches in silence, each in their own worlds.
"That was really nice Fiddertle" said Mariel
"Yeh it was, thanks for that" chimed in Helani
"No problems. Mum use to make me them when I was wee one" replied Fiddertle.
"A wee one?" snorted Kath
"Eh you got a problem with that" replied Fiddertle
"No, its just that I’ve never heard someone say that about themselves" said Kath, and as soon as she said this, they all laughed.
Fiddertle began to laugh as well.
"Well we best get off now, otherwise we won’t make it to the mountain by nightfall" Frodo cut in.
"Legolas, whats wrong with Karta?" whispered Kath.
Legolas looked over to where both Karta and Elaine were sitting. He noticed that nothing much was happening, the both of them just sitting and eating in silence.
"Karta’s got a lot on his mind at the moment" was all Legolas said. "Do you want to go and tell them that its time to go".
"Yeh sure" and Kath ran over to them.
"Hey guys, time’s up"
"Hey Kath, yep, thanks for telling us" Elaine said.
Karta stood up and mumbled his thanks before walking off. After making sure that Karta was a few feet a way, Elaine said something.
"Kath there’s something wrong with him. He won’t say anything about it though" whispered Elaine.
"I know Ej, I can sense it too. I questioned Legolas about it, but all he said was 'Karta’s got a lot on his mind at the moment'. Lousy answer if I don’t say so myself"
"Oh well, guess we’ll find out sooner or later. Come on lets go" and with that they, arm in arm, they made their way back to the others.
"Every body ready" shouted Frodo
"Yes sir!"
"Ok lets go!"
It was Frodo in the front, with Karta and Legolas riding behind him, Helani with Fiddertle and Thilini riding beside her, then Elaine and Kath, lastly with Nadia bringing up the rear with Rage. Karta leaned in towards Legolas and began whispering to him in Elvish again. Both Kath and Elaine glanced at each other, but not saying a word.
"Eh Frodo, tell the girls more of your stories" shouted Nadia "Tell them about the one where you were at that pub"
"Oh yes the pub story. Well this is what happened. I was making my way to Letterville which is North from Maggots farm and it was here that..."

Chapter 33

Frodo paused suddenly "I can't tell them that story Nadia"
Nadia stiffled a laugh "Why not Master Frodo Sir?" he asked trying to withhold his giggles
Frodo sent him a death glare "You very well know why not"
The girls looked at each other, not having the faintest idea what either of the boys was talking about and not enjoying being out of the loop on what seemed like good gossip.
"Why can't you tell us Frodo?" Mariel asked innocently, doing her best puppy dog eyes impression to try and get him to talk
Frodo blushed and looked away from her "I just can't" he mumbled. Trying to think of a way to change the subject. Lucky he didn't have to.

Just at that moment, Karta fainted off the back of his horse. His unconsious body was almost trampled by Fiddertle and Thilini's horse but luckily, they pulled up just in time. Legolas was already off his horse and instead of running to the side of his friend, he was instead standing in front of the group his eyes scanning the distance for dangers.
The rest of the group instinctively formed a protetive circle around Karta's body, all except for Elaine, who was immediately at his side, checking his pulse and trying to wake him.
"Legolas, what's going on?" Kath asked, trying to keep her voice calm, in spite of the fear bubbling in her stomach.
Legolas didn't take his eyes off the horizon. "We must move on, we cannot linger"
Kath was puzzled "We're in the middle of the plains. We can see the enemy approaching for miles"
This time Legolas met her gaze from an instant "Old tales" he began "Tales of a hidden city on the plains. It's said to be invisible to anyone they don't want to visit. You can walk right through it and not feel a thing. It's protected by magic"
"Is it dangerous?" Helani asked, hearing the mumbled words and at once getting very scared
"I don't know. Nobody has ever visited it and come back to tell their story" Legolas finished
"They call it 'The city of the lost'" Frodo added "Bilbo used to talk about it in his stories"
"Has he been there?" Mariel asked, concern written openly on her face
Frodo shook his head "He'd only heard the stories"
"I know it's a stupid question" Katharine began "But why did Karta faint? It's not too hot here. We've always had enough to eat. Don't you faint when you're hungry or dehydrated or something?"
Legolas took a quick glance at his friends body lying on the ground "That's the problem. He should be fine"

Elaine was barely aware of the whispered conversation going on around her. She only had eyes for one person. "Karta" she whispered into his ear. "Please wake up"
Taking a blanket and a bladder of water from her bag she used them both to dampen his forehead. Hoping the water would revive him from his unnatural slumber.

~~~

Karta woke with a start. It was dark. It shouldn't be dark. He sat up quickly and looked around. The horses were grazing silently around the area. Most of the group was sleeping in a circle around him. Except for Elaine. Who was snuggled against his side. breathing quietly. He looked up into the darkness. Trying to remember what had happened. He was on his horse. Then nothing. Karta slowly got up from his resting place. He moved slowly, trying not to wake the rest of the group. Taking a couple of steps forward he took a better look around. They were on the plains. The memories of what had happened came floating back into his mind, like a feather being blown by the wind.
He had dreamt about, his brother.

Elaine felt cold. She felt like her hot water bottle had disappeared. Slowly opening her eyes she took a look around, everyone was sleeping soundly, but Karta was missing. In a flurry of movements she ridded herself of her blankets and got up, looking for him in every which direction. Desperately worried that he was in danger. But there he was. He'd heard her rustling and was watching her intently. When she saw him she rushed over to him and enveloped him in a big hug. Karta returned the hug just as forcefully, they both needed each other. They held that position for a good 10 minutes until Elaine heard a sobbing. She pulled away and looked at his face. His eyes were red and there was a gently stream of water flowing down his cheeks. Although she’d never really seen a boy crying before Elaine’s maternal instinct kicked in and she knew exactly what to do. She quickly kissed the tears from his cheeks and put her arms around him again. They just held each other.

And that's how the Helani found them the next morning. They'd sunk to the floor but they just sat there. Holding onto each other for dear life. Helani was the first to awake, soon rousing the others with her footsteps and mutterings to herself. Helani had taken to talking to herself. She'd been whispering under her breath for at least a week now but the others either didn’t seem to notice or didn't think much of it. Everyone seemed to have their partner. Ej had Karta, Kath had Legolas, Mariel had Frodo and Thilini had two guys to pick from. But Helani was alone. Sure, she loved her friends' heaps. But she also felt slightly left out, like she didn’t have someone to be her number one. So she'd taken to talking to herself instead of an invisible guy friend. Her mutterings weren’t always coherent. Mostly they were, but sometimes she just talked in gibberish. It took much less effort. Maybe she was going insane, but when she awoke in the middle of the night she at least had someone who would listen. Herself.

When the others awoke the day was still beginning. It was only just daylight, the group had gotten so used to getting up and going to sleep with the sun that they hardly took any notice anymore. They ate a quick breakfast and got ready to continue their journey since Karta was better again. He and Elaine had rejoined the group for breakfast. She wouldn't leave his side. Everyone was glad Karta was awake but the fear of exactly why he fainted was resting over them and unsettling the group Just as they were about to mount their horses and continue on their way Karta addressed the group
"I want to ask you something" He began "But... but I understand if you all say no, and I know that it's your choice and I know it would be putting you all in danger. But I still have to ask"
The group looked at him questioningly
"Yesterday, when I fainted... i... uh, I" Elaine gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. Urging him to continue "When I fainted I saw something. A... vision. I saw my brother"
Legolas let out a small gasp. Frodo, Fiddertle and Nadia were equally astounded. The girls had never heard the story of Karta's brother so they didn't realize the importance of this.
"He's in the city of the Lost. And I know how to get there. I saw in my dream. I will completely understand if you all wish to continue on your journey, knowing Mount Caules is so close..." he gestured to the giant mountain before them, taking up most of the skyline "...but I have to go and try find my brother. My conscience will not forgive me for being this close and turning my back on him. I wish you the best of luck on your journey and after I find my brother I will hopefully rejoin you. But until then I have to say farewell"
An uncomfortable silence settled over the group. Each person contemplating what his decision will mean. Nobody liked the position they were being put in, with Karta leaving to go off on his own

Karta meandered away from the group and sat on a rock. He would give them however long they needed to decide on whether they were going to come with him or not. He desperately wanted company on his journey. But he knew that anyone who wished to follow his path with him would be in gravest danger. Each person in the group had their own decision to make.

Mariel sighed "It would be nice to reach Mount Caules as soon as possible. But, I think we all know that we have to go with Karta. So what, if it takes a little more time than we expected. He needs our company"
"Mariel, you don’t understand" said Legolas a little harsher than he expected to "Karta's brother has been missing for half a century. The last anyone ever heard of him was when he was crossing these very plains with eleven of his friends. They seemed to just disappear. They were never heard from again"
"Karta believes they're in the city of the Lost?" Fiddertle asked
"Yes" Legolas replied passively "Nobody has ever been there and returned"
Mariel winced. "You mean, there's a chance Karta won't come back?"
"It's almost a certainty" Legolas finished

The group looked at each other, all thinking the same thing 'I wish I didn't have to choose'
Slowly they all wandered off to their respective areas of the campsite to make their own decision.

~~~

Thilini looked up at the huge mountain before her. It would only take a few hours for them to teach its base. And then she estimated it would only take two more days to climb to the top. The end was so close. She couldn't bare the thought of deferring their quest for however long it would take Karta to find his brother. But, she knew, in her heart that she couldn't leave him alone. He was strong, but even the strongest trees need saplings around them to draw nutrients to their base.

Nadia was shocked more thank anything by the news from Karta. He was amazed that such a strong elf would abandon his duties to these girls and leave them to go find his brother, a brother who had been missing for over 50 years, a brother who was most probably dead. He understood the bonds of family, expecially with Fiddertle around, but he also knew they had a duty to protect these girls. And he knew that he was not about to jeopardize their safety.

Fiddertle knew he couldn't go. Although he wanted to help his friend he knew he needed to be there and protect the girls. They wouldn't know it, but the closer they were getting to their destination the harder things would be. Maureena was still out there, still making her plans, and surely she would put them into action soon. He had to be there for the girls. Karta had been a soldier for years, he knew how to take care of himself.

The rest of the group decided in their own separate ways. Helani and Katharine both figured that they would do what the group decided. They were both horribly scared but they knew that majority would rule. Mariel desperately didn't want to enter the city, but she was determined to do what she had to. This new land was bringing them adventure, what she had always wanted, she would not fail her quest.

Elaine walked over to the rock Karta was sitting on and lowered herself down beside him.
"When do we have to leave?" she asked
"You or I?"
Elaine looked at him, a confused expression passing over her face "Us, I'm coming with you to find your bro"
Karta gave her an encouraging half-smile, but it quickly turned into a frown "You can't come with me"
"What?" Elaine asked, her hands starting to shake "Why not?"
Karta leaned over and put his arm around her, he pulled her face close to his and signed "I promised to protect you, and this is too dangerous. It would be better for you and the rest of the group to go up the mountain and find the plant. And I will meet you in Rivendell before you leave"
Elaine just stared at him, her mouth hanging open. She stood up, her temper flaring "You think we can't take care of ourselves is that it?" she screamed at him "You think we are just teenagers who need guys to protect us!"
Karta, surprised at her sudden outburst stumbled over his words for a minute "I... uh... no! That's not it at all! I don't want you to get hurt! Don't you understand! I'm just trying to protect you!"
"Trying to protect me? I don't need your protection. I need... I need..." Elaine let the small droplets fall out of her eyes. Leaving salty stains down her cheeks. "I don't need this" she sighed, turning from the argument and marching to the other side of the campsite where Thilini was sitting.

The rest of the group looked awkwardly. Not exactly knowing how to procede. Of course they had all heard every word of the argument and nobody exactly wanted to stress the subject further so they discreetly decided to wait until midday, before either party left the campsite.

~~~

Legolas and Karta stood together, having a whispered conversation out of earshot of the rest of the group.
"I will lead the group up the mountain soon" Legolas whispered. "We will reach the base of the mountain by nightfall. Camp there tonight and begin the arduous journey up it at dawn. Are you going to be alright by yourself?"
"Yes. I cannot risk anyone else's safety on my quest. It will be dangerous" Karta answered
"What of Ej? Will you last being without her?"
Karta sighed "I love her with all my heart. That is why she cannot come with me. I would die a broken man if anything were to happen to her. You must give me your word that you will protect her with all you have, friend. Please"

Legolas slowly nodded. "I give you my word that I will protect her with my life".
"Thank you" said Karta. Putting his hand on Legolas' shoulder and giving it a light squeese. "Who would have thought these girls from earth would bring us so much life"
Legolas smiled. "Yes, they have definantly changed our world for the better I think" he looked over at Katharine who was munching on some green plant that Frodo had cooked up for lunch. She met his gaze and gave a little wave. Legolas waved back. Karta watched the pair's interaction with interest
"You like her don't you" he stated. Legolas looked back at his friend, and then down at the ground
"Yes I do"

Chapter 34

The men all moved off from the fire and slowly made their sleeping arrangements in their own corner. Legolas was to begin the watch for the night. The girls had never been asked to do the watch. In a way they were offended by this, it reflected the men's belief that the girls could not take care of themselves but then, on the other hand it was better this way. They could sleep through the whole night and not have to worry that the men weren't taking it seriously or were falling asleep or that they would soon have to wake-up for their shift. None of the men would ever have been caught with even one of his eyes shut whilst on the watch. It was easier like that.

The girls huddled closer to the fire. They found it hard to fall asleep on the hard ground but despite their fatigue they always found a moment to talk to each other. Tonight was no exception. Thilini sat up with her legs outstretched by the fire, warming her hands. She held a stick into the fire and watched as it slowly darkened, becoming hotter and hotter until she had to let go.
"I can't sleep. It's too cold here!" she announced abruptly.
"Well you've got to sleep. We've only got a couple of hours before we have to be up again," Ej spoke softly as she moved closer to Thilini.
"I know, it's freezing..." She held out her hand and held Thilini's little hand in her own.
"You are really cold. Try to keep your hands closer to the fire,"
Kath lay on her back silently, her head turned to the sky as she traced the small stars in the sky. A distant owl could be heard screeching in the wind, followed by several others in response. Kath turned her head idly to where Legolas was sitting with his back on a rock and watched his reaction as he gazed into the darkness. The sounds had worried him. He placed his hand on the ground and felt the vibrations of the earth. He relaxed once again and leaned back on the rock. On the other side of the fire Helani tapped Elaine and Thilini who were next to her and pointed at Kath. The three girls smiled as they followed Kath's gaze. Kath turned to them and noticed the 4 pairs of eyes staring in her direction. She frowned and tried to mouth something in response that no one understood.
"oh... how cute..." Thilini whispered quietly.
"hey murry, how's it going with Frodo?" Kath tried desperately to change the conversation.
"No... not this again... I don't want to talk about this - actually, maybe I need to. Coz I have a feeling I should get something straight." Her face showed a mixture of emotions. The others moved in closer so they could hear what she wanted to say.
"It's nothing important!" She laughed as she moved back.
"The thing is... how do I say it... I really like Frodo but it's not what you think. He's a great person but it's not like Karta and Ej or Wilson and Legolas. He's a great friend and I don't want to lose that, but I think that's as far as it goes... I didn't realise... Actually, I don't know. I'm confused coz I kinda did know that you all thought that way and at first it was funny but now it's been so long and I feel like an idiot because maybe I led him to think that way," She hid her eyes as she lowered her face to the ground. The others remained silent, confusion spreading over their faces.
"Do you understand what I mean?" She looked hopingly towards the 4 girls sitting beside her.
"Don't worry Murry. We understand, but what about Frodo?" Helani spoke sympathetically. Mariel shrugged and stared into the fire, speechless.
The men were beginning to feel the warmth reach them over on the other side. Frodo waited quietly until it was his turn to do the watch. He hated being woken up so he decided it was better he was ready and well awake before Legolas would come. All around him was quiet, he could barely hear the girls' whispers near the fire. Their voices calmed him at night and gradually he would fall asleep listening to their whispers. Tonight he listened once again, just recognising a few words. He didn't mean to listen but once it had proved useful to listen to their conversation when he had found out a bit about their past and their lives in their world. He could hear his name. He remained in the same sleeping position but tried even harder to listen to their conversation.

The sun was finally appearing in the horizon. Slowly it was rising above the edge and showing it's face to the world. The fire had burnt out and only a small wisp of smoke could be seen rising from the ashes. Elaine stretched her legs and rose onto her two feet. Only the men were up already. Nadia was down the hill collecting the herbs. Fiddertle had gone on a short exploratory mission up to the crest of the hill to see over the other side. Elaine walked up quietly to Frodo who was preparing breakfast.
"'morning Frodo. Do you know where the two elves have gone?" She sat on the log by the fire, and helped Frodo heat the bread.
"huh..." Frodo shook his head as if trying to brush away a thought.
"ehhh... Yeah... Legolas asked me to tell you he wants to talk to you. He'll be a bit further down the hill if you want to catch up," Frodo continued to stare at the bread burning on the end of the twig.
Elaine stood up quickly and hurried down the hill, calling to Frodo behind her, "Thanks Frodo". She turned her back once again and quickly disappeared over the other side of the crest.
"Legolas! Wait up!" She called hurrying up behind the young elf.
"Oh, you're here... so you got his message. Will you join me for a short walk to the base of the hill?" Elaine looked worryingly to the bottom of the hill and then quickly glanced to the top which was now a fair way away.
"Yep..." She walked to his side and waited till the elf began the walk to the base.
"Listen... I wanted to tell you..." Elaine shut her eyes as her heart pounded on her chest. She'd known it but had made herself believe it wasn't true.
"I believe you know what I am going to say. He left this morning. Please understand he's doing this for you. Realise it would have been much harder with all the farewells," Legolas stared into Elaine eyes and watched as the first tear rolled down her face. He placed his hand on her shoulder and waited patiently as she tried to wipe away her tears.
"We should go back up soon. Tell me when you are ready," Legolas crouched down on the grass and gazed down onto the plain.
"Legolas, we should go now," came the faltering reply. Legolas turned and led the way silently to the crest once again.

The days seemed to be shorter and shorter every day that passed. A little less daylight was very noticeable to the trekkers as they marched on through the looming darkness. The horses galloping through the night, bearing their burden through the dark forests and the stretching plains. Such beautiful surroundings wasted in such a time of despair and fear. Each day brought on more worry as the group made the arduous journey over the first hills leading up to the final destination. Each day brought more pain as they remembered those who had left them over the past weeks and the felt pain of separation from their loved ones back home. On the fifth night after the full moon, the day of their latest separation, the group finally paused for a day's break at the summit of their last hill, with the last summit in close view, perhaps only two days away. Little had been said over the past few days as they set up their resting place for the night. The fire could not be lit for fear of alerting unwanted eyes to their location. Up on the mountains, a small fire could be seen hundreds of kilometres away. The original group of 11, now reduced to 9 tried to create a wind block as they hid in the safety of the caves. The 4 males sat in one corner of the cave discussing their next step as the girls sat in a tight group in the only wind-protected area of the cave. Legolas stood up and walked over to the small group. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it before any words had been said. He tried once again, pausing for a moment.
"We have decided it is better for you to stay here with me while we send the three hobbits on their own missions. You girls, cannot understand the risk up at the top of this mountain. Very few of our species have ever visited the area and we cannot be sure that our visit will be undisturbed.
"But I've already been there!" Thilini spoke adamantly, her little hand pointing up to the peak.
"Yes but you were not wholly there. Your mind visited the area but you have never physically been to the place. When each of you were sent away by this new wizard, only your minds were sent to those places. Even though you thought you were there you only truly reappeared once you returned to Rivendell, our home." Legolas smiled as he watched the confusion spreading around him.
"I cannot explain any further now but you must remain here. The hobbits are small and they will be less noticeable,"
"You think I'll be noticed?" The little leprechaun stood up and waved her hand into the air. The girls laughed, but Legolas remained very still.
"We have not thought of that," he spoke slowly as if in deep concentration. He hurried over to the hobbits at the front of the cave and whispered his idea.
"We were entrusted with their safety but if letting her go will mean a better chance… What do we do?" Legolas paused in thought as the hobbits contemplated the idea. The 5 girls looked worryingly in their direction.
"What if we send her up but we follow her closely behind and prepare our weapons in case of attack. We should whistle and at the sound she could find a refuge until we can assure her safe descent back here." Frodo spoke hurriedly as if the words would be lost if they were not spoken.
"That's fine with us. But does she agree?" Fiddertle turned and watched as the 5 girls watched in silence.
"They are ready for anything. But who will protect the other hobbits. We cannot afford to lose one of our men to protect them here."
"Can they not stay unguarded here? It is a safe area in this cave." Nadia was now ready to accept the idea.
"And if something should happen, there is no escape from this cave. There is no other entrance to the cave," Silence once again.
"They were sent to accompany us not to be a burden but to help us in this journey. For that reason they must help us. They can act as watchers from lower on the mountain. If they should see anything, they could whistle and we will know to be prepared. That will work," Legolas was now definite on his plan. The others seemed to accept the plan in silence. This was the best way they could see fit.

The girls spread out a little, each in their own thoughts. Helani leant against the wall and muttered to herself once more. Nobody paid much attention, it was almost as if they had accepted this behaviour. She shook her head and closed her eyes as if trying to block out her thoughts. Thilini drew small shapes in the dirt in front of her whilst Elaine and Kath were whispering to each other. Mariel sat around the next wall, further away from the group. She too, was lost in her own thoughts, her hands fastened around her bent legs. Tears ran quietly down her cheeks as she hid her face above her bent legs. She needed the time alone and often she spent this time alone crying as she was lost in her own thoughts.

Legolas once again, began the first watch shift. He sat himself by the entrance of the cave and watched the birds swoop over the mountain side in silence, his head resting on the pal of his hand. Tomorrow could prove to be perhaps the toughest day so far or it could be even more simple than they expected. Anything could happen. Were they prepared for what they would be presented with? Legolas thought of his first journey with the fellowship, many years back. He had experienced very hard times, tougher perhaps than what he was experiencing now but the pressure of protecting these young innocent girls and Gandalf's promise was weighing heavily on his mind. This was his life, he was prepared for anything, but these girls, were they ready? Not even his own women would be prepared for the events of tomorrow, whatever should occur. His mind was restless all night long.

----

Karta walked on slowly, each step weighing heavily on him as he continued his walk to the east towards the City of the Lost. His head hang low, his eyes drooping. His legs were about to collapse. Four days he had walked without any stop, he couldn't afford to stop for very long but now it was all adding up. His legs gave way and he collapsed onto the soft matting of the forest floor. He blinked quickly as he regained consciousness. His thoughts drifted to the people he had left behind. If only he could be back there with them. Just the sight of them and his dear elf would give him the force to go on. How lucky had he been? Why had his feelings for her become so powerful. He and Legolas were alike in this way, they had always been like brothers. They had both found a dream, only, Legolas had many problems blocking his path. He thought of the hobbits he had left behind, the two brothers. He had only met them recently, they were young and had not experienced much of what the others had. He laughed as he thought of the little leprechaun that was lost between the two brothers. How many times had he been confused with her strange words and all the times she had made them all laugh when they needed a laugh. She had talked to him about her only world and listened with intense concentration on her face as he told her his own past. They had shared many laugh and stories at night. And Helani, that beautiful elf who had lost her soul mate. She cared so much for all of them, he would never forget her wonderful personality to the day he died. Katherine who had filled them all with happiness when they needed it. She was so different to all the other elves he had known before this strange experience. Always ready for a new game or ready to organise something else. Talking about her 'tv' shows, something he would never be able to understand and her sense of humour and her kindness. He thought once again of his elf. Elaine who had brought him so much happiness. Words would never be able to explain what he felt for her. Karta stood up once again feeling somewhat stronger with the knowledge that there was so much to come back to. He broke a branch of the tree beside him and used it to support himself as he continued his walk. They said it took 15 days to reach the city from the mountains he had left. Ten more days and he would enter that dreaded forest. The girls might have reached the summit of Mount Caules by that time. Would they risk the return to Rivendell or would they leave immediately. He shuddered with the thought and immediately broke into a run, knowing full-well that he would not be able to go much further in this state. Maybe he would find a rest place up in the trees for the night but would he ever be able to wake up from his sleep?
crumble decided to put pen to paper at 11:47 pm

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