I apologize for this being such a short chapter, but there is a significant gap in time between this one and the next, so I thought this was a good stopping point. I hope you enjoy it!

Tinwe slept most of the night, except for a couple hours when she was woken up in the early morning to stand watch. She used those hours to go over the possible scenarios she would face later that day. Shooting one of the Goblins was very likely going to achieve the desired result, but there was a chance they would not chase her, as they probably knew straying from the path could be deadly in these woods. She supposed between the two of them Naranganon and herself could defeat all of them, but that wasn't the point of the exercise. Taunting them might work if nothing else did. Goblins were touchy and could be provoked easily. If that didn't work, she wasn't sure what else to do. Hopefully she would be able to improvise.

After her shift, she got a couple more hours rest before she was woken and they had a quick meal before heading out again. They took a quicker pace today in order to reach their destination in time to set the trap. They didn't stop for lunch, but arrived at the stream bend in time to set up and eat quickly. Tinwe felt the excitement at being in action again bubbling within her as she strung her bow and prepared to head out with Naranganon.

"Last chance to change your mind," Naranganon said as he rode up to her and held out his hand. Tinwe smiled.

"I know. I haven't changed my mind." She took his hand and he swung her up behind him. Together they rode off in search of their quarry, leaving the rest of the group behind to set up the trap. It didn't take long before Tinwe heard the sounds of clanking metal and heavy footsteps to indicate that the Goblins were not far off.

"Good luck, Tinwe," Naranganon whispered as she slid silently off his horse. Tinwe just nodded and ran silently towards the group. She hid behind a tree, taking a deep breath as the clanking grew louder.

She waited until she was sure Naranganon had enough time to get into his position, before spinning out from behind the tree, bow drawn, and aiming it at the nearest goblin. She let lose her arrow, which imbedded itself in his exposed throat. The goblin made a gurgling sound and fell to the ground. A shocked silence fell over the Goblins as they stopped and looked up at Tinwe. She grinned, made a rude gesture at them, and fled into the woods. She was rewarded with an outraged cry from the group as they immediately gave chase.

In normal circumstances, the Goblins would never have been able to keep up with her. However, Tinwe wanted to ensure they followed her all the way into the trap. So she kept just enough ahead of them in order to avoid any arrows aimed her way. A few whizzed dangerously close by, but shooting while running was not a skill many Goblins had, and these ones were no different.

It was a short chase. It only took a couple minutes to reach the steam bank. Tinwe immediately saw the rope hanging down for her, and she grabbed it, climbing quickly up it. There was little need, apparently, as she was pulled up rapidly into the canopy.

"Thanks for the lift," Tinwe said, grinning at Faelon and Glennodad as she pulled herself up onto the branch they were perched on, turning around and drawing her bow as the Goblins stopped within the clearing.

"It's a trap!" one of them said, moments before an arrow hit him in the chest. The sounds of Goblins dying filled the air briefly, but it took little time at all for the elves to eliminate them. As quickly as it had started, it was over.

"Glad to see you in one piece," Faelon said as the two of them climbed down out of the tree, landing lightly on the ground. "After you left I couldn't help but think how painful a death would face me if the Prince found out I had let you do this and something had happened."

"Legolas knows that once I've made up my mind, no one can change it. He wouldn't have blamed you."

"Maybe not, but he would have taken it out on me anyway I'm sure." Tinwe doubted this, but considering what Legolas had told her about dueling Faelon, she wasn't entirely sure.

"Good work Tinwe," Naranganon said, smiling at her as he stood beside his horse. "You managed to get all of them to follow you. I didn't have anything to do."

"I am glad," Tinwe said, nodding her thanks.

"What did you end up doing?" Faelon asked as he mounted his horse. Tinwe smirked as she pat Alagos's neck.

"Well I shot their leader, smiled at them, and made a rather rude gesture." Faelon laughed loudly, shaking his head.

"Only you, Tinwe. You are a strange elleth."

The journey back was much more cheerful than the ride south had been. There was a great deal of chatter, some laughter, and even singing as they rode home victorious. Tinwe laughed and joked with her comrades, graciously accepting praise from those who complemented her on her bravery. It was a pleasant two days.

"Well, you survived your first trip out with the Guard," Faelon said as the two of them walked into the stables after they got back. "And you managed to stand out. How do you feel?"

"Happy that I didn't make a fool of myself," Tinwe said as she put Alagos in her stall. Faelon stood outside with his stallion to keep talking with her.

"I don't see how that could have happened. You are far too skilled to be troubled by a handful of goblins."

"Maybe. But something can always go wrong."

"Fair enough," Faelon said, patting his horse's neck. "I will have to see how Erynion did. They chose to use archery only. A far simpler plan than what we ended up using, and more sensible."

"But not as much fun," Tinwe said with a grin. She had removed the saddlebags and started brushing Alagos. "It was a bit out there, but it worked."

"You just wanted to show off didn't you?" Faelon said, smirking.

"Absolutely. I won't deny it."

"I still think Legolas will kill me when he finds out."

"He won't kill you for that. He might duel you though."

"Why's that?"

"He is jealous that I spend time with you. He thinks you will fall in love with me," Tinwe laughed, her eyes on Alagos as she brushed the mare.

"Well he has a right to be concerned. Of course I fell in love with you."

Tinwe stopped abruptly, looking up at Faelon.

"What?"

"If I hadn't fallen in love with you the minute I saw you at the celebration festival after your return, I would have after sparing with you. Tinwe, you are a remarkable elleth. I doubt any elf could resist you."

"Faelon," Tinwe started, feeling uncomfortable. But he held up his hand to silence her.

"You need not worry. It was obvious from the start how much you and the Prince love each other. I would never do anything to jeopardize your happiness. I will always love you Tinwe, but as a brother would a sister. I know that's how you see me, and that is alright with me. Being your friend is enough."

"Thank you Faelon," Tinwe said softly, putting down the brush and walking out of the stall towards him. "That means a great deal to me." She kissed his cheek and gave him a hug, feeling his arms wrap around her. She felt comfortable like that, but she didn't feel like she belonged in his arms the way she did with Legolas.

She heard a soft cough behind her which made her break away from Faelon. Turning, she saw Legolas standing a few yards away.

"Legolas!" she said, a little too high pitched. She ran over and hugged him tightly, kissing him. She felt bad doing this in front of Faelon, right after he had confessed his love, but she was more worried about the dangerous fire in Legolas's eyes at the moment. She wasn't sure how much of their conversation he had heard.

"I'll see you later Tinwe," Faelon said, wisely choosing not to stay and risk Legolas's wrath. He had mounted his horse while Tinwe had been occupied with pacifying the angry prince. "Prince Legolas," he said, bowing his head respectfully. Legolas nodded back as Faelon galloped out of the stable, disappearing quickly into the trees.

"What was that about?" Legolas said in a strained voice. "I just came looking for you when I heard you were back, and I find you here hugging the one person who I told you I would duel if you kept spending time with him."

"Relax, Legolas," Tinwe said, kissing his cheek. She was relieved he hadn't been there for Faelon's confession. "I was just talking to Faelon about your jealous actually. He said you have nothing to worry about. He was just afraid you'd kill him when you found out what he'd let me do for training."

"Oh, I already heard about it," Legolas said, giving her a stern look, but she could tell he was joking. Her reassurances had apparently helped. "I was with Captain Tincore when Naranganon arrived to give his brief. Did your adventure help satisfy your need to cheat death?"

"Not remotely," Tinwe laughed. "It was nowhere near the odds we faced at the Black Gate."

"Well if we are lucky, we won't have to face odds like that ever again," Legolas said, kissing Tinwe's forehead.