A/N: as promised! I'm juggling two fanfiction at the moment so it's a good thing I've got like a three chapter cushion for this one! If you guys like the Walking dead feel free to check it out! Enough of the shameless self promotion, the next couple of chapters are gonna be set in Lothlorien, a bit of domestic bliss before more of the action.

Thanks to all the support I get, from people who favourite and follow this story: Angelicsailor, Komakipureblood, machtgut. And where would I be without my lovely reviewers! You guys are the reason I write and update on time X

Tibblets:Thank you! I agree book Haldir is different, I've tried to do his character as much justice as I possibly can and I'm quite proud of the way it came out. I hope you enjoy it too!

Cardcaptor-kanna: thank you! I wanted to be unique and try not to make her mary-sue ISH. I didn't want her to like Legolas immediately, I wanted to develop them as individual people. Also her feelings for Elladan are not going to go away so quickly! I tried to make them as real as I could, especially Boromir who I think is villainised a bit. You'll see how I handle the ring scene with Boromir!

Eragaon95159: the thing is Thariya isn't an elf, so it wouldn't make sense to do that. Galadriel is one of a kind, but they will talk to each other in this chapter.

- Angels and Douchebags

Thariya awoke to the golden sunlight illuminating her face. She squinted her eyes close and curled up inside her cloak. This was the first night she had slept fully and clean for a month or so.

But the sound of clattering plates and delicious food filled the air causing her stomach to grumble. She got up and rubbed her eyes, her hair now bushy from sleeping with it wet.

"Thariya your hair!" She looked over at Merry's surprise and Pippin trying not to laugh.

She glared playfully at them but then smiled. It was the first time they had spoken to her since Gandalf's passing and she would welcome the joy they found. Even at the expense of her hair. She rummaged through the pack finding the hair brush she had brought with her and began taming the unruly mess.

Once it was presentable she changed with difficulty, in the hollow of the mallorn tree into one of the new tunics that were laid out for her. Thariya opted for her natural hair as she came back into the pavillion.

"Here you go Thariya, saved you a plate." Sam gave her a brief smile as she gave thanks for the food.

What is it with elves and eating leaves?! She exclaimed to the one person she could talk to.

She could hear Legolas' audible laughter from far but did not see him.

The 'leaves' as you call them are a healthy diet and the reason why we are strong and agile. He remarked.

I cannot see you. Where are you? Thariya searched with her eyes.

Just coming up.

Sure enough the blonde haired prince came into view. Also freshly bathed and clothed Thariya noted. He smiled at her and gave her a wave as she returned it. Legolas sat by Gimli who was glancing between the two.

Thariya looked around, her eyes landing on Aragorn and Boromir who still looked solemn but were also clean.

She stretched her mind trying to see if she could communicate with the two men. Once her head starting spinning, she stopped. Picking up her notebook she joined them for lunch trying to establish the plan.

How long are we intending to stay in Caras Galadhon? She wrote showing the two men.

"I would like nothing more than to leave tomorrow." Boromir grumbled, his eyes shifting uneasily.

"Well I thought it may be beneficial to stay here for five days to a week. That way we can replenish ourselves and our stores. And I can establish the best route." Aragorn explained looking over the map.

"Perhaps the pass through Gondor is our best bet?" Boromir suggested once again.

"I would not take the ring so openly there." Aragorn said warningly.

"Why do you have such little trust in your own people? You would be welcomed like a King!" Boromir said defensively.

"I believe the best path would be to take the route through the river Anduin until the falls of Rauros. We may travel on foot through the edge of the forest and then perhaps through the North." Aragorn said as Thariya nodded.

A forest? She wrote cautiously showing Aragorn and sending her worry. Her eyes flitted ever so slightly in the direction of Boromir. He was going to try to take the ring.

"Yes." Aragorn felt her worry in confusion. She glanced at Boromir whilst he was eating as Aragorn nodded, understanding. She was confident this time with the precautions in place, she would be able to stop her visions.

She shook her head of the future worry and dismissed herself from their company.

Thariya sat with them as she finished lunch before joining Legolas and Gimli.

Good morning Mellon. Thariya spoke to Legolas giving him a bright smile, which he returned.

"I will not have you giving googly eyes to one another when I have no idea what yer saying!" Gimli grumbled.

Thariya blushed at what Gimli was insinuating that began silently laughing.

"Sorry my friend, we will speak altogether." Legolas apologised.

"Why are you laughing lass?" Gimli asked the young woman who was now shaking.

She pulled out her notebook still laughing and wrote.

You suggested that Legolas and I. Well we. We are courting! Or that we have romantic feelings for one another. She grinned as Gimli chuckled in laughter.

Legolas frowned though he could not decipher why her words affected him. He quickly replaced it with a smile. It was an absurd notion.

"Come to think of it lass you and pointy ears together is a funny thought!" Gimli roared in laughter before he was silenced by a look from Legolas who was feeling uncomfortable by the line of questioning.

"I am off to take a bath. I will leave you two children amongst yourselves." Gimli cleared his throat, before excusing himself.

So where were you this morning? Thariya spoke to the elf lost in thought.

"Oh I was with the Marchwarden." Legolas replied.

"Helping with the border patrol and keeping an eye out for places to train." Legolas said with a sly smirk.

Train?

"Did you not want to train to improve your bow and arrow?" Legolas asked.

Oh yes! In all the fighting and what we have been through I forgot about that. I would love to train with you Legolas. She said shyly.

"Excellent, we will start to train just before dusk. I am looking forward to it." Legolas said enthusiastically before excusing himself.

She watched him leave, her eyes drawn to his muscular frame, his soft silky hair...

She shook her head snapping out of her daydreaming. Legolas was a handsome elf there was no denying it, but it felt like a betrayal to Elladan. Whom she never had the chance to explore courtship with.

And Legolas. Well he was just a friend to her. Wasn't he? She could not imagine any romantic feelings between them. She tried to imagine being held by Legolas' strong arms, the smile on his defined face.

She snapped out of it standing up. That was enough of that nonsense, there were more important issues to worry about. Such as Boromir, perhaps she recommend that he return to Gondor immediately.

Thariya..

There was that voice in her head again. When she had first come to Lothlorien.

Thariya my child. We must speak.

It was the Lady Galadriel. As if on cue Haldir marched into the pavillion. He internally groaned as his eyes fell on the Nauth Herdir and narrowed his gaze at her. He kept a passive face to her as he made his way over.

Great. The look of despair passed on Thariya's face. Their last interaction did not go as planned, but he acted far too superior for Thariya's liking. She was not going to apologise for it. But she supposed it must have taken him by surprise, how she read his private feelings.

"Lady Galadriel requests your presence in her chambers. She has sent me to escort you." Haldir's smooth voice spoke.

Thariya nodded and followed the Marchwarden as they walked down the long steps from the pavillion. Many elves greeted Haldir and showed their respect when they passed him. Thariya was sure he was an eligible elf for the elleths and this was confirmed when they passed him. She glanced at Haldir as he led her to a large open flet where there were market elves and soldiers alike. The one thing they had in common was the way their eyes stopped on her in surprise.

Impressive. Thariya spoke in his mind causing the elf to look perplexed. She suppressed a grin at his surprise.

"This is the main social area. There are many markets here, you are welcome to have a look." Haldir suggested.

Thariya raced off towards one of the stalls as the elf begrudgingly followed her. She stopped at a jewellery place and it was unlike anything she had ever seen. The jewels shimmered with an unearthly glow.

It is beautiful. Thariya gasped as she touched the necklace in her hands. Haldir watched her eyes gaze lovingly at the pieces and rolled his eyes.

"Would you like one Lady Thariya?" Haldir asked giving a heavy sigh.

No I possibly couldn't. Thariya shook her head dropping the necklace before walking to the next stall which had soft fabric.

So lightweight. This is divine! Thariya said happily.

"I believe Lady Galadriel had tunics made for you, such as the one you are wearing." Haldir gestured to her light blue clothing.

But how did she know?

"She is an elleth of immense power, she foresaw your arrival with the Fellowship." Haldir explained growing impatient.

Wow. I must remember to thank her. Thariya said completely unaware of his impatience.

I wonder may I have more made? I need a more robust tunic for travelling but also light. Thariya mused.

"Consider it done." Haldir stated tiredly as he handed the shopkeeper coins and took the fabric handing it to Thariya.

Really! Why? She eyed him suspiciously.

"The Lady said to ensure you have what you need." Haldir explained.

No there is something more. Thariya sensed his apprehension.

"Consider it my apology for being abrupt with you yesterday." Haldir said reluctantly.

Why was a sorry too much? Thariya joked.

With this Haldir's expression morphed into a look of pure annoyance as he walked off leaving her standing there. Thariya stood gaping, she had only meant it as a joke.

"Aren't you coming?" Haldir called to her with a suppressed smile. Thariya ran after the elf and walked beside him, trying to keep up with his long strides.

They left the market place and walked up a set of stairs around a tree trunk in silence.

I think I should apologize. It was not my place to call you out like that yesterday. I am in no place to judge, considering the things I've done. Thariya spoke in his mind.

"No matter Lady Thariya, it is in the past now." Haldir said calmly, pleasantly surprised by her apology.

Perhaps not all humans were the wild barbarians he perceived them to be. But she was not human, she was Nauth Herdir.

"What seems to be troubling you?" He asked.

You do not have to talk just to be polite. Her voice was amused in his head.

"Small talk is not my forte." Haldir explained as Thariya grinned.

"But I am sure whatever you think you have done, it was for the good of you quest and Fellowship." Haldir said kindly managing a small smile.

Thank you Haldir. She smiled back.

"This is where I leave you." He stopped outside a wooden door before taking his leave.

Come in child.

Thariya was rattled at the sound of the feminine voice in her head and opened the door.

It was a considerably sized room with tables and shelves carved from a flet. At one end was Lady Galadriel looking out from the flet down below.

"How do you fare Thariya?" Her soft voice tinkled as she gave her a warm smile.

I am well thank you my lady. Thariya replied politely remembering her manners.

"I am sure you are wondering why I wished to speak with you?" She asked.

Actually no. Thariya said as Galadriel raised her eyebrows in surprise.

You wish to talk to me about how Boromir will try to take the ring. I had a vision of it. I fear for our Fellowship. Thariya said worriedly.

I know child. The Fellowship is breaking. Galadriel said regretfully in her mind.

So it's true. Thariya felt her heart sink.

I failed in my mission. I could not save Gandalf and now Boromir. Thariya felt tears threaten to fall from her eyes.

"Child," Galadriel glided over to her and placed a hand over her shoulder.

"Some events are beyond your control. Mithrandir was meant to fall, just as Boromir will try to take the ring." She explained.

But then how can I help them? If I can't stop my visions? Thariya asked feeling distraught.

"Such is the life of a Nauth Herdir." Galadriel smiled warmly.

"You can do your best to guide them. There may be some you can stop from happening, but certain events are fixed. Do not spend your life fixated on what could have been, look to the future and how you can help." Galadriel said as Thariya nodded.

She was right. Thariya could not focus on the past constantly or it would consume her. She needed to do her best and hopefully that would be enough.

"But there is something else." Galadriel spoke watching her. The elleth sent visions of Thariya into her mind when she fought in the mines. Her eyes were almost black! And there was glee in her face.

Stop. Stop please! Thariya shouted at Galadriel as the visions subsided.

"If you cannot control your abilities. It will consume you." Galadriel stated.

W-What do you mean? She asked fearfully.

"There is a darkness in you Thariya. Using your powers on those evil creatures, will take a price on your soul, the way you influence their mind can poison your own. Be careful." She said warningly.

Thariya was scared now. More afraid than ever, how could she stay with the Fellowship when the Lady had just told her this. But how could she leave them when she held knowledge of their fate.

Then my soul is lost. Thariya stated.

Galadriel walked to the other side of the room and shook her head.

"No it is not."

How do I get rid of this darkness? She asked fearfully.

"There are ways you can keep it at bay. This darkness is connected to Sauron. Once he is destroyed, the darkness will also be gone. Which is why you are needed on their quest. Should you choose to stay here, they will fail." Galadriel's words of doom echoed in her mind.

How do I control it then? She gulped.

"It will not be easy. You must find an anchor. Something or someone that ties your soul down to this world, so you do not descend to the darkness." Galadriel stated.

Someone?

"It is for you to decide who the most important person is." Galadriel smiled, her eyes filled with mirth.

"Please do not be afraid. It is a wonderful gift you have been given, despite your circumstances. Never undermine your importance on this quest." Galadriel touched her cheek, a feeling of warmth spread over Thariya as her fears evaporated.

"Please do not hesitate to ask for anything you need. Haldir will be pleased to accommodate you." Galadriel stated as Thariya grinned.

...

I am never going to be able to hit that from this far. Thariya groaned watching the arrow in the centre of the target.

Legolas smiled at Thariya, pleased with his aim although he had not doubted himself. He had fashioned an archery range into the mallorn trees, much to the dismay of the Marchwarden. But he wanted it to be perfect for his training session with Thariya.

He wanted to make sure everything was appropriate so she would learn the most. Haldir had watched the Prince pace around the trees trying to find the best trunks and bark. The open spaces to shoot and practise.

He had recommended their own training grounds. But the Prince insisted they practise somewhere private, where Thariya could not be disturbed. Haldir watched the liberties he had taken for the Nauth Herdir and a smirk of amusement made its way onto his face.

My this was strange. Haldir tried to suppress his mocking expression from Legolas. The prince had feelings for the human. Haldir wondered if it was reciprocated, but he did not have the chance to find out as Legolas had dismissed him as soon as she arrived.

This appears to be a strange training ground. Thariya noted how small it was considering the size of the kingdom.

"That may be because I made it myself. With the Marchwarden's help." Legolas said.

When did you have time to make this? Thariya whistled incredulously.

"I had a lot of free time." Legolas grinned sheepishly.

Very clearly. Thariya joked causing Legolas to shoot her a look.

"Come Thariya, at least try to hit the closer target." Legolas change the subject quickly, trying to mask the rising blush on his cheeks.

Okay. Thariya picked up Elladan's bow feeling the carvings and smiled at it, remembering him. Their archery sessions together, how he had mocked her for her poor shooting. Then eventually changed to praise and admiration. The way he had looked at her, the first time she felt the change in her heart. She snapped her head our of her daydreaming of the Rivendell elf.

She notched the arrow into the string and aimed for the target as Elladan had taught her. She released the arrow as it flew through the air and embedded itself into the trunk on the inner ring.

"Not bad." Legolas nodded.

Not bad? Damn good considering it has been a while! Thariya scoffed.

"That may be, but you still have a long way to go." Legolas stated, as he changed from friend to teacher.

"Again."

...

An hour had passed and several arrows were stuck in the beautiful mallorn trees at various points in the target.

"That was a fruitful session." Legolas stated not a hair out of place.

Thariya glanced sideways at Legolas out of breath, covered in a layer of grime on her face.

For you maybe! Thariya panted.

"No you did well Mellon!" Legolas chuckled placing an arm around her shoulders leading her towards a large tree with low branches.

Legolas effortlessly jumped onto the low branch with an arm outstretched to her.

I am not climbing a tree Legolas Greenleaf. Thariya said firmly looking up at his amused face.

"Oh it is much easier than it looks!" Legolas said dismissively.

I will fall on my face and die. Then you have no Nauth Herdir to guide you. Thariya crossed her arms over.

"You are being ridiculous." Legolas shook his head.

You are an elf. You live in the Woodland Realm! This comes easy to you. She said defensively.

"Maybe so. But you are a being of great magical power, and you cannot climb a tree?" Legolas mocked a smile playing on his lips.

Fine. She growled in his mind.

"That's the spirit." Legolas laughed.

She took his hand as he places the other on around her shoulder.

"Now jump as high as you can when I say." Legolas instructed.

What?

"Now!" At the moment Thariya jumped as Legolas effortlessly pulled her up onto the branch she fell with her back against the tree trunk with Legolas arms still around her.

His face was hovering over hers as she breathed deeply. His eyes flickered down to hers as she looked up into his ocean blue ones. He was close. Too close. Thariya gently pushed his arms off her shoulders and stood beside him. Legolas shuffled back giving her room.

"See that wasn't so hard." Legolas said scratching his neck.

I suppose not. Thariya muttered. What was that? For a minute there she thought he might - no that can't be right. Legolas was her friend there was no way.

"One branch down. The rest to go." Legolas grinned as Thariya groaned looking up.

After a few minutes of difficulty and almost falling, the elf and the Nauth Herdir were high up in the mallorn tree sitting side by side. Their legs dangling in the air.

They had a view of some of the flets and market place as it was now night. Thariya looked up in the sky as the stars has come out.

"You have feelings for another, don't you?" Legolas asked.

Thariya turned around her eyes wide in shock.

Who told you? Thariya's eyes flashed angrily.

"No one. I suspected." Legolas said carefully, not wanting to betray Aragorn.

How? Thariya looked down at the ground beneath them.

"In Imladris, when you were saying goodbye to Lord Elladan, he gave you his bow." Legolas explained.

But maybe he gave it to me because we are friends and he lost a bet? Thariya raised an eyebrow challenging him.

Legolas suppressed a smirk. Of course Thariya would have done something like that.

"While I have no doubt that's true, I saw the way he looked at you, and the way you looked at him." Legolas looked at Thariya's softened gaze for confirmation.

"Ah." Legolas nodded in realisation. Legolas did not probe her for questions and enjoyed her company in silence.

If she wanted to tell him, she would. A few minutes passed before Thariya had the courage to speak again. He did say she could speak to him as a friend. Her mind wandered to that incident on the first branch. She narrowed her eyes. Friends. He acted strangely for a friend.

It is true. I had feelings for Elladan. She spoke.

Had? Legolas fought off the look of surprise and kept his expression neutral as he turned to her.

I mean have. She corrected.

Legolas kept his face neutral, void of expression for he knew she could detect energy and feelings.

I do not really know. This distance has given me time to think. She began as Legolas listened.

I think I have feelings for him. Perhaps still. But whether we would make a good match is different. She spoke.

"Did he love you?" Legolas asked.

I know what happens when elves love and are rejected. She stated.

I do not think it was quite at that point yet. But I know he had strong feelings. For courtship.

"Why don't you think you would make a good pair?" Legolas tried to sympathise with her as a friend although this was not his area of expertise.

Lord Elrond has all these expectations for him. I do not fit in there. Thariya shook her head.

"I am sure that's not true. Lord Elrond treats you like one of his own children. I saw it with my own eyes." Legolas said reassuringly.

That may be. I do not think he would accept another elf-human match in his family. She chuckled as Legolas smiled also.

Besides I think if I had strong feelings for him, I would miss him more. And it is not like that so much now. Thariya said. Legolas sensed she wanted to change the subject.

"What did Lady Galadriel wish to speak about?" He enquired.

About my visions of Boromir. She tried to reassure me to not dwell on the past and to do my best. She said certain events are fixed and I cannot stop everything that is to come. But I must do my best. Thariya tried to convince herself.

"She is right." Legolas said gently.

"Gandalf's death is not your fault. Do not blame yourself." He stated.

I know. If I had woken up before Moria perhaps things would be different. Thariya sighed but was silenced by a pointed look from Legolas.

Yes yes not my fault. She relented with a slight smile.

She also spoke. Of the dangers of my powers. Thariya ducked her head feeling embarrassed.

"I was meaning to speak to you of that." Legolas smiled uneasily.

She said if I was not careful using it on evil creatures it would consume me Legolas.

"I will not let that happen." Legolas said firmly placing a hand on her cheek.

Thank you Mellon.

"What do we need to do?" He asked dropping his hand.

We?

"We are in this together." He gave her a resolved smile as she returned it. Her heart swelled at his support and friendship for her.

She said I need to find an anchor. A person or thing that I feel strongly for. Thairya shrugged.

"Who will be your anchor?" Legolas kept his eyes trained on her.

I have no idea.

A/N: a little Legolas/Thariya one on one time was much needed I think. I wanted them to move past their argument wjicly because they are mature adults and riddled with grief. Let me know if you liked it!

I didn't realise my italics weren't coming up, but I've changed it now. So all of the talking in mind think is italicised to avoid further confusion.