"Unknown, Gandalf?" Legolas asked, confused.
"Yes, we do not know the strength of the fountain. We do not know how long it has been there, we do not know what die effects it causes or-"
"Sorry to interrupt, but what DO you know?"
Gandalf blew another smoke ring and chuckeld to himself. The room was silent for a few minutes. Hal was digging the dirt out of his fingernails, the king was watching Legolas, and Legolas was watching Gandalf. Gandalf cleared his throat.
"Legolas, have you ever seen the Fountain of Heratia?" he finally spoke.
"Of course, it is not far from here. You are not supposed to touch it though, or else yo-"
"Or else you fall into a coma in which will last a lifetime. A life time of slumber," Gandalf finished, "What you do not know, Legolas, is that the fountain used to lead to this mountain that the Orcs have claimed as theirs. At one time, this fountain of infanint sleep and the fountain of infanent mortality were connected. One flows from the east, the fountain of Heratia, and the other from the west, the fountain of immortality. Each acted as a sort of a counterpose to one another, masking eachothers power. A few thousand years ago there was an earth quake. A massive earthquake that dammed up the two streams."
"What does this mean?" Legolas asked, impatiently.
"It means, my young elf, we need to do is undam the stream."
"Just undam the stream, like that should be easy?" Legolas laughed.
"Legolas.." his father said sternly.
"No, we have a month before we get attacked, so far the only allies we have are the Ents and this.. wizard. How are we suppsed to just undam a river that has been dammed for thousands of years. We do not have time," Legolas went on.
"Patients, my friend, patients," Gandalf said, calmly, "If we leave tomorrow, we shall reach the dammed stream in about 2 weeks. If we bring along the Ents, it should not be so hard to move a boulder or two! Now, this is not the problem we need to be worrying about."
"Oh, there's more, huh?" Legolas laughed nervously, scratching his head.
"All of those Orcs have undoubtedly taken drinks from the fountain of immortality. This means it is going to take more than arrows and swords to kill them," Gandalf said.
"Great, just.. great," Legolas whispered, digging his nails into the armrest on his chair.
"We are going to need to aquire the Julirilot flower. Not just one, many. Possibly thousands. It is with this flower we can make a sirum to weakin the power of the fountain, enabling us to kill the Orcs with the weapons that we have."
"the Julirilot flower? Do you know how rare those are?" Legolas said, his eyes wide and fixed on Gandalf.
"Ahh, my friend, they are not as rare as you think," Gandalf chuckled.
"what do you mean?" Legolas asked.
"Follow me, please," Gandalf said, blowing one last smoke ring and getting up from his chair. Legolas put Hal in his hands and walked after Gandalf.
"We will be back soon, Thranduin," Gandlaf yelled behind him. For an hour they walked. Legolas started to realize where he was going.
"Hey, why are we going back here?" Legolas asked when Gandalf reached the wall of Weeping willows. Gandalf did not answer, but slipped through the branches instead. Legolas ran after him, almost dropping Hal. When Legolas reached Gandalf he found him mumbling words, holding his staff parallel to the ground. Legolas looked around the beautiful field and thought of Grace. He saw the beautiful house with the lonesome willow in the lawn. He sighed peacefully to himself.
"Oh my!" He heard Hal exclaim. Legolas looked around. Bright blue-purple flowers were popping up everywhere.
"The Julirilot flower!" he whispered.
"If you haven't noticed, this place is guarded, not very, but guarded non the less.. The weeping willow trees hide the field from anyone who may be passing through. Years ago Saruman and I cast a spell on this field to hide all of the Julirilot flowers. We knew they would be gone if we didn't, and we knew we would have no flower to make the sirum if we ever needed it," Gandalf explained.
Legolas watched in awe as thousands upon thousands of the flowers bloomed before his eyes. They were even blooming on the trees, on the pond, and some even grew out of the house. He laughed as one grew out of Gandalf's beard.
"This is amazing, Gandalf," he whispered. The three watched as more and more popped out.
"Legolas.." Gandalf said, breaking the silence, "Your heart is light with love, isn't it?"
"Yes," Legolas found himself saying, before he could even think. He smiled to himself, thinking about Grace's sharp eyes and her soft, satin mouth.
"Grace, eh?" Gandalf said, with a faint smile. Legolas just smiled even larger and looked at the ground.
Gandalfs smile, on the other hand faded.
"Legolas, why don't you and Grace start picking flowers. We will need at least a thousand. It will give you lots of time to spend together, before.. before we leave for the dam," Gandalf said softly.
Legolas sensed something in Gandalf's voice, but he could not put his finger on it. He studyied Gandalf's eyes. Though they were soft and kind, they were like a brick wall to read.
"Okay.." he finally said. His heart felt heavy. " What is going on?" he thought to himself. He tore his eyes away from Gandalf's and set them on the beautiful flowers. As they waved in the wind he thought he saw Grace's face. " Something is wrong."
Re: OMG that is so good!!
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Legolas's heart filled with utter panic. His stomach clenched and he began to breathe loudly.
"No.." whimpered softly. He began to run back towards the town. His legs hurt but he did not care. " Please, not Grase, please," he screamed in his head. He reached the gates and shoved the guard aside. He ran all over Mirkwood calling her name. Elves were giving him strange looks and muttering to themselves.
"Legolas, what are you doing?" he heard Grace say behind him. His eyes filled with tears as he turned around. He ran to her and squeazed her to him. He began to cry into her soft chocolate brown hair.
"What is wrong?" Grace whispered, stroking her lover's hair, soothingly.
"Gandalf.. I thought you-" Legolas tried to explain but he didn't think she would understand.
"It's nothing," he smiled to her, still sobbing, "I'm just glad you are here." He put his hand on her face and let another tear go. He sighed in relief.
"I want to show you something truly amazing," Legolas said, now clear of tears, but still with a red nose. He smiled at Grace and brushed her cheek.
"What is it?" Grace asked, her eyes two big question marks.
"You'll see," Legolas purred, kissing her nose. Grace giggled as Legolas grabbed her hand and began to run. They began to race eachother again. Both still retained much of their youth. Legolas beat Grace to the trees, for once. He turned around to Grace as she caught up.
"I.. beat.. you," he said, paniting slightly, with a grin. Grace put her hands on her hips and caught her breath.
"I didn't know where we were going! But now that I am here I feel much better about losing," she said, returning his grin. Legolas gave her a quick peck on her cheek and chuckled. Grace playfully bit Legolas's ear and ran through the Weeping willow trees. Legolas ran after her. He heard a gasp and knew that Grace had seen the beautiful flowers all around. When he cleared the branches and reached her, he saw her standing in complete awe. Smiling, Legolas stood behind Grace and put his hands on her shoulders.
"Its amazing, isn't it?" he whispered, almost as if he did not want to disturb the flowers. Grace nodded and laughed silently. A few flowers were still blooming.
"Where did they all come from?" she whispered as well.
"Gandalf."
The two watched the flowers sway gently as the warm breeze passed over the field. Standing silently, the let the sweet odor of the flowers enter their bodies and almost send them into a completely state of relaxation. The two lovers began to feel connected, more thant hey had ever felt before. Legolas sensually kissed Graces neck, tasting the sweat and the natural sweetness of her skin. Grace could not help but moan in pleasure, as the seductive scent of the flowers consumed her. She ran her hand over Legolas's head, messaging his scalp with her fingertips. Legolas let his hands go free, and moved them all over Grace's body. He caressed her voluptuous curves until he found a clasp. He whispered, "Is this okay?" in Grace's ear as he slowly undid the numerous clasps and buttons on her gown. Grace, exhaling deeply, consented. Grace turned her head enough just to make contact with Legolas's eyes. Their lips locked and the two experienced overwhelming passion. Their bodies became rythmic as the warmth of the sun cast down on their bodies. There infront of their dream house, on their dreamland, with the gorgeous flowers that held such a beautiful sent waving over their heads, the two young elves made love; the sweetest love, as only the first time can be.

Grace awoke in Legolas's arms. With beads of sweat still on his forehead, he remained in a peaceful sleep. She studied his face. Her heart beat wildly, for she knew she was madly in love with Legolas. They were meant to be together, and the past few days had only proven it to her. She gently ran her fingertips along his soft lips. Legolas stirred, and slowly awoke from his nap. He saw Grace staring up at him and smiled groggily. He wrapped his arms around her more tightly and sighed deeply. The mixture of the warm sun and the subtle lukewarm breeze felt good on their naked bodies. Grace could feel her eyes getting heavy again, and she began to doze off with her head nestled on Legolas's chest.
"Oh no! the flowers!" Legolas said outloud, inturrupting Grace's sleep.
"whats wrong?" she asked looking up at him.
"We have to pick all of the flowers, I completely forgot!" Legolas sat up and began pulling his clothes back on. He began to feel sick as he saw the sun dipping lower into the sky. He had not yet told Grace about his departure the next day. He turned to Grace and cupped her hands in his.
"Grace, please do not be upset, for we have a lot of work to do before the sun sets," he said, looking back up at the sun again. Grace gave him a worried look.
"Tomorrow, I am to leave with Gandalf and a few others. I will be gone for two weeks-" he stopped as he saw Grace's eyes well up.
"No, please do not be sad," he cooed to her, "It is not a dangerous task, I will be back before you know it!" He tried to calm he down, but nothing could stop the tears that eventually ran down her rosy cheeks. He brushed her cheek and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Listen, We have to get these flowers picked. Gandalf is probably expecting them soon. I am so sorry that i had to tell yout his all at once, but I just got caught up in the moment.." Grace smiled as the thoughts of what they had just done creeped back into her mind. She whiped away her tears and sighed deeply.
"Okay, Legolas, I'm ready to do whatever you need me too," she said, whiping away one last tear. Legolas smiled proudly at her and gently kissed her once more. He waited for her to dress; then they began the tedious task of pulling the large quanity of flowers.
The two were some what sad to see all of the flowers disappearing. Grace sighed sadly every once and awhile. She did not want to think about what it would be like without Legolas. She knew that as soon as he were to come back, she would be taken away with the other maidens. She also knew that their separation was inevitable, and no tears or pleads could stop Legolas from fighting against the Orcs. She watched her lover pick the last few flowers. The sun was almost gone, and an eerie orange light cast over the field, illuminating the flowers even more. " what a good heart he has," she thought to herself.
"Last one," Legolas said, as he dropped the last flower into their sack. He smiled and reached for Grace's hand. She took it and wrapped her other arm around his neck.
"I love you," she whispered, kissing his earlobe. Legolas did not have to repeat her words, for they were clearly shown all over his face. The two gave eachother one last kiss, and made their way back to the gates.
The two elves dropped their sacks full of flowers off in the kitchen. Gandalf and a few other elves had prepared the ingredients and had already set out some cauldrons with boiling water. Legolas and Grace asked if they could help. Gandalf insisted they spend some time alone. He knew something that they didn't, so they decided to listen to him. Tired and depressed, the two elves decided to do nothing too strenuous. Instead they just sat on Legolas's roof, looking at the sky.
"Legolas.. I love you," Grace whispered in the dark, her head in Legolas's lap. Legolas stroked her silken hair.
"I love you too."
"I can not help but be afraid. All I wanted to do was spend the rest of eternity with you.." Grace said sadly.
"Shhh.. I know, but I must fight for Mirkwood, I must fight to defend you. Grace, if anything happened to you, I would be devistated, I don't think I would be able to go on.."
"and as I, Legolas, and you are the one throwing yourself at Orcs." grace said a little angry.
"Ah, but that is my duty, my love. As prince, I am supposed to take care of my citizens, especially those who I are most about."
"I can take care of myself, I have been for the last seven years," Grace said bitterly.
"Grace don't start with this again, please? I leave tomorrow, when I come back we only have but a day, maybe even a mere few hours to be together before you leave. I want this night to be special. I don't want to fight about this. Please, lets just not talk about it anymore, okay?" Legolas pleaded. Grace sighed, realizing he was right. She hadn't been so supportive lately, and she felt guilty. If only she could help. she collected her self.
"I'm so sorry, I'm being so selfish I know," she said softly, feeling horrible fore her attitude.
Legolas lifter her up and gave her a soft kiss.
"I will always love you, Grace, don't worry, okay?" he said, peering into her eyes.
Grace nodded and returned his kiss. The two elves laid down. Grace buried herself in Legolas's warm strong body. With Legolas' arms wrapped around her, she felt as though she were sinking into him. She felt calm and peaceful. Legolas began to feel his eyelids drop. The sereness of the woods and the heat from Grace's body made him sleepy. He yawned, and gave into the urge of sleep. Grace looked up at his peaceful face and also felt the need to sleep. She kissed his lips softly and placed her head on his shoulder. After a few minutes, Grace was deep in sleep. the two lovers slept, escaping their troubles. Perhaps they were dreaming of eachother, in their haven of a home, laying in front of their fireplace. Perhaps they were thinking of their childhood, when life was so easy, and nothing else mattered but having fun. Both of the elves sighed simultaneously. That was the last night they would ever live in peace. They did not know it as they slept, but their destinies were about to take a turn for the worse.
"Sleep," Gandalf whispered as he saw the two pairs of legs hanging off the roof, "Sleep and be in peace.." He shook his head and headed back towards the kitchen.

Grace woke suddenly. She looked around, forgetting where she was. Legolas was no where in sight. Then it all came back to her.
"No!" she screamed, jumping off the roof. She looked at the sky. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon. She sprinted towards the gates. " please! tell me he hasn't left yet!," grace screamed inside her head. As she approached the gate, she saw the horses, packed and ready to go. Some elves were mounting theirs, Gandalf was already on his, towering above everyone. Grace's eyes scanned the area quickly.
"LEGOLAS!" she screamed, running towards him. he had just put his foot in the stirrup when she saw him. Legolas quickly turned around. Grace ran as hard as she could. She leaped into his arms and kissed him hard. Legolas wrapped his arms around his lover, returning her kiss when his senses had come back to him. He heard the other elves teasing him, but he didn't care. Grace's cheeks held a river of tears. She pulled back from Legolas and pressed her face into his chest, sobbing.
"I'm so sorry I didn't say goodbye," Legolas said, squeezing Grace closer to him. After a more moments Legolas said, "I have to go now.." Grace put her hands over her face, pressing her eyes hard. She nodded, trying to stop herself from crying. Legolas leaned in to her ear.
"I love you, I'll be back before you know it ok?" he whispered in her ear. He stayed cheek to cheek with her for a moment, swaying left to right. Grace nodded and took a deep breath. she kissed his cheek and looked into his eyes.
"I'm so proud of you," she finally said, putting her hand on his cheek. A few more tears streamed down her face. She whiped them away quickly. She took Legolas' face in her hands.
"I love you, be safe, okay? Just be safe.." she said, kissing him after every word. She whimpered and felt another fit of sobs coming on. She pulled away from him.
"Go Legolas, just.. go," she said, choking back a sob. Legolas stared at her back hesitantly.
"Go!" she yelled, beginning to cry again.
Legolas mounted his horse and looked sullenly down at her. Grace heard the gates open. She shut her eyes tighly. She wished with all of her might that Legolas didn't have to go away. she wished that they could just be together in peace. She opened her eyes and found reality staring back at her. It was like a cold slap on the face. She fell to her knees as she heard the hooves of the horses fall deeper and deeper into the distance. She placed her face in her hands and bawled. Lenora had heard all of the commotion and had seen the whole thing. She came up to her friend and wrapped a blanket around her shoulders. She knealt down face to face with Grace and stroked her rosey red cheeks. Grace wrapped her arms around her friends neck. They cried for the rest of the morning with eachother. As the elves started to wake up and go about their days business, they all stared at the two, just sitting infront of the gates. Holding hands, Lenora and Grace eventually fell asleep, exausted from their neverending tears.

Un-Titled part 7