A/N: So we are already to chapter 11! And here I didn't think I would be able to keep it up this long XD Thank you to everyone who has reviewed these so far and of course for those of you who have favorite or followed the story. This one is a bit longer than normal but there was a lot to cover so enjoy lol. And remember: Reviews are love, and the fuel that keeps me writing =D

For two days they stayed in the small cave Legolas had found, the first night of which legolas went and collected her daggers before sitting awake at the entrance of the cave, looking out into the night for any sign of danger. The next morning he went out as he had said he would and gathered herbs to make a salve for her wounds, which did a great deal to ease her pain and help the gashes to seal up at least some. At some point after his return as they were chatting she asked what it was that drove his decision to go with her to which he got uncomfortably quiet for some time before replying that him and his father had come to a disagreement and he decided it was time for him to set off and travel for a while once more.

The second night came quickly, and though they still had not discussed much of what had happened between them the night of the celebration it was clear that they both felt they were on more familiar terms with one another, both smiling and laughing with each other -despite her soreness- and sitting close together, though she had giving him the excuse that it was for warmth; a half-lie she had no need to tell. That night he did sleep, and she rested next to him, curled against his side as best she could without irritating the cuts on her shoulder. By morning he had rolled to place an arm protectively over her, a gesture that made feel a strange warmth and left butterflies in her chest.

It was on the next morning that she decided the wounds were closed enough that she could travel and use her weapons if need be, though Legolas still seemed to want to coddle her some, she did her best to convince him she was well.

"Besides..." She said in protest (to staying any longer) "We should head back to the mountains. I am sure your father and others are worried that you have not returned... and I should let them know I was found, and thank your father for organizing for me to come out here in the first place... even if I got separated off...I learned what I needed to and I am grateful for it." A flash of anger entered his features.

"He will know you are found when he realizes I have not returned." He said simply before Looking over her wounds once more-which she was getting far too used to taking her shirt off for him to do. Once he was convinced that the bleeding had stopped and that it was healing well be went to gather up anything that was left unpacked. Calemirai pulled on her cloak- which she had managed to salvage with some water and some stitching- over one of her two remaining tunics.

"If we do leave now, then where is it you plan to go next?" He asked

"well…" She had not thought about where to go next, as she still did not know where everything- or anything for that matter- was past the border of Dorwinion. If it weren't for meeting Legolas she would likely still be in the Lake town trying to find information and studying maps.

"first off I suppose somewhere with water… A lake… a stream… anything." Though most of the gore and dirt had been wiped clean of her skin she still felt the need to scrub herself off better before continuing her search for information. "After that… Do you know a place that may have an archive, or library? I was so preoccupied with going in to the forest I forgot to ask your father about one…" He thought for a moment before a large smile tugged at his lips.

"I know just the place."

… … … … …

For a little over a day they traveled to the west before finding a large river. That stretched far to the north and to the south. Calemirai never knew she could be so thankful to see a river, but never before had she spent the better part of a week without bathing after a battle either. The water was cool, enough so to draw a shiver from her, but still it was preferable to the alternative of waiting.

She began sliding off her cloak, and unlacing the ties of her britches before looking to Legolas, who had already turned his back to be polite. She was sure he was not one to spy on a bathing woman, but still the thought of him being so close made her nervous.

"Promise you won't peek at me?" She muttered sheepishly. Without turning he responded.

"Of course not. You need not worry about me, and I will keep an eye out to be sure you have no one else to worry about either." He said softly in response.

She smiled inwardly before leaving her clothes, wraps and bandages at the riverbank before wading into the brisk water. She splashed her arms and chest before submerging herself fully to clean out her hair. Once she had scrubbed herself down as best she could in the opaque stream she looked over the cuts on her shoulder. It had been less than a week since her fight with the wargs and yet one side was nearly healed up already thanks to the Salve Legolas had made for her. The other side however…

She ran her fingers over the deep cut that ran from the back of her shoulder to just below her collar bone, to the raised, red skin that went down an inch or so further from an imperfect heal. That one at the very least would not vanish completely, nor was it likely that the two beside it would. A moment of sadness washed over her at the thought, indeed the scarring flesh was one of the top reasons she could not stand that thought of Legolas stealing a look at her as she bathed.

If it were only a week or two ago her more mischievous side would have hoped to catch him doing so , so that perhaps she could muster the courage to draw him into the water with her.

She took a deep breath before dunking herself once more, to cool her cheeks and to help chase the thought from her head.

They spent the night there, before following the river south for nearly two weeks, stopping only when it was too dark to see and starting again when morning rose.

Along the road Legolas told her they were traveling to a Place called Minas Tirith, the capital of one of the two largest human kingdoms, and explained that a good friend of his would be glad to receive them there.

Much of the trek was spent in comfortable silence, both focused on the goal and their own thoughts, though when night came and it was time to camp they would often fall into pleasant conversation.

On one such night they made a fire, sitting close to it when she noticed a rather intense gaze filling the eyes of her travel partner as he looked on at the dancing flames.

"Is something the matter?" She asked after some time, tilting her head curiously. He returned her look, giving a small smile.

"Not at all, I was just wondering… what it is like to the east. I am looking forward to seeing it for myself, but back during the war… there were armies from the east that joined with Sauron. I was just wondering how dangerous it will be to travel there." Calemirai closed her eyes, envisioning her forest in her mind, and her small village. Then thought of everything she saw as she traveled towards Dorwinion.

"It is not so bad… My own home is not so different really, aside from the climate. My Grandfather and a handful of the oldest members of the village traveled there from far west… I don't remember from where, or why, but it was many centuries before even my father was born. But when he arrived at the forest we live in he brought with him his customs. I only left the forest surrounding my village a couple of times before coming here… I went to see my mother's home with her once, when I was still very little, and I went to Dorwinion once with my father…" She trailed off for a moment with the memories. "Those places were different."

"The trees in my forest are different too…They have leaves like needles. They don't grow as tall as the ones in mirkwood, but they are just as thick, especially near the village." She smiled at the memory, an odd sense of calm coming over her at the memory, before she heard a small bought of laughter break out from beside her. She blushed slightly looking over to the other.

"What is so funny?" She muttered, as she glanced over at him.

"It sometimes sounds as though you know of nothing but plants" He said with a soft smile. Her blush deepened. He was not wrong… She didn't recognize much of the flora this far west, but she could tell him anything about the plants that grew east of the inland sea. She knew the uses of each, as well as when they grew, where and which were poisonous, and yet she could not recall most of her own grandfather's history.

"What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing at all" He said softly. "Just an observation." His eyes moved over her in a way that made her cheeks heat up, and she looked away, wishing her hair were not pulled back, as it would give her some cover from his gaze. He seemed to notice her embarrassment, as he excused himself, going to find more wood for their fire, which gave her some reprieve; It was not long after that sleep took her for the night.

… … … … …

It was only a few days later that the vast white city came into view. they made their way up the path that lead to the great, gated city as she studied the rising walls which reached hundreds of feet into the sky, with so many gated walls she was unsure how anyone ever made it to the top. When they neared the first gate- A towering thing of mithril and steel- She turned to him her eyes wide with intimidation at just how massive it all was.

"Just… who is this friend of yours… again?" She breathed, looking back to the gate.

"His name is Aragorn… When we met he was often called a 'Ranger'… Though now he is the king of Gondor." She felt her shoulders drooping at the word. Her thoughts flashing back to her conversation with Thranduil.

"Great… another king." A large smile spread across legolas' lips.

"Don't worry. I am sure he is a king that you will like well enough." She nodded to him though she was not so confident he was right.

It was midday by the time they had reached the top layer of the fortified city. They were greeted pleasantly by the guard at the final gate, who seemed to know Legolas… or at least knew of him as he allowed them in with little more than a brief introduction, and sent for the king to meet with them.

Once inside Calemirai shied behind Legolas, She had grown used to elaborate stonework while in the grey mountains, but still she was not used to such intimidating structures as the one they visited now. She couldn't help but yearn for the natural surroundings of her forest as her boots clacked over the hard stone floors.

As they made their way through the large Foyer of the palace she lost her senses drifting into fond memories of the soft dirt below her soft-soled boots and the smell of clear forest breeze as it bit at her cheeks. She remembered one time that she had found the remains of a felled tree, and she had taken a rest there, staring up at the branches searching for new birds or other small animals. She had lost track of time staring off that day, and before she knew it was already deep into the night. Her father scolded her when she returned home, and forbid her to leave her room for a week because of the scare she had given him.

She was jostled from her thoughts however, as Legolas gripped her shoulder gently.

"Calemirai?.. This is Aragorn, an old friend of mine, and the king of Gondor."

She blinked away her thoughts, looking over the tall man before them, dressed in fine silks with a winged crown resting on his brow. He was older looking, with dark hair that was just beginning to show signs of graying on the sides, and blue eyes. He was tall, and built more like a warrior than a royal-at least to her eyes.

"Ah… Forgive me. I was just… in awe of this structure is all… It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Calemirai from the forest of Calembar." She said softly, still tucking herself somewhat behind her companion.

The man smiled warmly at her. "I am afraid I have never heard of that forest."

"She is from far to the east, past the sea of Rhun" Legolas added in, as it seemed his friend was about to ask. The king's brow furrowed then, as if interested, though he held back his curiosity as not to overwhelm his guests.

"You have come a long way, my lady." He said simply, before looking to the other elf questioningly. "Will you two be staying long? If so then I shall have a room prepared for you, And Legolas, you know where yours is? Would you like your things taken there for you?"

"I am unsure how long we are to stay." Said Legolas "I have something of a favor to ask of you actually." Again he was given a look of questioning.

"Of course… But first I believe we should catch up some my friend. It has been nearly half a decade since last I saw you. And your… friend… looks a bit overwhelmed." He leaned to look beside Legolas, to take in a good look at her, making her want to shrink behind him all the more. "Forgive me. The two of you showing up unannounced, I seem to have been caught off guard and without manners. Would you like to be shown around? Or would you prefer to rest up some, you seem a bit weary."

Calemirai searched his face then. He was far kinder than Thranduil –that much was clear- and he seemed a lot less stern, at least with Legolas. Still he was right in assuming she was a bit over stimulated, and it felt as if it was her turn to be courteous. "I… think I would like to rest if I may. That will give you and Legolas time to speak, though I look forward to speaking to you later, if that would be alright."

He smiled to her and nodded. " Then we shall escort you to a guest room, until a room is properly set for you if that is ok, and I can send for you at suppertime, that should give you plenty of time to rest, and us plenty of time to speak ." She nodded her agreement before being lead off to a room, where she said her thanks before they two took their leave.

… … … … …

"It has been far too long since last we met… and it appears a lot has happened since…" The old ranger said as he walked to a palace outlook with his friend. "I have to say I am rather curious… I have never known you to travel alone with a woman… is she.." He was obviously unsure just how to approach the question, causing the elf to blush slightly, though he hid it well, at least he thought as such.

"She is… A friend." Legolas said simply. "We met strangely and things have been strange ever since." He said with a small smile making its way to his face.

"That only deepens my curiosity." Aragorn said with a small laugh.

"I wish I had better answers to give." Legolas admitted.

"Well start at the beginning then, we have some time." Curiosity gave way to amusement in the rangers face as he studied the other.

"I found her in lake town being assaulted by some drunks in a tavern, and found out she is on a crusade to save her forest, as it seems to be falling into an ill state. She compared it to Mirkwood, which is actually the reason I am here…" His eyes shifted to his friend then. "She is trying to find reasons for its decline and how to stop it."

"And you are joining her because you feel the need to fix more than you already have?" Aragorn asked, still curious as to the relationship between the two.

"I introduced her to my father hoping he would give her answers but… he was of little help… He left her to fend for herself in the forest." Aragorn shuffled uncomfortably at the thought, his face twisting with confusion.

"Thranduil is not known for being the warmest of hosts… but that sounds more than a little cold. What would possess him to be so hostile?" Legolas stiffened, looking away from the other.

"He did not want her to steal me away…" He said before forcing himself to look to his friend, of a look of pleading on his face.

"I overheard the end of her conversation with him… He made her confess… That she had feelings for me, before forbidding her to act on them. She did not take heed, and so he had her lead to the forest, and had her left there. When I found her she was in a fight with is when I decided to stay with her while she traveled." He paused for a moment, choosing his next words. "Trouble follows her like no one I have seen before and I fear what may happen to her if she were to continue her quest with no help at all. I am sure she would still succeed, though I am unsure if she would still be whole by the time she finished." Though the last part seemed half a joke, worry still entered the princes features, and t was now the kings turn to be overwhelmed, as the elf confided in him.

"She did not take heed?.." Again Legolas went rigid. He was not a romantic, nor did he fancy himself ever being one, and it was nearly torture admitting to any more than he already had, though if anyone could be of help with such a confusing topic as women it was Aragorn; whom was now married happily, with two young boys. He took a deep breath before nodding.

"She kissed me… and I did not stop her, infact after she ran off embarrassed I followed… and returned the gesture. It nearly lead to more, but I was afraid of what would happen to her if I were found in her room... We were seen however and he punished her for it." After a long pause Aragorn finally spoke.

"So then she is more than a friend to you it would seem." Legolas shook his head, his eyes shifting away from the male once more.

"I left her that night …We have spoken very briefly of it since, and nothing more has happened between us. And I fear it will remain unspoken. I could not commit myself to another as you do Arwen, nor do I think she can. She has a mission, and I just want to help her fulfill it. After that she will be at home in her forest once more and I will be traveling once more, eventually to return to Mirkwood and do what I must there, once My anger towards my father has simmered away, though I feel at this rate I will leave for the undying lands long before my father. It seems his feet have grown roots that tie him to the Mountains."

Aragorn placed his hand gently on Legolas' shoulder, seeing that his friend was troubled by the conflicts in his heart and mind. He wanted to help, though it would be a slow process, and so he thought it best to approach it slowly, rather than hounding the elf as he had been.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind my friend…I am here to help you sort through it if you need, For now though I suppose I should stop interrogating you and instead ask what this favor is you were wanting to ask of me." Relief filled the elves face.

"Elronds old documents… They were brought here when he, and the others left, were they not? At least many of them?"

"They were, and have been stored with other such documents: history books, maps, and other such things." He quirked his brow curiously. "And those that were not brought here were given to Thranduil…"

"I was hoping you would allow me, and Calemirai access to them, and any others that may be helpful. She is hoping to find some reason for what is happening in her forest. She also brought news of fowl creatures headed towards her home. She encountered some in her travels, others she was beginning to hear rumors of being seen." He began to pace slightly.

"If Gandalf were still here I would speak to him to see what could be done…"Aragorn thought for a moment before responding.

"Of course you may look over anything you need, though I would prefer the documents stay here… and Though Gandalf is gone another remains. Isn't there a wizard that roams near the forests? Could you not seek him out?"

"That's Right! It has been some time since I last saw him… but Radagast never strays far from the woods. He may be different, by far from gandolf, though seeing as the problem is with a forest he may be of some help! I can't believe he did not come to my mind sooner. Thank you for your insite." The two smiled, Aragorn was happy to see the stress leaving his friends features.

"Now then, About this girl of yours." And with that the elf's face became flush once more.

"She is not mine, I have already explained all there is to explain and we are only friends." He blurted drawing a laugh from the other.

"I will not torture you with questions about her anymore, I only want to offer some friendly advice which you may take or leave as you wish. You say things will not work because of what may come in the future? Is that right?" Legolas gave a slight nod in response.

"If only you could think like a human in matters like this. You plan so far ahead because it seems like no time at all, but you do not have foresight, my friend and if you care for her then I think perhaps you should at least give it a try. Matters of the heart should not be over thought, or they will never come to fruition. And if you always pick apart why a relationship might not work then I fear I will die before I see you happy as I am. And more so I fear that you will fade before seeing yourself that way. Just something to think about." He began to backtrack then, gesturing for the elf to follow him.

"Come now. You should clean up before supper, and I should let Arwen and the boys know you are here visiting."