"What's wrong, Gilrael? You look troubled."

Gilrael sighed. "I had a dream last night."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "About?"

Gilrael exhaled. "The last time I saw my parents."

"Really? Do you remember now?"

She nodded. "Yes, but that's not the important part. I remember my name. My real name."

Legolas' mouth widened into a smile as he brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "Ilweranael," he breathed. "I knew all along, but before they left, your parents told us to call you Gilrael. I do not know why."

Gilrael pursed her lips. "They feared a danger that was coming to me. They thought if they could take me away to Lorien I would be safe. But the danger overtook us on the way, and I have suffered under it."

She glanced up at the tree. "I know this is a strange place to tell you, but I could not wait. I felt you had to know as soon as possible."

"Heril nin Gilrael, hir nin Legolas!"

The elves' heads snapped up and they stepped away from each other as Firlowen, the royal messenger, rode up. He beckoned toward the palace. "Thranduil requests both of you to head straight to the palace. And let me tell you, he is very impatient."

Legolas frowned and pointed up to the pine tree in which the horrid creature they were guarding was in. "What of Gollum? We need to stay here to make sure he does not escape."

Firlowen unrolled a scroll. "Hmm, in his own words, the king said, 'It is not the prince's or my highest advisor's job to do mere guard duty! I need Legolas and Gilrael back at the palace immediately! No delays!'"

The messenger rolled it back up and stuck it in his bag. "So, there you have it."

Legolas crossed his arms. "That still doesn't answer the problem of Gollum. If he escapes-"

"The guards will make sure he does not escape," Firlowen assured him.

The prince sighed, then flipped onto his horse, but Gilrael hesitated. "Firlowen, Gollum is known to be a deceitful creature. If we are not careful and he escapes, it will mean death."

Falluen strode forward. "Don't worry, Gilrael. He's a sack of skin without his precious, whatever that is. Utterly harmless. Even if he's not, we're well trained. He won't escape us."

Gilrael frowned.

"Don't worry! I'm here. I'll make sure everything is in order."

She sighed. "Alright, but I'm not happy. I will be back shortly." She mounted her horse, and with a nod to Legolas, took off for the palace.

Legolas' father, the king, was lounging on his throne, as usual. Legolas marched up and demanded, "What is wrong this time?"

Thranduil stood and jumped down the steps. "I need a report on the Mirkwood spiders now. Have you slain them all yet? Gracious me, it's been ages." The two younger elves exchanged annoyed yet worried glances.

Gilrael informed him, "My lord, we have cut most of them off all throughout the realm, but if we could attack them at their spawning source in Dol Guldor, they would not bother anyone ever again."

Thranduil glared at her. "You do not know what evil festers in that evil place. I will not risk elven blood to destroy it."

Gilrael pointed out, "Actually, I do know – "

"But isn't that all the more reason to attack it?" Legolas asked. "If we could destroy the evil before it rises to its full power, less innocent blood could be shed."

Thranduil shook his head. "No, not yet. I need you two to rid the Woodland Realm entirely of the spiders, instead of guarding that Gollum. The guards can do a perfectly fine job of it without you both."

Suddenly, Firlowen sprinted into the throne hall, very distraught, while in the distance horns sounded, signalling an invasion.

The messenger shouted, "Orc attack on the southern borders! We believe Gollum has escaped!"

Thranduil sighed as Legolas gave him an I-told-you-so look and Gilrael frowned worriedly. "Escaped?"

Firlowen pursed his lips. "We believe so. Arkanil is leading the defence. You must make haste!"

The four elves raced to horses and galloped swiftly to the scene, together with reinforcements. Together they drove off the orc pack, who, strangely, retreated quickly. Then Thranduil headed back to the palace to order a careful watch on all the borders, and lash out on Arkanil, the head general and responsible for scouting out for orcs.

Gilrael and Legolas went to the tree where Gollum had been sitting in. No traces of the creature could be seen, but remains of dead elves and some orcs were scattered throughout the area.

Gilrael was anguished. "I should have known!" She kicked a tree in frustration.

Legolas frowned. "Known what? It is not your fault, mellon nin."

She knelt next to a bloodied warrior, and choked back a sob when she recognized him. "Falluen…" Legolas widened his eyes and knelt.

"No…" A tear rolled down Gilrael's cheek. "Legolas, I could have stopped the orcs if I had been here. Then Falluen would have been alive!"

The world swirled around the prince as he bent over. Falluen had died from a stab to the chest and an arrow through the head, most brutally murdered. Legolas swallowed his tears, and hardened his face like stone. Falluen, his best friend, most cheerful companion, one who had stood by his side when Gilrael had disappeared, when his mother had died…Legolas wanted to march into Mordor and kill Sauron personally.

"I know how you feel," she told him as she laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Like it would be best to take a few Eagles and knock him out. But it's not possible, mellon. We'll have to take a different way."

Legolas heaved a deep breath. "How? How was this done?"

Gilrael pursed her lips. "There were many orcs. Too many for a dozen or so elves. Most of them escaped, though if they took Gollum or not, I do not know. I believe the orc invasion was purposed specifically to rescue him, and they timed it to happen the moment I left."

Legolas glanced at her with tears in his eyes. "What were you supposed to do if you had been here?"

Gilrael looked away. "M-maybe later. One thing is for sure. The great evil is rising more quickly than we had thought."

Then the two elves looked at the dead guards who had been killed swiftly under surprise.

Gilrael said, "We must arrange proper burials for them." Legolas looked at her, confused. It was not the custom of the immortal elves to have graveyards.

She said, "There is a clearing not far from here where we can bury them and where they will rest in peace. Send for elves to aid us, Legolas." The prince did so, and shortly the guards were properly placed in the earth.

Gilrael and Legolas then headed back to the elven halls and reported the number of deaths to the king. Thranduil was reading a letter, then looked at the two elves with a hardened, sorrowful face.

"My kingdom has been attacked, and I fear it will not be the last time. Lord Elrond is holding an important council to discuss the fate of Middle Earth. I hope it will be able to decide how to fight back against the enemy."

He took a deep breath. "I am sending Legolas as my messenger, and Elrond has requested your presence, Gilrael. Be sure to report the escape of Gollum. It may be the start of something much deadlier."

Thranduil pursed his lips. "I am not happy about sending you both off in these dark days, especially w-with Falluen…dead. But I have, at least, Arkanil and Etrielle to aid me, and the world needs both of your talents. It is time for you to leave, to execute the gifts you have been honing over the centuries. You may not return in a long while."

"When should we leave, my lord?" Gilrael asked.

Thranduil wiped a tear from his eyes. "As immediately as you can. Elrond was very clear in his letter that matters were urgent."

The two elves quickly packed their things into bags, then said good-bye to Arkanil and Etrielle. Legolas lagged behind as she hugged him.

"You must be extra vigilant, little Laiqua," Etrielle urged him as she brushed a strand of golden hair over his ear. "It will be long before I see you again, but always remember, in your darkest hour, I love you."

Legolas nodded, unable to say anything. Etrielle had filled the gap in his life when his mother got killed. She was his adopted mother, giving him the maternal care only mothers gave. He would miss her terribly.

Just as the elves mounted their horses and were about to leave with a few escorts, Thranduil suddenly ran up to them, and stood by Rochest, Legolas' horse.

"Legolas, I know we haven't always agreed, and I have done many wrong things as a father, but I still love you. You know that, don't you?"

The prince could only stiffly nod, then urged Rochest to go. But as the elves departed from the Woodland Realm, Legolas allowed a tear to fall. He knew he would miss his father too, no matter how long he was gone.

The ride to Rivendell was, remarkably, deathly silent. Usually when they took off toward that fair valley, the company was alive with laughter and jokes, expectations of their High-Elven friends. But that time, all were struck with the cold hand of death, ruminating the dark noose that surrounded the Free peoples of Middle Earth.

Gilrael led the group, being the most familiar with the path, and resolved to pass through Lorien, and their safe-guarded path through the foothills of the Misty Mountains, into the West. But when her mind was not focused on their path, it was focused on her past.

Ilweranael…daughter of rainbows. Rainbows were a symbol of hope. But why did her parents hide the name? Everyone knew her real name, but in her childhood, everyone called her Gilrael. Why?

She shook her head. She didn't know, but perhaps Glorfindel did. He was her closest teacher when she was young, training under his guide in Imladris so many centuries ago. And he was close to her parents. If anyone knew, he was the one.

Nuileth stood on the branch of a Mallorn tree, gazing into the eastern plains with her white bow by her side. When suddenly, her sharp grey eyes caught a black speck on the horizon.

With her elven vision, she narrowed in, and swore. Gilrael, lieutenant of the Woodland Realm, the only elf she hated. Then her eyes narrowed in pain as she saw the ellon riding next to her. Legolas.

He had often passed through Lorien on the way to Imladris, but never for more than a day. And he never visited her, nor she him. So in the centuries since he left Lorien, Nuileth had never met him face to face.

And she didn't intend to then. The elleth slid down the tree and ran to the scout nearest her, Rumil.

"An escort from the Woodland Realm is approaching."

Rumil lit up. "Really? Escorting who?"

Nuileth crossed her arms. "Gilrael. And Legolas. Could you handle them? I -"

"Don't want to meet Legolas. Of course. Though you won't be able to prolong it forever."

Nuileth shook her head, and glared bitterly through the woods. "He doesn't want to speak to me, and he never will. Frankly, I don't either. He's all joy with, with Gilrael."

Rumil raised an eyebrow. "You know, I don't think so. He's hinted several times that he doesn't hate you."

Nuileth huffed. "Hinted is not good enough. Nothing is. He did his damage, a-and, oh, why don't you just go out and meet them. Silvan elves are feisty if you make them wait."

She whirled around and took off through the trees, leaving a resignedly confused Rumil behind.

Shortly after, Nuileth crouched in a tree, gazing down in anger at the group of Mirkwood elves. They were conversing with Haldir, but Nuileth wasn't paying attention to the content. She was focused on Gilrael, and Legolas.

Yes, she saw how he could love Gilrael, a strikingly beautiful elleth with deep, soulful brown eyes, and an authoritative grace, but she had an air of sadness. Of suffering, and a hard life. How could Legolas, a cheerful, optimistic ellon, be attracted to such a miserable spirit?

Nuileth gazed at Legolas, sinking him in. She preferred it this way, observing him all she wanted without him staring back. He was just as she remembered, golden hair, glowing skin, and those gorgeous blue eyes that…were…looking…straight…at…her.

Nuileth sucked in a quick breath. He was smiling, gazing up with adoring eyes. They locked eyes for a moment, one blue and cheerful, the other dark and grey. Then, just as quickly, he looked to Gilrael, and Nuileth disappeared from their sight. She didn't want Gilrael to see her. Ever. And she didn't want to meet her. Ever.

The group left quickly, since they were evidently on an urgent mission. Haldir found her a moment later, and he sat on the branch next to her.

"They didn't say what the purpose of their trip was. You look troubled."

Nuileth pursed her lips. "I am troubled. Every time I see him, I-I just feel…"

Haldir frowned. "What?"

"Jealous. I hate her, Haldir. I do. It's wrong, I know, but-"

"Maybe you should speak to the Lady."

Nuileth stared at him. He never interrupted, as a rule. Never.

Haldir looked to the side. "I know you feel uncomfortable about the matter, but jealousy just rots the soul. It's not healthy for you to hold it in."

Nuileth stood. "I can't, Haldir. You know why."

The ellon sighed. "Well, you do know that Lady Galadriel probably knows already, right?"

Nuileth sighed. "Yes. But as long as she doesn't bring it up, I'm fine. I'd best get back to the border."

Once there, she sat on another branch, her legs dangling as her thoughts wandered. He looked at her! After all those centuries, he looked at her! And he smiled! But how had he known she was watching him?

Nuileth smiled to herself. He must have been watching her. All those years, all those times, he must have kept an eye on her without her knowing it. But why did he never approach her?

She sighed, but suddenly, her eyes caught sight of yet another object on the horizon. By Eru, what was all the attention for Lorien those days? Her eyes narrowed in, and she frowned. It was clearly a Silvan elleth, dressed in the garb of a Wood Elf, with fiery red hair. Was she part of the escort?

But the elleth was tangled, and her clothes were stained, as if she had been living out in the wilderness for a while, and was not accustomed to it.

Nuileth climbed down the tree and met the elleth as she ran in. "Can I help-"

"Legolas! The prince of the Woodland Realm?"

"I know who he is," Nuileth answered, rather annoyed. Was everything about him?

"Was he here? I need him now!"

Nuileth blinked. How many lovers did that prince have?

"How are you related to him, may I ask?"

The elleth seemed very anxious, and slightly crazed. "It's not what you think, I assure you! I'm his cousin!"

Nuileth frowned. "He has a cousin?"

The elleth waved a hand. "Yes, it's a long story. But please! Is he here?"

"No, he passed through here maybe an hour ago with about a dozen elves."

"Really? To Rivendell?"

Nuileth nodded. "That's our suspicion, yes. Who are you?"

The elleth seemed frustrated and eager to get moving. "Tauriel. Now if you please-"

"What are you doing here? So far away from home?"

Tauriel exhaled loudly. "Isn't it obvious? I'm looking for Legolas!"

Nuileth crossed her arms. "I'm not going to be fooled, Tauriel. Are you an exile?"

The young elleth stared at her. "H-how did you know that?"

Nuileth stared at her for a moment, then smiled. She was so young, so inexperienced, so naïve.

"Come with me, Tauriel. I'll get you cleaned up."

"B-but Legolas!"

Nuileth peered at her. "Why do you want to find him?"

Tauriel hesitated, then finally admitted, "I'm lonely. I miss his company. And I don't know how much longer Thranduil expects me to wander the wilderness before I can bring honour back to my family, and return home. I don't think I can stand it much longer."

Why, Thranduil must be getting worse as the years went on.

Nuileth smiled. "Why don't you stay here for a little bit. I'll keep you company. You wood-elves are very similar to us."

Tauriel smiled. "Thank you. But I won't stay for long. I-I'm actually on a mission, you see, while I'm able to travel. Until I fulfil it-"

"You won't be able to rest. I understand. Come, I will show you to my flet. Do you like white or grey silk more?"

Ithiriel glanced up at the stranger, who was standing outside the cavern. She pursed her lips, folded the note, and stuck it into her pocket. Then she finished the wine in one gulp, left a few coins on the table, and made her way through the crowds of men.

Once outside, she could see the stranger was smoking, but he stopped when he saw her.

"You must make haste to Rohan," he gruffly told her. "A new advisor has been appointed. Grima. Do you know him?"

"I know of him, but no, I do not know him personally," Ithiriel curtly replied. "Who are you?"

The stranger swallowed. "A worried man. Fearful of what will become of my country if the king listens to that serpent."

Ithiriel glanced at him. "What do you want me to do?"

"I've heard of you. No one knows your name, but they call you the Silver Hope."

She snorted. "Not much of a title."

"But true! You bring hope with those silver weapons of yours, slaying our enemies. I wonder if you could stop by Rohan and make your own opinions about Grima."

Ithiriel leaned back, thinking about it for a moment. "Tell you what. I have a few things I need to finish up here, but in a day or two, I'll see about this Grima." Her swift eyes caught movement in the shadows, and she scribbled something on a piece of paper.

"A serpent, you say?"

The stranger nodded. "Pale face, slick tongue, like a snake. Lifeless eyes, greenish and cloudy."

Ithiriel suddenly straightened. "I know those symptoms."

"Really?"

"A servant of Saruman," she murmured in Sindarin.

"What?"

"Never mind," Ithiriel briskly announced as she patted his shoulder. "You leave tonight, Ceorl?"

The man gasped. "You know my name?"

Ithiriel smirked, walking past him. "I know many things. Like a very unskilled thief just stole your horse."

"What?!"

"And I just stole your purse."

The man stood there in shock as Ithiriel tossed the moneybag over her shoulder, laughing. "You'll find your horse in the back of a stable, four buildings down to your left. Baranor, the manager, will let you in when you give him the slip of paper in your wallet."

She mounted her horse and galloped off, risking a glance behind. He was staring at the paper, completely puzzled. Ithiriel hid a smile. She had done Baranor a favour a while back, and had once calmed down a wild horse of his. He would be willing to aid a man sent by her whose stolen horse was hidden in his stables.

As for what she knew, it could be blamed on her Ring, the mightiest of the four elven ones. She never unleashed its full power, but she used bits and pieces of it for her work. Not fighting, of course. It was too powerful for that. But hints, some information, knowledge of the world…quite useful. Fortunately for Middle Earth, she never used it for evil, but caused many a troubled spirit in the lands of Gondor and Rohan to be grateful for her assistance.

Ithiriel the Silver Hope. Interesting name. But it suited her, she supposed. Silver Hope…