Please don't come, please don't come, Legolas pleaded to himself.

Usually, whenever he visited Lorien – which he had to admit was a very rare occasion – she would hide in the trees and watch him from above, thinking he couldn't see her. But he wasn't the best archer for nothing. His senses were so alert that he knew he was being watched every time, and he could even locate where she was.

But this was the first trip to Lorien with Gilrael, and if he wasn't mistaken, it was her first trip ever to visit the golden woods. If Nuileth and Gilrael met…Legolas bit his lip. It would be like fire and water clashing.

"What's the matter, mellon?" Aragorn whispered.

"Nothing."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow. "It's never nothing when you're gripping your bow so tightly that your hands are white."

Legolas immediately relaxed his hand. "It's none of your concern, Estel."

"Why? Because if you think dealing with whatever it is the same way Gilrael has been using, it's not going to work. You need to tell someone sooner or later. And that," he added to Gilrael, "also applies directly to you."

She scowled. "I've already told a few, and they died shortly thereafter, so unless you want to preserve your life, I'm not telling. Besides, I…can't."

The elleth continued marching ahead.

Legolas glared at Aragorn. "That helped."

The Ranger sighed. "If not even the gentle breeze of these fair woods nor the soothing atmosphere of the trees could bring her back, I doubt anything will. She has drawn within herself deeper than our reach."

Aragorn leaned in close. "Let's hope she doesn't meet Nuileth."

Legolas widened his eyes. "H-how did you-"

"The twins. They told me."

"But they swore that they wouldn't tell!"

Aragorn shook his head. "Better be careful how you word it. They can get around almost anything."

With that, they fell silent, each left in their own troubled thoughts.

Something about Lorien made Gilrael uneasy. There was a reason why she had never visited, only passed through as swiftly and as unnoticed as possible. Until a few short months ago, she had only a vague idea, but after the vision…she was afraid of who she might meet. What they might think of her. What she might think of them…her brothers.

Gilrael didn't remember them. Didn't remember what they looked like. But would they remember her? Probably, and that is what she feared.

Gimli whispered to the hobbits. "Stay close to me! They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell, and are never seen again."

Gilrael bit her lip. She hadn't even thought about Lady Galadriel yet! What if she knew about, about her past? What would Gilrael do?

Gimli gruffly said, "Well here's one dwarf who won't be snared so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk, and the ears of a fox."

Suddenly, he found an arrow pointed at his face, as did Gilrael, who narrowed her eyes at the ellon glaring at her just as stonily.

The Fellowship was surrounded by a band of grey cloaked elves, who all had pointed arrows at them.

The blonde leader stepped forward. "The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark."

Aragorn raised his hands in surrender, and greeted the head elf. "Mae govannen, Haldir of Lorien!"

The Elf glanced at the Ranger as he continued, "We come for your help. We need your protection."

Gimli urgently told Aragorn, "These woods are perilous! We should go back."

Haldir shot him a look, hard and steady. "You have entered the realm of the Lady of the Wood. You cannot go back. Come, she is waiting. Follow me."

The elves marched them forward, Legolas whispering to his old friend in the front. Gilrael lingered behind, not wanting to miss a word.

"Surely you will allow us to pass through Lorien."

The March Warden glanced back. "These woods belong to Lady Galadriel, not to me. Her will is to be done. I hope hers will accommodate yours, mellon."

Suddenly, Haldir's startling grey eyes focused on Gilrael's. His brow knit as he thought hard.

"Iston i nîf gîn." I know your face.

Gilrael blinked. Her heart raced. This proper, regal, somewhat annoying mannered Elf might be her brother?

"H-how is that possible? We've never really met!"

Haldir turned away as they reached a large Mallorn tree. "We will speak together afterwards. For now, we have arrived."

They climbed the tree, and were soon among the rooftops, speaking in Sindarin while the Fellowship huddled together, watching quietly in that foreign place.

"Welcome, Legolas son of Thranduil."

Legolas rolled his eyes, but dipped his head properly. "Our Fellowship stands in your debt, O Haldir of Lorien the Regal One."

Gilrael quickly blurt out a greeting before Haldir could argue back properly. "A multitude of stars shine upon the hour of our meeting."

Haldir looked at Aragorn.

"Aragorn of the Dunedain, you are known to us. Arwen spoke much about you after your…visit."

The Ranger bowed. "Haldir."

Gimli harrumphed. "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words everyone can understand!"

Haldir turned to Gimli and stared regally. "We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the dark days."

Gimli huffed, "And do you know what this Dwarf says to that?! Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!"

Aragorn instantly tapped Gimli's shoulder. He scolded, "That, was not so courteous!"

Haldir pierced Frodo and Sam with icy grey eyes. "You bring great evil here with you. You can go no further."

Aragorn and Legolas turned to Haldir, and they started arguing. Gilrael sighed, and sat down. Frodo inched his way to her.

He whispered, "What are they saying?"

Gilrael wrapped her arm around Frodo. "They are just arguing whether or not to allow us into Lorien."

Frodo looked up to stare in her deep brown eyes with his wide blue ones. "Do you think we will get into Lorien? That they will send us back because, because of the burden I bare? The burden that has killed…"

Gilrael pulled him closer. "Shh, Frodo. Gandalf's death was not in vain. Nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy burden, but you do not have to carry the weight of the dead."

Haldir stepped forward, announcing, "I will let you pass through, if the dwarf is blindfolded."

This caused in indignant growl from said dwarf. "Excuse me? I will not be blindfolded like a stupid animal."

Aragorn looked at Gimli helplessly. "It is the best deal I got from Haldir. It's either that, or stay here. Or go back." Gimli crossed his arms. "Then let's stay here or go back. I am not going to go in blindfolded!"

Legolas sighed. "Come, Gimli! Don't be so stubborn!"

Gimli smirked mischievously. "Actually, I'll go in blindfolded if Legolas here does as well."

The elf exclaimed, "That is ridiculous! These are my own kinsmen! I will not go in blindfolded!"

Gilrael crossed her arms. This brave Elven archer sounded so much like a child at times.

Aragorn frowned in frustration. "Not you as well! Legolas, please, just this once, please just go in blindfolded so we can be done with this!"

Legolas stubbornly shook his head.

"Gimli?"

The dwarf shook his head just as stubbornly.

Gilrael shot her friend a look. "Legolas, we will never get anywhere with both of your prides. Please cooperate. We've all had a long day."

Legolas softened. "Very well. As long as everyone in the Fellowship but you, Gilrael, go blindfolded as well."

Aragorn glanced at Gilrael. "Since when did he listen to you instead of me?" he whispered on their way out. She smirked.

Since the rest of the Fellowship didn't mind, they were all blindfolded and carefully led by the elves.

Gimli growled to his guide, "If I but stumble on a rock, I will have your head!"

The ellon rolled his eyes.

Haldir had Gilrael walk in front with him. "Tell me your story, Gilrael."

She glanced at him warily. "Why should I? I barely know you."

Haldir stared at her. "I will tell you mine, then, and maybe you will change your mind."

He took a deep breath. "A long, long time ago, a few decades short of three thousand years, my youngest sibling, Ilweranael, was born here in Lorien. An elleth, with the most beautiful blue eyes. Fearful of some danger for her, my parents took Ilweranael to the Woodland Realm, and stayed there with her, leaving my brothers and me here under the care of the Lord and Lady.

"A few decades passed when we heard that they were returning to Lorien with Ilweranael, and I was overjoyed in anticipation to see her. See her as a grown elfling. But my brothers and I received tidings that both parents and sister had been slain in an ambush by orcs, with gory remains of Naneth and Ada, and no trace of Ilweranael. I was heartbroken, and spent many a day mourning the lost of my beloved sister, dear to me though I had spent very little time with her."

Haldir glanced at Gilrael. "But perhaps I am wrong and you are not my sister. For your eyes are the darkest I have ever seen, and your name is not Ilweranael."

Gilrael couldn't hold it in anymore. She burst out rather passionately, "I am your sister! My real name is Ilweranael, Ada and Naneth were slain in an orc ambush, and I was taken away as a captive! Oh, Haldir, can it be? You are the brother that I was told about?"

The ellon smiled, and it was a shame Legolas couldn't see it, for he rarely did.

"I must be. And there are two others, Rumil and Orophin. But they are out scouting as of now. Oh, Ilweranael, how joyous is this day!"

The two siblings embraced, and for a moment, the Fellowship halted.

"What's going on?" Gimli growled. "Are we lost?"

"Nay, not lost," his guide answered good humouredly. "Just taking a break."

"I don't need a break!" the dwarf huffed.

The ellon smirked. "Then why are you out of breath?"

"It's not my fault that going up hill is hard on my legs! Why are we climbing so much, anyway?"

"It is because our destination is a place of high heights, Master Dwarf," replied the guide. "And lo, we are off again. You can stop fretting. We are nearly there as it is."

The ellon was right, for they only continued for a little while when they reached the summit of another hill top, and Gilrael absorbed in the wonderful sight.

Haldir declared, "Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."

The golden Mallorn trees filled a circle of the woods. They emitted the most beautiful hue as the sun peaked overhead, bringing a magnificent sunset. Peeking through a crack directly in the bundle of trees, Gilrael saw all the valley of the River Silverlode lying like a sea of fallow gold tossing gently in the breeze. Nestled high in the crown of the trees was a beautiful city, which sparkled blue and white in the low rays of the early sun. To the east, Gilrael spotted the great Anduin River, with an empty, vague land beyond it.

Haldir signalled to the elves, who took off the blindfolds. Everyone but Gimli looked around, breathing in amazement.

The dwarf stood with his arms crossed, muttering, "It's about time these durned elves took off our blindfolds."

"Can't you enjoy it?" Pippin scolded. "I'm not one for heights either, but this is worth the climb."

"There is still climb yet to go," Haldir announced. "We make for the flet of the Lord and Lady, nestled in the very top of the largest Mallorn tree. Three hundred and thirty-four steps."

As one, the Fellowship let out a groan. More climbing?!

Nuileth stood in the private chambers of the Lord and Lady, speaking with Galadriel.

"…and I simply do not know what to do! I know it is wrong, very wrong, but I utterly detest Ilweranael. I-I'm afraid I want to kill her."

At this sudden remark, Galadriel sharply glanced at the young elleth. "Those are strong words, Nuileth. You may want to reconsider them after you get to know Ilweranael better."

The archer crossed her arms bitterly. "How am I supposed to do that? She stole Legolas from me."

"I highly doubt that," the Lady announced as she glided across the room, her silky white gown trailing behind her.

"I know Legolas' personality, and I know Ilweranael's. So it is highly probable that Ilweranael had nothing to do with luring Legolas' attentions from you to her, and that it was Legolas' own doing to choose her over you."

Nuileth stared at her helplessly. "Then why? What did I do? What got into his head that she was still alive? How did he know?"

Galadriel smiled slightly. "The deepest love has a way of knowing. And you did nothing wrong, Nuileth. You are just not the right one for him."

Nuileth bit her lip. "Assuming you're right, which is very hard for me to admit, what am I to do now? I love him, my Lady, a-and-"

"I cannot give you much advice, but as it is, I would avoid Ilweranael and most of all avoid killing her. That is all I can tell you."

Nuileth crinkled her forehead. "It's not hard to avoid her if she's never here."

Galadriel glided ahead, towards the steps. "Ah, but unless my ears are mistaken, I hear the sound of the Fellowship of the Ring in the platform. Amidst their company is Ilweranael, and I have no doubt that their stay in Lothlorien is going to be a lengthy one. So for the moment, you may want to make yourself scarce around here."

The Lady was joined by Lord Celeborn, and they soon disappeared out of sight down the stairs.

Nuileth swallowed. How was she going to avoid both Legolas and Ilweranael – that is, Gilrael – if they were going to be staying for a long time?

She needed Rumil's help. He was very good at hiding.

Gilrael lightly stepped onto a wide platform filled with a soft, golden light. The columns were emerald green and starlight silver. The domed roof was gold, and in the middle was a smaller version of the trunk of a Mallorn tree.

Two regal elves slowly stepped down a few long steps. The Lord Celeborn was on the left, while the Lady Galadriel was next to him. The lord of Lothlorien was dressed similar to Haldir, in a white and light grey tunic and leggings. The Lady donned a very long, shimmering white gown, with a sparkling silver diadem across her forehead which rested on her long, wavy blonde hair.

Celeborn solemnly spoke, "Nine there are, yet ten there were who set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For it is long since we have spoken, and I much desire to meet with him."

The Fellowship was silent as Galadriel studied Aragorn's eyes.

She softly said, "Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow." Celeborn glanced at his wife in wonder.

Gilrael bit her lips. "He was taken by both Shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."

Galadriel comfortingly said, "Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose."

The Lady turned her gaze to Gimli. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands love is now mingled with grief."

Galadriel looked at Boromir with a piercing gaze that he couldn't stand. He started shaking and cast his eyes downwards.

Galadriel gazed at Gilrael. "You have great power, Ilweranael daughter of Idhrenion. Tell me, where did you receive that power?"

Gilrael had no desire to tell anyone, but she reasoned this secret could be told to Galadriel.

As she slowly twisted the ring on her left hand, she glanced sideways at the Fellowship and softly said, "A spell book from Mordor."

Galadriel looked at her sharply. "We will speak of this later, Gilrael. Also to discuss the matter of your potential…corruption, if you are not careful."

Gilrael swallowed. Potential corruption? Galadriel was the wisest being on Middle Earth, and she was rarely wrong. Gilrael felt sick. She didn't want to fall back into her old ways and suffer like she had once.

Celeborn shook his head. "What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost. The quest will fail."

The Lady solemnly announced, "Not fail, not quite yet. This quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and then it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true."

She glanced at Sam and smiled. The hobbit continued to gaze at the Lady in awe.

Galadriel ended, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace and safety."

The Fellowship walked back down the steps, where an area among a grove of trees was provided for them to rest in. Elves were singing in the trees.

Legolas drew a water with a jar from a nearby well of water, while Pippin asked, "What are they singing about?"

Legolas softly answered, "A lament for Gandalf."

Merry looked up. "What do they say about him?"

Legolas looked down. "I don't have the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."

He glanced at Gilrael. "But Gilrael may tell you." The hobbits looked at the elleth.

She exhaled, not wanting to do it, but it was the least she could do for the wizard. So she softly started singing, translating the Sindarin into Westron.

"Oh Gandalf, Gandalf the Grey! Ever so loving, so comforting, so gay.

Oh Gandalf, beloved Maia, beloved Istar! Sent down to Middle Earth, to help mortals find their ways.

Oh Gandalf, possessor of Narya! Protected the elvish ring of fire.

Oh Gandalf, shunning the Ring of Doom! Fighting the urge to take it away.

But Gandalf, Gandalf the Grey. You no longer dwell among us, because you have gone astray."

Gilrael quieted and glanced at Sam as the hobbit said, "They don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them.

"The finest rockets ever seen,

They burst in stars of blue and green.

Or after thunder, silver showers…Came falling like a…rain of flowers.

Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road."

Gilrael smiled. "Go on and sleep, Sam. You have had a long day."

The hobbit shook his head. "No, not before you tell us about that 'book of spells from Mordor' bit you told Galadriel."

The other members of the Fellowship looked at her curiously, Boromir included.

Gilrael curled back. "I'm not ready to tell the whole story."

Everyone looked to Legolas, for if there was one person who could convince her, it was him.

The Sinda cleared his throat. "If this Fellowship is to stay united, we all must know each other's stories. I think it's hardly fair that you know everyone else's but they do not know yours."

"This war is not about fairness," Gilrael shot back. "It's about winning, and in order to do that, I cannot tell you. It might prove dangerous."

"I don't think so," Legolas countered. "I think if you ever want to get over your…problem, the least you could do would be to tell them what I and Estel know. We'll have a much better ability to empathize with you and try to help."

"Exactly, I told you and it didn't seem to help very much, did it?" Gilrael pointed out. But she could tell she was losing. She nearly always did.

So after a couple more back and forth arguing, Gilrael finally relented. The Fellowship sat in a circle on the soft grass, and the darkness lit with silver and blue glows set the sad mood over the group.

"This is the abbreviated form. I was only a young Elf, barely older than an elfling. I had grown up in the Woodland Realm, but my parents decided to move to Lorien, here, because they feared some danger. Along the way, as we were traveling along a path in the mountains, we were ambushed by a large group of dwarves, who ruthlessly killed my parents before my young eyes and stole our goods."

Gimli shook his head. "I knew those exiles were up to no good."

Gilrael ignored him. "The dwarves captured me and kept me alive, selling me to a pack of orcs and Wargs. They took me to Mordor, to Sauron, who questioned me. He wanted to know where the Ring of Power was, together with the Elven Rings. But I had no idea. So they t-tortured me constantly, until they became convinced that I really didn't know anything. Then, um, Sauron ordered me to be taught fighting and some sort of evil literature, and spells. He also taught me all the languages, and history. He was my teacher."

Boromir said in wonder, "So that is how you knew how to defeat a Balrog. You know the enemy's secrets!"

Gilrael looked at him. "I-I suppose I know many of them."

Frodo asked, "But how did you not believe the lies they told you? You were only an elfling, yet now you seem to be a normal, loving elf. How is that possible, when you were raised by Sauron and orcs?"

Gilrael looked down. "I did. But I discovered their lies and eventually learned how to ignore them, and I never forgot what my parents had taught me."

Boromir said, "You have great strength, lady."

She stared at him. "May it be an example for all, to fight their own evil desires when the time comes."

Boromir looked down. Gilrael pursed her lips. "Do not let me keep you all awake. Sleep, now."

The hobbits settled among the blankets, and Gimli was soon snoring. Aragorn and Boromir retreated to a corner and conversed quietly.

Gilrael glided over to Legolas, who sipped the water from the jar. He glanced at her. "You have suffered much, Gilrael. I can't let you do this alone. There must be some way to comfort you, to heal you."

Gilrael shook her head. "No, Legolas, nothing can comfort me, at least that I know of. Truly, if I knew what would help I would tell you. But my life in Mordor has engraved in my heart a great scar that cannot be healed. I fear it is a burden I must carry with me for the rest of my life."

Legolas pointed out, "That would be forever for you. Surely there is a way I can help fill the scar."

Gilrael smiled. "Always wanting to help, as usual. I appreciate that, you know. You are a great friend."

The prince smiled, but suddenly looked up at Haldir who had materialized next to them.

Legolas stood and told Gilrael, "Go, spend some time with your brother. If you are to heal as much as possible, the woods of Lothlorien is the best place. They bring great comfort."

So Haldir took Gilrael and they walked through Lorien.

"Your history was always very vague, Ilweranael," Haldir began. "Before I knew you were my sister, I always assumed you were just a normal Elf from the Woodland Realm. But now there is something much more significant about you. What happened after the…ambush?"

Gilrael slowly told him the abbreviated story, and when she finished, the March Warden told her, "If you seek healing, you should have looked to Lord Elrond."

"I have," the elleth muttered. "And all he ever told me was to tell Legolas."

Haldir frowned. "But you already told him. There must be something else."

"Of course there's something else!" Gilrael yelled.

The elves nearby looked at the pair disapprovingly, their typical peace and quiet thus disturbed.

Gilrael scowled at them, and strode hurriedly on. "But, Haldir, I can't tell Legolas. It's hard enough as it is, but if he knew…"

The elleth felt like choking. "It will break his dear, innocent heart, and the least he would do would be to never see me again. The worst he would do would be to kill me. I couldn't stand either."

Haldir halted. "Kill you? It's that…bad?" That was the most descriptive word he could come up with.

Gilrael nodded as they walked into a small clearing, surrounded by columns. "And we'll leave it at that."

Two elves stepped out from the shadows: Rumil and Orophin. Her other two brothers. Rumil looked preoccupied, glancing behind every few seconds, but Orophin, the youngest brother, rushed forward.

"They did not kill you! All these years, I thought you were dead! I thought I would never see you again!"

Gilrael managed a smile. "I suppose you are Orophin?"

He nodded. "You must tell us everything!"

And Gilrael did, that is, as much as she had ever told anyone.

Rumil angrily declared, "Those dwarves murdered our parents, and practically caused you so much pain! Why did we allow one of the Nauga in Lothlorien? He could-"

"I think it would be wise for you to refrain from judgement until further observation," Haldir quietly announced.

Orophin still gazed at his sister in open disbelief. "So they kept you alive all these years, teaching you their ways. Why?"

Gilrael bit her lip. "I…don't know. But I hope, by the end of this quest, I will know."

Haldir grasped Gilrael's hand. "You should stay here, where it is safe. The enemy will be looking for you either way, since you are a powerful weapon, and you are heading directly toward them."

She shook her head. "I have pledged myself to Frodo, to do whatever I can to help him destroy the Ring."

Rumil pointed out, "Your pledge was not eternally bound. You are free to leave the Fellowship any time you like."

Gilrael crossed her arms. "I am not leaving the company!"

Orophin teased, "Is it because of a certain handsome Mirkwoodian elf who is in it?"

Gilrael's face coloured involuntarily. "Of course not! And I had thought that you three would give me support!"

Haldir hugged her. "Of course we will, sister. Now, you should go rest. Even elves need a little of it after long months of hiking."

"But I wish to stay with you!"

"We'll have lots of time to talk," Rumil pointed out. "I overheard Estel saying a month at least."

And Gilrael was thus persuaded to return to the Fellowship for a rest, but not before Galadriel intercepted her.

"Ilweranael, I must show you something."

Without another word, the Lady softly padded through the trees, and Gilrael was obliged to follow.

They arrived in yet another clearing, but this was Galadriel's own. Her all-seeing Mirror occupied the centre, and its owner stood solemnly behind it.

"Look if you dare, if you are strong enough to behold the future."

Gilrael blinked. "The future?"

The Lady's eyes were a startling, unnatural blue.

"The future that will be yours if you do not guard against it."

Gilrael stared at her, carefully wording her next statement. "Guard against what?"

Galadriel's gaze was relentless. "I do not know the full details of your past, Ilweranael, but you do. Therefore, you are the only one who knows how to overcome this danger. As for what it is, take a look a see, if you will."

The Lady dipped her head toward the well, the Mirror, as Gilrael studied her cautiously. This was Galadriel. She was prone to be vague. Still, Gilrael had a fine idea of what she might see, and she wasn't eager to see it.

But she had no choice.

So slowly, Gilrael took a hesitant step forward, and gradually peered into the well.

It immediately flickered into flames, which then cleared into a terrifying scene.

She was right.

Towns were lit ablaze, wailing people fleeing from them. A powerful black force swept over the dark lands with a steady, gripping pound. A palace, dark with intense evil, and two thrones, flames burning above. And amidst it all, one resounding cry, the heartbeat of every being in Middle Earth, dead and alive, praising the two rulers on the thrones.

"Hail, Lord Sauron, king of all the lands of Arda, wielder of the One Ring! Hail, Lady Ilweranael, his queen, bearer of the Fourth Ring!"

Something sharp pierced her heart, now being able to recognize the name. It was her.

"NO!"

Gilrael stumbled backwards, her breaths heaving unsteadily. The world spun. Not again…the vision…Melkor…just like last time…

Galadriel stared at her sharply. "Now you see, Gilrael. What will you do about it?"

The elleth balanced herself on a tree, just barely managing to hold herself together. She grit her teeth.

"I do not know, Galadriel," she growled. "But if you thought that would help, it didn't."

The Lady was unfazed. "It spoke of you being the bearer of the Fourth Ring. What do you know of it?"

Gilrael breathed heavily. Her thoughts flashed to her first few days after Legolas rescued her, the secret underground cavern in the Woodland Realm, carved by his grandfather, Oropher.

"I know it has great power, unlike that of the other Three combined. But I know nothing else, I swear."

She pulled herself off the tree, shaking as she glared at the Lady.

"And no, I have no idea where it is, or who has it."

…

Ithiriel sucked in a quick breath as she clamped her other hand to the one with the Ring. Something had happened…something had stirred. Someone was beginning to know her secret.

A/N: Super long chapter!

The Lament for Gandalf was something I wrote myself, as you could probably tell by it's painfully obvious…lack of experience. :) As for the stuff about the Fourth Ring and the early days after Gilrael was rescued by Legolas, I would recommend taking a look at the first book in the series, The Elven Huntress, for more understanding.

Thanks for reading, and for reviewing if you have the time!

Have a lovely day!