It was exhilarating to be sneaking through the grounds of Imaldris in secret along side Arwen. Cassandra found herself having to stifle a laugh now and then at the audacity of having stolen away with the princess of the lands' Lord. Every now and then the two would catch each other gaze and break out into big grins.

It was almost a half an hour since they had come across their last elf and were now very much lost in the forest when Cassandra heard it. A voice upon the wind, Calling her name and whispering words of welcome.

It felt like coming home for the first time in forever. The drawing was unbelievably powerful as Cassandra turned instantly away from the path that they had been walking. her eyes drawn skyward. Stepping one slow step after another she made her way through the forest. Walking with a surety that only one who had known these woods could possibly have. However she didn't even need to look at her feet to know the path she was taking.

Cassandra could hear Arwen call after her, and vaguely she heard her friend follow after her. However the other voice she heard on the wind was far more welcoming. Far more important in her heart's ears. Something was beckoning her and she had to see it through.

The path she followed led her up a steep hill that she only vaguely remembered, her eyes locked ahead of her Cassandra finally saw a small ridge up ahead. A circle of stones surrounding a great willow tree. As Cassandra stepped into the circle of stones she felt her heart soaring. A welcoming that both warmed and tore her heart.

The great willow before her was blooming in beauty that she had never once seen in her world. Her roots strong and reaching deeply into the ground and her branches high and proudly reaching into the sky. The sound of the wind through her leaves was like a beautiful melody that brought tears to Cassandra's eyes even as the sound enveloped her. Welcomed her home.

"You're beautiful" She heard herself say even as she stepped forward her eyes trained on the beautiful white bark. One step at a time she crossed over the clearing until she found her hand upon the trunk of the tree. The warmth under her hand as she reached out for it brought a smile.

Even here in this strange place, so far from her home she could feel the connection to the tree she had known. This one being far stronger and far younger.

"Have you been waiting for me?" The whisper slipped out of her without her realizing it as she let herself rest into the tree's welcoming presence. It was here that she began to understand. she began to realize something incredible.

" She brought me here." This was said not to herself or the tree but to Arwen who Cassandra seemed to realize was staring at her from across the clearing for the first time since she had abandoned the other on the path.

Arwen's eyes were locked on Cassandra as she watched the other with awe. Finally stepping into the circle of stones, almost hesitantly she was watching Cassandra with a curiosity that made Cassandra wonder why she seemed so interested.

Finally reaching her friend Arwen reached forward to touch Cassandra's arm in awed silence. Her eyes shimmering with shock and wonder. It was only then, staring at the older female that Cassandra realized something of great importance. By following the path Arwen's hand had taken as it had reached for her Cassandra realized that a faint silver glow clung to her skin. Travelling from the place she touched the tree to cover her entire body.

Jerking away from the tree was Cassandra's first instinct, however there was something soothing about all of this and she couldn't bring herself to pull away. In fact she felt the urge to lean further against the tree. Feeling the touch on her arm lesson until she couldn't feel it any longer the sensation of that rumbling power that ran through her from the contact with the tree Cassandra sighed in eased relief.

"Cassandra. We need you" The words were whispered in her ears from all around her. Until it was like a continuous mantra that was almost rocking her into a calming sleep there leaning against the tree.

The content feeling and contact was abruptly ended as a firm grasp on her arms pulled her from against the tree. Causing her to fall, stumbling into the same arms that had pulled her from the great willow.

Outrage at the intrusion of something so personal rushed through her as Cassandra's head snapped upwards to glare at the one who held her. The startled eyes of a golden elf stared back at her in utter shock and confusion. Something about the other's expression drew Cassandra more into herself as she took stalk of where they were.

Cassandra was currently pretty much slumped over the Golden haired elf. The two having fallen into the circle of stones. Cassandra felt a tiredness within her body and a sudden coldness. The distinct feeling that the trees in the direct area were crying added to these warring emotions.

"You..had no rights..." Cassandra blinked at the hoarse should of her own voice. She sounded raspy and gargled.

"My lady...You fell into a trance upon contacting the tree. It was all i could do to send her into a slumber and release you from it..." The golden haired elf's voice was sharp and rich. Cassandra felt herself shivering at the intense concern she could hear within his voice.

"you didn't hurt her did you?" Gasping Cassandra turned to glance back to the tree who seemed far calmer and more silent than she had when she had first seen her. Frowning she pushed herself up away from the golden haired elf. What she wasn't expecting was for her legs to give out on her.

"Careful my lady. You were there for several hours. Your legs may not be ready to support your weight" The voice of Elladan appeared just behind them as it appeared that it had been none other than Elrohir who had caught Cassandra as she'd fallen.

Looking around Cassandra finally took in the scene around her. Five elves stood watching her worriedly. The three children of Elrond, Arwen seeming the most distraught as she watched with wide, worried eyes. The blonde elf who had pulled her from the willow, and finally a dark haired Elf who stood behind Arwen. The stance of the other and the comforting hand the last elf had on the distraught she elf's shoulder made Cassandra think instantly of the lord of this place. Elrond.

"She should not have come here in her current state. We'll take her back to her rooms. Thank you lord Glorfindel for freeing her" It was Elrohir who spoke this time as he gathered a resisting Cassandra into his arms and finally turned to walk down the path leading the others back to the main halls.

Cassandra twisted in his hold hoping to glance back at her tree. The loss of contact was like a physical pain that now increased with the growing distance between them. When she had lost sight of the tree entirely Cassandra fell into his hold in a dark silence. Letting the younger twin carry her even as Arwen and Elladan both seemed to be frantic to fuss over her.


Cassandra's mood had not improved in the days that followed the incident with the tree. In fact as the days went by she grew more and more Impatient with their refusal to let her return to the willow clearing as they called it. Later that evening Glorfindel and Elrond had come to her rooms to speak with her.

It was explained in great detail to Cassandra how the willow was a wild tree who's purpose was that of a mother Tree. Upon her confused expression Elrond had taken further time to explain the concept. Cassandra had listened curiously as Elrond explained about the flow of life and powers that connected each tree in the forests around Imaldris as well as every forest in Middle earth to one another. The purpose they explained of the mother tree was to supply strength to the other trees through out the forest. Finally it was explained that the great Mother willow as they named her was said to draw energy into herself to feed the strength into the forest.

Leaving her then had left Cassandra unsatisfied and she had attempted to slip her constant companions since then. However on top of Arwen's continuous visits the twins had began to come to her at times. Between the three children of Elrond she had found it almost impossible to slip from the great halls of Rivendell.

Cassandra sighed faintly as she watched the elves that she could see through her window. There had been a wider variety of faces wandering the halls below her window. Cataloguing the faces and the differences she found it amusing to go along with this delusion.

If this was Rivendell and Frodo was here with the ring then the people she was now seeing had to be the future members of the council of Elrond. Watching each new face and guessing who they were she found that the need to leave the halls of Rivendell and go to the willow. It was for this reason that Cassandra now found herself wandering the halls under the watchful eye of the twin sons of Elrond.

The two were explaining the workings of something or other but at the moment something had drawn Cassandra's attentions. Within the clearing they had just passed she spotted two males standing side by side at a distance. From where she was standing she could see green satin robes and golden hair. Stopping to watch them Cassandra realized that they must be competing in some sort of Archery contest. The two blondes each had a Target before them and they were firing their arrows as close to the center as possible.

As she watched Cassandra felt a ease slip over her. Archery was something she knew. A piece of the place she knew. Stepping through the archway as she watched the two she heard their voices in a gentle trickling. Somewhat different then that of the voices of the Rivendell elves. These were gentler and full of mischief.

"Fair is fair brother. I won and so I will be speaking for our father" The younger of the two laughed as his older brother scowled faintly. The stern look upon the second ones face made Cassandra hesitate. It was a withering look that made her hesitate to approach the two.

With a deep breath however she took the last step into the courtyard. It was nice to feel the warm tingle of the sun upon her skin as she blinked blurrily up at it realizing for the first time that she had been far too long inside. Smiling at the two as she caught their eyes she stepped forward. Stopping as they bowed to her politely. Repaying in a curtsey as seemed appropriate Cassandra looked between the two.

"Would i be able to join you?" She smiled faintly. Watching as they glanced between themselves seeming to hesitate.

"Lady Cassandra...are you sure you're well enough?" Elrohir asked as he stepped into the courtyard behind her. Glancing back at him Cassandra could see his worry. A twang of guilt struck her heart then, the children of Elrond had done nothing but care for her since she had come here. It hurt her to worry them.

"I am sure. I used a bow with three broken fingers last summer. My collar bone is on amend" Cassandra assured the two, sending them both a loving smile. Truly she felt a fondness for the two eldest sons of Elrond.

Turning to the two blonde elves she tilted her head curiously as she watched their faces as they looked at one another. She waited with baited breath to see if they would accept her request. She was not expecting another voice to come from the other side of the courtyard, just behind the blondes.

"That is no easy feat. To draw a bow and aim with broken fingers" The brilliant smile upon the face of the speaker drew a faint gasp from Cassandra as she stared upon the new comer with widening eyes. Already she could feel a flush upon her cheeks as her eyes met with the brilliant blues of the one that now stood between the other two blondes.

Standing before her was an elf that could only be compared in beauty to the lady of Rivendell. While at the same time possessing the same strong features that reminded her vaguely of Glorfindel. Dressed much like the other blondes he was slighter in height and he had a faintly younger feel to him but in truth it was that same feel that made his eyes beam all the more.

"I would love a chance to practice if you would accept me in my brothers' place?" The blonde suggested as he strung his own bow and quirked his brow waiting for her answer. His knowing eyes sparkled more at her seeming stunned silence.

It took Cassandra a few minutes to recover as she realized just who she was looking at. There was no doubting it. Standing before her, about to accept a challenge of archery. Was none other than Legolas Thrandullion of Mirkwood.

Hearing a gentle chuckle from behind her Cassandra turned an embarrassed glare upon Elladan who was watching the exchange with a rather smug amusement. His brother had stepped forward to offer her a bow. Where he had gotten it she was unsure, but as he held it out for her to accept she did just that.

She took a few minutes to feel the weight of the bow in her hands. It was far more solid than the ones she was used to at camp. However not too much heavier than the professional bow her parents had bought her to practice with outside of summer. The string was far taunted than her own bow at home.

Pulling back on the bow string she tested it, whincing as she felt a faint twinge in her collar bone. Stepping forward as she heard Elrohir inquire upon if she was sure or not she ignored him as she gathered the quiver up from him and turned to face Legolas. He was watching her with a faint smile as he stood before his own target an arrow notched and waiting for use.

Pulling herself out of her daze Cassandra made her way to stand beside him. Oh well, if this was a dream or a coma she should just enjoy getting to spend time like this with one of her child hood crushes. Smiling back at the other as she set an arrow to the string and aligning herself with her target she pulled back. Aiming and firing she was satisfied as she watched it slam into the target dead center.

She could hear the murmurs of those around her as she drew a second arrow and repeated the same thing smirking as the arrow slammed into the center beside the first one. Drawing a third arrow she pulled back flinching as the twinges in her collar bone were worse now for the strain of the previous two shots. With a deep breath she managed to fire of the third arrow, content as it landed just off to the side of the first two.

Cassandra let her arm lower with a faint grimace of pain as she twisted her head around to look towards her opponent staring in open mouthed awe as she saw that the other had split the previous arrow with each shot. She heard herself let out a faint, impressed whistle as she grinned at him.

"The winner is pretty clear" Cassandra laughed as he turned to look at her in response.

"My thanks my lady. Although I must say that you have a definite skill with a bow. If you hadn't flinched in that last shot you would have clustered all three" Legolas smiled brightly as he turned to her. Reaching forward he rested a hand on her shoulder and looked her over curiously.

"You look pained." The gentle look of concern brought another blush from Cassandra as she met his gaze. Smiling it off she waved him away from her grinning at him as he beamed at her watching her. She nearly jumped as a gentle hand fell upon her shoulder. Looking up at Legolas she met his gaze and found herself at ease here. It was different then the relaxation that she felt around the sons of Elrond, this also held a tinge of danger and intrigue behind it as she felt herself leaning into his supportive grasp.

There was a sharp voice drawing the attention of all those in the courtyard as Erestor, Elrond's chief advisor rushed forward to speak with the twins in hushed whispers. The two met him with Ernest and their stern faces told Cassandra that the matter at had was of a serious nature. Curiosity tugged at the raven haired girl even as she saw the two nod and turn to her.

"I'm afraid our trip may have to be cut short milady. Can we escort you back to your rooms?" Elladan's apologetic expression cooled the disappointed comment threatening to burst out of Cassandra as she looked at the two. She could tell that they genuinely felt bad for having to leave. It was obviously a serious matter that called them away.

"Where were you three heading? Perhaps i could accompany the lady in your stead?" It was Legolas that piped up with the suggestion as he stepped to Cassandra's side. Smiling warmly at the twins, who in turn repaid the smile.

"Well we were heading to the Library. The lady has grown tired of the books our sister brought her. There was also talk of visiting the stables on the way." Cassandra sent Elrohir a pleased look.

They had not in fact discussed that part of the adventure today. However she had disclosed that she would not mind visiting the Stables last week. The delight on Legolas' face brought a grin to Cassandra's face as she looked at the blonde.

"Excellent. I have been meaning to visit the fabled library of Rivendell myself." Legolas chimed nodding enthusiastically.

The three had a brief moment while Cassandra retreated her arrows from her target where they were in close to one another speaking quietly. Cassandra did not have to hear the words to understand the context. From the curious expression upon Legolas' face she could guess that the sons of Elrond had informed Legolas of her restriction.

Smiling it off Cassandra waved the two brunettes off with the promise of them making it up to her later. Turning towards Legolas she found it quite easy to fall into a casual conversation with the other. She caught him glancing at her curiously a few times while they travelled to the library. The curiosity bloomed into awe and surprise when she finally disclosed the reason for her escorts.

She then left him to stare after her, she could feel his eyes following her as she wandered down the aisle, as she went to look through the library. Gathering a few books of interest and returning to a seat near the window. She was silently thrilled as she felt the presence of the blonde haired elf with out having to look up from her book. The prince of Mirkwood was seated comfortably in a chair just to her left.


Cassandra was fidgeting with the hem of her sleeves as she stared into the fire. To be frank, she was bored. She had had no visitors since Arwen had come that morning with her tray of breakfast, which meant no opportunities to wander around. This wasn't entirely unexpected, the daughter of Elrond had explained that they would all be busy in a council meeting for a good part of the day.

That did not ease her boredom however. Though it did lead to some pretty interesting day dreams. Cassandra could imagine the hall with all sorts of men, elves and dwarves. She could hear the gruff voice of Gimli picking fights with the elves and Boromir expressing his people's need for the ring. The curiosity in her grew as she day dreamed until at last she could take it no more.

Rising from her seat Cassandra was pleased that she felt no lingering twinges of pain as she walked to her door and pulled open the great oak door. Stepping out into the hall she felt a thrill go up her spine as she stood within the corridor with out another to monitor where she was going. She did not begrudge her hosts' care, however it was nice for once to walk where she wanted.

Turning up the hallway Cassandra she walked until she found herself heading in a direction she had never gone before. She didn't know how long she made her way along through the corridors, however when she did finally stop she heard a great roar of voices. Stopping just behind a statue Cassandra listened curiously as she heard a very distinct voice calling the apparent quarrel to order. It was a voice she recognized as Elrond's.

Leaning a little to peak around the statue Cassandra found that from her vantage point she could see a good majority of the room there before her. From Elladan and Elrohir at either side of their father's seat, to the line of golden haired elves from Mirkwood. Between them and the humans, were the shorter,yet stouter, Dwarves with their armour and axes. The currant speaker appeared to be a man wearing armour with a white tree painted upon the crest.

'Boromir' Cassandra thought watching curiously as the man gave the same speech she had red a million times over in her book, the growing hunger in his voice over powering the concern for his people that coloured his words at the beginning of his speech. It was then that another stood up. A wise looking man with long a long grey beard and garbed in grey. The sheer joy at seeing this person, Gandalf the gray, live from her favourite childhood story, was short lived.

As he began to speak and the whole room fell silent as an oppressing presence came over the room. An ominous pressure pressing down upon Cassandra drew a pained gasp from the raven haired girl. As she heard Gandalf's echoing voice the words rang in her ears and the pain grew worse. If Cassandra could have seen through the pain she would have noticed that many of the others in the room had the same reaction she did. As it was the pain became increasingly worse until she found herself unable to stand beneath the pressure.

Silence was all the louder in the absence of the dark speech when Gandalf finished. Those within the room watching the elder with a mix of horror and awe. Cassandra herself was kneeling near the doorway now clutching to the door frame with one hand and cradling her head in the other. As the pain subsided Cassandra jumped to suddenly feel a calloused hand upon her shoulder.

Glancing up into the weathered face of a man she had seen with Arwen frequently the last few weeks she was astonished as she ever was upon seeing one of the fellowship of the ring. Staring down at her with a warm mixture of concern and caring was Aragorn. He must have spotted her from his seat after Gandalf had retaken his, and had come to inquire about her health.

"My fair lady... are you ill?" Aragorn's words were spoken tenderly as he eased a hand beneath her arm to pull her back to her feet. His gaze trailing over her as Cassandra had often seen Elladan's. It was obvious that the other was a healer by training and that he was assessing her well being by her outward symptoms.

"Lady Cassandra." Legolas blurted as he stood as he'd turned to see who his friend was addressing. Seeing the pale state of her and the pained look about her he was across the room to her side almost immediately.

"My lady. Pray tell what are you doing here so far from your rooms?" Legolas was gentle in his inquiry but it was clear to her that his concern was tinged with a faint worry for her presence.

The sense that she was being watched never left her as Cassandra let the two examine her to ensure she was alright. Finally glancing up to meet the eyes upon her she found herself looking at over half the hall. The worst and most intense gazes were that of Elrond and Gandalf as the two stared at her with expectation.

"My apologies...I grew restless stuck in my rooms. I didn't intend on going into the forest"This was said for Elrond's benefit. " I simply needed to stretch my legs now that my ribs are healed. I found myself drawn here without my notice. I did not mean to interrupt...but when Gandalf spoke the dark tongue of Mordor it felt like my head was splitting open"

The hard look upon Elrond's face softened a fraction as he heard her. Nodding to something Glorfindel said to him he turned his eyes upon Cassandra again. Finally waving her forward, bidding her to come into the room entirely.

"It is not uncommon for the dark tongue to affect the fair folk my lady in such a way. Please rest here. It seems that forces are at work here that would draw you to our chamber in such a time. please...rest and take council as we continue our meeting in regards to the fate of the ring." Cassandra stared at Elrond a few moments hearing him.

Clearly she had not heard correctly. The lord of Rivendell had welcomed her into the council room to debate with the others over the fate of the one ring? It was clear that the surprise was shared by the children of Elrond as they met her surprised gaze with perplexed ones of their own. Even Aragorn shifted and stifled a surprised exclamation.

Cassandra, despite her surprise felt an eagerness well up in her as she let herself be led to a char that was brought for her at the table beside Arwen. Sitting down beside the older female they shared a look before returning their eyes to that of the lord of Rivendell as he began again to explain the need to destroy the ring of power...


A/N: Thank you for reading.

Review responses:

To Lady Minuialwen : Thank you so much for responding, I hope you continue to enjoy my story as it progresses 3