Kezia felt as if she were being burnt from the inside out, a heat radiating from her chest with such intensity she was certain she was ablaze. Forcing her eyes open from when she had screwed them shut in pain, she was blinded by the light that filtered through the tree canopy above. Slowly she became aware that she was moving with speed through the woods, clutched tightly in Legolas's arms.

Why were they still moving, didn't he know it burned her with every step he took? She tried to voice this to make him stop but a scream forced its way out instead of words. Legolas halted as she began to writhe in his grip forcing him to stop so he would not drop her.

"Stay with me Kezia" he ordered "We are almost there"

She tried to shake her head, not wanting to go any further into the woods, this place was making the pain worse she was certain of it.

"We must get you aid" Legolas said understanding her unspoken wish but ignoring it as he began to move forward again. Instantly Kezia started to claw at her chest where the heat was becoming unbearable, glancing down at her his eyes widened as they saw the sapphire necklace she wore shining brightly as if it contained light within it. The skin on her chest surrounding the necklace had blue spidery veins extending out from the gem, the pattern not unlike a poisoning symptom. Halting again he placed her gently on the floor so he could remove the offending item which he was now convinced contained malevolent magic. As his finger brushed the surface of the gem he received a startling electric shock from the stone and then a searing heat burnt his fingertip causing him to flinch away. Gritting his teeth he attempted again to remove the jewellery, the second he touched the gem the heat returned full force but he refused to relinquish his grip on the stone. He was determined to stop Kezia's torment even if it meant he would suffer as well. He attempted to lift the necklace off her but was surprised when the item would not budge. He flexed his fingers to try and gain purchase on the gem but no matter what angle he tried or the force he put into his efforts, the necklace remained glued to the redhead.

Kezia could feel Legolas straining to pull something from her chest where the heat centred but with each attempt the intensity of blaze stoked higher until she released a scream when he but some force behind his tugging. His actions stopped immediately and she saw his blurred face appear just above her.

"Forgive me Kezia but I must remove it, it is causing this illness you suffer from" he spoke quietly to her, his cool breath brushing against her face was a welcome change from the heat. She shuddered at the sudden change in temperature and Legolas briefly swept aside strands of her scarlet hair that clung to her sweat dampened face.

"Please bear with the pain, I shall remove it as swiftly as I can" he said, his eyes pleading and offering silent apologies for her discomfort.

Moving back to resume his task, he quickly withdrew his knife on the far side of Kezia so she would not panic seeing the blade. Pressing the blade lightly to her chest he attempted to slip the blade under the gem to pry it loose, when he had no progress he was hesitant to apply anymore pressure least he injure the woman further. Seeing her eyes start to flutter close again, he made the decision and added more force to his actions, the second he did so he received another electric shock this one far stronger than the first. As the current travelled up his arm, his hand spasmed, releasing the blade which landed silently on the forest floor. Staring at this hand in shock he went to retrieve the blade but was halted by the appearance of the three elves into the clearing. Before he could even speak the group split to reveal the Lady of Light moving swiftly towards him. He briefly out of respect bowed his head, his hand moving over his heart.

"Forgive my lack of formalities My Lady, but we are in desperate need of your aid, she is failing fast"

"Fear not Legolas Thrandullion, though her flame is now but embers it can be ignited once more"

Placing a gentle hand on Kezia's forehead she murmured words to quiet for even his keen hearing to pick up. He watched as Kezia became still, a look of peace forming on her wearied face. Suddenly two of the elves appeared next to Kezia, placing a stretcher on the floor they gently lifted her onto it. Picking it up they moved swiftly away from Legolas who went to follow but stopped when he felt a hand rest lightly on his shoulder. Turning, he looked at the Lady of Light who smiled gently at him before speaking.

"Rest now Legolas Thrandullion, you are near exhaustion from your travels. I will send word of her condition as soon as there is change. Thavron will escort you to your encampment, your companions will be arriving soon."

With that she turned and left leaving no room for argument. As much as Legolas hated to leave the redheads side he realised the truth of the Lady of Lights words. There was nothing he could presently do and the fellowship would be hoping for news when they arrived. The sooner received the Lady's treatment the better. Sighing heavily he turned to face the elf named Thavron who had been waiting patiently for him to gather his thoughts.

Seeing him ready to go , Thavron gestured to his left and proceeded to lead Legolas through the forest to where they would be staying. Legolas only hoped they would be able to rest here for a while, he truly felt weary to his core and if his condition was as such he could only imagine how the rest of the fellowship was fairing.


He had no idea how long he had sat in the empty camp lost in his thoughts but he was startled when he saw the fellowship make its way into the clearing. He quickly swallowed the feeling of panic he felt upon seeing them, he had hoped for news of Kezia before they arrived but he had heard naught.

Walking towards the group he raised a hand in greeting to the tired group. Aragorn was the only one who could muster the energy to return the gesture.

"She is receiving aid from the Lady, we are to await news" he said quickly to the group as they gathered around.

"We were informed when we arrived, the Lady said she has no news of import yet but to not lose hope, and in her words and skill I shall place my trust" Aragorn said patting Legolas on the shoulder before moving past to relief himself of his weapons and pack.

The rest of the evening was spent in relative silence as the group seemed to come to terms with all that had befallen their group. The injury and illness of Kezia was enough cause for most of them to keep to themselves but added to the loss of Gandalf falling in the mine the fellowship was grieving. The silence only broke when the air began to fill with the mournful voices of the elves singing a lament to Gandalf. It was enough to bring tears to the eyes of the companions, even to those who did not understand the language the meaning was clear.

Several more hours passed with still no news and Legolas grew more impatient by the second. Most of the group had fallen into deep slumber exhausted from their travels.

"Calm yourself my friend, we have been here but a few short hours and you are already wearing a path into ground with your constant pacing." Aragorn spoke quietly to the elf so as not to disturb the others much needed rest.

"We should have heard something by now" Legolas snapped, his worry and weariness causing the lapse in his normal stoic façade.

"News will come when there is some, surely at this point no news is a good sign, a sign that she is fighting and winning against her ailment." Aragorn calmly replied in an attempt to placate the anxious elf.

Sighing heavily Legolas pinched the bridge of his nose as he exhaled. "Forgive me my friend, I have no excuse for my rash behaviour"

"You worry for her, it is only natural." Aragorn paused long enough for the Legolas to turn and face him with a raised eyebrow at his sudden silence. "You have … grown quite close to her, have you not?" Aragorn tried subtly to brooch the subject which had occupied his mind often recently.

Frowning at the sudden change in direction of the conversation Legolas paused before answering "I would count her as a friend, do you not also?"

"Aye I do … " Aragorn trailed off as he struggled to find the correct words. "I just, … I do not think it is advisable to pursue for something more given her circumstances …" he trailed off once more.

The silence that followed his words was almost deafening but Aragorn did not break it allowing time for Legolas to think upon what he just said.

"I would agree with you …" Legolas said after several minutes had passed, his words causing Aragorn to almost sigh in relief that the Elf shared his thoughts, it was short lived. "… If not for the ache and loss I feel at the absence of her company."

Aragorn looked up sharply at those words, Legolas looked just as shocked at his admission as Aragorn felt.

"Surely you are not saying? … Is she?"

"If not for this feeling I would never have considered it … she is human"

"So there is no sign"

"Not that I am aware of" Legolas sighed heavily again before slowly sitting down next the ranger. "I will confess, I am at a loss … I had never thought it would be a human"

"You do know how to pick them, not only a human but one from another realm … you certainly didn't make it easy for yourself"

"You know better than many I have no control in this"

"I know, it is a destined path chosen by the Valar for all of the Eldar, I also know that as a human it is possible to be on the receiving end of such a blessing"

At this revelation Legolas looked up in surprise before a wide grin appeared on his face.

"Arwen" he received a nod in return.

"I could think of no better match my friend"

He did not miss the brief smile that flickered across the rangers face nor the flicker of great sadness that shadowed it. Before he could press for information Aragorn cut in.

"If after such interaction with Kezia there is no sign then surely that means it is not fated to be"

"You may be right my friend, I just cannot explain this sensation"

"It just shows that she is truly a friend to you, after all considering our travels it is only natural to forge strong bonds of kinship."

Nothing more was said for several minutes until Aragorn moved to stand up, "Come and rest Legolas, we need to rebuild our strength our journey leads beyond this peaceful haven. Take respite while we can, I'm sure in the morn there will be news."

Nodding in response Legolas did as he was bid and lay down to rest, his eyes scanning the constellations peeking through the foliage of the forest until he passed into a gentle and welcome oblivion.

The next morning as soon as the sun first started to filter through the green canopy Legolas was up and finding anything around camp to keep his mind occupied. He was a little ashamed to admit he almost pounced on Thavron when he appeared later that morning. Had not the entire fellowship been awake at that point he was fairly certain he would have done just that, instead he approached the Elf calmly in comparison to Merry and Pippin who surged forwards immediately bombarding Thavron with continuous questions.

"Calm your troubled minds young masters, I come with news from her Ladyship. She has asked me to inform you that your companion has received treatment throughout the night and is responding well."

"When can we see her?" Pippin immediately asked, a question Legolas dearly wanted to know the answer to also.

"It is not possible yet young Master, the Lady Kezia is yet to gain consciousness. It may be some time before you can visit her."

At this news the hobbits seem to slump losing all energy.

"But you are sure the lassy is well?" Gimli's rough voice called across the clearing at the same time a Boromir spoke up.

"What ails her so that she remains unconscious even after treatment?"

"The Lady tended to your friend personally, it is only a matter of time before she recovers and awakens. As for the cause for her condition I am afraid the Lady provide me with no information regarding this matter. You will be updated should there be any changes." With that said Thavron bowed to the group and took his leave quickly preventing any further questioning.

The group was silent for a minute before Aragorn spoke.

"It is good news that she will recover, we should take heart in that knowledge and await for her return to us"

"I still don't get why we can't visit her" complained Pippin as he walked back towards fire with Merry by his side. "Surely she would be happy that we are there even if she isn't awake yet"

"Well that would terrify me Pip if the very first thing that I woke up to was you face" Merry chipped in before exclaiming in pain as Pippin punched his arm. The hobbits antics brought a smile to the fellowships faces as they settled down to eat breakfast.

"See my friend, good news was worth the wait" Aragorn spoke quietly to Legolas.

"Somewhat vague on detail was it not?"

"Still it was good news, I am sure the Lady will provide the details as soon as she is able"

Legolas did not respond and walked off towards the training grounds. Shaking his head Aragorn sighed, part of him was amused by how the feisty redhead had managed to get under the elven prince skin. Legolas always had a tough exterior which prevented many from getting close, whilst he was pleased for his friend's new bond he was still concerned considering the nature of their conversation the previous evening.

Whilst he was certain that Kezia would have shown the sign already if what Legolas had suggested was true a small doubt remained in his mind. She was from another realm, would the same rules of the Valar apply to her. Shaking his head he felt the keen sting of Gandalf's loss, the wise wizard would have been able to put his mind at ease with the endless knowledge he seemed to possess. On second thoughts Aragorn changed his mind, Gandalf would have hinted and spun them in riddles but never providing the full answer. It was a quality that both endeared the wizard to Aragorn yet infuriated him no end. Standing up Aragorn also moved away from the group to explore the wonders Lothlórien.


Kezia felt as if she was floating, where ever she was it was peaceful. She was surrounded by a white light which warmed her skin. She felt comfortable. Safe.

… Safe … from what?

What was it that she had been scared of?

She couldn't quite remember, her memories all seemed vague and blurry. But she didn't mind, it was so tranquil here, she would have time later to try to remember.


She didn't know how much time had passed before she slowly began to gain some semblance of thought, she was still floating in the endless white light but she felt like she was missing something… important … vital. No matter how hard she tried to recall what had happened for her to get here everything remained infuriatingly out of focus. She started to struggle, to try and gain some control but the more she did so the warmer the light got until it was too hot for comfort. The sudden increase in heat sparked something within her a memory … the sensation of excruciating pain, a face, a pair of piercing blue eyes gazing down at her, concern and worry evident. She saw lips move but heard no words, it was frustrating beyond belief.

As she continued to struggle to find her way back to consciousness she heard a voice float through the light.

"Be calm young one, do not fear the light for it is part of you" the voice belonged to a woman and within it Kezia could sense power and kindness.

She slowed her rapidly beating heart, breathing deeply whilst willing herself to relax. Slowly her muscles began to release their built up tension.

"You shall awaken when it is time, for now rest, all is well"

Upon hearing those words, Kezia felt an overwhelming tiredness seep into her and she obeyed the voice, allowing her eyes to drift shut.


When she next came to awareness she no longer felt as if she was drifting endlessly. She felt firmly grounded like she was lying on something comfortable. She felt the warmth again but this time it was no longer unbearable hot, just a pleasant heat.

Realising that she now had control over her body her eyes flew open and she immediately shrieked and slammed them shut again. The light that had burst through her eyelids burnt, an overwhelming constellation of colours had burst out of the light searing her eyes. She felt tears stream down her face from the smarting organs. As she tried to not sob out loud she felt a gentle hand rest on her head, brushing her hair out of her face.

"Shhh, young one, fear not it is nought but the light of day. Try again and allow your eyes to truly see the wonders of this world" the female voice spoke again.

After a few moments Kezia cautiously began to open one eyelid, only a slight amount to allow her eyes to become accustom to the brightness. After several eye watering minutes, she was able to open her eyes fully, it took a second for her vision to snap into focus and when it did she couldn't help but gasp.

Her eyes sight had never been bad but now she could help but feel she was practically blind in comparison to what she was seeing. She gazed around her in wonder, admiring the sharpness and depth of her vision. She had no idea how long she had spent gazing a small spectrals of dust which floated in the breeze, something she had never seen before but now was amazed at the colours each one held. Slowly she became aware of another presence in the room, completely forgetting that someone had been speaking to her. Turning her head, she saw a beautiful woman, garbed in a flowing white gown with golden blonde hair that if she was inclined to poetry she would compare it to the sun, so bright it was in colour.

The woman gave her an encouraging smile but Kezia could see in her eyes the twinkle of amusement, not that she could blame her considering she had just been sat there gawping a floating dust… not the best first impression.

"Welcome to Lothlórien Kezia of England, you have travelled far and through many trials, please be at peace for none may enter my realm without permission" The woman said, her voice was deep yet still feminine and sounded like the voice who spoke to her whilst she was unconscious.

Smiling in response she replied, "Thank you, and I apologise for what I am guessing was a somewhat dramatic entrance considering I have no memory of arriving"

The woman chuckled "Indeed, it has been many years since there has been such an uproar at the border. Legolas Thrandullion would not be swayed from his urgent task of getting you aid."

Hearing that Kezia immediately felt guilty, once again she had caused trouble for the group "He's not in any trouble, is he? It was because I had this hideous fever and I'm fairly certain I passed out and …" She paused when she saw the smile on the woman's face "You know all this already don't you?" she queried.

"It was I who treated you, I am Galadriel, the lady and guardian of the golden woods"

"You have my thanks and gratitude Lady Galadriel, I know not what it was that ailed me so but I am most grateful for your aid and healing" Kezia said, humbly bowing her head in gratitude, for she knew she would be long dead if she had not received help.

Galadriel raised her hand as if to wave away Kezia's thanks, "You required no healing treatment, just a guide for your journey into the light"

"Ohhh, so that was all real … I thought I was having fever induced hallucinations – where I am from one only goes into the light when they are on deaths door – so I was trying very hard to avoid that I'm guessing that wasn't helpful"

Galadriel didn't respond immediately but her smile broadened.

"That would explain your continuous resistance."

Kezia chuckled slightly embarrassed that she had unknowingly made trouble for someone who was trying to aid her.

"So, if I did not need healing treatment what was wrong with me?"

For the first time since speaking to the Lady of Light Kezia noticed her smile diminish as her face took on a more serious expression, not a sign that she felt boded well.

"You required no healing as you had already healed by the time you entered our borders, what I aided you in was your transition into this realm."

Kezia felt thoroughly confused at that statement, sure she knew that she was healing ridiculously fast so that wasn't a surprise to her however considering that she had been in Middle Earth for several weeks a 'transition' now seemed a little bit delayed.

"I don't understand, what do you mean by transition?"

Seeing the confusion on her face Galadriel stood from the chair next to Kezia's bed and moved to a beautiful oak carved oak chest of drawers, collecting something from its surface.

"I believe you will find it easier if you were to see it with your own eyes"

Her words sent a spike of nervous icy fear down Kezia's spine, swallowing nervously she reached out to take the mirror for Galadriel's outstretched hand. Raising it slowly she realised she was holding her breath, releasing it a big puff she looked up into the mirror.

She almost laughed at how nervous she was when she realised she saw nothing immediately concerning in the mirror but just as a chuckle was about to burst from her lips, she noticed the first of many changes.

Whilst her appearance looked the same at first glance after pausing for a moment she began to see some differences. Her skin had always been pale due to her red head complexion but now it seemed to glow as if radiating some hidden light, her skin had none of its typical blemishes and felt impossibly smooth and soft to the touch. She could see each vibrant hue and shade of her scarlet hair which framed her face in soft waves, only now she noticed it had almost doubled in length, reaching almost to her hip. Her cheek bones now seemed to be significantly more angular, sweeping gracefully upward and her sapphire blue eyes seemed larger under high arching eyebrows.

Whilst each change was only small the combined effect was completely unnerving, it was like she was looking at herself but a sculptured version instead of who she truly was. Glancing up at to Galadriel she was about to ask exactly what the hell had happened for her to change in such a way, when instead the Lady gestured for her to look once again in the mirror.

Turning her gaze back to the mirror she watched in the reflection as Galadriel gently brushed her hair back revealing a sight that had her mind reeling and her jaw hitting the floor.

Staring at the image she tentatively reached up to ensure it was no trick of her mind but one sharp tug and a yelp later she had but one conclusion which she squeaked out louder than she anticipated.

"I'm a bloody elf!"


Hope you liked the update, it was a long time coming I know!

As always -Review and let me know what you think :)

Until next time - dreaming-world x