Disclaimer: I do not own anything except for Gabriell and Evelyn.

Author's note: Reviews would be appreciated. I would like to hear your thoughts on this story, even if you dislike it.

Chapter 4: Of peace and war

The days flew by and I found myself spending time with Legolas, Aragon and Arwen. I preferred to spend time with the former however, while the other two were alright to spend short amount of time with, I found myself uncomfortable doing so for a longer period of time. We were all aware that these weeks were possibly the last of our lives, seeing as it was unlikely that all of us would return. Therefore I didn't want to intrude on their already limited time.

I spent my time practising or having lessons with Legolas. My archery skills improved signifficantly and I could now hit the second inner ring with ease. I also found time to visit our library and do a bit of reaserch on the areas we were to pass through. Gandalf proved to be of imesurable help in this aspects. We would sit together in the libraray for hours and he'd tell me about his travels, or keep me company smoking his pipe silently while I immersed myself in the old, precious books.

The situation with Gabriell didn't change, not for the better, not for the worst. It was starting to feel normal to be so distant from her and that scared me. I decided that I had to do something, and fast. She mostly spent time with Pippin and Merry or had sword practice with Haldir. I was informed that she had made quite a progress, but I never went to observe their practice again.

I still couldn't find peace in my room to rest and was currently sitting in the rose garden observing the stars. I heared footsteps but made no move to find out who the walker was. Only when someone sat down beside me did I decide that it would be favourable to know their identity. It turned out to be Aragon.

"Good evening Evelyn" he greeted.

"Evening Aragon, does sleep elude you?" I asked seeing as it was already well past midnight.

"Uma, I have decided to take a walk" (yes)

We spent some time in silence and I decided to ask a question that was on my mind for a while now.

"Forgive me if this question offends you, but I have been wondering for a while now. How come my father trusts you so much? His trust is rather hard to earn." I asked.

He didn't answer for a while and I wondered if I had crossed the line but was stirred out of my thoughts by his voice.

"I have spent my childhood with lord Elrond. My mother brought me here when my father was killed, in fear for my safety. Lord Elrond proved to be a very good host, almost like a father to me. I had spent many years wondering throught Middle Earth, and had therefore earned my name, Strider. I returned here a couple of years back and fell in love with your sister. That would be my history here in short" he finished with a small smile.

This new information explained a lot to me and I ran through it once before it was my turn to answer touchy questions.

"Have you no intent to reconcile with your friend?" he asked. I assumed that he didn't mean to accuse me of anything and decided to be honest with him, for he was honest with me.

"I would wish for nothing more until we depart than that our friendship were to mend. But it is unlikely. She is far too stubborn to apologise for what she had done, and I too proud to apologise for something that was not my fault. Legolas thinks that we should talk but even conversation is a matter of great strain at the moment." I admitted.

A few silent moments passed before I had recieved the most constructive advice at this problem untill that moment.

"I agree with Legolas and am of opinion that you shoud reconcile. However, I do not think that apologising is necessary, for some things are meant to be accepted. Your friend does not wish to be ordered and you do not wish to impose your authority. I think that you should accept it and move on, but not put it out of your mind. I am sure that you know the value of friendship, even more so in these difficult times. " he said standing up.

"I am supposed to meet Arwen in a few moments time. Think of what I said Evelyn and have a good night."

"Le hannon Aragon, your words shall be heared." (thank you) I answered.

My thoughts beagan to settle and by morning a decision has formed in my mind. If neither of us were to do anything our friendship would never mend. It was far too valuable, she was far too valuable, I was not going to lose her over my pride. I would make the first step.

I went to my room ,changed my clothes and took my bow as I had practice with Legolas later that morning.

The walk to the training grounds was short, but in the same time long enough for me to feel the gentle caresse of the wind on my skin, to listen to the sound of a forest awakening. The sunrays peeked through the tree leaves and gave a soft sheen to my trees. I stopped by a small gurgling brook and kneeled beside it. I lowered my hand in the water and let it soothe my already tense nerves. Refreshed, and somewhat calmed I continued my trek through the forest.

I was the first to arrive and leaned on a nearby tree. I closed my eyes and listened. A few blissful moments later the calm of the forest was interrupted by the sound of soft footsteps making their way towards me. I knew that it could not be Gabriell, for these footsteps could belong only to an elf and was therefore unsurprised to find Haldir walking towards me.

We didn't speak, there was no need. He knew why I had come and went to prepare himself for the lesson ahead.

Gabriell arrived soon after and greeted him cheerfully.

"Hello Hal" she said, her tone full of laughter as he frowned jokingly at the nickname.

She seemed happier than ever before this week. She enthusiasticly made to take her sword from him but he moved it out of her grasp.

"Lady Gabriell, there is someone here to see you." I realized that she couldn't see me from where she stood. She turned around once and frowned.

"Who, I don't see anyone here?"

"Me." I said stepping out of the trees shadow.

Her face immediatly darkened and she turned her back to me.

"Let's start the training Haldir, I see no one here that I'd like to speak to."

This was on the verge of childish, but I wasn't going to tell her that. She was annoyed with me enough as it was.

"Gabriell, I wish to speak to you" I said "Please " I added as an afterthought.

" Oh, now you say please." she said spinning about. "It didn't occur to you before to ask me nicely did it? You had to be high and mighty and command everyone around you. You acted like a stuck-up prick and everyone knows that. "

Her words angered me but I knew I had to stay calm.

"I understand that you are angry with me and I merely ask of you to hear me out"

"No. I don't want to hear anything you have to say. Do you know that Merry and Pippin are teriffied of you? All becuase of your stupidity and arogance. Gimli was right. Never trust an elf."

She seemed to realize that she also insulted Haldir and spun about her eyes wide.

"Sorry Haldir, I didn't mean to offend you" she said quickly. He nodded his face impassive and I knew that he had taken no offence, he was just worried.

"Could you please leave us alone mellon nin?" I asked.

"NO. You do not get to command him. Haldir stays." she said furious. Well, this didn't turn out so well.

"It is alright lady Gabriell I will take my leave." he said walking off in the forest.

"Haldir wait!" she called but he was already gone.

"Do you see what you did? " she turned on me again" you always do that, you chase people away. And you never trust anyone. Ever. I thought we were friends Evelyn." she said, her voice quieter. So that's what this was about. She wasn't just mad that I ordered her around, or that I asked Haldir to leave, she wasn't stupid. She knew I was like royalty here, and she knew I had the right. She was mad that I didn't tell her about any of this. And she had every right to be upset. We were friends and I didn't share with her my most important secret, it would hurt anyone.

I sighed and sat on a fallen log, the same one I sat with Legolas the night of the firs feast.

"We need to talk about this Gabriell, you know we do. Come here, please." I asked.

She seemed reluctant, huffed and strolled purposely to me. She sunk on the log unceremoniously.

"I understand that you're mad" I started and when she opened her mouth to retort I quickly added" Please do not interrupt me. I understand that you are mad, and you have every right to be. I betrayed your trust by keeping this from you, and therefore brought you in danger. I am sorry. I really, trully regret it. But I thought I was keeping you safe. If you didn't know you wouldn't get hurt, or so I hoped. It didn't turn out that well did it? I hope you can forgive me. I however am not sorry for ordering you to listen, it was something that had to be done under the circumstances. I am aware that you dislike authority and will try to refrain from doing so in the future. "

She stared at me for a while . I could see emotions play on her face. Hurt, regret, and relief. She started laughing , at first lightly, but then ever louder, until the clearing rang with the sound of her voice.

"You are such a bitch sometimes, did you know?" she asked , wiping the tears of laughter from her face. She hugged me suddenly and I awkwardly patted her on the back.

"But that's why I love you " she added as an afterthought.

We soon seperated and chatted for several moments as relief ran through me like a warm breeze. We could finnaly speak normally, and only then did I realize how much I missed my friend.

A couple of moments later Haldir emerged from the trees with a smile on his features.

"I am glad that you managed to resolve your differences." he said.

"So am I mellon nin" I answered while Gabriell went to retrieve her sword.

I stayed at the practice for a while but decided I was simply wasting time. Time I had no right to lose.

I got up and made my way towards the archery arena. I took my bow and quiver, which started to feel right in my arms, and notched my first a deep breath I narrowed my eyes on my target and let the arrow fly. It hit the inner circle and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I was most certainly getting better. The thing that bothered me was the speed with which I took out my arrows. I was too slow.

I spent a while practising on my own before Legolas arrived.

"Siluad Evelyn (greetings)"

"Hello Legolas" I said smiling.

"You seem to be in high spirits today" he noted with a smile of his own.

"I reconciled with Gabriell, I thank you for your advice."

"I am glad"

The hours flew by and soon it was time for dinner.

I was walking down a dimly lit corridor when I thought I heared shuffling behind me. I turned around but found that there was no one there. I took another couple of steps and heared the sound again. There was someone here, someone who did not want to be seen.

I slowly withdrew my knife and turned around.

"I know you are there. Come out and I promise no harm will come to you, fail to do so and you will taste my knife. "

Shuffling was more prominent now but even mine elven eyes could not make out the perosn in the shadow. Just as I was about to throw my knife, out from the shadows came someone I did not expect to see here. Someone that shouldn't be here.

" Alven , what in the name of Valar are you doing here?" I asked gobsmacked.

The elf gave me a grin and a long hug. He was 300 years younger than me and still managed to outgrow me. I really felt like a dwarf compared to most of the elfs here.

"I arrived today, as a representative of Lord Celebron" he said, finnaly letting me bretahe.

"He has a message for you." he continued, his face turning serious.

"Na i ahie ya meril cene Ambaresse. " ( be the change you wish to see in the world. )"He said you'd understand, and one more message let the past rest, the fault was not your own."

I knew what he meant, and it brought a smile to my face, remembering my grandfather.

"Come, I am on my way to dinner, join me" I beckoned and continued my way as he fell in step beside me. "My grandfather always had too much faith and too much understanding for me. It was my fault and both of us know it. But le hannon Alven (I thank you) for deliviring me my grandfather's words." I said and gave him a smile.

"I do not know of what fault you speak, but I know a person as kind as you could have no fault by my standards"

That is one trait I simply loved about my friend, faith , even when said faith was misplaced. I didn't answer him. I couldn't. My sin would die with me, metaphoriclly speaking.

I entered the hall soon after and took a seat next to Gabriell.

"Hello mellon nin" I greeted her silently.

"Oh hi Ev, how was your day" she greeted me cheerfully and maybe a bit louder than necessary.

The hall went silent as every member of the fellowship turned towards us.

"You're friends again Gabriell?" The halfling, Pippin, voiced what everyone was thinking.

"We never stoped being friends Pippin, we just had a fight, we do that a lot." she answered happily.

Some looked content with the solution, some relieved, while others downright mad.

The days seemed to become a blurr after that and I spent them more or less happily. But the ever nearing begining of our journey loomed over the fellowship like a dark cloud.

As the day of departure rushed towards us I found myself observing the fellowship more and more. I would wonder which one would survive if anyone at all.

Who would lose their life? Who else would die for the blasted ring that hang from Frodo's neck?

I looked over to Gabriell, and my gaze passed Legolas and Aragon. Not them. I would not see them leave, even if my life were the price. I would not lose them.

The night before the departure was the worst one yet. Dawn would soon approach and yet I found no peace. Not even in my mother's garden. I was sitting on a tree branch, my back to it's bark when I heard footsteps bellow me. The rain was making it difficult to tell the difference between the steps and I was surprised to find it was Haldir. His hair was wet, and a shade darker. He seemed haunted.

I dropped slowly from the tree and his head shot up at my sudden arrival.

He tried to compose himself but to no avail. I could still see it, still sense it, even if I tried not to.

I didn't say anything, not a word. I just gave him a hug. Words would not help him and if he wanted to, he knew that he had someone to talk to. We seperated soon and he sat on a branch nearby, me following suit.

"I can not do it Evelyn" he said.

"What my friend, what can you not do?" I asked softly.

"I can't watch her go." I didn't need anymore words. I had noticed and so had he, he was a smart elf after all, and lived long enough to know. He was in love, and he had to watch the woman he loved depart on a quest that is more than likely to fail. He would have to see her walk to her death.

We sat in silence for a while his head in his hands and my hand over his shoulder. There was nothing I could say. I could not say that she would return, I could not say she would be fine. The same thoughts plauged me.

Making a decision I gently took his hands from his face.

"She loves orhids, best them be purplish-red, you know the one beneath the great waterfall. She also loves music and to spend time with people she loves. Remember this my friend, if you are to be successful in your courting." I said with a smile.

"When am I to court her? " he asked desperately. "I have no more time left"

"You will have all the time in the world. I will keep her safe, my friend, I will bring her to Lothlorien. Meet us there." I said standing up." Estellio nin (trust me)"

I left him to his thoughts with resolve as firm as steel . Gabriell would live, my friend would live, even if I wouldn't.

I went to my room to finish my packing. I packed lightly taking with me only the necessary, another set of clothes and undergarments, my bow and quiver, my knives, a pendant my mother left me which held a picture of our family, another set of knives and a small dagger.

Before going to the meeting place I went to my forest once more. I put my hand on a tree and let the tears flow. This would be the only time I allowed myself to weep. I looked around trying to memorize every detail, because I knew that this was the last time I would see it.

I composed myself and schooled my features.

I was the second one there, beaten only by Frodo, who was observing the forest from the balconies.

I put my hand on his shoulder and he jumped slightly, only to relax when he realized it was me.

"We will suceed, young hobbit, I promise."

The rest of the fellowship soon gathered and we began with our goodbyes.

My sister gave me a tight hug. "No i Melain na le" (may the Valar be with you)

"Goheno nin" ( I thank you) I said stepping out of her hug and allowing her to say goodbye to Aragon.

My brothers each hugged me and gave me a kiss on the forhead.

My father also hugged me and said:"Gerich veleth nin" (You have my love)

"As do you Athar" I said burying my head in his shoulder for a moment, we separated and I walked over to Haldir.

I gave him a brief hug and said "Estelio nin" (trust me )

"You know I do." he said.

He then proceeded to say goodbye to Gabriell who surprised him by hugging him briefly.

"I'll see you " she said cheerfully, but I knew better. She was sad to be leaving and tried to mask it. Apparently he knew her well enough too.

"May the Valar be with you meleth nin" (my love)

She frowned at the unfamiliar words which she didn't understand. But I did and so did many there. She was lucky to have met someone as good as Haldir and to have him love her.

With the last few farewells said the fellowship departed. Wether to our death or salvation I didn't know.