Author's note: Haldir is an a$$ but you will see he had reasons for being pompous, he's actually pretty decent. Another thing, heights will be touched on briefly, for fluff purposes, &it us mentioned in the book not the movie. Hobbits have a strong dislike for sleeping in high places for fear of falling off. Happy Holidays everyone! Thank you for the reviews! I would thank all of you for your reviews in turn but it would take up a page. Seriously. &I don't want anyone to feel slighted if I forgot someone. So I give all of you virtual hugs, that's right feel my love and appreciation! Whoa! Too much love! Get your hands off that hentai!… now you will all wonder which one of you was the one to virtually grope someone. Lol. Would've put this up last night but problems arose. Originally came out over 30 pages so I'm breaking it up & you will see more chapters come up after this. Please enjoy. Next chapter: a better opportunity for the 2 to ask questions&get to know one another. Yay!

He was cornered. And not just by anyone, but by Lord Sesshomaru. Oh yes, the demon lord knew of everything that happened, or was said regarding his ward. Once Sesshomaru had finished the blood binding with Shippo and writing his letter to Kouga he had asked the elves watching Gimli what had transgressed while he was busy. When Sesshomaru had found out about Haldir's slight towards Kagome he had immediately taken off in search of Haldir. Lord Sesshomaru had found the elf walking around the city on night patrol. The demon quickly fell into silent steps behind Haldir. The elf was unaware of the intrusion upon his patrol and gave a jerk, bow readied and trained on the dark figure, when Sesshomaru cleared his throat.

"Haldir, there was an argument today," Sesshomaru stated silently, his eyes bored into the top of Haldir's head as the elf found himself staring at the ground. There was something about Lord Sesshomaru that made everyone uneasy. The truth was everyone feared that with the demon's eyes he saw everything you did in your life. It appeared as if in all actuality Sesshomaru did know everything you did in your life. In all honesty Sesshomaru merely had open ears and made it a matter of importance to know of everything that went on in Lothlorein and outside of it.

"There was," Haldir answered raising his eyes to look back at Sesshomaru, "but it was my opinion and I believe that everyone is entitled to that my lord." The elf appeared very bold in this comment. Automatically Sesshomaru sensed Haldir had a reason for being so opinionated.

"Elves are not without imperfection," replied Sesshomaru as he walked off leaving Haldir to trail after the demon lord. The elf had to quicken his pace to catch up to the side of Sesshomaru.

"M'lord, the elves have encountered many things and given flawed commands in the past, but Isildur-"

"Lady Galadriel's ancestors weren't perfect," Sesshomaru reminded Haldir as he continued walking with the elf's breath quickening at trying to keep pace with the demon lord. Haldir stopped for a moment remembering the wars that had ensued from the Ñoldor elves with which Galadriel was descended from. Haldir gaped like a fish before pursuing after Lord Sesshomaru. The demon lord was correct in his statement, Haldir admitted that fact, but Haldir had someone to keep watch over so he knew he had to pursue his earlier reasoning. "M'lord surely you aren't comparing our wars to the fall of Isildur. Take into account that the lady was banished from her home and we all live with those consequences. As I may recall Aragorn wasn't bani-"

"Would you rather be banished from your home or live in it and be forever looked down upon? Your opinions are weak and come from more emotion than key points."

"Legolas is in love with Kagome," growled Haldir causing Lord Sesshomaru to come to a complete standstill where he stood. This wasn't part of the argument that the demon lord had expected. It wasn't part of the argument at all.

Haldir had noticed the looks, the exchanges betwixt Kagome and Legolas, the words not said, the actions not taken. Haldir had found out from one of the elves watching Gimli, during their argument, that Legolas had been sitting uneasily to the side and had walked off as soon as the argument was done. It didn't take an idiot to realize what was happening. And Haldir wasn't an idiot.

"You're sure?" Lord Sesshomaru asked through closed eyes, his back faced Haldir.

"He may not be so yet, but it is happening," murmured Haldir. "Yes, I know my judgment is set on emotion. I admit it… When I speak to you I cannot but help feel wrong for you've been here longer than most of my race has existed… You know his father's opinion is similar to mine though my own opinion is weak," Haldir answered truthfully. "I would befriend Kagome in a heartbeat. But King Thranduil's views are stronger. He sees no wrong in the elf race, his arrogance precedes any I have seen, and he isn't one to change his mind so easily. It took the king over fifty years to slowly develop a disliking for mankind. Ever since then he's noticed all the bad traits in man and all the good in elves, nothing else. His hatred is akin to our despise for the dwarves."

"Is that why you argued so adamantly against their kind?" Lord Sesshomaru asked. Now he saw why Haldir had argued so with the group. Haldir must've wanted to win the argument so that word would've gotten to Legolas through the group that mortals were weak. He'd planned to argue so vehemently for a purpose. "Why do you put so much effort in attacking Lady Kagome?"

"I do have minor quarrels with the race of man, but I can accept them. I can accept Lady Kagome for being her own unique kind as well, the only immortal of man that exists in this world. But it was when I realized she was your ward I argued all that I could to try and persuade the others that the mixing of the two races couldn't bode well. I didn't want his father's cruelties to add onto their quest. King Thranduil would've… will do everything in his power to prevent a romance between his son and someone not of the elf race." Haldir took a pause and looked at Sesshomaru as bravely as he could before continuing, "It was better to have started a rift early between the two then watch a larger one forced upon them."

"You did this as a kindness for my ward?" Sesshomaru's brow rose at the possibility Haldir would be so nice towards Kagome to try and keep her out of a father's conniving ways.

"No, I did this for mine," answered Haldir. He knew how vehement King Thranduil would've gotten at the thought of his son and the sister of a demon. Even if Lord Sesshomaru was an advisor to the king he would still be thought of as something that arose from an evil nature in King Thranduil's eyes. Few knew of Lord Sesshomaru's demon form and one of those few was King Thranduil.

Ever since the departure from Rivendale, Legolas's father had imposed upon Haldir to send him back a report on his son should he arrive at Lothlorein. There were undoubtedly a few other elves within other areas that had also been passed the assignment should they come across Prince Legolas. Haldir didn't want to see the elf prince get in trouble with his father for befriending a woman, much less falling for one that wasn't their race. Especially when the king was scouting out female elves to present Legolas with once their quest was over. Should he hear that Legolas was falling for Kagome the prince would be called back from the quest, an order from the king to be obeyed, and would be forced into marriage immediately.

"And your argument failed."

"Yes… I will have to report to the king… you can imagine what he will do if he founds out there is even a remote a possibility of the two joining," said Haldir. He had thought to keep things quiet from the king considering Kagome's appearance was very much like that of an elf, but his own arguments proved that such an action would fail. "Though Lady Kagome looks like an elf she doesn't act like one. Her emotions are strong and she speaks with her heart before her mind."

Lord Sesshomaru stood silent for a moment staring up at the stars quietly contemplating what he'd just been told. Of course Sesshomaru had noticed the small things between Kagome and Legolas but he hadn't thought anything more to it when he realized the elf was so conflicted he probably wouldn't act on anything. If he begins acting on his feelings only then will I consider him a worthy suitor for her… but perhaps he will change his mind and act upon his feelings. If Kagome may change my mind I am sure she could change his… hmm, the second blessing. Something I've ardently wished for Kagome. I only wish for her to be happy. The miko has suffered too much to not be loved and we have worked too hard for her to gain this chance at a new life. Maybe, should he realize his own feelings, this prince may be the one with whom the second blessing is possible. Can I allow interference after waiting this long for her to be happy?

"M'lord?" Haldir asked as Sesshomaru's mind came to a conclusion. No. There will be no interference from the king and his lackeys. I know not if he is the one for Kagome, but I will interfere just in case he is. The demon lord nodded his assent and kept a steady eye on the stars before he answered Haldir.

"The stars…" Haldir slowly turned his attention to the heavens above them and then looked back over at the demon lord.

"What of them?"

"There are many. Far too many to keep track of just one star," the demon lord said referring to the upkeep of Legolas's whereabouts and occurrences. "No one can know everything about one star." Haldir couldn't believe what he was hearing. The demon lord was actually suggesting Haldir keep quiet about the things happening between Legolas and Kagome, or in this case the things that may happen. Then again, Haldir was a friend of Legolas and no matter what his views or the king's he wanted the happiness of the elf.

"M'lord… I believe you are right. There are indeed too many stars in the sky to keep track of one." Sesshomaru smirked to himself at the small victory. As far as Sesshomaru was concerned Legolas's father would hear of nothing. "Now if you'll excuse me my lord I must continue my rounds."

"You will apologize to her one day," breathed Sesshomaru and then he vanished as if into thin air. It wasn't a request, it was an order. Haldir though would've gladly apologized without needing Lord Sesshomaru to command it.

"What is this?" Shippo shouted to the skies as he came across the Fellowship. He had merely gotten up early to come by and alert his friends to a meal that awaited them. What did Shippo find? Somewhere in the night, with their pallets lying near one another, Kagome had moved in her sleep closer to Legolas so that her face rested on his back. The elf had noticed her movement in the night, but had merely closed his eyes and went back to sleep finding nothing wrong with the action. In fact, Legolas had felt such a comforting feeling he hadn't woken her at all. Thanks to Shippo everyone in the Fellowship found themselves stirring, everyone but Kagome that is. She could be a hard sleeper when she wanted to be.

Again, Shippo yelled, "What is this?" Aragorn sleepily drew his sword out of instinct at the loud-mouthed demon and jumped up only to find the disturbance had been Shippo. He sheathed his sword and let out a long yawn. Boromir grabbed Aragorn's blanket and placed it over his head trying to shut out the fox demon.

"Kirara, make the bad man go away," Pippin murmured sleepily to the cat that slept beside him and his cousin Merry. Pippin's cousin however sat up and found his eyes widening at the sight of Kagome. Gimli threatened to cut Shippo's tail off as he turned over on his side to try and fall back asleep. Frodo, finding he did not want this one time they could sleep in be disturbed, threw a boot at Shippo. And Sam was busy rationing his food at six in the morning, like usual.

Legolas peered an eye open when Shippo's yelling didn't cease. And then the elf realized something. Shippo was pissed.

Shippo was pissed at him.

Shippo was a fox demon.

Legolas was in danger.

The elf shot up, hating to leave the warmth of his bed so early in the morning, and sat rigidly staring back at Shippo. The elf slowly thought over all the possible things that could've angered the fox demon. Are there intruders? No, because then he wouldn't be glaring daggers at me. Maybe he's mad I can shoot better than him… Why are my blankets moving? The elf glanced over to see Kagome snuggled closely to his side. She really is an innocent little thing grabbing hold of me when she's- Oh! That's why! Legolas's eyes widened as he stared up at the angry fox demon.

"She did that in her sleep," vowed Legolas.

"Kagome doesn't move around in her sleep-" As the words came out of Shippo's mouth Kagome's hand sought out blindly for her source of warmth. When Kagome's hand came across Legolas's she pulled it towards her, tucked it under her face, and nuzzled the warm bit of skin that radiated heat for her face.

Aragorn guffawed before slapping Shippo on the back warmly, relieved that something wasn't seriously wrong, at least according to Aragorn's belief. "Think nothing of it. She probably would've done the same had she slept near me, Shippo." These words didn't comfort Shippo in the least; in fact, Shippo merely glared the harder at Aragorn and Legolas both.

"So you didn't push her off?" Legolas tried to free his hand from Kagome, but she jerked it back much to his amusement like a puppy that wouldn't let go of her chew toy.

"Shippo?" yawned Kagome. She began to stir, but she kept her eyes shut as she stretched one arm and brought Legolas's hand closer to her face, "Would ya stop talking? I'm too tired to get up." Kagome was stuck in dreamland. In the dream, Hojo was trying to force her to drink tea that would make her fall in love with him. She kept trying to push him away, and Souta ran around dressed like Inuyasha. Shippo was eating lunch with Buyo who could talk, Sesshomaru's mokomoko was alive and wouldn't shut the door, Gimli wore a dress, and Legolas was prancing around without a shirt. Such chaos normally ensued from Kagome's dreams. "And tell Buyo to use a napkin, he's leaving crumbs everywhere," she said very much annoyed with the talking cat who couldn't eat properly.

"Kagome," breathed Shippo very much annoyed, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers, "what is that you're cuddled up to?"

"I don't know, but it's warm," mumbled Kagome. She slowly opened her eyes to look at the hand nestled under her face, her eyes followed that hand up the arm, and to the shoulder seeing the face it was attached too. Legolas. He covered his mouth with his free hand to keep from laughing out loud. The elf didn't want to make this more embarrassing than it already was. Kagome stared at Legolas trying to understand how he was so close to her in the morning. Her mind wasn't waking as fast as the elf's had. She sat up and glared at Shippo tiredly. Kagome's glare would've been terrifying had it not been for a long yawn that interrupted her menacing look. Her eyes settled on Legolas for a moment before she said, "I thought you weren't wearing a shirt?" Shippo's eyes almost popped out of his sockets and Legolas stared at Kagome confused as to why he wouldn't have a shirt on. "Too bad… you looked pretty," Kagome grumbled patting Legolas's firm chest with a hand before she heard Shippo clear his throat. Kagome returned her original glare to her son. Neither noticed the faint tinge of pink that crept to Legolas's cheeks.

"Let me get this straight," she breathed rubbing her eyes and letting her hand lazily push back the short hair that hung in front of her eyes. She still felt as if she were halfway in a dream and halfway awake. Kagome's thoughts weren't running coherently at all, nor could she grasp the fact that she was still holding Legolas's hand. "You woke me up early in the morning all because I was grabbing Leggy's arm! My face was cold last night Ship-ship! Now please get out of my house, take that blasted mokomoko with you, and shut the door." Kagome fell back onto her pallet, making no sense with her last exclamation, pulling 'Leggy's' arm close to her chest forcing him into an uncomfortable position as he had to lean forward, that and his arm was pressed up against her chest. There was no door, no room, and they were sleeping out in the open.

Shippo growled out while turning redder than Inuyasha's fire rat haori, "You couldn't use your blanket? And let go of his arm!"

"That blanket is as thin as Inuyasha's patience," grunted Kagome from her pallet. She finally let go of Legolas's arm to pull up her blanket over her head with one hand. Kagome's other hand pointed threateningly at Shippo glowing a bright pink. She did not want to wake up so early in the morning when she could rest. And she didn't rightly care so early in the morning that she'd been using Legolas's arm for warmth. Then again nothing made since to her in the mornings. Kagome was not a morning person. "You have five seconds to run Shippo and let me sleep for one more hour."

"But he's a man-"

"One--Nah shit."

"But you were-"

"Two. Three."

"But I don't want you cud-"

"I can do whatever I please with my life. You know what? Screw it! Five," hissed Kagome sending a spark of bright pink light chasing after Shippo who literally turned tail and ran but not before the small bolt hit his tail earning a yelp out of him. Kagome turned back over, and pulled her blanket over her head. "Night ya'll. Will someone shut the door and tell Hojo I don't want anymore damn tea? I'm not going to fall in love with him! Thanks," Kagome said instantly falling fast asleep with light little snores escaping her mouth.

Pippin muttered from where his pallet was, "I'd like some tea." And then Merry whacked his head and told him to go back to sleep.

"This has been an interesting morning," Aragorn said getting up and deciding to head off to find breakfast.

"Leggy," snorted Gimli from where he'd been trying to sleep, much to Legolas's mortification the dwarf had found out Kagome's nickname for him and couldn't stop snickering. Legolas reached out, grabbed Frodo's tossed shoe, and chucked it at Gimli's side. The elf immediately fell to his pallet pretending to sleep with Gimli looked around from his bed to find the culprit. The dwarf muttered curses before he returned to his slumber. And Legolas was left to stare upon the curiously insane-in-the-morning miko who slept by his side. And as he too returned to slumber, Legolas slowly drifted off to sleep but not without wondering, Who is Hojo?

"Ah! Good morning Haldir," greeted Aragorn as he took a seat purposefully beside the elf. "I have a question to ask of you." The elf was rather shocked that Aragorn was even within his vicinity considering their rather heated argument the day before. Haldir had thought hard upon their squabbling and he'd felt rather guilty in the end, especially after Sesshomaru had cornered him.

"And what is that?"

"How did you know Kagome was of my race?" Haldir immediately let out a small chuckle as he broke his bread and began eating his breakfast. It was odd how often he found himself speaking with others of Lady Kagome.

"I didn't at first," Haldir admitted to Aragorn. "When we came across you in the forest I thought Lady Kagome was an elf boy until she began speaking while we were talking," Haldir answered. "Lady Kagome may look like an elf male, with the exception of her hair being shorn, but her ears were what confused me as well as her speech. The fact that she couldn't understand us further proved my theory she wasn't an elf. And then that feminine voice, the way she snapped at that demon male. Only a woman can snap at a man in the midst of another arguing group." Aragorn actually began laughing at the humor in Haldir's eyes.

"But, you've yet to answer how it was you decided she was of my race. For all you knew she could've been a demon, like her son Shippo." Haldir swallowed the food in his mouth, taking his time so that his words would have more emphasis when he further explained to Aragorn.

"The sword Shippo carried," answered Haldir as he remembered glancing around at the group briefly, his eyes settling on Kagome and passing to Frodo, in that moment he'd seen the sword on Shippo's belt. I remember feeling a strange familiar power from the sword that day, thought Haldir.

"You've seen it before?" Aragorn inquired.

"Indeed," murmured Haldir before taking a sip of his drink. Many times Haldir had seen that sword before it had been given to the fox demon by Lord Sesshomaru. And one time Haldir had been ordered to bring the sword to Lord Sesshomaru where he was training. Lord Sesshomaru hadn't permitted Haldir to come any further than at the edge of the forest where Kagome rested. At that time Haldir had been so bold as to ask why Lord Sesshomaru had never used it. 'Why have me bring a blunt sword to you M'lord? We can get it sharpened. Or if you wish, we have many swords much worthier back home.' And little Shippo, a young child at the time, had bounded forward from his spot beside Sesshomaru to tell Haldir of the sword. Haldir smiled to himself as he remembered the brave little fox demon that had boasted about it being his duty to protect a very special woman. "It can only protect one of your kind." That was all Haldir said on the matter, he wouldn't say anymore of the sword for it wasn't in his place to say anything else.

"You know much, Haldir," said Aragorn as he enjoyed his own meal. Secretly Aragorn did wonder out of curiosity what other powers the sword may have, and he had a feeling Haldir wasn't giving up all he knew on the matter. But, Aragorn didn't press the subject.

"Life has made me that way… I am sorry for offending you the other day. My reasons for speaking out are my own, but I find I was in the wrong."

"I forgive you," answered Aragorn shocked at the quick apology from Haldir. This was rather unexpected for an elf to do. Haldir smiled warmly as he said, "Good, now you better finish eating before those hobbits awaken. I've been told by Shippo that they complain a lot where food is concerned so I don't doubt they would clean out the city of its food." And just like that there appeared to settle a peaceful air between Aragorn and Haldir.

When she next awoke, lifting her white pearl colored lids from slumber, Kagome couldn't remember a thing from earlier that morning. Legolas could though. Kagome stretched her hands up towards the sky feeling every muscle pull from its rest along the bed of her bones. A nice stretch was always good in the morning to get the blood pumping. She arched unladylike feeling her whole body revel in the cat stretching and sat up cheerfully, "That was the best sleep I've gotten in ages. And it wasn't even on a bed! It was rather rude of them not to offer a place to stay in the tree."

"Oh, they offered," Boromir said returning from grabbing a delectable breakfast.

"What? When?" Kagome asked as she tossed her bow and quiver of arrows across her back. Even in a peaceful place Kagome didn't want to leave her bow and quiver. Kagome's weapons were her only link to the past and her only assurance that she could defend herself.

"When you were with that pretty guy with the fluffy scarf," said Pippin. "But they wouldn't allow Gimli to sleep in there."

"That's rude," huffed Kagome, quite put off that Gimli was treated so cruelly.

"Tis okay, lass. That's what I expect being in their city," said Gimli.

"I don't mind sleeping on the ground," Sam answered as the other hobbits nodded their heads in agreement.

"Hobbits don't like heights," Merry further explained to Kagome, trying to gain a couple of 'smart and dashing hobbit' points. He wanted to stay in the sweet miko's good graces after having seen Shippo get blasted by a pink light that morning. "Not even staircases! If a hobbit even has stairs in his home, he won't ever sleep upstairs."

"How on earth do all of you ride Kirara?" Kagome gasped.

"With our eyes closed," replied Frodo getting up tiredly ready to walk around a bit. He'd found a new energy in the mornings and it was called Kagome. When she was awake and smiling to the whole crew, even when times were bad and terrible things were threatening their very lives, it gave Frodo a reason to press on and try to live while he could. If she could do it, if she did do it like they said in the myth, than so could Frodo.

"Kagome, I have a question," Legolas said as he began rolling up the pallet he'd slept on.

"Good, because I have many. Now what do you say we all go to eat breakfast, including you Gimli, and then you and I have a little chat Legolas?" He nodded in an agreement and suddenly decided he would try to forget his question. It was a very mediocre question to ask anyway.

"The dwarf is not permitted in the dining area," stated an elf guarding the doors from which the rich heavenly smell of food wafted.

"That doesn't seem fair," said Frodo having gained courage from hearing Kagome stand up for others. Gimli turned to go, but stopped when he heard what Frodo said next. "In fact," said the hobbit placing his hands over his chest, "if he can't eat in there, then I won't eat."

"Neither will I," said Kagome smiling brilliantly, her eyes dancing with pride down at Frodo who just beamed back bravely at her at what he was doing. Kagome reached back and touched Gimli's shoulder pulling him to stand firmly between her and Frodo.

"Nor I," said Sam nervously.

"We won't either," stated Merry.

"We won't?" Pippin asked his cousin with a fallen face. Pippin than looked over at Kagome, the epitome of beauty and sweetness, and sighed in defeat, "We won't."

"Well all of you can starve then," answered the guard. He dares to force the whole group to go without a meal because they want to dine with the dwarf! Kagome is tiny as it is. She needs to eat and I'm not going to let this guard get in the way of her nourishment when it is my duty to see after her, thought Legolas suddenly as he took a deep breath before standing in front of Kagome. Legolas kept his eyes trained on those of the guard's. Gimli gulped and looked around him shocked at the group's care for him. Though they probably wouldn't end up eating the fact that they had banned together as one for him meant a great deal to the dwarf and would've brought tears to his eyes had it not been for the elves in the vicinity.

"I won't partake in eating either," said Legolas sternly. Gimli couldn't believe his ears. So surprised was the dwarf by this action he almost fell backwards and had to reach out and grab onto Frodo's shoulder for support.

"But sire, his majesty wouldn't approve. He would advise that you-"

"Do you think it wise to command a prince to eat?" Legolas asked using his most regal tone, his eyes snapping with the strength that permeated from his voice as well.

"No sir, but-"

"Will the dwarf eat with us or will none of us eat?" Legolas again asked, tilting his head with a cool indifference that had long been obtained in the years at court with his father.

"The dwarf will eat," came a deep voice behind the Fellowship as Sesshomaru looked upon the group with Lady Galadriel and her husband, Lord Celebron, beside her. The elf guard nodded and let the group pass. Sesshomaru watched as they all went to breakfast and walked away to skip the meal entirely leaving lord and lady to themselves for this morning. Haldir had spoken truthfully. Though Legolas didn't know it, he had the beginnings of feelings for Kagome.

Lord Sesshomaru remembered seeing Legolas often as a child. The elf prince had been a reserved, cheerful child that loved to sing, but when it came to following orders the elf had done so to a 'T' without question. And here Legolas was fighting for the rights of Gimli, a dwarf! Though the action was small it was something very meaningful when an elf stood up for a dwarf. I doubt he would've done that had Kagome not bent his views, thought Lord Sesshomaru. Hnn… it seems Kouga that your matchmaking will have quite the competition.