Chapter 9

"For sith sake, Legolas don't do that!" The exclamation grabbed Aragorn's attention and he whipped around, unable to control his laughter. He was standing near one of the many windows that opened up to the balcony and the gardens.

"What was that?" Frodo asked. He had been standing not far from Aragorn and had too been close enough to hear Kyia's shout.

"I believe that would be Legolas getting too close to Kyia," Aragorn said, still smiling. He was tempted to head out towards the gardens, where the voice had come from, but decided against it. He had learned quickly that Kyia did not care to have people around once she was upset, and she had definitely sounded disturbed. He noted the confused look on the hobbit's face and tried to explain.

"Kyia does not get along well with Legolas," Aragorn explained. "You can see it every time he strays too close."

"Why, what happens?" Frodo asked, looking over his shoulder and out the window.

"What you just heard," Aragorn said. "She gets startled when he approaches and she does not notice. It's quite comical."

"I am beginning to see what you were getting at," Frodo said, turning away from the window once again. "She does not hold Legolas in very high regards does she."

"No, my dear hobbit. She does not."

----

Legolas gave Kyia a few moments to calm down before trying to speak to her. Normally he would have just turned and walked away, but he was getting tired of this. Something needed to be done before they set out again. They could not continue on with her jumping out of her skin every time he came near.

"I wish not to scare you anymore," Legolas told her. She set her jaw and regarded him coldly. "What can I do to help?" he asked. "I shall start dragging my feet when I walk, knock over stuff when I draw near, whatever."

She looked at him in disbelief, before a smile began to tug at the corners of her mouth. It was not much but it was better then the frown that he normally got.

"Are you even capable of being clumsy?" she asked, and he noted the change in her voice.

"I can but try, milady. Anything for you, as I have said before." He was smiling he realized, only after he noticed that she was smiling in return. The night at the cabin came back to his mind and he realized that they had gained a new understanding of each other. He knew nothing more about her, or her about him, but they were no longer strangers. He had meant what he had told her that night, she was a friend. Then why did I tell Gimli that she was not? He asked himself. He had no answer for that, and that puzzled him.

"What was that frown for?" Kyia asked.

"I was thinking, sorry," he said bowing his head slightly.

"Well, a frown does not become you," she said offering yet another smile. Legolas smiled again, and once again noticed how different she appeared. The clouds were clearing and the moon had made its first appearance of the night, lighting up everything it touched, including her.

"I would be failing in my duties if I did not tell you that you look wonderful tonight," Legolas said to fill the void that seemed to descend upon them.

"Thank you," Kyia said, blushing slightly as she looked down at her dress. "I fell in love with the dress as soon as I saw it."

"It is beautiful," Legolas said, turning to study the garden so he would not seem to be staring. "Perhaps I am a bit biased."

"And why is that?" She asked, laughing slightly.

"Tis blue," he said as if it was the most obvious thing there ever was. "Blue has always been my favorite color."

"That must be why there is so much blue around here," Kyia said as if it solved a great mystery.

"It might be," he said, smiling at her attempt at humor. He turned and looked at her again. A soothing voice rose in pitch from the hall and he listened to the melody for a time. "Will you sing for us tonight?" Legolas asked and smiled when she looked uncomfortable. "You do not have to."

"Maybe I will, later," she said, not taking her eyes off the trees in front of them. "It's been a long night and I'm not sure I'm in the mood to sing."

"You would be depriving them all of a wonderful experience," Legolas said. "But like I said, it is not required. If you are not in need of anything, I will be going back inside. Enjoy yourself tonight, for we leave again tomorrow."

"Legolas, may I ask you something?" He had been making his way to the door but stopped at her soft-spoken request. It was the first time she had asked him for anything and he felt compelled to see what he could do to help.

"What is it?" Legolas asked. She turned away from him, never meeting his gaze, and he wondered is she had changed her hind about speaking to him. Just when he was giving up hope she spoke, her words soft and unsure.

"It's just something that your father said," she said. She turned to look at him and he could see that whatever it was caused her pain. "Well, I should say that it was a few things that he had said."

"That bothered you, I saw that." He had noted before that she seemed upset at the end of the meal, but he had not tried to talk to her. Instead, she had come to him for what turned out to be something that his father had said. "Sometimes my father does not know when to leave things alone." Kyia sighed and turned back to the colorful picture spread out below her. He could tell that the subject upset her, but also knew that she had brought it up. She wanted to talk about it. "I know it worries you that we have not found your father, but have no worries, Kyia, we will find him."

"But I do worry Legolas," she explained. "So much will be lost if my father were to die. There's been enough about the Jedi that is lost forever, it would be yet another terrible wound to lose him as well. That's what bothered me about your father. He seems to know more about the Jedi then even my father does."

"Perhaps in some areas," Legolas agreed, still unsure why that bothered her, but wanting her to know that everything would be all right. "However, he will keep his word and share what he knows when your father returns."

"But what if he doesn't return?" It was a simple question, but loaded with worry. All her fears revolved around her father it would seem, even if she would not admit it.

"Then I assume he will share those things with you," Legolas told her. "However, do not think along those lines, Kyia. I know we will find your father. There is none in Middle Earth that would not help you, I believe. You have a way with people." At this thought, he had to laugh. "You have already captivated the hobbits. In fact, it would not surprise me if we have more joining us when we set out tomorrow. This is turning into a reunion of the Fellowship! All we need is for Gandalf to appear on our path and it would be complete."

Kyia smiled, and looked back into the hall before lowering her gaze to her feet.

"But something still bothers you?" He asked. She shifted uncomfortably on her feet, unable or unwilling to look at him. "Kyia?"

"What was it that my father said that upset you like this?" She shook her head stubbornly, not wanting to tell him what she was thinking. "Kyia, please. As your friend." They both smiled when he said that. "As your friend how am I to help if I do not know the problem?"

"There is no problem, Legolas. It's just that… Well your father talking about Kenobi brought back a lot of stuff for me. My father cared for him deeply, and has always wanted to know more about him. It is a sore spot for him because that information was lost along with everything else, and he died before he could ask about anything beyond his training."

"I saw him once," Legolas admitted. He remembered the time that the young man had entered the palace. He shuttered at the turmoil of that time and pushed the thoughts away. "But I never got to speak with him. It was a uneasy time for us."

"So you know nothing about Obi Wan?" Kyia asked, the disappointment she felt tainting her voice.

"I am sorry, I do not."

"That's alright, Legolas. I just thought that you might, seeing how your father obviously did. There is nothing in the archives that even mentions his training. I did happen to discover when he started training my grandfather, and that is how we learned that Obi Wan had been trained by Qui Gon."

"Do not speak that name here!" Legolas exclaimed. He immediately tried to calm himself when he noticed her shocked expression. "You will gain no knowledge of him here. My father was wrong for even bringing him up in conversation."

"What difference does it make who among my people that I bring up in conversation?" Kyia asked, her expression and tone growing harsh once again.

"Because he was not welcome here," Legolas stressed. "Or in any Elven land. When he turned his back on us, we were forced to do the same."

"What?" Kyia asked. "Legolas you cannot expect me to know not to talk of such things if I have no idea what you are talking about. I know nothing of this man besides his name, and I have told you before I knew nothing of your people. Do not expect me to understand!"

"Then at least have the knowledge to know when to let a subject drop!" he said, his frustrations rising. Why would she not take the hint and let the subject go? "Turning ones back on ones kind is the ultimate disgrace," Legolas explained. "There is nothing worse in the eyes of my people. He openly left our kind and that cannot be forgiven. It is just the way things are. The Jedi are honored guests in all Elven kingdoms, but they are not to persuade our kind to join them. Yet, Quigonnel left, accepting his fate, and it did not bode well when he returned. It nearly resulted in a disruption in the friendship shared between both our peoples. It is not something we like to be reminded of."

"Well I would not want to be responsible for making someone uncomfortable!" Kyia exclaimed sarcastically. She turned to walk away from him, catching her foot on one of the many stone planters that were scattered across the terrace. Losing her balance, she ended up on her knees in an ungraceful heap, muttering under her breath. Legolas could not help but laugh at the scene before him. He suppressed the merriment when she turned and glared at him. Rushing forward, he offered his hand to help her up. She merely scoffed and got to her feet. Turning sharply she returned to the hall.

It was not until he knew she was too far to hear that he let himself laugh once again. She was a very interesting person.

----

"I do believe you were wrong my love," Aragorn said from his spot at the far end of the large balcony. Frodo had wondered off and Arwen had appeared at his side once again. They had both stood witness to the conversation between Kyia and Legolas. "They are only friends, and I think that's a big improvement for the two of them."

"Well it was worth a try," she said with a shrug. "And there was no harm done." They both watched as Kyia made her way first back into the hall then out the other door, most likely going back to her room. Morning would be here before they knew it, Aragorn thought. It was probably not a bad idea to get one more good nights sleep before they left.

----

Kyia walked slowly down the stairs shifting her pack on her shoulder. It was time to leave shortly and she was more then ready to get started. Surprisingly, even after being upset like she had, she had slept soundly for most of the night. She felt refreshed and wanted more than ever to get to her father. Heading out of her room she made her way out of the palace to where she knew everyone was gathering. She met Arwen and Aragorn as they silently approached the area where the horses were being prepared.

"We seem to have acquired a few extra travelers," Arwen said with a smile watching the small group that had gathered.

"That surprises you?" Aragorn asked as he watched the hobbits scramble around the three horses while Gimli pulled a pony over.

"Not at all," Arwen said. "Kyia, it would seem that you have stirred them all into your quest. It is a good thing, for even the hobbits could be a true treasure in times of need."

"I welcome all the help I can get," Kyia said, acknowledging the smiles she received in greeting as they stepped into the clearing. It dawned on her that there might be issues with the new ones and how they would still be able to travel on the horses. She looked around as everyone prepared their things and she went about securing her pack to the horse. She ran her hand along the side of her animal and he acknowledged her with a nuzzle. Patting his neck, she lifted up her pack. She stopped short when something out of place caught her eye. Reaching up she plucked the object from where it had been lodged in the reigns.

It was a flower, a delicate white flower with just a dusting of blue at the tips of the petals. She looked around at the people gathered but no one seemed to notice. She looked at Legolas as he readied his horse. He looked back at her, his gaze watching her over his shoulder. A smile curled his mouth and Kyia nodded, her own smile offered in return. Seeming happy with her response, Legolas turned back to his horse, saying something to Aragorn as he stepped closer.

Kyia looked at the flower again. It was an apology. They had both said things that hurt the other, although she was sure even as they said them that neither wished to upset the other. They were just too different and tended to step on each other's toes. However, he had taken the first step to bridge the gap they had created in their already rocky friendship. Tucking the flower into her belt, she turned as Legolas began to speak.

"I had a feeling this would happen, Gimli and the hobbits have asked to join us and offer what help they can. However, that brings us to the travel aspects of this journey. Aragorn and I have discussed this, and have come up with an arrangement. We shall continue on the steeds, each picking up an extra rider. With Bill the pony carrying the remaining halfling. Sam you shall ride your pony for he seems to like you as much as you care for him."

Sam smiled and began to prepare the horse, not saying anything as Aragorn helped him into the saddle.

"Kyia, I would suggest that Frodo rides along with you. He tends to be the easier of them as a rider. Merry and Pippin with Aragorn and Arwen, and Gimli of course, will ride on my horse."

"How do you figure that Frodo rides better?" Merry asked, insulted.

"Quite easily, my little halfling, for you two have a hard time sitting still." Legolas smiled at the slighted look on the hobbits face, then picked him up and deposited him on Aragorn's horse, while Aragorn was helping Pippin up on another.

"All set, Frodo?" Legolas asked. Kyia caught the gleam in his eye and could once again see that he was happy to be leaving. It bothered her that he would be so upset at home, but she also knew that it was not her place to say anything. Once Frodo was in the saddle Legolas offered to help her up. She was sure to keep her eyes soft as she refused his help and leaped up onto the saddle on her own. It took her a few moments to get situated, not used to having to carry someone with her.

"Do I take up too much room, Lady Kyia?" Frodo asked, looking worriedly over his shoulder.

"Not at all, Frodo. I'm all set now."

"We will keep a nice steady pace," Legolas said. "Sam, be sure to inform us if Bill begins to have trouble keeping pace." Sam nodded his agreement and they all moved forward, out of the city and into the forest once again.

Kyia kept to the middle of the group. Aragorn stayed to the back, while Legolas led the way talking quietly with Gimli as they rode. She closed her eyes, trusting her horse to stay with the rest, and she reached out for her father. She had become better at keeping the feeling at bay so it would not constantly overwhelm her. The drawback to that was when she did tap into the feelings it always came as a shock.

She was bombarded with more pain and sorrow then she had yet to experience. It all came at her at once and she found it hard to breath. She could feel her father, as if he were distracted, not reaching out towards her, but leaving their bond wide open. She could feel his deep concentration on something and tried even harder to let him know she was coming. Her breath caught in her throat when it felt like her chest had caught fire. What was going on? Was she feeling what her father was experiencing? Did that mean he was now hurt?

She was concentrating so hard on reaching out that when the sensations suddenly stopped she was disoriented. Panic began to spread throughout her mind as the seconds stretched on and still she could feel nothing. Was he dead? Was she too late? She heard someone calling her name and she turned trying to locate the familiar voice.

Kyia, a whisper, calling her name, but from a different direction. She cried out, demanding to know who it was. Relax Kyia.

Dad! She knew the thought would not reach him, however she was not without hope. His sense was weak, but he was reaching out to her, and for the first time he seemed to know she was there.

Relax, Kyia, you are scaring those around you. I'm fine, nothing I can't handle. I'm not going anywhere. Relax and do what you know you have to do. Everything will be fine.

I'm coming for you. Nothing changed in the feelings pouring over her and she was sure that he was not hearing her.

Be careful Kyia. I will be here when you get here. With that, the conversation was over the bond returning to just to dull ache she had felt all along. Another whisper began seeping it's way into her conscious and she tried once again to determine where it came from. She felt her head drop forward and forced her eyes back open. She was still sitting atop her horse, clutching Frodo firmly to her. Her breathing was ragged and her entire body shook. She looked up slowly while trying to forced the fear out of her mind.

The source of the voice calling her name became clear as she caught site of the eight concerned faces watching her. She strained to loosen her grip on the hobbit in front of her, who turned further in the saddle to get a better look at her. No one said a word as she worked to regain her bearings, but none offered to take a step further until they knew what had happened.

She rubbed her hands across her face, surprised to find it soaked with her tears. Her hands began to settle and she knew that her nerves were beginning to recover from the shock she had received. Everything was fine, she kept reminding herself. He said himself that it was nothing he could not handle. What she felt could have been anything, and sitting here worrying about it was not getting them any closer to finding him.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

"What happened?" It was Legolas who spoke and Kyia could clearly hear the worry in his voice the matched the look on his face. She was not sure what exactly she had said or done during the contact with her father, but whatever it was, it was enough to gather all of their attention. She took one last shaky breath before daring to speak.

"I could feel my father," she started. "He was in great pain, more than I have ever felt him in. I feared for him when the sensation was suddenly cut off."

"He's not…"

"No," Kyia interrupted, not even wanting to hear the words. "He is fine, he was able to tell me that."

"Are you well?" Pippin asked.

"I'm fine, it just shook me up a bit that's all. We should get going." At first Kyia thought that no one was going to take her at her word, but one by one they turned and began to continue forward. Once the attention was off her, she herself moved forward.

"Are you sure?" Frodo asked from his position in front of her. He turned as much as he was able to look at her.

"I'm positive," she said with a smile. "What about you? I did not hurt you did I?"

"No!" Frodo said, returning her smile. "However it was your tight hold that told me something was wrong. When you did not answer when I called out to you, I became worried. That's when I stopped the others."

"Ah so it was you that was calling out to me," Kyia said, correcting her horse's path slightly. "I heard you, you know. I was just not aware where the voice was coming from."

"It was not only me," Frodo said. "I believe Legolas called out to you, as well as Aragorn. We were all quite worried. Then you spoke as if in a dream, and began to cry. No one knew what to do."

"If that ever happens again, try asking me to wake up," Kyia said, remembering her mediation lessons and how she was brought out of those. "It may work."

"I'll remember that," Frodo said happily settling back against her as they continued on. For the first time Kyia held a slight hope that they would reach her father, and be able to do something to save him. He, at least, had faith in her.

---TBC---