Jessie POV

The fellowship is finally asleep and I make my way to the lake. My feet lead me there by memory. As I break through a small thicket there stands Oreo, his waist-length blonde hair lit sliver by the lake's reflection. His strong yet fine features are alluring as he smiles my name, "Jess". My heart flutters. I am not leading him on. I repeat the words for assurance but images of Legolas assail my mind. I force them aside making my way to Oreo. He wears silver armor. His left hand holds his bow, a sword is strapped to his hips. He holds a flask in his right hand. The ointment for the burn.

"You came." I stand facing him.

"Of course." He shifts around nervously. He looks at his right hand, "The ointment." He holds it out to me. I reach for it but he pulls it back. I look at him questioningly. "Allow me to apply it for you." His words light my cheeks in flame. I nod and pull my left sleeve up to reveal the burn. He dips two fingers into the flask, the creamy content almost translucent on his finger tips. Gently he starts spreading the cream over my burn. I wince, perhaps I should have gotten treatment sooner. He apologizes, starting again even softer. "How did you come upon such an injury?" He lifts his eyes to meet mine.

I swallow, unsure of how to answer. I don't want to to lie but I have a gut feeling I shouldn't go around announcing my powers. Powers that are so foreign to this world. "I was helping Sam cook when I leaned over the fire. The flames burned me but no one was paying attention. It's embarrassing to admit I burned myself doing something so simple. Can you understand this?"

He nods. "I am pleased you came to me for assistance, but burning yourself when cooking is nothing to be ashamed of." He ends his sentence and finishes applying the topical salve.

"I know." I sigh, already feeling the soothing sensation of the medicine working.

Feeling his gaze on me, I look up to meet his eyes. "*Lle ier vanima." His words are spoken in elvish.

"What did you say?" I ask a little nervously. Note to self: learn elvish.

"My knowledge of the common tongue is inadequate. I would not know how to tell you." He smiles almost bitterly.

For not knowing much, I have witnessed quite the contrary. "It's okay." I shrug.

"I must leave now and return to my post. The other guards will soon realize I am absent." He gives a swift and graceful bow.

"Bye." I say waving, repentant that he has to leave so soon. He sends a rueful glance in my direction as he departs.

I stare intently at the burn remembering his fingers warmth. Memories of Legolas comforting me interrupt and I let out a frustrated cry. The sound of rustling bushes catch my attention. I thought Oreo had left. "Who's there?" I ask but get no reply. Instead, Legolas emerges from the shadows. My heart beats wildly inside my chest. What is he doing here?


Cassie POV

I hear a small rustle next to me. It's Jess sneaking off alone into the night, a bad new habit she's recently picked up. I am about to follow when another shadow beats me to it. Legolas is quiet as he follows in the direction Jess wandered off to. I quickly follow - not wanting to be left out of whatever is going on. I travel behind him undiscovered as he takes a left at a tree with a ring of mushrooms surrounding it. I stop a few feet from him as he kneels and hides behind a thick bush. Past him I see a lake with multi-sized rocks blanketing the lake bed. There, standing close together are Jess and Orophin speaking to each other. He is holding her arm, rubbing it. I see Legolas shift a little, possibly to get a better view.

A hand places itself over my mouth, "shh." I recognize Haldir's voice, his eyes locked dead on Jess and Orophin. He does not look happy. "I thought you said you would speak to your friend about her intentions." His voice is as quiet as the wind but drips with enmity.

I wince, " I did." I try looking him in the eye but he does not stop staring at the pair talking in front of the lake to reply to me. I hear Orophin say something in elvish. Haldir clenches his jaw and in front of me Legolas shifts again. "What did he say?" I ask cautious to keep my voice bellow a whisper.

This time Haldir answers, but he is curt. "He said she is beautiful." I see the way he makes a fist with his hand. I find myself bothered by Haldir's reaction. Why is he so angry? I am sure his brother can take care of himself. When his brother leaves I see how conflicted Jess is inside, her cry only supports my assumption. Legolas's foot slips and it makes a rustling noise when it hits the bush he hides behind. Jess calls out and instead of answering or leaving he steps out to meet her. This just got interesting.


Jessie POV

I stare in shock as Legolas walks closer to me. He stops just a foot away. His hair sways with the gentle night breeze. My breath catches in my throat. He is even more beautiful with the moon's rays showering him. It gives him an ethereal glow. "Jessie," my name coming from his lips sends delightful shivers down my spine. "Why were you with him?"

I remember his accusatory actions when he found out I knew something unfortunate would happen to the fellowship. The memory forces me to look away from him. "It's none of your business."

"It is." He leans forward brushing a stray lock of my hair behind an ear. "My jealousy grows every time you speak to him. My heart wilts, wishing it were me." His eyes trap mine. "I cannot bare to watch as you spend time with another. Please forgive me." The yearning in his eyes and his words cause my heart to ache. The need to forgive him grows. But I feel so conflicted, the warmth of Oreo's fingers still linger. I try to cover the feeling with my own hand. The balm has already dried. Legolas notices the action and gently lifts my left arm. Seeing the burn, his gaze becomes even softer. "Why did you not ask me? I would have acquired the medicine for you. Do lack trust in me?" He sounds hurt.

"I was angry with you and I thought you didn't want to speak to me. After all, you blame me for Gandalf's death." I pull my arm from him. His skin touching my own is enough to make my knees weak.

"I was not angry."

I scoff at his words.

"I do not lie to you, Jess. I was hurt that you did not trust me enough to tell me that you knew something would occur."

"Not trust you. . ." I shake my head. "I told you about what my father did, something I have only ever spoken to Cass about. . . and you think I don't trust you?" Tears threaten to spill from the corner of my eyes.

"Forgive me." He raises a hand to cup one of my cheeks, regret clear in his voice.

I look into his fathomless blue eyes. I want to forgive him. "Legolas. . . we can't continue like this. Please give me time. I must think things through."

"I will give you all the time you require." He pulls me into a hug that I do not separate from.


Cassie POV

I can tell Jess is genuinely shocked to see Legolas. When he stops in front of her and they speak I can hear their conversation, see the emotions that cross their faces. Jess looks longingly at Legolas. I am at a loss for words. They hug and he says something I can't quite hear. Leaves crunch ever so slightly next to me as Haldir huffs away from the scene, a sour expression clear on his face. I follow him. When we are a sufficiently far enough from the lake I call out, "Haldir!" stopping him in his tracks.

He turns to look at me. "You said you would speak to your friend about Orophin yet she lures him at night when he is needed at our borders." There is so much anguish and scorn in his words. "Then after she is done using him she seduces another naught five minutes after. She is nothing more that a common human whor-"

Before he can even finish his last word a loud smack resounds through the air. My hand stings with the force I used to slap him. Oh my gosh. I can't believe I just did that. Pushing those thoughts aside, I am vexed that he was about to call Jess a whore. "Don't you dare call her that." I growl at him, narrowing my eyes into a deadly glare."You have no right to call her that. Just because you are over protective and can't help but shelter your brother from a heartbreak doesn't mean you can go around calling my friend a slut." Like him, I am surprised at my own furiosity but I will not back down.

He relents under my gaze, "Forgive me. I should never have uttered such words." He bows his head to me in shame.

I shake my head. "It's okay. Just never say such things again or I will hurt you." I say half-jokingly.

A deep chuckle reverberates from him. "I do believe you already have." One of his hands raises up to rub the cheek I slapped.

"Sorry," I mumble a little embarrassed.

"No, do not be, I deserved it." He shakes his head, then stops. He bears a mournful look.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"How will I tell my brother that the woman he is taken with is, is interested in another?" The pain he feels is portrayed in his voice.

"Don't." He looks at me questioningly. "I will make sure Jess talks to him." I'll make sure of it.

He nods his head in agreement, "Thank you." I give him a smile. "Would you like me to escort you back to camp?" His hand sweeps through the air in the direction of, what I imagine to be, the camp

"Yes, please" I follow him back to camp. We avoid passing by the lake. When we reach the edge of the camp he bids me good night. I walk back to my bed and I lie down. Jess and Legolas have not returned and the night wears on. Trying not to give it much thought, I fall asleep.


Jessie POV

"Shall we return to camp?" Legolas asks while resting his chin on the crown of my scalp.

I shake my head, "I have to practice, you can go."

He lifts an eyebrow, "Practice?"

"Yes." I respond.

"Your gift?" He asks to make sure he understands. I nod. "Very well, I will leave you to practice." He gives me a chaste kiss on the cheek and walks away, back to camp.

As soon as he is out of sight I sigh. I can't believe what has just happened. I remember what I saw in the basin.

*Flash back*

Cass steps back from the basin, eyes wide in shock. I want to ask her what she saw but Galadriel's voice interrupts me. "It is your turn, child." I step forward, a little scared at what I might see. I lean over to peer into the water. The water ripples and images pass through it. I see myself not much older than I am now wearing a long flowing silver dress. A beautiful thin diamond head band is wrapped around my head. My hair is longer and braided with scarlet ribbons. There are two laughing children around me. I've never really liked kids before. I grow more intrigued. The children are elves, I can tell by their pointy ears. The boy has short dark brown hair with beautiful deep blue eyes. He smiles, hugging me, saying something I can't quite hear. The girl has waist-length blonde hair, her eyes swirling pools of chocolate. They both seem so sweet, I want to meet them. They look behind them and run to the man coming towards us, he is tall with the same blonde hair as the girl. He approaches the older me. His face is indiscernible. He kisses me in front of the children. I feel my heart pound as the images disappear. Who is this man? Are we together? Are those our children?

When I look up Galadriel's eyes peer into mine questioningly. It is evident that she yearns to know what I saw. I turn from her. I feel conflicted, the mirror is telling me that I will have children with this mystery man. I do not want to be bound to a guy because fate dictates it. I want to be with a guy because I choose to. I want to fall in love without being forced to by outside powers. "The mirror tells what can be, not what will be, the decisions to that ending are made by you."

Relief washes over me, so I can choose.

*End Flashback*

I feel little light-headed when I think about the decision I will make concerning my fate. I sit down on the shore of the lake. A family. I can't help the smile that makes its way onto my face. Those kids, my kids, seemed so precious. If I could I would have them in my arms now. Staring at the stars I feel a tear slip from my cheek, I'm so lucky. Minutes later I break from my trance. Standing, I take a deep breath and begin practicing bending.

The night wears on as I practice fire, earth, air, and water bending. My progress is slow but reassuring. When I finish the night sky has only a few stars still hanging. I wipe sweat from my forehead. I need to bathe to clean of the dirt that now clings to my skin. Leaving, I am stopped by a hand grasping my arm lightly. Oreo stands next to me smiling. "I am gladdened that you are still here." His words are spoken softly. "I wish to ask something of you."

My heart hurts under his hopeful gaze. Cass, is right, I shouldn't lead him on. I must make it clear that I am not in a position to be having boyfriends - or whatever they are called here. "Yes?" I mask the nervousness that threatens to show itself.

"Would you join me for lunch this afternoon?" His gentle eyes plead for me to agree.

"Sure, I would like to spend time with a friend." Smooth, Jess, smooth. Just friend zone him. I am such a jerk.

His emerald green eyes cloud, "Friends. Could we not be more?"

The words pierce my heart, I feel even more like trash. "I'm not ready to have a relationship that is more than a friendship." I turn my gaze away from his, the pain flashing through them is almost enough to rip my heart to shreds.

"I understand." He nods and turns to leave but I can't let him leave like that.

"Wait!" I grab his arm. "Please, let us be friends." I yearn for him not to reject my offer

He stares at me silently for a few moments before a smile graces the features that were seconds before stricken with grief. "Of course. I shall arrive at noon to dine with you." He bows.

Thank you for forgiving me, I think. "I will await your arrival." I say mimicking his bow.

We leave our separate ways, my heart at ease.

After the bath I make my way to the camp. The sun is rising. I am later than last time. The most sleep I might get is an hour, that is if one of the fellowship isn't already awake. I enter the camp, thankfully no one has risen from their slumber. Cass has one of her arms over her nose - it kind of looks like a piggy's nose. I refrain from giggling. I place myself on my bed grateful for the sleep that takes me swiftly.

~1 hour later~

Opening my eyes I find Cass staring at me thoughtfully. "You're being a creeper Cass." I mumble quietly, still fatigued.

"We need to talk," she whispers. I find it unnecessary, everyone else is already going about their day. "It's about Orophin."

I resist the urge to turn my back to her, "Again?"

"You need to talk to him. Your with Legolas now aren't you?" She says without a second's thought.

"No, I'm not. Why would you think that?" I ask narrowing my eyes. She followed me didn't she. Her eyes darts around frantically. "Cass." I say warningly.

"Okay fine, maybe I followed you last night." She relents. "But that isn't the point. We saw you with Orophin then Legolas, who you seemed to share an intimate moment with!" This time I am grateful that she is whispering, the fellowship doesn't need to know what happened last night.

Suddenly I catch her mistake. "We? Who else watched?" This is getting better and better, I think sarcastically.

I see her mentally slap herself. "Haldir," when she sees my eyes widen she tries to explain to me. "He was worried about his brother. Then he saw you hug Legolas after Orophin left and he was pissed. I smacked some sense into him." I raise my eyebrows at her. "Don't ask. I promised him that you would talk to Orophin."

"I already did." It's her turn to be shocked. "He came back when I was about to leave. I told him I wanted to be friends. That I'm not ready to be with anyone yet." I purposefully don't tell her that I am going to have lunch with him, she might take it the wrong way.

"You friend-zoned him?" She winces. "At least you cleared things up."

I agree. We both get up from our beds that lie on the ground. I sit and watch the fellowship. I relish in how peaceful it is here. Everytime the wind blows it gives me delightful chills. The whispers from the trees seem unearthly. The hobbits sit eating their vegetable stew. On a couple of occasions I catch Pippin sneaking glances at Cass. She notices and a light blush stains her cheeks. Eventually he brings her a plate of soup. She thanks him. (It's not like I'm hungry or anything.) It smells heavenly. Legolas stands with Gimli, Aragorn, and Boromir huddled in a small circle. They seem very concentrated with whatever it is they are talking about. Soon Aragorn calls us all into the circle. Merry munches on a thick carrot. We all look to Aragorn to begin. "The orcs on the borders of the forest are being dealt with by the elves. They will finish them off in a week's time. That is when we will leave." His words sink in. I have less than a week to practice bending. No where near as long as I hoped, but we are on a timed mission so I push those thoughts aside. I will just have to practice harder.