A/N: Wow, I am so so sorry that I haven't updated. In case you were worried, I'm not giving this story up. It's just becoming more difficult to update, what with needing inspiration and then all these activities. But anyways. I'm sorry, I hope you'll forgive me, and I hope you enjoy this chapter! Please review and favorite, it means a lot to me. Thanks for everything!

TMI Fairy: Thanks for noticing! I try to stay versed in the lore but sometimes it can be challenging. Glad it worked this time. Thanks for reviewing!

They met a stranger after two more days.

Tauriel was returning from scouting to find he and Aragorn in deep conversation. He was tall, like and Elf, but he held himself like a man. A black cloak fell over his shoulder and hooded his face.

She approached warily, stepping lightly over twigs and fallen branches, but Aragorn still noticed.

He turned toward her, and the conversation broke abruptly.

"Tauriel," he addressed her. "My friend here may help us with finding the Elf."

"I did not see you when I was scouting, sir," Tauriel said softly, to the cloaked man.

"I commend you. It is not easy to escape an elf's notice."

The unnamed man smiled under his dark hood. "I have had much practice avoiding notice, but to evade the Captain of the Elvenking's guard? That was an honor I had never dreamed."

Tauriel jerked back.

Who was this man?

She remained silent, waiting for the conversation to resume. Aragorn turned back to the man.

"Where did you meet him, sir?"

"A week's journey from here, near Rohan."

"How long ago was this?"

"A week and a half. He intended to ride northward."

Aragorn stared into the distance thoughtfully.

"Thank you for your information. Where are you journeying to, if I am not rude?"

The man hesitated.

"Nowhere, and everywhere I suppose."

Tauriel stared at him. Something was different about this, something was wrong.

Aragorn merely laughed. "Perhaps you would consider joining our camp tonight. It has been long since I have had the advice of another male."

The stranger nodded.

"It would be my pleasure. I thank you."

"It is our honor."

"However..." the stranger turned to her, dark eyes catching the light briefly.

"Does the lady permit it?"

Tauriel nodded stiffly, forcing the words out. "Yes, of course. Thank you for helping us."

The man smiled, a mysterious but attractive quirk, always under the shadow of the cloak.

"Thank you, as well. I understand you spent some time in Imladris."

Why would Aragorn tell him that?

"Only ten years, sir."

"Did you enjoy it?"

"Very much, however, I think it was the proper time for me to depart."

"Then you are still searching."

"Searching?"

"For something to fill that empty spot that you still feel inside you. Like a scar, it never leaves you, isn't this true?"

Tauriel recoiled. Her first instinct was to force the truth out of this man.

Her fingers flew to her knives before she collected herself. She lifted her chin up and turned away, muttering dark words under her breath.

At first, she had thought it was a helpful traveler, but he seemed to have twisted information out of Aragon or have an uncanny ability.

She walked over to the shade of a nearby tree, brow furrowed, as she tried to work it all in her mind.

She hadn't spoken to Aragorn about Kili.

Who was this man?