Disclaimer *I do not own LOTR*

AN: I just want to apologize for not posting in a really long time. I was unsure where I was going with the chapter. Any suggestions are welcome and don't forget to drop a message :)

Many were sick or wounded, and the House of Healing was packed. Outside the gate, Aragorn and his men pitched their tents along with the sons of Elrond and Prince Imrahil's men. Although the men were grim and worn, Lauren was smiling and cheerful, trying to lighten the hearts of those stricken with something much worse than blade or dart. She was making fun of herself for not being able to make a simple campfire and relating it to some humorous tale, which caused the men to laugh and briefly forget their woes.

It was at this time that Aragorn made his way to the House of Healing and met up with Gandalf and Boromir. At the words of Lauren, Aragorn had collected some kingsfoil before the battle and brought it with him in a pouch but it wasn't near enough what he needed to treat those bedridden in the House of Healing. Boromir stayed at his brother's side, who was still wounded from the poisoned arrow. Whilst Aragorn did his healing business with Gandalf and Éomer, Lauren stayed below with Legolas and Gandalf.

"So, Lass, how did things turn out?"

Lauren looked around warily, there were still people about but she didn't think they would understand the meaning behind her words.

"Well, Aragorn's right-hand Dúnedain was saved, but I failed to save the King of the Mark and forgive me for saying this, for it is unladylike and he is father to our friend Boromir, but I am glad that the crazy Steward of Gondor is no more. He was a great mind but the Eye had his sights on him. Denethor's mind was slowly being controlled by the enemy, it would have been worse should he have lived, or so I deem. A few things have changed here and there, that matters little though; the path that matters is the one that the little hobbits take. I just hope their course stays true. Let us not speak of such dire things, many of us are alive and well. I should think that a victory even though we lost many a great man. If you kind gentlemen will excuse me though, I have some things to attend to."

Legolas and Gimli rose as Lauren walked off to where her horse was being kept. Her bird companion landed on Legolas knee and chirped at him then took off to follow Lauren, those who knew the finch understood that as a sign to follow.

"She's a strong one that lass. Even through hard times, she looks at the good and smiles in thanks. Her speech is changing too, she almost sounds like she is from Middle Earth now. I wonder if other people from her world can adapt as easily."

"I doubt it; there is no one quite like her. It also helped that she is learned in many topics. Something tells me that it is in her nature to adapt readily to change, good or bad. I worry for her, she puts up a brave front but she is fearful of something. Of what, I do not know."

Gimli looked at his elven friend and smirked. How much longer was it going to take the elf prince to finally voice his feelings for the girl? He shook his head, if the two didn't come to a head sooner or later then the fellowship would have to go through with the plan they devised back in Rohan.

"You always seem to calm her nerves, why not go and talk to her now?"

Legolas was at a loss for words and took a moment to regroup his thoughts.

"That is not necessarily true."

The dwarf let out a hearty laugh and held his side.

"Elf, we all saw you walk back with her before we left for Helm's Deep, and then there was that time at the Falls during sentry duty. That girl is like a raging animal when provoked and you calm her. Don't try to deny it. Now go before I remind you who won our contest back at the Keep."

Legolas shook his head; he knew he shouldn't have asked her to stay on sentry with him that night.

"Yes, alright, even though I had more kills today? That glare is quite unbecoming, my friend. I shall speak with Lauren so your nerves are calmed as well. Try not to ruffle any feathers while I am not around."

As Legolas walked off in the direction Lauren went, he could hear a grumbling Gimli, something about the oliphant only counting as one kill, and a few laughing at the poor dwarf's expense. It didn't take him long to reach the part of the camp that stabled the horses but he immediately knew that Lauren wasn't there. Sundance was sleeping away from the other horses and there was no Lauren near him.

The horse woke as Legolas approached. Legolas held out a hand for the horse to sniff.

"Where did Lauren go?"

Sundance whinnied then flicked his head out to the battlefield. Her horse wasn't concerned about his owner, so why was his heart suddenly racing? He thanked the steed and took off to the field.

Once he came to the crest of the small hill, he could see Lauren. She was sitting on one of the great boulders thrown from the walls during the battle. He slowed his pace and his heart returned to normal rate.

"Mirkwood is in that direction."

Lauren hummed in acknowledgement.

"You will still come with me?"

She turned to look at the elf standing at the base of the boulder. Worry was etched into his face as well as uncertainty. She held out a hand to him and smiled. When he was up on the boulder he sat next to Lauren, both looking North.

"I already said I would follow you but you heard the seagulls' call, did you not?"

Legolas's face fell. He did indeed hear their call and that's what worried him. He didn't want to leave Middle Earth, maybe before all of this happened yes, but now he wanted to stay more than ever.

"I see; we must take things as we may for we never know what the new day may bring."

He wanted to laugh, here he came to calm her nerves but she was calming his.

"But I'm scared Legolas. I don't want to leave, I want to stay. I don't care if that makes me sound selfish but I've never felt so welcomed before, so at home. Everything just feels right, I feel as though I belong."

"Because you do belong. Rest now, the day has been long and you are weary."

At his words, Lauren seemed to feel the weight of the day on her shoulders. Before she knew it she had fallen asleep curled up against Legolas.

Legolas knew what his feelings for the girl next to him were, and apparently so did everyone else, but he still thought it improper to walk back to the camp with her in his arms. He waited until the cover of darkness before picking her up.

While walking back, Legolas was hoping that everyone was away or in their tents but luck was not smiling on him that moment. Sitting around their fire was Gimli, Aragorn, Prince Imrahil, Éomer and Elrond's sons; he assumed Boromir was up in the city at his brother's side or sorting through things, he was to be the new Steward after all.

"Perfect."

Aragorn and Éomer were quick to hide their smiles by taking a drink but Gimli didn't hide his amusement.

"O-ho, Elf! What have you there? Spoils of war?"

Clearly, someone let the dwarf have sprites, something the fellowship and the men of Rohan learned to keep clear of the dwarf's reach.

"She fell asleep is all, if you excuse me."

As Legolas turned to walk to Lauren's tent, a strong gust of wind buffeted the group and made them shiver. Lauren mumbled in her sleep and turned into Legolas, grabbing onto his cloak and burying her face into it.

Behind him the group snickered, he just rolled his eyes as he opened the flap to her tent. He was greeted by animated chirps from Lauren's bird; the little fledging had nested down in her bedroll. When the bird realized that he was going to put Lauren down, he flapped his wings and moved to the saddle horn. Once Lauren was settled in, the finch returned to his spot and snuggled back into the warm roll.

Legolas was taking off Lauren's leather gloves when he noticed that she wore two rings. Curiosity got the best of him and he lifted her hand so he could see them more clearly. Both were gold, but the one ring had a crown with two hands holding a heart-cut emerald, the other was a delicate-looking ring with a beautiful diamond at its center. On closer inspection, he realized that it was an elven ring with Elrond's house emblem inscribed on the side.

"So she is considered an Elf-friend then, not shocking at all but how did we not notice the ring sooner?"

Putting his bafflement aside, he placed the gloves on top of her saddle and her odd weapon, kyoketsu-shoge if memory served him right. It seemed unwieldy but he knew otherwise. Lauren was becoming quite skilled in its use. He took one last glance around the tent to make sure everything was as it should be then left the tent, shutting the flap behind him.

The next day the captains met together and discussed recent events. The men had wanted Lauren to join them but she knew that they would be fine without her. Moreover, what would happen if she weren't around, she couldn't keep babying them. She laughed to herself at her silly joke, like the leaders of men needed to be told what to do by a young woman. Not that she was putting females down, she wasn't, but she wasn't a typical Middle Earth woman either. She had a different knowledge base than those around her, for obvious reasons, and it resulted in her not being "as well learned" as others.

Besides, Lauren couldn't let her fellow female-in-arms mope in a bed all day! The trek up to the House of Healing was long and Lauren wished she brought Sundance along. It didn't look as long in the movie! Lauren walked into the healing center panting. Once she reached Éowyn, she poured herself a glass of water and gulped it down.

"Lauren, what is the matter? Are you not feeling well, you look rather… winded."

As the cool liquid slid down her throat Lauren sighed, feeling refreshed, for now at least.

"Yea, I just didn't expect the walk up here to be so long! I didn't pace myself properly. It would make for an awesome workout though, jogging up and down the levels. I wonder if anyone has done it? I digress; I came by to see how you were recovering."

A look of regret and sadness flashed across the shieldmaiden's eyes. Lauren figured that Éowyn would feel caged and she came to liberate her.

"I wish I could help but everyone has said that I am to remain here, as if I were a delicate flower to be kept safely away."

Lauren laughed, not at her friend but at the situation.

"Faramir is also cooped up, is he a delicate flower? Oh, I should love to see his face were someone to call him that! No, Éowyn, you are not a delicate flower to be kept away. Everything will be fine now, you'll see. Maybe a walk in the garden with your fellow flowers will cure you of your gloomy mood, eh? Go on, shoo. I'll cover for you should anyone ask where you went."

Lauren knew, full well, that Faramir was in the garden at that moment.

"Since I can't go with them to the Gates, I'll just have to make my own fun around here. The hobbit and I can have loads of fun!"

As per usual, Lauren ended up in the great library reading the many books that lined its walls. She knew that Merry, Éowyn and Faramir would be fine on their own. She remembered that much from the book.

A few days passed with no tidings of the war to the East. Being around the men of Gondor made Lauren anxious. To keep herself from becoming gloomy she kept to herself, only coming from her room or library to see her friends. Lauren was starting to get bored, which is never a good thing, when she heard an eagle call out to the people of Gondor. The war was won.

Lauren smiled as she listened to the people rejoicing all throughout the city. Yet, a sorrow filled Lauren's heart. She knew that the Fellowship would not be broken right away, not until Arwen came with her kin to Gondor and she was wed to Aragorn. It still signified the end, which still frightened her.

Finally, the company returned and Aragorn was admitted into the city as the new king. Lauren stayed on the sidelines and let the returning men be glorified by those around them. The proceedings went in accordance with the book, which was good.

When all the major hub-bub was over, the Fellowship visited Éowyn, who had begun helping around the House of Healing. During supper, the Fellowship listened to the story of how Frodo and Sam came into Mordor, and the part that Gollum played. Merry and Pippin, as well as the men of the Fellowship, told their stories to the Ring-bearers.

Frodo listened with an eager ear and committed much to memory, tomorrow he would begin writing down what he heard and experienced in the book his Uncle Bilbo gave him.

"What of Lauren? I remember her only as if she were a figment of my dreams."

The Fellowship grew quiet. Try as they might they couldn't find their fiery companion. It was as if she were a ghost, drifting from one location to the next. Some say they saw her at the top of the tallest tower gazing to the West. Others say she was deep in the library reading a dusty book. Still others say that she had taught their children some of what she knew in the courtyard. They didn't understand why she would avoid them, even Éowyn and Faramir didn't know where she might be. It wasn't until Gandalf found her deep in the old archives in the library they could finally talk to her.

The Fellowship, joined by Éomer, Faramir and Éowyn, all sat in a private room while Lauren sipped her hot tea. She looked worn, thin. At first, Legolas felt slighted that Lauren would begrudge him even a hello but when he looked upon her now, he could only feel worry and concern.

"I remember; nothing to do Middle Earth mind you, but from my former home. I remember how it is I came here, some of you already know. I was in the small forest behind the ranch where I used to horseback ride. It was a relatively nice day, a little cloudy but it didn't look like rain. Then suddenly there was a huge gust of wind, I've never felt anything so strong. It must have been at least 50 or 60 miles per hour. Dirt and leaves were flying all over. I shielded my eyes from the debris and when I opened them, here I was. Now I remember more details. There was a loud cracking sound. A rotted tree was snapped in half from the force of the wind. It fell on Sundance and me. I died then."

A tear slowly made its way down Lauren's cheek. It would seem that there were greater forces at work here. The question now is; was it coincidence that Lauren died and was brought to Middle Earth at a crucial moment or was it planned by this greater force?

"I don't really know what to think about all of this. It's a lot to process. I think it was easier for me to walk in Middle Earth knowing that there was always the possibility that I would be able to find a way home and possibly form a link between here and my home. That link is severed. The only upside of it all is that I know some unseen force won't yank me away from here, or so I hope."

Lauren smiled at her friends but it held a tinge of sadness. She excused herself so she could get herself some soup from the kitchen to warm her up. While she was away, the Fellowship began to draw up ways to make Lauren smile again.

Legolas smirked and he quickly left the room. The others smiled as well, knowing that he had come up with an idea that would surely bring the smile and warmth back to Lauren.

The next morning, Lauren was roused out of bed by Éowyn just as the sun was rising.

"Éowyn, what is the matter? Why do you wake me so early in the morn?"

"Because sleepy head, you and I are going for a ride. You still remember you promise, don't you? That when we had the time we would gallop across the fields and be free as the birds."

Saezuri chirped as he flew to Éowyn shoulder, fluttering his wings as if in demonstration of freedom.

"Alright, alright! But if I fall off because I am not yet awake, I will blame you."

The women grabbed some bread from the kitchen before heading down to the stables to get their horses. Lauren laughed when she saw that they were already groomed and ready. They rode out of the gate at a respectable pace, Saezuri resting on Lauren's shoulder. As soon as they cleared the guards outside the gate, they gave their horses open reign to gallop across the field.

They sped across the field and though they rode as free as the wind, they still kept an eye on the wall and its guards. No need to raise an alarm over a joy-ride. Once the horses were good and sweaty the women slowed their pace to a leisurely walk, taking in the scenery and talking about idle gossip.

"So, how goes things with Faramir?"

Éowyn smirked, they had many a discussion about the young Captain of Gondor over a cup of warm tea. The Shieldmaiden knew that Lauren had sent her to the garden that day well aware of who was there and what the outcome would be. Sometimes it was good that friends meddled.

"They go well, thank you."

"Oh you are quite welcome. Although I was just giving fate a little nudge. I just couldn't stand to see that sour expression on your face, most un-lady like."

They laughed at the inside joke as their steered their mounts back toward the gate they found Gandalf and the hobbits waiting for them.

"Are you just about done with your little pleasure ride, Lassie?"

"Yes, my friend, and heaven forbid we indulge ourselves with a few well earned comforts."

Lauren gave a wink to Merry and Pippin, who smiled and chuckled in response.

"Well, let's get moving before all the food is gone!"

Pippin seemed to be dancing on his toes, eager to be back up in the banquet hall.

"Climb aboard, young hobbits."

Between the two horses, they managed to get Merry, Pippin and Sam onto Windfola, and Frodo and Gimli onto Sundance. They trotted up the mountain until they reached the top. Once at the top, Lauren found a serving boy and gave him coin to bring the horses back down to the stables and see to it that the horses were taken care of.

The group made their way into the hall where there was a table full of sweet smelling food set on the table

"I know it isn't quite what I promised but this will have to do until I meet with my family."

"Gimli, you really have outdone yourself this time. And here I thought nothing could surpass the weapon you made me."

The dwarf's cheeks became rosy as Lauren crushed him in a bear hug. Pippin, still dancing on his toes, couldn't hold back.

"We came up with the idea!"

Lauren laughed as she pulled the hobbits into hugs as well.

"Well, shall we eat?"

They all ate until they were about to burst and just as Lauren began to relax, the Men of Gondor and Rohan came in.

"If it's a spar you want then you must wait, my friends. I don't think I would be able to move for quite some time. I think I over did it."

Everyone at the table let out a laugh and Gimli let out a groan as he held his side. Saezuri, who was perched on a candelabra chirped his humor and continued to peck at the slice of bread that was cut for him.

"Those cooks of yours do know how to cook a mean roast."

They laughed again as Gimli let out a rather loud burp.

"No, we shall not spar today, maybe some other time. We have something to show you though."

Lauren accepted Aragon's hand as she rose and followed them out to the courtyard where she saw Gandalf.

There in the courtyard was the new tree, already taking to the water like a thirsty animal.

"You found it! I'm glad."

"Look closer."

Lauren did as she was instructed and upon closer inspection, she saw that there was a small plaque besides the tree. In honor of those who fought for the freedom of Middle Earth. Considering the era many would have mentioned "men" or "warriors" but it was left generic so that it encompassed all those who fought for their right to leave freely.

"You're already on your way to higher understanding. I fear I may have more of an impact on you all than I realized."

They all laughed knowing that, without her aid, things would have turned out very differently.

The day passed and Lauren's spirits were much higher than there were the past few days. That night Lauren was roused from her book by a soft knock on her door. A servant was given instruction to collect the Lady Lauren and escort a meeting place. A little curious, Lauren followed the servant to the garden were the candles gave the flowers and shrubby a luminescent, fairy-like glow. The servant excused herself and as soon as she left, Legolas came out from behind a tree.

"I heard that you haven't spent much time here, which I thought was odd. However, I found out that Faramir and Éowyn frequented this spot and I understood why. You have a kind heart, Lauren. It's what first attracted me to you."

He came closer and took her hands in his.

"I don't know where we would be, where I would be, had you not come into this world when you did. I feel pity and remorse for those you have left behind because they have lost an amazing gift; but I would be lying if I did not say that I am glad. Glad that you have come, although that may make me sound like a selfish elfling but I care not."

Lauren smiled as Legolas spoke. In the light, he really did look like an ethereal being.

"Lauren, I do not know what I would do if I did not have you in my life. Please, accept this token."

Legolas took a step back and produced a small bag. Lauren could feel her heat quicken as he opened the bag and produced the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. It was of exquisite craftsmanship, two strands of gold interloping together to create a delicate elven design.

"Oh, Legolas, this is breathtaking. I couldn't possibly! People might get the wrong idea."

"That is what I was hoping for."

Lauren smiled as she turned around so Legolas could clasp it around her neck. Once it was on, she spun to pull the elf prince into an embrace.

"Thank you."

They stayed in the garden until the first rays of morning light broke the horizon's edge.