Indilwen knocked on the door to Merry and Pippin's chambers, her hand trembling. Merry answered the door, a glower on his face. Indilwen was sad to see him upset, but not surprised; Pippin had mentioned their fight to her.

"What do you want Milady?" Merry said stiffly, leaning against the doorframe.

"I need to speak to Pippin," Indilwen replied, ignoring his regressions into rude formality. "Please Merry, it's urgent."

"But of course it is, Milday. Isn't it always something important?" Merry replied curtly, a clear resentment in his voice. Indilwen cast her eyes down, a clear look of hurt painting her face.

"Merry, I'm sorry if you feel I took Pippin from you. I meant no harm; Really, I didn't. But I beg you, please let me see him."

"I would if I could," Merry said, opening the door and stepping back to reveal an empty room, "But he isn't here." Indilwen looked in, only to find Pippin's bed stripped and his belongings gone.

"He left?" Indilwen said softly, her voice little more than a whisper. "He's gone?"

"Yes." Merry replied, the sharp prick of anger back in his voice. "And I have you to thank for it." Indilwen whirled around to face Merry, a perplexed look on her face.

"What?" She whispered harshly.

"I said, he left because of you." Merry hissed, glaring at her. He turned and strode to a letter sitting on one of the end tables. Handing it to her forcefully, he continued. "He didn't want to ruin the life he already had by being with you. He was happy before you. Now it looks like he'll be happy without the both of us. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd rather you not be here right now." Indilwen took a moment to register all that Merry had said before finally snapping out of her trance and leaving the room. The door slammed shut behind her. Indilwen looked down at the paper in her shaking hands, the rushed but familiar handwriting blurring as tears clouded her vision. She had never felt so alone before. Without Voronwë there to guide her, she became, for a moment, that very same frightened elfling she had been the day her mother was murdered. Indilwen dropped the letter and began to run down the hall. She didn't know where she was going; she didn't care. After turning a corner, she nearly ran into a tall figure. She looked up and gasped, her eyes widening as her apology fell dead on her lips.

" 'Quel andune, hiril vuin [Good afternoon, my lady]", Thandion said, smiling back complacently, "Nae saian luume' [It has been too long]".

"No amount of time is long enough Thandion," Indilwen snarled, "I thought I made it clear I never wanted you to come back".

"To Greenwood? Oh yes, you made it quite clear. But Gondor? You were a bit vague on the details…"

"Well, allow me to correct that mistake. Gwanno ereb nin! [Leave me alone!]" Indilwen hissed. She tried to push past him, but he grabbed her arm. She struggled to wrench it free, forgetting for the moment his strength and her size. "Leithio nin! [Release me!]"

"Now, now Indilwen, Is that anyway for a princess to greet her mate? After all, we shall be seeing a lot of each other from now on." He said, a smirk creeping onto his face.

"Oh? And what makes you think I would agree to that? After what you did? There's no way."

"Well I know you haven't got many other options, what with your beloved perian gone…" Thandion sneered. Indilwen's head snapped up to face Thandion at the mention of Pippin, her eyes narrowing.

"What do you know about it? Mou agoreg?! [What did you do?!]"

"Me? Nothing. I simply pulled a few strings. But I do know that you've already lost someone you love. You didn't think Voronwë was killed by everyday thieves, now did you?" He whispered, leaning in closer to her face. Pain flickered across Indilwen's face as Thandion's words stung her. She looked away, fighting back the tears pricking at the back of her eyes. Thandion stood up straighter and continued. "And I know you wouldn't be selfish enough to let something like that happen again." Thandion waited, watching Indilwen as she slowly raised her eyes to meet his gaze. Her face was expressionless, but her eyes full of a strange, cold fire. The whispered reply was so quiet, only elven ears could have picked up on it.

"Nin gwerianneg…Amin delotha lle [You betrayed me…I hate you]."

"You will learn to forgive my transgressions and in time you will open your heart to me. Come, our kin are waiting." Thandion's now loosened grip laced Indilwen's limp arm with his own. Indilwen allowed herself to be led, her thoughts straying to Pippin. I will not let any harm befall him. If my love will spare his life, then so be it. Indilwen lifted her chin and set a calm look upon her face, preparing herself for the journey ahead.

When Indilwen and Thandion strode out to the citadel, where the rest of their company stood, they were met with the royal family and a few others. As they stepped out into the sunlight, Legolas' face changed to one of subtle disbelief. He addressed the two as they approached.

"Thandion, I did not hear of your return to Gondor."

"Forgive me, Your Highness. It was rather abrupt and I hadn't the time to inform you." Thandion replied coolly, with a slight, respective nod of his head.

"Then, as I understand it, you will be joining us on our return home?"

"Yes, Your Highness, that is, if Lady Indilwen would have me." Both looked down at Indilwen, Thandion in expectation, and Legolas in uncertainty. Indilwen looked back to Legolas calmly and spoke.

"Yes. There has been a change of plans. Thandion and I will be returning to Greenwood as mates." Legolas' eyes revealed a glimmer of suspicion and doubt, but he remained composed as Indilwen looked away nonchalantly and continued. "Do have the others prepare another horse, brother." Legolas nodded stiffly and motioned to the company. While the others were distracted, Indilwen turned her head to Thandion and whispered lightly.

"Amin feuya ten' lle [You disgust me]." Thandion shook his head indifferently and moved on. King Ellesar came up to Indilwen and the two bowed respectfully to each other. The king was the first to speak.

"Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle [May thy paths be green and the breeze on thy back]."

"Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva [Sweet water and light laughter till next we meet]." Indilwen replied. The king smiled warmly and nodded.

"N'I lû tôl [Until then]." Indilwen returned his smile weakly before walking back to her horse. As Legolas helped her mount Raina, he whispered to her.

"What happened? When did Thandion return?"

"Nothing has happened, Legolas. I've had a change of heart. That's all." Indilwen replied. Looking down at his concerned face from Raina, Indilwen gave her half-brother an attempt at a weak smile.

As the company left the city gates, Indilwen turned back to the broad, high walls and sighed, a great sadness in her face as she wondered if it would be the last time she would see the great city of Minas Tirith again. She turned back to the grassy hills in front of her, with Legolas to her right and Thandion to her left. She kicked Raina into a trot, and the other's followed in suit.