A/N:

Disclaimer I would just like to reiterate my previous disclaimer that I by no means own any characters, scenes, or themes that are exclusively from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchise. My only intention with this fanfiction is to share my own ideas on how things would play out between these characters AND I have no intentions to sell this to anyone.

I'M BACK EVERYONE! We've got another chapter and even more developments as we draw ever closer to the end. (I know, I know, I'm not looking forward to writing those two little words any more than you guys are looking forward to reading them.)

A few tidbits of news for my wonderful readers that may have you guys excited.

1. 1.) Thank you to all of those who have offered me your positive thoughts, your prayers and anything else that you have offered into the universe for my family because its working and things are looking better. It's still going to be a long road but thankfully the way is a little brighter right now.

2. 2.) I have seen the third and final installment of The Hobbit and because I have had several people ask me I want to make it clear that the way that Tauriel ended is by no means an indication or will it have an impact on what will happen with the end of this story. Tauriel's ending is my own creation and any reality that has already been established with other movies does not exist in this story.

3. 3.) That being said I want you all to know that there are other LOTR/Hobbit related fanfictions are in the works and are in the near future and I am really hoping that you all will be behind me and whole hearted supportive of these new projects as you all have been with this one, which has been my little mind baby for more than a year now. With the new year there are going to be a lot new additions and new opportunities and I can't wait to bring all of you with me on these new steps I'm about to be taking!

Much love my wonderful readers!

xx TB

Chapter Eleven.

*Tauriel's P.O.V.*

A gentle nudge against Tauriel's cheek was what roused her from her unconsciousness. Tauriel opened her eyes slowly, squinting against the glare of the sun to find a velvety soft muzzle only inches from her face.

"Rochael?" Tauriel ground as she tied struggling to sit up, relying on the horse's strength to help raise herself to her feet. Tauriel looked around and saw Aragorn still laying on his back, his eyes closed only a few steps away.

"Aragorn? Aragorn!" Tauriel called out his name as loud as she was able but he didn't move, he didn't even open his eyes. "No." She whispered horrified. Tauriel didn't survive all of that, she didn't save her life just to die on some river bank and she was not going to survive with that knowledge weighing on her mind. Relying on her own strength she stumbled over to Aragorn's side, falling to her knees beside him. Tauriel couldn't tell if he was breathing just by looking at him. She placed a hand gently on his chest and leaned over him until her ear was only an inch or so from his lips. She waited holding her breath until she felt his ragged breath tickle the soft hairs that lay delicately against the side of her face; she breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm not dead yet." His rough voice came suddenly, startling Tauriel, she jumped up off of his chest, pulling herself off his chest so quickly she became slightly light headed. Aragorn opened his eyes, the blue within them brighter than ever. Slowly he rose, his dark hair falling in matted curtains in front of his face. They sat there in silence for a moment or two, Aragorn trying to regain his strength and Tauriel trying to give him his space and also being at a loss for words. What do you say to someone who risked their life to save yours? Is thank you even enough, what would be, what could be? Tauriel knew she had to say something, no, she wanted to say something she needed to.

"You've risked your life for me Aragorn, you didn't have to but you id and thank you is all I can give you and I know that doesn't even come close to being enough." The words rushed out before Tauriel had a chance to over think them. Aragorn had given her a chance, a second chance at life, a second chance to see Legolas again, to love him the way she truly wanted to for all these years and that was priceless.

"There's no need to thank me," Aragorn rasped, his voice hoarse from the river water that had caught itself in his throat and lungs until there were raw. "You are the love of my best friend's life. He has saved my life more times than I can count, I vowed to myself that I will save his life in any way that I am able" Aragon's words made the blood rush to her cheeks and her finger tips tingled with a pleasant sensation. I will save his life in any way that I am able. The words replayed in Tauriel's mind for a moment and they took her breath away. His life? Just the words threatened to cloud her mind with thoughts and feelings that she couldn't afford to entertain at this moment, not when war was looming over Rohan's head and she was too far away to be of any help. Aragorn's rough hand covered her own and she turned her attention back to him.

"We have to get to Helms Deep, they are going to need our help." Tauriel smiled as she looked into the ranger's eyes and was met with a look of determination that was as strong as the blade that still miraculously hung at his hip. Nodding her head Tauriel rose to her feet and then extended her hand to the ranger, who took it and stood himself. Tauriel could see her own exhaustion mirrored in Aragorn's movements as they mounted their own horses and turned them towards the ravines exit. Out of the corner of her eyes Tauriel saw Aragorn slump against his horse's neck and a thread of doubt began to weave itself in Tauriel's mind. How many people could they truly save when they were half dead themselves? It was in that moment when she remembered Gandalf's words of warning as they had stood in the stables of Edoras, and that feeling of doubt slowly blossomed into fear. That fear took root in her heart and threatened to overwhelm her senses. An ominous feeling overcame her much in the same way a dark cloud moves over the tops of a city before anyone has a chance to close the storm shutters. Death would be in abundance before his was all over, of that Tauriel had no doubts; she could feel it in her heart that this was true.

*Legolas P.O.V.*

The wall of Helms Deep loomed over them formidably, casting a deep shadow upon the riders of Rohan as they drew nearer. Legolas could feel the weariness in his horse's body as it moved at a sluggish pace beneath him, carrying him and Gimli, the last of what should have been nine steadfast and unbeatable companions. The shame that Legolas should have felt would have surely made him unable to lift his face from the ground beneath his horse's hooves but it was as if there was a veil separating his mind from all else in the words; he could feel nothing but emptiness as it gnawed at him unabated. The rest of the trip from the cliffs had been quiet until one soul had called out to the rest of the riders, the way a watchmen calls to the sailors on deck from the crow's nest.

"I can see the wall, the wall! Helm's Deep!" The cry rallied the rest of the warriors, spurring energy from them that they themselves did not know they had within them. They surged forward, but there was no excited talk amongst them, there was no cheers shared between them. There was too much sorrow and loss shared amongst them to draw on the relief those walls held for them. Legolas remembered pulling his horse up to King Théoden's side, they looked at one and other for the briefest of moments but neither were able to hold the other's gaze for long. For the King there was only guilt when looked upon the Elf and for Legolas there was nothing to offer but blame and anger for the King.

"To blame the King for Tauriel's loss dishonors her sacrifice." Gimli's rough and yet warm voice spoke up from his perch on the saddle behind Legolas. The dwarf had been quiet since they had left the cliffs, his grief had drawn him into himself just as Legolas' own grief had drawn him deep within himself as well. Legolas had spent the rest of their journey to Helm's Deep after the battle trying to come to terms with the actions that had transpired there on the cliff side. For Legolas the loss was like a gaping hole in the middle of his mind and there was nothing that he could do to bridge the gap with his thoughts. He felt as if he were thin, as if he were a thread bare banner with the wind surging right through him. Those feelings had already left him feeling unsettled and vulnerable, to hear Gimli say that who Legolas' lays blame for Tauriel's loss dishonors her was more than he had then sense enough to bear with; it shocked him to his core.

"You do not know what you are talking about my friend," even though Legolas tried hard to keep the ice in his heart from spilling over into his words but the chill was there none the less and Gimli could feel the bite as he bristled behind Legolas. Legolas guided the horse through the open gates of Helms Deep, trying hard to keep his peace but feeling the façade of control beginning to crack under the pressure. The dwarf let out a brusque scoff, Legolas could hear the air whistle through the dwarf's coarse hair and Legolas had spent enough time around the dwarf to know the expression he would make when he is angered. His eyes would flare with fire, those bushy eye brows would pinch forward, furrowing his brow into three deep valleys while his upper lip would disappear beneath the hair that covered his upper lip and his nostrils would flare until he was ready to put to words the tumultuous storm that were his thoughts.

"Don't know what I am talking about?" The dwarf's low baritone was beginning to raise in volume, it echoed as they rode through the gates and into the stone courtyard of the keep. Legolas slipped off the horse and landed lightly on the balls of his feet. Legolas could see the ruddy color rising to the dwarf's cheeks.

"Now listen here you pointy eared little princeling!" Gimli exclamation carried, bouncing off the stone. Some of the people who were helping the wounded off their horse turned to look at the pair. Legolas was aware of the attention that they were receiving and his desire to disappear was flooding to the forefront of his mind. The elf turned to take his leave, aiming for the make-shift stable yard where he could rest his horse and be out from underneath all these curious eyes. Before Legolas could disappear Gimli took hold of his arm in a strong grip, forcing Legolas to meet his gaze.

"Loss is not an experience that is exclusive to you. I may not have known Tauriel and Aragorn as long as you may have, but they were as much my companions as they were yours. The pain that you are feeling is your burden and you can carry that alone if that is what you wish, but do not take liberties to dismiss the pain that is mine." Legolas was at a loss for words, he had never been spoken to so plainly by Gimli before to hear it now was nothing short of awe inspiring. The shame that had been unable to reach him before now layered itself over his consciousness and he bowed his head under its weight, his face burning. For a moment the polar opposites stood facing each other, squaring off and then finally Legolas relented.

"I am sorry Gimli, I have been selfish. Many lost much today, ourselves included, it isn't fair for me to be lashing out at those around me. Please, forgive me." It was clear that Legolas' apology was not what Gimli had expected, he had been ready for a confrontation and now looked confused about what his next move was going to be now that a fight was no longer on the table.

Taking advantage of Gimli's distraction Legolas pulled away from the dwarf and quickly took his horse to the stables. The animal was taken from him by a young boy and he was finally free to be on himself. Legolas disappear down and ally way and headed towards the gates of the outer walls of the keep, he just wanted to remove himself from everyone else around him and the open air was the only thing that he could think of that would offer him a sense of reprieve. He weaved between the people that littered the streets, there were countless faces but all Legolas could see was Tauriel and Aragorn staring at him, their expressions full of betrayal and pain.

Legolas finally managed to make it to the gate that would lead to the outer walls of the keep, he climbed the steps in a flash and before he knew it he was running along the wall. His legs trembled beneath him as they carried him at a break neck speed over the stones of the wall. Legolas didn't understand why he was running but he knew that it gave him a reprieve from the pain that was waiting at the edges of his mind for a moment of weakness to overcome him. Guards of the wall jumped out of his way, some calling out for him to stop or asking where he was headed but Legolas took no heed of their words, he couldn't. The Keep's walls were massive and after a while, his body already wearied by the long rides on horseback and his strength having been taxed by the battle Legolas was finally forced to come to a stop. He stood for a moment hunched over trying to catch his breath but he still felt as though his lungs could not gather their fill, he wondered if this feeling of breathless grief would ever disappear. He slowly stood up fully and he caught sight of valley that Helm's deep overlooked. The sun was still high in the sky but it would set soon enough to the left of the keep and it would ignite shallows pools across the plains with brilliant hues of reds and golds, the view would be beautiful and no one would take notice of it.

Tauriel would, she would be able to find the beauty in even the darkest of times. Legolas thought and then an idea took hold in his mind. He couldn't bear the thought of Tauriel's body lying at the bottom of some ravine, left to be nothing but a meal for whatever creature were come upon her. She deserved to be buried and Legolas wished to give her that honor, if nothing else he wished for her to be looked upon one last time with the respect and care that she deserved.

"I must bring her back," He whispered to the stones and before he had a chance to think that idea through anymore he was running once again, this time he was headed to throne room where he knew that Théoden and his advisors would be. Legolas had to see the King.

*Tauriel's P.O.V.*

Their horses moved slowly, it was like they were keenly aware of the conditions that their riders were in, their senses attuned to the needs of their masters. The pain in Tauriel's shoulder was excruciating and was only intensifying with every step that brought her closer to war.

"How far do you think we have gone?" Tauriel called out to Aragon as he rode ahead of her, she did her best keep her voice level but there was no denying the hitch in her voice as she spoke. Tauriel's eyes appraised Aragorn as he rode, he had his arm slung around his horse's strong sinewy neck as he sat, spine bent and hunched over in his saddle. He turned his face toward Tauriel, his expression wart as he responded in a low voice

"Not far enough, a this rate we will not make it to Helms Deep before dusk." Aragorn's answer startled her, she felt her mind awaken when just moment ago she could have been lulled to sleep by Rochael's rhythmic movements.

"Then we have not a moment to waste!" As she spoke Tauriel dug her heels into Rochael's sides, spurring her into a strong gallop. Behind her Tauriel she could hear Aragorn's horse break into a run as well, cantering off to keep up with her.

.

.

The two of them had cleared several more leagues by the time the sun had passed its midday point, and though the fiery orb was still shinning high in the sky, dusk would be approaching them rapidly and night would be upon them within no time at all; they had to make it to Helms Deep before then. Tauriel was behind Aragorn again as he scanned their surroundings for the right path when she heard rumbling echo in the distance. The sound reminded her of that of thunder echoing through out a valley, but the sound was too soft to be thunder and the sky over head was cloudless and calm. Her emerald eyes scanned the area and it was only then that she saw it. In the flatness of the valley below them was a mass of orcs marching in unison.

"Aragorn…" Tauriel whispered his name with a mixture of disbelief and fear. Just as she had spoken her shoulder erupted in pain. Blinding white hot agony seared through her with such ferocity that she cried out in both surprise and exclamation of the torment. Clutching at her arm Tauriel lost her grip on Rochael's reins and slipped from her saddle.

"Tauriel!" Aragorn voice rang out as he jumped from his own horse's back. Landing heavily on his feet he lurched into a run to her side. Falling to his knees he lifted her gently, cradling her head on his lap as she withered in pain, fire coursing through her veins burning her alive as it went. Tauriel's teeth were gritted against the onslaught of pain, one hand clutching at her injury while the other twisted its fingers into the weather worn cloth of Aragorn's cloak. Tauriel held onto him as if he were a piece of driftwood in the ocean, keeping her afloat, and in some ways he was doing just that.

"How…how many are there?" Tauriel whispered through the winces of pain. Aragorn lifted his chin, raising his eyes to look down into the valley yet still be hidden from view.

"Thousands," his voice low with disbelief "Tens of thousands." Tauriel could scarcely her ears. Tens of thousands. Would there be no hope for Rohan?

"We must get to Helms Deep, we must warn King Théoden before it is too late!" Tauriel tried to rise up from the ground onto which she had fallen, but even as she tried her pain ignited her entire being once more. She felt as if she were a pyre on which a corpse shall be burned.

Tauriel had managed to pull herself away from Aragorn's arms and it was in that moment where Aragorn noticed a slick wetness that had drenched his palm. Looking down he was shocked to find his skin coated in her fresh blood.

"Tauriel, your wound, it should be closed by now." Aragorn's voice could night hide the concerned that was as clear as day as she fell back against him, her strength failing her. Tauriel's face had paled considerably in the passing moments and her breath had become labored as her chest heaved like there was a great weight bearing down upon it.

"Tauriel how long has your wounds bled like this? Aragorn clicked his tongue loudly at his horse and the animal padded towards the two of them obediently. Reaching from the ground he rummaged through his saddle bags and pulled from them a shirt. Using his teeth he began to rip it into long strips and used them to begin to bind Tauriel's wounds and staunch the bleeding.

"Since the Warg ambush." She whispered, her head feeling as if it were full of lead as black spots began to pop into her view, she closed her eyes tightly in an attempt to focus her mind but the pain and exhaustion were too distracting, she could feel herself slipping, the threat of unconsciousness was on the brink of lulling her into the void.

"TAURIEL!" Aragorn's loud yell and being suddenly shook by her shoulders jolted her back onto the plane of consciousness. She jolted and her eyes snapped back open. "Stay with me Tauriel, I need you to stay awake while you regain your strength. I don't have the tools nor the skill to treat your wounds myself." He tied off the bandages tightly as he spoke, making sure that he had successfully staunched the bleeding. Slowly he rose to his feet allowing Tauriel to lean against him, lending his strength to the injured She-Elf. Slinging her arm around his neck he held her close with his own arm around her waist to support the added weight. Slowly she rose her head and in the faintest of whispers she called out to Rochael. The horse trotted up to her master, her large brown eyes gleaming with intelligence as she drew near. Aragorn reached out and took the reins, turning her massive body to the side he lifted Tauriel with a grunt of effort and set her into her saddle. Tauriel wrapped her arms around her horse's neck to keep her balance while Aragorn climbed onto Rochael's back as well. With one hand he took hold of the side of the saddle and with the other he pressed his palm firmly against her wound to ensure it would not open once again.

"Don't let me fall off, alright? I've never trusted and elf trained horse, far too unpredictable if you ask me." Tauriel was taken by surprise at the rangers light hearted teasing, even in the face of an impending danger, that she couldn't help but laugh full heartedly and with reckless abandon; Tauriel found that she could draw a certain sense of strength from the would be King.

This is one worthy of the throne of Gondor. Placing her good hand on Rochael's neck she patted her twice.

"Hang on Ranger, you have not known speed until you have seen an elf trained steed run." And with that they were off, the sound of Rochael's hooves clattering against the rocks echoed as Aragorn's own horse tried to keep up with them.

*Legolas P.O.V*

"I am sorry Legolas but I cannot allow you to leave the Keep." The King spoke calmly, hardly looking up from the multiple maps that were laid out on the hard wooden table in the banquet hall of Helm's Deep. King Théoden had been sitting with his small counsel conversing about Rohan's next move and the impending attack from Isenguard. Legolas stood before him and the generals of Rohan and tried to maintain his cool, but he could feel his outrage start to bubble in the pit of his stomach, warming his blood and threatening to work him into a frenzy. Legolas closed his eyes for a moment and let the air in his lungs flare through his nostrils, he had to be calm and he had to be calculated or he could find himself in the custody of a Rohan's riders.

"King Théoden, I have to find Tauriel and Aragorn, if there is even the slightest chance that they are alive-"

"And just what sort of chance do you think there is my lord Legolas?" The King interjected, raising his head to meet the elf's gaze for the first time since Legolas had walked into the hall. The King's face was creased with age lines, his eyes had gained a glint to them from years of hard winters and war. Legolas took in the sight of him from his gold spun hair that was now only a shadow of the lustrous shade that Legolas imagined it had been in his younger days considering the similarities he held with Éowyn and Éomer, the hair that had grown around his mouth was coarse and thick and yet he kept it well maintained a sign of his control and meticulousness, no doubt a quality that has added in the successfulness of his reign in Edoras. The room was deathly silent as the King and the elf stared one and other down

"Leave us." The King broke the tempered silence with the fewest of words and in silence his counsel stood and vacated the hall. Their footsteps echoing and the heavy wooden doors closed definitively behind them. Slowly the king rose from his seat, his eyes trained on the elf prince that stood before him. Legolas met his gaze unflinchingly, he would not be placated and he would not be dissuaded; Legolas will find Tauriel, alive or dead.

"Aragorn and Tauriel both fell from a cliff, even if they had survived the initial fall there is little chance that they could have survived the river and the rocks within. You're grieving Master Legolas, I understand that probably better than most right now, but I cannot lose even one fighter to a fruitless endeavor that will only leave you leagues away from where you are needed right now and that is here." The King had returned his attention back to the charts and maps in front of him, leafing through one and denoting on another.

"With all due respect King Théoden, you have no control over what I choose to do. Tauriel and Aragorn risked their lives for your people. I won't let their sacrifice go without acknowledgement. I will find them, and if they are in fact dead I intend to bury them with the honor that they deserve." Legolas incline his head in respect and turned on his heel making his way towards the massive doors of the halls.

"Legolas, come back. LEGOLAS!" King Théoden's booming voice bounced off the stone walls, echoing in an almost ominous manner. Just as Legolas had took hold of the iron ring on the doors to pull them open, they began to move on their own. The wood moaned against the strain of its ancient hinges and the light that pooled into the hall momentarily blinded Legolas. The elf prince raised his hand against the glare and as his eyes slowly adjusted to the brightness he was able to make out a silhouette as it drew closer. Legolas felt his stomach clench uncomfortably tight and his heartbeat was deafening in his ears, and all he could think was that he couldn't believe was his eyes were telling him.

"Ara…Aragorn?" He whispered his disbelief evident as the Range stood before him, tired and dirty from the ride but very much alive. The Ranger gave him a bright smile and clapped his hand onto Legolas' shoulder, squeezing it hard as if to further reassure him that he was indeed alive. The relief and happiness that Legolas had felt was immense, but it was eclipsed by an even more pressing question, on whose answer held the state of his heart in the balance. "Tauriel?" He could only manage to say her name, anything else was risking oblivion. Aragorn paused for a moment and the smile faltered and Legolas felt as if the ground a dropped from beneath him, only an inch or so but enough for his stomach to drop with it and make him feel as though he were going to be sick. Just as he felt as though his world was going to crash down around him Aragon turned his head, his eyes trained on something behind him. Legolas followed his gaze, staring out into the court yard of Gimli holding the reins while Éowyn was at the horse's saddle. Legolas side stepped Aragorn, drawing closer toward the courtyard for a better look, just as he took another step towards the horses Éowyn moved away and a river of bronze red fire caught the suns light. Legolas felt the air in his lungs stall, catching in his throat as that head of sun's fire slowly raised and a pair of emerald green eyes met his as if they were cosmetically linked, and perhaps they were. A small, weak smile graced her pale face and for a moment Legolas was sure that his feet were no longer touching the ground, and weakness filled his body and cluttered his mind, a weakness of relief.

"Tauriel." Her name was the only thing he could manage to say, for anything else would risk oblivion.