Author's note: Watched the hobbit again! just to see Thranduil! Can a ma-i mean elf get anymore handsome, dashing??? oops im going fangirl mode, lol.

Disclaimer: The LOTR characters do not belong to me...

Chapter 14

Galion had decided to see his ward early in the morning, however nothing prepared him for the sight he met. Aya was a complete mess, her eyes looked puffy from crying throughout the night. He sat beside her and laid his arm around her shoulder. "oh Penneth what burdens your heart so?" his clenched. He hated seeing her this way more so now that he wished to discuss the situation concerning Thranduil.

"I'm in love with him..." she whispered hoarsely. Galion blinked in shock.

"Penneth who ar-"

"-I've fallen in love with The-The King..." Galion sagged in sympathy, having to deal with his own fair share of pain over the matter. "oh Penneth..." He held her close as she sobbed, for the first time, since her father died, since she came here, she let out her pain, her suffering, everything and there they remained all morning with Galion lending his shoulder to her until she ceased crying.

She rose quietly, looking at the room, and then the bed "since I moved here, he never came..." with the need to freshen up, she moved towards the bathroom but Galion clasped her hand to stop her "I believe he did not wish to make you any more uncomfortable and only wished to preserve your honour" he waited for her respond. "I see..." she turned to look over her shoulder and smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling "Thank you..." Gallon tried to smile in return, being slightly caught off guard with that action.

The day went on peacefully, Elves settled down for dinner after a day of hard work in ensuring the kingdom thrived peacefully. Galion had wondered where she was, he had not seen Aya for the rest of day, it had been over an hour and she still had not come down for dinner. He discreetly watched the king and saw that he was watching the hall and entrance specifically 'he's looking for her ' he felt unsettled, deep down he felt something was out of place, he remembered the smile on her and then her gratitude.

He looked at Gilwen who shook her head, she had to speak to her friend but it was to no avail, Aya wouldn't even let her in. Galion rose slowly in realization, not to draw attention, he bowed and left. Gilwen had seen the look on his face and excused herself quickly to follow him. Galion did all in his power not to run, he was praying with hope that he was wrong, Cenedir and Belthion had also joined them, on reaching the door, Galion knocked, "what is the matter my Lord? is something wrong with lady Aya?" Cenedir asked, Galion didn't answer, calling out to her again, he got no response and quickly opened the door. He searched everywhere and returned with his face grim only to keep the panic from showing "she's gone! find her quickly! search everywhere, the palace the forest! everywhere!" that smile had deeply unsettled him and now he knew why...she was saying goodbye.

They had searched everywhere. This night was turning entirely different from what he imagined. Cenedir and Belthion had returned and with them, what he hoped was good news. "she's gone My Lord, she has left the kingdom" gone...what was he going to tell The King? he noticed them looking discomforted and his eyes narrowed "what is it?" Cenedir tensed as Belthion looked away. Galion had no time for this, they were hours from facing Thranduil's wrath and possible banishment "out with it! tell me what happened?!"

"The stable hand reported a missing horse"

"well of course she would need a horse-"

"-My Lord...she took Aran Thranduil's horse" The silence that followed, spoke volumes...Galion paled, of all the horse she took, it was that one...the fastest in the Kingdom.

She had found the lessons Chichi'Ue imposed on her tedious, sometimes unnecessary, but at this moment, she was never more grateful. She would leave, but to where? memory of her discussion months ago with Gilwen resurfaced, Lothlorien. "please forgive me for not knowing your name, but please i need you to take me to Lothlorien! please!" The pale white horse neighed in response, it heard her! she had spoke out of desperation and had expected no response.

He knew his rider was a special one, she had the scent of his friend on her, that being the only reason he had agreed to help her. He heard her plea and answered, however, the forest was still very dangerous even without the hold of evil present on it. They had to leave quickly.

She did not know how long she had been riding, three suns had set already and she was tired, hungry and in need of water, her body ached and her thighs burned but she couldn't stop. She dragged the hood of the dark green cloak she had seen in the stable beside the horse, further down her face. They stopped at intervals, only to rest for a short while then would continue on their way on the horse's insistence. The horse took her to a nearby stream and trotted off close by to find some food to eat. Grateful for the rest, she knelt by the banks and cupped some water and splashed over face then drank, she was certain she was in great need of a hot bath by now. Silence had crept upon her brief resting area without her notice, that is until she heard a bowstring drawn tautly no doubt with an arrow notched "stand up slowly, any other movements and you die" a soft voice spoke as she trembled, doing as commanded. "turn around...slowly" there was an edge to the voice that told her, he was not jesting. Turning around, she was met with the expected sight of a blond elf with striking blue eyes, but what she did not expect was the short, red headed man with a face full of beard 'a dwarf', she was fascinated, she had only seen them in drawings from the library. Forgetting the arrow pointed at her direction, she stepped forward and the arrow flew with loud thud into the ground before her "one more step and the next one goes to your step...remove your cloak, slowly" She lifted her hand behind her head and gently tugged on the thick yet light cloth and revealed herself.

"well! its a lass and a pretty one too

..." the dwarf spoke in surprise. Her hands were raised as she pleaded "please, I am of no harm to you, let me go and I'll be on my way". The elf's eyes swept over her, his eyes intense as though he knew what secrets she kept, she was instantly reminded of someone else with eyes such as those 'Thranduil'. He knew she was exhausted, the telltale signs were evident, how long ago had she slept? Without warning the woman collapsed.

"WHERE IS SHE??!" Thranduil roared as he tore through his chambers. Galion knew it was inevitable for him to find out and as such could not avoid this expected reaction from his King. "We are searching for her now as we speak, Aran nin search parties are combing through Mirkwood to find her" He watched Thranduil still and whispered in a voice that chilled Galion's spine "how did she get to my horse?" The air prickled his skin, the words, barbs that caused the goosebumps breaking on his arm and it was then Galion realized he next words had to be stated diplomatically. "It is my speculation that she must've snuck into the your stables unseen somehow...fear not Thranduil, we will come back" Thranduil sank into a chair that was not destroyed in the haze of his rage "She is long gone from Mirkwood, as long as she uses my horse, you won't reach her" Thranduil said as his eyes turned bleak and despairing. How could she leave? did she hate him that much? after all the efforts he made?. Galion was deeply worried for his friend. He watched emotions flicker briefly on his face, more determined than ever, he bowed and left to lend his hand to the ongoing search.

Fire crackled over logs of wood as tiny embers flew up to the night sky. Aya stirred, groaning in soreness as she sat up. "here, have some food to eat..." The blond elf offered her a bowl of soup with some little chunks of meat in it. She looked around only to discover in dismay, that it was dark. She had best find her way. "you needn't worry lassie, you're quite safe in our company" her bright eyes highlighted by the fire flew to the dwarf who spoke "what's yer name lassie?" Aya looked at her bowl wondering if she should give her name, well aware that the elf watched her intently. Her stomach twisted, he reminded too much of The Elvenking. "Ayatani"

"Strange name, but then thers alot of strange things in middle of earth, i'm Gimli, Son of Gloin and this girlish sprite over here-" he gestured to the elf who glared at him.

"-is my friend Prince Legolas" Aya's eyes flew to the elf and quickly became unsettled, it made sense why she saw a resemblance, there was no doubt about it, this was Thranduil's son. Legolas saw her discomfort and frowned slightly, she looked as though she knew him...

Silence ensued for some time as they ate to their fill. As they lay quietly watching the fire, Legolas spoke, still watching the young woman "Will you tell us, where it is you go and why you go alone?" Aya sighed, she knew would have to explain sooner or later.

"i wish to find a village to stay in, Somewhere safe..."

Legolas and Gimli looked at eachother frowning, Gimli prodded some more.

"pray tell lassie, why would ye be lookin' for a place to stay, what happened to yer ol' home?"

"orcs raided my home and killed everyone, i managed to escape..."

"and the cloak, how did you come about it?" Legolas felt it strange that a cloak considered precious to his kin would be on this young woman.

"I had strayed unknowingly into The Mirkwood realm, i was offered refuge there, when i recovered, i went on my way". Legolas narrowed his eyes in disbelief, this woman was lying, his father would not offer refuge without something in return, no TheElvenKing was not so kind. He would watch her.

"well lass, you're welcome to stay with us if you like. The more the merrier!" Gimli gruffed as he slurped on his bowl of soup to which Legolas rolled his eyes in exasperation, Gimli was never sensitive to anything but meat, bear and of course battle.

She didn't ask questions, for fear of having to reveal anything more than she should, especially when the elf sitting close by was The King's Son. The night grew darker, and around them the forest came to life. Legolas stood and looked at her, "you may rest, i will stand guard" bowing her head in gratitude then watched him leave. It was an uneventful night with only creatures lurking about, searching for food. Morning came and with it, an anxiousness to leave, but she would have to remain patient, she couldn't afford to be caught. Rising up, she wore her cloak and looked around, it seemed her horse had left her and most likely she would have to go on foot from here.

"not far from here is the Anduin" Legolas pointed in a direction east of them. 'The Great River...' Aya had read of it but only in passing, she nodded and listened, "normally you would need a boat to cross it but fortunately there is a bridge you can cross south of The Anduin, I'm sure beyond the bridge you will find a village to live in" She smiled, her eyes catching the rays of sunlight. Aya bowed in gratitude and spoke softly "thank you My Lords for hosting me last eve and keeping me company" smiling once more "i must leave you now, as it seems i have a long journey ahead of me"

"will you be alright all by yourself lass?" Gilmi questioned in concern.

"i will manage"

"here, incase you run into trouble" Legolas removed a long knife sheathed from his belt and offered it to her. Surprised at the gesture, she took it from him then bowed. Legolas found it endearing that this woman continued to bow at every gesture he made, very few mortals were ever this courteous. She drew her hood over her head and began on her way in the direction that had been given to her. Legolas and Gimli watched her as she walked away.

"strange lass that one, but still pretty though" Gimli grunted and Legolas smiled "Aye, she is...perhaps if what she says is true...then Ada might not mind your company afterall. But nevertheless we must return to Gondor, Estel's wedding is in a month's time, it would not do well of his friends to miss it" Legolas smiled to Gimli "What are we waiting for?" Dwarves, Legolas rolled his eyes, even after a hard fought war, which was won, they still had so much boisterous energy. "Can you keep up?" Legolas teased reminding him of the time they had to rescue Merry and Pippin. Gimli turned red as he grumbling "Of course I can! I was merely tryin ta save some strength!"

"of course you were!" Both proceeded to argue as they too went along the way.

Aya had walked a distance when she heard a rustle from behind her, without hesitation she unsheathed the knife and turned around, the deadly blade raised. A soft neigh was the response of the horse that she had taken from the stalls as it came to her side, sighing, she sheathed the blade, "where did you go friend?" The horse snorted in response nodding its head, he had kept his distance to remain unseen by her unexpected company. "i thought you had left me...no matter, you're here now" She saddled atop his back and kicked his sides and the horse sprinted. She had rested well, hopefully they would make it to Lorien before the next moon in 4 days time.

It had been raining for hours, they had crossed the bridge over The Anduin. Aya could not see where she was going and so could only trust the horse to find its way through the storm. Elven magic was truly anything she had seen or felt, while her face and hands felt the cold and wetness of the rain, her borrowed cloak kept her body from becoming soaked in the rain. They found a small empty shack, abandoned and there they took refuge from the deluge and waited for it to stop.

Soft neighing had startled her awake, looking around her, she noticed the rain had stopped. Her eyes fell to the ground, catching sight of a large red apple in front of her. Turning to the horse, she smiled "did you do this?...thank you" picking up the apple, she cradled it with her two hands, the horse snorted, nodding his head and stamping his hoof on the ground in acknowledgement of her gratitude. She rose up and stretched. Turning to find the horse watching her, she smiled sheepishly at being caught in an undignified position, clearing her throat, she lookef down to her soiled and dirty dress. She was sorely in need of a bath, moving by the horse, she patted its long white tendrils of hair "we should move on, we cannot linger any more nor delay" he neighed in agreement. She climbed on top of his back and with a kick to his sides, of they went...To Lorien.