It had been six days since the fellowship had been made welcome in the woods of Lothlórien and whilst the group had taken pleasure in relaxing under the protective green canopy there was tension in the air that was waiting to snap at any moment.

Aragorn could literally sense the hostility rolling off Legolas every time Thavron entered the camp with vague news of Kezia. They had been informed two days prior that the redhead had awakened but was not able to accept visitors at that time. There had been no reason given for this or any further update regarding her status just general comments "See is well" or "The lady is resting". To say this had not gone down well with Legolas was an understatement, he could be seen at night pacing throughout the camp and in the day, he was found more often than not at the training grounds firing arrow after arrow.

It had been many years since Aragorn had seen his friend behave so, the usual stoic elf was now a seething mess of emotions he did not seem to know what to do with, so the target took the brunt. This morning Aragorn had swiftly intercepted Thavron, one – to prevent the poor elf having his ears chewed off by an irate elf and a grumpy dwarf but secondly to request a meeting with Lady Galadriel in a bid for more information.

He was now currently waiting for the Lady to arrive at the Talon he had been shown to, standing at the edge of the platform he could not help but be impressed with the beautiful structures and building the elves of Lothlórien had created. It was truly a wonder to behold.

From his vantage point he could watch as the elves went on with their daily business, Haldir marching swiftly across the clearing into the healing houses, maidens carrying laundry to a nearby stream, in the distance he could see their encampment and what he was fairly certain was Merry and Pippin tackling an unsuspecting Boromir to the ground. Chuckling quietly, he shook his head in amusement, despite the trials they had been on the pranks the two hobbits played never failed to boast his spirits and despite what their victims would say he was fairly certain they appreciated it too.

A gentle chuckle next to him alerted Aragorn to the fact he was no longer alone, turning and bowing, he greeted Lady Galadriel.

"There youthful joys will bring happiness in the coming days, a reprieve from your journey" she spoke first referring to the hobbits.

"Indeed, they never fail to bring a smile to my face … I do wonder if the severity of the task at hand sometimes evades their understanding."

"Do not fret needlessly, they understand well but are full of the joys of life, to enjoy one's life in times of such darkness takes a great deal of courage … but this is not why you wished to speak to me" The lady shrewdly observed.

Rubbing the back of his neck Aragorn nodded turning away from the view to face the lady.

"No, my Lady, it is not. I requested to see you regarding our companion Lady Kezia, we have been told she has been treated and has now awakened but more information and visits have been denied. The fellowship grows increasingly concerned as she is much a part of our group as any of us are. Would you permit us to visit her or is her condition worse than we anticipated?"

"Do not let your mind be worried Aragorn, Lady Kezia's condition is stable and she could re-join your fellowship as soon as she wishes."

"So, we may visit her?" Aragorn questioned, the Lady was almost as infuriating as Gandalf with vague and cryptic answers.

"If that was within my power to grant I would do so to ease your mind but the denial of your visiting was not at my request"

Thoroughly confused Aragorn took a step back to consider what he had just been told.

"She does not wish to see us?" He finally asked, shocked and saddened at the turn of events.

"I believe she does indeed wish to see you but lacks the courage to do so"

Frowning deeply at this, he was now more confused than ever. It was Kezia that had barred their visiting but she still wanted to see them however she was scared of doing so. None of it made any sense, he was currently grateful he had not brought Legolas with him, he was uncertain with the mood the Elf was in how he would have taken such news. Despite their talk Legolas had made no further progress in his own internal battle with his feelings towards the redhead.

"What would you advise my Lady?" He queried, when he received no response he realised he was once again alone on the talon. He sighed, he was no closer to getting answers than when he left camp this morning, if anything he had even more questions. Resuming his gazing across the forest he stood there for a time contemplating his next move watching as the world passed by below him, until his gaze caught a glimpse of red. He focused his eyes on what appeared to be Haldir walking through the healing gardens accompanied by a redheaded woman that could only be Kezia. His mind made up he began the long dissent from the talon.


Kezia had no idea what the hell to do. It had been days since she had made her startlingly revelation and to say she hadn't processed her change well was an understatement.

First, she completely denied it – tried to convince herself it was hallucinations or a dream. But after pinching herself several times hard enough to leave bruises behind she gave up on that idea quickly.

Then she thought it was a joke however that idea was quickly disproven when she tried to yank her 'fake' ears off. Her attempt sent her howling round the room cursing loudly in pain.

Lastly, she went into a complete panic meltdown. How the fuck was she meant to explain this to anyone back home – 'So I got transported to a different realm where elves are real, good and evil are doing battle and the world hangs in the balance of a shiny ring and then I magically became an elf but it's all cool.' She couldn't exactly see that one going down to well at home. She must have been voicing this aloud because then Lady Galadriel dropped another bombshell – she could not send her home, she didn't have the power to.

With the way Gandalf had spoken about the Lady, she had kind of made the assumption that she would be able to send her back. If not straight away, then after the whole ordeal with the ring was over but apparently that was a negative on that theory, as the 'powers' that had brought her here were more powerful than the Galadriel's.

Kezia had to give kudos to the Elf, she had stayed with her for days explaining, consoling, advising and had then left her alone with her own thoughts to process what had happened.

The last thing that Galadriel had explained was that the powers that had brought her to Middle Earth belonged to Valar. Her necklace that she had worn from England and throughout Middle Earth contained an essence of power belonging to Varda. Galadriel's talk then progressed into a history lesson but the essential point Kezia understood was that the Valar were something akin to angels and that Varda was in command of light. The Sun, Moon and Stars. The power within her necklace had bonded with her soul and she was now a vessel that held but a small portion of the light of Varda. Apparently, that was why she was transformed as a human vessel would have been incompatible to hold such power and would have burned through her. Kezia shuddered as she remembered the pain from the intense heat and was momentarily glad for the transformation as it would mean she would no longer have to go through such pain again.

However, she was now left with the gem of her necklace seared into her chest, as if the transformation into an elf wasn't enough, Varda had to make her more of an oddity by adding permeant sparkles to her chest. Galadriel had tried to put a positive spin on it that if the Valar brought her here than they could also send her back. It was a vague hope but Kezia had grasped on to it, even when Galadriel had explained that the Valar had summoned her here for a reason and that before she could return home she would have to complete her purpose. As to what that purpose was Galadriel did not know, and that was how they left it. The Lady of Lothlórien had sat with her for a while longer in silence, allowing her to calm herself down and process the information before she left. As she paused at the door Galadriel informed her that if she wished to remain within the chambers it was to be hers for the duration of her stay but she was also welcome to join the rest of the fellowship who were resting in a camp.

She hadn't left the room.

She couldn't, how does one waltz into camp and different race than before and play it of nonchalantly, simple answer … you don't.

After two days in her self-imposed isolation a knock at the door had stirred her from her thoughts, for a moment she considered not answering it thinking it would be one of the fellowship, but her manners got the better of her and she cautiously opened the door, peering round to see who was there. To her great relief it was not the fellowship but another elf who she had a vague notion she had seen before but she could not put a name to his face. It was then that she realised she had been staring at the elf frowning and had not greeted him.

"Erm, Hi?" she murmured, internally cringing at the lack of formal decorum she should probably have used.

"Good Morning Lady Kezia, I came to see how you are faring this morning. I was informed of your return to health and wish to introduce myself as time was somewhat lacking on our first meeting"

She nodded and placed what she hoped was a welcoming smile on her face, apparently it worked because the elf in front of her placed his fist over his heart and bowed.

"My name is Haldir, March warden of Lothlórien, allow me to belatedly welcome you to realm of the golden woods, I apologise if my conduct at our first meeting was discourteous but it is unusual for strangers to cross through our borders. As a guest of Lady Galadriel, I hope you will find respite and peace amongst the trees and rest assured that no harm will befall you in this realm as our borders are guarded against the evils that pursued your company."

"Thank you Haldir, to be honest with you I can truly not remember our first meeting so whatever conduct you feared you had insulted me with is in the past. I am grateful for your aid, both for myself and the fellowship, our journey has taken a toll on all of us and the safety of these woods in greatly appreciated."

"You are most kind my Lady"

"Please, Kezia will do just fine, I am not a lady of anything here"

When no response came Kezia looked at Haldir, raising an eyebrow at the sudden silence.

"Forgive me My L- Kezia, but I feel I must disagree, A Lady will always remain so no matter how far she wonders from her land."

"For saying you disagree with me you seem to have adapted to my request remarkable quickly"

Haldir had a somewhat sheepish smile on his face as he responded.

"I was informed upon your arrival by most of your companions that you prefer to drop all titles and by the young hobbits not to deny such a request or face dire retribution"

"Dire retribution!" Kezia felt a genuine smile grace her face at the hobbits outlandish and exaggerated tale "Those scoundrels, you wait till I get my hands on them, dire retribution indeed!"

"Would you like me to escort you to them Kezia?" Haldir asked gesturing for her to come out the room but stopping when he saw the smile fall of her face.

"I think not, at least not right now."

"Forgive me for prying My L- Kezia, you seem close to the fellowship and they are eager for your return. Why do you delay when it causes you such sadness?"

"I …" She paused struggling to find the right words. "I am … different from when they last saw me. Much has changed and I find myself short on explanations even for myself, let alone have enough information to subdue the no doubt enquiring minds of the fellowship. What could I possible say to them that would explain this" she finished gesturing to frantically to her ears.

Haldir was silent for a moment as he contemplated her statement.

"I believe you do your companions a disservice Kezia, do you have so little faith in them that you believe they would judge for events beyond your control?"

"You are wrong, I have faith in them"

"So, you lack faith in yourself, it is not a weakness to be scared Kezia, from the little I have heard of your tale you have shown great fortitude of spirit to adapt to the journey as you did. Now is but a new chapter of your tale, being afraid of the unknown would only be natural."

Silence again fell between the two. Sighing Kezia ran her fingers through her hair in frustration.

"You made that sound all so simple – it's annoying you know."

"My apologies Kezia for being the voice of reason" Haldir responded smirking.

"Ohhh, another elf to make jokes at my expense! I see this is going to become a problem with you lot" she replied chuckling at his smirk.

"If you wish not the venture to the fellowship today, then allow me to show you the wonders of the golden woods. You have many troubles on your mind and remaining alone in a room will not aid in finding the solution"

"Again, with the voice of reason! Fine, you may give me a tour but another joke at my expense and the retribution will be dire" she finished with a smile, stepping out the door.


It had been a further two days since Haldir's first visit but the elf had persistently returned every day. The conversation had started the same both days, each time he would try to convince her to visit the fellowship and each time she declined despite his logical reasoning that by delaying she was only adding further pressure to the situation. After his failed attempts, he would insist and escorting her throughout the wood, it was clear to hear him speak he held a deep love for his home. If Kezia didn't know better she would say that he knew every tree of the forest off by heart. Whilst it was wonderful to listen to his descriptions she could not help but feel home sick, at one point she too had felt a similar love for her home it had faded over time due to the pressures of her position as heir but once she also had felt a thrill at walking through the forest within in the palace grounds. Running her hands over the rough bark, to walk bare foot over the moss-covered floor, to listen and hear nothing but the sounds of the trees moving in the wind whispering to each other as birds flitted amongst the branches singing. Whilst Lothlórien felt familiar in that aspect it was still alien, everything much larger, much grander and with the added improvement of her new elven eyesight it sometimes felt overwhelming. She could feel the trees as strange as it sounds, she could feel their presence, the ancient history's they had been there to bear witness to.

Today Haldir had arrived and after their typical conversation he was taking her to walk in the healing gardens. It was only a short distance from her room but she could smell the herbs long before they entered the secluded gardens. There was only a few elves in the large garden, healers she assumed as they all wore a similar garb as they went about taking cuttings of various plants.

"The aroma is pleasant is it not"

"It is wonderful, I feel rejuvenate just breathing it in"

"I am glad you enjoy it, as an elf we feel more connected to nature and as such simple things like this bring us joy"

Haldir had taken to informing her about her new race on their strolls, and to Kezia the knowledge he was sharing was invaluable. She truly felt like a stranger in her own body, the first day she had ventured outside her rooms Haldir had done a valiant job of managing not to laugh as he held her upright, apparently, she had grown during her transition and with her elven sight she had a hard time adapting her co-ordination, everything had seemed closer than it was making her take bizarrely long steps that would eventually trip her over. She really was not quite sure how Haldir had not laugh himself silly as it must have been a quite ridiculous sight. She was incredibly grateful for the elf, he had stepped in when she was at her lowest, acting as a friend, guide, and the standing joke between them – her voice of reason.

"Kezia may I introduce you to Thavron, he is the steward in charge of the care of your companions" Haldirs voice broke through her thoughts and she realised they were standing in front of another elf who bowed in front of her with a smile.

"My lady, it pleases me greatly see you recovering well, it will be of much comfort to your companions. They ask after your wellbeing Morning, Noon and Night"

Kezia carefully schooled her face as she felt a twinge of guilt hit her knowing she had had caused worry amongst the already troubled fellowship.

"My thanks Thavron for tending to my friends, I hope we have not put you to too much trouble"

"Oh, course not Lady Kezia, it is my honour to serve guests of Lady Galadriel. I will be at ease now knowing I will be able to bring them glad tidings of your recovery, I fear my lack of news has been a source of displeasure but now that shall happily be remedied."

Kezia felt Haldirs hand rest on her shoulder offering silent support knowing the discomfort she felt at being the root of tension in the fellowship. Summoning a smile to her face so replied to the Elf.

"You are most kind, I apologize if I have been the cause of difficulty for you"

The elf in front of her quickly stuttered out an apology himself.

"Forgive me My Lady, I did not mean to imply you have been troublesome, merely that your companions will be relieved of your recovery, they care a great deal for you it is only natural they show concern over your wellbeing. It will put them at ease knowing you are well, forgive me if this is too prying but when might you be returning to your companions only I wish to prepare for your stay?"

Haldir stepped up quickly beside her saving her from answering the question she had yet to come up with a response for.

"That has yet to be decided my friend, the Lady is still building up her strength, I will inform you should the situation change"

Sensing he had been dismissed Thavron bowed again to them,

"It was a pleasure My Lady, I shall update your companion presently" Thavron took a step forward to pass them before he stopped and bowed to someone behind them.

"It appears my glad tidings will no longer be necessary, I believe it is not myself you are in search of?"

"No, thank you Thavron, please accept my gratitude for arranging my meeting with Lady Galadriel" respond the gruff voice of Aragorn.

Thavron bowed again and took his leave moving swiftly through the garden oblivious to the tense and now frozen to the spot red head. A silence fell between the group, Kezia standing with her back to Aragorn and Haldir standing in between not wanting to leave the scared woman but also not wishing to intrude on the situation.

"It gladdens my heart to see you recovering well Kezia"

Kezia remain rooted to the spot, unable to respond. Aragorn sighed and decided to press on.

"It would please the fellowship greatly to once again have you amongst us … unless you wish otherwise?"

At this Kezia turned around to look at him, an expression of confusion written on her face.

"What did you say?"

At this point Aragorn began to look confused, her voice had changed slightly adopting a soft lilting tone that held a melody when she spoke but that was not what shocked him.

"I did not know you could speak Sindarin Kezia, even after our travels you still find new ways to surprise me" he said chuckling softly hoping to lighten the tense mood that had descended.

"You do know I have no idea what you're are saying right? I can't speak elvish."

Aragorn again looked confused, a frown forming on his brow. At this point Haldir stepped in hoping to clarify the awkward situation.

"Kezia, the language you are currently speaking is Sindarin, a form of elvish. Forgive me for not mentioning this sooner, it had not occurred to me that you did not know this"

"What … No, I'm speaking English or Common Tongue or whatever you call it here. I have never learnt a word of Elvish in my life!" Kezia exclaimed, quickly becoming frustrated with the situation when she saw Haldir shake his head sadly at her.

"Forgive me Kezia, I did not think"

Sighing in exasperation she ran her fingers through her hair in annoyance and frustration feeling once again overwhelmed by the situation.

A small gasp escaped from Aragorn causing them both to look at him. Aragorn's gaze was fixated on Kezia, it took her but a moment to realise on what. Quickly smoothing her hair back over her pointed ears, she moved her gaze to look anywhere but the ranger.

"I did not know such a thing was possible" Aragorn finally broke the long silence that had fallen. When Kezia refused to meet his gaze, he stepped forward to stand in front of her. Gently he took her hands in his to gain her attention, after a minute she reluctantly looked at him but her face was blank and void of emotion. A sign he had come to associate with her feeling scared or angry, a way for her to shield herself emotionally from the world.

"Please forgive me"

He saw a brief flicker of confusion flash in her eyes at his statement.

"I knew not of the troubles which you suffered and in my ignorance, I had assumed wrongly that you wished no longer to be part of our company, for this I am truly sorry, I should never have doubted you my friend."

"Do not apologize Aragorn, it is I who has isolated myself from the fellowship with little explanation why. Your doubts were justified"

"It is never justifiable to doubt your friends" he said with a small smile. "Come, walk with me, I feel there is a tale to be told and a troubled mind to be unburdened. If I can be of any solace I will listen to all you have to say or to simply remain at your side if words cannot be found"

When she didn't respond he looked up to see her eyes brimming with tears, offering him a watery smile in return to his questioning gaze she accepted his offered arm.

"That would be most welcome Aragorn, thank you"

Haldir smiled as he watched the pair slowly walk away murmuring quietly to each other. Whilst he could still see the tense set of Kezia's shoulders he was pleased that she had not pushed the ranger away and was sharing her troubles with at least one of the fellowship. Turning and walking away he also knew another elf who would be most thankful for this progression. From what he had heard it sounded like Thavron had his hands full dealing with anxious fellowship.


The pair had been walking for some time when they finally stopped and rested at a bench.

"So, the Lady cannot return you to your land?"

"It would appear not, it was by the power of the Valar that I was brought here and only through them can I return. Varda who summoned me here has some purpose I must fulfil before they will send me back"

"To be chosen by the Valar is an honour Kezia"

"It does not feel like an honour Aragorn, everything is changing to quickly for me to understand. I am a stranger to myself, I speak languages I knew not, I am now a race different from what I was born and I have gem containing the essence of Varda seared into my chest and let's not forget I am in a completely different realm. Memories of my home vanish by the day, even the language I speak has been erased from my mind. What part of this is meant to be an honour – I am being changed into something I am not, I no longer recognise who I am. I truly do not understand what purpose I am to serve here, how can I be of any use – I know nothing of this land save what you have told me. I cannot fight, I cannot advise how exactly will I be of any help"

"I know not Kezia, but a wise man once told me 'Life is very complicated, so don't try to find out answers because when you find the answers life changes the questions' "

"That was Gandalf, wasn't it?"

Cracking a smile, he replied "What gave me away?"

"Only he could say something so infuriatingly ambiguous"

"Aye, he had a skill for speaking in riddles leaving you with more questions than you started with" he said chuckling before his mood turned sombre as he remembered the fall of the wizard. Sensing the cause of his sudden change in mood Kezia turned to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I am sorry for your loss Aragorn, I know you were close to Gandalf, I may have only known him for a few short weeks but he is a friend I will miss greatly."

"His loss will be felt throughout Middle Earth, he has touched many lives and I feel honoured and proud to have known and travelled with him… but I feel his loss keenly, as do all of the fellowship. It would brighten their spirits if you were once more amongst us, whilst your path may be unclear now I cannot imagine our paths crossed by coincidence – come return with me."

He looked up to see her hesitant expression.

"And how exactly would I explain this?" She said gesturing to herself.

"You need not explain yourself to anyone, they will be shocked yes but thankful for your return"

"And what about the fact I can no longer speak the common tongue, how are we going to get around that one"

Aragorn paused having not considered the extent of that problem. He offered her a sheepish smile.

"Learn"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Not shit Sherlock, you really like stating the obvious! And they are not going to let the fact I have magically changed into an elf go easily. I mean you have met Merry and Pippin right? And Gimli is going to freak learning there is now a second elf in the group."

Pausing Aragorn considered what she had just said, she had some valid reasons, perhaps just dropping in on the fellowship wasn't the best idea. It would come as shock to all of them and then the bombardment of questions that would no doubt be thrown her way would be an issue due to the new language barrier. Sighing he rubbed a hand over his face, this wasn't going to be as easy as he originally anticipated.

"How about this then. Today you rest here but tomorrow I shall return to take you back to camp. That way I can inform them of your return, Thavron can prepare for your arrival and I may be able to field some of their questions in advance."

"What will you say?"

"Nothing but the basics, I will leave the retelling of your story to you, you can tell them as much or little as you please. I will help translate for you but then we should start work on teaching you the common tongue, hopefully it will come quickly as you used to speak it."

"Fingers crossed, but I am not getting my hopes up"

"Then, you are in agreement?"

"I suppose I am … yes" She responded still sounding hesitant.

"All will be well Kezia" She managed a small smile in response. A small silence fell as they both sat there contemplating how the following day would go. It was awhile before Aragorn broke the peace.

"Why would you cross your fingers?" He asked, making Kezia burst out laughing.


The light was beginning to fade when Aragorn made his way back into the fellowships camp. He had spent most of the day with Kezia, sometimes talking about the events that had led them here other times just sitting in companionable silence. To be alone with ones' thoughts was sometimes a blissful reprieve but to have a friend to confide in when needed was also a comfort so the day had passed surprisingly quickly. He had left Kezia feeling remarkably at peace but now as he entered the clearing he could not help but feel some of his doubts to return. He had said he would help her break the news of her sudden change but now he was alone he was uncertain on how exactly to do that. He now understood why she had isolated herself so, it was a difficult task to undertake.

As entered the clearing he was immediately greeted by the cheers of two hobbits who from the harassed and quick double act conversation he was subjected to, had been made to wait until his return before they could eat dinner. He could not help the smile they brought to his face as they grumbled about how Sam had refused to cook a morsel until he had come back. Nodding his thanks to Sam who was looking somewhat relieved at his appearance, he was guessing Merry and Pippin had not taken kindly to his decision regarding food but for his part he was grateful as he knew there would have been nothing left had they gone ahead without him. Between the Hobbits and the Dwarf, they got through food extremely quickly and as Pippin had informed him after he missed breakfast one morning, 'you snooze, you lose.'

Before he knew it, they were all gathered around the table with Sam dishing out generous helpings of food. For several minutes, the only sound was of them eating, occasional compliment to Sam and in Gimli's case loud belching.

"You know when Miss Kezia returns Gimli, you can't eat like that" Sam said after a particularly loud burp.

Wiping his mouth on the back of his sleeve he responded "I don't see why not! She has eaten with us before and has never minded"

"Well that was when we were on the road, now we can be more civilised, she is a princess you know" Sam reasoned.

"Pfff, nonsense the lass won't care and she's not here now so I shall enjoy my meal as a like thank you Master Hobbit"

Shrugging his shoulder Sam started to hand out seconds to Merry and Pippin who had already finished their first plate.

"You know this elf food is pretty good. A little lacking in meat but good" Pippin commented.

"I wonder is Kezia has had anything like this before?" Merry asked.

"Ummm, no idea why are you asking?" Pippin responded through a mouthful of food.

"Just she said there was no Elves where she is from so surely that means that all of this stuff" he gestured at the food "doesn't exist either."

"Huh, didn't think of that" Pippin said.

"Well you can ask her about it tomorrow" Aragorn cut in, directing the conversation towards the topic he needed to talk about. He succeeded as he felt all eyes of the fellowship on him.

"We can go and visit her?!" Merry yelled.

"No need, she will be joining us tomorrow" Aragorn stated.

As the hobbits cheered loudly, Legolas turned to him "Lady Galadriel has said this?"

"No, by good fortune I was able meet with Kezia today, she is now fully rested and healed well enough for her return" he said trying to reassure the elf.

"You met with her?" he queried again, suspicion colouring his tone.

"Forgive me for not inviting you along my friend, it was not my plan originally but by chance our paths crossed after my meeting with Lady Galadriel."

"I see" was all the response Aragorn got from Legolas whose brow was now furrowed in thought.

Taking a breath Aragorn cleared his throat to continue with his news.

"Actually, there is something you need to be aware of"

Aragorn felt Legolas's eyes bore into him "Is she alright, is something wrong?"

"No friend all is well, just different"

"I don't follow Aragorn" Frodo cut in, "What has changed?"

"This journey has changed us all in some aspect, the same goes for Kezia, though maybe a bit more drastic than ours." He paused before continuing "The power of the Valar summoned Kezia here, I believe to aid with our quest however their influence has consequences, Kezia is much changed from when we last saw her… she has been transformed."

"Transformed? … Into what?" Pippin interrupted earning him a clip on the back of the head from Sam.

"Kezia is now Elven kind"

Silence followed before Gimli let out a laugh, "ahhh, good one Aragorn, you had me going then!"

"I jest not Gimli"

"But such a thing is not possible" Boromir stated in disbelief.

"I myself would have answered the same as you had I not seen the evidence for myself today"

"So, she is an elf now?" Merry asked

"Yes"

"But why an elf? Why not a hobbit? Personally, I think she would make a fine hobbit" Merry continued, Aragorn could not help but chuckle at the comment.

"I know not Merry, but it is the will of the Valar"

"If what you say is true, the poor lass must be very confused. I would be horrified to awaken an Elf! She must be beside herself"

Aragorn was surprised when Legolas did not respond to the Dwarfs quip, Gimli also rose an eyebrow in question of the Elves lack of comeback.

"She is confused and uncertain of her path now. Lady Galadriel is unable to overrule the Valar and return her home."

Again the fellowship went quiet as they digested the information.

"So, she cannot go home?" Frodo asked.

"No, Lady Galadriel has suggested in the future once she has completed the Valars task she may be able to go home but this is not certain."

"She must be very troubled with this news" Boromir said.

Aragorn did not respond other than to nod his head.

"But she is coming to join us tomorrow" Pippin asked.

Again Aragorn nodded.

"Merry you'll have to tidy up your tent, we can't have a lady walking around you dirty clothes!"

"There your too Pippin!" the hobbit responded indignantly.

"I don't believe the lady will be walking around your tent, but maybe keeping it clean would be a wise decision" Boromir chuckled at the hobbits.

"And that means no belching at meals Gimli!" Sam pointed out at the Dwarf who grumbled in response.

The fellowship then broke up into their own conversations some discussing Kezia's change and her re-joining them. The hobbits talking about what food she might like.

Shaking his head in amusement he turned to speak to the only member who had been silent throughout their meeting only to find the elf was no longer there and was walking towards the edge of the clearing. Standing up he followed the elf, lengthening his strides so he could catch up with Legolas. Reaching him Aragorn placed a hand on his shoulder halting his walk.

"What troubles you my friend?" he asked once Legolas had stopped.

Legolas sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"You know already Aragorn."

"You worry for her?"

"Of course, to learn what has transpired whilst we have been here unknowingly ignorant of what has happened. I feel angry at my lack of action. I could have helped her!"

"How?"

Silence met him as the elf searched for an answer.

"See my friend, even with the best intentions one cannot go against the will of the Valar, no matter how dear she is to you this was the path that was chosen for her. Whilst you wish to have aided her she needed time and space to come to terms with what has happened. Our world is very different from what she knows, she needed time to adjust."

"And she had to do that away from us?"

Raising an eyebrow at that comment Aragorn answered. "Is she not entitled to respite and peace to understand all that has befallen her on our journey here and her change since."

Sighing Legolas responded "Of course, I do not begrudge her that, it's just she did not have to go through it alone, we could have been there"

"And now we can be, it will take longer than a few days for her to adjust and now she is returning to us we can help her transition into this world."

Legolas nodded and was silent for a few seconds.

"Is she truly alright?"

"She is obviously shaken by the experience but she has a strong character and will. Her fiery temperament will not easily be subdued"

Legolas chuckled in response, "She will truly be unique amongst the elves".

"Aye that is true, but she was always unique before. Now just more so"

A fond smile graced Legolas's face, an expression the ranger had rarely seen from him. It gave Aragorn a thought he had not previously considered. With the changes in Kezia it was entirely possible that the situation of Legolas's thoughts and emotions towards the girl may also have changed. He felt conflicted, on one hand seeing his friend find true joy would be a blessing but the other side of that was it came with a great sacrifice from Kezia who would have to give up her efforts to return home. Sighing he broached the sensitive subject to Legolas.

"Have you considered what we talked about the other day and how this new development may have altered what we thought."

"What you thought, my friend. Regardless on if she bore the mark or not, I will admit my mind was already set upon pursuing her affections further."

Aragorn was momentarily startled into silence that the Elf would admit such a thing openly.

"So you are certain?" he finally found the words to speak.

"As certain as the sun will rise, maybe this blessing could only be given when she became elven kind."

"As I have said Legolas, this blessing could be given to a human as well. Are you sure you are not perhaps advancing this further than it should go?"

"I thought you would be happy for me Aragorn, to find one chosen is a joyous occasion."

"And indeed I will be happy for you when it is certain she is and that you are not futilely pursuing this. When she bares your mark, I will be the first to congratulate you."

"Then we wait for tomorrow to see, though Aragorn, in my heart of hearts I know I am right."

"And I hope I am proven wrong, you have been waiting a long time for this my friend" Aragorn said patting the elf on the shoulder offering him a reassuring smile.

"She is worth the wait."

"I'm sure she is" Aragorn said chuckling. "Tomorrow, you no doubt will be the one she wishes to speak to the most"

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, for one you are an elf – I am sure she will have many questions for you. Also, I may have forgotten to mention this earlier but you and I will be the only ones who can speak to her."

"Why is that?" Legolas asked confused.

"Since her change she has been conversing fluently in Sindarin, something she was not aware of until I met with her earlier today and she could not understand my speech in the common tongue… as you can imagine, that revelation did not go down well."

"She can't speak any of the common tongue?"

"None, so tomorrow we will have to act as translators whilst she attempts to relearn. I would also appreciate your aid in attempting to field off the worst of the hobbits curiosity, I fear it may be somewhat overwhelming for her."

"You did not even need to ask Aragorn, of course I will help with this"

"My thanks … though I now question whether this is to aid me or to serve as a means to get the attention of the lady?" Aragorn joked with a smirk on his face as Legolas stuttered trying to find an excuse.

"Who would have thought a fiery mortal turned elf from another realm would bring the great prince of the woodland realm to a stuttering mess of elf"

Aragorn quickly ducked as Legolas went to cuff his head. Laughing he quickly took off heading back to the camp leaving behind a gaping elven prince. As Aragorn disappeared into the trees, a faint smile found its way onto Legolas's face as he to made his way back to the camp, hoping that tomorrow would indeed prove his thoughts correct. Kezia was his soulmate, he was certain of it.


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Until next time - dreaming-world x