Author's Note: Okay, here it is! And, it's quite long if I do say so myself ;). Okay, hopefully this is a good chapter, personally I think it's one of my best :D. But, anyhoo, enough of my babbling. Read and Review, I don't bite.

Thanks to;

Jasper and Bella
justiceintheworldofhp-yearight
LittleMissDreamer7
aandm20
aliben
Randomness

Nine: A Jealous Elf

Amelia could not contain the butterflies in her stomach. She felt queasy and a million possibilities were running through her head. Lady Galadriel probably had nothing of importance to tell her, or maybe Lady Galadriel had something of great importance to tell her. That thought scared her most.

Lady Galadriel was waiting for her, standing on the stairs, exactly as she had when they first met her. She was looking at Amelia with a gentle smile on her face and slowly descended the stairs as she approached. Amelia, the nervous feeling reappearing in her stomach, slowly curtseyed.

"Good evening," she said quietly. Lady Galadriel only smiled, gesturing for Amelia to follow her. Amelia did so without question, curious.

"I know why you have come to me," Lady Galadriel said after a moment.

"How?" Amelia asked before she could stop herself.

"I know a lot of things, Amelia," Lady Galadriel explained, voice soft. "Things that were, things that are," she paused. "And some things that have not yet come to pass."

Amelia gazed at her in shock. Did Lady Galadriel know the fate of Middle Earth? Amelia was silent, pondering how to go about asking Lady Galadriel about her past. There were so many things that needed answers; how had she ended up away from Middle Earth? Why was she mortal, yet (if Rae was to be believed) six hundred years old? And what of her real parents? It was more than likely that they were dead but say by some miracle she could find something on them? Would there be documents about her? She bit her lip.

"I know what troubles you, Amelia, daughter of none," Lady Galadriel stated. "Yet I fear that I can only answer a few of these."

"What?" Amelia asked, puzzled. "What do you mean 'daughter of none'? I can't have just popped up out of nowhere!"

"You are right," Lady Galadriel said, nodding. "Though the one with your answers has fallen into shadow."

Amelia froze, the realisation hitting like ice cold water. This couldn't be possible. The one person who could give her answers was dead. It was typical really. Her younger sister had her answers and she was going to be left in the dark for the rest of her life.

"Do not judge Rae for finding her happiness," Lady Galadriel said, her voice showing no hint of anger. "The events of late have been most difficult on her, but she still has questions unanswered."

"But Gandalf is dead," Amelia argued. "We have no way of finding out anything."

"Do not lose faith so quickly. There may yet be a chance. As I said, Gandalf's purpose is unclear."

Amelia was silent. Lady Galadriel was right, of course. Just because Rae had found her happiness did not mean it was purposely done to anger Amelia. She sighed, the sound dragging on for longer than she expected.

"Well, is there anything you can answer?" Amelia asked.

"Only a few," Lady Galadriel confirmed. "It is unknown to me why this information is unclear."

"Well, what can you tell me?"

"I know that the same magic that took you away from Middle Earth brought you back, the same magic was cast on both of you. Only a wizard of great power could do something so great, and more than once."

"Who could of done it?" Amelia asked, genuinely curious. Lady Galadriel shook her head.

"I cannot tell you; only Gandalf can give you that answer," she said.

Amelia took a deep breath. This was going to be a long conversation.

Amelia returned to the Fellowship camp through the night, tired yet feeling happier than she had earlier. Lady Galadriel had convinced her that not knowing much about her past was not the end of the world. She slipped into her small space and grabbed her travelling cloak, draping it over herself. Rae was not back yet but Amelia guessed she was staying with her family. She couldn't put it past her; if she had found out she had family staying in the same place, she wouldn't of wasted a single moment with them.

She placed her head down, exhaustion finally taking its toll on her, and closed her eyes, drifting in and out of consciousness for a while before she finally fell into blackness.

"Amelia," a voice was saying. Masculine, oddly familiar.

"Amelia, wake up," another said.

"Lass, come on," a gruffer voice added.

Amelia yawned, stretching. She winced when her hand connected with someone and quickly drew back, opening her eyes. She felt groggy from her late night. She rubbed her eyes and looked up at the three who had rudely awoken her.

"Welcome to the land of the living, lass," Gimli grumbled, chuckling. Aragorn smiled and offered his hand to her, which she gladly took, yawning again.

The sun was shining through the leaves of Caras Galadhon, and Amelia wondered if Rae was awake yet. Legolas, who had helped wake her, looked at her, misreading the smile that came to her face.

"Where is Rae?" He demanded. "I haven't seen her since last night."

"I don't know," Amelia answered, her voice slurred from the early awakening.

"Is she with Haldir?" Legolas asked, something in his voice Amelia could not recognise. She tilted her head to the side slightly, gazing at him.

"Probably not," she answered, grinning as Legolas looked relieved. "What would it matter if she was?"

"It wouldn't," Legolas said, turning away. "But where is she then?"

Amelia sighed, running a hand through her hair. She had pulled it free of the Elvish braid, leaving it all tangled and cascading down her back. Then she fixed her gaze on Legolas.

"It's not my place to tell you, Legolas," she said at last. Legolas seemed shocked as he turned away, heading the edge of the camp. He sat there, looking out into the surrounding forest and not saying a word to anyone. Amelia looked at Aragorn, confused.

"Legolas and Rae are close," he explained slowly. "He's merely confused and upset that she hasn't spoken a word to him since last night."

"I really wish I could tell him what's happened," Amelia said quietly, eyes never leaving Legolas. "But it's not my place. I think this is something she'll want to tell him herself."

Aragorn simply nodded, following Gimli back to where they both sat the previous night, leaving Amelia standing in the middle of the clearing like a fool.

Rae, meanwhile, had just woken up refreshed and energised after the best nights sleep she'd had in weeks. Olwë had promised to help her work on her bow skills - after she spilled that she was no good with aim - but she figured it was around noon when she woke up. She yawned and stretched, grinning to herself, before she rose from her bed and sped down the stairs.

Her mother, father (she was still getting used to calling them that) were no where to be seen - probably wandering around Caras Galadhon - but Olwë was sitting at the table. He smiled to her but Rae could tell he was still slightly uncomfortable. She couldn't really blame him; it's not like they had grown up together.

Not a word was spoken between them (which was awkward to say the least) as Rae ate her breakfast. Olwë told her that her mother had left her some fresh clothes, her travelling ones being cleaned ready for when they set off. There had been a small conversation, which grew into a heated argument, about Rae leaving Caras Galadhon, but she had insisted that she finish the quest she started. Her parents had settled for the promise that she return to Caras Galadhon at the end of it all.

Rae changed into the simple light blue dress, brushed through her hair and slid into her travelling boots, the only shoes she had with her. She met Olwë again, ready to leave. He already had his bow, a elegant sword strapped to his hip. Rae smiled.

"Where's your bow?" Olwë asked, eyebrow raised.

"It's at the Fellowship camp," Rae explained. "Could we possibly stop by there?" He only nodded.

"Perfect opportunity for you to introduce me to your travelling companions," he stated. "I don't want my little sister travelling with a group of hooligans."

Rae laughed but allowed him to come with her anyway. Rae had learned from her evening with that Olwë did not talk much. When asked a direct question, he would answer, otherwise he was silent. Rae appreciated it however. At least he wasn't spending time creating awkward conversations; the silence they walked in was comfortable.

Rae led the way down the stairs to the bottom of Caras Galadhon, Olwë following behind her. She jumped the last few steps, landing gracefully on the grass, before heading over to where she had left her dagger and bow. She moved so quietly that no one noticed her until Pippin yelled out.

"Rae!" He said, jumping to his feet.

"Hello Peregrin," she said, grinning. Pippin stopped, shocked.

"She speaks!" Gimli cried, chuckling. Rae shrugged, her smile still on her face.

"How was it last night?" Amelia asked, bring Rae's attention to her. She was a mess. Her hair was tangled and there was dirt covering her head to toe.

"Simply wonderful," Rae replied, sighing. Amelia laughed.

Legolas looked at Rae like she was crazy before he stepped forward. Rae grinned up at him but he only raised an eyebrow.

"Good morning, Legolas," she chimed. He crossed his arms over his chest.

"Where have you been?" He questioned.

"Oh, just about," Rae replied. "There's some people I want you to meet-"

"I'll meet them later. Explain where you've been."

"But, Legolas, that's what-"

"Now."

Rae let out a frustrated groan and Legolas continued to stare at her, waiting for her answer. She grabbed her bow and made for the stairs, too irritated with Legolas to tell him anything.

"Rae," she heard Amelia say but she kept walking. Then, there was a restraining hand on her arm. She swung round, pulling her arm free, intent on giving Legolas a piece of her mind, when someone else jumped in front of her and pushed him away.

"Olwë!" Rae gasped. He was in a protective stance in front of her, glaring at Legolas. Legolas was breathing heavily, looking angry.

"Ya naa lle?" Legolas asked. It seemed to be taking everything he had not to yell.

"Legolas, this is one of the people I was meeting last night," Rae explained slowly. "Olwë, my toror'."

Rae smiled slightly as Legolas visibly relaxed. She was, needless to say, slightly confused about his actions. He'd never acted like that before so why was he now? She sighed and slipped her quiver on, grabbing her bow. She avoided Legolas' apologetic gaze and rushed up the stairs.

Olwë was, for lack of a better word, fuming after his encounter with Legolas. He did not, as he often repeated, like the way Legolas had spoken to Rae, nor did he like the thought of Rae travelling with him. Rae was trying hard to focus on her archery skills but this was incredibly difficult with her brother standing next to her hitting every target perfectly. It was his way of getting out his anger at Legolas.

Rae sighed and knocked another arrow, taking her time. Olwë had told her just to hit the targets as she would usually and this was enough to make Rae laugh; how long had it been since she last hit a target on purpose? She didn't complain. She pulled back the bowstring and released the arrow, succeeding in hitting the tree just past the target. Rae bit her lip and turned away, embarrassed. How was it possible for her to be so bad at aiming when her mentor is incredible at it?

She knocked another arrow and watched Olwë as he shot another arrow. He made it look so damn easy! She sighed angrily as the arrow sped past the target and the tree she had hit previously, disappearing in the surrounding tree. She stomped her foot angrily, earning an amused look from Olwë, before she threw her bow down.

"This is hopeless," she cried, sitting cross legged on the grass. Olwë joined her on the grass, though he placed his bow down with more care, and was about to talk when another voice beat him to the punch.

"For being an elf, you have the worst aim I have ever seen," it said. It was male and familiar. Rae's response was to glare in his general direction.

Haldir the march warden strolled out of the trees, holding Rae's blue feathered arrow in his hand. Rae and Olwë stood to greet him, Olwë more relaxed then Rae. Haldir handed Rae her arrow, an eyebrow raised.

"Thank you," Rae said quietly, slipping the arrow back in the quiver. Haldir said nothing more as he looked past her to Olwë.

"How are you, my friend?" He asked. Olwë nodded to him as an answer but Rae had a suspicion that he was actually nodding to her.

Rae ignored the two of them as they conversed - well, as Haldir conversed. It was kind of a one-sided conversation - and knocked another arrow. She studied the target intently, ready to prove that she could hit something. She released the arrow, only for it to land on the grass in front.

"AGH!" Rae screamed. "I give up!" She through her quiver and bow down and faced away, anger emanating off her in huge waves. She didn't care that she looked like a five year old child nor that the march warden of Lothlórien was watching her.

She heard Olwë sigh as he picked up her bow and quiver. His huge hand was unusually gentle as he placed it on her shoulder, an encouraging smile on his face.

"Come on," he said, turning her round to the target. Rae released a frustrated breath - which sounded a lot like a growl to Haldir, though he said nothing - but allowed her brother to teach her.

"Show me how you would usually hold you bow," Haldir instructed. Olwë shot him look which said I'll handle this but Haldir was on a roll.

"You're pulling the string too tightly," he told Rae. She loosed her grip. "Now you're not holding it tight enough."

Rae's shoulders slumped; would she ever get this right? Legolas taught her how to use a bow and he was amazing at it. Why had she turned out so… wrong? Olwë stepped back as Haldir shoved past him slightly, lightly placing his hands over Rae's.

"Hold it here and here," he ordered, moving her hands to the appropriate places, "and pull the string back only this far." He slid the string back slightly, before he released it. "Now, let's try it with an arrow." Rae, with shaking hands after being in such close contact with Haldir, pulled an arrow from her quiver - with Olwë looking disgruntled at having to hold it - and knocked it.

She placed her hands in the position she thought Haldir had said and pulled back the string slightly. Haldir looked irritated.

"No, you've moved your hands," he said, sighing. He stood behind her again, moving her hands into position. Rae blushed but out of anger or embarrassment, she could not tell. "Then, pull the string…" He guided her hand that was on the string back and held it there. "…then release," he breathed in her ear. Rae let go.

Legolas - after the fight with Rae's brother - had never felt more guilty in his entire life. About an hour after they had left, he decided to look for them and apologise for his actions. It was the least he could so after everything he had been through with Rae. He explained to Aragorn where he was going before he sprinted up the stairs and into Caras Galadhon.

However, it wasn't long before he got hopelessly lost. He frowned, using his hearing to pick up anything. He walked forward a few steps before he heard what he needed and he did not like it. He followed the sound until he reached what seemed to be an archery area, occupied by three elves; two with blond hair and male and a female with hair the colour of wet soil.

Legolas, relieved, made to step out from his hiding spot until he saw something that made him wish he could gouge out his eyes.

"I did it!" Rae shouted, glee in her voice. "I really did it!" Then, consumed by the happiness she felt, she threw her arms around Haldir and kissed him on the cheek. Legolas' anger flared. She never kissed him when he taught her how to use a bow. Why was Haldir any different?

Rae's brother, Olwë, looked uncomfortable with the whole situation as he stood, holding Rae's quiver. Legolas decided to make his presence known just as Haldir began to hug Rae back. He coughed, drawing their attention to him. Rae and Haldir broke apart slowly, which only fuelled his fire.

"Legolas?" Rae asked, a smile on her face. Legolas' anger almost - almost - slipped away at the sight of the look on her face (which was usually directed at him, he realised) but he kept his stance. Olwë glared at him.

"Did you see, Legolas?" Rae asked, bringing his attention back to her. "I hit the target!"

Legolas' gaze reached the target on the other end of the area where, sure enough, Rae's light blue arrow was embedded in the centre. When his eyes met hers again, he saw the joy he'd been longing to see for days back in her eyes but that could not distract him from his purpose.

"I just wanted to apologise," Legolas said, voice level. "It was wrong of me to demand that you answer my question. And," he turned to Olwë, "I apologise if I made you think less of me."

Then, without so much as a look towards Rae, he turned and began heading back to the Fellowship camp.

Rae wasted no time in grabbing her quiver and bow and following Legolas after his abrupt exit. She said a hasty goodbye to the two elves in the training area, promising Olwë that she would be home in time for her parents return, and ran to catch up with Legolas.

It didn't take long for her to reach him, mostly because he didn't seem to know where he was going, but she did feel like she might make things worse if she spoke to him. She pushed the feeling away and gently placed a hand on his arm.

"Legolas?" She asked. He shrugged her arm off and continued walking. She tried again. "Legolas? Have I done something wrong?"

"No," he snapped. The tone of his voice made her feel as though he had just stabbed her in the chest.

"Are you sure?" She questioned. She was pushing her luck, she was sure, but she just desperately wanted to know why he was angry, if he even was.

"Yes," was the short reply.

Rae gently placed her bow in the quiver on her back and fidgeted with her hands. She struggled to keep up with the fast pace he was setting; was he doing it on purpose?

"Legolas," Rae said at last, breaking the silence again. "There's some people I want you to meet."

"I don't want to meet them," he said, voice low. Rae swallowed. Why did his words sting so much?

"They're my-"

"It doesn't matter who they are," Legolas snapped at her, "I don't want to meet them."

Rae took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. Why was he being so cruel? Just as she plucked up the courage to speak again, Legolas spoke.

"Do not try to convince me," he said, his voice unusually cold. "I will not change my mind."

"I was just going to ask if you wanted to come to dinner with us," Rae said quickly, opting to finish her sentence before he could interrupt.

"Dinner with who? You and Haldir? No thank you," Legolas began walking away again.

Rae's eyes widened in realisation. That's what it was all about? She wanted to laugh at the sheer impossibility of the whole situation but she knew that it was not the time for jokes. If Legolas was angry, it would do no good to press him.

"Legolas," Rae started quietly, though she was fully aware that he could hear her. "Are you jealous?" Legolas stopped abruptly but seemed to catch himself. His pace picked up greatly.

"No," was his ice cold reply. His tone of voice did not affect her this time and she jogged in front of him, forcing his to stop and look at her.

"Look me in the eye and tell me you are not jealous," Rae ordered, looking up at him.

"I have nothing to prove to you," he said, sidestepping her.

"Then I'll take that as a yes, you are jealous," she called after him.

Legolas stopped and Rae knew she had hit a nerve. She held her head high as he stalked back to her, a fierce determination to get the truth in her eyes.

"Has it ever occurred to you," Legolas began, "that maybe I have grown sick of you?" Rae said nothing but the determination did not dim from her eyes. He continued, "Maybe I do not wish to join you for dinner because I cannot stand to be around you?" Her face fell at his words. They didn't sound true at all, and she knew they weren't, but why did he make them sound so believable?

"I… I don't believe you," Rae said, choking on her words. She wanted to sound strong. She wanted to prove to him just how far she had come but that was so difficult when his eyes, voice and words cut through her like a newly sharpened blade.

Legolas didn't seem finished however, as he stood straighter, taking note that his words were affecting her. Rae swallowed back tears and waited for his words, determined to show him just how strong she was. She did not expect him to be so heartless.

"Perhaps it would be better that you stay here," he informed her, "where you will not hinder the Fellowship. Stay here with your brother and develop your relationship with the march warden." Rae, puzzled, looked up at him.

"Legolas, I don't have feelings for Haldir," she explained. "He was helping me with my aim. That's all."

"Another reason why you should have never come with us."

"Then why did you agree?" Rae snapped at him. "Don't make me look like the bad guy here! It's not like you refused to allow me to join the Fellowship. If I remember correctly, you were all for it!"

"A mistake it seems," Legolas retorted. "You are not strong enough to handle this. You can't even fight orcs! You couldn't handle Gandalf's death and you most certainly will not be able to handle the rest of this journey."

"What are you suggesting?"

Rae didn't have to ask and Legolas knew it. Both of them were breathing deeply, waiting for the others response. It was taking all Rae had not to break down in front of him - not that he'd care. She'd never cried in front of him before and she was not about to start now but that was too far. His words were getting sharper and sharper and she didn't know how long she could handle it.

"I'm suggesting," Legolas said, "that you do not go any further." With that, he began to walk away.

"And… And if I did?" Rae asked, voice breaking half way through the question. Legolas stopped but did not face her.

"Then I would not," was his simple answer.

Without so much as a glance back, he strode away, leaving Rae behind. As soon as he was out of sight, Rae collapsed on her knees and sobbed.

Amelia was fuming.

When she had gone for a walk in Caras Galadhon and found her sister sobbing in the middle of the path, it didn't take long for the story to come out. Now, Rae was with her family, deciding on whether or not she would actually stay in Caras Galadhon rather than continue with the Fellowship, whilst Amelia sat in the Fellowship camp waiting for Legolas to return.

Rae had asked that Amelia keep it a secret from the members of the Fellowship, but naturally, Amelia told everyone. It had started when Amelia stomped into the camp demanding to know where Legolas was. Only Merry and Pippin were present and informed her that he had gone to 'clear his head'. It was then that, in her anger, she told them everything.

Merry, distraught, had told Frodo, whereas Pippin had told Sam. Then Frodo and Sam had gone on to tell Boromir who went on to inform Gimli. Gimli explained the whole situation to Aragorn, who promised Amelia he would confront Legolas about his actions and force him to apologise to Rae.

It was evening when Legolas returned to the camp, where the rest of the Fellowship - except Rae, obviously - were waiting. Amelia was first to stand, storming over to him. Legolas was confused for a moment before a blinding pain shot through him. He leapt back, clutching his leg, as Amelia shoved past him, heading for the stairs into Caras Galadhon.

None of the Fellowship intervened, all watching with looks of amusement as Legolas tried to stop the pain in his leg. Then, Aragorn stood and Legolas understood. They all knew. He sighed. There was no way he was getting out of explaining all that happened.

Amelia had returned to camp as Legolas was nearing the end of his explanation and caught the end of it but she wasn't satisfied.

"So, you think you can just saunter on up to Rae and apologise and everything will be as it was?" She questioned, sceptical. Legolas nodded.

"If he explains what he did was wrong," Aragorn told Amelia, "she should forgive him." Amelia sighed, shaking her head.

"It's not that simple," she told them, taking a seat next to Pippin. "I just spoke to her. She really believes everything you told her, Legolas, and she's seriously considering staying here with her family. Her parents are worried-"

"Parents?" Legolas asked. Amelia nodded.

"She was inviting you to meet them tonight. Over dinner."

Legolas' heart plummeted to his stomach. Guilt rose in its place, completely consuming him. He put his head in his hands, and shook his head.

"I've made a terrible mistake," he cried. "She'll never forgive me!"

"You may be right there," Amelia agreed, earning a few looks from the other members of the Fellowship. Aragorn specifically seemed to be looking at her like not helping. She continued, "Rae doesn't forgive easily. Surely as one of her closest friends you know that?" Legolas shook his head.

"We've never fought before," he told them. Amelia groaned.

"You need to prove to her that you really are sorry but you'll have to do it over time. Help her," she turned to the other members of the Fellowship. "We all have to. What Legolas said to her is probably ringing true; she believes that she's useless. We have to show her that she isn't."

The Fellowship nodded in agreement. Pippin seemed particularly worried when Amelia caught his eye. She smiled encouragingly at him before she stood and headed to her spot. She lay down, the sounds of the other members following suit filling the air. Amelia sighed softly; they were leaving the next morning, meaning she'd have to get up early in order to find Rae and convince her to join them. It would be no easy feat and she knew that but she also knew her sister.

Amelia gazed up at the night sky, her mind whirring with thoughts of how to convince her sister to forget all that Legolas had said.

Elvish Translations.

"Ya naa lle?" -Who are you?

"Toror'." -Brother