Chapter ten

The treacherous path

In the two days that they waited for Gandalf's signal, the remaining members of the Fellowship struggled to find at least some sense of humor, to decrease the tension of the battle they must face soon. It helped a lot since Juliana and Legolas were no longer in an awkward ground and spent much of their time matching wits.

'If you were not an Elf capable of independent thought I would have thought you were an annoying puppy tugging at my heels.' Juliana was said as Legolas had followed her around the stables as she fed the horses apples she had gotten from Eowyn for lack of a thing to do. Gimli, who followed Legolas in, snorted.

'Whoever said that Legolas is capable of independent thought?' Gimli asked sardonically making Juliana laugh.

Legolas rolled his eyes. 'If I am not mistaken, you are the one most likely to be the puppy, following me around Gimli.'

'Gimli would not do such a thing.' Juliana rose to Gimli's defense. 'Gimli is a dwarf grown, though I would not say the same for you.' Juliana turned from him as they exited the stables. Gimli was chortling now.

'You do know that insulting an Elf is the last mistake you will ever make if you ever visit Mirkwood?' Legolas said folding his arms and following her still as they entered inside, seeing Merry and Hadrod facing each other playing a board game of sorts.

'Funny, I don't recall that rule when I was there.' Juliana said mockingly as she down next to Hadrod on the bench.

'You wouldn't Lady Juliana, that rule applies to beings grown only.' Legolas replied leaning upon a pillar to watch the game.

'Oh like Gimli here?' Juliana asked with a brow raised.

Legolas shook his head. 'I meant you.'

'Me? What force would ever make go there?'

'Perhaps the affections of an unwanted lover?' Legolas said automatically. Juliana seemed not to have noticed for she answered just the same.

'Unwanted? Perhaps. Lover? Now who would that be?' Juliana pretended to be thoughtful.

'Who else but Legolas.' Merry said not looking up as he made one of his pieces move. Juliana laughed. 'Me, become a lover of Legolas? What miracle are you saying, Merry?' Juliana said hiding her embarrassment well.

'Yes, do not joke about such things.' Legolas replied seriously. 'I would not bind myself to someone who vexes me so.' He motioned over to Juliana. 'I may grow old slowly; my mind does not do the same.'

'Oh really?' Merry asked looking up but Juliana had an answer.

'I would thank Iluvatar if you can even find someone who would bind themselves to you despite that bloated head of yours.' Juliana glared at him dangerously.

Legolas smirked as the others laughed, enjoying this banter as much as the two were.

'At least then I would be spared from seeing your face.' Legolas replied hands still folded.

'Oh, I'm sorry,' Juliana said sarcastically. 'I forgot you have a prettier face than I.'

Legolas could not reply because Aragorn came in frowning.

'What troubles you Estel?' Legolas called him over. Aragorn looked p, seeing that it was Legolas who spoke, approached the group.

"It is strange that we have not heard from Gandalf.' Aragorn omitted any humor that was once in the air.

'Take heart, Aragorn. Gandalf has not failed as yet. We will hear from him in time.' Legolas spoke confidently.

'Before time runs out.' Aragorn mused. There was a silence so unbearable, Juliana sat back down.

Aragorn then noticed that it was because of him why the humor of the moment suddenly vanished.

'Forgive me; these are not the times to forebode. Tell me then, for what purpose were you laughing a while ago?'

To Aragorn's surprise, Legolas reddened a bit when he said those words, and Juliana refused to meet his gaze. 'Let me guess, were you witnessing another sparring match?' he asked, eyebrows rose in a playful gesture.

'It is fun watching Legolas being crushed down by a female.' Merry said with a grin. 'Perhaps it takes a woman to defeat an Elf such as Legolas. Juliana would be a likely candidate as she does not swoon at the sight of him.'

Juliana grinned. 'I would never crush Legolas.' The others looked surprised. 'It would be a lot more fun killing him slowly.'

'Were you born to cause such vexation, Lady Juliana?' Legolas inquired as their friends sniggered.

'No, actually it is my elven training from a certain someone that enforced me to sharpen my tongue.' Juliana replied just as sedately.

'I regret my attempts to train you. If I had known they would backfire upon me, I would not have taken time to train you at all. An Elf does not cause himself pain.' Legolas said with an air of regret.

'Yet an Elf is born to vex others.' Aragorn replied this time.

Legolas looked from Juliana to Aragorn. 'Mortals.' He muttered as he lowered his arms. 'They always stick to themselves then run to Elves if they're in trouble. Especially women.' He added with a look at Juliana.

'If there will come a time I would run to you for help or if there ever was a time I needed your help, Prince of Mirkwood, I swear upon my oath as a Ranger, that I will do anything you say.' Juliana raised her palm in an oath.

The others watched this with interest. Legolas looked at her thoughtfully. 'I seem to recall an incident where you needed me to rescue you from that river that would have borne you away if it were not for my swimming skills.' His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Juliana's face showed indignation. 'That doesn't count.' She said firmly.

'And why on Middle-earth would it not?' Legolas asked just as stubbornly. 'You swore upon your oath as a Ranger that you would do anything I say if there was ever a time you required my help. I have cited a situation, I hold you to your word Ranger Juliana.'

Juliana frowned deeper when Hadrod stated that Legolas was right. Begrudgingly, she said, 'What do you want me to do, Prince?'

Legolas was beaming now. 'Perhaps I should let our friends decide.' He looked at them inquiringly. Merry and Hadrod had stopped their game to look at them. Aragorn found it so interesting he sat down beside Gimli. Gimli promptly passed him a mug of ale which he was also drinking.

'Fine.' Juliana was scowling now. She averted her gaze to the others. 'What do you want me to do for Legolas?'

There was another silence. Then Merry whispered something to Hadrod. Hadrod's brown eyes widened but he grinned at Merry and nodded approvingly. Juliana did not like the look of mischief in Hadrod's eyes. Nevertheless, she allowed him to whisper what Merry whispered so that Legolas wouldn't hear.

'Give him something that comes from your heart.' Was Hadrod's whisper. Legolas' brow knitted in puzzlement as Juliana grew very red.

'I will do no such thing!' Juliana said. 'You think me a fool?"

'It will be something of your choice, Juliana.' Merry said. 'It can be anything. You gave us your word as a Ranger. You needed Legolas' help; he gave it to you. We ask but give him something in return.'

Juliana glared at Merry so venomously, it made Legolas even more curious.

'All right! I'll do it! I have no idea how I got myself into this mess in the first place.' Juliana grumbled to herself as Merry and Hadrod smiled while the others watched curiously.

'Shall we repeat your words for you?' Merry asked with a laugh. There was no smile in Juliana's eyes as she looked away, deep in thought. Gimli's beard twitched as he tried very hard not to grin. He had a feeling what Merry asked was not of the easy type. Aragorn chose to look at the ale in his mug.

Juliana's eyes were cold as she looked at Legolas. Silently she closed some of the distance between them. 'Understand that I am doing this because they asked me to.' She said stopping before him. Legolas gazed at her eyes that reflected his own. They had never been so close since that time at the stables.

'It is not as hard as you make it sound is it?' Legolas asked attempting to be at least on familiar ground.

Juliana smirked. 'You only think so.'

'I would have thought that being with me is not as terrible as you like others to believe.' Legolas grinned mischievously because Juliana's mouth was a straight line, a sign of displeasure.

Juliana laughed out loud as she stepped back away from him. 'Being with you is easy. Staying with you is as impossible as Hadrod becoming king of Rohan.'

'Hey!' Hadrod said angrily. Juliana grinned.

'Come on, you can't possibly resist my presence for long.' Legolas teased with another mischievous grin. Juliana frowned again, her green eyes becoming hard. 'Watch me.' She hissed in anger and left him staring after her.

'Well, Legolas, again you have succeeded in driving Juliana crazy.' Hadrod said after he laughed along with Merry. 'It is not my sister that vexes you so; you have that skill all alone.'

Legolas smirked as he stood next to Gimli after Juliana walked out in obvious anger. 'I am nothing compared to your sister Hadrod. I am certain she can even vex my father to whom I practiced with but never succeeded. She exceeds my skills I assure you.'

'I don't know.' Aragorn looked at him with a grin. 'You are skillful enough, it is obvious.'

'What makes you say that?' Legolas asked puzzled.

Gimli looked at him in outrage. 'Shall I elaborate, Elf!'

Legolas shook his head, returning to his passive state when in the company of others. 'It is obvious enough that you take Juliana's side on this manner. As an Elf of honor, I will take the hint and depart before I can say something in this company that I will surely regret.' With an Elven bow, he walked away, following the path Juliana took.

'Hadrod, take a guess where he is going.' Gimli boomed after Legolas disappeared from sight.

Hadrod merely smiled and resumed the game he was playing with Merry.

Hardod was mistaken of Legolas' destination. The Elf had no inkling to follow Juliana after what had happened inside the hall. Besides, though he may jest that she was a thorn on his side, both of them knew that he did not really act that way when away from the watchful eyes of their friends and their leaders. He knew when he had gone too far, so before he apologized, he should give Juliana the privacy she deserved after he had followed her all over Edoras. So instead of going to the stables, where he knew she would go, he went the other way. A walk seemed appropriate. Though he would have wanted to be alone with Juliana, he trusted his mind this time for it he had used his heart too many times when it came to her, he was starting to feel more like a race of Man than Elf.

He walked to the room he shared with Aragorn and Gimli to get his cloak but stopped when he saw that someone was already before the door pausing to knock.

Juliana cursed herself for letting her feet take her to his room. She had been unfair towards him. Though a Ranger was used to leaving outside in the woods alone, Juliana was not deprived of such social manners to not know if she offended another. She was raised by both a Ranger of honor and by Elves who knew secrets they would never share.

He would have thought that Juliana would not hear his footsteps but she had long passed his expectations of an ordinary human. Though he did not know what it was about her, he could sense that she had a deep understanding of the world that he saw in her eyes, though she chose to deal with the world like any human. As if her time was brief and finite. As an Elf, he did not understand this feeling but looking at Juliana's green eyes told him that she had problems which no one, not even one of the First-born, could possibly relate to. She was alone and desired no shoulder to lean on. At least that was what her mind told her every night.

Juliana turned to look at him choosing to direct her eyes to the wooden planks of the hallway. He approached her, expecting the unexpected from her words.

'Who are you looking for, Lady Juliana?' Legolas asked her politely when he left a respectable gap between them. They had after all decided that they should have nothing but a fraternal relationship.

'I am not a lady.' Juliana interjected firmly. She looked up. 'I am a Ranger.'

'You are a Ranger,' Legolas agreed not understanding her need to hide behind the title. 'But you are also a lady.'

Juliana chose to sigh than to answer.

'Come, gwathel, who were looking for?' Legolas said softly, acting once like the Elf he had shown to other human ladies of the court. He saw that the ends of her mouth turned down slightly, as if remembering something she shouldn't have forgotten.

'I have come to apologize, Prince of Mirkwood.' She said looking at her boots. 'I have behaved neither like a Ranger nor as a lady as you have spoken of.' She dared to look at him. He bore a look of calmness one that almost melted her lest he knew it.

'Juliana, you know we need not call each other by our titles. We are siblings as you said. You are an Elf-friend though you may detest it. But will you hurt a brother?' he gave her a look of pleading that startled her. She laughed, amused by his words.

'If the brother is as impossible as you.' Juliana replied with a smile. 'But even I can withstand you.'

'Pray tell, how? I must know.' Legolas grinned. Juliana laughed again which enlightened his heart. It was such a rarity to hear her laugh.

'I have discovered that you can be entirely civil when you wish it. And I know that if one has lived for three millennia he can't help but become arrogant at times.' Juliana grinned mischievously, her green eyes sparkling.

Legolas straightened up, and rolled his eyes. 'Here I thought that you were apologizing to me.'

'I am.' Juliana said the grin still in place. 'That didn't mean I can't tease you while doing it.'

Legolas shook his head in mock exasperation. 'How can I resist such an apology?'

'It would do you well not to. Apologies are very hard to get from me.' Juliana continued to tease.

Legolas sighed. 'I could not win any argument against you, can I?'

'You taught me that much.' Juliana answered after a laugh. 'In any case, I am truly sorry for my conduct.' She said sincerely.

Legolas gave a nod of acknowledgement. 'It has already been accepted, my lady.'

'I thought we were beyond titles?' she asked him eyebrows raised. Legolas looked as if she reminded him something.

'It is my turn to apologize. Forgive me. I meant 'Juliana'.'

'You could be thoroughly amusing too; did you know that?' Juliana asked him as they walked into the only garden Edoras had. It had been constructed a long time ago, for a late King of Rohan had grown up in Gondor and wished to be reminded of the Minas Tirith gardens. Juliana rarely visited the garden but Legolas knew it well in such short time.

'I try to be sweet as well.' He answered with a side-long glance at her. Juliana laughed again.

'I would like to see you when you are.' She replied.

They entered the garden and stood amongst the rose bushes. Juliana looked at a nearby bush, tearing her gaze away from Legolas for a while. To Legolas' amusement, a small smile crept upon Juliana's face as she knelt beside one of the bushes. The roses were newly watered, so the petals had droplets of water upon them.

'Now here's a sight I thought I'd never see.' Legolas said a smile playing upon his own lips. Juliana looked up. 'What?' she asked bewildered. She had been enamored by the sight of the red roses; she forgot Legolas was there with her.

'A Ranger such as you delighting at the sight of flowers.' He flashed her, another wicked grin.

Juliana compromised to an exasperated shake of her head. She would have liked better to punch him at the gut, but he would most probably give a cry of pain that will attract the rest of Meduseld's occupants, and frankly, Juliana would rather have this conversation unrelated to gossipmongers who seem to follow her wherever she went.

'I will not comment on that, Prince of Mirkwood.' She said a glare flashing in her eyes. Legolas laughed. Juliana felt a bit shocked to hear his laugh. It was the first real laugh he could ever give, head thrown back in abandon.

'Patience is a virtue, Juliana. Have patience with me.' Legolas said mirth dancing in his blue eyes. Juliana gazed up at him.

'My patience is always tested with you.' She replied with just as much amusement.

Before they could reply, both heard something in the shadows outside the gardens. Legolas' ears pricked up, sensing no evil and real danger, he smiled before looking back at Juliana.

'Man cenich?' What do you see? Juliana asked him in Elvish, noting the amused smile on his face.

'An audience.' He replied in the same language. He motioned his head without really doing it on the direction where he felt the gossipmongers looking in and hearing their conversation.

Juliana smiled wider. 'Shall we entertain them?' she asked him eyes sparkling in mischief. Legolas grinned. 'Let's. I'm tired of them stalking us, looking for a scandal. Let's give them what they really want.'

Juliana was silent but he could tell she felt the same. Laughing silently, she closed some of the distance between her and the elf. She prevented smiling and laughing as she wrapped her arms around his neck shielding her face from the women who were watching them.

'They will soon realize we are mocking them if you continue laughing.' Legolas whispered but he was smiling as well. Juliana buried her face in his chest muffling the laughter that came out.

'I'm trying!" she mumbled. Taking in deep breaths she silenced herself. Juliana looked up at him no trace of the laughter except in her eyes. She touched his cheek, focusing on the task at hand.

'They are still watching us.' she said in Sindarin, but her tone was that of one professing their love. She saw Legolas' own blue sparkle as he answered in the same tongue. 'They will not relent will they?' he spoke also in a different tone.

Juliana prevented from laughing at loud again. 'Wrap your arms around me,' she said still in Sindarin. She figured the women understood her words as scandalous and improper for she heard a slight intake of breath.

Legolas complied and he wrapped his arms around her waist, placing one of his hands at the arch of her back, hearing also the reaction. 'They are enjoying this aren't they?' he asked lowering herself to whisper in her ear. He felt Juliana's breath in his own ear.

'Very much.' She whispered her breath making his spine tingle without him anticipating it. He pulled back a bit. He saw Juliana's eyes become bewildered. 'They might see you laughing.' He replied evasively.

'They will not leave us?' he asked, feeling uncomfortable in this position because he might do something he might regret later on. Juliana shook her head silently. 'Don't worry; I have something up my sleeve.'

Before Legolas could ask what, Juliana had acted upon impulse and met her lips with his in a soft kiss. It was his turn to feel surprised. Juliana's hands had left his neck and traveled to his jaw, kissing him with her silken lips. Legolas closed his eyes, not wanting to forget this moment. He felt as if this was not a show to get rid of the gossipmongers but it was what Juliana really felt towards him. Disregarding all the words of pain and of fraternal love they had said, he felt in his heart that Juliana was the one for him. And that she felt the same for him. He told himself that perhaps Juliana also felt love for him, and she was not afraid to walk that path because they would be together. One of his hands traveled up to the back of her neck, drinking in her kiss, feeling nothing but the moment.

Juliana at first wanted to kiss him to get rid of the gossipers. She did not realize, as the kiss got deeper that she had missed his kiss. This was the second kiss they shared and it still felt right. It was folly to say that he was a brother to her.

They pulled slowly away. They stood before each other, arms dropping to their sides as they realized what had transpired between them. Both their faces unreadable, both impassive and hidden underneath masks they themselves wore. Juliana gazed at his blue eyes, seeing the sea, and like that of Galadriel's mirror, memories of her childhood played in front of her through his eyes. Times they shared when she was but a child, falling off trees, hurting her knees as she ran, using a bow for the first time; all of these played before her through his eyes and all of them bore an image of him. Legolas helping her stand up when she fell, Legolas healing her skinned knees, Legolas teaching her how to hold the bow. He had not changed from that time to the present. He was the same elf in appearance since she was a child. It was the same youthful appearance, same posture, same blond hair, same pointed ears, and the same blue eyes. But as she looked at the same eyes, she saw something she had not seen before as a child. Something that she understood perfectly well. A feeling of complete loneliness that had found hope.

She was mortal, his mind knew this but his heart would not accept. She was but a child when he had learned how to kiss a female. She will die and he would remain, youthful and ageless. But all those things did not matter to him; she had given him peace in a lifetime of war, she had given him hope in lifetime of despair, but most of all, she had given him a feeling of purpose, and that was to love her till the end of the world.

Juliana hated herself to be the first one to break the gaze. She would rather remain in that moment of dreams, but one of them must face reality.

'They're gone.' She whispered her voice cracking as she looked over his shoulder not really looking for the women who had been watching but a way to get out. She had told herself countless times that she must not fall for anyone through her lifetime because it will mean death to that person. She had fallen for others, other Rangers and other travelers and had either made herself forget or distanced herself if they felt the same for her. But this task was the hardest of all. Juliana had known Legolas when she was a child so she had not the time to raise a shield because all she remembered of him were the memories of a child for an adult. But all those changed when they continued to be around each other. Juliana saw the Elf more like one of her age and not the immortal race. She had grown weak because of that. She had not anticipated that falling for Legolas would be the hardest thing to avoid.

Juliana pushed back the tears as she attempted to smile. 'You make a pretty good actor,' she looked at him trying to hide the truth in her eyes. 'You almost had me fooled.'

Legolas looked at her silently. She had resisted again. Why was she pushing herself away from something she obviously wanted? Was she afraid of him? Afraid of the thought of loving him?

'Who was acting?' he whispered looking at the rose bushes. Juliana blushed.

'Don't do this Legolas…' she started but by then Legolas had looked at her his eyes blazing silver, anger and pain in his eyes more than anything.

'Don't do what?' he said sharply. 'Tell me Juliana what I mustn't do. I have been bound by chains of duty for so long, one order from you should be easy enough to follow.'

Legolas saw the hurt that came as he said those harsh words to Juliana but it was like a flicker as it became a pleading look.

'Do not do this to yourself.' She begged him. 'You are not in love with me.'

'How do you know that?' Legolas' tone was taut; he was trying very hard to control the anger that was smoldering in his heart. 'How could you possibly know what I am feeling for you if you will not listen to me?'

'I listened.' She replied just as taut. 'I am still listening. But if we continue to this, the consequences will be far worse for you than it would be for me. I will not risk that.' She moved pass him to walk away but he had grabbed her arm to stop her.

'I know the consequences, Juliana and I damn them.' His eyes showed that his anger had only subsided because of his desire to make her listen. 'If you are listening to me, hear what I am saying now: DAMN THE CONSEQUENCES!'

Juliana jumped at the sharpness in his voice as she broke free of his grip. 'You do not know what you say Legolas.' She said dangerously. 'You do not know what you are saying. I know the consequences, I know what will happen if we continue to do this. We are not meant to be.' Her words had been repeated to others who had said the same thing to her. The words she had used were here last weapon to get her away. It usually worked for the other men, but Legolas wasn't just anybody.

'You will not give me the chance to try.' He said looking intently at her eyes. 'You do not believe that we can get through this if you trust me.'

'The path we are to walk is treacherous!' she cried at him. 'I would rather pull away from that path now than to see eternal suffering.' She was desperate now to get him away despite the callings of her heart.

'You will not walk that path alone.' He retorted with just as much passion. 'I will be there with you. But you will not see that. You will not see that you need not to be alone. Others had walked this path and they had shared happiness and bliss nevertheless.'

'We are not those people!' she almost shouted. 'We are not Beren and Luthien! We are not Aragorn and Arwen! We are not those people Legolas; it will only lead to disaster.' Tears glistened in her eyes. 'I thought you said you understood that I did not love you the way you thought I did. You said I was you sister, your gwathel, you said that I will no longer see you hurt. But if you do this, you will break all those words you had given me.'

'Those words were based upon lies you yourself said.' Legolas argued. 'I know you lied to me at that night, I know that you do not look to me like a brother, I know that you will never hurt me.' He closed the distance between them and held her arms.

'Let me go Legolas.' She whispered desperately closing her eyes. She will not lose herself in his blue pools, not this time. 'Please let me go.'

Legolas shook his head. 'No, I will not. We must clear this, Juliana once and for all. I have fallen in love with you; you must know that by now. We will ignore the other lies you have spoken to me, and you will say the truth.'

She heard the authority in his words and she knew what would happen if she will not comply. She nodded tears in her eyes. Legolas softened. He let go of her arms to wipe the tears away form her face. It seemed so long since their laughs and retorts earlier, their jokes and their teases. When Juliana had kissed him, it meant also the unveiling of the truth they must face.

'Do you love me?' Legolas whispered softly as the last of her tears were wiped away.

Juliana felt tears in her eyes again as she looked at the rose bushes avoiding his gaze. 'Do you love me Juliana?' Legolas pressed on.

'I don't know.' Juliana murmured, closing her eyes, letting the tears fall.

'What?' Legolas asked with such urgency, Juliana couldn't help shouting.

'I DON'T KNOW!' Juliana yelled looking angrily up at him. She broke free of his grip and ran towards a stone bench. Legolas watched her go, knowing how the situation was causing her pain and confusion. She had sat down and wept, wept as hard as Legolas had ever seen her, her dark hair falling across her eyes.

'I don't know what to say Legolas,' she said when she quieted down a bit. 'I don't know what I feel. I'd rather not answer your question than give you an answer that I might not be able to hold onto. I'm sorry. But I know that I would rather see you live beyond my years without my love than experiencing a lifetime of pain or even worse.' She was looking at the ground as she spoke.

'You are afraid.' Legolas said firmly. 'Afraid that anything that might happen between us can have happiness.'

Juliana, who had been wiping her tears on the sleeve of her tunic stopped and looked at him, her eyes hardening despite the mist that was once there.

'I am afraid of nothing.' She said hotly. 'Do you call it fear if I desire you to have no pain in your life? Do you call it fear if I choose the easier path for once in order to save you!' she stood up and looked determinedly at him.

'You say you want to save me from pain, but you know nothing about it.' Legolas retorted just as hotly. 'You have already caused me pain at the times you would not admit that you have feelings for me. Feelings that are too strong for you to deny but you still choose to. The easier path is cowardice, nithiel.'

Juliana closed her eyes then opened them again. 'I told you not to call me that.' She hissed.

'And why not?' Legolas stubbornly asked. 'Why shouldn't I call you Nithiel, because it reminds you of whatever fondness you had for the Eldar?'

'No.' Juliana shook her head. 'It reminds me that anything that can transpire between us will be full of tragedy.'

Juliana saw his blue eyes sparkle with hope, making her feel regret the minute she said.

'You do love me then.' Legolas said not bothering to ask. Juliana approached him so she could see her own reflection in his eyes.

'Know that I care for you.' Juliana whispered. 'Be content with that.'

'I cannot.' Legolas answered firmly.

'What do you want me to say?' Juliana asked him though she need not have.

'Say that you love me.' Legolas begged reaching for her face. He saw her partly close her eyes, feeling his hands on her skin. 'Please, Juliana, say that you love me.'

There was a silence as he waited for her answer. She looked up at him and he saw the answer before she even said it.

'Know that I care for you,' Juliana said her voice shaking. 'Be content with that.' And with that she gave him a kiss on his chiseled cheek and left the garden as swift as she could, taking all the hope Legolas ever had for a peaceful life.

Juliana ran away from Legolas, not knowing where to go, just looking for a place to get away from the elf. She wanted to be alone. She wanted to think. She could not believe that she so narrowly escaped Legolas' words. The ways he spoke seemed almost like a dream, that they might be able to fight whatever comes their way if they chose to love each other. That was naivety at the highest sense, argued the voice in her head when she chose to think about them. Legolas didn't know about the consequences, he didn't know what would happen if she did love him. She will not suffer endless pain again because of happiness that was finite. Juliana promised herself she will not lower herself like that again.

What will she do? She went on this journey to find peace, to do great deeds like her father once did, and trying to forget a past full of grief. She cannot do so when her past was just behind her. She did not want to leave the Grey Company, but as long as Legolas belonged in it, she could not bear to live a day without crying and feel longing for something she could not have. She would have to leave.

She would have to leave for a few days, composing herself and regaining her balance of mind. She needed peace and focus if she wanted to participate in this war against evil, and she could not do this if she was bothered with thoughts of Legolas.

Deciding on this, Juliana Eareliath ran to her room, determined and sure. Running inside and grabbing her carpetbag, she threw in a few days' tunics and leggings, her Ranger outfit, her healing pack, daggers and the necklace she had since she was a baby.

It was crafted by silversmiths long forgotten. It was shaped like a five-pointed star and hang from a strong silver chain. Looking at her reflection in the necklace, she quickly placed it around her neck, the sign that she was prepared to defy any feelings and attempts to her heart. Looking for some twine she gathered her hair at the base of her neck, careful in hiding her ears, tied her dark hair. Slinging on her carpetbag on her shoulder she prepared to leave the room.

To her surprise, Aragorn stood at the doorway, arms folded and body inclined at the doorframe. Juliana was visited with a mental image of Legolas earlier at the hall so she shook her head involuntarily erasing that picture out of her mind.

'Mas beditach?' Where are you going? Aragorn asked her with a puzzled expression.

Juliana looked at him, detesting of bumping into Aragorn when she wanted to escape. Of all Legolas' friends, it was he that was Juliana wanted to see the last and talk to about the Elf.

'Don't block my way, Aragorn.' Juliana said dangerously walking determinedly to get pass him, but Aragorn blocked the door.

'You have not answered my question, Juliana.' The Ranger replied smoothly. 'Where are you going?'

Juliana stepped back and attempted to get pass him again but Aragorn held his ground. Sighing exasperatedly, Juliana looked back up at Aragorn, tears starting to form in her eyes.

'I need to get away from him Aragorn.' She said sitting back on the bed, finally voicing out her plans. 'I need to be alone for a while.' She looked at her boots, letting her tears fall. Aragorn looked at the Lady Ranger and silently walked over to her.

'You do know that running away isn't the answer.' Aragorn whispered sitting beside her on the bed.

Juliana didn't trust herself to speak so she only nodded. 'Then why are you running?' Aragorn asked her.

Juliana looked up, her eyes red from crying. 'Because I am afraid.' She whispered telling the Ranger something she never could tell Legolas. 'I'm afraid of taking that leap of faith and that risk. Not because I'm afraid to love him, you know the truth to that already; I do love him, but you also know that we are totally different. I am not like you Aragorn. I can't step on the path you chose with the Evenstar. I am afraid for both of us.' She looked away again, only to see her image on the mirror in her bedroom. Juliana stared at her reflection then almost at once, she heard his voice saying you will not walk that path alone. I will be there with you. Juliana closed her eyes to shut away his voice. To stop her feel regret.

'What makes you say that Arwen and I are not afraid?' Aragorn asked in a soft voice. Juliana focused her gaze once more on him.

'What makes you say that I do not feel helplessness in this inner battle, Eareliath?' Aragorn asked again. Juliana was silent so he chose to continue. 'We are both afraid, Juliana. Afraid of what's to come. I have done something that has lowered me in the sight of Arwen.' Aragorn admitted, this time being the one to look away. 'I told her to go over to the Undying Lands.' He whispered so softly that it was almost inaudible.

Juliana for once understood why Aragorn and Legolas got along so well. Both hide their feelings for the world though the felt very deeply. Aragorn, unlike Legolas, understood the deeper meaning of sacrifice for love. Aragorn had a destiny to fulfill and he did not want to destroy somebody else's life, though that someone may be his only love. Legolas on the other hand; though he also felt things deeply, he seems to be confused as anybody in admitting it.

'That was a choice born of necessity and for the better good.' Juliana said, wanting to comfort Aragorn as well. 'It was only right for Arwen to go.'

'But I loved her.' Aragirn said passionately. 'I still do. I did it because I don't want her to look me old and weary, while she herself is that of Eldar descent. I did not do that. I couldn't.'

'That's why I need to go Aragorn.' Juliana whispered. 'I need to get away form Legolas if I do not want to myself to end like you. Legolas belongs in a race far more superior than I; I couldn't possibly take such a risk for both of us. You understand my reason.'

Aragorn looked at Juliana as she stood up form the bed and he knew that there was no reasoning her once she made up her mind. Thinking that it will be him that would have to explain to the elf, Aragorn stood up as well.

'Very well.' Aragorn sighed and nodded. 'No I Melian nai.' May the Valar watch over you. ?

Juliana nodded and smiled for the first time since her time with Legolas. 'Thank you Aragorn. You are really a true friend.' With that, Juliana embraced Aragorn tight.

'Where will you go?' Aragorn asked as they released.

Juliana shrugged. 'I do not know. Once thing's for sure, I will come back. I am still a Ranger, and as one, I am bound to serve my captain.' With that she bowed in front of Aragorn and swiftly left the room.

Legolas Greenleaf was alone. He felt nothing and saw nothing. He had stayed in the garden only to run after Juliana shortly after she departed. What he saw in her room tormented him for eternity. He didn't bother to hear the conversation for he was too much in pain. The pains of seeing Juliana wrap her arms around Aragorn.

In anger and in confusion, Legolas slammed his fist on the steps where he sat. He felt physical pain course through his fist but he forgot it because of the pain in his heart. What would his father say when he saw him now? King Thranduil was an embodiment of regality and kingship but always he was there to give advice when Legolas needed it. And Legolas needed it now more than ever.

'Do you enjoy hurting yourself my lord?' said a feminine voice behind him and he knew it was not Juliana. Legolas had been repeatedly pounding his fist on the step has sitting at the back of Meduseld. That was how Lady Eowyn saw him.

Legolas stood up, a little ashamed for his behavior. But as an elf, he did not show it. He faced Eowyn how he would face any other mortal, placidly.

'My lady,' Legolas spoke, every bit of a prince. He placed his hand on his heart and inclined his body in elvish manner.

'My lord,' Eowyn answered, nodding in reply to his bow.

Legolas became silent then, not knowing how to respond to the scene in which Eowyn saw him in. It was vulnerability to emotions that Legolas fought so hard to hide amongst even those of his kin. He was relieved then when Eowyn chose to approach the subject herself.

' I hope this place has not bored you, my lord.' Eowyn said approaching him to stand beside him, looking out into the horizon.

'Why do you say that Lady Eowyn?' Legolas asked her, blue eyes puzzled.

'Because you have taken to hurt yourself rather than enjoy your stay here.' Eowyn said looking at him with a little smile.

There was a ghost of a smile on the Elf's face as he looked out where Eowyn was looking before. 'Though I would like to enjoy myself I cannot. For times are very tense and very short and must not be used for stalling.'

'You are impatient for battle then?' Eowyn asked with a frown. 'I do not see why anyone would.'

'I have said nothing of the sort Lady Eowyn.' Legolas replied subtly. 'I meant to say that I feel restless to get away from all of this. To get away.'

'And where will you go Lord Legolas?' Eowyn asked curiously. 'Back to your realm? I am sure you don't have problems there.'

'You are mistaken Lady Eowyn.' answered Legolas with an air of regret. 'My problems here are as worse as those at home. I wish to finally solve them. I wish for peace.'

'So do we all.' Eowyn said looking out again. Legolas looked at her noting that there was a message in those words, but he chose not to say them aloud. He also knew that Lady Eowyn felt more for Aragorn than just admiration. Out of all people, perhaps, Eowyn would be one to explain what they were both feeling.

Eowyn looked and met his gaze. Legolas saw at once what connected her to Juliana, why they instantly formed a friendship. Lady Eowyn bore a will and look that suggested strength, very much liked Juliana. But Moreover, Eowyn's grey eyes suggested that she felt things deeply as well.

'Why do you stare at me my lord?' Eowyn asked a little confused.

Legolas smirked and shook his head. Eowyn also had a wit that could be admired by Juliana.

'Forgive me my lady, I was distracted by the thoughts of other things and did not notice.'

Eowyn smiled. 'Thoughts that contain a Ranger perhaps?'

Legolas frowned, remembering the moment in the garden and the pain she left him with. Eowyn noticed this.

'Did I say something wrong my lord?'

Legolas found himself speaking before he could stop himself. 'It is not so wrong if the Ranger has not offended me much.'

'What has Juliana done to you?' Eowyn asked again.

'I will not go into details, if I may, Lady Eowyn.'

'Then don't, my lord.'

'Lady Juliana has done enough damage to my being more than Orcs can ever do. She has emptied me of hope. I cannot hurt myself more by thinking of her.'

Eowyn's brow knitted in puzzlement. 'But is she not a mortal like I am? Surely one of the immortal races should not bother with us whose time is limited.'

Legolas sighed. How many times had he heard this? When he replied it took a lot for Legolas not to snap. 'Being immortal does not mean being numb. I am an Elf and that means I feel as well as others do, perhaps even more.'

Eowyn looked at his profile carefully. If she was not in love with Aragorn, she could have probably fallen for Legolas instead. But already that was an improbability. Legolas was a warrior but he cared and felt things with as much sincerity as he could. Aragorn was like him, but Aragorn, Aragorn had a certainty that he could be alone and he would survive. Legolas held himself as if he was alone and would continue to be so. Eowyn saw what Juliana wanted to change and what attracted her friend to him. Legolas was in pain and he did not know it.

Eowyn sighed. They were at the height of their war but still there were problems. Problems involving too many emotions. Problems she most probably did not want to be in but was there. Problems Juliana could probably solve but not alone.

'I was heard a saying among my friends.' Eowyn suddenly said, not really thinking of what she wanted to say. Nevertheless she caught the Elf's attention so she was content. 'Love is never there when you want it and it is there when you don't want it. But it is always there when you need it.' She stopped to look at him. 'Does that make sense to you, my lord?'

Eowyn was startled to see that Legolas had a smile in his eyes. 'At least I know that you would make an excellent philosopher, Lady Eowyn.'

Eowyn laughed. At least they had comforted each other at any rate.

It had been an agreement long ago by kings of Rohan and Gondor, that when time comes that the other calls for help, they should light the beacons stretching from the mountains to each other's realm. It was the only time in the Third Age that Gondor was in the rule of the Steward; the beacons were lit, calling Rohan for aid. And out all people to see this first, it was Aragorn, son of Arathorn, heir to the throne of Gondor.

'The beacons are lit!' the Ranger said aloud as he burst inside Meduseld. 'The beacons of Gondor are lit! Gondor calls for aid!'

The air inside the Golden Hall was stilled as they watched King Théoden's reaction to the news Aragorn brought.

'And Rohan shall answer.' Theoden's voice echoed across the hall and it didn't need a genius to see the look of relief on Aragorn's face as he said those words. 'Muster the Rohirrim!'

Lord Eomer, Third Marshal of the Mark, nodded and bowed to his king. He exchanged glances with Lady Eowyn and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and departed.

Juliana was missing. Legolas had not seen her since their argument at the garden and when she had embrace Aragorn. He had ignored looking for her because he knew it would be both painful for them if they met when they weren't ready. Now, he was looking for her because he was wondering if she would fight the battle that was at hand. She was missing and Legolas had hunch who knew where she was.

'Where is Eareliath?' Legolas asked bluntly as he met Aragorn in the stables. Aragorn was busy saddling Brego.

Aragorn looked distractedly at him. 'What? Shouldn't you be saddling Arod?'

'He's already saddled. Gimli has him.' There was a frown in Legolas' lips and his arms were folded as he surveyed Aragorn. 'Where is Juliana?'

'Why do you look for her?' Aragorn delayed as he led Brego out of the stables. Legolas followed him. 'Because Juliana wouldn't suddenly disappear when she knows there is a battle. She wants to fight for peace, and she wouldn't be doing so if she isn't here.' Legolas snapped.

'Juliana has her own ways of fighting.' Aragorn answered calmly.

'Of course you would know that, seeing as how she can tell you everything and tell me nothing.' Legolas hissed. 'Seeing as how she showers you with affection and scorn my own.'

Aragorn paused as he absorbed Legolas' words. "What?' Aragorn asked in disbelief as he turned around to face Legolas. When the mortal met the elf's eyes, he was astonished to see the pangs of despised love burned on his blue pools.

Legolas forced himself to calm down, seeing as he already had Aragorn's attention. He straightened up and placed the mask of calmness over his true emotions. Aragorn noticed this.

'Where is she Aragorn?' Legolas asked the man softly.

Aragorn sighed and looked at the Elf. 'She is gone.'

'Gone?' Legolas tried to stop the crack in his voice. Though Legolas was pained at Juliana's decision in rejecting him, it became a bigger hole in his heart to find that Juliana made sure that there wouldn't be another moment that they would meet, and that was to leave. To think, her desire to get away from him was greater than her desire for peace. How did it come to this? Legolas asked himself. 'She's left?' Legolas repeated looking at Aragorn with surprise.

Aragorn sighed again, hating to be the one to tell him. 'Yes she is gone. She said she needed some to think and to recompose. Juliana said it was for the best.' Aragorn eyed Legolas at the last words.

'She's not coming back.' Legolas stated more than asked. Aragorn felt sorry for the Elf. Of all the beings the Prince of Mirkwood could have fallen for, it was a human. A strange choice but the heart rarely lets the mind choose whom to love. Legolas had fallen for Juliana simply because Juliana was real and looked at the prince as a normal person. She certainly insulted him like a normal person, and that relived Legolas of feeling bound to duty. Now to know that that piece of reality left, Legolas was alone.

The Man placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder and squeezed gently. 'She will come back.'

Legolas looked up, not bothering to hide the hope in his eyes.

'Juliana promised me that she will come back when she is needed.' Aragorn reassured.

'Why didn't she tell me this?' Legolas answered, feeling anger towards Juliana again. She had already hurt him once, the least she could do was to tell him she was leaving. 'Am I not the one she knows best among us? Why did she choose to tell you?' his tone was accusatory.

'Legolas…' Aragorn started. Legolas interrupted. 'If she does not value all the help I have given her so be it. But to make me a fool by looking for her, my pride does not allow it. Am I proud she says; so I will be. She has hurt me once; I will not let her do so again. She has cost me enough pain.'

Legolas shook of f Aragorn's hand from his shoulder and strode over to Arod. Aragorn watched him go, feeling sorry and sympathizing with his friend. Juliana was a hard character to understand, even when it is an elf that is doing the understanding. Nevertheless, Legolas was harder.

Aragorn's thoughts of Juliana and Legolas were cut off when he saw, Eowyn leading out her own horse from the stables, preparing also to ride with the Rohirrim. Around them were Rohirrim soldiers preparing for a long ride.

'You ride with us?' Aragorn asked with surprise.

Eowyn looked over her shoulder as she placed a cloth around her horse. 'Just to the encampment. It's tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men.' She answered.

Aragorn somehow, was not convinced and to prove his theory, he reached out to peek inside the sleeping bags that were with her horse. He was not surprised to see a sheathed blade. Eowyn spotted him and looking and quickly covered the sword once more.

'The men have found their captain.' Eowyn said seriously, but also subtly changing the subject. 'They will follow you into battle even to death. You have given us hope.'

Aragorn looked away at the hopeful look in Eowyn's eyes. Somehow, Aragorn was not as sure. He merely nodded and mounted his horse; Eowyn copied him.

Legolas meanwhile, walked in a storm towards Gimli and Arod. The dwarf said nothing as both of them mounted the steed, but it did not go unnoticed to the dwarf that Legolas was in pain.

Legolas tried to filter his emotions out of all anger in his heart, not even noticing Gimli fidgeting in the saddle. He inclined his head towards the dwarf, hiding his raised eyebrows.

' I wish I could muster a legion of dwarves, fully armed and filthy.' Gimli growled. It was true, he didn't feel confident about the Horsemen.

Legolas sighed, looking out into the horizon. 'Your kinsmen may have no need to go to war.' He spoke ominously. 'I fear war is already marching in their own lands.' Gimli made an acknowledging noise but did not reply.

'Legolas!' A youth's voice cut through the sounds of men and horses. Hadrod was weaving pass the horses to Arod. He looked up at the elf as he caught his breath.

'What is it Hadrod?' he asked with a voice unlike his own. Hadrod saw how cold the Elf's voice was and could not prevent to feel hesitation. Legolas noticed it and repeated his words a little more gently.

Hadrod reached into the pocket of his tunic to reveal a pair of daggers. 'Juliana left this by accident. Would you pleased give them to her? I know she trusts you more than anyone, no offense, Master Gimli.' Hadrod quickly bowed to Gimli who only smiled in return.

Legolas looked at the daggers sheathed and strapped in a belt. It was Juliana's all right. Looking at the etchings of the belt told him immediately. His hands lingered above the belt. Should he take it? He was not sure he would see her again. But then again, it would be something that reminded him of her if she doesn't return. A selfish motive but he didn't care. He reached for it and took them into his hands. Hadrod bowed in thanks.

Suddenly the great war horn boomed summoning all riders to their horses. Legolas looked behind him as he maneuvered Arod to ride alongside the others. The Elf saw Eomer and almost at once, he remembered the day the Third Marshal kissed Juliana. Somehow, his blood boiled. He kept his emotions at bay as Eomer marshaled the Riders.

'Riders of Rohan!' Eomer cried. 'Oaths you taken! Now fulfill them all…to Lord and Land!'

With that the Rohirrim charged out of Edoras to journey towards their doom and their final moment of glory.

(Hi! this chapter is pretty much on the story of LOTR, and not much Leggy-Juliana romance, as you saw when you read it.Still, I hope I have been at least faithful to the story. My excuse for writing this chapter is that you have to allow chapters like this so you can still remain the essence of the fiction your writing from! Spare my excuses and hope you like the next chapter! P.S. Pls. Review it! I need opinions! Namarie!)