Author's Note:

Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters, places, names, etc (only the OC). It all belongs to J.R.R Tolkien and Peter Jackson.

~ Chapter Twenty Five: Mellon im nall- cin! ~

A heavy silence settled over them as they were walking towards the Golden Hall. The silence was thicker then the uneasy tension in the atmosphere. Ethir ignored the unsettled eyes glanced unceremoniously around. She could clearly listen at the Gossip, that had already started around her name. Gríma's mischievous words were already in use. Though, Ethir couldn't blame them. She used to be part of Saruman's forces. She is ill news. And Sauron's blood was running inside her veins. Maybe she was not the shady female as Gríma described her, but she was wicked. She tried to avoid catching other glances that passed by as she dashed off leaving the Elf and the Dwarf behind.

One of the Kings guard told her that the King offered chambers for everyone to rest. Hers was on the north side close to the bath area. She strolled on searching from her chamber. She found the corridor on the north side that was leading to smaller rooms. The doors were opened and she cast fast looks around. She noted that the first room was Aragorn's. The ranger had placed his belts and sword already aside. The room that was following was Gimli's. His axe and the food that was laying around hint it out. Few steps ahead was another room it seemed it was given to the Elf. His blades, bows and arrows were rested in the corner of the room. All three room seemed comfortable, small and warm.

Ethir had to walk ahead few more meters until she reached the room that was given to her. She was sure it was her room as her weapons lay on a king sized bed. She stepped inside the chamber it was enormous. There were more windows that walls. A gigantic mirror, table chairs, even a small sofa. She decided not to complain about the royalty of the room. Her body was aching and she was drained. Her mind wasn't wheeling like usually, she needed to heal and rest.

Her heavy eyes gazed around the chamber, she noted at the corner of the bed a gown. It was left there for her to wear. She once again dropped her eyes over her attire. Dirty and ripped, she couldn't save it. She thought of the outfits that were already given to her by the Elves. A fair gown. She couldn't wear that. And the pair of pants. Though, those were drawing too much attention, as they were too tight. She lifted up the gown. The gown was made of heavy wool, velvet, and jacquard. The fabric only would make it impossible to move around freely at ease.

Ethir gazed herself into the mirror. Her complexion was ashen. She was worn out. She choose to wear the velvet Gown. She picked up the dress, the underwear and the slippers. Soon, she was in the hallway searching for the baths. Few steps ahead on her left side was the spa area. Soap, clean robes and towels were placed aside. There were separate rooms each could bath in private.

She stepped into the first one and closed the door behind her. She laid down the gown and the rest of her belongings. She stripped off the ripped clothes. Her clothes actually, the only thing she owned. But those were already spoiled. She only kept her boots and the Elven brooch, the rest she threw it inside the fire to be burned. She grabbed the soap and sunk into the tub that was filled with warm water. The color of hair, and skin slowly changed. The dirt, the blood stains slowly were washed off. She used two bars of soap and a lot of hot water.

Minutes later, finally her skin was pale but clean. Her bruises were noticeable now. She raised from the tub, and grabbed the towel. Softly drying off the water from her hair and body. She brushed her brown long hair and knit it into long french braid. The edges of her face were apparent, revealing her facial details. She wore the odd bra and underwear. Then she tried to fit inside the gown. That was the breaking point of her patience. It took her longer to wear that gown than to clean herself.

Finally, she managed to fit inside the gown. It was made of different shaded of brown and dark red. Long sleeves and royal design. She couldn't not complain of its fair fabric, only the heaviness. Last she wore the slippers and picked her boots up. She rushed inside the room leaving her boots and she left again looking to find a healer. Outside the golden hall she found the healing area. She asked for herbs, even Athelas, though all sounded unknown or they were no longer using herbs like those to heal bruises. "Those herbs are used by Elves or wizards, they don't have any use here." one of the man told her.

Ethir ignored the rage that fired inside her. Her pride clouded her mind ones again. She preferred to be in pain than ask for help. After all she knew exactly what herb she needed. It was not the first time she was injured. Isengard was always supplying her with herbs and medicine. She never learned the healing spells, but using the right herb at the right wound. Did the job. There were also herbs she could drink, that would provide enough healing.

She retreated slowly, trying not to catch any attention. Once again she walked through the Golden Hall. She paused for a brief moment as she noted the fair Lady of Rohan drawing her sword. She swung the sword around. It was wishful a sword, with a strong blade. Her last swing was blocked by Aragorn. Èowyn freed her sword, and the ranger lowered his. Ethir went on, as Aragorn and Èowyn talked.

She ran towards her chamber, opened her knapsack and search for any herbs. Nothing. Her inner voice was yelling, she was weary, enraged and dizzy. As her mind span it's usual carousel of reasons she would never amount to anything, Ethir picked up her weapons, packs and boots. She ignored her ego, and swallowed her pride. She walked towards Legolas chamber. The door was still open, and the Elf had not returned yet. She shook her head and entered the room closing the door behind her. She softly placed her belongings against a desk on the left side of the room.

Suddenly, the door opened behind her and Legolas entered. He was with Gimli all this time talking about Rohan, the defense and various things. Ethir, hairstyle and attire caused the Elf not to recognize her at first. Surprise and curiosity overtook him, as Ethir turned around and he noted it was her. Silence, and more silence claimed the room. Legolas closed the door, and leaned against it. He crossed his arms and waited for Ethir to speak. His eyes showed the kind of gentle concern, though his actions didn't reveal any of his thoughts or feelings.

'It's heavy' was the only way she could define it. Overlooking her pride and admitting defeat, the human girl finally spoke. "The chamber that was given to me was enormous. I prefer to leave my things here over night. It's more secure." she said with her eyes gazing at the ground. The excuse sounded silly, as the real reason she was there couldn't be said.

Legolas smirked with his eyes pinned against her. At the moment she looked different, her attire, even the way she was talking and moving. He stepped closer next to her. He laid his hand lightly on her shoulder, and instead of flinching like she usually would, she was soothed by it. "Alas! There has to be a better reason to visit my chamber. I fear you are still hurt." the elf told her as his other hand softly lifted her head up.

Her black eyes met his, and her heart skipped a bit. His words were true and the elves honest stare, calmed her. She sighed, and nodded agreeing to tell him the truth. "I'm weary, and in pain. The healers of Rohan don't use Athelas or any other kind of herb, that I could use. I don't have any herbs or medicine with me. Gandalf is gone, and the only one my pride would allow me to ask for help was you." she admitted keeping her eyes pinned against his.

"First we must tend the bruises, and then we can heal the pain with warm water an herbs. Wait here, we have not the time or the right herbs, to treat it properly, but I think i know what I could use." Legolas ensured her. Then he stepped out leaving her standing in the middle of the room.

The feeling was strange; too familiar yet too strange. She never knew how to define it. She lost her ego and pride, as she showed her weakness. Though, even with the heaviness in her heart. She knew it was the right choice. She had to heal and rest. And her only option was the 'annoying Elf'. No, She would be wrong to say it; but she called a friend in aid. Why did she seek for the Elf? She was surely losing her mind?

"Athelas or Elanor cannot be found in this parts. Yet, Simbelmynë blossoms all over Rohan!" Legolas said as he appeared suddenly cutting off her thoughts. He was carrying with him, warm water, cups, a bowl and herbs. He laid them down against the table as he slowly made two portions. The one was purred inside a jar to be drunk and the other to be placed on the bruises. He purred the warm water with the herb in the cup. "Drink it! Until the rest is ready!" he added.

Ethir leaned against the table and grabbed the cup, noticing the herb. She sipped few times as the bitter taste made her expression on her face change. "Simbelmynë?" she quizzed.

"It's also named Evermind. The white flower that grows in Rohan. There is a strange tale to tell! Simbelmynë can be used to heal bruises and ease pain." he explained with a sweeter tone.

"Evermind? I know the flower. Though, I never heard that it can be used for healing purposes." she responded. In her back of her mind she was once again phrasing 'Annoying Elf! Knows everything' She finished drinking the bitter warm water as she gazed at the Elf.

"Well, so much at least is now clear." Legolas said and grabbed a clean cloth and let it sunk in the bowl "We only must treat your bruises with it, and it seems not unhopeful!"

Ethir tilted her head head "We? I can apply it on my own. I don't need a dazzling Elf helping me." she cried out.

Legolas laughed and rose an eyebrow "Did fear over whelm you? Which way would it be better, do you think? Let yourself use it, or allow an Elf with more experiences at treating wounds?"

She blinked confused. Usually she would glare at the Elf grab the cloth and treat her bruises. Though this time, she was more dried and cooperative. She sat at the bed that was behind her. "All right! Okay! I get it!" she murmured trying more to convince herself than the Elf.

The elf was speechless. He too waited for her to flip, and unleash against him. He cast his eyes upon her, worried more than before. They were traveling for so many days. And he still couldn't read her. Even though, Ethir thought he was able to. He ringed the cloth and slowly pressed it against the bruise that was under her eye. He let the cloth rest there for some time. As much as it was needed.

Ethir closed her eyes. The cloth made her skin warm, loosen, and the bruise slowly calm. As for Legolas' touch, it was light and warm. Moments later, the cloth was removed and Legolas gazed at her. He tried to clean his voice "The rest of the bruises?"

There was silence. She opened her eyes and tense could be shown on her face. She pointed at her stomach with awkwardness on her face. Though the Elf wasn't affected. He stood there waiting for her, to uncover her bruises. He could recall few days ago, he was asking her over and over if she was all right. Yet, she kept acting like everything was fine. Now his ways were harsh, and he wouldn't step back. He glanced at her waiting for her response.

Ethir glared at him. 'Is this how you want to play, Elf!' she thought. Her fingers reached at the zipper of the dress and she undid it. Next she pulled her upper part of the gown off. She sat there wearing the odd bra and revealing her stomach area. She freed her arms, as she pulled the sleeves down. Then she gazed at the Elf.

Legolas tried his best not to confirm his confusion. His eyes rolled, as he picked up the cloth and pressed it against her stomach. Though this time his touch wasn't gentle, like something was bothering him. He took a deep breath and treated her bruises. He had already noticed the seriousness of her injuries. The elf held his anger as long as he could. He didn't mind of the half nude human in front of him. He was deadly worried about her wounds, and more about her denial to share with them that she was hurt.

Ethir dropped her gaze as she understood the elf was pissed. After he treated her wounds and she wore back her gown. Legolas threw the cloth against the bowl and turned around facing away from her "Friends, I thought we all were in this journey in the open under the sun. Yet, you refused to share how weary and in pain you were. Did you pay too dearly for your boldness?" he asked her, his voice was filled half with anger and half with grief.

Her eyes were lifted and rested against his shoulder. The heavy feeling, was only heavier now. "I paid nothing. As I request the aid of a friend, when I mostly needed it. And help was offered to me!" she honestly answered. She wished she could explain her wheeling mind and her wicked acts. But she was raised with no friends. She only counted on herself. Even now, her reaching out and asking for help,was a bold move. Thinking an Elf as a friend. Were long steps. Longest she had ever taken. She never knew those kind of emotions. Neither how she should express them. They were confusing and heavy.

"Which was the cost, of that offer though? What Kind of Friend am I, If i cannot be trusted to ease your pain, when you need it most!" Legolas told with a softer tone. As now he faced her, casting his worried elvish eyes upon her. His words were clear. Ethir was his friend. And he was worried about her. He couldn't (for now) understand, how she choose to remain silent and in pain. Than talk to a friend about her worries. He could understand it before. As they were strangers. But now everyone in the fellowship shared live and death together. They should trust and share their thoughts with a friend.

"The cost was mine to bare. And mine alone. It's the way I am, you cannot change that my friend." Ethir clarified as she stood up. "You were the kind of a friend, I would call the best. It was my wrong doing, that I never told you how thankful I was for your help and support. You do have my trust, since we had reached Lothlórien. It wasn't boldness that drew me in your room today, it was trust." she disclosed, surprising even herself.

Legolas gaze softened. Deeply he was still angry that she choose to hide her pain than share it. Though, for the first time he could clearly see the human. Her words were honest and warm. There was nothing wicked or evil, there. He slowly wrapped his arm around Ethir and pulled her into an embrace. His light clasp was what she needed. She leaned her head against his chest, holding him close. She couldn't explain it with words or any lines, how holly it felt to be held in the arms of an Elf.

The strange part was, that the Elf worries were also blocked away. Something was pulling the elf towards her. No, It wasn't her darkness. Since her dark aura had sank, as her life-bar was low. If Legolas called you friend, it meant taking the good times and the hard times. It meant standing by the other in times of heartbreak, easing their pain, seeing them for the human being that they were. Legolas had pride and selfishness, of a Mirkwood Elf. If he called you his friend, that meant he placed you higher than his pride and ego.

Ethir rested against Legolas. Her heaviness was slowly lifted from her heart. She softly clinched against him, letting her fingers touch the fabric of his elfish shirt. His heart beating, and the way he breathed relaxed her. The elf held her closely. Her body figure seemed slender and petite, each time he was holding her. He stepped back and lay on the bed. Easy dragging Ethir with him. She didn't struggle and followed him. Leaning against him, resting her head on his chest.

"Rest if you must. Yet do not cast all hope away. I still want to know what happened?" Legolas said softly as his arms were still wrapped around Ethir.

Ethir closed her eyes and nodded "I'll tell you, why ended up injured. As my senses came back, while we were carried by the Uruk-Hai. My first reaction was to escape. I kicked, I punched until I was free. Well, free from the one that was carrying me. The rest, as well as their captain didn't like my rebellion. He showed it. Grabbing me by the neck, and kicking me then on the face and guts." she expounded as her fingers clinched against him.

Legolas fired up he gathered his fist, as long as Ethir was telling him all the details. "Agoreg vae!" (You did well!) he responded as he let his anger decrease.

Ethir paused and opened her eyes widely "What? I did well!? I thought you were irritated with me and my doings?" she asked him confused.

"Nay! Defending yourself, struggling to escape. Those actions weren't wrong. You denial for help and tell us what had happened was!" he answered her. Legolas actually admired that part of Ethir. She wouldn't easy surrender. Her pride, her ego, even her 'wicked' self had an impact towards the elf. But he wished, she could know her limits and ask for aid when needed. That part of her, was pissing him off. Overestimating herself, getting hurt, and not asking for help.

"Losto vae! (Sleep now!)" he lastly spoke as he closed his eyes. His arms remained around Ethir. Who had also shut her eyes and fell asleep.

Few steps down the corridor stood Gimli. He was frozen gazing at Legolas door. He only moved when Aragorn showed up minutes later. "Gimli?!" he cried as he stopped gazing at the dwarf.

Gimli pointed at Legolas door "The elf.. lassy... same room..!" he mumbled.

Aragorn smiled and patted his shoulder "That means Ethir reached out for help, with Gandalf gone, Legolas would be her next choice."

"Why the pointed Elf?" Gimli complained.

"Because he is an elf. Legolas has more knowledge." Aragorn answered.

"Confusing! She should just ask me for help! Strange Lassy!" Gimli added.

Aragorn laughed at his friend reaction "It was a wise choice to seek Legolas help. Elves are wiser, purer. Humans find them magical and can easy get dazzled. What I find strange, is when Elves, get interested in humans. I still cannot understand how, gently and wise creatures like Elves, could be drawn to humans."

"I don't know either lad!" Gimli added.

Aragorn and Gimli went also to bed that night. They had to rest. In the morning they would seek refuge of Helm's Deep.

((Next Chapter: 26))

Mellon im nall- cin! = Friend I call you. (Yet, Friend I call you!)

More than anything, thank you for taking the time to read this!