Once again there's been another long wait for any kind of update and I'm really sorry about that. I've been a bit put off with writing stuff since I've been so busy with assignments and any free time I have is spent on my horses. To try and make up for such long waits I might make a Twitter account; this will enable you to chat with me, know what's going on with my life and get some extra information about my stories. If I get enough interest then I will make more time for writing and uploading stories. If you like the idea of me doing this then either leave a review on one of my stories or send me an email. I'd love to be more connected with my readers and I hope there's enough people interested to make all this hard work worth my time.

Chapter Four.

Aragorn was torn, he wasn't sure whether or not to feel pride towards his partner or annoyance – she was one tough woman and when she had her mind set onto something there was no throwing her off track. Aragorn had left the room then, returning an hour later after greeting the elves of Lothlórien and Rivendell. When returning to Grace the pair had argued some more, both as stubborn as the other in an attempt to win.

"Well how are you going to move around, you can't simply hobble around on your crutches!" Legolas and Gimli heard Aragorn heatedly ask Grace as they re-entered the room, leaving it half an hour ago as they started to shout.

"I know that!" Grace bit back,

"I'll figure out a way if you'd just let me" she continued on. All could see the exhaustion spreading on Grace's face, arguing with her was only making her worse. Everyone knew that if she joined the battle then her wounds would only get worse… but then again if she didn't then she may alarm the others when waiting in the caves. Aragorn hated seeing her this way, he knew of her duty and her silent promises to protect all. She had served Elrond well in her earlier years and Aragorn knew that she felt as if she had to continue serving until her final breath.

"Grace you are in no condition to fight" Aragorn weakly said, taking a seat next to her again. His change in tactic didn't surprise Grace but she sighed, rubbing her temples.

"I have fought in a worse condition…" she answered back and if Aragorn hadn't have known her so well he may have doubted her words. Aragorn took hold of her hand, his defeat evident as they looked at one another. Gimli cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence.

"Yer know lad, I know a little something that may help her" Gimli slowly said making the pair look at him. Legolas had a smile playing on his lips as a knock sounded on the door, as if on cue. Grace couldn't help but widely grin as a fair Lothlórien elf gracefully hovered in carrying something wrapped in silk.

"Haldir my friend!" Grace greeted, her exhaustion forgotten as her old friend smiled down at her. Aragorn nodded in greeting to the elf but he eyed up the silk bundle, wondering what gift he held.

"It is good to see you alive and fighting" he greeted back to her, his emotions well-guarded as he immediately noticed her battle wounds. Grace heartily laughed at his comment yet her eyes were slightly distant, as if slowly coming to terms to what had happened to her.

"I have a gift for you" he continued on, handing over the silk bundle. Grace wearily looked at it, giving Haldir a questioning look before unwrapping the mysterious item, her head tilting to the side.

"It's fer your leg lass, should fit quite nicely unless the elf messed it up" Gimli proudly spoke, giving Legolas a look as the elf looked back at him in mock hurt. Grace was slightly lost for words, even Aragorn found no words as they both looked at the item in her hands. It was much like the ones she had seen the wild-men wear when losing their limbs while sailing the seas. It was an attachable limb; instead of it being crafted out of wood it was crafted by mithril, odd diamonds and gems glinting in the light. It was clear that an elf had created it with its swirls and twirls marked into the piece but there was also a hint of dwarf craftsmanship with some bold lettering and the wide collection of beautiful gems.

"Lord Elrond sent the ore a while ago, instructing King Théoden to give it to a squabbling pair when it was most needed. Fortunately he clicked on that it was those two" Haldir said in amusement, tilting his head in the direction of Gimli and Legolas.

"When arriving Legolas pulled me aside, noting your injuries. I cannot force you to remain in the caves… and I know it is pointless asking you. If Aragorn will allow this then will you stand by my side in battle?" Haldir continued on, his voice soft. Everyone in the room knew what silent words he spoke; 'remain by my side so I can watch over you and prevent you from being harmed'. If Grace had more energy she would have been offended and told Haldir where to shove his request, claiming that she needed no baby-sitter… however Grace wasn't sure how long she would last in battle and she couldn't burden Aragorn with looking after her. She lowly sighed when Aragorn didn't refuse so she nodded, strongly smiling at Haldir.

"Thank you Haldir, I accept your offer" she quietly spoke and the ellon bowed in respect, leaving the room. Aragorn couldn't help but rub his temples; he didn't want his lover to enter battle, even if she was at full health but he couldn't help but feel slightly at ease. He knew Haldir looked down at her as if she were his little sister, but most importantly Aragorn knew that he would protect her with his life. A light shiver trailed down his back at the thought of that…

"Well are you going to try it on!?" Gimli huffed, his patience soon lost. Grace playfully grinned at him, slowly shifting herself to the edge of the bed in order to try it on. She made sure she attached it to her leg as slow as possible, playfully grinning at Gimli in the process. The dwarf grumbled and huffed, clearly not liking the wait. Although playful the three males could see the inside battle Grace fought; they could tell that she didn't want to accept her fate but on the other hand she was forced to – if she didn't then she wouldn't be able to battle.

She wearily smiled once she was all connected up, grasping onto Aragorn as he helped her into a standing position. Grace loudly hissed as a bolt of pain shot up the remained of her leg, almost making her fall back on the bed. She gritted her teeth in determination, carefully placing weight onto her injured leg in an attempt to balance herself. Before Grace could loudly swear a veil was being handed to her, the liquid red in colour.

"Eowyn was kind enough to make you some remedies, this one should help numb the pain" Legolas instructed, biting back a grin as Grace looked shocked for a moment, her expression quickly changing into a one of pain. Wordlessly she took a few gulps of the mixture, handing it back to Legolas as she wobbled. After a few moments Grace attempted striding forward, the missing limb making her fall into Aragorn several times as she tried adjusting herself to balance. Legolas and Gimli stayed a while, making their leave as Grace started to loudly curse, now hobbling around the room with little to no assistance. Aragorn on the other hand remained in the room with her, his lips pressed together in an attempt to keep silent.

The pair barely had time to prepare for this battle; it felt like a lifetime to Grace with the burning pain shooting up the remainder of her left leg but in reality there merely had two hours. It was only when Aragorn left the room to visit the armoury did Grace break down in tears, the realism of the situation and the pain fully hitting her. Through her break down she carefully placed on her dented armour, her lips quivering in an attempt to keep quiet…