Author's Note: This chapter took a very long time to finish. Mainly this was because I had to do a lot of research because I wanted to stay as close to canon as possible for the events that occurred after the War. I kept reading and reading stuff about what happened to Legolas and Gimli after Aragorn was crowned king. If you haven't guessed it yet, yep, I am one of those fans who just love The Lord of The Rings films and everything related to it but have never before picked up a Tolkien book (Oh, the shame!). It's not that I never planned to, I have...I am seriously considering buying all of Tolkien's books that are about Middle Earth (even if it will burn a hole through my wallet). Sigh, if only books weren't so terribly expensive here in Malaysia. Sigh. In any case, I read every single webpage there was about The Glittering Caves and Legolas' and Gimli's adventure after the War ended. Most of the information is good but not very detailed. In the end I couldn't take it any more, I decided to read that part in the book itself just to be certain sure. I got to a link that featured a free pdf copy of The Return of The King. Read the parts about The Glittering Caves and a bit more than that as well. I think...I'm quite sure...I'm quite confident...Well, no, I am not sure if the caves are anything like I'm describing (I tried though!) and the events of which Legolas and Gimli visit the cave was very vague in the book...I just created my own happenings and going ons between the two while they're in the cave.

Elves, sex, sexuality: I am going to be faithful with Tolkien's elves in terms of sex and their sexuality. Since Tolkien was a staunch Catholic, he designed elves to be the perfect type of people. They do not have sex before marriage, the act of sex itself is considered a life binding thing and once a couple has engaged in it, they're considered married (usually they go through proper procedures but in times of crisis and a couple needs to get married quickly they will resort to this, of course, after they'll have a wedding celebration when the time is right but they're already considered married). Elves like having sex and they think that it is something very scared and pure because it will result in the birth of children. But once they've got kids, they will move on to other things and do other stuff to keep them occupied (I know, bummer, right? :\ I was pretty bummed when I found out about that years ago after reading about them cuz' I was curious about elves and their sex lives), however, they will look back on those times when they had sex and think of it fondly. Because their libido wanes after a bit, elves rarely have a lot of kids. I can't remember the name of this elf couple but they were the only ones that had seven kids, the highest amount of children in any elf family. Elves marry for life and they don't cheat on their partners...EVER (this part I really LIKE, to be honest. I hate people who cheat!). Elves usually only have one partner for life but there has been very rare cases when an elf would marry another...These are very rare though and through all my readings, I only found one elf dude who did this. I was so intrigued when I was reading this!

And so I will make elves in my story behave in a similar way as the elves in Tolkien's world. I don't mind if people change all this in their own fanfics of course (I actually like reading other people's own interpretation of this issue) but I decided earlier on that for the parts that are taking place in Middle Earth and NOT in Earth (Ithilwen's time), I will try my very best to stay as true as possible to the canon (book version mostly, but there will be some scenes taken from the films).

So, yes, Legolas in my story is not going to be some playboy who has many wenches parade trough his bed or have Thranduil marry another woman, etc. I have taken some liberties and I will make Legolas have some lewd/pervy thoughts now and again but that is as far as I go. He will also get his hands dirty a lot of times, if I had my way with it. I am also probably going to slightly overlook the whole after-babies-we-don't-need-sex-anymore part. This is a romance after all and it's erotica so it would be really, really, really difficult if I had to abstain from writing any romantic or kinky stuff, right? (Heh, heh. Tolkien purists will probably butcher me alive but hey, this is fanfiction, right?)

Elf Language: Okay, I did my research on this as well. I've decided...I will use very LITTLE elf language in my fics. The most I will use is just some simple phrases like "thank you" or "well met". This is not because I'm lazy and do not want to do any research on this (trust me, it took so long to write this chapter because I researched so much; I like researching) but it's cuz' there are not that many reliable websites out there. There's this one site that I stumbled on and thought, "Wow, this is great! So many useful phrases and sentences!" and then after reading more about it, I realise that it's just a mixture of Quenya and Sindarin. Some words and phrases don't even make sense...It's called Grelvish because the site is run by this thing called The Grey Company (or some other name, can't recall). I was severely disappointed but then I thought, "Hey, even if I could use many elvish words and phrases, it would be a complete waste of space because then I'd had to write the meanings as well...And usually when I'm reading stuff I don't understand, I just quickly go for the translations. Pretty redundant."

So, yeah, expect very little Quenya or Sindarin or Grelvish or whatever...

Research: I love to do research on the stuff that I enjoy. And reading about Middle Earth and such is indeed a lot of fun! :D However, because Tolkien was such a frickin' GENIUS, I feel that I owe him to do even more extensive research and truly get the facts as close to canon as possible (please don't hate me Tolkien purists if I do get some stuff wrong! Sorry! ;_; ). Know this, this fanfic is the most time and effort that I have put into in researching compared to any other fanfic I have written before...EVER! (I have written more but they are not on this site)

To my followers and favourite-ers: Thank you so much! I have been very happy every time a person follows my story or adds it to his/her favourite. I am eternally grateful! Please review me as well for I truly love, love, love receiving those.


Chapter II: Tangled Limbs and Wandering Hair


Legolas had been travelling for some time with his trusted friend Gimli. Never before had he seen the likes of The Glittering Caves for its immense beauty had astonishingly struck him speechless. Gimli had seemed tremendously amused by his reaction and the dwarf warrior gleefully mocked him. The elf paid only half a mind on the dwarf's chattering (something about likening him to a wee bairn who had not learnt to speak yet) and instead had let his eyes absorb everything that he saw. It was truly marvellous, the caves, for the cave extended deep into the mountains with stairs and halls and such high tall ceilings that made him marvel at the craftsmanship of it all. The walls were polished so perfectly that they gleamed with the crystals and jewels that it was decorated with. The whole place was so beautiful, so large in its grandeur that it seemed endless.

'So much for the plague of dwarves and their stiff necks…,' Legolas thought bemusedly, 'Ai, but their necks will have suffered if indeed Gimli intends to bring them here…'

They had spent a few days exploring The Glittering Caves and Legolas had felt himself growing even fonder of his friend during those days. Sharing about their lives, Legolas found himself surprised for he actually spoke of his childhood and his life in Mirkwood. He even talked about his beloved father, King Thranduil, a subject he had previously taken great care to avoid for fear of sparking some ill feelings in his friend who did not think very highly of the elven king as he was the one who had imprisoned his father Gloin many years ago.

"Forgive me," Legolas had apologized, "I did not mean to speak of my fath- That is, I did not wish to offend you in any way by speaking of my-"

But Gimli had cut him off swiftly with a wave of his hand and a gruff 'Leave it be, lad!'

"You must know that I am willing to let bygones be bygones," Gimli spoke as he tore the meat he had in his hands with his teeth, "Your father was a right bother to imprison my father, aye, but, I supposed he had his reasons…And you are not your father and neither am I my father. We are our own people."

Legolas had smiled happily when he heard his friend's sincere words.

"We are friends," Legolas replied, his smile reaching his eyes and made the shine even bluer.

"Aye, friends!" Gimli barked good naturedly and proceeded to tear into his dinner like a starving man. Legolas laughed at his friend and teased him by comparing him to a hideous Uruk-hai to which Gimli had growled that the elf prince should have been a princess instead of a prince for he was very pretty and weak. Their witty banter had resulted in Gimli and Legolas throwing whatever object they could get their hands on to the other, all the while laughing merrily.

The people of Helm's Deep did not seem to mind the noise much for some even smiled happily at the two friends. It was a wonderful thing to see such close friendship and such joyous laughter after they had faced the Battle of Hornburg. They had seen much pain and suffering and it did not go unacknowledged that they won the battle because of the help of these two friends and the King Elessar Telcontar, known as Aragorn then.

"Careful, Master Dwarf!" chuckled one of the Rohirrim, "Look where you're throwing that bowl of oats! We may be horse masters but I'd rather feed it to the horses than be covered in it!"

The other men laughed as well, slapping each other on the backs as they poured more ale.

It wasn't until after the twilight hours did Legolas notice something strange occurring in their midst. Gimli had already prepared a bed for him to sleep in when the elf prince's ears perked up and his eyes were on alert.

"What is it, laddie?" Gimli growled in annoyance as he studied his ever alert friend, "Struck once more by the astounding beauty of the caves? You are a wee bairn…"

"Hush!" Legolas whispered quickly, sprinting forward a bit into a hall lit with the glittering light of the jewels embedded on the walls, "Something is not right. There is a sound about nine miles yonder…Do you not hear it?"

"Oh, aye! Of course I hear it for I have great pointy ears much like my princeling pointy eared elf friend…" Gimli muttered sardonically but nevertheless he got to his feet and reached for his axe, closely following his friend. Legolas was known to have superior eyesight and hearing and Gimli knew better than to argue whether what he heard was real or something imagined. There had been many a time when Legolas' hearing had saved them from some impending danger.

Everyone around them were also retiring to bed and most seemed oblivious to Legolas' eager rush as the elf ran passed them.

"It sounds as if something very large…And very fast is coming our way," Legolas informed his friend, straining to hear more as he deftly ran to the caves' entrance, his twin blades and bow already attached to his body. Gimli followed his friend as best he could but he was much shorter than the elf and he wasn't quite as tireless as the immortal so naturally he fell behind a few feet away. Gradually, the distance grew between them.

Legolas breathed in a breath of fresh air as he felt the cool night breeze stroke his hair and face once he reached the mouth of the caves. He stood outside now, with his feet firmly plastered to the ground, slightly giddy at the feel of the grass beneath his feet once more. He was a Mirkwood elf through and through and they enjoyed everything that was green and that grew.

"By Elbereth and Lúthien the Fair…!" Legolas cried as his eyes widened from the shock of seeing the great massive light that shone before his very eyes. It was white and much larger than him but it seemed to surround an object of some sort. He wondered what the object was and it was indeed a very strange occurrence as he took the rest of his surroundings. The sky had grown dark and stormy ever so suddenly, flashing lights similar to the image of falling stars streaked the sky in nearly every direction and he noticed also the wailing sounds of the wind as it blew about him.

"What is this madness?" he thought aloud in wonder as suddenly the light surrounding the object dimmed and his keen elf eyes began to read the shapes of the object.

He cautiously stepped closer to the object, bow and arrow nocked and ready to be fired if this thing proved to be hostile in any way. Legolas was not easily shocked but the strange tidings had made him weary.

To his surprise, the object moved suddenly, shifting slightly and he thought he heard a soft moan.

'A woman…?' he wondered, 'It cannot be. Surely no woman could arrive in such a mysterious manner?'

He approached the heaving figure carefully until he was mere inches apart from it. Legolas slowly but very carefully pointed his arrow at what looked to be pale flesh and pressed the sharpened tip of is arrow into it.

Another moan came forth and he could have sworn that he also heard a small sob.

'That was most definitely female!,' his mind confirmed and he drew back his arrow before he pierced her flesh.

The body that was lying before him moved again and this time it seemed to raise itself from the dimming light and wispy smoke that float about it.

"Wha-?" a soft voice croaked, as Legolas found himself dumbfounded as his blue eyes stared deep into the violet eyes of the female.

"What happened?" she spoke gently, moaning slightly, "Have I died and passed from this world? By the Great Holy Father, I cannot thank thee enough…"

Ithilwen winced and groaned when she felt a sudden sharp pain in her head causing her to slump forward and lose her balance. She fell to the ground in a heap of tangled limbs and torn cloth, clutching her head in her hands as she fought with the blinding pain that consumed her.

Legolas stood stock still as he stared down at the lady before him. Well, what he assumed to be a lady for she was dressed like no lady he had ever encountered. It took him a moment to determine that she was not completely in the nude for his sharp eyes saw much pale bare flesh, noting that her tangled limbs were indeed naked to his eyes and save for her ragged dress and mass of tangled hair, he wagered he would see even more of the expanse of her naked skin.

A warm tingling sensation rose up to his face and Legolas was surprised to have felt it and slightly embarrassed as well for he found himself flushing darkly at the amount of skin he was witnessing. It was just not something one saw every other day and the sight somehow unnerved him.

"My lady, are you unharmed?" he asked gently, crouching slowly as he bent to touch her shoulder in a gesture of concern. It was his gentlemanly duty to make sure this woman was well treated given the unusual circumstances that she'd appeared before him.

The female retreated as if struck when she heard his voice, her body lurching backwards in her haste to put some distance between them. Her head whipped back to reveal a pale face, large violet eyes starring wildly at him and Legolas suddenly saw how she saw him through her eyes. She was terrified, completely horrified of his mere presence. The woman looked at him as if he were an orc about to kill her and the elf prince felt a sudden pang of regret. No woman, elf or human, had ever looked at him the way this small female did.

"Stay back!" she wheezed, pushing her legs against the ground so that her torso slid further away from the elf male, "Do not come near me! Who are you? What have you done to my person? Where am I?"

As she slid even further away from him, Legolas noticed her pointed ears and porcelain smooth skin. So she was an elf maiden! That would surely explain her beautiful face. Her hair had been fashioned in some peculiar concoction of braids and some odd looking spikes that eerily resembled bones decorated her hair. In what he assumed had been some horrendous and odd mishap that happened to her, some of her hair had spilled forth and hung undone whipping about her neck, face and shoulders. In the dark night, he could not fully determine her hair colour but he knew immediately that it was fair and seemed golden in hue.

"Calm thy self, my lady!" Legolas commanded gently, lifting his hands up in a gesture that showed he meant no ill will toward her, "You are in no danger. I will not harm thee, you have my word!"

"Ai…," she groaned deeply, clutching her head once more as a throbbing pain developed there, "What has become of me? By our Holy Father, is it possible that I have yet to pass this Earth?"

"Nay, my lady," Legolas tried to soothe her, approaching her again, "You still draw breath in this world. Are you in pain? Would I be of some assistance?"

"Oh!" Ithilwen cried out in surprise when she felt the male's hands clutch her hands that were in turn holding her head. He had strong graceful fingers and they quickly moved aside her hands so that he could massage her temples. She was obviously frightened but the sudden shot of pain had lowered her defences and her fatigue had begun to eat away at her body finally settling in as if a heavy cloth had draped itself on her. Unconsciously, she had allowed the male to touch her and due to his clever ministrations she completely let down her guard, welcoming his touch.

"Better?" Legolas asked coolly, stroking her forehead gently and pushing aside the wayward wisps of hair that caressed her face.

"Aye…" she murmured, closing her eyes as she leaned forward, her body moving back toward his, "That feels so…good…"

Legolas was struck by her words for it seemed to have startlingly disturbing effect on him. No, it wasn't her words that affected him but moreso her manner of speaking them. Her voice was breathless and she sounded almost as if his tender care of her was causing her to feel ecstasy. Had she just…moaned at him?

The familiar warm emotions rose once again to his face and Legolas shut his eyes as he realized that he was feeling a slight pang of desire. It shot through him very briefly and he was suddenly stupefied to find himself feeling anything at all toward the opposite sex, least of all at a time such as this. Oh, aye, he had felt desire before but it all had been such a long time ago, centuries before when he was naught but a young green elf still adjusting to his growing body. He found himself attracted to all things that were beautiful and that included elf women but rarely did he feel anything more than the passing interest. Elves did not dwell on sexual desires much and their thoughts frequently moved on to more worthwhile pursuits. His had always been anything relative of combat such as archery and warfare. Legolas narrowed his eyes at the lady before him as he tried to make out more of her face and form in order to dissect what was it about her that caused him to behave in such a manner - an act which quickly proved to be a mistake on his part.

The elleth before him was almost completely naked as what looked to be a gown that she had on her figure was completely ruined beyond repair, exposing much of her bare skin and left her arms and legs naked to his eyes. Her pale white flesh was slashed across in a scattering of what looked to be freshly cut wounds inflicted by a very sharp thin blade or needle. Torn cloth blew about her shoulders and chest gently and he found himself partly unwilling to witness the rise and fall of her partially covered chest. And what a chest it was! Legolas' felt himself blush an even deeper shade of crimson at the sight of her one completely bare breast exposed for his roving eyes. No doubt the elleth before him was quite well endowed for her naked breast was full and round, her soft porcelain skin seemed to glow a milky white hue and her strawberry tip hardened and pebbled from the cold wind. Legolas' eyes glued at the hardened nub and he was already envisioning some very lewd things when his conscience seemed to roar at him and put all his thoughts to a halt.

Legolas shuddered, quickly shutting his eyes to avert his gaze from his perusal of her figure as well as to dampen his rising desire. By the gods, what had come over him? Legolas of Mirkwood never behaved in such a lewd way! He sighed inwardly as he thought perhaps after this whole ordeal was over; he should probably meditate somewhere in order to cleanse his sickening thoughts.

The lady, however, did not notice his silent eyes roaming over her figure as she still had her eyes closed. Sighing softly, Ithilwen reluctantly pulled away from the male elf's hands.

"Thank you, my lord…But what is thine name?" Ithilwen inquired curiously, violet eyes locked onto his, "And do you know what has become of me?"

Legolas shook his head but he smiled at her in what he hoped was a friendly gesture that would set her mind at ease.

"Nay, I was with my friend Gimli when we heard a terrible sound and you suddenly appeared in front of me," Legolas explained slowly, "We were inside The Glittering Caves and I heard a strange sound. It was a bizarre sight to be sure, a great white light surrounding you as the sky wept many a falling star and the wind blew about a hurricane. It was brief and the light dimmed and revealed me to you. I have never before in all my long years witness anything of its like."

The elf maiden shook her head in disbelief as she tried to soak in everything that was informed her. She could scarcely believe her ears when suddenly a loud growl and shout was heard, breaking her train of thought and causing her to whimper in fear again at the unknown voice.

"What has happened, laddie?" cried a stout little dwarf, rushing forward in what looked like little hops, "Who is this she-elf? What have ye done to her?"

"Gimli, my friend," Legolas greeted, relieved to finally see a face that he was familiar with and could make sense of, "Something very strange and mysterious has occurred and I now find myself faced with the puzzling appearance of this elf maiden!"

"A male dwarf!" the elf girl croaked in wonder, "My eyes cannot be deceiving me now, can it? This is truly a male dwarf before me!"

"And what of it!?" Gimli barked at her, waving his axe slightly. He was partially annoyed at having to run all that distance outside the caves to find his elf friend tending to a she elf.

"F-forgive me, Master Dwarf!" Ithilwen stammered, scooting back further away from Gimli, frightened by the dwarf's annoyance and axe waving, "I- I h-have never met a male dwarf in all my life is all!"

Gimli was taken aback by her quick apology and felt regret and remorseful of his treatment toward the young creature for she clearly looked as if she might just enjoy the prospect of burying herself in the ground. Gimli son of Gloin did not relish the thought of further distressing a weak damsel.

"'Tis alrigh', lass," Gimli said in apologetic tones, "There is nothing to forgive except perhaps a dwarf's gruff manner toward a wee lady such as yourself."

Ithilwen blushed at this but ducked her head in a nod as if to accept his apology.

"My lady," Legolas began, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his chest, "Please excuse my friend, the dwarf, for he is quite the grouch when he has yet to rest for the day. He meant nothing by it. Please don't be frightened."

Ithilwen's eyes widened at the gesture and her lips parted in wonderment as she felt her fingers and palm press against the elf's chest. A new perplexing feeling blossomed in her chest and she suddenly found herself blushing even harder than before and trying her best not to look into those startling blue eyes of his.

'Caimans and gators, what in the world is he doing to me?' her mind screamed at her, 'I feel a warm feeling growing at the pit of my stomach whenever his hands are on me. What is this affect that he has on me?'

Legolas seemed to have experienced the same feelings as well for he quickly let go of her hand, looking away as if he seemed flustered for a second before he schooled his features into what an expression of cool apathy. The change in his expression was so swift that Ithilwen debated if she had actually even seen his earlier look of embarrassment.

"I...I am not frightened...," she tried to reassure him, collecting herself and she stared down at her half naked form. She audibly squeaked in her surprise combined with an added dose of horror as she realized that the gown she wore barely covered her decently. To say that she was beyond humiliated was an understatement because she flushed ever so darkly and buried her face in her hands and hunched herself forward and groaned loudly.

"Forgive me!" she mumbled into her knees, her voice muffled by the cloth and flesh, "I was not aware of my present state of attire..."

Legolas sighed deeply and he felt doubly sorry for her, whoever this elleth was she was clearly a petrified mess with a past attached to her that he knew he would need to investigate further but for now his heart would only allow him to help her in whatever way he could. Without a word, he took off his cape and gently draped it over her shivering form. His widened in slight surprise and intrigue when her ears twitched at the sensation and her head lifted up to look upon his face.

"Oh," she said as she stared at his face and then at the cape billowing about her, "Th-thank you, my lord."

"'Tis nothing," he replied in a controlled voice that did not betray the feeling of sympathy that overwhelmed him. The girl seemed young and he had a deep suspicion that she had been running from something dark and evil given her current condition of being dishevelled and wounded. It was not right for a creature such as she to ever endure such pain and terror. Legolas felt a sharp rise of anger at someone who would hurt one of his own kind so.

"Where are ye from, m'lady?" Gimli asked curiously, his eyes piercing hers in a look that wasn't quite stern but neither was it very kindly, "You do not seem to be from these here parts."

"Where am I exactly?" Ithilwen looked about her as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings, "I cannot recall what exactly had befallen me as I have only just regained my consciousness."

"You are at the mouth of The Glittering Caves, near Helm's Deep," Gimli explained, trying to gauge if she was indeed telling the truth, "North West of The White Mountains."

Ithilwen stared at him as if he had sprouted another head. All the names he had mentioned sounded foreign and alien to her, names she was able to recall somewhat but nowhere on Earth was there ever a place called The Glittering Caves. she was quite certain. There were several caves near Löchlaemoened where Àinfean had ruled over his kingdom but none of them went by the name The Glittering Caves. In any case, there was not a place that glittered on the Earth she knew for her world was dark, grey and dull. Almost nothing shone and the air was dank, trees were dying and Ithilwen could not remember the last time she saw a flower blooming in all its splendour that wasn't a synthetic creation made to imitate the real thing. The idea of anything glittering, if it wasn't the deadly blades of a dark eldar or orc, was just incomprehensible.

"Nay...," she said slowly, "I have never heard of this cave that glitters. Helm's Deep? The name sounds familiar but alas, I cannot place from whence I've heard it."

Gimli looked at her hard once again trying his best to discern whether the girl was speaking the truth. Her eyes spoke volumes of fear and shock but she sounded very sincere.

"Alrigh', where are you from then, m'lday?" he queried, folding his hands across his chest, axe still in one hand.

"I live in the South East region of the Earth; Löchlaemoened, The Castle of Void under The Dark Eldar Prince Àinfean's rule," she answered honestly, her eyes begged them to believe in her words, "Please, I know not of what has become of me...I was in the forest when he...Well, he caught me and I...I-I was crying and he kept on...He wouldn't stop, he never stops..." Her voice broke off into a choked sobbed and tears streamed down her face once more.

Gimli was overwhelmed with feelings of sympathy for the young elf girl and he quickly set his axe aside to pat her shoulder comfortingly. His touch made her flinch at first but she soon relaxed and welcomed his further advances. Legolas watched the pair and he immediately felt his concern for her rise as well, however, he did not trust himself to touch her in fear of rekindling those strange feelings he had earlier for her. Legolas remained blank faced as he thought deeply about her explanation. His earlier suspicions of her being abused before were confirmed and he knew for certain now that she had been running away from someone who meant her harm. Those wounds on her limbs were most likely caused by the person who had harmed her.

Clearly, there was something that did not make sense here. The girl claimed to have come from a place called Löchlaemoened, a place he had never heard of and which he doubted anyone has for that matter. It not only did not sound familiar it also sounded very foreign, a different language perhaps.

"South east region?" Legolas echoed her words, "You don't mean Mordor do you? Or is it Near Harad you are speaking of?"

Ithilwen lifted her head to look at the elf male, furrowing her brows together in a look of confusion. She clearly did not understand what he was talking about that much was obvious.

'Is she mad?' Legolas thought to himself, 'She mentioned something about someone chasing after her and doing things to her person...Has the shock and horror driven her mind to madness? She stares at me as if I have spoken nonsense and yet she sits there and speaks of places that are non-existent in this Middle Earth.'

"Mordor?" she asked, perplexed, "Isn't that the name of the place where the antagonist of those famous tales about The Fellowship of The Rings lived in and grew his army? O', what was his name? Sauron, yes, I think it was? Are you talking about that Mordor?"

"Famous tales of The Fellowship?" Gimli hooted in amusement, "Well, I know a lot of people have been talking of our quest but one did not think that the word 'famous' is the accurate description..."

Ithilwen wrinkled her brows further and she gaped up at the both of them, her lips trembling slightly.

"Eh, 'our quest'?" she breathed tremulously, "But of course the story of The One Ring is very popular. 'Tis like a story that nearly every child; eldar, man or dwarf knew for it has been told many a time. My good friends, Haia and Angaharad, would always tell me about the tales of Middle Earth. Sometimes, they would even sing to me songs of those tales. We considered them fairy tales, myths and legends but Angharad always believed that there were probably parts that were true. There are not only books about it but also musicals, plays and songs...Even poetry! That story of the nine companions travelling together in their attempt to destroy The One Ring and bring about an end to the evil Lord Sauron is a most beloved tale."

Legolas and Gimli listened in alarm as she explained to them how she had known of the name Mordor and of The Fellowship. She was speaking of their quest as if it had been renowned for some time. It was as if she came from another world entirely, one where children grew up learning of their adventure as nothing more than an entertaining bed time story. Both companions turned to look at one another to exchange looks of dawning comprehension.

"This is Middle Earth, m'lady," Gimli said slowly to Ithilwen, "We know not whence you came but where you're sitting down right this very moment is Middle Earth. And I am Gimli son of Glóin and my elf friend here is Legolas of Mirkwood..."

Ithilwen paled when she heard his introduction. 'I am in Middle Earth right now? This is Middle Earth? He said his name was Gimli and then the elf was Legolas? It cannot be that they are really part of what I dare not think...?'

"Are you saying...?" she swallowed but pressed forward, "Are you saying that...that you were part of the nine companions...?" But she didn't need to hear their answer for the look they gave her was answer enough and Ithilwen sank back on her heels in shock at the revelation. She looked to the ground as more of her surroundings become even more distinctly clear. As the information settled into her mind many questions were answered and the puzzles began to place themselves.

No wonder she felt that the name Gimli sounded so very familiar when the male eldar had spoken it earlier before the dwarf's introduction. It was also no wonder that the names of the places that the dwarf mentioned had also rung bells in her mind even though she could not recall ever visiting such places. Ithilwen had heard them in the stories Haia and Angharad told her. She further became aware of how clean and fresh the air smelt like the complete opposite of the air in her world. The smell of the leaves, the clear starlit sky where a billion stars glittered across...Everything tasted cleaner, looked more beautiful and not in a million years has Earth ever seen the sky so brightly lit by the stars. At best, one could only make out one or two on a very rare night. Most nights even a glimpse of the moon was nigh impossible.

"Ai, I think the lady is about to lose consciousness!" Legolas cried, alarmed.

"No!" she quickly retorted, "I am not about to faint...! I'm fine...truly. I'm just...in shock...Are you truly the elf prince of Mirkwood? Did you really sleep with your eyes wide open?"

Legolas stared at her for a moment before he nodded. All elves could sleep without closing their eyes for their mind wandered to those beloved elvish realms that existed in their dreams and all doubts of whether she was lying vanished. If she had to ask a question such as this, she was clearly very different from his kin. The girl was an elf but she was unlike any elf from this world.

Ithilwen turned swiftly to Gimly. Gone was her look of fear and in its place was excitement.

"And you, Master Dwarf, did you really slay forty three Uruk-hai at Helm's Deep?" she asked, her voice rising in excitement. Legolas noted that her eyes sparkled as she looked at his dwarf friend.

"Oho!" Gimli boomed, beaming happily at the girl, "I like her!"

"Ai, Master Gimli!" Ithilwen cried excitedly as she got up and walked to the dwarf, "I have heard such stories of your courage and battle prowess! You were definitely one of my favourite characters in the stories!"

Legolas felt himself grow a little annoyed at how different her reaction had been to him as opposed to her reaction for Gimli. She was practically gushing over his dwarf friend while completely forgetting of his own presence.

"Is it true that you could kill your enemies by hacking them at a three foot distance with that great axe of yours? Ai, Blessed Father, but you were truly spectacular in the songs and poems I was read and sung to. Haia, my dwarf friend, used to relish telling me more of you for I truly did enjoy the tales of Gimli son of Glóin! You and the swashbuckling Strider, Aragorn! I adored such tales of you both!"

Legolas arched a brow at her obvious fan worship over his friend and he was about to correct her inaccurate description of their friend Aragorn when to his further annoyance, the dwarf started to blush and mumble in gratitude.

"Oh, aye, well, your friend Haia must have been a very wise lady indeed if she knew so much about me!" Gimli said, good naturedly. Legolas could just tell that the dwarf was practically struggling not to shout and boast at the top of his lungs and the elf simply rolled his eyes over.

"Haia said you were so skilled with your axes that you manage to win against the competition you had with Legolas by a milestone!" Ithilwen smiled brightly, her violet eyes lighting up the rest of her features. Legolas was momentarily stunned as he noticed how absolutely stunning her beauty was when she smiled so brightly. Of course he had noticed her loveliness before but that was when her face had shown only her shock and fear. Now it was displaying a look of complete adoration and the elf warrior was left irked that she would gaze upon his dwarf friend with such admiration whilst she all but ignored his presence.

"Oh, well, aye, aye...That is, we were...I mean I was...," Gimli mumbled shyly, clearly affected by Ithilwen's radiant smile.

The elf prince, who had stood by in silence suddenly felt that he was at his limit. He strode forward and glared down at the little elleth before him.

"Forty two," he said calmly and just fixed his eyes on her for an incredibly long while, his blue eyes cold and hard.

The elleth flushed under his stern gaze and she lowered her own eyes.

"Pardon, your highness?" she said, softly, "What do you mean, 'forty two'?"

"That was the number of Uruks my dear friend managed to hack away," he snapped at her sternly, "And I was only one number behind him so there was no way on Middle Earth would that be considered a milestone. And Aragorn was never a swashbuckler. Brave and noble he may be but flamboyant and reckless he was most certainly not!"

"Oh," she said lamely, eyes still on the ground.

Legolas continued to look down at her with a stern expression before he sighed and walked off.

"Gimli, let us return to the cave and rest. This night has been long and I grow weary of it. You can bring her along for there is much we must learn of her origins!"

Both Gimli and Ithilwen stared at his back as he walked away from them.

"Never mind him, lassy!" said Gilmi, "Say, why don't you come with us and stay the night here? We will keep you safe from harm and by dawn the next day we may take you to someone who could help remove that hideous collar of yours. Perhaps even help you find your own way home."

Ithilwen bowed at him gratefully.

"That would be most kind of you, sir," she said as she sank into a deep curtsey. Àinfean was always particular with the way she addressed him and because he was royalty he had made her bow and curtsey and even prostate in front of him. Ithilwen did not like bowing and cowering in front of Àinfean but curtseying and bowing to the dwarf was something she did with her whole heart for Gimli son of Gloin was truly one of her most beloved characters in those lovely tales. To see him now, to talk to him and be in his company was more than any honour she could have had bestowed upon her.

Gimli chuckled at her pretty manners but frowned as he eyed how badly torn her dress was. She was still clutching Legolas' cloak but it did not cover her bare feet and legs much. The cuts and bruises on her body was something unsettling to look upon.

"Come, m'lady," he said, offering her his arm, "We best get you some new clothes and get those wounds of yours cleaned up."

Ithilwen took it and smiled happily at the dwarf. She looked so very young when she smiled so and Gimli wondered how old she was. It was difficult to discern an elf's age for they were immortal beings and could live up to a thousand years or more while still maintaining a very fair and youthful appearance.

"What is thy name, m'lady?" Gimli asked politely.

"It is Ithilwen."

"That's all? Just Ithilwen?" Gimli smiled encouragingly at her.

"Well, my father was called Aethelred," she spoke slowly as if remembering an old sad memory, "I have not seen him for over twenty years now…So I suppose I am Ithilwen daughter of Aethelred."

"I see," Gimli said, he patted her hand as he sensed her grief and brought her into the cave.

Ithilwen had a feeling that things would not go so smoothly the minute she stepped into The Glittering Caves. Legolas' earlier cold treatment of her did not seem very welcoming or hospitable. She wondered what had upset him so for before he had snapped at her, he had been very kind to her.

'Only time will tell if he truly does hate me…'


A/N: The kill count between Legolas and Gimli in this chapter is based off of the books. In the book, Gimli killed 42 and Legolas 41. Haia, Ithilwen's friend, is such a Gimli fangirl...She often exaggerates a bit when it comes to Gimli...This is part of the reason why Ithilwen likes Gimli so much. Her top favourites are Gimli, Aragorn, Éowyn and Éomer. Haha, so she's not really a big fan of Leggy...She doesn't hate him but she thinks he's sort of a boring character (Haia's influence on her kicking in).